News Story not available

This story has been published on: 2023-10-31. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

This story is no longer available on our site.
Study reveals genetic mechanism behind Tibetans' high-altitude fertility

Xinhua) 08:47, September 06, 2023

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have identified the genetic mechanism that allows Tibetans to maintain a high level of reproductive health in an oxygen-deficient highland environment.

Conducted by researchers from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study was published recently in the journal Current Biology.

According to the study, "The adaptation of Tibetans to high-altitude environments has been studied extensively. However, the direct assessment of evolutionary adaptation, i.e., the reproductive fitness of Tibetans and its genetic basis, remains elusive."

In order to identify a genetic basis for their good reproductive health at high altitudes, the researchers conducted systematic phenotyping and genome-wide association analysis of 2,252 mother-newborn pairs of indigenous Tibetans, covering 12 reproductive traits and 76 maternal physiological traits.

They found that, compared with the lowland immigrants living at high altitudes, indigenous Tibetans show better reproductive outcomes, reflected in their lower abortion rate, higher birth weight and better fetal development.

According to the study, the results of genome-wide association analyses indicate a polygenic adaptation of reproduction in Tibetans, attributed to the genomic backgrounds of both the mothers and the newborns.

"Collectively, these results shed new light on the phenotypic pattern and the genetic mechanism of human reproductive fitness in extreme environments," said He Yaoxi, the corresponding author of the study and a researcher at KIZ.

The study will provide important points of reference for highland medicine and physiology, He added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Tourism Seychelles office in the Middle East recently conducted a Destination Presentation in collaboration with Dnata Travel Consultants, a leading travel group and service provider.

As part of its continuous efforts to increase the destinations brand visibility in the GCC Region, Seychelles Tourism, through its Middle East office, has embarked on a joint campaign with Dnata Travel, targeting its offices in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq, said a statement.

A vital component of the initiative involved conducting an informative training presentation for 35 consultants from Dnata Travels Leisure, Corporate, and Gold Medal brands. This activity was an opportunity to update the travel specialists with the latest entry procedures for Seychelles, provide information on new and upcoming hotels, and the Halal requirements, to name a few.

Ahmed Fathallah, Tourism Seychelles Middle East representative, expressed the significance of working closely with trade partners like Dnata Travel.

Working with trade partners such as Dnata Travel helps us achieve one of our key objectives, which is to facilitate the distribution of the various Seychelles products to their targeted consumer segments. With their wide network and expertise, we are positive that this partnership will boost more visitors to the destination.

The GCC region, particularly the UAE, remains a pivotal market for Seychelles tourism. Given the proximity of Seychelles as a short-haul destination with excellent flight connections from the UAE through carriers like Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways, as well as Qatar Airways from Qatar, Tourism Seychelles Middle East will continually increase its efforts to keep Seychelles on top of the mind of the travel trade, consumer and media, said the statement. - TradeArabia News Service
A man from Texas has been arrested and a missing juvenile from Martinsville has been found safe.

The Martinsville Police Department began investigating a report of a missing 16-year-old girl who was last seen in the vicinity of Mulberry Road and Meadowview Lane on Monday.

A release from the Aware Foundation of Virginia issued a missing person notice with a description and photograph of the girl asking the public for help in locating her.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that the girl had been in contact with Cody Lee Lopez, 31, of Houston, Texas, and Lopez had traveled from Texas to Martinsville to pick her up, a release stated.

On Tuesday morning, Lopez and the girl were found by U.S. Marshals in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lopez was arrested and charged with abduction and computer solicitation of a minor and in being held in North Carolina, awaiting extradition to Virginia, the release stated.

Martinsville Police Chief Rob Fincher told the Martinsville Bulletin on Tuesday that it appeared the two began chatting online and Lopez persuaded the girl to voluntarily leave and go with him.

The case is still under investigation and if anyone has any information on this case, they are asked to contact Lt. Jim Lovell with the Martinsville Police Department at 276-403-5320.
An exhaustive study by U.S. News and World Report puts Magna Vista at the top of the list of area public schools, followed by Patrick County, Bassett, and then Martinsville.

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. According to the magazine, nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

In summary, the ratings methodology proportions college readiness at 30%, state assessment proficiency and performance at 20% each, underserved student performance with 10%, college curriculum breadth with 10%, and graduation rate at 10%, measuring the proportion of entering ninth graders who graduated four academic years later.

Magna Vista High School had an overall score of 64.58 out of 100, while Patrick County earned 58.06, Bassett received 56.65, and Martinsville High School had an overall score of 25. The report did not list the specific scores received for schools receiving a score under the threshold of 25.

Magna Vista High School is ranked 6,262 out of 17,680 high schools and 134 out of 322 in Virginia. Students having the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams had a participation rate of 27%. Total minority enrollment is 48% with 90% of the students considered economically disadvantaged.

Patrick County High School is ranked 7,415 in the U.S. and 166 in the state. Students have the opportunity to take AP coursework with a 7% participation rate. The total minority enrollment is 20%, and 70% of students are economically disadvantaged.

Bassett High School is ranked 7,664 in the U.S. and 177 in the state. Students have the opportunity to take AP coursework with a 36% participation rate. The total minority enrollment is 43%, and 90% of students are economically disadvantaged.

Bassett led all local high schools in AP participation at 36% and passing at least one AP exam at 11%, followed by Magna Vista with 27% and 10%, respectively, and then Patrick County with 7% and 4%. While the Martinsville Public Schools website indicates participation in AP coursework, the data was not included in Martinsvilles listed report in the study.

The proficiency scorecard ranks schools by graduation rate, and in reading, science and math.

Patrick County High School topped the list of area high schools with a 97% graduation rate, followed by Martinsville with 95% and Magna Vista and Bassett both with 91%.

Patrick County was again at the top of the list in reading with an 83% pass rate compared to Magna Vista with 80%, Bassett with 78% and Martinsville with 71%.

Again, Patrick County scored highest in the region in math with a 63% pass rate compared to 56% for Bassett, 52% for Magna Vista, and Martinsville with a distant 33%.

Tops in science was Patrick County with 69%, taking first in the region in all four proficiency categories, followed by Magna Vista with 59%, Bassett with 55%, Martinsville with the lowest passing rate of any category at 26%.

The number one rated public high school in the nation is less than an hours drive from Martinsville. The Early College at Guilford in Greensboro, North Carolina, took this years honors. The school is part of the Guilford County School System.

The other top five schools in the nation were: Signature School of Evansville, Indiana; School for Advanced Studies, Miami-Dade Public Schools, Miami, Florida; The Davidson Academy of Nevada, Davidson Academy School District, Reno, Nevada; and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Fairfax County Public School, Alexandria.

In Virginia, the top five rated public high schools are: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Fairfax County Public Schools, Alexandria; Open High School, Richmond City Public Schools, Richmond; Richmond Community High School, Richmond City Public Schools, Richmond; McLean High School, Fairfax County Public Schools, Mclean; Langley High School, Fairfax County Public Schools, Mclean.
BLACKSBURG  Two union-affiliated coalitions at Virginia Tech went public Tuesday with a mission to elevate ongoing employees struggles around pay and workplace issues.

Mondays event identified two previously formed organizations, the United Campus WorkersVirginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Graduate Labor Union, in a rally outside the Graduate Life Center.

About 100 people, most in red union shirts, witnessed the unveiling as the groups shifted from underground to public status with an eye toward garnering new members they see as central to claiming power.

The groups jointly declared their belief that every person working on our campus deserves an advocate on the job, a living wage, a safe working environment, academic freedom, and respect for their individual contributions to the university, a press release said.

Today we are telling the administration and were are telling the board of visitors that we recognize our value to this institution and we demand to be treated at our worth, Prescott Vayda, a doctoral student in geosciences who belongs to VTGLU, told the rally.

Both groups predicted a flood of new members, though at this time they are small with a combined membership of fewer than 200 people  though thousands are eligible.

Neither group is a new labor union, though each has achieved recognition as a VT-based branch or chapter of an established labor union. The Virginia Education Association, itself an affiliate of the National Education Association, recognizes the graduate student coalition, which is open to students with an eye toward serving those who have teaching or other paid positions with the university.

United Campus Workers of Virginia, a unit of the Communications Workers of America, recognizes the Virginia Tech UCW chapter, which is open to all university employees outside of management and human resources, officials said.

State employees in Virginia cannot engage in collective bargaining leading to the signing contract with their employer, but can belong to unions and engage in collective advocacy and protest. The General Assembly last considered collective bargaining rights for state employees several years ago, but no measure passed. The issue can be brought back in the future.

But James Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, said in an interview that labor groups such as these at a state institution can generate formidable power through advocacy on par with what collective bargaining can achieve. He predicted they will achieve their aims.

Formation of the Virginia Tech Graduate Labor Union began as a conversation among a small group of people during 2020, when the pandemic revealed issues of low pay facing working graduate students and a general lack of consideration by the university administration for graduate student needs, said Jack Leff, a leader in the effort to unify graduate students and a student seeking a PhD in science and technology studies.

At students urging, a university task force examined pay issues and later recommended steps to the administration. Some progress toward broad goals occurred, including pay increases, but the group believes more change is warranted, Leff said.

The VEA recognized the graduate student group July 18. Fedderman said. Leff said it decided to go public in connection with reaching a goal of signing up its first 100 dues-paying members.

Now were just ready to actually tell everyone that were here. Were ready to grow, tackle bigger problems and have more power behind the things that were fighting for, said GLU member and graduate student Gabby Patarinski, now beginning her second year of clinical psychology studies toward a doctoral degree.

Out of roughly 7,100 total graduate students at Virginia Tech, more than half work in some capacity for the university, mostly as graduate assistants, according to a Virginia Tech webpage. Among full-time graduate students, 84% are university employed.

Graduate student workers do lab and clinical work, research, grant writing, teaching, grading and administrative duties, Patarinski said.

The Virginia Tech chapter of United Campus Workers conducted its earliest discussions also in 2020 but before the pandemic declaration, said Jenni Gallagher, interim chapter chair. It affiliated at that time with the statewide body and grew membership by word of mouth to more than 50 as of spring 2023. One unifying premise is a belief that unions are good for workers, she said.

There is a proud tradition in this country and in Southwest Virginia of workers banding together and taking collective action to improve the conditions of our workplace and community, and we humbly enter into that tradition, the group said in a prepared statement.

Anyone employed by Virginia Tech outside of the administration can join the campus workers chapter, including tenured and tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, administrative and professional faculty, full and part-time staff and student workers. Virginia Tech employs more than 13,000 people, including almost 8,5000 people full-time, a university webpage said.

The rally followed the Labor Day holiday observed since the late 1800s, and echoed worker cries across the country. Hollywood writers, airline workers and Detroit automakers are in the midst of their own labor disputes.

Were hoping that the university wants to work with us and is excited about us being here, Patarinski said. We just want to make our voices heard.

The Roanoke Times asked to interview university President Tim Sands about Tuesdays event. University spokesman Mark Owczarski sent an emailed statement calling graduate student assistants vital members of the Virginia Tech community, contributing many valuable services to the university. Virginia Tech is deeply committed to their personal, academic, and professional success.

The statement continued, Graduate education is a critical element of the mission of Virginia Tech as a global land grant, R1 research university. Our ability to attract, educate, and graduate talented graduate students is dependent upon a variety of factors, including institutional reputation, faculty expertise, and financial support. Accordingly, Virginia Tech continuously works to offer a competitive, holistic compensation package to graduate assistants that benefits students and the university.

Staff writer Luke Weir contributed to this report.
With no shirt and pink handcuffs around his wrists, a man taken into custody after a large-scale manhunt in Morganton was apologetic Wednesday as he was walked to a patrol car.

"I'm sorry for everything," said the man, whose identity has not been released.

Law enforcement officers spent Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning searching for the man after a postal carrier was assaulted and carjacked in Madison County, according to information from the Burke County Sheriffs Office.

It was officers with the Marion Police Department who first engaged the suspect in a chase Tuesday evening, the Sheriffs Office said.

Officers with the Marion Police Department got into a chase with the suspect, who was still driving the mail carriers Jeep Wrangler. The chase came into Burke County on Interstate 40 eastbound and stop sticks were deployed near Exit 103, information from the Sheriffs Office said.

The Jeep took Exit 103 and cut down Williams Road, which is right off the Exit 103 eastbound on-ramp, where the driver cut into a private field and ran into a wooded area, the Sheriffs Office said.

Officers set up a perimeter around the wooded lot, which is between the end of Williams Road and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, the Sheriffs Office said.

A state trooper ended up spotting the man around 4:24 a.m. looking into parked cars outside one of the cottages at JIRDC, but when troopers approached him, he took off running with what appeared to be a gun in his hand, according to the Sheriffs Office.

The perimeter was adjusted, and troopers saw the man run across Interstate 40 toward Government Drive  the location of the Burke County Jail.

Shortly before 5 a.m., law enforcement engaged the man in a field near the jail on Government Drive and got him to put the gun down before taking him into custody.

It was around noon Wednesday when Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood came to pick up the man and transport him back to Madison County to face charges there.

When reporters questioned the suspect as he was walked to the patrol car, he wouldnt answer questions about whether he shot a postal carrier. When asked if he meant to shoot the postal carrier, he only groaned.

"I'm really sorry, and hopefully she can forgive me," he said. "I wasn't in a clear state of mind and my regards go to the family. Hopefully they can forgive me."

His spent nearly the entire walk to the patrol car apologizing.

"I'm sorry mom, I'm sorry dad, I'm sorry North Carolina," the man said.

The postal carriers condition was not clear Wednesday afternoon.

Schools in the area of the manhunt operated on a two-hour delay Wednesday.

The investigation is being led by the US Postal Inspection Service. The News Herald has been in contact with a spokesperson for the Service and more information will be published as soon as it becomes available.

Assisting agencies included the Burke County Sheriff's Office, Marion Police Department, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Morganton Department of Public Safety, Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Catawba County Sheriff's Office, Madison County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction K-9 team, US Postal Inspection Service, US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, US Marshals Service, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County EMS, Burke County Emergency Management and the Burke County Emergency Communications Center.
Family farming comprises 91.5% of farms in Angola, 66% of which are still run using hoes and manual means, the rest being run by entrepreneurs, a State source said on September 05, calling for Brazilian investment in the sector.

According to Angolas National Director of Agriculture and Livestock, Manuel Dias, national agriculture is strongly based on subsistence family farming, which does not fully guarantee the food and nutritional security of the population in Angola.

The situation forces us to resort heavily to food imports, he said, while speaking about the development of sustainable agriculture in Angola, at the Brazil-Angola Relations Symposium, which took place on Tuesday September 5 in Luanda.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary of State for the sector, Manuel Dias pointed out that, of the total area cultivated at national level, corporate farms only contributed less than 9%.

Households contributed 91.5% of the total area cultivated in the 2021-2022 agricultural year, he added.

Regarding the preparation of agricultural areas according to the different energy sources of mechanization, he said that 66% of agriculture in Angola is still done manually, 22% by animal traction and 6% by mechanization.

For Angolas National Director of Agriculture and Livestock, the popularization and expansion of agricultural mechanization, irrigation, plant and animal health, the manufacture of production factors such as agricultural equipment, fertilizers, pesticides and vaccines throughout the territory are challenges for cooperation between Angola and Brazil, in order to strengthen family farming.
The former Mozambican Head of State, Joaquim Chissano, on Tuesday September 5 described coups detat in Africa as a step backwards for peace and democratization on the continent, and said that the African Union must find solutions.

The African Union has to study [the phenomenon] in order to discourage the coup detat solution, said Joaquim Chissano, noting that the solutions to the recent coups in Niger and Gabon depend on the abilities of the regional blocs in central and western Africa, respectively.

Military coups are a phenomenon that unfortunately goes against the decision of the African Union, said Joaquim Chissano, speaking to journalists after a public event in Chimoio, central Mozambique.

Chissano believes that coups should be discouraged so that there are no unconstitutional changes of government. I think there is enough wisdom to return to peace, said the former Mozambican Head of State.

Joaquim Chissano was speaking to journalists on his return from the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose election was widely contested by the opposition. Chissano considered that the anomalies recorded had no significant impact on the results.
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
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

To study the effects of childhood environments on adult health and well-being, researchers examined epigenetic profiles of children using algorithms developed in adults. They find that children growing up in more socioeconomically disadvantaged environments exhibited epigenetic profiles that, in previous studies of adults, were associated with worse health. The results are published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, along with an accompanying editorial by other researchers discussing the study results.

Children who grow up in socially disadvantaged families tend to experience more adverse environments, such as limited access to high-quality nutrition, green space, and health care. Accordingly, these children tend to be at increased risk for high body mass index (BMI), obesity, and multiple diseases in adulthood. The "long arm of childhood" is a phenomenon that describes the lasting effects of childhood environments and development on adult health and well-being.

"The idea is that what happens in childhood mattersto some extentfor life," says first author Laurel Raffington, who conducted the study with collaborators at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, and Princeton University. Raffington leads the Max Planck Research Group BiosocialBiology, Social Disparities, and Development. "But understanding and intervening on the long arm of childhood is difficult because the effects of childhood environments can take decades to become visible in adult health and well-being."

Raffington and colleagues used algorithms to summarize gene modifications across the entire genome into epigenetic profile scores. Epigenetic profiles, which turn genes "on" or "off," can change as children develop and can be negatively affected by adverse environments. This epigenetic profile score was originally developed in adults to predict their body mass index (BMI); hence it is called epigenetic-BMI. Importantly, epigenetic-BMI was found to prospectively predict adult health and mortality beyond adults' actual BMI.

In the present study, researchers used that same algorithm to compute epigenetic-BMI in children, including more than 3,200 8- to 18-year-olds from two U.S. studies. Unlike studies in adults that typically collect blood, they computed epigenetic-BMI using children's saliva, which is less invasive and easier to collect. Because epigenetic modifications differ by tissue type, it was unclear whether epigenetic-BMI would be a valid measure when computed in saliva rather than blood DNA.

The researchers found that children's epigenetic-BMI was strongly associated with their actual BMI. For example, epigenetic-BMI measured when children were 9 years old predicted their BMI when they were measured again at 15 years. Epigenetic-BMI was even related to differences in BMI between identical twins.

"Longitudinal and twin analyses are very stringent tests of biomarker sensitivity, and we were impressed by how well epigenetic-BMI performs. Epigenetic-BMI is a valid measure of BMI even when it is measured in children's saliva," says Daniel A. Notterman, Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University.

They also found that children from more disadvantaged social backgrounds had higher epigenetic-BMI, even when controlling for their actual BMI, pubertal development, and tobacco exposure. Because the epigenetic profiles were computed using algorithms developed in adults, this indicates a molecular link between childhood environments and adult health.

Socioeconomic status at birth was most strongly associated with epigenetic-BMI, which was pretty stable across adolescence. This may suggest that very early life environmental differences, such as those related to social inequality as well as those related to (prenatal) differences between identical twins, may have a critical influence on lifetime epigenetic profiles of later life health.

Using a similar procedure, a recently published study in Psychological Science by Raffington and colleagues found that children growing up in under-resourced families tend to have epigenetic profiles associated with a faster pace of biological aging and lower cognitive health. Another study published in Clinical Epigenetics by Raffington and colleagues suggests that these results are also applicable to Germany, though the full extent to which they generalize to other countries and contexts is not yet known.

The current study builds on previous work showing that epigenetic measures may be a molecular "bridge" between childhood and adulthood. It may be valuable for future studies assessing the impact of social policies in childhood to incorporate epigenetic measures as outcomes that are potentially informative about future health payoffs.

Raffington is collaborating with the Babies First Years Study, a randomized controlled trial that has been giving cash gifts to mothers for the first four years of their baby's life. They will observe whether receiving those cash gifts in early childhood improves children's epigenetic profiles of health and well-being.

More information: Laurel Raffington et al, Salivary Epigenetic Measures of Body Mass Index and Social Determinants of Health Across Childhood and Adolescence, JAMA Pediatrics (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3017 Unjali P. Gujral et al, Epigenetics of Early-Life Socioeconomic Stressors and the Impact on Childhood Body Mass IndexPotential Mechanism and Biomarker?, JAMA Pediatrics (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3028 Journal information: JAMA Pediatrics , Psychological Science
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Model of expansion of a single mutated clone in the healthy breast. The scheme summarizes a model on how the number of mutations (circles) and clone size vary during aging in the parous and nulliparous epithelium (pink) and stroma (gray). Pregnancy-associated clone expansions or regression are represented by blue arrows; age-related clone expansion is represented by green arrows. In the event of life-long nulliparity (ad), the number of mutations increases in the epithelium, but not in the stroma. In the event of early pregnancy (eg), the epithelial clone undergoes significant expansion, followed by shrinkage due to post-partum involution (f) and depending on the mutation fitness. Similar clone expansion and shrinkage occur after a late pregnancy, but the number of bigger mutated clones is higher than in individuals of the same age from the nulliparous or early parous group, due to the contribution of age-related accumulation of mutations to pregnancy (h, i). Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40608-z

A study observing changes in healthy breast cells may explain why breast cancer might develop after pregnancy. The cell-based study has helped begin to disentangle the complex relationship between genetic mutations, pregnancy and breast cancer risk. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Researchers from Imperial College London examined healthy breast cells from 29 women who had given birth at different ages and women who did not have any children, to look at genetic mutations and how cells divide.

It is the first time such a study has been performed and provides important clues as to what happens when breast cells turn cancerous. Crucially, it may explain why women who have their first child later in life appear to have a higher long-term risk of breast cancer compared to women who have children earlier.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Biancastella Cereser, from Imperial's Department of Surgery and Cancer, says, "In recent decades, women have begun having children later because of societal changes and personal preferences. Previous research has found that this is associated with a heightened breast cancer risk."

"Our own research delves into the genetic mysteries that govern this risk. We found that the human breast, like other organs, accumulates mutations with agebut also that pregnancy has an additional effect meaning that older first-time mothers might have a higher chance of developing harmful changes in their breast cells compared to other women."

Breast cancer risks

A woman's risk of developing breast cancer is influenced by pregnancybut the relationship is complex.

Several studies report that young first-time mothers (generally considered to be those under 24 years at first pregnancy) have about a 20%35% lower risk of developing breast cancer in the long-term when compared with women who do not have any children.

However, the risk of breast cancer then progressively increases for mothers who have their first child after the age of 24with a 5% increase in risk for every five years.

Breast tissue changes

In the latest study, Dr. Cereser and team examined in detail the cellular and genetic changes that take place in normal, healthy breast tissue in different groups of women: first-time mothers under 25 years; first-time mothers between 35 and 55; and women with no children (aged between 25 and 53).

They sequenced the entire genomes of 29 frozen healthy breast tissues from donors with no previous use of hormonal contraception and without inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (which substantially increase the risk of breast cancer).

They found that the healthy breast accumulates mutations with age, at rate of about 15 mutations a year in the epithelium tissue (the cell type from which breast cancer typically arises). The majority of these mutations have no negative effect at all and were not in genes known to be associated with canceras would be expected in healthy tissue.

The researchers were also able to look at groups of cells with the same genetic profile, called clonal patches. These arise when a mutated cell shares its mutation with its daughter cells, expanding the population of mutated cells. Importantly, breast tissue from first-time mothers aged between 35 and 55 years had significantly more, and larger, clonal patches.

Based on this evidence, Dr. Cereser believes that as women age their breast cells naturally accumulate more mutations, and given more time there's a greater chance that one or more of those mutations occurs in genes that are associated with cancer (also called "driver mutations"). This might not be enough to cause cancer by itself. But pregnancy could provide a "double whammy," because it induces a rapid expansion of breast cells, in preparation for breast feeding. If cells harboring driver mutations replicate and expand, they could have a competitive advantage over neighboring non-mutated cells, potentially leading to a runaway effect, and ultimately creating a cancerous tumor.

Women's health gap

However, she cautions that there is still much more research to be done, and the study cannot answer key questions, including the impact of breastfeeding, age at first period and menopause on breast cancer risk.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Cereser concludes, "Nobody has looked at the entire genome of the healthy breast before, let alone differentiating into groups of women who had given birth at different ages, as well as women who did not have any children. I hope this study could be used as a resource for researchers looking at the genetics of healthy tissue in general, aside from the breast, and of course other breast cancer researchers, who could use the dataset of mutations we found as a 'reference.'"

More information: Biancastella Cereser et al, The mutational landscape of the adult healthy parous and nulliparous human breast, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40608-z Journal information: Nature Communications
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned of "concerning trends" for COVID-19 ahead of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, calling for increased vaccinations and surveillance.

While data is limited because many countries have stopped reporting COVID data, the UN health agency estimated that hundreds of thousands of people around the world were currently hospitalized with the virus.

"We continue to see concerning trends for COVID-19 ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told an online press conference.

"Deaths are increasing in some parts of the Middle East and Asia, intensive care unit admissions are increasing in Europe and hospitalizations are increasing in several regions," he said.

But only 43 countriesless than a quarter of the 194 WHO member states - are reporting COVID deaths to the agency, and only 20 provide information about hospitalizations, he added.

"We estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of people in hospital now for COVID," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19.

"That is a worry given that when we get to colder months, in some countries, people tend to spend more time indoors together, and viruses that transmit through the air like COVID will take advantage of that," she added.

With influenza and RSV also circulating, Van Kerkhove emphasized the importance of testing, as well as vaccination.

Tedros said while there is not currently a single dominant COVID variant worldwide, the EG.5 Omicron subvariant is on the rise.

Small numbers of the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant have also now been detected in 11 countries, Tedros said. The WHO is "monitoring this variant closely to assess its transmissibility and potential impact," he added.

Preliminary data suggests that existing vaccines will give protection against BA.2.86, Van Kerkhove said.

One of WHO's biggest concerns was how few at-risk people had recently received a COVID jab, Tedros said, calling for the vulnerable not to wait to get a booster dose.

"The increase in hospitalizations and deaths shows that COVID-19 is here to stay, and that we will continue to need tools to fight it," Tedros said.

Last week, the WHO announced that a global knowledge-sharing platform about COVID called C-TAP had secured three new licensing agreements to transfer vaccine technologies.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research from The Ohio State University College of Medicine finds COVID-19 vaccine mandates are highly effective at reducing the spread of the virus and increasing immunity in a university setting.

The study, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, found net viral loads among all community members declined after university vaccine requirements went into effect. Masking, isolation and antibodies from getting sick weren't enough to decrease infection rates.

"Before the vaccine was required, the virus was becoming more concentrated in saliva and easier to spread to vulnerable populations like young children and older adults," said Richard Robinson, Ph.D., principal investigator and associate professor in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity.

"Once the requirements were in place, we saw on average a 100% decrease in virus in saliva and up to 12,000% increase in antibody levels to block its spread."

Researchers looked at data generated as part of The Ohio State University's COVID monitoring program, which occurred from August 2020 to June 2022. As part of this program, saliva specimens were collected on a weekly basis from asymptomatic students, staff and faculty. More than 850,000 diagnostic COVID tests were performed.

"The COVID monitoring program focused on asymptomatic adults for several reasons," Robinson said. "Asymptomatic infections are more common in young adults, asymptomatic individuals would still spread the virus and the isolation of symptomatic individuals alone wasn't enough to flatten the curve of COVID infections."

Six Ohio State campuses in Columbus, Newark, Mansfield, Lima, Marion and Wooster participated in the monitoring program. The data found COVID positivity in asymptomatic adults occurred in waves which mirrored the infection rates in the regions surrounding the university campuses and were driven by newly emerging variants such as delta and omicron.

"At the time, there was growing concern that college students were creating new waves and peaks in infection when they would return to communities after distance learning and breaks in their education, but that wasn't the case," Robinson said. "The rates of infection were already increasing when classes resumed, even in rural areas."

Additionally, researchers explored the causes of breakthrough infections in vaccinated people. They compared the antibody responses of uninfected vaccinated people with those of infected vaccinated people.

The study found breakthrough infections in vaccinated people were not due to an absence of antibodies but depend on antibody levels at the time of exposure, the neutralizing ability of the antibodies and the amount of virus to which the person is exposed.

Future research will focus on the conditions that make people more resistant to COVID infection.

More information: Marlena R. Merling et al, The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and associated saliva antibody responses among asymptomatic individuals in a large university community, PLOS Pathogens (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011596 Journal information: PLoS Pathogens
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected from gastric cancer and H. pylori-infected cells compared to healthy tissues or control cells. (A) Filtering out DEGs by comparing three datasets, the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for human gastric tissues and two datasets of H. pylori-infected AGS cells from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO); (B) Heatmap derived from GTEx showing expression of six candidate genes in the normal human stomach; (C) Heatmap showing the expression patterns of the six candidate genes in normal versus primary gastric adenocarcinoma (TPM: Transcripts per million); (D) Relative mRNA expression of the six candidate genes in H. pylori-infected compared versus the expression data of the same gene from uninfected gastric epithelial cells. The black bars represent mRNA expressions from H. pylori-infected AGS cells compared to the untreated cells from GSE108305, and the white bars represent H. pylori-infected AGS cells compared to the untreated cells from GSE70394. All the gene expressions reported are statistically significant in comparison to the healthy controls or uninfected cells (p < 0.001). Credit: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010795

Bacteria lurking in human digestive system can assist growth of stomach tumors, say researchers from the University of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.

They found Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can trigger the "turning on" of a cancer-causing gene in the body that contributes to the development and progression of stomach cancer.

The scientists, through detailed in vitro and in silico analyses, revealed that the protein CXCL1, which is often associated with different types of cancers, has a higher expression in H. pylori-infected gastric cancer cells and cancer tissues as compared to healthy subjects. Their study is published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that may infect the stomach and are the main cause of stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers). More than half of the world's population have the H. pylori infection, but it is mostly benign in nature. Among all the patients infected with H. pylori bacteria, almost 20% could develop gastric cancer.

This particular class of bacteria, the scientists say, are not always bystanders, but they can be tumor-accomplices assisting cancer sells' development.

They suggest that when H. pylori infect the body, they trigger an epigenetic process called DNA hypomethylation causing an overexpression of CXCL1 in infected cells.

"This study of epigenetics shows us how certain environmental factors can turn 'on' or turn 'off' the function of specific genes, causing normal cells to transform into cancer cells," said University of Sharjah's Associate Professor Jibran Sualeh Muhammad, the head of the research project producing the study.

The bacteria were discovered several decades ago, but still, researchers have been unable to understand the exact mechanism of how the bacterial infection can lead to the development of gastric cancer, says Dr. Muhammad. "Our study for the first-time reports that this bacteria induces CXCL1 overexpression due to induced epigenetic changes in the human stomach," he notes.

Stomach cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with an estimated 768,793 people dying from stomach cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The IARC has also classified H. pylori as a class I carcinogenic cause of gastric cancer.

The bacteria make their way to the stomach through direct human interaction or consumption of contaminated food or water.

"Most of the time, H. pylori infection is acquired during childhood and then it usually persists for life unless treated," the researchers write. "Chronic infection with H. pylori accounts for approximately 89% as the cause of gastric cancer cases worldwide, but this percentage varies greatly between places around the world."

Although the carcinogenicity of H. pylori is well documented, this is the first study to explore the bacteria's effect on the epigenetic regulation of CXCL1, say the scientists.

They are positive that their study could help identify and treat gastric cancer in early stages.

"Since epigenetic events such as DNA methylation happen early in the sequence; H. pylori-induced CXCL1 hypomethylation can likely be utilized as an early detection biomarker," they write, adding that demethylation drugs could be used to reverse this epigenetic modification.

"We could use these biomarkers to diagnose patients at high risk of cancer and start the treatment well before they reach the advanced stage," Dr. Muhammad explains.

Asked what approach he and his co-authors could suggest for treating or preventing cancer following their discovery of the malignant role these microbes can play, Dr. Muhammad said their research could lead to the detection "of this molecule CXCL1 and the induced epigenetic changes could be beneficial in diagnosing the condition at early stages of development."

Currently, Dr. Muhammad says, there are few FDA-approved drugs for blood cancer treatment to reverse the DNA methylation-induced epigenetic changes in cancer cells, "and those could be utilized in clinical studies to investigate their effects on gastric cancer treatment."

Stomach cancers are treated with traditional chemotherapy, but the medicine could target only the cancerous cells and not the normal cells with bacteria-induced epigenetic changes, says Dr. Muhammad.

"Antibiotic therapy is essential for bacterial eradication and should be followed by traditional chemotherapy. However even eliminating the bacteria does not reverse the H. pylori-induced epigenetic changes, hence, additional treatment strategies such as epidrugs might be needed as adjuvant treatment," he adds.

The environment, according to Dr. Muhammad, plays a crucial role to the extent that "if one twin is living in a polluted or stressful environment, the chemicals she is exposed to could activate cancer-promoting genes or deactivate cancer-inhibiting genes leading to cancer formation. On the other hand, her sister with the same DNA but living in a clean and stress-free environment remains healthy.

"In my laboratory here at Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, we are focusing on investigating the specific genes that are being 'turned on' or 'turned off' because of the environment leading to cancer development."

Dr. Muhammad says the next phase in their research is to plan animal experiments after obtaining proper ethical approvals. "Due to limitations in resources, clinical trial seems unlikely," he adds.

More information: Jibran Sualeh Muhammad et al, DNA Methylation-Mediated Overexpression of CXCL1 in Helicobacter pylori-Induced Gastric Cancer: In Silico- and In Vitro-Based Identification of a Potential Biomarker for Carcinogenesis, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010795 Journal information: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

For the first time in 20 years, the U.S. has recorded homegrown malaria cases.

The country sees about 2,0002,500 malaria cases each year linked to travel to malaria-endemic areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America and Southeast Asiabut the nine locally transmitted cases seen so far this year were contracted by people who hadn't recently traveled to these areas. Seven cases were recorded in Florida, and one each in Texas and Maryland.

Malaria experts say this handful of cases is no cause for paniccatching malaria in the U.S. is still highly unlikely. But they also underscore that if malaria and other diseases are re-emerging, or emerging in places where they haven't previously been, it is a cause for concern.

Malaria's history in North America

In the early 20th century, "malaria was common even as far north as Cleveland," says Prakash Srinivasan, Ph.D., MS, an assistant professor in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.

The disease was endemic in the U.S. until the 1950s. In 1951, malaria was considered eliminated from the country.

Many factors contributed to achieving that status. Industrialization, the clearing of wetlands where mosquitoes breed, the use of insecticides and window screenson top of public health measures like malaria-preventing drugs and improved diagnosticswere "game changers" in the U.S. and most other Western countries in terms of stamping out the disease, says Srinivasan.

Anopheles mosquitoesthe genus that carries malariais still present in the U.S. "But because malaria transmission in the United States has not been a big issue, there is no surveillance of Anopheles populations," explains Photini Sinnis, MD, a professor in MMI and at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.

The vectors and the parasites

Malaria transmission "is a relationship between a mosquito, a parasite, and a person," says Sinnis. A female Anopheles mosquito must be infected with the malaria parasite in order to pass on an infection. But there are many variables.

The lifespan of an Anopheles mosquito is typically a few weeks to a month, and in that time female mosquitoes feed on blood, which they need as a source of energy to mature eggs. A mosquito will typically take a couple of blood meals during its lifespan. The malaria parasite can persist in the mosquito for weeks, so it does have the potential to transmit to multiple peoplebut "the chances are pretty low," explains Srinivasan.

And that's why we're seeing isolated cases, and not clusters or larger outbreaks.

Another factor: Not all Anopheles species transmit malaria the same way.

"It's about how anthropophilic the mosquito ishow much it prefers to bite humans. Malaria parasites are very speciesspecific," Sinnis explains. The various species of Anopheles in the U.S. will bite humans "maybe 30% to 50% of the time." If a human is not available, they may bite a dog or another mammal instead, breaking the cycle of human infection.

The Anopheles mosquitoes found in sub-Saharan Africa, on the other hand, bite humans 98% of the timemaking it far easier for the cycle of human infections to continue.

Another reason that not all malaria infections are the same: There are multiple malaria-causing parasites. The most deadly is Plasmodium falciparum, says Sinnis, which is most common in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria kills over 600,000 people every year95% of them children under age 5.

"It is estimated that one child dies of malaria every minute," says Srinivasan.

Another malaria parasite, Plasmodium vivax, is more prevalent in South America and Southeast Asia and generally causes less severe diseaseand is therefore less deadly.

How malaria likely reappeared in the US

Anopheles mosquitoes capable of carrying malaria are still very much present in the U.S.they've just had very few opportunities to transmit the parasite because there are so few infected people to feed on.

Experts believe that this new spate of locally transmitted cases likely occurred because a specific set of circumstances aligned: A person infected with malaria traveled to the U.S. from a malaria-endemic area and was bitten by a local Anopheles mosquito, which picked up the parasite and then bit someone else, passing on the parasite.

While the case in Maryland is confirmed as linked to P. falciparum, those in Florida and Texas are believed to be linked to P. vivax, more likely originating in travelers from South America.

Symptoms and treatments

Malaria causes flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, vomiting, and chills. The disease can be treated with effective antimalarials and IV fluids, but it's essential to catch it early.

A telltale sign of infection is cycles of fever every couple of days, which coincide with the life cycle of the parasite in the blood.

People in the U.S. needn't panic, or even avoid spending time outdoors in hot and humid areas where mosquitoes thrive. But it's worth knowing the symptoms and risks, Srinivasan advises: "If you have a fever, and they can't figure out why you have a fever, [and] if you spend a lot of time outside where there's a lot of heat and humidity, [malaria] should be considered, particularly because when you catch it early, you can treat it."

Without treatment, the disease can progress to very severe or cerebral malaria. "Once you reach the cerebral malaria stage, even after anti-malarial treatment, [the] mortality rate can be as high as 20% to 25%," Srinivasan says.

Malaria's expanding territory and what we can expect in the future

The U.S. does not currently have the conditions for a major outbreak, Sinnis explains. The country doesn't have the species of mosquito that makes malaria so prevalent in sub-Saharan AfricaAnopheles gambiae. Plus, the cold of winter wipes out mosquito populations each year.

But conditions are becoming more favorable for malaria transmission. Warmer winters are giving the Anopheles mosquitoes an opportunity to start reproducing earliermeaning that their populations grow to the point where they have a higher probability of biting an infected person who has been to a malaria-endemic area.

"These changes in the environment could be more conducive for these mosquitoes to establish a niche," says Srinivasan. Plus, the uptick of travel since the downturn of COVIDand globalization in generalmakes it easier for malaria to move around.

The post-COVID surge in travel has increased the reservoir for infection. Mosquitoes can reach new locations by "hitching a ride on cargo planes or ships, or passenger planes," he says.

It remains to be seen whether more homegrown cases can be expected in the U.S. Sinnis says the next five years will be critical to understanding how much of a threat malaria really poses to the U.S. Either way, she hopes that this year's cases will encourage more surveillance of Anopheles mosquitoes in the U.S.

"Is this just a random event? Or is this a harbinger of things to come? It may be that there are going to be sporadic cases here to stay. We don't know yet. Time will tell," says Sinnis.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An illustration of two people with a hand holding the pride flag in the background. The Torres Strait Island, Aboriginal and Pride flags are also on the left side. Credit: Jacq Moon

Barriers to accessing potentially life-saving support persist, according to new research into suicidality in the LGBTIQA+ community.

An RMIT University-led study with Switchboard, Roses in the Ocean and University of Sydney interviewed members of the LGBTQA+SB community to understand their lived experiences of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and uncover factors that protect people at these times of distress.

The research, titled "Understanding LGBTQA+SB suicidal behavior and improving support: insight from intersectional lived experience," was prepared for Suicide Prevention Australia. Katherine Johnson, Nicholas Hill, Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat, Anna Bernasochi and Martina McGrath are co-authors.

The acronym SB in LGBTIQA+SB stands for sistergirl and brotherboy, acknowledging the trans women and trans men of First Nations gender-diverse people within some, but not all, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Project lead and Dean of RMIT's School of Global, Urban Social Studies, Professor Katherine Johnson, said despite LGBTIQA+ Australians being 20 times more likely to have considered suicide, there remained a lack of research into the types of support needed, especially for people with intersecting identities, including First Nations people, people of color, and people with disabilities.

Many participants in the study said their suicidal distress started at an early age with fluctuating levels of intensity.

Alarmingly, it also found that concealing this distress, or not accessing support, was common among younger people.

It echoes a previous study revealing almost 2/3 of LGBTIQA+ people in Australia aged 14 to 21 did not access professional support after experiencing some form of suicidal distress.

Barriers to accessing support

Johnson said people in LGBTIQA+ communities often embodied several marginalized identities, which can create unique and complex systems of disadvantage and discrimination.

"Understanding the context in which LGBTIQA+ people attempt to live affirmatively must be the starting point for effective policy and services," she said.

As well as fear of discrimination in terms of sexuality, gender and racism, barriers to accessing support included a lack of knowledge of where to find it, cost and distrust of the health system due to negative medical experiences.

Concerns around confidentiality were also complex, especially for First Nations people, people of color and religious participants in remote and rural communities.

Some participants were uncomfortable seeking support services where they were too easily identifiable.

Understanding help-seeking behavior

Johnson said seeking support was a challenge overall, but her research found help-seeking behavior often changed over time, with people becoming more adept at finding ways to manage their suicidal distress.

While gender identity and sexuality played a part, participants said it was fears of social and cultural isolation and rejection associated with homophobia, transphobia and racism that were the main contributing factors in their distress.

"Living with suicidal distress is exhausting. It can limit people's ability to form and maintain social connections and significantly disrupt daily life, which may lead to other psychosocial factors like homelessness and unemployment," said Johnson. "That's why we need targeted early interventions in order to reduce suicidality over an LGBTIQA+SB person's lifetime."

Johnson said the lack of support services in remote and rural areas can also be isolating as it forced people to travel to more urban areas to access support.

"Developing referral pathways, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring LGBTIQA+SB affirming services are available, particularly in regional areas, will facilitate access to safer and more effective supports," she said.

Family relationships, friendships and supportive social spaces were significant sources of acceptance and affirmation for LGBTIQA+ people. However, Johnson said they could also be drivers of distress and shame, shaping how people reach out for help.

"We found family support was vital, but it was not always available or positive," she said. "Meanwhile, participants of color often sought support from friends due to family being overseas."

Johnson said employing a diverse representation of LGBTIQA+SB peer workers, including First Nations, people of color and people with disabilities, within mainstream and queer-friendly services can help improve perceptions of safety and confidentiality.

"Rainbows are nice, but people like to connect with others who understand the nuances of their identity, circumstances, background and culture," she said. "With appropriate and effective support, LGBTIQA+SB people can and do find ways of living with suicidal distress."

More work must be done

Johnson said this research is just the beginning of a bigger call for more attention to the lived experiences of suicidality in diverse LGBTIQA+SB communities.

Switchboard CEO Joe Ball said he would like to see national investment to introduce the training around the country.

"The potential impact of our suicide prevention training cannot be overstatedthis has the power to change lives, and we welcome strong partnerships to do this work together," Ball said.

"LGBTIQA+SB people, no matter who they are or where they live, deserve tailored support. The time is well overdue for more sophisticated approaches to supporting our communities. We are not one-dimensional peoplewe live intersectional lives and deserve support from services that acknowledge and strengthen this."

Co-author and University of Sydney and University of New South Wales Adjunct Professor Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat said the research is laying the foundations in understanding queer First Nations suicidal behaviors from their lived experiences.

"Putting culture first has been a guiding hand," said Lee-Ah Mat, a Yupungathi and Meriam woman. "The insight drawn from this research has enabled us to begin to understand the many experiences that lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal behaviors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people."

Co-author and Switchboard Suicide Prevention Manager Anna Bernasochi said the training to be rolled out was the first of its kind to use insights from lived experiences of LGBTQA+SB people.

"By integrating insights from these lived experiences, services will be more equipped to help LGBTIQA+SB people live through suicidal distress. Completing our training is an excellent first step," said Bernasochi.

More information: Katherine Johnson et al, Understanding LGBTQA+SB suicidal behaviour and improving support: insight from intersectional lived experience. FULL REPORT, RMIT University (2023). DOI: 10.25439/rmt.23640978.v1
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

There has been a three-fold increase in obesity-related deaths from heart disease in the U.S. between 1999 and 2020, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

"The number of people with obesity is rising in every country across the world. Our study is the first to demonstrate that this increasing burden of obesity is translating into rising heart disease deaths," said lead study author and cardiologist Zahra Raisi-Estabragh, M.D., a clinical lecturer at the William Harvey Research Institute in London. "This rising trend of obesity is affecting some populations more than others, particularly Black women."

Obesity remains a global public health crisis and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It currently affects about 42% of the U.S. population, an increase by almost 10% from the preceding decade, according to the American Heart Association's 2023 statistics.

Researchers analyzed race, gender, and urban versus rural settings to determine differences in heart disease deaths in which obesity was listed as a contributing factor. Among the findings:

Overall, obesity-related cardiovascular disease deaths tripled from 2.2 per 100,000 population to 6.6 per 100,000 population between 1999 and 2020.

Obesity-related cardiovascular disease deaths were higher among Black individuals compared with any other racial group, at 6.7 per 100,000 population; followed by American Indian adults or Alaska Native adults at 3.8 per 100,000.

Black women had the highest rates of obesity-related heart disease deaths than all others in the study. In other racial groups, men experienced more obesity-related heart disease deaths than women.

Black adults living in urban areas had higher rates of obesity-related heart disease deaths compared with Black adults living in rural areas, (6.8 versus 5.9 per 100,000) whereas rural living was associated with higher rates of obesity-related heart deaths for people in all other racial groups.

"The trend of higher obesity-related cardiovascular death rates for Black women than men was striking and different from all other racial groups considered in our study," said senior author Mamas A. Mamas, M.D., D.Phil. professor of Cardiovascular Medicine from Keele University in Keele, United Kingdom.

In addition, Raisi-Estabaugh noted that Black individuals living in urban communities may be impacted more by socioeconomic deprivation and health inequalities than Black people living in rural areas, and that they did not benefit from increased access to health care that appears to benefit people of other racial groups who live in urban areas.

Researchers analyzed data collected from 1999 to 2020 on 281,135 deaths in which obesity was recorded as a contributing factor in The Multiple Cause of Death database includes mortality and population counts from all U.S. counties. Among the deaths, 43.6% were in women; 78.1% of the group were white adults; 19.8% were Black adults; 1.1% were Asian or Pacific Islander adults and 1% were American Indian adults or Alaskan Native adults.

The researchers note that coding and data entry errors may be a limitation of the findings since the source was electronic health records that could not be verified by researchers for accuracy. However, the results still underscore the need to address obesity more effectively in individuals and communities.

More information: Racial Disparities in Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Mortality in the United States: Temporal Trends From 1999 to 2020, Journal of the American Heart Association (2023). DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.122.028409 Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Menthol-flavored cigarettes account for more than one-third of cigarettes sold in the United States, and experts believe they are more dangerous than traditional cigarettes.

More than 150 cities and counties have prohibited the sale of menthols, and Massachusetts and California both have statewide bans. The Food and Drug Administration proposed a federal ban in 2022 but may never institute it. In the absence of a national ban, new research from the University of Washington finds that a menthol tax is a preferable policy to scattered statewide bans.

The study, forthcoming in Marketing Science, evaluates the ban on menthol cigarettes in the state of Massachusetts. While researchers found that some demand shifted from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes, menthol sales in bordering states also increased significantly. This suggests consumers engage in cross-state shopping for menthols, which reduces tax revenue for Massachusetts and decreases positive health benefits. A statewide menthol tax would be preferable, study results suggest, because it would lead to a drop in smoking in the state while also generating additional tax revenue.

Menthol adds a cooling, minty sensation to cigarettes that mitigates the harshness and leads to increased initiation among new smokers, according to the FDA. Combined with nicotine, effects in the brain are also associated with signs of greater addiction.

"Many menthol smokers are still smoking them after the ban," said Simha Mummalaneni, co-author and assistant professor of marketing in the UW Foster School of Business. "They're just traveling across the border into New Hampshire or Connecticut and buying the cigarettes there.

"From the perspective of the people who wrote this policy in Massachusetts, this is bad because it means the public health benefits are not as big. We've not solved the problem. We've diminished it, but not solved it. This pattern is also bad for the policymakers because they have lost a tremendous amount of tax revenue."

The study focused on stores in three areas: the state of Massachusetts, a 30-mile ring around the state border and a control area outside the New York and New England region. Menthols accounted for about 27% of all cigarette sales in these areas, and researchers calculated the total weekly cigarette sales in Massachusetts and the border area to determine the overall impact of the ban from June to December 2020.

While stores in Massachusetts lost sales, stores within 30 miles of the border received additional customers. Out-of-state cigarette sales increased by 88.72%, with most sales going to New Hampshire. As a result, New Hampshire's cigarette tax revenue sharply increased during the observation window.

Non-menthol cigarette sales in Massachusetts increased after the banimplying that some consumers switched from mentholsbut not enough to cancel out the decline in menthol sales. Overall cigarette sales in Massachusetts also declined significantly, while non-menthol and menthol cigarette sales both increased in the border area.

Researchers found that state-specific bans decrease menthol consumption by 46% and overall cigarette consumption by 4.8%, but also decrease tax revenues by about 21%. Based on these calculations and a model of consumer shopping included in the new study, a $6 per-pack tax would increase tax revenue by 14% while also decreasing menthol and overall cigarette consumption by 28% and 2.7%, respectively. When the tax increases beyond $6, revenue begins to fall because consumers are strongly incentivized to purchase cigarettes across the border.

While researchers didn't study the effects of California's menthol ban, they said cross-border shopping likely wouldn't be as severe due to the state's larger size. That doesn't eliminate the issues, however.

"Despite its larger size, there is still reason to be worried for California," said Ali Goli, co-author and assistant professor of marketing in the UW Foster School of Business. "If menthols are being smuggled through organized crime, you haven't solved the problem. You're still sending tax revenue elsewhere. We haven't seen these scattered statewide bans really working.

"When you consider a tax in California, there's no reason to believe it would fail. You can still implement a tax to generate more revenue and then wait until maybe there's a nationwide ban."

In Massachusetts, a menthol ban would reduce cigarette tax revenue by $108 million, while a menthol tax would increase revenue by $72 million. The difference between the two options is $180 millionlost tax revenue that could be used to fund tobacco control programs, education efforts, outreach and more.

"States have tobacco control programs," Mummalaneni said. "They are like a lot of public health initiatives; they are underfunded. They have people who are really working hard for them and care about the initiatives. They would love to do so much more, but they just don't have the funds to do so."

Pradeep K. Chintagunta of the University of Chicago was the study's final co-author.

More information: Ali Goli et al, Making a Smooth Exit? Menthol Bans and Cigarette Sales in Massachusetts, Marketing Science (2023). DOI: 10.1287/mksc.2022.0361 Journal information: Marketing Science
Visit theroxytheater.org for up-to-date screen times.

Opening

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

Opa! Nia Vardalos returns to the franchise that made her a star. The big fat Greek Portokalos family takes a trip to big fat Greece for a big fat Greek family reunion full of big fat Greek relatives, big fat Greek goats and a big fat Greek family mystery dating back generations. Rated PG-13. Also stars John Corbett, Andrea Martin and Joey Fatone, who we can all agree is the most successful member of NSYNC. Opening Friday, Sept. 8.

Passages

The lives of a gay couple living in Paris are thrown into chaos when one of them starts a passionate love affair with a woman, leading his husband to enter into an affair of his own. Not Rated, but only so it wouldnt be released with an NC-17 rating. Stars Franz Rogowski, Ben Paddington Whishaw and Adele Exarchopoulos. Opening Friday, Sept. 8.

Continuing

Bottoms

Lesbian best friends start a fight club in their high school so they can lose their virginity to cheerleaders, and, surprisingly, their plan works. But when things get out of hand, the two need to find a way out before their ruse is exposed. Rated R. Stars Ayo Edebiri, Rachel Sennott and Kaia Gerber. A lot of critics are calling this movie the queer "Fight Club," but we already have a queer "Fight Club." Its called "Fight Club."

Barbie

Barbie has it all: A Dreamhouse, a pink 1956 Corvette and a whole collection of friends. But when she realizes that life in plastic isnt as fantastic as she thought, she and her himbo boyfriend set out on a quest to find answers. Rated PG-13. Stars Glitter Hair Barbie, Jam N Glam Barbie, Ocean Friends Barbie and Will Ferrell, who I am almost certain is playing his same character from The Lego Movie.

Special screenings

Paranormal Activity (2007)

The found-footage horror genre got a much-needed shot in the arm with the release of this low-budget haunted house thrill ride that took the world by storm. When a couple suspects there might be something otherworldly going on in their house, they set up security cameras to see what is happening. As you might have guessed, this ends up being a terrible idea. Rated R. Stars Micah Sloat, Katie Featherston and a burning Ouija board. There are some movies that just play better in a crowded theater and this is one of them. See for yourself at Late Night Oddities, Friday, Sept. 8.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)

Everyones favorite stop-motion sheep is back. When he befriends a strange creature that arrives at Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun finds himself having to protect his new friend from people who want to capture her because shes a little alien. Well, actually shes more than a little alien. Shes a big alien. Rated G. Stars the voices of Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes and Amalia Vitale. Playing Saturday, Sept. 9, as part of Roxy Jr.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Our celebration of the last decade at the Roxy takes us to 2015. We were all wearing white sneakers and distressed denim and witnessing George Miller return to the post-apocalyptic world of Max Rockatansky. When Imperator Furiosa leads a despots wives on a daring escape, she must forge an alliance with a mad road warrior. Rated R. Stars Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy and iOTA, who plays the blind, flame-throwing guitarist attached to the Doof Wagon, which all these years later is still the coolest thing we have ever seen. Playing Saturday, Sept. 9. Witness it!

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

Pedro Almodovar made his mark on cinemas across the globe with this melodramatic screwball farce. An actress who provides the dubs for English-language films decides to end her life with a batch of sleeping-pill-laced gazpacho after her lover leaves her. Just another reason to only watch subtitled films. Rated R. Star Carmen Maura, Fernando Guillen and Antonio Banderas. Playing Monday, Sept. 11, as part of World View.

Moonlight (2016)

The Roxys 10-year retrospective continues with a trip back to 2016. When we werent doing the mannequin challenge we were being blown away by Barry Jenkins' thoughtful and tragic portrayal of Black masculinity and homosexuality. Sure, its Best Picture win at the Oscars might have been overshadowed by Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaways flub, but the movies themes and deep compassion still reverberate today. Rated R. Stars Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp and Duan Sanderson. Playing Wednesday, Sept. 13.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Listen, its not that this cranky widower hates the world, its just that he cant stand the people in it. His misanthropy is challenged when a new family moves in next door, and he develops an unlikely friendship with the witty and outspoken woman at its head. Rated PG-13. Stars Tom Hanks (who were supposed to hate? Come on), Mariana Trevino and Rachel Heller. Playing for free to mark National Suicide Prevention Week, Thursday, Sept. 14.
ELKO  As thousands of race horse fans fill the Elko County Fairgrounds grandstands for six days of racing, there are hundreds behind the scenes who make it possible.

Many of them have poured decades of time into keeping the races on track, training the horses that run during the Fair and enjoying the action from high above the grandstands.

For Jim Meeks, this was his last year after 30 years as racing steward  one of three who monitor the event and impose any fines if necessary.

We control the racing, Meeks said. Anything that takes place on the race track  once the racing starts  is our purview. Everything they do from who gets on the horse, the trainers. We make sure the horse is correct, the trainers are correct, the jockeys are the correct for the race. We control everything that takes place after that. We run the races until the end of the day.

Meeks said although he is officially retiring, Ill still be here.

As a steward, he is prohibited from making bets. Thats really one of my fortes. Next year, Ill be able to wager on it.

The Elko County Fair has been a part of Meeks life since he was an infant, he said. The only time he missed attending was when he was in the Army.

Meeks, who is also part owner of Vogue Laundry, said he would still be around and pitch in if needed. I cant not do it. I love the fair and the fair board too much.

Never a horseman, Meeks said he stayed on one side of the track as a steward and a fan.

I admire what they do, and theyre very good at it. To get a horse prepped for a race is very hard. I have a lot of respect for those guys. For the jockeys who get on them and ride as hard as they can to win a race, Ive got lots of respect for them.

People enjoy the races as they bet on horses to cross the finish line. Its very exciting to watch your horse take the lead and cross the wire. People enjoy that part of it. Its an opportunity for everybody to have some fun doing it and tease their friends.

Meeks said the Nevada Blackjack Challenge renewed and maintained interest in racing among local fans.

I think Dennis Gilligan, who first came up with the idea of the Blackjack Challenge, really put some extra excitement and interest in racing. Now you not only bet on the horse, but you can bet on it and get your picture taken at the end, Meeks said. Its held its value very well throughout the years.

Stoney Burt

Stoney Burt is another lifelong member of the racing family. He started racing in 1961 and arrived in Elko in 1967. He only missed one year when he had open heart surgery.

Starting his career as a jockey, Burt became a trainer and fell in love with Elkos fair weekend of races.

I love coming to Elko. The people are great. Its a great fair and they pay pretty good money, Burt said.

Burt, who lives in West Valley City, Utah, brought two horses to this years fair, but used to bring as many as 13. After retiring about 18 months ago, Burt and his wife continued on the circuit, starting in Utah and traveling to Wyoming. Elko is Burts last stop.

If we have good enough horses well send them to California, he said. But they have to be pretty good horses to go down there.

He races quarter horses but has claimed thoroughbreds.

Burt said tracks are starting to close. Theres one left in Utah. Its really hard to find a place to go anymore. I dont know why thats happening, but its bad that its happening.

For 32 years, Burt has had the same barn and feels at home each year he visits. Everybody calls you by your first name. Its a nice place to come.

He said everyone knows everyone and will help each other if theres a problem. You know everybody if youre in this business.

He remembered when race horses were shown at the Fair until the rules changed to accept only Nevada entrants.

One of Burts favorites is Papa Jetto, a 7-year-old horse he and his family raised from a colt. That means a lot. We had the mare and got the colt and we raised it. He turned out good.

Papa Jetto has won more than $66,000 and has about 15 wins. Hes really a nice horse.

Burt turned 80 years old last month and is also a retired diesel mechanic. He recalled traveling to races over the weekend and driving home to be at work on Monday morning.

Youve got to love this sport, he said. Whatever you do, if you love it enough youre going to have to dedicate yourself to it.

Farrell Christoffersen

Farrell Christoffersen is another longtime trainer who has been coming to Elkos race track for about 20 years. Hes trained horses for 40 years and, like Burt, fell in love with Elko.

We love the people and the way were treated. Its a good place to come, Christoffersen said.

He travels less frequently now, but used to go to Boise and Denver and train full time.

This year, he brought 10 race horses and two ponies. Three of them placed second three times.

He also has Gold Note, who was racing in the Blackjack Challenge for Unable Stables. For the last two years, Dewey took first place.

Christoffersen, 78, said hes participated in the Blackjack since it started, and has been with Unable Stables the past several years.

Growing up in Idaho, Christoffersen has been around horses his whole life. Traveling to racetracks and seeing other trainers is like being part of a large extended family who help each other in times of need.

I always liked horses, he said. When I was 30 I got back into the race horse game.

Like Burt, Christoffersen had a day job as a machinist. His shop, barn and home are all on the same property.

He said he loves all aspects of racing horses. Its a good, good sport. Ive got my family involved, three boys and two grandsons are really involved. I think theyll carry it on.

Christoffersen praised the Blackjack syndicate for keeping Elko going with racing. If it hadnt been for the syndicate, they would really struggle.
The series follows Bezhig Little Bird (Darla Contois, who is Cree-Saulteaux) as she tries to find her birth family and learn about her true family history. Taken from her home in the Long Pine Reserve in Saskatchewan, Little Bird was adopted to a Canadian Jewish family at age 5 and became Esther Rosenblum. As she came of age, Little Bird followed the mystery behind her adoption and traced her history to a Canadian government policy now known as the Sixties Scoop. A phrase coined by writer Patrick Johnston, Sixties Scoop refers to the mass removal of Indigenous children from their families into the child welfare system.
The Montana Department of Commerce announced two grants, totaling $240,000, for tribal business development.

The Blackfeet Nation will receive a $140,000 Tribal Business Development Grant to replace a roof, repair floors, replace lighting and purchase furniture, equipment signage and siding for the tribally owned mini mall in East Glacier.

And the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana will receive $100,000 for the construction of a commercial building in Belgrade. A tenant of the building will be Blue Ribbon Nets, a business owned by the economic development arm of the tribe.

Gerald Gray, chairman of the Little Shell Tribe, said the tribe has owned Blue Ribbon Nets, which sells handcrafted fly fishing nets, for three years. The grant, he said, will help the tribe build a storefront and manufacturing building.

Right now, we are hidden away in a residential area, he wrote in an email to Lee Enterprises.

The Montana Department of Commerce recently announced that applications for five grant and scholarship programs that bolster tribal business development are now open, according to several news releases.

In partnership with Accelerate MT and The Media Training Center, the Montana Department of Commerce announced a new scholarship program for a certified film production assistant course. The program aims to increase the production assistant pool and employment within Indigenous communities. Training for the course is offered in-person or online. The Media Training Center will promote the opportunity and encourage 10 people from each tribal nation to complete the course, receive digital credentials and be entered into The Media Training Centers "available to hire" database. The program offers 80 scholarships of $500 each. Applicants must be 16 or older and an enrolled member of a tribe in Montana. Applicants will be randomly selected. To submit an application, visit acceleratemontana.submittable.com/submit/269179/production-assistant-scholarships-for-tribal-members.

Small business owners who are enrolled members of a tribe in Montana can apply to the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant, which aims to expand Indigenous entrepreneurship. This grant has $320,000 in available funding and the application period ends Oct. 1.

By December 2024, the program hopes to certify 80 Indigenous people as production assistants.

The Native American Business Advisor grant provides guidance, mentorship and resources to aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. The grant has $160,000 of funding available and the application period closes Oct. 16.

The Tribal Business Development Grant, mentioned above, offers tribal governments an opportunity to fund shovel-ready projects that will bring economic prosperity. There is $240,000 in available funding, and the application period begins Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 25.

Finally, the Tribal Tourism Grant supports tribal initiatives to enhance tourism offerings and showcase their culture and traditions. The grant has $120,000 of available funding and the application period opens on Oct. 1 and closes Nov. 30.

For more information on the grants, visit business.mt.gov.
Mooresvilles Building Permitting and Inspections Department has started issuing permits for planning and development needs within town limits. The department is now responsible for administering and enforcing the North Carolina State Building Codes to provide a reasonable level of safety, public health, and general welfare through plan review, issuance of permits, and inspections.

The recently created Building Permitting and Inspections Department helps residents, contractors, business owners, and others submit plans, receive permits, and undergo inspections. They no longer have to travel to Statesville to obtain permits from the Iredell County Building Standards Division.

This one-stop shop allows the town of Mooresville to better serve our community as the area continues to grow and expand, said Tommy Rowland, director of Building Permitting and Inspections. We will be able to ensure buildings or modifications to existing buildings or homes meet the life safety requirements of the code through communication and collaboration with our customers, ensuring the safety of all the citizens.

If residents, contractors, etc. received a permit from Iredell County prior to Sept. 1, the county will continue enforcing and conducting inspections until those projects are complete.

The Building Permitting and Inspections Department is housed at One Mooresville Center, 750 W. Iredell Ave., along with Planning and Community Development and the Fire Marshals Office. The town spent $1.9 million to renovate and revitalize the former police station into a one-stop shop for all planning and development needs to better serve the community.

You can learn more about the one-stop shop and find contact information for each department online at MooresvilleNC.gov.
Storyteller Sulmeet A. Ezekiel's portrait photographed by Sahar Coston Hardy, near a fabric banner, prayer cloth and stamp collection (Bruce M. White)

Artist and journalist Madhusmita Bora believes that the art of storytelling can empower a community and cultivate intercultural relations.

I really, truly believe that stories transform us in ways unimaginable. While the storyteller is sharing their story, it empowers them in ways unimaginable, said Bora, the lead artist for the exhibit.

To highlight the different stories of New Jerseys Indian community, the Grounds for Sculpture launched Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits, an oral history exhibit at the Grounds museum at 80 Sculptors Way in Hamilton.

The displays showcase the stories of 15 individuals from the New Jersey Indian diaspora. Our 15 storytellers represent, I think eight different (Indian) states and a dozen different languages, Bora said of the exhibit installed in April.

Dont miss an issue of our Mosaic newsletter! Get it delivered each Tuesday right into your inbox by adding your email below and hitting "subscribe."



Each storyteller was photographed in a self-portrait and gave an item for the exhibit that connected to their story, faith, home state, and/or culture.

You have the story with their own voice, and then you have the portraits, but I think the objects actually made it really powerful, Bora said. Each item is on loan from the storytellers and will be given back when the exhibit ends in January.

The exhibit was co-curator by Kathleen Greene, the chief audience officer for the Grounds for Sculpture, and Quentin Williams, founder and CEO of Dragon Tree Media Group, a marketing and multimedia production company in Philadelphia.

Bora lives in Philadelphia and works as a journalist and a writing and literature adjunct professor at Lincoln University, a historically Black university near Oxford, Pennsylvania. When shes not teaching or editing her latest story, she is also a practitioner of the 500-year-old dances and music traditions native to her birthplace in Assam, India.

Bora said she was approached by Greene about the idea for the oral history exhibit.

Santhita Pattanaik shared her story as part of "Local Voices: Memories, Stories and Portraits" exhibition showcased at Grounds for Sculpture museum, located in Hamilton Township. (Sahar Coston-Hardy)

Originally, Bora said they planned to interview people from the Asian diaspora but eventually decided to focus solely on the Indian American community because of its size and growing impact in the area. New Jersey has the second-largest Indian-born population in the United States.

Little India is in New Jersey. There are towns in New Jersey (that) have the highest density per square foot of Indians outside of India, Bora said.

Through the exhibit, Bora said she wanted to showcase that Indian culture is a rich tapestry filled with diverse people and cultures. We have more than two dozen official languages, so many different faiths are practiced within the physical boundaries of the country.

So, it was really important for me, especially like now with this whole narrative of India becoming a Hindu country, it was important for me to really uplift and create space for people who we dont necessarily hear from, Bora said.

Living in diasporic communities, Bora said people often only interact with people who have similar cultural backgrounds. People just organize themselves based on the region they come from, or the language they speak, or the culture that theyre invested in.

So, what happens is theres not much cross-pollination. Theres not actually a hub where everybody comes, interacts and has conversations, Bora said.

Setting out to debunk the model minority myth placed on Asian Americans, Bora said through the exhibit she wanted to show that the Indian community, like many others, is not a monolith.

Were not all doctors, were not all tech gurus or CEOs, but theyre also gas station attendants, nurses, preschool teachers, homemakers, chefs, and we are artists. So, I really wanted to celebrate that, Bora said.

To ensure inclusivity among their storytellers, Bora said she and Greene created their own list of demographic boxes for potential participants, which included language, religion, ability, region of origin, caste, education, immigration, and sexual orientation.

Ramneek Signh shared his story was part of the Local Voices: Memories, Stories, and Portraits" exhibition showcased at the Grounds for Sculpture museum, located at Hamilton Township. (Roshni Khatari /Roshni Khatari)

This was done to ensure a broad range of lived experiences, perspectives and thoughts. These storytellers were then freed of all boxes, or labels, and asked to share a story which impacted their life, Greene said.

For 10 months in 2022, Bora visited different Indian communities to find storytellers for the exhibit.

I attended community events. I went to places of worship. I went to the Sikh temples. I went to a couple of Hindu temples and I went to the mosques, Bora said. I went to all the events that I could, and I would just go in, observe people and talk to others.

It was important to her, Greene and Quentin Williams that the storytellers felt completely involved and empowered during the entire process.

Before their self-portrait was taken, each participant was told to dress up in a way that made them feel powerful. After the portrait sessions, the storytellers picked which portraits they wanted to be hung.

Our photographers tried to really get to know our storytellers before the exhibit. So full agency was given to the storytellers. Its their stories.

Each of the participants stories will be given to South Asian American Digital Archive as a way to share these individuals history, resiliency and vulnerabilities for future generations.

Each one of those stories has left me profoundly transformed, Bora said. I mean, theyre just wonderful.

Their generosity has really transformed me as an individual.

Vashti Harris may be reached at vharris@njadvancemedia.com.

Do you have a community update about great things happening in New Jerseys diverse communities? Let us know at share.mosaic@nj.com.
Montanans with student loan debt are gravitating to a new income-based repayment plan as a four-year holiday on loan collection ends.

The U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday identified at least 13,800 early Montana enrollees in the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE Plan, which adjusts monthly amounts owed based on borrowers income and keeps unpaid interest from adding to the balance owed.

Roughly 84% of first-time, full-time students in the Montana University System, students with state residency, receive financial aid, $5,604 on average in the 2021-2022 school year, according to MUS. Loan amounts for bachelors degree recipients averaged $14,806 for 2022 graduates, with about 58% graduating with debt.

SAVE is President Joe Bidens response to a June ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which struck down the presidents plant to forgive up to $20,000 in individual student loan debt. Interest, which hadnt been accruing on loans for the past 42 months begins adding up this month. Loan payments resume in October. President Donald Trump suspended interest accrual and monthly payments in March 2020, a practice Biden extended.

Since it became clear that we were returning to repayment on student debt, the department has been in touch with 43 million borrowers who are no longer benefitting from the pause on interest, and more than 28 million borrowers who are returning to repayment, James Kvaal, Department of Education undersecretary, said in a Tuesday press call. Since July, we sent more than 130 million emails and 8 million text messages to borrowers about the resources and tools available to support them.

Low-income borrowers benefit most from the SAVE Plan. A single person earning less than $15 an hour, or $32,800 a year, makes no payments under the SAVE plan. That income threshold rises with family size. A borrower supporting a family of four can earn $67,500 a year with no student loan repayment requirement. The same income adjustment should save borrowers above the income thresholds at least $1,000 a year. A single person earning $50,000 a year would pay a minimum of $143 a month, while a single parent of one child earning the same amount would pay $47. The information is provided by the Department of Education.

The minimum monthly payments are sharply reduced from those of a previous program known as REPAYE. A borrower enrolled in REPAYE earning $38,000 a year would owe a minimum monthly payment of $134. Under the SAVE, that minimum monthly amount is $43 for the same borrower.

REPAYE was the program in place when interest accrual and monthly payments were suspended in March 2020. The earliest SAVE enrollees are borrowers who were converted from REPAYE to SAVE before mid-August.

There are also new forgiveness periods. Loans with an original principal balance of $14,000 are forgiven after 12 years of payment. Interest left unpaid at the end of the term is forgiven.

The SAVE plan also ensures that if youre making payments you will not go deeper into debt, Kvaal said. And that is one problem we hear from a lot of borrowers today, that due to unpaid interest they owe more than they originally borrowed. At the end of the repayment term, any remaining balance is forgiven if your income was not sufficient to fully pay off them off.
Wildfire season isn't over for western Montana, but it has slowed considerably after successive weather systems cooled and dampened the region in recent weeks.

Normally, a wildfire season doesn't end until a mid- or late-fall season-ending event  usually a snowfall of more than a few inches. But unusual amounts of precipitation in August put wildfire activity on a trajectory to that end. Many fires around the region have considerably slowed in activity as firefighters increase their containment. Evacuations have been lifted; fire danger has markedly decreased.

According to the National Weather Service, this August was the eighth-wettest on record in Missoula, with 2.35 inches of precipitation recorded  well above the normal of 0.83 inches. August was the seventh-wettest on record in Kalispell. The 2.95 inches recorded there was many times the 0.76 inches the area normally receives in August.

But the month was also significantly hotter than normal  the eighth-hottest on record in Missoula. The month-long average temperature (including daily highs and lows) was 70.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 3.4 degrees warmer than normal for August. In Kalispell, the average of 66.8 degrees was 3.1 degrees warmer than normal for August. The warm temps stressed waterways, leading to widespread fishing restrictions, and along with gusty winds and low humidity contributed to the rapid growth of wildfires across the region.

But a series of weather systems that coursed over the region, particularly toward the end of the month, delivered multiple rounds of wetting rains that stymied fire growth and made new wildfire starts relatively less likely than during drier, warmer weather. After making landfall in California, Pacific Hurricane Hilary brought a significant amount of rain to the region Aug. 2023. Since then, no new wildfires greater than 15 acres have been reported in western Montana, according to interagency dispatch records.

Overall, Montana has so far experienced a well-below-normal wildfire season, at least in terms of acreage burned. Over the past 20 years, wildfires burned an average of about 395,000 acres annually in Montana, according to data compiled by the National Interagency Situation Reporting Program. Last year, 137,509 acres burned in Montana. But in 2021, 747,678 acres burned.

As of Wednesday, the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation reported that 114,324 acres had burned in Montana this season.

Wildfire danger on the Lolo, Bitterroot and Flathead national forests was listed as moderate on Wednesday, the second lowest of five levels. It had peaked at very high, the second-highest level, earlier in the summer. The Kootenai National Forest had experienced extreme fire danger  the highest level  but was down to high danger on Wednesday. Fire restrictions previously in place across the region had been almost entirely lifted by Wednesday. According to a state database, Stage 1 restrictions remained in place for Granite County. Those restrictions generally prohibit campfires, open-flame stoves and smoking outdoors except in designated fire rings or an area 3 feet across that is cleared of flammable materials within developed recreation sites.

On Monday, Northern Rockies Team I, a national-level complex incident management team, issued its final daily update for the River Road East fire near Paradise. The team will only issue further daily updates if fire activity increases. As of Monday, the fire was 17,310 acres and 54% contained. When it ignited Aug. 18, the blaze quickly burned more than 12,000 acres in 12 hours, forcing the evacuation of Paradise and destroying more than 50 structures including 16 homes. But after Hilary's rains, the fire has shown only minimal growth as firefighters increased containment.

Fire managers issued the final daily update for the Colt fire northwest of Seeley Lake on Aug. 24. At that time, the fire was 7,154 acres and 63% contained. The fire had caused evacuations along Highway 83 north of Seeley Lake, but firefighters were able to stop the fire west of the highway and Rainy Lake and Lake Alva. Crews established containment lines that prevented further eastward growth as rains and containment lines slowed fire activity elsewhere.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire issued the final update for the Big Knife fire southeast of Arlee on Aug. 29. At that time, the fire was 7,276 acres and 17% contained, with containment primarily on the fire's west side between the blaze and private property.

"Forecasted precipitation will have a significant impact to any remaining heat and limit fire growth and behavior in the next few days," the agency stated.

Southwest Team I issued the final updates for the Ridge, Doris Point and Tin Soldier Complex fires on Sept. 3. The Ridge fire southeast of Hungry Horse and Martin City was 3,665 acres and 76% contained. The Doris Point fire south of Hungry Horse was 1,610 acres with 98% of firefighting goals completed. The Tin Soldier Complex of multiple fires in the Swan Range was 8,165 acres with 94% of firefighting goals completed.

The East Fork fire south of Trego was 5,162 acres with 44% containment on Wednesday. Pre-evacuation orders around the fire, issued in mid-August, were lifted Aug. 30.
As of Wednesday morning, the Louisa County Sheriffs Office continued to search the Columbus Junction area for a man suspected of committing an armed robbery in Henry County.

The subject is described as a Black man wearing a blue and white, two toned shirt with blue shorts. He is approximately 6 foot tall. The sheriffs office reports he may be armed.

The office is advising Columbus Junction residents that the subject may still be in the area. People are advised to lock their doors and if they see the subject to call 911 and not to attempt to approach the man. At this time, Walnut Street to Main Street, and then down to Community Bank has been blocked off.

The sheriffs office reports that a traffic stop was performed at Highway 92 and Eastern Access Road in Columbus Junction. The Mt. Pleasant Police Department had reported a vehicle matching the description that was involved in an armed robbery. The vehicle was reportedly occupied by two Black males. One subject, later identified as Marquise Rushin, 28, of Chicago, was detained and turned over to the Mt. Pleasant Police. He was charged with first-degree robbery, a Class B felony which can bring up to 25 years in prison.

The other subject reportedly fled the scene on foot. A perimeter has been established in the area and a search for the subject was underway Wednesday morning using K9 units and a drone. According to the Louisa County Sheriffs Office, the subject had not been located as of 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The office is advising Columbus Junction residents that the subject may still be in the area. People are advised to lock their doors and if they see the subject not to attempt to approach and to call 911.
Muscatine Community School District has received four Mental Health Training Paraeducator Fellowships through the University of Iowas Scanlan Center for School Mental Health.

Through these fellowships, four Muscatine paraeducators will have the support and financial means to further develop in their careers as well as learn and improve on skills related to mental health literacy, immediate crisis response, and advocacy. Each fellowship will provide $15,000 per paraeducator.

Jaime Kroeger, MCSD Human Resources Director, said that, to her knowledge, this is the first fellowship of this type of training in mental health that the Scanlan Center has offered in the goal of supporting the development and advancement of their paraeducators. Each district can apply for up to five fellowships, with MCSD being awarded four of the five that it applied for.

The funding is intended to provide financial support and incentives for school districts to invest in and advance school mental health training for paraeducators, Kroeger said. We believe some of the best adult learning happens peer-to-peer and this award will empower the four fellowship recipients to grow as leaders.

The paraeducators will receive $7,000 to start and begin their fellowship training in Des Moines on November 1. After three Saturday in-person Imagine Iowa training sessions, which will focus on an evidence-informed curriculum designed to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes about mental health, the paraeducators will each be able to use their remaining $8,000 as a means to complete the four other parts of the program.

This training is important for anyone working in schools, but having the focus be our paraeducators is an amazing chance for those who work so closely with kids to be on the cutting edge with mental health learning, and to help grow some leadership opportunities within their group, Kroeger said.

We are always excited when we have a chance to support initiatives that provide them depth of skills and knowledge that in turn helps our students, she added. I feel everyone who works in our district is an educator, so any time we can build capacity from the inside is a great thing.

Kroeger also shared that her hope is the four MCSD paraeducators participating in the training will then share the knowledge that theyve gained afterwards with other support staff in the district.

I feel confident the four individuals selected will be champions of the information they learn and advocates for mental health wellness and inclusion within our district, she said. MCSD is always looking for growth opportunities such as this fellowship that our staff can participate in to support our students, families and each other. MCSD is also extremely fortunate to be awarded four spots within the fellowship and will continue to look for opportunities that support our work.
When your focus is on engaging and strengthening your muscles, you wouldnt immediately book yourself into a yoga class. However, boosting fitness and strength within your yoga practice is possible. Buzz60s Chloe Hurst has the story!
A decision by the City of Essex, Iowa, not to allow an LGBTQ+ organization from a neighboring town to participate in its annual Labor Day parade prompted a protest from the ACLU.

Jessa Bears, a member of Shenandoah Pride, said the group learned Thursday that it wouldnt be allowed to march in the annual parade. The group, which supports rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, notified the parade organizer in June that it intended to participate in Mondays parade.

We are sort of a ragtag group, but we had a convertible ready, a banner and maybe 20 volunteers who said they would march, Bears said Sunday. It really wasnt going to be huge, but we did want to participate. We bought candy and stickers to hand out.

The American Civil Liberties Union said it has sent a warning to Calvin Kinney, the mayor of Essex, and Mahlon Sorensen, the city attorney, condemning the decision to prevent Shenandoah Pride from participating.

The letter asked the City of Essex to rescind its prohibition and permit Shenandoah Pride to join the Labor Day Parade. Failing to do so will violate the rights of its citizens, potentially expose it to substantial liability, and be an injustice to the constitutional rights of every person and every group to participate in its public events.

According to the ACLU, Kinney sent an email on Thursday saying: Out of concern for the safety of the public and that of Essex Labor Day parade participants, the City of Essex has determined not to allow parade participants geared toward the promotion of, or opposition to, the politically charged topic of gender and/or sexual identification/orientation.

On Friday, the Essex City Council held a special meeting to discuss the decision. The council failed, or was prevented by Mayor Kinney, to change course, the ACLU said.

ACLU officials said the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment and portions of the Iowa Constitution are designed to protect the rights of organizations like Shenandoah Pride to express their views in public.

City leaders cannot ban participants from a government-sponsored parade just because they dont like their viewpoint, Mark Stringer, the executive director of ACLU Iowa, said. It is a clear violation of the First Amendment and each persons right to free speech and free expression in a public space. This action also sadly fails to acknowledge the many contributions of LGBTQ community members in our Iowa communities, large and small.

Bears said Shenandoah Pride was not aware of any threats to its participation in the parade. On the contrary, she said, many people have reached out to offer their support.

The City of Essex could have handled this so differently, Bears said. They could have notified us if there were threats but they didnt. They could have offered to have a police officer walk along to watch for anything (troubling) but they didnt.

The Essex Community Club, the organizers of the parade, reached out to offer Shenandoah Pride a place in the Rustic Market, a vendor fair at Anderson Park. Bears said the club would have a booth. It had a booth at a vendor fair earlier this year in Shenandoah and it was well received, she said.

Were doing the right thing and were going to continue to keep fighting, she said. Our goal is to just let other people know that (LGBTQ+ people) do exist in southwest Iowa.

Efforts to reach officials with the city and the Essex Community Club were not successful. Shenandoah is located about 6 miles southwest of Essex.
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Moses Kuria, has announced 2,100 job positions in U.S. multinational company, Sama (formerly Samasource).

In a statement Tuesday, CS Kuria said the data firm will hire 600 Kenyan employees this week and an additional 1,500 in the following two weeks.

Wendy Gonzelez, CEO at World leading BPO giant Samasource has just informed me that following the recent government efforts to create 1 Million BPO jobs in Kenya, they will this week hire 600 Kenyans and another 1500 in the next two weeks to work on Computer Vision AI. I have assured Wendy that they have made the right decision, Kuria said.

Sama is a training-data company that specializes in interpreting data for artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

According to a media invitation, the multinational firm stated that it intends to employ Kenyan youth for a range of computer vision projects on behalf of prominent Fortune 500 companies.

Sama cordially invites you to the launch of the youth training and empowerment initiative. In line with the governments agenda of creating employment in the digital economy and Samas impact sourcing model, Sama will formally announce the hiring of Kenyan youths to work on various computer visioning projects for leading Fortune 500 companies, the invite read in part.

The training, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, will be attended by Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of ICT and the Digital Economy, as well as Annepeace Alwala, the Vice President of Sama Global Service Delivery.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) does not have information regarding the amount of funds involved in transactions related to the Worldcoin cryptocurrency project.

This is according to CBK Governor Kamau Thugge, who appeared before the National Assembly Ad Hoc Committee of Inquiry into the controversial crypto project.

Governor Thugge was responding to a query posed by Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir, who claimed that two Kenyans had acquired shares in the amount of Sh1.4 billion ($10 million) each from Worldcoin.

Shakeel further mentioned that the funds were wired into the country through the Mpesa mobile payment system.

But Thugge explained that CBK lacks the capacity to oversee foreign exchange transactions occurring within commercial banks. He also reiterated that the CBK does not have oversight over Mpesa transactions.

We are not aware of this because it takes place within the banking system and not with the CBK, he said.

Adding: There are a lot of transactions in dollars such that it is very difficult to see the $10 million (Sh1.5 billion) in such a large market.

Governor Thugge informed the committee that the CBK had no information about Worldcoins operations within the country and had not been involved in the licensing or approval of Worldcoins proprietors
A lobby group has filed a lawsuit in court, contesting President William Rutos recent statements regarding sugar cartels.

Operation Linda Jamii, through its director, Fred Ogola claims that Ruto is in violation of the Constitutional principle of the rule of law.

In court documents, Ogola stated that in August 2023, during a visit to Kenyas sugar belt in the Western region, the President accused specific cartels and figures within the sugar industry of undermining the governments efforts to revitalize and reform the struggling sugar sector.

The President, whose utterances were aimed at the two Rai brothers, told them to either leave Kenya, withdraw cases they have filed in court over the control and management of Mumias Sugar Company, go to jail, or go to Heaven, court documents read.

The group claims that Rutos comments not only constitute death threats but also erode the foundations of the rule of law, separation of powers, doctrines, and the constitutional system of checks and balances.

Ogola further asserts that unless the President retracts his remarks and issues an official, unconditional apology on behalf of the Presidency, it could foster a perception that undermines the independence of the judiciary, which serves as the guardian of justice and due process in Kenya.

He also argued that this situation would result in the disregard of the rule of law, with no avenue for remedy.

Furthermore, Ogola pointed out that, without prejudice to the aforementioned concerns, Jaswant Rai Singh has withdrawn all three lawsuits filed by his company, West Sugar Company Limited, against Mumias Sugar Company Limited following the Presidents statements in Western Kenya.

In the letter of withdrawal, Rai has stated that he has withdrawn the cases because he feels hes been threatened with death, meaning that he has felt violated. That means that the Presidents utterances cannot be taken as mere words. In law, it is not just what you do and say, but what others feel about what your actions and utterances are, Operation Linda Jamii adds.

The advocacy group is seeking a court declaration asserting that the Presidents statements undermine judicial authority, in violation of Articles 48, 50(1), and 159 of the Constitution

A writ of mandamus be and is hereby issued directing and compelling the Respondent(Attorney General) to advise the President of the Republic of Kenya and/or the Presidency to proffer an unconditional public apology to the people of Kenya for the unfortunate utterances made during the tour of Kenyas sugar belt, Ogola requests.

The Linda Jamii director further requests that in the event of the President failing to issue a public, unconditional apology to the Kenyan public, the Honourable Court consider directing Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against him for his alleged violation of the Constitution
A 32-year-old man has been charged with committing an indecent act with an adult after allegedly touching a female police officers breast during a raid at an illegal liquor den in Makongeni, Nairobi.

Erick Kibagendi is facing charges of intentionally touching the police officers right-hand breast without her consent, which is in violation of section 11(a) of the Sexual Offences Act of 2006.

The suspect is also accused of assaulting a police officer on duty, contravening section 103(a) of the National Police Service (NPS) Act of 2011. He allegedly assaulted Police Constable Rodgers Wandera, who was on duty at the time.

Kibagendi faces an additional charge of resisting arrest by a police officer, a violation of the NPS Act. It is alleged that he refused to comply with the arrest attempted by PC Wandera and two of his female colleagues.

The court heard that PC Wandera and his colleagues were conducting a patrol in the vicinity when they received information from the public regarding a residence where individuals were partaking in busaa.

The officers then proceeded to the said location and found drunk individuals, among them Mr. Kibagendi. While the male officer conducted a search of the premises, his colleagues remained stationed at the entrance.

Kibagendi is said to have approached the door where the female police officers were stationed and allegedly touched one of them on her breast. When questioned about this indecent assault, he reportedly threatened the officers.

The accused allegedly challenged the officers, daring them to take any action they could, and warned them that they would not be able to make any arrests at the den.

During an attempt to handcuff him, Kibagendi allegedly resisted and struck PC Wandera with a blunt object, injuring his hand.

The officers eventually managed to subdue and arrest him before booking him at Makongeni Police Station.

Appearing before Makadara Law court on Monday, the accused denied the charges. He told Senior Principal Magistrate Hellen Okwani that he was too drunk to assault the police as alleged.

He also informed the court that he has no memory of the incident and that he lost Sh6,500 during the arrest.

Magistrate Okwani granted him Sh50,000 bail. The case will be mentioned on November 22, with the commencement of the trial set for February 20, 2024
A suspected criminal, believed to be the leader of a gang responsible for terrorizing Nairobi city residents, has been arrested by detectives stationed at the DCI Nairobi Regional Command.

Luis Otieno, also known as Lui Borura Nyaoiri, was detained in connection with a series of house break-ins that occurred in Nairobis Kayole area.

Luis Otieno aka Lui Borura Nyaoiri who has a case pending before court was arrested following a spate of house breakings and burglaries reported within Kayole Sub-County, where victims have lost valuables worth thousands of shillings, the DCI said in a statement Tuesday, August 5.

The suspect was apprehended while driving a Mazda Demio with the registration number KDM 790K, which had previously been fitted with a different number, KDD 790K.

Following his arrest, he guided the officers to his residence, where a search uncovered a variety of items, including assorted wristwatches, an antique gun frame wall hanging, mobile phones, tablets, flash disks, earpods, earphones, and nine rolls of a substance suspected to be psychotropic in nature, among other items

The operation to arrest his accomplices and bring them to justice is on course, the DCI noted.
African Heads of State and Government have agreed to lead the way in finding sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.

The leaders observed that climate change and Africas development are tightly tied and cannot be ignored.

They expressed their intention to collaborate with developed nations while also reminding them of their climate action commitments.

They made the remarks on Tuesday during the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, led by President William Ruto.

They were Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Salva Kiir (South Sudan), Sassou Nguesso (Congo), Mostafa Madbouly (Egypt), Nana Akufo-Addo (Ghana), Mohamed Younis Menfi (Libya), Julius Maada (Sierra Leone), Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia), Brahim Ghali (Sahrawi), Azali Assoumani (Comoros), Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti), Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) and Macky Sall (Senegal).

President Ruto said Africa has made a conscious decision to be at the core of the solution to the climate change problem.

He said overcoming the challenge will require concerted efforts from all players and nations.

We cannot pursue climate action through insular, solitary policies. Global warming cannot be mitigated by air-conditioning our little pockets and corners of the world.

President Kagame said it was time to take decisive actions aimed at curtailing climate change.

He emphasised that playing the blame game is not the answer.

The more pragmatic approach is for Africa to be a central player in the search for global climate solutions, he said.

President Suluhu said Africans must seize the moment and capitalise on its potential to offer solutions to green growth and decarbonization.

We can no longer afford to address economic development, climate change and African poverty in isolation, she explained.

President Akufo Addo said there was a need to take radical action to tame climate change in the continent.

It is obvious that we have to act swiftly and decisively to mitigate these effects and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come, he said.

On his part, President Afwerki said it is time for Africa to mobilise its own resources instead of relying on handouts.

Meanwhile, President Zewde called on Africa to always take a common position on issues affecting the people, citing climate change.

She was supported by President Kiir who said that Africa must utilise its vast renewable energy resources to reverse the effects of climate change.

President Akufo Addo called for the streamlining of access to international climate finance to complement national funding.

At the same time, President Ruto called for a more equitable international financial system to lessen Africas debt burden.

He said that a just financial framework would promote economic stability and help address the climate change crisis.

The Head of State noted that Africa, despite being a mild contributor to pollution, is experiencing the most severe impacts of global warming.

He highlighted instances where African nations, such as Kenya, have had to divert funds from development to deal with the effects of climate change.

Many of our countries are headed into debt distress because of climate change; we are suffering the most, he said.

The President regretted that Africa has been unjustly tagged as a high-risk zone even though its valuable assets have not been accurately accounted for.

President Ruto called for a paradigm shift in the allocation of global climate change funds.

He said that in the past, these funds often went to those who did not require them, neglecting genuine cases.

There is a need to have a conversation about a carbon tax to raise resources to finance Africas development.

He insisted that Africa will cease the various green opportunities presented by global climate change action plans.

President Ruto also presided over the launch of the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Secretary-General, United Nations Antonio Guterres and the African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina were also present.

On her part, Ms Leyen said that the Africa Climate Summit has set the stage for COP28, amplifying African voices globally and ensuring that Africas needs are duly acknowledged and addressed.

She said a win-win outcome can only be guaranteed if all nations come together for a common goal.

If Africa loses we all lose, if Africa wins we all win, said Dr Sultan.

Mr Madbouly said that Africas access to climate action financing is pivotal for the success of the climate change action plan.

By PCS
If you were hoping to see a coffee shop at the former Archetype space, youre in luck.

The same goes if you were hoping for a lunch spot, a gathering space, upscale retail, vintage furniture, sustainably sourced artisan goods, architectural eye candy  you get the idea.

Download the Napa Valley Register's free news app Easily access the very latest local news that matters in an app built for you. Read, see, and hear exclusive commentary, stunning photography,

NO|MA House Cafe & Collective is all of those things, as well as an effort to extend St. Helenas commercial core north of Adams Street, toward the post office, Rianda House and Lyman Park.

NO|MA (short for North Main) is the brainchild of Ann Backen, along with an all-female team of owners, designers and operators. Backen has worked alongside her husband, Howard Backen, at the architectural firm Backen & Backen, but in an interview a few days before Fridays grand opening, she made it clear that NO|MA House is her project, not his.

We call it a living lab, she said. You have food for nourishment, education for knowledge and thoughtful design. Weve mixed all of these things that you generally see siloed. You go to a restaurant and its just a restaurant. You go to a design store and its just a design store. You go to the movies and its just the movies. We wanted to bring that interactive, sensorial experience all under one roof.

NO|MA House opened Friday with a light menu of coffee, smoothies, pastries, snacks and wine by the glass. Food offerings will expand in the late fall to include sandwiches, soups, salads and seasonal specials like meatloaf and turkey meatballs.

A rotating series of films, photos and educational programs will be projected on the wall behind the dining area. Backen and her team want to offer community engagement programs and raise awareness of nonprofits like Nimbus Arts and Monarch Justice Center.

Backen sees NO|MA House as a space that gives off a feel-good vibe and reflects her values of nature, design, health, community and sustainability.

We wanted to move away from fast-paced cycles that contribute to landfills and overconsumption, Backen said. So everything was super-thoughtfully chosen before we put it on a shelf.

Everything in the space is also shoppable, Backen said, right down to the furnishings and lighting (OK, she conceded, not the refrigerator).

The 103-year-old building underwent two years of remodeling, with the floors and walls essentially gutted, Backen said.

She tried to organize regenerative practices into the design, using materials like reclaimed wood and leather drawer pulls produced from scraps that otherwise would have been thrown out. The concrete that makes up the bar was mixed with an aggregate that reduces its carbon footprint.

The facade was modified to feel more open to the sidewalk compared with Archetype restaurants enclosed courtyard. The more welcoming design reflects Backens optimism about activating and energizing northern Main Street and changing the perception that the sidewalk rolls up when you reach Adams Street.

Like at Market and the Model Bakery, sidewalk seating will produce a European feel of community connection, Backen said. Shed also love to see one of the on-street parking spaces in front of NO|MA House converted to a bike-friendly parklet.

Backen said she feels invested in St. Helena, where shes spent the last 23 years with her family. Before that, shed envisioned St. Helena eventually becoming the Napa Valleys drive-through, overshadowed by Yountville and Calistoga. But moving here made her bullish about St. Helenas future.

I felt beholden to be part of the solution, she said. I was also tired of complaining about the community and not doing anything about it.

NO|MA House is her all-in effort to do something, putting her own money on the line.

This is either going to be a really good idea or the worst one Ive ever had, she said.

NO|MA House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1429 Main St.
Affirmative action is thought to have begun in 1865 when Congress passed the Reconstruction Act, the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments and the Civil Rights Act ensuring the rights of Black Americans.

It abruptly ended in 1877 when a tie vote in the Electoral College led to the Compromise  an informal, unwritten agreement in which Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was awarded the White House on the understanding that he would withdraw federal troops from South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana, thereby ending Reconstruction and effectively overturning the Civil Rights Act.

Jim Crow laws emerged. Discrimination and segregation replaced equal opportunities in employment, education and civil rights. Courageous people would challenge the status quo.

On June 7, 1892 Homer Plessy (a Black man) took affirmative action while riding the East Louisiana Railroad. He sat in the White compartment, was arrested and charged with violating the state law. In 1896 his case made it to the Supreme Court, which ruled in Plessy v. Ferguson that racial segregation laws did not violate the U.S. Constitution as long as the facilities for each race were equal in quality. Separate and unequal reigned for the next 50-plus years.

Oliver Brown, Mrs. Richard Lawton, Mrs. Sadie Emmanuel, et al. took affirmative action when they agreed to be the appellants in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. They deemed that segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th Amendment. In 1954 the Supreme Court agreed and declared all laws establishing segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

In 1957 affirmative action was taken by Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrance Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown, Floria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed and Melba Pattillo Beals. Known as The Little Rock Nine, they attempted to enter the racially segregated Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas. These courageous young African American students stood at the front door affirming equal rights under the law.

The term affirmative action was first coined in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy when he issued Executive Order 10925. It required government contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin." The intent of this executive order was to affirm the government's commitment to equal opportunity for all qualified persons, and to take positive action to strengthen efforts to realize true equal opportunity for all Americans.

In the late 60s college admission departments around the country began to consider race as a factor in their admission process with the understanding that all applicants were equally qualified to attend. The goal of these policies was to accept more students of color who had historically been excluded from colleges and universities.

Challenges to college admission based on race followed. Allan Bakke, a White man who was denied entrance to UC Davis Medical School twice, claimed discrimination based on his race. The Supreme Court ruled that race could not be the only factor in those decisions. In the 2003 Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger, Justice Sandra Day OConnor cast the decisive vote to uphold affirmative action in higher education. She concluded that affirmative action in college admissions is justifiable, but not in perpetuity. We expect that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest (in student body diversity) approved today.

All of that changed on June 23 when the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action in college admissions to be unconstitutional. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the opinion of the court. In part he argued the student must be treated based on his or her experiences as an individual  not on the basis of race. Interestingly, he left the door open in his conclusion when he wrote nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicants discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.

Given the decision of the Supreme Court, how do we ensure an equitable educational opportunity? First and foremost we, as a country, must place a high value on education. Second, provide free tuition and a monthly stipend to those enrolled in the Teacher Credentialing program. Third, pay teachers a salary commiserate with the vital role they play in forming students educational foundation. Fourth, allot monies to ensure all schools have the resources, additional educational opportunities such as drama, music, art and STEM classes along with internet access to ensure an environment in which students can thrive. Last but not least, offer free tuition to students attending community colleges that provide an automatic transfer to a state university or college.

Where would we find the finances needed to provide such educational opportunities? In 2022 the federal spending on education was $76.4 billion. In contrast, federal spending on the military was $877 billion. Perhaps we could flip those budgeted dollars and make education the priority. Just sayin.

Stand Up. Speak Up. Vote.
Jeffrey Fetters has played hundreds of gigs in Napa over the years, making a name for himself in the winery and vineyard circuit throughout the valley.

Most people don't know him as Jeffrey, though, referring to him only as "Smorgy"  a nickname he was given back in the '90s by bar backs and locals who frequented his gigs in Fresno, where he played everything from "All My Exes Live in Texas" to "Piano Man."

His name is a play on his musical offerings: I sort of adopted (Smorgy) and turned it into my brand  a smorgasbord of music genres  because the music I play is not one genre. I'm playing new country, old country, some new rock, classic rock, golden oldies, Motown, Sinatra standards, some originals. So it sort of fits what I do.

Though he moved around a lot as a kid, Smorgy was born in Napa at Queen of the Valley, and his first memories of music are all in Napa as well. He reminisced about watching his father and his best friend play guitars in their family home living room, listening to the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt with his mother, and learning how to play guitar after his aunt gifted him a tan 1971 Stratocaster and a Fender deluxe reverb amp for his 8th birthday.

I wish I still had that guitar and amplifier, he said.

Once Smorgy got his hands on a guitar, he immediately began to pick up chords and songs, playing for family and friends at holiday parties and get-togethers. He remembers in fifth grade at Northwood Elementary, his teacher Ms. Hunter asked him to bring his guitar on their overnight field trip to the John Muir house in the East Bay. He played music around the campfire with his classmates, and then in sixth grade, Ms. Hunter asked him to come along and play songs again.

He remembers this as one of the first times he realized the community music could foster. Later, after moving around a bit with his family and landing in Missouri in high school, he discovered that playing music could be a job as well.

He joined a band with a group of mid-20s guys living in his town, and even though he was just 15 at the time, he would play with them at local bars and events  including his own high school homecoming and proms.

While many people might be terrified at the idea of getting up on the stage in their high schools gym and performing to an audience of their teenage peers, Smorgy said his guitar and the microphone have always felt like more of a security blanket than a spotlight.

In my younger years, I wasn't very confident; I wasn't very outgoing, he explained. I would hide behind my guitar. Even now as an older adult, I'm 57, and I still feel like sometimes I'm hiding behind my guitar or the microphone. Every time I'm in the social scene, it's me playing music.

He said music has been the center point of his life, even while he studied computer programming and worked day jobs for over 20 years after high school to make a living.

During this time, Smorgy landed in Fresno in 1989, where he says his career in music really began to take shape. He was a member of two successful cover bands there, the Double Doors, a Doors cover band, and Sippy and Old Guzzler, a '60s tribute band.

With these groups, Smorgy got to open and close for lots of artists, including The Turtles, The Association and Peabo Bryson. The day Sippy and Old Guzzler closed for Bryson, on New Years Eve in 1999, is one of Smorgys fondest memories as an artist.

It was one of the highlights of my cover band life experience, Smorgy said. We had our own private green room with a butler to fulfill any need, and we also had a sheriffs escort to get us to and from the stage. We felt like true rock stars.

In Fresno, Smorgy began to write original music as well. Under the name My Brothers Band, Smorgy recorded and performed the music he wrote, which he still sometimes plays at gigs today.

In 2006, Smorgy and his wife moved back to Napa, where theyve lived since. Originally, he came back to manage his familys properties and business, but he always dreamed he would play music for a living eventually.

My wife had said to me when we moved to Napa, One day I will be working at one of the biggest wineries in Napa, and you will be performing at all the wineries, Smorgy said. Well, she worked at Domaine Chandon for seven years, and I am still performing at wineries.

In 2008, playing music became Smorgy's full-time job. He booked his first gig at Tuscany downtown, which has since closed, and soon after, he played at Downtown Joes and Billcos.

He performed at his first winery, Beaulieu Vineyards, in 2014, and since then, wineries and vineyards have made up the bulk of his venues.

Now, 15 years later, Smorgy has a list of returning clients who book him for private events, fundraisers and more. He plays the bulk of his shows during high season  between March and October. During this time, he estimated that he plays up to 16 gigs a month, either solo, with his duo Smorgy & The Flat Top or his band Smorgy & The All You Can Eat.

With a repertoire of over 600 cover songs, in addition to originals, Smorgy's shows live up to his name. While he often tailors his sets to the crowd or venues requests, maintaining a smorgasbord of genres and styles, he said his favorite genre to play  and listen to  will always be old school country.

He said that no matter what hes playing though, he mostly just feels grateful to get to do what he loves for a living.

Little did I know this would be the beginning of the rest of my musical life and would give me the ability to make a living performing music, Smorgy said. ...Without all these wonderful people supporting my music, I would not be able to make my living doing what I love. I am truly grateful for what my hometown has given back to me.
American Canyon Police reported the arrests of two women on Labor Day morning after what the department said was an attempted organized theft at the local Walgreens drugstore.

Shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, officers driving past the pharmacy at 210 American Canyon Road saw two people wearing face masks and hoodies who were about to enter the store, police said in a news release. Upon seeing police, both people stopped approaching the Walgreens and turned to leave, but the officers  suspecting an attempted theft  detained the women, identified as 23-year-old Prinzess Kaitina Elizabeth Lee of Sacramento and 22-year-old Zariadeshaonna Chinyere Russell of Oakland.

During the arrests, officers searched the suspects car and found thousands of dollars in merchandise that apparently had been stolen two days earlier from another Walgreens in Walnut Creek, police reported. The department added other evidence was recovered linking the women to organized theft.

Lee and Russell were booked into the Napa County jail for investigation of receiving stolen property, attempted petty theft with a prior conviction, and criminal conspiracy. They were released shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, according to jail booking records.

A dozen cities set youth curfews this year, even though they don't reduce crime A dozen cities set youth curfews this year, even though they don't reduce crime
4.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Turkey

14 individuals were tortured, and 64 died on the move from Nagorno Karabakh. Foreign Ministry spokesperson

Council of Europe to prepare package of measures in response to refugee influx in Armenia

Mher Grigoryan and EU Ambassador exchanged ideas on regional developments

Minister of Defence had a meeting with the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of PRC

Yeremyan Projects has launched the regional first livestock complex in Tashir community

Rights of Karabakhs imprisoned former leadership are protected, Azerbaijan ombudsperson claims

Finance ministry: Armenia economic growth target will be maintained at 7% level in 2024

Elnur Mammadov: Most points in peace treaty have been agreed upon by Azerbaijan, Armenia

Statement: Alma-Ata Declaration has no mention of former union republics of ex-USSR

Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia

Armenia defense sector capital spending planned in amount of around $1.4 billion in 2024

Lawyer: Maestro Sergey Smbatyan is acquitted

Premier: Armenia defense spending planned to be increased by 125% in 2024 compared to 2018

Armenia, Ukraine officials underscore Pashinyan-Zelenskyy first meeting

ReA15: 300 animation films, 30 guests from 40 countries, around 500 audience; Armenia international festival summed up

Russias Makhachkala airport resumes operations

Armenia's Pashinyan: There is serious progress in North-South motorway construction

Around 12kg narcotics attempted to be smuggled into Armenia from Iran

Armenia finance minister: Considerable part of 2.6 billion to be provided by EU is loan

Armenia official: We will not increase pensions, minimum wages in 2024

Armenia finance minister: National debt of more than $10 billion is safe

Pashinyan: Armenia government expects 7% economic growth in 2023

COAF secures 10M grant to transform education in Armenia's Syunik Province

RFE/RL: US supports EU monitoring mission in Armenia, embassy says

Hurricane Otis kills at least 48 people in Mexico

$135M to be allocated for needs of those forcibly displaced from Karabakh, Armenia PM says

Armenia nationals can now open bank accounts in Russia in simplified manner

Armenia MFA former spox shares video of Russian peacekeepers withdrawal from Karabakh

202-million-year-old dragonfly fossil discovered in UK

Armenia premier: I hope arrangements for opening border with Turkey will be implemented in near future

Pashinyan: Current world orders collapse is serious threat to Armenia

Armenia labor, social affairs minister is in Iran, memorandum to be signed on highly qualified workforce exchange

Armenia PM: 3 main principles of signing peace treaty with Azerbaijan have been agreed upon

Armenia defense minister attends Beijing Xiangshan Forum opening ceremony in China (PHOTOS)

Biden, Netanyahu discuss ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza

Arab, Muslim users of social media unhappy with ongoing supply of oil from Azerbaijan to Israel

Attempts are being made to destabilize situation in Russias Dagestan from outside, leader Melikov says

20 people injured, 2 in critical condition after mass riots at Russias Makhachkala airport

Kamala Harris: US has no plans of sending combat troops to Israel, Gaza

Russia researchers develop water evaluation system using smartphones

Russias Makhachkala airport closed until November 6

France releases city electric cars that can be driven without driver's license

Thugs attack bus carrying women, children in Russias Makhachkala

Anti-Israel protest in Russias Dagestan, crowd storms into Makhachkala airport

Slovenia donates 120,000, through Red Cross, to forcibly displaced people from Karabakh

Overall 3342 children died in Gaza since start of war

Israel bombs areas near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza

Palestinian Red Crescent: Israel demands evacuation of Gaza hospital

UN peacekeeper wounded in Lebanese shelling

Israel Armenians newspaper: Situation in Israel still difficult

Iran President: Zionists were defeated, forced to retreat

Death toll of Palestinians in Gaza exceeds 8000

Azerbaijani Defense Minister also visits China

Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza kill 13 civilians

Israeli army names main priority

UN Secretary General criticizes Israel again

Building of Jewish cultural center is set on fire in Russia

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting

Russian MoD: Crimea was attacked by 36 Ukrainian drones at night

Armenian Defence Minister leaves for China

Forcibly displaced teachers from Artsakh can continue work in Armenia

Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 42

Israeli PM deletes controversial post from social media, apologizes

Israeli opposition leader, National Security Minister criticize PM

At least 331 Israeli soldiers killed since start of war with Hamas

Baku arrests Iranian spies who wanted to create Kerime state in Azerbaijan

Lemkin Institute calls on UN to prepare proper mission to Artsakh

Moscow, Ankara effectively coordinate efforts to tackle important regional issues

Israeli army boosts contingent in Gaza, enters deeper into enclave

Aide to Aliyev, Iran Ambassador discuss Azerbaijani-Armenian relations

US Eisenhower aircraft carrier enters Mediterranean Sea

Road accident in Armenia leaves 2 dead

Iranian President: Israel has crossed the red lines

Artsakh President: Russian side was in observers position

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets assistants to US Secretary of State, France President

Armenia PM sends condolences to Kazakh President over mine accident

Death toll of mine accident in Kazakhstan reaches 33

Russian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministries confirm the need for normalization between Baku and Yerevan

Hamas ready to release eight hostages at Russia's request

RA Economy Ministry, JP Morgan discuss international market accessibility

Hamas says there is no progress in hostage negotiations

Germany ready to send over 1 thousand military personnel to Middle East

Fatal car accident occurs in Yerevan

Tunis President says Palestinians have right to stand firm against Israel

Armenia Economy Minister, British Chamber of Commerce reps discuss coop

Israel promises to allow trucks carrying aid into Gaza

Erdogan: Israel should end madness and stop attacks on Gaza

If Gaza is destroyed, it will create catastrophe for decades, if not centuries

Palestinian Red Cross loses contact with all workers in Gaza

IDF expands area of ground operations in Gaza north

Moldovan President explains increasing of defense spending

US, Israeli defense ministers discuss military operations in Gaza

Chinese FM calls Taiwan independence biggest challenge for Sino-US relations

US may not have enough funds to help Ukraine, Israel at once

IDF expands ground operations in Gaza Strip

US calls its strikes on targets in Syria message for Iran

Iran warns of potential new fronts against US

Armenia says yes to UN resolution on Gaza truce

UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Israel-Hamas truce
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Tuesday had a telephonic conversation with Annalena Baerbock, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.

Reflecting on the actions of Azerbaijan's armed forces against the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 1, Mirzoyan emphasized that it was another manifestation of Azerbaijan's continuous aggressive behavior. The Armenian FM added that Azerbaijan is trying to destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus, and that this should be condemned by the international community.

Parallel to this, the consequences of the daily deepening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh for its population, especially for vulnerable groups, and the urgency of overcoming this crisis were emphasized on both sides.

Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia's position regarding the lifting of the blockade of the Lachine corridor in accordance with the decisions of the International Court of Justice, and stressed the need for international players, including the EU, to take clear steps in this regard.

Lauding the targeted messages made by the partners so far, the Armenian FM emphasized that, unfortunately, they are not enough to record a positive change on the ground, to lift the de facto blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh, and to return Azerbaijan to a constructive arena.

Also, the interlocutors touched upon the possible steps to advance the bilateral cooperation agenda between Armenia and Germany.
Baku considers the statements by the international community about the Azerbaijani ban on the supply of food, medicine, and other necessary goods to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) unfounded.

Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan, stated in an interview with Arab News that "there is no strangulation or blockade " of the Armenian residents of Karabakh.

"What Azerbaijan is suggesting is to have multiple roads. And one of the important roads is the Aghdam-Khankendi [(Stepanakert)] road. It is much more efficient and has more logistical capabilities to reach out to the Karabakh region because Azerbaijan has completely rebuilt it," Hajiyev added.

The Aghdam road, according to the aide of Azerbaijani president Aliyev, "will ensure integration, so Azerbaijan will have direct access to Khankendi and direct contact with Karabakh Armenians who in turn will also have a chance to use Azerbaijans major road system to reach other parts of Azerbaijan."
Artak Beglaryan, the former ombudsman and state minister of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), has published evidence of Azerbaijani forgery. He wrote as follows on Facebook

Another clear proof of Azerbaijani hypocrisy and terrorism.

This person had blocked the only Artsakh-Armenia road near Shushi [city] for months, presenting himself as a fake "eco-activist." Now he is pretending on the Akna [(Aghdam)]-Askeran road that he is delivering "humanitarian aid" to the people of Artsakh through the Azerbaijani Red Crescent.

He can be either an agent of the Azerbaijani special services, who appears everywhere with specific tasks, or an employee of the [Azerbaijani] Red Crescent, full of hatred for Armenians. Both scenarios reveal the hypocrisy and terrorism of the leadership of Azerbaijan and the deep dangers that threaten the people of Artsakh.

How can a criminal become a provider of humanitarian aid to his victims?
The University Network for Human Rights has sent a submission to the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention, analyzing the Armenian ethnic cleansing and the threat of genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh, and called for a strong response.

In the introduction of this submission, it is noted as follows, in particular:

The ethnic Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, known as Artsakh by Armenians, is under the very real threat of ethnic cleansing and potential genocide. The risk may extend to the southern portion of Armenia as well.

The University Network for Human Rights, in collaboration with lawyers, academics, and students from Harvard Law School Advocates for Human Rights, UCLAs Promise Institute for Human Rights, Wesleyan University, Oxford University and Yale's Lowenstein Project, has been investigating atrocities perpetrated by Azerbaijani forces against ethnic Armenians during the 44-Day Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, after the ceasefire, during the 2022 attacks in sovereign Armenia, as well as in periods of relative peace

Our findings are based primarily on multiple fact-finding trips  two in Nagorno-Karabakh and four in Armenia  between March 2022 and July 2023. The University Network has conducted almost 100 firsthand interviews with forcibly displaced persons, families of missing or forcibly disappeared soldiers, families of victims of extrajudicial killings, returned prisoners of war (POWs), and current residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and border communities in Armenia. We have also carried out independent verification of claims presented by Armenian human rights organizations using open source intelligence.

We conclude that the Azerbaijani government, at the highest levels, has condoned, encouraged, facilitated the commission of or directly perpetrated the most egregious forms of violence against Armenians. Together, the abuses we documented suggest a well-organized, comprehensive campaign to empty Nagorno-Karabakh and parts of Armenia of Armenians.

Herein we present evidence of the substantial presence of risk factors of atrocity crimes.

And the conclusion of this submission reads as follows:

Significant work remains to deepen this risk assessment, incorporate indicators for other risk factors, and continue to monitor trends. However, our concern that a trigger could escalate the crisis at any moment has compelled us to present this submission to you sooner rather than later. It is our hope that your expertise can enrich and inform our risk analysis, identify opportunities to mitigate key risk factors, and help alert the international community to the gravity of the threat facing Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.
The European Union (EU) is following with great concern the continued restrictions on free movement along the Lachin corridor and the serious humanitarian and security consequences affecting the Karabakh Armenians. This noted in the statement by the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. The statement continues as follows:

Movement through the Lachin corridor has been impaired for almost 9 months, and, since 15 June, the corridor has been almost completely blocked, with the exception of sporadic medical evacuations. As a result, medical supplies and essential goods are in critically short supply or have already run out, with dire consequences for the local population.

The EU deplores that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region have been heavily hampered and calls for their full and swift resumption, including transport of humanitarian supplies.

The EU reiterates its call made by the HRVP on 26 July to ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions and to guarantee that the crisis does not escalate further, in line with the Trilateral Statement of November 2020, the European Court of Human Rights interim measures of December 2022 and the ICJ order of February 2023.

The EU has taken note of the readiness voiced by the Azerbaijani authorities to supply goods via the city of Aghdam. The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order.

The EU has been closely following the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border over the past months, with shooting incidents reported almost on a daily basis. We call on all sides to avoid further incidents and recommit to dialogue.

In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is conducting patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The objective of the mission is to contribute to conflict resolution and to build trust and confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue among all parties involved. Continuous efforts are necessary to rebuild confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in order to secure sustainable peace and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population. Swift establishment of dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is crucial, in particular for solution of the humanitarian crisis in the area, but also concerning rights and security of Karabakh Armenians and other issues.

The EU also notes that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe stands ready to engage with all the relevant interlocutors to assist in overcoming the existing humanitarian challenges.

The EU, and in particular the President of the European Council Charles Michel, has been heavily engaged to supporting the normalisation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At the last trilateral meeting on 15 July 2023, hosted by President Michel with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia, the leaders of the two countries reiterated their strong commitment to the peace process. They notably reconfirmed their full respect for the other countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty and their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as a political framework for border delimitation. The ultimate delimitation of the border should be agreed through negotiations. Further substantial progress on delimitation is an important factor in reducing tensions, avoiding misunderstandings and incidents at the international border.

Violence, threats, harsh rhetoric and the spread of misinformation must cease in order to create an environment conducive to peace and normalisation talks. The recommitment to dialogue in good faith remains as urgent as ever. This requires genuine commitment by all sides to work towards negotiated outcomes. Humanitarian issues must be resolved and concrete steps need to be taken urgently to rebuild trust.

The EU remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus, for the benefit of all people in the region. We should not lose the momentum built in recent months for settling the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is important to continue the negotiations.
Failure to properly implement the solution to the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh can have a practical impact on relations with the European Union (EU). This statement was made by Josep Borrell, the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The European Union will continue to influence Azerbaijan regarding the need for an urgent solution to the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, as failure to do so properly may have a practical impact on relations with the EU, Borrell stated.

At the same time, it is emphasized that the suspension of the memorandum of understanding signed with Azerbaijan on July 18, 2022 in energy is not currently being considered.

The aforesaid statement adds that the EU continues to closely monitor developments in and around the Lachin corridor and their humanitarian consequences.

Also, Borrell reminded that the EU has repeatedly called to reopen the corridor, and now it continues to actively participate at the highest level in providing assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan in the work towards mutually acceptable normalization of their relations.
Armenia said on Wednesday it would host a joint military exercise with the United States next week, a development that Russia said was cause for concern, Reuters reported.

The Armenian Defense Ministry said the purpose of the September 11-20 "Eagle Partner 2023" exercise was to prepare its forces to take part in international peacekeeping missions.

A US military spokesperson said 85 US soldiers and 175 Armenians would take part. He said the Americansincluding members of the Kansas National Guard which has a 20-year-old training partnership with Armeniawould be armed with rifles and would not be using heavy weaponry.

Earlier it was reported that in the framework of preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions, the Armenia-US joint military exercise EAGLE PARTNER 2023 will be held from September 11 to 20 in Armenian.

The exercise involves stabilization tasks between conflicting parties during peacekeeping mission, the Ministry of Defense of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The purpose of the exercise is to increase the level of interoperability of the unit participating in international peacekeeping missions within the framework of peacekeeping operations, to exchange best practices in control and tactical communication, as well as to increase the readiness of the Armenian unit for the planned NATO/PfP Operational Capabilities Concept evaluation.
Li Qiang hails strong China-Asean ties

Li Qiang hails strong China-Asean ties

Premier Li Qiang said China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have built strong ties benefitting both sides amid strong global changes.



According to Xinhua News Agency, Li said "China and Asean have succeeded in blazing a correct path of long-term good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as common development and prosperity as the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century," in his opening remarks at the China-Asean Summit in Jakarta on Wednesday.



Li also highlighted strong trade ties between Beijing and the regional bloc, with bilateral trade reaching US$970 billion last year  more than double the figure from a decade ago  and the two sides being each others largest trading partner for the third year running.



Earlier, in his address at a welcoming reception hosted by China-Indonesia business community, the premier said the two countries share similar visions, as well as extensive consensus and common interests at regional and global levels.



Li said Beijing wants to work with Jakarta to expand cooperation in various areas including green energy, the digital economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence.



"We both oppose protectionism and external interference," he added.



The premier is on an official visit to Indonesia where he will also be attending the Asean Plus Three and East Asia summits.



After their summit on Tuesday, Asean leaders will meet with their Asian and Western counterparts from Wednesday to Thursday, including Li, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (Agencies)
BusinessWire India Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 6: Is Innovation only limited to IIT, NIT, or IISc students? Well, think again. Gone are the days when innovation was confined to professional institutions. Meet Saanvi, a class 8 student from Bengaluru, who is grabbing attention with her remarkable invention. Saanvi used Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, problem-solving and critical thinking fundamentals to develop the prototype. My idea was to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of my prototype. I collected a large dataset of brain MRI images from various sources, including public domains and Kaggle, to train and validate the model, says a confident Saanvi Nyamagoud. Saanvi plans to broaden the spectrum beyond detection of single disease. With assistance from YuviPeps mentors, she intends to refine the prototype through training using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. This enhancement aims to seamlessly integrate it into clinical practices, offering a crucial resource for the early identification of brain tumours, cancers, and other medical conditions. By assisting radiologists in precisely recognising MRI images, it can enhance patient outcomes by enabling prompt diagnosis and timely treatment. Additionally, the model can be scaled up to predict tumour characteristics, grading, and other ailments and monitor treatment effectiveness and disease advancement, says Saanvi. "We are on a mission to improve students' logical reasoning and critical thinking skills to make science learning more application-oriented and to encourage the next generation of young innovators like Saanvi.," said Sourav Roy, Lead Innovation Specialist of YuviPep. Moreover, YuviPep's students have showcased their creative power with projects like the Smart Gas Leakage Detector, Pet-Friendly Automatic Door, and Anti-Theft Mechanism for their own houses. YuviPep is one of the leading companies worldwide, specialising in Innovation programmes. Its Innovation Base Course (IBC) is specifically designed for students in grades 1 to 12. By introducing IBC in several schools in India and worldwide, YuviPep is complementing the education landscape by instilling science and technology-based practical learning. Backed by extensive research and curated by qualified R&D engineers, YuviPep has created a level-wise curriculum for school students. It aims to address the challenge schools and parents face to empower students with futuristic 21st-century skills. Today's rapidly evolving world demands a shift in traditional educational paradigms. YuviPep understands the importance of giving kids useful knowledge that helps them think creatively, solve problems, and be ready for the future. The company's innovative curricula guide students on an exciting journey through Electronics, Mechatronics, Design Thinking, Automation, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things and Robotics, providing them with invaluable practical experience in the process of innovation. Regular group-wise projects create a leadership quality in the students and enhance their communication skills regarding scientific explanation. The YuviPep team works hand in hand with the schools science teachers to mentor the students with innovative projects and provide opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions. The YuviPep team is creating a global community of young innovators and continuously connecting industry and school students through internships, event visits, online industry expert sessions and an Innovation-oriented newsletter called IDEA designed for school students. Yuvi Pep has already reached 20+ countries, creating 50K+ innovators with 200+ skilled R&D engineers as trainers. Currently catering to more than 20 schools in different districts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, YuviPep has successfully reached over 6000 students through weekly online and offline workshops of IBC, bridging the gap of the curated effective curriculum for innovation-based skill development in schools. We understand that cracking IITs entrance exam is very competitive due to limited seats, and most students face challenges," says Jakati Vikram, Director of Innovation at YuviPep Education Private Limited. "But learning futuristic skills from an early age instils a problem-solving mindset, nurturing the innovator spirit that will drive their successful careers, he adds. In addition to its innovative curricula, YuviPep assists schools in designing and creating innovation labs for students, providing them with quality equipment, including 3-D printers for prototype creation. Furthermore, the company has established the YuviPep online store, offering a wide range of Innovation kits for school-level projects and STEM competitions at an affordable rate. Register here to book a Free Class of YuviPeps Innovation Base Course. Schools all over India can connect with YuviPep for any requirements, like: Incorporating Innovation Base Course (Speciality of YuviPep) in school. Introducing monthly, quarterly, or yearly Innovation or Robotics workshops in the school. Opening an Innovation Lab in School for students to connect with technology and industry. Training and up-skilling of school teachers for imparting Innovation based curriculum. Providing end-to-end robotics project guidance and equipments for school students. Corporates can connect YuviPep for CSR initiatives and to position themselves as promoters of innovation in India at info@yuvipep.com. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
ATK New Delhi [India], September 6: Digital Vidya, Asias premier professional training company, has just announced its plans to expand its Digital Marketing classroom training offerings in Gurugram. With this expansion, the people of Gurugram now have access to top-notch digital marketing training right in their own backyard. This opportunity brings convenience and excellence together, empowering residents to enhance their skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. The syllabus, collaboratively developed with certification from Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and NASSCOM, encompasses various modules covering topics including SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Google AdWords, Analytics, and more. This comprehensive curriculum ensures a well-rounded learning experience for students and professionals alike. Digital Vidya: A Pioneer in Digital Marketing Education Digital Vidya has earned a commendable reputation for its pioneering role in digital marketing education. With more than ten years of industry experience, they have consistently delivered high-quality education, nurturing a community of proficient digital marketers. Digital Vidya, a prominent professional training company in Asia, has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge skills since its inception in 2009. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, it has solidified its position as the premier choice for professional training in digital marketing across Asia. As a global pioneer in empowering professionals, Digital Vidya have earned a trusted reputation. Delivering digital marketing courses to over 95,000+ individuals from 55+ countries showcase their expertise. When it comes to acquiring cutting-edge digital marketing skills, they are the go-to source you can rely on. Digital Vidya emphasizes practical experience, providing learners with over 140 hours of assignment work and hands-on projects. These assignments are intricately designed to stimulate real-world scenarios, thus preparing students for industry challenges. Coupled with this, they provide intensive placement support to ensure students can seamlessly transition into the professional world. Tools worth INR 72,000+ are also bundled with the digital marketing course. In terms of faculty, Digital Vidya takes pride in a team of 10+ Digital Marketing experts with experience of up to 18+ years. Moreover, their commitment to nurturing the future leaders of digital marketing is reflected in their comprehensive placement support. They have a dedicated placement cell that actively liaises with leading digital marketing companies, facilitating interviews and placements for their students. The success of Digital Vidya is exemplified by the achievements of its alumni, such as Saikat Pradhan, a Senior Business Development Executive at Renaissance. Saikat graciously shares his invaluable experience, highlighting the profound impact of his journey saying: "I had nice experience in Digital Marketing Course. It has good content coverage and I got good support from the Digital Vidya team." Abhinay Patil, a former student and Team Leader at PayTM, shares his experience, stating: "I enjoyed learning a lot of new things in Digital Marketing. Thanks to all my Trainers & Digital Vidyas team."the Expansion into Gurugram: A Strategic Move The expansion into Gurugram with a classroom course is a strategic move by Digital Vidya. Known as the Cyber City of India, Gurugram is home to many tech companies and startups. This creates a demand for skilled digital marketers, which Digital Vidya aims to meet with its high-quality digital marketing course in Gurgaon. The Digital Vidya course is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the digital marketing industry. The classroom courses are specifically tailored for professionals who want to pursue a career in digital marketing. For students, Digital Vidya offers extensive one-to-one learning sessions with experienced digital marketing mentors. This helps them gain the necessary skills and expertise needed to compete in todays job market. An Opportunity for Professionals and Students Alike The Gurugram expansion marks an exciting opportunity for professionals and students alike. It provides a platform for individuals to develop their digital marketing skills and make a mark in the industry. Digital Vidyas courses give individuals a practical platform to start their own businesses and build successful careers in the digital world. The course materials are designed to meet the current industry standards, giving students an edge over others. Many industry leaders rate Digital Vidya highly for its expertise and the quality of its courses. Aparna Lal, Marketing Lead of Global Demand Center, expressed her thoughts on Digital Vidya by saying: Digital Vidya is doing a great job in making everyone digital-ready! Former Director of LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, Virginia Sharma, also expressed: The work Digital Vidya does is very important to help traditional companies and marketers reinvent themselves to become digital. With the Gurugram expansion, more professionals and students can benefit from Digital Vidyas services, giving them a competitive edge in the industry. As the demand for digital marketing professionals increases, they are confident that their courses will provide an invaluable opportunity for individuals to build a successful career in the industry. With quality training and guidance, Digital Vidya is sure to help many aspiring professionals achieve their dreams of becoming a skilled digital marketer. With the Certified Digital Marketing Master [CDMM] Course, and other Certification Courses, Digital Vidya has something for everyone. Whether youre a novice or an experienced professional, you can find the right course to upskill yourself in digital marketing. So dont wait any longer; join Digital Vidya today to take your career to the next level! What Gurugram Residents Can Expect It is an exciting time for Digital Vidya as they expand their reach to Gurugram. Residents of Gurugram can look forward to an extensive range of comprehensive, practical, and industry-relevant training programs offered by Digital Vidya. These courses are meticulously designed to go beyond theoretical knowledge, focusing on equipping students with practical skills that can be readily applied in real-world scenarios. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and industry best practices, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and develop the confidence to excel in their respective fields. Whether it's digital marketing or social media marketing, Digital Vidya provides a holistic learning experience that empowers individuals to thrive in today's competitive landscape. The course will incorporate practical training sessions which include live projects and case studies. Students can expect to acquire essential skills in digital marketing such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, online reputation management, and much more. How Digital Vidya stands out as a Beacon of Leadership and Vision With visionary leaders at the helm, Digital Vidya has established itself as a pioneering force. Their unwavering commitment to staying ahead of the curve and constantly adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape is what makes them truly exceptional. By providing cutting-edge training programs and equipping individuals with invaluable skills, Digital Vidya empowers its students to thrive in this digital age. Pradeep Chopra, a true pioneer in the digital marketing landscape, has been leading the charge in the Internet industry since 2000. With an impressive background, including a degree from IIT Delhi and the prestigious Adobe Content100 award, Chopra's visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the remarkable success of the company. He consistently engages global audiences as a highly sought-after speaker in the fields of Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Kapil Nakra, the esteemed CEO of Digital Vidya, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's state-of-the-art products and groundbreaking delivery methods. Nakra's leadership style reflects simplicity and curiosity, influenced by their impressive background at IIT Delhi and successful entrepreneurial journey. This approach nurtures a culture of innovative thinking and encourages unconventional solutions. With his undeniable passion for entrepreneurship and online marketing, he effortlessly captivates audiences as a frequent speaker at various online marketing conferences and events. In the realm of Digital Vidya, he highlights the following: Digital Vidya is focused on creating and delivering an excellent training environment, making it perfect for students to upskill and get their dream jobs in digital marketing. A Bright Future for Aspirants with Digital Marketing Skills in Gurugram This expansion comes hot on the heels of Digital Vidyas success with its digital marketing course, which has seen thousands of students graduate from it. Now the company is looking to take advantage of Gurugrams vibrant start-up culture and fast-growing tech scene by offering an array of classroom courses in digital marketing. With Digital Vidya's expansion, the future of students with digital marketing skills in Gurugram looks promising. The availability of world-class training will undoubtedly foster a community of proficient digital marketers, ready to contribute to Gurugram's thriving tech scene. The Digital Vidya team is looking forward to bringing the best-in-class training and resources to the Gurugram digital marketing aspirants community, providing them with unparalleled access to learn from industry experts. As the tech-savvy generation embarks on their professional journey in Gurugram, Digital Vidya's expansion is a timely boon. The availability of top-notch digital marketing training right at their doorstep opens doors to countless opportunities. The course also promises a platform for individuals to network with like-minded professionals, further enhancing the digital marketing community. There's an air of anticipation as Digital Vidya spreads its wings in Gurugram. The company's ambition to bring the best digital marketing training to the city is not only a testament to its commitment to education but is also an investment in the city's future as a digital hub. Gurugram, brace yourself for an exciting digital revolution! (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], September 6: HarperCollins is delighted to announce the upcoming publication of the keenly anticipated companion volume to DHARMA, which has been a bestseller since its release. IDOLS, by Amish Tripathi and Bhavna Roy, is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the practice of murti puja or idol worshipping, as some call it and its deep relevance in the spiritual lives of religious people in India and around the globe. In ancient times, much of the world practised idol-worshipping, such as the Greco-Romans, Pharaonic Egyptians, Celts, Vikings, etc. but murti puja has faced severe intellectual and violent attacks over the last centuries, with the result that it has been wiped out from most parts of the world. Idol-worshipping cultures had their temples destroyed, their universities burnt to the ground, their people scattered. India is among the last surviving cultures that still practices murti puja, a spiritual path that is deeply philosophical and intuitively liberal. Scheduled for release on 16 October, IDOLS weaves together well-loved stories from ancient traditions and simple explanations of religious philosophy from across the world in the form of a spirited conversation between a group of family and friends with a range of perspectives. It makes for an illuminating read for fans of spirituality and mythology, and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of religion and its history on a global level. Author Amishsays,"I had the privilege of being brought up in a deeply traditional family. But one that was also deeply liberal. If you understand the principles of murti puja, you will know that this is not a contradiction, for with this path of spirituality you can be both traditional and liberal at the same time. Through this book, Bhavnadidi and I are sharing what we learnt from our family, and through our reading, about why we are such proudmurti pujaks." Author Bhavna Roysays,"We live in a time when breakdown of traditions and communities, constant noise caused by technology, and environmental instability with climate change, are all combining to create a perfect storm. We have all kinds of material comforts, but the minds are full of chaos, stress and even depression. Harking back to an ancient spiritual way of life can offer solace, hope and the possibility of respectful harmony. With this book, Amish and I want to share some of our learnings about symbolism and loving devotion. We hope it finds resonance with you." Poulomi Chatterjee, Publisher at HarperCollins India,says,"The practice of idol worship has incited controversy, invited intrigue and fascinated people over millennia. InIDOLS, Amish and Bhavna give readers clear-eyed perspectives on the topic while also regaling them with wonderful stories from mythologies across the world's ancient cultures, narrated with tremendous flair. We're delighted to be publishing a book that will be an enduring and invaluable resource for understanding more deeply the significance of different faiths and religious practices, as well as our individual inner spiritual lives." ABOUTIDOLS Why do people worship idols? Why does idol worship stubbornly persist despite many centuries of prejudice, bigotry and violence against it? Can such worship help us find our true purpose in life and ultimately attain peace and prosperity? InIDOLS, a companion volume to the bestsellingDharma,yourfavourite fictional characters are back, along with some new ones, to explore the essence and true meaning of murti puja. In this insightful and thought-provoking book, Amish and Bhavna tackle burning questions about idol worship through simple, varied and astute interpretations of myths and religious texts. They unearth the symbolic essence ofIshta Devata, dive into the benefits ofbhaktiand tackle the importance of religion for people and society. In the process, they reveal the expansive philosophy behind the practice and how it can lead us to experienceintellectually, ideologically and, most importantly, in our heartsthe Oneness of God, through transformation, acceptance and love. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Amishis a 1974-born, IIM (Kolkata)-educated banker-turned-author. The success of his debut book,The Immortals of Meluha(Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up his career in financial services to focus on writing. Besides being an author, he is also an Indian-government diplomat, a host for TV documentaries, and a film producer. Amish is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy, finding beauty and meaning in all world religions. His books have sold more than 7 million copies and have been translated into over 20 languages. His Shiva Trilogy is the fastest-selling and his Ram Chandra Series the second-fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. You can connect with Amish here: * www.facebook.com/authoramish * www.instagram.com/authoramish * www.twitter.com/authoramish Bhavna Roywas educated in Mussoorie, Pune and Mumbai. After graduating in psychology from Mumbai University, she qualified for the Indian Administrative Services. Having trained partly at the LBSNAA, she quit and then worked first as a volunteer in a school for special children in Malegaon, and then in an NGO in Nashik called SOS. She is the wife of the late Himanshu Roy IPS. She lives in Mumbai. ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS INDIA HarperCollins is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, having begun publishing in India in 1992. HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian Subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live!Award, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India has won the Publisher of the Year Award four times at Tata Literature Live!in 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2016, and at Publishing Next in 2021 & 2015. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers. For more information, please contact: Shabnam Srivastava,shabnam.srivastava@harpercollins.co.in Logo:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2105077/4254392/HarperCollins_Logo.jpg (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Actors Vishal Krishna Reddy, Adhik Ravichandran and Director SJ Suryah attended the trailer launch of their upcoming action film Mark Antony in Mumbai on Wednesday. Sharing his excitement for the movie Vishal told ANI, The South Indian film called Mark Anthony is already creating a big buzz. We have launched the Hindi trailer and are looking forward to releasing the movie on September 15th in other South Indian languages and the dubbed version will be released on September 22 in the Hindi language. He added, Mark Anthony is a science fiction and time travel film. It is a period film. It is interesting to see how it unfolds all the surprises. Even Surya sir is doing dual roles of father and son. Suryah said, The film has a very challenging role because it includes dual roles and different timelines like 1995, 1965, and 1975. By changing the past we make changes in future too, so this is very challenging and interesting. Though its a dual role it feels like you are doing five roles. Adhik said, I always want to change a few things in my past so we couldn't do that in real. So, I thought what If he gets a phone like this and you know changes that happened in past will reflect in future? That was the main idea of the movie then I brought into gangsters and all those things that will keep the audience entertained. Meanwhile, Vishal took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the poster of the movie. He wrote, After the stupendous response for the#MarkAntonyTrailerin both Tamil & Telugu by one & all worldwide, I am speechless & completely indebted to the Love showered & so happy to welcome you all to the#WorldOfMarkAntony. This is what inspires not just me but the entire team to experiment on new genres confidently & the entire team is charged up for the release of South languages on Sep 15 & Hindi on Sep 22. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw1xmH9xVYr/?hl=en He added, Now leaving no stones unturned, we kick-started promotions in Mumbai yesterday and now its time to launch the #MarkAntonyHindiTrailer. Vishal plays both the father and the son in Mark Antony. Suneel, Selvaraghavan, Ritu, and other actors also appear in the movie. (ANI)
On Wednesday, Akshay took to Instagram and unveiled the motion poster of the film, which is inspired by the heroic act of Late Shri Jaswant Singh Gill, who led a daring rescue of trapped minors in a coal mine.

The motion poster offers a peek into the gripping rescue operation that unfolded when miners found themselves trapped in a coal mine, 350 feet deep. Akshay portrays the character of the Late Jaswant Singh Gill, who saved the trapped minors in a hair-raising operation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw2ew8vtXUt/?img_index=1

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw2Zk_Pt7GB/

"Heroes don't wait for medals to do what's right! Watch the story of Bharat's true hero with #MissionRaniganj in cinemas on 6th October. Teaser out tomorrow," Akshay captioned the post.

Mission Raniganj is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh and Ajay Kapoor.

Parineeti Chopra will essay the role of the female lead in the film.

The name change of Akshay's next adds further grist to Opposition claims that the Centre was planning to formally table a proposal in the upcoming Special Session of Parliament from September 18 to 22, to change the country's name from 'India' to 'Bharat'. (ANI)
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday held a key meeting with doctors, paramedical officers and healthcare workers deployed to take care of the health of foreign guests during the G20 summit. Bharadwaj warned them of strict action in case of any negligence or misconduct. "Once again, a significant responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Delhi's Health Department. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of the foreign delegates attending the G20 Summit," the minister Bharadwaj was quoted as saying in the statement. Minister Bharadwaj stated that this isn't just about the healthcare system; it's a matter of our country's reputation. "Any form of misconduct will not be tolerated, and it will be dealt with severely," he said. Addressing the doctors, the minister said that since the G20 summit is being held in Delhi, the government's responsibility is even greater compared to other governments. During the meeting, Bharadwaj advised all the doctors and healthcare workers to work diligently and fulfil their responsibilities with dedication. The meeting saw the participation of over 150 doctors including senior resident anaesthesia specialists. The Secretary of Health, Director General of Health Services, and on special duty (OSD) Health were also present at the meeting. Minister Bharadwaj explained that everyone will be required to work in shifts to ensure the proper care of the incoming foreign delegates. He emphasized the importance of working diligently in their respective shifts to ensure the well-being of both the staff and the health of the foreign guests, the statement added. The statement informed that the queries raised during the meeting were addressed by Minister Bharadwaj who impressed upon the healthcare workers to show the same dedication and passion as during the COVID-19 pandemic "He stated that we cannot tolerate any negligence in healthcare arrangements, warning of a strict action against those found negligent," the statement added. (ANI)
"This illicit cargo was being clandestinely transported in 17 Shaktiman trucks through the General Area Sangka Lok Nala track, perilously close to the international border on the Indian side," Assam Rifles said in a statement.

"Assam Rifles, operating diligently along the Indo-Myanmar border, achieved a significant breakthrough in curbing the illegal smuggling of Areca Nuts (Supari)," the statement added.

The team received intelligence inputs about the movement of contraband items in Manipur's Kamjong district between August 26 and 31.

Following this, Assam Rifles launched a strategic operation in the suspected area.

"Technical surveillance was mounted and 958 bags filled with illicit areca nuts were recovered during the search operation. The estimated value of the seized items is approximately Rs 10.848 crores in the international market," the statement added.

"The Assam Rifles intercepted this smuggling operation and confiscated both the 958 bags of Areca Nuts and the 17 Shaktiman vehicles involved," it added.

The seized goods were handed over to the Forest Department in Kamjong for further legal proceedings. (ANI)
The national capital is all decked up to welcome the delegates for the G20 Summit that will be held on September 9-10. Visuals from Dhaula Kuan show exquisite lightning with the G20 theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" as well as the Life Size Vighnaharta sculpture at the trijunction in front of the Dhaula Kuan Metro Station on NH-48. The Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan - the main venue of this gala event, has been illuminated and decorated with plants, flowers and other festive items. A 28-foot-tall Nataraja statue also seemed gleaming at night. Meanwhile, Delhi Police continued its vehicle checking drive on the second consecutive day in the national capital in the wake of the G20 Summit. Surprise checks were conducted at Yusuf Sarai between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday. Police personnel were seen conducting thorough inspections by halting vehicles. The Delhi Police started conducting vehicle checking at India Gate and other parts of the city between Monday night and early hours on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a paramilitary force along with a senior officer of Delhi Police has been deployed at Tilak Bridge in the national capital ahead of the G20 summit. They were deployed as a precautionary move as Khalistani elements had threatened to deface properties in the area. Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Police Special Commissioner, Law and Order Dependra Pathak said that G20 was a prestigious summit and the Delhi police are confident that law and order arrangements would be flawless. G20 is a prestigious summit. It is a matter of pride for India and Delhi. Delhi police have the focused responsibility of safety, security, law and order. We are taking it as a challenge. We are planning it with professional excellence and executing it on the ground. We are doing rehearsals for it. For the summit area, certain segments of Delhi police are focused, Delhi Police Special Commissioner, Law and Order Dependra Pathak said while speaking to reporters. India is all set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country. (ANI)
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with the concerned departments to prepare the winter action plan against pollution. The officials of the Environment Department and DPCC were present at the meeting. The Delhi Government has started preparing the winter action plan for the coming days against pollution. In the last nine years, Particulate Matter (PM)10 levels fell by 42 per cent, and PM2.5 by 46 per cent. This is the massive success of the Delhi Governments efforts to curb pollution," Gopal Rai said after the meeting. Gopal Rai further said that the Government will organize an Environmental Experts Meet regarding the Winter Action Plan at the Delhi Secretariat on September 12. "Along with this, a review meeting with representatives from all 28 involved departments will be convened on September 14. And a collective action plan will be created around the predetermined emphasis topics. The key goal of the government this year will be to control pollution through public engagement," he said. Gopal Rai said that this year's Winter Action Plan will be based on main focus points such as stubble and garbage burning, vehicular and dust pollution, hotspots, dialogue with the central government and neighbouring states, green war room and green apps etc. He further said that the Government will organize an 'Environmental Experts Meet' regarding the Winter Action Plan at the Delhi Secretariat on September 12. In this, the suggestions given by experts will be included in the Winter Action Plan. Many major agencies are working inside Delhi, which have different roles. On September 14, it has been decided to hold a joint meeting with all 28 of these departments. The meeting will include all senior representatives from the Environment Department, DPCC, MCD, NDMC, Cantonment Board, NHAI, Revenue, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Fire Services, DTC, DMRC, DIMTS, Horticulture, DSIIDC, GAD, Power Dept, DDA, CPWD, PWD, Traffic Police, Education, Industry, Forest, I&FC, UD, DUSIB, Transport Department, and Development Department etc. The major goal of this meeting is to create a coordinated action plan in the fight against Delhi's pollution. Based on the key points outlined in the Winter Action Plan, specific responsibilities will be given to various departments during the meeting scheduled for September 14, he said. Gopal Rai also said that in view of the G-20 Summit, the Environment Department has been instructed to keep a special watch on the hot spots. Gopal Rai said that under the Winter Action Plan, an immediate and long-term plan will be made and implemented. (ANI)
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday questioned the motive behind the Central government calling a special session of Parliament saying that the country does not know the speciality of this 'Special Session'. "...Why has this special session of Parliament been called? There has been no explanation from the Centre yet. After 12-13 days a Special Session is being held in the Parliament and the country does not know the speciality of this Special Session," Gaurav Gogoi said speaking to reporters after attending the INDIA alliance's meeting at the residence of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Speaking about their demand from the government, Gogoi said, "Our demand is that the BJP should show some transparency and should tell the people of the country about the agenda of this special session" Expressing optimism about the unity of opposition partners in the INDIA alliance, the Congress MP said, "BJP is scared seeing the unity of the INDIA alliance. Noticing our unity,people have a new hope for us." Congress MP Pramod Tiwari who was also in the INDIA Bloc Floor Leaders meeting demanded the agenda of the Special Session of the Parliament. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Tiwari said, "...Have you ever seen such a government that does not have a dialogue with the opposition and calls for a week-long special session of the Parliament? "I want to know the topic of this special session. Why have they called this session? Is it agenda-less? Where will we sit? It is our right to know the agenda," he added. The Congress MP also said that all the opposition parties will come up with a common agenda ahead of the Special Session which will be put forward to the people. "All the opposition parties will put forth our agenda before you," Tiwari said. Speaking on the 'India versus Bharat' controversy which has triggered a political storm in the country, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is scared because the opposition bloc has named their alliance INDIA. "After we named our alliance INDIA, BJP is scared. Now they have dropped the name. Soon, after the elections, they will drop their power and leave India to us to rule the country," Tiruchi Siva said speaking to reporters after the INDIA bloc's Floor leaders meeting. Speaking about the INDIA bloc Floor leaders meeting, DMK MP TR Baalu said, "...We have discussed the matter. They are taking up each and every matter together. The letter will finally be sent to the Prime Minister." 24 parties of the INDIA Bloc have agreed to participate in the special session of the Parliament scheduled to begin on September 18. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of these 24 parties, sources said. This decision was taken at a meeting of INDIA Bloc floor leaders. The Floor Leaders of the INDIA alliance's parties meeting was held at the residence of Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday evening. Issues that will be raised by the opposition parties in the Special Session of the Parliament were also finalised in the meeting. These issues will be given in writing to the government through the CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said sources. (ANI)
Noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpings absence will not cast a shadow on the G20 Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said there have been presidents or Prime Ministers who for some reason have chosen not to come for global meetings and that country's position is reflected by the representative present on the occasion. In an exclusive interview with ANI ahead of the G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10, Jaishankar said India has a responsibility of the G20 Presidency in a difficult world that is facing the impacts of COVID-19, Ukraine conflict, climate change, debt, north-south divide and sharper east-west polarization and the effort is to find common ground. Jaishankar said India has a reputation of being a very constructive player and has a lot of goodwill and noted that everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness. Not really. I think at different points of time in G20 there have been some presidents or prime ministers who for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves but that country, and that country's position is obviously reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion. So, you had some occasions where you had a president or two, sometimes three, who have not themselves come. My sense from talking to the ministers, certainly, and I know the Sherpas are in touch with each other, they are right now trying to hammer out the final document. I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness, he said. Jaishankar was asked if President Putin and President Xi not being present will cast a shadow on the New Delhi G20 Summit being held on September 9 and 10. I do not think it has anything to do with India. I. I think whatever decision they make, they would know best, Jaishankar said in response to another query. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that Premier Li Qiang will attend the 18thG20Summit in New Delhi. It gave no reason for Xi Jinping's absence from the summit. President Putin in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month had conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi and informed that Russia would be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Asked about any impact on the outcome of the summit, Jaishankar said that the issues being taken up are not new. I would put it this way, the issues are there. These are not issues that are this morning being taken up, I mean there is a whole gestation period of eight-nine months, where at different levels ministers or officials have tried to progress an issue. So, this is like a culmination. These are really about 16-18 processes which are all coming together to be stitched up together to produce a summit, he said. Well, we are negotiating right now. As I said the negotiation is not...the clock did not start ticking yesterday, the clock has been ticking for some time, so typically what happens is there is a ministerial meeting. Then a ministerial meeting produces outcomes, he added. Asked about consensus building and what will India see as a win-win situation, Jaishankar said it is just not a matter of India seeing something. Today the expectations of the world are very high in terms of what the G20 is able to produce and produce in terms of meeting the challenges of the world. So, if you were to go to Africa, go to Latin America, go to parts of Asia, go to the Caribbean, and go to the Pacific, everybody is today saying, okay I have a certain set of issues. I have a debt problem, I have a trade problem, I have a health access problem, I have a green development resourcing problem. So, what will the G20 do for me? So, the world is waiting, he said. He said there are a lot of issues for G20 and one of the important messages is to focus on Global South. You are going to get really a mix of issues that the world is looking at and a lot of this, the burden is on the Global South, on developing countries. So, one very important message for us is focus on the Global South. But there is a larger context. The context is of a very turbulent global environment, the impact of COVID, impact of the Ukraine conflict, issues like debt which have carried on for some time and by the way climate disruptions which are today affecting the economy as well, he said. (ANI)
A case has been registered by the police in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district, where a brother and sister were brutally beaten by the locals, mistaking them for lovers. The incident took place on the day of Raksha Bandhan (August 31). The boy identified as Atul Chaudhary, along with his sister, went to the police station and registered a case under the IPC and SC/ST Act against the three accused. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with many claiming that the accused belongs to the right-wing Hindu organization, Bajrang Dal. The city's superintendent, however, has clarified that there is no concrete evidence to prove that the accused have any link with the Bajrang Dal and the complaint filed with the police has no mention of their association with any organisation. The police said that the investigation into the matter is underway and action will be taken accordingly. Speaking to ANI, the City Superintendent of Police said, "Those accused are lined up with the Bajrang Dal on social media, but it is completely wrong. Till now, there has been no information about their any connection with Bajrang Dal." He further said that the complaint filed with the police has no mention of the involvement of Bajrang Dal. The victim, Atul Chowdhary, and the girl were standing at a chaat-tikiya shop near the temple located on Satai Road; they were assaulted there by the accused, on which the police have registered a case," he said, adding, "The video of the incident is circulating on social media, but I want to clarify that it has nothing to do with any political party or organization. The matter is being investigated." (ANI)
The protestors held a rolling protest at Sanjay Circle where visuals showed the protestors lying and rolling on the street.

Pro-Kannada organisations had earlier staged a protest by standing in the Cauvery water near Srirangapatna, Mandya on Monday.

The protestors were demanding to stop the Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) passed an interim order asking Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily for the next 15 days.

Earlier on Thursday, the Cauvery Water Management Authority filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court stating that a meeting was held and after that, Karnataka fulfilled the directions of CWMA by releasing a total of 1,49,898 cusec of water at Biligundulu from August 12 to August 26.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had said that it doesnt possess any expertise on this issue and sought a report from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on the quantum of release made by Karnataka.

The matter has been a controversial issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades and they have been locked in battle over the sharing of water from the Cauvery river, which is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in the region. The Centre formed the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on June 2, 1990, to adjudicate disputes between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry with respect to the water-sharing capacities. (ANI)
As an invitation sent out to G20 world leaders for a dinner organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan has caused quite a stir, the Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary has also slammed the Centre over its move and said that this is the first step towards changing the Constitution of the country. Speaking to ANI, Adhir Ranjan alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is scared of the word India since the Opposition bloc-- the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance was formed. The Congress leader further said that the government should immediately abandon the President's House if they have a problem with British rule. Why did you not say 'Mahamahim of Bharat'; why did you write 'President of Bharat'? I feel that they (BJP) are scared of the word 'India'. Since the INDIA bloc has been formed, PM's hate towards 'INDIA' has increased. If the BJP has so much of a problem with the British rule, they should immediately abandon the Rashtrapati Bhavan because this was the viceroy house earlier, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said on Tuesday. He also asked the Central government to change the word Hindu too if they want to change everything related to outsiders. Will you not say Khelo India, Start-up India and Make in India from now? We do not have any problem with the word 'Bharat'. I just want to suggest that they (the BJP) should change the word Hindu first because it was also given by foreigners and the word India was derived from it. Don't try to be revolutionary. All these are the signs to change the Constitution. They want to change the first article of the Constitution that says- India that is Bharat, he added. The Lok Sabha MP further suggested that the people of the country should decide whether there should be two names for the nation or as many as they want. This should not be decided only by a few people. People of the country should be included in the process; they should decide whether they want two names for the country, one or many more, he added. Notably, this is the first time that the government has used the 'Republic of Bharat' instead of India on an official invitation. A government booklet on PM Modis upcoming visit to Indonesia for the ASEAN-India Summit also refers to him as the Prime Minister of Bharat. The move, however, has stirred a huge controversy as leaders from Congress and other parties have strongly opposed it, while the ruling dispensation has welcomed the decision. The leaders of the INDIA bloc have claimed that the BJP is nervous about the popularity being garnered by the Opposition parties ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Bihar again on September 16 in Jhanjharpur in the Madhubani district, under 'Lok Sabha Pravas' Programme ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024. A senior leader of Bihar BJP told ANI that the Union Home Minister will arrive in Bihar on September 16 and address huge public meetings in Jhanjharpur under the 'Lok Sabha Pravas' Programme and inform the people about the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in 9 Years. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also chair the meeting of Lok Sabha Core Committee and almost all top leaders of Bihar BJP including state BJP President Samrat Choudhary and MoS Home Nityanand Rai are likely to be present in the meeting including district President of Party," Bihar BJP Sources told ANI. BJP sources further said, "During Bihar visit Union Home Minister will inaugurate the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Indo-Nepal Border at Jogbani". Union Home Minister during his Bihar visit will also inaugurate the SSB battalion headquarters 8 km away from Jogbani through remote control. In August 2022, Nitish Kumar quit NDA in Bihar and joined hands with the Grand Alliance (Mahagathabandhan) and these days he is playing an instrumental role in uniting opposition against the Narendra Modi government in the Centre. This will be Shahs sixth visit to the state in one year since his party was ousted from power in the state in August 2022. Last year, Amit Shah visited Punia which is considered to be the capital of the Seemanchal region. Later, in October, he visited Sitab Diara, the birthplace of socialist veteran Jai Prakash Narayan. In February this year, he visited Valmakinagar and Patna and addressed Kisan Samagam organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of peasant leader Sahajanand Saraswati in Patna, in a bid to woo the Bhumihar community that he came from. On April 2, 2023, Shah visited the state fourth time and addressed a public meeting in Nawada and cancelled the program of Rohtas (Sasaram ) in view of violence in the area. Last time Union Home Minister Shah arrived in Bihar on June 29, and addressed a mega-rally at Lakhisarai in Munger Lok Sabha constituency which is the home turf of JDU President and Lok Sabha MP Lalan Singh. (ANI)
Raut, while speaking to media persons here confirmed that the meeting will be held at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence in the national capital.

The first meeting of the Coordination Committee of the INDIA alliance will be held on September 13 at Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar's residence in New Delhi, Raut said.

Opposition bloc INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) in its third meeting in Mumbai on September 1 announced a 14-member coordination committee.

The names of 13 members have been announced; however, the name of one person is yet to be revealed. The Opposition has yet to choose a convener.

The 14-member committee includes KC Venugopal (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), TR Baalu (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sanjay Raut (SS), Tejasvi Yadav (RJD), Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), Raghav Chaddha (AAP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Lallan Singh (JD(U)), D Raja (CPI), Omar Abdullah (NC), Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) and one leader is from the CPI(M) that will give the name later.

However, speaking about the special session of the Parliament to be held from September 18-21, Sanjay Raut asked the Centre about the agenda of the session.

Why has the government suddenly called a special session? Sessions are called in exceptional circumstances. Is this a wedding? Is Modi's birthday being celebrated? It is BJP's farewell function. What exactly is the agenda? the leader added. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra has blamed the Congress for the stone pelting incident on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Neemuch district. Notably, the stone pelting incident occurred on the Yatra in the Manasa assembly constituency in Neemuch district on Tuesday. Vehicles were also vandalised in the incident. Former CM Kamal Nath had said earlier that stone pelting like Manipur could happen here, he was doing the work of provocation. Former CM and Rajya Sabha MP from Congress Digvijaya Singh had also given the example of Haryanas Nuh, he was trying to provoke, Mishra told reporters on Wednesday. The seven people on whom the FIR has been registered in connection with the incident are associated with the Congress, he alleged. Congress is slowly moving towards despair and hopelessness, so naturally, it will resort to this kind of tactics. The people of the state should understand that Congress has made this mistake before and is making the same mistake again, Mishra said. Earlier, state BJP chief VD Sharma also blamed the Congress for the attack. I have received information that stones were pelted on the Yatra by Congress goons from the hills and behind trees. This is not only unfortunate or condemnable but it is also a serious crime," Sharma told ANI on Tuesday. State BJP chief alleged that Congress committed this act as it is "nervous" about the fact that Jan Ashirwad Yatra is getting "so much support from the public." "They have attacked the yatra in a planned manner. They will not be spared. Vehicles were damaged (in the stone pelting). Our 'Rath' was damaged," he said. Earlier, the BJP decided to organise five "Jan Ashirwad Yatra" in the state in the run-up to the assembly elections later this year in Madhya Pradesh. BJP said that a total of 10,543 kilometres will be covered in all five Jan Ashirwad Yatra spread across all 230 assembly constituencies in the state. Meanwhile, talking about the upcoming state assembly elections, the home minister said, No party is in the situation to harm BJP. In 20 years no party has got a higher share of votes than us. Last time, Congress got 4-7 more seats than us, but we got a higher share of votes. (ANI)
Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Pawar and Fadnavis were spotted leaving Chief Minister Shindes residence early this morning. The meeting was held amid the current protests in the state over the demand of reservation for the Maratha community in education and jobs. Although the Maharashtra government issued an apology on Monday for the lathi charge on protestors in Jalna, the opposition has been pressurizing the government on the issue demanding Shinde's resignation. "Lathicharge by police was not right... I am apologising on behalf of the Government. CM has said that the action will be taken against those who are responsible for it," said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shiva Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray had yesterday taken a jibe at the shameless Maharashtra government. "I had gone to Jalna to meet protesters...This state government is 'shameless'...They have brutally beaten everyone including women...Now they are not taking responsibility and playing the blame game. This government is sending the message that if anyone protests for justice we will break their head," Thackeray said. On September 2, Thackeray had visited Jalna and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give reservations to Marathas during the special session of Parliament to be held on September 18. The meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet sub-committee on Maratha Reservation was held on Monday to discuss the issue of the Maratha reservation and lathi charge on protestors. Both Shinde and deputy chief ministers- Pawar and Fadnavis- were present at the meeting. On Friday, a clash had broken out between police and protesters in Jalna who were demanding reservation for the Marathas. Police had resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the protesters. (ANI)
As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, amid the controversy over using 'Bharat' instead of 'India', asked everybody to read the Constitution, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Wednesday said that the Foreign Minister should read history. The Congress leader said that the External Affairs Minister is asking to read the Constitution but I would suggest that he should read the history. This comes after EAM Jaishankar in an exclusive interview with ANI, which aired on Wednesday, reacted to the ongoing controversy that was triggered after Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 on behalf of 'President of Bharat'. Indiathat isBharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar said. The minister was asked about the opposition parties reaction and if the government is going to reposition India as Bharat coinciding with the G20 summit. Look when you sayBharatin a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, Jaishankar said. Responding to this, Congress leader Tiwari said, "...There have been bills and debates on it... The Foreign Minister is asking to read the Constitution but I would suggest that he should read history... I would say that you have given a cowardly statement on China from the country's leadership... We have been saying that whoever wants to use 'Bharat', should use it... We reacted when one of your MPs said that Bharat should stay, and India should be removed..." Opposition parties have alleged that the government was resorting to drama just because they got together and called their bloc as INDIA. BJP leaders have strongly supported the move by the government. Union MinisterDharmendra Pradhanposted on X a picture of the dinner invite to him from the President and wrote a few lines from the national anthem. "This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. 'Bharat' is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to 'Bharat'. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset," the minister told ANI. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh made a series of posts on the issue. So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9th in the name of 'President ofBharat' instead of the usual 'President ofIndia'. Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that wasIndia, shall be a Union of States. But now even this Union of States is under assault, he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Congress leader accused the Modi government of trying to distort history and said BHARAT is objective of INDIA parties. It is BHARATBring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT Jeetega INDIA!, Jairam Ramesh said. (ANI)
"In a swift anti-poaching operation, the Indian Coast Guard confiscated approximately 71 kg sea cucumbers near Uchipuli sea shore and handed over the seized contraband to the forest department for legal formalities," officials of the Indian Coast Guard said.

In May this year, Rameshwaram Coastal Security Group police seized 550 kg of banned sea cucumbers from a house at Serangottai village on the Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi route, officials said.

Rameshwar Coastal Security Group Police Inspector Kanagaraj received a tip-off that government-banned sea cucumbers were being boiled in a house at Serangottai village on the Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi route.

"During a thorough search in the area, it was revealed that there were about 550 kg of government-banned sea cucumbers lying in the oven inside the house of S Lingam. The sea cucumbers were seized," the official said.

Sea cucumbers are essential for the marine ecosystem as they consume decomposing organic matter and convert it into recyclable nutrients for other marine life. (ANI)
The special session of Parliament will start in the old building on September 18 and will be later moved to the new building on September 19 on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, sources said. The Centre has called for a special session of Parliament for five days between September 18 and 22. Meanwhile, 24 parties of the INDIA bloc have agreed to participate in the special session of the Parliament scheduled to begin on September 18. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of these 24 parties, sources said. This decision was taken at a meeting of INDIA bloc floor leaders. The meeting of floor leaders of the INDIA bloc parties was held at the residence of Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Monday evening. Issues that will be raised by the opposition parties in the Special Session of the Parliament were also finalised in the meeting. These issues will be given in writing to the government through the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said sources. Earlier last week, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi informed about the five-day special session of Parliament from September 18-22. The agenda for the special session, has however not been revealed yet. The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which concluded last month, was held in the old Parliament building. The announcement of the special session came as a surprise in political circles with the parties gearing up for assembly polls in five states later this year. (ANI)
After several political parties waded into the row erupted over the Rashtrapati Bhawan sending out invites for a G20 dinner on September 9 in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India', Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi National President Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday said that the Opposition could have ignored the issue instead of raising the issue unnecessarily. Speaking to ANI, Ambedkar said that constitutionally, there is nothing wrong with using Bharat instead of India. "Article 1 of the Constitution says that India that is Bharat--means India is also there and Bharat is also there. So this is foolishness on the part of the Opposition party to raise the issue when the Constitution itself has accepted both India and Bharat. Constitutionally, there is no wrong in it. They (Opposition) should have ignored this issue, Ambedkar said. He further that it only depends on the government in power whether to use India or Bharat. The row erupted over the issue of India and Bharat with the members of the Opposition INDIA bloc from the Congress to TMC, DMK to AAP alleging it was an attempt by the rattled BJP to divide people and later linked to the formation of their alliance. Notably, this is the first time that the government has used the 'Republic of Bharat' instead of India on an official invitation. A government booklet on PM Modis upcoming visit to Indonesia for the ASEAN-India Summit also refers to him as the Prime Minister of Bharat. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh made a series of posts on the issue on Tuesday. So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'. Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States. But now even this Union of States is under assault, he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Congress leader accused the Modi government of trying to distort history and said BHARAT is the objective of INDIA parties. It is BHARATBring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT Jeetega INDIA!, Jairam Ramesh said. Further, speaking on the Maratha reservation stir, Prakash Ambedkar said, It is related to the year 1920 when Baba Saheb (Bhim Rao Ambedkar) himself had said that Maratha should get a reservation when he submitted a memorandum to Simon Commission. Now, there are two groups in Maratha out of which one wants reservation while another does not want. Now, the class of poor Maratha has increased a lot, therefore they have become more vocal about it and asking for a reservation. (ANI)
Replying to the letter, written by Telangana Chief Minister KCR's daughter, K Kavitha, to her over the Women's Reservation Bill, YSRTP chief YS Sharmila on Wednesday said that the BRS itself did not allocate over 5 per cent tickets to women candidates in any given election since the formation of the state. This came a day after the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Tuesday wrote a letter to the chiefs of all 47 political parties including YS Sharmila, calling upon them to set aside political differences and prioritise the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the upcoming special session of Parliament. In a reply to K Kavitha, YSR Telangana Party chief YS Sharmila urged her to bring change on the home turf first before covering the country. "While I acknowledge the receipt of the letter from you, in which you sought my support for the Womens Reservation Bill, I fail to understand how you can take this fight to the national platform, without doing justice to women in Telangana.In the three successive Assembly elections or since the formation of Telangana State, your party did not allocate more than 5 per cent of tickets to women candidates. This is a glaring irony that the daughter of a chief minister does not question her father over this gross underrepresentation of women in the State Assembly, as well as in his cabinet, but will wage a relentless battle in Delhi. I think the first step to prove your sincerity on this issue must be towards ensuring more women representation in the Telangana Assembly," Sharmila wrote. "As a woman, I stand for increased representation of women in the State Assemblies and in the Parliament. I at the same time, cannot be a part of your larger political game well-timed to reap electoral benefits. However, I offer to support you in this cause, if you take up the issue and impress upon your father to begin this exercise immediately in the state. We are sure this is possible and easier to implement for your government. So, win on the home turf first, and then cover the country," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, in a separate letter to the presidents of political parties including Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda, Akhilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party, DMK's MK Stalin, NCP's Sharad Pawar, Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge, YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kavitha urged them to recognise the urgency of this matter and throw their weight behind the Women's Reservation Bill. Earlier in March this year, she sat on a hunger strike demanding the tabling and passing of the Women's Reservation Bill and has been engaging with political parties and civil society organisations across India to escalate the demand for the Bill. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reacted over the stone pelting incident on Bharatiya Janata Party's Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Neemuch district and said instructions were given for probe into the matter. Notably, the stone pelting incident occurred on the Yatra in the Manasa assembly constituency in Neemuch district on Tuesday. Vehicles were also vandalised in the incident. CM Chouhan on Wednesday told reporters in Indore, BJPs Jan Ashirwad Yatra is geeting the peoples blessings. Seeing this, the Congress is frustrated, former CM Kamal Nath was already talking about stones pelting, and this (the Neemuch incident) created many doubts. Whoever has done such an incident, whoever it may be, we have given instructions for investigation and action will also be taken into it." He added, I want to tell the Congress that they are adopting such (stone pelting) tactics, they will not get success in this. BJP is going to win with a huge majority in the upcoming state assembly polls slated later this year. Madhya Pradeshs politics has been decent, don't adopt such tactics. Meanwhile, speaking on the India-Bharat name row, Chouhan said, Bharat is Bharat. It was Bharat and will remain Bharat. Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra has blamed the Congress for the stone pelting incident. Former CM Kamal Nath had said earlier that stone pelting like Manipur could happen here, he was doing the work of instigating for the past month. Former CM and Rajya Sabha MP from Congress Digvijaya Singh had also given the example of Haryanas Nuh, he was trying to provoke, Mishra told reporters on Wednesday. The seven people on whom the FIR has been registered and have been arrested in connection with the incident are associated with the Congress, he alleged. Congress is slowly moving towards despair and hopelessness, so naturally, it will resort to this kind of tactics. The people of the state should understand that Congress has made this mistake before and is making the same mistake again, Mishra said. (ANI)
A group of candidates staged a half-naked demonstration over backlog recruitments in agriculture department in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district on Wednesday. The protestors were demanding that recruitment should be made to the posts of rural agriculture extension officer and equivalent posts in the agriculture department. They reached the collectorate office half-naked with placards in their hands in the form of a rally. The police asked the protestors to put on their clothes, after which they put on the clothes. National President of Agri Ankuran Welfare Association, Radhe Jat said, There is a demand regarding backlog recruitment. 227 posts were issued in 2015 but that exam was cancelled after that no recruitment was done. In 2020, backlog recruitment was done on 24 posts but 203 posts are still vacant. He further said that exams were held in 2022 and 2023 for the recruitment in the agriculture department whose results would be released soon so these 203 posts should also be added to the recruitments. Mama (CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan) is taking out Jan Ashirwad Yatra but here SC-ST candidates are going out half naked, we want to say that Mamas Jan Ashirwad Yatra is fake. We also met Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel several times but he is also giving false assurances, Jat said. He added that they reached the collectorate and gave a memorandum in this regard. If no action was taken in 10 days then they would take out a foot march from Indore to Bhopal. (ANI)
The Union government has decided to set up a Turmeric board and a Turmeric processing unit in North Telangana soon. According to top sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led Union government is planning to fulfill a long pending demand of the Telangana turmeric farmers with an eye on the upcoming state assembly polls. As Nizamabad is one of the countrys largest producers of turmeric, this fulfilment of the 2019 poll promise by the BJP will surely strengthen the party in North Telangana ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, the sources said. Earlier this week, Nizamabad BJP MP Arvind Dharmapuri met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Home Minister's residence in Delhi. In a post shared on social media platform X, the Nizamabad BJP MP stated that he discussed strategies for the campaign so that the party makes a clean sweep in all 7 Assembly constituencies in the Nizamabad Parliament segment. As per the sources, the establishment of a Turmeric Board has been a long-pending demand of the turmeric farmers of Nizamabad. Then Nizamabad BJP MP Arvind Dharmapuri's poll promise during the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, came as a hope to the farmers. The BJP MP even signed a Judicial Bond paper stating that he would resign from his position and join the farmers if we could not establish a Turmeric Board within five days of winning the 2019 elections. However, the promise was not fulfilled by the BJP government. In fact, during the 2023 Parliament Budget session, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said there is no proposal to establish a turmeric board or any other spice-specific board in the country. The statement erupted waves of controversies in Telangana with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party criticising the BJP government and Nizambad MP Arvind Dharmapuri for the false poll promises. BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha who contested against Arvind from Nizamabad raised strong allegations against the BJP MP for his inability to convince the Union Government to set up the Turmeric Board. She alleged that he had made false claims just to win the elections. The farmers of Nizamabad also staged protests on various instances by putting up hoardings to voice their displeasure on the issue. (ANI)
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday said that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has played a phenomenal role in the FinTech revolution in India. "More than 10 billion transactions for over Rs 15 trillion value were carried out in August 2023. This number is steadily rising," Das informed. Shaktikanta Das also said that the Indian economy is growing rapidly. 'The Indian economy is growing rapidly and with it, the demand for financial services. The coming years hold immense promise and innovators across the world should explore these opportunities. I firmly believe that the GFF will emerge as a key global platform to unlock thefull potential of Indias FinTech ecosystem," the RBI Governor said in his keynote address at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2023 in Mumbai. Das highlighted four aspects with particular emphasis on digital public infrastructure of the themes India is advocating- during the G20 summit over the weekend in Delhi and the role of RBI in fostering innovation. "Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is commonly recognized as a technology system that promotes interoperability, openness, and inclusion to deliver vital public and private services. The defining feature of the Indian model of digitisation is the lead taken by the government and the Public Sector in building infrastructure, on top of which innovative products are created by private sector FinTech firms and startups," the RBI governor said. Citing the World Bank's Global Findex Database 2021, Das said that 76 per cent of adults worldwide had access to an account in a bank or a regulated financial institution as compared to 51 per cent in 2011. In comparison, the percentage of adults in India who have access to bank accounts increased from 35 per cent in 2011 to 78 per cent in 2021, he said. He said that 500 million Jan Dhan bank accounts have been opened in India since the launch of the Jan Dhan scheme by the government in 2014. During his address, Governor Das that the Unique Identification Authority of India had issued 1.35 billion Aadhaar identities as of November 30, 2022. "This has also enabled FinTechs to offer paperless and contactless financial services. Aadhaar has enhanced customer convenience, strengthened the security of financial transactions and substantially mitigated the risk of identity fraud. It is a good example of how digitalPublic infrastructure can be leveraged to achieve public policy objectives," he said. Underscoring the role of mobile connectivity in the digitisation of financial services in India, Das said the number of internet users in India has grown from about 70 million in 2014 to about 800 million in 2022. "During the same period, the number of digital transactions in India grew from about 1.2 billion in 2014 to about 91 billion in 2022. The increasing affordability of mobile phones, cheap access to data and the expansion of mobile network coverage have spurred the growth in the adoption of mobile wallets, UPI, and other digital payment methods," he said. (ANI)
Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on Wednesday announced his resignation from the primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Bose told ANI, 'I had joined BJP in 2016. I was impressed with the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, after joining the BJP, I found that my ideology was not aligned with the saffron party'. His resignation comes amid a political slugfest over the Bharat vs India row after an invitation to G20 leaders described 'India' as 'Bharat' and the 'President of India' as 'President of Bharat'. Joining the debate, he said that 'Bharat' and 'India' are the same. "It is written clearly in the Constitution of India that 'India that is Bharat, a union of States'. Bharat and India are the same... When both mean the same, whatever you speak means the same... The controversy around it is a non-issue." The controversy was triggered after the invitation for the G20 dinner was sent out in the name of the President of 'Bharat' and not India. The debate started after Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan shared on X, formerly Twitter, a G20 dinner invite in which Droupadi Murmu was described as 'President of Bharat'. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that history is being rewritten in the country. The Trinamool Congress supremo questioned the Centre and asked what changed suddenly that we should use only Bharat. "...Today, they (Centre) changed the name of India. In the invitation card for the G20 Summit dinner, it is mentioned 'Bharat'...In English, we say 'India' and the 'Indian Constitution' and in Hindi, we say 'Bharat ka Samvidhan'. We all say 'Bharat', what is new in this? But the name 'India' is known to the world...What happened suddenly that they had to change the name of the country?... History is being rewritten in the country," CM Mamata said. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate and dedicate 90 infrastructure Projects to the nation at a cost of Rs 2941 crores on September 12 along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to Ministry of Defense press release. As part of these 90 projects, roads, bridges, tunnels and airfields have been built in 10 border states and union territories along the LAC by the BRO. Last year, 103 BRO infrastructure projects were dedicated to the nation at a cost of Rs 2897 crores. According to the BRO, in a ceremony that will be organised by the Border Roads Organisation at Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road in Jammu and Kashmir, Defense Minister will inaugurate 22 Roads, 63 Bridges, Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, two airfields in West Bengal and two helipads. The highlight of the event will be the inauguration of the state-of-the-art 422.9 meters long, Class 70 RCC Devak Bridge on Bishnah-Kaulpur-Phulpur Road in J-K from the site by Raksha Mantri. This bridge is of strategic importance to our defense forces and will facilitate speedy induction of troops, heavy equipment and mechanised vehicles to forward areas and will also boost the socio-economic development of the region, added the release. Another important infrastructure to be inaugurated will be the 500 m-long Nechiphu Tunnel on Balipara-Charduar-Tawang Road in Arunachal Pradesh. This tunnel, along with under construction Sela Tunnel will provide an all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region and will be beneficial to both the armed forces deployed in the region and the tourists visiting pristine Tawang. Reconstructed and revamped Bagdogra and Barrackpore Airfields in West Bengal will also be inaugurated on September 12. These airfields have been successfully reconstructed by BRO at a cost of Rs 529 crores. These airfields will not only improve the defensive and offensive architecture of the Indian Airforce along Northern Borders but will also facilitate commercial flight operations in the region, said the release. Defense Minister will also carry out e-shilanyash of Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh. Nyoma Airfield in Eastern Ladakh will be developed at a cost of Rs 218 crores for wide-ranging strategic air assets. The construction of this airfield will tremendously boost the air infrastructure in Ladakh and augument the IAF capability along our Northern Borders, the release added. BROs surge in road and bridge construction in the last three years has led to the completion of many critical and strategic projects which has bolstered our defence preparedness vis a vis that of our adversaries. The BRO has also connected the farthest and most remote villages of the country like Huri Village in Arunachal Pradesh to the mainland. This connectivity has triggered reverse migration along our border villages. Population increase is being witnessed in these areas with the commencement of basic amenities like schooling facilities and primary Health Care Centres, electric supply and employment opportunities, added the release. (ANI)
FIR has been registered in Kavi Nagar, Ghaziabad police station against advocate Sumit Deshbandhu, Manoj Nagvanshi, Ravikant Gautam, Vijay Kumar and 5-6 unidentified persons.

Yesterday, along with burning the effigies of DGP and Chief Secretary, the lawyers also burnt the photo of Chief Minister Yogi, regarding the Hapur incident. The lawyers had burnt effigies on the court premises.

The Bar Council has also written a letter to the Ghaziabad Bar Association seeking information.

Meanwhile, A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to investigate the clash that broke out between the advocates and police in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur district last week, an official statement said.

"In connection with the Hapur incident, a three-member inquiry committee was constituted by CM Yogi Adityanath under the chairmanship of Commissioner, Meerut," a statement from CMO, UP said.

This comes after tension escalated between the police and lawyers as Hapur Bar Association's officials and members earlier on Tuesday were staging a protest over an alleged 'fabricated' case filed against a woman lawyer and her father and police resorted to lathi-charge against lawyers. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said the Government of NCT Delhi is seized of the threat posed by the CD virus and Parovirus and is actively vaccinating animals for the same. The Bench of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula passed a judgement on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) stating, "We understand that the welfare of animals is a noble cause, in line with the Directive Principle of State Policy as prescribed in the Constitution of India, and the intention behind Petitioner's plea is commendable." The court was hearing the plea which highlighted the menace posed by both, the CD virus as well as Parvovirus (a contagious viral infection similar to CD virus). Petitioner Rahul Mohod stated that despite awareness of the pressing situation the government has not ensured the ready availability of Canine DHPPi Vaccines, which are effective against both viruses, in its veterinary hospitals. Drawing parallel with the widely-recognized Coronavirus, it was urged that the transmission method of the CD virus and Parvovirus among animals through inhalation and direct/indirect contact renders it alarmingly contagious. The virus affects different systems of the body while damaging the brain and immunity of the animals, and exhibits a high mortality rate, the plea said. The bench said, "In our opinion, the decision to prioritize its availability, should fall within the expertise of veterinary specialists. Determining the exigency of combating any virus affecting the well-being of animals requires deliberations amongst experts with niche knowledge." It is also noted that the Courts jurisdiction to issue directions for a specific vaccination to be made available free of cost to users. The direction for 24x7 animal ambulance service, para-vets on bikes, changes in school curriculums, and creation of a dedicated animal welfare fund, would also entail considerations such as allocation of budgets, infrastructure, personnel and other resources, among other multifaceted issues. These considerations are typically encompassed in government policy-making, stated the court. As such, we believe these concerns should be addressed by Respondents, and we are not inclined to issue a mandamus to that effect. Separation of powers is a long-standing tenet of our democracy.Policy decisions, particularly those concerning the allocation of funds and resources, primarily fall within the domain of the executive and legislature, said the Bench. The court is bound to exercise restraint in matters that fall squarely within this realm. While the role of the judiciary is to review the constitutionality and legality of laws and policies, it does not extend to framing them. The GNCTD, with its machinery and expertise, is best equipped to deliberate, design, and deploy welfare measures, for humans as well as animals, said the court. Governance is a delicate balancing act, where the state must allocate its limited resources judiciously, ensuring that it addresses an array of challenges, both immediate and long-term, it added. The court said it believes that the government is best positioned to undertake such decisions after carefully weighing all variables. Petitioners concerns, while genuine and deeply felt, represent but one among many pressing issues the state grapples with, the court noted. The plea has sought the upgradation/ modernization of all veterinary hospitals/dispensaries of GNCTD to provide at least minimum standard care facilities such as X-ray, RT-PCR test, ultra-sound, blood tests/ path labs, urine tests to trace roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, surgery for glaucoma, oxygen, ventilators, in-house patient facilities, operation theatre, and ICU systems. Arranging 24x7 Animal Care Ambulances (along with CCTV cameras) with dedicated helpline numbers and Trained Bike Para-Vets under the supervision/direction of a Vet Expert, to provide free medical assistance and vaccination (rabies, distemper, parvo, deworming medicine, fever etc.) on the spot to street animals, in all respective zones/districts of GNCTD, as well as computerisation of data/ records of each visit for treatment of animals and urgently filling the vacant posts of vets in government hospitals, the plea sought direction. (ANI)
Dilbagh Singh, Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday inaugurated Joint Interrogation Centre (JIT) and CCTV control room in Rajouri. He said that with the support of local people, the Jammu and Kashmir police along with other security forces would foil each and every conspiracy of Pakistan and its agencies. He interacted with Village Defence Committee (VDC) members and released a book. He also visited the Army Hospital to see the personnel injured in the Reasi encounter. IGP CRPF Sandeep Khirwar, DIG CRPF Ops Jammu Zone, Rakesh Sathi, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Dr Haseeb Mughal, SSP Rajouri Shri Amritpal Singh, SSP Poonch Shri Vinay Kumar and other jurisdiction officers were present on the occasion. Speaking to the media, the DGP, regarding the 5th August encounter at Khawas areas of Rajouri, said On receiving the information regarding the movement of terrorists, the DO concerned along with local VDC members without wasting any time launched the operation in the area. The operation was subsequently joined by the Army and in the encounter a Pakistani terrorist was neutralized. Some terrorists managed to escape during the encounter adding that after some time another terrorist was found dead in Reasi area. His details were already shared by ADGP Jammu. Dilbagh Singh further praised the Indian Army's efforts in foiling the evil intentions of Pakistan. Pakistan with its evil intentions is pushing terrorists in Rajouri and Poonch area and with the local support J-K police and other security forces have foiled many attempts by neutralizing infiltrated terrorists. Those who managed to escape are being tracked. He congratulated the Rajouri Police, CAPFs, and the people of the area for these successful operations. Security has been further augmented on borders and each and every terrorist in the area would be tracked down. He also appreciated the commitment of VDC members and the civilians for their contribution to anti-terror operations. With the support of people, the JK Police along with other security forces would foil each and every conspiracy of Pakistan and its agencies, he added. Meanwhile, one terrorist was killed in a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Reasi district, an official statement said on Tuesday. Indian Army said that a hardcore terrorist was eliminated in a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Reasi district. "War-like stores including one AK series assault rifle with magazines were recovered during the search following the encounter," an official said. (ANI)
SCO efforts for growth via rule of law hailed

08:51, September 06, 2023 By Zhou Wenting in Shanghai ( China Daily

President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China is willing to work with other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to promote high-quality economic development through the rule of law, uphold regional peace and stability, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent to the 10th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Justice, which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.

He also noted in the letter that, since the mechanism of the meeting was launched in 2013, SCO member states have advanced the rule of law with unceasing efforts, enhanced exchanges and mutual learning between governments in the field of justice, and constantly engaged themselves in practical cooperation in the legal services sector.

They have also played important roles in upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, Xi added.

Themed "deepening legal service cooperation to boost regional economic and trade development", the meeting, hosted by China's Ministry of Justice, involved 300 representatives, including government officials and professionals from the legal service industry, academia and business sectors, from home and abroad.

Amin Hossein Rahimi, Iran's minister of justice, said that accelerating cooperation in the legal field plays an important role in developing bilateral ties, especially economic and trade relations.

Ikrom Gapurovich Saipov, deputy head of the Department of International Legal Cooperation and International Ratings of the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan, said the meeting will be a starting point for a new decade of judicial and legal cooperation among SCO member states.

Gao Zicheng, chairman of the All-China Lawyers Association, said that the meeting mechanism has injected energy into exchanges and cooperation among member states, promoting common development and deeper cooperation. "Altogether, 217 law firms from 22 foreign countries and regions have set up 282 representative offices on the Chinese mainland. Meanwhile, Chinese law firms have established 180 branches and over 400 offices overseas," he said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A special CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) court in Indore on Wednesday convicted two accused with a maximum five years of imprisonment in a Vyapam case (now known as Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB)). The special court of Sanjay Kumar Gupta convicted one Vasudev Pathak under IPC sections 120B, 419, 420, 467, 468, 471 and section 3/4 of Madhya Pradesh Recognised Education (MPRE) act. While another Harendra Singh was convicted under IPC sections 419 r/w 120-B, 420 r/w 120-B, 467 r/w 120-B, 468 r/w 120-B, 471 r/w 120-B and section 3/4 of MPRE act. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 14,000 and Rs 12,000 respectively. Giving details about the matter, CBI special public prosecutor Ranjan Sharma told ANI, During the police constable recruitment exam held in Shajapur in 2013, the accused Vasudev Pathak was caught taking examination in place of the accused Harendra Singh. The Shajapur police had filed a case against both the accused and presented the charge sheet before the court. According to the order of the Supreme Court, the matter reached the CBI and after further investigation, the CBI got 30 people to testify before the court, Sharma said. On Wednesday, Special Judge CBI Sanjay Kumar Gupta found both the accused guilty and sentenced them to a maximum of five years of imprisonment. Both the accused are residents of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and they have been sent to jail, he added. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Manipur government and the law enforcement agencies to file a status report on the "recovery of arms made from all sources so far in the ethnic-violence hit state. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, Let a status report be furnished to this court by the government. The report shall be made available only to this court. Even for disarmament, we are not concerned with if there are illegal arms on one side or the other. We are dealing with this objectively. The state has to take action irrespective of the source where the illegal arms are situated, the CJI said. It further observed, "Investigation of crime, dealing with various aspects of human suffering, recovery of arm, providing compensation, these have to take place across the board irrespective of who the person genuinely in need is". The bench also took note of the affidavit filed by the Manipur Chief Secretary who denied any outbreak of chickenpox or measles in the relief camps. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Manipur, also said that there was no shortage of basic commodities like food and medicines for people facing economic blockade in the state and in relief camps. The apex court also asked Manipur government to take a call on the unclaimed bodies of those killed in the violence lying in the mortuaries for the past four months saying a decision needs to be made before dead bodies become a source of disease. "The bodies cannot be forever in the morgue as it can trigger an outbreak," the bench told the state government. It further directed the Union home secretary to communicate with Justice (retd) Gita Mittal, the chairperson of the Supreme Court-appointed three-member committee to oversee relief and rehabilitation work in Manipur, for finalising names of the experts for helping the committee in its functioning. It directed the state government to nominate an officer with whom the committee can interact to carry out its work. The top court is seized of the cases relating to the violence in Manipur between Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire state for over three months now and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI)
Jatinder Singh from NSUI was elected as the President after the results were announced today.

Talking to ANI, Jatinder Singh, a PhD scholar from Bathinda said that they are happy after winning the elections. 'I thank all the students for their support. This time I got an opportunity to represent the Punjab University. Our fight is against the government. We have always maintained that students would not allow the government to rule here.

'Punjab University wins, now it's Delhi University's turn,' NSUI posted on X after the election results were announced.

Aam Aadmi Party's student union Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), which had won last year, came third this time.

Ahead of the elections, the Aam Admi Party-led Punjab Government had given a grant to build a hostel at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

'Despite this, its student union CYSS could not perform well in the elections of Punjab University,' they said. (ANI)
Hailing Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday asserted that Madhya Pradesh was earlier known as bimaru but now it is a developing state. Nitin Gadkari was speaking at Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Jan Ashirvad Yatra in Madhya Pradeshs Khandwa which was also attended by Chief Minister Chouhan and other party leaders in the state. "Earlier Madhya Pradesh was known as 'bimaru' state but now it is known as a developing state. CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan expanded the irrigation area to ensure work for every farmer and water in every field. By doing this Madhya Pradesh has achieved the first position in agriculture production, Gadkari said during his address at the 'Jan Ashirvad Yatra'. Speaking on occasion, CM Chouhan slammed the Congress party and said that the district benefitted after the BJP government came into power. "What did Congress give? They didn't give roads and electricity. Who gave water to the people of Khandwa district? Our Water Resource Minister made the policy...If there's a hub of electricity in MP now, it is Khandwa," CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said. Earlier praising the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the CM for the literacy campaign launched in this tribal-dominated area which ensured Mandla to be declared as a fully functional literate district. "Recently Mandla district has been declared as a fully functional literate district. I congratulate Shivraj Singh ji for the literacy campaign launched in this tribal-dominated area," Shah said. He further said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has provided social and economic security to every section through all-round development in Madhya Pradesh. The BJP is taking out the yatras, a mass-contact programme, from five different places in Madhya Pradesh, where the assembly polls are due this year-end. These yatras will culminate on September 25 in the state capital Bhopal with a Karyakarta Mahakumbh. (ANI)
Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, on Wednesday, expressed serious concern and said that committing crimes, passing the buck on others and preventing the Opposition parties from coming out to fight on public issues have become the order of the day in Andhra Pradesh government. Addressing intellectuals, media persons, youth, women, farmers and teachers at the Palle Pragathi programme at Rayadurgam, Chandrababu felt that only a hardcore criminal can do all such things. Observing that the Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy, got thoroughly exposed when his paternal uncle, YS Vivekananda Reddy, was done to death, the TDP supremo recalled that the murder was termed as a heart-stroke and a mis-campaign was undertaken the following day in the name of Narasura Raktha Charitra. Now the situation has come to such a pass that the Telangana High Court has observed that if the accused, Bhasker Reddy and Avinash Reddy, are among the public they may manipulate the evidence, Naidu remarked. "This apart, after making Rs 43,000 cr through corruption and when the ED and the CBI thoroughly exposed it with evidence a baseless allegation was made that a pink diamond was at my house and if raids are conducted immediately it can be seized," he said. Pointing out that even a misinformation campaign was undertaken that he had an account with Swiss Bank, the former chief minister said that some shell companies were created and money was deposited with these accounts which was later withdrawn. "What happened at Angallu and Punganur," he asked saying that works have been taken up without any permission in the name of digging the canals from Gandikota to Handri-Neeva and the lands of the poor were forcibly occupied. "When I spoke supporting the farmers they asked me who am I to question them," Naidu said. For the past four years they (ruling party leaders) have been continuing the same process of forcibly occupying the lands and later threatening them with serious consequences if they do not spell out the name of Chandrababu, he observed. Recalling that he was blamed for the Skill Development Project, for Fiber Grid, alleging corruption in the capital and even accusing him of acquiring lands in Amaravathi, Chandrababu said that now they have taken up Income Tax. Maintaining that the ruling party leaders are not allowed to be questioned on any issue, he said that cases are being registered after they have attacked the Yuva Galam pada yatra of Lokesh. Calling upon those who gathered for the meeting to firmly resist this atrocious rule, Naidu felt that besides defending themselves they should also come to the rescue of the people. (ANI)
Jerusalem [Israel], September 5 (ANI/TPS): On September 4, Speaker of the National Assembly Sahiba Gafarova met with members of the Israel-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group Evgeni Sova, Osher Shkalim, Tatiana Mazarski and Almog Cohen. The Press and Public Relations Department of the Parliament told AZERTAC that Azerbaijan and Israel are friendly and partner countries, and the active political dialogue between our countries, high-level visits and meetings in the development of relations was emphasized. At the same time, it was noted that Azerbaijanis and Jews lived together for centuries in conditions of peace, friendship and mutual understanding. Issues of cooperation between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Israel were also discussed at the meeting. The activity of friendship groups and the importance of mutual visits of members of parliament in the development of relations between our legislative bodies were brought to attention. (ANI/TPS)
Chinese President Xi Jinpings policies have left the country with very few friends and is now facing fire at home as well as abroad, The Washington Post reported. Chinas slow economy is giving a hard time to its residents and as well as to the Chinese President. The countrys population is shrinking and also aging which is questing the work force. At the same time, the youth employment had reached to such striking data that the government suspended publishing the relevant data this summer. In 2008, China allowed Xi to become the head of the country and he was leading the nation into the path of making it one of the economic engines but the current situation is just showing a different picture. One that can be seen in the macroeconomic data as well as the waning optimism of a younger generation that knew only the boom times. China has still not recovered from the wounds that the nation received during the pandemics draconian lockdowns, and now the overheated real estate sector is making the situation even worse, as per The Washington Post. Xis ever-tightening authoritarian grip over virtually all facets of life in China is arguably making the situation worse. The governments pursuit of total control has set the country on a path of slower growth and created multiplying pockets of dissatisfaction, wrote Ian Johnson, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a longtime China watcher. Chinas policy is also impacting its ties with foreign nations. Recently, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited China and warned that the prevailing uncertainty, stoked also by the tough actions taken by the Chinese government against foreign businesses, is making China uninvestable in the eyes of U.S. investors. China needs to recognize that they can no longer rely on the sheer mass of their market to attract that type of foreign investment, The Washington Post reported while quoting Naomi Wilson, vice president of policy, Asia and global trade of the Information Technology Industry Council. Even among Chinese companies, there have been efforts to relocate outside of China, she added. Recent surveys of global public opinion find largely negative views of Chinas influence in international affairs, including in some middle-income countries outside the West. In Asia, the United States has steadily bolstered a web of alliances and partnerships with Chinas neighbours, bonds being strengthened directly out of concern for Chinas increasingly aggressive behaviour. Chinese officials resent the implication that their state rather than what they see as the overweening US hegemon represents a threat to stability and order. But Beijing cant seem to help itself, The Washington Post reported. (ANI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States has reportedly tracked around 100 incidents where Chinese nationals, sometimes posing as tourists, have accessed military bases and sensitive sites in America, the Wall Street Journal reported. The US officials have described the incidents as potential espionage threats. The Defense Department, FBI and other agencies held a review last year to try to limit these incidents, which involved gate-crashers because of their attempts to get into US military bases without proper authorization, the WSJ report said. Those responsible range from Chinese nationals detected crossing into a US missile range in New Mexico, to scuba divers caught swimming in murky waters near a government rocket launch site in Florida, several officials recently told The Wall Street Journal. Some of the authorities believed that the Chinese government in some cases are compelling its citizens to test out the service and report back regarding the security practices at the installations. In response to the report, an FBI spokesperson stated, "The greatest long-term counterintelligence threat to our nations information and intellectual property is from China." "The Chinese government is engaged in a broad, diverse campaign of theft and malign influence without regard to laws or international norms that the FBI will not tolerate," an FBI spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "In coordination with our defence and intelligence community partners, along with state and local law enforcement, the FBI is committed to protecting our national security and defence information from the Chinese government's actions and ultimately, their efforts to undermine our democracy and those who defend it," the spokesperson added. According to Fox News citing the Wall Street Journal, recently a group of Chinese nationals arriving at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, claimed that they had reservations at a commercial hotel on the base and tried to make their way past guards. Notably, Fort Wainwright is home to the US Armys 11th Airborne Division focused on Arctic warfare. "The security of our installations remains a top priority for the Department. Physical security standards for our bases take into consideration a wide variety of potential threats, including attempted spying by our adversaries," a Defence Department spokesperson also told Fox News Digital, reacting to the report. "We work with local, State, and Federal law enforcement officials, the intelligence community, and our foreign partners to protect our military bases against these threats at home and abroad," the spokesperson added. The Department of Defence (DoD) "has conducted several base security reviews since 2018, some of which included support by interagency partners," the spokesperson continued. "A recent review focused on the physical security condition of our gates, among other aspects of base security. The results of the reviews have and will continue to inform changes to the protective posture of our bases." "Every day DoD conducts more than 10,000 controlled turnarounds of individuals who arrive at one of our 1400 gates. These individuals are not authorized to access and depart the installations without having gained unauthorized access," the Defence spokesperson said. Officials told the Wall Street Journal the incidents have occurred in rural areas where tourism is less common and far from a commercial airport. They said the Chinese nationals often use what officials described as scripted language, claiming when stopped that they are tourists who have lost their way. This type of low-level Chinese intelligence collection is more of a numbers game, a former Senate Intelligence Committee official told the Journal, explaining how the Chinese government is willing to throw numerous people at collection, knowing that if a few get caught it will be difficult for the US government to prove anything nefarious beyond trespassing. The WSJ reported that repeat incidents have occurred at an intelligence centre based in Key West, Florida, dating back to a few years ago involving Chinese nationals found swimming in nearby waters and taking pictures. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Indonesia to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) on Wednesday. PM Modi will leave for Indonesia on Wednesday (September 6) evening and will return to New Delhi late in the evening on the following day. The Prime Minister will be in Jakarta at the invitation of the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. Both the ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) will take place on September 7 (Thursday). Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, made adjustments to the schedule for both summits to facilitate Modis early return. PM Modi's visit to Indonesia comes ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under India's Presidency this year. Indonesia is part of the G20 'troika' as it had the presidency of the grouping last year. The forthcoming ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of ties between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations bloc of countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The foreign ministry said that the the Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. This year the ASEAN Summit will be chaired by Indonesia under the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth." This theme indicates that Indonesia expects the ASEAN to be relevant and significant as the centre of economic growth According to a statement, the East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity for leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance. In August, ASEAN-India Economic Ministers met in Indonesia and the main agenda of this years meeting was the timely review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which was signed in 2009. A joint committee agreed to a regular, quarterly schedule of negotiations, which would conclude the review of the ASEAN-India FTA in 2025. In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jakarta at the invitation of Indonesian President Widodo. During this visit, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in all areas by establishing a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to take the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and India into a new era. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], September 6 (ANI/TPS): Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid arrived in Washington on Tuesday for meetings with senior US officials, his office said. The Yesh Atid Party chief, who served as interim prime minister and as foreign minister in the previous government, is scheduled to meet with Biden administration officials, members of Congress and Jewish community leaders before heading back to Israel on Tuesday night. His office did not name the senior government officials with whom he will hold talks. During the meetings, U.S. officials intend to bring up the normalization process withSaudi Arabia. Riyadh has requested American help for a civilian nuclear program in exchange for ties with Israel, a demand that Lapid has publicly opposed. I am very much in favor of a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, he said during a television interview last month, before adding, But not at the expense of uranium enrichment that would endanger Israels security. Lapid is also scheduled to meet with members of Congress and American Jewish figures. Lapids visit comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been snubbed, so far denied a traditional White House visit. On July 17, more than six months after Netanyahu returned to the Prime Ministers Office in Jerusalem, President Joe Biden invitedNetanyahufor ameetingsomewhere in the United States at some time later this year. Netanyahu is expected to fly to New York for theU.N. General Assemblygeneral debate this month, during which he may meet with Biden in the city, although neither side has confirmed details. The details are going to be worked out by the different teams, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told journalists in July. But they have committed to meeting and seeing each other. Lapids Yesh Atid party is the Knessets largest opposition party. (ANI/TPS)
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.
France is reportedly in discussions with the military of Niger over the possible withdrawal of its troops from the West African country due to the deterioration of relations following a coup in July, Al Jazeera reported citing French media reports. Nicolas Normand, a former French ambassador to Mali and Senegal, confirmed the information to Al Jazeera, stating that, in accordance with his sources, negotiations to "partially" evacuate soldiers between the French and Niger forces were in progress. The discussions between the two militaries, according to Normand's source, should not be seen as a recognition of the coup leaders but rather as a "technical" discussion. France has been at odds with Niger's new military leadership, after France's refusal to accept the July 26 coup that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum, a French ally. French President Emmanuel Macron has continued to support Bazoum, who is still being held. Thousands of people rallied for days in the capital Niamey in support of the new regime's uncompromising attitude against the former colonial power and the coup leaders' call for the French ambassador and military to leave Niger. As part of France's larger campaign against armed rebels in the Sahel region, about 1,500 French troops are stationed in Niger. After coups forced withdrawal of French forces from adjacent Mali and Burkina Faso, Niger became a crucial hub for France, Al Jazeera reported. A protest was staged outside the French military base in Niamey, where organisers said people should not let their guards down unless all French soldiers leave the country, as reported by Al Jazeera. The coup leaders renounced a number of military cooperation agreements with France on August 3, one of which had a notice period of a month that ended on Sunday. Nigers military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, said on Monday that "contacts" on a "very swift" withdrawal of French troops were in progress. However, Zeine stated that he wished to "maintain cooperation, if possible, with a country with which we have shared many things." The majority of the French military are mostly based at an airfield close to the capital, which has recently come under attack from tens of thousands of protestors urging them to leave. Following military takeovers in Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020, the coup has been seen as a new significant blow to French power in the region. The only authorities in Niger that we recognise like the entire international community are President Mohamed Bazoum and his government, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told the Le Monde daily newspaper on Sunday in a reaffirmation of her countrys position. She, however, laid emphasis that French troops were in Niger at the request of the Bazoum-led authorities to take part in anti-terror operations. Today, this mission can no longer be ensured, since we no longer have de facto operations carried out jointly with the Niger armed forces, she said. However, Colonna insisted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), not France, was the main actor in the region. She also backed Macron's assertions that "Francafrique," in which Paris held neocolonial dominance in the area, was no longer relevant, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
President of NATO-member Romania, Klaus Iohannis, said that the latest attacks on neighbour Ukraine happened very close to his countrys border, as Russia repeatedly launches drone raids on Danube infrastructure in southern Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported. We had attacks which were verified at 800 metres [2,600 feet] from our border. So very, very close, Iohannis told a joint news conference with Luxembourgs Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The NATO member nation refuted Kyiv's claims on Monday that an attack on the Ukrainian port of Izmail resulted in Iranian-made Russian drones falling and exploding on Romanian soil, according to Al Jazeera. There was no piece, and no drone and no other part of any device that made it to Romania, Iohannis told the media on Tuesday, echoing comments Monday by the defence ministry. But yes, we are concerned because these attacks are taking place within a very short distance from the Romanian border, Iohannis added, speaking from the Cincu military base in central Romania. But we are alert, he said, as reported by Al Jazeera. In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defence said that it was aiming at gasoline storage facilities in the Ukrainian port of Reni that were used to supply Ukraine's armed forces. The attack was effective, the Russian statement continued, with "all assigned targets neutralised." The NATO member Romania issued a quick reprimand after the salvo crossed its border. The attack was denounced by Romania's Ministry of Defence in "the strongest terms possible," calling it "unjustified and in deep contradiction with rules of international humanitarian law." The ministry said that there was no direct threat to Romanian territory or its territorial waters, CNN reported. According to an assistant to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Kremlin intended for the strikes to spark a "food crisis" in the country. Russian terrorists continue to attack port infrastructure in the hope that they will be able to provoke a food crisis and famine in the world, the aide, Andriy Yermak, said on the messaging app Telegram. The airstrikes that took place overnight are Moscow's most recent attempt to attack Ukrainian shipping infrastructure since July, when Moscow backed out of an agreement that permitted Ukrainian ships to get around a Russian blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports and safely navigate the waterway to Turkey's Bosphorus Strait in order to access international markets. The failure of the agreement raised food prices worldwide and stoked concerns that the world's poorest nations would struggle to feed their populations. The UN too has been seeking to revive the deal, CNN reported. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet Nigerian President Bola Tinubu here on Wednesday ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi. Nigerian President Tinubu is the first head of state to arrive in the national capital for the G20 summit scheduled to be held on September 9, 10. It is also Tinubus first visit to India since the assumption of office in May 2023. According to an official statement released earlier by Nigeria, Tinbu will participate in and deliver keynote addresses at both the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. President Tinubu aims to leverage this platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigerias economy for job creation and revenue expansion, it said. Moreover, he will use this opportunity to highlight Nigerias attractiveness as an investment destination, specifically outlining his cross-sectoral reform plan as encapsulated by the Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the statement. The President will also hold bilateral meetings with a cross-section of world leaders from four different continents, representing both G20 and non-G20 countries. These engagements are geared towards strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment partnerships for mutual benefit, as per the statement. At the G20 Summit, the Nigerian leader is expected to share Nigerias perspective on the theme, One Earth-One Family-One Future, which speaks to the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet. With its collective contribution of up to 80 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade, and housing 60 per cent of the worlds population, the G-20 constitutes a significant economic power bloc of socio-economic opportunity and geo-political stability. While Nigerias membership of the G20 is desirable, the government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations with a view to ascertaining the benefits and risks of membership. The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Trkiye, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year with the theme -- One Earth, One Family, One Future, and since then about 200 meetings related to G20 have been organized in 60 cities across the country. The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. (ANI)
North Korea will have to pay a "price" if it supplies Russia with weapons for the country to fight its war against Ukraine, a US top official said on Tuesday. In a briefing on Tuesday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States believes the negotiations between North Korea and Russia are actively advancing. "Our current analysis is that discussions between North Korea and Russia, with respect to North Korea providing military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine that those discussions are actively advancing," he said while responding to a media query on North Korea. "So, I cant speculate on North Koreas motives....What I can say is this: Providing weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield to attack grain silos and the heating infrastructure of major cities as we head into winter to try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation this is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community," Sullivan said. Sullivan's remarks came at a time when North Korean leader Kim Jong UN is planning to travel to Russia this month and will hold a leader-level diplomatic engagement with President Vladimir Putin to continue actively advancing arms negotiations, CNN reported citing the US government. US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson claimed that the US has the information that the North Korean leader will talk on the ongoing arms negotiations. We have information that Kim Jong-Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia, said Watson. Watson did not say when and where a potential meeting between Kim and Putin in Russia might take place, but it would follow Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigus visit to North Korea in July and comes after US officials last week said that the two countries are actively advancing their negotiations over another potential arms deal that could see Pyongyang providing weaponry to support Russias war effort in Ukraine. The Shoigu visit was made to try to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia, Watson said. We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments that Pyongyang has made to not provide or sell arms to Russia. Since that trip another group of Russian officials travelled to Pyongyang for follow-on discussions, NSC strategic communications coordinator John Kirby said last week. Putin and Kim have also exchanged letters pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation," she added. Earlier, the US claimed Russia and North Korea are "actively advancing" their talks regarding a potential arms deal that would provide significant ammunition for various weapons systems, including artillery. This is the latest sign that the Kremlin is desperate to acquire more supplies for its faltering invasion of Ukraine, CNN reported citing a recently released US intelligence. The news of the probable deal has emerged despite North Korea's public denials. (ANI)
The Prime Minister will be in Jakarta at the invitation of the President ofIndonesia,Joko Widodo.

Both the ASEAN-India Summit and the 18thEast Asia Summit(EAS) will take place on September 7 (Thursday).

Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, made adjustments to the schedule for both summits to facilitate PM Modis early return as his visit to Indonesiacomes ahead of theG20Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under India's Presidency this year.

Indonesiais part of theG20'troika' as it had the presidency of the grouping last year.

The forthcoming ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of ties between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations bloc of countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

The foreign ministry said that the the Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation.

This year theASEAN Summitwill be chaired byIndonesiaunder the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth." This theme indicates thatIndonesia expects the ASEAN to be relevant and significant as the centre of economic growth.

According to a statement, the East Asia Summitwould provide an opportunity for leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance.

In August, ASEAN-India Economic Ministers met inIndonesiaand the main agenda of this years meeting was the timely review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which was signed in 2009.

A joint committee agreed to a regular, quarterly schedule of negotiations, which would conclude the review of the ASEAN-India FTA in 2025. (ANI)
The relations with countries in Southeast Asia are very upbeat and dynamic and a re-affirmation of very active Act East policy, Indias ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty has said and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit for ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit is loaded with significance. In an interview with ANI, the envoy also said that both Jakarta and New Delhi have strategic autonomy as a fundamental principle of their foreign policies. You must have heard that several ASEAN countries have spoken out and reaffirmed commitment to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas). I think the international law of the seas, these are principles to which India abides and ASEAN also does. So, I think there we find similar views, Chakravorty said. I think what is remarkable about our relationship with ASEAN and Indonesia is that you know there is a remarkable coincidence and coherence in our outlook towards the world in foreign policies. Indonesia also has strategic autonomy as a fundamental principle of their foreign policy just like India, he added. There has been concern among countries in the region about Chinas aggressive stance in the South China Sea. India had last month called for adherence to international law in the context of issues relating to the South China Sea in the wake of fresh tensions between China and the Philippines and had reaffirmed its support for a rules-based order. Chakravorty said trade relations between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have been gaining strength. There is investment in ASEAN and the countries are investing in India, so a great deal of economic activities, cultural links, connectivity, he said, adding that air connectivity has also improved. Chakravorty said PM Modis visit to Indonesia shows the importance that India gives to the country and to the ASEAN The fact that the Prime Minister is coming to Indonesia is loaded with significance. Particularly when in a couple of days, the G20 summit will start in India and world leaders have started to arrive in India. His finding time to attend the East Asia and ASEAN summit shows the importance that India gives to Indonesia and to the ASEAN, he said. I think its a very upbeat, upswing and dynamic relationship that India has with this region. And its a re-affirmation of our policy of very active Act East policy. It will be 10 years of our Act East next year when we will also celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with Indonesia. The fact that he is coming to Indonesia twice in less than a year is very, very meaningful, he added. The envoy said there is excitement in the diaspora about the visit of the Prime Minister. Because of G20, the Prime Minister is coming for a short visit. Still, there is a great deal of excitement in this country. The Indian diaspora is very excited. We have a sizeable Indian diaspora and they are all very keen to meet the Prime Minister. Although there may not be a formal engagement, they will be here in strength to receive and see off Prime Minister, he said. The great deal of excitement is not only among the diaspora but also in Indonesia. Because of the importance that Indonesia gives to Bharat and also the relationship with Indonesia has progressed remarkably in the last few years, he added. Asked about the use of Bharat instead of India in a G20 invite and Prime Ministers visit document for ASEAN-India and the East Asia summit, the envoy said that India that is Bharat is part of our constitution and it has a constitutional mandate. PM Modi will visit Jakarta for the 20th ASEAN-India summit and the 18th East Asia summit, scheduled for September 7. He will participate in the ASEAN-India summit along with leaders of the ASEAN member states. East Asia summit brings together at the leadership level, ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners - Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States. He will depart Delhi on September 6 night and return late evening on September 7. (ANI)
Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama concluded his spiritual discourse on Wednesday which was organized at the request of a Buddhist group of Southeast Asian countries. Dalai Lama continued last year's teaching on Chandrakirti's Entering the Middle Way in conjunction with the auto commentary (uma jukpa rangdrel thok ney) in the hill town Dharamshala. Thousands of Tibetans including Buddhist monks, nuns and followers from different parts of the world gathered at the main Buddhist Temple, Tsuglagkhang to attend the spiritual session. Juniana, a Buddhist follower from Colombia said, Here we have all gathered, Asians and from all parts of the world to listen to his holiness the Dalai Lama and his teachings. Its very significant in terms of spiritual evolving and its like a blessing. A Buddhist follower from Indonesia said, I am following his Holiness, the Dalai Lamas teachings for Asians so I am here to learn about the middle way, but I learnt a lot from the Dalai Lama, especially about compassion. I really agree with the Dalai Lama that with compassion we will achieve world peace. She added, "The next step for me is that I will try to share compassion in the school education system in Indonesia. Last week, Tibetan spiritual leader the 14th Dalai Lama returned to his home in exile in Dharmashala after his successful visit to Ladakh. Hundreds of Tibetans including monks and nuns gather at Kangra airport on Monday morning to give a warm welcome to their beloved spiritual leader. Tibetan artists welcomed him with traditional opera dance and songs. During his stay in Ladakh, he also visited the Great Buddha Statue at Stok and Ladakhi Muslim Community, as per the Dalai Lama's website. (ANI)
Even after the recovery of three hostages, the protests in Pakistans Sindh and Kashmore regions continue against the kidnappings of members of minority Hindu communities for ransom by dacoits and bandits, The News International reported on Wednesday. Pakistan-based media outlet reported three members who were recovered have been identified as Mukhi Jagdish Kumar, Jaideep and Dr Muneer Naich. The News International reported that a complete shutdown of business also continued on the fifth day in Kandhkot city and Kashmore, and demonstrations were held in Nawabshah, NaushaharoFeroze, Sakrand at the National Highway Nooriabad, Qazi Ahmad and other cities for the Sindh for the recovery of the hostages amid sit-ins in Badin, Gharo, Baho Khoso, Bakhshapur, Badani, Thulh, Badah, Panoaqil, Khairpur, Kandyaro, Halla, Sehwan, Matyari, Keti Bandar, Larkana, Malkani Sharif and in other cities. Due to sit-ins at National Highways, the traffic remained suspended for the fifth day, causing a loss of millions to goods transporters. Protesters demanded an army operation to clean bandits from the Katcha area. According to The News International, former provincial minister Shabbir Bajarani said that Sagar Kumar will be recovered soon as steps are being taken for the release of other hostages. The civil society on the call of the Hindu Panjaat continued their protests and vowed not to dissociate themselves from the ongoing sit-ins till the recovery of all hostages. Earlier, a complete shutdown of business was observed in Sindh Provinces Shikarpur and Kashmore districts to protest against rising cases of abductions of Hindu businessmen and their family members. Earlier, videos of 65-year-old Jagdish Kumar Kukhi and 25-year-old Sagar Kumar, s/o Inder Lal were received by their family members. In both videos, the victims were shown being beaten by the bandits who demanded Pakistani Rs 10 crores for their release. On August 30, 2023, Jamaat-e-Islami'schief Siraj-ul-Haq also held a protest march against the kidnappings of members of minority communities in Sindh for ransom by dacoits and bandits. Sirajul Haq had demanded immediate action to secure the release of Jagdish Kumar Mukhi and Sagar Kumar and vowed to adopt a radical strategy to address the bandit problem in the province. The members of the Hindu Panchayat and Youth Alliance of Kashmore had also protested the kidnappings of Sagar Kumar and Jagdish Kumar Mukhi and had called for greater presence of security forces to address the problem of Bandits. (ANI)
Nigerian High Commissioner to India, Ahmed Sule on Wednesday extended an invitation to India to do business together, saying that the people are ready to partner with India. Ahmed Sule was addressing the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference in New Delhi. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and other delegates were also present at the conference. The President aims to leverage this platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigerias economy for job creation and revenue expansion. "Nigeria is ready for business...Come to Nigeria...The market is there. And the people are ready to partner with you..." Sule said. He further assured that the problems that have happened in the past will not happen again. "All the problems that we encountered in the past will no longer happen so please I would like you to come to Nigeria...The people are ready to partner with you, the government is ready for you. The President is committed to making the business easier..." Sule added, "Our Nigerian investors who also come to me from Nigeria are here." He said, "We will resume our opportunities for the future maybe in local countries." Moreover, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is the first head of state who arrived in the national capital for the G20 summit scheduled to be held on September 9, and 10. His visit comes is Tinubus first visit to India since the assumption of office in May 2023. At the G20 Summit, the Nigerian leader is expected to share Nigerias perspective on the theme, One Earth-One Family-One Future, which speaks to the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet. With its collective contribution of up to 80 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade, and housing 60 per cent of the worlds population, the G-20 constitutes a significant economic power bloc of socio-economic opportunity and geo-political stability. While Nigerias membership of the G20 is desirable, the government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations with a view to ascertaining the benefits and risks of membership. Throughout its presidency of the G20, India shares a vision of being the voice of the Global South and the country has ensured to walk the talk with its focus on raising concerns. In fulfilling its ambition, India has raised the issues that were concerning the Global South countries on the international forums and at the United Nations meetings and conferences. Recently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed that India has walked the talk when it comes to raising issues of the Global South. One of the pieces of evidence that India is voicing for Global South is adding the African Union as a full member of the G20. Recently, at the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, PM Modi said that the Global South is not just a diplomatic term but represents the shared history of these countries against colonialism and apartheid based on which modern relations are being reshaped. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a hectic schedule in the run-up to the G20 Summit as he leaves for Jakarta on Wednesday evening to take part in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers as well as a cabinet meeting earlier on Wednesday. He will hold back-to-back meetings till 7:30 pm, government sources said. They said the Prime Minister will emplane for Indonesia at 8 pm, spend around 7 hours on the flight and reach Jakarta at 3 am IST on September 7. He will leave for the venue of the ASEAN-India Summit at 7 am. He will then participate in the East Asia Summit at 8.45 am IST, the sources said. Immediately after the meeting, PM Modi will depart for the airport and emplane for Delhi at 11:45 am, the sources said, adding that he is expected to reach Delhi around 6:45 pm. The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first since the elevation of India-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. The East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity for Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance. On September 8, PM Modi will hold important bilateral meetings with three countries, including with US President Joe Biden, the sources said. The G20 meeting will be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. A G20 Leaders Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, stating Leaders commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings. (ANI)
Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar said during the G20 Finance ministerial meeting here in the national capital that his country is looking forward to collaborating with India and becoming part of the G20 decision-making process globally. "It is wonderful. We look forward to it. We look forward to future collaboration, closer collaboration. We have always collaborated with India...Nigeria is on the table and wants to be part of the decision-making process globally," the Nigerian Minister said. When asked about Nigeria being invited to join the G20 summit and the country applying for the grouping membership, the minister said, European Union is also a member of G20 along with several other European countries. There is nothing wrong with Nigeria also being part of it, along with the EU. Earlier in the India Business Conference today, the Nigerian foreign minister urged India to provide technology and knowledge to his country. He added, We need more technology, sharing more knowledge sharing with India. We're the two largest countries on our continent. And really, with this partnership, the sky's the limit. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is the first head of state to arrive in the national capital for the summit scheduled to be held on September 9, 10. According to an official statement released by the Special Adviser to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinbu will participate in and deliver keynote addresses at both the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. The President aims to leverage this platform to attract global capital and promote increased foreign direct investments in key labour-intensive sectors of Nigerias economy for job creation and revenue expansion. Moreover, he will use this opportunity to highlight Nigerias attractiveness as an investment destination, specifically outlining his cross-sectoral reform plan as encapsulated by the Renewed Hope Agenda, according to the statement. The President will also hold bilateral meetings with a cross-section of world leaders from four different continents, representing both G20 and non-G20 countries. These engagements are geared towards strengthening bilateral economic, trade, and investment partnerships for mutual benefit, as per the statement. At the G20 Summit, the Nigerian leader is expected to share Nigerias perspective on the theme, One Earth-One Family-One Future, which speaks to the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet. With its collective contribution of up to 80 per cent of global GDP, 75 per cent of international trade, and housing 60 per cent of the worlds population, the G-20 constitutes a significant economic power bloc of socio-economic opportunity and geo-political stability. While Nigerias membership of the G20 is desirable, the government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations with a view to ascertaining the benefits and risks of membership. The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Trkiye, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union. India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1 last year with the theme -- One Earth, One Family, One Future.India is all set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country. The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. (ANI)
In the meeting coast guard heads of 17 Asian countries, Hong Kong and two international organisations, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) participated in the meeting.

The event was inaugurated by Mehmet Saglam, Deputy Minister of Interior of Turkey, informed Indian Coast Guard officials on X.

HACGAM (Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting) established in 2004 includes the following member states: Australia, Bahrein, Bangladesh, Brunei, Philippines, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Laos, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Furthermore, while the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia- Information Sharing Center (ReCAAP-ISC) participates in the forum as an associate member, institutions such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Bali Process participate as observers.

19th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Leaders Meeting (HACGAM)" is hosted by Turkey from September 5-8, 2023.

The meetings are an annual affair and hosted by one of the members in rotation. HACGAM is an independent organisation with 23 member Coast Guard Agencies and 02 associate members in theform of ReCAAP and UNODC.

HACGAM aims at the construction and development of capabilities in coast guard organisations for the Asian region through working level discussion on overall maritime safety, security and environment protection issues, having in mind that the cooperation fostered by the constant efforts of HACGAM member organisations is effective to promote safe and secure maritime environment and cleaner seas in the region, as well as good relationship and mutual trust.

The 18th HACGAM High-Level Meeting was held in New Delhi, India between 14-18 October 2022. (ANI)
Earlier, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to exchanging views with other leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address the global challenges.

He also termed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of Indias Act East Policy'.

The Prime Minister is visiting Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.

My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of Indias Act East policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties, the Prime Minister said.

Thereafter, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges, he added.

PM Modi will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10. (ANI)
The Sri Lankan Parliament and the Cabinet discussed the latest allegations over the Easter Sunday attacks.

Sri Lankan Minister Manusha Nanayakkara told Parliament that the Cabinet which met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe discussed the allegations raised in the UK-based Channel 4 documentary.

The Minister said that the Government will back an international investigation into the claims, Colombo Gazette reported.

The main opposition alliance Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) told Parliament that an international investigation must be carried out.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that an international investigation is required to investigate the Easter Sunday attacks.

SJB MP Nalin Bandara said that State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and head of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Sallay must be questioned over the allegations raised in the Channel 4 video, Colombo Gazette reported.

Responding to the allegations, MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage from the ruling party alleged that there was an attempt to divide the country using the new documentary.

In a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, aired on Tuesday, on the British television station, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) party spokesperson Azad Maulana alleged that a meeting took place between Easter Sunday bomber Zahran Hashim and head of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Sallay, Colombo Gazette reported.

The former TMVP spokesman, who has now sought asylum overseas, has shared the information with the UN and the EU as well as other diplomatic missions.

Maulana has further alleged that military intelligence allowed the attack to go ahead to pave the way for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to win the Presidential election later that year.

Notably, nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing nearly 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500, Colombo Gazette reported. (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed steps to further strengthen trade, economic and energy cooperation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta. Foreign Minister Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart held talks on the sidelines of the 18th East Asia Summit on Wednesday. Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "On September 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta." The two ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations and international problems. "The Ministers exchanged views on the most pressing issues of bilateral relations and international problems. They discussed practical steps to further develop trade, economic and energy cooperation as well as interaction in the fields of transport and finances," the statement added. Moreover, they stressed boosting coordination in multilateral formats, primarily at the United Nations, SCO, BRICS and the G20 platforms. The statement stated, "Mutual intent to increase coordination in multilateral formats, primarily at the UN as well as within the SCO, BRICS and the G20 platforms, was emphasized." Earlier Jaishankar shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, and stated, "Good to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia in Jakarta on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. Useful stocktaking of our bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Discussed East Asia Summit and G20 issues." Earlier in the day, S Jaishankar met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi as he arrived in Jakarta to attend the ASEAN Summit on Wednesday. EAM Jaishankar's meeting with his Indonesia Counterpart was focused on the East Asia Summit and G20 summit which is being hosted by India this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned for Indonesia on Wednesday to take part in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit. Earlier, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to exchanging views with other leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address the global challenges. He also termed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of Indias Act East Policy'.The Prime Minister is visiting Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. PM Modi will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10. (ANI)
Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping not attending the G20 Summit, G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday that there is good representation of heads of state and government and heads of international organizations at G20 Summit and the deliberations would be productive and constructive. Shringla expressed confidence that every partner country and invitee country is with India in making the G20 Summit successful, outcome-oriented, decisive and inclusive. On being asked about President Putin and Xi skipping the summit in New Delhi, Shringla told ANI, I think we have a very good representation of the heads of the state and the government and heads of international organisations in New Delhi G20 Summit. I think, as I said, the deliberations would be very productive and constructive. I have no doubt that every partner country and invitee country is with us in the endeavour to host the successful, outcome-oriented, decisive, inclusive G20 Summit, he added. Notably, President Putin and Xi will be the two notable absentees from the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at the Doordarshan Dialogue, G20: The India Way had also said that the focus should be on the position taken by countries on 'key issues'. Responding to a query over Putin and Xi Jinping skipping the G20 summit and its impact on the role of India playing the bridge between North and South in this growing polarization, Jaishankar said, "At the end of the day countries are represented by whoever they have chosen to represent them so the levels of representations do not become the final determinant of the position of a country." Later, in an exclusive interview with ANI, he said that there have been Presidents or Prime Ministers who for some reason have chosen not to come for global meetings and that country's position is reflected by the representative present on the occasion. Not really. I think at different points of time in G20 there have been some presidents or prime ministers who for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves but that country, and that country's position is obviously reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion, he said. "So I would say rather than focus necessarily on which country chose to come at what level, the real issue is what position they take when they come. That's really what it is we will remember about this G20 for the outcomes it produced," he added. On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China announced that Li Qiang Chinese Prime Minister and second in command after Xi Jinping will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10. Quoting foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, the statement read, "At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi." However, no reason was given in the statement about Xi's absence from the summit. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also said that he would not attend the summit in India. According to a statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry, instead of Putin, Lavrov will attend the summit and is expected to attend two plenary sessions on September 9 and 10. Lavrov is scheduled to hold several bilateral talks and contacts on the sidelines of the summit. Meanwhile, President Putin himself held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his inability to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi and informed that Russia would be represented by the countrys Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. (ANI)
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. The NAB Rawalpindi issued notice to Bushra Bibi and summoned her on Thursday at 11 am (local time) in connection with the Toshakhana case, ARY News reported. According to the notice, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman's wife Bushra Bibi received one chain, locket, and earrings on June 26, 2019. On September 18, 2020, Bushra Bibi received a diamond, gold ring, bracelet and necklace and did not declare it in her assets. Earlier, the accountability court in Islamabad approved the bail plea of Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case till September 12. Imran Khan's wife has been accused ofkeeping a locket, chain, earrings, two rings and bracelet from the Toshakhana gifts. In addition, Bushra Bibi is accused of keeping gold, diamond, necklace, bracelet, gold, diamond rings, earrings and bracelet. According to the NAB, the gifts were not submitted to the Toshakhana to calculate their prices, ARY News reported. The Toshakhana issue became a major sticking point in Pakistan's politics after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified Imran Khan for making "false statements and incorrect declaration." The Toshakhana case alleged that Imran Khan did not share details regarding the gifts he retained from Toshakhana during his tenure as Pakistan's Prime Minister, according to ARY News report. Later, the Islamabad Court suspended the conviction of Imran Khan and directed to release him on bail from Attock Jail. However, the special court ordered to keep Imran Khan in judicial remand in cipher case. Meanwhile, Bushra Bibi has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking a stay on her possible arrest, Pakistan-based The News International reported on Tuesday. In the petition, she has sought details of all the cases including undisclosed FIRs registered against her. Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Mohal filed the petition, representing Bushra Bibi, urging the agencies including FIA, NAB, police and ACE have been keeping the FIRs secret so the petitioner could not approach the courts for grant of pre-arrest bail. The petition called the keeping the secrecy of registered cases illegal, unlawful and violative of fundamental rights. Her petition contended that after the illegal removal of her husband from the office of the prime minister, the political victimisation against her, her husband and other members of the family started by the federal and provincial governments, and law enforcement agencies with mala fide and ulterior motives lodged many false and frivolous FIRs against the petitioner and her husband on the direction of the governments. Her petition asked the court to declare the act of the respondents illegal and restrain them from arresting the petitioner in any undisclosed case or inquiry. (ANI)
According to the statement released by the US Department of Defence, the Biden administration's forty-sixth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021.

In this new package, the US includes the following equipment: additional air defence equipment; artillery munitions; anti-tank weapons, including depleted uranium rounds for previously committed Abrams tanks; and other equipment to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing war of aggression.

"This security assistance package will utilize assistance previously authorized under Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for Ukraine that remained after the PDA revaluation process concluded in June," the statement read.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US has condemned all acts by Moscow and has shown firm support to Ukraine, and its people and also given military assistance to Kyiv.

Earlier in July, the US sent USD 400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defence systems, artillery rounds and armoured vehicles.

In a statement, Antony Blinken, Secretary of State said, "Pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden, I am authorizing our 43rd drawdown for Ukraine. This assistance package includes air defence munitions, artillery rounds, armoured vehicles, and anti-armour capabilities, as well as other equipment essential to strengthening Ukraines brave forces on the battlefield, helping them retake Ukraines sovereign territory, and defend their fellow citizens."

Similar was seen in June, when the US Department of Defence announced an additional security assistance package, valued at up to USD 500 million, for Ukraine to meet its "critical security and defence needs."

The security package includes crucial capabilities to aid Ukraine's counteroffensive operations in its ongoing conflict with Russia and to strengthen its air defences.

As per the statement released on September 6, 2023, "The United States will continue to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements." (ANI)
A 13-year-old girl is accused of trying to stab her father  and threatening to kill him and her grandmother  after posters and other items were taken from her room, police told Pennsylvania news outlets.

Pennsylvania State Police said the teenager arrived home at about 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4, and found that her grandma had taken drug-related items, including her posters, out of her room, PennLive reported.

She came down from her room and began arguing about getting her belongings back, according to The News Item. At some point during the fight, the dad said he heard the grandmother say she has a knife, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the news outlet.

The father then put his daughter into a bear hug as she repeatedly poked the knife handle into his leg, police said, according to court documents obtained by PennLive. He eventually got the knife away from her.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

State troopers were called to the home in Chillisquaque Township that afternoon, The Daily Item reported. They detained the Milton teen, who police said then told authorities she could make a phone call to have her family killed.

The 13-year-old also told troopers she planned to kill her dad and grandma as soon as her sister wasnt looking, according to The News Item.

She was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possessing drug paraphernalia and other charges, The News Item reported.

On a $25,000 bail, the girl was released to medical staff, according to The Daily Item.

Chillisquaque Township, in Northumberland County, is about 160 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Ex-husband fatally shoots woman the same day she wins custody of kids, Nevada cops say

Gardener left in pool of blood after California police beat him over beer, lawsuit says

75-year-old stabbed repeatedly as she slept, Louisiana cops say. Granddaughter charged
Floridas Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

Here are restaurants that failed to meet requirements during recent inspections:

Bonefish Grill, 7456 Cortez Road W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 31

High priority: A bottle of medication was stored with single-service condiment cups in a bin on top of a microwave. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Six cans of hearts of palm were dented. Corrective action was taken. The cans were removed from service.

Milk, crab cake, swordfish and feta cheese were cold-held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Six violations, including slow-draining water under a dishmachine and soiling on and around fryers.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 1.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Caesars Breakfast Cafe, 1808 Cortez Road W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 21

High priority: Two shell eggs in storage had cracks in the shells. A stop sale was issued due to food not being in sound condition, and the eggs were discarded.

Intermediate: A can opener was soiled. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for two employees.

Basic: Two basic violations, including glasses that were nested together while wet.

Carrabbas Italian Grill, 2106 Cortez Road W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 21

High priority: Cooked ground beef, beef steak, pork steak, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, whole cream and cut lettuce were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse and the items were discarded.

Intermediate: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device was provided at a handwash sink in the front kitchen area. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Two basic violations, including hood filters soiled with grease.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 22.

La Casita Azul, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton (Inside Oneco Farmers Market)  Inspected Aug. 22

High priority: Chicken soup had not been cooled from 135 degrees to 41 degrees within six hours. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse and the soup was discarded.

High priority: An employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to work with food. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: An employee touched a garbage pail and then failed to change gloves/wash hands. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for one employee.

Basic: An employee was wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food.

China One, 5627 14th St. W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 28

High priority: A kitchen employee used a cellphone with gloved hands and then failed to change gloves/wash hands. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Raw animal foods (chicken and beef) were not properly separated from one another in a holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature.

High priority: Cooked pork, raw beef steak, cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, raw shrimp and krab meat were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse, and the items were discarded.

Basic: Three basic violations, including hood filters soiled with grease.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 31.

Coquina Beach Cafe, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach  Inspected Aug. 25

High priority: An employee failed to wash hands during a glove change after handling raw fish. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Non-food-grade paper towel was used as liner for a food container holding cut greens. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Chicken, ham, hot dogs, pollack, raw shell eggs and french toast batter were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued due to temperature abuse, and the items were discarded.

High priority: Fish batter that was supposed to be monitored using time as a public health control had no time marking, and the time removed from temperature control could not be determined.

Basic: A fly sticky trap with small dead flying insects on it was hanging directly over a prep table. Corrective action was taken.





The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Aug. 28.

Dominos Pizza, 909 First St E, Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 23

Intermediate: There was no proof of required state-approved employee training provided for any employees.

Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Basic: Four violations, including no copy of the restaurants latest inspection report available.

Dunkin, 5601 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton  Inspected Sept. 1

High-priority: An employee failed to dry hands after washing and then handled a single-service cup. Corrective action was taken.

High-priority: An employee handled a broom and dustpan and then failed to wash hands before handling single service cups. Corrective action was taken.

High-priority: An employee handled their phone and then failed to wash hands before handling single-service cups. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils and/or single-service items.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Intermediate: No currently certified food service manager was on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling.

Intermediate: No paper towels or mechanical hand-drying device was provided at a handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required state-approved employee food safety training provided for any employees.

Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Intermediate: There was no soap provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Four violations, including soiled espresso and milk-dispensing machines and an ice scoop handle in contact with ice.

The restaurant failed to meet inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 5. Another follow-up inspection was required.

Ghost Street Kitchen, 8004 Cortez Road W., Bradenton  Inspected Sept. 1

High priority: An employee failed to wash hands during a glove change. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A spray hose at a dish sink was lower than the flood rim of the sink.

Cut leafy greens, feta cheese, chicken, dice tomatoes and spaghetti were cold-held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A can opener blade, a mixer head, a knife sharpener and a french fry cutter were soiled.

Intermediate: There was no test kit at hand to measure the strength of sanitizer in use for warewashing and/or wiping cloths.

Intermediate: Two spray bottles containing toxic substances were unlabeled.

Basic: Five violations, including two food employees not wearing hair restraints and a clogged floor drain at a three-compartment sink.

MOD Pizza, 13220 S.R. 64, Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 22

Intermediate: There was no proof of required state-approved employee training provided for any employees.

Intermediate: A spray bottle containing a toxic substance was unlabeled. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Basic: No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign was posted.

Ni Chana Ni Juana, 2420 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton (food truck)  Inspected Aug. 28

High priority: An inspector observed an employee wash hands without soap. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: An employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A handwash sink was not accessible for employee use at all times. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Hood filters were soiled with grease and reach-in cooler gaskets were soiled with mold-like substance.

Pierres Eatery, 5461 Factory Shops Blvd, Ellenton (inside Ellenton Premium Outlets)  Inspected Aug. 31

High priority: Raw eggs were stored over ready-to-eat cut produce in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A vacuum breaker was missing at a hose bibb or on a fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Intermediate: A manager or person in charge lacked proof of food manager certification.

Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink.

Intermediate: No probe thermometer was at hand to measure the temperature of food products.

Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Intermediate: There were no written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to monitor potentially hazardous food.

Intermediate: Alfredo pasta and macaroni and cheese that were being held for future use were not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Five violations, including two cutting boards that were heavily grooved and no longer cleanable.

Siam Thai Bistro, 5763 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 23

High priority: Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer was not at the proper minimum strength. Corrective action was taken. A restaurant operator placed a service call for the machine and set up manual warewashing.

High priority: A large can of coconut milk was dented at the seam. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: A spray bottle of pesticide was stored near food.

High priority: An employee performed a task outside of the kitchen and then failed to wash hands/change gloves. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: A certified food manager or person in charge lacked knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils and/or single-service items. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: The establishment had no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.

Intermediate: A can opener blade was soiled.

Intermediate: No paper towels were provided at an employee handwash sink.

Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Eight basic violations, including raw ground beef thawing at room temperature and an accumulation of mold-like substance in an ice machine.

The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Sept. 1.

Sushi Hana, 4274 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 31

High priority: A dishmachine was not sanitizing properly. Corrective action was taken. A restaurant operator set up manual warewashing and placed a service call for the machine.

High priority: An employee washed hands without soap. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Raw fish was stored over soy sauce in a walk-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.

High priority: Raw animal foods (chicken and eggs) were not properly separated from each other in a holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Corrective action was taken.

Intermediate: Handwash sinks were in use for purposes other than handwashing. Corrective action was taken.

Basic: Nine violations, including uncovered food in a splash area, raw chicken thawing at room temperature, hood filters soiled with grease and an accumulation of mold-like substance in an ice machine/bin.

Yogurt Mountain, 1526 Cortez Road W., Bradenton  Inspected Aug. 22

High priority: The restaurant was operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.

Intermediate: There was no proof of required state-approved employee training provided for two employees.

Intermediate: No proof was provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.

Basic: An employee with no hair restraint was engaging in food preparation in the main kitchen area. Corrective action was taken.

Editors Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a snapshot of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and high-risk establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Authorities recently released the identity of a 19-year-old arrested following a shooting Tuesday night in Augusta.

Jaylavin Fulmer, 19, is charged with reckless conduct, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

At 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Richmond County deputies responded to the 2100 block of First Avenue for a gunshot victim, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

When deputies arrived, they found a 16-year-old boy who was shot at least once in the leg, according to the release. The boy was taken to the hospital and is currently stable condition as of Thursday.

The incident report has not been released and the sheriff's office said it will not be releasing any other information.

Body identified: Body found in Aiken County identified as 22-year-old Columbia, SC woman

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Boy injured in Augusta shooting, 19-year-old arrested
Two people have died in waters off the coast of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, according to officials. Both deaths took place within 24 hours of each other.

The first death took place on Sept. 4, when a 28-year-old woman was "overtaken by strong waves" in waters at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A witness said the woman disappeared in the surf before being observed face-down in "rough ocean conditions," according to the National Park Service. Emergency responders and two bystanders responded to the woman, with the two bystanders bringing the woman to shore. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

The second death occurred the morning of Sept. 5, again at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The 68-year-old man was swimming in the ocean off southern Hatteras Island, the National Park Service said in a news release. Bystanders saw the man start to go under water, and they were able to reach him and pull him to shore, but when emergency responders arrived on the scene, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Drone aerial view of Outer Banks Highway 12 with Atlantic Ocean and Sound on both sides, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. / Credit: (Photo by: Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

On both days, the ocean conditions in the area warned about rip currents, which kill about 100 people a year in the United States. A beach hazards statement was also in effect at Hatteras Island, the National Park Service said, with warnings about large breaking waves in the surf zone.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The (Cape Hatteras National Seashore) sends condolences to the families and friends of the swimmers that lost their lives over the last two days," said David Hallac, the superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, in the news release announcing the second swimmer's death.

Hallac warned that "high-energy surf conditions" like large waves and rip currents will continue to be present in the area all week. Hallac warned that visitors should avoid wading into even shallow water because the large waves and ocean conditions can pose risks and make it "difficult, if not impossible, for all but the strongest, most experienced swimmers to survive." Many surfers in the area are strong, competitive athletes, Hallac said.

Swimmers should have a floatation device, like a bodyboard or surfboard, with them at all times, and a friend or family member on the beach to watch them, Hallac said. Most swimmers should consider "spending time on a sound-side beach at the Seashore, including locations such as the Haulover, Salvo, and Devil Shoals Road sound access sites for a safer opportunity to enjoy the water when hazardous ocean conditions are present."

Search for escaped killer in Pennsylvania enters 7th day

Trump found liable in 2nd E. Jean Carroll defamation case

Judge orders Texas to remove border buoys
Yet another Proud Boy is paying a hefty "trial penalty" for January 6. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., sentenced former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio to 22 years in prison for his part in organizing the 2021 protest-turned-riot that obstructed Congress' ratification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Tarrio was not at the riot on January 6. He was in Baltimore, after having been arrested two days prior in a separate criminal case. He did however post messages encouraging the riot on social media and claimed credit for helping carry it out after the fact.

That was enough to convince a jury three months ago to find him guilty of "seditious conspiracy" for his involvement.

Prosecutors had sought a 33-year sentence for Tarrio. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly declined to go that far. But he did slap Tarrio with a sentencing enhancement for committing an act of terrorism.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His 22-year sentence is the longest any January 6 defendant has received to date. Fellow Proud Boy Ethan Nordean and Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes have each previously been sentenced to 18 years in prison on seditious conspiracy charges as well.

Most other defendants, including many who directly participated in the riot, have received much more modest sentences of a few months to a few years.

"[Prosecutors] got a really long sentence by asking for something really absurd," said C.J. Ciaramella on yesterday's Reason Roundtable. "In cases where January 6 defendants did plead guilty, expressed remorse, the judges were much more likely to go easy on them."

Those like Tarrio who chose to take it to trial instead of pleading guilty are receiving sentences one might get for murder.

This is an example of what's called the "trial penalty" whereby prosecutors, who would otherwise accept a much lighter sentence as part of a plea bargain, seek much harsher sentences for defendants who insist on a jury trial.

This practice has been harshly criticized by liberal and libertarian groups for effectively punishing people just for exercising their constitutional right to a trial by jury.

The American Bar Association found that average sentences for federal felony convictions are seven years longer for defendants who went to trial. Prosecutors' preference for plea bargains also sees them layer on as many charges or stretch the applicability of vague statutes to coerce defendants into forfeiting their right to a trial.

The end result is that those convicted at trial go to prison for longer than even prosecutors think is necessary.

"Today's sentencing demonstrates that those who attempted to undermine the workings of American democracy will be held criminally accountable," said FBI Director Christopher Wray yesterday. And U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said that those who used "force against their own government to prevent the peaceful transfer of power have now been held accountable."

In other words, both Wray and Graves are satisfied that Tarrio had been held adequately accountable despite the fact that he ended up with a sentence that was a decade less than what the DOJ had advocated for. Their goal was securing a maximum sentence for Tarrio and others, not a sentence just long enough to hold them accountable for his crimes.

Tarrio and others receiving sentences of over a decade for their role in January 6 are hardly sympathetic figures. Yet the amount of time they'll spend in prison is nevertheless a product of a trial penalty that is widely considered to be unjust. If one opposes these enhanced penalties in the routine administration of criminal justice, we should oppose them in the case of the January 6 defendants as well.

FREE MARKETS

Travelers to New York City can expect their next stay to be much more expensive, thanks to the city's latest crackdown on Airbnb. On Tuesday, the city implemented new rules that make thousands of existing short-term rentals illegal.

Under the new regulations, those renting out their properties on Airbnb, VRBO, and the like must register with the city, be physically present during their guests' entire stay, and limit themselves to no more than two guests at a time.

The Associated Press reports that only 300 short-term rental properties have successfully registered with the city, out of 3,800 pending applications. Airbnb has said that they won't process reservations for unregistered properties.

Meanwhile, zoning restrictions adopted in 2018 and 2021 make it nearly impossible to build new hotels in the city, by requiring individual hotel projects to get special discretionary permits, which themselves require through potentially years of review.

The city's hotel workers union pushed these restrictions to crack down on the construction of new, non-unionized hotels.

The upshot of all of these restrictions on supply is that it'll be more difficult and more expensive for travelers to find a place to sleep when they visit New York City.

FREE MINDS

At least one government is telling the truth about UFOs. The Washington Post reports that the Brazilian government is far more transparent about its investigations into unidentified aerial phenomena. A snippet:

Early one August evening in 1954, a Brazilian plane was tracked by an unidentified object of "strong luminosity" that didn't appear on radar. Two decades later, a river community in the northern Amazon jungle was repeatedly visited by glowing orbs that beamed lights down onto the inhabitants. In 1986, more than 20 unidentified aerial phenomena lit up the skies over Brazil's most populous states, sending the Brazilian air force out in pursuit. The stories are not the ravings of a UFO buff. They are official assessments by Brazilian pilots and military officers  who often struggled to put into words what they'd seen  and can be found in Brazil's remarkable historical archive of reported UFO visitations. Even more extraordinary? It's all public record. There are no security clearances. No heavily redacted documents. Anyone can access the files  the military reports, the videos and audio recordings, the grainy unverified photographs  and thousands of people have.

Read the whole thing here.

QUICK LINKS

Chris "Fronz" Fronzak, vocalist of metalcore band Attila has announced that he'll seek the Libertarian Party's nomination for president, reports LambGoat.

The family of a woman who died in the Maui wildfires last month is suing the state and a local landowner for allegedly neglecting their fire-prone properties, says NBC News.

At Astral Codex Ten, Scott Alexander unveils his presidential platform in which he proposes giving billionaires naming rights over new aircraft carriers (for a price) and appointing Donald Trump as a constitutional monarch.

The Endangered Species Act could force the Sioux Falls Zoo to destroy some decadesold, arsenic-containing taxidermied lions, tigers, and gorillas. Oh my!

The British government is for the moment backing off its plans to use new powers under an online safety bill to "scan messaging apps for harmful content" reports the Financial Times.

The post With 22-Year Sentence, Ex-Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Pays Hefty 'Trial Penalty' appeared first on Reason.com.
Health care workers who were staging a protest outside Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Hollywood were arrested and cited by the Los Angeles Police Department for civil disobedience on Labor Day after police declared the protest an unlawful assembly.

The workers were participating in a Labor Day march and rally that came to a conclusion outside the Hollywood hospital.

The workers, represented by Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, have been embroiled in a dispute with Kaiser, one of the nations largest health care systems, over what they say is unfair labor practices, including allegations of unsafe staffing levels.

Are California wildfires causing dementia?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After weeks of growing unrest, tens of thousands of Kaiser employees began the process of authorizing a formal strike over the the discourse, which would be the largest health care strike in the nations history.

Photos shared from both the union and the LAPD showed protesters sitting on the street in a circle, blocking the road as part of the protest.

Health care workers sit in protest on a roadway in Hollywood as part of an organized demonstration against Kaiser Permanente on Sept. 4, 2023. In total, 23 were arrested and cited. (SEIU UHW)

Lillian Carranza, LAPDs Assistant Commanding Officer of Operations-Central Bureau, said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, that the protesters were ordered to disperse, but remained steadfast in their demonstration.

In total, 23 were arrested and then released after they were cited for civil disobedience, Carranza said  a number that was confirmed by the health care workers union.

A demonstrator is detained by LAPD officers following a protest outside Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Hollywood on Sept. 4, 2023. (SEIU UHW)

Mondays protest was part of a larger demonstration happening at hospitals and medical centers across the state.

In a release issued to the media by the union, quoted workers said they were burnt out, stretched thin, and fed up after years of the pandemic and chronic short staffing.

Healthcare providers are failing workers and patients, and we are at crisis levels in our hospitals and medical centers, said Datosha Williams, a service representative at Kaiser Permanente South Bay. Our employers take in billions of dollars in profits, yet they refuse to safely staff their facilities or pay many of their workers a living wage.

Williams added that the union members and health care workers were prepared to do whatever it takes to continue to voice their concerns and displeasure about the state of affairs at Kaiser hospitals.

Health care workers and supporters participated in a Labor Day demonstration in Hollywood that came to a head after 23 health care workers were arrested for civil disobedience on Sept. 4, 2023. (SEIU UHW)

A recent poll of 33,000 of the health care providers employees found that two-thirds said they have personally witnessed care be delayed or denied due to short staffing, the union said. The union also said many of its members are living in cars while Kaiser, a nonprofit, recently reported $3 billion in profit in the first half of 2023.

Mondays demonstration was co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and featured speeches from health care workers and other California labor leaders and elected officials.

In a statement provided to KTLA, a Kaiser Permanente spokesperson said the organization is committed to providing a positive, safe, and equitable work environment and to being a best place to work.

The spokesperson added that last year, Kaiser Permanente hired more than 29,000 new workers, and even more are expected to be hired this year.

To read more of the statement, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Jon Snow, of Springville, launches his boat to do some trout fishing at Strawberry Reservoir on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Mule deer populations that meander between the Utah and Idaho border and the north flowing Willow Creek that begins in Grand County will be among the beneficiaries of $28 million in restoration funding announced Tuesday by the Bureau of Land Management.

The federal agency will use the money with partners for projects in 10 states in the West via six national agreements that include Trout Unlimited, the Mule Deer Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.

These projects and the projects they are going to deliver are made possible by once in a generation funding that will help the BLM restore and protect our shared public lands, wildlife habitat and clean water for future generations, said national BLM Director Tracey Stone-Manning in a press call.

This will benefit Americans that recreate on our public lands, local communities, tribes and of course, the natural resources we rely on.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Stone-Manning emphasized the nexus between thriving ecosystems and quality of life for people.

These projects will restore and conserve aquatic ecosystems that provide clean, reliable drinking water for millions of Americans.

As a previous example, Trout Unlimited has worked to enhance and restore trout habitat at Strawberry Creek, which is part of the watershed of Strawberry Reservoir  the top Blue Ribbon Fishery in Utah and among the best in the West. Strawberry is also a critical player in drinking water supplies in eastern and northern Utah.

Related

By teaming up with nonprofit organizations, Stone-Manning said the BLM more effectively accomplishes its mission to manage 245 million acres of public land.

Its difficult to overstate the importance of partnerships to our efforts to restore our nations public lands, she said. We would accomplish little without the passion, expertise and commitment of our partners and (Tuesdays) announcement underscores the extent to which that is true.

The Strawberry Bay Marina at Strawberry Reservoir is pictured on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Chris Wood, president and chief executive officer of Trout Unlimited, said one area of focus for the money will be the Upper Colorado River Basin, such as the Green River in Wyoming that eventually winds its way south into Utah to meet up with the Colorado River.

He described one tool as low tech restoration projects of which there are 25, using wood, augmenting beaver dams and doing riparian plantings.

All of (these) have the effect of raising the water table and creating natural fire breaks and to make sure we have late season flows downstream, he said, adding, It is important to know these are remarkably resilient systems and if we give them half a chance, they will respond.

Like Stone-Manning, Wood said not only do these efforts improve the environment for fish and wildlife, they help people.

Because the fact is, when you protect the headwaters system, it is not only good for native trout, it also helps reduce the downstream filtration costs.

The investments will help a vast array of wildlife that rely on healthy landscapes, such as mule deer and sage grouse, said Steve Belinda, chief conservation officer with the Mule Deer Foundation.

Money for deer, money for birds

The mule deer is the icon of the West and these landscapes they live in are in dire need of attention. Therefore, this effort with the BLM is going to increase the Mule Deer Foundations capacity to work on these landscapes. And all these tens of thousands of acres of habitat work will improve conditions for all species that depend on them and provide clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.

He noted in particular the foundation emphasizes what is good for the deer is good for birds, particularly the imperiled greater western sage grouse, which has seen its habitat greatly diminished throughout the Western United States due to wildfires, urban encroachment and industry activities.

Related

Sage brush is key to how sage grouse survive and it gets eviscerated in wildfires, with invasive species like cheat grass taking its place.

Belinda said the foundation worked in the Twin Falls, Idaho, area and planted more than 1 million sagebrush plants on 40,000 acres to restore that landscape.

Additionally, Belinda said his foundation is looking at specific herd areas in southern Utah to enhance habitat.

Stone-Manning said The Nature Conservancy is collaborating with the BLM and the Navajo Nation in the Bears Ears National Monument area to facilitate more native plants.

As part of the funding, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico are participating in the Navajo Nations Dine Native Plants Program, a native plant seed banking and ecological restoration effort of $1.2 million.

Both the BLM and Navajo Nation will collaborate to establish a seed certification program and ways to market and sell native plant materials to federal and nonfederal agencies.

Olin Pack, 7, shows off a crawfish he and his family caught at Strawberry Reservoir on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News
A 3-legged bear broke into a Florida family's screened-in patio and drank 3 White Claws from mini fridge.

The bear, affectionately known as Tripod, is very special to the community, the homeowner said.

But the family was not scared, because they're used to bear activity in the area.

A 3-legged bear known throughout a Florida neighborhood as "Tripod" busted into a family's home, drank 3 White Claws from the mini fridge, and then left.

But the homeowner told Insider she isn't scared. If anything, the woman's family is a bit star-struck by the visit from the famous bear.

Homeowner Josaury Faneite-Diglio said her 13-year-old son Joseph Diglio was alone in their Lake Mary home on Sunday when their dog Bruno started barking at the window, alerting Joseph to the 3-legged bear rummaging through the family's screened-in patio.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Joseph put Bruno in the garage and began to record the bear, affectionately known in the area as Tripod, as he wandered around the patio looking for food.

"He couldn't believe that there was Tripod... actually visiting our home," Faneite-Diglio said. "He was in total shock."

Tripod rummaging through a mini fridge. Josaury Faneite-Diglio

Faneite-Diglio said Tripod ate some fish food that was sitting next to a fish tank. Tripod then sauntered over to the bar where he opened the mini fridge and chugged 3 White Claws.

She said Tripod had ripped open a section of the screen that was facing a wilderness conservation area adjacent to her home.

"So he came through there, he walked around the patio, he found what he needed, and then he went back out through the same hole that he opened," Faneite-Diglio told Insider. She said Tripod enjoyed the patio area for nearly 10 minutes.

"He has three legs, so he's going to move slow," she said.

The hole the bear ripped through the screen. Josaury Faneite-Diglio

Tripod is well-known and loved in Faneite-Diglio's community, she said, and her neighbors regularly post pictures and videos on Facebook of him walking around or laying down for a rest.

They believe Tripod was born with only three legs.

Faneite-Diglio said the incident wasn't scary for her or her son because they're used to bear activity where they live. In fact, this was the third time a bear had entered her home  another bear had broken into the patio area a few years ago, and another once walked into her open garage and stole a tub of cookie dough from the fridge.

"It is what it is. We live in a land that used to be their land and we took over," Faneite-Diglio told Insider. "So if you don't like to deal with wildlife, you shouldn't be living in a neighborhood like we are living right now ... If you live in Florida, close to the conservation area, those are the chances."

While the family isn't too worried by the bear, their pet dog Bruno isn't so relaxed.

Ever since Tripod's visit, Bruno has been standing watch by the glass door to the patio, Faneite-Diglio said with a laugh.

Bruno watching out for bears. Josaury Faneite-Diglio

Read the original article on Insider
Three people were rescued from their inflatable vessel after sharks attacked its hull, officials said.

The trio were around 510 miles off Australia's northeastern coast, according to rescue authorities.

When found, the 30-foot catamaran was missing large portions of its hull, rescuers reported.

Three men on board an inflatable catamaran were rescued off Australia's northeastern coast on Wednesday after their vessel was attacked several times by sharks.

The trio  two Russians and one French citizen  were about 510 miles from shore when Australian authorities picked up their distress alert in the early morning, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a statement.

The Russian vessel had departed from the Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu and was heading to the city of Cairns in Queensland, the AMSA said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Both hulls of their 30-foot catamaran "have been damaged following several shark attacks," authorities added.

Officials said they asked a nearby Panama-flagged ship, the Dugong Ace, to help rescue the three people. A Challenger rescue aircraft was also sent to assist from Cairns.

When found, the catamaran had "large sections of its hull missing," AMSA Response Centre manager Joe Zeller said.

"There's many reasons that vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks is unclear," Zeller said.

Footage shot by a Challenger rescue plane shows the state of the vessel when rescuers arrived.

The three sailors are aged between 28 and 64, in healthy condition, and on board the Dugong Ace on their way to Brisbane, Zeller said. Their full trip would likely have taken between two to three weeks, he said.

"The emergency beacon absolutely saved their lives," Zeller added. "It enabled the rescue coordination center to identify their precise location and empower the most appropriate and quickest response to rescue them."

The trio are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday, the AMSA said in its statement.

Sharks and orcas have been making headlines this summer amid a rising number of reports documenting attacks on vessels. But it's still unclear what causes these encounters, or if they are related at all.

Read the original article on Insider
A 31-year-old was shot dead after picking up a crashed drone in Utah, police told news outlets.

A 25-year-old man, Brendon Powell, got into a verbal fight with the 31-year-old before fatally shooting him, according to an Ogden Police Department Sept. 5 Facebook Post.

Police responded to the scene after reports of a gunshot wound on Sept. 4.

Powell told cops he heard noise coming from outside so he flew his drone out to investigate, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by KSL.

After the drone crashed into a tree, Powell grabbed a gun and went outside to get it, according to the affidavit also obtained by FOX 13.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thats when Powell saw the victim holding the drone before running away, police told The Salt Lake Tribune.

Powell is accused of firing several rounds, police said in the release said.

Security footage showed Powell rack the slide of the firearm before approaching the victim, according to the probable cause statement obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune.

McClatchy News reached out to officials for more information on Sept. 6 and is awaiting a response.

The victim died at the scene, police said.

Powell was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Weber County Correctional Facility on a murder charge, the release said.

The investigation remains ongoing, according to police.

Ogden is about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.

12-year-old walking home with friends is shot dead in argument, Texas cops say

Heated argument among married deputies ends with one shot dead, Oklahoma cops say

Teen girl fatally shot after 15-year-old sneaks into bedroom at night, OK officials say
GREEN BAY - More than 30 people were in a Red Cross shelter Tuesday, after a smoky 8:08 p.m. fire at an apartment complex on Green Bay's east side.

The first crews on scene at August Manor Apartments, a two-story complex at 1830 August St., Green Bay, used ladders to evacuate at least five residents of second-floor apartments.

Several callers to 911 said heavy smoke in the hallway made it impassable, so they needed rescue.

In another rescue, firefighters had to break into an apartment to alert a resident who they later discovered was sleeping with earbuds in, said Lt. Nick Craig, speaking for the Green Bay Metro Fire Department.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two people suffered minor injuries. A firefighter reported smoke inhalation, and a second person was treated at a city hospital for an undisclosed injury, Craig said.

The scene Tuesday night as Green Bay Metro firefighters rescue residents of the August Manor apartment complex on the city's east side.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter for approximately 35 residents displaced by the fire at Trinity Lutheran Church, 330 S Broadway, Green Bay. Volunteers and staff are providing food and connecting affected residents with health services and other essentials, said Jen Warren, regional communications director for the Red Cross's Wisconsin Region.

Damage is estimated at $250,000, Craig said. Fire officials said it appears the blaze started in the basement, though it wasn't immediately clear what caused it. Firefighters needed roughly 40 minutes to control the fire.

It's unclear when residents will be able to safely return to their apartments, Craig said.

Anyone affected by the fire who needs assistance is urged to call the Red Cross at 1-833-583-3111.

Craig said many residents of the building were alerted by working smoke detectors in public areas of the building. He reminds residents they should have smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors in their units, and make certain the batteries are working. He also cautions against sleeping with earbuds in.

Email Doug Schneider at DSchneid@Gannett.com, call him at (920) 599-0809 and follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @PGDougSchneider.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay apartment fire leaves 35 residents in Red Cross shelter
Israeli archaeologists show four Roman-era swords and a javelin head found during a recent excavation in a cave near the Dead Sea, in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Sep. 6, 2023. Archaeologists said the exceptionally preserved artifacts are dated to the 2nd century, when Jewish rebels launched an uprising against the Roman Empire. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

JERUSALEM (AP)  Four Roman-era swords, their wooden and leather hilts and scabbards and steel blades exquisitely preserved after 1,900 years in a desert cave, surfaced in a recent excavation by Israeli archaeologists near the Dead Sea, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday.

The cache of exceptionally intact artifacts was found about two months ago and tells a story of empire and rebellion, of long-distance conquest and local insurrection.

Researchers, who published the preliminary findings in a newly released book, propose that the arms  four swords and the head of a javelin, known as a pilum  were stashed in the remote cavern by Jewish rebels during an uprising against the Roman Empire in the 130s.

The swords were dated based on their typology, and have not yet undergone radiocarbon dating.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The find was part of the antiquities authority's Judean Desert Survey, which aims to document and excavate caves near the Dead Sea and secure scrolls and other precious artifacts before looters have a chance to plunder them.

The cool, arid and stable climate of the desert caves has allowed exceptional preservation of organic remains, including hundreds of ancient parchment fragments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Those Jewish texts, discovered last century and dated to the first centuries BCE and CE, contain the earliest known versions of the Hebrew Bible, as well an assortment of esoteric writings.

Archaeologists returned to this particular cave near the desert oasis of Ein Gedi to document an inscription found decades earlier.

At the back of the cave, in one of the deepest part of it, inside a niche, I was able to retrieve that artifact  the Roman pilum head, which came out almost in mint condition, said Asaf Gayer, an archaeologist with Ariel University.

But though the swords were found on the eastern edge of the Roman Empire, they were likely crafted in a distant European province and brought to the province of Judaea by soldiers in the military, said Guy Stiebel, a Tel Aviv University archaeologist specializing in Roman military history.

He said the quality of their preservation was exceptionally rare for Roman weapons, with only a small handful of examples from elsewhere in the empire and beyond its borders.

Each one of them can tell you an entire story, he said. Future research will focus on studying its manufacture and the origin of the materials in order to tease out the history of the objects and the people it belonged to  Roman soldiers and Jewish rebels.

They also reflect a much grander narrative of the entire Roman Empire and the fact that from a small cave in a very remote place on the edge of the empire, we can actually shed light about those mechanisms is the greatest joy that the scientist can have, he said.
Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys for former Trump economic adviser Peter Navarro rested their case Wednesday in a trial involving charges of contempt of Congress after Navarro refused to cooperate with the House committee investigating the events of Jan. 6.

The first count facing Navarro pertains to his failure to turn over documents related to the committees probe, and the second relates to his failure to appear for a deposition before the panels investigators. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors argued to District Judge Amit P. Mehta that Navarros noncompliance prevented the committee from obtaining information relevant to their investigation.

Congress believed Navarro had information about what happened on Jan. 6, more specifically on why it happened, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Crabb said in opening arguments.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But defense attorneys said prosecutors did not meet their burden of proof, comparing the governments case to a movie trailer containing all the best parts of the movie  leaving nothing of substance for the movie itself.

The preview for the movie, evidence will show, is better than the movie actually will be, Navarro attorney Stan Woodward said in opening remarks.

Here are five takeaways from the first day of Navarros contempt of Congress trial.

A restless Navarro

Navarro stood for the entirety of Wednesdays proceeding, which lasted six hours, aside from breaks.

Typically, defendants sit at a table next to their attorneys throughout the trial, sometimes passing notes or leaning over to confer with their counsel.

But Navarro stood off to the side throughout the first day. He sometimes paced around his corner of the courtroom or shifted from one leg to another. He switched between wringing his hands and crossing his arms as the trial went on.

When one witness identified Navarro for the record, the former Trump aide raised two fingers to his forehead and saluted him.

At several points during the trial, Navarro walked over to Woodward, one of his attorneys, and whispered in his ear before receding to his corner of the courtroom.

Closing arguments will be made Thursday morning before the case goes to a jury for deliberation.

Executive privilege takes centerstage

The government showed emails between Navarro and Daniel George, senior investigative counsel for the House Jan. 6 committee, as part of its case. In the emails, Navarro told George that former President Trump had invoked executive privilege and suggested the committee reach out to the former president on the issue, not him.

Accordingly, my hands are tied, Navarro wrote in the emails.

Woodward argued the committee never reached out to Trump, implying that Navarros failure to comply with the subpoena therefore was not willful. On cross-examination, George admitted his team did not reach out to Trumps team, but it said Trumps team did not reach out to the committee either.

Last week, Mehta ruled that Navarros attorneys could not argue that Trump invoked executive privilege preventing Navarro from testifying before the House Jan. 6 committee after they failed to prove the former president had invoked privilege in the first place.

There was no formal invocation of executive privilege by [Trump] after personal consideration nor authorization to Mr. Navarro to invoke privilege on his behalf, Mehta said at the time.

The decision was a major blow to the former Trump advisors defense.

DOJ: Navarro acted above the law

The Justice Department began its opening arguments by referencing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Crabb, the assistant U.S. attorney, noted the cherished tradition of peaceful transitions of power he said were nearly broken by a violent mob who attempted to stop Congresss certification of the 2020 election results.

In the attacks aftermath, the House established a select committee to investigate the attack, a panel primarily comprising Democrats. Prosecutors attempted to show the jury of nine men and five women that Navarro hindered the committees work by refusing to comply with its subpoena.

How would [the report] have been different with Navarro? Would it have been different? Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi asked Mark Harris, a senior investigative counsel for the committee, on the stand.

Both questions were objected to by the defense  objections Mehta sustained.

Prosecutors maintained that there are four elements they must prove for the jury to render a guilty verdict on both counts: Navarro was subpoenaed, the information the committee wanted from him was pertinent to its investigation, Navarro failed to comply, and his failure to comply was willful.

They called three witnesses Wednesday  all former members of the Jan. 6 committee  to speak to those elements.

Our system doesnt work if people think they are above the law or dont comply with the law, Crabb said. Navarro acted like he was above the law.

Defense disputes Navarro willfully failed to comply

Woodward, one of Navarros attorneys, told the jury much of the trials evidence is not in dispute by the defense, including basics like a committee was formed, Navarro was issued a subpoena and he didnt produce any records or appear for his deposition.

But the defense rebuffs the idea that Navarro intentionally failed to comply with the committees subpoena, Woodward said.

Evidence in this case will not show that Dr. Navarro was willful in his failure to comply, Woodward said.

Navarros legal team did not put on its case, opting to rest without presenting any witness testimony or evidence.

The Jan. 6 problem

When the jurors left the courtroom for the first break of the day, Mehta addressed the parties and asked whether any other exhibits would include words like domestic terrorism.

Prosecutors had just introduced a House resolution that established the select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The resolution detailed corrective measures the committee might recommend, including measures to prevent future acts of violence, domestic terrorism, and domestic violent extremism, including acts targeted at American democratic institutions.

Woodward ripped into government prosecutors, suggesting they were attempting to try a Jan. 6 case, not one regarding contempt of Congress.

The Navarro attorney also represented Oath Keeper Kelly Meggs in his sedition trial last year and said the government used the same opening as other prosecutors in the Oath Keepers case  one that detailed how the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next had been disrupted. He implored Mehta, who oversaw the same Oath Keepers case, to rein the government in.

[This case] is not about the riot at the Capitol and to repeatedly link Navarro to why that happened is inappropriate, Woodward said.

Mehta ultimately decided the government had to present the document to establish why the committee was created in the first place, but he directed prosecutors to inform him if any fiery rhetoric would be detailed to the jury before presenting it.

I want to make sure its not done in a way that has the potential for inflaming this jury, Mehta said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Cora Weberg -- the former Puyallup Good Samaritan nurse accused of stealing drugs and infecting at least a dozen patients with hepatitis C -- agreed to a plea deal this week.

Weberg was alleged to have stolen drugs from patients at Good Samaritan, and then used the syringes she injected herself with on patients. Research later published by the CDC and the Washington Department of Health found that had resulted in her being the likely source of hepatitis C infections in 12 people she had treated.

She was later arrested at the Canadian border in May of 2018, before she was released without charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nearly five and a half years later, she was charged on Sept. 1 of this year for tampering with consumer products. Four days after that, she agreed to plead guilty to the charge in U.S. District Court. It comes with a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three additional years of supervised release along with as many as five years of probation.

As part of her plea deal, she admitted to tampering with vials of hydromorphone and fentanyl.

Webergs nursing license was stripped by the state in 2018.
A Disney vacation for a family of four can cost thousands of dollars.

But travel experts told Insider there are ways to cut costs when booking a Disney trip.

Their tips include booking up to a year in advance and buying discounted gift cards.

When it comes to planning your dream Disney vacation, the best place to start is with a budget, Rachael Saldana, a Disney travel-planning expert at Allonsy Travel, told Insider.

But a trip to the happiest place on Earth doesn't come cheap. Insider reported in 2021 that the average cost of a typical five-day trip to Disney World for a family of four at the time was $6,033. CNN reported in 2022 that while a one-day, one-park ticket was between $109 and $159, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios anticipated to see more than a 12% increase by 2023.

A 2022 survey of Walt Disney World fans conducted by gambling website time2play found that 92.6% of those surveyed believed the cost of a Disney vacation was too expensive for the average family. Another 48.3% said they postponed trips to Disney World because of price increases in recent years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While the price may still not be economically feasible for some families, four travel experts told Insider there are ways to cut back on the cost of a Disney vacation.

Here are six of their money-saving tips to help make the trip more affordable for families.

Book as soon as you can because it locks in your price.

Children are pushed in their stroller as a family visits Disneyland. FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

Once you have a budget in mind, you should book as soon as possible, according to Stephanie Peters with Hiatt Magical Vacations.

Why? "Because it locks in your price. So if Disney and Universal were ever to raise their ticket prices, your price is not changing," she said.

Ideally, you would book six months to a year before you intend to go, experts told Insider.

Disney does release promotions throughout the year  for example, a deal in September 2023 offers up to 30% off some rooms at Disney over the holiday period. If a promotion is applicable to your package, a travel agent like Peters can apply those discounted rates when you book.

Be smart about when you go.

People attend the "Festival of Fantasy" parade at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. Octavio Jones/Reuters

With so many people visiting the park, the best way to get the most bang for your buck is to go during windows when it's least expensive, has the smallest crowds, and ideal weather, according to Jill Knonenborg, who previously spoke to Insider about the best times to visit Disney.

While the cheapest times to go are often when school is underway  usually January after Martin Luther King Jr. Day through early February, and early June and late August between summer breaks  that won't be possible for families wanting to keep their kids in class.

During the summer break, early June is often the most cost effective, Peters said.

"I think especially for those families that really prioritize education and prioritize school, summer is a good time to go," she said. "The first week of June tends to be a less expensive time to go in the summer, and the heat isn't quite built up to what August would be."

Late August is also a cheaper time to visit, so that's another option for families whose kids return to class after Labor Day.

"That late August time is the second-cheapest time I have found with Disney World for this year," Amber Travis, a Missouri-based Disney travel agent with Mickey Travels, told Insider.

"Disney offers lower rates at that time to get people to go," she said.

But if you want to experience the Halloween decor and the early days of Christmas festivities without the chaotic crowds and crazy prices, September and early December are the best times to go.

Budget to pay for your Disney vacation over time.

Guests stop to take a selfie at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Handout/Getty Images

Saldana said it's a $200 deposit to secure a Disney vacation package, but the remainder of the payment is not due until 30 days before you go.

"This makes it really easy to budget because you know how much your vacation's going to be, you know when you need to pay it, and you have  especially if you're booking for next December  more than 12 months to pay for it," she said.

Strategizing how much to save each week, automating your savings, or establishing a sinking fund are just some ways you can budget for a big trip, travel experts previously told Insider's Alene Laney.

Buy discounted gift cards in bulk to pay off your Disney vacation.

Guests stop to take a selfie at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Handout/Getty Images

Travis suggests buying discounted gift cards in bulk and using them to pay off your Disney vacation.

Disney gift cards are essentially like any gift card: They carry funds that can go towards practically anything Disney at Disney destinations, from merchandise and theme-park tickets to dining and resort reservations.

Some stores sometimes sell them at a discounted price, like Sam's Club or BJ's, and other stores may offer gift cards as well, such as Target, Ralph's, Kroger, Walmart, Staples, and Best Buy.

At Sam's Club, for example, you can purchase $50 Disney gift cards for $47.98, saving up to 4%. (Only members can buy these discounted gift cards, and a membership costs $45.)

BJ's Wholesale offers Disney gift card deals where you don't need a specific credit card or membership to get the discounted gift cards. Instead, you can try out the membership with a free one-day pass. During those 24 hours, you can buy discounted Disney gift cards without purchasing a membership.

As of September 2023, the best deal available will save you up to 3% by buying a $100 BJ's Disney gift card that costs $96.99. If you use a credit card that earns rewards or provides cash back, the savings could be higher.

Book when hotel pricing is first released because it's the most economical.

The Tran family wearing their favorite Star Wars-themed outfits at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images

Like much else when it comes to travel, the golden rule is: Book in advance. That also means coordinating your hotel stays early.

Saldana, who has a background in revenue management, worked at hotels handling dynamic pricing and figuring out hotel rates. She recommends being vigilant for when hotel pricing is first released and booking your stays around that time.

In the case of families looking to book for 2024, Disney released information indicating reservations could be made starting on May 31, 2023, as reported by WDW Magazine.

"When the rates are first released, they are the cheapest. The revenue managers just want to see what traction they get and where the demand dates are  and then they adjust based on that. So when pricing is first released, it's the most economical," she said.

SF Gate reported in October 2022 that visitors with just a month or two notice may be able to book at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel or the Disneyland Hotel, especially during the slower months of late August and September.

However, to obtain the more popular options at Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa during more popular months that feature holidays like Halloween and Christmas, you should book at least six months in advance, experts told Insider.

Avoid extra expenses by getting to the parks early.

A family poses for a picture inside the Magic Key Starcade Experience at Disneyland. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Waking up at 6 a.m. can be a tough ask, especially if you're coming from a time zone where it's even earlier. But Knonenborg believes you should make the sacrifice because it yields the best results.

Other people won't wake up that early, so the crowds at any time of the year will always be the lowest the earlier you go, she said. In addition, especially in the summer months, the temperatures will be the coolest as soon as the park opens.

But here's where it stops you from spending additional money: "If you want to avoid the extra expenses of the Disney Genie+ line reservation system or a VIP tour experience and still have pretty short lines, get to the park as soon as you're allowed to," she said.

Read the original article on Insider
More than 60 people have been named in a state RICO indictment filed in connection with the yearslong campaign by protesters in Georgia to thwart construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center  dubbed Cop City by detractors.

All 61 defendants have been charged with Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Republican Attorney General Chris Carrs office said in a statement Tuesday. Several of the defendants are also facing separate charges of Domestic Terrorism, Attempted Arson in the First Degree, and Money Laundering.

Georgias RICO law is similar to a federal one that targets so-called criminal enterprises. It is the same state statute under which former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants have been accused of breaking laws in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case.

Debate over the public safety training facility has been brewing for years. The Atlanta Police Foundation, which is helping to fund the project, has said its needed to help boost morale and recruitment among police and firefighter ranks now using substandard or borrowed facilities. Protesters have decried its potential environmental impact and possible role in the further militarization of police, with some camping out at the site for months and clashing with police.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition, which opposes the project, denounced the RICO indictment and questioned the motivation behind it.

These charges, like the previous repressive prosecutions by the State of Georgia, seek to intimidate protestors, legal observers, and bail funds alike, and send the chilling message that any dissent to Cop City will be punished with the full power and violence of the government, the coalition said.

Further, the documents use the day George Floyd was murdered as the date the alleged criminal acts began. This is months before anyone was even aware of Cop City, and is a clear assault on the broader movement for racial justice and equity, the group said.

The 109-page indictment indeed alleges criminal activity related to the training center site happened on or between May 25, 2020 and August 25, 2023. Floyd was killed May 25, 2020, by a Minneapolis police officer  tipping off a nationwide reckoning over police use of force against people of color  but the Cop City training center site wasnt announced until 2021.

Carrs actions are a part of a retaliatory pattern of prosecutions against organizers nationwide that attack the right to protest and freedom of speech, the Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition said.

Trees lie cut down in March to make way for the training center. - Cheney Orr/Reuters

A 26-year-old protester was killed in January at the planned site of the 85-acre, $90 million training center when officers trying to clear it opened fire. Manuel Esteban Paez Teran sustained at least some wounds while seated with hands raised, an autopsy commissioned by the family found, attorneys said. An autopsy from the DeKalb County Medical Examiners office noted at least 57 gunshot wounds. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has said officers shot Teran after Teran shot and seriously wounded a state trooper. The DeKalb medical examiner found no visible gunpowder observed on Terans hands.

Then in March, some protesters were charged with domestic terrorism, including for alleged acts at the site including hurling large rocks, bricks, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement. Activists at the time disputed authorities characterization: According to Defend the Atlanta Forest, police targeted people at a local family-friendly music festival in a public park separate from the construction site.

Police described the accused as violent agitators. A similar term, outside agitators, has been used broadly by authorities for decades to discredit protesters, including civil rights activists.

Of the 61 defendants indicted August 28, 13 are from Georgia, the attorney generals office said. It said all defendants are members of Defend the Atlanta Forest, Carr said, describing it as an anarchist, anti-police, and anti-business extremist organization.

CNN has reached out to Defend the Atlanta Forest for comment.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr discusses the indictment Tuesday. - Natrice Miller/AP

Stop Cop City, which also opposes construction of the site, condemned the indictment.

These charges not only attempt to criminalize the resistance against Cop City, but try to associate our current resistance to the 2020 uprising in Atlanta, the group posted on Instagram, referring to protests after Floyds murder. This document and AG Chris Carrs own press conference makes it very clear that Cop City is the states response to the 2020 uprising and that any dissent against it is to be crushed.

But the attorney general said, Violence is not political speech.

If you come to our state and shoot a police officer, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, set fire to police vehicles, damage construction equipment, vandalize private homes and businesses, and terrorize their occupants, you can and will be held accountable, he said.

As I have said for months, the state of Georgia would not tolerate the repeated acts of violence and destruction that have occurred in an attempt to stop the construction.

The investigation was led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in partnership with law enforcement organizations including the Atlanta Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Carr said.

CNNs Christina Maxouris and Devan Cole contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mermaids, dogs, and cake, oh my! The top new movies on streaming this week really have something for everyone.

The Little Mermaid leads the list of new movies to watch this week. The live-action remake of the Disney classic stars Halle Bailey as the iconic character with a beautiful singing voice who yearns to be a human.

Coming off its theatrical release is Strays, which follows a pack of dogs out for revenge. The rest of the lineup includes family drama, horror and a friendship comedy involving cake. Pop that popcorn and get comfy!

For more recommendations, check out 17 new shows and movies that are streaming in September on Netflix, Prime Video and more.

The Adults (digital)

Adulting is so hard. When Eric (Michael Cera) returns home for what he hopes is a short visit, he finds the reunion with his sisters Rachel (Hannah Gross) and Maggie (Sophia Lillis) awkward and fraught. Old childhood conflicts reemerge and the they give him grief for his lengthy absence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Eric extends his stay not only to make peace with his sisters, but also because he gets caught up in proving himself to be the best poker player in town. As the carefully constructed facade of Erics adulthood begins to crumble, hes forced to face the divide between who he was as a child and who he is now.

Buy digitally on Apple right now (release date Sept. 5)

Birth/Rebirth (digital)

This psychological horror film centers on a pathologist named Rose (Marin Ireland) who prefers working with corpses over social interaction. Shes alo obsessed with the idea of reanimating the dead by gestating materials in her own body. Celie (Judy Reyes) is a maternity nurse whose life revolves around her bubbly 6-year-old daughter Lila (A.J. Lister).

When Lila suddenly falls ill and dies one night, the two womens paths cross in a most startling way. They embark on a dark path of no return and confront how far theyre willing to go to protect what they hold most dear.

Buy digitally on Amazon or Apple right now (release date Sept. 5)

Strays (digital)

It hasnt even been a month since this comedy about dogs opened in theaters. Streaming sure does move fast. Dog may be mans best friend, but not when the man is a total dirtbag. Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell) is a naive, relentlessly optimistic Border Terrier who is abandoned on the street by his nasty owner Doug (Will Forte).

Reggie ends up falling in with the fast-talking, foul-mouthed Bug (Jamie Foxx), a Boston Terrier stray who loves his freedom. With Bugs help, Reggie realizes how toxic Doug was and decides to get revenge. He and his new pals hatch a plan to make Doug pay by biting off a beloved appendage  and its not his foot.

Buy digitally on Amazon or Apple right now (release date Sept. 5)

The Little Mermaid (Disney Plus)

Disneys nostalgia machine revs up another live-action remake of one of their animated classics. This time, The Little Mermaid gets the treatment, following in the footsteps of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Mulan. Like those remakes, this one has its naysayers, though the high level of vitriol targeting Black actress Halle Bailey is truly disturbing.

Of course, a fictional cartoon mermaid doesnt have to look a certain way, nor does any remake need to be 100% faithful to its predecessor. As Ariel, Bailey is an utterly charming screen presence with a powerful voice. The story of an outsider yearning for a different life is as familiar and comforting as ever. Plus, the ubiquitous Lin-Manuel Miranda adds new music to make this IP-plumbing cash grab a little more interesting.

Stream on Disney Plus starting Sept. 6

Sitting in Bars with Cake (Prime Video)

Inspired by true events, this celebration of female friendship follows best friends Jane (Yara Shahidi) and Corinne (Odessa Azion) as they navigate life in Los Angeles in their twenties. Jane is a shy but very talented home baker, and the extroverted Corinne convinces her to commit to a year of baking cakes and bringing them to bars with the goal of meeting people.

Their year of cakebarring is filled with joy and madcap adventures. Then, Corinne gets a life-changing diagnosis and the friends face the biggest challenge of their young lives.

Stream on Prime Video starting Sept. 7

Klondike (digital release)

In July 2014, Ukrainian couple Irka (Oksana Cherkashina) and Tolik (Serhiy Shadrin) are expecting an addition to their family. They live in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine near the Russian border, disputed territory in the early days of the war. Their lives are shattered by the crash of flight MH17, shot down by Russian-controlled forces.

Toliks separatist friends urge him to join their efforts, while Irkas brother Yurik (Oleg Shcherbina) suspects the couple of betraying Ukraine. Irka refuses to be evacuated even as armed soldiers swarm the village. She tries to make peace between her husband and brother by asking them to repair their bombed house.

Buy digitally on Apple starting Sept. 8

Landscape With Invisible Hand (digital release)

The aliens have taken over Earth. Years into a benevolent occupation of Earth, humans are still adjusting to the new world order and their overlords called the Vuvv. The aliens advanced technology initially seemed like it would bring about global prosperity; instead, it rendered most human jobs obsolete.

When teen artist Adam Campbell (Asante Blackk) and new girlfriend Chloe Marsh (Kylie Rogers) discover the Vuvv are fascinated by human love, they decide to make some money off of it. The couple begins live-streaming their budding romance and charging the aliens for access. The cash flows in  until Adam and Chloes relationship fizzles out. Theyre forced to make some absurd sacrifices in order to keep their families afloat.

Buy digitally starting Sept. 8

More from Tom's Guide
At only 7 years old, Aspen Brown made one of the biggest discoveries of the year at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.

Aspen, of Paragould, Arkansas, unearthed a 2.95-carat brown diamond Sept. 1 at the popular park, where visitors are allowed to hunt for real diamonds.

She got hot and wanted to sit down for a minute, so she walked over to some big rocks by the fence line, Aspens dad, Luther Brown, said, TXK Today reported. Next thing I know, she was running to me, saying Dad! Dad! I found one!

The brown diamond was the second-largest rock found at the park this year, according to Arkansas State Parks. A 3.29-carat diamond discovered in March by David Anderson is the biggest found this year and the largest since 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Aspens rock, which KAIT reported is about the size of a green pea, also features a sparkling luster, said Waymon Cox, assistant park superintendent.

It is a complete crystal, with no broken facets and a small crevice on one side, created when the diamond was formed, Cox said, KAIT reported. Its certainly one of the most beautiful diamonds Ive seen in recent years.

The massive brown diamond has received an appropriate name by its discoverer  Aspen Diamond. Aspens mom said in a Facebook post her daughter wrote her name down in the books of being one of the youngest to ever find a diamond at the park.

More than 35,000 diamonds have been found at Crater of Diamonds by visitors since it became a state park in 1972. The park allows visitors to keep whatever they found.

Crater of Diamonds is in Murfreesboro, about 90 miles southwest of Little Rock.

Couple celebrating their anniversary find iced tea-color gem  a 1.90-carat diamond

Frequent visitor to Arkansas diamond park uncovers 2.38 carat rock. Frankenstone

Man creating own engagement ring left shaking by his shiny find in Arkansas park
(NewsNation)  The husband of a Utah mom and YouTube content creator facing child abuse charges denies he had any role in his wifes alleged activities, according to the mans attorney.

Kevin Frankes wife, Ruby Franke, was charged after neighbors found one of her sons with duct tape on his ankles and lacerations that authorities believe were from being tied up with rope. Another child was described as being malnourished.

Randy Kester, Kevin Frankes attorney, denied the childrens father had any role, saying he was not living in the house where the alleged abuse occurred.

Mom had the kids for the summer and went out of the county with the kids, and if he had known of or thought there was abuse going on, he would have been all over it, Kester said Tuesday on NewsNations CUOMO. (The alleged abuse) happened in a house that was a couple hundred miles away from where Mr. Franke was.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Murdaugh attorneys call clerks alleged actions unprecedented

Ruby Franke, a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, is a mother of six from Utah. She and her husband ran a YouTube channel called 8 Passengers about life with their children, who currently range in age from 10 to 20. At the peak of the channels popularity, the family had more than two million followers.

8 Passengers garnered controversy for showing the children in vulnerable moments and for what Ruby Franke called her strict parenting style. Those who spoke out against the channel said she was openly abusing her children. The channel was removed from YouTube this year.

After the channel was removed, Ruby Franke launched a new one with a business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, called ConneXions Classroom, focused on mental health and counseling. Hildebrandt has also been charged with child abuse.

Police say Hildebrandts neighbors called 911 after Frankes 12-year-old son escaped from a window of her house. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment due to his deep lacerations from being tied up with rope and from his malnourishment, according to an arrest record.

Police investigate link between Rex Heuermann, missing South Carolina mom

When police went to the Hildebrandt home, they found Frankes 10-year-old daughter, who was described as being malnourished. Frankes two other minor children were located at the Franke home and all four children were placed under the custody of family services.

It is not clear why Ruby Franke and two of the children were staying with Hildebrandt.

Kevin Franke has not been charged, and police have not disclosed whether he was living in the home at the time. Kester, Frankes attorney, says he wasnt.

In a statement to Page Six last week, Kester said Kevin Frankes goal is to keep the children together.

If the allegations are true, my client has never supported, condoned or even acted in a physical way toward these kids, Kester told NewsNation. Hes a good dad, hes a very humble guy, and he needs to get these kids back to be able to kind of get them out of the media and get their lives back to normal. Thats his objective.

NewsNation digital producer Stephanie Whiteside contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Nearly 90% of the militarys general and flag officers could be ensnared in Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tubervilles ongoing nominations fight by the end of the year, a situation a top Democratic lawmaker blasted as a shameful charade during a Senate floor speech on Wednesday.

Sen. Tuberville has targeted the men and women of the military itself, and their families, Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in his remarks. He knows the damage he is causing to our military families and our national security. It appears he simply does not care.

Reeds comments came one day after senators returned from their late-summer recess and just about three weeks before the scheduled retirement of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley.

If a resolution on the nominations hold cant be reached before the end of the month, that will leave the militarys top uniformed job vacant. Three other Joint Chiefs posts are already empty: the Army chief of staff, the chief of naval operations, and the commandant of the Marine Corps.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Army, Navy and Marines all without top leaders due to Tuberville holds

Tubervilles hold currently covers about 300 senior military assignments awaiting approval in the Senate since Feb. 17. Reed said that number is expected to swell to around 650 by the end of the year, with another 110 officers forced to stay in their current posts and perform two jobs simultaneously.

The five armed services currently have 852 general and flag officers in total, according to Defense Department records.

[Sen. Tuberville] has achieved what Americas enemies could only dream of: instability in the ranks of our military leadership, Reed said.

For the senator from Alabama to deny these officers their hard-won, merit-based promotions for his own political gain is simply disgraceful. After six months, it seems that neither reason nor shame will sway him.

Tuberville has held up expedited approval of the military commanders (typically a non-controversial procedural move for the Senate) for six months over his objections to the Defense Departments abortion access policies, put in place in fall 2022.

Under those rules, troops stationed in states where abortion services are limited or outlawed can receive unpaid leave and travel stipends to move across state lines for abortion counseling or procedures. Defense officials have called it a readiness and fairness issue. Tuberville has labeled it an illegal circumvention of state and federal laws.

In recent weeks, Tuberville has publicly attacked the White House for woke military policies he says distract from national security concerns and rebuffed Democratic requests for a reprieve.

I didnt start this, Tuberville wrote on social media over the weekend. The Biden Admin injected politics into the military and imposed an unlawful abortion policy on the American taxpayers. I am trying to get politics out of the military.

Senators could be forced to ram through some military nominations soon

Senate Democratic leaders could approve the nominations individually through normal chamber parliamentary procedures, but lawmakers have said doing so would take months of floor work, making it impractical.

On Tuesday, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post attacking Tuberville for the political moves and appeared on CNN together to petition for a solution to the blockade.

Tommy Tuberville, what hes actually doing, hes playing Russian roulette with the very lives of our service members by denying them the opportunity to actually have the most experienced combat leaders in those positions to lead them, Del Toro said on CNN.

Some Senate Republican leaders have privately voiced concerns about the ongoing blockade, but Tubervilles move has received largely public support from his colleagues.

Tuberville has said he will withdraw the holds if Defense Department leaders rescind the abortion policies, or if Congress votes to formally approve them. Reed said that Tuberville has been offered other votes in the chamber in response to his concerns but has declined.

At this point, one has to wonder if the senator actually wants to achieve his demands, or if he just wants to stay in the spotlight, Reed said.

In response to Reeds floor remarks, Tubervilles office released a statement that said the more Democrats attack [the senator], the more he digs in.

The Senate Armed Services Committee  of which both Reed and Tuberville are members  is scheduled to hold two more senior military nomination hearings next week.
[Source]

A 93-year-old great-grandmother died after being brutally attacked by her neighbors dogs in Modesto, California.

What happened: Chanthy Philavong was reportedly at home in the 3600 block of Dothan Drive on Thursday afternoon when a pair of her neighbors dogs ended up on the loose. The dogs, identified as Cani Corsi, an Italian breed of mastiff, first approached the front door of Philavongs other neighbor, Jeniece Dendulk, where they were seen wagging their tails via a security camera.

All of sudden, they take off, and then I hear screaming, so I take off out the door, Dendulk told KCRA. I hear the mom, and shes screaming for help, and I see the grandma on the ground and the dogs have her.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to Dendulk, the dogs trapped Philavong against her front door and wall. Dendulk threw shoes and pots at the canines as Philavongs grandsons managed to help get her inside the house.

More from NextShark: NYC Asian elderly are not leaving their homes over fears of being attacked, study finds

Philavongs death: Although Philavong initially survived the attack, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday.

It was chaos, Dendulk said. It was a matter of 80 seconds. Just like that, everybody's lives changed. It was awful. If I'm feeling this way I cant imagine how theyre feeling. Thats their home and they have to live with that.

Investigation: The police are currently investigating the incident. The dogs are reportedly in custody at the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter. According to KCRA, a woman living in the home of the dogs said she was in Arizona at the time of the attack.

More from NextShark: Man Ordered to Pay Ex-Wife for Housework in Landmark Divorce Case in China

A spokesperson for the Modesto Police Department told KTVU that there is no known history of violent behavior involving the Cane Corsos. It has not yet been determined if charges will be brought against the dogs owner.

GoFundMe page: Philavongs family and community are grieving her loss. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family during this difficult time.

She was taken from us unexpectedly, one of Philavongs grandsons wrote. Anything that helps would be greatly appreciated. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

More from NextShark: Miss England 2019 Goes Back to Being a Doctor to Fight on Front Lines

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Shohei Ohtani leads Japan to 8-1 win against China in World Baseball Classic opening
Last week, out of the blue, I got a text from Ammar Campa-Najjar. The two-time San Diego County Democratic congressional candidate wanted to let me know that hed just been commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves, assigned to the Pacific Fleet.

What an unexpected twist.

You turn your pain into purpose, he told me when we spoke Monday. Now this story has its closure.

When last I checked in with Campa-Najjar, the San Diego native, then 29, was on the rebound after a hard fought unsuccessful 2018 campaign to wrest control of Californias 50th Congressional District, a traditional GOP stronghold, from Republican U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, a former Marine and scion of a local political dynasty.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hunter kept his seat even though he was under federal indictment for stealing a quarter million dollars from his campaign. Later sentenced to 11 months in prison, he was pardoned by former President Trump before we got the chance to see him behind bars, which infuriated even conservatives.

Read more: Column: On the trail with the Latino Arab American candidate trying to oust Duncan Hunter

The 2018 campaign will live in infamy, as Hunters overtly racist accusations against Campa-Najjar, who converted from Islam to Christianity in high school, made national news.

Attacks against Campa-Najjar, the son of a Mexican American mom and Palestinian American father, with whom he lived in Gaza for four years as a child, had a similar flavor to the birther conspiracy pushed against Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii to a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya, and once lived in Indonesia as a child.

Hunter warned that his opponent was a national security threat trying to infiltrate Congress. The awful anti-Muslim rhetoric was made worse just before the 2018 election, when Hunters father, a former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, staged a phony security briefing at the USS Midway, the aircraft carrier that is now a museum in San Diego.

Read more: Column: Duncan Hunter is finally off to prison. Good. Now who will take his place?

Hunter Sr. invoked Campa-Najjars grandfather, an alleged Palestinian terrorist who was killed by Israeli commandos 16 years before Campa-Najjar was born, and his father, who had worked for the Palestine Liberation Organization and was widely acknowledged as a promoter of peace with Israel, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mind you, by that point, Campa-Najjar, now 34, had already worked in the Obama administration, which required an FBI security clearance.

The attacks picked right back up in 2020, when Campa-Najjar sought the seat again. The hard-right billionaire and former congressman Darrell Issa had swooped in, and recruited then-President Trump to record a nasty ad accusing Campa-Najjar of being anti-Israel and a dangerous socialist. Again, Campa-Najjar made a respectable showing but lost.

Was the young man finished with politics at that point? He was not. In 2022, he ran for mayor of Chula Vista, the border city where he went to high school and junior college. With a relatively outsized war chest, and in a town where Democrats outnumber Republicans, he still lost. Questions about his actual residence and lack of previous interest in the towns issues  trash pick up was a big one  worked against him.

Unlike the political battlefield, the military is a place where Americans with unusual backgrounds like Campa-Najjar can find a good fit.

He told me hed always wanted to serve in the military, and even tried to enlist at 17 before his mother put a stop to it. Now he's added another detail to his only-in-America backstory: receiving his Navy commission at the Midway, the very site of the most outrageous political attack against him.

Read more: Column: Ammar Campa-Najjar is running again despite racist attacks in midterms

I give him a tremendous amount of credit for the ability as a candidate to stay focused and unbowed by ugly personal attacks that might push a less mission-driven person out of politics.

That ability to stick tenaciously to his talking points should make him a perfect fit for the Navys Public Affairs Office, where he has been assigned.

But given his very recent past as a political partisan, I wondered how any feelings he might have about American military misadventures like the invasion of Iraq, or even the Vietnam War, might come into play. Campa-Najjar wasnt having it.

I am 1,000% focused on serving my unit and leading our sailors, he said. I trust the chain of command and the oversight. My role will be discharging the duties of the oath of office that I have taken. (As a reservist, he can still keep his day job as a consultant for small businesses and government entities.)

Read more: Man behind iconic USS Midway Museum to retire

Campa-Najjar seems relieved to leave today's politics behind. "I've scratched that itch," he told me.

The military doesnt have the luxury of getting into these cultural disputes trying to divide us, he continued. Where some people have seen my heritage, my background as a liability, the Navy says those are not liabilities, they are assets. A command of the Arab language, fluent in Spanish, having lived in the Middle East, my cultural competency, gives us a strategic advantage, he said. My Arabic is actually more fluent than my Spanish.

I wish Campa-Najjar was a little less guarded in conversations. For instance, he did not want to discuss his personal relationship with Democratic U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs, whom he met in 2018 when they were both running for Congress, and both lost. Jacobs, the granddaughter of Qualcomm founder Irwin Jacobs, ran again in 2020 and won, and now represents portions of San Diego and its eastern suburbs.

As for the end of Campa-Najjar's political aspirations, Im sure hes telling the truth.

At least for now.

@robinkabcarian





If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
With an emphasis on accountability, the OFallon City Council has adopted a code of ethics that addresses conduct, fairness, and civility.

The residents and businesses of OFallon are entitled to have fair, ethical, and accountable local government. City officials shall conduct themselves to bring credit upon the organization and the community, so reads the resolution on rules of order and procedure.

Approved at the Sept. 5 council meeting, it also included the Illinois Municipal League civility pledge, which states:In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful to others, acknowledging that we are striving to support and improve our community and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective.

This action is a result of a May 22 council retreat and a July 31 Committee of the Whole meetings where aldermen discussed methods to improve how meetings are conducted for transparency and decision-making.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

City Administrator Walter Denton and Assistant City Administrator Grant Litteken gathered all the information in a report that is available to the public, City Council Retreat Executive Summary.

Some of the changes include the council modifying the seating arrangement at committee meetings so that residents know who is on each committee. Signs are also mounted to notify residents which committee is meeting.

At the beginning of each council and committee meeting, there will be an explanation on the video screen describing the format of the meeting and how residents can participate. The mayor or committee chair will read a statement at the beginning of each meeting explaining the format.

The procedures address improved communication, such as the council has an obligation to consider and address the questions coming before it in an efficient and effective manner, and to respectfully consider the opinions of the citys citizens and other council members.

When preparing for council meetings, aldermen should address direct questions ahead of time to Denton and Litteken so that the desired information can be provided at the council or committee meeting.

It is the responsibility of Council members to publicly share substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration that they have received from sources outside of the public decision-making process with all other council members and the public prior to taking action on the matter, it states.

A council member shall not direct staff to initiate any action, change a course of action, or prepare any report, nor initiate any project or study without a majority approval of the council.

Council members are asked to direct routine inquiries to department heads, not other employees. They should not attempt to pressure or influence discussions, recommendations, workloads, schedules, or department priorities absent the approval of a council majority.

Any concerns about city employees should be directed privately to the city administrator. They are not to reprimand employees directly or communicate their concerns with others.

The document also addresses political support, handling litigation, and confidential information.

As for ethical standards, council members shall work for the common good of the people of OFallon and not for any private or personal interest. Council members must endeavor to treat all members of the public and issues before them in a fair and equitable manner.

Upon election and re-election, aldermen will be asked to sign a Personal Code of Ethics Statement.

For impartiality, that includes being prohibited from using their official positions to influence government decisions in which they have a financial interest or where they have an organizational responsibility or a personal relationship that would present a conflict of interest under applicable state law.

They must file annual written disclosures of their economic interests. And they cannot take advantage of services or opportunities for personal gain, nor use public resources not available to the public (city staff time, equipment, supplies, facilities).

Aldermens relatives cannot be employed full-time with the city (blood or marriage within the second degree).

Council Action

In other action, the council OKd a pre-annexation agreement with SJG Land Investment for 55.6 acres at 1206 Scott Troy Road, which is currently zoned rural residential, for 41 single-family homes to be known as The Preserves. It is currently 1.5 miles from city limits but if the property becomes contiguous, then it could be annexed.

The sewer lining program in Wards 1, 6 and 7 received a boost with $831,652.50 approved for work to be done by Visu-Sewer of Missouri.

New Hotel

SpringHill Suites by Marriot received final approval and will be built on a 2.84-acre tract located at the northeast corner of North Green Mount Road and West U.S. Highway 50.

The new 107-room, 5-story hotel will be surrounded by offices, retail and services -- Eagle condominiums and commercial center to the north; residences and Scott Credit Union to the east; CVS Pharmacy, Sonic Drive-In, Dennys, and Harley Davidson to the south; and Carrolton Bank, First Bank, and Advance Title Solutions to the west.

SpringHill will offer mostly one-bedroom rooms, with some double rooms available, and have an outdoor swimming pool, meeting spaces, and a limited fitness center.

Aldermen voting no were Ross Rosenberg and Tom Vorce, with Alderman Aaron Hudson abstaining.

Audio-Visual Upgrade

Mayor Herb Roach announced that the citys aging audio-visual equipment will be upgraded, which means the way residents can view and participate in public meetings.

We should be up and running on the new equipment by our Oct. 2 city council meeting, he said.

On-demand and streaming viewing through Zoom, You Tube, Facebook, and the citys website will be available. But the city will no longer broadcast its meetings through AT&T and Spectrum after the Sept. 18 council meeting.

Labor Agreement

After an executive session, the council approved a contract with the OFallon Local 2817-1 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Labor Council covering rates of pay, wages, hours of employment and other conditions for the EMS personnel. They had been in negotiations since the previous contract expired on April 30, and the union agreed to terms Aug. 25.
Out gay actor J. August Richards blew everyone elses 50th birthday party out of the water by adding a wedding to the festivities!

After getting engaged in February, the Marvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star announced on Instagram that he married musician Joshua Gbor during his carnival-themed milestone birthday celebration.

"We got married yall," the newlyweds captioned their post that included photos of the happy couple on their wedding day. "For my 50th birthday, I wanted to celebrate the places that historically make me who I am: Africa, The Caribbean, Panama and The United States. The theme was carnival -- as if all those places had a single, epic event. We played Reggeaton, Afrobeats and Gogo. We served shrimp n grits, oxtails and vegan jambalaya. In the middle of the party, we announced that we were getting married and surprised our guests with a wedding. It was the most magical night of our lives."

People took to the comment section of the post to wish the couple congratulations, including Gbor who wrote, So blessed to have found real and true love in you @jaugustrichards.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While their wedding is a joyful time, Richards pointed out that all LGBTQ+ people don't enjoy the same rights and freedoms and he has.

"On the exact same night in Nigeria, 67 people were arrested for attending what police say was a gay wedding," he wrote. "It was a reminder that some of the places that made us who we are, don't always celebrate ALL that we are... Therefore we want to dedicate our ceremony to the people of the African Diaspora and all around the world living in countries where it is illegal or unsafe to be LGBTQ.

He continued, writing, While I am grateful to be living in a country where I am able to publicly and legally marry my soulmate, we still have so much work to do to ensure the rights and safety of the entire community and our allies. We are grateful to the activists who came before us and praying for the safe release of the 67 human beings arrested in Nigeria."

The couple is referencing a recent incident where police in Nigeria arrested over 60 for supposedly attending a same-sex wedding, according to reporting from the New York Times on Aug. 30.

Arrests like these are part of a crackdown on LGBTQ+ people in the country based on a 2014 law that states that anyone entering into a same-sex marriage or civil union will face up to 14 years in prison.

Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerias Delta state police command to immediately release the over 100 men, arrested and paraded to the media, over allegedly organizing gay marriage and put an immediate end to this witch-hunt. wrote the human rights watch dog group in a post on X (formerly Twiiter).

The arrests violate a range of human rights and discriminates based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.  Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) August 29, 2023
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt responded to tech billionaire Elon Musk s accusations the organization was trying to kill X, arguing posts on social media as a whole have been deeply troubling.

I cant really tell you whats in his head, Greenblatt said during an interview with CNN Primetimes Abby Phillips . There is a problem across all social media services. Weve talked about it before, Ive talked about it on this network, Ive talked about it with Elon Musk  anti-Jewish acts have reached historic levels in the United States.

Musk  who is the owner of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter  has threatened a lawsuit against the ADL. In a series of posts Monday, he said the hate-speech watchdog falsely accused him of being antisemitic and suggested the comments were to blame for a decrease in ad revenue.

Since the acquisition, The @ADL has been trying to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic, Musk wrote, adding, Our US advertising revenue is still down 60%, primarily due to pressure on advertisers by @ADL (thats what advertisers tell us), so they almost succeeded in killing X/Twitter!

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Greenblatt, who affirmed his support for the First Amendment, was quick to point out that his organization had seen an increase in kind of QAnon hashtags and a lot of notorious antisemites re-platformed since Musk took control of the social media platform last year.

I think hate speech, speech we dont like, thats the price of free speech, he said. But the question is, are you elevating it? Are you expanding it? Are you making it easy to see for children and other people? Are you finding ways to de-amplify it and tamp it down?

The ADL chief stressed Musks latest inflammatory comments, his frivolous lawsuit against the civil rights group and his engagement with figures  such as far-right Irish activist Keith Woods and white supremacist Nick Fuentes  have only emboldened bad actors with very hateful intent.

Following Musks posts, a #BanTheADL campaign began to circulate on X, prompting one group of masked men in Florida on Saturday to march through the streets waving flags adorned with swastikas and chanting Ban the ADL.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the organization would not comment on the legal threats as a matter of policy, but they said the ADL is unsurprised yet undeterred that antisemites, white supremacists, conspiracy theorists and other trolls have launched a coordinated attack on our organization.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
African skulls pillaged during German colonial rule have been matched to living relatives after DNA tests

A skull from an indigenous Namibian on display at the Charite Hospital, Berlin, Germany, September 30, 2011, which was later restituted to the Namibian government. This skull was likely from a Herero or Nami tribe-person who was killed in a brutal war with German colonizers. John MacDougall/AFP via Getty Images

German invaders pillaged thousands of skulls from East African colonies and brought them back.

Using DNA analysis, a museum has managed to find relat of three of the skulls.

This finding is a "small miracle" and is likely to remain rare, a museum official said.

Ancient skulls pillaged by German invaders from East Africa have been traced to living relatives, thanks to DNA analysis, Berlin's Museums authority (SPK) said Tuesday.

The discovery of descendants, made by Berlin's Museum of Prehistory and Early History, was lauded as a "small miracle," SPK's director said in a translated press release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The study is part of a wider-ranging project by the museum to find the provenance of at least 1,100 skulls found in a 7,700-strong skull collection the museum acquired from Berlin's Charite Hospital museum in 2011.

The collection is controversial because of its origins. At the beginning of the 20th century, the German empire took thousands of skulls from its colonies for research into racial classification. Such research has since been discredited, the BBC reported in 2018.

Many of these skulls are thought to have found their way into the SPK's collection, per the BBC.

Some of these skulls were from colonial victims. As part of the restitution efforts, the SPK has previously returned 20 of the collection's skulls to Namibia in 2011. These are thought to have belonged to indigenous Nama and Herero tribes who were killed in brutal wars by German invaders almost a century earlier, Science Magazine reported in 2011.

The DNA sample provided a direct match

Many of the skulls in the collection were in very poor condition when they were acquired by the SPK, and many lacked conservation records, which is why it is so difficult to trace the skulls back to descendants, a museum spokesperson told Insider on the phone.

There were clues to help with the identification of some of these remains. Diary entries and records, as well as numbers or words unceremoniously scribbled on some of the skulls, helped narrow down their origins.

In the case of eight of the skulls, the museum collected enough information to seek out potential relatives. They contacted 10 people to provide DNA swabs. Surprisingly, one was a perfect match.

The fact that the skull was traced back to a descendent is "amazing," the museum spokesperson said.

This person's ancestor had a single word inscribed on his skull: "Akida." Per the museum's statement, this suggests this person was a very important person for the Chagga people, a people from the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania.

The SPK believes this person was a high-ranking advisor to Mangi Meli, the ruler of the Chagga people.

It's not clear what would have happened to this advisor at the time of his death. But we do know Meli met a brutal end when he was hanged and decapitated after leading an uprising against German invaders in 1900, per the BBC.

Two other skulls have also been traced back to people who provided DNA samples, and it is "likely" that they are descendants, per the statement.

The relatives will now be contacted to determine what they want to do with the remains.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Days before a visit by President Joe Biden to Vietnam in which he aims to upgrade diplomatic ties, a U.S. government commission accused the country of backsliding on commitments to ensure religious freedoms.

In a report on Tuesday, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said that since Washington dropped Vietnam from a list of "countries of particular concern" (CPC) over religious freedom in 2006, the Hanoi government had created "more space in some areas" for expressions of belief.

However, a "recent crackdown on civil society, increased pressure on independent religious communities, alarming reports of forced renunciations of faith, and other growing religious freedom violations add up to a clear reversal in that once-positive trajectory," it said.

The report said a May visit to Vietnam by USCIRF Vice Chair Frederick Davie and Commissioner Eric Ueland found that while religious groups experienced relatively greater freedom in urban areas, "serious challenges are pervasive in many rural areas."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Vietnam's requirement for religious groups to register contrasted with Hanoi's obligation to provide religious freedom to all its people, it said.

"Government authorities continue to closely monitor all religious activity, often harassing, detaining, or otherwise preventing unregistered faith communities from exercising their fundamental right to religious freedom," the report said.

Vietnam was on a "similar trajectory to China in terms of its regulation and control of religion," the report said.

Washington sees Vietnam as an important partner in the face of China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. It is looking to elevate its diplomatic relations with Hanoi to the top level when Biden is in Hanoi on Sept. 10, but analysts say human rights concerns could be an obstacle to certain cooperation.

Vietnam's constitution allows for freedom of religion and government media have rejected criticisms from groups such as USCIRF.

In its 2023 annual report, the USCIRF recommended the redesignation of Vietnam as a CPC, accusing it of "systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom."

Last year, the U.S. State Department added Vietnam to its Special Watch List for violations of religious freedom under the 1998 U.S. Religious Freedom Act, a lesser designation than that of a CPC, but its first since 2006.

The act provides for a range of policy responses, including sanctions or waivers, but they are not automatic.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Leslie Adler)
At the beginning of Episode 4 of Ahsoka, titular heroine Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) tells Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) some hard truths. The pair might already be too late to find the path to Ezra and Thrawn. That means that instead of tracking down Ezra and Thrawn, they might have to destroy anyone elses ability to find them. Sabine is understandably upset at the thought of leaving Ezra several galaxies away forever and becomes newly determined to stop Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), Baylan (Ray Stevenson), and their crew.

Ahsoka notices this nervous, electric energy from Sabine, and she tries to instill a wise lesson in her padawan: Sometimes we have to do whats right, regardless of our personal feelings. Unfortunately, neither Ahsoka nor Sabine are able to fully follow through on this nugget of wisdom. But more on that later.

Ahsoka, Sabine, and Jedi droid Huyang (David Tennant) are working to power their ship back up after losing an intense battle to Morgans massive hyperspace ring, which stranded them on the planet of Seatos. In a move to potentially catch their opponents off-guard, Ahsoka and Sabine plan to find Baylan, Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno), and Inquisitor Marrok before they come for them. Unfortunately, thats not what happens; instead, Morgan Elsbeths HK-87 Assassin Droids come a-knockin (Huyangs head into the ship).

Even though Huyang lives to see another day, after Ahsoka and Sabine take care of the assassin droids, he has to start over on the ships repairs. But before Ahsoka and Sabine are able to head off to face Baylan and Shin, he does tell the two women that theyre better together. You always do better that way, in my opinion, he says in a surprisingly sweet moment. Even though they dont listen to this advice either, at least he tried.

Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ahsoka tells Huyang that she needs to get in contact with Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but in true Hera fashion, shes already on her way. With her own small group of former rebel fighters, she heads to Seatos with her son Jacen (Evan Whitten) and Chopper. There is a triumphant atmosphere to their once a rebel, always a rebel, attitude, which nicely reminds us that not everyone in the New Republic is content to just allow the Empire to flourish again under their noses.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Back on Seatos, Ahsoka and Sabine come face to face with Marrok and Shin Hati, with Ahsoka taking on the Inquisitor and Sabine having a rematch with the other padawan. As if to remind us of Ahsokas track record with Inquisitors, she slices through him so fast he doesnt know what hit him. But instead of a reveal of some crazy Marrok theory accompanying his death, his body just *poofs* into a massive cloud of dark green smoke. So no, it wasnt Starkiller or Ezra, like some thought; instead, Marrok potentially was some sort of spell or manifestation from Morgan and her Nightsisters magic.

Instead of Ahsoka and Sabine teaming up to disarm Shin and put an end to their fights in the woods, the duo does what Huyang (and anyone whos ever seen a horror movie) explicitly tells them not to do: They split up, with Ahsoka off to fight Baylan and Sabine still fighting Shin.

Sabine Wren, the Real Star of Ahsoka, Is a Giant Mystery

As you could probably guess, this decision comes back to bite them in the butt sooner rather than later. Baylan taunts Ahsoka as he mentions Anakin and what he became, but thats not enough to throw her off. Ahsoka is agile and skillful; Baylan may be full of brute strength, but is skillful as well. Theyre a well-paired match. But just as Morgans droids are nearly finished scanning the map for the coordinates to Thrawns location, Ahsoka snatches it with her bare hand and burns it.

Sabine bests Shin with a Mandalorian weapon, resulting in Shin pulling a magic trick-esque escape through a cloud of smoke. But before either of them get to Baylan and Ahsoka, the fight is already no longer in Ahsokas favor, thanks to her burned hand. However, once she sees Shin return without Sabine, Ahsoka believes she lost Sabine. Her anger turbocharges her combat against Baylanso much so, in fact, that she does a very un-Jedi-like thing and Force chokes Shin, slamming her into the rocks.

Sabine does eventually show up, and the chaos of her return causes a discombobulated Ahsoka to fall to her presumptive death into the Seatos water below. However, just like was the case with Ahsokas fall on Malachor while facing Maul in Star Wars Rebels, fans should know that this isnt the last we see of the iconic Togruta.

But Sabine doesnt know this and is easily manipulated by Baylan in her grief and shock. She gives him back the map in exchange for the chance to save Ezras life, instead of just destroying the map like Ahsoka told her to before her fall.

Lucasfilm Ltd.

Hera and her squad show up a bit too late, seeing Morgans hyperdrive ring in action as it shoots right through their path. Hera loses some of her fleet and Jacen tells her, in true Star Wars fashion, hes got a bad feeling.

And in the last scene of the episode, Ahsoka slowly wakes up from her fall on Seatos, only to find herself in the World Between Worlds. This is a nice deep cut for Rebels fans who know that she was brought there by Ezra after her duel with Darth Vader in Season 4. But an even better reveal is who meets her there in this realm this time; Anakin fricken Skywalker (Hayden Christensen).

While The Clone Wars fans are all losing their collective minds after finally seeing Snips and Sky Guy interact in live action, what does this mean for Ahsoka? The good guys are really on a losing streak at the end of this episode with no way to find Sabine or find their way to Ezra and Thrawn. And Ahsoka is (literally) on another plane of existence.

Keep obsessing! Sign up for the Daily Beasts Obsessed newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

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.
AI Accolades

A highly contentious AI-generated song featuring the cloned vocals of Aubrey "Drake" Graham and Abel Makkonen "the Weeknd" Tesfaye has officially been submitted to the Grammy Awards for consideration, the New York Times reports.

The song, called "Heart on my Sleeve," was produced by an anonymous artist called Ghostwriter. It made major headlines earlier this year, when it went viral on TikTok  and then immediately drew the ire of Graham and Tesfaye's label, Universal Music Group.

The label forced the song to be taken offline across a number of streaming platforms, but not before it racked up 600,000 streams on Spotify and 15 million views on TikTok, as Billboard reported at the time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Now, the NYT confirmed with a representative for Ghostwriter that the song was submitted to the Grammys for both "best rap song" and "song of the year," both of which technically are awarded to the writers, not performers.

It's a fascinating new wrinkle in the debate surrounding the use of AI in music. Can artists really receive accolades for their use of someone else's vocal style, or are they actively undermining the success of the artists they are impersonating? Do Graham and Tesfaye have exclusive rights to their respective voices  or is it all fair game in the era of AI?

Fire Bars

While Harvey Mason, the official in charge of the Recording Academy's Grammy Awards, implied in an extremely muddled statement back in June that "Grammys will only be allowed to go to human creators who have contributed creatively in the appropriate categories," the song is still technically eligible, the NYT reports.

"As far as the creative side, its absolutely eligible because it was written by a human," Mason told the newspaper this week.

It's a thorny issue that's bound to remain highly controversial.

"I knew right away as soon as I heard that record that it was going to be something that we had to grapple with from an Academy standpoint," Mason told the NYT, "but also from a music community and industry standpoint."

"We know AI is going to play a role in our business," he added. "We cant pretend to turn our back on it and try to ban it."

Now, Ghostwriter has turned to two new artists for their next song, a track called "Whiplash" that features the cloned vocals of rappers Travis Scott and Sheyaa "21 Savage" Bin Abraham-Joseph.

The artist is sending a clear message with the new song.

"Me and Writer raise a toast," the AI-generated version of 21 Savage raps. "Trying to shadowban my boy, but you cant kill a ghost."

More on AI music: Nick Cave Unloads on Musicians Using ChatGPT to Write Songs
President Joe Biden has submitted a nomination for a new Air Force vice chief of staff, but a backlog of 98 promotions caused by Sen. Tommy Tuberville 's six-month blockade has hobbled the service from permanently filling top positions.

An appointment for Lt. Gen. James Slife to be vice chief was received in the Senate on Tuesday as the Air Force shouldered more delayed promotions than any other military service branch. Slife is currently the Air Force's deputy chief of staff for operations and was previously the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.

Tuberville has blocked any quick Senate confirmation of general and flag officers, throwing the highest ranks of the military into uncertainty, especially in the Air Force. With promotions on hold, Slife cannot replace Gen. David Allvin -- who was nominated as the next chief of staff of the Air Force in July. Allvin cannot take over for Gen. Charles "C.Q." Brown, the current chief who was tapped as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs in May.

Read Next: Parris Island Marine Officer Arrest in Florida Is Latest Leadership Trouble for Training, Education Command

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Brown can technically continue to lead the Air Force through the summer of 2024 -- he was confirmed to a four-year term in June 2020 -- many officials hope to have him vacate his role sooner than that. Gen. Mark Milley, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs, ends his term on Sept. 30, and the seat could remain vacant if Brown is not confirmed and promoted.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., reportedly said on Wednesday that Democrats would not be holding an individual vote for the chairman of the joint chiefs position, saying it was up to Republicans to figure out how to end the holds.

"We're not going to shift the burden to Democrats," Schumer said, according to Politico.

Since late February, Tuberville has used a procedural tactic known as a hold to block confirmations of all general and flag officers over his opposition to the Pentagon's policy of covering leave and travel expenses for service members who seek abortions in the wake of the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade.

In total, nearly 300 flag and general officers across the services are caught up in that delay, including Brown, Allvin and now Slife.

Slife is one of 98 Air Force officers whose promotions are affected, putting it above the Army, which has the next highest number at 91, the Pentagon told reporters on Wednesday. The Air Force has 73 active-duty officers and 25 reserve officers caught in Tuberville's hold.

The Navy has 86 promotions on hold and the Marine Corps has 18, according to the Pentagon figures. Additionally, eight Space Force officer promotions are being delayed.

Slife was commissioned through the ROTC program at Auburn University where he graduated in 1989, according to his service biography.

He "spent the majority of his career in special operations aviation assignments," garnering more than 3,000 flight hours with aircraft such as the MH-53 search-and-rescue helicopter and the unmanned MQ-1 Predator.

Slife was the commander of Air Force Special Operations Command out of Hurlburt Field, Florida, from June 2019 to December 2022.

He was the commander when the service's fleet of CV-22 Ospreys were grounded in mid-August 2022 due to a potentially deadly mechanical issue known as a hard clutch engagement. One such aircraft was stranded on a remote nature preserve in Norway because of the flaw.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: 'Unfair Burden': Tuberville Blockade on Promotions Is Stressing Military Families, 3 Service Secretaries Say
Ukrainian forces shot down 15 out of 25 Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones and all eight missiles launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported on Sept. 6.

According to the report, nine Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers fired seven Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 cruise missiles from the area around Engels in Russia's Saratov Oblast. Russian forces also launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile, according to the Air Force.

Some 25 Shahed drones were reportedly launched from the directions of Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Krasnodar Krai, Russia, and Chauda in occupied Crimea.

The Air Force said that Ukrainian forces tracked and shot down all seven cruise missiles, the Iskander ballistic missile, and 15 drones using air defense missile systems, fighter aircraft, mobile fire groups, and other means of defense.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An air raid siren went off across the country in the early morning hours of Sep. 6 as Russia carried out a large-scale strike against Ukraine. At least one civilian was reportedly killed in a Russian drone attack against Odesa Oblast, and explosions and air defense fire were reported in Kyiv.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Zelensky nominates new defense minister as parliament approves Reznikovs resignation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Air Force has warned Ukrainian citizens that there was a threat of cruise missiles being launched from Tu-95MS aircraft from the northeast.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force; air-raid warning map

Quote: "There is a threat of cruise missiles being launched from Tu-95MS aircraft from the northeast! Do not ignore air-raid warnings! And go to the shelter!"

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy oblasts.

Updated: At 04:43, an air-raid warning was issued in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr and Vinnytsia oblasts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Later, an air-raid warning was issued in all oblasts except the western ones.

At 05:12, the Defence Forces of Ukraines south reported that the missiles were manoeuvring.

At 05:37, an air-raid warning was issued throughout Ukraine.

At 06:36, the Air Force reported that the all-clear was given in all Ukrainian oblasts.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Defendant Leon Newsome and defense attorney John Greven look at photos as an Akron Fire Department investigator testifies in Newsome's trial for starting a fire that killed two people in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien's courtroom in Akron.

It only took a few short minutes for flames to reach the second-floor doorway that led to the attic, where Casey Blanchfield and Thomas "TJ" Litton had been sleeping last October.

The flames spread after Frank McCready and his former girlfriend Lisa Cook, whose bedroom was on the second floor, heard what they described in court as a "whoosh" or "boom" sound made when flames suddenly ignite.

They said the sound had come from the ground floor, where Leon John Newsome and his girlfriend had been arguing after Newsome allegedly threatened to kill everybody, McCready said at the beginning of Newsome's murder trial Wednesday.

Blanchfield, 31, and Litton, 43, both died in the fire "Nitty" Newsome allegedly started. An autopsy found they died of smoke inhalation and thermal injury. Blanchfield was a mother of two, according to her obituary. Litton, who was originally from Tallmadge, had nine children and three grandchildren, according to his obituary.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Newsome, 38, is facing 14 felony charges that include multiple counts of aggravated murder and murder related to Blanchfield and Litton's deaths.

He was indicted last December on four counts each of aggravated murder and murder, six counts of aggravated arson and two counts of felonious assault. The murder charges involve different parts of state law.

Several of the charges include repeat violent offender specifications that carry with them potential extra prison time.

Leon Newsome charged: Akron man charged with killing two in October house fire

Witnesses describe 'flophouse' on fire

At the trial's start on Tuesday, the jury in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien's courtroom heard a series of 911 call recordings, along with testimony by the first emergency responder on scene.

Akron fire investigator Gabriel Cotrufo said he had been answering a carbon monoxide alarm near the same North Hill neighborhood when he heard other firefighters being dispatched to the home on Carpenter Street just north of W. Tallmadge Avenue.

Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien listens to the testimony of a witness on the first day of Leon Newsome's trial for starting a fire that killed two people in Akron.

He said he arrived to see fire in the home's first floor and smoke coming out of most of the home's windows. He approached the driveway side door, but said he couldn't get closer than the threshold due to heat from the fire.

McCready and Cook described the homeowners' son, who lived in a separate bedroom along with them on the second floor, as a "hoarder." They agreed with prosecutors' description of the home's first floor as a "flophouse" where the home's residents and visitors used drugs and visitors occasionally slept over.

They both admitted they had been methamphetamine addicts at the time, but said they had been drug-free for months.

Cook said the first-floor kitchen was so full of junk that the only running water in the house came from the second-floor bathroom. The only door into the house was the driveway side door, as the two other ground floor doors were in rooms blocked with piled up junk and trash. She testified bottles of cleaners, degreasers and other chemicals were littered all over the house.

Newsome and his girlfriend lived on the first floor.

Threat, fire came after argument

Cook described the morning of Oct. 25, 2022, as the first bright day in a week or so, and said she and Newsome's girlfriend had gone to get coffee at a convenience store a few blocks away.

She said they took their time returning home and were away for about an hour after stopping to look through a couple piles of junk that had been left on the side of the road following evictions in the neighborhood.

McCready and Cook said Newsome had been upset the women were gone so long and blamed Cook.

They said Newsome had come up from the ground floor to confront Cook, only to be ordered by McCready back downstairs when the argument threatened to get out of control.

Defense attorney Nathan Ray talks with defendant Leon Newsome and defense attorney John Greven during Newsome's trial for starting a fire that killed two people in Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien's courtroom in Akron.

While McCready usually stayed out of disputes between Cook and Newsome, "That day, he got so aggressive that Frank jumped in and said 'That's enough,'" Cook testified.

McCready said Newsome then made a death threat.

"On his way down the stairs, he said 'I'll kill you all,'" McCready said.

McCready and Cook both testified they could hear Newsome and his girlfriend arguing downstairs for a few minutes before hearing the sharp sound of flames igniting and the girlfriend came running upstairs screaming.

"She said 'Help me, help me! The couch is on fire!" McCready said.

They said she filled a plastic pitcher with water from the bathroom and went back downstairs. McCready said he then started filling a bathroom trash can, turned and saw flames howling up the stairwell when it was about half full.

'I'll kill you all': Akron man threatened residents before house fire that killed two, investigators say

They had been attempting to wake the couple upstairs, but were forced to flee due to the increasing heat. They discovered the window in their bedroom had been nailed shut, so went to the owner's bedroom, crawled out of the window there and said they were climbing down a tree to the ground when the home's windows started bursting.

Both the girlfriend and Newsome made it out of the house from the ground floor, and McCready testified he saw Newsome calling out for TJ from the home's driveway.

Hydrocarbon accelerant ruled out

Also on Wednesday, Frank Webber, an investigator with the Ohio Fire Marshal's Office, said he had brought an "Ignitable liquid detection canine" into the house later that day after the fire was extinguished and the victims removed.

He brought the dog past what investigators had determined was the fire's point of origin and detected no gasoline-based or other hydrocarbon type accelerant, but testified the dog is not trained to detect other types of chemical accelerants, such as alcohol.

According to court records, investigators believe Newsome poured Heet fuel additive on the living room couch and set it on fire. Heet, which is sold as a gasoline line antifreeze, is made of flammable methanol and isopropanol and can be used as a solvent.

The trial is expected to continue through Friday.

Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron man allegedly started fatal fire after argument with girlfriend
TechCrunch

The Chevy Equinox EV, an all-electric compact SUV that General Motors has aimed squarely at the mass market, will arrive in dealerships in 2024 with a battery range and sticker price that could propel its EV sales and even compete with Tesla. The Chevy Equinox EV base model will be priced at $34,995  higher than the targeted $30,000  and will come with a 319-mile range that beat out the company's original estimates. The base price model includes the destination fee.
Alex Murdaugh is led out of court after he was convicted of murdering wife and son (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

When Alex Murdaugh was convicted of the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul back in March, his legal team insisted that the fight wasnt over.

Six months on, his attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin descended on the South Carolina court of appeals in Columbia and filed a motion calling for a new trial.

Motions for appeals or new trials are hardly uncommon in criminal cases.

But, the foundation for the request from Murdaughs attorneys is.

In the bombshell 65-page filing, Murdaugh has accused Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill of breaking her oath by allegedly tampering with the jury in the case, pressuring them into returning a guilty verdict against him.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He claims that she advised the panel not to be fooled by Murdaughs testimony on the stand or misled by the defences evidence, pushed them to reach a quick guilty verdict, and misrepresented critical and material information to the trial judge in her campaign to remove a juror she believed to be favorable to the defense.

Its a series of bombshell accusations, supported by affidavits from some jurors, which has propelled Murdaugh and his notorious double murder trial back into the spotlight once again.

So just how serious are these allegations?

And will this now pave the way for Murdaugh  a man convicted of killing his wife and son in cold blood, a man facing another 700 years behind bars on 100 financial fraud charges and a man embroiled in a sprawling saga of mystery deaths  to be granted a new trial?

Prominent attorney Duncan Levin told The Independent that the claims laid out in the court documents are extremely serious and, if true, Murdaugh could  and should  be granted a new trial.

The allegations in the complaint are extremely serious, he said.

Michael Gunn, principle at Forge Consulting, gives the witness oath by Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill at Murdaughs murder trial (AP)

The complaint asserts that an elected state official, the Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, engaged in deliberate misconduct by tampering with the jury during Mr Murdaughs trial for the murder of his wife and son.

Mr Levin  the former assistant district attorney in the Manhattan DAs office and prominent criminal defence attorney at Levin & Associates who has represented clients including Harvey Weinstein and Anna Delvey  explained that the accusations could amount to a violation of Murdaughs rights.

If proven true, these allegations not only undermine the integrity of the judicial process but also represent a significant violation of Murdaughs constitutional right to a fair trial, he said.

Now that the motion has been filed, he said that an evidentiary hearing is likely to take place where the evidence for the accusations will be laid out.

If the allegations are proven to be true, Mr Levin said that Murdaugh should then unquestionably be granted his request for a new trial.

The actions described, particularly those of a court official who is entrusted with upholding the principles of justice and impartiality, fundamentally undermine the fairness of the trial and the credibility of the verdict, he said.

Tampering with the jury, pressuring them, and interfering with their deliberations are actions that directly violate the defendants right to a fair and unbiased jury trial.

In such cases, the law typically requires the granting of a new trial to ensure that justice is served without the taint of undue influence or misconduct.

He added: These actions, if substantiated, could lead to severe consequences for those involved.

Ms Hill is yet to respond to the bombshell accusations levelled against her and is presumed innocent.The Independent has reached out to her for comment.

But, Murdaughs attorneys have suggested that some members of the jury could also find themselves in legal hot water.

Speaking on Good Morning America on Wednesday morning, Mr Harpootlian suggested that jurors should also be seeking legal counsel.

Mr Levin said that it is possible jurors could potentially face legal consequences if the accusations extend to their own misconduct.

If there is evidence or concerns of juror misconduct, such as receiving outside information, discussing the case prematurely, or being influenced by external factors, jurors could potentially face legal consequences or be called upon to testify about their actions during the trial, he said.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has so far only released a brief statement on the motion, saying only that we are currently reviewing the defenses latest motion and will respond through the legal process at the appropriate time.

Murdaughs attorneys allege that Ms Hill was driven by fame and a desire to secure a book deal when she allegedly pressured the jurors to quickly return a unanimous guilty verdict against him.

When Murdaugh took the stand, the motion claims Ms Hill instructed the jury to watch him closely, to look at his actions, and to look at his movements on the stand  something at least one juror said they understood to mean that Murdaugh was guilty.

The Facebook post which was said to have been posted by a jurors ex-husband (THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA In the Court of Appeals)

When the defence presented evidence, they were allegedly urged not to be fooled.

The motion also claims that Ms Hill had frequent private conversations with the jury foreperson and repeatedly asked jurors for their opinions about Murdaughs guilt or innocence.

One of the most damning accusations centres around the dismissal of juror number 785 just hours before jury deliberations began.

According to Murdaughs attorneys, Ms Hill invented a story about a Facebook post to remove a juror she believed might not vote guilty.

Judge Clifton Newman removed the female juror from the panel for allegedly discussing the case with at least three other people outside of the court. The woman then prompted some light-hearted  and widely-reported  relief when she asked to pick up her dozen eggs from the jury room before she left.

According to the motion, Ms Hill had gone to Judge Newman on 27 February  the day after Murdaugh testified  claiming that she had seen a post in local Facebook group Walterboro Word of Mouth from juror 785s former husband Tim Stone.

The post purportedly claimed that the juror was drinking with her ex-husband and, when she became drunk, she expressed her views on whether Murdaugh was innocent or guilty.

A follow-up post from an account called Timothy Stone apologised for the post saying that he was driven by Satan.

Murdaughs attorneys claim that the posts were either fabricated or not written by Mr Stone.

Maggie and Paul were found shot dead on the familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate back on 7 June 2021. Alex Murdaugh had called 911 claiming to have found their bodies.

During his high-profile murder trial, jurors heard how Paul was shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun while he stood in the feed room of the dog kennels on the affluent familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate. The second shot to his head blew his brain almost entirely out of his skull.

After killing Paul, prosecutors said Murdaugh then grabbed a .300 Blackout semiautomatic rifle and opened fire on Maggie as she tried to flee from her husband.

During the dramatic six-week trial, Murdaugh confessed to lying about his alibi on the night of the murders but continued to claim his innocence of the killings.

The jury didnt agree and the disgraced legal scion was convicted in March of the brutal murders.

Alex Murdaugh sobs on the stand as he testifies in his own defence (AP)

Beyond the murder charges, Murdaugh, 55, is also facing a slew of financial fraud charges for stealing millions of dollars from his law firm clients and his dead housekeepers family.

He is expected to plead guilty on 21 September to federal charges  marking the first time he has pleaded guilty to a crime in court.

Murdaugh is also facing around 100 financial charges in state court as well as charges over a botched hitman plot where he claims he paid an accomplice to shoot him dead.

Murdaughs high-profile conviction also shone a spotlight on some other mystery deaths tied to the South Carolina legal dynasty.

Following Maggie and Pauls murders, investigations were reopened into the 2018 death of the Murdaughs longtime housekeeper Gloria Satterfield and the 2015 homicide of gay teenager Stephen Smith.

Meanwhile, at the time of his murder, Paul was also awaiting trial for the 2019 boat crash death of Mallory Beach.
Alex Murdaugh, sentenced to life without parole for the murder of his wife and son, at Colleton County Courthouse - Joshua Boucher/Pool The State

Alex Murdaugh has demanded a retrial for the murders of his wife and son, alleging that the court clerk told jurors not to be fooled by him.

The disgraced lawyers legal team launched the appeal on Tuesday, claiming that Rebecca Hill, Colleton County Clerk of Court, was driven by the lure of fame and desire to secure a book deal.

Ms Hill has not responded.

Attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin said Ms Hill told jurors not to be misled by the evidence presented by the defence or fooled by Murdaughs testimony when he took the stand.

The request also accused Ms Hill of handing the jurors business cards given to her by journalists.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is the latest twist in a case that gripped America and was the subject of a Netflix documentary.

The development comes six months after Murdaugh, 55, was sentenced to life without parole for the shootings of his wife, Margaret, 52, and their youngest son, Paul, 22, in June 2021.

Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life without parole for shooting his wife, Margaret, and their youngest son, Paul, in June 2021 - UNPIXS

Mr Harpootlian said on Tuesday that they had collected the sworn testimony of two jurors and interviewed a third who each said that Ms Hill, an elected official serving her first term, had had improper, private communications with some jurors outside of the trial.

Theyre not someone who should ever talk about the case, Mr Harpootlian said of the clerk. Ive never heard it happen, and Ive been doing this a very long time.

The motion accuses Ms Hill of pressuring the jurors, who took three hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict, as well as inventing a story about a Facebook post to have a juror removed who she believed would have found Murdaugh not guilty.

Ms Hill did these things to secure for herself a book deal and media appearances that would not happen in the event of a mistrial, the motion said. Ms Hill betrayed her oath of office for money and fame.

Following the verdict, Ms Hill visited New York with three of the jurors for interviews. She also published the book Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders.

The book details Ms Hills experience overseeing the major trial and her familys own past with the Murdaughs, whose family had wielded power in South Carolina for decades.

Despite the motion, South Carolina has a high bar for overturning guilty verdicts.

Even if his murder conviction is overturned, Murdaugh would likely remain behind bars as he plans to plead guilty to stealing from clients and his law firm later this month.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted in March of killing his wife and son in June 2021, accused the court clerk of trying to influence members of the jury on multiple occasions as part of her plan to write a book about the high-profile trial.

In their 65-page motion seeking a new trial, Murdaughs attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian allege that Rebecca Becky Hill, the clerk of court in Colleton County, South Carolina, pressured the jury to quickly reach a guilty verdict and made other references to his guilt ahead of their verdict. The bombshell court filing, obtained by HuffPost, includes sworn testimony by two jurors and an affidavit from a paralegal at Harpootlians law firm summarizing a meeting with a third juror. The jurors statements were made independently of one another, Harpootlian said at a news conference Tuesday.

Alex Murdaugh stands next to the witness booth during a break in his murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Feb. 23 in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Alex Murdaugh stands next to the witness booth during a break in his murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse on Feb. 23 in Walterboro, South Carolina.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Murdaugh has continued to maintain his innocence in the killings, for which he is serving two life sentences. The verdict came after six weeks of testimony from witnesses including Murdaugh himself, and jurors deliberated for about three hours before delivering their decision. Murdaugh, a disbarred personal injury lawyer and member of a prominent South Carolina family, has also pleaded not guilty to more than 100 state and federal financial crimes, including defrauding his clients of millions of dollars, money laundering, tax evasion and forgery.

In response to the motion, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilsonsaid in a statement shared with HuffPost, We are currently reviewing the defenses latest motion and will respond through the legal process at the appropriate time.

Days before Murdaugh testified, Hill told jurors not to be fooled by his defense, according to sworn testimony by two jurors included in the motion.

One of the jurors said they interpreted Hills comments to mean Murdaugh would lie when he took the stand in his own defense and said Hill instructed the jury to watch him closely before he testified and to look at his actions and look at his movements, indicating to this juror that Murdaugh was guilty.

Another juror said that before the defense presented its case, Hill told the jury, Yall are going to hear things that will throw you all off. Dont let this distract or mislead you.

One juror said when they began deliberations, Hill said, This shouldnt take long and said jurors who smoked would not be allowed to take smoke breaks until theyd reached a verdict, which Griffin characterized as a coercive effect on people who have a nicotine habit in a news conference Tuesday.

The original foreperson, who was removed the day deliberations began due to allegations that she had shared her opinion with others about whether Murdaugh was guilty, said Hill had asked her privately whether she and the other jurors thought Murdaugh was guilty. She also told Murdaughs attorneys that Hill told her Murdaugh had lied about everything. Two other jurors said in the motion that when jurors visited the crime scene at Moselle, the Murdaughs hunting property, Hill and another juror walked off together and had a private conversation.

Murdaughs attorneys claim Hill was motivated by her desire to maximize sales of her book, Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, which was published last month. Excerpts from the book are included in the motion. Griffin told reporters Tuesday that the defense team had heard through a whisper campaign of potential jury tampering and misconduct among the jurors, but initially none of the jurors would speak about it to them But when Hill published her book, Griffin said, that zone of silence collapsed, and jurors were upset about that and several were more than willing to come forward and be interviewed by the defense.

Hill did not respond to a request for comment by HuffPost.

Murdaughs lawyers also allege that Hill misrepresented critical and material information to the trial judge, Clifton Newman, in what they call a campaign to remove a juror she believed to be favorable to the defense.

The original foreperson said in her affidavit that Hill had questioned her about a Facebook post purportedly made by the forepersons ex-husband, which he and the foreperson both vehemently deny, claiming that she had expressed her opinion about the case. The original foreperson was also accused of sharing her opinion about Murdaughs culpability with her two tenants, which she says both later denied. After excusing the juror, according to a transcript included with Tuesdays motion, Judge Newman said, Oh boy. Im not too pleased about the clerk interrogating a juror as opposed to coming to me and bringing it to me.

The three jurors who spoke to Murdaughs lawyers also allegedly indicated a general distrust of the verdict and made allegations of impropriety during the trial. All three said two jurors in particular discussed the case together frequently. Another juror also said that other jurors discussed the case before deliberations began, according to the paralegals account of the defense teams meeting with her, and that after Murdaugh testified, eight jurors indicated they did not believe his testimony.

One juror even said they voted to convict Murdaugh, despite having questions about his guilt, because they felt pressured by the other jurors, according to Murdaughs defense.

I think they were upset with the way things went and the court  and with the way this played out, Griffin said Tuesday.

I am very optimistic we will get a new trial, Griffin, Murdaughs attorney, told reporters Tuesday. How long that will take I dont know.

Related...
The South Carolina Supreme Court building in Columbia, South Carolina, is shown, Jan. 18, 2023. South Carolinas new all-male Supreme Court reversed course on abortion on Aug. 23, 2023, upholding a ban on most such procedures after about six weeks of pregnancy.

Over the past three-plus decades, Americas state supreme courts have become less  not more  reflective of the nations racial and ethnic makeup.

Thats according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of data from the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law and academics James Gibson and Michael Nelson, authors of "Judging Inequality." The data shows that in 1990, 92% of state high court justices were white  a figure that meant white justices were overrepresented by 16 percentage points when compared to the demographics of the nation as a whole.

In 2023, white justices made up 81% of state high court benches. But given the nations changing makeup, the figure means they are now overrepresented by 22 percentage points.

The lack of representation is especially acute for Latinos, who make up just 5% of state high court justices in 2023  despite accounting for 19% of the U.S. population.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Reducing that gap is critical, said Steven C. Gonzalez, the chief justice of the Washington Supreme Court.

Researchers and justices say who sits on the bench can lead to different conversations as judges deliberate, and ultimately to different outcomes. Justices can also push to change administrative rules based on their own personal experiences. Were umpires calling balls and strikes and deciding what the strike zone is, Gonzalez said. Having a mixed group there can provide a richer discussion.

In 18 states, high courts had all-white benches, according to the data the Brennan Center collected in May 2023.

This demographic mismatch comes alongside an increasingly successful effort to push high courts to the right, the subject of a recent Public Integrity investigation. Nationally, state supreme courts have flipped from Democratic control in the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s to a Republican majority in recent years. The implications for abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and voting are massive, and in some places only beginning to be felt.

As the parties have waged political battles over the courts, the share of women on the bench has steadily climbed. In 1990, just 10% of state supreme court justices were women. In 2023, that figure hit 42%.

The figure still falls short of womens share of the U.S. population  just over 50%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau  and masks significant variation at the state level.

In South Carolina, none of the five supreme court justices are women. Its the only such court in the nation without a female justice.

Its an embarrassment, said Kaye Hearn, a former justice on the South Carolina Supreme Court who reached the states retirement age of 72 for judges in February. Ive always felt that its important for litigants and lawyers to look up on whatever bench theyre before, and see someone who looks like them.

In January, Hearn wrote the opinion that struck down a six-week abortion ban in the state, joined by two of her male colleagues. She said that the two male justices who dissented did not ever appreciate that at six weeks, many women do not even know theyre pregnant, let alone have time to make the momentous decision to have an abortion, schedule an appointment and get it done.

The ruling attracted national attention, and underlined the immense power of state supreme courts to decide what rights residents do, and do not, possess.

State legislators in South Carolina responded to the decision by passing similar restrictions this spring. In a ruling last month, the states newly all-male high court ruled in favor of the six-week abortion ban.

Those numbers are difficult to overcome

A host of academic research has found that the race and gender of justices can impact rulings.

One study by Princeton Professor Jonathan Kastellec found that Black federal judges are significantly more likely than nonblack judges to support affirmative action programs. But the influence extends beyond any individual judge. The study also showed that the presence of a Black jurist on a panel of judges increases the probability that a nonblack judge will rule in favor of an affirmative action program by about 20 percentage points.

Another study by University of Georgia Professor Christina Boyd found that female judges guided parties to settlements more quickly and more often than male judges. And female federal judges not only ruled differently in sex discrimination cases  their presence also made their male colleagues significantly more likely to rule in favor of the rights litigant.

(That study found no difference between male and female judges in 12 other areas of law.)

Judicial diversity matters for rulings, said Maya Sen of Harvard University, who in 2021 provided testimony to a U.S. Senate subcommittee on the issue. If we want the rulings to be reflective of the preferences and interests of the broader American population, then diversity in judges is an important way to get there, she told Public Integrity.

Leah Ward Sears, who became the first woman on the Georgia Supreme Court when she joined the bench in 1992.

The makeup of the bench also shapes how Americans walking through the doors of courthouses view their experiences. The National Center for State Courts found a massive racial gap" in perceptions of the justice system in 2015, with Black respondents reporting much lower levels of trust than other Americans.

A more diverse bench may be one way to reduce that gap: Greater representation of Black judges in courts leads to greater feelings of legitimacy towards the institutions among Black Americans, one study found.

It just instills confidence in the public, that they might get a shot at somebody who understands them, said Leah Ward Sears, a former chief justice on Georgias high court.

Sears became the first woman on Georgias Supreme Court when she joined the bench in 1992; her cousin, John Charles Thomas, became the first Black justice on Virginias high court in 1983.

She added that all sorts of nuances arent captured by demographic data. Her upbringing  she was born on a military base in Heidelberg, Germany, and grew up middle-class in Georgia  was considerably different from that of her colleague Robert Benham, the states first Black justice, who was a decade older and grew up attending segregated schools.

Some justices cited the academic research on judicial diversity in their interviews with Public Integrity. Washington Chief Justice Gonzalez's election was the subject of a study by academics Matt Barreto, Cameron Caldwell and Kassra A.R. Oskooii that examined voting patterns and found the textbook definition of racially polarized voting in his 2012 primary race. In the election, Gonzalez underperformed a white candidate in a separate election  as current supreme court justices, they were both incumbents  by 24 percentage points in Yakima County. The races were nonpartisan, leading researchers (and the future chief justice) to conclude that voters were casting ballots based off his name.

Thats daunting. Those numbers are difficult to overcome, Gonzalez said. I believe it will be easier for those who follow. But that was the first time someone with a Latino surname had ever been elected statewide, in Washington state.

Other studies have documented racially polarized voting patterns in judicial elections in California, Louisiana and Texas. The Brennan Centers Alicia Bannon said that elections are almost never a path to the bench for people of color. A report she wrote in 2019 found that justices of color were more likely to be challenged than white justices, even as incumbents. (Many justices initially reach the bench by appointment, even in states that have judicial elections.)

The report and its follow-ups have also documented the lack of professional diversity on the bench. Thats another area where state supreme courts dont reflect the diversity of the legal profession, Bannon said. While many justices have experience in private practice (87%) or as a prosecutor (38%), very few have worked as public defenders (9%) or in civil legal services (2%).

And a disproportionate share of high court justices graduated from elite law schools, further limiting diversity of experience.

The Supreme Court of the State of North Carolina in Raleigh.

Lawyers and scholars say that when elected officials appoint justices, politics comes before diversity. At times, the issues have collided. In late August, North Carolina Supreme Court justice Anita Earls filed a federal lawsuit alleging that a state oversight commission is investigating remarks she made about the lack of diversity in the states court system. The lawsuit says the investigation could lead to a range of potential punishments for Earls, a Black woman and a Democrat, including removal from the bench.

Controlling the bench How Republicans flipped Americas state supreme courts

'Lose the courts, lose the war The battle over voting in North Carolina

The North Carolina high courts current conservative majority was the fruit of a yearslong effort by Republicans, who moved the state from nonpartisan to partisan judicial elections. Significant 2023 rulings on voting have split on racial lines, with the courts five white Republicans in the majority, and its two Black Democrats dissenting.

Some observers worry that changes to how judges reach the bench, like those tracked by Public Integrity in eight Republican-led states, will harm fragile efforts to build a representative bench.

When you trust your dispute to a judge, you want that judge to be the best and the brightest. You also want them to reflect the general population of the state, said Erik A. Christiansen, president of the Utah State Bar, which opposed a 2023 law that hands greater power to the governor in appointing justices.

My fear is that now were just going to get a bunch of white, LDS (Latter-day Saints), Republican men appointed to the bench. And I think that that would be a disservice to the citizens of Utah, who are widely diverse, he said.

Experts say that diversifying the legal profession is key to representation on the bench. While a majority of law school students are now women, Black and Latino attorneys make up just 5% and 6% of the profession, respectively, according to an American Bar Association report.

The profession is not representative of the people, Sen said. Diversifying elite law schools, she added, would be one avenue to diversifying state high courts.

This story was published in partnership with the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative newsroom.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: State supreme courts are falling behind on racial, ethnic diversity
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Louisville, Ky., seized 1,500 pounds of pork and poultry that arrived in the United States from Hong Kong last month. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Louisville, Ky., interdicted 1,500 pounds of unauthorized pork and poultry shipments from Hong Kong last month.

"From August 20 to August 28, agriculture specialists stopped 13 shipments from the same corporation in Hong Kong, heading to the same company in Bellerose, N.Y.," Customs and Border Protection said in a press release Wednesday.

Outbreaks of African swine fever, swine vesicular disease and classical swine fever in Asia have resulted in pork from Hong Kong being prohibited without a specific permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services.

Avian products are are also heavily restricted due to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and virulent Newcastle disease.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Each shipments contained pork items, some contained pork and poultry items and one contained pork and other prohibited food. In total 1,104 pounds of pork, 298 pounds of poultry, and 88 pounds of prohibited food were seized," CBP said.

The CBP says the seized meat was destroyed and the company that was meant to receive it was informed.

CBP Chicago Field Office Field Operations Director LaFonda Sutton-Burke said, "Louisville's CBP agriculture specialists are focused on their mission to prevent entry of prohibited items from entering the United States."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that promising candidates exist for a vaccine to prevent African swine fever but emphasize that a commercially available vaccine could take years to develop.
For all the buildup and national interest, the Texas Senate trial of impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton got off to a pretty slow start Tuesday. Here are some observations from day one:

PAXTON LEGAL TEAM SIGNALS AN AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE

It makes sense, given that his political life is at stake, that Paxtons defense would try to go on offense, so to speak. But it was even more aggressive than expected.

Paxton defense attorney Tony Buzbee used almost every minute of his allotted hour to make an opening statement. He suggested that the defense would go well beyond establishing reasonable doubt. Buzbee indicated that his team could prove, flatly, that several of the allegations against Paxton are based on things that did not occur, especially around Paxtons relationship with developer Nate Paul. He cited specific documents and facts that the defense could prove.

Lawyer Tony Buzbee led an aggressive first-day defense for Ken Paxtons team Tuesday.

The strong stance started earlier, though, when Paxtons team answered for each of the impeachment charges. Most of us would simply reply not guilty. But one of Paxtons attorneys took pains to say that the allegations read aloud by Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw were untrue, didnt happen or had no basis in fact, before entering the actual plea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When testimony finally began, the defense tried to halt just about every document that prosecution attorney Rusty Hardin tried to introduce, arguing that they should be confidential under attorney-client privilege. It finally got to the point that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick halted the proceedings, coming back minutes later to declare an end to the day so, in part, he and the attorneys could sort through the overall issue of privileged communications.

The spirited defense might be a sign that, if pretrial motions are any indicator, the defense has a tough road ahead. Most of Paxtons motions to dismiss charges, collectively and individually, were shot down by more than 21 senators, the threshold to convict him.

Thats not to say that senators couldnt vote to consider the charges and then vote to convict. But it may indicate that few jurors, even Paxtons fellow Republicans, start off convinced that the charges are bogus.

PAXTONS TWEET ABOUT HOUSE SPEAKERS SUPPOSED DRUNKENNESS

Buzbee laid out a pretty implausible theory of how the impeachment came to be. In his opening statement, Buzbee accused House Speaker Dade Phelan of being drunk while presiding over the House one day in May. Paxton tweeted about it later, saying Phelan should resign.

Buzbee suggested that the impeachment inquiry was thrown together shortly after as revenge, citing as evidence a public hearing on the whistleblower settlement that followed within days. Theres just one problem: Committee staffers laid out so many interviews and so much evidence-gathering that it would have been impossible to put it all together in a matter of days. A Phelan spokeswoman eventually said that the investigation had been going since March.

So, the much more likely case is that Paxton, knowing that the explosive charges and a possible impeachment vote were coming soon, pounced on Phelans admittedly odd slurring of words from the rostrum to discredit the House proceedings in advance.

Honestly, doesnt that sound much more like the Ken Paxton weve come to know over the last decade?

A SLOW-MOVING PROCESS

Anyone tuning in as the trial began Tuesday morning could be excused for quickly finding something better on YouTube. The Senate, with all appropriate deliberation, creaked along. Each senator was sworn in individually by Patrick, making for a mind-numbing, time-consuming 31 recitations of the oath. (Well, 62 if you count Patrick providing the words to each senator, but lets not even think about that.)

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his legal counsel, Lana Meyers, look at an exhibit Tuesday at the impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Individual votes on pre-trial motions were cast by paper ballots, which were randomly read aloud. Then, Patrick went to each senator individually to confirm the votes. Why not just call the roll to begin with?

For those whove heard only that the trial includes salacious details about Paxtons extramarital affairs and who paid for granite countertops, it had to be disappointing.

YAY, NAY  WHO CAN SAY?

For some reason, senators are voting yes or no by saying yay or nay. When you factor in bad acoustics in the Senate and the limits of online audio, its hard to make out. Do us a favor, Mr. Lieutenant Governor, and switch it to aye.
After Chris Licht was ousted as CEO of CNN after barely a year on the job, his tumultuous tenure left staff exhausted and demoralized. Primetime anchor Anderson Cooper opened up about Lichts era at the network, including the ex-chairmans widely maligned decision to host a town hall event with Donald Trump last spring, during an interview with the New York Times Magazine published Tuesday.

When asked if he agreed with Lichts attempt to realign CNN to appeal to a new cohort of viewers, Cooper said, I dont know what Chris Lichts analysis was. I dont have much confidence that I actually know what he was thinking.

He added, I read things in the paper, but Im not sure what the point of it all was.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I met with Chris and had a general sense of what the concern was, Cooper continued. I dont want to be unfair. I understood what the idea and the vision was. The anchor emphasized that while he wants the network to to do well and be respected, he tries to worry about stuff I actually have my hands on. For me, its the show that I work on.

When probed on the controversial town hall with Trump in May, Cooper replied, I defended the concept of hearing from the person whos the front-runner in the Republican Party. I still believe that person can be challenged in an interview.

He added that he personally would not have chosen to do a town hall for the former presidents return to the network. The town hall format is a specific format that CNN has done effectively for a lot of candidates. I dont think the first time Donald Trump came back on CNN  I wouldnt have done a town hall, and if hed said no, I would have said fine, then hes not on. But thats not my choice. I wasnt involved.

Insiders previously described the evening to Rolling Stone as everything from appalling to a fucking disgrace during which the former president mocked moderator Kaitlan Collins and used the platform to push dangerous lies to millions of viewers.

Last week, CNN announced that Mark Thompson, the former chief executive of the New York Times and director-general of the BBC, would take the networks reigns as its new CEO and editor-in-chief.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Killy listens as Prosecutor Creighton Waters makes closing arguments in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Attorneys for convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh want a new trial, accusing the court clerk of improperly influencing the jury and betraying her oath of office for money and fame.(Joshua Boucher/The State via AP, Pool)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  Alex Murdaugh's double murder case has been full of twists and turns: How did a dog crack the case? Where are the bloody clothes and weapons? And where did all the money Murdaugh is accused of stealing go?

But one of the biggest surprises came on Tuesday, six months after Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son.

Murdaugh's lawyers filed court papers saying he deserves a new trial because elected Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill allegedly tampered with the jury that found him guilty earlier this year. Prosecutors have 10 days to respond.

Here's a look at what the next chapter of Murdaugh's case could look like.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

WHAT IS THE CLERK ACCUSED OF DOING?

Murdaugh's defense attorneys sum it up in a paragraph of the 65-page appeal.

She asked jurors about their opinions about Mr. Murdaughs guilt or innocence. She instructed them not to believe evidence presented in Mr. Murdaughs defense, including his own testimony. She lied to the judge to remove a juror she believed might not vote guilty. And she pressured jurors to reach a guilty verdict quickly so she could profit from it, they wrote.

Hill is accused of having one-on-one chats with the jury foreperson, sometimes behind closed doors in a bathroom. She allegedly told jurors who smoked they couldnt take a cigarette break until a verdict was reached. She also gave jurors the business cards of reporters during the trial, according to the defense.

Hill also allegedly told the jury not to be fooled by the evidence presented by the defense, to watch Murdaugh closely as he testified and to look at his actions, and look at his movements. One juror said in a sworn statement that they understood that to mean Murdaugh was guilty.

The clerk also traveled to New York City  she said it was her first time on a plane  to be with three jurors who gave TV interviews after the trial.

Clerks are supposed to help get people in the courtroom, organize exhibits, get lunch or answer simple jury questions like finding the bathroom," said lawyer John Fishwick Jr., a former U.S. Attorney. You are never supposed to talk to a jury about the case.

Murdaughs defense has asked the FBI to investigate Hill because South Carolina state agents are too closely connected to the case. The agency has not responded publicly.

Hill has not responded publicly to the allegations.

SO WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Murdaugh's lawyers said they talked to four jurors whose stories matched and included sworn statements from two of them in their legal filings.

They are asking appeals court judges to order a hearing where all the jurors, Hill and maybe even trial judge Clifton Newman could be required to testify under oath. Attorney Dick Harpootlian said they tried to talk to all jurors, but some were hostile toward his team.

Murdaugh's lawyers would also be able to subpoena emails and texts. Defense attorney Jim Griffin said there appears to be a group text among jurors since the trial and some wanted to know who was talking to his team.

If a judge decides Hill behaved improperly, Murdaugh's conviction and life sentence without parole could be tossed out and a new trial ordered.

But chances are he wouldn't get out of prison. Murdaugh has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges stealing millions of dollars from clients and his family law firm, which will likely mean years or decades behind bars.

WHAT CONSEQUENCES COULD HILL FACE, OR THE JURORS?

Its unclear what consequences Hill could face if the FBI investigates or if a judge decides she acted improperly in her role as court clerk. State law indicates that clerks of court can face charges and penalties if they fail to report collecting fines and other money.

State law does not provide a way to kick an elected clerk out of office, but the governor can suspend her if she is indicted.

The jurors likely wont face any penalties unless they were found to lie under oath if a hearing is held.

WHY ARE JURORS TALKING?

Griffin said no one wanted to talk the first time the defense reached out right after the trial.

Then Hill wrote a self-published book called Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, which upset some jurors, and they reluctantly began talking to the defense, said Joe McCullough, an attorney hired by the jurors.

Hill's book discusses how her Christian faith helped her navigate the sudden fame and responsibility that came with the trial. She said she became convinced of Murdaugh's guilt when jurors and court officials visited the family home where the shootings happened.

She wrote she was nervous as she prepared to read the verdicts. I was mostly concerned about Alex being found innocent when I knew in my heart he was guilty, Hill wrote.

McCullough said both the defense and prosecution should want a full hearing so everything can be known.

Jury deliberations are the most sacrosanct part of the jury trial process. We must all see that the fairness of the process is protected, he said in a statement.

WHAT'S THE REACTION?

Typically, Murdaugh's defense gets blasted from other lawyers who have clients that Murdaugh is accused of stealing from. But there was no criticism Tuesday.

Time will tell whether there is any merit in this latest Murdaugh missive, or whether this is just another Murdaugh misdirection. In the meantime, it is important to keep in mind that the system has to work even for the worst of us  this is our only assurance that it will work for the rest of us, wrote Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter who represent the family of a former Murdaugh maid who died in a fall. Investigators said Murdaugh stole the entirety of a wrongful death settlement on her behalf from the family.

Prosecutors have said nothing about the merit of the allegations, adding they would "respond through the legal process at the appropriate time.

The bar is high for a judge to throw out a jury verdict. But if a hearing backs the allegations, there isn't a choice but to overturn the conviction because it involves such an important court figure, Fishwick said.

We're talking about the clerk of court. It's an influence from inside the courtroom that is never supposed to happen, Fishwick said. That is going to put a lot of pressure on the system and the only way to cleanse it is a new trial.
Antony Worrall Thompson has hit out at The Great British Bake Offs nonsense decision to discontinue its nationality-themed weeks, after the series was accused of casual racism.

The change to the popular baking competition show was announced last week by producer Kieran Smith.

We didnt want to offend anyone, but the world has changed, and the joke fell flat, Smith told The Guardian of last years controversial Mexican Week. The shows former Japan Week in 2020 and German Week in 2021 also faced backlash.

Appearing on GB News on Tuesday (5 September) to speak about the woke backlash, celebrity chef Thompson, 72, responded to the shows choice to scrap the concept  which saw bakers create dishes inspired by the countries spotlighted that week  calling it utter nonsense.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I cant believe the small minority who dont like these programmes dont have an on-off button on their televisions, and they cant just turn it off. The majority of people enjoy the programme, Thompson said.

I mean, as William Shakespeare would say, its much ado about nothin, he continued. Its a light-hearted show. They like to have a bit of fun. Some of the jokes are pretty average I have to say but who cares? You know, its a food programme with a bit of fun.

Decent chefs want to play with food and come out with a better result, he added. But as far as this programme is concerned, its so pathetic that the minority have such loud voices.

Antony Worrall Thompson (Getty Images)

Thompson himself has faced criticism in the past due to his comments regarding anti-vaxxers as well as his old school beliefs.

During Bake Offs nationality-themed weeks, viewers often criticised the show for allowing the contestants to make dishes that were not authentic to the countries claiming to be represented.

There were also accusations of stereotypes and casual racism from the presenters.

Following last years Mexican Week, fans condemned the placement of sombreros and maracas in the episode, as well as a cake decorated with a moustache.

The shows presenters, Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood and Noel Fielding, were also criticised for mispronouncing Spanish words, and for making tacky jokes.

Hollywood and Leith later addressed the outraged response, with the former saying he felt gutted about the reaction because he loves Mexico.

Id literally come back from Mexico about three weeks before we filmed the episode, he said. I was all over the place, and we set the challenges based on what Id seen there. The challenges were very good, and everyone did a good job.

Leith added that we never go out to be controversial, saying: We try to be dead honest. It was quite unfortunate that quite a few people took offence, but we certainly didnt mean it.

As Paul says, the thing about Bake Off is that it absolutely represents inclusivity and diversity and tolerance and togetherness so the idea that we were set out to insult anybody is ridiculous.

The Great British Bake Off returns on Tuesday 13 September on Channel 4.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris gestures as she speaks during an interview with the Associated Press on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that those responsible for the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing violence at the U.S Capitol must be held accountable  even if that means Donald Trump .

Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may, Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she was attending a regional summit, noting: Everyone has their right to their day in court.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, for his efforts to cling to power in 2020. The former president also has been charged in Georgia in a scheme to subvert the will of voters who elected Democrat Joe Biden instead of giving Trump a second term.

I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor," said Harris, who served as California's attorney general before moving to Washington as a U.S. senator. I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The White House has been circumspect in addressing the issue of criminal charges against Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, to avoid any whiff of political meddling in the work of prosecutors, particularly as Biden seeks a second term in 2024. But both Biden and Harris have been outspoken about what they view as the very real danger to American democracy the aftermath of the 2020 election exposed.

Democracies are very fragile," the vice president said in the AP interview. They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said with her comments, the vice president was affirming her belief in our system of laws," a belief the president shares.

This is something that of course the president shares and believes in ... but I'm going to let the Department of Justice do their job independently, Jean-Pierre said.

Harris is representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of Biden.

The president's absence disappointed some, but the White House emphasized that it remained committed to the region, which Harris reiterated in her interview.

We as Americans, I believe, have a very significant interest, both in terms of our security but also our prosperity, today and in the future, in developing and strengthening these relationships, she said.

Southeast Asia is a critical arena for the rivalry between the U.S. and China, particularly when it comes to the South China Sea. One-third of global shipping traverses its waters.

Beijing recently released a new government map that emphasizes its disputed territorial claims to the sea.

Its a violation of the law. And thats where I put that map, Harris told the AP.

ASEAN has struggled to make progress on issues such as the military coup in Myanmar, but Harris said the organization absolutely remains a critical forum.

The fact that so many leaders are convening in this one place at the same time to address some of the biggest challenges facing our world is a sign of strength of both the commitment that each nation has to the coalition and the potential for collaboration, she said.

Harris sounded a strong warning about reports that Russia was talking with North Korea about obtaining weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, calling the possible alliance ill-advised."

Russia has been levied a strategic failure, she said. Their aggressive, unprovoked actions in Ukraine have resulted in a situation where the aura and myth of the Russian military has now been dispelled.

Harris dismissed concerns about Bidens age, 80, even though he's widely seen as too old for office. A recent AP/NORC poll showed that 77% of Americans and 69% of Democrats think hes too old for a second term.

Harris is next in line for the presidency, a position that increased scrutiny of her as she serves with a president who would be 86 at the end of a potential second term. Some Republican presidential hopefuls claim that a vote for Biden would really end up being a vote for Harris  and not in a good way.

I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can, to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out, she said. And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers.

Harris described the idea of possibly stepping into the role of president as hypothetical but said she was ready.

Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," she stated. But let us also understand that every vice president  every vice president  understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president.

Harris added, Im no different.

___

Associated Press writer Colleen Long contributed to this report from Washington.
A federal appeals court Tuesday partially blocked a judge's ruling that had given the Justice Department access to many of Rep. Scott Perrys cellphone communications in connection with special counsel Jack Smith's criminal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The unanimous ruling from the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for Washington, D.C., vacated in part of Chief Judge Beryl A. Howell's ruling in Washington's federal district court that granted the Justice Department access to the bulk of the communications retrieved through a search warrant. Perry, R-Pa., is a Trump ally who supported efforts to reverse the election results.

The ruling from a three-judge panel asks the district court to apply the correct standard to Perrys communications with people outside the federal government, members of the executive branch and other Capitol Hill lawmakers regarding alleged election fraud during the period before Congresss vote certifying the 2020 election.

The members of the panel  Judges Neomi Rao, Karen Henderson and Gregory Katsas  were all nominated by Republican presidents. Rao wrote the opinion, with a concurring opinion from Katsas. Rao and Katsas are Trump appointees.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A spokesperson for the special counsels office declined to comment on the ruling. John Rowley, an attorney for Perry, declined to comment, noting that the decision was sealed. "Well see if we can unseal it soon," he said in an email.

The court indicated it will consider unsealing Tuesdays ruling and asked the parties to respond by Sept. 12.

The ruling comes more than one year after Perry said he was "outraged" after FBI agents seized his cellphone, which he said included information about his "legislative and political activities," as well as "personal/private" discussions with family, friends and constituents.

Perry had demanded the return of seized cellphone data in a lawsuit against the Justice Department last year. His lawyers dropped that case in October without providing an explanation.

In his effort to shield the records, Perry has argued that the government lacked the authority to search his communications because of protections afforded by the Constitution's speech or debate clause.

In February, Howell disagreed, allowing the government access to a vast majority of the more than 2,000 records Perry had claimed privilege over.

"What is plain is that the Clause does not shield Rep. Perry's random musings with private individuals touting an expertise in cybersecurity or political discussions with attorneys from a presidential campaign, or with state legislators concerning hearings before them about possible local election fraud or actions they could take to challenge election results in Pennsylvania," Howell wrote at the time.

She had blocked access to 164 of Perrys 611 communications with other members of Congress and staff members that she said included privileged information. The appeals court upheld that part of Howell's ruling Tuesday.

Howell, an Obama appointee, had granted the Justice Departments request for access to emails between Perry and Trump-allied lawyer John Eastman, in addition to exchanges between Perry and former Justice Department officials Jeffrey Clark and Ken Klukowski.

The emails with Klukowski included a document supporting a framework that argued state legislatures had "the final authority on presidential elections" and later a document promoting states' ability to "Self-Convene to Appoint Presidential Electors.

Perry has frequently come under scrutiny over his alleged actions after the 2020 election. Text messages obtained by the House Jan. 6 committee, along with testimony from former Acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue at a hearing last year, appeared to show Perry's alleged involvement in an effort to replace then-acting Attorney General Jeff Rosen at the Justice Department with Clark, an environmental lawyer.

Perry was also cited, according to text messages obtained by the Jan. 6 committee, asking Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows about the potential to "work with the Italian government" regarding a conspiracy theory that suggested Italians had switched votes from Donald Trump to Joe Biden.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The European Union named six tech giants as "gatekeepers" that have to comply with new laws.

The Digital Markets Act aims to give more choice to users and open up the market for competitors.

A TikTok spokesperson said the company "fundamentally disagrees" with the designation.

Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, TikTok parent ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft have been designated as "gatekeepers" set to face new rules in the European Union, lawmakers announced Wednesday.

The six tech giants have six months to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims at improving competition in the tech sector.

"With today's designation we are finally reining in the economic power of 6 gatekeepers, giving more choice to consumers and creating new opportunities for smaller innovative tech companies," said Thierry Breton, the commissioner for the EU's internal market.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The DMA's rules include a ban on preventing consumers to linking to businesses outside the platforms  such as the dispute between Apple and "Fortnite" which saw the latter kicked off the App Store after encouraging users to pay on its own system.

The act would also obligate platforms to let business users access data they generate in using the gatekeepers' services.

The designations are split into various categories for the companies' services, such as social networks, search, and video sharing. Only Google, Amazon, and Meta's ad businesses fall under the gatekeeper rules.

"The identities of the gatekeepers aren't a surprise, but it is now about to get interesting in terms of who appeals the designations," said Miranda Cole, antitrust and competition partner at Norton Rose Fulbright.

In a statement shared with Insider, a TikTok spokesperson said: "We support the DMA's goal of creating a competitive playing field in Europe but fundamentally disagree with this decision."

"TikTok has brought choice to a space largely controlled by incumbents and this decision risks undermining the DMA's stated goal by protecting actual gatekeepers from newer competitors like TikTok," they added. "We're extremely disappointed that no market investigation was conducted prior to this decision and are evaluating our next steps."

In response to the announcement, Apple said: "We remain very concerned about the privacy and data security risks the DMA poses for our users. Our focus will be on how we mitigate these impacts and continue to deliver the very best products and services to our European customers."

A Meta spokesperson said the company is evaluating the designations and will set out further information as it works to comply with the DMA.

Amazon said it is "committed to delivering services that meet our customers' requirements within Europe's evolving regulatory landscape," and will work "constructively" with the EU.

In a blog post, Google's legal director said: "We will continue to work closely with the European Commission and other stakeholders. Our aim is to make changes that meet the new requirements while protecting the user experience and providing helpful, innovative and safe products for people in Europe."

Microsoft did not immediately responded to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Sheriffs officials said Jose Francisco Garcia, 51, of Apple Valley is suspected of biting a deputy during a child welfare check.

An Apple Valley man bit a sheriff's deputy during a welfare check of a child, San Bernardino County authorities said.

On Friday, deputies said they conducted a welfare check on a child who had not attended school in over a week. They went to a home in the 15200 block of Nokomis Road and spoke with Jose Francisco Garcia, 51, in the front yard.

Garcia immediately became confrontational and violent with the deputies, who attempted to de-escalate the situation, according to sheriffs officials.

A brief struggle ensued between deputies and Garcia, who allegedly bit one of the deputies on the arm, sheriffs officials said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The deputy was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries, while Garcia was arrested and booked into to the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto.

Garcia was booked on suspicion of battery against a peace officer. He remains at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with bail set at $100,000, sheriffs booking records confirmed.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Apple Valley sheriffs station at (760) 240-7400 or sheriffs dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME (27463) or wetip.com.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley man suspected of biting deputy during child welfare check
In just a couple days, Floridas Supreme Court justices will weigh the future of access to abortion in the state.

The seven justices, five appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, will weigh whether Floridas current 15-week abortion ban violates the states constitutional guarantee of privacy after hearing arguments from both sides on Friday. But the justices wont just be deciding the fate of the 15-week law: If they uphold that provision, 30 days later a six-week abortion ban will kick in across the state.

The Supreme Court is reliably conservative, thanks in part to DeSantis appointments. Its decision will affect abortion access not just in Florida but across the entire South because women in states where abortion is even more restricted travel to Florida for access.

The justices deciding that fate include Charles Canady, a former anti-abortion lawmaker whose wife is the state lawmaker who sponsored the six-week bill; Jamie Grosshans , who previously was a fellow for a conservative legal group and did legal work for an anti-abortion group, and Carlos Muniz, a former President Donald Trump Department of Education nominee whose appointment to the Florida Supreme Court was applauded by an anti-abortion group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

If the court upholds the 15-week law, it could reverse its prior precedent from the late 1980s. The conservative court has already shown a willingness to upend precedent on other matters, including reversing the requirement for a unanimous death penalty jury less than five years after the court said it would be required.

The current justices of the Florida Supreme Court.

At least one former state Supreme Court justice, Barbara Pariente, has said that Canady should recuse himself from the case because of his wifes affiliation, although Canady has made no move to do so. Pariente made the comments at a June forum about abortion access.

In 1995, as a U.S. House of Representatives member, Canady introduced a bill called the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Canady was an early adopter of the term, which was created by an anti-abortion group.

Partial-birth abortion is not a medical term, and definitions of what it is can vary somewhat. Florida statute defines it as when a physician partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before terminating the pregnancy.

Spouse was co-sponsor of six-week abortion legislation

Canadys wife, state Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland, is the co-sponsor of Floridas six-week abortion ban, which DeSantis signed into law less than 24 hours after the House passed it.

The six-week bill was hotly contested during the legislative session. Opponents, including obstetricians and gynecologists who came to speak, said that many women do not realize they are pregnant by six weeks and that shortages in the medical field mean many arent seen by doctors until a few weeks later.

Generally, justices dont need to disqualify themselves for having a known stance on an issue or having previously worked as a lawyer on cases on the same issue, said Steven Lubet , a legal ethics expert at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

Would you have wanted Thurgood Marshall to stay out of civil rights cases? Lubet said.

But Lubet said Canadys relationship with the bill sponsor makes him weighing in on the case unquestionably disqualifying.

Her [Canadys wifes] interest in the legislation is affected by the decision, Lubet said. And, he noted, no married person is impartial toward their spouse.

A group of roughly a dozen activists sit in a circle while holding hands to protest SB 300, which would place a ban on abortions after six weeks in Florida, prior to being arrested Monday, April 3, 2023.

According to the Florida code of judicial conduct, judges should disqualify themselves in cases where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including in situations where a judges spouse has an interest that could be affected by the case.

Paul Flemming, a spokesperson for the court, said there has been no motion to disqualify Justice Canady by the parties in the case.

Examining other justices ties

Another justice, Grosshans, did legal work for a group that discourages women from having abortions, an experience she left off her application to the Supreme Court.

In 2016, Grosshans wrote an article for Christian Lawyer magazine and disclosed she did pro-bono legal work for pregnancy centers, which are state-funded, often religiously affiliated groups that promote childbirth and discourage women from having abortions.

In that article, Grosshans wrote that as attorneys, they have a unique calling and that they are, quoting Apostle Paul, ... Christs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.

All of the DeSantis appointees to the states highest court  Grosshans, John Couriel, Renatha Francis, Meredith Sasso and Muniz  are members of the conservative Federalist Society. Canady and Jorge Labarga, who were both appointed by former Gov. Charlie Crist, have also both been celebrated by the group and have spoken at Federalist Society events.

Critics of the Federalist Society argue the group pushes for conservative judicial activism, and that the groups executives worked toward undoing Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court case that declared abortion was constitutionally protected.

Munizs 2019 appointment to the Supreme Court was celebrated by an anti-abortion group, the Florida Family Policy Council  a group that Muniz later personally took on a tour of the Supreme Court, according to the Florida Bulldog.

In text messages with John Stemberger, the head of the Florida Family Policy Council, Stemberger asked Muniz ahead of the tour if he could share with the group the statement Muniz gave after his appointment when he talked about working with people who recognized the God-given dignity and worth of every human life.

Muniz texted back, asking Stemberger to be careful in your remarks not to get me near the line of anything that wouldnt be appropriate for my current role.

But the Washington Post has also noted that Muniz in 2004 wrote a memo as a private lawyer saying that Floridas privacy clause was designed to protect abortion rights. If he stays in line with that thinking, it would benefit Planned Parenthood and the other providers challenging the states abortion restriction.

The other justices have less known views on abortion but are also conservative.

Couriel previously ran for the Florida House and Senate as a Republican. Couriel also spoke with Muniz and Grosshans at a panel at Ave Maria School of Law, a Catholic university in Naples that celebrates its distinction as having the most conservative law school in the U.S.

The courts newest member, Sasso, is a member of the Teneo Network, she wrote on her application to the court.

The Teneo Network is a secretive conservative group meant to crush liberal dominance across the U.S., according to a report from ProPublica. The co-chaiperson of the Federalist Society, Leonard Leo, is the chairperson of the Teneo Networks board and a major driving force in the group. The group sees itself as the Silicon Valley of Conservatism, according to the ProPublica story.

In January, the Supreme Court rejected requests to temporarily halt enforcement of Floridas 15-week law while the lawsuit played out. Justice Labarga was the only dissenting vote. In 2016, Labarga was also part of a more liberal majority that blocked the states 24-hour abortion waiting period from taking effect amid a lawsuit.
A man broke into his ex-girlfriends home and then was shot and killed by her brother, Florida deputies said.

A 26-year-old man went to a Pensacola trailer park on Sept. 5 and tried to get into a trailer owned by his 47-year-old ex-girlfriend, according to a news release from the Escambia County Sheriffs Office.

The man broke down the door and forced his way into the trailer, deputies said.

He attacked his ex-girlfriend, hitting her multiple times, according to the release.

When she could, the woman texted her family for help, deputies said, and soon after her 23-year-old brother and others arrived at her trailer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Her brother and ex-boyfriend began to argue and as it escalated, her ex-boyfriend pulled out a gun and aimed it at her brother, deputies said.

Her brother then pulled out a gun and fired at the ex-boyfriend, hitting him twice, according to the release.

The ex-boyfriend died from the gunshot wounds, deputies said.

At this time, no charges are being filed against the brother, according to the release, and the investigation is ongoing.

Pensacola is about 360 miles west of Jacksonville.

Naked intruder walks into room with three sleeping kids, California police say

Pastor beaten to death by man she once helped, loved ones say. Tragically taken

Intruders burst into home and kidnap couple in front of their 5 kids, Texas cops say

Teen wakes up to gunfire, screams as deputy fatally shoots wife, OK officials say
An ad campaign called The Pits of New York is pictured in this website screenshot on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Ogilvy.com

Are your armpits woke?

They are if youre a woman, and you dont shave under your arms, according to a writer for the conservative news/sports website OutKick.

The article by Joe Kinsey cited a billboard campaign in New Yorks Time Square, which features a variety of women exposing their underarms: some clean-shaven, some not, and one with underarm tattoos. The campaign is entitled The Pits of New York.

Not your underarms. Not your business, reads one of the captions, with the hashtag #FreethePits. Another reads 6 in 10 of us admit to judging others armpits.

Kinsey said the campaign was a sign that Dove had gone full woke and that no one should be surprised. The brand is owned by Unilever, which also owns Ben & Jerrys, which famously posted a message this year, on the 4th of July, that America exists on stolen land and that it should returned to Native Americans.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Unilever has, in fact, had to push back against complaints of wokeness, not only because of the Ben & Jerrys post. Its former CEO, Alan Jope, spoke about woke-washing in 2019, saying that companies have a responsibility in the world that goes beyond the products they sell. Brands without a purpose will have no long-term future with Unilever, Jope added. Amid turmoil, he left the company earlier this year, months before he had initially said he would retire.

Related

But objections to an armpit positivity campaign in Times Square may be the least of the new CEOs worries, as Hein Schumacher is facing ongoing criticism of the companys continued business operations in Russia.

And Dove has a long history of upending conventional standards of beauty in its advertising campaigns, going back to 2004.

In fact, this one may not be as controversial as a similar one that surfaced in 2014. Then, Dove developed ads encouraging women to take care of their armpits and referenced people referring to New Jersey as the armpit of America. That ad quickly disappeared.

Then again, with the recent effectiveness of go woke, go broke campaigns on social media, Dove could be the next brand to be Bud-Lighted.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted his countrys strong ties with Southeast Asia during a meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of a region thats challenged by an increasingly complicated geopolitical landscape.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit on Tuesday saying the region must not become a proxy for any power as the US and China compete for influence. At the meeting Wednesday with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Asean chair urged the US to be a positive force in the region.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Asean leaders have expressed anxiety about the prospect of a conflict in Asia over Taiwan or in the South China Sea, while also being under pressure to address the rising violence in Myanmar. The bloc issued a statement Wednesday expressing disappointment over the absence of President Joe Biden.

Bidens snub comes as the US is seeking to reshape engagement with its regional allies into a security network that China says is meant to counter its rise. It also stirred some tensions on the sidelines of Harris bilateral meeting with Jokowi. Meanwhile, China announced fresh military drills in the East China Sea the previous day.

Whether the leaders can make progress resolving any of these issues remains to be seen, particularly with Biden skipping the event in favor of a trip to India for the Group of 20, where his Russian and Chinese counterparts will be absent. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were in attendance at Asean.

All times local

Canada, Asean to Finish Free Trade Pact Soon, Trudeau Says (4:50 p.m.)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Southeast Asian leaders that Canada looks forward to concluding a new free trade pact with the region in the near term, and in the longer term, would very much like to join Asean-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit.

Blocs Stance on Sea Dispute Largely Unchanged (4:30 p.m.)

Aseans position on the South China Sea remained largely unchanged in the chair statement issued Wednesday despite growing protests from countries like the Philippines and Vietnam over Chinese incursions.

The statement that normally accompanies the Asean Summit reiterated that members were concerned over the land reclamations, activities, serious incidents in the area, including actions that put the safety of all persons at risk in the disputed waterways. Omitted from the section this time, however, was a line in last years iteration that welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between Asean and China.

This year, the bloc further said it was concerned over the intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.

China Urges Japan to Act Responsibly on Wastewater (4:06 p.m.)

Chinas Li urged Japans Kishida to act responsibly regarding the disposal of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, Xinhua News reported. He made the comments during the Asean + 3 Summit, which also includes South Korea.

The two premiers also held a brief pull-aside chat ahead of the meeting, at which Kishida emphasized the importance of constructive and stable ties, and restated Japans position on the water disposal.

Jokowi Urges US to Be a Positive Force in Region (3:41 p.m.)

The Indonesian president encouraged the US to be a positive force in creating a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific through inclusive concrete cooperation during an Asean meeting with Vice President Harris.

Southeast Asia is forecast to be a lifeblood of international trade by 2045 and a strong and sustainable partnership will benefit both Asean the US, Jokowi said. However, this partnership will only be realized if there is a strong commitment to maintain regional peace and stability.

Journalist Asking About Bidens Absence Stirs Tension (3:29 p.m.)

A journalist from the Voice of America tried to ask about Bidens absence during bilateral talks between Harris and Jokowi, which led the Asean security team to attempt to physically remove her. The US Vice Presidents media team defended the journalist as the security team attempted to bar her from the US-Asean Summit.

Harris Sees Strong and Growing Ties With Indonesia (3:10 p.m.)

The US Vice President sees strong and growing ties with Indonesia, and said Washington was keen to expand its critical minerals links with the Southeast Asian nation.

On security, Harris said the US stood with Indonesia in defense of the international rules based order, making particular mention of supporting Jakartas maritime security agency.

Asean Expresses Disappointment Over Biden No-Show (2:57 p.m.)

Asean issued a statement expressing disappointment over the absence of Biden from the summit, saying it had hoped he would turn up as he did in Cambodia last year.

Asean leaders initially hoped that the 43rd Asean Summit with dialogue partners would be attended by President Biden, reads a statement from the group. However, the White House had announced from the outset that the POTUS would directly go to New Delhi, India.

Asean, China Boost Ties In Enhanced Trade Deal (1:57 p.m.)

Asean leaders are boosting economic ties with China through an improved trade deal that focuses on supply chain as well as the digital and green sectors, Indonesias Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters. The bloc together with China also seeks to deepen cooperation on agriculture, e-commerce and seek early conclusion of the code of conduct in the South China Sea.

China Urges Asian Leaders Against Picking Sides (1:45 p.m.)

Li urged leaders to avoid the formation of confrontational blocs in the region, and instead embrace commonalities shared between Asian nations, while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol encouraged the resumption of a trilateral gathering with Japan and China.

The remarks were made during a meeting with Southeast Asian leaders that also included Japans Kishida. What is essential now is to oppose picking sides, oppose bloc confrontation and oppose a new Cold War, ensure that disagreements and disputes among countries are properly handled, Li said.

Myanmar Junta Plays Down Asean Chair Loss (10:26 a.m.)

Myanmars junta played down the Association of Southeast Asian Nations decision to strip it of the chairmanship in 2026 as the bloc condemned the violence in the country.

While Asean has led diplomatic efforts to end the violence in Myanmar, it remains deeply divided over how to engage a military that has killed thousands in its country. The bloc has come under scrutiny for its slow handling of the Myanmar crisis using a five-point consensus that its leaders formally agreed to continue pursuing on Tuesday.

Albanese Laments Slow Pace of Regional Investment (10:00 a.m.)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted on Wednesday that Australias economic engagement with Southeast Asia had not kept pace with the regions growth.

Working together, the peace, stability and security of this region  and the Indo-Pacific  can be assured, he said at the Asean Indo-Pacific forum where he also announced a A$95 million ($60 million) plan to boost economic ties with Southeast Asia. That includes A$70 million over four years to create specialist teams to strike up investment deals between Australia and the region.

Japan Seeks China Dialogue at Asean (9:02 a.m.)

Japan is seeking talks with China to resolve a dispute over the disposal of treated wastewater from the ruined Fukushima nuclear plant, with Prime Minister Kishida and Premier Li set to cross paths at the Asean summit.

Kishida told the Asean Indo-Pacific Forum this morning that his countrys principles on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific are aligned with Asean, especially on the importance of transparency, inclusivity and the rule of law. He outlined six areas where Japan seeks to deepen cooperation with Asean, including infrastructure.

Li Highlights Strong Ties (8:40 a.m.)

The Chinese Premier heralded strong relations with Southeast Asia during a meeting with its leaders on Wednesday, saying cooperation will be as firm as ever so long as the relationship stays on the right path.

Trade topped $970 billion last year, more than double that of a year ago, he said. Despite tensions in the South China Sea, Li said both sides have a relentless pursuit of peace and they can take real actions to preserve regional stability.

Singapore PM Seeks Continued Asean Relevance (7:33 a.m.)

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged Asean to increase engagement with external partners in an open and inclusive way. In a Facebook post Wednesday, he said the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific creates a platform to do so. He also sought to ensure Aseans continued relevance and competitiveness in a post-pandemic world.

This is a period of great geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Lee said. How Asean responds to todays challenges will determine whether Asean centrality can hold in the years ahead.

--With assistance from Isabel Reynolds, Chandra Asmara, Faris Mokhtar and Norman Harsono.

(Updates with Canada PM remaks on free trade pact soon.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday it is important to avoid a "new Cold War" when dealing with conflicts between countries as world leaders gathered in Indonesia amid sharpening geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at an annual summit involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea, Li said countries needed to "appropriately handle differences and disputes".

"At present, it is very important to oppose taking sides, bloc confrontation and a new Cold War," Li told the meeting.

ASEAN, which has warned of the danger of getting dragged into major powers' disputes, is also holding wider talks with Li, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and leaders of partner countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia and India.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Neither U.S. President Joe Biden nor his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is attending.

High on the agenda at the gatherings in Jakarta is concern about China's increasingly assertive activity in the South China Sea, an important trade corridor in which several ASEAN members have claims that conflict with China.

In remarks at the start of her meeting with ASEAN leaders, Harris said the United States was committed to the region.

"The United States has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and more broadly to the Indo-Pacific," she said.

Harris also said the United States would continue to press the Myanmar junta to end "horrific violence" that has erupted since a military coup in 2021.

A White House official had earlier said Harris would "underscore the United States' and ASEAN's shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, in the face of China's unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions".

ASEAN this week discussed with China accelerating negotiations on a long-discussed code of conduct for the waterway, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

The issue also came up during an ASEAN-Japan summit where leaders "expressed the importance of keeping situations in the region conducive, especially in the Korean peninsula and also the South China Sea", she said.

NEW CHINESE MAP

The United States and its allies have echoed ASEAN's calls for freedom of navigation and overflight and to refrain from building a physical presence in disputed waters. China has built various facilities, including runways, on tiny outcrops in the sea.

Just before this week's gatherings, China released a map with a "10-dash line" showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea.

Several ASEAN members rejected the map.

Referring to the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said his country did not seek conflict but had a duty to "meet any challenge to our sovereignty".

"The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries," Marcos said.

"This not only denies us our independence and our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests."

Some ASEAN members have developed close diplomatic, business and military ties with China while others are more wary. The United States has also courted ASEAN countries with varying degrees of success.

The 10 members of ASEAN held their summit earlier in the week with leaders seeking to assert the bloc's relevance in the face of criticism it is failing to press Myanmar's military leaders to cooperate on a plan for peace.

In a statement on Wednesday, ASEAN chair Indonesia said the bloc needed to "strengthen stability in the maritime sphere in our region ... and explore new initiatives towards these ends".

Regional leaders also expressed "grave concern" over a lack of substantial progress on the bloc's five-point peace plan for Myanmar, the statement said.

The summit also saw South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledge to work with Japan and China for the early resumption of three-way talks in building better ties.

Yoon said any military cooperation with North Korea must stop. The New York Times reported on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to travel to Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss supplying Moscow with weapons for the war in Ukraine.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto, Kate Lamb; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Robert Birsel and Nick Macfie)
On Tuesday, August 29, Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb went to the press with a spectacular claim: His research team had combed the ocean floor for remnants of a meteorite that broke apart over the Pacific in 2014, uncovered spherules of molten droplets and determined that they had originated from outside our solar system.

This isn't the first time Loeb has made such an extraordinary claim. Loeb also said Oumuamua, another mysterious space object  and the first interstellar object ever detected, back in 2017  could have been a form of alien technology, although others said it was merely a comet passing through the solar system. Loeb published a book about Oumuamua in 2021, and recently published another one titled "Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars" about the Galileo Mission undertaken to recover the spherules from the ocean, the likelihood of alien life outside our solar system and the urgency in finding it.

Loeb has garnered a reputation for being the "world's leading alien hunter," and while some of his colleagues are excited by his research, he's also become a point of strife within the scientific community. Some see his take on the scientific method  like disseminating his most recent findings in a press release and paper that had not, as of this writing, been peer-reviewed or accepted in a scientific journal  as an irresponsible approach that ultimately destroys the public's faith in science.

Salon spoke to Loeb about his new research, his new book and some of the controversy surrounding his work.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Related

Harvard professor Avi Loeb says he found interstellar objects in the deep sea. Others are skeptical

Can you briefly summarize the Galileo Project and what findings you're presenting in this week's press release and paper?

The Galileo Project aims to search for technological objects that were manufactured by extraterrestrial civilizations. It was triggered by the reports from the Director of National Intelligence to Congress about the unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), a more accurate term for unidentified flying object (UFO). There were two reports and last year, there was a new office established in the Pentagon called the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office.

"We are developing software that allows us to find objects that came from outside the solar system."

As soon as the first report came out, I founded the Galileo Project, which has by now built an observatory at Harvard University monitoring the sky 24/7 in the infrared, optical, radio and audio bands. The goal is to conduct a systematic study of the sky because the military and intelligence reports are all about anecdotal incidents where pilots or other people encounter some unusual behavior or objects. We would like to do a systematic study of the sky where we calibrate the instruments, we control them and we know also the noise that comes along. That allows us to calibrate what is the background and then on top of that, if there is anything unusual or anomalous, we will have a better assessment.

[We also] search for objects that pass near Earth like Oumuamua in 2017. The Rubin observatory will find more. We are developing software that allows us to find objects that came from outside the solar system. And hopefully, there will be an observer that will find many more in the coming years starting next year.

The third branch is the expeditions to find the remnants of interstellar meteors, and the first one was from 2014. That's the expedition we took to the Pacific Ocean that I led. We recovered the materials from that meteor in the form of spherules  molten droplets from the surface of the object. We brought 700 of them from a depth of more than a mile across the region of seven miles and we brought them to Harvard University and analyzed them over the past two months.

We found that the spherules along the meteor path have an unusual composition that suggests that they came from outside the solar system. That is completely independent of the velocity measurement of the U.S. government satellites that indicated that it has a speed too large for the sun to keep it bound by gravity. This object is the first recognized interstellar object bigger than half a meter in size, and it's the first time that scientists analyzed materials from such an object, so that's a historic discovery already.

Related

Why one Harvard scientist believes alien technology may be sitting on the ocean floor

You were criticized for making, to quote The New York Times, an "outlandish declaration that is too strong and too hasty." What would you like to say in response to peers who are dubious of this work?

I'm following the scientific method, I'm trying to collect evidence  it was a lot of work. Those people who make these comments don't do much  they sit on their chairs and display negativity. If they have a better method of doing science, they should let me know but the way I was educated is that you need to collect the evidence, analyze it and publish it in a scientific paper. What I do differently is I also communicate with the public.

"I see it as a great boon to science if the public is able to see how an exciting scientific project like the expedition was evolving."

So when I went on the expedition, I wrote 43 direct reports and millions of people around the world read them and saw how the scientific process is done. I think that is very important to bring the public to understand how science is done because other scientists just talk about the results in a press conference as if they are teachers in a class and they feel intellectually superior to the public.

I don't think that's the way science is done. We make a lot of mistakes during the process of discovering the truth and if the public sees that, they would believe science better because it would look like a human activity. I see it as a great boon to science if the public is able to see how an exciting scientific project like the expedition was evolving. And now we have the scientific paper, everyone can look at it.

I develop this attitude of the eagle that has crows that peck on its back and goes to greater heights and they just drop off. I just hope that by pursuing science, the way it should be done, those crows will drop off my back.

Related

From astronomy to immunology, it's time to restore confidence in evidence-based science

In your book, you called Carl Sagan's adage that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" a "logical fallacy." How and why do you think that statement is somewhat flawed or a logical fallacy?

It's used as an excuse for people who don't want to deal with an exciting possibility. They don't seek the evidence and they argue, "Well, we don't have any evidence." It's like a single person who looks around and says, "Well, there is no partner next to me, therefore, I might be alone." In order to find partners, you need to go to dating sites you need to look through your window. You may go outdoors to your backyard.  You need to do something.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

The method we used before [for detecting extraterrestrial communication] was radio signals. That's just like waiting for a phone call. You know, if someone doesn't call you at the time that you're listening, you won't detect anything. My approach is quite different.

If or when we encounter extraterrestrial life, do you think we'll find it or it will find us? Why?

I think we will find it near us because most stars [formed] billions of years before the sun, so it's more likely that some other civilizations preceded us because their star, if it's like the sun, already went through what we in the future might go through. We just need to be humble and modest, not assume that we are unique and special  that Albert Einstein was the smartest scientist who ever lived since the Big Bang  and engage in the search.

"Knowing about our neighbors could inspire us because we will see a better way to behave."

That's what I'm trying to do, and the pushback is really strange under these circumstances because the people who argue against it have very strong opinions. But if you look at the history of science, they were very often wrong: the people [who] thought that the earth was the center of the universe, for example.

Do you think that if or when we do find extraterrestrial life, it'll be higher up than us on what you call the "cosmic ladder" in terms of intelligence?

That's what I discussed in my book, "Interstellar," and I provide different classes of intelligent civilizations. The highest class is the one that is capable of recreating its environment  like creating a baby universe or creating life. That's Class A. Class D is like us, in that we are destroying our environment or habitat. We are not making it better.

We need your help to stay independent

Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism

Do you think we need to control some of those things domestically, like climate change or other local challenges on this planet before we look for life on others?

No, I think if we get a wake-up call in the form of an object, then it will tell us that we should change our priorities and start working with each other. Because we're all in the same boat: the Earth that is sailing through space. Knowing about our neighbors could inspire us because we will see a better way to behave.

Read more

about extraterrestrial life
More than 2 months after an asylum-seeker from Nicaragua died in immigration custody, his family say they have more questions than answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. He had filed grievances alleging physical mistreatment by the facilitys staff and had also repeatedly complained to his family.

Ernesto Rocha-Cuadra, 42, died June 23 after having spent over a year in the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, as he waited for his immigration case to be reviewed.

An ICE panel had recommended him for release in November, but officials at the detention center declined to release him, according to attorneys and immigrant advocacy groups, NBC News reported in June.

Glenda Perez and her fiancee Ernesto Rocha Cuadra. (Courtesy Glenda Perez)

Notes from ICEs medical records the family provided to NBC News indicate Rocha-Cuadra was found unresponsive, sitting in a chair. He was placed on oxygen and given naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids. The drug is commonly administered in emergency situations when people are unresponsive, regardless of whether they have used drugs. His brother said the coroner told him that an initial drug test was negative.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Once Rocha-Cuadra became responsive, he was taken to the emergency room at LaSalle General Hospital and arrived in stable condition. Shortly after, he lost consciousness, went into respiratory arrest and then cardiac arrest, which ICE listed as the preliminary cause of death. Resuscitation attempts failed and he was declared dead at 2:59 p.m., according to the notes.

For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Rocha-Cuadras family, who have been living in the Los Angeles area for over 30 years, said it took three days for them to find out he had died.

The ICE facility in Jena, La., on Aug. 9, 2019. (Melinda Martinez via USA TODAY Network)

According to the familys account, the day after Rocha-Cuadra died, one of his brothers, Frank Rocha-Cuadra, received a call from a detainee who was worried that Ernesto had not returned to detention and wanted to know whether the family knew how he was doing. Not aware that anything had happened, the family began calling the detention center but kept getting a recorded message until they got through on June 26, a Monday.

I got transferred to someone and when I gave him my brothers information, he said: Let me pray for the family. Im so sorry, said Frank. So right then and there he told me that my brother had passed away.

It wasnt until 4 p.m. that day that ICE called his mother notifying them of Ernestos death, Frank Rocha-Cuadra said.

Allegations and questions

According to the ICE medical records provided by the family and a more condensed version of his record ICE sent to NBC News, Ernesto Rocha-Cuadra had been physically tortured by authorities in Nicaragua over a four-month period in 2020. He was on medication for depression and anxiety, and there was documentation of a right-hand fracture and a history of issues with his hand and wrist.

Family members and his fiancee said Rocha-Cuadra had complained to them of being mistreated since he arrived at the ICE processing center, which is owned by a private prison firm, the GEO Group. The company runs the day-to-day operations while ICE is responsible for medical services.

For more from NBC Latino, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Rocha-Cuadra filed numerous grievances with ICE while in detention making allegations of abuse. The grievances became part of a habeas corpus motion he filed, which allows detained individuals to go before a judge to challenge their detention. NBC News obtained the habeas corpus petition from Homero Lopez, executive director of Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy [ISLA] in New Orleans who was representing Rocha-Cuadra at the time.

In one grievance filed on Sept. 2, 2022, Rocha-Cuadra described being in EXCRUTIATING pain and alleged that the detention centers medical center called an ambulance but the GEO staff refused and said they would take him themselves in their car. NEXT THING I REMEMBER WAS WAS COMING WAKEING UP WHEN THEY THREW ME IN THE SUV AND ME HITTING MY HEAD AND THEY THREW ME IN SHACKLED FROM HEAD TO TOE ON MY BACK AS THE CAMERA WILL SHOW VOMITING AND CHOKING ON MY SELF .. THINK I WAS GOING TO DIE.

According to the petition, in another grievance filed the same day, Sept. 2, 2022, Rocha-Cuadra stated that a sergeant and a lieutenant went to his pod and started recording with their phones. He asked to be moved to another cell or that they close the flap between him and his neighbor; in previous grievances he had complained that his neighbor was throwing urine and feces at him through the flap. They came in with riot gear and attacked me, he wrote in the Sept. 2 grievance. He said they used excessive force that resulted in bruising all over his body. According to the petition, on that same day he filed a grievance saying an inmate assaulted him seven times in front of GEO staff.

He also complained about being left in solitary confinement for prolonged periods of time, according to the petition.

ICE declined to comment on Rocha-Cuadra's grievances against the facility.

The GEO Group said it cannot comment on specific cases regarding individuals in ICE custody, including grievances.

Ernesto Rocha Cuadra and Glenda Perez in Mexico on their way to the United States in March 2022. (Courtesy Glenda Perez)

Glenda Perez, Ernesto Rocha-Cuadras fiancee, said that during the last couple of weeks before his death, things did not seem quite right. His phone calls went from 30 minutes to three minutes the last two weeks he was alive. On their last video call, she and Rocha-Cuadras mother said they saw he had a cast on his arm that went up to his underarm, though that is not in the medical records sent to NBC News.

Family members said that when they viewed his body, he had bruises around his face. Perez said that when she received Rocha-Cuadras belongings, there was blood on a T-shirt.

His family insist they deserve to know more about what took place inside the facility in the days and moments before he died at the hospital.

The autopsy report is not yet complete, but Frank Rocha-Cuadra said the coroner told him a drug test was negative. The family filed Freedom of Information Act requests for records from ICE, like camera footage from inside the facility and a list of grievances that Rocha-Cuadra had filed at the facility regarding his treatment there.

ICE denied all the records requests, citing an open investigation, according to Jeremy Jong, a staff attorney with Al Otro Lado, an immigrant legal advocacy organization. The family has appealed the decision, arguing that it is not the type of investigation that would allow immigration officials to withhold records. The appeals are pending.

A life in the U.S.  and then a return

Rocha-Cuadra spent most of his life in the U.S. He came as a young boy in the 1980s and became a legal permanent resident when he was 11 years old. He and his family settled in the Los Angeles area, where he grew up.

He was always looking out for me, his mother, Martha Rocha-Cuadra, said. He even translated for me during medical appointments.

After some run-ins with the law, including convictions for marijuana possession, second-degree burglary and driving under the influence, Rocha-Cuadra was deported to Nicaragua in 2009.

He settled in the capital, Managua, where he worked at call centers for American companies. He met Perez, who owned an upholstery business, and the two started a 13-year relationship.

In 2018, as Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega grew more authoritarian, the couple took part in nationwide street protests that quickly turned violent. They also participated in smaller subsequent protests, and Perez said Rocha-Cuadra was briefly detained by authorities. In 2022, she said, there was an order for Rocha-Cuadras arrest in Nicaragua, and thats when the couple decided to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border, a two-month ordeal, and seek asylum in the U.S.

People protest in Managua, Nicaragua, on May 17, 2018. (Inti Ocon / AFP via Getty Images file)

Rocha-Cuadra crossed the border last year near Andrade, California. At the time, under Title 42  an emergency health order, since rescinded, that allowed authorities during the pandemic to turn away migrants  there was no way to ask for asylum at a port of entry. Asylum-seekers had to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally and then ask for asylum.

His family described Rocha-Cuadra as a good-hearted man who always went out of his way to help others.

When I met him, I thought, hes not gorgeous, but I fell in love with his heart, said Perez.

ICE did not directly answer whether Rocha-Cuadra had been recommended for release. It said in an emailed statement that regardless of nationality, ICE makes custody determinations on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with U.S. law and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy, considering the individual merits and factors of each case.

The statement went on to say that ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers are required to conduct individualized periodic custody review determinations, weighing a variety of factors including criminal record, immigration history, community ties, flight risk, and whether the individual poses a potential threat to public safety.

Many detention centers in Louisiana, like the one Rocha-Cuadra was held in, used to be private prisons that were emptied out after the state enacted a sweeping criminal justice overhaul. The for-profit prisons then set up contracts with ICE to house migrant detainees.

A Customs and Border Protection officer sits on watch near the port of entry between Andrade, Calif. - Los Algodones, Mexico, on Feb. 12, 2019. (Caitlin O'Hara for The Washington Post via Getty Images file)

The GEO Group said in an emailed statement, We express our condolences to Mr. Rocha-Cuadras family members and loved ones. As a service provider to ICE, GEO plays no role in decisions related to the assignment, transfer, or release of individuals to or from ICE Processing Centers. We are unable to provide comment regarding specific cases related to individuals in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which would include any grievances filed by such individuals. Healthcare services at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center are provided directly by the federal government through the ICE Health Services Corps and not by GEO.

Mich Gonzalez, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, says he thinks the history of detention centers as prisons has an impact on the way detainees are treated.

He said one major problem with these detention centers is that theyre not supposed to be punitive in nature, but they are.

In 2021, the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties opened an investigation, which continues, into several ICE detention facilities within the New Orleans area due to the volume and severity of allegations received concerning them.

The last time Rocha-Cuadra spoke to his mother was June 21. She says the 21st of each month is a reminder that it was the last time she heard his voice and saw him on video.

He was always trying to help everyone since he was a kid. He was always looking after his brothers and cousins, said Martha Rocha-Cuadra. Im proud of my son because of his actions. He continues to protect us from heaven. He is an angel guiding all of us.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Atlanta City Council announced it had approved a more than $1.5 million budget item to create and manage an economic opportunity fund for food access to low-income residents.

The ordinance, which was noted as favorable on Aug. 29 according to council records, creates a fund to establish a food access grant program, help with job creation through incentives to businesses, encourage investments, and provide tools to areas lacking access to quality groceries and fresh food in the city.

As written, the ordinance reallocates the funds from past Economic Opportunity Fund grants.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the relevant documents from the city council, the fund management duties will fall to Invest Atlanta.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Going forward, the $1.525 million will be used to spur growth and attract grocers to areas of the City of Atlanta with low-income and low access to fresh foods.

The funding, by extension, will be used to develop sites for the sale of affordable, quality fresh food and job creation, as well as capital investment in the city.

TRENDING STORIES:

The funds for the newly designated program will be drawn from four previous EOF grants, according to city officials.

Records state the EOf grants were awarded, but not drawn down, by the following companies and in the following amounts.

Anthem, Inc - $850,000

Asurion - $500,000

Sage North America - $100,000

Global Payments - $75,000

Put simply, by officials, the program will use the reallocated $1.525 million to provide more fresh food access through the city.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

OTHER NEWS:
By Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will host leaders from Southeast Asia's ASEAN bloc in Melbourne next March for a special summit to commemorate 50 years of relations, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday as he announced a new investment strategy for the region.

Albanese told reporters in Jakarta he had written to all the bloc's leaders inviting them to the "significant event", set to run from 4 March to 6 March. The summit would also be a chance for diplomatic bilateral meetings and business forums, he added.

Albanese has travelled to Jakarta for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit at a time when Australia is strengthening relations across Asia in a bid to build economic and diplomatic alternatives to China. ASEAN was vital to Australia's future, Albanese said in a speech to the summit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"This is where Australia's economic destiny lies, and this is where our shared prosperity can be built," he said.

"This is where, working together, the peace, stability and security of this region  and the Indo-Pacific  can be assured."

The ASEAN summit gathers with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and leaders of various partner countries including Japan, South Korea and India at a time when the bloc's members are wary of being dragged into great power disputes.

Albanese also used his speech to unveil a new economic strategy for the region, and announced an initial A$95.4 million ($60.89 million) package to fund investment deal teams, internships for young professionals and support for Australian companies looking to enter the region.

The strategy comes with 75 recommendations including using government agencies to help underwrite infrastructure investment in the region. Albanese said his government would work through the recommendations in an "orderly fashion".

($1 = 1.5667 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Artist's illustration of a small moon rover on the lunar surface, with the blackness of space on the horizon.

Australia will send a rover to the moon for the first time just a few short years from now, if all goes according to plan.

The nation will put a robotic rover on one of NASA's Artemis moon missions, with liftoff occurring as soon as 2026, according to the Australian Space Agency.

"Drawing on Australia's world-leading remote operations expertise, the rover will collect lunar soil, known as regolith," the agency wrote in a statement on Tuesday (Sept. 5). "NASA will attempt to extract oxygen from the sample. This is a key step towards a sustainable human presence on the moon."

Related: See Artemis 3 landing site at moon's south pole in new NASA photos

The rover does not yet have a name, but the Australian Space Agency is working on that. The agency just launched a competition to hang a moniker on the pioneering robot, and you can participate  if you're an Australian resident.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You have until Oct. 20 to submit your entry. The Australian Space Agency will select its four favorites from the public offerings, then submit the shortlist to a public vote. The winner will be announced in early December.

You can learn more about the naming competition, including the rules and the important deadline dates, here.

RELATED STORIES:

 The 10 greatest images from NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission

 NASA rolls Artemis 2 mobile launch tower to pad for tests (photos)

 NASA unveils plan for Artemis 'base camp' on the moon

NASA is working to establish a permanent, sustainable human presence on and around the moon by the end of the 2020s via the Artemis program. The skills and knowledge learned in doing so will enable humanity's next giant leap, a crewed mission to Mars, NASA officials say.

NASA has launched one Artemis mission to date  Artemis 1, which sent an uncrewed Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit and back late last year. The agency is gearing up to send four astronauts around the moon on Artemis 2, which is scheduled to lift off in late 2024.

The next mission after that, Artemis 3, will put boots down near the lunar south pole in late 2025 or 2026, if all goes according to plan.

NASA is leveraging a variety of commercial and international partnerships to achieve Artemis' ambitious goals, as the inclusion of the Australian rover on an upcoming mission shows. In addition, the European Space Agency provides Orion's service module, and SpaceX's next-generation Starship vehicle will be the program's first crewed lunar lander.
The RSV Nuyina (left) traveled more than 1,800 miles to rescue a sick expeditioner at Australia's Casey research center in Antartica (right). Courtesy of Pete Harmsen/AAD and Nisha Harris/AAD

Australia's Antarctic research agency rescued a sick expeditioner from a research site this month.

The Nuyina, a research and supply vessel, traveled more than 1,800 miles to reach the site.

Two helicopters were deployed from the vessel's deck to retrieve the sick researcher.

Australia's Antarctic research agency undertook a daring rescue mission this month after one of its Antarctic expeditioners required urgent medical care while living at a remote research station 2,400 miles due south of Perth.

Last week, the Australian Antarctic Program employed the RSV Nuyina, a state-of-the-art research and supply vessel, to travel the more than 1,800 miles between the ship's home base of Hobart on the island state of Tasmania and the Casey research center located on the perch of a large Antarctic ice cap, a spokesperson for the agency told Insider.

The rescue operation came as the Southern Hemisphere marked the beginning of the spring season with temperatures hovering just around 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"It's the earliest we've ever gone to an Antarctic station  just a day or two after the official end of winter," Robb Clifton, the acting general manager of operations and logistics at the Australian Antarctic Division, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "But it's still very much winter in Antarctica."

The Casey research station, which is the closest permanent Antarctic station to Australia, is home to only about 20 people during the winter, the outlet reported.

One of the station's expeditioners had a"developing medical condition" that required specialist care back in Australia, the agency spokesperson said in an email statement to Insider.

The agency sent the Nuyina from Hobart to Casey last week, using the half-a-billion dollar vessel to cut through miles of deep sea ice. The ship was able to reach a location about 78 nautical miles from Casey on Sunday, the agency said.

Once the Nuyina reached proximity to the research site, two helicopters carrying a medical retrieval team were deployed from the vessel's deck. The aircraft took a nearly hour long flight to get to Casey and retrieve the sick expeditioner, according to the Australian Antarctic Program.

Clifton said it was agreeable weather that ultimately allowed the two helicopters to make the final stretch of the trip.

"The first phase of the evacuation was performed safely and successfully and the ship is now on the return voyage to Hobart," Clifton said.

A map shows the distance the Nuyina travelled between Hobart and Casey research center. Courtesy of AAD

The agency declined to offer details about the evacuated expeditioner's current health, but Clifton said they would be looked after in the Nuyina's medical facility staffed by polar medicine doctors and hospital medical staff on the journey back to Hobart.

The Nuyina is due back in Hobart sometime next week, depending on the weather conditions in the Southern Ocean, an agency spokesperson said. The icebreaker, which cost $528 million to design and build, according to the Australian government, was introduced in 2021 to conduct science missions and transport researchers and supplies to Antarctica.

"We were really only able to attempt it because of the fantastic capabilities the Nuyina gives us in terms of icebreaking and aircraft capability," Clifton said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Elliott family of NASCAR drivers and engineers has been closely associated with Dawson County for decades.

A siren sounded at the Dawsonville Pool Room after each of Awesome Bill from Dawsonvilles racing victories, an honor that has since been passed down to his son, Chase Elliott , whose triumphs are now celebrated by the same siren.

Now, Bill Elliott and his brother, the engine builder Ernie Elliott, are giving back to north Georgia by selling hundreds of acres of their land to the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area for preservation.

Last month, the board of Georgias Department of Natural Resources (DNR) voted to approve the purchase of two tracts of land from the Elliott brothers in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains using federal funds from a grant from the Fish and Wildlife Service. The sale now awaits approval by the state properties commission.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Steve Friedman, chief of real estate at the DNR, told the DNR board, Both tracts are available because the Elliott brothers wanted to see them protected, and as such theyre selling them for below appraised value.

Don McGowan, the DNRs region operations manager for Northeast Georgia, told the Telegraph the area is subject to growing development pressure, noting that its mountain views offer a desirable location for second homes a short drive from Metro Atlanta.

McGowan said the purchase of the Elliotts land will help the state preserve protected species of fish in the Upper Amicalola Creek watershed.

By getting that property and preserving the upper reaches of that watershed were helping to prevent the siltation and erosion that sometimes can come when land is cleared for development. Thats of huge ecological importance, McGowan said.

When McGowan visited the site last spring to discuss the sale with the Elliott brothers, they expressed their desire for it to be conserved because of the beauty of it, he said.

McGowan described the land as real wooded, mostly mature hardwood forest. Its got some spectacular mountain views especially in the winter time when the leaves are off, and very little development.

The Dawson Forest WMA is a 25,500-acre tract of land whose southernmost chunk is owned by the city of Atlanta, which bought a section of it in the 1970s to use for the site of an airport that was never built, and then turned it over to the state for management.

The area is used by hunters, fishermen, hikers and rafters.

One of the land parcels is a 62-acre property solely owned by Bill Elliott, which Friedman said has road frontage which will open up a part of the WMA that has been very difficult for the public to get to. The second, 275-acre tract, is owned by both Bill and Ernie Elliott.

The proposed purchase prices of the two pieces of land are $301,279 and $1,324,312, respectively.

While the DNR says this is less than market value for the land, the sale price nevertheless perhaps justifies another of Awesome Bills nicknames.

The racer gained the moniker Million Dollar Bill after his 1985 seasons triumphs won him a cash prize of that amount from a tobacco company.

If approved, the purchase fills a gap in the WMA, which will improve the publics ability to recreate and our ability to manage, Friedman said.
Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department have identified a man and a woman who were fatally gunned down Monday night in Harbor City while they sat in their vehicle, an attack that also left the couples baby wounded by gunfire.

The shooting was reported shortly after 6:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of West 253rd Street, an LAPD spokesperson confirmed. Investigators believe the three victims were sitting in their vehicle when a suspect, or suspects, walked up and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the area.

At the scene, officers found 21-year-old Carlos Loera, 18-year-old Ashley Guzman and their 1-year-old son suffering from gunshot wounds, an LAPD news release stated.

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and pronounced Loera dead at the scene. Guzman was rushed to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police say the 1-year-old was struck by gunfire while seated in a child safety seat in the backseat of the vehicle. He was also taken to the hospital for medical treatment and was later released to family members. No information was provided on the extent of the childs injuries.

Video of the scene showed a heavy police presence with multiple evidence markers in the street just outside of a vehicle that had visible bullet holes across the drivers side of the car. The childs seat, which was taken out of the victims vehicle, was also seen.

Ashley Guzman (left), 18, and Carlos Loera (right), 21, gunned down on Sept. 4, 2023, in Harbor City.

A childs car seat seen after a double fatal shooting in Harbor City that killed a man and a woman and injured their 1-year-old boy on Sept. 4, 2023. (OnSceneTV)

Evidence markers seen outside of a vehicle with visible bullet holes after a double fatal shooting in Harbor City on Sept. 4, 2023. (OnSceneTV)

Bullet holes seen in the drivers side window of a vehicle after a double murder in Harbor City on Sept. 4, 2023. (OnSceneTV)

Police investigate a fatal shooting in Harbor City on Sept. 4, 2023. (OnScene.TV)

Detectives with LAPDs South Bureau Homicide are asking for the publics help in providing any information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in the deadly shooting.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact South Bureau Homicide Division Southeast Squad Detectives Fraga and Ybanez at 323-786-5100 or 323-786-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
 Read the full article on Motorious

With a searing 1,011-horsepower...

If youre a horsepower junkie and dream of sleeper vehicles that hold their secrets well, prepare to be floored. The team at Izzy Performance, led by the renowned mechanic and custom car builder Izzy Venezuela, has done the unthinkable. They've taken a seemingly ordinary 2006 Chevy Colorado and turned it into the ONLY existing Colorado ZR1, a monstrosity that packs an outrageous 1,011 horsepower.

Find out how Ford wants to stop you from speeding here.

Let's talk numbers first. The truck's heart is a Corvette LS9 V-8 engine. With aftermarket modifications, it delivers a head-spinning 810 horsepower. But don't stop counting, because the Colorado ZR1's arsenal also includes two nitrous bottles hidden under the tonneau cover. When these bad boys kick in, the horsepower catapults to an astronomical 1,011.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

From the outside, this Colorado is an enigma. Save for some snazzy Forgeline wheels, it looks like your average mid-size pickup. That's rightno flaming decals, no spoilersjust a stoic facade. Its what youd call a "sleeper," a vehicle that hides its racing DNA behind a deceptively normal exterior.

Now, here's where it gets even more thrilling. This truck isn't just a lab experiment; its a track demon. Equipped with upgraded traction control and racing suspension, it's gone wheel to wheel with icons like the Mustang Shelby GT500 and lived to tell the tale.

And if youre wondering about Izzy Venezuela, hes no stranger to defying automotive norms. Known for his wizardry in transforming everyday vehicles into speed fiends, his California-based garage, Izzy Performance, has been the birthplace of some of the fastest cars in Southern California.

So, for those who are in the habit of underestimating pickups, take note. The 2006 Colorado ZR1 is here to rewrite the rulebook and leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about what a mid-size truck could do.

Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Two men believed members of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club were arrested after raids across 14 New Mexico communities, in an operation resulting from a multi-year investigation into "outlaw motorcycle gang" activity throughout the state and escalating, often fatally, into violence.

The New Mexico District of the U.S. Attorneys Office announced the results of the raids Thursday conducted by the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force.

The task force, made up of several federal, state and local agencies, was formed in the wake of the May shooting in Red River, New Mexico that killed two Bandidos members and a member of the Water Dogs Motorcycle Club. Several others were injured as a result of that incident.

More: Farmington, Alamogordo, Ruidoso and Hobbs homes searched in DOJ investigation of Bandidos

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The recent searches entailed the seizure of three stolen police radios and 151 guns of all kinds, according to a spokesperson with the AG's office, along with cocaine, fentanyl, ammunition and ballistic vests.

In all 25 alleged Bandidos members were targeted by the investigation.

On Friday, a spokesperson with the U.S. Attorneys Office said at least one residence in each of the communities, spread throughout New Mexico, was raided, and known by law enforcement to be dwellings of Bandidos members.

More: Charges filed against 170 motorcycle gang members in Texas

The locations were acquired through surveillance and information gathered from 17 confidential informants, read an affidavit provided to the Carlsbad Current-Argus by the U.S. Attorneys Office.

In Hobbs, a home in the 900 block of Lincoln Road was searched, while six homes in Alamogordo, two in Farmington and one in Ruidoso along with another in Capitan were included in the operation.

There were six residences searched in Albuquerque, and one each in Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, Tome, Grants, San Rafael, Gallup and Arabela.

More: Wife of biker inmate: Some arrested in Texas are innocent

Kenneth Martinez of Gallup and Henry Mascarenas, both alleged Bandidos members, were arrested and face state charges.

Martinez was believed present at the Red River shooting, and had prior felony convictions for distributing marijuana, aggravated assault and domestic violence, read the affidavit.

A third alleged member was also arrested. His charges were pending as of Friday.

More: 'Relentless pursuit' touted as law enforcement announces arrests in Eddy County drug busts

Patches representing the Bandidos (left) and Mongols motorcycle clubs

Homes raided amid escalating tension between clubs, police say

The raids were the result of escalating tension among the clubs, and chatter of future plans to incite violence on the part of the Bandidos, according to the spokesperson.

The overall goal of the operation was to interrupt any future violent actions they were planning on taking and throw a wrench in any plans they had.

She said law enforcement was not aware of any specific violent operations planned by the club.

More: Fentanyl, meth trafficking investigation in Eddy County leads to arrests

Next, investigators will begin testing the guns to see if they are stolen or connected to any alleged crimes.

The Bandidos are well established in New Mexico, the spokesperson said, throughout both rural and urban areas.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico worked alongside local law enforcement in each community where operations were conducted.

That included the Eddy County Sheriffs Office, Albuquerque Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Ruidoso Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, Valencia County Sheriffs Office, Otero County Sheriffs Office and Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

More: NM State Police officer charged with possession of child porn released ahead of trial

The task force was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Mexico State Police Department, along with the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

Farmington Police Department spokesperson Shanice Gonzales said Farmington police assisted the FBI in raids at the two locations in Farmington. She did not have any details about arrests or confiscations.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office did not participate, but Capt. Kevin Burns said the department is aware of Bandidos members living in San Juan County.

Lt. Kane Wyatt with the Eddy County Sheriff's Office said the agency aided in operations outside the county, gathering intel and surveillance both before and during the operation.

He said no one within Eddy County was targeted despite a small, local presence of Bandidos.

"There were no locations or persons targeted in Eddy County," Wyatt said. "Our role was outside Eddy County. We're certainly concerned with violence. People are free to live within the law, and as long as that's the case we do not interfere.

"Whenever that criminal line is crossed, that's when we step in to protect our citizens."

More: Hobbs motorcyclists killed in crash on U.S. Highway 62/180 east of Carlsbad

U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez touted cooperation between federal and local authorities in conducting the operation.

The people of New Mexico have no more patience for violent bullies. Working together, the law enforcement agencies of New Mexico return the open road to the public who owns it, Uballez said in a statement.

Bandidos Motorcycle Club members traveling on Interstate 25 in New Mexico

Investigation of New Mexico biker club 'war' began in 2020

The investigation leading to the recent raids began in 2020 when the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office contacted federal authorities for help in quelling a believed war between the Bandidos Motorcycle Club and the Mongols Motorcycle Club, according to the affidavit for the search warrant.

This alleged conflict stemmed from the Mongols expansion into New Mexico where the Bandidos were already active, the affidavit read.

More: Texas man killed in truck crash on U.S. Highway 62/180 in Eddy County near Carlsbad

The state of New Mexico has traditionally been dominated by the (Bandidos), read the affidavit.

Deputies became aware that Mongols were stockpiling guns and ammunition, the affidavit read, and surveilling Bandidos with the intention of assaulting them," the affidavit read.

Search warrants and arrests were conducted in April 2020 of known Mongol residences, and many of the members questioned described the club as at war with the Bandidos, the affidavit read.

More: Was your child locked down at school? Here's what Carlsbad schools are doing about it

Over the following four years, officials in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma noticed a sharp increase in violence associated with the clubs, read the affidavit, starting when the Mongols established a presence in Albuquerque in January 2019 in open defiance of the Bandidos.

Almost immediately, the (Bandidos) told the (Mongols) to cease and desist in New Mexico or face an all-out war. (Bandidos) and (Mongols) members began collecting intelligence on one another, read the affidavit.

The affidavit detailed a series of assaults and threats made between the two clubs in the years following, leading up to the fatal shooting at Red River in May 2023.

More: Lubbock man killed in rollover crash on US Highway 285 north of Carlsbad

The violence proved fatal on six other occasions, with 11 people killed in total since 2020, according to the affidavit.

In January 2020 a Bandido prospect shot and killed a Mongols prospect in downtown Albuquerque, and a month later a Bandido was killed in a gunfight between people believed associated with the clubs.

A Mongol member ran a Bandito off the road, killing him in Midland, Texas in March 2020.

More: Hobbs man found dead after search at Brantley Lake State Park

Three years later, the killings again escalated when a Bandido prospect was shot and killed in March 2023 in Albuquerque.

A gunfight in Oklahoma City the following month between the Bandidos and Homietos Motorcycle Club left three dead and 11 injured.

Bandidos were ambushed a month later in Montgomery and Walter counties in Texas, and three members were shot dead, read the affidavit.

In May at Red River, about 400 to 500 Bandidos were in town, confronting seven members of the Water Dogs who the Bandidos accused of aligning with the Mongols.

More: Rollover crash kills driver on US Highway 62/180 between Carlsbad and Hobbs

Two Bandidos and one Water Dogs member were killed in the confrontation, and five people were injured.

In most cases, the motorcycle clubs refused to cooperate with law enforcement, read the affidavit, swearing to a code of silence.

The Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force was formed the month after the Red River shooting and investigated the clubs up until the latest raids.

There were 12 Bandidos chapters identified by the Task Force, and 75 to 100 members in the state, the affidavit read, while both Bandidos and Mongols have dozens of regional chapters throughout the U.S. and in several foreign countries.

Both clubs have a large body of members and a vast network of supporters, associates, and recruits. Members of both organizations are fiercely loyal to their respective clubs and to one another, the affidavit read.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Bandidos raided in New Mexico amid alleged motorcycle club 'war'
Xi: Humanitarian cause unites us

08:53, September 06, 2023 By Mo Jingxi and Wang Xiaoyu ( China Daily

President Xi Jinping meets with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY

He notes Red Cross role in promoting peace, progress

President Xi Jinping stressed on Tuesday the importance of humanitarianism in uniting different civilizations, saying that China is willing to work closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross to make significant contributions to promoting peace and progress for humanity.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The ICRC, established in 1863, operates worldwide with a mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and violence, as well as to provide them with assistance.

During the meeting, Xi spoke highly of the productive work carried out by the ICRC in providing humanitarian assistance globally over the past 160 years. He also said he appreciated the organization's important contributions to world peace and progress.

He noted that at a time when the world is undergoing unprecedented changes and challenges, China does not choose to pursue its own interests in isolation, but instead strengthens cooperation with all countries around the world to jointly find solutions and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi said that he put forward such proposals as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative with the hope of working together with the rest of the world to achieve economic development, improve people's livelihoods and promote win-win results.

China is willing to propose its own ideas and solutions for enhancing global governance and addressing humanitarian issues, he said.

Noting that humanitarianism is the greatest consensus that can unite different civilizations, Xi said that traditional Chinese culture, with sayings such as "the benevolent person loves others" and "don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you", resonates and connects with the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

According to Xi, by putting the people above all else, China has won the largest battle against poverty in human history. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China not only protected the life and health of its own people, but also conducted the largest global humanitarian assistance campaign, he said.

It has been proved that China is an active advocate, participant and contributor to the international humanitarian cause, Xi said.

Spoljaric congratulated China for being the country with the most recipients this year of the Florence Nightingale Medal, which recognizes nurses and nursing aides for exceptional courage, devotion and exemplary service. This showed that the ICRC and the international community highly recognize China's progress in the development of the humanitarian cause, she said.

Spoljaric said the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted world development and advanced the global humanitarian cause.

The ICRC looks forward to further deepening cooperation with China and jointly making contributions to promoting world peace, development and the humanitarian cause, she said.

The Florence Nightingale Medal, presented every two years, is the highest international award that can be given to a nurse. This year's 37 recipients were announced by the ICRC in May. On Tuesday, a ceremony and a seminar were held in Beijing to commemorate the seven Chinese honorees. Since China began nominating candidates in 1983, a total of 90 nurses from the country have been given the award so far.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
A day after being hit with accusations that she unlawfully tampered with the jury that found Alex Murdaugh guilty of murder, Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Becky Hill has retained two high-profile South Carolina lawyers.

One is state Rep. Justin Bamberg , D-Bamberg, known for representing various victims of Murdaughs financial crimes. Bamberg, the son of two law enforcement officers, is also known for representing families of African-American men who were shot by police in cases that received national attention.

The other is Will Lewis, a former assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted a variety of white collar crimes, including helping send former 5th Circuit Solicitor Dan Johnson to prison in 2019 for wire fraud in connection with Johnsons thefts from government. Wilsons mother is U.S. Judge Mary Lewis.

As a federal prosecutor, Lewis, now in private practice, also helped successfully prosecute perpetrators of a mail-order bomb plot in which a deep cover FBI agent posed as a bomb maker on the Internets Dark Web. The FBI described the incident as a domestic terrorism plot.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Neither Bamberg nor Lewis were available for interviews. Bamberg confirmed in a text to The State newspaper that they were representing Hill.

Hill has been accused by Murdaughs lawyers of improperly influencing the jury that convicted Murdaugh of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul.

However, she does not face any formal criminal charges.

Murdaugh was convicted March 2 at the end of a six-week trial at the Colleton County courthouse. The jury deliberated less than three hours. Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Murdaugh the next day to two consecutive life terms.

Murdaugh attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian have called for a federal investigation into whether Hill, an elected official, violated Murdaughs civil rights.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, the two Murdaugh attorneys specifically requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the states leading criminal investigation arm, stand down from the investigation. In their remarks, the attorneys said that SLED was too invested in Murdaughs conviction.

Bamberg is no stranger to the sprawling Murdaugh saga.

A colorful figure known for his striking suits and for mixing legal acumen with folksy sayings, Bamberg represented the family of Hakeem Pinckney, a client of Alex Murdaughs who died on a ventilator after Murdaugh allegedly stole his settlement from the car crash that paralyzed the deaf 19-year-old.

He is a regular commentator on the Murdaugh case and appeared in HBOs documentary, Low Country, which followed the familys misdeeds.

Bamberg is the second attorney involved in other Murdaugh-related cases to become involved in the cases latest legal swerve. Two of the jurors named in the petition are being represented by Columbia attorney Joe McCullough, who also represents Connor Cook, a survivor of the 2019-boat crash that killed Mallory Beach and kicked off the public interest in the Murdaugh family.

What has Hill been accused of?

In a 65-page petition to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, Murdaughs attorneys cite affidavits from several jurors who assert that Hill warned them not to be fooled by Murdaughs testimony or misled by the defenses evidence.

Yall are going to hear things that will throw you all off. Dont let this distract you or mislead you, Hill reportedly told jurors, according to the petition.

Just days before the case concluded, Hill allegedly had a juror who expressed uncertainty dismissed on the pretext that the jurors ex-husband had made a Facebook post saying that she had made up her mind about the case. In a sworn affidavit, the juror said that she had not spoken to her ex-husband in ten years and he denied making the post, which was never found.

During the deliberations, Hill is accused in court documents of telling jurors that deliberations shouldnt take them long. The twelve jurors, six of whom are smokers, were denied cigarette breaks during the deliberations despite having been allowed breaks throughout the trial.

In late July, Hill published one of the first books about the Murdaugh case and trial, billing it as an insiders account.

Harpootlian and Griffin have accused her of tampering with the jury with the goal of getting a quick guilty verdict. That would help goose her book sales, the lawyers said.
Heres one of the most outrageous things going on in the world of diplomacy: Cuba  which after its 2021 mass arrests of peaceful protesters has one of the highest populations of political prisoners in the world  is running for re-election as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Whats just as crazy, it might get enough votes to secure its seat when the U.N. General Assembly meets in mid-October to elect new members to the 47-seat Geneva-based Council.

Four Latin American countries  Brazil, Cuba, Peru and the Dominican Republic  are running for the Councils three Latin American seats whose terms expire at the end of this year.

Sadly, based on the fact that Cuba has always been elected, you have to assume that they have good chances of winning again, Hillel Neuer, head of the U.N. Watch monitoring group, told me.But if the free world fights for it, Cuba can be defeated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It wont be easy to prevent Cuba from winning the vote. Dictatorships go out of their way to win seats at the U.N. Human Rights Council in order to protect themselves against criticism for their human-rights abuses, and Cuba is doing just that.

Five of the 17 countries running for Council seats are dictatorships, including China, Russia and Cuba. And he 70% of the Councils current members either are dictatorships or have poor human-rights records, U.N. Watch says.

This year, Cuba is campaigning especially hard to keep its seat at the Council. Last week, the regime opened a photo exhibit at the lobby of the U.N. headquarters in New York to try to portray itself as a rightful member of the Council, Cubas independent 14yMedio.com online magazine reported.

The exhibit included pictures of Cubas medical missions abroad, which human-rights groups have portrayed as modern-day slave trafficking.

Under Cubas government-to-government deals with Mexico and other countries, often brokered by the Pan-American Health Organization, the Cuban regime gets the physicians full wages, while it later pays the doctors only about 20% of their salaries.

A text introducing the regimes photo exhibit, signed by Cubas ambassador to the U.N., Gerardo Penalver Portal, claims that Cuba stands out for its protection of human rights and international cooperation.

In reality, Cuba is one of the worlds most repressive dictatorships. It has not allowed a free election nor freedom of the press since 1959, and arrested more than 1,000 mostly peaceful protesters during massive 2021 anti-government street demonstrations.

At least 381 of the peaceful protesters were sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. Some received long prison sentences for holding signs reading Patria y Vida  Homeland and Life  the title of a song that sought to counter late dictator Fidel Castros slogan Fatherland or Death.

Jose Daniel Ferrer, a leader of the Cuban Patriotic Union opposition group, was arrested as he was heading to a demonstration and was later charged with public disorder for deciding to join a street protest.

Why do many world democracies vote for a decrepit dictatorship like Cuba for a Council seat? Very simple: Cuba invests a lot in public diplomacy and trades votes on various U.N. commissions.

The Cuban regime mobilizes its allies in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East to help other countries win seats on U.N. economic or trade commissions in exchange for these countries votes for Cubas membership at the U.N. Human Rights Council.

The Biden administration, which decided to return to the Council after the Trump administration withdrew from it, is expected to call on other countries to vote against Cuba.

The United States opposes Cubas candidacy for the Council, a U.S. State Department official e-mailed me. Cuba continues to have one of the worst human-rights records in the hemisphere.

Biden supporters note that, since the United States returned to the Council in late 2021, it has made a positive difference.

Late last year, in part thanks to U.S. lobbying, Venezuela lost its bid to be elected to the Council. Chile was elected with 144 votes and Costa Rica with 134, while Venezuela got only 88 of the 97 votes it needed to get a seat.

This year, we will see whether Venezuelas loss was a one-time win for democracymor a sign that the Council is beginning to meet its original mission.

If Cuba is re-elected, the U.N. Council will continue to be a joke.

Dont miss the Oppenheimer Presenta TV show on Sundays at 9 pm E.T. on CNN en Espanol. Blog: www.andresoppenheimer.com
MOUNT GILEAD  James Crowl of Bellville is lucky to be alive after a deer decided to cross the road just when he was riding his motorcycle along Ohio 314 in southern Morrow County over 10 months ago.

Crowl, 66, suffered 12 fractures in 8 ribs and a punctured lungafter the motorcycle he was riding at 62 mph collided with a buck at 6:38 a.m. Oct. 25.

According to the Ohio Highway Patrol crash report, Crowl was southbound on Ohio 314, struck a deer that was crossing the roadway, then drove off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail. He was ejected and landed in a ditch.

Bellville resident Jim Crowl, second from left, Friday received a "Saved by the Helmet" award from Motorcycle Ohio for wearing a helmet Oct. 25, 2022 when a deer crossed Ohio 314 in Morrow County while he was on his way to work at 6:38 a.m. on his motorcycle. At left is Mike Lusher, the Good Samaritan who stopped to help him. To Crowl's right is his wife Deborah Celec MD and Mount Gilead Highway Patrol Trooper Philip Schaffter, who responded to the crash that morning.

At the Mount Gilead post of the highway patrol on Ohio 95 on Friday, Crowl, joined by his wife Dr. Deborah Celec, accepted a "Saved by the Helmet" award.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Crowl was wearing full safety gear, jacket, helmet, boots and gloves.

"I've been riding for 58 years and have a short racing career behind me as well. I was very fortunate to have not only survived this, but without any lasting physical limitations," Crowl said.

Motorcyclist meets Good Samaritan who stopped to help him

At the presentation, Crowl also met Mike Lusher, the Good Samaritan who found him in a ditch that dark morning on Ohio 314 as Crowl was en route to work in New Albany.

Jim Crowl's motorcycle was totaled after he and a deer collided Oct. 25, 2022 on Ohio 314 in southern Morrow County. The Bellville man received a "Saved by the Helmet" award Friday at the Mount Gilead post of the Ohio Highway Patrol.

"He was vehicle #5 that actually stopped," Crowl said. "The first four cars didn't stop but did swerve to miss my body lying in the road."

Lusher at first thought Crowl may have walked to a nearby residence.

Lusher recalled the motorcycle was in the middle of the road and he figured its rider couldn't be far away. And so he searched the area and located Crowl 40 yards away.

Crowl never lost consciousness.

"All I saw was an eyeball and antlers. A quarter of a second is all I had," he said. "I didn't have time to even grab the front brakes."

Michele Piko, statewide coordinator of Motorcycle Ohio, a division of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, presented Crowl with the Saved by the Helmet award.

The modest Lusher, who works for Lutheran Social Services in Delaware County, said he would never hesitate to stop and help any person.

"I would do it again," Lusher said.

Crowl said he had somehow slipped himself over the guardrail, fearful of being hit by a car after he was thrown from 2017 BMW motorcycle. He remembered he couldn't go under the guardrail to get away from traffic.

Crowl said he asked Lusher to call his wife from the scene, telling him slowly one number at a time because the broken ribs made it difficult to breathe.

Celec said she didn't pick up at first thinking it was a telemarketer. Lusher kept calling back and she then listened to the voicemail that her husband had been in a crash.

Her husband spent four days in Grant Medical Center in the trauma center.

Crowl said the EMS cut all his clothes off much to his surprise and he arrived naked at Grant, a procedure done to allow the medical team to begin treatment immediately.

Award ceremony was a joyful reunion

The award ceremony was more like a reunion.

Crowl met Trooper Philip Schaffter, who was on the scene of the crash Oct. 25. He met Motorcycle Ohio representatives and the post Commander Lt. Coby Holloway.

Crowl said he no longer owns a motorcycle but when he wanted to get one last March his wife voiced her concern against it.

"My wife said if I were to get a motorcycle she would make me sign a contract that if I were to get injured again she was not going to be my caregiver and put me in a nursing home (to recover)," he said laughing.

Crowl said he grew up in Lexington in Richland County and served as a ski patrol instructor and was a skydiver for 22 years.

No stranger to broken bones, Crowl said in 1989 he ran his own self over with his own backhoe and broke his pelvis.

"And 10 years later then I was getting married to Deb I flipped my Bobcat over into my pond," he said.

Although everyone was serious about the importance of wearing a helmet, even the commander couldn't help but joke with Crowl after hearing of his past injuries.

"Is that how you met your wife?" Holloway asked.

"No, it was actually a blind date," Crowl said.

"In my house I can tell you getting injured is 10% of the pain and 90% is the lecture coming afterwards," he chuckled.

Included in the presentation was a certificate of recognition and a new replacement helmet.

Crowl selected a hot pink helmet to fit his head.

'Saved by the Helmet'

Riders over 18 are not required by Ohio law to wear a helmet, but Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of motorcycle helmets.

Trooper Schaffter said he recalled the deer ran on.

"The helmet definitely helped out quite a bit. If he wasn't wearing his helmet, injuries would have been much worse or possibly he could have been killed from the crash itself," Schaffter said. "Thankfully he was wearing his helmet."

lwhitmir@gannett.com

419-521-7223

X (formerly Twitter) @LWhitmir

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mount Gilead post of Highway Patrol lauds Crowl for wearing helmet
The Biden administration on Wednesday confirmed it will cancel seven controversial oil and gas leases in an Alaskan wildlife refuge issued at the very end of the Trump administration

The administration had previously announced in June of 2021 that it would review the leases, which give the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority the rights to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

That refuge is home to caribou herds, wolves and more than 200 species of birds, as well as land considered sacred to the Gwichin people.

On day one of this administration, President Biden directed us to look at the oil and gas leases sold in the refuge by the previous administration, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said on a call with reporters Wednesday. What we have found in our analysis is that the lease sale itself was seriously flawed and based on a number of fundamental legal deficiencies.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a written statement on the announcement, Biden said the move will help preserve our Arctic lands and wildlife, while honoring the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of Alaska Natives who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.

As the climate crisis warms the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages, he added. My administration will continue to take bold action to meet the urgency of the climate crisis and to protect our lands and waters for generations to come.

The administration on Wednesday additionally proposed a rule to protect about 13 million acres in another part of Alaska, known as the National Petroleum Reserve  Alaska (NPR-A). It said in a press release that the proposed rule would provide maximum protection for Special Areas there, including places known as grizzly and polar bear, caribou and migratory bird habitat.

The proposal would prohibit any new leasing in 10.6 million acres, which is more than 40 percent of the reserve, Haaland told reporters on the call.

The rule states that it would set new standards for managing and protecting resources in the petroleum reserve, including from the reasonably foreseeable and significantly adverse effects of oil and gas activities.

One way it would do this is by requiring the federal government to take steps to avoid these impacts including by setting conditions for or delaying or denying proposed oil and gas extraction.

The administration previously announced that it would issue the NPR-A proposal the day before it approved the Willow Project, a controversial arctic drilling project for which Alaskas congressional delegation had heavily lobbied.

This is making good on what we said we would do at that time, White House climate adviser John Podesta said on the call Wednesday.

Republicans slammed the move.

Sen. Dan Sullivan (Alaska) in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, said This war on Alaska is devastating for not only Alaska but also the energy security of the nation.

This is a grave injustice to the Inupiat people of the North Slope, Sullivan added. As evidenced by this and so many of the admins actions, the idea of equity is being exploited as a hollow political soundbite.

Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), who told The Hill earlier Wednesday he had been informed by the Interior Department that the cancellation was coming, celebrated it as a win.

It is good news. Its not mission accomplished, but it preserves a path to permanent protection of the Arctic refuge, said Huffman, who has introduced a bill to permanently protect the refuge from drilling.

Ecologically theres no place like it. The Coastal Plain of the Arctic Refuge is incredibly important from a biodiversity standpoint, he said. We shouldnt be opening up public lands to any new fossil fuel development let alone a uniquely pristine place like the Arctic refuge.

Huffman, who is among the progressives who were enraged by the Willow Projects approval, said that while he is pleased with the latest actions, he still opposes the prior decision.

It doesnt make my consternation over Willow go away, but its good news that stands alone, he said.

The latest actions come nearly six months after the administration approved the Willow Project, which would enable ConocoPhillips to drill for oil in Alaska for 30 years.

Haaland, an opponent of the project while she was in Congress, was conspicuously absent from the approval announcement itself, which bears the name of Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau. In her first public comments following the approval, Haaland called it a difficult and complex decision.

Meanwhile, Biden has personally opposed drilling in ANWR, saying on the campaign trail that he would permanently protect it. His administration previously suspended the leases there, citing multiple legal deficiencies.

When it sold the leases in early 2021, the Trump administration cited a 2017 law requiring two lease sales there by the end of 2024, and characterized the area as an important asset in meeting the energy needs of our nation.

Asked about that law on Wednesday, in light of Haalands remarks that as a result of the action, no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on Earth, a senior administration official told reporters that we intend to comply with the law.

In a statement praising the decision, Sierra Club President Ben Jealous called the move a continuation of some of environmentalists longest-lived goals.

The effort to protect and preserve the Arctic Refuge was one of the first major battles of the modern environmental movement, Jealous said. Now, the Arctic and the communities and wildlife that rely on it are on the frontlines of climate change. Today, in listening to the Gwichin Nation and the American people, President Biden showed that this treasured landscape is also the frontline of climate action.

Updated at 5:42 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The News

Democrats in Rhode Island nominated a former White House staffer to fill a deep-blue House seat, while the GOP primary for a bright-red seat in Utah was too close to call.

In the Providence-based 1st Congressional District, Gabe Amo prevailed over 10 other Democrats, setting up him to become the states first Black member of Congress. It was a win for the Congressional Black Caucus, which endorsed him, and a defeat for progressives, who backed 33-year old former state legislator Aaron Regunberg.

Amos campaign focused on his work for both Biden and Barack Obama, touted an endorsement from former White House chief of staff Ron Klain, and said his work with mayors of both parties would better equip him to pass legislation. Hell face Republican Gerry Leonard in November, in a district whose electorate backed Joe Biden by 29 points.

In Utahs 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. Chris Stewart is retiring, his endorsement helped his former legal counsel Celeste Maloy grab a razor-thin lead over ex-state Rep. Becky Edwards as of this morning, with votes still left to be counted. Maloy had won the local GOPs nomination at a June convention, but Edwards and businessman Bruce Hough petitioned their way onto the ballot  Hough running as the most pro-Trump candidate, Edwards as a moderate conservative whod supported Joe Biden in 2020 and said that it hadnt been necessary to overturn .
The Biden administration will cancel oil leases sold by the Trump administration in an Alaskan wildlife refuge and block new drilling in millions of acres in the state, setting up a new brawl with Republicans over access to fossil fuels on federal land.

The move is latest in the political jousting over the long-protected Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and would prohibit drilling in an area the size of Switzerland inside Alaska's petroleum reserve. And it may help assuage the ire environmentalists and some native Alaskan tribes felt toward the White House for approving ConocoPhillips' massive Willow oil project earlier this year in northern Alaska.

But it comes at a risky time for President Joe Biden , with a surge in crude oil prices this week threatening to drive up the cost of gasoline. And it will almost surely meet resistance from the oil industry and powerful Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a key vote that the administration has taken pains to court, as well as fellow Alaskan Sen. Dan Sullivan, who blasted the move as denying economic opportunities to Indigenous people.

[Biden administration officials] love to talk about racial equity, racial justice, environmental justice, taking care of people of color, but one big exception  the Indigenous people of Alaska. They screw em every time," he told reporters in the Capitol.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Alaska was once a leading U.S. oil producer, pumping more than 2 million barrels per day in the late 1980s, but the dearth of new investment has seen that output fall to less than 500,000 barrels per day in recent years.

Under the measures announced Wednesday, the Interior Department would revoke the ANWR leases sold by the Trump administration shortly before it left office. And it would propose banning drilling from 10.6 million acres inside the National Petroleum Reserve along the state's North Slope  about 40 percent of total acreage in the reserve  while limiting drilling activity in another 2.6 million acres there. Those areas are home to significant intact habitat for wildlife, including grizzly and polar bears, caribou and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, the agency said.

In her Wednesday announcement, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland cited the threats that the fast-changing Alaskan climate posed to the Indigenous groups in the decision to block the production of the fossil fuels that are warming the planet.

With climate change warming the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet, we must do everything within our control to meet the highest standards of care to protect this fragile ecosystem, Haaland said.

Some local tribes praised the move to protect ANWR from the drilling and construction of pipelines that they had feared would threaten wildlife in the northeastern corner of Alaska.

The Arctic Village and Venetie Tribal governments want to extend deep gratitude to the Department of Interior for making the just decision to cancel all Arctic Refuge leases, the two entities said in a press release following the announcement. This is a significant step towards true, meaningful protection of these lands that are so vital to the survival of our people now and into the future.

Former President Donald Trump had bragged about his success in opening ANWR to oil production after decades of political fighting over the resources locked under the tundra there. But oil industry interest in drilling in Alaska has waned over the years as companies turned to cheaper and more accessible fields in Texas and New Mexico.

The lease sale held by the Trump Interior Department in January 2021 was seen as a flop, drawing only $14.4 million in bids from two companies and the Alaskan state oil development company.

Still, the oil industry criticized Interior's move, saying the administration was choking off potential oil production at a time when it was also trying to prevent Russia from profiting from crude sales as it wages war in Ukraine.

"Whats ironic is that the Biden Administration made this announcement the day after we saw more headlines about more Russian oil tankers traveling through the Bering Strait due to the war in Ukraine," said Kara Moriarty, head of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. "The world demand for oil isnt going away. Our commander-in-chief should be doing everything he can to open more areas, not less, to secure energy independence."

Interior would be able to nullify the Trump administrations leasing of ANWR acres because of legal errors in the process it used to carry out the sale, Biden officials said during a call with reporters.

Native communities and environmental groups said they considered Interiors new proposed designation of 13 million acres in Alaska as special areas, to be put under protection a major win, especially coming after the approval of the Willow project, which is also located inside the petroleum reserve.

Interior said that 10.6 million of the 23 million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve would be protected against any new oil lease sales and that local communities would be able to nominate other areas to be similarly protected, following through with a promise the department made in March.

Interior would structure the protections so that future administrations would be unable to strip them away, a second administration said during the call with reporters.

The new proposed rule makes special areas a one-way ratchet for conservation, the official said. Previously, one administration could reduce their size, another one could increase it. The regulation establishes that these 13 million acres are protected.

Rep. Jared Huffman, a progressive Democrat from California, praised Interior announcement but said it did not lessen his criticism of Biden's Willow decision.

"I regard this as a good news day," Huffman said in an interview. "Especially since theres no bad news with it. Weve had a lot of these days where its a spoon full sugar to make the medicine go down. But this is nothing but good climate news."

James Bikales contributed to this report.
Corporate America often bristles at Europes aggressive regulation of big business. But when it comes to banking rules, Wall Street wants Washington to import the softer approach thats taking shape in Brussels.

The European Union is flipping the script as it finalizes regulations designed to keep banks afloat during economic storms. The safeguards against future bank bailouts set capital levels that lenders must have to help offset potentially catastrophic losses.

The EU and U.S. are moving in parallel to implement their own versions of the rules, which are the product of international standards negotiated by banking regulators around the world after the 2008 financial crisis.

Despite global agreement on the high-level details, a transatlantic rift is emerging as the EU and U.S. roll out the rules at home. In Brussels, countries including France and Germany won various carve-outs as they tried to shield their banks from regulatory costs, despite warnings from financial regulators. In Washington, appointees of President Joe Biden have proposed more stringent rules that would force large banks to raise their capital levels by up to 19 percent, including tougher curbs on risky lending to home buyers and businesses.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The tables have turned, said Thierry Philipponnat, chief economist at the European consumer group Finance Watch.

Its triggering an outcry from U.S. banking and business groups, along with their Capitol Hill allies. Theyre beginning to cite the disparity  as well as threats about the potential impact on lending  to make the case that the Federal Reserve and FDIC should pare back their plans. The episode underscores the economic and political tensions that have long strained international agreements designed to prevent another global banking meltdown.

If the EU is permitting any sort of special treatment for itself, and theyve agreed to these standards, why wouldnt the U.S. provide that special treatment for itself as well? said Bill Hulse, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness.



The lobbying battle marks the last phase of an effort by regulators around the world to protect their economies and taxpayers from banking instability that helped fuel the Great Recession.

Global regulators spent more than a decade hashing out the standards via the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision. Now its up to individual countries to enforce the requirements, known as the Basel endgame capital rules. The standards are an attempt to establish minimum capital buffers based on the riskiness of various kinds of bank activities.

Europes banks have complained for years that the global standards would hit them harder than their U.S. peers by increasing their capital requirements, which could have a knock-on impact on lending. The EUs banking regulator estimated that the blocs banks on average would face a 15 percent hike in capital if the Basel agreement was implemented in full.

The European economy depends more on banks for financing than does the U.S. economy, which has a sprawling financial market where businesses and individuals have more options to tap funds outside of bank loans.

But European banks have struggled to compete with U.S. lenders. The revenue growth, profitability and valuations of European banks have been trailing behind their U.S. peers since the [financial crisis], an industry report said in January.

As a result, EU politicians have agreed to numerous carveouts from the Basel agreement to protect the industry, taking a lighter touch to products including low-risk mortgages and loans to companies without a credit rating, to limit the capital blow.

The European Central Bank, tasked with policing banking industry risk-taking, has warned that the deviations will halve bank capital requirements compared with what they would have been under the full standards and could even lead to lower capital levels for some lenders.

ECB officials fear the approach will weaken the ability of the EUs banking industry to weather shocks in the future.

Watering down the safeguards provided by agreed global standards now would send a detrimental message not only on the future resilience of EU banks, but also regarding the EUs commitment to international agreements, European Central Bank vice president Luis de Guindos said in June.

In the U.S., regulators are facing the opposite complaint from industry  that theyre planning to impose capital requirements beyond the Basel accord.

U.S. agencies plan to curb the extent to which large banks can use internal models to gauge the riskiness of their own lending  a practice that the EU is retaining under the Basel agreement. Capital requirements tied to mortgage lending and historical losses would also be higher than the Basel mandate.

Now, big U.S. banks and their trade groups are ramping up efforts to convince regulators to scale back the proposed hike in capital requirements. Part of their strategy will be to point to the disparities in the U.S. and EU rules.

Kevin Fromer, who represents eight of the largest U.S. banks as the head of the Financial Services Forum, said competitive inequities between the two sets of rules would affect customers.



He said the Basel process has perversely not resulted in common standards, with Europeans tending to deviate in ways that reduce capital requirements and the U.S. veering to increase capital requirements.

The EU is applying the requirements that it thinks are beneficial to its economy and its banks, Fromer said.

On Capitol Hill, bank lobbyists are circulating charts showing how the U.S. approach is more stringent than the EU and other countries. They warn that the costs of complying with the capital rules could force large banks to pull back lending and other services.

The U.S. is in a pretty radical departure from the whole Basel approach and its implementation in other countries, said Bank Policy Institute President and CEO Greg Baer. Its happening because an adoption of the Basel proposal in adherence to its principles would result in lower capital requirements.

Republican lawmakers are beginning to speak out.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) said in a statement that the U.S. plan goes well beyond the EUs proposal and puts large, U.S.-based international financial institutions at a disadvantage to their foreign counterparts on the global stage.

But critics making the case for a level playing field with the EU will find it hard to argue that the disparity is a huge competitive threat.

Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair said there were a number of European banks that were powerhouses prior to the great financial crisis but that a lot of that competition is gone. She said warnings about international competitiveness and lending impacts are standard talking points.

Stronger guardrails in the United States have allowed the largest U.S. banks to outcompete and outpace the growth of their foreign counterparts since the 2008 financial crisis, Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said in a statement. A safe U.S. banking system goes hand-in-hand with a competitive one.



Its unclear whether it will move the needle with decision-makers at the Fed, FDIC and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The three agencies declined to comment.

Alexa Philo, senior policy analyst at Americans for Financial Reform, a coalition of labor and consumer groups, said U.S. officials need to do what makes the financial system more resilient, and not simply respond to what Europe does."

In Brussels, its giving critics of the watered-down EU approach a new opportunity to push back. Philipponnat, with Finance Watch, said the EUs carveouts were already problematic for financial stability reasons, and now theyre even less justified in light of how the U.S. is proceeding.

We always hear the same thing from both lobbies, he said. Looking to the other side of the Atlantic and saying its better.

Jasper Goodman contributed to this report.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken , who is on a visit to Kyiv, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Source: European Pravda, citing the press service of the US State Department

Details: Blinken noted that US President Joe Biden asked him to come to Ukraine to "reaffirm strongly our support".

He stressed that the United States, together with other countries, is stepping up efforts "for the immediate challenge of the counteroffensive", as well as for long-term efforts in support of Ukraine.

"I know you were just on the front lines, and were all very eager to hear your assessment. And certainly we see the important progress thats being made now in the counteroffensive, and thats very, very encouraging," the Secretary of State said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He added that Joe Biden also expects to meet with Zelenskyy in the near future.

Zelenskyy thanked Blinken for the visit, emphasising its importance during a full-scale war.

Background:

Antony Blinken arrived on an official visit to Kyiv on Wednesday morning. According to Reuters, the Secretary of State's visit to Ukraine will last two days.

While in Kyiv, Blinken said that Washington sees progress in the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and the US will ensure that Ukraine receives the necessary support both now and in the long-term.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






(The Hill)  The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that 4 million student loan borrowers have been enrolled in the new Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) income-driven repayment (IDR) plan two weeks after it was officially launched.

The administration has touted SAVE as the most affordable IDR plan ever offered to borrowers, officially launching it right before interest began accruing again on student loan payments after a three-year pandemic-related pause.

Student loan payments start soon: Everything you need to know

Officials said most of the 4 million people SAVE enrollees are those who were automatically transferred from the Revised-Pay-As-You-Earn IDR option.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Millions of borrowers are already benefitting from enrollment in the SAVE plan, and Im thrilled to see so many Americans submitting applications every day so that they, too, can take advantage of the most affordable student loan repayment plan in history, said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

The application for the SAVE plan was officially launched on the Federal Student Aid site two weeks ago and takes around 10 minutes to complete.

$72 million in student loans canceled by Biden administration: Who qualifies

The Department of Education has launched a nationwide campaign called SAVE on Student Debt to get more borrowers to sign up for the plan.

The plan will be enacted in two parts, with borrowers this year able to see benefits such as income exemption rising from 150 percent to 250 percent above the federal poverty guidelines.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The administration released data showing Texas and California were the top states for the number of borrowers enrolled in the new SAVE plan.

From Day One of this Administration, President Biden has focused on reducing the burden of student loan debt on working families, and we are not stopping now. Enrollment is quick and easy, and we are working relentlessly to get the word out to borrowers about how millions can reduce their monthly student loan bills and save over a thousand dollars a year by enrolling in SAVE, Cardona said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
President Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday and will test again before he heads to India the following day for the Group of 20 (G20) summit, days after first lady Jill Biden tested positive for the coronavirus.

The presidents negative test Wednesday morning follows negative tests Monday night and Tuesday.

He is not experiencing any symptoms, which of course is a good thing, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The first lady is doing well [and] remains in Delaware, which is also a good thing, she added, after telling reporters the day prior that Jill Biden was experiencing mild symptoms.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jean-Pierre said Biden will be testing regularly as he heads to India and Vietnam and that the White House will let reporters know about negative tests, but she didnt outline what the testing cadence will be.

All travelers who are going to India will be tested, including the president, she said, adding theres no change when asked if the trip is definitely set to happen.

Biden is slated to leave Washington on Thursday afternoon for the G20 summit in New Delhi, where he will stay for three days and then travel to Vietnam to meet with leaders there.

Jean-Pierre said she had no contingency plans to announce in the event the president tested positive.

The press secretary Wednesday had told reporters that Biden will be masking while indoors and while around people, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Biden later that day awarded the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam-era Army helicopter pilot, and he took off his mask during a portion of the event.

When questioned on the lack of masking, Jean-Pierre said Biden had tested negative a few hours before the event and left the event when there was a pause in the program to minimize being around attendees.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) had some blunt words for Republicans who are pushing to impeach President Joe Biden: Itll bite you in next years elections.

Go ahead. Do it, I dare you, Fetterman said during an interview with a handful of reporters in his Capitol Hill office on Wednesday. If you can find the votes, go ahead, because youre going to lose. Its a loser.

It would just be like a big circle jerk on the fringe right, the senator added. Sometimes you just gotta call their bullshit. If theyre going to threaten, then lets see it.

House Republicans appear to be moving toward impeaching Biden over allegations that as vice president, he used his position to aid his son Hunter, who at the time was in business with Ukrainian and Chinese nationals. So far, the investigation hasnt turned up clear evidence linking Biden to his sons business dealings. Even some Republicans are skeptical about the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I havent seen any evidence at this stage to suggest hes met the constitutional test for impeachment, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told HuffPost on Wednesday.

Dont we have enough on our plate? asked Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has said the House could open an impeachment inquiry after lawmakers return from their summer recess next week. The speaker is facing pressure from a group of far-right members in his caucus to launch impeachment proceedings. One House Republican has even threatened to force a vote on ousting McCarthy as speaker if he doesnt oblige.

If Speaker McCarthy stands in our way, he may not have the job long, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) threatened in an interview this week.

On Wednesday, Fetterman dismissed the impact that a hypothetical impeachment would have on Bidens prospects for reelection next year.

Nobody would respect it. Everybody would know its bullshit  including them, you know? he said of Republicans.

[Donald] Trump has a mug shot, and hes been impeached twice. It really would diminish what impeachment means if they try it. They must really want to lose, he added.
FILE PHOTO: The Blackberry logo is shown on a office tower in Irvine, California

(Reuters) - BlackBerry forecast a 21.4% decline in its second-quarter revenue due to weakness in the Canadian technology company's cybersecurity segment, sending its U.S.-listed shares nearly 10% lower in extended trading on Wednesday.

In its preliminary results announcement for the quarter, the company said it expects revenue of about $132 million, compared with $168 million last year. Four analysts polled by LSEG expect BlackBerry to report sales of $156.9 million.

"Given the product mix, delays in closing certain large deals are expected to impact revenue recognized in the quarter," said BlackBerry's Executive Chair and CEO, John Chen.

In August, media reports said private equity firm Veritas Capital made an offer to buy BlackBerry, months after the Canadian company began a strategic review.

The company expects revenue in its cybersecurity unit to be about $80 million, lower than $111 million last year.

(Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba

The United States will allocate an additional $1 billion in security and financial assistance to Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during a visit to Kyiv on Sept. 6.

Today, we are announcing a new assistance package, with more than $1 billion, Blinken said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Read also: Washington announces $250 million aid package for Ukraine

It includes $665 million for civil security.

He noted that since his last visit to Kyiv a year ago, Ukraines Defense Forces have liberated more than 50% of Russia-occupied territories.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: U.S. State Secretary Blinken arrives on unannounced visit to Kyiv amid Russian cruise and ballistic missile attack

The new aid package will significantly reinforce, among other things, Ukraines air defense capabilities.

The United States will also provide Ukraine with 120mm depleted uranium tank shells.

Read also: Blinken praises Ukrainian counteroffensive

During his visit, Blinken paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Berkovets cemetery in Kyiv.

This is the third visit of the U.S. State Department head to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $1 billion in aid for Ukraine while visiting Kyiv on Monday, with the majority of the funding focused on military and security assistance.

The top U.S. diplomat, visiting the country in a surprise visit, said he also held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about long-term security arrangements that the U.S. and other countries have held up as stopgap measures on the lengthy road of Ukraines possible accession to NATO.

Blinken said these long-term security arrangements are about helping Ukraine build a force for the future, a military force of the future, that is capable of deterring future aggression, and if necessary, defending and defeating it.

Were in the early stages of talking directly with Ukraine about what the different elements would be, he said. Other countries have similarly engaged or are beginning to engage in those conversations  that will play out over the coming months.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blinken made his remarks standing alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who offered gratitude for the assistance.

Today we learned one more time that the United States continued to be the leading partner and ally in the repelling of Russia, humanitarian, energy, military, everything that comes from the United States, were grateful for that, Kuleba said.

Military aid that is provided to Ukraine, and financial aid  these are not charity. I would like to underline this one more time. This is the most profitable investment in the Euro-Atlantic space and the whole world. Today, Ukraine with the support of partners, we hold the advance of Russia from imposing their will on other countries.

Blinken said an important part of his visit was to listen very carefully to our Ukrainian partners regarding what they need immediately, and to help Ukraine build a military force for the future that is capable of deterring future aggression, and if necessary defending and defeating it.

Still, the secretary said that the $1 billion tranche of funding and his conversations were focused on Ukraines immediate needs, describing its two-month counteroffensive against Russia as having accelerated over the past few weeks, breaking through dug-in Russian defenses and heavily mined territory.

This new assistance will help sustain it and build further momentum, he said.

Air defense support is a key part of the $1 billion tranche, which was announced on the same day Russia launched a missile attack on the east of Ukraine that killed 16 people, including a child, and wounded dozens more.

Russias weapons of war have killed hundreds of civilians and threatened to put millions at risk for years, even decades to come, Blinken said.

The U.S. is sending its first delivery of mine-resistant, ambush-protective vehicles to Ukraines border guards and police, providing assistance for demining to help clear Russian landmines, unexploded ordinances and other daily remnants of war killing tools, Blinken said.

Ukraine now is the worlds most heavily mined country; 30 percent of its territory is potentially covered with mines, the secretary added.

Blinken added that U.S. Abrams tanks are expected to arrive in the fall, and he pointed to the U.S. beginning training of Ukrainian pilots on F16s in the U.S. as complementing training efforts in Europe and further laying the groundwork for long-term international commitment to Ukraines needs.

Another part of the package is $175 million from Department of Defense stockpiles, taken from a $6.2 billion surplus discovered in June. Weapons and munitions from this package include ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Javelins, anti-armor systems and 120 mm depleted uranium tank ammunition for Abrams tanks, among other weapons and armaments.

The U.S. is providing $300 million to support law enforcement efforts to restore and maintain law and order in liberated areas.

An additional $100 million will be provided as foreign military financing to support Ukraines long-term military needs.

On economic and humanitarian assistance, the U.S. will, for the first time, transfer to Ukraine assets seized from sanctioned Russian oligarchs to be used to support Ukraines military veterans.

The U.S. is also providing $206 million in humanitarian assistance and emergency shelter for Ukrainians under incessant Russian missile attacks, the secretary said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Antony Blinken , US Secretary of State, has arrived in Kyiv on an official visit.

Source: European Pravda

Details: It was reported on the morning of 6 September that Blinken had arrived in Kyiv.

On Wednesday, 5 September, the media unofficially found out that Blinken might visit Ukraine. The Department of State refused to comment on this information.

Background: Russia launched another air attack on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, on the night of 5-6 September. The all-clear was given just a few hours before Blinken's arrival, with air defence downing all targets flying toward the capital.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken is meeting the Ukrainian leadership as part of his two-day visit to Kyiv to discuss the counteroffensive and Ukraine's recovery efforts, the U.S. State Department announced on Sept. 6.

"Returned to Kyiv today to meet with our Ukrainian partners to discuss their ongoing counteroffensive, future assistance and reconstruction efforts, and above all, to reinforce the unwavering U.S. commitment to Ukraine," Blinken wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

While the counteroffensive's relatively slow progress attracted criticism from Western observers, the campaign appears to have gained steam in the past days, with Ukrainian forces reportedly breaching through some of the Russian defensive lines in Ukraine's south.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent," Blinken said during the visit.

These efforts are likely to involve fresh assistance of more than $1 billion, including significant military aid. Blinken is expected to present the new package in Kyiv as part of his visit, CNN reported with reference to a senior official of the U.S. State Department.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blinken arrived in Ukraine's capital the same day it came under a Russian missile strike in the early morning hours. The U.S. official was welcomed in Kyiv by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, with whom he paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Berkovetske cemetery.

"The Secretary became the first counterpart to begin his day in Kyiv by paying tribute to our fallen heroes at Berkovetske cemetery," Kuleba said.

"This is a sign of respect to all Ukrainian warriors who gave their lives for our freedom and the right to live."

According to the U.S. State Department, Blinken's itinerary further includes meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery efforts are also said to be a major topic in the talks between Blinken and Ukraine's leadership.

During the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in June, the U.S. pledged a $1.3 billion assistance package to help restore Ukraine's power system and infrastructure, among other goals.

CNN noted that the visit of the U.S. top diplomat to Ukraine is an opportunity to align strategy ahead of the U.N. General Assembly later in September.

Citing a senior official traveling with Blinken, the outlet said that Ukraine has an important mission in the U.N. to explain the situation on the ground and the need for further support, while the U.S. leads the global effort to ensure this support.

This is Blinken's third trip to Kyiv since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. He has previously paid a visit to the capital in April 2022 and September 2022.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Antony Blinken , United States Secretary of State, visited the Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv, where he paid his respects to the fallen defenders of Ukraine, during his visit to the Ukrainian capital on Wednesday, 6 September.

Source: Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Foreign Minister, on X (Twitter)

Quote: "The Secretary became the first counterpart to begin his day in Kyiv by paying tribute to our fallen heroes at Berkovetske cemetery. This is a sign of respect to all Ukrainian warriors who gave their life for our freedom and the right to live."

I welcomed @SecBlinken in Ukraine.



The Secretary became the first counterpart to begin his day in Kyiv by paying tribute to our fallen heroes at Berkovetske cemetery.



This is a sign of respect to all Ukrainian warriors who gave their life for our freedom and the right to live. pic.twitter.com/yMSWFRTqh5  Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) September 6, 2023

Background:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 6 September on an official visit.

The media unofficially learned about the possibility of his visit the day before, but the State Department refused to comment on the rumours.

Reuters stated that the State Secretary's visit to Ukraine will last for two days. It is expected that the US diplomat will announce new aid package for Ukraine within its framework.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken before a meeting at Bankova in Kyiv, on Wednesday. Blinken arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, where he announced more than $1 billion in fresh aid to Ukraine. Photo by Ukrainian President Press Office/UPI

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday and announced new assistance for Ukraine worth more than $1 billion in a show of support for the war-torn country in the middle of its slow-moving counter-offensive to retake land from Russia.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken will meet with senior Ukrainian officials over two days to reiterate the United States' commitment to Ukraine as they continue to root out the Russian military from previously captured territory.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counter-offensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent," Blinken said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the ministry in Kyiv.

"We're also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The new $1 billion in assistance for Ukraine includes $665.5 million in military and civilian security, Blinken said, stating it will help sustain Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive and build further momentum.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) listens as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken makes a statement for the press before a meeting at Bankova in Kyiv on Wednesday. Photo by MFA of Ukraine/UPI

Some $175 million in weaponry will come from the presidential's drawdown authority with another $100 million in Foreign Military Financing to support Ukraine's longer-term military needs.

Another $300 million will go to support law enforcement efforts to restore and maintain law and order in areas Kyiv has liberated from Russian control, he said.

A list of the equipment from the Pentagon shows it includes additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, artillery rounds and more.

"The new security funding that we're announcing today will also be bolstered by the arrival of U.S. Abrams tanks this fall and by training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the United States, complementing training that is already underway in Europe," Blinken said.

The United States, by far Ukraine's largest backer, has provided Ukraine with 4.32 billion in security assistance, $2.9 billion in humanitarian assistance and $20.5 billion in budget support through the World Bank since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The secretary's delegation departed the Washington area late Monday night and landed in Poland on Tuesday. He traveled at night by train, reaching Kyiv on Wednesday morning.

Miller said Blinken's travel plans remained under wraps because of "ongoing security concerns created by the active conflict."

Miller said Blinken will address Ukraine's energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and "make announcements about how the United States can continue supporting Ukraine in these areas."

The visit comes as Congress weighs a Biden administration request for an additional $24 billion in aid for Ukraine, as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has vowed not to provide a "blank check" for spending to support Kyiv.

In response to the trip, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the United States of prolonging the war through its financial support of Ukraine.

"We have repeatedly heard statements that they are going to continue to help Kyiv as long as it takes," Peskov said. "In other words, they are going to continue to keep Ukraine in a state of war and to wage this war to the last Ukrainian, sparing no expense."
A Russian missile slammed into the eastern Ukraine city of Kostiantynivka on Wednesday, killing 17 civilians hours after Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv to unveil a hefty aid package and demonstrate an "unwavering" U.S. commitment to Ukraine sovereignty.

At least one of those killed was a child, and at least 32 people were wounded in the strike on a downtown market in the city of more than 65,000 people, Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Kostiantynivka, in the Donetsk region about 400 miles east of Kyiv, has been the focus of much of Russia's military effort as Moscow seeks to gain control of the industrial Donbas area of Ukraine.

An apartment building, an office building and more than a dozen shops were damaged, authorities aid.

"A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong," Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post, adding that the number of dead and wounded could rise. "This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In Blinkens fourth visit to Ukraine since Russia's invasion, he announced more than $1 billion in new U.S. aid to Kyiv on Wednesday, including $665.5 million aid in military and civilian security assistance, $100 million for foreign military financing, $300 million for law enforcement efforts and demining assistance to clear Russian land mines, unexploded ordinance and other remnants of war.

Since I was last here almost exactly one year ago, Ukrainian forces have taken back more than 50% of the territory seized by Russian forces since February of 2022. In the ongoing counteroffensive, progress has accelerated in the past few weeks. This new assistance will help sustain it and build further momentum, Blinken said at a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Blinken also announced an additional $206 million in humanitarian assistance, including food, water and shelter for those displaced by the war.

Blinken's visit, which included a meeting with Zelenskyy, comes amid concerns about the much-anticipated but slowly progressing counteroffensive Ukraine began almost three months ago.

"Never go to someones home without bringing a housewarming gift," Blinken said in Kyiv. "We come bearing some further assistance for Ukraine across multiple areas, but that assistance doesnt actually mean anything unless it is used effectively."

Blinken said U.S. and Ukrainian officials were working to ensure U.S. aid is "being used effectively and is being used properly."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Western aid won't alter the outcome of the war, although he acknowledged the U.S. was willing to "fight this war to the last Ukrainian, sparing no expense. This is how we see it. We know that."

In this photo provided by Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba walk at the Alley of Heroes at the Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv on Sept. 6, 2023.

Developments:

A British Challenger 2 tank was destroyed by Russian artillery in Ukraine, but the Ukrainian crew survived, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed Wednesday to Sky News. It was the first Challenger 2 tank destroyed in the war, he said, adding that Britain had "gifted" Ukraine 14 of the high-tech tanks.

The European Court of Justice dismissed the appeals of four Russian oligarchs who sought to be removed from the EU's sanctions list.

Is Putin getting desperate in Ukraine? Outreach to North Korea puts spotlight on weapons shortages

Putin's Jewish comments dismissed as 'deep-rooted antisemitism'

Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that the West orchestrated Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rise in Ukraine because an ethnic Jew "covers up the anti-human nature of modern Ukraine drew a sharp response from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry. Spokesman Oleh Nikolenko dismissed Putin's "chronic fixation" on Zelenskyy's background as "another manifestation of the deep-rooted antisemitism of the Russian elite." Nikolenko urged the world to condemn Putin's statements, saying there is no place for ethnic hatred in the world.

Putin, speaking Tuesday on state TV, said "Western handlers" put Zelenskyy into power hoping his Jewish roots would dispel concerns about pockets of support for Nazism in Ukraine in the past.

"This makes the whole situation utterly disgusting in that an ethnic Jew is covering up the glorification of Nazism," Putin said.

New defense minister reflects 'serious stand against corruption'

Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday formally approved Zelenskyy's appointment of Rustem Umerov, replacing Oleksii Reznikov following his resignation. The change "sends a signal to the world that Ukraine is taking a serious stand against corruption," said Mary Kate Schneider, director of global studies at Loyola University Maryland. Pervasive corruption is a major reason why NATO and EU membership for Ukraine remain "far-off prospects," she said. Renikov's ministry was dogged by accusations of bribery and graft in military contracts, and keeping him in the role would have been politically costly, Schneider told USA TODAY.

Schneider added that Reznikov's dismissal comes weeks after Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a suspicious plane crash, and that timing suggests that Zelenskyy wanted to "capitalize on the contrast" and clean house.

Putin meeting with North Korea's Kim a sign of desperation?

A meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin is just one of several indications that the Russian president may be growing concerned as Moscow's war in Ukraine grinds on into its 18th month. As Ukraine makes some limited progress in its counteroffensive, Russian troops in the hotly contested southern coastal area of Ukraine are cracking down on an apparent resurgence of national patriotism, launching surprise checks and propaganda efforts to stave off a possible revolt, a senior Ukrainian Defense Ministry official said Monday.

"I think it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that it expected would be over in a week," national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a White House briefing Tuesday. Read more here.

 Josh Meyers

Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook; Francesca Chambers

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine war live updates: Russian missile kills 17; Blinken in Kyiv
Ukraine has made "good progress" during its ongoing southern counteroffensive, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba during his visit to Kyiv on Sept. 6, CNN reported.

Read also: Presidents Office cites three reasons for Ukraine's slow counter-offensive

"We've seen good progress in the counteroffensive, which is very heartening, the U.S. official said.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but it has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, a strong defense capacity, so that in the future, aggressions like this don't happen again."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blinken said he admired the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, armed forces, and leadership, reiterating that the United States is committed to working with its partners as they "build and rebuild a strong economy, a strong democracy."

Read also: U.S. State Secretary Blinken arrives on unannounced visit to Kyiv amid Russian cruise and ballistic missile attack

Media reported that during the visit, the U.S. Secretary of State will present a new tranche of financial assistance to Ukraine worth more than $1 billion.

Read also: Reduced Activity of Hostilities on Tavria Front

Washington is also expected to announce the decision to provide the Ukrainian military with depleted uranium tank shells on Sept. 6.

Read also: Ukraines military reveals occupants objectives in the Lyman-Kupyansk section of front

On Sept. 2, the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had broken through the first line of Russian defense in the south.

Commander of Ukraines Ground Forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that the main task is to prevent further territorial losses on the Kupyansk and Lyman axes in eastern Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba for lunch at a Kyiv McDonalds Wednesday during a visit to show U.S. support for Ukraine ahead of the G20 Summit this weekend.

The pair traded stories from their time as college students and agreed that fast food was likely against their doctors recommendations.

When I was a student, my best hangover food was to go to McDonalds, Kuleba told Blinken, adding he would order a double cheeseburger and big Coke.

Im sure that was very rare, Blinken quipped, adding That never happened to me.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Responding to reporters, Blinken said his previous meeting with Kuleba had been very good, adding I thought it was appropriate to make sure that we celebrated with some french fries and cherry pie.

Kuleba explained that he had called Blinken earlier in the war and complained that McDonalds withdrawal from Ukraine sent a bad message, as people lost jobs and suppliers lost contracts.

On that call, Blinken said he would look into what could be done, Kuleba said. A couple days later, the foreign minister said he received a call from the U.S. Embassy.

I think having McDonalds in the country is a message: a message of confidence, he said. This is how the comeback of McDonalds started  in the phone conversation. And this is why were here tonight.

On the previously undisclosed visit, Blinken announced $1 billion in aid for Ukraine, mostly focused on military and security assistance. He also planned to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal while in the country.

Ukrainian first lady warns of complacency amid war: Please dont stop to help us fight

The visit is the secretarys fourth trip to Ukraine and marks the first time that a U.S. official has slept overnight in Kyiv, which came under fire from Russian missiles just hours before Blinken arrived.

Ukraine has made incremental progress in its summer counteroffensive against Russia, reportedly penetrating initial Russian defensive lines in the south.

We are moving forward, Kuleba told CNN last week. Weve liberated dozens of square miles of land through minefields with no air coverage.

The counteroffensive has disappointed some allies, whose criticism has annoyed the Ukrainian government. The country named a new defense minister, Rustem Umerov, this week, the first turnover in that position since the invasion began a year and a half ago.

Umerovs selection fills a need for new approaches to the war, Zelensky said. He previously served as a chief negotiator for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukrainian grain to be exported to global markets, before Russia pulled out of the deal in July.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the capital of Ukraine on Wednesday in an unannounced visit just hours after the city was struck by a Russian missile attack.

Blinkens trip to Kyiv is meant to show the United Statess unwavering commitment to Ukraines democracy, territorial integrity and democracy, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

While in Ukraine, the secretary will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to talk about the countrys counteroffensive in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said during the visit. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is Blinkens fourth trip to Ukraine since Russia invaded in March 2022, but it will be the first time a U.S. official has stayed overnight in Kyiv since the war started. U.S. officials told The Associated Press that Blinkens overnight trip is meant to symbolize support for Ukraine.

A senior official in the State Department  who was speaking to reporters on the protocol of anonymity  said Blinken is also looking to learn about what kind of support is needed in the current state of the war. He is also expected to announce new military aid for Ukraine that is between $175 million and $200 million, the AP noted.

This comes as Ukrainian lawmakers approved Zelenskys nomination for a defense minister, Rustem Umerov. The visit also comes after Russia launched cruise missiles at Kyiv  which the head of the capital citys regional military administration Serhii Popko said is the first aerial attack on the city since last week.

Before arriving in Ukraine, Blinken met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to thank Denmark for donating F-16 jets for Ukraine and the nations partnership in the program training Ukrainian pilots.

Ukraine has celebrated the U.S.-led decision to move forward on providing advanced warplanes for its air force, even as delivery and operation are not expected to occur for months.

Ukrainians are carrying out a slow-moving and brutal counteroffensive against Russia without the benefit of air superiority, making efforts to advance extremely dangerous under the threat of Russian missile attacks.

Still, the Ukrainian army has appeared to make significant gains in recent days in the south of the country, with threatening Russian positions in the occupied Crimean peninsula viewed as a key goal in gaining battlefield leverage.

Laura Kelly and The Associated Press contributed.

Updated at 8:32 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The U.S. government is allocating new assistance to Ukraine worth more than $1 billion, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Sept. 6.

Blinken also said for the first time that the U.S. will fund support for Ukrainian military veterans from "assets seized from sanctioned Russian oligarchs," saying that those who "enabled Putin's war of aggression should pay for it."

The U.S. authorized the transfer of forfeited Russian assets to Ukraine in May 2023.

Blinken said the $1 billion in assistance includes a new package of $665.5 million in military and civilian security assistance.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One hundred million dollars will go toward "foreign military financing to support Ukraine's longer term military needs" and another $300 million is earmarked for supporting Ukrainian law enforcement in liberated areas of the country.

The U.S. is also committing $206 million for humanitarian assistance, "much of which is dedicated to helping the more than six million Ukrainians who are displaced by Russia's war," Blinken.

He also mentioned the assistance includes the $175 million weapons package announced by the Defense Department on Sept. 6.

The Defense Department package includes air defense equipment and depleted uranium rounds for Abrams tanks, which will arrive in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

"Those who have enabled Putin's war of aggression should also pay for it," he said.

The U.S. has committed over $43 billion in security assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion in Feb. 2022, Blinken said.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 6 for a two-day trip, which marks the fourth time he has visited Ukraine since Feb. 2022.

Read also: New brigade bears heavy brunt of Russias onslaught in Kharkiv Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Bob Barker s cause of death has been revealed.

The 99-year-old former host The Price is Right gameshow was pronounced dead on 26 August at his home in Los Angeles, his publicist Roger Neal announced.

It has now been revealed that Barker died as a result of Alzheimers Disease, according to his death certificate obtained by People magazine.

The document reportedly indicated that Barker had been living with the condition for years.

Hypertension (high blood pressure), hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) were also listed as other significant conditions that contributed to Barkers death, according to People.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is with profound sadness that we announce that the Worlds Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us, Neal said in his statement announcing the news.

Barker retired in 2007 after hosting the hit CBS game show since 1972.

Bob Barker, 83, waves goodbye as he tapes his final episode of The Price Is Right (AP2007)

During his career, Barker won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, received an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999 and was inducted into the Television Academys Hall of Fame in 2004.

We lost a beloved member of the CBS family today with the passing of Bob Barker. During his 35 years as host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, Bob made countless peoples dreams come true and everyone feel like a winner when they were called to come on down., CBS said in a statement.

In addition to his legendary 50-year career in broadcasting, Bob will be remembered as a dedicated animal rights activist. Daytime television has lost one of its most iconic stars.

Barker was known for his support of animal rights causes and donated $5m to the anti-whaling Sea Shepherd Conservation Society which named one of their ships after him.

In 2013, Barker donated $1 million to move three captive elephants from the Toronto Zoo to a sanctuary in California.

The presenter was born in Darrington, Washington, on 12 December 1923, and at the age of six moved to a Sioux Indian reservation in Mission, South Dakota, with his mother, Matilda, after his father died.

Barker served for two years in the US Navy towards the end of World War II and then attended Drury University where he graduated with an economics degree.

Barkers own wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, died of lung cancer in 1981 and he never remarried.

I never had any inclination to remarry. She was my wife, he said.

He said that it was his wife who was behind his fight to help animals.

She was ahead of her time. She really was. She stopped wearing fur coats before anyone was stopping. She became a vegetarian before people were becoming vegetarian. And I gradually did the same thing with her, he said.
FILE - Luis Fernando Camacho, opposition leader and president of the Civic Committee Pro Santa Cruz, attends a rally with the coca leaf growers in La Paz, Bolivia, Nov. 7, 2019. Camacho, the opposition governor of Bolivia's most prosperous region, was taken to a hospital for tests on Sept. 6, 2023 after his health deteriorated during pre-trial detention in a prison where he has been serving since Dec. 2022 for alleged sedition and terrorism. (AP Photo/Juan Karita, File)

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  The governor of Bolivias most populous and richest region was allowed to briefly leave his high-security prison cell Wednesday for medical tests, highlighting how the politician widely considered the countrys opposition leader has been governing from behind bars for more than eight months.

Santa Cruz Gov. Luis Fernando Camacho , who has been in pretrial detention since Dec. 30 accused of sedition and terrorism, left Chonchocoro prison in Bolivias highlands for a few hours before returning. Last month, a 26-member medical board said Camacho should be allowed to undergo medical tests in a hospital instead of by prison doctors amid concerns about his health.

His lawyer, Martin Camacho, protested afterward that the governor had not been allowed to receive all the tests ordered by a medical board. The two men are not related.

The defense will request ... the cessation of preventive detention because his life is at risk, the lawyer told the Associated Press.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

International human rights experts say the imprisonment of Camacho, even though he has not been convicted of a crime, is an example of how Bolivias justice system is often used for political purposes.

Camacho, 44, has been in pretrial detention for allegedly orchestrating what prosecutors describe as a coup while leading mass protests in 2019 following elections the Organization of American States said were marred by fraud. Judges ruled the governor should be remanded in custody because he was a flight risk and could obstruct the ongoing investigation.

The governor, who remains in his post while in prison, has vehemently denied all charges and characterized his detention as a kidnapping.

No date has been set for his trial to start.

The eastern region of Santa Cruz, which makes up around one-third of Bolivias economic activity, has long been ruled by right-leaning governments opposed to the leftist central government in the capital of La Paz.

Images seen of Camacho during a July hearing showed that the governor had lost a significant amount of weight during his months behind bars, exacerbating worries about his health. His family has expressed concern over his Churg-Strauss syndrome, a disorder that inflames blood vessels and can lead to permanent damage of the organs if not properly treated, Natalia Ibanez, Camacho's cousin, told the AP.

His lawyer, Martin Camacho, said that while he was in the hospital the governor suffered a sort of arrhythmia but instead of stabilizing him, he was transferred back to Chonchocoro without receiving any tests." He characterized it as an inhumane act because it is evident that his life is at risk.

The lawyer earlier said the governor had lost anywhere between 12-15kgs (26-33lbs) and refused to be treated by prison doctors because they were not specialists.

Juan Carlos Limpias, the director of Bolivias prison system, insisted Camacho had received the necessary medical attention although he acknowledged in an interview last month that the governor had lost 7 kilograms.

When he was detained, he weighed 62 kilograms, and now he weighs 54.9 kilograms, Limpias told the AP in early August.

The international community has largely stayed silent on Camachos detention, which Cesar Munoz, the associate director of Human Rights Watchs Americas division, said has a clear political dimension, noting that there is no solid justification for him to be in preventive detention.

Yet Camachos case is hardly uncommon in a country where more than 60% of detainees are in pretrial detention, and the independence of the judiciary is openly questioned.

Pretrial detention should be the exception, not the rule, Munoz said, and in this case even more so considering Camacho is a well-known person who has a fixed residence and job, two arguments often used to justify being remanded in custody.

Tamara Taraciuk Broner, the director of the Rule of Law program at the Inter American Dialogue, said Camachos detention takes place in a country where the lack of judicial independence is glaring. Governments of all political stripes have taken advantage of the absence of an independent judiciary to use the courts against political opponents.

Camachos detention led to protests and road blockades in his native Santa Cruz that lasted weeks, but attention has waned as his preventive detention has been repeatedly extended.

The governor amounts to a political trophy that has been seized to curb Santa Cruz, said Erwin Bazan, a deputy from Creemos, the party Camacho leads.

Members of the ruling Movement Toward Socialism, however, insist Camachos detention is just.

Camacho committed a coup in La Paz, said Renan Cabezas, a MAS lawmaker.

The social upheaval that followed the 2019 presidential election left 37 people dead.

Gustavo Torrico, the federal governments deputy minister for government management, even went as far as to mock the governors weight loss, saying in a July interview that it was due to a lack of exercise and the fact that Camacho was no longer eating hamburgers or drinking beer.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified a murder victim whose skeletal remains were found more than 40 years ago in rural East Tennessee.

Kenneth Levall Thompson, of Detroit, Michigan, was named as part of the TBI's Human Remains DNA Initiative, the agency announced Wednesday.

Thompson's bones were discovered Aug. 26, 1983, in a wooded area about 25 feet from Sycamore Lane in Crossville. A forensic pathologist determined that the remains were those of a Black male, likely between the ages of 20-25. Thompson had been stabbed multiple times and his death was ruled a homicide.

Despite not knowing Thompson's identity at the time, TBI and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, where Crossville is located, developed a suspect in the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In May 1984, Michael Lee Carmack was charged and later pled guilty to second degree murder in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence, a Cumberland County Court clerk confirmed Wednesday.

Early identification attempts proved unsuccessful

In 2007, the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center submitted a sample of Thompson's remains to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. A DNA profile was developed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in the hopes that Thompson would eventually be identified.

But no matches were made.

Familial connection established

In December, TBI agents submitted a sample of Thompsons remains to Othram Laboratories in Texas for forensic genetic genealogical DNA testing, and scientists provided information about possible relatives.

Using that information, a TBI intelligence analyst was able to locate potential family members in Michigan. After making contact, the family member confirmed he had a brother he hadn't heard from in four decades. Agents were able to obtain a familial DNA standard, which was submitted to Othram Inc. for comparison against Thompson's DNA.

TBI said investigators hope the identification will provide answers for Thompson's family, who last had contact with him in the early 1980s. The only photo his surviving family members have of him is from when he was a child.

TBI is requesting anyone who knew Thompson during his life or have photographs of him taken between late 1970 or early 1980, to contact 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Diana Leyva covers breaking and trending news for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Murdered Tennessee man identified four decades after his death
A family of five claiming to be from Guatemala and a man stating he was from Peru, in pink shirt, walk through the desert after crossing the border wall in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, Ariz. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that the Tucson Sector is the busiest area of the border since 2008 due to smugglers abruptly steering migrants from Africa, Asia and other places through some of the Arizona borderlands' most desolate and dangerous areas. (AP Photo/Matt York) ORG XMIT: AZMY101

The claim: Post implies border floodgates opened under Biden, but not Trump administration

An Aug. 27 video (direct link, archive link) posted on X, formerly Twitter, shows open floodgates on the border wall that divides parts of the southern United States from Mexico. The TikTok handle @alibradleytv, which belongs to a News Nation journalist Ali Bradley, is shown superimposed over the video.

"The Biden administration welded open the Trump border wall in Tucson, AZ," reads the video's caption. "Its not a crisis. Its by design."

Other users seemed to agree that opening the gates was a political act by the current administration.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Translation: If the natives won't vote for Democrats, we'll import people who will LOOL," one reply said.

The post was shared over 200 times on Facebook within a week, according to Crowdtangle, a social media analytics tool. It was also reposted 11,000 times on X.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: Missing context

The implied claim is wrong. Floodgates must be opened to protect certain border barriers from being damaged during seasonal monsoon flooding. Border floodgates were also left open at times during the Trump administration. The gates shown in the video are located in Lukeville, AZ, not Tucson, according to news reports.

Border floodgates open during Trump administration

Bradley posted the video on TikTok, Facebook and X in late August. The captions on all of the posts say that the gates are located in Lukeville, Arizona, and are opened every year for monsoon season  a time of very heavy rains. Lukeville, located on the border between the U.S. and Mexico, is a roughly 2.5-hour drive from Tucson, which is not located on the border.

Bradley also reported that the gates are opened each year for monsoon season on a News Nation broadcast that was posted to YouTube on Aug. 24. Migrants use the gates to access the United States, according to News Nation and other news reports.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson, John Mennell, confirmed that Arizona border wall floodgates have been opened routinely over many years.

"Fencing in the Tucson Sector (a U.S. Border Patrol jurisdiction that covers most of Arizona) was constructed at various times between 2009-2021," Mennell told USA TODAY in an email. "Throughout the history of the infrastructure, during monsoon season and ahead of potential heavy rains or flood events, CBP has opened stormwater drainage gates to ensure proper drainage and minimize potential impacts to the infrastructure. These gates prevent flooding and subsequent environmental, infrastructure and community damage."

Fact check: Big wave surfing video predates Tropical Storm Hilary

In January 2020, when former president Donald Trump was still in office, the Washington Post reported that border floodgates were regularly left open during monsoon season to prevent flooding from destroying certain types of barriers. The article reported that Trump's border wall  a key piece of his 2016 presidential campaign  would likely also require gates to manage flooding.

In August 2021, multiple news outlets reported that monsoon storms had torn the floodgates off of a section of border wall constructed under the Trump administration.

USA TODAY reached out to the X user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Our fact-check sources:

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Border gates open under both Trump and Biden presidencies | Fact check
Trade

The Florida Tomato Exchange hired Cordone Consulting to lobby on the termination of the 2019 U.S.-Mexico Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes. The trade association, which represents tomato growers and packers in the Sunshine State, filed a request with the Commerce Department earlier this summer to end the agreement. The group alleged the agreement hasnt stopped Mexico from dumping tomatoes into the U.S. market at a lower price than their own and urged the department to impose antidumping duties. Jonathan Cordone, former deputy undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services at the Department of Agriculture, will work on the account.

Credit Cards

Visa hired Forbes Tate to lobby on payment card issues including the Credit Card Competition Act, Sen. Dick Durbins (D-Ill.) bill to break up the credit card network market thats increasingly irking retail industry giants. Visa and Mastercard  which also recently lobbied up  control a combined 80 percent of the credit card network market. The credit card companies argue the bills attempts to infuse competition into the industry would compromise popular rewards programs. Jeff Forbes, former staff director of the Senate Finance Committee, will work on the account.

Pharmaceuticals

Currax Pharmaceuticals hired DLA Piper to lobby on issues related to obesity treatments, including the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. The bill would expand Medicare coverage to weight loss drugs such as the companys FDA-approved CONTRAVE. Other pharmaceutical companies including Novo Nordisk, the Danish drugmaker behind Wegovy and Ozempic, have been pushing to reverse a decades-long ban on the coverage of weight loss drugs. One of the lobbyists on the account is former Rep. Jim Greenwood (R-Pa.), previously a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who worked extensively on health care issues.

Streaming

The Preserve Viewer Choice Coalition hired Subject Matter to lobby on issues related to consumer choice and innovation in streaming services. The coalition of streaming giants, which launched at the end of July and includes ABC, Paramount, FOX and Fubo, is opposing a push by local broadcast station owners to change Federal Communications Commission rules governing the way individual broadcasters redistribute programming. Cedric Grant, former chief of staff to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), will work on the account.

Nuclear

Radiant Industries hired Alpine Group Partners to sell members of Congress on nuclear microreactors, which the company develops and manufactures. The Alpine Group will also lobby on issues related to the federal budget, including congressional appropriations for the Department of Defense and Energy Department. Former House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden, a Republican who represented Oregons 2nd Congressional District from 1999-2021, will work on the account.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

In remembrance of those who lost their lives, and those who served during that national tragedy, several Bradenton area events are planned.

Among them:

 A Tribute to Heroes Memorial 9 a.m. Monday by the Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association at the Rossi Park pavilion area, 400 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

Scheduled are honor guard presentations, speakers, a 21-gun salute and a live dove release. Retired Captain John Cronley of the New York Fire Department will be the keynote speaker.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will remember victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and pay tribute to survivors, first responders, members of the military and their families, Monday at Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

Sarasota National Cemetery, which opened in 2008 at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, is the resting place for thousands of veterans, including a number who lost their lives in wars after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was taken in 2014.

Usually held on USFs Sarasota-Manatee campus, the annual remembrance event is being moved this year due to construction of a new student center and residence hall on campus. The event will start at 8:30 a.m.

The featured speaker is retired firefighter Matt Bruce, who was injured during the attack on the World Trade Center.

 State College of Florida Student Veterans of America and Veteran Services will host a 9/11 memorial ceremony 9-10 a.m. Monday at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. The observance will be near the south entrance flagpole on 60th Avenue West near the Library and Learning Center.

 The commander and pilot for Air Force One on 9/11, Col. Mark W. Tillman, will share his experiences in a free program at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The program begins at 10 a.m. and includes a tribute to military veterans and first responders.
Breeze Airways will temporarily pause its nonstop flights from John Wayne Airport to Orlando International Airport, a route Disney fans could take to travel between Disneyland and Walt Disney World in Florida.

The nonstop route will be paused from Oct. 3 to Feb. 14, 2024, company officials told KTLA.

The budget airline already had plans to temporarily pause the route which was initially scheduled to take place from Nov. 14 to Feb. 14, 2024.

Disney fan visits all 12 Disney theme parks in 12 days, rides over 200 attractions

However, the company decided to move it up after John Wayne Airport asked all carriers to temporarily reduce their capacity through the end of the year, according to Breeze Airways officials.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The company announced the direct flight between SNA and MCO in February and it has run consistently for eight months.

Once it returns, company officials expect the route to be available from February 2024 until the summer season and potentially until fall 2024.

GOP bill seeks to remove no-fly zone designations for U.S. Disney Parks

Were a leisure-focused airline so some of our schedules are planned around summer, school vacations or other major holidays, officials told KTLA.

Since the temporary pause will occur earlier than the company initially planned, guests who booked a seat on these flights from Oct. 4 to Nov. 14 will receive a full refund.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
My ex and I had been together for two years when I broke up with him.

Instead of driving two hours to do it face-to-face, I sent him a Google Doc.

I cheated us both from experiencing a proper breakup.

Last summer, I sat cross-legged on my living-room floor at 11:30 p.m. with a laptop propped up on my knees. With tired eyes, I scrolled through a single-spaced, two-page Google document  barely pausing to read the words I had memorized.

"I understand you may be angry."

"We need to figure out who we are without each other."

I had typed the words displayed on the screen days before, but the past three nights had ended the same  I'd minimize the browser, slam my laptop shut, and resolve to put off the next step until the morning. But tonight wouldn't end that way  I navigated to the corner of the screen, clicked on "share link," and sent my boyfriend of two years a link to my breakup letter.

I broke up with my boyfriend after we graduated from college

What led me to end an otherwise healthy relationship in such an impersonal way was that we had just graduated from college and no longer lived within five minutes of each other. It seemed impractical to drive two hours to northern New Jersey, break it off with him, and then drive back home. Plus, I was an anxious driver. Did anyone want an already nervous person behind the wheel, doubled down with grief? It'd be a liability. So, to put it simply, I broke up with him in a Google Doc for the greater good of humankind.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In other words  I was a coward and couldn't bear witness to his pain, knowing that I was the cause.

My reasons for ending the relationship were more valid than my breakup method. I was moving to New York and about to start an intensive graduate program. I was 22 years old with life stretched out before me  I craved individuality and romanticized the loneliness that often characterizes early adulthood.

He said he wanted to be friends

After receiving what I now refer to as the "Virtual Dear John Letter," his response was as stoic as any soldier. He called me and said he wasn't angry. He had felt I was pulling away and had braced himself for this moment. He wanted to remain friends.

A few months later, I saw him at a bar for the first time since before I shared the Google Doc. We'd both matured since the last time we spoke  I'd realized the injustice of how I'd ended our relationship, and he did, too. What started as me asking him how he'd been turned into an explosive moment  his usually calm facade evaporated as he yelled, "I can't believe you broke up with me in a Google Doc, Laura." The only response I could muster was to agree.

A few days later, I typed into Google "Worst ways to break up with someone." I spent hours scouring through Reddit, paying close attention to the responses of my fellow Gen Zers  horror stories of tears over FaceTime, online cheating allegations, and more crowded into my head. A common thread was "ghosting"  lovers disappearing without so much as a shared Google Doc.

Break up the right way

A 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center found that one in five adults agree it's sometimes or always acceptable to break up with a casual partner via text or another online method, with adults under 50 being the leading proponents.

As a child of the internet age, many formative moments in my life have happened through my phone or computer screen. On the surface, I realize now that's how I justified my cowardly decision. This is the digital age  breakups can be digital, too.

They can  but they shouldn't be if you can help it. I cheated my ex out of the respect he deserved, and I cheated myself, too. By not having the courage to face my partner and end our relationship, I didn't allow myself to fully feel the loss of someone important to me.

My ex has since moved to New York, and I see him infrequently. I'm grateful he hasn't diminished our relationship to the negative way I chose to end it.

Recently, I've been seeing someone new. We met in New York, but he's since moved to a different city. He sends me letters in the mail, and we've agreed that Google Docs are off the table.

Read the original article on Insider
Coconut Creek registered nurse Erika Duritsky didnt get put on probation by the state Board of Nursing because she has convictions after incidents of DUI, driving without a license, illegal drug possession, even firing a gun out of a car.

Apparently, the problem was not telling the nursing board promptly about all or any of that.

Duritsky failed to report to the Board, in writing, within 30 days of entering the aforementioned pleas, the Florida Department of Health administrative complaint said.

Off that complaint, the Board of Nursing fined Duritsky $500 and put her on probation until Aug. 24, 2024. No other discipline cases show up on the online listing of the license Duritsky has held since May 2004.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shes had more than a few criminal cases, however.

Duritskys convictions

Sept. 30, 2016: Stuart police said Duritsky was going 53 mph in a 35 mph zone. While the speeding charge got dropped, she still was fined for driving with a suspended license, and still owes $289 on that charge.

Feb. 10, 2017: An arrest report says Duritsky rear-ended a couple on the Sunrise Boulevard exit of Floridas Turnpike. The state trooper said Duritsky said shed passed out at the wheel while coming back from buying heroin. She pleaded no contest to DUI with property damage and driving on a suspended license. Her sentence included nine months probation and $2,900 restitution. Duritsky still owes the county $1,051 on this case.

Aug. 28, 2018: Duritsky pleaded no contest to a single count of possession of drug paraphernalia after a Martin County Sheriffs Office detective, serving a warrant on her out of Broward County, saw Duritsky with a crack pipe.

Feb. 5, 2020: An arrest report says Duritsky and a driver rolled up on someone they knew in the parking lot of The Preserve Cypress Hammock, 5201 W. Hillsboro Blvd. in Coconut Creek, and Duritsky got out of the passenger side of a car holding a .40 caliber semi-automatic Smith & Wesson handgun. After arguing with the man, Duritsky returned to the car and fired three shots into the air as she left the parking lot. Duritsky was fined, and online court records say she still owes $1,087.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
A Burning Man attendee says he was scooping away mud with his hands so he could leave the festival.

He told Insider it took him four hours just to clear camp, then he had to drive another 12-and-a-half hours home.

But other Burners were disappointed that he bailed on the festival.

Someone who attended Burning Man this year told Insider that he had to scoop mud and water with his hands so he could make it out of the festival in his 2010 Toyota Prius.

Veloci-crafter  who asked to be identified by his "Playa name" because he skipped a family function to attend Burning Man and doesn't want to upset his mother  made it out of the muddy mess that became Burning Man 2023 despite warnings to hunker down and disappointment from other event-goers who disapproved of his decision to bail.

"I can see why that would upset other people," Veloci-crafter admitted, "but I had to balance my own actions and the responsibility I felt to the community there, and then the responsibilities I had toward the folks at home."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He added: "It wasn't a lightly taken choice because I was putting my own vehicle at risk. I was putting my own exodus at risk."

The Burning Man attendee ended up at the week-long festival in the harsh Nevada desert because his friends, who have camped for the last 8-10 years, had "a couple of slots open...so I just jumped on it," he told Insider.

The first part of the trip was easy; it took him about 12 hours to drive to the Black Rock Desert from Seattle. He arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning  the first day of the event  just in time to see the sun rise over the gates as he waited in line to enter.

Veloci-crafter said the first week was "really amazing in every way." Then the rain hit.

When the storms that soaked the event hit, he was napping in a neighboring tent, expecting it to let up after an hour or so. When it didn't stop, he ended up "sloshing through the mud" to get back to his camp and help out.

In their case, the structure they had erected had a flat top, and water was pooling up fast. Veloci-crafter was able to make a drainage system using hoses.

At that point, "We all just kind of rode it out that night. Everyone, all the camps kind of banded together. All of a sudden the goal was to hang out with your campmates instead of going out to see the art, because everything was kind of shut down," he said.

On Saturday, he helped to organize his camp's inventory and took everyone's cell phones to a point of service so they could get real-time updates on news and weather.

A snowman made of sand and mud at Burning Man. Turiqois Warrior

But Veloci-crafter knew he had to get home. He had friends watching his two dogs in Seattle and he had to get back to show up at his job on Tuesday. On Sunday, he made the decision to try to leave.

After making sure everyone in his camp was "fine" with enough food and water, he spent seven hours scouting out the Playa and the roads, looking for an escape route. Finally, he found one.

"There's not harm in seeing how far I can go," he thought at the time, fully expecting to get stuck. He said his main goal during the exodus was to protect the Playa, so he only made decisions that wouldn't damage the land.

He thought, "It's now or never," when he saw rainclouds starting to break over mountains about 15 miles in the distance.

He hopped in and got to work. He said his strategy was to "identify a place where I could bring my car safely." He'd then get out, scope out the next 300 or so feet, and continue his slow drive until he reached the next safe spot.

"I just went inch by inch," he said.

When he got stuck, he said he used his hands to scoop water and mud aside so he could pass. On particularly swampy areas, he laid out a mesh net to drive over, making a bridge to cross in the mud.

One of the biggest challenges wasn't the mud, though: it was other Burners who were disappointed in his choice to abandon them in a crisis. He said one stopped their bike directly in front of his car and refused to let him pass.

Along the way, he said he felt a sense of community among "those other folks who are, for their own personal reasons, making that dangerous trek." He cleaned up trash he saw and recycled it to camps that needed stray items, like carpets or wood.

Ultimately, he said he felt it was "counterintuitive" to be "critical" of other Burner's decisions.

Staying at Burning Man "just wasn't the best decision for everybody," he said.

"There are different paths and choices for everybody," he told Insider. "Some people had the privilege of staying and not worrying about it. I just didn't have those, just weren't my circumstances. And so the best I could do was try to respect the Playa," he said.

Reflecting, he said, "I think any bad experience is just the beginning of another good experience you didn't anticipate."

Read the original article on Insider
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge has put a pause on Chino Valley Unified School Districts new policy requiring school employees to out transgender students to their parents.

Wednesdays temporary restraining order marks the first legal setback for an effort to implement forced outing policies in school districts across the state. The latest to consider such a policy is Rocklin Unified. Other school systems that have passed or considered such a policy include districts in Murrieta and Temecula.

The policy requires teachers and other school staff to notify parents if a student requests to go by a different name or pronouns, or joins a school program or uses a bathroom designated for a sex other than what appears on the students birth certificate.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who filed a legal challenge against the Chino Valley policy, after sending a letter warning the district that its actions were illegal and launching a civil rights investigation into the summer decision, hailed Judge Tom Garzas decision in a statement Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

San Bernardino Superior Courts decision to issue a temporary restraining order rightfully upholds the state rights of our LGBTQ+ student community and protects kids from harm by immediately halting the boards forced outing policy, Bonta said. While this fight is far from over, todays ruling takes a significant step towards ensuring the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

In a filing seeking the temporary restraining order, the attorney generals office argued that the school districts outing policy expressly single(s) out transgender and gender nonconforming students for different, adverse treatment from their cisgender peers.

Cisgender refers to someone who identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth.

The judges order was dismissed as the opinion of one state court judge, by Riverside Republican Assemblyman Bill Essayli, an outspoken supporter of such policies who introduced a bill to make them state law earlier this year. That bill died without a hearing.

Essayli said that this matter will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, and in the meantime he encourages other California school districts to continue their deliberative process and to not be deterred by the Attorney Generals intimidation tactics we saw displayed in court today.
California lawmakers approved a bill Tuesday to outlaw discrimination based on caste, a centuries-old system that assigns social status based on ones birth.

The first-of-its-kind bill, now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) desk, adds protection for those of South Asian descent who say they have not received the same fairness in employment and housing opportunities because of caste systems in their communities.

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Aisha Wahab (D), the first Muslim and Afghan American woman elected to the state Legislature.

This bill is very simple, Wahab said ahead of the vote, according to CalMatters. It is to protect all people against caste discrimination, regardless of caste: upper caste, lower caste, it does not matter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Since introducing the bill, Wahab has received death threats, Politico reported earlier this month.

Though discrimination based on sex, race and religion is already banned at the state and federal levels, the bill would further outlaw discrimination based on medical conditions, genetic information, sexual orientation, immigration status and ancestry.

While caste systems are found in many countries and faiths, they are often associated with India and Hinduism. In 1948, India banned caste discrimination. For the last several years, South Asians have been pushing for caste protections in the U.S.

In February, Seattle became the first U.S. city to ban discrimination based on caste, according to The Associated Press.

Still, while the California bill was approved 31-5 Tuesday, opponents have argued it will only lead to racial profiling.

Earlier this year, the Hindu American Foundation sent a letter to state lawmakers expressing concern that South Asians could be forced to answer intrusive questions about or be judged for who they are married to.

All five lawmakers who voted against the bill Tuesday were Republicans. They argued discrimination is already banned.

State Sen. Shannon Grove (R) added that the caste system is complex, with no universal definition.

This is not a bill that protects, but its a bill that profiles, Grove said, according to the AP.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On Thursday, Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus was busy working on his sourdough starter and the bread-baking that would follow. He also had a cake to bake for a birthday party during the Labor Day weekend.

Nothing remarkable.

Until you consider the 98-year journey that brought him here. And the other ways the veteran of three wars continues to serve.

The Nebraska-born oldest of three children, Gabelhaus had a childhood that included the Great Depression and the start of World War II.

Still, he remembers being full of hope and optimism, which is why he decided to change the date on his birth certificate so he could serve his country starting at just age 16.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His mother was aware of his aspirations and even let him quit high school to pursue his dream of being in the Navy. Gabelhaus said his goodbyes in January 1942 and headed off to boot camp, then gunnery training after that.

All told, he spent 20 years in the Navy, 1941-61, serving in WWII, the Korean War and the early days of the Vietnam conflict.

Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, altered his birth data so he could enter the U.S. Navy at age 16. Photographed in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, August 26, 2023. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

His first assignment was as part of the armed guard on the SS Samuel Q. Brown, an oil tanker. He and his crewmates were just two days into their duty on the ship when it was torpedoed by a German submarine on May 23, 1942.

A deafening boom and the heat as the tanker went up in flames jarred Gabelhaus awake. I was up on one of the decks next to the ridge, it was early morning. I was asleep at the time, but I was one of the lucky ones that got to a lifeboat, Gabelhaus recalled during an August interview, sitting in his armchair in his living room. A lot of people didnt, but I got to a lifeboat, in which he was adrift for two days.

According to Wikipedia, the torpedo explosion killed two crew members, and the resulting fire destroyed the main mast and the antenna, preventing the radio operator from sending a distress call. The engines were reversed but the fire spread very quickly, forcing the captain to order everyone to abandon ship, the Wikipedia entry reads. Two lifeboats and two rafts were launched but due to the speed with which the fire spread, the entire crew was forced to jump overboard.

The survivors were taken to Cuba, Gabelhaus said, where they were put on another ship and sent back to the United States for 30 days of home leave.

New clippings state that Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, entered the U.S. Navy at 17, but Gabelhaus says he enlisted at 16 by altering his birth data. Photographed in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, August 26, 2023. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

Another war, another brush with death

His life spared during WWII, Gabelhaus some years later was able to save two shipmates during the Korean War.

On a training mission off the Oregon coast the destroyer escort USS Gilligan was entering the channel into Coos Bay Harbor when its stern was engulfed by a huge wave. On deck when the wave hit, Gabelhaus locked his arms through a rail and held on for dear life.

He spotted two shipmates about 15 feet away whod been knocked down and injured. They were about to be swept overboard by a second wave, Gabelhaus recalls, so he let go of the safety of the railing to reach them.

He got as close as he could, threw something to them to stay afloat, and then helped pull them to safety.

A news clipping included in All Hands, a January 1951 publication by the Bureau of Naval Personnel, says the boatswains mate was given a letter of commendation for his actions.

From 1954 to 1957, Gabelhaus served on the transport ship USS General A. E. Anderson, carrying troops back and forth to Korea. During the early years of the Vietnam conflict, he was stationed in Washington and Oregon.

U.S. Navy veteran Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, served in WWII, Korean War and the early years of the Vietnam conflict. Photographed in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, August 26, 2023. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

After 20 years, a return to civilian life

After leaving Navy life, Gabelhaus gave the next 20 years to Montgomery Ward, where he was a shipping and receiving manager, said his daughter, Phyllis Gabelhaus.

Then he went to work at Emanuel Hospital in Turlock as a maintenance engineer, retiring, once again after almost 10 years, she said in an email to The Bee. When his wife, Mary, mother of their three children, became ill, my sister and I needed his help in caring for her, or he would have continued to work, Phyllis added

Gabe and Mary reared Phyllis and her brother and sister, Dale and Suzi. He knows the pain of losing Dale in 1995 and then Mary in 2003.

Today, Gabelhaus lives with Phyllis in the home he and Mary bought in 1967. Suzi and her husband, Butch, also live in Modesto. Dad has two grandchildren, four living great-grandchildren, had one great-grandchild who passed away in 2021, and he has one great-great granddaughter, Phyllis reported.

He spends time baking and helping his neighbors fix whatever needs fixing.

Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, says he stays young by baking and working on other projects around the house. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

He bakes pretty much every day, Phyllis said recently while at home with her dad. Bread, cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, you name it.

Asked what he does with all the baked goods hes made, he said he just gives them away. I enjoy baking, and I enjoy giving to others, he said. Why not give away the things Ive made?

Fixing things and baking keep himself active and young, Gabelhaus said. Doing nothing has never been an option for him, and age hasnt changed that.

Hes currently working on restoring antique dining-room chairs  gluing and screwing them to make them more stable, Phyllis wrote in her email. He recently repaired our sprinkler valve. I tried to get someone to fix it for us, but as usual, while I was gone, he went out and fixed it. So pretty much if it breaks, he can fix it, but he prefers to bake.

Ron Maher told The Bee that his friend is a quiet and reserved gentleman who doesnt believe  or boast  that the things he does, from baking to fixing lawn mowers or clothes washers, are anything special. But the many people who know Gabelhaus think quite the opposite!

Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, checks on his baking. Photographed in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, August 26, 2023. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, slices fresh sourdough bread at his home in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Gabelhaus bakes several times a week and gives most of the baked goods to friends and neighbors. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com

Melvin Gabe Gabelhaus, 98, slices fresh sourdough bread at his home in Modesto, Calif., Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Gabelhaus bakes several times a week and gives most of the baked goods to friends and neighbors. Andy Alfaro/aalfaro@modbee.com
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

SOCAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE SAYS WOKISM IS WORSE THAN 9/11

Nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11. More than 600,000 perished in the Civil War. At least 75 million soldiers and civilians were killed in the two World Wars.

But one Southern California Republican, who is running to flip Orange County Democratic Rep. Katie Porters seat to red, has called wokism a greater threat than any of those wars or terrorist attacks.

As first reported by HuffPost, Republican congressional candidate Scott Baugh , a former state assemblyman, made those remarks in an address to the International Christian Ambassadors Association last year, seen here.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Whats the greatest threat to religious freedom? We were born in the Revolutionary War, we survived the Civil War, World War II, World War I, a lot of wars. 9/11. None of those were that threatening to our country compared to the war that were fighting now. That war is about wokism and the lack of common sense. That wokism, this Communist wokism, whatever you want to call it, its infected our churches. I like to tell some of our pastors that, you know, Jesus came to offend. That was his purpose. How would you know you needed a savior unless your sins were pointed out. And our churches arent doing that, Baugh said.

The term woke first emerged in the Black vernacular, and described being alert to systemic racism and social injustice. The term went mainstream after the 2020 police murder of George Floyd. It later became a bete noire of movement conservatives, who appropriated the term in a bid to spread panic about the growing social justice movement.

Reached for comment, Baugh told The Bee that the context in which he said those remarks, which he said may have been inartful, was that the U.S. had just come out of a pandemic in which churches and schools were closed.

It could have been said a lot better, but the point I was making is that our religious liberties have been under attack, he said.

Baugh said that he in no way meant to denigrate the service of people who fought and died in those wars.

I would never mean to make a comparison of that sacrifice of the men and women of our country that sacrificed for us, he said.

Baughs remarks drew criticism from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and also from State Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine, who also is running to replace Porter in Congress.

Min, who is battling his own unfortunate headlines, said in a statement that Baughs comments are despicable and denigrate the memories of the 2,996 Americans who died during the Sept. 11 attacks.

They also reflect an extremist and un-American ideology that is more suited to the backwaters of Q-Anon chatrooms than the halls of Congress, Min said.

ASSEMBLY GOP MAKES LAST-DITCH EFFORT ON FENTANYL

Via Lindsey Holden...

Republican Assembly members are shifting their efforts to add more stringent penalties for fentanyl dealers to the ballot box.

They are supporting an effort by families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl to begin a signature-gathering campaign for a ballot initiative that would establish new penalties and warnings for dealers.

Supporters on Tuesday announced the Stop Fentanyl Dealers Initiative. It would enact Alexandras Law, which would require courts to warn those convicted of offenses related to fentanyl dealing that they could be charged with homicide if they sell a dose that kills someone.

The law is named after Alexandra Capelouto, a 20-year-old woman from Temecula who died after consuming half of an oxycodone pill she did not know contained fentanyl.

The initiative would also require prison terms of 10 to 12 years for those who sell fatal doses. In addition, it would make killing people with fentanyl a strikable offense under Californias Three Strikes law.

Kelli Reid, a spokeswoman for Stop Fentanyl Dealers, declined to comment on initiative fundraising or signature-gathering strategies.

GOP lawmakers have spent most of the year trying and failing to crack down on dealers who sell the synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is cheap and potent, and sellers sometimes cut it into other drugs to produce a stronger, less expensive product.

This means some customers, like Capelouto, buy a pill expecting it to contain another substance and mistakenly ingest a fatal dose of fentanyl, instead.

Democrats have not been supportive of Republican efforts to increase consequences for dealers. They cite the failed war on drug policies of the 1980s and 1990s that incarcerated large numbers of Black and brown Californians, even as drug consumption and overdoses continued.

Assembly Public Safety Committee Chair Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, initially declined to hear a slate of fentanyl-related bills. Pushback eventually prompted him to hold a special hearing, although Democrats on the committee did not advance most of the measures.

Assembly Republicans on Tuesday tried and failed to force a floor vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 12 from Assemblywoman Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach. Dixon authored ACA 12, which would enact Alexandras Law, after several other lawmakers were unable to get the measure through the Legislature as a regular bill.

But the bill never got assigned to a committee, which Dixon and other Republican lawmakers protested on Tuesday.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, contested Republican assertions that Democrats are not doing enough to prevent fentanyl-related deaths.

Speaker Rivas takes the issue of fentanyl seriously and recognizes we are experiencing a staggering and truly heartbreaking crisis, said Cynthia Moreno, Rivas press secretary, in a statement.

He is working closely with his colleagues to increase penalties for high-level fentanyl dealers and dismantle criminal networks, she added. He is focused on saving lives, by increasing access to naloxone, which rapidly reverses overdoses, and test strips that detect fentanyl.

Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin, said the Legislature could have saved families the trouble of mounting an initiative campaign if lawmakers were willing to take up ACA 12 and other measures.

Thats the Legislatures responsibility, Patterson said. The power is given to the people, obviously, but only when the Legislature refuses to do their job. And thats basically what happened today.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CALIFORNIANS ENROLL IN STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PLAN

Via Gillian Brassil...

More than 331,000 Californians are enrolled in President Joe Bidens new student loan repayment plan. That number could grow as the Education Department reviews more applications and embarks on an awareness campaign.

Nationwide, over 4 million student loan borrowers are on the Saving on A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which is based on the enrollees earnings and household size. And since July 30, almost one million people have applied for the SAVE plan.

Millions of borrowers are already benefitting from enrollment in the SAVE plan, said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Im thrilled to see so many Americans submitting applications every day so that they, too, can take advantage of the most affordable student loan repayment plan in history.

Most of the people on the SAVE plan were automatically transferred from a different income-driven plan called Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE).

Under the SAVE plan, a borrower who makes less than $15 an hour does not have to make monthly payments. Those who earn more could save up to $1,000 a year compared to other plans. And borrowers wont see interest inflate over unpaid interest so long as they make their monthly payments.

Other parts of the plan will be effective next summer. Payments will be sliced by as much as half for undergraduate borrowers. It would also shorten the time to debt forgiveness for some borrowers, lowering it to 10 years for those who took out smaller loan amounts. After monthly payments, normally about 20 years for income-driven repayment plans, remaining debt is relieved.

Federal loan payments start Oct. 1 after being paused during the coronavirus pandemic. Interest began accumulating Sept. 1.

The Internal Revenue Service reviews their income so members dont need to reapply or recertify every year. The Education Department is collaborating with grassroots organizations to spread the word about SAVE before payments begin next month.

Biden touted the new income-driven repayment plan after the Supreme Court downed his attempt to forgive up to $20,000 for some low- and middle-income borrowers.

Reducing federal student loan debt has been a hallmark of the Biden administrations campaign. It has approved more than $177 billion in relief for 3.4 million borrowers.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Looks like the bird sites owner continues to say some wild and crazy stuff. Hope more folks keep migrating here so we can continue to build this space up.

- Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, referencing X, formerly Twitter, owner Elon Musks threat to sue the Anti-Defamation League, and his promotion of an antisemitic hashtag campaign, via Threads.

Best of The Bee:

Authorities on Tuesday revealed new details in a sexual assault cold case that had gone unsolved until investigators used DNA evidence to identify a man accused of raping three women in Sacramento County, via Rosalio Ahumada .

California spends $14 billion on people with disabilities. Why do some go without help? Via Maggie Angst and Mathew Miranda .

Sacramento DAs recent threat, demands on homelessness divide observers as deadline arrives, via Stephen Hobbs .

Gov. Gavin Newsom for president in 24? A lot of influential conservatives are convinced that its going to happen, via David Lightman.
Just nine days after California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced his intention to halt what he described as a forced outing policy approved by a Southern California school board, his office scored a legal victory in blocking the regulation.

The state secured a temporary restraining order in San Bernardino Superior Court on Wednesday that nullifies the requirement that Chino Valley Unified School District staffers notify parents if a student is transgender or gender-nonconforming, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Weve secured a temporary restraining order against Chino Valley Unified School Districts illegal and dangerous forced outing policy, Bonta announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Bonta later added in a statement that a temporary restraining order rightfully upholds the state rights of our LGBTQ+ student community and protects kids from harm by immediately halting the boards forced outing policy.

Chino trans student policy

While this fight is far from over, todays ruling takes a significant step towards ensuring the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, he said. As we continue challenging the policy in court, my office will continue providing our unwavering support to ensure every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The issue will be discussed again at a hearing on Oct. 13.

The policy was approved in July with a 4-1 vote, despite a decidedly mixed response from those in attendance at the meeting.

Supporters of the policy, including CVUSD Board President Sonja Shaw, claim it protects parental rights.

Were going to safeguard parental rights, Shaw said. That is a constitutional right and were going to make sure that our parents at Chino Valley know theyre sending their kids here to be taught, not to be anything else.

Opponents, however, claim it puts children at risk. Bonta previoulsy said such a requirement wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of non-conforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home.

Every student has the right to learn and thrive in a school environment that promotes safety, privacy, and inclusivity  regardless of their gender identity, Bonta said in a statement. Were in court challenging Chino Valley Unifieds forced outing policy for wrongfully and unconstitutionally discriminating against and violating the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ students.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A grand jury has indicted a 14-year-old white teenager boy on attempted murder and civil rights violations for allegedly holding a Black teenage boy underwater while calling him racial slurs, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office.

Police and court records obtained by Boston 25 News provide the latest details about the alleged act of racially motivated violence on July 19.

Racially-motivated: Teen facing attempted murder charge tried to drown Black juvenile, DA says

Records show a group of teens arranged on social media to meet up at Goose Pond that day.

The alleged victim told Chatham police he soon felt targeted.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a handwritten statement, the victim told police that 14-year-old John Sheeran began threatening me, calling me racial slurs.

The victim said that Sheeran continued to throw stones and threatened to beat me up.

Then, he said things got physical.

Sheeran held on to my life jacket and pulled me under water and back up about 4-5 times, reads the statement. while doing it water got into my mouth and nose and I could not breathe.

Boston 25 reached out to Sheerans defense attorney by text, email and phone call, but didnt get a response Wednesday.

His defense attorney has requested a psychological evaluation of his 14-year-old client, whos being held after a dangerousness hearing.

The 14-year-old is being charged as a youthful offender, meaning his case will be open to the public. Hes due back in court Sept. 13.

The victim said he was shouting over and over again that he couldnt breathe.

He said thats when the suspect and another teen starting laughing and called me George Floyd.

A white police officer knelt on Floyds neck for 9 1/2 minutes as the Black man begged for his life in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.

The victim said Sheeran and another kid came toward him again trying to pull him back under water.

Thats when he called out for help.

He said other kids started coming in the water telling the suspect to stop.

The victim said he then got to shore, packed up his stuff and left.

Visitors to Chatham hearing the allegations said they were shocked and saddened.

The Chatham Select Board released a statement in town saying: We are disturbed and saddened to learn of the event that occurred earlier this summer between juveniles. We do not believe that it reflects the true nature of our community, which is diverse and inclusive. We condemn all acts of violence, particularly those directed at children. Our thoughts are with the victim and their family, and we are here to support them in any way we can moving forward. The Town and our Police Department have a strong relationship with the Monomoy Regional School District, and we will be working together proactively to deter events such as this from taking place in the future.

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
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had two recent health scares while at press conferences.

The Capitol physician said McConnell may have just been dehydrated and didn't have a stroke.

GOP Sen. Rand Paul , also a licensed physician, said he doesn't believe the physician's diagnosis.

Republican Sen. Rand Paul spoke out against the Capitol physician's latest report regarding Senate Minority Mitch McConnell's health.

On Tuesday morning, Capitol physician Brian P. Monahan said that after consulting with several neurologists and reviewing the results of McConnell's MRI, he ruled out the possibility that McConnell experienced a stroke, has Parkinson's disease, or a seizure disorder after the senator's recent incidents during press conferences.

Prior to Tuesday's report, Monahan said he believed McConnell's repeated freeze-ups were either related to a concussion he sustained earlier in the year or a bout of dehydration.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But on Tuesday afternoon, Paul, a licensed ophthalmologist, who graduated from Duke Medical School in 1988, told reporters he disagreed with the Capitol physician's findings.

"To have the Senate doctor describe it as dehydration," Paul said, "I think even non-physicians seeing that probably aren't really accepting that explanation."

He continued: "Everybody's seen the clips, it's not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say that's dehydration."

In July, McConnell suddenly froze up in the middle of a press conference at the Capitol, ultimately leading to him getting whisked away by his fellow Republican colleagues. Just over a month later, in Kentucky, McConnell experienced a similar event where he seemed unable to understand or respond to someone's question for an extended period of time.

Speaking at the Capitol on Tuesday, McConnell reassured senators returning from the August recess that he was okay and that "August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth."

And while Paul, the junior senator from Kentucky, may be incredulous over McConnell's diagnosis, several of his congressional colleagues have publicly spoken out in support of the 81-year-old leader.

Sen. Rick Scott, who unsuccessfully tried to take McConnell's place as the top Republican in the Senate earlier in the year, said he believed following the health scares that McConnell was "gonna come back" and "work hard."

While McConnell may publicly have the support of his fellow Republicans, Politico previously reported that some were privately looking into forcing a special meeting to discuss the future of the GOP's congressional leadership once they returned from the August recess.

Representatives from McConnell and Paul's offices did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Investigators on Tuesday survey the scene of a crash involving a Chrysler PT Cruiser and a Los Angeles County firetruck at Avalon and Compton boulevards. A man and a woman inside the PT Cruiser were killed. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

A speeding car that slammed into a firetruck near West Compton early Tuesday, killing a man and a woman in the car, was being chased by the man's ex-girlfriend, according to the woman's family.

About 12:31 a.m., a Los Angeles County Fire Department truck on Avalon Boulevard was hit by a Chrysler PT Cruiser going through the intersection "at a high rate of speed" on Compton Boulevard, according to California Highway Patrol spokesperson Angelia Gonzales. Three other cars were involved in the crash.

The man and woman in their 20s inside the Chrysler were pronounced dead at the scene. Four firefighters inside the firetruck were hospitalized with minor injuries. No one else was injured.

Read more: Two killed, four injured when speeding car slams into firetruck near West Compton

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Some media reports cited a witness and the CHP as saying that the car was believed to have been involved in a street race, but the woman's family asserted that wasn't the case.

The woman was identified as 25-year-old Los Angeles resident Asia Allen-Bookman, her sister Tiffany Acker told The Times. The Los Angeles County coroner's office hasn't released the names of the deceased as of Wednesday afternoon, pending family notification.

Acker, 35, said that her sister had gotten into her friend's car and that they were most likely driving back from a video shoot and dropping Allen-Bookman at her workplace. The friend worked as an influencer, and Acker believes her sister met him about two to three weeks ago and started spending time with him.

During the drive, Allen-Bookman called a friend in a panic and told her they were being chased by the ex-girlfriend of the male driver, according to Acker. She told her friend she needed help and to meet them at Avalon and Compton boulevards. Her friend drove from Long Beach and arrived to the aftermath of the crash.

She was hysterically crying, Acker said about her sister. Im assuming that my sister was seeing her life flash before her eyes. She knew there was no way out.

Read more: San Francisco and L.A. failed to reduce pedestrian deaths. One girl's killing shows why

The driver of the vehicle chasing them, which was a silver or white car of an unknown make and model, fled the scene, Acker said. She shot down the speculation that the crash resulted from a street chase.

"Its impossible for a PT Cruiser to street race," she said. "It wasnt road rage. They were being chased. And I just want that to be out there. They werent street racing, and normally the street takeovers around that area take place on Saturday and Sunday."

Allen-Bookman had attended Cal State East Bay for a year and was planning on going back to school for business administration, according to Acker. She had worked at Walmart and rose through the ranks at Target.

Read more: 'Sir, you hit my car': Woman says Gary Busey rear-ended her, then ran. So she chased him

One of five siblings, Allen-Bookman lost her mother when she was 12 years old. She was a loving mother to her own 3-year-old daughter, who is now being cared for by her father and aunts and uncle, Acker said.

She loved life, Acker said. Id like to say she was in her cocoon stage of life and trying to blossom into a butterfly.

A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for Allen-Bookman's funeral costs. A vigil for Allen-Bookman has also been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the crash site.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The News

A major climate summit in Nairobi this week zeroed in on how Africa can raise the tens of billions of dollars it needs to adopt clean energy and adapt to the impacts of climate change. One option drawing an increasing amount of attention, money, and criticism: Selling carbon offsets.

On Monday, an investor group from the United Arab Emirates said it would buy $450 million in carbon credits via the African Carbon Markets Initiative, a nonprofit launched last year to facilitate the sale of credits derived from Africa-based carbon-cutting projects. A separate group led by HSBC Asset Management committed to buy $200 million in credits from ACMI.

Africa-based carbon projects  including renewable energy, forest conservation, replacing charcoal cookstoves with clean alternatives, among others  could be an unparalleled economic goldmine, Kenyan President William Ruto said in a speech Monday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

GDP is about capitalizing on what you have, he said. We have the carbon sinks that serve the world.

Tims view

On the surface, carbon credits may make sense as a way to raise climate finance for African countries, especially since other sources, whether via private investors or foreign aid donors, are far behind where they need to be. But the existing carbon market is riddled with accounting and social justice problems, and requires more stringent oversight to avoid becoming a contributor to the climate crisis rather than a solution to it.

Africa has a huge climate finance deficit. The continent requires at least $250 billion per year in private investment and foreign aid to beef up its energy system and address climate impacts, but currently receives just 12% of that, according to the Climate Policy Initiative, a U.S. think tank. African countries draw just 2% of global annual investment in clean energy, in part because Western investors see the region as a risky environment.

Carbon credits could fill this gap and lower the high cost of capital for African clean energy projects by giving U.S. and European companies, and even governments, an added incentive to put their money into African climate projects: the ability to write down their own emissions. Africa-based carbon credits  predominantly from forest conservation projects  are already routinely sold to Western airlines, energy companies, and other big emitters, although they account for only about 11% of credits on the market globally, according to the International Energy Agency.

Growing that share could effectively convert Africas green development into one of its most lucrative export commodities. The ACMI estimates that African countries currently use less than 2% of their annual carbon credit production potential, and could raise $100 billion per year by 2050 through carbon credit sales. That idea was endorsed at the Nairobi summit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and by U.S. climate envoy John Kerry.

Private companies arent the only potential buyers: The Paris Agreement allows carbon project developers to sell credits to foreign governments that they can apply toward their national decarbonization goals. Ghana was the first country to pioneer this strategy, with a carbon credit deal with Switzerland it organized last year. According to the IEA, sovereign carbon credit sales by African countries could raise even more money than sales to companies.

Know More

There are a number of pitfalls facing the carbon market. One investigation after another by academic researchers and journalists have shown that carbon projects in Africa and elsewhere frequently overstate their climate benefit, for example by claiming that the sale of credits helped to conserve a tract of forest that was never in danger of being cut down. Watchdog groups say theres a serious risk of double or even triple-counting, in which a single credit is marked against the carbon footprints of the country that produced it, the company buying it, and the country that company is located in. Efforts to build a U.N.-backed registry to prevent double counting have ground on with little progress at the last several COP summits.

There are also equity problems. Little revenue from the credit sales reaches the country or community in which the project is based  according to the IEA, that figure is often as low as 10% for projects in Africa. Demand for offsets has also led to land grabs in Kenya and elsewhere.

These deficiencies are self-defeating, because they create a reputational risk for credit buyers that could drive them away. Last week oil major Shell said it scrapped a major carbon credit purchasing plan after it failed to find a sufficient volume of high-quality credits.

In a phone interview from Nairobi, Margaret Kim, CEO of carbon credit registry Gold Standard, said that firms like hers and governments of host countries need to do a better job of monitoring and verifying carbon projects, and of involving local communities from an early stage.

At the moment, that kind of oversight is entirely voluntary. That will likely need to change to a system of mandatory regulation from host governments, said Franklin Steves, senior finance policy adviser at the Europe-based think tank E3G.

[Carbon markets] are an idea that can work in principle, but weve seen so many fraudulent cases that I dont think any policymaker should look at it as a silver bullet, he said. Theres an enormous risk that corporations use them as a deflection tactic.

Room for Disagreement

Some African countries are already moving to taxation and regulation of the carbon market. In May, for example, the Zimbabwean government? said it plans to take up to half of the revenue from carbon credit sales. That could stifle investment, Kim said. Gold Standard suspended its issuance of credits from Zimbabwe after that decision.

The View From Gabon

Another area of focus for Ruto this week was mounting sovereign debt, which he said is a major obstacle to African countries climate ambitions. Gabon recently pioneered a promising strategy to address its sovereign debt, closing a deal with Bank of America in early August to clear $500 million in debt in exchange for stepping up marine conservation measures, the first such debt-for-nature swap in Africa. But the future of that deal was thrown into uncertainty last week following Gabons military coup.

Notable

In addition to its carbon credit purchase, the UAE said it will channel $4.5 billion to clean energy projects in Africa. The money, mostly in the form of equity investments by the state-run renewable energy company Masdar, is part of a push by the UAE, ahead of its hosting of COP28, to put a more positive spin on its vast oil wealth.
Carlee Russells Ex Admits To Having A Small Argument Before She Disappeared, But Says It Was Nothing To Kidnap Yourself Over | blackred via Getty Images

The world was shocked to learn that Carlee Russells kidnapping was all a hoax. Now, her ex-boyfriend Thomar Latrell Simmons says hed still unclear about her motives.

On July 13, Russell made headlines after being missing for 48 hours after reporting that she allegedly saw a toddler walking on the side of the interstate in Hoover, Alabama.

Simmons was a guest on the 205 Boyz podcast, where he spoke with host Marcus Goody about the days leading up to her disappearance. He told Goody the couple was in a good place before Russell disappeared.

He recalled moments from their trip to New York a week before Russell pulled her mysterious move. We was having fun. We was taking tours of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge. We was good, he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The host asked Simmons if he could recall anything after their trip that may have indicated something was wrong with Russell or their relationship, which led to him to admit they got into a little argument.

But it wasnt nothing to kidnap yourself over, he added. What made you do that?

Simmons then clarified that he and Russell have had no contact at all since the disappearance and that he is not planning to communicate any time soon.

Carlee Russells ex-boyfriend Thomar Latrell Simmons launches podcast and shares what really happened with hoax #205boyz pic.twitter.com/kiNZmv4FA3  Black AF News (@blackafnews) September 2, 2023

If you really want to tell me the truth, you couldve told me, he said. You couldve told me before all this happened, before the police conference came out. You had time to tell me.

On July 24, the Hoover police department held a press where Russells

attorney Emery Anthony provided a statement.

There was no kidnapping on Thursday, July 13, 2023, the statement began. My client did not see a baby on the side of the road. My client did not leave the Hoover area when she was identified as a missing person. My client did not have any help in this incident  this was a single act done by herself.

Simmons stated that he experienced a range of emotions after hearing the statement. I was mad, I was sad. I was in all type of emotions, he said.

The day after the admission statement, Simmons made a since-deleted post declaring that he was disgusted over the situation.

Carlees actions created hurt, confusion, and dishonesty, he wrote at the time. I was made aware of the false narrative after coming to the defense of my ex Carlee Russell. Myself and my familys nature was to react in love, and genuine concern. We are disgusted from the outcome of this entire situation. I strongly feel exactly like you all, blindsided with Carlees actions.

Later in the podcast, Simmons said he was trying to get back to my normal life despite being recognized whenever out in his hometown. As for Russell, she is facing two misdemeanor charges, including false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

You can check out Simmons entire interview below:
Police and federal authorities are searching for a man who was reported missing Monday morning after a Carnival cruise ship returned to Miami.

Kevin McGrath, 26, was last seen at 7 a.m. Monday in his cabin as the Carnival Conquest reported back to the Port of Miami, Carnival said in a statement Tuesday. He was reported missing by his family and "was not located on board despite an extensive search."

Miami-Dade police issued a missing person's alert Tuesday morning for McGrath, who was last seen in a black shirt, shorts and gray sneakers. Police said he "may be in need of services" and asked anyone with information to contact authorities.

After McGrath could not be found on board, the Coast Guard was contacted, and Miami police officers arrived to investigate, Carnival said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The guest was not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process," the company said.

McGrath's brother declined to comment when contacted by phone Tuesday.

The Coast Guard confirmed that its crews are "actively searching near the Port of Miami and along the South Florida shore" after the missing person's report Monday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MIAMI (WFLA)  Officials in South Florida said they are searching for a missing man who was last seen on a Carnival Cruise ship.

The Miami-Dade Police Department said Kevin McGrath, 26, was reported missing Monday after the Carnival Conquest returned to Port Miami.

According to Carnival Cruise Line, McGrath was last seen at about 7 a.m. Monday by his cabinmate, just around the time that guests were supposed to be getting off the ship.

After an extensive search, McGrath was nowhere to be found on the ship, officials said.

The U.S. Coast Guard was called in to do a search in the surrounding waters, but he was not found there.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Delta flight returns to Atlanta after alleged diarrhea incident

The guest was not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process, the Carnival Cruise Line statement said. Miami Dade police eventually cleared the ship to sail.

McGrath is described as being 5 9 tall and weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and gray sneakers.

Those with information on McGraths whereabouts are asked to call Crime Stoppers Miami & The Florida Keys at (305) 471-8477.

Carnival said its care team is helping McGraths family at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
MIAMI (WFLA)  Officials in South Florida said they are searching for a missing man who was last seen on a Carnival Cruise ship.

The Miami-Dade Police Department said Kevin McGrath, 26, was reported missing Monday after the Carnival Conquest returned to Port Miami.

According to Carnival Cruise Line, McGrath was last seen at about 7 a.m. Monday by his cabinmate, just around the time that guests were supposed to be getting off the ship.

After an extensive search, McGrath was nowhere to be found on the ship, officials said.

The U.S. Coast Guard was called in to do a search in the surrounding waters, but he was not found there.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Delta flight returns to Atlanta after alleged diarrhea incident

The guest was not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process, the Carnival Cruise Line statement said. Miami Dade police eventually cleared the ship to sail.

McGrath is described as being 5 9 tall and weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and gray sneakers.

Those with information on McGraths whereabouts are asked to call Crime Stoppers Miami & The Florida Keys at (305) 471-8477.

Carnival said its care team is helping McGraths family at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A man has been missing for over two days after disappearing from a docked Carnival cruise ship in Miami, officials and the cruise line said.

According to a missing persons poster released by the Miami-Dade Police Department, 26-year-old Kevin McGrath was last seen on board the Carnival cruise ship Conquest early Monday morning. McGrath was reported missing by a family member, Carnival said in a statement to CBS News.

Police said he was last seen in his cabin aboard the ship at around 2 a.m. local time on Sept. 4. Carnival said that McGrath was "last seen in his cabin at approximately 7 a.m. according to his cabinmate."

The Carnival Conquest cruise ship sits docked at port on Oct. 20, 2021, in Miami. / Credit: Rebecca Blackwell / AP

That was around the time guests were leaving the ship, the cruise line said. An "extensive search" did not find McGrath on board.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The U.S. Coast Guard used a helicopter to search the "water in the general vicinity," the cruise line said, and Miami-Dade police officers boarded the ship to investigate and search. McGrath was "not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process," Carnival said. The ship was later cleared to sail on by police.

McGrath, a Black man with brown eyes and brown hair, was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts and gray sneakers, police said.

 #MISSING: Kevin McGrath, 26 years old, was last seen in the area of Port of Miami 1015 North America Way. The missing person may be in need of services. Anyone with information is urged to contact @CrimeStopper305 at (305) 471-8477 or by dialing **TIPS. pic.twitter.com/pmAAMpgSgM  Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) September 5, 2023

Police said McGrath "may be in need of services."

The cruise line said they were in contact with McGrath's family through their Carnival Care Team.

Young Americans dominating 2023 U.S. Open

Companies offer student loan relief for new hires

India grows as an investment target
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The longest-running Las Vegas comedian Carrot Top has decided its time for a new logo and he wants you to design it.

Carrot Top, who is about to celebrate his 18th anniversary at Luxor Hotel and Casino this November, has had several logos throughout the years, but never one designed by a fan.

The comedian is holding a design contest to allow fans to submit designs for a new logo. The winner will win a trip to Las Vegas and get to meet Carrot Top.

Ive always had an eye for drawing logos, and for the most part, Ive drawn most of my logos myself. Now, were trying to come up with a new one  but have someone else design it for me this time! said Carrot Top.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Oct. 6, fans can email their designs to ctlogocontest@gmail.com.

We are looking for a simple, clean, and strong logo so that when you look at it, you know immediately that its me, Carrot Top explained. I cant wait to see what you guys come up with!

Those who wish to participate should submit their design in a layered Adobe Illustrator file format. Entries must be original designs and not be copied from other sources.

The designs will be narrowed down to a maximum of 10 finalists, which will be posted on Carrot Tops social media. The public will then have two weeks to vote on their three favorites. A panel of judges will then select the winning design.

Entries will be judged on their originality, creativity, relevance to Carrot Tops brand, and overall design aesthetic, according to a release.

The winner will receive: two $300 Allegiant travel vouchers; a two-night, three-day stay in a Tower Premium King Room at Luxor Hotel and Casino; a $150 food and beverage credit to be used at Luxor Hotel and Casino; two tickets to Carrot Tops Las Vegas show; and a VIP meet & greet with Carrot Top.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Night after night, cars traveling on a highway in Wisconsin were bombarded by falling rocks, police said. A drone eventually spotted the cause.

Vehicles passing under a railroad bridge in Fitchburg were subjected to the peculiar peltings around 10 p.m. on Aug. 15, 16 and 19, Fitchburg police said in a news release.

At least 18 vehicles were damaged over the course of these three incidents, police said. Two occupants of damaged vehicles also reported minor injuries.

Following the attacks, according to the release, a police sergeant staked out the scene the evening of Aug. 21.

While piloting a drone near the highway, he spotted two people on the railroad bridge, the release said. Soon after, one of them was seen tossing rocks onto the freeway.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers responded to the area and arrested the person throwing the rocks, police said. The other individual fled the area but was apprehended nearby.

The two individuals, both 15-year-old boys, were transported to the Dane County Juvenile Reception Center, police said, adding that charges were pending.

In addition to the thousands of dollars of property damage they caused, these incidents significantly jeopardized the safety of many unsuspecting motorists, police added.

Fitchburg is located about 6 miles south of Madison.

Repeat carjacker taken down by owner of muscle car he tried to steal, Tennessee cops say

Man camping with family loses control of OHV, dies in rollover crash, Utah officials say

25-year-old kayaker vanishes after falling into lake, Arizona cops say. Search is on
A historic impeachment trial thats sure to make political waves began on Tuesday, with the majority of senators opting to move forward with proceedings that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hoped would stop before they officially started.

The big question on day one of Paxtons impeachment trial in the Texas Senate was whether senators, acting as a jury, would dismiss any of the 16 articles before them, which include charges of bribery.

The articles stem from allegations the three-term attorney general misused his office to benefit a political donor, Austin real estate developer Nate Paul . Paxtons accused of giving Paul special legal attention while accepting home renovations and a job for a women with whom he was having an extramarital affair.

Four others deal with Paxtons federal securities fraud cause, but they are being held in abeyance and evidence isnt expected to be presented on the articles.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Senators voted to move forward with the trial, despite motions from Paxtons attorneys arguing the articles should be tossed out.

Paxton plead not guilty through an attorney early in the day.

Officials got through part of one witness, Jeff Mateer, one of the whistleblowers who reported Paxton to the FBI over concerns related to the attorney generals relationship with Paul. Mateer isnt one of the whistleblowers who sued Paxton for retaliation.

Impeachment articles arent dismissed

The majority of senators rejected the attorney generals request that the articles pending against him be dismissed.

The first half of the day was primarily consumed by votes on pretrial motions many filed by Paxtons lawyers requesting some or all of the articles of impeachment be tossed out. The motion failed each time, with the majority of senators opting to move forward with the historic trail. The motions were not debated.

Six Republican senators consistently voted against the various motions to dismiss, including Flower Mound Republican Tan Parker, whose district includes part of Tarrant County. The most votes a dismissal motion received was 10.

Twenty-one votes are needed to convict, meaning  were the vote to follow party lines  nine of 18 Republican senators would need to join the 12 Democrats. Paxtons wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton , a McKinney Republican, will not vote

It remains to be seen whether the voting patterns that emerged on pretrial motions carries through into votes on whether to convict or acquit after evidence has been heard from both sides.

Paxton cannot be compelled to testify

While the majority of pretrial motions did not fall in Paxtons favor, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick did deliver a win for the attorney general. Patrick ruled that Paxton cannot be compelled to testify in his senate impeachment trial, siding with the AGs attorneys who requested the ruling.

His rationale was that the proceedings are similar to a criminal trial, where the defendant cant be forced to testify.

This court notes that many factors and circumstances in this proceeding lean more on criminal in nature, Patrick said.

He later noted that House impeachment managers have repeatedly compared the House impeachment proceedings to a grand jury indictment.

Per Senate rules, the 30 eligible senators vote on motions that involve articles dismissal. Patrick decides other motion.

The arguments for and against

Impeachment managers and attorneys for Paxton laid out the road map for the trial in their opening arguments.

State Rep. Andrew Murr, a Junction Republican and attorney, gave the outline for the impeachment managers, arguing that Paxton had committed crimes and should be removed from office and barred from holding office again. Paxton is accused of misusing his office to benefit Paul while taking bribes in the form of home renovations and a job for a woman hes accused of having an affair with.

The allegations in the articles reveal that the states top lawyer engaged in conduct designed to advance the economic interests and legal positions of a friend and donor to the detriment of innocent Texans, Murr said.

He described Paxton as having turned the keys of the Office of the Attorney General over to Nate Paul so that Mr. Paul could use the awesome power of the peoples law firm to punish and harass perceived enemies.

Paxtons attorneys countered that theres not sufficient evidence to convict the three-term attorney general who has been elected by Texans despite knowledge of his alleged legal troubles and misconduct.

I suggest to you, it is crystal clear that there is not evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, said Dan Cogdell, one of Paxtons lawyers. I have one simple ask: Do the right thing. ... And the right thing is to vote not guilty.

Another one of Paxtons attorneys, Tony Buzbee, argued there are political motives at play.

When we are done, I believe that no matter your party affiliation and no matter your party affiliation and no matter where you stand now, you will conclude what I have concluded: That theres nothing to this, Buzbee said. Ken Paxton gave nothing of significance to Nate Paul. Nate Paul received nothing of significance from Ken Paxton.
A Polish couple and their seven children, including a newborn baby, will be beatified in Markowa, Poland on Sunday, the Vatican has said.

Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma and their family were murdered by the Nazis in March 1944 for sheltering a Jewish family.

Pope Francis is not expected to attend the ceremony, which will put the family one step closer to sainthood, according to the Vaticans saint-making arm, the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

View of the Ulma family tomb in Markowa Cemetery, Poland on July 19, 2023 - Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

In a statement to the press issued Tuesday, the dicastery said Wiktoria Ulma gave birth at the moment she was killed.

At the time of the massacre, Signora Wiktoria Ulma was in an advanced state of pregnancy with her seventh child, the statement from the dicastery said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This son was born at the moment of his mothers martyrdom, therefore, was added in the number of children, also martyrs, it added. The statement went on to say, In fact, in the martyrdom of his parents he received the baptism of blood.

The Ulmas other children ranged in age from 18 months to 7 years old, according to the Vatican.

The Ulma family were killed for sheltering a Jewish family for 18 months, according to the supporting documents accompanying the beatification, which is the final step before sainthood. The Jewish family were also murdered.

The names of Wiktoria and Jozef Ulma are seen on a commemorative wall at the Markowa Ulma-Family Museum of Poles Who Saved Jews in World War II. - Czarek Sokolowski/AP

This will be the first time an entire family has been elevated toward sainthood, according to the Vaticans media office.

It was reported earlier that the seventh child was considered unborn and thus the beatification would be the first time an unborn child had been beatified.

But the Vatican clarified on Tuesday that, in fact, the child was born at the moment of his mothers murder, and, as such, is included in the number of living children.

The familys bodies were exhumed for the ceremony and will reburied after their beatification.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ohio state Rep. Bob Young is seen on a video call from the Summit County Jail for his arraignment at Barberton Municipal Court, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Barberton, Ohio.

State Rep. Bob Young of Green recently was arrested for the second time in as many months; the latest for violating a protection order.

In July, Young was charged by Summit County sheriff's deputies with domestic violence and assault after being accused of slapping his wife at a private party and then trying to break into a male relative's house after she ran to him for help. A friend of hers also told deputies that she was assaulted by Young after confronting him.

Deputies reported that a child in the house was a witness to Young's alleged assault of the two women.

Young's second arrest followed accusations that he violated a no-contact by leaving three voicemails for a family member listed under the protection order.

Charita Goshay

Young has pleaded not guilty in Barberton Municipal Court to the latest charge, and has been ordered to wear a 24-hour ankle monitor by visiting Judge Edward O'Farrell, a no-nonsense jurist who is no one to play with.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Calling on Young to vacate his house seat is one of the few things that Ohio House Republicans and Democrats have agreed on lately. House Speaker Jason Stephens asked Young to resign after his initial arrest in July, but he refused.

No one can make him quit, but last week Stephens stripped Young of his position as chair of the House Pension Committee and the $9,000 in extra money that goes along with it.

It isn't the first time Young has been involved in a domestic incident, it's just the first time there have been actual consequences for it. According to media reports, deputies were dispatched to Young's home in 2020 to investigate a physical incident. No arrests were made.

Had Young been convicted of a felony back then, it would have rendered him ineligible to serve in the House.

Yet, during that same year, Young ran ads falsely accusing a political opponent, Green Councilman Matt Shaughnessy, of having a domestic violence conviction.

You should have such audacity.

Shaughnessy is suing Young, but the damage is done. Who knows how many votes he lost because some voters believe it.

People railing about two tiers of justice are right, just not in the way they think. We found ourselves in precarious place, one in which some people who are literally being paid to make and uphold laws are flouting them with impunity, and all but daring the rest of us to do something about it. (See: Householder, Larry.)

They regard their positions of power as personal possessions, not as a means to serve. Their conduct not only makes mockery of public service and the law, it feeds into mistrust, conspiracy theories and cynicism, and threatens to erode the foundational premise essential to every democratic republic, namely, that no one is above the law.

No matter how many times we hear otherwise, there remains a stubborn belief that domestic violence is the purview of the poor; that well-mannered, middle-class and wealthy people in safe neighborhoods don't engage in such behavior, but nothing is further from the truth.

Still a problem: 'I hate that it's still needed.' Domestic Violence Project celebrates 45th anniversary

Young is innocent until proven guilty, but there is precedent and a pattern of behavior that cannot and should not be ignored. He has argued that his behavior was inappropriate and alcohol-fueled  but not criminal.

In a letter to the Akron Beacon Journal, Young revealed that he's in counseling. That's all well and good, but it doesn't paper over the the fact that Young's life is mess, and that his behavior and attitude have overshadowed any good he has done in public service.

Enough already. He needs to go.

 If you or someone you know needs help in a domestic violence situation, call the National Domestic Violecne Hotline 24/7 at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

Charita M. Goshay is a Canton Repository staff writer and member of the editorial board. Reach her at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: State Rep. Bob Young makes mockery of the law, public service
On Monday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) named former Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor Wes Nofire to serve as his new Oklahoma Native American liaison.

Wes brings a deep familiarity with tribal governments and people across Oklahoma. His work for the Cherokee government makes him an ideal choice as we build bridges between my office and tribal governments, Stitt said. Throughout his career, Wes has advocated for fairness for all Oklahomans and has fought against systems that seek to treat people differently based on race or heritage. I am thrilled to have him as a member of my team as we continue to work to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state.

Gov. Stitts office said Nofire has been outspoken about the McGirt decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said a significant swath of eastern Oklahoma remains American Indian land for certain legal purposes.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Even though Stitt is a Cherokee Nation citizen, the governor has fought the decision since it was announced on July 9, 2020.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. wasted little time to express his disappointment in Stitts selection. Hoskin, who in June emerged victorious in a competitive four-way race for Cherokee Nation chief against Nofire, commented that Nofire's appointment has further diminished the depth of Stitt's Native American staff.

Gov. Stitts selection of Wes Nofire as the states Native American liaison is disappointing, which is to say it comes as no surprise," Hoskin said in a statement. We continue to hope for a day in which the depth of knowledge of Indian Country issues on Gov. Stitts team deepens. Its now shallower."

"Wes Nofires brief time in elected office was marked by a hostility toward Cherokee tribal sovereignty, a lack of understanding broadly of the issues facing Indian Country, and his peddling of conspiracy theories about Cherokee Nation, which can only be described as unhinged.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill said his tribe always welcomed a constructive dialogue with the Governor, but I dont think his staff has been the issue.

"The Governor sets the direction for his administration, and he has made it clear that his policy is hostility towards tribes and their authority," Hill said. "Its hard to see one staff appointment changing that. Others have tried and ended up walking away when they found themselves as pawns in the Governor's deceptive campaign.

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
As a result of falling fragments of Russian rockets, fires were recorded in the Kyiv Oblast

Several buildings and cars were damaged by falling Russian missile fragments in Kyiv Oblast on Sept. 6, though there were no reported casualties, announced regional police head, Andriy Niebytov.

The attack damaged two retail facilities, a garage cooperative, warehouses, windows, and balconies in three high-rise apartments. The blast wave also shattered glass in a police station.

Read also: Russian missiles and drones launched at Ukraine, biggest attack on Kyiv since spring

In total, 11 vehicles were damaged, including a truck and a tractor on the grounds of a business. In another district of Kyiv Oblast, windows in a children's resort were smashed by falling missile parts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Grass fires broke out in the Fastiv and Bucha districts, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Police and emergency services are working at the scene.

Read also: Two people injured, 10 houses destroyed in Kyiv Oblast after Russian missile attack

 /Telegram

 /Telegram

At night, an air raid alert was declared across Ukrainian regions. For almost three hours, Russians conducted drone strikes on the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast. One person was killed, and port and agricultural infrastructure were damaged.

Read also: Ukrainian soldiers use handheld Stinger missile to take out Russian cruise missile over Kyiv Oblast  video

In the morning, the enemy launched a combined attack on Kyiv, but all Russian cruise and ballistic missiles over the capital were intercepted.

In total, the air defense forces shot down 23 of 33 air targets.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
President Joe Biden Exits Marine One on the South Lawn After Labor Day Weekend

BEIJING (Reuters) - China sent a senior official to Vietnam to enhance "political trust" between the two countries, ahead of a scheduled visit by U.S. President Joe Biden designed to boost diplomatic ties between Washington and Hanoi.

The Chinese Communist Party's international department head Liu Jianchao met with Vietnam's ruling Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong, the official Chinese Xinhua news agency reported.

During his three-day trip, which ends on Wednesday, Liu also had talks with his Vietnam counterpart and met think tanks and media in Vietnam, Xinhua said.

Both sides said they had agreed to solidify their mutual political trust and enhance cooperation in meeting challenges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden is due in Vietnam on Sunday for a visit that is expected to result in an upgrade in bilateral relations, pulling Vietnam away from the orbit of its larger Asian neighbour.

China and Vietnam have long had close ties but have been at odds on maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea. The United States, already Vietnam's largest export market, is a draw due to potential access to U.S. capital and technology to bolster its economy.

Biden said his Vietnam visit aimed to elevate their relationship and make the United States a major partner.

He will meet Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his trip.

(Reporting by Albee Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Jon Boyle)
[Source]

Chinas legislature is considering revisions to a law that could result in fines and jail time for individuals who offend the government through their clothing or speech.

About the potential revisions: The proposed changes outlined by the Standing Committee target behavior deemed detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese people and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, without specifying the exact offenses.

Offenders could face detention for up to 15 days or fines of up to 5,000 yuan (approximately $680).

Chinas broader crackdown: The potential revisions reflect a broader crackdown on civil liberties under Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In recent years, such crackdowns include the detention of a woman for wearing a kimono in public due to historical tensions between China and Japan, as well as recent incidents involving individuals wearing rainbow-themed shirts or LGBTQ+ flags on university campuses.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More from NextShark: SEC lawsuit accuses Binance and its founder of 'extensive web of deception'

Netizens concerns: Chinese social media users expressed concerns about the legal changes, questioning how authorities would determine when Chinese sentiments are hurt. Some believe that the proposed law could lead to arbitrary punishment.

Shouldnt the spirit of the Chinese nation be strong and resilient? one person asked. Why can it be easily damaged by a costume?

More from NextShark: Police arrest armed man who threatened to kill Rep. Pramila Jayapal outside her Seattle home

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Los Angeles-Hong Kong business class fare reaches $13,000 after quarantine requirements dropped

Global community condemns Myanmar junta for executing 4 democracy activists, including Suu Kyi ally
China is gearing up to establish yet another investment fund to finance the development of its domestic semiconductor industry, according to Reuters. The new fund will have $40 billion to invest in companies developing and producing wafer fab equipment. It will be one of the most substantial efforts by the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, also known as the Big Fund.

The report claims that the new fund could be China's most important because it focuses on the country's fundamental abilities to build tools for making chips. In recent years, Chinese chipmakers have lost access to more or less sophisticated wafer fab equipment from American, Dutch, and Japanese companies, which significantly limits the development of China's semiconductor champions, such as SMIC and YMTC.

While China's SMIC and YMTC have competitive logic and 3D NAND manufacturing technologies, they need tools produced in the U.S., Netherlands, and Japan to use them. Without access to equipment from ASML, Applied Materials, and Tokyo Electron, these companies will not be able to develop further, so China is ready to help local makers of fab tools.

Previously, in 2014 and 2019, China had launched similar investment funds but on a smaller scale, garnering funds amounting to 138.7 billion yuan and 200 billion yuan, respectively. The upcoming fund dwarfs these amounts, targeting an ambitious 300 billion yuan ($41 billion), emphasizing its utmost importance.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On the funding front, China's finance ministry has committed to infusing a substantial portion of the fund, with a contribution of 60 billion yuan, according to Reuters. However, details about other potential contributors remain under wraps. Entities such as China Development Bank Capital, China National Tobacco Corporation, and China Telecom have historically backed the Big Fund's initiatives.

Regarding management and oversight for the new fund, the Big Fund contemplates engaging at least two institutional entities. Despite being under investigation since 2021, SINO-IC Capital is projected to remain a pivotal player in managing the fund. Additionally, discussions with China Aerospace Investment, a state-owned enterprise's investment arm, have been initiated for potential managerial roles.

The geopolitical landscape significantly influences China's intensified efforts in the semiconductor domain. President Xi Jinping has continually emphasized the critical importance of the nation becoming self-reliant in the semiconductor sector. This urgency has been magnified with the U.S., alongside allies like Japan and the Netherlands, imposing stringent restrictions on China's access to advanced chipmaking resources, citing security and defense concerns.

Despite hefty investments from the Big Fund in the past, China's position in the global semiconductor arena, especially regarding advanced logic chips, remains elusive.
China has widened a ban on the use of iPhones and other imported devices by government officials, according to The Wall Street Journal. State employees were reportedly told in chat groups and meetings not to bring foreign-branded device into the office or use them for work, according to "people familiar with the matter." The aim is reportedly to reduce reliance on foreign technology and improve cybersecurity.

If you're experiencing deja vu, it's because Beijing has previously blacklisted Apple and other foreign products for government departments, most recently in 2019. Back then, the government was planning to phase out western gear over a three year period in favor of local alternatives. The aim at the time was to keep data within its borders and ensure tech was "secure" and "controllable," all as part of the 2017 China Internet Security Law.

Apple has managed to stay above the fray, likely because Foxconn and other suppliers in the nation employee millions of people. It also has followed China's laws, removing thousands of illegal apps like VPNs. However, it's also more vulnerable than other companies. On top of the manufacturing dependence, the country accounts for around 19 percent of Apple's total revenue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Following bans by the US against Huawei and other Chinese companies, Beijing followed suit with a similar embargo on chip-maker Micron. The story had a further plot twist earlier this week, when Chinese electronics company Huawei released the Mate 60 Pro smartphone using 7-nanometer homegrown chips found by a teardown to be more advanced than expected. China also unveiled a $40 billion fund for its chip industry, following continued trade sanctions with the US.

Tesla is another US company vulnerable to changes in China's policies. The nation reportedly accounted for a large chunk of its sales in its first quarter, and it's the only foreign automaker to gain market share in the first half of 2023. China recently restricted the use of Tesla vehicle by military staff and employees of state-owned companies, according to an earlier WSJ report.

Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 in less than a week, reportedly with thinner bezels, a titanium frame, USB-C charging and more. Apple has not responded to this story, but Engadget has reached out to the company for comment.
China has banned central government staff from using Apple's iPhones at work, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The ban applies to devices from other foreign brands as well.

China is one of Apple's largest markets, accounting for 19% of its overall revenue.

China has ordered its central government officials not to use Apple's iPhone and phones from other foreign brands at work, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The government staff were given these instructions by their superiors in recent weeks, the sources told the Journal.

It is unclear how many central government agencies have been impacted at this time, although Beijing has restricted iPhone usage among certain officials for years, according to the media outlet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The ban comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, which are mired in a tech war. China is also striving for self-sufficiency in the sector.

It could have a significant impact on Apple, as China is one of the company's largest markets  accounting for nearly one-fifth of its overall revenue in 2022.

China's ban on foreign phone brands in government agencies mirrors similar restrictions in the US, such as a New York City ban on TikTok on government-owned devices.

The Chinese embassy in Washington DC declined comment to Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas top chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., warrants investigation as the company appears to have violated US sanctions by supplying components to Huawei Technologies Co., US lawmakers said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

It sure looks like it did violate sanctions, Representative Michael McCaul said Wednesday at a briefing at the US embassy in the Hague. SMIC continues to try to get our intellectual property.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Huawei uses an advanced 7-nanometer processor built by SMIC to power its latest smartphone, a teardown commissioned by Bloomberg News showed, indicating that China is making headway in its push to produce cutting-edge semiconductors despite US sanctions. SMICs shares slid as much as 7.4% in Hong Kong, its biggest fall in more than three months. Its Shanghai stock dived as much as 8.6%.

Existing rules require any company that intends to supply Huawei with US technology, which is present throughout SMICs operations, to get approval from Washington. Its unclear whether SMIC has a US license to supply Huawei.

McCaul, Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has been vocal in protesting what he considers insufficient enforcement of the Entity List, which is enforced by the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security and specifies license requirements imposed on restricted exports. Neither McCaul nor his committee have much direct sway over sanctions.

Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House Select Committee on Competition with China, picked up on the theme, suggesting the US should end all its exports to both Huawei and SMIC  even those involving older technology that are currently allowed under the law.

The time has come to end all U.S. technology exports to both Huawei and SMIC to make clear any firm that flouts US law and undermines our national security will be cut off from our technology, Gallagher said in a statement.

Read more: What Huaweis Comeback Says About US-China Tech War: QuickTake

Although Congress can call officials from the BIS to Capitol Hill to explain export control policy, officials across administrations have shared information on potential new controls only sparingly, citing national security concerns.

Still, Texas lawmaker McCaul has cited the $23 billion in licenses the BIS has granted for US firms to sell technology to Chinese companies in the first quarter of last year as evidence its too lenient. In the past, some Republicans have proposed moving responsibility for export controls from the Commerce Department to the Pentagon, which they argued would be more aggressive.

Read more: Export Controls Emerge as a Favored US Tool Targeting Russia and China

SMIC was added to the US entity list in 2020 in the closing days of the Trump administration, severely restricting its access to advanced technology. The BIS said SMICs inclusion on the list is due to national security concerns.

Read more: US Seeks Details on Made-in-China Huawei Chip as Debate Grows

A US delegation led by McCaul is visiting the Netherlands for bilateral meetings this week with Dutch government officials, members of parliament and other stakeholders.

McCaul added that he would warn investors including ASML Holding NV, Europes most valuable tech company, about investing in China. Under Chinese President Xi Jinping its never a winning proposal, he said. The delegation will meet with ASML on Thursday.

--With assistance from April Roach and Eric Martin.

(Updates with share action and Gallaghers statement from the third paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China wants to work with Indonesia to expand cooperation in various areas including green energy, the digital economy, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, China's foreign ministry reported on Wednesday, citing Premier Li Qiang.

Li, in Indonesia for a regional summit, told a late Tuesday dinner with business leaders that they should be confident in cooperation, after weak economic data indicating a slowdown in China had raised doubts in other markets about China's rise.

"China will steadily expand systemic openness, further relax market access in areas such as the modern service industry, increase the protection of intellectual property rights, and create a first-class business environment," the ministry quoted Li as saying.

China hoped that Indonesia would maintain its open market open and provide a fair and just business environment for Chinese enterprises, Li said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Li is also due to attend a trial run of a $7.3 billion high-speed rail project that China has funded as part of its Belt and Road initiative of transport and energy projects.

(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Writing by Liz Lee and Ella Cao; Editing by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel)
In an interview on CNBC Tuesday, Chris Christie called GOP presidential rival Ron DeSantis a big government Republican.

Im not a big government Republican, like Governor DeSantis is, who thinks that every time you disagree with a position that a corporation takes, you should take punitive action against them, Christie said on CNBCs Last Call.

Christies comment seemed to call out the Florida governors recent disputes with corporations like Disney. After Disney voiced opposition to Floridas Dont Say Gay law, DeSantis signed legislation nearly a year later to end the companys power over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the large swath of land that Disney has owned and governed for a while. Disney later sued DeSantis and other Florida officials in April saying that DeSantis retaliated against them for their stance against the bill.

Christie also knocked DeSantis over his states spending. The former New Jersey governor said there was a large difference in the amount of spending by the states while both of them held office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our spending in New Jersey went up an average of 2 percent a year, for all eight years that I was there, Christie said. Just a little over 16 percent in eight years. You compare that to Florida, for instance, in the last five years spending has gone up 30 percent.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Chris Christie slammed GOP presidential rival Ron DeSantis for playing politics after the Florida governor chose not to meet with President Biden during his trip to the Sunshine State to survey damage from Hurricane Idalia.

Biden spoke with DeSantis last Monday about federal assistance as the state braced for Idalias eventual impact, and the two spoke again Thursday, one day after landfall and after Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state.

But the two 2024 presidential rivals kept their distance during Bidens visit Saturday, a decision that Christie said he wasnt surprised by.

Thats [DeSantiss] choice, Christie said, in an interview with Brian Kilmeade on Fox News Radio. Im not the least bit surprised that is what he chose to do.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Christie, the former governor of New Jersey who met with then-President Barack Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, said DeSantis failed in his job as governor of the state.

Youre the governor of the state, the President of the United States comes and youre asking  the Congress for significant aid.  You should have been there with the president to welcome him, Christie said.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

Instead of meeting with DeSantis, Biden met with the current junior senator of the state and former governor, Rick Scott (R). Biden praised Scott after their meeting, and Christie took the chance to draw a distinction he sees between DeSantis and Scott.

Fortunately, Rick Scott  who knows what it means to be governor, showed up and made sure the president saw what he needed to see, Christie said.

Christie said DeSantis failed to be there for the people of Florida by not meeting with Biden.

Your job as governor is to be the tour guide for the president, Christie said. To make sure the president sees your people, sees the damage, sees the suffering thats going on and whats going to be needed to be done to rebuild it.

Youre doing your job, and unfortunately he put politics ahead of his job. That was his choice, Christie said.

Biden said that he had been in touch with DeSantis prior to his visit, the location was mutually agreed upon and that he wasnt disappointed with DeSantis for not coming, saying he may have had other reasons.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As Jorge Aaron Riley prepared to travel to Washington, D.C., ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, certification of Joe Bidens presidential victory, he bought six ninja combat throwing knives and left a will leaving behind the knives and anything in my house.

The 45-year-old Army veteran and corresponding secretary of the California Republican Assembly had been preparing for the trip for weeks, posting about his plans on social media and declaring Joe Biden IS NOT MY PRESIDENT.

Im going for the war, Riley declared in one post.

Once in the nations capital, he attended then-President Donald Trump s speech on the Ellipse, adorned his face with what he called war paint and marched to the U.S. Capitol, where he was one of the first people to enter the building.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He marched to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, where some of her staff were hiding under desks and tables in fear of the rioters, and he wandered around the building refusing police orders to leave before he finally exited an hour after arriving.

Images posted to his Facebook account show Sacramento man Jorge Riley at the U.S. Capitol during an insurrection by pro-Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. A video on Reddit shows Riley describing how he entered the Capitol and the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

These are the actions federal prosecutors describe in court papers and say have earned Riley a 21-month prison sentence and three years of supervised release when he faces U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta on Wednesday.

For an hour, Riley caused mayhem in the Capitol, joining the riotous mob throughout the Capitol, and refusing to heed police officers commands to get out of the building now, Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Edwards wrote in a sentencing memo filed in court. Ultimately, the officers had to get physical to get Riley and his fellow rioters out, where he promptly detailed to another rioter his actions and why he did it: to stop the steal and take his country back.

The nature and circumstances of Rileys offense was of the utmost seriousness, and fully support the governments recommended sentence of 21 months imprisonment.

Rileys lawyer, longtime Sacramento defense attorney Tim Zindel, sees it differently, arguing that his client didnt board the plane to Washington on January 5th expecting to return home a felon and that Riley did not actually take his throwing knives or any other weapons to Washington.

A throwing knife and a tomahawk belonging to Jorge Riley is seen in an undated photograph provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office. Riley, an Army veteran who was seen participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, is expected to be sentenced in court in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday for his role in the riot.

His involvement in the January 6th protest has cost him dearly, Zindel wrote in his sentencing memo to the judge. In that darkness, he asks the Court to sentence him to the time he has already served (36 days) and to permit him to serve the remainder of his guideline term in home detention so that he may continue to parent his one-year-old daughter and continue to address the long-standing injuries resulting from his years of military service.

Riley, who pleaded guilty in March to a single felony count of obstructing an official proceeding, is scheduled to be the third of four Sacramento-area Jan. 6 defendants to face sentencing.

Valerie Elaine Ehrke of Arbuckle received probation, and Tommy Frederick Allan of Rocklin is serving a 21-month sentence at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. Auburn construction worker Sean Michael McHugh is due in court Thursday in a case where prosecutors are seeking a sentence of more than 10 years.

Zindel argues that Riley deserves leniency because he believed Trumps false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, and that Riley was following the urging of his commander-in-chief when he entered the Capitol.

More than two and a half years later, even with the former President under felony indictments in this district and elsewhere, millions of Americans continue to believe this claim and hope that President Trump will retake the White House, where he has vowed to pardon all the protesters he encouraged to come to Washington on January 6, Zindel wrote. While the law condemns Mr. Rileys actions and requires the Court to impose just punishment, millions of citizens would regard Mr. Riley as a patriot who was motivated by the greater good.

Zindel argues that Riley did not attack any officers while at the Capitol and that he did not force his way in but simply walked through a door with others.

He contends Riley, an American Indian who never knew his father, grew up in an abusive household where his mother and he were beaten by his stepfather.

As a child he had to parent his own siblings, learning how to cook and clean when he was in the third grade, Zindel wrote. He says that, when he was a boy, I gave up on happiness, and went years without smiling.

Jorge Riley, seen in an undated California drivers license photo, was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in connection with the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol is accused by the FBI of illegally entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct at the Capitol when he allegedly entered House Speaker Nancy Pelosias office.

He added that Riley is 100% disabled from frequently carrying a heavy rucksack and an enormous machine gun during his four years in the Army, and that at times he has been homeless.

Today, Zindel wrote, Riley has enjoyed peace and stability over the last year after moving in with his girlfriend, with whom he has a 1-year-old daughter named Reagan.

He noted that Rileys friends have written letters on his behalf citing his kindness, generosity, patriotism, sincerity, remorse, and so on.

The government disputes that Riley has exhibited any signs of remorse, noting that immediately after the insurrection he posted a number of messages on Facebook boasting of his actions and castigating then-Vice President Mike Pence for certifying the Electoral College vote tally for Biden after the Capitol had been cleared of rioters.

Jorge Riley is seen in the bottom left corner of an image taken from U.S. Capitol Police video inside Statuary Hall on Jan. 6, 2021. Riley, an Army veteran who was seen participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, is expected to be sentenced in court Wednesday.

You broke my heart you f-----, Riley wrote, according to court filings.

Eight days after the insurrection, as video of Riley describing his actions at the Capitol began to surface, the Sacramento and California Republican Assemblies emailed him demanding his immediate resignation because of your illegal, felony actions at the U.S. Capitol, court records say.

Riley replied to the demand citing Republican leaders as Unpatriotic Non-Veterans Judging Me.

I will at the request of you cowardly do-nothing unpatriotic bastards resign my post so that I dont Embarrass you do-nothing cowards, he wrote, according to court filings. It was my honor to serve my country and my party that apparently left me.

God bless America, and President Trump.

(Two months after the Capitol Riot, the Sacramento Republican Assembly honored Riley at a dinner meeting for his long service on the groups board.)

In a Facebook post created Tuesday, March 9, 2021, by California Republican Assembly national committeeman Bill Cardoza, Capitol riot suspect Jorge Riley, center, is seen being honored with an award for his service to the Sacramento Republican Assembly. The post came two months after Riley was allegedly involved with the insurrection in Washington, D.C., in which he has been charged.

The government argues that Riley has now technically accepted responsibility by pleading guilty, but notes that at the March hearing during which he pleaded guilty he demonstrated a complete lack of remorse.

At the end of his plea hearing, he announced to the court that he wore his best Trump tie before leaving the courtroom, prosecutors wrote. After the hearing, Riley promptly attended a nightly vigil for January 6 defendants outside of the D.C. Jail, talking with inmates on the phone, joining in chants and songs with them, and standing under a Prisoner of War  J6  You Are Not Forgotten flag.
The Earth just sweltered through its hottest June-August on record, European scientists announced Wednesday. In addition, ocean temperatures were also at unprecedented highs in August and Antarctic sea ice remained at a record low for the time of year.

It was also the hottest August on record  by a large margin  and the second-hottest month ever, after July 2023, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Climatologists define summer as the months of June, July and August. Officially, the first day of fall isn't until Sept. 23.

Our planet has just endured a season of simmering  the hottest summer on record," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "Climate breakdown has begun."

Record warm oceans and record-low Antarctic sea ice

August had the warmest global monthly average ocean-surface temperatures on record, at nearly 70 degrees (F). Temperatures beat the prior record (March 2016) each day in August, the WMO reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The extent of sea ice in Antarctica also was at a record low level for August, with a monthly value of 2% below average, easily the "largest negative anomaly" for the month since the late 1970s, when records began, according to the WMO.

Antarctic sea ice extent was literally off the charts, and the global sea surface temperature was once again at a new record, WMOs secretary-general, Petteri Taalas, said in a statement. It is worth noting that this is happening BEFORE we see the full warming impact of the El Nino event, which typically plays out in the second year after it develops.

As exceptionally warm weather moves into the upper Midwest, a pedestrian walks at sunset in Oconomowoc, Wis., Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

2023 temperatures so far

The year so far (January to August) is the second-warmest on record behind 2016, when there was a powerful El Nino, the WMO said.

Scientists blame human-caused climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, with an extra push from a natural El Nino, which is a temporary warming of tropical Pacific Ocean water.

"The scientific evidence is overwhelming  we will continue to see more climate records and more intense and frequent extreme weather events impacting society and ecosystems, until we stop emitting greenhouse gases," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

USA TODAY, Ipsos poll: 20% of Americans fear climate change could force them to move

Extreme heat also impacts air quality

The new readings on high global temperatures came as the WMO released its latest bulletin on air quality and climate, noting that extreme heat, compounded by wildfires and desert dust, has had a measurable impact on air quality, human health and the environment.

The Northern Hemisphere just had a summer of extremes  with repeated heat waves fueling devastating wildfires, harming health, disrupting daily lives and wreaking a lasting toll on the environment," Taalas said.

Tipping points: The world inches closer to feared global warming 'tipping points': 5 disastrous scenarios

More reports coming

NOAA and NASA will also release their climate data for the summer later this month. Both agencies use different data sets than the WMO and Copernicus, but they will likely also report that summer of 2023 was a record-breaker.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hottest summer ever? Data shows record heat in June-August 2023
Summer 2023 has proved to be a literally historic season, at least as far as climate change is concerned. In a recent statement, United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the global climate is "breaking down," adding that the past three months were the warmest ever recorded in human history. "Our planet has just endured a season of simmering  the hottest summer on record. Climate breakdown has begun," Guterres declared, later employing a vivid metaphor: "The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting."

Guterres was responding to a report by the World Meteorological Association which found that over the past three months Earth experienced the hottest temperatures ever recorded, including historic sea surface temperatures and a series of extreme weather events. August 2023 proved to be the second hottest month ever recorded, only surpassed by July 2023. Overall, the period of June through August 2023 the average global temperature was 16.77C (62.19F), constituting a significant increase of 0.66C (33.19F) above the normal average.

Global temperatures this summer were the highest on record, EU agency says pic.twitter.com/th7olvxqHs  BNO News (@BNONews) September 6, 2023

Perhaps the most conspicuous detail of the Summer 2023 heatwave was the extreme weather that accompanied it, particularly wildfires. According to a July 2023 study in the scientific journal PNAS, the combination of heatwaves with other extreme weather events like droughts will increasingly harm ordinary people. "Compound drought and heatwaves severely threaten socio-ecological systems, leading to greater impacts  e.g., wildfires, crop failure, and heat-related mortalities," co-author Dr. Ashok Mishra, a professor at Clemson University's Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth's Science, told Salon at the time.
Climate change has caused many ecological and environmental changes including more extreme weather, record-high temperatures and more risk of disease. However, climate change may have also altered the world's water cycle, which dictates rainfall.

What is the water cycle?

The water cycle shows the "continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere" in which "liquid water evaporates into water vapor, condenses to form clouds and precipitates back to Earth in the form of rain and snow," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Rain is pivotal to human society, impacting the weather and agriculture, as well as streams and rivers.

The water cycle has been "extremely stable during  the past 11,700 years," but now "the damage runs deep, but it is still fixable," reported New Scientist. "We've allowed ourselves to think that water is simply something that comes back every year  and we can trust it," Johan Rockstrom, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, told the source. "We must recognize that  we're actually not able to trust the source anymore."

How has it been impacted?

Because of anthropological actions, the water cycle has been "intensifying," causing an "increase in both wet extremes, including more intense rainfall over most regions, and dry extremes, including drying in the Mediterranean, southwestern Australia, southwestern South America, South Africa and western North America," The Conversation stated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The main reason is rising temperatures that, in turn, raise the "upper limit on the amount of moisture in the air," increasing the "potential for more rain," the source continued. "With those warmer temperatures, it impacts the rainfall patterns, which means through changes in circulation, instead of rain falling where it used to, it is now falling offshore," Dr. Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, told Euronews. Weather patterns are changing "more rapidly than we've seen in the past."

In addition, the United Nations declared a global water crisis. "We are draining humanity's lifeblood through vampiric overconsumption and unsustainable use," remarked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "We've broken the water cycle, destroyed ecosystems and contaminated groundwater." In turn, there's "simply not enough fresh water left anymore," added U.N. General Assembly President Csaba Korosi.

What does it mean for the future?

Without limiting climate action, "both wet and dry extremes and the general variability of the water cycle will increase, although not uniformly around the globe," reported The Conversation. It's also important to stick to our "planetary boundaries," according to Rockstrom, which are "global life-support systems we must keep within certain limits to maintain a habitable Earth." Freshwater use is one of them. Warmer temperatures and poor land use have also impacted the land's ability to hold water, reducing the amount of "green water," which is essential to the water cycle. "When we have deforestation, we lose the green water flow."

"The land use has changed and somehow has decreased the possibility for the water to reach the ground," said Dr. Florence Habets, a research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, told Euronews. "If you keep some places where water can slowly infiltrate to the soil, some wetlands, let's say, this would be good." It's also important to keep warming to a minimum, as the impacts will only become more severe as global temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees Celsius, north of pre-industrial levels.

"We broke the hydrological cycle," Henk Ovink, the Netherlands special envoy for international water affairs, told New Scientist. "Now we have to bring it back."

You may also like

Homepage
Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar confirmed that parts of a Russian drone fell on Romania's soil after a strike against a Ukrainian port on the Danube River, CNN reported on Sept. 6.

The minister said this to CNN's affiliate in Romania A3CNN after visiting the area.

Russian forces have repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, Izmail, and Reni, lying not far from the Romanian border.

Following a Russian drone attack against Izmail overnight on Sept. 4, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko said that an unspecified number of drones had fallen and detonated in Romania.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bucharest has initially denied the reports, with the country's Defense Ministry saying that the attacks did not pose any direct military threat to Romania.

This is not the first incident of a Russian drone reportedly crossing the Romanian border. On Aug. 3, reports emerged that Russian drones had crossed into Romania's territory during an Aug. 2 attack against Izmail.

Read also: Bucharest denies Kyivs claim that Russian drones fell in Romania

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor on Tuesday to Capt. Larry Taylor, a Vietnam War pilot who flew his attack helicopter into heavy enemy gunfire until he ran out of ammunition, then led a daring rescue of a small team of soldiers who had been left for dead.

It was June 18, 1968. A four-man, long-range reconnaissance patrol team was surrounded and about to be overrun by more than 100 Vietnamese enemy fighters.

Taylor, flying one of two AH-1G Cobra helicopters, reached the battlefield just northeast of Saigon. He slammed the advancing enemy with rockets and minigun fire for nearly an hour, trying to buy time for a rescue helicopter to arrive. But that rescue mission was called off when leaders determined the four-man team on the ground were certain to die and that rescue craft would be shot down.

Read Next: Parris Island Marine Officer Arrested in Florida, Marking Latest Leadership Troubles for Training Command

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Taylor's aircraft was so heavily damaged that it was at a huge risk of losing function, and he was ordered to retreat back to base.

But he refused the order.

Taylor, piloting his two-man attack helicopter, initiated his own unconventional and dangerous rescue attempt.

"It's incredible. How he refused to give up, refused to leave a fellow American behind.  When duty called, Larry did everything to answer," Biden said at the White House award ceremony.

Taylor was at the White House ceremony on Tuesday, where Biden draped the highest military award for valor around his neck.

He flew over 2,000 combat missions in Cobra and UH-1 helicopters, and was forced down by enemy fire five times. After his Army service, he worked for a sheet metal and roofing company in Tennessee where he and his wife live today.

During the fighting in 1968, Taylor served with D-Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division.

The soldiers on the ground fired a flare, showing then-1st Lt. Taylor exactly where they were to avoid friendly fire. But doing so also showed the Vietnamese forces their location, inviting more intense, and precise, attacks. The enemy was so close, the helicopters were firing directly in front of the recon team.

The soldiers were directed to open ground, where the Cobra could land. In a typical situation, as the troops on the ground broke away from the enemy, they would be covered by another friendly force -- in this case, attack helicopters -- to rain down fire to keep the enemy pinned down and distracted.

But after some final minigun bursts, the Cobras were out of ammunition. Taylor then flew dangerously close to the enemy and did all the maneuvers of an attack run to draw their fire. Not knowing the helicopter was out of ammo and no longer a threat, the Vietnamese fighters targeted Taylor, giving the recon team time to escape.

"He drew the enemy fire himself, tricking the enemy into thinking he still had ammo," Biden said.

Taylor, with his helicopter painted with bullet holes, landed to retrieve the recon team. But a Cobra has no cargo room for passengers; it has space only for the pilots. So the reconnaissance team held onto the skids and rocket pods outside of the helicopter. Soaked in mud, those would likely have frozen on a flight all the way back to base, so Taylor landed in a safe location, from which they made their way back on foot.

"He rewrote the fate of four families for generations to come," Biden said. "That's valor; that's our nation at its very best."

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Paris Davis, Black Green Beret in Vietnam, Finally Awarded Medal of Honor at White House
WASHINGTON  A potential high-stakes meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin is just one of several indications that the Russian president may be getting nervous  even desperate  as Moscow's war in Ukraine grinds on into its 18th month.

As Ukraine makes some limited progress in its counteroffensive, Russian troops in the hotly contested southern coastal area of Ukraine are cracking down on an apparent resurgence of national patriotism, launching surprise checks and propaganda efforts to stave off a possible revolt, a senior Ukrainian defense ministry official said Monday.

Cuba, one of Russia's most stalwart allies, is publicly accusing Moscow of trying to bolster its war effort by conscripting Cuban men and forcing them to fight against their will in Ukraine, a top Cuban official said Tuesday.

And perhaps most tellingly, the Russian president is trying to double down on his alliance with North Korea  a pariah state sanctioned and shunned by most of the worlds nations  in an apparent attempt to get more ammunition and weapons for use in Ukraine, U.S. national security officials said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I think it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that it expected would be over in a week, that in September of 2023 it is going to North Korea to get munitions to try to continue to grind out on the battlefield in Ukraine," national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a White House briefing Tuesday.

A new post-Cold War alliance?

Russia and North Korea have had a complicated and on-again off-again relationship in recent decades.

But there are indications that the two countries are forging a closer-than-ever alliance, in part because of Putin's need for help in Ukraine  and North Korea's need for influential allies in the region, according to U.S. officials and former top national security officials, including John Bolton and Anthony Ruggiero.

Dig deeper: Will Vladimir Putin keep his grip on power? Coup attempt dials up pressure over Ukraine war

Both countries are becoming increasingly isolated on the worlds geopolitical stage. In Russia's case, it is because of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. North Korea has become more isolated because of its escalation in test-launching missile systems in violation of international treaties.

Last July, Kim invited Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to a major military parade in the capital of Pyongyang while pledging to expand military cooperation between the two countries. Current and former U.S. officials and North Korea analysts say that would primarily involve North Korea filling a crucial void by supplying Russia with artillery and other ammunition.

Putin has been reaching out to presumed allies and even neutral countries in an effort to replace ammunition that is being used up increasingly quickly since Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June.

In recent weeks, Kim and Putin exchanged official letters discussing the possibility of North Korea sending more munitions to Russia to help in its war effort. And on Monday, The New York Times reported that Kim plans to travel to Vladivostok, Russia, to meet with Putin to discuss supplying Russia with more weapons.

The agreement would help both countries, according to Bolton, a former national security adviser in the Trump administration, and Ruggiero, senior director for North Korea and weapons proliferation issues on the White House National Security Council until 2021.

Putin wants Kim to send Russia artillery shells and other materiel, including guided missiles designed to destroy heavily armored tanks, while Kim wants advanced nuclear and satellite technology to hit and destroy powered submarines, The Times said, citing unnamed U.S. officials.

Kim also is seeking food for North Koreas 25 million people, who are suffering from severe food shortages. At least 60% of North Koreans live in extreme poverty, according to analysts.

Both leaders would be on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University in the Russian port city just north of North Korea for the Eastern Economic Forum, which is set to run Sept. 10 to 13, according to The Times and other media outlets. They said Kim also plans to visit Pier 33, where naval ships from Russias Pacific fleet dock.

Growing concern in Washington

White House officials told USA TODAY they could not comment on The Times report or on the top-secret intelligence they have gathered on military cooperation talks between the North Korean and Russian leaders.

Sullivan told reporters the United States' visibility into the quality and quantity of the weapons North Korea could provide is "somewhat constrained," but Washington will continue to look at the question carefully.

But National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement to USA TODAY that as we have warned publicly, arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing, using the official name of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Watson said Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, traveled to North Korea in July to try to convince Pyongyang to sell artillery ammunition to Russia.

We have information that Kim Jong-Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia, Watson said. We urge the DPRK to cease its arms negotiations with Russia and abide by the public commitments that Pyongyang has made to not provide or sell arms to Russia.

Recruits carry ammunition during a military training at a firing range in the Rostov-on-Don region in southern Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the military has recruited over 200,000 reservists as part of a partial mobilization launched two weeks ago.

After Shoigu met with Kim in July, another group of Russian officials traveled to Pyongyang for follow-on discussions about potential arms deals between the DPRK and Russia," White House spokesman John Kirby said last week. "Following these negotiations, high-level discussions may continue in coming months.

Kirby also said U.S. officials warned at the end of last year that North Korea had delivered infantry rockets and missiles into Russia for use by Wagner, Moscows paramilitary proxy group. Wagner was headed by former Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin until his death in a plane crash last month after mounting an aborted uprising against Putin.

In response, Kirby said, We will continue to identify, expose, and counter Russian attempts to acquire military equipment from the DPRK or any other state that is prepared to support its war in Ukraine.

An 'extraordinary' expenditure of ammunition

In an interview, Bolton  an expert on North Korea  said he wasnt surprised by Putins overtures to Pyongyang for help in Ukraine.

The Russians are expending ammunition in this war in Ukraine at extraordinary rates, Bolton said. Of course, so are the Ukrainians.

The difference is that a massive U.S.-led coalition has been helping Ukraine with ammunition, heavy weapons, tanks, missile systems and warplanes, while Russia has been forced to persuade allies and neutral countries to risk global isolation by helping Moscow, Bolton said.

Bolton also said it makes sense for Russia to seek military aid from North Korea, a fellow communist nation that uses similar, if not identical, Soviet-era weapons systems. The artillery shells are interchangeable in most cases, and it's a perfectly logical place to go.

A burgeoning alliance between key U.S. adversaries

The weapons talks between North Korea and Russia are also likely to expand the broader alliance between the two U.S. adversaries.

We can see here a real looming kind of restoration of the Cold War blocs, with Russia, North Korea and China all jockeying for position in a new anti-Western alliance, said Ingu Hwang, a Boston College professor, author and longtime expert on modern Korean history and Cold War East Asian diplomacy.

Even if Kim doesnt travel to meet Putin at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok next week, a summit is inevitable given the two nations diplomatic trajectory, Hwang told USA TODAY.

Even if it actually does not take place this month, we cannot and will not be surprised if it takes place in two months or three months, Hwang said. Its very predictable.

More: War would end within days if West stopped arming Ukraine, Russia says: Live updates

Russia also is believed to have proposed that North Korea participate in three-way naval exercises with China, South Korean National Intelligence Service Director Kim Kyou-hyun said. That's according to The Associated Press, which cited a lawmaker who attended a closed-door briefing Monday with the head of South Korea's top spy agency.

In that meeting, the South Korean spy leader said he believed Shoigu, the Russian military chief, likely proposed including North Korea in the drills during his visit to Pyongyang in July.

Conscripted soldiers from Russia  and Cuba?

On Tuesday, the Cuban government issued a statement saying it had detected and is working to neutralize and dismantle a human trafficking network that operates from Russia in order to incorporate Cuban citizens living there and even some living in Cuba, into the military forces that participate in military operations in Ukraine.

Russian officials had no immediate response to the charges, or to Cubas claims that those involved in the trafficking were trying to promote distorted information that seeks to tarnish the countrys image and present it as an accomplice to these actions that we firmly reject.

Attempts of this nature have been neutralized and criminal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in these activities, according to the statement by the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Last year, Russia announced a plan to boost the size of its armed forces by more than a third, in part because of heavy casualties in the war in Ukraine.

Ruggiero said that North Korea has also sent conscripted workers to Russia to help in various civilian work projects, including the Sochi Olympics, and that it was a profit center for the Pyongyang government, which kept 90% of the wages paid to the workers by Moscow.

So far, Ruggiero said, there were no indications that Russia is using North Koreans in the war effort. But he said it probably plans to use them in rebuilding efforts in Ukraine if and when a cease-fire or end of hostilities is enacted.

I think that's another area that Russia will probably be interested in, Ruggiero said. And, of course, North Korea will be happy to do it. Theyre already making hundreds of millions of dollars on this overseas labor front.

Recent Russian losses in Ukraine

There are also signs that Ukraine's oft-stalled counteroffensive is making progress, including eradicating Russia's network of trenches, minefields and underground tunnels.

The Kyiv government has confirmed it has captured a key village on the southern Zaporizhzhia front, which could allow it to seize more territory in the crucial overland route to Crimea. One photo published by Reuters shows an obliterated Russian tank on the side of the road near Robotyne last Friday.

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Monday that Ukrainian forces had liberated the village of Robotyne, bringing Ukraine into contact with Russias main defense line to the south covering routes to the Sea of Azov.

Maliar said Russian occupation authorities are increasingly trying to crack down on the spread of pro-Ukrainian sentiment in contested areas, including through the use of planned and unannounced inspections and special propaganda campaigns, according to one translation on X, formerly Twitter.

Ukraine's progress there is relatively modest, Maliar said, but indicative of Kyiv's slow and steady progress since the start of its counteroffensive in June. "Offensive is a long process, and war is long," she said, according to another English-language translation on X. "Now we can see that our offensive is happening. For example, in one place certain milestones were passed, in another - the first line of defense. We move on."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Russia is tapping North Korea for weapons help in Ukraine war
Maybe Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a card up its sleeve.

Or maybe it's bluffing as it pertains to finding a source of the gray wolves it is mandated to reintroduce into the state by the end of this year.

The wildlife agency told the Coloradoan on Friday in an email: "We anticipate that we will find a solution in time to release wolves prior to the December 31, 2023 deadline.''

That despite state governments in Wyoming and Idaho already informing Colorado they would not serve as a wolf source for Colorado. Two more states told the Coloradoan late last week that they won't provide Colorado wolves by its deadline.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That leaves Oregon as the only state as a viable possibility to provide the predator to Colorado with about three months before the state wishes to release 10 to 15 wolves west of the Continental Divide. With 178 wolves at the end of 2022, Oregon has the fewest wolves of any of the states considered as potential sources for Colorado.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife told the Coloradoan it is not looking at states other than Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, as stated in its final wolf management plan, and it is not looking to source wolves from Canada.

But a new player has emerged as a potential wolf source.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife told the Coloradoan late last week it has "reached out to the Nez Perce Tribe and may reach out to other tribes as we seek to explore all options for potential sources.''

Here's a look at the latest developments:

Two more states say they won't provide wolves to Colorado in 2023

Colorado's wolf source list shrunk again late last week.

Montana was previously leaning toward not helping Colorado in its search for source wolves. But late last week Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park spokesperson Greg Lemon confirmed to the Coloradoan that the state is definitely out.

"We have had direct conversations between our director and Colorado's director and we are not interested,'' Lemon said. "Wolves are a controversial topic and we have enough to deal with focusing on our management and that's where our focus will be.''

Montana's following the footsteps of Wyoming and Idaho in confirming it won't provide wolves to Colorado was expected, given Montana aligns politically with Wyoming and Idaho.

Washington, however, not being a wolf source for Colorado this year is based more on biology than politics.

Washington, like Oregon, aligns more with Colorado politically. And Jeff Davis, the recently hired director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, came to the state after working in the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Julia Smith, Washington's wolf policy lead, told the Coloradoan late last week that its biologists have talked to Colorado's biologists to determine what Colorado is looking for regarding sourcing. She said ultimately, it is up to the state's game and fish commission to determine if it wishes to take up the topic and sign off on any agreement.

"Colorado's deadline complicates things,'' Smith said. "For Washington to provide wolves to Colorado before Dec. 31 is very unlikely. We shared if the commission gave us the green light, the earliest we could do anything is early 2024.''

Beth Quillian, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the Coloradoan late last week: "We received a request from Colorado to discuss the possibility of Oregon being a source for wolves. We continue to meet with them about what it might take, but no formal agreement decision.''

She did not know if the state could provide wolves to Colorado by the end of 2023.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife placed GPS collars on two wolves in North Park on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

Is the Nez Perce tribe Colorado Parks and Wildlife's lifeline to wolves this year?

With options for state help dwindling, Colorado appears now to be banking on help from tribes in acquiring at least some of the first 10 to 15 wolves to be reintroduced into the state.

The Nez Perce tribe is one of a handful of federally recognized Native American tribes located in Idaho. It is located in the heart of Idaho's wolf country, spilling over into Washington's far southeast corner and Oregon's far northeast corner.

There are many such Native American tribes located in Montana, Washington and Oregon.

"I think it's feasible for some tribes to exercise their sovereignty and give Colorado wolves,'' said retired federal wildlife biologist Carter Niemeyer, who worked with the Nez Perce and other tribes on wolf recovery and management during his three-decade career. "Others maybe want to work with the state and not get on the bad side of those states not wanting to be sources for Colorado.

"Not all tribes think alike when it comes to wolves.''

Multiple messages left over several days with Nez Perce tribe wildlife staff went unanswered.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife did not identify which other tribes it may reach out as potential sources of wolves.

Native American tribes have the right to govern themselves as distinct governments, with few exceptions, including wildlife regulations.

The Nez Perce tribe was instrumental in the early recovery of wolves in Idaho in the mid-1990s and management of the predator over the ensuing decade.

The tribe's website said its territory supports hundreds of wolves.

What happens if Colorado can't source wolves for reintroduction by the end of the year?

The answer to that is in question.

"This topic of where to get wolves never came up in discussion and nobody ever asked what would happen if no states would give Colorado wolves,'' said Niemeyer, who sat on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Gray Wolf Reintroduction Technical Working Group that helped formulate the state's recovery plan.

Proposition 114 was the citizen ballot initiative to reintroduce wolves and which was approved by voters by a roughly 51% to 49% margin in November of 2020.

Since then, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been working on a recovery and management plan to comply with the measure to reintroduce wolves west of the Continental Divide by the end of 2023.

The reintroduced wolves would be in addition to a male and female that naturally migrated to the state and birthed Colorado's first wolf pups in 80 years.

Rob Edward, president of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund, which spearheaded the campaign to pass the measure, said he expects Colorado to comply with the voters' will.

"The law is the law,'' he said. "If for some reason the state couldn't find wolves to reintroduce but showed due diligence in its efforts and it didn't happen by the end of December, the governor and his team would have to comply as quickly as possible.''

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has stated publicly he is in full support of wolf reintroduction.

Edward said there is no interest among wolf advocacy groups to sue the state for not having complied with the law if it can show due diligence toward securing wolves. He said the efforts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho refusing to provide Colorado with wolves that those states are killing will go for naught.

"There is a political mentality among those states to stand strong with their Colorado agricultural brethren,'' Edward said. "But ultimately Colorado will have wolves on the ground by at least the beginning of 2024.''

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado's wolf source options keeps growing uncomfortably short
Interim police chief Stoney Mathis took over as interim police chief in May of this year after Columbus mayor Skip Henderson invoked his executive powers to appoint Mathis.

Since then he has been trying to tackle multiple issues he sees within the department.

Mathis, with experience as police chief for two other police departments under his belt, has set out to fix concerns such as low morale on a more permanent basis.

Mathis also has thrown his hat in the ring to become full-time chief of the department.

A privately funded study conducted by Jensen-Hughes that served as the impetus for former chief of police Freddie Blackmons dismissal cited low morale and gang violence as concerns.

Stoney Mathis answers questions from the media Monday morning. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson has appointed Chief Stoney Mathis as Interim police chief of the Columbus Police Department. 05/08/2023

Blackmons attorneys argued that the study relied heavily on Columbuss Fraternal Order of Police which was critical of Blackmon. The group is led by Lt. Ralph Dowe, who is white, and who has sued the city citing he was denied a promotion due to his race.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Though Mathis had no original intentions of leading the department permanently when he took the job, he has since changed his mind.

Its an opportunity for me to come into this organization and just help these police officers out, get them back up on their feet, get them where theyre back proud of the police department, proud of the job that theyre doing, show the community that we really do have an opportunity to reduce the crime rate, build the relationships with the community, and this can all be done very quickly, Mathis said.

Mathis discussed his new pay plan and other issues he has seen within the department and city and how he plans on fixing them.

To help boost morale Mathis has come up with a plan to cut 44 positions from the budgeted amount of around 480 officers in order to provide a $5,000 pay raise to each 911 dispatcher and police officer to help boost officer retention levels in the department. The proposed cuts would save approximately $2.5 million in order to allow for the pay raise, he says.

Mathis said that he went through the records back to 2012 and saw that the department would typically hire about 50 officers a year and lose about the same amount each year.

Stoney Mathis answers questions from the media Monday morning. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson has appointed Chief Stoney Mathis as Interim police chief of the Columbus Police Department. 05/08/2023

My goal when I first came here was to eliminate everyone leaving, Mathis said. You cant make them stay, but what you can do is you can make the work environment so enticing that people feel like theyre part of a family and they dont want to leave.

Mathis said that the Columbus Police Department is currently around 190 officers down from the budgeted figure. About 292 officers are currently on street detail.

My contention is, if we pay them more and we do a better job recruiting we can at least get back up to 400 police officers, Mathis said. He said that if he had 100 more police officers than what he currently has he could put more of his strategic crime reduction plans into place.

Mathis said that when officers are stuck going from call to call due to low staffing it makes it harder for proactive policing to reduce crime

Taking action to improve morale and reduce crime

Mathis said one goal he has is to reduce burglaries and entering automobiles to prevent people from stealing weapons and committing more violent crimes.

The more guns we get off the street the better it is for the community, Mathis said. The Columbus Police Department along with other local law enforcement agencies including the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office conducted Operation Honeybadger in June which helped lead to the seizure of 30 illegal firearms in the area.

Mathis said that fewer guns on the street can also possibly lead to lower homicide levels.

The department has also switched to 12 hour shifts which has placed more police officers on the street, according to Mathis. This has also allowed Mathis to place one officer per shift in a specialized unit.

Mathis has begun an initiative to hire and place 30 people into the September police academy class. He said that they currently have 24 people heading to the September police academy with around 30 people in the hiring process.

One reason for additional applicants could be the streamlining of the application process

Morale has been boosted by city council passing a resolution to allow CPD officers who live in Alabama to take their patrol cars home, according to Mathis.

Mathis has made other small changes such as allowing officers to wear hats and getting rid of harsh punishments for minor infractions. One such change is getting rid of policies such as officers being given a day suspension if they hit a curb in their car or were more than 20 minutes late.

These officers already dont make any money and then were going to take money for them because if you get suspended for a day you dont get paid, Mathis said.

Why does Mathis want the full-time job?

Mathis said he doesnt want to leave when the department has gained some positive momentum only for another police chief to come in and change things.

Stoney Mathis

I think that I have the aptitude and the personality to continue to make this place better; thats the only reason Ive applied, Mathis said.

Mathis said if he were to receive the full time position he would likely commit to three to five years during which time he could find someone within or outside the department to mentor to help them to possibly become the new chief.
Columbus Short still has a chip on his shoulder after the experience he had meeting his idol, Denzel Washington.

The Stomp the Yard lead was in the running to join the cast of The Great Debaters when he had an unforgettable interaction with the acclaimed actor.

Columbus Short says Denzel Washington made him feel small when they met years ago, so he named his child after the actor to feel less emasculated. (Photo: Officialcshort/Instagram.)

According to Short, when he auditioned for the role of Henry Lowe, he had to endure multiple rounds of a scene with Washington in a room full of studio executives, which left him bewildered by the industry veterans tactics of weeding out subpar talent.

In the end, reportedly despite announcements that he had been cast, Nate Parker ultimately landed the gig.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The impression the former dancer had of Washingtons perceived mental warfare lingered, even after Short went on to star in several other successful projects, including Armored with Laurence Fishburne.

In an episode of the Moguls In The Making podcast, Short rehashed how the Boyz n the Hood actor acted as a mentor for him while on set, something he thought Washington would have done.

Instead, he said he suffered a bruised ego that bled into his personal life. My sons name is Denzel. Denzel, he kept little ngaing me, like, he kept making me feel like a little nga, said Short about their early-2000s meeting.

RELATED: Columbus Short Confirms Exit from Scandal Amid Personal Woes

He kept doing that to me, so finally I was like, boom, and Im just truncating the story, but when my son was about to be born, I was like, my wife was like, What are we naming our son? I was like Denzel. Cause why? Cause now hes my little nga, he explained.

The revelation was off-putting to fans, who were unaware the men had ever crossed paths. When were Columbus Short and Denzel ever in the same atmosphere? asked one person on X.

Lmao not Columbus Short saying Denzel Washington kept little niggaing him so he named his son Denzel so he will always be his little nigga  Denny D (@KushColombiana) September 5, 2023

Another commented, This has got to be the DUMBEST ST EVER!!! From Columbus Shorts explanation of why his son is named Denzel to the host replying with tHaTs DeEp. In his 2020 autobiography, Short Stories, Short noted that his admiration for Washington was also a factor when naming his son.

The truth is, he remains to be my favorite actor, period. He is brilliant in all his choices on screen, and after years of seeking his validation of my existence in the business, I am finally at peace with it all and still would jump at the chance to share the screen with him. My son carries my heros name; hes destined for greatness, Short wrote.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Elsewhere in the book, he claimed that the actor was unreceptive to his auditioning for a part in Fences, but that years later, while starring on Scandal, he finally earned Washingtons nod of approval for his work.
Columbus State Community College will launch and lead a new $7.5 million national center focused on information technology and training for in-demand tech jobs, the college announced Wednesday morning.

The National Information Technology Innovation Center will work with several community colleges around the country, employers and other stakeholders to train students to become credentialed, highly skilled technicians in two years or less.

More: Biden administration picks Columbus as workforce hub after Intel, Honda

Were pleased to lead the way with the National Information Technology Innovation Center (NITIC), which will play a crucial role in Americas tech economy, Columbus State President David Harrison said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Columbus State is the NITIC's lead institution, with additional partners from Collin College in McKinney, Texas; Lone Star College in Houston; Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix; and Sinclair College in Dayton.

The center will be funded through federal dollars from the National Science Foundation as part of its Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. The grant will be awarded over the next five years, with an option to renew for an additional five years. It will be the only ATE national center focused on IT education.

Shane Kirby, Columbus States director of advancement partnerships, said its not often that two-year colleges are recipients of federal grants like this.

"These will be prestigious degrees for students graduating from these schools," Kirby said.

This center will be a flagship for Columbus State and will be the latest of the college's recent workforce initiatives. Earlier this summer, Columbus State announced a massive $120 million partnership with OhioHealth to double healthcare jobs in the region, and the Biden administration recognized the community college as a workforce hub.

Lights flicker on a new broadband router connected to a data tower in Lowell, Ohio. The tower, which had a broadband router added to it through CARES Act money, will provide broadband internet access to about 300 people in the nearby area.

As part of the NITIC, partner companies will participate in a national Business Industry Leadership Team, which Kirby said will act as "the voice of the employer." Those industry experts will help keep course curriculum up to date with industry standards, as well as have access to a pipeline of new graduates for apprenticeships and jobs.

Employer needs are rapidly changing, Harrison said. Employer partnerships will help the community colleges adopt new technologies as they emerge and build up a highly skilled, inclusive, IT workforce, he said.

The center will also create an IT Innovation Network to benchmark best practices, share ideas and resources among instructors, and find ways to increase the number of women, people of color and veterans in IT careers.

This is a big moment, said Gloria Rogiers, Columbus States dean of information systems technology. NSF is counting on us to deliver based on our track record of success. Im confident the NITIC will be a game-changer in meeting the needs of our countrys economic future.

Higher education: Intel to give Ohio colleges $17.7 million for semiconductor research, education

Nationally, there is enormous demand for IT training, as tech jobs in STEM industries are expected to double the pace of average U.S. job growth over the next decade.

For instance, there is a deficit of more than 680,000 cybersecurity jobs, many of which are entry- and mid-level career positions, said Lawrence McWherter, an assistant professor of cybersecurity at Columbus State and the grant's principal investigator.

"Really anything we're developing in the U.S., anything that connects to the internet, all of it touches the IT space," McWherter said.

According to Ohio Means Jobs, there were more than 1,200 job ads for software developers and other computer occupations in July for central Ohio, accounting for two of the top 10 occupations with the most need.

McWherter said this center will leverage each school's experience and successes to create a program that truly helps meet demand.

"Im excited to combine our strength toward the common goals of provisioning and strengthening the nations IT workforce as a critical asset," he said.

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here.

shendrix@dispatch.com

@sheridan120

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus State to lead $7.5 million national center for IT education
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is expanding his requests of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), seeking more emails and documents from when President Biden was vice president that concerned Hunter Biden and his business associates.

Comer on Tuesday asked the National Archives for unredacted versions of emails that were previously released by the National Archives concerning records on Hunter Biden, the presidents brother James Biden, and their foreign business dealings. In addition, the committee is requesting all emails from specific former Biden aides about Hunter or James Biden; all emails within the Executive Office of the President mentioning various associates of Hunter Biden; and all executive calendars created for Biden during his tenure as vice president.

The letter adds to outstanding requests to the National Archives from the committee. Comer previously requested unredacted versions of another tranche of emails released by the National Archives, with particular interest in emails in which Biden used an alias  reportedly a common practice among high-profile officials.

It also comes as the House GOP has been inching toward opening an impeachment inquiry into Biden over issues related to his familys business dealings.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the letter making the new request, Comer focused on particular December 2015 emails between former Biden spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield and Hunter Biden business associate Eric Schwerin discussing how to respond to a New York Times story.

Joe Biden never built an absolute wall between his familys business dealings and his official government work  his office doors were wide open to Hunter Bidens associates. There is evidence of collusion in the efforts to spin media stories about Burismas corruption while Vice President Biden was publicly pushing an anti-corruption agenda in Ukraine, Comer said in a statement.

The White House pushed back on Comer.

If its a day that ends in Y, James Comer is lying about President Biden. Its all part of his months-long effort to waste time and taxpayer resources on an evidence-free wild goose chase that does absolutely nothing to help improve the lives of Americans, which is what Congress should be prioritizing, and is only focused on politically smearing the President, said Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations.

The timing of the emails between Bedingfield and Schwein was concerning, Comer wrote in the letter, given testimony from former Hunter Biden business associate Devon Archer that Hunter Biden had called D.C. on that same day to try to relieve pressure on Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

The New York Times story Bedingfield and Schwerin were working to respond to examined whether the then-vice presidents message about fighting corruption in Ukraine was undermined by Hunter Bidens membership on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, whose owner Mykola Zlochevsky had millions of dollars frozen in London as part of an investigation into money laundering.

Schwerin and Bedingfield discussed their responses to the upcoming story in emails on Dec. 4, 2015, the National Archives releases show.

While Comer claimed in the letter that Schwerin provided quotes that the White House should use, the email exchange  first made public months ago  shows Schwerin shared quotes from a spokesperson for Hunter Biden and former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski without any other directive.

Bedingfield in an afternoon email that day shared her planned response to Schwerin, noting the VP signed off on this  an apparent reference to her statement rather than Schwerins, which Comers letter did not make clear.

In the statement, she said Biden had no involvement with Hunter Bidens company and that Joe Biden had pushed for years for Ukraine to investigate and prosecute corruption.

The timing of this email traffic is concerning to the Committee, Comer said in the letter, because of Archers testimony. He did not specifically allege that any of the White House response to the story was influenced by any phone call from Hunter Biden to D.C. or further explain why the timing was concerning.

Archer testified that after a Burisma board meeting on or around Dec. 4 in Dubai, he met up with Hunter Biden at the Four Seasons along with Zlochevsky and Burisma adviser Vadym Pozharskyi.

Archer said Zlochevsky and Pozharskyi asked Hunter Biden to make a phone call to help them with some of that pressure they were getting from government investigations into Zlochevsky and more, but did not make a specific request.

Archer said Burisma faced several pressure issues, including 23 million pounds of capital tied up in London, a U.S. visa denied, and a Mexico visa denied. Archer said Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who Republicans have accused Biden of pressuring Ukraine to fire due to an investigation of Burisma, was not specifically on Archers radar as an individual who was targeting Zlochevsky.

Basically the request is like, can D.C. help? Archer said.

After that, Hunter Biden made a call to D.C., Archer said. He did not hear Hunter Bidens call.

Suspiciously, Hunter Bidens associate had a media statement on Burisma approved by Vice President Biden himself the same day Hunter Biden called D.C. for help with the government pressure facing Burisma, Comer said. Americans demand accountability for this abuse of government office for the benefit of the Biden family. The Oversight Committee will continue to pursue all evidence to provide much needed transparency to the American people.

A spokesperson for Oversight Committee Democrats pointed to a 2019 piece by the author of the New York Times story and accused Comer of ignoring the journalists own warnings that Congressional Republicans and the far-right media are just perpetuating debunked conspiracy theories first pushed by former President Trump and Rudy Giuliani to distract from Mr. Trumps first impeachment.

Todays stunt is just more of the same: Burisma conspiracy 2.0, the spokesperson added. Once more, House Republicans are hiding from the fact that after years of probes and conspiracy theories they have no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.

In the letter, Comer pushed back on the National Archives withholding certain information from the committee if deemed to be personal records as defined by the Presidential Records Act.

The Committee has made clear that its investigation involves potential abuse by then-Vice President Biden of his official duties; it cannot be NARA that determines whether certain records do not relate to or have an effect upon those duties, Comer said. If NARA withholds from the Committee documents responsive to Committee requests, the Committee requests NARA produce a log asserting the basis for withholding the document.

Comer requested a response by Sept. 20.

The National Archives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Updated at 12:18 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is expanding his requests of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), seeking more emails and documents from when President Biden was vice president that concerned Hunter Biden and his business associates.

Comer on Tuesday asked the National Archives for unredacted versions of emails that were previously released by the National Archives concerning records on Hunter Biden, the presidents brother James Biden, and their foreign business dealings. In addition, the committee is requesting all emails from specific former Biden aides about Hunter or James Biden; all emails within the Executive Office of the President mentioning various associates of Hunter Biden; and all executive calendars created for Biden during his tenure as vice president.

The letter adds to outstanding requests to the National Archives from the committee. Comer previously requested unredacted versions of another tranche of emails released by the National Archives, with particular interest in emails in which Biden used an alias  reportedly a common practice among high-profile officials.

It also comes as the House GOP has been inching toward opening an impeachment inquiry into Biden over issues related to his familys business dealings.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the letter making the new request, Comer focused on particular December 2015 emails between former Biden spokeswoman Kate Bedingfield and Hunter Biden business associate Eric Schwerin discussing how to respond to a New York Times story.

Joe Biden never built an absolute wall between his familys business dealings and his official government work  his office doors were wide open to Hunter Bidens associates. There is evidence of collusion in the efforts to spin media stories about Burismas corruption while Vice President Biden was publicly pushing an anti-corruption agenda in Ukraine, Comer said in a statement.

The White House pushed back on Comer.

If its a day that ends in Y, James Comer is lying about President Biden. Its all part of his months-long effort to waste time and taxpayer resources on an evidence-free wild goose chase that does absolutely nothing to help improve the lives of Americans, which is what Congress should be prioritizing, and is only focused on politically smearing the President, said Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations.

The timing of the emails between Bedingfield and Schwein was concerning, Comer wrote in the letter, given testimony from former Hunter Biden business associate Devon Archer that Hunter Biden had called D.C. on that same day to try to relieve pressure on Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

The New York Times story Bedingfield and Schwerin were working to respond to examined whether the then-vice presidents message about fighting corruption in Ukraine was undermined by Hunter Bidens membership on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma, whose owner Mykola Zlochevsky had millions of dollars frozen in London as part of an investigation into money laundering.

Schwerin and Bedingfield discussed their responses to the upcoming story in emails on Dec. 4, 2015, the National Archives releases show.

While Comer claimed in the letter that Schwerin provided quotes that the White House should use, the email exchange  first made public months ago  shows Schwerin shared quotes from a spokesperson for Hunter Biden and former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski without any other directive.

Bedingfield in an afternoon email that day shared her planned response to Schwerin, noting the VP signed off on this  an apparent reference to her statement rather than Schwerins, which Comers letter did not make clear.

In the statement, she said Biden had no involvement with Hunter Bidens company and that Joe Biden had pushed for years for Ukraine to investigate and prosecute corruption.

The timing of this email traffic is concerning to the Committee, Comer said in the letter, because of Archers testimony. He did not specifically allege that any of the White House response to the story was influenced by any phone call from Hunter Biden to D.C. or further explain why the timing was concerning.

Archer testified that after a Burisma board meeting on or around Dec. 4 in Dubai, he met up with Hunter Biden at the Four Seasons along with Zlochevsky and Burisma adviser Vadym Pozharskyi.

Archer said Zlochevsky and Pozharskyi asked Hunter Biden to make a phone call to help them with some of that pressure they were getting from government investigations into Zlochevsky and more, but did not make a specific request.

Archer said Burisma faced several pressure issues, including 23 million pounds of capital tied up in London, a U.S. visa denied, and a Mexico visa denied. Archer said Ukrainian prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who Republicans have accused Biden of pressuring Ukraine to fire due to an investigation of Burisma, was not specifically on Archers radar as an individual who was targeting Zlochevsky.

Basically the request is like, can D.C. help? Archer said.

After that, Hunter Biden made a call to D.C., Archer said. He did not hear Hunter Bidens call.

Suspiciously, Hunter Bidens associate had a media statement on Burisma approved by Vice President Biden himself the same day Hunter Biden called D.C. for help with the government pressure facing Burisma, Comer said. Americans demand accountability for this abuse of government office for the benefit of the Biden family. The Oversight Committee will continue to pursue all evidence to provide much needed transparency to the American people.

A spokesperson for Oversight Committee Democrats pointed to a 2019 piece by the author of the New York Times story and accused Comer of ignoring the journalists own warnings that Congressional Republicans and the far-right media are just perpetuating debunked conspiracy theories first pushed by former President Trump and Rudy Giuliani to distract from Mr. Trumps first impeachment.

Todays stunt is just more of the same: Burisma conspiracy 2.0, the spokesperson added. Once more, House Republicans are hiding from the fact that after years of probes and conspiracy theories they have no evidence of wrongdoing by President Biden.

In the letter, Comer pushed back on the National Archives withholding certain information from the committee if deemed to be personal records as defined by the Presidential Records Act.

The Committee has made clear that its investigation involves potential abuse by then-Vice President Biden of his official duties; it cannot be NARA that determines whether certain records do not relate to or have an effect upon those duties, Comer said. If NARA withholds from the Committee documents responsive to Committee requests, the Committee requests NARA produce a log asserting the basis for withholding the document.

Comer requested a response by Sept. 20.

The National Archives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Updated at 12:18 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The situation on the eastern front remains difficult as Russian forces seek to gain the initiative and "take revenge" on Ukrainian troops, General Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Sept. 6, as reported by the Military Media Center.

"The enemy does not abandon plans to reach the (administrative) borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, stubbornly prepares to take revenge and gain the operational initiative," the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces who heads the military operations in the east said.

Russia has occupied parts of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts since 2014 and has pushed to try to capture the whole territory of the two regions during its full-scale invasion. Ukraine continues to hold western areas of Donetsk Oblast, as well as a small part of Luhansk Oblast.

According to Syrskyi, Russia is completing the training of assault units in the Kupiansk direction and shells Ukrainian positions in the area with artillery and mortars every day.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the Lyman direction, Russian forces continue to replace troops with reinforcements from the newly formed 25th Combined Arms Army, the general noted.

Heavy battles reportedly continue also in the Bakhmut direction, where Ukrainian forces advance "step by step," liberating territory despite Russia's efforts to hold their positions.

Syrskyi stressed that the main tasks of Ukrainian forces in the east are to defend current positions in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions and continue advancing in the Bakhmut direction.

Russia has concentrated over 100,000 troops in the Kupiansk-Lyman direction of the front in Kharkiv Oblast and Luhansk Oblast. According to Eastern Force Grouping press officer Illia Yevlash, there are 45,000 soldiers attacking Kupiansk and 48,000 pushing toward Lyman.

In turn, Ukrainian forces are advancing in the Bakhmut direction and on the southern front line in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reported on Sept. 4 that Ukraine advanced near Klishchiivka, some five kilometers from Bakhmut, and near Novoprokopivka south of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Read also: New brigade bears heavy brunt of Russias onslaught in Kharkiv Oblast

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A fire caused by the fall of wreckage from a Russian missile on a commercial facility in Kyiv Oblast was put out on 6 September.

Source: Ukraine's State Emergency Service on Telegram

Details: Rescue workers have reported no casualties.

Background: Russian forces launched a combined attack on Kyiv on the night of 5-6 September, using Kh-101/555/55 cruise missiles and other types, probably ballistic missiles.

All missiles were destroyed by air defence.

      ,  

Firefighters deal with the aftermath of a missile attack in Kyiv Oblast.

ALL PHOTO: UKRAINE'S STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE

      

      

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ships on the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama, on August 21, 2023. Daniel Gonzalez/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The Panama Canal has been hit by a serious drought this year, causing long transit times for ships.

A shipper recently paid $2.4 million for a winning bid to jump the queue, according to one energy shipping firm.

The congestion is closely watched because the canal is a key route for the US ahead of the holiday season.

The congestion at the Panama Canal has gotten so bad that a shipper paid millions just to beat the queue, according to a company that uses the waterway.

A $2.4 million price tag was the winning bid for an auction held by the canal authorities for vessels to secure slots to sail through the waterway during the week of August 20, according to an anecdote shared by Oystein Kalleklev, the CEO of gas shipping company Avance Gas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"You can skip the queue, but it's immensely costly," Kalleklev said at the company's second-quarter earnings call on Thursday. Kalleklev did not name the auction's winner, and Insider could not independently verify the auction's details.

"And when you add the regular fee, you're getting close to $3 million to get your ship through the canal," he added, per the call's transcript.

This isn't an isolated incident. Shipping giant Maersk told the Wall Street Journal on August 18 that the normal toll fee to cross the canal outside an auction was $400,000. The shipper had to pay $900,000 on top of the normal toll fee for each of its two ships that couldn't get a slot to cross the canal at the time.

Canal-crossing fees can range anywhere between $150,000 to over $1 million, depending on the size and capacity of the vessel.

Shippers are paying top dollar to transit the waterway because it's been hit by a serious drought this year, which has reduced the water levels and limited the number of ships that can pass through.

The Panama Canal Authority told Bloomberg that the highest bids in the auctions are generally won by liquefied petroleum gas or liquefied natural gas carriers.

The congestion in the Panama Canal is closely watched because 40% of US container traffic passes through the waterway, according to an August report from Container xChange, a logistics platform.

The Panama Canal Authority said in a Tuesday statement that there's been an improvement in the queue of vessels waiting to transit the canal. There are 108 vessels at both entrances to the waterway now  20% fewer than the 135 ships last week.

However, the situation is concerning ahead of the upcoming holiday season, project44, a supply chain platform, told Insider on Tuesday.

"There has been a recent uptick in both average and maximum wait times to cross the canal, with several days in the past week exceeding an average of four days, representing a 100% increase compared to the typical two days," project44 said.

The Panama Canal Authority and Avance Gas did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.

September 6, 12.59 p.m.: The story has been updated with additional details of costs for crossing the canal.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Congress is poised to sell off a 1 million barrel emergency cache of gasoline created in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy amid questions about the reserves usefulness.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Legislation needed to fund the Energy Department slated for the Senate floor as soon as this month would shut the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve. The Republican-controlled House included the same language in its version of the bill.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The reserve was authorized in 2014 after Sandy damaged refineries and left terminals underwater leading some gas stations in New York to go without fuel for as long as 30 days. But the cache, kept in commercial storage terminals in Maine, Massachusetts and New Jersey, has never been used, according to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report.

The product reserves cost about $13 per barrel on an annual basis for operations and maintenance, compared to roughly 30 cents a barrel for crude oil stored in the Energy Departments Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the report said.

The reserve does not have the operational functionality that was envisioned post-Sandy, President Donald Trump wrote in his 2017 budget request that also recommended killing the gasoline cache.

Today, gasoline stockpiles on the East Coast are near the bottom of the 10-year seasonal range and could dwindle further with two regional refiners set to undergo maintenance. One of them is Canadas Irving Oil, the single most important supplier to the New England market.

Still, 1 million barrels doesnt amount to much in the East Coast region, which burned through 3.26 million barrels a day of gasoline in June.

According to a July committee report on the Senates $58 billion energy and water appropriations bill, selling the reserves would have netted the government some $94 million. At todays pump prices, that figure is even higher.

The move to sell off the reserve reflects that it hasnt been a very good tool, said Kevin Book, managing director of ClearView Energy Partners, a Washington consulting firm.

Its too small to make a difference and too big to be cheap, Book said.

--With assistance from Erik Wasson and Chunzi Xu.

(Adds details from GAO report in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make a decision concerning a law about online declaration, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament), after consultation with Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "I asked Vice Prime Minister Stefanishyna to hold consultations. After that, I will make a decision. There are two options."

Details: Thus the president replied to journalists in Kyiv to a question about whether he would sign a law or veto it.

Background:

On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted bill 9587- d, which provides for punishing officials for untimely submitting of declarations for a sum over 1.3 million hryvnias (roughly US$35,212).

The National Agency for Preventing Corruption plans to request from the president to veto the bill 9587-d since it will keep the declarations closed for at least a year and stipulates that upon paying a fine, an individual who knowingly submitted unreliable documents in a declaration for a sum up to 1.3 million hryvnias (roughly US$35,212) will not be included in the Register of Corrupt Officials.

On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada also adopted the bill 9534 about resuming online tax declaration for officials, but the declaration register will be opened in a year. The amendment about the immediate opening of the declarations did not gain the necessary number of votes.

The public demands President Zelenskyy to veto the bill 9534 in this form, though the resumption of the declaration is one of the key demands of the international partners of Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A runner makes his way through Water Works Park as a smoky haze surrounds downtown Des Moines on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The smoke from Canadian wildfires had drifted into the upper Midwest, prompting air quality warnings.

Central Iowans are finally getting a bit of cooler weather, sadly haze and smoky skies followed too.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines posted about cool weather and smoky skies on Twitter this morning, saying the smoke and haze are associated with Canadian wildfires, contributing to worsening air quality.

The good news...today will be much cooler with highs in the 70s. The not so good news...smoke/haze associated with the Canadian wildfires has returned leading to hazy skies and worsening air quality. #iawx pic.twitter.com/GugRyWDbYj  NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) September 6, 2023

NWS Des Moines also said, "This cooler air has also been accompanied by a low status deck which will move across the state throughout the afternoon," along with a northwest breeze that is transferring upper level smoke from the wildfires.

Has an Iowa air quality alert been issued?

Iowa DNR issued an air quality alert Wednesday afternoon for fine particulate pollution, in effect for all counties in the western half of Iowa, through midnight on Friday. The alert extends past Interstate Highway 35 to include the Des Moines metro and counties just to the east like Marshall, Jasper and Marion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fine particulate levels near or above health standards are expected to remain high through Thursday, as smoke from the Canadian wildfires settles into the area, the Iowa DNR said.

The alert recommends reducing long or intense activities and taking more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve. This is especially pertinent to those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, and outdoor workers.

What is Des Moines' air quality?

The air quality index in Des Moines as of 3 p.m. Wednesday is 107 (orange), ranking unhealthy for sensitive groups. Conditions are worse in western Iowa with conditions in Sioux City and Council Bluffs ranking unhealthy (red).

Air quality map: Check current conditions near you

NWS Des Moines expects widespread haze to continue throughout tonight until around 4 a.m., but predicts a sunny day tomorrow.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Why is the air quality bad? Iowa air quality alert says Canadian fires
Guy Philippe is a man of many moves.

The former Haitian police commander once led a government rebellion against a president. He was later elected to a seat in the Haitian Senate just before being captured by U.S. authorities who had hunted him down for nearly a dozen years for pocketing more than a $1 million from Colombian cocaine traffickers.

Philippe cut a plea deal with federal prosecutors in Miami, but even then he still tried several times to get his nine-year sentence reduced while representing himself both before and during the pandemic era.

Now, the 55-year-old is scheduled to be released on Thursday from a federal prison in Atlanta, transferred to U.S. immigration custody and eventually deported to Haiti, a country reeling from the July 2021 assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise, and the terror of deepening gang violence since Philippes arrest more than four years earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His possible return to Haiti as the United States is trying to stabilize the security situation is fueling concerns about how his presence back in the country might affect an already volatile landscape.

A State Department spokesperson did not want to discuss Philippes return to Haiti and directed questions about his deportation to the Department of Homeland Security.

Mr. Philippe was lawfully arrested by the Haitian authorities and legally extradited to the United States, the spokesperson said.

Nevertheless, Philippes pending return to his volatile homeland is raising questions about U.S. policy regarding Haiti and even has former U.S. diplomats who served in the country and are aware of Philippes controversial reputation baffled.

Haitian rebel leader Guy Philippe, photographed in 2004, was sentenced to nine years in U.S. prison after pleading guilty to a drug-related money-laundering charge.

Im not close enough to the situation to comment on the facts, but this does seem a particularly bad time to add gasoline to a raging fire, said Jim Foley, a retired diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Haiti between 2003 and 2005 during which time Philippe led a bloody coup against the then-sitting president, Jean Bertrand Aristide.

Luis Moreno, who overlapped with Foley and served as deputy chief of mission in Port-au-Prince from 2001 to 2004, said given how perilous the security situation currently is in Haiti, its incomprehensible how anyone could think this was a good idea. Maybe there is something I don t know about.

He still has influence. He still has guns. He still has access to narco-trafficking, Moreno said. He also has intense political aspirations and ambitions. He wants to be the ruler of Haiti, he wants to be the dictator of Haiti. It has always been his dream and his objective. And thats dangerous.

In January 2017, supporters of Haitian senator-elect Guy Philippe held up a Haitian flag outside the federal courthouse in Miami.

Ahead of his release, Philippe filed a petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, requesting precautionary measures based on what he says is a history of persecutions he had previously faced in Haiti and the fear of future harassment; threats and irreparable harm, on account of his political opinions and expressions.

Mr. Philippe is petitioning the Commission to actively appeal to the Government of Haiti to provide him with adequate security to protect his rights to life and personal integrity; to adopt the necessary measures so that he can carry out his activities without being subjected to acts of violence, intimidations, threats, or any harassments in the exercise of his daily life, the petition, obtained by the Miami Herald, said.

Philippe who has passed the time in federal prison by releasing voice notes from prison about his case, refers to his Jan. 5, 2017, arrest by Haitian police as a kidnapping and his extradition to the United States on that same day as illegal and politically motivated.

The seven-member commission, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States, has not yet ruled on Philippes request, stating that it requested information from Haiti on Nov. 17, 2022 but has received no response to date.

Philippes next move is anyones guess, but in court papers filed last year he expressed his commitment to return to society as a law-abiding citizen and participate in the betterment of his community in Pestel, Haiti, in the western region of the country.

He had a vocal group of followers, many of whom are probably waiting for his return to Haiti, said David Weinstein, a former assistant U.S. attorney who is now a Miami defense attorney. He led a team of prosecutors that brought indictments against Philippe and more than a dozen other Haitian police officers, politicians and business people on drug-trafficking and related money-laundering charges nearly two decades ago.

The situation in Haiti today is even more fragile than when he was expelled in 2017, said Weinstein, the former chief of the narcotics section at the U.S. Attorneys Office. The potential remains for him to mobilize his followers and return to a position of power in Haiti.

Whether Philippe, who refers to himself as a senator, can run for office again in Haiti will depend on the yet-to-be-written electoral law and whether it continues its ban of individuals who have been convicted of crimes.

Philippes U.S. conviction

In April of 2017, Philippe pleaded guilty to a money-laundering conspiracy charge, allowing him to avoid going to trial on a more serious trafficking charge that could have sent him to prison for the rest of his life. Instead, he faced up to 20 years on the money-laundering conviction and got less than half that time from U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga in line with a joint recommendation by prosecutors and defense lawyers.

The sentencing culminated a federal investigation into drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption at the highest levels of Haitis government that began in the 2000s when the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti shares with the neighboring Dominican Republic, became a notorious hub for shipping South American cocaine into the United States. For years, Aristide, who was ousted in 2004 in an armed revolt led by Philippe, had been investigated by a Miami federal grand jury for accepting drug bribes. Charges were never filed.

Philippes punishment was the result of a deal that became inevitable after Altonaga refused to dismiss the case based on Philippes claim of immunity as a senator-elect in Haiti. She also chastised the federal government for not trying harder to arrest Philippe since his 2005 indictment. He was arrested by the Haiti National Police and turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration in early January 2017, days before his swearing-in.

The timing of his arrest in Haiti allowed the then-government of interim President Jocelerme Privert to govern the country without the looming presence of Philippe, who had threatened to divide the country shortly before Privert came into office. A supporter of Jovenel Moise, Philippe openly campaigned with him before Moise became president in 2017. Moise would name the head of Philippes political party, Jeantel Joseph, to an important security post.

In Miami, federal prosecutors agreed to the lower end of the sentencing guidelines  ranging from nine to 11 years  for Philippes punishment because they believed the amount of time was in line with other Haitian officials who had pleaded guilty to similar money-laundering offenses. They cited two defendants: former national police chief Jean Nesly Lucien and former presidential security chief Oriel Jean.

Lucien was sentenced in 2005 to almost five years after admitting he received $180,000 in drug proceeds as bribes. He did not cooperate with authorities.

Jean, bodyguard for Aristide, was sentenced in 2005 to three years in prison after helping the U.S. Attorneys Office as a cooperating witness to convict several Haitians and Colombians of moving tons of Colombian cocaine through Haiti to the United States. He admitted receiving $400,000 in bribes. Jean, who testified in the only Miami trial that ended with the conviction and life sentence of a Haitian drug trafficker, was gunned down a decade later in Haitis capital. His assassination remains unsolved.

The U.S. governments cases were built largely on cooperating witnesses involved in drug trafficking or protection in Haiti. In those cases, prosecutors relied mostly on witnesses and bank accounts rather than seizures of cocaine. The prosecutions of Haitian officials were challenging because the illegal activity happened in an impoverished foreign country where police officers were often on the take and tracing bribes was difficult. Also significant, the cocaine loads shipped from Colombia to makeshift airstrips in Haiti were long gone by the time U.S. investigators uncovered the trafficking through the island.

Philippes case was all the more difficult because he had been on the lam for almost 12 years while cultivating a Robin Hood reputation in the western reaches of the country far from the capital. For more than a decade, federal agents, in collaboration with the Haiti National Police, made at least 10 attempts to arrest Philippe: setting up checkpoints, paying informants, launching a U.S. military operation and pursuing him in a foot chase, only to lose him in dense vegetation.

In U.S. custody, Philippe admitted accepting at least $1.5 million in cocaine profits from Colombian traffickers between 1999 and 2003. According to a statement filed with his plea deal, Philippe admitted that he not only shared the bribes from narco-traffickers with fellow officers in the Haiti National Police, but he also wired hundreds of thousands of dollars to the United States to buy a home in Broward County and support his U.S.-citizen wife.

Pierre Esperance, a human rights defender in Haiti, said Philippe has been issuing threats from prison, trying to intimidate individuals as he singles them out in recordings that have been shared on social media.

Guy Philippe is someone who has been judged and condemned for drug trafficking in the United States, said Esperance, the head of the National Human Rights Defense Network in Port-au-Prince. I am hoping he is a changed man and has taken a lesson from his incarceration and will rehabilitate himself so he doesnt continue with the threats, intimidations and what he was previously involved with.

Even if its true that there are problems in Haiti, it is not a savannah that he is returning to, Esperance said. And if he continues doing what he was doing before, then his place is in prison.

Philippe was the last high-profile defendant from a U.S. crackdown on cocaine smuggling through Haiti that yielded the convictions of more than a dozen drug traffickers, Haitian senior police officers and a former Haitian senator. Among them: Beaudouin Jacques Ketant, a Haitian narco-trafficker who accused Aristide of turning a blind eye to the cocaine. Ketant, initially sentenced to 27 years in a U.S. prison, was deported to Haiti in 2015 when his term was cut in half after assisting federal prosecutors in their probe.
A husband and wife who swindled a close friend of Gordon Ramsay out of 150,000 to jet off on luxury family holidays have been told to pay back just 1.

Nicola Nightingale, 48, a mother-of-five, was working as a financial administrator at The Hardwick restaurant, in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, owned by chef Stephen Terry .

Mr Terry, a TV chef who was Gordon Ramsays best man and appeared on the BBCs Great British Menu, hired Mrs Nightingale to look after the accounts.

But she stole 150,000 from the restaurant and transferred 46,000 into the account of husband Simon Nightingale, 50, to splash out on luxury holidays.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A court heard the couple jetted off on a string of trips abroad to Disneyland Paris and Disney World Florida, as well as anniversary stays in Morocco.

Stephen Terry, who was Gordon Ramsay's best man, was swindled out of 150,000 - Wales news service

Mr Terry grew suspicious. He found money was missing and discovered two 40,000 loans had been taken out in his name and there was a 10,000 shortfall in the pension pot.

Tom Roberts, prosecutor speaking at a proceeds of crime hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, said Mrs Nightingale generated fake invoices from fictitious suppliers after she was employed at the country inn.

Inflated wages and bogus invoices

The court heard she began working at the restaurant in February 2018 and started to pay herself inflated wages and create bogus invoices.

Mr Roberts said: She gave the impression that the business was running smoothly but she had in fact run it into significant debt.

The total money stolen from the restaurant in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, was 150,234.63 between February 2018 and February 2020.

Mrs Nightingale, of Deal, Kent, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position. Her husband was found guilty of acquiring criminal property after a trial.

The couple were handed two-year sentences suspended for two years in May this year.

The Hardwick in Abergavenny in Monmouthshire - Wales news service

The proceeds of crime hearing was told a thorough examination of their finances revealed no releasable assets.

Judge Shomon Khan handed out 1 confiscation orders to be made for Mr and Mrs Nightingale.

He said: There has been a lot of interest in his case but there has been a thorough investigation and thats where we are in terms of the recoverable amount and this is as far as the courts can take it.

After their sentence, chef Mr Terry said it was an absolute joke that the couple walked away after defrauding his restaurant out of 150,000.

Got away with it

He said: I am disappointed there was no custodial sentence for what they have put myself through. For someone to come and do that I think she practically got away with it.

They had holidays we could have only dreamed of and all of a sudden you find out youre paying for it. For them to result in getting a suspended sentence is a travesty.

What kind of message does that send out? Its a joke, an absolute joke.

This should be a lesson for all people not to trust, do your research, get references and be aware of how your business is being run. We trusted her and unfortunately she didnt fulfil her job title.

Get involved in your business because I am sure its going on as we speak  and its an absolute killer. We have managed to survive by the skin of our teeth but were still repaying debt. Were good at what we do and have managed to work through that.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
From love to latte, transnational marriage brews best coffee in Kashgar

Xinhua) 09:06, September 06, 2023

URUMQI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- You are my cup of... coffee! Seven years on, Dilxat Tursun can still feel his heart flutter whenever he recalls the moment he clutched 99 roses in his hand and confessed his feelings to Hadiya Msham Abdulla from Tanzania.

Although Hadiya didn't give her answer right away, the two are now happily married, running the Dili and Diya Cafe in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. While brewing a perfect cup of coffee, they love to tell customers and online followers the story of how they found love despite being thousands of miles apart.

Dilxat left his home of Xinjiang to go to college in the eastern city of Fuzhou in 2013, having no clue he was about to meet the love of his life three years later.

"I saw Hadiya for the first time during an open class. Later I met her many times in various contests, so we became quite close," Dilxat recalled, "I admire her because she's very kind-hearted."

The two often met to study and have dinner together. In 2018, Hadiya returned to Tanzania for an internship, and being apart made them realize how much they wanted to stay with each other. Hadiya returned to Fuzhou, and they started dating and got married on May 20, 2020, a date that sounds similar to "I love you" in Chinese.

Hadiya decided to accompany her husband to his hometown Kashgar in 2022.

"I like Kashgar very much. People here are very nice and they help us with any problems we have," said Hadiya. "Kashgar has deserts and so many snowy mountains. It is so beautiful."

Shortly after, they had a baby, and a plan for the future -- to open a cafe.

"Making coffee is Hadiya's dream, and she's quite adept at this craft. I have also learnt many skills under her tutelage," said Dilxat. "We opened the cafe to offer our customers a brand-new coffee experience."

Starting a business is never easy. For Dilxat and Hadiya, buying the right amount of African coffee beans was a headache.

"Having too many beans in the stockroom runs the risk of them going bad very quickly; while having too few means that they will run out quickly. But we have figured out an optimal amount after months of trial and error," said Hadiya. "Making coffee is a very enjoyable thing for me."

The couple poured their hearts and souls into creating the best coffee. Dili and Diya Cafe has become a popular place in the old city area of Kashgar. They also share their business and daily life through live streams on social media.

"I hope we can open a chain of stores in every city in Xinjiang, so that our fans can enjoy our coffee wherever they are," said Hadiya.

"Recent years have seen rapid development in Kashgar. The old city area is a scenic spot with huge potential. I'm very optimistic about it," said Dilxat. "There's a century-old teahouse in Kashgar. I hope that in the future this city will have a century-old cafe -- our cafe."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Becky Hill has not yet responded to allegations of jury tampering in Alex Murdaughs double murder trial - but her co-author is staunchly defending the clerk he describes as someone of integrity and genuine character.

Neil R Gordon appeared on Court TV Tuesday night just hours after Murdaughs defence attorneys filed a motion requesting a new trial for the convicted killer on the basis that Ms Hill tampered with the jury because she was driven by fame and a desire to secure a book deal.

Mr Gordon and Ms Hill worked together for months after the trial on a tell-all book titled Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, which was released on 1 August.

Mr Gordon told Court TVs Vinnie Politan on Tuesday that he was shocked when he heard about the allegations and what Murdaughs attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin believed to be Ms Hills alleged motivation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I was pretty upset at what Harpootlian said was the motivation Becky had, Mr Gordon said. Last time I checked, Simon and Schuster did not send us a check for $200,000.

Mr Gordon explained that his family and Ms Hills family together forked over their own money, about $30,000, to self-publish the book.

We put up our own money because we thought it was an interesting story to tell, he added.

We felt like it was a story that should be told, adding that he doesnt believe there would be another trial like this one in our lifetime.

After six weeks of harrowing testimony back in March, the jury took just three hours to convict Murdaugh in the June 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. It was Ms Hill who read the verdict.

Michael Gunn, principle at Forge Consulting, gives the witness oath by Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, right, during Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial

Neil Gordon appeared on Court TV where he defended his co-author Becky Hill following allegations of jury tampering in Alex Murdaughs murder trial (Murdaugh Murder Trial Discussion/Facebook)

Now, months later, the defence team has accused the court clerk of telling jurors not to trust him when he testified in his own defence, having private conversations with the jury foreperson and pressuring jurors to come to a quick verdict.

The request filed by Murdaughs lawyers on Tuesday also accuses Ms Hill of giving jury members business cards from reporters during the trial. After the verdict, she traveled to New York City with three of the jurors to do interviews.

Ms Hill has not released an official statement, except for a brief comment to Court TV, in which she told the outlet the allegations are untrue.

Mr Gordon said he has spoken with her, and said the allegations are so deep that the court clerk has hired legal counsel and they are planning to put out a statement in the near future.

What I do know is that she will answer each and every one of these allegations truthfully.

When asked about any possible conversations Ms Hill might have had with the jury, Mr Gordon said his friend, who he described as a very spiritual person, is known to pray with her staff.

And knowing the jury to also be very prayerful, he said he asked her if she ever prayed with them.

She responded to him, Oh no no no. No legal entity is allowed to have prayer with the jury, Mr Gordon said.

It was very clear that there was a line there, he added.

Mr Gordon and Ms Hill met through his wife, photographer Melissa Brinson Gordon, who, like many in the area, attended the jury proceedings of the trial that had gripped the nation.

She had requested to take a selfie with Ms Hill which eventually led to friendship and talk of a mutual desire to capture the trial in Ms Hills words and Melissas photos.

In the motion filed on Tuesday citing allegations against Ms Hill, Murdaughs attorney Mr Harpootlian, a state senator and lawyer for 50 years, said trial court clerks arent someone who should even talk to them about the case. Ive never heard of that.

Murdaugh Killings Federal Charges

The motion claims that when Murdaugh took the stand, Ms Hill instructed the jury to watch him closely, to look at his actions, and to look at his movements on the stand  something at least one juror said they understood to mean that Murdaugh was guilty.

When the defence presented evidence, they were allegedly urged not to be fooled.

The motion also claims that Ms Hill had frequent private conversations with the jury foreperson and repeatedly asked jurors for their opinions about Murdaughs guilt or innocence.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson released a brief statement on the motion, saying only that we are currently reviewing the defenses latest motion and will respond through the legal process at the appropriate time.

Maggie and Paul were found shot dead on the familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate back on 7 June 2021. Alex Murdaugh had called 911 claiming to have found their bodies.

Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh (Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook)

During his high-profile murder trial, jurors heard how Paul was shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun while he stood in the feed room of the dog kennels on the affluent familys 1,700-acre Moselle estate. The second shot to his head blew his brain almost entirely out of his skull.

After killing Paul, prosecutors said Murdaugh then grabbed a .300 Blackout semiautomatic rifle and opened fire on Maggie as she tried to flee from her husband.

During the dramatic six-week trial, Murdaugh confessed to lying about his alibi on the night of the murders but continued to claim his innocence of the killings.

The jury didnt agree and the disgraced legal scion was convicted in March of the brutal murders.
A federal judge in Texas on Wednesday ordered the state to remove buoys it set up in the Rio Grande to deter migration as part of its Operation Lone Star.

The order came as part of a lawsuit filed by the Biden administration against Texas, arguing in large part that the state had no right to install structures in federal navigable waterways.

Governor [Greg] Abbott [R] announced that he was not asking for permission for Operation Lone Star, the anti-immigration program under which Texas constructed the floating barrier, District Judge David Alan Ezra wrote.

Unfortunately for Texas, permission is exactly what federal law requires before installing obstructions in the nations navigable waters.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Texas is ordered to remove the buoys by Sept. 15, but Abbott indicated just minutes after the ruling that the state plans to appeal the decision and will continue to use other strategic barriers.

The floating buoys cover 1,000 feet in the Rio Grande with anchors in the riverbed. They are arranged in a chain stretching up- and down-river, each separated by a rounded blade with serrated edges similar to a circular saw.

The buoys were put in place around July 10, installed just days after four migrants, including an infant, drowned trying to cross the river.

The installation was one of several measures taken by Abbott as part of Operation Lone Star, but it has proven the most controversial, creating significant tensions with Mexico.

Ezra noted Mexicos formal diplomatic complaints on the matter in his decision as a factor in establishing the harm caused to the plaintiff justifying an injunction.

The ruling was deeply critical of Texass arguments to defend the installation, in particular the idea that the state is allowed any means to respond to any act it considers an invasion.

And all Texass new argument does is ask the Court to take the additional step  beyond the nonjusticiable question of whether the federal government has failed to protect Texas from invasion  of sanctioning Texass assertion of plenary power to declare and respond to all types of invasions, including invasions from non-state or quasistate actors,' Ezra wrote.

Under this logic, once Texas decides, in its sole discretion, that it has been invaded, it is subject to no oversight of its chosen means of waging war. Such a claim is breathtaking.

Abbott said Wednesday Texas would continue to use other shows of force at the border and criticized President Biden, claiming, Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along.

This ruling is incorrect and will be overturned on appeal. We will continue to utilize every strategy to secure the border, including deploying Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers and installing strategic barriers, Abbott said.

Our battle to defend Texas sovereign authority to protect lives from the chaos caused by President Bidens open border policies has only begun. Texas is prepared to take this fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Department of Justice in late July had urged a judge to order the buoys removed within 10 days.

Governor Abbotts suggestion that Texas can violate the [Rivers and Harbors Act] in service of its own policy priorities inverts the Supremacy Clause and controverts Supreme Court precedent recognizing the federal governments plenary power over immigration and foreign affairs, the Justice Department wrote in the filing.

 Updated at 5:32 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever. Thats what [Republicans] are saying. Fortunately, the judicial system overruled them, said Svante Myrick , president of People For the American Way.

In a victory for voting rights advocates, a special master was appointed to redraw Alabamas congressional map after Republicans in the state put forth a redistricting map that the court ruled violates the constitutional rights of Black Alabamians.

Svante Myrick, president of People For the American Way, told theGrio that he felt joy when he heard the news.

Marchers lead chants during the Black Voters Matters 57th Selma to Montgomery march on March 09, 2022 in Selma, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Voters go to the ballot box thinking of whos going to improve their pocketbook, improve their streets, and keep them safe, said the former mayor of Ithaca, New York. Today made it clear why voters should also think about which judges will be appointed by the politicians they vote for.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Tuesday, a panel of federal judges rejected a newly-drawn Alabama congressional map that violated the Voting Rights Act.

In the 200-page court order, the judges stated, based on precedent, We held that the appropriate remedy is a congressional redistricting plan that includes either an additional majority-Black congressional district, or an additional district in which Black voters otherwise have an opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.

Alabama Republicans were given several chances to draw a constitutionally sound map, but since they failed to do so, the federal judges took matters into their own hands.

The three-judge panel stated in the order, We have no reason to believe that allowing the Legislature still another opportunity to draw yet another map will yield a map that includes an additional opportunity district.

The Special Master and cartographer are DIRECTED to commence workon a remedial map, the order continues.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ordered Alabama Republicans to recreate a map that does not discriminate against Black constituents and includes two Black districts. Instead of complying with the Supreme Courts terms, the newly drawn map included just one majority-Black district. A second district had a Black population of only 30% to 42%.

Myrick told theGrio that Alabama Republicans are sending a message that they wont take civil rights for an answer.

The Supreme Court is seen under a clearing sky, Friday, June 30, 2023, after case decisions were announced in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever. Thats what [Republicans] are saying, he said. Fortunately, the judicial system overruled them.

Myrick told theGrio that while this is a victory  it is not a total one.

The Republicans in Alabama are presenting as many hurdles as they can, including closing polling locations, eliminating voting hours and early votingto limit Black voters in the upcoming election, he said. A total victory can come next November when voters have their voices heard.

In the coming weeks, Republicans are expected to appeal the judges decision, according to NBC News.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Court ruling against Alabama Republican map seen as partial victory for Black voters appeared first on TheGrio.
Evan Milligan, center, plaintiff in Merrill v. Milligan, an Alabama redistricting case that could have far-reaching effects on minority voting power across the United States, speaks with reporters following oral arguments at the Supreme Court in Washington, Oct. 4, 2022. | Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had denied Black voters a reasonable chance to elect a second representative and ordered Alabama to redraw its seven congressional seats. The map that Alabama submitted did not do that, and a federal court threw out the new map on Tuesday.

We are struck by the the extraordinary circumstance we face, the federal judges wrote in a 196-page opinion.

We are not aware of any other case in which a state legislature  faced with a federal court order declaring that its electoral plan unlawfully dilutes minority votes and requiring a plan that provides an additional opportunity district  responded with a plan that the state concedes does not provide that district, they continued, adding that they are deeply troubled that the state enacted a map that the state readily admits does not provide the remedy we said federal law requires.

A new map

The map that the Supreme Court ordered Alabama to redraw had one majority-Black district out of seven, while the states population is 27% Black. Their decision required the state to draw new lines that will need to include two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Associated Press reports that at the time of the Supreme Court ruling, Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said that state lawmakers would comply with the ruling. Regardless of our disagreement with the Courts decision, we are confident the Alabama Legislature will redraw district lines that ensure the people of Alabama are represented by members who share their beliefs, while following the requirements of applicable law.

The new map Alabama submitted maintained Alabamas one majority-Black district and increased the number of Black voters in the Alabama 2nd Congressional District by 10%, going from 30% to 40%.

We discern no basis in federal law to accept a map the state admits falls short of this required remedy, the judges wrote.

Related

What happens next?

The panel of three federal judges, including one Bill Clinton appointee, Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus, and two Donald Trump appointees, District Judge Anna Manasco and District Judge Terry Moorer, have assigned experts to draw three new maps to be presented no later than Sept. 25. A hearing on any objections is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 3, reports NPR.

Alabamas secretary of state, who oversees elections, told the court that finalizing a plan around Oct. 1 would provide enough time to reassign voters, print and distribute ballots, and otherwise conduct the forthcoming 2024 primary elections based on the new map.

However, Secretary of State Wes Allen cannot predict whether implementing a plan at that point would lead to disruption for state officials, local officials, candidates and voters.

According to Reuters, state Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, said, While we are disappointed in (Tuesdays) decision, we strongly believe that the legislatures map complies with the Voting Rights Act and the recent decision of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The state of Alabama has said it will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Holly Richardson is the editor of Utah Policy.
The graphics on this page are based on government data. The Maryland Department of Health releases new surveillance data on Tuesdays and no longer publicly compiles testing or vaccination data. To guide prevention decisions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks hospital admission levels by county, which it updates on Mondays.

The Baltimore Sun maintains this page as part of its public service mission and to provide context for its COVID-19 coverage. We suggest focusing on recent hospitalizations and deaths to assess the diseases current impact. To share feedback about this page and how you use it, please complete this survey.

COVID-19 statewide

Statewide 7-day average of acute and ICU hospitalizations from COVID-19

Statewide 7-day average of newly reported confirmed COVID-19 deaths

Statewide 7-day average of newly reported COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 activity by Maryland jurisdiction

The Maryland Department of Health reports data about confirmed deaths from COVID-19 and cases on the jurisdiction level.

Recent COVID-19 trends by jurisdiction

CDC hospital admission level by Maryland jurisdiction

Total COVID-19 deaths by age

Total COVID-19 deaths by race and ethnicity
(Bloomberg) -- A Maryland elementary schools decision to impose a mask mandate after spate of Covid-19 cases has sparked a backlash from Republican governors and reignited a political debate that raged during the pandemic.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Rosemary Hills Elementary in Silver Spring said it put in place a mask requirement for 10 days after three or more Covid-19 cases were reported during the first week of school, according to local media reports. The school also gave out at-home kits for rapid testing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

News of the mandate circulated on social media. In response to a post with a copy of a letter to parents from the school, Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that its not going to happen in Texas.

A Texas law that took effect this month bans local governments from requiring Covid-related masking, vaccines and business shutdowns, according to the Texas Tribune.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote on X: Rest assured that as long as Im Governor, Arkansas will not force our kids to wear masks in school.

The decision in Maryland comes as the US reports an uptick in Covid-19 cases, as the new Eris variant becomes more common. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said new hospital admissions rose by 16% and deaths by 18% in the week through Aug. 26.

This week, the White House announced that First Lady Jill Biden had tested positive for Covid-19, while President Joe Biden tested negative and was taking steps to protect himself from a possible infection, like masking indoors.

More than three years into the pandemic, the use of face masks to prevent the viruss spread remains a political flash point.

The CDC and the World Health Organization have urged people to wear masks in public  especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas  but some states and localities have defied their advice, citing personal freedoms. Some question the effectiveness of masks, contrary to scientific evidence showing they can cut the risk of transmission.

Officials at Rosemary Hills Elementary didnt immediately return a call and emails seeking comment.

--With assistance from Joe Carroll.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Always up for an adventure, but not really knowing how to sail, Kimberly Ward was ready to move onto a boat and set sail on a two-year adventure in August 2014 with her husband, Michael, and daughter, Ally.

The process of becoming a sailor was a work in progress for Kimberly, while husband Michael grew up sailing and 10-year-old Ally watched and learned how to manage the electronics on the boat while being homeschooled, or boatschooled, as Ward calls it.

With "Crew of Three: How Bold Dreams and Detailed Plans Launched Our Familys Sailing Adventure," the Wards share their experiences chronicled by Kimberly while meeting interesting people from all over and seeing new places while aboard their 34-foot boat, Alley Cat.

Adventurer, author and blogger Kimberly J. Ward with the Crew of Three sails past Lady Liberty.

They will be at the New Bedford Whaling Museum as part of its Sailors Series from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, for a brief presentation about sailing from Massachusetts to Grenada and back and a question and answer session.

Their journey begins

The sailing experience both near, as in New York City, and far ,as in the French Caribbean islands, was incredible, she said. They spent six weeks in the islands on their way north from Grenada, meeting the people and eating their food. Ward said it was only there that she did not make her own bread or yogurt.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mostly its the people who we met abroad, although I have to say theres absolutely not one single thing in this world like sailing down the East River in your very own boat and going past the United Nations and the Chrysler Building and popping out in New York Harbor and sailing past the Statue of Liberty, she said. That was a pretty special moment for all of us.

She also loved the Bahamas with its turquoise waters and the space they could have to themselves while out in nature. She said so much of the history and the culture of the Bahamas is intertwined with U.S. history going back to slavery and prohibition so that it was a learning experience.

They also traveled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an island chain the Caribbean, and an island in the Grenadines called Bequia they had never heard of that became one of their favorite stops.

They also made friends with families on five buddy boats who loosely traveled together for about six months. There were 11 adults and 11 children between the ages of 8 and 16 on board.

Take a look inside: Historic tall ship replica Nao Trinidad docks in New Bedford. Here's how you can see it.

It was kind of like an old-fashioned neighborhood with the littles keeping the babies from getting into any kind of trouble, she said. It was just a marvelous group of kids and adults that were all still in touch with and thank heavens for social media so we can keep up with everybody.

Their first family connection

It was early on at the very beginning of their trip that they had a serendipitous meeting with another family. After setting sail and arriving in Washington, D.C., two weeks after they started their trip, an enormous catamaran pulled up at the dock in front of them. This was on her birthday, Sept. 9.

On it is the most fantastic family, she said. They had five kids who ranged in age at that time from 3 to 13 and are now 11 to 21, and this was a family who had been living aboard for six years when we met them, and I called her my birthday present.

Michael Ward and his daughter, Ally, in the Chesapeake Bay.

The Wards planned to stay in D.C. for seven weeks so that Michael could complete work on a project while she started homeschooling Ally.

Upon meeting, Ward learned that the middle child in the family of five children was the same age as Ally and that their mother also homeschooled her children, so she found it very helpful that she shared her experiences. They became forever friends. They are also like family now.

She taught me so much about cooking aboard and living aboard and raising kids aboard, and interestingly we both started writing at the same time, she said.

While on board, Kimberly made homemade meals from scratch. There was also plenty of time for planning, teaching and learning with Ally, who is now at a university in Scotland.

A book delayed

When Ally was 3, the Wards took a five-month RV trip and she followed someones advice about sending postcards home to herself to remember the trip and it was made into a bound book for Ally. They did the same for the sailing trip and returned home to more than 300 postcards that she shared on the blog.

Ward was unable to complete her book as planned when faced with the need to address family health issues, but she believes in the timing being right. She had a rough draft of the book and had written about 80 percent of it.

Once she rediscovered her true self and started writing again earlier this year, she said the process went pretty quickly.

As soon I started to look for her again, shes there, she said. Im ready to be feisty again, and so I started writing again at the end of March, she said.

Her book is available on Amazon as an e-book and Ward plans on recording an audio book by the end of the year if not sooner.

When they returned home, Michael returned to consulting and was going to continue on that path but missed being outdoors. It was time for a plan B. They took a walk, and he told her he wanted to volunteer at his friends oyster farm, and she decided to start writing.

I did a memoir writing course at one of the local libraries and the four essays that I wrote during the class that I took are the basis for the first three chapters of the book, she said.

Ward said she enjoys adding published authored to her list of accomplishments and plans on continuing to write articles, essays and feature pieces and can can also envision her Love Us blog becoming a book. She also wants to write about their oyster farming experience at Mattapoisett Oysters.

I guess I had no idea that our story was going to be compelling and so interesting, so its been fun for me, she said. As soon as I started talking about it, Ive had an awful lot of interest so Im going to continue writing.

Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at kgallerani@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kgallreporter. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Adventurer, gardener, writer Kimberly Ward chronicles sailing journey
At least one person was injured after Russian forces struck the village of Nova Hnylytsia in Ukraines Kharkiv Oblast with cluster munitions, Regional Military Administration head, Oleh Synehubov, reported on Telegram on Sep. 6.

A 50-year-old local resident suffered shrapnel wounds and was hospitalized in moderate condition. A private house was also damaged.

Russian forces have been systematically shelling Kharkiv Oblast. Mandatory evacuations are taking place in border areas with Russia and the occupied territories.

Read also: Washington announces $250 million aid package for Ukraine

Russia is finalizing the preparation of assault groups and are shelling Ukrainian positions daily with artillery and mortars near Kupyansk, the Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Colonel General, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Sep. 6.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Ukrainian army remains on the defensive.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Scott McGough, right, celebrates the final out against the Colorado Rockies with Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera in the ninth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 12-5. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PHOENIX (AP)  The Arizona Diamondbacks promoted top prospect Jordan Lawlar to the big leagues Wednesday as they fight for a playoff spot.

The 21-year-old Lawlar was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft. The shortstop  who is the No. 7 prospect in the sport, according to MLB.com  was recently promoted to Triple-A Reno and has been hitting extremely well, batting .359 with five homers and 19 RBIs.

He's going to play, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. I don't know what the menu is. We've had so many moving parts to what's been happening over the last 12 hours, that I haven't had a chance to sit down and think about how I'm going to inject him into this lineup.

To make room on the roster, the D-backs designated two-time Gold Glove shortstop Nick Ahmed for assignment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lawlar is joining the team as it reaches a crucial stretch. The D-backs are about to embark on an eight-game trip that includes four games against the Chicago Cubs, who are also chasing a wild-card spot.

I just think he needs to come up here and be himself, D-backs rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll said. I think he has a lot of resources here, a lot of veteran guys, and some young guys as well, who can share experiences with him.

The Diamondbacks are among several teams fighting for one of the three wild-card positions in the National League. They beat the Rockies 12-5 on Wednesday, improving to 72-68.

The Arizona Republic first reported that Lawlar was being promoted.

Ahmed has been with the team since 2014 and won Gold Gloves in 2018 and 2019. But the 33-year-old was hurt most of last year and is hitting just .212 in a part-time role this season.

Lovullo said it was difficult to break the news to Ahmed, but the shortstop handled the news like a total pro.

He's just a good human being who was engaged every single day when he came to the ballpark to do everything he possibly could to help this team win a baseball game, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said.

The D-backs were busy Wednesday, also claiming catcher Seby Zavala on waivers from the Chicago White Sox and promoting right-hander pitcher Ryne Nelson from Triple-A. Nelson will start against the Cubs on Thursday.

Catcher Jose Herrera and right-handed pitcher Bryce Jarvis were sent to Triple-A.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Law enforcement is providing an update Wednesday afternoon on efforts to recapture Danelo Souza Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from a Pennsylvania prison last week.

The press conference from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Chester County District Attorney's Office will be at 3 p.m. ET. USA TODAY will be providing live coverage of the press conference. You can watch live at the video at the top of the page or on USA TODAY's YouTube channel.

On Tuesday, law enforcement released images of a sighting of Cavalcante after security at Longwood Gardens received trail camera footage on their property, later confirmed to be Cavalcante. Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden In Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles west of Philadelphia and 11 miles south of West Chester, where Cavalcante escaped.

The manhunt for Cavalcante was expanded Tuesday to include immediate areas surrounding Longwood Gardens, according to law enforcement, and is still an active and ongoing investigation. Officials are urging people near the area to check surveillance cameras around the home, cars and to remain vigilant, and to call 911 immediately with any information on Cavalcante's current location.

Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted killer, captured on a trail camera Monday night in Longwood Gardens, several miles south of the Chester County Prison he escaped Thursday morning, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Who is Danelo Souza Cavalcante?

34-year-old Danelo Cavalcante, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for stabbing 33-year-old Deborah Brandao to death in 2021 while her 7-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son were present. He was awaiting transfer to a state facility when he escaped Chester County Prison just outside Philadelphia on Thursday.

Authorities are searching for 34-year-old Danelo Cavalcante, a wanted inmate who escaped from a jail in Pennsylvania.

More: Police narrow search for dangerous and 'desperate' prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to authorities, who have issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture, he was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, gray shorts and white sneakers.

He's also wanted for a 2017 murder in his native Brazil, the district attorney's office said.

Officials didn't say how Cavalcante escaped, but said he was last seen by an eyewitness Sunday afternoon in Pocopson Township. The acting warden of the prison, Howard Holland, earlier said Cavalcante "physically escaped," but said he didn't cut any fences to do so.

Contributing: Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Danelo Cavalcante livestream: Police update escaped PA prisoner search
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Ukraine for the third time since the beginning of the full-scale war and spoke in the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament). Her visit was not announced in advance.

Source: European Pravda with reference to Danish and Ukrainian media

Details: In particular, Danish TV2 channel reported that Frederiksen had arrived in Kyiv and shared fragments of her speech in the Verkhovna Rada.

TV2 said that before arriving in Kyiv, Frederiksen visited a church in Bucha, where a photo exhibition of war crimes committed by the Russian military during the occupation is now located.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also in Kyiv. Unofficially, it is reported that his visit will take two days.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a speech at the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's Parliament, as part of her previously unannounced visit to Kyiv, the Danish TV 2 news channel reported on Sept. 6.

In her speech, Denmark's Head of Government commended the strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.

TV 2 reported that Frederiksen arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 5, making her third visit to the country since the start of the full-scale war. President Volodymyr Zelensky extended an invitation to the Danish Prime Minister during his own visit to Denmark in August.

Copenhagen has recently pledged major support to Ukraine's defense effort in the form of 19 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets. Kyiv has been actively seeking to acquire advanced Western jets for months as the Ukrainian Air Force arsenal includes only Soviet-era aircraft such as MiG-29.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prior to her address at the Parliament, Frederiksen visited a church in Bucha to see an exhibition of war crimes committed by Russian occupying forces in the city last year.

The Danish Prime Minister is not the only foreign official visiting Kyiv, as U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken arrived in Ukraine's capital today on Sept. 6. According to TV 2, Frederiksen met Blinken in the morning for a bilateral meeting.

Read also: Zelensky thanks Denmark over F-16 fighter jets pledge during visit

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The newest COVID-19 variant isn't as scary as it seemed at first, and fall booster shots should protect against it and other variants circulating now, new data suggests.

In a clinical trial, the updated vaccine generated a nearly ninefold increase in neutralizing antibodies against the BA.2.86 variant, according to data released early Tuesday from vaccine maker Moderna. Although extremely rare in the United States, the new variant has a number of mutations in the spike protein targeted by vaccines, which made experts worry that shots and previous infections wouldn't be protective.

But three studies released since the weekend, along with Moderna's new data, suggest the variant, nicknamed Pirola, isn't so bad  at least for now, said Dr. Eric Topol, professor and executive vice president of Scripps Research in La Jolla, California.

"It's been downgraded from a hurricane to not even a tropical storm. We're lucky," Topol said. "This one could have been really bad."

Vials of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines

State of the pandemic

COVID-19 infections have been rising since early July, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. Hospitalizations are up nearly 16% and deaths nearly 17% in the week that ended Thursday compared with the week before, though totals remain well below previous peaks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"It's not looking so good from the standpoint of infections," Topol said.

According to CDC data, EG.5, sometimes called Eris, accounts for more than 21% of COVID-19 infections in the United States; FL.1.5.1 for more than 14%; and two XB.1.16 variants a total of 18%. A wide variety of variants make up the balance.

The wave is probably being driven by fading protection against the virus and the lack of prevention measures like masking and social distancing, Topol said. Officials are urging people to get boosters this fall, particularly if they are over 65 or have underlying health conditions.

Current vaccines do not provide long-lasting protection against infection with COVID-19, but young, otherwise healthy people have generally been protected against severe disease from either vaccination or previous infection. Vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of long COVID-19, in which people have lingering symptoms such as brain fog and crushing fatigue for months or even years after an infection.

Everyone can benefit from a vaccine, Topol said, but the size of the benefit is much greater for those who are older or have health problems.

"Immunity to this virus after six months is not very good for high-risk people," he said.

Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of DC senior living facility, demonstrates COVID-19 testing procedures on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in Washington. As nursing home leaders redouble efforts to get staff and residents boosted with the new vaccine version, now recommended for those 6 months and older, they face complacency, misinformation and COVID-19 fatigue. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) ORG XMIT: PHX309

Where the vaccines stand

In June, a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended that this fall's booster target the XBB.1.5 variant.

Panel members said they didn't expect the variant, which dominated infections this spring, would still be in full force this fall. But they had hoped XBB.1.5 would be close enough to whichever variant took over that the vaccine would be protective.

So far, that gamble looks as if it's paying off.

Pfizer's laboratory research shows its updated vaccine also effectively prevents severe disease from variants XBB.1.16., XBB.2.3 and EG.5.1.

Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines, which are based on messenger RNA technology, are expected to become available in the U.S. almost immediately after a CDC advisory committee meeting Sept. 12 that will recommend how the boosters should be used.

Novavax's vaccine, which uses tiny particles along with an adjuvant to amplify its effects, is also expected to become available as soon as meets the federal requirements.

The European Commission authorized Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine September 1, and the companies have already begun delivery.

A laboratory technician for Biobot Analytics holds up a bottle containing a sample of sewage, which will be tested for COVID-19. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Biobot analyzes daily samples from more than 200 sewage treatment plants across the country to track COVID-19 trends. The data can often detect a rise or fall in the amount of COVID-19 in a community about a week before traditional surveillance methods like nose swabs. (Credit: Provided by Biobot Analytics)

What we know about BA.2.86

Pirola, officially called BA.2.86, has been spotted only a few times in the United States, but it has already made the World Health Organization's list of "variants of concern."

One of more than 1,500 known variants of Omicron, BA.2.86, has 34 to 36 different mutations in the spike protein compared with XBB.1.5. As of late last week, Texas was the fourth state to report a case of BA.2.86, according to Houston Methodist Hospital, and it had been identified in other countries, including Israel, Denmark and South Africa.

But three new studies out this week suggest BA.2.86 is not as infectious as earlier variants or likely to undermine vaccines and established immunity. The first, posted online and not yet peer-reviewed, showed that the variant does not penetrate cells very well, suggesting it will not cause a tremendous number of infections.

A second study, also in preprint, shows that the variant does not evade the immune system as much as had been feared. People in Sweden who had been exposed to XBB.1.5 seemed to have good protection against BA.2.86.

A third, again not yet peer-reviewed, showed that despite all its mutations, BA.2.86 does not seem to be good at avoiding immune protections. The Moderna data, though lacking the context of how the ninefold increase in antibodies compares with other variants, also indicates the vaccine will remain effective.

The combination of all these new data points suggests BA.2.86 won't be a major threat as it stands now, Topol said. But he and others worry it could add mutations over time, becoming more contagious and more likely to avoid immunity protections and vaccines.

"In the months ahead, it could be that BA.2.86 picks up some more mutations and behaves differently," he said. "But right now, things are looking pretty good from the standpoint of the booster."

Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com.

Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.

A 3D illustration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Worried about new COVID variant? What the data shows about BA.2.86.
A mourner says a prayer for the late Princess Diana at a make shift floral memorial outside of the British Consulate, September 1, 1997, in New York City. Diana was laid to rest September 6, 1997. File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1522, one of Ferdinand Magellan's five ships -- the Vittoria -- arrived at Sanlucar de Barrameda in Spain, completing the first circumnavigation of the world.

In 1620, 149 Pilgrims set sail from England aboard the Mayflower, bound for the New World.

In 1901, U.S. President William McKinley was shot by an anarchist at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. McKinley died eight days later.

In 1909, word was received that U.S. Navy Adm. Robert Peary had reached the North Pole five months earlier, on April 6, 1909.

German soldiers are at the front at the First Battle of the Marne during World War I. The battle started September 6, 1914. File Photo courtesy the German army

In 1914, World War I's first Battle of the Marne took place outside Paris, France. The allied forces of France and Britain defeated Germany, resulting in the deaths of some 150,000 people.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In 1916, the United States' first supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, opened its doors in Memphis.

Former President Bill Clintonn campaigns for Sen. John Kerry at the Stephen P. Clark Gevernment Center in Miami on October 25, 2004. It was one of Clinton's first public appearances since his heart bypass operation September 6, 2004. File Photo by Michael Bush/UPI

In 1966, South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, an architect of his nation's apartheid policies, was stabbed to death by a deranged messenger during a parliamentary meeting in Cape Town.

In 1995, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., played his 2,131st consecutive game, breaking the record set in 1939 by Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees. Ripken voluntarily ended his streak at 2,362 games in 1998.

The numbers on the Camden warehouse wall, pictured September 6, 2007, are the same ones used when Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played on September 5, 1995. File Photo by Mark Goldman/UPI

In 1997, Britain bid an emotional farewell to Princess Diana -- killed in a car accident a week earlier -- in a funeral at London's Westminster Abbey that was broadcast worldwide.

In 2004, former U.S. President Bill Clinton underwent a 4-hour quadruple heart bypass operation at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

In 2007, Luciano Pavarotti, one of opera's foremost tenors, died of cancer at his home in Modena, Italy. He was 71.

File Photo by Ezio Petersen/UPI

In 2010, officials said they feared up to 270 people died in two weekend riverboat accidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Caribbean's easternmost islands, tearing roofs off homes and buildings. The storm later passed over Florida and into the southeastern United States, and caused 52 deaths.

In 2022, Liz Truss addressed Britons for the first time as prime minister, replacing Boris Johnson as head of government.

File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI
Good morning, Chicago.

An IT consultant hired by City Hall to diagnose Chicagos wide array of technological woes urged aldermen yesterday to drastically revamp its software and up its investments in information technology infrastructure after years of city neglect and cost inefficiencies.

From Chicago residents being unable to easily use city websites on smartphones to a confusing system that makes it difficult for home and business owners to challenge high water bills, Nitesh Dixit, senior managing partner at Gartner Consulting, said the citys menu of websites are not serving Chicagoans well.

Read the full story from the Tribunes Alice Yin.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

After a hot and muggy Labor Day drew thousands of beachgoers and boaters to Lake Michigan Monday, safety experts are calling the holiday one of the deadliest for Chicagos lakefront in recent history as emergency responders worked double time in rescue and recovery missions over a 24-hour time period.

Funded by a $25 million donation from the Ryan Family Foundation, the new academic initiative was announced this morning  the same day the proposed Ryan Field redevelopment is scheduled to go before the Evanston Land Use Committee. Both are drawn from a record-setting $480 million gift from the Ryan family.

After years of seeking approval, a Milwaukee suburb is finally set to start pulling millions of gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan to replace its polluted water supply.

While population sizes fluctuate year to year, research shows that there has been a dramatic decrease in the abundance of insects worldwide, specifically pollinators such as bees, flies, butterflies and beetles. Experts attribute some of the declines to habitat loss or pesticide use but warn that climate change poses new risks.

A new book about Joe Biden portrays the president as someone whose middle-class upbringing helped foster a resentment of intellectual elitism that shaped his political career and sometimes caused strain with his onetime boss, Harvard-educated Barack Obama.

The first pick in the draft got his latest welcome-to-the-NHL moment Tuesday, skating around on the ice in the Chicago Blackhawks home red jersey and his new teams full gear for the first time at the Players Associations rookie showcase. From the draft through development camp and signing his entry-level contract on his birthday, the event was Connor Bedards latest step toward making his pro debut.

For Chicago Bears fans, it has been three decades of ups and downs. Theyve been faithful to the navy and orange for as long as they can remember, digging deep for hope even when the future looks bleak, writes Shakeia Taylor.

Here are our picks for must-see museum exhibits this season. Among them: Open House Chicago.

One of the citys most celebrated harbingers of fall returns with more than 170 sites across 20-plus neighborhoods, presented by the Chicago Architecture Center. Peek into a mix of Open House favorites  such as the Pullman House Museum and Riviera Theater  and buildings rarely open to the public, like the Edgewater Beach Apartments and The Forum in Bronzeville, once a legendary cultural venue. Also worth flagging: the National Cambodian Heritage Museum in Lincoln Square and Walt Disneys birth house in Hermosa, both included on this years list of official site partners.

The Chicago Symphony season is such a trove that its hard to pick a few programs, writes music critic Hannah Edgar.
The principal of Westside Middle School left a voicemail to parents about a student bringing a loaded firearm to school.

On Tuesday, the staff was able to confiscate the loaded gun safely from the students backpack.

The schools staff was able to find the gun because the backpack did not meet the schools backpack policy.

As a result of the student carrying the gun, the student was arrested by school police.

Read: JFRD: 2 people transported following crash in Southside area

In addition to the criminal charges, the school will pursue other consequences.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Wednesday, there will be screenings and students belongings will be checked before entering the school.

Only mesh or clear bookbags are allowed on campus.

Read: President of Orange Park, non-profit cheerleading club arrested for funneling funds from company

Message from Westside Middle School:

Hello Westside Middle School families, this is Principal Errico calling. It is always difficult and disappointing to have to call you when one of our students makes a very poor decision, and this call is one of those moments.

This morning, we safely confiscated a loaded firearm that was in a students backpack. Our staff discovered this item as we were collecting and searching book bags that did not meet our schools book bag policy. The firearm was taken into our possession without any commotion or incident, but as a result of possessing the firearm, that student was arrested by school police. In addition to potential criminal charges, we will also pursue the appropriate school disciplinary consequences.

Read: Great tragedy; Community reacts to toddlers death inside hot vehicle in Jacksonville Beach

The safety and security of students and staff is our highest priority here at Westside Middle; therefore, we will institute screenings of students and their belongings as they enter campus tomorrow and for the near future. I ask that you please partner with us in making sure your child follows our book bag policy.

Only clear and mesh bookbags are allowed on this campus. Todays unfortunate incident shows why this policy is in place.

As always, thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we take steps to make Westside Middle a safe environment for all.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

[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.
In an image from video provided this summer by the Razgruzka_Vagnera channel on the Telegram app, leader Yevgeny Prigozhin of Russia's Wagner Group speaks to a camera. (Razgruzka_Vagnera Telegram channel via Associated Press)

Of the many questions raised by Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a suspicious small plane crash last month, perhaps the most consequential relates to the fate of Wagner, the mercenary group he built and honed to become an essential instrument in the Kremlin's overseas adventures.

Under Prigozhin's direction, Wagner grew from a band of "little green men"  so named because of the uniforms worn by self-proclaimed volunteers fighting alongside separatists in Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2014 attack on Ukraine  to a far-flung military and business empire. The organization has trained and fought alongside the militaries of pro-Russia governments in Eastern Europe, West Africa and South America. It has signed lucrative oil, gas and mining contracts. And it has run a media conglomerate with a troll factory and a movie studio as well as catering, restaurant and hotel businesses, not to mention a carwash.

Russian servicemen inspect a part of a crashed private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, died when a private jet he was said to be on crashed on Aug. 23, 2023, killing all 10 people on board. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)

At its heart, the mercenary force comprising more than 50,000 former soldiers and convicts offers Putin deniability for Russia's foreign meddling. Until Prigozhin's aborted June mutiny, in which he launched and then halted a rapid advance toward Moscow, Wagner was everywhere the Kremlin wanted to be without saying it was.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read more: Russian mercenary chief and mutineer Prigozhin killed in jet crash, state media say

Read more: Charred wreckage, burning questions after Putin calls Prigozhin a 'man of complicated fate'

Prigozhin's death, for which Putin has not claimed responsibility but which he is widely believed to have engineered, has left the Kremlin with the delicate task of replacing Wagner's restive commander with more pliant leadership while preserving the group's gains in the places it has fought.

First and foremost, that means Ukraine. Soon after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner deployed several thousand of its fighters to spearhead some of the most brutal assaults.

A woman lays a candle at a makeshist memorial for late head of Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin. (Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP via Getty Images)

"In the initial part of the war they were a brigade-size element  in the full scope of things not huge," said Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia program.

Read more: In the Ukraine war, a shadowy key player emerges: Russia's private army of mercenaries

Then Prigozhin began to recruit from prisons, bolstering Wagner's ranks with tens of thousands of convicts.

"That decision to tap into convicts made them into a larger force, and they became much more important," Lee said.

In July, a senior commander nicknamed "Marx" said in a post on the messaging app Telegram that about 78,000 Wagner fighters had participated in the Ukraine war, almost three quarters of them convicts.

Prigozhin used those cadres to deliver Moscow's sole major victory this year when it took over Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine where both sides deployed tens of thousands of men and huge amounts of military equipment in a nearly yearlong battle. In that same post on the Wagner-affiliated channel, Marx said the group had lost 22,000 men, with about 40,000 others wounded.

Read more: The Ukraine war's most vicious fight is happening in Bakhmut. A rare look inside

At the same time, there were growing tensions between Russia's military leadership and Prigozhin, who complained in profanity-laced diatribes on social media that his fighters were being denied logistical support. Earlier in the year, the Russian Defense Ministry had already taken over Wagner's prisoner pipeline for its own recruitment, Lee said.

After Bakhmut, Wagner's role in Ukraine abruptly ended, with Prigozhin announcing his forces were withdrawing and handing over territory under their control to the Russian army. Then word came in June that Wagnerites would have to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry, in effect stripping Prigozhin of autonomy  a decision that pushed him to launch a revolt along with 5,000 of his men. When it was stopped after an eleventh-hour deal involving Putin, Prigozhin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Wagner surrendered its heavy weaponry and its fighters redeployed to Belarus.

Taken together, those moves make Wagner a less indispensable force for the Ukraine fight, Lee said.

"It's still a question of size. Wagner's ability to fight in Bakhmut as a lead force was because of a massive number of convicts," he said. "If the Defense Ministry was taking that away, then Wagner might contribute a regiment-sized element  not insignificant, but not as significant as people make it out to be."

Read more: Russian mercenaries call off march to Moscow after Putin vows to punish organizers

In any case, he added, Wagner was more suited for offensive operations than the defensive posture Russia has taken to thwart Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive.

Observers say there has been no sign of Wagner redeploying to Ukraine. Last month, neighboring Belarus, a strong ally of Russia, appeared to be dismantling a camp in the village of Tsel thought to house thousands Wagner fighters, according to observers citing images taken by Planet Labs.

Potentially more disruptive are Wagner's activities  and its vast business holdings  in the Middle East and Africa. The latter was a particular focus of Prigozhin. In a video he released from Mali the week before his death, he said "Wagner is making Russia even greater on every continent  and Africa even more free."

Read more: Welcome to the Wagner-verse, where action films serve up propaganda for Russias notorious mercenary army

The expectation, analysts say, is that the services Wagner provided to Kremlin clients will live on under new ownership or less abrasive leadership.

"Parts may be folded in under the Ministry of Defense, Russian intelligence, or to other oligarchs and leaders found more compliant, but none of those assets will wither at the vine," said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia intelligence expert at the Washington-based Center for a New American Security. She added that Russia's use of private military contractors is likely to continue.

"My sense is that the private military contractor model isn't going to go away," she said. "We'll just see a fragmentation of the space."

Members of the Wagner Group prepare to depart from the Southern Military District's headquarters and return to their base on June 24, 2023 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. (Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

That may already be happening. A March investigation released by Molfar, a Ukrainian open source intelligence company, tracked 37 such contractors operating in 19 countries in Africa and 10 countries in Asia and the Middle East.

One of the larger groups is Convoy, which was established late last year by Sergei Aksyonov, head of the Russian-backed administration in Crimea, the Ukrainian region Putin illegally annexed in 2014. Run by a onetime Prigozhin ally named Konstantin Pikalov, Convoy has since received hundreds of millions of rubles in donations, including from VTB, a mostly state-owned Russian bank, and from an oligarch friend of Putin's, Arkady Rotenberg, according to an investigation from the Dossier Center, a nonprofit that aims to combat corruption and promote democratic values in Russia.

Another is Redut, a private military contractor that was involved in protecting Russian gas facilities in Syria but was also one of the first to participate in the Ukraine invasion in 2022, according to Meduza, an independent news outlet based in Latvia.

But it would be difficult for Convoy or Redut  both minuscule compared with Wagner and nowhere near as experienced  to take over the group's duties, said Anton Mardasov, a military affairs expert at the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

"The operations of Wagner in Africa were often of a delicate nature and simply replacing them with a mass of people with different levels of training is not a good option," he said.

It is unclear whether Wagner recruits would be willing to sign up under a new organization, said a researcher for "All Eyes on Wagner," which monitors the group's activities.

"Wagner was more than a private military contractor. It was a cult," said the researcher, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of his safety. "They had lots of supporters even in the regular army. Some will not accept Wagner being controlled by the Russian government."

Besides, those other companies don't have Prigozhin, a peripatetic hustler whose connections opened avenues few could access, the researcher said.

Read more: In Ukraine, a harvest of death as bodies of the fallen are returned to their hometowns

"He was a super-organizer, able to bring more than 300 private companies around Wagner. He was the reason why the company was that big."

Others believe Russia will find some way to continue the brand under Kremlin-approved leadership, said Ovigwe Eguegu, a Nigerian policy analyst at the Beijing-based consulting firm Development Reimagined.

"Why is Russia popular in Africa today? It's not aid or a trade relationship. It's Wagner," he said, adding that even during the Ukraine war, though there were reports of Wagner cadres redeploying, there was no collapse of relationships on the African continent.

"The success of Wagner is proof of concept, and Russia won't let go of that."

Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Rustem Umierov, the former head of the State Property Fund, has recently been considered as a candidate for the post of Defence Minister, thanks to his reputation and good connections abroad.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda in the article Zelenskyy's Fourth Defence Minister. Why the President is replacing Reznikov with Umierov

Details: One of the president's close associates said off the record that the candidate for defence minister appeared very quickly and "literally 10 days ago".

According to this source, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Rustem Umierov, and he "could not refuse".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Obviously, Yermak introduced Umierov to the team, but the decision on the Ministry of Defence is the president's decision. Yermak was quite satisfied with Rustem in the State Property Fund," the source told Ukrainska Pravda.

Umierov became a compromise candidate, as Zelenskyy sees him as a manager, pro-Western activists see him as a man with a reputation, and Yermak sees him as someone who will not affect the two deputy defence ministers who are important to him.

Rustem Umierov formally entered politics as a member of Svyatoslav Vakarchuk's Holos party, but in fact, he is more likely to be a representative of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars [the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people is a representative body of the Crimean Tatars, similar to a parliament and consisting of 33 members - ed.].

He met Andrii Yermak in 2019 when he was still an assistant to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and not the head of the Office of the President.

"In August 2019, Andrii [Yermak  ed.] was an advisor to the president. At that time, a plan was being developed for the president's visit to Turkiye, and we have a very large diaspora in Turkiye. We have been working since then, giving our insights," Umierov himself once explained to Ukrainska Pravda.

On 28 February 2022, Umierov was a member of the delegation at the talks with the Russians in Belarus, and when the talks were moved to Istanbul, the Ukrainian team was greatly helped by Umierov's connections with the Turkish establishment, which he had gained while working as an aide to Mustafa Dzhemiliev [former Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars - ed.].

Ukrainska Pravda stated that Umierov is personally acquainted with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and has direct contact with his right-hand man, Ibrahim Kalin.

Umierov is also useful to the Presidents Office for his ties with Saudi Arabia. He was one of the members of the Ukrainian delegation to the recent "peaceful" meeting of security advisers in Jeddah.

So the decision to appoint Umierov to the Defence Ministry is unexpected only at first glance.

At the same time, since February, the ideas of appointing Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Defence Intelligence, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery, or Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister for Strategic Industries, as Defence Minister have been rejected for various reasons.

Background:

On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, who had submitted his resignation following a decision by the president. MPs also released Umierov from his post as head of the State Property Fund.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to the parliament that Rustem Umierov be appointed as Minister of Defence of Ukraine, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people called on MPs to support this candidate.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine reached new political, defence and humanitarian agreements on 6 September and plans to have further contacts with partners to strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening video address on 6 September

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We have new defence agreements today. New political and humanitarian deals. We are also developing new international communication to make this week more active in terms of our foreign policy work, so that our soldiers and all our people feel more strengthened."

Details: The President thanked everyone who has helped Ukraine and will continue to do so.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

On 6 September, the United States government announced it would provide Ukraine with another military aid package, to include depleted-uranium ammunition.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington would allocate over US$1 billion to help Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  With the scheduled execution of Anthony Sanchez just two weeks away, the campaign to #FreeAnthonySanchez is shifting gears to call attention to a call by Anthonys new legal team that they need more time to process newly uncovered evidence and newly developed witnesses in the case.

Sanchez, 45, has been on death row for 17 years, after being convicted of killing OU student, Juli Busken. In 1996, the 21-year-olds body was found at Lake Stanley Draper. Investigators said she was sexually assaulted and shot in the head. Ten years later, prosecutors said DNA evidence linked Sanchez to the crime. He told News 4 two weeks ago that night he was at his Moore home with family. He believed his father was there as well.

Juli Busken

The court says that evidence showed that DNA found on Buskens body was overwhelmingly connected to Sanchez. It also cited evidence that a call made from Buskens cell phone went to Sanchezs former girlfriend after the murder.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Oklahoma death row inmate says he does not want clemency hearing, maintains innocence

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals denied Sanchezs appeal and instead, it affirmed the original jurys judgment and sentence:

Counsel further asserts that [a]side from the DNA- a very considerable aside, indeed, as we shall seethe evidence did not fit Anthony Sanchez. He argues the various eyewitness descriptions of the suspect, the lack of Anthony Sanchezs fingerprints inside Juli Buskens car after the murder, and the absence of incriminating statements by Anthony Sanchez are evidentiary anomalies indicating his innocence. Counsel argues that Glen Sanchezs alleged confessions are clear and convincing evidence of Anthony Sanchezs innocence, requiring reversal of his murder conviction or the death sentence, or at minimum, additional discovery, and an evidentiary hearing. We respectfully disagree. This Court previously determined that [t]he evidence presented at trial tends to show that [Anthony Sanchez] forced Ms. Busken into her own car around 5:30 a.m., sexually assaulted her in an unknown location, and murdered her on the shoreline of Lake Stanley Draper around 7:00 a.m. on December 20, 1996. I thank the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for their rejection of Anthony Sanchezs appeal, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said. Not only has Sanchez refused to admit his guilt, he even tried to accuse his father of committing the murdera desperate and cowardly accusation that DNA testing has proven to be false. The Courts ruling brings us closer to finally seeing that justice is served for Juli Busken. My thoughts are with Julis family and friends as the execution date approaches. The campaign for Sanchez will add a phone and petition drive urging Governor Stitt to grant a 60 day reprieve in order to allow time for additional evidence analysis and legal proceedings regarding evidence and witnesses previously unavailable, including:

Multiple eyewitnesses who have come forward who saw Glen Sanchez with Juli Busken on the morning of her murder.

A new photograph of someone who could have possibly been with Glen Sanchez that morning.

Multiple individuals familiar with the original investigation of the crime have come forward to share their early suspicions of Glen Sanchez and how those suspicions were silenced.

Anthonys legal team and investigator are still seeking access to at least 42 boxes of evidence that have not been contemporaneously engaged.

Two of the earliest defense investigators have come forward to speak about how Glen Sanchez tried to manipulate the case away from any questions of his culpability.

One witness has come forward who claims that Glen Sanchez used a gun to try to assault her in 1995.

Discovery of a photograph of a bootprint similar in size and shape to that worn by Glen Sanchez in the sand near where Juli Buskin was killed.

Numerous new tips continue to be submitted via the established tip line that need to be processed and evaluated.

For years, Ive known Governor Stitt to be an honorable man, said David Ballard, Chief Investigator in the Anthony Sanchez case.

Repeatedly, Ive seen the Governor courageously make tough decisions for the betterment of Oklahoma, even when the winds of public opinion blew a different direction. At this hour, Im asking the Governor to make another tough decision. Anthony Sanchez faces execution on September 21. While I wholeheartedly believe in his innocence, Im not asking the Governor to proclaim Sanchez innocent. As the chief investigator on the Sanchez case, Im simply asking for the opportunity to investigate a wide variety of new evidence that has been revealed in recent weeks, even as more new evidence continues to come in. If the Governor exercises his power to grant a 60-day reprieve, I have no doubt that my team will be able to engage the totality of the evidence before Sanchez could be rescheduled for execution. Surely, life is too precious for us to simply let the clock run out on possibly exculpatory evidence.

Sanchezs spiritual advisor Rev. Dr. Hood, is set to begin a pilgrimage with thousands of petition signatures and a letter from Anthony Sanchez, walking more than 120 miles to stop the execution walk from McAlester to the Governors Office starting Friday at 10:00 a.m. Hood and his supporters expect to arrive at the Capitol to deliver the letter and accumulated petition signatures at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13.

Enough is enough. I deserve to be free, Death-row inmate maintains innocence, continues call for new DNA tests

WHO: Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood, Death Penalty Action & Red Letter Christians

WHAT: Press Conference/Photo Op

WHEN: 10:00 a.m. CDT, Friday, September 8, 2023

WHERE: Thou Shalt Not Kill Billboard located at US Highway 270, just West of 4100 Rd. (Near the Sonic restaurant)

This event is part of the #FreeAthonySanchez campaign.

Sanchezs execution date is set for September 21. Until then, Sanchez said hell keep fighting.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Newly appointed Defense Minister of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, has commented on his appointment in a Sep. 6 Facebook post, saying that his new position is both a challenge and a duty as a citizen and worthy son of his people.

"Our primary goal is victory. I will do everything possible and impossible for Ukraine's victory  when we liberate every inch of our country and every one of our people. Those who, unfortunately, are currently in captivity  we will bring them back. All of them, including children, prisoners of war, political prisoners, and civilians. We will restore a normal and dignified life to Ukrainian cities that are, unfortunately, temporarily occupied. We know that people there are waiting for us because they are our people and our territories."

Umerov emphasized that resistance by a single individual is resistance by the entire country, and behind every defender stand 42 million Ukrainians and a ministry that "will do everything to protect and provide for all [its] people." He added that Ukrainians, their lives, and their dignity are the highest value and the governments priority.

"Ukraine today is free people in a free world defending fundamental democratic values and human rights. We are fighting for this! And our plan is victory, without any shades or debates. Glory to Ukraine!"

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Verkhovna Rada appointed Rustem Umerov as the Defense Minister on Sep. 6 after dismissing Oleksii Reznikov from this position the day before. Reznikov led the ministry since November 2021. Umerov had overseen the State Property Fund since September 2022.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Former President Donald Trump already feeling the heat of a million suns after a barrage of criminal indictments this summerasked a New York state judge to delay an upcoming trial that could bleed his corporate empire dry.

Late Tuesday night, Trumps lawyers requested that Justice Arthur F. Engoron push back the start of New York Attorney General Letitia James  trial against the family for bank and insurance fraud, which is set to start on Oct. 2.

Clifford S. Robert and three other defense lawyers argued why the judge should give them more timepointing to the fact that the judge still hasnt made changes to the case after a recent appellate decision.

In June, an appellate court decided to dismiss Ivanka Trump from the case. But in doing so, it also drew a cutoff that made a whole batch of official accusations too dated to enforce. Now, Trumps lawyers say that James and Justice Engoron still havent figured out how to whittle down the lawsuits claims.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The court and the parties must simply perform the ministerial task of identifying the respective dates of accrual for each of the NYAGs claims and then applying the bar date, the defense lawyers wrote.

Trumps Fulton County Case Has Descended Into Chaos Even Before It Starts

They warned that having a trial before figuring that out could lead to massive waste of judicial and party resources, especially if an appeal on technical grounds leads to an entire retrial.

As such, the request aims to do one of two things: potentially force the AG to pare down her lawsuit or make the upcoming trial look like a potential liability. It also comes just days after the AGs office asked the judge to grant them summary judgmenta total victory without a trial.

Either way, the lawyers drafted a proposed order that would give them at least three weeks to prepare for the trialapparently much-needed extra time. Their client is facing a host of other legal issues across the country, ranging from criminal charges in New York and D.C. to Atlanta and Miami.

Trump is expected to spend much of the late winter and early spring in court facing possible prison time, just as hes trying to juggle a 2024 presidential 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.
A 23-year-old skateboarder found himself illegally detained  and later hospitalized  after telling deputies to leave two young Black men alone near a skate park in Compton, California, according to federal prosecutors.

Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department deputies Miguel Angel Vega and Christopher Blair Hernandez approached the two individuals April 13, 2020, and searched them for guns after Vega suspected one was in a street gang, according to prosecutors.

After the skateboarder, identified as J.A. yelled at Vega and Hernandez to back off from the pair, Vega challenged J.A. to a fight, court documents say.

Then Vega decided to teach J.A. a lesson while fueled by anger, according to his plea agreement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Vega grabbed J.A. and threw him in the back of his patrol SUV as Hernandez stood by, according to prosecutors, who said J.A. was never handcuffed, strapped in a seat belt or read his rights.

Vega and Hernandez then concocted a story to justify detaining J.A. and accused him of being under the influence of a stimulant, the plea agreement says.

Prosecutors say Vega then crashed the patrol SUV  leading to J.A. hitting his head in the back of the vehicle and needing stitches  and caused a major response from the sheriffs department.

Vega, who no longer works for the sheriffs department, has agreed to plead guilty to depriving J.A. of his civil rights, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California said in a Sept. 5 news release.

On July 24, Hernandez pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate J.A.s civil rights, prosecutors said in an earlier news release. He is no longer employed by the sheriffs department.

McClatchy News contacted attorneys representing Vega and Hernandez for comment Sept. 6 and didnt receive immediate responses.

The sheriffs department assisted federal agencies in their criminal investigation of Vega and Hernandez, the department told McClatchy News in a Sept. 6 statement.

When the sheriffs department became aware of allegations of misconduct against Miguel Vega and Christopher Hernandez, criminal and administrative investigations were initiated, the department said in an email. As a result of the internal investigation, both employees are no longer members of the department.

The SUV crash

Vega and Hernandez are accused of taunting and threatening J.A., saying theyd drop him off in gang territory where (hed) receive a beating, prosecutors said in the release.

During the drive, Vega spotted a group of young men riding bikes and suspected one had a gun  so he pursued him with the SUV, according to prosecutors.

As the pursuit unfolded, Vega let Hernandez out the vehicle, prosecutors said.

Then, Vega crashed the SUV into an alleyway wall and a parked car, with J.A. still unsecured in the back, the plea agreement says.

J.A. was left with a cut above his right eye, according to prosecutors and the plea agreement.

Afterward, Vega told J.A. to get out of here and let him out of the patrol car, according to the plea agreement.

J.A. told Vega he was hurt, but Vega again told him to leave because he was concerned that J.A. was lingering for too long, the plea agreement says.

Vega reports person with a gun

Following the crash, Vega reported a person with a gun was on the run over the sheriffs department radio  causing personnel to arrive and establish a containment zone in the area, prosecutors said.

Vega also reported crashing his SUV but failed to mention J.A. was detained in the backseat, according to prosecutors.

Another deputy who arrived at the scene encountered J.A. nearby and  while incorrectly suspecting J.A. was the person with the gun  detained him, the plea agreement says.

Afterward, Vega heard a potential suspect was apprehended and to his surprise, he saw it was J.A., according to the plea agreement.

At that point, Vega admitted J.A. was in the back of his patrol car during the crash and told the deputies to release him, the plea agreement says.

However, due to J.A.s head injuries, the deputies didnt let him go, according to the plea agreement.

J.A. is cited at the hospital

While at the hospital receiving stitches for the cut above his eye, J.A. was issued a citation for methamphetamine use at Hernandezs direction, the plea agreement says.

This was consistent with (Vegas) plan to fabricate the allegation that J.A. was under the influenceand to cover up (Vega and Hernandezs) unlawful detention of J.A. at the skatepark, according to the plea agreement.

Vega and Hernandez both lied in two incident reports they wrote that day to cover up what happened, prosecutors said.

They reported they detained J.A. because he appeared to have taken a stimulant and was purportedly sweating, talking fast, displaying erratic behavior, grinding his teeth, had dilated pupils and more, the plea agreement says.

The deputies also wrote J.A. threatened them and others at the skate park, according to prosecutors.

Vega will face up to 10 years in federal prison after formally pleading guilty, prosecutors said. His sentencing date wasnt listed in court records.

Hernandez is facing up to five years in prison following his guilty plea and will be sentenced Jan. 8, prosecutors said.

Two months after officials said J.A. was wrongfully detained, Vega and Hernandez were accused of killing Andres Guardado, 18, resulting in major protests and a wrongful death lawsuit, CBS Los Angeles reported, citing court records.

After Vega and Hernandez said they saw Guardado with a gun, they pursued him before Vega repeatedly shot him in the back, according to court records obtained by the outlet, which reported no criminal charges came out of the shooting.

Muslim woman forced to take off hijab for police mugshot or stay in jail, lawsuit says

Deputy sexually assaults handcuffed woman he kidnapped during traffic stop, feds say

Cops yanked man from car, beat him during traffic stop  then tried to hide it, feds say
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday appointed the co-founder of the far-right group Moms for Liberty to the state ethics commission.

Moms for Liberty is a far-right parental rights organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center recently categorized as an extremist group. New DeSantis appointee Tina Descovich co-founded the group in 2021 to push back against Covid-19 restrictions in schools and against classes that teach about nonwhite history and LGBTQ rights.

Descovich tweeted that it was a privilege to join the Florida Commission on Ethics. The nine-member commission is tasked with investigating complaints about alleged breaches of trust by state public officers and employees.

What this appointment actually does is give Descovich even more power to target the same groups that Moms for Liberty attacks. Legal expert Alejandra Caraballo warned that Descovich will now be able to investigate LGBTQ state employees and allies and systematically remove them from state government.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Appointing Descovich is DeSantiss latest attack on LGBTQ rights in Florida. He expanded his Dont Say Gay law, banned drag performances in public, and prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity, among many other policies.

Descovichs appointment is also a sign of how much power Moms for Liberty wields on the political right. Their recent annual summit featured multiple high-profile speakers, including presidential candidates DeSantis, Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, and Asa Hutchinson.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday appointed a co-founder of the group Moms for Liberty and a South Florida-based attorney to seats on the Florida Commission on Ethics, replacing the boards former chairman and a member whose term expired.

Tina Descovich, a former Brevard County School Board member who helped found the prominent conservative group Moms for Liberty, said in a statement that she was honored to be named to this important statewide commission.

The Florida ethics commission is charged with serving as the guardian of the standards of conduct for public officers and employees as well as safeguarding public trust. It will be a privilege to serve the state I love as a member of this commission, Descovich said.

DeSantis spoke at Moms For Liberty summit events in Tampa and Philadelphia in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and was a guest on the groups Joyful Warriors podcast in July, where he discussed his campaign for president.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

READ MORE: Florida ethics chairman took a new job that may create a $400K ethical conflict

Moms for Liberty has been a major player in controversies about attempts to remove or review books at schools. Moms for Liberty contends it is trying to prevent children from having access to adult-oriented books and material, but critics have accused the group of book banning.

Democrats immediately objected to Descovichs appointment.

Jennifer Jenkins, a Brevard County School Board member who appeared with Democratic Party officials in July 2022 during the same weekend as the Moms for Liberty summit in Tampa, criticized the governors pick.

Qualifications include: losing an incumbent school board seat & creating a nationally recognized hate group, Jenkins said in a tweet, referring to the Southern Poverty Law Center labeling Moms for Liberty as an antigovernment organization.

Moms for Liberty is exploring every legal option to hold the SPLC accountable, Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice told The Wall Street Journal in a recent interview.

The other DeSantis appointee to the ethics commission is Luis Fuste, a founding partner at Fuste Law, PA. The firms website said he has a focus on representation of labor organizations, employees, and small-to-medium-sized businesses and has served on the Miami-Dade Police Departments legal unit and as assistant general counsel for the South Florida Police Benevolent Association.

Fuste in January also was appointed by DeSantis to the state Board of Chiropractic Medicine.

The ethics commission appointments ultimately will need approval from the Florida Senate.

Former commission Chairman Glen Gilzean resigned from the role on Aug. 22. Gilzean holds a $400,000-per-year job as administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, a revamped special district that includes Walt Disney World properties. Gilzean left his unpaid position on the ethics panel after a lawyer for the commission wrote that it would be inconsistent with state law for Gilzean to hold both roles simultaneously.

The other open commission seat had been held by Jim Waldman, a former Democratic state lawmaker from Coconut Creek. Waldmans term on the commission expired in June, but he continued serving until a replacement was named.

A spokeswoman for the ethics commission told The News Service of Florida that Descovich and Fuste became members of the commission immediately. They joined the board two days before a high-profile meeting in which the commission will consider dropping an ethics complaint against former state Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.

The ethics commission in 2018 launched a probe of Latvala after allegations of sexual harassment. Latvala has fought the allegations.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is gearing up to return to the campaign trail after a brief hiatus to respond to Hurricane Idalia last month.

DeSantis largely received positive coverage for his response to the storm, which served as an opportunity to showcase his executive leadership skills in a crisis.

But the governor now faces a tough road as he resumes his campaign tour, with recent polling showing former President Trump dominating the GOP primary.

We are eager to get back into the early states, DeSantiss campaign manager James Uthmeier said last week on Fox News. I think Iowans, theyre seeing a true leader. Theyre seeing a man thats driven by faith in God, love for family, service over self. Theyre seeing somebody who actually walks the walk, who delivers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Weve seen him come out on a different stage, a level above everyone else, and I think youll see that separation grow, but we certainly look forward to getting back into Iowa and the early states, he continued.

But DeSantiss return to the campaign spotlight comes after a Wall Street Journal poll found that Trumps lead over the governor has nearly doubled since April.

According to the survey, 59 percent of Republicans said Trump was their first choice, with DeSantis trailing at 13 percent.

On top of that, a CNN poll released Tuesday found that 52 percent of Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters said they supported Trump, compared to 18 percent of voters who said the same about DeSantis.

DeSantis allies argue that the Florida governor is still the clear favorite to beat Trump.

The fundamental dynamics of the race have not changed. Its a two-person race for the Republican nomination, said Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican strategist. The only candidate that is in the running other than Trump is Ron DeSantis

The same CNN poll released Tuesday showed that while 81 percent of Republican primary voters said they would support or consider supporting the former president, while 78 percent said the same about DeSantis; 63 percent said the same about Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), while 63 percent and 58 percent said the same about former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, respectively.

Additionally, the poll found that while 43 percent of Republican primary voters said they were definite Trump-backers, another 20 percent said they were firmly behind another candidate and 37 percent said they have no first choice or could change their minds.

While Trump has dominated polls nationally, DeSantiss team and his allies have been optimistic about Iowa. The governors presidential campaign has made the first-in-the-nation caucus state its top priority, zeroing in on Iowas grassroots conservative base.

I think the untold story is Iowa, Sayfie said. I think that if anyone wants to know whos going to win the GOP nomination in 2024, theyve got to start with Iowa and whats happening on the ground there.

DeSantis has pledged to visit the states 99 counties and has already visited more than 50. The governor made Dyersville, Iowa, which features a famous site from the movie Field of Dreams, his first stop after the presidential primary debate last month. The campaign stop was a clear contrast from Trump, who was booked in the Fulton County, Ga., Jail that same day on felony charges linked to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Yet polling shows DeSantis continues to trail Trump in the Hawkeye State. A Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa poll released last month found Trump leading the field with 42 percent support and DeSantis trailing in second place at 19 percent support.

But DeSantiss supporters say theres still time for the governor to build traction.

This could be the classic case of the tortoise and the hare, Sayfie said. That classic old fable where the hare got out to such a big lead that the tortoise just kept plugging along and ended up winning the race, and that could definitely happen in Iowa.

One potential bump for DeSantis could be his response to Hurricane Idalia, which was praised in the news media and put him in the national spotlight.

DeSantiss campaign has been touting the mostly positive coverage he received for his handling of the storm, releasing a video highlighting the coverage Monday.

Everybody understands that of all of the candidates, Ron has an actual job he has to do, and particularly in a crisis situation like theyre seeing down there with this hurricane, said New Hampshire House Leader Jason Osborne (R), who has endorsed DeSantis. Its great to see what a bang-up job he does just handling crises like that, like a boss.

But its unclear how much of a bump DeSantis will get now that the storm and its recovery efforts are no longer a top story outside of Florida.

Its hard to say, Sayfie said. I think that his handling of the hurricane and the response is a net positive, but ultimately voters in those early primary states are focused on issues that are important to them and their households.

Osborne said that DeSantiss handling of the hurricane will help his campaign if early-contest state voters are paying attention.

His best campaigning would be if we could have a hidden camera behind him just watching him do his job, Osborne said.

The governor did raise eyebrows with his decision not to meet with President Biden during his trip to survey the damage from the storm last week. DeSantiss office cited the logistical challenges of a presidential visit.

In these rural communities, and so soon after impact, the security preparations alone that would go into setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts, said Jeremy Redfern, DeSantiss press secretary.

However, DeSantis has appeared with Biden in the wake of past crises in Florida, including the aftermath of Hurricane Ian last year and the building collapse in Surfside in 2021.

Biden said when he was on the ground in Florida that he was not disappointed DeSantis didnt take a meeting with him during his visit.

He may have had other reasons because  but he did help us plan this. He sat with FEMA and decided where we should go, where itd be the least disruption, the president said.

And while appearing with Biden may have drawn positive attention from more moderate voters, the move to skip the meeting is unlikely to hurt him with the conservative base.

From the perspective of GOP presidential primary voters, its a net plus not to meet with him, Sayfie said. It appears by all accounts that the state and federal governments are coordinating their responses to help the hurricane victims.

National Republican strategist Doug Heye noted that the decision not to meet with Biden allows the coverage to be painted with a partisan brush.

DeSantis earned a lot of good coverage for appearing with Biden during the last hurricane recovery, Heye said. It was an opportunity to show the culture warrior can also govern like an adult  an opportunity his opponents wont have. So its somewhat surprising he was not with the president this time. Recovery efforts are going well  the most important thing  but much of the coverage is now takes on a partisan context.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ARLINGTON, Va.  This February, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a visit to China, during which he was scheduled to meet with its leader Xi Jinping, after a Chinese spy balloon had drifted slowly over the United States.

Since then, Blinken has rescheduled, and made, his trip  as have the secretaries of treasury and commerce. And last week, news broke that Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, met with Chinese representatives at a conference in Fiji last month.

It seemed like a potential thaw in the long-troubled military-to-military communications between China and the United States. Not so, according to Ely Ratner, the Pentagons top official for the Indo-Pacific region, speaking at the Defense News Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Those are all and well, he said of the meetings, in addition to his own conversations with the Chinese ambassador in Washington. I dont think those are a substitute for leader-level engagement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The United States, Ratner said, has offered to restart military channels, which China suspended last August, after then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. China has rejected such offers, citing U.S. sanctions against its top military official as a reason.

We have been brutally consistent  in saying again and again the United States seeks open lines of communication with the PRC [Peoples Republic of China], Ratner said. They have turned those on and off like a light switch for political reasons.

China considers the island nation of Taiwan as a renegade province that Beijing has threated to take back by force. Xi has reportedly instructed his military to reach sufficient strength to invade the island by 2027. The Pentagons annual China Military Power Report, which assesses such capabilities, is set for release in mid-October, Ratner said.

Military communications matter because of the potential for crisis in the region. The Chinese and U.S. militaries operate in the same areas, with potential for an accidental confrontation to spiral. Ratner said China has increased its number of unsafe intercepts of the U.S. and its allies and partners in recent years. Open dialogue can help dim escalation, he argued.

Its dangerous, and the PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] has got to knock it off, he said.

As a comparison, Ratner invoked the U.S. and Soviet Unions relationship during the Cold War, but cautioned that the parallel is incomplete. The two sides at the time had opened backchannels to avoid accidental conflict during their decades of competition. But those only began after the Cuban Missile Crisis, which may be the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war.

The events following Pelosis visit to Taiwan last summer, during which China fired missiles over the island and increased its tempo of military exercises, and this years balloon incident, could be considered crises on their own  though perhaps not at the level of 1962. So far, those events have failed to restart military channels. Ratner said he hopes further escalation isnt necessary for that to begin.

The question for the PRC is: Do we have to wait to have such a dangerous crisis before they realize the benefits of that kind of engagement? Ratner said. Our hope is not.
By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Developing countries have proposed that a new U.N. fund unlocks at least $100 billion by 2030 to address irreversible damage caused by climate change, as states prepare to discuss who will benefit and who will pay in at the U.N. COP28 climate summit.

Countries will attempt to hammer out the details of the climate "loss and damage" fund at the summit taking place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. If launched, it would be the first U.N. fund dedicated to addressing irreparable damage from climate-fuelled drought, floods and rising sea levels.

While countries agreed to the fund last year, they postponed the most contentious decisions, including which countries will pay into it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At a United Nations committee meeting last week, developing countries including those in Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and small island states, proposed that the climate damage fund should programme at least $100 billion by 2030.

The published proposal said $100 billion should be a "minimum" and provide a safety net when climate impacts overburden a country's capacity to cope.

"Loss and damage is not just an environmental setback; it's unravelling decades of development efforts," said Madeleine Diouf Sarr, chair of the Least Developed Countries group of 46 nations, which supports the $100 billion proposal.

However, decisions at COP28 need unanimous backing from the nearly 200 countries that attend U.N. climate summits - and the proposal is at odds with the stance of some wealthy nations expected to contribute to the fund.

TOUGH TALKS AHEAD

Diplomats said the U.N. meeting last week did not resolve the most contentious issues around the fund.

Last year's U.N. deal ended years of deadlock over climate damages funding - which the United States and European Union had previously resisted, concerned it could lead to liabilities for countries whose historical emissions fuelled climate change.

But countries are now at odds over which nations should pay into the fund, and which should receive support.

Michai Robertson, who represented the small island developing states' group at last week's U.N. meeting, said all developing nations should be eligible to receive support.

However, small island states - which are among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts - caveat that this "open to all" approach must also ensure small, highly vulnerable communities are not sidelined by the demands of bigger nations.

The U.N. definition of developed countries that should contribute to climate finance - which dates back to the 1990s - does not include major economies like China and high wealth-per-capita nations like the United Arab Emirates, which is President of this year's UN climate summit.

Wealthy nations want a more targeted fund. A draft of the European Union's negotiating position for COP28, seen by Reuters, said the fund "should focus on developing countries that are particularly vulnerable".

Countries are also split over who should pay.

A United States proposal suggested the fund should attract cash from governments, the private sector, philanthropies and new "innovative sources". A section on which countries should pay was left blank. "There are currently differences of views," the US proposal said.

Looming over the talks is wealthy nations' failure to meet a 2009 pledge to provide $100 billion per year from 2020 in climate finance to poorer nations. That broken promise has fuelled mistrust and resentment among poor nations facing calls to cut their CO2 emissions but struggling raise money to do this.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett; editing by Richard Valdmanis, Alexandra Hudson)
Feinstein affirmed statements about her daughter's power of attorney while speaking with a reporter.

But earlier in the day, she told the reporter her daughter had "no permission to do anything."

The 90-year-old senator has questions about her fitness for office.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein told a reporter that her daughter did not have permission to do anything regarding her legal affairs, only to later walk that statement back and affirm giving her daughter power of attorney.

The 90-year-old California Democrat, who had a monthslong absence from the Capitol as she battled health issues earlier this year, has also been the subject of multiple news reports that have detailed a range of issues that she has faced.

In August, it was reported that Sen. Dianne Feinstein had given power of attorney to her daughter, former San Francisco Superior Court judge Katherine Feinstein .

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While speaking with The San Francisco Chronicle on Wednesday, the senator confirmed that she had given Katherine Feinstein power of attorney over her legal affairs, stating that the decision would give her the opportunity to continue working effectively for her constituents.

But when Sen. Feinstein initially spoke with The Chronicle, she told the publication that she "gave no permission to do anything" when questioned about Katherine Feinstein's involvement in her legal affairs.

Then, in a phone call the same day, she attempted to clarify her earlier statements about Katherine Feinstein's role in aiding her legal issues.

"I've asked my daughter to handle the case. And it's so I can focus on what I'm doing back here in Washington," the lawmaker told the newspaper of a legal dispute over her late husband's estate. "It's a difficult time for me, and so I really don't have time for other things."

"I've entrusted my daughter to handle those things that I believe she can. And she's very smart and if it doesn't work, we'll change it," she told the newspaper. "But so far, so good."

Sen. Feinstein has filed three lawsuits over her inability to access the financial assets of Richard Blum, her late husband, who died in February 2022.

"This is all a family matter. It has nothing to do with the Senate or, frankly, anything else," the senator told The Chronicle.

"I've got my hands full with committee work and intelligence work and other things," she continued. "I'm proud of it, I work hard and try to  because we're far away  look after the California issues like wildfire and water that are vital to our survival."

Feinstein, who has served in the Senate since 1992, is not running for reelection in 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A surgical tool "the size of a dinner plate" was discovered and removed from inside a woman's abdomen 18 months after she had a caesarean section while giving birth to her child, health officials in New Zealand have confirmed.

The woman, whose name has not been revealed, underwent a scheduled C-section at a hospital in Auckland where she gave birth to her child in 2020, a report released by New Zealand's Health and Disability commissioner, Morag McDowell stated.

'Blessing': Kourtney Kardashian reveals she underwent 'urgent fetal surgery' to save baby's life

Serious abdominal pain

Soon after her C-section, the woman started experiencing serious pains in her abdomen. She reported her agony to her doctor and continued to do so "a number of times in the 18 months after the C-section." On one occasion, the pain was so severe that she had to be rushed to the emergency room in Auckland City Hospital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was later revealed that an "Alexis wound retractor (AWR), a device used to draw back the edges of a wound during surgery, was left in her abdomen following her C-section," according to the report.

"This resulted in the woman suffering chronic abdominal pain until the device was discovered incidentally on an abdominal CT scan," said the report.

An AWR is a non-radio-opaque item, which makes it undetectable on an x-ray.

Following initial investigations, the hospital, Te Whatu Ora Auckland, formerly Auckland District Health Board, claimed it had exercised reasonable skill and care towards the patient, who was in her 20s.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 08: A general view of Auckland City Hospital is seen on November 08, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland will move to Alert Level 3, Step 2 from 11:59pm on Tuesday 9 November. Under Alert Level 3, Step 2 settings outdoor gatherings can increase to 25 and public facilities, such as libraries and museums, and retail can open with mask-wearing, contact tracing and physical distancing. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

What happened on the day of her C-section?

On the day of her C-section, several operating room staff including a surgeon, a senior registrar, an instrument nurse, three circulating nurses, two anesthetists, two anesthetic technicians and a theater midwife, were present during the procedure, according to the report.

The surgeon initially used a large-sized AWR to perform a midline laparotomy, a procedure that involves cutting open the abdomen to access the organs inside, said the report.

However, that was too small for the incision, so it was removed and replaced with an extra-large AWR on the surgeon's advice.

"The Case Review found that it was this second AWR (size XL) that was retained," read the report. "It should be noted that the retractor, a round, soft tubal instrument of transparent plastic fixed on two rings, is a large item, about the size of a dinner plate."

The AWR is usually removed once the procedure is completed.

Alexis O Wound Protector/Retractor

A nurse, who has not been named, said in the report that her department did not record the Alexis retractor on the count board "due to the fact that the Alexis Retractor doesn't go into the wound completely as half of the retractor needs to remain outside the patient and so it would not be at risk of being retained."

Two other nurses present said they had no recollection of the case though one of them remembered opening a second AWR and said that this was very unusual.

"I remember being asked by the scrub nurse to open another Alexis wound retractor  We had none in the prep room, so I quickly fetched one from the sterile stock room," said one of the nurses. "I opened this to the scrub nurse and left it at that. I do not remember telling [one of the other nurses] that I opened it, and I did not write this with the count, as at this time this item was not part of our count routine."

It is common practice to count the number of instruments used in an operation before and after surgery.

Written apology

McDowell, in her recommendations, said that the healthcare provided to the woman "fell below the appropriate standard".

"There is substantial precedent to infer that when a foreign object is left inside a patient during an operation, the care fell below the appropriate standard," wrote McDowell. "I acknowledge the stress that these events caused to the woman and her family. I accept her concerns regarding the impact this had on her health and wellbeing and that of her family."

The commissioner recommended the hospital staff to provide a written apology to the victim within three weeks and "also to provide the woman and her kainga the opportunity to meet face to face, facilitated by Te Whatu Oras Pasifika health services".

McDowell added that the hospital will be referred to the Director of Proceedings in accordance with the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994 to determine whether any further proceedings should be taken.

'Sorry for what happened'

Meanwhile, Te Whatu Ora Group Director of Operations for Te Toka Tumai Auckland Dr Mike Shepherd apologized for the mishap in a statement, according to The Guardian.

On behalf of our Womens Health service at Te Toka Tumai Auckland and Te Whatu Ora, I would like to say how sorry we are for what happened to the patient and acknowledge the impact that this will have had on her and her whanau [family group]," Dr Shepherd said in his statement.

For ethical and privacy reasons we cant comment on the details of individual patient care. However, we have reviewed the patients care and this has resulted in improvements to our systems and processes which will reduce the chance of similar incidents happening again. We acknowledge the recommendations made in the commissioners report, which we have either implemented, or are working towards implementing," he added.

Family sues Georgia doctor after baby was decapitated during delivery, lawsuit alleges

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Surgical tool removed from woman's body 18 months post C-section
[Source]

A government-backed disinformation campaign targeting Japans release of treated radioactive water may be responsible for stoking anger in China, reports suggest.

Busting the campaign: Logically, a U.K.-based data analysis firm that tackles misinformation, claims that the Chinese government and state media have been running a coordinated disinformation campaign about the discharge from Fukushima. The effort, which allegedly began earlier this year, includes running paid ads on Facebook and Instagram that talk about purported risks of the release in multiple languages, the BBC reported.

Hamsini Hariharan, a China expert with Logically, told the BBC it is quite evident that this is politically motivated. The misleading information, she added, has fueled public outcry.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The false claims: Radio Free Asias Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) investigated some of the most prevalent rumors circulating on Chinese social media. Among them is a claim that Japans decision to avoid reusing the treated water proves that it is dangerous to consume. The AFCL said this is false as the treated water is seawater and therefore unsafe to drink in the long-term. Furthermore, the Advanced Liquid Processing System behind the treatment can only remove radioactive substances  not desalinate water.

More from NextShark: Korean actor Kim Sae-ron apologizes for drunk driving, steps down from upcoming SBS drama 'Trolley'

Other fake news that have spread include overwhelming mass protests, dying marine animals and the death of a Japanese official who drank treated water back in 2011. Han Yang, a China analyst based in Australia, also found that Chinese state media had reported a South Korean rally as happening in Japan, according to the Guardian.

The results: The alleged misinformation has apparently resulted in adverse consequences for Japan, as well as Japanese nationals living in China. As Beijing bans Japanese seafood imports  insisting they are no longer safe after the discharge  there has been mass panic buying across China, including for salt based on the false belief that it has enough iodine to protect against radiation.

Harassment has also festered. In late August, an unidentified individual threw stones at a Japanese school in Qingdao, Shandong province; eggs were thrown at another in neighboring Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Some have also called to boycott Japanese businesses in China. Meanwhile, businesses in Japan have received abusive phone calls from Chinese numbers.

More from NextShark: Japanese Teen Achieves Dream of Dating Godzilla

Fighting fears: Symbolic countermeasures have been made to allay fears over consuming Japanese seafood. Last week, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and three Cabinet ministers ate Fukushima sashimi to show that the local fish remains safe after the discharge; U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel pulled off a similar stunt shortly after.

The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency previously concluded that Japan has met global safety standards for the treated waters release. The agency determined that the planned gradual discharges would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.

More from NextShark: California Lawmakers Request $200 Million to Fight Rising Anti-Asian Hate Crime

Whats next: The discharge, which began on Aug. 24, will continue for decades. China, for its part, maintains that its ban on Japans seafood is aimed at protecting the health of Chinese consumers.

In response, Japan announced on Monday a 20.7 billion yen ($141 million) emergency fund to help exporters affected by the ban. We will protect the Japanese fisheries industry at all costs, Kishida said in a statement.

More from NextShark: Rats blamed for eating through 1.3 million joints' worth of marijuana in India
We tend to hear a lot of information about whether snack foods are good for us  but much less about whether they are good for our planet. Now, a new law in Southern California has taken aim at the latter issue.

Starting in 2027, Canary Media reported, the nearly 100 commercial food-making facilities operating 218 commercial ovens in the South Coast district will be required to meet a zero-emissions limit for nitrogen oxides, a group of gases that have harmful effects such as creating smog and irritating peoples respiratory systems.

The law is the first of its kind in the United States and will cover an area that is home to such food manufacturers as Frito-Lay (which produces Cheetos, Doritos, Lays, and more), Bimbo Bakeries USA (Sara Lee, Entenmanns, etc.), and Snak-King (El Sabroso, The Whole Earth, etc.). That means that many of your favorite snack foods will soon be made in electric ovens, with their direct emissions doing no harm to the people and environments of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Currently, these facilities all use gas ovens that, in addition to producing copious nitrogen oxides, also emit carbon dioxide and leak unburned methane, both of which contribute to the overheating of our planet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Los Angeles, in particular, has notoriously bad air quality, with at least one report having named it as the city with the most polluted air in the U.S. This new law aims to help address that issue.

Making the switch from gas ovens to electric ovens may be a challenge for Southern Californias food manufacturers, as commercial electric ovens are not yet widely produced by U.S. equipment manufacturers. However, regulators and environmentalists have argued that this type of law is needed to encourage equipment manufacturers to ramp up production of those models; by creating a demand for nonpolluting commercial kitchen equipment, the supply should follow.

So, while some of the companies that will be affected by this new law may not be happy about having to shell out money for new equipment, that means they are not allowed to continue to pollute the air with no consequences while trying to maximize profits.

Hopefully, its the first of many of these regulations, Adrian Martinez, a Los Angeles-based attorney for Earthjustice, told Canary Media. This is the start of whats going to be an effort to get the entire food and beverage manufacturing industry to zero emissions.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
The retailer also announced plans to completely remodel the store, which is crucial for providing daily necessities to Jacksonville residents, before reopening in late September or early October.

Dollar General has pledged $2.5 million to Jacksonville organizers following a racially motivated shooting at one of its stores that left three people dead, including a store employee.

The retailer stated on Friday that the funds will support efforts and organizations focused on healing and hope for Jacksonville, CBS News reported.

The entire DG family continues to mourn the senseless, hate-driven loss of life that took place last weekend, Dollar General CEO Jeff Owen said in a statement. Our focus continues to be on supporting the victims families, our employees and their loved ones, alongside how we can best support and stand with the greater Jacksonville community.

Dollar General is pledging $2.5 million toward efforts and organizations focused on healing in Jacksonville, Florida, after a racist attack that killed three people at one of its stores. The site remained cordoned off Aug. 27 as people walked by the day after the shooting. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Dollar General reportedly plans to donate $500,000 to the First Coast Relief Fund, which aids citizens of North Florida during natural and man-made disasters, and $1 million to nonprofits and community organizations they will select after conversations with the local community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The company stated that it would contribute a matching gift of up to $1 million to its Employee Assistance Foundation, which helps employees in need.

In addition, the business said it will donate $50,000 to the areas food banks to help combat food insecurity.

The killings happened on Aug. 26, when a white man opened fire and killed 52-year-old Uber driver Angela Carr. He then walked inside the store and shot an employee, 19-year-old Anolt Laguerre Jr., and a customer, Jerrald DeShaun Gallion, 29. The shooter, identified as Ryan Palmeter, 21, then turned the gun on himself.

CBS reported that a GoFundMe organized by Laguerres brother for burial expenses said he was working at the store while also pursuing his passion for video games by streaming on the side.

Gallion was the manager at a nearby restaurant.

Dollar General said it intends to completely remodel the store, an outlet that is crucial for providing daily necessities to Jacksonville residents, before reopening in late September or early October, according to CBS.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Dollar General pledges $2.5 million to Jacksonville organizers after racist shooting appeared first on TheGrio.
Former President Donald Trump is on track to win a majority of California Republican voters in next years primary despite multiple criminal indictments, a new poll says.

A Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll released this week shows Trump as the choice of 55% of likely Republican voters in the March 5 presidential primary. Thats an increase of 11 percentage points from three months ago, showing that criminal investigations and cases have done nothing to deter Republican support.

According to a memo from Berkeley IGS Poll Director Mark DiCamillo, Trumps surge comes largely at the expense of his closest political rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who briefly led among California voters earlier this year.

Now, just 16% of California Republicans back DeSantis.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

No other Republican candidate netted more than single-digit support in the survey.

If Trumps support holds, he is likely to scoop up all 169 GOP presidential delegates in California, the most populous state. Thats because he would be the beneficiary of a recent rules change by the state party that awards all delegates to a candidate who receives more than half of the vote. It would give Trump nearly 14% of the delegate total needed to secure the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Despite that lead, the poll also shows that deep blue California backs incumbent President Joe Biden over Trump, 51% to 31%. Biden also appears to be handily deflecting a primary challenge from anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and self-help author Marianne Williamson. Kennedy got just 9% support compared to Bidens 66%, while Williamson netted 3%.

The poll, which was partially funded by the Los Angeles Times, was conducted in English and Spanish between Aug. 24 and Aug. 29, with 6,030 California registered voters surveyed online, including 2,833 likely Democratic voters and 1,175 likely Republican voters.
Photo: The Canadian Press A metal head made of motor parts symbolizes artificial intelligence, or AI, at the Essen Motor Show for tuning and motorsports in Essen, Germany.

Twenty-five global organizations, including news and publishing companies, have banded together to urge developers, operators and deployers of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to respect intellectual property rights.

The group, which represents thousands of creative professionals and includes News Media Canada, made the request Wednesday in a document it released laying out a series of global AI principles it would like to see the world abide by.

The principles cover areas including intellectual property (IP), transparency, accountability, fairness and safety and were positioned as a response to rapid AI advances in recent months.

"The proliferation of AI systems, especially generative artificial intelligence, present a sea change in how we interact with and deploy technology and creative content," the groups wrote in their principles.

"While AI technologies will provide substantial benefits to the public, content creators, businesses, and society at large, they also pose risks for the sustainability of the creative industries, the publics trust in knowledge, journalism, and science, and the health of our democracies."

The principles ask that those developing AI systems provide transparency to allow publishers to enforce their rights where their content is included in training data sets.

They assert that publishers are entitled to negotiate for and receive adequate remuneration for use of their IP.

"AI system developers, operators, and deployers should not be crawling, ingesting, or using our proprietary creative content without express authorization," the principles say.

They also say developers should clearly attribute content to the original publishers, recognize publishers' role in generating high-quality content for training and not create or risk creating unfair market dominance.

Rapid advancements in generative AI convinced News Media Canada, the national association of the Canadian news media industry, serving print and digital news media members in every province and territory, to join the group.

"Real journalism costs real money and publishers are going to protect our rights through fair licensing agreements so we can continue to invest in high quality, original, fact-based, fact-checked content," Paul Deegan, News Media Canada's president and chief executive, said in an email.

Similar groups from Colombia, Finland, Japan, Brazil, Hungary and Korea were among the organizations that endorsed the principles.

Pretty much all large language models  the heart of AI  are trained on publisher data from these organizations, said Courtney Radsch, director of the Center for Journalism and Liberty at the Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C.

News media is so significant to the models because it is high quality information that has been fact-checked and includes syntax and quotes. In some cases, Radsch said work from publishers makes up 10 per cent of the data models are trained on.

But its easy accessibility across the internet also makes it vulnerable to misuse.

"One of the most dangerous things that is happening right now is the unconstrained hoovering up of everyone's information and content without compensating rights holders," Radsch said.

Some companies, including The Associated Press, are seeking to right such actions and have gained remuneration through deals with AI giants, while others like Danish media groups are in conversation with policymakers about protecting their work.

"The next challenge is figuring out what does fair compensation look like," said Radsch.

Such quandaries are arising as governments and society in general grapple with how to deal with the rapid development of AI systems and the technology's constant evolution.

Much of the current evolution was triggered by the arrival of ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot capable of humanlike conversations and tasks that was developed by San Francisco-based OpenAI. Its launch last November kick-started an AI race with other top tech names including Google and its rival product Bard and a slew of startups innovating in the space.

However, many observers are ringing alarm bells about the technology.

The so-called 'godfather of artificial intelligence,' Geoffrey Hinton, has repeatedly warned of a slew of threats the technology poses.

In June, he told attendees of the Collision tech conference in Toronto that he worries AI could lead to bias and discrimination, joblessness, echo chambers, fake news, battle robots and existential risk.

Others have similar worries as evidenced by a March letter from more than 1,000 technology experts, including engineers from Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft, as well as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. They called for a six-month pause on training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4, the large language model behind ChatGPT.
WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden joked about not wearing a mask Wednesday following this week's positive COVID-19 test of his wife, first lady Jill Biden , sending mixed signals as White House officials insist the president is following CDC guidelines.

Biden walked into the White House State Dining Room holding  not wearing  a face mask before delivering remarks to a room of reporters, White House aides and stakeholders on a new contract between unions and shipping companies in West Coast ports.

"Let me explain to the press: I've been tested again today. I'm clear across the board," Biden said as he got underway, holding up a black face mask. "But they keep telling me, because this has to be 10 days or something, I've got to keep wearing it. But don't tell them I didn't have it on when I walked in."

After Biden spoke for about 10 minutes, the president left the room with his mask still in his hand, not over his face.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises individuals who were in close contact with someone infected with COVID wear a high-quality mask when indoors and around others for 10 days, in addition to regular testing and monitoring for symptoms.

President Joe Biden holds up his mask while delivering remarks to an audience of leaders from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) during an event to congratulate them on finalizing a new labor contract in the State Dining Room at the White House on September 06, 2023 in Washington, DC.

For the second straight day, President Biden tested negative Wednesday for COVID-19 following his wife's positive case and is experiencing no symptoms, the White House said.

But his public appearance without a mask contradicted White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who minutes earlier said Biden "is going to be masking in this 10-day period" in accordance with CDC recommendations.

Biden remains scheduled to travel to India on Thursday for a summit of Group of 20 nations before heading to Vietnam and Alaska this weekend. Jill Biden is recovering from COVID at the first family's vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

"The president's going to continue to following CDC guidance," Jean-Pierre said of his interactions with world leaders at the summit. "That includes masking. That includes testing."

Biden's nonchalant attitude on masks Wednesday seemed a far cry from his COVID approach during the first two years in the White House, when he strictly followed CDC advice on masks. Much has changed, however, since the lockdowns that dominated the beginning of the pandemic, and much of the country retired their masks long ago.

Still, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, with weekly U.S. hospitalizations from the virus up 15.7%, according to the CDC.

On Tuesday, Biden wore a face mask as he arrived at a White House Medal of Honor ceremony for Vietnam War veteran Capt. Larry Taylor. The president took it off as he gave remarks about Taylor's service and kept it off as he placed the medal around Taylor's neck.

Biden then left the White House East Room, where the ceremony was held, during a final prayer before the ceremony concluded.

Jean-Pierre said Biden's early exit was to minimize contact with the hundreds of attendees in the room. Prior to the ceremony, Biden wore a mask as he personally thanked Taylor for his service and heroism, Jean-Pierre added.

President Joe Biden holds up a face mask while speaking about strengthening US ports and supply chains after the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association finalized a new contract covering west coast ports, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 6, 2023.

"We are in a different phase, as we have said many times, with COVID," Jean-Pierre said at a White House press briefing. "This is kind of going on the third year of coming out of this pandemic. We believe we're in a very strong position to continue to fight COVID. And this is not new. People know what it's like to have COVID, know what it's like during this time."

Jean-Pierre was later asked whether the CDC's guidelines for 10 days of masking, which have been in effect for the past year, should remain.

"That is not for me to speak to," she said. "This is something that CDC decides on. They are the experts."

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Biden flaunts not wearing mask after COVID-19 exposure
Atlanta police are investigating a shooting that has left one person dead and another hospitalized.

Officers were called to the Reserve at Hollywood Apartments on Hollywood Road NW at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Authorities told Channel 2s Berndt Petersen that they found two people who had been shot inside one of the apartments.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead inside the apartment. A 19-year-old man was taken to the hospital. His injuries are unclear.

Investigators say there was a dispute between at least two people inside the apartment involving multiple guns.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

TRENDING STORIES:

They say there were other witnesses inside the apartment who are cooperating with investigators.

The victims identities have not been released.

Police believe they have identified everyone involved, but did not comment on possible suspects.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Ann Porter is a Dover girl. Those are the first words she tells me over the phone as I call to talk with her about the Dover Covered Bridge in Mason County.

Porter, a member of the Mason County Extension Homemakers, reminisces about walking the bridge daily as a young child, swimming under the bridge and jumping into the creek with a rope swing.

It means a lot to the people of Dover, Porter said.

Dover, a small town along the Ohio River, is about 13 miles from the Mason County seat of Maysville.

The bridge, per the National Register of Historic Places, is officially called Lees Creek Covered Bridge given its position over Lees Creek, but its more widely known in Mason County as the Dover Covered Bridge.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Community members in Mason County, and covered bridge enthusiasts alike, are worried the Dover Covered Bridge, perhaps the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky, is on its way into the creek bed below; destroying a piece of history along with it.

Dover Covered Bridge, Mason County, Ky. Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Kentuckys covered bridges

Covered bridges  also called kissing bridges  used to be found all over Kentucky, dotting the countryside of the commonwealth. Now only 11 are left.

Prior to World War II, you could count 65 covered bridges across Kentucky. Over time that number began shrinking; in the years immediately after the Second World War that number became 39. Come the mid-1970s, the number was cut down again to 16.

According to figures from the National Center for Wood Transportation structures at the University of Iowa, there were, at one point in Kentuckys history, over 700 covered bridges.

Of the 11 bridges still standing, seven of them are in the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, which serves Bracken, Mason, Robertson, Fleming and Lewis counties in northeastern Kentucky. Fleming County is home to the most covered bridges, coming in at three.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Theres always been a fair bit of speculation as to the exact purpose of these covered bridges.

Community bulletin boards, built to avoid spooking horses (the most common form of transport at the time) and for smooching someone you were sweet on. Also, perhaps the most obvious, to make traveling over bodies of water, and in the elements, a bit easier.

Whatever multitude of purposes the bridges served back in the day, they remain loved by people in those communities and elsewhere.

Jeff Harryman runs The Covered Bridges of Kentucky Facebook page, which boasts around 4,000 followers.

His fascination with covered bridges started in the 1970s when he found a book that listed all the covered bridges in Kentucky at that time. He started traveling on his own to all the different bridgesspanning the Louisville-area to the border of Virginia.

In recent weeks, Harryman has been using the Facebook page to promote an online petition to save the Dover Covered Bridge. Hes also been proactive in reaching out to people in local and state government to see what assistance they can provide.

This is the oldest covered bridge in the state of Kentucky, and theyre letting it fall into the doggone river, Harryman said.

Dover Covered Bridge

The Dover Covered Bridge was built in 1835 and is perhaps the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

At the very least, Dover is the oldest covered bridge still standing in the commonwealth. The Bennetts Mill Covered Bridge in Greenup County would be a close second to the title, but even that bridge was built in 1855 or 1856.

The bridge has seen two full restorations. The first was in 1928 and the second was in 1966 after a tornado ripped through the area.

Some are now looking for another long-term restoration for the bridge.

Lori Ulrich, chairperson of the Buffalo Trace Covered Wooden Bridge Authority, which works in tandem with other agencies to maintain covered bridges in the area, says the Dover Covered Bridge suffered flooding damage several years ago.

Dover Covered Bridge, Mason County, Ky. Tuesday, June 28, 2022

According to the The Ledger Independent in Maysville, the bridge was severely damaged in a July 2017 flood that washed away two steel beams, shifted the bridge from its truss foundation and washed away blacktop at both ends of the roadway.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) approved $75,000 to temporarily stabilize the bridge, which was completed in February 2018, per The Ledger Independent, but work to restore the bridge still hasnt happened.

The bridge was open to traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian, prior to the flooding but remains closed.

As Harryman heads up an online petition, Ulrich said there are petitions circulating locally that are gaining momentum too.

We are very proud of our bridges and the heritage they represent in this region, she said.

Katelyn Bailey, the tourism director for the City of Maysville, has been working with Ulrich and Porter on a campaign to save the bridge.

Bailey said the Dover Covered Bridge boasts tourism in Maysville and Mason County as people will often come on a tour of the bridges in the area and stop there to shop and eat.

Losing the bridge could mean a loss of money in the local economy.

If we lose Dover, theyll bypass Maysville, Bailey said.

What are the next steps?

Ulrich estimates the funds needed to restore the bridge is around $1 to $1.5 million. Those figures come from estimates on similar projects, Ulrich said, and a formal examination hasnt been completed.

Any work to repair the Dover Covered Bridge falls to KYTC, and there is hope that repair work on Bennetts Mill Covered Bridge and Goddard Covered Bridge in neighboring Fleming County could bode well for restoration in Dover.

Bailey says theyre requesting those funds be made available for a restoration project in the states upcoming budgeting year. She said the city and county are not in an ideal position to fund the project in its entirety.

Its high time the transportation cabinet, and the state writ large, return to Mason County and finish the work they started five years ago.

Kentuckys covered bridges are a gem; standing on one is to feel a long forgotten history that I believe is far too precious to simply let fall away if something can be done to save it. We shouldnt let the number of covered bridges left standing in Kentucky go from 11 to 10.

Working to save the Dover Covered Bridge has made Porter realize how much the bridge means to people locally, in Kentucky and elsewhere. She said a man from Denver, Colorado with roots in the area called her up to support the efforts and sign the petition.

I sure would like for the younger people to be able to enjoy this covered bridge like I did, Porter said.

Dover Covered Bridge, Mason County, Ky. Tuesday, June 28, 2022
The draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir as a result of the Russian Federation blowing up the hydroelectric dam may exacerbate the trend towards desertification in the south of Ukraine.

The drainage of the territories will affect the food system in the future, Vladyslav Dudar, an officer of the Environmental Safety and Demining Department of the Ministry of Defence, said during the briefing Three Months Since the Occupiers Destroyed the Dam of the Kakhovka HPP on 5 September.

As Dudar says, the average annual precipitation in Kherson Oblast is 400 mm. This exceeds the indicators characteristic of deserts, in particular, in Spain, where an average of 200 mm of precipitation falls per year.

However, the lack of a sustainable water supply, which was provided by the reservoir, will negatively affect the ecology of the south, says Dudar.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There are negative forecasts that indicate an increase in the process of aridisation (desertification) of Kherson Oblast. Most specialists are not inclined to believe that it will become a desert because there is enough precipitation in the region," added the officer from the Mine Action and Environmental Safety Department of the Ministry of Defence

Earlier, the Ministry of Health reported that outbreaks of cholera after the Russian terrorist attack at the Kakhovka HPP had been avoided.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
VENICE, ItalyIn comparison with many of Ryusuke Hamaguchi s previous filmsrich, novelistic affairs like Drive My Car or Happy Hourhis latest film is a finely turned short story. But, in the same way that the short stories of Alice Munro glancingly suggest whole worlds beyond the boundaries of their narrative, Evil Does Not Exist seizes different perspectives on the fly. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, finds time to sketch so many characters, effortlessly gliding between from micro to macro and back again. The result is a sad, piercingly beautiful fable, whose delicacy and grace barely conceal Hamaguchi's mordant purpose.

Takumi, the film's main character, is a woodsman and, in his own words, a jack of all trades, living in a modest cabin with his eight-year-old daughter, Hana; we observe him closely in the film's hushed opening scenes as he goes about his work, chainsawing and then chopping wood that he arranges in neat stacks by his home. Quietness and focus are key as he domesticates the nature around him, drawing water in great vats from a shallow woodland stream. As shots ring out across the foresthunters, shooting at deer across the valleyTakumi and a friend discuss a "glamping" project that is afoot. Glamping: the ugly word sticks out like a sore thumb; sounds disgusting in the mouths of these good men.

Already so much has been conveyed in this short stretch: a small mountainside village, drawn along communal lines; farms, a restaurant, and a school; nature and the humans and animals depending on it; and one portrait, of a quiet, resilient man. But the glamping project menaces this world: A company from Tokyo, two hours' drive away, is seeking to exploit a tract of land, imperiling local wildlife and ways of being. Two representatives from the company hold a meeting with figures from the community, including Takumi. In this extended scene, deftly conceived by Hamaguchi, locals hammer these corporate bastards with pert, angry questions, demanding to know how the project will operate and respect the surrounding environment. It becomes clear that this meeting is not a real consultation, but a cynical exercise in pacifying the smalltown folk. The mayor cautions these delegates: Water flows downstream, so those at the top of the river have a duty to those at the bottom.

This mantra forms the moral backbone of Hamaguchi's story, which now surprises us by remaining with the delegates as they return to their Tokyo paymasters to pass on the dreadful feedback they have received. Showing his usual humanity, Hamaguchi outlines two characters hemmed in by their jobs, disquieted by the lives that they have made for themselves. Gently satirical of their posturing weltschmerz, Hamaguchi nevertheless has empathy for these helpless pawns in capitalisms losing game.

NEOPA

The pair present their findings over a Zoom call with a smooth-talking, grasping boss, who urges them to, essentially, ignore most of the villagers qualms and recommendations, for budgetary reasons. He suggests that they ask Takumi to work as a groundskeeper on the project, presumably so as to buy him off. The remainder of the film, which still has some startling twists to serve up, is taken up with the overtures the two workers then make to Takumi. One of the corporate stooges gets it in his head that he will move to the mountain, and live like this peaceable fellow: Takumi feels the insult of that harebrained notion. As the three of them work together and negotiate, news comes that Takumi's daughter has gone missing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And so this sorrowful, poignant story starts its long, eerily mysterious conclusion, as villagers and the city duo alike hunt for the little girl. What wonderful sophistication Hamaguchi shows in this stretch, not seeking to tie up a story that cannot be ended with any sort of neatness, but instead tearing open a seam in his narrative and burrowing into it, seeking a new dimension that will deepen the themes already touched upon. The stately beauty of the film's photography is wondrous in these final twenty minutes, seizing mist and woodsmoke as they drift across fields whose golden grasses are picked out by bleak evening sunlight. An icy pond; dark woods with snaking limbs; a curving road; wild deer: these things, shot with a mesmerizing intensity of purpose, could all represent a danger to the child, but they are all, also, just functioning parts of this world, doing their job of living together.

Hamaguchi ends his story with one last flourish, a quasi-magical or mystical development that would be flashy and dismaying if it didnt somehow work so well with everything we have seen and drunk in. It shows a filmmaker totally in command of his craft, who is happy to leave his audience shocked and in search of answers. But, fittingly, all we are left withperhaps all that we should haveis questions.

Did you like this review? Sign up to get our weekly See Skip newsletter every Tuesday and find out what new shows and movies are worth watching, and which arent.

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.
CORONADO, Calif.  A woman suspected of driving under the influence was arrested early Tuesday morning after a crash in Coronado, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Orange Ave., where the vehicle landed next to a fountain in Rotary Park, the City of Coronado Police Department posted on Facebook.

The 27-year-old driver, who failed the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), was arrested on suspicion of DUI twice the legal limit, according to police.

She and the passenger were not injured during the crash, per law enforcement.

Naked homeless man suspected of burglary, meth arrested

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

City crews responded to assess the damage to the fountain and the surrounding area.

Over the Labor Day weekend, a total of 15 DUI arrests in CHPs jurisdiction were reported during the departments period of maximum enforcement for the holiday.

Additional arrests have been made by other local law enforcement agencies during planned DUI checkpoints this past weekend, including two in Santee Friday night by the San Diego County Sheriffs Office and three in Escondido by police on Saturday.

Last year, CHP officers made more than 900 DUI arrests during Labor Day weekend, the agency said, in addition to issuing nearly 5,700 speeding citations.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
A driver ordered lunch after his semitruck slammed into vehicles at a stoplight in a fiery crash that killed one, Arizona police told media outlets.

Karan Singh, 28, of Manteca, California, walked to Rupertos Mexican Restaurant, where police say he ordered a burrito and ate half before police arrested him, the Arizona Republic reported.

His semitruck had just hit three vehicles stopped at a traffic light in Parker at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, police said in a news release.

The semi and one vehicle hit a commercial building and burst into flames, police said. Another vehicle hit a boulder and flipped on its roof. Another vehicle also was hit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Then he went to grab lunch in the wake of the fiery wreck, police told KOVR.

Ive never seen anything so devastating, witness Halie Jackson told KOVR. It was a mess. There (were) car parts all over the street.

One person died in the crash and several others suffered serious injuries, police said.

Debbie Fritzen told KOVR her cousin died while on vacation in Arizona with her family.

Two of those injured were in critical condition, the Arizona Republic reported.

Singh, who police believe was impaired, was arrested on charges including murder and aggravated assault, police said.

Parker is about 155 miles northwest of Phoenix.

Driver trapped for 5 days after crash into 100-foot ravine, California rescuers say

Masked attackers open fire on van on highway, causing fiery crash, Colorado cops say

Accused drunk driver slams into anti-drunk driving sign, California police say
Escambia County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating the fatal shooting of a man who allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend's house and attacked her, according to an ECSO Facebook post.

On Tuesday, deputies responded to the 7300 block of Pine Forest Road in reference to a shooting. A 26-year-old male was located in the residence, deceased from a gunshot wound. The man's identity has not been released.

During the investigation, deputies determined that the 26-year-old male went to his 47-year-old former girlfriends residence. He broke the door down and forced his way into the trailer, the ECSO post said. Once inside, he hit the female several times.

More from the sheriff's office: Mom of alleged Home Depot shooter charged in the homicide

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She texted her family for help, and her 23-year-old brother, along with others, responded to her house to help.

During the argument, the 26-year-old male pulled a gun, cocked it and aimed it at the womans 23-year-old brother. According to reports, her brother then shot the 26-year-old male twice. The 26-year-old died from his wounds.

At this point, no charges will be filed, but deputies continue to investigate, the ECSO wrote.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia deputies investigate fatal shooting at Pine Forest Road home
After years of stagnation, last year California legislators made progress in fighting climate change, passing most of Gov. Gavin Newsoms last-minute proposal for more aggressive action.

But as the end of the current legislative session approaches, 2023 is looking like a do-nothing year. Theres been no major climate action taken, and even a number of modest climate bills have been killed.

But the climate crisis didnt take the year off and legislators shouldnt either. They need to muster the votes to pass what remains of a three-bill accountability package awaiting action on the state Assembly floor. The most controversial of those bills, which would have required the state's two big pension funds to divest from fossil fuel companies, stalled. The two remaining are corporate transparency measures, and of them the most important is Senate Bill 253 , which would require large U.S.-based companies that do business in California to publicly disclose their annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Read more: Editorial: Biden's EPA is needlessly delaying smog standards until after the election

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A transparency measure to require corporations to report to the state Air Resources Board may sound like just a record-keeping exercise. But this would be groundbreaking legislation, with the potential to reach far beyond Californias borders by forcing some of the worlds biggest businesses to be honest about the damage they are causing .

The requirements would apply to an estimated 5,400 companies with revenues of more than $1 billion, including Walmart, Apple, ExxonMobil and Chevron.

California has some of the worlds most extensive environmental regulations, but the state cannot achieve its goals to zero-out its greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 without big businesses that are responsible for the bulk of that pollution doing more, and fast. As this years record temperatures, smoke-filled skies, hurricanes and flooding have demonstrated, climate change is such a fast-escalating threat that one year of inaction is really a step backward.

Read more: Editorial: Hoping fossil fuel giants will see the light on climate hasn't worked. Change only comes with mandates and force

The bill is up against an intense lobbying push from powerful business interests opposed to it, including the California Chamber of Commerce , which called it an onerous emissions tracking and paperwork requirement that will increase costs on California businesses.

Its obvious why the petroleum industry is among those opposing the legislation and has spent millions this year trying to kill climate legislation in Sacramento. Telling the truth about oil companies full impact on the climate crisis will almost certainly make them look worse and increase public pressure on them to change their ways.

But some big companies like Ikea, Microsoft and Salesforce are backing the legislation, arguing that a verified, global standard for disclosure would level the playing field for companies that already publish their full emissions inventories.

This proposal comes at a critical time. Corporate sustainability is under increasing attack across the country as part of a national Republican-led anti-ESG campaign to enact laws limiting the use of environmental, social and governance criteria in investment decisions. And major corporations, from oil companies to Amazon , are backtracking on their climate commitments.

Read more: Editorial: California should stop investing its retirement funds in fossil fuels. Theyre risky and immoral

This bill's disclosure requirements are broader than those under consideration by the Securities and Exchange Commission, because they would apply to both public and privately held companies. Businesses would have to provide a top-to-bottom picture of the emissions attributable to them, from their supply chains to the end use of their products.

The lack of standardized, public emissions data is easily exploited by companies that can buttress their climate pledges with so many caveats and qualifications that they cover only a fraction of their actual emissions and give an incomplete picture. Requiring emissions transparency is a smart way cut through corporate greenwashing and reveal whether big businesses are actually delivering promised emissions reductions.

Regulators, investors and consumers should not remain in the dark about big businesses' influence on something as vitally important as the habitability of our planet. But that will continue to be the case as long as their emissions remain hidden in a black box. You cant manage what you dont measure.

A similar measure fell just one vote short of passage on the Assembly floor last year. This is an opportunity for the new Assembly speaker, Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), to show leadership by demonstrating that California will continue to act against the climate crisis, whether big corporations like it or not.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Photo: The Canadian Press Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks during a news conference as his wife Anaida looks on, in Quebec City, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023.

On the eve of his first policy convention as Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre reminded Canadians that he is not bound by the policy ideas the grassroots membership chooses to advance.

Conservatives are gathering in Quebec City beginning Thursday for a convention to talk about what they can do to win the next federal election and debate more than two dozen policy ideas found in resolutions put forward by party members.

Many of the ideas championed by different riding associations fall in line with Poilievre's own priorities, such as bolstering public safety, making housing more affordable and speeding up credential recognition for skilled immigrants.

Some others, however, appear to go farther than his own stated agenda, including a pitch to pull government funding from the Crown corporation that runs not just the English-language CBC, but also the French-language Radio-Canada. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. receives about $1.2 billion in annual funding through Parliament.

It's an idea that is widely popular among the Conservative base, heavily concentrated in Western Canada, but one that those in the party, particularly in Quebec, treat with more caution.

Another policy proposal getting attention ahead of the convention suggests that a Conservative government prohibit "life-altering medicinal or surgical interventions" related to gender for anyone under 18 years old.

On Wednesday, Poilievre said he will not comment on any policy resolution until after members cast their votes, but he also said there is nothing to force a party leader to implement or follow any of the resolutions, even if they pass.

"There's something like 55 different resolutions, I'm not going to sit here and offer opinions on all 55 of them before they pass because that would be an unnecessary waste of time," he said Wednesday in Quebec City.

"Leaders are never bound by convention resolutions, but we do take them into consideration."

That consideration would be for whatever promises Poilievre plans to take to voters whenever the next federal election rolls around. That vote must take place before October 2025, but the Liberals are governing with a minority, so they must rely on support from at least a dozen opposition MPs to remain in power.

That support currently comes from the New Democrats, who agreed to support the Liberals through key votes in the House of Commons until 2025 in exchange for action on top priorities outlined in a confidence-and-supply agreement last year.

Poilievre has previously pledged to "defund the CBC" should he become prime minister, but has hinted that making good on that promise would involve exceptions for Radio-Canada.

During last year's Conservative leadership race, Poilievre told conservative news outlet True North that he sees a role for the public broadcaster when it comes to providing programming for francophone minorities, which would apply to those living outside Quebec.

"Almost everything the CBC does can be done in the marketplace these days because of technology," he told host Andrew Lawton at the time. "I would preserve a small amount for French-language minorities, linguistic minorities, because they, frankly, will not get news services provided by the market."

Pierre Paul-Hus, the Quebec MP Poilievre tapped to serve on his leadership team, told reporters in April, however, that Radio-Canada provides invaluable services to Quebec, too, in addition to francophone minority communities in other provinces.

He said the party's criticisms of the CBC does not apply to Radio-Canada and that both wings are viewed as separate entities, with the next step needing to be how to manage Radio-Canada separately.

The Crown corporation has said that is easier said than done.

Funding only Radio-Canada would require the government to rewrite the public broadcaster's mandate, which currently stipulates it must provide services in both official languages. The corporation says changing that would run the risk of using public money to serve only one of the country's language groups.

The Bloc Quebecois has attacked Poilievre for promising to defund the CBC, accusing him of planning an assault on the culture and language of Quebec.

Poilievre, meanwhile, has ramped up his criticisms of the Bloc ahead of the Conservative convention taking place in Quebec City. The party released an ad accusing the Bloc, which only runs candidates in Quebec, of being cosy with Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his climate policies, such as carbon pricing.

While the federal Liberals defend the national price on carbon, which comes with rebates for consumers, as a crucial, low-cost way to meet emissions-reduction targets, Poilievre paints it as a tax that burdens families struggling with increases to the cost of living.

The ad against the Bloc is part of a $3-million ad campaign the Conservatives launched earlier this summer aimed at introducing Poilievre, and the party's message, to more Canadians.
Fall is around the corner, which means some of nature's spookiest creatures are starting to emerge in droves, providing a free  if unwelcome  Halloween decoration.

If you've been noticing more spiders scuttling around your home, experts say you're not alone. In fact, there are several reasons those eight-legged creepy crawlers always seem to be more prevalent this time of year.

Though spiders are abundant from spring through fall across the United States, experts warn that more may be noticed inside our homes when temperatures start to cool and they seek out warm spaces to take shelter for the winter.

Fall is also the time of year that most arachnids reach maturity and are full-grown, which may account for why you're noticing them more often.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"They are not necessarily more abundant than in the summertime, but individuals are more visible because they are larger," said Anne Danielson-Francois, associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. "A small web might go unnoticed in your kitchen window, but once that spider has grown to full size and spins a web that covers a quarter of the window, you could not miss it."

But there's one other reason spiders may suddenly be appearing. With that maturity also comes a certain impulse to ... well, procreate.

Here's what to know about spider season.

Golden silk orb-weavers cling to their webs in August constructed in treetops at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Tripod the bear: 3-legged bear named Tripod busts into mini fridge in Florida, downs White Claws

So, spiders are mating inside my house?

And beneath your deck, and under that bush in your backyard, and likely many other places in and around your home.

It is what it is!

Our homes are rife with window sills and other small crevices in which spiders can hide, while trash cans and compost bins provide a plentiful food source of scavenging insects, said Lisa Gonzalez, a program manager at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, home to the spider pavilion where about 300 spiders of up to 15 species live.

What's more, structures like houses provide plenty of sturdy attachment points for their webs.

That is to say, our homes are great places for spiders to live, which means it's also where they're going to reproduce.

Late summer and early fall is typically when male webspinners, hoping to put their newly-developed sex organs to the test, leave their webs in search of female mates, Danielson-Francois said. The female spiders, depending on species, typically conserve their energy and remain at their spun homes, waiting on the males to come to them.

What months should I expect to see more spiders inside?

The answer to this question depends on where you live, but most experts say spider activity ramps up as soon as overnight temperatures start to drop.

In the Chicago region, for instance, this time period starts around mid-September through October, or the first hard frost of the year, said Allen Lawrance, associate curator of entomology at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum located in Chicago and operated by the Chicago Academy of Science.

Some spiders can also live year-round inside of homes.

In Los Angeles, it's common for people to have cellar spiders (better known as "daddy longlegs") in their homes regardless of the time of year, Gonzalez said.

These cellar spiders hide quietly in a corner, munching on little flies and other small insects that wander by.

Should I kill them?

No!

The rule of thumb, experts say, should be this: If the spider isn't bothering you, then don't bother it.

Arachnologists do acknowledge that many people are fearful of spiders and may not want them around. But there's no need to burn your house down to rid yourself of the critters; if you can't tolerate their presence, simply use a cup and piece of paper to capture and move the spider outside.

"Dont feel bad for the spider, they can survive outside quite well," Danielson-Francois said. "With substances in their blood that act like antifreeze, some species can overwinter under tree bark or in leaf litter just fine."

Even Gonzalez said she removes widow spiders, which have venom that can cause problematic reactions if they bite, from her mailbox and underneath patio furniture.

"Every other spider I see in and around my house is welcome to set up camp," she said.

More drastic (and nonlethal) measures include inspecting the perimeter of your home to ensure that all cracks are sealed, window screens are tight-fitting and no gaps exist below doors, Lawrance said. Homeowners can also keep porch lights turned off at night to avoid attracting insects that spiders prey on, he added.

The important thing, though, is to remember that most specides of spiders commonly found inside homes are not dangerous.

"While all spiders do produce some venom to help capture and consume their prey, none of these pose any real threat to humans," Lawrance said.

Meet the biggest spider in the world: It can grow up to 11 inches in length.

Are spiders beneficial to have around?

Yes!

Spiders are predators, so they keep insect populations in check. If left alone spiders provide free pest control, eating more obnoxious pests such as flies, Lawrance said.

"If you can allow an eight-legged roommate, it can benefit you," Danielson-Francois said. "And they provide free Halloween decorations for your home, wherever you prefer them  inside or out."

Dinosaur tracks found: Dinosaur tracks revealed as river dries up at drought-stricken Texas park

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It's spider mating season: Why you're seeing spiders in your home now
The idea of barring former President Donald Trump from seeking the presidency on grounds that it would violate the 14th Amendment may be an increasingly catchy constitutional argument pushed by a segment of legal scholars and activists.

But it turns out election officials have been discussing how to handle it for months.

We have been thinking about this in my office for quite some time, before the start of the year, assuming that this will play out, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said in an interview.

Underscoring the seriousness with which she has been treating the topic, Griswold noted that there have been conversations among secretaries about it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The legal theory argues Trump is constitutionally disqualified from running for president under the 14th Amendments insurrection clause, which states that anyone who engaged in insurrection or rebellion after taking an oath of office to defend the Constitution is forbidden from holding public office.

The theory has rarely been tested in modern times, creating a significant degree of uncertainty around who even has the ability to make the determination on whether Trump should be kept off the ballot  let alone what legally is considered an insurrection or rebellion.

And some election officials  including Georgias Brad Raffensperger, a Republican who resisted Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election  are saying they dont have the authority to make that determination.

Now the theory is being tested.

The liberal watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW, sued Griswold on Wednesday in Colorado court to have Trump declared ineligible. It is one of the first lawsuits looking to bar the former president from the ballot.

Griswold said the lawsuit in her state was likely one of the first on the issue  but not the last.

We can expect a lot of lawsuits filed on this issue across the nation, she said in an interview with POLITICO on Wednesday. Im really hopeful that this case will provide guidance to election officials.

Griswold, who also chairs the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State, has been a sharp critic of Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election, regularly blaming the former presidents spread of misinformation for threats election workers have faced. She has called him a danger to democracy.

This is an unprecedented situation. Weve never had a president incite an insurrection and attack our democracy like this, she said.

Yet, Griswold added that there are several things that are unclear when it comes to how the 14th Amendment may apply to ballot access. The U.S. Constitution does not say whether someone who has engaged in insurrection is prohibited from running for office, or just prohibited from being seated into that office. Colorado law is also arguably unclear.

Griswold declined to go into detail on the pending lawsuit. Asked whether she has the authority herself to decide on Trumps eligibility, she said it was her belief that the court has to make those determinations and likely will. When asked explicitly if she thought Trump was ineligible to run, Griswold demurred, saying she thinks it is important for a court of law to resolve crucial questions for the state of Colorado, in terms of ballot access, and for the country.

A handful of other secretaries of state have also publicly discussed the 14th Amendment push.

Adrian Fontes, the Democratic secretary of state of Arizona, recently told MSNBC that his office was still deciding how to decide, noting he has only until mid-December to determine who is eligible to be on the primary ballot in the battleground state.

He said that the issue would ultimately make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court  a sentiment other secretaries have echoed.

Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic secretary of state in Michigan, also recently told MSNBC that the arguments for disqualification are quite strong, but we also have to recognize we are in uncharted territory here. And New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan, a Republican, told NH Journal that he will be seeking input from the attorney general and others so I better understand the legal issues that are involved after some in the state have pushed the idea.

Raffensperger wrote an op-ed Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal saying he did not have the authority to use the 14th Amendment to block Trump from the ballot  and suggesting it would be unwise for election officials elsewhere to do so.

Georgia law contemplates a legal process that must take place before anyone is removed from the ballot, he wrote. Anyone who believes in democracy must let the voters decide.

A handful of organizations have been calling on secretaries of state to disqualify Trump. A pair of organizations, Free Speech for People and Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, sent letters to top election officials in nine states  including Colorado, Georgia and Michigan  in July urging them to bar the former president from the ballot.

We're having both private and public conversations with various secretaries of state, and it could well be yet that one courageous official makes the first move and then a larger number follow, Ron Fein, Free Speech for Peoples legal director, said in an interview earlier this week, declining to share details about conversations his organization has had with election officials.

There have been few recent cases testing the insurrection clause. But notably, CREW represented New Mexico voters who successfully sued in state court to remove a New Mexico county commissioner from office who was convicted of illegally entering the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6. CREW noted on Wednesday that the New Mexico case was the only successful case to be brought under Section 3 since 1869.

And while the efforts have, so far, largely focused on at least nominally competitive states, Griswold said it may not stay that way.

All secretaries of state should be focused in on this issue as something thats developing across the country, she said.
A Fulton County judge denied a request from two defendants implicated in Georgias election interference investigation to be separated from the rest of their 17 defendants.

A judge decided Wednesday that Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell could have their trials next month, but they must also have their trials together.

Everyone is also waiting to see what the federal court rules are as far as removing Trumps former chief of staff Mark Meadows from state court and if that means all 19 defendants would move over.

But for now, Chesebro and Powells cases will remain in Fulton County Superior Court and they will be tried together.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Channel 2s Richard Elliot was in the courtroom Wednesday as Judge Scott McAfee took almost no time deciding the cases will be tried together on Oct. 23.

Ill deny Mr. Chesebros motion to sever from Mrs. Powell, McAfee said.

RELATED STORIES:

Chesebro was one of the legal architects of the false electors scheme. Powell was once Trumps attorney and is directly connected to the break-in at the Coffee County elections office.

Both are indicted under Georgias RICO Act as being part of a vast conspiracy to overturn Georgias election.

Powell and Chesebro did not appear Wednesday, but their attorneys asked for separate speedy trials and argued their two cases were too different for them to be tried together.

Mrs. Powell had nothing to do with most of it. Mrs. Powell had nothing to do with false statements to state legislators. Mrs. Powell had nothing to do with false statements to high-ranking government officials. Mrs. Powell had nothing to do with false electoral college documents, Powells attorney Bill Rafferty told the court.

But the state explained that their case could take four months and involve 150 witnesses, so it wasnt economical to try everyone separately.

The court, in the interest of judicial economy, would have to make the decision as to whether or not it wants to try the same case 19 times or two, prosecutor Nathan Wade said.

After the judge ruled Powell and Chesebro would be tried together, Chesebros attorney spoke with Elliot.

Obviously, were a little bit disappointed. We filed a motion, and it was denied. However, we respect the courts ruling. Were preparing for our trial in October, Chesebros attorney Scott Grubman said.

That one federal court decision is still hanging over everything involved in this case.

If District Judge Steve Jones removes Meadows case to federal court, all 18 other defendants could follow, making Wednesdays decision potentially moot.

RELATED NEWS:
Elk Grove plans to open a temporary winter shelter for the citys unhoused, starting later this year and lasting for five months.

Officials on Tuesday announced the plan for the vacant Rite Aid drug store at Elk Grove Boulevard and Waterman Road. The city-owned site would open Nov. 1 through March 31, officials said.

Dubbed an Enhanced Winter Sanctuary, the site will be able to house up to 30 people and will provide opportunities for people to access social services, resources and housing, said Elk Grove housing and public services manager Sarah Bontrager in a statement.

Having available shelter options for seniors and other vulnerable people experiencing homelessness provides compassionate care to those who have an especially difficult time during the winter months, when weather conditions have led to deaths in other communities, Bontrager said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Guests will be selected via a referral system and will be vetted by a social services agency. Pets will be allowed. Families with children will be referred to motel voucher programs.

The site will be monitored by Elk Grove police. Drugs are not allowed. Registered sex offenders and people with serious behavioral health challenges will not be permitted entry, city officials said.

Elk Grove purchased the property for a new library on the site to replace the librarys longtime home at Elk Grove Boulevard and Elk Grove Florin Road. Library construction is slated to begin in mid-2024.

Elk Grove City Council will consider an operator for the sanctuary site at its Sept. 27 meeting. An open house at the address, 9260 Elk Grove Blvd., is planned for a later date, city officials said.

Caring for our residents is important, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said in a statement announcing the plan. The community clearly told us that they want to help Elk Groves unhoused population and establishing a winter sanctuary is an important first step toward accomplishing that.

Elk Grove will continue to open overnight locations for people without shelter or adequate home heating during the winter months as dictated by the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services, officials said.

The east side sanctuary comes two years after Elk Grove city leaders, clergy and homeless advocates teamed to open overnight warming locations, or OWLs  places of worship across the city that opened their doors during the cold, wet winter months.

The overnight warming locations were successful in their first year, but results were decidedly more mixed last year as the city-led coalition which leaned on the faith community and volunteers struggled to organize, staff and open.

Homeless advocates at the time said Elk Grove needed to shoulder more of the load of sheltering homeless and vulnerable Elk Grove residents.

They need to provide a facility, longtime Elk Grove advocate Mark Hedlund told The Sacramento Bee last December. Im talking about an emergency shelter in the winter months. They have the resources to do that. The city needs to do more than buy sleeping bags.

Money from Elk Groves Measure E will fund the winter sanctuary program.

The voter-approved 1% quality of life sales tax hike to fund public safety, roads and efforts to tackle homelessness passed last November and went into effect in April. Residents at the ballot box, community meetings and town halls, including a heavily attended February forum at the citys District 56, said tackling homelessness should be a priority for city leaders.
Elon Musk took out a $1 billion loan from SpaceX the same month he bought Twitter, per the WSJ.

His Twitter acquisition was also funded by bank loans backed by Tesla stock.

Musk previously borrowed $500 million from his space company between 2018 and 2020.

Elon Musk took out a $1 billion loan from SpaceX last October, the same month he took over Twitter, now known as X, according to documents cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The loan was backed by some of Musk's shares in SpaceX, and he paid it back with interest shortly afterwards, in November, per the Journal.

But the deal still drew on a significant amount of the company's finances, as SpaceX had $4.7 billion in cash and securities on hand at the end of last year, the WSJ reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The world's richest person also sold almost $4 billion of Tesla stock in November. In total, Musk sold about $23 billion of his shares in the electric-vehicle company last year to help finance his acquisition of Twitter.

About $13 billion of Musk's $44 billion deal to take over Twitter was also funded by Wall Street banks like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America. Those loans were backed by some of Musk's Tesla stock.

That debt is being repaid by Twitter, rather than Musk, with interest payments equal to about $1.5 billion a year.

Fidelity, which owns a stake in Twitter, has routinely lowered the company's value  estimating in May that it's worth just one-third of what Musk originally paid.

And this wasn't the first time that Musk took out a loan from SpaceX, either. He previously told the Journal that he borrowed $20 million from it in 2009 to help fund Tesla.

According to the WSJ's latest report, he also took out three loans worth $500 million from SpaceX between 2018 and 2020, before repaying it at the end of 2021.

And Tesla is reportedly facing a federal investigation for "Project 42"  which is believed to involve building a glass house for Musk.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Elon Musk reportedly took out a $1bn loan from his company SpaceX the same month that he acquired Twitter, now known as X, according to theWall Street Journal.

SpaceX approved the loan  which was secured by some of his stock in the company  in October 2022, according to the Journal. That same month, Mr Musk drew all of it down.

The SpaceX founder returned the $1bn  with interest  to the company one month later, the Journal reported.

Its unclear why the richest person in the world now and in October 2022, when he took over the social media giant, took out the loan. He bought the social media company for $44bn, which seemed to contribute to him losing that top slot, until he was renamed the worlds richest person in June 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The publication also noted that in November 2022, when he repaid the loan, Mr Musk sold $3.95bn in shares in another one of his companies, Tesla. The following month, he sold another $3.58bn in Tesla stock. That year in total, Mr Musk had sold nearly $23bn worth of Tesla stock since April  fuelling speculation that the funds were likely going toward his social media platform acquisition.

This isnt the first time that Mr Musk has taken out money from one of his ventures to aid another.

In 2009, Mr Musk reportedly borrowed $20m from SpaceX to support Tesla.

More recently, in 2015 and 2016, SpaceX poured $330m in bonds into his solar panel company SolarCity. Tesla ended up acquiring SolarCity in 2016.

SpaceX has recently come under fire, as the Justice Department sued the company last month for alleged hiring discrimination practices. SpaceXs discriminatory hiring practices were routine, widespread, and longstanding, and harmed asylees and refugees, the filing stated.

The Independent has reached out to SpaceX for comment.
The biographer Walter Isaacson shared a peek into Elon Musk's relationship with Shivon Zilis.

Zilis is a director at Musk's brain-chip company who quietly had a set of twins with the billionaire.

Isaacson said he went to Zilis' house earlier this year to discuss the threat of AI with Musk.

The author Walter Isaacson gave a peek into Elon Musk's relationship with Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink director and the mother of two of Musk's children, on Wednesday in an excerpt from his forthcoming biography on the Tesla CEO.

The biographer, who has been shadowing Musk for about three years, posted a picture of Musk and Zilis with their two children in tow on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the photo, the twins  who were 16 months old at the time  sat on the laps of Zilis and Musk.

Elon Musk pictured with the Neuralink director Shivon Zilis. Insider first reported that Musk had quietly fathered twins with Zilis in November 2021. Walter Isaacson

Last year, Insider first disclosed that Musk had quietly fathered a set of twins with Zilis in November 2021 and Reuters later reported she had told her colleagues at Neuralink they had conceived the children via in vitro fertilization and did not have a romantic relationship. Musk has nine known living children.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Little has been reported on Musk's relationship with Zilis, who joined Musk's brain-chip company, Neuralink, in 2017 as the director of operations and special projects, her LinkedIn profile says. She was also an advisor and later a board member at OpenAI from 2016 up until March when she stepped down from the AI company's board of directors, The Information reported.

Isaacson said the photo was taken when Musk invited him to meet up in Austin, Texas, for a chat at Zilis' house.

"This past March, Musk texted me, 'There are a few important things I would like to talk to you about. Can only be done in person,'" Isaacson wrote in an excerpt from his biography on Musk that was posted in Time Magazine. "He said we should leave our phones in the house while we sat outside, because, he said, someone could use them to monitor our conversation. But he later agreed that I could use what he said about AI in my book."

The biographer said Musk walked him and Zilis through his concerns about AI, including that AI's rapid development was on a collision course with a "leveling off" in human intelligence that Musk attributed to lower human birth rates.

"For a moment I was struck by the oddness of the scene," Isaacson wrote of the encounter. "We were sitting on a suburban patio by a tranquil backyard swimming pool on a sunny spring day, with two bright-eyed twins learning to toddle, as Musk somberly speculated about the window of opportunity for building a sustainable human colony on Mars before an AI apocalypse destroyed earthly civilization."

Isaacson ultimately said the conversation was the beginning of Musk's latest company, x.AI, which he later officially unveiled in July. The billionaire has said the goal of the company is to find "the true nature of the universe." It's set to go head-to-head with other AI powerhouses such as OpenAI and Google.

Read the full excerpt on Time's website.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Mark Gonzalez speaks on a panel on criminal justice at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 23, 2017. Credit: Kelly West for The Texas Tribune

The embattled district attorney for Nueces County, Mark Gonzalez, announced Tuesday that he will enter the Democratic primary to challenge U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

By announcing his campaign, Gonzalez resigned his current position  a significant development given that local conservative activists have been working to oust him for months.

I was such a threat they tried to remove me from office, Gonzalez said in an announcement video as it showed the tattooed Gonzalez hopping on a motorcycle. Now, it became clear to me  and to all of us  that there isnt one of us, a real American, in Washington, representing real Americans.

Several Democrats are already running to take on Cruz, most prominently U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez of San Antonio. Cruz is running for a third term after his close reelection race against Democrat Beto ORourke in 2018.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the announcement video, Gonzalez echoed other Democrats in knocking Cruz over his 2021 trip to Cancun during the deadly winter freeze in Texas. But Gonzalez also opened up about his own criminal background, saying he was arrested for drunk driving when he was 19 years old, pleaded guilty and worked hard for a second chance.

Gonzalezs time as the top prosecutor in Nueces County, home to Corpus Christi, has been a nationally watched flashpoint for the progressive criminal justice movement. A local conservative activist, Colby Wiltse, filed a petition in January to remove Gonzalez from office, accusing him of "incompetency, official misconduct, and failure to give bond." A trial is scheduled to start in December, though Gonzalez said Monday his resignation makes the issue moot.

In a resignation letter to Gov. Greg Abbott, Gonzalez said he refuses to be a sacrificial lamb to send a foreboding message to other duly elected DAs in Texas who exercise their discretion.

Gonzalez was among five district attorneys in Texas who vowed last year not to pursue abortion-related criminal charges if Roe v. Wade was overturned. He previously promised not to prosecute families for receiving gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

The Legislature struck back at such DAs earlier this year, passing a law to ban local prosecutors from adopting policies in which they decline to prosecute certain types of crime.

Wiltse and his group, Citizens Defending Freedom, celebrated Gonzalez's resignation in a news release Wednesday, saying he stepped down "rather than face scrutiny and potential removal for the charge of 'incompetence' at trial."

"This is a great day for justice in Nueces County," Wiltse said.

Gonzalez was first elected district attorney in 2016. He narrowly won reelection in 2020, the same year former President Donald Trump won the county by 6 percentage points.

Abbott, a Republican, will get to appoint Gonzalez's replacement as district attorney.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program.
Russian forces launched an attack against the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on Sept. 6, killing at least 16 people, including a child, Ukrainian officials reported.

The Emergency Service of Ukraine said that at least 28 others were injured. The emergency services are on site to contain the fire caused by the attack.

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky , the strike affected a local market, including a number of shops and a pharmacy.

The front-line city of Kostiantynivka comes under regular strikes by Russian forces.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Zelensky expressed his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the attack.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," Zelensky said.

Read also: Update: Death toll in Kramatorsk missile attack rises to 12 as rescue operation is completed

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A project to construct a 9,350 square foot emergency services building in Moshannon Valley received a financial boost in state funding.

The Moshannon Valley EMS will receive a $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant for the construction of a new ambulance and training center, which will be constructed at the site of the former Philipsburg Area Hospital. The Rush Township hospital closed in 1991.

The training center will help the MVEMS meet a critical need in Centre County, a press release from the county stated. The Centre County Commissioners approved the grant during their meeting Tuesday.

The EMS covers rural portions of three counties, and currently covers about 732 square miles. Wes Cartwright, MVEMS chief, said the training facility will be a big boost for the Philipsburg area. The center will include a large training facility where the EMS can host trainings to support their operations, the release states, and will have garage space for eight ambulances.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With the training center, at least 10 new jobs will be created and 35 existing jobs will be retained. It will also provide a space where medical services personnel can receive training, the release states.

Annually, approximately 60 emergency medical services personnel will receive training at this new headquarters. With more training opportunities, the number of EMS personnel will increase, which there is an immediate need for, especially in the rural community, the release states.

Cartwright said they currently have a training room at the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership, where theyve started holding some classes. But theyve long outgrown the space, so the dedicated training center is much needed.

Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion, the commissioners liaison to the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership, is excited to see the project move forward.

Its just become so clear to me the critical role that the Moshannon Valley EMS serves in terms of the overall health care infrastructure in that area of our county and into Clearfield County, and how much youre doing there that goes really above and beyond what most EMS services are able to offer because of the community support for your organization, and the kind of volunteer base that you have, Concepcion said during Tuesdays meeting.

In the release, Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA, said the grant will help ensure the Moshannon Valley area continues to have critical emergency medical services and will improve MVEMSs capacity to train and support other medical first responders throughout rural Central Pennsylvania.

Rural Pennsylvanians should feel safe knowing there are enough well-trained medical first responders ready to deliver critical, lifesaving care whenever there is a crisis, Casey said in the release.

The project total for the MVEMS ambulance and training headquarters is $2,085,111. A large portion  $1.2 million  is through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and Local Share Account. About $585,000 is from local financing and $300,000 is from the ARC.

Cartwright said theyll hopefully begin construction by fall 2024.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Joe Biden will convene with leaders of the worlds top 20 economies for this years G20 summit.

The meeting takes place in New Delhi, India.

Were going into this with some things that we want, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.

Kirby said top priorities include promoting clean energy investments through the World Bank and confronting global economic challenges, fueled in part by the war in Ukraine.

Theres a general consensus that we need to do better for lower middle income countries, Kirby said. Theyve had famine. Theyve had drought. Theyve had extreme weather.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But back on Capitol Hill, Republicans like Missouris Sen. Josh Hawley have one thing on their mind.

We need to stand up to China and their trade cheating, Hawley said. We need to stand up to them and their imperialism.

Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend this years summit, sending a delegate instead.

Kirby described Xis absence as disappointing but said it would not change the White Houses focus.

U.S.-China relations remain shaky, in part because China wants to take control of Taiwan.

Its a violation of the law, Vice President Kamala Harris said.

While in Indonesia on Wednesday, Harris said Chinas hostile policies only open doors for U.S. collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.

Increasingly, youre seeing that here in Southeast Asia, Harris said. In a way that youre not seeing it grow in terms of stability and predictability in China.

During the summit, Biden will meet one-on-one with Indias prime minister, another key economic partner.

He then travels to Vietnam for a meeting with the nations president.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP)  A Vermont man told police he killed a mother and son last week in their Whittingham home where he had been staying for months, according to authorities.

Christopher Ellis, 54, is expected to be arraigned Wednesday. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Michael Garvin, 52, and Lucy Garvin, 79. The Garvins bodies were discovered by a family member on Friday.

Ellis was arrested on Friday while driving Michael Garvins missing pickup truck, Vermont State Police said.

He told police he killed the mother and son last Wednesday or Thursday, saying it was calculated, according to a police affidavit. A phone message was left with his public defender.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ellis said he met Michael Garvin in jail and had been staying with them since April. He complained about the living situation and said the mental and psychological abuse worked him to the point where he thought about how much he hated Michael Garvin everyday.

He also told police that he had been thinking about killing Garvin for a few weeks and described locating a gun, court papers said. He said it was unfortunate that Lucy Garvin was in the house but that she had to go, police said in the affidavit.

Ellis also said he didnt have a retirement plan and that he would be rather be jail than in an old folks home, the affidavit said.

After shooting them, Ellis said he drove off in Michael Garvins truck to buy crack cocaine, the affidavit said. He then went to Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he sold the gun and bought cocaine with the money, according to police.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Members of the Proud Boys, including leader Enrique Tarrio, center, protest the results of the presidential election in Washington on Nov. 14, 2020. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

Enrique Tarrio was not in Washington, D.C., as members of the Proud Boys  the far-right organization he commanded  and other supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in the hope of overturning the previous Novembers presidential election.

But he was central to planning the violent insurrection, federal prosecutors alleged, charging him with seditious conspiracy as part of a broad effort to punish those who stormed the Capitol as a stunned nation watched on live television.

A jury agreed  and so did U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly of Washington, D.C., sentencing Tarrio on Tuesday to 22 years in federal prison. It was the longest Jan. 6-related sentence yet, though 11 years less than what prosecutors sought. The length of the sentence appeared to be a clear message that those responsible for the riot will not escape consequences.

Justice has been served, wrote Olivia Troye, a former aide to ex-Vice President Mike Pence , on the platform formerly known as Twitter and now called X.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read more from Yahoo News: The Proud Boys Are Paying for Jan. 6. Are Trump and His Cronies Next? via Rolling Stone

We did this

An image of a noose hanging near the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, is displayed on a screen during a hearing of the Jan. 6 committee investigating the Capitol riot, June 16, 2022. (Tom Brenner/Pool via Reuters)

A 39-year-old Miami native of Cuban descent, Tarrio first became involved with the Proud Boys in 2017. During the Trump administration, the Proud Boys were one of several right-wing groups that routinely engaged in violent clashes with anarchists and anti-fascists, including during the tumultuous summer of 2020.

After Trump lost the 2020 election, Tarrio and the Proud Boys descended on Washington in a kind of small-scale preview of Jan. 6. Tarrio burned a Black Lives Matter flag and, as a result, was banned from entering the District of Columbia. (He pleaded guilty to charges of destruction of property later.)

Despite the ban, Tarrio returned to Washington to plan an assault on the Capitol that was to coincide with then-Vice President Mike Pences procedural certification of the presidential elections results. A documentary crew recorded Tarrio meeting with Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers in a parking garage on Jan. 5 to plan the assault.

Though he was subsequently made to leave the capital, Tarrio gloated about the attack. Nothing may have been as damaging as three words of a social media post: We did this.

Read more from Yahoo News: F*cking Idiot Proud Boy Does a 180 After Judge Shows Little Mercy, via the Daily Beast

Yale Law grad lands in federal prison

Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes departs from a rally held by then-President Donald Trump in Minneapolis in October 2019. (Jim Urquhart/Reuters)

A graduate of Yale Law School, Rhodes founded the Oath Keepers in 2009, recruiting heavily from among military veterans and members of law enforcement. Like the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers were central to the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

Charged with seditious conspiracy, Rhodes argued that while he may have fanned the flames of election denialism, he had nothing to do with the violence itself, which left several people dead.

I think it was stupid to go into the Capitol. It was not our mission, he said during his trial. The argument was unpersuasive, and Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Read more from Yahoo News: Oath Keepers convicted in Jan. 6 Capitol riot get prison in latest extremist sentencings, via the Associated Press

Hundreds sent to prison

Members of the Jan. 6 committee hold their final public meeting on Capitol Hill on Dec. 19, 2022. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Of the more than 1,000 people who have been charged in relation to the Jan. 6 riot, nearly 400 had been sentenced to prison as of last month. Among them are top Tarrio deputies Ethan Nordean (18 years), Dominic Pezzola (10 years) and Joshua Pruitt (four and a half years), as well as several members of the Oath Keepers.

As she was being sentenced in May, military veteran Jessica Watkins seemed to express regret for her participation in the riot: I was just another idiot running around the Capitol, she said as a judge handed down an eight-and-a-half-year sentence.

Trump has also been indicted for his role in the riot.

Read more from Yahoo News: Trump Jan. 6 case: Legal experts break down our FAQs
Looking for a job, but need to find one that actually pays enough? Finding a job to support you and your family without a long list of requirements can be difficult.

The Bellingham Herald has searched the job website Indeed and local Craigslist listings to find positions with minimal requirements that are available as of Wednesday, Sept. 6, that advertise wages at or above living wages:

Maintenance Service Technician at Utopia Management, Inc.

 $28 per hour

 Full time

 Requirements: Drivers license, and applicants must have their own truck and tools

Server at Boomers Drive-In

 $25 per hour

 Full time

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 No requirements listed

Administrative Support at Compass Health

 $22.15 - $37.54 per hour

 Full time

 Requirements: high school diploma or equivalent and 1 year of related experience

Kitchen Staff at Silver Reef Casino

 $23 - $24 per hour

 Full time

 No requirements listed

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology calculated the living wage by county by evaluating typical expenses to find how much an individual must make hourly to support themselves, or multiple children or dependents in a full-time job.

MIT records living wages for individuals, couples and families that vary based on the number of dependents, number of children and the number of adults who are working:

 Whatcom Countys living wage for an individual with no dependents is $17.47 per hour, working full time.

 For a household with two adults, no children, and only one individual working, a living wage in Whatcom County is $27.62 per hour.

 For a household with two adults, no children and both adults working, the living wage is $13.81 per hour.

 For a household with two adults, one child, and only one adult working, the living wage is $34.53 per hour. If this household had two children the living wage would be $39.51 an hour.

 For a household with two adults and two children and both adults working, the living wage is $25.98 per hour. If the family had three children, both individuals would need to make $32.10 per hour.

As Washington states minimum wage is $15.74 per hour, this amount is not considered a living wage in Whatcom County unless you have multiple adults working in a household with no dependents.
The Great Salt Lake is pictured on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Conservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Utah over its management of the lake. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Conservation groups are suing Utah over its management of the Great Salt Lake, which continues to shrink and expose the Wasatch Front to toxic dust.

In a 31-page complaint filed in Utahs 3rd District Court on Wednesday, attorneys for the group Earthjustice claim the states failure to get enough water to the Great Salt Lake is damaging public trust resources.

This failure to undertake all feasible means of maintaining the Lake at a healthy elevation constitutes a breach of Defendants duty to manage the Great Salt Lake consistent with the principles of prudent administration, the complaint reads.

The complaint directs the state to take action to stop further decline of the lakes average elevation within two years of the courts decision, and asks the Utah Department of Natural Resources to review all existing water diversions from the lake.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related

The state must then modify any diversions that are inconsistent with the restoration and maintenance of the Great Salt Lake, the complaint reads.

Earthjustice is representing Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club and Utah Rivers Council, all conservation groups.

Utahs common law and constitution impose robust public trust duties that require the state to protect the Great Salt Lake, whose waters belong to the people of Utah. Leading experts have concluded that the state cannot sustain a minimum viable water level of 4,198 feet without modifying upstream diversions, reads a press release from Earthjustice.

Public trust doctrine preserves certain cultural or natural resources  like artifacts, wildlife, navigable waterways or land  for public use. According to the doctrine, the government has a duty to protect these resources.

The complaint points out public trust doctrine is well established in Utah code, upheld by Supreme Court decisions and the states constitution. Because the Great Salt Lake is a historically navigable waterway and the lakebed is considered sovereign land, the lake is a public resource, the environmental groups say.

As trustee, the State of Utah has an ongoing obligation to protect the Great Salt Lakes waters and underlying lands, so that Utahns can continue to use them for navigation, commerce, brine shrimp fishing, recreation, and other uses recognized under the public trust doctrine, the complaint reads.

Related

Deeda Seed, the Utah campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity, said the decline of the Great Salt Lake will have negative health impacts for all of northern Utah.

In addition to the millions of people who live here, so many plants and animals depend on the lake, including 12 million birds from more than 300 species. They make this area unlike anywhere else. The state of Utahs complete abdication of its responsibility to protect the lake threatens our ability to live in this spectacular region, Seed said in a statement.

According to the complaint, the states failure to manage the lake stems from upstream water diversions for agriculture, development and other industry, which contributed to an annual deficit of more than 1 million acre-feet of water.

In November 2022, the lake hit a historic low, dropping to 4,188.5 feet. As the lake shrinks, more lakebed is exposed which contains toxic, heavy-metal laden dust kicked up by strong winds.

In other parts of the world, where saline lakes have been allowed to shrivel up because of upstream diversions like those happening at the Great Salt Lake, the end result has been public health disasters from the clouds of relentless toxic dust, said Dr. Brian Moench in a press release.

Moench is the president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, an environmental advocacy group outspoken on air pollution. Utahs leaders are prioritizing these water diversions over protecting their own people, so the courts must intervene, he said.

A spokesperson for the Utah Attorney Generals Office said the office is still reviewing the lawsuit, and declined to comment Wednesday.
Daniel Abed Khalife. Members of the public have been warned not to approach him - Metropolitan Police/PA Wire

A suspected terrorist who escaped from prison by clinging to the underside of a delivery truck is feared to be attempting to flee the country on Wednesday night.

A huge manhunt is under way for Daniel Abed Khalife, a former British Army soldier and computer specialist, who broke out of HMP Wandsworth just before 8am on Wednesday.

Counter-terror police put all ports on high alert amid fears Khalife would try to get out of the UK, and extra passport checks led to delays for passengers at some airports.

Ministry of Justice officials were left red faced after it emerged that Khalife  who is facing terrorism and spying charges  managed to break out of Wandsworth prison by hiding underneath a food delivery van as it left the prison grounds.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The 21-year-old, who was wearing a chefs uniform of red and white chequered trousers, had been working in the prison kitchens helping to prepare breakfast when he made his escape.

Scotland Yard issued an urgent appeal to help track him down but warned the public not to approach if they spotted him.

The category B Victorian prison, which houses more than 1,500 inmates, was placed in lockdown following the escape  the first at Wandsworth since 2019.

Khalife, who was born in London and is of Middle Eastern heritage, was discharged from the British Army in May after he was charged with breaking the Official Secrets Act and perpetrating a bomb hoax.

He had previously lived in the Kingston area of south-west London, where police helicopters were spotted scouring the area on Wednesday.

At the same time plain-clothes officers kept watch on an upstairs flat in Kingston, close to the edge of Richmond Park, where Khalifes mother and sister are understood to have lived until a few years ago.

A neighbour told The Telegraph: A woman lived upstairs who had a son and daughter. The boy would come and go swearing loudly. She moved to Wales roughly three years ago, a year after we moved in.

The family were British, of Middle Eastern origin. They didnt talk to us or anyone else in the street very much that I could see.

Its worrying to think that this young man might head back to this area after escaping from prison.

Heathrow, Glasgow and Manchester airports all reported queues at security gates on Wednesday, and it is understood that extra passport checks were being carried out while Khalife was being hunted. Delays were also reported at the Port of Dover.

Suspect is computer specialist

Khalife joined the Army after leaving school in 2018, and was stationed at the Ministry of Defences (MoD) Beacon Barracks, home to the Royal Corps of Signals 1st Signal Brigade; the Defence Electronics Agency, the RAF Joint Helicopter Commands Tactical Supply Wing and No 22 Group air force cadets.

On social media, he described his role as being a computer specialist with skills including help desk implementation, random access memory systems, information technology and system administration.

Khalife was first arrested in August 2021 on suspicion of breaching the Official Secrets Act by obtaining information about soldiers from the MoD Joint Personnel Administration System that could be of use to terrorists.

He was bailed by police and allowed to return to his role at the MoD base in Stafford.

Khalife joined the Army after leaving school in 2018

However, in January this year, he was arrested again after a fake bomb was allegedly discovered on his desk.

He was charged with two offences and appeared at the Old Bailey in July when a further offence of breaching the Official Secrets Act was added to the indictment. He was due to stand trial in November.

The Telegraph understands police do not believe Khalife is driven by any specific ideology.

He was initially held at HMP Belmarsh but had been transferred to HMP Wandsworth in south London ahead of his trial.

Several escapes

HM Prison Wandsworth, built in the 1850s and one of the largest prisons in the UK, has had a number of successful escape attempts over the years.

In 2019, a remand prisoner escaped while awaiting transfer for a court appearance and in 2011 another remand prisoner, Neil Moore, escaped after creating a fake email account and contacting the prison authorising his release.

The most high-profile escapee from Wansdworth was Ronnie Biggs, the Great Train Robber, who climbed over a wall in 1965 while serving a 30-year sentence.

Two years later he fled to Brazil and remained on the run until 2001, when he returned to the UK.

Wandsworth is one of the largest prisons in the UK - Andrew Aitchison

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets counter terrorism command said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, held a conference call with Katie Price, the prisons governor, and prison chiefs to establish how Khalife escaped and to obtain assurances about immediate measures to prevent a repeat. He is receiving regular updates.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
(Bloomberg) -- European Union officials will begin meeting with member states this week to outline the blocs plan on how to impose a windfall tax on profits generated by more than 200 billion ($215 billion) of frozen Russian central bank assets to aid Ukraines reconstruction.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, will propose how to legally transfer revenue being generated by the assets to the blocs budget, according to a draft paper on the process seen by Bloomberg.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The commission will meet with officials from Spain, Belgium, Italy, France and Germany on Thursday, then with all member states next week, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously said she would put forward a legislative proposal before the summer break but that timeline has since slipped.

A commission working group backs implementing the three main proposals in the paper step-by-step, rather than all at once, according to the document.

The steps include clarifying the scope of the duties of the financial obligations involved, imposing requirements for central securities depositories to separate cash balances of the Russian assets and transferring the revenues to the EUs budget as external assigned revenues, according to the paper.

The Russian central bank assets immobilized in the EU are expected to generate some 3 billion in windfall profits. Over half the assets are in cash and deposits, while a substantial amount of the remainder is in securities that will transform to cash as they mature in the next two to three years, Bloomberg previously reported.

Many of the funds are in Belgium at settlement giant Euroclear Ltd., where they generated nearly 750 million by the first quarter of this year.

The prospect of taxing and seizing the windfall profits raises legal as well as financial questions. Several countries have raised concerns that using the proceeds from the assets could encourage official reserve holders to turn their back on the euro, according to the people.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Linda Mobley hangs her head in prayer as she holds a book that could be banned under Florida's curriculum standards on African American history during an Aug. 10 town hall at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens. (D.A. Varela/Miami Herald)

With abortion prohibitions looking more like a loser than a surefire winner for Republicans, it may be no coincidence that the presidential race suddenly seems to be consumed by a roiling culture war over the teaching of Black history.

In recent days, candidates have stepped up to argue the ups and downs of Americas troubled racial history and how it should be taught in our schools  and as some conservative leaders demand, without upsetting our kids. Unfortunately, adding race and education to the culture wars can turn our melting pot ideal into something like a half-cooked gumbo.

Advertisement

On one front, the Chicago-based American Library Association reports a growing number of public libraries now face a loss of public funding if they have books deemed inappropriate.

In Missouri, for example, lawmakers have been considering several bills that could sharply cut library funding. To avoid likely challenges on constitutional grounds, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft enacted an administrative rule that doesnt need legislative approval. Campaigns to ban books are hardly new, but the new wave of legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremist campaigns, raising the number of reported challenges to books by almost 40% last year, according to the ALA.

Advertisement

Now were seeing organized attempts by groups to censor multiple titles throughout the country, ALA President Lessa Kananiopua Pelayo-Lozada said, without actually having read many of these books.

Illinois, by contrast, is one of several states that are pushing back. Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June signed legislation to make Illinois the first state to ban such book bans. The legislation protects the freedom of libraries to acquire materials without external limits in the state, where 67 attempts were made last year to ban books, free expression advocacy group PEN America reported.

[ Editorial: The book ban movement grows. Illinois is right to fight back. ]

The rise of book bans has followed the rise of culture war issues, most prominently in Florida where Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, has been defending his states new history standards among other issues in his signature anti-woke agenda. As tends to happen in arguments over free speech and academic freedom, DeSantis has bitten off a lot to chew.

Most problematic, the new standards suggest slavery had benefits for some enslaved people. That left too much for even some leading Republicans to swallow, including a fellow Republican presidential contender, South Carolinas Tim Scott, the Senates only Black Republican, who argued memorably that theres no silver lining in slavery.

[ Clarence Page: Slavery has benefits, Gov. DeSantis? Only when it stops. ]

DeSantis defenders say politicians of both parties have taken the proposal out of context and argue that other educational programs also say enslaved people developed skills they used after the Civil War. Well, sure, if they were fortunate to survive until after the war and attain some measure of freedom and access to necessary resources.

Clarence Page Columns As it happens Sign up to receive Clarence Pages columns by email as soon as they're published. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

As I always say in the midst of such academic dust-ups, I hope the controversy moves some more people to read some good books they otherwise might have missed. Yet, as much as you can lead some people to good books, you cant make them think.

When reports came out earlier this summer that the Amanda Gorman poem The Hill We Climb, which Gorman read at President Joe Bidens inauguration, had been restricted to middle school shelves at a Miami-Dade County school, the Florida district and DeSantis were quick to dispute the news. No books have been banned, DeSantis argued, calling such reports a hoax. Yet other academics call that a distinction without a difference, since any denial of access to certain books is essentially a ban.

To avoid charges of censorship, some school officials and conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty have employed such words as quarantine and curation to wiggle around the obvious.

Advertisement

Either way, a word is a word until we give it meaning, and in this case, the word ban means a lot, whether you like it or not.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission on Wednesday proposed a series of measures to ease access to social security services across borders by speeding up digitalisation in member states.

The Commission said that in 2021, 16 million people from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Switzerland lived or worked outside their own area.

For many EU citizens, gaining access to medical or social services in other member states and getting expenditure on them reimbursed once home can be complicated and require lots of patience and paperwork.

The Commission said it is calling on EU member states to accelerate implementation of the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI) so that it is fully operational across Europe by the end of 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"EESSI digitalises the exchanges among national social security institutions, to move away from paper-based, time-consuming and cumbersome procedures," the commission statement said.

It also wants member states to deliver more social security coordination procedures fully online, to make it easier for people to move and work abroad, and ensure they get fast access to their eligible benefits.

The Commission said it will provide member states technical and financial support and asked the European Parliament and Council to endorse its plan.

(Reporting by Geert De Clercq; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
EVANSVILLE  A man convicted of stealing multiple catalytic converters from trucks belonging to an Evansville business will appeal a judge's ruling that he should serve four years in a state prison.

The Vanderburgh County Public Defender Agency filed a notice with the Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday stating that Daniel Eugene Payne, 36, would appeal both his conviction and sentence, which Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge Celia Pauli imposed Tuesday.

Under Pauli's ruling, Payne would serve two consecutive, two-year prison sentences with 305 days credit for time served. In a letter to the Indiana Department of Corrections, Pauli wrote that Payne should be "evaluated for treatment" while in prison.

Payne's sentencing  and subsequent appeal  come after a jury found him guilty of theft of property valued between $750 and $50,000, a Level 6 felony, in August. Prosecutors alleged that Payne pilfered valuable catalytic converters from trucks belonging to Astound Broadband by cutting them out from underneath the vehicles using a reciprocating saw.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Payne pleaded not guilty to the theft charge, he did enter a plea of guilty to a habitual offender sentencing enhancement, according to court records. Pauli added an additional two years to Payne's sentence for his status as a habitual offender.

More: Here's the story behind how EPD says it cracked a string of catalytic converter thefts

According to public records, overturning Payne's conviction could prove to be an uphill battle.

Evansville police arrested Payne on Dec. 29, 2020, after detectives had surveilled him for hours and eventually conducted a traffic stop. In a sworn affidavit, Sgt. Anna Gray wrote that officers found three catalytic converters inside Payne's vehicle along with an electric saw, blades and other tools.

Gray said detectives also recovered a distinctive coat and Milwaukee-brand backpack from Payne's vehicle that had been recorded in surveillance footage during a catalytic converter theft.

Prior to Payne's arrest, detectives also obtained surveillance footage showing Payne's red, two-door Chevrolet Blazer at the scenes of catalytic converter thefts, according to Gray.

More: What to know about the uptick in catalytic converter thefts in Evansville, nationwide

Payne's arrest on Dec. 29 occurred after officers used night-vision goggles to observe him moving between his truck and an Astound Broadband property located along Hank Drive. Once Payne left the area, a detective inspected the Astound trucks and noticed that three catalytic converters were missing.

The company estimated it would cost about $9,000 to repair the vehicles, and it supplied surveillance footage to investigators, Payne's arrest affidavit states.

"They pulled up the camera footage and saw a subject matching Payne's description walk up to their building," Gray wrote. "On video, I observed the subject wearing a dark color coat with a hood up and a red backpack."

Officers pulled Payne over and arrested him after he reportedly made two turns without using his turn signal.

When detectives compared cut marks on the converters recovered from Payne's vehicle to the Astound Wireless trucks, Gray wrote that "all three matched up perfectly." At the time, Astound Broadband was known as WOW! Internet.

In all, the EPD said Payne made over $12,000 in 2020 by selling more than 50 catalytic converters to a scrap yard in Owensboro, Kentucky. From the outset, Payne denied that he stole catalytic converters or sold them, police records state.

After Payne's sentencing on Tuesday, Vanderburgh County Chief Public Defender Steve Owens noted that Cara Schaefer Wieneke had been appointed special public defender to pursue Payne's appeal.

Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville man will appeal conviction for catalytic converter thefts
The DC Extended Universe may have imploded, but another cinematic universe that also began in 2013 is still going strong. Ever since James Wan's "The Conjuring" introduced paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, their world of demons and ghosts has continued expanding via sequels, spin-offs, and sequels to those spin-offs. The latest entry, "The Nun II," hits theaters Friday. In honor of Valak's spooky return, let's take a look back at every "Conjuring" film to date, ranked from worst to best:

8. 'The Curse of La Llorona'

"The Curse of La Llorona" wasn't marketed as a "Conjuring" film, and the director later claimed it actually isn't part of the franchise  despite it clearly taking place in the universe, as it features a character from "Annabelle." Not wanting to associate the "Conjuring" brand with "La Llorona" would make sense, though, as this is hardly its finest hour. Two of the series' defining qualities are its highly inventive scare sequences and memorable characters, but both are lacking here. The majority of the jolts have little more to them than La Llorona suddenly popping up, and the protagonists are bland, even though Linda Cardellini gives it her all. If it is a "Conjuring" movie, this is the only entry that's not worth watching.

7. 'The Nun'

Unlike Annabelle, the demonic nun from "The Conjuring 2" wasn't an obvious candidate for a spin-off, considering she was already the main villain during her original appearance. Ultimately, it proves difficult to top that initial showing in this prequel. Valak was so unsettling in "The Conjuring 2" partially because of how out of place she was in the environment, but the spin-off loses that by moving things to a dark, eerie monastery, where she doesn't clash with the setting as much. The scares are also repetitive and uninspired; drinking whenever a character is abruptly grabbed would be unwise. But "The Nun" still has a creepy atmosphere, arresting imagery, and solid performances by Taissa Farmiga and Demian Bichir, even if casting Vera Farmiga's sister as someone unrelated to her character remains a head-scratching choice.

6. 'Annabelle'

The "Conjuring" series' first spin-off and the first to establish a shared universe, "Annabelle" plops the haunted doll from the original film into an effective, if familiar, riff on "Rosemary's Baby." Annabelle herself is underutilized, partially a consequence of the fact that she isn't truly alive and merely a conduit; it can feel as if an unrelated script about the anxiety of becoming a parent in the late 1960s was hastily rewritten to incorporate the doll. But while John R. Leonetti never manages to build as much tension as James Wan, the director delivers a few haunting scares by allowing the audience to notice something horrifying lurking in the background that he hasn't yet called attention to. It's a worthwhile spin-off, though a lack of originality holds "Annabelle" back from true greatness.

5. 'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'

"The Devil Made Me Do It" provides a welcome change of pace for the mainline "Conjuring" series, marking the first of the trilogy that's not a haunted house movie. Instead, it's more of a supernatural mystery that isn't centered around one location. Mixing things up to avoid repetition was wise, although this is also the first main "Conjuring" film not directed by James Wan, and it certainly shows. Compared to Wan's movies, the scares are less creative and, save for one involving a water bed, mostly forgettable. But the movie overcomes that thanks to the chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. Their characters are such a joy to be around, and their love for each other is so infectious, that it elevates even a lesser entry into an entertaining watch.

4. 'Annabelle Comes Home'

If not the best, "Annabelle Comes Home" might be the most fun "Conjuring" film. After the "Annabelle" and "Conjuring" series had been running on somewhat separate tracks, this one is like the franchise's first big crossover event. The original two "Conjuring" movies teased other cursed objects in Ed and Lorraine's artifact room, and "Annabelle Comes Home" finally unleashes some of the most eye-catching while revealing new ones, which all start coming to life. The result is a horror box of chocolates offering several mini "Conjuring" spin-offs in one package; we have a werewolf one minute and a haunted wedding dress the next. That gives the film more variety than any other entry in the franchise, and the fact that we're constantly seeing new horrors makes it hard to grow bored.

3. 'Annabelle: Creation'

This "Annabelle" prequel revealing the iconic doll's origin wasn't directed by James Wan, but it's the only spin-off that feels like it was. In his "Conjuring" movies, Wan is the master of setups and payoffs, establishing seemingly harmless objects in act one that are later used to frighten us in unexpected ways, from the music box in "The Conjuring" to the tent in "The Conjuring 2." David F. Sandberg replicates that here, and if the first "Annabelle" was overly familiar, the sequel fixes that with an abundance of clever, original scares involving a ringing bell, chair lift, toy gun, dumbwaiter, and more. Annabelle is also more central to the plot and the horrors than in her other films, and exploring the relationship between young orphans creates a fresh dynamic. It's the "Annabelle" trilogy's high point.

2. 'The Conjuring'

The film that started it all, "The Conjuring," remains a terrifying and delightfully old-school haunted house chiller. It was fairly unique at the time for placing such a focus on its paranormal investigators, who would normally be more minor characters, while hinting at a larger world without forcing a cinematic universe. The movie's restraint was also notable after years of horror movies that emphasized extreme gore. It was famously said to have been rated R simply for being so scary, and James Wan petrifies us with little more than hands clapping. "The Conjuring" is also appealingly wholesome, and its optimistic view of the world was refreshing in a genre that can often be cynical. Wan proves it's possible to give audiences nightmares while having as big a heart as an episode of "Full House."

1. 'The Conjuring 2'

"The Conjuring 2" does everything a sequel should, building upon what worked in the original, not just repeating it. With a longer runtime, its characters are better developed than in the previous film. The scares continue to be imaginative but are more intense and visually striking, as the chill-inducing demonic nun replaces an off-the-shelf witch from the original. Putting Ed, a character audiences have grown to love, at risk also raises the stakes. The sequel gives him and Lorraine an effective new arc testing their faith and desire to believe the best in people, a smart response to the original's optimism. By rewarding this faith, "The Conjuring 2" establishes the series isn't just about its scares, but its kindheartedness, making for a surprise feel-good Christmas movie. Who needs "It's a Wonderful Life" when you can spend the holidays with Ed and his guitar?

You may also like

Homepage
Enrique Tarrio, former national chairman of the right-wing Proud Boys, was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison after being convicted of spearheading a plot to stop the certification of the 2020 election results, culminating in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

His sentence is the highest handed down to anyone in connection with the riot by four years. Before handing down Tarrios sentence, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly said he would not grant the full 33-year sentence sought by federal prosecutors but would grant a higher sentence than other extremist members in the hopes it would act as a deterrent.

Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was sentenced in May to 18 years in prison, and Proud Boy Ethan Nordean  one of Tarrios lieutenants  received the same sentence last week.

That day broke our previously unbroken tradition of peacefully transferring power, which is truly among the most precious things that we had as Americans, Kelly said Tuesday when handing down the sentence. That previously unbroken tradition is broken now. Its going to take time and effort to fix it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tarrio, the onetime leader of the Proud Boys, was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other serious felonies in May. It is not super debatable that Tarrio was the ultimate leader of that conspiracy, Kelly said.

Tarrio entered the courtroom Thursday with his head held high, wearing a prison-issued orange jumpsuit and glasses. Throughout the proceeding, he actively engaged with his attorneys, sometimes stopping their arguments to make private comments.

In addressing the court toward the end of the sentencing hearing, Tarrio apologized to law enforcement, the residents of D.C., congressional lawmakers and their staffers who were present on Jan. 6. He called that day a national embarrassment, but stopped short of admitting to engaging in the plot of which a jury convicted him.

Changing the results of an election was not my goal, Tarrio said.

When handing down Tarrios sentence, Kelly said hes glad Tarrio is sorry for how law enforcement was treated, but that the Proud Boys leaders apology fell short.

I dont have any indication he is remorseful for the actual things he was convicted of, Kelly said.

Tarrios sister, fiancee and mother also made statements before the court, pleading for leniency and addressing him by his real name, Henry.

This mother stands before you today begging you for leniency for Henry, his mother said, her remarks appearing to make Tarrio emotional for the first time during the proceeding. We need him home as soon as we can. The Henry that came into the system is not the Henry thats here today.

Tarrios fiancee said the couple wants to start a family together and asked the judge to consider the direct effect a long sentence could have on those ambitions.

Henry is a flawed man, as are we all, but he is not blind to it.

Nayib Hassan, an attorney for Tarrio, told reporters after the sentencing that they respect Kellys sentence but also respectfully disagree. He added that Tarrio expects to file an appeal soon.

Hassan declined to comment on whether Tarrio should have been sentenced to less time than Rhodes, the Oath Keepers founder.

Prosecutors requested 33 years in prison for Tarrio, who they painted as the driving force of a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power from former President Trump to then-President-elect Biden.

The Proud Boys leader demonized his perceived adversaries, glorified the use of force against them and distributed violent propaganda to his thousands and thousands of followers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor Mulroe said Tuesday.

He is unique among his co-defendants in the extent of his toxic influence over others, Mulroe said.

A long sentence for Tarrio could also act as a deterrent to others seeking to impose their political views by force, Mulroe argued.

We need to be sure that the consequences are abundantly clear to anyone who might be unhappy with the 2024, 2028, 2032 or any future election for as long as this case is remembered, he said.

Tarrio was not at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The Miami Proud Boy was arrested on unrelated charges just days prior to the attack, which barred him from entering Washington, D.C. He instead watched the riot unfold from a hotel room in Baltimore.

But throughout Tarrios four-month trial, prosecutors said his arrest and the earlier stabbing of several Proud Boys at a December 2020 rally were watershed moments for the group, turning members against D.C. police and motivating them to try to stop the election certification.

Tarrios attorneys Tuesday recommended a sentence of no more than 15 years in prison and argued against the use of a terrorism enhancement in deciding his punishment. Sabino Jauregui, another of his attorneys, that Tarrios absence on Jan. 6 should set him apart from his co-defendants who helped lead the charge on the Capitol.

My client is no terrorist, Jauregui said. My client is a misguided patriot.

Kelly, the judge, ultimately did apply a terrorism adjustment to Tarrios sentencing guidelines, wherein a defendant must have committed an offense that was calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct.

Throughout the trial, Tarrios counsel also argued that the Proud Boys leader is the governments scapegoat for the Capitol attack, suggesting instead that Trump was the true culprit of Jan. 6.

Tarrios sentencing is the last in a series of historic seditious conspiracy cases brought by the Justice Department after the Capitol was attacked.

On Thursday, Proud Boys Joe Biggs and Zachary Rehl were sentenced to 17 years and 15 years respectively  then the second- and third-highest sentences handed down. Dominic Pezzola, the only Proud Boy not convicted of sedition, received a sentence of 10 years in prison Friday for other serious felony convictions.

The Justice Department proved in court that the Proud Boys played a central role in setting the January 6th attack on our Capitol into motion, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Today, the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, learned that the consequence of conspiring to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power is 22 years in federal prison, Garland added.

Six Oath Keepers, including Rhodes, were also convicted of sedition at trial, and multiple members of both groups pleaded guilty without going to trial.

In all, more than 1,100 rioters have been charged across the country for their roles in that day.

Updated 6:53 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A former leader of the Proud Boys has been sentenced to 22 years in jail for his role orchestrating the January 6 attack - the longest so far in connection with the assault on the US Capitol.

Although Enrique Tarrio was not present on the day of the attack - having been ordered by a court to leave Washington DC - a judge decided he played a critical role in what took place.

What happened that day damaged an important American custom that helps support the rule of law and the Constitution, federal judge Timothy Kelly told Tarrio.

That previously unbroken tradition is broken now. And its going to take time and effort to fix it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He said: It cant happen again. It cant happen again.

Tarrio and his lawyers had pleaded for leniency, saying the 39-year-old was ashamed of what had taken place, and said he had learned from his mistakes. He termed January 6 a national embarrassment.

When I get home I want nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies, he said.

I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal. Please show me mercy. I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.

Enrique Tarrio has been given the longest sentence handed out so far for the 2021 attack on the US Capitol - AFP

His mother also pleaded with the judge, saying: I respectfully ask your honour to see beyond the politics, beyond the media.

Yet prosecutors, who had asked for a sentence of 33 years, claimed Tarrio had not shown any remorse in the months since the incident and the judge appeared to agree with them.

However, while he said the Proud Boys offences could be punished as terrorism, he did not impose the longest sentence available to him.

While Tarrio was not present on January 6, prosecutors said he organised things from afar, revealing to the court hundreds of messages exchanged by Proud Boys in the days leading up to the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of then president Donald Trump

In one message on social media, Tarrrio wrote: Do what must be done.

Make no mistake, he wrote in another message. We did this.

Tarrios sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases.

It topped the 18-year sentences that Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and one-time Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean both received after juries convicted them of seditious conspiracy and other charges.

His case was the fifth of five former Proud Boys - the group promotes right wing extremism - to be dealt with.

In addition to the 18 years given to Nordean, Kelly sentenced Joseph Biggs to 17 years, Zachary Rehl, a local Proud Boys chapter leader to 15 years, and Dominic Pezzola, a low-level member, to 10 years.

Tarrio, from Miami, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy and obstructing official proceedings by a federal court last May

Enrique Tarrio was the leader of this conspiracy, prosecutor Conor Mulroe told the court.

One of Tarrios lawyers, Sabino Jauregui, said: This is not some foreign national waging war against the government. My client thought he was saving this country, saving this republic.

The case against Tarrio comes as the US Department of Justice is pressing ahead with the prosecution of Mr Trump in the same courthouse, on charges that he illegally worked to hold on to power even though he knew he had lost the election to Joe Biden and that it was not rigged, as he claimed.

He has pleaded not guilty to that charge and three other indictments.

Mr Trump remains the clear frontrunner in the contest to select a presidential candidate to take on Mr Biden next year.

He has vowed he will not halt his campaign, even if convicted or even sent to jail

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - A former correctional counselor at a federal prison in Massachusetts pleaded guilty on Wednesday to secretly accepting tens of thousands of dollars from a wealthy inmate identified by a source as Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam .

William Tidwell, 49, did not mention Rajaratnam by name when appearing before a judge in Boston to admit to accepting about $90,000 in exchange for giving favorable treatment to a wealthy inmate at the Federal Medical Center Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts.

But a person familiar with the matter has previously said the inmate was Rajaratnam, who was convicted and sentenced in 2011 to 11 years in prison for insider trading and was released early in 2019.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prosecutors have said Rajaratnam, the founder of the New York-based Galleon Group, made as much as $63.8 million in illicit profit from 2003 to 2009 trading on stocks including eBay, Goldman Sachs and Google.

No charges have been filed against Rajaratnam in relation to Tidwell. Rajaratnam's lawyer, Samidh Guha, has said he would "cooperate appropriately with the government if and when they reach out to us." Guha did not respond to a request for comment.

Tidwell pleaded guilty to receiving a bribe, making false statements to a bank and identity theft. In court, he said he was admitting wrongdoing to "put it behind me."

Under a plea deal, prosecutors plan to recommend that U.S. District Judge William Young sentence him to no more than two years in prison on Dec. 7.

During Wednesday's hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kunal Pasricha said Tidwell starting in 2018 received a stream of financial benefits from an "ultra-high net worth" inmate and one of his close friends.

Those benefits included $25,000 to help pay off loans for a family member and more than $65,000 in fees and other benefits to help manage certain properties, including one Tidwell lived at, according to charging documents.

Later, after the inmate's release from prison, Tidwell in 2020 received a $50,000 loan from the ex-inmate's friend to buy a house. Prosecutors said he lied on a bank loan application about the source of that money.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Grant McCool)
Claim:

Sheriff Wayne Ivey of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office refused to remove an "In God We Trust" decal from his officers' patrol cars.

Rating:

Rating: True

In August and September 2023, multiple Facebook pages shared a headline with a link to a dated controversy concerning law enforcement and the state of Florida. The headline read, "Sheriff Won't Remove 'In God We Trust' From Police Cars After Many Complain."

The Facebook posts asked users to click on a link in the comments. The link under each post led to the same article on multiple websites, including lajthiza.info, moralstory.press, sharesplosion.com, and cosmohost.info, to name a few.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the story, Sheriff Wayne Ivey of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office had defended a decision to include decals on his officers' patrol cars with the words "In God We Trust," a phrase that also appears on Florida's state seal:

The city of Brevard County is dealing with a controversial situation. The sheriff's department is being instructed to remove a familiar slogan from their vehicles. The phrase "In God We Trust" is commonly placed onto the sheriff's department vehicles. However, there are many people within Brevard County and the state of Florida who do not agree with this slogan. They want the sheriff's department to remove the phrase from community police vehicles. However, Sheriff Wayne Ivey doesn't agree with this move.

This story is true. However, these events transpired in October 2019. The many Facebook pages and websites that republished this news in August and September of 2023 did not make note of the fact that the story was nearly four years old.

The story originally began in late October 2019, when Brevard County's own SpaceCoastDaily.com published a story penned by Ivey himself. In the article, he announced that the new look of his officers' patrol cars was inspired by a "very proud veteran":

While our vehicles will continue to include the iconic "Shuttle" design in honor of our Space Center history, they will now also include new graphics of an American Flag and the phrase "In God We Trust" that are both prominently displayed on each unit. ... The suggestion for the patriotic theme was submitted from a citizen, a very proud veteran who made mention of the idea after sharing with me how proud he is of our agency and how passionately we support our veterans. The idea was then presented to other members of our outstanding active, reserve and veteran military community who all loved the idea and new design.

This news was also published on Ivey's Facebook page:

Days later, on Nov. 7, Fox News reported that an atheist group had called into question the new patrol car decals. The headline read, "Florida sheriff defends 'In God We Trust' decal on patrol cars after atheists complain."

According to the Fox News story, the group that challenged the decals was the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF):

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) argues the new "patriotic" decal, suggested by a local military veteran, is "frightening and politically dubious" in a letter to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, but Sheriff Wayne Ivey isn't backing down. "They have a better chance of me waking up thin tomorrow morning than they do of me taking that motto off our cars!" Ivey told Fox News. "I personally believe that our country is at a tipping point, and if we, as strong patriotic Americans, don't stand for the principals of our great nation, we are going to lose the America we all know and love!" "I can assure you that the proud men and women of our agency are forever unwavering in our support of the constitution and the principles of our amazing country," the sheriff added.

Nearly four years later, in September 2023, Ivey was still the sheriff of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and the decals were still displayed on the officers' vehicles.

Sources:

"Brevard County Sheriff's Office." Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BrevardCountySheriff/.

Ivey, Wayne. "Brevard County Sheriff's Office Replaces Their Patrol Fleet With New Patriotic Graphics." Space Coast Daily, 28 Oct. 2019, https://spacecoastdaily.com/2019/10/brevard-county-sheriffs-office-replaces-their-patrol-fleet-with-new-patriotic-graphics/.

"Meet the Sheriff: Wayne Ivey." Brevard County Sheriff's Office, https://www.brevardsheriff.com/home/meet-the-sheriff-wayne-ivey/.

Nachreiner-Mackesey, Bailey. "Florida Sheriff's Department Must Remove Religious Decals, FFRF Argues." Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), 30 Oct. 2019, https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/36116-florida-sheriff-s-department-must-remove-religious-decals-ffrf-argues.

Parke, Caleb. "Florida Sheriff Defends 'In God We Trust' Decal on Patrol Cars after Atheists Complain." Fox News, 7 Nov. 2019, https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-sheriff-god-atheist-complain.

"State Seal." Florida Department of State, https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-seal/.
National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication held in Scotland to mark the coronation of Britain's King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - King Charles III succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II on the British throne after her death on Sept. 8 last year, becoming king of not just the United Kingdom, but also Australia, Canada, New Zealand and 11 other countries.

Here are brief details of the rules of succession for the British monarch:

WHO IS NEXT?

Under the British constitution, a sovereign succeeds to the throne the moment his or her predecessor dies, before being proclaimed to the people, so there is no interregnum.

The rules, most of which date back hundreds of years, mean the crown passes to the monarch's eldest child, and the line is then dictated by birth order and closeness to the existing sovereign.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So, Charles' eldest son Prince William is the heir to the throne, followed by William's eldest son Prince George, and then his younger children Charlotte and Louis.

Prince Harry , Charles' younger son and William's brother, is then next in line.

But there are exceptions to these rules, enshrined in the 1689 Bill of Rights and the 1701 Act of Settlement.

The latter was passed to ensure a Protestant line of succession and to exclude a Roman Catholic from ever becoming monarch. It also required the sovereign to swear to uphold the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

The 2013 Succession to the Crown Act amended these rules so that gender no longer was an issue, ending the male primogeniture system which meant a younger son would become monarch ahead of an elder sister.

It also got rid of the rule barring anyone who married a Catholic from becoming king or queen. However, it did clarify that any of the first six people in line to the throne must have permission of the monarch before they marry.

QUEEN CAMILLA, QUEEN KATE?

The wife of a British king is known as a queen consort, distinguishing the role from that of a reigning female monarch such as Queen Elizabeth II.

As such, queen consort is the official title for Camilla, Charles' wife, but following their coronation in May, she is referred to simply as Queen Camilla.

That tradition means that when Prince William becomes king, his wife Kate, currently the Princess of Wales, will be known as Queen Catherine.

However, the husband of a reigning queen is only known as a prince consort.

WHO ARE TOP 10 IN LINE?

Currently the line of succession is:

1) Prince William, 2) Prince George, 3) Princess Charlotte, 4) Prince Louis, 5) Prince Harry, 6) Prince Archie (Harry's son), 7) Princess Lilibet (Harry's daughter, 8) Prince Andrew (Charles' younger brother), 9) Princess Beatrice (Andrew's eldest daughter), 10) Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (Beatrice's daughter).

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The family of a woman who died in a wildfire on Maui has filed a negligence lawsuit against the county, state of Hawaii and one of Hawaiis largest landowners, Bishop Estate.

This is the first lawsuit that has named both Maui County and the state of Hawaii as defendants in a case relating to the devastating fires.

Rebecca Rans, 57, died after trying to flee a wildfire during the inferno that ripped through the towns of Lahaina and Kula last month. She died alongside her long-term partner Doug Gloege.

Ms Rans and Mr Gloege are amongst at least 115 people killed in the inferno, making it one of the US deadliest fires in more than a century. While the county released an official list, naming 388 people to be missing last month, many speculate that the number is even higher.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Harold Wells, the father of Ms Rans, filed a wrongful death complaint on Monday. They are suing on the grounds that officials failed to upkeep their fire-prone property. The filed lawsuit also names utility company, Hawaiian Electric, which has already been sued many times. The company acknowledges that their electric poles sparked a first fire that was contained, but denies any responsibility for the entire inferno.

Hawaiian Electric previously claimed it shut off its power ahead of the fire escalating, de-energising them six hours before the second fire in the afternoon, but the complaint argues that they didnt turn it off far enough in advance. They also argue that the company knew about fire hazards back in 2014, but it was not until last year that they put in a request for more money to harden its power grid.

President Biden has since pledged $95m via the US Department of Energy to Hawaiian Electric to strengthen the power grid in Maui.

The family did not expect that they would be filing a lawsuit surrounding Ms Rans death, but after they heard Herman Andaya, Mauis Emergency Management Agency Administrator, tell CBS News that he did not regret not sounding the sirens to warn residents about the wildfires, they suddenly felt the obligation to find for justice.

"I feel like what were doing is not just about my sister, but all the people who this happened to. And the people who are still not found," said Kathleen Hennricks, Rans sister.

Mr Wells added this to the lawsuit, claiming that if Maui County or the state of Hawaii had sounded alarms to warn citizens of the fires, his daughter could have been saved.

Officials from Maui County have rebutted this claim, arguing that they chose not to sound alarms because they thought it would confuse residents with tsunami alarms, who may have fled to higher ground where the blaze was worse.

The lawsuit, filed by Rebecca Rans father, is arguing that a lot could have been done to prevent the fire from escalating (The Associated Press)

The lawsuit responded to this argument, saying such logic cannot stand, and attested that fleeing residents would have seen the flames and smoke, and understood what danger they were in.

"Why werent there alarms sounded?... She had severe arthritis in her feet. She could barely walk, let alone run," also said Ms Hennricks during a news conference on Tuesday.

Another argument inserted within the lawsuit also names a large plot of land owned by Maui County, which did not have acceptable regulations on electrical equipment, nor had proper vegetation maintenance, which ultimately led to the fire spreading. This particular area of land was where Ms Rans house was situated.

They should have been able to get out, said Anne Andrews, a lawyer for the family of Rebecca Rans, 57. There was a total failure to groom that land and failure to maintain that land.

As someone who has spent nearly my entire life in Hawaii, I have witnessed firsthand how the Island of Maui has been taken over by invasive, non-native and flammable grasses and brush vegetation," another family lawyer, Jim Bickerton, added.

Ms Rans and her partners body was found side by side the day after the inferno dissipated. Ms Rans body was so badly hurt the officials did not recommend her family view her remains.

Ms Rans moved to Maui over two decades ago, where she raised her three children. She is said to have been friends with many people in Lahaina, working in gift shops and taking hula lessons, as described in court records.

As the lawsuit claims, there are many actions that could have been put in place to stop the fire from seriously escalating. A National Weather Service warning was announced on 4 August, four days before the inferno, displaying similar conditions under which previous wildfires have surged.

Hawaiis attorney general, Anne E. Lopez, received the wrongful death complaint on Tuesday and is reviewing it, a spokesman said.
The Bagel owner Marvin Barsky and vice president Melissa Bulger at their Lakeview restaurant and deli, located at 3107 N. Broadway, on Aug. 31, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

At 78, Chicago business owner Marvin Barsky is at the peak of his career. It wasnt his heyday as a NASCAR speedway baron, or his gilded age as a shared office space tycoon.

In January, he cinched the opportunity to become the first new owner of The Bagel Restaurant and Deli in 54 years.

Advertisement

I was nervous, to be very honest. At my age, I gotta be nuts to do it, said Barsky, who is avoiding retirement to run the schmaltzy deli he frequented as a child. But this type of food is a tradition to me. I feel a responsibility to keep it going.

The Lakeview landmarks late owner Danny Wolf died in July 2022 at 77, leaving a legacy more enduring than just about any other Chicago deli. He took over the family business in 1969 in his mid 20s. Liberated in 1945 at 10 months old from Theresienstadt  a Czech concentration camp  Wolf went on to shepherd The Bagel into a safe haven for other Holocaust survivors like him.

Advertisement

People walk past The Bagel, Aug. 31, 2023, in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

From lokshen noodle pudding to beef borscht, gefilte fish and matzo ball soup, his familys multigenerational recipes filled loyal bellies through the decades, welcoming in Jewish old-timers and nondenominational newcomers alike.

In 2021, Barsky bought Stellas Diner, The Bagels cross-street Greek rival. It was a means to curb the then-retirees restlessness  and he was certain this venture was his last. Then Barsky befriended Wolf, the man behind his perennial cravings: Reubens and bagels.

The two rubbed shoulders instantly. With over 150 years of lived experience between them, it was hard not to, Barsky said. Competition softened into friendship, and the septuagenarians evolved into North Broadway allies and occasional lunch buddies.

If I needed some change, I could go across the street and say, Got any extra quarters? Barsky said. We werent in competition with each other.

When Wolf died, Barsky said The Bagel told him it would be kept open in Wolfs honor. A few weeks later, Mitchell Kaufman, Wolfs partner and executor of his estate, realized The Bagel wasnt his to run and was looking to pass it on.

Barsky is Jewish, but is not deeply religious  though he said he is pretty spiritual. When the diner of his childhood went up for grabs, he said he felt a calling to preserve a legacy that could be endangered by lucrative bidders with ulterior motives.

This was his hometown deli, and he wanted to keep it that way. Thats where I ate at. Thats where my parents ate at, Barsky said. The Bagel is something Ive known since childhood.

After months of negotiations, he won the bid to acquire the diner. Kaufman called Barsky to give him his blessing.

Advertisement

Marvin, youve got a gold mine, Kaufman told him. Dont ruin it.

A portrait of Danny Wolf, previous owner of The Bagel, is placed on a shelf near the entrance. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Barsky has, for the last five months, followed a simple ethos: keep everything the way it was. From the entire menu to the black-and-white tiled floors, scarlet-red walls and patinated Broadway posters, The Bagel remains covered in Wolfs nostalgias.

I never thought at all about what I could do with The Bagel, he said. Im not trying to replace what happened. Im not trying to take away the legacy.

Instead, hes trying to add to it. With The Bagel in his control, Barsky is eyeing a revival of the diners Skokie location at Old Orchard Mall, which opened in 1987 and closed in 2018. This, along with The Bagels defunct West Rogers Park location, was Barskys gateway to the diner for decades, and it just so happens the mall wants The Bagel back, he said.

After months of negotiations with Westfield, the real estate company that owns the suburban retail behemoth, Barsky got the green light to reopen. Now he is one step away from making his dream come alive.

If all goes to plan, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant  twice the size of its Lakeview counterpart  will be up and running in the near future. It is far from turnkey, though, and it will need heavy-duty renovations before neon signs glow again.

Advertisement

Server Gerardo Carreras caters to diners at The Bagel on Aug. 31, 2023. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

As much as hed like to, Barsky cant run The Bagel by himself. He has an armada of support in the long-standing staff, many of whom have been there 20 to 30 years, and an indispensable right-hand-woman, Melissa Bulger.

Barsky said he hired Bulger, 34, through a recommendation from a friend. The former property manager ran Stellas first, teaching herself everything in the business, and took The Bagel under her wing after Barsky acquired it.

Im not a cook. Im not a deli man. Im a restaurant guy and a business owner, Barsky said. She takes all the burden off me day to day. I trust her with everything.

Bulger is Barskys rock. And as long as they are working together, he said, The Bagel is in safe hands. Business is already up compared to last year. They are even flirting with plans for a new website and social media presence.

A chicken salad platter is served to a diner at The Bagel. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

But Barsky said consecrating The Bagels legacy through the food and the people it serves will always come first, because there is only one way to fully appreciate this kind of museum for the mouth: with two hands, plenty of napkins and a pickle in tow.

Im grateful, Danny, he said, thinking of the delis first owner. This is still here. Its still The Bagel. Its still the tradition. Its still the food. Its still the real Jewish deli, of which there just arent many.

Advertisement

Im glad you kept it going, Barsky said, tipping his hat to Wolf. Its been quite a ride. Ive loved every second of it.

Max Abrams is a freelance writer.

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.
Nadine Young, Ta'Kiya Young's grandmother, left, and her attorney Sean Walton, right, called for "swift justice" Wednesday during an online news conference, accusing the Blendon Township officer who fatally shot Ta'Kiya Young on Aug. 24 of violating department policy.

The grandmother of a pregnant woman a Blendon Township police officer shot and killed Aug. 24 in the parking lot of the Sunbury Plaza Kroger, along with her attorney, are accusing the officer of violating department policy.

During an online news conference Wednesday, Nadine Young and her attorney, Sean Walton, also renewed their call for "swift justice" and the arrest of the officer, whom they identified as Connor Grubb.

Ta'Kiya Young, 21, and her unborn daughter died Aug. 24 after a Blendon Township officer shot Young through the windshield of a car in the Kroger parking lot, 5991 S. Sunbury Road. Based on information from a Kroger employee, police suspected Young of shoplifting and told her repeatedly to get out of her four-door Lexus sedan, which they allege was illegally parked in an accessible space.

One officer stood next to the driver's side window speaking with Young while the other officer pulled his gun and stood in front of the vehicle. Body camera footage shows Young turned the steering wheel and the car moved forward, hitting the officer, when he fired once through the front windshield, hitting her.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She was murdered  her and her baby, Nadine Young, who raised Ta'Kiya Young, said during Wednesday's news conference.

Young family's attorney accuses Blendon Township officer of violating department policy

Walton went through the body camera footage and pointed to Blendon Township Police Departments policy manual as evidence that Grubb should have taken other steps instead of pulling his gun and putting himself in front of the vehicle.

The department's policy, which police released along with the body camera video but about which they have not answered questions, states:

"When feasible, officers should take reasonable steps to move out of the path of an approaching vehicle or any of its occupants.

"An officer should only discharge a firearm at a moving vehicle or its occupants when the officer reasonably believes there are not other reasonable means available to avert the imminent threat of the vehicle, or if deadly force other than the vehicle is directed tat the officer or others."

Walton said Grubb "could have clearly just eased out of the way of that slow-moving vehicle."

The policy also states, "Officers should not shoot at any part of a vehicle in an attempt to disable the vehicle."

Walton said Young was suspected only of shoplifting and that officers had no reason to believe she had a weapon when Grubb pulled his gun.

"It's a petty theft. There is no reasonable officer in this country who should pull their gun out for a petty theft in that scenario," Walton said.

Brian Steel, executive vice president of Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, previously said, "I understand why (the shooting) could be justified," citing the officer's concern he was about to be run over by a 2,000-pound weapon.

"I don't make that decision," Steel said of whether the shooting was justified. "Ultimately, a grand jury is going to make that decision."

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting. When the investigation is concluded, the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office will present the case to a county grand jury to review for possible criminal charges.

Walton and Nadine Young called Wednesday for "swift justice," saying they don't want delays like in other police shooting cases in the county.

"Anytime we have a citizen who's accused of murder, we have swift justice," Walton said. "We cannot have these continued delays (in police cases) that are justice denied."

Walton pointed to the December 2020 shooting of Casey Goodson Jr. by former Franklin County Sheriff's SWAT deputy Jason Meade, who was indicted a year later on charges of murder and reckless homicide and is still awaiting trial. Walton represents the Goodson family in a federal civil rights lawsuit against Meade and Franklin County.

Family and friends gather Aug. 25, 2023 at a private candlelight vigil held for 21-year-old Ta'Kiya Young, a pregnant mother of two who was shot and killed by a Blendon Townshiup police officer a day earlier outside the Sunbury Road Kroger. Ta'Kiya was pregnant with a girl and due in November, according to family.

Attorney: It's important that the public knows officer's name

The Blendon Township Police Department has not confirmed the name of the officer who shot Young, citing Marsy's Law, which aims to protect crime victims but has recently been cited by local police agencies as the reason they can't release the names of officers involved in such situations.

"They're using Marsy's Law in this scenario and other police-involved shootings because they killed someone and they're trying to shield their names from the public," Walton said. "It's contrary to the public interest. It's contrary to public safety."

In any other scenario involving a murder suspect's name, police would put that name out there, Walton said.

"It's important that the public knows who he is," Walton said.

Related coverage: Who was Ta'Kiya Young? What we know about the 21-year-old killed in Blendon Twp. shooting

What does the police bodycam video show?

The shooting happened around 6:20 p.m., after a Kroger store employee told officers who were in the parking lot on an unrelated call they believed Young was among people who had shoplifted and fled the store. Young was getting into a dark-colored Lexus sedan, allegedly without a license plate and parked in an accessible spot, when officers were alerted to the alleged shoplifting.

Body camera footage released Friday by Blendon Township shows one officer approached Young's driver's side window and Young refusing to get out of the car or turn it off when asked repeatedly to do so. In the video, Young denied stealing anything.

The second officer, identified by Nadine Young and Walton as Grubb, approached the front of Young's vehicle with his firearm drawn, the body camera video shows. Young asked, "Are you going to shoot me?" and the first officer hit her window as he again told her to get out of the car.

Young turned the steering wheel, and the car moved forward, hitting Grubb, who fired a single shot through the front windshield, hitting Young in the chest.

Young's funeral is planned for Thursday afternoon.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Family says Blendon Township cop who shot pregnant woman violated policy
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Oprah Winfrey announced a fund to help Maui residents.

They faced backlash as viewers asked why wealthy celebrities were asking ordinary people for money.

Some fans jumped to the defense of the duo and pointed out they were just trying to help.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Oprah Winfrey were met with significant backlash when they asked people for donations towards a fundraiser for those affected by the Maui wildfires, as many questioned why they didn't contribute more themselves. But now some fans are coming to their defense as they feel the pair were unfairly vilified for trying to help.

Throughout August, wildfires damaged or destroyed thousands of structures in Maui, Hawaii, and led to the death of 115 people, CNN reported. While the fire in Lahaina has been fully contained, fires in the areas of Olinda and Kula have been 90% and 95% contained respectively, according to a statement published by the County of Maui on September 5.

On August 31, Johnson and Winfrey took to Instagram and TikTok accounts to announce the People's Fund of Maui, which they said they created inspired by Dolly Parton's philanthropy to raise money for those directly impacted by the wildfires, and appealed to viewers to donate funds.

A lengthy caption on Instagram stated each adult resident who was "displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery" and provided a link for those directly impacted to apply for the funds.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are honored to start this campaign with $10 million dollars and ask for your help in donating to those who have lost their homes. We thank you in advance for your contribution," the caption went on to read.

The video was met with significant backlash as tens of thousands of comments across the social media posts called out the wealthy pair for asking regular people to provide additional funds, and questioned why they couldn't ask their celebrity friends instead, or donate more money from their own substantial wealth.

According to Forbes, Winfrey had a net worth of $2.5 billion, and Johnson, the world's highest-paid actor, was worth $270 million, which meant their $10 million donation represents less than 0.5% of their combined estimated net worth of $2.77 billion, Insider previously reported.

While the largely critical comments beneath one of Johnson's Instagram posts speaking on the fundraiser are still visible, comments beneath Winfrey's TikTok and Instagram posts on the subject appear to have been switched off. The criticism continued on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok in the days following the announcement of the fundraiser.

A Facebook post published by Insider received 3,300 comments, many of which echoed similar points of criticism, however some came to the defense of the duo, and suggested they were only trying to help.

"They donated 10 million! I don't understand why there is such negative reaction to this, but I must emphasize that being wealthy and accomplished doesn't obligate someone to distribute their wealth," one Facebook user wrote.

"Some of these comments are downright selfish. They have already donated.. they have set up a charity to help the people rebuild their lives. Demanding they give half their money when you won't even donate 1 grow up," another user wrote.

On Instagram, multiple users pointed out the pair were doing their part by using their platforms and had at least contributed a portion of their personal wealth to the initiative.

"They are spreading the word and asking others to donate as well as donating themselves.. nobody is saying you have to donate if you don't have the money.. stop the dramatics please," an Instagram user wrote and received 160 likes.

"Why everyone just thinks bad of others is beyond me. If you don't want to help, don't try to badmouth those who are helping. Lahaina folks are still in limbo and suffering. Your negativity impacts more than you think!" a further user wrote and received 44 likes.

Neither Winfrey nor Johnson appears to have addressed the controversy, and neither immediately responded to a request for comment from Insider.

For more stories like this, check out coverage from Insider's Digital Culture team here.

Read the original article on Insider
[Source]

Reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have revealed that they have been investigating over 100 incidents involving Chinese nationals posing as tourists and attempting to breach U.S. military bases in recent years.

Suspicious behavior: These individuals, dubbed "gatecrashers," have been engaging in suspicious activities that range from crossing into missile ranges in New Mexico to scuba diving near rocket launch sites in Florida, according to The Wall Street Journal. The incidents reportedly happened in rural areas far from tourist hotspots and commercial airports.

Some of those questioned have claimed to have inadvertently strayed onto military bases while following GPS directions to fast-food restaurants, while more troubling situations involve individuals attempting to force their way past guards using fake hotel reservations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Espionage concerns: The different U.S. agencies have viewed the incidents as a potential espionage threat and have initiated a review to deter these infiltrations. Some security reviews conducted by the DoD were focused on gate conditions in the infiltrated areas.

More from NextShark: Genderqueer actor and model Chella Man becomes the first transmasculine face for YSL Beauty

U.S. Representative Jason Crow has also suggested that Congress may consider legislation to improve security measures at military sites. Currently, trespassing laws are primarily under state and local jurisdiction, not federal.

Chinese government involvement: Authorities suspect that the Chinese government may be compelling its nationals into service to gather intelligence and report on security practices at these sites. An FBI spokesperson emphasized the severity of the situation in an interview with Fox News, labeling China as the "greatest long-term counterintelligence threat" to the U.S.

Repeat incidents: There have also been repeat incidents involving Chinese nationals at key locations, including intelligence centers, missile sites, and even the White House. However, very few of these cases have resulted in espionage charges.

More from NextShark: Family of Sri Lankan tech entrepreneur shot dead on his porch by Austin cop start foundation to prevent similar shootings

In 2019, two Chinese diplomats were expelled for suspicion of espionage, while a Chinese woman was sentenced to prison after trespassing at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate with multiple passports and electronic devices.

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Nurse in Wuhan Grieves Over News Her Mother Passed, Goes Back to Fighting Coronavirus

College Student Kicked, Racially Abused by 2 Men in Oregon
Migrants walk along the Rio Grande past recently installed buoys in Eagle Pass on July 29. Veronica G. Cardenas for The Texas Tribune Credit: Veronica G. Cardenas for The Texas Tribune

A federal appeals court granted Texas' request to leave its floating barrier in the Rio Grande Thursday evening, a victory for the state that reversed a federal judge's order issued one day earlier.

Federal District Judge David A. Ezra ruled on Wednesday that Texas must remove a string of buoys, installed to deter migrants from crossing the Rio Grande, siding with the federal government after it sued the state for placing the barrier in an international waterway.

Gov. Greg Abbotts office immediately appealed Ezras ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, saying in a statement after Ezra's order that it is prepared to take this fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Todays court decision merely prolongs President Bidens willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along, the statement says. We will continue to utilize every strategy to secure the border, including deploying Texas National Guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers and installing strategic barriers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In issuing a preliminary injunction to remove the barrier, Ezra wrote, Governor Abbott announced that he was not asking for permission for Operation Lone Star, the anti-immigration program under which Texas constructed the floating barrier. Unfortunately for Texas, permission is exactly what federal law requires before installing obstructions in the nations navigable waters."

The New Orleans-based federal appeals court granted the state's request to halt the temporary injunction, but did not provide further details. A hearing date has not been set yet.

The 1,000-foot-long string of buoys, separated by serrated saw blades and supporting a submerged mesh net, has floated in the middle of the river next to Eagle Pass since July, sparking protests from the Mexican government and migrant advocates alike.

Its the latest effort by Abbott to deter migrants from crossing the border under the umbrella of Operation Lone Star, which he launched in March 2021 shortly after President Joe Biden took office. Abbott has deployed state troopers and National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border and has lined the river with everything from shipping containers to rows of concertina wire.

Meanwhile the federal government, which has primary jurisdiction over immigration laws, has largely avoided a political confrontation with the governor.

That changed on July 24 when the U.S. Justice Department sued Texas in an Austin federal court, arguing that the floating barrier was installed without required federal authorization and threatens relations with Mexico.

The Justice Department said in its lawsuit that Texas didnt receive the necessary authorization for the structure from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and that the barrier obstructs navigation on the Rio Grande.

Lawyers for the state countered that the barrier isnt a structure that requires authorization, and that it notified the International Boundary Water Commission  the binational body that regulates the Rio Grande  before installing the barrier.

The buoys are a symbol of the hate-filled and inhumane policies Gov. Abbott has embraced as he continues to wage war on immigrants seeking to make better lives for themselves, as millions of other immigrants have done for hundreds of years in this country, Carolina Canizales, a senior Texas strategist with the nonprofit Immigrant Legal Resource Center, said in a statement before the order from the federal appeals court. This stretch of the beautiful Rio Grande River has been turned into a militarized zone and has wreaked havoc in the peaceful community of Eagle Pass.

In his order, Ezra said that the Justice Departments lawsuit would likely succeed on the grounds that the barriers were constructed on navigable water, which requires a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Ezra had initially ordered Texas to remove the floating barrier by Sept. 15, one day before Mexican Independence Day.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program.
WHITE PLAINS  A 26-year-old purported Piermont financial investor has been charged with fraud, accused of bilking his clients out of at least $1.5 million, federal authorities said.

A federal grand jury indictment accuses Jeffrey Tognetti Jr. of misrepresenting his credentials as an investor and falsely telling his clients he would invest their money in the stock market and cryptocurrency. Instead, Tognetti used their money for his personal gratification, authorities said.

The defendant is alleged to have defrauded his victims through an ongoing web of misrepresentations and deceit to fund his lavish lifestyle," said Ivan J. Arvelo, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Office Investigations in New York.

Indictment: U.S. Attorney's Office unveils indictment against purported Piermont investment broker

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tognetti is accused of obtaining funds from victims based on the misrepresentations that he was a licensed Series 3 and 7 broker in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, U.S. attorney Damian Williams for New York's Southern District said.

Series 3 is one of several exams for investment professionals administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority The exams include the Series 7, General Securities Representative Exam, which is required for brokers who wish to sell corporate, government, or other types of securities.

Williams said Tognetti made materially false oral and written statements, including lies that he worked at a hedge fund known as Parallax Capital Advisors LLC and created technology that allowed him to profitably trade cryptocurrency.

Without their knowledge or authorization, Tognetti misappropriated his victims funds since July 2022 by, among other things, using the funds for personal gain and transferring the funds to other individuals. His fraudulent scheme remained active until the time of his arrest on Aug. 31 by federal authorities.

As alleged, Jeffrey Tognetti Jr. perpetrated a classic investment fraud scheme, lying to victims about his qualifications to lure supposed investments, only to misappropriate those funds," Williams said.

Tognetti is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under the federal statute. If convicted, Tognetti's sentence would be determined by a judge. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Nelson Roman at the federal courthouse in White Plains.

Tognetti pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. His bail was set at $100,000 bond. He is being represented by the office of the Federal Defender of New York.

This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Offices Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer N. Ong heads the prosecution.

Any individuals who believe they may have been victimized by Tognetti can contact Homeland Security Investigations at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com. Twitter: @lohudlegal.

Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Piermont investor charged with funding lifestyle with clients' funds
FILE- Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Pletcher talks outside the federal courthouse, about the guilty plea of Leonard Francis, known in military circles as Fat Leonard, on bribery charges involving U.S. Navy officials Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in San Diego. The felony convictions of four Navy officers in a sprawling bribery case were vacated due to prosecutorial misconduct Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

SAN DIEGO (AP)  The felony convictions of four former Navy officers in one of the worst bribery cases in the maritime branch's history were vacated Wednesday following allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, the latest setback to the government's yearslong efforts in going after dozens of military officials tied to a defense contractor nicknamed Fat Leonard.

U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino called the misconduct outrageous and agreed to allow the four men to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and pay a $100 fine each. Last year after the trial, Sammartino had ruled the lead federal prosecutor committed flagrant misconduct by withholding information from defense lawyers but said at the time that it was not enough to dismiss the case.

The surprising turn came at a sentencing hearing in federal court in San Diego.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Ko, who was brought on after the trial last year, admitted to serious issues and asked the judge to vacate the officers' felony convictions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He said his office does not agree with all of the allegations but said errors were made.

There were pretty obviously serious issues that affect our ability to go forward defending the convictions or seeking a new trial, Ko told the judge, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Andrew Haden, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern California District, reiterated that in a statement after the hearing.

As stated in court, we do not agree with all the allegations or characterizations in the motions or in court," Haden said. We recognize and regret, however, that errors were made, and we have an obligation to ensure fairness and justice. The resolutions of these defendants cases reflect that.

Haden added that it "is also significant that the four officers who stood before the court today admitted for the first time, under oath, that they broke the law and are guilty of crimes related to their official duties.

The officers  former Capts. David Newland, James Dolan and David Lausman and former Cmdr. Mario Herrera  were previously convicted by a federal jury on various counts of accepting bribes from foreign defense contractor Leonard Francis, and his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, or GDMA.

On Wednesday three of them pleaded guilty to one count each of disclosing information to Francis, and Lausman pleaded guilty to a charge of destruction of government property, for smashing a hard drive with a hammer.

Defense attorney Todd Burns, who represented Dolan, said his client was relieved to have this behind him. He and defense attorneys for the three other men had filed hundreds of pages outlining how the monthslong trial was rife with misconduct from prosecutors hiding evidence, ignoring false testimony and concealing facts that questioned the credibility of key witnesses.

The government has a massive amount of power to coerce things, and that power is still evident in this context, Burns said.

He said his client agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor after a decade of fighting the allegations against him, bleeding legal fees and enduring stress on his family.

These four guys were facing what was going to be sentences by the original prosecutors that were going to be absolutely devastating financially and custody-wise, he said. Then they were offered a deal to plead to a misdemeanor and a $100 fine to walk away and end this brutal chapter.

The men spent more than a year asking for a retrial. Theirs was the only case to go to trial out of the more than two dozen defendants charged. The jury deadlocked and reached no verdict on charges against a fifth defendant, retired Rear Adm. Bruce Loveless, and prosecutors later dropped those charges.

Nearly two dozen Navy officials, defense contractors and others have been convicted and sentenced on various fraud and corruption charges.

Several others are awaiting sentencing next month. It's not clear if this could jeopardize those cases.

Francis admitted to buying off dozens of top-ranking officers with booze, sex, lavish parties and other gifts. Prosecutors say he bilked the Navy out of more than $35 million.

Three weeks before the Malaysian defense contractor faced sentencing last year, Francis made a stunning escape, snipping off his ankle monitor and fleeing the San Diego residence where he had been under house arrest.

The escape was also seen by some as a misstep by the prosecution for allowing him to not be held behind bars. He was later captured in Venezuela, where he remains.

The four former officers had served in the Navys 7th Fleet in the Eastern Pacific, where Francis' company supplied ships for decades.

Francis was arrested in a San Diego hotel in September 2013 as part of a federal sting. Investigators say he and his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, bribed officers so he could overcharge for supplying ships or charge for fake services at ports he controlled in Southeast Asia.

The case, which delved into salacious details about service members cheating on their wives and seeking out prostitutes, was an embarrassment to the Pentagon. The U.S. attorneys office handled the prosecution, offering independence from the military justice system.

_____

This story has been updated to correct that only one man pleaded guilty to destroying government property, not four.
A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter stands on his armored vehicle, at al-Sabha town in the eastern countryside of Deir el-Zour, Syria, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. Weeklong clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in a coalition that has kept on a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to re-emerge. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad)

BEIRUT (AP)  The weeklong clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in the coalition that has kept a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to reemerge.

The violence also points to rising tensions between Kurds who dominate the region and the mainly Arab population, opening the door for Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran, to try to make inroads in an oil-rich territory where they seek to drive out U.S. troops and restore Damascus rule.

Eastern Syria has largely been off the worlds radar, particularly in the United States. But the U.S. has had some 900 troops stationed there alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019. The troops, who first arrived eight years ago, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters.

At the same time, a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led administration has governed parts of northern Syria and most of Syria east of the Euphrates River, including key oil fields, with government forces and Iranian-backed militias positioned just across the river on the western bank. The regions Arabs have roles in both the SDF and the administration but have long resented the Kurdish control.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The clashes involve the Syrian Democratic Forces and an allied faction, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council. The trigger was the Aug. 27 arrest by the SDF of the councils commander Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla. The SDF accused Khbeil of criminal activity, corruption and of opening up contacts with the Damascus government and Iranian-backed militias.

Fighting broke out between the SDF and Khbeils loyalists, who were then joined by hundreds of Arab tribesmen in battles that spread and left tribesmen in control of several villages outside the city of Deir el-Zour. At least 90 people have been killed and dozens wounded.

Kurdish leaders accuse Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government of fomenting the violence. Speaking to The Associated Press, SDF spokesman Farhad Shami denied local Arab fighters joined the clashes, saying it was fighters loyal to Damascus who crossed the river.

Iran and Assad regime want to depict this unrest as a result of an ethnic conflict between Arabs and Kurds, Elham Ahmad, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Council, the political wing of the SDF, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Their ultimate aim, she said, was to force U.S. troops to leave.

But some warn the violence reflects local Arab resentment of Kurdish domination. Opposition activists said contacts were underway with tribal leaders to reach a cease-fire.

This is an unprecedented escalation between SDF and Deir el-Zour residents, says Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, which covers news in the region.

This is an indication of the bad policy implemented by the SDF and wrong calculations by the Americans, said Abu Layla. He said the solution could be to name a replacement for Khbeil and give Arabs more influence in local councils.

If the fighting endures, it could deepen Kurdish-Arab rifts. That could open the door for IS remnants to attempt a comeback.

The U.S. military has called for an end to the fighting, warning that distractions (from opposing IS) create instability and increase the risk of Daesh resurgence, using the Arab acronym for the Islamic State group.

Over the weekend, a meeting was held among SDF figures, tribal leaders and U.S. officials, including Maj. Gen. Joel Vowell, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, which oversees U.S. military operations against IS, the U.S. Embassy announced. It said they agreed on the importance of addressing the grievances of residents in Deir el-Zour, avoiding civilian deaths and the need for de-escalation as soon as possible.

The SDF pushed ahead in their offensive over the weekend, capturing two villages and surrounding the main Arab tribesmen's stronghold in Diban. On Wednesday, SDF said its fighters captured Diban, adding that gunmen who earlier took positions in the village fled to areas under the control of the (Syrian) regime where they had earlier come from.

SDF chief commander Mazloum Abdi told a local news agency that the U.S.-led coalition helped with aerial support during the offensive, but the U.S. military did not confirm or deny when contacted by The Associated Press.

IS once controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria but was defeated after a long, grueling war led by the U.S. and allies including the SDF. The radical group lost its last sliver of land in eastern Syria in 2019, but its fugitive cells hiding in the region have continued low-level attacks, killing dozens over the years.

Myles B. Caggins III, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, said the clashes present an opportunity for ISIS cells that nest in the Euphrates River Valley to emerge.

The violence also could give an opportunity for Damascus and Iran, pushing their demands for the Americans to leave.

The commander of the pro-government Baqir Brigade militia, Khaled al-Hassan, told an Iranian media outlet that the violence is a new uprising by Syrians against the American occupation and its militias, referring to the SDF.

During a recent visit to Iran, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad warned that American occupation forces should withdraw ... before they are forced to do so.

In mid-July, dozens of Arab tribesmen and members of the pro-government National Defense Forces held a rally in Deir el-Zour province that was attended by a Russian general.

The end of American forces will be at the hands of Arab tribesmen who stand behind the Syrian army, an NDF commander said during the ceremony.

In March, a suspected Iranian-linked drone attack hit a U.S. base, killing a contractor and wounding another, along with five American troops. American warplanes responded with airstrikes on sites used by groups affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard. President Joe Biden said the U.S. would respond forcefully to protect its personnel.

Iran, Russia, and the Syrian regime have a shared interest in the departure of U.S. forces from Syria, according to a report released last month by The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.

Crucial for Tehran, Iran has had a land corridor of allies linking it to the Mediterranean Sea ever since Syrian forces and Iranian-backed militias captured areas along the border with Iraq from IS in 2017.

Last weeks clashes came after Lebanese and Arab media outlets reflecting Irans point of view claimed that the Americans intended to sever that link by capturing the strategic border town of Boukamal.

The coalitions commanding general, U.S. Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane denied the reports. The coalition is not preparing for military operations to cut off anybody except Daesh, he said.

But Iran and its allies say any attempt to close the Iraq-Syria border is a red line.

I see that closing the gate between Damascus and Baghdad as a declaration of war, said Syrian political analyst Bassam Abu Abdullah, whose comments usually reflect the governments point of view.

___

Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Hogir Al Abdo in Diban, Syria, contributed to this report.
By Essi Lehto and Anne Kauranen

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Three Finnish opposition parties on Wednesday called for a vote of no-confidence in the government to be held later this week over a racism scandal that has rattled the ruling majority coalition since it took office in June.

The vote, centred on Finance Minister Riikka Purra and Economic Affairs Minister Wille Rydman of the far-right Finns Party, is widely seen as an embarrassment to the government but is not expected to bring down the cabinet or force the pair out.

Within days of assuming power this summer, the four-party, right-wing government was in turmoil after Finnish media revealed old writings by several Finns Party ministers that were deemed racist by critics.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In an attempt to stave off collapse, the government last week agreed on a policy to combat intolerance and brought it up on Wednesday for a plenary discussion in parliament.

But the promise of a new focus on anti-discrimination was "too little too late", the leading opposition Social Democrats (SD)said.

"The government is incapable of showing they have renounced racism," said Nasima Razmyar, an Afghanistan-born member of Finland's parliament who proposed the no-confidence motion on behalf of the SD.

The vote, which is expected to take place on Friday, will also included separate votes targeting Purra and Rydman individually, according to the SD as well as the Greens and the Left Alliance which gave their backing to the motion.

But the three opposition parties only have 67 seats combined in the 200-seat parliament, while the government commands 108 seats, making it unlikely that the motion will pass.

Purra, who is the Finns Party's leader, apologised in July for anonymous comments she acknowledged she had posted online about 15 years ago - though she said many had been taken out of context.

The Finns Party's first economy minister Vilhelm Junnila had to resign at the end of June, just 10 days into his term in office, after being accused of having made repeated Nazi references.

The party soon replaced him with Rydman, whose former girlfriend then leaked to Finland's largest daily Helsingin Sanomat his private messages that contained racial slurs.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto and Anne Kauranen, editing by Terje Solsvik and Angus MacSwan)
The already delivered Pepsi drinks were removed from the shelves

The Finnish parliament will no longer carry Pepsi products as the American soft drink giant continues to support the Russian economy by continuing its operations in the aggressor country, Finnish news outlet Yle reported on Sept. 5, citing the manager of the parliaments restaurant.

Pepsi products that had already been received have been removed from the shelves.

Read also: Work.ua stops working with another 200 companies operating in Russia, encourages employees to follow

Earlier, MP Tuomas Kettunen demanded that the parliament building stop selling Pepsi products.

Pepsi and Mars were added to the international sponsors of war list on Sept. 1 by Ukraines National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) for continuing to operate in Russia after the invasion and continuing to pay taxes to the aggressor states budget.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine declares Mondelez international  makers of Milka and Oreo  sponsor of war

Earlier, the media reported that Mondelez, Mars, and PepsiCo recorded a significant increase in sales in Russia in 2022.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
This years book selected for the Chicago Public Librarys One Book, One Chicago program is the novel There There by Tommy Orange.

As announced Wednesday afternoon by the CPL in a ceremony at Harold Washington Library Center attended by Deputy Mayor Jennifer Johnson and library commissioner Chris Brown, Oranges 2018 book will be the 34th title in the series, which encourages all Chicagoans to read the same book selection together over the next few months.

Advertisement

One Book, One Chicago was launched in 2001 with Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird; some years have had both a spring and fall title. Last years book was Maus by Art Spiegelman.

"There There" by Tommy Orange was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize. (Vintage)

There There is Oranges debut novel and was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize. It follows a community of Native Americans living in and around Oakland, California. Orange is a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and was raised in the Oakland area.

Advertisement

According to the Chicago Public Library, upcoming One Book, One Chicago program events include citywide book clubs and discussion groups, history presentations, film screenings, walking tours, storytelling, dance and food demonstrations reflecting Native American voices. Oranges keynote presentation will be 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.; more information at www.chipublib.org

dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma City Fire Department battled a structure fire Wednesday morning.

According to OKCFD, the fire ignited at a building near NW 91st and N Walker around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

OKCFD responds to house fire near 91st and Walker. Image KFOR.

OKCFD responds to house fire near 91st and Walker. Image KFOR.

OKCFD responds to house fire near 91st and Walker. Image KFOR.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire around 10:15 a.m. and are still investigation what caused it.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
The Baltimore County Fire Department settled a sexual harassment lawsuit that says it failed to adequately respond to reports that a male employee distributed inappropriate photos of female employees, federal officials said.

The county will pay $275,000 to compensate female employees that were harmed by the harassment, the Department of Justice said in a Sept. 5 news release.

Eleven women were targets of the sexual harassment, according to the complaint filing.

Every employee deserves to feel safe in the workplace and I am proud of the progress we have started under my tenure to diversify our department and strengthen our culture, Baltimore County Fire Chief Joanne Rund said in a news release. Through this agreement, the Department is sending a clear message that Baltimore County will not tolerate harassment in the workplace and I fully support the steps required to ensure we are doing all we can to be supportive of all of our people.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The county said in the release that the harassment happened before the countys current administration took over, but officials are entering into this agreement with our federal partners to ensure Baltimore County continues working to promote a safe, supportive workplace free from discrimination in all its forms.

Officials say the fire department failed to adequately investigate the reports of harassment and also failed to communicate with the women who were harmed. In doing so, the department perpetuated a hostile work environment, federal officials say.

In June 2017, a male employee of the fire department received a Facebook message from an anonymous person requesting a nude photo of another employee, according to the complaint.

The solicitor said he would exchange photos of six other female co-workers in exchange for one photo, the complaint says. The employee being solicited immediately notified his supervisors and the police department, investigators say.

Another male employee received a similar message along with photos of two women, and he also contacted the police, who began an investigation, the complaint says.

Two months after the messages were sent to the two employees asking for nude photographs of co-workers, the police department told the fire department not to begin an internal investigation to avoid interfering with its inquiry, according to the complaint.

BCFD did not have to change its course of conduct following the Police Departments directive because it had not taken any steps to investigate the matter prior to August 24, 2017, the complaint says.

The police department informed several women that someone had solicited nude photos of them. After that, the women failed to receive communication about the investigation, the complaint says.

Instead, they were left to speculate and piece together information related to the status of the investigation from their work colleagues or through the work rumor mill, according to the complaint.

At no time during the Police Departments investigation did any Police Department official ask BCFD to refrain from communicating with (the women), the complaint says.

Eventually, photos of several female employees in bikinis were posted to a revenge porn social media site, which one of the women discovered and sent to the police herself, the complaint says.

Fire department employees sometimes shared sleeping quarters and locker rooms, so the women feared that they were sharing intimate quarters with a male coworker who was soliciting and sharing nude or inappropriate photographs of them, the complaint says.

At no point were the women advised whether they were sharing quarters or working the same shift as the person who was trying to solicit photos of them, according to the filing.

The police department eventually confirmed the identity of the man who was soliciting and distributing these photographs, and the fire department suspended him, according to the complaint. The employee later resigned, and the complaint says the department never interviewed him about how he had obtained the photos and whether he still had any in his possession.

In response to the incidents, the fire department held a 15-minute online sexual harassment training, the complaint says.

The fire departments inaction was both objectively hostile to the victims and subjectively perceived as hostile by the victims, investigators say.

The matter was referred to the Baltimore Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to the news release. However, the Baltimore office failed to conciliate with the fire department, so it referred the case to the DOJ.

After several years, the county and the federal government agreed to settle the case.

According to a consent decree dated Sept. 5, the fire department must overhaul its process of investigating sexual harassment claims and periodically train employees on sexual harassment in the workplace, among taking additional steps.

Like any other employer, fire departments must take prompt and appropriate actions to correct an ongoing hostile work environment, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in the release. Addressing sexual harassment in the firefighting industry is critical to efforts to bring more women into a profession where they have faced historic rates of exclusion, marginalization and discrimination.

Im about to lie. Man posts jury proceedings online after oath of secrecy, feds say

Dad, son refused to fix tenants gas leak after she reported sexual harassment, feds say

Predators are using AI to sexually exploit children, FBI says. Heres what we know

Landlord asked for sex instead of rent and evicted Ohio tenants who refused, feds say
Five kitchens in South Mississippi were cited by the state health department for critical violations since Aug. 18.

During that time there were 110 restaurants in South Mississippi that scored an A for no violations and 24 that got a B when violations were corrected during the inspection.

The five that got a C grade are:

IHOP at 11475 Cinema Drive, DIberville, had a follow-up inspection on Aug. 22 and scored another C when it was again cited for insects, rodents or animals present.

It had the same offense when inspected Aug. 1.

A second follow-up inspection on Sept. 1 showed the violation was corrected and the restaurant was scored a B.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the fourth C since 2020.

See-Wee-Roll, 600 Beach Blvd, at Edgewater Mall, Biloxi, had an inspection Aug. 24 for a permit renewal. It was cited for:

 No person in charge and present who demonstrates knowledge and performs duty

 No certified manager

 Inadequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible

Corrected during the inspection was:

 Proper eating, tasting, drinking or tobacco use

 Food contact surface cleaned and sanitized

 Toxic substance properly identified, stored, used

This was the first C since opening in 2022

Wendys at 2605 U.S. 90 in Gautier had a scheduled inspection Aug. 28. It was cited for improper cold holding temperature.

This is the first C dating back to 2012.

Quick Mart, 8328 Kiln Delisle Road, Pass Christian, was inspected Aug. 22 and was cited for no having no certified manager.

Corrected during the inspection was: adequate hand washing facilities supplied and accessible

This was the first C dating back to 2021

Lyman Senior Citizen Facility at 14592 County Farm Road, Gulfport, had a scheduled inspection Aug. 28. It was cited for insects, rodents or animals present.

This was the first C dating back to 2011.

Restaurants and other food service establishments in Mississippi are rated A if they pass the health department inspection, B if violations are corrected during the inspection, and C if the violations are critical.
The News

Donald Trump has been trolling his 2024 rivals for weeks with jokes about the race being an audition for his running mate. But you should take the veepstakes dead seriously, even this early. If Trump goes on to win the nomination and presidency, hell be limited to one term  which means whoever he picks will become the 2028 frontrunner overnight, with huge influence over the partys future.

Needless to say, there are other special reasons to pay attention: His own former vice president is running against him after refusing to participate in an effort to overturn the election that Trump is now being indicted over. That could push him to pick a less conventional running mate he trusts not to defy his orders, or dramatically color voter perceptions of anyone outside his inner circle who gets the nod instead.

Heres a guide to the names that have been floated by Trump himself, our sources, and news reports at this point as potential picks.

The Names

Defeated foes

Just last week, Trump praised 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy and suggested hed be very good as a VP pick. At the same time, Trump warned Ramaswamy to be a little bit careful, referencing his increasingly controversial remarks  which include everything from making young Americans pass a test to vote, to suggesting China can invade Taiwan once the U.S. builds enough semiconductor factories. Also on the shortlist: Nikki Haley, his former UN ambassador and an on-again/off-again critic; and Tim Scott, who Trump has explicitly told aides not to publicly attack during the primary.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Full MAGA

If Trump wants to be 110% sure he doesnt have another Mike Pence on his hands, he has choices. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. who has rebranded as a House GOP leadership ally, is all but openly running to join a Trump ticket. I have a lot of things to think about, she told the Atlanta Journal Constitution last month. Am I going to be a part of President Trumps cabinet if he wins? Is it possible that Ill be VP? Another full MAGA option would be Kari Lake, who currently looks primed for a Senate run after losing her governors race in 2022. The Daily Beast reported that a number of Trump advisors dislike the idea, however, fearing she would draw too much attention to herself. Some Trump aides have also said that she wouldnt be a serious option after her 2022 loss.

Outreach plays

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa turned down a potential Trump VP slot in 2016 while dealing with a difficult divorce, but would still be an obvious option for any GOP nominee. A more surprising name that keeps popping up in news reports lately: Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. She severely criticized Trump after Jan. 6 and often clashes with his House Freedom Caucus allies, but in recent months has done a surprising about-face, backing up his claims that his indictments are politically motivated and leaving the door open to an endorsement.

Govs

Privately, some Trump aides have suggested the former president would be likely to pick a woman to run alongside him. Theres a strong list of governors he could choose from if thats the route he goes: During a recent Newsmax hit, Trump floated picking South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who has said shed consider a VP slot and opted not to join the crowded Republican presidential field because she believes no one can win as long as Trumps in the race. Speculation also includes Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who notably hasnt yet endorsed Trump, and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who seems like an increasingly less likely choice given Trumps public attacks against her during the primary. Among the non-female options: During that same Newsmax interview, the former president also suggested South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, an early 2016 endorser who is leading Trumps South Carolina team, could be among the choices.

Friends in Congress

Trump has a number of close allies in Congress who are frequent sources of VP chatter. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla. caught Trumps eye after he fiercely defended the former president following the CNN town hall, and high-ranking ally Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. is seen as a loyal option who wont steal the spotlight. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who spent time downplaying VP chatter back in 2016, and critic-turned-fierce-backer J.D. Vance, R-Ohio could also be on the list this time around.
The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.

We as a nation have an obligation to ensure that our veterans and military service members have what they need. When the basics of food and housing are not met, we collectively must fight for solutions.

While most veterans excel with good jobs and a stable family, others struggle with complex and often overlapping issues of financial, food and housing insecurity, as outlined in a Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) study that found that one in six veteran and military families faced food insecurity or hunger.

The challenge for veterans and military service members requiring assistance has been locating a central point of access, a place to find local resources they can trust to meet their families' needs. The answer is a national network of respected and forward-looking organizations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This nonprofit network complements government agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense that work tirelessly on behalf of veterans. However, the support these agencies can provide is sometimes limited.

We have the model to provide help. When our organizations joined forces, we were able to build a network of over 350 veteran-focused organizations and 10,000 extended partners reaching more than 20 million veterans and uniformed military members in communities across the country. Our partners use existing resources to provide more veterans and military service members with valuable information, services and referrals.

Many operate as a hub, essentially a single front door. If a veteran goes to one organization that can meet only some of their needs, that group will introduce them to other vetted resources in their area. Named for the World War I term meaning "Got Your Back," the Bob Woodruff Foundation Got Your 6 Network reaches 97% of the U.S. veteran and uniformed military population in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Guam.

This network also provides data and insights on veterans' needs nationwide, community by community, enabling us to dig deep into the challenges our veterans and service members face through national and regional research.

To get a true picture of the impact of the pandemic, for example, we surveyed partners in our Got Your 6 Network. Sixty-seven percent reported that many or almost all their veteran clients requested food or nutrition assistance, and 53% saw significant needs for assistance with housing or homelessness.

To help us understand what these issues look like in different communities, we convene experts from government, military, academic and nonprofit sectors. At a recent summit in San Antonio, regional and national organizations shared the challenges of significant population growth, a plus that presents opportunities to military families, but can intensify difficulties in accessing affordable housing, medical care, food and child care.

Likewise, MFAN's research on what's causing military and veteran family food insecurity points to other financial pressures, such as the costs of frequent moves, and employment and earning challenges facing military spouses, as driving the problem.

Sadly, food and housing insecurity can hit military families and veterans hard.

Both veteran and military families make serious sacrifices to defend democracy. We will not accept them struggling to get enough to eat or find a safe place to sleep.

That's why over the last three years, led by data, research and expertise, we have financially supported 130 organizations to address, among other topics, food insecurity and housing instability. In 2022 alone, our funding supported programs reaching more than 6,200 veterans and addressed complex needs around housing, health care, food, employment and benefits. In 2023, we've continued our commitment to investing in these efforts, and military families can find resources in their areas here.

Our veterans and service members often know what they need. It's up to us as philanthropists and advocates to listen, to identify root causes, to enable local solutions, and to inform the national dialogue from the lessons we learn from our community partners across the U.S.

-- Craig Newmark, head of Craig Newmark Philanthropies, is founder of the classifieds ad site craigslist. Anne Marie Dougherty is CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation and a veteran spouse.
Floridas public university system is expected to approve the Classic Learning Test (CLT), a college entrance exam seen as an alternative to the SAT, for admissions in a vote later this week.

The CLT was approved in June by a committee of the state Board of Governors, according to The Tampa Bay Times, and the full board is set for a vote Friday.

If the board approves the CLT, Floridas public university system  which includes the University of Florida and Florida State University  would become the first to approve CLT for college admissions.

Created in 2015, the test puts a heavy focus on classic literature and the humanities. The CLT is currently accepted at over 200 colleges and universities, mostly religious schools, as an alternative to the widely used SAT, which is owned by the College Board, and the ACT.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for the CLT described the test as another opportunity for students to showcase their academic potential, while allowing schools to reach a wider variety of students from different educational backgrounds.

Approval of the CLT would likely fuel the ongoing dispute between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and the College Board, who have butted heads over some of the organizations Advanced Placement (AP) classes, notably its AP African American Studies course.

Earlier this year, the DeSantis administration sent a letter to the College Board rejecting the AP African American Studies course for Florida schools.

Later in May, Florida demanded College Board to modify any courses that conflict with the new Florida law restricting teaching on sexual orientation and gender identify in the classroom through 12th grade. The College Board fired back on Floridas requests in June, and said it would not alter AP courses to comply with Floridas new laws.

As a result of the new laws, at least nine school districts in Florida dropped the AP Psychology course after the College Board said the course was effectively banned in the state. The Florida Department of Education has pushed back against that characterization, claiming the administration did not tell schools the class was banned.

The Hill has reached out to the chancellor and Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida for comment.

Updated 5:12 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
From the time she started Detroit public schools, 12th grader Allison Woodard was served budget struggle meals  with cafeteria workers counting each grape a student received.

Wed get something really plain like one piece of bread with one piece of fish or chicken, Woodard told The 74. Theyd count out everything wed get to make sure everyone had something to eat.

The district began to change when officials introduced food trucks and live cooking demonstrations into its school meal strategy in 2019, said Woodard, 17.

Its a really amazing feat, she said. I feel safe eating the food because care is put into everything I eat now.

No paywall. No pop-up ads. Keep The 74 free with a donation during our Fall campaign.

Originally created pre-pandemic, the food trucks and live cooking demonstrations have contributed to the districts hike in school meal participation for the 2022-23 school year among the nearly 50,000 students enrolled in the districts 107 schools.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

School breakfast participation increased from 22,142 to 24,612 students, and school lunch participation increased from 28,558 to 33,062 students  an 11% and 16% surge, according to the Food Research and Action Center.

Related: Fewer School Meals: Data From Top Districts Reveal 7% Decline in Students Accessing Lunches Last Year

Food Trucks

When we got the food trucks, I was immediately able to see and feel that shift on how students see school food service, said Carl Williams, executive director of the districts office of school nutrition. Its really elevated our program and students see us differently.

Williams said theres high demand for the food trucks  often causing competition among Detroit principals rushing to reserve them.

The principals love it like crazy, Williams said. Theyll call me first thing in the beginning of the school year trying to get them booked.

The Detroit Public Schools Community Districts two food trucks  often referred to as Blue and Goldie. (Detroit Public Schools Community District)

Williams said the district designed two food trucks, often referred to as Blue and Goldie to represent the districts official colors, that routinely visits two of the 29 high schools each week.

The elementary and middle schools can also schedule food truck visits for special events, he said.

Detroit Public Schools Community District

The food trucks have created an abundance of options for studentsand they look at us as a quality meal provider, Williams said.

From burrito bowls to street tacos, Woodard said the food trucks are so popular she often sees her classmates go back in line for seconds.

Of course they would, Woodard said. Theyll even try to be discreet about it.

Live Cooking Demonstrations

Mike Hearn, also known as the Great Chef Mike, is one of four chefs contributing to the food trucks and live cooking demonstrations.

It gives me so much excitement because it offers something different for our students and Im just happy to be a part of it, Hearn told The 74.

Hearn said he particularly enjoys running the stir fry station where he lays out all of his ingredients, from bean sprouts to bamboo shoots to various proteins, for students to see him cook.

It really increases [school meal] participation and thats whats most important to make sure we dont leave any hungry kids out there, Hearn said.

Williams said one student told him the meals made him feel like he was eating at a five star luxury restaurant and my response to him was you deserve this type of service every day.

Detroit Public Schools Community District

Next Steps

Kevin Frank, senior director of the districts office of school nutrition, said the districts school meal initiatives are unique to Michigan schools.

Were like a hidden gem, Frank told The 74, adding that despite budget limits the district has been exploring more food options, such as Nigerian and Mexican dishes, to match the diversity of Detroits students.

We obviously have a lot of restrictions, but our chefs are brilliant and if anyone can do it they can, Frank said.

Related: Goodbye Hotdogs, Hello Vegan Masala: Californias School Lunches Are Going Gourmet
China praises ASEAN role in global growth

09:07, September 06, 2023 By Cao Desheng in Jakarta, Indonesia ( China Daily

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier hails rapid development of bilateral relations with Indonesia

Premier Li Qiang highlighted on Tuesday China's support for the central position of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in regional cooperation, saying that China is willing to work with all parties to make East Asia an important engine for global development.

Li made the remarks in a written speech after his arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia, on an official visit. He will attend the 26th China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting, the 26th ASEAN-China, Japan and Republic of Korea (10+3) leaders' meeting and the 18th East Asia Summit during his stay.

He emphasized that Beijing firmly supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in international affairs.

China is ready to exchange views with all parties on major issues concerning regional cooperation, strengthening unity, sharing development opportunities, and addressing challenges, Li said.

The premier spoke highly of the development of ties between China and Indonesia, saying that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, bilateral relations have developed rapidly, setting an example for developing countries to unite, cooperate and develop together.

China is willing to work with Indonesia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and build a closer China-Indonesia community with a shared future, he said.

Li underlined the need for both countries to promote synergy and mutual support on their paths to modernization through high-level, strategic cooperation, and inject stability and impetus into international and regional cooperation.

This is Li's first visit to an Asian country since he became Chinese premier in March, and also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia. Li will hold talks with Widodo and participate in the Indonesia Sustainability Forum during his stay.

Addressing a welcoming reception hosted by the China-Indonesia business community, Li said that he is coming for development, peace, friendship and cooperation.

Noting that the development of bilateral relations serves as a guiding example for regional prosperity and stability, the premier said that over the years, China-Indonesia cooperation has transcended the bilateral scope and now enjoys broad consensus and common interests at both regional and global levels.

"As emerging nations, we both have a strong desire for national rejuvenation and are committed to upholding regional openness, inclusiveness, harmony and stability. We both oppose protectionism and external interference," he said.

Li said that China and Indonesia have immense opportunities for high-quality cooperation. He called on the two countries to seize the opportunities created by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation to expand collaboration in the digital economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence.

Li emphasized that opening-up is China's fundamental national policy, which will remain unchanged. The Chinese government will steadily expand institutional opening-up in terms of rules, regulations, management and standards, further relax market access in select sectors, enhance intellectual property right protection, and build a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, he added.

"We also hope that Indonesia can maintain an open market and provide a fair and equitable business environment for Chinese enterprises," Li said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The New York cast of "Girl From the North Country," a 2020 Broadway musical with songs by Bob Dylan. (Matthew Murphy)

Downtown theater presenter Broadway in Chicago on Wednesday announced its upcoming 2024 season, with Girl From the North Country, The Kite Runner and Mrs. Doubtfire joining the recently announced world premiere Death Becomes Her. Subscriptions go on sale to the public Oct. 4. Current subscribers can renew now at 312-977-1717 and www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Girl From the North Country (Feb. 13-25, 2024, at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.): Written and directed by Conor McPherson, with orchestrations by Simon Hale, this 2020 musical is set in 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota, and re-imagines songs from Bob Dylan including Forever Young, All Along the Watchtower and Like a Rolling Stone.

Advertisement

Mrs. Doubtfire (Feb. 27 to March 10, 2024, at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.): Broadway lead Rob McClure will reprise his performance as the titular out-of-work actor on the national tour, directed by Jerry Zaks.

Peter Pan (March 26 to April 7, 2024, at the Nederlander Theatre): The new adaptation by playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Lonny Price with choreography by Lorin Latarro, is now on tour.

Advertisement

Mamma Mia! (April 30 to May 19, 2024, at the Nederlander Theatre): There they go again. The longtime musical about a mother and daughter is told through the jukebox hits of ABBA.

Death Becomes Her (April 30 to June 2, 2024, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.): A newly-announced pre-Broadway world premiere of a musical adapted from the 1992 movie.

The Kite Runner (June 11-23, 2024, at CIBC Theatre): The 2022 Broadway play was adapted by Matthew Spangler from Khaled Hosseinis novel set in a divided Afghanistan.

Next spring also includes the following offseason titles:

Message in a Bottle (Feb. 28 to March 3, 2024, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre): A dance-theater production by Sadlers Wells artist Kate Prince, set to the music of Sting, including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne and Fields of Gold.

Pretty Woman: The Musical (March 12-17, 2024, at CIBC Theatre): The musical first seen in Chicago, based on the movie with an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan (March 19-24, 2024, at CIBC Theatre): The story and music of the husband-and-wife musical team, with songs including Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga and Get On Your Feet. Another musical first seen in Chicago, with a debut in 2015.

dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
Tom LaDue has been eating the fish he caught out of Snowden Lake for years without a concern, but now, he's starting to wonder if those fish could be harmful to his health after high levels of "forever chemicals" were found in the water.

"You hate to think you're eating something that's tainted, but I've been fishing Snowden Lake for years," he said. "So I don't know if it makes any difference to stop immediately or not."

Snowden Lake is one of several bodies of water located near the Oneida County community of Stella, where some of the highest levels of PFAS have been found in the private wells of dozens of residents. Finding out the water they used for drinking, cooking and bathing was a blow to the community already, but now knowing that fishing could be unsafe is another blow.

"It's shocking," LaDue said. "We don't know where we're going to go with this."

DNR surface water sampling showing elevated levels of PFAS in bodies of water near Rhinelander.

Well water in Stella has tested as high as 36,000 parts per trillion of PFAS, dwarfing the federally recommended standard of 4 parts per trillion and the state standard of 70 parts per trillion. The numbers are likely some of the highest in the country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So far, the Department of Natural Resources has sampled 114 private wells in Stella, which is about 10 miles east of Rhinelander. Of those 49 had levels of PFAS above the state limits, 32 had detections below limits and 33 had no detection. According to DNR information, 47 health advisory letters have been sent out, making those homeowners eligible for free bottled water.

The DNR also started to look at the surface water in the area, testing in dozens of places, including the Pelican River, the Wisconsin River and many of the small lakes near Stella.

More: Republicans put a stop to the Pelican River Forest preserve. Conservation groups say they hope to keep the project alive.

It's likely the surface water contamination stems from the groundwater in the area, said Patrick Gorski, an emerging contaminants research scientist with the DNR.

"Groundwater tends to flow into surface water, so we do believe that they are connected," he said.

The agency is still working to find just how widespread the contamination is in both the groundwater and surface waters, but sampling is underway to try and get an idea.

More: 'It's been radio silence': Stella has some of the highest PFAS levels on record. Its residents are waiting for answers

So far, some of the highest concentrations of PFOS and PFOA  two of the most well-known and well-researched PFAS compounds  have been found in the Pelican River, Snowden Lake, Starks Creek, Twin Lakes Creek and Third Lake. Some of the concentrations go as high as 1,600 parts per trillion.

As for the Wisconsin River, levels as high as 10 parts per trillion were detected, which is below the state standard of 70 parts per trillion, but above the federal recommendation of 4 parts per trillion.

Though the state does not have groundwater standards for PFAS, there are surface water standards of 95 parts per trillion for PFOA and 8 parts per trillion for PFOS for bodies of water not used as drinking water supplies.

Dave Hansen immediately stopped eating the fish he harvested from the Stella area this summer, as soon as the state indicated there could be an issue.

He lives on Fifth Lake, one in a chain of lakes found to be impacted by the PFAS contamination.

"I'm sure these fish have been in this lake for years, so who knows how long these fish have actually been exposed to this, and what levels they're at," he said. "I certainly do have concerns."

The DNR is working to analyze the level of PFAS in fish harvested from lakes around Stella, which will help to give a better idea of the risk that could be associated with consumption.

If fish are impacted, the state will release a consumption advisory warning anglers not to consume too much fish, Gorski said.

DNR sampling showing high levels of PFAS in surface water near Rhinelander

Possible impact on North Woods tourism

The emergence of PFAS in surface water also raises concerns for tourism as the Rhinelander area is a magnet for visitors who fish the popular lakes and streams in the area. Cabins and summer camps also sit near some of the contaminated waters.

Bill Sherer, the owner of We Tie It Fly Shop in Boulder Junction, said people might hesitate to fish in lakes near Stella if they hear of contaminated fish.

"It does concern me that people may run into health problems or shorten their lives," he said.

It's a huge concern for Sherer that PFAS are being found in more bodies of water across the state, and he's worried that other waters could be over-fished because of it.

"These are problems and concerns that every Wisconsin citizen should be worried about," he said.

More: Residents in a Wisconsin town with extreme PFAS contamination file lawsuit against paper mill

About PFAS

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of man-made chemicals used for their water- and stain-resistant qualities in products like clothing and carpet, nonstick cookware, packaging and firefighting foam.

The family includes 5,000 compounds, which are persistent, remaining both in the environment and human body over time. The chemicals have been linked to types of kidney and testicular cancers, lower birth weights, harm to immune and reproductive systems, altered hormone regulation and altered thyroid hormones.

The chemicals enter the human body largely through drinking water. PFAS have been found across Wisconsin.

Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura.

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: PFAS found in Wisconsin River, several lakes near Stella
Gabe Amo is on a path to become his states first person of color in Congress after Democrats nominated him for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District on Tuesday.

It is not lost on me that I stand on the shoulders of giants, Amo said in his victory speech on Tuesday night. Black, brown, women, so many people who have had the opportunity to pave a pathway so I could stand here today.

Amo prevailed over nearly a dozen other Democrats with about 32 percent of the vote with over 90 percent of ballots counted, including a self-styled progressive who was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Throughout his campaign, Amo touted his time as a former Biden White House aide. He had the backing of the Congressional Black Caucus, Democrats Serve PAC, former White House chief of staff Ron Klain and former Rep. Patrick Kennedy.

It's a sign that progressives' star power is perhaps not what it once was, even in a safely blue seat like RI-01. Former Democratic Rep. David Cicilline vacated RI-01 earlier this year to run the Rhode Island Foundation, a philanthropic organization in the state.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Factions of the Democratic party fought over who should succeed Cicilline, who had helped lead the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Amo pulled ahead of former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg, who in the leadup to the election coalesced the support of progressive forces.

RI-01 covers Democratic strongholds of Providence, Newport and Bristol counties, which puts him on a path to an easy victory come the Nov. 7 general election when he faces Republican Gerry Leonard.

Other top contenders among the crowded field included Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, who was seen as the frontrunner early in the race, earning the support of prominent national groups like the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and EMILYs List, and state Sen. Sandra Cano, who local labor unions threw their support behind. Cano and Matos came in third and fourth, respectively.

Matos campaign faltered as it spent months dealing with scandal over submitting hundreds of invalid signatures on her nominating papers. Regunbergs campaign also faced controversy for being boosted by a super PAC run by his father-in-law after he criticized the role of money in politics. With those candidates embroiled in drama, it created an opening for a candidate like Amo.

Amo made history, but he wasnt the only one hoping to do so. Half of the Democratic hopefuls are people of color, and four women were running for the post. Rhode Island has never elected a Democratic woman to Congress, and the current congressional delegation is all white men.
Kyivs Western partners, particularly the United States, should increase their security assistance to help Ukraine with its ongoing counteroffensive, former CIA Director and retired U.S. general David Petraeus said at an event hosted by the Kyiv Security Forum on Sept. 5.

He lauded the U.S. leadership in providing military aid to Ukraine and emphasized that the White House, Congress, and the American people have given "unprecedented support in all the time since WWII."

Read also: White House confident Congress will approve additional Ukraine aid funding

Nevertheless, Petraeus noted that decisions regarding supplying some key arms to Ukraine's defenders could have been made more quickly.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I would very much have liked some decisions that could have served to benefit Ukraine to have been made, some of which may have acted as a catalyst, said Petraeus.

Read also: Major structural weaknesses behind Russian defenses may allow Ukrainian army to succeed - CIA Chief

In particular, I would have liked decisions on Abrams tanks to have been made at least six months earlier. Similarly, decisions on the F-16 [fighter jets] should be expedited. We are past a certain stage where there was a certain apprehension, now everything possible needs to be done.

Read also: After Prigozhin's death Kremlin to try to take control over Wagner mercenary company, says ex-CIA director

The retired general expressed hope that Ukraine's support from Western partners would grow, and urged that everything possible should be done to ensure that Ukraine is as well prepared for the next offensive period.

The Kyiv Security Forum, founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is a major Ukrainian platform for public discussions on issues of war and peace, national and global security.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A former employee of Sam Houston High School has been arrested by Arlington police following a thorough investigation into allegations he had improper relationships with multiple students, police said.

Detectives with the Arlington Police Departments Crimes Against Children Unit obtained arrest warrants for Anthony Hawkins, 25, on three counts of improper relationship between student and educator and two counts of indecency with a child/sexual contact, police said in a news release Wednesday.

Detectives have identified three victims, police said.

Hawkins was taken into custody on Tuesday and booked into the Arlington City Jail.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A school district spokesperson said Hawkins had worked as a substitute teacher.

Police said the department will be limited in the information it can share because of the nature of the investigation and the age of the victims.

Detectives began their investigation on Aug. 23 after Arlington ISD school administrators became aware of the allegations and reported them to police.

Arlington ISD said in a statement that Hawkins was a long-term substitute teacher in the district.

We immediately notified the Arlington Police Department to investigate when we learned of the allegations, the school districts statement said. Arlington ISD officials questioned the substitute teacher and reported the matter to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The substitute teacher resigned from the district on Aug. 23.

Police asked anyone with additional information about this case to call Detective Cramer at 682-382-1622 or Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-8477.
AI Pandemic

An AI pioneer and former Google executive has issued a stark warning about the technology he helped unleash upon the world  and this one's bound to go, well, viral.

"The darkest scenario is that people will experiment with pathogens, engineered synthetic pathogens that might end up accidentally or intentionally being more transmissible," said Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman in a recent episode of "The Diary of a CEO" podcast.

AI-manipulated viruses could "spread faster or [be] more lethal," Suleyman said, ultimately causing "more harm" and potentially even killing people "like a pandemic."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are working with dangerous things," he continued. "We can't let just anyone have access to them. We need to limit who can use the AI software, the cloud systems, and even some of the biological materials."

With more and more people learning how to use the technology than ever before, there's little to stop anybody from genetically engineering a viral pathogen worse than anything ever seen before and unleashing it onto the world  which is why the DeepMind co-founder is advocating for a "containment" strategy on AI similar to the one NATO has in place for nukes.

"We have to limit access to the tools," Suleyman said, "and the know-how to carry out that kind of experimentation."

Engineered Virus

Now the CEO and co-founder of Inflection AI, Suleyman is slated to attend an AI summit led by Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer later this month in Washington, DC, which will also feature other industry luminaries like OpenAI CEO and co-founder Sam Altman, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and, of course, Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Many of Suleyman's fellow AI forum attendees have echoed his concerns.

A recent excerpt from a forthcoming Musk biography, for instance, details how the multi-hyphenate billionaire discussed AI's dangers with both former president Barack Obama and Google co-founder Larry Page, though neither was willing, per his recollection, to do anything about it.

There's little doubt that these brilliant (and controversial) minds will have a lot to say about our AI future  though it's unclear if any are as concerned about AI-influenced pandemics as Suleyman.

More on AI: USA Today Updates Every AI-Generated Sports Article to Correct Errors
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, a GOP moderate who once chaired the House Intelligence Committee, launched a bid Wednesday for Michigans open Senate seat.

Rogers, who served in Congress for 14 years, was recruited by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. His decision to enter the race gives GOP leaders a credible candidate in a state where they had been struggling to secure a strong recruit.

Michigans Senate race could determine who controls the narrowly divided chamber in 2025, though Republicans havent won a Senate seat in the state since 1994. Democrats' dominance in the state legislature and governors mansion have further reduced the GOPs footprint in the state.

The incumbent, Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, announced she would retire earlier this year. Many top Democrats quickly coalesced around Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) but actor Hill Harper is also running. Republicans need to flip just two seats to win back control of the Senate if they dont win the White House.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In his announcement, Rogers took aim at President Joe Biden and his video included footage of progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Slotkin and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). He accused politicians of fighting over banning gas stoves while China is stealing our intellectual property and our jobs.

I thought I put politics behind me but, like you, I know somethings broken, he said. America under Biden and his cronies is going in the wrong direction.



NRSC Chairman Steve Daines embraced Rogers decision to enter the race and hinted at his electability.

Mike Rogers has devoted his life to serving the people of Michigan and holding communist China accountable, Daines said. Mike is the type of candidate who can perform well with suburban Michiganders and be a strong part of the eventual ticket in Michigan. I am pleased to see Mike stepping up to run for the U.S. Senate.

But Rogers will not have the Republican field to himself. After months of slow-moving recruitment, GOP leaders are now staring down the possibility of a messy primary.

Former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.), who lost a House primary in 2022 after voting to impeach then-President Donald Trump, opened an exploratory committee for a Senate run last week. Businessman Sandy Pensler, who lost a 2018 Senate primary to John James, and John Tuttle, the vice chair of the New York Stock Exchange, are also considering runs. Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig has said he is close to a decision on whether to enter the race and will make an announcement in the coming weeks.

Michigans GOP has taken a hard turn to the right in recent months as the party has suffered devastating state-level losses. But several of the possible GOP Senate contenders have a history of criticizing Trump, including Rogers.

The former congressman has said as recently as November 2022 that it is time for his party to move past Trump and that the former presidents tactics are clearly disruptive. Trump won Michigan in 2016 but lost it in 2020. Any Republican Senate nominee will need to court the presidents supporters to prevail.

Some national Republicans worry that Meijer has no clear path to the nomination following his impeachment vote. Daines has endorsed Trump and keeps in frequent contact with him to discuss Senate races.

Rogers was previously considering a run for president but began seriously thinking about a Senate campaign as the GOP field was slow to take shape. Republican recruiters, some of whom have been urging Rogers to run for a decade, welcomed his interest.

Rogers also served in the US Army, as a special agent for the FBI and in Michigans state Senate. He led the Intel Committee in the years after the 9/11 attacks. He hails from Livingston County in the southeastern region of the state.

He first won his House seat in 2000, replacing Stabenow, in what became one of the closest races in the country. A staunch ally of then-Speaker John Boehner while in Congress, he retired in 2015 and went to work in talk radio and cybersecurity.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated the last time Republicans won a Senate seat in Michigan. It was 1994. An earlier version also misstated the primary Sandy Pensler ran in 2018. It was a Senate primary.
After a sweeping investigation brought a laundry list of criminal charges against former Lodi City Councilman Shakir Khan, he may finally answer the allegations in court later this month.

Khan  who ran for Lodis District 4 seat in 2020 and left the position sometime after his arrest in February  is accused of facilitating illegal gambling and betting operations at Stockton smoke shops between 2018 and 2020.

Then, prosecutors claim, Khan laundered the proceeds to camouflage the illegal funds. Khan faces a whopping 28 money laundering charges, court documents show. He was also charged with tax and unemployment fraud.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The gambling and betting was run out of American Smokers Club on Waterloo Road and One Stop Smoke Shop on Fremont Street, prosecutors and investigators with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office claimed in court documents.

Khan owned the Waterloo Road business, and his brother Zakir Khan owned the Fremont Street operation, authorities claim in the documents.

Zakir and Khan's third brother, Mohammad Khan, face multiple charges in the alleged scheme.

On top of the gambling and financial crimes, prosecutors further accuse Shakir Khan of writing false names on his candidate nomination petition before the 2020 election and listing his home as the address for numerous voters, among several other election code violations.

Its unclear from court documents if the alleged election fraud would have determined its outcome. No evidence of the election-related charges has been presented in court against the former council member.

Khan and his brothers are scheduled to return Sept. 18 to San Joaquin County Superior Court in downtown Stockton for arraignment, when they must enter their pleas.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Ex-Lodi councilman Shakir Khan to plead on alleged voter fraud
Former Gov. Pat McCrory spent Wednesday morning questioning the legality of political consultants and lobbyists in North Carolina receiving federal loans meant to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

McCrory started his 9 a.m. radio show on Charlottes WBT saying he needed to get something off his chest before launching into a rant about an article he read in The News & Observer. The article reviewed the Paycheck Protection Program loans intended to bail out businesses forced to close or scale back operations at the height of the pandemic to stop the spread of the deadly disease.

The forgivable loans were given out through the Small Business Administration, which has, since the mid-1990s, stipulated that entities primarily engaged in lobbying and political activities were ineligible to take its loans. The N&O reporting found that that did not stop numerous North Carolina businesses engaged in either activity from applying, receiving loans and then having their debt forgiven.

Some are questioning whether it was illegal that they asked for these loans, McCrory said on air. Me included.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

None of the companies The N&O reported on have publicly come under federal scrutiny for taking the loans. Those that took it and spoke with The N&O said they qualified for the loan because political activities or lobbying do not make up the primary portion of their work, which the SBA considers 50% of a businesss gross annual income.

McCrory told his audience that The N&Os reporting included extremely powerful political operatives who are engaged in political activity and who make well above six figures and even some even seven figures.

McCrory called on their clients to demand they return the taxpayer money, U.S. attorneys to get involved and for an audit to be done on their income to see if they actually met the loans criteria. He later told The N&O he believes the SBA would be in charge of auditing the businesses.

These are the former state directors of the Republican Party, who are now political consultants, who asked for money, McCrory, a Republican, said on air. Former state senators who asked for money. Former aides to (Senate President Pro Tem) Phil Berger, former campaign or current campaign people for (Gov.) Roy Cooper and (Attorney General) Josh Stein and (Rep.) Dan Bishop. Its Republican and Democrat. Its bipartisan.

McCrory has clashed with some of those political figures, and The N&O asked him by phone after his radio show whether he zeroed in on them for personal reasons.. Several of them have done Machiavellian things against me, he said. But Im bipartisan, and I am proud of some people not doing this.

He said on air and to The N&O that some political consultants didnt apply for loans, included those who worked for Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. Budd works with Jonathan Felts, a political consultant, who did not take a loan. Felts helped Budd defeat McCrory in the 2022 primary for U.S. Senate. Tillis works with political consultants Paul Shumaker and Jordan Shaw, who also did not take the loans.

These are political operatives who give the appearance of disguising themselves as public relations in order to meet the broad criteria of this giveaway to help other people, McCrory said. Businesses were shut down because of the government. Their businesses werent shut down. I dont remember one campaign being shut down.
Former Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., speaks at the Vision '24 conference' on March 18, 2023, in North Charleston, S.C. Rogers on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 announced that he will run for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Republican Mike Rogers, who served in Congress for 14 years and chaired the House Intelligence Committee, is running for an open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan that Democrats have held for over two decades.

The announcement, which was provided to The Associated Press in a campaign video on Wednesday, instantly shakes up a Senate race that had been relatively quiet and dominated by Democratic candidates. It's seen as a recruiting victory for Michigan Republicans, who have struggled to win statewide races with a state party in turmoil.

An Army veteran and former FBI agent, Rogers was elected to Congress in 2000 and served seven terms in the House, the last two as chair of the committee that oversees U.S. intelligence agencies. He left office in 2015 and served briefly on Trumps transition team as an adviser on national security issues.

I thought I put politics behind but, like you, I know somethings broken, Rogers said in the campaign video that attacks President Joe Biden.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

No candidate is better prepared to have an impact on day one. Im ready to serve again, Rogers continued.

The 60-year-old Rogers becomes the fourth Republican to enter the race, joining candidates inlcuding state Board of Education member Nikki Snyder. The GOP field is expected to grow in the coming months with multiple Republicans, including former U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, still considering campaigns.

Steve Daines, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in a statement that Rogers can perform well with suburban Michiganders, and that he is pleased to see Mike stepping up to run.

A shock retirement announcement from longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow in January created a wide open race for a seat she had held since 2001. The GOP has not won a Michigan U.S. Senate race since 1994.

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, entered the race in February and has built a significant fundraising and endorsement advantage over all other candidates.

Defending the Michigan seat may prove crucial for Democrats, who face tough headwinds as they defend seats in Republican-leaning states from West Virginia to Montana and Ohio. Republicans are looking to take control of the Senate in 2024; Democrats currently hold a slim 51-49 majority.

Rogers had initially denied rumors he planned to run for Senate following Stabenows announcement and explored a presidential bid earlier this year, traveling to New Hampshire and Iowa to talk with voters and local media.

___

The story has been updated to correct that Rogers is an Army veteran, not a former Marine.
Editors note: This file has been updated with the correct party affiliations for Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).

Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) on Wednesday announced his bid for the U.S. Senate, making him the first prominent Republican to launch a campaign to replace the retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

Rogers, who served seven terms in the House and atop the House Intelligence Committee before retiring in 2014, rolled out his campaign with a video centered on his work in the state and in national security. He said he has unfinished business to complete for Michigan.

Michigans way of life is worth defending, Rogers said, pointing to his work on the Intelligence panel post-9/11, as well his time with the FBI and in the Army. I left politics to build cybersecurity companies that can stop foreign threats like China. I thought I put politics behind me, but like you, I know somethings broken.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rogers went on to tick off a litany of issues he sees stemming from the Biden administration, including immigration, the economy, education and the justice system.

Politics has gotten so small and so petty. Were failing to address big problems, Rogers said, pointing to the effort by progressives to ban gas stoves while families are struggling while China is stealing intellectual property.

We can do better, said Rogers. No candidate is better prepared to have an impact on Day 1. Im ready to serve again.

Rogerss entry gives Michigan Republicans, who have been desperate for some good news after years of turmoil with the states GOP, a potential political win. Theyve had trouble piggybacking off former President Trumps win there seven years ago and had yet to produce a strong candidate to likely take on Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), the likely Democratic nominee, next year.

Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), chairman of the Senate GOP campaign arm, said in a statement he is pleased to see Rogers jumping in the contest.

Mike Rogers has devoted his life to serving the people of Michigan and holding communist China accountable. Mike is the type of candidate who can perform well with suburban Michiganders and be a strong part of the eventual ticket in Michigan. I am pleased to see Mike stepping up to run for the U.S. Senate, Daines said.

A bid by former Rep. Peter Meijer (R-Mich.) could also be on the horizon. He launched an exploratory committee to examine a possible run last week. Meijer was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump over his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, and subsequently lost his bid for reelection to the House.

John Tuttle, the vice chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, has also been considering a bid for Stabenows seat.

Rogers was one of the most prominent House GOP members during his tenure in office and was a presence on the Sunday talk shows. He has since served as a CNN national security analyst and started a national security consulting business. He had been kicking around a long-shot bid for the presidency earlier this year.

Still, Rogers will have to contend with multiple questions in the coming months, including whether he has been out of the political game too long, having largely sat out the Trump years.

The former FBI agent will also have to answer for his past criticisms of the ex-president and the current leader for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Rogers last year said Republicans needed to move on from Trump and that the ex-presidents political tactics are destructive.

Trumps time has passed, Rogers told The Washington Post last year.

Updated at 6:39 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A woman holds a banner that reads, "Legal, safe, and free abortion" as abortion rights protesters demonstrate in front of the National Congress on the "Day for Decriminalization of Abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean," in Mexico City, Sept. 28, 2020. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

Mexicos Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide Wednesday, two years after ruling that abortion was not a crime in one northern state.

That earlier ruling had set off a grinding process of decriminalizing abortion state by state. Last week, the central state of Aguascalientes became the 12th state to decriminalize the procedure. Judges in states that still criminalize abortion will have to take account of the top courts ruling.

Advertisement

The Supreme Court wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it had decided that the legal system that criminalized abortion in the Federal Penal Code is unconstitutional, (because) it violates the human rights of women and people with the ability to gestate.

The courts sweeping decision Wednesday comes amid a trend in Latin America of loosening restrictions on abortion, even as access has been limited in parts of the United States. Some American women were already seeking the help of Mexican abortion activists to obtain the pills used to end their pregnancies.

Advertisement

Mexico City was the first Mexican jurisdiction to decriminalize abortion 15 years ago.

The Information Group for Chosen Reproduction, known by its Spanish initials as GIRE, said the court decided that the portion of the federal penal code that criminalized abortion no longer has any effect.

No woman or pregnant person, nor any health worker will be able to be punished for abortion, the non-governmental organization said in a statement.

The impact also means that the federal public health service and any federal health institution must offer abortion to anyone who requests it, GIRE said. The court ordered that the crime of abortion be removed from the federal penal code.

Across Latin America, countries have made moves to lift abortion restrictions in recent years, often referred to as a green wave.

After decades of work by feminist activists across the region, the wave picked up speed in Argentina, which in 2020 legalized the procedure. In 2022, Colombia, a highly conservative country, also decriminalized abortion.

Many organizers worry, however, that the lifting of restrictions may not translate to expanded access in highly conservative and religious countries.
A manhunt has been launched after a terror suspect escaped from Wandsworth prison in a lorry, the Metropolitan Police has said.

Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old serving member of the British Army, is awaiting trial for terror and Official Secrets Act offences.

Khalife has a slim build and is 6ft 2ins tall. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and red, white chequered trousers and brown steel capped boots, police said.

He is most likely still in the London area, but an all-ports alert has been issued amid fears he may flee the country.

07:59 PM BST

That's all for today...

Thank you for following our live coverage of the manhunt for Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth prison in a lorry.

06:55 PM BST

Met Counter Terrorism Commander appeal

'I am urgently appealing to the public to help us find Daniel Khalife, who could be at large anywhere in the UK'



 Dominic Murphy, the Met's Counter Terrorism Commander, makes urgent public appeal to trace Daniel Khalife who escaped from #Wandsworth prison.



Call 999 if you pic.twitter.com/PHLuha6rUF  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2023

06:32 PM BST

Wandsworth Prison from above

HMP Wandsworth has five wings leading to a central hub with courtyards and other buildings within its walls.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is a category B prison, the second highest level of security.

Wandsworth from above - PA

06:11 PM BST

HMP Wandsworth

HMP Wandsworth in London - PA

06:00 PM BST

Ministry of Justice statement

An Ministry of Justice spokesman said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, held a conference call with the prisons governor, Katie Price, and prison chiefs to establish how Khalife escaped and get assurances about immediate measures to prevent a repeat.

05:48 PM BST

Helicopters and plain clothes officers survey Kingston area

Police helicopters on Wednesday mounted a search of the Kingston area, where Khalifes family is known to have had connections.

At the same time three plain clothes officers kept watch on an upstairs flat in Kingston, close to the edge of Richmond Park, where Khalifes mother and sister are understood to have lived until a few years ago.

A neighbour told The Telegraph: A woman lived upstairs who had a son and daughter. The boy would come and go swearing loudly. She moved to Wales roughly three years ago, a year after we moved in.

The family were British, of Middle Eastern origin. They didnt talk to us or anyone else in the street very much that I could see.

Its worrying to think that this young man might head back to this area after escaping from prison.

05:36 PM BST

Gatwick statement

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: Additional security measures are currently in place at London Gatwick and other UK airports and ports. The safety and security of passengers is our number one priority.

05:17 PM BST

Heathrow tightens security

Heathrow Airport confirmed it was tightening security checks after it emerged a terror suspect had escaped from prison.

Passengers are advised to arrive no earlier than usually recommended and to the check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport. (2/2)  Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) September 6, 2023

05:05 PM BST

Last seen wearing a chef's uniform, according to reports

The prison escapee was reportedly last seen wearing a chefs outfit, according to The Sun.

It said he had been in the prison kitchen before he hid under a vehicle and escaped.

05:01 PM BST

Prisoner escaped 'under a food truck'

Khalife is thought to have escaped under a food truck, according to Sky News.

He is alleged to have held on to the bottom of the vehicle as it exited the prison.

04:57 PM BST

Shadow Justice Secretary comments on escape

Shabana Mahmood MP, Labours Shadow Justice Secretary, responding to a suspected terrorist escaping from Wandsworth prison, said:

The Conservatives need to urgently explain how they cant do the basic job of keeping potentially dangerous criminals locked up.

Its right that the police are given space to recapture this suspect. But Rishi Sunak needs to ensure there is no wider risk because his zombie government lacks grip on the criminal justice system.

04:56 PM BST

Previously charged under Official Secrets Act

Khalife last appeared at the Old Bailey on 21 July, where he was also charged with an offence under the Official Secrets Act.

The new offence alleged that on dates between 1 May, 2019 and 6 January, 2022 he obtained, collected, recorded, published or communicated to any other person, articles, notes, documents or information which were calculated to be or might be or were intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy, contrary to section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

He pleaded not guilty to all three offences and was further remanded in custody. He was next due to appear before Woolwich Crown Court on 13 November.

04:39 PM BST

Wandsworth escapes

Wandsworth Prison is a Category B jail that was built in the 1850s and is one of the largest prisons in the UK with around 1,500 inmates.

In 2019 a remand prisoner escaped while awaiting transfer for a court appearance and in 2011 remand prisoner, Neil Moore, escaped after creating a fake email account and contacting the prison authorising his release.

The most high-profile escapee from Wansdworth was Ronnie Biggs, the Great Train Robber, who climbed over a wall in 1965 whilst serving a 30-year sentence.

Two years later he fled to Brazil and remained on the run until 2001, when he returned to the UK.

04:38 PM BST

Joined Army in 2018

Khalife was initially held at Belmarsh Prison but was later transferred to Wandsworth Prison in south London.

Social media pages say he joined the Army in September 2018 and describes his computing skills as help desk implementation, Random Access Memory (RAM) systems, information technology and system administration.

He was stationed at the MoDs Beacon Barracks. This is home to the Royal Corps of Signals 1st Signal Brigade; the Defence Electronics Agency, the RAF Joint Helicopter Commands Tactical Supply Wing and No 22 Group air force cadets.

04:37 PM BST

Khalife arrested over fake bomb

Khalife, who was a serving member of the British Army and worked as a computer network engineer, was arrested in January and accused of planting a fake bomb at an RAF base.

He was charged with offences relating to two alleged incidents at RAF Stafford in Beaconside in August 2021 and January of this year.

The 21-year-old was accused of eliciting or attempting to elicit information about an individual who was or had been a member of His Majestys forces which was of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism on August 2 2021. This is contrary to section 58A of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The second charge alleges he committed a bomb hoax by placing an article with intent on or before January 2 this year.

According to court documents Khalife allegedly placed three canisters with wires at RAF Stafford with the intention of inducing in another a belief that the said article was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property, contrary to section 51 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

Khalife, who grew up in west London, had initially been arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a separate offence and was bailed.

He was then rearrested in January and charged with the terrorism offences following an investigation by Scotland Yards counter-terrorism command.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody, ahead of a trial.

04:27 PM BST

All-ports alert issued

An all-ports alert has been issued because of fears that he could seek to flee the country, The Telegraph understands.

This means Border Force is scaling up checks to ensure Khalife does not escape.

04:25 PM BST

Prisoner escape

04:11 PM BST

'Extensive and urgent' enquiries being carried out

Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

04:07 PM BST

Escapee hid in a lorry leaving prison

It is understood Khalife escaped hidden in a lorry just leaving the prison just after 7am on Wednesday morning.

04:00 PM BST

Khalife has links to Kingston

Khalife has links to Kingston upon Thames, in London, the Met Police said.

We are urgently appealing to trace Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison this morning.



He has links to #Kingston - police efforts to trace him are ongoing. He should not be approached.



If you have info on his whereabouts, call 999 quoting CAD 1631/06SEP23 pic.twitter.com/Q7B9uKV9uJ  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2023

03:57 PM BST

Police say do not approach

Khalife is not thought to be a significant threat but police are urging the public not to approach him.

Police said that anyone who sees him should call 999 immediately and quote the reference CAD 1631/06SEP23.

03:48 PM BST

This is a breaking news story

Updates to follow.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A former top deputy in the Texas Attorney Generals Office described a crisis moment during his testimony Wednesday when staff learned about the extent of Ken Paxton s relationship with a political donor.

Jeff Mateer, one of the whistleblowers who reported Paxton to the FBI, was the first to testify Tuesday after the start ofPaxtons impeachment trial in the Texas Senate. Mateer served as as first assistant attorney general under Paxton from March 2016 to October 2020, when he resigned.

The articles pending before the Senate center on claims that Paxton misused his office to benefit a donor and retaliated against whistleblowers. Paxton, who is in his third term, is accused giving donor and Austin real estate developer Nate Paul special legal attention while accepting home renovations and a job for a women with whom he was having an extramarital affair.

House impeachment managers argued that Paxton should be removed from office and barred from holding office again. Paxton acted to help Paul economically and legally to the detriment of Texans, said Rep. Andrew Murr, a Junction Republican who is chair of the House impeachment managers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Paxtons attorneys argued that the the impeachment proceedings were politically motivated and that evidence is lacking and doesnt warrant a conviction on the articles. Paxton didnt engage in bribery with Paul, and Paxton should be acquitted, they said.

On Wednesday, his second day on the witness stand, Mateer recalled concerns he had about Paxtons involvement with Paul, whom he described as not a good guy. Particularly, he was concerned with Paxtons insistence on hiring an outside attorney, Brandon Cammack, for an investigation to aid Paul.

Mateer said he called a meeting on Sept. 29, 2020, with other officials in the attorney generals office after learning Cammack was saying he worked for the Office of the Attorney General and was serving grand jury subpoenas to banks that appeared to be related to Paul and his activities.

This was a cause of concern for the top deputy, and he wanted to figure out what was going on.

We considered it sort of a crisis moment, Mateer said. Everything regarding Mr. Paul was kind of coming to a head. ... Its really the first time that each of the deputies started to share ... bits and pieces about Mr. Paul and his activities with the attorney general.

Paxton wanted former Deputy Attorney General Mark Penley to sign a outside counsel hiring document, but Penley wasnt signing it, Mateer said.

The meeting came after Mateer recounted a series of conversations with Paxton, including one in the morning of Sept. 28, 2020, when Mateer said he explained the offices process for hiring outside counsel. The meeting was amiable, but later that night, Paxton called Mateer very angry. As best as Mateer could tell over the phone, Paxton appeared to have been drinking.

It was so unlike any conversation Ive ever had with him, Mateer said.

Mateer said he believed at that time it was unlawful for him to sign a contract and hire Cammack and that it violated office policies.

Mateer said Paxton kept pressing the hiring of Cammack, asking Mateer to sign the hiring contract. Mateer said he wouldnt. Paxton also asked about signing the document himself.

He asked me, what if I signed it already? Mateer said.

Mateer also recalled learning in 2018 that Paxton had an extramarital affair. Paxton and his wife Sen. Angela Paxton addressed it in a meeting with office and campaign staff, he said. It was an emotional meeting in which Paxton asked for forgiveness, Mateer said. He assumed the affair was over.

Why did you think, if the affair had resumed, that was relevant to your concern about the attorney general and Mr. Paul? asked Rusty Hardin, one of the attorneys for the House impeachment managers.

Mateer replied: Because it answered one of the questions that I kept struggling with is, Why would General Paxton jeopardize all of this great work that wed been doing in the office of Attorney General. Why would we be engaged in these activities on behalf of one person? All these different things?

Mateer said at one point he thought Paxton was perhaps being blackmailed.

When we found out that this woman that hed had the affair with from years ago, that had moved up from Austin and was now employed by Mr. Paul, and that he was taking these unusual actions, it just didnt make sense to me, Mr. Buzbee, Mateer said while being questioned by one of Paxtons attorneys, Tony Buzbee.

The next day, Sept. 29, 2020, he and the other whistleblowers reported Paxton to federal authorities.

By that time, I concluded that Mr. Paxton was engaged in conduct that was immoral, unethical and I had a good faith belief that it was illegal, Mateer said.

During cross examination, Buzbee questioned why Mateer didnt go to Paxton after the meeting on Sept. 28 and before going to federal authorities, which he said could have cleared up questions Mateer had about the issued subpoenas.

So, in order to help your friend, a guy that had given you a really plum of a job, instead of asking him some questions, you instead circled up and decided to go to the FBI, Buzbee said.

Buzbee was still questioning Mateer Wednesday afternoon, an exchange that was tense at times.
Nicholas Olenik tries to name all his pets after characters in the Japanese anime series "Dragon Ball Z." So when he bought an emu, the second-largest living bird, it was no different.

"She looked like a storm cloud," Olenik said of the bird, which, when she was young, fit in his lap. "So we named her after the 'flying nimbus' that the character would use to fly."

Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.

Olenik said Nimbus was his doctor-approved emotional support pet, helping him overcome depression. But where he saw a loving companion, officials saw a violation of Virginia Beach rules about what animals residents could keep. After a neighbor notified animal control about Nimbus, Olenik was cited for keeping livestock within the city limits.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So began a months-long legal battle over whether Olenik - who is now running as an independent candidate for the 96th District of the Virginia House of Delegates - could legally keep an emu to help manage his emotions.

This time last year, Olenik said, he struggled to get off his couch, let alone out of the house. In 2019, Olenik's brother died of a heart attack. Nearly two years ago, his dad died of cancer. Olenik, who worked in maintenance, stopped working after his father got sick. And as time went on, Olenik said, grief swallowed him.

Joe Walters, Olenik's friend, said Olenik would skip meals and dodge phone calls. Walters said when he would sit down and talk to Olenik, it was clear he was depressed. Last winter, Walters, who was living in a trailer in Olenik's driveway, adopted an emu of his own, named Oreo. When Olenik met Oreo, he said, he wanted an emu of his own.

So he got one - scouting out an egg in nearby Chesapeake, Va. In January, he brought Nimbus home for $150.

"Only Joe knew I was getting that emu," Olenik said. "It was a surprise to my wife when I showed up with it."

Olenik said Nimbus trotted behind him like a shadow, watching his every move. He would put a harness and leash on her, taking her to the beach to walk down the boardwalk like a dog. Every day, he said, people would stop and ask him what kind of animal he had. Not only was he off the couch, he was engaging with others.

Records show a medical provider signed off on the papers confirming Nimbus would serve as an alternative therapy. But not everyone was thrilled to see the large, flightless bird taking up residence in a suburban-feeling neighborhood of single-family homes with well-kept yards.

Neighbor Donald Seybold said he saw Olenik walking Nimbus in Olenik's backyard during the morning and at different times throughout the day. Seybold, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1997, said he had known neighbors in the past who wanted to get chickens but were told by the city that wasn't allowed.

"I wondered, 'Why does he have an agricultural animal in the area,'" Seybold said. "So I called animal control and said: 'My neighbor has an emu. Is that allowed?' They said, 'No it's not allowed,' and I said 'okay.' They asked for the address, and I gave it to them."

Seybold said he wasn't trying to get Olenik in trouble. But after authorities came, Seybold said, Olenik was angered by the encounter.

"I said: 'Nick, it's not about whether you have an animal or not. It's about doing what's right,'" Seybold said. "But it was just a yell-fest."

A spokesperson for Virginia Beach said animal control gave Olenik a warning and an opportunity to remove Nimbus from the city. But after the warning period ran, city officials charged Olenik in February with keeping livestock within the city limits, which violates the municipal code, court records show. Olenik said that Nimbus lived and slept inside his home, and that he was meticulous about cleaning up after her when she defecated.

"There were no concerns of animal cruelty," city spokesman Bryan Clark said. "City code allows for companion animals, specifically exotic birds, but not ratites (the genus that emus fall under)."

Seybold said that in the months since he reported Nimbus to authorities, his relationship soured with Olenik - who has a 35-foot flagpole on his property that flies an American flag and, occasionally, one that reads, "Let's Go Brandon," code for a vulgar expression against President Biden. Whenever he leaves his house to mow the lawn or walk his grandchild to the bus stop, Olenik curses him out, Seybold said. Seybold said he has grown fearful of Olenik, and every encounter between them ends in Olenik heckling him.

But Seybold said he did not regret telling animal control about the emu. A retired navy commander, Seybold said he is a man who follows the law.

"I am a person who has always lived by the rules," Seybold said. "If you don't like the rules, you have the rules changed. But until then, you live by the rules."

Olenik disputed that he heckled Seybold, though he confirmed their relationship had been damaged. "The only good neighbor is a fence," he said.

In March, Virginia Beach General District Court Judge Daniel Lahne found Olenik guilty of the misdemeanor of keeping livestock in a residential area, according to the court clerk's office. Olenik said the court ruled that he would have to pay a $50 fine.

But to Olenik, Nimbus was not livestock. And the part of the code that city officials charged him with violating made an exception for companion animals. He requested that the city give an accommodation for him to keep Nimbus, which officials denied in May, Olenik said.

"An emu is not a domesticated animal that is traditionally kept in the home for pleasure," Hannah Sabo, Virginia Beach zoning administrator, wrote in a letter to Olenik that he provided to The Washington Post. "it is considered a livestock animal and not considered a common household animal. You have not demonstrated a disability-related therapeutic need for this specific animal or this specific type of animal."

Olenik appealed Lahne's ruling in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. When his attorney requested the proceedings be delayed, prosecutors asked that Olenik relocate Nimbus outside the city while the case worked its way through the court system, Olenik said. In early June, Olenik brought the emu to a ranch in Cedar Farm, Tenn., where Walters - his friend who also owns an emu - had since moved. Walters said he agreed to take care of Nimbus while the legal battle unfolded.

In July, Olenik pleaded not guilty in circuit court and hoped to get his emotional support pet back. Circuit Judge Kevin Duffan was left to decide the emu's fate.

"What is a trial court to do when presented with evidence that an animal clearly defined as livestock is also defined as a companion animal?" Duffan wrote.

Duffan wrote that there was no precedent in Virginia on the issue. So he looked to other city code sections and a 2011 appellate case in North Carolina in which a couple was allowed to keep two Nigerian dwarf goats as pets. Duffan wrote that Olenik was not keeping Nimbus for a commercial purpose, but for a personal reason, which excluded the emu from being defined as livestock.

"While it is highly unusual that someone would keep an emu as a pet - or as a companion animal - while also residing in the heart of suburbia, Defendant has shown that it is not impossible," Duffan wrote. He found Olenik not guilty and dismissed the case.

Seybold, the neighbor, said he was happy the legal system rendered a decision. He said all he ever wanted was for things to be done the right way. And he is glad to put the matter behind him.

"I am not happy that my property value is going to go down now that there is a mini farm across the street," Seybold said. "But I am perfectly okay with him going through the legal system and getting permission to do that. It's not his problem; he got permission. It's my problem. It's the response he wanted. It's not the response I wanted, but that is the way our legal system works."

When Olenik's lawyer called him with the news, Olenik said, tears streamed down his cheeks. "It was a case of David and Goliath, and David won again," he said.

But even with a legal victory in hand, Olenik said he found himself confronting a bittersweet reality: Duffan's decision would not bring Nimbus back to Virginia Beach. Since June, Olenik watched from a webcam as Nimbus fell in love with Oreo, Walter's emu. As time went on, Olenik would not see one emu on the webcam without the other running behind. He said he couldn't take Nimbus away from her new friend just because he missed her.

"She's in a great place," he said. "She's at my best friend's ranch. If I ever want to go see my best friend, I get to see my human best friend at the same time."

Olenik said he planned to get another emu at the end of this year, but he also knows he may face more legal hurdles. Clark, the city spokesman, said that Virginia Beach officials still do not consider emus to be emotional support pets, and that the city would "continue to follow the definitions of livestock that are outlined in the Code of Virginia."

Olenik said it was also likely he would face more charges. When he got Nimbus in January, he said, he also purchased six chickens, a turkey and three ducks. On July 28, the day after Duffan's ruling, a city official saw a turkey and two chickens on his property, according to an Aug. 1 letter written to Olenik that he provided to The Post. The letter said residents at that property could not keep the birds and that he had 30 days to get rid of them. Olenik said he had no such plans.

Meanwhile, Olenik is vying for a seat in the House of Delegates in a race against Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D) and Republican challenger Mike Karslake. If he wins the election, he said, one of his main priorities would be clarifying laws concerning emotional support animals like Nimbus.

"She rescued me," he said. "All I needed was a bird. And there were no side effects except the city getting mad at me."

---

Video Embed Code

Video: Nicholas Olenik won a legal battle in Virginiafor the right to keep Nimbus, his emotional support animal.(The Washington Post)

Embed code:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Related Content

Extreme heat brings hidden risk for people with mental health issue

At Telluride, screening a film about Jimmy Buffett, without him

Ron Rivera is on the hottest of hot seats among NFL coaches
Four coworkers of an asphalt company died after being involved in a Labor Day crash, according to Michigan authorities and news reports.

The four men, whose ages range from 18 to 35, worked for K&B Asphalt Sealcoating, Inc. They were traveling to a job site before the Monday, Sept. 4, crash in Lenawee County, WTVG reported.

Michigan State Police said the men were traveling in a Ford F-150 when they were struck by a Ford F-250. The driver and two passengers of the F-150 died at the scene, and an additional passenger died at a hospital, according to state police.

The four men killed have not been publicly identified.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

WLEN reported hundreds of people gathered outside K&B Asphalt Sealcoating in Adrian on Tuesday for a candlelight vigil.

My heart aches for each and every one of them, Rocky Wingfield, the owner of the company, told WTVG.

The driver of the F-250, who state police said is at fault for the crash, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

HCW Construction said in a Facebook post the fellow contractors were 4 good men.

Yesterday was a devastating day for K&B Asphalt, the families and all the 1st responders involved in that unimaginable accident, Barbie Adkins said in a Facebook post Tuesday.

Adrian is about 70 miles southwest of Detroit.

Three from same high school among 5 killed when car goes over wall, Georgia cops say

SUV tears in half in fiery crash with 19-year-old driving 100 mph, Michigan cops say

Three children among 4 killed when 15-year-old driver runs stop sign, Florida cops say
FRAMINGHAM  Every year, Framingham Public Schools sees a steady stream of new students from Brazil. The city has long been a magnet for Brazilian immigrants, and the school system is the main cultural entry point for youngsters arriving in the U.S.

In an effort to better understand that student population, Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay and several other Framingham educators visited Brazil over the summer to learn about its education system.

"One of our overarching themes in our strategic plan is belonging," Tremblay told the Daily News in a recent interview. "It seems to me that with the number of students we have in our district that are coming from Brazil, the next level of engagement for me  to understand the lived experience of our students  was to do a cultural study. I wanted to see if I could go into the community that our students are coming from and understand the context, to understand race, culture, class, politics and everything that shapes the experience of our families."

Framingham Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay interacts with students during his trip to Minas Gerais, Brazil.

OPINION: Tremblay says spotlight should be on success, not test scores during pandemic

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tremblay spent a month in the South American country, studying at the Federal University of Minas Gerais as part of a summer school program. He attended English-language lectures on Brazilian politics, local history, religion, politics and other topics, while also taking Portuguese classes. Tremblay also visited schools to witness the Brazilian education system firsthand.

"I attended public schools, private schools, vocational schools and colleges, schools in the favela  the poverty-stricken areas  to see what kind of educational background some of our students are coming from," he said. "I also met with executives from the college, with the hope of starting a partnership in the future between the university and Framingham Public Schools, where we can teach our educators the content that I learned and to send a cohort next summer to visit the schools and Brazil."

Tremblay spent time in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, the original home of many of Framingham's Brazilian families. The superintendent said that by witnessing the education system firsthand, he has a better understanding on what students immigrating to Framingham are going through.

"One thing I learned was that the school day in Brazil is only four hours long," Tremblay said. "I wouldn't have guessed that, and you think about students who are coming from Brazil and they come to Framingham and have a six-hour day. I didn't see many extra-curricular activities, whereas the American public education system is defined by them. There is a lot of inconsistencies in the educational experience, and I needed to make sense of that."

Framingham Superintendent of Schools Robert Tremblay chats with students during his trip Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Tremblay spent much of his trip alone, utilizing Brazil's public transportation system to get around.

"I wanted to put myself in what may be some difficult situations, to get an experience of what it feels like to be a stranger in a strange place, without a huge grasp of the language," he said. "In a matter of four weeks, I was able to figure out how to use public transportation, how to order food, how to get a haircut  things you wouldn't normally think about. And I was able to draw out how families are coming to Framingham."

Framingham cohort visits Brazil

Tremblay wasn't the only Framingham educator who visited Brazil this summer. While he was there as part of an independent mission, educators from the Cameron Middle School visited Brazil after receiving a grant to fund their experience.

Mae Waugh Barrios, a language teacher at Cameron, was inspired by a previous teaching excursion to China in 2012. Interested in bringing that experience to Framingham, the logical place to go would be to Brazil, as 60% of Cameron's students are either native or secondary speakers of Brazilian Portuguese.

"I started asking around, and I realized that out of 125 teachers (and staff) at the school, none of the non-Brazilian teachers had ever been to Brazil," Waugh Barrios said. "I began looking for grants that could fund a trip that could take school staff down to Brazil, to better understand the culture where many of our students were coming from."

Waugh Barrios was able to land a grant from the Fund for Teachers, which paid for her and two teaching colleagues  Cameron world language teacher Katherine Dimitriou and special education teacher Kathleen Boldt  to visit Brazil for 10 days. Cameron Principal Michelle Melick was also on the trip and they hired language assessment manager Keziah Franca as their guide. Like Tremblay, the group visited Minas Gerais, examining different schools and getting a perspective on Brazil's education system.

Educators from Cameron Middle School in Framingham visited Colegio Tiradentes PMMG, a military school in Brazil.

"We had so many moments where we learned something and were able to connect it to something we are seeing in Framingham," Waugh Barrios said. "For instance, at Cameron we have a real problem with students getting to class on time. However, in Brazil, students don't change classrooms at the end of each period  the teachers do  so for students who come to Framingham, that is a new concept for them to learn. And it's easy to see them getting hung up going to and from class, especially if they are the chatty types."

Waugh Barrios said by talking to Brazilian school officials, her group was able to share similar experiences when educating students.

"An interesting thing we learned was that by talking to school staff, they had a lot of students who were raised in America but their family has come back to Brazil, and those students write and read better in English than they do in Portuguese," she said. "It was so interesting to hear that from teachers in another country."

Besides Waugh Barrios and Melick, Cameron world language teacher Katherine Dimitriou, special education teacher Kathleen Boldt and language assessment manager Keziah Franca also took part in the trip.

"Keziah was our translator and local guide for our trip. and it wouldnt have been possible without her help," Waugh Barrios said. "She worked tirelessly to translate for us at all times, especially during each of our school visits. She also facilitated our school visits and was so instrumental in creating and executing our entire itinerary."

Future plans for program

State Rep. Priscila Sousa, D-Framingham, who chairs the Framingham School Committee, is a native of Minas Gerais and was visiting family at the same time Framingham educators were in Brazil. Sousa said she was humbled by the Framingham group's dedication to getting a better understanding of students who were once like herself.

"I'm blown away by the commitment," she said. "Bob (Tremblay) left his family and went to a country where he doesn't speak the language fluently and put himself in a different situation. He did that to better understand students like me, who came to Framingham in 1995 as a 7-year old who wished there was an adult who cared about what the assimilation process was like for me."

Sousa added that while children can assimilate quickly  a child can go from speaking no English to being fluent in six months  "that process is taxing and we can't take that for granted. I'm humbled to see the dedication of our school staff in doing this."

Several Framingham educators visited Brazil this summer. From left are Kathleen Boldt, Priscila Sousa, Katherine Dimitriou, Michelle Melick, Keziah Franca, Mae Waugh Barrios and Robert Tremblay.

At one point, the educators met with Sousa for dinner  an impromptu Framingham gathering 4,600 miles from the city.

"There was something special about us all coming together  a superintendent, a principal, teachers, the School Committee chair, all going to Brazil," Tremblay said. "We could replicate that each year, and imagine the strength that kind of experience would have for the school system."

Tremblay said he paid for his own air fare, although he's asking the district to reimburse him for hotel accommodations and the cost of one meal per day. He said he had a family vacation at the end of the trip, which he paid for out of his own pocket.

Tremblay added that he was still responsible for his typical summer workload as superintendent.

"There was only a one-hour time difference, so there was no problem being able to answer emails and to do meetings on Zoom." he said. "As it turned out, the Farley building, where our offices are, was having work done and we were not able to really occupy that building this summer, so everyone was working remotely anyway."

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham educators went to Brazil to teach their students better
(Bloomberg) -- China has softened its stance on the war in Ukraine in the run-up to a summit of Group of 20 nations, according to a senior French official.

Most Read from Bloomberg

While refraining from overtly supporting Russia which invaded Ukraine in 2022, China has in the past maintained a neutral position that effectively benefited Moscow. Western countries, especially France, have urged China to pressure Russia to end the war.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chinese officials involved in negotiations over the G-20 summits final communique have taken a softer approach toward Ukraine compared to last year, the French official said. He spoke anonymously, in line with standard practice.

The French official said that all G-20 countries agreed on common language regarding the war in Ukraine, but a compromise still had to be found with Russia.

India, which is hosting this years G-20 summit, has also refused to condemn Russias invasion of Ukraine.

It is unclear whether Chinas new position will lead to an agreement over a communique amid tensions between Beijing and Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been at loggerheads with China over flash-points including a border dispute in the Himalayas.

Last year, most G-20 leaders condemned the war in Ukraine in a joint communique. But the absence of Chinese president Xi Jinping at the summit in India has cast a shadow over the prospect of landing an agreement on Ukraine.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A logo of Amazon is seen on a company's logistics centre

(Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission may file a lawsuit later this month against Amazon.com after the company did not offer concessions to settle antitrust claims, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The lawsuit will target the company's logistics program, Fulfillment by Amazon, pricing on its website by third-party sellers and will suggest "structural remedies" that could break the company up, the report said on Tuesday.

Amazon and the regulator declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The company's shares, which have gained about 63% so far this year, edged 0.4% lower in extended trading.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The probe began during former President Donald Trump 's administration when the government decided to investigate Amazon, Google, Meta Platforms and Apple for allegedly breaking antitrust law.

Amazon has been criticized for allegedly favoring its own products and disfavoring outside sellers on its platform, among other allegations. The company has denied the allegations.

FTC chairperson Lina Khan authored a Yale Law Journal article in 2017, in which she said Amazon's structure and practices posed anticompetitive concerns and has escaped antitrust scrutiny.

In June, the regulator sued Amazon accusing the company of enrolling millions of consumers into its $139-per-year paid subscription service without their consent and making it hard for them to cancel the plan.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru and Diane Bartz in Washington; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
A fugitive wanted in Georgia was caught hiding in a pond in Rhode Island following a traffic stop, state police say.

State troopers pulled over Michael Odom, 36, of Atlanta in Providence the night of Sept. 5, according to a news release.

Odom took off during the traffic stop and ran to Mashapaug Pond, TV station WJAR reported.

The pond is a 114-acre body of water considered to be Providences largest freshwater lake.

Following a foot pursuit, it wasnt long until state troopers discovered Odoms hiding spot, state police Lt. Col. Robert A. Creamer confirmed to McClatchy News in a statement.

Odom was located in the pond with the help of a state police drone equipped with an infrared camera and police K-9 units, Creamer said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cranston police arrived at the pond before Odom emerged and allowed officers to take him into custody, WLNE reported.

Odom was wanted by the South Fulton County Police Department in Georgia after it put out an extradition warrant for his arrest for a probation violation and aggravated assault on a family member using a gun, according to the Rhode Island State Police release.

He was charged with obstruction, simple assault, resisting arrest, failure to register as a sex offender and as a fugitive of justice, police say.

Following his arrest, he was evaluated at Rhode Island Hospital and was due to appear for an arraignment the morning of Sept. 6, according to the release.

Trail camera spots escaped inmate sneaking through botanical garden, PA cops say

Burglary suspect finds hiding spot  but goats were on to him, Oklahoma police say

Wanted man in Georgia applies for police job and gets arrested, Arkansas cops say
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, left, welcomes US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AP)

KYIV, Ukraine  U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ukraines capital Wednesday where he was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new American funding in a display of Washingtons unflagging support for Kyivs fight.

Blinken also aimed to assess Ukraines 3-month-old counteroffensive and signal continued U.S. backing as some Western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress in driving out Russian forces after 18 months of war, according to U.S. officials.

Advertisement

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said during the visit. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

Blinken was set to pledge more than $1 billion in new U.S. funding, a senior State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the announcement before it was made.

Advertisement

The money would be for a range of investments, the official said, without elaborating.

Other issues, including support for Ukraines war-torn economy were to be discussed, building on Blinkens June announcement in London of $1.3 billion in aid to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernizing its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that U.S. assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city. He was expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials to discuss the ongoing counteroffensive and reconstruction efforts.

On the train journey to Kyiv, Blinken met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, also on an official visit, to discuss the war. Blinken thanked her for Denmarks leadership in a coalition training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent bombardment of port facilities in the Odesa region, from which most grain is transported abroad.

Those alternatives may include new overland routes, or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy.

After arriving in Kyiv, Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate members of the Ukrainian armed forces who lost their lives defending the country.

Advertisement

Blinken told Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the U.S. has seen good progress in the counteroffensive. Its very heartening.

Meeting with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Blinken said he was in Ukraine to reaffirm our commitment to stand with you ... to help ensure that you succeed militarily in dealing with the aggression, but also to stand with you to make sure that your efforts to build a strong economy and a strong democracy succeed.

Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since Aug. 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration.

Debris from a downed missile struck a business in Kyiv, causing a fire and damage. No casualties were reported.

In the Odesa region, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

Advertisement

The trip was Blinkens fourth visit to Ukraine since the war began, including one very brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion. But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in the capital since he visited Kyiv in January 2022, before the invasion.

U.S. officials said Blinkens decision to stay overnight was a signal of American support.

Shared priorities will be discussed with the state of Ukraines counteroffensive high on the agenda, a senior U.S. State Department official briefed reporters ahead of the trip, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with protocols.

Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may fail to reach their objectives.

While the U.S. has been concerned by some day-to-day battlefield setbacks, U.S. officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defense capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.

Blinken aims to get a view on how the counteroffensive is progressing and what kind of support is needed, including materials to break through dense Russian defenses with winter approaching. Air defense will also continue to be a priority, the official said.

Advertisement

Western analysts and military officials caution that the counteroffensives success is far from certain. Ridding Ukraine of entrenched, powerfully armed and skilled Russian troops could take years, they say.

Both sides will have to assess their supply shortages, with more battles of attrition likely over the winter. A long war could stretch deep into next year and beyond, according to experts.

Ukrainian forces are advancing without air cover, making their progress harder and slower, while Russia has launched its own push in the northeast to pin down Ukrainian forces and prevent them being redeployed in the south.

Ukraine has adapted its tactics in recent weeks, moving from attempts to bludgeon its way through Russian lines with Western-supplied armor to better-planned tactical strikes that make incremental gains, according to the Royal United Services Institute, a think tank.
Rustem Umierov, newly appointed Ukraine's Defence Minister, has stated that Ukraine needs to improve the defence potential of its domestic producers.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine news outlet, citing Umierov's speech at the Ukrainian Parliament

Quote: "Increasing the capabilities of Ukrainian producers in the defence sector is a crucial strategic goal. Everything that can be produced in Ukraine should be produced in Ukraine."

Details: Umierov noted that the Ukrainian Defence Ministry will provide Ukrainian producers with as many contracts as possible.

Furthermore, he stressed that the priority tasks include preparing the necessary infrastructure for the full operation of F-16 fighter jets.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His team also plans to audit all areas under the Ukrainian MoD.

Quote: "The Ministry of Defence is a key body for defence strategy and policy making. As one of our first steps in office, our team will audit all areas that are presently under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence."

Background:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A Georgia judge said Wednesday that he plans to forge ahead with an Oct. 23 trial for two of Donald Trump s 18 co-defendants in a sprawling racketeering case stemming from the 2020 election, but hes concerned about prosecutors call to bring all the defendants to trial together on such an expedited schedule.

It just seems a bit unrealistic to think that we can handle all 19 in forty-something days, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said at a hearing in Atlanta on efforts by the two Trump allies  attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro  to split their cases from the larger group.

The proceeding, which was livestreamed on YouTube, was the first significant hearing in the extraordinary case. And the scope of the case came into sharper focus as prosecutors revealed just how long they expect it to last. They said the trial of Trump and the other defendants  on charges that they conspired to subvert the 2020 election  will take about four months and feature testimony from more than 150 witnesses.

That is our time estimate, prosecutor Nathan Wade told McAfee, adding that the prediction didnt include a likely lengthy process for selecting a jury.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Willis requested last month that the trial begin on March 4. But, last week, a judge in Washington, D.C. scheduled another Trump criminal trial  his federal election conspiracy case  on that date.

McAfee expressed concern Wednesday that any trial he conducts in the Georgia case could wind up being moot if one or more defendants succeed in a separate legal maneuver: their pending bids to shift the case to federal court.

A federal judge in Atlanta held a hearing last week on one of those requests, from former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, who is one of the 19 charged in the state case. No ruling has been issued, but McAfee said potential appeals likely mean months of uncertainty over whether the state court proceedings are valid.



It could potentially even be a six-month turnaround just for the 11th Circuit to come up with a decision, said McAfee, referring to the Atlanta-based federal appeals court that would handle such appeals.

Where does that leave us in the middle of a jury trial? the judge asked, although he also seemed to concur that Powell and Chesebro have a right under Georgia law to have their trials start next month as they have demanded.

McAfee denied requests from Powell and Chesebro to be tried separately from one another. The judge said both will face jurors together on Oct. 23.

Were planning to make that Oct. 23 trial date stick, the judge said.

He has not yet ruled, however, on when the other 17 defendants in the case will go to trial, and whether any or all of those defendants should stand trial separately from Powell and Chesebro. Lawyers for Trump have said an October trial date for Trump would not give them nearly enough time to prepare. Prosecutors said they expected to put on the same lengthy case against any defendants tried separately, raising the prospect of multiple monthslong trials.

The judge did reject claims by attorneys for both Powell and Chesebro that trying the pair side-by-side would be unfair, since they both face disparate charges that have little to no factual overlap.

Chesebro is charged for his role in crafting Trumps strategy to send false slates of presidential electors to Congress, an effort to stoke a controversy on Jan. 6, 2021, that could have disrupted the transfer of power to Joe Biden. Powell is charged for her alleged involvement in a breach of election equipment in Georgias Coffee County. The two dont know each other, their lawyers added.

A defense attorney for Chesebro portrayed prosecutors effort to link the varied allegations under a broad conspiracy count as dangerously thin.

Before we know it, millions of people, literally millions of people, couldve been charged in this conspiracy, lawyer Scott Grubman said. Half of the United States took some act towards electing Donald Trump.  If that were the only thing that mattered in terms of connecting these as a common conspiracy, there would be no rules of due process.

Chesebros attorneys also said prosecutors clearly want Trump sitting at the table with the other defendants.

The state wants a case against Donald Trump and all these people together. The state wants to make this case about Donald Trump, Grubman said.

Another lawyer for Chesebro described the allegations against him as little more than paperwork violations and said hed suffer by being tried alongside Powell.

Her charges are way more provocative versus sort of the boring old charges that we have, defense lawyer Manny Arora said.

An attorney for Powell, Brian Rafferty, also argued the two defendants should be tried separately but insisted it was his client whod look bad by being associated with the allegations against Chesebro.

Ms. Powell had nothing to do with most of it, Rafferty said. She has nothing to do with the Electoral College aspects of this.  All of my effort is going to get washed away in days or weeks of testimony perhaps about the Constitution and whether or not and under what circumstances can alternative electors can be put in place.

Prosecutors said the distinction in the charges Powell and Chesebro face is immaterial since theyre both charged with conspiring toward the same unlawful goal: keeping Trump in power despite his defeat in the 2020 election. That racketeering conspiracy charge permits jurors to consider separate streams of evidence against all alleged co-conspirators, even if they didnt know what others were doing, prosecutors argued.

Anytime a person enters into a conspiracy they are liable for all of the acts against all of their co-conspirators, prosecutor Will Wooten said. Evidence against one is evidence against all.

Wooten said it wasnt surprising that all the alleged co-conspirators werent involved in each of the schemes to keep Trump in power.

The conspiracy evolved, the prosecutor said. One thing didnt work, so we move on to the next thing.
Rosa Maria Noguera discovered The Florida Institute for Community Studies when she and her family moved to Town N Country nearly two years ago.

The nonprofit center, which offers after-school programs and other services for low-income, largely migrant residents, has become a lifeline for Noguera. It enables her to work while knowing her child is safe, engaged, and well-cared for, she said.

But now she wonders where her 8-year-old son, Santiago, will go after school to get extra help with math, reading and English.

Thats because Hillsborough County has decided not to renew the institutes agreement to use an office and classroom in Morgan Woods Park. The county said the decision came after an evaluation determined the space could better be used for other activities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The institute, which has used the facility since 2016, must be out by Thursday. It has not found a new location it can use in the area.

We are sad and nervous because this is the only group in the area that has been working with us to help our kids after school, said Noguera, 44. She and her family escaped a dangerous situation in Venezuela and traveled to the U.S. for a new future, and the nonprofit has given her family support, she said.

Our kids are happy here. We dont understand why all of this has to happen.

Founded in 2001, the nonprofit has been dedicated to serving low-income families, most of them newcomers with limited income and English who have settled in Town N Country. The area has a population of more than 85,000, of which more than half identify as Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The nonprofit not only provides after-school programs, but also offers food, translations, trainings, access to computers and tutoring. The institute serves over 100 students annually, primarily aged 7 to 12, with a staff of four, along with five volunteers. Its after-school programs cost $45 per week, but families pay on a sliding scale according to income. Alayne Unterberger, the institutes executive director, said most families pay $30, and some do not pay at all.

Unterberger said that before her organization moved in, Morgan Woods Park had been closed for eight years.

The county said it notified the nonprofit a year ago that it wouldnt renew the agreement.

The lease non-renewal was part of a routine assessment to ensure the County is maximizing use of its parks facilities, including that nonprofit groups leasing those facilities meet and demonstrate the departments core mission of providing programming and services primarily aimed at local youth, the county said in a statement to the Times, adding that the institute told the county it didnt have money to pay for any lease arrangement.

The statement said county staff are working with the Hillsborough school board to explore solutions to limit interruptions with programs, such as Partners in Well-Being, an institute initiative through a federal grant to train students, school staff, parents and volunteers in mental health first aid.

The nonprofit pays $1,845 annually for rent. Unterberger said she told the county that her organizations new grant does not include funding for any additional rental costs for the building beyond what it already pays for the space.

In 2021, the institute brought high-speed internet to the park through $7,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds under the CARES Act, and has made other improvements, Unterberger said.

Unterberger said she never saw any evaluation by the county.

In seven years, we have always stayed true to our mission and stayed open to the public of Town N Country and other sites, Unterberger said.

The nonprofit was initially located in a remodeled dollar store in a strip plaza in Town N Country. It moved to Morgan Woods in 2016. The group also operates in Wimauma.

On Tuesday, parents organized a protest at Morgan Woods Park to express their discomfort with the countys decision.

Yanis Perez has her son Alonso, 10, enrolled in the after-school program with Unterberger.

For those just starting out in this country with a long journey ahead, its a great help that a local organization is stepping in to assist, said Perez, 38, who came to the U.S. two years ago from Cuba and works as a nurse.

The most logical thing is to continue supporting these types of local groups, not stop their work.

Lurvin Lizardo, a Honduran community activist in Tampa, called the situation unfortunate.

Instead of shutting down a place that has been used by an institute so dedicated to our community, I believe the county should bolster its support, Lizardo said. Lets open doors instead of closing them.
Representatives of the worlds largest economiesamong them U.S. President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Arabias Mohammed Bin Salman, and Japans Fumio Kishidawill be descending on New Delhi for this weekends G20 Leaders Summit.

The intergovernmental forum founded in 1999 to bring together financial ministers from 19 nations plus the European Union to address issues related to the global economy has annually brought together heads of state since 2008, establishing the G20 Leaders Summit as one of the most high-profile geopolitical assemblies. With India presiding over the group this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is counting on the Sept. 9-10 gathering to bolster his countrys position as a global leader as well as burnish his own diplomatic credentials as he prepares to seek a third term in domestic elections due next year.

New Delhi views the G20 presidency as an opportunity to show that it has the capacity to serve as a bridge to the Global South; that it can show Indias ability to manage relations with rival powers, Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, tells TIME. But the task was never going to be easy, amid rising tensions around the world from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific. A key test will be whether Modi can ensure the summit ends with enough consensus to produce a joint communique or Leaders Declaration.

Even without a joint declaration, however, there are other ways that Modi has already managed to use the G20 presidency to his advantage. In May, New Delhi opted to host a G20 tourism meeting in KashmirIndias sole Muslim-majority region that Modis government controversially stripped of its special autonomous status in 2019in an apparent bid to normalize its hold over the disputed region, which is also claimed by Pakistan. More recently, on dinner invitations that were sent out to G20 delegates, the Indian government listed the countrys president as the President of Bharat, the official Sanskrit name of the country that has gained traction among members of Modis Hindu nationalist ruling party.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read More: Bharat or India? The Controversy Over Some Hindu Nationalists Push to Rename India

Its very clear that Modi has politicized [Indias] G20 presidency in order to not only try to achieve domestic political goals, but also to show that Modi can do this well and that he has the strength to pull this off, says Kugelman. And of course, thats nothing to sneeze at, given that Indias election is coming up in less than a year.

Heres what to know about the biggest issues that will loom over New Delhi this weekend.

Xis unexpected absence and China-India tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping looks on during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Aug. 24, 2023. Marco LongariAFP/Getty Images

While many world leaders will be present, this years G20 summit may be defined most by a notable absence: Chinese President Xi Jinping will skip the gathering for the first time since he took power in 2012. Beijing revealed on Monday that the Chinese delegation would instead be led by the countrys premier, Li Qiang.

There are likely a number of factors behind Xis decision not to attend the gathering. His absence on the G20 stage, however, comes at the height of domestic turmoil. Youth unemployment has surged to a record high while the elderly population requiring social services continues to grow, the real estate sector is in crisis as the wider economy faces a dramatic slowdown, and leaders in the government and military have been replaced amid scandals or for mysterious reasons. Nikkei Asia reported on Tuesday that Chinese Communist Party elders chided Xi over the countrys declining state of affairs during a party retreat earlier this summer. Other observers tell Bloomberg that Xi, since he began his historic third term last year, has been making moves to step back from day-to-day governing and statesmanship and to assume more of an emperor-like role focused on his big-picture vision for the country.

It could also simply be a matter of diplomatic strategy or messaging. Some analysts have interpreted Xis decision not to attend the summit as further evidence of the Chinese leaders preference for forums where Beijing has a more dominant role (such as the emerging economies grouping BRICS or the Shanghai Cooperation Organization); others have pointed to the deteriorating relations between China and the summits host, India. While the two most populous countries in the world have previously nurtured economic and cultural ties, the India-China relationship has become increasingly strained by the formers growing engagements with the U.S.much to Beijings chagrinas well as due to an unresolved territorial conflict in the western Himalayas. The neighbors long-standing border dispute came to a head last week following the Chinese governments release of a new map depicting Indias northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state and the disputed Aksai Chin region within Chinas jurisdiction. New Delhis strong protest against the map was met with apparent indifference by Beijing, which urged its neighbor to stay calm.

Because China and India have their own tensions along their disputed land border, and Xi is not attending perhaps as a result, Beijing likely wants to embarrass New Delhi while it has the spotlight on the world stage, says Derek Grossman, a senior Indo-Pacific defense analyst at the California-based think tank RAND Corporation, who notes that perceptions of the summits success will be hampered by Xis absence.

The G20 is really one of the most prestigious economic forums out there, and one would expect that the Chinese president would want to be front and center at that summit, says Kugelman. We really should not dismiss the possibility that this is somehow linked to India.

Xis absence at the G20 summit will also be a missed opportunity for the Chinese leader and President Biden to speak face-to-face. The two met on the sidelines of last years summit in Bali, and another such confab could help to thaw the icy relations between the two rival superpowers and prevent further escalation between the U.S. and Chinaalready divided over trade disputes, Taiwan, and the spy balloon incident earlier this year, among other issues. Biden said earlier this week that he was disappointed by Xis decision, but the U.S. President vowed he would get to see his Chinese counterpart eventually.

Putins expected absence amid the war in Ukraine

Russias Vladimir Putin attends a meeting on patriotic education and veteran issues in Moscow, Sept. 5, 2023. Mikhail KlimentyevSputnik/Kremlin Pool via AP

Also absent will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, who confirmed that he will once again forego the gathering, having skipped the summit in Bali last year. While the Kremlin cited Putins busy schedule as the reason for this years absence, the Russian president has opted out of virtually every multilateral gathering since he launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, save for last months BRICS summit with the leaders of Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, which he attended via video link.

Putins absence is widely understood as an effort to avoid international scrutiny (or worse, arrest) over the war in Ukraine, which continues to loom over the G20. Since India assumed the G20s rotating presidency in December, not a single joint communique has resulted from any of the groups ministerial meetings, owing primarily to diverging positions over the war in Ukraine. The prospects of reaching such consensus at the leaders summit are not looking good for Modi. If India is unable to produce an agreement at the summit, it will be the first to end without a Leaders Declaration.

The likelihood of such an outcome was heightened last week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who is slated to stand in for Putin in New Delhi, confirmed that Russia will block any final declaration that doesnt reflect its position on Ukrainea nonstarter for many leaders in attendance. Still, India could choose to follow in the way of its predecessor Indonesia, which during last years G20 summit managed to successfully produce a joint declaration by using language such as most members that conveyed disagreements over the war in Ukraine.

India itself has so far refused to condemn the Russian invasion, which analysts believe hinges upon diplomatic ties that date back to the Cold War. India relies on Russian weapons, and Russian oil remains Indias major crude import. But as Russia turns to improve its relations with China, Indias government has made efforts to distance itself slightly by sourcing its defense technologies outside Russia. Nevertheless, experts say India completely shaking its dependence on Russia may take decades.

The Indian government realizes that Indias future doesnt lie with Russia. Indias future lies with the West and the U.S.technology, weapon systems, economy, says Sinderpal Singh, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore who has studied Indias foreign policy. But India cannot abandon ship for a range of reasons at this point in time.

A focus on the Global South

As China and Russia may dominate much of the G20s focus in absentia, India is also looking to use its presidency this year to put a spotlight on the so-called Global South.

A poster shows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 summit, in New Delhi on Sept. 4, 2023. Manish SwarupAP

G20 member-states represent more than 80% of the worlds total economic output, 60% of the Earths population, and 75% of global trade, but the group has long been previously criticized for failing to address problems that disproportionately plague developing countries, like debt, food security, and climate change. Our effort will be that there should not be any First World or Third World in the world, but only one world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the unveiling last November of the 2023 G20 Summit logo and theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or One Earth, One Family, One Future.

India pledged to use its presidency of the G20 to prioritize addressing the climate crisisparticularly climate finance, the development of green technologies, and a just energy transition. Also on its agenda are gender empowerment, inclusive economic growth, and the digital public infrastructure development.

Read More: How India Became the Most Important Country in the Climate Fight

In January, India hosted a virtual Voice of Global South Summit that invited 125 countries, mostly developing states, to discuss their pressing problems with the goal to, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, channelize these inputs into the deliberation and discourse of the G20. And just after the G7 Summit in May, Modi flew to Papua New Guinea to expand Indias outreach to Pacific Island states, which have been caught in the geopolitical crossfire of the likes of the U.S., China, and Russia. We are victims of global powerplay, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape told Modi upon his visit. You are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your leadership at global forums.

India invited nine countriesBangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the United Arab Emiratesto join the G20 as guests this year, and Modi recently even proposed that the African Union be made permanent members of the group.

The core mandate of the G20 is to promote economic growth and development, Indias Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in late August. And that cannot advance if the crucial concerns of the Global South are not addressed.

Write to Yasmeen Serhan at yasmeen.serhan@time.com.
Former White House official Gabe Amo leveraged his ties to former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden to win the Democratic House primary in Rhode Island's 1st District.

Former White House official Gabe Amo leveraged his ties to former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden to win the Democratic House primary in Rhode Island's 1st District.

Riding a wave of momentum in the final weeks of the campaign, Gabe Amo, a former White House official, won the special Democratic primary election for an open U.S. House seat in Rhode Island on Tuesday.

His victory makes history, putting him on track to become the first Black person ever to represent Rhode Island in Congress. In fact, the Ocean State, historically a redoubt of white ethnic powerbrokers, has never sent a non-white person to Congress of any kind.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The outcome is nonetheless a disappointment for the activist left, which had hoped that one of their longtime allies, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg , would prevail.

Amo, who defeated 10 Democratic rivals, will face Republican nominee Gerry Leonard in a special general election in November.

But since Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the eastern half of the state, is solidly Democratic, Amo is widely expected to represent the district in Congress.

Amo, 35, born to Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants who raised him in Pawtucket, touted his experience handling intergovernmental coordination for both President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama.

Youve got to be adaptable. The skill set needs to meet the moment, Amo told HuffPost in August, speaking about his White House experience. That sort of versatility is something that we should have from a member of Congress.

The off-cycle election was prompted by former Rep. David Cicilline s resignation in June to run a statewide nonprofit. Cicilline, who had held the seat since 2011, was a leading proponent of antitrust reform on Capitol Hill.

Given the relative rarity of an open congressional post in Rhode Island, where Democratic elected officials abound, Cicillines departure sparked a flood of interest from Ocean State politicians hoping to succeed him.

Amos most significant competition came from three top contenders: Regunberg, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos , and state Sen. Sandra Cano.

Amo would almost certainly be a mainstream Democrat in line with party leadership. He ran on protecting Social Security and Medicare, fighting for abortion rights and trying to pass stricter gun control.

Most of all, though, he ran on his personal attributes and his experience. And his victory speaks to the enduring power of Obama and Biden, neither of whom endorsed in the race, to shape Democratic primaries.

An Amo TV spot begins with footage of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and former President Donald Trump to establish that the stakes have never been higher. It concludes with photos of Amo with Biden and Obama. Gabe Amo, trusted by President Obama and President Biden  the one with the experience we need now, the narrator says.

Amos win is something of an upset, as Regunberg led the field in internal polls in recent weeks. Regunberg benefited from the approval of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), whose presidential bids Regunberg had supported. He also had the support of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; the Working Families Party, which spent $250,000 in advertising on Regunbergs behalf; and his own father-in-law, a financial executive who funded an independent direct-mail campaign that elicited criticism from other candidates.

They won't go wrong with Gabe.Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.)

Sanders blessing was perhaps the most important, as he won the Democratic presidential primary in Rhode Island in 2016. He held a rally for Regunberg on Aug. 27.

Regunberg would not have been a member of the left-wing Squad. He cited Cicilline as a model of effective progressive governance, and touted his own work on the passage of state laws ensuring workers paid sick leave, raising the states tipped minimum wage, creating a commission to study the use of solitary confinement, enacting online voter registration and encouraging homeowners adoption of solar panels.

Its really important that our next rep continues to push for those same issues and continues the kind of effective advocacy that I think weve all really appreciated from David, Regunberg told HuffPost in August.

But Amo, riding a surge in fundraising that helped him reach voters on television, insisted that Regunberg was an impractical ideologue. He cited Regunbergs comments in May that he would have voted against the bill raising the debt ceiling on the grounds that it rewarded Republican hostage taking. (In the final debate, Regunberg said he would have voted for the bill if his vote had been needed for its passage.)

And Amo got a last-minute assist from former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, who represented the House seat for 16 years before Cicilline. Following a spirited endorsement of Amo, Kennedy aggressively attacked Regunberg in a local television interview, calling him an extreme ideologue whose support for a smaller defense budget would jeopardize Rhode Island jobs  and even Democrats hold on the House seat. (Biden carried the seat by 29 percentage points in 2020.)

The notion that [Regunberg] would come out against the largest economic driver in the 1st District, the defense economy, left me flabbergasted, Kennedy said. The notion that you can be a good Democrat and a liberal, and not also support a strong national defense and good jobs here at home, makes no sense.

The districts voters wont go wrong with Gabe, Kennedy said.

The results of the primary are also a disappointment for Latinos hoping to see either Matos or Cano make history as the states first Latino or Latina representative in Congress. Matos, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, would have been Congress first-ever Afro-Latina member. And Cano, a refugee from Colombia, would have been the first-ever Colombian American woman in Congress.

Matos suffered an especially sharp fall in the House race given her level of name recognition and outside backing. Three super PACs, including groups affiliated with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the pro-choice group EMILYs List, spent a combined $800,000 in support of Matos bid. But she never fully recovered from a July scandal that emerged over the apparent forgery of petition signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.

Cano, who identifies as a progressive, was closest to Regunberg in ideology. Among other positions, she supports the adoption of Medicare for All and a wealth tax.

She had the support of Rhode Islands teachers unions and many of her colleagues in the legislature, but lacked the funds to match her competitors advertising strength.

Nonetheless, the timing of the special primary election may be a silver lining for both Cano and Matos. They will have the chance to resume their jobs as state senator and lieutenant governor, respectively.

Related...
For the second year running, Rhode Island voters Tuesday delivered a shock in a nationally watched congressional race.

Gabe Amo's Democratic primary win over a turbulent, 11-candidate 1st District special election field, less than a year after Seth Magaziner's 2nd District win over Republican Allan Fung, was another big victory for a mainstream, establishment Democrat.

In both races, the margin of victory was surprising even if you weren't caught off guard by who won. Amo on Tuesday carried all but three 1st District communities  Providence, Woonsocket and Central Falls  and won by 3,000 votes when many thought it would be a nail-biter.

Amo's internal polling suggested he was firmly in second place as recently as three weeks ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On the campaign trail, Amo emphasized his humble roots  his father owns a liquor store and his mother is a nurse  as well as his high-level experience working in the Obama and Biden administrations, and for former Gov. Gina Raimondo .

If he goes on to win the general election as expected, Amo will be the first person of color elected to represent Rhode Island in Congress.

After months of speculation about what might happen when a rare open Rhode Island House seat became available, here are a few takeaways on why it happened and what it means.

Gabe Amo hugs his mother, Weady Socree, upon entering his after-election party Tuesday night. If he wins the general election in November, Amo will be the first person of color elected to represent Rhode Island in Congress.

The left was divided, not the center

Conventional wisdom suggested a crowded field with several establishment candidates would divide the moderate vote and open a pathway for the progressive Aaron Regunberg.But controversy consumed two rival moderate campaigns  Sabina Matos and Donald Carlson  and the results show their voters flocked to Amo more than anyone could see or realize without independent polling.At the same time, endorsements by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez failed to unite the left, where a vocal anti-Regunberg constituency blunted his message and some progressive support was siphoned off to Sandra Cano and Ana Quezada.

Regunberg may also have misjudged the impact those last-lap endorsements from Bernie and AOC had on comparatively moderate Rhode Island Democrats fearful of what extreme measures to squash "Big Oil" and other corporate boogeymen would do to the prices they pay for electricity and other essentials.Meanwhile, organized labor in Rhode Island remains firmly divided and often hostile to progressive candidates.

The Joe Biden brand may poll poorly, but in blue states it sells

That's how a former aide to Biden wins running "The West Wing" ads with gauzy images of the candidate, president and the Oval Office. Adding in Barack Obama, whom Amo also worked for and from whom he has adopted some stylistic traits, plus a Kennedy endorsement, and you end up with a potent combination.Biden's first term has been a difficult environment for both progressive and GOP challengers compared to the Obama and Trump years, moving left on policy but conventional in tone, creating a comfortable, safe space for "normie" Democrats.

"The breadth of Amos victory was rather remarkable," says Providence College Political Science Prof. Adam Myers. "He dominated in upscale, majority-white communities like Barrington, while also winning in more downscale, racially diverse communities like Pawtucket and East Providence."

The power of television and staying out of controversy

Amo raised enough money to lift his initially low name recognition and stay on the air throughout August without having to lean too heavily on outside groups.

Providence College Political Science Prof. Adam Myers said Amo's ads were well placed to attract voters seeking an alternative to Matos when her campaign was investigated for fake nominating signatures."His TV spots emphasized his ties to Democratic standard-bearers like Obama and Biden, and he largely espoused mainstream Democratic positions in the debates," Myers wrote in an email. "He also ran an excellent ground game in concert with very effective TV advertising."The identification of Matos and Regunberg as early frontrunners gave Amo the opportunity to stay under the radar and out of negative exchanges until the end.

"The breadth of Amos victory was rather remarkable," Myers added. "He dominated in upscale, majority-white communities like Barrington, while also winning in more downscale, racially diverse communities like Pawtucket and East Providence."Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller's takeaway: "Amo had a district-wide strategy and did not focus exclusively on one geographic area or democratic constituency. [He] avoided scandals and active negative engagement with the other frontrunner candidates ... He used his TV ad buys wisely, emphasizing his local roots and his solid Democratic credentials. Amo [also] came off as sincere and likeable, and managed to stay above the frontrunner fray. He carved out a victory lane without using political knives."

Who else came out of primary day a winner?

Cano, whose third-place finish on a shoestring budget raised her political profile outside of Pawtucket.

Mindy Myers, the Amo campaign's lead strategist and head of his TV operation, plus the rest of the campaign team led by manager Lauren Garrett.

The Congressional Black Caucus, Democrats Serve and Collective PAC, three national groups that backed Amo. The Collective PAC is run by former Rhode Island Democratic Party executive director Tolulope Kevin Olasanoye.

And who came out of primary day in a worse position?

Matos, who went from an apparent frontrunner with statewide name recognition, fresh off a 2022 win, to fourth place after enduring weeks of reputational hits over the signature probe and a botched rollout of endorsements by people who, in some cases, denied having endorsed her. Not only that, her relationship with Gov. Dan McKee, who did not endorse her after hand-picking her to be lieutenant governor, appears severely strained.

Emily's List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which put major money behind Matos.

Bernie Sanders, whose own popularity did not, for the second Rhode Island election cycle in a row, translate into success for candidates he endorses.

The press. Agree with him or not, Regunberg would have spiced up a Rhode Island congressional delegation that rarely gets into policy disagreements and whose members at times seem like they could finish each other's news releases. Even if he would have been on his best behavior in his first year, Regunberg would have brought a different perspective and potentially more drama.

Divided support for the Latina candidates

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and state Senators Sandra Cano and Ana Quezada each had to compete for support and money from D.C. groups that support progressive women, and Latino candidates especially. Matos' backers steered more than $800,000 into ads and mailers. Between them, the three women split more than 9,600 votes.

What went wrong for Regunberg?

Lots of things. He was attacked in the final debate for being a privileged white man. That, he could not change. But the decision not to upend the dinner table and demand his family not fund a Super PAC supporting him turned out to be a self-inflicted wound.

Aaron Regunberg, a frontrunner for most of the race, visits the polling place at the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center in Bristol on Tuesday.

Beyond that, his messaging leaned heavily on the somewhat abstract concept of fighting "corporate interests," rather than something more tangible or positive. Whatever its merits as policy, it didn't seem to resonate with voters and sometimes sounded focus-grouped.

What might have been for Helena Foulkes

The Amo narrative can read like an alternative history of Foulkes' near-miss run for governor last year: A centrist Democrat with Gina Raimondo ties, but low name recognition, runs a well-funded, television-heavy campaign that only starts mixing it up with rivals late in the summer.The Foulkes campaign was criticized for waiting too long to draw contrasts with opponents or generate attention, but in some ways the Amo strategy provides proof of concept. A big difference between the two campaigns: Amo released that internal poll two weeks before the primary, showing him gaining ground and making it look like a two-person race with Regunberg. Foulkes did not release any internal polling.

What next?

Schiller: "I am most interested in two things: One is how does Gabe Amo solidify his position to avoid a contested primary next year?"

"Two," Schiller continued, "Is whether he succeeds in capturing the attention and support of the House Democratic Party leadership in terms of committee assignments and national fundraising assistance."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI congressional special election primary: Top takeaways from Amo's win
The Georgia ban on hormone therapy for minors can resume, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, after a federal appeals court upheld a similar Alabama law last month.

The states ban was halted by a court injunction last month, a day before the 11th Circuit of Appeals ruled that Alabamas similar ban could go forward.

The Georgia ban allows young people currently on hormone therapy to continue but prevents new patients from receiving the care. It also bans gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

A group of parents with transgender children sued the state in June, claiming the ban violates their parental rights.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Judge Sarah Geraghty ruled last month that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm if the law was not halted.

Without an injunction, the middle-school age plaintiffs will be unable to obtain in Georgia a course of treatment that has been recommended by their health care providers in light of their individual diagnoses and mental health needs, Geraghtys August ruling said.

On Tuesday, she chose to pause that injunction due to the appeals courts ruling on the Alabama law, pending a final decision in that case. The state asked that she completely vacate the injunction, which she declined to do.

Hormone therapy is a form of gender-affirming care that is endorsed by multiple major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society.

The law initially went into effect July 1.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Activists have spent two years protesting the construction of a police training center southeast of Atlanta. The city plans to build the facility, which protesters have dubbed "Cop City," on state-owned forested land, and activists have resorted to various tacticsincluding, in some cases, violencein opposition.

This week, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced charges for 61 protesters under the state's Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The indictment claims the defendants are all part of a criminal enterprise called Defend the Atlanta Forest. Included among the indicted defendants are a Southern Poverty Law Center attorney who was arrested while acting as a legal observer and three people who run a bail fund.

The indictments come less than a month after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants under the same law; in fact, as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, the same grand jury that issued the indictments against Trump was also involved in the indictments against Cop City protesters. While Willis' use of the statute against Trump was overly broad and likely criminalized constitutionally protected speech, the state's charges against protesters could be even worse.

According to the indictment, Defend the Atlanta Forest is "a self-identified coalition and enterprise of militant anarchists, eco-activists, and community organizers" and an "anarchist, anti-police, and environmental activism organization." The filing even defines anarchy, which it calls "a philosophy that is opposed to forms of authority or hierarchy" that "primarily targets government because it views government as unnecessarily oppressive." It then goes on to define terms like collectivism, mutual aid, and social solidarity as "major ideas that anarchists promote."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Instead of relying on a modicum of government structure, anarchy relies on human association instead of government to fulfill all human needs," it continues. "Anarchists often point to law enforcement as one of the chief violent actors, and they accuse the government of using law enforcement to oppress societal change, and they view the structure of government as inherently oppressive and violent."

In this case, activists cite one incident in particular: the January shooting death of Manuel "Tortuguita" Paez Teran, a protester, by law enforcement. At the time, state officials claimed the protester had shot a state trooper and was killed when other officers returned fire. But the official autopsy found no gunpowder residue on Paez Teran's hands.

To say that the indictment paints with a broad brush is an understatement. Prosecutors speak about "militant anarchists" and their tactics but also spend a considerable amount of time describing conduct that is clearly protected speech. "Defend the Atlanta Forest anarchists target and recruit individuals with a certain personal profile," the filing alleges. "Once these individuals have been recruited, members of Defend the Atlanta Forest also promote anarchist ideas through written documents and word of mouth;" such documents "decry capitalism in any form, condemn government, and cast all law enforcement as violent murderers." (All protected speech.)

Some protesters may have committed offenses deserving of prosecution. The indictment alleges a number of violent acts, such as destroying construction equipment and one allegation of "punch[ing] a police officer." Five protesters are charged for burning a police car and destroying private property. But much of the rest of the indictment relies on guilt by association to tie dozens of protesters to a criminal conspiracy, stretching the state's RICO statute past its logical breaking point.

"We are extremely concerned by this breathtakingly broad and unprecedented use of state terrorism, anti-racketeering, and money laundering laws against protesters," said Aamra Ahmad, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, in a statement. "Georgia law enforcement officials are disproportionately wielding these overbroad laws to stigmatize and target those who disagree with the government."

The post Georgia Charges 'Cop City' Protesters Under RICO Law Used To Indict Trump appeared first on Reason.com.
Swaysee Rankin, 15, who was shot and killed Monday, was among dozens shot in Chicago over Labor Day weekend, according to a police report obtained by the Tribune.

Swaysee had survived a previous shooting and helped save the life of a 10-year-old girl injured in another shooting, according to previous Tribune reports.

Advertisement

Swaysee Rankin, 13, was wounded in a drive-by shooting in the South Chicago neighborhood on April 26, 2021. Swaysee was the boy who also helped save a 10-year-old girl who was shot in October 2020 on the Far South Side. (Family photo)

An unknown driver dropped Swaysee off at South Shore Hospital at about 7:40 p.m. Monday, according to the police report. The teen died of multiple gunshot wounds just after 9 that night, the report said.

In 2020, Swaysee had helped save the life of LaMya Sparks, then 10, by using his shirt to apply pressure to her injuries when she was shot in Russell Square Park, according to his stepfather in an interview with the Tribune six months later.

Advertisement

The next year, he became a victim of gun violence at 13 when someone in a vehicle opened fire on him, a friend and a cousin on the sidewalk, his mother, Ashley Jackson, told the Tribune at the time. Swaysee had been shot in the back and the abdomen and underwent surgery to repair his stomach and intestines, she said.

Six people were killed and 33 injured in shootings over Labor Day weekend, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Police did not have a suspect in custody as of Tuesday afternoon and were continuing to investigate, a department representative said.
On Tuesday morning, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that a state grand jury had indicted 61 people allegedly connected to the Defend the Atlanta Forest movement, slapping a serious and shocking slate of RICO charges onto a decentralized movement that has sought to derail the construction of a massive police training facility for nearly two years. Activists and civil rights groups worry the indictment could set a dangerous, anti-democratic precedent for cracking down on similar protest movements nationwide.

The racketeering charges come amid an escalating, monthslong campaign to squash the protest movement opposing Atlantas Cop City through a combination of brute force and drastic charges. Protesters active in the forest and around the Atlanta area have been charged with domestic terrorism, while more specific financial charges have been leveled against nonprofit workers connected to the movement. Many of those targeted in the past are also named in the RICO indictment, which has rocked the loose network of activists that have driven the DAF movement, sending members scrambling to find out if their names had appeared on the list.

It feels like for a long time now weve been waiting for a ball to drop, Gingham, a DAF activist who was not indicted, tells Rolling Stone. In a way, theres almost a sense of relief just to know that the state has played their cards now.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That relief is scant consolation considering the broader scope of legal action leveled against protesters in Atlanta. Last December, Georgia prosecutors charged several individuals allegedly associated with the DAF movement with domestic terrorism, an action that activists told Rolling Stone was a strategic political move meant to scare and intimidate current or prospective members of the movement.

In January, a police raid on a DAF encampment inside Atlantas Weelaunee Forest  the planned site of Cop City  ended in tragedy when Georgia State Patrol officers shot and killed Manuel Tortugita Teran, a 26-year-old protester living full time in the camp. Georgia prosecutors continued to level domestic terrorism charges against protestors for a variety of offenses, ranging from documented vandalism of corporate property and police vehicles to far more innocuous actions like participating in a music festival that took place in the forest.

There was the sense that if the state was willing to go this far, to tell these kinds of lies about protesters, and to advance these really intense charges, theres no telling what they would do, Marlon Kautz, a board member of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, told Rolling Stone in January.

Kautzs worries were not unfounded, both for the movement and for himself. This spring, Georgia authorities brute force tactics gave way to a more targeted campaign to disrupt support networks that local and national activists had created to serve the movement. In late May, a heavily armed SWAT team arrested three board members of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, including Kautz, charging them with money laundering and charity fraud for their work, which collected and distributed funds to support or bail out arrested protesters. Kautz and the other two ASF members were also named in Tuesdays RICO indictment.

This is a naked political attempt to criminalize political dissent, Lyra Foster, an attorney who is representing several of the defendants in the RICO indictment and in ongoing legal cases involving DAF protesters, tells Rolling Stone. Some of the defendants in this case are activists; some are people who just showed up to a protest or a concert. The indictments characterize this loose political movement as some intricate conspiracy going back to the murder of George Floyd.

Indeed, the Georgia attorney generals indictment opens with an exhaustive description of anarchist theory and philosophy. (They do a decent job of explaining the ideology, one activist tells me, sounding surprised.) That philosophical background is used as a primer to allege that common actions like mutual aid and solidarity are linked to the violent tactics used by some members of the movement against law enforcement and privately owned construction equipment, which Foster said could be used to criminalize nearly any organizing effort against unjust public policies. Civil rights activists were similarly concerned after the passage of Georgias domestic terrorism law in the wake of the 2015 Charleston Church massacre, and this law has been previously used against members of the DAF movement.

The overbroad use of domestic terrorism charges serve to intimidate the people of this state and silence their voices, Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the Georgia ACLU, told Rolling Stone in January.

Many of the states domestic terrorism charges and RICO indictments target members of the DAF movement who joined the protests after residing in another state, furthering Georgia authorities narrative that the movement was supported and run by outside agitators.

As this indictment shows, looking the other way when violence occurs is not an option in Georgia, Georgia AG Chris Carr said in a statement. If you come to our state and shoot a police officer, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, set fire to police vehicles, damage construction equipment, vandalize private homes and businesses, and terrorize their occupants, you can and will be held accountable.

Carrs indictment lists the DAF movements various social media profiles and websites as well as the common practice of passing out zines and leaflets at public events as evidence of a sprawling movement that it seeks to hold collectively responsible for a litany of alleged racketeering activity. The indictment attempts to build a link between the various funding networks connected to DAF, including bail funds like the ASF, and the violent tactics of some individuals it associates with the movement, basing many of these links on small-dollar financial transactions and social media posts by the previously-arrested ASF board members. Bail funds and other mutual aid networks have been integral to social justice movements across the country for decades, meaning the outcome of Georgias RICO case could set a dangerous precedent for future protests nationwide. Activists, meanwhile, see the charges as a perverse application of a law meant to target organized crime.

RICO is about trying to stop a criminal enterprise that is trying to make money, Red Pixel, a DAF activist, tells Rolling Stone. I just want to say thats utterly ridiculous. Theres many people involved in this movement who are struggling not just for a world without Cop City but a world without commodities too. We do not care about money.

In recent months, the threat of further domestic terrorism charges and the legacy of the brutal police raids that killed Teran have limited the movements direct activity at Cop Citys proposed site. An extensive police cordon and consistent patrols have allowed development on the site to begin, and dozens of acres of the forest have already been clear cut. But activists arent giving up: Prior to the RICO charges, the movement was coordinating with other political groups and networks to mount a petition campaign to put the future of Cop City directly on Atlanta residents ballot in November. In July, a federal judge ruled that activists from outside the city were allowed to collect signatures for the petition. Activists say that the petition has easily passed the 70,000-signature threshold for inclusion on Atlantas ballots, but they are currently delaying filing the petition while they contest city officials use of an allegedly outdated signature matching system to verify the results.

While the fight over ballot signatures plays out in the courts, activists havent given up on the direct tactics that have made Cop City a national flashpoint in the debate  and sometimes battle  around policing, civil rights, and our environmental future.

What the movement has to do now is rise to the occasion. When Tortugita was killed, the movement was able to show that there are consequences for that, Red Pixel says, referring to the wave of violent and nonviolent protests in Atlanta following Terans death. Now the movement needs to show that there are consequences for doing this kind of heinous legal stuff. People need to take action to show the state that this wont go unchallenged.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Georgia can again enforce its ban on hormone therapy for transgender minors, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Sarah Geraghty had issued an injunction in August blocking enforcement of the ban while a lawsuit against it proceeds, as she found that the parties who sued were likely to succeed in proving it violated the constitutional right to equal protection of the laws. But she put that injunction on hold because of a ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit that lifted a block on Alabamas ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Since Georgia is in the same circuit, she had to follow this lead, she said. It is undisputed that this Courts preliminary injunction order rests on legal grounds that have been squarely rejected by the panel in Eknes-Tucker [the Alabama case], and that this Courts injunction cannot stand on the bases articulated in the order, Geraghty wrote. She added, Eknes-Tucker is binding precedent right now.

Geraghty and the 11th Circuit panel had different opinions what legal standard such laws should be held to, and the panel did not think the plaintiffs in the Alabama case would succeed under the standard it applied. The full 11th Circuit may rehear the matter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed Senate Bill 140 into law in March. It bans surgery and hormone treatment for people under 18 for the purposes of gender transition, while it allows the use of puberty blockers. Young people who had been on hormone treatment before the law went into effect in July can continue on it, but none can start it. The surgery ban was not at issue before the court. Genital surgery is not usually recommended for minors.

Four families of trans youth and TransParent organization sued to challenge the Georgia law. They are represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and the law firm OMelveny & Myers LLP.

We are disappointed, primarily for the families who are unable to get the care they need in Georgia or make medical decisions based on the best interest of their children, said a joint statement issued by the lawyers. However, we want to stress that this is not the end of the judicial process, we will keep fighting and look forward to presenting our case in court.

Twenty-two states have passed laws banning most or all gender-affirming care for trans youth. In several states, courts have issued injunctions blocking the laws while suits are heard, and in one, Arkansas, a court has struck the law down. That ruling is being appealed.
Acworth police are asking the public for help identifying two alleged Pokemon card thieves.

According to the department, a couple was caught on camera opening large amounts of Pokemon trading card packs, stuffing the cards in their pockets, and then leaving the empty packs on the shelves.

The incident happened on Aug. 27 at the Popshelf store on Cobb Parkway, police said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police are asking for help identifying the man and woman.

Its unclear at this point if their names are Jesse or James, or other members of Team Rocket.

Anyone with information that could help identify the two alleged Pokemon thieves is asked to call Det. Effler with Acworth Police.

The detective can be reached at 678-695-7604 or by email.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

OTHER NEWS:
A person holds up a flag during rally to protest the Trump administration's reported transgender proposal to narrow the definition of gender to male or female at birth in New York

A person holds up a flag during rally to protest the Trump administration's reported transgender proposal to narrow the definition of gender to male or female at birth in New York

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Tuesday allowed the state of Georgia to resume enforcing a new Republican-backed ban on hormone replacement therapy for transgender people under age 18, after a federal appeals court allowed a similar law in Alabama to go back into effect.

U.S. District Judge Sarah Geraghty in Atlanta two weeks ago blocked enforcement of the Georgia law after concluding that a group of parents and transgender minors would likely succeed in establishing it violated the U.S. Constitution's guarantees of equal protection under the law.

But a day after Geraghty ruled, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 21 reversed a lower-court ruling that had blocked enforcement of a similar Alabama law banning the use of puberty-blocking drugs and hormones to treat gender dysphoria in transgender minors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The appeals court panel was entirely comprised of judges appointed by Republican presidents. The 11th Circuit hears appeals from Georgia as well, and after it ruled, the state's Republican attorney general, Chris Carr, urged Geraghty to vacate her injunction.

Geraghty, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, on Tuesday instead put it on hold, saying it "rests on legal grounds that have been squarely rejected by the panel" in the Alabama case, but that further appeals in that matter were underway.

"We are pleased with the court's decision and will continue fighting to protect the health and well-being of Georgia's children," Kara Richardson, Carr's spokesperson, said in a statement.

The plaintiffs' lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.

Republican lawmakers in several states have passed laws restricting medical treatments for transgender minors. Many have been blocked in court challenges, with judges finding they discriminate by sex and interfere with parents' right to direct their children's treatment.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, in March signed the state's law that bans certain medical procedures and therapies for minors who experience gender dysphoria, the term for psychological distress that some individuals experience because of a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity.

The law also prevents minors from receiving gender-affirming surgeries, though that provision was not at issue in the case before Geraghty.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Leslie Adler)
The News

Georgia prosecutors estimated that the trial of Donald Trump along with his 18 co-defendants in Georgia would take four months and include testimony from more than 150 state witnesses. (The estimate didnt include time needed for jury selection.)

But the judge overseeing the case said he remains very skeptical about prosecutors arguments that all 19 defendants in the sweeping racketeering case related to the 2020 election should be tried together this fall.

On Wednesday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said two of the defendants, ex-Trump lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell , would be tried together on Oct. 23, since they both demanded speedy trials.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McAfee added that he would still be willing to consider prosecutors arguments about trying all 19 together, despite his skepticism.

Know More

In the first motions hearing since Trump was indicted in Georgia, lawyers for Chesebro and Powell urged the judge to separate their cases from one another and the other defendants.

Chesebros attorney Scott Grubman argued that his clients charges are fundamentally different from Powells, even though they were both accused as part of the same racketeering scheme.

These are totally separate cases, Grubman said.

Powells attorney Brian Rafferty also said that any of his arguments during a trial would be washed away by the details of Chesebros cases.

In response, Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten argued that under Georgias racketeering law, it doesnt matter whether defendants charges are similar. Evidence against one is evidence against all.

All 19 defendants have pleaded not guilty.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 13-year-old girl was injured in a shooting Tuesday evening in North Nashville.

Metro police said the shooting happened just after 7 p.m. in the 2500 block of 25th Avenue North at the Cumberland View Apartments.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

The victim was located outside the apartment and was alert and speaking with officers before she was taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt with non-life threatening injuries, according to investigators.

Metro police reported she suffered a single entry/exit gunshot wound.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police said no suspect is in custody, but they have a male suspect in mind and are trying to locate him.

No other information was released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
If tech could claim just one theme this year, it would, hands down, be AI. Its absolutely everywhere, especially, one could argue, in the cloud. And if youre going to talk about AI in the cloud, its tough to imagine a better candidate for that discussion than Thomas Kurian , CEO of Google Cloud.

Were thrilled that Kurian will join us on the AI Stage, September 20, at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023, which runs from September 1921 in San Francisco.

Just last month during Cloud Next, its annual partner and developer conference, Google Cloud announced a flurry of AI-related products  including custom processors, generative AI products for developers and security teams, and an expanded AI assistant across Google Workspace.

But Kurian's conversation at Disrupt is more than products-on-parade. It'll cover Kurians big bet on AI and his desire to build an open ecosystem of AI partners, as well as preview what's next for Google Cloud and AI in general.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dont miss this discussion about the future of AI and the cloud.

Thomas Kurian: Google Cloud, CEO

Prior to joining Google in 2019, Thomas Kurian spent 22 years at Oracle, where most recently he was president of product development. Before that, he worked at McKinsey as a business analyst and engagement manager. Kurians nearly 30 years of experience have given him a deep knowledge of engineering, enterprise relationships and leadership of large organizations.

Kurian received an MBA in Administration and Management from Stanford University and a BSEE in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Princeton University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He serves as a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council and Princeton University School of Engineering Advisory Council.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 takes place on September 1921 in San Francisco. Buy your pass now and save $400 before prices go up September 15.

Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.
Given the ubiquitous profile that Google  and its evolved corporate umbrella entity Alphabet  enjoys across multiple industries today, it can be easy to forget that the company whose very name has become synonymous with the act of looking things up online has only been around since 1998. In that time, Google has gone from being a search engine to the search engine, helping in large part to define the internet as we experience it in our daily lives, both consciously and not. Its smart assistants are in our homes; its phones are in our pockets; its cars are driving themselves down our streets; and at the center of it all is Google's algorithmically fueled search engine  the beating heart of a corporation with a net worth larger than many countries.

Three years ago, the Department of Justice began investigating whether Google's global search dominance was the result not simply of a stellar product, but of potentially criminal machinations. In 2020, the federal government alongside a number of state governments filed antitrust charges against the company, alleging that Google held an industry-wide monopoly bolstered by "implementing and enforcing a series of exclusionary agreements with distributors over at least the last decade." Though its genesis may have been a "scrappy startup" with an "innovative" method for internet searches, "that Google is long gone," prosecutors wrote, alleging the company had instead become a "monopoly gatekeeper" for digital spaces, overseeing "nearly 90 percent of all general-search-engine queries in the United States, and almost 95 percent of queries on mobile devices."

After years of legal wrangling and public posturing, Google and the Justice Department will finally meet in court next week for the start of the "first monopoly trial of the modern internet era," according to The New York Times. Expectations are high, and the stakes  for Google, for the government, and for the internet age as a whole  are even higher.

What the commentators said

Even after a federal judge narrowed the parameters of the government's case earlier this summer, simply bringing Google to trial at all "is a win for the Department of Justice's antitrust unit," Foreign Times reported, noting that the group "has taken a tougher enforcement stance, particularly towards Big Tech" in recent years. And even though the narrowed scope of the allegations against Google represents a "significant victory" for the company, "the strongest claims against Google remain, so Google still remains at risk of a significant antitrust ruling against it," Boston College law professor David Olson told The Washington Post.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A ruling against Google in this case could mean the company would "be forced to restructure in some way, and it could be hit with enormous fines and a prohibition on search distribution deals," The New York Times predicted. The result would be "fewer users, deflated profits and perhaps even limits on how Google is able to innovate with new technologies like artificial intelligence." Google needs to use "everything at its disposal to fend off competition right now," agreed Gizmodo's Thomas Germain said, after the Justice Department filed a second antitrust suit against the company this year for its "monopolizing digital advertising technologies." But, continued Germain, that effort to maintain market dominance is "exactly what [Google] needs to avoid doing with the DOJ breathing down its neck."

While many have been quick to point out similarities between the Justice Department's last major antitrust tech case against Microsoft in 1998 and Google's current legal straits, The New York Times notes that the ground has shifted since then, with today's crop of internet juggernauts having "woven themselves into people's lives to an even greater degree" to the point where a ruling against Google "could have broad ripple effects" across the entire industry.

What next?

Next week's trial is expected to last 10 weeks, with Judge Amit P. Mehta  an Obama administration appointee  set to issue the final ruling. In addition to the other Justice Department case against Google's ad services, the company also faces "two other lawsuits from states that accused it of abusing monopolies in ad tech and for blocking competition in its Google Play app store," according to the Times.

You may also like

Homepage
Several Republican senators expressed concerns about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell s (R-Ky.) health and his ability to lead their caucus even though a doctor said he was clear to resume his duties in the upper chamber.

Next year is gonna be tough on anybody, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said of the 2024 calendar. You gotta travel, raise money, campaign ... it is going to be a packed year for anybody, but if youre the leader, its double.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), meanwhile, said he was concerned about McConnells health and the attention its getting in his state.

Im also concerned about the amount of questions Im getting. I just spent a month at home and I was asked about it everywhere  before the most recent incident, Hawley said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You cant say that youre concerned about Joe Biden but youre not concerned about Mitch McConnell, Hawley added.

Brian Monahan, the U.S. Capitol attending physician, said in a note released by McConnells office on Tuesday that there is no evidence the 81-year-old senator experienced a stroke or has a seizure disorder following his second freeze-up in Kentucky last week.

Monahan has also said that lightheadedness and dehydration were not uncommon symptoms for people who have experienced a concussion. McConnell was hospitalized for a concussion after he fell and hit his head earlier this year.

But Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a frequent thorn in McConnells side on budget issues and Senate procedure, didnt appear satisfied with Monahans diagnosis.

I dont think its been particularly helpful to have the Senate doctor describe it as dehydration which I think even non-physicians seeing that probably arent really accepting that explanation, Paul, who is an ophthalmologist, told reporters on Tuesday.

From what Ive seen, its a neurological event, its not dehydration, Paul added.

McConnell briefly acknowledged the latest freeze-up in remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday, but the longtime GOP Senate leader gave no more additional information about his health and declined to take any questions.

Senators who spoke to McConnell said he was in good spirits but that he still had lingering effects from his fall.

Ive taken every test theyve thrown at me, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) recounted McConnell telling him on the Senate floor. He said, A concussion can take its toll.

The Republican senators who are publicly backing McConnell amid heavy speculation over his political future vastly outnumber those raising questions like Paul, Hawley and Tuberville. Hawley, for example, was one of only 11 GOP senators who voted to oust McConnell as leader in a closed-door caucus election last year.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a member of McConnells leadership team, described McConnells detractors as a very small group of people that number maybe a handful. Those senators will likely get a chance to air their thoughts in a closed-door caucus lunch meeting on Wednesday.

The likeliest successors to McConnell in the Senate as GOP leader  Sens. John Thune (S.D.), John Barrasso (Wyo.) and John Cornyn (Texas)  all voiced support for the Kentucky senator on Tuesday.

He has my full support, and hell have, I think, the support of the conference, Thune said.

Ive told Senator McConnell Im gonna support him as long as he wants to do the job and can do the job, Cornyn added.
He may be one of the important government moles in Chicago political history, but former Ald. Daniel Solis is not expected to take the witness stand for federal prosecutors at the upcoming racketeering trial of his old colleague, ex-Ald. Edward Burke.

Prosecutors notified defense teams via a letter Wednesday about the tactical decision to keep Solis from testifying, meeting a deadline set by U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall, sources with knowledge of the letter told the Tribune. Prosecutors did leave one caveat, saying they could potentially call Solis if Burkes lawyers tried to present an entrapment defense.

Advertisement

While Solis will apparently not be called as a witness, under the federal rules of evidence, prosecutors can still present the undercover recordings he made of Burke as part of his secret cooperation.

Then-Ald. Daniel Solis, 25th, listens during a meeting of the Chicago City Council on Feb. 5, 2014. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

The decision by the U.S. attorneys office was not a surprise, as Solis will now be spared what certainly would have been a grueling, multiday cross-examination by Burkes seasoned attorneys covering Solis own alleged wrongdoing and his deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office.

Advertisement

Prosecutors do run a bit of a risk, however, that jurors might wonder why they never heard from Solis and question his motivations.

There could be some fallout in the public eye as well, given that few elected officials caught abusing their office are given deals like the one Solis got on his case.

A spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office declined to comment Wednesday. Solis attorney, Lisa Noller, also had no comment.

Meanwhile, the move also could have reverberations in another high-profile public corruption case  the prosecution of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who scheduled to go on trial on April 1. Solis also made secret recordings of Madigan that helped lead to his indictment.

Burke, 79, is set for trial on Nov. 6 along with two co-defendants. He was originally charged in a criminal complaint in January 2019. He was indicted four months later on 14 counts including racketeering, federal program bribery, attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

The 59-page indictment outlined a series of schemes in which Burke allegedly tried to muscle developers into hiring his law firm, Klafter & Burke, to appeal their property taxes. Among the projects Burke tried to capitalize on was the massive $800 million renovation of the Old Post Office in the West Loop, according to the charges. Solis recorded numerous conversations with Burke about that deal, records show.

Also charged was Burkes longtime aide, Peter Andrews, who was accused of assisting the alderman in attempting to shake down two business owners seeking to renovate a Burger King restaurant in the 14th Ward.

Solis legal saga began in 2016 when he secretly agreed to wear a wire for the FBI and helped build racketeering cases against Burke and Madigan, two of the longest-serving and most powerful politicians in the state.

Advertisement

A bombshell court filing made public in 2019 showed the FBI spent more than two years investigating Solis before he was confronted and flipped, secretly listening in on thousands of phone calls as the alderman solicited everything from campaign donations to sexual services at a massage parlor.

In exchange for official action or promises, Solis solicited a steady flow of personal benefits, including Viagra pills and prostitution services from a political operative who represented a company seeking an exemption from the citys water ordinance, the FBI search warrant affidavit alleged.

The deferred prosecution deal was signed by Solis on the day after Christmas 2018 and kept secret for nearly 3  years before the U.S. attorneys office finally put it on the record last year.

As part of the deal, Solis was charged in a one-count criminal information with corruptly soliciting campaign donations from a real estate developer in exchange for zoning changes in 2015, when Solis was head of the City Councils zoning committee. That charge will be dropped in three years if Solis continues to cooperate.

Last year, the federal prosecutor leading the Burke and Madigan investigations delivered an impassioned defense of the deal with Solis, telling the federal judge overseeing the high-profile case that Solis cooperation was perhaps singular even in the citys long history of political corruption.

During the course of his undercover work, Solis personally made hundreds of recordings and helped form the basis of government requests for wiretaps on others, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu said.

Advertisement

Some may view (Solis deal) as being with little precedent, but what Mr. Solis did also was with little precedent, Bhachu said. He didnt just talk. He took action. He worked with the federal government for six years to expose corruption.

When Solis was confronted by investigators back in 2016, Bhachu said, he had a choice about what his path would be, including to refuse to cooperate, deny accountability, and fight any charges that came his way.

That is an easy path that many in this city and state have followed, Bhachu said. Mr. Solis chose a more difficult path, judge. He cooperated with the government for approximately six years. When we asked him to meet, he did so. When he was asked to make a recording with a third party, he did it.

A lot of people talk about cleaning up corruption, and often all it amounts to is talk, Bhachu said. Its rare when someone actually delivers, and in this regard, Mr. Solis delivered.

Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Bhachu also said Solis has suffered for his corruption, even if it wont include a felony conviction. He lost his seat in the City Council, he cant run for public office again, and hes been ostracized by former colleagues, according to the prosecutor.

Life is never going to be the same for him again, Bhachu said. These are all real consequences.

Advertisement

Solis, who is collecting a nearly $100,000 annual city pension, has been free on bond since he was charged in 2022.

Madigan, 81, and McClain, 75, are charged in a 23-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion. They have pleaded not guilty, and a jury trial is set for next April.

Solis recordings in that case include a video-recorded meeting with Madigan, where the speaker allegedly talked about a deal to sell a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown to developers in exchange for them hiring his private law firm to do tax work.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

rlong@chicagotribune.com
One civilian was killed during Russia's drone attack against Odesa Oblast in the early hours of Sept. 6, regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported on his Telegram channel.

The victim was an employee of the agricultural firm, Kiper said. He didn't provide further details. According to the governor, a number of settlements in Odesa Oblast were damaged, including grain elevators, administrative buildings, and a few agricultural enterprises.

Air raid alerts were activated in the city of Kyiv and many Ukrainian oblasts around 4 a.m. local time on Sept. 6.

The Air Force said in their morning report that Russian forces have launched at least seven X-101/X-555/X-55 cruise missiles, one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 25 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Air defense downed 23 air targets, including 15 out of 25 drones.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Zelensky nominates new defense minister as parliament approves Reznikovs resignation







Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces launched a missile attack on Zaporizhzhia city on Sept. 6, Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Yurii Malashko reported on Telegram.

The strike damaged a civilian infrastructure site and injured two employees of an undisclosed enterprise.

Anatolii Kurtiev, the acting mayor of Zaporizhzhia, also reported that the blast wave shattered windows in several high-rise buildings and educational institutions.

Zaporizhzhia, a city in southeastern Ukraine, comes under frequent attacks due to its proximity to the front line and the Russian border.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast is on of the key areas of Ukraines ongoing counteroffensive, where Ukrainian forces have been gradually advancing in the past months.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

President Volodymyr Zelensky visited military brigades in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Sept. 4.

Read also: As counteroffensive presses forward in southeast, every meter costs a life

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe s service record reads like the stuff of military legend. After his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Iraq in 2005 and caught fire, Cashe did the unthinkable: He walked through fire for his men.

Initially awarded the Silver Star, it took a 10-year push to upgrade it to the Medal of Honor on Dec. 16, 2021. Now, theres a graphic novel from the Association of the United States Army that tells his full story.

Cashe joined the Army in 1989 and served in the Gulf War. After deployments and moves all around the world to locations like Korea and Germany, he found his place as a platoon sergeant out at Fort Benning, Georgia.

That fateful day of Oct. 17, 2005, he was serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in the Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq, when his Bradley was met with enemy fire and struck by an improvised explosive device.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cashe refused to leave any man behind and set to work trying to extract the driver. In the process, fuel began leaking from the vehicle.

Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe selflessly pulled seven from a burning vehicle in Iraq in 2005. (AUSA)

Sergeant First Class Cashes fuel soaked uniform ignited and caused severe burns to his body, reads his citation.

Even with the immense pain, he went back and forth pulling his men to safety until no one was left inside the burning wreckage of the Bradley.

Despite suffering second and third-degree burns, Cashe persevered and ultimately pulled out six soldiers and an interpreter. Though he desperately needed medical attention, he saw to it that his men were treated first. Ultimately, the interpreter died in the initial blast, and four of the six soldiers succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

Cashe was evacuated to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, but died from the severe burns sustained over 70% of his body on November 8, 2005. He left behind a wife and three children.

President Joe Biden presents the Medal of Honor to Army Sgt. First Class Alwyn C. Cashe for his actions in Iraq on Oct. 17, 2005, as his widow Tamara Cashe accepts the posthumous recognition. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Cashe was originally awarded the Silver Star until Gen. Gary Brito, who originally nominated him, uncovered later just how profoundly gallant the sergeants actions were that day. As a result, Brito sought to have Cashes award upgraded to that of the Medal of Honor.

After a massive, yearslong campaign from Army brass, lawmakers and former soldiers alike, Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden in 2021.

To read Medal of Honor: Alwyn Cashe online or download a copy, visit www.ausa.org/cashe.
FILE - A young person runs through the Great Salt Lake on June 15, 2023, near Magna, Utah. A coalition of environmental organizations sued the state of Utah on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, based on accusations that it is not doing enough make sure enough water gets to the shrinking Great Salt Lake. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Utah officials have pushed the Great Salt Lake to the brink of an ecological collapse because they allowed upstream water to be diverted for decades to farmers growing alfalfa, hay and other crops, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by a coalition of environmental groups.

The conservationists want a court to step in and force the state to let more water reach the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River, which is an oasis for millions of migratory birds, an engine for Utahs billion-dollar mineral industry and a tourist attraction.

The risks of a diminished Great Salt Lake arent merely beached sailboats and wider shores; they also include species extinction and toxic dust clouds billowing over nearby communities, the lawsuit says.

The lake first hit a record low in the summer of 2021, fueling renewed attention from Utah's Republican-led Legislature. But lawmakers' actions have not been enough to assuage the concerns of a coalition that includes Earthjustice, the Utah Rivers Council and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, among others.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We are trying to avert disaster. We are trying to force the hand of state government to take serious action, said Brian Moench of the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment.

Emma Williams, a spokesperson for Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation.

Joel Ferry, head of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, said he couldn't comment on the case but added that the state "has been actively working with many interested parties on the lake."

State officials have repeatedly identified restoring the lake as a top priority. But despite a temporary rise in lake levels this summer after a record winter snowfall, the lake's long-term outlook is bleak. Earlier this year, Cox created and filled the position of Great Salt Lake commissioner in an effort to find solutions.

The precipitous drop in water levels, which has shrunk the Great Salt Lakes footprint by half over the past few decades, stems from a two-fold problem: Climate change has helped decimate the mountain streams that feed the lake, while demand for the streams' fresh water has ballooned for new development, agriculture and industry.

The dilemma has pulled the Utah government in two opposite directions: meeting the water needs of businesses and citizens and keeping the lake at safe levels.

The organizations suing the state, including the Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity, say the downside of rationing fresh water upstream pales in comparison to that of a disappearing Great Salt Lake.

Toxic chemicals  including arsenic, lead and mercury  are trapped in the lakebed. As more of the lakebed becomes exposed and dries, those chemicals are carried into the air by the wind. The consequent toxic dust storms could lower life expectancies, as well as heighten cancer and infant mortality rates, said Moench, citing past instances of lakes drying up across the world.

You have millions of people directly in the path of the toxic dust," he said. We will be forced to leave, (and) it would be because of the public health consequences of the newly created dust bowl.

Stu Gillespie, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, which filed the lawsuit, said Utah's constitution clearly outlines the state's obligation to safeguard the Great Salt Lake on behalf of the public. It's called the public trust doctrine, and it was used by California's supreme court in the 1980s to protect Mono Lake from shrinking because of water diversion to Los Angeles. The doctrine is cited in the lawsuit.

Utah has failed to protect the lake, "even though thats what their own reports are identifying as a solution, Gillespie said. Its so important for a court to step in here.

Still, most state supreme courts have been silent or rejected the California court's view, said Barton H. Thompson Jr., a professor of natural resources law at Stanford Law School.

If the Utah state supreme court were to use it to protect the water levels in the Great Salt Lake, that would have a very significant national impact, Thompson said. He added that the lawsuit is a very plausible claim but that its fate is highly unpredictable.

The lake is a watering hole for millions of birds traversing the Pacific Flyway, a migratory path from the southern tip of Chile to Alaska.

As the lake shrinks, it becomes saltier, threatening the brine flies that are a key source of food for migrating birds such as the Wilson's phalarope, a shorebird that breeds in North America and winters near the Andes mountains, said Deeda Seed of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Already, a pelican colony on the Great Salt Lake has floundered after lowering water levels turned its island into a peninsula, giving access to coyotes, Seed said.

Bird species are facing extinction. Humans along the Wasatch Front are facing toxic dust events. Its an emergency  and its not being dealt with like its an emergency, she said.

____

Jesse Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Pittsburgh police are investigating potential fraud after several people allegedly posed as Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank representatives and solicited donations at Rib Fest at Acrisure Stadium.

The food bank received multiple reports of scammers taking advantage of the public outside of large events at Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park and PPG Paints Arena. Others have reported scammers posing as food bank staff in the Strip District and outside of events in the Cultural District.

The food bank provided video of people in yellow vests who were seen carrying buckets with the food bank logo. They are not staff members, volunteers or representatives of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Ronnell Hunt, a communications specialist with the food bank, was in the right place at the right time on Labor Day. He was at Rib Fest with family and friends when he saw the pair collecting money, immediately noticing the outdated branding of his companys logo on their collection bucket  two major red flags, as the food bank only collects cash donations once a year, around Christmas at Santas House during Peoples Gas Holiday Market.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Being a representative, being an employee here at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, I felt like I had to do my due obligations to take action and try to get to the bottom of it, Hunt said. Thats a big reason why we dont do cash solicitations because it is easy for people to try to mimic that. We have bad actors out there that try to take advantage of peoples good heart, their goodwill.

The food bank stresses the importance of reporting any individual fundraisers to the nonprofits theyre intended to benefit, with donations needed now more than ever before.

Thousands of our neighbors rely on the Food Bank and our partners for food assistance, and our work is only possible with the generous support of the community. We want to be sure every dollar donated is going to feed our neighbors, not being stolen by bad actors, said Chief Development Officer Charla Irwin-Buncher.

The food bank is asking the public to report any suspicious fundraisers to the organization to the police. Those who want to make a donation or want to host a legitimate fundraiser can visit www.PittsburghFoodBank.org or call 412-460-3663.

You can make sure its safe, you can make sure youre talking to someone if you need to call  someone who is going to put you in good hands and make sure your money is going to the right place, Hunt said.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Chiller Theater returning 60 years after original show aired on Channel 11 Man surrenders after shooting, hostage situation in McKeesport Breeze Airways has biggest sale ever, discounting Pittsburgh International Airport flights by 50% VIDEO: Busy Labor Day weekend breaks travel records DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
A large grizzly bear charged at two hunters in thick brush and was shot dead, officials in Idaho said.

The two were hunting for elk on Sept. 1 when a male grizzly appeared from a close distance and charged at them near Island Park Reservoir, Idaho Fish and Game said.

They both shot the animal with their handguns, killing it before it injured them, officials said in the Sept. 5 news release.

Wildlife officials investigated the incident and determined the hunters shot the bear in self-defense.

Grizzly bears were listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975 in the lower 48 states.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They are protected at a state and federal level, making it illegal to harm, harass, or kill grizzly bears, except in cases of self defense or the defense of others.

What to do if you see a bear

Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.

There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.

Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize youre a human and nonthreatening.

Stay calm: Bears usually dont want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.

Dont scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.

Pick up small children: Dont let kids run away from the bear. It could think theyre small prey.

Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.

Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Dont make any sudden movements.

Dont drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.

Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.

Again, dont run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.

Dont climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.

Spooked grizzly charges anglers in Montana wilderness. One of the fishermen had a gun

Grizzly bear found shot and left for dead in river. Canadian officials want answers

Hunters kill bear after surprising her and cub, officials say. One of them is shot too
A grizzly bear with a history of conflicts with people struck again  and this time she paid the price for it, officials said.

The very grizzly bear that was linked to the death of a solo hiker near Yellowstone National Park in July broke into a Montana home to steal dog food Saturday, Sept. 2, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a Sept. 6 news release.

The bears cub was with her when she broke in through the kitchen window  while at least one homeowner was inside  and took a container of dog food with her, officials said in the release.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and local law enforcement captured her cub that night, and shot the mama bear, officials said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized officers with the agencies to kill the food-conditioned bear because they said she had become an immediate public safety threat.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The 10-year-old grizzly had been captured for research in 2017, and officials were able to confirm she was the bear involved in the death of a solo hiker on a trail west of Yellowstone in July, officials said. They used genetic analysis and other identifying characteristics to confirm her identity.

Grizzly bear tracks were found at the scene of the attack, McClatchy News previously reported.

This bear was also linked to an encounter that injured someone near Henrys Lake State Park in Idaho in 2020, officials said.

Officials determined she was acting defensively in both encounters and tried multiple times to trap and remove her after the solo hikers death in July, officials said. The attack happened close to homes, campgrounds and a popular trail system.

Wildlife officials failed to trap her, so they took their shot to capture her cub and kill her after she broke into the home, officials said.

The 46-pound male cub is being held at the Fish, Wildlife & Parks rehabilitation center in Helena while officials make arrangements to take him to a zoo, officials said.

How to avoid negative bear encounters

Montana is bear country, officials said in the release. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

Bears are more active in late summer and autumn as they eat as much as they can to prepare for their winter hibernation  which also overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities, officials said.

To avoid negative bear encounters, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks experts advise people outdoors in bear country to:

Carry bear spray, and have it out and ready to use at the first sight of a bear.

Travel in groups, and make a lot of noise to alert bears to your presence.

Stay far away from animal carcasses that attract bears.

Mind food storage orders from local land management agencies.

Never approach any bear you encounter, and leave the area when its safe.

Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other smelly items that attract bears in a secure building where bears cant access it. Keep garbage locked away until the day its collected, or use certified bear-resistant garbage containers.

Dont feed wildlife  ever. Its illegal to feed bears in Montana. Bears that become conditioned to human food lose their instinctual foraging behavior and become a threat to peoples safety.

Grizzly attack suspected in death of woman on trail near Yellowstone, officials say

Grizzly charges at hunters in thick brush, Idaho officials say. Then its shot dead

Spooked grizzly charges anglers in Montana wilderness. One of the fishermen had a gun
A group tasked with adding up to 5,000 acres to Fayette Countys growth boundary has tentatively narrowed the area to approximately 3,000 acres along Winchester Road in the rapidly growing east side of town.

However, the Urban Growth Master Plan Advisory Committee, formed to identify acres for possible expansion, is not finished with its work.

A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council chambers at 200 E. Main Street. The public is invited to give feedback on possible areas to be added to the urban service area for future development.

The last time the growth boundary expanded was 1996 when more than 5,400 acres was added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The group has narrowed the areas for possible expansion to three main areas: around Athens Boonesboro Road and Interstate 75, Winchester Road between Interstate 64 and Royster Road, and an area around Man O War near the Blue Grass Airport.

Man O War near the Blue Grass Airport

The group used a series of rankings and criteria to determine what areas should be added for possible future development, including proximity to the current urban service boundary, roadway improvements, costs of sewer installation and proximity to protected farmland.

During a Tuesday meeting, the group narrowly voted to focus on approximately 3,041 acres in the Winchester Road area. The net acreage for that area is 2,798 acres  or the area that is not in a floodplain and therefore cant be built on.

The group also considered approximately 641 gross acres, or 602 net acres, along Athens Boonesboro Road near Interstate 75. The group initially voted to include the area during Tuesdays meeting and then later rescinded that recommendation.

Athens Boonesboro Road near Interstate 75

However, the group has two more meetings after the Sept. 12 public meeting before it makes a final recommendation to the planning commission in October.

Lexington Planning Director Jim Duncan said the group is under a time crunch.

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, in its June vote to expand the urban service boundary, gave the commission until December 2024 to develop a master area expansion plan. To get that done, the group has to identify possible acres by October in time for a consultant to be hired to develop a master area expansion plan.

The council asked the planning commission to identify between 2,700 and 5,000 acres. The group, at an earlier meeting, decided to interpret that as a maximum of 5,000 gross acres and a floor of 2,700 net acres.

Duncan said a master area expansion plan  which include details such as costs for roads, expansion of police and fire as well as how that land will be developed  will take at least 12 to 15 months.

Man O War near the Blue Grass Airport

Business interests, builders push for more land

During Tuesdays meeting, Andi Johnson, of Commerce Lexington, and Todd Johnson, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Central Kentucky, repeatedly pushed the committee to consider adding both Athens Boonesboro and Winchester Road areas, arguing Fayette County is desperate for more housing.

I do feel there is an urgency, said Andi Johnson.

Others, however, were more cautious about adding too much land too quickly.

Vice Mayor Dan Wu, a committee member, said the council also has approved a new way to add more land to the urban service boundary. By 2026, the city will use data-driven numbers to determine how and when new land can come into the urban service area. That new process will be based on needs, such as affordable housing. Theres no need to add lots of land now when that new process will be online soon, he said.

Roughly half of the 5,400 acres added to the urban service area in 1996 has not yet been developed, Wu said.

Given that fact, Wu and others argued the group should only propose adding 2,700 net acres.

Todd Johnson, however, argued landowners who have portions of those 2,700 undeveloped acres in the 1996 expansion area have opted not to develop the land.

Ultimately the group decided to show the public the three areas it is considering adding to the urban service area during the Sept. 12 meeting.

To look at the maps, visit imaginelexington.com/ugm.

Votes not recorded

There were several votes during Tuesdays meeting but a snafu with the electronic voting system meant how individual committee members voted was not recorded or made public.

After Tuesdays meeting, the city realized there was a problem and would fix it moving forward by making sure it was clear how committee members voted on each motion, Planning Commissioner Keith Horn said.

They will be doing a voting method where it is clear who is voting how, Horn said. The group has two more meetings before it finalizes its recommendations to the planning commission.

A legal challenge

The Fayette Alliance, a nonprofit that represents agricultural interests, has filed a lawsuit challenging the expansion of the urban service area. The city, meanwhile, has asked the lawsuit be dismissed, arguing the people who have filed the lawsuit do not have legal standing to challenge the expansion of the urban service area.

The Fayette Alliance and private landowners who filed the lawsuit also have asked for a temporary injunction to stop the Urban Growth Advisory Committee from moving forward. On Friday, Fayette Circuit Judge Lucy VanMeter set an Oct. 5 hearing date for the motion to dismiss and for the temporary injunction.
Phoenix resident Vivian Van Antwerp was in Guatemala visiting her mother when the historic runoff presidential election took place in August.

Her mother wasn't crazy about either candidate: former first lady Sandra Torres , the conservative political establishment candidate or Bernardo Arevalo, an anti-graft champion and political outsider.

But the choice was clear for Van Antwerp.

"I told my mom. You must vote for Arevalo," recalled Van Antwerp, a lawyer in Guatemala who has lived in the U.S. for 10 years. "If that woman (Torres) wins, Guatemala will be bankrupt even further and she's involved in narcotrafficking. At least Arevalo has principles."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Arevalo, the son of a former president, who started his campaign as a longshot candidate, ended up winning the Aug. 20 presidential election in a landslide.

For subscribers: Arizona to host presidential primaries for Dems, Republicans after GOP plan falters

Election gives many Guatemalans some hope

His promise to root out widespread, deeply seated corruption in the Guatemalan government, rebuild the economy and tackle inequities that contribute to a wide gap between rich and poor has given many Guatemalans some hope that Guatemala can become a country where huge numbers of people no longer have to migrate to the U.S. for a better life.

The president-elect "comes with a good plan that can help the people and Guatemala itself," said Antonio Velasquez, a Guatemalan community leader in Phoenix and founder of the grassroots soccer and advocacy organization Maya Chapin de Guatemala en Arizona. If the next president is successful, "this will help many people not to have to leave Guatemala."

In recent years, more Guatemalans have crossed the southern border illegally than any other country except Mexico and Honduras. Over the past four years, the Border Patrol has encountered Guatemalans more than 710,000 times, many of them parents arriving with children fleeing poverty, criminal gangs, and political corruption.

A young child and his mother, who claim to be from Guatemala, cool down with a wet bandana and bottle of water as they wait to be picked up by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, AZ.

Arevalo is supposed to take office on Jan. 14. Guatemala's current president, Alejandro Giammattei, was limited to one four-year term. Instead of fighting corruption, Giammatei's government has arrested journalists, prosecutors and judges investigating corruption. Still, Giammattei has vowed an orderly transfer of power.

While Guatemalans in the U.S. are hopeful an orderly transfer of power will happen, many are worried Arevalo will be prevented from taking power by ruling elites with ties to corruption and organized crime, Velasquez said.

"Already they are going after members of Arevalo's party" called "Semilla" or Seed in English, Velasquez said. "They have come up with a thousand lies so they cannot take office in January."

Velasquez fears that if Arevalo is prevented from taking power, Guatemala could fall into the hands of an authoritarian government.

"And if Guatemala becomes a dictatorship, that will generate an exodus of migrants to the United States," Velasquez said.

Border Patrol: Tucson Sector sees 15-year high as advocates adapt to Lukeville migration shift

Officially, there are about 41,000 people of Guatemalan descent living in Arizona, including just under 20,000 Guatemalan-born immigrants, according to the Migration Policy Institute's tabulation of U.S. Census 2021 American Community Survey data.

But Velasquez believes those numbers are a large undercount, because many immigrants, including Guatemalans, were fearful of taking part in the 2020 census under the Trump administration's anti-immigrant policies. Velasquez estimates 125,000 Guatemalans, including immigrants and U.S.-born children, live in Arizona.

Guatemalans are the second largest Latino group in Arizona, behind Mexicans. Most of the Guatemalans who cross the border are headed to other states but growing numbers have settled in recent years in Arizona. Most of the Guatemalans in Arizona live in Maricopa County, with a large concentration on the west side of Phoenix, where Velasquez lives.

Who is Bernardo Arevalo?

Arevalo is the son of Juan Jose Arevalo, who became Guatemala's first democratically elected president in 1945 and served until 1951.

Juan Jose Arevalo"was much admired and much loved," said Eric Olson, director of policy and strategic initiatives at the Seattle International Foundation, which promotes civil society in Central America. "People generally have a very fond memory of him because it was a brief period in Guatemala's history where they actually had democratically elected presidents who were considered very legitimate and good leaders."

Bernardo Arevalo was born in Uruguay, where his father was living in exile following a CIA-backed coup in 1954 that ushered in decades of U.S.-backed authoritarian leaders in Guatemala.

Bernardo Arevalo is a co-founder of the anti-corruption Semilla Movement and was elected as a Guatemalan congressman in 2020 as a member of the Semilla party. He is a former diplomat and has a doctorate in philosophy and social anthropology.

Supporters of the presidential candidate for Movimiento Semilla, Bernardo Arevalo await the arrival of the candidate in Huehuetenango on Aug.12, 2023.

Arevalo has a "connection to an important past that a lot of people refer to and think about as the high water mark in terms of democracy," Olson said.

At the same time, he is distanced "from the ruling economic and political class that has been so maligned in the last quarter century, at least... He was an outsider and not part of the hated status quo that was increasingly viewed as corrupt," Olson said.

Olson said he is hopeful Arevalo will assume power on Jan. 14, but he is concerned that Guatemala's ruling political classes will try and find a way to disallow him from becoming president and then let the Congress take over the process.

What's happening in Guatemala? How a small country's elections could have a big impact on the US

"The Congress is in the hands of very corrupt political parties, and one of those parties is the party of the second place finisher," Torres, Olson said.

Given Arevalo's popularity at the polls and his anti-corruption stance, Olson believes Guatemalans will take to the streets in protest, which could result in civil unrest, if he is not allowed to take power.

Guatemala is a country with a deep divide between rich and poor, Olson said. Guatemala's majority Mayan population is also majority poor, especially in the country's Western Highlands region, where many of the Guatemalans who migrate to the U.S. are from.

Fifty percent of Guatemalan children under 5 suffer from malnutrition, and 80% of the under-5 children in the heavily Mayan Western Highlands region suffer from malnutrition, Olson said.

In addition to fighting corruption and organized crime, Arevalo has vowed to tackle Guatemala's longstanding underinvestment in social policies to help the poor, Olson said.

"At the end of the day, the corruption and the extreme poverty and inequality is what is driving migration more than anything," Olson said. "And in places like Guatemala now, corruption, organized crime and poverty are intimately linked. Why is there no investment in the Western Highlands or why is it so bad? Because there's huge amounts of corruption."

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed concern about efforts in Guatemala to disallow Arevalo's election.

"Such anti-democratic behavior, including efforts by the Public Ministry and other actors to suspend the President-elects political party and intimidate election authorities, undercuts the clear will of the Guatemalan people and is inconsistent with the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter," Blinken said in an Aug. 29 statement.

Presidential candidate Bernardo Arevalo, at center, takes photos with supporters during a private event held in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala, on Aug.11, 2023.

Velasquez, the Guatemala community leader, is calling on Guatemalans living abroad, the American people, the U.S. government and the international community to remain vigilant to help ensure Arevalo is not prevented from taking power.

Van Antwerp, the Guatemalan lawyer, said Arevalo's supporters won't tolerate attempts to keep him from becoming president on Jan. 14.

"The Guatemalan people are not dumb. They are already awakened. There have already been many, many protests," she said.

Daniel Gonzalez covers race, equity and opportunity. Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8312.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Guatemalans hope president-elect will reduce corruption and poverty
First-year University of Illinois at Chicago student Cydnee Baylis, of Champaign, center, along with her mother, Jayna, left, is welcomed by student volunteers and staff as she moves into her residence hall on Aug. 16, 2023, for the fall semester. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Virtually every policy that governs our higher education system is based on a dangerous myth  that students do, and should, meticulously shop around for colleges nationwide and pick the best fit.

Thats the classic image: The prospective college student visits a slew of colleges and completes an array of applications. Then, they debate their options. Finally, parents pack up the car and drive across the country to drop their child off at college.

Advertisement

The entire college selection apparatus  including college rankings, recruitment, marketing and entrance exams  fuels this marketplace perception. And following the U.S. Supreme Courts curtailment of race-conscious admissions, most policy discussions have focused on ensuring students of color can still access and choose between highly selective colleges.

Heres the reality: Only 1 in 5 undergraduate students travel outside their home state for college, according to research I conducted with the Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit that advocates for student-centered public policies. And typically, students travel less than 17 miles from home  generally attending a community college or local public university.

Advertisement

Thats not due to a lack of talent or educational aspirations. Its because a growing number of students need to care for family members, have close ties to their communities or have work responsibilities. Even with a scholarship, many still wont want to travel far. They just want to get a good education close to their homes and communities. And contrary to the classic image, 1 in 3 undergraduate students are older than age 24.

Its hard to overstate just how harmful this marketplace misconception truly is, particularly for traditionally marginalized students.

For one, our federal government assumes that students would shop around for schools and uproot their lives if they simply had better information about where to go. So policymakers pour a monumental amount of time, money and resources into massive information campaigns and programs that help students choose among schools  such as College Scorecard, College Navigator and tuition watchlists.

On its own, this information does provide value to some students. But to reach the majority of students, the information must also come with investments into resources that will make the most impact where it is needed.

[ Emma Varvaloucas: Gen Z is dropping the college dream. Its time for America to catch up ]

Furthermore, by assuming students can and should simply choose schools that are highly selective or have the most name recognition, policymakers perpetuate a flawed, inequitable cycle of funding that worsens inequalities. For example, in 26 states, public schools receive funding based on their performance  in other words, the number of students who graduate.

But schools that serve traditionally marginalized students face an uphill battle  one that goes beyond the bounds of simply educating students. Due to rampant inequalities in K-12 education and beyond, these colleges need to invest more in support services  such as academic advising, child care and instructional assistance  just so their students can get by.

Meanwhile, highly selective schools that predominantly serve white, wealthy students dont have to make as much of an investment in these support areas. So while a more selective school might use funding to improve facilities, bring aboard a renowned faculty member or hire lobbyists to get even more money, an underresourced school might have to put funding toward ensuring its students have the bare minimum to continue their education.

That creates a vicious cycle: Highly selective, well-resourced schools can churn out graduates with ease. Meanwhile, underresourced schools continue to be sapped of funding because they dont have sufficient resources to help all students graduate.

Advertisement

And then theres another crucial source of funding: federal research dollars. Each year, the National Science Foundation, an independent government agency, doles out millions of dollars to colleges and universities for research endeavors. A whopping 80% of that funding goes to selective flagship and research universities, which disproportionately serve few students from low-income families and students of color. These colleges can then shower students with top-notch equipment and facilities and provide robust research opportunities. And that experience can open doors for graduates down the road.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

In policymakers minds, students could simply choose to travel and attend a school with higher performance metrics and more funding. But that simply doesnt happen in practice  and it shouldnt have to.

Moreover, the marketplace myth has been front and center following the Supreme Court decision on race-conscious admissions. Higher education policy discussions have focused on a central question: How do we ensure students of color can still access the most selective colleges in the country? To be sure, thats a noble mission. But that will help only a handful of students.

The bottom line is: To truly uplift the vast majority of students, we need to shore up the colleges that are already supporting these populations. Many people  particularly people of color  live in areas with only one public college nearby. By infusing these local, underresourced institutions with needed funding and tools, we can significantly improve student outcomes  and opportunities.

Our higher education system is rooted in a perilous, long-standing misconception. By debunking the myth that students can and should shop around for college, we can start forming policies that actually fit the realities of todays students.

Nicholas Hillman is a senior fellow at the Institute for College Access & Success. He is also a professor and director of the Student Success Through Applied Research Lab at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Advertisement

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Explore Fort Worth: Sign up here for our Eats Beat newsletter  the best in what to eat and drink in the Fort Worth area.

Downtown Fort Worth is the central hub for business, entertainment, dining and events in the city with a colorful history.

Downtown was once the spot of Fort Worths infamous Hells Half Acre  known for its brawling, gambling, cockfighting and horse racing  in the late 19th century. It was also where President John F. Kennedy spent his final night (at the Hilton Fort Worth) before his assassination in 1963.

In recent years, downtown has been the spot for seasonal events like the Main Street Arts Festival, the Fort Worth Parade of Lights and even music video locations, as seen in Kendrick Lamars N95 music video.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At the heart of downtown Fort Worth is Sundance Square, comprised of 37 blocks that is home to some of the citys premiere historical and cultural landmarks.

Suits and ties make up the daytime attire while the unofficial after hours dress code is often jeans, boots and cowboy hats.

Downtown Fort Worth and the Trinity River can be seen as the sun sets on Friday, September 3, 2021.

Where is downtown Fort Worth located?

Downtown Fort Worth sits on about 4.5 acres bordered to the south by I-30, to the east by I-35W, to the west by Henderson Street and to the north by the West Fork of the Trinity River.

Activities in downtown Fort Worth

Bass Performance Hall  Performing arts venue and home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Cliburn.

Fort Worth Convention Center  Spans 14 city blocks of the Fort Worths central business district. It hosts conventions, conferences, corporate meetings, trade shows and other events.

Fort Worth Water Gardens  Sits adjacent to the convention center in the heart of downtown. It is an Urban park with water features and was featured in rapper-songwriter Kendrick Lamars N95 music video.

Sundance Square Plaza  Think of it as a 55,000-square-foot living room: a place to hang out with friends, indulge your senses, and let your everyday worries disappear, its website states. It is a multi-use space with fountains, large umbrellas, tables and stage.

A car drives down West 4th Street in downtown Fort Worths Sundance Square area on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

What to eat

Where to Drink

Acre Distilling  (1309 Calhoun St.) The Acre Distillery & Coffee House is planted firmly in what was once Fort Worths legendary Hells Half Acre, an area known for its gambling, alcohol and outlaws.

Buon Giorno Coffee  (500 W. 7th St., Suite 140) This coffee shop is the culmination of a dream, a love for coffee, and a desire to present a destination for people to meet.

Corrida Coffee  (200 Main St.) Located inside the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, Corrida Coffee serves La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Downtown visitors and hotel guests are invited to enjoy their coffee in the hotels expansive lobby area.

Cowtown Brewing Co.  (1301 E. Belknap St.) Enjoy craft beers and barbecue inside the air-conditioned taproom or on the expansive outdoor deck featuring lively music and a family-friendly environment.

Flying Saucer Draught Experience  (111 E. 3rd St.) The Flying Saucer is Fort Worths favorite Downtown beer garden  serving more than 100 beers on tap with a stunning view of downtowns lights from its patio.

Sons Coffee  (250 W. Lancaster Ave.) This cafe is spacious with large community tables, making it a great place for families, friends, and the business community to meet and hang out.

T&P Tavern  (221 W. Lancaster Ave221 W Lancaster Ave.) T&P Tavern is located on the southern edge of Downtown Fort Worth and features the largest covered patio in Fort Worth. Make sure to bring the pooch, the covered patio is pup friendly.

Vaquero Coffee Co.  (109 Houston St.) Located in the more-than-a-century-old Joe Daiches building, this coffee shop offers local coffee brews and bites with a cool atmosphere.

Whiskey and Rye  (1300 Houston St.) This neighborhood bar is located in the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.

What to do

Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth)  Is a drive-in movie theater in the heart of Cowtown.

Panther Island Pavilion  This spot is a scenic outdoor venue on the Trinity River with the downtown Fort Worth skyline as a backdrop. It has multiple stages including the only waterfront stage in Texas and is home to the Panther Island Beach.

Harmon Field Park (1501 Martin Luther King Freeway) This 97.5-acre park has a collection of playgrounds and picnic areas.

How to get around

Trinity Metro  is a regional transportation system serving Tarrant County. It includes buses, trains and targeted commuter transportation.

Molly The Trolley  Molly the Trolley is a quick and convenient way to travel around downtown Fort Worth. The Molly route travels from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square 7 days a week. Service runs 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Time between trolleys is approximately 15 minutes.

Fort Worth Bike Sharing  This program is operated with equipment by BCycle. The concept began at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (now Trinity Metro), which received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to help cover capital costs. Fort Worth Bike Sharing launched the system on Earth Day, April 22, 2013 and has stations across Downtown, the Cultural District, the Trinity Trails, the Stockyards, Near Southside, Near Eastside, and on the TCU campus.
The Sacramento Police Department is making a renewed appeal for the publics help in solving a two-year-old homicide case that has gone cold.

Inimava Mabinton, 24, was killed Sept. 12, 2021, in a shooting.

At the time, officers responded to the 2700 block of Fruitridge Road and found two men who had suffered gunshot wounds. They were both transported to a local hospital where Mabinton succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide detectives took over the investigation.

The suspects fled the scene before police arrived and at the time police didnt release any suspect information to the public.

Now, the Police Department is looking for new leads.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the communitys assistance in solving the 2021 murder of Inimava Mabinton, police said in a news release Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to cal the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471 or the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. Callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.
Nikki Haley s presidential campaign bashed her GOP competitors Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday, accusing them of trying to copy former President Trump.

Haleys campaign manager Betsy Ankney said in a memo that Haley has not been afraid to be open about the areas in which she agrees and disagrees with the former president and that she is the only one who can defeat him and President Biden.

Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy fall all over themselves to copy Trump on everything from policy to his leadership style, Ankney said.

The memo comes two weeks after the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, in which Haleys performance received praise from many observers. She had several memorable moments during the night, including a clash with Ramaswamy over foreign policy and a branding of Trump as the most disliked politician in America.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Her performance led to some Republicans seeing a path for bringing more women to the GOP. She has also stayed in the news following the debate, saying she does not expect the country to be willing to vote for Trump if he is convicted in any of the four criminal cases against him and continuing to spar with Ramaswamy.

Ankney argued in the memo that Trump is essentially running as an incumbent and has a lead, but polls in the early states still show most voters are looking for another candidate to support. She said Haley is creating her own path with her candidacy instead of trying to follow what Trump says and supports.

From DeSantiss territorial dispute comments to, well, everything about Ramaswamy, both seem to think copying Trump is the path to success. Meanwhile, Nikki is blazing her own path like she always has, the memo said.

DeSantis, who like Trump has expressed some hesitancy about continued U.S. support for Ukraine in the war with Russia, referred to the conflict as a territorial dispute in March before walking his remarks back following backlash he received.

Haley reiterated during the debate that the war is not a territorial dispute, while DeSantis said U.S. support for Ukraine should be contingent on its European allies increasing their aid for the eastern European country.

The memo notes comments that Haley made recently criticizing out-of-control spending from Democrats, Republicans and Trump, and for a lack of moral clarity in dealing with China.

Her opponents have done none of that. Some run as Trump-lite, while others throw rocks at Trump to win points in the media. All are wrong, all will fail, and all show a lack of leadership, Ankney said. Nikki stands alone as the candidate with the backbone and vision to lead the Republican Party into the future.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A gun lost by a Fresno City College police officer during a foot pursuit on the campus in mid-August has been recovered by a Fresno County Sheriffs sergeant, FCC officials reported Tuesday.

The loaded Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol went missing on Aug. 16, when the the FCC officer took a fall while chasing a suspect near the campus parking structure. He had been assisting Fresno police chase several teenagers in a stolen car when the teens crashed near campus.

After the campus sergeant fell, he resumed the chase. Moments later, he realized his service weapon had fallen off of his belt when some equipment broke, likely in the fall, officials initially reported.

Police combed the area, but the weapon was not recovered. Campus police entered the gun into a California law enforcement database so other police agencies would be aware of it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The sheriffs sergeant who recovered the weapon is a member of the Help Eliminate Auto Theft Team.

FCC President Robert Pimentel said the gun was returned to the FCC officer and appeared to be in working condition, no missing ammunition.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris stand on stage at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, Feb. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia. | Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

In a recent interview, Vice President Kamala Harris dismissed concerns about President Joe Bidens age, but still discussed whether she is ready to take on the presidency should something happen to Biden.

He already has the title of the oldest serving U.S. president. If he wins reelection, Biden will be 86 by the time he finishes his second term, making Harris chances of becoming president higher than other vice presidents.

But in an interview with The Associated Press, Harris said that she sees him every day and spends a substantial time in the Oval Office with him.

She has witnessed his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out, she said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related

And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers, she added.

An AP-NORC poll from last month found that roughly 77% of Americans think Biden is too old to be an effective president in a second term. This includes 69% of Democrats and 89% of Republicans.

Republicans warn of the possibility of a Kamala Harris presidency

Should Biden step down, hypothetically speaking, Harris told the AP she is ready to take on the role.

Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition, she said, adding that the oath taken by every vice president gives them the responsibility to take over the job if needed. Im no different, she said.

Republicans have often centered their attacks on Harris, and the potential of her becoming president.

Vice presidents typically arent popular with the other party to begin with.

Dick Cheney wasnt popular with Democrats. Al Gore wasnt popular with Republicans. So its not like anything new that shes unpopular with the opposing party, Mike DuHaime, a top Republican strategist advising former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies presidential campaign, told CNN.

Whats new is that people think theres a more legitimate chance of her actually ascending to the presidency than previous VPs and anyone that I can remember.

Related

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is also running for president in 2024, has argued that anyone is better than President Kamala Harris.

When asked whether she meant Biden, she said, Well, I think its President Harris.  A vote for President Biden is a vote for Kamala Harris.

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, also campaigning for the presidency, said that Biden winning reelection would leave Kamala in charge.

Were running to win and to deliver, and thats really the only reason to run, and I feel compelled to do it, because I think that if we, if we muff this one and Biden gets in again  heck you may end up with Kamala as president, DeSantis said.

Harris role in reelection campaign for 2024

Harris is currently representing the country at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia.

In August, Biden's reelection campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez wrote in a memo that Harris is uniquely popular among several groups of voters that are key to our victory in 2024.

Although she is bracing to play a bigger role in the Biden-Harris reelection campaign, becoming the voice on issues like abortion voting rights, gun reform and climate change, she struggles with low approval ratings as vice president.

As of last month, only 40% of voters have a positive view of her, compared to 54% who have a negative view, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Her net favorability is lower than that of the past four vice presidents, including Mike Pence, Cheney, Gore and Biden.

Before being sworn in as vice president, Harris served as the attorney general of California and as a U.S. senator.
Vice President Harris on Wednesday said people should be held accountable for efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election when questioned on the charges against former President Trump.

Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may, Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia.

I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor, she added. I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability.

Harris was interviewed while representing the U.S. at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of President Biden.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden and the vice president have largely avoided commenting on Trumps legal troubles, but Biden has recently stepped up his attacks on Trump on his presidential record.

Trump, the current front-runner for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election to Biden. He has also been charged in Georgia for alleged efforts to overturn the states 2020 election results.

The former president pleaded not guilty last week to all 13 charges in the Georgia case.

Trump faces a combined 91 criminal counts  across four indictments  and has also pleaded not guilty in the New York hush money case and the handling of classified documents in a Florida case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Leer en espanol

An older male migrant from Bangladesh died after suffering medical distress after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border near Lukeville on Aug. 17.

The man was struggling to breathe after Border Patrol agents moved him about two feet into a shaded area east of the Lukeville Port of Entry and poured water on him to cool him down, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Agents performed CPR on the man before delivering one defibrillator shock and continuing CPR. A doctor at Saint Marys Hospital in Tucson telephonically declared the man dead at 3:34 p.m., per CBP.

A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent arrives to pick up a family of five claiming to be from Guatemala after they crossed the border fence in the Tucson Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border, on Aug. 29, 2023, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument near Lukeville, AZ.

Pima County Sheriff's Department deputies arrived at the scene at 4:37 p.m. and took custody of the man. The exact age of the man was not made clear as he was only identified by CBP as older.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The area where the man was found has become a popular crossing point for migrants in recent months. The desert corridor is notorious for its remoteness and lethality for migrants walking through.

Humanitarian aid workers in the area have stepped up to help prevent heat-related deaths among migrants who they encounter. They provide water in 55-gallon drums along the border wall and help cool down migrants in distress.

Lukeville Migration: Border Patrol's Tucson Sector sees 15-year high, advocates adapt to Lukeville migration shift

A group of roughly 50 migrants, mostly from India, continue their walk toward a Border Patrol processing center on the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument west of Lukeville on Aug. 22, 2023.

The Border Patrols Tucson Secto , which covers 262 miles of the border from New Mexico to Yuma County, became the busiest sector for migrant encounters along the southwest border in July.

The sector set a 15-year monthly high during a month of record breaking heat.

In July, 42 migrant human remains were found, which is the most remains recovered in Arizona so far this year, according to the Arizona OpenGIS Initiative, a collaboration between the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner and the nonprofit Humane Borders.

Tom Wingo, 76, refills water drums and gives water to migrants on the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument west of Lukeville on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

Agents first responded to the area where the man was found at 2:58 p.m. after a large migrant group crossed into the U.S. Agents found the man at 3:02 p.m.

Agents then requested but were denied an air ambulance due to inclement weather. The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy of the man and the results will be released when available.

This incident is under review by the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner and CBPs Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was also notified.

Have a news tip or story idea about the border and its communities? Contact the reporter at josecastaneda@arizonarepublic.com or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joseicastaneda.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Migrant from Bangladesh dies after crossing border near Lukeville
A semitruck crashed into a train overpass Wednesday on Highway 70 in Marysville, closing the roadway in both directions, Caltrans officials said.

California Department of Transportation officials said in a social media post just before noon that the big rig struck the train overpass at 18th Street, forcing the highways closure. There was no estimated time frame for the highway to reopen as of early Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

Officials with the Marysville Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The cause of the crash is unknown. It is unclear if anyone suffered injuries.

Caltrans said Union Pacific sent crews to inspect the railroad structure.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

State transportation officials recommended motorists use alternate routes in town.

A big rig has struck the State Highway 70 railroad trestle at 18th Street in Marsyville, forcing closure of the route in both directions. Union Pacific is sending crews to inspect the structure. Use alternate routes in town. No estimated time to reopen the highway. @ChpYuba pic.twitter.com/0BsjbYU7Z1  Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) September 6, 2023
Less than a week after an abnormally intense wildfire killed 115 people and scorched the historic Hawaiian city of Lahaina while smoke from other fires still blanketed much of Canada, a judge in Montana handed down a decision giving young people hope that future similar disasters could still be abated.

On Aug. 14, Judge Kathy Seeley in Montana's Lewis and Clark District Court ruled in Held vs. Montana that the rights of 16 youth plaintiffs to a "clean and healthful environment," per the state constitution, had in fact been violated by the states practice of promoting and permitting the fossil fuel industry. The ruling also revoked as unconstitutional two recent Montana statutes that prohibited consideration of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts while conducting environmental reviews, and made it more difficult for groups to challenge state permitting actions.

Though subject to appeal, the outcome of the nation's first constitutional climate change case to go to trial sets a legal precedent recognizing the impact of burning fossil fuels on the quality of life for future generations. Activists hope it could influence other states to do the same.

As fires rage in the West, fueled by fossil fuel pollution, todays ruling in Montana is a game-changer that marks a turning point in this generations efforts to save the planet from the devastating effects of human-caused climate chaos, said Julia Olson, executive director of Our Childrens Trust, the law firm that brought the suit in Montana, in a prepared statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our Children's Trust is behind two more youth-led climate cases that are heading for trial, one against the Hawaii Department of Transportation that will be heard next summer and one brought by youth in Oregon against the U.S. government that was filed in 2015 and recently cleared to proceed. Beyond that, a database of more than 1,500 climate change cases filed in U.S. jurisdictions (and nearly 2,500 worldwide) suggests this type of climate action is picking up steam.

In some places, that is.

In Arizona, assistant minority leader Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, has been trying to get language into the state constitution that would afford residents here similar rights as Montana's guarantee to a "clean and healthful environment," which gave standing to the Held vs. Montana case. But it's not going well.

From 2021: Activists rally for a healthy environment amendment. Could it pass in Arizona?

Mendez introduced SCR1029 in the 2023 legislative session, adding Arizona to a growing list of states where such "green amendments" have been put forward for adoption into the state bill of rights. But it was never scheduled for a committee hearing. The same thing happened last year (SCR1034 in 2022), and the year before that (SCR1041 in 2021).

Now Mendez fears the ruling in Montana may actually make the fight for "the right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, healthy ecosystems and a stable climate," as his one-page bill text puts it, even harder.

"We're working with the Arizona Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans that are off the deep end," Mendez said. "When they hear the news that Montana is going to be guaranteeing future generations clean water, healthy air and land, I'm pretty sure they're gonna make sure that this never happens in Arizona."

A school strike movement graduates to the courtroom

The emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels is the main type of pollution scientists understand to be causing climate change, or the retention of heat in the atmosphere resulting in warmer average temperatures, worsened droughts and stronger storms. The health consequences of climate change pollution are many, and have been documented to affect children, elderly and those with pre-existing conditions the most.

Research has found a connection between fossil fuel pollution and increased risk for children developing asthma, bronchitis, autistic traits, depression, anxiety, hypertension, immune system dysregulation and more. Exposure to air pollution has also been linked to pregnancy complications, decreased birth weight, and a 12% greater risk of preterm birth, with lower-income and minority mothers hit hardest. These results have prompted groups like Science Moms and Mom's Clean Air Force to push for climate action in the form of a shift toward options like solar energy and electric school buses.

The responsibility of protecting children from climate change has also fallen heavily on children themselves. Youth climate movements like Greta Thunberg's "School Strike for Climate" motivated millions of students over its 5-year run to boycott school on Fridays in protest of how the threats to a livable climate from fossil fuel reliance jeopardized their futures more than missing school would.

Saiarchana Darira is a youth climate activist in Phoenix and recent graduate of Arizona State University who has spoken to The Arizona Republic about her struggles with hopelessness in the face of global warming and feelings of powerlessness to bring about needed change.

Saiarchana Darira, youth climate activist, speaks at the Earth Day rally held by the Climate Action Campaign on the state Capitol Senate lawn on April 23, 2022, in Phoenix.

Rikki Held, the 22-year-old lead plaintiff in the Montana climate case told the Flathead Beacon before the trial that she felt compelled to join the case because of how much climate change will affect young people.

In some ways, our generation feels a lot of pressure, kind of a burden, to make something happen because its our lives that are at risk," Held said.

Seeley's decision was historic in addressing not only the effects of climate change on physical health and safety but also on the quality of life for young people growing up in a world with more chaotic and destructive weather.

Speaking to the significance of the Montana case, Karen Bradshaw, a law professor at ASU and an expert on nature-related legal matters, said even if that decision is overturned, its hard not to take this seriously."

One piece of the conversation that would be easy to miss in the opinion, which is over 100 pages long, but is important, is that the judge recognized the mental health concern that this is causing depression and anxiety for young people," she said.

More: Hoping to save lives, experts work on new air quality messaging strategies in Phoenix

Held vs. Montana may have been made possible by Maya van Rossum, an environmental attorney who argued a case in Pennsylvania in 2013 that revived that state's constitutional environmental rights amendment. That experience led her to coin the term "green amendment," author a book about the concept and launch a grassroots movement to recruit lawmakers like Mendez to the cause. The website about van Rossum's efforts to introduce similar language into state constitutions nationwide, forthegenerations.org, is itself a nod to the importance of taking this step on behalf of, and in cooperation with, young people.

One of my hopes and what we are seeing in other states is that the recent Held victory, demonstrating the value of the amendment in the climate context, is sort of helping to wake people up to this pathway of protection," van Rossum said. "So maybe things will turn around in Arizona in terms of enthusiasm for it."

Lead plaintiff Rikki Held listens to testimony during a hearing in the climate change lawsuit, Held vs. Montana, at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse on, June 20, 2023, in Helena, Mont. A Montana judge on Monday, Aug. 14, sided with young environmental activists who said state agencies were violating their constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment by permitting fossil fuel development without considering its effect on the climate.

A 'very long game' on a short runway

Mendez seems to think that enthusiasm for a green amendment among Republican lawmakers in Arizona remains low to nonexistent. But he plans to continue to push for progress. He's working on what he calls his "soft power in the Legislature," continuing to build bipartisan relationships in hopes of eventually reaching a compromise.

I know my place in time and progress," Mendez said. "Everyone thinks theyre going to be the person that is going to be the one to bring justice to the world. But I paid attention in history classes and I understand that all of this is a very long game.

The climate politics of building homes: More homes mean more heat. Can new building codes help save metro Phoenix from disaster?

Van Rossum also knows the road ahead is long. Right now, only three states have green amendments that guarantee environmental protection as a constitutional right: Montana, Pennsylvania and New York, which passed theirs just last year. For a green amendment to really have legal teeth, she says it has to be applicable to all levels of government and self-executing, meaning it has to be located in the Bill of Rights or Declaration of Rights section of the state's constitution and enforceable in its own right even if there is no legislation implementing it.

Passing a new constitutional entitlement is a higher bar than just another piece of legislation, she added. But that's one of the values of it  because a right to a clean and healthful environment done this way is also harder to undo or ignore.

Its really great that (Mendez) keeps proposing it so that its out there and when the moment is right, the language will be there for people to take advantage of," van Rossum said.

The problem with waiting for the right legislative moment is that the moment of climate impacts is already upon us. As of Aug. 8, there have already been 15 weather disaster events nationwide in 2023 exceeding $1 billion in losses each (which does not include the Maui fires), compared to an annual average of 8.1 such events for the time period between 1980 and 2022.

Plaintiffs listen to testimony during a hearing in the climate change lawsuit, Held vs. Montana, at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Helena, Mont. The 16 young plaintiffs and their attorneys are trying to persuade a judge that the states allegiance to fossil fuel development endangers the young peoples health and livelihoods and those of future generations. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP)

Phoenix made international headlines with its record-breaking and deadly July heat wave. And with greenhouse gas emissions globally still on the rise, scientists are projecting more weather records to fall.

The emissions contributed by fossil fuel activity in Montana or Arizona or any other single state did not by itself cause any of these events, and lawsuits to slow these activities will not by themselves stop them. But legal and scientific experts alongside distressed youth increasingly argue that change has to start somewhere.

"The (Montana case's) claim is based on a small, tiny fraction of 1%," said Troy Rule, a law professor and renewable energy expert at ASU. "But even that is a very large financial claim, potentially, because of the massive damage. So, I think it's just a step in the direction of acceptance of the science, including not just climate change science, but the beginnings of attribution science gaining acceptance in the courts."

Neither Rule or Bradshaw think that constitutional rights cases can solve the climate crisis. They need to be combined with other legal tactics and social demands. Rule pointed to a case in Puerto Rico where lawyers are bringing suit over damages from Hurricane Maria against oil companies using the RICO law (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) to allege corruption since the oil companies knew fossil fuel emissions would lead to worsened storms. He also wants Arizona's Corporation Commission to improve regulation of utilities to allow for more clean energy solutions.

"I don't have huge optimism about climate litigation being the answer," Rule said. "In the short run, if we were relying on that, unfortunately, we're probably in trouble. Not that we shouldn't do it. We should bring the claims. It's still exciting and I'm happy about the (Held) decision. But really we need more concerted action in our state legislatures in the regulatory structures that matter like the Corporation Commission here in Arizona."

Read the climate series: The latest from Joan Meiners at azcentral, a column on climate change

Bradshaw has other creative options in mind. She is an expert on the rights of nature movement, which seeks to ensure rights to water for the Colorado River itself, for example. Acts that protect the rights of a bald eagle to the tree it's nesting in is another way to ward off destruction of the environment on which humans and other species rely. She also noted that the Navajo Nation has protections similar to Montana's that could guide efforts in Arizona.

"I think the answer is nestedness," Bradshaw said. "So there's this concept from sustainability that any environmental solution to almost any environmental problem is at once local, state, regional, national and international. So once you accept that model of climate change, where it's happening in China but also it's happening in Montana, you recognize that this is a nested approach and it's targeting one small branch of this whole picture."

In essence, while the Held vs. Montana case places a few more bricks on the climate litigation path, real solutions to climate change will still require addressing every little piece of the puzzle individually with every tool available, everywhere, all at once.

Joan Meiners is the climate news and storytelling reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Before becoming a journalist, she completed a doctorate in ecology. Follow Joan on Twitter at @beecycles or email her at joan.meiners@arizonarepublic.com. Read more of her coverage at environment.azcentral.com.

Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's weekly climate and environment newsletter.

Support climate coverage and local journalism by subscribing to azcentral.com at this link.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Does Arizona owe its youth a clean and healthful environment?
Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, has once again embraced hyperbole in a recent interview with the South Side Weekly. She see the encroachment of fascism in Chicago and the marginalization of public education, particularly for Black individuals. According to Gates, the fight against these issues should involve preventing any form of fascism and racism from infiltrating the Chicago Board of Education. This stance is clearly aimed at supporters of school choice.

Is she really equating parents seeking an education for their kids outside of traditional district schools with dictators seeking autocratic control? Thats rich. Even more offensive, she professed that there are people who might run for the school board who never intended for Black people to be educated. Do these racists include the charter school advocates who are seeking to expand public educational choices for children in poverty? We can only hope her words are hyperbole. Either way, she just insulted the families of almost 52,000 Black and Latino Chicago charter school children.

Advertisement

Apparently in Davis Gates view, those pushing for scholarships to allow economically disadvantaged students to attend private schools and those advocating for the expansion of high-quality public charter schools are the encroaching fascists and racists. She seems to dismiss the idea that these efforts aim to offer better educational opportunities to children. The CTU also opposes real local community empowerment such as allowing elected Local School Councils to choose an improved model for their struggling local institutions.

Davis Gates claim that certain individuals dont want Black people to receive education is particularly extreme and offensive. In reality, it is CTU leadership, headed by Davis Gates, and its supporters who have degraded an already-poorly performing school system that serves predominantly Black and Latino and low-income students.

Advertisement

She references then-Mayor Rahm Emanuels closure of schools while ignoring that the CTU prolonged COVID-19 school closures for a year, which contributed to a drop of about 25,000 students. Meanwhile, the teachers union shamelessly pressured the school district to deny charter schools the use of closed school buildings, effectively shutting out educational options for the very communities it claims to care about.

Moreover, the CTUs arbitrary cap on the number of charter schools and even individual charter school enrollment is a blatant attempt to restrict public school choices and opportunities for students. This cap even extends to state-authorized charters to provide alternative schools for older students who dropped out or have been incarcerated. These schools could have easily occupied many of the closed schools. This is especially egregious, considering that 80% of 16- to 19-year-olds in Chicago were unemployed in 2021..

[ Paul Vallas: The city wont address crime as long as CTU stands in the way of making education about children ]

Notably, there are 114 public charter schools operating in Chicago that are educating more than 54,000 students, one-fourth of all city high school students and one-tenth of all city elementary students. Davis Gates and the union have used their political muscle to kneecap public charter schools ability to serve their marginalized students. Chicagos charter schools receive about $8,600 less in funding per pupil than traditional Chicago Public Schools students, according to a recently released report from University of Arkansas researchers, despite the fact that 97% of Chicago charter students are Black and/or Latino and 86% of the students qualify for a free or reduced lunch. So much for equity.

Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Why would CTU talk such a good equity game, yet do everything in its power to limit and roll back public charter schools that have been so popular with Black and brown families? Its called money. Only a quarter of Chicagos charter schools are unionized.

CTU leadership not only works to deny poor children quality public education choices but also deliberately undermines children in poverty, who have limited choice because of their families income and ZIP code. The CTUs actions and behavior are returning public schools to the soft bigotry of low expectations as it works to eliminate the score card for honestly evaluating student learning, teacher effectiveness and school performance.

In another notable quote from the South Side Weekly article, Davis Gates states that having organizers on the school board is almost like a magical dream world. For the CTU, yes, as evidenced by Mayor Brandon Johnsons most substantive actions in his first 100 days, which seemed to be doing Davis Gates bidding. For poor parents, overwhelmingly Black and Latino, its a nightmare, as public school choices will be limited and degraded, social promotion will return, and real school and teacher accountability will be a thing of the past.

While not attributing racism to intent, its clear that the CTU-dominated education system under its present union leadership perpetuates institutional racism. Lack of educational options for low-income families, mainly Black and Latino, contributes to this issue. The CTUs efforts obstruct opportunities for these families to access quality education, even within public charter schools. Davis Gates and Johnsons leadership are not inadvertently, but intentionally, fueling this cycle.

Paul Vallas is an adviser for the Illinois Policy Institute. He ran for Chicago mayor this year and in 2019 and was previously budget director for the city and CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Advertisement

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
People's social-media feeds are being flooded with first-day-of-school photos of little kids.

Police and parenting gurus have said that predators may target the children in the pictures.

Another parenting expert says these fears are overblown.

Kirsty Ketley, a parenting specialist, was initially charmed by the milestone back-to-school photo that a mom posted on Facebook of her 5-year-old kid on Tuesday.

But taking a closer look, she considered advising the friend to delete the celebratory picture in case it compromised her kindergartener's safety.

"He was standing right outside the school gates, which are recognizable in the local area, and wearing the school insignia on his shirt," Ketley told Insider. "It was very obvious where he was."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She added: "Unfortunately, it made me think about the darker side of the internet."

Ketley, a mother of two who has worked as a nanny for 25 years, said the seemingly innocuous photo might have put the boy in harm's way. She said child predators "fish for information" on social-media sites such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

Similarly, police have urged parents to be cautious about posting first-day-of-school photos in case they attract kidnappers, groomers, or scammers. One police department in Canada recently drew attention to photos that showed children holding a banner or board displaying their name, teacher, school, and grade.

Parents should remove identifiable details from their kids' back-to-school shots

In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. , Gavin Moore of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said: "Some of the things that we just want to remind parents of when it comes to posting these photos is to remember that everything that you post on here could potentially be seen by anybody."

Ketley agreed.

"They can easily end up with data about your kid's identity and daily routine," the expert in the UK said.

She said that she'd seen scores of first-day-back photos of smiling students outside their front doors with the house number on display.

"If strangers know where they live and where they go to school, it could be dangerous, especially if they walk themselves to school," Ketley said.

She recommends that if parents decide to post these types of photos, they obscure school mascots and insignia on uniforms and backpacks and keep street names and house numbers out of shot.

"Some people are well meaning but aren't very savvy online, so you should ask family and friends to get your permission before sharing the pictures with others," she said.

Kirsty Ketley recommends that back-to-school photos have a plain background and that any insignia on a kid's uniform be disguised. Courtesy of Kirsty Ketley

Ketley's concerns were echoed by Marianne Trent, a clinical psychologist who has previously assessed sex offenders in Britain. She told Insider that her job had made her "more risk-aware." She said that she never posted photos of her kids on their first day of school  or any other day of the year, for that matter.

"Professionals who have worked with certain populations have had their blinkers taken off," Trent said. "Once a picture is on the internet, whatever your privacy settings, it can be screenshotted and used outside of your control by people without the same good intentions."

Lenore Skenazy, the president of Let Grow, a nonprofit promoting childhood independence and resilience, told Insider that while she could "understand that nobody wants their kids to be in danger," the fear of pedophiles targeting children they spot on the internet vastly outweighed the reality.

Skenazy tells people not to live their life as if they were in an episode of 'Law & Order: SVU'

"Stranger abduction in the US is, thank God, vanishingly small," Skenazy said. "The vast majority of kids who are missing are taken by divorced parents in a custodial dispute  not by strangers."

She added: "Almost every crime is a crime of opportunity. Don't live your life as if you're in an episode of 'Law & Order: SVU' where some nefarious guy in a basement is trying to sleuth the location of your kid's home and school for six hours every day."

The activist said a police officer who issued a public statement to CT Insider warning against posting school photos online even said: "Truthfully, we have not seen predators specifically for this."

Skenazy added: "There is just some compulsion we have to warn parents about everything, even terrible, scary things that are not happening. But in our mind's eye, we worry they could."

She went on to reassure anybody who might now regret having posted first-day photos on Facebook.

"Showing a picture of your kid in front of a school or on your doorstep on the way to school does not surprise anybody," she said. "Guess what? Children go to school  you're not giving anything away."

Read the original article on Insider
In December of 2022, we introduced you to Amber Mansour, a single mom who never thought she and her kids would end up without a home.

She told us, It played a toll on them and was traumatizing for them. Its not an ideal place for anybody, I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.

And she wasnt alone.

Read: Thousands of students homeless across Central Florida, new numbers show

Thousands of children in the area live in hotels, cars or on the streets, and some of that is due to the increase in the cost of housing.

The homeless coalition says for every $100 increase in rent, homelessness goes up 9%.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mansour worked triple shifts and finally got into a place to call her own, but some have not yet found a place and are still sleeping wherever they can.

Felicia Prosser told us, I really havent had a good nights sleep, and since 2018 just, you know, its just been stressful.

Read: Orlando to use $58M in federal funds to help support homeless services

In the eight months since our first report, the number of homeless children has increased a lot.

The homeless coalition calls it staggering.

Look at the statistics just from last year.

Currently, Osceola has 1,129 children experiencing homelessness, a 98% increase from last year.

In Seminole County, if trends continue, it will surpass pandemic numbers.

Read: Advocates working on legislation to require autism education training for law enforcement officers

Already, there are 1,360 homeless students, an 80% jump from last August, and in Orange County, there were 1,500 last year at the start of school.

This year, that number is 2,500 on the first day.

This is something the coalition isnt used to seeing at this level.

Martha Are is the Executive director of the homeless coalition here in Central Florida.

She said people she has never seen come through their doors before have now become part of the system, telling us, We have people who used to live in our neighborhoods who have lost their housing, not because the people changed because of the housing has changed.

Right now, there is no easy fix because there are few affordable housing units in Central Florida.

That means many of these kids could spend most of their school year unsettled.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
(Bloomberg) -- A top adviser to Hong Kongs leader praised a landmark ruling backing same-sex unions by the citys highest court, saying it showed judicial independence and protected the decision from being overruled by Beijing.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Regina Ip , convener of Chief Executive John Lees Executive Council and a member of the city legislator, called the Court of Final Appeal judgment released Tuesday a victory for the LGBTQ community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A five-judge panel upheld the constitutionality of the ban on same-sex marriage, but ruled the governments failure to offer same-sex couples a legal framework for recognition was a violation of the citys Bill of Rights, enacted under British colonial rule.

The court fully recognized the governments obligation to protect the privacy and dignity of same-sex couples under the Bill of Rights, she said, in comments via WhatsApp. I think the CFA made a very clever judgment.

By finding there was no breach of Hong Kongs Basic Law, the mini-constitution that took effect after the citys return to Chinese rule in 1997, the court skirted the possibility of Chinas top legislature getting involved in the case, she said.

The Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress has used its power to interpret the Basic Law five times, most recently in 2016 when it barred politicians with separatist views from holding office.

Had Hong Kongs top court ruled the same-sex marriage ban violated the Basic Law, the NPC Standing Committee could have stepped in to provide an interpretation, Ip said. The CFA wisely avoided this possibility, she said.

The Hong Kong court gave the government two years to comply with the ruling after the issue of a final order, which would happen after both parties gave written submissions. Since the parties may lodge written submissions on relief as directed by the court, the case has not completely concluded and it is inappropriate to give any comment at this juncture, a government spokesperson said.

The government has wide discretion on timing, Ip said, and may need to conduct a consultation on what same-sex partnerships would qualify for legal recognition. The government will need to put a bill to the Legislative Council.

Ip is known for supporting LGBTQ rights, a position thats often put her in the cross hairs of fellow pro-Beijing lawmakers. China has shrunk the space for its own LGBTQ community under President Xi Jinping, with some groups that supported such communities being cut off from public meeting spaces or banking services. The public display of rainbows has become sensitive.

China has a history of changing Hong Kong law, either at the request of the local government or through Beijings own initiative. In 2020, China imposed national security legislation on the former British colony, as part of an effort to quash a pro-democracy movement that included large-scale street protests a year earlier.

The NPC then ordered changes to Hong Kong election laws in 2021 that blocked most opposition candidates from seeking office.

Last December, the NPC said Hong Kong courts should get approval from the citys leader or an oversight committee before an overseas lawyer could take part in a national security case.

That marked the first time Chinas legislative body had amended the security law since Beijing imposed it in June 2020. Hong Kongs leader, Lee, requested help resolving the matter after the CFA affirmed media mogul Jimmy Lais right to be represented by his UK-based lawyer for his upcoming national security trial.

(Updates after 8th paragraph with Ips comments on governments next steps)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
[Source]

Hong Kongs top court has urged the government to create an alternative framework for same-sex relationships to be legally recognized.

The final appellate court's ruling: The Court of Final Appeals ruling on Tuesday comes in response to a lawsuit by activist Jimmy Sham seeking legal recognition of his 2013 same-sex marriage in New York, which had been denied twice by Hong Kong's lower courts. Sham is also one of the activists facing legal action under Hong Kong's national security law imposed by the Chinese government in 2020.

While the high court did not grant full marriage equality, it mandated that the government provide legitimacy and recognition to same-sex civil unions within two years. The ruling reportedly marks the first direct address of the issue by the court. The judges said that same-sex couples need to have a sense of legitimacy which dispels any sense of them belonging to an inferior class of person whose committed and stable relationships are undeserving of recognition, according to Reuters.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Falling short: Esther Leung, campaign manager of the Hong Kong Marriage Equality group, said that while the ruling was a significant victory and a major step forward," it still "falls short of what is really at stake in this case: full inclusion in marriage.

More from NextShark: 20,000 Chinese American WWII Veterans Awarded With Congressional Gold Medal

Suen Yiu-tung, an associate professor of gender studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, also noted that the content of the alternative framework, or what the core rights are, remain unclear, according to Hong Kong Free Press. Suen cited a study by the Equal Opportunities Commission revealing how many same-sex couples face various discrimination in their daily lives.

Hong Kongs current state: Although same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1991, Hong Kong does not grant same-sex unions and marriages and currently has no laws to protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. Hong Kongs political landscape has shifted significantly due to Beijings national security law and electoral system changes. In mainland China, LGBTQ+ activists have faced increasing crackdowns under President Xi Jinping's rule.

More from NextShark: Thailand to allow chemical castration of sex offenders in exchange for reduced prison sentences

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

NewJeans, Psy and ATEEZ to headline inaugural Immortal Songs concert in New York

UK woman who falsely accused Asian grooming gang of sexual assault found guilty
The site of the Russian strike is surrounded by police

In a horrific scene, Russias invading forces attacked a busy market in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast with a brutal ballistic missile strike that killed 16 civilians  including a child  in the afternoon of Sept. 6, reported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy .

At least 20 people have been injured.

"At this moment, Russian terrorists' artillery killed 16 people in the city of Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. It was just an ordinary market. Shops. A pharmacy. Innocent people," he wrote.

He added that many others sustained injuries and the number of casualties may rise further.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal provided additional information, including the heartbreaking fact that one child was among the victims.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that the area struck by Russian forces is now surrounded by police.

GoogleMaps screenshot

Local Telegram channel "Typova Kostyantynivka" has shared videos from the scene of the incident.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) on Wednesday said 2024 will be the last election decided by ballots rather than bullets if former President Trump doesnt win the presidential race because of his various legal battles.

In the latest episode of his show on TBN, Huckabee argued the legal woes now facing Trump are part of a politically motivated scheme from the Biden administration, an argument touted by many in the former presidents orbit.

If these tactics end up working to keep Trump from winning or even running in 2024, it is going to be the last American election that will be decided by ballots rather than bullets, Huckabee warned in his opening monologue.

Huckabee accused President Biden and his team of trying to make sure that Donald Trump is not his opponent in 2024 and to destroy Trump in the courthouse rather than at the ballot box. He also alleged the Justice Department, the IRS and the FBI are conspiring to hide the Biden family crimes, while all the time being obsessed with charging Donald Trump with crimes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As Trump campaigns for the White House in 2024  after losing his reelection bid in 2020 to Biden  hes been faced with multiple indictments on federal and state charges in courthouses across the country.

The former president now faces charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and to his handling of classified documents following two DOJ investigations. In Manhattan, he faces charges related to 2016 hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. And in Georgia, hes been charged in relation to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.

Although polling has indicated the various legal battles have actually boosted Trump in the GOP primary, some have argued they should be disqualifying.

Huckabee, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, went on to laud Trump, who has long polled as the front-runner of the GOP field.

I know that there are a dozen or so other Republican candidates wanting to be the GOP nominee next year, and most of them were on the stage last week to audition for the job. But if you watched what was more a game show than a substantive debate, you realize none of them have the gravitas of Donald Trump, Huckabee said.

Trump did not participate in the Republican National Committees first presidential debate last month.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A hunter accused of bringing a deer carcass infected with a deadly disease to South Carolina pled guilty Wednesday in federal court to wildlife charges that resulted from trips he and two friends took to Kansas.

Chad Caldwell Seymore, 48, didnt make a statement in federal court, but he and his attorney said after the hearing he was unaware of rules that led to his indictment last month.

The U.S. Attorneys Office recommended a sentence of 36 months probation for the Upstate resident, a worker at the V.C. Summer nuclear plant in Fairfield County. The misdemeanor charges carry a maximum prison sentence of one year. A judge must sign off on the U.S. Attorneys Office sentencing recommendation of 36 months.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle Klein, who prosecuted the case, was not immediately available after court for comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Seymore is among three men charged in the case involving chronic wasting disease, an ailment lethal to deer that has sparked substantial concerns at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

Chronic wasting disease is not known to sicken humans, but it can devastate deer populations over time, which would hurt the states multi-million dollar deer hunting industry, DNR officials say.

The disease that state and federal officials found in the deer part has never been documented in wild deer in South Carolina, but officials worry that importing deer from other states where it has been found  in this case Kansas  could spread it to native white-tailed deer in the Palmetto State.

South Carolina regulations prohibit bringing in deer parts, such as heads, from states where the disease has been documented. About 30 states, including Kansas, have had outbreaks in deer. Some southeastern states have recently documented the disease.

In this case, the federal charges of illegally transporting wildlife resulted because it is unlawful to break wildlife laws in one state and then move animal parts to another state.

The case involving Seymore and two fellow hunters centered on trips they made to Kansas more than four years ago. Lured by the big deer that roam across the Kansas landscape, the men hunted the animals and brought back a deer head to possibly mount on a wall as a trophy, Seymours attorney said last week.

Other defendants, whose cases have not been resolved, are Sean Robert Pascall and Justin Grady Lemaster. The U.S. Attorneys office has not said where the men are from. Seymore was originally identified last week as being from Greenville County, but his lawyer said Wednesday he is from Spartanburg County.

Terms of the plea agreement between Seymore and the U.S. Attorneys Office say that he must cooperate with government prosecutors and pay a $10,000 fine. During the 36-month probation, he must not do any hunting.

In the plea agreement, Seymore admitted to the illegal wildlife transportation charges. The agreement says he should have known that it was unlawful to transport the wildlife to South Carolina. Seymore answered a series of questions from a federal judge saying he understood what he was pleading to.

After his hearing in U.S. District Court in Columbia, Seymore and attorney James Brehm said he ran into trouble because they believe there is a lack of hunter education in South Carolina. Despite assertions by the DNR that it has tried to educate hunters about the law and chronic wasting disease, Seymore and Brehm said he didnt realize he was doing anything wrong.

They dont post this on the news or on the front page of the paper, Seymore said. Brehm blamed the problem on a lack of hunter education.
A small flock of flamingos has been blown towards the Outer Banks due to the impact of Hurricane Idalia.

According to reports from ABC News, more than 150 of the flamingos have ended up in unlikely states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and even Texas and Ohio, since Hurricane Idalia passed through the U.S. last week.

After Idalia made landfall near Big Bend, Florida, bird enthusiasts began seeing reports of flamingos all over the state, Nate Swick, digital communications manager for the American Birding Association and host of the American Birding Podcast, told ABC News.

ALSO READ: Its very scary: Tropical Storm Idalia rips roof off veterinary hospital

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The birds likely got caught in Hurricane Idalia as they were traveling across the Yucatan Peninsula, the experts told ABC News.

A birder in North Carolina found the first flock of wild flamingos ever spotted in the state -- in salt marshes in the Outer Banks, exactly where he expected to find them because they are attracted to large bodies of water, Swick explained.

Those flamingos were still seen in the Outer Banks as of Tuesday.

For some of the birds who caught a ride on Hurricane Idalia, it may be a one-way journey. But flamingos are capable flyers and can travel for long distances, so they will likely soon return home.

The hope is that a lot of these birds are close enough to their breeding grounds that theyll be able to return there, Swick told ABC News.

VIDEO: Its very scary: Tropical Storm Idalia rips roof off veterinary hospital
Mayor Brandon Johnson lambasted critics who have said hes off to slow start as mayor, arguing that hes being held to a different standard as a Black man and reiterating his vow to chart a different path than his predecessors.

In an hourlong discussion Tuesday night centered on his first 100 days in office, Johnson said hes taking a deliberate approach to reframing how work is done on City Halls fifth floor and said criticism of that approach is unfair and based at least partly on his race.

Advertisement

There is a different standard that Im held to. There is, Johnson said. And thats not something that Im mad at, but thats just the reality. Im not the first person of color, particularly a Black man, that will be held to a different standard than other administrations.

A progressive who won the April runoff election with the backing of labor unions, Johnson alluded to stories and headlines that mention a slow start to his administration. His administration still has commissioner vacancies in key cabinet departments such as public health, planning and development, transportation and housing. But the mayor objected to the use of the word slow and told his allies, I also need you alls help to call it out.

Advertisement

Mayor Brandon Johnson greets children during the Chicago Labor Day Parade along South Cottage Grove Avenue in the Pullman neighborhood on Sept. 2, 2023, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

You all read the press. I dont. But you all look at these dynamics. You all know how theres been a certain, particular coverage of me, right? Think about it. You know, theres coverage of me being slow, right? Johnson said. These are microaggressions, that if you dont have the lens of those who have lived through these experiences, you would just miss it. You would, because the same  some of the folks who would call me slow, do you understand what that term means? Particularly (toward) the Black community. So you have these forces that perpetuate a particular view of Blackness.

Johnson is Chicagos fourth Black mayor, following his immediate predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, Chicagos first Black mayor, Harold Washington, who served from 1983 until his death in 1987, and Eugene Sawyer, who became mayor after Washingtons death.

Johnson released a transition plan later than Lightfoot and her predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, did following their elections. But Johnson has said his work, including the transition report, has been purposefully more comprehensive in its approach.

[ Johnson campaign promise to reopen mental health clinics and enact Treatment not Trauma non-police response gets boost ]

His method has both frustrated some eager to see the change he promised but also earned plaudits from others who want to see more deliberation in city government. Johnsons 100-day agenda from the campaign trail to pass Treatment Not Trauma and Bring Chicago Home  two activist-backed demands to reopen the citys shuttered mental health clinics and raise a tax on luxury real estate sales, respectively  does have a timeline that will now be longer than he had promised. Still, legislation to place the latter initiative on the March primary ballot via a citywide referendum is in the works.

Johnsons comments came during the monthly First Tuesdays political discussion forum, hosted by journalists Ben Joravsky and Maya Dukmasova and held at The Promontory in Hyde Park.

Lightfoot, the citys first Black female mayor, frequently chided the press and her political foes for what she said were comments born of prejudice against her identity. At one point during her term, she said about 99% of the criticism is tied to her being a Black woman, and she refused to take interviews from white journalists during her two-year anniversary in office.

However, some of Lightfoots biggest voices of opposition during her term were also women of color, such as progressives Aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, and Jeanette Taylor, 20th, as well as Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates.

During Tuesdays event, Johnson was asked to address beliefs from moderates and those on the political right that he is being influenced by Davis Gates. Johnson previously was a political organizer with CTU, which helped jump-start his once-longshot mayoral bid that culminated in his election as Chicagos most progressive mayor in generations.

Advertisement

You think Im going to suddenly be surprised or get upset because now all of a sudden, oh my goodness, the world is oppositional to a Black man on the left who leads with love? Johnson responded. And that the only rationale that can be possible for any of my decisions is that somehow a Black man is being controlled?

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, from left, Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, and Mayor Brandon Johnson greet students on the first day of school at Kenwood Academy High School on Aug. 21, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

The new mayor also noted his accomplishments in reaching across the aisle and giving committee chair assignments to aldermen who backed his opponent in the mayoral runoff, Paul Vallas, while he also tapped high numbers of Black and Latino aldermen for the leadership positions.

Asked about reopening mental health clinics under the Treatment Not Trauma campaign, Johnson said he intends to pass the legislation but set caveats on its scope.

[ Real estate transfer tax would drop for homes below $1 million, but increase for higher-end sales under revised Johnson homelessness plan ]

How many we can reopen within the first four years  to be perfectly frank with you all  thats still to be determined. There are real budgetary dynamics that we have to address, he said.

Johnson also addressed the plight of the 13,500-plus asylum-seekers who have arrived in Chicago from southern border states, mostly after fleeing Central and South America, only to live in squalid conditions at Chicago police stations, OHare International Airport and city-run shelters.

The buses of migrants first started coming to Chicago after being directed here by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas a year ago, though they now are also being sent by a variety of nonprofits and other officials. But Johnson noted the buses ramped up after Chicago was chosen to be the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Advertisement

If we do not put together the type of infrastructure to create a real welcoming space, not just for the city of Chicago, but for the state of Illinois  if we dont put that structure together, the type of chaos that will take place would be quite severe, because these individuals and these families are coming, Johnson said.

On the notion that his recent decision to fire Dr. Allison Arwady, the citys public health commissioner during the pandemic who at times clashed with the CTU, was at all tied to his allegiance to Davis Gates, Johnson gave a fiery rebuttal.

Perhaps things should go without saying, but as far as this dynamic that a Black man executive cant make decisions on his own, Johnson said before lambasting the same forces that he said didnt believe he could balance a budget, unite the City Council or win the election. Well, let me just offer news for the city of Chicago: The people of Chicago elected me as mayor, and if anybody has a problem with it, come see me in four years.

ayin@chicagotribune.com
Florida released updated numbers of deaths connected to Hurricane Idalia Wednesday evening.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

According to FDLE, Floridas 25 local district medical examiners reported two hurricane deaths to the Medical Examiners Commission.

One death was reported in Alachua County, the other in Brevard County.

Read: Woman bitten by shark, 2 others nearly drown in New Smyrna Beach during Labor Day

FDLE said Greggory Johnston, 60, was windsurfing in the Banana River during a tropical storm warning and drowned.

Brevard County deputies said Johnston was last seen August 30 windsurfing in the Banana River near Kelly Park in Merritt Island.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Deputies said they started searching for Johnston around 7 p.m. on August 30, and his vehicle was still at the park.

Read: Lee strengthens into hurricane status

On Thursday morning, deputies said they found his board and windsurfing sail on the rivers eastern shore across from Kelly Park.

Deputies said they pulled a body from the water on Friday, September 1.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Lee intensified into a hurricane Wednesday evening with maximum sustained wind speeds of 75 mph, the National Hurricane Center said. The storm is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane with potential top wind speeds of 150 mph, putting it at the higher end of the Category 4 range.

Lee is the fourth Atlantic hurricane of the 2023 season, behind Don, Franklin and Idalia. Franklin and Idalia were major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above.

The National Weather Service Miami said Tuesday night on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that no direct impacts to South Florida are expected at this time. But officials have warned Floridians, amid peak hurricane season, to ensure their storm supplies are ready.

As of 5 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday, Lee was 1,130 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, the eastern boundary of the Caribbean. Lee was moving west-northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Forecasters said Tuesday that it is becoming a question of when and not if Lee will rapidly intensify.

Wind shear could keep Lee in check for the next day or two, but that is expected to decrease by Friday, allowing Lee to rapidly intensify as it moves over abnormally warm water.

There is increasing confidence on Lee becoming a very powerful hurricane by this weekend, the hurricane center said.

Its trajectory has it headed in the general direction of the Bahamas and potentially Florida.

It is too early to know exactly how close the system will get to the islands of the eastern Caribbean, though they could feel impacts by the weekend, the National Hurricane Centers latest update said. The current cone indicating the probable path of the eye of the storm sits just north of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.

Several forecasting models show the storm steering north at some point. It remains unclear when, exactly, that would happen, and where that would place the storm. A sharp turn north would take the storm away from South Florida.

The high pressure to the north of it, thats whats going to steer it, said Anthony Reynes, senior forecaster with the National Weather Service in Miami.

Tropical systems, they cannot go against the flow of the high pressure, they have to go around it ... once it moves to the north of Puerto Rico, its going to start shifting more to the north and eventually northeast. The cyclone is moving around the edge of that high.

There also will be a low pressure trough moving east over the U.S. that should also contribute to the northward motion of the storm, he said.

The system will be traveling over record-warm water, close to 86 degrees.

Another tropical depression could form later in the week or this weekend from a tropical wave off the coast of Africa that is expected to move west-northwest toward the central tropical Atlantic.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, its odds of developing were at 60% within seven days, and 30% within two days. It will move over the Cabo Verde Islands off Africa on Wednesday night and Thursday, the hurricane center said.

Meanwhile, the remnants of Hurricane Franklin were given a 30% chance of gaining some subtropical or tropical characteristics in the next seven days over the warm waters near Portugal. It is not expected to further develop, though, by later in the week.

The National Hurricane Center, which operates under the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, has forecast 14 to 21 named storms, including six to 11 hurricanes, and two to five major hurricanes.

The National Hurricane Center has been predicting an above-normal 2023 hurricane season as a result of ongoing record-breaking sea surface temperatures that continue to fight off the tempering effects of El Nino.

While sea-surface temperatures have remained hot for longer than anticipated, El Ninos effects, which typically reduce hurricane chances, have emerged more slowly.

_____
An iconic house that has been a staple in Texas has landed on the real estate market.

Recently, the famous residence known as the Robert Bruno Steel House has been used as an Airbnb after being closed for years. The abstract home was the brainchild of sculptor Robert Bruno, who died before he was able to finish his piece.

Now, 50 years after he started it, the home  which is in Ransom Canyon  is glossed up and ready for a new owner to cherish.

For $2 million.

After Bruno died in 2008, his daughter and only child Christina Bruno listed the unfinished product but it was pulled from the market soon afterward with plans to turn the piece of art into a vacation rental, Texas Monthly reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And yes, the home itself is, well, rather on the heavy side.

The Steel House is made of quarter-inch Corten steel, a material commonly used in modernist sculpture but uncommon in architecture, Texas Monthly said. Corten is a good conductor of heat, which means that it must be heavily insulated against Lubbocks hot summers and cold winters. Its also heavy. The house weighs 110 tons  about 10 tons more than a Boeing 757  which Bruno was able to calculate easily because he purchased the scrap metal he used by the pound.

The listing on Zillow.com says the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,450-square-foot residence was recently finished and has new everything and has a wild, but polished and chic, inside.

The house has made appearances on numerous social media pages, including the popular Zillow Gone Wild and TikToks ZillowTastrophes as folks flooded to get their opinions of the house on the record.

That is a dream house!! I could live there, one person expressed on Facebook.

Lots of Beetlejuice vibes. I like it! another expressed.

This looks so Pixar and I cant articulate why, someone tweeted on X.

A little but of Yoda and a bit of Andy Warhol, one person compared.

Looks like refurbished star wars aircraft, someone said on TikTok.

The listing is held by Courtney Bartosh of Monument Realty.

The photographs were taken by Haley D. Photography.

Ransom Canyon is about 10 miles southeast of Lubbock.

Its difficult to reach this extreme ranch for sale in Idaho  but its way worth it
This article was produced for ProPublicas Local Reporting Network in partnership with the Idaho Statesman. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one as soon as they are published.

The Idaho Statesman and ProPublica need your help to report on the conditions of Idahos public schools. Please get in touch.

As a member of the school board in the remote Central Idaho town of Salmon, Josh Tolman worried that an earthquake would turn the elementary and middle schools to rubble. The foundations of the schools were crumbling. The floors buckled. The district canceled school whenever a few inches of snow fell for fear the roofs would cave in.

But Tolman and the school district were in a bind: They couldnt convince enough voters to support a tax increase that would allow the district to build a new facility. The school board ran six bond elections in seven years. But even though 53% of the community supported the bond in one of their first attempts in 2006, it wasnt enough. Idaho is one of two states that require two-thirds of voters to support a bond for it to pass.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Unless an existing school actually falls to the ground and becomes unusable, I dont perceive them ever passing a bond, Tolman said in a recent interview.

By 2012, the school board and its superintendent had had enough. They decided to turn to a state program that lets school districts borrow money from the state if they have unsafe facilities and cant pass a bond or figure out another way to fix them. The loan program had been created after the state Supreme Court ruled that Idaho had failed to comply with its constitutional mandate to provide a safe environment conducive to learning.

Earlier this year, the Idaho Statesman and ProPublica reported that dozens of school bonds that were supported by a majority of voters had nonetheless failed because of the two-thirds threshold. But, like the bond elections, this state fund also set a high bar and never became a solution to the funding problem schools faced. Since it was created in 2006, the program has been used only twice. And it hasnt been used in nearly a decade.

Ultimately a state panel decided that Salmons problems  though bad enough to pose safety hazards  did not warrant a new school under the law, only new roofs and seismic reinforcements.

The approved funding was only a quarter of the amount the district estimated it would need to build a new K-8 school. And with dwindling enrollment, the school board decided it couldnt afford to keep both the elementary and middle schools open.

It was at that point where youre grasping at straws to try and get something done for the children of this community, and the state basically said, Keep on grasping, Tolman said.

The district closed the middle school and added portable buildings  trailers without bathrooms or sinks  to the elementary and high schools.

Today, the abandoned Salmon Middle School sits behind a tall razor-wire fence in a valley said to be the birthplace of Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman famous for her critical work on the Lewis and Clark expedition. The buildings roof is pocked with gaping holes, and insulation hangs down into hallways. Framed accreditation certificates, a crushed globe and pieces of ceiling tiles pepper the ground of eerily quiet classrooms.

Salmon Middle School was abandoned after the district asked the state to help pay for a new school but only received enough funding for a new roof and seismic reinforcements.

The now-closed Salmon Middle School continues to deteriorate after it was shuttered by the district.

The building is now an eyesore, visible from the nearly 70-year-old elementary school next door. Despite the structural repairs to that building, Salmon  where 43% of students are from low-income families  faces many of the same problems that existed when the district went to the state for help, plus some new ones. About 275 elementary students go to school with failing plumbing and uneven floors, where sewage sometimes backs up into a corner of the kitchen. For years, water from the drinking fountains came out brown.

Students who learn in deteriorating facilities have worse educational outcomes than those in newer, more functional schools, national research shows.

How long are you going to keep kids in subpar classrooms and subpar situations? said Russ Chinske, who has been a teacher in Salmon for about 20 years. How long are you going to force the school district to use stuff thats used up?

Cori Allen has two kids in the district. Her oldest, now a sophomore in high school, could have been in the first kindergarten class to attend school in the new K-8 building. Instead, he spent years attending school in portable buildings.

The state constitution talks about equal education, and Salmon kids are in facilities that are, in my opinion, totally inappropriate for a child to be learning in, Allen said. Its just not fair that geographically we have to put up with it.

Teacher Russ Chinskes third grade students complete an assignment on their Chromebooks. Chinske has taught for the Salmon School District for 20 years.

In Salmons elementary school, which is still in use, cracks have appeared in the floors and a drain in the kitchen occasionally backs up with sewage.

Idaho school fund designed to be difficult to use

The majority of districts in Idaho are smaller, rural communities  including many with vast areas of federal land  and are less able to support tax increases. Some have a growing number of retirees who dont have kids in school; others have shrinking enrollment because of a decline in logging or other industries. Idahos limited resources and restrictive policies have left the state with aging schools and left districts without funding to replace them.

For decades, educators have raised the alarm about the condition of school buildings in Idaho. In the 1990s, a group of superintendents, districts and parents sued the state over inadequate funding. A statewide assessment funded by the Legislature shortly after found that 71 facilities, or about 10% of the buildings used for instruction in the state, were dangerous or had serious problems needing immediate attention. As the case progressed, a district court cited an analysis that found an American Falls school, in southeastern Idaho, would likely collapse in a seismic event, a probable threat for that area. In Troy, an inspection found the high school was unsafe to occupy. But with no funds to fix it, the school remained open for years.

After multiple appeals, the Idaho Supreme Court sided with the education stakeholders in 2005. The justices agreed with a lower court that the states reliance on loans alone to pay for major repairs or the replacement of unsafe school buildings was inadequate for the poorer school districts. They told the Legislature that lawmakers had a responsibility to make sure school facilities were adequately funded. The list of safety concerns and difficulties in getting funds for repairs or replacements is distressingly long, the court said.

The next year, legislators tried to address the ruling. A Republican lawmaker introduced a bill to start the process of lowering the two-thirds requirement that made it so difficult to pass bonds, but legislators never gave it a hearing.

Instead, the Legislature took up a bill that several lawmakers said at the time wouldnt fully solve the problem. One key element would create a $25 million loan program, the Public School Facilities Cooperative Funding Program, intended to help districts that couldnt pass bonds to repair or replace their unsafe schools.

The proposed program had a high bar: School districts would qualify only if their buildings presented either an unreasonable risk of death or serious bodily injury or an unreasonable health risk.

Salmon Middle School was abandoned after the district asked the state to help pay for a new school but only received enough funding for a new roof and seismic reinforcements.

The programs money would also come with strings attached. If approved, district officials would have to agree to forgo local control throughout the process and give a state-appointed supervisor the power to make decisions for the schools  even the power to dismiss the superintendent. The state would then impose a tax on the local community to repay the loan, a potentially enormous deterrent, since the community had already voted down a bond.

The issue generated weeks of legislative debate. One concern was that the new measure would undermine the states long commitment to local control of school districts. Some legislators went further, arguing that the program would give too much power to the state, with one state senator predicting that the public response would be like the revolution that started as a result of the Boston Tea Party. Some also argued that taxpayers who supported bonds to rebuild schools in their communities shouldnt be forced to pay for schools in other areas.

Other legislators and education stakeholders believed the bill didnt go far enough. Robert Huntley, the attorney who sued the state back in 1990, said the Supreme Court decision was not just about safety issues, but the Legislature appeared to be focusing on only that aspect. Justices also ruled that the environment had to be conducive to learning. There is serious underfunding and new money is needed, Huntley told lawmakers, according to legislative meeting minutes.

Despite the concerns, many legislators agreed that it was a step in the right direction. The resulting compromise bill passed with a large majority in support.

Now-Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, who sponsored the legislation, acknowledged in a recent interview that its ultimately the states responsibility to provide safe facilities. But, he said, the program was also intended to be a last resort, and the conditions on the funding were meant to provide oversight for the spending of taxpayer money.

It was created to be, frankly, difficult to use, said Mike Rush, the former executive director of the State Board of Education who served on the state panel that assessed program applications, including Salmons.

The programs requirements were onerous, said Shawn Keough, a former Republican state senator who sponsored the bill that created the program, and that only two districts have used it shows it wasnt the tool districts wanted.

I supported the incremental step forward as a potential solution, she said. One of my regrets from my 22 years of service was not being able to fix that problem of school facility funding.

Salmon closes middle school

Tolman, who served on the Salmon school board from 2008 to 2013, was hopeful when the district applied to the state program in 2012. Hed grown up in Salmon and heard about a time when the elementary school had outdoor hallways, a layout ill-suited to a town where winter temperatures sometimes fall below zero. The district eventually enclosed the hallways, but turning what was designed to be a sidewalk into a hallway contributed to cracks and buckling floors.

Many floors in the elementary school are uneven and present a tripping hazard.

Less than three years before Salmon applied for the loan, the state agreed to build an entirely new school for the Plummer-Worley School District in North Idaho, where inspection reports had found major structural issues, and the panel determined that the most economical solution was to replace the school. Tolman hoped for a similar outcome in Salmons case.

In assessing both districts applications, the state panel  which included top officials from the State Board of Education and the divisions of building safety and public works  focused heavily on the funding programs limitations. According to meeting minutes, panel members said that the remedy had to focus on Salmons safety problem, not the educational environment or the adequacy of the facilities for education.

They also discussed the laws language that allowed intervention only in the face of unreasonable risks. The term unreasonable was not defined in state law, so the panel had to consider what an unreasonable risk of death was. Salmon sits in a seismically active area. In 1983, an earthquake killed two children on their way to school in Central Idaho, and in 2020, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake cracked the courthouse in the next county over and spurred avalanches in the Sawtooth mountains. Was the earthquake risk unreasonable?

The panel also struggled with whether repairs alone would be enough to make the schools last another 20 years, which the law also required.

Rush, who voted in favor of repairing the schools in Salmon, said patching up a safety hazard is almost never the best solution. But that was as much as Rush said the panel could offer while still abiding by the law. By the time the facility gets to the point where it needs to come to this process, they need a new facility, he said.

Rush said he felt like the program was designed to use the potential for a state takeover to pressure the local community to pass a bond on its own.

In a 2013 bond election, the district had estimated a new K-8 school would cost taxpayers over $14 million. Instead, the panel in 2013 approved $3.6 million to renovate the elementary and middle schools.

Faced with a constrained budget, the district shuttered the middle school. That would leave taxpayers on the hook to repay the state only about $1.7 million for repairing the elementary school and bringing in portable buildings to accommodate middle school students.

The years of debate over how to handle the school conditions created turmoil and sowed distrust in the community, with lots of blame to go around. For some parents, it felt like throwing money at a school that couldnt be fixed.

We got a new roof on a turd over there, said Allen, a Salmon parent. She said it also wouldnt have gone over well if the state had charged taxpayers for a new school they didnt vote for. They could have offered us some resources or some education or opportunities or some sort of a lifeline, she added. But they just didnt.

An old basketball hoop stands in front of newer playground equipment on the backside of the elementary school in Salmon.

While Rush sees value in the program to abate unsafe situations, he said its not the ideal solution for aging and deteriorating schools like the one in Salmon.

For those of us in the educational environment, we wouldnt say thats the kind of facility wed want to send our kids to for the next 20 years, Rush said. Granted, they might not die while theyre going to school. But thats not the only criteria one might want to have for your kids.

Our children deserve more

For parents, teachers and staff in Salmon, the conditions of the schools remain a regular frustration a decade after the repairs.

Becky Harbaugh, the head cook at Salmons Pioneer Elementary School, has made do with ovens that dont cook evenly and kitchen drawers and cabinets without handles that she opens with pieces of string. In the winter, her hands have stuck to door handles in subzero temperatures as she gets food from outside storage rooms. The district hasnt renovated the kitchen, in part because the cost to bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act would be too high, Superintendent Troy Easterday said.

What really worries Harbaugh, though, is the narrow hallway and staircase that students have to navigate while carrying their trays of food from the kitchen down into the cafeteria.

Its just scary sometimes. I mean, I worry about those kids. Hot soup day, you ought to see me, she said, holding her breath and staring, motionless, in anticipation of disaster.

First image: In the elementary school kitchen, drawers and cabinets have pieces of string in place of handles. Second image: Students use a narrow hallway to receive lunch from head cook Becky Harbaugh.

A student navigates a set of stairs in the lunch line at Pioneer Elementarys cafeteria.

Students who use wheelchairs face a different problem. They cant even line up to get their meals; theres no ramp.

Many of the schools problems today look nearly identical to those featured in the districts structural evaluations and engineering reports dating back nearly two decades.

Rebar still sticks out of the crumbling foundation on the side of the building, just as it did more than a decade ago. The internet closet  a stack of shelves in the middle of the hallway  has the same tangle of dozens of wires it did long before students regularly used laptops or tablets in their classrooms. The uneven floors, buckled by what administrators believe are frost heaves from when water freezes or thaws in the foundation, pose tripping hazards  just as they did in 2012. The only difference is the school has put down new carpet.

Its just a money pit, said Bobby Lewis, the maintenance director for the district. When he needs to fix a plumbing problem, hell sometimes have to crawl through a 3-square-foot tunnel and chisel out part of the concrete foundation to replace a section of the pipe thats broken. At some point, that wont be an option anymore, he said, because it would become unsafe to keep cutting out the foundation.

To deal with the brown water, students carried water bottles throughout the day. Shortly after the state stepped in, the district saved enough to replace its water lines. Over the years, district officials also made one of the bathrooms accessible for staff members with disabilities.

The district invested in its schools to make them as functional as possible, but nothing they did could fix the underlying issues.

I know we lose people. When they move into town, theyre like, Yeah, Im not gonna send my kids to school in a facility like this and next to something  razor-wire-topped fence, looks like an old prison, Easterday said. Our buildings scare people off.

Superintendent Troy Easterday points out exposed rebar in the crumbling foundation of the elementary school building  a condition that was also flagged in an engineering report in 2005.

Bobby Lewis, maintenance director for the district, displays the tangle of wires in the elementary schools internet closet, which looks much the same as it did in a 2013 report.

In 2019, the district tried again to pass a bond. It conducted an analysis that showed that despite the state-mandated repairs, the internal issues in the elementary school would be too costly to renovate and would not address the overcrowding, according to documents on the bond effort. The most cost-effective move, the board decided, would be to build a new school.

The district ran a $25 million bond to build a K-8 school  about $10 million more than it had asked for in its previous bond effort in 2013.

The board held meetings and shared information online. But it was still hard to reach the bond threshold. A growing portion of Salmon residents are retired and no longer have kids in school. Some in the community said that if the schools had been good enough for them, they were good enough for current students; others didnt want higher taxes or felt excluded from the bond process. The district also faced a last-minute push from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a conservative group that opposes public schools, which it has accused of indoctrinating students with leftist nonsense. Disagreements broke out on social media between supporters and opponents.

When the election came around, the bond received the most support that a measure in Salmon had gotten in decades. More than 58% of voters said the district needed a new school and they were willing to pay for it. But once again, it wasnt enough.

Our children deserve more than were giving them, said Nancy Fred, who had three sons in the schools, the youngest of whom graduated in 2014.

This summer, a group of parents and community members again held meetings to try to figure out a solution for their schools. Hundreds attended. One parent wrote if theyd had kids before moving to Salmon, they wouldnt have come, according to documents compiling the feedback from the meetings. Others said the aging buildings make it hard to recruit teachers and professionals to Salmon and that Pioneer Elementary is falling apart everywhere you look.

During a tour in May, Jill Patton, Pioneers principal, praised teachers for all they have been able to do with what they have. But with a new building, she said, they could do so much more.

You look at this building, and you can see such heart and such love for kids and such great learning taking place, Patton said. And I think, Wow, what it could be if the barriers of the building werent there.

On the day of the tour, the students in Betsi LaMoures first grade class had been working on some addition problems. She was trying out a smartboard that a vendor had lent to Salmon in hopes that the district would buy them. But the WiFi wasnt strong enough to get it working. Connectivity is poor in the area, and retrofitting such an old building is difficult. After multiple attempts, LaMoure gave up. She pivoted to a much older technology, writing on a piece of paper and using a projector to display it on the chalkboard.

Betsi LaMoure resorts to using a document projector camera to teach a math lesson after a new smart board the school is testing, at left, fails to connect with the WiFi in her first grade classroom.
FILE - Lori Vallow Daybell sits during her sentencing hearing at the Fremont County Courthouse in St. Anthony, Idaho, Monday, July 31, 2023. Vallow Daybell, who was sentenced to life in prison in the murders of her two youngest children and a woman she saw as a romantic rival is appealing her conviction to the Idaho Supreme Court. Attorneys for Vallow Daybell filed a notice of appeal saying she will ask the high court to consider several issues, including whether an eastern Idaho judge may have wrongly found her competent to stand trial after she spent 10 months in a mental hospital. (Tony Blakeslee/EastIdahoNews.com via AP, Pool, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  A woman sentenced to life in prison in the murders of her two youngest children and a woman she saw as a romantic rival says she will appeal her conviction to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Attorneys for Lori Vallow Daybell filed a notice of appeal last week. She will ask the Idaho Supreme Court to consider several issues, including whether the judge in her case wrongly found her competent to stand trial. The judge had ordered Vallow Daybell to undergo mental health treatment. She spent roughly 10 months in a mental hospital before he declared her competent.

She'll also argue that her right to a speedy trial was violated and that there were problems with jury selection, evidence and other procedural issues, the documents show.

The criminal case against Vallow Daybell, 50, was complex and included claims that she called her son and daughter zombies and believed she was a goddess tasked with ushering in an apocalypse.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A jury found Vallow Daybell guilty in May of killing her two youngest children, 7-year-old Joshua JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as conspiring to kill Tammy Daybell, her fifth husbands previous wife. A judge gave her three life sentences.

Her husband, Chad Daybell, is awaiting trial on the same murder charges.

Vallow Daybell is also charged with crimes in Arizona. She's charged with conspiring with her brother to kill her fourth husband, who was shot and killed in 2019, and of conspiring to kill her nieces ex-husband. Her nieces ex survived a murder attempt later that year. Vallow Daybell has not yet entered a plea on the Arizona charges.
SUWANNEE, Fla.  Suwannee resident Billie Mincks didn't know where he was staying that night or how long he'd be displaced when Hurricane Idalia hit.

The storm surge from the Suwannee River seeped into Mincks' rental home along Florida's Big Bend, 161 miles north of Tampa on the state's west coast, that he shares with his girlfriend Tori Johnston. It ruined furniture and a fridge, and mud coated the floor.

He was moving some furniture out Thursday evening when someone pointed out the smoke down the road.

All the problems slipped from his mind quicker than the floodwaters from his home.

Smoke billows out of hurricane-stricken home

Mincks rushed over and joined a small group outside the house. They started throwing buckets of river water onto the structure, as Johnston ran around to alert neighbors to get more help.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Buckets, we need buckets, they shouted. Those buckets were quick to come, as more and more people joined the group.

The smokes source stood at the end of the road, a two-story house on a small peninsula surrounded by the Suwannee River. Mud mired that road, gray from the limestone beneath.

The home survived the storm but was now on fire.

The home was owned by someone who lived elsewhere. Neighbors wanted to save the house after the hurricane damaged or destroyed their own homes.

Billie Mincks tosses a bucket of Suwannee River water onto a neighboring home that caught fire in Suwannee, Fla., just a day after Hurricane Idalia made its way through Florida.

The faces facing the flames

Neighbors brought fire extinguishers, and workers from a local landscaping company tried to use a water pump as an improvised fire hose.

The locals were joined by people from other parts of the state, including two USA TODAY NETWORK Florida journalists and Ruben Ayala.

Ayala is one of the owners of Protek, a Tampa-based solar, HVAC and roofing company. He and a team traveled to Suwannee and other hurricane-affected communities to help out and see if anyone needed his companys services.

Neighbors, firefighters and others hustle down the limestone road with a firehouse as they attempt to tame a house fire in Suwannee, Fla. on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

They were handing out water in the area when Johnston ran up and told them about the fire and joined the fray.

Whatever it takes to help out, Ayala said.

Enigma, Georgia, resident Gage Walker drove his utility vehicle down the highway. He came to Suwannee to check in on his familys house. They'll have to replace the furniture, walls and flooring. And their boats weren't where they left them.

A look at Cross City: Married couple who nearly died during Hurricane Idalia tell a story of community and family

One of our boats is out in the woods, he said. We gotta go get it.

Walker's focus shifted when he saw the smoke rising from the house, but he couldn't get close with emergency vehicles blocking the road. So, he undressed except for his shorts and a silver necklace and swam across the river. He refilled buckets while standing in the river, as others had done before him.

I just knew I needed to help, Walker said later that evening. He wore a shirt again, but it was wrapped around his right foot. He cut his big toe on something in the mud.

Dixie County Fire and Rescue Chief Darian Brown shouts to firefighters as the crew attempts to stop a home in Suwannee, Fla. from burning to the ground on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, in Cedar Key: 'Cedar Key is strong': Despite Idalia destruction, residents pull together to rebuild

Mud and water problems

Dixie County Fire Rescues Mandy Lemmerman said the fire was still under investigation. Some believed it was caused by water damage.

Sea breeze helps ventilate and push that fire, she said. The more oxygen, the bigger the fire can get. And the closer the homes, the faster it can radiate and spread.

That Thursday presented logistical problems though: They couldnt get close to the fire. The first fire truck that arrived got stuck in the mud, and the others were sliding all over the place, said Lemmerman, the battalion chief. They had to use a lot of extra hose as a result.

Neighbors and others attempt to put out a fire with buckets of river water and a few fire extinguishers after smoke began to rise from a home in Suwannee, Fla. just a day after Hurricane Idalia tore through the Nature Coast of Florida.

Lemmerman emphasized that she didnt want the public to ever put themselves in a position where they were harmed in the process of helping. But she said it was fortunate people like Ayala, Mincks and Walker were there to help with the hoses.

The first arriving unit was a good 20 minutes away, and its just two men, and you need to wait for more and more people to get there, Lemmerman said. Anytime we can have, especially with long hose lays like that, just hands to be able to drag that hose  it's always super, super helpful and beneficial for us.

The water supply was down, so firefighters couldnt pull anything from the hydrants. And while they could usually take water from the nearby river itself, the debris and low tide made that untenable. They used water from the fire trucks and tankers, and later shuttled those tankers to and from a water source a mile away.

Lemmerman said multiple responding firefighters needed medical attention that night, some requiring IV fluids. They're a small crew and the hurricane created a lot of work over long hours.

They were just spent, Lemmerman said, though she added that theyre fine now.

#SuwanneeStrong

An hour before the fire, Frank Couch stood in the mud coating the first floor of his weekend house.

Furniture and other items had been loaded in trailers or stuffed upstairs a day before the hurricane, and he was glad for it. He was also glad the storm didnt hit as badly as he expected. It veered more west than early projections had put it.

We were expecting this house not to be here, he said.

Frank Couch walks in mud through the kitchen of his home in Suwannee, Fla. as he surveys the damages caused by Hurricane Idalia on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

He estimated the damage to his home to be less than $20,000.

I can fix my place after a couple years, saving 12 grand a year, Couch said. Were just going to take all the drywall off, everything gone, and start over and put stuff in (that the water) wont affect next time.

Hed already gotten a lot of help from friends  and helped friends in return. A short while later, he was hurling water into and onto a stranger's burning house.

Every able body that was around there, they all jumped in and helped, Couch said. Thats what I like about this place. Everybody seems to help everybody with everything."

Mud coats the floor in Frank Couch's home in Suwannee, Fla. after Hurricane Idalia tore through the Nature Coast the day prior, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

Mincks, who has lived in Suwannee since childhood, said the evening confirmed what he already knew: "We are a pretty tight community."

Johnston said it changed her opinion about the town, where she's lived since 2021.

To me, it looked like the community was very to themselves, and only really helped friends and family, she said. I see it a lot differently now.

She has a sticker on the back window of her car, made by a local after the storm. It reads: #SuwanneeStrong.

Boats at the marina in Suwannee, Fla. displaced following Hurricane Idalia are left for owners to find Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

How to help

Donate to the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word IDALIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Sign up to volunteer at www.redcross.org/VolunteerToday.

Help feed those in the strike zone through Second Harvest of the Big Bend at FightingHunger.org/Idalia.

Donate to the United Way of the Big Bend at uwbb.org/disaster-relief-fund or text RELIEF2023 to 41444.

With Tallahassee escaping the brunt of Hurricane Idalia's wrath, this story is part of a continuing series profiling hard-hit communities. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Douglas Soule is based in Tallahassee, Fla. He can be reached at DSoule@gannett.com. Twitter: @DouglasSoule.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Suwannee Strong:' Hurricane-hit Florida village fights fire together
In recent years, videos of violent encounters between police and the public have ignited social justice movements and a push for more accountability and transparency for law enforcement agencies.

From the death of Philando Castile in 2016 to George Floyds murder in 2020, its become second nature for people to take their phones out during interactions with police.

But is it ever wrong to record uniformed law enforcement at work? Is it always legal to record an arrest? Could you face arrest if you record the police in North Carolina?

Can you film law enforcement in NC?

The First Amendment allows North Carolina residents to film anything in public space, including federal buildings, police stations, and other public areas, according to Scharf Law Firm based in Raleigh.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, it is illegal to interfere with law enforcement activity while recording, the firm says.

Interfering with law enforcement is considered obstruction of justice, which is a misdemeanor, according to state law. Those found guilty of obstruction of justice could face up to 60 jail and a $1,000 fine.

Can the police take your phone if you film them?

Under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against illegal searches and seizures, police are not allowed to confiscate your phone or view your footage unless they have a warrant, according to Scharf Law Firm.

According to the firm, if the police demand to see your phone, you should take the following steps:

React with respect, not anger, and dont resist an officer.

As the officer, if you can go. If they say no, they are unlawfully detaining you if they dont have suspicion that youre about to commit a crime.

If an officer is detaining you, tell them you have the right to take photos and videos of public spaces.

In most situations, an officer is likely trying to intimidate you and stop you from collecting or disseminating any information regarding their activity, the firm says. However, if you make it clear that you know your protected constitutional rights and wont be easily intimidated, they will most likely back down.
Summers in the South are not for the faint of heart.

With the temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s and the heat index in the triple digits, the heat waves, excessive heat warnings and harsh sunlight just seem to never end.

If you think the outdoor temperature is scorching, just take a second to imagine how hot the inside of your vehicle gets.

We all know how it feels to wait for the AC to cool down the inside of a vehicle or the feeling of burning legs on hot leather seats.

So, how hot does it actually get inside a vehicle in the summer?

According to the National Weather Service: The temperature inside a vehicle will reach 100 degrees in 25 minutes when the outside temperature is only 73F.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With the hot temperatures weve been seeing lately (in the 90s), vehicles are heating up to an average of 116 degrees inside.

And according to Live Science, dashboards, steering wheels and seats reach unbearably sweltering temperatures:

The cars dashboards got even hotter, reaching 157 degrees on average; the steering wheels climbed to a temperature of 127 degrees on average; and the temperature of the seats hit 123 degrees on average.

What does the law say about animals in hot cars?

Because of this evidence, it is often seen as animal cruelty to leave an animal in a closed hot vehicle. You can get arrested and charged for doing so. However, not every state has specific laws making it illegal to keep an animal in a hot car.

Georgia and Mississippi are states where there arent laws regarding leaving animals in vehicles. Southern states that protect animals in cars include Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The full list of states that have laws protecting animals in hot vehicles can be found online.

Can you smash a window to save an animal in a hot car in GA or MS?

Although it is often seen as a heroic act, breaking a window to save an animal in a hot vehicle does not come without punishment in most cases.

In most cases, using reasonable judgment to save the pet is fine, but you could still be liable for damages. This is also the case for police officers who may break a window in order to save the petthey, too, have to pay for any damages.

Tips for bystanders & pet owners

If you witness an animal in a hot car, heres what to do:

Make sure that the dog is actually unsafe. Many pet owners will take precautions if they have to leave their animal alone for a prolonged period of time. For example, they may leave the car running with the air conditioning on, or Tesla owners will put their car into pet mode. Try every possible way to contact the owner. Look for their phone number on the dog tag (if possible) or anywhere else on the vehicle. If they are in a store parking lot, try paging them at the customer service desk. Call your local law enforcements non-emergency phone number and animal control. Report the cars license plate, along with the make and model, and ask them to help save the dog. Stay with the dog until help arrives. If possible, shade the window that the dog is closest to. If the pup is in imminent danger of heat stroke or heat exhaustion (using reasonable judgment), you may break the car window to rescue the dog. Remember that you may face legal consequences in most states. If you are a pet owner yourself, be responsible. Leave your dog at home as much as possible unless transporting them for an activity specifically related to them. Dont leave them in the shade for an errand, dont stop for groceries, and never leave them in a hot vehicle without air conditioning.

Have any questions? Comment below and let us know
The claim: Images show evidence of 'satanism in public schools'

An Aug. 22 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows a person talking alongside images of schoolchildren wearing horns and sitting around a pentagram.

"Satanism in public schools," reads on-screen text in the video. "Seen what's going on in public schools around the United States watch this."

Several commenters appeared to believe the images were real.

"I cannot tell you how mad that makes me!" reads one comment. "We can't have God in school but this is OK?"

The video was shared more than 500 times in two weeks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: Altered

The images were made using artificial intelligence, according to their creator. An expert who examined the images found multiple clues that they are not authentic.

Images were created using AI program

The images were originally posted on Facebook on May 2 by a user named Pumpkin Empress who later edited the post to say, "This is not real. I created these pics with AI (artificial intelligence) software. The children are not real, this never happened."

The user, who is a digital creator, explained in a May 8 post that the images were created using Midjourney, a popular image generator.

"No, these are not pics actually taken," reads the post. "They were generated just in fun."

Holly Alvarez, who runs the Pumpkin Empress account, confirmed to USA TODAY in an email that the images were created using AI, saying, "I used software to create them, as I do with most of my creations."

Alvarez said she is intrigued by the ability to create realistic images using AI.

"I do like to create controversial concepts because people are interested in it," she said. "It triggers the mind."

There are signs in the images themselves that they are not legitimate, James O'Brien, a computer science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told USA TODAY.

"One big giveaway in all these images is the way things are randomly very blurred while other things are relatively crisp," he said. "A painter might leave out details where the painter thinks they are unimportant, but a cameras blur needs to be explainable by optical defocus, camera shake, or another physical mechanism."

Related: AI-generated images already fool people. Why experts say they'll only get harder to detect.

O'Brien also pointed out some "malformed bodies" in the images, including abnormal hands in both images that show children wearing horns. While a few other issues with the images aren't physically impossible, he said, they're still difficult to explain, including lines that don't seem to line up in one of the images of children sitting around a pentagram.

The images look as if someone created them using AI, but did not spend any time touching them up or trying to hide any imperfections, O'Brien said.

"I dont think the creator tried to fool people, or if they did they didnt make much of an effort," he said. "Some of the images could be cleaned up by a skilled Photoshop user."

USA TODAY has previously debunked similar false claims, including that images showed satanic merchandise for sale at Target, a satanic hotel opening in Texas and satanic statues being sold at Hobby Lobby.

USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

PolitiFact also debunked the claim.

Our fact-check sources:

James O'Brien, Sept. 5, Email exchange with USA TODAY

Holly Alvarez, Sept. 5, Email exchange with USA TODAY

The Pumpkin Empress, May 2, Facebook post

The Pumpkin Empress, May 8, Facebook post

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaperhere.

Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Images of 'satanism in public schools' are fake | Fact check
The Statesmans Aug. 23 article on the working conditions for sheepherders in Idaho accurately depicts the long-standing problems with the H-2A visa program that permits ranchers to bring in foreign workers to herd sheep.

The H-2A program covers both farmworkers and sheepherders. Most of the H-2A farmworkers come from Mexico and most of the sheepherders come from Peru.

While H-2A farmworkers face many of the same problems the sheepherders face, the problems of the herders are compounded by the fact that they work most of the year in isolation far from any town. They are completely dependent on the rancher for all necessities.

They have nowhere to turn for help when major problems arise. These problems include lack of access to medical care, insufficient or poor-quality food, lack of clean drinking water, inadequate shelter, and unpaid wages.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the worst instances, there are ranchers who confiscate the workers passports and use violence or threats of violence to coerce workers to stay on the job despite deplorable conditions.

At present, I am assisting fourteen Peruvian sheepherders to obtain T visas as a result of being victims of labor trafficking on ranches in Arizona, Nevada and Idaho.

The basic problem with the H-2A program is that the worker can work only for the employer who obtains the visa. If the worker complains about illegal working conditions or unpaid wages, the employer can send the worker back home or not bring the worker back in future years. Some H-2A employers frequently remind the worker of these realities.

Employers sometimes send workers injured on the job back home to avoid a workers compensation claim and the costs of feeding the worker while he recovers and cannot work.

In my thirty years representing farmworkers and sheepherders in Idaho, I have discussed these problems countless times with H-2A workers. When a worker calls to find out what they can do about unsafe or poor working conditions, I explain that I can assist them in making a complaint to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

As the employer will be able to figure out who made the complaint, the worker understands that making a complaint means the rancher will likely send him back home and most certainly will not bring him back the next year. While the regulations prohibit retaliation, insufficient staff resources mean the USDOL rarely fines the ranchers.

The USDOL and the Idaho Department of Labor (IDOL) have the power to bar ranchers from the H-2A program for repeated violations, but they rarely take that action. As there are very few U.S. workers who want these difficult, low-paying jobs, debarment from the program means the rancher will be unable to find workers and would have to cease operations.

It is unlikely that USDOL and IDOL enforcement actions will increase any time soon. One potential solution is the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023, a bill with bipartisan support in Congress. A wide-ranging reform of the H-2A program, the bill contains provisions important to both employers and workers.

One provision creates a pilot project for portable visas for certain H-2A workers in which the worker would have 60 days to find another registered H-2A employer if he decides to leave his initial employer. If the worker could transfer to another H-2A employer when the conditions were bad, the employer would have a greater incentive to abide by the regulations in order to keep workers.

Another important part of the bill is a path to citizenship for the workers. If the H-2A worker completes a certain number of hours under the program, he can become eligible for certified agricultural worker status. If he then works a certain number of hours over a period of years with that status, he can apply for lawful permanent residence.

This would give the H-2A workers a strong incentive to come back year after year and would ensure the ranchers and farmers a steady supply of workers. Under current law, immigrants who have completed five years as a lawful permanent resident can apply for citizenship.

Erik Johnson is a labor law attorney in Nampa, Idaho, specializing in agricultural worker issues. He has been representing H-2A sheepherders and farm workers since 1993.
Then-Speaker Michael Madigan works the floor as the Illinois House convenes at the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 8, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan, who is set to stand trial on federal racketeering charges next April, is relinquishing his final remaining and longest-held elected office, Democratic committeeman for the 13th ward.

His protege, 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn, confirmed Madigan was not running for the committee position and said that he planned to circulate petitions (for the post) and see how it goes.

Advertisement

Madigan was 27 when he was elected 13th Ward committeeman in 1969, becoming the citys youngest ward boss. His father had been the wards superintendent and Madigan was tight with the late Mayor Richard J. Daley.

In an interview that is part of the Richard J. Daley Oral History Collection at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Madigan said the mayor wanted him to take control of a ward that previously had a strong Republican committeeman.

Advertisement

Madigan pulled together the disparate interests of the wards Polish, Italian, Irish and Lithuanian populations and built an organization that survived multiple changes in demographics over the years, including a more recent heavy influx of Hispanic residents.

The same year he was elected to the party post, Madigan launched his career in state politics when Daley tapped him to run as a delegate to the convention that wrote Illinois 1970 Constitution. Madigan began serving in the Illinois House in 1971 and in 1983 began his record-long tenure as House speaker.

But in more recent years, his vaunted political organization began to crumble amid #MeToo allegations even before Madigan was caught up in a sweeping federal corruption probe that ultimately forced him to step down as head of the states Democratic Party, House Speaker and state representative.

Madigans position within the Cook County Democratic Party was the last political title he held, though he hadnt participated in public events such as endorsement sessions in recent years. His trial is scheduled to begin shortly after the March 19 primary election.

Quinn indicated his conversation with Madigan about the committee office was brief and did not elaborate on the partys direction post-Madigan.

Building consensus around an issue is the direction, in my opinion, that politics is going, Quinn told reporters, saying he hasnt spent much time on county party matters because his attention has been laser-focused on the 13th Ward.

Quinn, however, has staffed and worked roll calls in Madigans stead in county party meetings. The position not only allows members to vote on endorsements at election time, but also to pick appointees to fill vacant seats on the County Board and in the state legislature.

Quinn said he was prepared to face any potential challengers that might emerge during petition passing, which started Tuesday and lasts through November.

Advertisement

Ive been at this for a while, so I do take elections very seriously and Im prepared to have an election if thats the case, Quinn told reporters, saying he was already fundraising and spent almost every night going door to door.

Asked how Madigans indictment might affect his chances, Quinn said, I dont know the answer today.

Again, I continue to go door to door every night, continue to work with the residents, my neighbors in the 13th Ward and continue to try to be as responsive as possible. I guess that remains to be seen, but I know what Im going to do.

adquig@chicagotribune.com

rap30@aol.com

rlong@chicagotribune.com
BALTIMORE -- At the end of June, as many Marylanders eagerly anticipated buying recreational marijuana legally for the first time, Sgt. Thomas Morehouse was worried about the safety of Baltimore Countys roads.

Morehouse, a certified drug recognition expert for the Baltimore County Police Department, was concerned about residents lighting up and then getting behind the wheel after July 1.

Every state that has legalized recreational cannabis has seen increases in fatal crashes, injury crashes, property damage crashes and other irresponsible driving because of impairment by cannabis, so I dont expect Maryland to be any different, Morehouse said in a June interview with The Baltimore Sun.

Several factors make it hard to gauge the impact of recreational weed on driving in Maryland so far.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A look at statewide crash data showed a small uptick in traffic crashes in July compared to previous years, according to the Maryland State Police. But enforcing traffic laws when it comes to cannabis consumption is complicated  there is no widely used breath test to detect it and experts say proving impairment from a blood test can be challenging.

Further, the number of arrests for driving while impaired with alcohol in July dwarfed the number of arrests for driving high in Baltimore City and the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll and Harford, with only a handful of traffic arrests related to cannabis, according to law enforcement agency data.

Just as people shouldnt drink and drive, cannabis is no different: It is a psychoactive substance, and you shouldnt get behind the wheel and potentially put yourself and others in danger, said Chad Johnson, an assistant professor in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore in a July interview. But ... identifying it, I think, will be a challenge.

The Marijuana Policy Project, a marijuana advocacy group, says on its website there is no evidence that statewide legalization increases traffic fatalities and cites a study showing similar crash rates in states with and without legalization.

Preliminary state crash data from the Maryland State Police shows there were 88 more vehicle crashes during July than in the same month last year, a 1% increase. But there were fewer crashes this July than in the same month in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

In July, law enforcement agencies in Maryland made 806 DUI arrests and 338 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs, as captured through E-Tix software, slightly fewer in each category than in July 2022, according to state police data. The agency said it could not provide data on cannabis arrests specifically.

Neither Baltimore Police nor the Carroll County Sheriffs Office arrested anyone for driving while impaired by cannabis in July, but six people in each jurisdiction were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Baltimore County Police made 74 total DUI arrests in July, 67 of them for alcohol and four involving cannabis. Anne Arundel made a total of 47 DUI arrests, including 20 for driving while suspected of being impaired by drugs, although a police spokesperson said the department could not provide the number of specific cannabis arrests. In Harford County, there were 13 DUI arrests and two arrests for driving while impaired by cannabis.

State law does not allow cannabis users to smoke in vehicles or public places, but under new state law, police cannot use the odor of marijuana as the sole reason to make a stop or to search a vehicle.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said officers who suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol can do a series of field sobriety tests and have them blow into a toximeter.

You have a scientific instrument that tells you if youre at a level of impairment or not, he said. No such instrument exists for cannabis, so you have to have the resources of a drug recognition expert.

Drug recognition experts are officers or troopers who undergo specific training on recognizing the effects of various drugs on drivers. There are about 190 of them across Maryland, state police spokesperson Elena Russo said in June. Marylands first nine drug recognition experts were trained and certified in 1990. While a patrol officer or trooper can perform basic field sobriety tests, a drug recognition expert needs to get involved before police can request a blood sample.

Theyre specially trained to do a very systematic and standardized evaluation: a bunch of observations, divided attention tests, some medical things like pulse and blood pressure measurements, well do some eye exams, said Morehouse, one of 29 drug recognition experts in Baltimore County.

If an officer suspects drug impairment after such an evaluation, they can request that drivers submit to a blood test. Police cant compel a driver to take a blood test unless a vehicle crash results in death or life-threatening injury to another person, but refusing the test comes with penalties like a suspended license.

In 2012, Carroll County Judge Michael M. Galloway granted a motion to exclude drug recognition expert testimony from 27 cases after hearing testimony from medical experts on a national certification program. Galloway wrote in his ruling that the program is not generally accepted as valid and reliable in the relevant scientific community, and that the protocol failed to produce an accurate and reliable determination of whether a suspect is impaired by drugs.

Owings Mills defense attorney Leonard Shapiro, who specializes in DUI/DWI cases, said he has never tried a case in which a Maryland judge allowed a drug recognition expert to express an opinion as an expert in court.

Even with a blood sample, measuring marijuana intoxication is murky, said Johnson, who is also the co-director of the University of Marylands graduate program in medical cannabis science and therapeutics.

Right now, theres not a very unified approach for how to do this and do this fairly, Johnson said.

Blood testing, the best biological method for detecting marijuana intoxication, can measure levels of THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, for about five hours after someone inhales marijuana or 22 hours after taking it orally, Johnson said. Blood tests also identify liver products called metabolites, which persist in the body for longer.

The cannabis plant affects different people in different ways: Your sex, age, body weight and tolerance to cannabis play a big role, Johnson said. If were going to enforce this fairly, they need to establish an intoxication level.

Colorado has set a limit of five nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood, which allows for a permissible inference that a driver is impaired but does not require a court to find them guilty, unlike a 0.08% blood alcohol level.

Some have pointed out that Marylanders participating in the illicit or medicinal markets have consumed marijuana and tried to drive long before July 1.

The issue of dealing with impairment isnt new for law enforcement; the concern is one of magnitude, said Mat Swinburne, associate director for the Network of Public Health Laws Eastern Region, housed at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, in a June interview.

Marijuana legalization was praised as a victory for racial equity, but enforcement of possession and driving laws still leave open the opportunity for discriminatory policing.

Like every state, Swinburne said, Maryland has issues with the inequitable enforcement of law against Black or African-American drivers.

The Baltimore Sun reported in 2016 that statewide traffic data showed police stopped and searched black motorists in Maryland at higher rates than white drivers.

An American Civil Liberties Union report on data collected from 50 states between 2010 and 2018 found Black people were more likely to be arrested than white people for marijuana possession, even in states that had legalized marijuana. During 2020, the first year marijuana was legalized in Chicago, Chicago Police arrested three times the number of African-Americans for marijuana-related offenses than all other ethnicities combined, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Its a good policy from a racial justice standpoint, but theres still the challenge of enforcement, and you can still have inequitable enforcement of a just policy, Swinburne said. These struggles that we see in other states, Maryland is probably going to have to deal with those same struggles because we have the same built-in problems with our system.

________
At various times, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy considered Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov , Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, and Oleksandr Kamyshin , Minister of Strategic Industries, as possible replacements for Oleksii Reznikov as Minister of Defence. However, all these candidates were rejected in the end.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda in the article Zelenskyy's Fourth Defence Minister. Why the President is replacing Reznikov with Umierov

Details: In February, the president considered the candidacy of Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy likes him for the bold operations of the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Budanov was wary of such an appointment, but he did not want to refuse the president directly.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

High-ranking UP sources in the law enforcement agencies explained Budanov's hesitation as follows: "The Ministry of Defence is a huge machine, where most of the staff are people of pre-retirement age. Somehow, it is impossible to reform this structure and show instant results quickly."

Budanov was allegedly preparing to work in the Ministry of Defence, although it would be difficult for him to leave the intelligence, where he "adjusted all work to his management style" during the war.

Subsequently, Mykhailo Fedorov, Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, proposed that the President appoint Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, as the Minister of Defence.

Zelenskyy even held several rounds of negotiations with Kubrakov, but the latter set a condition: he would chair the Ministry of Defence only if he retained control over the Ministry of Infrastructure, leaving someone from his team as the head.

Kubrakov was saying that he had been assembling a team there for a very long time, and it was difficult to get large projects going, and now, when these projects should finally bring some fruit, the new management can unbalance everything.

Zelenskyy did not like the conditions being imposed on him. The UP sources say that the two raised their voices at times. Ultimately, the president decided to leave Kubrakov in his current position.

After Kubrakov, Zelenskyy was still considering appointing Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries, to the Ministry of Defence. But he had just settled down in the new ministry and did not rush to the Ministry of Defence. However, Kamyshin would not refuse Zelenskyy if the President insisted.

Background:

The Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Oleksii Reznikov from the position of Minister of Defence on 5 September. Ukraines parliament approved the appointment of Rustem Umierov, the former head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, as the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, on 6 September.

Oleksii Reznikov may be appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the UK after resigning as Defence Minister amid scandals over public procurement for the army, but no official announcement has been made yet.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Florida, flooding and hurricane season  is it too late to be insured?

That depends.

Florida typically sees the most hurricanes between August and October, which means the Atlantic hurricane season is at its peak. Hurricane Idalia recently rammed through Florida's Big Bend region, leaving hundreds of thousands of Floridians on the Gulf Coast without power and with flooded homes.

With recovery efforts for natural disaster victims around Florida's Gulf Coast still ongoing, all eyes are on the next storms that may rock the Sunshine State.

The next two weeks of hurricane season have historically been the most active. And this year, the peak of hurricane season is riding in on the heels of extremely high, record-breaking ocean temperatures off Florida's coast and an above-average August for tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin. August brought six named storms with it, well above the three to four storm average that Florida saw each August from 1991 to 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Just before this year's hurricane season started, AAA released findings from its survey that asked Floridians how likely they are to evacuate their homes during a hurricane. More than half of the people surveyed said they won't go unless the storm is a Category 3 or higher.

About 20% of the Floridians surveyed said that they don't prepare in advance for hurricane season, and 24% said they simply wouldn't evacuate in the event of a hurricane or severe weather.

Almost 60% of those surveyed said that they feel safe because they aren't located in a flood zone, but the AAA survey found almost 40% of all flood insurance claims come from homes that aren't in high-risk flood zones.

Here's a roundup of how flood insurance works in Florida, when and where to find a policy and why a lot of Floridians ignore evacuation orders.

Is there a hurricane or tropical storm headed for Florida?

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, Tropical Depression 13 became a named storm: Tropical Storm Lee. The National Hurricane Center's official forecast has Lee intensifying at a break-neck speed, projected to become a Category 4 Hurricane by Saturday, Sept. 9.

Tropical Storm Lee was currently not on track to hit Florida, according to WeatherTiger meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut.

"Elsewhere, befitting the peak of hurricane season, look for one or two more storms to develop through mid-September to the east of Lee. None of these will be any threat to land," Truchelut said in a USA TODAY article. "Overall, there are no tropical threats to Florida over the next 10 days, and hopefully that will continue into the second half of September so devastated Big Bend communities can start the long process of recovery."

Hurricane season forecast: Monster in the making, Lee breaks record before it's even born

Why do some people ignore hurricane evacuation orders?

According to the survey, the most common reason Floridians ignore evacuation orders is to stay for any post-storm damage that they may be able to fix themselves once the storm passes.

40% said that they stay to take care of any fixable damage to their home.

30% said they don't have a safe way to evacuate with their pets.

22% stay because they believe the storm will turn off course and away from their direction.

18% don't know where to evacuate to.

17% fear post-storm looting.

15% can't afford to book a hotel.

Struggling after Hurricane Idalia? How to get help for hurricane-related PTSD symptoms

Does Florida have mandatory evacuation laws?

In almost every state, the governor has the power to take action ahead of or during a disaster, like a hurricane. In some states, like Florida, the governor can order mandatory evacuations. There is no evidence to support that anyone has ever been ticketed for ignoring evacuation orders in Florida, unlike North Carolina, where violating an evacuation order is a crime. Florida doesn't have any sort of criminal penalty for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order.

How many Floridians do not have flood insurance?

The AAA survey also reported that over 67% of Floridians do not have flood insurance. But in 2022, the National Flood Insurance Program validated more than 54,000 claims and dished out more than $1.6 billion in policy coverage. Hurricane Ian alone was responsible for 46,000 insurance claims and $1.5 billion in policy coverage.

What happens if my home floods and I don't have flood insurance?

Just one inch of water in your home could cost up to $25,000 or more to repair. What happens if you don't have flood insurance?

Homeowners who don't have flood insurance have the option to apply for federal disaster assistance through a loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. But unlike payouts from insurance claims, the federal disaster assistance loans have to be paid back.

Hurricane hacks: These 5 TikToks can help you prepare for hurricane season

What happens if I get flood insurance and my home floods the next day?

The survey also revealed that 53% of the people surveyed were unaware that flood insurance policies issued through FEMA do not take immediate effect. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which manages a network of more than 50 insurance companies, including AAA.

All flood insurance policies issued through FEMA's network of insurance companies have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect.

Flood insurance is sold separately from homeowners' hurricane wind insurance policies.

Can I get insured during hurricane season?

There are certain times when buying homeowners' insurance isn't possible in Florida. You can sometimes buy homeowners' insurance during hurricane season, but not always. When insurance companies issue a policy, they're hoping you won't have to file a claim. The likelier it is that you will file a claim for storm damages, the warier they are of issuing policies.

This is why most insurance companies don't sell homeowners' insurance 24 to 48 hours before a storm is anticipated to hit the state. Rules around when you can and can't buy homeowners' insurance vary depending on which insurance provider you buy from, but is usually difficult to acquire during hurricane season no matter who you insure with.

Lianna Norman covers trending news in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at lnorman@pbpost.com. You can follow her reporting on social media @LiannaNorman on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricanes: How flood insurance works in Florida, when can you buy it
A Dinkytown apartment building that failed to open in time for tenants to move in is facing two lawsuits from renters who now want out and accuse the owner in court documents of pulling a "bait-and-switch."

Construction of Identity Dinkytown, a six-story mixed-use complex on the site of the former McDonald's near campus, has been delayed for months. The apartment building bills itself as an amenity-rich experience and requires tenants to sign individual leases for multi-bedroom units.

The plaintiffs in both cases want to break their leases and recoup the rent they've paid so far. They're also seeking a reimbursement of attorney's fees.

Curt Trisko, a Twin Cities-based real estate lawyer, is representing three tenants looking to break their leases in one suit. Macy White, McKenna Nagy and Lilia Rosen paid at least $1,200 in August for their rooms in one unit on the fifth floor of the complex, according to court documents. His clients have declined to comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We're reserving comment while the case is pending," Trisko said.

In the lawsuit he filed Aug. 18, Trisko's clients say they don't believe the building will be open before winter.

Shana Tomenes, a staff attorney at the University of Minnesota Student Legal Service, filed another suit on behalf of plaintiff Evelyn Benson, on Sept. 1.

University officials issued a statement Wednesday saying they've provided more than 100 students and their families with information or legal advice regarding the Identity Dinkytown apartments. Requests are still coming in, a spokesperson said.

"We believe there is a strong case for the student renters, which Shana [Tomenes] detailed in the complaint filed with the court," a spokesperson for Student Legal Services said.

Representatives for CA Student Living, the company that operates the Identity complex, declined a request for an interview. They did not answer questions about how close to completion the building is and whether it has passed inspections that would allow tenants to move in.

"We understand that the delay is disappointing and inconvenient for students," a spokesperson for CA Student Living said in a statement. "We want students' experience with Identity Dinkytown to be seamless and this isn't how we wanted to start our journey together. We are focused on getting doors opened and students moved in as quickly as possible and providing students with regular updates until then."

The plaintiffs in both lawsuits claim Identity accepted their rent Aug. 1, one day before building managers told incoming residents their units wouldn't be ready for them by the original Aug. 27 opening date.

In a letter sent renters, which was included in the legal complaints, Identity offered to pay tenants $150 per day if they found temporary housing or $80 per day if they allowed the company to pay for a hotel room during construction. Those payouts would be made in the form of a digital gift card.

In both cases, the plaintiffs say they believe much of the building will still be under construction once it's cleared to allow tenants inside. That's because Identity is still trying to qualify for a certificate of temporary occupancy, which only requires a building's essential functions, such as electrical systems, elevators, ventilation and plumbing, to be completely operational.

City of Minneapolis building inspectors have said this is typically their busiest time of year, which can mean longer waits as crews are nearly perfectly matched for the number of permits coming in.
The site of the cave of El Tancon at Santiago del Teide. Olga Gudumac/Getty Images

Spanish influencer Marina Rivera Saldana was criticized for swimming in the cave of El Tancon.

The cave has been the site of several deaths over the years due to temperamental currents.

The area, in Santiago del Teide, is listed as "permanently closed" on TripAdvisor.

An influencer has received backlash for posting photos of her posing in a dangerous cave in Tenerife.

Spanish influencer Marina Rivera Saldana, who has 1.9 million followers on her Instagram page @_riverss_, was criticized for swimming in the cave of El Tancon at Santiago del Teide.

"Soy una sirenita de makoo," Saldana wrote in the caption, which translates as "I'm a little mermaid from Makoo."

The cave has been the site of several deaths over the years due to temperamental currents. It is listed as "permanently closed" on TripAdvisor, where locals warn people not to visit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"DO NOT GET IN," one user warned. "People die here every year."

The cave "fills up with waves" quickly when the tide changes, they explained, and people may hit their heads on the ceiling, and get knocked out.

"Although it may seem that the sea is calm, in a matter of seconds a range of waves can come in, leading you to the grave," they said. "Your only way out would be to dive as deep as possible and wait there for a couple minutes. This is impossible for most of us. Please do not attempt to swim here. THERE IS NO WAY OUT."

The cave is known as a "bufadero," Tenerife Weekly reported, which is "a natural formation in which the currents are unpredictable and it is difficult for rescue teams to intervene." Several tourists have died there due to these dangerous conditions, according to the outlet.

Among the six people reported to have died there were a 33-year-old Swiss woman named Jasmine Ben Ali, and a 27-year-old Italian man named Giovanni Rodriguez, according to Tenerife Weekly.

A 30-year-old British tourist also died in hospital after he was pulled out of the water in 2017. A spokesperson for local emergency services told The Mirror at the time that he was swept into the ocean while taking a walk along the rocks.

"Once they had reached dry land, a doctor and a nurse from a local surgery together with the rescue team continued with their work trying to revive him but were unable to do so," they said. "He was confirmed dead at the scene."

Locals made their disparagement of Saldana clear in the comments on her photos.

"Bathing is forbidden there," one person wrote. "We are sick of tourists that don't respect our land."

Others said Saldana should be "thankful" she survived.

"You could have cracked your skull like so many other people who have dies on that site," another said. "Stop inciting people to go to a place that is not only prohibited, but VERY dangerous."

Influencers have long ignored safety precautions and warning signs to get their photos. In 2019, they flocked to a vibrant blue Siberian lake, despite warnings to not swim in it because it was a chemical dump for a coal plant. In 2021, a Hawaiian TikToker shared a viral video of tourists appearing to climb the Haiku Stairs in Oahu, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," which has been closed to the public since 1987, because of how unsafe it is.

Read the original article on Insider
A page containing information about General Sergey Surovikin , the ex-commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces (AF), has disappeared from the Russian Defence Ministrys website.

Source: The Moscow Times, Astra

Details: Surovikin is also not on the list of the department's management.

The day before, Russian Telegram channels drew attention to the fact that Surovikin was still listed as the head of the AF on the Defence Ministrys website. This information soon disappeared.

At the same time, a search on the site map shows Surovikins name under the "leadership" section. But when clicking on the link, the page is empty.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the Russian media, this is the first official confirmation of Surovikin's resignation.

Background:

Earlier, Russian mass media reported on Surovikin's resignation with reference to various sources. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Putin's press secretary Dmytro Peskov avoided public answers to questions about Surovikin.

On 5 September, The New York Times, citing its sources, reported that detained Russian General Sergei Surovikin had been released several days after the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash.

Almost from the moment of his appointment, a number of Western media referred to Surovikin as "Prigozhin's man". According to some media outlets, he knew about the Wagner uprising before it began.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The state of Georgia has handed down RICO indictments against 61 activists protesting against the development of an Atlanta police training facility, leaving many to raise questions about the criminalization of free speech.

Last weeks controversial indictments primarily target the Defend the Atlanta Forest organization, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Issued on Aug. 29, they accuse protestors of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Others were charged with money laundering, domestic terrorism, and attempted arson in the first degree, according to a press release from Attorney General Chris Carr. Out of those charged, only 13 are from the state.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announces the sweeping indictments against 61 Cop City activists at a Sept. 5 news conference. (Photo: Fox 5 Atlanta/ YouTube screenshot)

Defend the Atlanta Forest organization has openly opposed the construction of Cop City  a proposed training center for officers and first responders on land owned by the city of Atlanta.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: Completely Inappropriate: Cultural Awareness and Diversity Teacher Steps Down After She Is Accused of Writing N-Word On Seating Chart Next to Black Middle School Students Name

The city has invested $90 million in the project, which was met with a wave of pushback. The group wants to preserve the Weelaunee forest and emphasize that its at risk of destruction as police and Hollywood make plans to pave over the citys largest remaining green space in the predominantly Black area that is just south of the city limits.

The Cop City RICO indictments allege the date when George Floyd was murdered by the police as the start of the "racketeering enterprise." Let that sink in.



The day a movement to abolish the police took on new life is the day for them a criminal enterprise was born.  Kamau Franklin (@kamaufranklin) September 5, 2023

This anarchist, anti-police, and environment activism organization coordinates, advertises and conducts direct action designed to prevent the construction of the Atlanta Police Public Safety Training Center and Shadowbox Studios  and promote anarchist ideas, the indictment alleges. This self-proclaimed direct action has included vandalizing of private property, arson, destruction of government property, attacks on utility workers, attacks on law enforcement, attacks on private citizens and gun violence.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

The indictment says the foundation of Defend the Forest goes back to May 2020 following the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer and whose death sparked a worldwide movement against police brutality. It argues that when the demonstrations started to cease, an undercurrent of threatening, violent anti-police sentiment persisted among some people in Atlanta, including members of the organization.

Chris Carr may try to use his prosecutors and power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech, but his threats will not silence our commitment to standing up for our future, our community, and our city, Cop City Vote, a coalition standing against the project, told the AP in a statement.

According to prosecutors, 225 incidents included in the extensive indictment highlight allegations that members threw rocks and a Molotov cocktail through the Department of Public Safety headquarters window, causing a fire and injuring two people in the summer of 2020. That summer predates the movement against Cop City by a full two years, as the Atlanta City Councils vote to move ahead with the training center came in September 2022.

The indictment also lists an incident from earlier this year in March, where it accuses a member of assaulting a police officer and creating a mob that attacked law enforcement guarding the site while also setting construction vehicles on fire. Three activists who officials say handed out flyers that labeled a state trooper who gunned down a demonstrator who was camping on the site a murderer were included in the indictment.

This country has been upended by governments across the nation trying to build cop cities in order to quell protests because the government is simply upset that people seek to oppose and use their First Amendment right to protest when we see injustice coming from those in authority, Stop Cop City organizer Keyanna Jones said during an interview on Democracy Now.

"I don't understand how opposing the government, using your legal right to protest, your right to freedom of speech, is domestic terrorism.



Stop Cop City organizer @KMichelle_Atl reacts to the indictment of 61 protesters over actions like handing out flyers and holding signs. pic.twitter.com/q3HfrPZCVl  Democracy Now! (@democracynow) September 6, 2023

Jones continued, I dont understand how opposing the government using your legal right to protest, your right to freedom of speech, is domestic terrorism.

People on social media also reacted to the indictments:

the ludicrous indictment against the Cop City protesters has a whole section on their scary anarchist ideology and explains that they believe in such subversive concepts as "social solidarity" and "human altruism" pic.twitter.com/DW5ZnpXnDJ  Nathan J Robinson (@NathanJRobinson) September 6, 2023

I received word this morning that the state filed RICO indictments against a number of protesters against cop city. I dont know how many or who yet but this is an incredibly dark day for freedom of speech in Georgia.  Lyra, Esq., is NOT DAREDEVIL (@PinkRangerLB) September 5, 2023

When the state hands down RICO charges for passing out Stop Cop City fliers and bailing people out, and the date of George Floyds murder is on the indictments, they're telling you that this about a limitless police state where cops can act with impunity and resistance is illegal.  Stop Cop City (@JoshuaPHilll) September 5, 2023
The family of an Atlanta inmate who died days after filing a civil rights complaint against the same jail that Donald Trump briefly found himself in last month say the 32-year-old suffered bite marks and other substantial injuries before his death.

The revelation came on the same day authorities confirmed a tenth death this year alone at the Fulton County Jail, which is already the subject of a federal civil rights investigation.

It comes three weeks after Samuel Lawrence, 34, was found unresponsive in his cell during dinner rounds. Lawrence, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, had been in custody for about eight months and held on a $30,000 bond for second-degree arson.

No man wants to bury his son, Lawrences father, Frank Richardson, said during a Wednesday press conference outside the jail. You dont want to bury your children, no one wants to bury their children.

The Atlanta Police Department said last week that a death investigation and autopsy were ongoing. In the press conference with Lawrences family, Muhammad revealed that a private autopsy showed that Lawrence suffered from some alarming injuries after being routinely attacked while in jail.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The preliminary autopsy findings, as a final report has not been issued, indicating that there was evidence of physical assault that he had suffered. There were injuries to his chest, and there were bite marks on his body that the medical examiner estimated had been there since about one week before the time of his death, Muhammad said. It is our belief that there was obviously foul playgiven the evidence of physical assault, and given the reports that had been made.

We are going to pursue justice for Samuel Lawrence, he added. The situation in the jail is deplorable.

The family of Samuel Lawrence - one of two men who died within a week recently at the Fulton Co. jail - are demanding changes at the facility to prevent more deaths. Days before his death, Lawrence filed a prisoner civil rights complaint about jail conditions. @gpbnews #gapol pic.twitter.com/Bqe0HjsZRH  Donna Lowry (@donnalowrynews) September 6, 2023

Days before his death, Lawrence filed a 16-page handwritten federal civil rights lawsuit against the jail, detailing multiple instances in which deputies used excessive force. In the complaint, Lawrence said he was kicked while handcuffed, pepper-sprayed, and tased in the chest while strapped to a medical bed.

Each time, Lawrence alleged, he was not given any medical attention and instead kept in isolation with no water, bed, or working toilet. The complaint also alleged that the deputies failed to report the incidents.

I dont know how much more I can take, Lawrence wrote in his Aug. 22 complaint. Im starving; Im thirsty.

Lawrences family has called for change at the jail, which holds about 2,523 people and is where Trump and 18 others surrendered last month for booking on charges related to an alleged scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

We are here to make a difference for Sams life. For justice and for peace, Lawrences uncle, Eugene Hall Jr., said. Lawrence's cousin, Sheba Terrell, added that her family is going to make sure justice is served for him.

The family said their efforts were not just for Lawrence but for the other inmates suffering in the jail. On Wednesday, the sheriff's office confirmed that 24-year-old Shawndrew Delmore was found unresponsive in his cell during a routine check on Aug. 31. Delmore, who was arrested on a second-degree burglary charge and held on a $2,500 bond, died at a local hospital on Sunday.

Muhammad said Wednesday that inmates are screaming out for help, there are written reports being made constantly, and we find that even though the DOJ is conducting an investigation, there is an immediate need for the situation to be remedied.

Last month, 23-year-old inmate Dayvion Blake was killed and five others were injured in a mass stabbing. In July, 40-year-old Montay Stinson was found unresponsive in his cell, where he was being held on a $30,000 bond for second-degree burglary. He had no obvious signs of injury, the sheriffs office said. Days later, on Aug. 10, authorities said that 34-year-old Christopher Smith was found unresponsive in his cell and died the next morning.

A week later, 66-year-old Alexander Hawkins was found dead in his cell. His death came just two weeks after he was arrested on a shoplifting charge and held on a $5,000 bond. Authorities say that final autopsy reports have not been released for all the in-custody deaths.

The recent outbreak of violence at the Fulton County Jail is of grave concern but unfortunately is not surprising considering the long-standing, dangerous overcrowding and the crumbling walls of the facility that are literally being crafted into makeshift weapons that inmates use to attack each other and staff, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said in a statement. We have had an unfortunate series of deaths this year that range from natural causes, to pre-existing health conditions, to homicide.

Trumps Fulton County Case Has Descended Into Chaos Even Before It Starts

The Department of Justice announced a July investigation into the jail after the death of Lashawn Thompson, who was found covered in lice and filth in his cell. At the time of his death, Thompson was being held on a misdemeanor assault charge and was placed in the psychiatric wing of the jail due to his mental health issues. (Thompsons family was awarded a $4 million settlement from the county earlier this month.)

Following Mr. Thompsons death, evidence emerged that the mental health unit where he died was infested with insects and that the majority of people living in that unit were malnourished and not receiving basic care, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in a July news conference, adding that the jail also had large holes in the walls and flooding.

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.
Elon Musk is on a mission to minimize AI danger and assure that human consciousness survives. Credit - Sipa/AP

At a conference in 2012, Elon Musk met Demis Hassabis, the video-game designer and artificial--intelligence researcher who had co-founded a company named DeepMind that sought to design computers that could learn how to think like humans.

Elon and I hit it off right away, and I went to visit him at his rocket factory, Hassabis says. While sitting in the canteen overlooking the assembly lines, Musk explained that his reason for building rockets that could go to Mars was that it might be a way to preserve human consciousness in the event of a world war, asteroid strike, or civilization collapse. Hassabis told him to add another potential threat to the list: artificial intelligence. Machines could become superintelligent and surpass us mere mortals, -perhaps even decide to dispose of us.

Musk paused silently for almost a minute as he processed this possibility. He decided that Hassabis might be right about the danger of AI, and promptly invested $5 million in DeepMind as a way to monitor what it was doing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A few weeks after this conversation with Hassabis, Musk described DeepMind to Googles Larry Page . They had known each other for more than a decade, and Musk often stayed at Pages Palo Alto, Calif., house. The potential dangers of artificial intelligence became a topic that Musk would raise, almost obsessively, during their late-night conversations. Page was dismissive.

Illustration by Nigel Buchanan for TIME

At Musks 2013 birthday party in Napa Valley, California, they got into a passionate debate. Unless we built in safeguards, Musk argued, artificial-intelligence-systems might replace humans, making our species irrelevant or even extinct.

Page pushed back. Why would it matter, he asked, if machines someday surpassed humans in intelligence, even consciousness? It would simply be the next stage of evolution.

Human consciousness, Musk retorted, was a precious flicker of light in the universe, and we should not let it be extinguished. Page considered that sentimental nonsense. If consciousness could be replicated in a machine, why would that not be just as valuable? He accused Musk of being a specist, someone who was biased in favor of their own species. Well, yes, I am pro-human, Musk responded. I f-cking like humanity, dude.

With the rapid growth of AI, Musk is urgently focusing on building rockets that can go to Mars. Loren ElliottGetty Images

Musk was therefore dismayed when he heard at the end of 2013 that Page and Google were planning to buy DeepMind. Musk and his friend Luke Nosek tried to put together financing to stop the deal. At a party in Los Angeles, they went to an upstairs closet for an hour-long Skype call with Hassabis. The future of AI should not be controlled by Larry, Musk told him.

The effort failed, and Googles -acquisition of DeepMind was announced in January 2014. Page initially agreed to create a safety council, with Musk as a member. The first and only meeting was held at SpaceX. Page, Hassabis, and Google chair Eric Schmidt attended, along with Reid Hoffman and a few others. Musk concluded that the council was basically bullsh-t.

So Musk began hosting his own series of dinner discussions on ways to counter Google and promote AI safety. He even reached out to President Obama, who agreed to a one-on-one meeting in May 2015. Musk explained the risk and suggested that it be regulated. Obama got it, Musk says. But I realized that it was not going to rise to the level of something that he would do anything about.

Musk then turned to Sam Altman, a tightly bundled software entrepreneur, sports-car enthusiast, and survivalist who, behind his polished veneer, had a Musk-like intensity. At a small dinner in Palo Alto, they decided to co-found a nonprofit artificial-intelligence-research lab, which they named OpenAI. It would make its software open-source and try to counter Googles growing dominance of the field. We wanted to have something like a Linux version of AI that was not controlled by any one person or corporation, Musk says.

One question they discussed at dinner was what would be safer: a small number of AI systems that were controlled by big corporations or a large number of independent systems? They concluded that a large number of competing systems, providing checks and balances on one another, was better. For Musk, this was the reason to make OpenAI truly open, so that lots of people could build systems based on its source code.

Another way to assure AI safety, Musk felt, was to tie the bots closely to humans. They should be an extension of the will of individuals, rather than systems that could go rogue and develop their own goals and intentions. That would become one of the rationales for Neuralink, the company he would found to create chips that could connect human brains directly to computers.

Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman in 2015 as a way of countering Googles growing dominance in the field of artificial intelligence. Michael KovacGetty Images

Musks determination to develop artificial-intelligence capabilities at his own companies caused a break with OpenAI in 2018. He tried to convince Altman that OpenAI should be folded into Tesla. The OpenAI team rejected that idea, and Altman stepped in as president of the lab, starting a for-profit arm that was able to raise equity funding, including a major investment from Microsoft.

So Musk decided to forge ahead with building rival AI teams to work on an array of related projects. These included Neuralink, which aims to plant microchips in human brains; Optimus, a human-like robot; and Dojo, a supercomputer that can use millions of videos to train an artificial neural network to simulate a human brain. It also spurred him to become obsessed with pushing to make Tesla cars self-driving.

At first these endeavors were rather independent, but eventually Musk would tie them all together, along with a new company he founded called xAI, to pursue the goal of artificial general intelligence.

In March 2023, OpenAI released GPT-4 to the public. Google then released a rival chatbot named Bard. The stage was thus set for a competition between OpenAI-Microsoft and DeepMind-Google to create products that could chat with humans in a natural way and perform an endless array of text-based intellectual tasks.

Read More: The Case Against AI Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Musk worried that these chatbots and AI systems, especially in the hands of Microsoft and Google, could become politically indoctrinated, perhaps even infected by what he called the woke-mind virus. He also feared that self-learning AI systems might turn hostile to the human species. And on a more immediate level, he worried that chatbots could be trained to flood Twitter with disinformation, biased reporting, and financial scams. All of those things were already being done by humans, of course. But the ability to deploy thousands of weaponized chatbots would make the problem two or three orders of magnitude worse.

His compulsion to ride to the rescue kicked in. He was resentful that he had founded and funded OpenAI but was now left out of the fray. AI was the biggest storm brewing. And there was no one more attracted to a storm than Musk.

In February 2023, he invitedperhaps a better word is summonedSam Altman to meet with him at Twitter and asked him to bring the founding documents for OpenAI. Musk challenged him to justify how he could legally transform a nonprofit funded by donations into a for-profit that could make millions. Altman tried to show that it was all legitimate, and he insisted that he personally was not a shareholder or cashing in. He also offered Musk shares in the new company, which Musk declined.

Instead, Musk unleashed a barrage of attacks on OpenAI. Altman was pained. Unlike Musk, he is sensitive and nonconfrontational. He felt that Musk had not drilled down enough into the complexity of the issue of AI safety. However, he did feel that Musks criticisms came from a sincere concern. Hes a jerk, Altman told Kara Swisher. He has a style that is not a style that Id want to have for myself. But I think he does really care, and he is feeling very stressed about what the futures going to look like for humanity.

The fuel for AI is data. The new chatbots were being trained on massive amounts of information, such as billions of pages on the internet and other documents. Google and Microsoft, with their search engines and cloud services and access to emails, had huge gushers of data to help train these systems.

What could Musk bring to the party? One asset was the Twitter feed, which included more than a trillion tweets posted over the years, 500 million added each day. It was humanitys hive mind, the worlds most timely dataset of real-life human conversations, news, interests, trends, arguments, and lingo. Plus it was a great training ground for a chatbot to test how real humans react to its responses. The value of this data feed was not something Musk considered when buying Twitter. It was a side benefit, actually, that I realized only after the purchase, he says.

Twitter had rather loosely permitted other companies to make use of this data stream. In January 2023, Musk convened a series of late-night meetings in his Twitter conference room to work out ways to charge for it. Its a monetization opportunity, he told the engineers. It was also a way to restrict Google and Microsoft from using this data to improve their AI chatbots. He ignited a controversy in July when he decided to temporarily restrict the number of tweets a viewer could see per day; the goal was to prevent Google and Microsoft from scraping up millions of tweets to use as data to train their AI systems.

Between Twitter's data feed and the 160 billion frames per day of video that Tesla has received, Musk is sitting on a stockpile of information that could help create AI for physical robots, not just text-generating chatbots. Edie LeongThe Washington Post/Getty Images

There was another data trove that Musk had: the 160 billion frames per day of video that Tesla received and processed from the cameras on its cars. This data was different from the text-based documents that informed chatbots. It was video data of humans navigating in real-world situations. It could help create AI for physical robots, not just text-generating chatbots.

The holy grail of artificial general intelligence is building machines that can operate like humans in physical spaces, such as factories and offices and on the surface of Mars, not just wow us with disembodied chatting. Tesla and Twitter together could provide the datasets and the processing capability for both approaches: teaching machines to navigate in physical space and to answer questions in natural language.

This past March, Musk texted me, There are a few important things I would like to talk to you about. Can only be done in person. When I got to Austin, he was at the house of Shivon Zilis, the Neuralink executive who was the mother of two of his children and who had been his intellectual companion on artificial intelligence since the founding of OpenAI eight years earlier. He said we should leave our phones in the house while we sat outside, because, he said, someone could use them to monitor our conversation. But he later agreed that I could use what he said about AI in my book.

He and Zilis sat cross-legged and barefoot on the poolside patio with their twins, Strider and Azure, now 16 months old, on their laps. Zilis made coffee and then put his in the microwave to get it superhot so he wouldnt chug it too fast.

What can be done to make AI safe? Musk asked. I keep wrestling with that. What actions can we take to minimize AI danger and assure that human consciousness survives?

He spoke in a low monotone punctuated by bouts of almost manic laughter. The amount of human intelligence, he noted, was leveling off, because people were not having enough children. Meanwhile, the amount of computer intelligence was going up exponentially, like Moores Law on steroids. At some point, biological brainpower would be dwarfed by digital brainpower.

In addition, new AI machine-learning systems could ingest information on their own and teach -themselves how to generate outputs, even upgrade their own code and capabilities. The term singularity was used by the mathematician John von Neumann and the sci-fi writer Vernor Vinge to describe the moment when artificial intelligence could forge ahead on its own at an uncontrollable pace and leave us mere humans behind. That could happen sooner than we expected, Musk said in an ominous tone.

Read More: What Socrates Can Teach Us About AI

For a moment I was struck by the oddness of the scene. We were sitting on a suburban patio by a tranquil backyard swimming pool on a sunny spring day, with two bright-eyed twins learning to toddle, as Musk somberly speculated about the window of opportunity for building a sustainable human colony on Mars before an AI apocalypse destroyed earthly civilization.

Musk lapsed into one of his long silences. He was, as Zilis called it, batch processing, referring to the way an old-fashioned computer would cue up a number of tasks and run them sequentially when it had enough processing power available. I cant just sit around and do nothing, he finally said softly. With AI coming, Im sort of wondering whether its worth spending that much time thinking about Twitter. Sure, I could probably make it the biggest financial institution in the world. But I have only so many brain cycles and hours in the day. I mean, its not like I need to be richer or something.

I started to speak, but he knew what I was going to ask. So what should my time be spent on? he said. Getting Starship launched. Getting to Mars is now far more pressing. He paused again, then added, Also, I need to focus on making AI safe. Thats why Im starting an AI company.

This is the company Musk dubbed xAI. He personally recruited Igor Babuschkin, formerly of DeepMind, but he told me he would run it himself. I calculated that would mean he would be running six companies: Tesla, SpaceX and its Starlink unit, Twitter, the Boring Co., Neuralink, and xAI. That was three times as many as Steve Jobs (Apple, Pixar) at his peak.

He admitted that he was starting off way behind OpenAI in creating a chatbot that could give natural-language -responses to questions. But Teslas work on self-driving cars and Optimus the robot put it way ahead in creating the type of AI needed to navigate in the physical world. This meant that his engineers were actually ahead of OpenAI in creating full-fledged artificial general intelligence, which requires both abilities. Teslas real-world AI is underrated, he said. Imagine if Tesla and OpenAI had to swap tasks. They would have to make self-driving, and we would have to make large-language-model chatbots. Who wins? We do.

Humanlike robot "Optimus" is one of many AI-related projects launched by Musk. Costfoto/NurPhoto/Reuters

In April, Musk assigned Babuschkin and his team three major goals. The first was to make an AI bot that could write computer code. A programmer could begin typing in any coding language, and the xAI bot would auto-complete the task for the most likely action they were trying to take. The second product would be a chatbot competitor to Open-AIs GPT series, one that used algorithms and trained on datasets that would ensure its political neutrality.

The third goal that Musk gave the team was even grander. His over-riding mission had always been to assure that AI developed in a way that helped guarantee that human consciousness endured. That was best achieved, he thought, by creating a form of artificial general intelligence that could reason and think and pursue truth as its guiding principle. You should be able to give it big tasks, like Build a better rocket engine.

Someday, Musk hoped, it would be able to take on even grander and more existential questions. It would be a maximum truth-seeking AI. It would care about understanding the universe, and that would probably lead it to want to preserve humanity, because we are an interesting part of the universe. That sounded vaguely familiar, and then I realized why.

He was embarking on a mission similar to the one chronicled in the formative (perhaps too formative?) bible of his childhood years, the one that pulled him out of his adolescent existential depression, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, which featured a super-computer designed to figure out the Answer to The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.

Isaacson, former editor of TIME, is a professor of history at Tulane and the author of numerous acclaimed biographies. Copyright 2023. Adapted from the book Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, published by Simon & Schuster Inc. Printed by permission

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Water goes over the dam on the Fox River in North Aurora. The dam is one of nine along the river in the Fox Valley area that is recommended for removal according to a tentatively selected plan that is part of a draft report released Wednesday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday released a draft report as part of the Fox River Connectivity and Habitat Study that includes a tentative plan which recommends the removal of nine dams along the river in the Fox Valley, including those in Aurora and Elgin.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Fox River Study Group are partnering with the Corps of Engineers to assess the feasibility of restoring riverine habitat and connectivity for fishes, mussels and wildlife along a stretch of the Fox River from Algonquin to Montgomery, according to a press release from the corps.

Advertisement

Three alternative plans were considered. The tentatively selected plan includes full removal of Fox River dams in Carpentersville, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora, Aurora and Montgomery, according to the release.

The Army Corps of Engineers agrees with the Friends of the Fox River, which has pushed for the removal of the Kimball Street dam in Elgin for safety and environmental reasons, (Gloria Casas / The Courier-News)

The proposal would involve demolition, removal and disposal of the dam structures, officials said in the release.

Advertisement

Meetings will be held coming up in the Fox Valley to provide a summary of the study findings and to hear public comments. All meetings will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meetings are planned for Sept. 18 at the St. Charles Public Work Facility, 1405 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles; Sept. 19 at the Heritage Ballroom at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way in Elgin; and Sept. 20 at Waubonsee Community College, 18 S River St. in Aurora.

The draft report is available at https://www.lrc.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works-Projects/Public-Review-Documents/.

The Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public input on the report, and is accepting comments through Nov. 6. Comments or questions can be sent to biologist Ryan Johnson at Fox-River-Study@usace.army.mil.

Officials with the Fox River Study Group on Wednesday said in a press release that the tentatively selected plan is a significant milestone in efforts to rehabilitate the Fox River.

For over two centuries, human activity in the Fox River Valley has eroded the Fox Rivers free flowing state, officials with the group said in the release. Legacy dams no longer in use for their original purpose have segmented the river and reduced its connectivity and wildlife habitat. This has caused large algae blooms, the accumulation of sediments from agricultural and urban runoff and the proliferation of invasive plant and animal species.

Group officials said the vast majority of dams along the river in the Fox Valley were built in the 1800s to run milling operations but today are mostly obsolete.

In recent years, dams on the Fox River have caused drownings and many more near-fatal accidents, group officials said in the release. Circular currents below dams can pull people and boats underwater even when the rest of the river is safe.

Fox River Study Group officials said the study examined a range of measures to improve water quality in the Fox River, including taking no action, rock ramps, bypass channels, partial dam removals as well as full removal of dams. Only the full removal of dams was found to successfully improve water quality, restore habitat and require little to no maintenance costs, group officials said.

Advertisement

The Fox River Study Group was created to enhance the health and vitality of the Fox River, according to the groups website.

The members of the group include Aurora, Algonquin, Barrington, Batavia, Cary, Crystal Lake, East Dundee, Elgin, Elburn, Geneva, Gilberts, Kane County, Plano, Sandwich, St. Charles, Wauconda and Yorkville.

Membership also includes the Fox Metro Water Reclamation District, based in Aurora, and the Fox River Water Reclamation District, based in Elgin, Moraine Hills Water Reclamation District, Lake in the Hills Sanitary District, Yorkville-Bristol Sanitary District, the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, Friends of the Fox River and the Sierra Club.
They overwhelmingly support Donald Trump and blast Joe Biden.

But they don't plan to vote.

A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll takes a rare look at the views of unlikely voters, some of them registered and others not but all of them planning to stay home on Election Day. Almost all of them are disenchanted about politics and politicians, and by more than 2-1 they say they would vote for Trump over Biden.

Strategists, pollsters and academics understandably put their efforts into identifying which voters will turn out in an election. Likely voters, as they're called, are the ones who decide winners and losers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yet even though the 2024 is poised to be the most expensive in U.S. history  and the most polarized  election analysts predict turnout may well drop below the record-setting levels of 2020 and 2016. That could be the result of unhappiness with their choices and uncertainty about the government's ability to address their problems.

President Joe Biden answers questions on the U.S. debt limits on May 20, 2023.

Could they change their minds? Here are some things we learned in our survey.

Third party? How about four or five?

No surprise that these Americans want to have more choices. Only about 1 in 6, 17%, say the Democratic and Republican parties do a good job of representing the nation's political views. Twenty percent say a third party is necessary; even more, 44%, endorse the idea of multiple parties.

In a rematch between President Biden and former president Trump, 18% of the registered voters in the survey and 14% of the unregistered ones support an unnamed third-party candidate. Green Party candidate Cornel West is backed by 8% of unregistered voters and 2% of those who are registered.

Those who plan to vote are interested in additional options, too. In a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll, 1 in 4 registered voters said they would support a third-party candidate.

Brutal views of Biden

Only 18% of those surveyed report voting for Biden in 2020; even fewer say they would support him if they did vote in 2024  13% of those who are registered and 15% of those who are not. His overall job approval rating is a dismal 23%, well below the 40-something approval he gets in polls of all registered voters.

Asked in an open-ended question to say the first word or phrase came to mind when they hear Biden's name, the most frequent response was "incompetent" and second was "old." Others centered on his mental acuity. Just 23% of those surveyed have a favorable impression of him, 52% an unfavorable one.

Trump's ratings are only slightly better: 28% favorable, 49% unfavorable.

Worse than politicians? Try Congress, and the press

Still, both Biden and Trump have better ratings than Congress, at 17% favorable, 46% unfavorable.

Faring even worse are the news media. Just 13% have a favorable view of the press, while 62% have an unfavorable one.

For political news, a third rely on social media sites, equal to the number who depend on TV and cable news networks, at 34% each. One in 10 say newspapers and magazines, either online or in print, are their primary source of information. Six percent cite friends and family.

The process isn't the problem

Don't blame the voting process itself. Two-thirds of unlikely voters say registering is easy to complete and can be done fairly quickly. Just over 1 in 10, 11%, say it takes too much time or is too complicated.

What's more, nearly 8 in 10, 79%, say citizens should be required to show a photo ID before voting, an issue that has divided Republicans and Democrats in some states. Support is high even though 57% say voter ID and other laws have discouraged some people from voting.

The challenges of the voting process itself was named as their reason for staying home by just 4% of those who are registered to vote.

They have other reasons.

(can we say what some of these other reasons? cb)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside our poll: Unlikely voters want a 3rd party, or maybe 4 or 5
A combined air attack of the Russian Federation on 6 September has led to fires in the Fastiv and Bucha districts of Kyiv Oblast due to the fall of fragments of Russian missiles.

Source: Internal Minister Ihor Klymenko, as quoted by the press service of the ministry; Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Another restless night for Ukrainians. The enemy carried out a combined attack on Odesa and Kyiv oblasts.

Rescue workers arrived at the scenes of the bombardments in the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast.

Unfortunately, there is one fatality  an employee of one of the companies.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In Kyiv Oblast, falling missile fragments led to fires in the Fastiv and Bucha districts.

Units from the State Emergency Service promptly extinguished the fire. There are no casualties."

Details: Kravchenko specified that the falling wreckage caused grass fires in a number of settlements, which have been put out.

Some wreckage was observed falling near a railway line, although railway traffic will not be stopped as there is no threat.

A fire occurred near a commercial establishment in one hromada [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.]. A truck and an excavator were utterly destroyed, and the premises of a retail outlet were partially damaged. The fire has been put out.

The falling wreckage damaged the facades of buildings, private vehicles and windows in a multi-storey building, a medical facility and a police station in one of the hromadas.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Intruders broke into a Texas home and kidnapped a couple in front of their children, police say.

San Antonio police responded to a call of a burglary in progress at a house on the citys southwest side at about 6 a.m. Sept. 6, the department said in a news release. But when officers arrived, the couple and intruders were gone.

The couples five children were left behind unharmed, police said. They told police that two people burst into the home and forcefully took their parents.

Police didnt identify the couple, but said they are a man and woman in their late 30s.

The suspects, both men, entered the home by kicking a door open, police told KSAT.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Then they loaded the couple into a white SUV and drove away, KENS reported, citing police.

Investigators dont know who took them or why, or where they might be.

Detectives are currently investigating this incident as a kidnapping and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Woman finds parents dead after they miss lunch, Ohio cops say. Her brother is charged

Teen wakes up to gunfire, screams as deputy fatally shoots wife, OK officials say

Teen girl fatally shot after 15-year-old sneaks into bedroom at night, OK officials say

Man beats pregnant girlfriend, then is shot and killed by her relative, Texas cops say
A photo of Mahsa Amini is pictured at a condolence meeting organised by students and activists from Delhi University in support of anti-regime protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's security forces have detained a relative of a Kurdish Iranian woman days before the anniversary of her death in the custody of the morality police that sparked months of nationwide protests, a source close to the family said on Wednesday.

Fearing a revival of the unrest that rocked the Islamic Republic, Iran's clerical rulers have increased their clamp down on dissent aimed at deterring any gatherings on Mahsa Amini's death anniversary on Sept. 16.

"A group of security forces went to Amini's uncle Safa Aeli's home yesterday ... searched his car and house without having a court order and then arrested him ... they also confiscated some documents like his passport," said the source.

"Prior to his arrest, Aeli was followed by security forces for a week ... The family does not know where he has been taken."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Iran's judiciary did not respond to Reuters request for comment.

The months-long anti-government protests spiralled into the biggest show of opposition to Iran's authorities in years, with many calling for the end of more than four decades of Islamic clerical rule.

Over 500 people - including 71 minors - were killed, hundreds wounded and thousands arrested during the unrest that was violently quelled by Iran's security forces, Rights groups said.

France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) said on Tuesday that the security forces have mounted pressure on the family members of protesters killed in the unrest by summoning, threatening or arresting them in recent weeks.

"The families have been threatened to avoid calling for any gatherings to mark Amini's anniversary," it said.

In a report last month, Amnesty International said Iranian authorities "have been subjecting victims' families to arbitrary arrest and detention, imposing cruel restrictions on peaceful gatherings at grave sites, and destroying victims' gravestones."

Many journalists, lawyers, activists, students, academics, ethnic minorities, artists, public figures and family members of protesters killed in the unrest have been arrested, summoned, threatened or fired in the past few weeks, according to Rights groups.

Iran's Etemad daily reported in August that the lawyer for Amini's family also faces charges of "propaganda against the system". If convicted, Saleh Nikbakht faces a jail sentence between one and three years.

Authorities have accused Islamic Iran's arch-enemies the United States and Israel and their local agents of being behind the unrest to destabilise the country.

Iranian officials have said that many members of the security forces have been killed by "rioters and thugs backed by foreign foes".

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
When first lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, it publicly confirmed what many Americans have already picked up on in their personal lives.

The virus is back  again.

Though official case counts tell only a sliver of the story, its clear that the U.S. is experiencing another mini-wave of infections.

But wait: Wasnt COVID supposed to be behind us?

Not quite. Despite a long lull that convinced even the most cautious Americans to return to normal, the virus continued to circulate  and evolve. Now, due to new variants and the natural ebbing of immunity, its starting to spread more widely.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More coverage of COVID on Yahoo News

The good news is that almost everyone has some form of immune protection, and thats enough to keep serious illness at bay. (The number of Americans hospitalized with COVID, though rising, is currently level with previous low points during the pandemic.) The risk of long COVID is also lower today than ever before.

And new booster shots, expected in mid-September, will only bolster the bodys defenses.

So if the threat of COVID has largely receded  and if these sorts of waves will keep coming for the foreseeable future  do we still need to rearrange our lives when they do? Or can we finally treat COVID the way we treat other bugs like the flu?

Bottles of COVID-19 booster shots in September 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Why am I suddenly hearing so much about COVID again?

Experts agree that three forces are likely at work. One is behavior; the more we return to normal, the more opportunities viruses have to spread. Another is waning immunity. Its been a year since Americans got their last booster shots, and many havent had COVID since 2020 or 2021.

But probably the biggest factor behind the current wave is new variants. The most prevalent among them is EG.5 (nickname: Eris). Eris has one notable mutation that helps it evade antibodies, which probably explains how it became dominant worldwide. But the variant doesnt have any new capacities in terms of contagiousness, symptoms or severity, so the World Health Organization says that the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level.

Far less prevalent  but potentially more irksome  is BA.2.86 (nickname: Pirola). Unlike Eris, Pirola boasts so many mutations (about 35) that it represents an evolutionary jump similar in size to the first Omicron variant, according to virologist Jesse Bloom of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Initially, researchers feared that vaccines and previous infections wouldnt do much to shield people from Pirola. But three studies released this week show that the variant does not penetrate cells very well and that it doesnt evade the immune system as much as expected.

New data out Tuesday from Moderna found that its updated booster generated a nearly ninefold increase in neutralizing antibodies against Pirola  meaning that the forthcoming shots will likely remain effective.

As a result, Pirola has been downgraded from a hurricane to not even a tropical storm, Eric Topol of Scripps Research told USA Today.

What about long COVID?

For many people, the fear of hospitalization or death from COVID subsided long ago. But they remain cautious because theyve read that some infections trigger long-term symptoms such as brain fog and crushing fatigue  aka long COVID.

Yet long COVID, while real, is a lot less common and persistent than initially reported. In fact, now that immunity is widespread, its probably not that much different from the kind of rare post-viral illnesses that occasionally follow other respiratory infections.

A 2022 Israeli study of 150,000 patients, for instance, found that just 407 of those who had COVID also reported having persistent concentration and memory problems one year later  only slightly more than in the control group.

Read more from Yahoo News: No, you dont have the flu already. Its probably COVID, via Insider

A man is tested for COVID in Brooklyn, N.Y., in April 2021. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Likewise, a 2022 British study of more than a million patients found no evidence of a greater overall risk of any first neurological or psychiatric diagnosis after COVID-19 than after any other respiratory infection. And researchers at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City recently discovered that just 2% of their COVID patients reported new-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms  versus 2.5% of their flu patients.

Overall, the share of COVID-19 patients who currently say they have long COVID fell by 42% between June 2022 and January 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Studies also show that vaccination lowers the risk of long-term symptoms, as does Paxlovid.

In short, the idea that COVID is uniquely likely to result in serious symptoms that last for more than a year is becoming less true all the time.

So do I still have to treat COVID differently than other viruses?

The era of mask mandates and vaccine requirements has long since ended. So personal risk tolerance and responsibility has been (and will continue to be) key. If you dont want to catch COVID or pass it to someone else, you know what to do: Vaccinate, mask, test and isolate if positive.

For now, COVID remains riskier than influenza; a report published in JAMA in April found that COVID still killed hospitalized patients nearly twice as often as the flu. But those numbers are on track to become roughly equivalent over the next year or so, to the point where both viruses may be responsible for fewer than 50,000 annual U.S. deaths.

Until then, additional caution is warranted for (and around) higher-risk individuals, such as seniors. President Biden struck this sort of balance when he tested and masked after his wife contracted the virus  but kept his plans after testing negative himself.

Longer term, the smartest and most sustainable approach may be to stop treating COVID as an exceptional threat, while also recognizing that our choices affect those around us.

When you are sick, dont soldier through it; rest, and try not to spread it, Slates Shannon Palus recently explained. It doesnt have to change your whole life. But with a little attention, what we went through with COVID might apply, just a little bit, to everything else.
TOMS RIVER - A detective in the Island Heights Police Department has been indicted on charges of providing a false report to law enforcement authorities, contempt of a judicial or protective order and being a certain person prohibited from possessing a weapon, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Tuesday.

Matthew Curtis, 47, of Little Egg Harbor, was charged with the crimes in February, which stemmed from restrictions that were the result of a temporary restraining order filed against him in 2022.

S. Karl Mohel, a Toms River-based defense attorney, said his client had made a clerical error because Curtis owned a lot of weapons and there was never any intent to violate the law.

The restraining order against Curtis was issued on May 11, 2022. On that date, he surrendered a number of personal weapons to law enforcement. Two days later, he signed a letter advising the authorities that he had sold three handguns registered to him prior to the restraining order and therefore no longer owned those weapons, according to the Prosecutors Office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Original Report: Island Heights cop charged with lying about firearm he owned after restraining order was issued, prosecutor says

However, the Prosecutors Office noted that a subsequent weapons trace conducted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found Curtis was still listed as the registered owner of the handguns he claimed he had sold.

On Dec. 11, 2022, Curtis reported to Little Egg Harbor police that three handguns were stolen from his personal vehicle parked in front of his home  which he had left unlocked. An investigation determined that one of those handguns was a weapon he claimed to have sold prior to the issuance of the restraining order seven months earlier.

In Monmouth County: Manalapan cop charged with stalking teenage girl, illegally detaining her in handcuffs

That same weapon was later recovered from a defendant accused of motor vehicle theft and eluding police in North Jersey, authorities said.

Curtis was charged last Valentines Day and processed at the Ocean County Sheriffs Office in Toms River, where he was released on a summons pending a future appearance in state Superior Court.

He has also been suspended with pay from his $84,000-a-year position with the Island Heights Police Department, where he has served as a police officer since July 2004, according to the Prosecutors Office and state pension records.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler presented the case to the grand jury on behalf of the state of New Jersey.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Island Heights cop indicted on charges of filing false report
I've driven and flown cross-country with my dog. Here's how the experiences compare  and why I prefer to take her on road trips.

I've traveled with my dog by car and plane several times in the last two years.

My dog seems more comfortable on road trips because she has more space and fresh air.

When I fly with my dog, she often seems scared and struggles to use the bathroom.

I travel a lot, and I hate leaving my dog, Miley, behind.

The author's dog lays in a suitcase when she gets home from a trip in August 2023. Joey Hadden/Insider

Being away from my dog is the hardest part of any trip for me.

As a travel reporter, I often leave my home in NYC to explore new places. But every time I say goodbye to my dog, Miley, I sob hysterically. And every night while I'm away, I scroll through photos and videos of her on my phone and wonder what she's up to.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So I take her with me when I can. This gives us new experiences and memories together.

Miley in New Jersey (L) and Arizona (R). Joey Hadden/Insider

So when I travel in the US, I always consider taking her with me.

Whether we're at the Grand Canyon or in our backyard, Miley loves to explore. She wanders curiously and often stops to appreciate the little things, like smelling flowers and feeling the breeze on her face.

Miley has been on one cross-country road trip and five shorter ones.

The author takes a selfie with Miley at a rest stop during a road trip in May of 2022. Joey Hadden/Insider

Miley's car travels started just over a year ago when she moved from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York City.

My partner found Miley when he lived in the southwestern state and moved to NYC in May of 2022. To get there, my partner and I drove across the country with overnight stays in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

The trip was hard on her. We drove all day and stayed in different accommodations each night. But we also noticed how much she seemed to appreciate different smells, window views, and new rooms to explore.

So since moving to the East Coast, we've taken Miley on shorter road trips to Boston, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, DC, New Jersey, and upstate New York.

I've also taken her on ten flights for trips to the Southwest.

The author carries her dog at an airport gate in 2023. Joey Hadden/Insider

Miley has also flown back to the Southwest to visit family in Utah and Arizona three times. One of the trips had direct flights and the other two had layovers in both directions.

While Miley doesn't seem to enjoy air travel like she does road trips, we like taking her with us to visit family and friends.

Plus, the Southwest seems to excite Miley. Maybe it's because she gets to experience different kinds of nature. Or maybe she remembers and misses her original home. Either way, we want to give her these experiences.

Miley seems more relaxed in the car since she can see what's going on.

Miley on the road. Joey Hadden/Insider

In the car, we keep Miley in a carrier suited for air travel. We strap the carrier to the back seat and clip her harness to a short leash on the inside.

After Miley's first big road trip, she seems quite comfy in the car. She's gotten used to staying inside the carrier, often popping her head out to get pets from me or see the passing views.

But when we fly, Miley is stuck inside her carrier in busy airports before and after bumpy flights.

The author's dog in her carrier in an airport terminal (L) and on a flight (R). Joey Hadden/Insider

Miley has less autonomy during air travel.

In my experience, airports don't allow pets aside from service dogs to walk on a leash, so Miley has to be carried everywhere inside her small carrier.

Once we get to the gate, my partner and I unzip the carrier to check on Miley and give her some water and attention. She often seems scared during these moments, and I feel bad about the upcoming flight, where she has to stay in her carrier tucked under the seat like a carry-on bag.

She seems uneasy as flights take off and land. Sometimes she whines and squirms down there, and my partner and I lean down to pet her through the zips in her carrier.

When we're in the car, Miley loves her bathroom breaks.

Miley at rest stops around the US. Joey Hadden/Insider

I'm pretty sure that rest stops are Miley's favorite part of road trips. We try to keep our daily distances on road trips as short as possible so she has plenty of time to run around, explore, and relieve herself.

Miley always seems so excited to explore grassy areas around the country. And I feel like she loves to follow new smells.

But in airports, she never goes.

The author tries to get her dog to use the bathroom in an airport. Joey Hadden/Insider

Miley rarely uses the bathroom in airports.

And I don't blame her. In my experience, pet relief areas in airports are tiny rooms with a patch of turf and a stench of cat pee. Plus, the doors have a window and do not lock. And other travelers with dogs I've encountered often don't have the patience to wait for us to finish.

One time at an airport in Denver, Colorado, a couple with a large dog barged in just as Miley was beginning to sniff the turf. "Can we go too?" They said to me after they were already inside the room.

Another time in Phoenix, Arizona, someone with a large dog barged up to the window, peeked through it, and exclaimed, "She's just sitting there," referring to my frightened dog who seemed further startled by her face and impatient voice. We hadn't been in there very long, and I wanted Miley to get the courage to at least stretch her legs before the flight.

In my opinion, there isn't typically enough room in these spaces for two dogs and their owners to comfortably fit inside.

Ultimately, I think it's better to travel with pets in cars than on planes.

The author's dog chills after a bathroom break on a road trip in 2022. Joey Hadden/Insider

I love traveling with Miley, but I recognize that it may cause her stress, too.

In the future, I'll always consider traveling by car whenever possible so she has a better experience. And I'll avoid taking her on connecting flights when driving isn't an option.

Read the original article on Insider
Donald Trump is showing no signs of holding back his continued allegations of bias and unfairness against the judge overseeing his January 6 case in Washington DC, even after being accused of trying to taint the jury pool by prosecutors.

On Truth Social, the ex-president continued to release statements throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday attacking Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan, the jurist who has now become a target of baseless criticism from conservatives on Capitol Hill  some of whom voted to confirm her to the bench.

Mr Trump truthed on Tuesday that Mr Smith was deranged and accused the special prosecutor of harboring unchecked and insane aggression against him; he also reposted a story from the right-wing New York Post regarding Ms Chutkan, whom the outlet has tried to paint as a secret Marxist.

On a less controversial note, the ex-president also embraced a wave of right-wing media coverage claiming that he now had street cred among formerly incarcerated persons and even the entire Black community as a result of his criminal prosecutions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His statements come after Mr Smith indicated in a court filing that his office may seek to chill Mr Trumps speech regarding the case.

In a motion to add a document to the court docket under seal, the special prosecutors office wrote that Mr Trump was personally engaged in making daily extrajudicial statements that threaten to prejudice the jury pool in this case.

The line was as clear a warning as can be that Mr Smith plans to take action if he believes Mr Trump to have crossed a line into an actionable effort to taint his trial.

The former president currently faces four criminal indictments spanning four jurisdictions: Washington DC, Florida, New York and Georgia. The prosecutions relate, respectively, to his attempt to alter the results of the 2020 election, to his alleged mishandling of classified defence documents, to a 2016 porn star hush money scheme, and once again to his effort to change the election results.

Altogether, they total 91 felony counts, including a RICO charge in Georgia which carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence.

Amid all of this, Mr Trump continues to run for president and remains the odds-on favourite to win the Republican nomination at this time. Polls indicate that he currently has the support of close to six in 10 Republican voters, nationally.

The ex-presidents various trials are expected to play out as primary and caucus season gets underway early next year, shoving US politics into unfamiliar territory  especially should he be found guilty in any of the four cases.

Mr Trump maintains his innocence of all charges against him, though many of them relate to his very public efforts to prevent Joe Biden from reaching the White House after Mr Biden won the 2020 election.
China expands opening up in service trade

09:11, September 06, 2023 By Ouyang Jie, Pan Junqiang, Qi Zhiming ( People's Daily

The China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023 (2023 CIFTIS) kicked off in Beijing on Sept. 2.

The five-day event, themed "Opening-up leads development, cooperation delivers the future," has been joined by over 2,400 offline exhibitors, including more than 500 Global Fortune 500 firms and industry leaders.

Photo taken on Sept. 2 shows the pavilion of Japan at the China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023. (People's Daily Online/Weng Qiyu)

These companies come from 28 of the top 30 countries and regions in terms of trade in services, and over 20 percent of them are from outside China.

The 2023 CIFTIS includes a comprehensive exhibition and thematic exhibitions, with a total exhibition area of about 155,000 square meters.

Focusing on industrial hotspots and development trends, thematic exhibitions cover nine areas including engineering consulting and construction services, telecommunications, computer and information services, financial services, supply chain and business services, and environmental services. They showcase high-quality services, cutting-edge achievements and application scenarios in various fields.

The CIFTIS sends a positive signal of opening up, cooperation and win-win results, and the Chinese market is becoming increasingly appealing to foreign enterprises, said Peter Qiu, president of Deutsche Bank (China) Co., Ltd.

Deutsche Bank has a strong business presence in China, and it is very optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market, Qiu said.

Students from Beijing Jiaotong University visit the China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023. (People's Daily Online/Hu Qingming)

From launching comprehensive pilot programs, to deepening the pilot program of innovative development, and to hosting the CIFTIS, China continues to deepen opening up its service sector, with service trade maintaining rapid growth.

In 2022, China's services trade value increased by 12.9 percent year-on-year to a record high of 5.98 trillion yuan (about $819 billion), ranking second globally for the ninth consecutive year. In the first seven months of this year, China's service trade has continued its growth momentum, with services imports and exports reaching nearly 3.67 trillion yuan, up 8.1 percent year-on-year.

Digitalization and green development are driving innovative growth of service trade. The 2023 CIFTIS highlights cutting-edge achievements in chip technology, quantum metrology, satellite remote sensing, AI, and digital healthcare. Over 60 enterprises and institutions released a number of new products and technologies, spearheading scientific, technological and business model innovations in service trade.

In the exhibition area for telecommunications, computer and information services, a series of frontier technologies are displayed, including over 10 6G standard technologies with international influence, China's first homemade satellite mobile communication system and an ultrasonic sensing smart bracelet for the visually impaired.

It is learned that both online and offline events will be held during this year's CIFTIS. Over 70 enterprises and organizations including Schneider, Intel, Sanofi, Philips and the People's Insurance Company of China will unveil their latest achievements and products, such as an intelligent file service center, digital RMB prepaid cards, industrial digital maps and brand-new digital twin platforms.

Photo taken on Sept. 2 shows the pavilion of the United Arab Emirates at the China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023. (People's Daily Online/Weng Qiyu)

As an important platform for China's opening up, the CIFTIS leads service consumption upgrades and provides opportunities for enterprises worldwide to integrate into China's service market.

At the 2023 CIFTIS, participating countries showcased featured services and achievements in the digital economy, culture, tourism, education, and healthcare. It offered participants an opportunity to seek cooperation and get updated on global service trade development.

Livestreaming studios were set up this year to help overseas companies and international organizations promote their products and services and provide online transaction channels.

Tesla is a participant and beneficiary of China's opening up, said Tesla China President Wang Hao.

"Over the past decade, Tesla has witnessed and taken part in the rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle industry. We are fully confident in the Chinese market, and will better leverage the opportunities of China's high-level opening up and increase our investments here," he told People's Daily.

"Qualcomm has participated in the fair for four consecutive years, where we continue bringing our innovations to the Chinese market and expanding collaborations with Chinese companies," said Qian Kun, senior vice president of Qualcomm.

"China's commitment to high-level opening up gives us great confidence in the prospects of the Chinese market and our cooperation with China. Moving forward, Qualcomm will expand into more areas like Internet of Things and intelligent connected vehicles, proactively developing domestic and international markets with local partners," Qian noted.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Sofia Dahl, of New Lenox, spent a week studying bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota, Florida, as part of the Chicago Zoological Societys King Conservation Science Scholars Marine Mammal Research Expedition. (Chicago Zoological Society)

Sofia Dahl, of New Lenox, said she was most surprised to learn how often and how close to shore bottlenose dolphins surface while participating in a marine mammal research program in Sarasota, Florida.

I just didnt know about their behaviors and how often they interact with boats and how that is detrimental to them sometimes, Dahl said. I was just surprised how often they come up just close to the shore and the residential areas there.

Advertisement

Dahl, 18, was one of eight students from the Chicago Zoological Societys King Conservation Science Scholars to participate in its Marine Mammal Research Expedition, during which the students worked with the societys Sarasota Dolphin Research Program staff in the field and the lab studying bottlenose dolphins.

There are only eight spots for the expedition and 250 scholars in the program, which makes it competitive, said Chris Conner, manager of the program.

Advertisement

They are truly doing field research in every aspect of it, Conner said.

Conner said the students spend three days out on the water gathering data and two days in the lab recording their data.

Dahl said they collected data, such as the longitude and latitude, and measured the water temperature and salt content. They also documented the dolphins behavior in feeding, traveling and playing.

They also noted how water and weather conditions affected the dolphins behaviors, she said.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

In the lab, the students learned how to identify bottlenose dolphins in the water and how to read the notches on their dorsal fins, Dahl said. They also learned how to input the data they collected, she said.

Sofia Dahl said her experience with the Marine Mammal Research Expedition solidified for her that she enjoys doing field research. (Chicago Zoological Society)

We got to see some of the very first data entries and photos on old prints from the 80s, Dahl said. It was really cool to see all the old ways of doing it and the way its improved.

Her biggest takeaway, Dahl said, was learning the way dolphins congregate is changing as the salt levels in the water change, because more hurricanes have affected the area.

Dahl said she is a freshman at Saint Marys College, studying environmental studies and sustainability. Her experience with the Marine Mammal Research Expedition solidified for her that she enjoys field research.

Advertisement

The program lasts six months, from January to June, during which time students complete 10 hours of classroom training, which includes learning about bottlenose dolphin natural history and research methods, 10 hours of behavioral research, three hours of independent research support and two hours of interactive training with a dolphin care specialists, Conner said.

The program ends with a one week trip to Sarasota in July or August, Conner said.

While its a lot more hard work and laborious than in the lab work, I really liked that it was really hands on, Dahl said. That sort of in the field work and actually seeing the animals up close is really what conservation is all about.
After his indictment in Washington, DC, Trump has gone after the judge and prosecutor online.

Special Counsel Jack Smith said Tuesday that Trump's online posts could "prejudice the jury pool."

Prosecutors have repeatedly warned the judge about them, which she said she is "watching carefully."

Special Counsel Jack Smith said in a court filing that former President Donald Trump's repeated social media posts could potentially harm the jury pool in his elections-related case.

After the Department of Justice requested to file a motion in its Washington, DC-based case against Trump under seal with a redacted copy placed on the docket, Trump's counsel said they needed ample time to go over the materials before they reached the public docket.

In response, Smith wrote that "such a requirement would grind litigation in this case to a halt, which is particularly infeasible given the pressing matters before the Court." He added that the urgent matters specifically included Trump's "daily extrajudicial statements" that he said could potentially "prejudice the jury pool."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Smith's filing wasn't the first time prosecutors have cautioned about Trump's social media posts potentially affecting the jury pool. In late August, Assistant US Attorney Molly Gaston argued similarly while appearing at a court hearing where Chutkan ultimately concluded by saying she was "watching carefully for anything that might poison that jury pool."

Soon after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington, DC, in August, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to repeatedly go after Judge Tanya Chutkan and Smith. On Tuesday alone, Trump used his platform to call Smith "deranged" and sarcastically say that he's "sure" Chutkan will be "very fair."

In Trump's Washington, DC-based indictment, the DOJ alleges the former president broke the law while attempting to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election in favor of President Joe Biden. The indictment is one of five he's received in 2023 alone, amounting to 91 total felony charges altogether.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Jacksonville man was arrested and accused of threatening the lives of President Joe Biden , former President Barack Obama , and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over social media.

Adam R. Mouser, 39, was charged with threatening a president, threatening a former president and others protected by the United States Secret Service, and taking part in interstate communications with the intent to injure. The series of messages posted to X (formerly Twitter) Aug. 9-11 threatened to shoot and kill Biden, Obama, and Clinton.

According to the initial complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Central District of Illinois, Mouser, under the account @tryntakeit, posted expletive-laced threats to Biden, his wife Jill, and son, Hunter on Aug. 10. Mouser then taunted police by saying that they were too scared to come to his house, as he was armed.

More: Springfield City Council's move on new business district boosts sports complex

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A day earlier, according to the complaint, he threatened Obama and Clinton followed by a post on Aug. 11, that he was going to take pictures of himself holding weaponry and that he was better armed than a Utah man who was killed during the execution of a search warrant two days prior.

The posts garnered the attention of the Secret Service who visited Mouser's home on Aug. 23. According to the complaint, he told an agent and a Jacksonville police officer that he posted the messages. Later, he went back on X posting about the visit, saying that he "won't go quietly" and also claiming that the Secret Service would kill his family.

The Secret Service determined there was probable cause to arrest Mouser and he was taken into custody on Aug. 28. Mouser and his attorney, Mark Wykoff of Springfield, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois on Aug. 30 for a pair of hearings, after which he was released on his own recognizance.

More: Gwendolyn Harrison named Lincoln Library director pending city council approval

However, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Seberger filed a motion to revoke the release, saying that the evidence the Secret Service provided to charge Mouser was enough to deem him a danger to the community and that Magistrate Judge Karen McNaught made a mistake in releasing him from detention.

A stay on the release was enacted until a hearing Tuesday where District Judge Colleen Lawless took the motion to release Mouser under advisement.

A hearing date has not yet been set. Mouser is being held by U.S. Marshals at the Sangamon County Jail.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Jacksonville man accused of social media threats against Biden, Obama
A Jamaica Plain man was ordered held without bail on Tuesday pending a dangerousness hearing following a shooting outside a Mattapan nightclub over the Labor Day holiday.

Regan Feliz, 29, was arraigned on Tuesday in Boston Municipal Court, Dorchester division, on charges of illegal firearm possession and illegal ammunition possession, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement.

Feliz was arrested after two people were shot outside Macumbas Night Club early Monday morning.

At 12:46 a.m. Monday, officers responded to the area of 477 River St., the nightclub, after receiving reports of numerous illegally parked cars.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When officers arrived, they saw several people running out of the club due to a fight breaking out, Hayden said. Officers were then informed that someone in the crowd had a gun, and then officers heard two loud pops coming from inside the club.

One victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A second victim took themselves to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

While inside, officers saw Feliz, who was across the street, holding a firearm, Hayden said. Feliz then fled. While pursuing Feliz, officers saw a firearm fall from another individual running in the crowd.

Police later recovered an extended magazine and shells nearby, Hayden said. Officers were able to arrest Feliz after a brief struggle and they recovered a firearm from his waistband.

The two recovered firearms were a black Polymer 80 with no magazine and a black Polymer 80 observed to be jammed in a stove-piped fashion with a magazine containing nine 9mm rounds, Hayden said.

Police also recovered one 9mm shell casing from inside the nightclub.

Feliz is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday.

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
(Reuters) - Japan will strengthen its support and cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in six areas including transportation infrastructure and maritime patrols, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks in a speech to the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) in Jakarta, which is hosting a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this week. The move comes as China asserts itself in the region's disputed waters.

"We will develop a wide range of cooperation initiatives in the political, security, economic, cultural and social areas," Kishida said.

Japan will offer training for 5,000 people over the next three years in the six areas, which also include cooperation on cyberspace, Kishida said. Transportation infrastructure projects include building sea ports, roads, railways and airports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Japan will also help enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities by training personnel at coast guard agencies and maritime police, as well as providing patrol vessels, Kishida said.

Following the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kishida also said Japan would strengthen supply chains with the region to secure a stable distribution of goods and food security.

Tokyo is due to host a summit meeting with ASEAN leaders in December to celebrate 50 years of ties.

($1 = 146.9400 yen)

(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko, Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Angus MacSwan)
Colorado has a popular Democratic governor, Jared Polis.

He's a rare Democrat who says, "I'm for more freedom and lower taxes."

But is he really?

At least he's willing to come to Stossel TV to debate.

Refreshingly, Polis supports charter schools. He even founded two. Unfortunately, his state's school choice program only applies to government schools. Florida, Arizona, Utah, Indiana, West Virginia, Iowa, and Arkansas now help parents send their kids to any school.

When I tell Polis that Colorado lags, he responds, "I'm not a fan of these voucher programs with no accountability where it can be Joe's Taco Shop and K-8 academy and they're getting taxpayer money."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But it's not true that independent schools have "no accountability." They are accountable to parents, which is better than being "accountable" to sleepy government bureaucrats.

His state also launched universal preschool. But why? Even the much-praised Head Start program doesn't help kids. A federal study found that by third grade, there was no difference between those who attend Head Start and those who don't.

"Why fund something that makes no difference?" I ask.

Polis responds: "High-quality early childhood education leads to better outcomes."

It probably would. But rarely does government offer "high quality."

Another Polis mistake: He supported a higher tax on vape products.

"Vaping saves lives," I point out. "It's better than smoking."

"Even though vaping has been effective in helping people get off of smoking," Polis responds, "it's also led to more nicotine addiction, especially among young people."

But nicotine isn't what kills.

At least, when it comes to legalizing marijuana and psychedelics, Colorado leads the country.

"It's ultimately a matter of personal responsibility," says Polis. "If you want to use marijuana, if you want to drink, if you want to smoke, that's your prerogative. The government shouldn't be deciding that for you."

That's good to hear.

Colorado produces lots of oil and gas. Polis is requiring 30 percent reductions for nitrous oxide emissions.

"Sounds like it will cripple the business," I tell him.

"The oil and gas companies are going to be able to reach that," Polis responds. "It simply means rather than moving oil and gas on trucks, they use pipelines."

We'll see how that works out.

Another area where we disagree: Polis opposed the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled a website designer should not be forced to create a wedding site for a gay couple.

"It's OK to force me to make a website or cake for your marriage?" I ask.

"If you're a public accommodation or storefront, you can't say no Blacks, no Jews, no gays," Polis responds. "Obviously, you don't accept a commission to paint something or do something that you don't agree with. There's a gray areawhat's creative and what's public accommodation."

I don't think it's a gray area. Business owners should be free to make their own rules. They created the business. Consumers have choices. There's more than one bakery or website designer.

Polis also criticized the court for declaring President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness unconstitutional.

I ask, "Why should someone who doesn't go to collegehave to pay for people like you and me who went to the same overpriced college [Princeton]?"

"There is a problem with costs in higher education," replies Polis, dodging my question but admitting that government handouts raise prices. "Federal policyhelps fuel the increase in costs."

Polis then claimed that Democrats are "more pro-freedom than Republicans."

But most Democrats don't want people left free to own guns, choose their kids' schools, hire whom they want, or not bake cakes for people with whom they disagree. Sometimes I think abortion is the only choice Democrats support.

I complain to Polis, "Democrats got me pretty much banned from Facebook because I say climate change is not an emergency."

"Why do you say it's Democrats?" Polis replies, arguing that Republicans are more eager to ban social media. He points to Montana's ban of TikTok. But of course, that's not about censoring content; it's about China's ownership.

Polis and I talked for almost an hour about crime, equity versus equality, entrepreneurship, and more. We disagree but also find common ground. I'm glad he's willing to debate. You can watch the whole interview at JohnStossel.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 BY JFS PRODUCTIONS INC.

The post Jared Polis: Democrats Are 'More Pro-Freedom Than Republicans' appeared first on Reason.com.
SONIC restaurants have locations in 44 states, 19 of which are in Michigan although none are currently in Lansing.

ALAIEDON TWP.  A job posting on the employment website Indeed advertising a "team crew member" for a SONIC restaurant off Okemos Road has sparked speculation and rumors that the fast food chain will open a location in the Lansing area.

According to the Indeed listing for both full and part-time employees, the SONIC will be located at 3450 Okemos Road.

But Rachel Russell, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands LLC, which owns the Oklahoma City-based SONIC, said the rumors aren't true.

"While we always look for opportunities to expand our footprint and bring the iconic SONIC menu to new guests, there are currently no plans to develop a new drive-In location in Okemos," Russell said in an email.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And Chris Haddad, whose company, Dadco Properties LLC, owns the property at 3450 Okemos Road, said there are no plans to open a SONIC there.

"I know nothing of that," Haddad said Wednesday. "Theres no room in our development for a SONIC."

The land is currently occupied by an 8,000-square-foot commercial building that houses a Jimmy Johns and a Tailgaters Dunkin' Donuts, he said.

"Theres no room for a SONIC even if Jimmy Johns moved out, which they wont," Haddad said. "It is certainly a rumor at the 3450 address. Theres no place for them here."

Jimmy Johns and Dunkin' Donuts are both owned by Inspire Brands LLC.

SONIC, founded in 1952, offers everything from burgers and hot dogs to ice cream and slushies. There are more than 3,000 locations in the U.S.

Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @GrecoatLSJ .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Property owner weighs in after Indeed posting fuels rumor SONIC is coming to Okemos area
The median salary for a Texas state government employee is about $50,000 a year, but that doesnt mean you cant make a whole lot more money if you have the chops.

Here are some of the highest-paying remote or hybrid jobs currently being advertised by Texas state agencies, according to postings on the state Workforce Solutions Office website. Each job differs in required experience, education and certifications.

Senior staff psychical design engineer: $217,000-$251,000 a year

Company: Qualcomm Inc.

Work type: Hybrid in Austin

This position leads a team to improve engineering efficiency, product quality, performance goals and workflow. Other duties include working with the CPU team to understand specifications and design trade-offs. The job posting closes on Sept. 25.

Business analyst group manager: $214,00 a year

Company: Citibank

Work type: Hybrid in Irving

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This position will be responsible for analyzing, enhancing and documenting treasury/finance applications. Additionally, the person will engage with stake holders, work with development leads and identify improvements in re-engineering. The jobs posting closes on Oct. 6.

Silicon engineer: $170,000-$200,000 a year

Company: Microsoft

Work type: Hybrid in Austin

This position will design, develop, modify and evaluate electronic parts related to Microsoft technologies. Other duties include designing architecture and operating parameters for circuitry, along with testing computer-related equipment for specifications and reliability. The job posting closes on Sept. 20.

Solutions lead: $155,000-$160,000 a year

Company: FFF Enterprises, Inc.

Work type: Remote

This position provides technical and architectural leadership for overall solution design for various SAP warehouse systems. Additionally, the person will be responsible for developing existing and new system processes and solutions for logistics execution. The job posting closes on Sept. 24.

Senior payroll manager: $151,000-$214,000 a year

Company: Airtable

Work type: Remote

This position will work closely with the accounting team in recording payroll transactions for the company. Other duties include the accurate and confidential processing of settlements and cash compensation. The job posting closes on Sept. 9.

Quantitative researcher: $150,000-$200,000 a year

Company: MPG Operations LLC

Work type: Hybrid in Austin

This position will apply advanced statistical techniques to model markets, test hypotheses and create strong predictive models. Additionally, the person will research high-dimensional data sets and handle all aspects of the research process. The job posting closes on Oct. 6.

Software engineer: $150,000 a year

Company: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Work type: Hybrid in Plano

This position will solve business problems through innovation and engineering practices. Other duties include documenting application specifications and developing or enhancing software application modules. The job posting closes on Sept. 6.

Identity and access management engineer: $140,000 a year

Company: Brinks Incorporated Armored Car Services

Work type: Remote

This position is tasked with the technical deployment of identity and access controls across dispersed geographic locations. Additionally, the person will work directly with development teams on applications and operations. The job posting closes on Sept. 20.

Mechanical engineer: $140,000-$185,000 a year

Company: EXP US Services Inc.

Work type: Hybrid in Houston

This position will engineer and design mechanical equipment in a sulfuric acid plant. Other duties include performing high temperature gas duct and expansion design, performing piping stress analysis and identifying problems in engineering design. The job post closes on Sept. 22.

Financial analyst: $123,000 a year

Company: Atos IT Solutions and Services

Work type: Remote

This position will assist with the preparation of financial statements and/or business cases. Additionally, the person will help ensure compliance of bids, along with assisting in the negotiations of prices with customers. The job posting closes on Sept. 12.
Prairie Village residents in November will get to vote on whether to abandon the citys mayor-council form of government, a Johnson County judge ruled Wednesday.

But if that were to pass, nothing would change, according to the citys legal counsel. City Attorney David Waters said state law requires a citys form of government to remain in place until a new one is adopted.

Its a complicated next step in a protracted political battle in the northeast Johnson County suburb, where a group of homeowners has sought to restructure the city government, limit mayoral powers and cut the number of City Council seats in half. The group, PV United, which formed to oppose the citys affordable housing initiatives, submitted three ballot initiatives last month.

Johnson County District Court Judge Rhonda Mason on Wednesday threw out two of those petitions, saying they did not meet legal standards to be placed on the November ballot. One petition would have restricted rezoning, while the other would have adopted a new form of government with weaker mayoral powers and only six council members, opposed to the current 12. Half of the council would have been ejected midterm, which some called unconstitutional.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Only the third petition can be placed on the ballot on Nov. 7, the judge ruled. Prairie Village voters will get to decide whether to abandon the current form of government. But without voters deciding on a new form of government to replace it, the citys legal counsel says that the current form would remain in place, essentially making the vote moot for now.

Attorney Joseph Hatley, representing the city, said residents would need to bring forward another petition before the next election to actually restructure the city government.

The form of government thats currently in place remains indefinitely regardless of what happens in November on this abandonment question, Hatley told The Star after the judges oral ruling on Wednesday morning.

In a statement, resident Dan Schoepf, with PV United, said the group plans to appeal the judges ruling in the hopes of giving the people of Prairie Village the vote they deserve on these important issues.

Our state has a citizen petition process so everyday people can make their voices heard when government refuses to listen, Schoepf said. It is terribly disappointing to see the City Council throw up technical roadblocks in court to thwart these petitions and silence the thousands of citizens who have participated in the process at the grassroots level.

Schoepf added that regardless of the outcome on the petitions, voters will at least have the chance to elect six City Council members in November who share their vision for preserving what makes Prairie Village unique.

The judges expedited ruling came before a deadline to have the petitions placed on the November ballot. It followed two hearings last week, where both legal counsel for Prairie Village and an attorney representing PV United argued their positions.

Mason said she will file a longer written ruling, detailing her decision, later this week.

PV United, made up of residents, former council members and candidates, organized over the past year to oppose the citys efforts to amend zoning laws to allow for more duplexes, apartments and other affordable housing options. Another faction of residents, Prairie Village for All, formed to support the citys plans and push for more affordable housing in the city where average home prices topped $536,000 last year.

But the opposition group has now turned its sights on removing council members and limiting the mayors powers.

Hatley argued during last weeks hearings that due to several legal and practical flaws, the groups petitions would result in chaos if voters were to approve them.

We would have an absolute mess on our hands, Hatley told the judge.

Attorney Rex Sharp, who represents the homeowners and is husband of council candidate Lori Sharp, argued that the petitions are legal, saying the city, can make arguments all they want, as to we need a big council, we need a strong mayor.  But what they cant do is prevent the people from voting.

Johnson Countys legal counsel determined this spring that the groups petitions failed to meet several requirements. But after collecting enough signatures, the group submitted them to the city and county election office last month.

Johnson County Election Commissioner Fred Sherman completed a review of the petitions, determining that they each had enough valid signatures. But Sherman did not rule whether the initiatives met other legal requirements to be brought to voters this fall.

Rather than city leaders making that decision, the city filed the suit in Johnson County District Court last month, seeking a judgment on whether the petitions comply with state law.

One petition would have changed the citys definition of rezoning and restrict ordinances that would allow for dwellings with more than one family living on a single-family lot. Sherman determined that 3,213 signatures were valid on that petition.

But the judge sided with the citys argument that the proposal is an administrative ordinance, which cannot be adopted through a petition process under state law. The city argued that the ordinance intrudes into areas of the citys government that require specialized training and experience and adopts a new definition of rezoning that would impact many other city matters and place other city regulations in conflicts with federal and Kansas law.

Another petition would have established a mayor-council-city manager form of government, cutting the number of council seats in half and removing all of the members elected in 2021. But the judge ruled that petition did not meet the legal requirements, including that the petition did not establish terms of office.

The initiative states that the currently elected at large Mayor shall serve two year terms. Hatley previously argued the petition does not comply with state law because it does not establish the terms of office for future mayors.

But the judge ruled that the third petition, abandoning the citys mayor-council form of government, did meet legal requirements, so will go to a vote.

The petitions regarding the restructuring of the city government both had more than 2,000 valid signatures, according to the election office.

Hatley said that the council will not need to take any further action, so the petition should appear on the ballot as it is written. But that vote, he said, essentially would have no effect on the government, other than sending a message to city leaders.
A state judge denied Kenneth Chesebros attempt to sever his charges in the Georgia election interference case from fellow Trump-aligned attorney Sidney Powell , saying he didnt deem it necessary to do so to achieve a fair trial.

But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee did signal Wednesday that he has deep doubts about District Attorney Fani Williss (D) broader desire to try all 19 co-defendants, including former President Trump, together.

Both Chesebro and Powell sought to separate themselves from the sweeping case  and from each other  as they filed motions for a speedy trial, which likely enables them to begin that process this fall.

Chesebros trial was already set to begin Oct. 23, with his attorneys at Wednesdays hearing urging the judge to keep Powells trial separate, despite her similar motion for rapidity, but McAfee expressed his doubts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Based on whats been presented today, I am not finding the severance from Mr. Chesbro or Ms. Powell is necessary to achieve a fair determination of the guilt or innocence for either defendant in this case, McAfee said at the hearing.

McAfee, however, did not issue a final ruling as to whether the other 17 co-defendants  who have not sought a speedy trial at least yet  should also be tried in October. He gave Williss office an opportunity to further brief the issue.

It sounds like the state is still sticking to the position that all these defendants should remain and they want to address some of these removal issues, McAfee said. Im willing to hear that. I remain very skeptical, but we can  Im willing to hear what you have to say on it.

The hearing also marked the first televised proceeding in any of Trumps four criminal cases. CNN and MSNBC carried most of the hearing live.

The defendants are accused of entering a criminal enterprise to overturn Georgias election results so that Trump could remain in power after the 2020 election, with the indictment focused on state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges.

Prosecutors leveraged RICO to weave together a wide range of conduct allegedly committed by Trump and his allies in one indictment.

But Chesebros and Powells attorneys on Wednesday pushed back, arguing the allegations were in separate buckets and that the duo dont even know each other.

I guess you can say the purpose is to elect Donald Trump president. But if that was the purpose, a prosecutor could use a purpose of that magnitude to try to tie together charges and defendants that otherwise have nothing to do with each other, Scott Grubman, Chesebros attorney, said at the hearing.

Then, before we know it, I mean, millions of people, literally millions of people could have been charged in this conspiracy. These are totally separate cases, he continued.

Although they were both pro-Trump attorneys who aided the then-president in the wake of the 2020 election, Chesebro and Powell are charged over different schemes.

Chesebro faces charges over his role writing memos helping devise a plan to send false slates of pro-Trump electors, and Powell faces charges related to a breach at an elections office in Coffee County, Ga. Both pleaded not guilty.

She has nothing to do with the Electoral College aspects of this, which is going to involve all sorts of complex testimony about constitutional issues and things of that nature, said Brian Rafferty, Powells attorney. Her only involvement as alleged by the government is what happened in Coffee County, and even that they have wrong.

Rafferty argued that Powell cant receive a fair trial if the same jury is also hearing extensive evidence about Chesebros alleged actions.

All of my efforts is going to get washed away in days or weeks of testimony, perhaps, about the Constitution, and whether or not and under what circumstances alternative electors can be put in place and whether the legal opinions of Mr. Chesbro and others have any sort of legal validity, Rafferty said. All of that is going to be prejudicial to my client.

Willis and her office have repeatedly stressed a desire to keep all of the 19 charged individuals together.

Anytime a person enters into a conspiracy, they are liable for all of the acts of all of their co-conspirators. And thats it. Evidence against one is evidence against all, said Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten.

Special prosecutor Nathan Wade indicated at the hearing that a joint trial would take four months and that the state plans to call at least 150 witnesses.

Though McAfee has not yet made a final ruling on whether Trump and the other defendants will be also tried in October, he made clear prosecutors face an uphill battle.

He gave them until Tuesday to argue in writing how the other defendants could logistically be kept on the same advanced timetable.

It just seems a bit unrealistic to think that we can handle all 19 in 40 something days, McAfee said.

McAfee noted that multiple co-defendants already indicated they wouldnt be ready to go to trial in October. Some are trying to move their charges to federal court, an issue that could tie up their proceedings for months, the judge noted.

Arent we delaying the inevitable if we say theres no severance? McAfee asked. Are we going to have 17 defense attorneys get up here and file motions for continuance just saying theyre not ready?

Updated 4:06 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A judge has ordered Texas officials to remove floating buoys from a section of the Rio Grande along the US-Mexico border that were put in place to repel migrants.

Senior US District Court Judge David Ezra released a preliminary injunction on Wednesday directing state officials to remove the floating border barriers by 15 September, at the states expense.

The ruling is an early victory for the Biden administration, after it sued Texas in July arguing that officials had failed to secure the necessary permits to install the barriers.

Judge Ezra also banned state officials from putting in any other barriers in the middle of the Rio Grande River.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the installation of the 1,000-foot floating barriers in July to deter migrants, despite warnings they posed a grave danger to migrants lives.

The Justice Department then sued the state, arguing the buoys flouted federal law, posed a public safety threat and risked damaging US-Mexican relations.

The wrecking ball-sized, razor-tipped buoys formed part of a large-scale border security mission undertaken by Governor Abbott known as Operation Lone Star.

A judge has ordered Texas to remove floating buoys in the Rio Grande (Associated Press)

In his ruling, Judge Ezra noted they had been ineffective in preventing illegal immigration.

The State of Texas did not present any credible evidence that the buoy barrier as installed has significantly curtailed illegal immigration across the Rio Grande River, he wrote.

Judge Garcia also said the barriers also threatened a treaty between the United States and Mexico, whose foreign ministry has repeatedly condemned the barriers as a violation of their sovereignty.

Last month, two bodies were found near the barriers, with one stuck in the razor buoys. Their identities and cause of death are under investigation.
Authorities reported the shooting deaths of five people in the Chicago south suburbs during the Labor Day weekend.

Blue Island police said they are investigating, with the help of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, the shooting death of a Chicago man, Jaramaine Wilcox Jr., 32, of the 6500 block of South Campbell Avenue.

Advertisement

Police said they responded at 7:34 p.m. Sunday to a report of a shooting victim in the area of Memorial Park, 12804 S. Highland Ave., and found a man with a gunshot wound to the neck.

Emergency medical personnel rendered assistance and Wilcox was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8 p.m.

Advertisement

The medical examiners office reported Wilcox had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.

Police ask anyone with information to call Blue Island investigators at 708-396-7006.

Chicago Heights police said they responded at about 4 a.m. Sunday to numerous reports of shots fired in the 500 block of West 14th Place.

They found two gunshot victims who were taken to Franciscan Health Hospital in Olympia Fields.

The Cook County medical examiners office reported both men suffered multiple gunshot wounds and their deaths were ruled homicides.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

One man was identified as David Parra, 30, of the 14th Place address, and the second as Jose Antonio Munoz Chavez, 32, although his address was not available. Chavez was pronounced dead at 5 a.m. Sunday at the hospital followed by Parra at 5:44 a.m., according to the medical examiners office.

The office also reported the shooting death of a person in the 50 block of East 159th Street in Harvey.

No information about the victim was available, but they were pronounced dead at the scene at 2:20 p.m. Monday. The victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and the death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiners office.

Advertisement

In Robbins, Kwamain Jones, 33, of the 6400 block of West Eberhardt in Chicago, suffered a gunshot wound to the torso in the 3700 block of 139th Street, according to the medical examiners office.

He was taken to Advocate Christ and pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m. Sunday, according to the office, which ruled his death a homicide.

A spokesman for Robbins said Tuesday the shooting is under investigation and no additional information is available.

mnolan@tribpub.com
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Texas to remove by Sept. 15 the floating border buoys it had placed along its river border with Mexico to deter migrants from crossing.

U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra ruled that the buoys obstructed the flow of the Rio Grande River  which separates the U.S. from Mexico  and likely required congressional authorization and a federal permit, as dictated by the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899.

The Court finds that the barriers threat to human life, its impairment to free and safe navigation, and its contraindication to the balance of priorities Congress struck in the RHA outweigh Texass interest in implementing its buoy barrier in the Rio Grande River, Ezra, an appointee of President Ronald Reagan, wrote in his ruling granting the Biden administrations request for a preliminary injunction against the string of buoys Texas officials installed.

The floating barrier, constructed in an attempt to obstruct movement across the river, is made up of roughly 1,000 feet of 4-foot spherical buoys connected by heavy metal cables, according to discussion in the court ruling. Roughly half of the barrier also contains an anti-dive net below it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The placement of the buoys had caused an uproar from the states congressional Democrats and human rights advocates, who maintained that they presented life-threatening risks to migrants who were crossing the river to seek asylum. In early August, Texas state troopersfound a dead body lodged in the buoys. The Mexican government also criticized the buoys, saying that they violated international water rights.

The harm to navigation is clearly evident from the evidence presented, while the State of Texas did not present any credible evidence that the buoy barrier as installed has significantly curtailed illegal immigration across the Rio Grande River, Ezra wrote.

The Justice Department praised the judge's decision.

We are pleased that the court ruled that the barrier was unlawful and irreparably harms diplomatic relations, public safety, navigation, and the operations of federal agency officials in and around the Rio Grande, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had thrown his full weight behind the decision to deploy the barriers in early July, which he said had possibly deterred thousands of people from crossing. After he refused to back down, theDepartment of Justice sued the state, arguing that it had obstructed U.S. waters.

Lawyers for Texas immediately submitted a filing on Wednesday appealing Ezras ruling to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Todays court decision merely prolongs President Bidens willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along, the governors office said in a news release. Our battle to defend Texas sovereign authority to protect lives from the chaos caused by President Bidens open border policies has only begun. Texas is prepared to take this fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

For more than two years, Abbott has challenged the federal governments jurisdiction over immigration, mounting a sweeping state-led program dubbed Operation Lone Star. Texas has arrested migrants under state trespassing charges and used state resources, like the buoys at issue, to enforce controls in response to what Abbott contends is a dereliction of duty from the Biden administration to secure the southern border.

Ezra was confirmed to the bench in 1988 as a federal judge in Hawaii, but has been hearing cases in Austin, the Texas capital, for more than a decade because of vacancies on the federal court there.

Josh Gerstein contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON - E. Jean Carroll 's next defamation trial against Donald Trump will focus only on how much in damages he owes her, a judge said Wednesday in ruling that Carroll made her case during a similar trial earlier this year.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said a jury's decision in May to hold Trump liable for a sexual assault in the 1990s will carry over to the defamation trial scheduled for Jan. 15 - the same day that the Iowa caucuses kick off the 2024 Republican nomination process for Trump and other candidates.

The trial in this case shall be limited to the issue of damages only, Kaplan said in a decision that had long been expected.

Trump, who has appealed the May verdict, has denied wrongdoing, and has described Carroll's lawsuits as politically motivated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The jury in May, acting under a New York state law that gave past victims a one-year window in which to sue their alleged attackers, found Trump liable for sexual abuse during an encounter at a New York department store in the 1990s.

Jurors also determined that Trump defamed Carroll by describing her allegations as a "con job."

The upcoming damages trial concerns comments the then-president made about Carroll after she went public in 2019, as well Trump's attacks after the jury's verdict earlier this year.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge: Donald Trump defamed Jean Carroll, so trial will assess damages
A judge in Georgia on Wednesday denied motions from two co-defendants to sever their cases from one another in the sprawling racketeering prosecution against Donald Trump.

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee handed down the decision after more than 90 minutes of arguments from prosecutors and defense counsel. The ruling is a win for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, and means Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell will be tried together, beginning Oct. 23.

Being yoked to Powell is a potential nightmare scenario for Chesebro, according to former Department of Defense special counsel Ryan Goodman. But the pair are now hurtling forward toward trial, McAfee said as he set new deadlines and scheduling orders.

Judge rules from the bench. Issue isnt difficult.



He says Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell will be tried together.



This may be a nightmare scenario for Chesebro.



October 23 trial start date for both. https://t.co/JCORqLLFiE  Ryan Goodman (@rgoodlaw) September 6, 2023

Chesebro is accused of masterminding the crazy fake electors scheme to keep Trump in the Oval Office after the president lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. He recently invoked his constitutional right to a speedy trial, which, as one former federal prosecutor told The Daily Beast, appeared to be a risky attempt to catch Willis unprepared.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Powell quickly followed suit, aping Chesebros motion to get on with things forthwith. Willis didnt blink, forging ahead and securing a trial date just a month-and-change away.

Since then, Chesebro has done his best to sever his case from Powell, who has been called a complete nut, a lunatic, and a fucking nutcase. The so-called Kraken lawyer is accused of being involved in a breach of voting machines in Coffee County, Georgiaa component of the alleged criminal enterprise that Chesebros attorneys say had nothing to do with him.

In court on Wednesday, Chesebros attorney asked McAfee why Chesebro should have to deal with a jury whos going to sit there for weeks, if not months, and listen to all of this evidence related to Coffee County and Ms. Powell?

Hes never been there. Hes never met Ms. Powell. Hes never emailed, texted, or called her; hes never spoken with her, directly or indirectly.

Powells legal team also tried to separate their client from Chesebro, telling the judge that the two never overlapped during Trumps audacious but ultimately doomed attempt to cling to power.

My client doesnt know Mr. Chesebro, has never met him, has never really spoken with him, Powells co-counsel insisted. Theres no emails, or documents, or anything else [between them]. What hes accused of has absolutely nothing to do with Ms. Powell at all.

Prosecutors, however, argued that Chesebro, Powell, Trump, and their 16 other co-defendants are all part of one massive conspiracy, hence the RICO charges they now face together. Further, conducting multiple parallel trials would create severe logistical issues. As it stands, Fulton County prosecutors say trying all 19 defendants will take at least four months, not including jury selection. The state will call more than 150 individual witnesses, they told McAfee on Wednesday.

In a post-hearing wrap-up on MSNBC, former federal prosecutor Harry Litman discussed the defense teams unsuccessful attempt to recast the underlying conspiracy allegations as pertaining to a hodgepodge of wholly separate actions.

Basically the defense tried to re-characterize this single RICO case as multiple conspiracies, some of which apply to some and others to others, Litman said. And the state came back and the judge accepted the position, no, this is a single sprawling case and therefore the law and evidence are the same.

Rule #1 that I learned as a young litigator: always cite cases with rulings that are similar to the one you are asking for. https://t.co/0p0KDZxEPL  Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) September 6, 2023

Still, Chesebros team tried and tried again to create as much space as possible between their client and Powell, attempting to paint a picture of a man they said is not a politician, and that until six or seven months ago, was probably unknown to 99.9999 percent of the population... And so now to force him to sit here in a trial where theres evidence of all these other things, its just not fair.

McAfee, for his part, dashed those hopes in a single sentence.

Based on whats been presented today, he said, I am not finding that severance from Mr. Chesebro or Ms. Powell is necessary to achieve a fair determination of the guilt or innocence for either defendant.

While Chesebro and Powell are now inextricably entwined, it remains to be seen if all 19 co-defendants will stand trial together in October. Prosecutors are set to brief McAfee on the issue next week.

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.
Illustration: Lex Villena

" Trump 's attempt to overturn the 2020 election well deserves punishment from the standpoint of both retribution and deterrence," wrote George Mason University Law Professor Ilya Somin following the four-count indictment filed by Special Counsel Jack Smith in early August. "For the head of state in a democracy, there are few more serious crimes than using fraud to try to stay in power after losing an election."

Somin has also said that "some of the charges seem compelling" in the case against Trump in Fulton County, Georgia.

Critics of the indictments have pointed out the conspicuous timing of the scheduled trial date, accused Trump's prosecutors of trying to "criminalize speech," and suggested that the former president is being held to a double standard. Others worry the prosecution will inspire "ever more aggressive tit-for-tat investigations."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Join Reason's Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe for a live discussion about the political and social ramifications of the Trump indictments with Somin this Thursday at 12 p.m. Eastern on Reason's YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Sources referenced in this conversation:

Ilya Somin: "Retribution, Deterrence, and the Case for Prosecuting Trump for Conspiring to Overturn the 2020 Election"

Ilya Somin: "The Georgia Case Against Trump"

William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen on Trump's presidential eligibility and the 14th Amendment

The Washington Post: "FBI resisted opening probe into Trump's involvement in Jan. 6 for more than a year"

John Eastman's memo for how to challenge the 2020 election results

Ilya Somin: "Conservative Legal Luminaries Release Report Entitled 'Lost, Not Stolen: The Conservative Case that Trump Lost and Biden Won the 2020 Presidential Election'"

Ilya Somin on the 14th Amendment's Section 3 disqualification for office

The post Justice or Persecution? The Trump Dilemma appeared first on Reason.com.
A Kansas commission tasked with investigating judicial misconduct wants the judge who signed off on an extraordinary search of a newspaper to explain herself.

Magistrate Judge Laura Viar authorized a search of the Marion County Record in August. The search, led by Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody, has sparked international condemnation as an attack on press freedom. One of the papers reporters has filed a federal lawsuit against Cody.

The search warrant approved by Viar allowed officers to seize computers and other electronics from the newspaper as part of an investigation into the alleged identity theft of a local restaurant owner. Viar also approved warrants to search the home of publisher Eric Meyer, whose 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, was home at the time of the raid and died the next day; and the home of Marion councilwoman Ruth Herbel.

The local prosecutor, Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey, revoked the warrants less than a week later after finding insufficient evidence linking the seized devices to the alleged crimes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Viar now faces official scrutiny over her actions.

Keri Strahler, a Topeka resident, filed a complaint against the judge following the search with the Kansas Commission on Judicial Conduct, a panel overseen by the state Supreme Court that investigates allegations of wrongdoing by judges. A letter from the commission to Strahler, dated Tuesday, says the commission considered the complaint last Friday.

The commission decided to request a response from the judge  a move that will require the commission to provide a copy of the complaint to Viar  and placed the matter on the agenda for its Nov. 3 meeting, according to the letter. The Kansas Reflector first reported on the commissions decision.

Im happy theyre looking into it, Strahler told The Star in a brief interview.

Viar was appointed on Jan. 1 to fill a vacant 8th Judicial District magistrate seat and has not commented publicly since the search. She was previously the Morris County prosecutor.

An investigation by The Wichita Eagle found that Viar had a hidden history of driving under the influence, with two arrests for DUI in two different Kansas counties in 2012. Only one of the arrests had been previously reported.

Viars DUI history has drawn attention because the raid of the Record came after the paper had looked into the DUI history of Kari Newell, a Marion restaurant owner who is seeking a liquor license for her establishment.

Viars approval of the search has already led to calls from Democratic lawmakers to take away the ability of magistrate judges to sign off on search warrants. Kansas House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, and Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat and former journalist, have said they plan to introduce legislation to require district judges to approve search warrants.

The commission considering the complaint against Viar maintains two panels  Panel A and Panel B. The letter to Strahler says two Panel B members  Allen Glendenning, a Great Bend attorney, and Iola resident Susan Lynn  recused themselves, indicating Panel B has been assigned the complaint.

The panel includes Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Malone and 26th Judicial District Chief Judge Bradley Ambrosier, among others.

In addition to asking for a response from Viar, the commission is allowed to obtain additional documents or information from other sources, but may not hold a public hearing. Panel B, an inquiry panel, is conducting the investigation. If the panel finds misconduct, it can offer an informal reprimand or initiate a formal complaint process that could lead to public hearings.
A legal battle nationally has kicked off on what many predict to be the next front in the national debate over abortion: whether states should be allowed to prosecute women who cross a border in search of an abortion or criminalize doctors in other states who provide the service.

Amid this debate, Kansas sits in a unique position.

The status quo is unlikely to change anytime soon in Kansas, owing to a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that the state constitution protects abortion rights.

But the state is also unlikely to follow in the footsteps of more liberal legislatures and pass a law that shields state residents and physicians from prosecution or discipline for providing an abortion or helping individuals obtain one.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

For the time being, such a scenario is largely theoretical. Idaho is the lone state in the country to attempt to criminalize helping or referring a person obtain an abortion out-of-state and even that law is relatively narrow in its focus.

Kansas sits in a unique position as legal and legislative battles in other states are heating up to stop out-of-state abortions.

Absent a rogue prosecutor, Kansas providers would still likely be at a low risk, said Greer Donley, associate professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh and an expert on abortion and the law.

But that doesnt mean these questions wont persist moving forward, she noted.

The anti-abortion movement is kind of trying to figure out what to do next, right? Donley said. They all passed these bans. The bans are not as effective as they wanted them to be. And now the question is, well, what are they going to do? Are they going to start prosecuting women? Are they going to start going after providers in other states? And I don't think that there's been a real answer to that question yet.

Can Kansas shield abortion patients, doctors from out-of-state sanction?

There is no evidence that a Kansas woman or doctor has been in legal hot water for providing an abortion to an out-of-state patient.

Indeed, statistics released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in June showed that more woman from Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri are coming to the state seeking abortion than ever before.

Thats due to the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling last year overturning Roe v. Wade, ending protections under the U.S. Constitution for abortion rights and prompting states in the region to pass total or near-total abortion bans.

Whether those strict laws will ultimately apply to women who go out-of-state for an abortion, however, is likely to remain an open legal question.

In Alabama, abortion providers and a fund that helps individuals pay for the procedures sued the state last month in federal court. They pointed to remarks by state Attorney General Steve Marshall in 2022, indicating that individuals who help Alabama women cross state lines for the procedure could be prosecuted as criminal accomplices.

And a federal judge earlier this month blocked the implementation of the Idaho law, which penalizes doctors who refer their patients out-of-state for an abortion by taking away their medical license.

As a response, however, at least a dozen states have passed laws that shield doctors from punishment or prosecution for providing an abortion, limit cooperation from law enforcement agencies with an out-of-state investigation and block the review of sensitive medical records.

Other states have accomplished similar aims via executive order. Despite a conservative legislature in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper signed an order last year preventing state agencies from assisting in out-of-state prosecutions and preventing patients from being extradited elsewhere.

Such a move is unlikely in Kansas, though Gov. Laura Kelly hasn't ruled it out.

"Governor Kelly has consistently defended a woman's right to keep private medical decisions between herself and her doctor," said Brianna Johnson, a spokesperson for the governor. "She will continue to consider any action that prevents government overreach into women's reproductive healthcare."

Can Kansas law enforcement share data on out-of-state abortion seekers?

Candice Breshears, a spokesperson for the Kansas Highway Patrol, said she was unaware of any written or verbal request for records from another state regarding a woman coming to Kansas to get an abortion.

The KHP, like scores of other law enforcement agencies across the state, maintains automatic readers that scan all license plate numbers that come into view, allowing the ability to track a vehicle's movement or establish that a car was in a certain location at a given time.

The data for KHP's readers is stored in a repository in Houston and can be shared only for a legitimate law enforcement reason or if another agency has access to the repository via a memorandum of understanding.

Attorney General Kris Kobach said that law enforcement would need to examine any request for information to ensure it conformed with the law, noting that protecting medical privacy was important.

Law enforcement agents would generally already have information indicating a person went out-of-state for an abortion before even coming to their Kansas counterparts, limiting what they might be seeking, he added.

"It seems unlikely that they would ask for a massive database or a huge amount of data from Kansas law enforcement," Kobach said. "But if that request were made, we'd have to be scrutinizing it very carefully to make sure that all state, federal and constitutional protections are in place."

Whether this type of situation could change in the future is unclear.

Missouri considered a measure in 2022 that would allow residents to sue out-of-state individuals who help a Missouri woman get an abortion, but it died abruptly on the state House floor in favor of another anti-abortion proposal. It wasn't considered during the 2023 session.

In Kansas, focus is likely to remain on other aspects, such as an ongoing legal challenge over the state's 24-hour waiting period and other requirements levied on abortion providers.

The state's largest anti-abortion group, Kansans for Life, said they typically don't weigh in on proposals in other states.

"Regarding Kansas law, we defend a womans right to know if an abortionist is a travelling practitioner on the abortion circuit and support proper accountability for any person who could potentially harm a woman or child," Danielle Underwood, a spokesperson for Kansans for Life, said in an email.

Nationally, the battle in the near future is likely to be over the constitutionality of these types of laws. Even if they are used, Donley noted that a priority for anti-abortion activists would likely be groups or providers that mail abortion pills to patients, rather than individual providers in a state like Kansas.

A federal appeals court dealt a blow earlier this month to the prescription of the abortion pill mifepristone via telemedicine and also limited the ability to mail the drug. The ruling won't take effect until the U.S. Supreme Court considers the case in its next term, which begins in the fall.

But earlier this year, a Texas man sued three women who he argued helped his now ex-wife obtain a medication abortion. He is unable to use a state statute targeting individuals who help a physician perform an abortion but instead is using portions of the Texas penal code to bolster his case.

"Does that mean that the providers in Kansas are completely risk-free? No," Donley said. "But in this new environment, you know, this post-Roe environment, there is no risk-free anything, right? Everything is just like a continuum of risk. And I think that the (Kansas) providers are doing something that's fairly low risk."

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas in unique spot amid laws on out-of-state abortion prosecutions
Rev up the outrage machine. COVID-19 is back (as we knew it would be) and so, too, are the conspiracy mongers who apparently think the world is coming to an end.

As COVID-19 hospitalization numbers tick up in Arizona and across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that people wear masks in areas where hospitalizations are high.

As a result, a few hospitals in the northeast, a college in Atlanta and a couple of California businesses have brought back temporary mask mandates.

You would think someone kicked Kari Lakes puppy.

I will not comply with any new mandates or lockdowns, Lake declared last week. Aint gonna happen. Whos with me?

Lawmakers are outraged at masks, again

Rep. Andy Biggs is with her.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We wont give up our freedoms again, he proclaimed on Monday. No more tyrannical vaccine or mask mandates.

So is state Rep. Justine Wadsack, R-Tucson.

Ill be damned if anyone is going to FORCE mask ME or anyone in my family because THEY are afraid, she proclaimed. Masks didnt work in 2020. Masks didnt work in 2021. Masks didnt work in 2022. They were virtually non-existent in 2023 ... until now. ... and they wont work AGAIN!

Actually, theres a fair amount of science that says masks, properly worn, can help slow the transmission of COVID-19.

As for vaccines, Arizona had a below-average vaccination rate and the highest-in-the-nation death rate during the pandemic. You do the math.

But thats old news.

Never mind that Arizona has no mandates

A mask-required sign is seen on Sept. 1, 2023, on the door of a store in New York City. Arizona law forbids government from enacting similar mandates.

Why all the sudden outrage among the darlings of Arizonas far right now  fully four months after the pandemic officially ended and a year or more after people quit paying attention?

Are there post-pandemic schemes afoot to strip us of our freedom to reject science and common sense?

Have I missed the proclamation by Gov. Katie Hobbs that she has cooked up some nefarious plot to lock us down and mask us up?

Absolutely not, Hobbs spokesman, Christian Slater assured me on Monday. There are no plans for new COVID-related restrictions of any kind.

I got a similar response from Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.

I cant imagine that anybody in the public health world in Arizona would advocate for any kind of lockdown which would, by the way, require a declaration to implement that authority (which is totally unwarranted), he wrote in a text. Same with masks.

Humble did say that he wouldnt be surprised to see hospitals start requiring visitors to wear masks at some point, given the confluence of the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

But as for this wholesale fear that Wadsack will have to cover her mouth? She can rest easy.

Law bars government from issuing them

State laws passed since the pandemic now bar the government from issuing mask mandates or requiring businesses to enforce them.

Typhoid Mary herself could come calling and God forbid anyone in Arizona dare tell her to put on a mask.

None of which seems to have reassured the conspiracy crowd.

No less than Donald Trump went on a tirade last week, rallying his supporters to follow him in not complying with the non-existent mandates.

As new variant emerges: America says 'no thanks' to mandates

Naturally, he smells a conspiracy, something about Democrats somehow using masks to rig the election against him.

To every COVID tyrant who wants to take away our freedom, hear these words: We will not comply, so dont even think about it," he said last week. "We will not shut down our schools. We will not accept your lockdowns. We will not abide by your mask mandates and we will not tolerate your vaccine mandates.

They rigged the 2020 election and now theyre trying to do the same thing all over again by rigging the most important election in the history of our country, the 2024 election, even if it means trying to bring back COVID. But they will fail because we will not let it happen.

Who will protect us from GOP hysterics?

I suppose if you cant convince people that an election was stolen, then the next best thing is warn them that their freedom is being stolen.

The Arizona Freedom Caucus last week even posted a video in which a nasty masked woman at a Burger King yells at an unmasked father, telling him she hopes his unmasked children die.

No matter how belligerently Katie Hobbs-types try to shame you for exercising your individual liberty, the Freedom folk advised, never give into tyranny  whether it be the tyranny of the government or the tyranny of the Karens. Refuse to comply.

Curiously, they never mentioned that the video, presumably taken in Ohio since she mentions Gov. Mike DeWine, was posted to the internet more than a year ago.

But hey, never let facts get in the way of an opportunity to rile the masses.

Sen. Janae Shamp, R-Surprise, even sent out a press release as fear over mask mandates and the politicization of COVID-19 from the Left once again become a focal point heading into the upcoming 2024 election cycle.

I want to assure you, she said, that I will fight tooth and nail to make sure youre protected from this gross overreach.

Great, now whos going to protect us from gross hysterics?

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @LaurieRoberts.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mask mandates are banned in Arizona. Kari Lake rejects them anyway
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre engaged in a frustrated back-and-forth with a reporter who kept asking questions about the White Houses Covid-19 testing following first lady Jill Biden s recent positive test.

The White House announced that the first lady tested positive on Monday, explaining that she is experiencing only mild symptoms. Ms Biden will stay at the couples home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Also on Monday, the White House announced that the president will test at a regular cadence this week and monitor for symptoms.

CBS News correspondent Christina Ruffini asked, Can you explain why you cant share or wont share the cadence of the presidents testing with us? It seems like a pretty basic question.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ms Jean-Pierre replied, It has ... it has nothing to not share the cadence. We  I just shared with you: Yesterday, he took, he took a test, and it was negative. Today, he took a test, and it was negative. The CDC does not recommend testing every day after a close contact.

Im just trying to apply logic here. You told us the times he tested previously, so it would be helpful if we know going forward.

Because it already happened, my friend. It already happened, the press secretary continued. So, therefore, I can tell you that he took the test because it already happened, right?

Ruffini cut in, asking if it would be safe to assume that the president is going to test in the mornings and the evenings going forward?

It is up to the physician and in close consultation with the physician. CDC. The guidance from CDC recommends that ... someone with a close contact does not have to test regularly or every day, Ms Jean-Pierre said, seeming to lose patience.

It sounded like the CBS reporter said not everybody is the president, to which Ms Jean-Pierre replied, There should be no confusion. I just explained he tested yesterday.

Ruffini retorted, Theres no confusion. I was just wondering if we could have an explanation as to why you dont want to share Ms Jean-Pierre then interjected: I just explained it. I literally just explained it.

Obviously, I didnt understand because Im asking, the CBS reporter said, while flashing a perplexed look across her face.

The CDC does not recommend testing every day, Ms Jean-Pierre said, Were following CDC guidance.

Someone else cut in asking the White House press secretary to just answer her question.

She replied, I just did, reiterating that the physician would decide when Mr Biden will next be tested. Thats it. Thats the answer. I dont have anything else for you. That is the answer that Im giving you: in close consultation with his physician. The CDC does not recommend testing every day. Thats it, she concluded.

Public health officials are warning that the cases of the virus are rising across the US. Doctors warned that the BA.2.86 variant  dubbed Pirola  may continue to spread as it is a highly mutated variant of the Omicron variant, which sparked a surge in cases.
INDEPENDENCE, Mo.  A Kansas City, Kansas, man is now facing charges in a deadly Independence shooting on 40 Highway.

Charles White has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Jackson County for the alleged killing of 45-year-old Carlos Palacio.

Inmate who escaped Cass County jail sentenced in $4M meth conspiracy

Independence police were called to a motel near U.S. 40 Highway and 36th Street for a shots fired call on Aug. 3. Thats where officers found Palacio dead in the parking lot with gunshot wounds.

Video footage shows White walking to one of the motel rooms, knocking on the door and then walking around as he talks on his cell phone, court records say.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prosecutors say the video later shows him getting out of a vehicle and firing a gun at Palacio, who fell to the ground before White left. Court documents say an autopsy determined Palacio was shot in the back.

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

Cell phone data also placed Whites phone at the scene during the shooting, police said.

Prosecutors say White is currently in custody.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
One Campbellsville attorney was killed and another was seriously injured in a crash while on a utility terrain vehicle early Monday morning, according to Kentucky State Police.

The wreck happened on Hatcher Road in Taylor County. KSP said Joseph Bott, 42, was driving a Honda Pioneer UTV when he misjudged a curve, causing the UTV to leave the road and flip.

Bott was ejected from the UTV, KSP said. He was transported to Taylor Regional Hospital, where he later died.

Jeremy Wood, a 42-year-old Campbellsville resident, was a passenger in the UTV, according to KSP. He suffered serious injuries and was flown to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bott had been an assistant commonwealths attorney with the 11th Judicial Circuit since 2007, according to his profile on Bertram, Cox & Miller, where he was a partner. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky and a law degree at Salmon P. Chase College of Law.

Bott loved to fish, hunt, spend time with his family and be outdoors, according to his obituary.

He was known as a loving husband, father, and friend who loved big; loved hard and if you knew him, you loved him, his obituary read.

Wood has been practicing law in Campbellsville and surrounding counties since 2007, according to his profile on Wood Law Firm. He earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky. He also is an assistant commonwealths attorney in the 11th Circuit, which serves Green, Marion, Taylor and Washington counties, according to the local prosecutors website.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron, whos also the Republican candidate for governor, said in a social media post Wednesday he and his wife were saddened by the news and asked people to keep the Campbellsville community in their thoughts and prayers.

Makenze and I are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news involving the 11th Judicial Circuits Joey Bott and Jeremy Wood. We ask that you keep their families and the Campbellsville community in your thoughts and prayers. May Gods healing hand be upon them.  Attorney General Daniel Cameron (@kyoag) September 6, 2023

Visitation for Bott will be held at Campbellsville Christian Church on Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. His memorial service will take place after visitation.
Parade watchers gather outside Teehans bar in Tinley Park on March 5, 2023, for the Tinley Park Irish Parade. (Jessie Molloy/Daily Southtown)

The owner of Durbins Pizza restaurants in the southwest suburbs will operate Teehans, an Irish pub that is a fixture in downtown Tinley Park and whose owner is retiring.

The Tinley Park Village Board approved a lease agreement Tuesday with Tom McAuliffe that calls for him to take over the business on Oct. 1. Trustees also approved a liquor license for Teehans H.S. LLC.

Advertisement

Its a temporary lease, which runs through April 1, 2024, but McAuliffe will also operate a re-christened Teehans, with plans by the village to rebuild it at its current location, 17329 S. Oak Park Ave.

Were keeping the tradition alive, McAuliffe said Wednesday.

Advertisement

After 34 years as the main operator of her familys tavern Regis Teehan is retiring at the end of this month. The bar has been in her family since 1917, and she recently agreed to sell certain assets of the business, including the name, to the village for $200,000.

The closing is expected to take place early next month.

McAuliffe said that sometime next year Teehans will close while a replacement building is constructed at the site, the northeast corner of Oak Park Avenue and North Street.

Hopefully it will be rebuilt quickly and we can reopen soon, he said.

Teehans is in the footprint of the villages planned Harmony Square development, which is to include a concert stage and splash pad, as well as apartments to the north of the Oak Park Avenue Metra station.

McAuliffe operated a Durbins for 16 years at 17265 S. Oak Park Ave., just to the north of Teehans. He said he has known Teehans owners for many years.

Durbin's restaurant closed its Tinley Park location in 2022. (Bob Bong/Daily Southtown)

Durbins closed in late March 2022 after McAuliffe couldnt come to terms on a lease with the property owner.

Before that, McAuliffe had opened Durbins Express, at 18250 S. Oak Park Ave., in Tinley Park, and the plan had been to keep both locations running.

Advertisement

There are also Durbins outlets in Burbank, Evergreen Park, Midlothian and Palos Hills.

According to Regis Teehan, her staff will stay on during the transition.

No one is losing their jobs, and no one is losing their tavern. For now, the only real difference is that, come October 1st, I will be retired, she said in a recent news release announcing the changes.

According to a Chicago Tribune business profile in May 2003, the first business on the site was built in 1852 and called the Pacific Hotel, reflecting the owners hope the nearby railroad line would ultimately extend to the Pacific Ocean.

Teehan said the plan by the village is to essentially replicate the building, with some updating. She said the village has shared some of their plans for preservation with her and she feels optimistic about this next chapter for her familys tavern.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

Everyone Ive talked with from the village has made me feel confident that the Teehans legacy will be honored in the reconstruction and reopening, she said in the release.

Advertisement

Teehan said her great-grandfather bought it in 1917 and her grandmother ran it before her father took over.

Its a very positive thing, McAuliffe said. We will keep the tradition going, hopefully for another 100 years.

The larger Harmony Square development includes 62 apartments in a five-story building that will have parking and commercial space on the first floor. It will be adjacent to Teehans.

To the north, on village-owned land that once was the site of the former Central Middle School, there are plans for 63 town homes.

The Tinley Park Plan Commission is scheduled to consider approval of the plans for the residential development at a meeting Thursday.

mnolan@tribpub.com
A retired Colombian army officer who goes by the name Colonel Mike is scheduled to plead guilty Thursday to conspiracy charges in the killing of Haitis president, paving the way for his role as a central witness for the U.S. government in its assassination case in Miami.

If his change of plea, first reported by the New York Times, goes as planned in federal court, it would mark a turning point because German Alejandro Rivera Garcia is expected to provide details about the team of Colombian commandos suspected of carrying out the assassination under his leadership and about possibly other key figures in Haiti and South Florida implicated in the deadly plot.

Rivera, who was transferred from Haiti to U.S. custody in February, would be the second defendant to plead guilty and cooperate with U.S. authorities out of the 11 currently charged in Miami with conspiring to kill or play supporting parts in the shocking assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021.

Rivera, 45, would face up to life in prison if he pleads guilty to the main charge of conspiring to provide support, along with related offenses, to kill Moise. But if he supplies credible evidence about other defendants charged in the case or about other suspects still in Haitian custody, Rivera could eventually see his life sentenced reduced by some measure.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Riveras defense attorney, Mark LeVine, did not respond to a request for comment. The U.S. Attorneys Office also declined to comment about Riveras planned change of plea, which was filed in the federal court record.

The other defendant who pleaded guilty to the murder conspiracy is Rodolphe Dodof Jaar, 51, a previously convicted drug trafficker in the United States who was sentenced in June to life in prison but is hoping to get his prison term decreased with cooperation. A businessman with dual Haitian and Chilean citizenship, Jaar admitted to providing weapons, lodging and money in the conspiracy to assassinate Haitis president. He pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to provide material support, providing material support, and conspiring to kidnap and kill Moise.

READ MORE: How a Miami plot to oust a president led to a murder in Haiti

Separate Haitian, Colombian and U.S. investigations into Moises death were launched shortly after the assault that left the 53-year-old president with 12 bullet wounds and his wife, Martine, seriously wounded. More than 40 people have been jailed in Haiti, including 18 Colombians, as well as members of the Haitian presidential guard accused of taking bribes to stand down or not show up to work on the day Moise was killed.

After refusing to cooperate with Haitian authorities after their initial testimonies to police, two of the jailed Colombian suspects in Port-au-Prince finally went before the investigative magistrate Walther Wesser Voltaire late last month to be interrogated behind closed doors. Voltaire is the fifth judge to be in charge of the Haitian case, which has moved very slowly due to concerns about safety, the ongoing gang violence and the refusal of suspects to cooperate even when they do appear.

The two-story building with bullet holes where a shootout with Colombian soldiers and Haitian police took place after the July 7, 2021, assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.

Voltaire has yet to bring any formal charges against any of the suspects in Haiti who are being held either at the National Penitentiary or at a second prison in the suburbs of Croix-des-Bouquets. While U.S. authorities have issued a gag order on their case, preventing the sharing of information with anyone other than the defendants and their attorneys, Riveras cooperation could help provide a breakthrough in Haiti, where suspects have been languishing in prison for two years.

The deadly plot revolved around suspects collaborating in South Florida, Haiti and Colombia to kidnap and then kill Haitis leader, with the goal of replacing him with a new president and obtaining Haitian government contracts, according to authorities. So far, however, no one has been identified as the mastermind who orchestrated Moises killing, resulting in a list of suspects who U.S. authorities say played major and minor roles in the deadly plot.

The FBI-led investigation escalated in February with the transfer of Rivera and three Haitian Americans to U.S. custody. Jaar and two other suspects were transferred to the United States after being picked up in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The others were arrested at their homes in South Florida and Tampa.

Rivera and two Haitian Americans were accused of helping coordinate a failed kidnapping of Moise to remove him from office upon his return from a state visit to Turkey in June of 2021. The same three were also accused of conspiring in a final plan to kill him at his home in the hillside suburbs of Port-au-Prince the following month.

Those suspects are: James Solages, 37, who quit his job at a South Florida nursing home to go work for a Miami-area security firm linked to the plot to remove Moise from office; Joseph Vincent, 57, a former Drug Enforcement Administration confidential informant who lived in South Florida; and Rivera, the retired Colombian colonel who is one of the alleged leaders of the deadly attack.

Also transferred with them to Miami: Christian Emmanuel Sanon, 64, a Haitian doctor and pastor who split his time between the United States and his Caribbean homeland and wanted to replace Moise as president. Sanon, who was not implicated in the main conspiracy case to kidnap and kill Haitis president but faces related charges, fell out of favor with the group as a possible successor to Moise in the weeks before his assassination.

According to an indictment, Vincent, Solages, Rivera and another Colombian commando also in U.S. custody, Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, participated in the mission to kill Moise at his home.

On or about July 7, 2021 [Solages, Vincent, Rivera and Palacios] and other conspirators traveled in a convoy of vehicles to President Moises residence to conduct the operation against President Moise, the indictment states. Its the only reference to Rivera in the narrative part of the indictment.

Rivera was in charge of the Colombians, along with Duberney Capador Giraldo, who was among three Colombians killed by Haitian police in the immediate aftermath of Moises assassination. In recorded witness statements made to Colombian law enforcement after the assassination and leaked to Colombian TV station Caracol, Rivera claimed the order to assassinate Moise came from Joseph Felix Badio, the Daily Beast first reported. Badio, who remains on the run and in hiding in Haiti, is a Haitian functionary who was close to the president and his wife, and had been fired from the countrys anti-corruption unit months before the killing.

In carrying out their plot, some suspects used the cover of the United States, alleging they had backing from the United States and its agencies to target Moise, who was increasingly the subject of anti-government protests at the time of his death. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation have denied any involvement in the killing, as well as the Department of State.

The FBI probe, assisted by Homeland Security Investigations, has also focused on a Miami-area security company and its founder, Antonio Tony Intriago, who interacted with some of the suspects and has been charged in the murder conspiracy. Intriagos attorney has maintained that he provided only bodyguard services for Sanon through his Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) Security as part of Sanons presidential aspirations and knew nothing about a plot to kill Moise. Badio once described himself as CTUs representative in Haiti, a source who spoke to him before he disappeared told the Miami Herald.

Intriagos associate at CTU, Arcangel Pretel Ortiz, who had been working as an FBI informant before the Haitian presidents death, was also charged in the murder conspiracy. Pretel Ortiz, a Colombian national and U.S. permanent resident of Miami, played a vital role in helping recruit some of the Colombian commandos for the deadly mission, according to court records.
Grant money and local donations allow the Childrens Dental Network in Derry to provide nearly 600 children in greater Derry and Salem with free preventative dental care at school each year.

Nearly 30 years ago, a group of hygienists, school nurses, and dentists in greater Derry, New Hampshire, grew concerned that students were coming to school with such painful tooth decay they were missing class. If kids werent getting to the dentist, they asked, could dental care come to kids?

With help from a local funder and some used equipment, they launched a pilot project with two elementary schools, visiting both to provide students with cleanings, fluoride treatment, and referrals to dentists willing to donate their services. By the end of the year, theyd expanded to eight schools.

Today, the Childrens Dental Network in Derry works with 30 schools in Derry, Londonderry, and Salem, providing nearly 600 students each year with free oral health screenings and cleanings, as well as sealant and fluoride that protect teeth from decay and halt a cavitys growth until a child can see a dentist.

One thing about dental disease is that it causes a lot of pain, and in school, children cant really learn or concentrate if they are in a lot of pain, said retired hygienist Hope Saltmarsh of Bow, the groups first executive director.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yet, fewer than half of the states 450-plus schools offer dental care. The New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition, which includes the state Department of Health and Human Services, hopes to change that.

Road Trip will promote oral health care in schools

The New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition has scheduled five sessions around the state with hopes of encouraging more communities and groups to bring basic, preventative dental care to schools. Two more are planned in Laconia and Rochester.

The events, aimed at local officials, school leaders, civic groups, and health care providers, are free but pre-registration is required by visiting nhoralhealth.org or by emailing Gail Brown, director of the coalition, at Gbrown@nhoralhealth.org.

All sessions will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Sept. 6, in the conference room at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon

Sept. 21, Home Healthcare, Hospice, & Community Services in Keene

Sept, 26, AHEAD, Affordable Housing Education & Development in Littleton

Oct. 16, Community Campus in Portsmouth

Oct. 17, Northeast Delta Dental in Concord

On Wednesday, the coalition will launch a statewide push to expand school-based dental care in New Hampshire with a series of public presentations and listening sessions. The first is Wednesday, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

The coalition is reaching out to a broad audience, from school and community leaders to local health care providers and elected officials to civic organizations. Thats intentional because there isnt a state or federal program running or paying for school-based programs.

These programs appear to bloom and grow in areas where someone or some organization really has a passion or concern about childrens dental health, Brown said.

Brown wants to not only get dental care into more schools but also identify barriers to launching and sustaining a program so local and state leaders can find ways around them.

Currently, 14 programs, many run by hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and communities, such as Manchester and Milford, provide dental care in about 200 schools, Brown said. Eight programs have closed in recent years, Brown said, for reasons ranging from funding to staffing.

The real value in the school programs is that number one, they send a provider out to the school, meaning that one provider can serve many, many children . . . as opposed to all those children trying to get into a dentists office, Brown said.

School-based programs are especially valuable, she said, in rural areas with too few dental offices and for children with no insurance or Medicaid. This way, a provider comes to them, so the kids are not missing school to go to the dentist, and parents arent having to leave work to take them there, Brown said.

They have been a priority in urban areas too, like Manchester, where the health department and school district provide care in 21 schools. The program began in 1970 and has relied on federal and state funding as well as support from local civic groups.

But there are challenges, and funding is a big one.

Programs look to a combination of Medicaid, state and private grants, donations, and funding from some cities and towns for support. Some dentists and hygienists donate their time. Support from charitable organizations has also been critical.

That has been true for the Childrens Dental Network, said Dianne Powers, its current executive director.

She said their program would not exist without annual funding from the Alexander Eastman Foundation, a local charitable organization that supports greater Derry, as well as donated care from local dentists. The town of Salem asked the group to expand to its schools and paid for it with help from civic groups like the Rotary Club of Greater Salem and local chapters of the Lions and Kiwanis clubs.

Powers said the group bills Medicaid for eligible services. Parents pay nothing, she said, thanks to the local funding.

We have portable equipment and we lug all our stuff to 30 different schools in the rain and snow, Powers said. It doesnt matter. We use our own cars. We are a small group that is just very committed to helping children. To us, its worth it.

In the programs early days, Saltmarsh tracked the students she was seeing to show it was worth it to children and the community as well.

Their oral health was improving, she said. It can make such a big difference because the earlier you can find their issue and do something about it, all those things are critical to improving their oral health. And oral health is health.

The Manchester Health Department and school district partner to bring dental care to 21 schools. The program, started in 1970, has relied on city and federal funding, as well as support from local civic groups.

A second challenge is securing parental permission. Parents are not unwilling to let their child participate, Brown and others said. Instead, schools find it hard to get permission slips home and back for a lot of programs.

Despite hygienists and program managers working on the permission issue for the decades the programs been open, were still looking at the best way to do it, Brown said. It will vary from school to school.

Powers said when schools in their program moved to electronic permission slips, she asked that paper permission slips be sent home as well because she knows some low-income families who would benefit most from the school-based program dont have access to reliable internet or technology.

Every year, its a hurdle, Powers said. If we want the right kids to take advantage of this, we need to do paper.

Saltmarsh, who spent the last few years of her career at the Department of Health and Human Services working on school-based dental care programs, among other things, sees a third hurdle. Its difficult to get already oversubscribed schools, community leaders, and dental care providers to take on a new initiative. She said dentists would donate their services every time she asked, but they wouldnt commit to taking on a school for a year.

She is hoping the New Hampshire Oral Health Coalitions statewide campaign will persuade more to participate.

Its kind of a hard sell when you think about the income you could make as a hygienist doing public health versus doing something in private practice, she said. And its always kind of iffy about the continuation of funding for all of these things.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Some kids get dental care in school. Advocates aim to make that universal.
Update: Officials have released video and new details about the escape. Read the latest here. Our earlier story is below.

Chester County, Pa.  Danelo Cavalcante, the fugitive convicted murderer, escaped from the Chester County Prison last week by climbing up to the roof, multiple sources told CBS News Philadelphia Tuesday night.

He escaped on Aug. 31 at around 8: 30 a.m.

Officials have remained tight-lipped on how Cavalcante broke out.

The sources also said his escape method was similar to one used by another inmate who broke out of the facility a few months ago.

What you need to know about Danelo Cavalcante, prison escape timeline and more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cavalcante has been spotted numerous times since he fled. The most recent sighting happened Monday night, when he was spotted by a surveillance camera at Longwood Gardens, Pa., northwest of Wilmington, Del., according to Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens.

The photos show Cavalcante has acquired an over-the-shoulder bag as well as a hooded sweatshirt.

Neighborhoods and wooded areas have been crawling with state, local and federal officers in the southern Chester County trying to track Cavalcante down.

Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante in still from surveillance video while on the run after escaping from prison on August 31, 2023. / Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

Officials are pleading with members of the public to check their home surveillance cameras and see if they spotted Cavalcante.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to his capture.

Police continue to urge people to use extreme caution and consider Cavalcante extremely dangerous.

Residents in the area have been high alert ever since the escape.

"It's just tiring. It's exhausting. And just your nerves are on edge and you just second-guess everything," said Jo-Ann Shiley, who lives in the area where law enforcement is searching for Cavalcante.

Meanwhile, authorities broadcast a message from his mother, urging him to turn himself in. Cavalcante is a Brazilian national fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. Cavalcante also speaks some English, authorities said. His mother, who is in Brazil, recorded the message for him in Portuguese.

And the Kennett Consolidated School District will be closed for the second straight day on Wednesday as the manhunt for him continues, CBS News Philadelphia reports.

Search for escaped killer in Pennsylvania enters 7th day

Saudi Arabia, Russia oil cuts could impact U.S. interest rates

2022 saw record-high sea levels and greenhouse gases, NOAA says
By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - King Charles has trodden a cautious but successful path in his first year on the British throne, friends and royal watchers say, but rifts within his family still hang over his reign.

Charles, 74, succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth when she died a year ago this Friday aged 96 at her Balmoral Castle home in Scotland, prompting national and global mourning at the end of a 70-year reign.

Critics of Charles, who had waited longer than any other heir in British history to become king, had predicted he might seek a radical overhaul of the monarchy and abandon his mother's staunchly neutral and apolitical approach to the role.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But, in keeping with earlier promises, he has put aside his campaigning on the environment and climate change and remained within the accepted boundaries.

Ingrid Seward, Editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said his reign had started "exceptionally well". He was seeking to stamp his own mark on the job, although the pressure of dealing with state papers had curbed any immediate wider changes, she said.

"I just think he's been really, really busy with everything that's happened this year, Seward said. "He has his own things to do but first and foremost comes the job of being king."

Unnamed friends told the Sunday Times newspaper Charles had found the workload surprising but had settled into his role.

"He seems very content and happy, having mourned the loss of his mother, he is settled. His destiny has arrived and he has embraced it," one close friend told the paper, while aides said the king and his officials were being cautious.

Media reports say he will soon launch an initiative to combat food waste, something in keeping with his long-term advocacy of sustainability. Newspapers have said he was also looking to scale back staffing levels within his household.

NOT ALL PLAIN SAILING

Charles' first year was dominated by his coronation in May in a grand ceremony at London's Westminster Abbey watched by a global audience.

Almost all the media - which was highly critical of him for many years after his split from first wife Princess Diana and her death in 1997 - has supported him enthusiastically.

Not everything has been plain sailing.

The most high-profile issue remains his own family. His younger brother Prince Andrew - forced from any official role over his friendship with the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, and a related sex assault allegation, which he denies - wants to return to the royal fold.

Andrew was invited to a family get-together at Balmoral last month. Charles' son and heir Prince William was photographed driving him to church in what newspapers said was a sign of a rapprochement.

Then there is the family feud with his younger son Prince Harry and his American wife Meghan.

In the months after the queen's death, there was their Netflix documentary series, Harry's memoir and TV interviews in which his son repeatedly attacked his family and Buckingham Palace, accusing them of collusion in negative media reporting.

With Harry bringing numerous lawsuits against the British press through the courts, the subject will not go away any time soon.

"He hasn't really dealt with them, unfortunately, they're still around," Seward said. "He obviously wants to help him(Andrew) but he's very, very limited as to how he can help him."

With Harry, there was perhaps some hope.

"His fight is with the system and the way the monarchy is run. It's not a direct fight with his father," she said. "So I think that Charles will do his very best to keep that door open."

While cheering crowds have been present at his official events, so too have protesting anti-monarchist republicans, while eggs were thrown at the new king on one occasion.

The arrest of members of the campaign group Republic ahead of the coronation not only raised concerns about basic freedoms but also boosted its profile. It plans to protest against the monarchy at the state opening of parliament in November.

Charles' popularity surged after his accession but recent surveys suggest it has returned to previous levels, below those of his mother. A YouGov poll this week found 60% of respondents have a favourable view of Charles, compared to 32% with a negative one.

But there is a generational divide, with the young far less bothered in general about the royal family. Six in 10 people want to keep the monarchy, the YouGov survey found, but just over a quarter want an elected head of state, with just 35% of those aged 18 to 24 wanting to keep it.

"Despite a year of saturation coverage of the royals, positive coverage of Charles, the coronation and his visits around the country, support for the king and the institution has fallen sharply," Republic leader Graham Smith said.

The mixed view was reflected by people on the streets of London who spoke to Reuters.

David Brooks Wilson, a consultant, said he thought Charles' first year had gone "pretty well considering".

"I mean poor chap he waited so long to get into the job didn't he? Youve got to grow into it. He's kept out of the controversy, which has been difficult for him I think."

But in a country facing a cost of living crisis, strikes, problems in public services and never-ending political drama, people have many other things to worry about.

Claire, a 27-year-old personal assistant, said: "It's not a subject that interests me. I just don't care, they have nothing to do with me."

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Additional reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian, Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein has filed a lawsuit in South Carolina against several major chemical companies alleging negligence in the production of so-called forever chemicals, which can build up in the body and cause health problems.

The citys lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, joins hundreds of other complaints made by cities across the country seeking monetary damages for risking environment problems and public health.

In the complaint, Columbus is asking the court to order companies to pay for cleanup, including cash for not-yet-available technology upgrades that could remove the chemicals from the city's water supply, so that it meets EPA standards, Klein's office said in a prepared release.

When corporations dumped toxic waste and pollution into our waterways and air, the government stepped in as a check, enacting EPA regulations to clean up our environment," Klein said in the release. "Now, as companies contaminate our homes and environment with forever chemicals, its incumbent on government to step in again to protect the public and hold these corporations accountable for the damage theyve caused. Companies like 3M and DuPont made this mess and they need to be the ones on the hook for cleaning it up.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the citys complaint, several companies produced forever chemicals knowing the toxicity of the products, which contaminated both the environment and homes of millions of Ohioans despite readily available technology to produce alternative products without the use of the chemicals. The public also wasn't warned about the dangers, the complaint alleges.

Research shows that the vast majority of forever chemical exposure comes from air, foods, incidental ingestion and household products, such as nonstick cookware, stain resistant furniture and carpets, wrinkle free and water-repellent clothing, cosmetics, lubricants, paint, pizza boxes, popcorn bags, and many other products including firefighting foams that have been produced for decades, Klein said.

Long-term exposure has been linked to numerous health issues, the complaint states, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fertility issues and certain types of cancers.

The Columbus Department of Public Utilities' quality assurance lab technicians closely monitor the public water supply to ensure that it meets or exceeds all federal drinking water standards. But the city believes that continued production and use of forever chemicals may require the installation of additional costly technology in the future.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReportBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: "Forever chemicals" subject of city lawsuit to protect water
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Kosovo remains "highly volatile" even though the security situation has calmed since a major outburst of violence in May, the commander of NATO-led troops in the Balkan territory said on Wednesday.

More than 90 NATO peacekeeping soldiers were injured in the clashes with Serb protesters in northern Kosovo, according to NATO. Some 50 protesters were also injured.

The clashes erupted after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in the north following local elections in which turnout was just 3.5% due to a boycott by Serbs.

The population of Kosovo is mainly ethnic Albanian but Serbs form a majority in the north.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Italian Major General Angelo Michele Ristuccia, the commander of NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR), said tension between the two sides remained high due to political differences.

"The situation is calm after the events of the 29th of May. But, in a way, the situation is still highly volatile. We perceive the tension - the tension due to ... the multitude of unsolved issues," he told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

"If we have to deliver a diagnosis of what is happening, I would say that the most concerning sickness is mistrust - mistrust between parties," he added.

"It means there is not a military solution. The only solution is a political solution."

(Reporting by Andrew Gray)
Kourtney Kardashian Barker has revealed the family emergency her husband, Travis Barker , flew back home for while on tour overseas.

The POOSH founder posted a photo on Instagram of her holding hands with Barker with an IV in her arm.

I will be forever grateful to my incredible doctors for saving our babys life, she wrote. I am eternally grateful to my husband who rushed to my side from tour to be with me in the hospital and take care of me afterwards, my rock. And to my mom, thank you for holding my hand through this.

Woman goes into labor during Beyonces Inglewood concert

She then explained the procedure she underwent for her unborn child.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As someone who has had three really easy pregnancies in the past, I wasnt prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent fetal surgery, she continued. I dont think anyone who hasnt been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear. I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant.

Praise be to God. Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing.

Travis then talked about the health scare on X, formerly Twitter, and also updated fans about the Blink-182 tour.

God is great, he exclaimed. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that Im so grateful went well. I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday.

On Friday, the band announced they postponed several European show dates due to Barkers family emergency.

Due to an urgent family matter, Travis has had to return home to the States, the band posted to tweeted. The Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin shows are being postponed. More information in regards to his return to Europe and rescheduled dates will be provided as soon as available.

The drummer and The Kardashians star revealed they were expecting a baby boy in late June, weeks after the couple announced they were pregnant at a Blink-182 show at L.A.s BMO Stadium.

The couple tied the knot in 2022 in a lavish ceremony in Italy.

Travis has two children from his previous marriage to Shanna Moakler. Kourtney has three children with ex-partner Scott Disick.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin, asked about U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken 's visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, said it was clear that Washington planned to keep funding Ukraine's war effort "until the last Ukrainian."

Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday in a gesture of support as Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces grinds into its fourth month with only small gains.

"We have heard repeated statements that they (the Americans)intend to continue to help Kyiv for as long as it takes," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"In other words, they are going to continue to support Ukraine in a state of war and to wage this war to the last Ukrainian, sparing no money for this. That's how we perceive it, we know it. It's not going to affect the course of the special military operation."

(Writing by Reuters; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited a McDonald's in central Kyiv on Sept. 6. Several photos of the meeting were published by Reuters.

Kuleba ordered a cherry McPie, while Blinken opted for a staple  French fries. Kuleba recalled that at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, McDonald's had stopped operating in Ukraine, which was a "very bad signal." Back then, Kuleba had called Blinken to inform him about the fast-food situation. According to Kuleba, after that phone call, the McDonald's chain gradually resumed work in Ukraine.

During the meal, Kuleba also shared some memories from his student years with his U.S. counterpart.

When I was a student, my best hangover meal was at McDonald's, Kuleba reminisced.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I would get a double cheeseburger and a large Coke.

Blinken responded, "I'm sure that happened very rarely."

C-SPAN also provided video footage of the meeting.

Blinken arrived in Ukraine on an official two-day visit earlier on Sept. 6.

Read also: Blinken praises Ukrainian counteroffensive

During his visit, Blinken paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Berkovets cemetery in Kyiv and announced a $1 billion package of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine.

This is the third visit of the U.S. State Department head to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Waukegan native Jocelyn Zamudio and Grant Kennedy Lewis star as teenagers who were brought to America as children in Martyna Majoks Sanctuary City, presented Sept. 14-Nov. 18 at Steppenwolf Theatre. (Joel Moorman/HANDOUT)

Waukegan native Jocelyn Zamudio plays a Mexican-American teenager who was brought to this country as a child and hopes to become a citizen in Martyna Majoks timely Sanctuary City at Steppenwolf Theatre, Sept. 14-Nov. 18.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. most Tuesdays-Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. most Saturdays; and 3 p.m. most Sundays through Oct. 21; then 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 28-Nov. 18.

Advertisement

Its an incredible story. Its just three characters onstage, Zamudio said of Sanctuary City.

Her character is known only as G.

Advertisement

She always has an answer for everything and if she doesnt, shell make one up on the spot, Zamudio said. I think thats what carries her through no matter whats going on in her life. Shes an incredibly smart girl and unfortunately the things that happen at home steer her off her path. Her tenacity helps her deal with such challenges.

The play begins when G is 17 and ends when she is attending her last semester of college.

The actor said the show is somewhat like two plays in one. The second half is vastly different from the first, she teased.

Director Steph Paul said that in casting the role of G, I was looking for an actor who was able to access fireworks and electricity. I think that G is somebody that lives in high-definition color, is very vibrant, does not fade. I needed somebody that could access that boldness.

Paul is confident that she found that actor.

Jocelyn is all of the above, the director declared. Such a stunning actor and a lovely human to be in a room with.

Waukegan native Jocelyn Zamudio stars in Sanctuary City, presented Sept. 14-Nov. 18 by Martyna Majok at Steppenwolf Theatre. (Jocelyn Zamudio/HANDOUT)

Zamudio, a first-generation Mexican American, first became active in theater when she was around eight years old.

I was part of a group that convened at an old church in North Chicago, she related. In addition to doing theater, it was a place where kids could learn Mexican folkloric dances.

Advertisement

We would have performances all over Lake County, Zamudio recalled. It was a group of adults teaching us and a lot of young kids in our productions. I remember playing Little Red Riding Hood in one production. It was a large chunk of my early childhood that got my feet wet for theater and my love for it.

Zamudio attended Lyon Magnet School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Waukegan High Schools Washington Campus, where she also participated in theater. She earned a theater degree at the University of Illinois Chicago campus, with a minor in law and society in 2018.

I signed with an agency through my senior showcase, Zamudio said. Once I signed with the agency, I was kind of thrust into the professional world of theater, TV and film. I booked a couple of TV roles.

Right before COVID-19 shut down theaters, Zamudio was an understudy at Steppenwolf in a production of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. She did get to go on once, but the production had to close due to the pandemic.

She has performed on the television show Chicago P.D. and also works behind the scenes as a stand-in for that show. I do their lines; I do their blocking for camera and lighting purposes, Zamudio said. She was supposed to go back to work in July but production halted due to the ongoing writers strike.

In the meantime, Zamudio is immersed in the world of Sanctuary City.

Advertisement

Although it has to do with characters that were not born in this country, and at the core theyre dealing with a political issue, these are just people who are trying to make decisions. I think it is timeless.

Sanctuary City

When: Sept. 14-Nov. 18

Where: Steppenwolfs Ensemble Theater in Honor of Helen Zell, 1646 N. Halsted St., Chicago

Tickets: $20-$114

Information: 312-335-1650; steppenwolf.org

Advertisement

Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
LAFAYETTE, Ind.  The construction of a new trail project in Lafayette could soon be in the works.

Lafayettes Board of Public Works and Safety approved two of the citys requests to send out bidding notices regarding the construction project of a new trail project in Lafayette and commissary building at the Columbian Park Zoo.

Sagamore Parkway Trail project

The proposed Sagamore Parkway Trail project will see the construction of a multi-use trail along the south side of Eastbound Sagamore Parkway from the Wabash River Bridge, a crossway to Duncan Road, which will connect to the already existing trail on North 9th Street in Lafayette.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wabash River Enhancement Corp. will also be working on a separate project that will see the construction of a ramp from this new proposed trail to the Wabash Heritage Trail

Wabash Heritage Trail sign in McAllister Park, Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 in Lafayette.

The construction of the trail will require the installation of a modular block retaining wall, construction of a reinforced concrete barrier railing and moment slab, incidental roadway paving and curb construction, installation of stormwater conveyance structures, pedestrian signal improvements, earthwork grading and landscaping.

The city will begin advertising this new project from Sept. 15 through Sept. 22 and will open bids on October 10, 2023.

The construction of this new project will be primarily funded by the states Next Level Trails program. The state invested $180 million to support the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana.

Columbian Park Zoos proposed commissary building project

The Lafayette Parks and Recreation Departments proposed project at the Columbian Park Zoo would see the construction of a new 3,380-square-foot commissary building to be located on the south side of the existing IU Health Arnett Family Farm exhibit.

The building will feature a commercial kitchen and food preparation area, dry food storage, animal holding space with controlled air, a loft for additional storage, a new walk-in freezer and an outdoor storage area for gravel and mulch storage.

A look at the penguin exhibit at the Columbian Park Zoo, Saturday, April 17, 2021 in Lafayette.

The parks department noted that the existing food preparation area was initially added to the Animal Housing building in the early 1980s and that this new addition would be a welcomed renovation.

Advertisements for this project will be published from Sept. 8 to Sept. 15, and bids will be opened for this project on Sept. 26.

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Board of Works approves bid notice for new trail project
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Animal rights group No Kill Las Vegas has filed a lawsuit against The Animal Foundation alleging contract violations concerning the shelters operations.

According to a release, No Kill Las Vegas said that claimed violations include animal fatalities resulting from negligence, animals suffering from lack of medical treatment, failure to vaccinate and spay and neuter animals, refusal to accept animals from the public, misleading No Kill Las Vegas, and the disappearance of over 3,500 animals.

No Kill Las Vegas is a nonprofit animal rights group that said it has spent the last decade lobbying for positive change at The Animal Foundation.

The nonprofit is largely comprised of Clark County citizens who are interested in furthering the rescue of animals in municipal shelters and decreasing the unnecessary euthanasia of animals that enter those shelters, the lawsuit said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We have exhausted every avenue  from attempts to collaborate with the shelter, reaching out through our elected officials for change and exposing them through the media, yet they persist in their neglect and mistreatment of these animals, said Bryce Henderson, president of No Kill Las Vegas. They may choose to ignore us, but they cannot escape the legal system. Its through the courts that these animals will finally receive the justice they deserve.

The lawsuit said The Animal Foundation entered into an agreement with Clark County called the Amended and Restated Animal Care and Shelter Services Agreement in March 2015.

The agreement stated The Animal Foundation was contractually obligated to manage and operate the shelter under Title 10 of the Clark County Code, also known as the animal ordinance.

The lawsuit claimed that a report by The Animal Foundations former Chief Operating Officer listed a host of issues including, but not limited to, mild and Moderate medical conditions were not being examined or provided timely medical interventions. The report also stated that vaccinations were not being performed, the lawsuit said.

The Animal Foundation was also unable to meet obligations to have 24-hour veterinary care, as it only had one veterinarian on staff, the lawsuit alleged. The lawsuit said that animals were left to die in the hot sun due to The Animal Foundations failure to maintain adequate staffing.

In 2021, the lawsuit said, The Animal Foundation repeatedly adopted out unneutered and unspayed animals, providing adopters with vouchers to have them spayed and neutered at other locations.

The lawsuit also alleged that The Animal Foundation turned away residents looking for their lost animals, and adopted out animals without rabies inoculations.

The full lawsuit is below:

Stamped Complaint Against TAF by YourCentralValley.com on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The lawsuit is asking for a temporary restraining order prohibiting The Animal Foundation from engaging in misconduct in violation of the contract with Clark County, for the Animal Foundation to hold a public meeting, and for compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.

The lawsuit is also asking for a writ of mandate to be issued, requiring The Animal Foundation to comply with Clark County code.

The Animal Foundation said in a statement that they do not comment on current litigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A demonstrator holds a sign against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge outside the U.S. Capitol in December 2018.

A demonstrator holds a sign against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge outside the U.S. Capitol in December 2018.

President Joe Biden s administration on Wednesday canceled all remaining Donald Trump-era oil and gas leases in Alaskas fragile Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and moved to protect an additional 13 million acres in the nearby National Petroleum Reserve from drilling and other development.

This comes as Biden finds himself under mounting pressure to move more aggressively to curb fossil fuel development on federal lands, as planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions help drive increasingly extreme weather disasters around the globe. And it looks to fulfill the presidents campaign promise to reverse the Trump administrations assaults on Americas natural treasures, including by reversing Trumps attacks on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In its final weeks, the Trump administration auctioned off rights to drill in the Alaskan refuges coastal plain, known as the 1002 area  which Republicans and oil companies had long fought to gain access to. The GOP tax law that Congress passed in late 2017 included a provision, introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), requiring the Interior Department to approve a minimum of two oil and gas lease sales  each covering at least 400,000 acres.

The first of those lease sales, however, garnered little interest. Two small oil companies and an Alaska state-owned economic development corporation bid on roughly half of the 1.09 million acres up for grabs. The sale brought in just $14.4 million, less than 1% of an administrations estimate that oil and gas development in the refuge would generate $1.8 billion in federal revenue over a decade.

The Biden administration initially suspended the Trump-era leases in June 2021, pending the outcome of an internal review. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland told reporters Wednesday that the analysis determined the lease sale was seriously flawed and based on a number of fundamental legal deficiencies.

Wednesdays action voids the remaining seven leases, all held by the state-owned Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and which covered some 365,000 acres. Oil companies previously walked away from two leases and requested refunds.

With todays action, no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on Earth, Haaland said. Climate change is the crisis of our lifetime, and we cannot ignore the disproportionate impact being felt in the Arctic.

Asked about the second Arctic refuge oil and gas auction required under the 2017 tax law, a senior administration official said simply that the Interior Department intends to follow the law.

My Administration is canceling all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the last administration in the Arctic Refuge and proposing to protect 13 million acres in the Western Arctic.



There's more to do, but were taking action to meet the moment for future generations.  President Biden (@POTUS) September 7, 2023

The refuge, often described as Americas Serengeti, covers more than 19 million acres. It is home to polar bears, caribou, moose and hundreds of species of migratory birds and is sacred to the Gwichin people, an Indigenous tribe of northern Alaska and Canada.

Along with the lease cancellation, Interior unveiled a proposed rule aimed at safeguarding 13 million acres in Alaskas National Petroleum Reserve, including a full ban on new oil and gas leasing on 10.6 million of those acres  more than 40% of the reserve. Established in 1923, the reserve is the largest tract of federal land in the country and home to vast oil and gas deposits as well as important habitat for polar bears, caribou and migratory birds.

In its relentless quest to boost fossil fuels, the Trump administration increased the acreage open to development within the reserve from 11.8 million to 18.6 million.

Indigenous leaders and environmental groups applauded the Biden administrations actions to protect Arctic ecosystems.

Cancellation of these leases is a step to rectify attempted violence against our people, the animals and sacred land, the Gwichin Steering Committee said in a statement. The leases were economically infeasible, threatened the Porcupine Caribou Herd and the Gwichin way of life, and if developed would have added to the already deteriorating climate in the Arctic and the world over.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority accused the administration of circumventing the law and vowed to fight the Interior Department in court.

Unfortunately, Alaskans can expect more negative campaign decisions shutting down opportunities for jobs and resource development in Alaska, it said in a statement. Development in Alaska that would benefit the nation with domestic supplies of resources and ensure trillions of dollars appropriated for the green economy do not go to foreign countries with little to no environmental standards.
Columbus police seized five firearms during an Aug. 31 operation focused on the city's South Side.

Columbus police announced this week that 16 people with arrest warrants for felonies were taken into custody during a daylong operation focused on the city's South Side.

The latest iteration of "Operation Unity" took place on Aug. 31 in portions of Hungarian Village, Vassor Village, Deshler Park, Southern Orchards, Old Oaks, Livingston Park, Olde Towne East and other areas in the city's South Side, police said.

During the operation, which includes a focus from social services organizations as well as police, "initiated targeted enforcement" was "designed to specifically address violent offenders, recover firearms and confiscate illegal narcotics," police said.

Police arrested 16 people on felony charges and served a total of 48 arrest warrants, according to a news release. Five firearms were recovered, as well as two stolen vehicles. Police also seized 87 grams of marijuana, 26 grams of crack cocaine, one gram of cocaine and 17 ecstasy pills.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers conducted 157 traffic stops in the targeted enforcement area and issued 148 traffic citations, including 73 for driving without a proper license and three for operating a vehicle while under the influence.

In addition, Columbus police conducted a citywide junk car removal operation that coincided with Operation Unity. Nearly 200 vehicles were impounded during the operational period, 47 of which were from the area where the Operation Unity activities were focused.

Columbus police said they chose the neighborhoods where the operation was focused based on community concerns and violent crime trends.

There have been 23 homicides on Columbus police's patrol Zone 5, where the operation was focused, including five since July 1. There have also been 221 non-fatal shootings reported in the zone as of Monday morning.

This was the second "Operation Unity" to be conducted by Columbus police in August.

bbruner@dispatch.com

@bethany_bruner

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police 'Operation Unity' nabs 16 people wanted for felonies
Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert and Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost are among the lawmakers whose offices reported spending money on Twitter paid features. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

24 House members have reported spending taxpayer money on their official Twitter accounts this year.

That includes 19 Republicans and 5 Democrats. Some pay $8 monthly, others paid $84 for one year.

That allows them to edit tweets, post longer messages, and use bold or italic font on the platform.

At least 24 members of the House of Representatives are using taxpayer money to pay for enhanced features on Twitter  and they're overwhelmingly Republicans.

A recently-published government report on House members' office spending  encompassing April through June of this year  shows that 19 Republicans and 5 Democrats reported spending official funds on "Twitter Paid Features," recently rebranded as "X Premium."

Some offices pay $8 per month (plus tax), while others have made a one-time payment of $84 for a whole year of the service.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While members of Congress are generally verified users on the platform  most official congressional Twitter accounts have the grey check mark symbol associated with government officials  they do not automatically have access to the enhanced features offered by X Premium.

Among those features are the ability to edit tweets, write longer posts, and use bold or italicized fonts.

It's not out of the ordinary for lawmakers to use official funds for something like this  offices routinely spend money on resources that allow them to communicate with constituents and get their message out. Additionally, the amount of money that offices are spending on Twitter is relatively minuscule compared to other expenses.

But Twitter used to be totally free, before Elon Musk launched "Twitter Blue" following his takeover of the platform last October. Given Musk's polarizing leadership of the platform over the course of the last year, the decision by some lawmakers to pay to use the platform is notable.

Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, for example, began reporting monthly payments of $8.48 to the platform in February, and has done so for each of the following five months.

Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, by contrast, paid $89.04 for a year-long subscription in March.

Some lawmakers may also use the service on their campaign accounts, but they are forbidden from using official funds for it.

"The Twitter paid feature charges on the disclosure are for the Congresswoman's official account," Joey Hungerford, a spokesman for Boebert, told Insider earlier this year. "We do not allocate any funds from the House of Representatives for her personal or campaign accounts."

Reports are only available through the end of June, and it's possible that more lawmakers have signed up since then. Additionally, some members of Congress who didn't report any expenditures on Twitter  such as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy  nonetheless appear to have access to certain premium features, including longer tweets.

At least one lawmaker  Democrat Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas  was only briefly subscribed to the service, with the most recent expenditure taking place in January of this year. His office confirmed to Insider that they no longer maintain a subscription for the service.

In addition to lawmakers' personal offices, several House committees have spent money on enhanced Twitter features, including the Committees on the Budget, Financial Services, Oversight and Accountability, and Rules.

Here are the 5 House Democrats who have spent taxpayer money on Twitter:

Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania

Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas

Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado

Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida

Rep. Johnathan Jackson of Illinois

And here are the 19 House Republicans who have spent taxpayer money on Twitter:

Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado

Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma

Rep. Michael Cloud of Texas

Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia

Rep. John Curtis of Utah

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida

Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina

Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania

Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska

Rep. Mike Garcia of California

Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio

Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois

Rep. Debbie Lesko of Arizona

Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania

Rep. John Rose of Tennessee

Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana

Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin

Read the original article on Business Insider
Saint Lukes East Hospital is in the midst of a major renovation and expansion project that will increase the medical centers square footage by almost 10%, while renovating around 8% of the current space at the Lees Summit campus.

The addition will add capacity to existing programs such as general surgery, oncology, orthopedics and OB-GYN, as well as allow us to bring new programs to the campus, such as vascular and thoracic services, said CEO of Saint Lukes South and East Region Bobby Olm-Shipman.

The expansion at the Lees Summit healthcare facility, totaling $52 million, will help the hospital meet the communitys growing demands and better serve its diverse populations, he said.

The Lees Summit and surrounding communities continue to grow at a rapid pace, as do the expectations for high-quality, accessible care, close to home, Olm-Shipman said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Saint Lukes East hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in April for the project, which is scheduled for completion in 2025. The expansion will add three new operating rooms, as well as ear, nose and throat services. The new space will also allow the Womens Health East Clinic to move from its current Lees Summit location off-campus to the Saint Lukes East Hospital campus.

In addition, the project will provide updated clinical and office space for Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists and scale up Saint Lukes East general surgery, pulmonary and plastic surgery options.

Although the expansion and renovations are slated for completion next year, Olm-Shipman said some areas will be finished by this fall and ready for patients.

The project will be completed and turned over by floor and area in phases starting in September 2024, he said. Within floors 1 and 2, the new additional spaces will be completed prior to the renovation spaces, so that the tenant can occupy the new spaces while the existing spaces are renovated.

A groundbreaking for St. Lukes East drew a crowd in April. Although the expansion and renovations are slated for completion next year, some areas will be finished by this fall and ready for patients. Courtesy photo

All of the work is focused on the northeast corner of the Saint Lukes East Hospital campus within the Outpatient Surgery Center building, Olm-Shipman said, with the existing two-story building expanding to the east. This building will also expand vertically with the addition of a third floor for Saint Lukes Physician Group Clinics. To better handle the increasing number of patients and visitors, a new parking lot is planned along the north edge of the Saint Lukes property.

Renovation of the existing spaces is in the same building on the first and second floors currently occupied by the Outpatient Surgery Center and Rockhill Orthopaedics, he said.

So, we will expand outwards and upwards, we will slide the Outpatient Surgery Center and Rockhill Orthopaedics on first and second floors, respectively, into the newly built spaces and then renovate their existing spaces, Olm-Shipman said.

Saint Lukes East opened in Lees Summit in 2006 and has expanded each year since then. The current facility, before this expansion, totals approximately 652,000 square feet. Total square footage will increase to more than 714,500 by the time the project is completed in 2025.

The Lees Summit hospital is part of the Saint Lukes Health System, which includes 14 hospitals and healthcare campuses within the Kansas City region.
Eyewitness misidentification, like in Macks case, is the primary cause of erroneous convictions and played a role in 64% of the 245 exonerations and releases achieved by the Innocence Project.

A Black man wrongfully convicted of rape nearly five decades ago has been exonerated in light of new DNA evidence.

According to the Innocence Project, authorities exonerated Leonard Mack on Sept. 5. He served seven and a half years in prison and has endured 41 years of injustice after being falsely convicted of rape and two counts of unlawful firearm possession in March 1976.

Mary-Kathryn Smith, one of the attorneys working with Mack, said her client, now 72, has finally received some justice.

Leonard Mack walks with his wife Mary after his exoneration based on DNA evidence in Judge Anne Minihans courtroom at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains, Sept. 5, 2023. (Mark Vergari/The Journal News)

Mr. Macks resilience and strength is why this day has finally come, Smith said. We want to thank the Westchester County District Attorney and its Conviction Review Unit for their cooperation and commitment to search for the truth.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Innocence Project collaborated with the Westchester County District Attorneys Conviction Review Unit to conduct a post-conviction inquiry, resulting in new DNA testing of crime scene evidence which showed Mack did not commit the crime.

No wrongful conviction has taken longer to be reversed based on fresh DNA evidence than Macks, according to the Innocence Projects analysis of cases.

In his case, nearly every frequent contributing factor to erroneous convictions was present. Along with the states forensic analysts false forensic testimony at trial, racial prejudice, tunnel vision, and eyewitness misidentification  the primary factor in wrongful convictions  all played significant roles.

On May 22, 1975, two 12th-graders were walking home from their high school in Greenburgh, New York, when a man approached them with a pistol. He proceeded to blindfold, gag, and bind the girls wrists and ankles while threatening to kill them if they screamed.

The suspect raped one of the girls twice before leaving the scene. The girl he didnt sexually assault managed to escape and go to a neighboring school, while the rape victim freed herself and ran home. Her sister dialed 911 and took her to the hospital for a rape kit.

Greenburgh police sent out a dispatch asking people to be on the lookout for a clean-shaven Black male suspect in his early 20s with a medium build. He was described as wearing Black pants, a tan jacket, a Black hat with a white brim, a gold earring in his left ear, and carrying a .22 or .32 caliber handgun.

About two and a half hours later, Officer James Fleming stopped Mack and informed him he fit the description of the rape suspect, despite his attire not matching the report the girls provided police.

Mack denied involvement and explained that he was with his girlfriend, who backed his claim. However, after searching Macks car, Officer Fleming arrested him after discovering a .22 handgun in the trunk.

The girls eventually pinpointed him through suggestive identification techniques.

The states case at trial depended primarily on the victims identification of Mack. Eyewitness misidentification is the primary cause of erroneous convictions and played a role in 64% of the 245 exonerations and releases achieved by the Innocence Project, according to the project.

The National Registry of Exonerations revealed that Black and Latinx exonerees experience purposefully suggestive witness identifications twice as often as white exonerees.

As a result of the Innocence Projects advocacy, New York adopted a law in 2017 requiring law enforcement organizations to develop standards and best practices for eyewitness identification processes.

According to the advocacy organization, fixating on a particular idea or suspect is a well-known effect of implicit racism which leads to the stark racial inequalities visible in erroneous convictions.

A 2022 study, Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States, revealed that 13.6% of Americans identify as Black. However, they account for 53% of the 3,200 exonerations registered in the National Registry of Exonerations.

Based on exonerations, Black Americans are seven times more likely than white Americans to be wrongfully convicted of severe crimes, the Project reported.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah said the independent Conviction Review Units dedication and Macks unyielding determination to clear his name for almost 50 years were significant factors in their ability to establish his innocence.

The pardon and the new DNA evidence support the idea that incorrect convictions negatively affect mistakenly imprisoned people and reduce everyones sense of security.

I lost seven-and-a-half years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit and I have lived with this injustice hanging over my head for almost 50 years, Mack said. It changed the course of my life  everything from where I lived to my relationship with my family. I never lost hope that one day, I would be proven innocent. Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Leonard Mack, wrongfully convicted of rape in 1976, exonerated by DNA evidence appeared first on TheGrio.
To the editor: You have to wonder how a parent would get notified of a student's gender identity under the new reporting rules in some school districts. A call asking for a parent to pick up a sick student whose name they don't recognize? A report card with an unfamiliar name? ("Do students have privacy rights when it comes to their parents? Its complicated," Aug. 29)

Responding to a student's gender self-identification must be done case by case. There is no clear blanket response that respects the rights of both parents and students. I can see cases where child protective services may need to be engaged immediately, while in other cases involved parents may be open and supportive of the student.

In my opinion, a school nurse or school psychologist who has direct contact with the student is in a better position to determine the best course of action. The solution politicians should be working toward is making sure each student at every school has access to a full-time nurse and psychologist.

Byron Gutierrez, Lake Balboa

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

..

To the editor: The raging dispute over whether to mandate that public schools notify parents of their child's transgender identity foretells an inevitable legal clash over another "super-complicated issue."

That issue is whether an impregnated minor has the right to seek an abortion without parental notification or consent.

The laws of 14 states allow a minor to undergo an abortion without parental knowledge. California's law, which requires parental consent for their child to undergo abortion, has been enjoined by an appellate court.

Enactment of a state law prohibiting schools from notifying parents of their child's transgender identity is long overdue. The same goes for revision of existing law to allow a minor to undergo abortion without parental notification or consent.

Some fundamental rights for minors should be deemed inalienable. It shouldn't be so complicated.

Betty Turner, Sherman Oaks

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) set off speculation about his health after freezing up while speaking to reporters on Aug. 30. (Liz Dufour / Associated Press)

To the editor: Let's flip LZ Granderson's argument about aging politicians in the opposite direction.

I know a couple of 13-year-olds who are wise, sensible and well-read. Should they be able to vote? Yes, these youngsters should. But the vast majority of their peers are far too young to cast a vote wisely.

For every fit and fine 80-year-old like Mick Jagger , there are likely 30 others in various states of decline, and many others who never made it to 80.

The presidency is way too important not to have an upper age limit for the start of a first term, and senators have way too long a term not to have one. The Supreme Court needs either an upper age limit or a limited term of office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I was 8 years old the last time a sitting president died in office; Granderson was not yet born. Think of the recent chaos that resulted each time a Supreme Court justice died or resigned, and multiply that by 100 for a president.

Diane Scholfield, Vista

..

To the editor: Granderson's article on age being just an uninformative number was spot on. I just turned 74 and celebrated by riding my motorcycle 1,500 miles from Palm Springs to our second home in British Columbia.

My wife encourages me to exercise and eat healthy, but I will admit to some age-related issues. I will probably need knee replacement surgery because I damaged it hiking the second-highest peak on the Norwegian island of Svalbard in the Arctic just after turning 70.

But I will continue to enjoy life by attempting things I never thought possible as a younger man. You know why? Because I tell myself I can.

Del Breckenfeld, Desert Hot Springs

..

To the editor: Granderson quotes Dr. Brian Monahan, attending physician at the U.S. Capitol, as saying about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): "Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."

As an experienced critical care physician, I saw the video of McConnell "frozen" and immediately thought he was having a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Given that this is not the first time this has happened, I would have expected more concern. After all, according to the American Stroke Assn., TIAs can be a forewarning of something more serious.

Monahan has had a distinguished career as a hematologist and medical oncologist. I wonder if he is going to defer to the opinion of a neurologist with regard to McConnell.

Dr. Christopher B. Cooper, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Warren-Newport Public Library, shown here in a 2019 file photo, has been the target of recent bomb threats. - Original Credit: News-Sun (Warren-Newport Library / HANDOUT)

There must be things in libraries that scare a lot of Americans. If there werent, people wouldnt be issuing bomb threats to our once-safe havens of learning.

Last month, a number of libraries across the region received bomb threats either by phone or email. Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee was the recipient of multiple threats, while Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire received one warning.

Advertisement

Other libraries in the area on the receiving end of the threats included those in Wilmette, Oak Park, Park Ridge and Morton Grove. The Chicago region is not alone.

Libraries across the nation  in California, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, Massachusetts, Utah, Tennessee and Colorado to name a few states  have been victims of what apparently is domestic terrorism. There is no other way to describe what has been happening to libraries as students headed back to class for the 2023-24 school year.

Advertisement

Bomb threats to schools have been known to come from pupils who want to avoid tests or get a free day off. Pranksters used to be clever and benign if they were phoning targets for cheap laughs: Do you have Prince Albert in the can? Let him out.

Todays youth wouldnt know that Prince Albert of Great Britain was also a pipe tobacco, and that he was Queen Victorias consort.

Or, one directed at libraries: Do you have the Prisoner of Zenda? You should free him. Who among us is familiar with the 1894 adventure novel penned by Englishman Anthony Hope? I dont think that book is one feared by those making the bomb threats.

But people fear bomb threats. So much so that valuable resources are used to evaluate threat levels and determine the buildings are clear and safe before resuming their operations.

Its a waste of police and fire personnel, who respond to what could be credible threats and disruptions, along with taxpayer dollars. Fortunately, all the threats have turned out to be bogus. So far.

In the case of Gurnees Warren-Newport library, which is celebrating its 50th year serving Warren and Newport township communities, the threats last month were delivered via email and cellphones, officials noted in a statement.

Regrettably, we are not the only library in the Chicago area to have received these types of threats and we expect they may persist, library officials posted on their website. If they do, we will continue to work in close coordination with the Gurnee Police Department to analyze and assess each threat and respond in a way that prioritizes the safety of our customers and staff, and when possible, minimizes disruption of the important services we proudly provide the residents of Gurnee.

One of the Warren-Newport library bomb threats was received at about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 21. After evacuating the building on OPlaine Road, just north of Washington Street, police searched it and found no bomb. Library officials decided to close for the remainder of the day.

Advertisement

But why pursue Warren-Newport or Vernon Area with threats and not, say, Fremont Public Library? Once located at Lake and Park streets in downtown Mundelein, where I peddled my J.C. Higgins cruiser during summer reading escapades, the building is now offices for Mundelein Grade School District 70. Or why not disrupt operations at the Waukegan Public Library?

Is there something more sinister in the making or just luck of the draw by what many suspect are ultra-right-wing yahoos who hide in the shadows? Whichever, it is a challenging time for libraries.

They have become quarry for those who disagree with what books are available on shelves, and what programs are held at their locations. Book bans have escalated to the level of librarian harassment.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who doubles as state librarian, is one of those who believes those behind the threats are, fringe elements that resort to threats of violence and seek to destroy the fundamental freedoms that our nation was founded upon.

Of the series of bomb threats directed at state libraries, he said in statement: I strongly condemn these threats of violence and intimidation that are unfortunately becoming all too common at libraries in Illinois and across our nation.

This current wave of bomb threats also is of concern to the American Library Association. Last year, and again earlier this year, the ALA condemned the threats and other acts of intimidation that are directed at Americas libraries.

Advertisement

Unnerving and stressful for patrons and staff is the threat of violence directed at the libraries. If community members dont agree with what books are displayed or what programs are offered, there is an easy solution: Vote library board members  who receive no pay  out of office and start fresh.

But that doesnt happen in most locations. Patrons usually are happy with the services their local learning centers offer.

There is another issue to ponder: Whats a more long-lasting impression on young people? Books on the shelves and a place to study, or being hustled out of a library or school because of a bomb threat?

Those threatening libraries dont seem to care. Certainly, theres books on why they should, but obviously they dont know how to read.

Charles Selle is a former News-Sun reporter, political editor and editor.

sellenews@gmail.com.

Advertisement

Twitter: @sellenews
ATLANTA (AP)  Prosecutors in the Georgia election subversion case involving former President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a trial would likely take four months.

The estimate from special prosecutor Nathan Wade came during a hearing Wednesday before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee on attempts by two of those indicted to be tried separately. The hearing was broadcast live on television and on the judges YouTube channel, a marked difference with the other three criminal cases against Trump, where cameras have not been allowed in the courtroom during proceedings.

Wade said his estimated trial length did not include jury selection, and he said the state would call more than 150 witnesses.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis last month used the states anti-racketeering law to obtain a wide-ranging 41-count indictment and said she wants to try all 19 defendants together. But the legal maneuvering that has already begun in the three weeks since the indictment was returned underscores the logistical complexity inherent in a such a sprawling indictment with so many defendants.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Already some of those charged are seeking to speed up the process, some are trying to separate themselves from the others accused in the alleged conspiracy and some are trying to move the charges against them from a state court to federal court. All of them have pleaded not guilty.

It was not immediately clear when the judge would rule on the severance request.

Lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell have filed demands for a speedy trial, meaning their trials would need to get underway by very early November. Each of them has also filed a request to be tried alone. Several other defendants have also asked to be tried separately or in small groups, and Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has asked to be tried apart from anyone who files a speedy trial demand.

After Chesebro filed a speedy trial demand just over a week after the indictment was announced, Willis asked that an Oct. 23 trial date be set for all 19 defendants. The judge set a trial to begin that day for Chesebro alone.

Meanwhile, Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows was in federal court last week arguing that he was acting in his capacity as a federal official and his case should be heard by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones has yet to rule on that request. Four other defendants who are also seeking to move their cases to federal court have hearings set before Jones later this month.

Whenever and wherever any trial in the case ultimately takes place, jury selection is likely to be a significant challenge. Jury selection in a racketeering and gang case brought last year by Willis began in January and is still ongoing. In another big racketeering case Willis tried nearly a decade ago against former Atlanta public schools educators, it took six weeks to seat a jury.

Willis team on Tuesday asked McAfee to allow the use of a jury questionnaire that prospective jurors would have filled out before they show up for jury selection, writing in a court filing that it will facilitate and streamline the jury selection process in many respects. Prospective jurors may be more comfortable answering personal questions on paper than in open court and lawyers for both sides could agree that certain jurors arent qualified without additional questioning, prosecutors said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Tensions are mounting at a popular tourist destination in Thailand thanks to a massive increase in the number of Russians moving there to escape being drafted into fighting the war in Ukraine, according to a report.

Locals in the southern province of Phuket are now complaining that the Russian arrivals have created a Russian-only economy on the island, allegedly taking jobs away from locals and fueling an increase in property prices that makes life harder for renters.

Putins War Machine Accused of Human Trafficking to Find More Troops for Ukraine

Over 400,000 Russians arrived in Phuket between January and July this year, according to Al Jazeera, which is twice the number of visitors recorded before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Many have bought properties on the island, set up businesses, and acquired long stay visas in order to avoid being conscripted at home.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Thai Real Estate Association said Russians were the leading international buyers of property in Phuket last year, and that sales to Russians jumped 68 percent in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022, the Guardian reports.

But their presence in Thailand hasnt been welcomed by everyone, with some residents complaining that Russian-only businesses have started emerging, allegedly staffed by people working illegally and run through Russian language apps. Some reports have also said Russian sex workers serving mostly Russian customers have started operating in the provinces main nightlife areas.

Prayut Thongmusik, the president of the Phuket van drivers club which represents 200 tourist minibus operators, told Al Jazeera that some Russians came to run the whole tourism business. They drive personal vehicles that have not been registered with the Thai transport department as service vehicles, picking up tourists who book them through a Russian app, offering nearly 20 percent cheaper fees than us, Thongmusik was quoted as saying. They make sure all the roubles stay with the Russians.

As well as economic grievances, residents have also been concerned and angered by criminality connected with the huge influx of Russians. Local laws dictate that certain occupations can only be carried out by Thai nationals, but these restrictions arent always observed.

We arrested three Russian nationals who opened a hair salon after we got a complaint lodged by a Thai citizen, Lieutenant Colonel Thongchai Matitam said. We charged them with breaking the law by doing the jobs reserved for Thais only.

More overt criminality has been reported too, including the shooting of a Russian businessman in June and the arrest of a Russian man allegedly linked to a phone scam gang running out of Cambodia. Local media reported that Russians accounted for most of the criminal charges applied to foreigners in Phuket in the first three months of 2023.

Sergey Malinin, a Russian expat and tour operator who has lived in Thailand for 25 years, said locals animus may be misdirected, and that many criminals may just be being confused with Russians. To Thai people, all of them are Russians even though they may be Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Georgians, he told Al Jazeera. Malinin added that some Russians only become criminals in Thailand owing to the restrictive laws for foreign workers, in which the only way to stay is to break the law.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
In late summer, in the deserts of southern New Mexico, a truck fired a rocket that then traveled 93 miles. Made and tested by defense giant Lockheed Martin, the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System is a weapon with more than twice the range of the existing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System used by the US and other countries. Should the rocket continue to perform well in tests, it could lead to a massive expansion of range and firepower for rocket artillery, especially the HIMARS system used by Ukraine. (The HIMARS in use by Ukraine have a range of 43 miles.)

Lockheed Martin announced the successful test on September 1. Its test took place at White Sands Missile Range, which is most famous for hosting the worlds first detonation of an atomic bomb, and also regularly hosts regular tests of weapons in its vast and open space. At 3,200 square miles, White Sands Missile Range is vast enough to be larger than Rhode Island. Its a good place to see if weapons fly as expected in the open and unencumbered skies of a test range.

Test variables

To add realism to the test, the rocket pod underwent Stockpile to Target Sequence (STS) testing. This effort simulates cumulative effects ER GMLRS will meet in the field between factory and launch for the life of the system and demonstrates durability of the missile and launch pod container, Lockheed Martin stated in a release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This kind of testing, which dates back at least to the 1960s, is designed to reflect real-world conditions. That can mean changes in temperature, jostling in transit along roads, rail, or air, humidity (or the lack thereof), and other such conditions encountered in the course of operations. A rocket that can perform in laboratory settings is a good start, but a rocket that will be mass produced and used in battle needs to work in the conditions it will actually encounter.

Lockheed Martin boasts it has already produced 60,000 rounds of the existing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, with ongoing contracts to continue production. A second test of the new Extended Range GLMRS is expected in September, after which the Army may make the call to start including these longer-range rockets into its regular production of GMLRS.

In traditional artillery, explosive charges are loaded before the artillery round, allowing the crew to calibrate range on the fly. The blast from the charges propels the round. In rocket artillery, the explosive round comes with a rocket engine and guidance fins included, as one big unit. This allows for quick launch and long-range accuracy. The Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System that Lockheed Martin just tested is an example of rocket artillerya self-propelled rocket that launches from a tube.

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System in action in a test in 2019 in New Mexico.

A range of options

The HIMARS, or High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, is the expected launch platform for these extended range rockets, with testing of the integrated systems taking place at White Sands. With its existing regular guided rockets, HIMARS can hit targets up to 43 miles away. Thats well beyond the range of non-rocket artillery, which can be around 18 miles for towed howitzers. HIMARS proved especially crucial to the surprising success of Ukraines fall offensives in 2022.

The arrival of HIMARS, and their judicious use against Russian leadership and ammunition depots, changed the contours of the war, and affected where the front lines settled. Now, as Ukraines spring offensive grinds through a long summer and dense Russian defenses over occupied Ukrainian territory, HIMARS still plays a role, but a less drastic one.

There is another missile that Ukraine has sought to aid in its attempt to strike Russian forces far beyond their defensive lines. Thats the Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS, which has a maximum range of up to 186 miles. On August 7, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba again requested that the United States include ATACMS in its aid to the country. Larger than rockets, the ATACMS is a ballistic missile, and could be used to reach Russian targets not just in occupied Ukraine but deeper into Russia.

Russian forces have long since bombed the interior of Ukraine, and Ukraine has already launched attacks into Russia, like using local operatives and drones to destroy a parked bomber used for such bombings.

Whether or not the United States ultimately sends ATACMS to Ukraine, the existence of a longer-range rocket for the HIMARSthe ER GMLRS that just traveled 93 miles in the testcould still prove useful as a middle-range option between the two.

If the war continues into 2024 or longer, which it shows all signs of doing, an artillery weapon that can outmatch and outrange other artillery could give new options to Ukraine, if the US were to provide it. In US use, too, having the extended range on HIMARS rockets would allow this type of ground-based artillery to play a more meaningful role in fights on islands, as might happen in any Pacific war.
A much-anticipated hot chicken chain will soon open its first Triangle location.

Two years ago the fast casual chicken sandwich brand Daves Hot Chicken announced that 10 new locations would open in the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. The first opened in Wilmington last year and a new one will open in Wake County this fall.

Daves Hot Chicken will debut in the Triangle as early as November, moving into the former Mason Jar Tavern location in Holly Springs.

The franchise owners for Daves in the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina are Russell and Loreen Hansen, with Amanda Muentnich as managing partner. The group also owns the Triangle Blaze Pizza franchise.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With Daves Hot Chicken, the brand enters the Triangle at the height of the countrys chicken sandwich craze. But Muentnich believes it will be easy for Daves to stand out.

Daves is pretty trendy, its popular with a younger crowd. When you walk in the door youll see lots of fun graffiti and hear really good music, she said. And hot chicken is hot right now. Thats what people are looking for and Daves has no fluff on its menu. The chicken is super juicy and goes from no spice, where you can really taste the chicken, up to reaper.

Hot chicken, popularized in Nashville, is a spin-off of traditional fried chicken in which chicken is tossed in a spiced oil or dry rub that can be absolutely nuclear on the taste buds.

Daves began in Los Angeles in 2017 and has expanded nationwide in recent years. The chicken ranges seven spice levels, escalating in heat, and the menu includes sides like crinkle cut fries, mac and cheese and cole slaw.

Muentnich said Raleigh and Wake Forest are being considered for future locations. The Holly Springs Daves will be located at 114 Grand Hill Pl. in the Target shopping center, with a possible opening in November.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken before a meeting at Bankova in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. has announced it's sending depleted uranium anti-tank rounds to Ukraine, following Britain's lead in sending the controversial munitions to help Kyiv push through Russian lines in its grueling counteroffensive.

The 120 mm rounds will be used to arm the 31 M1A1 Abrams tanks the U.S. plans to deliver to Ukraine in the fall.

Such armor-piercing rounds were developed by the U.S. during the Cold War to destroy Soviet tanks, including the same T-72 tanks that Ukraine now faces in its counteroffensive.

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the uranium enrichment process needed to create nuclear weapons. The rounds retain some radioactive properties, but they cant generate a nuclear reaction like a nuclear weapon would, RAND nuclear expert and policy researcher Edward Geist said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When Britain announced in March it was sending Ukraine the depleted uranium rounds, Russia falsely claimed they have nuclear components and warned that their use would open the door to further escalation. In the past, Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the war could escalate to nuclear weapons use.

A look at depleted uranium ammunition:

WHAT IS DEPLETED URANIUM?

Depleted uranium is a byproduct of the process to create the rarer, enriched uranium used in nuclear fuel and weapons. Although far less powerful than enriched uranium and incapable of generating a nuclear reaction, depleted uranium is extremely dense  more dense than lead  a quality that makes it highly attractive as a projectile.

Its so dense and its got so much momentum that it just keeps going through the armor  and it heats it up so much that it catches on fire, Geist said.

When fired, a depleted uranium munition becomes essentially an exotic metal dart fired at an extraordinarily high speed, RAND senior defense analyst Scott Boston said.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Army began making armor-piercing rounds with depleted uranium and has since added it to composite tank armor to strengthen it. It also has added depleted uranium to the munitions fired by the Air Forces A-10 close air support attack plane, known as the tank killer. The U.S. military is still developing depleted uranium munitions, notably the M829A4 armor-piercing round for the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank, Boston said.

WHAT HAS RUSSIA SAID?

In March, Putin warned that Moscow would "respond accordingly, given that the collective West is starting to use weapons with a nuclear component." And Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the munitions were a step toward accelerating escalation.

Putin followed up several days later by saying Russia would respond to Britain's move by stationing tactical nuclear weapons in neighboring Belarus. Putin and the Belarusian president said in July that Russia had already shipped some of the weapons.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the U.S. decision to supply depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine was very bad news. He claimed that their use by the U.S. in the former Yugoslavia has led to a galloping rise in cancers and other illnesses and affected the next generations living in those areas.

The same situation will inevitably await the Ukrainian territories where they will be used, Peskov said in a conference call with reporters. The responsibility for that will lie entirely on the U.S. leadership.

The U.S. military has studied the impact of depleted uranium on U.S. troops in the Gulf War and to date has said it has not found higher risk of cancers or other illnesses in those servicemembers who were exposed. It has said it will continue to monitor those who were exposed.

The U.S. announcement about sending depleted uranium anti-tank rounds to Ukraine came late Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Pentagon has defended the use of the munitions. The U.S. military has procured, stored, and used depleted uranium rounds for several decades, since these are a longstanding element of some conventional munitions, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Lt. Col. Garron Garn said in a statement in March in response to a query from The Associated Press.

The rounds have saved the lives of many service members in combat, Garn said, adding that other countries have long possessed depleted uranium rounds as well, including Russia.

Garn would not discuss whether the M1A1 tanks being readied for Ukraine would contain depleted uranium armor modifications, citing operational security.

NOT A BOMB BUT STILL A RISK

While depleted uranium munitions are not considered nuclear weapons, their emission of low levels of radiation has led the U.N. nuclear watchdog to urge caution when handling and warn of the possible dangers of exposure.

The handling of such ammunition should be kept to a minimum and protective apparel (gloves) should be worn, the International Atomic Energy Agency cautions, adding that a public information campaign may, therefore, be required to ensure that people avoid handling the projectiles.

"This should form part of any risk assessment and such precautions should depend on the scope and number of ammunitions used in an area.

The IAEA notes that depleted uranium is mainly a toxic chemical, as opposed to a radiation hazard. Particles in aerosols can be inhaled or ingested, and while most would be excreted again, some can enter the blood stream and cause kidney damage.

High concentrations in the kidney can cause damage and, in extreme cases, renal failure, the IAEA says.

The low-level radioactivity of a depleted uranium round is a bug, not a feature of the munition, Geist said, and if the U.S. military could find another material with the same density but without the radioactivity it would likely use that instead.

Depleted uranium munitions, as well as depleted uranium-enhanced armor, were used by U.S. tanks in the 1991 Gulf War against Iraqs T-72 tanks and again in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, as well as in Serbia and in Kosovo.

U.S. troops have questioned whether some of the ailments they now face were caused by inhaling or being exposed to fragments after a munition was fired or their tanks were struck, damaging uranium-enhanced armor.

In a social media post on Telegram, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova slammed the U.S. decision to give Ukraine the munitions, writing, What is this: a lie or stupidity? She said an increase in cancer has been noted in places where ammunition with depleted uranium was used.

___

Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor and Aamer Madhani in Washington, Frank Jordans in Berlin and Menelaos Hadjicostis in Nicosia, Cyprus, contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of Russia's war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
Lori Vallow Daybell sits during her sentencing hearing at the Fremont County Courthouse in St. Anthony, Idaho, on Monday, July 31, 2023. Daybell is appealing her murder conviction over mental competency issues. | Tony Blakeslee, EastIdahoNews.com via Associated Press

An attorney for Lori Vallow Daybell is appealing her conviction to the Idaho Supreme Court, questioning whether the mother now serving a life sentence for murdering her children was mentally fit to stand trial, according to court documents.

Jim Archibald, her defense attorney during the trial, listed 16 issues he intends to raise during the appeal in a motion filed last week, the first questioning if Vallow Daybell after spending 10 months in a mental hospital, was competent to stand trial?

Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison last month for the murder of her two youngest children, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and 7-year-old JJ Vallow.

She was also given a life sentence for conspiracy to commit murder in connection to the death of Tammy Daybell, the spouse of Chad Daybell, whom she later married.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related

Judge Steven Boyce determined that the life sentences for the murders would all run consecutively, saying that three separate murders had happened at three separate times, and that Vallow Daybell should be held responsible for each of them.

In addition, Vallow Daybell received two life sentences for conspiring to murder her children and 10 years for grand theft, with those prison terms running concurrently to the life sentences for the three murder convictions.

Archibald, in the motion, claims there were a number of issues during the trial, some revolving around Vallow Daybells mental competency. He questions an April 2022 decision by the court determining Vallow Daybell was fit to stand trial, and the court denying the defenses request in November 2022 to send her back to a mental hospital.

Was the defendants constitutional and statutory right to a speedy trial violated by the governments repeated requests for a continuance? Archibald writes.

Some of the trial record is sealed, according to Archibald, including all of Vallow Daybells mental health reports and a presentence report given to Boyce in August that included a mental evaluation.

Boyce said during the sentencing that Vallow Daybell did not comply with the presentence report, and told Vallow Daybell it would have provided more information for him to consider about her mental state.

Boyce did refer to a diagnosis completed in February that suggests Vallow Daybell suffers from delusional disorder mixed-type with bizarre content and hyper-religiosity, continuous and unspecified personality disorder with ... narcissistic features.

Related

In the appeal, Archibald requests the entire court transcript, and additional records related to Vallow Daybells mental health, including the hearings on defendants competency to stand trial and the hearings to determine if defendant should be sent back to the mental hospital.

He asks whether a new sentencing hearing should be held due to the sentencing court not reviewing all mitigation evidence submitted by the defense and questions if the state made a fundamental reversible error in its opening statement to the jury.

In September 2019, Vallow Daybells two children disappeared. It was later discovered that they had been murdered and buried in a shallow grave behind the Rexburg home of Chad Daybell, the man she was believed to be having an affair with and the apparent source of her fringe religious beliefs.

Then in October 2019, Daybells wife, Tammy, was killed by what investigators said was asphyxiation in her sleep, though at the time her death was ruled natural. Just two weeks later, while her children were still unaccounted for, Lori Vallow married Chad Daybell on a beach in Hawaii.

That December, Tammy Daybells body was exhumed, and Tylee and JJ were declared missing. A court ordered Vallow Daybell to produce her children by Jan. 30, 2020. When she failed to comply, she was arrested in Hawaii about four weeks later.

On June 9, 2020, police executed a search warrant and found the bodies of Tylee and JJ buried in Daybells backyard. Chad Daybell was arrested that day.

Related

Vallow Daybells trial lasted weeks and throughout much of it, she remained silent and often showed little emotion. But before the sentence was handed down in August, she spoke.

I know for a fact that my children are happy and busy in the spirit world. Because of my communications with my friend Tammy Daybell, I know that she is also very happy and busy. I have always mourned the loss of my loved ones and I have lost many in this mortal world, a tearful Daybell said.

Vallow Daybell went on to describe visits shes had from the spirits of her murdered children and Tammy Daybell, all of whom she said visited her on several occasions. At no time did she apologize or express remorse for what happened.

The first time JJ visited me after he passed away he put his arm around me and said to me you didnt do anything wrong, Mom. I love you and I know you loved me every minute of my life. JJ was an adult spirit and he was very tall when he put his arm around me. ... Hes busy, engaged, he has jobs hes doing there, hes happy where he lives, she said.

But ultimately, Vallow Daybells closing reinforced Boyces belief that she was unapologetic, and deserved a life sentence.

You justified all of this by going down a bizarre, religious rabbit hole and clearly you are still down there, he said.
Verizon users across Georgia and Alabama reported data outages and phones not working suddenly Tuesday afternoon.

The reports started coming in at about 4 p.m., with many taking to the internet to voice frustrations. One website that features a forum to report loss of service saw nearly 20,000 reports from cities across Georgia ranging from Athens to Marietta.

Some in Macon and Columbus lost phone service, though a few phones were back up and running at about 4:30 p.m. One user on the website reported their phone service in Warner Robins returning about the same time.

Verizons official support account on X did not make a standalone post about the outage, but did respond to some accounts from Georgia complaining about service outages. Verizon asked users to DM them about the outages.

Users can also report outages on Verizons website. It was unclear what caused the outage in service or how far the impacts might have reached.
Ivan Ostapovych, Lviv Organ Hall's co-director and conductor, rehearses with musicians of the Luhansk Philharmonic

Ivan Ostapovych, Lviv Organ Hall's co-director and conductor, rehearses with musicians of the Luhansk Philharmonic

By Andrea Januta

LVIV, Ukraine - At a concert hall in western Ukraine, a classical music programme resurrecting lost and neglected works of Ukraine's repertoire is packing the house nightly, often featuring a resident orchestra that fled the war zone.

Air raids occasionally interrupt the concerts, and musicians have played by candlelight during power cuts, but the Organ Hall in the city of Lviv - in a stately 17th century former Catholic Church - has become one of the hottest tickets in town.

Performing during the war means tighter budgets, longer hours and quadruple the effort, said the hall's co-director Taras Demko. But people need it more than ever.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The terrorist attacks from Russia are constant," Demko told Reuters. "We need to support people who need, at least a few minutes a day, some kind of peace of mind."

The hall's resident orchestra is the Luhansk Philharmonic, which moved twice to escape war: first to the small eastern city of Sievierodonetsk in 2015 after its home city was captured by Russian-backed separatists, and then to Lviv last year when Sievierodonetsk was lain to waste by Russian invaders.

Orchestra director Igor Shapovalov says he often recognises people in the audience he once saw at concerts back east.

"Music has always helped people, ever since ancient times," Shapovalov said. "For some, it offers confidence. For some, psychological healing."

A varied programme means the hall averages more than one concert a day. More than 30,000 tickets were sold or donated in the first seven months of this year, more than in all of 2022.

The hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have settled in western Ukraine after fleeing fighting in the east and south can request free tickets. About a third of the audience is made up of people displaced by the war.

Though Lviv is hundreds of miles from the front lines, it is still a huge challenge keeping the concert hall running in a country under siege. When concerts are interrupted by air raid sirens, patrons are ushered into a windowless corridor.

Last winter, staff learned to rig the electric-powered organ to a generator during outages caused by attacks. Candle-lit concerts have proven so popular that they continued even after power was restored.

In early July when 10 people were killed in a Russian missile strike on a residential building in Lviv, the Organ Hall cancelled that night's choral concert.

The hall spotlights Ukrainian music, including new compositions and little-known works. Many performances are recorded live and posted on YouTube to help the world learn of the work of Ukrainian composers.

"Everybody plays Mozart, but who plays Kosenko?" Demko said, referring to Viktor Kosenko, a 20th century Ukrainian composer known for his lyricism.

Ivan Ostapovych, the hall's other co-director, was scouring archives for lost Ukrainian music when he stumbled across "Zorya", a satirical one-act opera by composer Ihor Sonevytsky that pokes fun at the treatment of artists under Soviet rule.

The only known performance of the opera was by students some time after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union. It was given its professional world premier at the Organ Hall earlier this year.

In one aria, a soprano sings at a Communist Party meeting about a bird stretching its wings. The party secretary responds that the party is a more beautiful topic.

Performing such a piece in the 1960s when it was written could have been punished with imprisonment, Ostapovych said.

"Now we are re-establishing this music in our history."

(Reporting by Andrea Januta in Lviv)
Author and academic Marc Lamont Hill s reproach against Elon Musk for threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League for generating awareness about rising hate speech on the billionaires X social platform rebounded back at him, with many social users denouncing his comments.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is an anti-hate, anti-Semitic nonprofit that works to stop the defamation of Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all, according to its website. The organization describes itself as a group that fights all forms of anti-Semitism and bias.

Marc Lamont Hill, 39, blasted critics for painting his comments as anti-Semitic. (Photo by Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images)

In a post on the social outlet formerly known as Twitter, Musk claimed that the platforms ad revenue has dropped largely because of ADL ads. He also alleged that the ADL is working to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: Injustice Coming from Those In Authority: Georgia Prosecutors Hinged Cop City RICO Indictment on George Floyds Death Date, Raising Questions About Its Criminalization of Free Speech

These claims were prefaced with one post where Musk stated hes pro free speech, but against anti-Semitism of any kind.

In response, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt went on MSNBC, where he challenged Musks claims and stated that he was scapegoating a small Jewish organization to provide a rationale for dwindling advertising revenue.

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt fires back at Elon Musk:



"He controls the most powerful media platforms on the planet. Were just a small nonprofit. So blaming the Jews, if you will, thats classic scapegoating."

(Video: MSNBC) pic.twitter.com/RApB8aNPsv  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 6, 2023

Hill had a similar response, characterizing Musks attack as dangerous, dishonest, and deeply antisemitic while also criticizing the lack of hate speech control and limitation frequently posted on X.

Elon Musks attack on the ADL is dangerous, dishonest, and deeply antisemitic. He has turned this platform into an unprofitable, white supremacist cesspool. Instead of taking accountability, he has chosen to not-so-subtly scapegoat Jews, which invites violence from his Nazi base.  Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) September 5, 2023

However, Hills reprimand wasnt met with much support. Many condemned his defense of the organization. One person said of the ADL that its one of the most Anti-Black, racist, media manipulating, narrative spinning organizations on the planet.

Several others questioned why he would back the ADL when the group condemned Hill after a speech he made on Israel-Palestinian relations and labeled him an anti-Semite, which led to the end of his contract with CNN in 2018.

The ADL played a major role in having you fired by publicly branding you an anti-Semite.



Watching you now go to bat for them and doing exactly the same thing to the ADL's critics  volunteering to stand up and call the ADL's critics anti-Semitic  is just wild. pic.twitter.com/rj16SKYWF0  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) September 5, 2023

Hill made it clear that he doesnt see his defense of the ADL as going to bat for them.

I see it as speaking out against Musk, who consistent foments white nationalist hate that threatens all of us. We have to have moral consistency. But also, it is politically and strategically wise to fight Nazis, Hill wrote.

Even Musk commented under Hills post, stating, Bizarre  to which Hill had a detailed response for.

The ADL is problematic for myriad reasons. They have a long history of smear campaigns, racism, and weaponizing the label of antisemitism. But that doesnt change the fact that YOUR behavior on this matter is the problem. Pointing it out isnt bizarre. Its moral consistency.  Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) September 6, 2023

Hill also worked to clarify his initial remarks by maintaining that hes not defending the ADL and they dont deserve our support, but while we critique the ADL, we must also critique Musk for weaponizing Nazism.

This isnt personal to me, nor is it really about the ADL. Fighting white supremacy and standing in solidarity against antisemitism is necessary work. Im not defending the ADL. Im fighting our open enemies. https://t.co/Gp1F2XKmu1  Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) September 5, 2023

So lets keep challenging him for working with Nazis, who are our open enemies, while also continuing to challenge the ADL for its attacks on Muslims and Arabs and Palestinians, etc., Hill wrote.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
This video grab shows coup supporters cheering police officers in Libreville, Gabon, Wednesday Aug. 30, 2023. Mutinous soldiers speaking on state television announced that they had seized power in and were overturning the results of a presidential election that had seen Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba extend his family's 55-year hold on power. ( AP Photo/Betiness Mackosso) (Betiness Mackosso/AP)

The leader of Gabon in Africa, Ali Bongo, has been overthrown in a sudden military coup on Aug. 30, right after he was declared the winner in a contested presidential election. This appears to have been a result of strife within the powerful group which has ruled the nation for a half-century, not a fundamental change in the nature of the regime.

This follows the overthrow on July 26 of the government in Niger. In August 2020, Mali experienced a military takeover of the government, and then another purge in 2021. Coups have also taken place in recent years in Burkina Faso, Chad and Guinea.

Advertisement

France is overall most tied to these nations culturally and economically, but the entire international community has stakes in this worrisome trend.

Russias Wagner Group, a private military mercenary corporation, has been notably active in trying to establish lucrative contracts in Africa. The terrorist Islamic State is also actively seeking influence.

Advertisement

The United States is proactively involved in collaborative efforts to encourage elected governments and control terrorism. Selectively, direct U.S. action has been taken. In January, U.S. and Somali troops carried out successful operations against terrorist groups, including those associated with al-Qaida, which carried out the 9/11 attacks.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasizes the crucial importance of intelligence professionals in making the successful operations possible.

For decades, Somalia has been generally regarded as a failed state, with the government unable to provide even elementary services or security. In 1993, a United States military mission to Somalia ended in frustration after the killing of 18 U.S. Army Rangers. The book and film Blackhawk Down describe this. Pirates operating off the coast of Somalia are a continuing, vexing challenge.

Regarding U.S. Army challenges, initiatives and operations in Africa confirm the importance of special operations. Officers who specialize in unconventional warfare now reach top command positions, in some contrast to the institutional emphasis on conventional forces during the Vietnam War era and before.

Historically, Americans have been absent-minded about Africa. Past presidents generally focused on other parts of the world, with notable exceptions. Sen. John F. Kennedy was chairman of the African Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, extremely attentive to that task, and carried concern about Africa into the Oval Office.

President Jimmy Carter in office and since has steadfastly worked with Africa. The Carter Center has devoted sustained emphasis to public health and related problems of that continent. One dramatic result is the virtual eradication of Guinea worm, a devastating agonizing disease. Carter effectively leveraged his centers efforts into World Bank efforts targeting the disease.

Former President Bill Clinton achieved rock-star status in Africa, a popular stop in his travels on behalf of the Clinton Foundation. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama devoted at least periodic attention to the continent while in office, reflecting the changing times.

Lake County News-Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

President Kennedy deserves credit for establishing the Peace Corps, a concept promoted by former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Sen. Hubert Humphrey, D-Minnesota. The Peace Corps is remarkably durable, today involving selfless volunteers ranging widely in age.

Advertisement

Related, enormous growth in private philanthropy means there are unprecedented opportunities to raise living standards across Africa.

Terrorists generate continuing death, destruction and headlines, but have yet to demonstrate appeal to the average person in Africa - or elsewhere on the globe.

The world today rejects extremism.

Learn: Mrs. Roosevelt talks with JFK: https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKWHA/1961/JFKWHA-014/JFKWHA-014

Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War  American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan).

Contact acyr@carthage.edu
A Macon man pleaded guilty Tuesday to shooting and killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child in 2021, officials said Wednesday.

A judge sentenced Jeremiah Waller Jr., 41, to life in prison Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to murder in Bibb County Superior Court, according to a statement from the District Attorneys Office.

Waller shot and killed Patricia Ellen Gamboa, 30, and her unborn child in June of 2021 after she and two friends found one of the friends vehicle that had been missing on Appling Road, according to Telegraph archives.

While the group waited in a van for police to help get the missing car back, Waller came out from a house across the street and started shooting at the van, the statement said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One of the shots hit Gamboa, and her friends tried to drive the van to a local hospital. She died on the way and the van stopped on Gray Highway near Interstate 16, where witnesses reported the death, Telegraph archives show.

Gamboa was from Miami, though it was unclear at the time why she was in Macon. In addition to having another child on the way, Gamboa also had a 2-year-old child.

Waller apparently admitted to shooting at the van and disposing of the gun in a later interview with police, the statement said. Witnesses at the scene also identified Waller as the shooter.

Waller pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple counts of aggravated assault and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in addition to murder and feticide charges before his trial was set to begin, the statement said.
World leaders address the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters in New York City

ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said on Wednesday he will seek re-election in November, speaking in front of thousands of supporters, despite opposition claims that he should be barred from running on constitutional grounds.

Madagascar is hoping for its third peaceful election since the upheaval of 2009, when Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomanana in a coup, prompting an exodus of foreign investors from the Indian Ocean island.

Bending to international diplomatic pressure, Rajoelina gave up power in 2013, but was re-elected to the presidency in 2019 after winning 66% of the vote in a run-off against Ravalomanana.

"This is where we will make history again. Here we will mark a new beginning. We are moving forward and we will not go back," Rajoelina said in a speech to around 7,000 supporters at the Palace of Culture and Sport in the capital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Your president is ready to run and is ready to win," he said, of his campaign for the Nov. 8 election.

Opposition parties claim Rajoelina should be prevented from running because he has acquired dual French nationality -- which they say automatically revokes his Malagasy nationality.

Citing a French government decree signed in 2014 by then-Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Le Monde reported in June that Rajoelina, his wife and their three children had become naturalised French citizens.

Rajoelina says the constitution does not require the head of state to exclusively hold Malagasy nationality, and that any loss of nationality is subject to signed authorization by the government.

Despite reserves of nickel, cobalt, gold, uranium and other minerals, Madagascar is one of the world's poorest countries and also faces some of the most acute impacts of climate change.

Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who ran the country from 2014 to 2018, and Ravalomanana are among more than 20 candidates to have submitted paperwork to contest the November election.

Madagascar's presidential mandate is five years, renewable once.

(Reporting by Lova Rabary; Editing by Hereward Holland and Leslie Adler)
A man was killed following an off-road vehicle collision on a private farm road in Yuba County on Tuesday, authorities said.

The 22-year-old Browns Valley man was driving a Polaris General off-road utility vehicle around 4:45 p.m. east on a private farm road near Feather River Boulevard, east of County Road 512, according to Officer Brian Danielson, a spokesman with California Highway Patrols Yuba-Sutter office.

The utility vehicle then left the dirt road for an unknown reason and careered into an irrigation canal, Danielson said.

Drugs or alcohol are not considered a factor in the crash, authorities said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nearby farmworkers came upon the crash, pulled the man out of the canal and began CPR, authorities said.

First responders arrived on scene and continued life-saving efforts, and the man was transported to Adventist Health and Rideout hospital, Danielson said, where he was pronounced dead.

The Yuba County Coroners Office will release the name of the victim pending notification of the family.
A Santa Maria man was convicted Tuesday of molesting a child at the Bath & Body Works store in downtown San Luis Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office said in a news release.

Jonathan Oscar Davis, 48, pleaded guilty to felony child molestation and misdemeanor lewd act on a child 10 years of age, the release said.

The crime against the 10-year-old child occurred mid-morning at Bath & Body Works on Aug. 19.

According to the San Luis Obispo Police Department, Davis followed the girl into the business around 11 a.m.

The girl informed officers that Davis grabbed her buttocks and attempted to pick her up, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The victim and a nearby sibling then yelled for their mother and Davis walked away but remained inside the store, the release said. The mother confronted Davis about touching her child, instructed him to stay inside the store and called 911.

This is Davis fourth child molestation conviction.

According to previous reporting from The Tribune, Davis grabbed a 10-year-old girls hair in the 1000 block of Court Street on June 25, 2018, before leaving the scene after being confronted by a witness.

San Luis Obispo police received a second report later that day after an 8-year-old girl was touched by Davis in the downtown area, officials said.

Davis was convicted of child molestation in 2019, the District Attorneys Office said. He has been a registered sex offender since 2006, when he was convicted of child molestation twice.

He also was convicted for residential burglary in San Francisco County in 2001, earning him a strike under Californias Three Strikes Law.

Davis faces eight years in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 5.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department investigated the crime. San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Dittrich, part of the District Attorneys Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit, prosecuted it.
A man with a history of fleeing from police was arrested over the weekend, less than two weeks after being placed on probation, and charged in a separate drug investigation. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

An unlicensed driver who has fled from police on multiple occasions, who was arrested over the weekend after hitting two police patrol cars, has been charged in a drug investigation.

Lucas Joseph Madrill, 19, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with drug possession with intent to distribute, a third-degree felony.

The criminal charge comes on the heels of Madrill being arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Sunday for investigation of drug and weapons-related charges and fleeing from police, and less than two weeks after being convicted of failing to stop at the command of police and being placed on probation.

According to charging documents filed in 3rd District Court, Madrill fled from police on Sept. 13, 2022, Nov. 6, and March 18. He was charged in three separate cases and reached a plea deal on Aug. 25 to resolve all of the incidents and was placed on probation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Sunday, however, Salt Lake City police served several search warrants as part of a "long-term investigation" into Madrill, a booking affidavit states.

"During the service of the search warrants, police located Madrill and attempted to stop him. Madrill attempted to flee in his vehicle and intentionally crashed into two police vehicles causing more than $5,000 of damage to each vehicle," the affidavit states.

When he was arrested, he was in possession of a gun and "distributable amounts of THC cartridges were seized," according to the affidavit.

According to a new charge filed Tuesday, Madrill was stopped by gang detectives on April 15 who found "$3,378 in cash and 440 disposable THC cartridges. (Officers) executed a search warrant at Madrill's home and located 278 disposable THC cartridges in Madrill's bedroom."
Special Delivery

The general manager of a Quality Inn in Absecon, New Jersey, noticed a bizarre trend at her hotel: a mysterious blue substance had seemingly been airdropped into the hotel's pool, causing it to turn a radioactive shade of green.

As The New York Times reports, it wasn't a sudden algae bloom or bacterial infection. It was a 45-year-old man, who thought it was hilarious to use a drone to contaminate nearby pools with packets of Sea Dye, a chemical that colors the water to aid during water rescues.

It's a bizarre instance of a prank gone wrong  but as it turns out, it was general manager Sandra Woolstion, who had the last laugh.

Blue's Clues

Woolstion informed Jason Kiamos, a detective at the Galloway Township Police Department, of the situation (the pool turned green for the first time in June). Woolstion and her team had to drain the pool, clean it, and refill it several times over this summer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It didn't take long for the police department to track down a drone flying between the Quality Inn and a nearby business. Patrick Spina, the owner of said business, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief and harassment, Kiamos told the NYT.

"Sandra, we made the arrest," he wrote Woolstion after taking Spina into custody.

And the arrest couldn't have come at a better time. Over the last week alone, Woolstion had to deal with a green pool on two consecutive days.

"He was getting too happy with doing it," she told the NYT.

For now, Woolstion is happy she doesn't have to refill the pool every time, something that has incurred her almost $20,000 in additional costs over the summer.

"It was just more than we bargained for," she added.

More on drones: The NYPD Says It's Going to Spy on Labor Day Parties Using Drones
Reza Baluchia with the large metal drum he built in which he hoped to walk on water from Florida to London - Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

An adventurer who tried to walk from Florida to London in a hamster wheel at the onset of a hurricane was arrested after a three-day standoff with the US Coast Guard (USCG).

Reza Baluchi, 51, told officials he was planning to run to London and threatened to kill himself when they ordered him to disembark the vessel, according to a criminal complaint.

The Iranian-born former athlete, from Florida, was rescued 70 miles off the Georgia coast on Aug 26 just before the arrival of Hurricane Idalia.

Based on the condition of the vessel  which was afloat due to wiring and buoys  USCG officers determined Baluchi was conducting a manifestly unsafe voyage, according to the filing with the US district court in Florida.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The vessel, which Mr Baluchi refers to as a hydro pod or bubble, is a large metal drum flanked by buoys and paddles which are powered by a runner inside. He previously said he spent $4,500 (3,600) to design and build it.

Reza Baluchi's 'hydro pod'

Officials spent three days trying to get Mr Baluchi to board a coastguard vessel, but he allegedly threatened to kill himself with a 12-inch knife and blow himself up while clutching wires in his hand.

On the third day, Mr Baluchi admitted he did not have a real bomb and on Sept 1 he surrendered in Miami Beach. He faces federal charges of obstruction of a boarding and violation of a Captain of the Ports order.

Mr Baluchi attempted similar trips in 2014, 2016 and 2021, all of which were thwarted by authorities.

He tried to travel from Florida to New York in 2021 but was washed ashore 25 miles into the journey.

Mr Baluchi in his vessel

Mr Baluchi told local broadcaster FOX 35 that he was trying to raise money for charitable causes.

He said: My goal is to not only raise money for homeless people, raise money for the coastguard, raise money for the police department, raise money for the fire department. They are in public service, they do it for safety, and they help other people.

He added: Ill never give up my dream. They stop me four or five times, but I never give up.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A man has been charged with a felony in Florida for telling an airline passenger he placed a bomb on an aircraft, according to court documents.

Kenneth Lee Szogas, 62, was charged on Aug. 31 with disorderly conduct and threatening to place a destructive device.

Szogas was arriving at Palm Beach International Airport on an Avelo flight from New Haven, Conn., according to the arrest report. As he was preparing to exit the plane, he told a fellow passenger that he had placed a bomb under the plane they just arrived on.

The fellow passenger was not identified by police, but notified the gate agent of the threat immediately after exiting the jetway. Szogas exited right behind the passenger and confirmed with the gate agent that he made the threat, as police outlined in the arrest affidavit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The public defender's office assigned to Szogas's case did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Sgozas is currently out on bail, which was set at $26,000 between the two charges.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avelo airline passenger charged with felony threatened bomb on plane
A man is in custody after fleeing Darke County Sheriffs deputies on foot into a cornfield Tuesday night.

>>Woman dead after crash in Darke County

Deputies were dispatched at 8:27 p.m. to State Route 502 and Ohio-Indiana State Line Road in reference to a pursuit involving Union City Indiana Police involving a gray Mini Cooper, a Darke County Sheriffs spokesperson said.

They were able to get behind the vehicle as it pulled over and a male suspect fled on foot into a cornfield near the intersection of Palestine-Union City and Wagner Road.

A perimeter was set up after it was reported that driver, Cody Lavy, 38, of Greenville, could be armed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As sheriffs deputies were using a drone to search for the suspect, a neighbor called reporting that Lavy was in his yard near the 7500 block of Fisher-Dangler Road, according to the spokesperson.

>>Man hospitalized after crash involving overturned trailer in Darke County

The drone found the suspect at a location in a bean field and took him into custody.

Deputies searched the vehicle and found suspected methamphetamine and a firearm, the spokesperson stated.

Lavy is in the Darke County Jail and being held on charges of weapons under disability, possession of a controlled substance, and an unrelated arrest warrant. Additional charges are being filed in Indiana where the pursuit began.

Mutual aid was provided by citizens, Union City Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Greenville Police, Winchester, Indiana Police, and Union City Rescue.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A 20-year-old is facing numerous charges after police spotted him allegedly doing donuts, trick driving, and speeding up to 90 mph on Las Vegas valley neighborhood streets.

LVMPDs RAID team arrests driver accused of reckless driving on Aug. 31, 2023. (KLAS)

Ismael Sanchez, 20, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, near his home in the northeast valley after evading police three times that night, police said.

Las Vegas RAID officers arrest driver accused of reckless, trick driving

According to his arrest report, a Las Vegas Metropolitan police officer witnessed a group of approximately six vehicles traveling on Windmill Road, west of Paradise Road in the southeast valley. Two of the cars, one a white Chevrolet Camaro, were traveling around 72 mph, well above the posted 45 mph speed limit, the report said.

Ismael Sanchez is facing numerous reckless driving charges. (Credit: LVMPD)

When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver in the Camaro honked his horn three times, turned off his lights, and fishtailed as he sped away into a neighborhood, according to the report. Similar events happened two more times at different locations but didnt result in a traffic stop because the Camaro was speeding and making unsafe lane changes, police documents stated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers were able to identify Sanchez as the owner of the vehicle after running the license plate and learned he belongs to a car group known as Ruthless and has priors for reckless driving and active warrants for reckless driving out of Las Vegas Justice Court and North Las Vegas, according to the report.

Police set up surveillance at Sanchezs home, and when he returned to the house that night, he was taken into custody after attempting to run on foot from police and resisting arrest, the report stated.

Sanchez faces several charges, including one felony charge for disobeying a police officer and a slew of reckless driving charges.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as marketing, personalization, and analytics. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent.
DONELSON, Tenn. (WKRN)  A pedestrian is seriously injured after he was struck while on an exit ramp in Donelson Wednesday morning.

The Metro Nashville Police Department announced just before 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6 the man was hit by a truck on the south exit ramp for Donelson Pike from Interstate 40 East.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Authorities reported that the truck left the scene. A description of the vehicle was not immediately provided.

The man was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with what police called serious injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

According to Metro police, the exit ramp stayed closed until shortly after 10:30 a.m. so officers could assess the scene.

No other information was immediately released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man said in a lawsuit that he was injured by a piece of "broken dishware" in his in-flight meal.

Rainer Krenstetter filed suit against United Airlines and Austrian Airlines over the 2021 incident.

Krenstetter "suffered pain" and "mental anguish," his attorney said in the lawsuit.

A man says he was seriously injured when he found a piece of a broken dish in his in-flight meal.

Now, he's suing United Airlines and Austrian Airlines for damages, claiming he suffered permanent injuries from the incident, according to the lawsuit seen by Insider.

The plaintiff, Rainer Krenstetter of Florida, said in the lawsuit filed in July that he "sustained serious injuries to the inside of his mouth when he bit into a piece of broken dishware hidden inside his airline-provided meal."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A spokesperson for United declined to comment. Attorneys for Austrian Airlines, which is owned by the Lufthansa Group, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the airline said they do not comment on pending litigation.

The incident, which the suit refers to as an "accident", took place on a flight on July 19, 2021, as Krenstetter traveled from Vienna, Austria, to Chicago, Illinois.

Krenstetter said in the lawsuit that he "suffered pain, agony and mental anguish," as well as economic losses that shall continue in the future. His attorney, Erin Applebaum, said she could not offer additional comments on the injuries because the case is pending in court.

The lawsuit demands both United and Austrian Airlines pay "full, fair and reasonable damages."

It's not the first lawsuit as of late that United has faced from complainants demanding damages. The airline recently settled a multi-million dollar suit with the family of a man who was left with brain damage and went into cardiac arrest after he was "violently" moved while United staff helped him deplane, Insider previously reported.

This story has been updated to include a response from Austrian Airlines.

Read the original article on Insider
A Missouri man won a hefty Powerball prize  but kept his wife in suspense, officials said.

The Callaway County resident bought his winning Quick Pick ticket at a Pass-N-Gas gas station in Fulton, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the Missouri Lottery.

The mans ticket matched four white-ball numbers and the Powerball number, winning him a $50,000 prize, an amount that he kept secret from his wife.

He didnt tell me how much until I was on my way over to the Lottery Headquarters, his wife told lottery officials.

I said, Im not going to tell you the amount, but well pay the house off! the man, who was not identified, told officials. And then I did tell her the amount.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Callaway County is about 100 miles west of St. Louis.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Orioles fan celebrates his winning team  and a hefty Maryland lottery win

70-year-old wife wins lottery jackpot in Michigan. Husband had a few choice words

Toddler found dead in hot car outside church preschool, Florida police say
This article was originally published in calMatters.

How many employees at the California State University system were accused of some kind of unwanted sexual conduct in recent years?

Surprisingly, its a question no one can answer with confidence even as Cal State, the nations largest four-year public university, grapples with the fallout from numerous high-profile cases of sexual harassment and abuse.

A key takeaway from two hard-hitting sets of reports released late last month is that the 23-campus system collects insufficient data.

No paywall. No pop-up ads. Keep The 74 free with a donation during our Fall campaign.

In one of the reports, the California State Auditor wrote that Cal State lacks meaningful analysis to identify and respond to concerning trends. The auditors report, which was requested by state lawmakers, found that the data on the number of unwanted sexual conduct reports  such as sexual harassment, misconduct, stalking, assault and violence  filed against employees is unreliable.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cozen OConnor, a law firm the Cal State Chancellors Office hired last year to publish more than two dozen reports, wrote that the current process for collecting data does not result in consistent, reliable data across the system.

The two sets of reports revealed a huge discrepancy in how many Cal State employees at the 23 campuses were accused of some kind of improper sexual conduct  1,246 across five years according to the audit and 452 in four academic years according to Cozen.

The reasons for the discrepancy range from imprecise data collection to the addition of new categories of unwanted sexual conduct in the most recent year. Both sets of reports also state campuses dont use the same software to track improper sexual conduct and dont log cases the same way.

Buying better software and training more staff to track these reports of unwanted conduct are some of the reasons Cal State estimates itll spend $25 million in 2024-25 and unknown sums going forward to adopt all the reports recommendations.

We agree with and will implement the recommendations provided in the audit report, as well as those identified in the Cozen assessment, wrote Jolene Koester, Cal States interim chancellor, to the state auditor.

The importance of good data

Collecting good data is a common watchword of victims advocates. Both sets of reports make clear why students and staff will be safer if campuses have a more accurate count of sexual harassment, misconduct, violence, stalking and assault cases.

Complaints against employees can lead to investigations, which may result in additional training, a reprimand or disciplinary action all the way to dismissal for those found to have violated Cal State policy.

But the campuses lack a sufficient understanding of the volume of sexual and gender-based harassment and violence, the Cozen systemwide report said. Nor can campuses spot trends in specific locations or academic programs, or even whether a single individual is the source of multiple complaints, the Cozen and audit reports noted. Cozen added that because the CSU is not tracking data across campuses, an employee who engages in conduct of concern at one CSU university can often seek employment at another CSU without the new university being aware of the misconduct.

In multiple cases, the auditors report flagged issues with campuses that determined employees didnt violate Cal State policy on unwanted sexual conduct. The auditors office wrote that it found deficiencies that caused us to question the investigative determination about sexual harassment.

Across U.S. higher education, sexual harassment and assault are rampant. According to a 2019 survey of 33 universities, including three in California, more than 40% of all students reported experiencing a form of sexual harassment since entering college, such as inappropriate or offensive comments about their bodies or sexual activities. A quarter of undergraduate women said they were victims of nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force.

Competing numbers and data problems

There are multiple reasons why the two sets of numbers of how many employees were accused of unwanted sexual conduct  1,246 and 452  are so different.

The first thing to know is that, according to Cozen and the state auditor, neither of their numbers is reliable. But theyre unreliable for different and overlapping reasons, ranging from the types of unwanted sexual conduct Cal State counted to which Cal State documents Cozen and the auditor relied on to finalize their tallies.

One major reason the auditors count of 1,246 reports filed against employees is much higher than Cozens is because it included more types of unwanted sexual conduct over a longer period of time  2018 to 2022.

Cozen based its numbers on the official reports campuses submitted to the Cal States Chancellors Office between 2018-19 and 2021-22. Campuses included the number of reports filed against employees that were limited to several types of unwanted sexual conduct  assault, stalking, misconduct and dating or domestic violence  for the first three academic years in the data set.

Then, in 2021-22, the chancellors office began asking campuses for instances of reports against employees  and students  that included two more categories: sexual exploitation  a term that refers to sexual coercion, prostitution or recording sexual activity without consent  and a narrower definition of sexual harassment. That narrower definition includes unwelcome verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature and offering favors in exchange for sexual acts.

The Cozen reports published the same numbers that campuses sent to the chancellors office.

But campuses also maintained physical and digital files on many other types of reports filed against employees that werent reflected in the tallies sent to the chancellors office  and by extension  werent reflected in Cozens figures.

The auditors office took a different approach. It reviewed all those physical and digital files and identified cases that alleged sexual assault, stalking, violence, exploitation, sexual harassment, and other unwelcome sexual conduct. It did this for five calendar years.

Thats how the auditor got to a much higher count than the Cozen reports  it just did the additional work of reviewing the raw data.

But even the auditors review of digital and physical files didnt paint the full picture. In some cases, multiple complaints filed against an employee were counted as a single report. Other times, multiple complaints against a single employee were counted as multiple reports. Some campuses had incomplete case files, which may have affected the precision of the auditors counts.

Because of these inconsistencies, we found the data to be unreliable for our purposes, the auditor wrote.

Importantly, the Cozen and auditor reports had different goals. For example, lawmakers specifically asked the auditor to count how many employees were accused of unwanted sexual conduct. By design, the Cozen reports focused on how Cal State addresses discrimination, harassment, and retaliation according to its own policies and federal rules, wrote the lawyers who shepherded the project, Leslie Gomez and Gina Maisto Smith, in a detailed email response to CalMatters. Cozen produced roughly 1,600 pages of analysis and recommendations for all 23 campuses and the system in the reports, an arduous task, Gomez and Smith wrote.

The latest data from the Cal State campuses also shows how the number of reports against employees can jump when the system tracks more unwanted sexual conduct. Since 2021-22 was the first year that the chancellors office sought data from campuses about sexual harassment and exploitation  not just violence, stalking and assault  the number increased in Cozens set of reports.

That year there were 255 reports against employees, according to a CalMatters review of Cozen data for all 23 campuses. The year before, Cozen counted 56 reports and about 70 each in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Cozens much higher count for 2021-22 is also similar to the auditors counts for the 2021 and 2022 calendar years  193 and 285 reports alleging unwanted sexual conduct by employees, respectively.

I think it obviously shows the need for the school to have been collecting this data all along, said Shiwali Patel, who leads policy and litigation on gender-based harassment at the Washington D.C.-based National Womens Law Center.

More reports of mistreatment likely

The Biden administration is expected to finalize changes to the federal law governing not just unwanted sexual conduct, but also gender-based discrimination. The predicted changes will expand the allegations colleges must respond to  which may increase the number of reports schools will eventually publish.

Gomez and Smith said that Cal State should compile annual reports that include all those data points.

The Biden rules will be the fifth major change since 2011 to federal rules about how colleges should handle violence and discrimination complaints on their campuses. The shifting rules amount to a legalistic whiplash for higher education that is also compounded by evolving state rules, including in California.

The Cozen report notes this constant change is taxing on schools, which must quickly adapt and hire or train more staff knowledgeable in the intricacies of discrimination and harassment prevention policies and enforcement.

In an official statement, Cal State said its count of complaints against employees included violence and assault  and not harassment or exploitation  because federal guidance in 2011 and 2013 emphasized those types of unwanted sexual conduct and not others.

Adding harassment and exploitation to the data collection in 2021-22 was important to better understanding the frequency and nature of sexual harassment reports, and due to sexual exploitation being newly added to the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy, wrote Amy Bentley-Smith, spokesperson for the Cal State Chancellors Office, in an email to CalMatters.

She provided other possible reasons for an increase in reports that year. One is that students and staff returned to campus as the pandemic subsided. Another is the set of high-profile cases of unwanted sexual conduct at Cal State that prompted more people to come forward with their own complaints.

If Cozens recommendations are implemented with fidelity, we expect that campuses will have more effective practices and systems, and therefore, more reliable data, wrote the Cozen lawyers to CalMatters.

But better data can only capture whats reported.

At colleges and universities, most incidents are not reported, Patel said. And too often she hears of schools refusing to investigate a students or employees unwanted sexual conduct complaint. Or campuses might punish alleged victims because they violated school policy, such as drinking, disregarding the harassment or assault complaint.

A culture of intimidation may also prevent victims from filing complaints, especially if the alleged suspect holds considerable sway in a niche academic discipline. Thats according to Maha Ibrahim, a senior attorney who represents people alleging harassment, assault and gender-based discrimination at California-based Equal Rights Advocates.

If a student or employee is being abused by someone who has power in that small space, then the student or employee can lose their ability to complete their research, Ibrahim said. We see that kind of reticence and under-reporting a lot.

Paradoxically, Patel thinks when we see more numbers reported, thats actually a good sign, because it shows more victims feel comfortable coming forward. It also means the school may take the steps to educate or discipline someone whos harming students or staff, she added.

Both the Cozen and audit reports proposed dozens of recommendations, including better data collection. The auditor wrote that Cal States central office should collect and analyze unwanted sexual conduct reports from all campuses no later than July 2024. The point is to identify any concerning patterns or trends, such as those involving repeat subjects, particular academic departments, or specific student or employee populations, the auditor wrote.

But other data overhauls may take more time. The audit said Cal State should require every campus to use the same software to track unwanted sexual conduct and ensure all campuses are logging the cases the same way. The auditor states that should be done by July 2026.

This story was originally published at CalMatters
ARLINGTON, Va.  The U.S. Marine Corps will establish a safety center led by a general officer  an upgrade from todays Marine Corps Safety Division led by a colonel  in a move the assistant commandant of the service says is overdue.

Gen. Eric Smith, who is also serving as acting commandant, on Aug. 29 issued an all-Marines message stating that, when we have any training mishap, we must conduct a thorough and harsh review of our processes to confirm that our culture of safety is still strong.  [No later than] 15 September 2023, the Marine Corps will conduct unit-level guided discussions of what it means to operate safely. The discussions will produce recommendations on how to improve the Corps approach to safety.

This came after a string of deadly mishaps: an MV-22 Osprey crashed during a training exercise in Australia on Aug. 27, killing three. On Aug. 24, an F/A-18D Hornet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, killing the aircrafts pilot. On Aug. 17, a Marine died during live-fire training at School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, California.

Smith told Defense News Wednesday following his remarks at the Defense News Conference in Arlington, Va., that, if theres an incident, what I owe to every parent, to Congress, to the Department of Defense, the Department of Navy, is an absolute review to make sure that all of our processes are good.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He said each command must conduct its safety review by Sept. 15 and that he expects feedback to reach his level by Oct. 1.

From there, hell start working with Col. Everett Good, who leads the safety division today, to sift through areas where the corporals and captains that typically bear the brunt of safety risks say their daily practices deviate from formal protocols.

This is what you told us to do, but this is actually how it works when you get here to the motor pool, Smith said.

The Marine Corps will then go out and correct problems or reinforce good behavior in units that have exceptional safety records to make sure that everything from weapons handling to vehicle maintenance to vehicle operation to aircraft maintenance to aircraft operation is exactly, as I always say, is ruthlessly adhered to, Smith said.

Though the safety division will get started on the work this fall, we will place a general officer in charge of Marine Corps safety starting in the summer of 24, and we will grow that office.

The Navy made a similar decision in early 2022, elevating the Naval Safety Center to the Naval Safety Command under the leadership of a two-star admiral.

The sea service made this move after the 2020 fire aboard the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, the fuel spill at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii, and multiple fatal training accidents.

Smith said putting a general officer in charge of Marine Corps safety will help ensure that changes can be made with minimal red tape.

That is what I hope to do with the feedback from the corporals and the captains who are living it every single day: the pilots, the operators, the people in charge of ranges. Its almost always captains and corporals  its not generals, but a general in charge of it to supervise it, to authoritatively direct it and ensure that ruthless adherence to our culture of safety: that, I think, will matter, he said, calling it high time the Marines made this move.

Smith, who as assistant commandant is responsible for Marine Corps safety issues, called the services safety culture exceptional.

But, he added, when we have a deviation from it, it stands out like a sore thumb. And again, what I owe is to every Marine and their loved ones is absolute clarity that I have driven risk down to the lowest possible level I can drive it to. Itll never be zero, not in a force that is expeditionary and does warfighting, but to drive it to as close to zero as I can humanly possibly drive it.
In the wake of a new range qualification program that has caused the proportion of troops earning the highest-level shooting badge to drop by more than half, the Marine Corps is changing policy to offer those who miss the mark another shot.

As of Oct. 1, Marines who earn the lesser marksman and sharpshooter badges during rifle or pistol range qualification will get two more chances during the same fiscal year to hit the range again and bring their score up to expert, according to a Marine administrative message published Wednesday. If Marines previously failed at the range, earning an unqualified classification, or UNQ, theyll get those score improvement chances on top of the opportunity to return to the range to qualify.

The proposal for change emerged during the October 2022 Combat Marksmanship Symposium, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joshua Grayek, director of marksmanship instruction at Weapons and Training Battalion out of Quantico, Virginia, told Marine Corps Times.

The Corps top shooting professionals expressed concerns, Grayek said, that the annual rifle qualification program introduced in October 2021 made it substantially harder to earn a prized expert badge and thus warranted some adjustment. The annual rifle qualification, which replaced a legacy 1990s-era range qualification program, emphasizes more realistic combat scenarios and requires Marines to wear combat gear, shoot in sequence and hit more specific lethality zones on a humanoid target.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Marines finally getting a realistic force-on-force shooter for combat training

The legacy system  didnt stress the shooter out, Grayek said. You had plenty of time to fire your rounds, and you were doing it from very, very stable shooting positions  that was good to learn basics, but it didnt translate too well into combat.

Based on the added difficulty of the new requirements, leaders predicted the number of expert-qualified Marines would drop precipitously, Grayek said, possibly dipping as low as 8%. In fact, he said, data gathered since the symposium paints a better picture: Expert rates under the annual rifle qualification program are between 25% and 30%. Still, he said, thats down from 65% to 70% of Marines under the previous program.

One could maybe argue that [Expert rates were] inflated, Grayek acknowledged.

Still, he said, theres pure value in giving Marines more time at the range to improve their lethality under more realistic conditions  and it also addresses the inevitable angst.

This will improve morale, because (Marines) know that, if Ive messed up or didnt shoot to my true potential, I can go back and shoot better, he said.

Per the Marine message, Marines are authorized to wear the most recent badge theyve earned.

A Marine who received a marksman score on his or her first qualification attempt, but returned to the range and shot expert, would thus be able to wear the expert badge for the remainder of the qualification period. A Marine who earns the expert badge on a first attempt isnt eligible to return to the range, the message states.

Of note, Grayek said, the unqualified classification rate has decreased substantially under the new shooting program, from up to 7.5% to just .7% in 2022. While unqualified Marines now have the chance to return to re-qualify and then to improve, this doesnt preclude commanders from taking administrative action against them from failing in the first place, he added.

The policy change is not expected to cost the Marine Corps more money, Grayek said, because the annual rifle qualification program is significantly cheaper than the legacy program: It uses two targets rather than four, and takes place over three days of shooting rather than two weeks. To ensure that Marines who desire to improve their score get that chance, he said, commanders will need to keep track of upcoming range opportunities and transfer allocations, or available spots for Marines, between units, if needed.

That way, the commander is not wasting allocations, and everyones afforded the opportunity to go back and qualify, he said.

Grayek vehemently denied that the policy change to allow second and third chances at the range amounted to a lowering of standards.

If someones saying that, theyre completely off base, he said. Yes, we may not have as many Marines wearing expert badges as we did in the past. However, I would take an ARQ sharpshooter against a legacy expert any day of the week. The lethality is that much better.
MARSHFIELD  Marshfield could become the second city in Wisconsin to pass an ordinance banning the declawing of cats, even though the city's two veterinary practices say they already do not offer the procedure.

The Common Council is asking citizens to voice their support or concerns about a potential ban on declawing at the beginning of its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

The city has not yet written an ordinance but District 7 Alderperson Brian Giles provided model language during the June Common Council meeting, which defined terms and subjected a person who performed a non-therapeutic declawing procedure to a series of escalating fines topping out at $2,500 for third and subsequent offenses.

After the public comment period, Council members will then consider whether to direct staff to write the ordinance to vote on at a later time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The proposed ban would apply only to the two veterinary practices within city limits. It would not limit citizens from taking their cats elsewhere for the procedure nor would it prohibit ownership of declawed cats, Marshfield Animal Control/Humane Officer Bob Larsen clarified in an email to a Marshfield News-Herald reporter.

Castlerock Veterinary Hospital and Wildwood Animal Hospital and Clinic are in city limits and would be impacted by the ban while Marshfield Veterinary Service would not. All three clinics said they already do not offer the procedure.

Giles first brought the matter to the board in June after hearing about a similar ban in Madison, which passed in December.

Declawing is actually an elective amputation of a cats toes, Giles said during the June meeting. No different than if we had all our fingertips cut off at the first joint.

He said the impacts of the surgery outweigh the benefits. The procedure is painful to the cats and the removal of the bone impacts their gait, leads to more biting and causes other behavioral issues like not using a litter box.

In 2020, Denver Dumb Friends League, an animal shelter in Denver, Colorado, reported a steady decrease in owner-surrendered cats since the enactment of the citys declaw ban in 2017. Anti-declaw activists like The Paw Project point to this and other studies of declawed cats as evidence of the ban taking some strain off of local animal shelters or preventing euthanasia of misbehaved or unwanted cats.

More: The former Rose Bowl Lanes site in Marshfield will become a car wash. Here's when it will open.

More: Wenzel's Farm sets Guinness World Record with 314-foot meat snack stick

Two U.S. states, Maryland and New York, banned cat declawing, or onychectomy, in 2022 and 2019, respectively, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Fifteen cities across the country have also enacted bans since 2003, with eight of those being in California. Over three dozen countries have also banned the practice.

The Marshfield Common Council has taken several hundred comments through its PublicInput website.

Those who wish to comment at the Sept. 12 Council meeting will have up to five minutes to share their views on the topic. Mayor Lois TeStrake will have a sign-up sheet for residents at the back of the Council Chambers that evening, according to a news release from the city. If you cannot attend the meeting but wish to provide comments for the Council to consider, email marshfieldcatdeclawing@PublicInput.com or write a letter stating your name and address and drop it off at City Hall.

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Reach him at epfantz@gannett.com or connect with him on Twitter @ErikPfantz.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Marshfield considers becoming 2nd Wisconsin city to ban cat declawing
Volodymyr Borysenko, the mayor of Boryspil city in Kyiv Oblast, announced on Sept. 5 that he is joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Everyone should be ready to defend Ukraine. Society must realize that when one of the soldiers is wounded or, God forbid, dies, another must step in. It doesn't matter who you are: a mayor, lawmaker, entrepreneur, driver, mechanic, Borysenko wrote on Facebook.

Borysenkos announcement comes amid Ukraines ongoing counteroffensive in the south and the east of the country.

It is now that the decisive, turning point of the war has come. The future fate of the entire country depends on everyone, he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Boryspil is a city with a pre-war population of 60,000 people, located just east of Kyiv. It is home to Boryspil International Airport, the largest airport in Ukraine, which has been shut down since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Borysenko has been the mayor of Boryspil since January 2021.

Read also: Inching forward in Bakhmut counteroffensive, Ukraines hardened units look ahead to long, grim war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Former Portage Mayor James Snyder arrives to the first day of his retrial at the federal courthouse in Hammond on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)

Two groups have stepped up and filed friend of the court briefs on behalf of former Portage Mayor James Snyder in his quest to have the U.S. Supreme Court consider overturning his public corruption conviction.

One pursues the defense of constitutional liberties and the other is committed to identifying and reforming flaws, and inequities in the criminal legal system.

Advertisement

The American Center for Law and Justice filed its brief Friday, while the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys filed theirs on Tuesday. Both organizations said in their amicus briefs that the nations highest court should consider overturning Snyders conviction in federal court over taking $13,000 in regards to a contract for garbage trucks.

At the crux of the argument filed by Snyders attorneys is whether that payment, which according to court documents was received after the garbage trucks were purchased in exchange for consulting services reportedly provided by Snyder to Great Lakes Peterbilt, the company that sold the garbage trucks, was a gratuity.

Advertisement

His attorneys argue in their petition that the federal circuit courts dont agree on what constitutes a gratuity, and the Supreme Court has the opportunity to clarify the matter by taking up Snyders case.

As a result, whether a political donor or an elected official goes to prison now depends on where they live, notes the filing by the American Center for Law and Justice, noting later that Political contributions and candidate support are not only perfectly legal,  they are constitutionally protected free speech and political activity.

The American Center for Law and Justice is described as an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law and often appears before this Court in its filing.

The centers website touts some of the other cases its involved in, including one against Planned Parenthood in an abortion case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Topic headings on its website include pro-life; free speech; immigration; public policy; government corruption; and religious liberty, among others.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, meanwhile, argues in its filing of support for Snyders case that the case is Exceptionally Important And Impacts Tens Of Millions Of Government Employees And Private Citizens.

The association presents an assortment of hypothetical instances to outline its argument, including a part-time elected official who also has an insurance brokerage business.

Is every new policy she writes for constituents the potential hook for  liability as a gratuity? .... Every potential interaction between state and local officials and their constituents  no matter how mundane  becomes grist for potential corruption prosecutions, the filing notes.

The association said in its filing that its a nonprofit voluntary professional bar association that works on behalf of criminal defendants to ensure justice and due process for those accused of crime or misconduct with nationwide membership of thousands of direct members and up to 40,000 affiliates.

Advertisement

Its mission, according to its website, is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws, and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.

Federal prosecutors have said in court testimony and documents that there was no written agreement between Snyder and the Buha brothers, who owned Great Lakes Peterbilt, to provide consulting services for health care and information technology, nor was there evidence of any work done under the arrangement.

Snyder filed the petition for a writ of certiorari on Aug. 1; attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice had a Tuesday response deadline but, according to the U.S. Supreme Court online docket in the case, asked for and received an extension. That deadline is now Oct. 5.

Snyder, 45, a Republican, was first elected mayor in 2011 and was reelected in 2015. He was ordered in late June to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons before 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 to begin serving his sentence. His placement has yet to be determined.

Snyders case has moved in fits and starts since he was first indicted in U.S. District Court in Hammond in November 2016 on a charge of corrupt solicitation involving a contract with Great Lakes Peterbilt for garbage trucks; interfering with the IRS, for hiding funds from the federal agency from his mortgage company; and receiving a bribe for a tow truck contract.

A federal jury found Snyder guilty on the charges involving the garbage truck contract and the IRS and acquitted him on the allegations involving the towing contract.

Advertisement

Snyder asked for and received a new trial on the count involving the garbage trucks, and that trial, in March 2021, also resulted in a jury conviction.

Snyder filed another appeal in October 2021 in an attempt to have both of his convictions overturned and the court granted him bond pending that appeal. The appeals court rejected Snyders bid to have his convictions dismissed in a June 15 ruling.

On July 14, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago noted that no judge in active service has requested a vote on the petition that Snyder filed asking for a rehearing before the full court, and all the judges on the original panel have voted to deny the petition for panel rehearing.

alavalley@chicagotribune.com
Mayor Brandon Johnson lambasted critics who have said hes off to slow start as mayor, arguing that hes being held to a different standard as a Black man and reiterating his vow to chart a different path than his predecessors.

In an hourlong discussion Tuesday night centered on his first 100 days in office, Johnson said hes taking a deliberate approach to reframing how work is done on City Halls fifth floor and said criticism of that approach is unfair and based at least partly on his race.

There is a different standard that Im held to. There is, Johnson said. And thats not something that Im mad at, but thats just the reality. Im not the first person of color, particularly a Black man, that will be held to a different standard than other administrations.

A progressive who won the April runoff election with the backing of labor unions, Johnson alluded to stories and headlines that mention a slow start to his administration. His administration still has commissioner vacancies in key cabinet departments such as public health, planning and development, transportation and housing. But the mayor objected to the use of the word slow and told his allies, I also need you alls help to call it out.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You all read the press. I dont. But you all look at these dynamics. You all know how theres been a certain, particular coverage of me, right? Think about it. You know, theres coverage of me being slow, right? Johnson said. These are microaggressions, that if you dont have the lens of those who have lived through these experiences, you would just miss it. You would, because the same  some of the folks who would call me slow, do you understand what that term means? Particularly (toward) the Black community. So you have these forces that perpetuate a particular view of Blackness.

Johnson is Chicagos fourth Black mayor, following his immediate predecessor, Lori Lightfoot , Chicagos first Black mayor, Harold Washington, who served from 1983 until his death in 1987, and Eugene Sawyer, who became mayor after Washingtons death.

Johnson released a transition plan later than Lightfoot and her predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, did following their elections. But Johnson has said his work, including the transition report, has been purposefully more comprehensive in its approach.

His method has both frustrated some eager to see the change he promised but also earned plaudits from others who want to see more deliberation in city government. Johnsons 100-day agenda from the campaign trail to pass Treatment Not Trauma and Bring Chicago Home  two activist-backed demands to reopen the citys shuttered mental health clinics and raise a tax on luxury real estate sales, respectively  does have a timeline that will now be longer than he had promised. Still, legislation to place the latter initiative on the March primary ballot via a citywide referendum is in the works.

Johnsons comments came during the monthly First Tuesdays political discussion forum, hosted by journalists Ben Joravsky and Maya Dukmasova and held at The Promontory in Hyde Park.

Lightfoot, the citys first Black female mayor, frequently chided the press and her political foes for what she said were comments born of prejudice against her identity. At one point during her term, she said about 99% of the criticism is tied to her being a Black woman, and she refused to take interviews from white journalists during her two-year anniversary in office.

However, some of Lightfoots biggest voices of opposition during her term were also women of color, such as progressives Aldermen Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, 33rd, and Jeanette Taylor, 20th, as well as Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates.

During Tuesdays event, Johnson was asked to address beliefs from moderates and those on the political right that he is being influenced by Davis Gates. Johnson previously was a political organizer with CTU, which helped jump-start his once-longshot mayoral bid that culminated in his election as Chicagos most progressive mayor in generations.

You think Im going to suddenly be surprised or get upset because now all of a sudden, oh my goodness, the world is oppositional to a Black man on the left who leads with love? Johnson responded. And that the only rationale that can be possible for any of my decisions is that somehow a Black man is being controlled?

The new mayor also noted his accomplishments in reaching across the aisle and giving committee chair assignments to aldermen who backed his opponent in the mayoral runoff, Paul Vallas, while he also tapped high numbers of Black and Latino aldermen for the leadership positions.

Asked about reopening mental health clinics under the Treatment Not Trauma campaign, Johnson said he intends to pass the legislation but set caveats on its scope.

How many we can reopen within the first four years  to be perfectly frank with you all  thats still to be determined. There are real budgetary dynamics that we have to address, he said.

Johnson also addressed the plight of the 13,500-plus asylum-seekers who have arrived in Chicago from southern border states, mostly after fleeing Central and South America, only to live in squalid conditions at Chicago police stations, OHare International Airport and city-run shelters.

The buses of migrants first started coming to Chicago after being directed here by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas a year ago, though they now are also being sent by a variety of nonprofits and other officials. But Johnson noted the buses ramped up after Chicago was chosen to be the site of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

If we do not put together the type of infrastructure to create a real welcoming space, not just for the city of Chicago, but for the state of Illinois  if we dont put that structure together, the type of chaos that will take place would be quite severe, because these individuals and these families are coming, Johnson said.

On the notion that his recent decision to fire Dr. Allison Arwady, the citys public health commissioner during the pandemic who at times clashed with the CTU, was at all tied to his allegiance to Davis Gates, Johnson gave a fiery rebuttal.

Perhaps things should go without saying, but as far as this dynamic that a Black man executive cant make decisions on his own, Johnson said before lambasting the same forces that he said didnt believe he could balance a budget, unite the City Council or win the election. Well, let me just offer news for the city of Chicago: The people of Chicago elected me as mayor, and if anybody has a problem with it, come see me in four years.

ayin@chicagotribune.com
Bernard Denis was found in a field last November blindfolded and with nails hammered through his hands and feet - Benoit Martin/Radio France

A village mayor in Normandy is to stand trial over claims he crucified himself to frame supporters of hard-Right pundit Eric Zemmour.

Bernard Denis, 69, the mayor of Saint-Come-du-Mont near Cherbourg, hit the headlines after he was found in a field last November blindfolded and with nails hammered through his hands and feet.

At the time, Mr Denis was hospitalised and an investigation was launched over what the local prosecutor dubbed an absolutely macabre nail gun attack.

Mr Zemmour, 65, who ran for president last year, has been accused of whipping up violence with his claims to be defending French civilisation against Muslim immigrants and a corrupt elite.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The crucifixion incident followed a series of alleged threats and attacks on the mayor.

In 2021, graffiti etched onto the front wall of his home contained an apparent death threat over his support for President Macron instead of Mr Zemmour.

Death to the mayor, supporter of Macron. Zemour president, it said, misspelling the pundits name.

The same evening, Mr Denis garage was apparently deliberately set on fire along with two of his cars and in another incident, he claimed his van had been shot at.

At the time, Charly Varin, chairman of the Association of Mayors in the Manche departement, where Saint-Come-du-Mont is situated, warned of a climate of hatred.

Elected representatives are prime targets for those who play with fire. We must respond to such acts with the greatest firmness, he said.

However, a preliminary investigation into the arson incident was dropped after no potential suspects were identified. The mayor then allegedly admitted that he had, in fact, lied about the gunfire and had shot at his own vehicle for unknown reasons.

He now faces trial for making up the alleged crucifixion on charges of denouncing an imaginary crime.

One unnamed villager told Le Parisien that it was curious as the mayor had no known enemies.

No-one has a bad word to say about him, he was cited as saying.

Another added: The truth is nobody is talking because either they are convinced the mayor made it all up due to psychological frailty or they really think he was assaulted and are scared of potential reprisals. Im with the latter.

The trial had been due to take place on Wednesday, but has now been postponed until March 2024.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell s (Ky.) health is becoming a bigger problem for his Senate Republican conference, though GOP colleagues say his job as leader is safe for now.

McConnells struggles to answer questions at press conferences in Kentucky and Washington in recent weeks has stirred speculation about whether he is healthy enough to continue serving as leader through the election or in the next Congress, when Senate Republicans may be back in the majority.

The GOP leadership team rallied around him Tuesday and pledged to support him through the end of 2024, but there are growing questions about whether McConnell would remain leader if Republicans take back the majority in the next election.

McConnells fellow GOP home-state senator, Rand Paul, even told reporters he wasnt sure doctors had provided a valid diagnosis of his condition.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), the No. 2-ranking member of the Senate GOP leadership, said McConnell has his full support to continue serving as leader  something echoed by other GOP senators  but declined to speculate about McConnells future beyond the next election.

Thune said he a couple of conversations with McConnell this week and that the 81-year-old Senate GOP leader sounded great.

He said McConnell will have an opportunity to address colleagues about his health and other issues at lunch later in the week.

Asked about McConnell remaining leader beyond next years election, Thune said, Thats so far out there I dont even want to start speculating about that, but he has my full support and hell have the support of the conference.

Sign up for The Hills Evening Report newsletter

McConnell sought to tamp down speculation about his health Tuesday by circulating a letter from the Capitol physician, Dr. Brian Monahan, stating that medical experts found no evidence of the leader suffering from a seizure disorder, stroke or Parkinsons disease.

Republican senators praised the medical disclosure as an important step to providing more transparency about McConnells health issues.

He told me he had been cleared by Dr. Monahan, and then of course I saw the letter that was released this morning following more extensive testing, and Im glad that they were able to rule out some of the things that people had speculated might have happened, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a member of McConnells leadership team.

The Texas senator, who along with Thune is viewed as one of the leading candidates to someday replace McConnell as leader, suggested McConnells health incidents before cameras were likely related to the concussion he suffered in March after falling at a private dinner event.

It appears that its harder to recover from a concussion when youre 81 years old than maybe he thought. But he feels like hes up to the task, and I think thats the case, Cornyn said.

McConnell first froze up before television cameras at a press conference July 26, creating several minutes of awkwardness as members of his leadership team and staff scrambled to move him away from the podium.

Another health incident in the months ahead will inevitably raise more questions about McConnells ability to continue serving as leader.

His frail appearance is already raising doubts among some disgruntled Senate GOP colleagues about whether hes the best face of the Republican effort to take back the Senate and usher in a new era of leadership in Washington.

Some of McConnells critics within the conference have discussed forcing a special meeting to discuss his health, something they could do with just five votes.

Thune and Cornyn both dismissed the need to do so, pointing out that GOP senators will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions at the regularly scheduled lunch meetings Wednesday and Thursday.

I know Sen. McConnell wants to be more transparent about this, and thats my understanding why the letter was released today, Cornyn said. I think thats actually a good thing because the human mind can wander and speculate about all sorts of things.

Asked whether McConnell would have enough support to serve as leader after the 2024 election, Cornyn said: Ive told Sen. McConnell Im going to support him as long as he wants to do the job and can do the job.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a doctor, said any effort to remove McConnell as leader in the current Congress wont go very far.

Monahan, the attending physician, did not recommend any changes to the treatment protocols McConnell has followed since falling and suffering a concussion and a fractured rib in March.

Before Tuesday, McConnell had only commented tersely on his health, telling reporters last month Im fine when asked whether he was still suffering the effects of his concussion.

McConnell called members of his leadership team last week after he again froze during a press conference in Covington, Ky.

He phoned Thune, who is seen as McConnells most likely successor if he cant finish his term as leader because of health reasons, as well as Cornyn, Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (Wyo.) and Republican Conference Vice Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.).

Im really happy to see that the MRI was normal, to see that the EEG was normal, that hes had neurologic evaluations. The report put out today by Dr. Monahan was very encouraging and very good, Barrasso told reporters.

Barrasso said he thinks McConnell has support to stay leader through the current Congress, which lasts until January 2025, but didnt answer a question about McConnell again leading the conference in the 119th Congress.

McConnell on Tuesday briefly alluded to his difficulty in responding to a reporters question at a press conference last month as a blip in an otherwise productive month of work across his home state.

Now, one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, but I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth, he said on the Senate floor.

No Republican senator has publicly called for McConnell to step down as party leader, and his health problems have received little comment from House GOP lawmakers.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was the glaring exception last week when she declared the senior Kentucky senator is not fit for office.

The National Review, an influential conservative periodical, last week praised McConnell in an editorial as truly a legend of the U.S. Senate but nevertheless opined he needs to step aside.

The magazine said his health incidents in front of the media were not normal and affects his ability to function as the leading representative of his caucus.

Al Weaver contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vowed Wednesday to keep his job as Senate Republican leader at least through 2024 and to finish his seventh Senate term, which runs through 2026, despite recent health problems.

I have no announcements to make on that subject, McConnell, who is 81, told reporters when asked about calls from fellow conservatives to step down as Senate Republican leader.

Im going to finish my term as leader and Im going to finish my Senate term, McConnell declared.

He made his statement after the National Review, a high-profile conservative magazine, called on McConnell in an editorial last week to step aside.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McConnell has noticeably aged since his bad fall in March, when he sustained a concussion and a broken rib, and he should want, for his own sake and that of his colleagues, to go out on his own terms, the magazines editors wrote Aug. 31.

Longtime political commentator Bill OReilly, a former Fox News anchor, also said Aug. 31 that McConnell should resign tomorrow.

McConnell pointed to a letter from the Capitols attending physician, Dr. Brian Monahan, when asked by reporters Wednesday to discuss two recent incidents when he froze while speaking to television cameras.

Monahan, citing brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultation with several neurologists, said McConnell shows no evidence of suffering from a seizure disorder, stroke or Parkinsons disease.

I think Dr. Monahan covered the subject fully. Youve had a chance to read it. I dont have anything to add to it and I think it should answer any reasonable question, McConnell said.

Asked if doctors know the precise medical reasons for freezing at press conferences, McConnell said: What Dr. Monahans report addressed was concerns people might have with some things that happened to me.

I really have nothing to add to that, he said.

McConnells home-state colleague, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, however, has raised doubts about Monahans medical findings.

The doctor said that they ruled out seizure disorder from an EEG. A normal EEG doesnt rule out seizures. First of all, 25 percent of people whove had a brain injury end up having seizures after their injury, Paul told The Hill on Wednesday.

The bottom line is, it is a medical mistake to say that someone doesnt have a seizure disorder because they have a normal EEG, Paul said.

Other Republican senators have accepted the Capitol Hill physicians conclusions without criticism or skepticism.

Im not his doctor, but I will say his doctor put out a statement listing the tests the leader has gone through and there was no evidence or any terrible thing that had happened, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who is also a doctor, told the USA Today Network. So at this point I say that Mitch can still be the leader of the Republican caucus.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A one-eyed opossum named Basil has officially become an ambassador for his species at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

On Sept. 2, the National Zoo, also known as the National Zoological Park, announced in a release shared on its website that it had welcomed a new member earlier in the summer.

Basil is a Virginia opossum, also known as a North American opossum, and he was discovered after he lost an eye in a predator attack. He was then brought to City Wildlife, an organization that rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife in Washington, D.C., to recover and heal. With limited eyesight, the furry little guy was deemed non-releasable because he was unlikely to survive in the wild.

As a result, City Wildlife helped to transfer him to the National Zoos Small Mammal House. The small mammal house exhibit has enclosures that mimic native landscapes for animals such as tamarins ferrets, and opossums, like Basil.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The National Zoo did not immediately respond to TODAY.coms request for comment.

The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and has been around for more than a century.

The Smithsonian's National Zoos Instagram account shared the news with followers, revealing that Basil has already displayed a propensity for cushy comforts and fishy cuisine.

Meet our new Virginia opossum, Basil! the post, which features a photo of Basil, reads in the caption. He loves fish, fleece blankets and long walks in his exhibit at night. After a predator attack, Basil was rehabilitated by our friends at @dccitywildlife. When their team determined it was unsafe for him to be returned to the wild, Basil came to the Zoo to be an ambassador for his species.

Is possum and opossum the same?

Possums and opossums are marsupials with similar characteristics but are entirely different animals, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Opossums live in North America and South America, while possums are native to Australia.

What are the predators of the opossum?

According to the National Zoo, opossums have various predators, primarily birds of prey, snakes and pets like dogs are also a threat to opossums when not kept on a leash.

How is Basil adjusting to the Zoo?

Basil is adjusting very well to his new home, the National Zoo stated in its feature about Basil. He willingly interacts with keepers and seems to be exploring his exhibit overnight.

The Zoo explained that because Basil is a nocturnal species, he primarily sleeps throughout the day. However, when the staff does get to interact with Basil, they learned that "he is curious, mellow and very much enjoys being cozy."

Basil especially loves his fleece blankets and finding a spot in his logs to get curled up  if you dont see him right away, thats the first place to look," the National Zoo wrote.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



1821-1912

Who Was Clara Barton ?

Clara Barton was an independent nurse during the Civil War. While visiting Europe after the wars conclusion, she worked with a relief organization known as the International Red Cross and lobbied for an American branch when she returned home. The American Red Cross was founded in 1881, and Barton served as its first president. The Red Cross continues to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief to this day, and Bartons efforts helped pave the way for women in positions of leadership.

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Clarissa Harlowe Barton

BORN: December 25, 1821

DIED: April 12, 1912

BIRTHPLACE: North Oxford, Massachusetts

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Capricorn

Early Life and Education

Clara Barton was born Clarissa Harlowe Barton on December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Bartons parents were Stephen Barton and Sarah Stone Barton. Stephen was a politician, horse breeder, and farmer who told his daughter stories of the American Indian Warshelping Clara learn the importance of keeping an army equipped with food, clothing, and medical supplies. This would prove crucial later in her life.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Barton already had a talent with words by age 4, when she started school and was able to spell three-syllable words. In addition to attending school, she received home tutoring from her brothers and sisters. Barton was the youngest of five siblings, including sisters Dorothea, or Dolly, and Sarah, who went by Sally. Her two brothers were Stephen, a math teacher and businessman, and David, who taught Clara how to ride horses.

A shy child, she first found her calling at age 11 when she tended to her brother David after he fell from the rafters of a barn. Clara stayed home from school to tend to her brother for two years, administering his medicine and even applying and removing leeches to treat him.



Barton later found another outlet for her desire to be helpful as a teenager. On the advice of phrenologist Lorenzo Niles Fowler, Barton began preparing to become a school teacher. She passed her examinations and began teaching near her home in Oxford in 1839. Barton later studied for a year at the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York, beginning in 1850.

Teaching Career

After moving to New Jersey in 1851, she opened the states first free public school in Bordentown. Enrollment eventually grew from only six students at the start to more than 200. However, when Bordentown residents built a new schoolhouse in 1853, they decided to make a man the principalat twice the salary of Barton. An irate Barton quit the school and teaching altogether.

Instead, Barton moved to Washington, D.C., to work in the U.S. Patent Office as a clerk in the mid-1850s. Her $1,400 salary was equal to those of the men she worked with.

Role in the Civil War

Barton returned home to Massachusetts after her copyist role at the Patent Office was eliminated in 1857. Thee years later, she returned to her position to serve under new President Abraham Lincoln. The Civil War began less than a year later.

During the Civil War, Barton sought to help the soldiers in any way she could. At the beginning, she collected and distributed supplies for the Union Army. Not content sitting on the sidelines, Barton served as an independent nurse and first saw combat in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1862. She also cared for soldiers wounded at Antietam in Maryland. Barton was nicknamed the angel of the battlefield for her work.

Initially, Bartons help was often declined, as no woman had ever appeared directly on the battlefield, in camps, or in field hospitals. However, she gained the trust of military officials and Lincoln over time.

After the war ended in 1865, Barton worked for the War Department, helping to either reunite missing soldiers and their families or find out more about those who were missing. She also became a lecturer, and crowds of people came to hear her talk about her war experiences.

Founding the American Red Cross

Getty Images

Shop Now A Story of the Red Cross by Clara Barton amazon.com $6.99

While visiting Europe, Barton worked with a relief organization known as the International Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 to 1871. Some time after returning home to the United States, she began to lobby for an American branch of the international organization.

The American Red Cross Society was founded in 1881, and Barton served as its first president. As its leader, Barton primarily oversaw assistance and relief work for the victims of such disasters as the 1889 Johnstown Flood, when a dam break in Pennsylvania led to more than 2,000 deaths, and the 1900 Galveston Storm in Texas. After a hurricane destroyed the Texas island community, more than 8,000 people lost their lives in what remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

In 1904, Barton published the book A Story of the Red Cross about her life and efforts with the organization.

Friendship with Susan B. Anthony

Barton was a close friend of suffragist, writer, and lecturer Susan B. Anthony. The two met following the Civil War and often spoke on behalf of each others causes. Anthony was a proponent of nursing reform and, in 1902, delivered the keynote address at the New York State Nurses Convention.

Later Years

Getty Images

Barton resigned from the American Red Cross in 1904 amid an internal power struggle and claims of financial mismanagement. While she was known to be an autocratic leader, she never took a salary for her work within the organization and sometimes used her funds to support relief efforts.

In 1905, Barton established the National First Aid Association of America, which developed first aid kits and taught basic first aid instruction and emergency preparedness.

After leaving the Red Cross, Clara Barton remained active, giving speeches and lectures. She wrote another book entitled The Story of My Childhood, which was published in 1907.

Clara never married and had no children. However, she did have several nieces and nephews and a couple furry companions. She first had a dog named Button but grew to adore cats. A painting of her black and white cat named Tommy, her friend of 17 years, still hangs in the dining room at the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Glen Echo, Maryland.

Death

Barton lived to age 90. According to the Telegram & Gazette, she died from double pneumonia at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, on April 12, 1912. She was buried at her familys cemetery plot in Oxford, Massachusetts.

Quotes

I may sometimes be willing to teach for nothing, but if paid at all, I shall never do a mans work for less than a mans pay.

I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.

Soldiers, for every womans hand that ever cooled your fevered brow, stanched your bleeding wounds, gave food to your famishing bodies, or water to your parching lips, you should bless God for Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances D. Gage, and their followers.



It has long been said that women dont know anything about war. I wish men didnt either. They have always known a great deal too much about it for the good of their kind.



Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us!

You Might Also Like
CIUDAD ACUNA, Mexico (Border Report)  Its been 28 years since Cheech Marin tended bar and Antonio Banderas shot a bunch of bad guys inside the place. Still, visitors keep coming to the Corona Club to have a drink, look at pictures on the wall and celebrate the legacy the films  El Mariachi  (1992) and Desperado (1995) left on their city.

Those movies have great significance for Acuna and for the bar, said Gerardo Garza, owner of the iconic business on Calle Hidalgo, where the gunfight scenes for both productions were shot. As it is, Acuna has always had tourists  from Texas (military) bases, the colleges in Austin, Texas A&M, San Marcos, San Angelo, Houston, and others looking for a good time. They also come because this is the birthplace of El Mariachi.'

Acuna is across the border from Del Rio, Texas.

The Mariachi is a Mexican protagonist concocted by Garzas uncle, Carlos Gallardo, and University of Texas graduate Robert Rodriguez . A roving musician taking on a Mexican drug lord, the original indie movie was made on a $7,000 budget with locals as actors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mexican border drama wins Greeces top film prize

It won the Sundance Film Festivals Audience Award in 1993 and went on to gross $2 million at theaters. In 2011, the Library of Congress designated it for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural and aesthetic value.

A traffic sign directs drivers to the USA or Ciudad Acuna in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021. Acuna is across the border form of Del Rio, Texas. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Garza said his uncle and high school and college pal Rodriguez had been making home movies since they were teenagers. They would record each other, family members and friends. Their success with El Mariachi led to the Hollywood-backed sequel Desperado featuring Banderas, Salma Hayek and Marin as the bartender. A third movie featuring the El Mariachi character starred Johnny Depp but was filmed in Guanajuato.

Mexican-born filmmaker fears losing hope if DACA thrown out

People come, ask (about the movie) and take pictures. Its not just people from the United States but from Mexico as well. They all remember the scene with Cheech Marin behind the bar and Antonio Bandera firing his guns all over the place, Garza said.

The bar, floor and walls remain as in the movie. Photographs of the production, cast and the town hang on the walls. On a recent Friday evening, green and red lights lined Calle Hidalgo in anticipation of the Mexican Independence holiday. Inside the bar, a small crowd of locals enjoyed drinks and loud Mexican music.

Tijuana bars and nightclubs must link surveillance cameras to city police network

I have not seen the movie, but it is good it gives people a reason to visit our city, said Acuna resident Alberto Martinez, 38.

Garza said the business opened sometime in the 1900s as a small restaurant called the Toltec Cafe. It became the Toltec Bar under his father. Later, he signed a deal with the local Corona beer distributor and the business became the Corona Club Toltec Bar, as the sign at the entrance says today.

87,000 beer cans and bottles destroyed after piling up at border throughout pandemic

The violence portrayed in the movies became all too real not just in Acuna but all along the Mexican border in the mid-2000s. It affected tourism. Public security was lost to organized crime in 2006-2007. Then came peace in 2012, Garza said.

Haitian migrants cross the Rio Grande to get food and supplies near the Del Rio-Acuna Port of Entry in Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila state, Mexico on September 18, 2021. (Photo by PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images)

He describes Acuna today as a peaceful city, even at night. He said the COVID-19 pandemic also drove people away. The migrant crisis that drew the eyes of the world to Acuna and neighboring Del Rio, Texas, in September 2021, has shifted downstream on the Rio Grande to Piedras Negras and Eagle Pass, Texas.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

People are coming back little by little. Theyre coming again from the (military) bases. This is a place where people can come, have a good time and spread that through word-of-mouth. Thats how we hope to grow again, Garza said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
By Dave Graham

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexico's ruling party on Wednesday named former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum its candidate for next year's presidential election, putting her in pole position to become the country's first female leader.

Sheinbaum, 61, is a close ally of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and had been regarded as the strong favorite to be selected in the national poll organized by the leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA).

"Today the Mexican people decided," a smiling Sheinbaum told supporters to shouts of "president, president, president," at a press conference where she was declared MORENA candidate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We will win in 2024," she said, dressed in the purple color of her party.

Sheinbaum beat out five other contenders and won each of five nationwide polls organized to decide the result, averaging about 39% of the vote, the party said.

However, hours before the winner was announced, Sheinbaum's closest rival, former foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard , said the vote had been tainted by irregularities and must be redone.

Ebrard was not present as Sheinbaum was hailed as the winner, telling a Mexican radio station he and his team had been removed from the event in Mexico City's World Trade Center, a towering building in an upscale neighborhood of the capital.

He said he would decide his next move on Monday and, when asked, did not rule out throwing in his lot with the center-left Citizens' Movement (MC), the only significant opposition party yet to select a presidential candidate.

Ebrard captured just over a quarter of the vote in the MORENA polling, the party said.

His campaign has argued for weeks that there were problems in the selection process and had stepped up complaints in recent days. Many political insiders had forecast a bust-up.

MORENA's leaders were quick to defend the vote.

"There is no incident that has affected the final result in a definitive manner," said Alfonso Durazo, president of MORENA's national board. "The result of this process is definitive."

All of MORENA's state governors, including Durazo, signed a statement backing the integrity of the selection process.

Opinion polls show MORENA is heavily favored to win the June 2 presidential election, though Lopez Obrador has urged the party to remain united heading into next year.

In an apparent nod to Ebrard's allegations and the risk of him splitting, Sheinbaum did the same in her victory address.

"We need everybody. Unity is fundamental. The doors are always open, they will never close," she said.

The main opposition alliance has already chosen a female candidate - Xochitl Galvez, a charismatic and unconventional senator of Indigenous origin who overcame an impoverished background to become a successful entrepreneur.

Sheinbaum, a noted physicist and environmentalist before her entry into frontline politics, has vowed to consolidate Lopez Obrador's legacy, aligning herself with his political base and the bedrock of support that underpins his approval ratings of around 60%.

Viewed as more of a consensus-builder than the combative Lopez Obrador, Sheinbaum has indicated she would ramp up renewable energy usage, which has taken a back seat to the president's efforts to revive state oil company Pemex.

(Reporting by Dave Graham and Adriana Barrera; additional reporting by Brendan O'Boyle; editing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Josie Kao, Edwina Gibbs and Michael Perry)
Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, said time is running out for the 18 other defendants charged with the former president in the Georgia election interference case to cooperate and cut a deal with prosecutors.

My recommendation for them would be speak now, because as soon as the guy next to you, or the woman next to you, starts speaking and spilling the beans, your information is not as important, its not as significant, he told CNNs Abby Phillip. So the person really who starts to speak first is the one that will get the benefit.

Cohen said they should look to events in Washington as a warning, where Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was given 22 years for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and another last week was sentenced to 17 years.

These are real sentences, Cohen said, noting that it could essentially mean life behind bars for some of the former presidents co-defendants.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cohen said Trump will have no problem selling out any of his co-defendants in order to protect himself.

He pointed the finger at his own son Eric, throwing Eric under the bus, Cohen said, referring to a deposition in a different case in New York. If Eric can be thrown under the bus by Donald, what do you think Donald will do with someone like Mark Meadows or somebody like Rudy Giuliani? Or Sidney Powell or any of the other co-defendants? Donald doesnt care about anyone or anything other than himself.

Cohen was Trumps longtime fixer, but eventually turned on his former boss and cooperated with investigators. He pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations, lying to Congress and other charges  all of which, he said, was done for Trump  and was sentenced to three years in prison.

See the full conversation below:
From left, Tony Ferraro, a representative from U.S. Sen. Mike Brauns office; Lake County Commissioner Jerry Tippy; and Larry Alderfer, president and CEO of U.S. Cold Storage, and others break ground Wednesday on the $124 million project at Interstate 65 and Indiana 2. (Carrie Napoleon/Post-Tribune)

When Dave Butterfield, senior vice president of New Jersey-based U.S. Cold Storage LLC, first prompted the company to invest in the northeast corner of Interstate 65 and Indiana 2 in 2017 in Lake County, he could see the potential.

At the time the company planned to build a $30 million facility at the crossroads, which would expand their presence in Indiana to better serve their customers.

Advertisement

Seven years, a pandemic and another $90-plus million later, that project is coming to fruition as officials Wednesday broke ground on a planned fully automated $124-million U.S. Cold Storage facility.

Location is what Butterfield said drew him to the site. The easy access to the nations interstates via I-65 and Interstate 80/94 means USCS and its clients can service all 48 states from the site.

Advertisement

This building project is one of a kind, Butterfield said.

David Butterfield, senior vice president of Cold Storage, and Lake County Commissioner Michael Repay, D-Hammond, Tuesday discuss the $124 million project at a ground breaking at the site. (Carrie Napoleon/Post-Tribune)

It also is one of a kind for south Lake County. County officials say with a price tag of $124 million, this is the largest non-medical development in south Lake County.

Construction was first expected to begin in 2020, then the pandemic derailed everything. Butterfield said it prompted the company and its customers to reconsider how they do business. The facility will be USCSs first built-from-the-ground-up, fully automated, refrigerated warehouse. The company has retrofitted automation into several of its other facilities.

Larry Alderfer, president and CEO, said USCS is a 125-year-old company with a long history and joked: we dont usually take this long to get things done.

This is the largest initial investment we have done in our history, Alderfer said.

The company was drawn to the site for a number of reasons including location and access to affordable, reliable power. Power is the companys largest expense. The facility will be fueled by a large solar array that will help USCS meets its goal to be 100% renewable energy by 2030, he said.

The workforce in Indiana is another reason.

Its a free state. Its flexible. Its driven, Alderfer said.

Advertisement

Larry Alderfer, president and CEO of U.S. Cold Storage, talks Wednesday during the groundbreaking for the companys newest facility in south Lake County. (Carrie Napoleon/Post-Tribune)

The project is expected to create about 60 full-time jobs with benefits by 2028. Construction is expected to be complete in 2025.

USCS plans to build an approximately 13.5 million-cubic-foot public refrigerated warehouse, trailer drop areas, a dog and related need will be built on 70 of the 110 acres it owns at Indiana 2 and Colorado Street. It purchased a remaining 40 acres to reserve for future use by a company customer.

One reason for our commitment is I fully expect a customer partner to build next to us, Alderfer said.

The company currently offers more than 357 million cubic feet of temperature-controlled warehouse and distribution space in 40 facilities across 13 states including California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Once construction is completed, the public warehouse will house more than 43,400 pallet positions, including approximately 35,600 positions serviced by an automated storage and retrieval system and approximately 7,700 positions with integrated, cascade layer pick technology.

Adam Ashley, general manager for USCS who will oversee the facility once it opens, said the location is strategically located in a key market for the company and will offer additional capacity in the Chicagoland area.

Advertisement

In partnership with our Lebanon, Indiana location and our Chicago-area warehouses, we can offer customers coordinated, less-than-truckload distribution savings and help them reach 48 states within the U.S., Ashley said.

The development is being supported by the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI grant program. Through the Northwest Indiana Forum Foundation, the northwest Indiana region is investing more than $125.35 million, including a $940,000 READI allocation, to make the needed improvements along Colorado Street, widening and rebuilding the corridor to accommodate vehicular and truck traffic and enable continued industrial and commercial development in that area.

Lake County Commissioner Jerry Tippy, R-Schererville, said the company previously received pushback at the county level about the project and came to him early on after he was elected for his support. Tippy said he told them he would support the project until he was given a reason not to.

Weve gone through a lot in the last six years. Cold Storage has persevered. I give them a lot of credit. Because of that we have a much better project, Tippy said.

Lake County Councilman Randy Niemeyer, R-Cedar Lake, said unlike his counterpart, he just took office in January and came in on the back end to an overnight success story. He was happy to see the project move forward.

Being a lifelong Lake County resident with deep roots in south part of Lake County, I am a firm believer that we have yet reached our potential as a county, Niemeyer said.

Advertisement

He said the companys investment and use of skilled labor to operate the heavy equipment necessary to build the facility is important to Northwest Indiana.

Its not my money out of my pocket or my risk being put on the line here. I have to yield that credit to the folks at USCS, your investors, and your team that are willing to take a risk on us, Niemeyer said, adding he was happy to support and economic development package that help sustain the business and position it for the future.

Matt Saltanovitz, vice president of domestic business expansion for the Indiana Economic Development Forum, said he is often asked how Indiana is able to attract businesses in this economy.

Its pretty simple. Were focusing on the economy we want, no the one that comes to us, Saltanovitz said. Partnerships with businesses like USCS is exactly how were going to build that economy.

cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com
The U.K. government appears to have steered out of a direct collision with the tech industry over a controversial, encryption-risking provision in the Online Safety Bill.

Mainstream tech giants and smaller encrypted messaging services have been united in warning for many months that the bill poses a direct threaten to the security and privacy of millions of web users by placing a legal obligation on encrypted messaging apps to bake-in content scanning capabilities on receipt of an order by the Internet regulator, Ofcom.

Security and privacy researchers, and legal experts, have also chipped in with a regular cadence of warnings that the bill's broad surveillance powers risk -- paradoxically -- wreaking major harm on web safety. Yet the government has appeared deaf to concerns about the impact on encryption.

The bill targets a range of online harms and safety issues, including by putting obligations on platforms to tackle child sexual abuse material (CSAM). But here the government has explicitly sought to foster development of CSAM-scanning tools which could be applied to end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging platforms without affecting user privacy -- ignoring warnings from experts that there's no way to circumvent E2EE without trashing people's privacy and security.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Strongly encrypted messaging apps like Signal accused ministers of magic thinking. Even Apple waded into the public fray over the summer -- warning the Bill poses a risk to web users' security. WhatsApp and others have also warned they could shut services in the U.K. if the bill isn't revised to remove the threat to encryption.

In recent months the government has sought to dampen concerns by suggesting Ofcom would not use these powers against strongly encrypted platforms which apply the gold standard (zero knowledge) E2EE, such as Signal, WhatsApp and iMessage. But the tech industry hit back -- with the Signal Foundation's president Meredith Whittaker among those asking why ministers wouldn't clearly write the claimed limit into the text of the law to ensure strong legal protection for E2EE?

The compromise the government has apparently landed on now looks, at best, like a fudge -- as there is still no clear statement putting E2EE beyond the reach of the bill's scanning powers.

In a ministerial statement today in the House of Lords, where the bill was getting its third reading, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said Ofcom could not be required to order scanning unless "appropriate technology" exists.

"When deciding whether to issue a notice [to scan for CSAM] Ofcom will work with the service to identify reasonable, technically feasible solutions to address the child sexual exploitation and abuse risk including drawing on evidence from a skilled person's report. If appropriate technology does not exist which meets these requirements Ofcom cannot require its use," he said. "That is why the powers include the ability for Ofcom to require companies to make best endeavours to develop or source a new solution."

"It is right that Ofcom should be able to require technology companies to be able to use their considerable resources and their expertise to develop the best possible protections for children in encrypted environments. That has been our long standing policy position. Our stance on tackling child sexual abuse online remains firm and we've always been clear that the bill takes a measured, evidence-based approach to doing so," he added.

The government's line was highlighted earlier today, in a report by the FT ahead of the bill's third reading -- which wrote that the minister would state: "A notice can only be issued where technically feasible and where technology has been accredited as meeting minimum standards of accuracy in detecting only child sexual abuse and exploitation content."

The newspaper also reported that "officials have now privately acknowledged to tech companies that there is no current technology able to scan end-to-end encrypted messages that would not also undermine users privacy", citing "several people briefed on the governments thinking".

It's the quietest of climb-downs, if indeed the FT's sources have got an accurate snapshot of ministers' views. But it's probably as far as the government is going to go, given how deeply it's dug this hole.

As we've reported before, even the the director of the research group it selected to carry out a technical evaluation of the safety tech projects that were given public funding back in 2021, as part of a Home Office competition to develop tech capable of detecting CSAM on E2EE services without comprising privacy, has warned of the folly of the effort.

The issue is that the technology being discussed is not fit as a solution, Awais Rashid, professor of cyber security at the University of Bristol and director of the Rephrain Centre, warned in a university press release in July. Our evaluation shows that the solutions under consideration will compromise privacy at large and have no built-in safeguards to stop repurposing of such technologies for monitoring any personal communications.

Flagging up technical feasibility as a hard stop for Ofcom's powers in a ministerial reading at this late stage of the bill's passage looks to be the escape hatch the government has settled (and briefed on) to get out of a mess very much of its own making -- a mess that's generated increasingly attention-grabbing headlines about mainstream messaging apps preparing to exit the U.K. -- without it being too explicit in carving out E2EE from the bill's reach and risking a backlash from child safety campaigners who have been expending their own efforts on pushing for the bill's powers to go even further.

Given this is a fudge, and given the continued existence in the bill of powers for Ofcom to order scanning on E2EE platforms the moment some developer claims to have come up with a feasible techie workaround -- not to mention who knows what else might be lurking in the final text as a raft of amendments were also discussed today by Lord Parkinson -- privacy campaigners are right to remain concerned.

In an early response to the FT's report, posted to X (Twitter), Signal's Whittaker called the government's statement an "important moment" -- and "a victory, not defeat" -- while caveating her remarks by saying it is "not the final win".

I would call this a victory, not a defeat. And am grateful to the UK government for making their stand clear. This is a really important moment, even if its not the final win.https://t.co/tq1Oflu7Qq  Meredith Whittaker (@mer__edith) September 6, 2023

The Open Rights Group, a digital rights advocacy group which has also campaigned against the bill's threat to encryption, described the government's concessions as "welcome news" while arguing it would be "better if these powers had been completely removed from the bill". "We continue to fight for the removal of the spy clause," it added in remarks posted on X.

WhatsApp's Will Cathcart also chipped in with a response, repeating his vow the platform would "never break our encryption". "The fact remains that scanning everyone's messages would destroy privacy as we know it," he said. "That was as true last year as it is today. WhatsApp will never break our encryption and remains vigilant against threats to do so."

The fact remains that scanning everyones messages would destroy privacy as we know it. That was as true last year as it is today. @WhatsApp will never break our encryption and remains vigilant against threats to do so. https://t.co/iHsBOhkp8r  Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) September 6, 2023

The government, meanwhile, has rebutted any suggestion the minister's remarks signal a change of tack.

In a statement emailed to TechCrunch a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said:

Our position on this matter has not changed and it is wrong to suggest otherwise. Our stance on tackling child sexual abuse online remains firm, and we have always been clear that the Bill takes a measured, evidence-based approach to doing so. As has always been the case, as a last resort, on a case by case basis and only when stringent privacy safeguards have been met, it will enable Ofcom to direct companies to either use, or make best efforts to develop or source, technology to identify and remove illegal child sexual abuse content -- which we know can be developed. Monday saw technology companies including TikTok, Meta, Microsoft and more come together to discuss the threats posed by sexual offenders exploiting our children. We all agreed to continue to work together to tackle these heinous crimes wherever they take place.

Lord Parkinson also expressed gratitude for what he described as "constructive engagement" from technology companies over the summer as the government worked on various amendments to a bill that had already seen scores of changes, big and small, over years plural -- and under several secretaries of state -- since the first draft of the bill was published back in May 2021.

This report was updated to include WhatsApp's public remarks
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas woman says she could not find her brother, who failed to return home, in part because the hospital where paramedics took him after he collapsed gave him a fake name.

Clifford Allen, 60, died on July 27 at MountainView Hospital, the Clark County coroners office confirmed to Nexstars KLAS.

I could have been there to hold his hand, Allens sister, Lavonne Brubeck, told KLAS. I could have called him by his name.

Allen and Brubeck lived together in the northwest valley. She said he became her best friend and companion after her husbands death more than 10 years ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He went with me everywhere, she said.

It was not odd for Allen to leave the house for several days, Brubeck said.

Three-legged bear breaks into Florida home, drinks White Claws

July 16 was different.

He didnt contact me, Brubeck said about the days after. I kept trying to call him and his phone would go to voicemail.

After several days of silence, Brubeck, a retired nurse, became concerned. Her brother suffered from COPD, she said, and it was unlike him to not pick up his phone.

I called every hospital in Las Vegas  every hospital, she said. I would ask for him by name and being in nursing I would say, Do you have any John Does there?

John Doe and Jane Doe are the standard placeholder names for unidentified individuals.

By the time Brubeck found her brother, it was nearly the end of July. Clifford Allen was dead.

I didnt even get to hold his hand or even see him before he went to the coroner, Brubeck said.

Finding out what happened to her brother would be an investigation of her own. Brubeck obtained her brothers phone bill and called the last number on it. She would find out her brother collapsed in a retail area near West Lake Mead and Rainbow Boulevards sometime around July 21.

Several people told her that her brother lay there for eight hours.

Lavonne Brubeck would find out her brother, Clifford Allen, collapsed in a retail area near West Lake Mead and Rainbow Boulevards sometime around July 21, 2023. (KLAS)

People saw him, and nobody responded to that, Brubeck said. It was 115 degrees that day and he was laying in full sun, and nobody called it in.

Sometime during those eight hours, someone stole Allens wallet, identification and oxygen tank, Brubeck said. A clerk at a nearby store would later call paramedics when she realized the man, later identified as Allen, had not moved.

They didnt even leave him with a players card with his name on it  nothing, Brubeck said.

With a body temperature of 106 degrees, EMTs brought Allen to MountainView, one of the many hospitals Brubeck called repeatedly.

No John Does, no Clifford Allens, she said, recounting her many calls. No, I cant speak with administration. Everything was a no.

Clifford Allen, 60, died on July 27 at MountainView Hospital, the Clark County coroners office confirmed to the 8 News Now Investigators. (KLAS)

Brubeck was asking the hospital for those two names. She later learned the hospital gave her brother a real name: Nolan Doe. It is MountainViews policy to name the unidentified for records purposes, a hospital spokesperson told KLAS.

Basically, he was in a coma, I guess, for the 10 days that he was there, Brubeck said.

Allen would die alone in a hospital bed even though his sister did everything in her power to find him. In the end, it was the coroner who positively identified Allen from a picture a family member brought to the office nearly two weeks after he left home.

Brubeck also filed a missing persons report with Las Vegas Metro police. At the time, police had no record of Allen because he had no ID. The report was filed on July 26, one day before Allens death.

A spokesperson for MountainView provided the following statement:

Anytime a patient has a poor outcome we are disheartened and have the utmost compassion for the family members impacted. We are sorry that anyone has to experience something like this. While we cant specifically comment on this case due to HIPAA, I can share our general policy. Per our policy, MountainView does not provide random callers information on unidentified patients because of HIPAA. Per our policy, the hospital identifies anonymous patients with the last name of Doe, however assigns different first names to prevent the merging of medical records. We work diligently behind the scenes to identify unnamed patients with our community partners. We work with our partners in the community to identify people who come in and when it is possible, connect patients to family. Jennifer McDonnell, spokesperson MountainView Hospital

A spokesperson for Las Vegas Metro Police provided this statement:

LVMPD Missing Persons Detail receives requests from our community partner hospitals on identifying Jane/John Doe patients committed to their care without any physical identification or the ability to identify themselves. Under circumstances where LVMPD believes the patient is related to an investigation, like an active missing person, the Missing Persons Detail will utilize investigative resources to assist with the identification of the patient. Officer Robert Wicks, LVMPD

Allens cause and manner of death remained pending as of Tuesday.

Three hospital organizations declined to comment on their policies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas woman says she could not find her brother, who failed to return home, in part because the hospital where paramedics took him after he collapsed gave him a fake name.

Clifford Allen, 60, died on July 27 at MountainView Hospital, the Clark County coroners office confirmed to Nexstars KLAS.

I could have been there to hold his hand, Allens sister, Lavonne Brubeck, told KLAS. I could have called him by his name.

Allen and Brubeck lived together in the northwest valley. She said he became her best friend and companion after her husbands death more than 10 years ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He went with me everywhere, she said.

It was not odd for Allen to leave the house for several days, Brubeck said.

Three-legged bear breaks into Florida home, drinks White Claws

July 16 was different.

He didnt contact me, Brubeck said about the days after. I kept trying to call him and his phone would go to voicemail.

After several days of silence, Brubeck, a retired nurse, became concerned. Her brother suffered from COPD, she said, and it was unlike him to not pick up his phone.

I called every hospital in Las Vegas  every hospital, she said. I would ask for him by name and being in nursing I would say, Do you have any John Does there?

John Doe and Jane Doe are the standard placeholder names for unidentified individuals.

By the time Brubeck found her brother, it was nearly the end of July. Clifford Allen was dead.

I didnt even get to hold his hand or even see him before he went to the coroner, Brubeck said.

Finding out what happened to her brother would be an investigation of her own. Brubeck obtained her brothers phone bill and called the last number on it. She would find out her brother collapsed in a retail area near West Lake Mead and Rainbow Boulevards sometime around July 21.

Several people told her that her brother lay there for eight hours.

Lavonne Brubeck would find out her brother, Clifford Allen, collapsed in a retail area near West Lake Mead and Rainbow Boulevards sometime around July 21, 2023. (KLAS)

People saw him, and nobody responded to that, Brubeck said. It was 115 degrees that day and he was laying in full sun, and nobody called it in.

Sometime during those eight hours, someone stole Allens wallet, identification and oxygen tank, Brubeck said. A clerk at a nearby store would later call paramedics when she realized the man, later identified as Allen, had not moved.

They didnt even leave him with a players card with his name on it  nothing, Brubeck said.

With a body temperature of 106 degrees, EMTs brought Allen to MountainView, one of the many hospitals Brubeck called repeatedly.

No John Does, no Clifford Allens, she said, recounting her many calls. No, I cant speak with administration. Everything was a no.

Clifford Allen, 60, died on July 27 at MountainView Hospital, the Clark County coroners office confirmed to the 8 News Now Investigators. (KLAS)

Brubeck was asking the hospital for those two names. She later learned the hospital gave her brother a real name: Nolan Doe. It is MountainViews policy to name the unidentified for records purposes, a hospital spokesperson told KLAS.

Basically, he was in a coma, I guess, for the 10 days that he was there, Brubeck said.

Allen would die alone in a hospital bed even though his sister did everything in her power to find him. In the end, it was the coroner who positively identified Allen from a picture a family member brought to the office nearly two weeks after he left home.

Brubeck also filed a missing persons report with Las Vegas Metro police. At the time, police had no record of Allen because he had no ID. The report was filed on July 26, one day before Allens death.

A spokesperson for MountainView provided the following statement:

Anytime a patient has a poor outcome we are disheartened and have the utmost compassion for the family members impacted. We are sorry that anyone has to experience something like this. While we cant specifically comment on this case due to HIPAA, I can share our general policy. Per our policy, MountainView does not provide random callers information on unidentified patients because of HIPAA. Per our policy, the hospital identifies anonymous patients with the last name of Doe, however assigns different first names to prevent the merging of medical records. We work diligently behind the scenes to identify unnamed patients with our community partners. We work with our partners in the community to identify people who come in and when it is possible, connect patients to family. Jennifer McDonnell, spokesperson MountainView Hospital

A spokesperson for Las Vegas Metro Police provided this statement:

LVMPD Missing Persons Detail receives requests from our community partner hospitals on identifying Jane/John Doe patients committed to their care without any physical identification or the ability to identify themselves. Under circumstances where LVMPD believes the patient is related to an investigation, like an active missing person, the Missing Persons Detail will utilize investigative resources to assist with the identification of the patient. Officer Robert Wicks, LVMPD

Allens cause and manner of death remained pending as of Tuesday.

Three hospital organizations declined to comment on their policies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
When a teens skeletal remains were found in the Tennessee woods in 1983, investigators identified a murder suspect but not the victim.

Now, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the identity of the victim using DNA technology, the agency said in a Sept. 6 news release.

Kenneth Levall Thompson of Detroit was born in November 1965. His remains were found in Crossville, Tennessee, on Aug. 26, 1983, the TBI said. Investigators said he was stabbed multiple times.

A forensic pathologist initially estimated the victim was between the ages of 20 and 25, the release said.

A TBI spokesperson told McClatchy News that Thompson was killed approximately a week or more before his body was found in Cumberland County.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Without knowing who the victim was, investigators were able to identify a possible suspect, who was charged with second-degree murder in May 1984 and sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to the release. The suspect was 36 when he was charged, TBI told McClatchy News.

Family told investigators they last had contact with Thompson around 1982 or 1983.

Years went by without a match for the victims identity. Investigators submitted a DNA sample to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, according to the release. His DNA was entered into database systems to look for possible matches, but none came.

In December 2022, TBI agents with the Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative sent a DNA sample of Thompsons to Othram Laboratories in Texas for forensic genetic genealogical (FGG) DNA testing, according to the release.

Scientists were able to find possible relatives of the unidentified teen. TBI investigators then located family members in Michigan, including a brother who said he hadnt heard from Thompson in nearly four decades.

Officials submitted familial DNA to the lab in Texas, TBI said. Othram scientists were able to identify the remains as Thompsons.

Investigators hope this development will provide long-awaited answers to Kenneths family, the TBI wrote in the release.

The agency is asking for anyone with photos of Thompson to share them with the TBI.

The only photo of Kenneth that surviving family members could find was taken when he was a child, the agency said.

Man was found dead at cemetery in July, Maine cops say. His roommate is now arrested

Human remains found in shed built into pipes under bridge, California officials say

Pirates of Caribbean moment turns solemn when campers find human skull on island

Remains found at landfill confirmed as missing toddler, GA cops say. Dad now charged
FILE - An unstilted home which came off its blocks sits partially submerged in a canal, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, two days after the passage of Hurricane Idalia. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

TITUSVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A windsurfer who went missing off Florida's Space Coast the day that Hurricane Idalia made landfall last week has been declared the state's second death from the Category 3 storm, officials said Wednesday.

The 60-year-old man went missing while windsurfing in the Banana River on Aug. 30, the day that Idalia made landfall with 125 mph (201 kph) winds across the state in Florida's remote Big Bend region, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

The other Idalia-related death in Florida confirmed by the states 25 local district medical examiners was in Gainesville, but officials didn't release details.

A man in Valdosta, Georgia, also died when a tree fell on him as he tried to clear another tree out of the road, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff Office.

___

This story has been updated to correct that the windsurfer went missing on Aug. 30, the day Hurricane Idalia made landfall, instead of the day after.
In a nation built on the promise of opportunity and progress, it's disheartening to witness Mississippi, a state rich in culture and history, consistently find itself at the bottom of significant indexes measuring work-related conditions. \

Every year, Oxfam releases its Best and Worst States to Work in America (BSWI) and Best and Worst States for Working Women indexes. This years report paints a sobering picture of the challenges faced by the workers, working families and working women in the state of Mississippi.

Vangela M. Wade

A familiar pattern: Mississippi's low ranking

The BSWI evaluates policies supporting working families across all states. Unfortunately, Mississippi remains near the bottom (No. 51 out of 52), echoing a pattern that has persisted for years. The index's criteria encompass various aspects crucial to workers' well-being, including wages, worker protections, and rights to organize. Mississippi's subpar performance in these areas highlights the challenges faced by its labor force.

Stagnant minimum wages and limited protections

One glaring issue contributing to Mississippi's bottom-tier ranking is its stagnant minimum wage, set at the federal level of $7.25. This rate has not been adjusted since 2009, leaving many Mississippians struggling to make ends meet. While 30 other states have increased their minimum wages, Mississippi's lack of action stands as a stark reminder of the state's hesitancy to address the needs of its workers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Furthermore, the absence of mandates for paid leave exacerbates the challenges faced by working families. Workers in Mississippi continue to be left vulnerable in situations requiring time off due to illness, family emergencies, or personal well-being. This lack of support undermines the work-life balance that many employees strive to achieve.

'Right-to-Work' laws and their impact

Adding to Mississippi's labor challenges is the so-called "right-to-work" law, which significantly weakens the bargaining power of unions and employee organizations. This law, prevalent in much of the South, hampers the collective efforts of workers to negotiate better conditions and fair wages.

Working women in Mississippi: An uphill battle

The report paints a similarly bleak picture for working women in Mississippi. The state ranks #50 (of 52) when it comes to policies supporting women in the workforce. This is particularly concerning given that women, especially women of color, often face a double bind  contending with both gender and racial disparities in the workplace.

And more: Mississippi is last on many measures of well-being

The report charts correlations between scores on the labor index, and various measures of wellbeing. And the results are deeply disturbing.

Of the 50 states, Mississippi has the lowest median household income; the highest percentage of people living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity; the lowest Gross Domestic Product per capita; and the highest rate of infant mortality.

While correlation is not causation, this does paint a portrait of a state that is failing its working families. And its not inevitable: we can make policy choices that change this reality. Mandating higher wages lifts the wage floor, helping to alleviate poverty and food insecurity. Mandating paid leave for illness supports better health and security.

Disappointment and the path forward

Mississippi's repeated placement at the bottom of these indexes reflects systemic issues that need urgent attention. The state's workforce deserves policies that promote fairness, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.

While it's disheartening to witness Mississippi's continuing low ranking, it's also an opportunity for the state to reflect on its priorities and make meaningful changes. Every worker in Mississippi deserves a fair shot at a dignified and prosperous life, and by addressing the issues highlighted in these indexes, the state can work toward a brighter future for its workforce. It's time to turn disappointment into determination and take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and supportive work environment for all.

Its high time for Mississippi lawmakers to raise wages, strengthen worker protections, and invest now in the education and training of tomorrows leaders. A well-educated and skilled workforce is vital for any state's economic growth. We must act urgently.

Even in the absence of leadership from our elected officials, we at the Mississippi Center for Justice will continue to advance racial and economic justice through an approach that combines legal services with policy advocacy, community education, impact litigation, and direct services. We must dismantle the policies that keep Mississippi at the bottom of nearly every indicator of human well-being and deny African-American and lower-income Mississippians the opportunity to advance themselves.

 Vangela M. Wade is president and CEO of Mississippi Center for Justice.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi's placement at the bottom of labor law indexes disappointing
Data brokers collect and sell people's personal data, which they harvest from many online sources, including social media. SB 362 would create a one-step mechanism for consumers to erase their information. (Associated Press )

The United States has no national privacy law. What it has instead is a laissez-faire policy that allows businesses and governments to harvest all manner of data and use it in any way they choose.

While many Americans are aware of the harm caused by social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, they are generally not aware of how much data is harvested about them, how widely it gets shared and the ways in which it is used to influence both their behavior and the opportunities available to them.

Privacy invasions are now ubiquitous. Your car, your television, your phone and your security system are all gathering data on your behavior. They are not doing this for your benefit. They are doing it for theirs.

Read more: California could make it easier to scrub your personal data from the web. Businesses are pushing back

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The data from your car will be purchased by insurance companies who may choose to raise your rates or terminate your coverage if your driving patterns give them an excuse to do so. Your phone gathers an astonishing amount of intimate data, including your location and what you do in apps and on the web. Your TV tracks your viewing habits. Your security system and robotic vacuum cleaner snoop on you under the guise of providing valuable services. Much of this data is sold to internet platforms or to data brokers who then sell it to anyone who wants to influence your behavior.

Airlines now want to take your picture when you board a flight. Ticketing companies and hotel chains demand your cell phone number and email. Some COVID test centers ask for health data unrelated to COVID. Much of this data is also for sale. When aggregated, this data enables corporations and governments to predict elements of your behavior and to steer it by controlling the choices they offer you.

California has been a leader in privacy legislation but has not yet passed a law that provides consumers with real privacy protection.

Lobbyists managed to strip the teeth from the California Computer Privacy Act before it left the Legislature, forcing citizens to pass a referendum, the California Privacy Rights Act, that put some of the teeth back in. The key element of CPRA is the right to opt out of having your data sold or transferred.

Read more: Op-Ed: Recovering from Big Tech's lost decade

Unfortunately, the opt-out mechanism of CPRA is unwieldy. A person who wants to protect personal data would need to opt out with each data broker and website individually. For most people, this would involve dealing with hundreds of sites, many of them unknown. Consumer Reports has created an app, Permission Slip, to make opting out easier, but data brokers have many excuses for not complying.

To address this problem, Senate Bill 362, the Delete Act, would create a one-step mechanism for consumers to get every data broker to delete their personal information. The bill, drafted by Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), is not a complete answer, but it is an essential start and a serious threat to the data industrys business.

For that reason, the industry has mounted a massive lobbying campaign to kill or neuter the bill. SB 362 has been passed by the Senate, but it must be passed by the Assembly by Sept. 14.

The data industry is huge, a giant web of companies, including Google, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon. Beyond internet platforms, there are advertising agencies and media companies whose revenues depend on ad targeting. Healthcare, insurance, automotive, retail and consumer electronics companies also use and depend on personal data. Even OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, trains the system on personal data and copyrighted material, used without permission.

Connecting them all are the data brokers who buy and sell the data. There are nearly 500 registered data brokers in California. In addition, the internet giants behave like data brokers in the way they transfer personal data collected in one app to others they control.

Read more: Op-Ed: The federal American Data Privacy and Protection Act protects everybody's data

The industry, of course, argues that personalization  using person data to offer more engaging content and advertisements  enhances online experiences. Personalization can be convenient, but the relationship between users and the data industry is not open or honest. Consumers have no idea what is going on. They get a little bit of convenience at the front end, but the data live on forever, often being used in ways that are harmful to the consumers interests.

Another argument to oppose the bill comes from law enforcement, which uses data brokers to collect personal information that would otherwise be denied to them under the 4th Amendment. But the pursuit of a handful of criminals is never sufficient justification for surveillance of the entire population.

The Delete Act would help restore the right of consumers to make their own choices, free of interference and manipulation from the industry. For it to make a difference, it needs to apply to any company that collects, holds, exploits and/or transfers personal data. Some key players, notably Meta and Google, will insist that they can sidestep this law, as they have with earlier privacy laws in the U.S. and Europe.

Assembly members now face a test. Will they stand with consumers, or will they give in to powerful economic interests that have been harming Californians for profit?

Roger McNamee is a co-founder of Elevation Partners and the author of Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe.

If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was defiant on Wednesday, brushing off calls for him to step down as leader of his conference after he froze in front of reporters last week.

Im going to finish my term as leader and Im going to finish my Senate term, McConnell said at a packed weekly press conference on Capitol Hill.

McConnell offered no new details about his health condition and declined to say exactly what had afflicted him. He said he had nothing to add to a letter from the U.S. Capitol attending physician that cleared him to resume his duties in the upper chamber.

Brian Monahan, the attending physician, said in a note released by McConnells office earlier this week there is no evidence the 81-year-old senator experienced a stroke or has a seizure disorder following his second freeze-up in Kentucky last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The doctors note appeared to satisfy the vast majority of the Senate Republican Conference, which expressed support for McConnell this week. But one GOP senator voiced skepticism about Monahans diagnosis.

When you get dehydrated, you dont have moments when your eyes look in the distance with a vacant look and youre sort of basically unconscious with your eyes open, said Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who is an ophthalmologist.

Paul said he wasnt questioning whether McConnell is able to lead, but instead, the diagnosis itself: It has nothing to do with his fitness to serve and whether hes doing a good job or a bad job.

Earlier on Wednesday, McConnell addressed his GOP colleagues behind closed doors about his health, telling them his cognitive ability is not impaired. The senator said he was given a clean bill of health by doctors, according to Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.). McConnell also told his colleagues he has only experienced freezing episodes twice.

I was satisfied, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) said afterward.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky., speaks to reporters after a closed-door GOP strategy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. McConnell did not elaborate on his health status in the wake of two public episodes where he froze while talking to the press. | J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made his first public appearance Wednesday after freezing up while taking questions from reporters in Kentucky last week.

After he briefly spoke about the work Congress has to do to pass 12 spending bills before Sept. 30, to avoid a government shutdown, and reaffirmed his support for Ukraine, McConnell, 81, took questions.

Reporters repeatedly asked the senator for details about what made him unable to answer questions  and McConnell, without going into any specifics, pointed to the medical report his office released.

I dont have anything to add to it, McConnell, R-Ky., said. I think it should answer any reasonable questions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related

In the report, Dr. Brian Monahan, McConnells physician, stated that he saw no evidence of the senator experiencing a seizure, stroke or a symptom of Parkinsons disease in extended medical testing after the incident.

But it did not answer why McConnell lost his ability to respond for 30 seconds.

News  New health update on Mitch McConnell, released by his office pic.twitter.com/yht2Nio0w8  Manu Raju (@mkraju) September 5, 2023

This is the second time in recent months that McConnell, R-Ky., has frozen while making a public appearance. The senator abruptly stopped speaking for 15 seconds while giving his remarks at a press conference in July, according to the Deseret News.

Should McConnell step down? Heres what GOP lawmakers say

When reporters asked McConnell if he plans to retire soon, he said he has no announcements to make on that subject.

I am going to finish my term as leader, and Im going to finish my Senate term, he added.

McConnells term ends in 2026, while his position as the GOP leader in the Senate ends in 2024. He continues to receive support from his colleagues in the Senate, including Utah Sen. Mitt Romney.

We might lose from Mitch McConnell 20 seconds a day. But the other 86,380 seconds are pretty darn good. So Im supporting him, Romney, a Republican, told a reporter.

Related

The Utah senator told Politico that there is no question about McConnell being able to lead the Republican Conference.

Hes proven hes able to raise money like no one else in our political history at this level, and I think hell continue to have full support, he said.

Others like Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., argued that McConnell was cleared by a physician and given a clean bill of health.

He indicated hes had two of these episodes and both of them happened to be during press conferences, Kennedy added.

Even if GOP lawmakers have doubts about McConnells abilities to lead his party in the coming years, very few have called for his resignation.

Hes got a very small group of people that would even ask the question, said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. Maybe a handful.

Related

During remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday, McConnell briefly addressed his inability to respond to reporters questions, before excusing it as the result of a busy month.

Now, one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, but I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth, he said.
The Indiana Court of Appeals last month upheld convictions for a former couple in connection with a 10-year-old boys abuse death, court filings show.

April (Kuchta) Wright and Rachel Wright, now both 29, were each sentenced in January after signing pleas for Aprils brother Leviticus Levi Kuchta, 10, who authorities found dead in their Merrillville home on Oct. 12, 2020. He had signs of rigor mortis and died at least several hours earlier.

Advertisement

Levi had makeup covering puncture wounds on his face, and was riddled with injuries in various degrees of infection and healing to his head, hands, arm, back, groin, leg and ankles, records said.

Two of the injuries  a dislocated jaw and spine  rendered him unable to walk or talk before his death, records said.

Advertisement

Officially, his grandmother had custody while his mother was in prison for drugs. But, when the grandmother couldnt care for him anymore, he went to stay with April, despite her documented criminal history.

In both cases, Lake Superior Judge Gina Jones had leeway to decide their prison sentence. At sentencing, each woman blamed the other.

In her appeal, April Wright argued her 35-year sentence was inappropriate, because Rachel was more at fault.

In a 3-0 opinion, the appellate court rejected this.

(April) Wright, along with Rachel, tortured and abused Levi for months, made him live in squalor away from others, and ultimately killed him in a particularly violent manner, Appellate Judge Robert Altice wrote on Aug. 21. Wright showed no mercy to her young brother, who suffered unthinkable brutality in her home.

Rachel Wright, likewise, appealed to cut her 25-year sentence, saying she had expressed remorse at sentencing and argued she suffered a battery of mental illnesses that made it too harsh, or inappropriate.

When Levi died, even as she had almost completed her certified nursing assistant certification, Rachel herself abused the boy and did little or nothing to help when April hurt him, court documents allege.

His death was extremely cruel, Appellate Judge Patricia Riley wrote Aug. 23 in a 3-0 opinion.

Advertisement

Wrights home should have been a place of refuge for (him), a ten-year-old boy who essentially had nowhere else to go because his mother was in prison and his grandmother could no longer care for him, she wrote.

Rachel called 911 and acted surprised when authorities found the boy long dead. She conspired with April to create a cover story that he had a dirt bike accident, court records show. She also lied to police, saying she never saw April hurt him.

Both women took family pictures with Aprils adopted 3-year-old son the day before Levi was discovered. They lied to the photographer, saying Levi didnt feel well, according to lawyers.

(Rachel) essentially requests that we ignore the horrific circumstances of her offense, a request we refuse to honor, Riley said.

Her plea deal was extremely favorable, the judge wrote.

She made no effort to connect her mental health diagnoses to her offense and her expression of remorse failed to take responsibility for the harm she herself had inflicted on the boy.

Advertisement

The women married in 2019, but defense lawyer John Cantrell said at sentencing that they had split up by then.
Mitch McConnell 's bizarre freezing spells have once again perturbed the nation, but the aging Senator says his brain are clear.

The senator's office has released a letter from Capitol attending physician Brian Monahan, who claims there is "no evidence" that McConnell has had a "stroke, [mini-stroke] or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease."

Indeed, Monahan said the 81-year-old Kentucky Republican does not appear, per "brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment" to have any "seizure disorder" at all. As CNN reports, a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity said McConnell was evaluated by four neurologists following this latest freeze.

As Monahan notes, the senator did suffer a fall in March of this year, though the letter does not mention that during that incident, McConnell also got a concussion and broke a rib. It took him over a month to recover from that fall, and he returned to Congress in mid-April.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This latest letter follows another the Capitol physician sent McConnell's office immediately after the senator's second fall last week, which said he was "medically clear" to keep working and that "occasional lightheadedness" is common after a concussion. Monahan also suggested that McConnell could have been dehydrated as well.

McConnell's strange episode last week marked the second time that the octogenarian has appeared to freeze up publicly this summer after a similar situation in late July, rendering him seemingly unable to speak in response to questions at an event.

In the aftermath of both of McConnell's freezing spells, speculation has run rampant about what might be going on there, with unaffiliated neurologists suggesting that the incidents look a lot like focal seizures, which cause electrical surges in the brain but do not necessarily lead to unconsciousness.

In spite of having been evaluated and scanned, medical experts have noted in various press reports that there's still a good chance something bigger is going on with McConnell than his office is letting on  or, perhaps, than the senator even knows himself.

As the Washington Post notes, the senator's March fall was not his first  for roughly four years he's suffered multiple falls, and although the public knows about the resulting concussion from the last one, we still don't know the cause of it.

As for the imaging taken following this latest freeze-up, CNN's chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta notes that some of the scans may not be quite up to snuff to explain what's going on with McConnell because EEGs are really just a "snapshot in time" of what's happening in one's brain at the moment it's taken.

"Someone could have a seizure, then have a normal EEG, and have a seizure later," Gupta said. "They can give you a fair amount of information, although they cant definitely rule out a seizure."

More on health warnings: Scientists Find There's Usually a Telltale Sign the Day Before a Heart Attack
By Patrick Wingrove

(Reuters) -Moderna and rival Pfizer on Wednesday said their updated COVID-19 vaccines generated strong responses in testing against the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant of the coronavirus that has raised fears of a resurgence of infections.

Moderna said its shot generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies against BA.2.86 compared with an untreated natural antibody response in clinical trials in humans. The variant is currently being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We think this is news people will want to hear as they prepare to go out and get their fall boosters, Moderna head of infectious diseases Jacqueline Miller said in an interview, adding that the data should also help reassure regulators.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Pfizer said its updated vaccine with partner BioNTech elicited a strong antibody response against BA.2.86 in a preclinical study in mice.

Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech and relative newcomer to the COVID vaccine market Novavax have created versions of their shots aimed at the XBB.1.5 subvariant, the dominant variant through most of 2023. Those are expected to be rolled out this autumn.

Moderna shares were down 1.6% and Pfizer shares were off nearly 3% in afternoon trading.

TD Cowen analyst Tyler Van Buren said Wednesday's news was unlikely to raise the share price because people already assume the mRNA vaccines will continue to be effective against new COVID variants as they crop up. Both the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech shots are based on mRNA technology.

"This was not an anticipated catalyst that people were waiting for," he said, adding that Moderna continues to be a favorite target of Wall Street short sellers who bet that shares will fall.

The CDC has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID or were vaccinated with previous shots. The Omicron offshoot carries more than 35 mutations in key portions of the virus compared with XBB.1.5, the target of the updated shots.

Moderna said it had shared the new finding on its vaccine with regulators and submitted it for peer review publication. The retooled shot has yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but is expected to be available later this month or in early October.

Last month, Moderna and Pfizer each said their new vaccines appeared to be effective against another new subvariant of concern dubbed EG.5 in initial testing.

European regulators have since backed the Pfizer/BioNTech shot, with Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approving the vaccine on Tuesday, but have yet to make any announcements on Modernas updated vaccine.

BA.2.86 has now been detected in Switzerland and South Africa as well as Israel, Denmark, the U.S. and Britain according to a WHO official.

While it is important to monitor the variant, several experts told Reuters it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection.

(Reporting by Patrick Wingrove in New York, Additional reporting by Michael Erman in New Jersey; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Ryan Furtado bought himself a Peloton in July 2021. Seven months later, he was dead.

The 32-year-old was killed when the high-end interactive stationary bike toppled over and sliced open his carotid artery, leaving the beloved customer success manager to bleed out on the floor of his Downtown Brooklyn home.

Thats according to a lawsuit filed by Furtados mother and obtained by The Daily Beast, which reveals the first-known death involving a Peloton bike. In 2021, a 6-year-old child died after getting pulled into a Peloton treadmill, something company officials described as a tragic accident. Another similar incident involving the now-discontinued Peloton Tread Plus left a 3-year-old with a significant brain injury, regulators said, noting in an incident report that the boy was found with tread marks on his back matching the slats of the treadmill. (Peloton was ordered to pay a $19 million fine earlier this year over the treadmill issue.)

Furtados lawsuit is just the latest setback for Peloton, which roared to success during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the publicly traded company saw its star begin to fade once stay-at-home restrictions loosened. Since then, even make-believe exercise catastrophes have caused major headaches for the $2.2 billion firm. Its stock took a hit last year after a central character in the Sex and the City reboot was felled by a fatal heart attack immediately following his 1,000th Peloton ride. A month or so later, one of the key figures on the Showtime drama Billions suffered a heart attack while riding a Pelotonbut the shows writers let him live.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Furtado, who grew up in Hawaii, was using his Peloton bike to do a Core workout on Jan. 13, 2022, Johanna Furtados lawsuit states.

The workout requires riders to disembark the bike to conduct exercises on the floor, says the suit, which was quietly filed in March. Ryan disembarked the bike and conducted the floor exercises. When rising from those exercises, Ryan used the bike to assist him in getting up.

At that point, according to the lawsuit, The bike spun around and impacted him on his neck and face severing his carotid artery in his neck killing him instantly. Ryan was found by the New York Police Department with the Subject bike still resting on his neck and face.

The suit says Peloton instructs riders to use the Bike for stretching, but that applying pressure on the Bike in a pulling and pushing fashion, caus[es] the Bike to destabilize and fall. It also says Peloton should have predicted and warned against the foreseeable misuse that people would also use the Subject Bike to pull themselves up from the floor during a workout increasing an unknown risk of injury to the user, such as the case with Ryan.

There was a single warning label on the bike, located on the front right leg, which the lawsuit calls inadequate. Instead, it says Peloton should have affixed multiple labels to the bikes stem and base to adequately warn the user of injury that could occur if the Subject Bike is used to pull oneself up from the floor during a workout.

In rebuttal, Peloton filed a response which laid the blame entirely at Furtados feet, insisting that he died due to his own negligence, and that the company is not legally responsible. Further, the response notes, Peloton users are obligated to defend, indemnify and hold Peloton harmless based upon the provisions set forth in its terms of service.

In an emailed statement, Peloton SVP of Global Communications Ben Boyd told The Daily Beast, We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Furtado family for this unfortunate accident. As a Member-first company, the health and safety of our Member community is a top priority.

While the lawsuit ties Furtados death directly to Peloton, the way he died has never been made public until now.

An obituary in a local Maui news outlet said Furtados life was flourishing, and that his kind heart, witty humor, and overall zest for life will be forever cherished and missed. The University of Redlands graduate was the best everything, son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend, it continued. In his life he loved his family, friends, traveling, music, baking, games and all things Star Wars. He loved the ocean and land alike and found adventures where he could. He left us far too soon and will be loved forever.

New York State Supreme Court

A GoFundMe campaign launched in the wake of Furtados death by one of his coworkers at B2B software firm Demandbase also didnt mention any specifics.

Beloved colleague, dear friend, shining starthats how we remember Ryan, it said. He was someone who made everyone feel welcome and special. Ryan was great at his job, and excelled at friendshipalways there for his people, of whom there are many. We are grieving the loss of Ryan, and all of us want to find ways to help. The funds raised by this campaign will be sent to his family to help with the many unexpected costs they are now dealing with as they navigate this very difficult time.

Johanna Furtados lawsuit says Peloton bikes are defective and/or unreasonably dangerous, and that its products expose consumers to an unreasonable risk of harm. At minimum, the company failed to warn that its bikes could tip over when used as a brace to rise or go down.

As a direct and proximate result of the foregoing conduct of Peloton, Ryan was killed, the suit states.

She is asking for Peloton to pay for, among other things, her sons final healthcare expenses, funeral and burial costs, any financial support Ryan would have contributed to the family, and damages for the conscious pain and suffering he endured. In addition, the lawsuit demands compensatory damages for Johannas pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the cost of all past and future medical and psychiatric care.

In May, Peloton recalled some two million of its bikes in response to complaints of the seat post breaking and detaching from the bike during use, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC). The defect reportedly led to more than a dozen injuries, including a fractured wrist, lacerations, and bruises. On July 21, Pelotons safety, ethics, and compliance head and the SVP of government affairs sat down with CSPC commissioners to provide an overview of their safety priorities before moving into a closed meeting, an official meeting log states.

Pelotons attorneys, Matthew Miller and John Freedenberg, did not respond to The Daily Beasts requests for comment. Reached by phone on Wednesday, Furtados attorney, Gennady Voldz, said he couldnt discuss the case without permission from his firms publicity department.

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.
FILE - Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, center, is sworn into office, Jan. 4, 2021, inside the state Capitol in Helena, Mont. Knudsen faces 41 counts of professional misconduct after a special counsel alleged he and attorneys in his office defied state Supreme Court orders and questioned the impartiality of the Court in what became a legal battle over the subpoena powers of the Legislature. A spokeswoman for Knudsen said the complaint filed Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, is meritless and politically motivated as Knudsen seeks re-election next year. (Thom Bridge/Independent Record via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

HELENA, Mont. (AP)  Montanas ultra-conservative attorney general has been accused of professional misconduct on allegations his office tried to undermine the states Supreme Court in defending a law that allows the Republican governor to fill judicial vacancies without the input of a long-standing commission that vets candidates.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which regulates attorneys in Montana, filed the complaint against Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen on Tuesday.

Knudsen or attorneys under his supervision routinely and frequently undermined public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of our system of justice by attempting to evade the authority of the Montana Supreme Court and assaulting the integrity of the judiciary and the individual Justices who were duly elected by Montana citizens to make decisions," special counsel Tim Strauch wrote in the complaint.

The complaint called statements made by the attorney generals office in court documents to be contemptuous, undignified, discourteous, and/or disrespectful and constitute a knowing disobedience of an obligation under the rules of a tribunal.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It asks for the Supreme Court's Commission on Practice to hold a hearing and make recommendations to the justices as to whether Knudsen should face discipline.

A spokeswoman for Knudsen said the allegations are meritless and politically motivated as Knudsen seeks re-election next year, and they stem from a legitimate dispute between the Legislature and the judiciary.

No one should be prosecuted for holding a different opinion than those in power, Emilee Cantrell said in a statement Wednesday. The attorney general looks forward to filing his response with the commission."

The issue began with a court challenge to a 2021 law that eliminated the Judicial Nomination Commission and gave Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte the power to appoint new state judges if a seat was vacated between elections. The Montana Supreme Court eventually ruled that the law is constitutional.

Gianforte said he would appoint judges who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench, and who are committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law," echoing Republican criticisms of an activist judiciary in recent years.

In the course of defending the new law, the Attorney General's Office learned the court's administrator had conducted an email poll of members of the Montana Judges Association over the proposed judicial appointment legislation. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath had recused himself from the case because he had asked Gianforte not to support the bill.

The state judge who was appointed to replace McGrath on the case also recused himself after it was revealed he had voted in the emailed survey, saying he opposed the legislation.

The Legislature asked the court administrator for the results of the survey, but she said she didn't keep those emails or records.

Lawmakers then issued a subpoena to the Department of Administration, which includes the state's Information Technology division, for three months of emails belonging to the court's administrator in an apparent effort to obtain the information about the survey. A day after the subpoena was issued, the department  whose administrator was appointed by Gianforte  turned over 5,000 emails on two USB drives, which ended up in Knudsen's office, Strauch said.

It's not clear how the Attorney General's Office came to represent the Republican-majority Legislature in the subpoena case, the special counsel wrote.

Montana's Supreme Court temporarily quashed the legislative subpoena pending a hearing. But Lt. Attorney General Kristen Hansen, now deceased, responded that the Legislature does not recognize this Courts Order as binding and will not abide it. The Legislature will not entertain the Courts interference in the Legislatures investigation of the serious and troubling conduct of members of the Judiciary. The subpoena is valid and will be enforced.

After a hearing, the Supreme Court permanently quashed the subpoena in an opinion in which conservative Justice Jim Rice called Hansen's response obviously contemptuous.

Justice Laurie McKinnon said the legislative subpoena, was blatantly designed to interfere with, if not malign, a coequal and independent branch of government, violating the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers.

The court ordered Knudsen's office to immediately return the emails. But it took Knudsen's office at least eight months to do so, the complaint states.

In a failed attempt to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on the order to quash the subpoena, Knudsen's office argued that: Judicial self-dealing on this scale might be unprecedented in the Nation's history.

His office argued the justices, in not recusing themselves from hearing the case, ensured a result that bailed themselves out of an investigation prompted by their own inappropriate behavior," and that denying a legislative subpoena allows the Montana Supreme Court to conceal judicial branch misbehavior from the light of day.

Montana's Supreme Court includes two justices initially appointed by a Democratic governor, one appointed by a Republican governor, one that was a Democratic officer-holder, and three others elected to the court in nonpartisan races.
Most of the tanks and armored vehicles donated by the West earlier this year for Ukraines ongoing southern counteroffensive remain undamaged, The Guardian reported on Sept. 6.

A lot more of the kit has been preserved, said a senior Western official.

Read also: Ukrainian forces made notable progress in last few days  Washington

Media should abandon its fixation on how many hundreds of meters have been achieved today, the source added.

Read also: Ukraine making progress on its march to Melitopol

Ukraine is making incremental but methodical progress on parts of the southern and eastern fronts but slower than expected a couple of months ago, the official said, acknowledging the war will almost certainly extend into 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Russias second line of defenses may have mazes and underground tunnels, Ukrainian military says

On Sept. 2, the commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had broken through the first line of Russian defense in the south.

Commander of Ukraines Ground Forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said that the main task is to prevent further territorial losses on the Kupyansk and Lyman axes in eastern Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
SAN DIEGO  A deer mouse in rural East County tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, county officials announced Friday.

The mouse was collected on Aug. 24 near Mount Laguna during a routine monitoring, the County of San Diego Communications Office said.

Hantavirus, which has no vaccine or cure, is commonly found in wild rodents around San Diego County.

The positive case marks the seventh routine detection of hantavirus in the region in 2023.

San Diego has more fleas than any other city in country: SDHS

Residents are advised to never sweep or vacuum up after wild rodents if they find them in living spaces such as homes, sheds, garages and cabins.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

County officials recommend using bleach or other disinfectants, rubber gloves and bags as a wet-cleaning method.

While caution is advised, health officials say that hantavirus cases in humans is rare because wild rodents naturally avoid people.

Dead crow found in La Mesa tests positive for West Nile Virus

Hantavirus symptoms usually develop one to eight weeks after exposure and include severe muscle aches, chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or difficulty breathing, the County said.

If you believe that you may have been exposed to hantavirus, health experts say you should seek medical attention immediately.

FOX 5s Domenick Candelieri contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
WEST PALM BEACH  Nearly fours years after a Thanksgiving morning fatal shooting outside a Palm Springs-area strip club, prosecutors in the trial of the man accused in the attacks asked jurors to consider two questions.

Was Antoine Newton guilty of first-degree murder in the Nov. 28, 2019, death of Fadson Excellent? And did he commit attempted first-degree murder in an attack on Ernest Taylor that same morning?

The jury agreed on one of the two counts facing Newton, finding him guilty of the lesser offense of aggravated battery in Taylor's shooting, but was unable to reach a consensus on the first-degree murder charge.

Father's Day fatal: Riviera Beach officer faces vehicular homicide charges after crash kills two

Parking lot confrontation led to three people being shot

Antoine Newton, left, with defense attorney Scott Skier during jury selection at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida on May 26, 2023. Newton is on trial for first-degree murder following a 2019 fatal shooting.

Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe declared a mistrial on the count of first-degree murder and withheld adjudication on the aggravated battery verdict. Newton did not attend a status hearing Tuesday because of an illness, court records show. Rowe ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be completed within 60 days and set a new hearing for Nov. 7.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The trial concluded Aug. 25, with jurors deliberating that day for more than eight hours. They returned to the courtroom multiple times to review video evidence before settling on a partial verdict shortly before 6 p.m.

In charging Newton, then 36 and now 40, prosecutors alleged that he shot both Excellent and Taylor during a fight between the men in the parking lot of the Rose Gentleman's Club, just beyond the village limits at Purdy Lane and Military Trail.

Acreage murder case: He said he killed his stepson in self-defense. A Palm Beach County jury agreed

This embedded content is not available in your region.

PBSO deputies responded to the club shortly after 3 a.m. that morning and found Excellent, 29, dead, and Taylor suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Deputies learned that another man who was present at the club that morning had arrived at HCA Florida JFK Hospital in Atlantis to seek treatment for a gunshot wound to his hand.

Newton's attorneys argued that he shot Excellent and Taylor in self-defense, while accidently shooting a friend, Bataskia Marzette, in the process. Prosecutors decided not to pursue a charge related to Marzette's injury.

Sweet 16 shooting: Teen accused of murder in Boynton extradited to Palm Beach County from Texas

Defense sought dismissal under Florida's 'stand your ground' law

Judge Cymonie Rowe during jury selection at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida on May 26, 2023. Antonine Newton is on trial for first-degree murder following a 2019 fatal shooting.

Defense attorney Scott Skier previously argued for all charges to be dismissed under the state's "stand your ground" statute.

In a motion filed in May, Skier wrote that Newton was defending himself and his friend as Excellent and Taylor began kicking and punching Marzette during a fight that started after the men exchanged words while exiting the club. Newton was in "fear of his and his friend's life" when he grabbed his gun, according to the motion filing.

Sober-home homicide: Lake Park shooting has Maryland man facing first-degree murder charge

Skier wrote that Newton accidentally struck Marzette as he fired his gun, then fired a single shot in Excellent's direction. Newton reportedly then fired again as Taylor tried to fight him. Skier noted a history of tension between the men, saying that Excellent had previously threatened Marzette with a gun at the same club.

"Once Newton saw that Taylor and Fads (Excellent) were no longer a threat, he walked away and did not continue to shoot," Skier said of the Thanksgiving morning shooting. "The entire incident occurred in less than one minute."

Rowe denied the defense's motion and set the case for trial. The trial initially was set to begin in May, but Rowe granted a continuance as Newton's attorneys requested more time to depose witnesses because of new evidence.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jurors can't agree whether Thanksgiving 2019 fatal shooting was murder
Shanghai Disney Resort to open world's first Zootopia-themed land by end of 2023

Xinhua) 09:18, September 06, 2023

Zootopia characters make an appearance upon the announcement of Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort in east China's Shanghai, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Long)

SHANGHAI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai Disney Resort announced Tuesday that its Zootopia-themed land, the first of its kind at any Disney park worldwide, is scheduled to open by the end of this year.

Named after a popular Disney Animation film, Zootopia will also become the eighth themed land inside the Shanghai Disneyland park.

Thanks to cutting-edge technologies applied in its creation, the new themed land will offer visitors an immersive experience in the vibrant and diverse mammalian metropolis of Zootopia.

"The beloved Disney Animation film Zootopia has fostered a strong connection with its audience since its debut. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring that very connection to life right here in Shanghai with this one-of-a-kind themed land," said Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Construction of the Zootopia-themed land, which started in December 2019, has now entered the final stage, the company said.

People perform upon the announcement of Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort in east China's Shanghai, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Long)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Teacher Amy Driscoll welcomes students as the arrive at Willard Elementary School Aug. 24, 2023 for the first day of the new school year. This school year marks the start of all-day kindergarten for the school, located in River Forest. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

The new school year is in full swing at River Forest School District 90, which is also offering full-day kindergarten for the first time at its Willard and Lincoln elementary schools.

River Forest School District enrolls approximately 1,400 students in pre-K to 8, across three schools.

Advertisement

Up until now, the SD90 kindergarten program has been a half-day model, with the students signed up for either a morning session or afternoon one, district spokeswoman Dawne Simmons told Pioneer Press.

Williard Elementary School Principal Diane Wood welcomed students Aug. 24, 2023 as they arrived for the first day of the new school year, and the start of all-day kindergarten being offered in River Forest School District 90 in River Forest. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

Taneja Harleen and her daughter, Niara, arrive at Willard Elementary School Aug. 24, 2023 in River Forest for the first the first day of the new school year, and the start of all-day kindergarten being offered at River Forest School District 90. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

Families arrive at Willard Elementary School Aug. 24, 2023 in River Forest for the first day of the new school year, and the start of River Forest District 90 offering all-day kindergarten. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

Signs were made by students and parents August 24, 2023 for kindergarteners at Willard Elementary School in River Forest. (James C. Svehla/Pioneer Press)

Simmons said that District 90 is ahead of the mandate Gov. JB Pritziker signed into law this summer that calls for school districts statewide to offer full-day kindergarten by the 2027-2028 school year.

Advertisement

The governor called establishing full-day kindergarten an investment in helping to have engaged and educated citizens.

Full day kindergarten is an essential step towards getting young Illinoisans off to the best possible start in their education, which has long-lasting positive effects on reading, math, and social skills, Pritzker said Aug. 2 as he signed House Bill 2396 into law.

According to the National Education Association, children in full-day classes show greater reading and mathematics achievements than those in half day classes, the governors office stated in a news release announcing the states new full day kindergarten law. The release further stated that full day kindergarten offers several social and emotional benefits to students.

Developmentally appropriate, high-quality, play-based kindergarten lays the foundation for a child to grow academically and develop essential social-emotional skills, State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders stated in the release. Universal access to full-day kindergarten brings us closer to ensuring all Illinois students receive the early learning opportunities they need to thrive. Today we are taking another critical step toward making Illinois the best place in the nation to raise a family.

On Aug. 24, the first day of the school year at District 90, kindergarteners and their families lined up outside Willard school early that morning as teachers and other school leaders prepared to welcome kids not only into the school building and the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, but also the beginning of a new era.

Simmons said both school buildings had to undergo facility changes to accommodate the building requirements for kindergarten students.

Willard Principal Diane Wood greeted the youngsters as they entered the building.

This year were highlighting our kindergarten teachers because they have been working so hard to bring full day kindergarten to life at Willard, Wood told Pioneer Press. Their classrooms are vibrant [and] engaging, and the kids are excited.
A woman awoke to find a naked stranger inside her home before he walked into a bedroom with three children sleeping inside, California police reported.

The womans brother wrestled the intruder out of their apartment at 5:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, El Cajon police said in a news release.

Police responding to the incident found the intruder, who was still in the parking lot, and arrested him, the release said.

The 35-year-old man, who police describe as being homeless, faces charges including burglary and being under the influence of drugs, officers said.

No injuries were reported.

Police ask anyone with information on the incident to call 619-579-331 or leave an anonymous tip at 888-580-8477.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

El Cajon is about 15 miles northeast of San Diego.

Woman fights off naked intruder after waking with him beside bed, California cops say

People are posing nude amid sunflowers!? We ask KC area farmers for the naked truth

Naked body found stuffed inside barrel floating around in California lagoon, cops say
Just as large volunteer collections to help the Defense Forces consist of hundreds of thousands of donations, our collective security of the future must consist of contributions from every citizen

In the tenth year of the war, it is time to realize: Russia is a constant existential threat to Ukraine. We need to build a security system for the coming decades today, taking into account our reality. Ukraine's new security architecture is a mosaic of many components: military, economic, legal, and civilian preparation for the challenges of the current war, as well as any possible future war.

Just as volunteer collections to help the Defense Forces consist of hundreds of thousands of donations, our collective security must be made up of contributions from every citizen.

The basis of collective security is to increase the readiness of society to respond to challenges. In the new reality, every Ukrainian should have two specialties  civilian and military  to be able to use weapons, provide medical care, and know what to do during shelling and occupation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our foundation started working on this back in July last year. We have created a tool for acquiring new knowledge and skills to feel more confident and understand how to act in the event of security threats from a crazy neighbor. The Civilian Preparedness Centers project is a ready-made training model with theoretical and practical courses. It has proven itself in almost 40 cities in 17 regions across Ukraine.

Read also:

The fundamental courses include preparation for mobilization  the basics of shooting and grenade launching, first aid, military communications, piloting copters, and knowledge of fortifications. We also teach relevant skills in the face of enemy threats, such as mine safety or behavior under artillery fire. A separate area is psychological training on communicating with the military and veterans, and what to do when captured. In addition, we are actively working in the field of OSINT (open-source intelligence) and countering IPSO (information and psychological operations).

We must always be ready.

We must always be ready. This is not about militarizing society, but about the well-founded need for all Ukrainians to be prepared. You can be a realtor and know how to use a grenade launcher. You can work in IT and have first-aid skills simultaneously. The segment of ongoing training, preparing civilians for life in the country in the face of military risks, should become the foundation for all components of Ukraine's future security architecture.

Ukraine's military security is guaranteed only by NATO membership. Today, it is the only safeguard against military threats after this war. Ukraine has already had a sad experience when we received guarantees on paper that did not stand the test of reality, either in 2014 or 2022.

Our compliance with the standards of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has already reached a high enough level that we have the right to ask not "under what conditions," but "when." This movement is irreversible.

The level of integration of Ukraine, which is not a NATO member state, is now unprecedented  at the level of communication, weapons, and best practices that we now apply.

The Alliance should also become an opportunity for employment for our military. We have a million-strong army with a unique experience - an ideal tool for rapprochement and integration into NATO in the form of joint exercises and other formats.

Read also:

The constant threat from a neighboring country requires rational use of resources. We should conduct a full audit of the defense industry based on a simple principle: We buy not what we have, but what the army really needs. In addition, defense reform can only occur with procurement reform and greater transparency.

The postwar Ukrainian economy should become as open as possible to global business and modern technologies. The desire of foreign investors to localize production in Ukraine or set up a joint venture is a signal to the government and local authorities to create the most favorable conditions for this. Does German Rheinmetall want to open a plant to produce and repair armored vehicles in Ukraine? Let's give them the opportunity. Turkish Baykar is opening a factory in Ukraine. We will help them and all those who will work to improve our country's defense capability and economic development. Foreign capital is an additional safeguard and a guarantee that the West will help us in the event of a new danger. This is the business of their citizens, for whom they are responsible.

For this, we need to take care of legal security. A level playing field for all creates a safe environment for business and investment, both foreign and Ukrainian. This includes reform of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, which, fortunately, continues even during the war. Access to justice, decentralization, and the fight against monopolies should be key principles for further development.

We are paying a terrible price for our survival as a state, and we have no right to repeat previous mistakes.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro s contempt of Congress trial begins in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Navarro faces two contempt of Congress charges connected to not complying with a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Jurors for the trial in front of U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta were selected Tuesday.

Navarro pleaded not guilty to the charges and argued former President Trump invoked executive privilege that barred him from cooperating with the subpoena. However, he lost a fight over whether he could use executive privilege as a defense in his trial.

In pre-trial hearings last week, Mehta called Navarros arguments pretty weak sauce and ruled he failed to prove Trump had invoked the privilege of his office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

There was no formal invocation of executive privilege by [Trump] after personal consideration nor authorization to Mr. Navarro to invoke privilege on his behalf, Mehta said.

The counts the former presidential advisor faces are punishable by up to 30 days or up to one year in prison.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Navarro said that even before the trial started, he had been stripped of most of the possible defenses in this case and predicted his case would end up before the Supreme Court.

He has also said that he will rack up more than $1 million in legal bills on the case, including the trial, and has set up a website to help raise money for his defense.

Navarro showed up to court Wednesday carrying a large picture of Trump saluting troops in a bomber jacket.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
In 1973, a fight between the Departments of Defense and Transportation and the Southern Pacific Transportation Company threatened to derail the shipment of Air Force bombs to Vietnam . It all stemmed from a massive railroad explosion in Roseville, California, that wounded 48 people and destroyed a rail yard and train . The Navy and rail company each accused the other of negligence that led to the explosion.

The 1973 accident hearkened back to a similar 1969 explosion, and a third explosion took place in May 1973 as the Roseville incident was still under investigation. The public rightfully feared the threat of bombs tearing apart towns across the U.S.

The Navy and rail company's dueling explanations

The crux of the fight hinged on what caused the Roseville train accident. The Navy pointed to witness testimony and physical evidence that a fire existed on at least one railcar before the explosion started. But a conflicting affidavit asserted that the bombs spontaneously exploded.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It asserted that the Mk. 81 and 82 bombs on the train cars exploded in Roseville all on their own; maybe because the Navy used such crappy lumber when it loaded the train cars?

Lastly, the condition of DODX cars similar to those involved in the explosion at Roseville, California, and the condition of the railroad car that survived the Tully, Arizona, explosion eloquently evidences the need for improvements in the quality of the lumber utilized for interior bracing and the bracing techniques themselves. Current loading and bracing practices followed by the U.S. Navy permit excessive movement of the bombs within railroad cars causing the bombs to collide with each other, permit the bombs to impact with the car walls and sides with force and thus expose the public to the unnecessary hazard of a detonation of a sensitive bomb. Further, the friction generated by excessive movement of bombs loaded in cars can initiate fires which can in turn cause a sensitive bomb to detonate. Railroad Accident Investigation Report No. 4187, Department of Transportation

The railroad company and their supporters failed to explain why Air Force bombs spontaneously explode on railcars but not on high seas, but apparently, no one asked that question.

There were a number of reasons to doubt the railroad's explanations. In addition to the whole, "They don't blow up on ships" thing, there was also a paper trail in April 1973. A railroad worker called the local fire department because of a fire on the car. If there was already a fire on the car, that wouldn't exactly be a spontaneous explosion.

The Roseville train accident leads to embargo

The Department of Transportation decided that, with the 1969 and 1973 explosions, it needed to stop shipments until it could get to the root of the problems.

But the blockage cleared in just two days, thanks to an unlikely source. A man had posted up in the mountains near the rail yard to record the sounds of trains. It seems like an odd hobby, but you do you, remote mountain train-recording man. He testified that he saw the fire burning over a wheel of the train before the explosions started .

Specifically, he saw the fires burning for six hours before the explosions started. Wow, wonder what started the explosions, then.

The fact that the fire originated near a wheel pointed to a brake shoe issue. Physical evidence from the 1969 explosion pointed to a fire starting with an overheated brake shoe. God, overheated brake shoes sound familiar for some reason .
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro blasted Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) on Tuesday over his continued hold on military promotions, saying that the senator is hurting American military readiness.

As someone who was born in a communist country, I never would have imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting communist and other autocratic regimes, Del Toro, who was born in Cuba, said in a CNN interview.

This is having a real negative impact and will continue to have a real negative impact on our combat readiness, he continued.

Tuberville has stopped all military officer promotions before the Senate for six months out of protest of the Department of Defenses policy covering expenses for military service members traveling to receive abortion care. The controversial blockage has come under widespread criticism from Democrats, the White House, military leaders and advocates and even Alabama voters.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fellow Republicans have attempted to negotiate with the senator to stop the protest, but have so far failed.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall also spoke to CNN on Tuesday about the promotion block.

What Sen. Tuberville is doing, is doing significant damage to our national security, he said.

The interview followed the publishing of an op-ed from Del Toro, Kendall and Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth in The Washington Post earlier Tuesday calling on Tuberville to drop his protests.

Any claim that holding up the promotions of top officers does not directly damage the military is wrong  plain and simple, they wrote.

The lack of promotions could lead many of the militarys brightest to leave the service for better employment elsewhere, the secretaries argued.

Throughout our careers in national security, we have deeply valued the bipartisan support shown for our service members and their families, the secretaries continued.

But rather than seeking a resolution to this impasse in that spirit, Tuberville has suggested he is going to further escalate this confrontation by launching baseless political attacks against these men and women.

Updated: 3:35 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The secretary of the Navy has condemned Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville for aiding and abetting Communist regimes with his months-long blockade of military promotions in objection to the Department of Defenses abortion policy.

The Republican senator has blocked hundreds of promotions since March in protest over the departments policy of reimbursing travel costs for service members who have to go out of state for an abortion. The Defense Department has warned that the blockade, which has left three branches of the military without official leaders, harms U.S. national security. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro on Tuesday issued the most scathing denunciation yet.

As someone who was born in a Communist country, I would have never imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting Communist and other autocratic regimes around the world, Del Toro, who was born in Cuba, told CNN. This is having a real negative impact.

Tuberville has blocked an unprecedented 301 military promotions over the abortion policy, resulting in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps being led by acting military leaders instead of confirmed ones. Some Pentagon officials have commented that if this continues, the Joint Chiefs of Staff will have to be renamed the Joint Chief of Staff, the Defense Department noted wryly in a Tuesday news brief.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Pentagon says the policy will stay in place, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Mark Milley warned that U.S. adversaries could interpret Tubervilles blockade to mean the United States was in a situation of internal division, instability  at the highest levels of its military.

Tuberville continues to falsely insist that he is not endangering U.S. security or military readiness. Im disappointed that a secretary would say that about a senator. Makes you feel bad that we got leaders in the country like that, he told CNNs Manu Raju on Tuesday. If I thought it was hurting readiness, I wouldnt be doing this. But its not.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby hit back later that evening. My best advice to the senator is, if you dont like being criticized for this outrageous effort to hold up these promotions and advancements, then lift your hold, he said on CNN.

If it bothers you that were publicly talking about the impacts its havingand it is having an impactthen just lift the hold.

Tuberville may have already reaped some consequences for the blockade. President Joe Biden announced in July he will keep the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, instead of moving it to Alabama as his predecessor wanted. White House officials said abortion policy had no influence in the decision, but the move still means that Alabama will miss out on 1,400 jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact.
A music video has put a Concord rapper and another man back in jail, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Wednesday.

Under the name Cap Shotta, Ahmad Jalon Thomas, 24, uploaded a music video for his song Life on the Run. He and Ajenee Semuell Forte, 31, were flashing handguns, police found when watching the video on YouTube and Instagram in June 2021. It has since been deleted from both platforms.

Both men had outstanding warrants for arrests at the time, officials said. Forte was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition after a previous felony firearm possession offense, police said.

When police in late June 2021 searched Fortes home in Concord  where the music video was filmed  they found firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and more than eight ounces of marijuana.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Forte pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in November 2022. On Wednesday, United States District Judge Loretta C. Biggs sentenced him to 100 months in jail with three years of supervised release.

In June, Thomas was sentenced to three years in jail and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon, prosecutors said.
Months behind schedule, the North Carolina state budget is finally going to be voted on in the General Assembly next week, according to Republican leaders.

The budget delay this year hasnt been over issues between Republicans and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper , as it was in years past. Republicans have total control of the General Assembly, with enough power to override Coopers vetoes. Instead, budget disagreements have been between the House and the Senate. Lawmakers of the same political party generally have the same agenda, but that doesnt mean they agree on how much taxpayer money to spend every year, or on what.

There are several reasons why the budget is coming in September instead of June  when state employees and teachers should have gotten any raises outlined in the budget.

Budget as soon as we can

House Speaker Tim Moore, a Kings Mountain Republican, said on the House floor Tuesday that voting sessions are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, including budget votes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Senate Majority Whip Jim Perry, a Kinston Republican, told The News & Observer on Tuesday that senators are expecting budget votes then as well.

My understanding is were on track to be able to produce a final conference report and to vote on the budget (next week), Perry said.

Moore wouldnt say the budget is guaranteed, but that he would be extremely surprised if we dont have a budget voted on next week, because were down to just a few items.

Most of the contentious issues have been dealt with that are political, he said.

That means tax cuts, which the Senate prioritizes, and raises for state employees and teachers, which the House wants to be higher than the Senate originally proposed. None of those amounts  tax cuts or raises  have been made public yet. Moore said previously that they would be significant and meaningful. Once the budget becomes law, raises will be retroactive to July 1.

Negotiations over the finance package held up some of the budget deal, but that was resolved weeks ago. Lately its come down to vacations and the logistics to finish the final work.

Moore said that the budget should be out publicly on Monday or Tuesday after final items are fine-tuned, including NCInnovation, the new nonprofit that gives money toward UNC System research aiming to turn ideas into businesses.

House vs. Senate

Moore told reporters after Tuesdays session that the idea of Republicans in the House vs. Republicans in the Senate on certain things is just kind of the way it is.

But whats always fascinating is, I mean, its not like we represent two different states, Moore said. I mean, we represent the same geographic areas as our Senate. And its amazing the things that get tagged.

Such things include the school calendar law flexibility that House Republicans support and Senate Republicans oppose year after year.

I wish I could always explain it in a way that made sense, other than its just kind of the way it is, Moore said.

Continuing resolution

When the new fiscal year started July 1, the state government didnt shutdown like the federal government would have under similar circumstances. North Carolina has a continuing resolution that keeps spending at the same level of previous years until a new budget is passed.

Thats what happened in 2019, when a full budget never became law because of a stalemate between Cooper and Republican leaders. Instead, several smaller budget bills were passed.

This year, as the summer waned, Republicans considered passing a small budget bill for raises, The N&O previously reported. It didnt come to that.

Less flexible is the start date for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, which is tied to the passage of the budget. When that didnt happen by Sept. 1, Medicaids planned October expansion date was pushed back a few more months, threatening to leave some residents without coverage.

This state needs a budget and it needs it now, Cooper told reporters in late August. Surely they can come up here to get to work, work nights and weekends if necessary, and agree to a budget so that we can move our state forward.

Schedules and earmarks

House lawmakers came back to Raleigh on Tuesday for a brief voting session, but the Senate did not hold a voting session. And both chambers are done voting until next week, which could now include not just the budget, but veto overrides and other bills, including an elections bill that was added to the calendar and then taken off again Tuesday.

Many lawmakers had planned vacations for July and August, expecting the legislative long session to be over by then. So the timing of Republican veto override votes was built around legislators schedules, as well as budget negotiations. Republicans have a supermajority in each chamber by just one vote, so every caucus member must be present to ensure a successful override.

Perry, one of a few senators at the Legislative Building on Tuesday for the non-voting session, said that scheduling is a very big thing when it comes to the budget process.

We are a part-time General Assembly, he noted. North Carolina does not have set calendar dates for sessions to end, like other states.

You had so many different proposed projects and districts that have to be matched up, Perry said. At the end, its a lot more tedious and takes a lot more time than people realize.

The House and Senate each passed their own versions of a budget earlier this year, so the final conference budget will be their compromise.

If one member, say a Senate member, puts in $7.8 million and a House member puts in $8.1 million for what appears to be the same project, somebodys got to spend some time digging into that and finding out why the numbers are different, Perry said. What is the actual need? ... Will they be able to spend it in that two-year time frame? And then, if it is the lower number, then theyve got to agree to what to do with that extra $300,000. Thats just one example.

The budget that is passed during the long session, in odd number years, is a two-year spending plan. During even number years, a much smaller budget bill is usually passed with minor adjustments.

Casinos, Innovation part of latest conversations

House Republicans had a nearly four-hour caucus meeting Tuesday to make final determinations on whether or not to legalize up to four new casinos and include that in the budget. It has been discussed by lawmakers as being part of the budget or a separate bill, but there doesnt seem to be enough consensus in the caucus for it to pass.

Moore told reporters after the House session on Tuesday that House Republicans are still counting the votes they might have in their caucus for legalizing casinos and other gaming issues.

Senate leader Phil Berger, an Eden Republican, told reporters recently that he does not see casinos as being something that holds up the budget.
North Carolinas student test scores continue to rise after hitting rock bottom during the pandemic. But performance still remains below pre-pandemic levels

New statewide test scores released on Wednesday show that 53.6% of students were proficient on state exams during the 2022-23 school year. Thats up from 51.2% passing in the 2021-22 school year and the 45.4% proficiency rate in the 2020-21 school year.

Other signs of improvement include an uptick in the graduation rate, more schools meeting academic growth targets, fewer schools being labeled as low-performing and fewer schools receiving D or F performance grades.

But overall, the passing rate is still below the 58.8% mark from the 2018-19 school year. There are also far more low-performing schools than there were before the pandemic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Passing rates remain below pre-pandemic levels for every state exam, with the exception of the Math 3 exam given in high school.

Schools across the nation are still recovering from widespread learning losses that resulted from students receiving a limited amount of in-person instruction in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years..

State education officials have repeatedly warned that the recovery will take time.

Third graders raise their hands to answer questions during a lesson on fractions at Buckhorn Creek Elementary in Holly Springs, N.C. in this 2022 file photo.

Fewer D and F schools

The annual release of test scores also comes with a state-mandated A through F letter grade given to public schools. The school grades are based 80% on passing rates on exams and 20% on student growth on the tests.

The percentage of schools with A and B grades was 27%, up from 23% the prior year. But its down from 37% in the 2018-19 school year.

The percentage of schools with D and F grades dropped to 35% after being at 42% the prior year. It had been only at 22% in the 2018-19 school year.

On average, high-poverty schools have lower performance grades than more affluent schools. Critics complain the grades required by state lawmakers stigmatize high-poverty schools.

State Superintendent Catherine Truitt has been leading an effort to revise the performance grading system to potentially include additional measures such as student attendance and school climate.

It would require state legislative approval to change the school accountability formula.

More schools meet growth targets

One of the complaints about the A-F grading system is that it doesnt do enough to recognize growth on state exams.

The new state data shows 72% of schools met or exceeded growth on last years state exams. Thats only slightly less than the 73% of schools meeting targets in 2018-19.

In North Carolina, a school is labeled as low-performing if it has a D or F grade and did not exceed growth on the exams.

Last school year, 804 schools were identified as low-performing, or 32% of schools statewide. Thats down from 864 schools the prior year, when 34% received the low-performing designation..

There were 488 low-performing schools in 2018-19.

Graduation rate up

The states graduation rate went up after having dropped the past two years.

The four-year high school graduation rate increased to 86.4%, up from 86.2% the prior year. The graduation rate was 87.6% in the 2019-20 school year.

The states graduation rate is higher than when it was reported for the first time at 68.3% for the Class of 2006. But the steady increase had stopped amid the pandemic.

Rebounding from learning loss

The new round of test results comes after state education officials have been talking about how schools are rebounding from the learning losses.

In April, the state Department of Public Instruction presented a report to state lawmakers showing that students in nearly every subject made academic gains in the 2021-22 school year. This comes after falling behind the prior year.

In some cases, the learning recovery time from the 2020-21 school year had been cut in half by the end of last school year.

An earlier DPI analysis found that all students representing different demographics suffered pandemic learning loss. Students were months behind, and in some cases more than a year behind, in math and reading at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

Also in August, DPI presented data showing more students in kindergarten through third grade are on track on reading than a year ago. The data was based on in-class literacy assessments given to students at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.

Truitt gave a large part of the credit for the gains to the new LETRS science of reading training.

LETRS, which stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, stresses phonics when teaching students how to read. The states 44,000 elementary teachers have to complete the 160 hours of training by 2024.

Despite those early literacy gains, the new results released on Wednesday show only 47.8% of third-grade students passed the states end-of-grade reading exam in 2023. Truitt has said gains may be smaller for those students because they missed in-person classes for parts of kindergarten and first grade during the pandemic.

Find your district or school in our searchable database below.
Former acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal had sharp retorts for Jeffrey Clark after the Donald Trump ally attacked him for attending Burning Man.

Jeff Clark was a key participant, Lawrence, in one of the most neopagan rituals of all, which is worshipping Donald Trump, Katyal told MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on Tuesday night.

And youd think that a guy whos simultaneously facing disbarment, state criminal charges and the possibility of additional federal charges might have something better to do than to troll people, and frankly, to troll people poorly, online, he added.

Clark, one of Trumps 18 co-defendants in the Georgia racketeering indictment, bizarrely lashed out at Katyal over the weekend for attending the Nevada festival, writing: Why am I not surprised that Neal Katyal made it a priority to get to a neopagan ritual?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Pray that these folks come to the light & realize that the only path is through and to our Lord, he added.

Katyal initially replied on X (formerly Twitter), pointing out that he is a Hindu.

Are you suggesting I do not belong in this country? he wrote.

On MSNBC, Katyal said, Ive heard this garbage my whole life.

Go home, go back to where you came from, pray to the one true god, lord, that kind of stuff, he said.

Jeffrey Clark's mug shot, taken at the Fulton County Jail on Aug. 25.

Jeffrey Clark's mug shot, taken at the Fulton County Jail on Aug. 25.

He also extended an invitation to the former DOJ official.

At the end of this, I guess Id invite Mr. Clark to attend Burning Man next year to see what its about, but I have a strong suspicion that he might not be allowed to leave the state of Georgia by next summer, he said.

Clarks swipe had focused on a post from Katyal about the festival, which the former Obama administration official had said was fantastic until the end, when heavy rain stranded thousands of attendees in the desert.

Katyal documented his harrowing 6 mile hike out of the remote site and shared tips for others trying to get out or hunker down.

Clark is charged in Fulton County with violating Georgias racketeering act and criminally attempting to commit false statements and writings.

He was a key ally who championed Trumps election fraud lies from within the Justice Department and supported the former presidents push to overturn the 2020 election.

He was identified as an unnamed co-conspirator in special counsel Jack Smiths federal indictment of Trump over the former presidents coup attempt.

Clark also faces attorney ethics charges in Washington, D.C., which could result in disciplinary action including disbarment.

Related...
You are here: Arts

This photo taken in July 2023 shows part of the Quying cemetery in Yingkou City, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)



Archaeologists have unearthed 10 tombs and the foundations of eight houses dating back to a period spanning from the Wei Kingdom (220-265) to the Jin Dynasty (265-420) in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

The Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology made these discoveries at the Quying cemetery in Yingkou City.

The excavation, initiated in July, also unveiled four ash pits, a kiln site, a well, and over 100 artifacts.

According to Su Junqiang, an associate research fellow at the institute, the relics suggest that this site was once a residential area.

Notably, the artifacts, including pottery fragments adorned with grid-like polished dark patterns and engraved water ripple motifs, exhibit distinctive characteristics of the culture of Yan states during the Sixteen Kingdoms period (304-439), a culture in Liaoning but seldom identified in the region.

This discovery carries academic significance in shedding light on the distribution of ethnic groups and their cultural interactions in the Liaodong Peninsula during the period.

In 1972, an archaeological team conducted excavations at the Quying cemetery before it was designated as a city-level cultural heritage protection unit by the Yingkou municipal government in 1984.

This photo taken in July 2023 shows an archaeologist working at the excavation site in Yingkou City, northeast China's Liaoning Province.(Liaoning provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology/Handout via Xinhua)
Washington-based ethics watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics filed a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of a small group of voters  including former elected Republican officeholders  aiming to keep former President Donald Trump off of Colorado's 2024 ballot.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment bars someone from holding future office if, while they were in office, they took an oath to uphold the Constitution but later "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or [gave] aid or comfort to the enemies thereof," unless a two-thirds vote of Congress grants them amnesty. The group's lawsuit hinges on this section, arguing that it applies to Trump because of his efforts to reverse his 2020 election loss and accusing the former president of inciting the mob that carried out the Capitol attack.

The lawsuit "is necessary to defend our republic both today and in the future," CREW President Noah Bookbinder told ABC News.

"In my decade of service in the House of Representatives, I certified multiple presidential elections and saw firsthand the importance of ethics, the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy," said former Republican member of Congress Claudine (Cmarada) Schneider. "This lawsuit is crucial to protecting and fortifying those fundamental democratic values, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump's team quickly dismissed the suit with the GOP primary frontrunner denying all wrongdoing and dubbing the efforts "election interference." His campaign spokesman Steven Cheung in a statement called the suit an "absurd conspiracy theory and political attack" on Trump, and claimed its filers "are stretching the law beyond recognition."

Previous attempts to remove other Republicans from the ballot under section 3 have failed, but CREW successfully advocated last year to remove a New Mexico county official convicted of trespassing in connection to Jan. 6. A broader effort to keep Trump off the ballot under the 14th Amendment is underway as a write-in Republican presidential candidate has filed and docketed cases in multiple states.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A referendum petition to gut the deal that secured millions for the As stadium in Las Vegas was filed on Wednesday, Sept. 6., by a group identified as Schools Over Stadiums PAC.

It targets the agreement to provide public funding that passed the Nevada Legislature in a special session and was signed by Gov. Joe Lombardo  a combined $380 million. Of that, only $180 million comes from the state. The rest of the funding would come from Clark County, and the petition makes no changes to that section of the deal.

Taxpayers and political groups protested the deal for a $1.5 billion stadium on the Las Vegas Strip during testimony before the bill passed, and public sentiment has simmered since then.

Schools Over Stadiums PAC was created in response to the deal. The group is connected with the Nevada State Education Association.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Schools Over Stadiums has been committed to pursuing every possible path to stop the use of public funds to subsidize a billionaires stadium and that has always included putting the question to Nevada voters who were effectively shut out of the process, Dawn Etcheverry, a music teacher and president of NSEA and Schools Over Stadiums, said in a Wednesday news release.

Nevadas priorities are misguided and when we launched Schools Over Stadiums in June, our goal was to ensure that public funds go to the services Nevadans depend on like our public schools, not to a California billionaire for a stadium, Etcheverry said.

If the petition succeeds, it would force the As to find another source or pay the extra money themselves. The petition does not specify another use for state money.

The petition would make no changes to Clark Countys responsibilities to provide funding for the stadium.

The effort has a long path ahead, with stringent requirements that have sunk petitions in years past.

Sponsors of the petition need to collect at least 102,362 signatures  more than 25,590 from each of Nevadas four congressional districts. Those signatures must pass a verification process. Thats just to get the petition on the ballot for the November 2024 election.

FILE  This rendering provided by the Oakland Athletics on May 26, 2023, shows a view of their proposed new ballpark at the Tropicana site in Las Vegas. The Oakland Athletics cleared a major hurdle for their planned relocation to Las Vegas after the Nevada Legislature gave final approval on Wednesday, June 14, to public funding for a portion of the proposed $1.5 billion stadium with a retractable roof. (Courtesy of Oakland Athletics via AP, File)

If it gets that far, language in the petition is likely to be challenged in court.

This referendum petition will target specific parts of Senate Bill 1 to strip public funding for the proposed stadium regardless of what state and county officials agree (to) do in any sort of development deal, Alexander Marks, Schools Over Stadiums spokesperson, said.

Were excited to get out there and start gathering signatures from Nevadans who want to put our schools first. Were confident that a majority of Nevadans will join us in taking action to put Nevadas priorities back in line so we can address an education system that ranks 48th in funding with the largest class sizes and highest vacancies in the country, Marks said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada State Police are asking for the publics help as they attempt to locate a suspected driver in a hit-and-run crash that left a juvenile dead.

The crash took place on Cheyenne Avenue eastbound over the I-15 on Tuesday afternoon shortly after 4 p.m.

Nevada State Police search for driver suspected in deadly hit-and-run crash. If anyone has information regarding the crash or the vehicle of interest please contact NHP (*647). (Nevada State Police)

Eastbound traffic was diverted onto Losee Road, according to a post on NSPs X account.

Police said the suspects vehicle is silver with right-side damage. It was last seen driving eastbound on Cheyenne from the I-15.

Nevada State Police search for driver suspected in deadly hit-and-run crash. If anyone has information regarding the crash or the vehicle of interest please contact NHP (*647). (Nevada State Police)

Those with information can call Crimestoppers at 702-385-5555.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A newlywed couple bought a Powerball ticket during their Labor Day beach vacation on the North Carolina coast, then didnt think about it the rest of the weekend.

On the drive home, they remembered their purchase and decided to check their ticket, North Carolina Education Lottery officials said in a Sept. 6 news release.

They had to pull over.

Were still in shock, April Royal said.

Royal and her husband Eric won $1 million in the Sept. 2 Powerball drawing, according to North Carolina lottery officials. The prize was one of two $1 million Powerball winners nationally, and another ticket won $2 million in Minnesota, lottery officials said in a Sept. 3 news release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And here I am driving in all of Labor Day traffic, Royal said.

Royal, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, bought the winning ticket in Southport and told lottery officials she and her husband got married in July. They plan to use the money on a honeymoon, in addition to investing and paying bills.

The odds of matching all five white balls are 1 in 11.6 million, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.

Royal went to lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Sept. 5 to claim her winnings.

After taxes, Royal walked away with $712,501, officials shared.

The Powerball jackpot has grown to $461 million as of Sept. 6. The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292 million, according to lottery officials.

80-year-old grandma wins big lottery prize  and credits lucky plant from her boyfriend

Man surprises wife with winning lottery ticket in Missouri. Well pay the house off!

70-year-old wife wins lottery jackpot in Michigan. Husband had a few choice words

Orioles fan celebrates his winning team  and a hefty Maryland lottery win
SALEM, N.H.  Chris Christie is running away with support from at least one major voting bloc in his presidential bid.

The only problem is its among the least important groups in the Republican primary.

The former New Jersey governor has seen his popularity soar with Democrats. Whereas Democrats once considered him a bully, a threat and an opportunistic apologist for Donald Trump , they now cant get enough of his new Trump-bashing persona.

Hes probably the only Republican I would vote for, said Joe Daly, a Democrat from Warner, N.H., who voted for Biden in 2020 but isnt sold on a second term. Of those on the right, Christie is the most reasonable, rational alternative to crazy Donald Trump.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Christies crossover success in New Jersey politics  and what made him a national star circa 2012  was largely based on his ability to work with Democrats to notch significant policy victories. He aggressively courted Democrats along the way to his reelection in 2013, so much so that his top aides choked access to the George Washington Bridge  the worlds busiest  to punish a local Democratic mayor for not backing Christie (he was not found to have any involvement).

But a decade later, its Democrats who are among the biggest boosters of Christies presidential bid.

A July New York Times and Siena College poll found 14 percent of Democrats would be most likely to vote for Christie as the Republican nominee  support that soared to 24 percent with Democratic leaners included. Thats higher than Christies polled in any survey of likely GOP primary voters since he entered the race in June.

And Christie ranked third-highest among Democrats following the first Republican presidential debate, with 12 percent who watched it saying he won, according to a New York Post poll. The same survey said Democrats preferred Christie to be the Republican nominee behind Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming representative who isnt running for president.



The dyed-in-the-wool Republican who once called Barack Obama a feckless weakling while running for the 2016 presidential nomination is now courting any voters who will listen in his redux bid. He went on a podcast hosted by former Obama aides and another co-hosted by veteran Democratic strategist James Carville. Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews deemed Christie the liberal pinup boy right now and New York Times columnist Michelle Goldberg wrote how amusing it is to watch Christie rip former President Donald Trump while other candidates pledge to support him if he again wins the nomination.

Even Christies campaign-trail pitch  the part thats not about keeping Trump out of the White House  plays up his cross-party appeal as a Republican who worked across the aisle governing New Jersey.

Its a message ostensibly aimed at capturing Republican and independent voters looking for a return to a seemingly bygone era of politicking  when compromise wasnt a dirty word and when presidents didnt seemingly support their followers calls to execute their No. 2.

But Christie is picking up support from Democrats in the process  something of a career deja vu for a politician who romped to a second term as New Jersey governor with Democratic support. Interviews with a dozen Democrats across Christies recent campaign events in New Hampshire reveal clear interest in Christie, who placed sixth there in the 2016 primary. And many of these former Joe Biden voters are considering switching their party affiliation to vote for Christie in the first GOP presidential primary.

Christies campaign claims its not directly targeting Democrats  or even giving the across-the-aisle support much thought.

But his team isnt rejecting it either.

If Democrats want to donate or vote for him, were open to that, a campaign spokesperson, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly, told POLITICO. The spokesperson added that Democratic interest in the moderate Republican should be expected given Christies background leading a blue state.

That resume hasnt translated to significant overall support for Christie, though he leaped ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in one recent poll.

Christie is attracting Democratic attention partly as a byproduct of how hes running his campaign. If 100 New Hampshire town halls was the hallmark of his 2016 bid, television appearances are the cornerstone of his 2024 campaign.

That strategy  getting the former ABC News talking head on any cable news show, radio program or podcast that will have him, regardless of any ideological tilt  is aimed at reaching the broadest swath of potential Republican primary voters. But its also putting him directly in front of Democrats.

And those television appearances are translating to on-the-ground interest in New Hampshire, the first-in-the-nation primary state where Christie is staking his White House hopes for a second time.



Christies narrow path to success in New Hampshire cuts through independents who make up the largest share of voters in this open-primary state and who are likely to play a significant role in the GOP contest without a serious draw on the Democratic side.

But there are Democrats who are angry with Biden for pushing to demote New Hampshire in the partys primary lineup in favor of South Carolina, a more diverse state that propelled him to the nomination in 2020. Theyre worried about the incumbents age and faculties. And theyre in some cases looking at Christie as an alternative.

There is a real possibility that a decent amount of Democrats change party to be able to participate in the [GOP] primary, Chris Sununu, the Republican New Hampshire governor, said in an interview after introducing Christie at an August town hall at the Salem-Derry Elks Lodge.

But to be fair, its really about the current independents. Its a much, much more significant thing for a Democrat to come forward to the Republican primary, Sununu said. I dont think thatll be a significant opportunity to go after just yet.

Interviews with Democrats at Christies campaign events reveal interest in the New Jersey Republican thats rooted in everything from his relatively younger age  hes about to turn 61, while Trump is 77 and Biden is 80  and his near single-minded mission to destroy his longtime friend-turned-foe Trump.

Michele and Bill Edwards from Salem said they were lifelong Democrats before unenrolling last election cycle. Michele Edwards said shes shopping for younger options to keep Trump out of the White House.

I can't even believe I'm saying this, she said, in awe at her own consideration of Christie. If you saw how many Barack Obama and Biden signs [I had] in my life.

Debra Newell, a Concord Democrat, is among the former Biden voters concerned with the presidents age. And while shes not sold on the idea of voting for a Republican, Christie stands out.

His whole presentation was awesome, Newell said after Christies town hall at the Concord VFW in July. But, she added, I really wish he had stood up to Trump a long time ago.

While Democratic support could boost Christie in New Hampshire, pollsters and GOP strategists say it could backfire in the long term.

Its difficult to gain traction for the Republican nomination if too much of your support is coming from non-Republicans, Siena pollster Don Levy said.

Some of Christies own supporters are warning him against trying to openly court Democrats, saying such a strategy would run the risk of alienating Republican voters in the GOP primary.

Theyre Democrats for a reason, former New Hampshire GOP Chair Wayne MacDonald, who chaired Christies 2016 New Hampshire campaign, said in an interview. It would be misconstrued, misinterpreted, as a question of Governor Christies party loyalty  and he is a good Republican, hes a loyal Republican.

Christies rivals are already trying to weaponize his cross-party appeal. Never Back Down, the super PAC all-but running DeSantis campaign, issued a memo ahead of the first GOP primary debate in Milwaukee urging the Florida governor to defend Trump from Christies attacks by accusing the New Jersey Republican of appealing mainly to Democrats: I dont think we want to join forces with someone on this stage whos auditioning for a show on MSNBC, the strategy memo laid out for the governor to say.

DeSantis didnt go there. But Christies disdain for Trump  who remains the runaway favorite in the GOP presidential field even as his legal woes mount  still prompted backlash from Republicans in the room that night. Christie was booed by audience members for saying he wouldnt support Trump as the partys nominee in 2024.

But theres precedent for Republican campaigns to target Democrats in New Hampshires primaries. John McCains presidential campaign in 2000, for instance, zeroed in on Democratic veterans by sending them letters from veteran leaders in the state. The campaign converted roughly 9,000 votes, according to Mike Dennehy, a longtime New Hampshire Republican operative who worked on McCains White House bids, and won the states primary.

Still, Dennehy said, that operation wasnt fruitful enough to try to court Democrats again in 2008. Christie, he said, could similarly find its not worth the time and effort in 2024.

It would not be a smart strategy for the campaign to target Democrats without a serious hook, Dennehy said.

Christie will also need to make it past New Hampshire, the state that ended his presidential campaign in 2016, to capitalize on some of the Democratic interest in his campaign.

Janalee Moquin, a Democrat from York, Maine, is becoming a fixture at Christies town halls in New Hampshire. She even brought her 80-year-old mom and fellow Democrat Barbara Moquin to hear him at the Derry-Salem Elks Lodge.

They both voted for Biden in 2020. But maybe not again.

I definitely will change my party affiliation to vote for [Christie] in the primary, Janalee Moquin said. He intrigues me. I feel like I could listen to him talk forever.
When it comes to fall colors, New England indisputably has some of the best colors out there.

But Rhode Island always seems to come in last place when compared with other New England states.

For example, in the Old Farmers Almanacs fall foliage predictions included recommendations of places to visit in every New England state except Rhode Island.

I think it is fair to say that compared to Western MA, Vermont and Maine, Rhode Island is less ideal for leaf peeping, Scott Wheeler, the superintendent of parks, grounds & forestry for Newport, wrote in an an email.

Less than ideal, but not bad for leaf peeping. But well get to that in a second.

Early fall foliage along Route 295 in Cumberland.

Why does Rhode Island not have the same reputation as other New England states for fall color?

First, there are a few reasons why fall doesnt strike quite as brightly here. The main reason has nothing to do with the trees, according to University of Rhode Island Professor Keith Killingbeck. Its the topography.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Topographically, Rhode Island is pretty flat, Killingbeck said. When you drive up to the Green Mountains or the White Mountains, you're looking at the face of a forest rather than at a forest from the side, so what you're seeing is a canopy that pops.

Second, foliage peaks a little after the states northern neighbors. While in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine the colors are vivid in September, the local foliage peaks about the second week of October, Killingbeck said. So if youre impatient for those blazing reds, Rhode Island isnt going to make the top of the list.

Fall Guide: 5 great R.I. places to leaf peep and photograph foliage

And the third reason is that at some of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, the canopy has been significantly altered.

In Newport and many of our coastal communities the majority of the native forest was cleared and the trees planted by people were non-native trees from Europe or Asia, Wheeler wrote. Trees from other parts of the world may still have nice fall color but their clock is out of sequence with our native trees and other introduced trees so you do not have the collective impact that a stand of native birches, maples and oaks would have.

Wheeler added that invasive plants, which often have poor fall color, arent helping either.

The case for Rhode Islands fall foliage

A cemetery on Green Street, just outside of Slatersville village in North Smithfield, is alight in fall color. Blackstone Valley Tourism Council President Bob Billington says Route 102, from North Smithfield to North Kingstown, offers abundant views of falls color palette.

All that being said, Rhode Island does have great foliage.

If youre looking at individual plants and individual leaves, we can see all the colors you are going to see anywhere else, Killingbeck said. Theyre spectacular.

Fall foliage: Spectacular colors, and sites along the way, make R.I.'s Route 102 stand out

Wheeler also was quick to defend Rhode Islands autumnal beauty, recommending leaf peepers head to Burlingame State Park, Arcadia Management Area or the Tillinghast Pond Management Area.

My wife and I section hiked the RI North-South [trail] over fall weekends one year and the colors were amazing, he wrote. There are also plenty of individual trees with beautiful fall color in Newport and in almost every community in Rhode Island for people who keep an eye out for them.

When to expect different plants to start changing colors

While peak season doesnt hit until October, some plants will start changing color as early as August.

As I was driving back from the University of Rhode Island today back home, I saw a beautiful poison sumac that had already turned, Killingbeck said. The leaves turned this beautiful orange color.

Other species that start to turn early include poison ivy, which will glow red, and Virginia creeper, which turns maroon.

By the first or second week in October, Killingbeck said the maples in wetland areas will turn red. By the third week, the sugar maples in Rhode Island are often peaking, though some years they are a bit later.

Want more fall color?

If you want to bring more fall color to your neck of the woods, Wheelers tip is to take action and start planting in your own yard.

The first thing I planted at my current house was a native Green Mountain Sugar Maple tree, he wrote. A little over 10 years later my front yard is transformed each fall with a kaleidoscope of fall colors. I find great enjoyment watching for the first signs of color, followed by the tide of colors sweeping across the green canopy, and I mourn when the last of the leaves lose hold in a fall rainstorm.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's fall foliage isn't a favorite of leaf peepers. Here's why
Two months before Election Day in Miami Beach, four candidates to become the citys next mayor kicked off their debate circuit Tuesday and sought to distinguish themselves, leaning on personal backgrounds and experience as they touted similar priorities.

The forum at O Cinema in South Beach by SAVE, a nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy group, focused largely on LGBTQ issues and featured candidates Michael Gongora, Mike Grieco, Steven Meiner and Bill Roedy, one of whom will succeed term-limited Mayor Dan Gelber after a Nov. 7 election.

All four said public safety is their top priority, echoing residents concerns about crime even as data show it has decreased in recent years.

On LGBTQ issues, which are critical in a gay-friendly city that hosts an annual Pride parade, all four candidates also boasted of their support.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Gongora, a former Miami Beach commissioner who is gay, spoke about commission items he sponsored to promote LGBTQ rights in the city, such as a 2013 ballot measure that banned discrimination in employment and resolutions opposing conversion therapy.

Grieco, another ex-city commissioner who also served in the state Legislature, touted his sponsorship of an anti-conversion therapy bill in Tallahassee and creation of a safe place initiative for businesses to register as safe spaces for LGBTQ community members who are harassed.

Roedy, the former CEO of MTV Networks International, focused on his work in fighting the AIDS epidemic, including as an ambassador for the United Nations anti-AIDS program.

Meiner, a city commissioner since 2019, noted that he has voted in favor of appropriations for SAVE and other LGBTQ groups, and that he supported mobile HIV testing in the city.

The commissioner defended votes he has cast against resolutions related to LGBTQ issues such as support for gender-affirming care and renaming a street after the late California politician Harvey Milk, saying he has a blanket policy against supporting items that dont directly relate to Miami Beach legislation or regulation.

Theyre important issues, but theyre not for Miami Beach, Meiner said. Im just saying, This is not for Miami Beach to be voting on. 

A question about Pride flag and the future

On a question about whether they would fly the LGBTQ Pride flag at city hall if the Legislature were to ban it in the future, Gongora, Grieco and Roedy each answered emphatically that they would. Meiner didnt answer directly, saying he wasnt familiar with any proposed legislation to that effect.

I guess I hope it doesnt pass, Meiner said.

The candidates also faced questions about combating sea-level rise, creating affordable housing and rollbacks of last call for alcohol sales from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m., which residents supported in a non-binding referendum in 2021.

Grieco said he supports 2 a.m. alcohol curfews for new businesses in residential neighborhoods, a process that is already underway, but doesnt support any moves that would force existing businesses to close.

Roedy said he opposes the rollbacks except during spring break and other high-impact weekends, saying there is limited evidence to support their efficacy.

Meiner said he supports 2 a.m. last call and has cast votes to that effect, though its not the catch-all solution.

Gongora wasnt afforded an opportunity to respond to the 2 a.m. question on Tuesday. He voted against the rollback in 2021.

Candidates spar

Gongora, a condo board attorney, has long been eyeing the mayors role, filing to run in September 2021 after an attempt to serve a third commission term was blocked by a judge due to term limits.

He sparred during Tuesdays forum with Grieco, a defense attorney and former prosecutor who became Gongoras first challenger in February.

There is a candidate spreading lies around the Beach, Gongora said, referring to Grieco. Theres been a lot of talk and weird attacks throughout our community about developers ... I really believe a lot of that is stemming from one of the candidates sitting over there that, I have to say, has been untruthful.

In February, the Herald reported that Grieco had secretly recorded a December meeting with Gongora at a restaurant on Lincoln Road, capturing audio of Gongora touting financial support from developer Russell Galbut.

Grieco said the statements, along with contributions by an entity tied to Galbut to a committee supporting Gongoras campaign, were evidence of campaign finance violations under a Miami Beach law prohibiting campaign contributions from developers in certain instances.

Gongora said he hadnt done anything wrong and accused Grieco of illegally recording him, a claim Grieco denied because the meeting was in a public place where recording a conversation is not a crime. He also alluded to false statements Grieco made in the past about his own fundraising for a secretive PAC, which torpedoed his first run for Miami Beach mayor in 2017.

I can tell you I have not supported developers, Gongora said Tuesday. I stand up against bad things and I stand up for good things.

Grieco vs. Gongora

Grieco appeared to take several swipes at Gongora on Tuesday, calling himself the only candidate in this race who has actually stood on the front lines of the fight for LGBTQ rights and saying he didnt hide back here in Miami Beach filing meaningless resolutions.

I was up in Tallahassee and I was fighting the real fight, he said.

Grieco also appeared to go after Meiner, adding: I didnt vote against those resolutions.

And Grieco alluded to Roedy, saying that he was actually living here, as opposed to other opponents of mine. Roedy, a graduate of North Miami High School, spent substantial time living in the United Kingdom during his career at MTV but says he is now a full-time Miami Beach resident.

Meanwhile, Meiner stuck to his pledge upon entering the race not to attack his opponents, instead defending his record as a champion of tough-on-crime policies. Despite data showing decreasing crime rates, perception of crime is just as important, actually I would say even more important than the actual crime, he said.

Roedy focused on his position as a political outsider with a unique background, and noted that he would be a full-time mayor. Most elected officials in Miami Beach, including Gelber, work full-time jobs.

Ill be a 24/7 mayor, Roedy said. Its not a stepping stone to some other political office.

Qualifying period ends Friday

Roedy shook up the mayors race when he filed in June, vowing to largely self-fund his campaign and saying he would not take money from developers. He loaned the campaign $580,000 in June, the most recent month for which candidates were required to file campaign finance disclosures.

Meiner filed to run the next day. He has also vowed not to take developers cash.

The citys qualifying period began Monday and ends Friday, giving any other candidates just a few more days to enter the fold. As of Wednesday afternoon, Grieco and Meiner had been deemed qualified candidates by the city clerks office, according to online records.

Three city commission seats that will be vacated by incumbents are also up for grabs. A total of six candidates have filed for those seats.
You feel that cool crispness in the air on certain days already. You see the long shadows cast by the late-day sun earlier each evening. Around a low-lying wetland, you spot a red patch of leaves.

Those who have made studying New Hampshires trees their lifes work feel and see the signs of change, too, and theyre predicting a vibrant foliage season for the state this year.

Its a good canvas for all the colors to fill this fall, said Steven Roberge, state forestry specialist for UNH Cooperative Extension. We havent had any defoliation events. When I drive around the state, I see a canopy that is pretty well developed, pretty foliated, and overall pretty healthy.

The yellows and golds in fall foliage are dependable, but the reds are dependent on weather, according to experts.

He readily dispels the notion that this years wetter-than-usual summer will affect the quality of the states foliage, noting the only weather that affects the fall foliage is the weather during foliage season.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The best color comes from a healthy tree, said tree physiologist Kevin Smith, who has worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in Durham for 36 years. So the best predictor of the fall foliage, in my opinion, is the trees being healthy at the onset of fall. And so far things look pretty good to me. Everything is shaping up to be a good season for foliage, and my basic recommendation is to get out and enjoy it.

Foliage brings millions of people and billions of dollars to NH

New Hampshire is famous for doing just that. According to the N.H. Division of Travel and Tourism Development, last fall 3.5 million visitors came to join us in leaf peeping. While here, they spent $1.7 billion, making the foliage season a large contributor to the states economy.

Worries about this summers excessive rainfall affecting falls foliage and tourism are unnecessary, these tree experts say.

Air show in Portsmouth: Can I still get into Thunder Over NH 2023 at Pease? Everything you need to know

Roberge said the wet weather in summer can play a role in increasing fungi that exist on trees, causing diseases like anthracnose, but he doesnt think that will be a problem this fall.

Smith agrees. Indeed foliage quality can be affected by leaf diseases. Anthracnose is one family of those diseases caused by fungi that hit maple and oak. They occur every year, Smith said. They affect different species at different times of the year. And moisture can help facilitate that.

But, Smith said, he hasnt seen any indication that anthracnose or tar spot, another disease, will be bad this fall, and he hasnt seen any signs of moisture stress in the states trees.

Already the trees around us are getting the message that its time to prepare for winter. The shorter days and decreasing sunlight trigger a pre-programmed set of instructions contained within the trees genetic code. It takes its cue from its environment, according to Smith.

With the amount of light the trees are experiencing now as the days get shorter, they start to curb their production of chlorophyll and bring it back into the stems, branches and roots, Roberge said. The leaves are shutting down as we speak.

How the colorful leaves form

The yellows and golds of autumn are already in the leaves and are masked by the green of the chlorophyll. As it breaks down, the yellow pigments are left behind and become visible, according to Roberge. This is just the natural process of the tree and is not affected by any external factors.

The yellows will pop out regardless of what happens in summer, Roberge said.

External influences do bring about the reds and maroon colors of the fall leaves.

The red colors we see are dependent on the weather occurring in the fall, Roberge said. Sunny, warm days and cooler nights create, develop and intensify these pigments and thats how we get the brilliant reds, russets and purples.

Smith said those brilliant colors come from an orderly, sequential process in which the tree recovers as much of the good stuff in its leaves that it can, and then sheds those leaves. Its part of the life strategy of the tree.

When is peak foliage in NH?

Foliage is colorful in the Monadnock region and around New Hampshire each year with a strong year expected in 2023.

Roberge said you cant really predict when peak foliage will occur, but based on the timing of past years, he said, it usually happens between mid-September to late October.

Its usually a three-week period from late September through early October, he said. Then even after that it can continue with the magnificent red of oak foliage against the backdrop of the green of the white pines in late October. Oak is really good at holding onto its leaves.

Vote: Select your favorite leaf peeping in nation

Smith said the best color or peak foliage in the state is usually a week either side of Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Weather can affect the viewing of foliage, of course. Its how seeing the bright scarlet against a gray sky is different from seeing it against a bluebird blue sky, but both are wonderful, Smith said.

Weather during foliage season can shorten it, Roberge said. A lot of rain can knock the leaves off, or gusty winds, or a tropical storm. The trees are ready to lose their leaves, he said.

Where are best places for foliage in NH, in Seacoast and in your town?

Bright colors are expected from fall foliage season in 2023.

For viewing, Smith suggests the old standard Franconia Notch State Park, Sandwich Notch, Mount Kearsarge, Odiorne State Park, or the area around Little Boars Head in North Hampton.

Even the walk from Prescott Park in Portsmouth over to Pierce Island can have nice color at the right time, Smith said. Any two-lane back road is beautiful. Get lost around Hopkinton and Contoocook. The mountains are great and most of my time in field research is up in the mountains, but you don't have to go there. It can be beautiful anywhere.

Foliage across the United States: Where are the best fall colors? Map out best dates and locations for 2023 leaf-peeping

He urges New Hampshire residents to get out and enjoy the foliage, even if its just when you go to the post office or grocery store.

Take a deep breath. We live in a beautiful part of the world for foliage, and we should take advantage of that, he said. Especially in northern New England, we are so favored by having this diverse mix of hardwood species like maples, birch, beech and aspen, and that combination is part of what makes the New Hampshire landscape special.

Roberge agrees the state is lucky in the diversity of its elevations and foliage types.

We are so lucky with the New Hampshire landscape running south to north, from the Seacoast to the treeline, that allows us a diversity of fall foliage for weeks, Roberge said. As I travel the state, every year Im impressed at its magnificence. I encourage everyone to experience it.

Keep tabs on the fall foliage in N.H., Maine and beyond

Here are some resources for keeping track of the progression of this years fall foliage:

Weekly New Hampshire foliage reports: visitnh.gov/seasonal-trips/fall/foliage-reports

NH foliage tracker: visitnh.gov/seasonal-trips/fall/foliage-tracker

Predicted peak foliage for regions of New Hampshire based on historical data: visitnh.gov/seasonal-trips/fall/peak-foliage-map

New Hampshire foliage trip planning, suggested driving routes: visit-newhampshire.com/state/foliage

Weekly Maine foliage forecasts and road trip information: maine.gov/dacf/mfs/projects/fall_foliage/index.shtml

Old Farmers Almanac foliage map: almanac.com/fall-foliage-color-map-when-peak-foliage

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH fall foliage 2023: Where to go for colorful peak season
People visit the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Calling the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) a high-level platform for China's opening-up, Saudi private firm Ajlan & Bros expected the event to deepen mutual understanding with their Chinese partners and lay a solid ground for future cooperation.

The ongoing annual event is witnessing China's ratcheted-up endeavors to continuously invigorate global services trade and further open up its services sector, which buoyed international businesses with vigor and confidence.

Boost synergy in global services trade

To foster more growth for global services trade and cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised during the 2023 CIFTIS to enhance synergy with development strategies and cooperation initiatives of various countries, and deepen cooperation on services trade and digital trade with Belt and Road partner countries.

The pledge made Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, look forward to more services cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"China's pursuit of high-quality development is in line with Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' economic transformation goals," said Ajlan, who is also deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group.

"As the synergy between Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' and China's Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen, China's 5G, artificial intelligence, big data, financial technology and other emerging fields of technology are gradually moving to the Saudi market," he said, stressing that economic complementarity and cooperation potential of the two countries are obvious.

"Undoubtedly, this will attract more Middle Eastern companies to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Chinese enterprises, further promoting bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia, and contributing to China's high-level opening-up for new opportunities in global economic growth," he added.

China had expanded its share of global commercial services exports from 3 percent in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2022, according to a report titled Trade in Services for Development, which was jointly released by the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization in July.

In the first seven months of this year, China's services trade value grew 8.1 percent year on year to reach 3.67 trillion yuan (about 511.2 billion U.S. dollars), data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

The China-proposed BRI is closely linked to Egypt's Vision 2030 development strategy, as the two countries have conducted full-fledged cooperation in the fields of industry, energy, communications and infrastructure, said Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

Financing is one of the basic factors that enhance development in countries benefiting from the BRI, and has greatly helped Egypt develop its services sector, al-Deeb said.

"China has already started cooperation with Egypt in many areas of the services sector, mainly in the maritime and transportation ones, investing billions of U.S. dollars in the maritime industry in recent years, especially in the Suez Canal, which is a vital component of China's Maritime Silk Road," he noted.

Ghulam Qadir, trade and investment counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in China, said that China puts much emphasis on the new growth momentum that the world needs for trade liberalization, adding that "the hard-won and hard-fought" trade liberalization across the world must be maintained and improved.

"This shows that how China is moving forward and offering its (development) space to other countries," Qadir said, stressing that there should be greater synergies among the development strategies of all countries, especially the developing countries.

Institutional opening-up of services sector

As China has been committed to setting up a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, this year's CIFTIS represents an epitome of the country's step forward to widen access to the booming sector and to expand institutional opening-up in pursuit of high-quality development.

British company Schroders recently became one of the first global asset managers to operate in the Chinese market, as China has accelerated the opening-up of its financial services sector to facilitate international participation.

The asset management company was awarded a license in June to operate a public fund business in China. "With our wholly-owned fund management company, we're going to have a broad suite of capabilities," said Sebastian Wood, chairman of China Affairs with Schroders.

Wood described the 2023 CIFTIS as a springboard for Schroders' ambitious plans in the region. "The fair gives us a platform and an opportunity to network, and it will bring into focus our ambitions for the Chinese market."

"China is modernizing and developing its investment market rapidly," said Wood, who was British ambassador to China between 2010 and 2015. "It's right to be very aware of that strategic opportunity in the historic development of the market here."

"We see it as a long-term strategic commitment which we have to this market. We want our services to be available to a range of clients in China, including larger Chinese financial institutions and intermediaries down to retail clients as well," he added.

China is further opening up to global businesses, particularly in the services sector, said Gianpaolo Bruno, trade commissioner of Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Beijing Office and coordinator of ITA Offices in China and Mongolia, suggesting that's the main message China wants to deliver through this year's CIFTIS.

The Italian official highlighted a series of policy measures that China has carried out, from intellectual property rights (IPR) protection to foreign direct investment (FDI) incentives.

In particular, he talked of China's stepped-up efforts to grant foreign companies equal access to government procurement activities.

"They are also very good signals that we really appreciate. We hope that the Italian business community could take advantage of these opportunities," he added.

In August, China's State Council released 24 suggestions for attracting foreign investments, ranging from improving IPR protection to facilitating cross-border data flows.

Authorities should guarantee that foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) can participate in government procurements in accordance with the law, and support FIEs in innovating and developing world-leading products through measures such as first-order purchases, said the document.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Chinese government to create a level playing field for everybody to access the services sector in this country," Bruno said.

Georgian businessman Giorgi Rtveladze also held that doing business in China is quite convenient and profitable, thanks to the country's major international expos like CIFTIS and the authorities' favorable policies such as tax exemption in free trade zones.

It is the first time that Rtveladze, a representative of Georgian wine company Rtvelisi, participated in the 2023 CIFTIS, after exporting Georgian wine to China for five years. "The Chinese market is good for us. It welcomes foreigners to come and do business. We are happy to be here, and our business is growing," he said.

At present, Rtveladze is pursuing his PhD in south China's Hainan University. Looking to the future, he said he hopes to do business in more areas in the country and export more products to its enormous market.
New York Citys police department has agreed to a legal settlement aimed at mitigating conflict with and intimidation of peaceful protesters, a landmark resolution in the wake of the 2020 racial justice protests that is expected to see the department eradicate several controversial tactics used on demonstrators.

The settlement was reached after state Attorney General Letitia James and several civil liberties groups, including the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Legal Aid Society, sued the department.

Too often peaceful protesters have been met with force that has harmed innocent New Yorkers simply trying to exercise their rights, James said in a statement. Todays agreement will meaningfully change how the NYPD engages with and responds to public demonstrations in New York City.

In a tweet thread announcing the first-of-its-kind agreement, the NYCLU reminded users that police officers had brutally pepper sprayed demonstrators, struck them with batons, hit pedestrians with bicycles, and trapped protesters in closed spaces in a move known as kettling.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The historic settlement, the NYCLU said, will mean that the police department will implement new protocols to keep cops out of most [protests] in favor of a proportional response that protects New Yorkers right to assemble and demonstrate.

According to a 42-page agreement filed Tuesday, the NYPD will instead use a four-tiered response system to demonstrations that minimizes police presence and emphasizes deescalation. Under the system, officers trained in deescalation will be the first line of defense deployed to protests, with specialty crowd-control units like the Strategic Response Group being held back until tier three conditions are met.

Most arrests will require authorization from a commander, and officers will only be allowed to fully break up protests and disperse demonstrators as a last resort.

A number of city police tactics will also be banned, including the use of helicopters and kettling, which involves encircling protesters indiscriminately.

Kettling was at the heart of a separate legal case involving roughly 300 protesters who were violently corralled and hit with batons and pepper sprays during 2020 protests in the Bronx. In March, the city agreed to pay $21,500 to each of the affected New Yorkers. (Four months later, the city agreed on a $13.7 million payout to thousands of people beaten during the 2020 protests in a separate class action lawsuit.)

The department will also hire a senior executive to oversee compliance with the new system and its response to all public protests in the future. It will also be monitored by a collaborative review committee staffed by, among others, the commissioner of the Department of Investigation, members of James office, the NYCLU, and the Legal Aid Society.

As the protests in 2020 showed, the NYPD cant and wont police itself, the NYCLU said. Now when it comes to protest, our new settlement no longer leaves it up to them.

Notably, the proposed changes are still subject to approval by a federal judge, according to the Associated Press, and face significant opposition, including from the citys municipal police union, which did not sign off on the settlement. Should a judge approve the agreement, it will take years to fully put into practice.

But advocates for reform celebrated the victory on Tuesday regardless.

This is huge, Donna Lieberman, the NYCLUs executive director, told The New York Times. She explained that the settlement represents a major overhaul of a core tenet of the departmentits protest response. Instead of deploying a massive command-and-control response, the N.Y.P.D. will be required to employ a graduated response.

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.
Earlier this week, the world woke up to an unsettling piece of news: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reportedly planning a trip outside of his nation's airtight borders to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will discuss with him a munitions deal that might replenish Moscow's stockpile of weapons for the war in Ukraine. At the moment, the tete-a-tete is expected to take place sometime next week in the Russian city of Vladivostok, "which was the site of the two leaders' first and only meeting in April 2019," per The Wall Street Journal.

By U.S. officials' estimation, that Russia would solicit help from North Korea  an impoverished, isolated country with virtually zero allies  can only be interpreted as a sign of desperation. "I think it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that [it expected] would be over in a week," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at a White House briefing on Tuesday. Putin still "has a vast military capability available to him," spokesperson John Kirby told NPR last week, but "the war is taking a toll on his defense industrial base.  And that's why he's reaching out to countries like Iran for drones and North Korea for artillery ammunition."

That said, this supposed one-on-one and resulting alliance, the seeds of which have been planted and allegedly tended to for months, might not be as simple in significance as it appears at first blush. Indeed, both countries (and exiled world leaders) could stand to gain more than just munitions in agreeing to help the other out.

Where Russia benefits

As of now, it doesn't look like Russia has enlisted any North Koreans in its efforts in Ukraine, USA Today reported, per former National Security Adviser Anthony Ruggiero. But it is likely the Kremlin will in fact use conscripted Korean workers, who have previously assisted with Russian civilian work projects, in rebuilding efforts if and when the conflict ends, or to help with current labor shortages. "I think that's another area that Russia will probably be interested in," Ruggiero said. "And, of course, North Korea will be happy to do it. They're already making hundreds of millions of dollars on this overseas labor front." (The Pyongyang government kept a majority of wages earned by workers in past arrangements with Moscow.)

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Moreover, by working together, both parties might serve as an even bigger thorn in the Biden administration's side and make a powerful statement about geopolitics in the East. "This is the narrative of Putin and Kim cooperating to try to make the security environment more difficult for Biden in Ukraine and in the Indo-Pacific," Victor Cha, senior vice president for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told the Journal.

Where North Korea benefits

Kim Jong Un will gain three main things from working with Putin, said CNN's Political and National Security Analyst David Sanger. For one, "a large power is now dependent on him. That hasn't happened in a while." Kim will also gain "the possibility of access to more oil," as well as assistance with the country's ballistic missile program, seeing as those weapons have a lot in common with those designed in Russia. "North Korea needs technological help from Russia," Sung Ki-young, an analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy, told The New York Times. "North Korea's five major weapons projects are all based on original Russian technology."

Kim is additionally seeking food aid for North Korea, which continues to be plagued by devastating shortages. Saddling up to Putin "serves a short-term practical need" in the form of mitigating said crisis "while accomplishing one of North Korea's long-term objectives  undermining Washington's policy agenda on the Korean peninsula and in Asia writ large," Daniel R. DePetris wrote for Newsweek. Indeed, "North Korea desperately wants commodities such as food, oil, fertiliser and other goods," Daniel Salisbury, a visiting research fellow at King's College London, surmised in The Conversation.

Ultimately, "Kim is becoming more paranoid than normal over the last four or five years," added Carl Schuster, former director of the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center, per CNN. "And so for him this alliance achieves, makes him look less isolated, provides a psychological boost for him and his inner circle."

You may also like

Homepage
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia to discuss a possible deal that could see the Hermit Kingdom supply weapons to the Kremlins war in Ukraine, a U.S. official said.

Speaking to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, the official said the meeting is expected to happen later this month in the Russian port city of Vladivostok, 79 miles from the North Korean border. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on Monday that the Kremlins defense minister, Sergei Shoigu , had traveled to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, last month. It was reported that Shoigu was there to discuss possible arms deals. We have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia, Watson added.

Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia, in an undated photo released in 2019 by North Korea's Central News Agency. (KCNA)

U.S. says North Korea to pay a price

On Tuesday, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned that North Korea would pay a price for engaging in arms deals with Russia.

Providing weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield to attack grain silos and the heating infrastructure of major cities as we head into winter, to try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation, is not going to reflect well on North Korea, he said at a White House press conference.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When asked how the recent news reflected on Russia, Sullivan said: I think it says a lot, having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war it expected would be over in a week.

Read more from Yahoo News:

Kim Jong Un and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visit an exhibition of armed equipment on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice on July 27. (KCNA via Reuters)

Kremlins response

Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Kremlin, said there was nothing to say about the reports speculating on possible military cooperation between the two countries.

Has North Korea supplied weapons to Russia before?

Officials in Washington have accused Kim of selling weapons to Russia since the invasion began, in February 2022. Last September, it was reported that Russia had been relying on Pyongyang for millions of rounds, rockets and artillery shells. The allegations were subsequently denied by North Koreas Defense Ministry with a statement proclaiming that the country had never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia and that it will not plan to export them.

Firefighters douse the rubble of a building destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Sept. 6, 2022. (Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Months later, in December, the White House again accused North Korea of selling weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine but this time through the Wagner mercenary group, headed by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin. Today we can confirm that North Korea has completed an initial arms delivery to Wagner, which paid for that equipment, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said. Last month, North Korea delivered infantry rockets and missiles into Russia for use by Wagner. At one stage there were up to 50,000 Wagner soldiers fighting in Ukraine; they were involved in some of the most intense battles in the eastern city of Bakhmut.

Do the two countries have a relationship?

North Korea has been a historic ally of Russia, with a relationship going back to North Koreas creation in 1948. Since becoming supreme leader in 2011, Kim has developed a seemingly beneficial relationship. In a public display of their closeness, Putin held a two-day summit in Russia over Pyongyangs nuclear program after talks between Kim and then-President Donald Trump stalled.

A missile lands on a road in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, after a Russian shelling on Sept. 2. (Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

When Russia invaded Ukraine, North Korea was one of the only countries to openly support the move, blaming the U.S.s hegemonic policy and saying that the West was guilty of abuse of power. North Korea is also one of a handful of countries in the world that recognize the two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

It appeared that Russias isolation from the international community brought the two countries closer together. In a letter to Kim on North Koreas liberation day in 2022, Putin wrote that their nations would expand the comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations with common efforts.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has been named as a Defendant/Respondent in seven lawsuits since taking office in January. The two most recent come from a former Oklahoma State Department of Education employee and a former Norman High School teacher.

The lawsuits Supt. Walters is currently fighting include:

Black Emergency Response Team et al v. OConnor et al  filed in U.S. District Court, Western District Court of Oklahoma McGee v. Walters et al  filed in U.S. District Court, Western District Court of Oklahoma Colwell v. Walters et al  filed in U.S. District Court, Western District Court of Oklahoma Boismier v. Walters  filed in U.S. District Court, Western District Court of Oklahoma Mecklenburg et al vs Kingfisher Independent School et al  filed in Oklahoma Appellate Court Bointy, Janessa v. Oklahoma State Department of Education  filed in Oklahoma County Court Okplac, Inc. et al vs. Walters et al  filed in Oklahoma County Court

Three of the above lawsuits have been filed in the last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You cant make this stuff up. Another act of hostility towards tribes by Governor Stitt cloaked in a Native American Liaison title.

Summer Boismier and her attorney filed a federal lawsuit on August 30.

The lawsuit illustrates a timeline beginning in August 2022. Up until then, Boismier was employed as a Norman High School English teacher. She was previously employed with Piedmont Public Schools and was selected as their Teacher of the Year.

Boismier resigned from the Norman school district after a parent complained about political statements made in the classroom.

The parent alleged the teacher had, during class time, made derogatory and divisive remarks toward state legislators and used her classroom to make a political display expressing her own opinions, said Norman Public School Superintendent Nick Migliorino.

The week of Boismiers resignation, the district said: The teacher had, during class time, made personal political statements and used their classroom to make a political display expressing those opinions.

A QR code was displayed in Boismiers classroom.

The code, if scanned, would lead students to a Brooklyn Public Library link where they could virtually read any book they wanted.

There was no violation of OK HB1775 or SDE rules nor was the issue about any books actually on the teachers shelves or the use of the public library QR code, stated Supt. Migliorina last year.

Boismiers lawsuit then jumps to November 2022 when then-Secretary of Education, Ryan Walters was elected as the new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. His term began on January 9.

During Supt. Walters campaign for office, he posted two letters to social media.

Both letters are still posted on Supt. Walters X account as of Tuesday afternoon.

The first letter posted claims Boismier was subsequently fired. An updated version of the letter then states she resigned rather than face removal.

The lawsuit states Supt. Walters claim that Boismier was fired is false. It also states a number of other statements are either false or misleading. Those include:

The allegation that Plaintiff distributed pornography to students, which would have been a serious and disturbing crime.

The allegation that Plaintiff caused harm and shame to the entire profession of teachers by sexualizing her classroom.

The updated letter continued to contain the second and third allegation noted above, but replaced the misleading allegation that Plaintiff had been fired with a false allegation that she resigned rather than face removal. While Plaintiff had resigned, it was not connected to any agreement, plan, or means to avoid or prevent discipline or termination, and none was pending against her.

The exact number of people who read or saw the two letters is unknown, but as it currently stands, it appears hundreds have seen it.

Shortly after the two letters were posted, Boismier received several vulgar and threatening messages. One referenced her then-home address.

Boismier was forced to move from her home in Oklahoma due to the threat of violence against her and emotional injury, the lawsuit reads. The false statements made by Walters about Plaintiff are consistent with a longer pattern of repeatedly using false sensational allegations against educators for political or personal gain or distraction from his own scandals or alleged

misconduct as a state political figure.

 Find more Top Stories from KFOR.com

According to the lawsuit, no similar allegations have been previously made against Boismier.

Boismier is suing Supt. Walters in his individual capacity for defamation, false representation and slander and libel.

Boismier is seeking $75,000 in damages.

Boismier v. WaltersDownload

Another lawsuit was filed against Supt. Walters on September 1 by former OSDE employee, Janessa Bointy. Shes suing for wrongful and retaliatory termination of employment.

Bointy began working with OSDE in December 2020 as a School Counselor Specialist for Project AWARE East.

According to her lawsuit, Bointys job duties never involved publicizing programs or outreach to non-grant receiving districts. She was assigned to facilitate grant work only with specific school districts: Ada, Checotah and Atoka.

[Project AWARE] is a grant designed to help rural schools that have been identified as a mental health desert and implement multi-tiered systems of support, more intense mental health resources, training for teachers, just helping improve their communities through mental health guidance and support, said Bointy. That was what I did for a living. I loved my work. I loved the people that I worked with. Those communities have been transformed because of that grant. Not just the schools, but I mean the communities, the relationships we were able to put into place with community mental health organizations and just also helping in the stigma that surrounded mental health and normalizing it and just leading people to resources was huge.

Its a role Bointy misses, but one she would only accept again if OSDE leadership changed.

Its been like a grieving process. I get angry again and just kind of start the cycle again, she added.

Bointys lawsuit states she was fired because of her two-minute public comment at an Edmond Public Schools Board of Education meeting in March.

Aside from working with OSDE, Bointy is a mother of four Edmond Public Schools students.

Bointy said she spoke during the Board meeting because of an Edmond student recently committing suicide in February. She explained she wanted to provide resources to families and the district in an attempt to prevent another suicide.

Reckless rhetoric: OK House Democrats request investigation into State Supt. as part of impeachment process

I didnt do anything wrong. I was trying to be a voice for our kids and for our future. And someone has to do it. Its really important. Even in the past couple of months, a new statistic thats been released, suicide is now the leading cause of death for kids ages 14 and 15 in our country, said Bointy. We are responsible for prevention and we are responsible for education and coming together to figure out a solution to prevent this from happening. I dont think that we can turn a blind eye on statistics. The numbers dont lie. It doesnt lie. It paints a picture for us and gives us an opportunity to do some research and look into our planning and strategic moves.

After the Board meeting was over, an Oklahoma City news station aired a story discussing the meeting, the lawsuit says.

As part of the news story, portions of Bointys public comment aired and she was identified as a concerned parent.

According to Bointys attorney, Leah Roper, Bointy didnt interview with the news outlet and was unaware of any news presence when making her comments.

Three days after the board meeting, Bointy was fired from OSDE.

The reasons stated on Plaintiffs termination document were: breach of the confidentiality agreement; violation of Defendant OSDEs media policy; and improper use of time and leave. Two of the cited reasons specifically identify Plaintiffs comments made during the March 6, 2023, Edmond Public Schools meeting as their basis, the lawsuit states.

Roper told KFOR on Tuesday the reasoning for Bointys termination is a clear violation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and Oklahomas Constitution. She also said its a violation of Oklahomas Burk tort doctrine.

What we now know is that Ryan Walters has a pattern of censoring speech from his employees. Were seeking to hold him individually accountable as well, said Roper. To repress speech and interfere with resources for kids and their families that need the help just really does not sit well with me.

Roper added each reason for Bointys termination is baseless.

The reasoning behind improper use of time and leave allegedly stems from an incident that took place 10 months before Bointy was fired.

They simply threw that in as another issue to make, frankly, make Janessa sound bad. They had a miscommunication about a day [Bointy was taking] off and why she was taking the day off was not very clear on the state to employees aid. So she, I think, designated it as an incorrect type of leave for what she was doing. They talked it out. She got a write up and she said, Okay, Ill accept that. It was a miscommunication. Learn from it. Never happened again. But here we are 10 months later, and shes being disciplined for it a second time; this time as a termination, explained Roper. I think it was just trying to bolster the rationale. It was still in her file at that time as a state employee. Discipline rolls off your record after a year. I think it was just like a grasping at straws situation because the other two issues arent quite accurate either.

As for the accusation of Bointy breaching confidentiality, Roper said nothing in Bointys public comment would have been considered secret information. She said the resources listed by Bointy are publicly available.

Roper said she has not heard from OSDE since filing a tort claim in May.

Theyve shown no interest in working through resolving these issues or taking corrective action. You know, there was a lot of opportunity here. In fact, Ive invited them to contact me this entire time and would still welcome that. If we dont hear from them, well just continue with the legal process and let it do its job, stated Roper.

Roper said the next step in this legal battle is to serve OSDE and Supt. Walters with the lawsuit.

Bointy is seeking in excess of $10,000 in damages.

News 4 reached out to OSDE Director of Communications, Dan Isett for comment on both Boismiers and Bointys lawsuits.

In a previous News 4 story, former OSDE spokesperson, Justin Holcomb said, This is yet another example of a baseless claim. Contrary to public servants, these individuals are political activists who have no business being funded by Oklahoma taxpayers. The people of Oklahoma overwhelmingly voted for Ryan Walters during the course of three separate elections last year  as such, this administration will not tolerate pre-existing bureaucrats who are not 100% committed to empowering parents, ending leftist indoctrination, and making Oklahomas public education the best in the nation.

However, when OSDE was asked for an updated statement on Bointys case, they declined.

I am not able to comment on outstanding personnel matters, but I can confirm that Boismiers teaching license will be taken up by the state board, but that has not yet been scheduled, said Isett on Tuesday.

News 4 reached out to Boismiers attorney on Tuesday, but didnt hear back.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A large feedlot near Watertown with about 10,000 cattle was recently disciplined for not properly managing its manure.

But not by the state.

It was the Codington County Board of Adjustment that responded to public complaints. The board found the operation violated 25 zoning ordinances or permit requirements. As a result, the board decided to implement a range of sanctions  including mandatory downsizing to 7,500 cattle in hopes of lessening the strain on waste management systems, according to Luke Muller, the county zoning officer.

There were several violations of spreading manure too close to water sources, roads and property lines, and stockpiling it improperly in an unauthorized area, Muller said. And the county can modify that permit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Zoning Offices staff report says the county will consider re-expanding the cattle feedlots permitted herd size in June 2024.

Muller said the county decided to take action rather than forwarding the findings to the state, because the operation was in violation of specific county rules.

Had the complaints been in regard to pollution of waters of the state or wetlands, those complaints would have been forwarded on to the SDDANR office for their interpretation, Muller said in a written statement, in reference to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. In this case, there was no need to get an interpretation from the state on whether the countys rules were being violated prior to addressing the violations.

Muller added that the Board of Adjustment did forward a report to ensure the state is aware of the violations and to request assistance in reviewing whether waste is being managed in accordance with state rules, specifically in reference to water quality.

DANR spokesperson Brian Walsh said the department will investigate as needed to determine compliance with their general permit and applicable state laws and rules.

A worker sanitizes feed buckets for calves at Boadwine Farms.

Regulation by size

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations  often referred to by the acronym CAFO  are required by state law to operate under a water pollution control permit once they reach a certain size.

South Dakota law says state environmental regulations cannot be more strict than federal regulations. That means what federal agencies regulate is what the state regulates.

Therefore, state regulations primarily focus on large concentrated animal feeding operations, which all need a permit. Those thresholds include 700 dairy cows, 1,000 cattle, 2,500 pigs and 125,000 chickens.

The permits include several requirements, such as proper waste collection, storage and disposal, and opening up to inspections. Permit holders must keep records of manure handling and any discharges, and must report to authorities.

Medium CAFOs only need a permit if their waste is discharged into a body of water regulated by the state (think rivers, lakes and other waterbodies named on a map). Those operations include 200- to 699-cow dairies, 300- to 999-cattle feedlots, 750- to 2,499-pig swine barns, and 37,500- to 124,999-chicken poultry barns.

Small CAFOs need a permit only if required by the secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Those operations include dairies with less than 200 cows, feedlots with less than 300 cattle, swine barns with less than 750 pigs, and poultry barns with less than 37,500 chickens.

Walsh said in a written statement that there are currently three small animal feeding operations that have been required to obtain a water pollution control permit. He said the secretary sometimes decides to require a permit after receiving a complaint about a small facility.

Frank James is the staff director of Dakota Rural Action. The organization helps rural communities deal with an unwanted or mismanaged CAFO. He said regulations are lacking.

Those animal limits are being taken advantage of by some to avoid regulation, James said.

He finds it foolish that an operation with one less pig, cow or chicken than the regulatory threshold does not need a permit. He also thinks the state should be more proactive with enforcement.

Its a complaint-based system, James said. The only way the state hears about a problem is if someone in the public complains. Its all just paperwork in the states eyes.

At a public hearing during the most recent legislative session at the Capitol in Pierre, Hunter Roberts, the secretary of the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, acknowledged that manure from some small, unregulated operations may be polluting waterways.

We have dozens of these facilities that are within a mile of the Big Sioux River or a tributary and theyre not managing their waste, Roberts said.

Complaining about such facilities became harder during the most recent legislative session. Legislators passed a law that says only the owner or lessee of an affected property can file a nuisance action against an agricultural operation such as a CAFO, and only if the affected property is within 1 mile of the operation.

Numbers growing

The number of hogs in CAFOs the state regulates climbed from about 605,000 in 2012 to 841,000 in 2023. The number of dairy cows in regulated CAFOs more than doubled in the last decade, and the number of poultry rose from about 4.4 million to 5.7 million.

Some of those increases may be attributable to legislation championed by former Rep. Mark Mickelson, R-Sioux Falls.

In 2015, he sponsored a bill that made it easier for CAFOs to get approval from counties. The following year, he got a bill passed that opponents argued would limit the publics ability to appeal a countys approval of a CAFO.

Dakota Rural Action and the South Dakota Farmers Union lobbied against those efforts, arguing they made it harder for rural communities to address concerns with a CAFO.

Mickelson and other proponents  like the Farm Bureau and livestock groups  argued CAFOs deserve greater protection from frivolous lawsuits and opponents hostile to the industry. They argued bringing more CAFOs to South Dakota was good for two primary reasons: giving South Dakota ag producers another revenue stream and establishing a greater local supply of livestock and poultry for the states major processors.

The increase in CAFOs is positive news to Bob Thaler, a South Dakota State University distinguished professor and swine specialist. He said CAFOs can and do contribute to pollution through runoff that contaminates water sources, but regulations on larger operations prevent a lot of that environmental damage.

They have to do a lot of things that smaller operations do not have to do, he said, adding, because they are so heavily regulated, theyre very well managed.

Thaler said large operations can create jobs, increase local tax revenues and grow profits for operators.

If you can triple the size of a family farm and thats OK, why cant you triple the size of your livestock operation and take advantage of the same purchasing power and efficiencies that you can on the agronomy side? he said.

Critics of CAFO expansion in the state point out they are a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, some research says raising livestock and poultry in dense concentrations  instead of more expansive, open-air settings  can facilitate the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the overuse of antibiotics. And animal rights groups criticize the operations as an inhumane treatment of animals, which are sometimes kept in crowded conditions.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Not all livestock operations in SD have to manage waste equally
WASHINGTON  While Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky., received well wishes from most of his colleagues following his second health episode where he froze while speaking to reporters, Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky., still has questions about the leaders health  even after he was cleared by doctors.

I don't think it's been particularly helpful to have the Senate doctor describing it as dehydration, which I think even a non-physician seeing that probably aren't really accepting that explanation, Paul told reporters Tuesday, according to Punchbowl. The Kentucky senator expressed doubts over a letter from Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Capitols attending physician, that cleared McConnell to continue his duties.

McConnell froze when talking to reporters last week in Kentucky after he was asked about running for reelection in 2026. He appeared to begin to answer, but he stopped and remained silent for seven seconds. The episode in Kentucky was the second time in recent months McConnell froze in front of cameras, previously going silent during a news conference at the Capitol where he abruptly stopped speaking for 28 seconds behind a lectern and was briefly escorted away.

Everybodys seen the clips, it's not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say that's dehydration, Axios reported. Paul, a physician himself, said. Paul also referred to McConnells first episode at the Capitol.

A staffer of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was stabbed Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. This file photo shows Paul in a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

Despite hailing from the same home state and being of the same party, Paul has frequently been at odds with McConnell when it comes to policy priorities, such as continued U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And he wasn't the only GOP lawmaker to express concern over McConnells health and what it means for Senate Republicans.

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who voted against McConnell last year to serve as the Senate's minority leader, said he is just as concerned about McConnells health as he is about President Joe Bidens health.

You cant have it both ways. You cant say that youre concerned about Joe Biden but youre not concerned about Mitch McConnell. Its either one or the other, he said.

Hawley added that he has heard concerns from Missouri residents, including farmers and business groups, about McConnells health  even before his second public episode.

Its on peoples minds, clearly, Hawley said.

Hawley said he wishes McConnell the best, but he hopes the minority leaders health is not a distraction for Republicans ahead of the 2024 elections, adding that the episodes make it difficult to criticize Biden for his age.

If youre concerned about the president, then youve got to be concerned about other people in leadership. Its a two way street. Its not one or the other," he said.

But other GOP lawmakers defended McConnell, expressing confidence in his ability to serve even as Congress has a heavy agenda in the coming weeks, including averting a government shutdown.

We might lose from Mitch McConnell 20 seconds a day, but the other 86,380 seconds are pretty darn good so Im supporting him, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told reporters, The health scares hes had were frightening, but age comes for us all, and Mitch is stubborn as a mule and hes tough. Hes been in my prayers in recent weeks and I have every hope he will recover (to) full strength."

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., before taking the podium to speak at the NKY Chamber of Commerce at the Madison Event Center, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Covington, Ky. McConnell appeared to briefly freeze up and was unable to answer a question from a reporter during the event on Wednesday, weeks after he had a similar episode in Washington. (Liz Dufour/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rand Paul doubts doctor after Mitch McConnell freezes in Kentucky
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Charles Barringer told 8 News Now he is left dealing with a flooded mess after a heavy storm blew through the region on Labor Day weekend.

Im probably one of the luckiest unlucky people youve ever met, Barringer said. Been here 27 years and nothing like this has ever happened.

He said he became trapped after flood waters came rushing in through his backyard.

The backyard wall separates his home from NV Energys power lines, near Mountain Vista Street and Tropicana Avenue.

I was filming the other side of the wall because there was a lot of water than usual, Barringer explained. Then my neighbors came out next door and theyre standing on the other side of that wall so Im over there telling them, I dont know how much longer this wall is going to last and as I was talking to them, I heard a noise and looked back, and the wall started to fall.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Barringer said he was able to jump on the other side of the wall as his neighbors pulled him over to safety.

The force of the water pushed all of Charles Barringers belongings out into the street. Neighbors were able to grab some of the floating items, some as far as down the road. (KLAS)

So, I took off running through their yard because my daughter and grandsons bedroom is right here and they didnt know what was going on, so I got them out of the downstairs, added Barringer. I ended up tying a rope to that gate, tying it to the bumper of my truck and pulling it because it opened in and there was nowhere to open it, and that let the water out of the backyard.

The force of the water pushed all of Barringers belongings out into the street. Neighbors were able to grab some of the floating items, some as far as down the road.

Barringer said he quickly got to work, moving his belongings inside to higher ground and ripping off the wet carpet. He also brought in fans to dry off the inside walls.

The water inside was only about an inch deep, so it was just over the top of the shag, he added.

While he does have home insurance, he said his insurance company doesnt cover flood damage.

We reported it right away on Saturday and they called my wife a little while ago and told her we didnt have the insurance, well the coverage, Barringer added.

That means all repair costs and construction fall back on him, but Barringer said he is thankful he and his family are safe.

Im a little in shock, but Im very grateful, Barringer added.

He emailed NV Energy asking for help to build a berm to divert water away from his backyard.

He estimates it will take six months to a year or more to get all repairs done around his home.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
John Lansing, NPR president and CEO, said Tuesday he plans to retire at the end of the year.

Lansing has agreed to stay on in his position as necessary for a smooth transition, according to an NPR press release. He became president and CEO of NPR in 2019.

We have been through a lot together over the past four years, and you have made me proud every day, Lansing said in a note to staff included in the release. During the pandemic, we were there when America needed us most, reporting truthful life-saving information when disinformation was rampant. And we were there when America went through an overdue racial reckoning.

Our journalists did remarkable work covering the efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and when Russia launched its war against Ukraine, Lansing continued. We were also there when our audiences needed joy, laughter and connection in those moments that felt so bleak.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Under Lansings leadership, the news organizations executive team evolved to include more than 40 percent people of color, an increase from 9 percent in 2019, according to the release. A main goal of Lansings tenure was uniting NPR and its member stations under the North Star of diversifying the newsroom, content, and audiences. The organization also received its first Pulitzer Prize under Lansing in 2021.

Under Lansings leadership, NPR and Member stations strengthened their partnership through the NPR Network, according to the release. This collaborative initiative delivers journalism, music, and cultural content from stations across America, while growing digital audiences and membership.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Consequences of the shelling of Kostyantynivka by Russian occupants on Wednesday, September 6

The number of injured has increased to 31 in the devastating daytime Russian missile strike on a busy market in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, with more bodies believed to be buried in the rubble, Ukraines Office of the Prosecutor General has reported.

Sixteen people  including a child  were killed and a fire broke out in the market stalls after Russia targeted a busy market in Kostyantynivkas city center around 2:00 p.m. EET on Sept. 6.

All of the injured are receiving urgent medical assistance.

pgo_gov_ua/Telegram

Damage was reported to twenty stores, power lines, administrative buildings, and the fifth floor of a residential building. Residential cars and eight businesses were also consumed by flames.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A search and rescue operation is currently underway at the site of the shelling, with people still trapped under debris.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
This photo, taken on Sept. 4, 2023, shows the venue of the Smart China Expo 2023 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. [Photo/Xinhua]

Cooperation in digital technology between China and Latin America is thriving and has become an integral component of their overall partnership, according to a forum held Monday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The 2023 China CELAC Digital Technology Cooperation Forum brought together heads of government departments, diplomatic envoys, and representatives from relevant international organizations, representing 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

This event served as a pivotal sub-forum within the ongoing Smart China Expo 2023. Some foreign representatives emphasized the vast potential of the digital market in Latin America and its robust development demand, saying that they eagerly anticipate collaborative efforts and mutually beneficial partnerships with China in this field.

Latin American and Caribbean countries, especially those reliant on manufactured goods imports, are very dependent on advancements in science and technology, said Daniel Filmus, Argentina's minister of science, technology and innovation.

He stressed that digital technology possesses the potential to address specific challenges and enhance the well-being of people, while expressing his aspirations for comprehensive collaboration with China to achieve mutual development goals.

"We acknowledge the efforts of China and CELAC in promoting an environmentally sustainable economic and digital transformation, facing global challenges, promoting socio-economic development, progress and well-being of peoples," said Cristina Shimoda, acting director of the Department of Science, Technology and Digital Innovation under Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. "Brazil is keen to deepen collaboration opportunities in terms of mobility of researchers and technological development."

Data reveals that the trade volume between China and Latin America had nearly reached 500 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, reaffirming China's steadfast position as Latin America's second-largest trading partner.

This forum is poised to catalyze deeper cooperation between China and Latin America within the digital technology sector, said Zhang Yunming, vice minister of industry and information technology.

Zhang said China anticipates collaborating with Latin American and Caribbean nations to advance mutually beneficial and mutually rewarding endeavors in digital economic cooperation and trade exchange.
Mayor Adams administration started Wednesday to boot hundreds of single adult migrants from Manhattan hotels and residence halls to make room for asylum-seeking families with children amid a shortage of shelter space, according to a city government official directly familiar with the matter.

The adult migrants getting moved out are being transported to the administrations new tent-style mega shelter on Randalls Island, which has capacity for 2,000 people, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasnt authorized to discuss the matter with the press.

The source, who was posted Wednesday morning outside one of the move-out facilities, the Stratford Arms dormitory on the Upper West Side, told the Daily News that NYPD officers were on site as migrants were taken on buses to Randalls. As of noon Wednesday, two busloads of migrants had been transported from the Stratford to Randalls, according to the source.

The other three migrant shelter sites where adults were being moved out are the Amsterdam dormitory, also on the Upper West Side, the Wolcott Hotel in Midtown and a downtown Manhattan Holiday Inn.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was not clear how many adults are set to be moved out in total. The source said the busing initiative is expected to continue through Friday, and that migrant families should be able to start moving into the four sites by next week.

The shelter shakeup is happening because the citys quickly running out of shelter space designated for families with children, as hundreds more migrants continue to arrive every day, according to the source.

Spokespeople for Adams office did not immediately return a request for comment.

The move-outs come on the heels of Adams and his advisers making clear they want to reserve hotels and other housing facilities with individual rooms for migrant families with kids, while using congregate-style settings like the Randalls tents to accommodate single adults.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom was expected to hold a migrant crisis briefing at City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. According to an advisory, Williams-Isom will make an announcement at the briefing about Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers, or HERRCs, the administrations preferred term for large-scale migrant shelters.

According to the latest City Hall data, Adams administration continues to house and provide services for more than 60,000 migrants, most of them Latin Americans, costing the city tens of millions of dollars every week. The latest cost projection provided by Adams budget team estimates the city is on track to spend as much as $12 billion on the migrant crisis by summer 2025.

The mayor has repeatedly said he needs a lot more financial and logistical assistance from the administrations of President Biden and Gov. Hochul, warning that the city could otherwise plummet into a fiscal collapse.
Mayor Eric Adams administration started Wednesday to boot hundreds of single adult migrants from Manhattan hotels and residence halls to make room for asylum-seeking families with children amid a shortage of shelter space, according to a city government official directly familiar with the matter.

The adult migrants getting moved out are being transported to the administrations new tent-style mega shelter on Randalls Island, which has capacity for 2,000 people, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasnt authorized to discuss the matter with the press.

The source, who was posted Wednesday morning outside one of the move-out facilities, the Stratford Arms dormitory on the Upper West Side, told the Daily News that NYPD officers were on site as migrants were taken on buses to Randalls. As of noon Wednesday, two busloads of migrants had been transported from the Stratford to Randalls, according to the source.

The other three migrant shelter sites where adults were being moved out are the Amsterdam dormitory, also on the Upper West Side, the Wolcott Hotel in Midtown and a downtown Manhattan Holiday Inn.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was not clear how many adults are set to be moved out in total. The source said the busing initiative is expected to continue through Friday, and that migrant families should be able to start moving into the four sites by next week.

The shelter shakeup is happening because the citys quickly running out of shelter space designated for families with children, as hundreds more migrants continue to arrive every day, according to the source.

Spokespeople for Adams office did not immediately return a request for comment.

The move-outs come on the heels of Adams and his advisers making clear they want to reserve hotels and other housing facilities with individual rooms for migrant families with kids, while using congregate-style settings like the Randalls tents to accommodate single adults.

Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom was expected to hold a migrant crisis briefing at City Hall on Wednesday afternoon. According to an advisory, Williams-Isom will make an announcement at the briefing about Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers, or HERRCs, the administrations preferred term for large-scale migrant shelters.

According to the latest City Hall data, Adams administration continues to house and provide services for more than 60,000 migrants, most of them Latin Americans, costing the city tens of millions of dollars every week. The latest cost projection provided by Adams budget team estimates the city is on track to spend as much as $12 billion on the migrant crisis by summer 2025.

The mayor has repeatedly said he needs a lot more financial and logistical assistance from the administrations of President Joe Biden and Gov. Kathy Hochul, warning that the city could otherwise plummet into a fiscal collapse.
Veteran New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman on Tuesday explained why the sentencing of the Proud Boys former leader is unlikely to change Donald Trump s promise to pardon people convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

Henry Enrique Tarrio, who was chairman of the neo-fascist group, was given 22 years in prison after being found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other charges in connection with the Capitol attack, with a judge ruling that Tarrios actions amounted to terrorism. Its the longest sentence yet handed down to a Jan. 6 defendant.

Despite this, Haberman argued that Trump will probably stick to a pledge he made earlier this year to pardon a large portion of those sentenced over the attack if he retakes the White House in 2024.

He sees political advantage in continuing to say that he might pardon people, she said during an appearance on CNNs The Source.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haberman suggested that Trump thinks the promise rallies his supporters, even as he faces criminal charges of his own for efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including on Jan. 6.

Im sure his lawyers would like it if he would adjust some of what hes saying and doing, she said.

Haberman noted that Tarrio was just one of many defendants who claimed Trump was behind their actions on Jan. 6 as part of their defense strategies.

It was Donald Trumps words, Nayib Hassan, a lawyer for Tarrio, told jurors in his closing argument earlier this year.

He added: It was not Enrique Tarrio. They want to use Enrique Tarrio as a scapegoat for Donald J. Trump and those in power.

Haberman said she expects more people to continue making that case.

This is where there is an issue for Trump facing liability for that day, the journalist said. It was something that his own aides warned him about in real time.

Trump was indicted last month in his coup attempt case, overseen by Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith. He has pleaded not guilty.

The case is set to go to trial in March.
Oak Bluffs police are investigating four signs placed around town over the weekend in support of a white supremacist group.

Police found Patriot Front signs attached to poles on roads Sunday morning, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

The group is one of the most visible white supremacist groups in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League.

According to a Facebook post by Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois, at least two signs were placed outside Black-owned businesses.

The two signs shown on the departments online post  one reading strong families strong nations and the other reading America first  have links to the Patriot Front.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Since Sunday, four signs have been found, according to Oak Bluffs police Lt. Nicholas Curelli.

They were found in downtown Oak Bluffs, said Curelli on Wednesday, without specifying the exact locations. Three signs were taken down by the police.

Galibois said he has notified all 22 police chiefs in the district and is working with Massachusetts State Police detectives, according to the post.

"If you observe any of these signs on public property or private property without the owner's permission then please notify your local police department," Galibois said in the Facebook post. "We are all working collectively on identifying the individual(s) involved."

Oak Bluffs police are consulting with the district attorney's office to determine whether any charges are applicable if police are able to locate who posted the signs, according to Curelli.

We're investigating as to who possibly could have placed the signs, he said.

Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office spokesperson Danielle Whitney declined Wednesday to comment because an investigation is underway.

Rasheek Tabassum Mujib writes about health care and education. Reach her at rmujib@capecodonline.com.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Four signs supporting Patriot Front under investigation in Oak Bluffs
HOPEWELL  A General District Court judge has set Oct. 25 as the trial date for a Hopewell woman suing Ward 7 Councilor Dominic Holloway over allegedly taking money from a GoFundMe account he set up for her murdered child.

Judge Craig Dunkum of Henrico County, who was brought in after Hopewell judges recused themselves from the case, ordered Brionna Taylor to file a detailed account of the misuse by Sept. 22. Holloway was ordered to file his grounds of defense by Oct. 10.

P'Aris Mi-Unique Angel Moore, pictured, was killed Dec. 30, 2022, in an east Hopewell shooting. Her mother, Brionna Taylor, is suing Ward 7 Councilor Dominic Holloway for allegedly taking money for his own persoal use from a GoFundMe account he created for the child's family.

The judge reiterated the importance of meeting those deadlines, saying failure to do so by either side would allow the other party to ask for judgement without a hearing. Under state law, plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases can receive copies of opposing documents before trial.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the lawsuit filed in June, Taylor claims Holloway took money from the GoFundMe account for her daughter, PAris Mi-Unique Angel Moore, and used it to pay child support that he owed another woman. She is suing him for $5,600.

Holloway denied the allegation in a brief exchange with the judge that set the tone for the rest of the day.

So do you agree or disagree with the amount? Dunkum asked Holloway.

I disagree, he responded.

Then what is the amount? Dunkum asked.

None, Holloway replied, drawing a glare from Taylor with that comment.

PAris was 8 years old when she was shot to death Dec. 30, 2022, in the front yard of a relatives house on Freeman Street in eastern Hopewell. Her death reeled the city, sparking several community events such as a candlelight vigil and justice walk.

Holloway, fresh off his November council election and just two days away from taking office, set up a GoFundMe account to cover PAris funeral expenses and other final costs.

Wednesdays hearing was tinged with tension and set the stage for what could be a very emotional trial next month. Even deciding on a date for trial had its moments.

Dunkum suggested Oct. 25 for the trial date because that was the next time he would be in Hopewell. Taylor said that date worked for her, but Holloway was hesitant to commit because of a potential conflict with a case he was involved with in Hopewell Circuit and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. When Dunkum suggested Nov. 4, Taylor said she would be out of town on that date and followed that up with a comment directed toward Holloway.

Dunkum admonished Taylor for the remark.

I dont need any extra comments, he told her. Were just trying to provide a trial date.

After Holloway said he still was unsure about Oct. 25, Dunkum suspended the proceedings and asked the court clerk to check the Circuit and JDR dockets to confirm the appearance. After several minutes passed, the clerk returned to say there was nothing scheduled for those dates involving Holloway.

That prompted Holloway to clarify that he was not the subject of the case but subpoenaed as a witness in a custody battle involving two other people. Dunkum suspended the hearing for a few more minutes while the clerk checked again and found that the Circuit Court hearing was on Oct. 13, not Oct. 25.

Dunkum made sure that Taylor had Holloways correct address for sending a copy of her list of allegations. The councilors address was an issue in a previous court appearance when the court papers to be served had the wrong house number on two separate occasions.

Emotions from the hearing spilled into the courthouse hall.

As Holloway was leaving, Taylor exchanged words with him, saying he was a liar and claiming she had called FBI and the Virginia State Police on your ass to investigate. By that time, Holloway had stepped into a stairwell into the lobby of the court building, and his responses could not be immediately heard.

One thing he is not going to do is stand there in court and lie, Taylor said, tears welling in her eyes. I am gonna expose him for what he is.

Holloway declined comment to The Progress-Index as he left.

Meanwhile, two men have been arrested in connection with shooting the child. Jamari Antonio Taylor, 20, of Hopewell, and Rayquan Latrel Harvell, 18, of Chesterfield County, are charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Taylor also was indicted on conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Jamari Taylor's next court hearing is set for Oct. 11, and Harvell's is Nov. 1.

More: Hopewell Police arrest two men in connection with December 2022 shooting death of child

Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Judge sets trial date in GoFundMe suit against Hopewell councilor
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The Oddities and Curiosities, the original traveling oddities event for lovers of the strange, unusual, and bizarre, will once again return to Las Vegas this September.

According to a release, the Oddities and Curiosities Expo will feature more than 150 oddity vendors and artists. It will be held at The Expo at the World Market Center on Saturday, Sept. 16. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased on the Oddities and Curiosities Expo website. Ticket prices go up to $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free.

The Oddities and Curiosities Expo was created purely out of the excitement of bringing communities we care about together through events, said Michelle Cozzaglio, who owns the expo with her husband, Tony, said. Our goal has always been to uplift those around us while giving everyone, including ourselves, the opportunity to truly do what they love.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Oddities and Curiosities Expo (Jarrett Barnes)

Oddities and Curiosities Expo (Jarrett Barnes)

Oddities and Curiosities Expo (Jarrett Barnes)

The release states that the expo draws people from all walks of life to enjoy the strange and unusual. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and shop for a wide variety of rare and unusual items from local and national vendors.

Some of the items that vendors will have include:

taxidermy

preserved animal specimens

original horror and Halloween-inspired artwork

antiques

handcrafted oddities

skulls

bones

funeral collectibles

In addition to vendors, the expo will also feature photo opportunities, tarot reading, sideshow performers, and concessions.

Guests of the expo will also be able to purchase tickets to a day-long taxidermy class where they can learn to make their own full-sized rabbit mount. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with breaks built in for lunch and exploring the expo.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
An online informational meeting about a proposed Chick-fil-A fast-food restaurant in west Olympia ended 30 minutes early on Tuesday after city officials limited public comment to the project itself, not comments on the business politics.

The citys site plan review committee holds such meetings to answer questions about codes and ordinances and for the developer or applicant to answer questions about the project.

There have been some community concerns expressed about business practices associated with Chick-fil-A, said Associate Planner Jackson Ewing, but this is not something that is under discussion at this meeting.

The Chick-fil-A has been proposed on Capital Mall property at 2930 Capital Mall Drive SW, the same location as an existing restaurant called Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse. The owner of that business says he intends to move to 1200 Cooper Point Road SW early next year after his lease expires.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

About 25 people were listening in on the meeting, and the first question came from Timothy Leadingham of west Olympia who wanted to know more about the trees at the development site.

A representative of Chick-fil-A said that 116 trees would remain on the site, 21 would be added and 11 that are either unhealthy or dying would be removed.

Leadinghams question: How many significant-size trees are you removing because they are unhealthy and what is the health problem?

In response, the representative simply reiterated that 11 trees would be removed, 80 percent of which are considered unhealthy or dying.

Another man, who identified himself as David B. for the Zoom meeting, was undeterred in his efforts to criticize Chick-fil-A .He drew an alleged connection between Chick-fil-A and anti-LGBTQ legislation in the African country of Uganda.

My question has to do with health and safety, he said. Given that your organization has donated very heavily to back a death penalty-granting bill in Uganda, how many gay men such as myself do you intend to hang from these trees?

At that point, David B. was muted. Then he un-muted himself.

Excuse me, you dont get to mute me, he said.

He continued: How many gay and lesbian persons do you intend to murder with the money your organization raises from selling chicken?

That prompted principal planner Nicole Floyd to interrupt him. I can appreciate where youre coming from, but this is off topic for the project, she said.

After David B. interjected, Floyd added: This really isnt a meeting where were going to talk about philosophical perspectives.

Although David B. remained muted for the rest of the meeting, he later turned on his video camera and extended both middle fingers to the audience.

It was not immediately clear if theres a connection between Chick-fil-A and anti-LGBTQ legislation in Uganda. What is clear is that past donations made by Chick-fil-A or company executives to anti-LGBTQ causes has not been forgotten or overlooked by the LGBTQ community.

People spoke out after the Lacey-based Chick-fil-A sponsored that citys Childrens Day at Huntamer Park. That outcry ultimately led to a sponsorship policy change at the city.

Olympia resident Leadingham suggested the city of Olympia have an in-person meeting on the project before the end of the month, claiming that the citys public notice of application was later than usual.

And now youre cutting off comments on Sept. 15, he said.

Floyd said the city will still accept comments after Sept. 15, but she urged residents to try to meet the deadline.

If you would like to comment on the Chick-fil-A proposal for west Olympia, send comments to Jackson Ewing at jewing@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Children do not learn well when they are sick, are in pain or have blurry vision. The link between childrens health and school performance is established to the point of truism. It is surprising, then, to hear near-silence from education leaders as more than 5 million kids are losing their health insurance  many for no other reason than red tape. Americas schoolchildren need their champions to call for action.

Kids are caught up in a chaotic process known as Medicaid unwinding. During COVID, states were not permitted to disenroll anyone, but since Decembers congressional budget deal, they have been engaged in rapidly redetermining the eligibility of everyone enrolled in Medicaid or the related Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Instead of merely removing individuals now above the income eligibility limits, a horrifying number of people  fully 75% of those losing coverage  have been thrown off Medicaid for procedural reasons. These include people not returning paperwork because, among other things, states sent it to old addresses, technology problems prevented them from updating their information or they were confused about the process. Many state support call centers are slow or faulty, resulting in high rates of abandoned calls when people try to get assistance in proving they remain eligible.

No paywall. No pop-up ads. Keep The 74 free with a donation during our Fall campaign.

A huge portion of those affected are children. In states that break out data by age band, kids make up an average of one-third of all disenrolled. That average hides wide variation; children make up more than half of the disenrolled in Georgia, Missouri and Idaho, and more than 40% in Minnesota. As Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetowns Center for Children and Families, told the Los Angeles Times, We are expecting children to take the biggest hit here. Theyre not going to have somewhere else to go. Indeed, the centers data shows kids do not appear to be moving in substantial numbers to other health insurance programs: in other words, these disenrollments will leave many children uninsured.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The issues complexity can mask its very real impact on kids. Medicaid and CHIP cover medical, dental and vision needs. Without it, lower-income children have little access to everything from routine well-child visits and vaccinations to eyeglasses and care for a painful cavity  and that doesnt include the significant number of kids with chronic medical conditions. Even if a child is lucky enough to remain healthy, another family member needing medical attention while uninsured can quickly disrupt the stability of entire households.

This should be a five-alarm fire for education leaders still contending with the impacts of the pandemic. There is even an extra element of self-interest for schools: as Education Week reported, schools commonly use students Medicaid to get reimbursed for things like mental health and special education services, making it the third or fourth largest federal funding stream for many schools. District budgets therefore stand to take a hit from wrongful disenrollments.

Yet despite all this, figures from superintendents to teachers union heads have been almost entirely silent on the issue. A review of the websites of the major associations for principals and superintendents, as well as the two main teachers unions, reveals no statements or official stances. I have not been able to find a single example of an education leader suggesting that states pause procedural disenrollments of children until they can ensure that none are being erroneously removed from the rolls.

To be fair, schools do seem to see a role for themselves in communicating with and helping parents navigate the recertification process. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a toolkit for early childhood education and K-12 providers, with items like template letters and robocall scripts. That is all well and good, and districts should be applauded for implementing these measures. But knowing about the need to update your address does little when you cant submit information on a broken state website or states still mail forms to an outdated address.

Almost all states have proven themselves unable to effectively execute the unwinding process fairly and in a way that minimizes errors. For example, many have been using parents income to determine childrens eligibility for Medicaid even though the threshold for kids is much higher. This proved so harmful that the centers recently demanded that the states make amends, including options of pausing disenrollments or automatically granting all children an extra year of eligibility. Such an extension would buy time to correctly contact families, work out technical problems, meet call center demands and increase the number of accurate automatic renewals.

Some states, like Minnesota, have imposed a temporary pause on procedural disenrollments. More widespread and longer moratoria, however, will not occur without public pressure; states, the Biden administration and Congress all have a role to play. Childrens health advocates and medical groups have been sounding the alarm, but they need help. The education sector is large and powerful. Now is the time for its leaders to stand up and be heard: Not one more child should lose health coverage because of red tape.
"Shenxing," a fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by China's EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), is displayed during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 2023 International Motor Show (IAA), one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday, with German and Chinese exhibitors in the limelight.



At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe.

Growing together

"Everybody here at the IAA is so excited to have so many Chinese brands here. We could see how they realize this digital revolution in products. Chinese brands are here to really keep a picture of the world of mobility, which also reinforces the international aspect of the IAA name," said Peter Fintl, vice president of technology and innovation at Capgemini Engineering.



Before the official opening of the IAA MOBILITY, carmakers and suppliers, half of which came from outside Germany, showcased their latest innovations at dozens of press conferences on Monday. China's EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) presented a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery named "Shenxing," which can power 400 km of driving range with a 10-minute charge.

The new technology aims to provide lower-cost vehicle batteries and make fast-charging technologies more affordable to consumers, said CATL cell design engineer Gao Pengfei.

"We hope this battery could become a new standard for the industry," Gao said, adding that European EV manufacturers have been interested in CATL's new technologies, which could enhance their competitiveness in this rapidly developing industry.

"European manufacturers look forward to our competitive supplies," he said. "It's win-win cooperation."

People talk at the booth of ZF Group during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

ZF Group, a hidden champion in the auto supply industry, has opened three plants and four R&D centers in China, a sign of its growing presence in the country.

The company has noticed the continuous growth of the Chinese automotive market, especially the increasing penetration of new energy vehicles, said Graciana Petersen, head of Strategy & Transformation at ZF Group, at a meeting on Monday.

"It's not just a matter of quantity. It's also a matter of quality," she said, adding that Chinese consumers are having notably high standards and expectations for the safest and most intelligent components and systems in their cars.

"So we of course want to grow with our Chinese customers and partners. We are fully aware of the strength and rapid technological advancement of the Chinese automotive industry, and we are prepared to collaborate and grow together," Petersen said.

Embracing competition

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that it is impossible to decouple from China because China is important in terms of raw materials, manufacturing competence and its size of economy.



"China is BMW's largest market, and we are very connected and involved in the Chinese market," Zipse said.

A BMW i5 electric car is displayed during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Speaking of Chinese automakers, Zipse believed that "we have to embrace competition."

Chen Yudong, president of Bosch China, said that there is a growing trend among Chinese automotive brands entering the European market, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As a global company, Bosch has established a robust international business presence and network.

"We are open to supporting our customers' business development wherever there is a market need and an established business presence," he said.

China is the largest market in the world for Bosch Group. The long-term localization strategy and competent local workforce in China have laid a solid foundation for the development of Bosch's businesses in the country. Bosch will continue to invest in the China market to meet the growing demand from China customers.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that Volkswagen has "a clear focus on China." As the biggest carmaker in China, he believed that Volkswagen is successful in China and has partners who show a strong commitment.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows the booth of Bosch during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will also play a big role for Volkswagen in the future. "We are heavily committed to our investments. Our commitment is underlined by our own activities, and we are also building close partnerships," he said.

"We will combine our experience, our knowledge with new technologies being developed in China. This combination will make us so special. We have our heritage, and we will integrate these new technologies into our well-known products," the Volkswagen CEO said.

Win-win cooperation

The auto industry is never a sole-player game, especially when it faces historic changes, such as the debut of electric vehicles.



ZF Group CEO Holger Klein told Xinhua that China holds a crucial position within the ZF Group, as its development isn't solely focused on the Chinese market, but also contributes significantly to the global expansion of ZF's business.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows a BYD Seal electric car during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

He said that the scale effect, necessary for the development of the auto industry, should not only be supported by China's large volume, but also allow Chinese-developed technologies to go global.

He was impressed by the dynamic Chinese market because it has a much younger customer group and the Chinese consumers are very open to innovation.

"That's why we very much enjoy offering them the latest innovation in China and developing it with our Chinese colleagues together because they are close to the market, they understand the customers' needs. And that's how we drive innovation," he said.

Fintl reckoned that in terms of rapid progress in electric vehicles, battery size, cost, or overall efficiency, many Chinese brands have really been the ones to set the pace.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows an Audi e-tron prototype during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

CATL became a supplier to BMW soon after its founding in 2011. The battery giant has cooperated with companies including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and PSA ever since.

CATL has followed the standards and needs of clients since the early days of such cooperation. However, "this is a real fast-developing industry," Gao said, noting that the company then realized that such standards could no longer match the fast evolving technologies of this industry.

"We started to try exploring new standards and break through the existing bottleneck," he said.

Blume considered it a "good opportunity" to exchange engineers between Volkswagen and XPENG.

"For me, it's always important to have a win-win situation when you make partnerships, and that's what we used to do with our joint venture partners, FAW and SAIC, in the past. In the future, with XPENG or in our joint venture with Horizon Robotics, there will also be the positivity in these partnerships," he said.
Applications are now open for a new Orange City program aimed at recognizing the citys hometown military service members and veterans.

City officials said the Hometown Heroes Military Tribute Banner Program is designed to honor and recognize Orange City residents and their immediate family members. The banners will be displayed on power poles in the citys historic corridor throughout November.

Veterans living in Orange City or Orange City residents with a family member who is serving or has served in the military are able to apply.

Read: Report: Florida senator accused of putting hands on domestic violence shelter worker aggressively

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The program is free to veterans and their families thanks to the citys partnership with AdventHealth Fish Memorial.

You can click here for more information on how to apply.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Orlando City Council will soon decide whether theyll approve millions to renovate a facility where the homeless go for help.

The Christian Service Center is requesting over $5.1 million in funding from a city-wide initiative known as Accelerate Orlando.

That initiative uses federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act to address housing and homelessness.

The city says it will spend $58 million on various projects as part of the initiative, and the Christian Service Center now hopes their project will get the green light.

The Christian Service Center provides day-to-day services like hot meals, showers, and laundry facilities for the homeless.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read: Homeowners blame utility company for fire that left them homeless

But it also serves as an access point connecting homeless visitors with case managers.

Since 2020, the organization has helped 3,303 people either get off the streets or avoid homelessness altogether.

The organizations CEO says theyre on pace to help lift over 10,000 people out of homelessness over the next 5 years. But he says that cant happen without renovations to the facility.

The plan to renovate this space would cost over $5 million, but the organization says its necessary since no work has been done since 1984.

Read: Christian Service Center sees bump in number of homeless people theyve been able to house

We cant maintain our existing pace with the current infrastructure we have. We just wont survive long enough. Theres too many major things that have to be replaced on the property, said Gray.

Gray says roofs need to be replaced, air conditioning units need to be installed, and the asphalt needs to be redone.

If the renovations are approved, the plans would go beyond maintenance and would also improve efficiency at the center.

It would redo plumbing inside one of the buildings to install indoor showers, toilets, and laundry units.

All of these are currently being stored in mobile units on the premises.

Read: Apopka police investigating vandalism, theft of headstones at local cemetery

The project would also add new mental health services to the campus.

Right now, one of four buildings on the property is in such disrepair that it is only being used for storage.

If renovations are approved, that building will come up to code and become home to on-site behavioral health services for the homeless.

Gray says the Christian Service Center will partner with a separate non-profit to start the mental health clinic up on the premises.

Theres a significant number of people that are homeless and are experiencing severe mental illness and it has to be treated a little more effectively, said Gray,

So far, the city has already allocated over $7.5 million in funding for various housing and homeless projects through the Accelerate Orlando initiative.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Sinclair Daniel (left) and Ashleigh Murray (right) anchor the eagerly anticipated TV adaptation of the 2021 bestselling novel

Sinclair Daniel (left) and Ashleigh Murray (right) anchor the eagerly anticipated TV adaptation of the 2021 bestselling novel "The Other Black Girl."

A common belief is that books are always better than their screen adaptations. But what about when theyre not  as is the case with, say, American Psycho, which turned Bret Easton Ellis impenetrable 1991 novel into a gripping big-screen thriller? Or what if the situation is too complicated to describe with a simple either/or comparison?

The latter more aptly applies to The Other Black Girl, which was the novel to read two summers ago, when it hit shelves with its intriguing title. The word other suggests an unsettling and all-too-relatable question: If one Black woman is the other, whos the first one? And can that positioning change? Can one become the prominent Black girl, Single White Female-style, while the other... fades into the background?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Those are the conundrums at the core of Zakiya Dalila Harris  page turner, which begins as a straightforward yet fascinating story about what happens when Nella, the only Black woman at a largely white book publisher, meets Hazel, a Black woman who just started at the company.

The narrative starts out with a welcome exhale  Oh finally, another Black girl!  then descends into something less intimate and decidedly more sinister. But because its such a sharp pivot toward the end of the 368-page book, it comes off as a bit clunky. And it just barely recovers from that.

Zakiya Dalila Harris' novel struggled to handle the unraveling of its sinister twist. While the series explores its genre elements a little better, it has its own shortcomings.

Zakiya Dalila Harris' novel struggled to handle the unraveling of its sinister twist. While the series explores its genre elements a little better, it has its own shortcomings.

You might expect that a twist of some kind is in the cards, because Hazel is shady from the jump. But the detour from suspenseful drama to a straight-up thriller  with all its accompanying revelations  could have used more exposition.

Hulus The Other Black Girl, from showrunners Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey, mostly remedies that issue. It helps that its got 10 half-hour episodes to expand on what the novel only implies in its twist, and that Harris herself was in the writers room to keep the story honest.

That last part is felt even as the series begins, which should please fans of the book. It features many identifiable elements from the novel, chiefly everything that often comes with being Black in white spaces: the gaslighting, the discomfort, the ostracizing and, of course, the otherness.

But most of all, the Hulu adaptation introduces its more sinister elements much sooner  like in the opening scene, where a Black woman (Cassi Maddox) in the 80s experiences a nightmare on the New York subway  and weaves them throughout the subsequent storyline.

In its present-day narrative, we meet Nella (Sinclair Daniel), an eager, young, Black and Afrod professional navigating the murky waters of a largely white industry.

Like the novel, Hulu's adaptation perfectly captures the pride-swallowing feeling of being the one Black woman in a white office having to co-sign on a beloved, problematic white client (Brian Baumgartner).

Like the novel, Hulu's adaptation perfectly captures the pride-swallowing feeling of being the one Black woman in a white office having to co-sign on a beloved, problematic white client (Brian Baumgartner).

Despite The Other Black Girl dropping on a mainstream streamer that appeals to a much more general viewership, it maintains the books specific rhetoric. Reddout, Hickey and their writing team, which includes Rashida Jones and several scribes from the Mixed-ish universe (working with a much better premise here), borrow a lot from Harris Black girl shorthand.

Much of that is implicit, but its still there. And, as in the novel, it keeps Nella in constant conversation with the Black women in the audience who can appreciate her low-key eye rolls.

There are the microaggressions at the office, the But Im an ally white colleague, the expectation to co-sign on a problematic white author (The Office star Brian Baumgartner) simply because they need even one Black voice to do so. That last part is the event that ignites the conflict in the story.

Nella is understandably bothered by the whole thing, and she has no one there to talk to about it. So she goes to her bestie/sounding board Malaika (a pitch-perfect Brittany Adebumola) to vent.

When Hazel (Ashleigh Murray) starts at Wagner Books, some audiences might expect things to be different for Nella. Shed at least have a confidant or someone to have her back during the many awkward moments. Does that happen? Eh, kind of. But it also really does not.Hazel is sly enough to make Nella believe shes on her side, even when Nella begins to doubt that confidence. Thats how gaslighting works.

Murray grounds Hazel in a much-needed backstory that helps expound on her story in the novel.

Murray grounds Hazel in a much-needed backstory that helps expound on her story in the novel.

The fact that both the screenwriters story and Harris book feed off the built-in level of trust among Black women, based most immediately upon their shared race (and even their hair), makes this narrative feel disconcerting at its core.

Of course you expect two Black women in an ultra-white space to be there for each other. Thats part of why the relationship between Nella and Malaika becomes increasingly important as the story goes on.

As any Black woman could attest, that friendship guarantees the comfort of not needing to code-switch (which Nella barely seems to do anyway), even as youre expected to do so around others.

That makes the seemingly minor but pertinent details involving Nellas proximity to whiteness just as interesting as her rapport with Malaika. Those include the fact that she, like Harris, grew up in a predominantly white Connecticut neighborhood, lives in the majority-white Brooklyn suburb of Bay Ridge and has a white, live-in boyfriend (Hunter Parrish).

Nella is a woman who, despite the whiteness that surrounds her, still desires to center Black voices and talents like those of Hazel, herself and the Black female editors who came before them. Thats an inclination many Black women share. So its difficult to consider that Hazel, or any Black female character, wouldnt at least have the best intentions for Nella in mind.

"The Other Black Girl" knows how to portray the complexity of Black female friendships, and even some of the nuances of being in a Black-white interracial relationship. But once it veers into its more heightened elements, it stumbles.

But The Other Black Girl was never, and still isnt, about the mounting tension between two Black women. That would be one-dimensional and tedious, and would strip both characters of their otherwise textured identities.

Rather, the series takes its time peering into the environments that breed that acrimony. In this case, its overwhelmingly white corporate America that engenders the kind of relationship that Nella and Hazel have  and even the one that Diana Gordon (Garcelle Beauvais), Wagners only Black female author, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, has with them.

Thats also part of what struck Harris about Nella Larsens seminal 1929 novel Passing, which inspired her protagonists name and central themes in The Other Black Girl.

Its such an interesting look at how two very good Black women feel these pressures from white society, and how they act with one another versus how they act with everyone else, Harris said of Larsens novel in a 2021 Esquire interview. Passing influenced me hugely when I was thinking about Nella and Hazel  how theres envy, friendship, animosity, and class at play.

Hulus adaptation of Harris novel delicately delves into each of those themes as well, even giving Hazel more of a backstory, and thankfully not relying on the genre elements to show that story instead of simply telling it. Thats an issue too many recent shows like Them have failed to navigate.

Thats not to say the series is perfect. It brings so much of Harris story to the fore, even carrying over the malevolent subplot. But, like in the novel, that part doesnt come together all the way.

A malevolent subplot doesn't make a whole lot of sense in the book. And the Hulu series can't find a way to connect it to an otherwise intriguing subplot either.

A malevolent subplot doesn't make a whole lot of sense in the book. And the Hulu series can't find a way to connect it to an otherwise intriguing subplot either.

Whatever were supposed to glean from that subplot doesnt register on screen any more than it does on the page. Its also just not necessary. The evolving relationships in this story, and the motivations animating them, are what make it interesting.

On the positive side, the multiple eras in the series are much more cleanly executed than in the book, and grow more relevant as the story goes on. (Pay attention to the year stamps and, as always, the hair.) They paint a pattern of this specific Black professional dynamic across decades, and help bring the themes of the story further into focus.

While Harris novel remains a must-read, if only so you can be taken on its wild journey, the Reddout- and Hickey-led series has terrifically haunting bookends that cradle the narrative.

Daniel is in most of the scenes and serves remarkably as the audiences wide-eyed proxy. But the entire cast delivers, including a cunning Murray and supporting turns from Maddox and Beauvais, as well as Bellamy Young and Eric McCormack as Wagners increasingly dubious editors.

Even with the shows flaws, fans of Hulus The Other Black Girl might want an additional season (the final moment leaves some room for one). But, especially since Harris has only written the one novel (so far), this should absolutely conclude here.

Let what works in this story stick with you, as it was always intended to.

Related...
Just the other day, a friend was telling me how hard it is for young people to move up in the publishing world. Basically, youve got to wait for someone above you to vacate their position, and enter a chain of movement once they do, they told me. Those spots rarely open up, they added, because they are often held for an executives entire career. Instead, other positions are created, ones that offer new titles but are really just lateral moves within a company. Congratulations: You just got promoted from editorial assistant to executive editorial assistant; your reward is no difference in pay and sitting in the same office chair with wonky hydraulics that keeps sinking closer to the ground a little more each day.

Now, try to imagine being a woman of color in this scenario. Thats the experience at the core of The Other Black Girl, a new Hulu series premiering Sept. 13, which is based on the 2021 bestselling novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris. Like the book, the show tracks the career aspirations of Nella (Sinclair Daniel), an assistant editor at the fictional publishing house Wagner Books whos looking to get a leg up in the industry. Not unsurprisingly for book publishing, Nella is the only person of color in her entire office, trying to trump tokenism and create change from the inside while working toward her dream job.

Hulu

Thats far easier said than done, especially when the equally ambitious Hazel (Ashleigh Murray) starts at Wagner, making Nella one of two Black girls in the office. Though Hazels presence is initially a salve for Nellas day-to-day headaches of coffee runs and pushing back on problematic manuscripts, Nella begins to suspect that her new co-workers presence has shifted the offices culture toward something more macabre. Though its plot becomes convoluted as tensions ramp up, The Other Black Girls consistently terrific pacing and magnetic performances keep the series from feeling too reductive or inconsistent. It ultimately crafts a silly but sensible horror-comedy about the perils of ambition in an industry hellbent on crushing it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

From the moment Hazel joins Wagner, Nella feels a weight lifted from her shoulders. She had just about reached her limit with the announcement of Pins and Needles, the new book by Wagners star author Colin Franklin (Brian Baumgartner), which Nellas boss Vera (Bellamy Young) championsdespite it being rife with Black stereotypes. Nella is convinced that its her duty to speak up if she wants to prove that she has what it takes to be an editor someday. After all, thats what her icon, Kendra Rae Phillips, did as Wagners first and only Black female editoruntil she quit her job in 1988 and was never heard from again.

Its clear from the start of the series that something is very awry at Wagner Books, and the offices predilection for Hazels agreeable nature over Nellas ardent determination is merely the tip of the iceberg. The shows writing is unapologetically heavy-handed when it comes to communicating that eeriness, and the horror elements are sometimes downright hokey. Its not long after Vera tells Nella that part of excelling [at Wagner] is being diplomatic before Nella finds a note in her bag that simply reads: LEAVE WAGNER NOW. If The Other Black Girls cast werent so adept at conveying these rather awkward plot beats with such earnestness, the show would stumble far more than it ultimately does.

The Other Black Girl is one of the rare pieces of recent, diverse mainstream media that doesnt feel like its stars signed on to perform a service (or, in the case of its white cast, prove how woke they are by poking fun at themselves). The series doesnt aim to teach so much as it does to entertain, and it does that job fabulously. No one herethe series writers includedseems to be under the impression that this show is saying anything particularly revelatory about structural inequalities in the workplace, which is precisely why it occasionally manages to feel like something new. With a little self-seriousness wiped away, The Other Black Girl can effectively juggle social commentary alongside its unexpected twists and turns, without letting either fall by the wayside.

Daniel is especially good at that balancing act, playing Nella with the right combination of intention and appropriate, world-weary suspicion. She and Murray conjure a completely believable friend chemistry, at least before Nella starts to question Hazels motivations. Daniel and Murray have a glimmering rapport, one thats almost shiny enough to mask some of the shows rote characterizations. I could often see the pair struggling through some of the series cringe-worthy lines. (Though its not exactly incorrect, who the hell is colloquially calling Megan Thee Stallion Hot Girl Meg?) But despite The Other Black Girl fitting more snugly with common liberal ideologies than radical ones, its not a detriment to the show; they feel less self-congratulatory and more like an attempt to introduce viewers to workplace imbalances on a digestible, mass-appeal scale.

Hulu

It would be easy to say that The Other Black Girl is like if Jordan Peele made The Devil Wears Prada, but the show doesnt feel like yet another irresponsible attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the directors storytelling. While the comparisons to Peeles filmographywhich has done a great job at cleverly presenting Black-led stories of injustice to white viewers without oversimplificationare inevitable, theyre also unfair. The Other Black Girl isnt trying to lead with social criticism; rather, it develops into an intriguing slice of mystery-horror first and foremost. At the same time, the show is snappy and a quick binge, never too caught up in its own commentary to warrant the comparisons it will undoubtedly draw. Even when it hits a slight snag right in the middle of the first season, it finds its way back for a thrilling (if ridiculous) jaunt to the finish line.

The 45 Biggest and Best Fall TV Shows to Watch: From The Morning Show to Two Kim Kardashians

The Other Black Girls cultural commentary may not be all that incisive or fresh, but it makes up for its lack of insight with a breezily paced puzzle that provides one of the upcoming Halloween seasons best binges. It even manages to ask some engaging questions along the way, refusing to sacrifice too much of its innate politics. Though those queries wont be enough to revolutionize the system like Nella so desperately wants to do, The Other Black Girl will be accessible enough to make stars out of its pair of leads, and thats an exciting prospect all on its own.

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.
Right now, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are dead even in national polls  most of which survey likely voters, according to the RealClearPolitics average.

With likely voters having largely made their minds up already and split evenly, the mood of the unlikely voter  who is intentionally screened out of most surveys by pollsters  may have an outsized impact on the 2024 election outcome.

One might point out: But these respondents are saying they arent voting next year, so who cares? My response: Unlikely voters represent a massive block of potential voters in the U.S., with estimates ranging from roughly 90 to 100 million citizens. Thats more potential voters than Joe Biden received in the 2020 presidential election, when he set the record for the most votes received by any presidential candidate in the history of our country.

So, where do these potential voters get their information? One-third named social media (Facebook, X, Instagram or TikTok) as their primary source of political news and information, twice as many as in 2018. Conversely, TV news networks has dropped from 52% to 36% during that same time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Five years ago, Suffolk University and USA TODAY partnered on a poll of unlikely voters exclusively and showed that by getting out the vote, the Democratic nominee could win the presidency. In the poll, a generic Democratic nominee (the nominee had not been selected yet) was leading then-President Trump in a hypothetical general election matchup, 35%- 26%. Thus, every unlikely voter the Democratic National Committee nudged was more likely to vote for the Democratic nominee than Trump. COVID increased the availability of mail-in and absentee ballots and reduced the barriers to voting in many states. The result: A Biden win.

Today, Suffolk and USA TODAY released findings from a current national poll of unlikely voters, and the results contrast sharply from what we published five years ago. Among unlikely voters who are not registered to vote, Trump now leads Biden in a hypothetical general election matchup 28% - 15%. That margin expands to 32%-13% among those who are currently registered, but unlikely to vote. An opposite dynamic is in play compared to five years ago: Every unlikely voter the Republican National Committee is able to nudge is more likely to vote for Trump than Biden and incrementally tips the scales in favor of Trump. The result: TBD.

Similar to 2018, these voters are very negative on political parties, in general. Nearly seven in 10 say that a third-party or multiple political parties are necessary in the United States. But when it comes to the news media, 68% of those registered but unlikely to vote have a negative opinion of it, significantly higher than the 55% who panned the media in 2018. It's a staple talking point for every Trump speech over the last five years.

A second red flag for Biden is the lack of enthusiasm for his reelection. When respondents were asked to tell us the first word or phrase that comes to mind when you hear the name Joe Biden. 21% used a negative descriptor, 19% said either old or time to retire, and 15% said he was doing a poor job or characterized him as a puppet, corrupt, or confused. Total adverse sentiment 55%. And among registered but unlikely voters, Bidens approval was 21% approve  61% disapprove. The same group was asked if there was anyone they could think of that they would be certain to go to the polls for: 10% named Donald Trump, 2% a piece picked Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama, Robert F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, and Ron DeSantis. Just 1% named Biden.

To be fair, in 2018, then-President Trump drew the wrath of this same group of non-voters (who used many vulgar descriptions of him) totaling nearly half of respondents - but not a majority. When respondents were asked today what it would take to get these potential voters out to vote, 40% said better choice/honest candidate/someone I like so that may not be Donald Trump or Joe Biden for nearly half of them. Another 16% said there is nothing/need a miracle to get them to vote.

Heres the irony of ironies: when the unlikely voters were asked why they were registered but not voting next year, about 13% used the words election is rigged/corruption/unfair/dont like the voting process/mail-in ballots. These have been Trumps words for the past five years, and the very people who could help elect him have totally soured on elections and voting.

David Paleologos is the director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paleologos on the Poll: Irony for Trump, red flags for Biden
Israeli police inspect the scene of a Palestinian stabbing attack that wounded two people next to Jaffa Gate, just outside Jerusalem's Old City, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Israeli police said the attacker, 17-year-old Palestinian, was caught and arrested. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

JERUSALEM (AP)  A Palestinian youth stabbed two people, moderately wounding one of them, in an attack Wednesday outside a main entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem, authorities said.

Israeli police said the teen carried out the attack near Jaffa Gate after getting off a bus. The suspect, a 17-year-old Palestinian from east Jerusalem, was caught and arrested after a short chase. His name was not immediately released.

Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center said a 56-year-old man was being treated for stab wounds to his face, neck and hand. Dr. Shaden Salameh-Youssef, head of the emergency department at the hospital's Mount Scopus branch, said the man was moderately wounded but awake and in stable condition.

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said a 17-year-old boy was lightly injured with a stabbing wound in the stomach. He was hospitalized.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jaffa Gate is one of the main entrances to the Old City, flanking the Armenian, Christian and Muslim quarters, and is typically crowded with tourists.

The Old City, the emotional epicenter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is a frequent flashpoint of violence,

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with its holy sites to the three monotheistic faiths, in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it in a move not recognized by most of the international community.

The Palestinians seek east Jerusalem as capital of a future state that would include the West Bank and Gaza Strip, areas also captured in 1967.

Israel considers the whole city to be its capital.

The attack occurred during one of the worst bouts of violence in the West Bank and east Jerusalem over the past 20 years. Over 180 Palestinians have been killed this year, with nearly half of them affiliated with militant groups. Israel says most of those killed were militants, but stone-throwing youths protesting Israeli military incursions as well as people not involved in the confrontations have also died. More than 30 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks against Israelis.
Panda Express is releasing a new limited-time entree at restaurants across the country: Chili Crisp Shrimp.

The new seafood dish will be available beginning Wednesday and will remain on menus through the end of the year.

The Rosemead, California-based Chinese fast food chain describes the dish as being comprised of lightly breaded succulent shrimp mixed with aromatic peppers and onions wok-tossed in a savory chili garlic sauce.

Each bite promises to offer a hint of heat and a satisfying crunch, the restaurant chain says.

Promotional image of Chili Crisp Shrimp, a new limited time entree from Panda Express launching nationwide Sept. 6, 2023.

The dish was crafted by Panda Express chefs, drawing on inspiration from the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant chain is debuting the dish following in-depth testing and thorough guest feedback.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We knew we wanted to offer a bold new menu item with shrimp that marries the traditional flavors of Sichuan cuisine with the fresh, premium ingredients Panda guests know and love, said Jimmy Wang, executive director of culinary innovation at Panda Express. Were thrilled to bring this savory, crunchy dish to guests nationwide for a limited time and continue offering innovative ways to enjoy shrimp.

Panda Express says a single serving size is 4 ounces, totaling 210 calories and offering 13 grams of protein.

The fast food chain suggests pairing it with a side of Chow Mein, fried rice or steamed veggies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted in support of appointing Rustem Umerov as the new defense minister after Oleksii Reznikov 's resignation, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported on Sept. 6.

The former chairperson of Ukraine's State Property Fund who has been picked by President Volodymyr Zelensky as Reznikov's replacement was backed by an overwhelming majority with 338 lawmakers voting in support and one abstaining.

Zelensky announced his decision to dismiss Reznikov on Sept. 3, after which Reznikov submitted his resignation to the Rada, which approved it on Sept. 5.

Reznikov has held the post of Defense Minister since November 2021. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he has played a vital role in coordinating military aid from foreign allies, including at multiple Ramstein summits.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, Reznikov's tenure at the Defense Ministry has been marred by several scandals related to the procurement of equipment and supplies for Ukrainian soldiers.

His successor Umerov, an Uzbekistan-born Crimean Tatar, started his political career as a member of the Parliament for the opposition party Voice (Holos), only to later gain a government appointment as the head of the State Property Fund.

Umerov also played a major role in peace talks with Russia in the early phase of the full-scale war.

Read also: Who is Rustem Umerov, Ukraines soon-to-be defense minister?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ROME (Reuters) - A strategic partnership between Italy and China would be more valuable than a deal such as the Belt and Road initiative, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Wednesday addressing Parliament.

In 2019, Italy became the first major Western nation to join China's Belt and Road, a global trade and infrastructure initiative modeled on the idea of the old Silk Road that had linked imperial China and the West millennia ago.

Tajani's comments, after a visit earlier this week to Beijing, give an indication of how Italy might seek to resolve a difficult diplomatic call on whether to withdraw from the accord.

Italy has expressed doubts over its membership and has until December to formally withdraw from an accord which expires next March. Otherwise, it will be extended for another five years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"A strategic partnership involves all sectors, so it is more important than single bilateral agreements such as the Silk Road (Belt and Road), which so far is unsatisfactory in terms of exports and investment," Tajani said.

Since its was launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, more than 100 other countries have signed individual agreements with China to cooperate on BRI infrastructure and building projects.

An Italian official close to the matter said that during his visit to China Tajani signalled the possibility for Italy to pull out from the BRI deal while stressing the desire to keep strong ties with Beijing.

The visit was also meant to show high respect for the current Chinese leadership which is facing challenging economic issues, and avoid retaliation for an eventual departure from the BRI.

On Wednesday Tajani repeated that the Italian government would consult parliament before finalising its position on the issue.

After meeting Tajani in Beijing this week, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said cooperation with Italy had been fruitful despite Italian scepticism.

(Reporting by Francesca Piscioneri and Giselda Vagnoni; Writing by Keith Weir; Editing Federico Maccioni and Tomasz Janowski)
People attend a rally against Japan's planned ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan on Aug. 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Trade experts and analysts on Tuesday opined that China is well-justified in defending its recent actions if Japan files a complaint in the World Trade Organization against China for restricting imports of seafood originating in Japan.

China had taken such measures due to widespread concerns over the feared adverse effects of nuclear-contaminated wastewater discharged by the Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Experts said China has legitimate rights to take such emergency measures and suspend imports of all aquatic products originating in Japan, in order to safeguard Chinese people's health.

They also said the possibility of a legal case would not deter China from attempting to safeguard its rights and interests under the WTO framework.

Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce, said WTO rules recognize that no country should be prevented from taking measures necessary for the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, and WTO members therefore could be exempted from the multilateral trading body's free trade provisions in specific instances.

"The uncertainties relating to the long-term and widespread hazard of the discharge of the contaminated water are enough for China to impose import restrictions to protect its people and environment from unknown risks," Zhou said.

He also said Japan has failed the transparency obligation of WTO members, which is one of the most important principles of the WTO agreement.

The best solution under the current circumstances, experts said, could be achieved through diplomatic measures like consultations.

Following growing concerns over the safety of seafood originating in Japan, China has suspended their imports since Aug 24, and submitted a notification of the emergency import control measures to the WTO on Thursday.

On Monday, however, Japan submitted its counterargument in writing to the WTO, expressing its view that the suspension of imports by China is "totally unacceptable", and that "it strongly urges China to immediately repeal its measures".

In addition to the submission of its counterargument, Japan will continue to provide explanation on its position in related committees of the WTO, the Japanese ministry of foreign affairs said on its website.

In a separate statement on Monday, the ministry also said Japan has asked China to hold discussions over the import ban based on the provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.

The transparency obligation requires members to disclose their policies and practices publicly, especially those that may affect other members; and yet, Japan's release of the contaminated water lacks necessary scientific evidence to be treated as support and transparency in procedures, data and impact analysis, Zhou said.

Zhao Hong, a professor at Peking University's Law School and former chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body, said that without consultations with countries mostly affected, Japan's unilateral decision to release the contaminated water may also violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

China and other countries that are affected could adopt further measures if the situation evolves, she said.

The issue should be assessed and addressed under the framework of science and WTO agreements, but it has been unfairly politicized, which is unfortunate, she said.

If Japan does file a case against China at the WTO, China would firmly protect its legitimate rights under the framework of the multilateral trading system, she said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular media briefing on Tuesday that China's relevant measures are completely legitimate, reasonable and necessary. The international community is also concerned that the release of the contaminated water into the Pacific will imperil the marine environment and public safety.
PATERSON  Councilman Michael Jackson has refused to provide the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office with the passcode to let state investigators search his cellphone, which authorities seized in May.

Jackson told Paterson Press on Tuesday that he believes state authorities want to put evidence on his phone to expand their pending election fraud case to include witness tampering charges against him.

I dont trust them, Jackson said. Why should I give them my password so they can plant information on it?

Jackson said the Attorney Generals Office already has confiscated the phone of one of the witnesses in the case against him.

Paterson 1st Ward Councilman Michael Jackson.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Sohail Mohammed, who is handling the ongoing election fraud case, is scheduled to decide on Sept. 18 whether to compel the councilman to give up his cellphones passcode.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At issue is a sealed affidavit of probable cause, which was the basis for the search warrant in May that allowed the state to take Jacksons phone, court documents show.

Jacksons lawyer, Scott Finckenauer, has argued in court filings that the search warrant for the councilmans phone should be quashed because the allegations in the sealed affidavit have not been disclosed to the councilman.

Finckenauer asserted that the state is obligated under the courts rules of evidence to share with Jackson any interviews with witnesses in the pending election fraud case.

After cellphone seizure: Embattled Paterson councilman says NJ is seeking to charge him with witness tampering

Election fraud case continues: Paterson Councilman Michael Jackson says attorney general seized his phone with warrant

But the Attorney Generals Office argued in its court papers that a Superior Court judge in Morris County, Ralph Amirata, already reviewed the sealed affidavit and determined there was sufficient reason to seize and search Jacksons phone.

The state said the affidavit was sealed to prevent compromising the integrity of what is an ongoing investigation (into as yet uncharged conduct and uncharged suspects), separate from the investigation that led to Jacksons pending indictment.

The order sealing the records, the state said, was designed to prevent those targeted in the new investigation from engaging in efforts to destroy evidence, especially digital evidence, or to flee or tamper with or attempt to unduly influence other witnesses."

Indeed, such potential harm is particularly acute here in light of the nature of the States ongoing investigation, which is examining, among other things, evidence of possible witness tampering and hindering apprehension or prosecution  i.e., efforts to subvert the criminal justice process, the Attorney Generals Office said.

The election fraud case against Jackson has been pending since June 2020. Jackson, who won the 1st Ward council election that year by 245 votes, repeatedly has said he is innocent of any wrongdoing. The case had been scheduled to go to trial in July but was postponed amid the dispute over the cellphone passcode.

Also charged in the attorney general's 2020 Paterson election probe was Councilman Alex Mendez, who also has professed his innocence. Mendezs trial date has not yet been set He has a court session scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11.

Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press. Email: editor@patersonpress.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ: Michael Jackson won't share code to his seized phone
For the record:

9:37 a.m. Sept. 6, 2023: A previous version of this column omitted the word Episcopal from the name of L.A.s First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Also a previous version incorrectly used the word under instead of of in an Isadora Duncan quotation, which should read, My life and myself were born of the sea.



People say  and by people, I mean me  that there are two kinds of Californians: the ones who were lucky enough to be born here, and the ones who are smart enough to move here.

And by Californians, I mean all of the humans who have ever made a home of this place.

For this momentary historical purpose, though, we mark the birthday of California as a state: that fast-tracked date of Sept. 9, 1850, when California, with all its gold and gorgeousness, joined the union as its 31st state. President Millard Fillmore  no jokes please  made it official with his signature, although word of it didnt reach California until Oct. 18.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It took classic episodes of political horse-trading and back-slapping to happen, and it delivered a lot of back-stabbing to earlier original Californians , like Native Americans and Mexican Californios.

Admission Day was a state holiday until 1984, when Gov. George Deukmejian un-decreed it, so take this opportunity to celebrate in your own fashion.

California is not the biggest state by acreage  Alaska takes that blue ribbon, with Texas as runner-up  but we are the most populous and arguably the richest .

And home to more Nobel laureates and billionaires and sheer geniuses  and any number of eccentrics, which may be a substantial overlap  in any kind of undertaking than any other state.

Naturally, we have a pantheon. Nearly 20 years ago, the then-first lady, Maria Shriver , worked with the California Museum to inaugurate an exhibit of remarkable women, and from that she and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger developed the states Hall of Fame, with a new and select class of honorees every year.

Who qualifies? Those whove lived in California for at least five years and transcended their own fields to make a lasting, significant contribution to the state, nation and world, people who embody the spirit of California and the California Dream, and whose life stories and work can motivate and inspire people to further their own dreams through their unique story and accomplishments.

There are nearly 40 million Californians breathing right now, and millions of others who are dead but not necessarily gone from our mindscape; there are fewer than 200 Californians, living and dead, in the Hall of Fame, so the process is necessarily picky.

Shriver is in it, but her ex-spouse and our ex-governor, Schwarzenegger, is not. President Reagan , a Californian smart enough to move here, is in, but President Nixon , a Californian lucky enough to be born here, is not. Ive always thought that by disposition, Reagan, the relentless optimist, was more essentially Californian than Nixon, the pessimist with a pinstriped spirit.

You can find them all here .

But for Admission Day, Id like to spend some time on the ones you dont find there  and maybe should.

Obviously, there are some wobblers. Joe DiMaggio was born in San Francisco and played in the Pacific Coast League but probably struck out by spending his entire major league career as a New York Yankee. I understand. Ditto Robert Frost, who was born in San Francisco but decamped for his souls latitude in New England before he was 10.

But where is Biddy Mason? This extraordinary Black woman , a nurse and midwife, was still enslaved when she and others were brought to the free state of California by a Mormon settler from Mississippi in 1851. When it looked like the settler was about to skulk off for Texas with his human property, a Los Angeles judge was asked to decide the status of the Black people. This was at a moment when Black people could not testify in court, not even in the free state of California. In January 1856, a Los Angeles judge ruled that Biddy, her family and her companions are entitled to their freedom, and are free and cannot be held in slavery or involuntary servitude. Biddy Mason became a foundational figure in L.A.  a real estate mogul, probably the richest Black woman west of the Mississippi, a founder of the First African Methodist Episcopal church here, and a legendary philanthropist. The mayor  the white mayor  spoke at her memorial.

What about Isadora Duncan ? The legendary founder of modern dance was born in Oakland, invented her art there, and taught dancing to children when she was a child herself, before moving to Chicago at about 18. My life and myself were born of the sea, she wrote, under the augury of the star of Aphrodite. Every step, every movement of modern dance owes a debt to Isadora Duncan, Californian.

And what about that other daughter of Oakland, Gertrude Stein? The woman who mothered the style-shattering artists of Paris in the 1920s and created her own artfully fractured prose spent her childhood and most of her teen years in an Oakland of joyous sweating, of rain and wind, of hunting, of cows and dogs and horses  of lying in a hollow all warm with the sun shining while the wind was howling.

She returned to Oakland many years later and made her much-mangled observation. What was the use of my having come from Oakland it was not natural to have come from there yes write about it if I like or anything if I like but not there, there is no there there. Isnt that the Californians perpetual lament, that nothing ever is, nothing stays the way it was?

Read more: Patt Morrison: Will L.A. ever produce more gimmicky, lovable pitchmen like Cal Worthington?

And Jack London? This San Francisco working-class boy was taken under the wing of a librarian named Ina Coolbrith  who became the states first poet laureate. London did his homework and research in an Oakland waterfront salon thats still in business. His writing took readers to the last remote spots of an increasingly civilized world, and into the misery and poverty of that supposedly civilized world. His ardor for the natural world and the creatures in it still reaches and touches his readers.

Id argue for scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez , son and father. You want global influence? Michael Crichton , Steven Spielberg , and every dinosaur-mad 8-year-old in the world know the Alvarezes work, if not their names. Alvarez pere won a Nobel Prize for his discoveries in particle physics, but it was Alvarez fils, working with his dad, who came up with the well-accepted conclusion that a massive asteroid smacked into the Earth about 65 million years ago and wiped out virtually all the dinosaurs and cleared the Earth for the likes of us.

Its more than shameful that Thomas Starr King is not already in this Hall of Fame. Abraham Lincoln credited him with helping to keep California from bailing out of the Union and going independent during the Civil War. The ardor and the energy the little minister spent campaigning up and down the state, speaking persuasively to crowds of thousands, cost him his life and health; he died at the age of 39. Until 2006, his statue was one of two of eminent Californians to stand in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol . It got bumped to be replaced by Ronald Reagans.

And where is Ralph Bunche ? It always surprises me that Bunche is an afterthought  the first African American; the first Black person, period  to win a Nobel Prize, and an early leader in civil rights. He grew up here, was valedictorian at Jefferson High School and a Phi Beta Kappa political science student at UCLA. He took on critical posts in the State Department and at the United Nations, and in 1950  14 years before Martin Luther King Jr. won his peace prize  Bunche was awarded the honor for negotiating the 1949 Middle East accord ending the Arab-Israeli war and drawing new territory lines in the region.

Read more: Patt Morrison: What if LAX were literally anywhere else? It could have been

And there must be a place for Toypurina . This 18th century Native American woman has been interpreted and reinterpreted, as women often are, through the lens of the historians and stakeholders. She was a member of the local Kizh tribe and was credited with magical and healing powers. Perhaps thats one reason she helped to organize and lead an uprising in 1785 against the San Gabriel Mission. Her impassioned statement at her trial may have been cobbled together after the fact, but the sentiment rings true : I hate the padres and all of you, for living here on my native soil, for trespassing upon the land of my forefathers, and despoiling our tribal domains." She was exiled to a distant mission and married to a Spanish soldier.

Here is where you can nominate a deserving Californian of your own.

There is one man who fails at least one of the criteria; he never lived in California, because the actual California was unknown to his world. To Castilian author Garci Rodriguez de Montalvo goes the credit for being the first to put California on the printed page, in 1510, in his novel Las Sergas de Esplandian. In chapter 157, he described the place as an island very close to the coast of Earthly Paradise, which was populated by black women without a single man among them, who were almost like the Amazons in their style of life. They had beautiful and robust bodies, striving and ardent hearts, and were very strong, and were ruled by a queen named Calafia.

Ninety-five years later, the novelist Miguel de Cervantes put this adventure novel on the imagined bookshelf of his gallant picaresque dreamer, Don Quixote de la Mancha  a true Californian if ever there was one.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R) on Wednesday challenged Capitol Hill attending physician Brian Monahans finding that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell s (Ky.) recent freeze-ups were possibly the result of dehydration as misinformation and clearly not accurate.

Paul said he also thinks most Americans are skeptical of Monahans claims.

McConnell froze for about 20 seconds at a press conference in the Capitol in July, then for about 30 seconds while answering reporters questions in Kentucky last week.

When you get dehydrated you dont have moments where your eyes look in the distance with a vacant look and youre sort of basically unconscious with your eyes open. That is not a symptom of dehydration, Paul told The Hill on Wednesday morning.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Paul, an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, also questioned Monahan ruling out the possibility that McConnell may be suffering from a seizure disorder based on an EEG, or electroencephalogram test.

The doctor said that they ruled out seizure disorder from an EEG. A normal EEG doesnt rule out seizures. First of all, 25 percent of people whove had a brain injury end up having seizures after their injury, he added.

McConnell suffered a concussion in March when he fell at a private dinner event. He was rushed to the hospital and spent time at a rehabilitation center.

Now if you get an EEG and its normal, does that mean he doesnt have a seizure disorder? No, that means that you didnt find it because he didnt have a seizure while he was having the test, Paul explained.

The bottom line is, it is a medical mistake to say that someone doesnt have a seizure disorder because they have a normal EEG, Paul said.

Pauls comments broke sharply with other Republican senators who have accepted the attending physicians medical findings without much skepticism or pushback. Senate Republican leadership has rallied around McConnell after both incidents.

Paul had also questioned Monahans diagnosis of McConnell on Tuesday while speaking to a group of reporters.

Ive practiced medicine for 25 years, and it doesnt look like dehydration to me, he said. It looks like a focal neurological event.

Monahan wrote in a letter Tuesday that he found no evidence that McConnell was suffering from a seizure disorder, stroke or Parkinsons disease.

He emphasized that there are no changes recommended in McConnells treatment protocols related to his fall in March, indicating the leader isnt suffering from a new malady.

But Paul said hes concerned that by pushing out misinformation, the Senate doctor may wind up sowing further public distrust.

My point is that Im just trying to counter the misinformation from the Senate doctor. It is basically not believable to come up and say that whats going on is dehydration. It makes it worse in the sense that by saying something that is obviously untrue, it leads to more distrust of the situation, he said.

Its a very public thing. My concern is that its bad advice, bad medical advice thats being put out there and I hope its not the end of the medical advice because the medical advice that Im reading about in the newspaper is not valid and its not appropriate, he said.

In a statement released last week, Monahan said he had consulted with McConnells neurology team and concluded he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned.

Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration, the doctor said.

Paul emphasized Wednesday that he has no reason to think that McConnell isnt capable of continuing to serve as Senate GOP leader.

Ive had no indication that its affected him in any way that prevented him from being in leadership, he said.

My only quibble is with a diagnosis thats clearly not accurate, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Scout Motors has paused work at the Blythewood site where it will build a $2 billion electric vehicle plant amid ongoing concerns from environmental groups and state and federal agencies.

Construction work at the Scout Motors site is not ending; this is a pause in activity while permitting moves forward, including the period for public comment, Richland County Economic Development Director Jeff Ruble and South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey said in a joint statement shared Wednesday.

As we look forward to the opportunities Scout Motors tremendous investment will bring, we value the people who call Blythewood home and want to make sure they stay informed about the projects progress  especially as construction efforts will ebb and flow until completion, the statement added.

The county and state Department of Commerce provided few details about the work stoppage beyond what was in the joint statement, so it was not clear if concerns by government agencies about wetlands rules violations were directly related to the decision to pause work.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But the state and county conceded they are halting site clearing activities while the process to obtain a wetlands permit continues, officials said.

The project cant be completed without a wetlands filling permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction work is not supposed to be done in federally protected wetlands until a permit is issued.

Contractors had started working to clear rocks and timber from the future site of the auto plant, but that initial work raised the eyebrows of environmental agencies.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported finding evidence that a creek was being filled before the government authorized the work. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said clearing and grading occurred before the agency could fully study the Blythewood property.

The Department of Natural Resources in July urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to hold off on issuing the project a needed permit because of concerns the project was violating environmental rules. The concerns, which the Corps is looking into, were reported by The State in August.

A source familiar with the project said it would not be unusual for the Corps of Engineers to ask for a voluntary work stoppage while wetlands issues are resolved. A formal Corps order to halt work is seen as a last resort, the source said.

Glenn Jeffries, a spokeswoman for the Corps of Engineers, was not immediately available Wednesday afternoon.

Chad Johnston, a lawyer for the state Department of Commerce and Richland County, previously told The State that wetlands had not been filled and that the problem identified by the EPA was additional rock being put down as part of work on a culvert and road at a stream.

Now, work at the site is on hold while environmental concerns are looked at.

Environmentalists, who like the idea of building a plant that produces non-polluting electric vehicles, have said they are nonetheless concerned about wetlands impacts. They expected the Scout Motors plant being built on a roughly 1,600-acre site north of Columbia to affect the surrounding ecology.

We anticipate the project will have significant impacts to wetlands and streams, Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler said Wednesday. His organization monitors and advocates for the health of Midlands waterways.

Wetlands are important because they provide habitat for fish and wildlife, soak up stormwater to limit flooding, and filter tainted runoff.

In June, Scout offered a first look at what those impacts would include. To construct its $2 billion manufacturing plant, Scout will damage or otherwise impact nearly 74 acres of wetlands, 38 acres of ponds and about 7 miles of creeks, according to details published by the Army Corps of Engineers in June.

To make up for the damage, the company is promising to protect, restore and make public 4,902 acres bordering the Congaree River and within the Congaree/Wateree/Upper Santee rivers basin, which also contains Congaree National Park, among other provisions.

This trade-off is a federal requirement when a project impacts wetlands, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must approve a permit affirming the requirements have been met before certain work can begin.

The S.C. Department of Commerce and Richland County applied for the permit in early June.

State leaders have touted the Scout Motors project as historic for the state and the Midlands. In the first phase of the project, the automaker plans to construct six buildings totaling 3.1 million square feet. Other phases would include 25 more buildings totaling nearly 13 million square feet. As many as 4,000 jobs could be created, with Scout expecting to manufacture 200,000 vehicles each year, state officials have said.

Later this month, Scout Motors is hosting a series of presentations to show residents a 3D model of the auto plant, on Sept. 17 and 18 at Blythewoods Doko Manor.

State agencies will then hold their own informational session at Doko Manor Sept. 19, 4-7 p.m.
Pawtucket police officer Daniel Dolan, who's faced previous misconduct allegations, including the shooting of an unarmed teenager in 2021, was arrested by Coventry police over Labor Day weekend on suspicion of driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Police records show Dolan, 40, a resident of Coventry, was stopped on Main Street just after 9 p.m. Saturday. Police cited Dolan for refusing to submit to a chemical test and roadway violations, driving under the influence, first offense, a misdemeanor, and threatening public officials, a felony.

Tires screeching, engine revving caught the attention of police

In his police report of the incident, Officer Zachary Mason said he was on a traffic post at the intersection of Main Street and Sandy Botton Road when I heard tires screech and a loud engine revving. He looked toward the intersection and saw a dark-colored pickup truck turn on to Main Street at a high rate of speed causing the vehicles back end to sway to the right and almost going off the road.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dolan eventually pulled over for the pursuing officer at the urging of one of two men in the truck with him, the report says. Other police officers arrived. One officer reported that one of the truck passengers told him I saw you guys behind us and told him to stop. I finally had to grab him by the neck to make him stop the truck.

The officers reported that Dolan smelled of alcohol, slurred his words and was aggressive and threatening during a battery of field tests performed at the scene. During one test and officer "had to catch Daniel from falling over," the police report says.

Further, the report states, While being processed Daniel made several threatening comments toward us. He repeatedly told Sgt. Casey that he would 'smash' him and continuously acted like he wanted to fight.

Dolan was acquitted earlier this year after shooting teenager

In January a jury acquitted Dolan of unjustly shooting and wounding an 18-year-old outside a West Greenwich pizzeria in 2021.

The incident happened minutes after Dolan, off duty at the time, watched a car speed past him on Interstate 95 at more than 100 mph. Dolan pursued the car after taking the same exit.

During his trial, Dolan took the stand in his own defense and explained he followed the car to have a fatherly chat with the driver about dangerous driving.

Officer Daniel Dolan takes the stand in his own defense at his trial earlier this year for shooting an unarmed teenager. [Journal files]

But the encounter escalated when the teenager, Dominic Vincent, refused Dolans orders to stop, and continued to back out of the parking lot. Vincent said he didnt know this man approaching him and two friends, dressed in street clothes and holding a badge of some kind, was a police officer.

Dolan testified he shot Vincent with his .40 caliber pistol after Vincent "bumped him with his car.

Prosecutors countered that Dolan, a retired U.S. Marine who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, blew a gasket that night, acted like a "lunatic," and treated the incident like a "takedown of al-Qaeda.

Assistant Attorney General John Corrigan said Dolan was lying through his teeth, when he said he was in front of the car and shot in self-defense.

A half-dozen witnesses described Dolan firing his pistol from the side of the car  not the front. That fact was supported with state police ballistics evidence.

That Dolan shot from the side of the car  wounding Vincent in the arm  proved he was not in any mortal danger, Corrigan said.

While the jury did not hear any details, Dolan has faced other legal challenges in recent years, including two civil-rights lawsuits alleging the use of excessive force.

More: Pawtucket cop Daniel Dolan found not guilty in shooting of unarmed teen

And in March 2022, Coventry police also arrested Dolan on domestic disorderly and vandalism charges. They charged that he grabbed his 10-year-old son by the neck and pushed him outside to get to school, and then, with the family in a car, threw a toy hard enough to break the windshield. Prosecutors dropped the charges days later.

Following his acquittal in the teen shooting case, Dolan was reinstated on the police force and received back pay. Currently, he is on paid leave. Mayor Donald Grebien has said the shooting and Dolans previous incidents of misconduct raise serious concerns about Officer Dolans fitness to serve our city.

We are moving toward termination, Grebien spokeswoman Grace Voll said Wednesday. His employment is now the subject of ongoing hearings under the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights.

The city plans to use Dolans most recent arrest to support its case for his removal, Voll said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Pawtucket Officer Dolan, facing termination, cited for suspicion of DUI
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton s lead attorney Tony Buzbee berated a key prosecution witness during the Republicans impeachment trial Wednesday.

Jeff Mateer , a conservative lawyer who formerly served as the first assistant attorney general, had told Buzbee that he and other deputies in the attorney generals office met in late 2020 to report Paxton to the FBI for asking illegal actions on behalf of what we then knew was a campaign donor.

The donor in question was Nate Paul , the Austin realtor whose controversial relationship with Paxton set the stage for this impeachment.

At that 2020 meeting deputies compared notes on their bosss allegedly erratic behavior. At that meeting, Mateer said, they found that Paxton had resumed an extramarital affair with Laura Olsen. And they realized that Paul had given Olsen a job.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They also discovered that Paxton had gone against both office procedure and the law to hire an inexperienced attorney to file subpoenas on Pauls behalf.

Paxtons counsel sought to cast this as disloyal, and Mateer  Paxtons former first assistant and a member of the right-wing Federalist Society  has allied with Paxton enemies like Texans for Lawsuit Reform and George P. Bush.

You called the FBI? Thats how you protected your friend? Buzbee asked.

In order to help your friend  a guy who had given you a real plumb of a job  instead of asking you some questions, you circled up and decided to go to the FBI, he went on.

I didnt know what he was doing, Mateer said.

You know how you could have found out? Buzbee thundered. You could have picked up the phone and called your boss and said, Hey, boss, whats up with this?

Is it possible, Mr. Mateer, that you jumped to a lot of conclusions really fast? Buzbee pressed. You could have just put this all to bed if you just talked to your boss.

I did talk to him, sir, Mateer responded during one exchange.

Mateer described the September 2020 meeting as a momentous occasion in which Paxton deputies  all conservative Republicans  decided they had no choice but to report him to federal law enforcement, Mateer said.

We considered it sort of a crisis moment  everything regarding Paul was kind of coming to a head, Mateer said.

Mateer said this 2020 meeting was when the deputies started to share information concerning [the] bits and pieces about Mr. Paul and his activities with the attorney general.

It also recalled another staff gathering in 2018, in which Paxton gathered his staff for an emotional confession.

At that meeting at his campaign office, with his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton , at his side, Paxton revealed that he had been engaged in an extramarital affair and asked for our forgiveness. And was in a very emotional sympathetic meeting. It was a very emotional meeting.

After that 2018 meeting, Mateer said, he was convinced that Paxton had repented  something he discovered wasnt true at that meeting in late 2020.

Mateer told the court that news that Paxtons affair with Laura Olsen had resumed  and that Paul had given her a job  answered a question that had long troubled him.

It answered one of the questions that I kept struggling with: Why would [Attorney] General Paxton jeopardize all this great work weve been doing in the office of attorney general?

Paxtons conduct regarding Paul had been so unusual that it seemed to me he was under undue influence  at one time I thought, Is he being blackmailed? Mateer said. The discovery that Paul had given Olsen a job, he said, explained why is he engaging in all these activities?

The other news that rattled them was the discovery that Paxton had hired an inexperienced Houston attorney named Brandon Cammack  against departmental policy and, Mateer argued, the law.

Cammack, they discovered, had been sending subpoenas to banks that appeared to be related to Nate Paul. Mateer said his concern was that somebody was out there that wasnt part of our organization representing that he was an official with the attorney generals office.

The next day, Mateer said, is when we go to the FBI and [Department of Justice]. By that time, I concluded that Mr. Paxton was engaged in conduct that was immoral and unethical, and I had a good faith belief that it was illegal.

If Paxton was guilty of a crime, Buzbee asked, why had federal investigators not filed charges?

They certainly are pretty, pretty good about letting us know if somebody has been indicted, arent they? Buzbee asked.

Thats your area. I actually dont know, Mateer said.

Paxton remains under a corruption investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, though charges have not yet been filed.

In emotional testimony, Mateer said he had repeatedly tried to persuade Paxton to step away from Paul  only to have his boss lie to him.

I cared for him, he said. I cared for Senator [Angela] Paxton. And I wanted him  I mean, I think in one of the memos I say, Come clean. I want you to come clean. Come clean.

As first assistant, one of his jobs was to protect the attorney general, Mateer said. And quite frankly, I obviously failed at that.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Members of the general public line up to receive a pass to watch the impeachment trial for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton Tuesday in Austin. They were required to wait in line for access before and again after the trials lunch recess. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The first impeachment of a Texas public official in nearly 50 years drew Paxton loyalists and state government enthusiasts to the Capitol to watch the trial of the attorney general unfold on Tuesday.

Compared to Ken Paxtons impeachment in the House in May, the first day of the Senate trial drew a smaller crowd  a majority of which included supporters of the now suspended attorney general to show solidarity at the Capitol.

Paxtons defense has cast the House impeachment as an effort to overturn the will of Texas voters, but Tuesdays less-than-packed gallery did not reflect an outpouring of support from everyday conservatives. Instead, it was some of Paxtons most ardent and high-profile followers who watched the opening statements of the impeachment trial in the public viewing area.

The first day of Paxtons trial was marked by the Senates decision  with 12 Republican Senators voting with Democrats  to move forward with the process initiated more than three months ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tomoko Jones, an Austin resident, returned to the Capitol on Tuesday after watching the House impeach Paxton. She was surprised so many Republican House representatives voted to impeach the conservative attorney general. She was equally surprised to learn that the Senate voted to move ahead with the impeachment trial.

I dont understand why Republicans are against him, Jones said outside the Senate gallery just before the afternoon session.

Jones argued the impeachment process stripped her right to elect leaders. I want to choose our politicians by our vote, she said.

Jones support of Paxton reflects the majority of her fellow Republican voters. A University of Texas Politics Project poll released last Friday found that only 28% of Republican respondents agreed that the charges against Paxton were warranted.

Yet there were plenty of open seats in the Senate gallery on Tuesday compared to other legislative battles this past regular session that drew much larger crowds to support and protest various pieces of legislation. The states ban on transition-related medical treatments for transgender youth filled the galleries to capacity over several days.

[Ken Paxton impeachment trial begins with sniping: Slow creep of corruption vs. nothing of significance]

Paxton appeared on the Senate floor during the morning session, when Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick spared him from testifying in person during the trial. Paxton pleaded not guilty.

Patrick, who is serving as trial judge although he does not have judicial experience, appeared uneasy with answering rapid-fire procedural questions about the convoluted impeachment process. Patrick tapped Lana Myers, a former state appeals court judge in North Texas, to help with the impeachment trial.

While a gag order prevented Paxton and his defense from publicly discussing the trial, the suspended attorney general rallied his supporters over the holiday weekend to remove Republican rivals in the House who voted to impeach him, including Speaker Dade Phelan.

Lets clean house, he said at a rare public appearance in Plano on Saturday.

The morning of the trial, Paxtons wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney, waved and blew kisses to supporters who called out her name from the gallery. She chatted with fellow senators, seemingly unperturbed by the prospect of embarrassing testimony about her husbands affair in the coming weeks. As a senator, Paxton will sit for the trial but wont be allowed to vote or attend private deliberations

As opening statements began, Houston activists Steven Hotze and Jared Woodfill watched intently from the gallery. The pair are involved with a political action committee that is defending Paxton, and alleges that he is being attacked for his conservative Christian values.

Donald Trump Jr. also chimed in to lend support for the embattled Paxton. He wrote on social media that Paxton would survive the impeachment process and continue to combat the Swamp.

Visitors sporting Paxton stickers and red T-shirts in the Senate gallery were joined by tourists from across the state to watch the historic event.

Ruth Fengler drove from Princeton, located in Paxtons home county, Collin County, to Austin for a wedding. When she learned the public could attend Paxtons trial, the self-described legislative enthusiast took advantage of her weekend trip to attend.

Fengler said she isnt as interested in Paxtons guilt or innocence as she is eager to watch the impeachment process enshrined in the Texas Constitution play out.

You cant just throw out whats in the constitution because people voted for him, Fengler said in the Capitol rotunda after the opening statements from the prosecution and defense.

She said the prosecutions approach seemed to be getting at the truth of Paxtons misdeeds. She described the defense's opening statement as flamboyant and inflammatory.

Sporting a Trump tote bag, Marcia Watson said she came to the Capitol from just north of Austin in support of a proper impeachment process. Watson serves as the executive director of the Williamson County chapter of Citizens Defending Freedom, a nonprofit that works to elect conservative, Christian local leaders.

Im not here to say hes guilty or innocent, but Im here supporting him because I dont think hes getting a fair shake, Watson said.

Watson noted the gallery wasnt as packed as it was three months ago when the House voted to impeach the attorney general. She mused that buses full of Paxton supporters might have broken down on the way to Austin.

The full program is now LIVE for the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, happening Sept. 21-23 in Austin. Explore the program featuring more than 100 unforgettable conversations coming to TribFest. Panel topics include the biggest 2024 races and whats ahead, how big cities in Texas and around the country are changing, the integrity of upcoming elections and so much more. See the full program.
LEMOORE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Two teenagers are in custody after loaded handguns, narcotics, and stolen goods were located inside their vehicle in Hanford, according to police.

On September 1, just after 2:30 p.m., officers with the Lemoore Police Department were dispatched to a business in the 800 block of N. Lemoore Avenue for a report of two males with handguns in the parking lot.

Officers arrived on the scene and discovered that the reporting party witnessed an armed

robbery take place.







The two suspects were identified as 19-year-old Jeremy Mendez and 19-year-old Eduardo Perez



On the same day at 7:35 p.m., Kings County deputies, with help from the Hanford Police Department, located Mendez and Perez and detained them during a traffic stop in the area of W. Hanford Armona Road and Manor Drive in the City of Hanford.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officials say four loaded handguns and narcotics were located inside the vehicle and that the suspects were also still in possession of the stolen items from the victims in Lemoore.

Both suspects were later booked at the Kings County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery, several firearm charges, and narcotic-related offenses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
EVANSVILLE  The man accused of setting alight the historic Pearl Cleaners building in Downtown Evansville pleaded guilty and was sentenced Tuesday, according to court records.

Charles James Perrin, 25, pleaded guilty to arson, a Level 4 felony, and criminal mischief, a Level 6 felony, for burning down the Pearl Laundry Center in May during what investigators described as a criminal act of "self gratification."

Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge Robert Pigman ordered Perrin to serve nine years in the Indiana Department of Corrections during a sentencing hearing Tuesday.

Evansville police arrested Perrin on May 18 and accused him of setting the Pearl Laundry Center ablaze one day prior. At the time, IDHS investigator Levi Sims said the ensuing fire resulted in a "total loss" of the building, which is located at 428 N.W. 3rd Street.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prior to the arson, the Pearl Laundry Center had an assessed value of approximately $445,000.

According to Evansville Police Department Officer Mario Reid, Perrin told investigators he "knowingly and intentionally" set the building on fire. Reid said Perrin used a hand torch to ignite a shopping cart filled with blankets, which subsequently ignited the surrounding structure.

During an interview with detectives, Perrin allegedly claimed he left the scene but soon returned to "admire his work." The police said Perrin received an "adrenaline rush" from setting the building on fire.

The Pearly Laundry Center had a storied and tumultuous history. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2017, it became the subject of a lawsuit alleging the use of cleaning solvents had contaminated groundwater.

Pearl Cleaners closed the building in 2018. Before the fire, Pearl Development LLC had hoped to revamp the historic building into a commercial space. As of Perrin's sentencing, the charred remains of the Pearl Laundry Center still stand in downtown Evansville.

Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Pearl Cleaners arsonist pleads guilty, receives 9-year sentence
Former Vice President Mike Pence attends a Labor Day Picnic on September 4, 2023 in Salem, New Hampshire. Credit - Scott EisenGetty Images

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox.

Theres a dividing line in the Republican Party, and you can find it right around 1975. Thats the year when a former Governor of California decided to challenge a sitting President of his own party and remake the entire GOP.

Welcome to Ronald Reagans reboot. While most of the Republican field will be sure to invoke the Gipper in a few weeks when they travel to his resting place in Simi Valley, Calif., for their second debate, one of the contenders got something of a headstart on Wednesday, using a speech in New Hampshire to renew rivalries born out of Cold War necessity.

More From TIME

Speaking at Saint Anselm College on the outskirts of Manchester, former Vice President Mike Pence rang the gong of old-school conservatism like only a former radio host could, channeling Ol Ronnie just enough. And it signaled, in an ever-so-nuanced way, that the fight in 2024 had plenty of echoes to 1976s race: a powerful de facto incumbent was not inevitable, the party favorite may still prevail but deserves a challenge, and a reboot of the party is at foot even if its footing is unsteady at the moment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Should the new populism of the right seize and guide our party, the Republican Party as we have long known it will cease to exist, Pence said on campus, doing his best Thatcherite channeling. And the fate of American freedom would be in doubt.

As much as Democrats want 2024 to be a fight over the fate of a post-Roe world and a microchip economy and a skid into life-after-Putin or -Xi, it may well be the contest that is dictated by the confines of era when David Bowie topped the charts. The ghosts of the post-Watergate era haunt the current Republican Party, and theres no reason to think anything loyalists can expunge those spirits. The fondue is hot, the leggings are tight, and the rhetoric is hottereven if the colors from those original VHS cassettes were fading.

Everything old is new again, and everything new is too newfangled. Which is perfect proving ground for Pence, whose posture on Wednesday was one he had been inching toward for over a year.

With an ex-President trying to mount a comeback far more audacious than anything Dick Nixon imagined with his David Frost interviews, the Republican Party is being forced to face a gut check of its own making. Sure, Trump is a fundraising behemoth, but hes also a pugilistic bully. For every comma he adds to the red-hatted ledger, he adds a scarlet demerit for decency. No one really knows what cardinal ordinance this march is heading toward.

And this is where Pence matters. For all of his self-righteous bluster and his indulgent image of himself as a guardian of the high ground, Pence remains an unimpeachable (and unimpeached) weathervane of the conservative movement. During his first tour of Washington as a member of Congress, Pence was the baseline for conservative orthodoxy. In Leadership, he was House Republicans gut check on whether a notion was sufficiently fair game. Never one to scream, his side eye could scuttle any idea well before it made its way to the clerks, the bean counters, or pollsters.

Years later, Penceand particularly his testimonymay be what saves the modern Republican Party from re-nominating Trump, a criminal defendant for all and political pariah for much of this country. As Trumps lieutenant for four yearsand target-for-lynching for a day back on Jan. 6Pence has an inside track on what went down that terrifying day at the Captiol, when deputized political thugs of the then-President tried to subvert democracy to keep Trump in power.

But that qualityhis unbending fealty to the Constitution and wise counsel that told him he couldnt heed Trumps demands to, at best, bend the lawmay also be his undoing politically. Pence is at the fore, but only of the second tier. He is still polling in single digits with no real obvious moment to break out of that slump. He has tried to embrace the legacy of the Trump record without saddling himself with everything unseemly about the era. For a devout man devoid of vice, Pence is trying to have his cake and eat it, too.

Pences new pitch paints Trump as a populist on par with the likes of Howard Dean or Bobby Kennedy. Pence argues he and Trump governed from a crouch of conservatism but that Trump elected to a second term would be unmoored, unable to promise that hed go forward with such an instinct. Implicit in the caution: Voters dont know what version of Trumpism theyd be buying in 2024. And, without Pence as a guardrail V.P., they cant risk it.

Pence, ultimately, may not matter. Hes a well-funded polling trailer at the moment, and his very, very smart team hasnt yet cracked how to break the Republican Partys fervent fever dream of Trumpist hallucinations. Pence is as strong as a true conservative as the field could be at the moment, but hes punching up, up, up. Once the mob sought him out for the gallows on Jan. 6, Pences political fate may have been sealed.

Still, its not for nothing that Pence showed up to tell his fellow conservatives that they dont have to be hostage to Trumpism. As much as the Republican Party ambled into Gerald Ford in the wake of Nixons resignationand the half-century of consternation that followed his scandals of his own makingthere is still a chunk of this country that holds the ideological ground for it. Trumpism may dominate the GOP, but it isnt the only identity that can flourish on the right. Pence may well be on a doomed mission to win the nomination, but his goal may be more important, more idealized: to remind Republicans that there was an era before the populist, Trumpian bullhorn; there once was a mild-mannered man from the Midwest (Reagan from Illinois, Pence from Indiana) who remade the GOP in his conservative image. The party may yet survive.

Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter.

Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
China has allocated 200 million yuan (about $27.86 million) to some regions affected by typhoons and floods, the Ministry of Finance said Tuesday.

The funding, allocated on Monday to support Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangxi and Hainan, will be directed towards various objectives, including relocation of residents, the elimination of hidden dangers, and the repair of damaged houses, among other initiatives, according to a statement from the ministry.

The ministry has asked provincial-level financial authorities to allocate the funds to areas in need in a timely manner, strengthen the supervision of the funds, prioritize the safety of people's lives and property, and minimize casualties and property losses.
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday called on his party to turn away from what he described as a growing threat of populism led by his former White House boss Donald Trump and his imitators.

In a speech delivered at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Pence said that Republican voters face a choice between conservative principles and the rising populist movement within the party.

In his sharpest language to date against the Trump wing of the GOP, Pence said that the populists were substituting limited government and traditional values for an agenda stitched together by little else than personal grievances and performative outrage.

Pences speech comes as he vies for the 2024 presidential nomination of a party much changed under the influence of his onetime White House partner. In his address, Pence aimed to create more sunlight between that recent past and his presidential aspirations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to govern as a conservative. And together, we did just that, Pence said in his New Hampshire speech. But its important for Republicans to know that he and his imitators in this Republican primary make no such promise today.

The former vice president said that Trump often sounds like an echo of President Joe Biden and that Trump was ignoring a coming US debt crisis.

Pence also called out other GOP presidential contenders in his address. He said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis justifies using the power of the state to punish a corporation for taking a political stand that he disagreed with  a reference to DeSantis dispute with Disney. He also labeled tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who has risen in the polls in recent weeks, as one of Trumps populist proteges.

Pence argued in his remarks that populism and conservatism were two competing visions for the future of the GOP  and that Republicans in 2024 must reject what he described as the siren song of populism if they want to be a party of the Constitution.

The truth is the Republican Party did not begin on a golden escalator in 2015, he said, referencing Trumps splashy entrance that June into the 2016 presidential race at Trump Tower in New York.

The title of Pences address, Populism vs. Conservatism: Republicans Time for Choosing, was a callback to Ronald Reagans pivotal 1964 speech in support of Barry Goldwaters presidential bid. Pence has modeled himself after the Great Communicator and has cited the conservative late president as the reason he left the Democratic Party as a young man. The second GOP presidential debate is expected to take place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California later this month.

While Pence has touched on similar themes before, the title of his speech reflects the inflection point for the GOP, his advisers said on a Tuesday call with reporters before his address, warning that if the party chooses a presidential nominee who espouses unprincipled populist ideas, it could cost Republicans the White House and affect down-ballot races. Pence argued in his speech that conservativism and populism were unbridgeable, and therefore Republicans must choose their core principles of limited government and the Constitution.

His advisers cautioned that Pences remarks were not just aimed at Trump or Ramaswamy, with whom Pence tussled at the first GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee over political experience and their visions of the nation, arguing that it would be much too small an interpretation of Pences speech.

The back-and-forth at the debate between Pence, 64, and Ramaswamy, 38, was emblematic of a generational and ideological divide within the party. Since the debate, Pence has continued criticizing Ramaswamy at campaign stops in New Hampshire, taking aim at the Ohio businessmans isolationist America First 2.0 approach to foreign policy.

Ahead of the speech, Pences advisers also mentioned South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, calling them candidates who are positioning themselves as traditional conservatives but who espouse populist views.

Which might be even more dangerous, because it seems like its pandering, a Pence adviser said on the Tuesday call with reporters.

Asked how they squared Pence delivering his anti-populist message after having served with Trump, who ushered in a new wave of populism, the advisers said that Trump governed as a conservative, and having Pence as his vice president helped him steer the administration in that direction. Pences advisers said Trump, who pressured his vice president to reject the 2020 election results and who faces federal charges over his attempt to overturn that defeat, is not running as a conservative today.

Pence argued Wednesday that the current course led by populists could lead to a road where our partys relevancy will be confined to the history books.

It may live on in some populist fashion, but then it will truly be, in a cruel twist, Republican in name only, he said.

Pences advisers said the former vice president had approached the speech well aware that populisms appeal is rising, not just in this race for president, but also in the halls of Congress and in some of the flagship institutions of our conservative movement.

While the latest CNN poll shows Trump with a commanding lead over the rest of the Republican field, Pences advisers argued that a speech on conservative principles would not come too late.

Theres an important battle right now going on over the future of our party and, in frankly, the future of our nation, they said.

This story and headline have been updated.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday laid out the stakes in the 2024 GOP primary as a battle between populism and traditional conservatism.

Pence, speaking in New Hampshire, cast himself as a candidate in the mold of former President Reagan and warned that the party risked abandoning its decades-old policy views and principles if it elected his old running mate, Donald Trump , or someone like him.

Republican voters face a choice. It will determine both the fate of our party, and the course of our nation, Pence said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, according to prepared remarks.

Today, I ask my fellow Republicans this: In the days to come, will we be the party of conservatism or will our party follow the siren song of populism unmoored to conservative principles? he added, suggesting the divide between the two is unbridgeable.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former vice presidents speech reflects the broader battle playing out in the Republican primary between populist outsider candidates such as Trump and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and more traditionally conservative GOP figures like Pence, who is also a former congressman and Indiana governor.

Pence, who first warned last year against the dangers of unmoored populism, argued Wednesday that populists favor an agenda stitched together by little else than personal grievances and performative outrage.

He warned those who favor populism over conservatism would abandon Americas role as a global leader, defer the matter of abortion policy to the states and erode constitutional norms. Pence at one point referred to Trumps call last year to terminate parts of the Constitution, a comment the former president later tried to walk back.

Pence has stood by more common conservative tentpoles, speaking out in favor of abortion restrictions nationwide, calling for balancing the federal budget even if it means cutting or reforming popular government programs, boosting military spending and maintaining U.S. leadership on the world stage.

Should the new populism of the right seize and guide our party, the GOP as we have long known it will cease to exist, Pence said Wednesday, according to prepared remarks. And the fate of American freedom would be in doubt.

Pences advisers maintained that the speech was about more than an individual candidate like Trump or Ramaswamy. And while Pence referenced Trump and Ramaswamy by name fleetingly, the speech was an unmistakable nod to the strength of the former president and Ramaswamy in recent polls.

Both Trump and Ramaswamy have expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Ukraine, and both men have indicated they would be sympathetic to at least some who were charged for their roles in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. Ramaswamy has said abortion policy should be left to the states, while Trump has been largely noncommittal about a federal ban.

A slew of polls conducted after the first GOP primary debate in late August found Trump leading by more than 30 percentage points over his next closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). A Morning Consult poll had Ramaswamy in third place at 10 percent, while a CNN poll had him trailing Trump, DeSantis, Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R).

With Trump firmly ahead in the primary and a swath of voters firmly backing the former president despite his legal troubles and his defeat in the 2020 election, the party may have already shifted away from Pence.

Pence and his advisers maintain that Trump governed as more of a traditional conservative during his first term and makes no such promise to do so if reelected.

The former vice president repeatedly invoked Reagan on Wednesday, something his advisers say he is likely to continue to do in advance of the second primary debate, scheduled for later this month at the Reagan Presidential Library in California. Pences speech was titled Populism v. Conservatism: Republicans Time for Choosing, a nod to Reagans own A Time for Choosing speech in 1964.

Pence said that while Republicans do not need to emulate every Reagan policy, staying rooted in his basic beliefs would ensure the partys long-term success.

If we cease to be champions of our Constitution and all the principles enshrined in it, our partys relevancy will be confined to history books, Pence said. It may live on in some populist fashion, but then it will truly be, in a cruel twist, Republican in name only.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A 26-year-old Pensacola man is on trial for murder after allegedly shooting a man to death at Oakwood Terrace Apartments in 2021.

Jeremy Lane was allegedly playing dice on Nov. 20, 2021, at Oakwood Terrace, formerly known as Truman Arms, when he and victim Traevione Smith began arguing.

During opening arguments at Lane's trial, Assistant State Attorney Amy Shea told the jury that they would hear a witness say that Lane shot Smith four times after Smith allegedly pulled a gun on Lane and then fled.

"The witness is going to tell you that Traevione had a gun, ran up behind the defendant, put a gun to his back and said words to the effect of 'I'm going to kill you.'" Shea said during opening statements. "And then (Smith) left. He turned and ran away. That's what you're going to hear from the witness."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lane ready for trial: Pensacola man accused of killing man at Oakwood Terrace ready for trial. What to know

Jeremy Lane enters the courtroom for his trial at the Escambia County Court House in Pensacola on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Lane is charged with the second-degree murder for the shooting of Traevione Smith on Nov. 20, 2021.

After that, Shea says Lane went into his apartment and then a "period of time passes" before he opened the door with a gun. She said Smith was still in the courtyard when Lane opened his door, and that's when the shooting started.

However, even though Shea said the jury would hear from the witness, the witness threw a wrench in the plans when he testified he couldn't remember anything. He testified he couldn't remember the shooting, he couldn't remember telling law enforcement what happened and he even said he couldn't remember meeting either attorney in Shea's office just hours prior.

The judge eventually ruled the rest of the witness's testimony had to be thrown out, meaning the jury only heard that he couldn't remember what happened the day Smith died.

What are Jeremy Lane's charges?

The Office of the State Attorney charged Lane with one count of second-degree murder, which is a life felony. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 40 years and up to life in prison, according to Florida law.

Jeremy Lane, right, and his attorney listen during his trial at the Escambia County Court House in Pensacola on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Lane is charged with the second-degree murder for the shooting of Traevione Smith on Nov. 20, 2021.

Lane's second charge is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a second-degree felony. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the second-degree felony.

The trial is currently on pace to go to jury deliberation on Wednesday.

Why were Jeremy Lane and Traevione Smith involved in a shooting?

According to an arrest report, Smith's girlfriend told Escambia County Sheriff's deputies that Smith and Lane had disliked each other for two years over a previous disagreement about a woman they knew in common.

The girlfriend said firearms had been pulled between the two on several occasions in the past.

How did the ECSO catch Jeremy Lane?

After fleeing the scene, Lane ended up in McIntosh, Alabama, where law enforcement found and arrested him. He was extradited back to Escambia County on Dec. 8, 2021.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola man Jeremy Lane on trial for 2021 Oakwood Terrace killing
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on Wednesday touted a new initiative designed to create thousands of weapons systems powered by artificial intelligence, saying it will mark a game-changing shift in defense and security as Washington looks to curtail Chinas growing influence across the world.

Hicks said the new initiative, called Replicator, is part of a concentrated push at the Pentagon to accelerate cultural and technological change and gain a military advantage faster over competitors.

Now is the time to scale with systems that are harder to plan for, harder to hit and harder to beat, she said at a Defense News conference in Arlington, Va., adding that autonomous weapons can help a determined defender stop a larger aggressor from achieving its objectives, put fewer people in the line of fire and be made shielded and upgraded at the speed war fighters need without long maintenance.

Hicks first announced Replicator last week at a separate defense conference, saying the Pentagon would work closely with the defense industry to field thousands of autonomous weapons and security systems across all domains in 18-24 months.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While the U.S. has already deployed some autonomous systems  vehicles, aircraft or drones that operate without a human  Replicator would mark a significant step toward developing many more of them.

According to Hicks, these units would be small, smart, cheap, and many. She tasked the audience to imagine self-operating, AI-powered systems flying at all sorts of altitudes doing a range of missions, with some of them potentially even solar-powered.

Replicator is not a new program and will not seek out additional funding or personnel, Hicks said, but will instead use existing program funding and government employees to accelerate production and delivery.

She explained the Replicator initiative is a major commitment across the entire Defense Department, from military commanders to Pentagon offices.

Make no mistake, Hicks said Wednesday, Replicator signals from the top that we are embarking on audacious change fast, using the means we have to face an urgent challenge  and we intend to meet it with the courage to bet big.

Hicks is overseeing the initiative along with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Grady and Doug Beck, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, in a newly formed steering group.

The global development of autonomous weapons systems, which some refer to as killer robots, has drawn scrutiny from human rights groups, which argue they should not be used in combat without a human operator.

The Pentagons guidelines on autonomous systems says there will be appropriate levels of human judgment before any use of force. Hicks said the U.S. will maintain its ethical standards for autonomous weapons and that integrating autonomy into weapons systems is nothing new for the military.

We know how to do it responsibly, she said. Our policy for autonomy and weapons systems is clear and well-established. There is always a human responsible for the use of force, full stop.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pentagon leaders have launched a new, more aggressive campaign this week to pressure Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville into finally releasing a nine-month hold on senior military nominations they say is harming national security.

The Defense Department dispatched the civilian leaders of three branches of the U.S. military to slam the senator for the blockade, first in a WashingtonPost op-ed on Monday and then during a CNN interview on Tuesday. On Wednesday, DOD took the rare step of puttingout a news story highlighting the holds impact on its official media webpage. Also this week, the Pentagon released a slate of new senior nominations, including for the Air Force vice chief of staff.

During the CNN interview, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro  a Cuban-born Navy veteran  went so far as to accuse Tuberville of aiding and abetting communists.

For someone who was born in a communist country, I would have never imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting communists and other autocratic regimes around the world, said Del Toro, speaking alongside Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth on CNN.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While DOD leaders have continued to talk publicly about the hold through the August recess, the Pentagon is amping up the pressure on lawmakers now that the Senate is back in session. This week has seen a concerted effort to highlight to the American public how harmful the holds are, according to a senior DOD official, who was granted anonymity to discuss the strategy behind the media push.



These holds are not tenable, and the longer it goes the more damaging it is to our readiness and to national security, and of course to our families who are in this limbo state, said the official. The average American does not necessarily feel why this is impactful, but it does have an impact.

Also on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder provided reporters with a breakdown of the promotions on hold by service, noting that 22 are tied to positions in the Pacific, a nod to Washington's interest in deterring China.

The media strategy does not mark the first time Pentagon officials have spoken on the matter, but the volume of speeches, interviews and op-eds this week make clear the effort is intensifying.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has not spoken with Tuberville directly since a July phone call, but the Pentagon chief has engaged with senators on both sides of the aisle about the holds through the August recess, according to the official. Austins and Tubervilles staff members are also in contact.

The senator, who objects to the Pentagons new policy of reimbursing service members who must travel to obtain abortions and other reproductive care, has shown no signs of letting up despite the new pressure campaign. He shot back at Del Toro, saying attacking him "wasn't very smart to do."

"First of all, he should have called me. I have not talked to him about this," Tuberville told reporters on Wednesday, adding it's "disappointing that somebody would do that, would just come out and say that and they know that's not true.  His administration has got the borders wide open."

On Wednesday, Marine Gen. Eric Smith, whose nomination to become the services top officer is among those blocked, added his voice to the chorus, telling an audience at the Defense News Conference in Washington that the situation is not sustainable. Smith, currently the Corps No. 2 officer, is also serving as the Marine commandant in an acting role until his confirmation goes through.

He said senior officers are often being forced to do two or three jobs due to the holds and unfilled positions, but what doesn't stop is the clock. The adversary doesn't take a pause.



Smith added that, since hes not the confirmed commandant, he is forced to delegate many of those duties to other officers, including answering some questions from the Pentagon leadership on building next years budget.

I am responsible and accountable for the entirety of the Marine Corps, to the taxpayers, to Congress, and more importantly to the parents of Marines, and I'm not there  I send someone to do that for me and then get a report back, he said, a process that chews up valuable time.

Pushing that work on already overworked lower-ranking Marines starts to have an effect on families, and to say that it doesn't is factually inaccurate, Smith said.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon also sent Congress 11 high-level nominations this week, including Space Force Maj. Gen. David Miller Jr. to be the commander of Space Operations Command, Lt. Gen. James Slife to be the next Air Force vice chief of staff, and the deputy commanders of the Pacific Fleet and Special Operations Command.

Congressional Democrats at the same time ramped up their criticism of Tuberville's hold and implored his fellow Republicans to step in, an approach that has so far come up empty.

"Basically, what Tuberville and others are saying is they don't believe in democracy," House Armed Services ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said at the Defense News Conference.

"If you don't like the travel policy  get someone elected who will change that policy," Smith said. "Don't stop the ability of the Department of Defense to do its job."

Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) charged that Tuberville is "flirting with disaster" through the vacancies on the Joint Chiefs resulting from the hold.

In a floor speech condemning Tuberville on Wednesday, Reed estimated that nearly 90 percent of the 852 general and flag officers stand to be impacted by the blockade. An estimated 650 nominees will require Senate confirmation this year. Reed added that a further 110 officers will need to do two jobs or take on a temporary assignment because of the blockade.

"He has achieved what Americas enemies could only dream of: instability in the ranks of our military leadership," Reed said.

Tuberville and other Republicans have countered that Democrats could hold individual votes on nominees. But Democrats say that would take too much floor time and the problem is up to Republicans to solve.
The moment of the Russian missile strike on Kostyantynivka, September 6, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy published a video of a missile attack by Russian forces on Kostyantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, on the afternoon of Sept. 6.

Read also: Russian missile strike on Lviv kills at least 4, injures 34

"When someone in the world still tries to deal with something Russian, it means turning a blind eye to reality," the head of state wrote on Telegram, while sharing footage of the consequences of Russias latest attack on Ukrainian civilians.

"The audacity of evil. The audacity of meanness. Full-scale inhumanity."

As of 3:40 p.m EET., there are 16 dead  including one child  and at least 28 injured, though that number is expected to grow. The Russians hit a busy central area with a market, stores, and a pharmacy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"People who did nothing wrong," Zelenskyy added.

"Unfortunately, the number of dead and injured may increase. My condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. We must defeat this Russian evil as soon as possible."

Read also: Russia used $500,000 Kh-35 missile to kill 3 civilians in missile strike on Zaporizhzhya on Aug. 9

At least 20 people were wounded, including one child, reported Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

That number grew to 28 wounded, including a rescuer, in addition to the 16 killed, reported Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

About 30 trade pavilions were damaged.

A 300 square meter fire has been extinguished.

A search and rescue operation and rubble removal are underway at the site of the Russian strike.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
It looks like something fishy is happening on Mars. NASA's Perseverance Rover recently spotted a shark-fin-looking outcrop and an accompanying crab-claw-like boulder on the Red Planet.

Since arriving on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021, the rolling robot has been exploring the Jezero Crater on Mars while hunting for signs of ancient life. But these strange rocks, captured on Aug. 18, 2023, came as surprise.

Even though the now barren and arid landscape of Mars overflowed with water billions of years ago, there is no evidence that the planet was abundant with any sort of seafood, and these images certainly don't change that. Instead, what the rocks in the image evidence is the phenomenon of pareidolia.

Pareidolia refers to the brain's tendency to perceive a meaningful image from random visual data. It is the reason we see dogs or clowns in clouds, and it has been responsible for humans catching a wide variety of famous figures in foodstuff. And Mars is no stranger to being subjected to pareidolia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In fact, one of the most famous examples of pareidolia in history is the iconic "Face on Mars."

Related: What is the difference between science and pseudoscience?

What was the Face on Mars?

In July 1976, NASA's Viking 1 spacecraft was exploring Mars from orbit, taking pictures of the Martian landscape that would later be used to select a landing site for the Viking 2 lander. Then, something extraordinary was revealed in the monitors of its operators here on Earth.

The spacecraft had appeared to capture a huge sculpture of a crudely drawn face replete with eyes, a nose and a mouth. The image was shown to the public a few days after it was taken, and despite NASA being clear the appearance of a face was an illusion caused by shadows, it caused quite a fuss. Many claimed that this was the work of sentient beings.

The infamous face on Mars an illusion created by shadows trhat caused quite a stir.

The debate surrounding the "Face on Mars" raged (at least in certain quarters) through the 1980s, with books published on the topic and even scientific conferences held to discuss it.

Much of the sensationalism surrounding this image was settled in the late 1990s. In Sept. 1997, NASA's Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) arrived at the Red Planet, with one of its primary missions being to reexamine this rocky outcrop.

"We felt this was important to taxpayers," chief scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program Jim Garvin explained in a statement. "We photographed the Face as soon as we could get a good shot at it."

In April 1998, the MGS finally flew over the Cydonia region of Mars, where the supposed Face on Mars was located, capturing images ten times sharper than those taken 18 years prior by Viking 1. These revealed the formation to be much more natural in nature, with evidence of facial features fading. Still, some insisted the facial features of this supposed alien monument had been obscured by haze as the MGS flew overhead.

However, such objections were dealt a serious blow in April 2001 when the same spacecraft imaged the outcrop on a cloudless day for Cydonia. This revealed the Face on Mars to be a butte, or mesa, which is a common geological feature in the western United States.

"It reminds me most of Middle Butte in the Snake River Plain of Idaho," Garvin said. "That's a lava dome that takes the form of an isolated mesa about the same height as the Face on Mars."

Subsequent images of the Face on Mars taken over the years sees the facial features fade away.

Yet, the revelation that this Martian facial sculpture was little more than a common geological structure hasn't quelled our passion for space simulacrum.

Related Stories:

 How do Mars rocks and riverbeds get their names? NASA explains (video)

 Mars donut! Perseverance rover spots holey Red Planet rock (photo)

 Curiosity rover finds water-carved 'book' rock on Mars (photo)

In May of this year, Perseverance's fellow Martian rover caught a shadowy feature in a rock face nicknamed the "East Cliffs" that many claimed was a "doorway" carved into the rock. Some even speculated that this could be one end of a passageway leading to an underground bunker.

The Mars

The Mars "doorway" a shadowy collection of straight-line fractures or an entrance way for very short Martians. (Image credit: NASA)

NASA poured cold water on speculation when it revealed this so-called doorway was little more than a few inches wide and tall. Geologists also spoiled the party by adding that it is likely the result of several straight-line fractures coinciding.

But there was more to discuss as a recent image by the agency's Curiosity rover seemed to show an abandoned spoon floating over the surface of the Red Planet.

Is that really a floating spoon on Mars? No, but this photo from NASA's Mars rover Curiosity this week does show a weird rock that looks like a floating spoon. It was likely sculpted by Martian winds, NASA says.

The hovering cutlery imaged on Aug. 30 was actually revealed to be a strangely shaped rock, with NASA officials writing in an image description: "There is no spoon. This weird Mars feature is likely a ventifact  a rock shaped by wind."

The "Martian spoon" is just further evidence that humans really eat up all Mars-related pareidolia. Though these images ultimately represent random rock formations, speculating about their significance can be fascinating in itself.
A petition asking President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto the draft law on asset declarations has reached more than 35,000 signatures since it was posted earlier in the day on Sept. 6.

Zelensky must consider all petitions on the official site for petitions to the president if they reach 25,000 signatures.

On Sept. 5, the Ukrainian parliament passed a bill in its second reading to restore asset declarations for officials, which have been central to talks on Ukraine's accession to the European Union and borrowing money from the International Monetary Fund.

However, parliament voted that there will be no public access to officials' asset declarations for one more year, and only law enforcement agencies will be able to check them.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The petition asks Zelensky to demand that parliament amend the law so that asset declarations are publicly accessible.

The draft law as it stands deprives citizens and journalists "of a tool for monitoring the actions of officials and a main safeguard against corruption during the war," according to the petition.

"Hiding government declarations from Ukrainians means covering up total corruption in the country," it concludes.

Earlier on Sept. 6, Zelensky said he will decide whether to veto a draft law on asset declarations after consultations with Olha Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Anti-corruption watchdogs and opposition lawmakers have argued that the EU and IMF are unlikely to accept the bill in this form.

Electronic asset declarations for officials were instituted as part of the country's fight against corruption following the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution.

All state officials were required to declare their assets as part of the reform.

At the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the requirement for submitting e-declarations was suspended, and public access to the declarations was shut down. Officials have still been able to submit them on a voluntary basis.













Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Philadelphias legendary Pats Steaks is planning a location in the State College area.

Owner Frank Olivieri will expand the family business with a Pats Steaks at Penn State, Philadelphia magazine reported. The exact address and opening date were not specified.

The magazine said Olivieri will partner on the new location with Rob Wasserman, who is already involved in the State College restaurant scene with Snap Custom Pizza and Big Deans Hot Chicken. Wasserman told the CDT in an email that they are still working out the details.

If it works out well, we plan on opening throughout the country, Olivieri told Philly Mag. But not franchises. By opening these the way we are, it allows me to keep an eye on the shops more than I could if they were franchises. Franchises come with all sorts of rules and regulations. And you lose some control.
Phoenix police investigated a shooting that happened Tuesday night around 10:45 p.m. near 15th Avenue and Van Buren Street that left one dead.

Phoenix police were responding to a radio call of a shooting at around when they arrived just before midnight and found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Officers provided aid until he was taken by Phoenix Fire Department to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Officers said they were aware there was a previous call of shots fired earlier in the evening at 10:45 p.m. However, there were no witnesses to direct officers to the location of the victim, said Sgt. Philip Krynsky. The second call to police that led to the victim's discovery came in at 11:55 p.m. Detectives responded to investigate and process the scene. Sgt. Krynsky added that information is subject to change as detectives continued to investigate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As of Wednesday, there were no suspects in custody.

Anyone with information can call Phoenix police or Silent Witness if they wish to remain anonymous. Phoenix Police Department asks anyone with information to call 480-WITNESS (948-6377), 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers, or 1-800-343-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be made through silentwitness.org.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix shooting leaves one dead; police investigating
Phoenix Police Department identified the woman found dead near a Walmart Supercenter in west Phoenix on Monday afternoon as Erika Gerardo, 37, police said.

At about 3 p.m., Phoenix police responded to a shopping center near 75th Avenue and McDowell Road regarding a body that was found, officials said. When officers arrived, they found Gerardo unconscious with injuries.

Police pronounced Gerardo dead at the scene.

Police said detectives were investigating the incident. Details of Gerardo's injuries will be determined by the Office of the Medical Examiner, according to police.

Phoenix Police Department asked anyone with information to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO and provide an anonymous tip.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police ID woman found dead near Walmart as Erika Gerardo
Valerie Lucille Quezada, 37, of Phoenix, was charged with first-degree murder in suspicion of the death of Vincent Austin Dehoyas, 35, according to Phoenix Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Bower.

Just before 10:30 a.m. on July 8, officers responded to a call about a shooting near 29th Avenue and Northern Avenue and found Dehoyas with gunshot wounds, according to Bower. Dehoyas was hospitalized with serious injuries and died a couple of days later, Bower said.

Quezada was taken into custody Sunday at Banner Desert Medical Center in east Mesa on an Aug. 3 grand jury warrant for the murder charges, court documents show. Quezada was being treated at the hospital as a domestic abuse victim before Mesa police officers realized she had warrants for her arrest, according to court documents.

Quezada is also charged with armed robbery with a deadly weapon, according to court documents. A handgun was in Quezada's possession when she was taken into custody, court documents mentioned.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Charging documents show Quezada told police she had witnessed Dehoya's shooting at the hands of a man referred to by first name only, and that she had fled fearful of being harmed.

Quezada is being held on a $1 million bond and has a Sept. 8 court hearing, court records show.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix woman charged in suspicion of murder in July shooting case
Piers Morgan has hit back at Joel Dommett after the comedian mocked him while hosting the National Television Awards.

Morgan, 58, was nominated in the TV interviews category at the NTAs for Piers Morgan Uncensored on Talk TV.

Introducing the famous faces at Londons O2 arena, Dommett, 38, said: Piers Morgan is here!

Morgan was then greeted with a mixture of cheers and loud boos from the crowd.

Dommett then interjected to say: Hey, everyone, say what you like about Piers Morgan... He then jokingly trailed off and introduced Louis Theroux without another word on Morgan.

After failing to win his category, Morgan reacted to the event on Twitter/X, writing: Got the Tube in searing heat.. got mocked by a host Ive never heard of got booed by an audience of shrieking banshees got beaten by Graham bloody Norton.. and now getting the first limo I can find to get the hell outta here. Thanks for a great night a@OfficialNTAs.

Got the Tube in searing heat.. got mocked by a host Ive never heard of got booed by an audience of shrieking banshees got beaten by Graham bloody Norton.. and now getting the first limo I can find to get the hell outta here. Thanks for a great night @OfficialNTAs  pic.twitter.com/jq7D7BqHhB  Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 5, 2023

Norton won the TV interviews category for his eponymous BBC One chat show. Appearing over video link from the US, Norton said: Finally I win a National Television Award and Im not there! This award means so much, mostly it means that Ant and Dec dont have a talk show... yet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Norton was poking fun at presenting duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnellys dominance at the NTAs. The pair won the award for best TV presenter the 22nd consecutive time at this years ceremony.

Speaking to the Press Association before the event, Morgan did not seem hopeful about his chances of winning.

He said: Theyd all rather shoot themselves then give me an award but, but if its just on interviews, hard to say that anyone else has had bigger ones that weve had in the last year.

Speaking about how he might fair in his category, he added: I dont have any competition.

Earlier that night, fans were shocked to see the former Good Morning Britain host taking the London Underground to the event rather than a taxi.

My first time on the tube for 30+ years. Hasnt got any cooler has it, the presenter shared on X alongside a photo of himself standing in a crammed carriage.

Elsewhere at the NTAs, ITVs This Morning was beaten to best daytime show by The Repair Shop amid the scandal over Philip Schofields resignation.
On September 5, 2023, President Joe Biden presented the Medal of Honor to Captain Larry Taylor for conspicuous gallantry displayed as an attack helicopter gunship pilot during the Vietnam War . Taylors previous award of a Silver Star was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the nations highest military award.

Prior to the formation of the Armys Aviation branch, aviators like Taylor came from other branches like the Armor or Engineer branches (U.S. Army)

Taylor attended the University of Tennessee and commissioned as an Armor Officer through ROTC in 1966. However, he volunteered to fly the Armys new AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter and attended flight school. In August 1967, after earning his wings, Taylor was sent to Vietnam with D Troop (Air), 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division.

Taylor flew both the UH-1 Iroquois and AH-1 Cobra in Vietnam (U.S. Army)

On the night of June 18, 1968, a distress call came to Taylors base; a four-man long-range reconnaissance patrol team was surrounded and in danger of being overrun. In two minutes, Taylor and his co-pilot spun up their Cobra and flew into the pitch-black night. They kept their gunships lights off to avoid giving away their position or that of the patrol. I didnt think I was ever going to find them, Taylor recounted via Army News Service .

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The recon team was tracking North Vietnamese troop movement when a large enemy force took up positions around them and cut off their escape. Air support was the only chance that the four soldiers had of surviving the night. Luckily, Taylor and another Cobra crew arrived in the area of the surrounded patrol. Needing to identify the Americans in the darkness to prevent friendly fire, Taylor radioed for them to pop flares. We knew we would be discovered at some point because we were surrounded, said Sergeant David Hill, one of the LRRP soldiers, via Army News Service. We popped the flares, and all hell broke loose.

With the American position marked, bullets and rocket-propelled grenades impacted all around the surrounded troops. From above, Taylor and his wingman fired on the enemy muzzle flashes with rockets and mini-guns. Flying low over the battlefield, both Cobras took heavy enemy ground fire as they made attack runs to protect the troops on the ground. After 35 minutes of fighting, the patrol expended nearly all of their ammunition. Both Cobras were also running out of ammo and, crucially, fuel.

Taylor devised a daring rescue plan which he relayed to his wingman and the patrol. The Cobras expended the last of their munitions on the flanks of the American positions. Then, Taylor switched on his gunships landing lights to distract the enemy. Meanwhile, the patrol repositioned the last of their claymore mines and fired them to cover their escape into a nearby rice paddy where they linked up with Taylor.

The Cobra was developed from the Iroquois as a dedicated attack helicopter gunship (U.S. Army)

The Cobra is a two-seater aircraft, with barely enough room for Taylor and his co-pilot. Desperate times call for desperate measures though, so the patrol went for a spur ride. Taylor landed in the rice paddy and the four soldiers climbed under his helicopter, onto the rocket pods and skids. With his fellow soldiers hanging on for their lives, Taylor lifted off and flew them out of the battle zone.

According to President Bidens speech during the Medal of Honor ceremony, Taylor took off for the rescue mission with 1,600 pounds of fuel; when he took of from the rice paddy, he only had 6 pounds left. Unable to make it back to base, and with the wind freezing the soldiers outside his Cobra, Taylor located a friendly area to land. Once on the ground, the four-man team dismounted the helicopter and disappeared into the jungle once more, stopping only to turn and salute Taylor. It would be over 30 years before Taylor met some of the men he saved at Vietnam veteran reunions. During his Army career, Taylor flew over 2,000 combat missions and earned 43 Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.

Dave Hill (left), Larry Taylor (center), and Paul Elsner, patrol team lead, pose for a photo at annual unit reunion in 1999. This was the first time Hill and Elsner met Taylor since he rescued them in 1968 (Dave Hill via U.S. Army)

All eight soldiers involved in the battle received awards, including Silver Stars. However, they agreed that Taylor distinguished himself that night. "Larry not only did his job, he went way above and beyond his duty at great risk of life, Hill said. "It was a failure at the time to adequately recognize his valor, his courage, his dedication, and we were determined to turn that around." Hill is the only other surviving soldier from the battle to witness the upgrade of Taylors Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. On September 17, 2023, Taylors hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee is holding a Patriots Day parade in his honor.

Feature Image: U.S. Army
People exit the 1891 Pinal County Courthouse after a meeting with the Pinal County attorney and Board of Supervisors chairman to address election day ballot shortages in Pinal County on Aug. 3, 2022, in Florence.

After weeks of back-and-forth, Pinal County supervisors signed off on a new elections agreement with Recorder Dana Lewis.

The document will serve as a blueprint of election responsibilities that will carry the county into the 2024 election cycle and has been revised several times since it first was introduced to the Board of Supervisors in August. Like previous versions presented to supervisors, the agreement passed Wednesday tasks Lewis with handling many of the board's election operation duties.

But supervisors made several additional tweaks to a repeatedly altered portion of the agreement that lays out the hiring process for a new county elections director.

The elections director role has been open since June, when former Elections Director Geraldine Roll resigned with a scathing email to County Manager Leo Lew, citing a toxic work environment. County leaders now need to find an experienced elections director who can help the county navigate through a presidential election.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One early version of the draft agreement stated that Lewis would share hiring power over the county's open elections director position with Lew. Their pick for the position would need to be approved by the board, according to the document. Supervisors sent that version back to the drawing board after some members of the public proposed further board and political party involvement in the interview process.

On Wednesday, supervisors reviewed new drafts of the agreement and ultimately determined in a 4-1 vote that political parties will not have direct say in who is chosen for the position. However, two supervisors will be embedded throughout the hiring process alongside Lewis, and the full board will need to vote to approve a final hire.

Finding somebody to make it through that recruitment process is expected to be challenging. Lewis previously told The Republic that she has struggled to find qualified candidates.

Political parties in the hiring would be 'unique,' officials say

People gather in the Board of Supervisors hearing room to listen as Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McClure and Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer address election day ballot shortages in Pinal County on Aug. 3, 2022, in Florence.

The county's parties appeared somewhat divided Wednesday on whether they should be involved with choosing a new elections director.

Lisa Sanor, chair of the Pinal County Democratic Party, spoke in opposition to the idea, voicing concerns about "a politicized election process" and possible legal liability for the county.

"County human resources departments should be squirming in their seats right now," Sanor said.

Meanwhile, Pinal County Republican Party Chair Belinda Rodriguez said she had training in proper hiring practices and felt confident all party heads could appropriately engage with job candidates.

Involving the heads of county political parties in the hiring would have been "a little bit unique," according to Chris Keller, Pinal County's chief civil deputy attorney.

Supervisor Stephen Miller said he believed the elections director position was "a pretty sensitive one" that should be protected from political interference.

"I'd like to keep it as neutral as possible," he said.

Other supervisors also questioned whether board members should have a say in the hiring, given that all of Pinal County's supervisors are currently Republicans. Supervisor Jeffrey McClure expressed concern that having board members sit in on the interview process and ultimately ratify a candidate could create an "imbalance" or appearance of impropriety, and Supervisor Mike Goodman said he wanted to be "objective" about the decision.

Keller said there's little way to get around the issue, but having a public ratification process should help ease some concerns. It will ensure that citizens can act as watchdogs, he said, calling out any decision that they see as politically motivated.

Ultimately, that led Miller, McClure and Goodman to vote in favor of the final amended agreement, cutting out political parties but maintaining the board's involvement in hiring for the position. They were joined in their vote to approve the amended document by Chairman Jeff Serdy.

Cavanaugh votes against amended agreement

The sole vote against the amended agreement came from Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh.

Before the vote, he asked county staff a variety of questions about the agreement, including one on whether political party involvement could result in liability for the county. He also questioned whether the language of the agreement was clear enough in defining all of the officers in charge of elections and whether the board was making itself subordinate to Lewis in the agreement.

Keller said the agreement was specifically drafted to be "flexible" and that he was confident in its language. The document simply transfers some board functions to Lewis for the duration of the agreement, he said.

Cavanaugh said little else at the meeting to explain exactly why he was opposed to the amended document. In a later conversation with The Republic, he said that in addition to his concerns about the delineations of authority outlined in the agreement, he believes keeping the county's Elections Department and Recorder's Office separate will lead to better "checks and balances."

"We've had such problems with the elections," he said. "I think they want fast solution rather than the best solution."

Cavanaugh's hesitancy on the agreement comes after a tense exchange between Cavanaugh, Lewis and other county supervisors at a previous meeting. During that discussion, Cavanaugh questioned Lewis's qualifications and background.

At Wednesday's meeting, two public speakers called for Cavanaugh to step down, accusing him of attacking Lewis in a manner unbecoming of an elected official.

Cavanaugh responded that he was simply doing his duty as a supervisor.

"There's no personal attack on the recorder," he said.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip to share on elections or voting? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pinal County supervisors sign off on new elections agreement
The Crescent Fort Worth hotel and mixed-use development coming soon to the Cultural District has one more thing in common with its Uptown Dallas counterpart: office space filled by PNC Bank.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based bank is relocating members of its commercial, corporate and private bank teams from its West Seventh Street office at Museum Place to 15,000 square feet of office space in the nearby Crescent Fort Worth starting early 2024.

PNC Bank has had offices in Uptown Dallas Crescent development since 2017. The company signed a new lease for more than 55,000 square feet of Dallas office space in 2021.

PNC Bank continues to grow our business and the number of employees in both Dallas and Fort Worth, Dale Klose, PNC territory executive for the southwest and mountain region, said in a release. We recently increased our office space in The Crescent Dallas and now we are growing our footprint in the heart of Fort Worth.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The upcoming Crescent Fort Worth at 3230 Camp Bowie Blvd. is the Cultural Districts first luxury hotel property and will open within walking distance of The Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum of Art, Kimbell Art Museum and Dickies Arena.

The long-awaited hotel was slated to open in September, but the developments opening has been moved back to mid-October, according to hotel spokesperson Kasey Pipes. The hotel will also feature a Canyon Ranch Wellness Club, which is more than what one may think of when hearing the word spa.

PNC Banks workspace in The Crescent Fort Worth will combine conference rooms, modern high-tech workspaces and traditional offices.

We have created a vibrant mixed-use development and having a high-quality national bank like PNC whose local leadership team is focused on North Texas is the right fit for this space, John Goff, chairman of Crescent Real Estate, said in a release.

The bank focuses on corporate and institutional banking, asset management, retail banking, real estate finance, wealth management and more.

This new office space reflects the creative energy from the surrounding area, Brendan McGuire, PNCs regional president for North Texas, said in a release. PNC has long recognized the power of arts and culture and the positive role it plays in a community. Relocating to The Crescent Fort Worth will help us tap into the vibrancy of Fort Worths Cultural District and inspire an exciting work environment for our teams.

While the bank is one of the countrys largest financial service companies, the companys presence in North Texas was relatively new until a few years ago.The bank first opened its Fort Worth branch in 2019.
Two people are dead as a result of a police chase involving the Jackson Police Department, a city official has confirmed.

The incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. Wednesday. Officers responded to reports of a stolen Hyundai that may have been involved in other burglaries. When officers attempted to stop the Hyundai at a traffic stop, the vehicle sped away and a police chase ensued before ending when the car crashed into a truck near the intersection of U.S. 80 and University Boulevard.

Of the four people in the stolen Hyundai, two were thrown out of the vehicle when it crashed. Both died on the scene. The other two passengers were taken to a nearby hospital.

The chase was confirmed by Melissa Payne, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba 's communications director. Payne said she was unsure whether the mayor would release a statement on the incident.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rankin County supervisor race: The bizarre story of how a Rankin County election was decided by just one vote

JPD Public Information Officer Sam Brown said he was "still waiting on that information from the accident investigation and the major investigation (units)" when asked about the incident. Brown would not confirm if the fatalities were a result of a police chase.

Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, who was appointed Jackson's Police Chief by the city council last week, could not immediately be reached for comment on the incident or whether he has changed the city's non-pursuit policy.

Police chases have been a hotbed issue in Jackson for the past few years. After a police chase that started in Richland crossed into Jackson in 2019, Lumumba said he wanted to work with other municipalities to find a "diplomatic approach" to ensure police chases would not pose a threat to residents in the future, according to a press statement by the mayor's officer released on Feb. 13, 2019.

But in July 2022, a police chase that started in Pearl resulted in a U.S. postal worker being killed in Jackson after the suspect involved crashed into the mail carrier's truck. This renewed the mayor's call to end police chases over small crimes. A second Pearl police chase crossed into Jackson in less than a month, killing a motorcyclist.

"We are anti-pursuit for minor violations which often spillover into tragic consequences for our community. With the advent of new technology, such as a growing camera surveillance network and tag readers, we can apprehend suspects without endangering the public," Lumumba said at the time.

Also in response to the July 2022 incident, the Jackson City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for the Mississippi State Legislature to enact more stringent standards for law officers to follow when engaging in police pursuits. The resolution was introduced by Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley, according to previous Clarion Ledger reporting.

A second order, introduced by Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes, was also passed at the time. Stokes' order gives the city the authorization to pursue litigation challenging the constitutionality of hot pursuit chases over misdemeanor charges. The order said the existing authority for police pursuits is a violation of a citizens' right to due process guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution because it does not give consideration to the severity of the crime, nor the life-threatening consequences to innocent bystanders.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Police chase resulted in two dead after JPD responded to a stolen car
The two police officers who shot and injured two people in separate but near-simultaneous shootings during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Milwaukee this year have been cleared of wrongdoing by the district attorneys office. But one policing expert still considers one of the incidents to be an example of excessive force.

The shootings occurred at about 11 a.m. May 5 on the 1200 block of South Cesar Chavez Drive and the 1200 block of South 15th Place  about a block apart from each other  as holiday celebrations brought hundreds of people to the area and dozens of police officers working crowd control.

Bystander video of the events emerged on social media in the days following, with one amassing more than 100,000 views on Facebook. The officers were cleared of wrongdoing in August.

Heres what the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office and Delores Jones-Brown, a criminal justice professor emerita at the City University of New York, had to say about each shooting:

South Cesar Chavez Drive shooting

This incident happened moments after the shooting on South 15th Place but was singled out by Jones-Brown as far more problematic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After gunshots were heard from the South 15th Place incident, police observed members of the crowd moving quickly in response. An officer saw a male firing a gun into the air before running away.

The officer confronted the male  later identified as a 17-year-old  and ordered him to stop, and then fired more than 15 times, according to bodycam footage released by the Police Department. The officers shots continued after the teen fell to the ground and dropped the gun  a handgun with an extended magazine that was converted into a fully automatic firearm.

The teen was hit numerous times, according to Kent Lovern, the chief deputy district attorney for Milwaukee County.

In a letter to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, Lovern said the use of force was in response to the teens use of potentially deadly force near a large crowd of people, creating an immediate risk of harm. That justified the officers actions, Lovern wrote.

The teen has since been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor. He has pleaded not guilty.

But Jones-Brown said she was disturbed by the number of shots fired by the officer.

Police said the teen continued to reach toward the dropped gun after he fell to the ground, but Jones-Brown pointed out thats not clear from the bodycam footage police released in June.

Its an attempt to influence the individuals interpretation of the footage. In this case, this narrative about he was reaching for the gun cant be seen from the vantage point I saw in the video, she said. The one time I see his hand extended, that could just be someone writhing in pain from having been shot a number of times.

Jones-Brown argued the volume of shots from the officer could create a potential for harm equal to the person they are trying to apprehend because the bullets could potentially ricochet with a crowd nearby.

She said prosecutors could have charged the officer with reckless endangerment, but acknowledged she was unsure how likely a conviction could be secured, depending on the jury pool.

The officer, who at the time was 40 years old with more than seven years of experience, has returned to full active duty, the Police Department said Monday.

An attorney for the teen declined comment.

South 15th Place shooting

The shooting that happened moments before the Chavez Drive incident didn't result in any charges against police and the civilian who was injured, nor did it raise major concerns for Jones-Brown.

According to police and bodycam footage, police heard several of gunshots in the area and ran down an alley toward a small parking area to investigate. There, officers encountered a man who was exiting a vehicle with a gun in hand and ran from police.

An officer who was 33 at the time, with more than seven years of experience, fired one shot at the suspect while his back appeared to be turned, hitting him in the flank. In another letter to Norman, Lovern said the officer fired the shot because the suspect was running toward another officer.

The officers actions were justified because the gunshots created risk to those around him, Lovern said. His decision to flee and not listen to the commands of police only heightened the safety concerns.

The general notion is that, as long as a person is still in possession of the gun, they can turn at any time and fire at the officer, so Im not surprised the DA didnt take any action against the officers, Jones-Brown said. The fact the officer only fired one time is commendable.

The officer has since returned to full active duty.

The suspect was later identified as a 22-year-old Greenfield man with a concealed carry permit who had been firing at another individual in self-defense before police arrived. Prosecutors declined to file charges against him for that reason, police said.

An attorney for the Greenfield man declined comment.

Contact Elliot Hughes at elliot.hughes@jrn.com or 414-704-8958. Follow him on Twitter @elliothughes12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Police cleared in Cinco de Mayo shootings; expert still raises concern
(FOX40.COM)  An arrest warrant was issued Tuesday for Sacramento police detective Jonathon Nangle who was involved in a fatal collision while on duty Dec. 6, 2022 according to the Sacramento Police Department.

Officials say that on the morning of the incident Nangle was driving an unmarked home retention vehicle in the area of southbound I-5 and Sutterville Road when he collided with a vehicle and two individuals on the side of the roadway resulting in two fatalities.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to the scene and began conducting a comprehensive investigation, law enforcement reported. Based on the investigation, CHP found that the facts supported charges of vehicular manslaughter.

The Sacramento County District Attorneys Office reviewed the investigation and concurred with those findings, according to Sacramento PD. On September 5, 2023, a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge issued a misdemeanor warrant for two counts of vehicular manslaughter Nangle.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sacramento PD reported that Nangle turned himself in to the Sacramento Sheriffs Office, where he was processed and released. Nangle has over eight years of service with the Sacramento Police Department and remains on administrative leave with his peace officer powers suspended, officials say.

The death of Juan Carlos Enriquez Rodriguez and Lionel Enriquez Rodriguez is a devastating and tragic loss. My heart goes out to their family, friends, and community said Sacramento Police Chief Katherine Lester.

Nangles peace officer powers have been suspended.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
Police are asking for your help to locate a burglary suspect.

Atlanta police are looking for the man in the photo.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said on Tuesday, at approximately 1:25 a.m., officers responded to a burglary call at 349 Decatur St. SE.

The investigation revealed that a suspect entered the business by damaging the front door and then stole designer clothing from inside.

Police said it was later revealed that the same suspect had burglarized the same location on two previous occasions.

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Anyone with information on the case can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477, online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637).

Police said you do not have to give your name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
Kansas City police are continuing to search for a 28-year-old man last seen in May.

Timothy Blake last contacted his family on May 3, and his last location isnt known. His family is very concerned for his well-being.

Blake is 5 feet and 5 inches tall and weighs around 130 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Police previously found Blakes car, a silver Ford Five Hundred sedan with Missouri plates EJ6R2H, but theres been no sign of Blake.

Kansas City police on Wednesday renewed their request for the publics help finding 28-year-old Timothy Blake, who has been missing since May.

Anyone who sees Blake or knows of his whereabouts should call the missing persons unit at 816-234-5043.

A GoFundMe to create a reward for information on Blakes location has raised $400 as of Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blake is one of 13 siblings who is close with his family and would normally never miss a family function or go a day without talking to family, his family wrote on GoFundMe. Since he disappeared, Blake has missed Mothers Day, his sisters graduation and his brothers wedding.

Family said Blake had substance abuse issues and had been in and out of recovery programs, rehabs and sober-living homes. He had celebrated nine months of sobriety before he was reported missing.

We miss our brother so incredibly much, and our parents are heartbroken, family said.
Sir Keir Starmer compared Rishi Sunak and the Government to cowboy builders as he criticised the handling of the crumbling concrete crisis in the nations schools.

But the Prime Minister hit back and accused the Labour leader of political opportunism as they clashed during the first PMQs since the end of Parliaments summer holiday.

Sir Keir told the House of Commons: The truth is this crisis is the inevitable result of 13 years of cutting corners, botched jobs, sticking plaster politics.

It is the sort of thing you expect from cowboy builders, saying that everyone else is wrong, everyone is to blame, protesting that they have done an effing good job even as the ceiling falls in. The difference is that in this case the cowboys are running the country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mr Sunak hit back and said: This is exactly the kind of political opportunism that we have come to expect from Captain Hindsight over here.

He added: Before today he [Sir Keir] never once raised this issue with me in Parliament.

The clashes at PMQs came after the Department for Education published a list of the schools with confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

You can follow the latest updates below.

04:00 PM BST

That is all for today...

Thank you for joining me for todays politics live blog.

I will be back tomorrow morning.

03:18 PM BST

Houses of Parliament being checked for crumbling concrete

The Houses of Parliament are being investigated for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), the dangerous crumbling material that has prompted the Government to order the closure of schools across the country.

The Telegraph understands that surveyors are investigating whether Raac is present within the fabric of any parts of the parliamentary estate.

You can read the full story here.

02:54 PM BST

Watch: Starmer labels Sunak 'cowboy builder' over concrete crisis

02:38 PM BST

Education Secretary: 'Nothing more important than safety of children and staff in schools'

Labour is holding an opposition day debate in the House of Commons this afternoon in an attempt to force the Government to release documents and correspondence relating to school funding decisions taken in the past.

Bridget Phillipson, the shadow education secretary, said: It is time for the full truth to come out about why our schools are unsafe today and whose decision that was.

Ms Phillipson said it was time for ministers to take, to accept responsibility for the broken country they will leave behind.

Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary, told MPs that nothing is more important than the safety of children and staff in our schools.

This Government is committed to making sure that every child in this country gets a first class education and every opportunity to make the most of their abilities, she said.

But more than that, underpinning that commitment is a deeper one to ensuring that children are safe and secure in the places they learn.

02:22 PM BST

No10 declines to correct record over Sunak claim

Downing Street declined to correct the record after Rishi Sunak accused Sir Keir Starmer during PMQs of failing to mention crumbling concrete in schools during an education speech given by the Labour leader earlier this year.

In the Commons, the Prime Minister had said: Before today, he [Sir Keir] never once raised this issue with me in Parliament, it wasnt even worthy of a single mention in his so-called landmark speech on education this summer.

However, Labour pointed out that Sir Keir said the Tory record that has seen school buildings start to crumble was shameful back in July.

The Prime Ministers press secretary said: The PM was clearly talking about Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) and Starmer did not mention Raac in his speech.

02:17 PM BST

Join the conversation

Readers of The Telegraphs politics live blog are currently discussing the clashes at PMQs over the concrete crisis in the comments section below.

Another Reader writes: I suppose you cant blame Starmer for making the most of Sunaks discomfort, but the truth is investment in schools has been a disgrace for years, and not just the infrastructure.



And David Jones says: Yet again an issue which other countries have dealt with correctly has become a decades long debacle in the UK. There is nothing wrong with RAAC itself. The real issue is when lack of maintenance allows water to penetrate to the steel within, which then rusts. Our politicians always want vanity projects, with no concern about upkeep later.

You can join the conversation by scrolling down to just below todays first post and clicking on the speech bubble icon.

01:32 PM BST

No10 unsure when concrete crisis will be over

Downing Street has declined to say when it expects the concrete crisis affecting the nations schools to be over.

The Prime Ministers Official Spokesman said: Whilst there are still some outstanding surveys we cannot put a specific timeline on it.

In the instances where we have identified Raac [reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete] we expect mitigations to be put in place in a number of weeks.

Nick Gibb, the schools minister, said yesterday he believed the crisis would be resolved far sooner than Christmas.

01:25 PM BST

SNP MP told off for saying 'a---' in the Commons

An SNP MP has been rebuked by the Commons Speaker for using the word a--- in the chamber.

Chris Law told the House of Commons during Prime Ministers Questions that he believed the Tories and Labour are two cheeks of the same a--- in terms of their approach to benefits.

The comment prompted an immediate intervention from Sir Lindsay Hoyle who said: Can I just say, lets think about language, lets be more temperate and lets make sure that the pride of this Parliament will shine through but certainly not using language [like that].

Mr Law replied: Happy to change the offending word with bottom.

01:22 PM BST

Government expediting concrete surveys for schools

Gillian Keegan said the Government is expediting its crumbling concrete surveys for the nations schools so it can be confident classrooms are safe and supported.

In a written statement the Education Secretary said: I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

Thanks to the hard work of schools, colleges, councils, diocese and academy trusts, the majority of settings where Raac has been confirmed have opened to all pupils for the start of term.

We will continue to support all impacted settings in whatever way we can, whether thats through our team of dedicated caseworkers or through capital funding to put mitigations in place.

We are also expediting surveys and urging all responsible bodies to tell us what they know about Raac, so we can be confident that settings are safe and supported.

12:31 PM BST

Sunak: 'We can't let Labour bankrupt Britain'

Rishi Sunak was asked about the situation in Birmingham after the Labour-run city council yesterday effectively declared bankruptcy.

Mr Sunak told the House of Commons: We started by hearing how Labour in London are charging hard working people with Ulez, now we are hearing about how Labour in Birmingham are failing hardworking people, losing control of taxpayers money and driving their finances into the ground.

They have bankrupted Birmingham, we cant let them bankrupt Britain.

12:26 PM BST

Starmer claims Sunak 'won't lift a finger' to protect schools

Sir Keir Starmer accused Rishi Sunak of adopting an its all fine out there attitude to the problems facing the country.

Referring to a recent refurbishment of the Department for Education, the Labour leader said: Doesnt it tell you everything you need to know that he [Mr Sunak] is happy to spend millions of taxpayers money sprucing up Tory offices, billions to ensure there is no VAT on Tory school fees but he wont lift a finger when it comes to protecting other peoples schools, other peoples safety, other peoples children?

Mr Sunak said: I know he comes here with these prepared scripts but he hasnt listened to a single fact on six questions about the record amounts of funding going in to schools, about the incredible reforms to education impacting the most disadvantaged children in our society, a record that we are rightly proud of.

12:18 PM BST

Labour leader compares Rishi Sunak and Government to 'cowboy builders'

Rishi Sunak said that Sir Keir Starmer should get his facts straight before he jumps on the next political bandwagon as the two leaders clashed over the concrete crisis.

Sir Keir said: The truth is this crisis is the inevitable result of 13 years of cutting corners, botched jobs, sticking plaster politics.

It is the sort of thing you expect from cowboy builders, saying that everyone else is wrong, everyone is to blame, protesting that they have done an effing good job even as the ceiling falls in.

Rishi Sunak addresses the House of Commons during PMQs today - UK Parliament /PA

The difference is that in this case the cowboys are running the country. Isnt he ashamed that after 13 years of Tory government children are cowering under steel supports stopping their classroom roof falling in?

The Prime Minister hit back and said: This is exactly the kind of political opportunism that we have come to expect from Captain Hindsight over here.

He added: Before today he [Sir Keir] never once raised this issue with me in Parliament.

12:11 PM BST

Starmer attempts to lay blame for concrete crisis on Sunak

Sir Keir Starmer attempted to lay the blame for the crumbling concrete crisis in the nations schools squarely on Rishi Sunak.

The Labour leader said: On Monday he leapt to his own defence saying it is utterly wrong to blame him. So why does literally everyone else say it is his fault?

Mr Sunak replied: The professional advice from the technical experts on Raac has evolved over time and indeed it is something that successive governments have dealt with dating back to 1994.

As new advice has come forward the Government has rightly, decisively and swiftly acted in the face of that advice.

But he talked about school budgets and talked about what I had done. Let me just walk him through the facts of actually what that spending review did... funding for school maintenance and rebuilding will average 2.6billion a year over this parliament as a result of that spending review which represents a 20 per cent increase on the years before.

12:07 PM BST

PM says Government 'doing everything it can to fix' concrete crisis

Sir Keir Starmer said Rishi Sunak had decided when he was chancellor to halve the budget for school maintenance as the Labour leader focused on the crumbling concrete crisis.

Sir Keir asked the Prime Minister: Does he agree with his Education Secretary that he should be thanked for doing a good job?

Mr Sunak replied: I know how concerned parents, children and teachers are and I want to start by assuring them that the Government is doing everything it can to fix this quickly and minimise the disruption to childrens education.

We make no apology for acting decisively in the face of new information.

12:03 PM BST

Rishi Sunak praises Lionesses

Rishi Sunak started Prime Ministers Questions by praising the efforts of the England womens football team after their second-placed finish at the World Cup.

The Prime Minister told MPs that everyone across the nation was incredibly proud of the Lionesses.

11:49 AM BST

Government publishes list of Raac-affected schools

The Department for Education has just published a list of the schools with confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

The list, which covers the period up to August 30, contains 156 names.

Some 104 are education settings where mitigations are being put in place and 52 are those where mitigations are already in place.

The list showed pupils at 24 schools across England will receive some remote learning because of the concrete crisis, with four schools switching to fully remote learning.

Meanwhile, the list revealed 19 schools where the start of term has had to be delayed as a result of the concrete.

You can read the full list here.

11:37 AM BST

Pictured: Jeremy Hunt and Andrew Griffith leave Downing Street ahead of PMQs

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Treasury minister Andrew Griffith leave Downing Street ahead of PMQs - Aaron Chown /PA

11:13 AM BST

Teaching union questions accuracy of Government's concrete survey data

The boss of a teaching union has urged the Department for Education to review its system for recording responses to the Governments crumbling concrete survey after schools which have responded were told that they had not.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: Weve now received six messages directly from trust and school leaders raising concerns about the accuracy of the Department for Educations records and have heard similar reports from other sources.

Mr Barton said all of those schools said they had returned the concrete survey issued by the Government many months ago.

But they were all contacted this week by the Government with a warning that they would be named and shamed if they did not complete the survey by Friday.

He said: In light of what we are hearing, we would urge the Department for Education to review its systems to see whether at least some of these supposedly non-returned survey forms  and possibly a great many  were in fact returned but have not been recorded as such due to a technical error.

The Government has said it is still waiting for five per cent of the surveys to be returned.

10:40 AM BST

Sir Chris Bryant joins Labour frontbench

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Sir Chris Bryant to a shadow ministerial role which means Parliament will have to find a new chairman for its Committee on Standards.

Sir Chris, who served as a minister under Gordon Brown, will join the Labour frontbench as the shadow minister for creative industries and digital.

Accepting the role will mean Sir Chris has to vacate his prominent position as chairman of the committee which scrutinises the behaviour of MPs.

I am delighted to be appointed Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital working with @ThangamMP and @peterkyle

Creativity drives the UKs potential. It creates jobs. It enlivens our imagination. We need to cherish and celebrate it and make it available to all. https://t.co/gxG0b9ps1q  Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) September 6, 2023

10:18 AM BST

Grant Shapps tells defence critics: 'Dont underestimate me'

Grant Shapps has warned his critics not to underestimate him after his appointment as Defence Secretary last week.

Mr Shapps has faced questions over the depth of his military knowledge after he replaced Ben Wallace.

But he told LBC Radio: Ive actually talked in the past about our need to increase our defence expenditure. And Im very pleased that our long-term aim is to raise it to 2.5 per cent. And we have been increasing the defence expenditure.

So, you know, dont underestimate me when it comes to defending the country or the department.

10:06 AM BST

Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer and Bridget Phillipson visit school in north London amid concrete crisis

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson visit Park View School in north London this morning - Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

09:47 AM BST

Voters weary of Governments failure, claims Starmer

It was suggested to Sir Keir Starmer that the Tory response to his criticism of government spending decisions over the last 13 years - for example on school funding (see the post below at 09.31) - would likely be that Labour left no money to be spent in 2010.

Sir Keir told BBC Breakfast: I think that many people across the country are getting pretty weary of a government that has now been in power for 13 years saying in answer to any question about their own failure, it is not our fault, we couldnt have done anything.

Are they seriously saying to the country that in 13 years they couldnt have done anything about their failures? I just dont think that is going to wash.

09:31 AM BST

Starmer to grill Sunak on crumbling concrete crisis at PMQs

Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will clash at the first post-summer recess Prime Ministers Questions at noon and the Labour leader has confirmed he will grill the premier on the crumbling concrete crisis.

Sir Keir told BBC Breakfast that he will ask Mr Sunak about school rebuilding funding decisions he made when he was chancellor and push for the Government to publish the list of affected schools.

He said: I think that is a very good point because look, he took a decision in 2021. I think the least that we are entitled to is to know what risks were pointed out to him in 2021 when the Prime Minister took those decisions and an answer from him as to why he didnt allow that funding to go forward.

So I do think that is needed. I also think and I am sure many people viewing this, particularly with children at schools that might be affected want to know from the Government, why havent you, and you must, publish the list of schools affected because we dont even know the full extent of this at the moment.

The Prime Ministers actions as chancellor have already been questioned after one of his ministers suggested Mr Sunak approved funding for 50 schools a year to be rebuilt, rejecting an application for cash for 200 a year.

09:14 AM BST

'Only two of the last 15 defence secretaries have come from the military'

Grant Shapps hit back at some criticism over his appointment as Defence Secretary, amid questions over the depth of his military knowledge.

Only two of the last 15 defence secretaries have come from the military, he told LBC Radio.

Its actually highly unusual. We have a civilian government and rightly we put civilians in charge of it. I think that the Ministry of Defence will benefit from having a hugely experienced secretary of state.

I have run complex infrastructure-heavy departments in the past and I will, of course, as Secretary of State be fighting the corner.

08:57 AM BST

Concrete crisis 'reinforces' for parents that Government 'doesn't care' about education

The concrete crisis in the nations schools reinforces for parents that the Government does not care about education, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has claimed.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Geoff Barton said: I think the nations parents will think this just reinforces a sense that we have got a Government that frankly doesnt care, and hasnt cared about education for many years.

Mr Barton said that school headteachers were now scrambling around trying to identify bits of concrete at a time when they should be focusing on children learning and developing.

08:49 AM BST

Pictured: Jeremy Hunt goes for an early morning run with dog Poppy

Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, is pictured running with his dog Poppy in central London this morning - George Cracknell Wright

08:44 AM BST

Defence Secretary says there 'could be' crumbling concrete in military buildings

Grant Shapps said reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) could be present in military buildings but he believed it was highly unlikely that it has been used in service family accommodation.

He also said that even if the crumbling concrete was found in military buildings it would be unlikely to cause disruption because it would be dealt with in the normal course of business rather than needing to close anything down.

Asked how much Raac there could be in the military estate, Mr Shapps told Times Radio: Raac was used, or aerated concrete was used, throughout government estates particularly after the war, from the 50s onwards and in common with all the other departments we are looking through and assessing what we have got.

I think it wasnt used in single occupation accommodation fortunately. When it comes to family accommodation what I am seeing is it is highly unlikely that it has been involved. We will continue to check out the rest of the estate but I think it is unlikely to be an accommodation issue for us.

Asked if there could be Raac in other military buildings, he replied: There could be, as with all of the government estate, but I think it will be a in the course of business issue to resolve when it comes to the MOD.

He later told Sky News that we are looking at the rest of the estate but it looks like the kind of thing that we will be dealing with in the normal course of business rather than needing to close anything down.

08:37 AM BST

Grant Shapps says he will 'fight' for increase to defence budget

Grant Shapps said he will fight for a higher budget for the Ministry of Defence but he will lobby Rishi Sunak for the extra cash in my own way.

The Defence Secretary was asked during an interview on Sky News this morning if he will be as vociferous as his predecessor Ben Wallace was in calling for more money for the armed forces.

Mr Shapps said: I am now in charge of the Ministry of Defence and as the Secretary of State of course I will always fight my corner.

In fact it is quite helpful from my point of view coming here, the amount that we are spending, the proportion of our gross domestic product that we are spending on defence, is on the rise and we have already said that we want to see that over the longer term as conditions allow to go up to 2.5 per cent. It is over 50billion already.

I fully support that. I think it is very important that we are protected as a nation but also that we are doing our part around the world to help the world be better protected.

Asked again if he would be as vociferous as Mr Wallace, Mr Shapps said: I will do it in my own way but as I say I have spoken before about my desire to see a higher defence budget, well before being in this role, and I am pleased to see that our goal is to get to that 2.5 per cent and by the way that puts us at the top in terms of Nato countries, that puts us nearer the top, compared to many others.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
When Shelly Cailler arrived at St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee on July 10, 2021, her wife, Kellie Wright, was on life support. Wright had five broken ribs and was covered in bruises Cailler had never seen before. Wright was taken to the hospital from the Pottawatomie County jail.

SHAWNEE  Pottawatomie County jail officials apparently defied state laws and a judges order when they concealed information on the unexplained deaths of seven vulnerable detainees.

All seven people arrived at the jail with medical and mental health or substance use complications that required care. None of them made it home alive. Most of their families still dont know why.

An Oklahoma Watch investigation found that the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center withheld public records and defied court orders to produce them. It ignored families requests for medical records. And it reported only two of the deaths to state regulators  all under the charge of jail Director Breonna Thompson, better known by her middle name, Rochelle.

"When you take the least of us and you treat them with this kind of disrespect to the point that it leads to their demise, that's just inhumane," said attorney Ronald Skip Kelly, who is suing the jail on behalf of one of the families. I have never experienced the kind of ruthless disrespect to families that Ive seen from this jail, refusing to give them any information. If there was ever a jail that needs to be under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, it's that one.

Pottawatomie County jail Director Breonna Rochelle Thompson speaks Aug. 23 to the board of trustees who oversee the jail, at a public meeting.

One person held at Pottawatomie County jail had unexplained bruises and broken ribs

When Shelly Cailler arrived at St. Anthony Hospital in Shawnee on July 10, 2021, her wife, Kellie Wright, was on life support. Wright had five broken ribs and was covered in bruises Cailler had never seen before.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A doctor told Cailler that Wright was brain dead after she went into cardiac arrest three or four times in the ambulance that delivered her from the Pottawatomie County jail. Caillers mind flooded with questions: Why was she in jail? What caused the bruises and broken bones? How could this happen?

Wright was the education chair for the Oklahoma Society of Accountants, which held its annual conference that weekend at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee. Thats where she experienced a mental health emergency that led to her arrest and, ultimately, her death. Wright, 50, had a history of alcohol abuse, hypertension, depression and was treated for an episode of delirium in 2020. The episode was a pandemic thing, Cailler said.

Wright had been stable for nearly a year.

More: Oversight board nixes 6 proposed Oklahoma County jail locations, including one offered for free

After Wrights death, Cailler pleaded for medical records, video footage or incident reports, anything that would fill the gaps in her wifes final hours. But the jail refused or ignored her calls.

Two years later, Cailler still doesnt have the answers.

In July, Cailler sued the jail in search of information. She alleged in the lawsuit that jailers ignored signs of Wrights mental health crisis and failed to provide treatment or even assess Wrights condition; instead, Cailler said, they let her languish in a cell. A Tulsa judge ordered the jail to release video, medical records and other documentation of Wrights detention by Aug. 5. No records were released. Caillers attorney, Dan Smolen, said its likely the jail will appeal the decision.

We deserve to know what happened to her, Cailler said. She wasnt no one. She was someone to us, and were going to make them answer for what happened to her.

Oklahoma Watch

Wrights family isnt the only one demanding answers from the Pottawatomie County jail. It took four years and a federal appellate court ruling to pry free the video of jailers beating another detainee, Ronald Given, to death.

Although Givens family members finally have some answers, they still seek justice. No one was charged in his death. Cailler and Russell Gage, whose father died after being beaten by his cellmate, have neither.

Details about how other detainees died and what role the jail played are scarce. Oklahoma Watch reviewed hundreds of pages of documents from arresting police departments, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the medical examiner. Heres what we learned:

Stacey Garrett, 39, died at a hospital of a rare stroke in 2018, according to a report by a state medical examiner. The autopsy report listed substance use as a contributing factor and could not determine if her death was natural, accidental or intentional.

Michael Mortons death was reported to the state Health Department. Jailers found Morton, 67, not breathing and without a pulse on the floor of a cell in 2018, according to the Health Department report. He died of a heart attack, according to an autopsy report, which cited a seizure disorder as a contributing factor. Mortons siblings said he struggled with mental illness.

Ronald Given, 42, had a history of alcohol abuse. He died at a hospital in 2019 one week after an altercation with jailers that began while Given was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to a report by a medical examiner who ruled his death a homicide.

Kellie Wright, 50, died the day after she was booked into jail in 2021 from a brain injury caused by cardiac arrest, according to a medical examiners report, which cites hypertension and alcohol use as contributing factors.

Cindy Salazars death was reported to the state Health Department. Salazar, 39, died at a hospital in 2021 after her cellmates told detention officers she was having seizures, according to the Health Department report. She was being held for the U.S. Marshals Service.

Jerry Gage, 78, had trouble breathing, had hypertension and gastrointestinal complications. He died at a hospital after being beaten by his cellmate in 2022, according to a medical examiners report that ruled his death a homicide.

Carrie Stewart, 48, died at a hospital from infections caused by intravenous drug use in 2022, according to a medical examiners report.

Stacey Garrett, 39, died of a rare stroke at a hospital in 2018 after being incarcerated at the Pottawatomie County jail. The autopsy report listed substance use as a contributing factor and could not determine if her death was natural, accidental or intentional.

Pottawatomie County prosecutor Adam Panters investigators are reviewing Givens death to determine whether any jailers will be charged, he said. Gages cellmate was charged with murder. He was found incompetent to stand trial and remains incarcerated at the Pottawatomie County jail, where he is receiving treatment, according to the jails website and court documents.

'We aren't treating people like people'

About 30 miles east of Oklahoma City, the jail, which can house up to 366 people, sits south of Interstate 40 in Shawnee, which acts as a gateway to the rural communities of eastern Oklahoma. This summer, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services opened an urgent care center aimed at meeting the needs of small-town Oklahoma where long commutes hinder mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Like those who died in Pottawatomie County, people often arrive in jails with untreated physical and mental health conditions worsened by incarceration, according to a 2019 report from the Prison Policy Initiative, a nonprofit that studies mass incarceration.

Stacey Garrett, 39, died of a rare stroke at a hospital in 2018 after being incarcerated at the Pottawatomie County jail. The autopsy report listed substance use as a contributing factor and could not determine if her death was natural, accidental or intentional. In this photo she is seen in the hospital moments before she died.

Even a few days in jail can be especially devastating for people with serious mental health and medical needs, as they are cut off from their medications, support systems, and regular healthcare providers, researchers found. Jailing people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders has lethal consequences.

According to the nonprofit, Oklahoma jails admit about 96,000 people each year, many in the midst of a mental health crisis or substance use withdrawals. That was the case for Morton, Given, Wright and Gage.

People behind bars are disproportionately poor and reliant on social services for medical and mental health care. In November, the U.S. Justice Department launched a federal investigation to determine whether those services are adequate in Oklahoma. Sheriffs across the state have pointed to their jails as evidence theyre not, calling them de facto mental health hospitals that are underfunded and ill-equipped to care for detainees who often need treatment, not incarceration.

Jeff Dismukes, who recently retired from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and now runs a nonprofit that supports people with mood disorders, agreed. He said in order to create solutions, we need to examine why they ended up there, whether police were needed and what could be done to prevent the crisis that triggered their emergency.

We arent treating people like people, Dismukes said. We aren't understanding that these are our friends and neighbors. These are people in the community who deserve opportunities to be productive members of our society, but were labeling them as something different and depriving them of the care they need.

The Pottawatomie County jail in Shawnee withheld the detention and deaths of seven detainees from their families and the public.

Body camera footage shows how Citizen Potawatomi Nation police responded to woman in mental health crisis

Wright needed care when her crisis began inside a hotel elevator. Instead, she got police.

Wright was yelling into the lobby when Citizen Potawatomi Nation police officer Orrin Beckham asked for her identification, Beckhams incident report states. According to court records, Wright refused to provide her identification and said, I have talked to God about this. Im going to die.

Beckham persuaded Wright to exit the elevator and join him in the lobby, but as the elevator began to close, Wright turned and ran toward it. Beckham restrained her on the ground and handcuffed her, court records show. Wright kicked Beckhams left calf six times, according to court records. Wright was still yelling when McLoud police officer Stephanie Nappier arrived, her body camera video shows.

Tulsa resident Kellie Wright died the day after she was booked into the Pottawatomie County jail in Shawnee. Wright was arrested by Citizen Potawatomi Nation police during a mental health crisis and taken to jail instead of treatment. Her wife, Shelly Cailler, is suing the jail's oversight board for answers.

Wright alternated between cursing at officers and begging them not to hurt her as they loaded her into the back of a police truck, video shows. Wright, who lay face down across the seat with her wrists and ankles bound, didnt answer when officers asked what drugs she had taken. It must have been methamphetamine, they said.

The only thing I can get her on right now is public intox, Beckham said in the video.

Seconds later he told Wright she was under arrest, accused of public intoxication. Nappier suggested charging Wright for kicking him. According to Beckhams incident report, he arrested her, accusing her of assaulting an officer.

Nappiers body camera was still recording at the jail when detention officers carried Wright inside the Pottawatomie County jail with minor visible injuries. Beckham assisted by holding the chain restraining Wrights feet. Wright begged officers not to kill her. Beckham wiped blood off himself in the video, but its source is unclear.

You aint gonna get hurt, Beckham said. This is a safe place.

The following day, Wright was found unresponsive in a cell and died hours later at a hospital, according to an autopsy report. Caillers lawsuit alleges Wrights broken bones and bruises were a result of excessive use of force by jailers or another detainee.

Wrights blood alcohol level was less than half the legal limit, according to the autopsy report. The only drugs found in her system were from prescriptions she was taking at the time.

Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center Trustees meet on Aug. 23. The men that oversee the jail from left to right are: David Henry, Victor Lee, Chairman Rick Stiles and Bill Horacek. Trustee Bill Torbett was not in attendance.

How jails are supposed to report detainee deaths in Oklahoma

When a detainee dies, jails are required to report the death to the state Health Departments jail division, which triggers a safety inspection. An inspection was not conducted after Wright died because her death wasnt reported. Neither was Garretts, Givens, Gages or Stewarts.

The (Health) Department shall be notified no later than the next working day if any of the following incidents occur, the law states. Five incidents are listed, the last of which is death.

State Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, said some argue that jails dont need to report the death of a detainee who dies somewhere outside of a detention facility, such as a hospital. The language needs to be clarified, he said.

Dr. LaTrina Frazier, who runs the Health Departments quality assurance and regulatory division, said in a July interview that the department was unaware of the unreported detainee deaths at Pottawatomie County jail. Inspectors typically investigate complaints within a year of the alleged violation, but not after. Failure to report is a violation of state law, but a difficult one to enforce because inspectors dont know what they dont know, she said.

The goal is educating and working with jails to improve conditions, Frazier said.

Consequences for violations are rare, placing the burden on lawyers to hold jails accountable, said Kelly, who represents Gages family.

Jails dont feel like they have to answer to anyone because there arent any impacts so why would they change anything? Kelly said. "Somebody has to stand up to them or nothing is going to change."

Health Department employees found no violations during an annual health inspection on May 25, according to the latest inspection report. No violations have been found at the jail since at least 2018, according to Health Department records.

The jails oversight authority, that jail trust, is ultimately responsible for inmate safety and required to report deaths, Frazier said.

The Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center is one of 18 jails in the state overseen by appointed trustees instead of elected county sheriffs and commissioners. Five men appointed by county commissioners oversee the jail and the $7.6 million in public funds that last year paid for its operations. Although jail officials have not responded to a request for the names of the trustees, Oklahoma Watch was able to identify them through other sources and confirmed their identities at the trusts monthly meeting on Aug. 23.

Chairman Rick Stiles is an automotive paint supply dealer who developed a gun safety device. David Henry is a pastor at Higher Ground church. Bill Torbett served on the Shawnee City Council in the 1980s. Bill Horacek is a retired Air Force pilot and horse rancher. Victor Lee is a former Shawnee police officer and Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer.

At the meeting, Stiles, Henry, Horacek and Lee refused to discuss the unreported deaths or respond to questions. Torbett was absent from the meeting and did not respond to calls or messages.

The Pottawatomie County Board of Commissioners relinquished its oversight of the jail to the trust in 2002, prompted by efforts to fund and build a new jail and lessen the countys liability when the jail is sued.

Families, news organizations turn to courts to get information on deaths at Pottawatomie County jail

Eva Kopaddy, Givens aunt, is suing the jail trust, jail employees, and police who arrested Given at a hospital where they had taken him for a mental health evaluation. While Given was waiting for a treatment bed to become available he began hallucinating and pushed an officer who arrested him, accusing him of assaulting an officer, and took him to jail where he was beaten by jailers.

For four years, the family fought for video footage showing what happened to Given in the jails care. The video of Givens beating was released in January after an appellate court judge affirmed a ruling in favor of The Frontier, which sued to obtain the video.

The jail has refused to produce similar records of the other six detainees who died. Their families are looking to the courts for help.

Director Rochelle Thompson refused to open the door when an Oklahoma Watch reporter showed up to the jail Aug. 7 to request public records related to the seven detainees who died and the trust. The jail accepts such requests only between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., a jail employee said, though its business hours were posted on the jail wall as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Oklahoma Open Records Act says, At least one person shall be available at all times to release records during the regular business hours of the public body.

One week later, that sign was removed when Oklahoma Watch reporters returned before 1 p.m. to submit requests, which were accepted after Thompson consulted an attorney. The jail provided a handwritten receipt stating, We will research and obtain legal advice for the records which meet open records law.

After weeks of not answering Oklahoma Watchs calls and messages, Thompson agreed to an interview, which she canceled 30 minutes before it was scheduled to begin. Thompsons assistant explained that the cancellation was at the recommendation of the jails attorney. Jail employees refused to provide the name of the attorney and no one at the jail has responded to a recent open records request that would provide the attorneys name.

Oklahoma Watch submitted eight requests for public information in August, including minutes from trustee meetings, booking information, incident reports and video of the detainees. The jail has not responded to the requests.

Thompson began working at the jail as its assistant director in June 2009, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her husband, Capt. Bobby Thompson, was hired as the jails investigator four months later, according to his profile. Rochelle Thompson was promoted to jail director in May 2017. Second in command is her husband, who trains and supervises detention officers and conducts internal investigations when an inmate is injured or dies.

A sergeant who accompanied Given to the hospital after his fatal altercation with jailers told state investigators that Bobby Thompson directed her to exclude bruises and swelling on Givens face from her written report.

State investigators assisted the jail in its investigation of Gages beating but did not look into the other five deaths, according to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokesman Hunter McKee.

Panter, the countys prosecutor who was elected in November after the deaths occurred, said in an emailed statement that his office will investigate the unreported jail deaths.

Information provided to my office by Oklahoma Watch concerning multiple deaths at the Pottawatomie County Safety Center from 2018-2022 raises obvious concerns, Panter wrote. Due to potential litigation, I cannot comment on the facts of the alleged incidents. But I can affirm that the allegations are taken seriously and will be investigated by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Along with the deaths of Morton and Salazar, the jail reported an inmate injury to the Health Department after Gage was beaten by his cellmate but did not report his death.

Jail dodged responsibility with medical releases, records show

Gage was arrested by Oklahoma City police on Jan. 12, 2022, on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Police were called to a nursing home where Gage used to live and receive treatment for his disabilities and mental health conditions, said Kelly, the familys attorney. According to Kelly and court records, Gages cellmate was arrested in a felony assault of a police officer and was awaiting a competency hearing when the pair were housed together.

Jailers were unaware of the attack on Gage until his cellmate notified them using an intercom, the Health Department report states. Kelly said he plans to file a lawsuit against the jail soon.

Jerry Gage, 78, was beaten by his cellmate at the Pottawatomie County jail in Shawnee and died at the hospital in 2022.

While Gage was in the hospital, a county judge released him from detention at the jails request with the agreement Gage would appear at his next court date, court records show. Kelly said the request should have been denied because Gage was unconscious and unable to agree to anything.

The jail made the same request for Stewart while she was hospitalized, which was granted, according to court records.

Attorneys Kelly and Smolen said jails across the state use medical release bonds to deflect responsibility and medical costs for the sickest and most vulnerable detainees.

'She had one bad night, and she needed help. She didn't deserve this.'

Wright was a mother who owned an accounting business and spent weekends at Keystone Lake with family and friends. But video footage shows thats not the person that law enforcement and jailers met the night Wright needed their help. They met someone they suspected drank too much and used drugs. Someone who threatened and disrespected law enforcement. Someone who was violent, paranoid and uncooperative.

State law requires police academies to provide prospective officers at least 600 hours of training. A minimum of four hours must focus on recognizing and managing people who may require mental health treatment or services. The state mental health department has trained nearly 2,900 officers in crisis intervention, a specialized 40-hour program that teaches officers to identify mental illness and substance abuse, and respond by taking people to treatment instead of jail whenever possible.

Inside the Pottawatomie County jail, Kellie Wright repeatedly begged jailers and police not to kill her. Citizen Potawatomi Nation police officer Orrin Beckham, who arrested Wright, said "you ain't gonna get hurt. You're in a safe place." The next day, Wright died at a nearby hospital. For two years, jail has withheld video and documents about Wright's detention. Police video shows Wright's first moments in the jail.

Wright was taken to jail.

Wright was kind and funny, Cailler said. She loved going to the casino with her daughter and volunteering at Tulsas annual arts, chili and bluegrass festivals.

She was a good person, Cailler said. She had one bad night, and she needed help. She didnt deserve this. None of them did.

Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Seven deaths at Pottawatomie County jail remain unexplained
BEAVER  A group of local families and community members affected by gun violence will gather for a public prayer service next week.

Christians United will host the "Memorial to the Lost Prayer Service" outside the Holy Trinity Luthern Church at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be a part of the "Memorial to Those Lost to Gun Violence in Western PA," which brings awareness to the 59 individuals who have been victims of gun violence this year.

At the event, visitors can visit a display of T-shirts that feature the names, ages and days that these victims died from gun violence. The display will remain outside the church after the service and is anticipated to stay in the area for around two weeks.

A student from Duquesne University, Jayla Hemphill, will also briefly speak about her personal experience with gun violence during the service.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Prayer service for victims of gun violence to take place in Beaver
A husband and wife  who have a baby on the way  recently used their Iowa lottery winnings to buy another $30 ticket. It was a decision that paid off big.

We scratched it and then we got $50, Alexandra Perez-Gonzalez, of West Liberty, told lottery officials. Then he was like, Buy another one! Maybe well get lucky and win $200, or $100.

The 24-year-old woman bought another Premiere scratch game ticket and quickly realized they had won again, according to a Sept. 6 news release from the Iowa Lottery.

I started scratching the prize. I thought it was just $30, and then I saw 30 and two zeroes, Perez-Gonzalez told lottery officials. Then I was like, Wait! Jonathan, hold on! Theres another zero here!

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She had won $30,000, according to the release.

The expecting couple, who currently live in an apartment, is hopeful they can someday have a house for their growing family, officials said.

It was just a very, very exciting experience, Perez-Gonzalez said, per the release. It came when we needed it most and least expected it. Were very grateful.

West Liberty, in Muscatine County, is about 50 miles southeast of Cedar Rapids.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Newlyweds bought Powerball ticket on vacation. With their win, they can take another

Man surprises wife with winning lottery ticket in Missouri. Well pay the house off!

70-year-old wife wins lottery jackpot in Michigan. Husband had a few choice words
President Joe Biden welcomes leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) on Wednesday to the White House to congratulate them on finalizing a new labor contract covering West Coast ports. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden welcomed leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to the White House on Wednesday, calling their new labor contract for West Coast ports "a good deal for workers."

"It's a good deal for workers. It's a good deal for companies and it's a good deal for the United States of America," Biden told the group.

The contract covers 29 ports from San Diego, Calif., to Bellingham, Wash., which "play a major role in the nation's economy."

"More comes through those ports than any other means of getting in to the United States of America. It's a gigantic, gigantic economic impact," the president said Wednesday, as he outlined improved pay benefits for dock workers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"That includes a guaranteed 32% pay increase over a six-year period. It also includes a one-time bonus for the dock workers' exceptional efforts during the pandemic."

President Joe Biden welcomes leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) to the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to celebrate their new labor contract for West Coast ports. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Biden said workers' increased pay will ensure the U.S. supply chain remains intact, which will help the economy.

"Goods are moving quickly and efficiently across the country. Plus this has a direct impact on reducing inflation," Biden explained.

President Joe Biden tells leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) that their new labor contract covering West Coast ports is "a good deal for workers, a good deal for companies and a good deal for the United States of America." Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"When the cost of moving goods through supply chains goes up, inflation goes up. That's why we made fixing our supply chains to bring down inflation a top priority. And it's working," Biden said, as he claimed "inflation is down to around 3%, about one-third of what it was one year ago. That's near its lowest point in over two years."

ILWU President Willie Adams said in an Aug. 31 statement that the tentative contract agreement, which was reached in June, was ratified with 75% approval from ILWU members.

President Joe Biden congratulates leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) on finalizing a new labor contract covering West Coast ports Wednesday. The president spoke in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., telling the group "collective bargaining means everyone wins." Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"The negotiations for this contract were protracted and challenging," Adams said. "I am grateful to our rank and file for their strength, to our Negotiating Committee for their vision and tenacity, and to those that supported giving the ILWU and PMA the space that we needed to get to this result."

The Pacific Maritime Association's statement on the ratification said the contract provides "an important framework for the hard work ahead to overcome new competitive challenges and to continue to position the West Coast ports as destinations of choice for shippers worldwide."

Oil tankers are pictured anchored near the Los Angles and Long Beach port complex in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 24, 2020. The ILWU and Pacific Maritime Association finalized a new labor contract averting a strike at West Coast ports and avoiding supply chain disruptions that a strike would have caused. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

"From San Diego to Bellingham, these ports have long been the primary gateways for cargo coming into and leaving the United States, and our interests are aligned in ensuring they can effectively, and efficiently, handle the capacity growth that drives economies and jobs," the Union said.

According to the ILWU the six-year contract "protects good-paying jobs in 29 West Coast port communities, maintains health benefits, and improves wages, pensions and safety protections."

Pay raises for dock workers will be 32% over the six-year contract plus a one-time "hero's bonus" of $70 million shared among the 22,000 dockworkers represented by the ILWU, The Wall Street Journal reported.

"Collective bargaining means everyone wins, workers, employers, our economy and consumers," Biden said Wednesday, as he also congratulated the Teamsters and UPS for ratifying a new agreement last month.

"Thanks to that contract, those workers will see significant pay increases, improved working conditions, brief relief from the heat and delivery trucks by eliminating the tier system which unfairly paid some drivers lower wages than others doing the same exact job," Biden said.

The UPS-Teamsters' labor agreement was ratified by union members on Aug. 22. It provides "large raises for full- and part-time workers, creates more full-time jobs, hires 30,000 new drivers and adds workplace protections, including air conditioning in delivery trucks."

The United Auto Workers is also pushing for significant wage increases and other improvements for autoworkers at GM, Ford and Stellantis. The deadline for that contract agreement is Sept. 15 and according to UAW President Shawn Fain, the two sides are far apart on coming to terms.

"To invest in American workers who are the backbone of the country makes sense to me," Biden said in closing Wednesday. "Labor contracts we celebrate today, prove that."
In a newly obtained warrant and report, Action News Jax has learned that the president of a local cheerleading club has been arrested and charged for stealing funds from the company she helped establish.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

The arrest warrant states that between Jul. 28, 2021 and Jul. 1, 2023, Amanda Beth Herndon used company funds for her own use and gain, depriving the company of the right to the funds. The defendant used the account as if it were her personal bank account.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The not-for-profit organization that Herndon helped start is called Crush Cheerleading. In June 2021, Herndon and two other individuals established the cheerleading club. The organization is described as a non-profit for girls aged 18 years or younger, funded by parents and guardians.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On their website, Crush Recreational Competitive Cheerleading serves Orange Park and the surrounding communities such as Jacksonville, Oakleaf, Middleburg, Fleming Island and Clay and Duval Counties.

READ: On our radar for several years: Lift Jax set to revitalize Eastside Apartments through partnership

Funds that were donated were intended to be used for uniforms, practice uniforms, cheerleading equipment, gym purchases/rental, competition and hotel fees and private training classes.

In June 2021, the defendant (Herndon) opened a VyStar checking, and savings account for Crush Cheerleading, the warrant reads. The defendant is the only one who had access to the account.

The warrant also states that the two other reporting parties associated with Crush Cheerleading (who will not be named in this story based on privacy), were not given access to the account and could not monitor the funds going in or out of the account.

It was in July of 2023 that the two other parties involved in the cheerleading club became suspicious of Herndon after they received a Facebook message that she was profiting from Crush Cheerleading.

READ: Major insurers factoring in climate change, but industry insiders say expect little impact in FL.

After both partners were added to the Crush Cheerleading bank account through their insistence, they reviewed bank statements and discovered personal transactions dating back to 2021. That financial spending was said to never have been related to Crush Cheerleading.

On Jul. 6, 2023, both partners reported what they found to the Clay County Sheriffs Office.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Herndon was arrested on Sat., Sept. 2 and was charged with grand theft of $20,000 or more, less than $100,000. Her bail was set at $50,000.

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.
Those frequent trips to the pool may have filled your heart with fond summer vacation memories, but they likely also filled your hair with harsh chemicals that can cause major damage.

Chlorine can be an insidious hair killer, and the more time you spend in the pool, the more damage youre likely to experience. Thats why we spoke to experts about how to protect your tresses before you take a dip, and the best ways to heal hair thats already been overexposed to chlorine.

How chlorine affects your hair.

Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a trichologist who is well-versed in dealing with damaged hair, tells us that chlorine acts as a disinfectant, so its extremely harsh and can lead to dry, brittle hair and scalp irritation. Chlorine also washes away sebum, the natural oils that our scalp produces, and sebum is overall protective for not only the scalp but the strands, she said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While all hair types and textures are prone to the drying effects of chlorine, hair thats been colored, relaxed or otherwise chemically treated is particularly at risk.

These types of chemical treatments make the hair more porous and they open the cuticle, which makes hair more susceptible to damage said hairstylist Brittany Johnson. Adding a strong chemical like chlorine on top of that is gonna have even more of an effect.

Chambers-Harris warns that avid swimmers  especially natural and bottle blonds  might even see their hair change color, because chlorine tends to oxidize copper, which leads to your hair having a greenish hue. (FYI, our hair has small amounts of copper in it.)

If you think youre safe because youve barely swum this year, think again. Just two visits to a pool in one week can lead to damaged hair.

Johnson has noticed it in clients immediately after a one-week vacation. If youre in chlorine consistently for days at a time without doing any extra protective measures to your hair, thats enough to see the effects, she said.

How to prevent chlorine damage in the first place.

Of course the best way to fight damage is to prevent it, and the experts all recommend saturating your strands with water or a hydrating treatment before taking a dip in the pool.

Pre-saturating your hair helps minimize damage because hair, when damp, wont absorb as much chlorine, said hairstylist Barb Thompson. If your hair cuticle is already moistened with water or conditioner, theres less room for it to absorb chlorine.

Thompson suggests clients put a deep conditioner in a spray water bottle and bring it with you when headed to the pool so you have the remedy handy. For an extra layer of protection, wear a swim cap.

As crucial as pre-treating your tresses is, Thompson said what matters most is how quickly you remove the chlorine post-swim. After your swim, she recommends rinsing your hair with water immediately, applying your conditioning treatment, and letting it sit for 10 minutes to an hour. As soon as you get home, give it a thorough washwith shampoo.

How to treat chlorine-damaged hair.

If youre already seeing signs of damage, theres plenty you can do at home to diminish damage.

Whitney White, a veteran natural hair YouTuber and owner of Melanin Haircare, says a clarifying shampoo and moisturizing conditioner are key. Clarifying removes the chemicals; conditioning and deep conditioning replenishes the lost moisture, she said.

Chambers-Harris also advocates for trying a chelating shampoo, such as Ultra Swim or Hairprint, which is stronger and more helpful in preventing damage and that dreadful green tint. Chelating shampoos tend to have ingredients like EDTA [ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid] that will bind to the minerals and help remove the chlorine and copper that are deposited on your hair, she added.

Chlorine can oxidize minerals in your hair, turning them a greenish hue.

Chlorine can oxidize minerals in your hair, turning them a greenish hue.

Tempting as it may be, while your hair is still healing, dont sacrifice its health for a cute do! White encourages low-manipulation styles such as loose buns or ponytails, chunky braids, or medium to large box braids. You can avoid the tension from elastics by swapping them out for scrunchies and trendy claw clips, which are kinder on your strands.

If youre not a fan of the loose protective styles, White suggests you take advantage of moisturizing gels, headbands or head wraps that can give you the appearance of a slicked-back look while still protecting your edges and your hair.

If your DIY treatments arent cutting it, you may want to seek help from a professional who can put you on a strengthening and rebuilding regimen. The treatments we have access to in the salon are often supercharged versions of at-home treatments clients can do themselves, Johnson said. Both Johnson and Thompson use a Malibu C salon treatment, which has accompanying at-home follow-ups to help you keep up the course-correcting routine.

Whether youre doing it all on your own or relying on a professional, youll need to practice patience as it can take a minimum of three months to recover. White says theres no guarantee your hair will fully heal, and how fast it does depends on a number of factors  particularly genetics. Everyones hair has a different potential for recovery, she said.

Related...
Flag of the mercenaries of the so-called Wagner PMC

In the wake of Wagner PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhins death, there has been a dynamic decrease in Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas told Lithuanian news outlet LRT on Sep. 6.

The situation is completely different from what it was three weeks ago, he added.

Read also: Poland, Latvia, Lithuania may close borders with Belarus if critical incident occurs

I can only mention from public sources that there is a dynamic decrease [in the number of mercenaries]. They are splitting up, moving to other territories, some are going on holiday to Russia, [or] they are being recruited by other military companies, said Anusauskas.

NV

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A Texas prosecutor could spend the next 20 years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to an extortion charge, officials said.

As an elected Starr County attorney, Victor Canales, 50, was responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas said in a Sept. 5 news release.

In September 2021, a woman went to Canales for help after her son was charged with three misdemeanors, the release says. Canales told the woman he could take care of the charges for $1,500, prosecutors said.

The mother gave Canales three money orders totaling $1500. He deposited the proceeds into his own checking account and used it for his own personal needs rather than depositing the monies into the Starr County account, the attorneys office said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An attorney for Canales did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment on Sept. 6.

After that, he sent letters to Cameron County saying the defendants charges would be dropped, the news release said.

Canales plea agreement shows he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right. An indictment filed in April lists eight other charges Canales is accused of, including federal program theft and extortion.

An April news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office says Canales embezzled property worth at least $5,000 from 2018 to 2021.

Canales knowingly obstructed and affected commerce by extortion by obtaining property not due to him on four separate occasions in 2021, the release said.

Part of the plea agreement filed Sept. 6 says the government recommends the remaining eight counts be dropped at the time of sentencing.

Canales is set to be sentenced in December and faces 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine, the release said. He is out on bond.

Starr County is along the U.S. border with Mexico. Its county seat, Rio Grande City, is about 225 miles south of San Antonio.

Attorney stole over $800,000 from 86-year-old client with dementia in Ohio, feds say

Detective uses relatives credit for lease, then skips paying rent, MA prosecutors say

Coachs sextortion scheme unravels when student figures out who he is, feds say
Federal attorneys want a nearly three-year prison sentence for an Idaho woman arrested in connection to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots.

In March, a jury convicted Yvonne St Cyr, 56, of Boise, of two felony counts of obstructing and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder.

St Cyr was also found guilty of four misdemeanor charges: entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing the Capitol building.

Yvonne St Cyr, an Idaho resident, posted photos on Facebook from inside the U.S. Capitol.

Matthew Graves, prosecuting attorney for the District of Columbia, recommended St Cyr be sentenced to 33 months in prison, according to court documents filed Saturday. He also said she should be supervised for three years after her release, fined $2,000 in restitution and undergo a mandatory assessment for $270.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Graves noted that St Cyr continued publicly calling the United States justice system corrupt after the trial and proclaimed she had every right to be there when speaking about the Capitol riot.

Her words show a lack of remorse, disrespect for the law, and disregard for the legal process, Graves said in the sentencing memorandum.

He also pointed out that she has a history of criminal activity. St Cyr was arrested in December 2020 for trespassing after she refused to leave Boises Central District Health building during a meeting. She was also dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps for a drug offense.

It is clear that St Cyr proceeds through life as she desires, with disregard for law and authority, Graves said. A 33-month sentence is warranted to deter her future crimes.

Yvonne St Cyr could be seen in photo evidence moving toward the Capitol Building after breaking through the police line.

A mob of rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, stormed the Capitol, attacking law enforcement officers, as Congress certified the results of the 2020 presidential election, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. At least seven people died in connection with the insurrection, including officers who died by suicide, according to a bipartisan Senate report.

St Cyr traveled to Washington, D.C., in the days leading up to Jan. 6 to attend former President Donald Trumps rally. After leaving the rally, she joined a crowd of rioters occupying the west plaza of the Capitol, according to a Justice Department news release. St Cyr was part of the group of rioters who broke through a police line, and she was one of the first to enter the Lower West Plaza tunnel.

St Cyr was seen in video footage that she recorded yelling, We need fresh people and push, push, push as other rioters attempted to move past the police officers, according to prosecutors sentencing memorandum to the judge. Evidence showed she crawled through a broken window into Senate office space, where she said she was looking for a place to charge her phone.

Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested and charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot, including six Idaho residents. Among them are:

Josiah Colt, a Boise man who pleaded guilty in July to one felony count of obstruction of an official proceeding. Colt was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He was photographed sitting in then-Vice President Mike Pences seat during the riot.

Pamela Hemphill, a Boise woman in the Capitol Building during the riot. She was sentenced to two months in jail and three years of probation for one misdemeanor count of demonstrating in the Capitol Building.

Duke Wilson, of Nampa. He received more than four years in prison after he admitted to hitting at least one police officer with a pipe, assisting other rioters in attempting to pull a defensive shield away from a police officer, and pushing an officer to the ground.

St Cyrs sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, in court in Washington D.C. with District Judge John D. Bates.





Photo evidence showed the entrance to the tunnel used by Yvonne St Cyr as it appeared on Inauguration Day.
Federal prosecutors working for Delaware US Attorney David Weiss say they plan to ask a grand jury to approve more criminal charges against President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, before the end of this month.

According to a filing submitted in connection with charges brought against Mr Biden as part of plea agreement that collapsed at a July hearing before a Trump-appointed federal judge, prosecutors say they intend to seek the return of an indictment in this case before 29 September, when the Speedy Trial Act would require prosecutors to formally bring charges from a grand jury after Mr Biden was served a summons requiring him to appear for the failed plea hearing.

Prosecutors did not specify what charges they would ask grand jurors to vote on, or where they would seek to bring charges, but Mr Weiss was appointed as a special counsel earlier this summer by Attorney General Merrick Garland, giving him the ability to bring charges against the presidents son in any federal district court, not just the District of Delaware where he serves as US attorney.

The charges brought against Mr Biden thus far stem from a multi-year investigation overseen by Mr Weiss, who was appointed to his post under former president Donald Trump but allowed to remain on the job by President Biden in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Yale-educated lawyer and former lobbyist is charged with failing to pay taxes in two different tax years, as well as making a false statement in connection with a firearm purchase.

Republicans have claimed that the failure to bring more serious charges against Hunter Biden is proof that the Department of Justice is biased in favour of Democrats, but Attorney General Merrick Garland has denied that there has been any improper influence over the conduct of the long-running investigation.

The White House referred a request for comment from The Independent to Hunter Bidens representatives, who did not immediately respond.
Federal prosecutors will seek an indictment of Hunter Biden for illegally possessing a gun as a drug user by Sept. 29, according to a new court filing on Wednesday.

Biden is expected to be charged in Delaware with felony counts related to his purchase of a gun in October of 2018. At the time, he has said he was regularly using crack cocaine. Prosecutors said last month that they also plan to charge the presidents son with tax crimes in California or Washington, D.C.

The charges stem from a lengthy federal investigation into the presidents son. This summer, he nearly reached a deal with prosecutors that would have allowed him to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay federal taxes. The deal also would have allowed him to avoid prosecution on gun charges if he stayed out of trouble for several years.

But after a judge questioned the deal at a dramatic hearing on July 26, it collapsed. Then, on Aug. 11, Attorney General Merrick Garland granted special counsel status to David Weiss, the Trump-appointed federal prosecutor who has been overseeing the investigation for years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wednesdays filing is the latest sign that his team is plowing ahead with an extraordinarily sensitive and historically unprecedented investigation  a criminal case that pits prosecutors in the executive branch against the presidents son.

Garland and Weiss have long maintained that the investigation is independent. But IRS agents who worked on the case have testified to Congress that they believe they faced political interference while investigating the presidents son. Congressional Republicans have similarly blasted the case as tainted by politics.

House Republicans have accused Weiss of offering Hunter Biden a sweetheart deal, and they are scrutinizing his foreign business dealings, including in China and Ukraine. They have also lambasted the feds for deciding against stiffer charges for the alleged tax crimes. And they are preparing to launch an impeachment inquiry against the president because of his sons foreign business.

If Hunter Biden goes to trial, the proceedings could overlap with the impeachment inquiry and with his fathers 2024 campaign.

In the filing, prosecutor Leo Wise laid out his calculation of the timeline the federal government must adhere to under the Speedy Trial Act. Wise wrote that the governments deadline for indicting the presidents son is Sept. 29, and that prosecutors will seek to have a grand jury indict him before that date.

Hunter Bidens lead defense lawyer, Abbe Lowell, also filed an update in federal court in Delaware on Wednesday. In the brief filing, he hinted at part of his clients defense strategy: the argument that a signed agreement between the Justice Department and the presidents son  which includes language shielding him from prosecution  is in effect.

Hunter Bidens legal woes have been long-running and circuitous. The Justice Department quietly started investigating him during Donald Trumps administration, and news broke of the probe after the 2020 election was called for now-President Joe Biden .

Weiss, who was appointed by Trump as the U.S. attorney in Delaware, faced zealous push-back from the first sons lawyers, with one defense attorney threatening to put Joe Biden on the stand if Weiss charged Hunter Biden with unlawfully possessing a gun while being a drug user. That attorney, Chris Clark, is no longer on Bidens legal team. It is unclear if Bidens current lawyers plan to follow through on that threat.

In June, the Justice Department and the defense lawyers struck their proposed plea deal: Biden would plead guilty to the two tax misdemeanors and would enter a so-called pretrial diversion agreement to resolve one felony gun count. On the morning of July 26, Weiss signed the pretrial diversion agreement, which included language shielding Biden from future criminal charges. Hunter Biden signed the agreement too.

At the court hearing that day, Judge Maryellen Noreika pressed prosecutors on a series of issues, including just how much protection they guaranteed Biden from future prosecution in exchange for the guilty pleas and diversion agreement. Prosecutors said they were still investigating Biden and that he could hypothetically still face charges for illegal lobbying. Bidens lawyer said that meant there would be no deal. At the end of the hearing, the judge asked both sides to reach an agreement on how much protection Biden would receive from future prosecution.

In August, court filings revealed that the two parties couldnt save the deal. Weiss said on Aug. 11  the same day Garland made him a special counsel  that he planned to bring tax charges against Hunter Biden in California or Washington, D.C. Weiss special counsel status formally gave him authority to charge Biden anywhere in the country.

Bidens lawyers, meanwhile, have said they believe the pretrial diversion agreement, with the shield from future prosecution, is in effect. Prosecutors, however, say it is null  a position they reiterated in Wednesdays filing. The agreements status will likely be litigated if a grand jury indicts the presidents son.

In a statement Wednesday evening, Lowell said: "We believe the signed and filed diversion agreement remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed against Mr. Biden, who has been abiding by the conditions of release under that agreement for the last several weeks, including regular visits by the probation office. We expect a fair resolution of the sprawling, five-year investigation into Mr. Biden that was based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure, and well do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that.
Washington  Prosecutors say they will ask a grand jury to return an indictment against Hunter Biden before Sept. 29, special counsel David Weiss informed a federal judge in Delaware on Wednesday.

The news comes after a tentative plea deal between the government and Hunter Biden's attorneys over taxes and diversion agreement on a firearms charge fell apart this summer. The president's son had originally been charged by two separate criminal informations with misdemeanor tax offenses and a felony firearm offense. But in open court, a federal judge questioned provisions of the tentative deal that would have allowed the president's son to avoid prison time. After that, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

Weiss, who was elevated to special counsel last month, cited the Speedy Trial Act as the impetus for the short timeline. His filing was made in response to a federal judge's questions about the status of the firearms case and the diversion agreement after the deal with Hunter Biden's legal team fell through in July.

"The Speedy Trial Act requires that the government obtain the return of an indictment by a grand jury by Friday, September 29, 2023, at the earliest," Weiss wrote. "The government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before that date."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

IRS whistleblower in Hunter Biden probe says he was stopped from pursuing investigative leads into "dad" or the "big guy"

In a court filing of their own on Wednesday, Hunter Biden's lawyers said their client has continued to abide by the parameters of the firearm diversion agreement, which called for him to remain drug-free without committing additional crimes in order to see the gun charge dismissed.

"We believe the signed and filed diversion agreement remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed against Mr. Biden, who has been abiding by the conditions of release under that agreement for the last several weeks, including regular visits by the probation office," said Hunter Biden's attorney Abbe Lowell. "We expect a fair resolution of the sprawling, 5-year investigation into Mr. Biden that was based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure, and we'll do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that."

The White House referred to Hunter Biden's personal attorneys for comment.

Search for escaped killer in Pennsylvania enters 7th day

Saudi Arabia, Russia oil cuts could impact U.S. interest rates

2022 saw record-high sea levels and greenhouse gases, NOAA says
A Mar-a-Lago IT worker struck a cooperation deal with prosecutors investigating former President Trumps handling of classified records at his Florida home, according to a filing from his former attorney.

It was already known Yuscil Taveras had flipped in the case after prosecutors working with special counsel Jack Smith pushed the IT worker to speak with an outside attorney.

But the filing from his former attorney makes explicit that Taveras will not face prosecution on perjury charges after initially giving false information to investigators.

The filing from attorney Stanley Woodward comes as prosecutors are again asking the court to hold a so-called Garcia hearing to evaluate his representation of Walt Nauta, Trumps co-defendant in the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Taveras  whose testimony led to a superseding indictment accusing Trump, Nauta and the Mar-a-Lago property manager of attempting to delete security footage at the property  is expected to testify in the case.

Woodward, however, has argued his testimony should be barred, complaining about Justice Department dealings with Taveras.

Woodward wrote in the filing that he played no role in the Taveras decision, and he lashed out at the Justice Department (DOJ) for offering immunity only once the IT worker consulted with a court-appointed public defender.

It is telling that the Non-Prosecution Agreement it ultimately offered Trump Employee 4 was not offered before the District Court had agreed to appoint conflict counsel, Woodward wrote, using the identifier DOJ assigned Taveras.

Woodward, whose services have been paid for by Trump, is battling an effort by the Justice Department to hold a similar hearing with Nauta.

Prosecutors are likewise seeking a Garcia hearing with Carlos De Oliveira, the third co-defendant in the Mar-a-Lago case.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
At the sentencing hearings for the five Proud Boys convicted for some of the most serious crimes related to the January 6 insurrection, the crocodile tears were flowing. Perhaps hoping for mercy from the Donald Trump-appointed federal judge, Timothy Kelly, one member of the neo-fascist gang after another claimed to have seen the error of their ways and promised to walk a better path from here on out.

Dominic Pezzola, who had joined the group only weeks before the January 6 attack, declared himself "a changed and humbled man" ready to return to a quiet life as an apolitical father and partner to his girlfriend. Joseph Biggs, who was functionally second in command of the Proud Boys on the day of the riot, claimed, "I was seduced by the crowd" before claiming that he's "so sorry." Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio claimed to be "profusely sorry" and called the cops he sicced his gang on "heroes."

It doesn't matter if the Proud Boys are remorseless.

"I'm done with politics, done with peddling lies for other people who don't care about me," said Pennsylvania-based Proud Boy Zachary Rehl, while wiping away tears. "There is no excuse for what I did," Ethan Nordean declared.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

There's plenty of reason to be skeptical of a single word of remorse offered by any of these men, however.

We need your help to stay independent

Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism

Pezzola, after getting sentenced to 10 years, raised his fist in the air and yelled "Trump won!" While the other Proud Boys were less dramatic, it was also not so hard to see how few, if any, genuinely feel bad about what they did. After being sentenced, Biggs called into a vigil held by pro-insurrectionists outside the jail and declared that his 17-year sentence was "insanity," even though it was half what prosecutors had asked for. "They can kiss my ass. We're still fighting all the way to the end," he told the crowd, imploring them to "never give up." He also called into "Infowars" to insist, "We didn't do anything wrong."

Proud Boys Leader Joe Biggs phoned into Alex Jones's Info Wars program from prison. He said, "I do believe that Donald J. Trump will pardon us, because he should. We didn't do anything wrong. We're his supporters; we went there like he asked." pic.twitter.com/8m0oavNIGC  Tony - Resistance (@TonyHussein4) September 3, 2023

As Brandi Buchman of Emptywheel, who has been covering the Proud Boys and Oathkeepers trials from the beginning, pointed out, Nordean's pleas for mercy were flat-out dishonest. He kept insisting had only shown up "to keep people out of trouble and keep people safe," and that he was only guilty of a failure to "deescalate." That's a lie, as evidence showed he not only egged people on before the attack but that he was texting his fellows about plotting for "absolute war" in the days after. Similarly, Rehl has lied throughout this process. He lied on the stand, saying he didn't pepper spray cops, until video evidence was produced showing him doing it. Even after being found guilty, Buchman notes, "Rehl continued to mock proceedings and not just that, but lie about them" to far-right media outlets.

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only.

Meanwhile, Tarrio's lawyers continued to push silly lies, such as the claim that Tarrio was there to "fight antifa," despite all the evidence showing his intent was to block the counting of electoral votes.

Jauregui: My client is no terrorist, he's a misguided patriot. This is not some foreign nat'l waging war against the US. He thought he was saving this country, this republic. He went there to protest....the pepper spray and gear was to fight antifa  Brandi Buchman (@Brandi_Buchman) September 5, 2023

The Trump-appointed judge was skeptical, reminding Tarrio many times that he told the Proud Boys "don't f*cking leave" during the riot:

NOW: Henry "Enrique" Tarrio is sentenced to 22 YEARS in prison and 36 mos. supervised release.  Brandi Buchman (@Brandi_Buchman) September 5, 2023

Tarrio's sentence of 22 years  so far, the longest of any January 6 insurrectionist  speaks to how skeptical the judge was of his "remorse."

This lack of real contrition is the norm with insurrections top to bottom, from Trump to the lowliest window-smasher. The Capitol riot wasn't the result of misguided people who just needed to be set straight. These folks are fanatics who lie with ease in service of their goal, which is toppling democracy. It's dispiriting to realize they aren't going to give up, no matter how destructive their obsession turns out to be. Trump and his minions have egos that are way too big to sincerely admit they were wrong, no matter how much they stand to lose by being stubborn.

Related

Trump better beware! Proud Boys guilty verdict shows America wants Jan. 6 ringleaders to pay

It would be nice if these men would reflect on how they lost their way, but the good news is that we don't need their penitence. Punishment is enough, especially when it comes to what really matters, which is deterrence. There's ample reason to believe that the prosecution of the Capitol rioters  and increasingly of the coup leadership  is having the desired effect. MAGA America may still quietly wish that January 6 would have worked, but they are also showing signs that they're unwilling to try again, for fear of ending up in handcuffs.

This lack of real contrition is the norm with insurrections top to bottom, from Trump to the lowliest window-smasher.

That's most evident in how little violence there's been in response to Trump being indicted on 91 felony charges in four different jurisdictions. Trump has been out there pathetically begging his followers, in unsubtle ways, to riot or commit acts of terrorism against people who are prosecuting him. His followers haven't even really shown up in significant numbers to protest. At every arraignment, the most he's gotten is a few relatively harmless cranks.

We know this is due to cowardice and not any real loss of support with the MAGA base because polling shows GOP voters still back Trump as their presidential nominee by wide margins. Mostly, this is petulance, as those voters refuse to admit liberals were right about him all along. And, unfortunately, the people involved in holding Trump legally accountable  prosecutors, judges, and even grand jury members  have also been subject to threats and abuse.

But what we're not seeing is many people who are willing to risk their own safety or freedom to lash out for Trump. The people making threats are doing so from anonymous forums, where they think their identity will be concealed from authorities. Or, in the case of the woman who threatened federal judge Tanya Chutkan, after allegedly drinking too much to be in her right mind.

Related

Trump conspirators beware: Rudy Giuliani's loss is a reminder that the courtroom is MAGA kryptonite

Republicanism has long been about recasting selfishness as a virtue. While that's helpful in justifying bullying behavior, it also makes it hard to convince people to take personal risks in the name of fascist ideology. Most of them are content shaking their fist at Fox News, rather than do something foolish that risks prison time. Even those that broke windows on January 6 seemed to do so because they were dumb enough to think they'd get away with it.

This fear of consequences could restrain not just the violence, but other future schemes to overturn elections. After a couple of years of getting away with it, people who agreed to be fake electors for Trump are starting to get arrested. And rather than be good soldiers for Trump, their fingers are starting to shakily emerge, pointed straight at their leader. As Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein report for Politico, three fake electors in Georgia, after being charged in a RICO case alongside Trump, "recently said in court filings that nearly all of the charges they face were the result of instructions from Trump and his lawyers." They may not be ready to turn state's witness. But already that's three people who won't be answering the call next time a Trump lackey asks them to forge paperwork to try to steal an election.

Pezzola likely told himself a story about how courageous he was, pumping his fist and yelling, "Trump won!" In reality, the gesture only underscored how pathetic he and the other Proud Boys are. They lie like sniveling babies to the judge, feigning remorse in an impotent effort to get mercy. The defiant face shown to the MAGA crowd is play-acting, done only when they think there will be no added consequences for doing it. But after their behavior at the sentencing hearings, there can be no doubt that they'd do things differently if they had another chance. Not because they sincerely wish to be better people, which they clearly don't. But because punishment works as a deterrence. It's also why it's so important for Trump to be tried in a timely fashion. Nothing will scare the MAGA hordes straight like seeing Dear Leader take the fall for his various crimes.

Read more

about the Proud Boys
Former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in Jan. 6.

Former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in Jan. 6.

Though five of their leaders have been sentenced to a combined 82 years in prison over their seditious plot to overturn an election, the Proud Boys arent going away.

The far-right street gang has certainly undergone changes since hundreds of its members stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021: Its national chapter, consisting of leaders from across the country, was purportedly dissolved shortly after the gang was labeled a terrorist organization in two countries. Several local chapters disavowed their chairman, Enrique Tarrio, after news outlets revealed hed been a federal informant in an unrelated case in 2012. Meanwhile, dozens of rank-and-file Proud Boys have been indicted for their role in the Capitol attack.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But the gang didnt fall apart in the wake of these shake-ups  it merely changed tactics, and went local.

You dont see the Proud Boys  or anyone  gathering en masse today for a street brawl in the name of Donald Trump , a scene that played out on a near-weekly basis in the months leading up to the 2020 election. But you do still see members and their extremist allies fighting smaller, localized battles on behalf of the GOPs culture war: Over the past year, local Proud Boys chapters have attacked and harassed people at drag queen story hours, abortion protests, womens health clinics, childrens hospitals, libraries and school board meetings, to name a few examples.

The Proud Boys parade of political violence, now in its seventh year, continues largely unabated. But even if the gang abruptly disbanded in the face of the Justice Departments sweeping Jan. 6 investigation, the damage it has inflicted on the American political system will have cascading effects over the next several election cycles.

That day broke our tradition of peacefully transferring power, which is among the most precious things we had as Americans. Notice I said had  we dont have it anymore.U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly

During the Proud Boys sentencing hearings over the last week, U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly repeatedly brought up the lasting, deleterious effects their Jan. 6 plot will have on elections going forward.

What happened on Jan. 6 harmed an important American custom, Kelly said before sentencing Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs to 17 years in prison. That day broke our tradition of peacefully transferring power, which is among the most precious things we had as Americans. Notice I said had  we dont have it anymore.

Kelly was touching on the broader implication of Jan. 6 and the Proud Boys overall impact on the American political landscape: Not only did the gang dissolve public trust and safety surrounding the next election process, but theyve helped to ingrain violence as a viable option in politics.

Today its not uncommon to see Proud Boys, neo-Nazis, armed militia members or other extremist factions at everyday political rallies or outside polling places. Election workers have been bombarded with harassment and death threats since 2020, most recently following multiple indictments lodged against Trump, and more than a dozen people have been arrested nationally over those threats, according to The Associated Press.

A recent Brennan Center for Justice survey found that 1 in 5 election workers in 2020 know a colleague who resigned over fears of safety. More than 70% of local election officials reported that harassment increased over the last election, according to the survey.

The overwhelming sense among experts is that todays atmosphere of violence around elections is unique to the Trump era, and catalyzed by the Capitol attack.

Jan. 6 was the tragic culmination of a dangerous erosion of our democratic norms in the United States, said Dokhi Fassihian, the deputy chief of strategy at Issue One, a nonpartisan reform group that represents election officials.

Fassihian continued: Our election officials are facing death threats as a result of insidious lies by the former president and his allies. There can be no tolerance for that behavior in a democratic society.

Changing the trajectory of political violence in America has already proven to be an uphill battle.

The voices and rhetoric that incited the insurrection on Jan. 6 remain deeply embedded in the GOP. Not only are many of the politicians who pushed the big lie that the election was stolen still in office, but few Republicans have disavowed the violent neo-fascist factions still fighting in the streets on their behalf.

On the contrary, the Proud Boys have made inroads with the GOP since Jan. 6. Members have been running for minor elected offices across the country, and several have secured seats alongside the GOP elite. A Proud Boy in Sarasota County, Florida, for example, was elected last year to the county Republican executive committee, where he has the power to influence local politics alongside fellow committee member Mike Flynn, Trumps onetime national security adviser.

Though the consequences of Jan. 6 have put many American far-right groups on their heels, theres little evidence that the broader crisis of political violence and extremism born in the Trump era has diminished.

Erica Chenoweth, a Harvard Kennedy School professor who studies political violence, put it bluntly in a conversation last year about Jan. 6:

The fact that [political violence] is now normal and standard, such that every election is a crisis, means that our democracy is in ... potentially the worst political and constitutional crisis in over 150 years.
By Hannah Rabinowitz

(CNN)  Former Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and leading a failed plot to prevent the transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden.

The sentence from District Judge Timothy Kelly is the longest given to anyone in relation to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.

Tarrio leaned against a podium at the front of the courtroom and hung his head as the judge handed down his sentence. Three other members of Proud Boys leadership were also found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced last week.

The jury didnt convict anyone for engaging in politics, they convicted Mr. Tarrio and others of engaging in seditious conspiracy, Kelly said Tuesday. I dont have any indication that he is remorseful for the actual things he is convicted of, which is seditious conspiracy and conspiracy to obstruct the counting of electoral votes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader of that conspiracy, Kelly said. I dont really think this is super debatable.

He added: I do think the evidence supports the inference that Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal.

Tarrio had been arrested in Washington, DC, days before the riot for burning a DC churchs Black Lives Matter banner and bringing high-capacity rifle magazines into the district, and was ordered by a judge to leave the city.

But Kelly said that while Tarrio may not have been present at the Capitol during the attack, the Proud Boys leader had an outsized impact on the events of the day. 

While the 22-year sentence is the longest for any January 6 defendant, the Justice Department had sought 33 years in prison for Tarrio.

Kelly had consistently gone far below previous Justice Department sentencing requests for Proud Boys members convicted in this case.

Kelly sentenced Ethan Nordean and Joseph Biggs, two of the far-right organizations top lieutenants, to 18- and 17-year prison sentences, respectively. Zachary Rehl, a local Proud Boys chapter leader, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, while Dominic Pezzola, a low-level member and the only defendant acquitted of the seditious conspiracy charge, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Tarrio: I am not a political zealot

Before he was sentenced, Tarrio apologized for the pain and suffering that law enforcement, legislators, and others suffered on January 6, and vowed to have nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies.

I have always tried to hold myself to a higher standard and I failed, he said. I held myself morally above others, and this trial has shown me how wrong I was.

Standing before the judge in an orange jumpsuit, Tarrio said that he spent the last year and a half trying to figure out how I ended up at this podium. On November 3, 2020, something that I never expected happened  my candidate lost. I felt like something was personally stolen from me. Every media channel that I turned to told me I was justified.

But, Tarrio said, he was against the violence that erupted at the Capitol: I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the outcome of the election was not my goal.

Prosecutor Conor Mulroe slammed Tarrio, saying that the Proud Boys leader had a toxic ability to control others and was the leader of this conspiracy that targeted our entire system of government.

Mulroe described Tarrio as someone with a toxic ability to control others who increased his own fame and stature by fanning the flame of violence, political violence.

These are men who would never strap a bomb to their chest or sign up for a training camp, but they are thrilled by the notion of traveling from city to city and beating their advisories senseless in a street fight, Mulroe said.

The Proud Boys organization, led by Tarrio, were not just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the violence on January 6, Mulroe said. The group had an integral role in that first breach at the Capitol, Mulroe said. The actions of that group were absolutely pivotal on January 6 and followed directly the plotting and planning of Enrique Tarrio.

Tarrios lawyer Sabino Jauregui fiercely fought additional terrorism sentencing penalties Tuesday, saying that it was not his intention to bring down the United States government, or overthrow the United States government.

My client is no terrorist, Jauregui said. My client is a misguided patriot. Thats what my client is. This is not some foreign national waging war against the United States  he thought he was saving this country, saving this republic.

During the months-long trial, prosecutors showed evidence that Tarrio helped to create a command structure within the Proud Boys in the lead up to January 6 that dictated how members of the organization would work when attending high-profile rallies.

Though he was not in Washington, DC, on January 6, Tarrio expressed his support for the rioters online and was in touch with his co-defendants on the ground, prosecutors said.

Biggs and Nordean, who assumed leadership in Tarrios absence, led the charge at the Capitol, prosecutors said. The Proud Boys were at the front of the mob, breaking past barriers and the police line and smashing windows to let rioters inside the historic building in the first breaches that eventually led to Congress evacuating and temporarily halting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
(Bloomberg) -- Henry Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the far-right Proud Boys, was ordered to serve 22 years in prison for his role in a seditious plot to halt the US governments peaceful transfer of power, the stiffest punishment so far for those involved in the attack on the nations Capitol.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Tarrio, 39, was sentenced Tuesday by US District Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington. Previously, the longest sentence among more than 1,100 prosecutions tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot was 18 years for Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes and for another Proud Boys leader, Ethan Nordean .

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Federal prosecutors had sought a 33-year prison term for Tarrio. He was convicted in May along with three others of seditious conspiracy for their efforts to prevent Congress from approving the 2020 election win by President Joe Biden, which culminated in a mob of former President Donald Trumps supporters storming the Capitol.

The Proud Boys defendants played important roles in breach after breach after breach by the mob at the Capitol, Kelly said. Seditious conspiracy is a serious offense. Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader of that conspiracy. I dont really think this is super debatable.

The attack on Jan. 6 physically damaged property and hurt people, and interrupted the nations long history of a peaceful transition of power, the judge said. That previously unbroken tradition is broken now and it is going to take time and effort to fix it.

Last week, other Proud Boys who were convicted along with Tarrio were ordered to serve long periods behind bars, including Nordean. Joseph Biggs got 17 years, Zachary Rehl must serve 15 years, and Dominic Pezzola was sentenced to 10 years, court records show.

Proud Boys General

The government argued Tarrio deserved a lengthy sentence because of his clear leadership role on Jan. 6, 2021, when he acted as a general rather than a soldier. While he wasnt at the Capitol, Tarrio communicated with others who entered the building, prosecutors said. Proud Of My Boys and my country, Tarrio wrote in a social media post at the time.

Prosecutor Conor Mulroe told the judge Tarrios leadership over the group was about violence and manipulation. He directed members to bring gear, ordered them not to wear colors, called them to Washington and congratulated them for their actions that day, Mulroe said. The actions of that group were absolutely pivotal to what happened on Jan. 6, he said.

In a sometimes tearful statement to the judge before he was sentenced, Tarrio said he was sorry for the events of Jan. 6, especially because Capitol police were injured during the riot.

I am extremely ashamed and disappointed that they were caused suffering, Tarrio said. I failed miserably. This trial has humbled me. These police officers deserved better.

Tarrio said hed been selfish and was my own worst enemy. He added, When I get back home I want nothing to do with politics, groups or rallies.

Tarrios attorneys had pushed back on the governments request for a terrorism enhancement, which would boost his recommended sentence to 30 years from 14 years.

Defense lawyer Sabino Jauregui called Tarrio a misguided patriot, not a terrorist, who was trying to protect this country.

The judge wasnt convinced. Mr. Tarrio on many occasions before today expressed no remorse on what happened that day, Kelly said. I dont have any indication he is remorseful for the actual things he was convicted of.

The case is US v. Nordean et al, 21-cr-00175, US District Court, District of Columbia (Washington).

(Updates with comment from judge, table of major sentences for Jan. 6 defendants.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
UN allocates 125 mln USD in relief for 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Americas, Mideast

Xinhua) 09:28, September 06, 2023

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said on Tuesday they allocated 125 million U.S. dollars for underfunded relief operations in 14 countries worldwide.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths, who is also the UN's relief chief, authorized the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for operations in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

This year's global humanitarian funding requirements have shot past 55 billion dollars and is less than 30 percent funded, according to OCHA.

"It is a cruel reality that in many humanitarian operations, aid agencies are scraping along with very little funding right at a time when people's needs compel them to scale up," Griffiths said. "Thanks to the generosity of a vast range of donors, we can count on CERF to fill some of the gaps. Lives are saved as a result. But we need individual donors to step up as well -- this is a fund by all and for all."

OCHA said the funding supports 250 million people affected by conflict, the climate impact, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, displacement and other crises.

"With this additional funding, CERF has allocated a record 270 million dollars so far this year through its Underfunded Emergencies window," OCHA said. "This is the largest annual amount ever allocated, to the highest number of countries, a reflection of skyrocketing humanitarian needs."

The CERF allocation, OCHA said, will help scale up humanitarian assistance in some of the world's most protracted and neglected crises: Afghanistan and Yemen (20 million dollars each), Burkina Faso and Myanmar (9 million dollars each), Haiti and Mali (8 million dollars each) and will also support refugee operations in Bangladesh (8 million dollars) and Uganda (6 million dollars).

OCHA said funds also will go to Venezuela (8 million dollars), the Central African Republic and Mozambique (6.5 million dollars each), Cameroon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (6 million dollars each), and Malawi (4 million dollars).

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger in Beijing on Tuesday.

Xi spoke highly of the international humanitarian work carried out by the ICRC over the past 160 years since its founding and hailed its important contributions to world peace and progress.

Xi noted that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and human society is faced with many challenges, some of which are familiar and some are new. Under such circumstances, China is strengthening cooperation with other countries to jointly explore solutions and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

"I put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative in the hope of working with other countries to achieve economic development, improve people's livelihood, achieve win-win results, and provide Chinese ideas and solutions for strengthening global governance and governance of humanitarian issues," Xi said.

Calling humanitarianism the greatest consensus that is able to unite different civilizations, Xi said the ideas contained in traditional Chinese culture such as "the benevolent man loves others" and "do not do to others what you do not want others to do to you" are in harmony with the mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Upholding the principle of putting the people first, China has won the biggest battle against poverty in human history. In the face of COVID-19, China has not only protected the lives and health of its own people but also launched the largest global humanitarian assistance in history, Xi said.

"Facts have proven that China is an active supporter, participant and contributor to the international humanitarian cause. China is ready to work more closely with the ICRC and make important contributions to human peace and progress," Xi said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Spoljaric congratulated China on becoming the country with the largest number of recipients of the 49th Florence Nightingale Award, which shows that the ICRC and the international community highly recognize China's humanitarian achievements.

Spoljaric said China has always respected and implemented international humanitarian law, and the Belt and Road Initiative has promoted world development and advanced the global humanitarian cause. She added that the ICRC highly appreciates China's positive role and important contributions to the international humanitarian cause and looks forward to further deepening cooperation with China.
The Ryleys claimed a backlash sparked by the dolls forced them to shut the White Hart Inn in Grays - EAST NEWS PRESS AGENCY

Prosecutors have confirmed no action will be taken against pub landlords who displayed golly dolls behind their bar.

Five Essex Police officers seized a collection of around 30 dolls from the White Hart Inn in Grays in April as the force investigated a hate crime allegation.

The raid was carried out two months after a member of the public reported the items had caused them alarm and distress.

Essex Police said it carried out an exhaustive investigation, which included interviewing the landlords before a file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service.

But prosecutors have now decided to take no further action.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A spokesperson said: The CPS has a duty to make fair and impartial legal decisions based on the evidence provided to us by the police. We considered the available evidence and concluded our legal test for a prosecution was not met.

Essex Police said the complainant had been updated following the CPSs decision.

Heavy-handed approach

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: We investigate crimes reported to us without fear or favour.

This means we are sometimes faced with allegations of crime where people have strong opposing views, but it is the role of policing to remain impartial and investigate allegations raised to us.

Its our job to support victims, investigate allegations of crime, ensure we follow all reasonable lines of enquiry, interview suspects and witnesses and present the evidence to the CPS to build a case for prosecution.

Landlords Benice and Chris Ryley found themselves embroiled in a racism storm as they claimed a backlash sparked by the dolls forced them to shut the pub in May.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) removed the pub from its Good Beer Guide and brewers Heineken and Carlsberg told them to stop serving its lager.

Maintenance company Innserve also refused to work on the site and the building was vandalised on April 16, prompting another police investigation.

But Essex Police were questioned for its perceived heavy-handed approach.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman was reportedly unimpressed by the polices action and made her views very plain to the force, as a Home Office source said officers should not be getting involved in this kind of nonsense.

Essex Police denied Ms Braverman had been contacted directly over the incident.

The police have ruined it

Mrs Ryley said she had displayed the golly doll collection, apparently donated by her late aunt and customers, for nearly 10 years before they were removed by police.

She said a complaint had been made to police in 2018 but on that occasion, no action was taken.

In May, she told customers she and her husband had decided to retire and move to their home in Turkey after 17 years behind the bar in Grays.

Ive had enough now. Im angry, annoyed and upset, if the police had left it alone we wouldnt have been in this situation and we would have plodded along. But the police have ruined it, she told Thurrock Nub News in May.

Im going to miss the pub and miss the people, We have had so many laughs and so many happy times. Weve always had a good pub. Its hurtful and I know many of my customers have cried today, I have been crying. It hurts, Ive had 17 years of my life here. To close these doors tonight will break my heart.

Owners Admiral Taverns said it was looking to open the pub under new management.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
The victim of Pueblo's 20th homicide of 2023 has been identified by the county coroner.

Frankie Montoya, 34, of Pueblo, died Saturday after he was shot several times during a shooting at a residence in the 1800 block of East 17th Street on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

According to police, Montoya arrived at a local hospital via private vehicle just after 5 p.m. Wednesday and was later transported to another hospital in Colorado Springs with life-threatening injuries. He died Saturday at the hospital.

No arrests had been made as of Wednesday afternoon and the department's investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked by Pueblo PD to contact police dispatch at 719-553-2502 or Detective Ryan Torres at 719-320-6037. To remain anonymous, contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at 719-542-STOP (719-542-7867) or visit pueblocrimestoppers.com. Information that leads to a felony could qualify its submitting party for a cash reward.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Montoya's death marked the 20th homicide reported in the city of Pueblo in 2023, and the 22nd county-wide.

Here's what we know about Pueblo County's 21 previous homicides of 2023

Unnamed 2-year-old, Jan. 31 : Mythia Latka, 23, has been charged with child abuse causing the death of her 2-year-old child, who has not been publicly identified by the Chieftain because the child is a minor.

Heather Duran, Feb. 24 : Francisco Ruiz, 30, is accused of first-degree murder in the shooting death of the 34-year-old Duran. Ruiz is scheduled for a routine hearing in mid-October after a judge found there was sufficient evidence to set the case for trial.

Fred Ettleman, Feb. 24 : Ettleman, 79, was killed in a shooting at King Soopers on Northern Avenue. Police have not publicly identified any suspects in Ettleman's death.

Joseph Vigil, March 4 : Vigil, 38, was killed in a late-night shooting. Police identified Pablo Carillo and Mario Valenzuela as suspects in the case. Carillo was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Valenzuela died on April 6, according to Pueblo PD. The county coroner stated that Valenzuela died in a "non-newsworthy manner" and declined to release Valenzuela's cause of death.

Sancho Xavier Sierra, April 3 : Sierra, 17, was killed in the 1000 block of East 11th Street, in an apparent shooting. Three women were also hospitalized with gunshot wounds in the same shooting. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Scottie Sanders, April 24 : Sanders, 28, was found dead in the 2600 block of Orman Avenue after police responded to reports of an unconscious person. No suspects have been identified in the case and the coroner has not released Sanders' cause of death. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Daedriean Ortega-Brisco, May 9 : Police were dispatched to the 1500 block of East Second Street on a report that a person had been shot and found Ortega-Brisco, 19, dead at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Joshua Specht, May 22 : Specht, 42, was found dead in the yard of a residence on the 2600 block of Poplar Street by police, who were responding to a call of shots fired in the area and a motorcycle crash near Illinois Avenue and Poplar Street. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Michael Anthony Sandoval, June 11 : Sandoval, 28, was found dead by police at approximately 6:35 p.m. after they were called to the 1100 block of Francisco Street on a report of a shooting. Police announced in early July that they have issued an arrest warrant charging Edgar Earl Darden with murder. Darden was arrested on Aug. 27 by police.

Jordan Robinson, June 19 : Robinson was discovered dead in a vehicle in the 1000 block of East River Street, the victim of apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a coroner investigator. No suspects have yet been named in the case.

Russel Edward Kuklies, June 27 : Kuklies, 40, was shot and killed at the Val-U-Stay Inn and Suites on North Hudson Avenue. Officers responded to the scene just after 8 p.m. the night of June 27 and found Kuklies deceased on scene. Police are seeking help identifying suspects in the homicide.

Marcos Colunga-Gaona, June 28: Colunga-Gaona, 25, was found unresponsive by police with a gunshot wound in the 1600 block of Lambert Avenue on the night of June 28 after neighbors in the area called police to report shots fired. Colunga-Gaona was pronounced dead by a coroner investigator. Police are seeking potential witnesses of the homicide, and have identified the operator of a white truck as a potential witness.

Lazarus Vigil, June 28: Police were called to the scene of a car crash and fire in the 500 block of Mesa Avenue. When officers arrived, they found an adult male, identified later as Vigil, inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Vigil was taken to a local hospital but died from his injuries. A 13-year-old has been arrested in connection to Vigil's death, although the suspect has not been publicly named due to his age.

Sabino Loya-Armendariz, July 3: Loya-Armendariz, 25, was found dead by Pueblo County sheriffs deputies after suffering gunshot wounds in the 1300 block of Tampico Street. No arrest have been made.

Marcos Baca, July 4: Police were called to the 0-100 block of Amherst Avenue and arrived to find Baca, 29, dead at the scene. Pueblo police arrested Baca's uncle, William Montoya, and charged him with first-degree murder after he allegedly admitted to the shooting.

Vincent Smith, July 24 : Smith was shot and killed outside his home on 2000 block of East Evans Avenue. Police arrested Russell Martinez in connection to Smith's death.

Unnamed teenager, July 25 : Less than eight hours after Smith's murder, Pueblo police were called to the skate park in City Park on another report of shots fired and found a teenager, who has not been publicly identified, dead. No arrests have been made.

Franklin Bruner, July 29: Bruner was shot and killed in the 1000 block of Berkley Avenue. His dog was also shot during the incident and had to be euthanized as a result of its injuries. The suspect in the case, Robert James Rudichar, was arrested in Las Vegas, New Mexico on July 31. He's been charged with first-degree murder.

Larry Derrick Maes, Aug. 4: Maes was found dead in a white SUV with a single gunshot wound after sheriffs deputies were called to a report of a vehicle wreck in the 1700 block of Tenderfoot Lane in Pueblo West. No suspects have been named in the case

Keith Quinn, Aug. 13: Quinn, 38, of Pueblo, was discovered dead in a parking lot near 45 Bonnymede Road. No suspects have been named in the case.

Jason Trujillo, Aug. 24: Trujillo was shot and killed during a multi-victim shooting in the 1200 block of Berwind Avenue. Three additional victims arrived at an area hospital via a private vehicle, according to Pueblo PD, two of whom were then transported to another hospital in Colorado Springs with life-threatening injuries, but survived. No suspects have been named.

More on Pueblo public safety: Pueblo man to stand trial for second time in shooting death of 73-year-old neighbor

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

Questions, comments or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo coroner IDs homicide victim; 22nd homicide in county this year
If there is an internal political earthquake, it does not listen to what is said thousands of kilometers away. It simply shakes the system, and it collapses.

Putin has helped put Russia on a trajectory of disaster. All of his vigorous activity in the name of "great Russia" is turning into Russia falling into a tailspin and flying towards its end. Discussions about whether to kill Putin or not to kill him no longer matter. Russia is flying towards its iceberg anyway. The only question is how quickly this process will end. There is no doubt that it will end. The processes taking place both outside and inside Russia indicate that it will not be able to withstand the internal and external pressure, and will ultimately repeat the fate of the Soviet Union. Will it be 15 new entities, or 10, or five, or three?

Read also:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the next question. It depends on many factors that we, unfortunately, cannot predict today.

But we can predict for sure that, as soon as the Russian army is defeated militarily in Ukraine, Putin's regime will falter, regardless of whether Washington wants it to or not, whether Brussels wants Russia to remain like this or not. It no longer depends on the will of this or that person.

Because if there is an internal political earthquake, he does not listen to what is said thousands of kilometers away from this earthquake. He just shakes the system, and it collapses. That's why we should not think in such categories.

The Soviet house of cards collapsed overnight.

Let's look at it more strategically and realize that the process of Russia's disintegration is already underway. These events around the Wagner PMC leader Prigozhin, and all these statements by the people around him who hold the real power, and so on, show that this process is inevitable. The only question is what forms it will take. Whether it will be a collapse all at once, or whether it will be the falling away of parts of this dead body of the Russian under-empire and the creation of certain state formations.

I don't believe that we can change anything in this country by simply replacing one dictator with another. This country has historically needed a dictator. If someone else replaces Putin, the system will stay intact. It's just a change of scenery. The question is different. It's not about Putin. The point is that we need this system to collapse. And it can only collapse if it is defeated on the battlefield and the fascist Putin regime itself collapses.

This means that new opportunities arise and a chance arises for various forces in the Russian political elite who want either to preserve Russia (but on certain conditions, for which they will have to do some things that will be dictated to them) or when they will not be able to control the situation and it will go to pieces.

Read also: Ukrainian politics balancing between US, Russia, EU, and China

I recently spoke with a man who coordinates national liberation movements in Russia. Yes, the situation is far from clear. The situation is far from the certainty that an uprising will begin tomorrow. But the information that is coming in suggests that it is changing in at least a few national republics of the present-day Russian Federation.

When one piece falls, it has a domino effect. The Soviet Union did not fall apart all at once, but pieces fell off. The first pieces were in the small Baltic republics. And then Ukraine appeared, and then Belarus supported it. And then Comrade Yeltsin woke up. The situation became uncontrollable, despite Gorbachev having an army and the all-powerful KGB, which everyone was terrified of, and it's understandable why.

Meanwhile, the Soviet house of cards collapsed overnight. That is why strategy is, of course, not one or two years. It can be five to seven years. But if we analyze Russia's potential from the inside and outside, more is needed for this time. It may be even in two years.

If we talk about the economic performance of the Russian economy, then, despite the figures drawn by Rosstat, experts who understand this a little better say that the reserves are running out. And there is nowhere to take them from.

I agree with Kirill Budanov's opinion that the sober-minded people around Putin are well aware that their grandfather has gone a little crazy. They see the trend perfectly, just like you and me. They cannot, like us, say what will happen and when, because it is beyond our capabilities, but they clearly see the direction of movement. This direction scares them.

Read also:

This is what our Western partners are hoping for, hoping that this group around Putin will either suppress him or give him up for slaughter to save themselves and a united Russia. This is what the West is counting on, which does not want destabilization because it does not know what to do with this destabilization.

This is a bad idea, in my opinion. This is the logic of catching up with events rather than creating them. But this is the logic of modern Western liberalism, unfortunately. We have to live with it but have our own plans.

Read also: Kremlin tight-lipped on potential Kim-Putin meeting amid reports of plans to discuss North Korean arms aid for Russia

And so, if some intelligence agency manages to push for changes by replacing the dictator, this will also be a plus, but, in my opinion, not the main one. If we leave the situation as it is today, replacing Putin with Mutin will not fundamentally change it. It needs to be changed from the inside, when the system starts to fall apart. This can only be done by our heroic Ukrainian army, our heroic Defense Forces.



Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Former President Donald Trump arrives at an Atlanta airport on Aug. 24 before surrendering at a Georgia jail.

Former President Donald Trump arrives at an Atlanta airport on Aug. 24 before surrendering at a Georgia jail.

If youre a Republican primary voter in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina, one message has been waiting for you this summer every time you open your mailbox, turn on your television or fire up your web browser.

For 2024, [Donald] Trump is not the most electable candidate, said a man in an Iowa ad by Win It Back, a super PAC affiliated with the conservative Club for Growth.

The next Republican candidate has to be somebody who can convince swing voters, independents, to vote for them, a woman said in another ad airing in Iowa, from the Republican Accountability Project. Because Donald Trump cant.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

IF TRUMP IS THE GOP NOMINEE WE COULD LOSE EVERYTHING, blared a mailer to Nevada voters from Americans for Prosperity Action.

The message is coming from every angle. The conservative hard-liners at the Club for Growth have ended their on-again, off-again relationship with the former president and are supporting Win It Back, which has positioned itself firmly against Trumps latest run for the White House. Billionaire Charles Kochs libertarian-oriented network, which never quite reconciled itself to Trumps heresies, is behind Americans for Prosperity. Reid Hoffman, the LinkedIn co-founder and major center-left donor, provides much of the financial backing for the never-Trump Republican Accountability Project.

So far, however, its all fallen on stony ground. Polling in the early states and nationally shows not only that Republicans continue to back Trump for the GOP nomination by wide margins, but most still view him as the best candidate to defeat President Joe Biden next year.

Right now, any hope of defeating Trump in the primary rests on these groups  and the candidates challenging Trump  successfully overcoming the GOPs resistance to electability arguments and the gravitational pull of Trumps grievance-based politics to convince voters Trump threatens the only thing that matters: winning.

The millions of dollars spent on ads with this message were backed by an echo chamber of what seems like every major Republican figure not explicitly aligned with Trump, from former House Speaker Paul Ryan to New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu. In a leaked memo, a super PAC backing Ron DeSantis told the Florida governor to deliver a version of the message on the primary debate stage last month, though it was former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley who ultimately delivered it in the most succinct fashion.

We have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cant win a general election that way, Haley said at the Milwaukee event, referring to the GOP and a potential Biden-Trump rematch.

The reason that three well-funded groups all settled on the same message is obvious. Republican voters, nearly unanimously, like what Trump accomplished as president. A smaller but still significant group like his aggressive and authoritarian style. But many do understand that his style, at least, can alienate even swing voters with conservative tendencies.

The best pitch [that non-Trump] candidates have is electability, said Gunner Ramer, the political director of the Republican Accountability Project, citing the organizations repeated focus groups with swing and GOP primary voters.

Its a misstep to criticize Trump for not firing [health adviser Anthony] Fauci, or for not building the wall well enough. Republican primary voters are always going to make excuses for Trump and blame the RINOs or the deep state, he added, referring to the southern border barrier and a term for Republicans in name only.

There are myriad reasons, many of them self-imposed, why anti-Trump Republicans are struggling to convince the partys voters that the former president, who comes attached to four criminal indictments, is a guaranteed loser. Many of them, egged on by a significant number of the partys elected officials, incorrectly believe that Trump won the 2020 election. Others are convinced that Biden is the feebleminded fool hes portrayed as in conservative media and think any of the GOP candidates could beat him.

Operatives and academics, however, have pointed to two problems, one short-term and one deep-seated. Republican primary voters will defend Trump instinctively when hes attacked, and even many who have doubts about his electability or who have grown tired of his lies about the 2020 election are still convinced that the dreaded establishment is out to get him. Each one of Trumps four criminal indictments has rallied the partys base to his cause, decreasing the importance of electability  which had spiked when Trump-backed candidates helped turn 2022s purported red wave into a red whimper.

Following the midterms, electability was the most salient issue, Ramer said. But the indictments raise the saliency of wanting to protect Trump from what they see as a two-tiered and weaponized justice system.

The bases instinct to shield Trump is strong enough that a recent poll from Firehouse Strategies, a bipartisan consulting firm in Washington, D.C., found that 54% of Republican voters would want to stick with a Trump candidacy if he were to be convicted by a jury after winning the nomination. Meanwhile, only 35% said they would want to switch to a more electable candidate in such a case to prevent President Biden from winning a second term.

The other problem? Republicans have not been trained by history to think about electability. While Democrats are constantly warned about the failed candidacies of a supposedly too-liberal George McGovern, too-wimpy Michael Dukakis and too-female Hillary Clinton, there is no equivalent folk tale in the history of the conservative movement.

Theres a tradition in the Democratic Party of perceiving a trade-off between ideological purity and electability, and that goes back decades. A lot of Democratic voters have internalized that, said Dave Hopkins, a political scientist at Boston College. The Republicans just dont have that tradition. They dont have the same logic. There isnt the same history of nominating someone who is too extreme and then getting punished for it.

Not only do Republicans lack a similar historical warning of electoral woe, but the recent Republican experience actually points in the opposite direction. A relative moderate  then-Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)  and an establishment conservative  former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney  lost their respective presidential bids in 2008 and 2012, only for the purportedly unelectable Trump to shock the political world with his narrow victory in 2016.

Polling in Iowa, the first state to cast votes in both the 2020 Democratic primaries and the 2024 Republican primaries, illustrates the difference well. A Des Moines Register and NBC News poll, conducted in the run-up to the Milwaukee debate, found that 65% of likely GOP caucusgoers thought it was most important to find a candidate who agrees with them on issues. Just 29% said it was important to find the candidate with the best chance of beating Biden.

The exit polls in the 2020 Democratic primary were reversed: 37% of Democratic caucusgoers said it was more important to find a candidate who agreed with them on major issues, compared with 61% who said it was important to find a candidate who could beat Trump.

Theres another problem with the electability argument against Trump: At least in current polling, its not clear nominating Trump would doom GOP chances. A Wall Street Journal poll released over Labor Day weekend found Trump and Biden tied in the general election, in line with other recent results. DeSantis, who many anti-Trump Republicans saw as the more electable option, is almost as unpopular as Trump is in FiveThirtyEights polling averages.

Still, the conservative operatives hoping to defeat Trump maintain that the electability argument is their best bet. In a memo to donors earlier this summer, a key operative in the Koch network noted that two-thirds of the Trump supporters it polled believe the former president has electability issues in the general election.

[A] candidates ability to win in the general election does factor into primary voters minds, wrote Michael Palmer, the memos author and the president of i360, a political data company closely affiliated with the Koch network.

This is particularly true in the early primary states (IA, NH, SC) where for decades, candidates have spent a significant amount of time in these states and the voters have come to expect it. Voters in these states take their job as presidential taste testers seriously and are very passionate about the role their state plays not just in nominating someone, but nominating someone who can win the general election.

Other GOP operatives working to defeat Trump, who spoke on condition of anonymity to candidly discuss strategy, noted that the electability argument is simply a part of the puzzle, arguing it needs to be matched with an argument about Trumps effectiveness.

I dont ascribe to the idea that We cant nominate Trump. But hed be the weakest person against Joe Biden, said one GOP operative backing DeSantis. Even if he managed to win, do we want to go through four years of him doing what he did before? Continuing to not do what he said he was gonna do in the four years? He was gonna drain the swamp  it didnt happen. He was gonna build the wall  it didnt happen.

Sarah Chamberlain, CEO of the pragmatic conservative Republican Main Street Project, said the voters in its focus groups of suburban women are still mostly looking for candidates who agree with them on key issues like the economy, battling fentanyl, and mental health rather than candidates who can beat Biden. But she expects the focus group participants  mostly Republicans who broke with the party in favor of Biden in 2020  to turn their focus to electability soon.

Eventually, theyll want a candidate who can beat Biden, she said. But right now, they still want their issues addressed.

When they do, its likely that Americans for Prosperity Action will be waiting for them with even more ads. The group  which has a $76.3 million war chest, according to its latest filing with the Federal Election Commission  is expanding its ad buy. Instead of just targeting the early states, it will reach the Super Tuesday states of Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina, a sign that its committed to the fight. The group also plans on explicitly backing a non-Trump candidate at some point.

Its not clear whether the other groups will. The Club for Growth did not respond to emails seeking comment. As for Republican Accountability Project, its ad buy in Iowa has run its course. Will it run more spots attacking Trumps electability?

Well be watching what happens in the race, Ramer said.
The city of Raleigh will hire private security officers to patrol downtown after recent incidents of drug dealing, fighting, harassment and public defecation.

We are hiring private security to patrol the area around the transit center where weve had some major issues, and also parts of Wilmington Street, Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said Tuesday The city is also improving its lighting and re-assessing its cleaning schedules for the area.

There have also been concerns about juveniles hanging out and causing problems downtown and people running through businesses and harassing employees.

We need more eyes on the street, Baldwin said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The city has made progress in hiring more police but there are still not enough and parts of downtown need extra attention, she said.

This is a need that has come up, Baldwin said.

A security firm could be hired as soon as this month, she said, adding this isnt an issue just facing Raleigh.

Whenever I talk to my colleagues around this country, this is one of the biggest challenges theyre facing right now. she said. We are tying to work with our partners such as Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Glenwood South (Neighborhood) Cooperative to come up with solutions and implement them because safety is our number one priority.

There have been good results from deploying additional Raleigh police officers in hot spots, said Bill King, the CEO of the downtown alliance.

We are also working with the city on use of private security to augment efforts by Raleigh police and our ambassadors, he said. Earlier this year, we looked and found other cities that use this type of deployment and can help bridge staffing gaps and other challenges in public safety staffing.

The area near the bus station has seen increased aggressive behavior in recent months, he said.

Its complicated, he said. Theres different kinds of overlapping populations here. There are those who are unhoused, but are not a security threat, or safety threat; theyre just not housed. There are those who are unhoused and having mental illness issues. Sometimes that can be a safety concern.

And then theres some people who are neither unhoused nor mentally ill who are just, you know, problematic, and thats a different issue, he said. And so all of those require kind of different solutions, some of which are interconnected.

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance supports the creation of transit police for the bus station and system as a whole, which is a common resource in cities with large transit systems and more necessary as Bus Rapid Transit comes online over the next few years, King said.

The News & Observer has asked the Police Department for recent crime data for the GoRaleigh bus station area.

Experience 24 hours on Glenwood South, the Raleigh district with the raucous reputation

Proactive solutions

Council member Jane Harrison, who represents southwest Raleigh and Glenwood South, acknowledged the challenges in Glenwood South during Tuesdays council meeting. She called for a moment of silence for David Millette, a downtown restaurant employee who died after an altercation in Glenwood South. A man has been charged with murder in his death.

We all know that violence has no place here, she said. It really has no place anywhere. So when it comes to Raleigh, it really hits me hard. I think it hits all of us. Its a number one priority and it pains me that someone in our communities lost their life in one act of senseless violence.

She requested monthly crime reports for downtown and Glenwood South from the Police Department.

I want to focus on proactive solutions that we are taking, what are the steps that we are taking as a city, and then take time together to consider additional actions that we may want to take moving forward, she said.

Part of the conversation will be explaining what the city is already doing, Baldwin said.

Were doing a lot and there a lot of plans, but people dont know about it, she said.

The downtown storefront and restaurant community is incredibly tight-knit, King said, and everyone is heartbroken about (Millettes) loss.

You want to have a successful, vibrant district, but it needs to be a safe district too, he said. And so, clearly, theres work to be done.

These topics will be discussed at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 26 during the councils Safe, Vibrant and Health Community committee.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., expressed skepticism about the conclusions in the Capitol attending physicians letter about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after his apparent freeze-up last week.

Dr. Brian Monahan, the Capitol attending physician, confirmed in a letter Tuesday that he examined McConnell, R-Ky., after his latest incident in front of reporters last week at an event in Covington, Kentucky. In his letter, Monahan said there is no evidence McConnell has a seizure disorder or experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease.

Monahan also said in a statement last week that he had consulted with McConnell, 81, and conferred with his neurology team and determined that he is medically clear to continue with his schedule as planned. The doctor added: Occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Paul, who has practiced medicine as an eye doctor, said its better for senators to be forthcoming about whats going on with their health problems as he questioned the Capitol doctors explanation of McConnells freeze-up last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Obviously not being in the position  not seeing the X-rays, not seeing the radiology  I can really only comment, I guess, on what they have released, Paul told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday. And they have the Senate doctor saying he has a normal EEG, a reference to an electroencephalogram.

He added: The problem with saying someone has a normal EEG and saying theyre not having seizures is that people who have short seizures, well over 80% of them have normal EEGs. If youre having longer seizures, youre more likely, but even then only about half of them have abnormal EEGs. An EEG thats done at one time on an office visit often will miss things. Even a 24-hour EEG might miss things.

Paul said he doesnt think the Capitol doctor provided a valid medical diagnosis.

Everybodys seen the clips, he said. Its not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say thats dehydration.

Paul declined to say whether hes concerned about McConnells workload through the health problems: I cant really say anything on that. All I can say is it doesnt look like dehydration.

Asked whether he is confident in McConnells ability to lead the conference, Paul also declined to comment directly but said he thinks McConnell has been up to the task.

And so this isnt a criticism of him or anything  its a criticism of the way its being handled publicly, by giving a diagnosis that everybody thinks is a lot less than what it actually is, Paul said. So then people automatically think, Wow, its a lot worse than it actually is. But it could be something very treatable. Seizures are treated. Many people in high-functioning jobs have seizures. Many seizures after trauma go away, but theres a lot of things I dont know.

In remarks to NBC News on Wednesday, Paul doubled down on his statements: If youre giving advice on, you know, what someones potential diagnosis is, really it ought to be based on the facts. And what I can tell you is that having vacant spells of 30 seconds or more where youre unresponsive is not a sign or a symptom of dehydration.

Paul also stressed that he is not questioning McConnells ability to be in the Senate, but rather his diagnosis.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks to the chamber as he returns to work at the Capitol on Sept. 5, 2023. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

Skepticism about McConnells health and ability to lead Senate Republicans increased after he froze last week at an event in Kentucky, appearing unable to speak for about half a minute after a reporter asked him whether he planned to run for re-election in 2026. The episode was his second apparent public freeze-up in two months.

McConnell also appeared to freeze for nearly 20 seconds in front of the TV cameras at a weekly leadership news conference in late July. The episode came weeks after McConnell, a polio survivor who has had difficulty walking on stairs and navigating other obstacles, fell as he got off a plane at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on July 14, NBC News reported. He wasnt seriously hurt in the incident.

Before the apparent freeze-ups, McConnell also experienced a fall and concussion in March that sidelined him for nearly six weeks.

Other Republican colleagues extended their support.

Hes still on his game mentally, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told reporters Tuesday.

Republican Sens. Mitt Romney of Utah, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota stood by McConnell, telling reporters Tuesday that they dont have any concerns about his ability to serve.

The reality is that we may expect that Mitch McConnell will check out for 20 seconds a day, but the other 86,380 seconds in the day, he does a pretty darn good job, Romney told NBC News. I dont think hes shown any inability to lead in negotiations, to raise money, to get Republicans elected, to help guide our caucus. Hes shown that hes been able to do that in the past. Hes going to continue doing that in the future.

Graham said hell just trust the doctors evaluation.

I like Mitch, and, you know, lets just move forward hoping that hes in a good spot here," he said, adding that he was glad McConnell got checked.

Asked whether he has any concerns about McConnells ability to lead the GOP, Graham said: No, Im good.

Cramer similarly said McConnells diagnosis from Monahan was pretty encouraging.

I have no reason to doubt that thats the truth, and it may very well be the truth. I think the thing we all have to not forget is that he did have a pretty serious fall not that long ago that caused a concussion. Maybe he came back to work too soon, who knows? Cramer said. But again, when you sit down and have a conversation with him, hes really quite sharp. Id still trust his judgment over most peoples that I know.

CORRECTION (Sept. 6, 2023, 3:16 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the state Sen. Kevin Cramer represents. It is North Dakota, not South Dakota.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is calling into question the Capitol physicians diagnosis of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell s (R-Ky.) latest freeze-up, saying it does not appear to look like dehydration.

Ive practiced medicine for 25 years, and it doesnt look like dehydration to me, he told a group of reporters Tuesday. It looks like a focal neurologic event.

That doesnt mean its incapacitating, doesnt mean he cant serve, Paul continued. But it means that somebody ought to wake up and say, Wow, this looks like a seizure.

McConnell froze for the second time in recent months last week after a reporter in his home state asked about potential reelection plans, which sparked concerns about his health. The senators office released a letter from Dr. Brian Monahan, the Capitols attending physician, Tuesday that outlined the results of his exam following the incident.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease, Monahan said.

In a separate letter, released last week, Monahan said McConnell was medically clear to continue with his planned schedule after the incident. He also noted that it is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration.

McConnell, 81, suffered a concussion and a rib fracture in March after he fell at a private dinner in Washington, D.C. He was hospitalized and checked into an inpatient rehabilitation facility and returned to work in April.

Other Senate Republicans rallied around McConnell on Tuesday, saying that he still has their support as leader. No GOP senator has called on McConnell to step down, but Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-Ga.) said that he is not fit for office.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A man wearing military uniform with signs of PMC Wagner Group walks past to the portrait of warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin at an informal memorial for PMC Wagner Group and other participants of the war on Ukraine near the Kremlin, on August 30, 2023 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)

On August 23, 2023, a private Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 600 passenger plane crashed while en route from Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia. Everyone aboard was killed, but the only reason this small plane crash made international headlines is because it was carrying the leader of Russias Wagner mercenary group , Yevgeny Prigozhin, who also died in the crash.

The crash is widely believed to be anything but an accident. In June 2023, Prigozhin led his forces in a mutiny against the Russian government over its treatment of Wagner troops in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His march on Moscow forced Russian President Vladimir Putin to flee the city.

The mutiny was only abandoned after Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko negotiated an end to it. In exchange for ending the rebellion, criminal charges against Prigozhin were dropped, but Russia still investigated Prigozhin for treason. Prigozhin and Wagner got back to advancing Russias interests in Africa.

All seemed normal until the plane crash that killed Prigozhin and nine others. The Washington Post reported the crash was a result of a catastrophic in-flight structural failure, with all the earmarks of an explosion on board. Memorials to the fallen leader, featuring Wagner flags, sledgehammers, and flowers, began popping up all over Wagner-friendly cities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Latvia-based Russian and English language newspaper Meduza began reaching out to current and former Wagner mercenaries to find out what they think about the crash that killed their leader  and what the future of the Wagner Group might be. In the immediate aftermath, officials in the organization thought only of what its troops might be thinking.

It seems like the commanders are planning to write a statement, but it will be addressed primarily to fighters, one Wagner fighter, a Ukraine veteran, told Meduza. Some of us panicked and some of us prayed. Were all a little out of sorts now. And many are mad: they want revenge. What are they not prepared to do! Heading for the Kremlin with guns. Everyone understands that this was revenge. The president doesnt allow such things.

We were all waiting for this, said another who is currently fighting in Africa. The only question was when. I thought theyd whack him in Africa, but they did it like this. He signed his own sentence with that march. He should have stuck with it till the end or not started it at all.

This photograph taken on August 27, 2023, shows a portrait of late head of Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin displayed at a makeshift memorial in Moscow. (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Other Wagner mercenaries arent so sure there will be a response from the group at all.

Its sad, of course. Yevgeny Viktorovich was a serious dude, we called him dad, said another member in Africa. But time has already passed, you know? If this had happened on June 27, right after the march, there would have been a reaction. But nowsome people are on vacation, some are building their own lives. Others have gone to work for the Defense Ministry.

No worries, theyll gnaw on this shit on social media for two weeks and then forget about it, added a Wagner Group veteran now in an official military role. Some of the guys are now stuck in Belarus, some are in Africa, and the rest are evenly spread out over the territory of the Russian Federation. Everyone was dispersed in advance -- the countrys leadership protected itself. Some have been calling me to ask how to join me.

Prigozhin held a tight grip on his company. He not only controlled the Wagner Groups deployments, he also maintained its finances and coordinated its activities. Some say the future of the company without Prigozhin is uncertain, others say there are many who could continue its missions.
Ruby Franke is pictured on a talk show in 2018. The popular YouTuber was arrested in August 2023 and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse. | KSL-TV

In the last four years, police made at least 15 visits to the home of Ruby Franke, the family blogger who was recently arrested and charged with child abuse.

During at least five of those visits, officers were assisting the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. One call was to investigate reports of young children being left alone for days at a time. Another was after a DCFS caseworker told police about unsupervised kids running around in the street.

Thats according to police reports and call logs filed with the Springville Police Department, obtained through a public records request, that suggest Franke had been on law enforcements radar for several years for concerns over the well-being of her children and reports of threats made to Franke herself.

A popular but controversial YouTuber who gave parental advice, Franke amassed nearly 2.5 million followers on her channel 8 Passengers, though the vlog was disabled in the weeks leading up to her arrest. YouTube has since deleted other accounts associated with Franke, according to People Magazine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Franke was arrested last week with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who were both charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse. Santa Clara-Ivins Police made the arrest in Washington County after Frankes 12-year-old child knocked on a neighbors door asking for help. The child was malnourished and asked for food and water.

According to police, the child had open wounds and duct tape around the extremities.

Police then discovered Frankes 10-year-old child in a home, also malnourished, according to a press release from Santa Clara-Ivins police. The home reportedly belonged to Hildebrandt.

Newly obtained records, first reported on by the KSL Investigates team, detail several incidents in the years leading up to last weeks arrest where police responded to Frankes home in Springville.

One was in April 2022 after an officer spoke with a case worker for DCFS who was made aware of two kids running out in the road unsupervised. At the case workers request, the officer drove through the neighborhood but didnt see anything.

Then in September 2022, officers were dispatched to the home for a welfare check, requested by one of Frankes children who told police her sisters and brother had been left home alone while their mother was in St. George with her friend. The friend is identified in the report as Hildebrandt.

According to the report, the kids were left alone for about five days.

Officers observed the children through the windows when they first arrived, but they would not answer the door, the report reads. The officer then noticed several neighbors who seemed to be very interested in our presence.

Those neighbors told officers that Franke will leave her children home for extended periods of time and go to St. George, according to the report. One said she had video proof of Franke being gone for days  another said a source in St. George drove by Hildebrandts home and saw Frankes car.

Everyone who came to the scene was very concerned about the children and them being left at home alone. They expressed great concern about the two youngest children, the officer writes in the report.

In the report, police noted that several neighbors were willing to speak to DCFS. Central intake was contacted and a report started, the officer writes.

Call logs show police followed up several days after the incident on Sept. 22, 2022  they made four more house visits with DCFS in the weeks following.

Police in 2020 also investigated allegations made by Franke who claimed to receive threatening calls and texts.

Franke stated she received a text message from somebody stating they were going to take her family down and there will be riots at their door when the world finds out the truth, the report reads.

The person also told Franke to not let her kids run outside unsupervised, and to not post to social media or there would be trouble, according to the police report.

According to a private investigator for the family who spoke to Springville officers, someone allegedly rang Frankes doorbell, but they were not identifiable. Ultimately, the investigation didnt result in any arrests.
A Rehoboth Beach dog named for her stunning blue eyes is one of the top ten finalists in People magazine's "World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest."

Skye's eyes indicate she has some Siberian husky in her, but the rest was a mystery when her owner, Carlene Harper, first saw her photo back in March.

Harper had recently lost a dog she called her "soulmate," a bearded collie named Kelce. Scrolling through the available dogs of Fur-Ever Paws Dog Rescue in Newark, she was stunned by the then 11-week-old Skye's cerulean eyes.

"Oh my God, she was the cutest puppy ever," Harper said.

Skye and owner Carlene Harper Sept. 5, 2023. It was Skye's first time on the beach.

Not only that, but the website described Skye as a "bearded collie mix," which, to Harper, felt like a sign from her beloved Kelce.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Harper went to meet Skye, promising herself she wouldn't make any decisions that day, purposefully not bringing any money.

"As soon as I walked in, I was like, 'Do you take Paypal?'" she joked.

Carlene Harper named Skye for her stunning blue eyes.

Skye was found in a dumpster in Alabama, according to Harper. She went to a shelter there before coming north to Delaware and briefly spending some time in a Fur-Ever Paws foster home before being adopted by Harper. She's now a happy and healthy eight-month-old.

"She's very funny, very social, loves people, loves other dogs," Harper said. "She wants to play all the time."

Curious, Harper had Skye's DNA tested. She's made up of 15 different breeds and is indeed 41% Siberian husky, 13% both Labrador retriever and miniature Schnauzer and 6% Australian cattle dog. "Not a stitch" of bearded collie, Harper said. Skye's original description was just a happy accident.

Skye at home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

How Skye landed in People Magazine

One day this summer, Harper was flipping through a People magazine when she came across the contest and thought, "What the heck?" She submitted a few photos of Skye and in August, much to her surprise, learned she was a finalist.

"I was just flabbergasted," she said.

Voting is open through Sept. 22, when three dogs with the most votes will move to the final round. The editors at People, Pedigree dog food officials and country music star Miranda Lambert will choose the grand prize winner. The winner will get a custom photo shoot, a feature in People magazine, a year's supply of Pedigree dog food and $1,000 to donate to the pet rescue organization of their choice.

Skye and owner Carlene Harper Sept. 5, 2023, at Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park.

For Harper, of course, there's no question that Skye is the best rescue dog.

"She's already the winner to me," she said.

You can vote for Skye here.

Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught

Missing swimmer: Body of missing swimmer found near Rehoboth Beach

Man's best friend: Are you abiding by Delaware dog laws and etiquette? Tricks Fido may need to forget

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware's Skye is People magazine's 'Cutest Rescue Dog' finalist
 Flash

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a welcoming reception hosted by China-Indonesia business community in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 5, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday that China and Indonesia share similar visions, as well as extensive consensus and common interests at regional and global levels.

In his address at a welcoming reception hosted by China-Indonesia business community, Li said for a long time, the China-Indonesia cooperation has gone beyond bilateral scope, adding that both are emerging countries with a strong desire for national rejuvenation, and both are committed to maintaining openness, inclusiveness, harmony and stability in the region.

Noting that the visit is his first to an Asian country as premier of China's State Council, Li said making Indonesia his first stop is for development, friendship, peace and cooperation, adding that China and Indonesia are good neighbors, good brothers and good partners across the sea, and their long-lasting friendly relations are beaming with new vitality.

He said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Indonesia relations have achieved substantial development, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Being each other's important trading partners, the two countries' investment cooperation has grown by leaps and bounds and their industrial and supply chains are deeply integrated, realizing mutual achievements, Li said, noting that China-Indonesia cooperation has gone beyond bilateral scope, which is of exemplary and leading significance to regional stability and prosperity.

"The more the situation changes, the more imperative it is to grasp the general trend and mainstream," said Li, adding that for China and Indonesia, two major developing countries, peaceful development and win-win cooperation are the only path to national rejuvenation and people's happiness.

Entrepreneurs should strengthen confidence, seek development through deepening cooperation, and win the future by riding the trend, he said.

With broad space for high-quality cooperation, China is willing to work with Indonesia to further expand cooperation on green energy, digital economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, further expand bilateral cooperation and increase efficiency, Li said, hoping that enterprises of the two countries strengthen high-level innovation cooperation to help the development of the two countries.

China will steadily boost institutional opening-up, further expand market access in areas including modern services, and make greater efforts to protect intellectual property rights, Li said.

China will make efforts to provide a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, said Li, hoping that Indonesia continues to make its market open and provide a fair and just business environment for Chinese enterprises.

Li also expressed the hope that entrepreneurs of the two sides will strive to be promoters, disseminators and leaders of friendship and cooperation between China and Indonesia, create more benefits for the two peoples and make greater contributions to the building of a China-Indonesia community with a shared future.

Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and some 200 representatives from the business circle of the two countries attended the event.

Luhut said in his speech that the cooperation between Indonesia and China has strongly promoted Indonesia's economic development and achieved mutual benefit and win-win results.

Indonesia is willing to further strengthen strategic cooperation with China, deepen the integration of industrial chain and supply chain to achieve high-quality development and push bilateral relations to a new level, Luhut added.

China's State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong and other officials attended the above activities.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Nearly four decades after a man pled guilty to killing him, the identity of a man found dead in Cumberland County has been revealed as a result of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative.

The remains of Kenneth Levall Thompson, who was born in November 1965, were found on Aug. 26, 1983, in a wooded area near Sycamore Lane in Crossville. He was around 17 years old when he died.

Woman pleads guilty in gruesome Oak Ridge murder, will cooperate in death penalty case

According to the TBI, he had been stabbed multiple times and the death was ruled a homicide. Despite Thompsons remains being unidentified, TBI and the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office were able to charge a suspect, who in May 1984 pled guilty to Second Degree Murder in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The attempts to identify Thompson continued. In 2007, the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center submitted a sample to the University of North Texas Center for identification. A DNA profile was developed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The hope was that Thompson would be identified, however, no matches ever came.

Case against man accused in death of Ben Kredich heads to grand jury

In December, TBI agents submitted a sample of Thompsons remains to Othram Laboratories in Texas for forensic genetic genealogical (FGG) DNA testing as part of the Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative. Scientists provided information about the victims possible relatives. This information was used by a TBI intelligence analyst to locate potential family members in Michigan.

Agents met with one of the possible relatives, who said he had a brother whom he had not heard from in four decades. The agents then got a familial DNA standard, which was submitted to Othram Inc. for comparison against the DNA of the unidentified victim. Othram Inc. was then able to positively identify the remains as Kenneth Levall Thompson of Detroit, Mich.

TBI identifies homicide victim in 1986 Claiborne County cold case

Investigators hope this development will provide long-awaited answers to Kenneths family, who last had contact with him around 1982 or 1983, reads a release from the TBI.

The investigators are still hoping to find a photo of Thompson from the late 1970s or early 1980s, as the only photo of him that surviving family members could find was taken when he was a child. If you know Thompson and have a photo, you are asked to contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Thompsons remains are one of 10 cold cases that the TBI hopes its DNA initiative will solve.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
By Liz Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) -Intense rain from the remnants of Typhoon Haikui hit southeast China on Wednesday, bringing floods that forced some cities to suspend subway services, shut schools and move tens of thousands of people to safety.

Xiamen, a port city in Fujian province, has been pounded by rain for three days, breaking a record for the longest heavy rain in the city since such records began in 1953, with cumulative precipitation of 336.4 mm as of 9 a.m. (0100 GMT).

The rain also shattered 12-year-old records in the provincial capital of Fuzhou, weather officials said, prompting warnings that 49 reservoirs had exceeded flood limits.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More than 36,000 people were evacuated from homes, power and communications links were damaged and nearly 4,195 hectares (10,366 acres) of farmland inundated, causing losses the state broadcaster said stood at 552.1 million yuan ($75 million).

Floodwaters gushed down streets in Fuzhou and the city of Fuqing to its south, knocking over motorcycles and trash bins and swamping cars, video images on social media showed.

Media reports showed marooned shops and apartments as well as landslides.

Fuzhou received up to 554 mm (1.8 feet) of cumulative rain on Tuesday, the national forecaster said, for an hourly record of close to 150 mm (0.5 ft).

That surpassed the volume brought by Typhoon Doksuri in late July, which ripped through Fujian causing floods and losses of $2 billion, state media said.

Fuzhou closed subway lines and suspended train services, while schools shut for a second day.

The floods have exposed the fragility of urban drainage and other infrastructure, the state-backed The Paper quoted a provincial official, Chen Yunong, as saying.

Waterlogging in both old cities and new urban areas had to be tackled, Chen said.

Putian and Quanzhou were among six cities elsewhere in Fujian flagged as being at risk of flash floods and landslides. The provincial government told authorities to prepare to move people out of danger.

The rains are expected to last until Friday in central and southern parts of the province, where Typhoon Haikui hit land early on Tuesday, before losing strength and being downgraded to a tropical storm.

($1=7.3119 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Stephen Coates and Clarence Fernandez)
The News

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is working aggressively to quell concerns about his health, but the reviews among his caucus were mixed on their first day back from recess.

On Tuesday, he released another letter from Congress attending physician, Dr. Brian Monahan, that ruled out a stroke, a seizure, or Parkinsons disease as the cause of his recent medical episodes  all of which were publicly discussed as potential causes of his recent freeze-ups. Monahan wrote in a separate letter last week that lightheadedness can stem from dehydration in recovering concussion victims, an explanation that McConnells aides used to tamp down speculation around the Kentucky Republicans health.

Rand Paul, Kentuckys junior senator and a trained ophthalmologist, wasnt having it. He told Semafor that he believed it was mildly annoying to see people saying this is dehydration when its obviously not and hoped to get more answers at Wednesdays weekly GOP lunch.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Everybodys seen the clips, he said. Its not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say thats dehydration.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., suggested that increased scrutiny on McConnells health may undercut the GOPs attacks on President Biden, whom they frequently lambast as too old to be in office. You cant say that youre concerned about Joe Biden, but youre not concerned about Mitch McConnell, he told reporters.

Know More

McConnell delivered a Senate floor speech Tuesday that briefly referenced his public freeze-up at a press conference in Kentucky. Now, one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, but I assure you August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth, he said.

A number of senators said they had received calls from him in the interim, and several offered encouragement.

He certainly looked sharp on the floor, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, told Semafor, referring to his initial floor remarks, while adding he wanted more transparency from the Kentucky Republican whos led Senate Republicans through four presidential administrations since 2006.

We might lose 20 seconds a day from Mitch McConnell, but the other 86,380 seconds are just fine, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, told reporters. And Im happy to have him as our leader.
For half a century, reformers have been urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reclassify marijuana, which since 1970 has been assigned to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the law's most restrictive category. Although the DEA has always rejected that proposal, it could change course in light of a recent recommendation from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Last week, HHS recommended that the DEA move marijuana from Schedule I, which includes illegal drugs such as heroin, LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA, to Schedule III, which includes prescription medications such as anabolic steroids and Tylenol with codeine. Although that reclassification would facilitate medical research and indirectly benefit state-licensed marijuana businesses, it would leave federal prohibition essentially untouched.

Schedule I supposedly is reserved for drugs with "a high potential for abuse" that have no recognized medical applications and are so dangerous that they cannot be used safely even under a doctor's supervision. Marijuana's Schedule I status never made much sense, and the justification for that designation has become steadily weaker over the years.

Back in 1985, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Marinola synthetic version of THC, marijuana's main active ingredientas a treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. The FDA later extended that approval to AIDS wasting syndrome, and five years ago it approved Epidiolex, which contains cannabis-derived CBD, as a treatment for two forms of severe, drug-resistant epilepsy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Research indicates that marijuana is effective at relieving various symptoms, including neuropathic pain and muscle spasms as well as nausea and epileptic seizures. Based on such findings, 38 states allow medical use of cannabis.

It is therefore hard to defend the proposition that marijuana has "no currently accepted medical use," as Schedule I requires. And since marijuana's side effects compare favorably to those of many prescription drugs, the idea that it cannot be used safely "under medical supervision"another Schedule I criterionis also at odds with reality.

If the DEA, which has the final say on scheduling decisions, ultimately agrees with HHS, that decision would not authorize medical use of marijuana, which still would be limited to FDA-approved products legally available only by prescription. But rescheduling would facilitate medical research that could pave the way for FDA approval of cannabis-based medicines.

"The moment that a drug gets a Schedule I [designation], which is done in order to protect the public so that they don't get exposed to it, it makes research much harder," National Institute on Drug Abuse Director Nora Volkow, whose agency participated in the HHS review of marijuana's classification, noted during congressional testimony in 2019. That designation, she explained, entails special regulatory requirements that deter scientists from studying marijuana's therapeutic potential.

Moving cannabis to Schedule III would benefit marijuana suppliers as well as researchers. Because of an Internal Revenue Code provision aimed at drug traffickers, companies that sell Schedule I or Schedule II substances without federal authorization are barred from deducting standard business expenses when they pay income taxesa huge financial burden that rescheduling would eliminate.

State-authorized marijuana merchants nevertheless would still be committing federal felonies every day because they would still be selling controlled substances without federal permission. And they still would have trouble obtaining financial servicesan obstacle that fosters a heavy reliance on cash, which invites sometimes deadly robberiesbecause banks would still be leery of serving a federally illegal industry.

The most straightforward way to address these problems would be to completely deschedule marijuana instead of merely reclassifying it. That reform, which two-thirds of Americans favor, would treat marijuana like alcohol and tobacco, recreational intoxicants that are not considered "controlled" substances at all.

The HHS recommendation, which resulted from a review that President Joe Biden ordered last October, shows that he has come a long way since his days as a zealous drug warrior. Unfortunately, he has not come far enough to resolve the longstanding conflict between federal and state marijuana laws.

 Copyright 2023 by Creators Syndicate Inc.

The post Rescheduling Marijuana Would Leave Federal Prohibition Essentially Untouched appeared first on Reason.com.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Clarksville Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened at a busy intersection Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the shooting happened just after 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and Holiday Drive.

 Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts 

Officers quickly received information on the suspect vehicle and found it abandoned on Bauling Lane just after 3:30 p.m. A perimeter was set up to try and contain the area and find the suspects, but it was determined they abandoned the vehicle and fled the area, according to investigators.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police said the victims condition is unknown at this time.

Residents who live in the Singletree Subdivision or within the perimeter area are asked to review any security camera footage for any suspicious activity. Anyone suspicious activity should be reported by calling 911.

No other information was released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Deputies are investigating after an inmate was allegedly stabbed at Richland Countys Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

The Richland County Sheriffs Department said in a release that deputies went to a local hospital at about 9 p.m. Tuesday after getting reports of an inmate who had been attacked by three other inmates at the jail earlier in the evening.

The victim had stab wounds on multiple areas of his body, the sheriffs department said. The injuries were not life threatening, according to officials.

Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led up to the incident, the sheriffs department said in a statement. This is an ongoing investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.

The stabbing is the latest trouble at the embattled Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. News of the stabbing came just one day after the sheriffs department announced it was investigating a separate incident in which an inmate alleged they were sexually assaulted by two other inmates. The investigation in that case is still ongoing.
An Arizona legislative committee created to investigate how government officials try to influence social media companies, and how social media and tech companies influence others, spent the majority of its four-hour first meeting airing concerns about election manipulation.

No conclusions were reached Tuesday about what the role of the Arizona government should be in regulating or curbing the growing reach of technology and social media. More hearings of the Ad Hoc Committee on Oversight, Accountability, and Big Tech are expected before the end of the year.

The debut meeting further illustrated the allegiance of some Arizona Republicans to a desire to cast doubt on elections. Former gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake spoke to the committee, again alleging her defeat was the result of fraud although she has been unable to back up her claims.

The lone Democrat on the three-member committee said that focus on elections clouded discussion when it came to looking at issues involving tech companies and the powerful influence of the internet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I literally went in thinking it was going to be, like, a legit committee," said Rep. Cesar Aguilar, D-Phoenix. "For me, there are concerns when it comes to privacy issues and tech companies. But we didn't really even go into detail on that at least, and everything kind of just led back to how the election was rigged for Republicans. So that was disappointing."

State run presidential primary: Arizona to host presidential primaries for Dems, Republicans after GOP plan falters

Aguilar said he hoped the committee would address how to keep citizens' information private from social media companies, pointing to a data privacy law in California as one example.

The committee heard testimony from two witnesses, neither of whom made conclusive findings but raised possible issues the committee will consider.

Committee chair, Rep. Alex Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, said the panel's goal was to address disturbing parallels to the dystopian novel "1984" by George Orwell, in which government surveillance and propaganda create a society that doesn't value freedom of expression.

Koldin told a reporter he did not believe a heavy focus on elections would deter from the focus of the committee or its work.

"No, free speech doesn't hurt the cause of free speech," he said. "I want all the speech. I was disappointed that there weren't Democrats here in the audience to testify. I would love to hear what they have to say.

State Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-D3) addresses Rio Verde Foothills residents during a town hall at Reigning Grace Ranch on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

"And I think it's incumbent upon all Americans to show up and let their voices be heard that this is unacceptable from any sort of public official, right? Democrat, Republican, libertarian, Green Party, whatever. It shouldn't be happening."

The first witness was Robert Epstein, a Harvard-trained psychologist who has studied Google search results to monitor bias. He concluded in a 2017 white paper, after reviewing 13,000 search results shown to 95 people, that the results were biased in favor of Hillary Clinton ahead of her 2016 loss to Donald Trump.

Epstein has written numerous opinion pieces and testified to Congress about his work. He told the Arizona committee on Tuesday that Google's algorithm could have influenced millions of votes, calling it "the biggest, most powerful mind control machine that's ever been invented."

He said Lake's loss to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs was so close, it was "guaranteed Google decided that election."

Opinion: Arizona GOP continues eating its own in defense of Kari Lake and MAGA mania

He alleged intentional interference by Google and told a reporter that was apparent through the later testimony of whistleblowers who left the company. Independent fact checkers have disputed Epstein's findings and conclusions, which were taken up by Trump in an effort to explain why he fell short to Clinton in the popular vote, noting they are not conclusive evidence that millions of votes were changed.

Epstein affirmed to a reporter that his work showed a possibility, and he encouraged the committee to consider regulating social media or funding programs  like one he is running  to monitor and track search results. Epstein said he raised $3 million for his work but soon may have to lay staffers off because that funding is running out.

A second witness, James Kerwin of the Mountain States Legal Foundation in Colorado, offered a primer on First Amendment law and when government reporting of misinformation can cross a line from persuasion to coercion. Kerwin is senior counsel for the foundation, a nonprofit law firm that defends Constitutional rights.

Its website says governments are "relentless in their efforts to squash the Second Amendment rights of peaceable gun owners," and the organization warns that rights to speech are threatened by government retaliation.

Kerwin addressed a recent report from a website called Arizona Capitol Oversight that claimed Hobbs tried to censor Republican social media posts when she was secretary of state between 2018 and 2022.

He said repeatedly that two of Hobbs' requests fell into a gray area of law, and though context for each of the requests was missing, they "walk pretty close to the line between what the courts would say is seeking to persuade a social media company to take action against speech, versus being coercive about it," he said.

In one message, a Hobbs staffer sought guidance for how to address widespread misinformation about using Sharpies on ballots, noting "we can't stamp them out one at a time." In another, a staffer reported a critical video shared by the Arizona Republican Party as misinformation, citing state law as proof. (Maricopa County election officials have repeatedly said Sharpies are allowed because their ink dries more quickly, and that ballot tabulators don't read markings that would bleed through.)

Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake addresses the audience during her Defend America rally at Orange Tree Golf Club in Scottsdale on May 31, 2023.

Lake, who lost the governor's race to Hobbs by 17,117 votes, was one of four members of the public to speak to the committee Tuesday. She urged the ad hoc committee to do something to stop the nation's "fast track toward globalism and, frankly, Marxism."

"And I think everybody in this room knows that that election of 2022 was a fraud, a fraudulent election, and it was sabotaged by some of the people who are running our election," Lake said.

Lake has had two trials in her election challenge, which has been appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, and has not shown evidence that fraud determined the outcome of the race. Rather, analyses have shown that her brand of Republican politics  alienating more traditional GOP views and claiming fraud  cost her the race.

Lake was warmly welcomed by the committee.

"Well, boys, we have to have the last word after Kari Lake," Kolodin told the committee members as he moved to close the hearing. "I don't know how we're going to do this, but we'll have to give it a whirl."

After brief closing statements, Kolodin and committee member Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley, posed for pictures and selfies with Lake and Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, a Trump ally who has furthered unfounded claims of election fraud. Rogers is not part of the ad hoc committee but attended the hearing and leads the Senate's elections committee.

Within an hour, Lake had published video of her testimony to her own social media channels.

Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kari Lake speaks to Ariz. lawmakers' panel on social media influence
AUSTIN  Gov. Greg Abbott and the state of Texas must remove  at least temporarily  the buoys placed in the Rio Grande as part of the state's effort to control the border with Mexico, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

In his 42-page order, Senior U.S. Judge David Alan Ezra said he made the ruling after deciding that the U.S. Justice Department will "likely succeed on the merits" in the lawsuit it filed against Abbott and the state in July.

Migrants rest near Buoys on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas on July 20, 2023. The buoys were installed on orders by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to prevent migrants from reaching the north embankment of the Rio Grande on the international boundary between Mexico and the U.S.

"Texass floating barrier is an obstruction to the navigable capacity of the Rio Grande River and required authorization from Congress," Senior U.S. Judge David Alan Ezra says in his order.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Abbott responded in a statement: "Texas will appeal."

The governor ordered the 1,000-foot string of oversized orange floating devices placed in the international river near Eagle Pass ostensibly to help discourage migrants from entering Texas without legal authorization and to combat cross-border drug-trafficking.

Abbott at the time stated explicitly that he did not seek federal authorization before issuing his directive as part of his border-enforcement plan he calls Operation Lone Star.

The Justice Department's suit contends that the move violates Section 10 of the U.S. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which says the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must sign off on any plans to place a wharf, pier, boom breakwater, bulkhead, jetty or other structures in navigable waters.

During a hearing in August, lawyers for Abbott and the state argued that the buoy chain was not an obstruction and that the section of the Rio Grande was not navigable because it's too shallow and narrow.

Ezra determined otherwise.

His ruling cites the Code of Federal Regulations, which states that "Navigable waters of the United States are those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce.

More: Justice Department, Abbott's lawyers spar over Rio Grande's navigability in final briefs

"A determination of navigability, once made, applies laterally over the entire surface of the waterbody, and is not extinguished by later actions or events which impede or destroy navigable capacity."

Judge David Alan Ezra

In his statement, Abbott used the ruling to continue his attacks on President Joe Biden's approach to border security.

More: Judge in federal lawsuit over buoys in Rio Grande says politics will not affect his rulings

The governor said the "court decision merely prolongs President Bidens willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along. This ruling is incorrect and will be overturned on appeal."

The ruling comes ahead of a trial on the lawsuit, which has not yet been scheduled. It prohibits Texas "from building new or placing additional buoys, blockades, or structures of any kind in the Rio Grande River pending final judgment in this matter."

Ezra gives the state until Sept. 15 to "reposition" the buoys at its own expense and to work with the Corps of Engineers on the project.

John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at jmoritz@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JohnnieMo.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Buoys must be removed pending lawsuit against Abbott, judge rules
 Flash

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning speaks at a regular press conference in Beijing, China, September 5, 2023. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday reiterated that Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood.

It was reported that the Taiwan authorities listed "four appeals" on Taiwan's UN participation and claimed that they would invite "diplomatic allies" to submit a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General urging him to rectify the UN's erroneous interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a recent press briefing.

In response, Spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that Taiwan is part of China. Despite that fact and legal basis, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been distorting UNGA Resolution 2758, openly challenging the internationally recognized one-China principle, and spinning lies to pursue "Taiwan independence". These are extremely dangerous separatist provocations.

Noting the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority on October 25 of 1971, which "decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations", and to expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the place which they unlawfully occupy, Mao said that henceforth, the "dual representation" proposal put forth by the United States and a few other countries to keep Taiwan's seat in the UN became a piece of waste paper.

"Once and for all, UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN. It also made it clear that there can only be one seat representing China at the UN. No issues exist about so-called 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," Mao added.

Since the adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758, it has been observed by the UN and its specialized agencies and other international and regional organizations, Mao said, adding that on the basis of the one-China principle, 182 countries have established diplomatic relations with China, and the one-China principle has long been a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community.

"Any issue regarding the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations must be addressed under the framework of the one-China principle. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood," Mao said.

She reiterated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. Taiwan is part of China's territory. Although the two sides have been politically against each other for a long time, China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity has never been split. This is the real status quo of the Taiwan question. The DPP authorities' hype-up of Taiwan's participation in the UN system is actually an attempt to create a false impression of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and challenge the UN-centered international order underpinned by international law.

Mao pointed out the DPP authorities have been promoting "incremental independence" and pushing for "de-sinicization", while some external forces have been fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle and conniving at and supporting separatist acts for "Taiwan independence". "It is them, not anyone else, who are undermining the status quo and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They are the ones responsible for disrupting the cross-Strait status quo."

"Let me stress that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and its resolution is a matter for the 1.4 billion Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Mao said, adding that the DPP authorities will not succeed in seeking external support to embolden its separatist acts, and UNGA Resolution 2758 must not be challenged and the one-China principle is unshakable.

"The wheels of history will keep rolling on. The complete reunification of our country can, without doubt, be realized," Mao said.
Just a little over one month after the Chino Valley Unified school board in San Bernardino County enacted a cruel policy that would out transgender and gender non-conforming students to their parents, Placer Countys Rocklin Unified School Board is gearing up to pull the same stunt.

Today, the Rocklin school board, with its conservative supermajority, will vote on an action item that would revise the districts nondiscrimination and harassment policy to include new language. The motion stipulates that a students transgender or gender identity is private information to be kept confidential with the exception of parental notification.

This policy, if passed, would out trans and gender non-conforming students whose parents do not  or might not  accept their gender identity. If a trans or nonbinary teens parents do not accept them in their own home, a school campus might be the only safe space where they can present as their most whole and happy selves. These policies could also open the school district up to legal exposure if a student were ever harmed as a consequence of being outed by this misguided policy.

Opinion

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Not only is this policy illegal, it is a direct threat to student safety, staff and student relationships, (it) is divisive and targets a specific student or student group on our campuses, said Rocklin Teachers Professional Association President Travis Mougeotte in a press release issued Tuesday. This is discriminatory and puts our students safety and well-being at risk.

Rocklin school board members would be sending a message to queer and trans students that their personal safety and well-being come second to politics. Its a nationwide trend.

In Hanover County, Virginia, students must now submit multiple documents to school administration to use a school bathroom that aligns with their gender identity  including disciplinary or criminal records, and/or signed statements from a doctor or therapist. Floridas Orange County Public Schools system has gone so far as to require written parental notification if a student asks to be called by a nickname.

In California, in late July, the Chino Valley Unified school board approved a policy that alerts parents via the school-wide notification system if a student changes their gender identification, name or pronouns. The policy also notifies parents if a student is using a bathroom that does not conform to the gender listed on their birth certificate.

In early August, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District, saying the districts forced outing of trans students tramples on their civil rights.

The districts policy will force (students) to make a choice: either walk back their constitutionally and statutorily protected rights to gender identity and gender expression, or face the risk of emotional, physical and psychological harm from non-affirming or unaccepting parents or guardians, the lawsuit states.

The (Chino Valley) boards policy thus unlawfully discriminates against transgender and gender nonbinary students, subjecting them to disparate treatment and harassment, including mental, emotional and even physical abuse.

Last month, the Murrieta Valley Unified School District board in Riverside County voted to approve the same policy as the Chino Valley Unified School District, as-is. Bonta said he was disturbed to hear another school district had adopted a forced outing policy, but it is not clear yet if the attorney generals office will pursue a lawsuit against the school board.

Placer County parents, teachers and students would be protecting their communitys queer and trans youth and ensuring that they feel safe while at school by opposing efforts by the Rocklin Unified School Board to mimic the cruelty visited on kids in Murrieta Valley, Chino Valley and nationwide.

Show up for them by showing up to tonights school board meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. and will take place at the Rocklin Unified District Office at 2615 Sierra Meadows Drive. Placers trans and queer students deserve to know that they are loved and supported by their community.
Debris that appeared to be parts of the drone was found near the Danube River on the territory of Romania.

Source: Antena 3 CNN, citing Romanian defence minister Angel Tilvar

Details: Tilvar has confirmed in an exclusive comment to journalists that specialists found wreckage similar to the remains of a drone near the village of Plauru in the territory of Tulcea county, opposite Ukraine's Izmail. The settlements are separated only by the channel of the Danube.

Location on the map

At first, Bucharest categorically denied the fall of the Russian Shahed drones, which attacked Ukrainian ports on the Danube, on the territory of Romania.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We surveyed a very large area, including the one that was talked about publicly, and I can confirm that we found fragments in that area that could be the drone's wreckage," Angel Tilvar said. According to him, the parts found do not pose any threat.

"We see that in a fairly short time, there has been a series of Russian attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure and warehouses, and I think it is important for us to strengthen vigilance measures. We will have more observation points, more patrols," the minister added, noting that he was going to communicate with the authorities of the towns closest to the border with Ukraine.

Background:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The location of the drone crash in Romania, published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

Romania has informed its NATO allies of fragments of an intercepted Russian UAV falling on its territory, RFE/RL journalist Rickard Jozwiak said in a Twitter post on Sept. 6.

"NATO statement notes that Romania informed NATO allies about the Russian drone incident in todays North Atlantic Council meeting," said Jozwiak.

Read also: NATO to host inaugural Baltic Sea exercises to send clear signal to Putins Russia

He added that the allies expressed strong solidarity with Romania and emphasized that they continue to closely monitor the situation. He did not reveal any other details.

Read also: Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately exploiting Odesa Oblasts geography as Russian drones crash in Romania

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Earlier, Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar acknowledged for the first time that parts of a Russian drone used to attack Ukraine fell on his country's territory. On the night of Sept. 4, Russia launched a barrage of Iranian-designed kamikaze drones against targets in Ukraines Odesa Oblast, which borders Romania.

Read also: Russia destroys 13,000 tons of grain destined for Egypt and Romania in drone attack on Odesa Oblast

According to Ukrainian border guards, at least one drone fell and detonated on Romanian territory.

The Romanian side initially "categorically denied" reports about the fall of debris on its soil. According to the ministry, Russian attacks on Ukraine "never posed direct military threats to the national territory or the territorial waters of Romania."

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Photo confirming the downing of the drone in Romania, published by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry

The Romanian Defense Ministry has decided to strengthen the protection of its airspace after parts of a drone launched by Russia at Ukraine crashed in the NATO country, Defense Ministry spokesperson Constantin Spinu announced on Sept. 6, according to local outlet Digi24.

After an examination of the area that lasted several days, the Defense Ministrys investigative team reported that they had found debris that "may be elements of a drone."

Experts have collected the wreckage and started laboratory tests to determine its exact origin. Spinu also added that this incident should not be silenced.

He noted that the wreckage could have fallen on the territory of Romania three days ago during the Russian attack, or earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Concrete steps have been identified to strengthen technical capabilities, and monitor the situation near Ukraine's port infrastructure, and additional measures have been taken to ensure the safety of Romanian airspace.

On Sept. 6, Romanian National Defense Minister Angel Tilvar admitted for the first time that parts of a drone launched by Russia into Ukraine had fallen on the country's territory.

Russian drones that Bucharest did not notice  what is known

In the early hours of Sept. 4, Russia again massively attacked southern Ukraine with Iranian-designed Shahed suicide drones. According to Ukrainian border guards, the kamikaze drones also crashed and detonated on the territory of Romania, a NATO member state. This was backed up by Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Oleh Nikolenko.

Read also: Romania investigates reports of Russian drones crashing in its territory

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 23 out of 32 Shahed UAVs were shot down overnight, with hits recorded in Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Russia again targeted infrastructure in Izmail district of Odesa Oblast, which borders Romania.

The Romanian Defense Ministry initially "categorically denied" the information about the fall of the wreckage. According to the ministry, the means of attack used by the Russian Federation "never posed a direct military threat to the national territory or territorial waters of Romania."

Afterward, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine had photographic evidence of the fall of the Shahed drone in Romania.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Angel Tilvar, Minister of Defence of Romania, has made a speech with explanations concerning the fragments of the drone found on the territory of Romania after a recent Shahed drone attack on Ukraine's south.

Source: Tilvar for the CNN Antena 3 TV-channel, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Tilvar, it is so far unknown when the fragments of the Russian drone fell near the village of Plauru in Romania and whether they are related to the attack the Ukrainian side reported at the beginning of the week.

Tilvar stated that on 5 September, he informed the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis that no parts of the UAVs had been detected on the country's territory.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yet in the evening of that same day, the Romanian Navy discovered metal fragments near the village of Plauru, which borders the city of Izmail in Ukraine's Odesa Oblast.

After that, the investigative measures were initiated on the site of the incident.

"Yesterday in the eveningour units discovered the fragments that could be the components of a drone. Theyhave collected samples and are now analysing them," Tilvar remarked.

He added that the first conclusions about the absence of drone fragments were based on the reports of the Defence Ministry. He later told President Iohannis about it.

Background:

Earlier, Romania confirmed that fragments resembling those of a drone were found near the Danube banks on the Romanian side.

Prior to this, the Romanian side categorically denied that the drones Russia used to attack Ukraine's south could have fallen on Romanian territory.

On 4 September, Ukraines Foreign Ministry, with reference to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, reported that during the Russian attack on Ukrainian ports on the Danube river on the night of 2-3 September, Russian Shahed drones fell down on the territory of Romania, and added the photo of the explosion from the other side of Danube.

The Romanian side basically denied this incident and claimed that "combat means used by Russia did not pose a direct military threat for the national territory or territorial waters of Romania".

Later, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reported that Ukraine had photo evidence of the crash of Shahed drones on Romanian territory.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has demanded an "urgent and professional investigation" into the fallen wreckage of what is believed to be a Russian drone on Romanian territory.

Source: European Pravda, referring to the statement of the Romanian president on Digi24

Details: Iohannis noted that the investigation should find out the origin of these fragments as well as the time and circumstances under which they ended up on Romanian territory.

Quote: "If it is confirmed that these fragments are part of a Russian drone, this situation will be completely unacceptable and will be a serious violation of Romania's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He also stressed that Romania remains well protected by security guarantees within NATO.

Background:

Earlier, Romanian authorities confirmed that fragments similar to the wreckage of a drone were found off the coast of the Danube on the Romanian side. Ukraine reported that the Russian Shaheds fell on the territory of Romania on 4 September.

Prior to this, the Romanian Ministry of Defence "categorically denied" the possibility that the drones used by the Russian Federation to attack the south of Ukraine could have fallen on their territory.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Ron DeSantis appointed the co-founder of right-wing parental rights group to the state's ethics committee.

The group, Moms for Liberty, says its mission is to "stoke the fires of liberty."

The group has proposed book bans and fought against mask mandates and teachings about racism and gender issues.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is putting the co-founder of a conservative advocacy group that's pushed for book bans on the state's Commission on Ethics.

DeSantis on Wednesday announced the appointment of Tina Descovich, a former Brevard County school board member, to the prominent commission.

Descovich co-founded the conservative group, Moms for Liberty, which says its mission is to "stoke the fires of liberty" and "stand up for parental rights at all levels of government," according to the group's website.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Representatives for DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Moms for Liberty has endorsed banning books in schools, and in July successfully lobbied to get five books removed from high school libraries in Leon County, Fla., saying they contained harmful content like pornographic material, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

The group, however, has rejected the idea that they are seeking to ban books.

"No one is looking to ban books. Moms for Liberty certainly isn't," Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice told NewsNation earlier this year. "What we're talking about is curating content in a library. You wouldn't have the same books in a medical college that you would in a seminary, and just because a book is printed doesn't mean that it belongs in a children's library."

In recent years, conservatives have sought to remove a range of books from classrooms that they have found objectionable, including books that contend go against laws in a range of states that have limited how race can be taught in classrooms. DeSantis while campaigning for president has touted his conservative bona fides as it relates to his education record in Florida, but his policies have also divided many educators and parents in districts across the state.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Moms for Liberty an "extremist" group, stating that the anti-government organization engages in "anti-student inclusion activities" by advocating for book bans and opposing LGBTQIA+ topics and racially inclusive curriculum in schools.

The group has also railed against school mask mandates, which became a major flashpoint during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Respiratory syncytial virus  better known by the acronym RSV  is rising in some southeastern U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Tuesday, signaling the virus could begin spreading widely nationwide soon.

RSV causes cold-like symptoms for most people, but can be scary for infants, young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus kills between 100 and 300 children under 5 and as many as 10,000 people over 65 annually, according to CDC estimates.

Other than a few atypical years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the RSV season usually starts in fall and peaks in winter. The virus also has a history of starting to spread in Florida, before spreading to other southeastern states, then eventually northward and westward.

That appears to be the case again this year. In recent weeks more patients have been testing positive for the virus in Florida and Georgia, the CDC said in an alert issued Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

26 states see substantial spike in COVID hospitalizations, CDC says

Historically, such regional increases have predicted the beginning of RSV season nationally, with increased RSV activity spreading north and west over the following 23 months, the CDC said.

But doctors will have new tools to fight RSV this season. Last month, U.S. regulators approved the first RSV vaccine for pregnant women so their babies will be born with protection against the respiratory infection.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared Pfizers maternal vaccination to guard against a severe case of RSV when babies are most vulnerable  from birth through 6 months of age. The next step is for the CDC to issue recommendations for using the vaccine, named Abrysvo, during pregnancy.

Vaccinations for older adults, also at high risk, are getting underway this fall using the same Pfizer shot plus another from competitor GSK.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
An airplane damaged in an attack at a Russian airfield

Russia's law enforcement has finished investigating the attack on Dyagilevo airfield in December 2022, accusing Ukraine of damaging three strategic bombers with a drone strike, Russian newspaper Kommersant reported on Sept. 6.

According to the report, the Investigative Committee has charged Serhei Burdenyuk, commander of Ukraines 383rd Separate UAV Regiment, with a "series of crimes" and issued an arrest warrant in absentia.

Read also: Russia alleges its air defenses downed drone in Kaluga Oblast

Russia has claimed two drone attacks: one on Chkalovsky Air Base near Shchyolkovo in Kaluga Oblast on Oct. 7, 2022, and another on Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan Oblast on Dec. 5, 2022. The targets of both attacks were supersonic Tu-22M3 missile-carrying bombers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Ukraine attacked Russian air bases with explosive drones in December, says HUR

The Investigative Committee claimed damage to three Tu-22M3 aircraft, one Kh-32 guided missile, two vehicles, and two service buildings, as well as the deaths of three servicemen and injuries to seven others.

Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) later confirmed that the December 2022 attacks on Russian military airfields Dyagilevo and Engels were Ukrainian special operations using modified Soviet-era Tu-141 Strizh jet engine drones.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Editors Note: This story has been updated with a report from The New York Times that suggests the attack could have been from an errant Ukrainian missile.

At least 16 people were killed on Wednesday when a missile hit a crowded market in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced.

The Ukrainian leader shared a disturbing video of the moment that the market in Kostiantynivka in the eastern Donetsk region was hit. The sound of an incoming projectile can be heard before a large explosion erupts in the middle of a road, damaging surrounding buildings and prompting terrified civilians to flee.

Zelensky claimed that the attack was carried out by Russian terrorists, but it subsequently emerged that the damage may have been done by a missfired Ukrainian missile. A New York Times investigation published Sept. 18 cited open-source evidence and eyewitnesses and concluded that the tragedy may have been a friendly fire accident. Ukrainian officials disputed the report and said they would conduct an investigation.

At least 16 people have been killed by Russian shelling in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region. Russian terrorists have attacked a regular market, shops, and a pharmacy, killing innocent people. The number of casualties could rise further.



Anyone in the world who is still dealing pic.twitter.com/PRfuGih2JD    (@ZelenskyyUa) September 6, 2023

Following the clip of the explosion, Zelenskys video included other images from the attack. They showed burning cars and buildings. A woman on her knees, crying out next to a lifeless body. Corpses strewn along the street. A pharmacys floor slick with blood. Firefighters battling the flames.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Zelensky expressed his condolences to all who have lost loved ones and said, Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible.

Putins War Machine Accused of Human Trafficking to Find More Troops for Ukraine

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the fire had been contained after the explosion and thanked emergency services for their efforts in responding to the massacre.

As a result of the shelling of the market, 16 people are already known to have died, including 1 child, Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. At least 20 people were injured.

The attack Wednesday comes just two days after the chairman of the UNs Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said it had not yet received sufficient evidence to conclude that a genocide is taking place in Ukraine. Chairman Erik Mse said the inquiry had found a large number of war crimes, however, and that certain statements in Russian media could be relevant to the issue of incitement to genocide.

The strike also occurred on the same day that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv in a show of support for Ukraine. A senior State Department official told reporters on the trip that Blinken is likely to announce another $1 billion worth of wartime assistance to Ukraine during his two-day visit, according to Reuters.

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.
 Flash

Tunisia's former Prime Minister and the former Secretary General of the Islamist party Ennahdha, Hamadi Jebali, was arrested Tuesday at his home in the eastern coastal province of Sousse, the official news agency Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported.

Jebali's lawyer said in a statement that a group of policemen searched Jebali's home on Tuesday morning before arresting him and seizing his cell phone and personal computer, the TAP added.

The report indicated neither the official reasons for his arrest nor the charges he was on.
The Russian forces attacked the settlements of Novoukrainka and Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on 6 September, killing one person and injuring two.

Source: Anastasiia Medvedeva, spokesperson for the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office, in a comment for Suspilne

Quote: "At 9:40, as a result of the Russian attack on the settlement of Novoukrainka, a 61-year old local man died. In addition to this, at 11:00 and 13:30, the Russian forces launched an attack on the settlement of Toretsk. A 42-year old woman and 65-year old man who were in the street were injured. They were taken to hospital with shrapnel wounds."

Details: The Prosecutors Office has started a pre-trial investigation under Art. 438.1 (violating laws and customs of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

On 6 September, the Russians launched an attack on the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. There is information about 17 people killed and 32 injured.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Moscows forces have started covering some of their attack aircraft with car tires, in what experts say could be a makeshift attempt to protect them from Ukrainian drone strikes that have had increased recent success in targeting Russian military airports.

Satellite imagery from Maxar of Engels Airbase, deep inside Russia, shows two Tu-95 strategic bombers with car tires on top of the airframes.

CNN could not independently verify why the tires were placed on the aircraft, but experts say it could be a crude attempt at not only adding another layer of protection against Ukrainian drones but also reducing the visibility of the aircraft, especially at night.

The move may have limited effect, according to Francisco Serra-Martins of drone manufacturer One Way Aerospace whose drones have been used by Ukrainian forces.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It may reduce the thermal signature for exposed strategic aviation assets placed on airfield aprons, but they will still be observable under infrared cameras, he told CNN.

A satellite image shows car tires on a Russian aircraft. - Maxar Technologies

While it seems pretty goofy, they seem to be trying to do the best they can to up-armor the planes that are otherwise sitting ducks. Whether it works depends on what the warhead is on the missile/drone, said Steffan Watkins, an open-source research consultant who tracks aircraft and ships.

Watkins added that the tires could be used to stop fragmentation of an explosion above the plane from piercing the aircraft.

A NATO military official told CNN the alliance was aware of the tires. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

We believe its meant to protect against drones, the official told CNN. We dont know if this will have any effect.

Ukraine has become increasingly bold in targeting strategic assets inside Russia through aerial attacks in recent weeks, even as it suffers assaults on its own cities, setting up a new phase of the conflict defined by Kyivs apparent efforts to wear down domestic Russian support for the war.

Last week six Russian regions including Moscow came under attack, in the biggest drone assault on its territory since it launched its invasion of Ukraine. In the city of Pskov, near the Estonian border, several transport planes were reportedly damaged when drones targeted an airport.

Earlier in August, Ukraine said it had carried out drone strikes on bases that house supersonic bombers deep in Russian territory  in what appeared to be an effort to make a dent in Russias air power, which has been a major obstacle for Ukraines counteroffensive.

Russian forces have previously resorted to unusual DIY solutions to protect equipment from Ukrainian attacks, including covering the often vulnerable turrets of their tanks with metal cages in a bid to reduce the impact of modern anti-tank weapons that attack with armor penetrating rounds from above.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Russian military hit the town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, killing at least 16 people.

Source: Radio Svoboda (Liberty); anonymous Telegram channels; Ukrinform news agency, with reference to Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: Anonymous Telegram channels reported that the Russians launched a missile attack on the market located in the city centre.

Ukrinform reported that 16 people had been killed and 5 people had been wounded, with reference to the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration.

Update: Zelenskyy posted a video of the Russian attack on the city and confirmed that they had attacked the market and killed 16 people.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Quote from Zelenskyy: "When anyone in the world still tries to deal with anything of Russian nature, it means turning a blind eye to reality. The audacity of evil. The audacity of meanness. Full-scale inhumanity.

By now, Russian terrorists' artillery has killed 16 people in the town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. It was an ordinary market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong. Many were wounded. Unfortunately, the number of people killed and injured may increase.

My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones! We must defeat this Russian evil as soon as possible."

       pic.twitter.com/POq4IgupJn     (@ukrpravda_news) September 6, 2023

Ihor Klymenko, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, reported that 28 people were injured and 16 died. There is a rescue crew member among the victims.

Klymenko added that the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the police are conducting a search and rescue operation. The removal of the debris is ongoing. Police paramedics and medics are providing the injured with first aid.

The rescuers have quickly extinguished the fire in the area of 300 m2. Nearly 30 trade pavilions have been damaged.

          pic.twitter.com/hKklaz42OI     (@ukrpravda_news) September 6, 2023

Updated: The Prosecutors Office of Ukraine reports that 31 people were injured and 16 killed. The Russians launched an attack at about 14:00.

Quote: "As a result of Russian projectiles striking trade pavilions a fire broke out. As of 16:00, 16 people were killed as a result of the attack. Another 31 people have received injuries of various degrees of severity, the citizens are receiving urgent medical help.

The preliminary reports say 20 stores, power lines, an administrative building and a fifth floor of a residential building have been damaged. Cars and 8 trade facilities have burned down. A search and rescue operation is underway. There are still people under the debris."

Note: The Russians launched an attack on Kostiantynivka on the anniversary of liberation of the city from the Nazi occupiers, celebrated on 6 September.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russia keeps jamming Ukraine's drones and it's making their operators get closer to danger.

One operator told BCC News the distance to the front is "getting shorter right now."

Operators with experience piloting drones and UAVs are highly valuable to Ukraine's war effort.

Russia's ability to jam Ukraine's drones has only gotten better, forcing drone operators to move closer to the front lines and putting those highly valuable troops in more danger as Ukraine's counteroffensive churns on.

Ukrainian drone operators told BBC News that Russian forces have moved many of their cyber teams, including jammers, close to the front lines of the war, and extending the range of jamming technology closer to Ukraine's troops.

That's forced Ukraine to shuffle its drone operators, such as first-person-view (FPV) pilots, closer to avoid jamming and counter Russia's own drone operators.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the early months after Russia's full-scale invasion, drone operators could pilot miles from the front, which kept them safer from conflict.

But this escalation puts both sides' drone teams at risk of getting hit by artillery fire or heavy armor and infantry shredding through the front line.

Drone operators, who have received extensive training, are indispensable for their side  and high-value targets for enemies.

An expert previously told Insider that "operators are the most valuable thing here because an experienced operator who survives can pilot multiple FPV drones against targets," adding that "both sides are prioritizing going after the operator."

One Ukrainian engineer told PBS Newshour earlier this year that it wasn't uncommon for drone operators to hunt each other, and another said his video gaming skills have helped him with FPV drone piloting.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) warfare has been a major aspect of the conflict in Ukraine; operators use drones to conduct surveillance and drop explosives on unsuspecting enemies.

Some of these relatively cheaper drones can have an outsized impact, with some FPV drones taking out high-cost, high-value targets such as Russian T-90 tanks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia must boost production facilities for the construction of ice-breaking vessels in order to meet its targets for increasing trade via the Northern Sea route, Moscow's official in charge of Arctic development has said.

The government has been in talks with India and China on such projects, Alexei Chekunkov, the head of Russia's Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic, told RBC media.

Russia has long viewed the route, which runs from Murmansk near Russia's border with Norway eastwards to the Bering Strait near Alaska, as an alternative to the Suez Canal, and has plans to boost trade via the Arctic already next year.

President Vladimir Putin last month told the meeting of BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - that Russia was looking to develop flagship projects, including the Northern Sea route with the need to construct new ports, fuel terminals and an expanded icebreaker fleet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chekunkov said 34 million tons of cargo were supplied via the route last year and the same amount is expected this year. Russia plans to more than double the amount, to 80 million tons, already next year and to 200 million tons by 2031.

"Perhaps my greatest concern is the availability of ice-class fleet in sufficient amounts. It's just there is not yet enough (icebreakers) in the world that necessary to transport 200 million tons in seven to eight years," the minister said.

Russia has plans to construct 50 icebreakers and ice-class vessels for the Northern Sea route by 2035.

The main problem was the lack of shipyards to produce the icebreakers. Chekunkov said there have been talks with China and India on joint cooperation in the construction of vessels.

"India is interested in working together to develop northern navigation and potentially in joint shipbuilding. This is a fairly large Ocean power. (And) of course, China," he said.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The Russian occupying authorities have replaced a span on the Crimean bridge which had collapsed after an attack by uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) during a special operation by the Ukrainian Navy and security services.

Source: Krym.Realii, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Details: The journalists discovered the installation of the span by comparing satellite images from Planet.com dated 3 and 5 September. Earlier, barges had been placed south of the bridge, expected to form the basis of a barrier designed to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Previously: On 21 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Crimean bridge was a legitimate target for Ukraine, as the Russians use it to transport weapons. He added that this target should be neutralised.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

On the morning of 17 July, Sergei Aksyonov, Russian-appointed "Head" of Russian-occupied Crimea, claimed that an "emergency" had occurred on the Crimean Bridge and traffic on the bridge was suspended. Russian TV channels reported that a span of the bridge had "collapsed".

Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that the night attack on the Crimean Bridge was a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy. It was noted that the bridge was attacked using uncrewed surface vessels . Later, the version regarding two drones was also voiced by the Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti, citing the National Anti-Terrorist Committee of the Russian Federation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to avenge the attack on the Crimean bridge.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russia is teaching students the ways of war so that it can conscript more ready young men, UK intel said.

The senior student curriculum includes handling rifles, grenades, and drones.

Lessons on drone operation highlight the growing importance of the technology on the battlefield.

Russia's new school curriculum includes lessons on the ways of war, specifically drones, rifles, and grenades  and intel suggests the goal is to prepare students for the front lines.

The curriculum serves three objectives, the UK Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday: "To indoctrinate students with the Kremlin rationale for the 'Special Military Operation,' instill students with a martial mindset, and reduce training timelines for onwards mobilization and deployment."

The de facto military training will apply to senior teenage students  most in years 10 and 11, who will soon face military conscription  enrolled in a "Basics of Life Safety" course, which was approved by Russian government in 2022 and piloted in some classrooms earlier this year. The basic military training module of the class includes handling Kalashnikov assault rifles  something seen in occupied Crimean schools last spring  as well as grenades.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One major aspect of the course is learning how to operate and pilot unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Earlier this summer, intel suggested combat drone lessons would be focused heavily on "how to conduct terrain reconnaissance and ways to counter enemy uncrewed aerial vehicles."

Initially, it was presumed that these classes are likely less of an effort to "develop genuine capability" in students than to "cultivate a culture of militarized patriotism." Now, it appears both could be goals, as the class both indoctrinates students into war efforts and prepares them for potential fighting.

The presence of UAV lessons also speaks to their growing presence both in Russia's current war against Ukraine as well as the central role they're expected to play in future conflicts. Similarly, Russia training students in how to pilot drones could give them a leg up in recruiting new operators, considering the highly specialized and meticulously trained skillset required for flying drones, particularly first-person view (FPV) drones, and the important  and dangerous  role these operators play on the battlefield.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Russian Defence Ministry has prepared a draft resolution proposing registering conscripts and those liable for military service serving sentences in penitentiaries .

Source: Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza, referring to the Federal portal of draft regulatory legal acts

Details: In particular, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation proposes to exclude from the regulation on military registration the subparagraph that exempts citizens serving sentences in the form of imprisonment from military registration.

Instead, it is proposed to introduce the concept of "special military registration", which will be carried out by penal institutions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is noted that citizens serving sentences will not need to come to military enlistment offices to become or be removed from the "special register" because the relevant lists will be compiled and updated by penal institutions.

It is proposed to verify the lists of "special military registration" with the database of military enlistment offices at least once a year.

Background:

Russian prisoners have been actively recruited to participate in the war against Ukraine since the summer of 2022, with promises of pardons and cash payments.

Initially, this was done by the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC). But in February 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the company's founder, announced that PMCs would no longer recruit prisoners.

After that, the Russian Defence Ministry began recruiting people for the war in the prisons.

In June, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the military to sign contracts with prisoners, as well as those accused and suspected of committing crimes.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Russia will most likely stick to its strategy of using missile strikes to try and degrade Ukraines energy infrastructure this winter, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov said in an interview with Ukrinform news agency on Sept. 6.

"The scenarios vary each time; last year, we saw widespread missile strikes," Yusov said.

Read also: Ukrainian military notes absence of substantial winter preperations by Russian forces, attributed to logistics

He noted that in 2022, Russian missile barrages included as many as 120 missiles at one, pointing out that in recent months enemy salvos havent been as massive.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to him, Moscow has exhausted its missile stock and has limited capabilities for producing new missiles.

Read also: Zelenskyy holds meeting to discuss winter preparedness, army equipment supply, and Russian plans

"However, the threat of missile strikes, particularly on energy infrastructure objects, remains; obviously, the terrorist state will not abandon this practice," Yusov concludes.

Read also: Zelenskyy meets with military leadership and energy sector to prepare for Russias winter attacks

Ukraines Defense Intelligence (HUR) assesses that Russia manufactures dozens of Kalibr cruise missiles and a smaller number of Iskander ballistic missiles per month.

Earlier, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) secretary, Oleksiy Danilov, stated the Ukrainian authorities are expecting renewed attacks on the country's energy infrastructure from Russia this winter. He warned that the coming winter will be challenging for Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The number of casualties from a Russian attack on Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast today has risen to 17 killed and 32 injured, the Internal Affairs Ministry said on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. local time.

The strike hit the area of a local market, a number of shops, and a pharmacy, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.

GRAPHIC CONTENT



This video, shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, shows how Russian artillery shelled the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on Sept. 6. pic.twitter.com/IHgVbaYNZp  The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) September 6, 2023

The Internal Affairs Ministry added that the search and rescue operation at the site of the attack has been completed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The front-line city of Kostiantynivka comes under regular strikes by Russian forces.

Zelensky expressed his condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the attack."This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," Zelensky said.

Read also: Governor: Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia injures 2 people

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Russian commander used two military helicopters to transport his pet cat, according to a defector.

One helicopter was used to fly the cat, and another was used to provide cover, he said.

The operation burned through "a lot of fuel" and involved six servicemen on board, the pilot added.

One of Putin's commanders used two military helicopters to airlift his pet cat, according to Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine.

The operation burned through "a lot of fuel" and required a staff of six servicemen because the cat had "some impressive pedigree", he said, according to a translation by The New Voice of Ukraine.

The pet was airlifted by a multimillion-pound chopper while another helicopter provided cover. The elaborate journey took around an hour.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kuzminov called the incident an example of senior Russian commanders living "for their own pleasure."

The revelation was made in an interview between Kuzminov and Ukrainian journalist Volodymyr Zolkin.

Kuzminov, who surrendered to Ukraine with stolen fighter jet spare parts, is set to receive a $500,000 reward from the war-torn country.

Ukrainian officials said a six-month plot led to Kuzminov's Russian Mi-8 AMTSh landing at a military air base in Kharkiv, in northeast Ukraine, last month.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence identified the pilot as Kuzminov, who is a 28-year-old former captain in Russia's 319th separate helicopter regiment.

The pilot is now calling on other Russian servicemen to follow his example, Ukraine's intelligence department said.

The Ukrainian Parliament started the "I want to live" initiative in April 2022, encouraging Russian soldiers to surrender. The campaign offered defectors up to $1 million for stolen equipment, EuroMaidan Press reported.

Kuzminov is the first known recipient of such an award.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Russian missile strike killed at least 16 people, including a child, at a market Wednesday in an eastern Ukraine city, according to Ukrainian officials.

Videos show the missile striking at the market in the heart of the city of Kostiantynivka, in the eastern Donetsk region still held by Ukraine, while people were walking around and shopping.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack demonstrated utter inhumanity in a Telegram post.

A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong, Zelensky wrote. Unfortunately, the number of casualties and the injured may rise. My condolences to all who have lost loved ones! This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The strike also injured 31 people, the Ukrainian newspaper Strana reported, citing information from the local prosecutors office.

More people are under the rubble, according to Strana, after the rocket damaged about 20 shops, an administrative building and a residential building.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said a child was among those who were killed in the strike.

My heartfelt condolences to the families and close ones affected, Shmyhal wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Russian military forces are terrorists, and they shall find neither absolution nor tranquility. A reckoning for their deeds shall be justly met.

Ukrainian presidential office adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the attack should spur a greater focus on providing Kyiv with more weapons in the war against Russia.

Because it is allowed to kill. With impunity. Like today, he wrote on X, referring to Russia. A deliberate missile attack on the market in Kostiantynivka. When there are many civilians there.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian missile crashed into a market in the heart of a Ukrainian city Wednesday, killing at least 17 people in one of the deadliest attacks in months, officials said.

The attack on the industrial eastern city of Kostiantynivka came hours after Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the capital, Kyiv, in a show of U.S. support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the utter inhumanity of the attack, which he said hit a regular market, shops and a pharmacy. The number of casualties could rise further, he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Soldiers and rescue workers carry a body a victim after the Russian rocket attack on a city market in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine (Ukrainian Police Press Office via AP )

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said a child was among the dead, and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko initially said 16 people were killed and 28 people were injured. He added that a rescuer was among the victims.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a Telegram post later, Klymenko revised those figures and said 17 people were killed and 32 were injured.

Video captures explosion

The fiery blast came from nowhere, and within seconds debris and dust were flying into the air in video shared by Zelenskyy on Wednesday and geolocated by NBC News.

Shoppers are milling around before the explosion. For a brief second, people freeze, then some of them start to run.

The video then cuts to burning cars and buildings, a bloody floor in a store, and debris and rubble strewn across the street.

Russia has repeatedly denied that it is targeting civilians in what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine. Russia's Defense Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment about the attack on Kostiantynivka.

Atermath of a Russian military strike in Kostiantynivka (Interior Ministry of Ukraine via Reuters)

The attack overshadowed a visit by Blinken, a gesture of support from Washington as Kyiv's three-month-old counteroffensive searches for a decisive breakthrough.

Blinken, the first top U.S. official to visit Kyiv since the counteroffensive began in early June, met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said at a news conference ahead of the meeting.

Kuleba said in an earlier Telegram post, alongside a picture of him and Blinken, that they paid their respects to "fallen heroes" at Kyiv's Berkovetske cemetery.

Ukrainian forces are fighting to turn what appears to be a minor breakthrough in the south into a substantial breach of Russian defensive lines before winter sets in.

Kostiantynivka is close to the front lines in the east, where Ukrainian forces have also been battling to push Russian forces back in the Donetsk region around Bakhmut.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
At least 17 people have been killed, including a child, after a Russian missile struck a market in a town in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, officials said, one of the worst attacks in months.

Ukrainian officials said 32 others were wounded in the attack on Kostiantynivka.

Russian troops are terrorists who will not be forgiven and will not be left in peace, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. There will be a just retribution for everything.

Russian missile attacks regularly hit civilian areas but tolls this high are unusual. A strike on an apartment block in the central city of Uman killed 23 people, including children, in April, and a similar strike on Dnipro killed 40 in January.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kostiantynivka is close to the front lines around Bakhmut and frequently crowded with military personnel.

But footage of the attack shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed civilians walking along the market street before the missile struck on Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters responded to the blaze caused by the explosion at the market street. - President of Ukraine/Telegram/Reuters

One video showed a large explosion in the middle of the busy thoroughfare, smashing the glass of nearby buildings as pedestrians ran away.

The footage shared by Zelensky then showed a fierce fire and plumes of thick black smoke billowing from burnt-out cars and buildings, as firefighters responded at the scene.

Subsequent images from Kostiantynivka showed the effects of the explosion: blood smeared across the floor of a pharmacy, burning cars, destroyed buildings, and bodies being carried away by emergency services.

An act of terrorism

Zelensky branded the attack as utter inhumanity.

When someone in the world still attempts to deal with anything Russian, it means turning a blind eye to this reality. The audacity of evil, Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The brazenness of wickedness. Utter inhumanity.

The strike was launched just hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Kyiv in his third visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Blinken is scheduled to meet with Zelensky during his trip, from whom he is expecting a firsthand report of Ukrainian efforts to regain land around Bakhmut, which lies to the east of Kostiantynivka.

The visit comes as Ukraines counteroffensive enters its fourth month, with both political and military leaders in Kyiv talking up recent gains, especially along the southern front, following growing concerns the concerted push on the battlefield has been slower than had been hoped.

In a brief exchange with Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken noted the good progress Ukraine has made in its counteroffensive.

Zelensky claimed that the timing of Russias attack on the civilian area was deliberate.

Its the same as it was before: whenever there are any positive offensive steps by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the Russians always hit civilians and civilian objects where they can reach with any kind of missiles or artillery. We know this direction very well. We understand that they hit deliberately, Zelensky said, responding to the news of the attack during a joint news conference with the Prime Minister of Denmark in Kyiv.

The strike also came shortly after Rustem Umerov became Ukraines new defense minister, after the Ukrainian parliament voted to approve his appointment.

In his first remarks in his new role, Umerov vowed to wrest back control of every centimeter of Ukrainian land from Russia and bring home all those in captivity.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Ukrainian soldiers move to the ambulance an injured woman after a Russian rocket attack on a food market in the city center of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

KOSTIANTYNIVKA, Ukraine (AP)  The Russian missile that struck Wednesday in eastern Ukraine turned an outdoor market into a fiery, blackened ruin where weeping civilians looked for loved ones among the mangled, burned bodies scattered across the ground.

The blast in the town of Kostiantynivka killed 17 people and wounded at least 32 in one of Russia's deadliest strikes on civilians in months, Ukrainian officials said.

There was no military target here. This is a peaceful neighborhood in the city center," Stefan Slovak, who lives in Kostiantynivka, said in a trembling voice.

Behind him were the remnants of the market, where charred bodies could be seen in the street, their clothes still burning, near cars engulfed in flames. Behind a market stall holding fresh parsley, rescuers found a women in civilian clothes with her head covered in blood.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Video taken by The Associated Press showed a chaotic scene. As firefighters tried to douse the flames, first responders rushed to apply tourniquets and load the wounded into emergency vehicles using stretchers and blankets. Posters or tarps were used to cover some of the dead. Onlookers cried and consoled one another.

They are shooting at peaceful civilians. Are we soldiers here? Are we shooting at them? No! So why? They are just trying to destroy Ukrainian nation, said resident Nadezhda Negoda.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strike was deliberate. He has visited the town many times on trips to the front line.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area. There arent any military units nearby," Zelenskyy said during a news conference in Kyiv with visiting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

He said the strike reflects the situation on the battlefield.

"Whenever there are any positive advances by Ukrainian defense forces in that direction, Russians always target civilian people and civilian objects, he said.

Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, Ihor Klymenko reported that emergency workers extinguished the flames that burned an area of 300 square meters (3,200 square feet). Eight market installations and some cars were destroyed.

About 30 pavilions were damaged, along with 20 shops, an administrative building, an apartment building and some power lines, according to Ukraine's general prosecutors office.

The attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, where he announced more than $1 billion in new American funding for Ukraine in the 18-month-old war.

___

Associated Press Writer Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Russian pilot Maksym Kuzminov defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 AMTSh helicopter last month.

Kuzminov described how he crossed into Ukraine in a video shared by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence.

He flew 32 feet above the ground with his transponder off to avoid being spotted, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The pilot who pulled off a first-of-its-kind defection from Russia to Ukraine flew 32 feet above the ground with his transponder off to avoid being spotted, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

The defection was first made public in late August, but additional details about the Russian pilot who flew a Mi-8 helicopter to Ukraine were released by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence in a video posted on Sunday.

The August 9 mission was six months in the making, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, which said the stunt was pulled off by Maksym Kuzminov, formerly a captain in Russia's 319th separate helicopter regiment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In an interview published by Ukrainian officials, Kuzminov said he "flew at extremely low altitude in radio silence mode.

"No one knew what was wrong with me," Kuzminov said of his flight into Ukraine.

Kuzminov said his helicopter was targeted by gunfire coming from an unclear direction when he crossed into Ukraine, the Journal reported.

Two other crew members were on board who were not aware of the defection and when they tried to flee they were "eliminated," the head of Ukraine's intelligence Kyrylo Budanov told Radio Free Europe in August.

At the end of 2022, Kuzminov, 28, reached out to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, jumpstarting the plan for him to flee Russia with the helicopter, the Journal reported. Kuzminov communicated with Ukrainian defense officials via the encrypted messaging app Telegram and came up with a plan to fly the stolen Russian helicopter into Ukraine.

Kuzminov's parents were taken out of Russia before he defected.

Ukraine has sought to incentivize Russian troops to defect since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed a law last year courting demoralized Russian troops and offering monetary rewards to Russians who defected with their equipment .

Defecting with a large piece of military equipment, like a helicopter, would earn him a $500,000 payout from the Ukrainian government and a guarantee of safety. Ukraine's Military Intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusova said Kuzminov will get his full compensation for the helicopter, the Kyiv Independent reported this week.

In the video, Kuzminov encouraged other pilots to defect and called Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine which began in February of 2022 a "crime."

Read the original article on Business Insider
A still from an video showing a pilot Ukraine says defected with his helicopter. YouTube/Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

A Russian pilot defected and brought his helicopter to Ukraine last month, Ukrainian officials said.

The pilot said his crew couldn't stop him as he was the only one on board who knew how to fly it.

He told journalists the crew panicked and fled. Ukrainian officials said both were killed.

A Russian pilot who reportedly defected and brought over his helicopter said his crew panicked when they figured out what was happening, but they couldn't do anything as he was the only person on board who could fly it.

Ukrainian officials said a six-month plot led to the Russian Mi-8 AMTSh landing at a military air base in Kharkiv, in northeast Ukraine, last month.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence identified the pilot as Maksym Kuzminov, a 28-year-old former captain in Russia's 319th separate helicopter regiment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The pilot spoke at a press conference on Tuesday where he described panic among the other Russians on board, The Daily Beast reported.

"There were two crew members with me. We didn't have any weapons, our pilots fly without weapons," he said.

"Nobody could put up any resistance," he added, because no one else on board knew how to fly the helicopter.

"I was calming the guys down, I told them everything was fine, that good people live here and everything will be great. But they started to get scared and behave themselves a bit aggressively, and they ran from the helicopter toward the border," he said.

The head of Ukraine's intelligence agency, Kyrylo Budanov, previously told Radio Free Europe that the other two crew members on board were not aware Kuzminov was defecting, and they were "eliminated" when they tried to flee.

They had refused to surrender, Ukrainian officials said.

The pilot previously said he abandoned the Russian military to avoid being part of what he named the "genocide of the Ukrainian people."

On Tuesday he said other Russian troops should also defect so as to not "enable these crimes."

The pilot is now seeking to join Ukraine's aviation operations, The Beast reported.

He said in a previous video released by Ukraine's Defense Intelligence that "Ukraine will unequivocally win this war" because its people were united.

Kuzminov earlier said that his family was smuggled out of Russia before his defection took place.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Editors note: This story was updated at 6:50 p.m. EST with additional information.

KYIV, Ukraine  A Russian missile tore through an outdoor market in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing 17 people and wounding dozens, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to the country with more than $1 billion in new American funding for Ukraine, including military and humanitarian aid.

Blinkens fourth visit to the country was overshadowed by the strike in the city of Kostiantynivka, near the front line in the Donetsk region, that turned the marketplace into an inferno. It was one of the deadliest bombardments of civilians in the 18-month-old war. In addition to the dead, at least 32 people were wounded.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a news conference with the Danish prime minister in Kyiv. There arent any military units nearby. The strike was deliberate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said such brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine.

Blinkens visit was aimed at assessing Ukraines 3-month-old counteroffensive and signaling continued U.S. support as some Western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress against invading Russian forces.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

About $175 million of the total is in the form of weaponry to be provided from Pentagon stockpiles and another $100 million is in the form of grants to allow the Ukrainians to purchase additional arms and equipment, according to the State Department.

US to send depleted uranium rounds to Ukraine

Noting progress in the counteroffensive, Blinken said the new aid will help sustain it and build further momentum. He said the new military assistance would be bolstered by the arrival of U.S. Abrams tanks in the fall and the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets to complement training in Europe.

In addition to the military assistance, Blinken announced nearly $805 million in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine, including $300 million for law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian aid, $203 million to combat corruption and $90.5 million for removing mines, the State Department said.

The package also includes a previously announced $5.4 million transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets.

The aid announced by Blinken comes from money previously approved by Congress. President Joe Biden has requested another $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine for the final months of 2023, but its not clear how much  if any  will be approved.

Many Republican lawmakers are wary of providing more aid, and the partys presidential front-runner, former President Donald Trump, has criticized U.S. financial support. Opinion polls also have shown a decline in support for the war by the American public.

Biden and the Pentagon have said repeatedly they will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. As of Aug. 29, there was approximately $5.75 billion left in the already approved funding for weapons and equipment taken from existing Pentagon stocks.

Blinken was to discuss other issues, including support for Ukraines economy, building on his June announcement of $1.3 billion to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernizing its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said U.S. assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city.

On the train to Kyiv, Blinken met with the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, who was also on an official visit, and thanked her for Denmarks leadership in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent attacks on port facilities in the Odesa region.

Those alternatives may include new overland routes or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also mentioned the potential to develop the Danube River corridor for grain exports.

After arriving in Kyiv, Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate Ukrainian troops killed defending the country.

In a meeting, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the U.S. money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

In other developments, Russia fired cruise missiles overnight at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since Aug. 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration. Debris from a downed missile caused a fire and damage but no casualties.

One person was killed in the Odesa region in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

The trip was Blinkens fourth to Ukraine since the war began, including one brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion. But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in Kyiv since January 2022, before the invasion, in what U.S. officials called another sign of American support.

Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may fail to reach their objectives.

While the U.S. has been concerned by some day-to-day battlefield setbacks, American officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defense capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.

Western analysts and military officials caution that the counteroffensives success is far from certain and that it could take years to rid Ukraine of entrenched, powerfully armed and skilled Russian troops.

Both sides will have to assess their supply shortages, with more battles of attrition likely over the winter. A long war could stretch deep into next year and beyond, according to experts.

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Lolita Baldor and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.
Russian terrorists launched a three-hour drone attack on the night of 5-6 September on the Izmail District of Odesa Oblast, causing damage and killing one person.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa blast Military Administration

Quote: "Unfortunately, one person was killed. An employee from an agricultural business was seriously injured and died in hospital."

Details: In addition, Kiper said that destruction and fires were recorded in several settlements.

Port and agricultural infrastructure facilities were damaged: grain elevators, administrative buildings, and agricultural businesses.

Background: The Air Force warned about the threat of Shahed attacks in Odesa Oblast.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), which is fighting on the side of Ukraine, has reported a raid in the border area, during which Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers were injured.

Source: the RVC on Telegram

Quote: "Representatives of the RVC, together with other units, have conducted another successful fire raid in the border area. At least one FSB officer was killed and about 10 wounded."

Background:

On Tuesday, 5 September, the RVC claimed responsibility for a raid in Russia's Bryansk Oblast on 4 September, reporting that two FSB border guards had been killed.

Earlier, the RVC said they and the Security Service of Ukraine had jointly attacked an airfield in Russia's Kursk Oblast on 27 August.

On 24 June, the RVC and the Freedom of Russia Legion supported the Wagner Groups rebellion against the Russian authorities and called on their supporters to take action.

In May, the RVC claimed that they had crossed the border and entered Russian territory.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Fighters of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) have made another armed incursion into Russian territory, killing at least one FSB officer, RVC announced on Sept. 6.

The RVC said its troops conducted a successful raid together with other allied units near the Russian border.

Read also: Russian Volunteer Corps in clashes Belgorod Oblast, call for negotiations with governor

Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov said in an interview with news agency Ukrinform that Russian fighters from the Freedom of Russia Legion and the RVC handed over to Ukraine Russian military personnel who had been captured during their raids.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence tells Radio NV that Russian Volunteer Corps will help change post-Putin Russia

The two Russian formations fighting for Ukraine continue to carry out combat missions on the front line, where they work together with the Ukrainian security and defense forces.

On Aug. 30, RVC fighters reported that they, together with Ukraines SBU security service, were behind the attack on the military airfield in the Russian city of Kursk on Aug. 27.

Read also: RVC claims to have crossed Russian border again

In the summer of 2023, RVC fighters publicly reported several raids in Russias Belgorod Oblast, during which they captured prisoners and Russian equipment.

The Russian Volunteer Corps is a military unit formed from Russian national who sided with Ukraine after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain is set to declare the Russian mercenary Wagner Group to be a terrorist organisation, making it illegal to be a member or to support it, the government said on Wednesday.

A draft order due to laid before parliament will allow Wagner's assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized, the interior ministry said in a statement.

Interior minister Suella Braverman described Wagner as "violent and destructive". It had acted as "a military tool of Vladimir Putin 's Russia overseas," she said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wagner did not exist from a legal point of view.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There's nothing to comment on," he said when asked about the measure.

Across Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and "barbarous murders", the British statement said, calling it a threat to global security.

"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," Braverman said.

The order is expected to come into force on Sept. 13, after which it would be a criminal offence to belong to or promote the group, arrange or address its meetings and carry its logo in public, punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

David Lammy, the opposition Labour Party's foreign affairs spokesman, said the move was "long overdue". The government should now press for Putin to be prosecuted for his aggression, he said.

Wagner has operated in Syria and a number of countries in northern and western Africa. It recruited thousands of convicts from Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine, providing the main assault force for Russia's 2022-2023 winter offensive there.

In June, it mounted a brief mutiny in Russia, condemned as treason by Putin, and on Aug. 23 its boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and top lieutenants were killed in a plane crash.

Britain sanctioned Prigozhin in 2020, Wagner as a whole in March 2022, and in July this year sanctioned individuals and businesses with links to the group in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan.

(Reporting by Lavanya Ahire in Bengaluru and Sarah Young in London; Editing by Peter Graff, William Schomberg and Angus MacSwan)
KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament voted to approve the appointment of Rustem Umerov as defence minister on Wednesday after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy proposed him to replace Oleksii Reznikov .

Here are some facts about Umerov:

* Umerov, 41, is a Crimean Tatar, a Turkic people from the Black Sea Ukrainian peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014. He was born in Samarkand in Uzbekistan to a Crimean Tatar family that was deported from then Soviet Crimea in the 1940s. Since 2020, Umerov has been a member of a Ukrainian government task force working on the strategy to end the occupation of Crimea.

* In September 2022, Umerov, then a lawmaker from the pro-European Holos party, became head of the State Property Fund, an agency selling state assets to private investors. He is credited with turning round an institution that has frequently been mired in corruption scandals. He also relaunched sales of state property, raising record proceeds for the state during the war.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

* Umerov, described as a talented negotiator by people close to him, was a member of the Ukrainian team that held negotiations with Russia in March 2022, one month after Russia's full-scale invasion on Ukraine. He also took part in talks on the U.N.-brokered wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain through the Black Sea and on prisoner exchanges, including those involving Ukraine's Azov fighters who were captured by Russia during the battle for the southern city of Mariupol in 2022. He was also a member of the delegation during a visit by Zelenskiy to Saudi Arabia in May, and accompanied first lady Olena Zelenska on a visit to the United Arab Emirates in March.

* Umerov began his career in the private sector. He joined one of Ukraine's leading mobile operators in 2004. In 2013 he set up his own investment company, ASTEM, and its ASTEM Foundation. He has a bachelor degree in economics and masters in finance.

* When proposing Umerov, Zelenskiy said new approaches and other forms of interaction with the military and society were needed as Russia's invasion entered its 19th month.

(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka and Olena Harmash, Editing by Tom Balmforth and Timothy Heritage)
A Sacramento Police Department detective was arrested Tuesday on a misdemeanor warrant for vehicular manslaughter, the department announced Tuesday, in connection with a deadly, on-duty crash in December that killed two brothers as they stood by their disabled truck on Interstate 5.

A Sacramento Superior Court judge issued an arrest warrant Tuesday for Jonathon Thomas Nangle on two misdemeanor counts of vehicular manslaughter, police officials said in a social media post Tuesday night. Nangle turned himself in at the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, and was processed and released the same day, according to the post.

Court records show Nangle is scheduled to appear for his arraignment on Nov. 27. The arrest warrant filing indicates that Nangle may be released from jail on his own recognizance after signing a form promising to appear in court to face his charges.

The Sacramento County District Attorneys Office filed a criminal complaint against Nangle on Tuesday. Prosecutors in the complaint allege Nangle failed to maintain the lane of the road while driving the car, killing the two brothers. Nangle faces misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges without gross negligence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nangle was allegedly behind the wheel of his unmarked home retention vehicle on Dec. 5 and heading southbound on I-5 near Sutterville Road around 6 a.m. when his vehicle struck a white Dodge pickup truck stopped on the right shoulder just south of the ramp to the highway, as well as two pedestrians standing by the drivers side of the truck, according to the post and a news release by the California Highway Patrol at the time.

The pedestrians were identified by the Sacramento County Coroners Office as brothers Lionel Enriquez Rodriguez, 32, of Simi Valley; and Juan Carlos Enriquez Rodriguez, 33, of Sacramento.

Fatal Collision Involving Police Vehicle Arrest  I-5 and Sutterville Road



On December 6, 2022, at approximately 06:00 a.m., a Sacramento Police Department Detective driving an unmarked home retention vehicle was involved in a vehicle collision in the area of Southbound I-5 and pic.twitter.com/5Md4zCLnOJ  Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) September 6, 2023

Two days after the crash, the department identified the involved driver as Nangle, who was driving a department-issued Ford Fusion sedan, which was unmarked.

Nangle is an eight-year veteran of the department and remains on administrative leave with his peace officer powers suspended, according to the statement by police.

At the time of the crash, the CHP said the Ford struck the left rear end of the Dodge, then hit the Rodriguez brothers standing on the drivers side of the pickup.

The Dodge had pulled over onto the right shoulder of the freeway before the fatal crash. A Toyota sport utility vehicle had parked nearby on the left shoulder of the Sutterville Road ramp to I-5. The CHP has said the Toyota driver was standing near the Dodge driver when both were struck by the police vehicle.

The CHP has said the detectives vehicle hit the Dodge and the two pedestrians for an unknown reason.

One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene by the Sacramento Fire Department, and the second died en route to a hospital. Nangle, a resident of Rocklin, was not injured in the crash, police said.

The CHP said the crash remains under investigation but did not release any new information about the crash or its cause. The Police Department said it is cooperating fully with the CHP.

Nangle was also involved in an on-duty crash in 2021, The Sacramento Bee reported in December, which resulted in a civil lawsuit that the city settled for $15,000.

The two Rodriguez brothers mother, Virginia Carranza, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in June against the city in Sacramento Superior Court. A city spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit at the time, citing the then-ongoing CHP investigation of the crash.

Virginia Carranza lost her only two boys overnight, her attorneys wrote in the civil lawsuit. Losing a child is one of lifes worst pains. To lose two at the same time, so unexpectedly, and so tragically, is to live a nightmare.

The sons financially supported their mother before their deaths, according to the lawsuit. The brothers had three children, ages 10, 6 and 5, according to a GoFundMe page the family set up after their deaths.

Senior Deputy City Attorney Chance Trimm on June 20 formally filed a general denial of the allegations in the mothers civil lawsuit seeking to deny damages sought by the plaintiff, court documents show. The civil case will return to court March 22 for a case management conference.

The death of Juan Carlos Enriquez Rodriguez and Lionel Enriquez Rodriguez is a devastating and tragic loss, Police Chief Kathy Lester said in a prepared statement Tuesday night. My heart goes out to their family, friends and community.
Just help me help who I need to today, Mindy Smith softly prays as she opens the doors to the halls of Highland High School, removing the barricade between herself and the noise of teenage-dom. She knows this Salt Lake City school well. She attended Highland. So did her husband and their five children. Smith moves through the maze of youth to her office. Her official title is family support coordinator, but to take her work at the face value of her job title is an understatement. Its on her to make sure that, no matter what, no one gets left behind.

Thats the aim at least.

In the Salt Lake City School District, 50 percent of students belong to low-income families. At Highland High School, about 600 students of the around 2,000 student body check that box. Theres a thin line  sometimes only a paycheck wide  between low income and impoverished. Numbers for the national child poverty rate are estimated to fall between 17 and 33 percent. Its not an easy number to determine, because theres shame, as well as practical obstacles, to reporting the facts. But the reality is that millions  more than 11 million  of children are impacted.

Children growing up in poverty suffer. Their biological stress markers are elevated, which leads to varying negative cognitive, emotional and behavioral consequences. One longitudinal cohort study by researchers from Duke University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan found that children growing up below the poverty line have reduced gray matter volume in their brains, eight to 10 percent below developmental norms. Under poverty, children are at risk for homelessness.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the neighborhood where Highland is, the median household income is $98,043. But there are enough students without a home to fill a classroom. Lack of stability  especially if that means not knowing if there will be a roof over their heads or where the next meal is coming from  leaves children more vulnerable to trauma, lack of medical care and education interruptions. Students without a home are more than twice as likely to be chronically absent compared to their housed peers, resulting in measurably lower academic performance. And research from the American Psychological Association shows that these students are more likely to be bullied.

Children growing up in poverty suffer. Their biological stress markers are elevated, which leads to varying negative cognitive, emotional and behavioral consequences.

But for the millions of American children living on the edge of poverty, the solution appears to be simple: Adults who can, in oftentimes small ways, show them support. You hear some of these kids talking about teachers  this teacher likes me, or this teacher cares for me. And that means that theyre going to listen to that individual, says James McMillan, educational psychologist and professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. That individual becomes a role model and maybe even gives them some tough love when needed. That connection is very, very important.

Smith volunteered for nearly a decade at Highland before she was hired full time in 2018. Over the years, shes organized a food pantry, a room of clothes for students to shop without price, washers and dryers, and private showers in her school, made possible by the school district. She has helped students take advantage of a policy that waives fees for students to participate in extracurriculars and created a budget to supply the gear and materials theyll need for those activities.

On a morning in August, she winds through the sea of students, passing out granola bars. Waving, smiling, asking, Hows school? How did the test go? Slowly, trust builds with each exchange. It might be on the 14th granola bar, a student says, Hey, Im in trouble. I need help. Its a balancing act of recognizing the needs of children at risk and acknowledging that their realities are different from what we normally expect  all while not adding to shame and disgrace.

Slowly, a safety net is woven. PTA moms participate. Teachers get involved. A lunch lady noticed a teenager wearing the same clothes three days in a row and brought her to Smith. The student was in crisis and Smith was able to connect her with the right resources and organizations. Students have begun providing support, too. Smiths assistants sort through the food pantry, making sure no food is expired, and the pep club makes posters thanking community members for their donations. Even students who have graduated are eager to come back and keep the momentum going: Lets keep helping.

Karen Sanchez Garcia is one of those students returning the favor.

Sanchez Garcia and her mom met Smith at the beginning of her freshman year at a community meeting in 2019. As a student, she visited Smiths office, although, at first, she was scared. I am a person that hates to bother people  Im usually the type of person to try to fix my problems by myself, she says. But after that first interaction that I had with Mindy, I felt like maybe shes someone I could rely on whenever I feel vulnerable or at a point where I cant pick myself back up. And so I started visiting her office a lot more frequently. Not even to ask her for anything really, just to stop by and say hi and have someone to talk to.

Even when things became difficult for Sanchez Garcia and her family during the pandemic  mentally, emotionally and financially  Smith was there. Shes just a good person and she took care of me throughout all of high school, making sure that my grades are OK and that Im doing OK, Sanchez Garcia says. She graduated and became the first in her family to attend college. And she became a peer mentor, translating for students in need.

If youre told that your circumstances are so dire that its hard to climb out, or nearly impossible  thats debilitating, thats not helpful.

From organizations like Shoes That Fit, which donates brand-new shoes to children in need, tackling one of the most visible signs of poverty, and No Kid Hungry, which fights food insecurity, to local volunteering, the impacts of service are visible. Last school year, Amy Fass, the CEO of Shoes That Fit, received a call from a local principal who had noticed that even though one little boy was dropped off at school every day, his classroom attendance was coming up short. Turns out, he was hiding outside after the bell rang, avoiding the bullying taking place inside because he was wearing his sisters hand-me-down jelly shoes. Fass and her team showed up with a brand-new pair of shoes, given to the student privately. He didnt miss a day of school again that year.

Service and connection to others, no matter your circumstance, is empowering. Meaningful achievement and being productive through your own efforts lead to high self-esteem, high self-efficacy, and strong motivation for the future, says McMillan. I think that it can be very powerful whenever we engage in service to others.

During his research, McMillan interviewed 62 students at risk who overcame their academic adversities. One common denominator was acceptance of their circumstances. Their sentiments expressed neutrality toward their environments: It is what it is. The lack of self-victimization parallels what Smith, Fass and others on the front lines prioritize in their own efforts: focus on potential, rather than problems. If youre told that your circumstances are so dire that its hard to climb out, or nearly impossible  thats debilitating, thats not helpful, McMillan says.

The second was a caring authority figure: A stable adult who believed in, cared for and encouraged them. Real impact and change comes from a mentor. A teacher, counselor, a Smith. I really do feel like the most important component is that someone cares and is listening, she says. We will never solve all these problems. We can do something. I do think that if you can serve someone and help someone, it can change the world.

This story appears in the September issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe.
Under the cover of night Wednesday, maritime authorities in Australia recued a sailing party after several shark attacks damaged their sinking catamaran drifting in the Coral Sea, officials said.

An alert from a radio beacon led rescue crews to a 29-foot inflatable catamaran about 1:30 a.m. local time after someone on board the vessel sent a distress signal out, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority reported.

The vessel, named Tion, departed from Vanuatu in the South Pacific and was en route to Cairns in Queensland, Australia when contact was established, maritime officials wrote in a release. The Coral Sea, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, extends east of Australia and New Guinea and south of the Solomon Islands.

Watch the sailors get rescued after several sharks damaged their inflatable catamaran.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Australian surfer attacked by shark: Surfer attacked in Australia by suspected great white shark hospitalized, clinging to life

A ping and 'several shark attacks'

After reviving the distress alert, officials dispatched a Cairns-based Challenger Rescue Aircraft to the catamaran's location. A large vehicle carrier sailing under a Panama-flag also assisted in the mission.

Rescue crews said the vessel was damaged from several shark attacks and found three people on board  two Russians and one French citizen.

Crews rescued all three people, officials said.

Check out the video from the search and rescue AMSA coordinated early this morning.Remember to always bring a registered beacon with you when you're out on the water - it could help save your life. Find out more: https://ow.ly/3fXn50PI86g#SafeSeas #SavingLives Posted by Australian Maritime Safety Authority - AMSA on Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Victims expected to arrive on land Thursday

No injuries were reported and the trio was expected to arrive in Brisbane, Australia Thursday morning.

A 9-meter inflatable catamaran Tion with three passengers that was rescued in The Coral Sea after multiple shark attacks damaged the vessel.

Maritime officials reminded boaters to always bring a registered beacon when out on the water.

"It could help save your life," officials said in the release.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior correspondent for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sailors rescued from catamaran after shark attacks in Coral Sea: Video
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed adding the salamander mussel, considered a silent sentinel of the health of rivers and streams in Michigan and elsewhere around the country, to the federal list of endangered species.

According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, water quality tends to be good where these mussels thrive, and when their population is in decline, the rivers and streams they inhabit may be unhealthy. These mussels are not to be confused with the zebra mussels, an invasive mollusk native to Eurasia that attach to incapacitate native mussels and clog water intakes at power plants.

In addition to being indicators of river health, freshwater mussels can keep water clean by filtering their food from the water, and with it, sediment and other pollutants. According to the wildlife service, there are are more than 900 species worldwide, with North America being a global center of mussel diversity, with about 300 species. Despite the high amount of diversity, 65% of North American freshwater mussel species are imperiled..

The Wildlife Service proposed listing these little salamander mussels as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in August and is seeking public comment on it recommendation. This freshwater mussel is found in scattered populations across 14 states, from New York southwest to Arkansas. The service is also proposing to designate critical habitat for the salamander mussel.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have proposed to list the salamander mussel as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Endangered species protections would benefit this species, if listed, by raising awareness about the threats to it, inspiring conservation partnerships and making resources available for recovery," said agency spokeswoman Melissa Clark.

What they look like

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the salamander mussel as an endangered species The mussel is found in various rivers and creeks throughout Indiana and the Midwest.

According to the Michigan State University Extension Service, the salamander mussel has a small, up to 2 inches, thin, elliptical shell. The outside of the shell is smooth and a dull yellow tan to dark brown. Its habitat is in swift flowing rivers and streams with areas of shelter, under flat rocks or in crevices.

While rare, the salamander mussel can be found in abundant patches linked to its host, the mudpuppy. Mudpuppies are salamanders that live in lakes, rivers and ponds and get their names from the grunting sounds they can make, according to a mudpuppy fact sheet from the wildlife division of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

More: Michigan seniors reveal their secrets to a long and happy life

More: Police preparing to rescue Detroit woman on a high-rise ledge

The Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comments on the salamander mussel designation until Oct. 23.

In addition to Michigan, the mussel is found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada.

The primary threats facing the mussel include contaminants, changes in water flow and the landscape, invasive species and risks to the mudpuppy. According to the service, fresh water mussels are among the most sensitive of aquatic species, so changes in water quality can have a range of negative impacts.

The wildlife service is also proposing to designate critical habitat for the salamander mussel. Critical habitat is an area that contains essential habitat features for the survival and recovery of a listed species.

Saving critters for 50 years

This is the 50th anniversary of the year when Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, which has helped save the bald eagle and other wildlife. It is designed to protect threatened species from harm, including interference with their vital breeding and behavioral activities, or degradation of their critical habitat, according to the National Wildlife Federation. .

According to the wildlife service, similar to other fresh water mussels, the salamander mussel has a unique life cycle that relies on its host for successful reproduction, but the salamander mussel is the only freshwater mussel in North America to use a nonfish host. The mudpuppy, the only host for salamander mussel, is a fully aquatic salamander species that is present within the same habitat preferred by the salamander mussel during the summer and fall when female mudpuppies are guarding their nests under large flat rocks. The salamander mussels larvae develop on the gills of the mudpuppy before falling off into the stream.

Like other freshwater mussels, the salamander mussel feeds on particles, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, protozoans, detritus, and dissolved organic matter, in sediments or suspended in the water. The salamander mussel lives for approximately 10 years.

How to comment

The proposal to put the salamander mussel on the list of endangered species and other documents are available for comment online at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS-R3-ES-2023-0058. Hard copy comments may be mailed to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R3-ES-2023-0058, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 220413803.

The service requests that comments be sent only by the methods described above. It said it will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more about the salamander mussel.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Salamander mussel may be declared as endangered
A Jack in the Box employee assists a customer in Salt Lake City June 27. The Salt Lake City Council voted Tuesday to ban new drive-thrus in the Sugar House Business District. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Adding new drive-thru services will no longer be permitted in a growing piece of Sugar House under a zoning ordinance amendment Salt Lake City leaders approved Tuesday night.

The Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that prohibits new drive-thru facilities from being built within the neighborhood's business district, a section between 2100 South and I-80, from about 900 East to 1300 East. All businesses with existing drive-thru options in the district will remain grandfathered in on the old rule and continue to operate their drive-thru service as they are now, according to the city.

The vote followed some consideration to possibly alter the language to allow for financial institutions and pharmacies to be excluded from the ban, following feedback from a public hearing on the issue last month. The council could have voted to approve a second option that only allowed financial institutions, retail goods and retail services to build new drive-thrus; they opted instead for a broader ban.

Moments before the vote, Salt Lake City Council Vice Chairwoman Victoria Petro explained that some public comments helped sway the decision.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"If you have a car, driving outside the bounds of the business district is not difficult for you," she said. "We've already seen that businesses pivot well during pandemics and crises, and we can pivot. But for normal operating sanity, we need to save (Sugar House residents) from any further drive-thrus."

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission initiated the amendment last year and voted 10-1 in April, giving a favorable recommendation after meetings and other outreach with residents and businesses in the affected Sugar House boundaries and the neighborhood council.

This map shows where the Sugar House Business District is located and businesses that currently have drive-thru service within it. Existing drive-thrus will not be altered by the Salt Lake City's zoning amendment banning new drive-thru service options in the area. | Salt Lake City Corporation

Council members also seemed to lean in favor of the rule change during an information meeting on the matter in July. Salt Lake Council Chairman Darin Mano said it could potentially reduce traffic jams in the area by removing cars backed out onto streets.

"I think there are parts of our community where drive-thrus make sense, and, I think, Sugar House is not one of them anymore," he said at the time.

Wade Olsen, an executive for Dee's Incorporated, which owns properties within the boundary, pushed back during an Aug. 8 public hearing, saying he doesn't believe drive-thrus and walkable communities are "exclusive of each other" as long as planning is done correctly.

But others who attended the meeting agreed with the council. One resident said drive-thrus have "detrimental effects" on the area because of the limited space in the area, while another resident called walking through the district "a nightmare," and others said more could compound environmental effects as vehicles idle in line.

Meanwhile, city zoning experts explained in July that a new business can still operate a drive-thru if it replaced a similar business with an allowed drive-thru grandfathered in. An appeals officer would have to approve if a new restaurant opened at an old bank site. The carryover can also be abandoned if the building is vacant for more than a year and isn't marketed for use.
At the direction of the Pentagon, the US Air Force has kicked off a new initiative to explore ways to better protect the United States against incoming cruise missiles.

The U.S. military has begun a new formal effort to explore options for how to better defend the homeland against the threat posed by ever-more advanced Russian and Chinese cruise missiles. This might include the return of domestic surface-to-air missile sites at critical locations across the country, though not on a scale that was seen during the Cold War. Directed energy weapons, as well as an expanded sensor and command and control infrastructure, bolstered by artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, have also been discussed in the past as part of an improved cruise missile defense ecosystem.

Inside Defense first reported earlier today that the Air Force had kicked off the "air and cruise missile defense of the homeland analysis of alternatives" back in July. A year before that, the Pentagon had selected the service to lead this effort, which is expected to eventually involve contributions from all of the branches of the U.S. military and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This new effort will leverage work done in the course of a number of other U.S. military domestic air defense planning studies over the better part of the past decade.

An unclassified map showing air defense nodes in the contiguous United States, including green circles denoting bases hosting Air Force fighters tasked with homeland defense, circa 2021. DOD

The AOA [analysis of alternatives] is starting in earnest and [is] going to churn out some program and investment analyses that will then lead into the budgets over the next couple of years, one of two unnamed senior defense officials said, according to Inside Defense.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has directed the Air Force, which is spearheading the project, to think about one batch of initial investments that can be achieved in the 2026 five-year spending plan... And then identify a second basket of more advanced capabilities to reach for in the 2030 five-year spending plan," Inside Defense further reported. "The expectation is that the AOA will recommend an amalgamation of existing systems and new capabilities."

Beyond this, specific details about exactly what the Air Force may already be exploring with regard to improving homeland defense capabilities against incoming cruise missiles remain limited.

The War Zone has reached out to the Air Force for further information about the AOA, including whether or not it is completely limited to cruise missile defense. Relevant capabilities to protect against cruise missiles could easily be applicable to other threats, including the increasing dangers posed to domestic critical infrastructure by various tiers of armed or weaponized uncrewed aerial systems. As underscored by the current conflict in Ukraine, the line between traditional cruise missiles and kamikaze drones is already very blurry.

It is no secret that the U.S. military has a long-standing concern about the threats posed by cruise missiles, which are increasingly proliferating, even to non-state groups, to its forces and facilities abroad and at home. Over the past few decades, U.S. government fears have steadily grown about the danger these weapons pose to the homeland more broadly. In addition to the Russian and Chinese armed forces developing and fielding ever more capable designs, including hypersonic types, both of those countries have been expanding their launch platform options, especially newer, more capable missile submarines.

Advanced, ultra-quiet missile submarines, like the Russian Yasen-M class Kazan seen here, have been a particular source of concern for the U.S. military when it comes to the potential for cruise missile strikes on the United States. Russian MoD

"The thing that I really want to emphasize here is that the homeland is not a sanctuary any longer," U.S. Air Force Col. Kristopher Struve, the vice director of operations for the U.S.-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), said during a virtual roundtable hosted by the Missile Defense Advocacy Association (MDAA) in 2021. "There are opportunities for our adversaries to employ weapons from distances that they could strike critical infrastructure in the United States early in a conflict and create some challenges for us to produce our military power."

These are the realities that have prompted the Pentagon to task the Air Force with exploring a holistic, multi-faceted approach to improving the nation's defenses against cruise missiles. Currently, the vast majority of standing domestic air defense capacity in the United States is provided by a relative handful of fighters sitting on alert at bases near key locales.

The only real permanently deployed ground-based capability within the continental United States are the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and AN/TWQ-1 Avengers positioned in and around the greater Washington, D.C. area, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR). There are additional surface-to-air missile units based in the United States that could be deployed in the event of a war or other major crisis, but they are limited in number.

A ground-based launcher associated with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS). Kongsberg Defense

https://twitter.com/saraecook/status/1199338541786050560

So, an expanded and improved network of surface-to-air missile sites within the borders of the United States is known to be one part of these discussions.

In recent years, the Air Force, in cooperation with the U.S. Army, has publicly been working to expand NASAMS counter-cruise missile capabilities with a particular focus on homeland defense. The Air Force has also been testing more novel ground-based means of kinetically destroying incoming cruise missiles, including a large-caliber gun firing extremely fast-flying projectiles called the Hypervelocity Ground Weapon System (HGWS).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egM7ojN2N34

Documents released along with the Pentagon's 2023 Fiscal Year budget proposal showed plans to conduct a test of a prototype HGWS together with NASAMS sometime between the beginning of July and the end of September of this year. However, it is unclear if this has occurred or is still scheduled to take place.

The Army, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps, are both in the process of acquiring new surface-to-air missile systems  Enduring Shield and Iron Dome, respectively  driven in large part by a desire for new counter-cruise missile defenses for forces deployed abroad. These systems could potentially be used to provide additional, if highly localized air defense capacity within the United States.

Beyond ground-based kinetic defense options, the Air Force has demonstrated a capability to shoot down enemy cruise missiles using aircraft armed with laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets, as well. Other kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities, including directed energy weapons and electronic warfare systems mounted on various platforms, could be part of the final domestic cruise missile defense equation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGcM6qHWgnk

A robust targeting infrastructure, consisting of radars and other sensors, will also be necessary. Detecting and tracking cruise missiles, which generally fly at very low altitudes, and that might be flying at supersonic, supersonic, and now hypersonic speeds, is notoriously difficult.

A key reason beyond the Air Force's refitting of F-15C/D Eagles with AN/APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars in the past was to provide them any improved ability to spot and track cruise missiles. With the F-15C/Ds now in the process of being retired, many of the service's F-16C/D Viper fighters are getting new AESA radars in large part for the same reason. The Air Force's future F-15EXs, an acquisition program that is very much in flux currently, will also have AESA radars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZnrtB9rRT8

Creating an elevated sensor platform with good look-down visibility was the key driver behind the Army's abortive Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS) radar blimp program. That effort began in 1996 and was canceled some two decades later after numerous cost overruns, delays, and other issues. In a particularly infamous incident in 2015, a prototype JLENS aerostat deployed at the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland became untethered and drifted into neighboring Pennsylvania, with its snapped mooring line knocking down power lines along the way. It finally lost sufficient altitude to end up tangled up in a tree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz7ctncNtY8

Furthermore, command and control networks will be required to link everything together. The Army is already in the process of fielding a new centralized air and missile defense networking capability, called the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), which you can read more about here. Advanced networks are a key part of the Air Force's larger Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiative, as well.

The U.S. government also has a long-standing air defense partnership with Canada through NORAD, which would also be another factor in this future planning.

Overall, Air and Cruise Missile Defense of the Homeland is very clearly not just a few things  it is a lot of things across a lot of different domains, the first senior defense official told Inside Defense, according to its report today. One thing we found [already]... is that there are a lot of capabilities that could be applied to this problem set, they're just not aligned to [the cruise missile defense mission set.]"

When we determined who needed to be the lead, we had to take into account the whole of the kill chain  not just the defensive part, a second senior defense official also told that outlet. That's what really led us to the Air Force as the lead because they do a lot of work and those other domains, which include that early warning and that long-range surveillance, which is critical to the problem."

Last year, the Defense Science Board notably published an unclassified summary of a future U.S. domestic air defense study it had conducted that called for "an adaptable, scalable, and affordable framework... that incorporates emerging technological innovations to ensure all-domain awareness, assured tracking, secure command and control, and affordable engagements." It recommended leveraging of technologies including "artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), multi-statics, directed energy, proliferated LEO [low Earth orbit satellite] constellations, and multimodal seekers, as supported by advances in big data analytics and digital engineering."

Artificial intelligence and machine learning could be very valuable for helping air defenders rapidly prioritize which incoming threats to respond to and do so in the most efficient manner possible, as well as simply aiding them in the initial detection of those targets. It might even alert U.S. forces to the potential for strikes before they are even launched.

"The machine learning and the artificial intelligence can detect changes [and] we can set parameters where it will trip an alert to give you the awareness to go take another sensor such as GEOINT [geospatial intelligence] on-satellite capability to take a closer look at what might be ongoing in a specific location," U.S. Air Force General Glen VanHerck, head of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), explained to reporters in 2021 following a series of tests called the Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE). "What we've seen is the ability to get way further what I call left, left of being reactive to actually being proactive. And I'm talking not minutes and hours, I'm talking days."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux-KZEY_wrg

The Defense Science Board, a U.S. government-sanctioned civilian scientific and technical committee that advises the Office of the Secretary of Defense, dubbed its notional future integrated air defense network as Strategic Aerospace Guard Environment II (SAGE II). This was a direct reference to the SAGE network that was used to help defend the skies over the United States and Canada during the Cold War.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCCL4INQcFo

Bringing up SAGE highlights one of the key hurdles that the Air Force and the rest of the U.S. military will need to address, which is cost. A general consensus has already emerged that trying to establish a modern version of a Cold War-esque domestic air defense network and directly protect all critical military and civilian infrastructure with kinetic defenses would be prohibitively expensive.

Probably the third rail for homeland cruise missile defense has been the cost, the first senior defense official said according to today's report from Inside Defense. Every time you start figuring out what you're going to have to deploy to do this the way we traditionally do air defense, it is an extremely costly proposition. So, our challenge is going to be: How do we do this smartly, right-size this thing where we provide the requirements... while not necessarily looking like you are redeploying Nike batteries.

Nike here refers to a family of Cold War-era surface-to-air missile systems that were deployed at locations across the United States, as well as to protect American facilities overseas. Nike systems were in use domestically between 1953 and 1979, and the network eventually grew to encompass nearly 300 individual sites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzJIvgTWqN8

"Simply put: We cannot defend everything," U.S. Army Lt. Gen. A. C. Roper, Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the Vice Commander of NORAD's U.S. component, said bluntly at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank last year. "Placing a Patriot or THAAD [Terminal High Altitude Area Defense] battery on every street corner is both infeasible and unaffordable."

In 2021, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a report that estimated it could cost between $75 billion and $465 billion over the next 20 years, or $3.75 billion to $23.25 billion annually, to acquire and operate various tiers of new and expanded air defense capabilities to help protect the contiguous United States, as well as various outlying areas. For comparison, the U.S. military is asking for $29.8 billion, in total, across all the services and MDA, for "missile defeat and defense (MDD) capabilities" in the 2024 Fiscal Year.

CBO said its "lowest cost 'architectures'" focused on "airborne or space-based radars, surface-to-air missiles, and fighter aircraft."

A selection of representative sensor systems CBO examined as part of its 2021 homeland air defense study. CBO

Altogether, it is not only reasonable to expect that a nuanced, flexible, and layered approach will emerge, but that this will be a necessity to provide a reasonable level of defense against cruise missiles and other aerial threats across the United States. Beyond more traditional air defense measures, including more deployable assets that can be more readily sent where they are most necessary in any given situation, other steps to try to mitigate or just get additional advance warning about incoming strikes might be taken.

"I think the future of homeland defense is vastly different than what we see today," NORTHCOM and NORAD head VanHerck told members of Congress in March. "It is likely including autonomous platforms, airborne and maritime platforms, unmanned platforms with domain awareness sensors, and effectors that are kinetic and non-kinetic."

"I see the future likely being much less kinetic," he added. "There will be some areas that we should defend kinetically that could bring us to our knees, but also non-kinetic such as deception, denial, and the use of the electromagnetic spectrum."

VanHerck also famously acknowledged what he described as a "domain awareness gap" with regard to defending the airspace over North America as a Chinese spy balloon passed over parts of the United States and Canada earlier this year. That balloon, as well as three other still unidentified objects, were subsequently shot down in U.S. and Canadian airspace. Immediate measures, including changing the sensitivity parameters on domestic air defense radars, were taken, but significant questions remain about the policies and procedures in place at the time.

A picture of the Chinese spy balloon taken from the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force U-2S Dragon Lady spy plane as it passed through American airspace in February 2023. DOD

The NORAD/NORTHCOM chief has been a particular advocate for additional sensor capacity, including new over-the-horizon radars to provide additional early warning against various types of threats. His mention in March of deception and denial also reflects a broader trend, particularly within the Air Force, to find novel ways to help reduce vulnerability to stand-off strikes, especially in the context of a potential future high-end conflict against China.

Cruise missile defense of critical domestic infrastructure, of course, remains a major specific source of concern. Finding the right mixture of capabilities, and ones that can be acquired and fielded at a reasonable cost in the next five to 10 years, to meet this challenge is the key reason the Air Force is conducting its new homeland air defense analysis of alternatives study.

Contact the author: joe@thedrive.com
BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details.

If youre a Disney fan, you probably already know that the animation giant is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. To mark the occasion, Disney has teamed up with Samsung to produce a line of limited-edition Samsung Frame TVs that come preloaded with the kind of artwork that will make any Disney adult swoon.

If youre an annual passholder, a home cook whos perfected your own Disney Dole Whip recipe or someone who dreams of sneaking hidden Mickeys into your home decor, youre going to want to act fast. These TVs are already selling out.

Samsung Frame x Disney is the best way to display Disney art in your home

Design-savvy folks already know about the Samsung Frame. Its a TV with a cult following because when you arent using it to watch Netflix, its ultra-thin, bezeled edge makes it look like an actual piece of art. No more black box on your wall when the TV isnt in use  the Frame can display photos, classic paintings, modern art and more.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The limited-edition Disney Frame TVs come with 100 pieces of digital art from Disney films and franchises, ready to display. They also include a fun Mickey Mouse-themed SolarCell remote.

Theres just one catch: If you want the Disney edition of the Samsung Frame, youll have to shell out top dollar for it. It comes in three sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch and 75-inch, with prices ranging from $1,699.99 for the smallest up to a staggering $3,199.99. Not only is that enough to fund a Disney vacation, but its $400 more than a Frame TV typically costs, and theyre already on the pricey side for TVs.

Limited Edition Disney Frame TV

Youll also have to act fast because the 65-inch version is already sold out. The 55-inch and 75-inch models are still available on the Samsung website.

SHOP NOW

Alternatively, you can get a standard Frame TV and subscribe to Samsung Art Mode for $5 a month, which includes a Disney art gallery (along with tons of other famous works you can display on your TV). You can also upload your own photos and art to display via the Samsung SmartThings app.

More Samsung Frame TVs

Best Samsung 32-Inch Class The Frame QLED HDR LS03C

Samsung 32-Inch Class The Frame QLED HDR LS03C

The smallest available Frame TV is perfect for a kitchen or bedroom. When not in use, it fits into a gallery wall, blending in seamlessly with other art pieces.

SHOP NOW

Best 55-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

The 55-inch Frame is just the right size for a living room or bedroom. When in art mode, its perfect for anchoring a gallery wall or acting as a bold statement art piece.

SHOP NOW

Best 65-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

Samsung 65-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

Missed your chance to get the 65-inch Disney x Frame TV? The 65-inch classic Frame can still display pieces from the Disney gallery.

SHOP NOW

Best 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

Samsung 85-Inch Class The Frame QLED 4K LS03B

Go big or go home. This 85-inch screen will make any room feel like a movie theater. And when your TV isnt in use, the art mode feature will look like a wall-sized mural.

SHOP NOW

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Christina Marfice writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KSWB)  San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas is endorsing congresswoman Barbara Lee to represent California in the U.S. Senate.

The Lee campaign announced the endorsement in a press release on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

As a healthcare and education champion I am thrilled to support Congresswoman Barbara Lee for U.S. Senate, Vargas stated. She is exactly the type of advocate Californians need in the U.S. Senate. Her track record of always tackling the tough issues while lifting people up and making sure everyones voice is heard is what we need from our next senator. I am very excited to endorse Barbara Lee for US Senate and to work with her to advance our communities.

In a political parallel, just as Vargas broke the barrier as the first Latina to chair the San Diego Board of Supervisors, Lee would be the only black woman in the upper chamber if elected to the position.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

California lawmakers still need to decide on these bills

Since 1789, when the first Congress met, only two African American women have been in the U.S. Senate, the Lee campaign explained. There are currently none on the roster.

Supervisor Vargas has been an excellent example of why representation matters, said congresswoman Lee. The lens she brings to the Board as the first Latina chair has clearly helped inform her work to put families first in San Diego and made her an exceptionally effective representative. I am honored by her support in my campaign for Senate and I am eager to partner with her to deliver progressive change for San Diego.

Lee has also been endorsed by California State Attorney General Rob Bonta, House Reps. Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, among other high profile leaders.

When it comes to the issues, Lee says its time to find real solutions to homelessness, lift people out of poverty, protect democracy and human rights, and take on the climate crisis.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
When an outside firm hired by then-congressional hopeful George Santos in 2021 delivered a secret internal report detailing aspects of the candidate's checkered background, several of his aides found it too much to stomach. They urged Santos to drop out, and when he refused, they quit.

But even after New York voters elected Santos the following year and news reports began exposing concerning questions about his conduct, that original report was never made public, until now.

Portions of the report, published here for the first time, show that long before Santos' election, questions had surfaced about his marriage, his family's claimed link to the Holocaust, and his alleged ties to "companies that have been accused of fraud and scamming customers."

Santos' "vulnerability report" and GOP leaders' response

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The so-called vulnerability report has emerged as Santos prepares to go to court to fight federal fraud charges. Such reports are often a standard step in the early stages of a campaign, when candidates are preparing for potential attacks from opponents. According to campaign finance records, on Dec. 2, 2021, the Santos campaign paid more than $16,600 to Capital Research Group, LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based firm whose services include vulnerability reports.

The report, obtained by CBS News, draws from, among other things, Santos' own social media accounts, unearthing posts and photos that have since been deleted.

A spokesperson for Santos declined comment on the report, adding his office does not comment on personal matters.

The report's conclusions ultimately circulated among campaign strategists for top House Republicans and led the Congressional Leadership Fund, the primary super PAC dedicated to electing House Republicans, to withhold its support of Santos, according to three sources familiar with the matter. A top House Republican, Elise Stefanik , campaigned with Santos well after the report was compiled.

Asked by CBS News about the report, a spokesperson for Stefanik declined to comment.

"Congresswoman Stefanik supported all GOP nominees in targeted New York seats just like every other New York Republican elected official, candidate, NRCC, NYGOP, and the entire House Republican leadership team," a Stefanik campaign spokesperson previously told CNN in January. The spokesperson added that Stefanik was not aware of allegations against Santos until after his election.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters in January that "I always had a few questions about" Santos' resume. His office did not reply when asked if he had seen the vulnerability report.

The report, which runs more than 100 pages, was commissioned in the fall of 2021 and raises similar questions over Santos' campaign finance activities that federal prosecutors have brought up in the criminal case against him, including apparent discrepancies in disclosures to Congress.

Read a portion of the original report below:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

During the campaign, Democrats assembled their own research report on Santos, but it missed many of the most damaging details  a number of which have since been independently verified by CBS News and other news outlets.

Santos was indicted by a federal grand jury in May, and charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives and one count of theft of public funds.

U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said Santos "used political contributions to line his pockets, unlawfully applied for unemployment benefits that should have gone to New Yorkers who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic, and lied to the House of Representatives."

He has entered a not guilty plea to all charges. And in television interviews, he has disputed some of the allegations.

"I did not take money from my campaign for personal use," Santos told NewsNation last month.

The unsparing report, the existence of which was first reported by The New York Times, alleged many of the fabrications that eventually emerged in news reports after Santos was elected.

A questionable resume

Santos claimed to have studied at NYU and the City University of New York's Baruch College, but when researchers reached out to those institutions, they say "there was no record of Santos earning any degree from either university."

This image from the 2021

The report took aim at Santos' work as a senior executive with Harbor City Capital, noting the Florida-based firm had been accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of operating as a Ponzi scheme.

It cites a since-deleted company YouTube video, in which Santos, then known as George Devolder, reportedly said "the leadership in Harbor City is so amazing, and we're well led."

"We have a great executive board, and the allure of that is the sense of unity it brings to the company culture," Santos is quoted as saying in the video.

This image from the 2021

Santos has said he wasn't aware of wrongdoing at the company, which was shut down in 2021 by the SEC.

The report notes that while Santos was working at Harbor City Capital, the Alabama Securities Commission filed a cease-and-desist order against the company and its CEO "for advertising unrealistic returns on investments that did not exist, along with other fraudulent practices."

Prior to Harbor City Capital, Santos worked for a Turkish-based online travel booking company that the report claims is pilloried in online reviews, with customers calling it a "complete scam," the "worst company," and "cheating, lying scum."

Campaign finance discrepancies

Among the most damning revelations in the report are ones that echo the criminal charges he is currently facing. Federal prosecutors allege Santos sought to "mislead the House of Representatives and the public about his financial condition" in disclosures he made to Congress during his 2020 campaign and at the launch of his 2022 bid.

The report alleges similar discrepancies, contrasting his public claims about his success as financial adviser with his 2020 disclosure, which showed an earned income of $55,000.

"Santos says his professional experience is working in finance and helping wealth grow, but his personal financial disclosure filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives shows no personal investments or assets," the report said.

By 2022, prosecutors say Santos had "overstated his income and assets," claiming he was worth up to $11 million.

Santos has also been charged with fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege, beginning in September 2022, Santos spent money donated by political supporters on personal expenses, including designer clothing and car and credit card debt payments.

While the vulnerability report doesn't mention that alleged scheme, it does question how his first campaign was funded.

One of his top donors during the 2020 campaign was Michael Niamonitakis, who that year made the New York City Public Advocate's list of "worst landlords."

This image from the 2021

The report notes that Niamontakis received $165,000 in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program loans, and made $52,500 in total political contributions that year.

Personal life

The report also questioned "the true circumstances" of Santos' marriage to ex-wife Uadla Vieira, observing that "she may not have been a green card holder nor legal to work in the United States around the time of her marriage to Santos."

Vieira did not return requests for comment. CBS News could not confirm her immigration status during her marriage to Santos or her current status.

This image from the 2021

Santos was married to Vieira from 2012 to 2019.

"While married to Uadla Viera, Santos appears to have dated and lived with a man named Pedro Vilarva, an undocumented immigrant from Brazil," the report claims, later adding that at one point Vilarva referred to himself as "Pedro Santos."

Santos publicly identifies as gay.

This image from the 2021

And the report also flags changes to statements about Santos' ancestry that news outlets would later discover were entirely untrue.

On his 2020 campaign website, Santos said his grandparents were Belgian immigrants who "fled the devastation of World War II Europe." Later in 2020, he referred to his grandparents as "Holocaust refugees." In 2021, Santos said his grandparents "survived the Holocaust."

Santos is not Jewish, and records show his grandparents were born in Brazil.

This image from the 2021

What the report does not include

After Santos was elected, intense media scrutiny uncovered a series of events from Santos' past that became the subject of criminal investigations or allegations of wrongdoing.

Santos confessed in 2010 to committing check fraud in Brazil, where his parents are from  and where he lived for a short time as a young adult. He failed to appear for a 2011 court appointment and the case remained open until March 24 of this year, when authorities in Brazil announced he would enter a guilty plea.

By the time Santos had missed the 2011 court hearing, he had returned to the city of his youth, New York. He claimed in his campaign biography, without substantiation, to have helped rescue more than 2,500 animals at the helm of an organization called Friends of Pets United. The group was neither registered as a nonprofit with the IRS nor a charity with New York State authorities.

Santos was charged with theft by deception in Pennsylvania in November 2017 after allegedly paying a dog breeder with bad checks. A lawyer who was Santos' friend at the time told state police his checkbook had been stolen and the checks were signed by someone impersonating him. The case was dismissed in 2021.

Also in 2017, Santos was questioned by a Seattle detective and Secret Service agents in connection with an investigation into an alleged international ATM-skimming ring. Investigators were led to Santos after a FedEx box with a sender address listing Santos' home in Florida was allegedly found in the car of a Brazilian man caught retrieving a skimming device from an ATM.

Santos has denied wrongdoing in each of the incidents in the U.S.

Georgia special grand jury recommended charges against Lindsey Graham in Trump election case

Fulton County special grand jury report that led to Trump arrest released

Biden lands in India for G20 summit
The family of Sara Sharif have accused the media of making up lies about them as they broke their silence about the schoolgirls death while hiding in Pakistan.

Speaking in a video released by Sky News, Beinash Batool and Saras father Urfan Sharif, who police want to speak to, say they are willing to co-operate with British authorities and fight our case in court.

In the footage released on Wednesday, the husband and wife sit side-by-side on a sofa as she reads a prepared statement from a notebook.

Firstly, I would like to talk about Sara. Saras death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on, Ms Batool said.



She said she was worried for the familys safety and accused the media of issuing incorrect information and making up lies.

The stepmother of Sara Sharif, the 10-year-old girl found dead at her home last month, has spoken for the first time in a video shared with Sky News and said the family is willing to co-operate with British authorities and "fight our case in court". pic.twitter.com/erdPozPrUH  Sky News (@SkyNews) September 6, 2023

Imran [one of Mr Sharifs brothers] did not give a statement that Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. This was spread through a Pakistani media outlet. I am very worried about Imrans safety.



She claims they are running out of food and are unable to venture outside.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

All of our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety. The kids are unable to attend school as theyre afraid to leave the house. No one is leaving the house.

The footage emerged after the mother of 10-year-old Sara described the moment she identified her daughters body after she was found dead at a house in Surrey.



Olga Sharif said her daughter, who was dressed in Mickey Mouse pyjamas, had severe bruises on her face and was in a condition that no mother should see.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10.



A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time. Sara was living with her father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool when she died.



Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel, Olga Sharif said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.



Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.



Ms Sharif said in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.



Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially it became increasingly harder over time.



Speaking to Uwaga!, Ms Sharif claimed she had been mistreated in her marriage. Mr Sharif has not responded to the allegations.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
GOP firebrand Sarah Palin said Tuesday the prison time recently given to insurrectionists in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack makes the good guy think, Whats the use in being a good guy? (Watch the video below.)

The interview with Newsmaxs Eric Bolling severely downplayed the prominent roles of Proud Boys gang members Zachary Rehl, Joe Biggs and Ethan Nordean . All received double-digit sentences after being convicted of seditious conspiracy for planning, encouraging and orchestrating the siege.

Bolling characterized their participation as nonviolent and suggested they could have simply been charged with trespassing or vandalism. He also spoke of the Christmases they will miss with their families.

Palin  a former Alaska governor, 2008 vice presidential candidate and recent loser in a Donald Trump-endorsed bid for the House of Representatives  echoed conservative whitewashing of the attempted coup as an example of a biased justice system.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its so disheartening, the examples that youve given, Eric, Palin replied. It makes the populace lose a lot of faith in our government, and thats an understatement. Unfortunately, what this leads to, when we recognize the examples that you just gave, the two-tiered different justice systems that apply according to politics, you know, it makes the good guy think, Whats the use in being a good guy? Were gonna be punished, you know, were picked on, is what we are under this system.

The so-called law and order party. Sarah Palin, a warped MAGA Republican, thinks the prison terms for the Jan 6 insurrectionists are too long, and it makes the good guy think, whats the use of being a good guy?. Yes, she thinks theyre good guys. (Video: Newsmax) pic.twitter.com/wYOBfNILgP  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) September 6, 2023

On Tuesday former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his pivotal role in overseeing the operation. He told the court he had failed his family.

The insurrection attempted to prevent the certification of President Joe Bidens 2020 victory in order to keep Trump in power. Two of the four indictments Trump now faces relate to his role in the alleged election interference and conspiracy to overturn the results.

Related...
Following the Proud Boys sentencings for their roles during the January 6 Capitol riot, former Alaska Gov Sarah Palin weighed in, calling the sentences disheartening during an interview.

Newsmax host Eric Bolling began the segment by discussing the extensive sentences for essentially trespassing in the Capitol building. The host said these charges are beyond extreme, adding that its truly a scary time in America.

He was referring to Proud Boys members Ethan Nordean, who received an 18-year prison sentence; Joe Biggs who received a 17-year sentence; Zachary Rehl, who received a 15-year sentence; and Dominic Pezzola, who received a 10-year sentence. On Tuesday, former leader of the far-right group, Enrique Tarrio, was sentenced to a whopping 22 years in prison.

Bringing on his guest, Ms Palin, he asked: Governor, blown away by these sentences. Fifteen, 17, and 18 years for nonviolent crimes. What do you say to all these lefties?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its so disheartening, the examples that youve given, Eric, the former Alaska governor said. It makes the populace lose a lot of faith in our government and thats an understatement.

She continued, Unfortunately, what this leads to, when we recognise the examples that you just gave, the two-tier different justice systems that apply, according to politics, you know, it makes the good guy think whats the use in being a good guy? Were gonna be punished, you know, were picked on, is what we are under this system. But we cant feel helpless and hopeless.

Ms Palin said we have to remember that we have three equal branches of government, right? And Congress has a lot to do with whats going on in the judiciary.

Congress cant keep sitting back, especially Republicans in the majority in some of these areas. Eric, they cant sit back and just let all of this happen because it is dismantling of our traditional judicial system.

When speaking about Joe Biggs, Bolling gave a sympathetic argument saying hell serve 17 years behind bars for being in the capitol for 20 minutes where he peacefully protested. He has a young daughter who he will miss 17 Christmases with and has a mother with cancer, Bolling said.

Theres no evidence he was violent of any nature, Bolling added, before asking if the governor thought the sentences were an attempt by the judiciary to take Trump down?

One-hundred per cent. Its all about taking Trump down. They had to grab on to something, right? Ms Palin replied.

She then criticised the terminology being used to describe the acts of January 6: The definition of insurrection, thats all about violence, thats overthrowing a government.It wasnt an insurrection on those people who wanted to get into the Capitol and exercise their right to protest.
South Carolina Republicans in December may have an another opportunity to hear from White House hopefuls at an event organizers have emulated after one of the most popular and prominent conservative gatherings in the nation.

The South Carolina Republican Party will bring its second First in the South Republican Action Conference back to Myrtle Beach in an event expected to be at least twice the size as its 2021 debut.

Organizers plan to have at least seven spots for White House hopefuls to speak in front of a crowd of party donors, county party activists, county chairs and people following the presidential campaign closely in the early primary state.

The conference, which will serve as an opportunity for presidential candidates to speak in front of a group of primary voters in a state that holds the First in the South presidential primary, is scheduled to for the Dec. 7-10.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The event will include include training sessions on county party organization, running campaigns, door-to-door efforts, using social media and dealing with news media. It is modeled after the annual Conservative Political Action Conference where attendees hear from potential presidential hopefuls and have training sessions.

The South Carolina conference also will serve as a fundraiser for the party for its efforts during next years state House and state Senate elections.

Were excited to put it on and to host it because it will be great training for our activists as we get ready to head into an election season, a great opportunity for our candidates to speak to our activists, and a great opportunity for the party to raise money to beat Democrats next year, said S.C. GOP Chairman Drew McKissick.

State Republicans last held their action conference in 2021 in Myrtle Beach. It attracted about 400 attendees and had speakers including U.S. Sens. Tim Scott and Rick Scott, and former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.

Organizers this year expect to have about 800 people attend.

These types of conferences serve as platform for White House hopefuls to meet voters and activists who can advocate for candidates.

A Palmetto Family Council Vision 24 conference in March attracted Tim Scott, former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who are all seeking the White House.

The S.C. GOPs conference will take place after a fourth Republican presidential debate and two-and-a-half months before South Carolinas Republican presidential primary, which could put the winner in the drivers seat toward the national Republican nomination.

McKissick expects at least eight candidates to still be in the race at the time of the conference and to have paid the $50,000 filing fee to get on the South Carolina primary ballot.

For hopefuls to be taken seriously, candidates will need to file in South Carolina by the Oct. 31 deadline.

If they want to look like theyre serious candidates here in South Carolina, they need to get filed pretty quick, McKissick said. If you havent filed in South Carolina, then it looks like youre very unserious about running for president.

Since 1980, every winner of the South Carolina Republican presidential primary has gone on to win the nomination, with the exception of 2012 when Mitt Romney was the nominee, but Newt Gingrich won the states GOP primary.

South Carolinas gonna be do or die for these guys, because once they leave here, theyre wide open all across the country, McKissick said. This is your last stop at the one-state-at-a-time rodeo to make your case in a place where you can get around fairly easily, you can get on TV fairly less expensively than other states, and get your message out in an easier way to have your focus in one place, before youve got to be up in eight or 10 or 12 states at one time. ... I think its probably safe to say after our primary is over here, half the field will probably clear out.

To attend

The 2023 First in the South Republican Action Conference

When: Dec. 7-10

Where: Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at 10000 Beach Club Drive

The cost (until Nov. 1):

S.C. GOP Elephant Club members: $350

Non-Elephant Club members: $425

One-day pass: $175

The cost includes attending conference training sessions and meals.
South Carolinas superintendent of education has ended the states relationship with the group representing its school librarians, citing concerns the group had created a hostile environment using politicized rhetoric to oppose efforts to remove books from school shelves.

Superintendent Ellen Weaver wrote to the S.C. Association of School Librarians on Aug. 25 to inform the professional organization that the South Carolina Department of Education will formally discontinue any partnerships with SCASL as an organization, effective immediately. 

The association had previously worked with the department to speak on behalf of the states school librarians, and collaborated on a number of initiatives, including developing standards and resources for libraries and hosting workshops and town hall-style meetings for the associations members. The association detailed the 50-year partnership in a reply sent to Weaver on Aug. 31.

Weaver said the organization had shown a lack of discernment on the issue by hosting an advocacy toolkit on its website from the American Library Association, testifying about library censorship before the teacher recruitment and retention task force, and sending letters to school board members across the state.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That letter extensively quoted politicized rhetoric from a New York school district employee who states that, districts and boards should probably place more consideration on the emotional well-being of students rather than on attempts to pacify parents, Weaver wrote to the association.

The letter actively erodes the trust and partnership we must build between parents and educators, Weaver wrote. In South Carolina, student well-being and parental satisfaction are not opposing interests.

While Weaver said the state deeply values the work of those working in school libraries, the education department in the future will reach out directly to more than 1,000 school librarians about professional development and other efforts.

Parents are entirely justified in seeking to ensure educational materials presented to their children are age-appropriate and aligned with the overall purpose of South Carolinas instructional program and standards, she said. When SCASL labels those efforts as bans, censorship, or a violation of educators intellectual freedom, the result is a more hostile environment which does not serve the needs of students.

In its response, the librarian association stressed the work it does on behalf of students and parents, including efforts to engage parents in school activities.

We avidly encourage and support parent engagement and volunteering which strengthen schools immeasurably, the associations board wrote in a letter. School librarians regularly plan and lead in literacy nights and events throughout the school year to foster relationships within their school community. In addition, school librarians write grants for traveling exhibits that are open to the community, and expand library collections to provide resources to be inclusive of everyone in the learning community.

Attempts by The State to contact leaders of the librarian association were not immediately returned.
New sections related to military training, the Kremlin's vision of history and propaganda about the previous years of the war and the so-called "special military operation" against Ukraine [as Russian propaganda calls the war against Ukraine  ed.] have been added to the curriculum in Russian schools.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Analysts noted that this year, Russian schoolchildren started school with an updated curriculum, which contains more elements of military training and much information about the so-called "special military operation" [as Russian propaganda calls it  ed.]. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally conducted a lesson for 30 students on the first day of term.

The Russian parliament approved the amended curriculum last year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The history exam now includes "Crimean reunification with Russia" [Russias unlawful annexation of Crimea in 2014] and the "Special Military Operation" against Ukraine.

The subject "Basics of Life Safety" for secondary school students includes a section on basic military training, which covers the basics of working with a Kalashnikov rifle, hand grenades, drones and first aid under tactical conditions.

"Pupils may also be visited by Ukraine veterans," the UK MoD added.

Quote: "The new curriculum serves three objectives: to indoctrinate students with the Kremlin rationale for the Special Military Operation, instil students with a martial mindset, and reduce training timelines for onwards mobilisation and deployment. The introduction of UAV operations indicates their evolving importance on the battlefield and the lessons learnt about these systems directly from the conflict in Ukraine."

Background: UK Defence Intelligence has previously commented on Russian sham "elections" in the occupied parts of Ukraine.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Crossing guard Pamela Lane waves a school bus passing her intersection, Master and N. 57th Street as she crosses students going to Bluford Elementary School, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. Today is the first day of school of Philadelphia public school students on Tuesday. (Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A blast of late summer heat caused disruptions Wednesday for schools from Michigan to Virginia, with some districts dismissing students early and others holding classes online just days into the new academic year.

While temperatures werent as high as last months triple-digit deadly heat wave, schools in states including Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey cited inadequate air conditioning in cutting days short. One Massachusetts district canceled two days of classes because of hot classrooms. Temperatures in the mid-90s also led to online learning in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

Only 20% of public schools in Detroit, where the temperature reached 89 degrees Tuesday but dropped Wednesday, have air conditioning. The district dismissed its roughly 54,000 students three hours early Wednesday for the second consecutive day.

We never want to inconvenience our families with early releases, but we also do not want our staff and students to be so uncomfortable that teaching and learning becomes a distraction to the heat, Detroit Public Schools Community District spokeswoman Chrystal Wilson said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The early dismissals caused headaches for families who had to scramble to make last-minute schedule changes.

Parent Natesha Myers, who works from home, opted to keep her 5-year-old daughter with her. Myers said she would not have been able to pick her daughter up from her Detroit school three hours early because of scheduled work meetings.

It was very difficult and stressful," Myers said. I had to give her the iPad. She kept trying to climb on my lap.

Late summer heat isnt unusual. But temperatures at the start of the school year have been getting warmer for years.

For instance, Philadelphia's expected high of 95 on Wednesday is 13 degrees higher than the normal high for the day, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. The holiday weekend also followed the hottest August scientists have ever recorded with modern equipment; scientists blame human-caused climate change.

The first week of school in Philadelphia this week saw early dismissals for dozens of schools without air conditioning or inadequate cooling. The district announced Wednesday that more than 80 schools would end classes early the rest of the week.

District spokeswoman Monique Braxton said many schools need upgraded electrical systems to support air conditioning.

Were in an old city, she said. Most of our buildings are old facilities. Were making adjustments as necessary.

In Baltimore, where temperatures climbed to the upper 90s, inadequate heating and air conditioning systems have also long been a problem.

Officials released a plan in 2017 to make all necessary improvements and repairs within roughly five years. While that deadline has been pushed back for issues including the expense, the number of city schools without air conditioning has decreased from 75 to 11, according to district officials.

Nationwide, an estimated 36,000 schools need to update or install HVAC systems, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report in 2020.

On Wednesday, Baltimore schools without air conditioning dismissed some students early and assigned others to virtual learning for the rest of the week.

In Pittsburgh, students and staff in nearly 40 schools also pivoted to remote learning.

Returning to online learning in times of extreme weather  from hurricanes to water crises  has become more common after the pandemic, though remote instruction has long-term shortcomings.

In Lowell, Massachusetts, a community of roughly 115,000 about 30 miles from Boston, district officials said schools would be closed Thursday and Friday, with many classrooms expected to be too hot for teachers to teach effectively. Buckingham County Public Schools, a rural Virginia county about 75 miles west of Richmond, dismissed students early two days in a row as a precautionary measure.

Health experts warn that exposure to excessive heat can cause dehydration or heat exhaustion, among other things, while teachers say sweltering classrooms make it difficult to do their jobs.

Teachers are concerned about the environment being conducive to education. They were thankful to have the relief, said Detroit Federation of Teachers President Lakia Wilson-Lumpkins said of the early dismissals.

___

Associated Press writers Brooke Schultz in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lea Skene in Baltimore, Steve LeBlanc in Boston and AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein contributed to this report.
Second arrest has been made in Orlando drive-by shooting that killed man, 6-year-old girl

Orlando police have arrested a second person, an 18-year-old man, in connection with a drive-by shooting that took the life of a 6-year-old girl.

The Orlando Police Department said Ricky Raymond Bowery Jr. was arrested Tuesday and faces a first-degree homicide charge related to the shooting deaths of two victims.

Police arrested 15-year-old Nico Brown on Saturday in the same case, and he is accused of the same charge as Bowery Jr.

According to a news release, officers responded to 1141 Poppy Avenue around 8:20 p.m. on Aug. 29 for reports of two people shot from a passing car.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read: Boy, 15, accused of killing man, 6-year-old girl in Orlando drive-by shooting

One of the victims, 6-year-old Ajahliyah Hashim, was shot inside her living room and was taken to the hospital.

She died on Aug. 30 from her injuries.

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez said Hashim was an Eagles Nest Elementary student.

Hashims mother was also shot and is still in the hospital.

Read: Girl, 6, injured in Orlando drive-by shooting dies, mother remains hospitalized

A third gunshot victim, 19-year-old Isaiyah Wright, arrived at Health Central in Ocoee and died.

Police said they will continue to investigate the shooting, as they believe the 6-year-old and the mother were not the intended targets.

If you have any information about this incident, contact the Orlando Police Homicide Unit or leave an anonymous tip through Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Read: Police: Man killed, woman & child injured in Orlando shooting

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The leaders of three branches of the U.S. military slammed Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) over his monthslong blockade of senior military promotions Tuesday, with one accusing the Republican senator of aiding and abetting communists.

For someone who was born in a communist country, I would have never imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting communists and other autocratic regimes around the world, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro  a Cuban-born Navy veteran  said Tuesday during an interview on CNN alongside Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth .

This is having a real negative impact and will continue to have a real negative impact on our combat readiness, Del Toro added.

Tubervilles eight-month hold has forced more than 300 officers to extend their current tours or be sent on temporary assignments to wait out the blockade, according to the Pentagon. Its also stifled any movement up the ranks for junior officers, freezing the status of even more military members and leaving military families in limbo.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Despite criticism from members of his own party, Tuberville has pledged not to back down until the Pentagon overturns its new policy of reimbursing service members who travel to another state to obtain abortions and other reproductive care.

Our potential adversaries are paying attention, Kendall said Tuesday on CNN to host Jake Tapper. It is affecting how they view the United States and our military capabilities and support for the military. This needs to stop.

It is just unprecedented to be attacking apolitical general officers and flag officers in this way, Wormuth said. It is taking our apolitical military institution. That's a core principle of our constitutional democracy and eroding its foundation.

Tuesdays joint interview came a day after the trio wrote an op-ed in The Washington Postcalling on Tuberville to end his blockade.


Chicago Cubs' Seiya Suzuki follows through with a three-run double during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

CHICAGO (AP)  Seiya Suzuki hit a three-run double, Cody Bellinger homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Francisco Giants 8-2 on Wednesday for their fourth consecutive win.

Suzuki, Bellinger and Ian Happ each had two hits as Chicago completed a three-game sweep to move a season-high 12 games above .500 at 76-64. The Cubs also moved within 1 1/2 games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee.

Chicago left-hander Jordan Wicks improved to 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in his first three major league starts. He allowed two runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings.

After making his debut on Aug. 26, Wicks has embraced the high stakes of being in a playoff race early in his career.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

For me, its more calming because the only thing Im focused on is winning the game, Wicks said. I could care less what my stats are. My whole goal when I take the mound is, when I come out of the game, I want us to be in the best position possible to win the game. Thats my entire mantra.

San Francisco dropped back to .500 with its sixth consecutive loss. The Giants (70-70) went 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler was adamant his team will bounce back despite its ongoing struggles.

This is where you keep fighting back, he said. The season is 162 games for a reason and there are a lot of teams who have withstood this kind of punishment. Theres a big reward if youre able to keep getting back up and going back at it the next day so thats where we are at with it.

Thairo Estrada, Luis Matos, Casey Schmitt and Paul DeJong each had two hits for San Francisco, which closed out a 1-6 road trip. Alex Wood (5-5) was tagged for five runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Kapler did not commit to Wood having his next appearance be as a starter after the left-hander was recently moved to the bullpen.

Fresh off a wild 11-8 win on Tuesday night, the Cubs got off to a fast start.

Dansby Swanson's two-out walk in the first inning loaded the bases for Suzuki, who hit a liner to right to give Chicago a 3-0 lead. Suzuki is batting .342 (38 for 111) with eight homers and 24 RBIs in his last 30 games.

Hes got a lot of confidence right now, Cubs manager David Ross said. Just seeing the best version of himself come out. Weve seen him in spurts (be) an All-Star caliber player. Hes just really consistent right now.

Bellinger doubled in Happ in the third, and Miguel Amaya connected in the fourth for his fifth homer. Bellinger hit a solo drive in the seventh for his 24th homer, giving the Cubs to an 8-2 lead.

San Francisco scored both of its runs in the top of the seventh. Schmitt hit an RBI double, and Joey Bart had a sacrifice fly.

TRANSACTIONS

Giants: C Patrick Bailey was placed on the 7-day concussion list after he got hurt during Tuesday nights loss. C Bart and OF Matos were recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, and OF Wade Meckler was sent down.

Cubs: LHP Luke Little was brought up from Triple-A Iowa. Little pitched a scoreless ninth inning in his big league debut. RHP Shane Greene was designated for assignment.

TRAINERS ROOM

Giants: Kapler said OF Michael Conforto (left hamstring strain) is feeling 85% healthy and is in the final stages of his recovery.

Cubs: RHP Michael Fulmer (right forearm strain) was scheduled to play catch and throw off the mound.

UP NEXT

Giants: LHP Kyle Harrison (1-1, 4.70 ERA) starts the opener of a three-game series on Friday against Colorado. LHP Ty Blach (2-1, 4.33 ERA) pitches for the Rockies.

Cubs: RHP Javier Assad (3-2, 2.69 ERA) takes the mound on Thursday against Arizona. RHP Slade Cecconi (0-1, 4.44 ERA) pitches for the visiting Diamondbacks in the opener of a four-game series.
There is a new proposal aimed at giving tax relief to families hit by a disaster and ensuring federal funds are available to those who need it following Hurricane Idalia and the Maui wildfires.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the bill dubbed the Federal Disaster Responsibility Act.

The bill would fully fund FEMAs disaster relief program and give tax relief to qualified families impacted by a disaster.

It also allows the Department of Agriculture to issue grants to farmers impacted by a disaster, such as Floridas citrus growers and Georgias peach growers.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Scott said he discussed his measure with President Biden during his visit to Florida over the weekend.

We need to make sure Floridians get the support from the federal government that they deserve, said Scott. Its not a partisan issue in my opinion.

But the bill comes as Congress faces a separate debate over the federal budget, which is set to expire at the end of the month.

That stalemate has led to debates over funding for Ukraine, federal food assistance programs, and more.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer this week, Scott wrote about concerns that a lawmaker may block his proposal from moving forward.

Unfortunately, it is my understanding that at least one member of the Senate Democratic Caucus plans to block the immediate passage of this legislation to provide Americans with urgently needed relief unless it is accompanied by foreign aid for Ukraine, wrote Scott.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Scott is urging Schumer to bring his proposal to a full vote as a separate measure  not one connected to other budgetary needs.

We shouldnt make it contingent on helping a foreign cause, said Scott. Might be an important thing to do, but we ought to be helping Americans with disaster relief first.

Scott said he hasnt yet heard back from Schumers office about a potential vote on the bill in the Senate.

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.
Great Britain may be full of crazy accents and ridiculous food, but it looked toward World War II with sober realism. Even as it attempted to sidestep a war with the Munich Agreement of 1938, it was gearing up for a protracted and painful conflict . One of the most stark examples of inter-war preparations is the "Shadow Scheme" or Shadow Plan that allowed dispersed factories to make war machines even as British industry burned.

The "shadow factories" involved in the scheme carried the load when the German Luftwaffe bombed its way across Britain.

The threat and Britain's Shadow Scheme

Starting in 1935, Britain put together a plan to keep production high during wartime. It knew that industrialized warfare would allow Germany to strike at the British home islands. After all, Germany pulled that off in World War I with zeppelin terror raids. With improvements in aircraft design, larger and larger bombers would reach London and hit any obvious or well-known factories.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So Britain began hiding new factories in different ways. In its first big wave of 1936 to 1937, it built new factories right next to existing ones. Many were hidden, either built underground or camouflaged, but a bombing attack on the main factory posed a real threat to its accompanying shadow factory. The close proximity allowed factory managers to tap into existing labor pools and supply networks, but it hardly dispersed production.

So, the second wave of construction from 1938 to 1939 focused on building at the edges of towns, away from most other bombing targets. This did a better job of hiding the factories and getting them away from danger. It also meant that managers had to train workers, shuffle parts and components between multiple sites, and then get final parts or machines over to the railroads and shipping networks.

One big hiccup

The British Shadow Scheme was well done and did work. But those first-wave factories, the ones built near existing factories, were at high risk. Germany did a great job of identifying British factories.

And Britain sometimes made it easy for them, giving tours of factories to visiting Germans. The idea was to deter war by proving that Britain was prepared and preparing for conflict . But Germany was dedicated to fascism and expansion. So each tour gave valuable intel with limited deterrence value.

And with the low accuracy of World War II bombers, having a spare factory next to your main factory in case of bombing was like keeping a spare light bulb next to your lamp in case of grenades.

A Wellington under construction at the Vickers 'shadow factory' at Hawarden, near Chester, 1 June 1942. (Imperial War Museum)

During the war

Initially, the main factories focused on their pre-war goods and the shadow factories either helped or made wartime goods. But once Great Britain officially joined the war, the factories were all pressed into military service. Most stayed focused on their own industry, with automobile factories making trucks and airplane factories making fighters. Royals and other VIPs did morale tours to keep workers' spirits high .

But the demands for tanks and bombers required that many factories be converted for wartime production.

The shadow factories allowed Britain to crank out much more material than it otherwise could. And some shadow factories produced tools and dies, allowing Britain to quickly rebuild factories after bombings, an important success during the Blitz . But the shadow scheme also had limitations.

The dispersed production provided resilience and redundancy. But it also made it nearly impossible to do prototyping or research and development. So, main factories stayed in charge of R&D and other more complicated functions while shadow factories handled cranking out as many widgets as possible.
A Dallas man who was rescued from a burning car is hoping to find the woman who saved his life.

Dennis Brown was paralyzed from the waist down when a gunman shot him at 22 years old, FOX 4 reported.

Brown said he recently got into an accident in a rental car, causing the vehicle to catch fire. As Brown struggled to get out, a woman appeared and jumped in to help. She initially tried to assemble his wheelchair but then gave up and focused her efforts on getting Brown out of the burning car.

She pulled him from the vehicle as it sat ablaze, he told FOX 4.

"I had rented a car from Enterprise equipped with hand control. I have been in the car several times. It seemed like the car was about to give out," he said to the outlet. "I looked up. The front end was on fire."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Brown called her good deed a heroic act and said hed like to thank her.

His mother went to the house where the woman was visiting to thank her but wasnt able to get her name.

"I almost lost my child in this burning car," she said. "I cannot thank her enough. If she had not pulled him out, he would have burned in that car. She was his angel."

New Hampshire: Man drowns trying to rescue wife, her son in fast-moving New Hampshire river

A reconnection in the works?

On Wednesday morning, a woman who appeared to be the good Samaritan commented on Browns post and said shes looking forward to seeing him in person soon.

I'm so glad you are ok and glad that we reconnected, the Facebook user wrote. I'm looking forward to having dinner with you and your sweet Momma when I come back to Dallas.

Brown said despite going through so much, he has a positive outlook.

"Life is beautiful, even from a sitting down position," he said to FOX 4.

Reunited: Former Montana teen reunites with man who rescued him from drowning 50 years ago

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paralyzed Texas man pulled from burning car by woman he never met
A former intern for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas.) announced his campaign for her seat Tuesday.

Jackson Lee announced in March that she is running for Houston mayor this year. She has not announced her retirement from Congress and is not required to do so to run for mayor.

Isaiah Martin, who once worked as an intern for Lee, is now a consultant specializing in the procurement of large-scale aerospace government contracts, according to his campaign website.

My name is Isaiah Martin and Im running to become the next Gen-Z member of the United States Congress  because democracy is only guaranteed if we fight for it, Martin wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost (D) was the first Generation Z member to be elected to Congress in 2022.

Isaiah wants to bring his experiences in developing solutions to Congress to focus on what matters most; expanding opportunity for all and delivering real results for all Houstonians, Martins campaign website reads. With Governor Abbott and the state legislature creating laws that make life harder for all of us, Isaiah is ready to bring energetic, forward thinking leadership to level up our neighborhoods.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
First of two parts.

Jane Day hit her breaking point two years ago, the day her suicidal daughter, struggling with a mix of serious mental health issues, stood on the Penn Street bridge over Interstate 380 near North Liberty, threatening to jump.

I got to the bridge on one side and my husband was on the other, said Day, of Norwalk, who lived in Tiffin at the time. We didnt know if she was alive or dead.

Authorities shut down the interstate, and a rescue team tackled the then-16-year-old on the bridge. She was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Previously, every psychiatric medical institution for children in the state had rejected her for residential treatment. But she finally was accommodated at Orchard Place, Des Moines' oldest mental health nonprofit for youth.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Day said the care her daughter received at Orchard Place was excellent. But it literally took her being on a f-----g bridge for that to happen, she said.

In Iowa and across the country, demand for programs and services for some children with mental, behavioral and intellectual disabilities has reached a crisis point, triggering a high-stakes lawsuit against the state and pleas by advocacy groups and providers for action.

Almost three years after the isolation and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic began to exacerbate mental health issues for children, wait lists for psychiatric medical institutions for youth, also called PMICs, have reached new highs.

Worker shortages have hamstrung care providers, and some programs are shuttering for lack of financial support. Providers say children have become more suicidal and violent, placing additional pressure on their programs and their employees.

"Definitely we are seeing a level of higher acuity post-pandemic  unlike any of us have seen in our careers," Kelly Garcia, director of Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services, told Watchdog. "This is something we're struggling with as a nation."

Kelly Garcia, director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, says children with mental health issues are increasingly suicidal and violent. "This is something we're struggling with as a nation."

Programming also is missing for children placed in the state's care after being removed from their homes because of alleged neglect or abuse. Congress took dramatic steps in 2018 with passage of the Families First Preservation Services Act to shift federal child welfare money away from long-term congregate care settings for kids.

In the five years since the act passed, the state has leaned less on foster care and group home facilities. But incidents of maltreatment of children in the state's custody increased from 14.3 per thousand in 2020 to 15.3 in 2021, the most recent year for which figures are available.

From the state's 2019 fiscal year through its 2023 fiscal year, the number of group home beds for youth in the child welfare system tumbled by nearly half, to 357 from over 660. Shelter beds dropped by 55% and now number just 107 statewide, according to data obtained under Iowas open records law from Iowa's DHHS.

The number of licensed foster care homes available to temporarily house abused and neglected children across the state also hit a low point, dropping 20% since 2019 to 1,635.

'No reject, no eject': Iowa providers can't turn away a youth

Andrew Allen, president and CEO of YSS, at the Ember Recovery Campus under construction in Cambridge, It's an effort to expand the short supply of mental health treatment facilities for youth in Iowa.

Eleven states  California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington  have run out of foster homes and crisis center beds for troubled youth. They've housed foster children in crisis in hotels, jails, homeless and emergency shelters and the offices of human service workers.

In North Carolina, the state's human services agency has been accused of warehousing disabled children in foster homes for lack of more appropriate settings.

In Iowa, the state's DHHS has for several years given some providers who offer shelter and residential care for kids in crisis no choice but to accept children no matter how challenging they are.

Under no eject, no reject contract language mandated by the state agency since 2016, residential programs and shelters that do business with the state have to agree not to turn away youth, no matter how severe their problems or whether they have low IQs, autism or histories of sexual predation or violent behavior. (The psychiatric medical institutions for youth that rejected Day's daughter are funded primarily through Medicaid and are subject to different contracting and oversight.)

Whatever it is, we cant say no, said Andrew Allen, president and CEO of the YSS shelter in Ames. That can make it extremely tenuous for our staff.

Previously: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs sweeping tax cut package that will restructure Iowa's mental health funding

Allen said hed rather accept youth at the two emergency shelters he runs in Ames and Mason City, though they are at capacity, than have children go without help or wind up homeless. But the state still lacks specialized services for children with acute needs before they wind up in shelters, the state's destination of last resort.

The issue is, there are not enough of the right beds to meet the needs of our most vulnerable youth, Allen said. Because there are fewer beds, the kids we get have a higher acuity.

The state of Iowa this year will spend much less on foster care than it has in years past but more on group and shelter care for troubled youth. Allen said shelter care received a reimbursement rate increase from the state two years ago  to $225 a day from $146. But he said his daily costs for each child in shelter are still north of $300."

I lose about $100 per day per kid, he said. We subsidize with fundraising and other services.

While other providers have stopped offering shelter services, Allen, a former resident of YSS who eventually got drug treatment at age 17, has fought to expand the education, treatment, counseling and other services his organization provides.

By next fall, he plans to open a new youth recovery campus near Cambridge, between Ames and Des Moines, offering residential addiction treatment, crisis stabilization and emergency shelter for youth.

YSS' Ember Recovery Campus under construction in Cambridge.

Allen said hes been working for most of his eight years as YSS executive director to make the 70-bed facility, Ember Recovery Campus, a reality. He said it will be a trauma-informed setting for kids with substance use disorders.

When it opens and is fully staffed, it is expected to triple to 700 the number of youth served annually by YSS.

But Allen said the state still needs specialized programs for kids with specific issues, from low IQs to trauma impacts to severe behavior and criminal tendencies.

When they dont get that, they wind up in shelter. And that puts stress on Iowas system, our employees and impacts our ability to best meet the needs of kids and create hope and opportunity.

Too few services for Iowa children, and not enough beds

Some parents and providers staunchly defend the need for high-quality residential facilities for youth. But DHHS director Garcia and others at the agency believe the reduced reliance on long-term congregate care ultimately is a good thing. Those facilities generally have poorer outcomes than family-based settings and can cost up to 10 times more, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Other research shows they can adversely affect already traumatized children. One 2021 study that gained national attention found youth frequently regard the experience of group and institutional settings, whether public or private, as punitive, prison-like and traumatic.

The Families First Preservation Services Act requires that children in state child welfare systems be placed first with relatives or licensed foster families and restricts the use of congregate care. It also provides for the use of more federal dollars on foster care prevention services such as mental health, substance abuse treatment services, parent education and individual and family counseling.

"We want kids with family. Period. End of story," Garcia said. "But there are a subset of kids who do benefit from additional supports for a period of time."

The Legislature this year approved more funding for Medicaid substance abuse and mental health services. The increases provide enhanced reimbursement rates to providers for substance abuse and mental health counseling and increase the daily rate for psychiatric institutional care for children.

This fiscal year, the rate increases will include $7 million more for mental health therapy and $3 million more apiece for substance abuse treatment and psychiatric medical institutions for youth.

But Iowa parents and providers, echoing their peers across the country, say the state still has a dearth of community-based programs and services for all children with complex issues who need more than basic therapy but less extreme options than shelters or hospitalized settings.

In an interview, Garcia agreed, saying the state needs specialized care for kids with a mix of behavioral and intellectual disabilities, such as those with low IQs who have more difficulty learning and lack skills necessary for independent daily living.

She said DHHS has been working to improve Medicaid reimbursement rates for some providers.

For kids in the child welfare system, Iowa also is starting a pilot to reintroduce therapeutic foster homes in the Cedar Rapids area, Garcia said. The state will start by recruiting foster parents to provide 10 homes to work on intensive skill building with up to two children in each who have high needs.

"Ultimately, it will be no longer than a nine-month stay," Garcia said.

For families, a breaking point: 'It was just the deepest of despair'

Without a better system of care for all children before behavior reaches a crisis, providers say, children can often pose a greater risk to themselves and others or wind up in the correctional system or on the street. And their families can get overwhelmed by the stress.

Nina Richtman, a single parent in Des Moines of two teenage special-needs boys adopted from the foster care system, said she didnt realize how heavily she needed the services she was able to cobble together until the pandemic hit  and those services were largely taken away.

One of Richtman's sons needed constant attention. He has reactive attachment disorder and debilitating anxiety that, without supervision, escalates quickly into negative behavior. Her other son, who has a low IQ and has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD and anxiety, was on a waiting list for months during the pandemic for treatment in a residential setting.

From school help to respite care to therapy for her sons, Richtman said she used to receive about 50 hours of support every week. During the pandemic, she said, the most assistance she was able to get with her boys amounted to about 12 hours a week.

Over a period of months, she said, she became increasingly hopeless and unable to escape the constant stress.

I would look around and think to myself, 'This is a way I could kill myself,' she said. It wasnt that I wanted to die. I wanted to escape my reality.

On a day in October 2020 when her blood pressure was sky high and she couldnt stop crying, she said, she felt forced to check herself into MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

I couldnt stop thinking about death, even though I knew I needed to do life, she said. It was just the deepest of despair.

Richtman said both her sons eventually got more help. In July, her youngest son entered a respite program after a year on a waiting list. But she said theres long been a big shortage in Iowa of therapeutic services for kids with high needs beyond crisis care.

Thats not a solution; its a Band-Aid, she said. Iowa needs a trained workforce in childrens mental health and trauma.

'It feels like people just want to push us away'

Jane Day sits for a photo in a park near her home in Norwalk, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.

Day said her daughter, who is now 18 and living in a temporary group home, still makes poor decisions. Diagnosed at different times with anxiety, major depressive disorder, PTSD and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, shes been hospitalized several times.

But now that her daughter is an adult, Day said, shes less able to help her or get medical information from providers.

Shes going to kill herself or be killed. Thats my constant fear, Day said. Its been exhausting. Mentally and physically exhausting. I function at work, but our home life is completely chaotic. The worrying  and just trying to make sure she gets what she needs  is constant.

Her daughter, who asked not to be identified because of her mental health struggles, said she experienced a constant lack of available programs while growing up, a situation made worse by the way people judge young people with depression, anxiousness, a desire to isolate and other challenges.

"It feels like people just want to push us away," she said. "It feels like they dont understand what we go through. When we try to get the help we need, we cant get the help we need. Its more like people dont care."

Lee Rood's Reader's Watchdog column helps Iowans get answers and accountability from public officials, the justice system, businesses and nonprofits. Reach her at lrood@registermedia.com, at 515-284-8549, on Twitter at @leerood or on Facebook at Facebook.com/readerswatchdog.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa's youth mental health crisis grows; families are in despair
The Marathon Petroleum Refinery is visible in Reserve, La., Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. Environmental advocates and residents of the Louisiana chemical corridor known as Cancer Alley have spent decades calling for change in the way industrial activity is regulated there. The EPA and the Louisiana environmental agency spent months negotiating an agreement that would have fundamentally changed the state's air pollution permitting program. It ultimately fell apart without an agreement. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW ORLEANS (AP)  As industrial plants have overtaken historic Black communities and burdened neighborhoods with toxic air pollution, environmental advocates and residents of Louisianas chemical corridor have spent decades calling for change.

So when the countrys top environmental regulator opened a high-profile civil rights investigation into Louisianas Department of Environmental Quality last year, it felt like a watershed moment.

For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in to exercise its oversight and evaluate whether LDEQ has granted permits for companies to build and pollute in a way that has caused disproportionate harm to Black communities. Ultimately, they found signs that it has.

After pledging to clean up Cancer Alley  the nickname for the heavily industrialized, 85-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans  the EPA issued a letter in October 2022 detailing preliminary evidence of racial discrimination and noncompliance by the state.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Advocates like Lisa Jordan, who leads the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, and the clients she represents were cautiously optimistic.

We dared to hope, said Jordan, who filed one of the complaints that led to EPAs civil rights investigation.

The EPAs findings brought LDEQ to the negotiating table. Documents and emails newly uncovered by WWNO and WRKF show that staff from the two agencies spent months negotiating a 43-page agreement that would have fundamentally changed Louisianas air pollution permitting program so that state regulators would have no longer allowed toxic emissions to disproportionately impact certain communities. While the EPAs civil rights investigation could have led to a consent decree that forced LDEQ to change, this voluntary agreement offered a path to reform without punishment.

But, in late June, it all came to a grinding halt.

The EPA abruptly closed the case and ended discussions with the LDEQ, stopping its investigation without coming to a resolution or releasing its findings. The decision blindsided the River Parish residents who took part in the complaints.

Wed been out here fighting so hard for so long, it felt good to have someone shouldering the burden with us, and it felt good to not be gaslit, said Joy Banner, a St. John the Baptist Parish resident and cofounder of the Descendants Project, in the weeks after. After all of that fighting, they just abandoned us.

WWNO/WRKFs reporting reveals for the first time the fullest details of the draft agreement and offers a window into how negotiations between the two agencies unraveled. With Louisianas attorney general now suing the EPA, environmental justice experts and advocates fear that the breakdown could mark the beginning of a major attack on a core aspect of the Civil Rights Act.

MEANINGFUL REFORM

In the month before negotiations ended, LDEQ and EPA staff closed in on an agreement. They exchanged a draft resolution on May 18 that would have ingrained sweeping new procedures for the state to ensure that future permitting decisions included an in-depth analysis into whether the adverse impacts of any new polluting facility would be disproportionately felt by people of a certain race, color or nationality - an outcome also known as disparate impact.

Had the agreement been finalized, Louisiana environmental advocates would also have received another major win: LDEQ would have begun studying how a proposed facility would add to a communitys cumulative burdens. For each permit application, the agency would be required to look at the local areas current exposure to air pollutants as well as how different social or health factors could leave the community vulnerable to harmful effects.

Deep South Center for Environmental Justice Director of Law and Policy Monique Harden, who has more than two decades of law experience, reviewed the May 18 draft of the informal resolution agreement, saying it would have led to meaningful reform of the state agency. She wasnt involved in any of the complaints the EPA investigated.

Most significantly, the agreement would have enforced the states legal obligation to request companies look at alternate sites or even deny a permit to lessen any disparate impacts found during its newly robust analysis.

You can consider, through mapping and statistical data collection and analysis, environmental justice. You can do that all day long and not have any change on the ground for Black communities, Harden said. Consideration is weak sauce. We need permit denials. We need reductions in pollution. We need mitigation of hazards. We need a holistic view of appropriate sites.

For years, Harden has watched progress on environmental justice issues stall as agencies quibble over meandering technical debates of definitions and procedures. In a break from the past, she felt the proposed agreement showed a commitment to creating real change.

This agreement between EPA and LDEQ was headed around results and outcomes, which is a tremendous step forward, Harden said.

Requests for disparity analyses and cumulative impact studies are nothing new. Advocacy groups and environmental lawyers like Harden and Jordan have called for LDEQ to conduct such studies since the 1980s.

A study published in the journal Environmental Challenges in January found that minority communities living in Louisianas chemical corridor are exposed to levels of toxic air pollution seven to 21 times higher than predominantly white communities.

But time and again, the state agency has maintained that it isnt statutorily required to consider disparate impact under environmental legislation like the Clean Air and Clean Water acts nor under Louisiana law.

They just never engaged at the level of saying its not possible or its too hard, or it would take too long. They just never entertained the idea at all, Jordan said.

In the EPAs letter of concern sent on Oct. 12, 2022, it said LDEQ staff should have conducted cumulative impact analyses in the past. It also brought attention to the lack of any written policies internally that guide when LDEQ staff should do such an analysis to comply with the Civil Rights Act.

According to the EPA, LDEQ went as far as to say it only needs to comply with environmental laws, not the Civil Rights Act  an assertion that EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for External Civil Rights Lilian Dorka called erroneous.

LDEQ has two obligations: to ensure legal and lawful administration of Clean Air Act programs and to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. And what this informal resolution agreement focuses on is that LDEQ is not doing either, said Harden.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

The negotiations were on precarious footing from the start. The EPA worked with LDEQ to make voluntary changes to its permitting process to avoid punishment, while simultaneously conducting a civil rights investigation that would potentially result in a compliance order.

Meanwhile, LDEQ moved forward with the voluntary agreement, even as the states attorney general (whose office was involved in the voluntary agreement negotiations) prepared a lawsuit against the EPAs investigation. Emails exchanged between LDEQ and the EPA show negotiations began to falter after the federal staff sent a version of the draft agreement back to LDEQ on May 18.

Days after the draft was sent, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry sued the EPA, the Department of Justice and the Biden administration over the civil rights investigation on May 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The Attorney General office didnt respond to a request for comment.

The new lawsuit appeared to cast doubt over whether any parties were willing to proceed with the negotiations in good faith. But, despite the looming lawsuit, a June 1 email shows LDEQ staff reassured Dorka that the litigation wouldnt change the agencys commitment, promising to continue to flesh out the draft agreement.

The emails show, however, that progress slowed in the waning weeks of the investigation. The EPA and LDEQ traded blame and frustration over the state of negotiations as the draft agreement sat in limbo and regular meetings were canceled.

One week before the case was closed, the tension bubbled over in one final exchange. LDEQ lead counsel Courtney Burdette questioned the EPAs commitment to the ongoing talks, citing the frustration of the state staff.

Within hours of receiving the email, Dorka wrote back, pointing to the lack of a fully revised draft of the agreement from LDEQ as the reason for the series of meeting cancellations.

Given how busy everyone is, I will go ahead and cancel the rest of the meetings that I had scheduled and then reschedule as needed once we receive the rest of LDEQs draft IRA mark-up, Dorka replied.

But another meeting wasnt scheduled.

On June 27, the EPA sent a letter to LDEQ Secretary Roger Gingles stating they had closed the investigation, with little explanation beyond stating the EPAs Office of External Civil Rights Compliance felt an agreement wouldnt be reached by their July 11 deadline.

Yet, EPAs case resolution manual states that deadline requirements for ending an investigation are paused while working toward an informal agreement.

The reason for the investigations untimely end remains unclear. Jordan and other advocates involved in the case have speculated that the litigation from Landrys office increased pressure on the Biden administration to close the case in an attempt to quash a lawsuit that has the potential to evolve into a broader challenge to a key element of the Civil Rights Act if it moves forward.

The Department of Justice wrote in its notice to the court that the EPA had terminated the complaints at the center of Landrys lawsuit, raising the question of whether it should proceed. A response filed by the attorney generals office made clear that the state planned to continue the lawsuit  which challenges any federal review of disparate impact as a result of environmental permits  regardless of the civil rights investigations untimely end.

EPAs and DOJs entire rationale, we think, for having dismissed this complaint is to poise itself well to succeed in this litigation. So our clients sort of feel that theyve been sacrificed, Jordan said. Its not looking like EPA made a good trade if thats what they did.

TITLE VI PRECEDENT UNDER ATTACK

Since the early days of the EPAs investigation, LDEQ and other state officials have maintained that the agency shouldnt be punished for actions and decisions that comply with environmental laws  even if they result in violations of the Civil Rights Act.

The opposition came as the EPA finally pledged to step up its civil rights enforcement to match protocol that has been used by other federal agencies, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to the Department of Education, for decades.

The reason were here is because EPA was late to fulfill its obligations under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, said Carlton Waterhouse, a former EPA attorney and director of Howard University School of Laws Environmental and Climate Justice Center. And so now, as the agency is trying to fulfill its obligations, were finding pushback to say that not only are those not obligations, the agency is acting unlawfully by trying to enforce these regulations.

In the past, the EPA has only investigated cases of intentional discrimination, or instances of blatant racism or differential treatment. But other agencies have historically taken into account the effect policies have. Even if a decision seems neutral on its face, does it disproportionately harm one group more than another? If so, the policy has a disparate impact, which is illegal. Courts across the country have upheld the use of disparate impact in rulings dating back to the 1970s.

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the use of disparate impact in a housing discrimination case, writing in the decision that a focus on consequences permits plaintiffs to counteract unconscious prejudices and disguised animus that escape easy classification as disparate treatment.

But in his May 24 lawsuit, Attorney General Landry, who is now the leading candidate for Louisiana governor, disagreed. He argued the Civil Rights Act only prohibits intentional discrimination, and called the EPAs investigation a ploy by social justice warriors.

Activities that would be perfectly lawful under environmental law are thus now threatened because EPA believes those activities occur proximate to the wrong racial groups, wrote Landry in the suit.

The logic rings similar to other recent conservative legal attacks, including the argument recently used in overturning precedent on affirmative action, said Waterhouse.

This is the reverse discrimination argument, Waterhouse said. Use of that is very politically astute and even legally astute to the degree that the ears of the court are very open to those concerns.

As the Supreme Court has grown more conservative, advocates and legal experts have voiced concern over the potential for Landrys case to set back civil rights enforcement if it moves forward  and potentially reverse progress as well, said Waterhouse, by nullifying past wins for agencies like the Department of Education or eliminating the doctrine of disparate impact altogether.

Waterhouse said state agencies should expect to be required to follow more than one law at once, just like the average citizen. He likened it to driving a car.

Sometimes you get a no speeding and a no passing law. It means that you have to drive 55 (miles per hour) and stay in that right lane, even though somebody is driving slow in it, he said.

Its not an either-or, so its a false dichotomy.

THE FUTURE OF LOUISIANA'S AIR PROGRAM

Even with the EPAs investigation being closed, the draft informal agreement produced in May offers a blueprint for addressing decades-old complaints about LDEQs permitting process. Research and news investigations have repeatedly demonstrated that Black communities in Louisiana live with more air pollution than white communities.

Legal experts agree that nothing in the law prevents the state agency from implementing the measures developed over the 8-month negotiation to ensure it is in compliance with nondiscrimination laws.

States have the authority to go well beyond anything that the federal government has put in place, said Waterhouse. So they can be more protective for their citizens. They can be more attentive to preventing disparities in terms of who bears the burden of pollution. They have all kinds of authority to do that.

The draft agreement offered a step-by-step guide for considering various demographics when permitting, explaining how to analyze for potential disparities and what to do if any are found. It also laid out ways to facilitate a more robust public participation process.

EPA has given LDEQ all of the tools that it could need to do a better job than what it has done, said Jordan.

Whether LDEQ will use those tools remains an open question. When WWNO/WRKF asked LDEQ whether it planned to use the draft agreement, agency press secretary Greg Langley said, We are glad to have the complaint closed. LDEQ has no comment about the communications that occurred between EPA and LDEQ.

Langley didnt say if the agency planned to make any changes to its permitting program.

The EPA will still pursue other avenues to address the issues that came up in the complaints, including a major lawsuit it launched earlier this year against a neoprene plant in St. John the Baptist Parish and new proposed rules limiting the emission of certain cancer-causing chemicals plaguing Louisianas chemical corridor. It also plans to conduct its own cumulative impact study in St. John.

But the federal agency hasnt provided any indication that an overhaul of the states air permit program is in the cards. EPA staff has offered to help LDEQ implement changes if the state decides to strengthen its safeguards against discrimination.

Unless changes are made, Harden said, LDEQ will continue to have the same problems that the EPA identified  and racial disparities will continue to go unchecked.

Each permit that LDEQ issues in a predominantly Black community in Louisiana is a further violation of civil rights, she said.
The goal of trying all 19 defendants in the Georgia election interference case faces a key test Wednesday at a newly scheduled hearing that will consider separation requests from two attorneys aligned with former President Trump.

The last of the 19 defendants entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday and waived their in-person arraignment that was previously expected to be held Wednesday morning over the course of six hours in which each defendant, including Trump, would have entered their plea in-person in a courtroom in 15-minute increments.

Instead, the main event Wednesday will begin at 1 p.m. ET, when a judge is expected to hold a hearing in which attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell are requesting their cases be severed from each other and the rest of those charged in the case. The hearing, before Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee, is expected to be livestreamed.

The Chesebro, Powell hearing stands to put to the test Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) goal to try all 19 co-defendants, each facing racketeering and other charges, together in the Georgia election interference case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Both Chesebro and Powell are seeking a speedy trial, likely allowing them to be tried this fall. Chesebros trial has been set to begin Oct. 23, but the judge has not yet set a date for any of the others.

Willis is hoping to keep the co-defendants together by trying them all on the same advanced timeline, but she faces stiff opposition.

McAfee on Wednesday will weigh whether to keep Williss goal alive or side with Chesebro and Powell, who have each made clear they want to be tried alone, largely because the acts they are accused of dont overlap.

Ms. Powell can receive a fair trial only if she is tried alone, her attorney, Brian Rafferty, wrote in court filings. The prejudice that would inure to her from a lengthy trial with any of those she was not involved and about the vast number of events she had no knowledge of or connection with would deny her Due Process.

Chesebros attorneys, Scott Grubman and Manubir Arora, similarly argued that much of the indictment is unrelated to their client.

If the jury were to be advised of these unrelated counts at Mr. Chesebros trial, this would create confusion of the issues, spillover, and the admission of unduly prejudicial evidence, they wrote.

Beyond the two requests scheduled to be considered at the hearing, waiting in the wings are severance motions filed by the former president and Trump-aligned attorneys John Eastman and Ray Smith. All three said they will not be ready for trial in October.

Proceeding to trial in a major RICO case six weeks after indictment obviously does not give sufficient time to prepare for trial. Such a conclusion should be apparent on the fact of it without the need for sophisticated legal analysis, Eastmans attorney, Buddy Parker, wrote in court filings.

Smiths attorney, meanwhile, proposed trying the case in manageable groups of defendants.

In a written order, the judge said he plans to ask Willis at the hearing for an estimate of how long prosecutors would take to present their case in the scenarios that everyone is tried together or if they are divided.

The 19 co-defendants are accused of entering a criminal enterprise to overturn Georgias election results so that Trump could remain in power. They face a combined 41 charges spanning from conspiring to commit false statements and writings to state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges.

The co-defendants were scheduled to be arraigned in person Wednesday, but all of them pleaded not guilty in writing and waived their appearances.

Minutes after the final defendant filed their waiver Tuesday, McAfee, the judge, scheduled the hearing to consider Chesebros and Powells severance motions.

Thanks to Georgia court rules allowing cameras in the states courtrooms, the hearing is expected to be livestreamed, which McAfee said last week would be on YouTube.

We have been livestreaming all of our major proceedings on a Fulton County-provided YouTube channel, McAfee said Thursday, according to WSB-TV. And our plan was to do that with this case as well. So theres going to be a YouTube feed the entire time.

Its expected that the proceeding will be streamed on Judge Scott McAfees YouTube channel, where he has broadcast other proceedings.

Four local TV channels  WSB-TV, WAGA-TV, WANF-TV and WXIA-TV  were approved as pool networks by McAfee and allowed to record images and sound from the courtroom, according to court filings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The goal of trying all 19 defendants in the Georgia election interference case faces a key test Wednesday at a newly scheduled hearing that will consider separation requests from two attorneys aligned with former President Trump.

The last of the 19 defendants entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday and waived their in-person arraignment that was previously expected to be held Wednesday morning over the course of six hours in which each defendant, including Trump, would have entered their plea in-person in a courtroom in 15-minute increments.

Instead, the main event Wednesday will begin at 1 p.m. ET, when a judge is expected to hold a hearing in which attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell are requesting their cases be severed from each other and the rest of those charged in the case. The hearing, before Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee, is expected to be livestreamed.

The Chesebro, Powell hearing stands to put to the test Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) goal to try all 19 co-defendants, each facing racketeering and other charges, together in the Georgia election interference case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Both Chesebro and Powell are seeking a speedy trial, likely allowing them to be tried this fall. Chesebros trial has been set to begin Oct. 23, but the judge has not yet set a date for any of the others.

Willis is hoping to keep the co-defendants together by trying them all on the same advanced timeline, but she faces stiff opposition.

McAfee on Wednesday will weigh whether to keep Williss goal alive or side with Chesebro and Powell, who have each made clear they want to be tried alone, largely because the acts they are accused of dont overlap.

Ms. Powell can receive a fair trial only if she is tried alone, her attorney, Brian Rafferty, wrote in court filings. The prejudice that would inure to her from a lengthy trial with any of those she was not involved and about the vast number of events she had no knowledge of or connection with would deny her Due Process.

Chesebros attorneys, Scott Grubman and Manubir Arora, similarly argued that much of the indictment is unrelated to their client.

If the jury were to be advised of these unrelated counts at Mr. Chesebros trial, this would create confusion of the issues, spillover, and the admission of unduly prejudicial evidence, they wrote.

Beyond the two requests scheduled to be considered at the hearing, waiting in the wings are severance motions filed by the former president and Trump-aligned attorneys John Eastman and Ray Smith. All three said they will not be ready for trial in October.

Proceeding to trial in a major RICO case six weeks after indictment obviously does not give sufficient time to prepare for trial. Such a conclusion should be apparent on the fact of it without the need for sophisticated legal analysis, Eastmans attorney, Buddy Parker, wrote in court filings.

Smiths attorney, meanwhile, proposed trying the case in manageable groups of defendants.

In a written order, the judge said he plans to ask Willis at the hearing for an estimate of how long prosecutors would take to present their case in the scenarios that everyone is tried together or if they are divided.

The 19 co-defendants are accused of entering a criminal enterprise to overturn Georgias election results so that Trump could remain in power. They face a combined 41 charges spanning from conspiring to commit false statements and writings to state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges.

The co-defendants were scheduled to be arraigned in person Wednesday, but all of them pleaded not guilty in writing and waived their appearances.

Minutes after the final defendant filed their waiver Tuesday, McAfee, the judge, scheduled the hearing to consider Chesebros and Powells severance motions.

Thanks to Georgia court rules allowing cameras in the states courtrooms, the hearing is expected to be livestreamed, which McAfee said last week would be on YouTube.

We have been livestreaming all of our major proceedings on a Fulton County-provided YouTube channel, McAfee said Thursday, according to WSB-TV. And our plan was to do that with this case as well. So theres going to be a YouTube feed the entire time.

Its expected that the proceeding will be streamed on Judge Scott McAfees YouTube channel, where he has broadcast other proceedings.

Four local TV channels  WSB-TV, WAGA-TV, WANF-TV and WXIA-TV  were approved as pool networks by McAfee and allowed to record images and sound from the courtroom, according to court filings.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
By David Stanway

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore is planning to expand a pilot project that boosts the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emissions, using one of several emerging technologies that supporters hope can play a decisive role in the global battle against climate change.

As scientists call for more research into ocean carbon dioxide removal (OCDR), PUB, Singapore's national water agency, has built a plant that uses electricity to extract CO2 from seawater, allowing it to absorb more greenhouse gas from the atmosphere when it is pumped back out into the ocean.

The project, built at a desalination facility on Singapore's western coast, extracts 100 kilograms of CO2 a day using technology designed by U.S. firm Equatic, founded by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At the plant, seawater is run through an electrolyser, which converts dissolved CO2 into calcium carbonate and produces hydrogen.

PUB is aiming to secure funds by the end of the year to build a demonstration plant with a daily capacity of 10 tons, and will look at expanding further, said Gurdev Singh, a PUB general manager who leads the project.

"We have shown that the technology works, but the key now is to optimise the technology at scale," he said.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said the removal of CO2 in the atmosphere will be as important as cutting emissions when it comes to curbing temperature rises.

But while OCDR has been described by one environmental group as an "unsung hero" in the fight against global warming, it remains unclear whether the new technologies are feasible when deployed at scale.

Equatic founder Gaurav Sant stressed the commercial potential.

"What makes this a resilient commercial opportunity is that you can essentially have the same equipment to give you two products: carbon credits and hydrogen," he said.

It could also profit by selling calcium carbonate to the local building industry, he added.

The project is one of several pilot OCDR ventures around the world. Some rely on bringing nutrient-rich deep-sea water to the surface to stimulate seaweed growth, while others aim to reduce ocean acidification levels and thereby boost CO2 uptake.

Some experts warn that the potential ecological impact of these technologies is still unknown. On Tuesday, more than 200 scientists said in an open letter that OCDR research should be prioritised not only to maximise its potential, but also head off potential risks.

Sir David King, head of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group and one of the letter's signatories, said he favoured nature-based approaches, and was sceptical about the efficacy of energy-intensive OCDR technologies like the Equatic venture, which will cost a lot to pump water in and out of the plant.

But billions of tons of CO2 need to be removed from the atmosphere, and more investment in OCDR research was needed urgently, he said.

"What is needed today is to shorten the experimental timeline, and that really demands much more funding," he said.

"If somebody came up with a few billion dollars, I believe we would accelerate these programmes to the level that is really needed."

(This story has been corrected to clarify that Singapore's PUB is the country's national water agency, and no longer known as the Public Utilities Board, in paragraph 2)

(Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Fresno entered a catalytic converter task force aimed at new efforts to control the pervasive crime that leaders have traditionally said was hard to prosecute, the Fresno City Attorneys Office said Tuesday.

The California Statewide Catalytic Converter Task Force is made up of several counties primarily from the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

After skyrocketing in the past two years, catalytic converters thefts have fallen so far this year in Fresno, numbers from police show.

On average, there were 5.71 catalytic converter thefts each day in Fresno in 2022. That was an uptick from 2021, when there were slightly more than four thefts each day.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So far in 2023, there have been 375 stolen  or about 0.67 stolen per day. That change comes before the new task force.

The city of Fresno passed an ordinance in February in an attempt to make prosecution for the thefts easier for law enforcement and harsher for thieves.

Thefts of the car part that can take a few minutes to steal and then be fenced for hundreds of dollars could be hard to prosecute without thieves being caught in the act, law enforcement has said.

Nationally, the crime grew from from 1,298 reported in 2018 to 52,206 in 2021, according to claims data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

The California task force will take advantage of the new ordinance, City Attorney Andrew Janz said in a news release.

Joining this task force reaffirms Fresnos commitment to public safety and justice, he said. We are happy that the City Council has taken a leadership role in this matter.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday nominated Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, the Air Forces deputy chief of staff for operations and a leader in the special operations community, to serve as the Air Forces next vice chief of staff.

If confirmed by the Senate, Slife would take over as vice chief from Gen. David Allvin, who is nominated to become the Air Forces top officer. Slife would also advance to the rank of four-star general.

Slife is set to become the No. 2 officer in the third-largest branch of the armed forces, managing an approximately $185 billion budget and more than 647,000 uniformed airmen and civilians. He would inherit a sweeping effort to modernize the services inventory of decades-old aircraft, adapt the force to the digital era and encourage young Americans to enlist.

His nomination may usher in a new era of its own: If the Senate confirms both Allvin and Slife, it will mark the first time in more than a decade that neither the Air Force chief of staff or its vice chief hail from a fighter background.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Air Force did not immediately comment on Bidens pick.

Sources have described Slife as a strategic thinker who prioritizes more effective airpower over parochial interests  a trait that can be a boon as various Air Force commands lobby for room in the annual budget.

One retired general told Air Force Times in May he viewed Allvin as the idea guy and Slife as the executor of those plans.

Hes not very patient. Hes not willing to look at things and shrug his shoulders, the retired general said of Slife.

Slife has become a face of the services plan to overhaul how it deploys airmen around the world, known as force generation, for a new era of war. The vision aims to make the service more responsive and capable by training airmen to handle tasks outside their usual lane, deploying as cohesive groups and adhering to a more predictable schedule than in the past.

As vice chief, he would play a larger part in vetting the Pentagons acquisition plans as a member of the top-level Joint Requirements Oversight Council. He would also work closely with the deputy secretary of defense and put his own stamp on the Air Forces Vice Chiefs Challenge, an annual innovation competition, among other roles.

The former helicopter and drone pilot led Air Force Special Operations Command for more than three years, and served as the vice commander and chief of staff at U.S. Special Operations Command.

While in charge of AFSOC, he began laying the foundation for a new chapter in the services most elite community of warfighters. He reimagined what airmen may be called upon to do after decades at war in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and has envisioned a more digitally savvy, diverse command that could hold its own in a potential conflict with China.

Those ideas havent always been popular. Last year, Slife fended off accusations in an anonymous letter posted to social media that leadership pushed a female candidate through the all-male special tactics training for the sake of scoring political points  a claim he denied.

An internal investigation found that conflicting fitness standards within the enterprise contributed to an appearance of favoritism.

Slife, then the top officer at AFSOC, pushed back on claims that the organization is growing soft.

We do make changes in how we train airmen in order to improve the effectiveness of our training, but we do not lower our standards. Period, he wrote in January 2022.

Over the course of his career, he has flown more than 3,100 hours in the MH-53 Pave Low combat search-and-rescue helicopter, the MQ-1 Predator attack drone and other airframes.

That record has earned him top honors like the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal, awarded by the secretary of defense for outstanding command or work in a top-level Pentagon office; the Bronze Star, given for heroic or meritorius achievement in military operations against an armed enemy; and the Air Medal, awarded for meritorious acts in flight.

Slife joined the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Auburn University, where he earned his bachelors degree in aerospace engineering in 1989. He later received masters degrees in aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and organizational management from George Washington University.

He spent his first years in the Air Force flying, then instructing others, on the UH-1 and MH-53 helicopters. He rose through multiple command stints at the squadron, group and wing level, including the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, from 2011 to 2013.

Slife held leadership and planning roles at U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Central Command, and worked in multiple acquisition offices based at the Pentagon, before arriving at SOCOM headquarters in Florida in 2017. He returned to Hurlburt Field to lead AFSOC in 2019.

Its unclear when Slife may be able to move into his new job.

The Pentagon and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., are embroiled in a monthslong standoff over the Biden administrations reproductive health care policies that allow troops to seek abortions in states where they are legal. The Pentagon can help cover the cost of travel for those appointments but does not use federal dollars to subsidize the procedures themselves.

Tuberville has blocked more than 300 military confirmations from moving forward since February, and plans to continue doing so until the Pentagon ends its policy. Military officials and lawmakers say the pause jeopardizes national security and upends the lives of hundreds of military families.

The Senate has continued holding confirmation hearings to advance the militarys top brass where possible. Allvin will go before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Sept. 12. The committee has not yet scheduled a hearing for Slife.
Central Coast Congressman Salud Carbajal is set to introduce two new bills on Friday that aim to help airports transition away from the use of toxic firefighting foams that have polluted drinking water sources.

Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, announced the legislation Wednesday during a news conference at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which itself has been the site of pollution from so-called forever chemicals that fouled nearby wells.

Aqueous film forming foam sprayed from fire trucks to train for potential airplane crashes since at least the 1970s has caused toxic soil and groundwater pollution across the United States.

The foam contains chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS, which have been linked to a variety of human health issues.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As has, unfortunately, sometimes been the case in history, the steps taken to tackle one problem have created new, unforeseen ones later down the road, Carbajal said at the news conference. That is the case here, where the federal government stepped in and told airports that the best way to combat potential fires would be using foams with PFAS chemicals ... which we now know have been linked to a wide range of health hazards, including cancer and developmental harm.

As of October 2021, airports are no longer required to use firefighting foams that contain PFAS. However, the FAA has not yet provided airports with an approved fluorine-free alternative.

In July, the SLO County airport became the first in California to come to a cleanup agreement to potentially remediate the PFAS pollution that has contaminated nearby residents wells for decades.

The cleanup agreement is with Cal Fire  which used the firefighting foam  and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, who will oversee the pollution cleanup efforts.

The agreement was voluntary because Cal Fire and the county threatened legal action should they be ordered to clean up the pollution. They argued the Federal Aviation Administration could be found liable for causing the pollution because it mandated the use of the toxic firefighting foam to be used at airports.

The county of San Luis Obispo, Cal Fire, water board and airport staff have all worked diligently to deliver this voluntary settlement agreement and address the critical water needs of the impacted residents within the area and within the PFAS-impacted wells in the absence of state and federal regulations, said Jane Gray, chair of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, during Wednesdays press conference.

Carbajal said the bills hes expected to introduce into the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday are the result of seeing the harmful impacts PFAS-containing firefighting foam has had on communities such as San Luis Obispo.

Because these were federally required foams at the root of this problem, I believe its important that the federal government support our airports and our communities to deal with the effects of that policy, he said Wednesday.

The bill are expected to have bipartisan support, Carbajal noted.

What Carbajals PFAS bills would do

The first of Carbajals bills aims to address some of these issues by mandating the FAA create a plan to transition airports to fluorine-free firefighting foam, which doesnt contain PFAS.

The Save Our Airports Act, or SOAR Act, would require the FAA to submit a progress report on its creation of the transition plan to Congress no later than 180 days after the bill is enacted. Every 180 days thereafter, the FAA must submit a follow-up progress report until it determines the plan is complete.

The plan must include guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on acceptable uses of the fluorine-free firefighting foam. It must also give best practices for decontamination of existing aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, systems and other equipment used to spray the PFAS-containing foam.

The second bill  the Pollution-Free Aviation Sites Act, or PFAS Act  would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a grant program to reimburse airports for costs associated with transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foam.

Should the act pass, up to $2 million could be granted to individual airports for costs including purchasing fluorine-free foam, cleaning airport equipment that used PFAS-containing foam and purchasing equipment needed to disperse the fluorine-free foam.

Courtney Johnson, director of airports for San Luis Obispo County, said the grants would be incredibly helpful.

We appreciate any amount, but it still might not be enough, Johnson said during the Wednesday news conference.

In June, the county used grant funds to purchase a new firefighting truck equipped to disperse PFAS-containing firefighting foam for $1.4 million, she said. The airport must have two of those trucks on hand at all times to meet FAA requirements, Johnson added.

In addition to that, were hearing an estimate of about $350,000 from other airports to clean out equipment, she said. And thats only a 98% success rate to remediate PFAS.

Johnson noted that while the $2 million may go further for smaller airports such as SLO Countys, larger airports will likely need to spend more to transition away from PFAS-containing firefighting foam.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its groundbreaking 1993 album Siamese Dream, the Smashing Pumpkins will be putting on a pair of acoustic concerts at the intimate Madame Zuzus in Highland Park.

Tickets for the shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sept. 17 are on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 6. The limited tickets ($345-$495) are on sale via Eventbrite with sites for earlier and later shows.

The later show will be livestreamed on Veeps; fans can register for a free livestream ticket link here.

Madame Zuzus Tea Shop at 1876 1st St. is owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his partner Chloe Mendel. According to the announcement, the celebration is in collaboration with Tower Records. For three days beginning Sept. 14, Madame Zuzus will also be a vintage Tower Records pop-up store, with limited edition merchandise.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The band wraps its World is a Vampire Tour with a show Sept. 9 in Noblesville, Indiana. The third part of its 12th studio album Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts was released on May 5.

This story has been updated with ticket prices.

dgeorge@chicagotribune.com
CHICAGO  To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its groundbreaking 1993 album Siamese Dream, the Smashing Pumpkins will be putting on a pair of acoustic concerts at the intimate Madame Zuzus in Highland Park.

Tickets for the shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sept. 17 are already sold out. The limited tickets ($345-$495) went on sale Wednesday morning.

The later show will be livestreamed on Veeps; fans can register for a free livestream ticket link here.

Madame Zuzus Tea Shop at 1876 1st St. is owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his partner Chloe Mendel. According to the announcement, the celebration is in collaboration with Tower Records. For three days beginning Sept. 14, Madame Zuzus will also be a vintage Tower Records pop-up store, with limited edition merchandise.

The band wraps its World is a Vampire Tour with a show Sept. 9 in Noblesville, Indiana. The third part of its 12th studio album Atum: A Rock Opera in Three Acts was released on May 5.
Minnesota Twins' Christian Vazquez (8) celebrates with Carlos Correa, center, and Royce Lewis (23) following his home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLEVELAND (AP)  For months, the AL Central was the butt of jokes.

The Minnesota Twins may get the last laugh.

Jorge Polanco hit a sacrifice fly and Donovan Solano added a three-run triple in Minnesota's five-run eighth inning as the Twins pushed their lead to seven games over second-place Cleveland with an 8-3 win over the Guardians on Tuesday night.

Polanco hit a shot deep enough to right off Trevor Stephan (6-6) to score pinch-runner Joey Gallo and break a 3-3 tie. Later in the inning, Solano's liner to center skipped past outfielder Myles Straw and rolled to the wall, clearing the bases.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

By winning the first two games of the critical three-game series, Minnesota, which has been atop the division since mid-July, moved seven games above .500 for the first time in 2023.

More importantly, they probably put away the defending division champion Guardians with just 23 games left.

Still, the Twins, who improved 4-1 on this road trip and are playing their best ball this season, aren't taking anything for granted.

It's the beginning of September," said manager Rocco Baldelli. We play six-month seasons and we have close to a month left. Nothing changes for us right now. We've just got to keep playing good.

Minnesota's Christian Vazquez, who hit a game-tying homer in the sixth off Guardians reliever Matt Moore, led off the eighth with a single and Willi Castro doubled down the left-field line. Gallo came on for Vazquez and scored easily on Polanco's fly ahead of Will Brennan's throw.

Stephan's wild pitch made it 5-3, and the right-hander walked two and hit a batter to set up Solano's shot  a potential knockout blow for Cleveland.

As the ball got by Straw, Solano had one thought.

Run, he said with laugh.

Bo Naylor hit a two-run homer for the Guardians, who were blown out 20-6 in Monday's series opener.

Manager Terry Francona understands the challenge his team is facing. He's also confident the Guardians won't surrender.

I've never been accused of being a math major, he said. We need to win and the best way to is to win tomorrow. We certainly didnt put our best foot forward the last two nights, and I dont think you can run from what we havent done. But until its time they make you go home, we'll keep playing.

Griffin Jax (6-8) struck out two in one inning after coming on for starter Sonny Gray , who gave up three runs and six hits in six innings. Caleb Thielbar worked the eighth and Emilio Pagan finished up for Minnesota.

With one out, Vazquez belted Moore's first pitch down the right-field line, the ball ducking into the seats just inside the foul pole.

The Guardians got a solid outing from rookie Tanner Bibee , who held the Twins to two runs and four hits in five innings one night after Minnesota unloaded on Lucas Giolito  nine runs, three innings  in his Cleveland debut.

Afterward, Bibee expressed the team's frustration at losing ground to the Twins.

Good team for sure, he said. Weve shown them we can beat them, shown them we can compete with them.

SLAM (DUNK) CHAMP

Minnesota's Royce Lewis didn't hit a grand slam, and that's noteworthy.

Lewis connected for his third slam in eight games Monday, becoming the first rookie and fourth player to hit three in a span of eight games or less. The others: Jim Northrup (1968, 4 games), Lou Gehrig (1931, 5) and Larry Parrish (1982, 8).

FRY GUY

David Fry's right arm was still attached Tuesday after the utilityman pitched four innings in Monday's blowout.

Fry threw 64 pitches  all under 60 mph  while helping Guardians manager Terry Francona preserve his bullpen for the remainder of the series.

Francona said Fry was not feeling any worse for wear.

When you think about it, its almost like he was catching, Francona said. Hes just throwing it back. Hes intelligent enough and he has enough discipline not to overdo it. He really did a good job because it was a big ask.

Fry gave up three homers and allowed seven runs and 10 hits. He became the first Cleveland position player to pitch at least four innings since Milt Galatzer, who pitched six against Washington in 1936.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Twins: RHP Chris Paddack, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, will make a rehab start for Fort Mylers (Low A) on Wednesday. He'll throw three innings or 50 pitches.

Guardians: Francona said injured starters Triston McKenzie and Shane Bieber remain on track to face batters later this week at Class A Lake County before going on minor league rehab assignments. The team has targeted Sept. 20 for their possible return. Bieber (elbow inflammation) has been out since July 9, McKenzie (elbow sprain) since June 17.

UP NEXT

The rivals meet for the final time in 2023 with Guardians rookie RHP Gavin Williams (1-5, 3.46 ERA) starting against Twins RHP Joe Ryan (10-8, 4.20).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
Sophia Bush rewore a minidress from her wedding reception to Beyonce's concert after filing for divorce

Sophia Bush attends the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 29, 2023. Paul Morigi/Stringer/Getty Images

Sophia Bush attended Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour in Inglewood, California, on Monday.

She wore a silver minidress that she originally donned at her wedding reception last summer.

Bush filed for divorce from Grant Hughes in August, seven weeks after their first anniversary.

Just like her character in "One Tree Hill," Sophia Bush is picking "clothes over bros."

The actor and activist attended Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour in Inglewood, California, on Monday, and wore a silver minidress designed by Cristina Ottaviano for the occasion.

The sleeveless dress  which is covered in reflective pieces and has a sharp-plunge neckline  is the same garment she wore during her wedding reception last summer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bush filed for divorce from Grant Hughes in August, just seven weeks after their one-year anniversary. Though she didn't mention the garment's origins on Instagram, she did explain the concert's dress code.

"Speaking of @beyonce  the queen said 'wear silver' and we said 'yes ma'am.' ," Bush captioned her post. "She called her #Renaissance 'a place to dream/escape/to feel free/adventurous/to create a safe place/without judgment/a place to be free/to scream/release/feel freedom/a beautiful journey/exploration.' Can confirm ."

Bush also shared photos of her dress, which she paired with a cowboy hat and leather boots from Off-White, on her Instagram story.

Speaking with Vogue last year, Bush said she wore the reflective, "country-western glam" dress during her wedding reception because it matched the couple's party decor. She also said it was "the perfect dress to dance in."

"We arranged for disco balls to be installed for the party, and in keeping with the theme, I changed into a Cristina Ottaviano minidress that looks like a wearable disco ball," she told the publication.

That day, according to Vogue, she wore it with ivory-and-silver cowboy boots, vintage diamond earrings, and a velvet ribbon in her hair.

Sophia Bush attends Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour. Sophia Bush/Instagram

Bush and Hughes first met a decade ago on a New Year's trip to Nicaragua, they told Vogue, and later married at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June 2022.

But as of August 2023, Bush had removed the surname "Hughes" from her social-media accounts and took down photos that featured her former husband.

A source also confirmed the divorce filing to People, saying Bush and Hughes "continue to run their nonprofit together and remain good friends."

Read the original article on Insider
By Jack Kim

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday any attempt to cooperate with North Korea on military affairs in a way that damages international peace must immediately halt.

Yoon made the comment at a summit meeting with Southeast Asia's ASEAN bloc countries in Jakarta, Indonesia, his office said.

The office did not elaborate but his comment comes amid reports that arms negotiations between North Korea and Russia are actively advancing and that the North's leader, Kim Jong Un , plans to visit Russia soon to meet President Vladimir Putin .

"Attempt at military cooperation with North Korea that harms international peace must immediately halt," Yoon's office quoted him as saying at a meeting with the leaders of ASEAN countries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

North Korea and Russia have denied they were in arms negotiations.

A visit by Kim later this month to Russia's far-eastern port city of Vladivostok is partly to discuss supplying Moscow with weapons for the war in Ukraine, the New York Times reported this week.

Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said earlier the two countries planned to conduct joint military exercises.

At a later meeting with ASEAN leaders, together with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Yoon said South Korea would work closely with the two Asian neighbours with the goal of resuming their three-way talks on improving ties.

An annual summit between the three has not taken place since 2019 because of tensions, largely over Japan's wartime past.

Yoon called for vigilance to help stop illicit North Korean activities that fund its nuclear and missile programmes, including sending workers abroad to earn foreign currency.

Under a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in 2017 and backed by China, U.N. member countries are required to send back all North Korean workers and not take them on again.

North Korea, which maintained strict border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reopening slowly in recent weeks, with increased train crossings, and the resumption of flights, with China.

Before the pandemic, China hosted the largest number of North Korean workers abroad, with as many as half of the estimated 100,000 people earning more than $500 million a year.

(This story has been refiled to fix a typo in the headline)

(Reporting by Jack Kim and Soo-hyang Choi in Seoul; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Christopher Cushing)
SpaceX is 'ready to launch' its Starship mega-rocket again, pending FAA approval, Elon Musk said on Wednesday.

On Friday, the FAA announced it had closed its mishap investigation on Starship's Super Heavy booster.

The final report cites 63 corrective actions SpaceX needs to address before it can relaunch Starship.

SpaceX's Starship rocket is fully stacked and ready to launch again, its CEO, Elon Musk, said on Wednesday, adding that he was just waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to approve the company's launch license.

That approval hinges on a mishap investigation the FAA has been reviewing for several weeks regarding the explosion that happened during Starship's previous launch in April.



The FAA announced on Friday the mishap investigation is now closed. However, it doesn't mean Starship has the green light to launch, just yet, the FAA said in a statement.

"The final report cites multiple root causes of the April 20, 2023, mishap and 63 corrective actions SpaceX must take to prevent mishap reoccurrence," the FAA said in the statement.

What happened to Starship on April 20

The Starship spacecraft and its Super Heavy booster were launched together for the first time on April 20. But nearly three minutes after launch, miles above Earth, Starship failed to separate from the booster  a critical step to reaching orbital heights.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Weighed down with its booster, Starship began to tumble back to Earth. Video footage showed the rocket self-destructed mid-flight for safety reasons and never reached space.

It was later determined that Starship had also blasted a crater into its launchpad, spraying dirt, chunks of concrete, and other debris onto neighboring areas.

Some of the debris reached Port Isabel, a town five miles away from SpaceX's launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas, Insider previously reported.

After the April launch attempt blew up, the FAA required SpaceX to file a mishap investigation report, a common procedure after a flight has gone awry.



But even though the FAA has now closed the mishap investigation, it doesn't mean Starship is ready to fly just yet, the FAA said.



Starship launches toward orbit for the first time. SpaceX



"The FAA will not authorize another Starship launch until SpaceX implements the corrective actions identified during the mishap investigation," the FAA told Insider in an email, adding that SpaceX would also have to comply with all other regulatory requirements for modifying its launch license.



Therefore, when SpaceX is ready to fly its mega-rocket, again, remains to be determined.

Elon Musk has big plans for SpaceX's Starship mega-rocket

Starship is SpaceX's next flagship rocket, standing taller and more powerful than any previous launch system. The Starship vehicle, stacked atop its Super Heavy booster, stands nearly 400 feet tall.

Starship stacked atop its Super Heavy booster. The pair have only flown together once, and they exploded. SpaceX

Musk aims to use this launch system as a workhorse to send humans and cargo to Mars, realizing his dream of building the first settlement there.

Elon Musk wants Starship to take humans to Mars. Chesnot/Getty Images

The FAA required SpaceX to investigate Starship's mid-flight error

Since the last launch, SpaceX has made more than 1,000 modifications to improve its rocket design ahead of its next test flight, Musk told the journalist Ashlee Vance in a discussion on X, formerly Twitter, Space.com reported.

One of these changes can be seen in the newly released picture of the rocket: a vent and a heat shield have been placed between the rocket and the booster.

The new interstage  a vent and heat shield  is visible between Starship and Super Heavy. SpaceX

Following the rocket's inability to separate from its booster in April, SpaceX has moved to a process called "hot staging," whereby the engines of the Starship rocket are ignited to push the ship away from its Super Heavy booster before the booster's shutdown, Space.com reported.

Musk told Vance, "We're adding an extension to the booster that is almost all vents, essentially," Space.com reported. "So that allows the upper-stage engine plume to go through the sort of vented extension of the booster and not just blow itself up."

The vent and shield aim to protect the booster since SpaceX wants to reuse both the Starship and its booster after each flight. That's the key to the revolutionary potential of Starship: a fully reusable, Mars-grade, human-ready rocket.

Musk told Vance the company also added a water-deluge system to the launchpad, which essentially floods the area with water to keep it from heating up too much, Space.com said.

That system uses a steel plate that's "basically like a gigantic upside-down shower head," Musk said.

Space.com reported SpaceX had also been repairing the launchpad and reinforcing it so that the concrete can withstand Starship's power next time.

This post has been updated to include new information.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants assurances from Catalan separatists that they will back key legislation over the next four years in exchange for an amnesty for officials and politicians linked to an illegal independence push.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The bargain would be part of a broader agreement that would see the Catalan secessionist Junts party back Sanchezs bid for another term as premier, according to people familiar with the plan. The support of Juntss seven lawmakers should give Sanchez enough seats for a majority in parliament.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sanchezs government is preparing what it calls a stability pact to be presented to Junts, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. As part of the accord, Junts lawmakers would back important pieces of legislation, including annual budgets.

Talks between Sanchezs Socialists and Junts havent formally started yet, but the Catalan groups leader, Carles Puigdemont , has already said that any support for Sanchez to win a new term will require an amnesty law that would benefit him and hundreds of other activists facing legal complaints for their involvement in the failed 2017 independence declaration.

A spokesperson from the prime ministers office declined to comment on the plan.

Puigdemont himself has been living in Belgium since 2017 to avoid Spanish courts.

During his previous five years in office, Sanchez never had a stable majority in parliament and relied on a patchwork of smaller parties to pass legislation, with Junts regularly voting against the government. Having the Catalan partys pledged support would help avoid legislative gridlock.

The deep fragmentation of Spains political landscape since the end of the two-party system almost a decade ago has led to bouts of legislative instability with weak minority governments.

While Sanchez is likely to get a shot at an investiture vote in parliament that could give him another term, it could still be weeks away as opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo of the Peoples Party will have a first try on Sept. 26 and 27  but that bid is widely expected to fail. If Feijoo isnt elected, Sanchez will have two months to try himself.

The Socialists are open to seek ways for an amnesty law, but are worried that if Sanchez wins a new term it could be a turbulent and short one marked by constant clashes with Junts and other separatists, the people said.

Since forming a coalition government with the far-left group Unidas Podemos in early 2020, Sanchezs administration has approved dozens of bills and decrees. Sanchezs next coalition government would likely be less active, pushing mostly for legislation needed for the disbursement of European Union recovery funds, according to the people.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Jing Guo, 33, and Gabriel Taylor Russ, 37, outside their renovated Spanish bungalow. The couple converted their single-car garage into a 480-square-foot ADU and offer it as a midterm rental. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

Like many tech workers, Jing Guo and Gabriel Taylor Russ left Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic in search of warmer weather.

"We were working remotely," Guo says of their move to the Bay Area. "We thought, 'At least we can be outside.'"

However, a few months after settling in, the couple realized how difficult it would be to buy a home in San Rafael, where housing inventory is low and the median home price is around $1.4 million. "It was just too expensive," says Russ, 37, a director of engineering for Ritual Wellness.

A tiny vestibule created inside the front door adds order. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

It's not like they were being picky. They didn't want a modern house or something that was move-in ready. They simply wanted to find a house with character that they could make their own.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read more: A prefab ADU behind a historic Hollywood hideaway allows generations to stay connected

"Our dream was to own our own home and design it our way," says Guo, 33, who works as a product designer for Two Chairs, a mental health company.

As self-proclaimed nomads  Russ is originally from Australia and Guo immigrated to Chicago from China when she was 12  they decided to look in Los Angeles, where they could continue to enjoy the outdoors.

But they quickly learned that Los Angeles is no different from the Bay Area: When they bid on a home in South Pasadena, theirs was one of 63 offers.

"We were outbid by $200,000," Russ says of the bidding war, shaking his head. "And we bid over the asking price just like everyone else."

But when their real estate agent sent them a listing for a bungalow in Eagle Rock that needed work, the couple fell in love with the 1923 home's Spanish architecture.

Read more: Sign up for the L.A. Times' You Do ADU newsletter

The quiet tree-lined street near Occidental College contributed to the bungalow's charm. Although the listing described the house as needing "a little polishing"  a euphemism for remodeling  the couple saw great possibilities. "I told our Realtor while FaceTiming, 'This is it!'" said Guo. "When you know, you know."

The Eagle Rock house met the couple's requirements: It had character, needed to be updated and had the potential for an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to add value to the property.

The ADU was designed to complement the main house's Spanish architecture. Right, the one-car garage before it was turned into an ADU. Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times; Precision Property Measurements

The living room inside the ADU. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

This time, their offer of $1.025 million was accepted after only three others bid on the house.

When they saw the house in person, however, they realized how much work would be required before they could move in.

"We had to hire someone to rip out the urine-soaked flooring from the previous tenants' cats," Guo says, wrinkling her nose as she recalled the aroma. "But the only way we could afford to renovate the house was to live in it first."

Architect Barrett Cooke added 100 square feet to the front of the house to enlarge the living room and brighten the interiors. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

With temporary flooring in place, the couple moved in and learned there was no working heat. The kitchen range wasn't functional. Cooking on a hot plate with renovations on the horizon, Guo says they felt like they were camping in the house.

After living in the house for a year, they hired architect Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke to help them rethink the bungalow and turn the one-car garage into a tenant-friendly ADU on a budget of $230,000.

"The house needed some love," Cooke said diplomatically, "but we worked with the existing details and tried to enhance what was already there."

Cooke added an arch in the ADU in keeping with the main home's Spanish architecture. Right, the custom-made front door of the main home. Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times

The kitchen and dining room of the main house open to a front porch that overlooks the park-like front yard. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

Although living in the house before renovating it could have been better, it ultimately helped the couple rethink the interiors. "We realized the living room was too small and the lighting was bad," Guo says.

When it came time to renovate the 1,258-square-foot house, the couple says Barrett and contractor Antonio Blanco stayed true to the footprint  with one exception.

Read more: Your guide to ADUs in Southern California

"We added 100 square feet to the front of the house and raised the roof in the living room," Cooke says. "That completely transformed the function of the house."

Cooke also removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create an open living area and added skylights in the hallway, brightening the dark interiors.

The kitchen and living room of the ADU. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

Jing Guo and Gabriel Taylor Russ chose simple, durable materials for the ADU's kitchen. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

A set of black aluminum-clad French doors off the dining room let in further sunshine and provide easy access to a new front porch.

"We wanted to orient the house so that their yard space was the front yard," Cooke says. The porch maximizes the views toward the street and the front yard's park-like setting. "People often want to connect the kitchen to the backyard," Cooke explains, "but that wasn't an option with a small yard and ADU in back."

In a move that transformed the front of the house and added curb appeal, Cooke relocated the front door from the middle to the side, just off of the porch. She also installed arched doorways and windows that emphasize the home's Spanish architecture.

In the open living area, European French oak engineered hardwood floors contribute to the home's clean look. A vestibule with a bench and coat rack at the entrance to the living room adds order and feels like a private space.

The entryway of the ADU. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

The bedroom of the ADU features room for side-by-side closets and a desk. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

The bathroom in the ADU features simple subway tile. Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times

"I'm naturally anxious," Guo says, appreciating the home's soothing interiors. "I need a house where I can feel calm."

When it came to transforming the one-car garage, Cooke designed the 480-square-foot ADU to correspond to the architecture of the main house with a similar roofline, red tile awnings and black aluminum-clad windows.

"It's very clean and simple," Cooke says. "The two structures play off each other quite nicely."

Read more: They added an ADU that's 'not too big' and 'not too small' to their L.A. fixer-upper

As in the main house, Cooke raised the ceiling of the garage to bring in more light.

Steps from a charming entry where guests can store their shoes, coats and laptops, the main living area has a living room and full kitchen with simple white subway tile and custom mint green cabinets.

The bedroom has enough room for a desk and plenty of storage courtesy of side-by-side closets. To accommodate long-term tenants, Cooke installed a washer and dryer in the pass-through bathroom, which connects the bedroom to the living area and kitchen.

Jing Guo and Gabriel Taylor Russ inside the kitchen of the main house. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

The couple rents the ADU as a furnished midterm rental, which generally lasts three to nine months, for approximately $4,000 monthly. "We were always banking on the ADU for its earning potential," Russ says.

Now that the finishing touches are complete, the couple loves the results: a character home that has been beautifully remodeled to honor its Spanish heritage and an ADU that covers their construction loan.

Over the last few years, the couple went from living in a construction zone in a new city with few friends to hosting Dungeons & Dragons game nights in their elegant, sun-filled dining room.

On a sunny day earlier this month, they took a break from their Zoom meetings and sat outside on their new patio.

As neighbors walked by and said hello, the couple discussed future home improvements, including landscaping, in the shade of a majestic Chinese elm in the front yard.

"I'm so excited to hang out here," Guo says. "I still can't believe we live here."

The two homes exude peace and calm. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)

Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
U.S. Attorney David Weiss, the special counsel Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed to investigate Hunter Biden , will file a new indictment against the presidents son by the end of September, according to a court filing.

The Speedy Trial Act requires that the Government obtain the return of an indictment by a grand jury by Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at the earliest, the special counsels office wrote in the Wednesday filing. The Government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before that date.

Garland appointed Weiss as special counsel on Aug. 11. The exact charges in the upcoming indictment are not yet known, but they will be related to gun possession. The special counsels office had reached an agreement months ago for Biden to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges related to not paying his income taxes and avoid a felony gun charge, but that deal fell apart, so Biden pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanors in July.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

House Republicans have latched on to Hunter Bidens legal issues, arguing they are evidence of the presidents corruption despite having little evidence to prove their suspicions. On Wednesday, Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, asked the National Archives and Records Administration to share complete and unredacted documents related to the Office of the Vice President colluding with the Biden family and their business associates while Biden was vice president.

Comer, along with GOP Reps. Jim Jordan and Jason Smith, also sent a letter to Hunter Bidens legal team demanding all communications with the Justice Department regarding the failed plea deal, Fox News reported. Jordan and other Republicans have signaled they want to spin the special counsel investigation into an impeachment inquiry into the president.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
CAMBRIDGE  A specialty coffee shop is set to open in November at 2149 Southgate Parkway.

The Human Bean drive-thru will offer coffee and tea classics, specialties such as Snowy Mocha and Irish Cream Breve, infused energy drinks like Blue Raspberry and Candied Peppermint and frozen smoothies, as well as hot breakfast items.

Local owners, Chad and Lynn Fix and their daughter Rachel Kinnison, say the staff looks is looking forward to providing exceptional customer service.

Weve got an excited team who have been training and preparing for this grand opening, Chad said. We lived in Colorado for 52 years before relocating to Ohio eight years ago. During our time in Northern Colorado, we were frequent visitors to The Human Bean and fell in love with their coffee and outstanding service. We began searching for a location in Cambridge four years ago, and could not be happier with the spot we found.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Daily Jeffersonian previously reported the Cambridge shop is expected to have 25 mostly part-time employees.

The Human Bean coffee company has grown from a single location in southern Oregon to a nationwide brand over the last 25 years. Drive-thru stands throughout the U.S. are primarily owned and operated by individual franchisees like Fix.

Our mission is to inspire authentic human connections with every cup. This new drive-thru opening is another opportunity to do just that  spread kindness and foster connections in the communities where The Human Bean is served, said Dan Hawkins, CEO of The Human Bean Franchise.

Customers can participating in several fundraising events throughout the year, including the brand-wide Coffee for a Cure Day in October and Mochas for Men in June. All of The Human Bean drive-thrus participate in the fundraisers each year and collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for womens and mens cancer prevention and treatment.

All of the money raised by the Cambridge drive-thru location will stay in the community and be given to a local organization of the staffs choosing.

This will be the sixth location to open in the state of Ohio, with the others all in the surrounding Akron area.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: November opening scheduled for The Human Bean
Spirit Airlines will offer more flights this fall, Tampa International Airport announced Wednesday.

The low-budget carrier is resuming seven seasonal routes and adding four new connections to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, plus Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, according to a news release.

Nonstop flights between Tampa and Charlotte will begin Oct. 5 and will operate daily. The connections starting on Nov. 15 to Charleston, Norfolk and Richmond will fly four times a week.

The routes that are returning will connect Tampa to Boston, Dallas and Indianapolis by Oct. 5, while Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio, will restart Nov. 15.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When all the flights are operating, Spirit Airlines will become the second-largest carrier at Tampa International with 21 routes, the airport said. The largest is Southwest Airlines with 38 routes.

Our friends at Spirit recently celebrated their 30th anniversary with us, and were thrilled to see this ultra-low-cost carrier now adding so many great destinations, said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano in a statement. We look forward to their continued growth and success here in Tampa Bay, as we know these new and resuming routes will be popular with our travelers.
Ani Kirakosyani found out she was pregnant a month after the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh began.

In her village of Haterk, tucked in a valley between the Caucasus hills, food supplies ran out quickly and the shops started to close, Kirakosyani told CNN. The only food available was what she could pick from her garden, mainly tomatoes and beans.

Throughout her pregnancy, Kirakosyani could not attend her hospital consultations as public transport was cancelled due to fuel shortages  instead she walked for miles to the local medical clinic, which did not have the capacity to detect early problems with her pregnancy, she said, speaking to CNN by telephone.

Kirakosyani is one of the 120,000 inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh  known as the Republic of Artsakh by locals  a disputed territory home to a majority ethnic Armenian population that is internationally recognized as being a part of Azerbaijan. The region has been blockaded since December 2022, when the only road connecting the landlocked region to the outside world, the Lachin corridor, was blocked by eco-activists backed by the Azerbaijani government, which has since installed a military checkpoint along the corridor. This prompted the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) to warn of the risk of genocide against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Six months into her pregnancy, Kirakosyani felt a pain in her abdomen and was taken to the hospital. On the way, the ambulance had to stop and collect six other patients, as the driver had to ration its fuel. When Kirakosyani finally arrived in hospital, she was told her pregnancy was in jeopardy and she would have to give birth three months early.

Her husband was away working with the military, and he could not get fuel to make the 100-mile car ride to support her in the hospital. She was alone when the doctors told her she had had a stillbirth brought on by malnutrition and stress, she said.

If not for the blockade, I would be playing with my child today, Kirakosyani told CNN.

According to statistics provided exclusively to CNN by the Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic  a public official who monitors protection of human rights by state and local self-government bodies  the number of recorded miscarriages has increased fourfold from this time last year.

And, as shortages of food, fuel and medicines caused by the months-long blockade take an increasing toll on the regions population, officials there have reported the first death from malnutrition on August 15, according to Gegham Stepanyan, the ombudsman of Artsakh, who CNN reached by phone.

International media have been refused entry into the territory since the blockade was imposed.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan US congressional body, scheduled a Wednesday hearing on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The road of life

The Lachin corridor is known locally as the road of life, as 90% of the food consumed in Nagorno-Karabakh previously came into the region from Armenia via that route, according to figures provided by the elected president of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was previously the only NGO allowed to bring humanitarian aid across the Lachin corridor, last delivered desperately needed food supplies to the region on June 14, according to an ICRC press release from August 18.

In August, UN experts urged Azerbaijan to end the dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave by lifting the blockade, while former International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said there was reasonable basis to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians.

Responding to Ocampos comments, a lawyer hired by Azerbaijan called the claim of genocide a groundless and very dangerous allegation.

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan , who was elected in 2020, told CNN by email: Azerbaijan has blockaded the Republic of Artsakh with the ultimate goal of committing genocide against our people.

Asked by CNN for comment, the Armenian government shared remarks made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in a cabinet meeting, in which he said: Azerbaijan is subjecting the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to genocide by subjecting them to starvation.

In a statement provided to CNN, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry dismissed the idea that it had imposed a blockade, saying that abuse of the Lachin road by Armenia since the end of the conflict in 2020 had necessitated Azerbaijans legitimate and legal action of establishing a border check-point to ensure security and order on its border.

As food, medicine, water and fuel are prevented from entering the territory, local supplies are dwindling. According to the administration for the Artsakh Republic, dairy products, cereal, fish, chicken, cooking oil, sugar, salt, fruit and vegetables, as well as fuel and hygiene products, are unavailable inside the territory.

Empty shelves are seen inside the Supermarket Titan in Stepanakert. (Photo provided by the office of the Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic.) - Mary Asatryan

Max Mkhitaryan, a shopkeeper, took CNN on a video tour of his shop in the capital, Stepanakert.

He told CNN that before the blockade he had received most of his produce from Armenia. The only things now left on the shelves were packets of bread, locally produced honey, and a few bottles of vodka. With most shelves empty, he says he can now only serve one in 10 customers.

Before I used to serve 250 customers per day  now I can barely serve my family. I only have one week left until the shop closes and I am jobless, he told CNN.

Outside his shop, queues for bread meander through the unkempt streets. Garbage collections are regularly postponed due to fuel shortages, while in the local pharmacy, supplies are rapidly diminishing.

The fuel shortages also mean electricity is rationed, with power cuts for eight hours each day, and drinking water is no longer treated, leading to a spike in related illnesses, according to Stepanyan.

Inside a pharmacy on Baghramyan Street, near Stepanakert Medical Centre. (Photo provided by the office of the Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic.) - Mary Asatryan

According to the enclaves administration, 95% of residents are suffering from malnutrition and hidden hunger, a term referring to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.

As winter beckons and the harvest season approaches without fuel to collect the crops, those trapped in Nagorno-Karabakh fear their cries are being ignored.

Ethnic cleansing

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in a tug of war over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This power vacuum was filled by nationalism, and violence against ethnic minorities quickly followed. Both Armenians in Azerbaijan and Azeris in Armenia claim they were ethnically cleansed, leaving sectarian scars on the minds of generations  on either side of their disputed border.

In the early 1990s, Armenian forces took control of large swaths of territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan, backed by Turkey, in turn seized control over large parts of those territories during a six-week war in 2020 that claimed thousands of lives.

A fire burns in a hardware store after a rocket attack caused the building to catch fire on October 3, 2020 in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh. - Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images

The separatist territory was left with the main city of Stepanakert and a few surrounding towns, as well as a population still reeling from the losses of the bloody 2020 conflict, which was followed by sporadic skirmishes along the border. Amid the latest flare-up of tensions, Baku claims it will fully retake and integrate the territory into Azerbaijan  while ethnic Armenians refuse to be uprooted from a region they claim is their homeland.

Ronald Suny, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan, told CNN: Now that it has won the 2020 war with Armenia, Azerbaijans ultimate goal is to drive the Armenians of Artsakh out of Azerbaijan.

Rather than use direct violence, which would incite opposition from abroad Baku is determined to make the Armenians lives impossible, starve them out, and pressure them to leave, he said.

To make matters more complicated, Azerbaijan  a one-party state headed by President Ilham Aliyev for the past two decades  has offered to supply the breakaway region via a crossing at the nearby Azerbaijani city of Aghdam.

Given Azerbaijans genocidal intentions and their systematic state policy of long-standing anti-Armenian hatred, our people hold legitimate concerns about the safety of any products originating from Azerbaijan, Harutyunyan, the elected Nagorno-Karabakh leader, told CNN

Instead of feigning attempts to deliver humanitarian assistance, Azerbaijan must unblock the Lachin corridor, he said.

In its statement, the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry said the Aghdam route would allow humanitarian aid to be supplied by third parties such as the ICRC and accused Armenia of stepping back at the last moment from agreements it said had been reached in August on transportation through the Aghdam and Lachin routes. It also pointed to comments from European Council President Charles Michel in July, following talks with Aliyev and Pashinyan, in which Michel called for the Lachin corridor to be opened but said both options were important.

As the blockade carries on with no end in sight, Peter Stano, an EU foreign affairs spokesperson, told CNN of his deep concern over the serious humanitarian situation and called for the full resumption of traffic through the Lachin corridor, including medical evacuations and humanitarian supplies.

A United States State Department spokesperson told CNN by email: We urge the government of Azerbaijan to restore free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor expeditiously.

But Harutyunyan told CNN he was disappointed with the reactions of the EU and the US so far and argued the reasons behind the European and American inaction and failures are purely geopolitical.

These reasons include energy reliance on Azerbaijan, he added.

Bread queues form outside a bakery in Tumanyan Street, Stepanakert. (Photo provided by the office of the Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic.) - Mary Asatryan

According to Reuters, the European Union agreed in July 2022 to double gas imports from Azerbaijan by 2027.

Meanwhile Russia, which brokered the ceasefire in 2020, has peacekeepers along the Lachin corridor but has refrained from intervening further.

CNN has reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry but has yet to hear back.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a briefing on August 2 that Russia dismissed any claim of inaction against the Russian peacekeepers as counterproductive and non-reflective of their real contribution to the effort to stabilize the situation on the ground.

Artyom Tonoyan, a professor of global studies at Hamline University in the United States, told CNN that the Russians, who usually exert influence over the Caucasus, are so engaged with Ukraine they do not have the willpower to mitigate the conflict.

Running out of hope

As co-ordinated international action to end the blockade appears unlikely anytime soon, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are left focusing on short-term solutions: gathering firewood, collecting water and foraging for food.

A water tank is seen on Azatamartikneri Street, Stepanakert. (Photo provided by the office of the Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic.) - Mary Asatryan

This time last year, Anahit Gharaghazaryan, a schoolteacher and mother of three, told CNN she was preparing lessons for her pupils as they return from the summer holidays.

Next week was meant to be her five-year-old sons first day of school. Instead, she is wondering how he will survive the winter.

According to a report given to CNN by Stepanyan, doctors consider it unacceptable for children to continue their studies after suffering malnutrition, while a lack of public transport and an inability to access stationery, books and clothing make it impossible for children to attend school this year.

At a UN Security Council meeting in August, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vahe Gevorgyan, warned that Azerbaijans blockade has impacted 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons, and 9,000 persons with disabilities.

If the blockade does not end soon  more people will starve. I cannot sleep thinking about how I will feed my three sons, Gharaghazaryan said. We are all running out of hope. How many more people will have to die before the world takes notice?

This story has been updated with comment from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Authorities including the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie County District Attorney's Office are investigating an altercation between police and an unwanted visitor at a Millcreek Township residence on Tuesday afternoon that led to a shootout when police said a 26-year-old man began shooting at them and police returned fire.

Police charged the man with attempted homicide and other offenses.

The man, identified in court documents as Keegan G. Baker, was shot multiple times and was taken to UPMC Hamot. He underwent surgery and was reported on Tuesday night to be in critical but stable condition, Lt. Mark Weindorf, crime section supervisor for state police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township, said Wednesday morning.

No officers were shot during the incident, and there were no other injuries reported to anyone.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

State police in Beaver on Wednesday charged Baker, of Erie, with offenses including felony counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and assault of a law enforcement officer. Baker had not been arraigned on the charges as of Wednesday morning.

Shootout and fire

The shooting happened shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday at a residence at 1045 E. Gore Road. According to authorities, Millcreek police received a call of an unwanted guest at the residence, and two township police officers responded to the address at about 3:30 p.m.

According to information in the criminal complaint filed against Baker, one resident of the East Gore Road address told investigators that he received information that Baker was inside the residence. Baker does not live at the residence and is not welcome there, according to information in the complaint.

The resident remotely viewed video surveillance from the residence that showed Baker kick open the door of the residence and enter it at 3:02 p.m., according to the complaint.

Another resident of 1045 E. Gore Road told investigators that, at about 3:25 p.m., the resident received a text message from Baker that read, "I told you. I hope you enjoy the flames." The resident previously contacted Millcreek police about not wanting Baker at the residence because of threats Baker had made to the resident, according to information in the complaint.

After the two Millcreek officers arrived on scene, they requested additional officers as a man had barricaded himself in the residence. More Millcreek officers and Pennsylvania State Police troopers arrived on scene to assist, authorities reported.

Millcreek Police Chief Carter Mook said five Millcreek police officers were at the scene as a sixth officer, who was not at the location, was on the phone with the suspect. Several state police troopers out of the Troop E Erie station in Lawrence Park responded to the scene, and additional troopers then followed, Weindorf said.

At about 3:35 p.m., officers at the scene noticed the house was on fire, Mook said. At 3:57 p.m., the suspect came out and shots were fired, according to the chief.

Authorities reported that Baker appeared in the doorway of the front entrance of the house and began firing gunshots at the police. The state police corporal who filed the criminal charges against Baker wrote in the affidavit of probable cause filed with his criminal complaint that Baker exited the residence with a pistol in his hand and screamed, "I'll make you famous (expletive)," before firing multiple rounds in the direction of police.

Police returned fire, and Baker was struck multiple times, according to the complaint.

The Pennsylvania State Police have charged a 26-year-old Erie man with attempted homicide and other offenses after accusing him of firing gunshots at state and local police and setting fire to a house at 1045 E. Gore Road in Millcreek Township on Sept. 5, 2023.

Fire and shooting investigation

Once police secured the scene after the shooting, the Belle Valley Fire Department in Millcreek and other departments, including West Ridge Fire Department in Millcreek and the Perry Hi-Way Hose Co. in Summit Township, were called to the scene to put out the fire, officials said.

The fire was confined to a bedroom in the residence, but other portions of the house received smoke damage, Millcreek Fire Chief Michael Cliff said Wednesday.

A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, Weindorf said. Fire inspectors with the Erie Bureau of Fire were called to the scene on Tuesday night to assist in the investigation.

State police is the lead agency in investigating the shooting, with the probe conducted by members of the Troop D major case team in Butler, Weindorf said. All of the troopers who were at the scene at the time of the shooting are on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation, he said.

The Millcreek police officers who were at the scene and the officer who was on the phone with the suspect are also off duty to give them time to decompress following the traumatic event, Mook said. The chief said he has addressed the incident with those officers, as well as with other officers on the township department.

Erie County detectives with the District Attorney's Office are conducting a parallel investigation into the shooting, Weindorf said.

The shooting occurred a little more than five weeks after an Erie police sergeant, David Stucke, was shot in the leg as he and other officers responded to an address on East 22nd Street in the city to investigate a shots-fired report on the early morning of July 30.

More: Erie police officer remains stable after shooting. Erie man charged with attempted murder

State police accuse Patrick Gleba, 27, of firing gunshots from a duplex that wounded Stucke and endangered several other officers at the scene. According to investigators, Gleba said he fired the gunshots because he thought someone was trying to break into his residence.

State police charged Gleba with offenses including three counts each of attempted homicide and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. He is scheduled to appear in court for his preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Contact Tim Hahn at thahn@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNhahn.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: PSP, DA probe shootout between police, suspect in Millcreek
US' 'long-arm jurisdiction' inflicts hardships on the global community

09:28, September 06, 2023 By Gao Yang ( Global Times

Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

On March 16, the US Congress introduced the Transnational Repression Policy Act, stating to "hold foreign governments accountable when they stalk, intimidate, or assault people across borders," which "would help elevate countering transnational repression as a key foreign policy priority of the US." Although the 32-page bill did not explicitly mention China, several members of Congress directly addressed China in their statements. The US has long suppressed dissent through secret surveillance, illegal wiretapping, global manhunts and behind-the-scenes deals. The "transnational repression" is an allegation that best matches the US' own practices.

The US, the pioneer of "long-arm jurisdiction," is now attempting to capitalize on this concept that it devised and to use it against China. For example, the infamous PRISM program has revealed that the US is the world's biggest safe haven for hackers perpetrating indiscriminate and illegal cyber espionage and surveillance throughout the world. Confronted with unjust accusations from the US regarding overseas Chinese individuals, one can't help but wonder if the US government has forgotten about the PRISM program.

Every instance of "long-arm jurisdiction" the US employs is adeptly packaged. On April 17, the FBI arrested two Chinese-American residents in New York City under suspicion of "operating illegal overseas police station of the Chinese government." The US government alleged that they were "monitoring and intimidating dissidents and those critical of its government through China's repressive security apparatus." Through the smear of "transnational repression" and the introduction of a related bill, the US claims that this is "part of a broader strategy to advance democratic principles and respect for human rights, domestically and internationally."

However, in reality, These moves are laying the groundwork for their potential abuse of "long-arm jurisdiction" against China in the future. Just as they attacked China over the alleged genocide in the Xinjiang region, nobody can ensure the authenticity, objectivity, scientific basis and impartiality of the fraudulent Xinjiang-related "databases" and the so-called witness testimonies. More importantly, who granted the US the authority to meddle in the affairs of other sovereign nations and even conduct legal trials regarding such affairs? In fact, the US understands the answers to these questions better than anyone else, because those who wrong you often know better than you how you've been wronged.

The US, which recklessly employs "long-arm jurisdiction" everywhere, acts as a social menace without any sense of "boundaries," inflicting various hardships on the global community. In reality, "long-arm jurisdiction" itself isn't inherently derogatory. International law possesses its inherent limitations, coupled with the rapid transformations occurring in the global economy and societal structures, making it challenging for international regulations to keep pace with the times. As a result, often there's a need to fill the gaps in international rules with existing domestic laws that are objective, impartial and grounded in science. This should represent the rational intention of sovereign nations extending the application of their domestic laws beyond their borders. Furthermore, during the era of globalization, large economies will inevitably "go global," and the protection of the legitimate rights of their nation and its citizens demands some form of extended criminal jurisdiction over foreign affairs.

China is no exception to this principle. Confronted with an increasing demand for safeguarding overseas interests, we should contemplate how to establish our own "long-arm jurisdiction" system. However, this approach differs fundamentally from the US model of "long-arm jurisdiction."

First, China's expansion of extraterritorial jurisdiction is not boundless; it still adheres to the "boundaries" between nations and seeks equilibrium between domestic laws and international regulations. At the very least, there exists a basic and unequivocal criterion: respect for the sovereignty of each nation. Elaborating on this, there's the noninterference principle that China has consistently upheld.

Second, China doesn't forcefully impose its will as a hegemon. Instead, it positions itself as an equal partner, assuming the role of an international peace guarantor. We either provide our nation's legal governance experiences as reference points to the global community - for instance, the International Organization for Mediation established in Hong Kong in February, the world's first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation - or during the process of establishing a new international order, we're willing to patiently heed the opinions of other nations, respect their national contexts and citizens' choices, and employ diplomatic channels to amicably resolve conflicts and seek mutually beneficial solutions, thereby achieving the utmost "win-win" scenario.

Of course, a fair and just international order with a clear sense of "boundaries" can't solely rely on the proactive endeavors of predominantly well-intentioned nations. It's advised that the US don its own shoes, walk its own path, exercise more "boundaries" in international interactions, and desist from stretching its arm too long.

The author is an associate research fellow at the Institute of American Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Rep. Gloria Johnson, D- Knoxville, announces her campaign for U.S. Senate in 2024 with Rep. Justin Pearson D-Memphis in attendance, left, at the I Am A Man Plaza in Memphis, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

State Rep. Gloria Johnson ended her senatorial campaign launch day in Memphis on Tuesday meeting with constituents and telling West Tennessee voters why she is running for a Tennessee U.S. Senate seat. The Knoxville Democrat started her campaign launch event in Knoxville Tuesday morning before stops in Nashville and Memphis.

Johnson used her stature as a "Tennessee Three" member as a launch pad to rile up the already excited crowd, with State Rep. Justin Pearson, a Memphis Democrat, introducing her before she began her speech. He noted her physical stature of 6 feet, 3 inches tall, saying someone needed to stand up for people in Tennessee.

"It is time for us to stand up for the vision of the United States of America," Pearson said.

Talking of her lack of fear and hesitation when standing up for what she believes in, Johnson said that the incumbent, Senator Marsha Blackburn , has already begun to "play it dirty."

Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, speaks to the crowd of supporters before Rep. Gloria Johnson, D- Knoxville, announces her campaign for U.S. Senate in 2024 at the I Am A Man Plaza in Memphis, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

"It is going to be an uphill battle, it is not going to be easy, but I am not afraid of a fight," Johnson said. "I know that she will be dirty, she started today."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Memphis event was held at the I AM A MAN Plaza, a space honoring the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Johnson spoke of her commitment to union workers, raising wages and how her campaign is dedicated to being multi-generational and multi-racial in order to bring less divisiveness into politics.

"There are a lot of us when we are all together and people ask, 'Well how are you going to win?'" Johnson said. "Well, that's how we are going to win. We will not be divided."

Pearson spoke to Johnson's commitment to stand for those who have been left out of conversations by past and current lawmakers in Washington. Pearson also endorsed Johnson for the seat during his speech.

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D- Knoxville, and Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis share a hug before she announces her campaign for U.S. Senate in 2024 at the I Am A Man Plaza in Memphis, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

"It is time we have voices of people in positions of power who want to bring those who have been pushed to the periphery to the center of the conversation," Pearson said.

Blackburn was elected in 2018 as the first woman to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. Much of Johnson's speech surrounded Blackburn's policies and monetary ties to pharmaceutical companies and gun rights interest groups. Johnson said she is dedicated to policies surrounding affordable healthcare, living wages for all workers and enhancing public schools.

"(Blackburn) is not talking about policy to lift up Tennessee families, that's what I am going to talk about," Johnson said.

Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at Brooke.Muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter/X @BrookeMuckerman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: TN Rep. Gloria Johnson to challenge Marsha Blackburn for US Senate
Google and attorneys general in 36 states and Washington, D.C., reached a settlement in a long-running antitrust case over the companys mobile app store policies two months ahead of what has been expected to be a lengthy trial.

In a short court filing Tuesday night, Google and the Utah Attorney Generals office, which is leading the group of states and counsel for a group of consumers, said they reached an agreement in principle to settle the case, which has a trial date of Nov. 6.f

The settlement comes as Google is bracing for multiple antitrust showdowns over the next year. It comes a week before the company is set to go to trial against the Justice Department and a group of state attorneys general led by Colorado and Nebraska in a separate antitrust case over the companys dominant role in online search. A trial in yet another antitrust case against the DOJ and a smaller group of states over its advertising business is expected to start in the Spring.

The settlement terms in the app store case were not disclosed, and the agreement is subject to approval by the state attorneys general and the board of directors of Alphabet, Googles parent company. A detailed settlement agreement will be submitted in about a month, according to the filing on Tuesday.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The lawsuit challenging Googles control over its Android app store was first filed in July 2021. The case is challenging the search giants policies to force all app developers who use its Google Play Store to pay a 30 percent commission on sales of digital goods or services.

Video game maker Epic Games and online dating company Match Group are also suing Google over the same allegations and are still currently set to go to trial in November. A spokesperson for Match declined to comment on the settlement. In a series of posts on X, the social media service formerly known as Twitter, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said his company is not a party to the settlement, but "If Google is ending its payments monopoly without imposing a Google Tax on third party transactions, we'll settle and be Google's friend in their new era."

Epic is also locked in a similar legal battle against Apple over that companys mobile app store policies. It largely lost a 2021 trial and subsequent appeal, and is currently petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to take up its case. While Epic and the other plaintiffs criticize Googles app store policies, the company still allows rival app stores on its phones. Apple by contrast allows no competition on its devices.

Last year, Google settled similar claims with a group of app developers, agreeing to pay $90 million and make it easier for companies to tell their customers about lower prices outside of their apps.

A motion by Google to throw out much of Epic and Matchs case is pending before U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco.
More than 30 million low-income households that are eligible for federal funding to defray the cost of air conditioning have not received any money from a government program that was created to protect vulnerable people from dangerous temperatures, an E&E News analysis shows.

The dearth of cooling assistance going to households nationwide reflects shortcomings in U.S. and state policies to address the dangers of extreme heat as it kills more Americans than other weather-related disasters, according to some experts. It comes during a summer of unmatched climate catastrophes, including the hottest month on record.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, distributes roughly $4 billion a year to states to help residents pay for air conditioning and heating and equipment repairs.

But in 16 states, including some with significant heat risk, not a single household received money to pay cooling costs from 2001 through 2021, according to E&E News' analysis of federal records. The program, run by the Department of Health and Human Services, has focused instead on providing heating assistance. Every state helps eligible residents pay their winter heating bills, compared to just 24 states that paid for air conditioning costs in 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The programs havent caught up with the change in climate, said Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Were now at a period where not only are we having expensive winters, but were also having record-breaking heat.

The result is a dramatic imbalance between cold- and hot-weather assistance as global temperatures soar because of greenhouse gases from cars, power plants and industrial facilities. An average of 5.3 million U.S. households a year got heating assistance from 2001 through 2021. The average number of households getting cooling assistance was 635,000.

John Balbus, who leads the HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, said larger budgets are crucial to increasing the amount of federal money spent on cooling.

If the pot doesnt change, then were probably in trouble, Balbus told reporters in August. I dont think I would be advocating that we necessarily shift funds from heating to cooling.



Congress created LIHEAP in 1977 to help low-income households pay soaring heating costs after the OPEC oil embargo.

In the 1980s, Congress allowed LIHEAP funds to pay for cooling assistance. But almost every state, even those in the South and Midwest, continues to spend most of its money on heating bills or to repair heating equipment, records show. States have complete discretion in how much of their annual LIHEAP allocation is spent on heating or cooling assistance.

States also are far more likely to bar utilities from cutting off service for unpaid accounts during the winter than in the summer, a recent Congressional Research Service report shows.

Theres no disagreement about the need for heat, Wolfe said. There isnt a consensus about cooling. Were moving from people thinking cooling was a luxury to a necessity.

Although states control their LIHEAP funds, Congress allocation formula heavily favors states with high heating costs at the expense of those with extreme heat.

Vermont has less than half the population of Hawaii. But in 2021, Vermont received nearly five times as much LIHEAP money  $53 million compared to $11 million, records show.

Connecticut, with 3.6 million residents, got $177 million in 2021. Florida, with 22.2 million people, got roughly the same  $183 million.

Connecticut spent nothing on cooling assistance. Florida spent more than 60 percent of its LIHEAP money to help residents stay cool.

The funding formula is a legacy from LIHEAPs origin as a heating assistance program. Southern lawmakers have not sought to change the program in part because they are mostly Republicans and do not want to be associated with a welfare program, according to an official close to the program who asked not to be named to avoid antagonizing lawmakers.

A Biden administration spokesperson noted that LIHEAP received one of its largest allocations ever  $6 billion  last year, in part because Congress approved about $2 billion in supplemental funding. The administration's $4.1 billion request for fiscal 2024 was bigger than its request in 2022 and 2023, the spokesperson said.

Illinois: Major heat risk, no cooling aid

Record-breaking temperatures this summer and the growing number of heat-related deaths have brought new pressure on the federal government to expand LIHEAP  and on states to pay cooling costs.

States give eligible households an average of about $400 a year for heating or cooling costs. The money often goes directly to a utility or repair service.

Many of states that dont use LIHEAP to defray cooling costs are located in New England or the Upper Midwest, where winters can be intensely cold.

But states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania, which face some of the worst heat threats, also spend little or no LIHEAP money on cooling.

Pennsylvania has the nations fourth-highest vulnerability to heat waves, behind Missouri, Illinois and Texas, according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency risk index.

Yet Pennsylvania officials didnt spent any of the $4.6 billion they got from LIHEAP between fiscal 2004 and 2021 to help residents pay cooling costs. That might be slowly changing.



In 2022, Pennsylvania launched a $4.7 million pilot program that distributed 3,300 protective covers for air conditioners and 250 fans, and repaired 350 cooling units, according to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The state is running a similar program this year that has distributed 740 protective covers.

Roughly 1 million Pennsylvania households are eligible for LIHEAP cooling assistance  but the state has no plans to spend federal money on air conditioning bills.

Without additional funds for a cooling program, funds for the heating component would have to be reduced, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services spokesperson Brandon Cwalina said in an email.

Illinois has the nations second-highest vulnerability to heat waves, with a FEMA score of 98.2 out of 100. But it spent only 2 percent of the $3.4 billion it got from LIHEAP between 2001 and 2021 on cooling, federal records show. None of the money went to cooling from 2015 to 2021.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which runs the states LIHEAP program, did not respond to requests for comment.

2 dead after air conditioner fails

About 30 percent of U.S. households say they struggle to pay energy bills or are unable to cool their homes due to cost concerns, according to EPA. Low-income households face additional burdens because they tend to live in homes that are less energy-efficient and costlier to cool.

In June, an elderly couple on a fixed income died in their mobile home outside Houston after their air conditioner broke during a heat wave and they couldnt afford the $1,600 repair. Ramona and Monway Ison of Baytown, Texas, figured they could wait several days as they sought to borrow money by using their car as collateral.



Its unclear if the Isons had applied for LIHEAP money or even knew about the program. Many people have no idea it exists  or seek money after a state has used all its funds.

Texas has spent a larger share of its LIHEAP money on cooling assistance than any state  a total of $1.4 billion from 2001 through 2021, records show.

But even that amount has helped only about 4 percent of the roughly 2 million Texans who are eligible for cooling aid.

Its a resource issue, said Katrina Metzler, executive director of the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition. As the climate changes, the need is growing faster than the funds are growing.

Federal records show that in years when Congress increased LIHEAP funding, the number of households getting help of any type also increased.

In 2009, Congress and the Obama administration appropriated $5.2 billion for LIHEAP  nearly double the amount that was appropriated in 2008. The number of households that received help jumped to 9.7 million from 6.9 million. The number of households getting cooling assistance also grew  to 703,000 from 433,000, records show.

In July 2022, the Biden administration took the unusual step of urging states to use LIHEAP for cooling. An HHS memo warned about the lethality of extreme heat and listed ways LIHEAP money could protect people.

Weve heard more about the need for cooling from the Biden administration than we have from past administrations, said Meltzer of the utility affordability coalition.

Former President Donald Trump proposed eliminating LIHEAP each year he was in office. Congress rejected the idea and funded the program every year at normal amounts.

States typically get their LIHEAP allocation in the fall, at the start of the federal fiscal year. They often spend it quickly, which means the money goes to heating programs.

A report in 2022 on LIHEAPs history found that cold-weather states typically spend more than 70 percent of their LIHEAP funds between October and March.

Metzler, who ran Ohio's LIHEAP-funded weatherization program from 2009 to 2016, said state officials face a dilemma if they set aside LIHEAP money for summer cooling in October. They could be forced to deny help for a grandma whose heat was turned off, he said. That would be a tragedy.

You want to help the client in front of you with the problem that is presented, Metzler said. It leaves you with very few choices.

Reporter Ariel Wittenberg contributed.

A version of this report first ran in E&E News Climatewire. Get access to more comprehensive and in-depth reporting on the energy transition, natural resources, climate change and more in E&E News.
Famous British actor and writer Stephen Fry had a taste of the lives of Kyiv residents while visiting the Ukrainian capital after Russia launched a missile attack on the capital of Ukraine and a drone attack on the Izmail district of Odesa Oblast in the early hours of Sept. 6.

Fry spent two hours in the bomb shelter of his Kyiv hotel after Russia launched its latest in a series of strikes on the Ukrainian capital, and he shared his experience on Instagram.

Read also: Ukraine intercepts 23 out of 33 airborne targets in overnight Russian attack  Ukraine Air Forces

After the air alarm woke him at 4:45 a.m., the Briton headed down to the hotel bomb shelter. He noted that upon his arrival in Kyiv, he was advised to install an app that alerts him to air raid warnings. The writer added that the hotel's shelter was equipped with a coffee machine and sunbeds.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fry did not personally hear any sounds of drones or missiles, though there were reports of explosions in the city.

Read also: Kryvyi Rih schoolchildren sing famous Ukrainian folk song in bomb shelter on first day back at school  video

Awoken at 4:45 am by an insistent voice ordering all at the hotel to go down to the air raid shelter, he wrote.

So here we are. Someone showed me an app to download: as you can see, agrees with the order to stay sheltered. So here we all are down in the basement of the hotel. Coffee machine. Loungers. People laughing and chattering quite happily. No sound of drones or inbound missiles that can detect...

He later updated, An hour later and a no all-clear. In fact a new announcement Your attention please, there are explosions in the city. Stay in the shelter." Some hotel guests had shrugged and gone back up to their rooms 10 minutes ago but are now sheepishly appearing again

He also noted with amusement that, unlike other more prepared hotel guests who brought laptops to the shelter, he did not think to take his own computer during the rushed descent to safety in the middle of the night.

I wasn't smart enough to think of bringing a laptop down... the more seasoned citizens knew better.

After the all-clear, Fry left the hotel and took a picture of the cafe, where guests gather on the summer terraces in the morning. "The all-clear sounds and life goes on in Kyiv."

Fry will host the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit in Kyiv on Sept. 6. The events theme is Mental Health: Resilience and Fragility of the Future.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
File. According to Alzheimers Research UK, a third of over-65s living with dementia in England never get a formal diagnosis, which could prevent them accessing groundbreaking treatments (PA Wire)

Scientists have found that moderate and regular internet usage might appear to have cognitive benefits for older individuals.

The study, published in the August edition of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that, in fact, prolonged internet usage in late adulthood was correlated with a delay in cognitive impairment.

However, the authors of the paper from NYUs School of Global Public Health said that more research is required to ascertain potential negative consequences of excessive use.

The researchers tracked adults aged between 50 to 65 years who were free from dementia for a little over 17 years, using the University of Michigans Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal survey that contains information about 20,000 older American adults.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The paper said that between 2002 and 2018, the coordinators of the Michigan study surveyed participants every two years, inquiring whether they engaged in regular internet usage and, if so, quantifying the extent of their internet usage.

They received varied responses with 65 per cent of responders saying that they were regular internet users, and 21 per cent reported significant changes in their internet usage habits throughout their participation in the study. Some of the participants either passed away or developed dementia during the study period.

The study found that regular internet usage was associated with approximately half the risk of dementia compared to non-regular usage.

Among the participants who were active users, the new studys authors identified a 1.54 per cent risk of developing dementia, whereas non-users appeared to have a significantly higher risk of 10.45 per cent.

However, the researchers pointed out a caveat. There appeared to be a correlation between excessive internet usage and the development of dementia as well.

The risk seemed to rise among those who used the internet for more than two hours per day.

One of the researchers, Gawon Cho, told Medscape Medical News: Among older adults, regular internet users may experience a lower risk of dementia compared to nonaregular users, and longer periods of regular internet usage in late adulthood may help reduce the risks of subsequent dementia incidence.

Nonetheless, using the internet excessively daily may negatively affect the risk of dementia in older adults.

The study mentions that the lowest risk was observed among adults with 0.12 hours of usage, though estimates were non-significant due to small sample sizes.
My Way is a brand of emergency contraception.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors at their Aug. 31 meeting unanimously approved the use of $10,000 to fund the purchase of emergency contraceptives for victims of sexual assault.

The funding was first requested by the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team, JCSART.

The response team of sexual assault nurse examiners, emergency room staff, rape victim advocates, local law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys offers round-the-clock support. Sexual assault nurse examiners are on call for medical exams and can recommend emergency contraception or medication if necessary.

JCSART's Katy Rasmussen requested funding from the supervisors at a meeting Aug. 23. She approached the board on the heels of Attorney General Brenna Bird 's decision to audit various assistance programs, including the Sexual Assault Examination Payment Program, limiting funding for patients in need.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Previously, the Attorney General's office covered the cost of emergency contraception.

Asking victims of sexual assault to forgo or to shoulder the cost of emergency contraception is further traumatizing them, Rasmussen said during the Aug. 23 meeting. No one should be required to pay for necessary health care due to a crime committed against their body.

The JCSART task force, between July 2022 and June 2023, examined 101 patients. Rasmussen told the supervisors that nearly half, 46, were prescribed emergency contraceptives. The response team provides Johnson County residents access to a pair of emergency contraceptives  ella and Plan B.

More: Welcoming Week is back Sept 8 with a week of interactive events

JCSART has asked the county to bill the program directly, lowering the cost of medication, which can be sold for $50 to $80 on the open market. The going rate for the more expensive contraceptive, ella, would have cost the organization roughly $3,600 in Fiscal Year 2023.

The county response had arranged a partnership Mercy Iowa City to help offset costs, but the long-time local hospital recently filed for bankruptcy. JCSART made the same request to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, but Rasmussen had not received a response by the Aug. 23 meeting.

In a perfect world, we wouldnt have to do this, supervisor Lisa Green-Douglas said, referring to the boards consideration of funding. Unfortunately, we live in a rape culture. This is a way of perpetuating that. It does shift not just the burden emotionally and physically but also the [cost] to the victim.

Supervisor Jon Green proposed a pledge of $10,000, a significantly higher dollar amount than the cost of yearly medication, as a means to provide comprehensive care and to make up for budget cuts within JCSART.

Once again, it falls to local government to do the states job, Green said.

Why are repayments on pause?

The states Sexual Assault Examination Payment Program was paused earlier this year when Attorney General Brenna Bird took office. Her office said she was conducting a statewide review of Iowas victim services programs, the Register reported in July.

The state program, coordinated by the attorney general's Crime Victims Assistance Division, excludes victims and their insurance companies from being billed for sexual assault exams. The compensation fund would cover the bills regardless if the victim reports the assault to law enforcement or not.

Iowa law requires the state to cover "the cost of a medical examination of a victim for the purpose of gathering evidence and the cost of treatment of a victim for the purpose of preventing venereal disease," but does not mention contraception or pregnancy.

Tom Miller, who spent 40 years as the states attorney general before being defeated by Bird in 2022, oversaw the sexual assault examination payment program for more than three decades.

Under Miller, the standard operating procedure covered the medical facilitys distribution of morning-after pills and additional care for sexual assault victims. The fund also, in rare cases, covered abortions.

The state program is funded through fines and penalties paid by convicted criminals.

Michaela Ramm and Stephen Gruber-Miller contributed reporting.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Johnson County Supervisors approve $10,000 for emergency contraceptives
In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Constitution was amended to disqualify from office those political leaders who had betrayed their oath and engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States.

Many historians believed that provision  Section 3 of the 14th Amendment  became a dead letter after Congress adopted amnesty acts for ex-Confederates in 1872 and 1898. The latter act declared the disability imposed by Section 3 is hereby removed.

But some law professors who have delved deeply into the history of that era say that view is wrong.

Despite its long slumber, Section 3 ... is alive and in force, and it could have a major impact on next years election, argue law professors William Baude of the University of Chicago and Michael Stokes Paulsen of the University of St. Thomas, both well-regarded conservatives.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a 126-page law review posted last month, they put a new focus on the Constitutions response to the nations greatest insurrection and find significantly higher odds that the Supreme Court will be confronted with the claim that former President Trump, the Republican front-runner in polls for 2024, is legally disqualified from holding office.

As constitutional originalists, Baude and Paulsen believe the documents terms should be interpreted in line with how they were understood at the time of their adoption. They say the word insurrection was understood to refer broadly to the concerted use of force or pressure to obstruct or overthrow the authority of the government.

Read more: What is seditious conspiracy? Rare, but now part of Jan. 6 insurrection criminal cases

It sweeps in a broad range of conduct attacking the authority of the United States, they wrote.

They also argue that enforcement of the disqualification clause does not depend on Congress or the Justice Department. Instead, they say this power rests with the hundreds of state, county or federal officials who can determine whether a candidate is eligible to hold an office and whether their name may appear on the ballot.

Taking Section 3 seriously means that its constitutional disqualifications from future state and federal office holding extend to participants in the attempted overturning of the presidential election of 2020, including former President Donald Trump and others, Baude and Paulsen say. Their argument could extend to challenging members of Congress who offered support for the insurrectionists involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Due to the sheer number of state attorneys and election officials, its likely in the year ahead that there will be challenges to Trumps eligibility. And if so, it would not take long for a such a claim to be appealed, first to a federal court and not long after to the Supreme Court.

Read more: Ex-Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 22 years in Jan. 6 attack

The justices are not likely to rule on such a claim if they can avoid doing so. They may have little choice, however, if a federal judge or a state supreme court decides Trump is ineligible to hold office and cannot appear on a ballot.

Washington lawyer Adam Unikowsky, who was a Supreme Court clerk for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, wrote a lengthy analysis last week on how such a claim might fare in the courts. He said judges, if faced with the question, would be hard-pressed to explain why Trumps actions do not qualify as engaging in an insurrection.

Is the Supreme Court actually going to disqualify Trump? In my opinion, probably not, but theres a non-trivial chance that it will, Unikowsky wrote. In my view, contingent on Trump continuing to be a candidate for President, there is a 10% chance that the Supreme Court will hold, prior to the 2024 election, that Trump is constitutionally ineligible.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), who led the first impeachment of Trump and sat on the House Jan. 6 committee, agrees that the former president should be disqualified by law.

Read more: Trump is on track to sweep California's delegates in presidential primary race, poll shows

I think it is a valid argument, he said Sunday on MSNBC. The 14th Amendment, Section 3, is pretty clear: If you engage in acts of insurrection or rebellion against the government or you give aid and comfort to those who do, you are disqualified from running. It doesnt require that you be convicted of insurrection; it just requires that you have engaged in these acts.

The outcome depends on the high court, he said.

I think this will be tested when [a state] secretary of state either refuses to put him on the ballot or puts him on the ballot and is challenged by a litigant, Schiff said. I would imagine it will go up to the Supreme Court, and thats the big question mark through all of this, which is: What will the Supreme Court do?

Other legal experts question the notion that judges could deprive millions of voters their right to choose their favored candidate.

Stanford Law professor Michael McConnell is a conservative and a friend of Baude and Paulsen, but says he strongly disagrees with them on this issue.

He said Congress could have  and should have  disqualified Trump from further office by convicting him after his second impeachment trial in February 2021 for inciting an insurrection. But it takes a two-thirds vote of the Senate to convict, and all but seven Republican senators voted to acquit Trump. The vote was 57 to 43 in favor of conviction.

McConnell also said the Justice Department under the Biden administration could have charged Trump with inciting an insurrection, but has not. A federal law (18 U.S.C. 2383) makes it a crime to incite, assist or engage in insurrection, but special counsel Jack Smith instead charged Trump with obstructing an official proceeding and defrauding the United States.

Smith may have thought it would be hard to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump intended for his followers to use force and violence to break into the Capitol rather than just protest outside as the House and Senate met to certify the election results.

Read more: 'I really thought that I was going to die.' Members of Congress remember Jan. 6

McConnell said it is significant that the Department of Justice has prosecuted hundreds of persons for their involvement in the January 6 incursion at the Capitol, but has not charged anyone, including Trump, with insurrection under this or any other statute.

He also believes it would be a mistake to entrust state officials with deciding who is eligible to run for president.

We are talking about empowering partisan politicians such as state secretaries of state to disqualify their political opponents from the ballot, depriving voters of the ability to elect candidates of their choice, McConnell said. If abused, this is profoundly antidemocratic.

However, Baude and Paulsen believe that the Constitution is clear  and that Trump violated it.

Read more: In the pivotal South Carolina primary, GOP candidates search for path against Donald Trump

January 6 was an insurrection, they wrote. There is abundant evidence that Trump deliberately set out to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election result, calling it stolen and rigged; and that he tried to enlist state officials to change the vote count and urged state legislators to support him despite his loss.

When that effort failed, they wrote, Trump assembled a large crowd to march on the Capitol and intimidate Congress and the Vice President into complying with his wishes and thereby prevent the official counting of the votes of electors confirming Trumps defeat.

The bottom line is that Donald Trump both engaged in insurrection or rebellion and gave aid or comfort to others engaging in such conduct. ... He is no longer eligible to the office of Presidency, or any other state or federal office covered by the Constitution. All who are committed to the Constitution should take note and say so.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Some jokes fall flat. But Louisiana resident Waylon Bailey got more than eye rolls when he logged on to Facebook and compared the COVID-19 pandemic with a zombie apocalypse on March 20, 2020, during the first month of lockdowns.

As many as a dozen deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriffs Office approached him with bulletproof vests on and weapons drawn while he worked in his garage in central Louisiana. Despite his assurances that he was only kiddingno zombies were coming to eat anyones brainsthe officers ordered him to his knees and handcuffed him. Then they took him to jail without a warrant and booked him on suspicion of terrorism.

Talk about no sense of humor.

Few people even saw the social media post. And those who did recognized it as satire. The giveaways included emojis and a hashtag cry for help from Brad Pitt, the star of the zombie blockbuster World War Z. The body of the message included over-the-top language with all caps and multiple exclamation marks:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

SHARE SHARE SHARE!!! JUST IN: RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE ISSUED THE ORDER, IF DEPUTIES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE INFECTED SHOOT ON SIGHT.Lord have mercy on us all. #Covid9teen #weneedyoubraddpitt.

No one complained to the police or expressed concern, not even the district attorney. When he reviewed the recommended charges, he dismissed the case. Now Bailey, a married father who works and trains as a boxer, wants to hold the arresting officer and his supervisors responsible for violating his constitutional rights.

Telling jokes is protected speech under the First Amendment. And arresting someone without probable cause is forbidden under the Fourth Amendment. Even the living dead have these rights. Yet when Bailey sued in federal district court, the judge tossed the case.

Among other reasons, the judge cited qualified immunity, which shields government employees from civil liability unless their misconduct is clearly established in prior cases as unconstitutional. The standard is rigged in favor of the government, yet jailing someone for making fun of you on Facebook is objectively unreasonable.

So Bailey took his lawsuit to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which reversed and remanded the case to the district court late last month. The deputy who came after Bailey with a SWAT team is not entitled to qualified immunity, the three-judge panel held, because no reasonable officer could have found probable cause to arrest Bailey for violating the Louisiana terrorizing statute.

Our public interest law firm, the Institute for Justice, represented him. The decision might seem obvious, yet common sense has not always prevailed in qualified immunity cases. The Supreme Court invented the doctrine in 1982, and since then government employees have used it to escape accountability for torturing prison inmates, stealing cash, retaliating against critics, and hundreds of other abuses.

The police have even avoided liability for trampling on the First Amendment. When Anthony Novak created a parody Facebook page poking fun at his local police department in Parma, Ohio, officers raided his apartment, seized his electronics, and arrested him on suspicion of disrupting police operations.

Like Bailey, Novak was exonerated. And like Bailey, he followed up with a civil lawsuit. But that is where the similarities end. Courts granted qualified immunity to the officers who violated Novaks rights, and the Supreme Court declined to consider the case. Not even friend-of-the-court briefs from parody sites the Onion and the Babylon Bee could move the justices to get involved.

The silence makes Baileys victory significant. At least in the 5th Circuit, which covers Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, government employees will be on notice the next time they are tempted to use shock and awe to silence satire they do not like.

Bailey says the SWAT team even taunted him during his arrest. While he was handcuffed, he says one deputy told him: The next thing [you] put on Facebook should be not to f with the police. Then the other officers laughed. Yet putting someone in jail and publicly labeling him a terrorist is not a joke.

If anything, it was the SWAT team that engaged in terrorism, not Bailey.
A suspect is in custody after a University of Wisconsin-Madison student was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted, the Madison Police Department said.

Brandon A. Thompson, 26, was charged with first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury and strangulation early Wednesday morning, police announced in an incident report.

Police said they will hold a news briefing on Wednesday afternoon to reveal more details about his arrest and updates on the investigation.

On Sunday morning, Madison Police received a call about a woman in her twenties who was severely beaten in the downtown Madison area, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The victim, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

"The victim, a woman in her 20s, is expected to survive from the injuries she suffered in this attack," police said. "She is a survivor of physical and sexual assault as a result of this incident."

Police initially believed the attack to be a "stranger assault," and over the weekend detectives and investigators gathered physical, digital and biological evidence, police said.

Over the last few days, police urged anyone with surveillance video or photos in the downtown area where the assault occurred to turn it over to authorities for review.

"I have authorized a full complement of police resources to bring this person or persons to justice," Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said during a press conference on Sunday.



Following the brutal attack, police increased patrols in the area and encouraged residents not to walk alone in the area at nighttime.

Surveillance video shows how Pennsylvania prisoner Danelo Cavalcante escaped

Judge denies motion to sever co-defendant's case in Trump-Georgia hearing

Breaking down Wednesday's pre-trial hearing in Trump's Georgia RICO case
Rex Heuermann, the man accused of being the Gilgo Beach killer, is being sued by New York states Labor Department for allegedly failing to pay outstanding damages for violating labor laws, court documents show.

Heuermann and his architecture firm, RH Consultants & Associates, owe $68,560.84, according to the lawsuit, filed in New York County Supreme Court by Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. Supreme Court is the name of New York's top trial court.

The lawsuit says Heuermann and his firm underpaid an executive assistant in 2017 and 2018. The employee is owed a little over $20,000 in unpaid wages, according to an exhibit filed in the suit.

Heuermann and his firm agreed to settle unpaid wages, interest, damages and civil penalties amounting to $84,945.84 in 2021, two years before Heuermann was arrested and charged with murder, according to the suit. Heuermann previously made a payment of $16,385.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Heuermann, 59, was arrested in July and charged with three killings discovered almost 13 years ago. The remains were found on Gilgo Beach, south of Heuermann's Massapequa Park home, in 2010.

More human remains have been found on Gilgo Beach, and officials have said the cases remain under investigation.

The Sumter County, South Carolina, Sheriffs Office said Thursday it was investigating whether the disappearance of a woman missing from there is connected to him.

Heuermann is charged with murder in the deaths of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello, whose remains were found in December 2010 as authorities searched for another missing woman.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder.

Heuermann is in custody at the Suffolk County jail, online records show.

His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood posted a photo of this vehicle on Facebook instructing residents to call 911 if they see it.

The suspect authorities say carjacked the vehicle of a Mars Hill U.S. Mail worker Sept. 5 was captured early Sept. 6 in Morganton after a manhunt went on through the night, Burke County officials confirmed, and Madison County law enforcement officials have identified the suspect.

Madison County Sheriff's Office Lt. Coy Phillips said Jaden Garay, 23, of Atlantic Beach, Florida, is in in custody at the Madison County Jail and is being charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Garay is being held on a $2 million bond, according to Phillips.

Jessica Adams, an investigator with the U.S. Postal Service, said Teresa Ramsay, a mail carrier in Mars Hill, was shot in the carjacking and was at Mission Hospital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Burke County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Banks Hinceman confirmed the arrest in a Facebook post shortly after 12:30 p.m. Sept. 6.

According to the post, shortly before 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5, Burke County Communications advised the Burke County Sheriff's Office of a high-speed chase that was occurring in McDowell County and was about to enter Burke County on Interstate 40.

The vehicle, a gray Jeep with "U.S. Mail" and "Frequent stops" listed on the back of the vehicle, as posted by Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood in a Facebook post around 3:30 p.m. Sept. 5, exited the interstate at Burkemont Avenue and traveled onto Williams Road, crossing over a private field where the driver ran into a wooded area, the post said.

"Law enforcement was advised that the vehicle was stolen, and the driver was a person of interest in a felonious assault that had occurred in Madison County," Burke County Sheriff's Office said in the post. "The driver was considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement set up a containment perimeter along the wooded area, I-40, Enola Road, Walker Road, Pete Brittian Road, and the property of J. Iverson Riddle Center."

J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center is the state operated developmental center for the western region of the state.

According to the post, the suspect, later identified as Garay, was seen at 4:24 a.m. Sept. 6 after detectives noticed him appearing to look into cars in the parking area of one of the cottages on the J. Iverson Riddle property.

At 4:57 a.m., Garay was spotted in the field across from the Burke County Jail on Government Drive, and was taken into custody at 5 a.m., the post said.

In addition to the agencies listed above, Marion Police Department, North Carolina State Highway of Patrol, McDowell County Sheriff's Office, Morganton Department of Public Safety, Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Catawba County Sheriff's Office, N.C. Department of Adult Correction K-9 Team, U.S. Postal Inspection, U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Marshal's Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Burke County EMS and Burke County Emergency Management all assisted with the arrest, according to the post.

At 10:22 a.m. Sept. 6, the Charlotte branch of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, that confirmed it was involved in the investigation but provided no details.

The core mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the sanctity and security of the U.S. mail, Postal Service employees and the customer themselves. Postal Inspectors along with our state and local law enforcement partners are investigating the recent assault of a rural  USPIS - Charlotte (@USPIS_CLT) September 6, 2023

Just before 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, Burke County Public Schools said it planned to close Salem Elementary, Mull Elementary, Liberty Middle, North Liberty and Patton High School buildings for students and staff due to law enforcement activity in the area.

"According to reports, law enforcement has an unresolved search for a suspect at large in the area," the school system said in the post.

Law enforcement officers with Madison County Sheriff's Office assisted Mars Hill Police Department Sept. 5 with an investigation after a suspected carjacking near South Main Street in Mars Hill.

In a post roughly four hours later, Burke County Public Schools said it received word the suspect had been apprehended, and said those schools would instead operate on a two-hour delay.

On the afternoon of Sept. 5, Madison County and Mars Hill law enforcement instructed Mars Hill University officials to initiate the lockdown in response to a suspected carjacking near Main Street. Mars Hill Elementary also went into lockdown. The lockdowns were lifted around 3 p.m.

The Mars Hill Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a call for service on Spring Drive just off Main Street found "an individual with severe injuries and the theft of their vehicle."

Johnny Casey is the Madison County communities reporter for The News-Record & Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jcasey@newsrecordandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Carjacking suspect who severely injured Mars Hill postal worker caught
A 19-year-old pleaded guilty in federal court to having a gun in the parking lot of an area school.

In May, officers were called to a shots fired call in the parking lot of Edwin Joel Brown Middle School, according to a media release

Later that month police arrested Jacob Ruff, Jr. for running from officers at the scene of a loud block party.

>> Road rage shootings in Miami Valley increasing; man arrested in connection with Sunday incident

Officers found a gun in his fanny pack.

The shell casings matched those found at the middle school, the release states.

Ruff was charged federally in July 2023.

Possessing a firearm in a school zone is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.




Tenants at Quality Hill Towers in downtown Kansas City are fed up.

Residents at the building at 8th and Jefferson Street did not have water for several days over the holiday weekend. Thats on top of long-standing issues like rampant cockroaches and mice, bed bugs, leaking ceilings and other consistent plumbing problems.

Hell Woods, 24, moved into a studio with their cat Velociraptor (aka Meeper) last November. Since then, there have been so many roaches that Woods is scared to venture into the kitchen at night. Roach traps are filled with the dead bugs.

At times the shower has not worked, and the stove has been broken.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the spring, there was a bed bug infestation. Woods employer told them not to return to their bookkeeping job until the bed bug problem had been taken care of, so they lost three weeks of income because it takes multiple rounds of treatments. Unable to pay rent, the landlord filed an eviction case. Woods won.

Conditions came to a head Saturday. Woods woke up and discovered they could not flush the toilet or brush their teeth. The water had been shut off to stop a leak on the main floor, where water had flooded a hallway leading to a stairwell and a shared laundry room. Leaks were also affecting about 20 units. But Woods said communication to inform tenants about what was happening was scant.

Everybodys really stressed out about it, Woods said.

Were just at a loss on how to work with them in any reasonable way.

A hall flooded at Quality Hills Towers is just one of the many problems residents have had at the building at 8th and Jefferson in downtown Kansas City.

Some residents who take the stairwell even though it may be slick dont want to use the railings  a disclosure in their leases say lead-based paint was used on the railings.

Sentinel Real Estate Corporation owns the property and said in a statement that when it became aware of the leak in the hot water supply line, staff were immediately on site.

Woods said residents submitted over 40 complaints to the citys Healthy Homes program on Sunday, but had not heard back as of Tuesday afternoon.

According to a city website, all the cases remained open as of Wednesday morning.

City spokeswoman Sherae Honeycutt said Wednesday afternoon that officials spoke with the property manager and district manager on a conference call Tuesday and that, They are all hands-on-deck to correct the problems.

Tenants facing long-standing problems unionize

In the past year, tenants in the building have submitted about two dozen other cases to the city for problems including pests, no heat and leaks that have led to flooded apartments.

Dylan Sullins, 28, has lived at the apartment complex for one year and two months. Hes also dealt with roaches as well as a broken shower drain and a refrigerator that did not work for a couple of months.

It was a lot of ramen during that time, Sullins said.

He and Woods have heard other horror stories from neighbors.

Tenants at Quality Hill Towers say a cockroach problem is out of control at the apartment complex in downtown Kansas City.

A sister building down the street has had 40 311 complaints in the past year, including eight in the past week. Those included mice infestations, mold and structural issues. Several tenants noted management had not responded to their concerns for some time.

With the support of the citywide tenant union, KC Tenants, the three buildings unionized in April. In June, they sent Sentinel Real Estate Corporation a letter with demands. The New York City-based company made some commitments, but Woods said nothing has changed.

Sentinel said in a statement that it has been working in good faith with residents at Quality Hill Towers throughout the summer to address issues relating to plumbing and pest control.

According to their website, the company owns more than 28,000 apartment units in several states and internationally. It has 11 properties in Kansas City.

Gabe Coppage, an organizer with KC Tenants, said the city should be prioritizing the needs of the people living in Kansas City, but is instead focused on things like where the Royals stadium will be built.

We shouldnt have to be doing the citys job, he said, adding that the city should be doing more to enforce regulations.

Coppage said situations like the one at Quality Hill Towers show why tenant unions are needed and the power of neighbors coming together.

On Tuesday afternoon, a maintenance person said water had been partially restored. But water continued to fill a trash can in the main hallway and the floor was still soaked with a layer of water.

Folks need help now, Woods said.

Later Tuesday evening, Sentinel said the leak was repaired and the clean-up process was underway. Because of the holiday weekend, there were delays in completing the repairs, but impacted residents were offered hotel stays during the disruption.

Honeycutt, with the city, said additional maintenance staff from other properties was working on getting the violations addressed.

Program staff was on-site yesterday and will have a heavy presence at the property until all cases are resolved, she said.

Healthy Homes has recent invoices showing management is aggressively treating the buildings for pests.

The city, she added, has worked with the residents over the past months to install smoke detectors, fix plumbing issues and repair holes in the ceilings, walls and floors related to past complaints.
The ongoing battles between Republican leadership and young Black Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee have turned physical. During a contention session of the Tennessee General Assembly on Aug. 29, the Republican leader of the assembly appears to have shoved Rep. Justin Pearson, who in turn threatened legal action over the incident.

The shoving incident happened as the Tennessee General Assembly debated gun reform, which has led to significant political clashes in the legislature this year. In video footage posted by multiple people on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Speaker Cameron Sexton appears to be arguing with Pearson and Rep. Justin Jones. As Sexton and his detail move through the crowd, Sexton appears to lower his shoulder and move into Pearson, who goes backward. At this point, several other men, possibly security, step in between them as they continue exchanging words.

HAPPENING NOW: Chaotic ending to the TN Special Session as Rep. Justin Pearson approaches Speaker Sexton with a sign and is pushed away by security. pic.twitter.com/eRZou1QUtQ  WKRN News 2 (@WKRN) August 29, 2023

Pearson and Sexton, who have been at odds for some time, naturally viewed the incident differently. Pearson, who said he was saying to the Speaker that we are not doing enough to curb gun violence in the state, said, The Speaker violently shoved me in the chest before other members of his party also pushed me back towards the clerks desk. Pearson indicated he was considering legal action against the speaker over the incident. Sexton, meanwhile, defended his actions, claiming to have been bumped first and arguing he didnt intentionally push Pearson.

Watch Tennessee Speaker Cameron Sexton's defense juxtaposed with the video of him shoving Rep. Justin Pearson. pic.twitter.com/Yf0qXrFp9j  David Heath (@davidhth) August 30, 2023

This incident is, of course, only the latest clash between Sexton and Tennessee Republicans on one side and a handful of Democrats, particularly Pearson and Jones, on the other. Earlier this year, Cameron led efforts to expel Jones, Pearson and another Democrat who led a peaceful protest for gun reform following a school shooting in Tennessee. The expulsion ploy, an extreme punishment usually reserved for lawmakers convicted of significant criminal activity, took an explicitly racist turn when the legislature expelled the two young Black lawmakers. At the same time, the older white woman who protested alongside them was allowed to keep her position. The move backfired for Republicans, as it brought significant negative attention to the Tennessee GOP and elevated the national profiles of Jones and Pearson, who were returned to their positions by voters in special elections this summer.

As the lawmakers continue their heated debates over gun reform with little progress, tensions will remain high in Tennessee. With an expulsion and now a shove, the animosity between Sexton and other Republicans and Reps. Pearson and Jones will likely continue for some time.
In a bright yellow library behind the barbed wire gates at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Middle Tennessee, Willetta Grady, the prison librarian, shows off a row of popular books.

The section includes easy reading like the Harry Potter and Divergent series, since most of the men who come into her library read at around a third grade level, said Grady, a former kindergarten teacher.

Lots of them just slipped through the cracks, she said. They were passed on from grade to grade.

Five years ago when Grady first arrived at Trousdale, the library contained mostly books about Great Britain donated from a British publishing company. Shes since doubled the librarys collection from 6,000 to more than 12,000 books, ranging from popular nonfiction to classics like Shakespeare and John Steinbecks The Pearl.

Willetta Grady, the prison librarian at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Hartsville, Tenn., has more than doubled the size of the library since she started there five years ago.

When shes not organizing shelves, shes helping inmates improve their reading skills and hand delivering books to the men in solitary confinement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Education is critical since 95% of the men will be released back into the community once theyve served their time, Grady said.

They have a lot of catching up to do if they want to continue their education when they get out into the real world again.

Multiple studies have shown that education behind bars is key to reducing recidivism, but college degree programs remain out of reach for many of the more than 20,000 people in the states prison system.

Tennessee does offer associate degree programs in all of its state-run prisons and bachelors degrees in three facilities, in partnerships with local colleges and universities.

But Trousdale, run by the private prison company CoreCivic, does not have any higher education programs for its more than 2,000 inmates.

But Grady said shes hoping that will soon change with the new availability of Pell Grants for students in prisons. The program, which went into effect in July, means hundreds of thousands of people behind bars can now use federal aid for college courses.

Tennessee is now working to expand education with federal funds, with the goal of eventually offering bachelors degrees at all of its 11 state-run prisons, said Laura Ferguson-Mimms, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative, a nonprofit that coordinates the programs.

What this means for us is this incredible opportunity for our incarcerated brothers and sisters to pursue bachelors degrees, she said. Its a game changer.

Expanding education

Willetta Grady walks through a gate at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility, where she works as the librarian, in Hartsville, Tenn., on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Tennessee's recidivism rates are roughly 46%, meaning about half of all people released from jail or prison will return within three years.

But education can improve that number. A 2018 study from the RAND Corporation, funded by the federal Department of Justice, found people who participated in education programs while behind bars were 48% less likely to reoffend within three years. RAND also found that for every $1 invested in prison education programs, $4 to $5 are saved on re-incarceration costs.

The Pell Grant was previously available to incarcerated people until 1994 when Congress passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which revoked eligibility.

Margaret diZerega, managing director of initiatives at the Vera Institute of Justice, said the new initiative will give states the opportunity to partner with more colleges and universities for better quality programs.

DiZerega said the grant is also available for those serving life without parole or awaiting the death penalty. While most will never get a chance to use their education on the outside, they can serve as tutors for others who are incarcerated, she said.

But many will still face challenges with access, including limited classroom space and technology, she said.

And programs vary by state, she said, with some states coordinating better than others.

Tennessee has traditionally had good coordination with the various groups and nonprofits, DiZerega added.

Among the various community colleges and other schools, the state works with the private Christian universities Belmont and Lipscomb for bachelors degree programs. The degrees are mostly in business administration, but Ferguson-Mimms said the Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative is working with the Tennessee Department of Correction to offer liberal arts degrees.

Ferguson-Mimms said the nonprofit has received additional state funding this year to coordinate the new Pell Grant process with colleges and universities.

She said universities will need federal and state approval to participate in the program.

The state provides funding for associate degree programs for its prisons but it does not fund bachelors degree programs, she said.

Ferguson-Mimms said that the Higher Education in Prison Initiative uses its own resources for bachelors programs and that funding has long been a challenge.

From 2017 to 2022, just 13 bachelors degrees were awarded to people in state prisons, according to TDOC.

Number for associate degrees is higher, with 43 awarded so far this year, up from 24 in 2022 and 14 in 2021.

With the Pell Grant it frees up our resources so we can now spend our funds on expanding programs, Ferguson-Mimms said.

The Brentwood-based CoreCivic, one of the nations largest private companies, offers higher education programs in 12 of its facilities in other states, but for now, it does not offer any bachelors or associate degree programs in its four Tennessee facilities due to technology challenges, the company said in a statement.

The only college-level course is a religious studies program at South Central Correctional Facility in Middle Tennessee presented by the Alabama-based Samford University.

But CoreCivic said it has been in talks this year to expand education in Tennessee. And while it doesnt yet offer higher education programs, it does offer about two dozen certificate programs, including for trades like carpentry and plumbing, and for a computer coding course called Persevere.

A controversial for-profit prison operator, CoreCivic has faced a barrage of lawsuits, audits and state fines over the years for issues including understaffing and inmate deaths.

Trousdale Turner, a medium security mens facility where Grady works, has seen lawsuits and lockdowns this year following violent inmate deaths and attacks on correctional officers.

CoreCivic has said it has worked to hire more staff with additional incentives.

Building a library

Willetta Grady, the prison librarian, discusses her work at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Hartsville, Tenn., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Behind the walls at Trousdale, Grady, 67, is a beloved staffer known by the men as Ms. Grady or Ms. G.

The people that come into the library want to better themselves, she said. And that makes a big difference.

In her library with colorful paper butterflies and a green book mural painted by one of the men, Grady recalled how she helped one man in his 50s who couldn't read past a kindergarten level.

We were able to bring him up a few grades before he was paroled, she said.

Grady got her start in education as an elementary school teacher but said it wasnt for her, so she went back to school for her masters degree in library sciences.

Grady decided to apply for a job as a contract librarian in correctional facilities. On her first day at the library in the Metro Nashville Sheriffs Department jail, Grady said she sat in her car in the parking lot, apprehensive at first, before deciding that this was part of her calling.

Its not just a job, she said. We librarians are professionals and we strive to help people in any setting.

At Trousdale, Grady made it her mission to improve the librarys limited selection.

She started reaching out to local libraries, schools and nonprofits for donations and was a frequent visitor to the popular McKays used bookstore in Nashville. Books poured in by the thousands.

The city of Brentwood sent a large number of reference books, while the Westmoreland Public Library donated an encyclopedia set. The clerks at the U.S. District court in Nashville donated a large selection of federal law books.

For her work, Grady was honored this year with an Exceptional Service Award from the American Library Association.

While Trousdale lacks higher education programs, Grady said its rewarding for her to at least help to improve reading skills.

They can do something here to better themselves, she said. They go home and theyre excited to start a new life.

Reach Kelly Puente at kpuente@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN disparities in prison education programs. Can new Pell grants help?
A manhunt has been launched for a British soldier awaiting trial on terror charges after he escaped from a London prison on Wednesday while dressed as a chef, officials say.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing from Wandsworth prison, in the southwest of the British capital, shortly before 8 a.m. local time. He had been awaiting trial for terror offenses and alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

Khalife is a serving member of the British army. He is accused of planting fake bombs at a military base, according to the PA Media news agency.

The audacious and rare escape prompted a sprawling manhunt that delayed flights and led to heightened checks at British ports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Khalife was dressed in a chefs uniform, so red and white trousers, white t-shirt and brown shoes, Met Counter Terrorism Commander Dominic Murphy told journalists outside Scotland Yard in London on Wednesday.

He reportedly escaped by clinging onto a delivery van, according to PA News agency. When asked about the reports, Murphy said it was a question the prison service had to answer.

Police are appealing the British public to help the search.

He is of slim build, has short brown hair and is around 6 feet and 2 inches tall, officers said.

Murphy said London is the focus of the investigation currently, but that we also have notifications out to very force in the country.

We are working really closely with border colleagues to try and understand any risk that might be posed by him leaving the country so at the moment you could describe this as a nationwide manhunt involving every force in the country that has information that might be of use to us, Murphy continued.

Asked whether he expects the man to flee the country, Murphy said: Its difficult to say at this moment in time. We are open minded to wherever he might go, and I think thats why the appeal to the public is so important because actually hes currently at large in the UK and whilst we are focusing on London he is connected to other parts of the UK, including the northwest of the country, so we need to work with everybody to try and find him.

The police announced the charges against Khalife in January. At the time, they alleged he elicited or attempted to elicit information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism in August 2021.

Another charge alleged he placed an item with the intention of inducing in another a belief that the said article was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

Airport delays

Murphy said Wednesday that he believes the threat posed by Khalife to the public to be low, but urged as a matter of normal course that citizens do not approach him.

British airports and ports are also experiencing disruption after counter-terrorism police alerted the countrys airports and ports to Khalifes escape.

Manchester Airport was facing delays of up to 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoon after introducing extra security checks, according to PA Media.

Meanwhile, Port of Dover Travel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: Due to a police matter, there are currently enhanced checks on outbound traffic at the Port of Dover and other portals within the UK.

Please be advised this is currently resulting in some delays at the port.

UK prison escapes are a rare occurrence. Data from the British government shows that there was just one escape across England and Wales in 2021-22, none in the proceeding period, and only a handful in the years prior to that.

Wandsworth is a Category B prison, the second-highest security level of four. It is one of Britains largest prisons, holding more than 1,600 inmates.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  More than 7,000 Tesla employees in Nevada, current and lapsed, have been notified of a data security breach that saw the release of their private information, officials from the Nevada attorney generals office said Tuesday.

The release from the office of Aaron D. Ford, attorney general for the state of Nevada, said that the Bureau of Consumer Protection had reached out to Tesla regarding the apparent leak, adding that the compromised information included names, phone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses of 7,409 current or former employees of the automotive company in Nevada.

The data security breach occurred in May and compromised the personal information of approximately 75,000 current and former employees nationwide, the attorney generals office said Tuesday. According to the release, the individuals who stole the data shared the information with a German newspaper. Officials from the auto manufacturer say there was no evidence that the data was misused, and the newspaper has committed to not publishing the information.

According to the release, Tesla is offering employees a year of free credit monitoring. The attorney generals office provides these tips for consumers concerned about identity theft.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Regularly monitor your credit report. Each of the three major credit reporting bureaus  Experian, TransUnion and Equifax  must annually provide one free credit report. By rotating through the three companies, consumers can obtain a free credit report every four months by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com and following the instructions.



Place a temporary fraud alert on your credit report. If a business checks your credit report and sees a fraud alert, the business is on notice that you may be a victim of identity theft and may take actions to verify your identity before extending credit to you, or anyone claiming to be you. A fraud alert is valid for 90 days and can be renewed. Consumers only need to request a fraud alert with one of the credit reporting bureaus, and it will inform the others.



Consider placing a security freeze on your credit. When you place a security freeze, creditors cannot see your file and thus are less likely to open a new account in your name and extend credit to you, or someone claiming to be you. However, you may need to temporarily lift the security freeze if you are planning to obtain a loan, apply for employment or sign a new lease.

Additionally, more information on credit freezes and fraud alerts is available on the Federal Trade Commission website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the Tesla logo on the Gigafactory in Gruenheide

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Tesla is eyeing 2026 or 2027 to potentially begin production at a major new factory planned for Mexico, according to a report published in Mexican daily Reforma on Wednesday.

The report cited an anonymous Chinese supplier saying that they and several other Chinese companies may delay plans to launch operations near the still un-built Tesla factory, set for the northern state of Nuevo Leon, after learning of Tesla's slower-than-expected plans.

"Two or three months ago there was a lot of rush, lots of pressure to look for a location. But one month later, they told us to wait," the source told Reforma.

Several sources previously told Reuters that Tesla planned to begin production in Mexico in 2025.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Tesla announced its plans for Mexico in March, but has not publicly revealed a start date for construction or production.

Nuevo Leon's economy minister, Ivan Rivas, declined to comment on Tesla's timeline, saying it was a matter for the company to address.

Reforma also reported that a timeline from Danish engineering consultancy Ramboll, taking into account the permitting process, suggested the site would only be ready for construction in 2027.

Ramboll did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon and Raul Cortes in Mexico City and Hyunjoo Jin in San Francisco; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Last week, the Washington Post reported on a major new anti-abortion strategy: local trafficking laws that make it a crime to transport anyone to get an abortion on roads within city or county limits. Specifically, in certain counties in Texas, anyone can sue an organization or individual they suspect of violating the ordinance.

The architects of these laws, Jonathan Mitchell and Mark Lee Dickson , previously teamed up to create the roadmap for Texas bounty bill, S.B. 8. The success of that law, which made it past the Supreme Court prior to Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization and dramatically undermined abortion access before Roe v. Wade was even overturned, means that no one should dismiss this latest plan, even if Mitchell and Dicksons focus on highways seems bizarre. And tactically, it is certainly a bit bizarre. Most abortions today involve pillsand organizations like Aid Access are effectively mailing them to patients in states where abortion is a crime. This ordinance does nothing to stop that. [Update, Sept. 7: The ordinances make it illegal to deliver or transport abortion drugs to any individual or organization within county lines, but as explained below there are many practical and constitutional obstacles to enforcement that the ordinances do nothing to resolve.] Enforcing the law will raise all kinds of other challenges. Ultimately, though, it could still offer a meaningful road map of where opponents of reproductive rights are going next.

Among the problems with enforcement is the question of how the ordinance and others like it could ever be enforced. How would anyone know if a driver on a road in or out of Texas is driving an abortion-seeker? By setting up a roadblock? Investigating everyone of reproductive age? None of that would be politically palatableor financially feasiblefor a state with a big budget, much less a small town like Llano or a rural county with limited resources. Besides, its hardly an efficient strategy for the anti-abortion movement: To build a wall limiting travel, abortion opponents need to pass ordinance after ordinanceand hope against hope that someone will enforce them.

So why bother with this kind of ordinance at all, when it does nothing to stop the mailing of abortion pills and seems impossible to enforce?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Obviously, fear is part of the point, as abortion fund leaders told the Posteven if youre not going to be stopped and arrested while driving a friend to an abortion clinic across state lines, a vindictive partner could find your texts setting up the drive, sue you, and attempt to use geo-tracking data to collect in a civil suit. Still, its a circuitous road to enforcement. Perhaps the real significance of these laws is that they create room for abortion opponents to experiment. Dickson and Mitchell have successfully looked at small towns as laboratories for anti-abortion strategies in the past. In small towns, they can experiment with legislation that Republican lawmakers arent ready to pass at the state and federal levels and work out problems before the ordinances are ready for prime time. Thats whats going on with these trafficking laws. Dickson and Mitchell have every intention of seeing them enforced, but they hope their movement comes out ahead even if enforcement is impossible.

First, the ordinance allows abortion opponents to figure out how to limit interstate travel without violating the U.S. Constitutionor at least being called on it. The trafficking laws try to do this by assigning enforcement entirely to private actors, just like S.B. 8, which will make it hard to get lawsuits into federal court. There are limits on when plaintiffs can seek relief against states in federal courtand one of the key exceptions involves state officials enforcing unconstitutional laws. But there seems to be no state official who can enforce this ordinance, just like the Supreme Court ultimately held to be the case with S.B. 8.

And there are limits on when states can enforce their laws outside state lines. If Texas tried to punish an abortion-seeker for getting an abortion in New Mexico, that would create all kinds of constitutional problems, potentially violating the right to travel, the due process clause, and even the federal full faith and credit clause, which requires states to honor court judgments and laws from other states. This ordinance tries to circumvent this problem by focusing onor at least claiming to focus onactivity that takes place partly in Texas. Its not clear that a state can punish someone for activity that is a right, not a crime, in another state, but Mitchell and Dickson are betting that conservatives will have the best chance if they focus on crimes that take place at least partly in red states. All of that adds up to the possible payoff for these ordinances: a trial run for other limits on the right to travel.

They are also trial runs for an enforcement strategy that relies on activist networks and personal rivalries. Thats how the federal Comstock Act, an anti-vice law that Dickson and Mitchell are also trying to revive, used to be enforced when it was otherwise impossible for postal inspectors to know what was in the mail. Its obvious that a law like this wont catch most abortion-seekers, but controlling husbands, angry exes, romantic rivals, and others could weaponize what they know and sue. Dickson had just this in mind when he described how the ordinance might get enforced, explaining, A husband who doesnt want his wife to get an abortion could threaten to sue the friend who offers to drive her. Any abortion ban will be easier to enforce when private volunteers and vengeful acquaintances and family members step up to supply information.

Finally, every trafficking ordinance builds the case for later recognition of fetal personhood. In Dobbs, Justice Brett Kavanaugh stressed what he saw as a surge in sentiment that Roe had been wrongly decided: state laws that obviously conflicted with abortion rights and support from the Republican Party. To date, there is no equivalent right-wing swing toward the idea that a fetus is a rights-holding person under the Constitutionand that progressive abortion laws in states without bans are unconstitutional.

Dickson and Mitchell have ambitions to change that. The proponents of the ordinance stress that any travel for abortion involves trafficking, even if the abortion-seeker desperately wants to end a pregnancy. Thats because they focus on the fetus, not the pregnant patientand argue that bringing a fetus across state lines violates the rights and personhood of the fetus. Even if the law is never enforced, it will be one more data point that anti-abortion activists can point to later when returning to the Supreme Courtand insisting that the conservative judiciary revisit the idea of personhood.

Its worth remembering that this is hardly the only tactic that Dickson and Mitchell have in mind: They were the first to push the idea that the Comstock Act is a de facto national ban, a theory that has caught on with major anti-abortion organizations and is making its way through the courts. But on their own merits, these local laws are not as illogical as they may seem. Before Texas S.B. 8, it was easy to dismiss local ordinances as unenforceable publicity stunts. We all know how that story ended.
AUSTIN, Texas  Republican state senators Tuesday waved off a far-right pressure campaign to cancel the impeachment trial of embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton  and with it, the looming threat of retribution.

Paxtons trial represents a civil war between members of the ruling GOP coalition  a fracture that appears to be widening.

The failure of the Paxton faction to persuade the state Senate to throw out the trial represented a danger sign for his immediate prospects.

But that failure also represented something much larger: a significant setback for the states far right, which has long relied on the threat of a right-flank challenger to cow the states moderate Republicans.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In late August, The Texas Tribune broke the story that Paxtons allies in the Christian nationalist movement were pressuring GOP senators to vote to throw the trial out  or face familiar consequences.

Anyone that votes against Ken Paxton in this impeachment is risking their entire political career, and we will make sure that is the case, right-wing activist Jonathan Stickland , who runs the pro-Paxton Defend Texas Liberty PAC, told Steve Bannon in a mid-August interview.

Stickland singled out six Republican senators: Kelly Hancock (North Richland Hills), Mayes Middleton (Galveston), Bryan Hughes (Mineola), Charles Schwertner (Georgetown), Charles Perry (Lubbock) and Drew Springer (Muenster).

Were gonna make all these six famous in the days ahead, Bannon replied, as Stickland threatened to sponsor primary campaigns against any Republicans who voted against Paxton.

Texas Senate rejects motion to dismiss Paxton impeachment charges

But only Hancock, from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, voted to throw out the charges entirely.

Two others  Perry of the Panhandle city of Lubbock, and Schwertner, from a conservative suburb of liberal Austin  voted for less-sweeping measures that nonetheless would have effectively ended the trial.

All six of the targeted senators represented small cities or exurbs  both of which in Texas usually signify Republican strongholds.

By defying Paxtons supporters, the three dissidents Middleton, Springer and Hughes signaled their willingness to run the risk of the most fearsome threat that the Texas right can offer: a contested primary among the famously conservative Republican primary electorate.

For decades, that threat has been a key cudgel wielded against the moderate, libertarian-leaning Republicans by the ascendant Christian right  two quasi-parties within the Republican coalition that has ruled Texas as a one-party state since the late 90s.

While that coalition party won the Republicans unquestioned statewide rule under former Govs. George W. Bush (R) and Rick Perry (R), the alliance has always been uneasy, and cracks began to show with the rise of the Tea Party movement in the late 2000s, as the populist right sought ever more control and ideological purity.

The populist push for dominance gave post-Bush Texas politics a distinctive usage of a common political word.

In Texas, to primary has the highly specialized meaning of to support a right-wing challenger to a moderate Republican in the hopes of unseating them.

This threat was a principal weapon employed during the right wings ascendance under current Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

In that campaign, the powerful right-wing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) led a purge of the Senate  the body now trying Paxton  which left that body largely controlled by the far right. But a similar far-right takeover of the House failed  laying the foundation for this weeks impeachment trial.

Texas officials, Paxton attorneys trade scathing opening statements in impeachment trial

In 2017, an insurgent campaign tried to force the resignation of moderate, Prius-driving GOP House Speaker Joe Straus (San Antonio), a campaign defeated by Democrats and moderate Republicans. To this date, the chamber remains controlled by a moderate Republican Speaker, real estate developer Rep. Dade Phelan (Beaumont).

But while it ultimately failed, the long campaign to unseat Straus served as a knife-sharpening appetizer for the fight over Paxton  complete with the weaponized primary. Straus ultimately resigned after that term, citing exhaustion as a primary reason.

Texas fracking billionaire Farris Wilks, his brother Dan Wilks and fellow Christian nationalist ally Tim Dunn have also been Paxtons biggest benefactors. The three have given nearly $15 million to Defend Texas Liberty, the pro-Paxton PAC, since it was founded in 2020  $3.5 million of it since Paxtons impeachment in June, as the Tribune reported.

That PAC has also given more than $3 million to impeachment judge Patrick since the charges were announced in late June.

But the mere fact of Paxtons impeachment  alongside Tuesdays failure by the far right to get those charges thrown out  suggests that the threat of the right-wing primary may no longer work to cow the business conservatives.

This was not for lack of trying.

A vote to impeach Ken Paxton is a decision to have a primary. Cant wait to see who sides with Democrats, Stickland, the far-right activist at Defend Texas Liberty, warned in May, as the Paxton impeachment vote loomed.

But Speaker Phelan  another leading public enemy of the right who had spurred Sticklands reaction with the prior unveiling of sweeping charges against the attorney general  won that round.

The attorney general was impeached by Texas House Republicans 121-23  a factor of nearly 6-to-1.

And as Tuesdays vote shows, Paxton may yet escape with his job  but GOP members are no longer willing to toe the Christian right line just because a primary is threatened.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Advocates for cooling Texas prisons construct a make-shift cell before a rally on the steps of the Texas Capitol, July 18, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Officials say the Texas prison systems 100 units has been placed on a statewide lockdown due to a series of drug-related inmate homicides. But the lockdown, announced Wednesday, Sept. 6, is worrying advocates for inmates who say the order could endanger the lives of many prisoners during an unrelenting summer heat wave. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

HOUSTON (AP)  The Texas prison systems 100 units have been placed on a statewide lockdown due to a series of drug-related inmate homicides, officials announced on Wednesday.

But the lockdown is worrying advocates for inmates who say the order could endanger the lives of many prisoners during an unrelenting summer heat wave. During the lockdown, inmates will be confined to their cells, many located in prisons with no air conditioning. Much of Texas was expected to again be under heat advisories this week.

Its going to make the heat situation worse. This is not the time to do a lockdown. In the summer months, its not the time, said Amite Dominick, the founder and president of Texas Prisons Community Advocates, a group that supports inmates and their families.

Advocates and others have been highly critical of the lack of air conditioning in the nations largest prison system. They alleged temperatures that often go past 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) inside Texas prisons in the summer have been responsible for hundreds of inmate deaths in recent years. Only about 30% of Texas 100 prison units are fully air-conditioned, with the rest having partial or no air conditioning. Texas has about 128,000 inmates.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or TDCJ, says there have been no heat-related deaths in the states prisons since 2012.

TDCJ said the lockdown was in response to a rise in dangerous contraband and drug-related inmate homicides due in part to an increase over the last five years of illegal drugs coming into state prisons.

The agency said there have been 16 inmate-on-inmate murders this year, with most believed to be connected to illegal drugs. In 2021, there were nine such murders while in 2022 there were seven.

A lockdown is a necessary response to confront the root causes of this crisis, enhance security measures, and ensure the well-being of all individuals within our agency, TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier said in a statement. We are committed to finding the narcotics, but also working with the Office of Inspector General and outside law enforcements to dismantle the networks that are trafficking drugs into our systems.

While Texas prison units go into lockdown at least twice a year at different times, a systemwide lockdown is rare, TDCJ spokeswoman Amanda Hernandez said in an email.

During the lockdown, prison officials will be taking action to combat the smuggling of illegal drugs, including intensified searches of inmates, staff and others entering facilities, increased drug testing and the creation of a tip line.

TDCJ said its moving forward with its digital mail rollout, which will scan and convert all inmate mail into digital form that can be viewed on tablets. The change was done because of a significant increase in drug smuggling through letters soaked in methamphetamines or other illegal substances, officials said.

Officials suspect that a combination of smuggling by inmates, prison guards and through the mail is responsible for the majority of drugs coming into units, Hernandez said.

Heat protocols will still be followed during the lockdown, Hernandez said. These include giving inmates access to ice water, cold showers and areas with air conditioning.

But Dominick said inmates and families her organization has worked with have told her such heat protocols are not being followed by TDCJ.

Gregory Goodnight, an inmate at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, told The Associated Press in a July 18 letter that the conditions he and other inmates have faced because of the heat were cruel, potentially deadly and illegal. Goodnight said his unit, which houses inmates with medical conditions, has no air conditioning in its cells or hallways, theres insufficient air circulation and many days inmates dont get a shower.

Visits to inmates by their families and others have been canceled during the lockdown.

If were talking about people abusing drugs, one of the things that will inoculate or help a person to not be caught up in that addiction is family support. And so, theyre cutting off the main means of family support by canceling visitations, Dominick said.

___

Follow Juan A. Lozano on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70
[Source]

The dark brown eyes of a 6-month-old infant in Thailand temporarily turned indigo blue after receiving a common COVID-19 treatment.

Unusual transformation: The remarkable incident, published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, involved an infant diagnosed with COVID-19 after experiencing a fever and cough for just a single day. Doctors prescribed favipiravir, a widely used antiviral treatment approved by the Thai Ministry of Public Health for children with mild to moderate symptoms of the virus.

Just 18 hours after the medication, the child's mother noticed a shift in her baby's eye color from dark brown to bright blue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A medical mystery: Puzzled by the phenomenon, medical experts were left with no definitive explanation for the temporary eye discoloration. While some posited that the fluorescence might be linked to favipiravir itself, its metabolites or additional tablet components such as titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide, they were unable to pinpoint the exact mechanism that made it possible.

More from NextShark: Japanese mother, 2 roommates accused of confining her 5-year-old son in cat cage before his death

Previous cases reported blue corneas in a 20-year-old Indian man and fluorescence in the whites of eyes, nails and teeth of other patients taking favipiravir.

A doctors hypothesis: Dr. Vik Sharma, a London-based eye surgeon not involved in the case, explained to Live Science that the bluish hue may be attributed to how the human body processes the favipiravir after ingestion. He posited that fluorescent chemicals released by the drug somehow end up accumulating in the cornea.

"Usually the color of the eye is determined by the iris, not the cornea and is determined by the amount of pigment that is present in the iris from birth," he explained.

More from NextShark: XGs Maya and Harvey reference John Wick,' Super Saiyans in new cypher video Two Tens

About the drug: Favipiravir is an antiviral medication first discovered in Japan and originally approved in China to combat COVID-19 due to its effectiveness against RNA-based viruses. It has gained approval in several countries for COVID-19 treatment, including Russia and Italy, but has yet to receive the green light from the FDA in the U.S.

Previous research has highlighted a connection between the drug's concentration and fluorescence intensity, particularly in human hair and nails.

Recovery and further research: According to the infants doctors, the child did not sustain any damage to his vision and successfully recovered from COVID-19. After discontinuing the treatment, his eye color eventually reverted to its natural dark brown hue. However, the long-term effects of the peculiar side effect remain uncertain. Researchers noted that further studies are needed to understand the precise cause and potential consequences of this intriguing medical anomaly.

More from NextShark: Vanessa Hudgens searches for the supernatural in new documentary film

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Delaware police warn against South American crime tourists targeting Asian American homes
A Columbia shop known for cupcakes and other sweet treats will soon close its doors.

Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery at 4400 Fort Jackson Blvd. suite 600B is set to close up shop, according to a post on its Facebook page.

To all our loyal customers & fans, with a heavy heart we have made the decision to close Smallcakes Fort Jackson location on September 15th, the business posted. Thank you so much Columbia for all the love & support!

The Smallcakes brand has shops across the U.S., including four in South Carolina, per a store locator tool on its website. The one on Fort Jackson Boulevard was the only current Columbia location.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Smallcakes in Columbia has been known, naturally, for its cupcakes, and the shop has 14 signature flavors, including pink vanilla, birthday cake, peanut butter cup and others. It also has a host of other specialty flavors.

The cupcake shop has been in a shopping center that includes a Marshalls, a Michaels and other businesses.
LAKE MARY, Fla. (WFLA)  A three-legged bear known locally as Tripod was caught on camera breaking into a home in Lake Mary, Florida over the weekend and helping itself to some snacks and adult beverages.

Josaury Faneite-Diglio found out she had a thirsty, uninvited guest when she got a security camera notification around 5 p.m. Sunday, she told local news station WESH.

The home wasnt unoccupied when the bear arrived, however  Faneite-Diglios son, 13-year-old Joseph Diglio and the family dog, Bruno, were both inside. Diglio said that he realized there was a bear in the home after he heard Bruno barking and then watched Tripod rip a makeshift door into the screen surrounding the enclosed patio.

Oh my God. Ive never been this close to a bear, Diglio can be heard saying in the video.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tripod then made himself at home and lumbered over to the familys mini fridge.

Alaska couple reunited with cat 26 days after home collapsed into river

Once I saw him open the fridge, I got scared that he could open the doors to the houses, Diglio said.

Faneite-Diglio told the news station that Tripod had some fish food that was left next to their fish tank and then proceeded to the bar.

He took three White Claws, drank, and left very happy. His favorite flavor is mango and strawberry, Faneite-Diglio told WESH.

In case youre wondering if the bear was in search of a little booze, not just a snack, experts with the Bear Management Program at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) dont think so.

Bears will test foods and bite cans to drink whats inside, a spokesperson said in an email. We do not believe that bears choose cans that are filled with alcohol, it is likely just a random search to test what is inside.

Diglio said this was the second time a bear had broken through the patio screen but he accepts it as part of living in Lake Mary.

The family said Tripod is a well-liked member of the neighborhood.

I was not scared because we know the bear really well. He lives here; we respect their habitat as much as we can, Faneite-Diglio told WESH.

The FWC does not have plans to catch Tripod, adding that while Tripod was just on a screened porch and found an unsecured fridge, a bear that enters a home is a public safety issue and should be reported to wildlife officials immediately.

With fall coming, bears are more active as they search for food to pack on fat reserves, even if they are not hibernating as they do in colder climates, according to the FWC, which encourages residents to remove or secure anything that might attract a bear, including garbage, pet food and bird seed. Seeing a bear in a neighborhood isnt cause for immediate concern, but that bear may settle down and stay in the area if there is a source of food, which could lead it to lose its natural fear of people.

To avoid encounters between a bear or other wildlife and pets, bang on your door and flip your house lights on and off before letting your pets outside. This will give the bear (and any other wildlife) time to leave the area before your pets come outside. If you do not have a fenced yard, keep your dog on a short leash when taking them outside. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

You can learn more about bears and how to safely co-exist with them by visiting MyFWC.com/Bear or BearWise.org.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Three people on board an inflatable catamaran in the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia have been rescued after the vessel was damaged from several shark attacks, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said on Wednesday.

Photos and a video on the AMSA website showed a large part of the stern of the yacht torn away.

"The vessel departed from Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns (Australia) when contact was established. Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks," the AMSA said in a statement.

Rescue crews responded to an emergency positioning beacon registered to the Tion, a nine-metre inflatable catamaran on a round-the-world expedition, early on Wednesday morning. The yacht was located about 835 kms (519 miles) southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

AMSA requested the assistance of a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, which successfully conducted the rescue.

The three passengers - two Russian and one French citizen - are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday, AMSA said.

The three men on board the boat were unharmed, said Anna Kosikhina, a spokesperson for the voyage, which she said was aimed at promoting Russia and Siberia and began two years ago.

"They were all intact. Nobody is hurt," she said.

"The only thing is that the balloons of the inflatable catamaran were blown away."

This was not the first accident on the voyage, Kosikhina said, with the steering device of a previous vessel failing during a previous leg from Chile to Easter Island.

The crew continued the expedition on an inflatable catamaran by the same manufacturer that had been stored on the island for several years.

(This Sept. 5 story has been corrected to drop the reference to "satellite" in paragraph 2)

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney, additional reporting by Wang Jiawei and Mahezabin Sayed; Writing by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Michael Perry)
In-N-Out fans planning to attend the companys 75th anniversary celebration in October should buy their tickets sooner rather than later.

Tickets for In-N-Out Burgers 75th anniversary festival and benefit concert are almost sold out, according to the event website.

Copycat In-N-Out restaurant in Mexico changes its name

Festival tickets cost $25 per person, and ticket bundles that give people access to the concert and festival cost $75 per person.

However, ticket packages, like the Fun Runs deal, are already sold out.

The festival is slated to take place at the Pomona Raceway on Oct. 22, 2023, where visitors can enjoy drag racing, carnival rides, a car show, food, drinks, live musical performances and In-N-Out burgers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Pomona Raceway was also officially renamed the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip to celebrate the companys milestone.

In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder announced the event last year.

In-N-Out Burger opened in 1948 as a tiny stand at Francisquito and Garvey avenues in Baldwin Park. Harry and Esther Snyder, the companys founders, are credited with inventing the worlds first drive-thru with a two-way speaker box that same year.

Which Bible verses are printed on In-N-Outs burgers, fries and milkshakes?

For years, the restaurants could only be found in the Los Angeles area, but company officials slowly began expanding its footprint in other regions across the state and nearby states.

As of 2023, the company has 385 locations across the western half of the nation. In January, the company announced that it would open restaurants and a corporate office in Tennessee by 2026.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
WASHINGTON  Ron DeSantis is returning to the campaign trail.

It's a long trail strewn with obstacles for the Florida governor, beginning and ending with former President Donald Trump.

DeSantis briefly suspended his campaign after a mass shooting in Jacksonville in which three people died and Hurricane Idalia hit the state. The Florida governor still finds himself far behind the front-running Trump and fighting off other Republican challengers like former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

DeSantis, whose campaign schedule this week is focused mainly on interviews with local media in early contest states such as Iowa and New Hampshire, is hoping for a gradual, step-by-step comeback leading into actual voting at the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And releasing a video this week touting his hurricane clean-up, the DeSantis campaign said he is "showing America what it looks like to have a strong, principled leader at the helm in a time of crisis."

Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump

If DeSantis is going to gain ground in the crowded Republican field, his comeback must include:

Making a winning case against Donald Trump

DeSantis plans to continue arguing that he would simply be a better Republican nominee than Trump  a goal oddly complicated by the fact that the front-runner has been indicted in four criminal cases and could face trials throughout the 2024 campaign year.

So far, Trump has apparently persuaded resentful Republicans that the indictments are a political plot against him. He has built a formidable lead in Republican polls, much of it at the expense of DeSantis.

The current Real Clear Politics average of national polls of the Republican field has DeSantis in second place at 14.8%  but nearly 40 percentage points behind Trump, who is averaging 53.4%. That's despite, or in part because of, the cases against him.

DeSantis has been loathe to attack Trump over his legal problems. He has instead focused on policy and political differences, arguing that his opponent failed to live up to his promises during his time in the White House. DeSantis has also questioned Trump's ability to win a general election against President Joe Biden.

Fending off attacks by Donald Trump  and others

The Florida governor has to play offense and defense on the 2024 campaign trail.

DeSantis must contend with daily attacks from Trump and his allies, most of whom continue to regard the Florida governor as their biggest political threat.

Trump isn't the only candidate attacking DeSantis. Other Republican White House hopefuls are taking shots at the Florida governor, hoping to displace him as the main challenger to Trump.

Haley, coming off a well-reviewed performance at the first GOP primary debate, has recently touted a New Hampshire poll showing her tied with DeSantis for second place in the crucial state.

The poll from NMB Research put both DeSantis and Haley at 10%, both well behind Trump at 47%.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie hit DeSantis over his hurricane performance, knocking his decision not to meet with Biden as the president toured storm damage in Florida.

"Governor DeSantis has always played politics with this," Christie told CNN.

Pulling off debate performances

Like other Trump challengers, DeSantis is counting on performing well in upcoming debates, though there are questions as to whether Trump himself will appear on stage with the other candidates.

Trump did not show for the first debate Aug. 23 in Milwaukee and has suggested he will not attend a Sept. 27 set-to at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California.

DeSantis earned good marks for his performance in Milwaukee, but Trump's absence affected coverage of the debate. He hit Biden early on in the debate, but quickly pivoted to his vision for the country, including talking up signing a 6-week ban in Florida.

Avoiding big mistakes

Perhaps the biggest goal for DeSantis  and others  is to avoid big mistakes, whether in a debate or on the campaign trail.

DeSantis has had his share, hampering a campaign once thought to be a mortal political threat to Trump. Staff shakeups, reboots, and a botched rollout on what was then called Twitter have all contributed to DeSantis' struggles.

Before the first debate, a pro-DeSantis super PAC also posted a potential strategy online in an apparent attempt to communicate with the Florida governor's campaign without violating election rules. The document, which suggested showing emotion, signaled questions about DeSantis' awkwardness and likability he's facing as his campaign continues.

The memo also suggested that DeSantis go after some of his other rivals, particularly entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Reversing the pattern

Through it all, DeSantis and aides have said that organization is the key to their hopes. That includes get out the vote operations, particularly in early states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

NBC News highlighted the scope of DeSantis' challenge in an analysis of three different polls  from the Wall Street Journal, CNN and Fox News  showing Trump growing his lead in recent months, despite his indictments.

"Altogether, the pattern is clear," NBC's Mark Murray and Alexandra Marquez wrote. "DeSantis national polling percentages have gone from the mid- to high-20s earlier this year to the teens now. And instead of battling directly with Trump, he's fighting fellow rivals for the right to remain the top alternative."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeSantis restarts 2024 campaign, tries to catch Donald Trump in polls
A gesture associated with praising Hitler was made during a Tipp City school board meeting Tuesday.

The Tipp City Board of Education was gathered for a work session Tuesday. As the board was discussing funding for a project, board president Simon Patry was interrupted by board member Anne Zakkour.

>> Coroner IDs 22-year-old killed in Harrison Twp. road rage shooting

Do not interrupt me, do not make any noises or else I will -- I will not tolerate it, Patry said.

Following that remark, Zakkour said, Oh Sieg Heil while acting out a Nazi salute.

News Center 7s Kayla McDermott went to the district offices Wednesday and asked about the incident. The district declined to comment, but Zakkour called McDermott back Wednesday afternoon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

My reaction was symbolic and, I think, a sarcastic gesture of submission to a board officer acting as a dictator, Zakkour explained.

She went on to claim Patrys tone was threatening to her in the moment.

Patry has a pattern of being very condescending, controlling  dictator. I was trying to make the point that he was a dictator. It was a last straw breaking point, she said. That was reactive behavior on my part.

Zakkour said she understands why some parents and community members, like Josh Dziedzicki, are upset.

I cant believe in this day and age we are even joking about making this sort of gesture, Dziedzicki, a Tipp City with family members in the district, said about the gesture.

Still, the board member, whose term ends in December, said she believes both her and Patrys behavior was wrong.

Theres two sides here. Its not just my behavior, but his behavior and my reaction, she said.

>> Man in custody after being found in Darke County cornfield following pursuit

Later in the meeting, Patry announced that he would be resigning effective at midnight that night.

Following his announcement, Patry proposed a motion to have Amber Drum replace him as board president for the remainder of the school year. The motion was approved.

In a social media post, Patry thanked the community for their support during his nearly four years on the Board of Education.

It has been an honor to serve, he said in the post.

News Center 7 also learned that the gesture was not the reason for Patrys resignation. We also reached out to Patry for comment on the incident in the meeting, but have not received a response.












Eight people were inside a home when a Florida toddler was fatally shot with an American tactical multi-caliber assault pistol, but getting at the truth of what happened has been difficult, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

Witnesses arent fully cooperating, so no one has been charged and detectives cant confidently rule the shooting wasnt intentional, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said during a news conference.

However, one thing is known for sure, he said.

The child did not touch the firearm, Staly says. The child is an innocent victim in this case.

It happened around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3, at a home in Palm Coast, about 60 miles south of Jacksonville, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A frantic 911 call (reported) a baby had been shot, officials said. Upon arrival, deputies located an 18-month-old female with a gunshot wound to the head. The child was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Eight adults were in the home at the time, including the childs biological mother, Staly said.

Detectives also found 420 grams of marijuana and 11 grams of a white powdery substance that we believe is either cocaine or heroin, Staly said.

Among the adults in the home was a 21-year-old man who was arrested on a probation violation charge and is also considered a person of interest in the childs death, Staly said.

The firearm used in the shooting was identified as an American tactical multi-caliber assault pistol, which can fire multiple types of shells, Staly said. At this time, we are still determining the caliber she was actually shot with.

Investigators are working to determine the relationship the eight adults have to each other, and forensics is being used to see who among them may have touched the gun, Staly said.

All eight people inside the house have not been totally cooperative, and so this (case) will be based on forensics and good police work, Staly said.

Thats why were not ruling anyone out in that house, but we have a primary person of interest. It would be a lot easier if everybody would tell us the truth in exactly what went on in that house. But heres what I do know ... we will get to the bottom of this and we will hold somebody accountable for the death of an 18-month-old child.

Investigators do not believe the shooting was drug related, despite the presence of a fairly large amount of drugs in the house, Staly said.

Gun violence in the US

Thousands of people die every year from firearm injuries in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Firearm injuries are a serious public health problem, officials said. In 2020, there were 45,222 firearm-related deaths in the United States  thats about 124 people dying from a firearm-related injury each day.

Firearm-related injuries were one of the top leading causes of death for people ages 1 to 44 in 2020, the CDC reported.

More than half of firearm-related deaths were suicides and more than 4 out of every 10 were firearm homicides, the CDC says.

The impact of gun violence, however, goes beyond the death toll, experts said.

The effects of firearm violence extend beyond victims and their families, according to the CDC. Shooting incidents, including those in homes, schools, houses of worship, workplaces, shopping areas, on the street or at community events can affect the sense of safety and security of entire communities and impact everyday decisions.

Three children among 4 killed when 15-year-old driver runs stop sign, Florida cops say

Dad uses heavy duty electric saw to kill his 16-year-old son, Florida cops say

Mom in custody dispute kills young son, teen daughter and herself, Florida cops say
A toddler died after she was left in a hot car in the parking lot of a Florida church, police said.

Officers found the girl in a vehicle in the church parking lot at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Preschool on Sept. 6 after reports of an unresponsive child, according to a news release from the City of Jacksonville Beach Police Department.

Police began investigating the area and a gray van that was parked in the lot, WJXT reported.

It is unclear if the death was criminal or accidental, police spokesperson Sgt. T.L. Tator said in a news conference streamed by WJAX.

Police did not share how long the child was left in the car or whether the child was affiliated with the church or preschool.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Heat was a factor in this, Tator said. As we all know, it is summertime. Heat gets extremely unbearable, more for elderly and for youth.

Tator also said the preschool, operated through the church, was in session when the toddler was found.

No one has been taken into custody, police told WJXT, and everyone involved was interviewed.

McClatchy News reached out to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Preschool on Sept. 6 and they declined to comment.

It affects everybody. It affects not only the parishioners, but it affects the community, it affects the officers, so we just ask that everybody keep that family in their thoughts and prayers, Tator said.

Hot car deaths

More than 950 children have died in hot cars since 1998, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

About 40 children a year die from heatstroke, either because they were left or became trapped in a car, officials said. Thats about one child every 10 days killed in a hot car.

Hot car deaths are most common in the summer, but they can happen at any time, according to the administration. The first vehicular heatstroke of the year typically happens in March.

Leaving a window open is not enough - temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

If you see a child alone in a vehicle, officials said you should make sure the child is responsive, and if not, call 911 immediately.

Dogs named Kilo and Rosco found abandoned in the heat with a note, Indiana cops say

12-year-old dies after collapsing in PE class, California family says. Devastating

1-year-old left in hot van at daycare dies, cops say. How did you forget my baby?

Couple forced man with disabilities to live in squalor in backyard, Florida cops say
ARLINGTON, Va.  The top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee previewed his partys negotiating strategy and red lines for hammering out a compromise defense policy bill loaded with partisan amendments from the conservative Freedom Caucus, while speaking at the annual Defense News Conference on Wednesday.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., said Democrats could possibly look at modified versions of certain House Freedom Caucus amendments added to the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, but expressed skepticism that would be enough to reach an accord with the right-flank of the Republican caucus.

There is no National Defense Authorization Act that Chip Roy votes for and Democrats vote for, Smith told Defense N ews, referencing the Republican congressman from Texas. Whatever modest little things we could do are simply not going to be enough for the Freedom Caucus.

Roy is one of the Freedom Caucus members who added partisan amendments to the defense bill in July. The amendments prompted Democrats to vote against the bill in droves, resulting in narrow passage of the typically bipartisan legislation in a 219-210 vote. A Roy amendment to the bill would bar the Pentagon from implementing Bidens executive orders on climate change.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Senate passed its version of the defense policy bill in July with robust bipartisan support in an 86-11 vote, setting up a showdown with the House over the Freedom Caucus amendments that Democrats view as poison pills.

Other Freedom Caucus amendments that House Republicans added to their bill would stop the Pentagon from implementing diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives, its abortion travel leave policy and medical care for transgender troops.

The bill that we passed out of committee had some criticisms of DEI in a variety of different forms, said Smith. If they wish to regulate how they do DEI at the Pentagon, if theyre truly worried about extreme proposals and things like critical race theory, we can talk about that.

We can also look at the provisions on the climate change initiatives, he added. I dont know if theres some way to subtly modify those.

Smith stressed its important for Congress to pass a compromise defense bill because it authorizes support for service members, including basic housing allowance, various pay incentives for recruitment and retention and military construction projects that encompass childcare centers.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., allowed votes on the partisan amendments to secure support from the Freedom Caucus, who threatened to otherwise use procedural hurdles to stall the bill.

The question is what will McCarthy and House Republicans feel they have to do to appease the right-wing of their party, said Smith. What Kevin McCarthy is trying to do, is he is trying to appease the unappeasable.

Smith noted Congress faces the same dilemma while passing spending legislation needed to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the month. He said that Congress typically tries to find ways to pay troops during shutdowns, the level of uncertainty that this will throw at service members and their families cannot be overstated.

Further complicating matters, McCarthy finds himself at odds with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., over additional military spending to circumvent the $886 billion defense cap laid out in the debt ceiling agreement.

Smith said he does not support additional addition defense spending levels beyond the debt ceiling cap, with the exception of $13 billion in additional Ukraine military aid the White House has asked for.

He added that he opposes another defense bill provision from Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., that would establish a special inspector general for Ukraine, an initiative also opposed by the White House. Smith said Democrats compromised with Republicans in committee markup to insert the Gaetz language as part of a package of bipartisan amendments.

Smith said we are doing very aggressive oversight on Ukraine, referring to the Pentagon and State Department inspectors general overseeing military aid and the Government Accountability Office.
By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union's top court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal against sanctions by Gennady Timchenko, a Russian tycoon and long-time ally of President Vladimir Putin who was targeted after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The EU's General Court, the first instance at the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU), also threw out similar appeals by Timchenko's wife, Elena, as well as Russian businessman Dmitry Pumpyansky and his wife Galina.

The rulings can be challenged on appeal to the CJEU's highest authority.

Gennady Timchenko resigned from management of Russia's largest private natural gas producer Novatek last year in March after being targeted with the sanctions by the 27-nation EU.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The EU also banned Dmitry Pumpyansky, saying he is a billionaire whose businesses support and benefit from working with the Russian state.

Two more men - Tigran Khudaverdyan, a former head of Yandex, Russia's answer to Google, and Alexander Shulgin, a former head of Russia's e-commerce platform Ozon - also received the rulings on their appeals against EU sanctions on Wednesday.

Khudaverdyan lost while Shulgin partially won, though he remains listed for now.

The EU has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine last year. They include trade restrictions to cut defence and other exports to Russia, as well as restrictions on Russia's banking sector, among others.

The individual sanctions, like those challenged by Timchenko, cover a travel ban and a freeze of all assets held in the EU. The list encompasses nearly 1,800 people and entities with an estimated 21.5 billion euros worth of holdings affected.

The bloc is discussing whether and how to use these holdings - including its share of the further 300 billion euros worth of Russian central bank assets frozen in the EU and G7 countries - to help finance rebuilding Ukraine from the war.

Sanctions are renewed every six months with some due on Sept. 15.

Nearly 80 challenges to EU sanctions over the war in Ukraine had been filed at the CJEU, according to information from the court last March, the latest available.

Before the Wednesday rulings, the court has already dismissed a challenge by Russian state-owned television Russia Today against a broadcasting ban in the EU.

The mother of Russia's late mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin scored a rare victory against the sanctions, though the ruling last March had no immediate practical effect as she remained sanctioned under separate decisions.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is challenging EU sanctions as well, a source familiar with the matter said in July.

(Additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; writing by Gabriela Baczynska; editing by Mark Heinrich, William Maclean)
Peter Navarro, the diehard MAGA devotee who took a role in Donald Trumps White House and later became the former presidents point man on the Big Lie, is currently on trial for flouting a congressional subpoena requiring him to testify about his favorite subject: the 2020 election.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ended the day by selecting the jury that will decide Navarros fateand things arent looking good for him.

Navarro is poised to lose the trial convincingly, completing his destiny as yet another Trump loyalist undone by his unyielding service to a man who keeps deflecting blame for every policy and business failure. But Navarro isnt just a cautionary Trumpworld tale.

For months, Navarro would tell anybody he could about his earnest efforts to keep Trump in office after his political idol lost the 2020 election.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Peter Navarro Has Executive Privilege Claim Knocked by Federal Judge

Navarro wrote a book about it. He laid out the plan to interrupt Congress on right-wing blowhard Steve Bannons daily podcast. He even lamented its failure while directly implicating Trump and others in an interview with The Daily Beast, a shocking admission that led to stories in Rolling Stone and a head-turning interaction on MSNBC.

But Navarro simply wouldnt tell his story under oath for the House Jan. 6 Committee, which came calling in the weeks after his interview with this publicationeven though he had received a congressional subpoena demanding he show up.

The committees work is over, culminating in the definitive report documenting Trumps desperate attempts to cling to power. But Navarro now faces a potential jail sentence.

The Department of Justice charged Navarro with two misdemeanor counts of congressional contempt, and if Bannons own trial last year is any indication, the Washington jury will quickly conclude hes guilty.

Like his podcasting associate, Navarro has been totally stripped of any effective defenses.

In January, the federal judge overseeing his case barred Navarro from making the lame excuse that Trumpwho was no longer presidentcould somehow wave around expired credentials and exercise executive privilege to keep him from talking to Congress. Last week, the judge went even further during a court hearing, expressing doubt that Navarro even got an explicit directive.

I still dont know what the president said I dont have any words from the former president, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said.

Trump of course could interject and say he told Navarro not to testify in some expression of executive privilege. But hes extremely unlikely to speak up, perhaps because he didnt but also because saying so would just strengthen two criminal cases against him.

Instead, Navarro has next to no defense.

It Cost Steve Bannon $601,000 to Ignore the Jan. 6 Committee

CNN and others noted how the judge described the record as barren and called a portion of Navarros contrived retelling pretty weak sauce.

That means that Navarro, like his buddy Bannon, is going to trial to face the music and wait until jurors come to the obvious conclusion that he simply chose to ignore a legitimate congressional subpoena.

Like Bannon, Navarro didnt have to go through this. He could have showed up on Capitol Hill and told congressional investigators the same thing he was telling the American publicor even remained quiet and asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

But at this point, the DOJ need only use his own words against him. On Tuesday, prosecutors filed a court memo indicating that Navarro himself has already copped to the crime in the ill-advised 88-page lawsuit he filed on his own against then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosia move that violated the old adage, A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.

Prosecutors pointed to a point at which Navarro, 73 pages into his lawsuit, derided the present government by alleging a conspiracy to take him down as soon as hed failed to comply with what I believed their unlawful subpoena.

I hadand haveno other honorable choice than to fail to comply with the Committees subpoena, he added.

Meanwhile, Navarros lawyers engaged in a last-minute scramble on the eve of jury selection in a hopeless attempt to stop the DOJ, noting the fact that Navarro even tried to lean on Trumps supposed executive privilege as a way to get out of testifying before the congressional panel.

Admission of his assertion of executive privilege would unfairly prejudice Dr. Navarro; would confuse the issues for the jury; and would mislead the jury, his attorneys wrote.

But Navarros lawyers went even further, feigning surprise that prosecutors intended to argue that Navarros mere assertion of bogus executive privilege was, in fact, the very proof that he wasnt acting in good faith. They called it patently unfair that Navarro cant explain why he thought Trumps long-gone presidential powers somehow barred him while prosecutors can use that explanation to prove that he acted willfully.

Furious Peter Navarro Tries, Fails, to Rip Protesters Anti-Trump Sign

Prosecutors countered that Navarros emails to the committee are pretty damning in that they show his state of mind, because congressional investigators told him this excuse wouldnt work.

The committee explained that executive privilege would not excuse his noncompliance, prosecutors told the judge, noting that the emails are direct evidence that his default was intentional. Navarro was apprised of his obligation to show-up and the emails explain, prosecutors said, that he chose not to do so.

Navarros trial this week at the federal courthouse in Washingtonthe same one where Trump was recently indicted over his coup attemptis expected to only take a few days. If convicted, hell be sentenced in a few months. If hes granted the same treatment as Bannon, hell remain free pending an appeal.

But aside from the prospect of spending up to two years in prison, Navarro appears deeply concerned about his mounting legal bills. Hes being represented by John S. Irving, John P. Rowley, III, Stanley E. Woodward, Jr., Stan M. Branda team that has separately represented the former president and various insurrectionists.

While the former president keeps raising hundreds of millions of dollars in a 2024 presidential campaign that pays for his lawyers, Navarro appears to be stuck paying for his own.

When he addressed journalists outside the courthouse last week, he started by directing anyone whod listen to his online fundraising websitethen bemoaned the cost hes now shouldering. He called the prosecution lawfare against political rivals meant to try to put you in prison but its also to bankrupt you.

Were going to go up to $750,000 by the end of the trial, and the appeals are going to be over a million, he said. Do I look like a rich man? This is the same suit I wore in 2017 going into the White House, OK?

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.
Better late than never, I guess.

Assistant State Attorney Bryon Aven finally took responsibility and pleaded guilty to prosecutorial misconduct to the Florida Bar, stemming from a 2022 battery case in which he presented and encouraged false testimony. In exchange for his plea, the Florida Bar is suspending Aven for two years from practicing law.

He is also expected to pay more than $4,000 in legal fees.

Bryon Aven, shown here working as an assistant state attorney in Ocala during a 2019 trial.

The plea agreement must be approved by the Florida Supreme Court, something which should not be considered automatic. According to Melbourne attorney Doug Beam, the Supreme Court often leans toward harsher penalties.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During the 2022 battery trial, Aven knowingly presented false information that contradicted a surveillance video he admitted into evidence but did not "publish," meaning show it to the jury. The judge ordered the video to be played without the jury present then held a hearing for a motion to mistrial when he discovered the contents.

More: Torres: Prosecutor admits presenting false testimony but denies breaking the rules

During the mistrial hearing, Aven took the stand and denied any wrongdoing and refused to concede there was false testimony. It was only after his second chair, prosecutor Chris Cusmano, told the State Attorney Office's Division Chief Bill Respess and Aven that his own testimony was going to be different that Aven went back on the stand and admitted wrongdoing.

Former prosecutor Chris Cusmano is running for State Attorney.

Cusmano, now running for State Attorney, said he was shocked at Aven's actions. He resigned from the office when State Attorney Phil Archer refused to fire Aven. Archer is not seeking reelection.

In a deposition taken by the Florida Bar for its case against Aven, Cusmano expressed disgust with Aven for insinuating Cusmano was aware of the deception at the trial.

"That is professionally the most offensive thing anyone's suggested about me ever, that I would be okay with what happened here," he said. "I believe it was a travesty what occurred. I do think it was intentional."

If approved by the Florida Supreme Court, a two-year suspension is significant said Public Defender for the 18th Judicial Circuit Blaise Trettis.

The Florida Supreme Courts two-year suspension of the law license of assistant state attorney Bryon Aven is enormously serious and significant," Trettis said, adding that the "serious penalty against prosecutor Aven sends a clear message to Florida prosecutors that the Supreme Court has zero tolerance for unethical prosecutors, who are in the most powerful position in the justice system to wrongly imprison people and destroy the lives of people through their unethical conduct.

More: Torres: Former assistant state attorney shows integrity by quitting

This incident was not Aven's first time running afoul of the Florida Bar, and he was reprimanded in 2021 for his actions while running for judge in the 5th Judicial Circuit. The Florida Supreme Court's reprimand order contained two dissenting opinions. Justices Charles Canady and Jorge Labarga both wrote that Aven deserved more than just a reprimand.

A few months later, Aven was relieved of his duties from the State Attorney's office in the 5th Judicial Circuit for his handling of cases and absenteeism. Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties. Assistant State Attorney Walter Forgie of the 5th Circuit said the parting of ways was for "a pattern of behavior that fell short of the expectations.

Incredulously, Aven was then hired here in Brevard County and even more incredulously allowed to continue working after the misconduct came to light. He was removed from the courtroom and assigned to the intake division where he decides what cases go forward for prosecution that occur in the Titusville area.

Let's see if a suspension finally costs him his job here in Brevard.

Contact Torres at jtorres@floridatoday.com. You can follow him on X @johnalbertorres or on Facebook at facebook.com/FTjohntorres.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard prosecutor suspended for presenting false testimony | Torres
Following the delivery of the 100th Toyota GR Supra GT4 racer, the automaker has decided something special is in order. Among the lowest production figure projects ever undertaken by the brand, the all-new GR Supra 100th Edition model is a track day exclusive based on the recent GT4 Evo model.

Toyota only plans to build three of these GR Supra 100th Edition vehicles, with one slated for Europe, Asia, and the American markets. The car itself is based on the updated GT4 Evo race car, which made its debut at the start of this years racing season. This special project is no homologation special, however. Without the ruleset of GT4 racing to adhere to, Toyota was able to have a bit of fun with this machine.

Up front youll notice a larger hood vent, which works in tandem with new dive planes to increase downforce. The front lighting elements have been reworked with LEDs borrowed from an endurance racer, which changes the cars face ever so slightly. Toyota has also developed a new exhaust system for the track-day car, which forgoes any sort of mufflers in the hopes of celebrating that turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Each example of the GR Supra 100th Edition will be finished in the Plasma Orange hue. Even the engine blocks will be finished in the bright color.

Youll find a similar number of adjustments inside the GT4-based project, starting with a full-blown passenger seat for riding along on track. Theres also an insane amount of Plasma Oorange highlights, including on the Power Stick selector, and the embroidery on the OMP bucket seats. Things are otherwise pretty spartan, but thats to be expected with a machine like this. The lottery selection process for the cars has officially closed on the Gazoo Racing website, meaning your chance at getting one is already over. That said, the selected buyer will need to pony up more than $235,000 for the privilege of taking their one-of-three car home. While thats not too much more than a regular GR Supra GT4, it seems you could recreate one of these limited-production models without too much trouble.

Toyota

You Might Also Like
Leer en espanol

As of Sunday Hilary was classified as a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. While it is not expected to make landfall in Arizona, local weather offices forecast that the storm was expected to bring increased moisture and flooding into the state.

Hilary began as a tropical storm on Aug. 16 when it formed off Mexico's southern Pacific coast, then grew into a Category 4 hurricane before being downgraded.

On Sunday morning, Hilary was about 220 miles south-southeast of San Diego, moving north-northwest and producing winds of up to 70 mph, which nearly halved in speed from the powerful 125 mph winds seen on Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, Hilary was about 150 miles south-southeast of San Diego, producing winds of up to 60 mph.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The National Hurricane Center expected Hilarys impact would produce catastrophic and life-threatening flooding likely over Baja California and the southwestern U.S. through Monday.

Hilary updates: Wind advisory issued for Phoenix area

The storm was expected to weaken as it traveled toward Southern California. This is the first time Southern California has ever been placed under a tropical storm watch.

Sean Benedict, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said Hilary is not expected to move directly into Arizona, but increased moisture was expected.

Specific Storm Map:

Flood watch warnings were issued through Monday afternoon, with the highest areas of threat being La Paz and Yuma counties.

Other areas placed under flood watch warning include Parker, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Yuma, Page, Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Supai, Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork, Seligman, Chino Valley, Camp Verde and Black Canyon City.

The weather service in Phoenix registered strong storm activity in Yuma as early as 6 a.m. Saturday.

The forecast for the Phoenix area is less than half an inch of rain for the weekend, according to Benedict. The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported an expected temperature cool-off for the Phoenix area with highs below the 100-degree mark into Monday.

Benedict said the impacts will increase the farther west people travel. There were concerns with the Joshua Tree National Park as it was forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain. The park is now closed. Benedict advised anyone considering traveling to Southern California this weekend to be aware of bad road conditions.

Interstate concerns: Roadwork underway on fragile I-10 freeway link between California, Phoenix

The National Weather Service reported that numerous storms throughout the state were expected into the evening on Aug. 20. Storms were forecast to include gusty winds with heavy rainfall rates and increasing threats of flooding and flash flooding.

The National Weather Service advised people to avoid slot canyons, creeks, drainages and low-water crossings. The agency also wanted to remind the public never to drive into flooded waters.

There was estimated runoff into the New River at Westmorland based on the forecast rainfall. The river was estimated to rise above the flood stage on the evening of Aug. 20 with an estimated peak on the morning of Aug. 21, about 6 inches above the flood stage.

The National Weather Service was forecasting most rain to taper off by Aug. 21.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hurricane Hilary tracker: Will storm bring rain to Arizona?
Former US President Donald J. Trump speaks outside at Trump National Golf Club, in Bedminster, New Jersey, USA, 13 June 2023 (EPA)

Donald Trump has never been more vulnerable.

Without the privileges and prestige of the presidency to protect him, Mr Trump is facing serious lawsuits and criminal indictments across New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington.

Federal officials, local prosecutors, and individuals are going after him for everything from his private conduct to his political maneuvering during the 2020 election. If even just one of these efforts are successful, the US could see its first-ever former president in prison.

Here, The Independent explains each major case:

An election conspiracy case in Georgia

On 14 August, Mr Trump and 18 allies were charged in Georgias Fulton County for conspiring to subvert the states 2020 presidential election results.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Wallis began investigating the former president shortly after he left office in 2021. At the time, an infamous recording had just gone public of Mr Trump pressuring election officials to find him just enough votes to win him the state.

A grand jury empaneled by Ms Willis found that there was persuasive evidence that Mr Trump and 18 co-defendants, including high-profile lieutenants like Rudy Giuliani and former White House chief of staff, sought to tamper with the states election results through various schemes like coercing local officials and attempting to send a slate of false electors to Washington for the final Electoral College certification process.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis investigated Donald Trump for allegedly interfering in the states 2020 election results (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Mr Trump personally faces 13 charges, including for violating the states RICO organised crime statute, and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. He has denied wrongdoing.

The ex-president surrendered to authorities in Fulton County on the evening of 24 August where he was booked, processed and for the first time, received a mug shot.

He and his co-defendants were set to face arraignment on 6 September.

But on 31 August, Mr Trump entered a not guilty plea and waived his arraignment  in a move to avoid appearing in court where the judge had already granted cameras.

Georgia officials have proposed a 23 October 2023 trial date.

(Another) election conspiracy case in Washington, DC

Just two weeks before the Georgia charges dropped, Mr Trump was indicted on federal charges in Washington, DC, for allegedly trying to overthrow the 2020 election. The historic moment was the culmination of an investigation that began in November 2022 with the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith.

On 1 August, a grand jury approved an indictment accusing Mr Trump of conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of an official proceeding, and deprivation of civil rights under colour of law, the latter charge using a post-Civil War law designed to prosecute the Klu Klux Klan.

The special counsels office alleges Donald Trump knew he lost the 2020 election, but conspiracy to stay in power anyway and encouraged the January 6 insurrection (EPA-EFE)

The four-count indictment alleges Mr Trump and his allies knew they lost the 2020 election, but sought to hold onto power anyway. They did so, according to federal prosecutors, by pressuring officials to ignore the popular vote, organising slates of illegitimate electors, conducting sham Justice Department investigations into state election counts, coercing Vice President Mike Pence to reject certifying the legitimate election results, then fueling the mob of supporters who sacked the Capitol on January 6.

Mr Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed he was the victim of a political prosecution.

This was never supposed to happen in America. This is the persecution of the person thats leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot so if you cant beat them you persecute them or prosecute em, he said on 3 August.

Judge Tanya Chutkan set his trial date to begin on 4 March 2024 in Washington DC despite Mr Trumps team arguing they need until 2026 before going to trial.

A classified documents case in Florida

The charges in Washington followed another special counsel prosecution against Mr Trump in Florida.

On 8 June, a federal grand jury indicted Mr Trump on 37 charges for allegedly retaining classified national defence information after leaving the White House, then conspiring to obstruct justice and making false statements when federal officials sought to take back the official documents.

Stacks of boxes can be observed in a bathroom and shower in The Mar-a-Lago Clubs Lake Room at former US President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (US Justice Department/AFP via Ge)

Nearly two months later, on 28 July, federal prosecutors added three additional charges in the case, accusing Mr Trump and employees of his Mar-a-Lago estate of attempting to delete security footage pertaining to the documents so it couldnt be used in a future investigation as evidence.

The indictments allege Mr Trump recklessly handled sensitive materials he had access to as president, storing classified files in the bathroom and shower at his Florida club. Mr Trump was also recorded at one of his New Jersey properties in 2021 appearing to brag about possessing a highly confidential Pentagon document regarding hypothetical battle plans against Iran.

The former president pleaded not guilty in early August. He will go on trial 20 May 2024.

A New York catch and kill scheme involving hush money, porn stars, and tabloids

Mr Trump is also under scrutiny from local officials in New York.

On 30 March, a Manhattan grand jury voted to indict the former president for allegedly falsifying business records relating to hush money payments he made to porn actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from revealing an alleged affair during the 2016 election.

Mr Trump faces 34 first-degree felony charges for allegedly working through his former attorney Michael Cohen and former National Enquirer David Pecker to catch and kill embarrassing stories, passing out hundreds of thousands of dollars to silence allegations of affairs and a child born out of wedlock, then allegedly falsifying records to conceal the payments.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom with his attorneys Joe Tacopina and Boris Epshteyn (R) during his arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Court April 4, 2023 in New York City (Getty Images)

We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is leading the prosecution, said in a statement.

Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The trial will begin 25 March 2024.

A finding that Trump raped E Jean Carroll

The hush money payments case wasnt the only New York-centric legal battle Mr Trump faced this year.

On 9 May, a New York jury found him liable for the sexual abuse of E Jean Carroll.

In 2019, the longtime Elle magazine columnist accused Mr Trump of raping her in the dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store in New York City in 1996, which the then-president denied.

Writer E Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of raping her in a New York department store in the 1990s, but the ex-president has continued to deny any wrongdoing, even after a court decision affirmed the substantial truth of the incident. (AFP/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The writer sued Mr Trump for defamation that year, and the Justice Department temporarily defended him, claiming his comments were part of his duties as president, though the DoJ ceased this defence in 2023. Ms Carroll later added a sexual battery charge against Mr Trump under a new New York law allowing survivors of sexual abuse to sue their abusers despite the statute of limitations.

The May verdict, which awarded Ms Carroll $5m, wasnt the end of the matter, however. Though the jury found that Mr Trump was liable for sexually abusing Ms Carroll, it hadnt technically found he had raped her.

In June, Mr Trump sued Ms Carroll for saying the New York businessman had in fact raped her. In an order made public on 7 August, federal judge Lewis Kaplan dismissed the former presidents counterclaim, finding that the original verdict establishes against him the substantial truth of Ms Carrolls rape accusations.

The former president is appealing the $5m verdict, while Ms Carroll is suing Mr Trump in a separate defamation action, after he criticised the original decision, denied ever meeting Carroll, and accused her once again of fabricating her rape allegation.

A $250m art of the steal in New York

In September of 2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Mr Trump, his three eldest children, and their family company, the Trump Organization, alleging they produced fraudulent valuations of properties and Mr Trumps personal finances to extract lending and insurance benefits.

New York officials are seeking to bar the Trump Organization from doing business in the state, alleging a wide-ranging pattern of fraud (AFP via Getty Images)

The bombshell suit, which Ms James said is an attempt to hold Mr Trump accountable for perfecting the art of the steal, seeks a $250m penalty and sanctions that would effectively bar the Trump Organization from doing business in New York. In August of 2023, Ms Jamess office said in a court filing the case was ready for trial.

The Trump Organization, as well as Donald, Eric, and Donald Trump, Jr, all deny wrongdoing, while allegations against Ivanka Trump were dropped in June of 2023 in a New York appeals court.

Incitement, confidentiality and a pyramid scheme

And those cases are just the beginning, Mr Trump is also implicated in a host of other legal battles.

In January, a case went to trial in a suit accusing Mr Trump and his eldest children of promoting a multi-level marketing scam called The Celebrity Apprentice.

This March, the Justice Department argued in federal appeals court that Mr Trump isnt immune from a lawsuit by members of Congress and US Capitol Police officers accusing him of inciting the January 6 riots.

Mr Trump faces a lawsuit from members of Congress and the US Capitol police over allegedly inciting the January 6 insurrection (Getty Images)

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, meanwhile, is still pursuing an appeal against Mr Trump alleging he was arbitrarily sent back to prison from home confinement for speaking to the press and planning a tell-all book, though the case was dismissed in November.

Another suit, this one from Mr Trump against his niece Mary Trump, also remains ongoing. The former president accuses Ms Trump of breaching the confidentiality of a family estate settlement and with The New York Times on an expose into the former presidents taxes. In May, a judge dropped the newspaper from the suit.

Ariana Baio contributed to this report
If he isnt able to refill his testosterone prescription in the next two weeks, Vash Addams tells me, hes worried that hes going to be forced to break the law. Testosterone is classified as a Schedule 3 controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, and possession of the synthetic version of the sex hormone without a doctors prescription is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by a sentence of up to a year in prison and potentially a fine of up to $2,500 on the first offense.

When Addams first spoke to me over the phone from his home in Tampa, Florida, he said he doesnt want to risk possible jail time, with a wife who needs him and a young son to support. But as a trans man in desperate need of the medication hes been taking regularly since 2016, he felt he had no choice.

I have maybe two doses of my testosterone lefttwo half-doses, Addams said in an Aug. 26 interview. If I cant get it, I may have to turn to the black market. I had a hysterectomy about six years ago, so my body creates no hormones on its own. Its getting really serious for me, and I know other people in a very similar situation. Nobodys got good answers right now.

Three months after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill restricting access to the vast majority of trans medical care in Florida, trans people across the state are being driven toward impossible choices as they grapple with the fallout. SB 254 was advertised by its supporters as protecting youth from treatments they claimed were experimental by making it a felony to provide hormone replacement therapy or puberty blockers to trans minors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The law was partially enjoined following a scathing ruling from U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on June 6, in which he claimed that SB 254 will cause irreparable harm to trans minors, calling the statute an exercise in politics, not good medicine. But that injunction, for now, allows only the three trans youth who signed on to a lawsuit against SB 254 to access gender-affirming care. Those medications remain out of reach for other trans patients in Florida under the age of 18.

And despite the alleged focus on safeguarding youth, the law also targets trans adults. For trans patients of all ages, SB 254 requires that prescriptions for hormones like testosterone and estrogen be administered solely by a doctornot any other kind of qualified medical professional. It also severely restricts the use of telehealth: Although a patient may continue to see a doctor virtually after an initial in-person visit, new prescriptions cannot be issued via telehealth, nor can a patient who is now no longer allowed to see a nurse practitioner simply switch to seeing a doctor via telehealth.

These aspects of the bill may seem somewhat neutral when taken at face value: Trans adults need to go to an M.D.s office to get their medicineso what? But banning these routes to specialized health care is draconian and unprecedented, especially when you consider that telehealth and medical care administered by nurse practitioners constitute a major segment of the modern U.S. health care system. A 2022 survey of the national workforce of nurse practitioners found that 70 percent reported administering primary care, and 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that 37 percent of adults utilize telehealth to access medical care.

It can be difficult to get an appointment with a doctor, for any reason, in a timely manner. Telehealth and nurse practitioners help expand patient access to care, whether its for dermatology, mental health care, or many other common patient needs. These routes to care are especially important for trans patients: An estimated 80 percent of prescriptions for gender-affirming medications are written by nurse practitioners, according to data from the Orlando-based LGBTQ+ clinic Spektrum. Folx, an LGBTQ+ telehealth service, estimated that 1,500 of its patients were based in Florida before the law passed.

The new law meant that Addams was no longer able to see his regular provider, a nurse practitioner, after its implementation on May 17. He had been rationing his testosterone for months in preparation for the worst-case scenario: the last of his supply running out.

Addams had been hoping to avoid that scenario, but due to a miscommunication between his pharmacy and his former medical provider, he wasnt able to get his prescription refilled before DeSantis signed the bill. He had to be referred to a new doctor in his network and couldnt get an in-person appointment until Aug. 15. At the time of our first interview, he still hadnt received the medication due to a series of delays, which have included testosterone being out of stock at his pharmacy.

Rather than taking his normal dose of 0.6 milliliters of testosterone every week, Addams has been taking 0.3 milliliters every two or three weeks. He said the severe reduction in his medication has resulted in fatigue and intense headaches, during which it feels as if half my heads being squeezed in a vise and somethings being stabbed into my eye. He has also noticed a rapid decrease in muscle mass and lies awake at night in fear that his health could deteriorate further if he runs out of testosterone entirely.

I had the muscle tone of a 25-to-30-year-old guy, he said. Now Ive got the muscle tone of maybe a 50-year-old guy. Ive got a son that turns 9 in a couple of days, and I cant run around and keep up with him like I could when I had my testosterone. Its made a lot of things really difficult.

Countless other trans Floridians are similarly finding themselves with few good options now that SB 254 has decimated access to gender-affirming medical treatments in their state. The law has had a chilling effect on the kinds of care that are still allowed. Every LGBTQ+ person I spoke to for this story claimed that only a handful of providers in the entire state are currently administering transition treatment, as many doctors have stopped providing trans health care altogether out of fear of being targeted by state officials. The wait for an appointment is commonly monthslong for doctors who are still treating trans patients, due to the overwhelming demand. In order to access medication, many trans people have responded by traveling out of state, such as driving to neighboring Georgia, where the states trans medical care ban does not include restrictions on health care for trans adults.

One option for trans Floridians able to get to the Georgia border is QueerMed, a telehealth service operating in 25 states. Founder Izzy Lowell, whose background as a practitioner is in family medicine, confirmed that once trans patients are over that line, they can pull into a parking lot and log on to their appointment from their car. But she noted that parents with trans minor children have to travel a bit farther: to South Carolina, the only state in the entire southeastern U.S. that doesnt yet restrict gender-affirming care for minors. (Lawmakers in South Carolina advanced a trans youth medical care ban out of subcommittee in March, along party lines, but the proposal has yet to become law.)

Florida has been by far the most challenging state we cover because they put so many restrictions in place and they keep changing the current restrictions so its really hard to follow, Lowell said. We have grant funding to help people cover travel costs to get anywhere out of Florida, literally, to see us. For teens, were doing the same thing: For anybody who cant get care because of the laws, were helping them get out of the state of Florida in order to see us for a televisit, and then people already on hormones can continue.

Several advocacy groups have begun offering grants to ensure that trans people and their families can afford the added expense of leaving the state to access care, if they need to do so. In May, the Campaign for Southern Equality expanded its then-2-month-old Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project to allow people over the age of 18 to apply for $500 grants to subsidize the cost of gas money, plane tickets, and other forms of assistance. The group, which is based in Asheville, North Carolina, currently operates the grant program in 11 Southern states, and has been able to support more than 200 trans adults in Florida to date. That support includes connecting grantees and others in need to doctors outside Florida willing to provide them treatment.

But some advocates said that its been a struggle to keep up with the sheer volume of requests for medical support theyre receiving. Morgan Mayfaire, executive director of the Miami-based resource group TransSOCIAL, said that his organization only has enough funding to help a fraction of the amount of trans people in the state through its own grant program. With an estimated 94,900 trans people, Florida has the second-largest population of trans adults in the country, according to a 2022 report from the Williams Institute, a think tank at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The organizations will help cover the cost of medicines themselves if theyre not covered by insurance, but paying for travel itself becomes complicated when the grantee is a trans minor whose parents have to go with them. When its someone whos young, we have to fly the whole family, Mayfaire said. That means hotel stay; it means everything. He estimates that flying out an entire family costs thousands of dollars per trip.

While organizations scramble to help, many fear that some trans Floridians will slip through the cracks as the state continues to tighten restrictions on trans health care. In late July, the Florida Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine finalized new consent forms that patients, even those who are currently accessing medication, will be required to sign in order to continue receiving medical treatment. The documents claim that gender-affirming care is purely speculative and is based upon limited, poor-quality research, despite the fact that leading groups like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics support gender-affirming medicine for both trans youth and adults.

If the state plans to keep increasing barriers to trans people getting their health care from a licensed professional, some might turn to potentially risky solutions like self-medication. Although testosterone is tough to compound, LGBTQ+ advocates claim that the basic ingredients used to create feminizing hormone medications are widely available at most major drug stores. But sources cautioned that approach: May Marquez, a trans activist based in Florida, stressed that this option isnt strictly legal or safe. But she added that LGBTQ+ people in the state are being forced to practice harm reduction because many feel as if they have nowhere else to turn but to each other.

I know a friend who literally has vials and vials of bathtub estrogen that they distribute to friends, Marquez said. If youre on trans masculine hormone therapy, a lot of times youre just basically shit out of luck unless youre willing to resort to criminal behavior to get some controlled substances.

Recognizing the rise of DIY medications, groups like Hope & Help, an STI- and HIV-focused clinic in Winter Park, have offered to help trans people self-manage their medication as safely as possible through their syringe exchange program.

For now, Addams fortunately wont have to take that risk. When we spoke over the phone for the second time, on Aug. 28, he had just gotten his testosterone prescription refilled. The medication was even covered by his insurance. The purchase cost him just $4.15, which was lucky because, he said, he has only $9 in his pocket until his next disability check comes in. His wife usually does the injection for him because hes afraid of needles, and when he has to do it himself, it takes him at least half an hour to psych himself up. But this time around, he did it on his own in just five minutes, eager to feel like himself again.

The prescription is good for two refills, and Addams hopes that by the time hes used them up, he will no longer live in Florida. He and his wife have decided that the rollbacks to his health care are simply too dangerous to live with, but its hard to figure out where they could land that would be both safe and affordable. The couple have discussed moving to North Carolina to be closer to her father, but things might not be much better there: On Aug. 16, state lawmakers overrode Gov. Roy Coopers veto of a trans medical care ban. For now the law applies only to minors, but that could change. Republicans wield a supermajority in both houses of the North Carolina Legislature, meaning they could choose to force through a ban on transition care for adults next session if they elected to do so.

A trans friend of Addams recently fled Florida with her familytheyre currently living in an RV in Pennsylvaniabut Addams worries that his family couldnt afford the cost of living in a blue state. While he figures out whats next, getting his medication refilled is a satisfying victory. It almost feels like a middle finger to DeSantis, he said. Yeah, screw you. Were going to survive this.
Former Trump White House trade adviser Peter Navarro arrives at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Federal Courthouse, in Washington, Aug. 28, 2023. Jury selection has begun in the case against Navarro, who's charged with contempt of Congress.(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  A White House adviser to President Donald Trump acted as if he were "above the law when he refused to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, prosecutors argued at his trial Wednesday.

Peter Navarro was charged with two counts of contempt of Congress, but his lawyer argued he didn't ignore the House Jan. 6 Committee. Instead, Navarro told members to contact Trump about what might be protected by executive privilege, the attorney said. A judge has found the privilege argument alone isnt a defense against the charges, finding Navarro couldnt show evidence that the former Republican president had invoked it.

Both sides rested after committee staffers testified about sending the subpoena and Navarro's response. Closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected Thursday.

Navarro, a senior trade adviser, was subpoenaed in February 2022 by the House panel investigating how and why a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted the certification of the presidential vote for Joe Biden, a Democrat. Navarro had promoted Trumps baseless claims of mass voter fraud, and the committee thought he might have more information about any connection those claims had to the attack, prosecutor John Crabb said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Navarro didnt hand over any emails, reports or notes. When the date came for him to testify before the committee, he didnt show up, Crabb said. Even if the president had invoked executive privilege, Navarro should have come before the committee, answered what questions he could and cited privilege when he couldnt answer, he said.

It wasnt voluntary. It wasnt an invitation. A subpoena is a legal requirement, Crabb said. We are a nation of laws and our system doesnt work if people believe they are above the law.

Defense attorney Stanley Woodward told the jury that Navarro did get in touch with committee staffers, but asked them to talk to Trump to see what information the president intended to be protected by executive privilege. That never happened, he said.

The evidence in this case will not show that Dr. Navarro was willful in his failure to comply, Woodward said. He pushed back on efforts to link Navarro closely with the Jan. 6 attack and said the prosecution's opening arguments were like a movie trailer that promises more than the show delivers: It's like one of those movies where you get nothing after the preview, he said.

Navarro, a former economics professor, faces up to a year behind bars if convicted. He is the second Trump aide to face criminal charges after refusing to cooperate with the House committee. White House adviser Steve Bannon also made an executive privilege argument but was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress and sentenced to four months behind bars. He has been free while he appeals the verdict.

The House Jan. 6 Committee completed its work in January, saying Trump criminally engaged in a multi-part conspiracy to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol.

Trump now faces a federal indictment in Washington, D.C., and a state indictment in Georgia over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. He has denied wrongdoing and has said he was acting within the law.
Zijie Yan was a brilliant scientist and a kind and caring mentor, friends, family and colleagues recalled during a vigil in honor of the UNC-Chapel Hill physics professor who was shot and killed on campus last week.

More than a hundred people, including many members of the Triangles Asian-American communities, came together Tuesday night outside the Cary Arts Center to mourn and remember the professor, who joined the faculty at UNC in 2019. Yan, who lived in Apex, had two young daughters.

State Rep. Ya Liu , a Democrat from western Wake County and one of the organizers of Tuesdays vigil, said Yan was a committed member of his community who always worked hard to make the world a better place.

His tragic loss leaves so many, across the state, nation, and the world, hurting so deeply, but his positive legacy will be cherished, Liu said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chavi Khanna Koneru, the executive director of N.C. Asian Americans Together, another organizer of the vigil, said it was encouraging to see people of many different backgrounds come out to honor Yan.

In times of tragedy, we are reminded that our community is our greatest strength, Koneru said. Seeing the Asian American community unite to support each other through this loss has been truly inspiring, and a testament to the close bonds we all share.

Candles are lit and flowers are laid on the steps of the Cary Arts Center in memory of UNC-Chapel Hill professor Zijie Yan during a candlelight vigil organized by the Chinese American Friends Association of North Carolina and and North Carolina Asian Americans Together on Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, 2023. Yan was shot and killed on campus on Monday, Aug. 28.

Vigils remembering Yan took place at UNC last week as well, including a university-wide gathering at the Dean E. Smith Center where thousands of students and faculty came together to honor the slain professor.

Colleagues at UNC and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York, where Yan obtained his PhD, remembered Yan for his contributions as a nanoscientist.

At UNC, Yan ran his own research group in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences, along with two undergraduate students, a research assistant, and three PhD students, one of whom, Tailei Qi, was arrested and charged by authorities with Yans death.

Online fundraisers to support Yans children and his parents, organized by Doug Chrisey, Yans doctoral adviser at RPI, had raised more than $32,000 as of Wednesday.

As people at Tuesdays vigil lit candles and laid flowers on the steps of the arts center, messages and stories submitted by Yans friends from RPI were read aloud and shared with the community in Chinese.

Several local and state elected officials also attended the vigil, including Attorney General Josh Stein, U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel, N.C. House Minority Leader Robert Reives and N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

Candles are lit and flowers are laid on the steps of the Cary Arts Center in memory of UNC-Chapel Hill professor Zijie Yan during a candlelight vigil organized by the Chinese American Friends Association of North Carolina and and North Carolina Asian Americans Together on Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, 2023. Yan was shot and killed on campus on Monday, Aug. 28.
WASHINGTONDonald Trump isn't just facing seven criminal and civil cases as he seeks the presidency in 2024 - he's also battling a long-shot legal campaign to keep him off of state ballots entirely.

Various left-leaning organizations are preparing lawsuits and petitions designed to persuade states to deny Trump access to the ballot because of his attempts to overthrow the 2020 election, including the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021.

These efforts include key primary states like New Hampshire, Michigan, Arizona, and Colorado.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Colorado, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) said "Trump violated his oath and disqualified himself under the Fourteenth Amendment from holding public office, including the Office of the President."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump, who faces federal and criminal trials in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta over his 2020 activities, described the anti-ballot legal fight as an extension of 2024 politics from his enemies.

"It is just another 'trick,'" Trump said this week on Truth Social.

Can Trump be kicked off the ballot? Why some are skeptical

Donald Trump

A number of legal analysts are skeptical of attempts to keep Trump's name off state ballots, and said the 14th Amendment doesn't apply in this case.

"I dont view that provision applying unless Trump is charged with insurrection, which he is not," said Bradley P. Moss, an attorney who specializes in national security issues.

It will also add to the tensions of a race in which the Republican frontrunner faces four criminal trials as well as a series of civil lawsuits.

If a court or a secretary of state does move to strike Trump's name from any ballot, the case would probably go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Knocking Mr. Trump off the ballot would validate, in the eyes of his supporters, his claims that the election system is rigged and corrupt," said The Wall Street Journal editorial page.

Late last month, a federal judge in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., dismissed a lawsuit seeking to keep Trump off the ballot, saying the voters who filed it lacked legal standing.

The 14th Amendment (Section 3)

Supporters of preventing Trump from access to the ballot cite the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, one of the amendments ratified in the years after the Civil War.

Better known as the act that granted citizenship to former slaves and provided all with equal protections under the laws, the 14th Amendment included a section regarding qualifications for office.

Section 3 says no one can hold federal office who "having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States ... shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."

'This was an insurrection'

Several legal analysts said Trump's attempts to overturn the election led to the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021, rendering him ineligible for the presidency.

"Section 3 of the 14th Amendment is there - it's real," said Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law expert at Harvard University. "This was an insurrection."

Other analysts noted that Trump has not been convicted of anything, and that the election-related charges against him involve violations of conspiracy laws.

"Trump has not been charged with incitement, let alone insurrection or rebellion," wrote Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor in an op-ed for USA TODAY.

'These questions should be left to voters'

Most political professionals, including Trump's opponents for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, aren't taking the legal challenges very seriously, at least not yet.

"I think courts are very reluctant to get into the middle of elections like that," said Republican political strategist Alex Conant.

Former vice president and 2024 candidate Mike Pence, speaking this week on Fox News Digital, said, "I always think these questions should be left to voters."

He combined that dismissal with a plea to Trump to participate in a Sept. 27 debate with Republican opponents.

Said Pence: "Not only do I expect him to be on the ballot, but I hope hes on the debate stage really soon."

New Hampshire fight: Could Donald Trump be off the 2024 ballot? Republicans in a crucial state struggle over the question.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump and 14th Amendment: Groups try to keep him off ballots
Within 12 hours of the National Hurricane Center deeming Lee a tropical storm Wednesday morning, its winds had intensified to a Category 1 hurricane status by the evening.

Early Wednesday, the center deemed what was once Tropical Depression 13, Tropical Storm Lee after the system doubled wind speeds overnight.

Now, Hurricane Lee is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane by early Saturday, the most recent center advisory said Wednesday evening. Currently, the hurricanes winds speeds are 75 mph, making the storm a Category 1 hurricane.

The NHC said the storms location as 1,130 miles west-northwest of the Northern Leeward Islands, moving at 14 mph, according to the centers 5 p.m. advisory. The Leeward Islands are a cluster of islands situated where the northeastern Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Tuesday afternoon, the then-tropical depression was boasting 35 mph winds.

Although the NHC forecast and the model guidance continue to show Lee passing to the north of the northern Leeward Islands this weekend, users are reminded that the details of the track forecast are still uncertain at those time ranges, a 5 a.m. Wednesday center report said. Regardless of the details, there is high confidence that Lee will be a powerful hurricane late this week and over the weekend.

Despite northeasterly vertical wind shear, Lee has still gained strength, but the limiting winds are expected to abate Thursday. With the northeasterly wind shear soon to die down and Lees path over very warm water in a moist environment, its a recipe for rapid intensification.

Forecasters say within the next two-to-three days, Lees winds could reach 150 mph, which would make it a Category 4 hurricane.

Continued strengthen seems likely after that time, but hard-to-predict eye wall replacement cycles could cause some fluctuations in intensity later in the weekend and early next week, according to an 11 a.m. National Hurricane Center advisory Wednesday.

However, its too soon to determine the location and magnitude of possible impacts from Lee. In part, the tropical storms track depends on how strong and expansive the Bermuda-Azores high is at the time, said Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com.

Erdman said the Bermuda-Azores high is essentially the steering wheel for hurricanes in tropical waters.

If its weaker and less expansive, Erdman said it means the hurricane could re-curve into the central Atlantic and not threaten the United States mainland. But if the high is stronger, more expansive and builds westward, it could move the storm farther west and become a threat to parts of the United States East Coast.

Currently, Erdman said the majority of computer model guidance suggest a re-curve scenario is most likely next week.

As of Wednesday, there were no direct threats to South Carolina.
Tropical Storm Lee strengthened into a hurricane early Wednesday night as it moved through the Atlantic Ocean toward the northeast Caribbean.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the storm was located in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,130 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, a group of islands where the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean meet, the National Hurricane Center said.

Forecasters said the storm is moving toward the west-northwest at a speed of around 14 mph with winds up to 75 mph.

The storm is on a path of rapid strengthening into a major hurricane sometime in the next two days, according to the center, which considers a hurricane major when the sustained winds within the storm reach 111 mph or higher, matching a Category 3 or higher storm.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

By early Saturday, the storm is likely to intensify into an extremely dangerous major hurricane, the National Hurricane Center said.

What path the hurricane will take is unclear. Forecasters said Wednesday it is too soon to determine the exact location and magnitude of its possible impacts.

The storm is not expected to make landfall but forecasters expect it will bring life-threatening surf and rip current conditions in parts of the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Tropical-storm force winds over the weekend are also expected to hit the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands.

As of Wednesday night, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, though residents in the northern Leeward Islands are advised to monitor the progress of the storm.

Lee continues to strengthen at a quick pace, the center said, noting the storm was moving over very warm water and in a moist environment.

Lee comes on the heels of Hurricane Idalia, which slammed Floridas Big Bend region and parts of southeast Georgia and the Carolinas.

Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned of an above-normal level of Atlantic hurricane activities due to certain ocean and atmospheric conditions, including the record-warm sea surface temperatures. The agency forecast 14 to 21 named storms, six to 11 hurricanes and two to five major hurricanes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Trump said Wednesday that President Bidens body is shot, and his mind is worse when asked whether he believed Biden might be too old to run again.

During an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump was asked if he believed Biden was going to be the Democratic nominee.

Look, anythings possible, but when I watch, his body is shot, and his mind is worse, Trump told Hewitt.

And yet, he seems to want to do it. And I hope he does it. But he seems to want to do it. But you take a look at him, and hes not running government. People that are surrounding him, who are very smart fascists and communists, those are the people running our country, he added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bidens age is a clear concern for voters, despite the fact Biden is 80 and Trump is 77. A Wall Street Journal poll released Monday found 73 percent of respondents who believed the president is too old to run, while 47 percent said the same about Trump.

Polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released late last month found 77 percent of respondents saying Biden is too old to effectively serve another four-year term as president, which includes 69 percent of Democrats and 89 percent of Republicans.

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found 51 percent of respondents saying Trump is too old to effectively serve another four-year term, including 71 percent of Democrats and 28 percent of Republicans.

The former president is still seen as a clear front-runner in the 2024 GOP primary, yet some Republicans are concerned about their general election prospects if Trump is the 2024 GOP nominee. Members of the party are concerned Trump could lose to Biden again in a 2024 rematch.

Bidens allies and members of the administration, however, argue the presidents age is not hindering him heading into next year.

I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out, Vice President Harris told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers, she added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
E. Jean Carroll won a partial victory in her defamation lawsuit against former President Trump on Wednesday, with the judge ruling a trial is needed only to determine how much Trump must pay the writer in damages.

In a significant blow for Trump, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled Trump defamed Carroll by making false statements with actual malice in June 2019 when she came forward with accusations that Trump sexually assaulted her years earlier.

Kaplan ruled that a jurys May verdict in Carrolls other lawsuit against Trump, which found him liable for the assault itself and defaming Carroll last fall, is controlling in the case.

[T]he jury found that Mr. Trump knew that his statement that Ms. Carroll lied about him sexually assaulting her for improper and ulterior purposes was false or that he acted with reckless disregard to whether it was false, Kaplan wrote. Whether Mr. Trump made the 2019 statements with actual malice raises the same issue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A trial is set to begin in New York on Jan. 15  the same day as the Iowa Republican caucus  and Kaplans ruling means the trial is only needed to consider how much Trump owes Carroll in damages.

Carroll is suing Trump for defamation over his three initial denials of her story when the longtime advice columnist came forward publicly. It comprised a written statement given to reporters, comments Trump made on the South Lawn and an interview he gave The Hill at the White House three days after the allegation was first published.

While the case was held up over immunity issues, Carroll earlier this year took Trump to trial in her second lawsuit.

That jury ultimately sided with Carroll, finding that Trump sexually abused the longtime advice columnist in a New York City department store in 1996 and defamed her in an October 2022 statement that denied her story.

Trump is actively appealing that verdict, known as Carroll II. But after it was handed down, Carroll began arguing that the verdict automatically makes Trump liable in her earlier lawsuit.

Sign up for The Hills 12:30 Report newsletter

The judge on Wednesday agreed, ruling that Trump defamed Carroll when making the first two statements at issue, though he did not find Trump automatically liable for his interview with The Hill.

We remain very confident that the Carroll II verdict will be overturned on appeal, which will render this decision moot, said Alina Habba, Trumps legal spokesperson who represents him in the case. We also anticipate that the Second Circuit will stay this trial as it considers the meritorious defenses that have been raised by President Trump.

Trumps attorneys had argued in court filings that the substance of Trumps 2019 statements differed from the one the jury found him liable.

The truth or falsity of Mr. Trumps 2019 statements therefore depends  like the truth or falsity of his 2022 statement  on whether Ms. Carroll lied about Mr. Trump sexually assaulting her, Kaplan wrote in Wednesdays ruling. The jurys finding that she did not therefore is binding in this case and precludes Mr. Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements. Mr. Trumps contrary arguments are all unpersuasive.

Carrolls attorney, Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, celebrated the ruling.

We look forward to trial limited to damages for the original defamatory statements Donald Trump made about our client E Jean Carroll in 2019, Kaplan said in a statement.

The January trial is one of multiple the former president is scheduled to face in the coming months as he campaigns to return to the White House.

Trump is trying to delay a scheduled Oct. 2 civil fraud trial in New York. In March, he faces criminal trials in D.C. over his efforts following the 2020 election and in New York over a hush money payment. In May, he is set to go on trial in Florida over his handling of classified documents.

He also faces a criminal trial in Georgia related to the 2020 election, though a date has not yet been scheduled.

Updated at 12:05 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
E. Jean Carroll won a partial victory in her defamation lawsuit against former President Trump on Wednesday, with the judge ruling a trial is needed only to determine how much Trump must pay the writer in damages.

In a significant blow for Trump, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled Trump defamed Carroll by making false statements with actual malice in June 2019 when she came forward with accusations that Trump sexually assaulted her years earlier.

Kaplan ruled that a jurys May verdict in Carrolls other lawsuit against Trump, which found him liable for the assault itself and defaming Carroll last fall, is controlling in the case.

[T]he jury found that Mr. Trump knew that his statement that Ms. Carroll lied about him sexually assaulting her for improper and ulterior purposes was false or that he acted with reckless disregard to whether it was false, Kaplan wrote. Whether Mr. Trump made the 2019 statements with actual malice raises the same issue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A trial is set to begin in New York on Jan. 15  the same day as the Iowa Republican caucus  and Kaplans ruling means the trial is only needed to consider how much Trump owes Carroll in damages.

Carroll is suing Trump for defamation over his three initial denials of her story when the longtime advice columnist came forward publicly. It comprised a written statement given to reporters, comments Trump made on the South Lawn and an interview he gave The Hill at the White House three days after the allegation was first published.

While the case was held up over immunity issues, Carroll earlier this year took Trump to trial in her second lawsuit.

That jury ultimately sided with Carroll, finding that Trump sexually abused the longtime advice columnist in a New York City department store in 1996 and defamed her in an October 2022 statement that denied her story.

Trump is actively appealing that verdict, known as Carroll II. But after it was handed down, Carroll began arguing that the verdict automatically makes Trump liable in her earlier lawsuit.

Sign up for The Hills 12:30 Report newsletter

The judge on Wednesday agreed, ruling that Trump defamed Carroll when making the first two statements at issue, though he did not find Trump automatically liable for his interview with The Hill.

We remain very confident that the Carroll II verdict will be overturned on appeal, which will render this decision moot, said Alina Habba, Trumps legal spokesperson who represents him in the case. We also anticipate that the Second Circuit will stay this trial as it considers the meritorious defenses that have been raised by President Trump.

Trumps attorneys had argued in court filings that the substance of Trumps 2019 statements differed from the one the jury found him liable.

The truth or falsity of Mr. Trumps 2019 statements therefore depends  like the truth or falsity of his 2022 statement  on whether Ms. Carroll lied about Mr. Trump sexually assaulting her, Kaplan wrote in Wednesdays ruling. The jurys finding that she did not therefore is binding in this case and precludes Mr. Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements. Mr. Trumps contrary arguments are all unpersuasive.

Carrolls attorney, Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, celebrated the ruling.

We look forward to trial limited to damages for the original defamatory statements Donald Trump made about our client E Jean Carroll in 2019, Kaplan said in a statement.

The January trial is one of multiple the former president is scheduled to face in the coming months as he campaigns to return to the White House.

Trump is trying to delay a scheduled Oct. 2 civil fraud trial in New York. In March, he faces criminal trials in D.C. over his efforts following the 2020 election and in New York over a hush money payment. In May, he is set to go on trial in Florida over his handling of classified documents.

He also faces a criminal trial in Georgia related to the 2020 election, though a date has not yet been scheduled.

Updated at 12:05 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
(Bloomberg) -- A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump is liable for defaming E. Jean Carroll while he was president, meaning a jury at a January trial will only need to decide what damages the former president must pay for calling her a liar when she accused him of rape.

Most Read from Bloomberg

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Wednesday found that jurors in a May trial already established that Trump sexually abused Carroll. That jury, which awarded Carroll $5 million, also held that Trump defamed her by calling her a liar on social media last year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The decision is a significant setback for Trump, whose lawyers wanted another chance to convince a jury that Trumps statements denying the attack were not defamatory. The upcoming trial is focused on statements Trump made while he was in the White House in 2019, when Carroll went public with her claim.

We look forward to trial limited to damages for the original defamatory statements Donald Trump made about our client, Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said in a statement. Carroll is seeking another $10 million in damages.

Read More: Trump Faces Prospect of Up to Six Trials During Primary Season

Trump attorney Joe Tacopina declined to comment on the ruling.

The trial is one of several that Trump faces as he campaigns to return to the White House in the 2024 election, though he isnt required to appear in person because its a civil case. He didnt appear in court or take the witness stand in the first Carroll trial, though jurors watched a recording of his sworn deposition in which he denied assaulting the author.

In the first trial, the jury found that Trump sexually abused Carroll in a dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store in 1996 and then defamed her by publicly accusing her of fabricating the assault for political purposes and to help sell a book. But the panel did not find Trump liable for rape, which largely refers to intercourse under New York law. Trump has appealed the verdict.

In August, the judge threw out a defamation claim that Trump filed against Carroll, in which he accused her of trashing his reputation by continuing to say she had been raped rather than sexually abused.

(Updates with detail from the ruling.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
All 19 defendants in Fulton County waive their right to Wednesday arraignments, while in New York the state attorney general is requesting sanctions on members of the Trump family for reusing a rejected legal argument as the former president seeks a delay in the civil trial.

Georgia election interference

The circus day that wasnt

Key players: Judge Scott McAfee, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis

Former President Donald Trump , his former attorney Rudy Giuliani and 17 other co-defendants accused under Georgia RICO laws of trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state would have been arraigned in a series of 15-minute hearings in front of McAfee on Wednesday. However, all 19 issued not-guilty pleas and waived their rights to one.

Former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and attorney John Eastman were among the final defendants to enter their pleas, doing so on Tuesday. Trump himself pleaded not guilty and waived his right to an arraignment hearing last week. Trumps hearing would have begun at 9:30 a.m.

On Friday, the final report of the grand jury that issued the RICO charges could be released. Last week, Judge Robert McBurney set the date for release as long as there were no objections.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Why it matters: No trial date has been set for the case yet, although Willis is pushing for all the defendants to be tried together next month. Trumps legal team has rejected that date and is attempting to separate his case from the other 18.

New York financial fraud civil case

A sanctions request to the state Supreme Court

Key players: New York state Attorney General Letitia James, Trump Organization executive vice president Eric Trump, Trump Organization EVP Donald Trump Jr.

In a filing Tuesday, the New York state attorney generals office asked the state Supreme Court to fine the Trumps and their legal team a total of $20,000 for using previously rejected arguments. James is accusing the Trumps of repeating failed attempts to get the case dismissed or delayed.

Jamess office has said the court can impose financial sanctions on any party or lawyer in a civil action or proceedings who engages in "frivolous conduct and that the court said the arguments "were borderline frivolous even the first time defendants made them, according to NBC News .

James announced the charges a year ago and is seeking $250 million in damages as well as sanctions that would prevent business and real estate activities in the state. Last week, the attorney general filed a request asking the judge to acknowledge that the Trumps and their family business had inflated their net worth by billions.

Trump seeks delay

While the trial was set to start on Oct. 2, Trump asked for it to be briefly delayed in a filing Tuesday night.

"A trial of this magnitude should not begin in chaos," the filing said, according to Reuters . "The court and the defendants are entitled to know the claims and issues to be tried sufficiently in advance to prepare adequately for trial."

The former president is seeking a three-week delay and is accusing Jamess office of making claims based on transactions that fall outside the statute of limitations.

Why it matters: These are some of the final motions before the trial for Trump and his adult sons is set to start sometime next month. Last December, a Manhattan jury found the Trump Organization guilty of 17 counts of tax fraud.
In this courtroom sketch, journalist E. Jean Carroll looks on as Joe Tacopina, lawyer of Donald Trump , makes closing arguments during a civil trial where Carroll accused Trump of raping her and of defamation, May 8. (Jane Rosenberg via Reuters)

Another day, another legal setback for Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, a federal judge in New York ruled that the former president would be held liable once again for defaming E. Jean Carroll, a journalist who had previously accused him of raping her some 30 years ago in a Manhattan department store.

In an initial civil trial, a jury already awarded her $5 million in damages, finding Trump guilty of sexually abusing Carroll in the 1990s  and also of defaming her in 2022. Now, the sum owed by Trump is likely to grow.

Trump faces a second civil trial, related to another set of allegedly defamatory statements he made about Carroll after she first accused him of rape in a 2019 article that appeared in New York magazine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In his 24-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote that Trump acted with actual malice towards Carroll when he aggressively rebutted her accusations. The second trial would thus be limited to the issue of damages only.

It was the latest legal setback for Trump, who continues to enjoy strong support from Republican primary voters even as he faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in federal prison.

Read more on Yahoo News: Trump criminal charges: Here are all 91 felony counts against the former president across 4 cases

Another loss to Carroll

A demonstrator outside the Manhattan Federal Court following the verdict in the E. Jean Carroll rape case against Donald Trump, May 9. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)

A former columnist for Elle magazine, Carroll, 79, alleged that Trump, 77, raped her at the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan, where she had run into the real estate magnate in either 1995 or 1996.

Despite the many years that had passed since the alleged assault, Carroll could sue Trump in civil  but not criminal  court under the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law signed last year by Gov. Kathy Hochul that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for victims of sexual assault.

Trump has consistently denied the allegations. Ive never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book; that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section, he said in a statement after the New York article was published four years ago.

He also claimed that Carroll was not his type.

When the case went to court last spring, Carroll offered powerful and convincing testimony. I am here because Donald Trump raped me, she told the court.

In a unanimous May verdict, the jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million.

A second trial, focused on his 2019 statements that Carroll alleged were defamatory, is supposed to begin next January. In Wednesdays ruling, Kaplan wrote that the results of the first trial would effectively hold for the second.

In other words, the question isnt whether Trump is guilty or not, but only how much he has to pay  for a second time.

Read more on Yahoo News: Close this content Yahoo News After a 3rd woman testifies Trump sexually assaulted her, his lawyers announce they won't call any witnesses

Other legal dangers loom

Nadine Seiler holds a banner in front of the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C., where Trump is expected to answer charges regarding his alleged attempt to overturn his 2020 election defeat. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Carroll is hardly Trumps lone legal problem. He faces four other trials, all of them in criminal court, which means the penalty in each could involve a lengthy prison sentence.

In late March, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted Trump on charges related to payments he made to adult film actress Stephanie Clifford, who performed as Stormy Daniels, in 2016. The payments were intended to prevent Clifford from disclosing the details of an affair shed had with the aspiring presidential candidate several years before.

Then, in June, special counsel Jack Smith, who had been appointed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, indicted Trump on 37 charges related to his handling of classified documents after his term concluded. Smith appended the original indictment with additional charges in August.

Working under a broad mandate, Smith also indicted Trump for attempting to obstruct the proper tally of the 2020 presidential election and conspiring to overturn the results, an effort that culminated with the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Two weeks after the second Smith indictment, Fani Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, Ga., charged Trump and more than a dozen of his associates with having orchestrated a conspiracy intended to overturn that states election results, which favored Joe Biden.

The cases are putting a strain on Trump's presidential campaign, though his base has only embraced Trump tighter as his legal perils have deepened.

It is not clear when any of Trump's criminal trials will begin, or how they will conflict with his presidential run. But if he is convicted, the onetime president could spend years in prison.

Read more via The Independent: Will Donald Trump go to prison?
Former President Donald Trump has a little rhetorical problem on his hands. During the 2020 campaign, Trump painted Joe Biden as Sleepy Joe, an ailing old guy camped in his basement due to covid who was barely aware of what was happening. But Sleepy Joe Biden beat him in embarrassing fashion, and Trump now faces four separate criminal indictments that could, uh, complicate his path back to the White House.

It appears Trump is trying to change courseand, importantly, change the subjectin social media posts and interviews by depict[ing] his successor as a nefarious mastermind who is pulling the strings of a complex justice system without leaving any fingerprints, per NBC News. And hes dusting off an old nickname: Crooked.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So, since Trumps ultimate goal is deflection and confusion to depress voter turnout, from now until November 2024, youre going to hear all the Republican commentators claim that Biden is corruptsince they want people to think both candidates are bad so they just wont bother voting at all. If people who voted for Biden in 2020 stay home in 2024 and theres a third-party candidate on the ballot in enough states, Trump could once again win the presidency while losing the popular vote.

A spokesperson for the Biden campaign told NBC News that Trump is running on the same losing agenda from 2020 and a new nickname does nothing to change that. These are the same type of projections weve seen before from the person who led one of the most corrupt administrations in history, Kevin Munoz said. Donald Trump may come up with a lot of nicknames for President Biden, but we have a better one: winner.

In other words, dont fall for this nonsense. Instead, call it out for what it is: A half-assed attempt to characterize Biden as no better than Trump when its extremely clear this isnt the case.

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A judge has found Donald Trump liable for defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll in 2019. Now, the only issue at hand is how much he should pay in damages.

In a ruling Wednesday morning, Judge Lewis Kaplan issued a partial summary judgment in Carrolls favor. Because a jury determined in May that Trump defamed Carroll in Oct. 2022 when he denied raping her in a department store dressing room in the mid-Nineties, Kaplan ruled that similar 2019 statements by Trump about Carroll were substantially the same and made with actual malice. Therefore, he is liable, and the upcoming trial slated for January 2024 will be limited to determining damages.

The truth of falsity of Mr. Trumps 2019 statements therefore depends  like the truth or falsity of his 2022 statement  on whether Ms. Carroll lied about Mr. Trump sexually assaulting her, Kaplan wrote in the ruling. The jurys finding that she did not therefore is binding in this case and precludes Mr. Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements. Mr. Trumps contrary arguments are all unpersuasive.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trumps 2019 comments include statements about Carroll where he claimed he never met this person in his life and that she is not my type. Trump said that the sexual assault never happened and that Carrolls allegations were totally false. He also claimed Carroll was only making the accusations to sell copies of her book.

Trump was found liable this past May for defamation and battery against Carroll for the assault and statements he made in 2022, calling Carrolls allegations against him a Hoax and a lie. She was awarded $5 million in total damages. Trump is appealing the decision. Carroll filed that suit after new legislation, the New York Adult Survivors Act, was passed, which created a one-year period during which people sexually assaulted as adults could sue their assailants outside the statute of limitations.

This new ruling is just the latest in a string of losses for Trump in his legal cases with Carroll. In August, Kaplan dismissed Trumps defamation counterclaim against Carroll because Trump did not prove that her statements were not at least substantially true.

Carroll is also seeking additional damages from Trump for comments he made the day after the May ruling. I swear on my children, which I never do, I have no idea who this woman [is]  this is a fake story, a made-up story, Trump said during a May 10 CNN town hall, adding that Carroll was a wack job and that the trial was a rigged deal.

It makes a mockery of the jury verdict and our justice system if he can just keep on repeating the same defamatory statements over and over again, Carrolls attorney told The New York Times in an interview.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
(Bloomberg) -- A proposal to put Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants on trial as soon as Oct. 23 for allegedly trying to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia was deemed unrealistic by a judge, signaling a potential setback for the states plan to expedite the case.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss request to start the trial in less than two months could easily by gummed up by the diverging interests of defense lawyers and the prospect of drawn-out pre-trial appeals, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said at a hearing Wednesday in Atlanta.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It just seems a bit unrealistic to think that we can handle all 19 in 40-something days, the judge said, adding that hed rule later on on the matter.

McAfee weighed in after one of Williss lead prosecutors told him that it may take four months to present the case to a jury, and that as many as 150 potential witnesses had been identified. The judge is also weighing requests from several defendants, including former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell , to split their cases off from the main prosecution.

Trump, the Republican front-runner for the 2024 presidential election, is accused of leading a criminal enterprise to stay in office after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. Its one of four criminal cases Trump is facing, all of which he claims are part of a witch hunt to undermine his campaign.

Read More: What Trumps Many Legal Perils Mean for His 2024 Bid: QuickTake

The four-month trial estimate for the Georgia case didnt include jury selection or time for any defendants to testify, the prosecutor said. McAfee said he suspects the trial could take months longer than estimated.

The judge also expressed uncertainty about the impact of an ongoing attempt by Trumps former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, one of his alleged co-conspirators, to transfer his case to federal court. A federal judge in Atlanta could rule at any time on Meadowss request, which could result in appeals that would take months to resolve. Meadows on Wednesday also became the latest defendant to ask McAfee to split his case off from the others.

Powell and another lawyer in Trumps 2020 campaign orbit, Kenneth Chesebro, diverged from Trump and the other defendants when they asked the judge to expedite their trials under Georgias speedy trial law, resulting in an Oct. 23 start date being set by the court. Willis then argued that all of the defendants must be tried starting on that date.

Powell and Chesebro argue their cases should be split off from the main proceedings because the vast majority of the allegations do not apply to them. But prosecutors argued at the hearing that main charge  brought under Georgias racketeering law  explicitly allows the state to tie together defendants even if they didnt didnt know each other or participate in every aspect of an alleged scheme.

Trump has said hell ask to split his case from any expedited trials.

Another prosecutor, Will Wooten, argued that holding a myriad of parallel trials would also be unfair to lawmakers, state officials and poll workers who would be asked to testify, and waste the courts time as it selects multiple juries.

One four-month trial is shorter than multiple four-month trials, Wooten told the judge. Same evidence and same witnesses.

--With assistance from Patricia Hurtado.

(Updates with judge saying Oct. 23 trial date seems unrealistic)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Former President Trump says he would love to debate Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex.

The hypothetical head-to-head between the actress formerly known as Meghan Markle and the 45th president was floated by radio host Hugh Hewitt on his eponymous show during an interview Wednesday with Trump.

Asked if he would sit down with Meghan and her husband Prince Harry for the ratings in what Hewitt speculated would be a widely viewed event, Trump replied, If you want to set it up, lets set it up.

Lets go do something, Trump said. Id love to debate her. I would love it.

I disagree so much with what theyre doing, he added, pointing to what he described as the great disrespect the pair showed the late Queen Elizabeth II.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I said that I dont think they are very appropriate what theyre saying, what theyre doing, and I didnt like the way she dealt with the queen, Trump told Hewitt.

Harry and Meghan, who wed in 2018, stepped down as full-time working members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to California.

I didnt like the idea that they were getting U.S. security when they came over here, Trump said.

Before becoming a member of Britains royal family, the American-born Meghan had called Trump divisive and misogynistic during the 2016 presidential race.

Trump later said the former entertainers comments about him were nasty.

In the Wednesday interview, Trump pushed back when Hewitt said Meghan and Harry didnt like him much.

Well, I dont know that they dont like me, Trump said.

I think its not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didnt know that they dont like me, he said.

Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldnt be the only ones, Trump said.

Representatives for Meghan and Harry didnt immediately respond to ITKs request for comment.

Elizabeth, the longest-serving British monarch, died last year at 96. In an interview shortly after her death, Meghan praised the late queen, calling her the most shining example of female leadership.

In his tell-all memoir Spare, released earlier this year, Harry revealed that one of the first things that his grandmother wanted to know after meeting his future wife for the first time was what the then-Suits star thought of Trump.

Meg thought politics a no-win game, Harry recalled of the 2016 conversation between the queen and Meghan just weeks before the presidential election, so she changed the subject to Canada.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  Former President Trump says he would love to debate Meghan , the duchess of Sussex.

The hypothetical head-to-head between the actress formerly known as Meghan Markle and the 45th president was floated by radio host Hugh Hewitt on his eponymous show during an interview with Trump on Wednesday.

Asked if he would sit down with Meghan and her husband Prince Harry for the ratings in what Hewitt speculated would be a widely viewed event, Trump replied, If you want to set it up, lets set it up.

Lets go do something, Trump said. Id love to debate her. I would love it.

I disagree so much with what theyre doing, he added, pointing to what he described as the great disrespect the pair showed the late Queen Elizabeth II.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I said that I dont think they are very appropriate what theyre saying, what theyre doing, and I didnt like the way she dealt with the queen, Trump told Hewitt.

Harry and Meghan, who wed in 2018, stepped down as full-time working members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to California.

I didnt like the idea that they were getting U.S. security when they came over here, Trump said.

Before becoming a member of Britains royal family the American-born Meghan had called Trump divisive and misogynistic during the 2016 presidential race.

Trump later said the former entertainers comments about him were nasty.

In the Wednesday interview, Trump pushed back when Hewitt said Meghan and Harry didnt like him much.

Well, I dont know that they dont like me, Trump said.

I think its not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didnt know that they dont like me, he said.

Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldnt be the only ones, Trump said.

Representatives for Meghan and Harry didnt immediately respond to ITKs request for comment.

Elizabeth, the longest-serving British monarch, died last year at 96. In an interview shortly after her death, Meghan praised the late queen, calling her the most shining example of female leadership.

In his tell-all Spare, released earlier this year, Harry revealed that one of the first things that his grandmother wanted to know after meeting his future wife for the first time was what the then-Suits star thought of Trump.

Meg thought politics a no-win game, Harry recalled of the 2016 conversation between the queen and Meghan just weeks before the presidential election, so she changed the subject to Canada.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during an event following his arraignment on classified document charges, in Bedminster

By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump said in a radio interview on Wednesday that he would be willing to testify in his own defense at a trial over his alleged mishandling of classified documents at his Florida resort.

"I look forward to testifying," Trump told the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, is scheduled to face trial beginning in May over his retention of sensitive national security documents at his Mar-a-Lago resort after he left office and alleged efforts to obstruct the governments investigation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and accused prosecutors of targeting him for political purposes.

The documents case is one of four criminal cases against Trump that could go to trial next year.

It would be a risky legal gambit for Trump to testify at the trial. The move would expose the famously free-wheeling former reality television star to cross-examination from prosecutors who would seek to draw damaging information from him while under oath.

Trump has a history of showing a willingness to testify in investigations, only to backpedal later. He said in 2018 that he would speak under oath with former U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who investigated potential coordination between his 2016 presidential campaign and the Russian government. Trump ultimately did not speak with prosecutors and was not charged in the probe.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Daniel Wallis)
Donald Trump has revealed he wants to go head-to-head with Meghan Markle for how she allegedly treated the late Queen Elizabeth II during her time in the British royal family.

Speaking to radio host Hugh Hewitt on The Hugh Hewitt Show on 6 September, the former US president claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were disrespectful to the Queen when they decided to step down from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.

I didnt like the way she dealt with the Queen, he said. They treated her with great disrespect and I didnt like it.

The 45th president previously met with Queen Elizabeth during his three-day state visit to the UK in June 2019. Trump claimed that he became very friendly with the Queen, who was 93 at the time, and took the opportunity to criticise his Democratic opponent, President Joe Biden.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She was an incredible woman. She was so sharp, she was 100 per cent, Trump said. When you watch Biden, you say this is a different planet.

The former president went on to say that he disagrees so much with what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are doing, possibly in reference to the bombshell claims the couple has made about the royal family in Prince Harrys memoir, Spare, and their six-part Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.

I think its not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didnt know that they dont like me. Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldnt be the only ones, Trump added. If you want to set it up, lets set it up. Id love to debate her.

This isnt the first time Trump has expressed his negative opinions about Meghan Markle. Most recently, he reiterated that Markle was very disrespectful to the Queen during a GB News interview with Nigel Farage in May. "I think she [Meghan] has been very disrespectful to the Queen, Trump said. How can you be so disrespectful to the Queen?

Donald Trump tells Hugh Hewitt he would love to debate Meghan Markle:



I didnt like the way she dealt with the queen ... Id love to debate her. I would love it. I disagree so much with what theyre doing. pic.twitter.com/vc7KpzTaeJ  The Recount (@therecount) September 6, 2023

She was incredible, for decades and decades she never made a mistake, he continued. I cannot think of a mistake she made, she was never controversial.

Trump added: She went through years and decades without controversy. You cannot be disrespectful to her and I think Meghan was very disrespectful to her, very disrespectful.

He previously took aim at Meghan in an interview with Piers Morgan last year, in which he claimed that the mother of two is leading Prince Harry by the nose. During an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Trump said that the royal couples marriage was a ticking time bomb, which will blow up when Harry decides hes had enough of being bossed around.

The former president also said that Meghan might leave Harry when she decides that she likes some other guy better.

Im not a fan of Meghan, and I wasnt from the beginning. Poor Harry is being led around by his nose. And I think hes an embarrassment, he was quoted as saying.

In December 2021, he had claimed that Meghan had been disrespectful to the royal family and insisted that her husband had been used horribly. He previously said he was not a fan of Meghans and wished Harry a lot of luck in another attack on the couple.

The duke and duchess stepped down from their duties as senior working royals in 2020, before relocating their family to Montecito, California. Since then, they have shared many details about their time in the royal family  from their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, to their six-part Netflix docuseries, to Harrys autobiography.

Following their decision to step back from royal duties, Trump said it was sad and that he felt bad for the Queen at the time. I think its sad, he told Fox News. [The Queen] is a great woman. Shes never made a mistake Shes had a flawless time.

I dont want to get into the whole thing, but I just have such respect for the Queen," he continued, adding: I dont think this should be happening to her.

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeths passing on 8 September 2022. Following her death, Trump claimed he and the late monarch talked all night long during his visit to the UK.

We had a good chemistry, Trump told Farage in May. And then as you remember that evening there was a big celebration and I sat next to the Queen, and we just talked all night long. She was incredible. She was incredible to speak to and so sharp. Her mind was so sharp and just to be with her was something very special.

In the days leading up to King Charles IIIs coronation last May, Trump also told Farage that he was surprised Harry had secured an invitation to his fathers coronation.

I was actually surprised that Harry was invited to be honest, Trump said. He said some terrible things the book [Spare] was just to me, it was horrible.
Attorneys for former President Trump, his family and his business have requested that a trial on New York state business fraud charges be delayed from its scheduled Oct. 2 start date.

The Tuesday night filing asks the court to hold the trial after a judge considers both sides motions for summary judgment, which could potentially end parts of the case before trial. It also accuses the state of ignoring an appeals court decision that limits the scope of the prosecution.

Attorney General Letitia James (D) brought charges against Trump last year, accusing the former president of lying about his wealth and the value of his assets in order to get better loan and insurance terms.

A trial of this magnitude should not begin in chaos, the Trump filing reads. The Court and the Defendants are entitled to know the claims and issues to be tried sufficiently in advance to prepare adequately for trial.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An appeals court ruling earlier this year found that certain business fraud counts fell outside the statute of limitations under state law and therefore could not be charged. That same ruling removed Ivanka Trump from the case.

Trumps attorneys accused James of ignoring that order in her pretrial motion for summary judgment.

Here, unfortunately, the NYAG has created unjustifiable ambiguity, interfered with the orderly pretrial process, and exposed the Court and the Defendants to the prospect of a needlessly-protracted trial by her refusal to acknowledge the [appeals courts] statute-of-limitations ruling, the filing reads.

Jamess summary judgment filing last month is 100 pages long and lays out a complex case claiming that Trumps business purposely manipulated the stated worth of its assets in order to mislead lenders and other business partners.

To accept Jamess motion, a judge would have to agree that the Trump Organization submitted false and misleading financial records and that those statements were used during the course of business.

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes based on the mountain of undisputed evidence, according to the states August filing.

If that motion is accepted, the remaining six claims made against Trump and his business would still go to trial. Trumps attorneys argued in their own summary judgment filing and in the Tuesday delay filing that some of the claims cant be charged at all.

Jamess office is seeking a $250,000 fine and to ban Trump and his children from running businesses in New York in the future.

Trump remains the clear front-runner in the 2024 GOP presidential primary despite multiple legal cases including three criminal trials, one each in Washington and Georgia over claims he attempted to overturn the 2020 election and a third in Miami over allegations he mishandled classified documents.

He has the support of just more than half of Republicans in the primary, according to national polling averages.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Trump dominates his rivals so heavily that he's on track to win all of California's delegates for next year's Republican convention  a haul that would give him a major chunk of the votes needed to secure his third presidential nomination.

The finding from a new UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Times highlights a turnabout from earlier this year. In February, Trump faced a serious challenge from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis among California Republicans.

The potential for Trump to win all of the state's delegates also reflects his campaign's work to change the rules of the contest to his advantage.

In late July, the California Republican Party changed its rules so that if a candidate wins more than 50% of the statewide vote in the state's March 5 primary, he or she will claim all 169 GOP delegates  the most of any state in the nation. Previously, the rules allocated delegates by congressional district. A candidate needs just over 1,200 convention delegates to win the nomination.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trumps campaign pushed for the rule change, one of a series of such shifts it has backed in states across the nation. All of the changes supported by his campaign have the effect of helping a front-runner quickly nail down the Republican nomination.

Read more: Tensions flare as California GOP gives Trump a boost by overhauling state primary rules

The new poll shows about 55% of likely Republican voters plan to cast their primary ballots for Trump. DeSantis support has plummeted to 16%  less than half of what he had earlier this year.

"Californians have turned away, by and large, from DeSantis, said Mark DiCamillo, director of the UC Berkeley institute's poll. The biggest beneficiary of DeSantis decline is the former president. Theres no question hes well-liked by the Republican base.

Its a startling development given the fact that over the past year, there appeared to be sentiment among Republicans looking for an alternative to Trump, DiCamillo added. That has changed, and Trump is now the odds-on favorite.

Capturing all of Californias delegates would give Trump a huge advantage over the rest of the field, he noted.

The state party's rule changes were one factor in the recent decision by a super PAC backing DeSantis to stop major campaign operations in California and several other states, NBC News reported last week.

The poll shows that support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen last month at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, has dropped among likely Republican primary voters in California. (Jeff Roberson / Associated Press)

On the Democratic side, the poll indicated President Biden holds a big lead ahead of California's primary, with 66% of party voters supporting him, compared with 9% for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and 3% for Marianne Williamson. About 1 in 6 likely Democratic voters said they were undecided.

Biden gets less support from young, Latino and Asian American voters than from white and Black voters. That difference in enthusiasm is unlikely to hurt his chances in California, given his wide lead, but it reflects a problem for the president that could be serious elsewhere in the nation.

Biden also holds a big lead over Trump in a prospective general election matchup in the state, not surprising given Californias cobalt-blue tilt.

Of the states 22 million registered voters, 46.9% identify as Democrats, 23.8% as Republicans, 22.5% as no party preference and 6.8% with other parties, according to the California secretary of states most recent statistics.

The poll also looked at some important vulnerabilities for each of the two leading candidates.

Among the state's likely voters, 42% said they believe Bidens age  he turns 82 shortly after election day  will hurt him a lot in his reelection bid, compared with 32% who think Trumps legal woes will hurt him a lot in his effort to win back the White House.

Those legal difficulties may be on display just before the state's primary. On March 4, the former president is scheduled to go on trial in Washington on federal charges that he illegally sought to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which he lost to Biden.

California shares its primary date with Texas, North Carolina and about a dozen other states, which together will allocate more than a third of Republican delegates.

The survey was conducted Aug. 24-29, shortly after Trump was indicted in Georgia over his alleged efforts to overturn the states 2020 presidential election results.

That indictment was the fourth for the former president. In addition to the Georgia and federal cases alleging efforts to overturn the election, he also faces federal charges over his handling of confidential government documents after leaving the White House, and New York state charges over his payments to a porn actor during the 2016 campaign in an attempt to conceal their affair.

The polling began one day after the first GOP presidential primary debate, which Trump skipped.

The survey's results affirm the dwindling popularity of DeSantis, who shares many of the same beliefs as Trump, but without his legal and temperamental baggage. He has drawn praise from many on the right for his stand against lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for his vocal advocacy of the conservative side in the nations culture wars.

Read more: News Analysis: Some clear losers in first GOP debate, but the absent Trump emerges largely unscathed

In February, when many Republicans were still focused on Trump-endorsed candidates' losses in last year's midterm election, DeSantis had the support of 37% of likely California Republican voters, while Trump was backed by 29%, according to a Berkeley institute poll. Three months later, a Berkeley survey indicated the former president had rebounded, with the support of 44% of the states likely GOP voters, with DeSantis trailing at 26%.

Former United Nations Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys performance in the first GOP debate appears to have bumped up her support in the latest poll, though she remains mired in the single digits among likely Republican voters in California.

Haley now has the backing of 7% of the states likely GOP voters surveyed, double her support in the February poll. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder all trailed behind her. About 9% of the poll's Republican participants said they supported someone else or were undecided.

Looking ahead at the general election, 51% of the states likely voters polled said they would support Biden, the incumbent president, while 31% said they would back Trump. About 13% said they planned to cast ballots for an unnamed third-party candidate, and 5% were undecided.

While Californias general election is unlikely to be competitive  it hasn't been in the last three decades  voters attitudes about each candidate's potential vulnerabilities provide insight into the overall state of the race.

Neither Trump nor Biden received stellar ratings from voters on their ethical behavior, though the current president outpaced the former one  71% faulted Trumps personal ethics, compared with 43% who faulted Biden's.

Nearly half, 47%, of likely California voters surveyed said they would be open to supporting a third-party candidate if the 2024 presidential campaign is a rematch of Biden and Trumps contest three years ago, with 24% saying they would be "very open" to the idea.

While a candidate not affiliated with either of the nations two main political parties has practically zero chance of winning the White House, DiCamillo said those numbers reflect voter frustration, particularly among those who are less ideologically inclined.

Theres dissatisfaction. Weve seen that in other polls," he said. It appears to be the most moderate voters, not those on the extremes. Strong liberals and strong conservatives are less open to [a third-party candidate] than those in the middle.

The Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies' poll surveyed 6,030 registered California voters online in English and Spanish, Aug. 24-29, including weighted samples of 1,175 likely Republican primary voters and 2,833 likely Democratic primary voters.

Because the survey results are weighted to match census and voter registration benchmarks, estimates of the margin of error may be imprecise; however, the results are estimated to have a margin of error of 2 percentage points in either direction for the full sample, 3 percentage points for Democratic primary voters and 4 percentage points for Republican primary voters.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Former President Donald Trump was warned by one of his lawyers in May of last year that the FBI could search his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida if he didn't comply with a grand jury subpoena that requested the return of classified documents, NBC News has confirmed.

Trump was informed of the possibility of an FBI search by attorney Evan Corcoran , who met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the subpoena was issued, ABC News first reported Wednesday.

Corcoran detailed their meeting in a series of voice memos on his phone the next day, according to ABC News, which said it reviewed copies of transcripts of the recordings.

Corcoran also noted in the recordings that minutes after he met with Trump, he met by a Mar-a-Lago pool with another of the former president's lawyers, who warned that Trump is "just going to go ballistic" if Corcoran pushed Trump to comply with the subpoena, ABC News reported.

Trump was warned the FBI could search Mar-a-Lago if he didn't comply with subpoena for classified docs (Steve Helber / AP file)

NBC News has not seen copies of the transcripts or heard the audio of Corcoran's recordings, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed the existence of the transcript of the voice memo dealing with Corcoran's warning of a potential FBI search of Mar-a-Lago. Trump's presidential campaign and Corcoran did not immediately respond to NBC News' requests for comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement to ABC News, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung appeared to dismiss the report.

"The attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most fundamental principles in our legal system, and its primary purpose is to promote the rule of law," he said. "Whether attorneys notes are detailed or not makes no difference  these notes reflect the legal opinions and thoughts of the lawyer, not the client."

Trump offered full cooperation with DOJ, and told the key DOJ official, in person, Anything you need from us, just let us know,'" Cheung added.

The FBI, however, ultimately searched the Florida estate on Aug. 8, 2022, and recovered more than 100 classified documents. At the time, Trump described the search as an "unannounced raid on my home" that he said "was not necessary or appropriate."

"These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents, Trump said in a statement at the time.

Corcoran's voice memos have become a key piece of evidence in special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents, ABC News reported. The probe led to Trump's initially being charged in June in a 37-count federal indictment, accusing him of willfully retaining national defense information, making false statements and representations, conspiring to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document, concealing a document in a federal investigation and scheming to conceal.

The indictment appears to cite from Corcorans notes and testimony in quoting statements Trump made about the boxes of classified documents, although Corcoran is not named in the document.

"I dont want anybody looking, I dont want anybody looking through my boxes, I really dont, I dont want you looking through my boxes," Trump allegedly said, according to the indictment, which noted that one of the attorneys had "memorialized" Trump's statements.

"Well what if we, what happens if we just dont respond at all or dont play ball with them?" Trump also asked, according to the indictment.

"Wouldnt it be better if we just told them we dont have anything here?" he asked, according to the document.

At the end of July, a superseding federal indictment brought new charges against Trump, alleging that he was part of a scheme to delete security video to try to cover up efforts to hide the classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Asked about the voice memos, a spokesperson for the special counsel's office said Wednesday that it declined to comment beyond what was in the indictment.

The federal judge overseeing the case decided in July that the criminal trial will begin May 20 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Donald Trump's argument that the 2020 election was rigged has reinforced the views of Americans who are already disenchanted about politics, one factor in their inclination not to cast a vote next year  that is, a vote they would probably cast for him.

An exclusive USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll of unlikely voters  those who are eligible to vote but say they probably won't  give Trump a lopsided edge over President Joe Biden among Americans who are deeply skeptical of politics and government.

Registered voters who say they aren't likely to go to the polls back Trump over Biden by nearly 20 percentage points, 32%-13%, with 27% supporting a third-party or other candidate. Citizens who are eligible to vote but haven't registered also favor Trump by close to 2-1, 28%-15%; 27% prefer another candidate.

If they participated in the election, Trump's advantage among them is so wide that they could shift the political landscape to his advantage. His standing among unlikely voters is much stronger than in surveys of registered or likely voters, which generally show a presidential race that is effectively tied. The latest realclearpolitics.com average of national polls gives Biden a 1-point edge.

Former President and 2024 presidential hopeful Donald Trump arrives to speak at the Turning Point Action Conference in West Palm Beach, Fla., on July 15, 2023.

"It's just a game; it's not even serious," said Phillip Benjamin, 40, an engineer from Atlanta who was among those called in the poll. The last time he cast a ballot was for Democrat Barack Obama in 2008, but he said that if he voted in 2024 it would be for Trump, a Republican. Benjamin, a registered voter who leans conservative, agrees with Trump's unsubstantiated complaints that there were serious problems with the integrity of the election in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That makes him less likely to bother voting next time, he said. "If they can push an election the way they pushed that last one, they can do anything."

The poll of 900 nonvoters, taken by landline and cellphone Aug. 19-27, has a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.

Be careful what you wish for, said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. In a year of major political ironies, this is the irony of ironies with some turned-off Trump voters disgusted with voting and the election process.

The findings reflect a tidal change from a USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll of unlikely voters in the summer of 2012. Then, unlikely voters overwhelmingly favored the incumbent Democratic president, Barack Obama, over GOP challenger Mitt Romney, 43%-18%.

In 2020, two-thirds of eligible voters cast ballots, the highest turnout since 1900. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 40 million didn't vote, including 12.8 million who were registered and another 25.8 million who weren't registered.

Some analysts predict that broad dissatisfaction with the potential rematch between Biden and Trump could mean lower turnout in 2024.

Why won't they vote?

An open-ended question about why they don't plan to vote prompted a litany of grievances about the candidates, the elections that put them in office, and the government they lead if they win.

"My vote doesn't matter" was one of the most frequent responses among those who aren't registered. Other top reasons included "don't care," "don't believe in the voting/political system" and "system is rigged/corrupt." Nearly 1 in 10 cited "poor candidate choices."

Among those who are registered, more than a third, 37%, said they didn't like any of the candidates. Others said that their vote didn't matter, that the election was rigged and that the system was corrupt.

"It's just because, you know, which poison do you like better?" said Steve Rawson, 53, an airport cargo agent from Warwick, Rhode Island. A self-described liberal, he last voted in 2016, casting a ballot for Trump in his solidly Democratic state as a joke. "It's just like nothing changes, and it's how it's been for how long I've been voting."

Three of 4 accuse politicians of offering "a bunch of empty promises," that "nothing ever gets done" in Washington. Two-thirds call the system was corrupt. They split evenly, 47%-46%, about whether "there's not a dime's worth of difference" between Democrats and Republicans.

Who are the nonvoters?

Nonvoters recognize the impact the federal government has on their lives. Three of 4 say it has an important impact; 40% call it "very important."

Even so, a 53% majority say they pay attention to what's going on in government and public affairs "only now and then" or "hardly at all." Many report feeling financially pressed and, in some cases, overwhelmed by demands in their life other than voting.

"I just feel like everything is going downhill," said Khandra Azzan, 30, a preschool teacher from Paramount, California. She voted for Obama in 2012, Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Republican Trump in 2020. She said no one in either party has changed her life for the better.

"I just feel like the price of everything is out of this world," she said. Her wages have "increased a few bucks while groceries doubled in price; my rent has skyrocketed." These days, "I just feel like we're all running right now like chickens without a head."

One in 4, or 26%, say the most important issue facing the country is the economy. (Far behind as No. 2 was political gridlock in Washington, at 9%.) Seven in 10 say the country is on the wrong track, a higher level of dissatisfaction than in recent polls of registered voters. Forty-one percent describe their household finances as "fair"; another 16% say their finances are "poor."

They are disproportionately people of color. While exit polls of voters found that whites comprised 67% of the electorate in 2020, they are only 51% of the nonvoters in this survey. Black voters made up 13% of the 2020 electorate but 15% of the nonvoters. Latinos were 13% of those who voted in the last presidential election but 18% of nonvoters.

While 41% of those who voted in 2020 have at least a college degree, just 26% of the nonvoters are college graduates.

What might get nonvoters to the polls?

More than 1 in 4, or 28%, volunteered that it would take "better choices" and an "honest candidate that I like" to get them to vote. But nearly half couldn't come up with the name of anyone whose candidacy would inspire them. Eight percent said Trump; no one else was cited by more than a handful of those surveyed.

The second-most frequent response to the question of what would get them to vote: "A miracle" or "nothing."

There was one reason that resonated with most nonvoters. Seventy percent of Trump supporters said they would vote if they knew their vote would help swing a close election to their candidate; a nearly equal 68% of Biden supporters said the same thing.

But some expressed skepticism about whether their views on the value of voting  or its lack of value  were going to change anytime soon.

"I've been voting since I was 18," said Wesley Wilson, 52, a conservative from Pittsburgh. In 2020, he cast a ballot for Biden but now says the president has "the hardest road back to my vote" because of disappointment over campaign promises not kept.

"I'm just getting to the point where I really don't even want to be involved anymore."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's big lead: Among nonvoters many suspect elections are rigged
Fulton County prosecutors revealed Wednesday that former President Donald Trump s election interference trial in Georgia will last an estimated four months, not including jury selection, with some 150 witnesses called to testify.

The update came during a public hearing before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, where prosecutors and lawyers for the 19 defendants hashed out their arguments for and against trying the group all together.

McAfee ruled afterward that two defendants seeking to separate themselves from the pack, attorneys Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, would be tried on Oct. 23 as scheduled.

Prosecutors will submit a brief arguing why all 19 should be tried at that time, although the judge seemed skeptical of that scenario, given that its less than two months away.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In August, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used Georgia state racketeering law to charge Trump and his allies with scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The case has added to Trumps already significant legal problems, as he is facing federal criminal charges in two other cases  for alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents  along with state-level charges in New York.

The Georgia case is unique in how public the process has been: Wednesdays hearing was livestreamed on the judges YouTube page, and it is also the first case in which Trump was made to have his mug shot taken.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee listens as he presides over a hearing on Aug. 31.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee listens as he presides over a hearing on Aug. 31.

Setting the case apart further is the sheer number of defendants, with contrasting defense strategies, although all have pleaded not guilty. It is not clear where the county might find a big enough venue to hold such a trial.

Chesebro and Powell requested a speedy trial, meaning they need to begin by early November to comply with state law.

McAfee set Oct. 23 as the pairs trial date two weeks ago; he denied Chesebros motion to separate his case from Powells on Wednesday. The rest of the group is currently scheduled to be tried beginning March 4.

Prosecutors, however, have repeatedly said they want to try the case once, for everybody. A trial for only Chesebro and Powell would still require four months, they said, arguing it would be an inefficient use of government resources.

The jury selection process will likely make the trial, or trials, even longer. Another Fulton County racketeering case involving rapper Young Thug began jury selection in January; it is still not complete eight months later.

At the hearing, Fulton County prosecutor Will Wooten confronted arguments from some of the defendants that they should be separated from the group of 19 because their alleged roles in the conspiracy differed from others. Courts have already decided that in conspiracy cases, the government does not have to show that each member of the alleged scheme had the same knowledge as every other member, Wooten said.

A few defendants, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, are fighting to move their cases to federal court by arguing that the actions under question were taken as part of their official roles in the federal government.

The petitions to move to federal court presented a particularly thorny issue, as Wooten and McAfee said those proceedings could take as long as six months, possibly preventing a state jury from rendering a verdict in the meantime.

McAfee said that he aimed to set a more firm schedule by next week.

Related...
Two groups have stepped up and filed friend of the court briefs on behalf of former Portage Mayor James Snyder in his quest to have the U.S. Supreme Court consider overturning his public corruption conviction.

One pursues the defense of constitutional liberties and the other is committed to identifying and reforming flaws, and inequities in the criminal legal system.

The American Center for Law and Justice filed its brief Friday, while the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys filed theirs on Tuesday. Both organizations said in their amicus briefs that the nations highest court should consider overturning Snyders conviction in federal court over taking $13,000 in regards to a contract for garbage trucks.

At the crux of the argument filed by Snyders attorneys is whether that payment, which according to court documents was received after the garbage trucks were purchased in exchange for consulting services reportedly provided by Snyder to Great Lakes Peterbilt, the company that sold the garbage trucks, was a gratuity.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His attorneys argue in their petition that the federal circuit courts dont agree on what constitutes a gratuity, and the Supreme Court has the opportunity to clarify the matter by taking up Snyders case.

As a result, whether a political donor or an elected official goes to prison now depends on where they live, notes the filing by the American Center for Law and Justice, noting later that Political contributions and candidate support are not only perfectly legal,  they are constitutionally protected free speech and political activity.

The American Center for Law and Justice is described as an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law and often appears before this Court in its filing.

The centers website touts some of the other cases its involved in, including one against Planned Parenthood in an abortion case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Topic headings on its website include pro-life; free speech; immigration; public policy; government corruption; and religious liberty, among others.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, meanwhile, argues in its filing of support for Snyders case that the case is Exceptionally Important And Impacts Tens Of Millions Of Government Employees And Private Citizens.

The association presents an assortment of hypothetical instances to outline its argument, including a part-time elected official who also has an insurance brokerage business.

Is every new policy she writes for constituents the potential hook for  liability as a gratuity? .... Every potential interaction between state and local officials and their constituents  no matter how mundane  becomes grist for potential corruption prosecutions, the filing notes.

The association said in its filing that its a nonprofit voluntary professional bar association that works on behalf of criminal defendants to ensure justice and due process for those accused of crime or misconduct with nationwide membership of thousands of direct members and up to 40,000 affiliates.

Its mission, according to its website, is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws, and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.

Federal prosecutors have said in court testimony and documents that there was no written agreement between Snyder and the Buha brothers, who owned Great Lakes Peterbilt, to provide consulting services for health care and information technology, nor was there evidence of any work done under the arrangement.

Snyder filed the petition for a writ of certiorari on Aug. 1; attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice had a Tuesday response deadline but, according to the U.S. Supreme Court online docket in the case, asked for and received an extension. That deadline is now Oct. 5.

Snyder, 45, a Republican, was first elected mayor in 2011 and was reelected in 2015. He was ordered in late June to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons before 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 to begin serving his sentence. His placement has yet to be determined.

Snyders case has moved in fits and starts since he was first indicted in U.S. District Court in Hammond in November 2016 on a charge of corrupt solicitation involving a contract with Great Lakes Peterbilt for garbage trucks; interfering with the IRS, for hiding funds from the federal agency from his mortgage company; and receiving a bribe for a tow truck contract.

A federal jury found Snyder guilty on the charges involving the garbage truck contract and the IRS and acquitted him on the allegations involving the towing contract.

Snyder asked for and received a new trial on the count involving the garbage trucks, and that trial, in March 2021, also resulted in a jury conviction.

Snyder filed another appeal in October 2021 in an attempt to have both of his convictions overturned and the court granted him bond pending that appeal. The appeals court rejected Snyders bid to have his convictions dismissed in a June 15 ruling.

On July 14, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago noted that no judge in active service has requested a vote on the petition that Snyder filed asking for a rehearing before the full court, and all the judges on the original panel have voted to deny the petition for panel rehearing.

alavalley@chicagotribune.com
Two people were hospitalized Tuesday evening after their truck crashed into trees off Interstate 5 in Thurston County.

The incident occurred after 9 p.m. near Millersylvania State Park south of Tumwater, according to a press memo from Washington State Patrol.

A 46-year-old Gig Harbor man reportedly was traveling north on I-5 in the middle lane when his Chevy pick-up truck left the roadway to the right and struck multiple trees. The vehicle came to rest in a ditch on the right shoulder, according to WSP.

A 36-year-old woman from Kaysville, Utah, was a passenger in the car. The memo says the woman was injured and airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Meanwhile, the driver was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Both of them reportedly wore seatbelts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

State Patrol believes drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Troopers booked the driver into the Thurston County jail on suspicion of vehicular assault later that evening, according to the jail roster.

The memo says the roadway was not closed due to the crash.
Two teens who were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man at his Orting home on Sept. 1, 2022, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to second-degree murder.

Gabriel Davies and Justin Yoon, now 17, agreed to a sentencing recommendation of 123 months for each. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

Davies, a teenager who went missing under suspicious circumstances and was found safe after an extensive search throughout Thurston County, according to Pierce County Sheriffs Department Sgt. Darren Moss.

The second suspect was later identified as Justin Jiwoon Yoon.

At about 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 1, 2022, deputies responded to a home in the 21900 block of 190th Street East to conduct a welfare check after a 51-year-old Daniel McCaw had reportedly not shown up for work for four days.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Pierce County Medical Examiner released McCaws name on Sept. 7, 2022.

According to the charging documents, deputies smelled what they thought was a decaying body. They also saw a German Shepherd running inside the house and out into the backyard through a doggy door.

After gaining access to the home, deputies found McCaw deceased on the floor with a gunshot wound in his head and a significant amount of blood surrounding the body.

After detectives and forensic investigators were called to the scene, a single spent shell casing was found near McCaws body, but no gun had been found.

There were no signs of forced entry into the house and further examination of the victim revealed he had also been stabbed.

Investigators soon learned McCaw had previously been in a relationship with Davies mother.

A Thurston County detective was later contacted by Yoons father, who said he had information about a Pierce County homicide involving Davies.

According to the Thurston County investigation, a member of Davies family said Davies and Yoon had gone camping at Panther Lake with friends and family between Aug. 27, 2022, and Aug. 28, 2022.

Family said Yoon and Davies left the cabin in Mason County on Aug. 28, 2022, just after 12:01 a.m. and returned around 6:30 a.m. They left the Panther Lake location again at 11:45 a.m. and didnt return.

Pierce County detectives examined surveillance footage at the McCaws home and saw two young skinny males approach the home from the backyard at about 1:59 a.m. on Aug. 28, 2022.

The two people on the footage crawled into the home through the doggy door. At about 2:41 a.m. McCaw was spotted leaving the detached garage, then stumbling back into the home.

At 2:47 a.m. the German Shepherd suddenly ran out of the doggy door, and one minute later the two people exited the home through a side door.

The two people ran back and forth to the garage before leaving the area around 2:52 a.m.

Detectives believe the two people were Davies and Yoon.

On Sept. 2, 2022, Davies father called the lead detective with Thurston County, saying, Gabe was involved in (the victims) death.

According to Davies father, Davies was approached by biker buddies of McCaw, threatening Davies to steal something from the victims home.

Davies confided in Yoon and they developed a plot to steal the item from McCaws safe.

The two went to the McCaws house and snuck through the doggy door.

Davies father said when McCaw came home, Yoon ran after him and stabbed him, and then Gabe heard a gunshot.

Davies father said Davies went out to the garage to get the item out of the safe when he heard a second shot.

Davies father said Davies was followed by McCaws biker buddies and pulled him from his truck on Tilley Road.

The blood found in the truck was from the bikers smashing Davies face against the inside of the truck.

The biker buddies then drove Davies around in a Suburban, roughing him up before they let him go. They also took his shirt and shoes.

Just after 8 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2022. deputies took Davies and Yoon into custody for charges of second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Davies later showed detectives where he and Yoon hid two guns that were stolen from McCaws home.

Both suspects were booked into Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center.
It seems like these days all Washington does is spend your money. In true form, the Senate gathered back in D.C. this week to discuss a spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. If its not passed by Sept 30, federal agencies will run dry. House members calendar differs slightly and theyll return in a week, leaving little time for both chambers to come to an agreement.

Two Texas lawmakers  a House member and a senator, but both Republicans  posted about what to do on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, encapsulating the difficulty of every reining in spending in Congress.

Sen. John Cornyn posted an observation from Punchbowl News: The federal government will shut down in less than a month unless a funding bill is passed by Sept. 30. Thats only 16 legislative days away (and even fewer for the House) under the current schedule. The House and Senate are in completely different universes when it comes to how lawmakers should fund federal agencies in both the short and long term.

That view isnt wrong, but Cornyn didnt exactly pose solutions, either. Even still, Rep. Chip Roy of Austin wasnt having it.

Republicans should not fund (with debt - see chart) the things they campaign against - and then just shrug border DOJ weaponization DOD wokeness IRS abuse COVID tyranny. Extending a CR of the disastrous Omni is non-starter. #NoSecurityNoFunding https://t.co/atf3KQQNg5 pic.twitter.com/A9JGzrLS1a  Chip Roy (@chiproytx) September 4, 2023

Cornyn spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday night and supported House Republicans efforts to limit spending, saying: The American people elected a Republican majority in the House, which has pledged to rein in reckless federal spending.  I hope that Speaker [Kevin] McCarthy and other Republican colleagues in the House will succeed in their efforts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Democrats who control the Senate do have a very different idea of how to spend taxpayer dollars in Washington. Typically, they spend wildly more than is necessary, and they spend taxpayer money on things that dont directly benefit the taxpayer  they benefit their pet projects.

However, Roy is correct: Conservatives also spend too much money when theyre in power. They campaign on limited government and fiscal responsibility, but when they get elected and Democrats ask them to agree to vote for a continuing resolution that extends current levels of outrageous spending or face a government shutdown, Republicans tend to give in.

Its a complex situation, to be sure, given the current balance of power. But if Republicans dont stand up to extreme spending in Congress, Democrats definitely wont, and taxpayers will continue to pay the hefty price of simply being Americans with a government that has a terrible spending habit.

In the fiscal year 2023, Texas was awarded over $61 billion in grants and contracts  actually half of what it received in fiscal year 2017  via multiple agencies within the federal government and ultimately with taxpayer dollars. Some of this is expected, of course: Taxpayer funds are necessary to operate state and local governments. But for a state run by Republicans, $61 billion is no chump change.

Its up to stiff-necked, nerves-of-steel conservatives to stand up to their own party for its part in absurd spending. We know Democrats wont stop it, so who will?

Editors note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described Sen. John Cornyns position on spending bills and suggested he and Rep. Chip Roy were fighting over the issue.
For fans of military aviation  or flying in general  in the civilian world, the chance to get a ride in the cockpit of a combat aircraft is very likely top of many a bucket list. But theres surely one in-service military jet that has a little more allure than most, for which getting strapped into is just the prelude to a trip into the stratosphere. That jet is the unique U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, and one civilian photographer recently got a chance to fly in it and execute an air-to-air shoot unlike any other.

Our friend Blair Bunting , based out of Phoenix, Arizona, was that individual and he has documented his trip with his own incredible photos in his trademark style, as well as accompanying video, together with a written account about how it all came together. And, much like the U-2 itself, many of those images also look like they come from out of this world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3TTszlZ-94

As to how it came to be, Blairs own career as a photographer brought him into contact with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a photo and video shoot with the demonstration squadron  a wild ruckus of a flight, in his words. After that, a friend of Blairs, a former pilot of the 425th Fighter Squadron , suggested he go one step further and try and get a flight in the legendary U-2.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

50,000 feet is higher than a jetliner, but you know theres a plane that goes even higher? his friend told him. And with that, Blair embarked on a mission to get into the cockpit of a U-2.

A few months later, I was visiting a friend at the Pentagon, and the conversation came up again about the U-2, Blair recounts on his web page. At this point, Id started talking with Beale Air Force Base in Northern California about visiting and photographing the U-2.

Happily, someone at Beale had also seen Blairs earlier work with the Thunderbirds and that helped to secure a trip to the base for a photo shoot, albeit one that would take place on the ground.

Blair Bunting stepping to his TU-2S after many months of preparation. Blair Bunting

Talking about doing a high-altitude flight in a U-2 is akin to a dog chasing a car, Blair says. The idea sounds incredible, but the concept of what to do when it comes to fruition is so far removed from comprehension that it is easier to have never chased it.

Still, Blair chased it, remaining in dialogue with the base for months.

A fatal U-2 accident that also saw the loss of a rare two-seat U-2 then put the project indefinitely on ice, before the base got back in touch with Blair about the first series of ground photos, a full six years after they had been taken. Then, in a conversation with a new public affairs officer, the topic of a Dragon Lady flight came up once again.

Understandably, a huge amount of paperwork had to be dealt with before Blair even got close to the U-2 flight line and, once the sortie was green-lit, he was left, in his words, stunned and in disbelief. He added: I didnt know what to think or who I could even tell. Just hearing myself say it to my parents had me realizing this was a situation that was unbelievable to most.

That was just the start, however, since what followed was an almost total immersion in preparations for the flight, meeting with everyone from squadron and base commanders to plane mechanics and the pilots that fly them to understand how best to capture imagery from the U-2.

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Then, of course, was the all-important spacesuit fitting, working out three times a week, not to mention researching what kinds of commercial cameras actually work at 70,000 feet (almost 300 camera and lens combinations were tested).

Blair experiencing his fitted pressure suit prior to the actual mission. (Blair Bunting)

When it came to shooting images up here, too, the peculiarities of the spacesuit would pose particular difficulties, as Blair recalls:

The spacesuit was tailored so that if a rapid decompression happened, the pilots arms would stay down so that they could eject from the plane. This made it difficult to photograph, as the suit fights you when trying to raise your arms with a camera. On top of this, I would have to rely on a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen as the fishbowl on my head made it impossible to use the regular viewfinder. These were only some of the considerations I had to think about daily.

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

There was even daily meditation, recommended by another pilot, which goes to show the extraordinary lengths to which Blair went to make sure the flight went just as it should.

Once it finally came to the details of the mission, Beale confirmed they would launch two Dragon Ladies, one a two-seat TU-2S carrying Blair and his pilot, and the second a single-seat U-2S.

Blair explains: Once we both reached high altitude, we would rendezvous and get the aircraft as close as we safely could to create images of the plane as it entered the darkness with ice beginning to form on its surface.

As you might imagine, the last few days of preparation before the sortie itself were incredibly intense, with a seemingly never-ending checklist tempered by Blairs own understandable nerves. After all, as he reflects: The grandiosity and magnitude of it all were becoming more potent by the day, and I could hardly believe what I was preparing for. Nevertheless, With hundreds of phone calls and emails behind us, we knew we had done everything possible to make the shoot successful. Now was the time to bring it to life.

Blair in the cockpit cruising through the Stratosphere. Blair Bunting Youtube screencap

In the first hour of being on the base, I realized how significant this was. The gravity of what was unfolding before me really started to sink in, and there was an electric feeling in the air.

This feeling was heightened due to the fact that it had been a long time since the last civilian had actually flown in a U-2 and going up to the aircraft's true operating ceiling was another thing entirely.

Come the day of the flight, Blair had done all the preparation that was demanded of him, plus a lot more extra as well, and as the clock struck 6:00 AM, we jumped in the car and headed to the base, blasting a mix of Dubstep and metal to keep my anxiety at bay.

Blairs flight was notable in that it was, according to him, the first time a high-altitude formation with two U-2s had been put up specifically for a photoshoot.

Blair taxies out in the two-seat TU-2S. Blair Bunting/YouTube screencap

Doing a photoshoot like this at the edge of space is entirely different than when I did the same thing with fighter jets, Blair reflected. At these altitudes, there are only 5 knots of speed that separate the planes from going so fast they fall apart or going too slow that they fall out of the sky completely. For this reason, we had to use geometric turns to stagger the aircraft rather than having the second plane speed up or slow down, which was yet another complexity that made this photoshoot as challenging as it was.

Blair Bunting

A U2 Dragon Lady spy plane photographed by Commercial Photographer Blair Bunting. The image is part of the series "Photoshoot at the Edge of Space," in which Bunting did a photoshoot above 70,000 feet while in a spacesuit.

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting

What followed probably felt like a blur of the familiar chase cars long associated with the U-2 program, the rapid, sailplane-like climb to altitude, and, ultimately, the two spy planes making their rendezvous at the top of the Earths atmosphere.

Blair Bunting/YouTube screencap

We asked Bunting about about his major takeaways from completing the rarest of air-to-air photography shoots:

"I think the most surprising part of it all was when we got to the edge of the atmosphere and I looked up only to see the sun against the black background with the moon not too far from it, also against the blackness of space. I had done my best to mentally visualize what it would be like, but that was a situation I could've never predicted. It was a sight to behold."

"The hardest part of the entire project was the mental aspect of it all. Not only does one have to get comfortable being in a very loud, claustrophobic space suit, but you also have to be able to control your emotions and compartmentalize things, as crying at altitude is not possible. Irritating your eyes can be a big issue if you can't touch them due to the spacesuit helmet. Beyond that, we had to take measures to keep my heart rate and respiration (breathing) reduced as any excess excitement or fatigue would result in icing over the cockpit and I would not be able to take pictures."

"In retrospect, it is truly a humbling experience. I feel deep gratitude for the trust bestowed on me by those at the Air Force, Beale Air Force Base, and the video teams. I could have never deserved such an opportunity, no matter how hard I tried, and I'm still processing it all. I don't know if I will ever be able to fully realize the view that I took in when the Earth curved below the blackness of space, but just the opportunity to witness it has meant everything to me."

You can read more about this incredible flight in Blairs own account .

Blair's extraordinary journey in the iconic and incredibly long-serving spy plane paid homage to all those who have flown and supported the Dragon Lady over the better part of a century, and it serves as a fitting tribute to the U-2 as it flies off into the dimming twilight of its illustrious service .

Blair Bunting celebrating recovering in his TU-2S mount at Beale after his flight to where few have ventured. Via Blair Bunting

Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com and tyler@thedrive.com
By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. judge ordered Texas to move floating buoys that were placed in the middle of the Rio Grande to block migrants from illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, a tentative win for President Joe Biden, whose administration sued the state.

U.S. District Court Judge David Ezra on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction in Austin that requires Texas to relocate the buoys, currently near the city of Eagle Pass, to an embankment on the Texas side of the river by Sept. 15. The Biden administration argued in a legal challenge that the 1,000-foot (305-meter) barrier illegally disrupts navigation and was installed without permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The ruling is a setback for Texas Governor Greg Abbott , a Republican who contends that Biden, a Democrat, has been too lenient with border security as record numbers of migrants have been caught crossing illegally in recent years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The floating barrier is one of multiple strategies Abbott has launched to deter migrants, including coils of razor wire placed along the riverbank.

"Governor Abbott announced that he was not 'asking for permission' for Operation Lone Star, the anti-immigration program under which Texas constructed the floating barrier," Ezra wrote in a 42-page order. "Unfortunately for Texas, permission is exactly what federal law requires before installing obstructions in the nation's navigable waters."

Texas immediately appealed the ruling to the conservative-leaning 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and Abbott's office said it was willing to take the case to the Supreme Court if needed.

"Our battle to defend Texas' sovereign authority to protect lives from the chaos caused by President Biden's open border policies has only begun," the governor's office said in a statement.

The U.S. Justice Department is pleased with Ezra's ruling, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in a statement.

Mexico's government also issued a statement, saying it remained attentive for the final resolution, reiterating the "urgency of permanently removing the buoys on our shared border" and the need to safeguard migrants' human rights.

Abbott's border operations came under increased scrutiny in July after an internal trooper email surfaced alleging that Texas authorities had been ordered to push migrant children back into the river and deny water to migrants in extreme heat.

Weeks later, a dead body was found stuck in the buoys. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the victim appeared to have drifted into the barrier after drowning.

Ezra, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan, said more than 140 concrete anchors - some weighing 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) - used to secure the buoys could cause serious damage to boats or other vessels.

"Photographs show these grey concrete anchors standing from the bed of the river, with no markings to identify them as hazards," Ezra wrote. "These concrete obstacles present a serious risk to watercraft of any kind."

The Mexican government sent a diplomatic letter to the U.S. in June opposing the barrier, saying it violates a water treaty between the two nations and may encroach on Mexican territory.

Ezra said the buoys have "already placed tremendous strain on the U.S.-Mexico relationship," citing the tensions as an example of harm the barrier could cause if left in place as litigation proceeds.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; additional reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; editing by Bill Berkrot and Stephen Coates)
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that North Korea would "pay a price" if leader Kim Jong Un makes a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply weapons for Moscow's war on Ukraine. File Photo by KCNA/UPI

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Negotiations for a weapons sale by North Korea to Russia are "actively advancing," according to a top U.S. security official who warned that Pyongyang would "pay a price" if a deal goes through.

Lending military support to Moscow for its war against Ukraine "is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community," national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a press briefing on Tuesday in Washington.

Sullivan did not specify what consequences North Korea would face but noted that the isolated regime is already under targeted sanctions aimed at disrupting any efforts to supply weapons to Russia.

He added that the economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia have proven successful in shrinking Moscow's capacity to produce munitions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We have continued to squeeze Russia's defense industrial base, and they are now going about looking to whatever source they can find for things like artillery ammunition," Sullivan said. "I think it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity in a war that [it] had expected would be over in a week."

The United States has previously accused North Korea of supplying weapons to the Russian military and the private mercenary Wagner Group, allegations the North publicly denied in November.

"We will continue to call on North Korea to abide by its public commitments not to supply weapons to Russia that will end up killing Ukrainians," Sullivan said.

U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Adriene Watson said on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may soon travel to Russia, where he anticipates "leader-level diplomatic engagement" with President Vladimir Putin to discuss an arms deal.

The New York Times first reported the possible trip on Monday, saying Kim would likely travel by armored train from Pyongyang to the Pacific port city of Vladivostok for a meeting that could take place next week.

Citing U.S. and allied officials, The Times reported Putin is seeking artillery shells and anti-tank missiles, while Kim wants advanced technology for satellites and nuclear submarines, as well as food aid.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday that he could not confirm any details of a visit by the North Korean leader.

"We have nothing to tell you on this topic," he said, according to Russian newspaper Izvestia.

The reports come in the wake of a July visit to Pyongyang by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, during which he toured a weapons expo and viewed a military parade.

Moscow and Pyongyang have drawn closer amid a growing geopolitical divide sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Putin and Kim exchanging letters earlier this year vowing to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Russia, along with China, has repeatedly blocked U.S.-led efforts at the United Nations Security Council to take action against North Korea over a flurry of weapons tests, including its launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile in July.
In Kyiv, Blinken was the first to honor the fallen Ukrainian heroes at the Berkovets cemetery

U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit on Sept. 6.

Details of Blinken's visit only became unofficially known the day before his arrival. The U.S. State Department had not announced or provided details about Blinkens trip to Ukraine beforehand.

Read also: Russian army now second strongest in Ukraine  Secretary Blinken

It was first reported that Blinken was in Kyiv shortly before 9 a.m. EET. The air raid alert in Kyiv was lifted at 6.36 a.m. It is unknown where the U.S. State Secretary was when Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital with cruise and ballistic missiles  all of which were shot down.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blinken will visit Ukraine for two days and the visit, in part, is meant to show a sign of support during Ukraines counteroffensive, reported Reuters.

His first visit on this trip was to pay tribute to fallen Ukrainian heroes at Kyivs Berkovets cemetery along with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Read also: Kuleba and Blinken further discuss ATACMS missiles

Blinken was last in Kyiv one year ago, on Sept. 8, 2022. At that time, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, visited the war-torn suburb of Irpin, which had been devastated by Russia, and spent time at a Kyiv hospital with children who had suffered because of Russian aggression.

This is Blinkens third visit to Ukraine since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion. On April 25, 2022, Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Ukraine could soon face a "difficult political season," warned Kuleba. While there are many international summits scheduled for the fall, Ukraine needs "the quantitative and qualitative presence of the whole world, not just [its] traditional friends from Europe and North America." Kuleba expects an increase in the number of "voices" calling on Ukraine to negotiate with Russia.



Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The leader of the United Auto Workers (UAW) warned the union will strike at any Detroit automaker that does not reach a new labor agreement by next week.

When asked by The Associated Press (AP) if the union would call a strike on any of the companies that do not reach a tentative agreement, UAW President Shawn Fain said, Thats the plan.

The contracts with the three major automakers  Ford, General Motors and Stellantis  are set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 14.

Negotiations between UAW and the Big Three have been ongoing since early July over pay increases, pensions, career security and concerns over the industrys shift to electric vehicles (EVs), which require fewer workers to make.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The union is asking for a 46 percent pay raise, a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay, union representation of workers at new battery plants and restoration of traditional pensions.

Speaking with the AP, Fain signaled the possibility of avoiding a strike and recognized the union might need to give up some of its requests to reach agreements with the three companies. Fain told the AP he would rather reach new contracts with the automakers than begin a strike of up to 146,000 members.

Reporting some progress with negotiations, Fain told the AP the UAW plans to meet with General Motors on Thursday about the unions economic demands. Discussions continue with Ford on wages and benefits, while Stellantis has not counteroffered the unions wage and benefit requests, according to Fain.

The Big Three have argued UAWs demands are unrealistic amid intense competition from Tesla and lower-wage foreign automakers.

I know that our demands are ambitious, but Ive told the companies repeatedly, Im not the reason that members expectations are so high, Fain said in a streamed event last week. Whats driving members expectations are the Big Threes profits. You cannot make $21 billion in profits in half a year and expect members to take a mediocre contract.

Last month, UAW Vice President Rich Boyer claimed Stellantis has threatened to move the production of Ram 1500 pickup trucks from suburban Detroit to Mexico. The possibility of moving production of the current Ram 1500 to Mexico fueled automakers concerns that the push for EVs will risk their jobs and compensation.

The Hill reached out to UAW for additional comment.

Updated at 2:02 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LONDON (Reuters) -The Russian mercenary Wagner Group is set to be proscribed as a terrorist organization by the British government, the interior ministry said on Wednesday, making it illegal to be a member or to support the group.

A draft order due to laid before parliament will allow Wagner's assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized, the ministry said in a statement.

Britain's interior minister Suella Braverman described the Wagner Group as "violent and destructive", adding it "acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin 's Russia overseas".

Across Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and "barbarous murders", the statement said, calling it a threat to global security.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," she said.

The order is expected to come into force on Sept. 13, after which it would be a criminal offence to belong to or promote the group, arrange or address its meetings and carry its logo in public, punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

David Lammy, the opposition Labour Party's foreign affairs policy chief, said the move was "long overdue".

"Now the government should press for a Special Tribunal to prosecute Putin for his crime of aggression," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Wagner mercenary group has operated in Syria, Libya and a number of countries across northern and western Africa. It recruited thousands of convicts from Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine, providing the main assault force for Russia's 2022-2023 winter offensive there.

In June this year the group launched a brief mutiny in Russia, condemned as treason by President Vladimir Putin, and on Aug. 23 its boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and top lieutenants were killed in a plane crash.

Britain sanctioned Prigozhin in 2020, the Wagner Group as a whole in March 2022, and in July this year sanctioned individuals and businesses with links to the group in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan.

Lawmakers on parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in July urged more targeted sanctions on what it said were a "web of entities" beneath the Wagner Group.

(Reporting by Lavanya Ahire in Bengaluru and Sarah Young in London; Editing by Peter Graff and William Schomberg)
The new school year in Russia began with an updated curriculum, incorporating military skills and pro-Kremlin propaganda on Ukrainian history, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its intelligence report on Sept. 6.

The new educational guidelines approved by the Parliament last year include "Basics of Life Safety" for senior students, which encompass a military training module. The Russian youth is meant to acquire skills in handling assault rifles, grenades, drones, and first aid, the report said.

The pupils may also be visited by Russian soldiers who have participated in the invasion of Ukraine.

Updated history lessons promote Russia's propaganda narratives on the occupation of Crimea and provide justifications for the full-scale war against Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the analysis, the new curriculum serves three main goals. Firstly, to indoctrinate students with a rationale for the war against Ukraine. Secondly, to instill them with a "martial mindset," and thirdly, to prepare the students for future mobilization and deployment.

In September 2022, Russia introduced a new school lesson called "Conversations about important things," instilling "patriotism and love and service for the Motherland" for children as young as six. It also featured video lessons with Russian state officials including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Patriarch Kirill.

During this year's summer, Russia's Education Ministry revealed new history textbooks for high schools, containing maps with occupied parts of Ukraine shown as Russian territory. The teaching materials also promoted the narrative that Ukrainians and Russians are "one people" but Ukraine is currently ruled as an "ultranationalist state."

Read also: As second academic year begins in wartime Ukraine, millions unable to go back to school full time

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The U.K. will officially declare the Wagner Group as a terrorist organization, according to a on Sept. 6 statement from the British Home Office.

The Russian private military company will join al-Qaeda and ISIS on the list of proscribed terrorist organizations in the U.K.

After the order comes into effect on Sept. 13, it will be a criminal offense to be a member of Wagner, use its logo, or encourage support for the group.

"Wagner is a violent and destructive organization which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putins Russia overseas," said U.K. Home Secretary Suella Braverman .

"They are terrorists, plain and simple," Braverman added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Designating the group a terrorist organization comes after calls from President Volodymyr Zelensky to treat the group as terrorists and "careful consideration of the nature and scale of the organization's activities," according to the U.K. home office.

The U.K. included the group in a wave of sanctions against Russia after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In July 2023, it also sanctioned 13 individuals and businesses linked to Wagner's activities in Africa.

Read also: Wagner boss Prigozhin is dead. Heres what it means for Africa

The British government said it believes the security threat posed by the Wagner Group will endure, "despite recent events."

The mercenary group's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin , was killed in an Aug. 23 private jet crash.

While the reasons for the crash of Prigozhin's aircraft remain unclear, U.S. officials named a bomb onboard or "some other form of sabotage" as a likely cause of the incident. Russia rejected an offer by Brazil to assist with the investigation of the plane's crash.

The leader of the mercenary group launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June. He captured the city of Rostov and marched toward Moscow before abruptly ending the insurrection.

Following an undisclosed deal allegedly brokered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, the warlord was allowed to walk free and released a video claiming to be in Africa shortly before his death.

The Wagner Group became infamous in 2022 for bringing tens of thousands of convicts from Russia's prisons into its ranks to fight in Ukraine, including those convicted of rape and murder, and used them as a highly effective but expendable assault force.

Lithuania's parliament recognized the Wagner Group as a terrorist organization in March 2023.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yevhen Dykyi, a former company commander of the Aidar Battalion, explained in an interview with NV Radio on Sept. 4 how the Ukrainian military breached Russias first defensive line, advancing towards Tokmak in Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

NV: How to understand the Russian defensive lines? How are they different? And will it really be easier for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to continue as [Commander of the Tavria operational group] Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi assesses the situation?

Dykyi: Let me start with the good news since my answer to whether it will be easier to continue is negative. In assessing what has already happened, I would say that General Tarnavskyi showed great modesty. In fact, not just the first defensive line has been overcome. Our defenders have already entered the second line, and the battles are now taking place inside the second defensive line. But this doesnt mean that weve breached it. So, lets talk from the point and figure out what these lines are. The Russians defense in southern Ukraine has been built up for over nine months.

Moreover, it was built both strategically, i.e., they really thought about how exactly they were going to defend themselves, and in a direct, specifically constructed sense. They carried out lots of ground and engineering works there. So, what do we have as a result? The first defensive line, the one that the general mentioned, took 60% of the resources. Maybe its true. It was very powerful. First of all, it included the largest minefield in general, perhaps in European history. Something at least a little comparable took place during the battle of El Agheila in North Africa in 1942 when German field marshal Erwin Rommel did something similar. Neither before nor after it was repeated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A continuous minefield over 100 kilometers long, and from 10 to 20 kilometers in depth in various areas, with combined mining: when there are anti-tank mines, and anti-personnel mines are sticked to each of them, like flower petals. That is, so that neither military hardware could break through, nor people could come up and remove these anti-tank mines. So, this was the biggest obstacle, not taking into account aviation in the sky. But this obstacle has already been overcome.

A dotted line of so-called strongholds was further behind this minefield. That is, platoon, company, and battalion-level strongholds, which were deployed on all dominant heights, firing from up there. But they werent connected to each other, it was just such a dotted line from the dominant heights. We have overcome this first defensive line. We have now reached the second line. And it includes the following. To begin with the amusing, it includes the so-called dragons teeth. I think everyone has already seen photos or videos [of those]. These are white concrete pyramids that, in the Russian imagination, were supposed to stop our tanks, somehow.

Read also: Russia acknowledges damage to three Tu-22M3 aircraft

In fact, why these pyramids were built, to be honest, is a mystery to me. The only rational explanation is that someone simply gobbled up the budget. Because there is absolutely no use from them as they dont stop tanks. If you remember, maybe several years ago it was fashionable to put so-called energy pyramids on the tables, which were supposed to protect against negative energies. The use of these concrete pyramids is exactly the same. But this is the only funny element, followed by the unfunny. The New York Times issued a false statement that we had already broken through the second defensive line.

This statement was actually based on the fact that there were already photos and footage of how our fighters were leaving all these dragons teeth behind. But no. The fact is that these dragons teeth mark the beginning of the Russians second defensive line. That is, the fact that we crossed them means that we have wedged ourselves into the second line, and the fighting is actually taking place there now.

There are also minefields between the dragons teeth and the trenches Im describing. This is no longer one continuous minefield, as it was on the first line, since the Russians would simply not be able to move between their own defensive lines if they were to mine everything there continuously. These are dozens of separate minefields with passages between them. There are still a lot of fields, but there is room to squeeze in between, followed by these trenches and concrete bunkers.

Read also: Military explains effect of liberation of Robotyne in southern Ukraine

If we break through the second line, well reach the third one. But the third defensive line is going to be really simple. Its not an independent line at all. Its more like a support line for the first two, including mostly command posts, communication points, warehouses, etc. They (Russians) wont be able to hold it. But the second line is still suitable for holding, concrete bunkers are actually worth a lot. And the main thing is the price paid.

If we regain Tokmak, by the way, for those who want to understand where the line is. When we retook the village of Robotyne, from that moment you can assume that the first line was left behind. But when we retake Tokmak, it will mean that we have taken the second line and it is completely breached. So, if or when we retake Tokmak, it will be almost impossible to hold us back.

Later, its theoretically possible to hold Berdyansk and Melitopol and prevent us from reaching the Sea of Azov, but its extremely unlikely in practice. Unfortunately, the Russians also understand this. They understand that their last chance to stop our offensive, to prevent us from reaching the Sea of Azov, and thus turning Crimea into an island, is now near Tokmak. Accordingly, all available reserves will be pulled in there. And in fact, everything will be decided there by whoever runs out of reserves first. There are some grounds for cautious optimism.

NV: And what do we understand about the resources that the enemy has. How long can they generally wage war?

Dykyi: I would say that my estimate of the military resource is close enough. And its good that youve raised this issue. The fact is that some Russian narratives are very well accepted both in the West, and even here. For some reason, its almost an axiom that Russia will win in case of a protracted war, since it is large and has a large resource base. And this is not the case at all. Except for the cannon fodder resource, of which they really plenty. Although, it is only enough as long as it [the mass of Russian civilians] meekly goes to serve.

I certainly wouldnt expect any surprises for the next mobilization. But in fact, I have some doubts whether Russian cannon fodder would be enough to regularly slaughter until 2030. But I guess well never know. Because cannon fodder is, of course, an important resource, but without dressing it in something, arming it with something, putting it on something to drive, and its desirable in something armored and that can shoot, and without structuring this cannon fodder by giving them commanders for each unit, platoon, company, battalion, etc., the cannon fodder resource is not an army by itself, it does not work.

But they have problems with resources namely for the army. The first problem is armored vehicles. Were currently seeing a very characteristic signal. Not only have they already opened the very strategic storage, i.e., the one for the great war, for the world war. That is, they didnt just use what was in the lineup [for the invasion of Ukraine]. But from these strategic warehouses, at least those standing in the open air, tanks, for example, covered with awnings, and most of the warehouses beyond the Urals are just like that, satellite images clearly show that 40% of the equipment has already been taken from there over the past year of the war.

Read also: Ukraine making progress on its march to Melitopol

Judging by their negotiations with North Korea, they have a very big problem with ammunition. It would seem that their storages are bottomless, but its not like that. And of course, everything Im saying is provided that China doesnt change its position and, God forbid, opens its warehouses to them. Because if this happened, it would be a completely different war and completely different resources. But so far, comrade Xi [Jinping] is clearly holding this red line.

He helps the Russians to bypass sanctions, particularly to obtain components that their defense industry lacks. But only the components. Ready-made military products are categorically not supplied so as not to spoil relations with the West. And if China continues to stick to this line, the resources of Russia itself and the only two countries that are ready to supply it with everything  Iran and North Korea, will be enough, according to my estimates, for a year, no more. Here is the protracted war. By the way, the situation is similar with commanders.

NV: Ukraine also needs resources. Where can we get them? The Financial Times has recently released an article where retired UK General Richard Barrons estimated the war would last until 2025.

He notes the West will most likely begin increased supply of ammunition and equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in mid-2024. Can we hope for that?

Dykyi: We can always hope for a lot. But to hope and to rely on are two different verbs. For example, we hoped very much that it would not happen, that Putin would be stopped, and no big war would take place. We hoped but failed. We didnt prepare for this war due to our expectations, and now were dealing with it, were now completely dependent on the supplies of the allies. Therefore, although it also seems to me that there is a lot of rationale in the British generals words, I would say that we must assume an even worse scenario.

In fact, I hope the level of supplies from the West will remain at least at the current level, or maybe the West will really decide to put an end to it and realize that there is only one way to put an end to it  to finally give us everything that we lack. But these are just hopes.

NV: And what will the war look like next year? What can you already see and analyze?

Dykyi: Nothing, to be serious. If someone tells you what they see this war looking like next year, dont believe them. There are too many uncertainties. We dont yet know how this summers offensive will end. Lets live to see it. At least well understand whether were entering late autumn and winter at approximately the current front line, or whether were entering autumn and winter after reaching the Sea of Azov and visiting Crimea. These are already two such different scenarios that its not really serious to forecast anything.

NV: Ukraine will probably get F-16 fighter jets. At least Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov announced before his resignation that the Defense Forces would use them in 2024. Does it fundamentally solve something?

Dykyi: No single weapon fundamentally ever solves anything. There is no Wunderwaffe, no silver bullet for a vampire. Every weapon is helpful. Each weapon is very useful, and some weapons become game changers for a certain period, slightly changing the rules of war. But no single weapon gives a total victory, unless were talking about nuclear weapon, of course. Lets remember how the Bayraktars [UAVs] and the Javelins [anti-tank guided missiles] were a very powerful factor at the beginning of the war that helped us disrupt the so-called special military operation and force the Russians to proceed to a real war.

Read also: Reduced Activity of Hostilities on Tavria Front

And in this full-scale war, they learned to counter Bayraktars, and Javelins no longer play such an outsized role. Later, the artillery war began. HIMARS [rocket artillery systems] arrived. HIMARS made a big difference, because we immediately had a 70-kilometer line available instead of a 30-kilometer one. OK. Months passed, and the Russians adapted to this as well. Now we really need F-16s. They will also change a lot once we get them. Because this total control of skies by the Russians will finally end.

Russian aviation is currently 10-12 times superior to ours. The arrival of the F-16 will shift this ratio. By the way, there were some naive expectations before this offensive that the first Leopard tanks would appear, the Russians should see them, shout ah, Leopards, and run away. It didnt happen, and it wont happen with the F-16. But they will be helpful and will enhance our capabilities.

NV: As for Reznikovs resignation and his replacement with Rustem Umerov, what do you expect?

Read also: Russians plan to intensify mobilization in Crimea after sham elections  Atesh

Dykyi: I see a certain symbolism here, a certain positive sign that at the moment when we approach Crimea, a Crimean Tatar will be the defense minister, who is also known for his rather consistent and radical views. I think that makes it somewhat more likely that when we get to Chonhar [the boundary between Kherson Oblast and Crimea], we wont let our Western allies stop us, start telling us that Crimea is sacred to Putin, or dont go any further because it will be difficult to negotiate. In this sense, Umerovs appointment seems to me to be very significant.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russias latest cruise and ballistic missile attack on Ukraine on Sept. 6 didnt surprise the Ukrainian Air Force.

Read also: U.S. State Secretary Blinken arrives on unannounced visit to Kyiv amid Russian cruise and ballistic missile attack

It was a rather natural, if I may put it that way, attack from the occupiers [Russians]. This was a nighttime assault, launching from evening hours and transitioning into the next day, starting from 11:00pm, with various flight routes, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat stated during a television broadcast.

Russia primarily targeted southern Odesa Oblast, causing damage to port infrastructure and other civilian objects. A total of 25 drones were launched from the south and southeast direction towards the oblast, followed by strategic aviation aircraft attack on other regions of Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Russian drones strike Odesa Oblast infrastructure during overnight assault on Ukraine

The missile launch area has been moved further west from the Caspian Sea to Russias Engels-2 military airbase. Cruise missiles (X-101/X-55/X-555) launched from Engels in the early hours of Sept. 6 were primarily intercepted over central Ukraine. One ballistic missile was also intercepted.

The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted 23 out of 33 airborne targets in the Sept. 6 overnight Russian attack.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Visiting Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised $1 billion in new US assistance, including for the first time some funds seized from Russian oligarchs. The State Department said the seized assets include $5.4 million that will go toward reintegration and rehabilitation of Ukrainian veterans.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A Russian drone attack on Izmail, a key Danube port, killed at least one person, the local governor said on Telegram early Wednesday. It marked the latest such assault on the city, which is crucial to Ukrainian grain exports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Danube River has become Ukraines primary shipping route for agricultural goods since Russia exited the Black Sea grain deal in July, making it essential to clear this years better-than-expected harvest. Kyiv also came under attack from Russian missiles overnight, but the citys military administration said they had all been shot down.

Latest Coverage

Blinken Vows to Give Ukraine What It Needs for Offensive

Ukraine Danube Crop Ports Struck Again by Drones; Wheat Steady

Challenger 2 Tank Destroyed in Ukraine, a First From Enemy Fire

EU Lending Arm Says It Will Resist Pressure to Invest in Weapons

More Ukrainians Who Fled War May Never Return, Study Shows

Markets

Wheat futures in Chicago traded little changed, holding near a three-month low. Large harvests in some other key producers, including Russia, have tempered price gains.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Ukraines Ministry of Finance has signed an agreement with the World Bank within the Housing Repair for People's Empowerment (HOPE) project, which provides for initial financing of $232 million.

Source: press service for Ukraines Ministry of Finance

Quote: "The agreement envisages the World Bank's initial financing totalling USD 232 million. The funds will be used to address urgent and critical needs for the repair of partially damaged individual and residential buildings in the controlled by Ukraine areas," Ukraines Finance Ministry said.

Details: Ukraines Ministry of Finance added that the total amount of funding under the project amounts to $800 million.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Minister Serhii Marchenko was the signatory from Ukraines Ministry of Finance, and Arup Banerji, World Bank Regional Country Director for Eastern Europe, represented the World Bank.

The funding consists of:

a grant of $162.2 million from the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF);

loans of $70 million from the IBRD guaranteed by the Japanese Government.

"The goal of the HOPE project is to create safe conditions for the return of Ukrainians to the territories affected by the war in the liberated regions.

The project will also support policy reforms at the national level to improve the results of reconstruction and alignment with EU integration goals," the message said.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces in Moscow

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces in Moscow

(Reuters) - Ukraine's military on Tuesday reported advances and robust defence along the front lines of its 18-month old war with Russia, with Moscow acknowledging "tension" in the southern sector but dismissing Kyiv's campaign as unsuccessful.

Ukraine launched a counter offensive in June to reclaim territory seized by Russia, but has struggled to break through entrenched Russian lines and has faced growing criticism in Western media of concentrating forces in the wrong places.

With Moscow's stretched military resources and dissent in the ranks, however, both sides have measured recent successes by taking control of tiny villages or small pockets of land.

Kyiv has retaken several villages in a southward drive towards the Sea of Azov and says it is regaining ground near the eastern city of Bakhmut, seized by Russia in May after months of battles.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are pressing our offensive in the Bakhmut sector and our defenders are advancing confidently metre by metre, namely Klishchivka," Ilya Yevlash, spokesperson for Ukrainian troops in the east told national television.

He was referring to a village located on heights south of Bakhmut, seen as critical to recapturing the city.

Yevlash said Ukrainian troops had withstood an onslaught further north near Lyman, a town they retook last year.

Russian forces had been dealt "a good kick" near the village of Novoyehorivka which halted their advance, he said.

Ukraine's general staff, in its evening report, said its forces were moving towards Melitopol in the south - aimed at severing the land bridge Russian troops have established between Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, and the occupied east.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed the offensive as a failure, while admitting that things were far from easy in parts of southeastern Zaporizhzhia region that Moscow controls.

"Ukraine's armed forces have not achieved their goals on any front," the defence ministry quoted Shoigu as saying.

"The most tense situation is that on the Zaporizhzhia front, The enemy has engaged brigades from its strategic reserve whose personnel have been trained by Western instructors."

Ukrainian analysts said the drive to capture a succession of villages was paying off, but much would depend on pushing on for the next two months before wintry weather takes hold.

Military analyst Serhiy Zgurets, writing on the website of Espreso TV, said the military had opened new fronts in the south with a strategy he dubbed "stretch, attrition and strike".

Ukrainian officials have said in the past week that their forces have managed to push past Russia's first line of defences but now confronted further lines in areas where Moscow has had time to build up fortifications and minefields.

"The enemy is trying to make the most of the 'dry period' to fortify themselves, redeploy and manoeuvre," Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for southern forces, told national television.

"They can feel the degree to which we can secure fire control on the logistics routes so important to them."

(Reporting by Reuters, Nick Starkov and Ron Popeski; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Lincoln Feast.)
Ukrainian forces are continuing to advance on the southern axis of its counteroffensive in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the latest assessment by the Institute for the Study of War .

Geolocated footage posted on Sept. 5 shows Russian forces striking Ukrainian positions northwest and west of Robotyne, indicating that Ukrainian forces have advanced into an area near the settlement that Russian forces previously claimed to control, ISW reported. Additional geolocated footage posted on Sept. 5 shows that Ukrainian forces have also advanced south of Robotyne and northwest of Verbove (about 10km east of Robotyne).

https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1699205350841254201

Geolocated evidence also shows Ukrainian forces have advanced northwest of Verbove, suggesting that Ukrainian forces are advancing along the line of Russian fortifications that runs into the settlement, ISW reported. Ukrainian military sources also confirmed that Ukrainian forces have been successful in the RobotyneNovoprokopivka directions south of Orikhiv.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That assessment further confirms statements made on Saturday by Brig Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskiy in an exclusive interview with The Guardian that Ukraine has broken through the first of Russias massive defensive lines in that area.

We are now between the first and second defensive lines, he said, speaking to the Guardian in his first interview since the breakthrough. Ukrainian forces were now pushing out on both sides of the breach and consolidating their hold on territory seized in recent fighting, he said.

Tarnavskiy estimated Russia had devoted 60% of its time and resources into building the first defensive line and only 20% each into the second and third lines because Moscow had not expected Ukrainian forces to get through.

In the center of the offensive, we are now completing the destruction of enemy units that provide cover for the retreat of Russian troops behind their second defensive line, Tarnavskiy said.

https://twitter.com/saintjavelin/status/1699006347289780350

For its part, the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) on Tuesday said aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems have repelled two attacks by the 47th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. However, the Russian MoD did not directly dispute the claims made by ISW and Tarnavskiy.

The Kremlin-connected Rybar Telegram channel, meanwhile, did dispute those accounts.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces were unable to break through the defense line in the Robotyne-Verbove sector, Rybar reported. Moreover, by the evening information appeared about a successful counterattack by the Russian Armed Forces.

All this reporting comes in the fog of war and it is impossible for us to verify any of these accounts. But the geolocated progress reported by ISW is a good indication that Ukraine is achieving a degree of success in pushing their fight forward through Russia's heavy defenses.

Whether that will result in a successful push toward Tokmak or even further toward Melitopol before the rain and mud work to slow things down over the coming weeks remains to be seen.

Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here .

The Latest

While officials in Ukraine are lauding the capture of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and the breakthrough of the first of Russias massive defensive lines, the troops who did the fighting there say the cost of small progress has been tremendously high.

To fight and stay effective in this place you have to run after death, not let death run after you, a 23-year-old storm group member with the call sign Boyets from the Skala Battalion, a special tasks unit fighting on the main axis of attack south of Robotyne, recently told The Times of London . I am ready to die, only because I have to be.

Boyetss unit has already been reduced by casualties to 25% of its original strength since joining counteroffensive operations around the axis towards Robotyne in July, and the life expectancy of storm units is the shortest on the front, the publication reported, stating:

Ninety percent of the guys here will die too, added the young fighter matter-of-factly, looking around his comrades as the Skala battalions storm troops waited to receive orders for another night attack on Sunday. We know that. Sure, weve breached the first line of the Russians but f***ing hell. What a cost.

https://twitter.com/shashj/status/1698840251546943516?s=20

Speaking of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, the advance has been complicated by tens of thousands of mines placed by the Russians, who have the luxury of being able to concentrate fires on de-mining equipment. As a result, Ukrainian sappers have had to pick through mine fields by hand, usually at night. But new video has emerged of another challenge posed by Russia. The placement of live grenades under anti-tank mines, with their pins pulled. It's a design created to blow up sappers working to remove the mines.

https://twitter.com/MilitaryBlogwe/status/1698285300529680824?s=20

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday submitted a draft resolution to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, to appoint Rustem Umerov as the countrys new defense minister, the Kyiv Post reported.

Zelenskys decision came after the parliament had approved Oleksii Reznikov's resignation as defense minister earlier in the day, the publication reported.

The Ukrainian parliament is expected to consider the candidacy of Umerov  a Ukrainian politician and businessperson of Crimean Tatar origin who is also a former head of the State Property Fund  on Sept. 6.

Umerov also previously served as a member of parliament with the Holos party from 2019-2022. Zelensky announced his decision to dismiss Reznikov on Sept. 3, saying that "the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction both with the military and with society as a whole."

https://twitter.com/kyivpost/status/1699019081494446173?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

On Monday, we published satellite images that showed Russia was placing tires on the upper fuselages of at least five turboprop-powered Tu-95MS Bear-H aircraft and at least three examples of the swing-wing Tu-160 Blackjack bombers. Some tires on the Bears also extending further down the wings.

Russia is placing tires on the upper surfaces of the aircraft in various patterns. PHOTO  2023 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

As we noted in our story:

"A covering of tires could well be calculated to break up the infrared signature of these aircraft, to confuse cruise missiles using image matching for targeting. This technique is also frequently referred to as DSMAC (Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator) or ATR (Automated Target Recognition) when used in cruise missiles. As we have previously discussed , using DSMAC/ATR would provide land attack versions of Ukraines homegrown Neptune missiles with a significant advantage, making them largely immune to electronic warfare jamming. At the same time, their approach to the target would not involve any telltale radio-frequency emissions, thanks to the passive nature of the targeting."

On Tuesday, Maxar Technologies released even higher resolution images showing two Bears with tires on their wings and on the top of their center fuselages. Of additional note is that these images also show that some of the Bears are missing propellers. The exact status of these airframes remains unclear. Aircraft that require deep maintenance are stuck out in the open on the base and they cannot be flown out, putting them at higher risk of attack. Mothballed airframes could also be used as decoys, but that would be very limited in number.

Close up of a Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber with tires on the wings and top of the center fuselage at Engels Air Base taken Aug. 28. (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

Another closeup of a Russian Tu-95 Bear bomber with tires on the wings and top of the center fuselage at Engels Air Base, taken Aug. 28. (Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies)

The first of an eventual 40,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems donated by Germany is on its way to Ukraine, the German arms maker Rheinmetall announced Tuesday.

The news is important because there were significant concerns about the ability to provide ammunition for the 46 Gepards Germany has given to Ukraine. The vehicle's guns were made in Switzerland, and authorities there have repeatedly refused to allow the re-export of 35mm rounds from various countries to Ukraine citing a policy of neutrality in regard to the conflict.

As a result, new production capacity for supplying the Gepard systems has been created in Germany, where a multi-million euro figure has been invested in plant and equipment, Rheinmetall said in a statement Tuesday.

Gepards have proven highly valuable in the point defense role, especially against long-range Kamikaze drones, among other threats.

https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1699087010185568750

The use of the once ubiquitous Turkish-made TB-2 Bayraktar drones by Ukraine has been significantly curtailed overall due to the fortification of Russia's anti-air umbrella over and far beyond the front lines. But after an absence from the battlefield, the are starting to reappear in several places for Ukraine.

On Aug. 22, we reported that the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that a Bayraktar and an MQ-9 Reaper operating over the Black Sea close to Crimea changed course after Russian fighters were launched.

Since then videos have emerged showing the Bayraktar in action.

On Sept. 3, the Ukraine Weapons Tracker open-source intelligence group posted a video it said shows a Bayraktar destroyed a Russian Ural transport truck somewhere on the southern front.

https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1698434234090713553?s=20

That same day, both Ukraine Weapons Tracker and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD) posted identical video of a Russian KS-701 patrol boat and six of its occupants being destroyed. The Ukraine Weapons Tracker group claimed the strike was carried out by a Bayraktar and the MoD just said it took place somewhere in Kherson Oblast.

https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1698351126737834121?s=20

Russian authorities are pushing back against claims that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered the mobilization of 200,000 more troops to fight in Ukraine.

On Monday, the Ukrainian Unian news outlet published a document on its Telegram channel it said purported to show that the mobilization effort would be enacted by Sept. 11 and completed by Nov. 1.

The publication, however, said it could not verify the documents authenticity.

On Tuesday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Andrey Kartapolov called the document a fake.

The information disseminated has nothing to do with reality, Kartapolov said on his Telegram channel Tuesday. Please trust only trusted sources.

https://twitter.com/Maks_NAFO_FELLA/status/1698776777525440522?s=20

The Pentagon on Tuesday declined comment on reports that North Korean despot Kim Jong Un will make a rare excursion from his highly isolated country to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming week to discuss supplying more arms to Moscow in its fight against Ukraine.

I dont have anything specific to provide in terms of a potential meeting nor am I going to speculate on when such a meeting could occur, Air Force Brig. Gen Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, told reporters Tuesday.

Yesterday, The New York Times reported those plans, citing U.S. and allied officials.

Kim would travel from Pyongyang, North Koreas capital, probably by armored train , to Vladivostok, on the Pacific Coast of Russia, where he would meet with Mr. Putin, the officials said, according to the Times.

Ryder also declined to provide any information beyond what White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters last week about Russia seeking materials from North Korea to boost its defense industrial base.

https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1699005989029359824

Speaking of North Korea, Moscow has suggested that Pyongyang take part in joint naval exercises with Russia and China, in what would be a first for the Kim regime, Financial Times reported Monday.

Joint naval drills would mark a new level of cooperation as tensions rise between the US and China and their respective allies in east Asia.

"Yoo Sang-bum, a lawmaker from South Koreas ruling conservative party, said the countrys intelligence services believed Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu had proposed joint exercises during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in July, the publication reported. Yoo said the proposal was discussed at a closed-door briefing to parliamentarians by South Koreas National Intelligence Service. His account was reported by South Korean state news agency Yonhap on Monday and confirmed to the Financial Times by his office.

https://twitter.com/SamRamani2/status/1698775528478564377?s=20

Ryder also said he had didn't have "anything to announce" about the provision to Ukraine of depleted uranium rounds designed to be used in the Abrams tanks that will likely arrive in Ukraine sometime this month.

Ryder was reacting to a question about a Reuters report from last week that the Biden administration will for the first time send controversial armor-piercing munitions containing depleted uranium to Ukraine. Reuters cited a document seen by its reporters and separately confirmed by two U.S. officials.

The rounds, which could help destroy Russian tanks, are part of a new military aid package for Ukraine set to be unveiled this week, according to Reuters. The munitions can be fired from U.S. Abrams tanks that, according to a person familiar with the matter, are expected be delivered to Ukraine in the coming weeks.

In March, the British government disclosed that it is sending 120mm tank ammunition containing depleted uranium (DU) to Ukraine for its Challenger 2 tanks. You can read more about those rounds and how they work in our story here .

https://twitter.com/SamRamani2/status/1697955412371177827

Speaking of tanks, video emerged last week of a badly damaged Ukrainian Leopard 2A4 tank with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA). As we have reported before , we have seen Leopard 2 tanks covered with the bricks. Despite the damage, it appears that at least some of those bricks may have been activated, likely reducing some of the effects of whatever hit the tank, which still has its turret.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1697952901014950180?s=20

As you can see in this video below, about two dozen donated Leopard 2 tanks are seen with bricks located on the tanks' flanks and turrets.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1697813333473112236?s=20

In a wide-ranging interview with Ukrainian journalist Nataliya Moseychuk Sept. 1, Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, commander of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), touched on several topics. The interview included discussion of his belief that Russia will not use nuclear weapons if Ukrainian forces enter Crimea. He also stated that tactical nuclear bombs have already been delivered to Belarus for use with their Flanker aircraft. He also stated that Ukraine has and will continue to interfere in Russian politics and that Russia will attempt to mobilize another 450,000 troops. He also claimed that China supplies Russia with dual-use items like drones and chips, but won't provide outright weaponry.

The spy boss also said he will only talk about the GUR's relationship with the late Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin after the war is over.

https://twitter.com/maria_drutska/status/1697622428132786682?s=20

The Soviet-era MT-LB tracked vehicle is widely used in many variants by both sides. In the video below, another version emerges of one with a Russian 2M-3 twin 25mm naval gun mounted on it. As you can see from the extreme barrel wobble as it fires, this system was likely designed to suppress Ukrainian fire as opposed to delivering accurate fire of its own.

https://twitter.com/AFVRec_/status/1698406161727308049?s=20

More than 15 months after Ukrainian forces finally surrendered the Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol to the Russians after months of brutal fighting amid the facility's labyrinths, it remains an ominous twisted mess, as you can see in this video below.

https://twitter.com/IntelCrab/status/1698311742986608660?s=20

A longer video emerged on social media of a Ka-52 Alligator shot down in Robotyne last month by an RBS 70 man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) being used on the battlefield. Previous video that we posted at the time showed the end result but this video below purports to show the system being operated by Ukraine's 47th Mechanized Brigade.

https://twitter.com/osinttechnical/status/1699035784827826365?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

Much has been made of the tanks and other armor donated to Ukraine, but one of the unsung heroes when it comes to equipment has to be items like the U.S.-provided M88 Armor Recovery Vehicles, which have been instrumental in helping Ukraine salvage damaged equipment and eventually return it to the battlefield. The U.S. alone has provided 131 tactical vehicles to recover equipment, two of which you can see in this video evacuating damaged Leopard 2 tanks.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1698942213730820571?s=20

One of the greatest advantages of much of the armor donated to Ukraine by the U.S. and its allies is the ability to protect crews that come under Russian fire. Such was reportedly the case of this U.S.-donated MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored personnel carrier, one of 500 promised or delivered. The video below shows the aftermath of reported strikes to the remote weapons station by bullets. It also claims the MRAP survived three rocket propelled grenades and was still able to leave the battlefield.

Ukraine has seen at least 61 MaxxPros, according to the latest figures from the Oryx open-source tracking grou p. Of those, at least 46 were destroyed, eight damaged, five abandoned and two captured. The actual loss figures could be higher because Oryx only tabulates equipment for which it has visual confirmation.

https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1699057462220111989?s=12\u0026t=BQRSNakUKt7_8ssZiGBW-A

About a dozen or so Russian troops reportedly marched through the woods to surrender to Ukrainian forces near Klescheevka in Donetsk Oblast, which you can see in this video below.

https://twitter.com/Heroiam_Slava/status/1698588794427936808?s=20

And finally, this may seem like another video of fierce trench fighting near Bakhmut, but in reality it is a clash between Russian police and jade miners.

https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1698257530655289854?s=20

That's it for now. We'll update this story when there's more news to report about Ukraine.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Russian forces attacked Ukraine with air- and land-launched missiles as well as attack drones on the night of 5-6 September. Air defence forces destroyed 23 targets out of 33.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: As Air Force reported, they recorded 33 Russian air targets in total:

7 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 air-launched missiles fired from 9 Tu-95ms strategic bombers from the Engels airfield in Saratov Oblast, Russia;

1 Iskander-M ballistic missile;

25 Shahed-136/131 attack drones from the southeast and south (Russian Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Crimean Chauda).

Air defence systems responded in several Ukrainian oblasts, following the route of the missiles and drones. Anti-aircraft missile troops, fighter aircraft, mobile air defence fire teams and other weapons were involved in repelling the air strike.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Air Force assets and personnel in cooperation with the Ukrainian Defence Forces air defence systems have destroyed 23 air targets:

7 Kh-101/Kh-555/Kh-55 air-launched missiles;

1 Iskander-M ballistic missile;

15 Shahed-136/131 attack drones.

In addition, Ukraines Air Force conducted up to 10 group airstrikes on Russian targets and their positions over the past day.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Pope Francis arrives as he holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

ROME (AP)  Ukraines Greek Catholic bishops told Pope Francis on Wednesday that his words praising Russias imperial past had pained the Ukrainian people, bringing complaints about the Vaticans diplomatic neutrality in Moscow's war on their country to the heart of the Holy See.

The bishops were in Rome for a periodic meeting and met with the pope in person for nearly two hours. They came an hour early, at 7 a.m. at the pope's invitation, so he could listen to them without rushing, participants said.

While thanking Francis for his prayers, the bishops said certain statements and gestures from the pope and the Vatican are painful and difficult for the Ukrainian people, who are currently bleeding in the struggle for their dignity and independence, according to a statement from His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Greek Catholic church in Ukraine.

The 86-year-old Jesuit pope has angered both sides in the war. He has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people  227 times by the Ukrainian bishops' count  but has also refused to call out Russia or President Vladimir Putin by name. He has seemingly expressed understanding for the invasion Putin ordered by saying NATO was barking at Russias door by expanding east.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukraines Greek Catholics have felt betrayed by such comments and were outraged again last month when Francis praised imperial Russia during an Aug. 25 video encounter with Russian Catholic youths meeting in St. Petersburg.

You are the heirs of the great Mother Russia, Francis told the young people.

Moscow in turn praised the pope's comments, which the government in Kyiv criticized as imperialist propaganda.

The Ukrainian bishops thanked Francis for supporting Ukraine's people, as well as for his humanitarian efforts and initiatives to free prisoners and to negotiate the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. But Shevchuk told the pope that the faithful of our church are sensitive to every word of Your Holiness as the universal voice of truth and justice.

Francis referred them to what he told reporters Monday while flying home from Mongolia. He acknowledged during a news conference aboard the papal airplane that his reference to Russias imperial leaders Peter the Great and Catherine II was perhaps not happy. He explained he mentioned the two because he learned about them in school and wanted to make the point that young people should embrace their heritage and culture.

The Vatican said in a statement Wednesday that Francis listened intently to what the Ukrainian bishops told him.

He expressed his pain for the sense of powerlessness that is felt in war, the Vatican said, quoting Francis as saying such feelings of impotence must arise from something of the devil that wants to destroy.

Francis also recalled seeing one of the fruits of war in the faces of Ukrainian children who had lost their smiles.

He agreed to dedicate the month of October to prayers for peace in Ukraine and told the bishops that he prays for peace daily before an icon of the Virgin Mary that Shevchuk gave him long before the war, when both men lived in Buenos Aires.

The Right Rev. Kenneth Nowakowski, bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, said the bishops were particularly moved by the fact that Francis brought the icon with him to show them, and the fact that he dedicated two hours of his morning to listening to them while still recovering from his visit to Mongolia.

Being actively listened to by the Holy Father in a non-rushed, non-bureaucratic atmosphere, I think has been for us amazing, he told The Associated Press, adding that other Vatican officials were similarly generous with their time.

The Vatican has a diplomatic tradition of not taking sides in conflicts, believing that such neutrality can open doors for peace initiatives. Francis assigned a seasoned church peace negotiator, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, to conduct shuttle diplomacy on the return of Ukrainian children from Russia.

His off-the-cuff interventions have caused the Holy Sees diplomats headaches, but the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, defended the pope and his initiatives when he met with the Ukrainian Catholic leaders on Tuesday.

In the face of such repeated and significant gestures, it would be unfair to doubt his affection for the Ukrainian people and his effort, not always understood and appreciated, to help bring an end to the ongoing tragedy and ensure a just and stable peace through negotiation, Parolin told the bishops.
US' push for Xinjiang-related bills a classic imperialist maneuver

09:29, September 06, 2023 By Bai Fan ( Global Times

Slandering Xinjiang -- the new normal of the "empire of lies" Illustration: Vitaly Podvitski

In recent years, US policies toward China have become increasingly Cold War-style. US' obsession with affairs related to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Northwest China has reached a hysterical level. Under the push of extreme anti-China politicians like Senator Marco Rubio, the US Congress has successively concocted Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 and Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021. The US Congress is persistent in promoting malicious laws targeting the Xinjiang region. This is a typical move of American-style new imperialism to maintain US' hegemony.

The core of Western imperialism is to maintain hegemony through external plunder. According to research, the new imperialist countries, represented by the US after the end of the World War II, mainly rely on their powerful military and economic strength to control international organizations and maintain financial hegemony, while implementing ideological offensives to control their interests. For example, the US has different means to warn those not pro-US countries or regions in the ideological field.

The tactic has at least two advantages: First, the cost is low, but the effect is significant. Compared with hot wars, disturbing "disobedient" US opponents in the ideological field, and even instigating "color revolutions," doesn't need high cost but the results are remarkable.

Second, the cultivation of pro-US ideology worldwide can provide legitimate support for its arbitrary interference in the international arena, and the social and political impacts of ideological infiltration are far-reaching.

Since the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1947, the agency has been committed to exerting its influence in the field of cultural and scientific education through the international activities of NGOs under its control, promoting "American spirit" and improving CIA's own image via Hollywood movies. It has funded a large number of pro-US individuals around the world, who are good at leading the international pro-US public opinion.

US' promotions of Xinjiang-related bills are one of Washington's ideological offensives. The US Congress often uses "violation" of the Uygur human rights by the Chinese government as an excuse, which confuses right and wrong and turns black into white, to smear and isolate China, concealing US' own political motives.

The US government and American elites have been covering up rather than resolving its acute internal problems. When US imperialism's internal contradictions are difficult to alleviate, it becomes an inevitable option to divert its public's attention.

In this way, the US is compelled to rely on and utilize its military-industrial complex, stir up chaos around the world in order to profit from the turbulences while maintaining US' hegemony.

Against this backdrop, once its strategy toward China has been determined, the US will naturally focus on launching ideological offensives toward Xinjiang-related affairs. Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious region where the level of economic and educational development is in urgent need of upgrading. This region was once heavily influenced by ethnic separatist forces, religious extremists and violent terrorists. From the perspective of geography, Xinjiang, as the northwestern border region of China, shares borders with many Central Asian countries. Various forces of the US have been trying to infiltrate in these countries for many years since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, which facilitates US' political maneuvers on Xinjiang affairs. It determines that Xinjiang is viewed by the US as an "easy target," and Washington thus decides to frequently promote all sorts of ill-intentioned bills related to Xinjiang.

With the gradual exposure of the poor human rights performance of the US itself at home and abroad, the US discourse in human rights will become less and less persuasive. However, we must be alert to the possibility that the US may play new tricks on Xinjiang-related topics. We must be ready to expose the lies of American imperialism, and fight imperialists resolutely.

The author is an associate researcher at Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Ukrainian forces are making steady territorial gains in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

They recently liberated the village of Robotyne and are pushing just outside nearby Verbove.

In doing so, Kyiv's troops have fought against the formidable Surovikin Line. Here's what that is.

Ukraine is fighting to get past Russia's tough defenses, specifically a line of fortifications named after a fearsome Russian general  the Surovikin Line. It's a nasty fight, but its forces are gaining ground.

An area where Ukrainian offensive operations are gaining momentum is just south of Orikhiv, a city in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Kyiv's forces have managed to liberate a pocket of territory just below the city, and the goal is to eventually drive all the way down to the Sea of Azov, split Russian-held land in half, and sever ground lines of communication between occupied Kherson and Crimea in the south and the eastern Donbas region.

Ukraine liberated Robotyne, a small village in the pocket, in late August and has since pushed to the northwest corner of Verbove, a settlement just a few miles east. As they approach Verbove, Kyiv's troops have are pushing against the main part of the so-called "Surovikin Line."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Surovikin Line is a complex system of defensive fortifications and obstacles across Russian-occupied territory in southern and eastern Ukraine. Contrary to what its name suggests, the Surovikin Line is not one single line stretching across the land but is actually multiple lines that connect and intertwine.

But as the name implies, it is named after Russian Army Gen. Sergey Surovikin, who oversaw the construction of these defenses when he was Russia's overall theater commander last fall. They were constructed as a reaction to Ukraine's lightning-fast counteroffensive operations in the northeastern Kharkiv region at the end of summer 2022.

Once a celebrated general, known as "General Armageddon" among supporters, Surovikin's career took a nosedive when he was replaced by Gen. Valery Gerasimov in January. He was detained in the wake of the Wagner Group's late-June mutiny for his ties to the mercenary organization, and although there are indications he was recently released, his military career is suspected to be all but over. Nevertheless, his defensive legacy lives on in Ukraine.

A graphic of the Surovikin Line published by the Institute from the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, shows just how intricate it is, and an interactive map reveals its layers, depth, and connectivity.

The Surovikin Line has a visible main defensive line consisting of three layers of various obstacles and fighting positions, George Barros, a Russia analyst at ISW, told Insider in an email. These defensive positions have been the target of Ukrainian advances in recent days outside Verbove.

To even reach the main line, Kyiv's soldiers have had to move through sprawling minefields  which has proven to be a slow and painstaking process.

The first actual layer of the Surovikin Line is an anti-vehicle ditch that's designed to prevent tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other heavy armor from advancing. Beyond that is the second layer, a row of dragon's teeth, which are concrete spikes further intended to stop vehicles. The third layer consists of trenches manned with Russian soldiers who can observe the ditches and the dragon's teeth from their fighting positions. Barros said it is likely that there are mines between each of the layers as well.

"Ukrainian forces are using light infantry to maneuver and fight through tree lines and hedgerows to outmaneuver the field fortifications. We've seen Ukrainian infantry slip past the ditch and the dragon's teeth and even reach the final row of the fighting positions," Barros explained.

He cautioned, though, that Ukraine has yet to actually breach the lines and create a big enough opening to allow for heavy armor or additional personnel to move through. The telltale indicators are that the dragon's teeth all remain in place and the ditches show no signs of having been bridged or filled in.

Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank near the village of Robotyne on Aug. 25, 2023. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi

Not far south of Robotyne and Verbove is the city of Tokmak, a heavily fortified important rail and road hub for the Russians. The direction of the apparent main axis of the Ukrainian advance is one of the most well-defended areas, war experts Rob Lee and Michael Kofman wrote in a recent analysis of the counteroffensive.

That said, Ukrainian military officials have suggested that it could be easier for Ukraine's soldiers to pierce the next line of defensive obstacles because Russia's network of fortifications isn't as strong as the initial one, which is where Russia put the bulk of its effort in order to blunt the Ukrainian offensive.

Barros said Russia's fortifications beyond the main line are less formidable because they aren't as well-manned as the area where fighting is currently taking place. Moscow put more emphasis on defending the forward lines and lacks the personnel to spread itself across all the lines.

"A Ukrainian breakthrough in one portion of the line could shatter the Russian defense if Russian forces caught in the breakthrough are not able to withdraw in good order to the next prepared positions," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have tracked down a warehouse of the Russian forces on the Bakhmut front, destroying it with artillery.

Source: Press service of the Special Operations Forces

Details: While conducting aerial reconnaissance, the operators of the Special Operations Forces discovered an accumulation of equipment and ammunition. In particular, the Russian warehouse kept 9M127 Vikhr guided missiles, which they use with the Ka-50 and Ka-52 helicopters.

After identifying and visually observing the targets, the coordinates were quickly passed on to artillery forces.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As a result of coordinated actions, the artillery of the Armed Forces of Ukraine precisely bombed the Russian targets.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Ukrainian Defence Forces have repelled Russian attacks in the areas in and around settlements on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Shakhtarsk and Zaporizhzhia fronts over the past 24 hours.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 6 September

Details: The Russian forces delivered 40 air strikes and bombarded Ukrainian troops' positions and settlements 51 times using multiple-launch rocket systems over the past 24 hours.

Russian terrorist attacks caused deaths and injuries among the civilian population. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure have been severely damaged.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A total of 28 combat engagements occurred during the past 24 hours.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russian army launched air strikes near the settlements of Sydorivka in Sumy Oblast and Veterynarne in Kharkiv Oblast. They fired using mortars and artillery on over 25 settlements.

On the Kupiansk front, Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Novoselivske in Luhansk Oblast. The Russian army carried out an air strike in the areas in and around the settlements of Petropavlivka and Krokhmalne in Kharkiv Oblast. The Russians keep targeting populated areas with their artillery and mortar fire.

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian defenders repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Novoiehorivka in Luhansk Oblast. The Russian forces delivered air strikes in the areas in and around the settlements of Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast, Torske, Siversk and Spirne in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians continue to target populated areas with their artillery and mortar fire.

On the Bakhmut front, Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks in areas in and around the settlements of Zaliznianske, Klishchiivka, and Bila Hora in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians launched an air strike in the vicinity of Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast. Over 20 settlements came under Russian artillery fire.

On the Avdiivka front, the Russians launched an air strike near the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. Russian artillery fire affected over 10 settlements.

On the Marinka front, Ukrainian defenders have been holding back the advance of Russian troops in the area of the city of Marinka. The Russians launched an air strike near the settlement of Krasnohorivka. Russian artillery fire affected the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Heorhiivka, Pobieda, Novomykhailivka and Yelyzavetivka in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians delivered air strikes in the areas in and around the settlements of Vuhledar and Staromaiorske. Russian artillery bombardments hit more than 10 settlements.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The Russians launched air strikes in the areas in and around the settlements of Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne and Orikhove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Over 15 settlements came under Russian artillery fire.

On the Kherson front, the Russians delivered an air strike in the area of the settlement of Mykhailivka in Kherson Oblast. Russian artillery fire affected over 15 settlements.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defence Forces pursued their offensive on the Melitopol front, consolidating their positions and conducting counter-battery activities.

Over the course of the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force carried out 11 strikes on clusters of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment and 2 on Russian anti-aircraft missile systems.

Over the past 24 hours, Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery hit 1 cluster of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, 14 artillery pieces at their firing positions, 1 ammunition storage point and 1 Russian anti-aircraft missile system.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukrainian defenders killed another 610 Russian invaders and destroyed 36 Russian artillery systems over the past 24 hours.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24 February 2022 to 6 September 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 266,290 (+610) military personnel

4,497 (+8) tanks

8,682 (+12) armoured combat vehicles

5,685 (+36) artillery systems

748 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems

505 (+1) air defence systems

315 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft

316 (+0) helicopters

4,519 (+7) operational-tactical UAVs

1,447 (+0) cruise missiles

19 (+0) ships/boats

8,190 (+15) vehicles and tankers

852 (+1) special vehicles and other equipment.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska is warning of the world growing complacent as her country presses on in its fight against Russian invaders.

Zelenska sat down for an interview with ABC News and said she was concerned global attention is turning away from Ukraine.

We see that sometimes people become reluctant, Zelenska said. People talk about Ukraine fatigue. This is talk of our existence. We cant stop fighting for ourselves.

So my message is: Please dont stop to help us fight, she continued.

Asked whether she feels the worlds focus is drifting elsewhere, Zelenska said, Im afraid of it, but I hope it will not happen.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

U.S. polls have suggested that Ukraine fatigue is a valid concern, as Americans have increasingly waned on their support for additional funding to aid Ukraine, though survey results have often varied depending on the phrasing. In one recent poll, 55 percent of Americans surveyed said lawmakers should not authorize new funding to support Ukraine, while 45 percent said they should.

The same survey revealed the share of Americans who said they were concerned the conflict could lead to a broader war in Europe decreased from 80 percent in February 2022 to 59 percent this July. Similarly, those who said they were worried the war could lead to Russian attacks elsewhere in the world dropped from 77 percent in February 2022 to 64 percent in July.

Blinken in Ukraine for unannounced visit

The issue of funding for Ukraine has also become salient in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, as establishment Republicans struggle to gain popularity in a party that has adopted an increasingly America first perspective, which has given rise to a popular argument that the Ukraine funding should instead be invested in the United States.

President Biden has sought to galvanize NATO countries to act together and display a united front in their defense of Ukraine. He has also made support for Ukraine a salient issue of his presidency, as well as in his reelection campaign.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
During the last 24 hours, the Defence Forces of Ukraine have been conducting an offensive operation on the Melitopol front, killing the Russian soldiers and liberating occupied territories step by step. They are also pushing the Russian forces south of Bakhmut.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 18:00 on 6 September

Details: During the day, the Russians launched 10 missile attacks, 54 airstrikes and 31 attacks from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of the Ukrainian forces and settlements.

The operational situation in the south and east of Ukraine remains complicated. 26 combat encounters took place.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On the Volyn and Polissia fronts, there have been no significant changes to the operational situation.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians launched an airstrike near the settlement of Hraniv, Kharkiv Oblast. Over 25 settlements were attacked by mortars and artillery.

On the Kupiansk front, the Russians launched an airstrike near the settlements of Synkivka, Kotliarivka and Krokhmalne in Kharkiv Oblast. The settlements of Kolodiazne, Kyslivka and Berestove in Kharkiv Oblast were attacked by artillery and mortars.

On the Lyman front, the Defence Forces of Ukraine repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Novoyehorivka, Luhansk Oblast. The Russians launched airstrikes near the settlements of Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast and Vesele in Donetsk Oblast. Over 10 settlements were subject to artillery and mortar attacks.

On the Bakhmut front, the Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Donetsk Oblast. The Russians launched airstrikes near the settlements of Khromove and Pivnichne in Donetsk Oblast. Over 15 settlements, including Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bila Hora, Bohdanivka and Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast, were under artillery and mortar attacks. In their turn, the Defence Forces had partial success as a result of storming actions to the south from the city of Bakhmut, pushing the Russians out of their positions and gaining a foothold in the positions they achieved.

On the Avdiivka front, the Defence Forces repelled Russian attacks near the settlement of Avdiivka. The Russians launched an airstrike near the settlement of Avdiivka. Over 15 settlements were attacked by artillery and mortars.

On the Marinka front, the Defence Forces continue to deter the Russian offensive near the settlement of Mariinka in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians launched an airstrike near the settlement of Krasnohorivka. The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Yelyzavetivka in Donetsk Oblast were subject to artillery and mortar attacks.

On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russians launched an airstrike near the settlement of Urozhaine. Over 10 settlements were under artillery and mortar attacks by the Russians.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Russians launched airstrikes near the settlements of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Over 10 settlements were attacked by artillery and mortars.

On the Kherson front, the Russians launched an airstrike near the settlement of Olhivka. The city of Kherson and the settlement of Antonivka in Kherson Oblast were attacked by artillery and mortars.

During the day, the aircraft of the Defence Forces launched 12 attacks on the areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment and on the positions of anti-aircraft systems of the Russians.

Ukrainian Rocket Forces and Artillery units struck one ammunition storage, three artillery systems, two command posts, one anti-aircraft system and two areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment of the Russians.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Members of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) have supported the candidacy of Pavlo Kyrylenko , former Head of the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, for the position of head of the Anti-Monopoly Committee of Ukraine on 6 September.

Source: Yaroslav Zhelezniak, Ukrainian MP, on Telegram

Details: There were 250 votes in favour, 3 against, 27 abstentions, and 53 MPs did not take part in the vote.

Voting by factions:

Servant of the People  197 votes;

European Solidarity  0;

Batkivshchyna  0;

Platform for Life and Peace  19;

For the Future  7;

Holos (Voice)  0;

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dovira (Trust)  15;

Restoration of Ukraine  8;

Independent MPs  4.

For reference: Pavlo Kyrylenko, 37, graduated from the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law Academy of Ukraine with a degree in law.

He started his career in the prosecution bodies in 2008. During his 11 years of service, he has held the following positions: assistant prosecutor, department prosecutor, deputy prosecutor, prosecutor of the Prosecutor General's Office, and head of the investigation department.

In 2017, he was appointed Military Prosecutor of the Uzhhorod Garrison in the Western Region of Ukraine.

In 2019, by presidential decree, he was appointed head of the Donetsk Oblast State Administration and head of the Donetsk Oblast Military Administration.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that the head of the Antimonopoly Committee, Olha Pishchanska, was resigning and was appointed head of the State Property Fund instead of Rustem Umierov, and that Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, would chair the Antimonopoly Committee.

Kyrylenko's resignation was agreed on Tuesday.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Verkhovna Rada (Ukraines parliament) has approved the appointment of Rustem Umierov, the former head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine, as the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

Source: Yaroslav Zhelezniak, Ukrainian MP, on Telegram

Details: 338 members of parliament supported Umierov's appointment.

Zhelezniak says that the appointment procedure took place without the presence of Volodymyr Zalenskyy. The president was represented by his Deputy Ambassador in the Parliament, Fedir Venislavskyi.

Background:

The Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Oleksii Reznikov from the position of Minister of Defence on 5 September.

Reznikov resigned following a number of scandals concerning state procurement for the armed forces, mainly relating to overpriced eggs and jackets. Reznikov denies that procurement prices were inflated.

The Verkhovna Rada removed Umerov from his post as head of the State Property Fund on 5 September.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Servant of jackets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Who is making money out of the war in Ukraine?

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
One of Ukraine's most prominent scholars, university professor Ihor Kozlovskyi, passed away overnight in Kyiv at age 69 following a heart attack, his family and friends said on Sept. 6.

Kozlovskyi, who came from Donetsk oblast, was a researcher, writer, and public intellectual in the field of theology and religious studies.

When Russia occupied the region and installed a proxy government in 2014, Kozlovskyi refused to leave his home, where he cared for his disabled son.

However, as a participant of the EuroMaidan protests in Donetsk and a public figure who refused to hide his Ukrainian identity, he became a target.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In 2016, the proxy authorities held him for 700 days at the Izoliatsiia prison camp for his pro-Ukrainian views. The prison, which is on the site of a former factory and then art center, is notorious for the use of torture and the horrendous conditions the prisoners are kept in.

Kozlovskyi was released in a prisoner swap on Dec. 27, 2017, following a public campaign.

Once free, Kozlovskyi continued his writing and research, and became an activist for the release of other prisoners in Russian-occupied territories.

His death came as unexpected to those who knew him, as the night before, he attended a film premiere in Kyiv.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Nearly a year after proposing the immediate deployment of a multinational rapid-action force to help Haitians return to a semblance of normalcy, the United States still doesnt agree with all of its partners on what the mission should look like and still has not secured all of the necessary support to get the mission off the ground.

And even after Kenya sent a delegation to Port-au-Prince two weeks ago to talk about its offer to lead the deployment, it is now unclear whether the Kenyans will take on the job.

Over the weekend, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Nairobi, where he met with Kenyan President William Ruto on the sidelines of the African Climate Summit. The two discussed Rutos offer to consider sending 1,000 police officers to Haiti and leading the mission.

The Kenyan president informed the [Secretary-General] that Kenya is studying the situation on the ground in Haiti, Farhan Haq, Guterres deputy spokesman, told the Miami Herald on Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Since the Kenyan delegation left Haiti in mid-August, tensions and violence have been escalating in Port-au-Prince. Violent gangs have tightened their grip and expanded their control over neighborhoods, forcing the U.S. State Department last week to urge Americans to leave as soon as possible and warning employees to stay inside the embassys compounds. More than 70 people have been killed or injured in the carnage, the U.N. said, and over 10,000 have been forced out of their homes.

The violence, which also extends north to the Artibonite Valley, is cutting off access to healthcare, humanitarian aid and schools, as the displaced seek refuge in classrooms and school yards.

Guterres has repeatedly said that a robust use of force by police and military assets are needed to disarm Haitis violent gangs, and in his latest appeal asked countries to deploy a non-United Nations multinational force, composed of police special forces and military support units. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that Washington isnt considering a military mission.

What were looking to do is to support a multinational force that is fundamentally a policing support mission, not a military mission, and one that is in support of the Haitian national police, not taking over the sovereign policing capacities from the Haitian national police, Sullivan said at a press briefing at the White House when asked by McClatchy what kind of mission the United States is seeking to get at the Security Council.

In terms of the precise operational elements of that  how they will operate physically in Port-au-Prince and other parts of Haiti  Im going to defer that question, because the experts are engaging to work out what an operational plan would look like, he added.

During their Port-au-Prince visit, Kenyan officials said that to establish their presence in Haiti they would need a minimum threshold of 2,000 officers who are ready to be deployed and they would need a resolution from the U.N. Security Council, which the United States has said it would write.

They also proposed deploying a static protection force whose main mission would be to protect strategic infrastructure like the seaport, airport and police academy. The plan, first made public by the Herald, has not gone over well in Haiti, where critics say they need a force to help the national police to fight armed gangs that extort, rape, kidnap and kill citizens and foreigners alike.

On Tuesday, as the violence in Haiti continued to worsen, members of the 15-member Security Council received their first draft of a resolution authorizing a multinational force. Instead of describing it as a non-U.N. multinational force, the United States, which penned the resolution and passed the leadership of the security council to Albania for September, has baptized it with a new name: Multinational Security Support Mission.

Despite the new name, some countries are still weighing whether they will support a deployment and questions linger about Russia and China. The two countries, which are permanent members of the Security Council and have veto power over any resolution, have been two of the most vocal critics of past military interventions into Haiti.

Another factor is Haitis ongoing political crisis, which worsened after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. On Monday, a so-called Eminent Persons Group from the 15-member Caribbean Community arrived in Port-au-Prince to resume political talks that stalled on Aug. 8 between Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, political parties and members of civil society.

The United States, the U.N. and others in the international community have called for a broader political accord ahead of any deployment of foreign forces. But with some groups now calling for Henrys resignation in the wake of the escalating violence, it remains to be seen if the CARICOM visit, which is supposed to last all week, will lead to an agreement.
Unions and their allies are ramping up efforts to convert an extraordinarily challenging demographic: low-wage workers in the anti-union South.

Theyre trying unorthodox approaches that they hope can reverse decades of organizing failures. That includes organizing employees across different workplaces, wooing workers to join labor groups without traditional shop-by-shop elections and in some cases, taking direct strike action on employers.

The Union of Southern Service Workers, an SEIU-backed group, is organizing low-wage workers from across the service industry. The National Domestic Workers Alliance, a non-union membership organization, is mapping blue-leaning Southern jurisdictions, such as Miami-Dade County, that could be open to enacting a floor of labor standards for homecare. That effort has already led to the passage of Bill of Rights legislation in 10 states and four cities. And the Southern Workers Assembly, an advocacy group for both union and non-union workers, is trying to educate and organize workplaces across the region.

The innovation that the Southern service workers are showing all of us is a really important way to create a future where the unions are growing, SEIU President Mary Kay Henry said in an interview.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Even in arguably the most union-friendly climate nationwide in decades, however, these efforts face daunting odds.

The South has what a dozen organizers and experts characterized as a regional culture that has long proven resistant to collective bargaining. Workers lack deep union ties and corporations often relocate South to avoid organizing campaigns. Many political leaders are openly hostile to unions. The region is a stronghold for so-called right-to-work laws, which make it harder for unions to take root since employees cant be required to pay dues, as well as laws making it more difficult or illegal for public sector workers to bargain.

Southern Workers Assembly and its allies oppose all state laws making it harder to organize workers. But so far Michigan has been the only state to repeal a right-to-work law in decades.

That hostility has caused some unions to focus their efforts on direct engagement with workers rather than seeking legislative changes that would make it easier to unionize workers.

We dont have the density, nor do we have the leverage in the South as in cities up north, said Edgar Fields, president of the Resale, Wholesale and Department Store Union Southeast Council, which represents workers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The union is behind the organizing campaign at an Amazon facility in Bessemer, Ala., and Fields said its seeing increased interest from Southern workers in expanding campaigns such as those targeting REI  which recently found success at a handful of stores up north  to the region.

So far theres little evidence that these fledgling efforts are reversing decades of high-profile setbacks in the region, including two recent failed unionization votes at that Alabama Amazon facility and United Auto Workers defeats at Volkswagen and Nissan plants in Tennessee.



Union skeptics like Patrick Semmens, vice president of the National Right to Work Foundation, say organized labor should look inward to explain low unionization rates rather than blaming legislative or regional factors.

If union membership is as worthwhile a product  and union officials claim it is  then they shouldn't have so much difficulty convincing workers to choose that, Semmens said.

But with state labor law victories few and far between, union organizers and their allies point to some other indications that low-wage Southern workers are more receptive to their pitches in the current climate. The Southern Workers Assembly, for example, has grown from seven active local assemblies to 12 since April.

Unions in recent years have won high profile organizing victories at national retailers long hostile to organizing campaigns like Starbucks and Trader Joe's. In addition, this summer saw a marked increase in strikes: More than 200,000 workers at large companies participated in work stoppages in July, compared to 126,500 in all of 2022, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Yet it comes after decades of decline. Union membership rates plummeted in the second half of the 20th century and have been hovering under 11 percent since 2016, according to the BLS. Of the 11 states with union membership rates under 5 percent last year, seven were in the South; no Southern state was among the 20 that had rates above 10 percent.

Organizing service workers brings particular challenges. U.S. labor law is generally structured around a model in which workers must unionize facility by facility; thats why Starbucks workers need to hold votes at individual stores that at times involve fewer than a dozen employees.

Service jobs, which are often low-wage, also see high rates of turnover that can far outpace the time it takes the National Labor Relations Board to facilitate union contracts and address unfair labor practices.

Time is not on the side of workers, said D. Taylor, president of the hospitality union UNITE HERE, which successfully organized 12,000 service workers in the South in the mid-2010s and is continuing those efforts. They have to pay rent.

Thats why labor groups are trying out new tactics to convince workers about the benefits of collective bargaining. Workers can remain members of the Union of Southern Service Workers, for example, even if they switch jobs.

What I'm incredibly excited about is the vision, SEIUs Henry said of USSW. In bringing together fast food workers, homecare workers and retail workers, the new union challenges the legacy of racism and the corporate power that have been the dominant theme in those states for far too long, she said.



Naomi Harris, one of the cofounders of USSW and a Waffle House employee in Columbia, S.C., went on strike with her coworkers in July seeking better working conditions. The Waffle House workers didnt file for a union election with the NLRB, but instead simply demanded changes like better equipment and stopping a policy that automatically deducted meal charges from wages.

The spotlight is on that corporation, and now you have the publics eyes, Harris said of the campaign. So you have no choice but to do what they need to do: meet our demands.

But whether Waffle House will ultimately acquiesce to the workers requests remains to be seen. The company has agreed to at least one demand  fixing the locations air conditioning system  and the negotiations are ongoing, a USSW spokesperson said.

In a statement, Waffle House spokesperson Njeri Boss said the company is proud to address worker concerns.

Our senior management team has met with our associates at the Columbia, SC Unit, some who took place in the short strike and some who did not, Boss said. Weve already carried out work on most of the issues that were discussed, and we are working on others. (USSW disputed that Waffle House had moved on any demand other than AC.)

The challenges in organizing retail workers are compounded in the South by the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow laws, said Jennifer Sherer, a senior state policy coordinator at the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute. Southern industry interests successful push to exclude agricultural and domestic workers from federal labor relations law had an outsized impact on Black people in the South, Sherer said.

That meant those workers were excluded from minimum wage and overtime protections. While domestic workers now must be paid at least minimum wage, live-in home workers still dont have overtime protections.

Domestic workers were intentionally cut because at that time they were primarily Black women, said Hillary Holley, senior director for civic engagement at the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Among the recruitment tactics employed by NDWA: talking with nannies at parks and courting home care workers from bus stops. The organization is advocating for a domestic workers Bill of Rights guaranteeing a floor of protections, including benefits afforded to employees under federal labor law.

Washington, D.C., recently became the latest city to enact such protections, while national legislation will be reintroduced this month, NDWA spokesperson Daniela Perez said.

The pandemic also brought a collective reckoning to service workers as business closures gave them time to reflect on their conditions, organizer Jen Hampton said. A three-decade veteran of food service, Hampton is now the leader of Asheville Food and Beverage United and the Western North Carolina Workers Assembly.

Hampton said she encountered local food service workers who thought it was literally illegal for them to organize in North Carolina. She attributes that erroneous belief to widespread anti-union sentiment among people in her community and a state law restricting bargaining among public employees.

We just stopped saying the U-word for a while, Hampton said of the early organizing efforts. But now after more than two years of organizing, her efforts have grown from a local Facebook group to a trade union affiliated with Restaurant Workers United, she said.

Union organizers expressed optimism that bringing in workers from the places least friendly to unions could have impacts on workers nationwide. A Treasury Department report released late last month said boosting union power benefits the middle class and the economy overall.

National labor legislation  most notably, the Democratic-backed Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which would make it easier for more workers to organize and allow the NLRB to levy fines against employers  has stalled in Congress. UNITE HEREs Taylor said that means its time for unions to take bigger risks on larger groups of workers and new sectors in the South.

If you change the South, you change America, Taylor said.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this report misidentified the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Southeast Council.
The United States government has announced providing another package of military assistance to Ukraine, particularly ammunition with depleted uranium.

Source: European Pravda, referring to the Pentagon press service

Details: The agency reports that the package, the cost of which is estimated at US$175 million, will contain:

120 mm depleted uranium tank rounds for Abrams tanks;

equipment for air defence systems;

additional ammunition for HIMARS missile systems;

155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition;

81 mm mortar systems and ammunition;

TOW heavy anti-tank guided missiles, as well as Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;

more than 3 million rounds of ammunition for small arms;

tactical air navigation systems, as well as secure communication systems and auxiliary equipment;

ammunition for destroying obstacles, spare parts and other field equipment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the 46th aid package that the Joe Biden administration will provide to Ukraine from the Defence Department's stockpile, starting in August 2021.

Note:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






The Scene

When Silicon Valley startups like Uber and Airbnb were battling local governments, smart thermostat-maker Nest turned them into customers.

Now as watchdogs look to crack down on the latest tech hype around artificial intelligence, Nest co-founder Matt Rogers is relying on the same, unusual playbook with his new startup Mill, which makes high-tech trash cans that convert household food waste into chicken feed.

Once again he is leaning heavily into federal and local governments, figuring out how to make regulations work for his business. Rogers said half of all revenue at Nest, which was sold to Google in 2014 for $3.2 billion, came from government programs that purchased the devices for customers to reduce their energy consumption.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mill recently got Tacoma, Washington, and Pittsburgh on board with pilot programs that offer to subsidize the cost of the Mill service. And, at the recommendation of the FDA, the nonprofit Association of American Feed Control Officials added dried recovered household food to its definition of animal feed ingredients, allowing Mill to sell its feed commercially.

Rogers wants Mill to become a service provider of sorts for cities trying to figure out what to do about the food waste problem, and please consumers along the way by getting rid of smelly compost bins.

Its literally the same muscles, Rogers told Semafor. Instead of meeting with public utilities commissions, youre meeting with waste commissioners.

Know More

The companys policy team, which includes senior veterans of the Environmental Protection Agency and CalRecycle, is working to convert municipalities all over the country into paying customers. Rogers pitch is that they can save money and landfill space if they pay for Mill devices in peoples homes, instead of sending trucks to pick up food waste.

Mills trash cans work by heating up and churning food waste overnight, converting it to odorless chicken feed (Rogers has actually tasted it). When the cans fill up, the bags of feed are mailed back to Mill, which inspects it for quality and conducts an additional heat treatment before selling it to farms. A Mill subscription costs $33 per month; the vast majority of customers, for now, are private individuals who want to help the environment.

The startup is trying to appeal to consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint. A third of croplands are dedicated to livestock feed production, and animal feed causes more than half the greenhouse gas emissions associated with beef production. Overall, global food production makes up a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Reeds view

The first time I met Rogers, we were sitting in his office at Nests headquarters in Palo Alto, where Audis and Teslas filled the parking lot and the building buzzed with hundreds of employees. He had done the unlikely: Successfully created a hardware startup in an era dominated by Apple and a handful of other behemoths.

And now hes building trash cans for food scraps. But are there really enough people in the world willing to pay $33 a month to put their rotting fruit in the mail to save the environment?

At Mills modest headquarters near San Francisco, where the only branding outside was for the last company that occupied it, Honeywell, Rogers started to make sense. The idea behind Mill isnt all that different from the one that made Nest successful. Before Rogers and Tony Fadell founded Nest, thermostats were boring hunks of plastic made by companies like  Honeywell.

It turned out some customers would pay a premium for a really good-looking, easy-to-use thermostat. But it was municipalities that made the business a runaway success. Governments or utility companies could pay for the thermostats and then remotely control them to avoid brownouts or blackouts.

Now as cities aim to reduce their carbon footprints and meet climate goals, oftentimes in exchange for federal grants, food waste has become a big target for planners. Each piece of food thrown in the trash is like burning carbon without getting anything in return. If it could be used to feed animals, it would reduce the carbon emissions that would have been created to grow food for those livestock. An added benefit is that food scraps that ultimately get shipped to Mill wont sit in landfills, where they emit methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

Mill is just starting to get traction, but its also a complicated plan where a lot could go wrong. And the list of Mills investors appears to be a reflection of that.

Rogers has sought backers who specialize in climate tech. Other than the venture division of Alphabet, the big name Silicon Valley investors youd expect to see associated with Rogers arent on the list.

He described Mills ambitions as the double-black diamond of startups. Just building hardware is like a black diamond, he said. Were like a hardware company. Were a logistics company. Were a manufacturing company and a regulatory affairs company.

He said his plan is so out of the ordinary that it does eliminate one threat: Copycat startups, implying that nobody else would be crazy enough to try it. Thats the moat, he said.

Kristen Virdone, who worked with Rogers at Nest, left Facebook to join Mill. While everyone else is working in AI, she said its fun to tell her friends shes working on trash.

Its super unsexy, she said. But when you get to surprise people that trash is actually kind of cool, its like the ultimate challenge.

If Rogers and Mill succeed, it might offer a blueprint for other entrepreneurs. Startups usually either serve government or private citizens. Turning both into customers for the same product can unlock categories that didnt earlier make business sense. Smart thermostats are one example. High tech trash cans could be next.

Room for Disagreement

As Wired and others have pointed out, Mill produces some greenhouse gasses while its trying to reduce them. The can itself consumes as much electricity daily as a dishwashing machine. And shipping the grounds through the mail burns fossil fuels.

Mills long-term strategy relies on governments essentially subsidizing the device. But many municipalities dont offer customers composting as it is, so it wont be easy to get them to pay for the service.

The View From Europe

Europeans are also grappling with food waste issues but are ahead of the U.S. In Europe, about 17% of municipal solid waste is composted, compared to an estimated 34% of total waste that could be composted. In the U.S., only 5% of food waste is composted.

Notable

Rogers laid out how he thinks entrepreneurs can tackle climate change in this column. We as a society are busier than ever, and if the success of a solution relies on people radically changing what theyre used to, it is less likely to achieve systems-level impact. The onus should be on the technology  not on the person  to change, he wrote.
Aerial view shows a crater formed by an explosion on land that was fast-tracked for residential housing near the Mediterranean sea in Herzliya

Aerial view shows a crater formed by an explosion on land that was fast-tracked for residential housing near the Mediterranean sea in Herzliya

By Ari Rabinovitch

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -When a forgotten explosives cache blew up in June on an Israeli site earmarked for a beachfront apartment complex, it left a big crater but caused little other damage because the Supreme Court had prevented any building work from ever starting.

The court blocked construction on the site of a former munitions factory over what it saw as shortcomings in an official environmental survey, after petitioners sought a ruling based on a clause that gave Israeli judges power to step in when actions by the government or ministers were deemed unreasonable.

The Supreme Court may not find it so easy to act in future after the Israeli government's judicial overhaul, which has sparked protests at home and criticism from Western allies abroad. Under the changes passed so far, the government and ministers are now exempt from judicial oversight based on the so-called "reasonableness clause".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Advocacy groups say this deprives them of a mechanism they had often used to push for action by the authorities on environment issues, ranging from challenging environmental surveys to cleaning up contaminated drinking-water wells or tackling pollution at the Tel Aviv central bus stop.

"It's a fatal blow to our ability to act on behalf of the public," said Amit Bracha, executive director at Adam Teva V'Din (Israel Union for Environmental Defense), or ATD, a group that joined the petition to block work on the coastal development in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, where the explosion erupted on June 22.

A parliamentary committee said the blast was caused by three tonnes of explosives that had been buried and forgotten in the decades since the factory was removed.

The prime minister's office and ministries involved in the inquiry said they were not responsible. The government, in its case to the court, said the national planning board that oversaw the survey had sufficient "evidentiary basis" when initially approving the beachfront development plan.

Officials at the national planning board could not immediately be reached for further comment.

CHECK AND BALANCE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition of nationalist and religiously conservative parties say the judicial overhaul is necessary to prevent political overreach by unelected judges.

Opponents say the changes emasculate the judiciary's role to provide a vital check and balance in Israel's political system, a country with a single parliamentary chamber, a largely ceremonial presidency and no constitution.

"It may be possible for the courts to sort of do acrobatics and find other language and other doctrines to achieve similar results," said ATD Chairman Barry Levenfeld, a partner at Israeli law firm Arnon Tadmor Levy.

But he said "the most appropriate way, is to use the doctrine of reasonableness."

The 15-judge Supreme Court will hear an appeal on Sept. 12 against this amendment.

Activists said the clause was particularly useful for small environmental advocacy groups with limited resources when seeking to challenge the government.

In another case, ATD raised a petition over the government's handling of contaminated drinking-water wells. It was launched before the judicial overhaul and sought a ruling based on the application of the reasonableness clause. The court ordered the government to present a timeline within 90 days to address the issue and said further decisions could follow.

But the clause has also been a lightning rod for political disputes.

In January, the Supreme Court ordered Netanyahu to remove a newly-appointed minister, Aryeh Deri, from government over past tax offences, saying most of the court's judges "determined that this appointment is extremely unreasonable". The court also cited other legal grounds. He was removed the same month.

ENVIRONMENT AGENDA

The government insists it is not trying to prevent the Supreme Court or its judges from oversight of the government's work, but says it simply wants to keep it out of politics.

"The court, on this issue (of the reasonableness clause), will continue to supervise the government's work, to strike down illegal decisions. But the court can't set policy instead of the ministers," Idit Silman, minister of environmental protection, told reporters in August.

But activists say the coalition government, which alongside Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party includes ultra-orthodox parties, has already pushed environment issues down its agenda.

One of the government's first actions was to repeal a tax on single-use plastics, which are particularly widely used by ultra-orthodox Jews whose families are typically large and so they often turn to disposable tableware.

The government, which was sworn into office in December, has also softened clean air regulation, giving energy grid operators extra leeway to burn coal if needed, and has not passed a climate law, which would bring ministries in line with long-term emissions targets, despite pledging to do so within six months.

The prime minister's office and environmental protection minister's office declined to comment for this article.

"On top of all this incompetence and neglect, they cancelled the reasonableness clause, which is a primary and critical tool for the court to be able to protect the environment and protect the public," said Yorai Lahav Hertzanu, an opposition parliament member.

(Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Edmund Blair)
WASHINGTON  The F-35 Joint Program Office and manufacturer Lockheed Martin on Wednesday said the first fighters upgraded with new capabilities may not be delivered until at least April 2024, and possibly as late as next June.

This means the delivery of fighters with a slate of improvements known as Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, will be at least a year behind schedule. And it could mean nearly an entire years worth of F-35s  perhaps up to 150, if production rates continue at full pace  could be parked at Lockheed Martin facilities until the company can deliver them.

TR-3 is intended to give the aircraft better displays, computer memory and processing power, and is necessary before a more expansive modernization effort, dubbed Block 4, can be added to the fighter. It was originally due in April 2023.

Problems with TR-3s hardware and software caused its development to slip behind. In a March hearing, the F-35 program executive officer, Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, first said TR-3 would arrive in April 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The F-35 Joint Program Office earlier this year said hardware issues had been addressed. But the office later said in June that software issues remained with TR-3, and getting its programming to work with the new hardware was proving difficult.

Lockheed Martin began rolling the first new TR-3-enabled F-35s off its Fort Worth, Texas, production line in July. But because the software remains unfinished, those fighters cannot participate in check flights that are necessary for the Defense Department to accept delivery. Lockheed is now storing these F-35s at Fort Worth.

In June, when the JPO announced the planned delivery halt, it said it expected TR-3 to be ready between December 2023 and April 2024.

JPO spokesman Russ Goemaere said in a Wednesday email to Defense News that it has continued to update U.S. military leaders, international partners and foreign governments purchasing the F-35 about the progress and challenges observed in testing TR-3 software in flight.

But, Goemaere added, the TR-3 program still has risks.

Since our testimony to Congress in March 2023, we have made significant progress in the TR-3 program, but have also experienced challenges with TR-3 software maturity during flight test, Goemaere said. Given remaining risk in the TR-3 program, we have updated our forecast for the first delivery of a TR-3 configured F-35 to the time frame between April 2024 through June 2024. We continue to work very closely with industry partners, particularly Lockheed Martin, to address program risk and deliver TR-3 to warfighters.

Lockheed Martin said in a Wednesday release that it now expects to deliver 97 F-35s, all in the previous TR-2 configuration. The company originally planned to deliver roughly 147 to 153 of the fighters this year.

Lockheed said it is continuing F-35 production, expecting to build 156 this year, while continuing to work on finalizing the development and testing of TR-3s software.

The company also said it remain[s] focused on receiving the necessary hardware from our suppliers to deliver this critical combat capability for the F-35, identifying L3Harris Technologies work on the fighters Integrated Core Processor as contributing to the challenges.

The development of the Integrated Core Processor by L3Harris has driven delays due to unexpected challenges associated with hardware and software development, component and system integration testing and system qualification testing, Lockheed said. The hardware development challenges impacted hardware/software integration, compressing the software testing schedule.

Lockheed said it has sent its employees to L3Harris to speed up the hardware delivery, and is working with RTX to help with its delivery of the next-generation Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System, another TR-3 component.

In a statement to Defense News, L3Harris disputed Lockheeds claim that the Integrated Core Processor was part of the problem.

L3Harris overcame some early design challenges and delivered a fully quantifiable Integrated Core Processor to Lockheed Martin well over a year ago, L3Harris said. In June 22, L3Harris began delivering flight test hardware after completing safety of flight qualification testing. We continue to work closely with [Lockheed Martin] to support them in the integration of their software into the TR3 hardware.

Defense News has also reached out to RTX for comment.

Lockheeds prediction that 97 fighters would be delivered this year is also a lower estimate than the 100 to 120 fighters CEO Jim Taiclet offered in a July earnings call.

Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida recently received its first four F-35s as part of its effort to transition from its old training mission to a combat-capable F-35 fighter wing, according to Air Combat Command head Gen. Mark Kelly, while speaking in a panel at the Defense News Conference on Sept. 6 in Arlington, Virginia.

He added that other transitioning units, such as the Alabama Air National Guards 187th Fighter Wing, are still likely to get their first new F-35s on time.

Subsequent tranches of F-35s to complete those units complements could take a hit from the delay, Kelly said. The severity of the effect will depend on how long it is before F-35s start getting delivered again, he explained.

Kelly said the Air Force remains in lockstep with its industry partners on the F-35 and needs to help companies work through this challenge, which he called way-hard business.

The delays in a unit receiving new fighters will have a follow-on effect on the Air Forces ability to manage itself worldwide, Kelly said.

When a unit converts to a new airplane, usually by the time they get their last airplane, the clock starts and they need to be ready to go a year or so later, Kelly noted. That will delay and will impact  global force management.

The Air Force will use its TR-2 F-35s until the newer configuration becomes available, he said. But in a fight against an advanced military able to employ serious electromagnetic threats, Kelly added, the Air Force must be able to employ the most up-to-date capabilities.

If were going to engage those threats, weve got to have the fastest processing, the best jamming, Kelly said. That takes a really agile, stable software load to unlock this Block 4 hardware and unlock the EW [electronic warfare] thats the secret sauce that were going to need.

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, deputy chief of staff for operations and the nominee to be the services next vice chief of staff, said that with the Air Forces limited fighter capacity, it doesnt have the ability to choose whether to send a TR-2 or TR-3 F-35 to an unfolding crisis.

Its a knifes edge of capacity that were dealing with every day, Slife said. Its frankly, check your pockets and see what you have in your pocket [when an emergency unfolds], and thats what goes. Getting these jets on time and fielded is absolutely critical to our ability to meet the global demand signal on a day-to-day basis.
A heated primary battle for the University City-area City Council seat is drawing endorsements and outside money, and it could unseat an incumbent.

Democratic Councilwoman Renee Perkins Johnson, who represents northeast Charlottes District 4, faces two challengers in her primary, Wil Russell and Olivia Scott.

The race has grown contentious, with Johnson, who has a background in transitional housing, and Russell, who works in construction, trading barbs over ties to development. Scott claims the fight has more to do with politics than people.

A trio of endorsements from prominent local leaders, including Mayor Vi Lyles, brought attention to Russells campaign. Russell said he welcomes the support, but Johnson says the endorsements are evidence the challenger would prop up a status quo shes been fighting against.

Charlotte City Council District 4 candidates

Johnson has represented District 4 on the City Council since 2019, and shes also the executive director of Triumph Services, which provides support services for trauma survivors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She has over 30 years of public service experience, she said in her 2023 Charlotte Observer candidate survey, including with transitional housing programs and other nonprofits.

Russell is a senior construction manger for Harmon Construction Services, where hes involved with affordable housing projects across the Southeast, according to his campaign.

He ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2013 and 2017 and has served on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Charlotte Business Advisory Committee and with other community groups.

Scott is a member of the Charlotte Tree Advisory Committee and previously ran unsuccessfully for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. She has a background in education.

Whos endorsing who in District 4?

Democrats Wil Russell,left, Olivia Scott, center, and Renee Johnson, right, are competing in the primary for the Charlotte City Council District 4 seat, which covers the University City area. The winner will advance to the general election in November.

Former Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt and former at-large and District 4 council member Greg Phipps endorsed Russell in his race to unseat Johnson, his campaign announced in late August. That announcement came just over a week after Lyles endorsed Russell  a rare move.

Russell said he was honored to receive the endorsements because the trio accomplished so much during their time on the City Council.

His planning experience and familiarity with the citys development strategy is part of what drew Eiselt to his campaign, she told the Observer.

Hes worked on a lot of some of the most important issues that weve dealt with in the last decade, she said. ... We need more people who have had long-term experience with the city, have seen where weve been, where we are now and how we got to where we are now.

Russells strong experience on affordable housing would help him serve the district well, Phipps said in the statement announcing his endorsement.

Johnson said Russells endorsement from those former council members is no surprise.

Their endorsements, along with the Mayors, simply reiterate that my opponent will align with the status quo, she said. He represents the development industry and will likely do things the same way that theyve always been done. Which has led to imbalanced infrastructure, lack of affordable housing and gentrification of our vulnerable neighborhoods.

Johnson also touted her own list of endorsements, which includes the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, the Service Employees International Union, the Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council and Mecklenburg County commissioners George Dunlap and Vilma Leake.

The Black Political Caucus reiterated its endorsement of Johnson and District 3 candidate Tiawana Brown in a statement Wednesday.

Recent events have brought both of these extraordinary Black women into the spotlight, highlighting their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to positive change, the group said. Resiliency is a defining trait of Black women throughout this countrys history and beyond. They have faced adversity with grace, emerging stronger and more determined in the face of challenges.

Russell said he was disappointed in Mrs. Johnsons attacks against me, because my conversations with the Mayor are about my vision for District 4 and delivering real results to our community.

There is a difference between the development industry and an affordable housing provider, Russell said. Im proud to build affordable housing for the people who desperately need it and can not afford the $500,000 homes being built in our city. The Mayor, Mrs. Eiselt and Mr. Phipps understand this and support my expertise. I will deliver results, not just sound bites.

Scott said Lyles endorsement is a sign of a sour relationship between the mayor and Johnson and noted the incumbent is a longtime member of the Black Political Caucus that endorsed her.

Scott touted her own work on Charlottes Tree Advisory Council as an example of her ability to find common sense solutions.

My endorsements come from the community, and I plan on backing up the things I say, she said. ... I dont care about fitting in with the in-crowd in regards to local politics. I care about making a difference and making sure our community has a great future.

Whos raised the most money in District 4?

This map shows the Charlotte City Council districts. District 4 is in yellow. It includes University City and parts of northeast Charlotte.

Johnsons campaign raised $13,023 in August and had $8,977.03 left over to spend in the final days before the election, according to her campaign finance reports due Tuesday.

Scott brought in $7,225 in August, according to her latest report, and had $4,211 in cash on hand at its end. That included a $500 donation from herself.

Russells latest campaign finance report was not available Wednesday morning through the county or state boards of elections.

He brought in $5,479.29 in the period that ended in early August, with $5,140.29 on hand at its end. That included a $5,000 transfer from himself and a $250 donation from Eiselt.

District 4 residents also received a mailer supporting Russell that said it was paid for by Neighbors Helping North Carolina. That group was formerly known as the NC Property Rights Fund, according to records from the State Board of Elections, a group under the umbrella of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS.

How to vote in Charlotte City Council primary

Early in-person voting began in late August in Charlotte, with more polling places opening Tuesday. As of Wednesday morning, 1,912 voters have cast their ballots. More than 1,000 of those votes were cast Tuesday, according to the county Board of Elections, and the most popular voting site Tuesday was in University City, which is contained in District 4.

Primary election day is Sept. 12.

There arent enough Republicans running this year for a GOP primary, so people must be registered as a Democrat or unaffiliated to participate.

Same-day voter registration is available during early voting. Mecklenburg voters can cast a ballot at any location in the county during early voting. But they must vote at their precinct location on Election Day.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that Washington will allocate over US$1 billion to help Ukraine.

Source: Blinken during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba , as reported by European Pravda, citing news outlet Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We will continue to stand with Ukraine, and today we are announcing new assistance totalling over US$1 billion as part of this joint effort."

Details: He said this includes US$665.5 million in new military and civilian security assistance.

"In total, we have provided over US$43 billion in security assistance since the beginning of the Russian aggression," Blinken added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The US Secretary of State also stated that the aid includes US$175 million to "provide significant support for Ukraine's air defence, which is an urgent need".

Another US$100 million, he said, would support Ukraine's long-term military needs, and another US$300 million would help law enforcement efforts to recover and maintain law and order in the liberated territories.

"We are sending our first batch of mine-resistant and armoured vehicles to Ukrainian border guards and police, some of whom I will be able to meet tomorrow. And we are providing critical mine clearance assistance to help defuse Russian mines, unexploded ordnance, and so on," he said.

"The new security funding we are announcing today will also be backed by the arrival of US-made Abrams tanks this autumn and the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the United States, complementing the training already underway in Europe," he said.

Background:

Antony Blinken arrived on an official visit to Kyiv on the morning of Wednesday, 6 September.

During his visit to Kyiv, Blinken said Washington sees the progress of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and the United States will ensure that Ukraine has the assistance it needs now and in the long term.

Earlier, the United States announced a new military aid package for Ukraine that included depleted uranium ammunition.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






WASHINGTON  The U.S. Army is scrapping its current upgrade plans for the Abrams main battle tank and pursuing a more significant modernization effort to increase its mobility and survivability on the battlefield, the service announced in a statement Wednesday.

The Army will end its M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 program, and instead develop the M1E3 Abrams focused on challenges the tank is likely to face on the battlefield of 2040 and beyond, the service said. The service was supposed to receive the M1A2 SEPv4 version this past spring.

The SEPv4 will not go into production as planned, Army Under Secretary Gabe Camarillo told Defense News in a Sept. 6 interview at the Defense News Conference in Arlington, Virginia. Were essentially going to invest those resources into the [research and] development on this new upgraded Abrams, he said. [I]ts really threat-based, its everything that were seeing right now, even recently in Ukraine in terms of a native active protection system, lighter weight, more survivability, and of course reduced logistical burdens as well for the Army.

The Abrams tank can no longer grow its capabilities without adding weight, and we need to reduce its logistical footprint, Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, the Armys program executive officer for ground combat systems, said in the statement. The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical need for integrated protections for soldiers, built from within instead of adding on.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukraines military will have the chance to put the M1 Abrams to the test when it receives the tanks later this month. The country is fighting off a Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago.

The M1E3 Abrams will include the best features of the M1A2 SEPv4 and will be compliant with modular open-systems architecture standards, according to the statement, which will allow for faster and more efficient technology upgrades. This will enable the Army and its commercial partners to design a more survivable, lighter tank that will be more effective on the battlefield at initial fielding and more easy to upgrade in the future.

We appreciate that future battlefields pose new challenges to the tank as we study recent and ongoing conflicts, said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team. We must optimize the Abrams mobility and survivability to allow the tank to continue to close with and destroy the enemy as the apex predator on future battlefields.

Norman, who took over the team last fall, spent seven months prior to his current job in Poland with the 1st Infantry Division. He told Defense News last year that the division worked with Poles, Lithuanians and other European partners on the eastern flank to observe happenings in Ukraine.

Weight is a major inhibitor of mobility, Norman said last fall. We are consistently looking at ways to drive down the main battle tanks weight to increase our operational mobility and ensure we can present multiple dilemmas to the adversary by being unpredictable in where we can go and how we can get there.

General Dynamic Land Systems, which manufactures the Abrams tank, brought what it called AbramsX to the Association of the U.S. Armys annual conference in October 2022. AbramsX is a technology demonstrator with reduced weight and the same range as the current tank with 50% less fuel consumption, the American firm told Defense News ahead of the show.

The AbramsX has a hybrid power pack that enables a silent watch capability and some silent mobility, which means it can run certain systems on the vehicle without running loud engines.

The tank also has an embedded artificial intelligence capability that enables lethality, survivability, mobility and manned/unmanned teaming, GDLS said.

The Army did not detail what the new version might include, but GDLS is using AbramsX to define what is possible in terms of weight reduction, improved survivability and a more efficient logistics tail.

The Army awarded GDLS a contract in August 2017 to develop the SEPv4 version of the tank with a plan then to make a production decision in fiscal 2023, followed by fielding to the first brigade in fiscal 2025.

The keystone technology of the SEPv4 version consisted of a third-generation forward-looking infrared camera and a full-sight upgrade including improved target discrimination.

I think the investment in subsystem technologies in the v4 will actually carry over into the upgraded ECP [Engineering Change Proposal] program for Abrams, Camarillo said. However, the plan is to have robust competition at the subsystem level for a lot of what the new ECP will call for, so were going to look for best-of-breed tech in a lot of different areas, such as active protection systems and lighter weight materials.

For instance, the Army has kitted out the tank with Trophy active protection systems as an interim solution to increase survivability. The Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems develops the Trophy. But since the system is not integrated into the design of the vehicle, it adds significant weight, sacrificing mobility.

The Army plans to produce the M1A2 SEPv3 at a reduced rate until it can transition the M1E3 into production.

The M1E3 is expected to reach initial operational capability in the early 2030s, the Army said. As longer-range threats increase in both lethality and survivability, the M1E3 Abrams will be able to defeat those threats, the statement said.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration is closely considering providing long-range fires and other capabilities to Ukraine, a State Department official overseeing arms transfers said.

We do need to continue to take a very close and deliberate look at what it is Ukraine needs, Laura Cressey, director of regional security and arms transfers at the State Departments political-military affairs bureau, said Wednesday at the Defense News Conference in Arlington, Va.

Theres been a lot of talk about F-16s, a lot of talk about long-range fires, she said. All of those the U.S. government is very closely considering, but it takes a lot in terms of training.

The U.S. cant provide whatever is the hot topic at the moment, Cressey said. We need to take a close look at the conditions on the battlefield, the absorptive capacity of the Ukrainians themselves, the training.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is not just the United States that is providing Ukraine the capabilities, said Cressey. This is a coalition of over 50 countries and its significant. Other countries are not gap filling. Theyre providing significant materiel whether youre looking at air and missile defense, modern fighters, armor, the like.

Cressey and Mike Miller, the deputy director of the Pentagons Defense Security Cooperation Agency, expressed hope that Congress will continue appropriating funds to arm Ukraine.

The support of the U.S. Congress in this effort has been remarkable, Miller said during a panel discussion, pointing to presidential drawdown authority to provide weapons from U.S. stockpiles, longer-term aid contracted out through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, foreign military financing grants and authorizations for multiyear procurement of munitions.

Congress has passed $61 billion worth of military aid for Ukraine since Russias invasion. The White House in August asked Congress for an additional $13 billion in Ukraine military aid via a supplemental spending request. Most senators, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., support the request but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has ruled out additional Ukraine aid amid growing opposition from the right-flank of his caucus.

An August CNN-SSRS poll found 55% of U.S. voters oppose additional aid for Ukraine. The poll found 71% of Republicans oppose additional Ukraine aid while 62% of Democrats favor more assistance for Kyiv.

Reversing course on F-16s

Pro-Ukraine Republicans in Congress have pressured the Biden administration to send Kyiv long-range capabilities like Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, as requested by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  so far to no avail. President Joe Biden did reverse course on providing F-16s to Ukraine in August, authorizing training for Ukrainian pilots who will fly jets provided by Denmark and the Netherlands.

A provision in the Houses fiscal 2024 defense policy bill would require the Pentagon to build the Lockheed-made ballistic missiles for Kyiv via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Britain has also provided long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Estonias No. 2 defense official, Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary Kusti Salm, called the Ukraine war an existential question for NATO noting were fairly confident that the U.S. and its European allies can help Kyiv win despite a slow-moving counteroffensive.

Russia has pushed this into a war of attrition, said Salm at the conference. Our job is to send the message that we can out-manufacture you.

Our defense has been a self-inducing spiral of declining defense budgets, especially in Europe, he added Our job is to turn this around.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks with Sudanese refugees as they cross the border into Chad, in Adre

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield speaks with Sudanese refugees as they cross the border into Chad, in Adre

By Michelle Nichols

ADRE, Chad (Reuters) -The U.S. envoy to the United Nations met Sudanese refugees fleeing ethnic and sexual violence on Wednesday and said the United States would "do everything in our power to prevent and respond to mass atrocities" in Sudan's war.

On a visit to the town of Adre in Chad on the border with Sudan, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a member of President Joe Biden's cabinet, announced high-profile sanctions targeting the deputy leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - and brother of the RSF commander - over human rights abuses.

She met privately with about seven Sudanese women in Adre who told her how they had fled intense violence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"They all came to Chad out of fear out of what would happen to them next. None of them expressed a sense or even a desire to return home as long as the violence continued," Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters.

"I felt hopeless because I felt like I couldn't do anything for them. I couldn't give them an answer for how the international community could help them," she said.

Thomas-Greenfield also visited a makeshift hospital run by medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), where some 144 patients were being treated, mainly for malnutrition. As she walked through a ward, a woman was slowly feeding a malnourished baby, while in a nearby bed a sick baby lay on its own.

War broke out in Sudan on April 15 - four years after former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted by a popular uprising. Tensions between the army (SAF) and RSF, which jointly staged a coup in 2021, erupted into fighting over a plan to transition to civilian rule.

"We certainly have reached a level of serious atrocities being committed and it is very reminiscent of what we saw happening in 2004 that led to the genocide determination," said Thomas-Greenfield before arriving in Chad, referring to Darfur, a region of western Sudan.

"We're hearing from women who are being brutally gang raped over and over again, villages being raided, there are aerial photos showing mass graves. Signs are there," she said.

In the early 2000s the U.N. estimates some 300,000 people were killed in Darfur when "Janjaweed" militias - from which the RSF formed - helped the army crush a rebellion by mainly non-Arab groups. Sudanese leaders are wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide and crimes against humanity.

'OUTRAGEOUS'

U.N. aid chief Martin Griffiths warned that Darfur was again "descending into an abyss without mercy or hope."

"Civilians have been trapped, targeted, raped and murdered. It is unlawful and it is outrageous," he said in a statement to Reuters.

The United Nations says that since April some 380,000 refugees - mostly women and children - have fled to Chad. Hundreds of thousands more have escaped to Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed for $1 billion to help provide aid and protection to more than 1.8 million people who are expected to flee Sudan this year. Nearly 7.1 million people are displaced inside the country, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Thomas-Greenfield said the United States would give an additional $163 million in aid and urged others to step up.

The U.N. says half Sudan's 49 million people need help and has appealed for $2.6 billion - so far, it has secured only 26% of this amount.

"That's shameful. And I am calling on the international community to do more and give more," she told reporters in Adre.

Griffiths said that those inside Sudan who had managed to escape the violence now face starvation.

"More than 60 percent of people in West Darfur are highly food insecure, as is over half the population in East and South Darfur," Griffiths said. "We're in a race against the clock."

In recent weeks the United Nations has been able to deliver aid into West Darfur from Chad and has aid trucks ready to reach other parts of the region, but said "unrelenting clashes" were stopping them from reaching the people in need.

"Darfur's people are caught in a state of near total deprivation. Our message is urgent: Stop the fighting and let us through," Griffiths said.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Grant McCool)
The Biden administration has taken mixed positions on its policies involving Haiti  with one federal agency warning that the Caribbean country is too dangerous for US citizens, while another agency deports Haitians back to the violence-torn country.

Violence in Haiti during the second quarter of 2023 jumped almost 14% when compared to the previous quarter, according to a United Nations report released Thursday.

On August 30, the US Embassy in Haiti urged American citizens to leave the country due to the current security situation. The next day, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported an undisclosed number of individuals to Haiti.

With Haitis capital Port-au-Prince largely controlled by gangs infamous for kidnapping and murder, experts warn that the deportations could amount to death sentences.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This act puts lives in danger, Guerline Jozef, executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said in a statement. We urgently call upon President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Mayorkas, and the entire administration to cease all deportations to Haiti.

Waves of crime and unrest have hit Haiti since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021. His successor, Prime Minister Ariel Henry , has struggled to staunch the violence. More than 1,860 victims of killings, injuries, and kidnappings were documented between April 24 and June 30, 2023, the UN report said.

Nevertheless, Haiti was among the top three destinations for charter flight deportations from the US during the 2022 fiscal year, with 125 flights conducted during that time, according to ICEs annual report.

In recent years, the US has deported more than 2,700 Haitians, with 895 deported in fiscal year 2020, 353 in fiscal year 2021 and 1,532 in fiscal year 2022, according to the same report.

Citing the Biden administrations expansion of legal pathways for Haitians, a White House National Security Council spokesperson told CNN in a statement that Haitians seeking to enter the United States are urged to do so legally.

The US Departments of State and of Homeland Security monitor the situation on the ground and coordinate closely with international partners to ensure migrants can be safely returned to Haiti, the spokesperson also said.

Migrants, mostly from Haiti, collect clothes donated by a group of volunteers, at the Giordano Bruno in Mexico City, Mexico, April 6, 2023. - Henry Romero/Reuters

For months, Henry and the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for a military intervention in the country. But Haitis neighbors in the Western Hemisphere have quietly declined a leading role.

In late July, the government of Kenya offered to lead a multi-national force of 1,000 police officers to help train and assist Haitian police restore normalcy to the Caribbean nation  an idea that has been embraced by the US government.

The United States commends the Government of Kenya for responding to Haitis call and for considering to serve as the lead nation for a multinational force in Haiti to assist in addressing insecurity caused by gang violence, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement in August.

Blinken added he looks forward to advancing the process of Kenyas involvement through a UN Security Council resolution authorizing a multinational force in Haiti.

During a White House news briefing Tuesday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he wouldnt go into the operational details but reiterated the USs commitment to support a multinational force that is fundamentally a policing support mission, not a military mission, and one that is in support of the Haitian National Police, not taking over the sovereign policing capacities from the Haitian National Police.

Previous UN peacekeeping missions to Haiti have left a bitter legacy, and critics point out that Kenyan security forces conduct has raised some rights concerns at home. In 2022, the US Department of State found Kenya had significant human rights issues, including credible reports of arbitrary killings, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

According to a White House National Security Council spokesperson, the US is working closely with the Kenyan government to ensure that any prospective participants in this mission would be well prepared to bring greater security to the people of Haiti and would have a demonstrated commitment to respecting human rights.

Additionally, we will work with partners including Kenya to monitor and investigate any allegations of human rights abuses once the mission is deployed, the spokesperson said.

Migrants, mostly from Haiti, take part in a protest with a banner that reads "Mexicans and Haitians are brothers" in Mexico City, Mexico May 29, 2023. - Henry Romero/Reuters

The UN Security Council is expected to consider the possibility of a Kenyan-led multinational deployment in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, as the United States creates new immigration programs and hardens its border enforcement policies  including increased deportations, among other tactics  Haitians fleeing the country appear to be looking for alternatives paths.

The Biden administration launched a parole program in January that allowed 30,000 people from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba who pass vetting and had a US based financial supporter to enter the US legally every month. Haitians are the top nationality taking advantage of the program. Of the 181,000 people who have arrived legally from January to July, Haitians make up more than one third (over 60,000) of beneficiaries, CBP data shows.

Panamanian government data shows that since the beginning of the year, the number of Haitians transiting through the dangerous jungle between Panama and Colombia, known as the Darien Gap, has significantly dropped. This year Haitians have also become the top nationality seeking asylum in Mexico.

But many continue to take dangerous risks to reach US shores. From October 2022 to July 2023, more than 5,000 Haitians were interdicted at sea by the US Coast Guard.

Reporting contributed by CNNs Mohammed Tawfeeq and Caitlin Hu.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Early Warning System

It appears that the US military is about to launch something from the Space Force base in Cape Canaveral  and that something may have huge implications for the next-gen arms race.

As Ars Technica reports, a series of mysterious navigational warnings out of the famous Florida base suggests that the military might be slated to test launch a long-range hypersonic missile across the Atlantic.

If so, the test would signal that the military has finalized its first ground-based hypersonic missile, known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon or LRHW. These weapon systems, which can be blasted more than 1,700 miles, are more easily navigable and better at hiding from radar  and the Pentagon's geopolitical rivals in Russia and China have excelled at creating and testing them.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Air and sea navigational warnings sent to mariners and pilots alike, as Ars and space expert Marco Langbroek pointed out, apparently look very much like a scheduled long-range hypersonic missile test the Army and Navy jointly planned for March of this year, which was scrubbed due to an apparent battery issue.

What's more, the flight path doesn't match anything planned by NASA, SpaceX, or the United Launch Alliance. That leaves only the military, Ars reasons, as the source of the warnings  and it's staying mum on its plans.

"We have nothing to announce at this time," a Defense Department spokesperson told the website. "Test dates and event details are not announced in advance."

Military Moves

That last bit may not be exactly true, however. As the report notes, the Army put out a press release a few weeks after the scrubbed test launch outlining "a full rehearsal of expeditionary hypersonic launch capabilities" that featured photos of the giant road battery for the missile.

In October 2021, Army secretary Christine Wormuth predicted that the fall of 2023 would be the "year of long-range precision fires"  and if Ars and its experts are right, that prediction may have been exactly spot-on.

To put it plainly, testing out the LHRW would be a major advent in the US military's high-tech arms race with Russia and China, due not only to those countries absolutely kicking the Americans' butts in the area, but also because these missiles are extremely powerful.

"Hypersonic weapons, capable of flying at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), are highly maneuverable and operate at varying altitudes," the Army said in some specs released to Congress. "This provides the warfighter with an ability to strike targets hundreds and even thousands of miles away, in a matter of minutes, to defeat a wide range of high-value targets."

This LRHW is, clearly, a BFD  and it looks very much like the military is slated to test launch it any day now.

More on weapons of the future: US Army Brags About Plans to Mount Rifle on Robot Dog
Smoke rises above buildings after an aerial bombardment in Khartoum North

By Michelle Nichols

N'DJAMENA (Reuters) -The United States is imposing sanctions on the deputy leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over human rights abuses, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations announced during a trip to Chad's border with Sudan on Wednesday.

The move to target Abdelrahim Dagalo - brother of RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti - is the highest profile use of sanctions since conflict between the RSF and Sudan's army broke out in mid-April and an apparent response to the dramatic violence seen in West Darfur, which the RSF is accused of perpetrating along with allied militias.

The RSF has denied the accusations by conflict monitors, rights groups and witnesses that it is behind the violence, while saying any of its soldiers found to be involved would be brought to justice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dagalo is the first official on either side to be sanctioned since the start of the war. Reuters first reported the move. Previous sanctions, levied on companies, also targeted the army.

"Today, the United States is taking action to hold bad actors accountable," U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield told reporters.

Dagalo is being targeted "for his connection to abuses by the RSF against civilians in Sudan, including conflict-related sexual violence and killings based on ethnicity," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Thomas-Greenfield made the announcement after meeting Sudanese refugees who have fled worsening ethnic and sexual violence in Sudan's Darfur region, which she described as "reminiscent" of atrocities 20 years ago, also in Darfur, that Washington declared a genocide.

Victims of the violence describe targeting of the Masalit ethnic group, razing of neighbourhoods, and widespread looting and rape that pushed hundreds of thousands into Chad. The International Criminal Court has announced an investigation into the violence.

"We will continue do everything in our power to prevent and respond to mass atrocities," Thomas-Greenfield said.

The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement accused RSF members of having engaged in "acts of violence and human rights abuses, including the massacre of civilians, ethnic killings, and use of sexual violence."

Since war broke out in Sudan on April 15, the RSF and allied militias have been credibly accused of extensive human rights abuses in Darfur and elsewhere, the Treasury added.

War broke out four years after former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted by a popular uprising. Tensions between the army (SAF) and RSF, which jointly staged a coup in 2021, erupted into fighting over an internationally-backed plan to transition to civilian rule and integrate their forces.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a separate statement said Washington also barred RSF General and West Darfur Sector Commander, Abdul Rahman Juma, from entering the United States over his involvement in a gross violation of human rights.

Blinken said that according to credible sources, forces led by Juma in June kidnapped and killed the Governor of West Darfur and his brother hours after the governor's public statements condemning the actions of the RSF.

PERSONALISED COMMAND STRUCTURE

In the capital Khartoum, the RSF has been accused of widespread looting, and, along with the army, of firing missiles into residential areas.

The U.S. measures freeze any assets held by Abdelrahim Dagalo in the United States and stop U.S. citizens from doing business with him.

Unlike the Sudanese army, the RSF's command structure is highly personalised, centred on Hemedti and his close relatives and associates.

While the sanctions carry political weight, it is unclear that they would have any impact on the course of the current conflict.

The RSF has long cultivated its closest foreign ties with the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

Unlike his brother, who served as deputy to army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on the country's ruling council from 2019 until the war, Abdelrahim Dagalo carried no official position in the country's government, but he played a leading role in developing the RSF's political relationships.

Having kept a lower profile prior to the war, he appeared in video messages early in the conflict surrounded by RSF troops, calling on Sudanese army soldiers to desert.

In June, the U.S. imposed sanctions on companies it accused of fuelling the conflict in Sudan. The U.S. Treasury Department targeted two companies affiliated with Sudan's army and two companies affiliated with the RSF, accusing them of generating revenue from the conflict and contributing to the fighting.

A Reuters investigation in 2019 showed that Abdelrahim Dagalo was listed as owner of Algunade, a gold mining company that was sanctioned.

(Additional reporting by Nafisa Eltahir and Daphne Psaledakis; editing by Aidan Lewis, William Maclean and Chizu Nomiyama)
US State Secretary Antony Blinken 's visit to Ukraine will last two days, during which he is expected to announce a new aid package for Ukraine.

Source: Reuters, citing a State Department official, as reported by European Pravda

Details: During his two-day visit, which will see Blinken stay overnight in Ukraine for the first time since Russia's invasion in February 2022, he is likely to announce a new US aid package worth over US$1 billion, a senior State Department official said during a press briefing on the trip.

Blinken, the first senior US official to visit Kyiv since the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, as well as other senior officials and civil society representatives, the official said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

US officials have been careful not to publicly criticise Ukraine's military tactics, and last week said they had seen marked progress by the Ukrainian army in the previous 72 hours of the southeast offensive.

Washington would like to discuss with the Ukrainians the progress of the offensive, assess needs on the battlefield, and any steps that may be needed to boost Ukraine's energy security ahead of the winter months, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"I think what's most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves. We want to see, hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks."

Background:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 6 September on an official visit.

The media unofficially learned about the possibility of his visit the day before, but the State Department refused to comment on the rumours.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
US officials have warned North Korea it will pay a price if it strikes an arms deal with Russia, after saying that negotiations were advancing between the two nations.

If Pyongyang provides weapons to Moscow to use in the war against Ukraine, it is not going to reflect well on North Korea and they will pay a price for this in the international community, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told a press briefing on Tuesday.

Sullivan did not elaborate on the potential repercussions for North Korea, which is already under United Nations and US sanctions imposed over Pyongyangs weapons of mass destruction program.

We have continued to convey privately as well as publicly to the North Koreans  and asked allies and partners to do the same  our view that they should abide by their publicly stated commitments that theyre not going to provide these weapons, Sullivan said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Monday, the National Security Council claimed arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are actively advancing, after Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang in July in an attempt to convince it to sell artillery ammunition.

The councils spokesperson Adrienne Watson said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expects discussions to continue, including leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia, but did not say when or where a potential meeting between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia might take place.

CNN has asked the Russian embassy in Washington for comment. The Kremlin declined to comment on the claim, with a spokesperson saying on Tuesday: We have nothing to say on the subject.

The New York Times first reported the potential meeting between Kim and Putin in Russia, saying it is expected to take place this month.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks to the media on Tuesday. - Jacquelyn Martin/AP

At the press briefing Tuesday, Sullivan also said the discussions between Russia and North Korea are evidence that economic sanctions by the West have succeeded in shrinking Moscows defense industrial base.

We have also imposed specific targeted sanctions to try to disrupt any effort to use North Korea as a conduit or as a source for weapons going to Russia, he said.

Since the war began, we have not seen (North Korea) actively supply large amounts of munitions or other military capacity to Russia, he said, adding that its not clear what has changed in their calculus.

Sullivan said it was an open question about how much material and what the quality of the material is that could be provided. But, he added, I think it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea to seek to bolster its defense capacity, in a war that it expected would be over in a week.

North Korea delivered infantry rockets and missiles into Russia for use by Wagner forces late last year, and the potential deal being discussed would provide Russian troops with many more weapons, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

Kirby added that any potential new deals could include multiple types of munitions and raw materials from North Korea. Russia has also received drones and artillery from Iran.

The US and its allies are also concerned about the technology North Korea is seeking from Russia in return for weaponry, according to two US officials.

North Korea is seeking technology that could advance its satellite and nuclear-powered submarine capabilities, officials said, which could significantly advance Pyongyangs capabilities in areas the rogue regime has not fully developed.

Multiple North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile tests in recent months have raised alarm among the US and its allies in South Korea and Japan as the isolated authoritarian nation increases its efforts to develop weapons capable of potentially striking major US cities.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Tyler Evans didnt know when he opened his business in Research Triangle Park that he wouldnt have mail delivery.

I signed a 10-year lease, built out a multi-million facility, hired staff and I didnt know, said Evans, franchise owner of Venture X, a flex office and co-working space. Thats just not something you ask, because thats just not a question.

Research Triangle Park sits on 7,000 acres of land  an area half the size of Manhattan  between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and is home to more than 375 companies, 200 startups and 60,000 employees. Its not a location one would expect not to have mail delivery.

And as of Wednesday, a bipartisan group of North Carolinas congressional delegation  after seeing a series of issues at the only RTP post office  is asking Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to do something before the state loses out on business.

The problem

People like Evans had learned to adapt. Hed bought a P.O. Box, worked with a post office employee to flag correspondence made out to his street address, and sent someone to pick up the mail each day. That included mail going to the more than 100 companies using his facilities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Then, three weeks ago, a new manager started at the RTP post office and made a change that affected businesses across RTP. Effective immediately, the post office said, any mail sent to a street address would be returned to sender. Only mail sent directly to a businesss P.O. box would be delivered.

For Evans, that meant an immediate business loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said, because part of his work is to be a virtual mail service  and that requires a physical address.

Scott Levitan, CEO and president of RTP, said that some businesses will be forced to leave if the post office doesnt amend this new rule.

Right now, there are companies in the park that in order to do business, because they either have certification from federal agencies or they need address validation for various practices, they have to be able to receive mail to a street address in order to get those validations and certifications, Levitan said. Many of the 375 companies that call RTP home are a huge engine for the North Carolina and U.S. economy.

President Joe Biden spent the past year touting his work to bolster the economy, including with RTP businesses like Wolfspeed, who received a special visit from the president in March. The White House did not have an immediate comment on the postal service problems at RTP, but a spokesman said he was looking into it.

A USPS spokesman also said Wednesday morning they were looking into it.

Letters to DeJoy

On Wednesday, Rep. Deborah Ross, a Democrat from Raleigh, sent a letter to DeJoy asking that he do something about RTPs mail situation. Her letter was signed by Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, along with Rep. Valerie Foushee, a Democrat from Hillsborough.

I think in a bipartisan way we all understand that RTP is an economic engine of the state, Ross told McClatchy Tuesday. And if those businesses need the government to deliver the mail to them, thats just a no-brainer. Its a bipartisan concern.

Ross said if RTP is meant to be a place where people go to live, work and play  which she says it has to be in the 21st century  then they need to have 21st century services.

RTP is a key driver of economic growth in our region, but currently lacks the postal infrastructure needed to keep up with demand, the letter states. We strongly urge the U.S. Postal Service to take immediate steps to establish carrier delivery service to meet RTPs growing needs.

The lawmakers letter was coupled with a second letter signed by representatives from 110 businesses in RTP, who helped outline the costs, operational challenges and compliance issues that come from a lack of mail delivery. Signatures came from executives at BASF Corporation, Biogen, Credit Suisse Raleigh, Eli Lilly, IBM and PBS North Carolina, among many others.

This letter goes further in detailing problems with the post office.

Some businesses have purchased P.O. boxes at other post office facilities to get away from the Research Triangle Park post offices rules. Or they have had packages sent to their personal addresses to ensure timely arrival.

Those who do endure the RTP post office stand in long lines, or get notifications that mail has been delivered only to be told the post office doesnt have that piece of mail or the business only received its third class mail for the day, the letter from the companies states.

Reliable mail service is critical to the operation of our businesses and organizations, the letter says. We strongly believe that the best path forward to address the ongoing issues we face with mail service is to establish carrier mail service for all of RTP.

Seeking help

Levitan said he tried to work with USPS before making this a public issue.

He said he has not been able to find any documentation that proves RTP has an agreement in place to not have mail delivery. He said if there was one, something from the 1960s would not support the current state of RTP and its growth.

RTP is investing $2 billion into the park in hopes of bringing in retail, office space and residences. Around 500 people are expected to move into RTP by the end of 2024 and that number is expected to reach 2,500 over three years.

RTP businesses already self-tax and support their own infrastructure. Levitan told USPS that RTP would be willing to front any costs it would take to get physical mail delivery. USPS took only one meeting with RTP, more than a year ago, and hasnt responded to the businesses requests since, Levitan said.

We would like to get fair service at the post office in RTP and we would like to be able to have street delivery in the 7,000 acres of RTP, Levitan said.

Without a response from USPS, he turned to Congress.

A long history of challenges

Ross said she and former Rep. David Price, a Democrat from Chapel Hill, first tried to help RTP with USPS last year. Together, she and Ross spent more than six months trying to build a case on why RTP needs better mail service.

Ross said that looking back 25 to 50 years, it made sense for the USPS not to deliver mail to RTP. In the beginning, companies could send a runner to their P.O. box to pick up the mail. But she said now it has evolved. She likened its growth to a town with a few businesses on a single road developing into one with a large subdivision, but one without mail service keeping up with the change

Some of the mail delivery service has not been at all the way the original tenants thought it was going to be, Ross said. And so theres been a big push to get just traditional mail delivery service in RTP, because it is not what it was when it was first started.

Ross said it was eye-opening for her and Price to learn that the USPS did not keep up with the development of RTP to learn about the many changes that have occurred or the future development in the works.

They thought it was the same way of delivering mail as in the past, Ross said.

She said by sending the letter to DeJoy, she believes theyve laid out all he needs to know about how RTP has changed and why the service is important.

We just absolutely feel like we have made the case now, Ross said. RTP is 100% on board.
Left, Celeste Maloy, candidate for Rep. Chris Stewarts 2nd Congressional District seat, laughs Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, 2023, at a campaign party in Cedar City. Right, former state lawmaker Becky Edwards poses for photographs after arriving for an election night watch party Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Salt Lake City. | Nick Adams, for the Deseret News and Rick Bowmer, Associated Press

The race to replace Rep. Chris Stewart in Utahs 2nd Congressional District was too close to call as of late Tuesday night.

Celeste Maloy led her opponents in the special Republican primary election by the end of vote counting Tuesday night because of a strong showing in rural and Southern Utah counties, while Becky Edwards was far ahead in Davis and Salt Lake counties, and Bruce Hough trailed behind.

Vote tallies showed Maloy with a narrow lead over Edwards, 38% to 36%, while Hough had 26% of the vote total as of late Tuesday.

Shortly after 11 p.m., the state said they would not be updating election results until Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

All 13 counties in Congressional District 2 are done reporting for tonight. Results will be updated on our website tomorrow at 5pm, a social media post from Elections Utah said.

The counties that still had the most outstanding votes as of Tuesday night were some of the largest in the district, according to the New York Times, reporting Associated Press results. Salt Lake County had processed 77% of its ballots, Davis County 82% and Washington County 75%. The remaining votes could tip the balance of the race.

Jason Perry, director of the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics, said the race was lining up between urban vs. rural lines, which many expected.

While Edwards and Maloy both campaigned throughout the district, they worked hard on their bases and areas of support. Edwards concentrated on urban and suburban areas while Maloy centered on rural Utah. In the returns we have seen so far, rural Utah has shown up and has the capacity to significantly impact this race which is now too close to call, he said.

Early returns favored Edwards, but later shifted to Maloy

Maloy watched the votes come in surrounded by supporters in a packed ballroom in Cedar City, where she excitedly moved from table to table greeting over a hundred would-be constituents.

I always knew Salt Lake and Davis Counties would be tough for me, Maloy told the Deseret News. I decided early on to have a rural strategy and make sure they felt heard, and seen, and represented, and I think its working.

Edwards was up in the vote count early in the evening after Davis and Salt Lake Counties were some of the first to report. But as more rural counties uploaded their totals the gap between Maloy and Edwards shrunk from 25 points to 10 points and then to nothing as results from Washington County came in.

The preliminary results were met by loud cheers from a few hundred Edwards-watch-party attendees. Edwards was swarmed by hugs from all around as she walked the event space in downtown Salt Lake City, where she was trailed by grandkids covering their ears because of the noise.

I just hope that we stay on track here, said Edwards communications director, Chelsea Robarge Fife.

Edwards husband said he remained cautiously optimistic.

The room got quieter, however, as more rural counties reported their results and the gap narrowed, with Edwards thanking her volunteers and telling them to head home at 10 p.m., saying she still felt optimistic.

Thank you for all your efforts to get to this point, Edwards told supporters. Thank you for being committed to a shared vision for taking a little bit of Utah to Washington D.C. ... Were really optimistic and so grateful tonight.

The mood was also positive at Houghs watch party in West Valley, where a small group of a few dozen supporters stood by as the results rolled in. Hough was engaged in conversation with four of his grandchildren and some of his children, whom he has made a central component of his campaign. He said he was feeling confident.

Utah 2nd Congressional District candidate Bruce Hough talks with supporters Tuesday evening, Sept. 5, 2023, in West Valley City. | Alex Goodlett, for the Deseret News

A sprint to the finish line

For each of the three candidates, the sped-up special election has been a sprint to the finish line.

Each candidate had less than 100 days from the time Stewart announced his resignation to assemble a campaign, raise money, advance through the GOP convention or signature-gathering processes and make an impression on as many 2nd District voters as possible.

And each has approached the abbreviated campaign cycle in their own way.

Edwards branded herself as a commonsense conservative, leveraging established volunteers and high name recognition from her prior campaign, where she was known as a more moderate Republican who voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.

Former state lawmaker Becky Edwards arrives for an election night watch party Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Salt Lake City. Three Republicans competed in a special primary election in Utah for their partys nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart. Vying for the nomination are Edwards, businessman and former state party chairman Bruce Hough, and Celeste Maloy, an attorney and former aide to Stewart in Washington. | Rick Bowmer, Associated Press

Maloy leaned on her endorsements from local leaders, including Stewart, as well as her policy experience and southern Utah ties to make her case for increased federalism to rural Utahns, which won her the GOP nominating convention in June.

And Hough tried to clear a lane for himself as the conservative in the race with party-line messaging focused on faith, family and freedom, and an ad campaign critical of his opponents presidential voting records. Hough has characterized his as an underdog race because he cant count on a network of volunteers like Edwards or the institutional backing of the party like Maloy.

August poll showed large number of undecided voters

According to a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll conducted last month between Aug. 7-14, nearly a majority, 47%, of 2nd District Republicans who planned on voting in the Sept. 5 special primary election were undecided as to which of the three Republican candidates they would vote for with just three weeks remaining in the race. However, Edwards showed an early lead among self-described moderate conservatives, with 43% saying they would vote for Edwards if the primary were today, while a majority said they were still undecided.

In an effort to raise her name ID and reach undecided voters, Maloy capitalized on the support she received as the partys nominee to organize 10 debates with local Republican parties across the district over the first two weeks of August, culminating in a televised debate on KSL. While she challenged both Hough and Edwards to accept the rigorous debate schedule, only Hough accepted, going so far as to schedule his own debate in Salt Lake County to fill what he thought was a gap in Maloys original lineup.

Edwards did not attend any of the debates, calling them her opponents campaign events. Instead, she opted to hold her own voter outreach events in counties across the district, sometimes with several scheduled each day.

Election coordinator Dimitri Sakellariou displays voting signs during Utahs municipal and primary elections, which include the 2nd Congressional District special primary, at the Salt Lake County Government Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

With the help of over 1,000 volunteers, the Edwards campaign says it has made 30,000 in-person contacts, 50,000 phone calls and texts, handed out 20,000 flyers, and organized more than 40 events over the last three months in 29 cities across the 13 counties represented in the 2nd District.

Like his opponents, Hough also traveled the state to attend numerous events during his campaign. He also began posting ads on his social media long before any other candidate, with messages ranging from the importance of limiting the size of government to touting his business background. Beginning in August, Houghs social media became dominated with ads aimed at Edwards for her record of voting for Democratic presidents, including most recently for Biden, and Maloy for her failure to vote in recent elections.

Edwards raised the most money of any candidate, bringing in a total of $678,975 by mid-August, compared to Houghs $538,700 and Maloys $307,308. Of those totals, Edwards loaned her campaign $300,000 and Hough loaned his $334,236. Maloy did not loan her campaign any money.

Edwards donations include $5,000 from the Republican Main Street Partnership PAC and $5,000 from The Orthopaedic PAC.

Houghs campaign funds include maxed-out donations of $6,600 from both Kem Gardner, chairman of Gardner Company, a private commercial real estate business, and his wife, Carolyn, as well as $2,500 from the Natural Products Association PAC.

Maloys receipts include a $2,000 donation from the Salt Lake County Republican Party as well as $3,300 from Ally Isom, who challenged Edwards in last years Senate primary.

National attention on Utahs 2nd District

The 2nd Districts special election to fill Stewarts soon-to-be-vacant seat has drawn national attention for its unique lineup of candidates during a time when a narrow Republican majority in the House has made Speaker Kevin McCarthys hold on his conference ever more tenuous.

The race is expected to be the only special election to take place in a red district this year and will be the first since McCarthy and his aligned Congressional Leadership Fund PAC agreed not to get involved in any open primary election for a safe Republican seat.

While McCarthys hands may be tied in regards to influencing Utahs special election, experts say he and other Republican leaders in the House will be watching the race closely, likely hoping that a certain type of candidate will emerge as the winner.

Leadership will be keenly honed in on this race, former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz told the Deseret News in June. They want somebody they can work with, and when the votes are close, go get their vote. With such a slim majority this is even more pivotal to how votes will ultimately go.

But more than anything, McCarthy will want the seat to be filled quickly to bring his majority up from three to four seats, according to Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah.

His interest is, one, that its a Republican, and two, that the Republican comes quickly, Perry told the Deseret News in June, because the issues before Congress are significant and he wants to keep his majority as large as he can.

Whoever wins Tuesdays primary will be likely to go on to win the general election this fall. The 2nd Congressional District is considered a safe Republican seat by the National Republican Congressional Committee, and in 2022, Stewart was reelected by a 25-point margin, 59%-34%. But she or he will be entering Congress during one of the most difficult sessions this term, with a battle looming over the governments 12 appropriations bills and a potential shutdown if negotiations between the Senate and the House  and McCarthy and his most conservative colleagues  fail to produce a deal.

The winner of Tuesdays primary will advance to the general election on Nov. 21, where they will face off against the Democratic nominee, state Sen. Kathleen Riebe, as well as nominees from Utahs other registered parties.
A Vermont man pleaded not guilty Wednesday after police say he told them he killed a woman and her adult son in their home, where he had been living.

Christopher Ellis, 54, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Michael Garvin, 52, and Lucy Garvin, 79. The Garvins bodies were discovered by a family member on Friday. He was ordered held without bail.

Ellis was arrested on Friday while driving Michael Garvins missing pickup truck, Vermont State Police said.

He told police he killed the mother and son last Wednesday or Thursday, saying it was calculated, according to a police affidavit. A phone message was left with his public defender.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ellis said he met Michael Garvin in jail and had been staying with them since April. He complained about the living situation and said the mental and psychological abuse worked him to the point where he thought about how much he hated Michael Garvin everyday.

He also told police that he had been thinking about killing Garvin for a few weeks and described locating a gun, court papers said. He said it was unfortunate that Lucy Garvin was in the house but that she had to go, police said in the affidavit.

Ellis also said he didnt have a retirement plan and that he would be rather be jail than in an old folks home, the affidavit said.

After shooting them, Ellis said he drove off in Michael Garvins truck to buy crack cocaine, the affidavit said. He then went to Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he sold the gun and bought cocaine with the money, according to police.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
With 19 co-defendants scrambling to devise different legal strategies for their defense, the Georgia election interference case could be embarking on its most chaotic phase yet.

Last week, Donald Trump officially announced his intent to separate his case from the group. The move came after at least two defendants in the scheme to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia tried in court to separate their cases from the other 17 alleged co-conspirators. Despite the overall indictment's sprawling scope, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis then announced that her office is prepared to meet at least one defendant's request for a speedy trial next month. Meanwhile, other defendants are trying to move their cases to federal court.

Trump legal advisers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, both of whom helped the former president in matters related to the 2020 election, recently requested that their cases be detached from other co-defendants and quickly taken to trial. Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee approved the Oct. 23 trial date for Chesebro. Powell's request is still pending.

"Moving for a speedy trial here is a very clever strategy," Andrew Fleischman, Atlanta defense attorney, told Salon. "It is a much easier way to get a severance from the other co-defendants, which means less spillover from the evidence against them, as well as a shorter, more affordable trial."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On top of this, paying a lawyer to sit through six months or a year of trial is "prohibitively expensive," he added.

We need your help to stay independent

Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism

Unlike the other defendants who requested a speedy trial, the ex-president's legal strategy has primarily focused on delaying his trials. Trump's legal team filed a motion to sever his case from the other defendants.

"Respectfully, requiring less than two months preparation time to defend a 98-page indictment, charging 19 defendants, with 41 various charges including a RICO conspiracy charge  would violate President Trump's federal and state constitutional rights to a fair trial and due process of law," his legal team argued in a filing.

Willis has reiterated her desire to try all 19 Georgia defendants together in a sweeping racketeering case, telling the judge that her office "maintains its position that severance is improper at this juncture and that all Defendants should be tried together," ABC News reported last week.

Defendants who are requesting a speedy trial may also "be hoping to catch the DA off of balance," Caren Myers Morrison, a former assistant U.S. attorney in New York and associate professor of law at Georgia State University, told Salon.

"Requesting a speedy trial in basically two months is pretty aggressive," Morrison said. "I assume that their hope is that she won't quite be ready That's usually the reason why people want a speedy trial. It's because they think they have a better chance to force the prosecution into some kind of disarray."

Related

"Every defendant for himself": Mark Meadows and others may be ready to flip on Trump

Prosecutors charged both Powell and Chesebro with racketeering over their alleged efforts to undermine the 2020 election. Chesebro, who faces seven charges, authored multiple memos outlining a plan to assemble slates of fraudulent electors in key swing states to overturn the 2020 election results, while Powell is charged in connection with a breach at an elections office in Coffee County.

"The biggest disadvantage is that there just aren't that many prosecutors in Fulton County who have the training and experience to try a case this big and unusual in the face of well-funded opposition," Fleischman said. "The RICO count is broad enough that Willis can still tell the whole story in each courtroom if she chooses. The problem will be having enough bodies to do that well in parallel state and federal proceedings."

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

But courts are also "extremely reluctant" to sever defendants from joint trials, pointed out Bennett Gershman, a former New York prosecutor and law professor at Pace University.

"It puts prosecutors at a disadvantage in having to reuse evidence and witnesses, and gives defendants who will be tried in the future a preview of the prosecutor's case," Gershman said.

While Trump and his co-conspirators closely monitor what happens as legal proceedings take place in Fulton County courts, their legal team "will be taking notes on the tactics displayed in the courtroom," reported The Daily Beast.

"If Fani Willis gets three convictions with three defendants, that will put a lot of pressure on all the remaining defendants," Morrison said. "If she can put this away quickly, that'll strengthen her hand considerably. But, If they all get acquitted, that would be bad. It's really going to depend on what happens."

Read more

about the Georgia prosecution
More than 10 years ago, William Will Yeske deployed to a corner of the world known as the Arghandab River Valley of Afghanistan.

For Yeske and his fellow 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers in 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, nicknamed 2 Fury, the valley holds memories.

Some memories about deploying during the height of the Afghanistan War at a time that claimed the lives of paratroopers part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team are ones Yeske and his comrades will never forget.

Other memories are tucked away in diaries known as green books or on receipts. Still others are unspoken.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yeske is a combat veteran who served more than 11 years in the Army, joining the regular Army in March 2008, then enlisting in the Reserves in October 2015 and remaining there until getting out as a sergeant in October 2018.

He is also a founding member of the veteran nonprofit, Rally for the Troops, which is part of Racing for Heroes, a nonprofit that connects veterans to resources and encourages veteran outreach through racing.

Yeske never intended to add the title of author to his resume and even joked with fellow paratrooper Sgt. Robert Musil when leaving the Arghandab River Valley that others in his unit would write a book before he would.

I also knew how much this portion of history meant to the guys who were there, Yeske said. I didnt want to be the one challenging their memories, bringing old wounds to the surface and possibly getting some of the facts wrong.

However, participating in another book project a few years ago led Yeske to write his own book.

Former paratrooper William Yeske wrote "Damn the Valley," which focuses on his unit's 2010 deployment to Afghanistan. The book is set to release Oct. 31, 2023.

Damn the Valley

Yeskes book, Damn the Valley, is a response to Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Keslings book Bravo Company: An Afghanistan Deployment and its Aftermath, which focused on Yeske's companys 2009-10 deployment, Yeske said during a phone interview Wednesday.

He said portion of paratroopers in the unit felt that Keslings book focused more on Staff Sgt. Allen Thomas, who was medically evacuated from the Arghandab River Valley after a suicide bomber attack in March 2010.

While paratroopers in the unit saved Thomas, he later succumbed to suicide in September 2013, Yeske said.

"Guys thought it was only a small portion of the story, Yeske said.

Their main concern, he said, was they felt the book wasn't a good representation of everything that happened in the valley while on the deployment.

So, I ended up calling the author and told him about the concerns of the guys and asked him if he thought it was worth putting my collection of stories into a book form."

Emulating books written by Vietnam veterans that told the story from the viewpoint of enlisted soldiers without pulling punches," Yeske said, he drafted a manuscript.

His book, he said, focuses on his units 2009 to 2010 deployment to Afghanistan.

He said his book was reviewed by the Department of Defense Office of Prepublication and Security Review to ensure it doesnt contain any operational security or classified information.

He spoke to more than a dozen former comrades and paratroopers for different perspectives of their time serving in the valley, including the platoon sergeant who provided Yeske with notes from his diary, and others who scribbled notes on receipts.

Yeske said some he spoke to were happy to hear from him, while he could hear the dread in the voices of others and one former soldier angrily cursed at him, before calling him back three months later.

Others declined to be mentioned because they are in a place in life that they dont want these memories brought back up to haunt them again, Yeske said.

One person keeps stating that Youre not the keeper of the story, and hes right, Yeske wrote in the authors notes of the book. We all are, and I want the various guys that were there to bring it forward  The one certainty is that anyone who spent any amount of time within that valley during those years was affected in one way or another.

He reached out to Casemate Publishers, a publisher and distributor of military history books that specializes in nonfiction.

An editor got back to me and said she wanted to pitch it at a roundtable discussion the following week, and here we are a year later, Yeske said.

Yeske said the title comes from a phrase he heard soldiers saying a lot toward the end of their deployment.

They started saying, 'Damn the valley and the lives that its taking,' Yeske said. It got to the point that our (Family Readiness Group) asked us to stop putting DTV on social media posts, but this is for the guys weve lost.

In addition to the Americans lost there, the valley has claimed soldiers going back to the troops of Alexander the Great and the British Empire, to most recently, the Russian army, he said.

Three paratroopers in Yeskes company were killed in action, while a dozen more suffered life-changing injuries, he said.

New law honors wounded and injured veterans from Fort Liberty, military installations

Yeske said while there was pushback from the publisher on the books title, he explained the meaning, which he said is depicted in the cover photo, taken by Sgt. Rodney Garcia immediately after a roadside bomb flattened their combat outpost.

The guys were pulling out other guys who had been buried alive and Afghan children who did not make it, and the photo is of them pulling a flag from the rubble, Yeske said. The guys lifted the American flag from the debris as dirt, dust, and stones. It was an emotional picture that summed up our experience in the valley as we were constantly hit and would have to refit, regroup, and be right back at it hours later.

He said that when he sought permission to use the photo, he learned the person who recovered it, Brian Errickson, still had it.

It is on display at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville where Yeske will host his book launch at 1 p.m. Nov. 11.

The book is scheduled for release Oct. 31, which Yeske said coincidentally happens to be the anniversary of his units first firefight in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

Endorsements

Yeskes book has received an endorsement from retired Gen. David Petraeus, former commander of U.S. Central Command and NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and others.

Petraeus said the book captures the tense dynamics and relationships in the brotherhood of the close fight in the toughest imaginable conditions.

Then-Spc. William Yeske,center, eats a meal during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan with then-Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hill, right, and then-Sgt. Robert Musil, left.

William Yeske, far right, and fellow paratroopers Rudy "Doc" Ponce and Hector Trujillo take a break at a patrol base right before a firefight during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan.

The foreword of the book is written by retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, who was director of operations for Regional Command-South in 2010 while in Kandahar.

Even contending with mistakes at the strategic and political level in Afghanistan, our soldiers fought with courage and honor ...The men that served with Bravo Company were some of the best I ever saw... real All-Americans that fought relentlessly to deny the enemy movement through or establish a stronghold within the Arghandab Valley, Hodges wrote.

In the afterword written by retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bert Puckett, Puckett said the Arghandab valley will go down in the history next to other places infamous within military history, like the A Shau valley in Vietnam, the valley of death in Crimea, and the Shenandoah valley.

Puckett wrote that soldiers moved into the valley and established themselves within a day.

But then they were required to hold it. After a year of sustaining weekly casualties, they had succeeded, but no one that had entered that valley left unchanged, he wrote. We all left a piece of ourselves there  This story is timeless. It is the story of soldiers on the pointy end of a nations will ... It is a soldiers eye view of what the ground looked like when the ground was exploding around them.

82nd Airborne Division vet has award in 2009 Afghanistan firefight upgraded to Silver Star

Who the book is for

The book is described as a non-fiction biography, according to the publishers news release.

It follows the story from the narrators perspective, but there are sections where it jumps to another guy telling a story from his point of view, Yeske said.

Theres a portion of the book about Spc. Jason Johnston, who died a day after Christmas in 2009.

The section of the book about Johnston, Yeske said, is told from multiple perspectives, because it was a mass casualty incident.

Yeske said that while he didnt see what happened, he was in the compound and walked on the same portion of dirt where the blast was and was about 50 feet away when it went off.

Yeske, who had medic training, said he sprung into action, while a lieutenant called in their positions to officials and notified them there were causalities.

The book is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers in Yeskes platoon and others in the brigades platoon who he didnt know were killed in action until the end of his deployment.

They are:

 Spc. Jason Johnston, 24, of Albion, New York, who died Dec. 26, 2009.

 Staff Sgt. Scott Brunkhorst,25, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, who died March 30, 2010.

 Spc. Joseph Caron,21, of Roy, Washington, who died April 11, 2010.

 Spc. Christopher Moon, 20, of Tuscon, Arizona, who died July 13, 2010.

 Staff Sgt. Allen Thomas, 29, of Fayetteville, who died Sept. 28, 2013.

 Sgt. Derek Hill, 36, of Woodlawn, Virginia, who died Sept. 11, 2018.

 Sgt. Jason Spottedhorse, 29, of Moore, Oklahoma, who died May 29, 2019.

Yeske said he wants others to understand that the book is not about him its about those he served with.

This was a book that was written for and with the men of Bravo Company 2/508 to establish a record of their deeds and actions on the battlefield over 10 years ago, Yeske wrote in its final pages. It is a sensitive book for some and a chapter of some peoples lives that they would rather forget than carry with them any further. Such is the way of war sometimes.

Yeske said he hopes itll get others to share their stories, or at least reach out to each other

I hope that the guys within (the) division get ahold of this book and realize that we need to not only honor our past but learn from it as well, he said. We need to take the good with the bad.

Damn the Valley can be preordered on sites like Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

Updates can also be found on https://damnthevalleybook.com/.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Why former paratrooper wrote a book about 2009-10 Afghanistan deployment
FONTANA, Calif.  As authorities warn of a rise in an alarming crime trend called bank jugging, a recent victim of the follow-robbery style incident spoke out about the ordeal.

The term is used to describe culprits targeting and following people who withdraw large amounts of cash from a bank or an ATM.

The Fontana Police Department described such an incident that occurred on July 22.

Authorities in Fontana warning residents of increased incidents of bank jugging

The victim, who only wanted to be identified as Joe, said he remains shaken up by the incident.

He had withdrawn just over $1,000 from a Chase branch and walked to his truck with an envelope filled with cash.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He then drove to a nearby Walgreens to run an errand.

While in there, unfortunately, they broke my driver door glass window, went into the truck, they took the envelope of cash that I had put in the center console, and thats how I found my car, Joe told KTLA.

Though his sense of security being out in public now feels compromised, Joe knows the situation could have been worse. An officer told him that if he had gone home, the incident would have occurred under much different circumstances.

The driver of a newer model Toyota 4Runner captured on surveillance video breaking into a vehicle on July 22, 2023 in these images released by the Fontana Police Department.

Photos shared by Fontana police late last month show a newer model Toyota 4Runner pulling up next to Joes pickup as one of three suspects goes inside the vehicle through the broken window.

Fontana police officer Steven Reed told KTLA his agency is aware of at least a dozen jugging cases in the past year or so in Fontana.

Were aware of other cases in surrounding cities as well, Reed said, adding that no arrests have been made in cases that occurred in Fontana.

Pair arrested after failed attempt to rob elderly couple in their driveway, police say

Last week, an elderly couple was followed to their Upland home from a bank, and two suspects threatened to hurt them if they didnt give them money.

Fortunately, the victims neighbors came outside to help and the pair of thieves ran away.

Suspects Jacourie Ishlumati, 29, and Janelle Cunningham, 28, were arrested the next day.

Authorities warn residents to always hide the money they withdraw from a bank or ATM, and if its a large sum, they recommend not showing that its inside an envelope.

Additionally, they advise people to try and avoid taking out large sums of cash, and instead use other ways to transfer money if possible.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
President Joe Biden awards U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor with the Medal of Honor, for "incredible" valor during the Vietnam War on June 18, 1968, in a ceremony Tuesday in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A Vietnam Army helicopter pilot was presented with the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award, at the White House on Tuesday for saving the lives of four of his fellow soldiers 55 years ago.

President Joe Biden praised Capt. Larry L. Taylor, of Chattanooga Tenn., who wore a black military uniform and grew emotional at times, for the act of "incredible" valor in 1968 that changed the "fate of four families."

"He rewrote the fate of four families for generations to come," Biden said Tuesday at the ceremony. "That's valor. That's power. That's our nation at its very best."

Taylor, 81, choked up as Biden draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, saluted the president and shook his hand.

Tune in as I award the Medal of Honor to Captain Larry L. Taylor for conspicuous gallantry. https://t.co/3WIusdsPk8 President Biden (@POTUS) September 5, 2023

On June 18, 1968, Taylor and his co-pilot braved ground fire to rescue four U.S. soldiers who had been surrounded by enemy forces in a Vietnamese village. The rescued soldiers climbed onto the aircraft's landing skids and held on as Taylor flew them to safety at a nearby water treatment plant.

U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor tears up as President Joe Biden speaks about his "incredible" valor, for saving the lives of four fellow soldiers during the Vietnam war, before presenting him with the Medal of Honor during Tuesday's ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI

"We took them down there and I landed, and I left my wide landing lights on and so the four of them ran out in front of the helicopter and then they turned around and lined up, all four of them, saluted, and then ran for the lights," Taylor told reporters last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I was doing my job," Taylor added humbly. "And I knew that if I didn't go down and get them, they wouldn't like it."

President Joe Biden returns U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor's salute after presenting him with the Medal of Honor during Tuesday's ceremony in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI

Biden reminded Taylor that he went against a direct order to return to base that day.

"His response was just as direct: 'I'm getting my men out. I'm getting my men out.' Lieutenant Taylor would perform the extraction himself, a move never before accomplished in a Cobra," Biden added.

U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor becomes emotional, after being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War on June 18, 1968, in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

On Tuesday, Biden recounted what Taylor said when he received word of the award.

"Now when I called Larry to let him know he finally was receiving his recognition, his response was, 'I thought you had to do something to receive the Medal of Honor?' ...Well, Larry, you sure as hell did something, man," Biden said. "If you ask anyone here, I'm pretty sure they'd say you did something extraordinary."

U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor leaves the East Room of the White House on Tuesday after being presented the Medal of Honor by President Joe Biden. Captain Taylor was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions he took in 1968 while serving as a team leader of a helicopter light-fire team that rescued four fellow soldiers surrounded by enemy forces. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI

The Medal of Honor is awarded to service members of the U.S. armed forces who distinguish themselves in warfare at the risk of their own lives, above and beyond the call of duty.

Taylor, who served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot from August 1967 to August 1968, has been honored with both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his actions during the war. He flew 2,000 combat missions and engaged with enemy fire 340 times.

Taylor was honorably released from active duty in 1970 after attaining the rank of captain and from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1973.
FILE - Visitors mill around the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, Va., Jan. 8, 2020. The politically divided Virginia General Assembly is set to convene in a special session at the Capitol to consider compromise budget legislation thats six months overdue. The House and Senate will kick off their work Wednesday morning, Sept 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  The politically divided Virginia General Assembly approved long-overdue budget legislation Wednesday, voting in an unusually fast-paced special session to both reduce taxes and boost spending on public education and mental health as part of the package.

Lawmakers spent just a few hours in the Capitol considering the compromise plan before overwhelmingly adopting it and sending it to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin . He can sign it as is, or seek amendments.

Im really pleased with the budget we have before us today. The negotiations have been very intense and very extended. But the outcome is both fair and balanced towards the priorities of both the House and the Senate, said Democratic Sen. Janet Howell of Fairfax County, who co-chairs the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Howell was among a small group of negotiators holding closed-door budget talks since the Legislature's regular session ended without agreement on adjustments to the two-year state spending plan, which runs through mid-2024. The group announced the compromise two weeks ago but only rolled out the full bill last weekend.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The proposal includes about $1 billion in tax reductions, mostly through one-time tax rebates of $200 for individuals and $400 for joint filers. It also would increase the standard deduction, remove the age requirement for a military retiree tax benefit and reinstate a popular back-to-school sales tax holiday lawmakers forgot to renew. While the holiday typically takes place in August, it would instead be held this year in late October under the plan.

Tax policy changes were a key part of what turned into a six-month stalemate, as Youngkin and the GOP-controlled House of Delegates had argued for an additional $1 billion permanent cuts, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate. Democrats who control the state Senate argued that more reductions would be premature after negotiating $4 billion in tax relief last year. The rebates, which weren't initially included in either chamber's budget bill, were a compromise.

The legislation would boost K-12 education spending by about $650 million and fund behavioral health initiatives sought by Youngkin, including new crisis receiving centers and crisis stabilization units. It includes funding for an extra 2% raise for state workers starting in December, and money for the state's share of a 2% raise for state-supported local employees, including teachers. The combination of tax cuts and increased spending is possible because the state had accumulated a multibillion surplus.

Among other notable provisions are: $200 million in new resources for economic development-related site acquisitions; $62.5 million in additional funding for college financial aid; and $12.3 million for the Virginia Employment Commission to help address the unemployment appeals backlog and support call centers.

It would allocate $250,000 to establish a Department of Corrections ombudsman within the state's watchdog agency - something long sought by reform advocates.

The bill directs the State Corporation Commission to continue a widely supported reinsurance program that reduced premiums this year. The commission recently warned that because lawmakers hadn't acted to effectively renew the program, it was headed for suspension in 2024.

The legislation does not address a proposed casino in Richmond, meaning the city can proceed with a planned voter referendum this fall.

Youngkin hasn't yet said if he will seek changes to the budget as passed, which would mean lawmakers would have to return to Richmond to consider his proposed amendments. But he issued a statement heralding the bill's passage.

While the process took longer than needed, more than $1 billion in tax relief is on the way to Virginia veterans, working families and businesses. Additionally, this collaborative effort ensured the funding of our shared priorities: investing in students and teachers, supporting our law enforcement community and transforming the way behavioral health care is delivered in the Commonwealth, Youngkin said.

Because Virginia operates on a two-year budget cycle, with the full plan adopted in even years and tweaked in odd years, this year's delay in approving the legislation has not impacted state government services or payroll. But it has led to consternation from school districts, local governments and other interests impacted by the state's taxation and spending policies.

Wednesdays proceedings advanced with little substantive debate after lawmakers agreed to a procedural resolution that essentially said floor amendments would not be considered. Lawmakers also waived the typical requirement that legislation be heard several times before it's taken up for a final vote.

Every Assembly seat is up for election this fall, and members of both parties found things to tout in the plan.

This budget agreement prioritizes Virginia families, especially our veterans and our children, over the tax cuts that the Republicans wanted to give to big corporations, House Democratic Leader Don Scott said.

House Appropriations Chairman Barry Knight said it was a bipartisan, bicameral compromise" and retiring Republican Sen. Steve Newman called it as fiscally responsible a bill as I've ever seen, given its focus on one-time versus recurring spending.
The United Kingdom says it will declare Russias Wagner mercenary group a banned terrorist organization, just weeks after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash.

The order will be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday and if approved, will ban membership in Wagner or support for the mercenary group, which has been a critical piece of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The group has also operated in Syria and multiple countries in Africa.

They are terrorists, plain and simple  and this proscription order makes that clear in U.K. law. Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security, U.K. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in a statement.

Braverman described the group as a violent and destructive organization, noting that it has been used as a military tool of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The U.K. Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat , said that the group was responsible for committing atrocities across the world.

Proscribing Wagner sends a clear message that the UK will not tolerate Russias proxies and their barbaric actions in Ukraine, and condemns Wagners campaign of corruption and bloodshed on the African continent, which has been repeatedly linked to human rights violations, Tugendhat said.

The press release noted also that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky requested that the group be treated as a terrorist organization.

Other terrorist organizations declared by the U.K. government include the Islamic State group, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Northern Ireland paramilitaries.

Declaring Wagner as a terrorist organization is largely a symbolic move that allows British authorities to seize the groups assets, since it is not known to operate in the U.K. The move comes after Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee recommended the group be outlawed in July, saying that British authorities had underplayed and underestimated the group.

The U.S. has labeled the Wagner group as a transnational criminal organization.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
People visit the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. Themed "Opening-up leads development, cooperation delivers the future," the 2023 CIFTIS is held in Beijing from Sept. 2 to 6. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhuanet)  The 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is a vital platform for enterprises across the world to strengthen cooperation and seek development opportunities, said exhibitors at the fair.

The CIFTIS provides a great opportunity for countries, international organizations and companies to get together and discuss cooperation and collaboration, said Joseph Keating, trade counselor of the Irish Embassy in Beijing, who attended the fair for the fourth time.

It is a platform for every country to join together, said Sakarn Saensopa, Thai commercial consul.

Eighty-three countries and international organizations attended this years fair, and more than 2,400 companies participated in offline exhibitions.

Apart from highlighting the fairs significance, participants also voiced their willingness to boost cooperation with China in the field of services trade.

There's a real opportunity right now for the cooperation between UK and China in a number of different services sectors, said Tom Duke, British Trade Commissioner for China.

As the guest country of honor of the 2023 CIFTIS, the United Kingdom has assembled its largest-ever delegation for the fair this year.

At the fair, UK companies have participated in the events related to education, sports, infrastructure and construction, showcasing the services that UK companies can bring to the Chinese market.

Thailand has attended the event for many years, said Sakarn Saensopa, adding that the Thailand exhibition area at this years event emphasizes health and wellness.

He expressed his expectation for Thailand to tap into Chinese market in this field, and hoped to see more cooperation in terms of digital creativity, animation games, multimedia and movies.

Cooperation in science, technology and innovation is also highlighted at the fair.

Intel China, participating in the fair for the second time, showcased technologies and solutions in the areas of AI, personal computers, data centers, and smart retail sales.

Zhou Bing, vice president of Intel, said the years CIFTIS showcases great vitality of sci-tech innovation and opens up broader space for cooperation among enterprises.

Themed "Opening-up leads development, cooperation delivers the future," the 2023 CIFTIS features over 200 varied events, including forums, negotiations, and summits.

People visit the booth of the Global Alliance for Trade in Services during the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. Themed "Opening-up leads development, cooperation delivers the future," the 2023 CIFTIS is held in Beijing from Sept. 2 to 6. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

Visitors take pictures at the booth of Intel during the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. Themed "Opening-up leads development, cooperation delivers the future," the 2023 CIFTIS is held in Beijing from Sept. 2 to 6. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
A major manhunt is underway for a suspected terrorist who has escaped from a London prison.

Daniel Abed Khalife, a serving British Army soldier, is thought to have used straps to cling on to a food delivery van while wearing a chefs uniform.

He was reported to the Metropolitan Police this morning after he was reported missing from HMP Wandsworth, where he was being held.

It is believed that he escaped from the Category B prison at 7.50am.

The 21-year-old is being held in prison while awaiting trial for terror charges and Official Secrets Act offences. This includes placing cannisters with wires on a desk at an RAF base in an apparent bomb hoax.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An alert has been sent to all UK ports and airports amid reports of long queues at border control.

Khalife has connections to Kingston and police believe he is most likely in London, although he may have travelled further afield.

Key Points

Suspected terrorist escapes from HMP Wandsworth

Khalife held in prison over alleged bomb hoax at RAF base

Airports and ports alerted, says Met

Almost certain terror suspect who escaped from Wandsworth prison had inside help

14:46 , William Mata

A security official has said it is almost certain a terror suspect who escaped from a prison while strapped to the bottom of a food delivery truck had inside help to flee - Amy-Clare Martin reports.

A nationwide manhunt is underway after former soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, was wearing a chefs uniform as he fled HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday morning.

Khalife was being held on remand after he was accused of planting fake bombs at a military base, and airports and ports have since been put on high alert over fears he will try to leave the country.

A security official told The Independent that all prison staff were being interviewed after the major security breach.

All the indications are that this was an orchestrated job and not an opportunistic escape. It is almost certain that he had some inside help from the prison," he said.

See Amy-Clare Martins full story here.

Daniel Abed Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday (PA Wire)

Staff cuts have consequences, says union

14:56 , William Mata

Steve Gillan, general secretary of the Prison Officers Association (POA), said cuts have consequences after the escape of Daniel Khalife.

You cannot take out 900 million from the budget with reduced staffing levels up and down the country and expect the Prison Service to operate as if nothing has happened, said the union leader.

Government needs to take responsibility for the decimation of the Prison Service with less staff and more prisoners and Wandsworth is a typical example of what life is like for serving Prison Officers operating in a stressful and violent workplace with inadequate staff levels.

More prisons could see escapes due to chronic staff shortages'

14:35 , William Mata

More prisons across the UK could be at risk of inmates escaping due to chronic staff shortages, an MP has warned following suspected terrorist Daniel Khalifes jailbreak in London, Matt Mathers reports.

Mr Khalife escaped from the Category B Wandsworth prison on Wednesday, sparking a national search for his whereabouts, Rosena Allin-Khan, the MP for the area, told The Independent staffing conditions were likely to worsen unless the government sorted out poor pay and conditions to improve staff retention.

Ms Allin-Khan said that it was just a matter of time before mistakes occurred at Wandsworth, which she said was frequently understaffed. Prisons across the country are facing the same problems and, realistically, this could have happened at any one of them, she said.

Former Belmarsh and Brixton prison governor says escape could have been an inside job

14:32 , William Mata

Daniel Khalifes escape from HMP Wandsworth could have been an inside job, the former governor of Belmarsh and Brixton prisons has said.

John Podmore who governed the prisons, told the World at One Mr Khalife should have been in Belmarsh and that he couldnt understand why he wasnt.

And he said the decision to give Mr Khalife a job in the kitchen at HMP Wandsworth was quite astonishing.

Mr Podmore said: The prison kitchen is a plum job. And it goes to the most reliable, allegedly reliable, trusted prisoners chosen by staff.

And it is a very vulnerable area. Its where weve seen vehicles keep coming, going in and out. goods coming in and out on a regular basis. Its the kitchens usually close to the gate. So its a very vulnerable area. So you choose who goes there very, very carefully.

Mr Podmore, who was previously an inspector of prisons, said of the prison system: It certainly doesnt protect the public because prisons at the moment are making people worse, they are not protecting the public.

Staffing problems have dogged HMP Wandsworth, says Chief Inspector

14:03 , William Mata

Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said that concerns at HMP Wandsworth have been flagged over a number of years  saying lack of staff had dogged the prison.

He told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme: This is very concerning because Wandsworth had a previous escape in 2019 as well. Obviously any prisoner getting out of the jail is extremely rare event. But particularly a prisoner whos accused of a terrorist offence makes it all worse.

But to some extent, our concerns about Wandsworth over number of years make it a jail thats more likely for this sort of thing to happen. Particularly the lack of staffing which has dogged the prison. I think when we last inspected at the end of 2021, they were 30 per cent short of staff.

He added: It may be that things have improved since we last inspected the jail. But certainly its been an ongoing issue with the prison, particularly as it is such an overcrowded but also very busy prison.

The category B reception and resettlement mens prison opened in 1851 (PA Archive)

Certain that Khalife had help from inside prison - security official tells Independent

13:42 , William Mata

All prison staff at HMP Wandsworth are being interviewed after Khalife was able to flee while strapped to the bottom of a food delivery truck.

A security official told The Independent: All the indications are that this was an orchestrated job and not an opportunistic escape.

It is almost certain that he had some inside help from the prison.

It is understood that Khalifes father is Iranian while his mother is English.

A former soldier who has close knowledge of the suspects time in the Army said he was not known to be religious or show a keen interest in politics.

He wasnt any trouble and was always seen as a decent guy.

Units from the 16 Signals regiment are attached to elite frontline British Army regiments including special forces, parachute regiment, guerkhas and the royal marines.

Khalife would have had access to state of the art defence electrical equipment.

Wandsworth Prison: Serious concern raised before escape

13:38 , William Mata

Wandsworth Prisons performance was rated as a serious concern and a string of warnings had been issued about the jail in the past year before Daniel Khalifes escape.

In the Annual Prison Performance Ratings for 2022/23, published in July, Wandsworth was among nine rated as a serious concern and chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor warned staff shortages are "the source of many problems".

Its overall performance score, based on a range of measures including security, rehabilitation and training and expressed as a proportion of 100 per cent, was 46.4 per cent - one of the lowest out of all 119 prisons.

Wandsworth was handed the same serious concern rating in 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19.

While it is "concerning when anybody escapes from prison" and they are "now very rare", the nature of the allegations levelled at Daniel Abed Khalife made this case "extremely concerning", he added.

Wandsworth Prison (PA)

All we know about how suspected terrorist Daniel Abed Khalife escaped HMP Wandsworth

13:22 , William Mata

Daniel Abed Khalife, a former British Army soldier, is thought to have used makeshift straps to cling onto a food delivery van while wearing a chefs uniform.

He escaped from the Category B prison on Wednesday morning.

He was awaiting trial for providing information about the British army to the enemy. As of Thursday morning, there has been no reported trace of his whereabouts.

Barney Davis has the full report here on all we know so far about his escape.

Daniel Abed Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday (PA Wire)

Starmer hits out at governments record on changing justice secretaries

13:19 , William Mata

Sir Keir Starmer has hit out at the governments chopping and changing cabinet for creating uncertainty within the ministry.

"It certainly hasn't helped that in the last 10 years we've had 10 justice secretaries, the Labour leader told Sky News.

I know from my time as director of prosecutions just how important stability is when it comes to criminal justice.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire)

Port of Dover continuing to advise passengers to take more time in crossing

13:14 , William Mata

The Port of Dover is continuing to advise passengers to take more time in crossing because of the enhanced checks.

The Brock Zero traffic management system is now in place  which means the M20 in Kent is closed between junctions 8 and 9.

Ports and airports across the UK have said that vigorous checks will be taking place as the search for Khalife continues.

Staff shortages the source of many problems - chief inspector of prisons

12:52 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The chief inspector of prisons has warned staff shortages are the source of many problems at HMP Wandsworth, where a suspected terrorist soldier escaped undetected.

Charlie Taylor said it is concerning when anybody escapes from prison and they are now very rare. But the nature of the allegations levelled at Daniel Abed Khalife made this case extremely concerning, he added.

Mr Taylor said it should be standard practice for vehicles entering and leaving the prison to be checked and a prisoner has to earn a certain level of trust in order to be allowed to work in a kitchen.

He said: Something obviously went wrong in terms of security, and that will come out over time.

But the issue that we are particularly concerned about is there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff who are there. And that ultimately is the source of many of the problems in the jail.

(PA Images via Getty Images)

Watch: No stone can be left unturned, justice secretary says amid manhunt

12:33 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Justice secretary Alex Chalk told MPs today that Daniel Khalife will be found and will be made to face justice.

Labour MP: Why was Daniel Khalife trusted to work in the kitchen?

12:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Conservative MP Mark Fletcher asked whether the justice secretary was considering if Daniel Khalife had assistance with his escape.

Mr Fletcher said: The presence of strapping on the underside of the vehicle would seem to indicate that there may have been some planning involved in this.

In regards to protocols and staffing arrangements, are there any implications that he may have had some assistance in this particular escape?

Justice secretary Alex Chalk said the idea had also occurred to him and colleagues and officials.

All lines of inquiry being considered, Mr Chalk said.

Urgent reviews announced after strapping found underneath delivery van

12:17 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Justice secretary Alex Chalk told MPs that two urgent reviews would also take place regarding the categorisation and placement of all HMP Wandsworth prisoners and all those in custody charged with terrorism offences.

Mr Chalk said that strapping was found underneath a delivery vehicle which he added may indicate Khalife held on to the underside of it in order to escape.

There are fears the fugitive - who has been missing since 8am on Wednesday - might try to flee the country.

Detailing what he knew of Khalifes escape, Mr Chalk told MPs: At approximately 7.30 yesterday morning, a vehicle which had made a delivery to the prisons kitchen left HMP Wandsworth.

Shortly afterwards, local contingency plans for an unaccounted prisoner were activated and in line with standard procedure the police were informed.

The prison was put into a state of lockdown while staff attempted to determine Daniel Khalifes whereabouts.

The vehicle was stopped and searched by police after the alert was raised.

Strapping was found underneath the vehicle which appeared to indicate Daniel Khalife may have held onto the underside of it in order to escape.

Mr Chalk ended his statement by saying: Daniel Khalife will be found and will be made to face justice.

Starmer says there is a lot to look at after prisoner escaped Wandsworth

12:14 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters said that there was a lot to look at regarding how a prisoner could escape in this way.

I think we need to have an independent insight into what went wrong. I think everybody will want to know why some of the reports of failings in Wandsworth were not acted upon more quickly. I think we may well find, as we have found in other sectors, there is a pattern of behaviour that isnt just confined to Wandsworth.

He said that the chopping and changing of secretaries of state had produced instability and inconsistency.

Decisions that should be made are not made in the way they should.

There is a lot to look at here.

Khalife was never in Belmarsh prison, justice secretary confirms

12:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Daniel Khalife was never in Belmarsh prison, Alex Chalk has confirmed in response to a question from shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Ms Mahmood, who was handed the justice brief in this weeks Labour reshuffle, said: Why was a suspected terror offender held at a Category B jail whilst on remand despite many other suspected and indeed convicted terrorists being held in the high security estate?

Why was Daniel Khalife moved from Belmarsh to Wandsworth?

Mr Chalk said the question was factually incorrect.

He was never in Belmarsh, Mr Chalk said.

All we know about HMP Wandsworth as terror suspect Daniel Khalife escapes by clinging to food delivery van

11:53 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

HMP Wandsworth has found itself under the spotlight after a national manhunt was launched for an escaped terror suspect.

Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old soldier with the Royal Corps of Signals was being held on remand at the Category B prison after he was accused of planting fake bombs at a military base in the West Midlands, and other charges relating to the Official Secrets Act.

Security was tightened at airports and other international departure points on Wednesday, after Khalife  who worked in the prisons kitchen  outwitted the guards as he fled the south London jail in his cooks uniform at 7.50am.

All we know about vermin infested Wandsworth prison as terror suspect escapes

Map shows key locations in search for prison escapee Khalife

11:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

As the manhunt for Daniel Abed Khalife continues, this map shows the key areas in the search for the 21-year-old terror suspect.

Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday morning just before 8am. It has now been over 24 hours since his shocking break-out.

Police said Khalife has links to the Kingston-upon-Thames area, but the search has expanded across the whole country.

Sunak insists prison escapes are extremely rare as manhunt continues

11:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Rishi Sunak insisted prison escapes are extremely rare as a manhunt continues for terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife as he rejected calls for an internal inquiry.

Asked by broadcasters on a visit to the University of Warwick why such a suspect was not being held in a Category A prison, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: First thing I want to say is thankfully these incidences are extremely rare.

I cant give too many details because theres an ongoing police operation, I hope people will understand that, but I want to reassure people that public safety is of course, our paramount responsibility.

The Justice Secretary has initiated already an internal inquiry into the specific circumstances around this particular individual and this case but the most important thing now is for anyone if they have any information at all that they think is relevant to please contact the police.

Asked whether there will be an independent inquiry launched as demanded by Labour, Mr Sunak said the Justice Secretary has already initiated an internal inquiry into what the circumstances are surrounding this particular incident.

Manhunt adds to UK travel chaos

10:53 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Travellers leaving the UK face delays due to police checks in the hunt for Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison in south London on Wednesday.

Because the UK has no formal border processing of outbound travellers, any additional checks add to the usual time taken to get through airport and port formalities.

One airline insider told The Independent: It would be interesting to know how many passengers missed flights due to the search for the most wanted bloke in Britain. Caused utter havoc at several airports.

Heathrow, the UKs busiest airport, is telling passengers: Heathrow is operating as normal. However, due to additional security checks being carried out, waiting times for departing passengers may be longer than usual.

The Port of Dover tweeted: Due to a police matter, there are currently enhanced checks on outbound traffic at the Port of Dover and other portals within the UK.

Simon Calder reports:

Travel chaos drags on with Nats staff shortage and manhunt border delays

Wandsworth prison warned over serious security breach last year after inmate escape in 2019

10:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Serious security concerns at the prison where a terror suspect escaped by clinging to a food delivery van were flagged last year after another inmate fled the jail in 2019.

A nationwide manhunt is underway after former soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, who escaped HMP Wandsworth while wearing a chefs uniform.

Khalife was being held on remand after he was accused of planting fake bombs at a military base and airports and ports have since been put on high alert over fears he will try to leave the country.

Concerns around security at the category B prison there were flagged last year following the escape of a prisoner five years ago.

Our crime correspondent Amy-ClareMartin reports:

Wandsworth prison warned over serious security breach after inmate escape in 2019

Who is Daniel Abed Khalife? Royal Signals soldier accused of planting fake bombs

10:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A soldier turned terror suspect, Daniel Abed Khalife is now the subject of a nationwide manhunt after outwitting the guards at a London prison.

He is believed to have escaped in a chefs outfit by using straps to cling onto a food delivery van, with his current location unknown.

With airports and ports installing additional security measures and holidaymakers reporting delays at border control, his escape has posed serious questions about the suitability of his incarceration at a Category B prison.

All we know about Daniel Khalife - Royal Signals soldier on the run from prison

Ben Shephard accuses Tory MP of trying to score political points as Daniel Khalife manhunt continues

09:50 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ben Shephard accused Conservative MP Michelle Donelan of trying to score political points as the manhunt for suspected terrorist Daniel Abed Khalife continues.

Science and Technology Minister Michelle Donelan told Good Morning Britain viewers that under the Conservative government, the figures of escaped prisoners is considerably less than when Labour was in power.

She was later interrupted by Shephard, who said: Right now I dont think anyone is going to be concerned whether Labour were able to keep more people in prison or the Conservatives. What people will be concerned about is that a suspected terrorist was able to escape.

Ben Shephard says MP trying to score political points in Wandsworth prisoner hunt

Labour calls for independent inquiry into Wandsworth prison escape

09:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Labour is calling for an independent inquiry into how terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife escaped Wandsworth prison, Yvette Cooper MP has said.

Labour is calling for an independent inquiry into how terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife escaped Wandsworth prison, says @YvetteCooperMP #KayBurley FC pic.twitter.com/03fTsPNdtm  Kay Burley (@KayBurley) September 7, 2023

Labour MP raised concerns for understaffing in Wandsworth prison months ago'

09:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan said she raised concerns many months ago about staffing levels in Wandsworth prison.

Watch the full clip here:

'I actually raised concerns many, many months ago about staffing'



Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan represents the area where HMP Wandsworth is based and spoke to #BBCBreakfast about the escape of terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalifehttps://t.co/CBmiEnd4cT pic.twitter.com/wBQVfFelRb  BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 7, 2023

Investigation must consider collusion, says ex-security chief

09:12 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prof Ian Acheson, former head of security at Wandsworth Prison, said the governments investigation must look at possible collusion to help Daniel Khalife escape.

Prof Acheson said staff shortages was clearly must be a contributory factor to the major security breach.

So many breaches occurred at one time to allow this awful event to happen.

He added: If there is an investigation, I would urge [justice secretary] Alex Chalk to make that an independent investigation so the prison service isnt marking its own homework. But if there is an investigation, it will have to consider whether there is collusion.

Up to 44 per cent of staff unavailable in Wandsworth prison, former head of security says

08:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A former head of security at Wandsworth Prison said terror suspect Daniel Khalifes escape was at best a catastrophic system failure.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday, Professor Ian Acheson said: Well, at best, this is a catastrophic system failure that actually starts with the allocation of Khalife to Wandsworth and ends with a terror suspect working in a prison kitchen of an establishment in crisis (and) escaping in a vehicle.

So its incredibly embarrassing for the prison service but its not entirely surprising given what we know about whats going on Wandsworth at the moment.

Professor Acheson, also a former prison governor, criticised the conditions at Wandsworth.

Well, Im afraid to say that Wandsworth, like so many of our flagship prisons, is in freefall, he said.

Youve only got to look at the most recent inspections, and other monitoring reports, that reveal its filthy, its vermin infested, on any day 30-44% of frontline staff are unavailable to work.

Morale is awful. I mean, frankly, if you cannot even manage to get the bins emptied in a place like Wandsworth what else is going wrong?

Describing the security around the perimeter of the prison, he said: The ingress and egress of vehicles into a prison that breach the security perimeter of a prison is a well-known vulnerability. Its one of the top vulnerabilities you can think of.

The key thing is, when the van goes back into the airlock, is to make the sure the vehicle is thoroughly searched.

The professor added any vehicle which exits the prison is normally searched on top and below to ensure no escapees.

What was Khalife wearing when he escaped?

08:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Daniel Abed Khalife was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown, steel toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim and 6ft 2in, with short brown hair.

The jail was put on lockdown after he fled.

The head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, said there was no reason to believe Khalife poses a threat to the wider public but urged people not to approach him and to call 999 if they spot him.

(Metropolitan Police)

Recap: Prisoner still missing from HMP Wandsworth

07:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

If youre just tuning in this morning, here is a recap:

Police are continuing to hunt for a former soldier accused of terrorism who is believed to have escaped from a prison kitchen by clinging to a delivery van.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing in his cooks uniform from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday, prompting extra security checks at major transport hubs.

There are fears the fugitive - who has been missing since 8am on Wednesday - might be attempting to flee the country.

The Sun reported that a source close to the investigation said Khalife used makeshift straps to tie himself to the underside of a grocery van which then drove him out of the prison.

The Times reported there was a delay of around an hour between prison officials noticing he was missing and contacting the police.

Khalife, who was discharged from the Army in May 2023, was awaiting trial after allegedly planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.

He has denied the three charges against him.

Investigation into why Khalife was not in Belmarsh underway

07:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

An investigation into why a former soldier accused of terrorism was not held in a prison with the highest security level is under way, science secretary Michelle Donelan has said.

Speaking to Times Radio on Thursday, she said that her understanding was that it was not black and white whether a terror suspect should be held in a category A prison, such as Belmarsh.

So its my understanding its not as black and white about that as that, she said. So there is an investigation checking that he was in the correct facility.

Its not as black and white, is my understanding, as to what category somebody under arrest for that those types of crimes should be in.

Asked if Daniel Khalife had not been held in Belmarsh prison because it was full, she said it was no secret that prison capacity was an issue.

In general, its no secret that prison capacity has been an issue, one that we are tackling, she said. Thats why were investing money to upgrade our prison estate and to increase the number of places by 20,000.

(PA Archive)

What was Khalifes role in the military?

07:36 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Daniel Abed Khalife left school in 2018 and joined the Army.

He was stationed at the Ministry of Defences (MoD) Beacon Barracks, home to the Royal Corps of Signals 1st Signal Brigade; the Defence Electronics Agency, the RAF Joint Helicopter Commands Tactical Supply Wing and No 22 Group air force cadets.

He was in HMP Wandsworth awaiting trial after allegedly planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.

Why wasnt Daniel Abed Khalife at Belmarsh?

07:16 , Namita Singh

Questions are being raised over why Daniel Abed Khalife was being kept in HMP Wandsworth, medium-security prison. With about 1,300 inmates, it is considered as one of the most overcrowded in the UK.

Most UK terror suspects are lodged in category A prison of HMP Belmarsh.

While no one has ever escaped from Belmarsh, Wandsworth has seen six jailbreaks over the years.

It is difficult to understand why someone facing those charges is at Wandsworth in the first place, Informer head of security, Ian Acheson told The Times.

And even then, why hes in the kitchen, which is a security risk immediately because it involves handling knives.

Did they do an effective risk assessment?

Trial date set for November

07:10 , Namita Singh

Daniel Abed Khalife has been accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that the ex-serviceman placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, who went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am (Metropolitan Police/PA) (Metropolitan Police)

A trial date has been set for 13 November at Woolwich Crown Court.

Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip on justice - Shabana Mahmood

06:50 , Namita Singh

Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip on the criminal justice system, Labours new shadow justice secretary has said.

Shabana Mahmood told broadcasters on Wednesday: I think the government has very serious questions to answer.

We know that the criminal justice system after 13 years of Tory government is in a state of disrepair. We know that there are huge problems with prisons and prison places in particular.

And as weve seen, there is now a terror suspect on the loose having escaped from Wandsworth Prison. So big questions for the government to answer. Frankly Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip.

She added: We now have a zombie government who are unable to run vast swathes of the public realm, whether thats our schools or our criminal justice system.

Labour demand government urgently explain Wandsworth escape

06:30 , Namita Singh

Labour demanded that the government urgently explains how terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife managed to escape HMP Wandsworth.

Newly-appointed shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The Conservatives need to urgently explain how they cant do the basic job of keeping potentially dangerous criminals locked up.

Its right that the police are given space to recapture this suspect. But Rishi Sunak needs to ensure there is no wider risk because his zombie government lacks grip on the criminal justice system.

File: Shabana Mahmood speaks on stage on the second day of the annual Labour Party conference in Brighton, on the south coast of England on 26 September 2021 (AFP via Getty Images)

Prison escapes a rare event in recent years

06:10 , Namita Singh

There have been only five prison escapes since 2017, Home Office data has said, and fewer than 20 since 2010.

A 1994 incident involving IRA prisoners breaking out of Whitemoor prison was the last incident to involve terroism inmates.

Wandsworth Prison, from which Khalife escaped, was put on lockdown in the hours after the event but those restrictions have now been lifted.

An escape was previously reported from Wandsworth in 2019.

Who is Daniel Abed Khalife? Inmate facing terror charges who escaped prison clinging to food truck

05:50 , Namita Singh

A former soldier turned terror suspect, Daniel Abed Khalife is now the subject of a nationwide manhunt after outwitting the guards at a London prison.

He is believed to have escaped in a chefs outfit by using straps to cling on to a food delivery van, with his current location unknown.

With airports and ports installing additional security measures and holidaymakers reporting delays at border control, his escape has posed serious questions about the suitability of his incarceration at a Category B prison.

Report:

Who is Daniel Abed Khalife? Inmate who escaped prison clinging to food truck

Knock-on effect of Daniel Abed Khalifes escape

05:30 , Namita Singh

The escape of Daniel Abed Khalife from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants on remand at the south London site.

Yesterday murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

A prison officer told Judge Alexia Durran that there was an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

A general view of HMP Wandsworth in London, as former soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, accused of terrorism has escaped jail from a prison kitchen by clinging on to a delivery van. Khalife went missing in his cook's uniform (PA Images via Getty Images)

Meanwhile passengers at Manchester Airport have been facing delays of about 30 minutes at security as extra passport checks are carried out, the PA news agency understands.

Delays have been reported at the Port of Dover and Gatwick has also confirmed additional security measures are in place.

Justice secretary speaks with prison governor

05:07 , Namita Singh

Justice secretary Alex Chalk has held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

MPCTC requests public to come forward with information on Khalife

04:55 , Namita Singh

Head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent inquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

What are the accusations against Khalife

04:45 , Namita Singh

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, is accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on 2 August 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between 1 May 2019 and 6 January 2022.

The ex-serviceman, formerly of Beacon Barracks, Beaconside, Stafford, is also accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that he placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

A general view of HMP Wandsworth in London, as former soldier Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, accused of terrorism has escaped jail from a prison kitchen by clinging on to a delivery van (PA Images via Getty Images)

A trial date has been set for 13 November at Woolwich Crown Court.

Terror-accused ex-soldier escapes from prison

04:18 , Namita Singh

A former soldier accused of terrorism has escaped jail from a prison kitchen by clinging on to a delivery van.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing in his cooks uniform from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am, where he was being held awaiting trial for planting a fake bomb and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.

He has denied the three charges against him.

Mr Khalifes escape sparked a major police hunt with ports and airports placed on alert and some passengers facing delays as extra checks were carried out.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel-toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim and 6ft 2in, with short brown hair.

He made his escape, details of which were first reported in The Sun, while working in the kitchen at the category B prison.

The jail was put on lockdown after he fled.

Wandsworth Prison was chronically understaffed'

01:00 , Holly Evans

The Labour MP for Tooting in south London, which includes Wandsworth Prison, told the BBC that the jail is chronically understaffed.

Rosena Allin-Khans team said she secured data from the government at the beginning of this year which showed that on one day last December around a third of the shifts that needed covering by prison officers during the day were unfilled.

This was after staff were offered overtime to work extra shifts.

Serious questions have been emerged as to why the terror suspect was being held at HMP Wandsworth (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Police helicopters search Kingston

Wednesday 6 September 2023 23:00 , Holly Evans

As the search for Khalife continues into the night, police helicopters have been observed monitoring the Kingston area, the Times reports.

The escaped inmates family are known to have had connections in the area.

Several officers have also kept watch on an upstairs flat in Kingston, close to the edge of Richmond Park, where Khalifes mother and sister are understood to have lived until a few years ago.

Labour has demanded Government urgently explain escape

Wednesday 6 September 2023 22:00 , Holly Evans

Labour demanded that the Government urgently explains how terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife managed to escape HMP Wandsworth.

Newly-appointed shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The Conservatives need to urgently explain how they cant do the basic job of keeping potentially dangerous criminals locked up.

Its right that the police are given space to recapture this suspect. But Rishi Sunak needs to ensure there is no wider risk because his zombie Government lacks grip on the criminal justice system.

Who is Daniel Khalife?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 20:57 , William Mata

Daniel Abed Khalife is a 21-year-old ex serviceman who has escaped from Wandsworth Prison.

He was part of the British Armys Royal Corps of Signals and was based at Beacon Barracks in Stafford at the time of his arrest in January.

Khalife was charged with terror and explosives offences related to two incidents in Staffordshire.

The first incident was that he allegedly attempted to elicit information about an individual who was or had been a member of His Majestys forces which was of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. He is accused of committing this act in August 2021.

The second was that he that he left canisters with wires with the intent of "inducing in another the belief the item was likely to explode or ignite". These so-called fake bombs were planted at MOD Stafford on January 2.

Khalife pleaded not guilty to both charges in July before the Old Bailey and is due to stand trial.

However, on Wednesday it was reported that he had escaped from the kitchen area of HMP Wandsworth and gained an exit by hanging on to a food delivery van.

Daniel Khalife (Metropolitan Police)

Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip on justice - Shabana Mahmood

Wednesday 6 September 2023 20:33 , William Mata

Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip on the criminal justice system, Labours new shadow justice secretary has said.

Shabana Mahmood told broadcasters on Wednesday: I think the Government has very serious questions to answer.

We know that the criminal justice system after 13 years of Tory government is in a state of disrepair. We know that there are huge problems with prisons and prison places in particular.

And as weve seen, there is now a terror suspect on the loose having escaped from Wandsworth Prison. So big questions for the Government to answer. Frankly Rishi Sunak needs to get a grip.

She added: We now have a zombie Government who are unable to run vast swathes of the public realm, whether thats our schools or our criminal justice system.

Shabana Mahmood MP @ShabanaMahmood has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Justice. pic.twitter.com/w8nLI8WI22  The Labour Party (@UKLabour) September 4, 2023

Heathrow Airport operating as normal'

Wednesday 6 September 2023 19:51 , William Mata

There were some queues at Heathrow Airport security on Wednesday, but a statement has said it is operating as normal.

Ports and airports in the UK have warned of potential delays as they take additional security checks after the disappearance of Daniel Abed Khalife.

Heathrow tweeted: Heathrow is operating as normal. However, due to additional security checks being carried out, waiting times for departing passengers may be longer than usual.

Passengers are advised to arrive no earlier than usually recommended and to the check the status of their flight before travelling to the airport.

Heathrow is operating as normal. However, due to additional security checks being carried out, waiting times for departing passengers may be longer than usual. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/NX2Hi2Q8jF  Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) September 6, 2023

Met Counter Terrorism Commander appeal

Wednesday 6 September 2023 19:13 , Holly Evans

Dominic Murphy, the Mets Counter Terrorism Commander, has made urgent public appeal to find Daniel Abed Khalife.

'I am urgently appealing to the public to help us find Daniel Khalife, who could be at large anywhere in the UK'



 Dominic Murphy, the Met's Counter Terrorism Commander, makes urgent public appeal to trace Daniel Khalife who escaped from #Wandsworth prison.



Call 999 if you pic.twitter.com/PHLuha6rUF  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2023

Passengers at Manchester Airport face delays

Wednesday 6 September 2023 19:02 , Holly Evans

Passengers at Manchester Airport have been facing delays of about 30 minutes at security as extra passport checks are carried out as a result of Daniel Khalifes escape.

A spokesman for Manchester Airport said: Our security teams work hard to ensure the safety and security of all at Manchester Airport and carry out important checks set by the UK Government.

Other airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stanstead have also reported delays.

Airports report possible delays due to security checks

Wednesday 6 September 2023 18:45 , William Mata

Extra security checks are in place at airports, which has led to some passengers being delayed.

UK Border Force has set up measures at Glasgow Airport and one passenger to Southampton said a queue took more than one hour, causing him to miss a flight.

Iain tweeted: Queue didnt move for an hour. Missed flight to Southampton. Still not through security. Priority security not moving either. Additional security checks have been introduced due to an ongoing national incident.

1st photos taken at 1250. Queue didnt move for an hour. Missed flight to Southampton. Still not through security. Priority security not moving either. Additional security checks have been introduced due to an ongoing National incident @Glasgow_Live @GLA_Airport @FlyLoganair pic.twitter.com/L22GvIJDqP  Iain Mac a'Phi (@EEN_EEN_EEN) September 6, 2023

Met Police says manhunt is UK-wide

Wednesday 6 September 2023 18:26 , Katy Clifton

Khalife has links to north-west England and Kingston in London, but head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, said the manhunt is covering the whole of the UK.

He said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent inquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Wandsworth is the second most secure category of prison

Wednesday 6 September 2023 18:10 , William Mata

HMP Wandsworth has five wing units leading to a central hub with courtyards and other buildings around the outside.

It is a category B prison, the second highest level of security.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk has held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

General view of Wandsworth Prison, taken from a commercial airline, London (PA)

What we know about Daniel Abed Khalife

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:58 , William Mata

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, was awaiting trial at HMP Wandsworth when he escaped on Wednesday.

The former soldier is accused of leaving fake bombs at the Beacon Barracks base, otherwise known as MOD Stafford, where he left on January 2 after the alleged hoax. He was arrested on January 26.

As of Wednesday, he was awaiting trial in relation to terrorism and Official Secrets Act offences.

He is 6ft 2ins tall and was last seen wearing a prison-issue chef's uniform of a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots, having been working in the kitchen.

Police have said he has links to Kingston upon Thames but also the north west of England.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, who went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am (Metropolitan Police/PA)

London Gatwick Airport confirms additional security measures

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:48 , William Mata

Additional security measures are in place at all UK airports and ports - including Gatwick.

The London airport has said safety and security is its number one concern.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: Additional security measures are currently in place at London Gatwick and other UK airports and ports.

The safety and security of passengers is our number one priority.

Gatwick Airport (PA Archive)

Prison escapes a rare event in recent years

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:46 , William Mata

There have been only five prison escapes since 2017, Home Office data has said, and fewer than 20 since 2010.

A 1994 incident involving IRA prisoners breaking out of Whitemoor prison was the last incident to involve terroism inmates.

Wandsworth Prison, from which Khalife escaped, was put on lockdown in the hours after the event but those restrictions have now been lifted.

An escape was previously reported from Wandsworth in 2019.

Delays to the Port of Dover possible as a result of increased checks

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:36 , William Mata

Enhanced checks are currently being enforced in Dover and other UK ports as a result of the manhunt.

The Port of Dover tweeted to say that these measures could result in delays in getting to the port.

Our standard travel guidance remains unchanged, a message read.

Khalife had been discharged from the Army in May says Ministry of Defence

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:32 , William Mata

The Ministry of Defence has said that Khalife was discharged from the Army in May this year.

A spokesperson said the 21-year-old was a former soldier and was charged with terrorism and other offences.

The statement added: As a result of being held on remand for these charges, Daniel Khalife was discharged from the Army on 22 May 2023.

Trial date had been set for November

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:29 , William Mata

Khalife has been accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that the serviceman placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

A trial date has been set for November 13 at Woolwich Crown Court.

Khalife, 21, had been set for a November court date

Khalife was wearing chefs uniform during escape

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:17 , Holly Evans

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is due to speak to the governor of HMP Wandsworth and senior prison bosses after a suspected terrorist soldier went on the run from the jail sparking an urgent police hunt, the PA news agency understands.

The south-west London prison was put on lockdown on Wednesday morning after Daniel Abed Khalife escaped but restrictions have now been lifted.

It is understood the 21-year-old had been working in the kitchen and was wearing a chefs uniform.

He is thought to have snuck out of the kitchen and clung onto the bottom of a delivery van to make his escape.

Prisoner escaped under a food truck

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:04 , Holly Evans

Daniel Khalife is believed to have escaped from the Category B prison under a food truck.

He is alleged to have used straps to hold on to the bottom as the vehicle exited the prison.

Labour demand Government urgently explain Wandsworth escape

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:02 , Holly Evans

Labour demanded that the Government urgently explains how terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife managed to escape HMP Wandsworth.

Newly-appointed shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The Conservatives need to urgently explain how they cant do the basic job of keeping potentially dangerous criminals locked up.

Its right that the police are given space to recapture this suspect. But Rishi Sunak needs to ensure there is no wider risk because his zombie Government lacks grip on the criminal justice system.

Labour demand Government explain Khalifes escape from HMP Wandsworth (PA)

Alert issued to all UK airports and ports

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:00 , Holly Evans

In a new statement, the Met said that an alert had been sent to all UK airports and ports amid reports of longer queues at Border Control.

An alert was issued by the Counter Terrorism Command earlier today in relation to Khalife through established operational briefing channels to relevant UK police and law enforcement agencies, including those at UK ports and borders, the force said.

Khalife held in prison over alleged bomb hoax at RAF base

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:55 , Holly Evans

Khalife was being held on remand after allegedly orchestrating a bomb hoax at an RAF base.

It is claimed that he placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

He is also accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on August 2 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between May 1 2019 and January 6 2022.

He denied all charges during an appearance at the Old Bailey and is due to face trial on 13 November.

Escape had knock-on effect at the Old Bailey

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:48 , Holly Evans

The escape from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants on remand at the south London site.

On Wednesday morning, murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

Judge Alexia Durran asked a prison officer on a video call to explain the problem.

The officer said: We have got an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

No bodies are being moved due to the severity of the matter.

A lot of appearances in court will be delayed.

His escape had a knock-on effect at the Old Bailey (PA) (PA Archive)

Full statement from Mets Counter Terrorism Command

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:42 , Holly Evans

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Khalife is most likely in London, say police

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:36 , Holly Evans

The Metropolitan Police have said they believe it is most likely that Khalife is in London, although he may have travelled further afield.

He has connections to the Kingston area.

The 21-year-old was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots.

Police describe him as being of slim build, with short brown hair and is around 6ft 2ins tall.

An urgent manhunt is sunderway for Daniel Khalife (Daniel Khalife)

Suspected terrorist escaped from HMP Wandsworth

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:29 , Holly Evans

Daniel Abed Khalife, a suspected terrorist and a British Army soldier, escaped from prison earlier this morning and is at the centre of a major manhunt.

The Metropolitan Police believe that he escaped from HMP Wandsworth at 7.50am.

He was being held at the Category B prison while awaiting trial for charges in relation to terrorism and Official Secrets Act.

Welcome to our live coverage

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:22 , Holly Evans

Welcome to our live coverage of this breaking news story.

Well be bringing you updates as police launch a major manhunt for suspected terrorist Daniel Khalife, who escaped from HMP Wandsworth this morning.

Khalife had been discharged from the British Army

Wednesday 6 September 2023 21:57 , Holly Evans

The Ministry of Defence has said that Khalife was discharged from the Army in May this year.

A spokesperson said the 21-year-old was a former soldier and was charged with terrorism and other offences.

The statement added: As a result of being held on remand for these charges, Daniel Khalife was discharged from the Army on 22 May 2023.

Port of Dover experience some delays due to heightened security

Wednesday 6 September 2023 21:55 , Holly Evans

Delays have been reported at the Port of Dover as enhanced checks are carried out after a suspected terrorist former soldier went on the run from prison, sparking an urgent police hunt.

Port of Dover Travel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: Due to a police matter, there are currently enhanced checks on outbound traffic at the Port of Dover and other portals within the UK.

Please be advised this is currently resulting in some delays at the port.

However, our standard travel guidance remains unchanged and we will keep passengers updated if they can expect any alteration to their journey.

Escape had knock-on effect at the Old Bailey

Wednesday 6 September 2023 21:50 , Holly Evans

The escape from Wandsworth prison impacted court hearings for other defendants on remand at the Old Bailey

On Wednesday morning, murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

Judge Alexia Durran asked a prison officer on a video call to explain the problem.

The officer said: We have got an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

No bodies are being moved due to the severity of the matter.

A lot of appearances in court will be delayed.
(Reuters) - A Washington-based ethics watchdog filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to try to block Donald Trump from appearing on the ballot in Colorado next year if he wins the Republican presidential nomination, arguing that his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, disqualify him from office.

The nonpartisan group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed the lawsuit in a Colorado state court on behalf of six Republican and unaffiliated voters including former state, federal, and local officials, it said in a statement.

The untested legal strategy, which relies on a reading of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, faces long odds, according to legal experts. It would require legal challenges in all U.S. states and territories to convince officials that the former president is ineligible to serve after his supporters attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn his election defeat.

Trump, the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in 2024, continues to falsely claim his defeat was the result of fraud.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"While it is unprecedented to bring this type of case against a former president, January 6th was an unprecedented attack that is exactly the kind of event the framers of the 14th Amendment wanted to build protections in case of," Noah Bookbinder, president of the ethics group known as CREW, said in a statement.

The lawsuit cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars any person from holding federal or state office who took an "oath ... to support the Constitution of the United States" and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same," according to the statement.

The watchdog alleges that Trump violated that oath by "recruiting, inciting and encouraging a violent mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in a futile attempt to remain in office."

Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith in federal court in Washington that he conspired to defraud the United States by preventing Congress from certifying Biden's 2020 election victory and to deprive voters of their right to a fair election.

While the lawsuit was filed in Colorado, election analysts rate that state as solidly Democratic and one that Trump would be unlikely to win in 2024 even if he were on the ballot.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa and Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot)
Washington nurse faces 10 years in prison after infecting dozen patients with Hepatitis C using needles she used on herself

An emergency room nurse in Washington was accused of infecting at least a dozen people with Hepatitis C over five years ago. This month, she was finally charged with a felony, and now she has entered into a plea deal.

On 1 September, prosecutors accused Cora Weberg, 36, of one count of tampering with consumer products.

The filing states that Weberg, with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death and bodily injury, and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk, did knowingly and intentionally tamper with, and did attempt to tamper with, a consumer product that affected interstate and foreign commerce, specifically, hospital medication vials of hydromorphone and fentanyl.

On Tuesday, Weberg entered into a plea agreement, which outlined the potential penalties: a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervisory period after the sentence of up to three years. Her sentencing was scheduled for 30 November 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Weberg previously admitted to stealing narcotics for her own use while working at Good Samaritan Hospital in 2017 and 2018; she was then accused of injecting patients with the narcotics with the same needle used to inject herself, exposing them to Hepatitis C.

In 2019, the CDC issued a warning that the virus was potentially Transmitted by Opioid Drug Diversion from a Nurse. The CDC wrote, from 22 January through 23 March 2018, a local health department in Washington was notified of two patients who received a diagnosis of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although neither patient had behavioral risk factors associated with HCV acquisition, both patients had been injected with narcotic drugs from the same nurse during separate visits to an emergency department on the same day in December 2017.

An investigation followed. In total, the CDC wrote that 12 patients with genetically similar HCV RNA specimens had newly diagnosed HCV infection after being injected by Weberg at some point from 22 November through December 26, 2017.

Several epidemiologic findings in this investigation strongly indicate that Weberg was the likely source of infection for the 12 patients with acute HCV infection, the CDC added.

The CDC added that during an investigation, Weberg tested positive for HCV antibodies; her laywer, though, insisted in 2018 that she did not have the virus. She was arrested on 4 May, 2018 but quickly released; although the authorities urged the local prosecutors to try Weberg for second-degree assault, she was never formally charged,The Daily Beast reported.

The 5 September plea agreement states in November 2017, Weberg was depressed and suicidal based on being the victim of a domestic violence relationship. It added that Weberg did not know that she was infected with hepatitis C nor that she was putting her patients at risk of contracting hepatitis C. But Weberg knowingly bypassed nursing safety protocols to divert the medication before wasting.

As a nurse, the filing continued, she also knew that stealing contaminated medication from patient vvials and using narcotics while nursing exposed herself to unknown blood pathogens and created a significant risk to patients. But due to her drug addiction and her suicidal state, Weberg committed these acts with extreme indifference to the risk it posed to her patients.
Washingtons best chance of combatting the destructive effects of artificial intelligence begins with restricting the sale of technologies needed to develop it and appointing a cabinet-level regulator to oversee its use, according to one leading AI executive.

Those are just two of the steps that Mustafa Suleyman , the chief executive of Inflection AI and co-founder of Google DeepMind, argues are necessary to prevent the most powerful AI systems from being used to topple governments, engender corporate giants and otherwise scramble the power centers that exist today.

Suleyman may be an unexpected messenger to deliver such a warning, having built his name and fortune as an AI pioneer. But hes now one of the few industry leaders pushing the government to exert more control over the fast-moving technology  including regulations that go beyond the voluntary safety rules he signed at the White House earlier this summer.

We should encourage regulatory experimentation and risk taking, because this is a moment when I think no one really knows for sure how this is going to roll out, Suleyman said in an interview on the POLITICO Tech podcast. And so we've got to sort of try to avoid being hypercritical of efforts that are genuinely trying to figure out a sensible path here.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In his new book, The Coming Wave, Suleyman writes that regulation alone cannot thwart the most pressing threats as AI-powered technology becomes cheaper and more ubiquitous. But governments stand a better chance of keeping pace with AIs evolution if they install tech-savvy overseers with the knowledge and resources to put checks on industry.

It's the missing piece in a lot of policymaking and government decision making, Suleyman said. I mean, it is a travesty that we don't have senior technical contributors in cabinet and in every government department given how critical digitization is to every aspect of our world.

Suleyman predicts fully autonomous AI is less than a decade away, and to buy time, the U.S. government should leverage choke points by restricting the sale of critical technologies to China and other adversaries. That includes high-tech microchips made by Nvidia and cloud computing services from the likes of Google, IBM and Amazon.



Export controls are then not just a geostrategic play but a live experiment, a possible map for how technology can be contained but not strangled altogether, Suleyman writes in The Coming Wave. Eventually, all these technologies will be widely diffused. Before then, the next five or so years are absolutely critical, a tight window when certain pressure points can still slow technology down. While the option is still there, lets take it and buy time.

A number of Suleymans ideas put him at odds with peers in the industry  including top officials at his old employer, Google  who have advocated against a single government agency to regulate AI and have pushed for regulatory measures that impose few restrictions or legal liabilities.

Suleyman contends that tech executives should not resist such government intervention  and abandon the pessimism aversion that leads them to ignore the ill-effects of their inventions. The industry must also revamp business models that prioritize profit over the negative consequences that AI can have on society, he argues.

Thats the approach Suleyman has taken with Inflection AI, he said, establishing the upstart as a public benefit corporation in which executives have obligations that go beyond simply generating value for shareholders.

This is a new kind of legal structure. Its experimental. It's not clear that you will always get it right, but I do think it's a first step in the right direction to give us a proper legal framework to try to make decisions that really are in the best interests of people long term and don't just optimize for short-term profit maximization, he said in an interview.

Pandemic-induced downtime forced Suleyman to confront the societal threats posed by the very technology he has a hand in developing, he writes. Before launching Inflection AI, he co-founded London-based AI company DeepMind, which Google bought in 2014, and later became a key figure in crafting Googles AI policies.

Suleyman was among the executives to join President Joe Biden at the White House earlier this summer and signed a voluntary agreement to implement certain AI safety practices. He was joined by executives from Meta, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, OpenAI and Anthropic, many of whom are also participating in next weeks Senate AI forum.



The White Houses voluntary commitments lack enforcement and will not be sufficient on their own, Suleyman acknowledges. But it sets the tech industry and government on a path forward, one that will depend on them setting entrenched positions that Suleyman argues are dangerous and unproductive.

There's just extremist positions on both sides these days, he said. There's just a real apathy and cynicism for politics at a time when we actually need to lean into it and really try to progress it.

Annie Rees contributed to this report.

To hear the full interview with Suleyman and other tech leaders, subscribe to POLITICO Tech on Apple , Spotify , Google or wherever you get your podcasts.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma City Police Department has released the body and dash camera footage showing the moments following a short car chase in August.

The incident began when officers attempted to pull over a vehicle near SW 29th Street and Miller Avenue on August 24. From there, the driver didnt comply and decided to run away, forcing police to begin a short chase.

LOCAL NEWS: AFFIDAVIT: Son recalls hearing five gunshots in deputys shooting death

Our officer chased him a short distance and was able to contact him, Sgt. Rob Robertson with the Oklahoma City Police Department said on scene. They went to the ground in a struggle, during the struggle, the suspect produced a handgun which went off during the struggle.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According OKCPD, footage from the body camera worn by Officer Alfredo Lopez-Soto shows how the incident went down. The video shows the altercation between Officer Lopez-Soto and one of the suspects, 34-year-old Logan Hathaway.

On August 24, the three suspects in the vehicle, Hathaway, Robin Palma, 57, and Alfonso Rodriguez, 46, were taken into custody.

Logan Hathaway. Image courtesy Oklahoma Co. Detention Center.

Robin Palma. Image courtesy Oklahoma Co. Detention Center.

Alfonso Rodriguez. Image courtesy Oklahoma Co. Detention Center.

Officer Alfredo Lopez-Sotos extensive training and unwavering will helped him survive an attack by a previously convicted, armed suspect. said OKCPD on Facebook. We are releasing body-worn and dash-mounted camera videos from this incident that exemplifies Officer Lopez-Sotos courage and remarkable poise under pressure.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A German tourist accused of damaging a 16th-century statue while posing for a photo in Florence, Italy, is now facing a hefty fine, city officials say.

Video shared on social media by Florence Mayor Dario Nardella shows the tourist climbing the famous Fountain of Neptune to take a picture.

As the 22-year-old climbed the monument's chariot, he broke off a piece of marble and damaged a hoof of one of four horses on the way back down, causing an estimated $5,400 in damages, the city said in a statement obtained by multiple news outlets.

Confirming the fine, Nardella also posted the photo taken by the tourist, who has not been named, and said:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There is no justification for ignorance and vandalism towards cultural heritage," he said on X, formerly Twitter.

Questo turista ha pensato bene di salire sul Nettuno per un selfie. Per fortuna nessun danno, il sistema di allarme ha funzionato. Grazie alle telecamere del Comune e stato individuato e paghera una multa salata. Contro il vandalismo sui beni culturali non ci sono giustificazioni pic.twitter.com/QVvBNYaygI  Dario Nardella (@DarioNardella) September 4, 2023

Watch: Tourist caught climbing across Rome's historic Trevi Fountain to fill up water bottle

What happened at the Fountain of Neptune?

A view of a statue of Neptune in Florence on March 8, 2010.

The tourist scaled a protective barrier around the landmark and posed on the statue while two friends, who remained on the other side of the barrier, took photos of him, the city's statement said, according to CNN.

With a jump he ... climbed onto the horses leg, reaching the base of the carriage and, after having some photos taken by his friends, he climbed down," the statement said. "During the descent he placed his foot again on the hoof, damaging it. As soon as the alarm went off, however, the young man had already managed to escape with the two others."

In a Facebook post, Mayor Nardella said that "the stupidity of certain individuals weighs heavily on the whole community."

'Imbecile' tourist

A view shows the Palazzo della Signoria (Palazzo Vecchio) and the Fountain of Neptune (L) on Jan. 21, 2021 in Florence, Tuscany. The 16th century statue is surrounded by a short barrier.

The security system that monitors the fountain only sounded an alarm as the "imbecile" tourist jumped down from the statue, Tommaso Muccini, a fine arts architect at the Fine Arts of Palazzo Vecchio responsible for the maintenance of the city's monuments, told Florence newspaper La Nazione.

Muccini said the damage to the 16th-century statue would be repaired during scheduled maintenance in October. He added that the historic landmark had been completely restored in 2018.

The tourist will be charged under a city penal code that prohibits the destruction, dispersion, deterioration, disfigurement, soiling or illicit use of cultural or landscape assets, according to the statement. If convicted, he could be fined and banned from entering the city.

A picture of the German tourist accused of damaging a 16th-century statue while posing for a photo in Florence, Italy.

'Shameful' vandalism: German tourists suspected of defacing historic Italian landmark with graffiti

When was the Fountain of Neptune built?

A view of a statue of Neptune in Florence on March 8, 2010.

Located in the center of Florence's Piazza della Signoria, Bartolomeo Ammannati and Giambologna sculpted the Fountain of Neptune ("Fontana di Nettuno" in Italian) between 1563 and 1565 to celebrate the opening of a new aqueduct, according to Tuscany's official tourism website.

Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, is depicted on a chariot drawn by four hours and ringed by three young Tritons, among other figures. It's considered one of the most recognizable landmarks in Florence.

Tourists behaving badly

Monday's damage to the Neptune statue is the latest in a recent string of tourists misbehaving at landmarks in Europe.

Last month, two German men were accused of defacing of the 460-year-old Vasari Corridor, also in Florence, Italy.

Also last month, a video taken of a tourist climbing across Romes Trevi Fountain to fill her water bottle went viral and sparked outrage among online users. The historic site is one of Rome's most revered symbols.

Tourists refresh themselves at the Trevi Fountain during a heat wave in Rome on Aug. 21 2023.

Another set of tourists were busted in Paris on Aug. 14 after sleeping inside the Eiffel Tower after a night of drinking.

And in June, an English tourist was filmed carving a note into the Colosseum in Rome. The man, later identified as 27-year-old Ivan Danailov Dimitrov, apologized for his actions in a letter claiming that he was unaware of how ancient the 2,000-year-old amphitheater was when he defaced it.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: German tourist damages Fountain of Neptune statue in Florence, Italy
Sept. 6 (UPI) -- A New York comedian broke a world record on a live streaming show by arranging 13 doughnuts into a stack in 1 minute.

Robyn Schall said she decided to take on the record for the tallest stack of doughnuts in 1 minute while creating her list of goals for 2023.

"In the beginning of 2023 when we made our new list, one of the kids suggested breaking a Guinness World Records title. I loved the idea, so it went on the list, which is still on the inside of my closet door," she told Guinness World Records.

Schall looked up records involving doughnuts, and found the record for stacking the treats stood at 12 in 1 minute.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Two weeks before attempting the challenge on live TV I decided it was time to go into full-blown training," Schall said.

She said she had to learn how to make doughnuts, because it was difficult to find ones that were the size required by GWR.

"I kept the doughnuts in regulation but some on the smaller end and some on the larger. Once I mastered that it was just practicing with the speed," she said.

Schall took on the record during a live episode of Sports Talk Prime, successfully stacking all 13 doughnuts.

"When the buzzer went off to start stacking, I became very present and whatever nerves I felt went away as I started to put on the doughnut stacking show," she said.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
A watchdog group has filed a lawsuit in Colorado arguing that former President Donald Trump should not appear on the states ballot because of his 14th Amendment violations.

The group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in a state district court on behalf of six Republican and unaffiliated Colorado voters who say Trumps actions after he lost the 2020 presidential election are in clear violation of section three of the amendment, which says a person cannot hold state or federal office if they took an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and then violated it by inciting insurrection or rebellion.

Donald Trump has failed this test, the lawsuit states. Four years after taking an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution as President of the United States ... Trump tried to overthrow the results of the 2020 election, leading to a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol to stop the lawful transfer of power to his successor.

The lawsuit rehashes several of Trumps actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol to stop the certification of the election in favor of President Joe Biden.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The people that Trump mobilized for January 6th were violent extremists and now convicted seditionists whom he earlier instructed to stand back and stand by, the lawsuit said. Many of those who stormed the Capitol were people whom Trump had inflamed for months with the lie that the 2020 election would be rigged and was being stolen from them, the filing states, and Trump encouraged them to march to the Capitol at a rally shortly before the attack.

President Trump was the mobs leader, and the mob was his weapon, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit comes as Trump faces four criminal trials, with two of them focused on his election subversion efforts: A federal case about his actions around the Jan. 6 attack and state charges in Georgia centered around his attempts to overturn the states election results in his favor.

Former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departure from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in August.

Former President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departure from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in August.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) expressed skepticism on the practicality of the 14th Amendment barring Trump from running  an idea that someDemocrats and legalexperts have floated as the 2024 election nears.

It seems like an invitation to chaos to me, Cornyn told HuffPost on Tuesday. If a state refused to put him on the ballot, right in the middle of the election season? Itd be chaos.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told HuffPost he needs to do a little bit more homework on the matter, but said he wonders if the effort is operative if Trump isnt convicted on charges in those two cases.

The lawsuit in Colorado acknowledges that concern but notes that disqualification under the 14th Amendment does not require a criminal conviction or impeachment for any offense.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung slammed the lawsuit in a statement to ABC News.

The people who are pursuing this absurd conspiracy theory and political attack on President Trump are stretching the law beyond recognition, Cheung said, adding, There is no legal basis for this effort except in the minds of those who are pushing it.

Trump more broadly attacked the idea of using the 14th Amendment to disqualify him, writing on his social media site Truth Social that it is just another trick being used by the Radical Left Communists, Marxists, and Fascists, to again steal an Election.

Any effort to use the amendment against Trump faces an uphill battle. Trump is likely to appeal any decision in favor of blocking him from the ballot, and the final say could rest with a U.S. Supreme Court dominated by conservatives and three justices nominated by Trump.

Igor Bobic contributed reporting.

Related...
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden nominated former Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew to be U.S. ambassador to Israel, the White House announced Tuesday.

Lew, whose nomination needs Senate approval, will succeed Tom Nides, who stepped down from the post in July after having served the role since December 2021. If confirmed, Lew will travel to Jerusalem, where the U.S. embassy was relocated from Tel Aviv during former President Donald Trump's administration.

An orthodox Jew with deep experience in public service, Lew is expected to be confirmed by the Senate in a relatively smooth process, according to analysis by U.S. media, despite the ambassadorship being his first overseas duty.

Lew served as Secretary of the Treasury during the second presidential term of Barack Obama, earlier in whose administration Lew held the posts of White House chief of staff, director of the Office of Management and Budget, as well as the inaugural deputy Secretary of State for management and resources.

Between 1993 and 1994, Lew was special assistant to the president under then President Bill Clinton. Before that, he served as a Congressional aide to Democratic lawmakers in the House.

Currently, Lew is managing partner of Lindsay Goldberg LLC and a visiting professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University. He earned a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel is one of the most important ambassadorships for Washington. Biden tapped Lew for the job at a critical point in time when the administration is walking a tightrope between properly responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's push for a controversial judicial overhaul in the country and avoiding the U.S.-Israeli alliance from deteriorating too much due to friction over the issue.

The Biden administration is also at odds with Netanyahu's government over an intention from Washington to re-negotiate a nuclear agreement with Iran, which Israel perceives as an existential threat. The Trump administration pulled the United States out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, of which Lew was involved in the drafting.

In the meantime, the Biden administration is trying to broker a normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. As part of the Arab-Israel conflict, ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh have been fraught historically, and the two countries have never established diplomatic relations. 
A Washington-based advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block former President Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican primary ballot in Colorado, citing the 14th Amendments ban on insurrectionists holding public office.

In recent weeks, a growing number of liberal and conservative legal scholars have embraced the longshot legal strategy. The lawsuit, from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, is the first high-profile legal case attempting to use the 14th Amendment to derail Trumps presidential campaign.

Trump has denied wrongdoing regarding the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and said in a recent social media post that there is no legal basis to use the 14th Amendment to remove him from the ballot.

A post-Civil War provision of the 14th Amendment says any American official who takes an oath to uphold the US Constitution is disqualified from holding any future office if they engaged in insurrection or rebellion or if they have given aid or comfort to insurrectionists.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, the Constitution does not spell out how to enforce this ban and it has only been applied twice since the late 1800s, when it was used extensively against former Confederates.

The lawsuit was filed by CREW on behalf of six Colorado voters, which the group says are independents or Republicans, including former US Rep. Claudine Schneider and former Colorado Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, both Republicans.

Noah Bookbinder, president of CREW, told CNNs Abby Phillip on NewsNight Wednesday that the group chose Colorado because of its courageous plaintiffs, early position in the primaries and laws.

For all of those reasons we thought it was a good first stop. It wont be the last stop and we and others will bring other cases as well, he said.

CREW was behind the most successful application of the so-called disqualification clause. A convicted January 6 rioter who was also an elected New Mexico county commissioner was removed from office last year on 14th Amendment grounds through a different but related legal mechanism that was initiated by CREW.

The nonprofit group on Wednesday sued Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold in state court and asked a judge to issue an order declaring Trump disqualified under the Fourteenth Amendment and barring Griswold from taking any action that would allow him to access the ballot.

Because Trump swore an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution upon assuming the Office of the President on January 20, 2017 and then engaged in insurrection against the Constitution on and around January 6, 2021, he is disqualified under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment from hold[ing] any office  under the United States, including the Office of the President, the lawsuit says.

Griswold, a Democrat, said in a statement that she believes Colorado state law is unclear on how to review constitutional requirements for whether a candidate is eligible for office and that the newly filed lawsuit will provide critical legal guidance.

I look forward to the Colorado Courts substantive resolution of the issues and am hopeful that this case will provide guidance to election officials on Trumps eligibility as a candidate for office, Griswold said.

The GOP primary in Colorado is on March 5, which is Super Tuesday. Trumps federal criminal trial on charges stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election is scheduled to begin March 4. He has pleaded not guilty.

In a statement after the lawsuit was filed, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said those promoting the 14th Amendment are are stretching the law beyond recognition, much like the political prosecutors in New York, Georgia, and DC, referring to Trumps ongoing criminal indictments.

Trump has a commanding lead in the GOP primary race, according to recent polling.

Legal scholars are split on how the 14th Amendment could be applied to Trump and how the ban would even be implemented, whether by election officials, Congress or a court given the constitutional ambiguities. Many expect the Supreme Court will ultimately weigh in on the matter in some fashion.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Jack Forrest contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MUNCIE, Ind.  Indiana American Water will conduct water main flushing in the Muncie service area beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 27.

Water main flushing in the Winchester service area is also planned from Tuesday, Sept. 5, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 13.

The company conducts the annual maintenance program "to assure high-quality water service and to ensure fire hydrants are operational," according to a release.

No interruptions in water service are anticipated as a result of the work. Customers may experience a slight drop in water pressure or temporary water discoloration while this program is underway. Customers should refrain from doing laundry during the time of day the flushing program is taking place in or near their neighborhood.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

If tap water is discolored, Indiana American Water recommends allowing several cold-water faucets to run for a short time until the water runs clear. Using more than one faucet allows the water to clear more quickly.

Retired Muncie attorney honored

MUNCIE, Ind.  The 2023 Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Gala held last week at the Horizon Convention Center honored Jon H. Moll, retired local attorney.

The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who"made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride," according to a release.

Nicholas Tokar, chairman of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce's board of directors, presented the award to Moll.

Delaware County Road 1200-N closed

MUNCIE, Ind.  Delaware County Road `1200-N will be closed between Ind. 3 and Walnut Street in Union Township "until further notice for box culvert repairs," according to a release from the Delaware County Engineering Department.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Water main flushing planned in Muncie, Winchester service areas
Labor Day has passed, but cities including New York are still sweltering through a stretch of above 90-degree Fahrenheit temperatures this week, in what has been the worlds hottest summer on record. The Northeast, from northern Virginia to New England, is under a heat advisory, with Washington, D.C., expected to reach 100F on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg News.

Wednesday also brought more evidence of global warming. Last month was the hottest August ever recorded and the second-hottest month ever measured, behind only July 2023, the World Meteorological Organization and the European Union's Earth Observation Program, known as Copernicus, announced.

This June was also the hottest June ever recorded, and the last three months were by far the hottest three-month stretch in history, according to the WMO and Copernicus.

The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Climate breakdown has begun.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read more from Yahoo News: This summer was a global record breaker for the highest heat ever measured, meteorologists say, via Associated Press

A record-breaking summer

A Salvation Army volunteer gives water to a man at the organization's heat relief station in Phoenix on July 11. (Matt York/AP)

The three months that weve just had are the warmest in approximately 120,000 years, so effectively human history, Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus, told AFP. Burgess is predicting that 2023 will end up being the hottest year to date.

Temperatures spiked before summer even officially began on June 21. June saw global average temperatures 1F above those documented between 1991 and 2020 for the same month, easily breaking the previous record from 2019 of 0.7F above average.

Regionally, much of northwestern Europe also saw record temperatures, while parts of North America, Asia and eastern Australia saw temperatures considerably above average this June, the Hill reported.

The first three weeks of July were so hot that the WMO and Copernicus were able to accurately predict that it would be the hottest month ever before it was even over. The heat was felt all over the United States, with as many as 150 million Americans under heat alerts at one time. During that month, Phoenix experienced a record-breaking 31 straight days of temperatures above 110F, filling emergency rooms with victims of extreme-heat exposure.

August continued the trend. Like July, last month saw temperatures 2.7F hotter than the average for the same month in the second half of the 19th century.

August temperatures were well above average in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is winter, including in Australia, several South American countries and much of Antarctica. In early August, parts of Argentina, Chile and Paraguay had temperatures in the high 80s Fahrenheit, way above their normal winter weather, which would be in the 40s.

The oceans also broke heat records last month. The warmest ocean temperature ever was recorded on Floridas Gulf Coast, a Jacuzzi-esque 101.1F. For the month as a whole, the global average ocean temperature of 69.8 F was also the hottest on record.

Read more from Yahoo News: Summer 2023 was hottest on record, scientists say, via Reuters

The reverberations

Smoke and flames rise from the Smith River Complex Fire in Gasquet, Calif., on Aug. 16. (Caltrans via AP)

Extreme heat has direct consequences such as deaths from heatstroke, but also a number of indirect consequences that have been felt all over the country this summer.

High ocean temperatures can kill coral reefs, fish and shellfish, and sea grasses.

And higher air temperatures cause more water to evaporate, which both worsens droughts and makes rainfall heavier. Due to unusually dry conditions in Canada, the nations wildfire season started early and severely this year, causing wildfire smoke to billow across much of the Northern U.S. So far, an area larger than Greece has burned in Canada this year.

Warmer air and ocean temperatures also contributed to deadly wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, torrential downpours that caused flooding in Vermont and upstate New York, and the first hurricane to make landfall in California in 84 years.

Read more from Yahoo News: 2023 likely to be hottest year on record, via AFP

The causes

A view of Lahaina, Hawaii, on Aug. 11 after the wildfires there. (Rick Bowmer/AP)

Scientists are virtually unanimous in saying that this years heat is driven primarily by global warming, which is caused by increased concentrations of heat-trapping gases, mostly from burning fossil fuels.

Global warming continues because we have not stopped burning fossil fuels  it is that simple, Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, said in response to the announcement from the WMO and Copernicus.

This year is also especially warm because of El Nino, which is associated with a band of warm ocean water that develops in the Pacific Ocean.

Many experts say the rising temperatures and their deadly effects should spur governments to take more action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2023 is the year that climate records were not just broken but smashed, Mark Maslin, a professor of climatology at University College London, told reporters. Extreme weather events are now common and getting worse every year  this is a wake-up call to international leaders.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the Georgia election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and 18 other co-defendants, will hold his first hearing Wednesday afternoon amid questions of how soon a trial could begin.

In a break with the hearings in federal court and the New York charges against Trump, Wednesdays 1 p.m. ET hearing will be broadcast.

The hearing could provide key insight into how much evidence Fulton County prosecutors have in their case against Trump and his allies who are accused of interfering in Georgias 2020 election results to try to flip the state away from Joe Biden.

McAfee, in a court filing, said he is interested in having Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss prosecutors provide a good-faith estimate for how long it would take to hold a joint trial for all 19 defendants, and how long it would take if the case is divided into subgroups of defendants. Specifically, he wants to know how many witnesses and exhibits prosecutors may produce.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As part of the hearing, McAfee will consider motions from pro-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro and former Trump campaign lawyer Sidney Powell to separate or sever their cases from the other co-defendants, in hopes of getting a faster trial.

Both Powell and Chesebro invoked their right to a speedy trial, and if granted, this would break apart the case and allow their cases to go to trial as soon as October, per Georgia law. Trial dates for the other defendants could be scheduled for a later date.

All 19 defendants charged in the sprawling Fulton County racketeering case  including Powell and Chesebro  have pleaded not guilty and waived their right to an in-person arraignment.

Last week, Chesebros legal team filed a separate motion asking the Fulton County judge not to force him go to trial alongside his co-defendant Powell. In the filing, Chesebros attorneys said he never had any direct contact or communication with Powell and isnt accused of participating in the same schemes as Powell.

Chesebros trial is currently scheduled to begin October 23. Willis has said she wants to keep the case together and hold one massive trial for all the defendants beginning in October.

Trump and many of his co-defendants oppose that speedy timeline and have filed motions to be separated from the case to delay the start of their trials beyond October.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Welcome, friends, to the most jam-packed section of the year: our annual Fall Arts Guide.

Over the next three weeks, were going to take you behind the scenes and up close with some of the biggest arts and cultural events coming to the Charlotte area.

One of those is about to get underway. Thats the Charlotte International Arts Festival, which launches Sept. 15 and follows last years wildly successful inaugural fest from Blumenthal Performing Arts. It features acts from Argentina to Zimbabwe, plus an emphasis on Charlottes own international scene, including the Festival of India and the Latin American Festival.

The Latin American Festival returns for its 33rd year in Charlotte, and has partnered with Blumenthal Performing Arts to be part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival.

Elsewhere, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is in the midst of its biennial  this one focused on afrosurrealism in the South  while Charlotte Ballet is dancing into its first season curated by artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo.

Clarence Heywards God is Dope is a portrait of a woman featuring a shirt from the iconic Atlanta brand of the same name. Its one of the paintings at the Gantt Centers second biennial, my Presence is Present: interpretations of afrosurrealism from the American South. The show runs through Jan. 15.

The biggest news coming from the Charlotte Symphony involves choosing its next music director, a decision expected around the new year. Our old pal and former colleague Lawrence Toppman already has some advice drawn up for the next maestro.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Local theater companies, looking to move past last years surprising demise of Actors Theatre of Charlotte, are ratcheting up ways to connect with audiences. This includes prioritizing work that reflects the community, said Robin Tynes-Miller, artistic and operations director at Three Bone Theater. So, look for shows like Thoughts of a Colored Man, a recent Broadway title about the inner lives of seven Black men conveyed through spoken word, slam poetry and rhythm.

Well also check back in with the producers of The Avett Brothers musical Swept Away, as the shipwreck drama prepares to sail into its East Coast debut.

Finally, its been awhile since The Charlotte Observer attended a film festival. But thats just what were doing, heading to the Toronto Film Festival to report on intriguing movie titles before they arrive here.

So sit back, stay tuned and enjoy the shows.

Chinese soprano Hui He performs with Opera Carolina in Giacomo Puccinis beloved Madame Butterfly Jan. 25, 27 and 28, 2024, at Belk Theater.

More arts coverage

Want to see more stories like this? Sign up here for our free Inside Charlotte Arts newsletter: charlotteobserver.com/newsletters. You can join our Facebook group, Inside Charlotte Arts, by going here: facebook.com/groups/insidecharlottearts. And all of our Fall Arts Guide 2023 stories are here: charlotteobserver.com/topics/charlotte-fall-arts-guide
Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

 Western media on Reznikovs resignation and what to expect from his successor Umerov

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has officially submitted a letter of resignation.





 No prospect of peace between Russia and Ukraine  Erdogan

After a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he sees no "promising prospect of peace," Turkish news outlet Milliyet reported on Sept. 5.





ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 RussiaNorth Korea talks prove Western sanctions work  White House

Recently announced top-level talks between Pyongyang and Moscow on potential arms deliveries prove that economic sanctions have diminished Russias military-industrial complex, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at a press briefing on Sept. 5.





 Human trafficking ring coerced Cubans into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Havana says

Cuba has uncovered a human trafficking ring that coerced its citizens into fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported on Sept. 5, referring to a statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry.





 Ukraine obtained valuable intelligence from Mi-8 defection special operation

A significant amount of valuable intelligence was obtained during the special operation in which a turncoat Russian pilot flying a Mi-8 combat helicopter defected to Ukraine, Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate spokesman Andriy Yusov said at the press conference on Sept. 5.





 Olena Zelenska opens up about challenges of family separation during war, children's struggles

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska has told the BBC about the impact of the war on her family in an interview released on Sept. 5.





 Cargo ships with Ukrainian metallurgical products breach Russias Black Sea blockade

Three more cargo vessels, this time carrying Ukrainian metallurgical products, have breached a Russian naval blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports, metallurgical enterprises holding company Metinvest said in a press release on Sept. 4.





 Detained, charged last week, Kolomoisky's complex citizenship status casts doubt over whether US can extradite him

As questions swirl over the possibility of Ukraine extraditing oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky to face charges in the United States, Oleksandr Martynenko, CEO of news agency Interfax-Ukraine, has spoken on Radio NV about Kolomoisky's ongoing legal troubles.





 Ukrainian military notes absence of substantial winter preparations by Russian forces, attributed to logistics

Ukrainian Defense Forces have not yet observed any major preparations by the Russian invasion army for winter on the southern front, Natalia Humeniuk, press spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, said on Ukrainian national television on Sept. 5.





 Two years for Ukraine to prepare for EU entry, official says

Ukraine will be ready for EU membership in two years and could conceivably join NATO even sooner than that, Deputy PM for Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said in an interview with Voice of America on Sept. 5.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
At long last, a Whataburger  the national chain, not the West Columbia locally owned restaurant  is coming to the Midlands, Irmo to be exact.

The San Antonio-based hamburger chain is accepting bids to build at 1185 Dutch Fork Road near the Ballentine Family YMCA, Walmart, Chick-fil-A and Sonic.

Six other Whataburger locations have been announced this year in South Carolina, two in the city of Spartanburg, one in Boiling Springs, one in Duncan, one in Anderson and one in Greenville.

Most of the other locations are being built in existing buildings, but Irmo will be new construction of a 3,305 square-foot building on vacant land, according to plans on IDILand.com, a website for general contractors to see construction plans for bidding. The Irmo bids are due Sept. 18.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A representative of Whataburger did not answer requests for comment on the Irmo plans or what other cities in South Carolina will be considered as part of an aggressive expansion program.

In Greenville, the board of zoning appeals will consider whether to grant a special exception for a 24-hour drive-thru. The location is slightly less than an acre and was formerly a Title-Max office, across Laurens Road from a Chick-fil-A and a Cookout in a commercial area with many other fast-food businesses and a Publix.

A document filed with the board of zoning appeals says the Laurens Road Whataburger expects to do $3.4 million in sales a year. All Whataburgers are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week except Christmas.

The company was founded in 1950 as a roadside burger stand by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Dobson died in a private plane crash in 1967, and his wife Grace took over the company. By the time she died in 2005 at age 80, the company had grown to 600 restaurants.

The family sold its majority interest in the company In 2019 to Chicago-based investment firm BDT Capital, which began the expansion program..
Brigham Young University is a top 20 college, according to The Wall Street Journal and College Pulses 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. list.

The list ranks the top 400 colleges and universities in the country and scores them out of 100. The top five schools were Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Stanford University and Columbia University. BYU came in at No. 20 on the list.

The survey rated colleges based on salary impact versus similar colleges, graduation rate versus similar colleges, years to pay off net price, learning opportunities, preparation of career, learning facilities, recommendation score, diversity, average net price and value added to graduate salary.

Brigham Young University scored 95 when it came to salary impact and also had scores above 90 for learning facilities and recommendation score.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The average net price of BYU was listed at $13,522 and the value added to graduate salary was determined to be $44,630, per The Wall Street Journal.

Student outcomes like salary impact and graduation rate were weighed at 70% of the overall score, learning environment was weighed at 20% and diversity was weighed at 10%, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The data came from several sources, including the U.S. Education Departments Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey and one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent alumni consisting of 60,953 participants.

Schools ranked No. 6 to 10 were Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Amherst College, Claremont McKenna College and Babson Colllege. Other Utah schools were ranked in the top 400, including the University of Utah at No. 43, Weber State University at No. 267, Utah Valley University at No. 278 and Utah State University at No. 293.
On September 6, 2022, Liz Truss headed to Downing Street following Boris Johnsons resignation as the UKs prime minister.

Truss became the countrys third female head of government when she assumed the role, and she vowed to boldly confront the nations challenges.

During her tumultuous premiership, Truss had to oversee some major events including the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

However, her time in the role was very short lived. After just seven weeks as prime minister, Truss was forced to resign after trying to introduce a catastrophic financial plan that further damaged the British economy.

Her leadership was likened to the life span of a lettuce by reporters at the Daily Star, who live streamed an iceberg lettuce in their office, which stayed fresh for longer than she was PM.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So where is the shortest-serving PM to ever govern the UK now? One year on since she became prime minister, we take a look at what shes been up to since leaving Downing Street.

Liz Truss will stand again to be the MP for South West Norfolk (PA Archive)

What does Liz Truss do now?

Ms Truss has kept a relatively low profile until recently as she settled into life after being prime minister. It has been a year since she was forced out but she continues to hold some political influence in the UK as a backbench MP representing South West Norfolk.

When she was reselected as MP in February, she wrote on social media: Delighted to have been re-selected as Conservative candidate for South West Norfolk. Thanks to my local association for their ongoing support and I look forward in due course to us fighting a fifth general election together.

Truss had some extra prime ministerial responsibilities that she recently completed when she submitted her resignation honours list last August. Many people believed she should not have put one forward at all in view of her very brief time in office.

She has also attended several public speaking events and recently met the president of Taiwan during a visit to Taipei.

Does Liz Truss still get a salary as a former PM?

Former PMs are able to claim a 115,000 annual allowance to help fund their public duties following office. However, there were calls from around the country for Truss to skip the allowance, as she had only been in office for 49 days. It is unclear whether she has claimed the allowance.

Truss also reportedly received an 18,000 severance package when she left Downing Street.

According to the UK Parliament website, MPs receive an annual basic salary of 86,584.

MPs often earn thousands of pounds for second jobs. Sky News reported that Truss amassed 15,770 an hour for her recent appearance in Taiwan.

How long was Liz Truss prime minister for?

Liz Truss was the UKs prime minister for 49 days, exactly seven weeks, losing the longevity battle to the Daily Stars lettuce. Earlier this year, she described the live stream of the lettuce as puerile.

Why did Liz Truss resign?

In October 2022, Truss resigned, telling the nation at the time that she was stepping down after an open revolt by Tory MPs. During her resignation, she said: Given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party.

This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, weve agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week.

The revolt had been triggered by multiple decisions made by the PM, including a disastrous mini-budget of 45 billion of unfunded tax cuts that Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng was forced to resign over. The mini-budget led to mortgage costs rocketing, sparking economic turmoil across the country.

Who was the shortest-serving UK prime minister before?

The title was previously held by George Canning, who was in office for 119 days (about four months) before he died in 1827.

When compared with the other two female PMs who held the role, Theresa May served for just over three years while Margaret Thatcher governed the country for almost 12 years.
Record-breaking late-summer heat is forcing multiple school districts to shut down their buildings early in the academic year.

The National Weather Service said Tuesday a heat wave would persist in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Thursday and linger all week in Texas and neighboring states.

More than 61 million people are now living under heat advisories, causing mass disruption in school systems across the country.

Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey and Missouri have all had K-12 classes disrupted this week over the heat.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Three public school systems in Western Massachusetts closed early on Wednesday and canceled classes for Thursday afternoon due to the heat.

These temperatures make teaching and learning especially difficult in the majority of our buildings that are not air conditioned. For that reason, Westfield Public Schools staff and students will be dismissed early the next two days, said Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.

In Ohio, five school districts closed on Tuesday as temperatures rose into the 90s, causing thousands of students to miss class for the day.

Milwaukee Public Schools, which has 154 schools, canceled classes late Monday and Tuesday, affecting tens of thousands of students. The district also had closures last month over extreme temperatures.

Some 41 percent of U.S. schools do not have proper heating, cooling and ventilation systems, according to a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office.

Numerous studies have also shown there is a connection between extreme heat and lower scores for students.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Liang Huizhen (R) checks the taste of dishes at the Istana Indonesian restaurant in Wanning City of south China's Hainan Province, Aug. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Exquisite wood carvings, traditional Indonesian songs and tempting curry aroma ... a strong Southeast Asian vibe welcomes diners at the Istana Indonesian restaurant in Xinglong Town in south China's Hainan Province.

The owners of Istana, which means "palace" in the Indonesian language, are the 84-year-old Du Tianjiang and his 83-year-old wife Liang Huizhen, who were born in East Java of Indonesia and returned to China in the 1960s.

Having left Indonesia five decades ago, the couple maintains strong connections with their relatives and friends in the country while still speaking fluent Indonesian.

The restaurant opened its doors in 2011 and quickly gained popularity within the local community of overseas Chinese who returned from Southeast Asia, a trend that began in the 1950s.

"My son encouraged us to open an Indonesian restaurant, as he loves Indonesian food I cooked since he was little," said Liang, who describes the restaurant as an emotional link with the Southeast Asian nation. Her sister also runs a restaurant with the same name in Indonesia.

Sauces are key to Indonesian cuisine. Luckily, Liang said, most ingredients of the sauces including turmeric, citronella and bay leaves are grown locally and can be found in the town's markets.

The restaurant initially stuck to an authentic Indonesian flavor, but Liang later toned down the spicy taste and imbibed local elements to appeal to Chinese diners.

The restaurant has soared to fame on China's social media with its Indonesian dishes like soto ayam, gado-gado and curry chicken. The couple said their customer base has expanded to include both adventurous Chinese foodies and homesick Indonesian nationals.

"We've received Indonesian college students who study in Haikou (the provincial capital of Hainan) and visit our restaurant on weekends," Du said.

He added that they were thrilled to have hosted Indonesia's Consul General in Guangzhou, Ben Perkasa Drajat, at the restaurant, and the diplomat spoke highly of the food.

In February, the couple received a certificate of "Heritage Indonesian Food Restaurant" from the consul general, which noted that the restaurant "can become an ambassador of Indonesian cuisine, promote Indonesian culture and cuisine in Xinglong, and continue to grow and succeed."

The elderly couple is proud of the recognition and is working to pass on their sauce-making skills. "We will further promote the inheritance of Indonesian cuisine and we hope to become a bridge of friendship between China and Indonesia," Du said. 

Du Tianjiang and his wife Liang Huizhen pose for a photo in front of their Istana Indonesian restaurant in Wanning City of south China's Hainan Province, Aug. 29, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)
Peter Navarro found himself vexed by a pair of protesters accusing him of treason on Tuesday as he spoke outside of a Washington DC federal courthouse  and asked for money.

The former White House trade adviser to Donald Trump is back in town to face charges of criminal contempt of Congress after he refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the House select committee to investigate the attack on January 6, which Republicans attempted to sabotage at every turn after refusing to be a part of it.

Mr Navarro was speaking on the sidewalk when the pair of activists began blowing a whistle over his attempts to direct supporters to a website where they could donate to help fund his legal defence.

This is whats wrong with America here, said an exasperated Mr Navarro as he gestured to one of the demonstrators.

Peter Navarro had a great time leaving court today .she is my hero! pic.twitter.com/jWxuNrXyph  Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) September 6, 2023

His trial is set to begin in the coming days; jury selection began this week. Mr Navarro has pleaded not guilty, and has argued that statutes governing executive privilege shielded him from the committees requests.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But that argument has already been rejected by the judge overseeing his case, who called it weak sauce.

There was no formal invocation of executive privilege by [Trump] after personal consideration nor authorization to Mr Navarro to invoke privilege on his behalf, Judge Amit Mehta said during pre-trial hearings.

Mr Navarro could face a fine or prison time if convicted.

The House select committee to investigate the attack on the Capitol ended by recommending Mr Trump and members of his legal team be charged with several crimes, including giving comfort to a rebellion or insurrection, in the ex-presidents case.

Prosecutors at the Department of Justice followed up this year by bringing charges against Mr Trump on the matter, though they were more limited in scope than were recommended by the committee. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty; he is charged with four counts related to the 2020 election at the federal level, and others for his actions in Georgia.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona speaks during a White House news conference on June 30. He announced that the White House will host the National HBCU Week Conference. File Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- The Biden administration said Wednesday it will host the 2023 National HBCU Week Conference in Arlington, Va., Sept. 24-28.

HBCU, the acronym for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is the country's leading conference that draws top leaders and influencers connected with the institutions. Vice President Kamala Harris is a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU.

"Historically Black Colleges and Universities have embodied leadership, excellence, and innovation for centuries, continually punching above their weight and producing barrier-breaking graduates in every field imaginable," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

"President Biden's support for HBCUs has resulted in record investments in these institutions, and our National HBCU Week Conference gives higher education leaders, public officials, advocates and outside partners an opportunity to build on this momentum."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The White House announced its 12th Project School Emergency Response to Violence grant to New Orleans' Dillard University to address bomb threats the school received.

Dillard was awarded more than $287,000 to hire two full-time mental health counselors to support university community members who are still managing anxiety following the incident.

In January, North Carolina Central University, Philander Smith College and Hampton University received Project School Emergency Response to Violence grants after they were the targets of bomb threats in 2021.

The HBCU Week provides administrators, faculty, and students an opportunity to meet and interact with key leaders, including federal agency officials and financial executives, private sector representatives and business professionals, and financial aid executives.

The National HBCU Week Conference is coordinated by the White House Initiative on HBCUs in close consultation with the Executive Office of the President and the U.S. Department of Education.

Presentations will be made by several departments, including Education, Commerce, Energy, Defense and State.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told theGrio it is crucial that leaders step up to fight back and speak outagainst these hateful attacks.

The White House on Wednesday vowed that President Joe Biden would continue to be forceful in speaking out against race-based hate in the aftermath of the recent murders at a Dollar General in Jacksonville, Florida, but declined to say whether or not the administration feels it necessary to enact new legislation to address anti-Black hate crimes.

During the week of the funeral services for the victims, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told theGrio it is crucial that leaders step up to fight back and speak outagainst these hateful attacks.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House on Aug. 29, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Hes going to be incredibly forceful to speak against this type of hate, said Jean-Pierre at Wednesdays White House press briefing. When youre silent, youre complicit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last week, during a meeting with civil rights leaders, the president told reporters he had not contacted the victims families because one of those families expressed that they did not want to be contacted. Everyone deals with profound loss in a different way, said Biden at the time.

When asked if there has been any change in the White Houses communications with the families, Jean-Pierre told theGrio, I dont have calls to read out to you at this time. She added, But if those calls do happen, certainly, we will share that with all of you.

However, the Biden spokesperson noted the presidents remarks in Florida last weekend while surveying the damage in the state caused by Hurricane Idalia, where Biden told the Jacksonville community, Our hearts are with you, and declared that racism and domestic terrorism will not prevail in America.

TheGrio asked the White House whether it felt it was necessary to consider new legislation to address racist attacks like the one that happened in Jacksonville, specifically an anti-Black hate crime bill similar to the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2021 to address the rise of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the pandemic. The law established hate crime reporting processes and guidance on culturally competent education campaigns.

Jean-Pierre said, I dont have anything to announce, but said another law signed by Biden, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, was an important piece of legislation achieved by the president and Congress. The antilynching bill took decades upon decades, she recalled.

President Biden signs Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law on March 29, 2022. (Photo credit: White House)

The antilynching act, which made lynching a federal hate crime, established criminal penalties for the offense, including imprisonment for up to 30 years

Jasmine Burney-Clark, activist and founder of Equal Ground, a civic engagement organization based in Florida, told theGrio that the antilynching act was welcome and a great start.

It cant end there under this particular administration, not when you have a Black vice president, who is the second most powerful person in our nation, at the helm of what is happening, said Burney-Clark.

She added, We need to see that same sort of depth and scope directed toward Black folks.

Burney-Clark said white supremacist attackers are becoming empowered and emboldened and feared that things could only get worse for Black Americans, particularly when certain leaders do not speak out against racist attacks. One of those leaders is Gov. Ron DeSantis, who she said hasnt denounced white supremacists because he knows that theyre a part of his base.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis before an AFC divisional playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 21, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

DeSantis, who was booed by community members as he gave remarks at a vigil in the aftermath of the Jacksonville murders, was recently called out for not immediately denouncing a protest held by neo-Nazis and white supremacists outside Disney World. At least one of those protesters brandished a DeSantis presidential campaign flag, seemingly in support of the governor.

Burney-Clark slammed DeSantis for his silence and dismissed his visit at the Jacksonville vigil as nothing more than a campaign stop and not an actual priority.

You said nothing about neo-Nazis who are doing exactly what the neo-Nazi did that killed those three Black people in Jacksonville, she said. Youre youre not opening up investigations on how theyre mobilizing themselves and what future activities they could have planned.

A demonstrator holds a sign referencing Florida Gov. Ron Desantis during a rally against white supremacy on Aug. 28, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. The rally was held in response to the racially motivated murder of three Black people at a Dollar General store two days earlier. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Given the lack of confidence in Gov. DeSantis ability to protect Black people in Florida, Burney-Clark added, If he cant, then who can? Were looking at a president or vice president who have the capacity to do so because theyve done it before.

While the White House may not call for any new legislation at the moment, it confirmed with theGrio that preliminary conversations are happening with civil rights leaders about reviving President Bidens United We Stand anti-hate summit, which was first held last September. Jean-Pierre told theGrio, Were looking at when we can have this.

Civil rights leaders urged President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to bring the summit to Florida, where DeSantis has banned Black history curriculums and diversity programs across the state.

Florida is currently the epicenter of an authoritarian takeover that poses an immediate danger for the entire country, stated Burney-Clark, who said any summit that comes to the Sunshine State should come with fact-based solutions.

She added, The state has not had or seen relief from his authoritarian ways since he has been in office. And so, yes, it would serve as a perfect backdrop.

Editors Note: A previous version of this story included a quote from Burney-Clark that claimed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act increased penalties. This article was edited to reflect that the act did not increase penalties, but rather established reporting processes and guidance on culturally competent education campaigns.

Gerren Keith Gaynor

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post White House reacts to calls to address anti-Black hate crimes appeared first on TheGrio.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her "Whats Next" Address that outlines her legislative priorities for the fall at the Lansing Shuffle in Lansing on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. Whitmer's office announced she and other state economic development officials are traveling to Japan on a trade mission starting Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023.

As part of a continued effort to attract business investment in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has traveled to Japan for a seven-day investment mission, her office announced Wednesday. It's the governor's third trade mission trip made this year, with two separate ones to Europe already taking place in 2023.

Whitmer is meeting with business and Japanese government leaders during the trip, as well as making stops at the Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO) headquarters and the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association meeting in Tokyo, according to a news release issued by the governor's office. Whitmer will also "highlight the state of Michigans significant partnership with Shiga Prefecture," a Japanese sister state of Michigan.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer Jr. is among the state economic officials making the trip with the governor, the release said.

Michigan has a powerful story to tell as we compete to bring jobs and investment home, Whitmer said in the release. As a hub of high-tech innovation, we are embarking on an economic mission alongside business leaders to bring Michigans story to East Asia in the coming days. Our state is full of potential, from our hardworking people and our vibrant cities and towns to our entrepreneurial spirit and culture of innovation. Lets unleash that potential so we can keep growing our economy and help anyone make it right here in Michigan.' 

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The governor's office said Whitmer will discuss potential investment in industries such as mobility and advanced manufacturing. Whitmer and other state leaders have backed public incentive deals to attract business investment in Michigan recently, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Lawmakers have approved hundreds of millions of dollars in incentives for electric vehicle battery plants as part of economic development deals backed by Whitmer. Officials hope the investments spur job creation and further economic growth in Michigan, although questions remain on how exactly the size of incentives are determined.

Inside the incentives: How Michigan decides to spend lots of public money on economic development deals

Whitmer's office highlighted one investment secured during a trade mission made earlier this year  in May, Norway-based Nel Hydrogen announced plans to open the largest plant in the U.S. to manufacture alkaline electrolyzer equipment for the production of renewable hydrogen in Michigan. The state said the project could eventually generate a total capital investment of $400 million and could receive business development grants of up to $10 million.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.

Become a subscriber today.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer heads to Japan to seek economic investments in Michigan
Attorney General Ken Paxton , center, with his attorneys Tony Buzbee and Dan Cogdell, pleads not guilty in his impeachment trial at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday. (Jay Janner/American-Statesman/USA Today Network)

The impeachment trial of a powerful Republican in Texas this week is being fought by two groups in the modern Republican Party who see the loss of political power as an existential threat.

The top government lawyer in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton, is currently suspended and facing removal from office by the state Senate for charges of abusing his power to help a real estate developer and donor who was in financial trouble, who then helped Paxton renovate his home and cover up an extramarital affair.

The Texas Senate began a trial Tuesday.

The evidence against Paxton is significant. In addition to the Senate trial, he is the subject of a federal corruption and bribery investigation. Several of Paxtons own deputies in the Texas attorney generals office brought accusations against him back in the fall of 2020, and a Republican investigation this year accused him of multiple crimes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Paxtons impeachment is being fought by two groups: former President Donald Trump and some of his allies, and a small group of megadonors who have aggressively reshaped Texas politics to fit their religious beliefs over the past decade or two.

MAGA support for Paxton

Former Trump White House adviser turned podcaster Steve Bannon put it bluntly. This ... is not really about Ken Paxton, Bannon said Tuesday on his daily webcast. He cast Paxtons trial as a small battle in a larger war by Trump against the establishment.

The implication of Bannons comment is that the details of Paxtons trial dont matter, and his alleged misconduct and lawbreaking dont matter, because he has litigated aggressively against the Biden administrations policies and supported Trump politically in the past.

Indeed, Paxton led one of the biggest legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Two months after he was accused of corruption by his own employees, he coordinated the filing of a lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out the election results.

Read more from Yahoo News: A conservative push to save Ken Paxton, via the New York Times

The suits legal theory was described as dangerous by one of Paxtons own former top deputies, Rep. Chip Roy, a conservative who voted to certify the 2020 election results.

Then-President Donald Trump with Paxton in Dallas in June 2020. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)

The Supreme Court quickly dismissed the lawsuit, and Paxton is facing an ethics lawsuit from the Texas State Bar, which charged that his 2020 lawsuit was based on dishonest statements.

Trump, however, has backed Paxton. In May, the former president said it was unfair that the Texas state House  which is controlled by a large Republican majority  impeached Paxton by a vote of 121 to 23.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr. said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that Paxton was fighting the Austin Swamp and Establishment and threatened to seek political retribution against Republican state senators who might vote to convict him.

Paxtons Texas megadonors

Paxtons other main source of support is from two Texas megadonors who have spent at least $30 million over the last decade, and probably more than that, to push the Republican Party and state government further to the right.

Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks both became billionaires in Texass energy sector. And both ground their political action in religious beliefs that see politics as an existential battle with the highest of stakes.

The cornerstones of our government are crumbling and starting to come apart. And its because of the lack of morality, the lack of belief in our heavenly Father, Wilks said in a sermon he preached in 2014 at the small church two hours west of Dallas where he has been the pastor for many years.

Wilks  whose church website appears to state that they do not believe that Jesus Christ was divine, in what would be a view many Christian churches would hold to be heretical  also said in a 2013 sermon that homosexuals are predatorial and want your children.

Read more from Yahoo News: Gen Z influencers, quietly recruited by a company with deep GOP ties, rally to impeached Ken Paxtons aid, via the Texas Tribune

Dunn, meanwhile, has expressed the view that evangelical Christians are uniquely designated by God to be in charge. If you are an evangelical and you dont vote, that means you are not doing your duty because you are the ones that God gave the authority to, Dunn said, according to a Texas Monthly profile.

The comments of both men follow the broad contours of the perspective of Christian nationalists, who believe that the nation can prosper only if their interpretation of the Christian faith, which is usually very right-wing and fundamentalist, dominates government and culture.

A billboard in Cisco, Texas, in 2015. Republican megadonors Farris and Dan Wilks are Cisco residents. (Mike Stone/Reuters)

Texas is one of just 10 states where political donors can give unlimited contributions to individual politicians, and Dunn and Wilks have taken advantage of that in recent years.

Until June, Paxton had received more money than anyone in Texas from the two billionaires and the groups they fund, according to the Texas Tribune. The Tribune estimated that Paxton had received almost $5 million from these two men and their political donation machines, who have aligned themselves with the now suspended attorney general.

More recently, after Paxton was impeached in the Texas House, Defend Texas Liberty, a political action committee supporting Paxton and bankrolled by Dunn and Wilks, gave a $1 million political contribution and a $2 million loan to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is overseeing the impeachment trial in the Senate.

Most of the 19 Republican members of the Texas Senate have received some political donations from Wilks, Dunn or one of their organizations.

Wilks and his brother Dan gave $15 million to a super-PAC supporting Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential campaign in 2016.

Cruz, who supported Paxtons suit in 2020 to overturn the election, has backed Paxton during his impeachment as well.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks alongside wife Apoorva Ramaswamy during a Labor Day Picnic on September 4, 2023 in Salem, New Hampshire. Credit - Scott EisenGetty Images

Apoorva Ramaswamy was afraid she had slipped up.

Talking to TIME a month ago, the wife of presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was asked about the most challenging aspects of the campaign. She brought up claims that her husband was a conspiracy theorist.

There was all this stuff about whether or not he believes 9/11 happened," she said.

After that conversation, she called back to clarify a point. "He does not think that 9/11 was planned by the United States government," she stressed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A week and a half later, the political world would be consumed by Ramaswamys thoughts on the Sept. 11 attacks, as his rising poll numbers and standout performance in the first Republican presidential debate drew a stronger spotlight on the right-wing candidates views. Ramaswamy's team believes he has weathered the controversy in stride, largely by refusing to back down from comments he maintains were twisted to falsely frame him as a "9/11 truther." Yet critics argue that the image of Ramaswamy as a conspiracy theorist is a damaging one that will be difficult to shake, and could draw more fire on him this monthboth around the anniversary of the attack that killed nearly 3,000 people, and the next debate on Sept. 27.

I think a lot of people are turned off, says Will Hurd, a former CIA officer and Republican congressman who is also running for president but did not qualify for the first debate. I was just in New Hampshire and folks that have seen him were saying things like, He doesn't know what hes talking about.

Ramaswamy's comments about Sept. 11 align with his contention that public officials are regularly misleading the public, a central theme of his campaign. Apoorva Ramaswamy said that her husband's focus on those issues has helped him connect with everyday voters, many of whom are distrustful of the federal government.

Vivek considers himself a conspiracy realist, she said. Because so many of the conspiracies that we have heard about have ended up having some kernel of truth, because our government has been keeping so many parts of basic aspects of the truth from us.

More From TIME

The drama over Ramaswamys views on Sept. 11 began with an early August interview with the right-wing site The Blaze in which Ramaswamy was asked if he thought the 2001 attack was an inside job or if things were exactly as the government said. I dont believe the government has told us the truth, Ramaswamy replied, continuing, Do I believe the 9/11 Commission? Absolutely not.

Those comments incited widespread condemnation from media figures and some of Ramaswamys Republican rivals, with former Vice President Mike Pence saying he was deeply offended. Ramaswamy wrote an essay for The Wall Street Journal in which he clarified that he was talking about FBI documents declassified by the Biden administration in 2021 that revealed a Saudi agent supported two of the hijackers. That might have been the end of it if not for an Aug. 21 profile published in The Atlantic in which Ramaswamy compared the investigation of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and the investigation into the Sept. 11 attacks, again bringing up the idea that the public is being misled.

I think it is legitimate to say how many police, how many federal agents, were on the planes that hit the Twin Towers, he said. Maybe the answer is zero. It probably is zero for all I know, right?

Critics lambasted Ramaswamy for seemingly suggesting that federal agents had been involved in the attacks. On CNN with Kaitlan Collins that night, Ramaswamy said the quote was wrong, explaining that he had asked the reporter for a recording of the interview, and the reporter refused. He clarified that he believes there were federal agents in the field on Jan. 6, 2021, and, separately, that the government lied about Saudi Arabias involvement in the Sept. 11 attacks. Asked directly if he thought 9/11 was an inside job, he replied, Of course not, and Ive never said that.

The next day, the Atlantic reporter who had interviewed Ramaswamy published the audio of his interview. Headline after headline declared that Ramaswamy had got it wrong; he had indeed said the words he claimed to have been misquoted on.

Tricia McLaughlin, Ramaswamys senior adviser, says the campaign saw the situation differently, with the audio proving that Ramaswamy was making a point about blindly trusting government narratives that was widely misinterpreted.

Vivek says controversial things enough, McLaughlin says. You don't have to manufacture things that he didn't say, or at least in a context he didnt say them in.

Read more: Is Anyone Having More Fun Running For President Than Vivek Ramaswamy?

Prominent figures came to Ramaswamys defense, including podcaster Joe Rogan, who devoted part of an episode of his popular show to Ramaswamys comments. Meanwhile, Ramaswamys opponents have kept up the criticism.

Hurd is among those who believe Ramaswamys rhetoric is giving credence to conspiracy theories in a way that causes long-term damage.

Asking what seems like an innocuous question is the part that erodes trust and tries to create doubts, says Hurd, who posted a video on YouTube late last month with the title, Hey, Vivek - 9/11 was real!

Ramaswamys team, on the other hand, feels vindicated, and believes the saga enhanced his reputation as a truth-teller among some GOP voters.

I think it ended well, which we're glad aboutmaybe, McLaughlin says. Who knows? Maybe this thing won't go to bed anytime soon. We'll see.

Write to Mini Racker at mini.racker@time.com.
Anna Hakobyan , the wife of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , will participate in the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen in Kyiv on 6 September.

Source: Radio Liberty Armenia, citing the summits website

Details: The media reports that it is likely that Hakobyan will deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan previously stated that Yerevan is not an ally of Moscow in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The summit is also attended by the wives of the leaders of the United Kingdom, Japan, Turkiye, Spain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel and several other countries, as well as officials of the European Union, journalists and actors. This year's event is dedicated to mental health.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

Hakobyan's visit to Kyiv is taking place amid tense relations between Armenia and Russia.

Previously, Pashinyan publicly stated that Russia failed its peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also said that "in the field of security, depending or being tied to only one place is in itself a strategic mistake".

Recently, the government of Armenia sent for ratification the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to the National Assembly, which issued an arrest warrant for the President of Russia in February this year.

The representative of Moscow reported that they had asked Yerevan for an explanation of this decision.

On 6 September, the Ministry of Defence of Armenia announced joint military exercises with the Americans.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
A 79-year-old man never returned to his vehicle after scouting for a hunting spot in the Colorado wilderness, his family said. His wife was waiting in the car.

Jim Shadid was looking for animal tracks with his wife, Marilyn Shadid, on Sunday, Sept. 3, near Line Canyon, according to his daughter Jamie Shadid and La Plata County Search and Rescue.

They were preparing for the elk hunting season, Jamie Shadid told McClatchy News by phone.

His wife returned to their vehicle, and Jim Shadid continued down a trail. He didnt bring a pack of supplies with him because he was going to look briefly and come back to the car, his daughter said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After about 45 minutes, he called her by a radio and said he would return in 20 minutes.

But he never did.

I wasnt that concerned about him, Marilyn Shadid said.

The couple has been married for 56 years, and Jim Shadid has decades of experience in the wilderness, so she thought he would eventually find his way back.

Once hours passed, she said she started to get worried.

Hunters who were in the area started looking for Jim Shadid and also couldnt find him. They called the search and rescue team, Marilyn Shadid said.

Rescuers have been trying to find him for the past three days.

Jim Shadid was last seen wearing a tan Safari hat and likely wearing long khaki pants. Hes 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.

We are not giving up hope that he is out there in the wilderness alive and well! Jamie Shadid said in a Facebook post.

A website was created for the public to follow search and rescue updates.

La Plata County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for more information Sept. 6.

Line Canyon is about 35 miles north of Durango, in southwestern Colorado.

Worried friend finds missing climbers car and calls for help. Now body found

Hikers stuck on mountain after they run out of food and water, Montana rescuers say

Hiker vanishes on solo trip while scaling Glacier National Park peak, officials say
A wig-clad person robbed a bank at gunpoint before fleeing with thousands of dollars in cash, police in Georgia say.

Now authorities are asking the public for help identifying the suspect.

It happened around noon Saturday, Sept. 2, at a Truist Bank in southwest Atlanta, the citys police department said in a news release.

A wig-clad man robbed a bank at gunpoint before fleeing with thousands of dollars in cash, police in Atlanta, Georgia say. City of Atlanta Police Department

Employees told police the suspect demanded money from them at gunpoint. At one point, the person opened fire and made their way behind the counter to steal approximately $30,000  $40,000, police said.

Authorities released surveillance photos from the robbery showing the person wearing a tousled wig, sunglasses, a pink hoodie and black pants.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

No one was hurt, according to police.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information on the case can send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477), or online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org.

Repeat carjacker taken down by owner of muscle car he tried to steal, Tennessee cops say

Beware of bank jugging, California authorities warn. What is it?

Trail camera spots escaped inmate sneaking through botanical garden, PA cops say
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting of the staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to discuss energy system preparations for the coming winter.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Details: The meeting reportedly heard reports from Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal , Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister, the entire energy sector, the State Special Communications Service, the General Staff and oblast military administrations.

Quote: "A comprehensive plan to protect critical infrastructure facilities from anything a terrorist country might come up with...

There is still work to be done. All participants in the process have been given specific tasks with deadlines. We will pay special attention to this topic."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- "I think the old thinking about Chinese companies is over now," said Julien Labbe, head of Europe marketing with China's projector manufacturer XGIMI with confidence when asked about the European consumers' opinion about Chinese products.

At IFA 2023 in Berlin, a leading trade fair for consumer electronics, Labbe told Xinhua that the European consumers' old impression of Chinese products as having lower prices and poor quality has changed.

"You have seen that (change) in the smartphone industry, with many Chinese big players," said Labbe. "For video projectors, it is the same."

According to the IFA's official website, nearly 1,300 Chinese exhibitors have registered for this year's event. Chinese companies such as Hisense, TCL and Haier have occupied some of the largest exhibit areas with various products.

XGIMI entered the European market only two years ago, but its market share has been rising rapidly as its product lineup expands. This year at the IFA, the company launched a flagship projector with a hybrid laser and LED system, which is priced at 1,899 euros (2,036 U.S. dollars).

Marching towards the higher-end market overseas is a strategy taken by many household appliance manufacturers from China.

Hisense told Xinhua that "moving to a higher-end product lineup is an important approach for Chinese enterprises to go global." Televisions are the main products of the major appliance and electronics manufacturer based in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.

In a speech at IFA 2023, Hisense Group's President Yu Zhitao noted that the consumer electronics industry has witnessed disruptive changes over the past four years as AI technology reshapes human interaction with machines. Therefore, his company has kept upgrading and optimizing its products and services to make them more intelligent and user-friendly.

Chinese home appliance maker Haier also told Xinhua that the company has been building multiple subsidiary brands and continuously increasing the proportion of middle- and high-end products.

For many Chinese companies, efforts to improve brand images have paid off.

"Our business is very popular outside China, especially in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria," said Magda Teresa Partyka, EcoFlow's PR and communications manager in Europe. The company is a Chinese manufacturer of power products and a smart home energy solution provider.

EcoFlow has introduced to Europe a portable power station that can be placed on the balcony, allowing households to store solar energy and monitor energy usage with an app on smartphones. Partyka said this system "giving people the independence of creating their own power" has gained great popularity in the European market.

In addition to providing various products like power supply stations, smart fridges and solar power facilities, the Chinese company offers a long warranty period from 10 to 25 years to customers, which helps build consumer trust and brand prestige.

"There is a saying in Europe, 'I am too poor to buy cheap stuff,'" Partyka said.

Earlier this year, Shi Yonghong, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, told Xinhua that China's machinery and electronics industry has strong resilience, relatively complete industry chains and efficient supply chains.

China has been the world's largest exporter of mechanical and electrical products since 2009, Shi added. 
Wisconsin Democrats are launching a $4 million effort aimed at defending a newly elected liberal justice on the state Supreme Court from a potential impeachment push by Republican state legislators.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin and other aligned groups rolled out a multimillion dollar initiative Wednesday called Defend Justice that aims to hold Wisconsin Legislative Republicans accountable.

Republicans in the state Legislature have floated impeaching liberal Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz , the state party said in a press release.

Protasiewicz won a vacant seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in April against conservative candidate Daniel Kelly. Her victory established a 4-3 liberal majority on the states high court.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ahead of the election, Protasiewicz was notably outspoken about her views on abortion and the states legislative map, calling the appointment of state legislative districts rigged and expressing support for abortion access.

Neither she nor Kelly said how they would officially rule on the states 1849 abortion law, which effectively bans abortions. The court is expected to hear a challenge to that law.

The court may also hear a lawsuit urging the state to throw out its GOP-drawn state legislative map, which could threaten Republican control of the Wisconsin Legislature.

Top state Republicans have floated impeaching Protasiewicz if she doesnt recuse herself from the case.

The idea that were going to immediately start an impeachment process is probably too radical. I want to look and see, does she recuse herself on cases where she has prejudged, Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R) said in an interview on The Meg Ellefson Show in mid-August.

That to me is something that is at the oath of office and the  what she said she was going to do to uphold the Constitution. That to me is a serious offense, he said.

Voss comments signal Republican concerns over the new 4-3 liberal majority, which could be more favorable to attempts to throw out the states abortion law or state legislative map.

In an effort to fight GOP questions about her objectivity, the liberal justice published a letter from the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which said that several complaints received regarding her personal views had been dismissed, according to The Associated Press.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MADISON  The Democratic Party of Wisconsin and a coalition of unnamed "allied groups" plan to spend at least $4 million on an effort to dissuade Republican lawmakers from initiating impeachment proceedings against the state Supreme Court's newest justice, former Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz .

The possibility of a legislative attempt to remove her from office looms over Protasiewicz as she assumes her duties on the court one month after being sworn in and flipping its ideological majority from politically conservative to politically liberal.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chairman Ben Wikler told reporters during a Tuesday night briefing that the party and other "democracy defending" groups will launch an "intensive, multi-pronged statewide campaign" on Wednesday "to make clear to Wisconsin Republicans that an attempt to impeach Janet Protasiewicz would be an absolute political, moral and constitutional disaster."

In the month since Protasiewicz was sworn in after winning her April 2022 election with an 11-point margin  an unusually lopsided election in a state known for hotly contested statewide races  behind-the-scenes battles among justices and court employees have escalated with the court's conservative chief justice accusing its new liberal majority of pulling off "an unprecedented coup."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Additionally, Republican lawmakers have raised the prospect of impeaching Protasiewicz if she does not step away from challenges to the state's electoral maps that are currently under the court's consideration. Such proceedings would begin in the state Assembly, where a simple majority must vote to impeach before the state Senate can take it up. From there, the Senate can conduct a trial based on the evidence. If two-thirds of the senators present vote to convict, the official is removed from office.

In the case of a judicial officer, once the Assembly votes to impeach, the official cannot perform the duties of their office without being acquitted by the Senate. That leaves open the possibility the Senate could sit on the Assembly action without scheduling a trial, effectively sidelining Protasiewicz and leaving the court evenly divided at 3-3 on ideological lines.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said it's "common sense" that Protasiewicz should not rule on a case she has "prejudged," referring to the redistricting lawsuits.

In January, Protasiewicz called the state's legislative maps "rigged" in a public forum and in March, she told Capital Times reporters in a podcast interview she would "enjoy taking a fresh look at the gerrymandering question."

"They do not reflect people in this state. I don't think you could sell any reasonable person that the maps are fair," Protasiewicz, a former Milwaukee County judge, said in the January forum. "I can't tell you what I would do on a particular case, but I can tell you my values, and the maps are wrong."

Protasiewicz has pledged to rule impartially regardless of having communicated personal beliefs during her campaign. She has also pledged to recuse herself from cases brought by or against the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, because it spent millions on getting her elected.

Wikler referred to comments made by Vos, R-Rochester, regarding the possibility of impeachment as "an act of political extortion."

The campaign being put forward by the Democratic Party and its associated groups seeks to force GOP lawmakers to "look in the mirror and ask if they're willing to sign a death warrant for democracy in our state," Wikler said.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin's efforts will include door-knocking, phone calls, text messages and other digital outreach, Wikler told reporters.

"Meanwhile, we anticipate other pro-democracy organizations will launch a multimillion-dollar digital and television ad campaign to make sure that every Wisconsinite knows how grave this impeachment threat is and how to contact their legislators about it," Wikler said.

Asked for more details on how the $4 million would be spent, Wikler said he couldn't speak for every group involved in the effort. He said the state party plans to spend at least $1 million on "organizing and statewide mobilization."

"This is the time for thunderous public outrage," Wikler told reporters.

In a statement, Vos said, "all this does is prove that Justice Protasiewicz and the Democrat Party are one and the same."

"We fully expect Justice Protasiewicz will recuse herself from handling a case where she has pre-decided the outcome and the Democrat Party is fully involved," Vos said.

Asked whether advertisements would target any specific lawmakers, Wikler deferred to the thus far unnamed organizations participating in the effort and said he is "confident" more announcements will come from associated groups in the next few days or weeks.

Wikler deflected questions about whether the party might seek to challenge impeachment proceedings in court, or whether it would pursue recall efforts against lawmakers should they vote to impeach Protasiewicz.

"The ideal outcome here is that the state Legislature backs off of these baseless threats, and that we can try to live in a democracy together," Wikler said.

If the Assembly were to vote to impeach, Protasiewicz could not perform the duties of her office without being acquitted by the Senate. If she were removed from office, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers would appoint a successor to fill the remainder of her 10-year-term.

If she were to be removed from office before Dec. 1, a special election would be held to fill the seat on April 2, 2024  the same day as the state's Republican presidential primary. If she were removed, or were to resign, after Dec. 1, the special election would not occur until 2031.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dems pledge multi-million-dollar blitz to counter GOP on Protasiewicz
Wisconsin Republicans are considering the impeachment of a newly-elected liberal justice on the state Supreme Court before she has even heard a case, according to a New York Times report. The threats to Justice Janet Protasiewicz came only weeks after her decisive election victory, which created a new 4-3 liberal majority on the state's high court that is likely to scrap GOP-drawn state legislative maps and legalize abortion across the state. Hypothetically, Republicans could have the votes to impeach Protasiewicz and remove her from office if all their legislators vote as a bloc.

The Times reported that on Democrats will launch a multimillion-dollar advertising counteroffensive over the next three weeks, intended to "inflict maximum political pain on legislators who vote to block Justice Protasiewicz from serving." During her campaign, Protasiewicz was outspoken about the "rigged" legislative maps enacted by Republicans, as wel as her views on reproductive health care. Liberal groups filing a legal challenge to Wisconsin's GOP-friendly legislative maps a day after she was seated.

Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, has argued that the state Assembly is "obligated" to impeach Protasiewicz if she attempts to rule on the maps. The Times report added that although Protasiewicz has not spoken publicly about the potential impeachment case, she released a letter on Tuesday from an independent oversight group, the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which dismissed allegations that she had acted in violation of Wisconsin's judicial code of ethics by sharing her "personal views" about abortion and Wisconsin's legislative maps during her political campaign.
A recently elected state Supreme Court justice in Wisconsin has not yet heard a single case, but state Republicans have already floated her impeachment, adding to a growing list of GOP impeachment threats against political rivals across the country.

After members of Congress impeached Donald Trump twice, GOP opponents have relied on threats of impeachment as a first line of defence  and offence  against prominent elected Democratic opponents, including President Joe Biden and Georgias Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

In Wisconsin, Republican calls to remove Justice Janet Protasiewicz from the states highest court would block its new liberal majority, which is now poised to overturn Republican-drawn state legislative maps and affirm protections for abortion rights.

An expected move from the Wisconsin Supreme Court to invalidate GOP-drawn maps, which civil rights groups have labelled as some of the most egregious gerrymanderings in the country, could torpedo the states Republican legislative majorities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two legal challenges took aim at the states legislative maps the same week that Justice Protasiewicz joined the bench, and Republican officials have pointed to the justices previous criticism of the maps as reason enough to remove her. A state disciplinary panel rejected several complaints against her alleging misconduct for her remarks.

Republicans are also demanding that she recuse herself from any redistricting case after Justice Protasiewiczs election campaign raised money from Democratic donors. Former Governor Scott Walker said the GOP-dominated state legislature is obligated to impeach her if she hears cases involving the maps.

If she does not remove herself from the case, the members of the State Assembly should vote to impeach Justice Protasiewicz, he said.

State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Republicans will take a look at impeachment. Republican US Senator Ron Johnson told The New York Times that he hopes they do.

Wisconsin lawmakers have only once ever impeached a justice, in 1853, and he was acquitted.

Daniel Squadron with Democratic-allied group The States Project said Wisconsin Republicans have fought tooth and nail to create voter-proof legislative electoral maps for more than a decade and are now speeding towards a sham impeachment that poses a threat to democratic elections more broadly.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz (AP)

Without fear of accountability from voters, theyve been able to enact extreme policies that undermine free and fair elections, roll back personal freedoms, and empower special interests over people, he said in a statement. Now, they are threatening to disregard voters again in favor of their own cynical power grab.

The impeachment threats in Wisconsin come as House Republicans, with a slim majority, must navigate a narrow window to avert a government shutdown while repeatedly floating impeachment proceedings against President Biden over US-Mexico border policy and unfounded allegations of financial misconduct involving his son Hunter Biden . Far-right lawmakers Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Greg Steube already have filed their own measures to begin impeachment proceedings.

In Georgia, the states Republican Governor Brian Kemp has tried to shoot down proposals from GOP lawmakers to hold a special legislative session against Ms Willis, who is leading the prosecution of the former president and 18 of his allies connected to an alleged criminal enterprise to overturn election results in the state.

The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia as long as Im governor, were going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps and harms politically, the governor said during a press conference last month. Over the last few years, some inside and outside of this building may have forgotten that. But I can assure you that I have not.

He rejected attempts to turn the state into a political theater that only inflames the emotions of the moment, he added. We will do what is right. We will uphold our oath to public service, and it is my belief that our state will be better off for it, he said.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis  who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president  has removed two elected Democratic state prosecutors from office, including Floridas only Black female state attorney. He has suspended nearly two dozen elected officials since 2019, according to his office.
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key witness in the case accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump of mishandling classified documents after leaving office has entered into a deal with prosecutors to provide testimony, his former attorney said in a Wednesday court filing.

The deal was reached after U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smiths office threatened to prosecute the witness, who is the head of information technology at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida resort, for lying to a grand jury, the attorney, Stanley Woodward, said in the filing.

Woodward currently represents Walt Nauta , one of the two Trump employees also charged in the documents case, in addition to having previously represented the IT head, who is not named in Wednesday's filing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prosecutors have said the employee is likely to testify at trial, posing a potential conflict of interest for Woodward, who will face the prospect of a former client testifying against a current client.

Woodward has not opposed the request for U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the case, to hold a hearing on the issue. But he suggested in Wednesday's filing that prosecutors' handling of the IT manager's testimony was improper.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions of Trump, who leads the field seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.

Prosecutors previously said that the witness, who has been identified by media outlets Politico and CNN as Yuscil Taveras, had information about efforts by Trumps personal aide Nauta and others to obstruct the classified documents investigation.

Taveras' current attorney had no immediate comment.

Prosecutors have charged Trump, Nauta and a third Mar-a-Lago employee, Carlos De Oliveira, with trying to thwart government efforts to retrieve sensitive documents taken to the Florida resort after Trump left office. All three have pleaded not guilty.

A spokesperson for Smiths office declined to comment. Woodward declined to comment.

Prosecutors said in an August court filing that the witness initially denied any knowledge of obstruction. After receiving a letter from the special counsel's office threatening him with prosecution, he dropped Woodward as his attorney and then detailed alleged efforts to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago, they said.

Woodward rejected prosecutors' account in Wednesdays filing, saying the IT employee provided new testimony to the grand jury only after being offered a non-prosecution deal, which was reached after he was no longer representing the employee.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Andrea Ricci)
Virginia Chamlee is a writer and thrifter who once found an authentic Goyard trunk at a small shop.

She paid $90 for the piece, and later estimated it to be worth at least $20,000.

She's also found luxury clothes, authentic art, and other high-value pieces over the years.

Virginia Chamlee might be a lifelong thrifter, but nothing could have prepared her for finding one of her dream items tucked away in an unassuming shed behind a mom-and-pop antique shop.

Speaking with Insider, the 38-year-old writer recalled a day seven years ago when she had been shopping at estate sales in Orange Park, Florida. While stuck in traffic on the way home, she noticed a sign on the side of the road advertising "old wicker" products like furniture.

After some internal debate, curiosity got the best of her.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I'm not really superstitious, but sometimes I don't want to press my luck. I had found some really cool stuff at the estate sales, so I wasn't planning to go anywhere else," she said. "But I had nowhere to go, so it was sort of kismet."

Though she didn't find anything inside the tiny store, its owner urged her to check out a shed in the back. It was there that she noticed a piece of luggage that looked a lot like a designer trunk.

"I gasped audibly," Chamlee said. "My grandmother was with me and she was like, 'Be quiet, why are you screaming?' I thought it must not be real; it was too good of a find. But I figured I would just buy it anyway because if it was fake, it was a really good fake."

So she paid $90 to take the trunk home and later reached out to a luggage expert who specializes in Louis Vuitton and Goyard pieces. After viewing photos, she said, he confirmed to Chamlee that she had found an authentic Goyard trunk, likely worth tens of thousands of dollars.

The Goyard trunk thrifted by Virginia Chamlee. Virginia Chamlee

Chamlee said she believes the store was selling the trunk on consignment, as the shop owner told her a local woman dropped it off after finding the piece in her mom's attic.

"It has drawers inside and there are little compartments for jewelry," Chamlee said of the trunk, which she describes as a "bucket-list" find. "It's actually useful in addition to being beautiful."

As for what it's worth, Chamlee noted that it's tough to put an exact price on the trunk. Some experts who have appraised it also requested to buy it from her, so they could have been "low-balling" its value, she said. But as an expert on designer pieces herself, Chamlee has an idea.

"My hunch is that someone would pay at least $20,000 for it," she said, noting that she's seen comparable Goyard trunks sell for around that price. "But I don't ever intend to sell it. I joke that I'll be the old woman who lived in her trunk."

Inside the Goyard trunk thrifted by Virginia Chamlee. Virginia Chamlee

Chamlee says she keeps the trunk in the corner of her bedroom on display with a few select items on top of it, like photos of her late grandmother.

"She's the one who got me into thrifting, and she raised me from the time I was two months old as a single mom," Chamlee said. "It's almost like a little shrine to her. She was with me when I found it, and it has an M on it  I refer to her as Meemaw."

The Goyard trunk in Virginia Chamlee's home. Virginia Chamlee

Chamlee says that while she loves thrifting in general, finding designer pieces is her niche  a skill she's honed over decades. In addition to her trunk, Chamlee has found other designer luggage, art from the Smithsonian's permanent collection, luxury clothes, and more.

She's also mixed her passion with her career, writing a book about thrifting called "Big Thrift Energy."

"I've thrifted all over the country, especially since my book came out, and there are treasures to be found everywhere," Chamlee said.

Read the original article on Insider
Kari Newell, the woman who triggered a police raid on the newspaper in Marion, Kansas, is still operating her restaurant in the small town.

But without a liquor license, at least for now, Newell reported on Facebook.

We have an announcement regarding our liquor licensing process, Newell wrote Aug. 30 on the Facebook page for her restaurant, Chefs Plate at Parlour 1886, located in Marions Historic Elgin Hotel. We are currently between licenses but are working feverishly to get this finished. In the meantime we have decided to temporarily allow BYOB (bring your own bottle, if its legal to buy its legal to bring).  This is a temporary fix to a temporary issue.

Newell runs two businesses in Marion, the Chefs Table at Parlour 1886 and Karis Kitchen, a cafe and deli across the street. The liquor license for the restaurant was previously held by the owner of the hotel, Tammy Ensey, who is the sister-in-law to Marions county attorney, Joel Ensey. The liquor license expired on Aug. 28.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Newell is within the law to offer BYOB service. Per Kansas statue 41-719, a patron can drink alcohol in an unlicensed business under certain circumstances: the alcohol must not be sold on the premises and must be in the possession of the patron. It cannot be consumed between midnight and 9 a.m. The business or owner cannot have had a previous license revoked and cannot charge for the drink.

The question of whether Newell would receive her own license had been on the Marion City Council agenda on Aug. 7, when she stood at the lectern and accused a reporter for the Marion Daily Record newspaper of illegally accessing her private information to confirm a tip that Newell had been convicted of a misdemeanor DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) 15 years ago. Newell had also been driving without a valid license since that time.

Under Kansas statutes, a past misdemeanor DUI has no bearing on getting a liquor license. Newell wrote that she had contacted the states Alcohol Beverage Control board about letting patrons bring their own bottles.

We got full approval from ABC to allow this.  There simply wasnt enough time to get everything accomplished to make this seamless. I can assure you that all license fees have been paid and my background check was CLEAN! Its merely a paperwork process, Newells page says.

The Marion reporter was using public state records to check Newells driving status, the Department or Revenue has said. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is still investigating.

Newells accusation of identity theft was the catalyst for the towns police chief, Gideon Cody, to get a search warrant signed by a magistrate judge. On Aug. 11, he raided the newsroom, hauling away computers and cellphones. The police also raided the home of Marion Councilwoman Ruth Herbel, along with the home of the newspapers editor, Eric Meyer, and his 98-year-old mother, Joan Meyer, the papers co-owner.

Video of the police raid on Meyers home would later go viral. It shows Joan Meyer excoriating police, stomping her walker and demanding that officers leave her home. Meyer died the next day.

Since the raid and Meyers death, Newell said she has received hundreds of vile messages texted to her and to her businesses. While insisting she is not a victim, Newell in a recent interview with The Star talked about being unfairly demonized.

I didnt go in and raid the newspaper, Newell previously told The Star. I didnt incite the raid. Newell did not return The Stars request for comment this week on the liquor license.

Meyer, the papers editor and publisher, also told The Star that although Newells complaint spurred the raid, he said that she is not primarily at fault and that the citys mayor, the police chief, county attorney and magistrate judge bear greater culpability.

She is a pawn, Meyer told The Star previously. I think she was a convenient excuse used by other people to get at us. I think shes a patsy in that regard.
SAN DIEGO  A 68-year-old driver was killed Tuesday when her vehicle crashed into a park in the Morena neighborhood, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 3:55 p.m. on 6000 Friars Rd., David OBrien with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said in a news release.

Police say the woman driving a 2003 Lexus SC 430 was traveling westbound on 6000 Friars Rd. when the vehicle for unknown reasons veered to the right and drove off the north side of the roadway into a park. The vehicle then slammed into a tree, causing it to flip over, per SDPD.

Two I-5 closures scheduled this month for downtown bridge repairs

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

First responders removed the driver from the vehicle and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Anyone with information related to the above incident is encouraged to call the listed

Command handling the investigation or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
Two people are dead and a deputy was shot in a violent early morning home invasion involving ex-spouses in western Lexington County.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said in a Wednesday morning news conference that deputies responded at about 1:26 a.m. after receiving a home invasion call in the 100 block of Prismatic Way, which is in the Rocky Springs subdivision off Calks Ferry Road.

When deputies arrived, they could hear a gunshot in the house, Koon said. Deputies went into the house and, immediately upon entering, a deputy was shot, the sheriff said. The deputy retreated from the home.

That deputy survived the shooting and was scheduled for surgery at a local hospital later Wednesday morning, Koon said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shortly after the deputy was shot, the male suspect in the case got in the female victims car and barreled through a closed garage door, and a chase ensued, Koon said. Officers from the Lexington Police Department responded and joined Lexington County deputies in the chase, which lasted for several miles. The South Carolina Highway Patrol joined in and used tire deflation devices that helped slow the suspects car, the sheriff said.

Koon said the suspect was firing multiple shots at officers during the chase.

As the car came to a stop just down the road, the suspect jumped out of the car with his handgun, still more gunfire was exchanged, Koon said. We were able to incapacitate the suspect. Ultimately, he was pronounced deceased.

Meanwhile, back at the home on Prismatic Way, the female victim was pronounced dead, Koon said.

The suspect and female victim  neither of whom were named by Koon during the Wednesday news conference  were formerly married, but divorced in 2022. They share an 8-year-old child, who was home during the incident, Koon said. The child has since been released to the care of his grandfather, the sheriff said.

Koon and Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green have asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate the officer-involved shooting portion of the incident.

The sheriff said multiple rounds of gunshots were fired during the chase and at least one patrol car was hit with a gunshot.

Its just a tough day, Koon said. Lexington County needs prayers this morning. Obviously, weve got a family that will never be the same, and weve got a deputy shot. ... Our hearts go out to that little 8-year-old.
CAIRO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi discussed on Wednesday ways to boost bilateral strategic partnership, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

Sisi reaffirmed his country's commitment to "fostering closer cooperation with Japan and building on the outcome of elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership," according to the statement.

Hayashi, for his part, welcomed the positive progress in the two countries' relations in light of the strategic partnership.

He said Egypt's developmental accomplishments have contributed to the surge in Japanese investments in Egypt.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the fields of education, energy, transport, and technology.

Besides, they touched on regional and international peace and security issues, the statement added. 
As heat waves continue to bake parts of the world, scientists are reporting that this blistering, deadly summer was the hottest on record  and by a significant margin.

June to August was the planets warmest such period since records began in 1940, according to data from the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The global average temperature this summer was 16.77 degrees Celsius (62.19 Fahrenheit), according to Copernicus, which is 0.66 degrees Celsius above the 1990 to 2020 average  beating the previous record, set in August 2019, by nearly 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Typically these records, which track the average air temperature across the entire world, are broken by hundredths of a degree.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the first set of scientific data to confirm what many had believed was inevitable. Its been a searingly hot summer for swaths of the Northern Hemisphere  including parts of the United States, Europe and Japan  with record-breaking heat waves and unprecedented ocean temperatures.

The planet experienced its hottest June on record, followed by the hottest July  both breaking previous records by large margins.

August was also the warmest such month on record, according to the new Copernicus data, and warmer than every other month this year except for July. The global average temperature for the month was 16.82 degrees Celsius  0.31 degrees warmer than the previous record set in 2016.

The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting, said Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, in a statement about the Copernicus data. Scientists have long warned what our fossil fuel addiction will unleash. Our climate is imploding faster than we can cope with extreme weather events hitting every corner of the planet

Both July and August are estimated to have been 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus, a key threshold scientists have long warned the world must stay under to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

While scientists are more focused on long-term global temperature rises, these temporary breaches are an important preview of what the world can expect summers to look like at 1.5 degrees of warming.

The Northern Hemisphere just had a summer of extremes  with repeated heatwaves fueling devastating wildfires, harming health, disrupting daily lives and wreaking a lasting toll on the environment, Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said in a statement.

People seek relief from the heat in Tokyo, on July 30, 2023. Temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95F) and above scorched the Japanese capital for weeks. - Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images

A billboard displays a temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celcius) during a record heat wave in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 18, 2023. - Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

Countries in the Southern Hemisphere have also experienced startlingly warm winters, with well-above average temperatures recorded in Australia, several South American countries and Antarctica.

Global average ocean temperatures, too, have been off the charts, helping strengthen major hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific.

In July, a sudden marine heat wave off the coast of Florida saw the ocean reach hot tub temperatures. While in June, parts of the North Atlantic experienced a totally unprecedented marine heat wave with water temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than usual.

Every single day from the end of July to the end of August has seen ocean temperatures exceed the previous record set in 2016, according to Copernicus.

Whether this year will end up being the planets warmest on record is not yet clear, but it looks certain to come extremely close.

With four months of the year remaining, 2023 currently ranks as the second warmest on record, according to Copernicus, only 0.01 degrees Celsius below 2016, which is currently the warmest year on record.

Scientists say next year is likely to be even hotter, given the arrival of El Nino, a natural climate fluctuation that brings warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures and influences weather.

This El Nino is developing in a warmer ocean than any previous El Nino so we are watching with interest how this event develops in terms of strength and impact, Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus, told CNN

Burgess said the summer had been one of tumbling records and it would only get worse if the world continues to burn planet-heating fossil fuels.

The scientific evidence is overwhelming  we will continue to see more climate records and more intense and frequent extreme weather events impacting society and ecosystems, until we stop emitting greenhouse gases, she said in a statement.

The Copernicus data was released the same day as the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its State of the Climate report for 2022  an annual health check-up for the planet.

It found record ocean heat and global sea levels last year, and unprecedented concentrations of planet-heating pollution in the atmosphere  with carbon pollution reaching the highest levels in at least 800,000 years, according to the report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Marquez Johnson, 35, and younger brother Rashad Johnson, 32, were sentenced to 30 years in prison today.

The brothers were leaders in a criminal gang, Twelve Hundred, a subset of the Out East gang, who worked to traffic drugs and recruit other young men, State Attorney Melissa Nelson said Wednesday after the men were sentenced.

Their feuds with other local gangs have led to several shootings, deaths, and multiple drug-related crimes in the Jacksonville area.

Nelsons office decided to focus on them as a drug network because that is the gangs main source of income.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Now that theyre no longer in that community, its that much better,  L. E. Hutton, Chief Assistant State Attorney, said.

Members from Nelsons office said that they sought the 30-year sentence due to the length of the investigation into a high-profile criminal gang.

Lauren Anderson, Assistant State Attorney, said that the brothers have been documented as gang members since 2010.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

In Marquez Johnsons arrest report, he was arrested on 10 drug-related charges, including possession, and trafficking.

Gang violence wrecks communities and is one of the most prominent threats to public safety, Nelson said.

It wrecks families and they recruit younger members, so it is perpetuating, she said.

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.
By YP Rajesh

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping skipping this week's G20 summit in New Delhi was not unusual and will not affect negotiations to produce a consensus communique at the meeting, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.

The Sept. 9-10 summit of leaders of the world's richest countries is being held in the context of a "very turbulent" global environment and expectations from in the G20 to find solutions to some of the world's pressing problems are "very high", he told the ANI news agency.

The G20 has been divided over the war in Ukraine and analysts and officials have said the absence of Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin mean it would be difficult to arrive at a consensual Leaders Declaration at the summit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Five Indian government sources said on Wednesday that differences about climate change goals have resurfaced during the last two days of sherpa-level meetings and become another stumbling block for G20 leaders to iron out at the summit.

The bloc, which groups the 20 major economies of the world, is divided on commitments to phasing down fossil-fuel use, increasing renewable energy targets and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they said.

A French diplomat said the news on climate was "not very encouraging" and that Saudi Arabia was pushing hard to include a line on fossil fuels being part of the energy transition. "We think the exact opposite," the French diplomat said.

Besides, the language to be used on the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the leaders' declaration has yet to be finalised, another Indian government source said.

In the interview, which was aired on Wednesday, Jaishankar said sherpas, or country representatives, of the G20 members are negotiating to build a consensus and arrive at a declaration.

The French diplomat, speaking to French reporters, said India was making "very serious efforts" to conserve the consensus on Ukraine reached in Bali. "It's a good thing to see once again how isolated Russia is" over its invasion of Ukraine.

Jaishankar also played down a threat from Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov - who will represent Moscow at the summit in Putin's place - that Russia will block the final communique unless it reflects Moscow's position on Ukraine and other crises.

He said countries try to maximise their negotiating positions and people should not "prejudge" the outcome.

"I am confident that every one of the G20 coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear...that the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them."

The G20 is "very much a collaborative forum" and "not the arena for power politics", Jaishankar told ANI, in which Reuters has a minority stake.

"Today, the expectations of the world are very high in terms of what the G20 is able to produce, and produce in terms of meeting the challenges of the world."

DEEP DIVISIONS

Jaishankar said leaders had skipped summits in the past and Xi doing so was not unusual and had nothing to do with India.

Indian-Chinese relations have been frozen since a deadly military clash on their Himalayan frontier in June 2020 and analysts said Xi, in giving the summit a miss, was a new setback to ties between the Asian giants.

But Xi's absence could also be a signal of his narrative of the "East is rising, and the West is falling", as well as showing solidarity with Putin, said Wen-Ti Sung, political scientist at the Australian National University.

China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang at the summit and Jaishankar noted that a "country's position is obviously reflected by whoever is the representative".

The summit had also been seen as a venue for a possible meeting between Xi and U.S. President Joe Biden, who has confirmed his attendance.

Biden will focus on reforming the World Bank and urging other multilateral development banks to boost lending for climate change and infrastructure projects during the summit, the White House said on Tuesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said he hopes to discuss digital issues and food security. India has said discussions are underway on a global framework to regulate crypto assets.

(Reporting by YP Rajesh; Additional reporting by Nikunj Ohri and Michel Rose in Paris; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, William Maclean and Mark Heinrich)
New York Attorney General Letitia James on Tuesday requested that Donald Trump and other defendants be sanctioned in her $250 million civil suit against him, accusing them of frivolous conduct.

James sued Trump, two of his children, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., and the Trump Organization last year over deploying deceptive business practices as part of a long-running alleged tax-dodging scheme. She also accused Donald Trump of inflating his net worth by $812 million to $2.2 billion each year from 2011 to 2021.

The case is set to go to trial Oct. 2.

In Tuesdays court filing, James is asking that all defendants and their lawyers pay a total of $20,000 for using previously-rejected arguments several times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She said her request for sanctions is based on frivolous conduct by Defendants and their counsel in asserting legal arguments in connection with the parties pending dispositive motions that were previously rejected by this Court and the First Department in this action.

Specifically, James argued that Trump used three arguments, including that the attorney general has no standing to bring this case against him, in several motions despite the fact that those arguments already had been turned down by the court in November 2022.

The court rejected these arguments for a second time in January after the defendants filed motions to dismiss, noting that they were borderline frivolous even the first time defendants made them.

James noted that Trump used rejected arguments as recently as this month following a joint brief by the defendants against her partial summary motion.

The New York prosecutor has asked for all defendants in the case to collectively pay $10,000 and that their attorneys also collectively be fined $10,000.

Clifford Robert, a lawyer for the Trump family, asked James to withdraw her sanctions request, in a filing Tuesday night, according to The Washington Post.

James had also brought charges against Ivanka Trump in the civil lawsuit, but a New York Appeals Court dismissed the case against her in June.

Language in this story has been updated to clarify that the motion is before the trial court, not the states highest court.

Related...
11 Investigates after a major drug bust at the Downtown Pittsburgh Greyhound station.

Agents with the Attorney Generals Office uncovered nearly $2 million worth of deadly drugs.

In total, 450,000 doses of potentially deadly fentanyl, more doses than the number of people who live in the city of Pittsburgh, were recovered. Investigators say all of it was found on one 27-year-old man from New York who brought it right through the bus station.

11 Investigates has learned that even though the arrest was announced just hours ago, the suspect hasnt been in jail for days and paid no bond.

Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda was arrested at the bus station on Aug. 31. Agents say he tried to avoid a drug-sniffing dog by hiding in the bathroom, dousing himself in cologne and pretending to buy a ticket. He was eventually searched, agents say the drugs were found and he was arrested.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He was released the next day.

According to court documents, Pichardo Cepeda was released on nonmonetary bail Per Judge Orenstein at request of ACJ.

County officials told 11 Investigates the jail has nothing to do with the decision to release an inmate.

The County and Attorney Generals Office both directed us to Magistrate Xander Orensteins Office. We left a message there Thursday afternoon and have not heard back.

Allegheny County D.A. Stephen Zappala was quoted in the initial news release announcing the arrest saying The drugs like these, being taken off the streets in Pittsburgh, are responsible for two deaths a day in Allegheny County.

So, 11 Investigates asked the DAs office if they knew why the suspect was let out with no bond. The office responded To my knowledge our office was not consulted in this matter. We cannot comment until we obtain additional information but are concerned.

To put this in perspective of how big a bust this was, according to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl is all it takes to kill someone.

Cepeda was accused of having more than nine kilograms of fentanyl. That works out to be enough fentanyl to potentially kill nearly 35% of the population of Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny County District Attorneys Office sent the following updated statement to Channel 11 Thursday afternoon.

The District Attorneys Office was not notified of the decision by MDJ Xander Orenstein to release this individual on non-monetary bond. To remind the public, Yaan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, although presumed innocent, is accused of trafficking an extremely large quantity of drugs which are responsible for the deaths of almost 2 people per day in Allegheny County. The MDJ has the sole discretion to set the amount of bail at the preliminary arraignment. Our office was not consulted and MDJ Orensteins decision was not communicated to our office. Questions regarding why MDJ Orenstein made this decision should be directed to his office. Now that we are aware of this, in our opinion, very dangerous decision, we are taking steps to have it reviewed by a higher court and reversed.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Tractor-trailer crosses center lane, crashes into oncoming traffic on I-79, trooper says Suspect shot, killed during narcotics investigation at North Huntingdon motel Pitt student attacked, badly beaten in Oakland VIDEO: Belle Vernon Area School District votes to hire former Plum superintendent DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Ruby Franke, a once-popular YouTuber who gave parenting advice on her now-defunct "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, has been charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, the Washington County Attorney's Office in Utah said Wednesday. Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested last week after Franke's malnourished son ran to a neighbor's house asking for help, authorities said.

The attorney's office says Franke and Hildebrandt are accused of a combination of multiple physical injuries or torture; starvation or malnutrition that jeopardizes life; and causing severe emotional harm to two children. They each face six counts, which carry potential prison sentence of one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The investigation is ongoing, the office said.

Franke's YouTube channel followed her family of eight and is now defunct, the Associated Press reports. She was at Hildebrand's home in Ivins, Utah, when the two were arrested last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Franke has appeared in YouTube videos with Hildebrandt that were posted by Hildebrandt's counseling business, ConneXions Classroom, which Hildebrandt says helps people to improve their lives, according to the AP.

In a news release on Aug. 31, the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department said they received a call Aug. 30 about a child who appeared to be "emaciated and malnourished." The child, who had "open wounds and duct tape around the extremities," was asking for food and water.

This child was Franke's 12-year-old, who climbed out of a window at Hildebrandt's house and sought help at a neighbor's house, according to an affidavit filed by an officer with the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, the AP reports.

"The condition of the juvenile was so severe that they were seen by Santa Clara-Ivins EMS and transported to a local area hospital," the department said in its news release.

Authorities soon found another child in a similar condition at a nearby home and took that child to the hospital.

Police obtained a search warrant and "evidence was located consistent with the markings found on the juvenile," the department said.

Four other children were taken into the care of the Department of Child and Family Services and Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested in connection with the incident.

After her arrest, Franke's sisters, Ellie Mecham and Julie Griffiths Deru  who have large social media followings  posed a joint statement on Instagram saying they had for years tried to make sure Franke's kids were safe.

"Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen. The kids are now safe, which is the number one priority," the statement reads. The sisters said they would not comment any further.

A lawyer for Kevin Franke, Ruby Franke's husband, told CBS News last week he was representing Kevin Franke's interests in keeping his children together and in his care and that he could not comment on Ruby Franke's arrest.

A voicemail left with Hildebrandt's counseling business seeking comment last week was not returned. CBS News has followed up with the business and is awaiting response.

Surveillance video shows how Pennsylvania prisoner Danelo Cavalcante escaped

Judge denies motion to sever co-defendant's case in Trump-Georgia hearing

Breaking down Wednesday's pre-trial hearing in Trump's Georgia RICO case
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will decide whether to veto a draft law on asset declarations after consultations with Olha Stefanishyna, the deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, he told journalists on Sept. 6.

Restoring asset declarations has been central to talks on Ukraine's accession to the European Union and borrowing money from the International Monetary Fund.

On Sept. 5, the Ukrainian parliament approved the second reading of a bill to restore asset declarations for officials but failed to ensure the declarations would be made public.

Anti-corruption watchdogs and opposition lawmakers argue that the EU and IMF are unlikely to accept the bill in this form.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is because there will be no public access to officials' asset declarations for one more year, and only law enforcement agencies will be able to check them. They will not be accessible to media and anti-corruption watchdogs under the current version of the law.

Ukraine's National Corruption Prevention Agency (NACP) said it would appeal to the president to veto the draft law.

Transparency International Ukraine, an anti-corruption watchdog, said the bill is a "sham" restoration of declarations.

"Our foreign partners are unlikely to consider these actions by parliament as a real step towards European integration and effective cooperation with the IMF," the watchdog said.

Electronic asset declarations for officials were instituted as part of the country's fight against corruption following the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution.

All state officials were required to declare their assets as part of the reform.

At the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the requirement for submitting e-declarations was suspended and public access to the declarations was shut down. Officials have still been able to submit them on a voluntary basis.

In February 2023, an online petition for requiring state officials to resume filing their asset declarations collected the 25,000 signatures necessary for presidential consideration.

The bill on the restoration of asset declarations was passed in the first reading on July 27. To become law, bills must be passed by parliament in two readings and signed by the president.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Oleksii Reznikov may be appointed Ukraine's ambassador to the UK after resigning as Defence Minister amid scandals over public procurement for the army, but no official announcement has been made.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda in the article Zelenskyy's Fourth Defence Minister. Why the President is replacing Reznikov with Umierov

Details: On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada accepted the resignation of Oleksii Reznikov from the Cabinet of Ministers with a round of applause from the presidential faction, but what will happen to Reznikov next remains uncertain.

After the dismissal of Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko, there was talk in government offices that Reznikov would be appointed there. When asked by Ukrainska Pravda whether Reznikov was really going to be sent to London, a top member of the presidential team said on the evening of 5 September: "This is the plan."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, according to sources in diplomatic circles, the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK has not yet received an official agrement for Reznikov's appointment.

Ukrainska Pravda stated that the Ministry of Defence began to think seriously about replacing Reznikov in mid-July after 11 partner countries formed an "aircraft coalition" and set conditions for training Ukrainian pilots on Western F-16 fighters. At the same time, complaints about the speed and stability of supplies of ammunition and weapons were growing among the military.

Ukrainska Pravda described situations with disruptions in the supply of weapons paid for in advance, and the failure of Ukrainian and Western companies to fulfil contracts with the Ministry of Defence worth tens of billions of hryvnias. As a result, the military does not receive enough ammunition during the counteroffensive, and the Ministry of Defence often lacks money to sign new contracts.

The situation with Defence Ministry contracts has improved now, but in the first months of the invasion, the ministrys procurers signed so many dubious deals that it is now costing the army billions of wasted hryvnias and slowing down many important projects.

The fact that Reznikov failed to build a working system of control over arms procurement and logistics was the fundamental reason for his resignation, which was discussed in February.

At the time, Reznikov was ready to take up the post of Minister of Justice. However, the head of the Servant of the People faction, Davyd Arakhamiia, defended the current Minister of Justice, Denys Maliuska, and convinced the president that Reznikov should be transferred to the Ministry of Strategic Industries.

"Davyd came to Zelenskyy and said: 'Wait, do we want to punish Oleksii or promote him?' The president said: 'Punish him.' Arakhamia [replied]: 'But we are promoting him to the Ministry of Justice! Let's give him Riabikin's ministry and let him start working there!'," witnesses to the conversation recall the president's dialogue with Arakhamiia.

Reznikov then publicly stated that if he had been offered the Ministry of Strategic Industries, he would have refused. So he remained in office.

At the end of August, the government came up with Rustem Umierov's candidacy as Defence Minister, and Reznikov resigned.

Background:

On 10 August, Ukrainska Pravda stated, with reference to government sources, that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was looking for a replacement for Oleksii Reznikov as Defence Minister. At least two candidates were being considered.

On 19 August, Oleksii Reznikov said that the ministerial post was a "temporary thing" for him and that he could resign himself.

On 28 August, Reznikov said that he had discussed the possibility of moving to another position with the president, but that the decision was up to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 3 September, Zelenskyy said he would replace the Defence Minister because the Ministry of Defence "needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole".

On 5 September, the Verkhovna Rada accepted Oleksii Reznikovs resignation as Defence Minister, and on 6 September, it appointed Rustem Umierov, the former head of the State Property Fund, to replace him.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a successful example of developing countries in the region working together towards modernization, visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday when inspecting the China-Indonesia cooperation project.

Noting that as the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a flagship project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation personally supported by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Li said that it also carries the aspirations of the Indonesian people for a better life.

Calling the high-speed railway a road to integration, openness and common prosperity, Li said that it will not only shorten the time and space distance between cities, but also promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and empower economic development along the route.

China is ready to share its mature expertise with Indonesia, and work together to do a good job in developing industries and revitalizing cities through the high-speed rail, Li said. 
During lunch rush at McDonalds in the town of Amherst on Aug. 31, cheers rang out among the staff as Wesla Secrist, the restaurants general manager, was presented the Ray Kroc Award, an accolade that recognizes the chains top-performing restaurant managers globally.

Secrist is among 394 McDonalds restaurant managers from 70 markets who represent the top 1% of managers to receive the honor, which includes a cash prize, a trophy and a trip to attend the McDonalds Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain, in April.

McDonalds independent franchisees and regional management nominate restaurant managers for the Ray Kroc Award to recognize those who have led their team to outstanding business performance, reflect the culture and values of the McDonalds system, according to a news release from the food service retailer with more than 40,000 restaurants in 120 countries.

More than 90% of McDonalds restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local entrepreneurs, the release said.

Buddy Haithcock, a franchise business partner with McDonalds, presented the award to Secrist at the Amherst restaurant Aug. 31.

We really appreciate all youve done, Haithcock told Secrist. The way you treat your customers, the values that you put forth way day in and out  The results are phenomenal.

Secrist gathered with employees for a group photo in front of the restaurants front counter, her face lighting up with a smile as bright as the menu board above.

My people, its them, she said of why she got the award.

She said the honor means a lot to her.

I feel like I got it because of my team, Secrist said. Ive got a really good team. They work really well together. Theyve got great attitudes.

Mike Freeman, the local owner and operator of the Amherst McDonalds, said Secrist is a blessing and major part of the locations success. He said he could not ask for a better general manager and many customers, neighbors and people who know him constantly praise her leadership and the stores performance.

Wesla has run this restaurant so well in so many ways, so consistent, Freeman said.

Chad Secrist, her husband, also briefly spoke during the event of her hard work and dedication to the job.

Leaders like her, you live it, he said. On her days off she is still filling out the daily reports.

Chloe Ellis, a McDonalds employee at the Amherst location, said Weslas leadership is a big reason she works there. Wesla is considerate of all her employees and makes it a comfortable, enjoyable place to work, Ellis said.

Wesla does a great job here  From the time I started shes doing nothing but help me grow, Ellis said. Shes a great individual all around.

Freeman said Wesla walks the walk as a manager of the restaurant of roughly 50 employees and is in the 97th to 98th percentile of McDonalds in areas such as speedy service and friendliness.

She leads by example, Freeman said. Shes very consistent with her people and because of that, they respond to her and they follow her and her leadership comes through in that year  She supports her people one-on-one and they respond and they work so hard for her. And this team is as good as it gets at McDonalds.
Innovation in clean energy production is key to shoring up the United States position as a world leader, according to North Dakota governor and Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum.

But clean doesnt necessarily mean having everyone switch to electric vehicles.

If you really cared about the environment, youd want to have every drop of energy produced here, youd want to have every electron of base load produced here, Burgum told the Nonpareil during a campaign swing through western Iowa on Wednesday. Because we produce it cleaner and safer than anywhere else.

Burgum criticized the Biden administrations support for electric vehicles as being better for the environment by pointing out that many components of EV batteries are made in China, saying there are better ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

If you buy a battery from China, its being made in a plant that is almost certainly powered by coal, Burgum said. Or we could take our coal plants like we do in North Dakota, and you take the CO2 off the coal plant through carbon sequestration, and we still have low cost, reliable base load, and its decarbonized.

Burgum touted the safety of carbon dioxide pipelines, noting that his state has moved 42 million tons of CO2 by pipeline  into Canada for enhanced oil recovery.

Weve been doing (carbon dioxide sequestration) in North Dakota for a long time, very successfully and very safely, and theres a lot of beneficial use to the public, including the fact that were going to save liquid fuels, Burgum said.

Pumping carbon dioxide into the ground, where it helps push oil up toward the oil wells, creates cleaner burning fuel, Burgum said.

The company injects CO2 into the ground, and these 1980 oil wells that were producing about 20% of their original production, theyre back up to 80% to 90% of original production, Burgum said. The CO2 stays in the ground, the oil comes out; when you refine the oil and burn it, it produces less CO2 than what stayed in the ground.

Burgum thinks the safety concerns about carbon dioxide pipelines are overblown.

I invite people to come to North Dakota and look at a pipeline thats been running for 20 years, thats moved 42 million tons, and has never had an incident, he said.

Asked about the North Dakota Public Service Commissions decision last month to deny a permit for Summit Carbon Solutions proposed carbon pipeline, Burgum declined to comment on that specific project.

In its decision, the commission wrote that Summit "failed to meet its burden of proof to show the (project) will produce minimal adverse effects on the environment and upon the welfare of the citizens of North Dakota."

Burgum is one of nearly a dozen candidates vying to be the Republican Partys 2024 presidential nominee. In a field that includes former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former United Nations Amb. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, anti-woke crusader Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and former President Donald Trump, Burgum is averaging less than 1% in national polls, according to polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight.

In order to qualify for the next Republican presidential debate on Sept. 27, candidates need to be polling at 3% or higher in two national surveys, or 3% in one national poll and 3% in polls of two different early-primary states: Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire or South Carolina.

Candidates will also need at least 50,000 donors, with 200 unique donors in 20 different states or territories.

Burgum polled at 3% in two mid-August state polls  in Iowa and New Hampshire  and has reached the donations goal, but he isnt polling above 1% in any national surveys, according to polling data from RealClearPolitics.

Best of America PAC, a political action committee able to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money that supports Burgum, is spending $4 million in national advertising to boost the governors national profile and get him into the second debate, according to Politico.
A state panels proposal to eliminate Iowas Commission on Volunteer Service could put more than $14 million in federal funding at risk, advocates said.

The Boards and Commissions Review Committee laid out preliminary recommendations in an August meeting to consolidate Iowas 256 existing boards and commissions to 140. The action is part of Gov. Kim Reynolds state government reorganization plan, signed into law earlier in 2023. Recommendations included eliminating 69 of the boards and commissions and merging 52 into other existing entities, as well as reorganizing and changing the duties of 47 others.

Among the panels on the chopping block is Iowas Commission on Volunteer Service, also known as Volunteer Iowa. The commission, currently made up of 19 governor-appointed members, is in charge of overseeing federal funding through the AmeriCorps program in Iowa.

Only one state lacks a commission to distribute Americorps funds

Bruns said it is possible for Iowa to apply for an alternative administrative entity, but that entity would need to be approved by the federal government and would still require a commission.

Only one state, South Dakota, currently does not have a state commission to distribute AmeriCorps funding. While individual organizations in Iowa could still apply for AmeriCorps funds if the commission were eliminated, she said, the state would automatically lose roughly $2.5 million in formula funding. It would also mean the Iowa organizations currently receiving AmeriCorps State funds would have to compete through the federal process, which means competing with national nonprofits and organizations.

It would also disqualify the agency overseeing the administrative entity from receiving AmeriCorps funding, Bruns said. If the alternate program fell under Iowa Department of Health and Human Services  HHS programs currently receiving grants could no longer receive funding or participate in those programs, as the federal statute prohibits the institution providing program grants from receiving the program grants.

A spokesperson with Iowa HHS said the department does not have additional details on the recommendations.

While 20 Iowa organizations are currently receiving AmeriCorps funding, she said, the state of South Dakota only receives one AmeriCorps grant through the federal program because there is no state commission.

Currently, 90% of all AmeriCorps state and national programs flow through a state commission, Bruns said. So you can see how important it is  a commission is  in supporting local organizations and accessing these resources. And thats really what the intent of the commissions are, in the original federal legislation, to have a local kind of that local voice through a bipartisan board of commissioners, to be providing that oversight of the commission versus it being a federal-heavy program.
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Board of Directors met on Thursday night for its regularly scheduled session. All board members were present, with the exception of Mike Fleer. Seven members of the public and five NRD staff members were also present for the meeting, which lasted 
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.
Sierra Leone has reiterated its unwavering support for Moroccos territorial integrity and for the autonomy plan as the only basis for resolving this regional conflict.

The support was renewed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Musa Kabba at a joint press conference he held Monday in Rabat with his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

The Sierra Leonese top diplomat, who is paying his first visit to Morocco as head of his countrys diplomacy, reiterated his countrys position in relentlessly supporting the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

He further emphasized the importance and primacy of the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only basis for resolving this issue, reiterating the full support of his country to the role played by the United Nations as an exclusive framework to achieve a lasting solution to this regional dispute.

Musa Kaaba also welcomed the dynamics of international recognition of the territorial unity and integrity of Morocco, recalling Sierra Leones adherence to these dynamics by opening a consulate in Dakhla in August 2021.

He voiced his extreme delight to collaborate with Bourita in order to implement the 13 agreements and the decisions taken during the last joint commission of cooperation that took place in Dakhla on April 28, 2023.

It was agreed, during the meeting, to set up a joint committee between the two Foreign Ministries to supervise the implementation of these agreements as well as a monitoring mechanism, because what is more important is not the signing of the agreements, but their implementation.

Concerning bilateral ties, the head of Sierra Leonese diplomacy affirmed that they have substantially evolved under the directives and leadership of King Mohammed VI and President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, who thanked Morocco for its support to Sierra Leones bidding for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 period.

In this connection, Bourita said that there will be greater coordination between the two countries on the issues on the agenda of the Security Council, whether continental, regional, North African, or concerning the Arab world and the Mediterranean area.

The two parties also agreed to coordinate their positions regarding the events occurring in West Africa.

Bourita also announced that Morocco will open an embassy in Sierra Leone before the end of the current month, and that the Kingdom will dispatch a delegation from the Agriculture ministry to support the large-scale food production project launched by President Julius Maada Bio.

In the field of training, Mr. Bourita said that it was decided to increase the number of scholarships awarded to Sierra Leonean students in Morocco from 105 to 120.
The Arab-Japanese Ministerial Dialogue, whose 3rd session wrapped up Tuesday in Cairo, hailed the presidency of King Mohammed VI of Al- Quds Committee.

The joint declaration issued at the end of this ministerial meeting underlines the need to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, which would resolve all permanent status issues, including the question of Palestinian refugees, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions, the principles of international legality, the principle of land for peace and the Arab peace Initiative, as well as the two-State solution.

In his address before this meeting, head of the Moroccan delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita, brought up the Palestinian cause, and recalled that King Mohammed VI, in his capacity as president of the Al-Quds Committee, has always reiterated the sustained and constant commitment to the Palestinian cause, notably the question of Al-Quds Acharif. The Sovereign, he said, has established this cause as a constant and priority of the Kingdoms foreign policy, based on the conviction and attachment to peace, dialogue and negotiations as the only way to achieve a definitive solution within the framework of international legality and on the basis of the two-State solution, with an independent Palestinian State within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as capital.

He also pointed out that Morocco is determined to contribute to giving concrete content to the Arab-Japanese Ministerial Dialogue, through the development of its mechanisms, programs and initiatives in various fields, within the framework of openness to the Japanese deeply-rooted experience.

The success of the Arab-Japanese political dialogue depends primarily on the degree of our commitment to coordination and our ability to act with realism and pragmatism and to achieve concrete results in specific sectors, he underlined.

He added that given the maturity which will mark the Arab-Japanese political dialogue, we aspire to boost economic relations between the Arab group and Japan to an efficient and fruitful partnership in promising fields, which now represent national and international priorities, especially since our Arab region has huge potential, allowing it to play a key role within the international community and to be a key partner for Japan and the biggest international stakeholders.

We welcome the important role that Japan, a wise and credible great power on the international scene, can play in defending Arab causes, notably the Palestinian issue, which is not exclusively Arab, but constitutes a fair cause that deserves clear support from international stakeholders, Bourita underlined.

The Moroccan official also noted the relevance and importance of this dialogue as a complementary framework for bilateral relations between Japan and Arab countries, stressing that after ten years of the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Arab League and the Japanese government, this dialogue has had positive results and promoted exchanges on a number of issues of common interest, because if the geographical reality means that Japan and Arab States are far from each other , the geopolitical reality brings them closer on the basis of common bonds, mutual interests and strong historical relations.

The strategic positions of our countries, the wealth and diversity of their natural and energy resources and their young demographic structures are factors that will allow them to have contributions with strong international impact in global issues and transcontinental challenges, Bourita said, stressing that despite these assets, the volume of trade between the Arab grouping and Japan is below their aspirations.

It is time to establish a strategic, promising and innovative partnership, by boosting trade, promoting investment fluidity, mobilizing capacities and opportunities and encouraging humanitarian initiatives and development aid, Bourita concluded.

Addressing the session, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has asked for unity with Arab nations to maintain international order.

Now is the time to unite to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law, he said.

Hayashi also said that Japan and Arab countries should become closer partners to tackle global issues, going beyond the energy field.

He said that Tokyo will cooperate to help Arab countries diversity their economies by encouraging Japanese companies to start business there.

During this session which took place pursuant to the memorandum of cooperation signed between the Arab League and the Japanese ministry of Foreign Affairs in September 2013, establishing a mechanism for cooperation and political consultation between the two parties at the level of foreign ministers, discussions focused on coordination and exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest, particularly in political and economic fields.
Easyjet will add more than 94,000 additional seats to Morocco destinations this winter, Moroccos tourism promotion office ONMT said.

ONMT and easyjet signed a deal to link Agadir, Marrakech and Rabat with European destinations, Moroccan media reported.

This is an agreement with a leading airline in Europe. It will foster the implementation of our strategy in order to promote our destination globally. Other agreements are underway with other airlines, said ONMT director general Adel El Fakir.

Under the deal, direct routes will be opened to Rabat from Geneva, Lyon, Nantes and Nice, while Marrakech will be linked to Bristol and Porto and Agadir to Porto as well.

Moroccos tourism promotion plan aims to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026 generating revenue of $12 billion and 80,000 direct jobs and 120,000 indirect.

Up to July, Moroccos tourism sector saw revenue spike 50% to 57 billion dirhams on the back of an increase in arrivals.

In the first five months this year, 5.1 million tourists visited the country.
Washington ignores history, insists on playing 'Taiwan card' for its own hegemony

09:31, September 06, 2023 By Zhi Zhenfeng and Zheng Kaixin ( Global Times

Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT

Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, a matter that must be resolved by the Chinese, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October, 2022. This is not only a well-documented historical fact but also a legally sound and justifiable proposition. However, a small group of forces in the international community have been meddling in the Taiwan question for many years, and Western countries, especially the US, have disregarded the facts of the Taiwan question and distorted China's policy toward the Taiwan region, attempting to support "Taiwan independence," which seriously violates the basic norms of international relations.

Resolving the Taiwan question and achieving complete national reunification is the common aspiration of all Chinese people and a necessary requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The one-China principle is clear and unambiguous. The Chinese mainland and Taiwan region both belong to one China, which is not only a historical fact but also has a solid legal basis and deep cultural roots.

A large number of historical records and annals document the development of Taiwan by the Chinese people in earlier periods. The earliest references to this effect are to be found, among others, in Seaboard Geographic Gazetteer compiled in the year 230 by Shen Ying of the State of Wu during the Three Kingdoms Period.

Taiwan island was colonized by invaders in history, but then returned to China. The Cairo Declaration issued by China, the US and the UK on December 1, 1943 stated that it was the purpose of the three allies that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Northeast China, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, should be restored to China. The Potsdam Proclamation was signed by China, the US and the UK on July 26, 1945, and subsequently recognized by the Soviet Union. It reiterated: "The terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out." On October 25 the Chinese government announced that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan. On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded, and the Central People's Government became the only legitimate government of the whole of China. As a natural result, the government of the PRC should enjoy and exercise China's full sovereignty, which includes its sovereignty over Taiwan.

Currently, the US and a few Western countries deliberately distort the facts and fabricate "Taiwan independence" topics, fundamentally driven by their own interests and biases, attempting to intensify the confrontation and tension in the Taiwan Straits, undermining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. If allowed to continue, it will inevitably lead to a continuous escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Straits and cause subversive damage to China-US relations.

The US ignores China's 2000-year history of ties with the Taiwan island and its 800-year history of administrative jurisdiction over Taiwan region, deliberately tracing back to only the Dutch colonial period, in order to deny the historical fact that Taiwan region has always belonged to China. It wants to make the Taiwan island an "unsinkable aircraft carrier" for the US. Moreover, Taiwan's semiconductor industry is an important link in the global supply chain and a crucial guarantee for the security of the US supply chain and key military components. The strategic position of Taiwan region makes the US always try to control the island. The Taiwan question is essentially China's internal affair and a legacy of the Chinese civil war from 1945 to 1949. But the question is portrayed by the US as a major power conflict issue related to maintaining the US hegemonic order. The US strategy of containing China with the Taiwan question, maintaining the order in the Indo-Pacific, and strengthening military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region is fundamentally aimed at maintaining its own hegemony.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have repeatedly relied on the US to seek independence, attempting to create "two Chinas." Moreover, they spare no effort to engage in international activities, lobbying and buying off Western politicians, especially by deeply cultivating grassroots levels in American and Western societies. This starts with low-level legislators and politicians, and cooperating extensively with universities, think tanks, and media organizations, greatly influencing public opinion.

The White Paper, The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era, clarifies the facts, reasons and legal basis that Taiwan region belongs to China. It must be emphasized that resolving the Taiwan question is fundamentally consistent with safeguarding the democratic rights and human rights of Taiwan compatriots. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese. Any foreign interference cannot be tolerated. Chinese government and people will never agree with anyone who tries to make an issue out of the one-China principle. Any hope over China will compromise or make concessions on the Taiwan question is simply wishful thinking, and those that have such hopes will only shoot themselves in the foot.

Zhi Zhenfeng is a research fellow at the Institute of Law, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Zheng Kaixin is a postgraduate student at the Law School of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang met here Wednesday with Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet, saying that bilateral ties have withstood changes in the international landscape, and remained rock-solid and unbreakable, setting an example for a new type of international relations.

The two heads of government met on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation held in Jakarta, namely the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit. It was also their first meeting.

China has been a trustworthy partner of Cambodia, and will, as always, firmly support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, and in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, Li said.

He called on the two sides to strengthen friendly exchanges, further synergize their development strategies and promote common development.

Li also urged the two countries to take the negotiation of the signing of a new action plan to build a China-Cambodia community with a shared future as an opportunity, and make all-round plans for bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation, so as to contribute to Cambodia's prosperity, development and long-term stability.

Both sides should, Li said, continue to work together to safeguard ASEAN centrality and keep regional cooperation on the right direction.

Hun Manet said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties 65 years ago, cooperation between the two countries has been fruitful, adding that China has been Cambodia's good friend and trustworthy partner.

The new government of Cambodia, he said, will continue to adhere to the principles and framework of Cambodia-China relations, and work with the Chinese side to push for new development of bilateral cooperation in all fields on the basis of the two countries' friendly ties jointly built by Cambodia's former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet on the sidelines of the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
Japan has commended Morocco for its serious and credible efforts to advance the political process towards a settlement of the Sahara regional conflict.

This expression of support came in a statement issued by the Japanese Foreign Ministry following a meeting held on Tuesday in Cairo between Japans Foreign Minister, Hayashi Yoshimasa, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on the sidelines of the council of the Arab League 160th Ministerial meeting, chaired by Morocco.

The two officials also took part in the third session of the Arab-Japanese Ministerial Dialogue hosted by Egypt Tuesday.

Regarding the Western Sahara issue, Hayashi Yoshimasa, the Foreign Minister, welcomed Moroccos serious and credible efforts to advance the political process, the Japanese Foreign Ministrys statement said.

The Japanese Foreign Minister also emphasized the importance of the autonomy plan presented by Morocco and expressed his support for the mediation efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for the Sahara.

On the other hand, Hayashi highlighted the excellent relations binding Japan and Morocco, which are based on strong friendship ties between the Japanese imperial family and the Moroccan royal family.

In this context, he expressed Japans determination to further strengthen these relations in various areas, especially in the fields of business and investment.

Nasser Bourita, on his part, praised the long-standing friendship between the two countries and expressed Moroccos readiness to deepen cooperation in various fields, including high-level visits, trade and investment, as well as political dialogue.

The two ministers exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, including the situations in North Korea and Ukraine, and affirmed their commitment to working together on various issues of international concern, the statement added.
Two former executives at a Swedish oil company Lundin Oil are going on trial on Tuesday (5 September), with both defendants accused of complicity in war crimes in present-day South Sudan, with prosecutors saying both were complicit in atrocities by Sudanese army and militias between 1999 and 2003, which both flatly deny.

Swiss national Alex Schneiter and Swedish Ian Lundin are charged with complicity in war crimes committed over 20 years ago in what is now South Sudan. Prosecutors say the then Lundin Oil  which has since changed its name several times and in 2022 sold most of its business  asked Khartoum to secure a potential oilfield in what is now South Sudan, knowing this would mean seizing the area by force. Between 1999 and 2003, following Lundins discovery of an oil deposit, the Sudanese army and allied militias carried out large-scale military operations to control this area and create the necessary conditions for oil extraction, the Swedish prosecutors office said in a statement published in mid-August.

The prosecutors also argue that the two former executives were complicit because they knew Sudans government would take control of the area by military force that is vividly described as aerial bombardments from transport planes, shooting civilians from helicopter gunships, abducting and plundering civilians and burning entire villages and their crops. The trial, which is expected to be the biggest of its kind in Swedens history, and will likely be watched far beyond the countrys borders, follows a 13-year investigation culminating in findings over 80,000 pages.
Eritrean soldiers, allied with Ethiopias government, committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity despite the signing of an agreement to end hostilities, when they extra-judicially executed civilians and sexually enslaved women for months after the signing of the peace deal, according the a new report published by the Amnesty International.

The new report released on Monday (4 September) details how Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) committed acts of rape and sexual slavery, extra-judicial executions, and pillage. Amnesty International interviewed witnesses, survivors and family members, who testified about the extra-judicial execution of at least 20 civilians, primarily men, by the EDF in Mariam Shewito district between 25 October and 1 November 2022. The war, which broke out in November 2020, pitted regional forces from Tigray against Ethiopias federal army and its allies, which included forces from other regions and from neighboring Eritrea. Despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), atrocities by EDF against civilians in Tigray continued.

Since the outbreak of the armed conflict in the Tigray region in November 2020, Amnesty International has documented crimes under international law and other human rights abuses by all parties to the conflict, including Eritrean forces. The new report stresses that Eritrea and Ethiopia have an obligation to effectively investigate and, where there is sufficient evidence, prosecute crimes under international law, including alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. This must be done in line with international standards on the right to a fair trial and without resort to the death penalty. Therefore, Amnesty International is calling for the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) to be renewed during the upcoming UN Human Rights Councils 54th session starting on 11 September 2023.
After years of campaigning, the African Union (AU) is likely to become a member of the Group of 20 (G20) largest economies during or even before the New Delhi G20 Summit (9-10 September), though not everyone is excited about Indias push for the inclusion, with many pointing to Africas being a large continent with diverse economy and communities, faced with many challenges.

Momentum builds for African Unions G20 membership with India, which holds the G20 chair, proposing its inclusion ahead of the summit in New Delhi. With the inclusion of the 55-member bloc of African states, the G20 will in fact become G21. Supporting the AUs inclusion, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, No plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices. Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20. As Maurice Okoli, fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences, points out, for African States, BRICS serves as an alternative avenue to explore its support against further economic exploitation and to control interruption in their internal affairs in the continent and to assert their right to process their resources and produce value added goods as means of becoming middle income societies.

Interestingly, AUs proposed ascension into G20 has unflinching support from many leaders, at least, over the past few years. It includes the United States, Europe, China, India and Russia, Okoli said. However, some in the AU feel that the blocs inclusion in the G20 would not translate into anything substantive in the literal sense. AU is not a politically cohesive unit. There are issues that countries are facing on their own and with each other. Besides, there are eight regional economic committees which have developed individually with differing structures, said an AU representative who spoke on the condition of anonymity. While witnessing this historical moment, the greatest questions for politicians, academics, business community and the general public is the strategic significance and geopolitical implications for the African Union as a continental organization and for Africa, Okoli added. In recent years, the G20, which represents around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population, has become the forum where key global governance issues are discussed.
An exhibition depicting 25 years of action carried out by the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency in the service of the Holy City and its inhabitants was inaugurated this Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.

The inauguration ceremony, chaired by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, was attended by the Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, and several diplomats accredited to the Arab League.

The exhibition highlights the Rabat-based Agencys mission to support the essential social sectors and institutions in the Holy City, and to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants, in line with the directives of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee.

It also translates the high priority granted to the Palestinian cause by Arab countries, as it is held on the sidelines of the meeting of the Arab League Ministerial council, currently chaired by Morocco.

The exhibition showcases the Kings practical approach to the issue of Al Quds, Moroccan diplomacys significant efforts to support the Palestinian position on all fronts, and the fundamental role of the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, which is supervised directly by the King, in the social, educational, and cultural fields.

The exhibition displays a section devoted to the important dates in the history of Al-Quds Committee, and another on the evaluation of 25 years of action by the Agency. This section is enriched with photographs and statistics on the projects implemented by the agency, including 200 major undertakings and dozens of small and medium-sized ones, at an overall cost of $64 million.

The third section of the exhibit displays the Agencys publications on Al-Quds, emphasizing its religious and cultural significance as well as Moroccans historical connection to this sacred city.

Another section is showcasing the goods and crafts made by affiliated associations and institutions in Al-Quds, including traditional clothing, textiles, jewellery, woodwork, ceramics, decorative items and other works crafted by Palestinian artisan masters.

Wednesday also witnessed the inauguration of the refurbished Moroccan Salon located next to the Great Hall of the Arab League. The Salon reflects the sophistication of Moroccan architecture as well as the richness and diversity of the Kingdoms culture.
North Platte City Council members will wrap up their work on the citys 2023-24 budget with final votes at a special meeting Thursday evening.

The budget drew no public comments during a 15-minute hearing at Tuesdays regular meeting, setting up Thursdays votes.

Council members will reconvene at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chamber, 211 W. Third St., to adopt the $260.9 million spending plan, the citys 2023-24 property tax rate and Municipal Light & Water utility rates for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

The special meeting will be livestreamed on the citys YouTube channel. For access, visit www.ci.north-platte.ne.us/government/city-council/agendas-minutes.

While total authorized 2023-24 spending for all funds would jump 41.3%, next years city property tax request would fall by $57,538 for its first decline in eight years.

North Plattes 2023-24 tax rate to support city government would drop by 8.6% to 40.1 cents per $100 of taxable value. The citys total taxable value went up 8.6% to $1.89 billion.

The citys property tax request mainly supports its general fund, which would rise by only 2.6% to $35.5 million and accounts for just 13.6% of the budget.

A 3.5% cost-of-living increase for all city employees is included in the budget, Finance Director Dawn Miller said at Tuesdays hearing.

She added that two new funds  neither of them supported by property taxes  account for most of the total budgets $76.3 million increase.

One fund contains $20 million appropriated by the Legislature for North Platte to add industrial wastewater treatment to its city wastewater plant in connection with the Sustainable Beef LLC plant being built next door.

The other fund will hold $52.3 million in bond proceeds for the expansion of the North Platte Recreation Complex, renovation of Cody Pool and relocation of the citys skate park. Voters strongly approved a temporary half-cent sales tax increase last year to repay those bonds.

Self-supporting ML&W will receive a 21.5% spending boost over 2022-23, which Miller attributed to higher capital costs for the electric, water and wastewater departments. ML&W accounts for 30.2% of the total budget.

Councilman Ed Rieker, the only council member to speak during the 15-minute budget hearing, noted that he has long sought to reduce taxes during his five years in office. Its exciting to see this is actually happening, he said.

In other business Tuesday, council members voted 8-0 to revoke a 2019 conditional use permit granted to Creative Landscapes of Nebraska to develop greenhouses, a nursery and a retail storefront at 2000 W. Eugene Ave.

The decision came just shy of four years after the council split 4-3 in favor of site owner Justin Warners request on Sept. 27, 2019. Then-Mayor Dwight Livingston cast the necessary fifth vote because a council member was absent.

Warner said at the time he had planned to build a personal home there but decided to develop his landscaping business on the site instead. His 5-acre lot lies outside city limits but within the citys 2-mile zoning jurisdiction in an A-1 transitional agriculture zone.

Two of Warners immediate neighbors sharply objected, including Michael Cook, who lives just to the east at 1906 W. Eugene Ave. Cook was present at Tuesdays meeting but did not speak.

Among other complaints, Cook said at the September 2019 council meeting that the would-be landscaping site wasnt being properly maintained.

Planning Administrator Judy Clark made similar comments Tuesday. She told council members that Warner had received a permit for a 6-foot-tall privacy fence  a condition of his conditional use permit  but had only partly finished it.

Neighbors have continued to complain about the sites condition, Clark said. Its mainly used to store materials, and its unsightly.

Conditional use permits generally expire after two years if little to nothing has been done to get the associated project finished and operating, she said.

Clark nonetheless recommended that the council formally vote to revoke Warners permit for the landscaping business.

Also Tuesday:

Final votes on a pair of ordinances sharply raising occupation taxes on games of skill with betting capability were pulled from the agenda. Mayor Brandon Kelliher said final tweaks needed to be made to both ordinances.

The council approved a $91,287 purchase agreement with Bill Summers Ford for two new Water Department service trucks as part of a five-item consent agenda.
North Plattes 2023-24 city budget drew no public comments at its City Council hearing Tuesday, setting up a final vote at a special meeting Thursday.

Council members will reconvene at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chamber, 211 W. Third St., to adopt the $260.9 million spending plan, property tax rate and Municipal Light & Water utility rates for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

While total authorized spending for all funds would jump 41.3% from 2022-23, next years city property tax request would fall by $57,538 for its first decline in eight years.

North Plattes 2023-24 tax rate to support city government would drop by 8.6% to 40.1 cents per $100 of taxable value. The citys total taxable value went up 8.6% to $1.89 billion.

The citys property tax request mainly supports its general fund, which would rise by only 2.6% to $35.5 million and accounts for just 13.6% of the budget.

A 3.5% cost-of-living increase for all city employees is included in the budget, City Finance Director Dawn Miller said at Tuesdays hearing.

She added that two new funds  neither of them supported by property taxes  account for most of the total budgets $76.3 million increase.

One fund contains $20 million appropriated by the Legislature for North Platte to add industrial wastewater treatment to its city wastewater plant in connection with the Sustainable Beef LLC plant being built next door.

The other fund will hold $52.3 million in bond proceeds for the expansion of the North Platte Recreation Complex, renovation of Cody Pool and relocation of the citys skate park. Voters strongly approved a temporary half-cent sales tax increase last year to repay those bonds.

Self-supporting ML&W will receive a 21.5% spending boost over 2022-23, which Miller attributed to higher capital costs for the electric, water and wastewater departments. ML&W accounts for 30.2% of the total budget.

Councilman Ed Rieker, the only council member to speak during the 15-minute budget hearing, noted that he has long sought to reduce taxes during his five years in office. Its exciting to see this is actually happening, he said.

Also Tuesday, the council unanimously rejected making a small event venue of the former St. Paul Lutheran Church in the 2200 block of Anna Avenue near Westfield Shopping Center.

Its 8-0 vote followed an hours worth of public hearing testimony  briefly suspended by the 6:30 p.m. budget hearing  in which most of the 27 speakers urged council members to turn away new owners Scott and Melinda Standages proposal to turn the 1956 church into the Old Church Hall venue.

Anna Avenue residents dominated the hearing, with virtually all of them saying they dont want late-night noise and even greater traffic on the street than they get now from Westfield.

A few speakers, mainly from other parts of North Platte, said the city needs more places to hold family-oriented events like baby showers and wedding, anniversary and graduation receptions like those when the building still was a church itself.

The councils vote turned away a request to change the citys land-use map to accommodate a rezoning from R-2 residential to a PB-1 planned neighborhood commercial services district. Its rejection rendered a proposed rezoning ordinance moot.

More details from Tuesdays hearing and council debate on the Old Church plan will be in Thursdays print Telegraph and on nptelegraph.com.

In other business Tuesday:

Final votes on a pair of ordinances sharply raising occupation taxes on games of skill with betting capability were pulled from the agenda. Mayor Brandon Kelliher said final tweaks needed to be made to both ordinances.

Council members unanimously revoked a 2019 conditional use permit granted to Creative Landscapes of Nebraska, which had planned greenhouses, a nursery and a retail space at 2000 W. Eugene Ave.

The council approved a $91,287 purchase agreement with Bill Summers Ford for two new Water Department service trucks as part of a five-item consent agenda.
Starting Tuesday, Nebraska Medicine will begin billing patients  or their insurance carriers  for electronic messages that require more than five minutes of a health care providers time.

Most messages sent to a patients health care team will remain free, according to the Omaha-based health systems web page. Those include requests for prescription refills and appointments, messages that lead to an appointment, follow-up care related to surgeries within the past 90 days and messages that take only a few minutes to answer.

But those that require medical expertise and more than five minutes of provider time may be billed to insurance. That list will include messages about new symptoms that require medical assessment or referral; changes to medications; check-ups, changes or flare-ups in chronic conditions and requests to complete medical forms.

Health system officials said they expect the new policy to affect about 1% of patients, based on the experience of other health systems nationwide that have begun billing for electronic messaging through patient portals.

By mid-August, that list numbered 22 health systems, including the Cleveland Clinic, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Mayo Clinic, according to a tally by Fierce Healthcare, a healthcare business publication. Most similarly bill for messages that require added time and expertise.

Nebraska Medicines webpage indicates that making the change allows the health system to continue to provide patients with cost-effective care that may otherwise have to be done through a more expensive in-person or telehealth appointment.

So far, the health system is the only one in Nebraska set to begin billing for certain messages, officials said. But the move comes as electronic communications, from messaging to telemedicine, are playing a growing role in health care, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing changes in Medicare billing that broadened coverage for telehealth visits and allowed it for messages through electronic portals.

Such changes are expected to continue, said Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association.

As patient care continues to move toward digital platforms, it is important that health care providers are appropriately compensated for their expertise and time, he said in a statement. Over the next decade, we will certainly see innovation play a bigger role in health care delivery and payment for those services will continue to evolve.

Nebraska Medicine noted on its website that costs for messages may be covered, depending on the insurer. Patients may receive a bill for a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Nebraska Medicine uses the MyChart portal offered by EPIC, its electronic health record provider.

Nebraska Medicaid patients will not be charged out-of-pocket costs. For most Medicare patients, the out-of-pocket costs will be $11 to $21. The average out-of-pocket costs for most patients with private insurance and for those with no insurance will be $24.
Photo: Julia Nikhinson/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images

After his plea deal dramatically collapsed in court earlier this summer, it looks like Hunter Biden will face the music later in September. In federal court in Delaware on Wednesday, special counsel David Weiss wrote that his office intends to seek the return of an indictment against the presidents son by September 29.

The prosecutions filing is the latest bad news for the younger Biden, who was ready to sign off on a deal after a five-year investigation into his lobbying work. To avoid prison, he agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanors for failing to pay taxes and enter a pretrial diversion program to dismiss a felony firearm charge related to lying on a gun-permit application. But the agreement collapsed in court on July 26. Judge Maryellen Noreika asked whether the deal would grant Biden immunity from any future charges related to his foreign lobbying. Weiss answered that it did not grant Biden such immunity, adding that his investigation is ongoing. Bidens attorneys appeared shocked by this development. They pronounced the plea deal null and void and entered a not guilty plea.

If Weisss team indicts Hunter Biden, it will add to next years courtroom frenzy, since a jury would likely not be seated until 2024. And there would most probably be two trials  one in Delaware and one either in California or in the District of Columbia, which Weisss team has argued would be the appropriate venue for the tax charges. Both the former president and the current presidents son could potentially be facing a trial during an election year in the same courtroom.

Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
Naomi (right) and the Other Naomi (left). Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty

To start, a confession: I have done it myself. Confused Naomi Klein, the Canadian social democrat, the reporter from war zones and borderlands, the author of No Logo and The Shock Doctrine, with Naomi Wolf, the American something-wave feminist turned QAnon-adjacent conspiracist and wild anti-vaxxer. It was, to be fair, a long time ago on a long-defunct pseudonymous blog (remember those?), where I was performing a primitive version of the kinds of digital doubling that are among the topics of Kleins new book, Doppelganger, which wrestles with the many ways  literary, literal, intellectual, otherwise  that the contemporary world and modern technology create doubles, mirror images, and shadows of our selves.

When I made the mistake, Naomi Wolf, or Other Naomi, as Klein cannot help but refer to her, had not yet gone fully around the bend, and she still occupied a space on what we would now broadly call the left. So while her subjects and preoccupations were not entirely of a piece with Kleins, the two Naomis nevertheless commented on a similar enough range of topics, in a sometimes-overlapping roster of publications, that it was easy enough, when dashing off a hasty post about some item in the news, to slip and mix them up. I cant recall exactly what I was responding to or much else of what I said. But I do, to this day, remember the first sentence of the post: Naomi Klein has lost her mind.

I was of course talking about Naomi Wolf  a reader immediately pointed that out in the comments section, to my embarrassment and shame. The mistake is even more egregious in retrospect, now that Wolf has suggested that vaccinated peoples urine and feces need to be quarantined so as not to contaminate drinking water with, well, it is hard to say what, and that the vaccinated have furthermore been transformed into holograms or zombies, drained of their elan vital by some heretofore undiscovered occult property of mRNA technology.

But I think it is fair to say that Doppelganger is a book about how, in a sense, Naomi Klein has lost her mind. How the mind, the self, the soul, however you want to put it, is afflicted, inevitably these days, by a kind of slippage, even if one does not have an actual, uncanny, ludicrous double with the same name and same career with whom one is often confused. How digital life, how contemporary capitalism, how the political and economic derangements of the 21st century cleave us into pieces and make us a little crazy. How we can lose in some quite literal sense our minds, and what it might take to find and recover them.

But it is hard to escape a sense that Klein is too much the self-created product and brand that she effectively critiques to fully embrace the absurdity, to really enter what she calls the Mirror World, as not just a reporter, but as an inhabitant, embodying its reflections and refractions, in order to recreate it in all its wild strangeness on the page. Is Naomi Klein weird enough for the book that she has written?

The setup is absurd. One could make a great novel out of it, though some of the details would beggar belief in fiction, like the fact that both Naomis are married to men named Avram. For a long time, Klein more or less resigned herself to the existence of this odd double out in the world, this other writer with whom she was forever finding herself confused, but then it begins to occur to her that they are not being confused, but conflated, treated as one interchangeable Naomi. Through some combination of factors  the stasis and isolation of the pandemic; Wolfs fraught public discrediting and wild descent into the far reaches of conspiracy and political alliance with the far right  she finds herself becoming obsessed. She mainlines former Trump consigliere Steve Bannons War Room podcast, corrects strangers who mistake her for Wolf online, drives her own family more than a little mad with her maniac descents down the conspiracy rabbit hole to try to divine not only what Other Naomi says and believes, but why.

The result is often fascinating and, like much of Kleins previous writing, not without neat coinages and pithy, memorable formulae, sometimes literally: I could offer a kind of equation for leftists and liberals crossing over to the authoritarian right that goes something like: Narcissism(Grandiosity) + Social media addiction + Midlife crisis  Public shaming = Right-wing meltdown. And there would be some truth to that bit of math. This feels both exactly correct and a little on the nose, an (ironically!) tweetable insight that belies the more complicated social and psychological genealogy of the conspiracist doppelganger.

Kleins book suffers from the fact that there is already such an intense and compelling library of doppelganger film and literature against which to compare. She cites much of it in her book: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Great Dictator, Graham Greenes Ways of Escape, Philip Roths Operation Shylock. There have been novels like Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and Atmospheric Disturbances by Rivka Galchen or, more recently, variations on the themes of the digital double life by Patricia Lockwood (No One Is Talking About This) and Lauren Oyler (Fake Accounts). All of these works deal in remarkable and profound ways with the sheer uncanniness of finding oneself either to be a fake or to be surrounded by them, unable to quite parse where the border between reality and replication lies, if there is a border at all. And many of them give in to a degree of unknowability that Klein, a relentless explicator, is sometimes at a bit of a loss to evoke.

Because for Klein, the figure of the doppelganger is not so much a phenomenon in itself that is a potent subject of investigation as it is an extended metaphoric scheme for reporting on a variety of other related and semi-related phenomena. This is what it means to say that Klein is perhaps a victim of her own brand. In The Shock Doctrine, for example, the harrowing story of psychological experimentation designed to torture a human mind into becoming a blank slate upon which a new personality could be built is proposed, with varying degrees of success, as a model for a wide-ranging story about socioeconomic dislocation and exploitation. Similarly, Doppelganger is ostensibly a book about what it is like to be mistaken for someone else, but Kleins weird situation, to have a shared name and parallel career with her stand-in, is really a jumping-off point for musings on everything from machine-produced language to the sprawling anti-vaccination movement to the pervasive sense, among many on the less lunatic side of the conspiracy divide, that their loved ones have been body-snatched, their physical selves still present but their minds replaced with replicas full of impossibly paranoid beliefs.

Although much of it is compelling, it does suffer from a kind of airport-book schematism, a habit of fitting too many phenomena too neatly into its titular conceptual framework. It is, in fact, a habit of mind and a tic of writing that has quite a lot in common with the conspiratorial style that Doppelganger critiques: a tendency to view overlapping and interrelated trends and occurrences as being necessarily causative of one another, guided by a central hand, designed; a tendency likewise to ignore the old saw about how difficult it is to disentangle malevolence and stupidity (a major flaw in, for example, The Shock Doctrines attempt to explicate the launch and conduct of the American war in Iraq). There is a frustrating tendency toward Capitalized Concepts  the Mirror World, the Shadow Lands  that can feel overbroad and too finely drawn at the same time. Klein is not unaware of this irony: The book is very much about the difficulty, even the impossibility, of escaping from the public doubles that we ourselves deliberately create. But it is an interesting question: Was Naomi Klein in the end unable to escape from writing a Naomi Klein book?

That would be the real trick: to write a book that is a doppelganger, an almost-but-not-quite version of its own model and its own template. That millions of people have given themselves over to fantasy is not, I suspect, a controversial statement to the average reader of a book by Klein, but it tips into real insight when she goes on: The trickier thing, the uncanny thing, really, is thats what they see when they look at us  on either side of the reflective glass, we are not having disagreements about differing interpretations of reality  we are having disagreements about who is in reality and who is in a simulation. It is this surreal dream logic, Narcissuss reflection staring back at him from the pool, that forms the most potent through-line of the book, an opportunity to become something truly different that it may not fully achieve, even if it does succeed in using this uncanniness to interesting rhetorical effect.

Here is a reviewer, after all, staring at a text by Naomi Klein and thinking, This sounds too much like a book by Naomi Klein. If Doppelganger has a single thesis, it may be that the way to understand the shadow worlds of conspiracy, of digital imitation, of the deep fake, is to abandon the idea of the fake altogether. These doubles, these others, are not a lie so much as they are bullshit: not deliberate and instrumental mistruth, but another truth.

On the other hand, Klein speculates that our duplicates represent, in a Freudian sense, the vast potentialities that our lives hold, and that they are stand-ins for the roads not taken. This suggests that the mirror is the wrong metaphor; that the fundamental quality of the duplicate is its porosity, the way the I and the other bleed back and forth, the way false conspiracies can so often be intimations of the often very real conspiracies that Klein has spent a career reporting on and exposing. It is also a missed opportunity to reflect on the way that the left, and Klein herself, can, in an often attractive manner, gather together the crimes and misdeeds of the American empire, of modern capitalism, of the West, into grand and overdetermined narratives that seek to explain how we got here, with all its damnable contingency, its combination of ingeniously cynical malefactors and glibly idiotic true believers, as if history were a coherent whole, as if it had a shape to it. Klein is perhaps too assured in her own identity, too self-possessed, to be truly unsettled by the presence of that other person in the mirror. It is one question that the book circles but does not answer, an absurdity that it intimates but never fully plumbs: We learn how irritating, unnerving, and frustrating it is to be mistaken for Other Naomi, but somehow it feels as if Doppelganger is unwilling, or unable, to dive right in and make us feel what it is like to become, even if by accident, someone else.
A staff member explains as visitors look at an emergency communication support system at the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

A staff member explains as visitors look at a robot made by Tesla at the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

Visitors look at a Tesla vehicle at the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

A staff member explains as visitors look at a smart factory robot in the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

People visit the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

A visitor looks at electronic products at Germany's Pavilion of China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

A staff member explains as visitors look at the smart city command center project in the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)

A staff member explains as visitors look at smart manufacturing projects in the China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 6, 2023.

The China International Digital Economy Expo 2023 kicked off here on Wednesday, focusing on the development of the industrial internet. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)
A total of 1,500 Macon County residents remain without water one week after lightning struck two water pumps, according to the Macon County Emergency Management Agency.

Residents have been relying on bottled water since thunderstorms damaged the water pumps on Coon Hop Road and Germany Lane, said Frank Lee, the director of the Macon County EMA.

He said the pump on Coon Hop Road is back online as of Tuesday afternoon. The water pressure has began building in the tank. The water has been tested for bacteria to ensure its safe for residents in the western part of Macon County.

The bacteria samples have been approved. Therefore that has allowed them to allow water to flow through the system, Lee said about the pump on Coon Hop Road.

The pump in the southern part of Macon County on Germany Lane remains inoperable as of Tuesday evening.

Were hoping that will be taken care of as far as the repairs being made within the next few days and the system, hopefully, will be up and running pretty soon, Lee said.

The Macon EMA director said lightning struck one pump after a thunderstorm broke out on Sunday, Aug. 27. Less than 24 hours later, lightning from a second thunderstorm struck another water pump.

Lee said 1,500 residents have been without water ever since.

The outage also impacted the Macon County Jail in Tuskegee, Macon County Sheriff Andre Brunson said. Without water pressure, no one there has been able to flush toilets, shower, cook or wash dishes. Those incarcerated at the jail were transferred to other jails in the area on Friday to address sanitation concerns.

The Macon County Jail has not returned to operational capacity, Lee said on Tuesday.

EMA director voices leadership concerns

Lee took to Facebook on Friday to voice his concerns about how the Macon County Commission has handled the water crisis over the past week.

Our current ongoing water crisis is still not mitigated, and we should not down play the severity of what the final outcome will bring, Lee said. When our citizens are without water, this constitutes an emergency.

Lee said the county can take advantage of additional resources, supplies and technical support if the Macon County Commission declares that the incident is an emergency. The commission has yet to do that. He said he cant move forward in regard to professionally doing what I need to do unless that happens.

The commission should have met and taken the leadership role and worked along with the water authority, because the commission appoints members to the water authority, Lee said. Ultimately, they have the responsibility to make sure that all situations are safe, and then under control.

Louis Maxwell, a chairman of the Macon County Commission, said the Macon County Water Authority has not declared an emergency. He said the commission will make an emergency declaration if the water authority does.

An emergency declaration wouldnt do anything, because they dont need any equipment and they dont need any supplies, Maxwell said.

Community comes together amid water crisis

Lee said he has done all he can to help. Hes been working with food banks in Montgomery and Lee County to provide residents who have been impacted with bottled water as repairs continue. The Alabama Emergency Management Association coordinated those efforts.

Brunson said the community has come together to help one another during the water crisis. On Tuesday, he said area officials handed out bottled water to residents in need.

Weve had people from all over the area to donate water and things like that to help the community, the sheriff said. Thats always uplifting and pleasing to have people in surrounding areas that want to donate and help us out Its just everybody working together trying to get things done.

The Opelika-Auburn News made multiple attempts on Tuesday to reach Elnora Love, the manager of the Macon County Water Authority. Those attempts were not successful.
i can't wait to see this film tbh

Reply

Thread

Link

The people who are handwringing about whether Olivia will get more directing jobs after this have literally nothing to worry about if all this drama translates into ticket sales.

I had absolutely little to no interest in seeing this movie before all the shit hit the fan so in that respect I think this works in the box offices favor

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

same I love mess

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

not florence arriving in venice mid-press conference lmao

Reply

Thread

Link

Florence's purple outfit is stunning. It's sad that Harry thinks acting is just "pretending to be someone else" and Shia exposed Olivia with receipts about him leaving, not getting fired. I have nothing nice to say about Olivia, so I will leave it at lighten up on the eyeliner.

Reply

Thread

Link

It's almost as if he's...not an actor and shouldn't have been given this big role when there are plenty of talented (and hopefully non-abusive) actors out there 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Is he an abuser? And also





Your comment gave me the thought- I wonder is miss o liv hired him cause she thought he was hawt

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

acting is just pretending to be somebody else. Tho I expected some faux-deep jeremy strong type answer to acting so good for him for being real about it.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





Florence furiously texting Denis to ask when air evac can come pick her up and take her back to the Dune set via GIPHY

Reply

Thread

Link

Shes about to answer her phone, oh no. You locked yourself out and I am the only one that has a spare key? Well, gosh, Im at this thing for work but

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

"I won't leave you high and dry. Let me just call this Uber."

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Me during any bad hookup

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

This is sooooo messy my god

Reply

Thread

Link





florence pugh and olivia wilde at the red carpet for don't worry darling pic.twitter.com/nQRjKusFZh  female kendall roy (@saoirceronan) August 30, 2022 another one, soz

Reply

Thread

Link

Her brother shooting Dune as well or? Im kind of surprised they are sticking with the shes coming from Dune and has to leave right away story bc it kind of feels like they are throwing Denis Villeneuve into an awkward spot especially given that Timmy was just all over Venice for the entire weekend.

Reply

Thread

Link

We all know this has nothing to do with Dune, lol. Zendaya has been in NY celebrating her birthday and Timmy has been sashaying all up and down the catwalk.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Flo looks  idk if she lost weight or just toned up or what but she is look fab. She looked fab before as well, of course



Olivias eyeliner is a look that she should get rid of imo

Reply

Thread

Link

"idk if she lost weight or"



she lost the weight of zach braff.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

love that foor her

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

its very kate Middleton of her

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link





Get called a dirty (c-word) because a large lady can't squeeze past me, that's right blame me for your size. #onlyinlondon   Florence Pugh (@Florence_Pugh) August 7, 2014 She probably wanted to avoid this

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

the "noise" and "gossip" was actual receipts with a video OF YOU, OLIVIA, but okay!!

Reply

Thread

Link

not that I'm trained in PR or anything but I'm kind of... shocked they didn't address the video at all before Venice? Like surely some kind of publicist prepared statement would help them control the narrative better than a live panel

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

They did. They said Olivia actually never actually said she fired Shia..

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

It's such a cowardly way out tbh. I don't care how much of an asshole you were, owning up to your shit is always the way to go. People might not forgive and much less forget, but at least you earn some respect. I hate cowardice, especially on something as shallow and idiotic as this whole thing.



It's just a film, it's not like she kept the cure of cancer from society or anything.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

her body was hacked! Westworld style!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

They're lucky they can blame her absence on Dune, I wonder what they would say if she wasn't filming anything.

Reply

Thread

Link

They could easily blame covid

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

And the Messiest Movie of the Year goes to...

Reply

Thread

Link

Unpopular opinion maybe, but I think all three of them are insufferable. Sure, I dont get Florences hype to begin with, but I also feel likethese excuses for not doing press for the film are just not adding up when other, actually primary members of Dune are out and about doing their press rounds for various projects or living their personal lives. Also, this is way too much and doing the most for a film that really doesnt seem to be adding up to be anything special or rather that in any other hands would be some minor indie work.

Reply

Thread

Link

Honestly, same. I don't like any of them and I'm not getting how it's funny considering how well that menace of Laboeuf might come out of it :/.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Yeah, Shia is using all of this to start his redemption tour, so I can't find it entertaining.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

it's not funny at all in the grand schemes of things, olivia isn't a saint but the hate and abuse she's receiving online when it should be at the likes of labeouf. it's infuriating. if she were a male director there'd be memes and how she's an icon for bagging one of her cast members.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Im a little suspicious that Flo is using Shia as a cover for a more petty feud. With more coming out and the fact that it seems florence and Shia never met in person, its a little questionable that she let the trades and internet run wild with speculation that Shia was also abusing her. Shes never publicly supported twigs so it feels a little gross if its not true. I dunno as soon as Shia got involved this got more dark.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Ive been feeling the same way. Never was really a big fan of any of them but wanted to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and now Im just like eh fuck em all actually lol



*Shia did not get any doubt-benefit and can roast in piss



Edited at 2022-09-05 02:16 pm (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Not unpopular at all. I personally feel that Florence is coming off a bit unprofessional, too, especially as the movie's lead. In the future, is she going to do this for all movies where she and the director don't get along? I really want her to keep this same energy when it's big name male director.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

Completely agree with you. All of them are obnoxious in this situation.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i agree w you. i dont like anybody here lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

What makes you think she wants the excuses to make sense? lol Florence's actions are obviously pretty pointed. She gets to send a message without actually having to say anything nor deal with work obligations regarding the film, which is truly the best of both worlds. I don't have a horse in this race but the universe handed her the most perfect way to be shady, and she took it. My petty ass cannot judge the sis for that.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I generally don't like her, but I feel like if she says something it's gonna be contorted so I don't blame her for doing nothing.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

i am still not over that all this drama is from a movie called DON'T WORRY darling.

Reply

Thread

Link

i mean the color is similar...

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Missed opportunity tbh

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

honestly I'd like to wear this dress every day

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I mean that would be amazing

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Me at my job 

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Same, when I have to go into the office.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link
Combustible Dust in Industrial and Manufacturing Settings

Expert Mark Ramos joins OH&S to delve into the unseen challenges and solutions when it comes to managing combustible dust in industrial and manufacturing facilities.

Throughout nearly every industrial or manufacturing facility lies a silent yet potent adversary: combustible dust. Often overlooked, combustible dust has the potential to wreak havoc. For safety managers, the challenges of managing and mitigating these threats can be daunting.

A seasoned expert who is no stranger to the challenges and intricacies of managing combustible dust in industrial-manufacturing settings is Mark Ramos, the Business Development Manager IVACS, Western Region, for Nilfisk, a global manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment, including systems for collecting combustible dust.

Ramos has dedicated his work at Nilfisk to understanding and addressing the complexities of dust collection and safety. Having joined the company in 2000 as a district sales manager for the Pacific Northwest, Ramoss responsibilities grew over time, leading him to oversee territories spanning from the U.S. states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska to the western provinces of Canada. ,

Hi work in dust collection and safety took on even more importance in 2008, when the fatal explosion at the Imperial Sugar Mill in Port Wentworth, Ga. prompted OSHA to heighten safety regulations surrounding combustible dust. Ramos, having been on the field and in management roles, witnessed firsthand the industry's response to these regulatory shifts. His travels across diverse regions allowed him to interact with a variety of industries, broadening his understanding of the safety concerns surrounding dust.

In a conversation with Occupational Health & Safety, Ramos provides insights gleaned from his years in the field, offering a comprehensive view of combustible dust management's challenges and solutions in the industrial-manufacturing setting.

OH&S: What makes the industrial-manufacturing setting unique when it comes to combustible dust safety?

Ramos: A lot of it is about buildup. In most facilities, it comes down to basics. It's about the programs you have in place to mitigate dust buildup. Do you consistently monitor and remain true to whatever your policy is? I could share some stories from over the years and places I've visited. When you walk into a facility and say, "I'm gonna do a site assessment," you try to understand what people's challenges are.

A lot of people see everything that's going on at floor level. We can look down and see what's on the floor, and observe what's in and around equipment. But I tend to look up. If you observe dust residing in the rafters, that's the "out of sight, out of mind" dust that exists in many facilities. This indicates there's probably not a comprehensive program in place.

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
Helping New Hires Navigate Chemical Safety

Orienting new employees on chemical safety requires leveraging the right methods and tools to ensure a slate of learning objectives takes hold.

Introducing new team members to chemical safety is challenging but crucial. The alarming 24.5 percent spike in hazard communication violations OSHA recently recorded is a glaring reminder of the stakes.

Trainers must balance their orientations thoroughness and efficacy, and that requires a structured approach, innovative methodologies, and timely execution. Done right, trainers can ensure that new employees are not just introduced to chemical safety protocols, but truly understand their depth and significance. That way, safety isnt merely a protocol, but a practiced ethos.

Orientation Objectives: Crafting a Comprehensive Approach

A solid orientation is the foundation upon which safety practices are built, and there are many learning objectives when it comes to laying that foundation. When guiding newcomers on chemical safety, here are some essential elements:

Understanding Hazards. New employees should grasp the vast landscape of chemical hazards. This includes not only recognizing but also proficiently classifying chemicals, understanding their properties, and appreciating the risks they pose.

Chemical Storage Protocols . Proper storage of chemicals is pivotal. Employees should be aware of storage requirements, such as temperature controls, containment methods, and the significance of segregating certain chemicals to prevent adverse reactions.

. Proper storage of chemicals is pivotal. Employees should be aware of storage requirements, such as temperature controls, containment methods, and the significance of segregating certain chemicals to prevent adverse reactions. Handling & Disposal . Alongside understanding a chemicals nature, employees must be versed in the nuanced protocols for safe handling. Additionally, they should know how to dispose of chemicals responsibly, keeping environmental impacts in mind and recognizing potential hazards.

. Alongside understanding a chemicals nature, employees must be versed in the nuanced protocols for safe handling. Additionally, they should know how to dispose of chemicals responsibly, keeping environmental impacts in mind and recognizing potential hazards. Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Adhering to HazCom principles is paramount in chemical safety. Employees should be adept at interpreting chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). They must be trained to efficiently extract crucial safety information from these resources and understand its practical implications in their daily tasks.

Adhering to HazCom principles is paramount in chemical safety. Employees should be adept at interpreting chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). They must be trained to efficiently extract crucial safety information from these resources and understand its practical implications in their daily tasks. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) . Employees should be thoroughly educated on the different types of PPE available, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. More importantly, they should be trained on when and how to use them correctly, as well as proper maintenance, storage, and regular inspection of PPE.

. Employees should be thoroughly educated on the different types of PPE available, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. More importantly, they should be trained on when and how to use them correctly, as well as proper maintenance, storage, and regular inspection of PPE. Health Implications . Its imperative for employees to understand both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects of exposure. This knowledge empowers them to act proactively, recognizing early signs of exposure or distress.

. Its imperative for employees to understand both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) health effects of exposure. This knowledge empowers them to act proactively, recognizing early signs of exposure or distress. Emergency Protocols . Despite all preventive measures, emergencies can occur. Employees should be equipped with robust response strategies, from managing small-scale spills to navigating large-scale evacuations.

. Despite all preventive measures, emergencies can occur. Employees should be equipped with robust response strategies, from managing small-scale spills to navigating large-scale evacuations. Monitoring & Reporting . Introducing employees to tools that provide real-time monitoring for chemical leaks or air quality issues is crucial. Additionally, they should be familiar with mechanisms for reporting chemical hazards, near misses, or other relevant incidents.

. Introducing employees to tools that provide real-time monitoring for chemical leaks or air quality issues is crucial. Additionally, they should be familiar with mechanisms for reporting chemical hazards, near misses, or other relevant incidents. Inventory Management. A clear inventory system, especially for high-risk chemicals, ensures that potential risks are identified and managed promptly. New hires should understand how to access and update this inventory.

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
Prioritizing Safety from the Top Down

The world of worker safety is redefining head protection as it makes the shift from traditional hard hats to comprehensive safety helmets in construction.

To prioritize the safety of employers and employees, it is crucial to reevaluate the current head protection available to industrial workers.

Traditionally, construction tradespeople and industrial workers have relied on conventional hard hats. While these hard hats primarily offer protection against falling objects, they fall short in terms of safeguarding workers against other potential head injuries resulting from falls, slips, and trips. Therefore, they require more comprehensive head protection than what traditional hard hats can provide.

Construction sites inherently pose risks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020, construction laborers had a higher incidence rate of nonfatal falls, slips, or trips (52.5 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) compared to the average for all workers (22.9 cases). This disparity comes as no surprise, given the multitude of hazards present at construction sites, ranging from falling objects to electrical and chemical exposures.

The Helmet Overhaul

Falls rank as the third leading cause of fatal incidents in the construction industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 1,008 documented fatal falls in the United States construction industry in 2020, accounting for approximately 35 percent of all construction-related accidents. Considering that more than half of the construction workforce operates on scaffolds, significantly increasing the risk of falls from heights and associated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), this is no surprise.

In reaction, the industry is shifting its approach to head protection. For more than a century, the industry has relied on the traditional hard hat, which today must comply with the American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection (ANSI) Z89.1 Type I standard. However, when it comes to impact protection, Type I hard hats are designed only to reduce the force of impact from the top of the headtypically from falling objects.

Now, various industrial-related industry decision makers, from plant operators to construction safety officers and other professionals, are moving toward the new ANSI Z89.1 Type II Safety Helmet as part of their personal protective equipment (PPE) arsenal.

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
The Public Sector Side of Facility Safety

Facilities Management and Public Works play a critical role as disaster site first responders, but its a role thats not fully recognized.

If we compare the definitions of Facility Management and Public Works, we find many similar responsibilities. Facility Management is a professional management discipline focused on the efficient and effective delivery of logistics and other support services related to real property and buildings. Public Works is the combination of physical assets, management practices, policies, and personnel necessary for cities and state governments to provide and sustain structures and services essential to the health, welfare, and safety for its employees and citizens.

The National Response Framework (NRF) is a guide to how the private sector and local, state and the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities.

One of these roles includes the management and response activities to provide company, local and state support required under the Stafford Act. This is administration of Emergency Support Functions 3 (ESFs): Activities within the scope of this ESF 3 include conducting pre- and post-incident assessments of public works and infrastructure; executing emergency contract support for life-saving and life-sustaining services; providing technical assistance to include engineering expertise and construction management; contracting and real estate services; and providing emergency repair of damaged public infrastructure and critical facilities.

The private sector owns and/or operates a large proportion of the nations infrastructure and is a partner and/or lead for the rapid restoration of infrastructure-related services. Through ongoing planning and coordination, the private sector provides critical details for incident action planning and decision-making processes during an incident. Private-sector mutual aid and assistance networks facilitate the sharing of resources to support response.

Some of the responsibilities include:

Providing emergency repairs of damaged public infrastructure and critical facilities,

Activities include providing public information, contributing to situational awareness, establishing response teams, leveraging technological tools, training and exercising with partners,

Provides assessment and emergency response support for water, wastewater treatment facilities,

Provides assistance in the monitoring and stabilization of damaged structures and the demolition of structures designated as immediate hazards to public health and safety,

Provides technical assistance in engineering expertise and construction management,

Provides coordination, response, and technical assistance for rapid stabilization and reestablishment of critical services,

Provides personnel to assist in damage assessment, structural inspections,

Provide First on the Scene first aid services until the ambulances arrives.

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
It's been 10 years since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese leader Xi Jinping's signature foreign-policy venture that has seen hundreds of billions of dollars invested into infrastructure around the world, was unveiled as part of a major push to build global influence.

But where does it stand after a decade?

Finding Perspective: It was September 6, 2013, when Xi touched down in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and was warmly greeted by then-President Nursultan Nazarbaev. The next day, he gave a speech where he evoked imagery of camel caravans as he announced that he wanted to create a contemporary version of the ancient Silk Road.

A lot has changed since then. The initiative has been rebranded and renamed over the years and it has shifted from being seen as a rising economic tide that could lift all boats to the tip of the spear of a wider geopolitical contest for influence.

This evolution has seen BRI go a long way from its early days and has since become far more than just financing and building infrastructure. Today, there's no denying that it's an integral part of Chinese foreign policy and the Chinese Communist Party's global ambitions.

But what future does it hold?

In 10 years, it's grappled with scandals over corruption, environmental degradation, and saddling host countries with debt. The pandemic, by the Chinese Foreign Ministry's own accounting, has impacted up to 40 percent of BRI projects, while 20 percent have been severely impacted with delays or even canceled.

The flip side is that countless roads, railways, and other vital infrastructure have been built in the last decade that might not have otherwise been built -- filling a massive global need and providing a springboard for other Chinese initiatives to follow.

Why It Matters: The BRI has always been something of an ink-blot test that leaves things up for interpretation, but there's no denying that it has been undergoing some massive changes.

A series of projects across low- and middle-income countries have been sidelined or canceled in recent years over sustainability concerns in evidence of buyer's remorse from host governments. Italy, which recently announced that it plans to leave the BRI, is the latest example.

Elsewhere, it's clear that the BRI has slowed down, with fewer projects being funded amid concerns of an overseas debt crisis from the high-octane lending of the project's early days.

But data shows that while China's outbound lending has been in decline since 2016, the project is far from fading away. Rather, Beijing is learning from its mistakes. It's selecting projects and partners more carefully and research shows that it's prioritizing green initiatives and energy deals that are seen as more likely to bring a return on investment.

This makes October's Belt and Road summit in Beijing an important litmus test that raises plenty of questions: Which world leaders will be in attendance? Which countries will snub the event? How will Xi set up the next 10 years? And what new projects might be announced on the sidelines?

Three More Stories From Eurasia

The Taliban Looks To Build A Surveillance Camera Network In Kabul

Is the Taliban creating a surveillance state in Afghanistan? That's a question that my colleague Abubakar Siddique looked into after the Taliban's Interior Ministry announced on August 30 that it plans to install around 62,000 security cameras in Kabul.

The Details: There's still a lot of ambiguity about what's happening on the ground beyond the Taliban's announcement, but Bloomberg reported that the Taliban is working with Chinese tech giant Huawei to set up the surveillance camera network. Huawei denied this, although Bloomberg also reported that representatives from the company held meetings in Afghanistan in August.

The Taliban did not reveal how it obtained the cameras or if it has received assistance to install and operate them, but they have said that the system will improve security and help combat crime.

Such a network -- especially if it is indeed as sophisticated as those made by Huawei -- is a significant development. As Amnesty International warned, such a surveillance system would provide new ways to stifle dissent and enforce its repressive policies, including restrictions on Afghans' appearances, freedom of movement, and access to uncensored information.

For Beijing, a surveillance network in Afghanistan would be a significant step in calming its long-held security concerns in the country, especially over it becoming a safe haven for militants looking to attack China.

No More Illusions In Brussels About China?

I recently sat down with Reinhard Buetikofer, a leading member of the European Parliament, who warned that Europe will need to learn some tough lessons from its past national security failings with Russia if it is to successfully navigate ties with Beijing in the future.

Read the full interview here.

What You Need To Know: Buetikofer chairs the European Parliament's delegation on China and has become one of the EU's most hawkish voices when it comes to dealing with Beijing.

In a wide-ranging interview, he took aim at Beijing's equivocation for the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine and said the EU needed to apply the hard lessons learned from its dependence on Russian energy to the bloc's current ones on the Chinese market and its influence over vital supply chains for strategic industries.

"I think it is fair to say that this experience with Russia has taught us a lesson that should also be applied to our China relations," Buetikofer told me. "China is supporting Russia and does not want Russia to lose in any meaningful way. I certainly do not see them as anywhere near a neutral position. They are trying to take advantage of the war in Ukraine."

There's been lots of movement in the last few years from Brussels to how it sees China and Buetikofer has been a key part in moving that needle. Check out the interview for more.

The Prospective Heir Goes To Beijing

Rustam Emomali, the son of authoritarian Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, traveled to Beijing on August 23, where he met with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng and signed deals worth $400 million, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reported.

What It Means: Rustam Emomali is the mayor of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, the chairman of the Tajik parliament's upper chamber, and is widely seen as his father's likely successor.

This makes the trip to China interesting for a host of reasons. While Moscow is still influential across Central Asia, Beijing's influence continues to grow, especially in Tajikistan, which is relying on Chinese companies for investment to keep its economy running.

Should Rustam Emomali live up to his heir-apparent status, this trip would be seen as a crucial visit to build rapport with a vital ally for the future.

In another noteworthy development from the visit, the Chinese and Tajik sides agreed to create a joint venture to produce some 1,500 electric vehicles annually. The project involves Tajikistan's Avesto Group company, which is linked to Rustam Emomali personally.

ADVERTISEMENT

Across The Supercontinent

A Kyrgyz TikTok Ban?: From targeting independent media outlets like Kloop to now going after TikTok, freedom of speech is finding itself under pressure in Kyrgyzstan, my colleague Chris Rickleton reports.

The New BRICS: Last month's BRICS summit saw the group expand with a series of six new members and increased momentum toward a joint currency to reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

But how feasible is that plan? My colleague Todd Prince explores.

G20 Snub?: Xi -- who has never missed the annual G20 gathering since taking power in 2012 -- will miss this week's event in India and Premier Li Qiang will instead represent China. There's a host of possible explanations, ranging from tensions between Beijing and New Delhi to Xi not wanting to be out of the country for too long amid instability among the Communist Party's top brass.

Eye On Xinjiang: Beijing has changed its approach, but a recent report from Human Rights Watch shows how repressive policies and the forced assimilation of Turkic minorities in Xinjiang in western China -- such as Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz -- is still under way.

One Thing To Watch

After years of tense bilateral ties with Beijing, the United Kingdom is looking to strike a new balancing act with China.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited the country last week, the first to do so in almost five years, and met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng.

Cleverly came under fire at home for the trip, but he told the BBC a lack of in-person meetings can result in misunderstanding.

China's public reputation in much of the West has been in decline and policy with the country is becoming deeply intertwined with domestic politics in many capitals, especially Washington and London. It will be a tough tightrope to walk for many officials to keep reaching out and navigating the practicalities of foreign policy while also embracing hardening rhetoric toward China at home.

By RFE/RL

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
It is customary for Central Asian leaders to exchange pleasantries among themselves whenever one of their countries is marking a day of independence or some other major holiday.

But the warmth that Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov conveyed in his message to his Uzbek counterpart, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for September 1 was more than mere formality.

It is hard to think which two nations in the region are at present enjoying as rosy a relationship as these two.

As the data suggests, this cordial state of affairs is very much a legacy of Mirziyoyevs concerted effort to deepen Uzbekistans engagement with its neighbors following his ascent to power in 2016. The year following that, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan sealed a strategic partnership agreement which has yielded its most visible results in trade.

As Uzbekistans ambassador to Ashgabat, Akmaljon Kuchkarov, wrote on September 1, bilateral trade turnover has grown fivefold since 2017 to reach the $1 billion mark. The envoy express confidence that a follow-up joint declaration signed in October 2022, which commits the neighbors to deepening the strategic partnership, will serve to consolidate that trend and help enhance cultural and humanitarian cooperation too.

The most vivid recent result of this bonhomie was on view late last month, when Uzbekistans Energy Minister, Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, visited Ashgabat and came away with a deal to import up to 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Mirzamakhmudov told reporters that future contracts could be signed for larger amounts.

This is a win-win for everybody involved. Turkmenistan has a new and hopefully reliable long-term buyer for its gas (although the size of the fee is admittedly a mystery), while Uzbekistan can plug the hole left by ever-increasing local demand for and stagnant production of the fuel.

And for simple reasons of geography, Turkmenistan will rely on Uzbekistan to as stated in a government statement regarding Mirzamakhmudovs visit  intensify the creation of a multivariate system for the supply of Turkmen energy resources to foreign countries, primarily to neighboring states.

This is most evidently an allusion to Tajikistan. The presidents of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met for a three-way summit at the start of August in which discussions on energy cooperation were high on the agenda.

Kyrgyzstan is ostensibly another regular customer waiting in the wings. Kyrgyz Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev traveled to Ashgabat in October 2022 and afterward told journalists that talks were underway for Bishkek to buy 300 million cubic meters of Turkmen gas. It is unclear what progress those negotiations produced, but Kyrgyzstan is doubtless still eager. In an interview last month, Ibrayev talked about his governments ambitions to wean the country off its reliance on burning dirty coal and pivot to gas. Another goal is to pipe gas directly into more homes. Ibrayev spoke of sourcing the fuel from Russia, but it is inconceivable Turkmenistan is not also viewed as a strong option.

Kyrgyzstan already relies on Turkmenistan for its energy needs in other ways. As Ibrayev has said, Kyrgyzstan is contracted this year to be supplied with 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity from Turkmenistan, with the volume going up to 1.7 billion kilowatt hours in 2024.

Again, Uzbekistan is the lynchpin nation.

Another set of figures attesting to the increasing ease of Turkmen-Uzbek relations were released earlier in the summer and showed how roughly 39,600 visits had been paid to Uzbekistan by nationals of Turkmenistan in the period from January to July 2023. While the number may not be large, it dwarfs the 1,100 such visits performed over the same timeframe in 2022. It is furthermore important to recall that Turkmen citizens have since 1999, when the country pulled out of a visa-free arrangement between post-Soviet states, needed to jump through bureaucratic hoops to get into Uzbekistan. So the growth in number suggests border procedures are being greatly softened.

There is a natural constituency for the simplification of travel rules. Around 300,000 ethnic Uzbeks are still believed to live in Turkmenistan, while more than 200,000 ethnic Turkmens live in Uzbekistan.

One should not be too naive about the underlying factors for some of these trends though. As RFE/RLs Turkmen service, Radio Azatlyk, reported on August 24, Turkmens have just in the past few weeks started going to Uzbekistan en masse as a way of traveling onward to third nations  namely, Russia. In August, state-owned Turkmenistan Airlines announced its was suspending direct flights between Ashgabat and Moscow until the end of October in response to security concerns sparked by a number of drone attacks on the Russian capital. An alternative route to the city of Kazan, around 800 kilometers east of Moscow, has been made available, but getting hold of a ticket is almost impossible without resorting to bribery.

Central Asian leaders may get the chance to explore yet more avenues of cooperation at a consultative meeting slated to take place in Tajikistan on September 14.

Some mystery lingers about which Turkmen leader will turn up in Dushanbe, though.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vienna-based Chronicles of Turkmenistan noticed that Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has so far issued an invitation only to President Berdymukhamedovs father  the former president and father of the incumbent, Gurbanguly, who occupies a bespoke position of national leader.

Berdymukhamedov the younger may just need to fine-tune his messaging machine. Perhaps it was with that thought in mind that he dismissed his fathers holdover press secretary, Kakageldi Charyardurdyev, on September 1, and replaced him with his own man: one Azat Jepbarov, formerly the chief editor of Bereketli Toprak (Fertile Soil), a weekly newspaper run out of the Agriculture Ministry.

The Turkmen regimes exercise in transnational authoritarianism has continued to yield fruit, according to a September 4 report on the Chronicles website. The many Turkmens caught up in a broader sweep against undocumented migrants that has been going on in Turkey since June included two figures who have been active in their social media-based criticism of the Berdymukhamedovs rule -- Rovshen Klychev and Dovran Imamov. Klychev, who had previously and unsuccessfully applied for asylum, was deported to Turkmenistan in July. His fate is uncertain. Imamov was put onto a plane to his home country at the end of August and was met at the airport by agents from the National Security Ministry, the successor agency to the KGB. He is now being held at a pre-trial detention facility in the Lebap province.

By Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin via Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
After an eventful summit in Vilnius in July, NATO will return in the next few months to "bread and butter" issues. That means various military exercises, at least two ministerial meetings in Brussels before the end of the year (one for the bloc's defense ministers, the other for its foreign ministers) and possibly welcoming a new member, Sweden.

There was an agreement between Stockholm and Ankara at the Vilnius summit that appeared to pave the way for Swedish membership. But the ratification process still hasn't begun in either Turkey or Hungary, which has pledged to align its policy with Ankara's. NATO officials I've spoken to on condition of anonymity still believe Sweden will become a member this autumn, most likely in October, despite recent comments by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinting that Sweden must first look into the Koran burnings there over the summer to avoid further slowing the ratification process.

Deep Background: While NATO waits to welcome member No. 32, its autumn will essentially consist of implementing some of the things decided on in Vilnius. For example, are the updated defense plans outlining how NATO should respond if any member's territory is attacked truly sufficient?

According to NATO sources I spoke to: "This autumn it is about checking the executability of our plans," or "putting flesh to the bones." In other words, are there enough combat-ready troops and military equipment to quickly come to the defense of potential frontline member states in the east?

NATO will need the answers by the end of the year. Then there's the issue of turning the multinational battalions in the three Baltic states and Poland into brigades, going from roughly 1,000 troops to something closer to 3,000-5,000. This takes longer, as it requires facilities like housing and bigger training ranges for the new arrivals. Preparations can seemingly be completed in Lithuania, where Germany is the lead nation, by early 2024, and a bit later in the year in the other places.

Drilling Down:

We are also likely to see the first-ever NATO-Ukraine Council at the ministerial level (the council met on the ambassadorial level over the summer) when NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels on October 12-13 for their regular autumn ministerial session. The council was created in Vilnius and is meant to upgrade Kyiv's relations with the alliance.

The idea now is to ensure the NATO-Ukraine Council is a more useful forum for Ukraine to approach NATO membership than its "predecessor," the NATO-Ukraine Commission. In the council, Ukraine will be sitting as a sort of coequal, with the right to call meetings with the military alliance whenever it sees fit.

The big question is whether that's enough. NATO will work on two documents in the autumn to define its relationship with Kyiv: an annual national program for Ukraine and a proper work program for the NATO-Ukraine Council. This is very much a bureaucratic exercise. But for Ukraine's biggest supporters inside the bloc, known as the Bucharest Eight, the most important thing is that these papers avoid any new milestones or additional conditions for Ukraine to finally become a member.

For the Bucharest Eight -- Bulgaria , the Czech Republic, Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , Poland , Romania, and Slovakia -- the aim is clear: Ukraine is already interoperable with the alliance and a political decision is all that remains, i.e. should Ukraine become a NATO member soon or not?

What is less clear is whether this decision will come at the next NATO summit in Washington, D.C. in July 2024. Of course, with so much dependent on the course of the war in Ukraine, it is far too early to make predictions. But it is worth noting that the summit will fall in the middle of the U.S. presidential campaign season; and given that the United States and Germany were among the most vocal skeptics in Vilnius of offering Ukraine a clear pathway to membership, chances are slim that the American position will shift much next year. It is entirely possible that the Washington summit becomes a one-day celebration of NATO turning 75, with few real political decisions taken.

In the meantime, NATO will keep a keen eye on the Ukrainian counteroffensive. A few officials I have spoken to acknowledge that the counteroffensive may not have been as impressive as some perhaps were hoping for initially, but they are quick to caution that it is easy to sit far away in safety and make such remarks.

Another description you hear a lot from NATO HQ when describing Kyiv's push to recover more territory is "steady and incremental" along with appreciative comments that Kyiv is managing this without air support. While the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s is slowly starting now in places like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Romania, the jets won't be used in Ukrainian skies until next year.

Aside from the war, speculation will intensify over top positions at NATO. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently agreed to stay on for another year, but he will step down at the Washington summit after a decade in the job. There is some clamoring for the military alliance's first female head, but don't rule out the outgoing Dutch Premier Mark Rutte or Pedro Sanchez if he fails to cobble together a new Spanish government.

The chair of the NATO military committee, one of the foremost military leaders in the organization, will also be up for grabs, with incumbent Dutchman Rob Bauer set to leave in 2024 and the current chief of the Italian Defense Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, a favorite to replace him.

Cybersecurity is also increasingly important for the alliance. Watch for its first-ever cyberdefense conference, in Berlin in November, bringing together high-level political leaders, military experts, and potentially even private-sector players.

By RFE/RL

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
KHARTOUM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Sudanese delegation, led by Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, will participate in the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Jibril Ibrahim will accompany Al-Burhan to the assembly meeting.

The delegation also includes acting Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq and Director of the General Intelligence Service Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadel, it added.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which have left at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

About 4.8 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to the conflict, according to the latest update by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 
Enbridge has struck a deal with Dominion Energy to buy three natural gas utilities from it for a total consideration of $14 billion.

The net value of the deal is $9.4 billion but will also involve the assumption of the utilities debt.

The pipeline operator said in a statement that the acquisition would create the largest natural gas franchise in North America, with the capacity to deliver 9.3 billion cubic meters per day to customers in Ohio, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and North Carolina.

Adding natural gas utilities of this scale and quality, at a historically attractive multiple, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The transaction also reinforces our position as the first-choice energy delivery company in North America, said Enbidge chief executive Greg Ebel.

The seller, meanwhile, will focus on the regulated electricity market, the Financial Times reported, citing Dominions chief executive.

Data centre expansion, bolstered by artificial intelligence . . . along with electrification, and general economic activity are driving the most significant demand growth in our companys history and shows no signs of abating, Robert Blue said.

The deal appears to be part of a trend among major pipeline operators in North America to focus increasingly on natural gas, despite the Biden administrations and some states attempts to curb the consumption of the cleanest hydrocarbon.

In July, Enbridge peer TC Energy said it would spin off its oil and liquid fuel pipeline business to focus on gas. After the split, the company said, the new TC Energy would be a diversified, industry-leading natural gas and energy solutions company, uniquely positioned to meet growing industry and consumer demand for reliable, lower-carbon energy, by leveraging complementary business sets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, Enbridges Ebel noted that The assets we are acquiring have long, useful livesand natural gas utilities are must-have infrastructure for providing safe, reliable and affordable energy.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
The Khafji oilfield shared by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait is set to resume oil exports of around 110,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the coming week, after nearly a month of suspension due to a fire, a source with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg on Wednesday.

The Khafji oilfield is shared by two of the biggest oil producers in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The field is in the so-called Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ) and hasnt exported crude since August 10, when a fire erupted.

Last month, Khafji Joint Operations (KJO), the joint venture company operating the field, said that a limited fire erupted on August 10 at the desalter heaters area. There were no injuries or release of toxic gases, the company added.

Since exports from the oilfield were suspended, Kuwait has been compensating for the 110,000 bpd with shipments of other Kuwaiti grades, according to Bloombergs anonymous source.

The Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ) was established between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1922 to settle a territorial dispute between the two countries. According to estimates by the EIA and the Oil and Gas Journal, the 6,200-square-mile area holds 5 billion barrels of oil and 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas.

Following the discovery of oil at Wafra in the 1950s, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait agreed to the common ownership of the zones oil and gas resources. The resource-sharing principle between the two states has remained in place, even after the countries settled an international boundary in 1969.

Following a five-year dispute, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait restarted oil production from the Khafji oil field and another major field, Wafra, in the PNZ in 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last year, oil production from the PNZ rose to an average of 300,000 bpd, and Kuwait and Saudi Arabia equally shared the production and revenues, according to data compiled by the EIA.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Oil prices on Tuesday jumped nearly 3% to the highest since November after OPEC+ heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Russia announced an extension of their respective production cuts.

Brent crude futures for October delivery climbed 2.2% to $91.08 a barrel, while front-month Nymex crude oil futures for October rose 2.7% to $88.02 a barrel, before giving up some of those gains later on Wednesday.

At 11:06 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Brent was trading at $89.47, down 0.63% on the day, while WTI was trading at $86.28, down 0.47%.

Crude prices have now climbed about 30% since mid-June mainly on lower global supplies.

Back in July, Saudi Arabia announced it would cut one million barrels a day, equivalent to ~10% of its typical output while Russias voluntary cut is 300,000 barrels a day. Saudi Arabia's reduction makes up more than a third of the total OPEC+ cuts.

Last month, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered projected large inventory draws peaking at 2.9 mb/d in August. StanChart estimates that June demand was about 0.5 mb/d below August 2019s all-time high, but said the record would be exceeded in the current month. According to the analysts, highly effective producer output restraint, led by Saudi Arabia, will create the conditions for a price rally that will take Brent prices onto their Q4-average forecast at $93/bbl, with a likely intra-quarter high above $100/bbl.

Meanwhile, U.S. shale output has continued to grow. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has forecast total U.S. output will hit 12.61M bbl/day in the current year, eclipsing the previous record of 12.32M bbl/day set in 2019's and easily beating last year's 11.89M bbl/day. U.S. crude oil output is up 9% Y/Y, which under normal circumstances would blunt OPECs efforts to keep supplies low in a bid to goose prices. There is little doubt the U.S. Shale Patch is largely responsible for keeping oil markets well supplied and oil prices low: Rystad Energy has estimated that whereas OPEC and its allies have announced cuts amounting to ~6% of 2022's production, non-OPEC supply has made up for two-thirds of those cuts, with the U.S. accounting for half of that. Thankfully, U.S. output is unlikely to go high enough to put significant pressure on global oil prices.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Airlines are warning of a disappointing third quarter in the wake of higher fuel costs courtesy of rising crude oil prices.

Southwest Airlines said its August bookings were at the low end of what it expected, and cut its expectations for revenue per seat mile. United Airlines and Alaska Air Group issued warnings of their own, as higher fuel costs came thanks to tightening supplies. According to an SEC filing by United Airlines, the cost of jet fuel has risen more than 20% since mid-July, with Q3 fuel costs averaging between $2.95 and $3.05 per gallon. This compares to UALs cost of between $2.50 and $2.80 per gallon in July.

The speedy rise in crude oil prices, and the subsequent jump in jet fuel, left little time for airlines to compensate for the higher costs by revising ticket prices.

Nevertheless, Bank of America analysts had already cut price targets for the airline industry in the day prior, citing rising jet fuel costs, so stocks, including United Airlines, rose on Wednesday despite the warnings that profits could disappoint courtesy of the higher prices. Southwest Airlines stock, however, was down 2.60% by mid-day.

Last month, International Air Transport Association (IATA) and S&P Global Commodity Insights data showed that global jet fuel prices averaged $119.82 per barrel for the week ending August 4a 23% rise over the previous months figures. It also compared to an average $85.55 Brent price, for a crack spread of just over $34. Still, global air traffic at the end of the second quarter this year was 94.2% of levels pre-Covid.

Jet fuel is considered a middle distillatea petroleum category that has seen its U.S. inventories hover 15% below the five-year average for this time of year.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com
Venezuelas vice president and oil ministers are visiting China with the mission of securing investments in the countrys energy industry, Bloomberg has reported, citing unnamed sources.

The move to further strengthen ties with China comes as the Biden administration tries to forge a less hostile relationship with Caracas and has already drafted a proposal for sanction relief in case Venezuela fulfills some conditions.

"Should Venezuela take concrete actions toward restoring democracy, leading to free and fair elections, we are prepared to provide corresponding sanctions relief," a spokesperson for the National Security Council said, as quoted by Reuters, in August.

Last year, the Biden administration granted a sanction waiver to Chevron so the company could return to Venezuela and resume its production activities there. The waiver was granted amid a global heavy crude crunch resulting from Western sanctions on Russia.

The U.S. supermajor is the only Western major authorized by the U.S. to operate and export oil from Venezuela under a special license issued in November 2022.

According to the Bloomberg report, VP Delcy Rodriguez and Oil Minister Pedro Telechia will discuss possible joint ventures with Chinese energy companies during their visit as a way of expanding Chinas presence in Venezuelan oil further.

China is already Venezuelas largest creditor, after pouring some $60 billion in oil-backed loans into the country since 2007.

Despite the loans, the countrys oil production has been decimated by underinvestment, mismanagement, and U.S. sanctions, falling to the lowest in 50 years last year, at 700,000 bpd. This year, production has improved and so have exports.

For the first half of 2023, Venezuelan oil exports were nearly 15% higher on average compared to the same period last year, and stood at an average of 670,000 bpd, according to the data and documents.

They continued rising in July but then fell sharply in August, due to PDVSAs inability to maintain production at two heavy crude upgraders.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Douglas County sheriffs deputies arrested two White men Tuesday in connection with a northwest Omaha incident late Sunday night during which a Black man was allegedly assaulted and held against his will.

Holden Melia, 38, and Rett Bellamy, 42, are being held at the Douglas County Jail. The alleged assault took place in the area of 154th Street and Curtis Avenue, which is a residential neighborhood. An object made to look like a firearm was also allegedly used to intimidate the victim. The Sheriffs Office said its investigation determined that the incident was racially motivated.

Melia was arrested on suspicion of assault, false imprisonment and terroristic threats. Bellamy was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. The counts against both men have a hate crime notation.

Eric Sellers, a captain with the Sheriffs Office, declined to provide more details about the alleged incident since deputies are still interviewing witnesses.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2023
The COVID-19 air-travel doldrums in Omaha may finally be over.

About 468,000 travelers passed through Eppley Airfield in July, 2,000 (or .4%) more than in the same month in 2019.

Thats the first time traffic has exceeded levels from before the pandemic, said Steve McCoy, chief information and development officer for the Omaha Airport Authority.

The terminal and the parking garage feel more like they did before the pandemic, McCoy said. Its really an indication that travel is back.

The nationwide shutdown that followed the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020 inflicted a massive shock on the entire airline industry.

At Eppley, air traffic dropped to near zero that month, and recovered slowly. Even in early 2021, after the introduction of COVID vaccines, the number of departing passengers numbered about 80,000, less than half of pre-pandemic levels.

The number of total passengers (arriving and departing) dropped from 5 million in 2019 to 2.1 million in 2020. The figure rose to 3.7 million in 2021 and 4.5 million in 2022, according to the Airport Authority.

Its coming back quicker than a lot of people thought it would back in 2020, said Steve Vlasek, director of the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. People want to be out there flying, whether its for pleasure or work.

Eppleys traffic follows trends that are being seen across the airline industry, both nationally and internationally.

North American travel was up 2% in June over the level four years earlier based on revenue passenger kilometers, an international travel metric, said Perry Flint, a U.S. spokesperson for the International Airline Transport Association, an industry trade group.

July and August figures havent yet been compiled.

It certainly aligns with what were seeing, Flint said. The flights are fuller. The airports are fuller. You cant miss it.

McCoy said the announced addition of two new nonstop Sun Belt destinations from Eppley reflect the post-pandemic bounce back, especially in holiday travel. Allegiant  an airline geared toward vacationers  in June added twice-weekly seasonal flights to Austin, Texas, through November. And Southwest Airlines plans to begin winter-season flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in January.

Leisure travel has rebounded quicker than business travel, McCoy said. These are indicators of that strong leisure demand.

The resurgence in traffic has happened even though the number of daily flights at Eppley is less than before the pandemic.

McCoy said the airlines have managed that by flying larger planes in and out of Omaha. For example, Southwest Airlines, Eppleys largest carrier, has replaced some older 737-700 jets, which carry 143 passengers, with newer 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft, with a capacity of 175.

Overall, he said, the average number of seats per Eppley departure has risen from 108 to 134 since July 2019, a 20% increase.

Were seeing more types of larger aircraft, McCoy said.

Omaha-area travelers returning to Eppley for the first time since the pre-COVID days may see some differences at their hometown airport, which is now embarked on a modernization plan that is expected to run through at least 2027.

In 2019, the Airport Authority opened the new North Parking Garage, the beginning of a major overhaul and expansion of airport parking facilities.

Then last year, the airport wrapped up the expansion of the terminal entrance road and the construction of a new ramp to the South Parking Garage, which was also refurbished.

Earlier this summer, work began on a $65 million project to cover the passenger drop-off area with a glass canopy.

Still ahead: construction next year of a new $92.5 million power plant, and a $600 million terminal expansion that will merge the two concourses into one, move ticket counters upstairs, and nearly double the size of the terminal. The project is now in the design phase.

All this will accommodate a return to what McCoy describes as slow, steady growth at Nebraskas largest airport. The return to pre-pandemic traffic is considered a milestone in that comeback.

For Eppley to be back to its pre-pandemic mark is tremendous, Vlasek said. Things are getting back to normal-ish.

Close Deb Haman, who works for the Omaha Airport Authority, dusts the airport's "Welcome to Omaha" sign after the morning rush at Eppley Airfield. Departure screen during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Arrival and departure screens during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Travelers check in for their flights during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Passengers head inside Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. A security checkpoint during the midmorning rush at Eppley Airfield in January 2018. Construction of the airports new rental car and parking garage area at Eppley Airfield on January 23, 2018. Construction of the airport's new rental car and parking garage area at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. Rendering of the parking structure that is being added to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb. The mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. An escalation of travelers during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Arriving travelers await their luggage at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Busy days at Eppley Airfield in Omaha Deb Haman, who works for the Omaha Airport Authority, dusts the airport's "Welcome to Omaha" sign after the morning rush at Eppley Airfield. Departure screen during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Arrival and departure screens during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Travelers check in for their flights during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Passengers head inside Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. A security checkpoint during the midmorning rush at Eppley Airfield in January 2018. Construction of the airports new rental car and parking garage area at Eppley Airfield on January 23, 2018. Construction of the airport's new rental car and parking garage area at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. Rendering of the parking structure that is being added to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb. The mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on January 23, 2018. An escalation of travelers during the mid-morning rush at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Arriving travelers await their luggage at Eppley Airfield in Omaha.
BERLIN, Vt.  Seven weeks after catastrophic flooding in Vermont destroyed their mobile home, Sara Morris and her family don't yet know what they will do for housing long term. She and her husband, their three kids and his mother have been staying with Morris' mother since the flooding mangled their home, boring a hole through the side and leaving it tilted in layers of mud.

With winter approaching, some Vermonters hit by the July flooding are still deep in the throes of flood recovery, whether finding a place to live or repairing their homes or businesses.

So far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined more than 2,900 homes in the state had some type of damage, based on applications and housing inspections, including 530 designated as having major damage and 14 destroyed.

About 1,280 households have received rental assistance from FEMA, which may be an indication of how many people cannot currently live in their homes, according to the governors press secretary.

The flooding has exacerbated Vermonts existing housing crisis, which is the biggest challenge the state faces in the flood recovery right now, Republican Gov. Phil Scott said.

Its a big puzzle but we are actively pursuing this every single day, said Scott, adding, Its what keeps me up at night.

FEMA is bringing in manufactured homes and searching for apartment buildings it can lease and repair to house flood victims. The agency says about 225 people are eligible for the temporary housing but half of them have found other housing solutions.

After Tosh Gilmore's home flooded in Johnson, she hung a sheet on her house spray-painted with the message "WE NEED FEMA and her phone number. She received money for rental assistance and her belongings and spent about two months in motels while she searched for housing.

Gilmore didn't know what she would do next until a nurse at her doctor's office told her about a mobile home for rent on a hill. Gilmore may have to stay in her camper at a campsite until the place becomes available but said she is excited to have a roof over her head.

At the Berlin Mobile Home Park down the road from River Run Manor Mobile Home Park where Morris and her family lived, Corinne Cooper also lost her home and has not yet found a new one.

"Its really hard. The options are limited, theyre expensive, theyre snatched up really quickly, said Cooper, who for now is staying with friends. Between the two parks in Berlin, about 40 households were affected, she said.

Not only have they lost their homes and possessions, and in some cases vehicles, they must grapple with complicated paperwork applying to FEMA and other programs.

Vermonters also lost furnaces in the flooding, months before winter. Temperatures have already dipped into the 40s Fahrenheit (single digits Celsius) in some places at night and snow can fly as soon as Halloween. The biggest challenge is a shortage of workers for installation and other electrical repair jobs, while ongoing supply issues are also a problem, Scott said.

Ive spoken to many people in the industry who install furnaces and so forth. They are just working seven days a week and cant catch up, he said, adding that Vermont is trying to alleviate the problem by reaching out to other states and retirees who might want to return to the field.

There is also a concern Vermont will not get enough disaster funding from Congress because of other natural disasters nationwide. The Biden administration will seek an additional $4 billion, bringing the total to $16 billion, in funding for FEMA's disaster relief fund to address natural disasters as part of its supplemental funding request.

We know theres no guarantee here, but weve always been very hopeful that our congressional delegation will be able to make the case that we have a lot of affected Vermonters, that the cold weather season is fast approaching and we need some help, Scott said.

During the flooding, Morris, her husband and his mother had just enough time to pack their three kids, her mother-in-law and two cats into the familys van and truck. They eventually drove out after the van got stuck in rising water and spent the night in their vehicles in a nearby church parking lot on a hill. Morris' mother-in-law, who owns the mobile home and has lived there for 23 years, grabbed her sisters ashes and her fathers jewelry before fleeing.

Up the road at the other mobile home park, Cooper wasnt so lucky. Her mothers journals, which Cooper kept in a plastic storage container, were ruined by the flood water.

There are just so many people that lost stuff. You can't even stand there and talk with people about what they lost. Everybody just starts choking up, she said.

Morris, her husband and his mother were denied FEMA funding for the home damage and Morris said they couldnt get insurance because of the home's age or site on the flood plain. The home also was damaged during flooding in May 2011 and they received FEMA money for repairs, Morris said.

Morris, 33, doesnt want to live anywhere near a river, and certainly not in a mobile home park in a flood plain. Her kids now become anxious when it rains hard. She and her husband are working with an affordable housing organization and checking with a mortgage company to see if they can buy a home.

Something better has to come out of losing everything," she said.
WAYNE, Neb.  A former Winside Public Schools teacher was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for having sex with a 17-year-old male high school student.

Cali Heikes, 26, of Winside, Nebraska, faced up to six years in prison after pleading guilty in July in Wayne County District Court to a reduced charge of attempted first-degree sexual abuse by a school employee and one count of second-degree sexual abuse by a school employee.

Both charges had sentencing ranges of zero to three years in prison. District Judge Mark Johnson sentenced Heikes to two years on each charge. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended the sentences be served concurrently, or at the same time. A second count of second-degree sexual abuse by a school employee was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

After completing her prison sentence, Heikes will serve 18 months of post-release supervision and must register with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.

Heikes was arrested Jan. 22 after the Wayne County Sheriffs Office investigated a tip about her ongoing relationship with the student. Heikes later submitted her resignation as a family consumer science teacher and librarian.

She was the second Winside teacher sentenced this year for having inappropriate contact with a student.

Rachel McPhillips, 29, of Norfolk, Nebraska, who taught art at Winside, was sentenced in April to 180 days in jail and two years probation on charges of disturbing the peace and attempted child abuse. She was charged with having sexual contact with a 15-year-old male student.
CAIRO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Egypt strongly criticized Wednesday Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean, characterizing it as a selfish and irresponsible action that has sparked global concerns.

The Chinese side expressed its "firm opposition and strong condemnation" of the Japanese move, Li Zhimin, spokesman for the Chinese embassy told reporters in a press conference, which coincided with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi's visit to the Egyptian capital.

"The ocean is a common property of all humanity, and forcefully discharging nuclear-contaminated water into it is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that ignores the public interests of the international community," said Li.

The Chinese diplomat refuted Japan's claim that China was the sole opponent of Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water, stressing that "this issue pertains to safeguarding the environment, the sea, and the well-being of all people."

"Japan's responsibility in this matter goes beyond bilateral concerns; it affects the entire international community," he said, noting that many nations, such as South Korea, Russia, Germany, and Malaysia, have joined China to voice their objections to Japan's actions.

Li also raised doubts about the radiation monitoring data furnished by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, the entity responsible for the pollution.

"The company, known for its history of falsifying and withholding data, now stands as the only pollution monitor," said the Chinese diplomat, adding such a test is completely devoid of credibility.

He further emphasized that Japan has yet to demonstrate the legitimacy of its choice to release nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, nor has it established the enduring dependability of its water purification facilities.

"What Japan did was to transfer the risks to the whole world and perpetuate the pain to future generations," the spokesman said, urging the Japanese side to "correct its mistakes immediately."

In light of the Japanese foreign minister's visit and his solicitation of Egypt's support on this issue, Li conveyed confidence in Egypt's commitment to justice and impartiality in international affairs, trusting that the North African nation will make independent judgments based on the merits of the matter itself. 
Getting to work and running errands in Bloomington-Normal has never been easier.

Thanks to Connect Transit, the public transit system in Bloomington-Normal, residents of Southwest Bloomington are now able to take advantage of Connect FLEX, a new on-demand rideshare service.

The Connect Transit app is similar to popular on-demand ride apps, but without the costs. Users within the southwest Bloomington zone can book rides from their current location to a selected drop-off spot within the service zone including the Downtown Bloomington Transfer Location. From there, riders have access to nine bus routes.

We selected Southwest Bloomington because we found that the area had both the highest number of individuals below the poverty line and the most households without a vehicle, said Aubrey Staton, Marketing Manager for Connect Transit. We are now able to provide more access and opportunity to Southwest Bloomington and to some key employers within the area.

One such employer is Ferrero North America, a manufacturer of branded chocolate and confectionery products, and the second biggest chocolate producer and confectionery company in the world. In November 2020, the company announced a $214.4 million expansion of its Bloomington facility. Within the next 12 months, the company expects to hire close to 200 people.

Connect FLEXs fleet of five vans are capable of picking up current and future employees and dropping them off in front of the factory. Employees can also use Connect FLEX to schedule a ride home. The vans are wheelchair accessible and able to navigate streets previously inaccessible to buses in the zone.

Connect FLEX meets the different needs of different people, said Connect Transits General Manager, David Braun. Its same-day service means residents can schedule a ride when they want it, to go where they want to go, within the zone.

Rides with Connect FLEX are free through the end of 2023. Connect Transit is considering expanding the service by adding more zones in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Downloading the Connect Transit App from the app store is simple. Users can then select their pickup and drop-off locations and see estimated times of arrival. Those without a smartphone can book rides by calling 309.828.9833.

The service is available Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and on Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit connect-transit.com.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
BLOOMINGTON  Bloomingtons first cat cafe is seeking to switch out its customers' morning yawns for meows and mocha lattes.

The Cats Meow Cafe, 507 N. Hershey Road, Suite E, launched Wednesday with nine soft-furred felines looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for customers and prospective adopters. The new business is partnering with west Bloomington rescue Pet Central Helps on facilitating adoptions by fostering up to 13 adoptable cats at a time in 850 square feet of dedicated cat space, which is enclosed and separated from food ordering, preparation space and bathrooms.

The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7-11 a.m. and 3-7 p.m., pausing for cat naps and cleaning time. Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; entry to the cat space is free with a cafe purchase.

Owner Lauri Meins said they ran a soft opening Monday and Tuesday for family and friends of staff, and received a steady stream of small groups Wednesday in their first few public open hours. Two of the nine cats were already spoken for by 8 a.m., she said, as adoption paperwork is pending for Checkers and Linus, two 5-year-old tomcats.

One first-time customer Wednesday was Bloomingtons Jen Woodrum, who acquainted herself with a nearly 2-year-old short-haired cat called Ashley. She said the new business is great, and she wants to return as often as possible.

Woodrum said the cats were playful and quick to greet her. All you have to do, she continued, is rip a toy ribbon back and forth by them.

Meins hails from Springfield and lives in Normal, where she personally cares for her dogs Bella and Izzy, and her two black cats, Meatball and Noodle. She said she got a bachelors degree in business from Robert Morris University.

Exterior signage from the commercial units former tenant, The Hair Stadium, was still displayed Wednesday, as new signs are being ordered for the cafe. Meins said the former salon's plumbing setup was perfect for the cafe.

It had the bones that we really needed to put in all of our commercial sinks, she said.

Kitty Town Coffee of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, will be the cafes roaster for hot drip and espresso drinks, and has pledged support for shelters and other cat cafes in the country. Retail coffee bags will be shelved at the Bloomington cafe, too.

Sausage and cheese and bacon and cheese breakfast sandwiches were offered on opening day; vegan sandwich options are in the works. Meins said she will look at providing a rotating selection of pastries, with gluten-free options. Different drink flavors will be phased in across seasons, like pumpkin spice in the fall, but she also plans to stock less common varieties, like peanut butter and butterscotch.

We have different kinds of flavor that you cant get anywhere else, she said.

Non-dairy creamer options like oat milk are available, and lemonade was popular among non-coffee drinkers Wednesday morning.

Meins, who also has about two decades of experience styling hair and owns the Hello Beautiful salon in Normal, believes she is the first in Bloomington to open a cat cafe. In the developing stages, Meins said she hit a learning curve to determine the best operational practices.

Theres no one I can compare myself to, she said.

She said she traveled to other cafes in St. Louis and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and did research on forums that had experience running similar operations.

The 1,600-square-foot commercial space leased by the cafe neighbors Hershey Road Dental Plaza, Rob Dobs Restaurant and a Hucks gas station, and may hold up to about two dozen customers and 13 cats. The cat area is enclosed by dry-walled railings and flower-themed wall screens.

A cats cradle

Meins has hired about nine cafe staffers, including full-time manager Jessi Delost. Others may be employed part time, depending on available hours.

She said it was Delosts idea to have one employee per shift dedicated to cat-caring duties.

That way during their shift, theyre not going back and forth between job duties, Meins said. Theyre not going and making a drink and going into the cat room."

She said all cafe staff are trained on daily care, including feeding and cleaning. Some hires had backgrounds in barista work but no shelter experience, and vice versa, she said.

It kind of helped us pick out just the perfect, qualified candidates for the positions, the cafe owner said, adding she has nursed the business concept for about a year.

To prepare for cat behavioral concerns, Meins said cats housed at the cafe have completed an onboarding process with Pet Central Helps, where they were already living in a communal space.

She said a protocol for cats new to the cafe space will be to separate them in shared areas while they get acquainted. Meins said Pet Central Helps is willing to transport animals that aren't adjusting well back to one-on-one foster homes so all cats remain in a safe and happy place.

Meins said adoptions will be managed by Pet Central Helps, and the cafe may occasionally feature certain cats that are not always present there. Interested adopters will be directed to the rescue's website for applications.

Lisa Kitchens, executive director of Pet Central Helps, said the cafe is helping her shelter increase capacity, adding that another meeting place for potential adopters is nice.

She also said the housing crisis in Bloomington-Normal has affected rescue intake, as many people are dealing with rent hikes and are unable to find housing that allows pets.

The cats housed at the cafe are wonderful and ready for a new home, she said.

Meins said the McLean County Health Department was transparent on guidelines and was easy to work with, noting MCHD staff mapped out a diagram showing that drink preparation and cat areas should be separated.

A MCHD representative said their environmental health division has no records of a previously established cat cafe in Bloomington-Normal.

The cafe is insured by Country Financial.

Meins said customers will need to sign a liability waiver to enter the cat area. Visitors must agree to not play roughhouse.

In addition to finding new forever homes for rescue cats, Meins hopes the space will help people meet new friends.

Where else do you meet friends when youre in your 30s? asked Meins, 38. She added kittens and coffee make for a good partnership.

One couple attending opening hours Wednesday were Savanah Kennedy and Ben Westin. A 3-year-old medium-haired tomcat named Cola curled up to Westin on the couch.

Westin said Cola had pretty eyes and is one of the sweetest cats I have ever met.

Kennedy, who studies English-education as a junior at Illinois State University, said she previously went to a cat cafe in Milwaukee, where the experience was so good its to die for.

Shes looking to adopt her own cat to bring home to her apartment, and is first gathering pet supplies. When asked if she had decided on a new forever friend Wednesday, Kennedy said: Ive already got my eyes on a few.

Beyond catnip: 7 safe, cat-friendly plants to have at home Cat-friendly plants to have at home Alyssum Cat grass Valerian Spider plants Silver vine Hoyas Honorable Mention: Tatarian honeysuckle
NORMAL  Midwest Food Bank is sending semi-loads of family food boxes to Lake Park and Valdosta, Georgia, to support Hurricane Idalia victims.

The relief was requested by disaster relief partner The Salvation Army. The hurricane landed in Florida Aug. 30 and crossed into Georgia, causing destructive flooding and power outages.

Family food boxes are assembled at the MFB Morton warehouse. Volunteers are needed to fill the boxes. Opportunities will be posted on the MFB Morton's group page.

Financial donations can also be given to the food bank to help respond to the needs of the victims.

Visit midwestfoodbank.org and click "Donate." On the donation form, select "Disaster Relief" for the designation. Texts can also be sent to @MFB to 52014 to donate.

Contact abeam@midwestfoodbank.org or 309-830-3715 for more information.

Midwest Food Bank Gala Dinner and Auction Jenn Steidinger, David Keiser, Brad Steidinger Trace Brim, Rocky OShea, Eric and Gina Hodel, Tara Ingham Enjoying the hors d oeuvres Rebekah Hoffman Hors doeuvres Paulette and Kent Zimmerman Kevin and Lindsay Wiegand, Lori and Larry Wiegand Elizabeth, Andrew and Alison Hoffman Nancy and Steve Smith Ready for guests Duane Kieser, Mark Streitmatter, Trace Brim Keiser grandchildren Sara and Shauna Streitmatter , Denise Brim Mary and Roger Stoller Francesca Erb, Denise Hodges Pat and Dean Messinger Monica and Steve Scheuer Registering guests for the gala Approximately 400 were in attendance Guests dined in the warehouse Karen, Travis and Paul Kieser Elaine Young, Dorothy Walder, Judy and Ron Knapp Steve Baner, Rich and Karen Stoller, Bethany and Karl Edelman Gina and Eric Hodel, Delayne and Lori Stickling Jackie and Richard Martin Share the Light Enjoying the evening
The Farm Progress Show is gone for this year. The mourning period has begun and will be slightly more than 700 days before the 2025 edition opens at 8 a.m. on Aug. 26.

Until that time I can be found in therapy group meetings trying to quell my addiction to the biggest spectacle in agriculture.

Equipment manufacturers from around the globe were here with their latest technology, and even farmers from their own country came to see it at the Farm Progress Show. Think what that means in the big scheme of things. Thanks to Teri Hammel and her crew at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for keeping track of folks whose language I certainly cannot speak.

The new farm equipment was the centerpiece for the show, probably most of the 550 exhibitors showing off their new hardware to get farmer reaction. Kurt Coffey, head of CaseIH in North America (former Coles County boy) said he could not believe that farmers stood in line for 90 minutes waiting for a test drive of his new Steiger 715 tractor he unveiled last week.

When does the secretary of agriculture visit your community? Secretary Tom Vilsack not only makes headlines in the local media, but national media were here as well. He laid out his concept of boosting farm income for about two million U.S. farmers who get very little from commodity sales and any government programs.

Vilsack promoted a mix of eight federal programs which have already been authorized by Congress and are open for participation. They requires application for various government grants, localized marketing, and family creativity. Some farmers will be turned off, others will be turned on. Vilsacks presentation can be viewed youtu.be/UQr8SZMgSvU.

Another Vilsack headline was USDAs program for renewable energy that will distribute $266 million in grants nationally to 1,334 farms, businesses, and local organizations to help will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation. Illinois has 136 of those that will share $8.6 million for investments in renewable energy, like wind and solar, and energy efficient technologies, Vilsack says. Will any be here? Over $1.4 million will be disbursed in the 13th and 15th congressional districts.

Other important news that was revealed at the Farm Progress Show indicated Illinois farmers were changing their fertilizer application practices preventing loss of crop nutrients to streams and rivers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been concerned about high amounts of nitrates and phosphates in the Illinois and Mississippi rivers originating from farm fields.

The survey indicated 2022 crops involved no-till on 24% of corn and 44% of soybeans. Half of the farmers responding indicated they had moved away from fall nitrogen application to various methods in the spring, closer to when the corn crop needed it. But the bigger finding was that 97% of farmers were using an additive to prevent loss of nitrogen over the winter.

News like that released during the Farm Progress Show gets picked up and re-circulated by media from many other states. And in social media terms that means Illinois farmers could be considered influencers.

Only at the Farm Progress Show.
Emirates announces a significant expansion in its codeshare partnership with United, to include nine destinations in Mexico. Emirates customers will now have access to eight new destinations in the country, in addition to Mexico City, which the airline also serves.



The expansive codeshare network between Emirates and United currently includes a host of US cities and Mexico becomes the first country outside of the US to be added to the growing network.



The codeshare partnership enables customers to enjoy flexibility and choice with smooth connections, allowing passengers flying on Emirates to two points in the US, either Chicago or Houston, to connect onwards to exciting leisure destinations in Mexico. The new Mexican points include Cancun, Cozumel, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, San Jose Del Cabo, Leon/Guanajuato, and Queretaro.



Furthermore, the codeshare partnership also provides more flexibility on flight timings, giving Emirates customers flying to Mexico City more options when choosing flights. Depending on travel plans, passengers can opt to fly to the Mexican capital using Emirates daily services from Dubai with a stop in Barcelona, or separately book codeshare flights to Mexico City. The expansion of the codeshare network also enables customers flying from the nine points in Mexico to fly to destinations on the airlines network, via Chicago or Houston.



Tickets to codeshare destinations in Mexico are available via emirates.com and preferred travel agencies, for travel starting on 14 September.



The newly-expanded network of Mexican destinations now available to Emirates customers is expected to be popular amongst customers from the Middle East, India and South Africa, to name a few. The most frequented destinations for global travellers embarking from points in Mexico include India, Israel, UAE, South Africa and select points in South East Asia.



With the addition of the new points to Mexico, the enhanced codeshare network now includes 134 destinations, accessible from Uniteds gateways in the US, while almost 100 additional points across the US, Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean are available for customers to choose from on an interline basis.



Emirates offers daily services to Houston, onboard its flagship A380 aircraft. Emirates recently introduced its latest offering, Premium Economy, to its services to Houston. The worlds largest international airline also operates seven weekly flights between Dubai and Chicago, utilising its other widebody aircraft - the Boeing 777  enabling passengers to plan their travel itineraries to global destinations, with seamless connectivity.



Travellers with itineraries on Emirates flights can plan their entire trip on a single-ticket and take advantage of hassle-free flight benefits including the airlines baggage allowance, in addition to convenient bag check-through to the final destination.



Furthermore, members of Emirates frequent flyer programme, Emirates Skywards, can look forward to earning and redeeming miles on flights of both airlines, if booked on codeshare flights.



Baggage check-through is valid for travel out of Mexico. International travellers flying to destinations in Mexico on Emirates and United codeshare flights must clear their baggage with US Customs at the first point of entry (Chicago or Houston).



Travel plans with interline flights on Emirates and United are not eligible to earn Skywards Miles.

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
STC Chief Executive Officer, Nana Akomea has expressed disappointment in COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare over their alleged plot to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.



COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare are currently before a Parliamentary Committee probing a leaked tape that establishes their plot against the IGP.



The officers, on June 19, 2023, had a meeting at the office of Daniel Bugri Naabu, a member of the governing New Patriotic Party, at Osu in Accra and expressed their grievances about the IGP.



On the said tape which was secretly recorded were voices accusing the IGP of shirking his responsibilities; the officers raised concerns that the IGP may cause the ruling New Patriotic Party to lose the 2024 elections, therefore called for his removal.



Reacting to the leaked tape during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Nana Akomea described senior officers' attempt to remove the IGP their as a "big miscalculation".



"It's not good and I feel sad for the two Commissioners", he said, adding "it's so funny that these high officers would ply this path to go and plot against the IGP".



Nana Akomea found it ridiculous that the officers could harbor thoughts that the IGP can influence the outcome of an election.



"How can the IGP determine the outcome of an election?", he queried.



He argued that "if the IGP [Inspector General of Police] can determine the outcome of an election, no ruling party would lose elections in this country because every IGP is appointed by the ruling party".



Nana Akomea also questioned the logic in the officers meeting with Bugri Naabu over their alleged IGP misconduct.



"What role does he play in the Police?", he asked.



To him, what the officers did "is just a conspiracy" against the IGP.





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
Chief Executive Officer of the InterCity State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, on Tuesday September, 2023, on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that former President Mahamas comment on the Judiciary is subversive of the institution.



Former President Mahama last Sunday at a meeting with NDC lawyers stated that President Akufo-Addo has packed the courts with Judges who are members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



President Mahama exhorted NDC lawyers to be ready to be appointed to the Bench to "balance out the NPP" Judges.



Nana Akomea opined that Mahamas statement signaled a formal intention to polarize the Judiciary is unprecedented in the fourth Republic, a development which, if allowed, will destroy the integrity of the Judiciary and formally politicize the administration of justice in Ghana.



The numbers of Supreme Court Justices as at 2016, when Mahama was President, was fourteen. The numbers are now, in 2023, fifteen, so where lies Mahamas claim that the Court has been packed?



Nana Akomea also asserted that the political inclination is not part of the criteria required of appointees to the High, Appeals and Supreme Courts, so "where did former President Mahama get the political party membership of the Judges from?"



He further stated that anytime the former President felt aggrieved by action of a State entity, he proceeded to bastardize the institution and impugn the integrity of the members of that institution.



Nana Akomea mentioned the former President doing same to the Electoral Commission, the National Identification Authority and the Supreme Court.



He concluded that with this intention to give political colouring to the courts, it will be dangerous for justice administration to elect Mahama as President in 2024.





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
Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has waded into discussions on the leaked tape involving two senior Police officers, COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare and a former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu, plotting to remove the Inspector General of Police.



The three reportedly had a meeting where they talked at length about the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and made serious allegations against him.



The leaked audio recording captured them claiming if the IGP is not ousted from office, the ruling New Patriotic Party will lose next year's election as they accuse Dr. Dampare of multiple wrongdoings.



The three are currently before a Parliamentary Committee probing their plot.



Tackling the issue during Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Kwesi Pratt expressed worry over the tape.



To him, listening to the tape and following the probe by the Committee, this issue is far dangerous than one could think.



"The main objective is subversion of the national constitution. Make me the IGP so my political party will win (the election), is it not a subversion of the constitution? Clear subversion of the constitution! The effects of that and coup d'etat are the same; the will of the people will not matter. That is what worries me. Subversion of the will of the people, subversion of the constitution; that's the problem. That's where the issues are", he said, stressing "it's a very dangerous situation, very dangerous for national security".







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
Kwesi Pratt has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the leaked tape involving senior Police officers, COP Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare on their plot to remove the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.



In the said tape, the IGP is accused by the officers of misconducts that may result in the New Patriotic Party losing the 2024 elections.



The officers and Bugri Naabu are under an ongoing investigation by a Parliamentary Committee and the President is revealed to have rejected lobbying for a different Inspector General of Police.



Commenting on this during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Kwesi Pratt hailed the President for not budging on his decision to maintain Dr. Dampare despite he being accused of sharing political ties with the opposition National Democratic Congress.



"If the President really did that, then he deserves commendation . . .If what Bugri Naabu and co. are saying is true that indeed the President didn't accept the lobbying and so forth, we applaud the President. We doff our hat for the President for not allowing himself for partisan considerations to lead him."







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
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the eldest daughter of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, has expressed her thoughts on being considered a potential running mate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate in the upcoming 2024 general elections.



Even before the NDC officially selected former President John Mahama as their flagbearer for the 2024 elections, there have been discussions and speculations about who his potential running mate might be.



Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the forty-five-year-old Member of Parliament for Klotte Korle constituency in the Greater Accra Region, has often been mentioned in these discussions as a potential candidate. However, she has remained relatively reserved on the matter.



In a recent interview on Asempa FM's Ekosiisen, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings responded to the speculations about her potential candidacy as a running mate.



She said, "I am sure people are looking at a lot of different factors and perhaps coming to that conclusion. Flattered? I don't know if I will quite say that. I think it's an interesting responsibility because what it does is perhaps to remind me to maintain a certain level of integrity in what I do because these things matter. I guess I am honoured by the fact that the name keeps coming up if that's the case."



However, she emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the party leadership, stating, "But ultimately, I won't be the one to appoint myself. So, I think beyond that I don't know how to respond to this question."



When asked whether she would consider the call to be a running mate, she replied, "Let's not be preemptive and premature on this matter. Look, at the end of the day, when we are called to duty, we take it up. And it's not the case of shying away from any chance to serve the party and ultimately Ghana. And for now, where I find myself is a Member of Parliament and a parliamentary candidate for the constituency [Klottey Korle], so the job before me is what I am focusing on."

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
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan is keen to attract Chinese outbound tourists to the scenic and historic sites of the country by adopting new plans to welcome them, caretaker Minister of State for Tourism Wasi Shah said.

Speaking at an event held here to celebrate the ongoing year as the year of tourism exchange between the two countries on Tuesday, Shah said that the year is not just a celebration, but an opportunity for Pakistan to shine on the global tourism stage by attracting Chinese tourists who are fond of exploring the world.

"Chinese citizens have demonstrated an increasing appetite for travel, both domestically and abroad, and every year Chinese tourists spend hundreds of billions of dollars on traveling, showing their enthusiasm for exploring the world, Pakistan can also get a share out of it if it succeeds in attracting even a small number of Chinese tourists," he said.

He added that in order to facilitate Chinese tourists, Pakistan has formed an E-portal through which Chinese tourists can also now apply for tourist visas online.

"We are also closely working with our embassy in Beijing, and they are doing their best to encourage Chinese tourists to visit Pakistan. They have been provided a lot of material on tourist sites of Pakistan which they have added on their website in the Chinese language to provide information for visitors interested to visit Pakistan," he added.

Talking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the event, the Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Aftab ur Rehman Rana said that a delegation of tour operators from the PTDC will participate in the China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market in Beijing in November.

It will be greatly helpful to build business-to-business (B2B) linkage between the tour operators of both countries and as a result, tourist traffic between the two countries will further increase, he added.

Rana said that they have introduced different tour plans and translated them into Chinese language to give Chinese tourists basic information about Pakistani tourism sites and offer them different packages to visit Pakistan on short and long trips. 
The Member of Parliament(MP) for Yunyo Constituency, Hon Oscar Liwaal has said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led administration recorded greater achievements in the Yunyo Constituency also known as Yunyo/Nasuan District than the eight years government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



According to the MP, for seven years, the Akufo-Addo government can claim too many completed and ongoing infrastructure and other social intervention development and policies in the Constituency.



Hon Liwal was reacting to vile propaganda by elements within the Yunyo NDC that, the NPP has not achieved anything within his administration as District Chief Executive from 2017 to 2020 and now MP since January 7, 2021.



The Young Constituency branch of the NDC has accused Hon Liwaal of neglecting the constituents, especially when rainstorms had destroyed houses and displaced many families.



However, the NPP listed a number of developmental projects and policies sector by sector that Hon Liwal undertook and has achieved some from the time he was the DCE and now MP for two and half years.



Power Supply to communities



Hon Liwaal told EXPRESSNEWSGHANA, via telephone interview that, he was given the mandate as DCE and another four years and within these periods, a significant number of communities have been hooked onto the national grid.



A total of over 30 communities where project work have been completed in some, while others are still ongoing to be hooked onto the grid across the constituency.



The communities include; Nanlong, Jananderi, Gbingbalanchet, Jinting, Bakuy, Tambona, Tuna No 1, Tuna No 2 Dobiyantoa, Gbeduri, Kuanpiong, Sambik, Nanai, Majefuuk, Gbankurugu, Nabaal, Gbingbani, Walgbani, Tambing, Bianbik Powered, Namong, Wawa, Bunbuna, Tambokurugu, Mangor,Danduut, Namongo,Mantana Ongoing, Sanvosi Ongoing and Lawuk Ongoing.



The MP also justified his claim with the progress made by the Akufo-Addos administration on Sanitation and Water supply, mostly boreholes to over 80 communities across the constituency of which work has been completed and residents enjoying a constant supply of water.



Some of the beneficiary communities include; Dubon, Biambik, Tambing, Pulot Walgbani, Gbingbani, Nabal, Piabuni, Nasitambing, Manting, Bisting, Gbingbelachet, Janandel, Tambona, Kinkango, Majiafuk-Tuna, Salimba, Tinsong, Bunlegbal, Gbingbankokil, Sambik-Tuna, Jimbale K.Land, Wawa, Magor, Bunbuna, Laabonkunkuk, Nalong, Danduut, Siitik, Yunyoo, Naagu, Mozio, Jinwol, Nambonso.Kuffok, Namongo, Kajawein, Temaa, Kuffori, Nasuan, Soavosi, Tambokurugu, Kpakong, Kpanlori, Bumbong No2, Nangbam,Tuna No1, Tuna No2, Komia and Banjan.



The rest of the communities, that Hon Liwaal provided good drinking water are; Nakpayili, Majia, Dobinyantoa, Nasuan-Kwalik, Gbeduri, Damanko, Fodel, Naboot, Bilanan, Koalik, Kpanal, Jagbantambituk, Kompiong, Bunbuna-Nasuan, Moajating, Kuffori No3, Nanangbanl, Mantana, Majiafuk, Nanani, Kpangong, Labalin, Sagban, Bomtiuk, Tobont, Gbankurugu, Nambonso, Sambik, Moak and Jimbale B Land



He said through his hard work as the then DCE and now MP, the constituencys human resources potential has been improved as he invested a lot in human employment opportunities and ensured that most of them gained meaningful employment in the various security services, among others.



The Yunyo lawmaker said, within the period he managed to boost the human resources in the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Audit Service, Youth Employment Agency, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, the Information Service, the Ghana Health Service, Ghana National Fire service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Ghana Immigration Service, the Social Investment fund(SIF), National Identification Authority(NIA), National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO)and the Local Government services.



Hon Liwal and the NPP therefore challenged the NDC to provide any development projects and policies that they initiated and completed in the Yunyo during their 16 years in office.



Everything that you can see in Yunyo today is what this administration has achieved, yet some politicians are so blind that they sit in their offices and on radio stations and accuse me and the NPP administration of not doing anything for the Constituency.



I challenge the National Democratic Congress to submit their data showing the performance in terms of water and sanitation during Hon Sampoa Timothy Laari as the then District Chief Executive and Hon Bipoba Joseph Naabu as the then member of parliament for our lovely district, he said.



He said the NDC together with their MP and appointees could only provide the whole district with nineteen (19) bore-holes for their solid eight good years in governance.



Based on these facts I can confidently say that the National Democratic Congress does not have the good people of Yunyoo/Nasuan district at heart and therefore should not be given the opportunity to rule, Hon Liwaal added.



Before he was elected MP in the 2020 general elections, Hon. Liwaal was the District Chief Executive from 2017 and has performed greatly in terms of development to the admiration of his constituents.



Nevertheless, he promised to work extra hard to retain the seat in December 2024 to continue the good work for his constituents.



The Yunyoo Nasuan District is one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the country and forms part of the six MMDAs in the North East Region



The Yunyoo Nasuan District was carved out of the Bunkpurugu Yunyoo District Assembly as one of the 38 newly created and upgraded District Assemblies in 2018. It shares boundaries with Bunkpurugu Nakpanduri District to the north, the Republic of Togo to the east, East Mamprusi Municipal to the west, and Gushegu Municipal and Cherepon District to the south.



The population of the District according to the 2021 population and housing census stands at 56,879 with 28,027 males with 28,852 females.

Source: expressnewsghana.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
Bernard Allotey Jacobs has advised NPP presidential aspirant, Alan Kyerematen to take a vacation abroad to put himself together to make a comeback to the New Patriotic Party following his withdrawal from the party's upcoming presidential election.



According to him, despite Alan pulling out of the contest, he still plays an important big role in the party.



He noted that the NPP bigwig's somehow defeat in their super delegates election should be a wake-up call for him.



"As a matter of fact, the man is so noble but you see, Heaven decides who should be a leader. It is not by the wisdom of men but it is the will of God. But sometimes, in politics, God becomes a neutral referee and if you have a good team, they win the elections for you. Alan didn't have a team," he said while making his submissions on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo'.



The experienced politician advised Alan not to listen to his campaign team who, to him, are the reason for his poor performance in the election but asked him to take a significant amount of time away from partisan politics to relect on his situation.



"Chief Alan Kyerematen, close your ears . . .he shouldn't listen to his campaign team that has failed him," he urged.





Alan Kwadwo Kyermaten issued a press statement on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 announcing his withdrawal from the contest.He said; "I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023."He raised some concerns over the New Patriotic Party's Special Delegates Congress stressing "after having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations"."The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable," he added.

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
Nii Titus-Glover has rebuked former President John Dramani Mahama over his recent statements concerning the Judiciary.



The former President, speaking to NDC lawyers at a meeting last Sunday, accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of packing the courts with Judges who are members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Our lawyers, some of you must be prepared to go unto the bench, I know that some of you have very lucrative legal practices you will not want to leave and go onto the bench. But you can see what the current President has done, he appointed the largest number of judges onto the bench. More than 80 towards hundred and counting.



Hes packed the court and we know that theyve packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office. So all manner of people who have been known to be partisan, to have been executives of their party who are in the legal profession have been leapfrogged onto the Superior courts and other places, Mr. Mahama said.



Nii Titus-Glover has challenged Mr. Mahama's statements, emphasizing there are procedures for the appointment of Judges.



He recounted that before one is appointed to the bench, he or she is to be of high moral standing and with 15 years or more working experience and also the recommendations are made by certain groups of individuals; all of this, to him, proves Mahama's statements to be false.



"I'm told that the Bar Council can recommend, the Chief Justice can recommend and the Executive can also recommend," he said.



He also detailed that under the Akufo-Addo administration, over 100 courts have been built as against what he revealed as three (3) built by former President John Mahama during his regime which means more Judges would have to be appointed to these courts.



He found Mr. Mahama's comments extremely unfortunate and condemned them in no uncertain terms.



"If we have built 140 courts, won't you populate it?...You need to populate it and give them jobs to do but there are processes in the appointment of Judges from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and to the Supreme Court. Is my big brother saying he doesn't know this? Didn't he adopt these processes when he was President?", he questioned.



Hon. Titus-Glover made these submissions on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme Wednesday 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
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Percentage of businesses using or planning to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model, businesses not permanently stopped trading, broken down by industry, weighted by count, UK 4 to 17 April 2022. Source: Office for National Statistics  Businesses Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) . Credit: The future of flexible working. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ier/rewage/news-archive/the_future_of_flexible_working_-_evidence_paper_20230830.pdf

Flexible working needs to be available for all to avoid widening inequalities, a report from academics at Cardiff University concludes.

The findings, from work and employment group ReWAGE, which includes one of the co-authors Professor Alan Felstead of the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), set out the current and potential problems with flexible working, as well as considering the benefits it can bring.

Their conclusions suggest that the right approach could contribute to a more sustainable, productive and inclusive society.

Flexible working could contribute to:

developing sustainable forms of employment in light of major transitions such as AI and net zero;

progressing towards a more gender equal society that is also compatible with more equal parenting and quality childcare;

enabling a more inclusive approach to employment that attracts or retains more mothers, caregivers, disabled people or older people;

improving well-being;

supporting the development of a productive and inclusive economy.

But for flexible working to really work for employers and employees, the report says there are still key issues that need to be addressed.

Professor Alan Felstead said, "The pandemic has brought about the biggest change to working practices in a generation. Remote working looks set to be a prominent feature for many employees and certainly in Wales, there is a commitment from Welsh Government to support remote working.

"But for flexible working to benefit all workers, including those that cannot work remotely, employers and employees need to have meaningful conversations about the future of working practices. If done well, it could mean an increase in employee productivity and well-being across the board, ensuring that no worker is disadvantaged by their career choices or personal circumstances."

Since Brexit, the EU has brought in several regulations on working time that the U.K. is excluded from such as the upgrading of contracted hours, payments for on-call work and preparations for implementing the "right to disconnect."

In the U.K., a new act which gives workers the right to request flexible working from day one of employment and allows workers to make a request twice in a year will become law next year. A bill has also been introduced into parliament which, if passed, will give employees the right to request more predictable hours after six months employment. Although academics say these are steps in the right direction, they emphasize these are still only rights to request.

Dr. Helen Blakely, one of the co-authors of the report and also based in the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), said, "Many employers will be under pressure to implement flexible working, but progress may be slow as changes are reliant on voluntary action due to low unionization and low collective bargaining. Whatever changes are implemented, a more inclusive approach needs to be taken to improve the working lives of all, including those who cannot work in hybrid or flexible ways."

More information: Report: The future of flexible working
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The spin-valley optical microcavity is constructed by interfacing an inversion-asymmetric (yellow core region) and an inversion-symmetric (cyan cladding region) photonic spin lattice. By virtue of a photonic Rashba-type spin splitting of a bound state in the continuum, this heterostructure enables a selective lateral confinement of the emergent photonic spin-valley states inside the core for high-Q resonances. Consequently, the coherent and controllable spin-polarized lasing (red and blue beams) is achieved from valley excitons in an incorporated WS 2 monolayer (purple region). Credit: Scholardesigner co, LTD

Researchers at the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology have developed a coherent and controllable spin-optical laser based on a single atomic layer. This discovery is enabled by coherent spin-dependent interactions between a single atomic layer and a laterally confined photonic spin lattice, the latter of which supports high-Q spin-valley states through the photonic Rashba-type spin splitting of a bound state in the continuum.

Published in Nature Materials and also featured in the journal's Research Briefing, the achievement paves the way to study coherent spin-dependent phenomena in both classical and quantum regimes, opening new horizons in fundamental research and optoelectronic devices exploiting both electron and photon spins.

Can we lift the spin degeneracy of light sources in the absence of magnetic fields at room temperature? According to Dr. Rong, "Spin-optical light sources combine photonic modes and electronic transitions and therefore provide a way to study the exchange of spin information between electrons and photons and to develop advanced optoelectronic devices."

"To construct these sources, a prerequisite is to lift the spin degeneracy between the two opposite spin states either in their photonic or electronic parts. This is usually accomplished by applying magnetic fields under a Faraday or Zeeman effect, although these approaches generally require strong magnetic fields and cannot produce miniaturized sources. Another promising way takes advantage of artificial magnetic fields for photonic spin-split states in momentum space, underpinned by a geometric phase mechanism."

"Unfortunately, previous observations of spin-split states have relied heavily on propagation modes with low quality factors, which impose undesired limitations on spatial and temporal coherence of the sources. This approach is also hindered by the spin-controllable properties of a bulk laser gain material being unavailable or nontrivial to access for active control of the sources, especially in the absence of magnetic fields at room temperature."

To achieve high-Q spin-split states, the researchers constructed photonic spin lattices with different symmetry properties, which comprise an inversion-asymmetry core and inversion-symmetry cladding integrated with a WS 2 monolayer to create laterally confined spin-valley states. The essential inversion-asymmetry lattice the researchers use has two important properties.

A controllable spin-dependent reciprocal lattice vector due to space-variant geometric phases from its constituting inhomogeneous-anisotropic nanoholes. This vector splits a spin-degenerate band into two spin-polarized branches in momentum space, being referred to as the photonic Rashba effect. A pair of high-Q symmetry-enabled (quasi-) bound states in the continuum, that is, K (corners of the Brillouin zone) photonic spin-valley states, at the band edges of the spin-split branches. Moreover, the two states form a coherent superposition state with equal amplitudes.

Professor Koren noted that, "We used a WS 2 monolayer as the gain material because this direct-bandgap transition metal dichalcogenide possesses unique valley pseudospins, which have been widely investigated as an alternative information carrier in valleytronics. Specifically, their K' valley excitons (radiated as in-plane spin-polarized dipole emitters) can be selectively excited by spin-polarized light according to a valley-contrasted selection rule, thus enabling active control of spin-optical light sources without magnetic fields."

In the monolayer-integrated spin-valley microcavities, K' valley excitons couple to K spin-valley states owing to polarization matching, and spin-optical excitonic lasing is achieved at room temperatures through strong optical feedback. Meanwhile, K' valley excitons (initially without a phase correlation) are driven by the lasing mechanism to find the minimum-loss state of the system, which leads them to re-establish a phase-locked correlation according to the opposite geometric phases of K spin-valley states.

This lasing-mechanism-driven valley coherence removes the need for cryogenic temperatures to suppress the intervalley scattering. Moreover, the minimum-loss state of the Rashba monolayer laser can be regulated to be satisfied (broken) via a linear (circular) pump polarization, which provides a way to control the lasing intensity and spatial coherence.

"The unveiled photonic spin valley Rashba effect provides a general mechanism to construct surface-emitting spin-optical light sources. The demonstrated valley coherence in the monolayer-integrated spinvalley microcavity makes a step towards achieving entanglement between K' valley excitons for quantum information by means of qubits," explains Professor Hasman.

"For a long time, our group has been working on developing spin optics to harness photonic spin as an effective tool to control the behavior of electromagnetic waves. In 2018, we were attracted by valley pseudospins in two-dimensional materials, and therefore began a long-term project to study the active control of atomic-scale spin-optical light sources in the absence of magnetic fields. We initially tackled the challenge of coherent geometric phase pickup from individual valley excitons by using a non-local Berry-phase defect mode."

"However, the underlying coherent addition of multiple valley excitons of the realized Rashba monolayer light sources remained unsolved, owing to the lack of a strong synchronizing mechanism between the excitons. This issue inspired us to think about high-Q photonic Rashba modes. Following innovations in new physical approaches, we achieved the Rashba monolayer laser described here."

The achievement paves the way to study coherent spin-dependent phenomena in both classical and quantum regimes, opening new horizons in fundamental research and optoelectronic devices exploiting both electron and photon spins.

The study was conducted in the research group of Professor Erez Hasman, head of the Atomic-Scale Photonics Laboratory, in collaboration with Professor Elad Koren, head of the Laboratory for Nanoscale Electronic Materials and Devices in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor Ariel Ismach at Tel Aviv University.

The two groups at the Technion are in association with the Helen Diller Quantum Center and Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI). Dr. Kexiu Rong conducted and led the research, and collaborated with Dr. Xiaoyang Duan, Dr. Bo Wang, Dr. Vladimir Kleiner, Dr. Assael Cohen, Dr. Pranab K. Mohapatra, Dr. Avinash Patsha, Dr. Subhrajit Mukherjee, Dror Reichenberg, Chieh-li Liu, and Vladi Gorovoy.

The fabrication was performed at the Micro-Nano Fabrication & Printing Unit (MNF&PU) of the Technion.

More information: Kexiu Rong et al, Spin-valley Rashba monolayer laser, Nature Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01603-3 A spin-optical monolayer laser based on a photonic spin lattice, Nature Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01623-z Journal information: Nature Materials
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An imported red fire ant in the U.S. Credit: Alexander Wild/Wikimedia Commons

This week's landmark report on the impact of invasive alien species revealed costs to the global economy exceeded US$423 billion (A$654 billion) a year in 2019. Costs have at least quadrupled every decade since 1970 and that trend is set to continue.

Prevention is better than a cure. Stopping pests and diseases arriving and establishing in Australia is not only better for the environment, it's much cheaper too.

The biosecurity system is our front line against invasion. Species that pose a significant risk to agriculture have historically received more attention, but we also need to defend our borders against threats to nature.

Here we take a closer look at some pests and diseases we need to keep out at all costs, to protect our biodiversity.

The invasion curve shows the cost of managing an incursion at various stages. Prevention is much cheaper than dealing with invaders after they arrive, and early eradication is much cheaper than longer-term containment or control. Credit: Invasive Species Council, CC BY-SA

One of the biggest threats to biodiversity

Alien species are those deliberately or accidentally introduced to areas where they are not native. If they cause problems, we call them invasive.

Invasive alien species include weeds, feral animals, exotic pests and diseases.

Those that have already arrived have taken a huge toll. Introduced predators were largely responsible for most of Australia's mammal extinctions. And introduced diseases have decimated our frogs.

Invasive species are pushing most (82%) of Australia's 1,914 nationally listed threatened species closer to extinction.

A giant African snail in Hong Kong, where it is invasive. Credit: Thomas Brown/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Imagine if those invasive species had been kept out of Australia. Here are eight of the pests and diseases we really need to keep out.

1. Giant African land snail

Giant African snails have a ferocious appetite. They feed on more than 500 species of plants including agricultural crops and eucalyptus trees. The shells of these giants can be 20cm long and females typically lay 1,200 eggs a year. Adult snails could sneak into shipping containers or machinery and their eggs could be transported in soil or goods. They are now present on Christmas Island.

2. Avian influenza

Avian influenza or bird-flu is a viral disease found in birds. Some strains can kill farmed poultry and susceptible wild birds. Such highly pathogenic strains are thought to have killed millions of wild birds globally in the past few years. The virus can also jump across to mammals, recently knocking off 3,500 sea lions Peru.

Thousands of Dalmatian pelicans were killed by highly pathenogenic Avian influenza in Europe in 2022. Credit: Birger Strahl/Unsplash

Migratory birds could bring the virus here but it could also be carried in imported birds and poultry products, including contaminated eggs, feathers, poultry feed and equipment. Our biosecurity system is responsible for surveillance and early detection, preparedness and management to protect our vulnerable wildlife. In California, preparation includes vaccinating endangered condors.

3. New tramp ants

We're already battling some species of tramp ants, but there's more where that came fromthere are at least 16 different species. So far six species including red imported fire ants have been detected, with efforts underway to contain or eradicate them at their incursion points. On Christmas Island, another tramp ant species (yellow crazy ants) formed "super colonies," killing every animal in their path, including tens of millions of the island's iconic red and robber crabs. Ants are easily transported to new areas in dirt, plants and cargo. Tramp ants threaten Australian ecosystems, agriculture and human health.

4. Bat white nose syndrome

A little brown bat displaying white nose syndrome in the U.S. Credit: Moriarty Marvin/USFWS/WikimediaCommons

White nose syndrome is a bat disease caused by a fungus. In less than 20 years it has killed more than five million bats across North America, causing local extinctions and reducing the beneficial services performed by bats such as eating harmful insects. The fungus could be introduced to Australian caves on the shoes, clothing and equipment of people who had previously visited caves in Europe or North America.

5. Crayfish plague

Dwarf Cajun crayfish can be carriers of crayfish plague. Credit: Chris Lukhaup/USDA-FS/Wikimedia Commons

A highly infectious fungal disease, crayfish plague is the main cause of crayfish declines across Europe. It has the potential to devastate Australian freshwater crayfish populations. North American crayfish can be carriers of the disease and the illegal trade of crayfish, such as the dwarf Cajun crayfish for aquariums, also threatens to introduce the disease.

6. New myrtle rust strains

The plant disease myrtle rust killing native rose apple leaves in Hawaii. Credit: Pest Plants and Animals/Wikimedia Commons

When a strain of myrtle rust arrived in Australia in 2010, it spread quickly along the east coast, infecting 358 different native plant species including eucalypts, bottle brushes and lilly pillies. It has caused major declines and local extinctions of many species. Other exotic myrtle rust strains occur outside Australia. These present serious threats to Australia's natural environment and to commercial native forest plantations. Importing infected plant material is the main risk of introduction.

7. Savannah cats

Savannah cats are bred by crossing a domestic cat with an African serval. Credit: Jason Douglas/Wikimedia Commons

Savannah cats are two to three times the size of domestic cats. In 2008 the federal government banned the importation of savannah cats. A scientific assessment found pet savannah cats had the potential to establish and roam across 97% of the country if they escaped or were released. They can take down prey twice as large as feral cats, so 90% of Australia's native land mammals would be at risk. Demand for the species from the pet trade raises the risk of smuggling or illegal trade.

8. Black spined toad

A black spined toad in Taiwan. Credit: LiCheng Shih/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

The black spined toad is potentially more damaging than the cane toad because it could survive across a bigger region including in the colder parts of Australia. It would prey on native frogs and other small animals, be toxic to larger animals, and probably carry exotic parasites or disease. It is a common stowaway in shipping cargo.

Prioritizing nature

Australia's biosecurity system has generally served our country well, but it is under constant and growing strain. Historically, the environment has also been the poor cousin of agriculture at the biosecurity table.

Preparedness and responses for environmental threats remain chronically underfunded, especially when compared to those developed for industry.

A well-resourced independent body focused on the prevention and early elimination of new environmental pests and diseases would be a major step toward achieving our global commitments to end extinction.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Regular 10 s exposure time 17.4 nm FSI image taken at 0.68 au from the sun on 2022 March 23 at 23:01. At this distance, the FOV extends to 4.9 R  . With this exposure time, signal is detected up to 2 R  . Longer exposures and the use of an occulting disk are required at larger angles. The cause of the two vertical dark bands has not yet been identified. Credit: Astronomy & Astrophysics (2023). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202346039

Scientists have used Solar Orbiter's EUI camera in a new mode of operation to record part of the sun's atmosphere at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths that has been almost impossible to image until now. This new mode of operation was made possible with a last-minute 'hack' to the camera and will almost certainly influence new solar instruments for future missions.

Solar Orbiter's Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) returns high-resolution images of the structures in the sun's atmosphere. Scientists call this region the corona. During EUI's construction, a last-minute modification to the safety door on the front of the instrument has allowed it to see deeper into its target region than originally specified.

"It was really a hack," says Frederic Auchere, Institut d'Astrophysique Spatiale, Universite Paris-Sud, and a member of the EUI team. "I had the idea to just do it and see if it would work. It is actually a very simple modification to the instrument."

It involved adding a small, protruding "thumb," weighing a few grams, to the door of the instrument. As the door slides out of the way to let the light into the camera, if it is stopped halfway, the thumb covers the sun's bright disk, and EUI can detect the million-times fainter ultraviolet light coming from the surrounding corona.

The team refer to this as the occulter mode of operation. Tests with the EUI occulter have been on-going since 2021. Now the team are confident in its successful operation and have written a paper in Astronomy & Astrophysics and published a video showing the results. Scientists have used the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter's Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) in a new mode of operation to record part of the sun's atmosphere that has been almost impossible to image until now. By covering the sun's bright disc with an 'occulter' inside the instrument, EUI can detect the million-times fainter ultraviolet light coming from the surrounding corona. Credit: ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI Team; F. Auchere et al (2023); Solar disc: NASA/STEREO

The movie shows an ultraviolet image of the sun's corona taken using the EUI occulter. An ultraviolet image of the sun's disk has been superimposed in the middle, in the area left blank by the occulter. The image of the sun's disk has been taken by NASA's STEREO mission, which happened to be looking at the sun from almost the same direction as Solar Orbiter at the same time, so the features on the surface have a good correlation to the features in the corona.

In the past, images of the sun's corona have been taken with dedicated instruments called coronagraphs. For example, Solar Orbiter's coronagraph is called Metis. The value of this new approach is that the coronagraph and the camera can be included in the same instrument.

"We've shown that this works so well that you can now consider a new type of instrument that can do both imaging of the sun and the corona around it," says Daniel Muller, ESA's project scientist for Solar Orbiter.

Even before those new instruments, there is a lot of new science to come from EUI. The occulter mode makes it possible for scientists to see deeper into the sun's atmosphere. This is the region that lies beyond the field of view of classical EUV imagers but it is usually obscured by traditional coronagraphs. Now, however, EUI's occulter can image this little-explored region easily.

"Physics is changing there, the magnetic structures are changing there, and we never really had a good look at it before. There must be some secrets in there that we can now find," says David Berghmans, Royal Observatory of Belgium, and the EUI Principal Investigator.

More information: F. Auchere et al, Beyond the disk: EUV coronagraphic observations of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager on board Solar Orbiter, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2023). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202346039 Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A delegate walk in front of a mural outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. The summit's opening speeches included clear calls to reform the global financial structures that have left African nations paying about five times more to borrow money than others, worsening the debt crisis for many. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga

A Nigerian environmental activist declared Wednesday at the first African Climate Summit that carbon markets are "bogus solutions," providing a sharp reminder that not all of Africa's 1.3 billion people support richer countries using the continent's green spaces to offset continued polluting at home.

The summit has sought to reframe the African continent, which has enormous amounts of clean energy minerals and renewable energy sources, as less of a victim of climate change driven by the world's biggest economies and more of the solution, with .

But investment in the continent in exchange for the ability to keep polluting elsewhere has angered some in Africa who prefer to see China, the United States, India, the European Union and others rein in their emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases.

"We reject forced solutions on our land," Priscilla Achakpa, founder of the Nigeria-based Women Environmental Programme, told summit participants on the event's final day. She urged the so-called "Global North" to "remove yourself from the perspective of the colonial past."

The summit is part of Africa's preparation for the next United Nations climate change conference, which is scheduled tot take place in Dubai in December.

The summit has largely featured leaders in government, business and civil society, many of them veterans of other climate gatherings.

Kenya's President William Ruto speaks at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga

"Heading from event to event doesn't leave us with a lot of constructive thinking time" to bridge the gaps that still divide communities on the best ways to reduce emissions, Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said.

Carbon markets, in which polluters effectively offset emissions by investing in tree-planting or conservation initiatives, are cheaper to purchase in Africa than in many other parts of the world where schemes are more strictly regulated. African nations seek a better price to help achieve their own emission-reduction targets.

In Africa's market, the continent earns less than $10 per ton of carbon. Other regions can receive over $100 for the same amount. In carbon trading, one credit issued equals 1 ton of carbon dioxide or another greenhouse gas equivalent removed from the atmosphere.

The voluntary carbon market, which remains dominant in Africa, has been plagued by integrity and transparency concerns. Environmental groups are concerned it is a free pass to keep polluting.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Wildfire smoke is one the most visible signs of air pollution brought on by heat waves.

Climate change is driving more intense and more frequent heat waves, which in turn generate a "witch's brew" of pollutants, threatening the health of humans and other living things, the UN warned Wednesday.

The wildfire smoke recently suffocating cities from Athens to New York may be the most visible sign of air pollution brought on by heat waves.

But extreme heat can also induce a whole host of other chemical processes that are hazardous for human health, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization said in its annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.

"Heat waves worsen air quality, with knock-on effects on human health, ecosystems, agriculture and indeed our daily lives," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

A recent study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) indicated that fine particulate air pollution from things like vehicle and industrial emissions but also sand and wildfires, is "the greatest external threat to public health" worldwide.

Taalas stressed that "climate change and air quality cannot be treated separately".

"They go hand-in-hand and must be tackled together to break this vicious cycle."

'More extreme'

While Wednesday's report was based on 2022 data, Taalas cautioned that in terms of temperatures, "what we are witnessing in 2023 is even more extreme".

On Wednesday, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service said the Earth had just had its hottest three months on record, with last July the hottest month ever recorded, followed by August and that 2023 was on track to become the hottest year on record.

That is bad news for air quality levels.

"Air quality and climate are interconnected because the chemical species that affect both are linked, because the substances responsible for climate change and for the degradation of air quality are often emitted by the same sources, and because changes in one inevitably cause changes in the other," WMO said.

It pointed for instance to how the combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere, which are not only heat-trapping greenhouse gases but can lead to the formation of pollutants like ozone and nitrate aerosols.

Researchers meanwhile widely agree that climate change is causing more intense and more frequent heat waves, and that this in turn is leading to a growing risk of more severe wildfires, WMO said.

'Closely linked'

"Heat waves and wildfires are closely linked," said Lorenzo Labrador, a WMO researcher at the Global Atmosphere Watch network which compiled Wednesday's Bulletin.

"Smoke from wildfires contains a witch's brew of chemicals that affects not only air quality and health, but also damages plants, ecosystems and cropsand leads to more carbon emissions and so more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said in the statement.

The 2022 data detailed in the report showed how heat waves last year triggered wildfires in the Northwestern United States, leading to unhealthy air.

Soaring temperatures in Europe, accompanied by unusually high amounts of desert dust reaching the continent, meanwhile led to increased concentrations of both particulate matter and ground-level ozone pollution, it said.

While high-altitude, or stratospheric ozone provides humans with vital protection from harmful the ultra-violet rays of the sun, ozone close to the Earth's surface is harmful to human health.

It also reduces crop yield, with ozone-induced losses averaging 4.4-12.4 percent globally for staple food crops, and wheat and soybean losses as high as 15-30 percent in parts of India and China.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A great yellow bumblebee (Bombus distinguendus) feeding on clover, Benbecula machair. Credit: Lorne Gill/NatureScot

Considerable and rapid change across all aspects of society is needed to stop further nature loss in Scotland, a new report reveals.

Many of the direct causes of biodiversity loss are well-known such as pollution, climate change and land use change. Now a new report led by The James Hutton Institute, commissioned by NatureScot, says that tackling these direct causes is not enough.

It points to factors which are indirectly contributing to nature loss in Scotland including our culture, education, demography, economy, political systems and technology.

The report, also involving researchers at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University, identifies ways to reduce the impacts of some of these contributing factors to help us move towards a future where we are living more in harmony with nature. Government, public bodies, schools, businesses, individuals and communities are highlighted as having a lead role to play.

Recommendations include that policy makers and businesses move away from measuring performance based on levels of production and consumption and focus more on regenerative uses of the land and sea as part of a sustainable, circular economy.

While this will require substantial adjustments, the report comments that these will be easier and less costly to people and businesses than passively adjusting to a worsening biodiversity and climate crisis. Professor Robin Pakeman: Considerable change needed to stop nature loss in Scotland. Credit: The James Hutton Institute.

Professor Robin Pakeman, senior report author at the Hutton, said, "A key conclusion I draw from this report is that the consequences of all of our actions, even apparently positive ones, can have global repercussions. These can be very complex to navigate. For example, replacing a forestry plantation with a native woodland could be seen as a win for biodiversity. However, where will the timber now come from?

"Effectively, 'offshoring' or pushing our impacts elsewhere where they cause even more problems, is a serious concern. There are many difficult choices, which can be made easier, as the report outlines. For example, we can reduce our use of unsustainable materials and cut energy consumption that degrades the natural world."

NatureScot's Director of Nature and Climate Change, Nick Halfhide said, "With the forthcoming consultation on the Scottish Government'sBiodiversity strategy to 2045: tackling the nature emergency, the importance of halting biodiversity loss by 2030 is laid bare.

"Tackling these underlying contributions to nature loss will be essential for a just transition to a net zero and nature-rich economy, both to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.

"This important report from the James Hutton Institute points to the wider challenges we face in reconciling the great range of policies and actions to achieve a thriving future for our natural environment, economy and well-being."

The report authors were Robin Pakeman, Antonia Eastwood (now at the RSPB), Dominic Duckett (now at Glasgow Caledonian University), Kerry Waylen and Jonathan Hopkins from The James Hutton Institute and David Bailey from the University of Glasgow.

The full report can be accessed on NatureScot's website: NatureScot Research Report 1309Understanding the Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss in Scotland.

Key findings and recommendations

Top levelConduct a national conversation on how we can transition to a sustainable future in which decision making at all levels, from the individual to the state, is forward-looking and compatible with long-term sustainability. Increase effort to (re)connect the public, and especially children, to biodiversity and the benefits they derive from it, and support for nature volunteering and citizen science.

GovernanceStrengthen participatory and deliberative decision-making to encourage local democracy and greater incorporation of local and experiential knowledge, noting that Regional Land Use Partnerships and Marine Planning Partnerships offer this potential. The success of citizen panels in the Republic of Ireland and the recent Climate Assembly in Scotland show the potential for these to make useful policy recommendations. Working at the scale of Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities may represent a useful approach to complement existing levers and approaches to achieving outcomes for biodiversity.

EconomyUnsustainable material and energy consumption that degrades the natural world will need to be reduced across society. Economic decision-making based on metrics that focus more on broader sustainability, and highlights indicators such as the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare and the Genuine Progress Indicator that aim to support a more balanced evaluation of national performance by including economic, human and natural capital. With around 30% of threatened species linked to the impacts of global trade, and the U.K. ranked 5th in the world in terms of exporting its biodiversity footprint to other countries, the report highlights the importance of taking into account the full environmental impacts of our consumption. Nature restoration may be hampered by a lack of skilled labor to meet the expanding nature-based jobs market in sectors such as coastal and marine habitat restoration, woodland planting and restoration, and peatland restoration.

AgricultureA shift in agricultural subsidies to results-based payments offers more agency to land managers and the potential to bring innovation into conservation management, while a focus on natural capital could provide a more rounded objective to landscape-scale nature restoration. Agricultural Knowledge and Advisory Services, also referred to as extension services, will be required to support the sector in adopting technologies such as precision farming and crop diversification, to reduce inputs and help land managers improve carbon management, protect biodiversity and restore ecosystem services.

DevelopmentsGreater provision of green and blue spaces and active travel routes, particularly in urban areas where people can become disconnected from nature and in areas experiencing disadvantage.

RenewablesFor Scotland, a transition to biomass energy is likely to come from land use change to biocrops, increasing reliance on imports of food with the potential to offshore biodiversity loss elsewhere; mechanisms are needed to prevent locally and imported biomass coming from systems that degrade biodiversity. The Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) has explicit policies that should mean that future developments take account of the global climate and biodiversity emergencies but there is still the potential for a local trade-off between renewable energy installations and biodiversity.

Learning"Learning for Sustainability" and more broadly the Sustainable Development Goals in Scotland need stronger implementation, inspection and teacher development. Calls for activities that connect young people to nature and for embedding into the school curriculum an "understanding of natural processes" and the importance of nature to our well-being.
JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the first highspeed railway in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) is an example of win-win cooperation between countries, promoting Indonesia's development and livelihood, said Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang.

As a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) is the first overseas construction project of China Railway that fully adopts the Chinese technology and industry chain, Lu told Xinhua in a recent written interview.

Under the lead of the governments of both countries, it is built and managed by Chinese and Indonesian enterprises, which adheres to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, said Lu.

Over the past eight years, the governments, enterprises and railway builders from both countries have made great efforts to the construction, carrying out all-round cooperation in survey and design, construction, equipment manufacturing, operation and management, personnel training, and technology sharing, he said.

"The completion of the railway will bring tangible benefits to the Indonesian people and, most directly, in creating more convenient travel conditions," said the ambassador.

The 142-km-long Jakarta-Bandung HSR, with a maximum design speed of 350 km per hour, connects Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta and West Java Province's capital Bandung.

It will cut the journey between the two cities from over three hours to around 40 minutes, relieving the commuting traffic congestion, said Lu.

In addition, in the long run, the HSR will further optimize the local investment environment, increase employment opportunities, as well as effectively promote business and tourism development along the railway, he added.

"It will even help form new growth points, thus accelerating the formation of a high-speed railway economic corridor," he added.

The ambassador noted that China and Indonesia have worked together to build a number of high-quality infrastructure projects since the BRI was proposed in 2013, covering such fields as power stations, roads and bridges, dams, and communications, which have enhanced Indonesia's interconnectivity among islands and improved local people's life.

Taking the Jakarta-Bandung HSR as an example, Lu said that more than 75 percent of the project's services and procurement are local to Indonesia, which has had a significant impact on the local supply chain and labor force employment, especially in training thousands of qualified technicians for Indonesia, who have improved their lives and upgraded their work skills through employment.

Lu emphasized that by synergizing the BRI with Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum, the economic and trade cooperation between China and Indonesia has achieved fruitful results.

China has been Indonesia's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. In 2022, the bilateral trade volume reached 149.4 billion U.S. dollars, according to Lu.

The two sides will continue to promote the construction of key projects such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and "Two Countries, Two Parks" to create new benchmarks for high-quality BRI cooperation, he said.

Meanwhile, both sides will continue to improve the level of economic, trade and investment cooperation and expand cooperation in multiple fields, Lu said.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Indonesia.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen and consolidate over the past 10 years, said Lu.

The two sides will advance strategic cooperation to a higher level and turn the vision of building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future into reality, injecting more certainty and positivity into the region and the world, he said. 
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Aerial view of the town of Mucum, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in the aftermath of a devastatiang cyclone.

Torrential rain and winds caused by an extratropical cyclone have left at least 21 people dead in southern Brazil, officials said Tuesday, warning more flooding may be coming.

The latest in a string of weather disasters to hit Brazil, it is the deadliest ever in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Governor Eduardo Leite told a news conference.

"We were deeply saddened to get the news that as the water recedes... 15 more bodies were found in the town of Mucum, bringing the death toll to 21," he said.

Close to 6,000 people were forced from their homes by the storms, which started Monday, dumping hail and more than 300 millimeters (nearly 12 inches) of rain on the state in less than 24 hours and triggering floods and landslides, officials said.

In Mucum, a small town of 5,000 people, hundreds had to be rescued from their rooftops as the Taquari river flooded more than 85 percent of the city, according to local news site GZH.

"There are still people missing. The death toll might climb higher," Mayor Mateus Trojan told Radio Gaucha.

"The town of Mucum as we knew it no longer exists."

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sent a message of solidarity with those affected, saying the federal government is "ready to help."

Swept away

The victims included a man killed by an electrical shock in the town of Passo Fundo and a couple whose car was swept away by a river as they tried to cross a bridge in the town of Ibiraiaras.

The storms hit 67 municipalities in all, affecting more than 52,000 people, authorities said.

The neighboring state of Santa Catarina also recorded one death, according to news site G1.

Hundreds of firefighters as well as military police and civil defense personnel were dispatched as part of rescue operations, with helicopters sent to reach areas cut off by flooding.

"There are many isolated families, many people still at risk," said Communications Minister Paulo Pimenta, who is planning to travel to the region with a government delegation Wednesday.

With more rain forecast from Thursday, authorities warn more flooding is possible.

It is the latest in a string of deadly weather events to hit Brazil, which experts say are likely being made worse by climate change.

Unchecked urbanization and irregular housing built on hillsides are also making such disasters deadlier, officials say.

An estimated 9.5 million of Brazil's 203 million people live in areas at high risk of flooding or landslides.

In June, another cyclone left 13 dead in Rio Grande do Sul and forced thousands of people from their homes.

And in February, 65 people died in landslides caused by record flooding in the southeastern resort town of Sao Sebastiao, on the coast of Sao Paulo state.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Heavy rain caused damage on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.

The toll from torrential rains and flooding on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast has climbed to four, while several thousand tourists have been left stranded, officials said Wednesday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms since late Monday caused rivers to overflow, damaging bridges and cutting off access in the region south of the coastal city of Burgas.

Rescuers found the bodies of two womena 54-year-old regional court chairwoman and her 30-year-old daughteron Wednesday, the interior ministry said.

The two women were missing after the car they were traveling in was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge.

Earlier in the day, the body of a man was recovered from the sea, while another man, a 61-year-old construction worker, was found dead on Tuesday.

The rains were the heaviest since 1994 with as much rain falling in 24 hours as usually in several months, according to head of the fire department Alexandar Dzhartov.

"Around 4,000 people are affected by the disaster along the entire southern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast," said Tourism Minister Zaritsa Dinkova after meeting hoteliers near the flood-hit coastal town of Tsarevo.

"There is a problem transporting tourists because it is dangerous to go by coach on the roads affected by the floods," she added.

In Tsarevowhich declared a state of emergencyresidents and volunteers were picking up debris, with overturned cars and caravans strewn around streets and camping places, according to an AFP photographer.

"It's a disaster... the steep terrain (along the coast) creates an enormous danger," Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said, adding "long-term solutions" would be needed to secure the area.

Floodingrare in the Black Sea coast areais becoming increasingly common in Bulgaria with the impact of climate change and the poor maintenance of infrastructure.

Environment Minister Julian Popov on Nova television warned of the danger posed by "the poor state of infrastructure and too much construction on the coast".

Scientists warn that extreme weather is becoming more intense as a result of climate change.

Several people were also killed when heavy rains hit Spain, Greece and Turkey this week.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A forest fire burns in Mato Grosso state, Brazil in September 2021.

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 66 percent in August versus the same month last year, the government said Tuesday, while also announcing the demarcation of two new Indigenous reserves.

"In August, we had a reduction of 66.11 percent in deforestation" in Brazil's share of the world's biggest rainforest, Environment Minister Marina Silva told a ceremony marking Amazon Day.

That followed a similar year-on-year drop of 66 percent in Julyboth crucial months in the Amazon, where deforestation typically surges this time of year with the onset of drier weather.

According to satellite monitoring by Brazil's space research institute, INPE, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon wiped out 1,661 square kilometers (641 square miles) in August 2022, the last year of far-right Jair Bolsonaro's term.

Bolsonaro (2019-2022), an ally of the powerful agribusiness industry blamed for driving the destruction, presided over a sharp increase in deforestation in the Amazon.

"These results show the determination of the Lula administration to break the cycle of abandonment and regression seen under the previous government," Silva said.

"If we don't protect the forest and its people, we'll condemn the world to a brutal increase of CO 2 emissions and, as a result, accelerating climate change."

New Indigenous reserves

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who previously led Brazil from 2003 to 2010, returned to office in January vowing to protect the threatened Amazon, whose carbon-absorbing trees are a vital buffer against global warming.

Key to that pledge, researchers say, are Indigenous reserves, considered bulwarks against deforestation.

"If there is no future for the Amazon and its people, there will be no future for the planet either," Lula said in his announcement of the two new reserves.

His government in April already issued decrees recognizing six new Indigenous territories, authorizing Indigenous peoples to occupy the land and have exclusive use of its resources.

Another six could be demarcated by the end of the year, the government said Tuesday.

The country has some 800 reserves, but around a third of them have not been officially demarcated, according to Brazil's Indigenous affairs agency.

No new reserves had been demarcated under Bolsonaro.

The demarcationsof the 187,000-hectare (462,000-acre) Rio Gregorio reserve and the 18,000-hectare (44,000-acre) Acapuri de Cima reservecome as the country awaits a key Supreme Court decision that could derail or enshrine Indigenous gains.

The law currently only recognizes ancestral territories that were occupied by Indigenous communities at the time Brazil's constitution was promulgated in 1988.

But Indigenous leaders say certain territories were no longer occupied at that point because communities had been expelled from them, particularly during the military dictatorship from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The case will either validate or invalidate the 1988 cut-off. So far, six of 11 judges have votedfour against the cut-off, two in favor. Voting is set to resume September 20.

Indigenous reserves occupy 13.75 percent of Brazil's territory, with mostlike the two approved Tuesdayin the Amazon.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Imja Tsho is a lake made up of meltwater from Imja-Lhotse Shar Glacier in Eastern Nepal and one of the fastest growing lakes in the Himalayas. Credit: David Rounce

In the Himalayas, not far from the base of Mount Everest, lies the Imja-Lhotse Shar Glacier, where David Rounce conducted his doctoral research. From 2013 to 2017, Rounce and his team visited Nepal to measure the glacier as it rapidly recededand as the lake at its base grew.

"To go to the same place and to see the lake expand and see how the glacier was thinning rapidly was quite eye-opening to say the least," said Rounce, now an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Rounce is the lead author of a January 2023 study in the journal Science that projects that the world's glaciers could lose as much as 40% of their mass by 2100. The researchers modeled glaciers around the worldnot counting the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheetsto predict how they will be affected by global temperature increases of 1.5 to 4 degrees Celsius (2.7 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

The study found that with 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, 50% of the world's glaciers would disappear and contribute 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) to sea level rise by 2100. If the world reaches 2.7 degrees of warmingthe estimated temperature increase based on climate pledges made at the Conference of Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention for Climate Changenearly all glaciers in Central Europe, western Canada, and the U.S. (including Alaska) will have melted. If warming reaches 4 degrees Celsius, 80% of the world's glaciers will disappear and contribute 15 centimeters (6 inches) of sea level rise.

"Regardless of temperature increase, the glaciers are going to experience a lot of loss," Rounce said. "That's inevitable."

The work by Rounce and colleagues marks the first modeling study that uses satellite-derived mass change data describing all the world's 215,000 glaciers. The team's sophisticated model used "new satellite derived datasets that were not available on a global level before," said Regine Hock, a glaciology professor at the University of Alaska and the University of Oslo. It included data from Japan's Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on NASA's Terra satellite, as well as the USGS-NASA Landsat 8 and ESA's Sentinel satellites.

The model accounted for glacial debris cover, which includes rocks, sediment, soot, dust and volcanic ash found on the glacier surface. Glacial debris is typically difficult to measure due to its varying thickness, but it plays an important role because it can influence glacial melting: a thin layer of debris can enhance melting, while a thick layer can insulate and reduce it.

Glaciers in remote regionsfar from the human activitiesare particularly powerful indicators of climate change. Rapidly melting glaciers impact freshwater availability, landscapes, tourism, ecosystems, the frequency and severity of hazards, and sea level rise.

"Sea level rise is not just a problem for a few specific locations," said Ben Hamlington, leader of NASA's Sea Level Change Team. "It's increasing almost everywhere on Earth."

"We are not trying to frame this as a negative look at the loss of these glaciers, but instead how we have the ability to make a difference," Rounce said. "I think it's a very important message: a message of hope."

Provided by NASA
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Parachute system including capsule and canopy (left) and its grid (right). Credit: Space: Science & Technology

The safe landing of the probe is one of the most difficult challenges in Mars exploration, and the Mars supersonic parachute is extremely important for this process. To date, all the successful Mars exploration missions have used disk-gap-band (DGB) parachutes. However, the DGB parachute with the highest diameter of 21.35 m cannot be further used for future Mars exploration missions with higher loads.

Next-generation supersonic parachutes conducted by NASA, such as disksail parachutes, are alternatives to DGB parachutes. Disksail parachutes have larger porous gaps and smaller porous seams on the canopy surface than DGB parachutes. However, there are few studies on the aerodynamic characteristics of supersonic parachutes with different geometric porosity structures and locations.

Hence, the influence mechanism of porous seams or gaps and their locations on the performance of supersonic parachute systems in Martian atmospheric conditions remains unclear.

In a research paper recently published in Space: Science & Technology, eight scholars from five organizations, including Central South University, Xi'An Jiaotong University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics & Electricity, and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, together investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the new supersonic parachute with different porosities and seam/gap positions and understand the influence mechanism of the porosity and the positions of porous structures on the aerodynamic performances of supersonic parachutes.

First, the authors introduce the parachute model in the study. The original parachute system model used in this study includes the capsule and canopy. The canopy model is designed from the SSDS model in NASA's Low-Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) flight tests, and the capsule model is consistent with the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) probe model.

SSDS canopy simplified model. Credit: Space: Science & Technology

The structure of the canopy model is divided into 4 parts along the X-axis direction from the mouth to the top of the canopy body: the canopy band, the ring 19ring 16, the ring 15ring 10, and the canopy disk with a vent.

The canopy model has 2 types of porosity structures, i.e., gap and seam. The top gap, G1, locates between ring 10 and the canopy disk, and its geometric porosity is 4%. The middle gap, G2, locates between rings 16 and 15, and its geometric porosity is 3%. The seams locate between the other rings or the ring and canopy band. The order number of the seam is named from the upper ring. The gaps have large geometric porosity, and the seams have tiny geometric porosity.

In this study, canopy models with different single-seam positions are designed (the top vent is retained for all the models), in which only one seam is open for a canopy model. Meanwhile, the top gap model, the G1 model, is a model that only retains the top gap of G1 and the top vent, and the middle gap model, the G2 model, only retains the middle gap of G2 and the top vent. Combining the above seams with different gaps, new canopy models with different seams and gaps are also designed.

Furthermore, the canopy model is considered a rigid body in this work.

Then, authors set forth the freestream conditions and numerical methods used in the simulation. The freestream conditions used in the simulation are consistent with those of the working altitude of the supersonic parachute in the MSL mission and the working speeds of the parachute in the stable descent stage.

Three instantaneous flow fields around the S17 model system: Mach number contours on the left and pressure contours on the right. Credit: Space: Science & Technology

As for numerical methods, the unsteady flows over the supersonic parachute system (i.e., different canopy models with the same MSL capsule) are studied by numerically solving the 3-dimensional compressible N-S equations. The finite volume method is adopted for spatial discretization, and the HLLC (Harten-Lax-van Leer-Contact) scheme is employed to calculate the inviscid flux term. Furthermore, the TVD polynomial interpolation scheme is used to avoid numerical oscillations.

In addition, an implicit 2-time-step propulsion scheme is adopted to capture the complex unsteady flow field structures around the supersonic parachute with the time step of 1.010-4 s.

Last, the authors present the results and draw the conclusion. The numerical results are summarized as follows:

(1) The porosity structures of the canopy body have no significant effect on the flow field mode of the supersonic parachute system, and they have little effect on the pressure distribution of the capsule surface and the flow field structure around the capsule body.

(2) For the canopy models with single seams in the present study, the models with lower seams (lower side of canopy) have better drag performance, and the S11 and S17 models show larger drag coefficients and better stability performance. For the canopy models with a single gap, the drag coefficient of the G2 model (0.72) is significantly larger than that of the G1 model (0.64), while the lateral force coefficient fluctuation of G1 (0.072) is smaller than that of the G2 model (0.091).

(3) With the addition of different seams, the drag coefficient of G1S models is larger than that of the G1 model with a single G1. Compared with the original G1 model, the stability performance of the combined G1S models has no significant change. The drag performance of the combined G2S models with the seams decreases compared with the original G2 model; how- ever, the stability performance of the combined G2S models is improved compared with the original G2.

Comparison of aerodynamic performances among different porosity models. Credit: Space: Science & Technology

Furthermore, when the combination of seam and gap farther apart is designed for a canopy, the pressure inside the canopy basically decreases compared with the original single model, while the combination of seam and gap with a short distance is designed for a canopy and the pressure change inside the canopy is minor.

The numerical results of this study show that the new supersonic parachutes with different porosity structures of seams, gaps, and their combinations exhibit significantly different aerodynamic performances. The next generation of parachutes with more complex combinations of seams and gaps should be designed to investigate their aerodynamic characteristics and influence mechanisms.

More information: Lulu Jiang et al, Effect of Different Geometric Porosities on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Supersonic Parachutes, Space: Science & Technology (2023). DOI: 10.34133/space.0062

Provided by Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co.
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Swedish and Norwegian police will build a police station on the two countries' border to strengthen cooperation and prevent Swedish criminal gangs from expanding their activities into Norway, the two countries' police chiefs said on Wednesday.

"Serious organized crime operates across the border and it is, therefore, important to strengthen our long-term cooperation," Sweden's National Police Commissioner Anders Thornberg said in a press release.

A new police station that straddles the border will, therefore, be built some 80 kilometers east of Norway's capital Oslo, the Swedish news agency TT reported.

"It's about strengthening safety and security, which can only be done by working together," Thornberg said.

Norway's National Police Commissioner Benedicte Bjornland said in the press release that many of the criminal networks that operate in Norway have links to Sweden.

"This could concern the smuggling of drugs, access to weapons or Swedish gang members carrying out violent missions in Norway," she said. "Sharing knowledge is important to facilitate a joint preventive effort."

In a study released in 2021, the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention found that among 23 European countries studied, Sweden had moved from the lowest number of shootings to the highest during the years 2000 to 2019.

According to the latest statistics released by Swedish Police, 247 shootings resulted in the loss of 30 lives and 73 injuries across the country between Jan.1 and Aug.31.

In the same period, 120 bombings took place in Sweden, according to the Swedish Police. 
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
OTTAWA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- In late May 2021, remains of 215 indigenous children were found in Canada, smashing the nation's hypocritical facade and stunning the world.

Two years after the suspected unmarked graves were identified at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, thousands of burials were found at former Indian residential school sites across the country.

A total of 93 potential unmarked child and infant graves have been uncovered at the former Beauval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan in central Canada.

"This is not a final number. It breaks my heart that there are likely more," English River First Nation chief Jenny Wolverine said, revealing the facts during a news conference.

"We were not sure what to expect and what we would find. But we did know the stories that were shared over generations about the treatment of the students and those students who never returned home," she said.

In the village where the school was located, local residents told Xinhua that colonialism and human rights abuses behind the residential school system have been challenging Canada.

TOO SCARED TO SAY

Patrick Djonaire, a 65-year-old survivor of Beauval Indian Residential School, shared his harsh experience in the school. He attended the school at eight and graduated, having got no guts to tell his parents the bad things.

"I never told my parents how school was, because we were scared, because the priests and the nuns, the Catholic people ran the schools. So sins were never told in public," he said. "I was scared to say."

He even witnessed one of his friends probably molested by a priest. "It's a sexual assault. It was scary like those other things and I didn't want to mention it to people. Like to this day, I still hold it."

Djonaire said he became an angry person thinking about the negative impact.

"Every time I see a priest or a French-speaking person, I get scared, I get nervous. It's like you have to pay attention all the time," he said.

Djonaire said that although he went to Northern Teacher Education, he couldn't be a teacher when he was 26 after a job in a mining company. "I couldn't manage those children. I couldn't manage those children like the way those nuns and those priests managed us," he said.

PEOPLE STILL SUFFERING

Dawn McIntyre, a descendant of a survivor in Saskatchewan, said they have all attended the residential school as part of their lives.

"Through generations, we've all heard stories. We knew that the children were disciplined harshly and as we got older we learned more and more stories about physical and sexual abuse," said McIntyre, who is a Cree woman from the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation and lives in La Plonge Reserve, part of the English River First Nation.

"Our people are still suffering, our youths are suffering, our children are still being born into very dysfunctional families that were created because of the IRS (Indian Residential School) system, so now we have a whole host of problems."

She explained that when children were taken away from their families they didn't learn family values and how to raise their own children.

"People who've been subjected to abuse will grow up and often maybe cannot cope," she said, adding that they turned to other ways of coping and it has led to a lot of violence and addictions in the communities.

"It continues to go through generations and it continues to snowball and it takes a really great deal of effort for a person to lift themselves out of that."

LOSS OF IDENTITIES

Candyce Paul, who is married to a survivor from the residential school, said the elders from the past were comfortable in their own being and their own identity but the generations that went to the residential school weren't.

Paul has lived in northern Saskatchewan for more than four decades with her husband, Marius Paul.

"There was so much loss of culture, identities and language," she said. "They were told you're not as good as the white man and then the whole white man system is imposed on him."

Paul said it's taking generations to heal and people are relearning their ways.

"We want the government to acknowledge those deaths and those wrongdoings, whether those missing people are people who died under questionable circumstances, or they just weren't recorded."

Over 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were separated from their families and forced to attend government-funded schools between the 1870s and 1997.

In 2015, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the Canadian government concluded that the children were physically and sexually abused and died in the schools.

While it has documented at least 4,100 deaths, the commission said the real numbers may never be fully known. 
VENTNOR  The city and a Galloway Township womans estate have agreed to a $2 million settlement following a lawsuit over the use of her boyfriends police service weapon to die by suicide.

Kelly Ann McDowells family sued the city and police Lt. Francisco ONeill in 2018, contesting that McDowells death was preventable. Before the settlement, a trial court found ONeill negligent as a matter of law for leaving his service weapon accessible against regulations, said Paul DAmato, the attorney representing McDowells parents, Kevin and Carol McDowell.

McDowell died by suicide April 17, 2017.

We feel daily the pain of Kellys loss, as do her three children, and the pain is even more searing knowing her death was absolutely preventable, Kevin and Carol McDowell said in a joint statement Tuesday. Kelly Ann, who was a remarkable working single parent, would be alive today if police rules about gun safety and storage had only been followed. We hope, in the aftermath of this settlement, and the court ruling, other innocent lives can be saved through stricter compliance by law enforcement  individuals and departments  regarding gun safety, including when officers are off-duty.

Ventnor Mayor Lance Landgraf said Wednesday the settlement was fulfilled by the municipalitys joint insurance fund.

I am sorry for the McDowell familys loss, Landgraf said. This was a terrible incident.

Landgraf directed questions about ONeills employment status to police Chief Joe Fussner, who did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.

Kelly Ann McDowell and ONeill shared a home with five children when she died. Her body was discovered by her oldest son, Ryan Strazzeri.

According to the suit, ONeills police weapon was unsecured on their bedrooms walk-in closet floor when Kelly Ann McDowell obtained it.

There is no closure, no celebration that comes with the end of this case, DAmato said Tuesday. Theres vindication for the plaintiffs in having the court substantiate in its Motion for Summary Judgement finding, our position that ONeill was obligated, and could be held financially accountable, under New Jersey law to follow his departments gun-safety and storage requirements, even in his residence when he was off-the-clock. The case could have far-reaching implications throughout New Jersey and beyond for responsible gun safety applicable to law enforcement.

The defense said previously ONeill, who held the rank of sergeant at the time the lawsuit was filed, was a certified firearms instructor and underwent the departments training on general firearm safety, which includes the provision that firearms shall never be left unsecured.

ONeill also was trained to spot signs of mental health issues, DAmato said. McDowells family said ONeill was aware of those issues.

Kelly Ann McDowell reported feeling increasingly anxious and depressed since moving into her home with ONeill, family and health records say. She had three children while ONeill had two of his own.

Court documents say McDowell was treated for depression at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus, about one month before her death. Records from AtlantiCare Behavioral Health indicate she had reported increased anxiety related to her work and home lives.
ATLANTIC CITY  The state-imposed deadline for finalizing the ballot has passed, and the Atlantic County clerk has sent the ballots to the printer for the Nov. 7 general election.

But Viana Bailey, one of two Democratic candidates for the citys 2nd Ward council seat, has filed a lawsuit to contest the June 6 primary and seek a new election.

Bailey lost by just three votes (300-297) on primary day and by six votes (303-297) after an Aug. 21 recount to incumbent Councilwoman LaToya Dunston.

In her lawsuit, Bailey alleges illegal votes were cast and improper assistance was given to some voters by political operative Craig Callaway, who supported her opponent.

Its too late to change the ballot now, county Clerk Joe Giralo said Wednesday.

The judge said to go ahead and prepare the ballots, and they had Dunston in the line as the candidate. She was certified in the primary and in the recheck, Giralo said. The judge was certainly made aware of all the state statutes we have to follow.

Neither candidate could be reached for comment Wednesday.

Both Callaway and Dunston are critics of Mayor Marty Small Sr. and the Atlantic County Democratic Committee, which supported Bailey.

According to the lawsuit, filed Sept. 1 by attorney Dan Antonelli, 14 voters who cast ballots in the 2nd Ward race do not live in the ward.

Of those, seven are people registered to vote from Dunstons Atlantic City address, but do not live there, the lawsuit alleges.

In addition, the lawsuit says 35 disability certificates for assistance in voting contain irregularities requiring further investigation.

At least 28 disability certificates for assistance were completed by voters without swearing or affirming to a disability contrary to and in violation of (state law), the suit states.

Of those, 26 were assisted by Callaway, according to the suit.

In one case, a voter assisted by Callaway said she needed help with reading, but that person is a college graduate who has been on her schools deans list, the suit states.

Giralo said the general election ballots, with Dunston as the only Democratic candidate for Atlantic City Council Ward 2, must start going out Sept. 23 under state law.

He has not heard of a similar situation happening before.

Atlantic City Council candidate to get recount in 2nd Ward race There will be a recount in Atlantic City's 2nd Ward City Council race, in which two Democratic candidates are just three votes apart, a Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday.

This is all new to everybody going forward, Giralo said.

Since the court case may take months to move through the process, a judge could order a new election after the general election, Giralo surmised.

That will be up to a judge, he said.

Bailey won the primary day machine count 179 to 84 but lost overall 300-297 due to a large number of mail-in ballots coming in for Dunston.

Petitioner hereby contests (the election results) on the grounds that illegal votes were received, and that the votes received were sufficient to change the result of the election, Antonelli wrote.
In the Region

Kyrgyz Authorities Trying to Close Down Kloop

Kyrgyz authorities are moving to shut down the independent nonprofit Kloop Media Foundation.



Since its founding in 2007, Kloop Media has been a hard-hitting investigative source of information about political affairs and corruption in Kyrgyzstan.

On August 22, the Bishkek city prosecutors office filed a case with the Oktyabr and Birinchi Mai courts to liquidate Kloop Media because the foundations charter allegedly did not list media activity among its undertakings.

This is probably a good time to repeat that the name of the organization is Kloop Media.

On August 28, Kloop received the notice of the application to close it down.

Later that day, Kloop.kg reported on the accusations Bishkek prosecutor Emilbek Abdymannapov was making against the organization after consulting with state-appointed experts.

Abdymannapov claimed because of Kloops negative reports on socio-economic conditions in Batken, people were leaving the southern province for other areas of Kyrgyzstan, or leaving the country entirely.

Also, Abdymannapov said Kloops reporting has a negative emotional-psychological effect on society generating fear, anxiety, despair, and panic among a huge number of people...

Kloop has often reported on corruption and has partnered with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project and RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service, Azattyk, to produce investigative reports.

Kloops Chief Editor Anna Kapushenko told Kyrgyzstans Kaktus Media on August 28, We noticed that those human rights activists and journalists who strongly criticize the current government are involved in completely absurd cases

Kapushenko added that now, we are in a series of absurd events.

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Program Director Carlos Martinez de la Serna called on Kyrgyz authorities to immediately withdraw this application and stop their campaign of pressure against the independent press.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) Central Asia Researcher Syinat Sultanalieva said The lawsuit against Kloop Media is the most recent in a string of attacks on freedom of media and freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan.

Why Its Important: Kloop is the latest target of a campaign against independent media in Kyrgyzstan that has been underway for nearly one year.

CPJ and HRW both noted the deportation of anti-corruption reporter Bolot Temirov from Kyrgyzstan in November 2022.

Both organizations also mentioned Kyrgyz authorities blocked access to Radio Free Europe/Radio Libertys Kyrgyz Service websites and froze its bank account in October 2022 until July 2023 when the Bishkek City Court annulled the earlier court decisions.

The question now is which independent media outlet Kyrgyz authorities will target next.

Kazakhstan Building Caspian, Black Sea Oil Tanker Fleet

Kazakhstan is purchasing more oil tankers for its Caspian and Black Sea fleets to lessen its dependence on oil export routes through Russia.

Bloomberg reported on August 31 that Kazakhstan plans to buy two tankers with deadweight tonnage of 80,000 metric tons each for shipping oil from Georgian Black Sea ports.

Kazakhstans state oil and gas company KazMunaiGaz (KMG) signed an agreement with UAE company Abu Dhabi Ports Group in February this year to develop Kazakhstans tanker fleet.

The two companies formed the Caspian Integrated Maritime Solutions (CIMS) joint venture.

CIMS is part of Kazakhstans efforts to open alternative oil export routes to the Russian routes Kazakhstan currently uses.

CIMS purchased two oil tankers with deadweight tonnage of 8,000 metric tons in July for use in Kazakhstans Caspian Sea fleet.

According to the website of Kazmortransflot, KMGs subsidiary for the maritime fleet, Kazakhstan currently has three oil tankers with deadweight tonnage of 12,368 metric tons each in the Caspian Sea.

Kazakhstan already has two Aframax-class tankers, deadweight tonnage 115,000 metric tons, operating on the open seas and expects the two new tankers, and possibly a third, to join them before years end.

Why Its Important: Kazakhstan currently exports 80 percent of oil, more than 50 million metric tons, through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to the Russian Black Sea port at Novorossiysk.

Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has ordered the expansion of alternative oil export routes.

Kazakhstan plans to ship 1.5 million metric tons across the Caspian and through Azerbaijan to the Black Sea but is looking to increase this amount.

The Latest Majlis Podcast

This weeks Majlis podcast looks at recent evidence showing Turkmenistan is a methane gas super-emitter.

Turkmenistan trails only the United States and Russia in terms of methane gas emissions.

Authorities hint theyll take measures to correct the problem, but there is no indication they are doing so.

To discuss the effects of these methane emissions on the environment and on peoples health.

This weeks guests are:

Kate Watters, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Crude Accountability; and

Aynabat Yaylymova, Founder and Executive Director of Progres Foundation.



What I'm Following

Border Markets Reopen along Tajik-Afghan Frontier

Four Tajik-Afghan border markets that have been closed since August 2021 have reopened.

RFE/RLs Tajik Service reported authorities in both countries confirmed the markets reopening on September 2.

The Tajik government closed these markets immediately after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

Publicly, Tajikistans government has not tried to establish a dialogue with the Taliban government despite all the other four Central Asian states having done so.

The far eastern regions of Tajikistan and Afghanistan are high in the mountains, sparsely populated, and difficult to provision due to limited transport infrastructure, making the markets vital to local residents.

Kyrgyz Political Heavyweight Detained

The leader of the Butun (United) Kyrgyzstan party, Adakhan Madumarov, was detained in Bishkek on September 2.

Madumarov is a deputy in Kyrgyzstans parliament and his Butun Kyrgyzstan party leads the opposition faction there.

Madumarov is a veteran politician who has run for president four times, including in 2021 when he ran against current President Sadyr Japarov.

Kyrgyz authorities have been detaining dozens of their political opponents in the last year and putting pressure on independent media that criticize the government (see above).

A court ordered Madumarov be kept in custody until October 24, while he is investigated for treason over a border deal with Tajikistan that he signed in 2009.

There have been three revolutions in Kyrgyzstan since 2005, proof that the patience of Kyrgyzstans people has its limits.

The current authorities are alienating more and more people across a broad spectrum of society, creating a potentially volatile situation.

Fact of the Week

The number of first graders beginning school in Turkmenistan this year was 76,677.

This is less than half the number compared to last year when the number of first graders who started was 159,772.

Thanks for Reading

Thanks for reading Central Asia in Focus! I appreciate you sharing it with other readers who may be interested.



Feel free to contact me on Twitter or by responding to this email, especially if you have any questions, comments, or just want to connect about topics concerning Central Asia. See you next week for more on whats happening in Central Asia.

Until next time,

Bruce
The person who died early Wednesday while in East Moline police custody was a 62-year-old man.

The East Moline Police Department and the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force said officers detained the man during a burglary investigation that began just before 1 a.m. in the 400 block of 17th Avenue.

The task force, a joint law enforcement unit that investigates incidents involving police, said the man became unresponsive and the East Moline officers called an ambulance and began life-saving measures. The man later died at a hospital.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said preliminary results of an autopsy performed Wednesday indicated the man had significant cardiac issues that led to his death.

There was no evidence of trauma or foul play identified during the autopsy, Gustafson said.

Gustafson did not release the mans identity on Wednesday. He said authorities were still trying to find the mans next of kin.

The initial call was for a burglary in progress, according to the task force. The person who called police had video of someone on the property.

Around 1:23 a.m., an officer found someone near 17th Avenue and 6th Street who matched the suspect description, the task force states. That person, on a bicycle, fled police but they stopped him not long after at 5th Street and 15th Avenue.

The task force is comprised of investigators from the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies based in Rock Island County. Incidents it investigates includes shootings by police.

The agency involved in an incident does not contribute any investigators to the task force team conducting the inquiry.

Once the task force completes an investigation, it presents the gathered evidence to the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, which then determines whether the officers involved in the incident acted appropriately.

On Wednesday, the task forces investigation into the East Moline death included canvassing the area of the incident, conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and reviewing video footage and radio traffic, the task force said.

East Moline officers are equipped with body cameras, the task force said.

The task force has asked that anyone who has information about the incident or who has any sort of video recording of the area to contact investigators at 309-752-4915 ext. 4935.

East Moline house where 15 people were found squatting with nine dogs
Council members on Thursday will hear a case to remove 7th Ward Ald. Derek Cornette from office.

A special council meeting slated for 5 p.m. Thursday was called by Davenport Mayor Mike Matson. The only item on the agenda is: "Removal of Derek Cornette from the Office of Seventh Ward Alderman."

Matson declined to say what prompted him to call the special council meeting, but said Cornette "has had discussions about some of this stuff previously."

Matson said the format of the meeting will be a hearing, which he anticipates will be followed by a vote from the council to determine if Cornette should be removed.

"The council will hear reasons and we'll see what's decided," Matson said.

Matson added that the city's legal department would present examples and evidence, and Cornette and his representatives will have the opportunity to weigh in.

Cornette could not immediately be reached for comment and he did not attend a Tuesday management update meeting.

He has filed paperwork to run for reelection.

City administration previously confirmed they'd limited Cornette's communications with staff because of his "inappropriate behavior," requiring him to forward all his communications through City Attorney Tom Warner.

Cornette previously said he believed that city staff was curtailing him because he was "not in with their deal" and didn't support their policies and that he was an easy target because he grew up using words like "sweetie." He conceded he'd spoken with two staffers who'd been offended by language he used to address them, but he said at the time he had apologized and made amends.

Previously, Warner alleged Cornette had made "unwelcome physical contact" and had been asked to stop the behavior multiple times.

Cornette previously said he pats people on the back and shakes hands and touched a person on the arm to try to get their attention, but that it wasn't malicious. Cornette said he was warned not to do that, and said he tried to comply.

Close Davenport Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport mayor, new council sworn in Surrounded by family and friends, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson and eight council members, Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, and Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, and Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, were sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Alderwoman Maria Dickmann, 2nd Ward, and Alderman Kyle Gripp, At Large, will be sworn in next week by Matson. Davenport Alderman Robby Ortiz, 4th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Tim Kelly, 5th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Derek Cornette, 7th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman James "JJ" Condon, At Large, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee, 8th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Ben Jobgen, 6th Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderwoman Marion Meginnis, 3rd Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Alderman Rick Dunn, 1st Ward, is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson is sworn in Wednesday by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas Dana Waterman.
The person who died early Wednesday while in East Moline police custody was a 62-year-old man.

The East Moline Police Department and the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force said officers detained the man during a burglary investigation that began just before 1 a.m. in the 400 block of 17th Avenue.

The task force, a joint law enforcement unit that investigates incidents involving police, said the man became unresponsive and the East Moline officers called an ambulance and began life-saving measures. The man later died at a hospital.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said preliminary results of an autopsy performed Wednesday indicated the man had significant cardiac issues that led to his death.

There was no evidence of trauma or foul play identified during the autopsy, Gustafson said.

Gustafson did not release the mans identity on Wednesday. He said authorities were still trying to find the mans next of kin.

The initial call was for a burglary in progress, according to the task force. The person who called police had video of someone on the property.

Around 1:23 a.m., an officer found someone near 17th Avenue and 6th Street who matched the suspect description, the task force states. That person, on a bicycle, fled police but they stopped him not long after at 5th Street and 15th Avenue.

The task force is comprised of investigators from the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies based in Rock Island County. Incidents it investigates includes shootings by police.

The agency involved in an incident does not contribute any investigators to the task force team conducting the inquiry.

Once the task force completes an investigation, it presents the gathered evidence to the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, which then determines whether the officers involved in the incident acted appropriately.

On Wednesday, the task forces investigation into the East Moline death included canvassing the area of the incident, conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and reviewing video footage and radio traffic, the task force said.

East Moline officers are equipped with body cameras, the task force said.

The task force has asked that anyone who has information about the incident or who has any sort of video recording of the area to contact investigators at 309-752-4915 ext. 4935.
The Richmond Police Department has published its long-awaited general orders regarding officers conduct and rules over the use of body cameras.

The general orders, which were released last week, now make public the departments guidelines on the use of force, among others. The list, which is posted on the departments website, includes 32 orders in total.span class=print_trim>

READ THE GENERAL ORDERS HERE

According to the departments site, orders serve as a daily guide for our employees and are one of the many ways of ensuring we maintain a professional workforce and act in a way that is consistent with training and Virginia law enforcement accreditation standards.

The department was told to release the orders at the end of June, according to terms imposed in a legal settlement with activists and journalists this spring. Among the plaintiffs were several reporters who were arrested or pepper-sprayed for doing their jobs during protests for police reform that erupted following the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Aug. 15 that the police were a month behind schedule in posting the guidelines.

Another plaintiff in the case was Charles Schmidt, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, who police tried to arrest for trespassing. Schmidt said he was pulled from car by police he had been watching on Broad Street. He later had his case dismissed as a judge apologized.

However, police missed the original settlement deadline. Department spokesperson Tracy Walker said that practice was labor-intensive and involved numerous redactions that had to be made to ensure officer safety.

It is our intention to make the departments general orders available online as soon as possible, she said at the time.

A key requirement imposed in that settlement was the creation and publication of a First Amendment policy. The lawsuit had sought damages under a claim of First Amendment retaliation and excessive force.

The release last week does not yet include that completed First Amendment Policy. It does include several brief bullets on exercising freedom of speech, including that exercising free speech cannot violate any law or ordinance or conflict with the governmental responsibility to keep public streets and public facilities open.

The order also says that freedom of speech and assembly must not include the use of inflammatory remarks related to any instance where a clear and present danger of a riot against any person or group of persons exists.

The orders do not yet offer more specifics, which some Virginia police departments do. For example, general orders for the Alexandria Police Department detail when and how citizens can record police activity.

We look at this as their complying with part of it. My understanding is that there is more to come, and I know that there is more to come, said Terry Frank, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

Frank said that the settlement requires a more detailed First Amendment policy to include input from the plaintiffs.

Other municipalities have faced legal challenges for how the response to Floyd protests was handled. Denver in late August agreed to pay $4.7 million to to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged that protesters were unjustly targeted for violating the citys curfew during demonstrations over the killing of Floyd. New York City officials approved a similar settlement in July, paying $13 million to 1,300 people.

Photos: Demonstrators mark a month of protests in Fredericksburg (July 1, 2020)
Chesterfield County police on Wednesday said they had located a missing juvenile male who had last been seen Tuesday night.

Police said Xemir Russell, 15, had last been seen leaving his residence on foot in the 1200 block of Branner Place at around 6 p.m. Tuesday. Russells family members were concerned, as Russell is dependent on medications, police said.
In a congressional district thats been represented by veterans in both political parties in recent years, Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, is getting a Democratic challenge from a fellow Navy veteran  with coastal Virginia and the veteran communities there at the core of her campaign.

More than a year before she would face the incumbent in the general election, Missy Cotter Smasal launched her campaign Wednesday.

She rolled out her launch with endorsements from an assortment of local and state officials in coastal Virginia along with Eastern Shore native and former Democratic governor, Ralph Northam and his wife Pam. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, also endorsed Cotter Smasal.

Kiggans, a former Navy helicopter pilot and nurse practitioner, was a state senator when she won the seat in 2022, defeating two-term Rep. Elaine Luria, D-2nd, a retired Navy commander. It remains to be seen if Luria will support Cotter Smasal.

The 2nd District, based in Virginia Beach, has had the most turnover of any of the states congressional districts in recent years. Since 2000, three Democrats and five Republicans have held the seat.

Before running for federal office, Cotter Smasal has been engaged with her district in various ways. She says that after falling in love with the area from an active-duty assignment, her family decided to stay. She went on to operate a Ritas Italian Ice franchise, advocate to local school boards for improved safety measures and become a citizen member of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Cotter Smasal is the director of a nonprofit organization that organizes runs to raise money for scholarships.

In 2019, Cotter Smasal unsuccessfully ran for state senate against Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach  receiving 47% of the vote.

As a fellow veteran, Cotter Smasal says she takes issue with some of Kiggans actions in Congress concerning veterans. For example, she challenged Kiggans for voting for H.R. 2811, a GOP bill to raise the debt ceiling while cutting spending, which narrowly passed the House on a party-line vote. The Department of Veterans Affairs claimed the measure would have cut funding for the VA by 22%  and which Kiggans and other GOP lawmakers argued wasnt the case.

Cotter Smasal also takes aim at Kiggans stance on abortions.

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections, the Pentagon adopted a Department of Defense policy to reimburse travel expenses for military service members who travel outside of their base area for abortions. With federal protections overturned, the legal access to the procedure has since been the purview of state governments across the country. Virginia is currently the least restrictive state in the South.

Opposing the Department of Defense policy, this summer Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, blocked promotions of high-ranking military personnel. When asked about his tactic, Kiggans said she disagreed with the method but agreed with his reasons.

Taxpayers should not be funding elective procedures, Kiggans told WAVY.com at the time. If I wanted to get a Hollywood nose job in California, I do not expect the Navy to pay for my travel expenses to get there, Kiggans told the station, an NBC affiliate in Hampton Roads.

Cotter Smasal said it was yet another calling for her to jump into the race.

I didnt plan to do this, she said of gradually becoming inspired over the summer to run. Its just things that Ive seen and these votes over the past few months. I thought there was one thing that we could agree on here in coastal Virginia  thats taking care of military families and veterans.

In response to the campaign announcement, Delanie Bomar, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, issued a statement that called Cotter Smasal an extreme Democrat with a losing record.

The release also highlighted Kiggans recent efforts to support the mental health of sailors through a bill that was introduced earlier this year.

The 2nd District currently leans Republican, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

But its been swingy in recent years  backing Democrat Northam for governor in 2017 and Republican Glenn Youngkin for governor in 2021. In Virginia Beach Democrat Aaron Rouse won a special election in January to succeed Kiggans in the state Senate when she ascended to Congress.

Photos: Election night in America in November 2022
The final comment period for Gov. Glenn Youngkins attempt to repeal the Virginia Carbon Rule and withdraw Virginia from the wildly successful Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has recently closed. The only remaining hurdle for the governors end run around the Virginia General Assembly is a lawsuit challenging his authority to ignore the legislative branch and established law. I was pleased to join hundreds of my fellow Virginians in speaking out against such a blatant disregard of the will of the people, and I am confident that the courts will similarly see through the governors attempt to rule by fiat.

I was proud to serve the commonwealth as the appointed chief deputy director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) from 2018 to 2022. My responsibilities included advising the governor and the agency on climate change, clean energy and environmental justice issues. I also worked directly with DEQ staff to design and implement policies, programs, and various regulatory and nonregulatory approaches to reducing climate pollution and improving public health and the environment.

Core to these responsibilities was facilitating Virginias entry to and participation in RGGI. Throughout my time at DEQ, I participated in policymaker deliberations on this topic with the General Assembly, along with the governor's and attorney general's offices. I am keenly aware of the executive, legislative and regulatory history of Virginia's carbon rule, the framework established for controlling carbon dioxide pollution from power plants, and the public record and policymaker intent supporting Virginias participation in RGGI.

It is with this background and context that I remind the DEQ staff and the Air Pollution Control Board what they already know to be true and which their own agency record shows to be true: There is no authority to withdraw from RGGI without legislation, and doing so is unlawful and will be overturned by the courts.

For nearly 20 years and across the administrations of five Virginia governors, David Paylors bipartisan tenure as director of DEQ was guided by a single mantra: We follow the science, and we follow the law. The action to withdraw from RGGI flaunts both the unrelenting science of climate change and the will of the people of the commonwealth as expressed in a law passed by their elected representatives and signed by the governor. The legislative direction is straightforward. The intent of the law is clear. Nowhere has DEQ, nor any other agency I know of, interpreted the language of the law in the way this administration has to justify this attack on the will of the people. The policy gymnastics this administration has forced DEQ staff to perform to justify the reversal of an action years in the making, legally directed by the General Assembly, and strongly supported by the regulatory record and the courts, is shameful.

Despite his protestations to the contrary, Gov. Youngkin does not get to run Virginia nor its agencies like a business of which he is the CEO. It has been a tough lesson for this governor to learn in his on-the-job training  but thats not how government works. The duly elected representatives of the people spoke very plainly with legislation directing Virginias adoption of the carbon rule and its ensuring participation in RGGI.

In the long history of DEQ, the agency has rarely lost in court because it has stayed true to its mantra: Follow the science, and follow the law. This was always a source of immense pride in the work of an important Virginia institution. Im sad to see this day. But I will not be sad to see the agency lose in court this time, as it surely must.

From the Archives: Richmond tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels Tunnels
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military hegemony has inflicted humanitarian disasters upon civilians worldwide, a Xinhua think tank report has revealed.

The report, titled Origins, Facts and Perils of U.S. Military Hegemony and released Tuesday by Xinhua Institute, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency, outlines the formation of the U.S. military hegemony, summarizes the means Washington adopted to maintain it, and delves into its perils with facts and data.

To maintain its military hegemony, the United States has killed civilians, trampled on other countries' sovereignty and human dignity and damaged ecological environment, it said.

The United States has caused innumerable humanitarian catastrophes worldwide, the report said, pointing out that "the Vietnam War led to 2 million civilian deaths, the war in Afghanistan caused over 100,000 civilian casualties, and the Iraq War killed between 200,000 to 250,000 civilians."

Moreover, the frequently reported scandals of systemic prisoner abuse by the U.S. military in recent years are evidence of blatant disregard for human rights and trampling on human dignity.

In a report presented to the 64th session of the UN General Assembly, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism pointed out that the United States, along with its private contractors, resorted to interrogation techniques against male Muslims detained in Iraq and other countries, including but not limited to, forcing detainees to strip naked, piling detainees on top of each other naked, and threatening them with rape and sodomy.

"While the United States may verbally support environmental protection and carbon neutrality, the priorities of the U.S. military are its safety and lethality," it said, revealing that the U.S. military is the world's largest energy consumer of fossil fuel and its fuel consumption outside wartime along with the resulting carbon emissions exceeds that of most countries.

"Since the start of the so-called 'war on terror' in 2001, the U.S. military has generated over 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gases," the report said, citing data from the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University.

"Over 350,000 tons of explosive bombs and landmines were left by the U.S. military in Vietnam, and it is estimated that it would take another 300 years to completely clear them," the report added. 
More than 10 unnatural deaths. Multiple lock-downs. Two fires, and even one escape  all in 30 days.

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has been rocked by a series of distressing incidents in recent weeks that underscore the urgent need for change.

Luckily, there's a proposal before the Virginia General Assembly right now that would establish independent oversight of VADOC. The proposal would put $250,000 toward creating an ombudsman office to make sure the people in VADOC's custody  as well as corrections staff  are safe.

In fact, corrections officers have been some of the loudest voices calling for independent oversight of VADOC. Their support is one reason that the bill establishing it passed both the Senate and two House committees unanimously.

But the House Appropriations Committee voted the bill down this past February. One reason? VADOC's Legislative Liaison Jerry Fitz told the General Assembly that the department doesn't need oversight because it has the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As a former assistant professor in special education and disability studies, I can tell you that makes absolutely zero sense.

I've taught disability law at both Georgetown University and The George Washington University, and now work in Richmond as a consultant for individuals with disabilities. So I'm quite familiar with the ADA, and I can tell you that the idea that a civil rights law that protects people from discrimination based on disability is somehow a form of "oversight" for the Department of Corrections is absurd.

The ADA doesn't ensure open access to facilities or records. It doesn't provide guidance for incarcerated people or staff to voice grievances and advocate for themselves on issues outside of disability-related discrimination. In fact, the ADA doesn't explicitly protect prison staff or incarcerated people who don't have disabilities.

And, sadly, even for those who do have disabilities, VADOC seems to be busier these days demonstrating its inability to comply with the ADA than to uphold it.

Take the pending litigation on behalf of men who are blind and visually impaired in VADOC custody, who have allegedly been forced to rely on the untrained people who happen to be incarcerated with them to be their makeshift "caretakers."

Or take the recent death of Charles Givens  a gentleman with an intellectual disability  who died at Marion Correctional Treatment Center following what the medical examiner called "blunt force trauma to his torso/ acute rib fractures" allegedly caused by VADOC staff .

And then there's the recent scandal involving a man serving time for a nonviolent drug offense, Anthony Stewart, who has an intellectual disability, a traumatic brain injury, and end-stage renal disease that requires regular dialysis through a catheter.

When Stewart's catheter became dislodged in late July, his intellectual disability made it virtually impossible for him to advocate for himself  even though every moment the catheter was out of place put him at risk of a life-threatening embolism from oxygen entering his blood.

It took days and multiple letters for VADOC staff to take him for treatment. When they did, they discovered they'd taken him to the wrong place. Yet rather than correcting their mistake, corrections staff simply returned Stewart to prison, catheter still dislodged.

Stewart became very sick. It took significant outreach to the General Assembly and the attorney general's office before he was finally taken to the hospital and out of harm's way.

VADOC is currently required to comply with the ADA. In Stewart's case  and Givens' case in Marion  it appears that wasn't enough.

Why would the ADA be enough for other incarcerated people, much less the people who care for them?

VADOC's legislative liaison's testimony before the General Assembly was that the ADA would make an ombudsman an unnecessary redundancy. How? An ombudsman would serve as a bridge between the state Department of Corrections, Virginia's largest state agency with a budget of $1.5 billion, and the law enforcement officers, legislature and community who interact with it.

By having an independent body to investigate incidents like the tragic ones involving Givens and Stewart, an ombudsman would make sure everyone involved in the system would stay safe.

That's desperately needed  and it has nothing to do with the ADA's mandate of making sure people with disabilities don't experience discrimination.

These alarming events are a wake-up call that current over-

sight mechanisms are insufficient. Changes in VADOC leadership won't do it: Oversight can't rest simply on incoming Director Chadwick Dotson's shoulders.

VADOC needs robust checks and balances. It needs to review its protocols and hold individuals accountable. It needs independent oversight.

Lawmakers should pass the proposal in front of them and create an ombudsman office for VADOC. The ADA alone? It's not enough.
Virginia's high-dollar, high-stakes legislative elections this fall with Republicans two Senate seats away from seizing full control of a state Democrats ruled wall-to-wall just two years ago can off er some important previews into the dynamics that will animate 2024.

Start with a sense of urgency this year and next year and what elections in each year will say about the most volatile issues in American culture today.

In a purple state with vast, reliably Republican rural districts, Democratic-voting cities and close suburbs and sprawling exurbs that tend to be a moderate mix, nationalized issues such as abortion, guns, LGBTQ+ concerns, race relations as well as public school curricula and library censorship hold major importance. Those are already prominent among 2024 congressional campaign issues in addition to the economy, national security and immigration.

Parallels between the tenuous partisan control of the two legislative chambers in Richmond and in Washington are remarkably similar.

In Virginia, a net gain of three Senate seats flips the Democrats' current 22-18 majority to a 21-19 GOP majority. A gain of just two seats, however, creates effective Republican rule with a 20-20 split and the tie-breaking vote in the hands of Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. In the Republican-controlled House of Delegates, a net gain of three seats would put the Democrats in charge.

If the GOP takes the Senate and retains its narrow House majority, the legislative branch will be wholly under Republican rule, either on Capitol Hill or Richmond's Capitol Square. In Virginia, with Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, it would give the GOP dominance for the first time in 10 years and open the gates for passage of initiatives Democrats have been able to throttle during that time.

Ideological and political intensity, combined with the first elections in newly reapportioned legislative districts, has already generated extraordinary electoral churn. Retirements of senior lawmakers  10 senators and 18 delegates  accounted for the collective loss of more than 450 years of experience before June's primaries. Six of the 16 incumbents who faced primary challenges lost, forfeiting an additional 75 years of tenure. More incumbents will likely disappear after the general election.

The number of contested seats in this fall's election is below norms, especially in the Senate. In the three state Senate elections since 2011, the average number of districts in which there was no challenger was 14; this year, only five seats are unchallenged. In the House, an average of 40 seats were uncontested from 2009 through 2021. This fall, 31 House candidates are unopposed.

Spending is on pace to obliterate off -off -year legislative money records, particularly for state Senate races. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, fundraising for Senate campaigns had, through June, reached about $55 million over the past 3 years, just shy of the 2019 election's $56 million mark for the full four-year cycle.

While Democrats held a considerable advantage over the GOP in overall fundraising for legislative contests through midyear, Youngkin's political action committee, Spirit of Virginia, raised more than $5.7 million from April through June, surpassing in one fiscal quarter what any previous governor had raised in an entire year.

Perhaps most significant, voter interest seems undiminished since Virginia's 2019 record legislative-only election that presaged the largest national turnout ever in the 2020 presidential election.

Virginia registrations from January 2020 through this July increased by just under 430,000, or 8%, according to data from the Virginia Department of Elections. That's about the same registration growth during the four-year cycle leading to the 2019 Senate election when voter turnout spiked by 58% over 2015  a phenomenal increase considering it predated a 2020 state law that relaxed voting restrictions and greatly expanded early and absentee balloting. Virginia's turnout surge proved prescient the following year when the turnout in the state for the presidential election increased by more than 500,000 over 2016, topping 4 million votes for the first time.

Whether Democrats can defend their Senate majority in Virginia from an energized GOP and, conversely, whether Republicans can hold their narrow edge in the House of Delegates are eventualities national political professionals will scrutinize for fresh insights starting in the late hours of Nov. 7, as soon as Virginia's voters have spoken.
Anonymous 911 call leads Cancun police to 47 Indian nationals

Cancun, Q.R.  An anonymous call was responsible for the discovery of 47 people being held against their will. On Monday night, Cancun police along with immigration officers attended to the report in SM 22.

According to a statement from the National Institute of Migration (INM), 47 people including one woman and two minors, all of Indian nationality, were removed from a building in central Cancun.

According to the INM, all 47 were being held against their will and are believed victims of human trafficking. In their statement, the INM said they are already working on providing an exit letter for regularization purposes for humanitarian reasons to 47 migrants from India, victims of crime after being deprived of their liberty in a building in the city of Cancun.

Police located the building where the 47 Indian nationals were being held in central Cancun. Photo: INM August 5, 2023.

The rescue was made after an anonymous 9-1-1 call warned authorities of dozens of suspicious people in a building located near Avenida Uxmal and Margaritas Street, they reported. Municipal, state and federal security elements located the building and the foreign migrants inside at which time they requested the support of the federal immigration agents.

During the early hours of September 5, they were channeled to the INM as victims of crime for the deprivation of their personal liberty, the Institute said in a statement.

The family and the two minors were referred to the Municipal Police Specialized Group for Attention to Victims and to shelters of the State Child Development of the Family (DIF), while the adults were transferred to an INM headquarters for care and assistance.

The Indian nationals were transferred to INM facilities. Photo: INM August 5, 2023.

The Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Quintana Roo also made a brief statement on the rescue. The SSC carried out the rescue of people of different nationalities derived from a complaint.

The Coordination Group for the Construction of Peace and Security in Quintana Roo managed to rescue foreigners who were allegedly deprived of their liberty at an address in Superblock 22.

The report was received Monday night in which the presence of several people asking for help from an address located on Margaritas Street was indicated, the same who reported that they were locked up without food.

The 47 Indian nationals were found inside a building in central Cancun Monday night after an anonymous 911 complaint.

Photo: INM August 5, 2023.

Elements of the Coordination Group went to the site immediately where they confirmed the facts, finding a large number of people of different nationalities who were treated for medical assessment and hydration.

Likewise, the support of the National Institute of Migration (INM) was requested to check their immigration status and the corresponding authorities were informed.

Last week, authorities in Cancun were tipped off to a building where they found 57 Indian nationals being held against their will.
Highway patrol finds over 200 new handguns hidden in car

Galeana, Nuevo Leon  Police in the state of Nuevo Leon found more than 200 hand guns hidden inside a car. The guns were found new, wrapped in plastic and stuffed in various compartments of the vehicle.

The finding was made last week during a routine vehicle inspection. Police from Galeana were reviewing vehicles traveling the Matehuala-Monterrey highway when they made the discovery. One person, the driver of the car, was taken into custody.

According to a statement by the Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR), Sergio E was arrested after police secured war material in Galeana, Nuevo Leon.

A total of 213 new hand guns were found hidden inside the car. Photo: Attorney Generals Office of the Republic (FGR) August 5, 2023.

Elements of the Federal Ministerial Police (PFM) arrested Sergio E at kilometer 129 of the Matehuala-Monterrey highway. When carrying out a review of the vehicle, they located 213 short arms and 421 chargers in hidden compartments and under the seats.

Sergio E has since faced the Federal Public Ministry who continues with the integration of the investigation for crimes of firearms collection and, at the time, to create criminal action.

Authorities did not report where the guns originated or how they came to end up in Mexico.
Navy supports island hospital in Isla Mujeres patient transfer to mainland

Isla Mujeres, Q.R.  Elements from the Navy provided support to an Isla Mujeres hospital Monday with the land evacuation of a patient. On Tuesday, the Secretary of the Navy reported on the medical evacuation of an elderly patient suffering a heart attack.

The island resident was transferred from Isla Mujeres (island) hospital to the mainland where he was placed into a waiting ambulance for further transfer. The transfer was made after the hospital requested assistance in transferring the 63-year-old man suffering from acute myocardial infarction.

The man was transferred by a Navy boat to Puerto Juarez (mainland port) to a waiting ambulance from where he was rushed to a Cancun hospital.
NOAA says record warm sea temperatures increasing Atlantic activity with forecast of second major hurricane

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A system that developed off the coast of Africa two days ago has already developed into a named storm. Tropical Depression Thirteen was named Tropical Storm Lee Tuesday after quickly becoming developed and organized in the Atlantic.

The storm, which does not present any risk to Quintana Roo, is expected to develop further into a hurricane early Thursday and even further to major hurricane status for Friday.

Forecasters are predicting a Category 4 status by mid-day Friday as the system passes the northern Lesser Antilles and makes its way toward the U.S. east coast.

Mexicos National Meteorological Service (SMN) has reported that due to its distance and trajectory, the system does not represent a danger to Mexican territory, however, it is being kept under surveillance.

Tropical Depression Thirteen quickly developed into Tropical Storm Lee which is forecast to become a major hurricane by Friday.

Photo: SMN August 5, 2023.

When Lee developed into a tropical storm Tuesday, the SMN reported it being nearly 5,000 kilometers east of the coast of Quintana Roo. If the forecast for development is correct, it will be the second major hurricane to develop in Atlantic waters in a week.

On August 28, slow moving Tropical Storm Idalia finally passed Cancun. The system soaked the Quintana Roo coast for nearly four days as it made its way toward the Gulf of Mexico. Once there, it quickly developed into a hurricane that hit Florida days later.

Last month, scientists at NOAAs Climate Prediction Center forecast a sharp and sudden increase in Atlantic activity after a fairly quiet start to the hurricane season.

On September 4, there were five systems recorded in the Atlantic after a rather stagnant start to the 2023 hurricane season.

Forecasters have changed their 2023 Atlantic hurricane season prediction from near-normal activity to above-normal. The change was made due to the record-warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic.

The main climate factors expected to influence the 2023 Atlantic hurricane activity are the ongoing El Nino and the warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, including record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures, said Matthew Rosencrans, lead hurricane season forecaster with NOAAs Climate Prediction Center.

Considering those factors, the updated outlook calls for more activity, so we urge everyone to prepare now for the continuing season. The update comes as the Atlantic nears peak hurricane season.

Last year, Cancun and Riviera Maya did not experience any tropical storms or hurricanes during the traditional season months.
Catholics and Protestants have long been at odds over how to interpret Scripture. What role do tradition, the Church Fathers, and ecumenical creeds play? Or is the Bible alone sufficient for coming to the knowledge of the truth? The editor of First Things has a few suggestions.

Protestants classically believe in sola scriptura, but they also know that some Protestants have conjured exotic beliefs based on appeals to the Bible alone. At a Baptist church where I was once a leader, the pastor and I were working to explain why a person who denied the Trinity could not be a member. The person in question insisted that the Trinity was not a biblical doctrine but an invention of church authorities in the fourth century. We could defend the Trinity scripturally, of course. But we also knew that our assurance about trinitarian doctrine drew on faithful Christians engagement with Scripture in the patristic era. Our churchs belief in the Trinity did not spring from a solitary, commonsense reading of the Bible alone.

This local church dilemma, for me, encapsulates the problem that R.R. Renos The End of Interpretation: Reclaiming the Priority of Ecclesial Exegesis seeks to explain. Reno argues that Scripture and doctrine should complement one another for faithful Christians and never be set in opposition. Reno taught theology at Creighton University before becoming editor of First Things. He knows that the concept of doctrine complementing Scripture interpretation contradicts basic assumptions within the academic field of biblical studies. Scholars in biblical studies conventionally assume that church doctrine obscures the original meaning of Scripture. The real Bible, according to progressive biblical scholars, lies buried under the rubbish of centuries. Allegedly objective professors, the thinking goes, should set aside what the church has taught to discern that original meaning. If rejecting tradition undermines orthodox belief, so be it.

Liberal biblical scholars often style themselves as objective interpreters of Scripture, despite what postmodernism has shown us about the subjectivity of academic knowledge. Unencumbered by tradition, they insist they are excavating Scriptures true meaning, in all its unfamiliarity and weirdness. But as Reno suggests, biblical scholars are just as subjective as traditionalists, if not more so. They often substitute avant-garde academic discourse for historic Christian orthodoxy. Such scholars discover that the Bible variously supports queer, feminist, intersectional, Marxist, or other woke ideologies of the moment.

I come to Renos discussion of theological Bible interpretation as a Christian academic, but still as a scholarly outsider. I am more of a historian of Anglo-American biblical interpretations than a theologian or biblical studies expert per se. But as an active Baptist layperson and seminary professor, I am acutely aware of how ecclesial exegesis (a phrase from Renos subtitle) plays out in individual Protestant congregations. Indeed, one wishes that Reno would give more attention to how doctrine and Scripture should inform teaching in individual churches, not just in the Church at large or among Christian scholars. The local church or parish is, after all, where everyday Christians will garner much of their understanding (or misunderstanding) of doctrine and Scripture.

But Reno understandably takes a more scholarly approach, as he has long been on the frontline of academic debates over Scripture and theology. In particular, Reno served for more than a decade as the editor of the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible series, which sought to model the kind of rooted exegesis Reno prefers. The basic premise of that series, Reno explains, is that the Nicene tradition plays an indispensable role in good biblical interpretation. Nicene connotes the churchs historic beliefs about Jesus divine nature and the equality of the three persons of the Trinity.

The Nicene tradition, in Renos model, informs Bible interpretation by providing an operative assumption for scriptural exegesis. This assumption is that church doctrine and good Bible interpretation will typically be in accord. Thus, when faced with the absence of a detailed doctrinal explanation of the Trinity in Scripture, we should not imagine either that the relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is inscrutable or that it is subject to our personal interpretive whims. Instead, we should study what mainstream church authorities have historically believed about the Trinity, and especially attend to orthodox, creedal consensus about the doctrine over the centuries. Unless Scripture gives us a compelling reason to do otherwise, we should assume that historic doctrine and Scripture are on the same page.

Dilemmas and unanswered questions abound in Renos approach, however. Part of the reason for the ambiguity is that Reno seeks a model that traditional Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians can affirm. (Reno is an adult convert to Catholicism.) He consistently emphasizes the flexibility of his system, which he explains is not a method of interpretation. It is, instead, the conviction of a Bible reader that he or she should trust in the scriptural genesis and biblical genius of the churchs tradition.

This all proceeds in good First Things fashion. In 1994, before Renos tenure there, First Things produced the traditionalist ecumenical document Evangelicals and Catholics Together. The magazine has long served as a hub for discussion among religious traditionalists of many stripes. But Catholics and evangelicals also have deep, perhaps insurmountable differences regarding the relative weight of church tradition and the Bible. Some doctrines that Catholics see as part of the Nicene tradition seem biblically aberrant to Protestants. Catholics likewise reject certain Protestant doctrines because they do not accord with Catholic teaching. Traditional Protestants and progressive biblical scholars ironically share similar doubts about the value of church tradition, and both focus heavily on the text of Scripture, even though their views of the divine inspiration of Scripture differ completely.

Reno acknowledges the tensions between Catholic and Protestant approaches to Scripture and doctrine. He insightfully raises questions such as, What should Christians do about church teachings that are not found in the Bible? Conservative Protestants will have a ready answer: if a teaching is not found in the Bible, then dispense with it. But its not always that easy, as seen with trinitarian doctrine. Or consider the immorality of abortion, a moral stance held widely among traditional Protestants and officially taught by the Catholic Church. Yet while the sinfulness of abortion is easily inferred from Scripture (especially if one equates it with murder), the act of intentionally terminating an unborn childs life is not specifically addressed in the Bible.

Far more problematic for Protestant-Catholic unity are other doctrines not found in the Bible that Catholics affirm and Protestants dont. Again, traditional Protestants often adhere to tenets that faithful Christians have reasonably inferredfrom the Bible, ones that were crystallized in the churchs early centuries through prayerful interpretation of the text. Protestants will not, however, promote doctrines that appear to have little to no basis in Scripture, especially when the precept is a relative latecomer in church history. This problem emerges clearly, as Reno notes, with regard to Catholic teachings about the Virgin Mary.

This is not the place to review the longer history of Marian doctrine. The example of the bodily assumption of Mary can suffice. In Renos framework, a faithful Catholic should assume that Scripture accords with this doctrine since the bodily assumption is official church teaching. From a Protestant perspective, however, there is no evidence in canonical Scripture for the idea that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven when her life ended. Indeed, there is little evidence for Christian adherence to this belief before its appearance in apocryphal sources in roughly the fifth century A.D. Moreover, the Roman Catholic Church did not officially articulate the bodily assumption until 1950.

Reno knows all this, of course. But he seems more optimistic than I am that Catholics and Protestants can use his framework of theological interpretation in basically similar ways. Catholics will always struggle with the question of what to do when non-Scriptural doctrines become official church teachings. Protestants will always struggle with uncertainty about what the Nicene tradition entails, since Scripture itself must remain the supreme authority for all belief and practice. Even the recitation of the Nicene Creed (which we do regularly at my current church) will seem a little curious to many Protestants. As foundational as that creed is, it is not the Bible. It doesnt carry the same weight.

Despite these unresolved tensions, I applaud Renos effort. We live in a time when Western elites are increasingly contemptuous of Christian convictions. Some Catholics and self-described evangelicals treat orthodox precepts like a buffet line: you pick what you like and leave behind what you dont. Christians who believe in historic orthodoxy desperately need clarity about how to interpret Scripture in line with the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). Reno is a most articulate leader in that effort.
BLACKSBURG  State Democratic Party press secretary Liam Watson launched a write-campaign for town council, a move that makes him the second such candidate in the race.

Watson, 24, follows Rick Johnson, who several weeks ago began his own write-in council campaign.

Election success for write-in candidates is often a long shot due some of the different conditions they face, but this year is looking like an exception in Blacksburg as there are only two ballot candidates for three seats.

Watson said hes entering the race essentially at the request of his neighbors in town.

Watson said he was initially approached to run some months ago by some people affiliated with the Council of Citizens for Blacksburg, a group that was formed earlier this year with the goal of ultimately adding several new faces to town council. The group launched due to concerns over the councils direction in recent years, particularly on issues dealing with developments.

Watson said he didnt throw his hat into the race at the time because he had heard there were other candidates interested in running.

I trusted every last one of those candidates to do a good job, he said.

But the filing deadline eventually passed and the only two names officially set to be on the November ballot were those of incumbents Michael Sutphin and Jerry Ford Jr.

Watson said he was again approached to run  this time by some members of town council.

Im hoping Im entering this race as a sort of consensus candidate, he said. I definitely have a heart for service and it seemed like an opportunity to serve.

Similar to Johnson, Watson isnt unfamiliar with local government work.

Watson served on the town Planning Commission for a year, a tenure that ended just this past July.

In 2021, Watson unsuccessfully challenged current Montgomery County Supervisor Sara Bohn for the District A seat.

Johnson, the other write-in candidate, served on the Montgomery County School Board more than a decade ago.

Watson hasnt worked for Democrats at just the state level. Last year, he briefly served as chairman of the Montgomery Democratic Committee.

As far as the overall goals hed like to achieve should he win a seat, Watson said he believes he can do a strong job of making sure everyone in town feels heard.

I think theres a lot of room to continue that work on town council, he said. We need to make sure were incorporating citizen input into the decisions we make.

Development, often a debated topic in town, is one issue Watson points to.

Watson said there is general support for development in town, but the issue is Blacksburg residents are often afraid of losing the unique things they love about the town and that gives the locality its character. He said he wants to listen to and be more responsive to those concerns.

One recent and notable issue Watson dealt with in his former capacity as a member of the planning commission was Glade Spring Crossing, a project of developer Cary Hopper that will bring a new housing development on farmland just west of the U.S. 460 bypass.

The project needed a rezoning from the town to move forward as proposed, a measure council unanimously approved earlier this year. Among the components of the development is the inclusion of affordable housing.

Despite some of the developments touted points, the Glade Spring project received much pushback from neighbors  most notably those living in the adjacent Village at Toms Creek  over its density. Neighbors expressed concerns over how the project could impact safety and quality of life.

Watson voted against recommending the Glade Spring measure when the planning commission sent the matter to the town council. He said he had some issues with the project, including the large number of variances it was requesting and a then-proposed connector road that drew safety concerns from a number of neighbors.

The connector road plan, after the council itself began going over the development, was eventually scrapped and replaced with a pedestrian and biking trail connecting Village Way South to a cul-de-sac.

One of the people backing Watsons run is Robin Jones, who was among the neighbors who raised concerns about Glade Spring Crossing.

Watson said Jones wasnt entirely against the housing development, but, like her fellow neighbors, held concerns about many parts of the project as it was presented.

Watson has received several endorsements, based on some statements he provided The Roanoke Times.

Among his supporters are Sutphin and Ford, as well town council colleagues Susan Anderson, Susan Mattingly and Lauren Colliver. Watsons other supporters include Bohn and fellow Supervisor Mary Biggs and Lily Franklin, the Democratic candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates 41st District.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
To the world of physics, 137 is synonymous with the fine structure constant. This constant, represented as approximately 1/137.03599913, gauges the strength of the electromagnetic force, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This force governs how charged elementary particles, like electrons, interact with light's photons.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology describes the fine-structure constant as one of the universe's key physical constants. Michael Brooks, in a New Scientist article, explains, "This immutable number determines how stars burn, how chemistry happens and even whether atoms exist at all."

Advertisement

In this video, British physicist Laurence Eaves explains that if the fine structure constant was a different value, "physics, chemistry, biochemistry would be totally different  and we might not be around to talk about it."

In December 2020, the journal Nature reported a breakthrough. A group led by Saida Guellati-Khelifa at the Kastler Brossel Laboratory in Paris reported the most precise measurement of the fine-structure constant. Their findings, which were almost three times more precise than the previous best measurement in 2018, showcased the constants value to the 11th decimal place.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  Julian Long had waited 36 months for his Dream Flight Friday morning and his flight didnt disappoint and provided him excitement and extra time in the air  blame it on the wind.

Long, who served in both the Army National Guard and the U.S. Navy, sat in the observer seat on a Boeing Stearman  an open cockpit biplane  with a smile on his face at the prospect of returning to the skies.

Long, a licensed private pilot who no longer flies, served as a weapons officer aboard a Grumman S2 Tracker, a twin piston engine antisubmarine warfare plane that flew from 1952 through the mid-70s.

Dream Flights Dream Flights pilot Clint Cawley gives veteran Julian Long a hand getting into the observers seat of a Boeing Stearman ahead of his flight ar

Long stopped flying after a landing that left the planes front gear in need of repairs, he said.

None of that seemed to matter Friday as Long, with some help from his friends, hoisted himself into the plane and, once there, bemoaned that the control stick had been removed from the compartment.

Dream Flights Julian Long Friday morning trades his hat for a flight cap before he takes off in a Boeing Stearman as part of the Dream Flights program that 

Long was strapped in for what pilot Clint Cawley described as a steady flight once the plane got off the ground and out of some rather blustery winds.

The flight path went from Branhams Airport  a grass field airport in Darlington County just outside the city of Darlington and Darlington Raceway. Dream Flights takes veterans out for a ride over Darlington Raceway to Darlington Dragstrip and then back to the airport .

That was where Longs flight got interesting, though maybe more so to the people on the ground than the men in the plane.

Dream Flights Julian Long, front, and Dream Flights pilot Clint Cawley go around after winds caused problems with final approach to landing during Dream Fli

Cawley, on final approach, arranged the plane for the wind. The wind, in turn, rearranged the plane.

Cawley said there was still plenty of runway to safely land the plane but decided to throttle up and go around anyway. Long had no complaints.

On second attempt Cawley set the plane down gently and returned Long to the staging area where he got out of the plane, and with a little more help from his friends returned to the ground  with a larger grin than the one he took off with.

Dream Flights Julian Long stands with his son-in-law Jamie Carsten for a photo following Longs Dream Flights trip Friday in a Boeing Stearman.

Afterward there was the obligatory signing of Longs new Dream Flights hat and photos with friends and family with the plane.

Then Cawley signed Longs personal flight logbook and said hed cleared the 86-year-old veteran to solo.

Long, who announced before the flight that hed left his walking stick behind, strode purposefully and unaided to and from the plane for his flight  son-in-law Jamie Carsten by his side.

Dream Flights Johnny Guest smiles Friday morning as he gets his pre-flight briefing before taking off in a Boeing Stearman as part of the Dream Flights prog

Longs flight is part of Dream Flights program to give veterans the open-cockpit flight experience, something that happens in the Pee Dee to coincide with the Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway. Sport Clips is a sponsor of the Dream Flights program.

I was an avionics tech and a combat crewman; we hunted submarines, Long said. I flew in the back seat of a venerable S2 Tracker. Its a beautiful airplane, I loved it. thats the only part of the Navy I enjoyed.

He was one of four people in the Tracker. His job was magnetic anomaly detection  a skill that allowed him to say when the plane flew over a submarine.

Dream Flights Dream Flights pilot Clint Cawley, rear seat, and Johnny Guest flash thumbs up Friday morning as they taxi for takeoff at Branhams Airport as 

It was peacetime. We played around with some Russian subs, mostly our own, Long said. Back then there were some diesel electrics. The old diesel-electrics would go tic tic tic while the nuclear subs would go ssssss. he said.

Long said he was unfazed by the first attempt at landing and the subsequent go-around. It wasnt his first, or even second, failed attempt at landing.

Dream Flights Darlington resident and WWII veteran Rocky Gannon, left, talked with Dream Flights founder Darryl Fisher, center, and Dream Flights pilot Clin

One night I was in the anti-submarine warfare back seat, one night the weather was bad and we took three wave offs. We were the last ones to get aboard. They met us at the door with bottles of brandy. Ive been a teetotaler so I gave mine to the plane captain. I thought the whole thing was a lark, I didnt know it was dangerous, Long said.

As a civilian he did his flying in the cockpit of Cessnas.

Dream Flights Pee Dee veterans Friday morning had a chance to take wing in the Dream Flights program at Branhams Airport in Darlington County. The program,

I did all my flying in 150s and 170s but you dont get the same effect, especially with an open cockpit. Especially when we were coming in the first time, Long said.

Also flying Friday was Johnny Guest, a U.S. Air Force retiree who flew as the navigator aboard C-130s and works with Florences American Legion Post 1.

The Legion had coordinated to make sure 90-year-old Womens Army Corp Korean War veteran Phylis Burgh got her ride in the observers seat, but it wasnt to be.

Dream Flights Pee Dee veterans Friday morning had a chance to take wing the Dream Flights program at Branhams Airport in Darlington County. The program, sp

However, this morning was just one of those days where she was not as spry as she can be, and she sadly said she would not be able to make it. I contacted Mike Beckham (American Legion Post 13) to inform him, and he was the one that suggested I fly in her place in honor of Phylis, Guest said following his flight. I accepted and told him I would be flying in honor of the many veterans past and present, for our youngest member in the American Legion Post 1 that is 22 years old, and our oldest, that is 100 years young, and for my father (deceased) a career USAF computer specialist, and my father in-law (deceased) a career USAF pilot, and for the many aviators that I had the joy of flying with in my C-130 Tactical Airlift days.

Guest said it was a great experience to know what airmen at the time experienced as they fought WWI in open-cockpit planes as well as aviation supporters who barnstormed across the country in their open-cockpit biplanes.

Dream Flights Pee Dee veterans Friday morning had a chance to take wing the Dream Flights program at Branhams Airport in Darlington County. The program, sp

We truly thank Dream Flights for what they do. These great pilots are super ambassadors of flight and in showing their gratitude and appreciation for all of our men and women that have served in our armed forces. We also thank Mike Beckham, American Legion Post 13, for coordinating and sponsoring these flights since 2015, Guest said.

For more information on the Dream Flights program visit www.dreamflights.org.
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

A few showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 42F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 42F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
From left to right, Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore's prime minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's permanent secretary of the ministry of foreign affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, Vietnam's prime minister Pham Minh Chinh, Japan's prime Mmnster Fumio Kishida, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, Indonesian president Joko Widodo, Chinese premier Li Qiang, Laos' prime minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei's sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's prime minister Hun Manet, Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and East Timor's prime minister Xanana Gusmao pose for a family photo (VIA REUTERS)

Criticism has mounted on members of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for failing to reach a consensus on key issues in the regions, including the South China Sea and strife-torn Myanmar.

The Asian bloc has been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop for its failure to get Myanmars ruling military to make progress on the controversial five-point peace plan.

During the three-day summit in Jakarta from 5-7 September, the leaders reportedly issued a 19-point summit urging the Myanmar junta to de-escalate violence and stop targetted attacks on houses and public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, markets.

We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar, the bloc said.

The bloc, for decades, operated under the principle of not interfering in each others internal affairs and reaching an agreement by consensus, but that has left it struggling to press the generals in Myanmar beyond barring them from its high-level meetings.

Myanmar on Tuesday announced it had ceded its turn to chair the Southeast Asian regional bloc, passing on the responsibility to The Philippines.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo had asked for unity and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the region, but according to reports, the peace plan to end the violence remained stuck.

The conclusion is that there is no significant progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said.

Chinas Premier Li Qiang (L) delivers remarks as South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (C) and Japans prime minister Fumio Kishida (R) listen during the Asean Plus Three (APT) summit (EPA)

The minister said the bloc leaders have agreed to an informal troika approach to Aseans special envoy on Myanmar, which would see the chair supported by the former and future chairs for continuity.

A troika was formed to ensure the continuity in terms of handling the issue because everyone understands this situation cannot change in one year, Mr Retno added.

Amid the ongoing regional tension between bloc countries, the Indonesian president assured that the blocs unity was well intact.

Story continues

Lately, Ive been hearing questions related to Aean: Will Asean break up and not be able to unite? Can the Asean ship keep sailing? Mr Jokowi told his counterparts at the start of the summit.

As a family member and as the chair of Asean, I want to affirm that ASEANs unity is still well maintained. Unity does not mean there is no difference of opinion, he added.

The host president warned bloc countries against getting dragged into big-power rivalry as hostility between US and China loomed over the meeting.

The summit comes days after China released a 10-dash line map, illustrating its claim to an extensive portion of the South China Sea that will likely add urgency to negotiations on a long-delayed code of conduct in the strategic waterway.

Asean member states Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, which have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, have rejected Chinas map.

Japan too has lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels over the new map released by Beijing last month. China responded to Japans objections on Wednesday, saying the Diaoyu Islands and affiliated islands are Chinas inherent territory.

Beijings actions in the South China Sea were also to feature prominently in discussions, AFP reported, citing an earlier draft communique.

The bloc members were to express concern about land reclamations, activities, serious incidents in the waterway, according to the draft.

Asean leaders later this week will hold an East Asia summit, a wider forum that includes China, India, Japan, Russia and the US.
A person sat at a computer in a pixel art style

What you need to know

Microsoft shared a new report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) highlighting Russian influence operations in Africa, focusing on the Niger coup.

The report indicates that Russia is using the internet to promote political instability worldwide to further its agendas.

The MTAC has pinpointed six basic elements to Russias African coup playbook, including banning dissenting media, seizing control of the narrative, and more.

Political instability negatively impacts the development trajectory of a country. Besides the lack of adequate social amenities to cater to the public's needs, high unemployment rate, and insecurity, investors also tend to shy away from venturing into any business activities in a country that's in a volatile state.

While various avenues are being explored to counter the issue to achieve reprieve, it's no easy feat. That's especially true with huge income disparities.

Microsoft recently unveiled a new report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) on Russian influence operations in Africa, focusing on the Niger coup (even though the US refuses to call it one). The report unpacks how the Internet is being leveraged to promote political instability worldwide.

In the past few months, French-speaking African countries, including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon have experienced increased military coups. The countries highlighted above have been impacted by coups for nearly two decades, and the situation isn't improving.

The appearance of Russian flags is symbolic of a multi-pronged media strategy Russia has developed to capitalize on coups. Although the power grabs in the Sahel and now Gabon were motivated by political dynamics specific to each country, Russias online and offline influence campaigns have acted as an accelerant, driving polarization and cementing the authority of often outwardly pro-Russian coup leaders.

According to the report, Niger coup leaders leveraged their influence and power to suppress initial protests in Niamey, closing the capital and imposing a curfew restricting movement. This was swiftly followed by multiple counter-protests that supported the coup and brandishing Russian flags. The protests were in place to get the previous government back in power and see France depart from the Sahel region of Africa.

Story continues

map of Africa showing Russia's influence on countries

The MTAC highlighted several Nigerien civil society groups deeply rooted in these activities but listed PARADE Niger and the Union of Pan-African Patriots as the key players in the pro-Russian stance. "The first appears to be a construct of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with little genuine local support while the second is a political vehicle for a single politician," the report detailed.

The groups have been found to be in support of the coup and have even requested more cooperation with Russia. They've also assisted in coordinating and amplifying offline protests. Not forgetting the crude methods used to promote this content online.

MTAC also pointed out Russias African coup playbook in Africa and narrowed it down to six basic elements.

First, with the help of its messengers in Africa, Russia can curate a substantial amount of content that's both anti-French and pro-Russian, centered on polarizing issues fueled by colonial-era issues.

Next up, Russia places itself in a strategic beneficial position whenever a coup occurs. This is why messengers with close affiliations to Russia align themselves with putschists and declare support for them through proxies.

READ MORE

>Windows Central Starfield Review

>This change to OneDrive will effectively lower your cloud storage

>Microsoft argues Bing isn't big enough to make EU's gatekeeper list, says report

>I used AI to expand these iconic Windows wallpapers  and the results are surprisingly less cursed than I expected

There's also the fact that Russia can amplify affiliates via its pro-Russian propagandists and IO networks, thus making it easier to push their agendas further. This is regardless of whether they are overt or covert. This way, it's easier for them to wash down other narratives raised by other parties, ultimately selling their agenda as the popular agreement amongst the people.

Radio France International and France 24 are among the largest French-language sources of credible news from the West but have been banned from sharing stories with the public. Coup leaders, in collaboration with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, got these credible media houses from the air since they weren't pushing their narratives and agendas but reporting things as they were.

There's also the inclusion of Russian flags in pro-coup protests designed to create a facade, fronting "widespread support for both the putsch and partnership with Russia."

Finally, Russia can establish control of the narrative through its messengers who are aligned on prepositioned narratives right after the coup. This way, making the most out of the information gap is possible. "Post-coup messaging typically glorifies military and coup leaders and championing national sovereignty while denigrating France."

Abstract online facade versus reality

Whatever's portrayed online doesn't directly reflect what's going on in reality. External sources play a major role in determining the information fed to the public, regardless of accuracy. So long as they can push their agendas and narratives further, even if it's at the cost of political instability across African countries.

To this end, it's unclear what measures can be implemented to mitigate these issues and ensure that the information being relayed on the internet clearly depicts what's going on in reality. But the information shared online should be taken with a pinch of salt.
August brought a wave of mooncake scam victims, with at least 27 individuals losing a total of $325,000.(PHOTO: Singapore Police Force)

SINGAPORE  At least 27 victims have fallen prey to a recent scam involving mooncake sales on social media platforms, resulting in losses totalling around $325,000 since August, said the police on Tuesday (5 September).

The scam involved fraudulent mooncake sales on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, and the police provided details to help the public avoid falling victim to these schemes.

How victims fell for malicious links and lost thousands

The scam victims reported contacting "sellers" advertising mooncakes on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Once they expressed interest and placed orders through social messaging platforms, they were redirected to WhatsApp to complete their payments.

However, the police have revealed that the links in the WhatsApp messages led victims to download an Android Package Kit (APK) file, an application designed for Android operating systems containing malware.

In other instances, victims were instructed to make payments via PayNow or bank transfers to purchase mooncakes. Subsequently, the scammers informed victims that their orders needed to be cancelled due to production or manpower issues and then directed them to malicious links under the guise of offering refunds.

Once the APK file was downloaded and installed, the scammers gained remote access to victims' devices, allowing them to steal passwords and access banking credentials, according to the police.

As a result, victims later discovered unauthorised transactions in their bank accounts.

Facebook user's warning

A Facebook user posted on Tuesday in the Facebook Group, Complaint Singapore that she had bought some durian mooncakes from a seller known as Duria Singapore  - , and she shared her experience:

"What a scammer. Received a call from Lily today for tomorrow delivery. To my surprise, she told me the factory had people catching COVID and the factory was required to do disinfectation and will be closed for the month. There was no promise when they can do the delivery, and I asked for a refund."

Story continues

According to the user, the problem arose when the seller required her to download an app to process the refund, but it's available only on Android phones.

She stated, "I'm an iPhone user, so (it) couldn't be done. (Lily) mentioned that she was going to check for me. On the next day, she deleted all the messages she had sent and blocked me. She even blocked me on Facebook Messenger."

The user called for others to be aware when making purchases from Facebook merchants.

Facebook user posted on Tuesday in the Facebook Group, Complaint Singapore that she had bought some durian mooncakes from a seller known as Duria Singapore  -  (PHOTO: Screengrab/Facebook/Complaint Singapore)

Police offer precautions and actions to safeguard finances and devices

To protect against falling victim to such scams, the police advise taking several precautionary measures.

These include installing the ScamShield app, enabling two-factor or multifactor authentication for bank apps, and setting transaction limits on internet banking transactions.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that devices have updated antivirus/anti-malware applications and to disable the "Install Unknown App" or "Unknown Sources" phone settings.

Furthermore, police said the public should download and install applications only from official app stores and to exercise caution when asked to download unknown apps to make purchases on social media platforms.

Should they encounter fraudulent transactions, the police urge them to report to their banks immediately and inform the relevant authorities, family and friends about the scams.

If they suspect that their phones may be infected with malware, they can take the following steps:

Switch your phone to "flight mode" and check that wi-fi is switched off. Do not switch it on.

Run an antivirus scan.

Check your bank, Singpass, and Central Provident Fund accounts for unauthorised transactions on other devices.

Report the issue to the bank and relevant authorities, and file a police report.

For additional scam information, the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or contact the anti-scam helpline at 1800-7226688.

Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.
Singaporean actor Mark Lee has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the first local actor to receive a nomination at the prestigious Septimius Awards in the Netherlands.

The Septimius Awards, as described on its website, is an international ceremony that celebrates various forms of cinematic art, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations, television series, and screenplays. It is particularly dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging independent talent from around the world.

Mark Lee, aged 54, earned this esteemed nomination for his remarkable portrayal of a pimp in the local crime thriller Geylang (2022), directed by Boi Kwong.

The film, set in the red-light district of Geylang, was produced by Jack Neo and featured a talented ensemble cast, including Sheila Sim, Shane Mardjuki, veteran actor Steven Woon, and Taiwanese actress Patricia Lin.

Notably, the movie was also nominated for Best Action Choreography at Taiwans Golden Horse Awards in 2022, thanks to the skills of stunt director-actor Sunny Pang.

Expressing his gratitude and excitement about the nomination, Mark Lee shared the news on his social media account, stating in Chinese, Thank you for the affirmation by the nomination. I will keep working hard.

His wife, Catherine Ng, also celebrated this momentous occasion on her social media platform, expressing her pride in her husbands achievement.

She remarked, This nomination is a significant milestone in your journey, and I couldnt be prouder of you. It is a testament to your talent and a recognition that you truly deserve. May this nomination serve as a stepping stone towards an even brighter and more prosperous future for you and your career.

Mark Lee is unable to attend the Septimius Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on Sept. 25 and 26, due to his commitments to upcoming film shoots, behind-the-scenes preparations, and musical rehearsals. The actor expressed his regret, saying, Its a pity that I cant go there. This will be a rare learning opportunity because I have been to the Golden Horse Awards, so I am hoping to attend an international awards ceremony.

When asked about his chances of winning the award, Lee humbly told Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao that he had not watched the works of the other nominees in the Best Asian Actor category, which include Indias Tovino Thomas and Bhuvan Bam, Irans Mohsen Tanabandeh, and Indonesias Rio Dewanto. He stated, Being nominated for this international award is already very encouraging. Regardless of whether I win, I will still do my best in my next performance.

Mark Lees nomination at the Septimius Awards marks a significant achievement not only for him but also for the Singaporean film industry, highlighting the talent and potential of local actors on the global stage.
Select U.S. restaurants have begun serving laboratory-grown chicken, spurring long wait times for reservations by diners curious to taste it.

In June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave final approval for a few California-based companies to begin selling lab-produced chicken across the country.

While it may be years before lab-grown meat is available at grocery stores, a handful of states are tightening rules on labeling the new food, which is produced by growing cells acquired from living animals into muscle tissue.

Consumers interested in sustainable foods that avoid the slaughter of animals are driving the growing industry. But, pushed by the cattle and poultry industries, more states are defining what can be sold to consumers as meat and are requiring prominent labels on products cultured in labs.

Under a USDA agreement, UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat, as well as the latters manufacturing partner JOINN Biologics, will sell their products with the label cell-cultivated chicken, while the department develops further labeling rules.

But some states are imposing their own additional requirements.

Texas passed the most recent bill, signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May. Starting Sept. 1, cultivated products in Texas must include the term cell-cultured, lab-grown or similar wording on packaging near the name of the product, in type at least the same size as the text around it.

The Texas Farm Bureau, an advocacy group of farmers and ranchers, had listed the bill as one of its legislative priorities this year.

In 2018, Missouri became the first state to pass legislation requiring different labeling for traditional meat versus products not derived from livestock or poultry.

Such products marketed in Missouri as meat without the words plant-based, veggie, lab-grown, lab-created or a similar phrase before or after the products name may be referred to a county prosecutor and the attorney general for potential violations, according to a memorandum from the state. The products also must state that they are made from plants, grown in a lab or a comparable disclosure.

Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming enacted similar legislation the following year.

In 2020, Oklahoma enacted a law giving state officials the authority to enforce meat labeling practices.

This year, Iowa considered a bill to prohibit lab-grown proteins in public schools, but it didnt pass. A Michigan labeling measure remains in committee.

Kentuckys 2019 law deems a food misbranded if it is labeled as meat but contains cultured animal tissue.

The cattle industry in Kentucky is extremely important to the economy, said state Rep. Michael Meredith, a Republican who sponsored the measure. People are interested in knowing about the origin and makeup of their food now more than ever before, he said, and legislators wanted to ensure labels are clear.

I think the public is very skeptical of the product, Meredith said. I have talked with people  and I come from a fairly rural area  and folks are just appalled, and its not even funny.

He added, I think its going be really, really hard to push something like this in rural America as a market.

But the cell-cultured meat industry has made significant strides in recent years. As of 2022, the global number of cultivated meat companies rose to 156, with headquarters in 26 countries, according to the Good Food Institutes State of the Industry report. The nonprofit, which advocates in favor of protein alternatives and prefers the term cultivated meat, found that all-time investments in the industry had reached $2.8 billion globally last year.

The institute argues that U.S. state legislatures are taking steps to undermine the market through label censorship, which it calls unconstitutional and unnecessary.

Its always been our position that state label censorship through legislative efforts were kind of a solution in search of a problem, said Laura Braden, associate director of regulatory affairs and an attorney at the Good Food Institute. Consumer choice rather than label censorship should determine winners and losers in the marketplace.

Still, legislators in states such as Wyoming, where the law requires labels on lab-grown meat to include containing cell cultured product or similar wording, say they want labels clearly understood by the public.

It never hurts to have our Department of Agriculture, doing this work alongside the USDA, Wyoming Republican state Sen. Brian Boner said. Were just going to have a more robust system where folks will know exactly what theyre purchasing when it comes to meat products.

But such measures have met resistance.

The Missouri law prompted a lawsuit arguing the state made a brazen attempt to stifle the growing grocery category of plant-based meats, according to a statement from the ACLU of Missouri, which is part of the lawsuit. Including the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Good Food Institute and Tofurky, a plant-based protein company, a coalition of organizations challenged the law for violating the First Amendment.

I dont think this was about consumer confusion, said Amanda Howell, a managing attorney at Animal Legal Defense Fund. I dont think this is about ensuring clear and non-misleading labels. I think this was about taking First Amendment rights away from companies and making them call themselves things that you know would be unintelligible to consumers. And if a consumer cant tell what a product is, theyre not going to buy it.

Howell said states are acting now because they sense the growing market possibilities.

These are very animal agriculture-heavy states, their GDP relies on those animal producers, and they feel beholden to their constituents to pass these laws designed to attack plant and cell-cultured meats.

Mike Badger, executive director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association, said poultry producers have long been expecting the approval of cell-cultivated chicken.

The association represents independent farms that market directly to consumers, unlike poultry giants like Tyson Foods, which has been investing in lab-grown meat companies for a few years. While the traditional poultry farm community isnt overly concerned about the possibility of competition, Badger said, there are still ethical concerns for consumers choosing cell-cultivated chicken.

I think the really big question here is this: Whats driving the demand to create this new lab-grown protein? Badger asked. Is it only the fact that people think its more ethical than having a living chicken that dies for your table? And if thats the case, how are the ethics of all the other stuff coming into it?

Backers of cultivated meat argue it is better for the environment. Traditional meat is one of the top contributors to the average U.S. households carbon footprint, according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In 2019, a sizable portion of the Earths greenhouse gas emissions came from the global agriculture industry.

A 2021 article by university researchers in India published in the Journal of Animal Science and Technology suggests lab-grown meat could fulfill the increasing demand for meat using fewer natural resources.

But Badger cited an April preprint by researchers at the University of California, Davis that found lab-grown meats environmental impact could be higher than retail beef based on current production methods.

Its very early in the whole process, Badger said, and theres a lot of questions to be sorted out.
Frigates in real-combat training

China Military Online) 09:32, September 06, 2023

Three vessels attached to a frigate flotilla with the navy under the PLA Eastern Theater Command, including the guided-missile frigates Zhuzhou, Shuozhou and Shiyan, steam forward in an undisclosed sea area during a real-combat training exercise in August. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Ren Wei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- A Hospers, Iowa, man has been arrested on suspicion of having sexual contact with a minor female.

The Sioux County Sheriff's Office began an investigation after receiving a report that Andrew Joslin had solicited the girl for inappropriate sexual contact. Investigators determined Joslin had had sexual contact with the girl, who is under age 16, at a home in Hospers.

According to a complaint filed in Sioux County District Court, Joslin admitted to investigators he had sexual contact with the girl on multiple occasions from October 2021 through March 1, 2022.

Joslin, 35, was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Sioux County Jail on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts each of third-degree sexual abuse and lascivious conduct with a minor. His bond was set at $35,000.

The case remains under investigation.
WAYNE, Neb.  A former Winside Public Schools teacher was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for having sex with a 17-year-old male high school student.

Cali Heikes, 26, of Winside, faced up to six years in prison after pleading guilty in July in Wayne County District Court to a reduced charge of criminal attempt -- first-degree sexual abuse by a school employee and one count of second-degree sexual abuse by a school employee.

Both charges had sentencing ranges of zero to three years in prison. District Judge Mark Johnson sentenced Heikes to two years on each charge. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended the sentences be served concurrently, or at the same time. A second count of second-degree sexual abuse by a school employee was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

After completing her prison sentence, Heikes will serve 18 months of post-release supervision and must register with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry.

Heikes was arrested Jan. 22 after the Wayne County Sheriff's Office investigated a tip about her ongoing relationship with the student. Heikes later submitted her resignation as a family consumer science teacher and librarian.

She was the second Winside teacher sentenced this year for having inappropriate contact with a student.

Rachel McPhillips, 29, of Norfolk, Nebraska, who taught art at Winside, was sentenced in April to 180 days in jail and two years' probation on charges of disturbing the peace and attempted child abuse. She was charged with having sexual contact with a 15-year-old male student.
WASHINGTON  After months of struggling to find agreement on just about anything in a divided Congress, lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to try to avert a government shutdown, even as House Republicans consider whether to press forward with an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

A short-term funding measure to keep government offices fully functioning will dominate the September agenda, along with emergency funding for Ukraine, federal disaster funds and the Republican-driven probe into Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings.

Time is running short for Congress to act. The House is scheduled to meet for just 11 days before the government's fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, leaving little room to maneuver. The deal-making will play out as two top Republicans, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, deal with health issues.

The president and congressional leaders, including Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, are focused on passage of a monthslong funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, to keep government offices running while lawmakers iron out a budget.

It's a step Congress routinely takes to avoid stoppages, but McCarthy faces resistance from within his own Republican ranks, including from some hard-line conservatives who openly embrace the idea of a government shutdown.

"Honestly, it's a pretty big mess," McConnell said at an event in Kentucky last week.

Here are the top issues as lawmakers return from the August break:

Keeping the government open

When Biden and McCarthy struck a deal to suspend the nation's debt ceiling in June, it included provisions for top-line spending numbers. But under pressure from the House Freedom Caucus, House Republicans advanced spending bills that cut below that agreement.

Republicans also tried to load their spending packages with conservative policy wins. For example, House Republicans added provisions blocking abortion coverage, transgender care and diversity initiatives to a July defense package, turning what has traditionally been a bipartisan effort into a sharply contested bill.

Democrats control the Senate and are certain to reject most of the conservative proposals. Senators are crafting their spending bills on a bipartisan basis with an eye toward avoiding unrelated policy fights.

Top lawmakers in both chambers are turning to a stopgap funding package, a typical strategy to give the lawmakers time to iron out a long-term agreement.

The House Freedom Caucus already released a list of demands it wants included in the continuing resolution, but they amount to a right-wing wish list that would never fly in the Senate.

The conservative opposition means McCarthy will almost certainly have to win significant Democratic support to pass a funding bill  but such an approach risks a new round of conflict with the same conservatives who in the past threatened to oust him from the speakership.

Democrats are already readying blame for the House GOP.

"The last thing the American people deserve is for extreme House members to trigger a government shutdown that hurts our economy, undermines our disaster preparedness, and forces our troops to work without guaranteed pay," said White House spokesman Andrew Bates.

In a letter to his colleagues Friday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote that the focus will be "funding the government and preventing House Republican extremists from forcing a government shutdown."

It leaves McCarthy desperate to get the votes to keep government offices running and avoid the political blowback. As he tries to persuade Republicans to go along with a temporary fix, McCarthy has been arguing that a government shutdown would also halt Republican investigations into the Biden administration.

"If we shut down, all of government shuts it down  investigations and everything else  it hurts the American public," the speaker said on Fox News last week.

Impeachment inquiry

Since they gained the House majority, Republicans launched a series of investigations into the Biden administration, with an eye toward impeaching the president or his Cabinet officials. They zeroed in on the president's son, Hunter Biden, and his overseas business dealings, including with Ukrainian gas company Burisma.

The inquiries have not produced evidence that President Biden took official action on behalf of his son or business partners, but McCarthy has called impeachment a "natural step forward" for the investigations.

Moderate Republicans have so far balked at sending the House on a full-fledged impeachment hunt.

Ukraine and disaster funding

The White House has requested more than $40 billion in emergency funding, including $13 billion in military aid for Ukraine, $8 billion in humanitarian support for the nation and $12 billion to replenish U.S. federal disaster funds at home.

The request for the massive cash infusion comes as Kyiv launches a counteroffensive against the Russian invasion. But support for Ukraine is waning among Republicans.

Nearly 70 Republicans voted for an unsuccessful effort to discontinue military aid to Ukraine in July, though strong support for the war effort remains among many members.

Health concerns

McConnell, 81, faces questions about his ability to continue as the top Senate Republican after he froze up twice during news conferences in the last two months since falling and suffering a concussion in March. During the event in Kentucky last week, he fell silent for roughly 30 seconds as he struggled to answer a question from a reporter.

Dr. Brian Monahan, the Capitol's attending physician, said Thursday that McConnell is cleared to work. But the question of whether McConnell  the longest-serving party leader in Senate history  can continue as Republican leader has sparked intense speculation about who will eventually replace him.

Meanwhile, the health of California Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, has visibly wavered in recent months after she was hospitalized for shingles this year. She suffered a fall at her San Francisco home in August and visited the hospital for testing.

In the House, Rep. Steve Scalise, the No. 2 Republican, disclosed last week that he has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma and is undergoing treatment.

Scalise, 57, said he will continue to serve and described the cancer as "very treatable."
ORGAN PIPE CACTUS NATIONAL MONUMENT, Ariz.  Border Patrol agents ordered the young Senegalese men to wait in the scant shade of desert scrub brush while they loaded a more vulnerable group of migrants  a family with three young children from India  into a white van for the short trip in triple-degree heat to a canopied field intake center.

The migrants were among hundreds who have been trudging this summer in the scorching sun and through open storm gates in the border wall to U.S. soil, following a remote corridor in the sprawling Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument that's among the most desolate and dangerous areas in the Arizona borderlands. Temperatures hit 118 degrees Fahrenheit just as smugglers abruptly began steering migrants from Africa and Asia here to request asylum.

Suddenly, the Border Patrols Tucson Sector, which oversees the area, in July became the busiest sector along the U.S-Mexico border for the first time since 2008. It's seen migrants from faraway countries like Pakistan, China and Mauritania, where social media is drawing young people to the new route to the border that begins in Nicaragua. There are large numbers from Ecuador, Bangladesh and Egypt, as well as more traditional border crossers from Mexico and Central America.

Right now we are encountering people from all over the world, said Border Patrol Deputy Chief Justin De La Torre, of the Tucson Sector. It has been a real emergency here, a real trying situation.

The patrol is calling on other agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Transportation Security Administration, for help in getting migrants "out of the elements and into our processing centers as quickly as possible, De La Torre said.

During a recent visit, Associated Press journalists saw close to 100 migrants arrive in just four hours at the border wall near Lukeville, Arizona, inside Organ Pipe, as temperatures hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The next morning, several hundred more migrants lined up along the wall to turn themselves in.

Welcome to America, thats good person, a young Senegalese man said in his limited English, beaming as he crunched across the desert floor after Tom Wingo, a humanitarian aid volunteer, gave him some water and snacks. I am very, very happy for you.

The storm gates in the towering steel wall have been open since mid-June because of rains during the monsoon season. Rushing water from heavy downpours can damage closed gates, the wall, a rocky border road, and flora and fauna. But migrants get in even when the gates are closed, sometimes by breaking locks or slipping through gaps in the wall.

Agents from the Border Patrol's small Ajo Station a half hour's drive north of the border encountered several large groups the first weekend of August, including one of 533 people from 17 countries in the area that includes the national monument, an expanse of rugged desert scattered with cactus, creosote and whip-like ocotillo. The Tucson Sector registered 39,215 arrests in July, up 60% from June. Officials attribute the sudden influx to false advertising by smugglers who tell migrants its easier to cross here and get released into the United States.

Migrants are taken first to the intake center, where agents collect peoples names, countries of origin and other information before they are moved to the Ajo Station some 30 miles up a two-lane state highway.

Arrests for illegally crossing anywhere along the nearly 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border soared 33% from June to July, according to U.S. government figures, reversing a plunge after new asylum restrictions were introduced in May. President Joe Bidens administration notes illegal crossings were still down 27% that month from July 2022 and credits the carrot-and-stick approach that expands legal pathways while punishing migrants who enter illegally.

De La Torre said most migrants in the area request asylum, something far from guaranteed with the recent restrictions.

The Ajo Stations area of responsibility is currently the busiest inside the Tucson Sector, De La Torre said. It includes the border areas of Organ Pipe and the Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge, isolated areas with rough roads and scarce water and shade. They include the Devils Highway region, where 14 border crossers in a group of 26 died in 2001 after smugglers abandoned them.

CBP rescues by air and land along the border are soaring this year, with 28,537 counted during the 10-month period ending July 31. That compares with 22,075 for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2022, the agency said. There were 2,776 migrant rescues in July.

The rescues continued in August, including one especially busy day when a Black Hawk helicopter hoisted a 15-year-old Guatemalan boy from a remote southern Arizona mountain to safety. A short time later, the chopper rescued a Guatemalan man who called 911 from the vast Tohono Oodham Nation just east of Organ Pipe.

The influx has also presented challenges for humanitarian groups.

Wingo, a retired schoolteacher working with Samaritanos Sin Fronteras, or Samaritans Without Borders, travels to the border several times a week to fill bright blue plastic barrels at six water stations. He and other volunteers distribute hats, bandanas, snacks and ice-cold bottled water to migrants they encounter.

A lot of these people go out into the desert not knowing the trouble they are getting themselves into, Wingo said.

Many don't survive.

The remains of 43 suspected border crossers were found in southern Arizona in July, about half of them recently dead, according to the nonprofit organization Human Borders.
A federal jury in Omaha returned a more than $36 million verdict Friday against Werner Enterprises for not hiring an Indiana over-the-road driver because he was deaf.

The Omaha-based transportation company won a companion case that went to trial in June involving a deaf Texas driver.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed both cases in 2018 after first attempting to reach a settlement with Drivers Management LLC and parent company Werner Enterprises on the disability discrimination claims through its conciliation process.

The EEOC accused the company of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act for not hiring Victor Robinson when he applied in 2016 despite completing training at a Werner-owned truck driving school in Indianapolis and obtaining his commercial drivers license and an exemption from the hearing regulation from the U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

About a month after he applied, Werner preapproved his application, indicating that he appeared to meet the company's minimum hiring guidelines.

But, according to the lawsuit, Werners vice president of safety and compliance, Jaime Maus, now Jaime Hamm, ultimately told him that the company would not hire him because he couldn't complete the placement driver training, required of all new drivers, because he couldn't hear.

At trial, she testified that Werner continues with its practice of classifying deaf drivers differently when they apply for employment.

Attorneys for Werner contended Robinson wasn't hired because Robinson, who is fully deaf, couldn't effectively and safely drive and simultaneously communicate with a trainer without diverting his eyes and attention from the road.

Robinson's attorneys with the EEOC said Robinson ultimately received over-the-road training and had a truck driving career, "doing the very thing Werner claimed was impossible."

On Friday, at the end of a five-day trial in U.S. District Court of Nebraska in Omaha, the jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding that the companies had violated the ADA and awarding Robinson $75,000 in compensatory damages and $36 million in punitive damages.

Though, according to the EEOC's website, compensatory and punitive damages are limited to $300,000 for employers with more than 500 employees, the limit is $300,000, like Werner.

In October, a bench trial is set for Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard to consider the remaining issues of back pay and equitable relief.

In a statement Tuesday, the company said it is committed to safety and to an inclusive workforce, disappointed by the verdict and considering an appeal. The statement pointed out the $300,000 cap, suggesting the amount was excessive.

On the other side, Charlotte Burrows, chair of the EEOC, said: "Victor Robinson had the courage to step forward and say what happened to him was wrong. The jury agreed, and their substantial verdict sends a clear message to employers everywhere that our nation will not tolerate disability discrimination."

EEOCs trial team, supervisory trial attorney Joshua M. Pierson and trial attorneys Meredith S. Berwick and Lauren Wilson, said Werners refusal to acknowledge Robinsons abilities not only hurt him, but also the entire deaf community.

In the companion case tried in June, Werner's attorneys successfully argued the decision not to hire a Texas man, Andrew Deuschle, was "due to legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons."

Unlike Robinson, Deuschle never provided Werner with a copy of his DOT hearing exemption.
OMAHA -- Though some areas of the Missouri River's upper basin saw plentiful rains in August, ongoing dry conditions mean less water will be in storage in the river's reservoirs this winter.

As a result, winter water releases from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, will be at least 13,000 cubic feet per second, slightly higher than the minimum level of 12,000 cfs, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Wednesday.

"Rainfall in the month of August provided some welcome inflow into the upper Missouri Basin Reservoir System," John Remus, chief of the corps' Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, said in a news release. "Several precipitation events occurred during the month, with some areas receiving 400% of normal rainfall. Despite this fact, drought conditions continue and are predicted to persist and expand throughout the basin in the coming months."

Those above-average rainfalls resulted in 1.7 million acre-feet of runoff, or 121% of average, into the river basin above Sioux City. This year's runoff is forecast to be 29.1 MAF, 113% of average. The average is 25.7 MAF.

Storage in the river's six reservoirs remains below normal. As of Friday, 55.5 MAF of water was being stored, below the flood control zone that starts at 56.1 MAF. System storage is expected to continue to decline through the fall, the corps said. Updated reservoir studies indicate storage is expected to be approximately 3.7 MAF below the base of flood control at the start of the 2024 runoff season.

As of Tuesday, Gavins Point releases were at 34,500 cfs, and releases will be maintained to support downstream navigation at a level just below full service levels at target locations at Sioux City, Omaha, Nebraska City and Kansas City. Flow support for the navigation season will end Dec. 1 at the river's mouth near St. Louis.
There are some natural food pairings, like pretzels and beer or pizza and beer.

Well, what about tacos and beers?

Jackson Street Brewings Dave Winslow is betting a freshly made carne asada taco will make you reach for one of his craft brew creations.

This is why El Comal, an eatery featuring South-of-the-Border fare, opened up inside Jackson Street Brewings 607 Fifth St.s tasting room.

According to Winslow, El Comal  which is The Griddle in Spanish  opened for business July 22, which was the start of RAGBRAI weekend in Sioux City.

We wanted to see if we could handle big crowds, he said of the statewide bike ride that brought more than 30,000 cyclists to town. Apparently, we could since we had a ton of business.

El Comal Mexican Food Leo Mendez holds a plate of asada fries on the left and tacos on the right both of which he makes for customers at El Comal inside Jackson Str

Luckily, Winslow had an experienced chef, Leo Mendez, in charge of El Comals kitchen.

Self-trained, Mendez started cooking at the ripe old age of 8. It helps that he grew up in the food industry.

Leos family owns La Victoria, the grocery store at 2600 Myrtle St., Winslow explained. That place is known for having the best meat department and Leo, for quite some time, was the stores butcher.

Watching Mendez in action, you can tell he has a way with a meat cleaver.

Inside a small kitchen, he expertly slices bite-sized pieces of carne asada (marinated beef), pollo (chicken) and al pastor (thin strips of seasoned pork) that will be used in all of El Comals tacos and burritos.

However, dont ask Mendez to eat any of his prepared pork.

Ive never liked pork products, he said. Ill make it but I wont eat it.

That just means there will be more pork for me and everybody else, Winslow interjected.

El Comal Mexican Food A plate of asada fries covered in toppings can be ordered from El Comal inside Jackson Street Brewing.

Dont be surprised if you see a few unique meals on El Comals menu.

Described as one of Chef Leos Specials, El Comals Carne Asada Fries is a loaded plate of French fries buried in a sea of beef, tomatoes, peppers and a zesty sauce.

The Carne Asada Fries is a perfect meal for you to share with someone else, Winslow said. But its so good, youll probably want to eat it all by yourself.

Another one of Chef Leos Specials is his Smash Burger which is, literally, a beef patty that he smashed on top of El Comals cooktop.

You can find Smash Burgers at other places, Winslow said. Still, Leos version is the best one Ive ever had.

Which is high praise from Winslow, who is also an amateur cook.

For my wife and kids, Ill make tacos with a seasoning packet, he said. Leo has taught me that you dont need extra seasoning when you have fresh ingredients.

I try to keep things simple, Mendez said.

El Comal Mexican Food Leo Mendez makes tacos at El Comal.

Another thing that Mendez attempts to do is keep Winslow away from the kitchen as much as possible.

Im allowed to flip the meat so it wont get burnt, Winslow said. Other than that, Leos the king of this kitchen and Im the guy who takes the orders.

Winslow isnt kidding.

Since El Comal only takes cash, he positions himself at a little table in front of the open doorway to the kitchen.

People love the convenience of an on-site Mexican restaurant here, Winslow explained. We are just 10 steps away from the bar. How convenient is that?

Indeed, Winslow had been looking for ways to add food to the Jackson Street Brewing experience.

Wed have food trucks parked outside of the bar with mixed success, he admitted. There was never any consistency, so the idea never took off.

El Comal Mexican Food Dave Winslow, owner of Jackson Street Brewing, takes orders for Mexican food at El Comal Mexican Food inside his brewery.

Instead, Winslow allowed people to bring in food from outside sources.

That was OK, but customers would leave for dinner and wouldnt come back to the Brewery, he said. Since were offering food on-site, were hoping customer will stay longer.

This is just one of the innovations Winslow has up his sleeves at Jackson Street Brewing. He recently expanded the wine offering and introduced a lineup of specialty cocktails, including a vodka seltzer, a vodka fizz and a citrus margarita.

El Comal Mexican Food A pair of tacos, one beef, the other pork are shown on the counter at Jackson Street Brewing where customers can order Mexican food.

Believe it or not, everybody doesnt like beer, he said with a smile. Ill use myself as an example. While a craft beer continues to be my go-to drink, Ill be in the mood for a cocktail on occasion. A cocktail menu is essential when you want to add to your customer base.

And after less than two months, the cuisine at El Comal is already attracting fans.

We had a guy who was in a while back return specifically for one of Leos Smash Burgers, Winslow said. The guy was from out-of-town. He drove specifically to Sioux City on a motorcycle, for a chance to eat Leos food.

Thats a good sign, he added. People are already coming back for more El Comal.

El Comal Mexican Food Leo Mendez prepares a plate of asada fries at El Comal.
Some jokes fall flat. But Louisiana resident Waylon Bailey got more than eye rolls when he logged on to Facebook and compared the COVID-19 pandemic with a zombie apocalypse on March 20, 2020, during the first month of lockdowns.

As many as a dozen deputies from the Rapides Parish Sheriffs Office approached him with bulletproof vests on and weapons drawn while he worked in his garage in central Louisiana. Despite his assurances that he was only kiddingno zombies were coming to eat anyones brainsthe officers ordered him to his knees and handcuffed him. Then they took him to jail without a warrant and booked him on suspicion of terrorism.

Talk about no sense of humor.

Few people even saw the social media post. And those who did recognized it as satire. The giveaways included emojis and a hashtag cry for help from Brad Pitt, the star of the zombie blockbuster World War Z. The body of the message included over-the-top language with all caps and multiple exclamation marks:

SHARE SHARE SHARE!!! JUST IN: RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE ISSUED THE ORDER, IF DEPUTIES COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE INFECTED SHOOT ON SIGHT.Lord have mercy on us all. #Covid9teen #weneedyoubraddpitt.

No one complained to the police or expressed concern, not even the district attorney. When he reviewed the recommended charges, he dismissed the case. Now Bailey, a married father who works and trains as a boxer, wants to hold the arresting officer and his supervisors responsible for violating his constitutional rights.

Advertisement

Related From Slate The Volunteer Moms Poring Over Archives to Prove Clarence Thomas Wrong Read More

Telling jokes is protected speech under the First Amendment. And arresting someone without probable cause is forbidden under the Fourth Amendment. Even the living dead have these rights. Yet when Bailey sued in federal district court, the judge tossed the case.

Among other reasons, the judge cited qualified immunity, which shields government employees from civil liability unless their misconduct is clearly established in prior cases as unconstitutional. The standard is rigged in favor of the government, yet jailing someone for making fun of you on Facebook is objectively unreasonable.

Advertisement

So Bailey took his lawsuit to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which reversed and remanded the case to the district court late last month. The deputy who came after Bailey with a SWAT team is not entitled to qualified immunity, the three-judge panel held, because no reasonable officer could have found probable cause to arrest Bailey for violating the Louisiana terrorizing statute.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Our public interest law firm, the Institute for Justice, represented him. The decision might seem obvious, yet common sense has not always prevailed in qualified immunity cases. The Supreme Court invented the doctrine in 1982, and since then government employees have used it to escape accountability for torturing prison inmates, stealing cash, retaliating against critics, and hundreds of other abuses.

The police have even avoided liability for trampling on the First Amendment. When Anthony Novak created a parody Facebook page poking fun at his local police department in Parma, Ohio, officers raided his apartment, seized his electronics, and arrested him on suspicion of disrupting police operations.

Like Bailey, Novak was exonerated. And like Bailey, he followed up with a civil lawsuit. But that is where the similarities end. Courts granted qualified immunity to the officers who violated Novaks rights, and the Supreme Court declined to consider the case. Not even friend-of-the-court briefs from parody sites the Onion and the Babylon Bee could move the justices to get involved.

Advertisement

The silence makes Baileys victory significant. At least in the 5th Circuit, which covers Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, government employees will be on notice the next time they are tempted to use shock and awe to silence satire they do not like.

Bailey says the SWAT team even taunted him during his arrest. While he was handcuffed, he says one deputy told him: The next thing [you] put on Facebook should be not to f with the police. Then the other officers laughed. Yet putting someone in jail and publicly labeling him a terrorist is not a joke.

If anything, it was the SWAT team that engaged in terrorism, not Bailey.
When my partner got me a sleep tracking ring for my birthday, I was ambivalent. Id long resisted the siren song of the quantified, optimized self, and I was cynical about trading privacy and personal data for personalized insights. After a decade working at Bay Area startups, I knew too well that technologies are rarely inert tools. They shape our desires and behavior. They demand things of ustoo much, sometimes.

At the same time, I needed to do something about my sleep. Even before I became a parent, slumber was never my strong suit. And now our 8-month-old was finally (mostly) sleeping through the night, but I still wasnt. My body was trained to wake up for bottle feedings at 1 and 4 a.m., creating fertile ground for runaway thought trains. My partner had used the same sleep tracking ring for years and found it valuable, so I set my reservations aside, yearning for a REM renaissance.

The ring was a tad bulky but otherwise its shiny silver exterior gave no hint that it tracked movement, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. The first time I slipped it onto my left index finger felt momentous. The only other jewelry or adornment I wear regularly is my wedding ring. Its new neighbor represented a different kind of relationship with a less reciprocal notion of intimacy. Now that we were committed, I would give this device unfettered access to my corporeal data stream. In exchange, I hoped, I would be seen, known, understood.

Advertisement

At night, I donned the ring. Each morning, I checked the companion apps charts and metrics for insight and validation. But they often confronted me with an unrecognizably rosy account of my night.

Advertisement

One day, I rose at 5:50 a.m., having been awake since 4:30. Recalling long stretches of anxious sleeplessness, I guessed Id slept no more than five hours. The app alleged that Id slept for more than seven. On the graph that showed time awake or in various sleep stages during the night, I saw only brief hiccups of wakefulness when Id gotten up to pee. My sleep score of 87 (out of 100) was deemed optimal and adorned with a little crown. This was a jarring betrayal.

Advertisement

Feeling refreshed? the app asked with the chirpy enthusiasm of a well-rested camp counselor. You got more restorative time than on average yesterday, good job! It may have helped you sleep soundly last night, too.

Advertisement

The only thing worse than sleeping terribly, I realized, is sleeping terribly and then being assured that you actually slept quite well. The ring was gaslighting me.

This was not a scenario Id contemplated at the outset of my sleep-tracking journey. Id balked at the devices invasiveness but never questioned its accuracy. I failed to anticipate the disquieting dissonance that arose when its intimate access yielded misunderstanding instead of insight. Now that the titanium band was in my life, I was surprised by how badly I wanted it to deliver on its creepy promise.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Does your ring think youre asleep whenever youre awake but lying still? I asked my partner, who has an older model.

Not really, she said. Maybe yours is defective?

She reviewed my sleep scores.

Wow. I wish I could get an 87.

Me too, I said.

Advertisement

Knowing that her ring was reasonably accurate legitimized my expectation of a better experience. Eager to manifest such an experience, and aided by the shaky reasoning of my sleep-deprived mind, I performed a series of contortions in the ensuing weeks to attempt to close the maddening chasm between the rings reality and my own.

It probably needs more time to get calibrated and develop a baseline, I told myself. All relationships, after all, have a getting-to-know-you period. Concerned the ring was loose, I repeatedly pushed it down to the thickest part of my finger. I wore it during the day, hypothesizing that the additional data would help it distinguish sleep from horizontal wakefulness. When I was awake in bed, I sometimes wiggled my left hand so the ring wouldnt mistake my stillness for sleep. I used the apps sleep-editing feature to manually adjust when I woke up or fell asleep, hoping the feedback would hasten the day when I felt properly surveilled. Some of these tinkerings were absurd. And none of them helped.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Things came to a head when I tried acupuncture for the first time. I couldnt relaxI was too aware of the forest of needles gently stabbing me. The ring, bless its sensors, recorded a nap.

I fired off a missive about its defects to customer service.

We have taken a look at your ring with our systems and found that it is working correctly, they insisted helpfully.

They eventually sent a replacement, but the new ring continued to equate lying still with blissful hibernation. Maybe I was the problem. Maybe some physical idiosyncrasy rendered my body immeasurable. Similar reports of inaccuracies in online forums soothed me somewhat, and I resolved to return it. Instead, I lost it. After a few days of fruitless searching, I accepted this as a sign about my sleep tracking prospects.

Advertisement

Related From Slate Finding the Right Air Conditioner Is an Impossible Game. What If We Changed the Rules? Read More

Then the ring reappeared. Grateful, I put it on. The next morning, I checked the app and saw a toggle for a new version of its sleep staging algorithm. I turned it on. My night instantly looked worsewhich is to say, better. Less total sleep, more light sleep, longer wake-ups. I was delighted.

Many mediocre relationships, this one included, persist on the fumes of faith that things can improve. But the ring was working on itself. The new algorithm was a vow renewed, and I wanted to know how much better things could be.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The ring still exaggerated my proficiency at unconsciousness. But it narrowed the gap between my sleep scores and my recollection enough to justify keeping it. Could I improve my sleep hygiene without it? Sure. But over time, the ring came to embody my aspiration to improve my sleep, which complicated the possibility of severing ties.

Advertisement

The ring, on my finger as I write this, also carries more ambivalent symbolism about the vulnerability in our relationships with such products. Even while failing to fulfill its core promise, it kept others: It shifted my goals, shaped my behavior, and drew my attention, often in undesirable ways. But my awareness of that undesirable influence wasnt sufficient to avoid it. Nor did it insulate me from the visceral disappointment and alienation of feeling misrepresented by a technology designed to observe.

When I peer into the rings mirrorlike surface, I see my face, distorted by its curvature. I see a self that is complicated to quantify.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Watsonx, a next-generation enterprise-focused AI and data platform, has been unveiled by IBM. This comes as global business leaders look to leverage Artificial Intelligences transformative potential.

Launched in Armonk, N.Y., IBMs pioneering ad campaign aims to clarify the perplexing realm of AIs real-world business applications. By highlighting Watsonxs distinct capabilities, IBM envisions it as a force multiplier that can accelerate the impact for leaders venturing into innovative AI applications.

Given the often ambiguous and broad spectrum of AI offerings, the campaign has been meticulously designed to stand out. It presents a compelling narrative on the Watsonx value proposition through two uniquely conceived spots. These segments creatively illustrate potential AI use cases, emphasizing the platforms trustworthiness, target specificity, and its foundation on top-notch open technology.

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here

Watsonx provides a unified avenue for businesses to harness both IBMs prowess and open-source foundation models. This enables them to craft, roll out, and manage traditional machine learning as well as dynamic, adaptive, generative AI. A significant assurance from IBM is its commitment to data privacy and security. Any client data employed to train models on Watsonx wont be retained by IBM or repurposed for other organizational training endeavors. The numerous benefits of employing Watsonxs generative AI span various sectors, including accelerated code generation, streamlined HR workflows, application modernization, IT automation, and more.

Jonathan Adashek, SVP of Marketing and Communications at IBM, commented on the unveiling, emphasizing the tailored AI solutions that businesses now require. Adashek stated, In this new era of AI, businesses need bespoke solutions designed for value creation. That is why we launched Watsonx, the AI platform that puts the power of foundation models and machine learning to work in the right ways, trained on a companys own secured data and tailored to their unique needs. With this new campaign, were reinforcing the transformative power of AI for business to multiply output and ultimately help customers improve their outcomes.

Matt Curry, Global Creative Lead at Ogilvy, elucidated on the campaigns innovative aspects. From using a slot machine technique to depict the gamble of employing incompatible AI to the x wipe effect signifying Watsonxs transformative essence, the campaign takes a creative leap. Curry added that a UI for AI theme permeates the campaign, integrating product UI elements to showcase Watsonxs capabilities.

IBMs collaboration with Ogilvy has culminated in this creative endeavor. With the voice-over provided by Golden Globe-winner and Emmy-nominated Oscar Isaac, the campaign has been directed by Bonapartes Mario Clement. Building on IBMs 2022 lets create brand initiative, this campaign will premiere during the US Open on August 28 and continue throughout the year. Many platforms, including digital billboards, print, newsletters, podcasts, and more, will feature the campaign.

Small Business Deals

For small businesses, this presents a monumental shift. With AI becoming more accessible and customizable, enterprises can potentially harness its full potential, optimizing operations and fostering growth. As IBM leads the AI frontier, businesses must evaluate how tools like Watsonx could redefine their future trajectories.
Robert Kohnle, the head of an Oregon-based payroll services company, pleaded guilty to deliberately neglecting to remit over $24 million in payroll taxes due to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Kohnle, hailing from Lake Oswego, operated as the president, secretary, and chief executive officer of Real Benefits Group Inc., which did business as Aliat. Aliat, classified as a professional employer organization, had a core mandate to provide payroll and related services for its assortment of clients. Per its service agreements, Aliat held the responsibility of obtaining payroll taxes subtracted from its clients employees salaries. This included crucial federal deductions such as federal income tax and contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Subsequently, these amassed payroll taxes were meant to be dispatched to the IRS.

However, in a glaring violation of the stipulated protocols, from the latter part of 2016 all the way through to the end of 2022, Kohnle deviated from these agreements. Despite collecting payroll withholdings from his clients, he circumvented the process and failed to transfer these sums to the IRS. Instead, in a worrying misuse of funds, Kohnle channeled this money to settle various other liabilities and creditors linked to Aliat, including personal withdrawals. The total tax deficit incurred by the IRS due to Kohnles maneuvers stands at a staggering $24,816,602.

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here

This case sheds light on the importance of diligence and oversight for small business owners, especially those who entrust third-party organizations with handling their payroll services. Outsourcing crucial business functions, such as payroll processing, demands high trust. However, as exemplified by the Aliat case, gaps in adherence to fiduciary responsibilities can have dire consequences. This incident underscores the need for businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, to regularly review and validate the operations of any external partners handling monetary transactions or tax-related duties.

The legal repercussions for Kohnle are severe. His sentencing hearing is slated for January 8, 2024, where he might face a prison term extending up to five years. Additionally, Kohnles consequences could include supervised release, the obligation of restitution, and the imposition of monetary penalties. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, in conjunction with other pivotal statutory factors, will guide the federal district court judges final decision regarding Kohnles sentence.

The revelation of this tax evasion scheme was jointly announced by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Natalie K. Wight representing the District of Oregon. The IRS-Criminal Investigation unit will probe the intricacies of the case.

Justice Departments Tax Divisions Trial Attorneys, Patrick Burns and Regina Jeon, are spearheading the prosecution of this high-profile case.

Small Business Deals

For small businesses across Oregon and beyond, this serves as a potent reminder about the necessity of monitoring and accountability when it comes to tax obligations and affiliations with third-party service providers.
Vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular in communities around the country. But its not always possible for property owners. Luckily, SkyRun Vacation Rentals offers a solution. Read about the company and its services in this weeks Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Offers a vacation rental franchise.

Drive Traffic to Your Website Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Advertise Your Business Here

CEO Lukas Krause told Small Business Trends, SkyRun Vacation Rentals is a rapidly growing multi-location vacation rental property management franchise with over 1,100 properties based in over 30 destinations nationwide.

Business Niche

Providing the resources of a national brand with the personal service of local providers.

Krause says, SkyRun is the best of both worlds when it comes to vacation rental management. With each location locally owned and operated, we deliver the hands-on service of a local mom-and-pop shop coupled with the technology and sophistication of a national brand. Armed with these tools, we alleviate stress and elevate experiences for homeowners and guestsmaking vacation rental dreams possible for everyone.

How the Business Got Started

To fill a gap in the vacation rental market.

Small Business Deals

Krause explains, ??SkyRun was founded in 2004 by Barry Cox and Steve Falk. As second homeowners in Keystone, Colorado, both Barry and Steve found that the existing vacation rental management options at the time left a lot to be desired. Barry had a background in software development. And so, he took a stab at building a software solution that would help better serve his propertys needs.

Over time, he saw that other property owners like him could greatly benefit from the software hed created, as many were struggling with similar sentiments of the property management sectors lacking capabilities. Steve had a business and market development background and was able to help Barry sell his solution to other operators. From there, SkyRun Vacation rentals was born and has grown ever since.

Biggest Win

Building a successful team.

Krause adds, Its the talent weve added and buildout of the SkyRun team that has been the most impactful success the brand is yet to witness. We have a specific vision for our growth and what it is we want to achieve on a year-by-year basis. However, we would have no chance of realizing that vision if there hadnt been the recognition that SkyRun didnt yet have a variety of key team members that would be crucial in getting us there.

Biggest Risk

Franchising.

Krause says, The most significant risk SkyRun ever took was in choosing to go the franchise route. This is because none of the men or women operating in the SkyRun Vacation Rentals system had ever signed a franchise agreement of any kind. So, any and all of them could have decided to renege on their involvement with the company, which would have left SkyRun in a financially vulnerable state, to say the absolute least.

How Theyd Spend an Extra $100,000

Rewarding franchisees and the team.

Krause says, Given the stage of growth that SkyRun is currently moving through, its our people who are bearing the brunt of the weight in bettering the brand and helping to get us where we need to be. Its an incredibly rewarding stage to be in and one that would make all team members well-deserving of some additional compensation, if available.

Business Perk

Helping people realize their dreams of owning vacation homes.

Krause explains, SkyRun gives individuals who have always wanted a vacation home the ability to realize that dream for themselves. Typically, the financial pressures of investing in a second property tends to be far too steep for the average person. But benefiting off of that second property through the financial means that SkyRun makes possible can help make the dreams of homeownership a reality for families. Thats what inspired a popular tagline of ours; we make dreams possible  not only for guests, but for the homeowners housing them.

* * * * *

Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program
Despite English being the first choice in international contexts, German still plays an important role in many companies.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share

In response to market requirements and the falling number of potential job applicants speaking German, the Stengl consulting company came up with a project aimed at boosting language skills among IT professionals.

German is a real advantage that offers many career growth opportunities, and responds to the needs of the market calling for experienced IT professionals, Claudia Cuninkova, social media and marketing manager at Stengl, told The Slovak Spectator.

Together with the Bratislava-based Goethe-Institute, an institution that supports the teaching of German and cultivates international cultural cooperation, they launched the Stengl IT Akademie project in 2016. This is a German-language course in Slovakia created specifically for IT specialists, with more than 100 graduates so far.

To attend, IT professionals have to succeed in an annual competition, composed of two selection rounds. The course teaches them how to use the right terms, define IT processes, create diagrams and data flows, and provides them with tips and tricks to create assets like user manuals.

Related article

Related article Her business was born out of living room. Today, she helps firms expand abroad Read more

We believe that with this element, we contribute to a bigger puzzle that will lead to positive changes in the IT sector and the language skills of IT professionals, Cuninkova said.

Companies addressed by The Slovak Spectator confirmed that despite English remaining dominant in the international environment, they still consider German an important language. Many offer employees the opportunity to attend language courses in order to improve their knowledge.

Related article

Related article Which German companies operating in Slovakia are hidden champions? Read more

German-speaking applicants lacking

German ranks as the second most sought-after language in the job offers published on Slovakias largest jobs website, Profesia.sk.
Its hard out there for coffee brands trying to distinguish themselves among the sea of coffee roasters vying for a small sliver of the pie in this global economy. Doubly so when your branding isnt entirely original. And thus it is the case for two such coffee companies, Death Wish Coffee Company and Death Before Decaf Coffee, with the former suing the latter for trademark infringement.

As reported by the Times Union, Sarasota Springs, New Yorks Death Wish Coffee filed a lawsuit at the end of August alleging infringement, unfair competition, and free-riding on Death Wish Coffees goodwill and reputation on the part of Death Before Decaf Coffee. The suit is the result of the Brisbane, Australia-based coffee roasters recent application for an extension of their Australian trademark registration with the US Patent and Trademark Office, indicating an intent to move into the American market. Death Wish Coffee started in 2012, two years before Death Before Decaf.

As one would imagine from two Deathy death death coffee companies, the brands share a similar aesthetic. The lawsuit notes that both sell coffee in black bags and feature skull-and-crossbones imagery in their branding; Death Wishs is more of a straight-ahead skull and crossbone whereas Death Before Decaf draws from tattoo design and culture and uses crossed portafilters in place of bones. The lawsuit also alleges DBDs edgy, rebellious social media marketing as well as their use of the word Death in their company name infringes upon Death Wishs brand identity.

Because nothing says edgy and rebellious like litigiousness.

In response, Death Before Decaf states through their lawyer that the lawsuit by Death Wish Coffee is entirely baseless. Death Before Decaf is prepared to fight for a just outcome. Death Wish is seeking damages as well as a denial of the extension of Death Before Decafs Australian trademark.

Whatever the outcome, let this be a lesson to all fledgling coffee companies: pick a unique name and dont rely on tired coffee tropes. Not only is there the potential for confusion but there is the added headache of having to protect your trademark from like-sounding interlopers lest you risk losing it entirely. So while, yes, every coffee DOES have a story, an equal number of coffee roasters have some variation of that as their tagline.
The Great Wall of China, which crosses 15 provinces of China and stretches for thousands of kilometers, is the best man-made monument in the Celestial Empire. Its construction continued throughout many dynasties.

Most sections of the Great Wall built before the Ming Dynasty are almost destroyed, and only the sections built during the Ming Dynasty remain in good condition.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/bad-decision-all-around-ex-pentagon-officials-blast-us-move-to-send-ukraine-depleted-uranium-1113160766.html

Bad Decision All Around: Ex-Pentagon Officials Blast US Move to Send Ukraine Depleted Uranium

Bad Decision All Around: Ex-Pentagon Officials Blast US Move to Send Ukraine Depleted Uranium

A former longtime US military commander told Sputnik he would not have recommended Biden decide to supply Ukraine with depleted uranium rounds, saying it was a sign of desperation amid Kievs failed counteroffensive.

2023-09-06T20:50+0000

2023-09-06T20:50+0000

2023-09-06T20:48+0000

analysis

earl rasmussen

white house

ukraine

depleted uranium

united kingdom (uk)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0d/1111106785_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_19d45c2235c32d4787c306804421802f.jpg

On Wednesday, the White House confirmed it would begin supplying depleted uranium (DU) ammunition to Ukrainian forces despite widespread disapproval of the plan, including from the United Nations.The use of DU in warfare, where it serves as a cheap alternative to tungsten-based armor piercing rounds, is associated with increases in cancer rates in the area. When the round impacts its target, molten bits of the uranium slough off the penetrator, which both allows it to pierce deeper into armor but also deposits its radioactivity into the soil.Definitely a bad decision all-around, Earl Rasmussen, a retired lieutenant colonel who spent over 20 years in the US Army, told Sputnik about the White Houses move. However, he added he did not interpret the move as an escalation per se.I think its a mistake, I would not have recommended it, Rasmussen added. The ramifications will be long-lasting: what once was fertile farm ground will be contaminated, there will probably be an increase in cancer rates, and the health of Ukrainian people will definitely be impacted as well, if Iraq is an indication.Former senior Pentagon adviser Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik that both the US and UK were sending DU shells to Ukraine for which there was, by their own admission, no accountability for where these will be used and how theyll be used.The consequences, of course, are going to be very expensive - and not just for the Ukrainian people, but the Western investors who expect to go into a post-war Ukraine and rebuild the country. Thats going to be very expensive. I guess American taxpayers will pay for that as well. Its just an ugly, ugly, dangerous thing, she urged.Our leadership in this country is not something many people understand. Americans dont understand how these decisions are being made. Were not consulted. Theres a great deal of separation between the average American and the activities that are pursued by Washington, DC, she said, adding it was unfortunate, sad, tragic, and dangerous.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230904/us-depleted-uranium-shells-will-poison-ukraine-wont-change-conflicts-outcome-1113113379.html

ukraine

united kingdom (uk)

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Fantine Gardinier

Fantine Gardinier

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Fantine Gardinier

depleted uranium; earl rasmussen; armor piercing round
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/boneface-backs-biden-are-us-neo-nazi-groups-engaged-in-war-crimes-a-cia-tool-1113152189.html

Boneface Backs Biden: Are US Neo-Nazi Groups Engaged in War Crimes a CIA Tool?

Boneface Backs Biden: Are US Neo-Nazi Groups Engaged in War Crimes a CIA Tool?

Joe Biden has accused his opponent Donald Trump of trucking with 'domestic extremists'. Ryan Cristian, founder and editor of podcast The Last American Vagabond, pointed out the hypocrisy of the president who arms Ukrainian Nazis.

2023-09-06T18:40+0000

2023-09-06T18:40+0000

2023-09-08T09:17+0000

ukraine

joe biden

donald trump

azov

azov battalion

nazi

cia

russia

florida

analysis

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102597/04/1025970406_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_31ad0278095fb0715daed5315f804fb2.jpg

The CIA is using fascist groups as tools of state policy at home and abroad, says an independent media commentator.Several dozen members of the Blood Tribe and Goyim Defense League neo-Nazi groups marched to Disney World in Florida on Saturday. Blood Tribe leader Christopher 'The Hammer' Pohlhaus, a former US Marine, praise Ukraine's Nazi Azov Battalion*. Pohlhaus added that he was backing Democrat President Joe Biden over Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 since "Biden is better than Trump because he sends rockets to Ukraine" to arm fellow fascists.Right beside Pohlhaus at the rally was US neo-Nazi Kent 'Boneface' McLellan, easily identified by his tattoo-covered face.Conservative investigative journalist Laura Loomer has helped expose how the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) sent McLellan to Ukraine in 2014 to volunteer with the fascist Right Sector** and Misanthropic Division militias, allies of Azov.In another Twitter thread she stated that Boneface was likely engaged in war crimes, providing a photo of the radical "wearing an Azov Battalion uniform, next to the dead body of a civilian". According to her, it was authenticated by a forensic analyst.Later, the journalist noted that she received a phone call from none other than Boneface himself, who confessed to more crimes before threatening her.Podcaster Ryan Cristian told Sputnik that it was a "larger story than just a couple of neo-Nazi groups and whether they have ties to Ukraine."He stressed that while there were genuine racists and fascists in the US and and other countries, some appeared to be fronts for the US federal government."It's really important because in Ukraine, we've heard a lot about this kind of 'Russian lie' about de-Nazification," he noted, when "the corporate media was talking about the Nazi problem in Ukraine, screaming about it right up until February 2022, and then suddenly it all vanished."Since then the Western mainstream press has worked hard to whitewash Azov, even after thousands of its militants  many bedecked with tattoos of swastikas and other Nazi symbols  surrendered in the city of Mariupol early in Russia's military de-Nazification operation. The podcaster recalled the CIA's Project Aerodynamic, the US spy operation to support the remnants of the Banderov nationalist movement in Ukraine that collaborated with the Nazi invaders in the massacres of Jews, ethnic Poles and others of their compatriots."If we can prove, which we can, that the CIA has been growing and funding, as even the FBI and different groups have acknowledged over the years, this exact entity, then we can also draw lines to all of these different factors we're talking about," he underlined. "That doesn't mean that these extremists are not in and of themselves extremist or that every part of them know that they're being used."The commentator pointed out that one of those marching in Florida at the weekend was Christopher Poulos, who is closely linked to Robert Bruno, a founding member of the Rise Above movement that took part in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017. The Biden election campaign in 2020 tried to tar then-president Donald Trump with the same brush as those at the event that began as a protest by citizens against removing a statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee from a local park.Biden's claims to be taking a stand against domestic far-right extremism stinks of hypocrisy while he funnels tens of billions of dollars worth of arms to the ne-Nazi regime in Kiev to murder Russian civilians.* The Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.** Right Sector is an extremist organization banned in Russia.For more in-depth analysis of current affairs, tune in to our Sputnik Radio show Fault Lines.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/ukrainian-spy-participated-in-us-capitol-breach-alongside-qanon-shaman--report-1113136979.html

ukraine

azov

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.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

James Tweedie https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/08/1c/1080307270_0:3:397:400_100x100_80_0_0_7777393b9b18802f2e3c5eaa9cbcc612.png

russia's special military operation in ukraine, azov battalion, us neo-nazis, cia support for ukrainian fascism, is ukraine nazi, ukrainian nazis, who supports us neo-nazis, cia and neo-nazi groups
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/colorado-lawsuit-filed-to-remove-trump-from-ballot-cites-14th-amendment-1113157777.html

Colorado Lawsuit Filed to Remove Trump From Ballot Cites 14th Amendment

Colorado Lawsuit Filed to Remove Trump From Ballot Cites 14th Amendment

A lawsuit filed in the US state of Colorado by six Republican voters is attempting to remove former President Donald Trump from the 2024 election ballot for violations of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) said in a press release.

2023-09-06T17:57+0000

2023-09-06T17:57+0000

2023-09-06T17:57+0000

americas

donald trump's indictment

us

2024 us presidential election

donald trump

colorado

jan. 6 probe

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0e/1111129804_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fad5db6047f1d10e12fdbac25d702d8c.jpg

"If the very fabric of our democracy is to hold, we must ensure that the Constitution is enforced and the same people who attacked our democratic system not be put in charge of it," CREW President Noah Bookbinder said in the release. CREW alleges that Trump disqualified himself from participating in the 2024 presidential election by violating Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars someone from holding office if they've "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof," the release said. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has only once successfully prevented someone from holding office once since 1869, when New Mexico residents sued to remove a county commissioner from office in 2022, the release said. CREW argues that the New Mexico lawsuit parallels the facts in the Trump case well enough to be successful too, the release said. Trump has denied all accusations of wrongdoing and said earlier this week that a possible attempt to block him from running for president in 2024 by invoking the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution is yet another trick given that it cannot be used with respect to the 2024 election.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/trump-says-invoking-14th-constitutional-amendment-for-2024-vote-has-no-legal-basis-1113128975.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230903/ramaswamy-to-vote-for-trump-in-2024-election-even-if-hes-convicted-1113094128.html

americas

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

trump, president donald trump, investigation, probe, criminal probe, georgia criminal probe, 2020 us presidential election, donald trump's indictment, donald trump's indictments, trump's indictment, donald trump, trump supporters, fulton county jail, trump booked, donald trump indictment, donald trump mug shot, trump fundraising, american democracy, freedom of speech, trump indictment, january 6th
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/germany-italy-sweden-spain-join-forces-to-develop-new-battle-tank---reports-1113156060.html

Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain Join Forces to Develop New Battle Tank - Reports

Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain Join Forces to Develop New Battle Tank - Reports

Germany, Italy, Sweden and Spain have signed a contract for joint development of a new battle tank under the leadership of German defense manufacturers Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, a German newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing political and industry sources.

2023-09-06T17:22+0000

2023-09-06T17:22+0000

2023-09-06T17:22+0000

leopard 2

rheinmetall

krauss-maffei wegmann

germany

italy

sweden

spain

france

military

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/14/1106533192_0:22:3563:2026_1920x0_80_0_0_bf9ab3ba34fa205212d78cfacd80725e.jpg

The new tank is meant to become the successor to Germany's Leopard 2 model, the newspaper said. The alliance of partners from Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain plan to request funding from the European Defense Fund, totaling a three-digit million amount, sources were cited as saying. The new project comes amid reports that Germany's other joint project to develop the MGCS tank with France is on the verge of collapse due to disagreements between Berlin and Paris.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230829/aging-leopard-tanks-not-prepared-for-combat-in-ukraine-hurt-rheinmetalls-reputation-1112968200.html

germany

italy

sweden

spain

france

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

weapon production, german tank, joint tank, european tank, leopard 2, rheinmetall, krauss-maffei wegmann, italian tank, spanish tank, swedish tank, french tank, german defense manufacturers, krauss-maffei wegmann, rheinmetall, european weapon production, military-industrial complex
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/how-the-west-drags-armenia-to-its-side-amid-nato-proxy-war-in-ukraine-1113160287.html

How the West Drags Armenia to Its Side Amid NATO Proxy War in Ukraine

How the West Drags Armenia to Its Side Amid NATO Proxy War in Ukraine

The Armenian Defense Ministry stated that joint military exercises with US "Eagle Partner 2023" will be held in Armenia from September 11-20. It causes concerns in Moscow as they come amid US' proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

2023-09-06T19:55+0000

2023-09-06T19:55+0000

2023-09-20T12:09+0000

analysis

russia

george soros

dmitry peskov

armenia

yerevan

nato

collective security treaty organization (csto)

csto

nagorno-karabakh

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104117/77/1041177709_0:162:2256:1431_1920x0_80_0_0_c5e8f24851ceebc843cbadb5fd894673.jpg

The forthcoming Eagle Partner 2023 drills will involve "stabilization tasks between conflicting parties during the peacekeeping mission," the Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement.Last Friday, Yerevan signaled readiness to continue cooperation with NATO within the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), while the next day Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave an interview to Italian outlet La Repubblica claiming Russia's peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh "failed," and that Russia is "leaving" the South Caucasus.In response, the Kremlin expressed disagreement with Pashinyan's statement. "Russia is an absolutely integral part of this region, so it cannot go anywhere," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized. What's behind mixed messages coming from Yerevan?Who is Interested in Fanning Armenia Tensions?Armenia and Azerbaijan clashed two times - in the early 1990s and in 2020 - over the Armenian-populated region Nagorno-Karabakh, which proclaimed its secession from Baku in 1991-1992. The 1.5-month conflict that erupted in 2020 ended with a Russia-mediated ceasefire and the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the region.However, external forces are fanning tensions in the region by manipulating the public opinion in Armenia, according to Konkov. He argues that the goals of the US-Armenian joint exercises are to try to "squeeze Russia out of the region, to demonstrate Russia's alleged inability to solve existing problems."What's Behind the Timing of the Drills?The timing of the unfolding escalation is crucial, according to observers. After Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the West's pressure on Russia's neighbors, allies and partners has dramatically emerged.Mikhailov has drawn attention to the fact that on Monday, Gunter Fehlinger, the chairman of the non-governmental non-profit organization "European Committee for NATO Enlargement" called on Armenia to join the North Atlantic Alliance.The West's hints at Armenia's potential NATO membership is especially concerning given that the latter is part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)  an intergovernmental military alliance in Eurasia  along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. What's more, last week Yerevan transferred its permanent representative to the CSTO to another position and still there is no decree on the appointment of his successor.Is Soros Involved in Armenia's Affairs?It is not Pashinyan who actually plays the main role in muddying the waters between Moscow and Yerevan, Mikhailov believes:What's more, there are at least a dozen American dual-use laboratories in the territory of Armenia, Mikhailov stressed, adding that Russian inspectors weren't allowed there. "Armenia is already largely under the external control of the NATO bloc and the United States of America," he suggested.In addition to the US, France is trying to play a larger role in the region, too, the expert continued:"France everywhere supports Armenia and its actions. () France is fully making efforts to enter the region. It was the French peacekeepers that Pashinyan had in mind when he stated that if Russia cant cope, they could invite 'other peacekeepers,'" Mikhailov said.Why US Unlikely to Ensure Armenia's SecurityThe US-Armenian joint drills are largely symbolic and will do little if anything to really ensure peace and stability in Armenia, according to Stanislav Pritchin, senior research fellow at IMEMO RAS and associate professor at Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.Per Pritchin, Pashinyan's statements to the Italian newspaper are "demonstrative in nature" and aimed at showing the West that Yerevan is "an independent player" ready to "disagree" with Russia.However, one needs to keep in mind that Armenia does not have a particular strategic significance for the US in the South Caucasus, according to Pritchin. He doubts Washington would deploy its peace-keepers to mediate between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are still Russia's peacekeepers at the Russian military base in Gyumri and they are not leaving the region. At the same time, it raises questions whether the US would side with Yerevan on the issues concerning Nagorno-Karabakh, given that Turkiye  a US NATO ally  is supporting Azerbaijan, continued Pritchin. At the same time, Azerbaijan is supported by Israel, yet another of Washington's long-term partner, he added.What About Armenia's NATO Membership?When it comes to Armenia's NATO membership prospective, it also looks bleak, because Ankara is unlikely to support this development, according to Pritchin.Meanwhile, Pashinyan plays the major role in the increasing tensions with Moscow, according to the scholar.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/russia-to-analyze-monitor-situation-with-armenian-us-drills--kremlin-1113150260.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/washington-trying-to-blackmail-armenians-in-karabakh-into-us-brokered-talks-heres-why-1111147719.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/untold-story-of-george-soros-worldwide-soft-power-empire-1112859657.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230902/armenian-defense-ministry-accuses-azerbaijan-of-firing-toward-combat-outposts-near-border-1113082650.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230320/russia-armenia-azerbaijan-agreements-remain-key-to-nagorno-karabakh-settlement-lavrov-1108604746.html

russia

armenia

yerevan

nagorno-karabakh

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

"eagle partner 2023", us-armenian drills, armenia nato membership, armenia nato partnership, nikol pashinyan, nato expansion, armenian-azerbaijan conflict, nagorno-karabakh conflict, russian peace-keepers, russian peacekeeping mission in armenia, russian military base in gyumri, george soros, collective security treaty organization, csto, ukraine, war in ukraine, nato proxy war
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  The $3.5-billion Makati subway project could be derailed as the alignment of the underground railroad "will no longer be feasible" after the Supreme Court ruled that several barangays should be under the jurisdiction of Taguig City.

In a disclosure, Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc., the lead private sector proponent, said the depot and a few stations of the project were designed to be established in the affected areas.

SC: Writ of Execution needed before Taguig can take over 10 barangays from Makati

The three parts seen to be affected are the following: the depot in Barangay Cembo, and the planned stations in the University of Makati and Ospital ng Makati in West Rembo and Pembo, respectively.

In late 2021, the high court sided with Taguig, saying the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, and the 10 barangays are not part of Makati. The 10 entangled barangays are Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside.

"The Company wrote the Makati City Government an Intent Notice to propose the commencement of discussions in light of the change in law the Supreme Court decision brings," it said.

In July 2019, Infradev and the Makati City government inked a joint venture deal for the massive intercity subway project.

The subway project is envisioned to have 10 stops, connecting key areas such as Ayala Avenue, Makati City Hall, Poblacion Heritage Site, University of Makati, and Ospital ng Makati.

The Taguig City government has yet to respond when sought for comments.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/kiev-loses-up-to-285-military-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-day-1113149930.html

Ukraine Loses Up to 285 Military in Donetsk Direction in Past Day

Ukraine Loses Up to 285 Military in Donetsk Direction in Past Day

Ukraine has lost up to 285 military in the Donetsk direction over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

2023-09-06T10:15+0000

2023-09-06T10:15+0000

2023-09-06T10:17+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

ukrainian crisis

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/11/1112685030_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_112bcf1a7cbe58511d0fd9a05c1ff6f0.jpg

During the past day, Russian military repelled 10 attacks by Ukraine in the Donetsk direction, four in the Zaporozhye direction, two in the Krasny Liman direction, one in the South Donetsk direction, as well as two counterattacks in the Kupyansk direction. Also, there is no change in the tactical position of Russian troops in the Zaporozhye direction. "During the fighting in this [Donetsk] direction, the enemy lost up to 285 Ukrainian military, a tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, five vehicles, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mount, a Rapira cannon, as well as a control center for unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said in a statement, adding that Ukraine also lost over 180 military in the South Donetsk direction. Additionally, Aerospace Forces of Russia attacked a training base of sabotage groups of Ukrainian troops, the ministry said, noting that the goal was achieved.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/ukraine-fails-to-achieve-its-goals-in-three-months-of-counteroffensive--shoigu-1113129812.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230830/scott-ritter-ukraines-fate-sealed-long-before-failing-counteroffensive-1112990937.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian counteroffensive attempt, ukraine sabotage, ukrainian sabotage groups
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/kremlin-on-blinkens-visit-to-kiev-us-planning-to-keep-supporting-kiev-regardless-of-cost-1113147319.html

Kremlin on Blinkens Kiev Visit: US to Keep Propping Up Ukraine No Matter What Cost

Kremlin on Blinkens Kiev Visit: US to Keep Propping Up Ukraine No Matter What Cost

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to spend two days in Ukraine as US officials want to discuss Kievs counteroffensive attempt and assess measures to improvise energy security, British news agency reported.

2023-09-06T10:00+0000

2023-09-06T10:00+0000

2023-09-06T10:28+0000

world

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

us arms for ukraine

antony blinken

volodymyr zelensky

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/04/1095271576_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_57a1b5ed6195c617de7e9219833fbd63.jpg

Blinken arrived in Kiev for an official visit earlier in the day, according Ukrainian media reports. The US broadcaster, in turn, reported, citing a senior US State Department official, that Blinken is expected to announce over $1 billion in further aid to Ukraine. According to another UK media outlet, he seeks to discuss Kievs controversial counteroffensive and assess measures to improvise energy security.US State of Secretary Antony Blinken arrived in Kiev on Wednesday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and will reportedly spend two days there. The last time Blinken visited Kiev was a year ago, in September 2022. Back then, he held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/who-would-pay-for-it-ukraine-has-no-path-to-long-range-weapons-despite-ministers-boast-1113138827.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt, us arms for ukraine, russia special military operation, anthony blinken, us arms for ukraine, zelensky
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/mysterious-golden-orb-discovered-off-alaska-coast-baffles-scientists-1113161972.html

Mysterious Golden Orb Discovered Off Alaska Coast Baffles Scientists

Mysterious Golden Orb Discovered Off Alaska Coast Baffles Scientists

The enigmatic find, which occurred on August 30 during the Seascape Alaska 5 expedition, has evoked comparisons to the beginnings of a horror movie or an episode of the X-Files.

2023-09-06T22:18+0000

2023-09-06T22:18+0000

2023-09-06T22:16+0000

beyond politics

science & tech

national oceanic and atmospheric administration (noaa)

marlin-350 unmanned remotely operated vehicle (rov)

alaska

orb

sea

deep-sea creature

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/06/1113161814_0:31:616:377_1920x0_80_0_0_9b2d0a7d4bf354038084bf58e69bf230.jpg

In a startling discovery that has left scientists intrigued and puzzled, a team of researchers operating a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) uncovered a gleaming golden orb at the depths of the ocean, approximately two miles deep off the coast of Alaska.Initially, the scientists speculated about the orb's identity, suggesting it might be a yellow hat, a face, an egg casing, or even a dead sponge. As they examined the peculiar object, they noted it appeared as though something had tried to penetrate or exit it, with a conspicuous hole present.To unravel the mystery, the team decided to collect the specimen using a specialized pipe and transport it to a ship-based laboratory.Emily Crum of the US' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported on September 5 that the "orb" remained an enigma, with no conclusive answers about its nature. Further investigation is expected to occur in a full lab setting after the conclusion of NOAA Ocean Exploration's mission, set to last until September 16.The NOAA Ocean Exploration Department's mission aims to deepen understanding of the region by conducting focused mapping and remotely controlled vehicle operations in waters deeper than 200 meters (656 feet) and exploring "economically important deepwater habitats in unexplored regions off Alaska." The online video translation from the bottom of the sea is available on the NOAA Ocean Exploration official channel.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/israeli-researchers-find-four-1900-year-old-swords-hidden-inside-cave-1113155376.html

alaska

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Egor Shapovalov

Egor Shapovalov

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

Egor Shapovalov

seascape alaska 5, mysterious seabed fings, top mystery of the sea, noaa national oceanic and atmospheric administration alaska gulf exploration, gold orb found in alaska gulf
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/putin-saudi-crown-prince-note-cut-in-oil-production-will-stabilize-market---kremlin-1113148989.html

Putin, Saudi Crown Prince Note Cut in Oil Production Will Stabilize Market - Kremlin

Putin, Saudi Crown Prince Note Cut in Oil Production Will Stabilize Market - Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman noted that reduction in the oil production will stabilize the global market during a phone conversation on Wednesday, the Kremlin said.

2023-09-06T09:51+0000

2023-09-06T09:51+0000

2023-09-06T09:51+0000

economy

russian economy under sanctions

vladimir putin

crown prince mohammed bin salman

saudi arabia

russia

brics

opec

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105415/21/1054152185_0:234:2813:1816_1920x0_80_0_0_641ff61f1e5521047edae8ed1ca9d6bf.jpg

"A high assessment was given to the interaction of the two countries in the OPEC+ format. It was noted that the agreements reached on reducing oil production, combined with voluntary commitments to limit the supply of raw materials, make it possible to ensure the stability of the global energy market," the Kremlin said in a statement. The sides also expressed satisfaction over development of relations between the countries and discussed a number of issues related to trade, logistics and investment. Moreover, the crown prince thanked the Russian side for supporting Riyadhs bid to join the BRICS group.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230831/pepe-escobar-does-brics-need-its-own-currency-1113013286.html

saudi arabia

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

russian economy under sanctions, vladimir putin, crown prince al saud, putin and crown price, mohammed bin salman
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/russian-foreign-minister-arrives-in-jakarta-for-east-asia-summit-1113145449.html

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Arrives in Jakarta for East Asia Summit

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Arrives in Jakarta for East Asia Summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on Wednesday to take part in the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS), scheduled for September 7, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

2023-09-06T05:55+0000

2023-09-06T05:55+0000

2023-09-06T05:55+0000

world

russia

sergey lavrov

asean

russian foreign ministry

sheikh hasina

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1d/1108921765_0:163:3065:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_db34a7f8a601599db463cbd402606fa9.jpg

The annual meetings of the EAS are held within the framework of the summit of the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Russia and the United States have been attending the annual meeting since 2011. The Russian Foreign Ministry has not announced any contacts between representatives of Russia and the US during the summit. The ministry's spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on Tuesday that Lavrov would hold several meetings with Russia's regional partners during his visit to Jakarta. Zakharova also said that in the course of the EAS, Moscow considers it important to discuss "the challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region today" and "to draw attention to the risks of aggravation of the military and political situation in the Asia-Pacific region amid the West's policy of expanding NATO's geographical area of responsibility." After the summit, Lavrov is expected to pay a working visit to Bangladesh from September 7-8 where he will meet with the country's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and Foreign Minister Abdul Momen. From Bangladesh, the foreign minister will depart for the Indian capital of New Delhi for a G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10. The EAS is a platform for dialogue among Asia-Pacific leaders on policy accommodation, ensuring development and promoting practical cooperation among states.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230901/g20-ukraine-and-forging-of-new-world-order-key-bits-from-lavrovs-big-speech--1113047541.html

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

russia, russian foreign policy, sergey lavrov, eas asia summit, asean, asia-pacific region
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/russian-troops-kill-up-to-30-azov-battalion-militants-near-serebryanskoye-forestry-1113143858.html

Russian Troops Kill Up to 30 Azov Battalion Militants Near Krasny Liman

Russian Troops Kill Up to 30 Azov Battalion Militants Near Krasny Liman

Russian troops fired at Azov battalion* militants and troops of the 67th brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces near the Serebryansky forestry, with the enemy losing up to 30 militants.

2023-09-06T03:18+0000

2023-09-06T03:18+0000

2023-09-06T06:27+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

azov battalion

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0c/1111086924_0:317:3072:2045_1920x0_80_0_0_27a84bf1b0df32922284e7dbc88a43ba.jpg

Russian troops fired at militants of Ukraine's Azov battalion* and troops of the 67th brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces using artillery and aviation near the Serebryanskoye forestry, with the enemy losing up to 30 militants, Alexander Savchuk announced.Savchuk said the group's units have thwarted two attempts of the assault groups of the 21st and 63rd Mechanized Brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces to attack in the Krasny Liman near the Torsky section. He added that a Western-made artillery reconnaissance system had been destroyed in a counter-battery fire. Savchuk also said that Russian bombers had struck a Ukrainian command and observation post and two temporary deployment hubs of enemy forces in the areas of the town of Kirovsk and the village of Serebrianka. *terrorist organization banned in Russia

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/banned-terrorist-group-azov-resurfaces-in-active-combat-in-ukraine-1112668924.html

russia

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

serebryansky forestry, azov battalion, ukrainian armed forces, russia, ukraine, ukraine conflict,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/sputnik-starts-cooperating-with-myanmars-leading-media-outlet-1113149340.html

Sputnik Starts Cooperating with Myanmars Leading Media Outlet

Sputnik Starts Cooperating with Myanmars Leading Media Outlet

Sputnik International News Media and Myanmars leading newspaper, Global New Light of Myanmar, have agreed to promote exchanges of content in English.

2023-09-06T09:27+0000

2023-09-06T09:27+0000

2023-09-06T11:23+0000

world

rossiya segodnya

sputnik

russia

myanmar

freedom of speech

media

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/06/1113149148_0:125:1280:845_1920x0_80_0_0_2b16f46793517c0c34f5fa20c775766f.jpg

A cooperation agreement to this effect was signed by Director for International Cooperation Vasily Pushkov and Managing Director of the News and Periodicals Enterprise U Thet Swe in a ceremony held in Naypyidaw.Myanmar Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn, who attended the ceremony, went on record as saying that This ceremony is very meaningful, since Russian-Myanmar relations are promoted now and media cooperation should develop at the same level.Our Myanmar friends complain of the dearth of news from Russia, of information deprivation. I am confident that this agreement will help us to fill this gap. For our part, we always sought to boost the news flow from countries that are of strategic importance for Russia, including Myanmar, Vasily Pushkov said.The agreement with the Global New Light of Myanmar is the second cooperation instrument signed by Sputnik with a Myanmar media outlet. In 2022, it signed a memorandum with the Myawaddy TV Channel at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/sputnik-takes-part-in-the-brics-media-forum-1112784071.html

russia

myanmar

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

russia, rossiya segodnya, myanmar, russia myanmar, new light of myanmar
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/uk-aviation-regulator-to-review-glitch-responsible-for-300-flight-cancellations-1113154659.html

UK Aviation Regulator to Review Glitch Responsible for 300 Flight Cancellations

UK Aviation Regulator to Review Glitch Responsible for 300 Flight Cancellations

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said on Wednesday that it will conduct an independent review into the technical glitch that the UK National Air Traffic Services (NATS) experienced last Monday.

2023-09-06T16:13+0000

2023-09-06T16:13+0000

2023-09-06T16:13+0000

world

united kingdom (uk)

international air transport association

western europe

great britain

airport

civil aviation authority

flight delay

glitch

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102407/79/1024077941_0:172:3300:2028_1920x0_80_0_0_15e654fb67a9c4ce556ee48c12316756.jpg

Last week, a British news agency reported that 300 flights had been canceled at the UK's busiest airports due to the effects of the glitch, although the issue had already been rectified at the time. The regulator added that it will "review the wider issues around the system failure and how NATS responded to the incident." On August 28, NATS reported a technical issue with the flight planning system. The glitch affected the system's ability to automatically process flight plans. All data had to be downloaded manually, which forced the introduction of air traffic restrictions. NATS highlighted that the glitch was fixed by the afternoon, but delays and cancellations continued into August 29. Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Willie Walsh said on August 30 that the consequences of the glitch are estimated at 100 million pounds sterling ($126.5 million). A British newspaper reported earlier this year that UK airlines started to regularly delay or cancel flights amid the recovery of the aviation industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is reportedly due to problems with air traffic control, since a fifth of the European airspace was closed after the start of the Ukrainian conflict, which led to congestion in air traffic all the way to Western Europe.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230829/uk-flight-chaos-was-not-caused-by-cyber-attack---transport-secretary-1112959369.html

united kingdom (uk)

western europe

great britain

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

uk civil aviation authority, uk flights delayed, delayed flights in uk, uk aviation, holiday travel chaos, uk air traffic control failure, people stranded at british airports, flights to uk cancelled, flights from uk cancelled, flights cancelled, cancelled flights
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/ukraine-defense-minister-resigns-brics-shifts-global-power-biden-impeachment-1113143183.html

Ukraine Defense Minister Resigns; BRICS Shifts Global Power; Biden Impeachment

Ukraine Defense Minister Resigns; BRICS Shifts Global Power; Biden Impeachment

Supreme Court decisions during the Trump impeachment may have a significant impact on the House inquiry into President Biden's business activities.

2023-09-06T04:04+0000

2023-09-06T04:04+0000

2023-09-06T11:48+0000

the critical hour

radio

taiwan

ukraine

syrian democratic forces (sdf)

hunter biden

impeachment

brics

julian assange

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/06/1113143026_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_3c4c0e73d263130007e2fc6346b7b5c8.png

Ukraine Defense Minister Resigns; BRICS Shifts Global Power; Biden Impeachment Supreme Court decisions during the Trump impeachment may have a significant impact on the House inquiry into President Biden's business activities.

Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Ukraine has failed to achieve its goals in its counter-offensive according to Russian leadership. Mark Sleboda says that it is self-evident that the Kiev regime did not meet its stated goals because they were unable to sever Russia's land bridge to Crimea and reach the Sea of Azov.Richard Wolff, professor of economics and host of "Democracy at Work" on YouTube, joins us to discuss BRICS. Dr. Wolff argues that the real left is not the caricature that has been created by the West. He also outlines the flaws in the US version of "the left." Dr. Wolff says that we are living through a historic change in the world economy. The United States is no longer the dominant player that it has been for the last 75 years and the US empire is no longer running the world. He says that BRICS is important because its GDP is larger than that of the G7.Dr. Gerald Horne, Professor of History at the University of Houston, TX, author, historian, and researcher, joins us to discuss Africa. Gabon's new leader has been sworn in as head of state. Dr. Horne says that analysts should draw distinctions between the various regime changes in West Africa. He says that, unlike Niger and Mali, there are rumors in Africa that the new regime in Gabon may be uncomfortably related to the former leaders.Steve Poikonen, host of AM WakeUp & SlowNewsDay live on Rokfin & Rumble, joins us to discuss Bidengate. An impeachment inquiry is looming for President Biden. Steve Poikonen says that the United States is ruled by an international oligarchy. He says that the GOP is reticent to further the investigation because the roots of the criminal activities go far too deep into the system.Laith Marouf, broadcaster, and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. The Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) are trying to regain lost territories as clashes between US-backed fighters and the local populations intensify. Laith Marouf says that The Arab tribes in the area have been clashing with the SDF which is controlled by the Kurdish forces. This has put the Americans into a tough position because it isolates their two main bases.KJ Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China amid the visit of the US commerce secretary.Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss the G20 and foreign policy. The G20 is the last waltz of the US empire and its vassals as the Eurasian-led coalition moves on the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Caleb Maupin says that efforts by the United States to polarize the world against Russia and China have blown up its face. He also says Russia and China have invested in poor nations around the world and offered an attractive alternative to the US empire.Misty Winston, radio host and political commentator, joins us to discuss Julian Assange. The talk of a potential plea deal for Julian Assange should be viewed with a jaundiced eye. It may be a result of unexpected pushback from Australian politicians and may be used to push the issue past the 2024 election cycle. Misty Winston says that The US does not want to bring Assange to the US due to the issues it would raise during the election cycle.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

taiwan

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.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://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

the critical hour, biden's business deals, situation in ukraine, where is julian assange, how important is brics, situation in west africa
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/ukraines-conflict-spending-100-mln-per-day-a-lot-in-minds-of-us-people---ex-pentagon-analyst-1113149704.html

Ukraine's Conflict Spending: $100 Mln Per Day A Lot in Minds of US People - Ex-Pentagon Analyst

Ukraine's Conflict Spending: $100 Mln Per Day A Lot in Minds of US People - Ex-Pentagon Analyst

The next few weeks will most likely see the US Houses growing opposition to the Biden administrations ongoing financial support of Kiev, Michael Maloof, former Pentagon senior security policy analyst, told Sputnik.

2023-09-06T12:51+0000

2023-09-06T12:51+0000

2023-09-06T12:51+0000

world

us

ukraine

aid

special operation

conflict

war

battlefield

economy

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/06/1113149458_0:0:2393:1347_1920x0_80_0_0_421f46c14e54c111c178b9aedd03d462.jpg

Kiev needs to supply coal to international markets for five months and 17 days in order to earn the sum necessary to finance just one day of the Ukraine conflict, calculations made by Sputnik have revealed.Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, who was replaced by Rustem Umerov on Monday, claimed in an interview with a local media outlet that one day of the conflict costs Ukraine at least $100 million.He spoke amid Washingtons ongoing efforts to shore up Kiev as Russia continues its special military operation in Ukraine. Since the start of the operation, the Biden administration has directed more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, which includes humanitarian, financial, and military support.The $100 million a day figure equates to the same sum that was allocated in August by Texas leaders to implement projects throughout the whole month to boost school safety and mental health services following the 2022 Uvalde massacre, which killed 21 people.This was also the case with several other US states, such as Pennsylvania and Minnesota, where local authorities have yet to deliver on their promises to allow some students in the poorest districts to attend private schools and take the city of St. Cloud into the future, respectively.Like in Texas, Pennsylvania and Minnesota leaders are expected to spend about $100 million on fulfilling the projects as a whole.When he [Reznikov] comes up and starts making comments like that and we're seeing the disasters that we are in, the question then arises, why are we continuing to fund this thing? We're not seeing results. The West is not seeing results. Europe is saying the same thing, he added, in an apparent nod to Kievs bungled counteroffensive.He noted that when one expends $100 million per day on a battlefield for a war that no one really understands, it's going to raise a lot of questions.The ex-Pentagon analyst warned that the US ability to continue pumping Ukraine with money is going to diminish greatly and it's not going to be in the too distant future.The Biden administration is just totally oblivious and doesn't have a response to all of this. They're just acting now and doing what they can, knowing that perhaps their own time is limited unless they can fix the election again and retain power. But then what do they have to offer? Nothing. So from a budgetary standpoint, it's a total disaster. And it's almost an insult to hear the Ukrainian former defense minister say that they spend $100 million a day. It's clear that that's not going to last long, Maloof asserted.When asked how long the US will be able to finance Ukraine, the former Pentagon analyst suggested that there would be great resistance in the House to Washingtons continued push for funding Kiev.That's going to really affect passage of the defense authorization bill, Maloof added, recalling that if these budgets are not approved and the Congress fails to get a continuing resolution to fund the government, it may shut down on September 30.An American news network has, meanwhile, cited an unnamed senior State Department official as saying that US Secretary Antony Blinken is expected to announce more than $1 billion in new funding for Ukraine."Blinken is currently in Kiev for talks with Zelensky amid concerns that Ukraine's counteroffensive has been going slower than hoped, according to the US broadcaster.The reported visit follows Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu announcing on Tuesday that Ukraine had suffered heavy losses during three months of its summer counteroffensive against Russia but had failed to achieve its goals at any part of the front line. He said that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had lost over 66,000 soldiers and more than 7,600 heavy weapons since the beginning of the counteroffensive in early June. President Vladimir Putin earlier described Ukraine's efforts to break through Russian defensive line as a failure rather than a stalemate.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230901/constraints-on-us-military-aid-to-kiev-could-be-decisive-factor-in-ukraine-conflict-1113033158.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230726/russian-military-emerging-bigger-stronger-from-ukraine-conflict-1112158208.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230830/scott-ritter-ukraines-fate-sealed-long-before-failing-counteroffensive-1112990937.html

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg

Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.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

Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg

russian special military operation in ukraine, kiev's botched counteroffensive, ukrainian defense minister oleksiy reznikov's resignation, reznikov's claim about kiev spending $100 million a day on the ukraine conflict
(CNN)  The sale of over 400 pieces of jewelry once owned by late art collector Heidi Horten broke records at a series of auctions earlier this year.

But amid ongoing criticism from Jewish advocacy groups and human rights organizations over the source of the Austrian billionaires wealth, Christies auction house announced Thursday that it has canceled the final part of the controversial sale.

Hortens former husband, Helmut, first made his fortune in Nazi Germany by buying out Jewish businesses sold under duress, Christies acknowledged in its sale catalog, having initially described him simply as a German entrepreneur and businessman in press releases.

The sale of the Heidi Horten jewelry collection has provoked intense scrutiny, and the reaction to it has deeply affected us and many others, and we will continue to reflect on it, Anthea Peers, Christies president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said in a statement announcing the decision to cancel Novembers online sale of around 300 items.

The first three parts of the sale  two live auctions in Geneva, Switzerland and an online sale  fetched a combined 179.9 million Swiss francs ($201 million) in May to become the most expensive private jewelry collection ever to sell at auction. (Christies had initially predicted that Hortens entire collection, featuring over 700 jewels, would sell for over $150 million.)

Critics slammed Christies for hosting the auction and not explicitly acknowledging how Helmut Horten grew his ten-figure wealth under Nazi Germanys Aryanization laws, which saw Jewish peoples property and assets seized and transferred to non-Jews. The German businessman acquired a number of previously Jewish-owned department stories in this period, and was later credited with introducing Germanys first supermarket chain.

Prior to Mays sales, the American Jewish Committee had called for the auction to be put on hold until a serious effort was made to investigate the Hortens wealth. In a tweet on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the group described Christies decision to cancel the final sale as welcome news, while reiterating that the first auctions should have never taken place.

The Holocaust Art Restitution Project, a Washington D.C.-based research and advocacy group, meanwhile described the decision as a win for Holocaust survivors.

Announcing the sales in March, Christies said that proceeds from the auction would go to the Heidi Horten Collection, an art museum that the collector established in Vienna, Austria, before her death in 2022, as well as to benefitting medical research and other philanthropic activities. Following outcry from Jewish groups, the auction house also pledged a significant donation from the proceeds to further Holocaust education and research.

The Heidi Horten Collection did not respond to CNNs request for comment.

Forbes reported Hortens net worth at around $3 billion when she died in June last year. She had inherited $1 billion from Helmut after his death in 1987.

This story was first published on CNN.com. "Christies cancels auction of jewelry linked to Nazi-era fortune."
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/us-seeks-to-establish-global-biological-control---russian-defense-ministry-1113153442.html

US Seeks to Establish Global Biological Control - Russian Defense Ministry

US Seeks to Establish Global Biological Control - Russian Defense Ministry

The United States seeks to establish global control over biological situation in the world and is making administrative, financial and diplomatic efforts to achieve this goal, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, stated.

2023-09-06T16:40+0000

2023-09-06T16:40+0000

2023-09-06T16:43+0000

pentagon

radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops

anatoly kirillov

russia

ukrainian crisis

russian defense ministry

world

bioweapon

biological warfare

biological weapon

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106805/10/1068051008_0:156:3001:1844_1920x0_80_0_0_9e0c0d8e2ff147a3637ac76256f25f19.jpg

Russia has documented evidence that the US State Department has been participating in the implementation of the Biosecurity Enhancement Program since 2016, Kirillov told the briefing. According to the general, the data shows that Washington has been actively taking part in bioresearch in other countries, striving to use third-party performers to conceal the customers and goals of the ongoing research.The US is especially interested in conducting biological research in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa, while Ukraine has been designated as a separate region for bioprograms, Kirillov stressed."Thus, Washington is making administrative, financial and diplomatic efforts to establish US global biological control," the official emphasized.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230506/west-could-use-ukrainian-labs-to-cover-up-bioweapons-development---investigative-committee-1110139161.html

russia

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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 defense department, ukrainian biolab, us biolabs in ukraine, us biological weapons program, us biological weapons program, u.s. biological weapons program, biological threat reduction program locations, russia special military operation, russia-nato showdown, biological warfare, russian defense ministry, ukrainian labs, artificial diseases, us bio-research, american bioweapon, american biolabs, biowarfare, bioterrorism, biological threat, artificial infection, bioprogram, bioresearch
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/what-is-russias-dragon-teeth-defense-1113154028.html

What is Russia's Dragon Teeth Defense?

What is Russia's Dragon Teeth Defense?

The defense has impeded Ukraine's advance along the front line, despite being earlier mocked by the Kiev regime and its Western patrons.

2023-09-06T15:59+0000

2023-09-06T15:59+0000

2023-09-06T15:59+0000

us

russia's special operation in ukraine

nato

challenger 2

patriot

ukraine

kiev

russia

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

defense

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/06/1113153035_0:86:1400:874_1920x0_80_0_0_4e4122fb8e6d774eebddb4be1ef52ae7.jpg

The botched nature of Ukraine's counteroffensive has largely been blamed on Moscow's elaborate network of fortifications erected last fall along the frontline to protect the territory which integrated into Russia following September referendums. "Dragon teeth" barriers, "hedgehogs" and minefields are sending a clear signal to NATO and its Ukrainian proxies that Russia is here to stay and that the Kiev regime won't get an inch of Russia's soil.What are Dragon Teeth?Dragon's teeth  sometimes also referred to as "devil's teeth" in the Western press  are anti-tank pyramid-shaped concrete defense obstacles. The height of one "tooth" is from 90 to 120 cm (around 4 feet).Are They Effective Against Tanks?Dragon's teeth have repeatedly proven to be highly effective against tanks. Still, one should bear in mind that, first, these defensive obstacles are used as part of a larger sophisticated structure; second, they should be installed the right way and in the right place.Prior to the failing counteroffensive in late May, the Ukrainian media shared footage of the UK-made Challenger-2 tank easily wiping chaotically scattered dragon's teeth away. An audio track attached to the video goes: "I'm on the highway to hell". The three-month-long counteroffensive attempt proved this line to be prophetic: having failed to reach its objectives the Ukrainian military has lost over 66,000 personnel and 7,600 weapons. The image of a burning Challenger 2 tank near Russia's defensive line this week came as the cherry on the cake.How Do Dragon's Teeth Work?Russian military observers list five conditions for the successful use of dragon's teeth:First, the obstacles should be made of special reinforced concrete.Second, it is necessary to carefully choose the place of their installation: it must be a true trap, i.e. a place that tanks cannot simply bypass from the flanks.Third, installing one row of dragon's teeth wouldn't make any sense. The shards should be placed in several rows and in a special order to make it difficult to overcome. Moreover, the "teeth" could be of different shapes depending on the place of their installation.Fourth, these anti-tank obstacles are typically hidden from the enemy and carefully camouflaged. It would be good if the enemy tanks suddenly stumble upon this obstacle in front of them and have no choice but to try to overcome them.Fifth, installing dragon's teeth is just half the story: the gaps between the obstacles must be mined. The exact coordinates of the installation should be transferred to anti-tank units in advance, so that they could immediately unleash hell upon the enemy tanks once they slow down while trying to overcome the defenses.When Were Dragon's Teeth Used First?Dragon's teeth fortifications were widely used during the Second World War to impede the mobility of main battle tanks and mechanized infantry. The main task of this defensive structure was to slow down the advance of the enemy's armored vehicles, channel them into a killing zone, and then destroy them with anti-tank weapons.Dragon's teeth were used by several European armies. The Germans extensively employed them on the Siegfried Line  a line of defenses built during the 1930s. The German defensive system stretched for more than 630 km (390 mi) with more than 18,000 bunkers, tunnels and tank traps.France also used large numbers of dragons teeth in the construction of the Maginot Line, located opposite Germany's Siegfried Line.The Brits installed dragon's teeth in 19401941 in order to strengthen the country's coastal defenses against a possible German invasion. Some can still be found in the UK  for instance, above Studland Beach in Dorset.What Other Fortifications Has Russia Employed in Ukraine?The Western media cites satellite imagery showing multiple layers of Russian fortifications, which are sometimes 20 kilometers deep and roughly 2,000 kilometers long, running from Russias border with Belarus to the Dnepr Delta.Western think tanks name these fortifications as the most extensive defensive works in Europe since the Second World War. The Russian defenses consist of a network of trenches, minefields, razor wire, metal anti-tank barricades known as "hedgehogs", the now-famous dragons teeth, and artillery positions.As per Western observers, the most fortified is the Zaporozhye region, followed by Kherson, Donetsk, and Lugansk republics. Crimea has also been fortified. The Zaporozhye defensive system consists of around three subsystems; the Kherson defensive system also protects approaches to Crimea. The Donetsk front combines both new and old defensive fortifications, while "the construction of Luhansks defensive system is less clear from satellite imagery."Are Russia's Fortifications Only to Blame for the Botched Counteroffensive?While Western media has largely blamed the Kiev regime's failures on Russia's formidable defense line, a number of reports indicate other serious Ukrainian military flaws. In particular, Ukrainians are criticizing NATO's training which was not only "too little, too late" but in many respects ineffective, starting from the shortened period of training to Western war practices per se. According to Sputnik's interlocutors, it has turned out that NATO's tactics don't actually work without the dominance in the air.NATO-grade wonder weapons also proved to be not as efficient as they were previously advertised. Germany's Leopard tanks and British Challengers turned out to be difficult to maneuver on Ukraine's terrain and problematic to maintain. US-made Patriots and other air defense systems do not shield the Ukrainian infantry and equipment from heavy losses and are especially vulnerable to Russia's hypersonic weapons, such as the Kinzhal missile. Western missiles and drones have also been detected and intercepted by Russia failing to inflict heavy damage on its positions. On top of that, NATO countries cannot produce enough 155 mm shells to satiate Ukraine's needs. None of NATO's conventional systems (including the F-16 jet fighters which are expected to be delivered to Ukraine soon) would become a "magic bullet" against Russia, according to Western military analysts.The Ukrainian counteroffensive attempt has failed to meet the West's expectations, triggering skepticism among Americans and Europeans with regard to future military supplies and financial assistance for Kiev.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/uk-made-challenger-2-tank-got-first-taste-of-combat-in-ukraine---and-failed-1113138090.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230905/who-would-pay-for-it-ukraine-has-no-path-to-long-range-weapons-despite-ministers-boast-1113138827.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230803/ukrainians-trashed-insufficient-us-military-tactics-amid-failed-counteroffensive-1112372932.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/ukraines-attrition-rate-suggests-counteroffensive-is-over-1112393002.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/no-biden-cant-wage-forever-war-in-ukraine-1112913227.html

ukraine

kiev

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

dragon's teeth, what is dragon teeth, russia's security line, russia's fortifications in ukraine, russia's dragon's teeth, are dragon teeth effective, what are dragon teeth in ukraine, ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, russian anti-tank defenses, ukrainian counteroffensive, ukrainian failed counteroffensive, ukrainian army bogged down
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/white-house-rejects-ridiculous-claim-that-staffers-treat-biden-like-a-baby-1113141443.html

White House Rejects 'Ridiculous Claim' That Staffers Treat Biden 'Like a Baby'

White House Rejects 'Ridiculous Claim' That Staffers Treat Biden 'Like a Baby'

Whitehouse Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said claims that President Biden is treated like a baby by White House staff are "ridiculous."

2023-09-06T00:03+0000

2023-09-06T00:03+0000

2023-09-06T00:01+0000

americas

joe biden

franklin foer

vladimir putin

warsaw

democrats

white house

karine jean-pierre

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/1c/1112940655_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_00803ca13ffc991ead4ad1caa5d96491.jpg

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre recently said claims that US President Joe Biden is treated like a baby by White House staff are ridiculous.The comments came during a Tuesday press briefing after Jean-Pierre was asked about excerpts from a new White House biography by author Franklin Foer, titled The Last Politician: Inside Joe Bidens White House and the Struggle for Americas Future.In the book, Foer writes that Biden complained to friends about being treated like a toddler after White House staffers had to walk back statements he made about Russian President Vladimir Putin.When asked why the White House staff treats the president of the United States like a baby, Jean-Pierre called the assertion ridiculous.The press secretary further added that the White House had seen the excerpts with more context and asserted that the quote was making the opposite overall point and lauded the value of his experience and wisdom.In March 2022 during a speech in Warsaw, Poland, Biden discussed the conflict in Ukraine. During his speech, he made comments about Putin that seemed to advocate for regime change, for gods sake this man cannot remain in power, Biden proclaimed.White House officials quickly walked back the statement, claiming: The presidents point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors in the region. He was not discussing Putins power in Russia, or regime change.A late August poll indicated 75% of registered voters believe Biden is too old to run for a second term, including two-thirds of Democrats. Another poll showed 70% of Americans do not want Biden to run for a second term, with half citing age as a major factor. Foer said during a media tour for the book that it "wouldn't be a total shock" if Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.Biden has downplayed his age as an impediment to his performance as president. I can't even say I guess how old I am, I can't even say the number. It doesn't register with me.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230902/white-house-musters-war-room-for-gop-led-biden-impeachment-probe-pushback-1113069364.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230724/biden-uses-note-cards-shorter-stairs-in-campaign-push-to-dash-concerns-over-age---reports-1112113087.html

americas

warsaw

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

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

joe biden age, joe biden treated like a baby, biden white house book, biography
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/why-blinkens-visit-to-ukraine-is-sign-of-trouble-in-washington-1113156789.html

Why Blinken's Visit to Ukraine is Sign of Trouble in Washington

Why Blinken's Visit to Ukraine is Sign of Trouble in Washington

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on a two-day surprise visit to Ukraine. This is Blinken's first trip to Kiev for a year. What message has he brought to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky?

2023-09-06T17:48+0000

2023-09-06T17:48+0000

2023-09-06T17:48+0000

us

russia

larry johnson

antony blinken

volodymyr zelensky

ukraine

washington

cia

kiev

state department

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/19/1111458180_0:122:3210:1928_1920x0_80_0_0_3625561bb41006ce7731251412ab01fe.jpg

Antony Blinken arrived in Kiev to show Washington's support to Ukraine and announce $175 million-$200 million in new US aid as well as a larger package amounting to $1 billion, according to the US press.The secretary of state's visit came as the third month of Ukraine's botched counteroffensive has wrapped up, with the Kiev regime unable to boast any military gains. However, the Ukrainian military claims that they made some progress here and there.Still, the topics mentioned by the Western media aren't the centerpiece of Blinken's visit, according to Larry Johnson, retired CIA intelligence officer and State Department official.Per Johnson, Blinken is the message bearer in the first place. He is neither the driver of Washington's foreign policy nor his stature is similar to that of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to the CIA veteran: essentially Blinken is carrying the instructions that he's been given to share.Johnson does not rule out that the US secretary of state may also touch upon the issue of the anti-corruption fight in Ukraine, as details of bribery of Ukrainian officials and overbuying of weapons supplied to Ukraine are still being uncovered.Earlier this year, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh cited CIA sources saying that the Ukrainian president and his entourage embezzled around $400 million of US money in 2022 alone. US economic aid to Ukraine is at risk from corruption in the Kiev government and the Ukrainian private sector, the State Department Inspector General's Office warned in July.Alas, the corruption in Ukraine goes well beyond Zelensky, noted the CIA veteran: "It's endemic to the Ukrainian government, to the military."Most recently, Zelensky sacked Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov whose name is associated with several large-scale scandals, from inflated prices on army food and fuel supplies to a winter jacket procurement row, corruption-driven draft evasion and payoff schemes, and weapons pilfering and smuggling-related criminal allegations.On September 5, Ukraine's authorities arrested Igor Kolomoisky  one of the country's most powerful tycoons  who was rumored to be Zelensky's former patron. Kiev is accusing Kolomoisky of fraud and money laundering.The botched counteroffensive appears to have seriously undermined Washington's Ukraine plan. What's worse for Team Biden  US financial or military assistance cannot currently fix the situation on the ground, according to Johnson.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/cia-warned-blinken-ukraine-counteroffensive-bound-to-fail-says-hersh-1112675341.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230830/biden-flogs-a-dead-horse-by-sending-250mln-in-arms-to-ukraine--1112994610.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230826/no-biden-cant-wage-forever-war-in-ukraine-1112913227.html

russia

ukraine

washington

kiev

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Larry Johnson on American's attitude to Ukraine policy due to problems in internal affairs in the USA Larry Johnson on American's attitude to Ukraine policy due to problems in internal affairs in the USA 2023-09-06T17:48+0000 true PT0M55S

Larry Johnson on Antony Blinken Larry Johnson on Antony Blinken 2023-09-06T17:48+0000 true PT0M32S

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ekaterina Blinova

antony blinken, us aid to ukraine, blinken visit to ukraine, ukraine conflict, war in ukraine, ukrainian counteroffensive, ukrainian failed counteroffensive, volodymyr zelensky, corruption in ukraine, us 2024 presidential elections, us waning support for aiding ukraine, ukraine war map
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230906/zelensky-sacks-defense-chief-as-erdogan-and-putin-meet-1113138655.html

Zelensky Sacks Defense Chief as Erdogan and Putin Meet

Zelensky Sacks Defense Chief as Erdogan and Putin Meet

On this episode of Fault Lines, host Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the meeting outcome between Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

2023-09-06T04:44+0000

2023-09-06T04:44+0000

2023-09-06T12:05+0000

fault lines

radio

national guard

massachusetts

migrant crisis

donald trump

joe biden

irina reznikova

volodymyr zelensky

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/05/1113138498_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_25f970a2ddbf32d09f30235672dc5876.png

Zelensky Sacks Defense Chief as Erdogan and Putin Meet On this episode of Fault Lines, host Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the meeting outcome between Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Elijah Magnier - Veteran War CorrespondentTed Harvey - Former Colorado State Senator and President of stopjoe.comSteven Abramowicz - Host of Mill Creek View Podcast.Ryan Cristian - Podcaster of Last American VagabondIn the first hour, Fault Lines host spoke with veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier about the consequences of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firing his Defense Minister amid a lackluster performance in their three-month long offensive. Why did Zelensky sack the Defense Minister and what were the results of the Putin-Erdogan meeting on Monday? Veteran war correspondent and geopolitical analyst Elijah Magnier talks to Fault Lines host Melik Abdul about the latest from Eastern Europe.In the second hour, Fault Lines's show spoke to former Colorado State Senator Ted Harvey about a new poll that revealed US President Joe Biden is tied with Republican challenger and former head-of-state Donald Trump. Should Biden be concerned going into the 2024 elections? Or can the incumbent president defeat his opponent once again?In the third hour, Fault Lines' show discussed Massachusetts' decision to deploy its National Guard forces to deal with the migration crisis that has emerged inside the New England state. To discuss the ongoing migration issues, Fault Lines is joined by Steve Abramowicz.Later in the last hour, Fault Lines host discussed recent footage from the state of Florida that showed neo-Nazi demonstrators making statements in support of Ukraine and US President Joe Biden. However, questions emerged regarding some of the members, who were accused of fighting in Ukraine. Fault Lines speaks to Ryan Cristian about his investigations and why this has been so poorly covered in the media.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

massachusetts

turkiye

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png

Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.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

Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png

fault lines, ukraine defense minister, putin-erdogan meeting, 2024 elections, us migration crisis
Brett Beckwith put on quite a show Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 5) at Plainridge Park after he won five races on the 11-race card, including a natural hat trick in the final three races of the day that included both feature events.

Those features were both $18,500 conditioned trots and both winners took personal marks in victory.

In the first, Beckwith got away sixth with Perfect Titan while Dewey Dog (Jim Hardy) and Harko (Matty Athearn) battled for over a half mile. At the five-eighths, Harko faded and the outerflow behind him was forced three-deep in order to advance. Perfect Titan was seventh at that point and was pushed four-wide as the field was entering the last turn. As the race passed three-quarters, Perfect Titan was flying around everyone and collared Dewey Dog before hitting the stretch. When he did finally straighten out, Perfect Titan was in Beckwith wraps and trotted home easily in 1:55.2, which was a new lifetime mark.

Perfect Titan ($5.60) is owned by S&K Misfit Racing and GMP Stables and is trained by Amanda Kelley.

Later in the second trot, Beckwith took no prisoners with Oh So Pine as he went right to the front and led at every station. After stopping the timer in :28.1, :57.1 and 1:25.4, Oh So Pine took a two-length lead into the far turn and turned back a late bid from Wallet (Nick Graffam) in the stretch to win in a personal seasons best, 1:55.1.

It was the fourth win of the year for Oh So Pine ($22), who is owned by Shark Racing Stable and trained by Larry Stalbaum.

Beckwith rounded out his quintuple with Dejerate Hanover (1:56.4, $3) and Okay (1:56.4, $2.80), who both took lifetime marks, and White Belly (1:52.2, $3.40).

The 20-year-old Beckwith is currently in his third full season of driving and it's already a career best for him with almost four months to go. Beckwith now has 273 wins, 205 seconds and 227 thirds in 2023 that have earned his connections just south of $2.8 million to date. At the current Plainridge meet, Beckwith sits third for wins with 80, behind only Bruce Ranger (107) and Matty Athearn (103). Beckwith is also the second leading dash driver at Saratoga Raceway where he has 133 wins.

Massachusetts-bred horses eligible for the $2.4 million Massachusetts Sire Stakes continue to get preliminary work before that series starts on Sept. 25. On Tuesday, the three-year-old Bravado (Nick Graffam) won the third race, which was a $15,000 conditioned event for younger trotters. Bravado was second-over in the outer flow going up the backside and tipped three-wide heading into the stretch. From there, Graffam never raised a line as Bravado trotted home on his own to stop the clock in 1:55.4, tying his lifetime mark taken earlier this year.

Bravado ($4.60) is owned by Ray Campbell Jr. and Al Ross and is trained by George Ducharme.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday (Sept. 7) at 2 p.m.

(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)
The Board of Directors of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has appointed Dr. Karin Schnarr as Chief Executive Officer and Registrar. She will assume the role on Sept. 18, 2023.

Dr. Schnarr is a highly accomplished and performance-focused senior executive with extensive experience in the academic, publicsector and private-sector consulting environments. She is an Associate Professor, Strategic Management, at the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she has been Director of MBA and BBA Programs as well as being a member of the universitys Board of Governors and Senate. Schnarr has held numerous senior roles in the Government of Ontario, including as Chief of Staff to ministers in multiple portfolios, during which time she guided the development of public policy, legislation and regulations related to key government priorities. Recently, Schnarr served as Chair of the Ontario Governments Task Force on Women and the Economy.

Schnarr is a seasoned relationship builder within organizations, across government ministries and agencies, and with external partners and stakeholders. She has extensive Board of Directors and governance experience across multiple sectors and industries. Schnarr was recently the Chair of the Board of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario and the Vice-Chair of the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board. A strong community supporter, she also volunteers on the National Advocacy Committee for ALS Canada and was formerly on the board of the Kids Health Foundation. Schnarr is a former member of the iGaming Ontario Board of Directors.

Schnarr received her PhD in Strategic Management (Corporate Governance) and her MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. She also holds a Master of Arts (English Literature) from Queens University, and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Waterloo.

The AGCO and its Board of Directors are excited to welcome Dr. Schnarr to the organization and extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to AGCOs outgoing CEO and Registrar, Tom Mungham, who announced his intention to retire from the agency in March 2023.

(AGCO)
A Barboursville man has been charged with first-degree murder in Tuesdays shooting death of a woman in her Culpeper apartment.

Harrison L. Jackson, 47, was taken into custody early Wednesday following a more than eight-hour standoff with police in an apartment complex on the edge of town. He was also charged with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to a release from Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Brent Coffey.

Jackson is being held in the Culpeper County Jail without bond eligibility.

The shooting victim, Jolanda M. Frye, 47, of Culpeper, died at the scene from her injuries, according to state police.

Her remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Manassas for an autopsy and examination, Coffey said.

Around 7:10 p.m. on Sept. 5, the Culpeper County Sheriffs Office, Culpeper Police Department, Fauquier Sheriffs Office and Virginia State Police responded to the Friendship Heights apartment complex in the 600 block of Friendship Way for an emergency call for a domestic incident where shots were fired inside an apartment.

Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered Jackson, armed with a gun, according to Coffey. The suspect retreated from a third-floor balcony and barricaded himself inside the apartment throughout the night, police said.

Law enforcement attempted to gain access to the residence to help Frye, the woman who called 911 for help, when the suspect began firing at them, according to Coffey. Law enforcement determined the woman had passed away, in starting negotiations with Jackson in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Coffey said.

At 3:51 a.m. on Sept. 6, the man was taken into custody without further incident. A shelter-in-place order by Culpeper County Public Safety Communications Center to residents of the apartment complex, newly named Spark Culpeper, was in place for the duration of the incident.

Jackson pleaded guilty in 2019 to felony eluding police and DUI 1st offense in Culpeper Circuit Court and received a six-month jail sentence, according to court records.
Fueled by data center development, Dominion Energy projects a 214% growth in power demand in Northern Virginia over the next four years, according to a power delivery presentation for Culpeper County given to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

On the southern fringes of NOVA, Culpeper industry will contribute to that increasing energy demand with its approved Amazon data center slated for construction on a former horse farm along State Route 3 in Stevensburg.

Thats not to mention several other data center projects increasingly knocking on Culpepers door in the incentive-laden McDevitt Drive technology zone, shared by the town and county.

County supervisors, at the meeting Tuesday, pressed Dominion executives for specifics on bringing electricity to the massive projects that have proliferated to the north in Loudoun County, generating negative headlines.

For the Amazon project in Culpeper, Dominion is seeking approval from the State Corporation Commission to build a 230 kV transmission line and substation to power the data center campus, according to Steve Precker, an electric transmission communications consultant with Dominion Energy.

Dominion plans to hold a community meeting on the electric project in October and is mailing out postcards and route maps to neighbors, he said, referring people to dominionenergy.com/germanna. Neighbors are invited to come and speak with subject matter experts at the upcoming meeting, Precker said.

"We know this area has a lot of culturally and historically significant sites. Everything we are looking at takes that into account to minimize impact."

The Amazon data center is what is on most peoples minds at the moment, commented Precker, of the campus planned on the former Magnolia Equestrian Center property.

Over the past year, we have been doing our due diligence to understand how we can provide energy to that site, he said. It will require a substation and transmission lines to get energy to that site.

Whether the transmission towers, and in what form, will come from the south or the north is undetermined, Precker told the board. Only one new line will be needed to serve the data centers, he added.

A Dominion mapping team will look at how the projects are routed, where the new structures will be placed and what it looks like, Precker said, mentioning the balancing of considerations in choosing the best route, requiring final approval from the SCC. Local maps are consulted, he said, along with county government and the public.

He showed a slide of Dominion power pole types: lattice, H-Frame and monopole. Monopoles can reach heights of about 120 feet, but use less right-of-way than H-Frames, about half as tall, according to Precker.

We really want to understand community priorities, he said of involving the board of supervisors and public. We need to document everything in the area and understand and taking into consideration for potential impacts.

Precker encouraged the board to continue to be in contact with Dominion as it considers future economic development opportunities and where to site future power infrastructure.

Data center customers typically consume 60 to 90 megawatts of power or greater, Precker told the board. A single megawatt can power 250 homes, he continued.

Data centers are high energy users, he said, with a pretty significant energy load.

According to a presentation with Sarah Marshall, Dominion Energy manager of state and local affairs, the electric company intends to serve the high-consumption users by building more lines, putting up more and larger towers and constructing additional substations.

Where those will go, over whose land and in whose backyard, by what route and how it will look was up for discussion.

What we need to provide reliable and consistent power to those customers and surrounding areas means substations, power lines to carry those amounts of loads  were looking at a very rapid and significant increase in load growth locally and across Virginia over the next 15 years, Precker said.

Marshall said residential customers are the companys first priority and any curtailing of power would occur first for industrial business customers. Dominions power generation mix in 2022 was 36% gas, 28% nuclear, 8% coal, 23% purchased and 5.2% hydro and renewables, she said. At back-to-back peak dates over the summer, Dominion used 10% solar to meet the 21,000 megawatt demand, she added.

Dominion projects 5% growth in demand for power annually, Precker stated. He said the Dominion planning group is constantly evaluating the best routes to bring power to data centers.

Northern Virginia is the largest data center market in the world, Precker said, handling over 70% of the globes data storage demands. Dominion is seeing growth to power the centers beyond Loudoun in Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford and Culpeper, Precker continued, as well as southside and southwest corners of Virginia, where even greater growth is projected.

Dominion currently serves nearly 4,200 customers in Culpeper County, said Marshall, and employs more than three dozen people. Another Dominion project includes 45 miles of power lines being put underground in places most prone to outages in Culpeper, she said.

Dominion is also currently working in Culpeper, building middle mile fiber that All Points Broadband will use to bring high speed internet to people in rural areas. Marshall said 36 of 54 miles are under construction with completion of the fiber backbone anticipated by later this year. The hookups by All Point will come shortly after, she stated.

Also in Culpeper County, to support data center growth, Dominion is rebuilding an existing 115 kV line to 230 kV at Batna Road in Stevensburg, feeding two new substations next to the existing Mountain Run substation in the McDevitt technology zone. That project, Cirrus-Keyser, is slated for completion in 2025, according to the presentation, pending SCC approval. Details can be found at dominion.com/cirruskeyser.

Stevensburg Supervisor Susan Gugino asked if the Cirrus-Keyser project was being built to serve future power demands in that corridor, on the towns edge. Five data center campuses are proposed along McDevitt, she said.

Is this going to be enough for all of them? Gugino asked. Projections for the future of AI computing will make the demand even greater, she added.

I would hate to see us upgrade and then in five years have to upgrade again."

Precker responded the project was being built to meet demands as they exist now. Additional data centers will likely require additional power lines and substations based on the load needed.

We are not there yet in terms of where those lines are going to come from, Precker said. To be clear, the existing line upgrade is to address load growth in the area as we see it now, namely a Cloud HQ facility on 100 acres along McDevitt. The Cirrus-Keyser upgrade is not enough to serve that plus a proposed technology park nearby, the Dominion executive said.

Gugino, who voted against the Amazon data center, said a big concern of hers is Dominion is not planning for today and tomorrow, only yesterday.

I dont want to see these lines keep popping up out of nowhere. Its just a big black hole of what the power is, how large the substation is  we need you guys more into the conversations on that.

Marshall said she would be happy to work with county staff to provide input and estimates on the projects. Both Dominion executives said the company cannot build infrastructure based on potential projects.

Projects have to be approved before their process can start, requiring sometimes a year or more before SCC approval, they stated.

Catalpa Supervisor Paul Bates, who voted for the Amazon data center, expressed concern about the level of data center projects seeking to locate here  close to 8 million square feet, he said.

As a longtime resident, we dont want to see those (power) lines going everywhere, Bates said.

He lamented historical sites around the future Amazon site  the colonial mansion at Salubria and Hansbrough Ridge, a Battle of Brandy Station historical landmark. Bates said he didnt realize running a power line to a data center was considered a transmission line. The supervisor said he hoped it wouldnt come to eminent domain  taking someones property to build a data center.

Marshall was quick to respond, We dont want to see that either.

Bates said he hoped Dominion would consider underground lines.

Dont have to deal with view shed issue, he said, adding, This is something I should have thought long and hard about  how it will impact landowners to serve these customers.

Marshall said Dominion would look at all the options on how it would get power to Amazon, impacts to historic and environmental resources and cost to customers.

We are required to serve (power customers), she said. If it comes, we have to serve it.

Bates said he hoped Dominion would take advantage of the utility-scale solar project approved adjacent to the Amazon site. Precker said they had been in discussion with the solar developer about potentially tapping into that power.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  Harvard University has welcomed its first-ever Filipino language instructor, Lady Aileen Orsal, who will teach beginning September.

"Dear Friends of the Asia Center, the Harvard University Asia Center and the Department of South Asian Studies are pleased to announce the hire of Lady Aileen Orsal as Preceptor in Filipino Languages (Tagalog)," Harvard University Asia Center (HUAC) Faculty Director James Robson said in his statement last Aug. 25.

"Beginning in Fall 2023, Elementary and Intermediate Filipino (Tagalog) courses will be offered for the first time in Harvard's nearly four-hundred-year history. Filipino (Tagalog) is currently the fourth most spoken language in the U.S. (after English, Spanish, and Chinese)," he added.

The HUAC said Orsal taught Filipino at Cavite State University in the Philippines where she also received her B.A. in Mass Communications in 2012, and MA in Philippine Studies in 2017.

She began her teaching career as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University in 2018.

She is completing both an M.A. in Communication from Northern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Philippine Studies from De La Salle University in the Philippines.

"Lady Aileen is a dedicated, creative, and effective teacher who is committed to being a leader in Filipino language pedagogy. She also has an impressive background in Philippine Studies, including Philippine culture, history, and politics," the HUAC said.

"She has conducted research and published on traditional tattoo art, the coffee culture of the Philippines, and the use of music in political campaign jingles," it added.

Harvard's Filipino courses supported by fundraising efforts

The HUAC said it secured financial support for the Filipino courses through fundraising efforts.

"Thanks to a generous gift, this new Preceptor position is funded through an endowment that ensures that Filipino languages will always be taught at Harvard," it added.

According to the Department of South Asian Studies, Harvard is set to look out for three preceptors to teach Filipino, Bahasa Indonesian, and Thai for academic year 2023-2024.

The Harvard Crimson, a student-run nonprofit newspaper of Harvard University on March 24 reported that Eleanor V. Wikstrom '24, co-president of the Harvard Philippine Forum (HPF) and a Crimson Editorial chair, said getting a Filipino course offered has been one of the goals for "as long as HPF has been in existence."

"HPF has petitioned Harvard administrators to offer courses in Tagalog, according to Wikstrom. In 2021, Wikstrom wrote an op-ed in The Crimson criticizing the lack of offerings in the Tagalog language at Harvard. She said she received pushback for her advocacy efforts and questions about the value of learning Tagalog," Harvard Crimson said.

Romuladez's alleged funding

Meanwhile on Sunday, Inquirer.net took down its story on Martin Romualdez's alleged $1 million funding for a Filipino course at Harvard University.

The article was based on the content of Inquirer.net's partner US magazine The FilAm in New York. It released an exclusive story titled "Imelda Marcos's nephew funds Harvard's new Tagalog language course" on Aug. 29.

"When asked for comment on the donation, Romualdez's office sent The FilAm a press release from last April that confirmed the dinner gathering but did not comment on the donation," the magazine reported.

"After being posted on the Inquirer.net, this article was deactivated by order of the owners, who are related to House Speaker Martin Romualdez," an update on The FilAm page read.
The Scotts Bluff County Board of Commissioners discussed developments in the assessors office during its Tuesday, Sept. 5, meeting, including the billing by the state for an employee who filled the county assessor position in July.

The assessor discussion stemmed from the recalling of interim county assessor Mark Loose to his position in the Property Assessment Division of the Nebraska Department of Revenue. The board previously appointed Loose as interim assessor following a health emergency experienced by assessor Angela Dillman. According to social media postings by her family, Dillman suffered a stroke.

An email from Property Tax Administrator Ruth Sorensen to the county on Aug. 28 indicated that Loose would no longer be dedicated to working in the Scotts Bluff County Assessors Office and included an invoice for the gross labor expense of Looses work on three dates during his time with the county.

Sorensen said that her office was unable to absorb the cost of Looses overtime throughout the month of July, which prompted the decision to bill the county. She also said that the invoice excludes labor reimbursement for nine additional Property Assessment Division employees who also worked in the county over the last two months in addition to travel, lodging and meal expenses.

During Tuesdays meeting, Sorensen added that Looses appointment to the county office  even as an interim  never should have happened due to his status as a state employee. She said she was not aware that such an action had been taken by the board until reading the minutes of the meeting at which the appointment was made.

The invoice totaled $7,447.36 for Looses services. The board entered an executive session to discuss payment of the bill in addition to their plans to fill the role of assessor until the next election.

After the executive session, the board unanimously voted to pay the invoice in full, but no action was taken regarding the assessor position.

Other business for the board included a discussion of reassigning the countys ambulance contract with Valley Ambulance to Regional West Medical Center.

The reassignment comes following an agreement made between Valley Ambulance and the hospital to put the ambulance service under the same leadership as other emergency care operations. Valley Ambulance President Randy Meininger said that the arrangement is unique, but will result in exciting opportunities to improve and streamline operations.

Ive been doing this for 44 years, and Ive never seen the hospital have an executive person that was over top of the emergency room, the ground ambulances and the flight program, he said. That is a huge boost and step forward in providing and actually enhancing service in Scotts Bluff County.

Regional West Interim CEO Mel McNea attended the meeting to promise that the county would see the same level of quality emergency care with the hospital at the helm. He said that there would even be additional training opportunities for the ambulance staff  all of whom will stay on through the transition  through integration with the hospital.

Chairman Ken Meyer expressed the boards faith in a smooth transition in addition to praising its focus on advanced life support services.

You basically have the emergency room pulling into your driveway, and thats going to continue, he said.

The current ambulance contract was renewed in July of 2022 and is good for 48 months, even if reassigned. The county pays $3,625 each month for services, adding up to $43,500 annually.

Commissioners approved the reassignment of the contract to Regional West pending changes to the wording of a passage regarding ambulance service to the countys detention center for clarity. The reassignment is tentatively scheduled to take effect in October.

The board also set a date a date for its upcoming budget hearing, which will be held at noon on Monday, Sept. 25 in the county commissioners meeting room on the second floor of the county administrative building.
A dozen years after being kicked out of the Association of American Universities, the University of Nebraska said it wants back into one of higher educations most exclusive clubs.

Earning an invite to rejoin the 123-year-old organization, where membership signals a level of prestige among the top research universities in the U.S., is not guaranteed.

Nor have any of the five institutions that lost or resigned their membership been asked to come back.

NU President Ted Carter, as part of a challenge from the Board of Regents to rethink how the university operates in the face of an estimated $58 million budget shortfall over the next two years, said regaining membership in the AAU should be a priority.

Were going to be a bit of an underdog, Carter said. I find it to be an interesting challenge.

The AAU and its 71 members are positioned to influence the direction of higher education on a national level, Carter told regents in a memo outlining his reasoning. Plus, AAU-affiliated institutions receive nearly two-thirds of all federal dollars tagged for research and development.

Carter said the value of a college degree also goes up when a school is operating under the banner of the AAU, which could be a draw for top students and faculty from across the state and country.

When I look at whos in and where we are and where we could be, Carter said in an Aug. 15 interview with the Journal Star, we should be in that club.

But, a week later, Carter was announced as the 17th president of Ohio State University, which has been a member of the AAU since 1916. Hell leave Nebraska at the end of December, long before the university is in any position to be asked to rejoin the AAU.

Still, the goal articulated by Carter earlier this summer has taken hold at NU, invigorating the imaginations of key leaders tasked with carrying it out.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett and University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeff Gold have endorsed the idea, as have faculty leaders and members of the Board of Regents.

Lincoln Regent Tim Clare, in an editorial last week, said getting the University of Nebraska back into the AAU sends the signal that Nebraska aims high.

Ive been waking up every day with a new motto, Clare wrote. Everything AAU.

Then and now

When it joined the AAU in 1909, the University of Nebraska was one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country.

The university remained in good standing with the AAU for most of the next century, but a shift in its administrative structure, as well as changes in the value assigned to certain research expenditures, led it to fall out of favor with the organization.

The creation of the University of Nebraska system in the late 1960s led to research spending from UNL, the land grant university campus, and UNMC, its medical school, to be reported separately.

At the same time, the AAU also came to place a lesser value on federal research funds that came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture  which account for roughly $1 in every $5 of research done at UNL today  because those funds are awarded through a formula and not a competitive grant process.

Taken together, UNL was reporting fewer research expenditures than other AAU members that added the work being done at their affiliated medical schools, while also doing more research the AAU places less emphasis on, despite agriculture being at the core of the mission set out for land grant universities.

In 2011, after 102 years of membership, UNL became the first university to be voted out of the AAU by other members, falling two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to be retained.

At the time, university leaders signaled disappointment or embarrassment in the decision made by other AAU members, and ultimately decided to not make any drastic changes to how UNL was doing business.

If we make changes to the structure (of the university) or put too much emphasis on that, we take away from the momentum weve built the last 10 years, Clare said in a Journal Star report at the time.

In the decade since, UNL has seen its enrollment grow to record levels (although those numbers have fallen once again) and enjoyed a healthy trajectory in its research enterprise as it has become a stable member of the Big Ten Conference.

But recent changes among top leadership have led to NU to reexamine its apparent indifference in the decade since its removal from the AAU.

Carter said he raised the issue with the Board of Regents when he interviewed for the NU system job in 2019, while Bennett discussed rejoining the AAU during a series of public forums earlier this year.

Bennett said since he started as UNLs 21st chancellor on July 1, hes heard widespread support for the idea in conversations with senior leaders on campus.

I think theres also a very deep appreciation for the heavy lifting that has to take place for that to occur, he said. My sense is that everybody is up for the challenge.

Tiger team

Following his June memo to the Board of Regents detailing the goal of rejoining the AAU, Carter assigned Bennett and Gold to what he calls a tiger team.

The small task force headed by the campus chancellors will examine how to realign UNL, UNMC and NUs central administration office under a single banner for the sole purpose of research spending.

There are other Big Ten universities that are already doing this dual-reporting with split geographic locations between their flagship and med center, Carter said.

The University of South Florida, which was recently invited into the AAU, combined three distinct campuses under a single administrative structure to report its research funding.

Carter said that under current available data, combining all three offices into one would immediately take the University of Nebraska from 117th to 66th in terms of federally funded research, doubling what is reported now.

In total research spending, which considers funding from the state, industry, nonprofits and other sponsors, NU would jump from 87th to 55th overnight.

Gold said combining three different reporting figures into one, essentially reversing the separation that occurred in the late 1960s when the university system was created, could also be done without limiting opportunities for campuses to compete for highly sought research grants from sources such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation  sources valued by the AAU.

By combining into a single reporting structure, I think well send a very powerful message, he said.

The president of UNLs Faculty Senate, Kelli Kopocis, an assistant professor of practice in the College of Engineering, said faculty at the states flagship campus see the benefits of joining forces with faculty from the medical center in Omaha.

At the end of the day, AAU membership equals more research dollars, which helps our faculty help our students, Kopocis said.

Other factors considered

Bennett and Gold say they are also cognizant of other metrics the AAU considers before extending an offer at membership.

Its definitely more than just the research enterprise, Bennett said. I think a lot of people like to focus on that and its certainly part of it, but I think when we make our case, well have to show how successful our students are.

Improving the four- and six-year graduation rates, the retention rates of students between their first and second years at UNL, as well as how many students are pursing postgraduate degrees, or even what type of jobs they are entering, will also be necessary, Bennett said.

Membership of UNL and UNMC faculty in organizations like the National Academy of the Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering will also send a signal the university is ready to rejoin the AAU, Gold said.

Currently, only two UNL faculty are members of the National Academy of Sciences, while just one UNMC faculty member is counted as part of the National Academy of Medicine.

Those numbers are comparable to some of the other universities recently accepted into the AAU. South Florida, for example, has a single faculty member who is part of the National Academy of Sciences. Arizona State University, on the other hand, has 18.

Carter said NU will need to either recruit new faculty who are already members or invest in current faculty in order to boost the universitys numbers.

He has also directed administrative staff to look at how UNL and UNMC stack up against AAU members in other areas considered for membership.

Those include the number of faculty awards and fellowships; how many times research done at Nebraska is cited; books, especially in the "fields of arts, humanities, and social sciences" penned by university researchers; the number of doctoral degrees granted; and the number of postdoctoral appointees enrolled.

Thats all part of the strategy, Carter said.

Creme de la creme

Theres no timetable for when UNL could be asked to rejoin the AAU. Bennett and Golds tiger team has been tasked to finish a report about realigning the administrative structure by the end of the year.

Carter, who will have a vote within the AAU as president of Ohio State, said it could take five years or longer before UNL is ready to be asked to rejoin the organization.

Other university leaders have signaled their intention to work for as long as it takes.

Clare, who is the chair of the Board of Regents this year and will be intimately involved in the search for Carters replacement, said he believes UNL belongs in the creme de la creme of higher ed institutions.

That means the responsibility for getting there will likely fall on the NU systems ninth leader, working in conjunction with campus leaders at UNL and UNMC.

Were going to get our metrics set so that when that invitation comes, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later, were in position to be able to regain entry, Clare said.
Tangela Louise Parker, the woman charged in the shooting death of 51-year-old Phelifia Michelle Marlow, is set to appear in court on Friday.

Defense Attorney Victoria Jayne, who is representing Parker in the case, said there is a possibility that the case could be resolved on that date.

Tangela Parker, 52, of Taylorsville, is charged with felony murder. Tangelas husband Eric Carroll Parker is charged with felony accessory after the fact, according to court documents.

Eric Parker is scheduled to appear on Dec. 4, according to the N.C. Judicial Branch online court calendar.

According to court documents, Michelle Marlow and the Parkers worked for TCS Designs in Hickory. Marlow and Tangela were factory workers in the same area, and Eric was a supervisor in the frame department.

Eric Parker worked for the company since 2004. Tangela worked for the company since 2018, according to court documents.

The companys furniture plant, at 1851 Ninth Ave. NE, is where Marlow was shot twice on Jan. 13, 2021, shortly before 2:30 p.m., according to the documents.

The day Michelle died

The Hickory Police Department responded to the scene and found Marlow lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. Marlow was still alive at the time, according to the search warrant.

Marlow was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center and later taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Marlow died at 5:17 p.m. while being taken to Winston-Salem, according to the search warrant.

According to the search warrant, several employees identified Tangela Parker as the shooter. The witnesses told Hickory police that Tangela Parker walked over to Marlows workstation, pointed an 8-inch-barrel revolver at Marlow and fired at least two shots, according to the search warrant.

Following the shooting, witnesses said Eric Parker approached Tangela Parker, gave her a hug and took the gun, the search warrant states. Tangela and Eric Parker then exited the building and drove away. The Parkers eluded arrested for six months, according to court documents.

Both Tangela and Eric Parker are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tangela Parker pleaded not guilty during Catawba County Superior Court on Jan. 18.

In Tangela Parkers case, the Catawba County District Attorneys Office filed a notice of intent that listed four aggravating factors for a judge to consider if Tangela were to be convicted.

The aggravating factors listed in the notice are:

The offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel;

The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person by means of a weapon or device which would normally be hazardous to the lives of more than one person;

The defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the crime; and

The defendant used a deadly weapon at the time of the crime.

Arrested in Arizona

Following the shooting, arrest warrants were issued for Tangela and Eric Parker, according to court documents.

In an attempt to locate the Parkers, the Hickory Police Department tracked Tangela Parkers cellphone. The cellphone pinged near Tangelas parents home in Hudson, according to the search warrant.

Hickory police conducted surveillance on the house and determined that Tangela and Eric Parker were not there. Hickory police eventually located the phone at the base of a tree at the edge of the Crump-Lingle Cemetery, off of Tumbleweed Drive in Hudson, according to the search warrant.

The U.S. Marshals Service located the couple in Phoenix, Arizona. The Parkers were arrested and extradited back to the Catawba County Detention Center where they both remain in custody as of Sept. 1, according to court documents.

Confrontations and lawsuits

In addition to the criminal cases, widower Justin Marlow filed two civil lawsuits. One lawsuit is against Tangela Parker. The other is a wrongful death claim against TCS Designs, Inc., the companys president Jobie Redmond, one of the companys managers Jeff McKinney and Eric Parker.

The lawsuit against TCS Designs, Redmond, McKinney and Eric Parker gave more insight into the months leading up to Michelle Marlows death. The lawsuit argues that the shooting was foreseeable, and that Marlows death could have been prevented.

According to the lawsuit, Michelle Marlow and Tangela Parker had a history of confrontations. The lawsuit describes two confrontations in particular.

The first confrontation occurred on July 28, 2020, according to court documents concerning the lawsuit.

Tangela had her earphones on and was singing at a level that Michelle could hear in spite of having her own earphones in, a document detailing the judgment of the N.C. Court of Appeals stated. When Michelle asked Tangela if she could lower her voice, Tangela became irate and stated she could not ask her to do anything she had to ask her supervisor to discuss it with her.

The second altercation happened on Jan. 4, 2021, nine days before the shooting, according to the documents. The N.C. Court of Appeals document said witnesses heard Tangela Parker say she would wipe the floor with Marlow and would whip her ass.

The document said Tangela Parker received a warning for the first argument and was suspended without pay for three days for the second argument.

The lawsuit against TCS Designs says the company has a zero-tolerance policy for fighting or abusive confrontations and that behavior will result in immediate termination.

The lawsuit claims that TCS Designs could have prevented Marlows death if the company followed the zero-tolerance policy and fired Tangela Parker for the Jan. 4, 2021, argument.

Eric Parker filed a motion to stay the lawsuit proceedings until after the trial. TCS Designs filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Both motions were denied by Catawba County Superior Court Judge Gregory Hayes, according to court documents.

Hayes rulings were appealed by the defendants. The N.C. Court of Appeals upheld Hayes rulings, according to court documents.

Neither of the lawsuits has been resolved, according to court documents.
Cancer is a horrible diagnosis to receive at any age, but there has been a rise in the rate of cancers among young adults uncovered by a recen
The SDF controls one third of Syrian territory as a result of the failure to address the Syrian crisis comprehensively and fairly, Siba Madwar writes in al-Modon.

There is a sense that the battles in Deir-ez-Zor serve as a prelude to significant and potentially dangerous developments unfolding on the broader Syrian stage. These clashes carry implications beyond local confrontations, extending to involve the regime, its militias, as well as regional and international powers with vested interests. The region itself where these battles take place has been the subject of speculation, analysis, and information suggesting a project to gain control by leveraging armed forces from local clans and members of the SDF to disrupt the Iranian supply route on the Iraq border.

At present, the parties involved in implementing this American project are engaged in battle, while the United States merely issues a delayed call for dialogue and the cessation of armed conflict. These clashes have exposed tensions among the regions residents, including the SDF and those who are a part of it. It has become evident that a considerable number of SDF fighters hail from the same clans they are currently facing off against. Many joined the SDF at various times due to limited livelihood opportunities in the area, seeking financial gain.

These battles underscore that the situation in Syria is far from stable, contradicting the narrative propagated by some attempting to normalize relations with Bashar al-Assads regime. Two years of apparent stalemate concealed an intense and ambiguous situation, a major crisis that went unresolved while Deir-ez-Zors battles are indicative of its underlying danger, a persistent fire beneath the surface, even if momentarily alleviated.

The existence and control of the SDF over approximately one-third of Syrias territory is an anomaly and a direct outcome of the failure to address the Syrian crisis comprehensively and fairly. Regional and international interventions, either supporting or opposing the regime without ousting it, created a geopolitical fait accompli in Syria. The SDF emerged as a tool or effect of this interference, similar to the Iranian presence in various formsmilitias, sectarian influence, and economic interests.

The clashes in Deir-ez-Zor led to the SDFs defeat in multiple areas against local clans. Clan fighters even managed to seize control of joint military sites shared by the regime and the SDF. The geographical realities of the eastern Euphrates have shown overlapping alliances and deals among groups that would normally be considered enemies or rivals. Amidst these complexities, the areas long-suffering residents, neglected for decades under Assads rule, find themselves living in a zone of regional and international competition over oil, gas, and strategic assets.

Politically, the situation is even more intricate. The SDF enjoyed American backing that enabled its expansion, often at the expense of Arab-majority regions. This proved a significant miscalculation by the United States, which underestimated the loyalty of Arab tribes in the Syrian desert. By aligning itself with the SDF, it failed to recognize the mismanagement and ignorance that would lead to failure, resentment, financial losses, missed opportunities and potentially lives as well.

The United States now mediates to halt fighting before the situation spirals out of control. However, another entity closely observes, ready to seize American interests and establish itself as an influential force on the Iraq borderIran. Iran may provide immediate military support to Arab clans in the east of the Euphrates, countering the regrouped SDF, in exchange for an Iranian presence in the region.

The people of eastern Syria face a challenging dilemma between the SDF and Iranian militiasboth capable of inflicting harm. Adding complexity, Turkey, interested in the SDFs defeat, lacks the immediate means to support clan fighters due to geographical constraints. If quick action is not taken by the Americans to acknowledge ground realities and by the Syrian people in other regionsparticularly the north and Idlib to support the clan fighters, the Iranians might gain a valuable opportunity that aligns with their ambitions. A swift and inclusive initiative by Syrians could reshape the situation, bypassing the need for American or Iranian interventionan approach that resonates deeply with the aspirations of Syrias revolutionaries.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Insiders have told Syria TV that the behaviour of the United States indicates a desire to maintain Arab influence in the Deir-ez-Zor.

A field source in Deir-ez-Zor province has refuted claims made by General Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces  SDF, regarding air support from the International Coalition during clashes with Arab tribal forces in Deir-ez-Zors countryside.

According to these sources, International Coalition helicopters intervened on September 3rd, flying over a convoy of the Peoples Protection Units, the primary component of the SDF, preventing their movement towards the town of Dhiban. This town is a stronghold of the SDF, particularly the Al-Akidat tribe, which has been in conflict with the SDF recently.

On September 4th, fighters from the Al-Akidat tribe launched a counter-attack, reclaiming lost parts of the strategic town of Al-Shuhail, which had previously been taken by the Peoples Protection Units.

Insiders have informed Syria TV that the behaviour of the United States indicates a desire to maintain Arab influence in the Deir-ez-Zor governorate, likely to prevent upsetting the balance, given that future dynamics may require Arab clans to counter the influence of Iranian militias in the region. Nevertheless, American forces in northeastern Syria are reportedly uncomfortable with Ibrahim al-Hafel.

The sources claim that on September 2nd, U.S. diplomats contacted Musab, the brother of Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hafel, leader of the Al-Akidat tribes uprising against the YPG. During this communication, Washington apparently stressed that it wasnt involved in the conflict and would not target the Arab component.

Sources suggest that the U.S. sought to have Musab expand the role of his uncle, Sheikh Hafel Al-Jadaan, within the leadership of the Al-Akidat tribe. The American side trusts al-Hafel, who resides in the U.S., and is uncertain about Ibrahims positions and potential future decisions regarding the international coalition forces.

Syria TV has obtained information from Syrian opposition sources, confirming talks between Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Ethan Goldrich and the head of the Syrian National Coalition, Salem Al-Muslat. These discussions took place in Istanbul on September 3rd, focusing on the Kurdish components alleged violations against other Arab components within the SDF.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.

On Tuesday, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with support from the United States, advanced further into the final bastion held by Arab tribal militias that have been resisting them in eastern Syria. Concurrently, amidst the ongoing protests within the Suweida Governorate, which represent a significant recent development in the country, the Syrian governments lack of response has been the prevailing factor shaping the situation.

Syrias Kurdish-led SDF hopes to end clashes with Arab militia in the next 24 hours

The US-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Tuesday pushed deeper into the last stronghold of Arab tribal militias who have taken up arms against them in eastern Syria, New Arab reported.

A spokesperson said they hoped to end clashes which have been ongoing since last week in the next 24 hours.

The fighting, which broke out eight days ago in the oil-rich province of Deir Al-Zour along the Euphrates River, has so far killed at least 50 people, including several civilians, and wounded dozens. Hundreds of US troops have been based in eastern Syria since 2015 to fight against the Islamic State group.

The violence has pitted the SDF against the tribesmen and former allies of the Arab-led militia known as the Deir Al-Zour Military Council.

It was sparked by the arrest last month of the militias leader, Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla, accused by SDF of multiple crimes and violations, including drug trafficking.

SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami told The Associated Press that the Kurdish-led forces have cleared three towns in the province previously seized by the militia. Whats left is (the town of) Ziban, he said. We are hoping to end tensions there in the next 24 hours.

Shami said some 100 armed men are estimated to be in Ziban, along with suspected cells of the Islamic State group. Now rivals, the SDF and the militia were allies in the war against IS.

A Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that the leader of a pro-Iran Arab tribe fighting against the SDF had called on his tribesmen and others to free Deir Al-Zour from the despicable Kurds.

The Damascus-based Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad has criticized the Kurdish-led SDF for its close alliance with the United States in the war against Islamic State militants and for forming what authorities describe as an autonomous enclave in eastern Syria.

US, Iran, Turkey and Russia

Meanwhile, The Jerusalem Post argues that the recent developments in Syria have intensified concerns over the role of various actors and their ambitions within the region. Irans foreign ministers visit to Syria coincided with a series of clashes between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and local tribes near the Euphrates River valley. In the aftermath of these clashes, a debate has emerged regarding the driving forces behind the conflict, raising questions about whether it was rooted in local grievances or influenced by external factors. What initially appeared as a localized dispute has rapidly escalated, prompting Turkish-backed rebel groups to mobilize against the SDF.

Pro-Iran media outlets have been closely following the situation, shining a spotlight on central and eastern Syria. Against this backdrop, the implications of these events have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate conflict. The battle lines are drawn, and as the region holds its breath, the outcomes of this complex situation remain uncertain.

What may have begun as local grievances, according to The Jerusalem Post, now has much larger implications. Turkish-backed Syrian rebels and proxy groups have mobilized to fight the SDF. The tribes continue to fight. There is intensive coverage by pro-Iran media such as Al-Mayadeen, and it is clear that all eyes are on central and eastern Syria. What might happen next?

Rudaw media in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, noted that days of deadly clashes in Syrias eastern Deir-ez-Zor province between Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and local Arab fighters are culminating in a looming battle as the SDF attempt to retake the last town held by tribesmen, a war monitor said on Monday. Rudaw has good sources in Syria, however, they also rely on the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based war monitor. Now SOHR says a town called Dhiban is being shelled: The violence in Kurdish-controlled Deir-ez-Zor since clashes erupted on August 27 has killed at least 71 people so far, including 39 local fighters, 23 SDF members, and nine civilians, while nearly a hundred have been injured, according to SOHR.

A report at Al-Mayadeen said sheikhs of the Al-Akidat tribe had repelled an SDF attack. The report also indicates that some tribal leaders have been in contact with the US. The US has tried to broker some kind of calm, utilizing its forces and diplomats, according to reports. The US has often neglected eastern Syria, using a small number of personnel to back the SDF against ISIS. The US also uses Syria for other reasons. US aircraft and drones are active.

These sometimes may strike at ISIS and other extremists but they can also play other roles, such as checking Russian and Iranian aggression.

It is unclear if the SDF will be able to fully re-assert control. Iranian and regime agents, as well as Turkey, may be seeking to prolong the fighting. It is in their interests to reduce US influence and cause casualties among the SDF, and to get locals to request the regime or other forces enter the vacuum. Therefore, what happens in eastern Syria could lead to a huge vacuum of power along the Euphrates River. In the past, this was used as a conduit for extremists to pour into Iraq. Today Iran uses this area also to move weapons on the western side of the river from Albukamal to the T-4 base and onward to Lebanon.

Government shows indifference towards protests in Syrias Suweida

Despite the ongoing protests in the Suweida Governorate, considered the most prominent event in recent years in the country, the Syrian governments silence towards these protests dominated the situation.

According to North Press, the government was not only silent but rather issued a new decision to raise the prices of oil derivatives, even though lifting the support on oil products and subsequent spike in prices directly caused protests never seen before in Suweida and unprecedented opposition in the Syrian coastal areas.

Indifference

The state of indifference with which the government dealt with the protests in southern Syria holds a kind of concern and apprehension according to some observers.

A Syrian journalist told North Press that, the governments decisions seem irreversible because cancelling these decisions would mean conceding and this is what the government does not want to appear it is forced to do.

He added, The government went beyond indifference, by issuing two decisions to raise the price of gasoline (octane 95) a few days ago. Although it clarified that the increase includes oil products that private companies sell to the private sector, it is known that any increase in fuel prices for the private sector will directly lead to a similar increase in the goods produced by that sector due to the high cost.

The government issued two decisions to raise the price of a litre of gasoline (octane 95), from 13,500 Syrian pounds (SYP) to 14,700 SYP, in addition to increasing diesel prices from 11,500 SYP to 12,800 SYP.

The measure was met with disapproval. It seemed as if the government was detached from reality and what was happening on the ground. This made the government to reduce the income tax rate and raise the minimum rate exempted from taxes from 50,000 SYP to 185,940 SYP (equivalent to about $12.5, based on the exchange rate of one US dollar in the market on the day of issuing the decision).

The decision was supposed to be issued simultaneously with the decree on increasing salaries by 100 percent. It soon became clear that this increase would be subjected to high tax rates unless the law was amended.

The decision to increase salaries coincided with the decision to stop subsiding fuel. Additionally, the decision to raise the minimum limit of income exempted from taxes coincided with a new decision to raise gasoline and diesel prices in the private sector. In both cases, the government would receive more money than it would pay, as the decree to raise prices is put in effect immediately, whereas salary increases will be effective this month.

Jordan shoots down a drug-laden drone from Syria in the ninth incident this year

Jordans armed forces have brought down a drone laden with drugs from Syria for the ninth time this year, according to a military statement, Al-Jazeera reported.

A drone carrying crystal meth was intercepted after flying across the border from Syria, the statement released on Monday said.

The border guard forces, in coordination with the narcotics control department and the military security services, monitored an attempt by an unmanned drone to illegally cross the border from Syrian territory to Jordanian territory, and it was shot down inside Jordanian territory, the statement said.

Last month, the Jordanian army shot down three drones carrying narcotics from Syria that had crossed over the porous, 375km (233-mile) border the countries share.

The uprising in Suweida will continue until the regime changes in Syria

Syria writer Rima Flihan wrote an article for The Atlantic, in which she analyzes the ongoing uprising in Suweida, Syria, and its motivations, goals, and implications.

The author focuses on the protests aims of regime change and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The article discusses the ongoing uprising in Suweida, a governorate in Syria, and analyzes the motivations, goals, and implications of this protest movement. The author, Rima Flihan, highlights key factors driving the protests and offers insight into the broader context of the Syrian conflict. Heres an analysis of the main points:

Uprising and Goals:

The protests in Suweida aim to achieve a change in the Syrian regime and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254. This resolution outlines a roadmap for peace in Syria, including the formation of a transitional governing body with full powers. The protesters also demand political, civil, and human rights, along with economic relief in the face of a deteriorating economic situation.

Economic and Political Context:

The Syrian regimes economic policies have failed to address citizens needs, leading to economic hardship. The regimes alliance with Russia and Iran has allowed these countries to access Syrias resources, while the Syrian people continue to struggle. The regimes corruption and mismanagement have exacerbated the economic crisis, displacing millions and causing suffering.

Repression and War Crimes:

The Assad regimes history of repression, war crimes, and human rights abuses is acknowledged. The regimes actions include displacement, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the use of chemical weapons against civilians. Despite these atrocities, Syrians in Suweida are demanding regime change as the only solution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

International Inaction:

The international community is criticized for failing to address the Assad regimes crimes effectively and enforce UN resolutions. The author highlights the use of chemical weapons, torture, and civilian targeting as examples. The focus on the constitution as a solution pathway is deemed ineffective, and the lack of decisive action allows war criminals to persist.

Regional and Global Impact:

The author asserts that as long as the Assad regime remains in power, it will continue its alliance with Tehran and pose a threat to regional stability. Changing the regime through a transitional process, as demanded by protesters, is presented as a way to rebuild the economy and bring stability not only to Syria but to the wider region.

Ethical Implications:

The ongoing protests in Suweida and other parts of Syria represent a last glimmer of hope for a population that has been oppressed and abandoned for years. The author emphasizes that the world has a moral obligation to listen to the voices of the Syrian people and support a comprehensive and sustainable political solution.

Call for Action:

The authors call to action is directed at both the international community and Arab governments. The former is urged to take a more proactive stance against the Assad regimes crimes and support genuine change, while the latter is advised to reconsider normalization with the regime and instead focus on political transition.

Historical Perspective:

The author suggests that history has shown that ignoring war criminals and their actions leads to the perpetuation and escalation of crimes. The situation in Syria serves as a cautionary example, with Russias behaviour in Ukraine being cited as a result of unaddressed actions in Syria.

Rima Flihans analysis of the Suweida uprising underscores the populations determination to demand change, highlights the regimes failures and atrocities, and emphasizes the importance of international and regional engagement to achieve lasting peace and justice in Syria. The article presents a clear perspective on the ongoing conflict and its broader implications.
Putin underscored the importance of safeguarding Syria's territorial integrity, according to Athr Press.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, engaged in discussions regarding the Syrian-Turkish relationship, emphasizing the importance of preserving Syrias unity and territorial integrity.

During a joint press conference in Sochi on Monday, Putin underscored their collaboration within the Astana format for a political settlement in Syria. He stated, Our fundamental approach to resolving the crisis revolves around safeguarding Syrias sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, with the Syrian people determining their countrys future without external interference.

Following their talks, Putin highlighted the shared core principles for resolving the Syrian crisis, including respect for Syrias sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. He added, We acknowledge that national reconciliation and consensus are essential prerequisites for launching extensive reconstruction efforts in Syria. We firmly believe that the Syrian people must determine their nations future without the imposition of external models.

Putins remarks on Syrian-Turkish rapprochement coincide with Turkish officials statements confirming that the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria is currently not feasible. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler previously stated, Turkey genuinely seeks peace, but we have specific concerns, and it is inconceivable for us to withdraw from Syria without securing our borders and protecting our citizens. I believe Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will act pragmatically in this regard.

On the other hand, the Syrian side maintains that progress toward reconciliation between Damascus and Ankara hinges on establishing a clear timetable for the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Syria. President Assad expressed this stance during his recent meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, stating, The Turkish withdrawal from Syrian territory is an absolute prerequisite for the normalization of relations between Damascus and Ankara.

Mediators restore movement to the Syrian-Turkish rapprochement issue:

Since last June, there have been no significant developments in the Syrian-Turkish rapprochement. The 20th round of Astana talks, which involved Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, took place on the 20th and 21st of the month. During this meeting, a road map for improving relations between the two parties was agreed upon, but progress has yet to be observed.

Five days prior to Erdogans visit to Russia, Turkeys Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, travelled to Russia and held discussions with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

In a parallel diplomatic effort, Amir Abdollahian visited Damascus on August 30. During his visit, he met with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad, as well as President Assad. During a press conference alongside Mekdad, Amir-Abdollahian stated, The establishment of relations between Syria and Turkey based on good neighbourliness and respect for Syrias sovereignty creates a positive climate in the region. He also noted that the quadripartite meetings involving Syria, Russia, Iran, and Turkey have generated constructive ideas regarding respect for Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  There is "some progress" in talks on the South China Sea code of conduct (COC), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

"We are pleased that at the last negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea held in Manila a few weeks ago, that some progress was made in discussing the milestone issues and a preliminary review of the Single Draft Negotiating Text (SDNT)," Marcos said during the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.

He did not provide more details.

The third part of COC negotiations was held on Aug. 22-24 in Manila.

In a previous statement, the Philippine government said a "conducive environment" was needed for the discussions on the COC to realize progress.

READ: PH raises China's recent aggression during code of conduct talks

It also expressed concerns over China's recent aggression in the West Philippine Sea. The government said the incidents "undermines trust, escalates tensions, and threatens peace, stability and security in the region."

At the summit, Marcos noted the importance of maritime cooperation in boosting the trade network.

"We must emphasize that practical cooperation in the maritime domain can only flourish with an enabling environment of regional peace, security, and stability, anchored in international law," he said.

"The Philippines therefore continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted. We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes," he added.

RELATED: Marcos says achieving peace in South China Sea 'remains distant'
Sheikh Hafel explained that the purpose of the meeting was to convey the demands of the eastern Syrian tribes, according to Baladi News.

Sheikh Musab al-Hafel, the leader of the Akidat tribe, recently disclosed that he held a meeting at the US embassy in Doha with a representative from the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) and the head of the embassys political section. This meeting took place at the outset of the clashes in Deir-ez-Zor between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and various Arab tribes.

These confrontations, now in their second week, initially erupted following the SDFs arrest of local council leaders in Deir-ez-Zor. Subsequently, they escalated to involve multiple tribes who perceived this as an opportunity to assert their rights and resist attempts by Kurdish members associated with the PKK to exert dominance over their territories, as per reports from observers.

In an interview with al-Jazeera Net, Sheikh Hafel explained that the purpose of the meeting was to convey the demands of the eastern Syrian tribes and collaborate with the international coalition present in the region to defuse the tension.

He emphasized that the meeting, which was announced by the US embassy in Damascus, did not include representation from the Akidat tribe or its allies. Instead, those in attendance were sheikhs affiliated with the SDF.

Its important to note that Sheikh Hafel refuted any connections between the Arab tribes movement and the Syrian regime or Iran. He clarified that their actions were solely driven by the need to assert their rights and halt the SDFs perceived encroachments in the region. He also stated that there were no communications with Turkey, nor did they receive any support from Ankara for their cause.

Sheikh Hafel urged the international coalition to intervene and mediate in the conflict by exerting pressure on the SDF. He noted that the SDF had been unresponsive to calls for de-escalation. Simultaneously, he emphasized that the tribes were unwavering in their commitment to their dignity, stating, We are prepared to face any threat with honor, or to live with pride. We do not fear anyones intimidation.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Assad is laying the groundwork for the privatization of the sector, ultimately leading to its leasing to the Qaterji family, according to al-Modon.

The Syrian regimes recent move to expand the operations of the Golden Gate Company, owned by the Qaterji Group, signifies the culmination of a partnership between the group and the presidential palace aimed at gaining control of the hydrocarbon trade. This move lays the groundwork for the privatization of the sector, ultimately leading to its leasing to the Qaterji family.

In the latest resolution published in issue (34) of 2023 of the Official Gazette, changes were made to the companys articles of association. Specifically, Article 1, paragraph 2, was amended to include a new business activity for the company, which involves the establishment and investment in gas stations and the sale of petroleum products. Furthermore, Article 2 of the Articles of Association, pertaining to the companys name, was modified to become Golden Gate Company for Transport and Oil Services Limited Liability Company.

It is worth noting that this decision coincided with an increase in the price of gasoline (95 octane) to 14,700 Syrian pounds. Importantly, government statements indicate that the cost of importing a liter of gasoline stands at 12,100 Syrian pounds. The Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection has also clarified that fuel pricing will be adjusted periodically in accordance with the current cost factors.

Project Completion

The company has officially announced on its Facebook pages that owners of businesses engaged in economic activities can now obtain full allocations of diesel, fuel, and gas through specialized chambers (industry, trade, tourism) or by submitting requests via the companys email.

Karam Shaar, the Director of the Syrian Program at the Political and Economic Networks Observatory, believes that the decisions made and implemented in the hydrocarbon sector are part of a plan overseen by the presidential palace to invest in the sector in partnership with the Qaterji family, who have close ties to the palace.

Shaar further elaborated to Al-Modon that the profits generated from the privatization of the hydrocarbon sector will not be directed to the public treasury but instead flow into the coffers of the presidential palace and the Qaterji Group due to the direct partnership between Bashar al-Assad and the group.

It is worth noting that the recent increases in gasoline prices over the past weeks are aimed at bringing them to profitable levels in preparation for the implementation of the fuel trade project in collaboration with the Golden Gate Company. These decisions have been made subsequent to the company being granted permission to import oil from outside Syria, with its transactions being linked to the central bank.

Transfer of public funds

The decision to expand the activities of the Golden Gate Company is a widely anticipated move, driven primarily by the companys substantial presence in the oil and fuel sector within regime-controlled areas. This expansion can be attributed to the strong rapport between the companys owner and Assad, as highlighted by economic researcher Yahya al-Sayed Omar in his remarks to Al-Modon.

According to Omar, this new direction aims to introduce privatization into the Syrian public sector. While privatization itself is not inherently detrimental and has proven effective in reducing instances of inefficiency and corruption in numerous countries, the concerning aspect in the case of the Golden Gate Company is that privatization seems to be conducted with the interests of regime-affiliated businessmen at the forefront, rather than prioritizing the broader welfare of the state and the private sector.

Omar goes on to emphasize that decisions related to privatization often appear to be guided by special considerations unrelated to genuine economic interests. Instead, they seem to serve the political interests of the Syrian regime. This underscores the gravity of the decision and raises concerns about the overall approach taken by the government.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Police have identified a Rainier resident as the driver killed in Tuesday's two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 30 in Oregon.

Beverly Ann Seymore, 45, of Rainier, was driving a Ford E-250 truck heading eastbound when the vehicle veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on into a Nissan Frontier, according to a news release by the Oregon State Police. The Nissan was driven by Michael Robert Pohl, 59, also of Rainier.

At about 1:10 p.m., Oregon State troopers responded to the crash scene, near milepost 36 on U.S. Highway 30 just north of Deer Island, Oregon.

Seymore was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, and Pohl was declared dead at the scene.

The highway was affected for about 3.5 hours due to the collision and subsequent investigation. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Columbia Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The Sons of Norway are resuming their free Norwegian language and culture classes on Wednesday. Classes are held at the Sons of Norway Lodge 5-7 p.m. and include a snack. Beginners and more experienced speakers are all welcome.

They will also offer a Norwegian waffle and Swedish pancake breakfast 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday. The menu includes Norwegian waffles, Swedish pancakes, baked ham, scrambled eggs, coffee, tea and juice. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

To learn more about the Sons of Norway lodge meetings, classes and events, community members can attend their potluck and general meeting 5 p.m. Friday.
Two weeks since the largest hospital merger in state history was announced, Oregonians are still waiting for answers.

They may have to keep waiting.

It will likely be months before the public gets a good look at the plan to integrate Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health, a tie-up that would create a health care behemoth to own and operate 10 hospitals in Portland and Vancouver.

Hospital officials and state officials agreed that it will be well into 2024 before regulators turn thumbs up  or down.

Some answers have emerged: OHSU, a quasi-public operation, has hinted at how it planned to pay for a capital infusion into the Legacy system without tapping the states general fund.

Here are some of the big unanswered questions to consider.

Why is this merger coming together now?

This summer, Legacy launched a multimedia blitz to explain its significant financial issues to employees. The operation had lost an unprecedented $172 million its 2023 fiscal year, and management had devised a turnaround plan.

They called the campaign Securing our Legacy. Anna Loomis, Legacys chief financial officer, detailed the plan in a video posted on Legacy Healths website.

During times of crisis, Loomis said, our employees and community leaders often ask about layoffs and mergers.

There had been and would continue to be some targeted layoffs, she continued. Cost-cutting was a fundamental part of the restructuring plan.

As for mergers, Loomis doesnt mention the word again in the 10-minute video.

Six weeks later, Legacy and OHSU announced they would join forces.

Outsiders may never know what happened in the intervening days. Neither Legacy nor OHSU officials would address that question.

Legacy did, however, say its turnaround plan was already leading to improved financial performance.

Through the hard work of our 14,000 caregivers, Legacy Health has taken meaningful action to improve our financial performance, Loomis said in a statement. The health system reported $10 million in net operating income between April and June, a significant improvement from the $47 million loss in the same period a year ago.

We continue to maintain strong ratings from Standard & Poors and Moodys and are well positioned to meet our financial obligations, Loomis said.

Legacys leaders had long worried that it wasnt big enough to compete against huge competitors like Providence Health & Services and Kaiser Permanente.

Legacy had considered other consolidation options. It engaged in talks with MultiCare Health System, a Tacoma-based organization with hospitals in Tacoma and Spokane.

Over the years, we have discussed options for partnering with Legacy in various ways, but nothing formal developed, said MultiCare spokesperson Scott Thompson.

Will the combined operation cut jobs or locations?

You hear the same buzzwords in every corporate acquisition: efficiencies, economies of scale, streamlining.

The sanitized corporate verbiage generally means job cuts, facilities closures and a world of hurt for those whose jobs are deemed superfluous.

Is OHSU counting on these kinds of efficiency moves? Are there job cuts in the future? Will all 10 of the merged organizations hospitals remain open?

OSHU says the two systems are complementary. But it doesnt know yet what it will do.

OHSU and Legacy are still in the due diligence process; it is too early to identify operational changes, said OHSU spokesperson Tamara Hargens-Bradley.

There is no doubt some duplication in the merged system. There are two childrens hospitals: OHSUs Doernbecher and the Randall Childrens Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

OSHU and Emanuel both are Level 1 trauma centers, which is defined as the highest level of definitive, comprehensive care for the severely injured adult and pediatric patient with complex, multi-system trauma.

Any geographic overlap is less clear. Legacy operates facilities in North Portland, Northwest Portland, Southwest Washington, Tualatin and Gresham and Silverton.

OHSUs main hospital is in Southwest Portland. It is also affiliated with Tuality Healthcare in Hillsboro and Adventist Health in Portland.

Still, even the possibility of cutting locations or services will surely set off alarm bells. Case studies elsewhere have shown that more competing hospitals is a good thing for consumers, said Jeff Luck, associate professor of health management and policy at Oregon State University. And Oregon has until now had it pretty good in that department.

Portland hospitals are less consolidated than other markets, Luck said. That means more competition and lower costs.

How will regulators evaluate the merger?

Regulators from Oregon, Washington and the federal governments will have to approve the integration if it is to go forward.

In Oregon, the relatively untested Health Care Market Oversight program will do the review.

Created in 2021 by the Oregon Legislature, the HCMO reviews proposed healthcare acquisitions and mergers through a consumer lens. Sarah Bartelmann, HCMO program manager, said accessibility, health equity and affordability are its priorities.

From the standpoint of health care costs, the merger could become a tough sell for the proponents.

There is overwhelming evidence that mergers lead to higher prices, said Luck, the Oregon State professor. The more market share a hospital has, the more they can charge. They leverage that to extract higher prices from the insurers.

Despite its relatively recent establishment, HCMO has already reviewed 10 different proposed acquisitions and has two more in the hopper. It quickly approved Adventist Healths recent purchase of Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles. HCMO gave its blessing to the deal in late April, just three months after receiving Adventist Healths request.

Its approval included several conditions, including that for the next 10 years Adventist use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the hospital in The Dalles open and operating at current service levels.

Will employee unions help the hospitals make their case?

Oregon hospitals have become hotbeds of labor unrest over the last three years. Nurses, teachers, researchers and even some doctors have attempted to organize, walked picket lines, staged walk outs and gone on strike.

Labor is enormously influential with the Democratic leadership in Salem, and its opinion could be a crucial factor in the regulatory process.

The pandemic has caused lasting bitterness. Many health care workers feel they were taken advantage of and abused by their hospital employers even as they risked their lives.

Health care workers have left the field in large numbers since 2020, causing a dire shortage. Hospitals have hired expensive temp workers, which has contributed to their big financial losses.

In the midst of a statewide staffing crisis, coupled with serious safety concerns in healthcare settings, its vital this merger not result in any layoffs or otherwise harm the workers who keep these institutions strong, said Joe Baessler, interim executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Oregon. AFSCME represents more than 9,000 OHSU employees, including graduate researchers, physical therapists and pharmacists.

The Oregon Nurses Association offered its tepid approval of the merger, not because it likes the plan, but because it prefers OHSUs management to Legacys.

ONA does not have any faith in Legacys management, so a merger with a public institution like OHSU  which will come with more requirements related to transparency and accountability  is likely to be in the best interests of Legacys patients and their 13,000 staff members, the union said in a public statement.

But the Oregon Nurses Associations relationship with OHSU is not a whole lot warmer.

Were at the table right now with OHSU, said Scott Palmer, the unions chief of staff, and we dont have a deal.

The unions more than 3,100 members who work at OHSU will vote on a strike authorization beginning this week.

How will OHSU pay for the merger?

This is not a corporate takeover. Both hospital systems are nonprofits.

There is no doubt who will be calling the shots should the deal be consummated. OHSU says its exploring a plan to pursue a combination that would create a single health care system under OHSU by swapping in its own leadership.

Whats clear is the OHSU will be the surviving entity: OHSU will be the combined systems sole corporate parent and each of Legacys subsidiaries will become subsidiaries of OHSU, it said in a written statement.

But OHSU will still have to pay. The larger health care system has committed to an infusion of $1 billion in new capital for Legacy over the next decade.

Thats exacerbated its disagreements with labor leaders who point out that the commitment comes as OHSU argues it cant afford the nurses demands.

While nurses at OHSU have been at the bargaining table looking for management to step up and do what is right for their nurses and their patients, the ONA stated in its endorsement of the merger, OHSUs management have been short-changing the nurses in their contract offers while also pledging more than $1 billion over ten years to an acquisition.

The quasi-public OHSU has, however, pledged it will not use taxpayer money to fund the merger. Instead, it will use proceeds from bond sales to provide the bulk of the $1 billion its promised.
Rockwell Automation announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ontario, Canada-based Clearpath Robotics Inc., a leader in autonomous robotics for industrial applications. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are the next frontier in industrial automation and transformation, and this acquisition will supercharge Rockwells lead in bringing the Connected Enterprise to life.

Transporting parts and materials to assembly lines and between manufacturing cells is one of the industrys most complex and inefficient tasks, often resulting in production bottlenecks. Autonomous production logistics will transform the workflow throughout a manufacturing plant, enabling substantial reductions in cost and greater operational efficiency. Clearpaths OTTO Motors Division offers AMRs and fleet management and navigation software, which dramatically increase throughput and reduce costs by ensuring components and subassemblies are in place when needed and by transporting finished goods to a truck or warehouse upon completion.

Combined with Rockwells strong continuing partnerships in fixed robotic arms, solutions such as Independent Cart Technology, and traditional leadership in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the addition of OTTO Motors AMR capabilities will create a complete portfolio of advanced material handling solutions unmatched in the industry.

According to Interact Analysis, the market for AMRs in manufacturing is expected to grow about 30% per year over the next five years, with an estimated market size of $6.2 billion by 2027. This acquisition is expected to contribute a percentage point to Rockwells fiscal 2024 revenue growth.

Rockwell and Clearpath together will simplify the difficult and labor-intensive task of moving materials and product through an orchestrated and safe system to optimize operations throughout the entire manufacturing facility, said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO, Rockwell Automation. The combination of autonomous robots and PLC-based line control has long been a dream of plant managers in industries as diverse as automotive and consumer packaged goods. With Clearpath, Rockwell is uniquely positioned to make that dream a reality across virtually all discrete and hybrid verticals, optimizing planning, operations, and the workforce.

Data from Rockwells offerings and OTTO Motors AMRs will be harnessed in artificial intelligence-powered Software as a Service information management applications, such as those by Rockwells Plex and Fiix businesses. With this, Rockwell will deliver a unified solution for manufacturing, enabling autonomous execution and optimization to increase efficiency and allow for traceability and real-time adjustments. The combined technology will also amplify Kalypsos production logistics consulting practice.

Industrial customers are under ever-increasing pressure to do more with less. Autonomous production logistics is becoming a necessity to meet targets and stay competitive. We are excited to join Rockwell and help expand their leadership position in advanced material handling, said Matt Rendall, co-founder and CEO of Clearpath. Together, we will create safer and more productive workplaces with autonomous technology.

Founded in 2009, Clearpath got its start offering robotics technology to global research and development markets, and in 2015, launched its OTTO Motors Division.

The acquisition will be funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Rockwells investment in PTC. It is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of Rockwells fiscal year 2024. At close, Clearpath will report to Rockwells Intelligent Devices operating segment.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as Rockwells financial advisor.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to visit Honolulu, Hawaii and another city on the West Coast when he goes to the United States in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, said Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

He told reporters on Tuesday that Marcos would have a very tight schedule as he plans to visit other areas in the US apart from San Francisco, California where the summit will be held.

The president plans to visit another city on the West Coast, and then from there, possibly go to other  maybe, were still trying to work out a short stay, a short visit to Honolulu. Theres a large Filipino community there," Romualdez said on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Indonesia.

In 1986, the Marcoses went into exile in Honolulu after the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution that helped topple the dictatorship of Marcos father and namesake Ferdinand E. Marcos. The elder Marcos died there in 1989.

Romualdez said the president would like to have meetings with businesses that could potentially invest in the Philippines, including tech companies based in Silicon Valley which are very eager to meet with him.

Theres also quite a number of requests from financial institutions, the ambassador said.

There are also companies in the manufacturing business in the West Coast, and probably a follow-up on the modular nuclear power plants that weve been talking about, and a number of companies that are based in the West Coast, he added.

Marcos November trip will be his third to the US as president. The first was in September 2022 for the 77th United Nations General Assembly, while the second was in late April this year for a five-day official visit.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is a prominent player in the steel industry, with a rich history spanning over 170 years. The company aims to be the premier supplier of iron ore pellets in North America and a significant player in the global steelmaking market. Cleveland-Cliffs operates through its various subsidiaries, mining, processing, and selling iron ore and metallurgical coal. The company's headquarters are in Cleveland, Ohio, and it operates in several states across the United States.

Cleveland-Cliffs takes pride in its role as a reliable and responsible supplier of high-quality materials to steel producers. Its primary products include iron ore pellets and hot-briquette iron (HBI), essential raw materials for the steel industry. With a focus on operational excellence, the company leverages its expertise in mining and processing to consistently deliver premium products to its customers.

The company's target market comprises integrated steel producers, the primary consumers of iron ore and metallurgical coal. Cleveland-Cliffs has established long-standing relationships with key customers, including major steel producers in North America. The company plays a critical role in supporting the steel industry's growth and sustainability by providing a secure supply of high-quality raw materials.

Cleveland-Cliffs is led by a seasoned management team with extensive industry experience. Lourenco Goncalves serves as the company's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Goncalves has an impressive track record, having previously turned around several troubled companies in the mining sector. Under his leadership, Cleveland-Cliffs has experienced significant growth and improved operational efficiency.

Cleveland-Cliffs has demonstrated moderate financial performance over the past few years. The company has reported increased revenue yearly. This growth was driven by higher iron ore and metallurgical coal prices, increased demand from steel producers and the successful integration of AK Steel. The company's profit margins have also improved. This improvement reflects the company's focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and the realization of synergies from the AK Steel acquisition.

Cleveland-Cliffs is trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio below the industry average. This suggests that the company's stock may be undervalued compared to its peers. The lower valuation can be attributed to market concerns about cyclicality in the steel industry and uncertainties surrounding commodity prices.

The steel industry is vital to global infrastructure development and manufacturing sectors. Various factors, including construction, automotive manufacturing, and energy infrastructure projects, drive the demand for steel. However, the industry faces challenges such as overcapacity, volatile commodity prices, and increasing environmental regulations.

Cleveland-Cliffs operates in a highly competitive environment, with several global and regional players vying for market share. Competitors include ArcelorMittal, Nucor Corporation, and United States Steel Corporation. Cleveland-Cliffs focuses on operational efficiency, product quality, and customer relationships to maintain a competitive edge.

The company's recent acquisition of AK Steel further strengthens its competitive positioning. By integrating vertically, Cleveland-Cliffs has gained greater control over the steel production process, enabling it to offer a more comprehensive product portfolio and capture additional value.

Cleveland-Cliffs has identified several growth opportunities that can drive its future performance. The company aims to leverage its strong position in the North American market to expand its presence globally. This includes exploring partnerships and acquisitions that provide access to new markets and customers.

Additionally, Cleveland-Cliffs is focused on enhancing its product offerings and diversifying into higher-value products, such as HBI. By catering to evolving customer demands and industry trends, the company aims to capture a larger share of the steel value chain and increase profitability.

While Cleveland-Cliffs has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, it faces certain risks and challenges. Global economic conditions can impact steel demand and pricing, potentially affecting the company's financial performance. Moreover, trade policies and geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply chains and create uncertainties for the industry.

Environmental regulations and sustainability concerns also pose challenges. As the industry shifts towards cleaner and more sustainable practices, Cleveland-Cliffs must continue to invest in technologies and processes that reduce its environmental footprint. Failure to meet evolving environmental standards could result in reputational damage and increased compliance costs.
Pure Storage, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides data storage technologies, products, and services in the United States and internationally. The company's Purity software is shared across its products and provides enterprise-class data services, such as data reduction, data protection, and encryption, as well as storage protocols, including block, file, and object. Its products portfolio includes FlashArray for block-oriented storage, addressing databases, applications, virtual machines, and other traditional workloads; FlashArray//XL; and FlashArray//C, an all-QLC flash array. The company also provides FlashBlade, a solution for unstructured data workloads of various types; FlashStack that combines compute, network, and storage to provide an infrastructure platform; FlashRecover, an all-flash modern data protection solution; and AIRI, a full-stack AI-ready infrastructure. In addition, it offers evergreen storage subscription and Cloud Block Store, as well as Portworx a cloud-native Kubernetes data management solution It also offers technical and professional, training and education, and certification services. The company sells its products and subscription services through direct sales force and channel partners. The company was formerly known as OS76, Inc. and changed its name to Pure Storage, Inc. in January 2010. Pure Storage, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware 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 Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
A previously undocumented "phishing empire" has been linked to cyber attacks aimed at compromising Microsoft 365 business email accounts over the past six years.

"The threat actor created a hidden underground market, named W3LL Store, that served a closed community of at least 500 threat actors who could purchase a custom phishing kit called W3LL Panel, designed to bypass MFA, as well as 16 other fully customized tools for business email compromise (BEC) attacks," Group-IB said in a report shared with The Hacker News.

The phishing infrastructure is estimated to have targeted more than 56,000 corporate Microsoft 365 accounts and compromised at least 8,000 of them, primarily in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Germany, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy between October 2022 and July 2023, netting its operators $500,000 in illicit profits.

Some of the prominent sectors infiltrated using the phishing solution include manufacturing, IT, consulting, financial services, healthcare, and legal services. Group-IB said it identified close to 850 unique phishing websites attributed to the W3LL Panel during the same time period.

The Singapore-headquartered cybersecurity company has described W3LL as an all-in-one phishing instrument that offers an entire spectrum of services ranging from custom phishing tools to mailing lists and access to compromised servers, underscoring the upward trend of phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platforms.

Active since 2017, the threat actor behind the kit has a storied history of developing bespoke software for bulk email spam (named PunnySender and W3LL Sender) before turning their attention to setting up phishing tools for compromising corporate email accounts.

A core component of W3LL's malware arsenal is an adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) phishing kit that can bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) protections. It's offered for sale for $500 for a three-month subscription with a subsequent monthly fee of $150.

The panel, besides harvesting credentials, packs in anti-bot functionality to evade automated web content scanners and extend the lifespan of their phishing and malware campaigns.

The W3LL Store also offers to PhaaS affiliates a 70/30 split on commissions earned through its reseller program and a 10% "referral bonus" for bringing in other trusted parties into the community. To prevent the source code from being stolen or resold, each copy of the panel is enabled through a license-based activation mechanism.

BEC attacks leveraging the W3LL phishing kit entail a preparatory phase to validate email addresses using an auxiliary utility referred to as LOMPAT and deliver the phishing messages.

Victims who open the bogus link or attachment are gated through the anti-bot script to filter out unpermitted visitors (who are directed to Wikipedia) and ultimately take them to the phishing landing page via a redirect chain that employs AiTM tactics to siphon credentials and session cookies.

Armed with this access, the threat actor then proceeds to login to the target's Microsoft 365 account without triggering MFA, automate account discovery on the host using a custom tool dubbed CONTOOL, and harvest emails, phone numbers, and other information.

Some of the notable tactics adopted by the malware author are the use of Hastebin, a file-sharing service, to store stolen session cookies as well as Telegram and email to exfiltrate the credentials to the criminal actors.

The disclosure comes days after Microsoft warned of a proliferation of AiTM techniques deployed through PhaaS platforms such as EvilGinx, Modlishka, Muraena, EvilProxy, and Greatness to allow users access to privileged systems without re-authentication at scale.

"What really makes W3LL Store and its products stand out from other underground markets is the fact that W3LL created not just a marketplace but a complex phishing ecosystem with a fully compatible custom toolset that covers almost entire killchain of BEC and can be used by cybercriminals of all technical skill levels," Group-IB's Anton Ushakov said.

"The growing demand for phishing tools has created a thriving underground market, attracting an increasing number of vendors. This competition drives continuous innovation among phishing developers, who seek to enhance the efficiency of their malicious tools through new features and approaches to their criminal operations."
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  A Quezon City court dismissed the conspiracy to commit sedition case against former senator Antonio Trillanes and several others due to insufficient evidence.

In the resolution dated July 14, the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court granted the demurrers to evidence separately filed by Trillanes along with accused Peter Joemel "Bikoy" Advincula, Jonnel Sangalang, Yolanda Villanueva Ong, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Albert Alejo, Vicente Romano Ill, and Ronnil Carlo Enriquez.

The case was related to the Ang Totoong Narcolist videos that circulated during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte and amid his war against illegal drugs.

The Court finds that the prosecution failed to present competent or sufficient evidence to sustain the indictment or support a verdict of guilt against all accused, read the resolution, which was made available to the media on Wednesday.

In the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" videos released in 2019, Advincula implicated former president Rodrigo Duterte, some of his family members, and Senator Bong Go in the illegal drug trade.

Advincula then made a turnaround in his claims against the Dutertes and said the opposition, under the supervision of Trillanes, was behind the series of videos, prompting the Philippine National Police to file the sedition complaint before the Department of Justice and cite his testimonies.

The court said that throughout cross-examinations, all the witnesses "consistently admitted" that they had no firsthand knowledge of the events described in Advincula's statement.

Ergo, in the absence of personal knowledge of the facts narrated in the Sinumpaang Salaysay, it necessarily follows that they also do not have any personal knowledge of the participation of each and every accused in the commission of the acts described in the Sinumpaang Salaysay, the court explained.

It also noted Advincula, who was a vital witness of the prosecution, was not presented in court to testify as to the veracity, truthfulness, and accuracy of his statements made regarding his sinumpaang salaysay, which is the chief evidence of the prosecution.

"This is fatal to the case of the prosecution," the court said. "The essential witness with personal knowledge of the entire incident was demonstrably not presented in Court to substantiate the very basis of the instant criminal action filed."
This year's Nebraska State Fair was "amazing," says Executive Director Jaime Parr.

"It was a great year," Parr said Tuesday.

The fair didn't yet have any attendance numbers to announce. "We certainly are above where we were last year, but we're fine-tuning those final numbers," she said. "We'll have something to announce before Sept. 15."

All of the concerts did well, Parr said.

"Fluffy and Lee Brice were our highest producers. But we had good turnouts for TobyMac and for the Bush rock concert as well."

On Sunday night, Banda Maguey packed the Pump & Pantry Party Pit.

"Oh my goodness, we were a little bit overwhelmed. We had it in too small of a venue. We had a ton of people out here that night," Parr said.

The free Banda Maguey concert began at 9 p.m.

"We were above capacity, I would say, in that area. But it was a great crowd, and everybody had fun. It was a great night," Parr said.

For the first half of the fair, the weather was beautiful, she said. "The second half we warmed up significantly, and that was a little bit of a challenge for us, but we have quite a bit of shade. We moved some shade around so it was better for the guests."

In addition, Case IH parked a sprayer at the fairgrounds, allowing people to walk under a cooling spray of water.

"So we were trying to keep people as cool as possible the second half of the fair, when it was warmer," she said.

Improvements that went over well included electronic signage mounted on A-frames.

Not only were the signs larger than normal, but they had a "vibrancy" of colors and movement that helped people notice them "and use them to find what they were looking for," she said.

A new location for the Avenue of Breeds was successful, she said.

The Grand District also had a gallery of horses and a family fun play area.

"So that whole Grand District really had a lot of positive vibes flowing through there this year," Parr said. "I think we did a good job of programming that space in 2023."

Next year's theme will be "All Roads Lead to Fun."

Fair officials are also planning improvements using $20 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. Some of the money will be used to improve storm water release. The improvements will be made near Anderson Field, on the back and front sides of the barn and north of the Heartland Events Center past the welcome center.

When it rains at the State Fair, "we have too many puddles, and the storm water takes forever to get off campus."

The campus improvements should help remedy that problem, she said.

Asked about the most pleasant surprise this year, Parr pointed to "just everybody coming together."

She was referring to the staff, seasonal workers and guests. "Everybody seemed really positive. It was a very positive year, and that was pretty fun to be around."
A Grand Island woman was arrested for felony cruelty to animals Monday for her alleged abuse of a 6-month-old puppy.

Megan Klatt, 25, was arrested after her alleged treatment of the animal was witnessed by a passerby.

Police arrived on the 2000 block of North Wheeler Avenue at about 1:55 p.m. Officers contacted the owner of the dog, who was identified as Klatt.

It appears that the dog has a broken leg among other injuries, Grand Island Police Capt. Jim Duering said.

The dog was found to have a large lump on the top of its head.

The witness told police that she observed Klatt "forcefully kick" and punch the dog in the ribs multiple times while outside, says the Tuesday GIPD media report.

The witness also said Klatt picked the animal up and slammed the dog "forcefully to the ground multiple times," the media report says.

The Central Nebraska Humane Society arrived and took custody of the dog.

During that time, Klatt, "who was not free to leave, attempted to run back into her residence to get away from police," the media report says.

Klatt was arrested for felony cruelty to animals and obstruction.
Starting Tuesday, Nebraska Medicine will begin billing patients  or their insurance carriers  for electronic messages that require more than five minutes of a health care provider's time.

Most messages sent to a patient's health care team will remain free, according to the Omaha-based health system's web page. Those include requests for prescription refills and appointments, messages that lead to an appointment, follow-up care related to surgeries within the past 90 days and messages that take only a few minutes to answer.

But those that require medical expertise and more than five minutes of provider time may be billed to insurance. That list will include messages about new symptoms that require medical assessment or referral; changes to medications; check-ups, changes or flare-ups in chronic conditions and requests to complete medical forms.

Health system officials said they expect the new policy to affect about 1% of patients, based on the experience of other health systems nationwide that have begun billing for electronic messaging through patient portals.

By mid-August, that list numbered 22 health systems, including the Cleveland Clinic, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Mayo Clinic, according to a tally by Fierce Healthcare, a healthcare business publication. Most similarly bill for messages that require added time and expertise.

Nebraska Medicine's webpage indicates that making the change allows the health system to continue to provide patients with "cost-effective care" that "may otherwise have to be done through a more expensive in-person or telehealth appointment."

So far, the health system is the only one in Nebraska set to begin billing for certain messages, officials said. But the move comes as electronic communications, from messaging to telemedicine, are playing a growing role in health care, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing changes in Medicare billing that broadened coverage for telehealth visits and allowed it for messages through electronic portals.

Such changes are expected to continue, said Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association.

"As patient care continues to move toward digital platforms, it is important that health care providers are appropriately compensated for their expertise and time," he said in a statement. "Over the next decade, we will certainly see innovation play a bigger role in health care delivery and payment for those services will continue to evolve."

Nebraska Medicine noted on its website that costs for messages may be covered, depending on the insurer. Patients may receive a bill for a copay, coinsurance or deductible. Nebraska Medicine uses the MyChart portal offered by EPIC, its electronic health record provider.

Nebraska Medicaid patients will not be charged out-of-pocket costs. For most Medicare patients, the out-of-pocket costs will be $11 to $21. The average out-of-pocket costs for most patients with private insurance and for those with no insurance will be $24.
Family members of an Omaha homicide victim are attempting to raise money to send his body home to El Salvador for burial.

Juan Carlos Tobar-Abarca, 43, of Omaha, was found dead outside the Bel Apartments at 12107 Arbor St. Omaha police were called to the apartments shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday.

His sister, Orbelina Tobar of Los Angeles, started a fundraising campaign on social media to help with funeral costs. She created the post in Spanish but translated to English it reads:

"I am the sister of Juan Carlos and it is with great regret that I share the news that my brother has passed away unexpectedly," Tobar wrote. "He lived in Nebraska and the family is trying to send his body back to El Salvador where his mother and the rest of his family are waiting for him. We would appreciate any help paying for funeral arrangements and shipping his body back to his place of birth. We thank you all for your help."

Juan Velasquez, 17, of Omaha, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony Thursday night in Council Bluffs. According to Douglas County court records, Velasquez lives at the apartment building where Tobar-Abarca was found.

Omaha police were advised that Velasquez was heading into Council Bluffs about 5:30 p.m. Officers tracked the suspect's vehicle to the Lake Manawa area.

An Omaha police helicopter directed officers to the suspect's possible location. A police K-9 helped track down Velasquez, who was taken into custody without injury.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the OPD Homicide Unit at 402-444-5656 or anonymously contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP, at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app.

Photos: New Douglas County Justice Center opens in Omaha
Finally.

For the first time in nearly a decade, overall enrollment is up at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Total enrollment at the institution for fall semester 2023 is 11,359 as calculated on the 10th day of classes and released Monday. The number is up 252 students over last fall  a gain of 2.3%. Official fall 2022 enrollment was 11,107.

"This is a moment for all Salukis to celebrate, said Chancellor Austin A. Lane. Over the last three years, our faculty, staff, students, alumni and donors set out to strategically increase our enrollment in a number of key areas. Today, that work has paid off, and theres more to come as we continue to hit targets within the Imagine 2030 strategic plan. I want to personally thank everyone in Saluki Nation for everything they did to set us on the right trajectory. Todays exciting news proves Salukis imagine ambitious goals, and then we make them reality!

The increase is the largest percentage gain in enrollment in three decades and is the first overall increase since 2014. It also is the greatest single increase in number of students in more than 20 years. Especially notable for the campus is the report that this years freshman class is up 6.8% over last year, making 2023 the fourth consecutive year with an increase in the number first-time college students on the Carbondale campus for the fall semester  a trend not seen at SIU in at least 50 years.

In addition to freshmen, enrollment is up in practically all demographic areas: the number of transfer students is up 10.8%, graduate student enrollment climbed 11.8% and international enrollment is up by 6.5%. Additionally, the number of students from the region  SIU considers 17 counties in the area as Southern Illinois  is up 7.7%. SLane has said local student recruitment has been a focus since he arrived on campus slightly more than thee years ago.

The university also reported that the number of first-time college students  what is normally referred to as new freshmen  with a high school grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is up 9.8%. Additionally, online-only student enrollment increased 9.2%.

Carbondale Economic Development Director Steven Mitchell said the increase in students is beneficial to the entire region.

From a purely economic perspective, conservatively, each student brings roughly $14,000 to the local economy every year. That is significant, he said. Also, they bring significant resources to our local business and they bring a lot of excitement and life to the community.

Mitchell said the enrollment increase is a good sign for SIU.

It shows that the plans that they have put into place are working and that the university is turning a corner. Thats exciting, he said.

The university is well positioned for more growth, Lane said, and it is on track to reach its goal of 15,000 students by 2030, set in the campus' "Imagine 2030" strategic plan.

Close Students pass through the breezeway at Faner Hall on the SIU campus as rain and strong winds passed through the area in February in Carbondale. Students walk along the Campus Lake Trail on a mild Tuesday afternoon on the SIU campus in Carbondale. Mild temperatures stick around the region on Wednesday, but rain is forecast for most of the day. A student uses an umbrella while riding his bike through the SIU campus on a rainy Wednesday morning in Carbondale. GOING UP A student goes up the steps at the Engineering Building on the SIU campus on a sunny afternoon on Monday in Carbondale. Dont expect to see much sun the next few days as wintry weather is expected to arrive Tuesday evening. A small snowman adorns the outside of Morris Library on the SIU campus on Wednesday morning in Carbondale. Overnight snow canceled classes at many schools in the region, but only caused a delay in the start of classes at SIU. CHILLY RECEPTION Students pass by an icy holly tree near the Life Science Building on the SIU campus on a cold Monday afternoon in Carbondale. Overnight freezing rain made for slippery conditions in the morning and a mix of wintry precipitation late in the day created some slick spots on roads. Students walk by the partially frozen fountain in the plaza near Faner Hall on the SIU campus as the sun begins to thaw things out on Wednesday in Carbondale. A student is framed by blossoming cherry trees while walking along Lincoln Drive on the SIU campus on a mild, but windy, Monday morning in Carbondale. SIU student Rufayda Adam takes photos of a flowering magnolia tree on campus on Tuesday in Carbondale. Adam was sending the photos to her mother in Sudan where there arent flowering trees. A student walks through the SIU campus near Pulliam Hall during a rain shower on Tuesday in Carbondale. More rain is in the forecast each day through Friday. Students pass through the SIU campus past blooming redbuds and azaleas on a pleasant Thursday in Carbondale. A rainy and stormy day is forecast for Friday with highs in the 60s. A student passes through Thompson Woods on the SIU campus as showers pass through the region on Thursday in Carbondale. Cooler, but drier, weather is in the forecast the rest of the week with a gradual warming trend expected through the weekend. A student cruises on a scooter past a flowering dogwood near Browne Auditorium on the SIU campus on a pleasant Wednesday in Carbondale. The mild weather is forecast to continue through Friday before a chance of showers returns on Saturday. A young white-tailed deer buck eats leaves from a tree on the west side of the SIU campus on Tuesday morning in Carbondale. A bicyclist passes along Douglas Drive on the SIU campus on Wednesday in Carbondale. More pleasant weather is in store for the region through the weekend. A white-tailed deer peers out from behind foliage in Thompson Woods on the SIU campus on Wednesday in Carbondale. DANDY DAISIES A jogger passes by blooming daisies and catnip near Altgeld Hall on the SIU campus on Thursday in Carbondale. More pleasant weather is forecast into the weekend before rain is expected to return on Sunday. A walker passes by arrows on the Campus Lake Trail on Wednesday on the SIU campus in Carbondale. The arrows were used to direct competitors in the Saluki Triathlon last weekend. STROLLING ON WHEELS Anthony Fletcher skateboards through one of the breezeways at Faner Hall on the SIU campus on Monday afternoon in Carbondale. A worker cleans the exterior windows of one of the lounges at Neely Hall dormitory on the SIU campus on Tuesday in Carbondale. Campus Collection The best shots from the campus of Southern Illinois University during the first half of 2023 Students pass through the breezeway at Faner Hall on the SIU campus as rain and strong winds passed through the area in February in Carbondale. Students walk along the Campus Lake Trail on a mild Tuesday afternoon on the SIU campus in Carbondale. Mild temperatures stick around the region on Wednesday, but rain is forecast for most of the day. A student uses an umbrella while riding his bike through the SIU campus on a rainy Wednesday morning in Carbondale. GOING UP A student goes up the steps at the Engineering Building on the SIU campus on a sunny afternoon on Monday in Carbondale. Dont expect to see much sun the next few days as wintry weather is expected to arrive Tuesday evening. A small snowman adorns the outside of Morris Library on the SIU campus on Wednesday morning in Carbondale. Overnight snow canceled classes at many schools in the region, but only caused a delay in the start of classes at SIU. CHILLY RECEPTION Students pass by an icy holly tree near the Life Science Building on the SIU campus on a cold Monday afternoon in Carbondale. Overnight freezing rain made for slippery conditions in the morning and a mix of wintry precipitation late in the day created some slick spots on roads. Students walk by the partially frozen fountain in the plaza near Faner Hall on the SIU campus as the sun begins to thaw things out on Wednesday in Carbondale. A student is framed by blossoming cherry trees while walking along Lincoln Drive on the SIU campus on a mild, but windy, Monday morning in Carbondale. SIU student Rufayda Adam takes photos of a flowering magnolia tree on campus on Tuesday in Carbondale. Adam was sending the photos to her mother in Sudan where there arent flowering trees. A student walks through the SIU campus near Pulliam Hall during a rain shower on Tuesday in Carbondale. More rain is in the forecast each day through Friday. Students pass through the SIU campus past blooming redbuds and azaleas on a pleasant Thursday in Carbondale. A rainy and stormy day is forecast for Friday with highs in the 60s. A student passes through Thompson Woods on the SIU campus as showers pass through the region on Thursday in Carbondale. Cooler, but drier, weather is in the forecast the rest of the week with a gradual warming trend expected through the weekend. A student cruises on a scooter past a flowering dogwood near Browne Auditorium on the SIU campus on a pleasant Wednesday in Carbondale. The mild weather is forecast to continue through Friday before a chance of showers returns on Saturday. A young white-tailed deer buck eats leaves from a tree on the west side of the SIU campus on Tuesday morning in Carbondale. A bicyclist passes along Douglas Drive on the SIU campus on Wednesday in Carbondale. More pleasant weather is in store for the region through the weekend. A white-tailed deer peers out from behind foliage in Thompson Woods on the SIU campus on Wednesday in Carbondale. DANDY DAISIES A jogger passes by blooming daisies and catnip near Altgeld Hall on the SIU campus on Thursday in Carbondale. More pleasant weather is forecast into the weekend before rain is expected to return on Sunday. A walker passes by arrows on the Campus Lake Trail on Wednesday on the SIU campus in Carbondale. The arrows were used to direct competitors in the Saluki Triathlon last weekend. STROLLING ON WHEELS Anthony Fletcher skateboards through one of the breezeways at Faner Hall on the SIU campus on Monday afternoon in Carbondale. A worker cleans the exterior windows of one of the lounges at Neely Hall dormitory on the SIU campus on Tuesday in Carbondale.
The Republican Party is in dire need for a candidate to run in the next general election that has a good chance of winning. Donald Trump is not the one that can win. He had his shot at the presidency and wasnt able to beat out Biden for a second term, claiming that Biden had stole the election from him.

He had a notorious record of lying. We cannot survive another four years of his shenanigans. Even though he convinced many people, those that thought the Brooklyn Bridge was for sale, that the election was stolen from him. He wasnt even close to the truth when he spread this lie. He knew that it wasnt stolen from him.

This was a man that was president during the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and his contribution as president was to get on TV and tell people this would soon go away, Just wait and see.

He was not Gods gift to mankind as he thought he was and apparently convinced many people that he was. Believe me he was not. This is the man that has been accused of encouraging the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on our Capitol with his lies. He set in his office gloating over what he was seeing on TV, while doors were being broken down, windows being shattered and much more destruction being carried out, all of which he could have stopped, but chose not to.

But even more serious than that, some death threats were being chanted against the Vice President. One would think that the man that was his vice president, and being threatened, would have brought about an intervention from Trump to help him. This didnt happen.

When Trump lost the election, he had ordered the vise president to declare the election, in Georgia was rigged by the Democrats, therefore deeming it illegal making Trump the winner. There was no evidence that this had happened, and Pence stated he did not have the authority as vice president to make such a call. That was seen as the reason Trump didnt come to his aid.

Trump was one of those people that used all means, including his own people, to accomplish his desire no matter how or what they had to do legal or illegal. If they didnt perform, they were swept out the door like trash.

This is the poor fellow that they are picking on now. He has had, several indictments in three or four different states and is under the gun, some being serious chargers. His cult has rallied around him and claiming its all politics and they are trying to ruin this great American.

I pity those that has been drawn into Trump's web of lies and believe he is pure and good and that he is the kind of man we need in the White House. What a joke. We do not need a cult leader, leading our country.

My thoughts carry me in a different direction, The Republican Party cannot win as long as the name Trump is present in their organization. They need to, dump Trump and forget that he ever existed. I know I can as a Democrat, having voted for a Republican a few times. I always voted for the man, not the party.
A hybrid training for new and aspiring beekeepers is available through Clemson University Cooperative Extensions Apiculture and Pollinator Program.

The hybrid course combines six live online classes with in-person field days to give participants an opportunity to learn basic beekeeping skills and get hands-on training in a bee yard.

The evening lectures will be held on Zoom and taught by program coordinator Ben Powell. The lecture will include opportunities for interaction and questions.

The evening lectures will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays Sept. 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The link to the Zoom meetings will be provided once registration is complete.

Participants will receive the presentation notes, the training text (Storeys Guide to Keeping Bees, 2nd Edition), training materials, lunch at the field day, and other fun giveaways.

Honey bees Beekeepers are encouraged to bring their own beekeeping gear to the field days, but jackets, gloves, veils and smokers will be provided if nee

The training will prepare beekeepers to receive their certification exam through the SC Master Beekeeper Program.

The lectures will include:

Honey bee biology

Beekeeping equipment

Hive management

Pests and diseases

Honey and other hive products

Review: The beekeepers year

Field day activities will include:

Beekeepers are encouraged to bring their own beekeeping gear to the field days, but jackets, gloves, veils and smokers will be provided if needed. Participants who suffer from food allergies should contact the training coordinator before registering.

Assembling hives

Installing bees

Assessing colony health

Controlling pests

Collecting disease samples

Splitting and moving hives

Field days will be held Sept. 23 in the Upstate and Sept. 30 in the Pee Dee. There is a $60 registration fee.

The fee includes workshop registration, training materials, and lunch at the field day

Registration closes Sep. 6. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/ClemsonBeekeepingBasics

Contact: Ben Powell at bpowel2@clemson.edu or (843) 503-2511

Organic production workshop

For those contemplating organic production practices and/or certified organic there is a workshop to attend.

The SC New and Beginning Farmer Program Advanced Series Workshop will start an introduction to what organic is, walk through the certification and regulatory process, introduce Farm Service Agency organic programs and show organic production in action.

The workshop will be a combination of lecture, discussion and farm tour.

The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Carolina Crop Improvement Association building on the campus of Clemson University.

For those using GPS, 191 Old Cherry Road in Clemson or 191 West Cherry Road in Clemson will bring you to the location.

The workshop will cost $50 and will include lunch.

Go to scnewfarmer.org to learn more, register, and find other workshops

Register by Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.

The workshop contact is Matt Fischer at fische3@clemson.edu

Comprehensive Business Planning

The Comprehensive Business Planning SC New and Beginning Farmer Program Advanced Series Workshop will provide attendees an opportunity to gain an understanding of costs of starting and running a business: capital costs, cost of goods sold, overhead costs and necessary profit.

The workshop will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. online via Zoom. The cost is $35.

The workshop will also provide attendees information on the concept of positioning, how to calculate costs, plan for profit and develop pricing strategies.

Workshop instructors will include:

Steve Richards, Ph.D., senior extension associate, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Curtis Mahnken, extension economist, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota

To register go online at scnewfarmer.org. The deadline to register is Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.

The workshop contact is Bethany Funkhouser at bnf@clemson.edu

Visit scnewfarmer.org to learn more, register, and find other workshops.

Opportunities in Agritourism

The Opportunities in Agritourism SC New and Beginning Farmer Program Advanced Series Workshop will provide growers an opportunity to explore additional revenue streams.

The workshop will be held Thursday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will begin and end at the York County Clemson Extension Office parking lot at 120 North Congress Street in York.

The workshop will cost $50 and includes lunch, snacks and beverages.

The workshop will be able to learn about agritourism trends and resources while touring three agritourism farms in York County.

Topics will include on-farm sales, u-pick operations, tour logistics, hosting workshops and events, school tours, farm dinners, food sales and more.

Workshop tour stops will include:

Tatanka Bison Ranch

Blacks Peaches

Five Blossoms Farm

To register for the workshop, go online to scnewfarmer.org. The deadline to register is Sept. 21 by 5 p.m.

For more information contact: Ben Boyles at boyles2@clemson.ed

Beef cattle field day

The future of your food is growing just a few miles away and youre invited to see it Thursday, Sept. 14, during a field day at Clemson Universitys Simpson Beef Cattle Farm.

This years field day features tours and updates on agronomic and animal research ranging from high-tech breakthroughs to everyday issues. Please RSVP by Sept. 11 to resfarm@clemson.edu or 864-656-3477. The farm is located at 2103 Lebanon Road, Pendleton, South Carolina 29670.

Field day activities get underway with registration at 3:30 p.m., followed by crop and forage-animal tours.

Field day topics will include:

Heat-tolerant soybean breeding  Sruthi Narayanan, associate professor of crop ecophysiology.

Sorghum selection and breeding  Rick Boyles, assistant professor of plant breeding and genetics.

Grain sorghum and wheat production  Alex Coleman, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service small grains and sorghum specialist.

Use of Texel sheep as a terminal sire  Susan Duckett, professor and Ernest L. Corley Jr. trustees endowed chair.

Dinner  Simpson headquarters.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Simpson Beef Cattle Farm is one of 12 facilities  11 research facilities and one administrative facility  that are part of the Clemson Piedmont Research and Education Center. The Piedmont REC is comprised of approximately 4,700 acres spread across Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties.
A 62-year-old Neeses man is serving probation after he pleaded guilty to reckless homicide.

David Chavis, of 314 Park Street, entered his plea before Circuit Judge Heath Taylor during a recent term of court.

Taylor sentenced Chavis to 10 years. Because Chavis already spent five days in jail, Taylor suspended his sentence to five years of probation.

Chavis was charged in the Oct. 24, 2020 crash that took the life of 49-year-old Bobby Hutto, of 166 Cabin Road, Neeses.

Chavis was driving a 2007 Chevrolet pickup truck and Hutto was his passenger.

The truck ran off the right side of the road and into a ditch, hit a driveway culvert and then struck a tree, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol. Hutto later died of his injuries.

Chavis was taken to Prisma Health Richland for medical treatment.

In other recent guilty pleas:

Brittany Lynnette Burton, 32 of 109 Prakash Court, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and battery.

Taylor sentenced her to one year in prison. Because shed already served two days in jail, Taylor suspended Burtons term to one year of probation.

Burtons charge of trespassing was dismissed.

Taneisha Laquan Davis, 32, of 165 Pooh Lane, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to first-offense driving under the influence less than .10, although she was originally charged with second-offense DUI .16 or more.

Taylor ordered her to pay a $400 fine or report to the Orangeburg County Detention Center for 30 days.

He gave Davis credit for having already served two days in jail.

Her charges of open container of beer or wine, first-offense driving under suspension license suspended for DUI and first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana were dismissed.

Torrey Stephon Elliott, 41, of 114 Ann Street, Bowman, pleaded guilty to resisting arrest.

Taylor sentenced him to one year in prison. Because Elliot had already served two days in jail, Taylor suspended his term to six months of probation.

Elliotts charges of second-offense DUI less than .10, third or subsequent offense DUS license not suspended for DUI, littering not more than 15 pounds and open container of beer or wine were dismissed.

Rodrickus DeAnglo Hampton, 30, of 744 Kings Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. He was originally accused of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony on one of the charges, but pleaded to unlawful possession of a firearm instead.

Taylor sentenced him to one year in prison and gave him credit for time served.

An additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm was dismissed.

Dantonio Demont Washington, 44, of 233 Compton Court, Vance, pleaded guilty to first-offense manufacturing/distributing cocaine base, first-offense trafficking in more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine/cocaine base and first-offense trafficking in more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of cocaine.

Taylor sentenced him to 10 years in prison, providing that after Washington serves three years, the remainder of his term will be suspended to two years of probation.

Taylor gave him credit for having already served two days in jail.

Washingtons following charges were dismissed: first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug, first-offense trafficking in more than 100 dosage units but less than 500 dosage units MDMA or ecstasy, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent felony, unlawful possession of a firearm, first-offense possession of a scheduled drug and trafficking in more than 14 grams but less than 28 grams of heroin.

Carvona Lemar Caldwell, 48, of 1149 Hampton Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence.

Taylor sentenced him to 62 days in jail and gave Caldwell credit for time served.

Talice Demond Dixon, 47, of 794 Macedonia Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and battery and second-degree domestic violence, although he was originally charged with first-degree domestic violence.

Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, but because Dixon already spent 54 days in jail, his term was suspended to two years of probation.

Dixons charge of kidnapping was dismissed.

Anthony Obrian Elmore, 47, of 146 Raymond Court, St. Matthews, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and battery.

Taylor sentenced him to seven years in prison. Because Elmore had already served 72 days in jail, his term was suspended to three years of probation.

Elmores charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime was dismissed.

Ahmad Muhammad, 55, of 104 Michael Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and battery, although he was originally charged with first-degree assault and battery.

Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, but because Muhammad had already spent two days in jail, his term was suspended to three years of probation.

Taylor stipulated that Muhammads first year of probation is strict house arrest.

John Lee Murray, 23, of 986 Peasley Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to shoplifting valued $2,000 or less, non-violent second-degree burglary and carjacking.

Taylor sentenced him to 15 years in prison, provided that after he serves six years under the Youthful Offender Act, his term will be suspended to four years of probation.

Taylor gave Murray credit for having already spent 1,021 days in jail.

Murrays following charges were dismissed: two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count each of second-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, first-offense failure to stop for blue lights and possession of a stolen vehicle valued more than $2,000 but less than $10,000.

Kuanisha Shanquette Reed, 33, of 1120 Wolfe Trail, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

Taylor sentenced her to 10 years in prison, provided that after she serves two years, her term will be suspended to three years of probation.

He gave Reed credit for having already spent 502 days in jail.

He also ordered her to undergo random drug/alcohol testing and stipulated zero tolerance for a failed drug test.

Her charge of first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana was dismissed.

Erica Marie Adams, 36, of 4589 Main Trail Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol.

Taylor sentenced her to pay a $100 fine within 30 days or report to jail for 90 days.

Miguel Ayala, 32, of 459 Bayview Street, Holly Hill, pleaded guilty to breach of trust valued $10,000 or more.

Taylor sentenced him to five years in prison, but because Ayala had already spent two days in jail, the remainder of his term was suspended to three years of probation.

Taylor also Ayala to pay a $500 fine and restitution.

John Brandon Baxley, 38, of 113 Orange Street, Cordova, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine/cocaine base.

Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison, but because Baxley had already served one day in jail, his term was suspended to two years of probation.

Taylor also ordered Baxley to undergo random drug/alcohol testing.

Jarique Eugene Brown, 35, of 211 Dickson Street Apt. 5B, Manning, pleaded guilty to first-offense driving under suspension license not suspended for DUI, first-offense failure to stop for blue lights and unlawful carrying of a pistol.

Taylor sentenced him to three years in prison. Because Brown had already served two days in jail, his term was suspended to three years of probation.

Browns charge of first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana was dismissed.

Michael Antonio Brown, 35, of 129 Omega Court, Santee, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and battery, although he was originally charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature.

Taylor sentenced him to five years in prison, but Browns term was suspended because hed already spent six days in jail.

Jacob Anthony Albert Berry, 23, of 324 Linda Lane, Swansea, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a pistol and first-offense possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine or cocaine base.

Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein sentenced him to three years in prison. After he serves one year, the remainder of his term will be suspended to three years of probation.

Goodstein gave Berry credit for having already spent 220 days in jail.

She also ordered him to complete long-term inpatient treatment with outpatient treatment to follow.

She also required Berry to attend Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous twice weekly.

Isiah Frazier Jr., 50, of Harleywood Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to second-degree domestic violence, first-offense failure to stop for blue lights and third or subsequent offense DUS license not suspended for DUI.

Goodstein sentenced him to one year in prison and gave him credit for time served.

Fraziers following charges were dismissed: third-degree assault and battery, third-degree domestic violence, open container of beer or wine and failure to obey traffic control devices.

Maggie Sharron Green, 35, of 15 Fescue Trail, St. Matthews, pleaded guilty to first-offense DUS license not suspended for DUI and threatening the life, person or family of public employee.

Goodstein sentenced her to six days in jail and gave her credit for time served.

Greens charge of public disorderly conduct was dismissed.

Valva Iris Kennedy, 50, of 821 Santee River Road, Santee, pleaded guilty to accessory before the fact to a felony, although she was originally charged with non-violent second-degree burglary.

Goodstein sentenced her to one day in jail and gave her credit for time served.

Kennedys charge of criminal conspiracy was dismissed.

Eddie Nathaniel Lee Jr., 21, of 1036 Sulton Court, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to strong-arm robbery and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony.

Goodstein sentenced him to three years in prison and revoked his probation.

Lees charges of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana were dismissed.

Trevor Samone Walker, 48, of 3 Summer Street, Hampton, pleaded guilty to first-offense DUI refused test and first-offense possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Goodstein sentenced him to two days in jail and gave him credit for time served.

Walkers following charges were dismissed: littering less than 15 pounds, first-offense DUS license not suspended for DUI, first-offense trafficking in more than 10 grams but less than 28 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base, first-offense possession of 15 dosage units of MDMA or ecstasy and first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug.
COLUMBIA  S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) announced the receipt of a $25,000 grant from Power:Ed to foster increased participation in the SCICU Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program by students attending SCICUs five member historically Black colleges and universities  Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College and Voorhees University.

Power: Ed check From left, Jeff Perez, SCICU president and CEO; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed executive director; and Trey Simon, S.C. Student Loan president and CEO.

Increasing HBCU participation in the research program provides quality research opportunities to minority students that enriches their college experience and provides valuable training in the areas of science, math, humanities, public speaking, and teamwork. This is the second year Power:Ed, a philanthropy of S.C. Student Loan Corporation, has supported this program.

Created in 1995, SCICUs Undergraduate Student/Faculty Research Program provides substantial grant-funded research opportunities to undergraduates attending SCICUs 21 member colleges and universities. The program presents students with professional research development opportunities  from submitting proposals for competitive funding review to presenting final project findings at the annual research symposium. The program has been used as a model for other state associations to develop undergraduate research programs.

Research and innovation are key to building a globally competitive economy and workforce in South Carolina. We are pleased to sustain this research grant for $5,000 to each of the five HBCUs within the SCICU network for a second year, and look forward to what these students will accomplish, Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons said.

In its fiscal year 2022-23, Power:Ed awarded 23 grants totaling $900,000 to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations, including SCICU. This year Power:Ed will commit $1 million in grant funding. Grants are reviewed and awarded quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is Oct. 1.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit Canada next year during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on Wednesday, Malacanang said.

Trudeau extended the invitation to Marcos, as he noted that the Philippines and Canada are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024.

The trade ties, economic ties between our countries continue to grow, the opportunities for investment, the flow of people back and forth as well, said the Canadian leader, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a release.

Marcos told Trudeau that he is optimistic about the future of their countries ties and he could not see any obstacles to the deepening bilateral relations.

According to the PCO, the president also said "Canadas shift towards the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific now is significant, particularly with the growing and evolving economies."

Inverted PH flag shown

Meanwhile, photos of the two leaders' meeting showed the Philippine national flag displayed upside down behind Trudeau.

An inverted Philippine flag  where the red field is on top of the blue  technically indicates a state of war.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza clarified it "was an honest mistake that had nothing to do with our protocol officers."

But the battle of the socks continues, she added lightly, in apparent reference to the bright, patterned red socks worn by Trudeau and the more muted pair of blue worn by Marcos.

Marcos meeting with his Canadian counterpart in Jakarta, Indonesia was the third bilateral meeting between them since the former assumed the presidency last year.

The PCO said it was an opportunity for the Philippines and Canada to discuss cooperation on agri-science and urban agriculture, in view of Canadas planned regional agriculture office in Manila.

It added that the meeting was also a chance for Manila to encourage trade and investments in clean, renewable energy and critical minerals exploration and processing, as well as to expand partnership in education and credentials recognition of Filipinos who wish to practice their professions in the North American country.
A new funeral home has opened in Eutawville.

Middleton Mortuary LLC at 810 Dawson St. celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The funeral home is run by founder, Chief Executive Officer and licensed mortician Myron Middleton and his wife and co-founder Courtenay Middleton.

Middleton Mortuary Middleton Mortuary in Eutawville is run by founder and licensed mortician Myron Middleton and wife and co-founder Courtenay Middleton.

The funeral home is open from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, though it is available for services 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

The newly built 5,000-square-foot building can seat 250 individuals and has a full-service chapel and separate viewing areas. The funeral home has also has a state-of-the-art embalming facility, according to Courtenay Middleton.

We bring more energy and we provide more resources, Courtenay said, noting she and her husband bring the vibrancy of young owners to the business. We would like to be able to provide resources before death, at the time of death and afterwards.

As a health insurance broker, Courtenay says the funeral home has partnerships in place to help with preplanning services, life and health insurance, and Medicare needs.

Middleton Mortuary Middleton Mortuary LLC at 810 Dawson St. in Eutawville opened its doors Aug. 26. The newly built 5,000-square-foot building can seat 250 indiv

A Eutawville native, Myron has been a licensed mortician for 17 years. He is licensed in South Carolina and Georgia.

Prior to opening his own funeral home, Myron worked with Shuler-Marshall Funeral Home and Eutawville Community Funeral Home.

Myron, 45, said he has had a dream to own a funeral home since he was around 5 years old.

If someone came to my house, we had to play funeral, Myron said. If I went to their house, we had to play funeral. Ever since I was a child and for as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a mortician. As I got older it just grew.

The funeral home provides a number of services, including funeral services, memorial services, burial services and cremation services. The funeral home also has pre-arrangement services and does provide military funerals.

The funeral home also provides a number of resources including online memorials, tribute videos, funeral fund donations, ordering flowers, using its website to share funeral service details, and daily grief-support emails.

The funeral home also provides after-death care through referrals, personal grief support and insurance.

For more information, call 803-462-4990 or email info@middletonmortuary.com. The funeral home can also be found online at: www.middletonmortuary.com. It also is on Facebook and Instagram at middletonmortuary.
(TBTCO) - Tam iem cua thi truong tai chinh toan cau nhieu tuan qua la su gia tang khong ngung cua loi suat trai phieu chinh phu My co ky han tu 10 nam tro len. Tuan nay, loi suat trai phieu ky han 10 nam a vuot qua muc 5%, lan au tien ke tu nam 2007, khi cac nha au tu ban thao do lo ngai lam phat co the tiep tuc cao hon trong boi canh chinh phu My ang ngap trong no.
A program for talented yet disadvantaged students instills a sense of belonging and helps them feel trusted and included.

Getting into university in Hungary is hard, just as in other countries. And, as in other countries, access to higher education is even more limited for poorer students. Many miss out on proper primary and secondary education, and those who do compile strong academic records often find themselves unable to afford to live in the bigger cities.

Ten years ago, a group of students at Corvinus University of Budapest decided they could help disadvantaged high schoolers prepare for and integrate into life at the prestigious institution. Joined by alumni and other backers, the students set up a program of peer-to-peer mentoring combined with financial help, naming it after Kalman Szabo, a prominent former Corvinus rector who himself came from a poor background.

It would be interesting and great if we manage to achieve results in relation to the [social] mobility issue. It could be a dominant ambition for our community in the coming years, wrote Sandor Revesz, one of the programs founders, in a 2012 email to other members of Rajk College for Advanced Studies, one of several colleges within Corvinus University.

Rajk College students voted on the proposal to start a mentoring and aid program for disadvantaged students.

It was a sunny day, and the student assembly was outside in a park. After a short debate we voted, and nearly all the hands were raised in favor of starting the program, Revesz recalls. I realized it could be something that could draw interest from a wider audience.

The program, known by the acronym SzKTP, seeks out gifted high school students from low-income families and offers them free tutoring and orientation to help with their application to Corvinus. Those who are accepted into the university can take advantage of mentoring and an unrestricted stipend to help manage the challenges, including financial, for first-year students.

At orientation sessions like this one, Kalman Szabo program awardees might learn about searching for cheap accommodation in Budapest and other tips and tricks of university life.

I had a huge disagreement with my parents over how we should pay for university, says Mark Csonka, a former beneficiary of the program.

They forbade me to take out a student loan. I needed to work. I worked picking fruit; I worked packing sparkling water and other gigs. The [SzKTP] program helped me to feel trusted and included by a group of peers, and the stipend they offered me helped me feel secure.

Csonka recalls learning about the program from fliers handed out to his high school class. When a classmate remarked that the program was for poor kids, not for him, I silently told myself, It might be for me then, he says.

He graduated in 2020 with a masters degree and currently works as a consultant and project manager in Budapest. Such a career, however, would not otherwise have been possible for him since his family could not afford the costs related to his studies.

A Sense of Belonging

What sets SzKTP apart is that students run the program. They organize peer-to-peer mentoring and hold weekend retreats and parties where the program participants get to know each other. These social gatherings and mentoring activities begin before students apply for admission and continue throughout a students time at Corvinus.

Its great to know that there is someone in the same situation as you are and someone who is there for you when you are going to a new city where you didnt know anyone before, Csonka says.

When I was selected for the program, there was an immediate sense of belonging, says Vivien Balogh, another student in the Kalman Szabo program.

She was born near the Romanian border, and her parents supported her plan to attend a university, but they could not afford Budapest. Still, she wanted to attend a top school and set her sights on the capital.

Assistance with her university application and financial aid from SzKTP were essential for her plans to work out, Balogh says, starting with a summer camp for prospective Corvinus students.

At SzKTP, I found myself in an environment where I could talk about the hardships of pursuing my education, being not so rich, she says.

Balogh went on to earn a masters in accounting. She now works as an assistant auditor at Big Four accounting firm EY.

Solidarity among those selected for the program is key to its success, says Szilvia Szenasi, director of the Uccu Roma Informal Educational Foundation, which supports young Roma students and works to improve public perceptions of educated Roma. In 2019, she served as an independent, external member on the program admissions committee.

Young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly when they are the first in their family to go to university, lack models for success once they get there, Szenasi says.

In this situation, getting to know peers whose adaptation to university life was smoother is a big help, she continues, saying, Peer-to-peer relationships are very important, and SzKTP is damn good at this.

Raduly Kincso, another beneficiary, was in a more difficult situation than most. She is the first student in the program from the ethnic Hungarian minority in Romania, far from Corvinus, her dream university.

A talented student in math and chemistry in high school, Kincso is now enrolled in Corvinuss applied economics program. She says SzKTPs assistance back in 2021 was crucial in getting her over the hurdles of coming from a low-income family in a foreign country.

Although many of the 2 million-plus ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries hold Hungarian citizenship, differing high school curricula complicate the task for students who aim to attend university in Hungary. Kincsos example offers a glimpse of what focused mentoring before university admission can achieve.

For her, being accepted into the SzKTP program was only the beginning of the arduous journey to enrolling at Corvinus. It started with a 600-kilometer trip to Budapest for the SzKTP orientation week that was held six months before the February deadline for applications.

Once there, Kincso says, I thought, these guys are really taking the university application seriously, and they want me to succeed.

Some subjects in the math exam required of applicants were unfamiliar to her, such as probability theory and geometry.

After being accepted to SzKTP, two university students tutored me in these topics. I had math tutoring once every week and English tutoring twice a week.

Kincso entered Corvinus in September 2022, and financial aid from SzKTP is now helping her continue her economics studies.

Scouting Talented High Schoolers

A successful university application starts with strong academic performance in high school and possibly one or two language certificates. Young people from less well-off families, though, find the odds stacked against them. An analysis of Hungarian students results on the standardized PISA tests  language, math, and science tests given every three years to 15-year-olds in around 80 countries  concluded that family income and other social conditions influence Hungarian youngsters test scores to a greater degree than in other members of the OECD group of developed countries. Simply put, their family and educational backgrounds make poorer kids less adept at writing a strong university application.

Aiming to help at least a handful of students escape this trap, SzKTPstaff visit 30 to 50 high schools every year in poorer areas of Hungary and promote the program to kids from low-income families. Aided by social media campaigns, these visits generate around 50 to 70 applications annually.

Kincso learned about the program on Corvinuss Instagram account. It offered a little money and mentoring, so I got excited thinking it was worth a try, she says.

Corvinus student Daniel Kinalbegan volunteering with SzKTP two years ago and now heads the team of coordinators  students who handle the many tasks such a program necessitates and look after those selected for it, everything from organizing trips to high schools to promoting the program at public events and on social media.

All this might demand anywhere from a couple of hours to one or two days of his week, Daniel says. The pro-bono work is worth it, both for altruistic and personal reasons: Its the feeling that Im a part of something that goes beyond the individual, he explains.

An additional benefit for him, a Rajk College member, is that contributing to the program comes with recognition and appreciation from other Rajk students. I also gain important experience [learning] about myself and how to work in a team and lead a team effectively, he says.

Annually SzKTP helps 10 to 12 pupils in their final year of high school education. Pupils are selected based on their socioeconomic background and partly on their school performance. The selected students are then mentored by SzKTP program volunteers or professional educators. Mentoring  whether one-on-one or in larger groups  helps the selected pupils to refine their university application strategy and improve high school diploma results.

All this mentoring takes place before the students even submit their university applications. Not only does it boost their chances of winning admission, the program also helps the candidates and their families to clearly see both the benefits and the costs of going to college.

The candidates are given all sorts of preparation material and are welcome to join a summer camp for those planning to apply, run by Studium Generale, a Corvinus student organization, free of charge. In 2022, all 12 high schoolers in the program won admission to the university. In the worst year, seven out of 10 made it, says Dori Harsanyi, a senior ambassador for SzKTP.

These are impressive results when compared to the overall acceptance rate at Corvinus of around 10 percent. The universitys management and international studies programs especially make it a magnet for many of Hungarys brightest students.

Exclusion and Segregation Begin Early

As noted, the Kalman Szabo program helps talented kids who cannot afford to live in Budapest or other big cities and are a little behind their peers in terms of education. However, they are not disadvantaged in other aspects. They are eager to learn, and have supportive families, a roof over their heads, a desk to study at, and a warm home around them. Those who lack such basics usually dont come close to applying to the program or to any university.

Agnes Kende, a sociologist from Central European University who researches Roma issues, segregated education, and regional poverty, argues that segregation starts during the first years of primary school and the real social issue wont be solved by initiatives such as SzKTP, honest and altruistic though they are.

Kids with worse social backgrounds tend to be overrepresented in underperforming public schools and in classes for less academically gifted pupils, while their peers in different classes and schools are much better off. As a result, says Kende, the broad problem of segregation needs to be handled at the state level.

The programs managers are aware of this situation. According to an analysis of potential target groups by Harsanyi and other senior ambassadors, about 1,000 high school seniors  of the nationwide total of some 50,000  could be eligible for the program every year, far more than the dozen or so it now admits.

While small in scale, the program can, however, make a great difference in the lives of the students it accepts. For pupils like Mark Csonka, who had excellent high school grades, the programs second phase, which comes after the candidates are accepted to the university, was especially helpful. During the first year of their study, they are entitled to a stipend of the equivalent of 2,000 to 2,500 euros to help defray the costs of living. Students in dorms pay only 80 to 100 euros a month, but the average price of renting a room in a shared flat is around 250300 euros a month, while a small flat may rent for somewhere between 450 and 600 euros.

Undergraduate tuition at Corvinus ranges from 3,600 to 4,800 euros per year, depending on the course of study, although only around 30 percent of undergraduates, and 10 percent of graduate students, must cover their own tuition costs. Most students are on full scholarships.

Budapest, with the highest cost of living in Hungary, is also the center of the countrys university and research life, home to 21 of the countrys 39 universities. The reality is that many disadvantaged youngsters cannot afford either to commute or live in the capital, even when accepted to a university.

Raduly Kincso, with a father working as a mason and a mother working at a petrol station, has been living in Budapest since September 2022, and plans to settle down there.

My parents do support me, but I dont want to be too much of a burden, she says. We agreed that they pay for my rent, and I pay for the rest: utilities, food, and social programs. The stipend is good for a start, and I will look for part-time job opportunities later.

The stipend can free the beneficiaries from the burden of taking on jobs in their first year when they integrate into university life, familiarize themselves with Budapest, and pass their first exams. These are usually challenging for every first-year student. Students say that whoever gets through the first year will graduate successfully.

An SzKTP survey of 46 previous program participants showed that while almost half did not work during their first year, 40 of the 46 needed to work at least occasionally in subsequent years, when they were no longer receiving the stipend.

The stipend made the difference for me, Balogh says of her first year at Corvinus, helping pay her rent and commuting costs.

After the stipend ended I took a simple but professional job. I worked as an assistant for an accountant.

Friendly Relations With University Management

The university appreciates SzKTP and is always open to its initiatives, says Marton Barta, the director of strategy at Corvinus. According to Barta, Corvinus administrators believe that it has to admit talents regardless of their social background. Last year the university launched its own program for disadvantaged students.

The university can do many things to help kids with disadvantaged backgrounds, but SzKTPs bottom-up, student-led approach can hardly be replicated on the university level, he says.

The university recognizes the importance of SzKTP by granting the beneficiaries 40 extra points (out of a maximum of 500) in the admission process.

Over the past decade, the program has evolved independently of Rajk College, although many student volunteers continue to be drawn from members of the college and its sister institution at Corvinus, the Heller Farkas College of Advanced Financial Studies. Initially, Sandor Revesz says, the president of Rajk College, Attila Chikan, gave it a boost by introducing the student founders to potential donors. However, the university does not provide financial support to the program, so SzKTP raises funds from individuals and businesses. Many donors are alumni of the university or the colleges that run the program, or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Finding these donors and maintaining an active relationship with them is the job of the senior ambassadors.

The number of contributors is between 15 and 20 each year. One of our donors sends 13 euros a month. Its really steady, and we value it a lot. Others have a different approach  one sent 24,200 euros in one transfer. It is our job, the ambassadors, to keep them involved and informed and to renew their donations each year, Harsanyi says.

The programs budget was around 40,400 euros last year, and a small reserve is being built up to ensure continuity in years when the donors are less generous.

One of the main selling points, when we talk with potential donors, is that 80 percent of the total donations are given to the beneficiaries directly as cash stipends. Above that, we pay for teachers who help them with university applications and organize events. Altogether, 93 percent of the donations go to the beneficiaries directly or indirectly, Harsanyi says.

Where to Go From Here?

From the remaining 7 percent, SzKTP pays for bookkeeping services, admin costs, and marketing. Coordinators and ambassadors work pro-bono. Reaching out to disadvantaged students in poorer regions requires a lot of resources. Keeping marketing expenditures low has drawbacks: many potential applicants may never know that the program exists.

The high schools that program volunteers visit are selected unsystematically, often based on informal connections to principals or teachers.

One of the programs weaknesses is that only a few know about it, says Szilvia Szenasi, who herself has more than 10 years of experience in managing NGOs. My intuition about the people running the program was that they are very clever and great at helping the young people in the program, but they lack a lot of marketing knowledge.

Effective marketing and promotion is a widespread problem for volunteer-run, low-budget projects like SzKTP. Its reputation is spreading, though, as shown by rising interest among student associations at other universities, such as ELTE, another of the countrys leading academic institutions. In 2020, a group of ELTE students launched their own Kalman Szabo program for disadvantaged students.

They call it the franchise model since the name is the same as the Corvinus program, and the ideas behind mentoring, financial aid, holding events, and raising funds are much the same as well. And as at Corvinus, the program is run by members of an elite college, the Istvan Bibo College for Advanced Studies, made up of law and political science students at the ELTE law school.

An SzKTP coordinator talks to high school students about the program and other opportunities at Corvinus University and the ELTE school of law.

Thanks to students from Bibo College, SzKTP is now present at ELTE law school as well. We are working on spreading the model further, Harsanyi says. The Corvinus program would like its next franchisee to be a provincial university, or a science and technology institution in Budapest.

In the end, the dual draw of an elite education and the attractions of big-city life prove irresistible for many talented young people, including those in the Kalman Szabo cohort.

I always loved Budapest  it is such a lively city, Kincso says. I thought of going to Cluj Napoca [in her native Romania]to study, but its different. Now I am here in Budapest, and Im very happy  except that I often feel homesick when I am here. But when I am home, I feel that I want to be in Budapest again.

Anyway, I love both places, she adds. If I had to figure this out again, I would do the same thing. I can tell you that!



Peter Hobot is a freelance journalist based in Budapest. His areas of interest include reporting on the effects of economic change and data journalism.
You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber.



Not a subscriber?



Subscribe today for access to:

Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).


Natrona County first responders invite community members to join in climbing stairs equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center to honor the thousands of lives lost during and after 9/11.

On Monday, Fire-EMS departments and law enforcement agencies are hosting the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., Natrona County officials announced in a joint statement.

The symbolic completion of first responders journey to save others on that tragic day honors their sacrifices, the statement said.

There were 2,977 people who died as a result of the terrorist attacks, including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers.

Since then, theres been more than 2,000 additional deaths linked to 9/11 illnesses, the statement said.

The date is synonymous with tragedy, heroism and perseverance, Casper Fire-EMS Public Information Officer Dane Andersen said in the statement.

Every year since, stair climb events serve as an opportunity to remind persons from every walk of life of the incredible fortitude shown by every first responder on that day, and to honor the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives, Andersen said.

Participants should park in the north lots of the Ford Wyoming Center and enter through the main doors to access the arena floor for check-in, the statement said.

There will be a sign-in sheet and release, as well as water stations and easel boards to keep track of the 2,200-step climb, the statement said. Anyone who wishes to walk may also participate by doing so on the arena floor.

Casper Fire-EMS will begin the morning with a bell ceremony and moment of silence, the statement said. This will be followed by the National Anthem.

In addition, a livestream of the 22nd anniversary commemoration ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City will play throughout the morning.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Hosts of all the major late night shows announced they will be back on the air by Monday. Scripted shows will take longer to return, with actors still on strike and no negotiations yet on the horizon.
A man was sentenced for sexually abusing a middle school girl on the Wind River Reservation after grooming her using social media.

As part of a plea deal, Shawn Gardner was sentenced to 34 months for one count of sexual abuse, federal court filings show. He will also pay $832.01 in restitution.

Gardner was facing up to life in prison.

The court recommended Gardner be housed at the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution in Colorado, which is a low-security institution, the federal court filing shows.

Gardner, who was 23 at the time, started sending one girl explicit Snapchat messages during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving in 2022, the complaint in his case states. He propositioned the girl for sex.

On Nov. 30, an Arapahoe Middle School security officer learned of this, and the girl was questioned, the complaint states. She told the security officer that she was aware of another girl involved with Gardner.

A 12-year-old girl had posted videos of herself in the car with Gardner while referencing them being in a romantic relationship, the complaint states.

So, another school resources officer spoke with that girl, who disclosed that she had sex with Shawn Lee Gardner the week prior, over the Thanksgiving holiday, the complaint states.

Gardner picked her up from her home and took her back to his family home, the complaint states. He gave her alcohol and marijuana.

They were drinking Captain Morgan [rum] and Admiral Nelsons [rum], the complaint states. Gardner did not inquire as to [the girls] age and [the girl] did not volunteer any information about her age.

She woke up next to Gardner the next day not remembering what happened, the complaint states. She had passed out.

He assaulted her multiple times and later told her, Dont tell anyone.

Gardner is ordered to have no contact, either directly or indirectly, with the 12-year-old victim, the federal filing states. He is not to have any direct contact or spend time with anyone under the age of 18.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
(CNN)  Hong Kongs top court has ordered the citys government to set up a new framework to legally recognize the rights of same-sex couples in a partial victory for LGBTQ activists that stopped short of their demands for full marriage equality.

Five judges from Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal handed down their decision on Tuesday, following years of legal battles challenging the governments refusal to let gay people get married or form a civil union partnership.

Hong Kong does not allow or grant same-sex marriage or unions, even though homosexuality has been decriminalized in the city since 1991.

Activists had been hoping the court would declare that the denial of same-sex marriage breached equal rights protections in the citys mini-constitution.

Judges ruled the freedom to marry was guaranteed under the mini-constitution but that it only referred to heterosexual marriage.

Instead, the judges ruled in a majority verdict that there was a need for an alternative framework granting legal recognition to same-sex couples to provide them with a sense of legitimacy, dispelling any sense that they belong to an inferior class of persons whose relationship is undeserving of recognition.

The government has two years to comply with the ruling, the court said.

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government said it is inappropriate to give any comment at this juncture until the court has finished receiving submissions from parties over what steps should be taken next.

Uphill battle

Activists in Hong Kong have used the courts as their main avenue to drive changes over the past decade, with both the government and legislature being seen as sluggish in catching up with other more liberal jurisdictions.

And Hong Kongs judges have often sided with them, previously ruling against government lawyers and stating that the citys mini-constitution affords same-sex couples certain protections and equality that they were being denied.

Several successful court challenges have led to same-sex marriages entered overseas being recognized in a handful of areas, such as tax declarations, applications for spousal visas, and parental rights, though the scope remains limited.

In contrast, the case that resulted in Tuesdays landmark ruling was much broader with activists asking the citys top court to rule directly on the issue of same-sex marriage after successive defeats in the lower courts.

The ruling has potentially far-reaching implications for Hong Kongs gay community  and the many overseas nationals who work and live in the city  but it remains to be seen what steps the local government will now take in creating legislation that conforms to the courts ruling.

Jerome Yau, co-founder of Hong Kong Marriage Equality, said he is cautiously optimistic as he awaits further details to be hammered ogut.

Its a major step forward and landmark decision. I understand its not full marriage equality but all things considered, its a good decision, he said.

The battle for greater same-sex equality has faced an uphill struggle in much of Asia, where conservative values still dominate, especially among political elites. At present, only Taiwan and Nepal allow same-sex unions.

Indias Supreme Court is currently debating whether to allow same-sex marriage in the worlds most populous nation.

Polls in Hong Kong have shown growing support for same-sex equality among the public, especially younger people.

But the citys government has long leaned conservative, mirroring official opposition to same-sex marriage and greater equalities on the Chinese mainland.

Hong Kong bills itself as a global financial hub that aims to attract top talent from around the world and businesses leaders have been among those pushing to allow same-sex unions to make the city a more attractive destination.

Jailed plaintiff

The case that resulted in Tuesdays final ruling was brought by now detained pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham Tsz-kit in 2019.

Sham, in his early 30s, organized rallies that drew in hundreds of thousands of people as the convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front during a wave of anti-government protests in 2019.

The group was disbanded in 2021, a year after Beijing imposed a national security law that critics said stifled dissent and shattered the democracy movement. Both Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities have maintained the law was necessary to safeguard national security and restore stability.

Sham, who has been remanded in custody for more than two years on a charge of subversion, is among dozens of prominent democracy campaigners accused of taking part in an unofficial primary election held by the opposition in 2020. Prosecutors have framed the vote as part of a wider move to overthrow the government at the time.

Before his detention, the activist  like many pro-democracy leaders in Hong Kong  had also campaigned on LGBTQ issues.

Raymond Chan Chi-chuen, the first member of Hong Kongs Legislative Council to come out as gay, is a co-defendant in Shams case.

The citys parliament no longer has any opposition lawmakers since Beijing redrew its electoral system in 2021 to ensure only patriots rule.

Court papers said Sham began a stable relationship with his partner in 2011 and two years later, got married in New York.

Sham argued that the Hong Kong governments failure to let him and other gay and lesbian couples get married, or enter some forms of civil union partnership, had infringed upon their rights to equality and privacy.

In mainland China, Beijing has widened crackdowns on LGBTQ activists and groups in recent years, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping increasingly stressing the ruling Communist Partys absolute control over every aspect of society.

Chinas biggest and longest-running LGBTQ festival, Shanghai Pride, was canceled in 2020, with dozens of accounts related to sexual minorities censored on Chinese social media.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "Hong Kongs top court tells government to create legal recognition for same-sex partnerships."
Community members are raising money for a former Teton Science Schools employee who died while summiting Gannett Peak last month.

Jason Graves, 24, had recently left his job at Teton Science Schools to start a future with his girlfriend, Kasey, in Grand Junction, Colorado, the GoFundMe page, organized by Laura Maxwell states.

Teton Science Schools is a nonprofit education organization, which is headquartered in Jackson Hole, according to their website. Its mission is to inspire curiosity, engagement and leadership through transformative place-based education.

There, Graves was introduced to the beauty of the mountains and caught the hiking/climbing bug that would become his passion, the page states.

He returned to Wyoming to say goodbye to a place near his heart, but he fell while descending from Gannett Peak on Aug. 27, the page states.

Gannet Peak is Wyomings highest mountain at 13,804 feet, according to the town of Pinedales website. It is believed amongst mountaineers to be one of the most difficult state high-point summits in the nation.

Graves is described as being a cautious, experienced and accomplished mountain climber, who loved the outdoors, the page states. He summited dozens of mountains including all of the Grand Tetons.

Donations will be used to set up a scholarship at the Teton Science Schools in Graves memory, while also helping his girlfriend with the loss, the page states.

[H]e had recently shared with Kasey his desire to figure out a way to help financially disadvantaged youth experience the Teton Science School... the page states.

People have already donated more than $30,000 since the incident. There is a goal of $38,000.

His family intends to hold a funeral service in Jackson, but the date has not been announced yet.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
A 45-year-old man allegedly fired a gun and ran from authorities Tuesday afternoon causing Alta Vista Elementary School in Cheyenne to be placed into a secure perimeter.

Andy Kirkendall is facing charges of reckless endangering with a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and interference with a peace officer, the Cheyenne Police Department announced Thursday.

On Tuesday, a male suspect allegedly entered the American Legion Post 6 and pointed a firearm at a security camera, Cheyenne police said in a statement.

The male suspect was later identified as Kirkendall.

At the scene, a citizen notified a responding officer that Kirkendall was sitting near the intersection of Big Horn Avenue and East 13th Street, the statement said.

The officer approached him, but Kirkendall allegedly fired the gun and ran away, initiating a chase on foot, the statement said.

Out of an abundance of caution, Alta Vista Elementary School was placed into a secure perimeter, the statement said. No injuries were reported.

Highway patrol troopers joined in the foot pursuit and followed Kirkendall to the intersection of East 15th Street and Bradley Avenue, the statement said.

He is accused of continuing to ignore officer commands to stop, so a Taser was deployed, the statement said.

He was taken into custody without further incident, and the gun was recovered.

After being evaluated by American Medical Response, Kirkendall was booked into the Laramie County Jail.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in Wyoming, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Star-Tribune app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
WHEN the rice finishes, we make dumplings.

Thats the reality for one family because they simply cannot afford to replenish food until the next pay cheque.

Living pay cheque to pay cheque is a dilemma many households are facing in Trinidad and Tobago.
KI is planning a huge homecoming for Carnival 2024.

KI (Kris Persad) and his family band 3Veni have been noticeably absent from the fete circuit for the past five years.

The Toronto, Canada-based former chutney soca monarch says he is longing for the one place where he is at home: the Carnival stage.
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.
A man with a gunshot wound to the leg was arrested near a bar for possession of a gun and ro
Delivered: Irwyn Roach, principal of Tranquillity Secondary School, displays one of several laptops which he collected at the Ministry of Education yesterday.
US Congress' anti-China legislation calculating

09:33, September 06, 2023 By Shi Peipei ( Global Times

Illustration: Xia Qing/Global Times

Members of US Congress, both from the House of Representatives and the Senate, often send joint letters to administrative departments to influence US policy-making on China. Since 2017, lawmakers have been frequently introducing China-related bills, convening relevant hearings, co-signing letters, shaping anti-China media discourse, creating repeated waves of anti-China sentiment. Particularly, since the 118th US Congress, the current meeting of the legislative branch of the US federal government, officially started since January this year, legislative activity concerning China has even further intensified, with the establishment of Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (the "Select Committee"), the introduction of bipartisan China Competition 2.0 bill and sanctions imposed on TikTok, all of which have had a significantly detrimental impact on China-US relations.

The influence of US Congress on policy-making toward China has notably increased. While not all proposed bills are enacted into law, the impact of these proposals on China-US relations have far exceeded any previous period in history.

Against the backdrop of the rise of China, growingly prominent political polarization and racial conflicts in the US, American policymakers have been feeling a sense of crisis. Former president Donald Trump sought to shift focus from domestic issues by making China the scapegoat, he even called China "threat to the world," thereby initiating a relentless campaign to discredit and suppress China. It is within this domestic political atmosphere that political parties found common ground on a China-related agenda and collectively raised the anti-China banner.

US Congress used to play a coordinative role in the country's foreign policies. Yet since the Trump administration, China-related issues have been elevated to a strategic level of US national security. This has, to some extent, encouraged and facilitated the Congress to push extremely negative China agendas. Take Taiwan question, congressional members introduced bills, convened hearings and even made provocative visits to Taiwan island to manipulate the Taiwan question. In 2022, then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi stubbornly made a visit to Taiwan island, under the excuse of supporting "democracy" on the island, even when Biden stated that "the military thinks it's not a good idea." However, shortly after Pelosi's Taiwan island visit, Biden officially signed the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 into law, which aimed to decouple the global semiconductor manufacturing chain from China. An important agenda of Pelosi's Taiwan visit was to persuade semiconductor manufacturers like TSMC to actively cooperate with US chip policies. The signing of this law revealed that Biden and Pelosi were putting on a "two-man show, making political performances and collaborating with each other, and that the US has not abandoned its strategic attempts to divide China.

Under the anti-China consensus, playing the "China card" has become an electoral weapon for lawmakers to gain political capital. It not only helps garner key votes from the middle and lower classes but also gains an upper hand by attacking opponents' weaknesses toward China. Most of the top active congressional members on China-related agendas are veteran anti-China lawmakers and hold important positions in crucial congressional committees such as the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

Simultaneously, there has been a growing presence of new political faces engaging in frequent China-related legislative activities. One major reason for this trend is that junior members, driven by the need to attract attention and expand their influence, frequently participate in negative China-related discussions to boost their political careers. For example, Mike Gallagher, the youngest member of the new Congressional class when he entered in 2017, has proposed numerous China-related bills, earning him the position of Chairman of the Select Committee on China.

In recent years, the US has pursued decoupling and sanctions globally, hyped up ideological competition, and designated China as an imaginary enemy, thereby instigating further disorder and division worldwide and posing a grave threat to global peace and stability. In this context, congressional influence on US policy-making toward China is more negative and damaging than at any other time in history.

These negative China-related bills convey biased value judgments and ideological stances toward China, solidifying a distorted image of China within US society, undermining China's reputation and perpetuating a vicious cycle. The bipartisan consensus on China is not a manifestation of internal unity under democratic systems but rather a strategy for parties to slice up the political interest cake. US politicians, by using the "China threat" narrative, are shifting public's attention from US domestic issue to China. This irresponsible approach not only fails to resolve their domestic issues but further exacerbates social divisions, fuels racism, fosters anti-China and anti-Asian hate crimes, and triggers turmoil and unrest within US society.

The author is an assistant researcher at the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
(CNN)  Former Proud Boys Chairman Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and leading a failed plot to prevent the transfer of power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden.

The sentence from District Judge Timothy Kelly is the longest given to anyone in relation to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack.

Tarrio leaned against a podium at the front of the courtroom and hung his head as the judge handed down his sentence. Three other members of Proud Boys leadership were also found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced last week.

The jury didnt convict anyone for engaging in politics, they convicted Mr. Tarrio and others of engaging in seditious conspiracy, Kelly said Tuesday. I dont have any indication that he is remorseful for the actual things he is convicted of, which is seditious conspiracy and conspiracy to obstruct the counting of electoral votes.

Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader of that conspiracy, Kelly said. I dont really think this is super debatable.

He added: I do think the evidence supports the inference that Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal.

Tarrio had been arrested in Washington, DC, days before the riot for burning a DC churchs Black Lives Matter banner and bringing high-capacity rifle magazines into the district, and was ordered by a judge to leave the city.

But Kelly said that while Tarrio may not have been present at the Capitol during the attack, the Proud Boys leader had an outsized impact on the events of the day. 

While the 22-year sentence is the longest for any January 6 defendant, the Justice Department had sought 33 years in prison for Tarrio.

Kelly had consistently gone far below previous Justice Department sentencing requests for Proud Boys members convicted in this case.

Kelly sentenced Ethan Nordean and Joseph Biggs, two of the far-right organizations top lieutenants, to 18- and 17-year prison sentences, respectively. Zachary Rehl, a local Proud Boys chapter leader, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, while Dominic Pezzola, a low-level member and the only defendant acquitted of the seditious conspiracy charge, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Tarrio: I am not a political zealot

Before he was sentenced, Tarrio apologized for the pain and suffering that law enforcement, legislators, and others suffered on January 6, and vowed to have nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies.

I have always tried to hold myself to a higher standard and I failed, he said. I held myself morally above others, and this trial has shown me how wrong I was.

Standing before the judge in an orange jumpsuit, Tarrio said that he spent the last year and a half trying to figure out how I ended up at this podium. On November 3, 2020, something that I never expected happened  my candidate lost. I felt like something was personally stolen from me. Every media channel that I turned to told me I was justified.

But, Tarrio said, he was against the violence that erupted at the Capitol: I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the outcome of the election was not my goal.

Prosecutor Conor Mulroe slammed Tarrio, saying that the Proud Boys leader had a toxic ability to control others and was the leader of this conspiracy that targeted our entire system of government.

Mulroe described Tarrio as someone with a toxic ability to control others who increased his own fame and stature by fanning the flame of violence, political violence.

These are men who would never strap a bomb to their chest or sign up for a training camp, but they are thrilled by the notion of traveling from city to city and beating their advisories senseless in a street fight, Mulroe said.

The Proud Boys organization, led by Tarrio, were not just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the violence on January 6, Mulroe said. The group had an integral role in that first breach at the Capitol, Mulroe said. The actions of that group were absolutely pivotal on January 6 and followed directly the plotting and planning of Enrique Tarrio.

Tarrios lawyer Sabino Jauregui fiercely fought additional terrorism sentencing penalties Tuesday, saying that it was not his intention to bring down the United States government, or overthrow the United States government.

My client is no terrorist, Jauregui said. My client is a misguided patriot. Thats what my client is. This is not some foreign national waging war against the United States  he thought he was saving this country, saving this republic.

During the months-long trial, prosecutors showed evidence that Tarrio helped to create a command structure within the Proud Boys in the lead up to January 6 that dictated how members of the organization would work when attending high-profile rallies.

Though he was not in Washington, DC, on January 6, Tarrio expressed his support for the rioters online and was in touch with his co-defendants on the ground, prosecutors said.

Biggs and Nordean, who assumed leadership in Tarrios absence, led the charge at the Capitol, prosecutors said. The Proud Boys were at the front of the mob, breaking past barriers and the police line and smashing windows to let rioters inside the historic building in the first breaches that eventually led to Congress evacuating and temporarily halting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
Passing the baton: Former president of the UN General Assembly Csaba Korosi, right, congratulates his successor, Trinidad and Tobago national Dennis Francis, after he was sworn in as the President of the 78th Session of the General Assembly, yesterday, at the UN headquarters in New York, USA.
As we sit in the comfort of our Caribbean homes and look on in horror at the merciless genoc
The Pima County Sheriffs Department is asking for the public's help in locating a white 2005 Ford Explorer linked to the killing of a 72-year-old man.

On Wednesday, August 30, deputies responded to a call around 6:53 a.m., near East Sahuarita Road and South Sonoita Highway. They discovered Thomas Perry unresponsive man with obvious signs of trauma. He died soon after.

Anthony Cruz, 19, was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives are now asking for the public's help in locating Perry's white 2005 Ford Explorer, It has an Arizona disabled license plate LXH72.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME, the anonymous tips line.
The incoming class at the University of Arizona is being lauded as the most diverse in the school's nearly 140-year history, with 49% of incoming first-year students identifying as non-white.

That's a 2% increase from last year and up 4% from 2021. Over 40% of the incoming 9,000 students are from outside of Arizona and more than 30% are first-generation college students.

Diversity is a high priority for the university, said Kasey Urquidez, the UAs dean of undergraduate admissions and vice president of enrollment management.

Continuing to increase the diversity of our class has remained important since day one for us, she said. We know that the demographics of the United States are also changing. We want to keep up with that as well, so that we are making sure that students feel represented.

The UAs total enrollment is now more than 52,000 students.

Urquidez attributes the influx of diverse students to the universitys community outreach efforts, including the annual Cultural College Days where recruitment teams talk to high school seniors to make sure they understand what needs to get done to be ready for college. Materials are offered in English and Spanish.

Were really just trying to spread all of the opportunities that we have about access to higher education, she said. Were just really trying to make sure that we are out there and present, and really welcoming to everyone that wants to learn more about us. We work with individuals all across the world, really, so that we can just make sure that we're breaking those barriers down.

Freshman Gagana Ameneni, 17, who came from a mostly-white high school in Mesa, said shes encouraged to see a more diverse student population.

It's nice to see different people, said Ameneni, who is Asian-Indian. Hopefully, it will just get better overall, learn about more people and just be more inclusive and realize there's a world out there.

Ameneni also said seeing other people like her on campus is a great learning opportunity.

I love being able to interact with more Indian Americans because I get to learn more about the different cultures of India, she said. It is a huge country, with different languages, customs and foods. It can also differ by families as well, so there's really never enough learning.

Japhet Boubeka, 18, a freshman who is African-American, said being on campus for the first time is intimidating, but the increasing diversity makes him feel more comfortable.

People are coming to the school, they can feel safe, said the Sahuaro High School graduate. They can feel like they belong here at the school even more. It feels good knowing that theres other people who look like me on campus and gives me a sense of community and belonging.

Boubeka also had some ideas on how the UA can showcase campus diversity.

I think the university needs to tighten up their cultural centers and cultural clubs, making sure theyre active and what not, he said. Some centers arent even directly on campus and secluded, and students may not know about them, so definitely letting students know about them as well.

The main takeaway with having more diversity on campus is that students can learn from each other, said Urquidez, the UA administrator.

We really believe that we are learning from one another, Urquidez said. We want our students to have opportunities to learn from different cultures, different backgrounds and learn in their classes, of course, the education that they are here to receive. But there's so much more that happens with just learning from others and being able to be prepared to work the global world that we live in.
While the origins of the Moko Jumbie are disputed, scholars agree on this: the colorful stilt walker was brought to the Caribbean by Africans who were enslaved. The Moko Jumbie has entertained centuries of people celebrating Carnival (the Caribbean take on Mardi Gras).

One account claims the Moko Jumbie is the spirit of Moko, a deity of retribution that has endured incredible mistreatment, yet remained tall, tall, tall. When asked where he came from, the Moko Jumbie might tell a story of walking across the Atlantic Ocean, from West Africa to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Chandra Kimmel remembers Moko Jumbies from her childhood. The stilt walkers, dressed in flamboyant, colorful costumes that concealed their identity, towered over her small frame during the Carnival celebrations on St. Croix.

The Moko Jumbies were a memory she kept of the Caribbean when her family moved to Tucson when she was in school. Her mom, who is Puerto Rican, kept the culture in a different way: through food.

My mom wanted to make sure the culture was instilled in us, that we grew up with the foods we grew up with our whole lives. We couldnt go out and get it, but my mom was making it at home, Chandra said.

When Chandra and her husband decided to open a Caribbean food truck, they named it DC Jumbie: DC for their initials, Daniel and Chandra; Jumbie for the stilt walkers they carried with them from childhood.

Across the Caribbean, youll find a lot of stilt walkers. They ... basically, like, sort of take care of or look over the islands, is what they are, Chandra said. We have the stilt walkers in our logo. Theyre called Moko Jumbies in the Caribbean, but we just took the jumbie part of it.

Daniel Figueroa grew up in Chicago and Miami, in Puerto Rican neighborhoods where his dad sometimes sold food from a cart near a convenience store.

We were surrounded by Latin flavors all the time, Chandra said. When the couple moved to Tucson from Miami, where they met, he loved the slower pace of life here, but he mourned the loss of his cuisine.

When Daniel got the idea to open a food truck in 2012, he was originally thinking small: a hot dog cart, not unlike his fathers. But as the couple started taking the idea seriously, they realized they could fill the niche they both sorely missed.

That kind of created our fusion of flavors. We just wanted to bring Caribbean flavors and Puerto Rican flavors to the desert, because it was sort of desolate here for those flavors. My husband being from the bigger cities and constantly having these things available to him, he was adamant about the public having access to that. Now its 10 years later and were still truckin, Chandra said.

Chandras favorite items off their Caribbean menu are the Puerto Rican staples she grew up with. Arroz con gandules is part of Puerto Ricos national dish. Its the kind of food where everyone says they have a family member who cooks it better than anyone else. The dish is pigeon peas and rice seasoned with sofrito, the flavor-packed base of many Puerto Rican specialties. You can order it at DC Jumbie under the Puerto Rican plate, which also comes with pernil  a slow-cooked pork that Daniel roasts for six to eight hours in their commissary kitchen  and sweet plantains.

But my top would be the triple threat or the tripleta, which is actually a very popular sandwich in Puerto Rico, Chandra said. That one has slow-roasted pork; slow-roasted ham, thats oven baked; and our grilled chicken. (It has) all our toppings  potato sticks, lettuce, onion, tomatoes and our signature sauces: sofrito dressing and our mayo-ketchup sauce.

Chandra said that, because most Latin American food in Tucson is Sonoran, many customers trying Puerto Rican food for the first time might think it would be spicy in an unfamiliar way.

A lot of times we get the question, is it going to be spicy because of the Caribbean aspect? Chandra said. What youll find in the Puerto Rican (food) is more flavors: garlic and culantro, which is a more potent version of cilantro. Youre going to find those really deep flavors in all of the cooking. Not to say Puerto Ricans dont like spice, its usually an option on the side, but Puerto Ricans dont eat too much spicy food.

Authentic recipes, doing everything from scratch, its not the easiest thing to cut corners at all in Puerto Rican cooking. If you dont have the right ingredients, its not going to taste the same, Chandra said.

The importance of heritage ingredients created a serious obstacle for DC Jumbie. Puerto Rican ingredients like the herb culantro and the bread pan sobao are difficult, if not impossible, to find in Tucson.

Theres certain peppers and stuff that we use. The culantro was hard to find at first. So, Cuban bread is not a thing here. Just recently, I think you might find some Puerto Rican breads in Walmart, actually. But thats also always been a challenge since the beginning.

We do a lot of sandwiches, as you know. Were working on that, to get more authentic bread over here. The cost of shipping bread over here is really not worth it at this point. Were exploring our options to see if theres anything we can do on this end of the U.S. because its not readily available here in AZ, Chandra said.

She was finally able to find culantro and the kinds of peppers used in Puerto Rico by working directly with the owners of local Asian supermarkets like Lee Lee. You know, obviously theyre calling these things different names and theyre packaging them different, Chandra said.

Speaking with the owners and letting them know what we need or what were looking for, and putting our heads together and seeing if this is something they could order, or how we could go about getting those items in. Thats how we were able to figure out (if) they could carry this or they do carry this, but they call it something else.

That was definitely a challenge at the beginning. At least the two Asian markets, they do carry, they carry almost everything now. At the beginning, (though) it was scarce, Chandra said.

The difficulty in sourcing ingredients might have contributed to the dearth of Puerto Rican restaurants in Tucson while Chandra was growing up.

There was a Cuban restaurant. I couldnt tell you, it was probably (closed) before I graduated from high school in 2003. I think it closed before then. That was around. It was a deli type of place, a small little restaurant. It had burned down. There was a couple of other little places. But for some reason, I dont know why, Tucson hasnt been able to hold onto these Latin or Caribbean restaurants for very long periods of time, Chandra said.

When she was growing up, Chandra never had the goal of opening a Caribbean restaurant or owning a business. She had dabbled in serving in her twenties, but it took her husbands resolve to convince her to open DC Jumbie with him.

Via his enthusiasm of wanting to do it: my husband is super enthusiastic about things. He was just really excited about it, and it got me really excited to do it as well. I dont know, we just saw an opportunity. There wasnt a whole lot of food trucks other than the Mexican food trucks that were around. We just thought it was a great opportunity to give Tucson an opportunity to have the flavors we grew up with. I think that was the biggest driver. There was just none of that option here. And if there was, I didnt know about it, Chandra said.

Tucsons Caribbean community has grown since they started in 2013. You might see a Cuban vendor selling at the Tucson Meet Yourself festival or have a mojito at Mojo Cuban Kitchen. You might be able to find the ingredients for pernil at Lee Lee, thanks in part to Chandras efforts working with international supermarkets to sell Caribbean ingredients.

When Chandra first moved to Tucson, she was isolated. She had grown up on an island; she had been excited to try someplace new until the reality of being landlocked set in. Her mom was the only Puerto Rican chef she knew.

To Chandra and Daniels children, who are growing up in Tucson, Puerto Rican food isnt just going to be a memory or something kept at home. Caribbean food is part of our culture now, too.

DC Jumbie is a mobile truck. To track its schedule and location, follow them on Instagram.
First lady Jill Bidens positive COVID-19 test this weekend was the latest, and most high-profile, reminder that cases are once again on the rise in the U.S. and in Arizona, where new infections per week have more than doubled since early July.

The Arizona Department of Health Services said on Aug. 30 that there had been 3,457 new cases reported in the preceding week, compared to 1,415 in the week before July 2.

While those numbers are not near the 157,541 new cases reported in one week of early January 2022, at the height of the pandemic, experts say there are almost certainly more  and that those numbers are likely to continue rising.

Im glad Arizona is counting and has a count that theyre comfortable with, said Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association. But I can assure you thats an undercount, theres probably more people out there who have been infected.

Dr. Josh Michaud, the associate director of global health policy at KFF, said that its not really a smart move to try to predict how long an outbreak might last, given the unpredictability of COVID-19 so far. But he and others say the current summer surge will be followed by a winter spike in cases, a pattern that has been seen in recent years.

Even if this particular summer surge doesnt continue on, we will likely see an increase in cases coming in the winter, Michaud said. So if you add those two together that could add up to a significant amount of hospitalizations and other health issues that people are facing.

The White House announced Monday that the first lady had tested positive and was recuperating at the Bidens Delaware home, where she was experiencing mild symptoms. The president, who returned to the White House, tested negative Monday and again Tuesday morning. He has no symptoms, but will be masking when indoors and in the presence of others.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not currently reporting the number of new infections nationwide, it did report that COVID-19 hospitalizations rose 15.7% in the week ending Aug. 26 and deaths increased 17.6% in the same week. Still, both numbers are down sharply from the highs of January 2022.

Will Humble, the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said that it is nearly impossible to gather accurate testing data as was done during the height of the pandemic because of the prevalence of self-tests  meaning fewer documented cases.

Benjamin said that, for Arizona, your hospitalizations  are consistent with what we are seeing nationally. In other words, youre not having a really high level of people in the hospital, but its still too high.

The good news is that the latest variant of the virus does not appear to be as lethal as previous versions.

Over the course of time, this virus has become less and less lethal, Humble said. If you look at those original strains from 2020 those were pretty lethal strains, even up through Delta (variant), it was fairly lethal.

Then we got Omicron, which is what dominates these days, which is far less lethal than any other version of the virus, and far more transmissible, he said.

Experts also said that people seem to be taking the threat seriously, and getting vaccinated when it is appropriate.

For people with medical conditions that put them at higher risk, yeah there are things you need to do beyond getting the booster shot, but for the general population I think its a matter of getting the booster, said Humble, who plans to get his booster next month. It just depends on you, and how much risk you are comfortable with and what your immune system is like.

Michaud of KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, said the people getting infected now are those who are not up to date on their vaccinations, as well as the elderly and anyone with autoimmune conditions.

If they are not up to date on their vaccines in particular theyre at some risk for these severe complications and many of the hospitalizations that we are seeing now fall into those categories, Michaud said.

Many individuals appear to be waiting for the release of the next booster, which the CDC says should be available by mid-September. It will be updated to provide protection against additional strains of the COVID-19 virus, including the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.

While staying up to date on vaccines is important, there are other precautions to take to avoid getting sick, Michaud said.
The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

The movie Oppenheimer is a dynamic display of events surrounding the 1940s Manhattan Project. J. Robert Oppenheimer was an exceptional physicist recruited with other scientists to develop the first atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico. He is given the task of using his knowledge to build the bomb using quantum physics, fission and fusion principles. The movie portrays, in a non-linear sequence, what occurred before, during and after efforts to build the bomb.

Oppenheimer, flawlessly portrayed by Irish actor Cillian Murphy, realizes that if Hitlers Germany builds the bomb first, it could mean the end of civilization. Murphys performance shows Oppenheimer as a brilliant, haunted man who knows that he, his fellow scientists and the military at Los Alamos are in a race against time. Matt Damon does a fine job playing General Leslie Groves in a strong performance, and lending occasional comic relief. The scientists and the military work in tandem, but not necessarily in lockstep as to how things should proceed.

Some events, such as the hearings centered around Oppenheimers suspected link to the Communist Party, are filmed in black and white to differentiate them from what is occurring at other times. Oppenheimer is suspected because his wife and mistress had formerly been Communists. It was not clearly determined whether Oppenheimer was a Communist, but his security clearance was revoked because of the suspicion. Robert Downey Jr. deserves high praise for playing Lewis Strauss, Atomic Energy Commission head, a driving force behind the hearings. He becomes an enemy to Oppenheimer.

Christopher Nolan, the films writer and director, has assembled his film like a large, vibrant puzzle, moving unpredictably back and forth in time. The hearings may be shown, then Oppenheimer as a professor, then the Los Alamos activity preparing the bomb, back to the hearings, to the bombs assembly, then something else. The editing is tight, and the dramatic musical score holds your attention. The photography is masterful, often focused on Oppenheimers expressive face.

A few days prior to the bombs detonation, there is uncertainty whether the bomb may destroy the earths atmosphere. General Groves asks Oppenheimer about the chances of that happening. Oppenheimer responds that they are near zero. Groves says Zero would be nice.

On July 15, 1945, at 5:30 am, the bomb is ignited at the Trinity site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, about 250 miles of Los Alamos. There is bright flash of light, then pure silence for about 10 seconds before a shattering blast is heard. The sound would have taken that long to reach the observers a few miles away. The explosions light could be seen from 200 miles. Glass shattered at 125.

Most depictions of the bombs development show the explosion, then the bombs dropped on Japan weeks later. That is not the case here. Those bombings are mentioned only peripherally.

There is a key moment near the end of the film where Oppenheimer talks with Albert Einstein near a pond. They speak of the physics and calculations involved with nuclear weapons and what could happen if more powerful bombs are created and utilized. It demonstrated that two of the most brilliant men in the 20th century knew the consequences should the nuclear button ever be pushed.

The last minutes of the film are sobering, with Oppenheimers face reflecting the concerns of what he had helped unleash. One can only imagine his reaction to the threats, uttered in the past few years of actually using nuclear weapons. The message is that there is zero margin for error, with mutual annihilation the eventual and final outcome.

Oppenheimer is a long, multi-layered film intended for those who appreciate meaningful, thought-provoking work. It is filmmaking at its most powerful, utilizing all senses and intellectual abilities. Its lessons are intended to provoke its viewers to sober evaluation.






Lowering resource comparison proxy

Since 2017, the actions of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) give the appearance of conspiring with the states electric utilities to protect them from competition by:

Changing the rates solar customers receive for the excess power to ensure the cost of their systems do not pencil out

Denying third-party providers using lower-cost renewable energy access to utility customers.

Commissioner Meyers argument that non-solar customers are subsidizing those who have rooftop solar is so obviously erroneous one must question his fitness to serve. To bridge the gap between the supply of renewable energy and the demand for power, TEP burns natural gas and transmits electricity. That is much more expensive than just allowing excess electricity to flow from solar to non-solar neighbors.

If Meyers and the ACC dont like subsidies, they should hold the utilities responsible for the externalities they create but do not have to pay for  indisputable costs from burning fossil fuels and vaporizing the states scarce water resources.

Steven Lesh

East side

MAGA mugshot

I wonder how many hours Donald Trump spent practicing his mugshot face in his bathroom mirror at Mar-a-Lago? He must have worked very hard to perfect it as visions of T-shirts and mug-shot coffee mugs danced in his head. Good job, Donald  the photo perfectly reflects your inner qualities and your true essence. A pictures worth a thousand words.

Deb Klumpp

Oro Valley

Trump vs. Hitler

Re: the Aug. 25 letter Stop the name calling.

The letter writer is disturbed that so many equate Donald Trump to Hitler. While it is true Trump has not overtly called for violence against Americans, the comparison is based on more than a dislike of Trumps personality or policies.

As a young man, I read William Shirers Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. The behavior of todays Republican party is eerily reminiscent of Shirers descriptions of the behavior of the German National Socialist Party (Nazi party). Hitlers rise to power was made possible by the acquiescence of businessmen and Christians to his hatred of Jews, homosexuals and others. Trump is using that same playbook to appeal to Americans.

So, I agree that equating Trump to Hitler is not productive. What we need to do is equate six of the eight Republicans on that debate stage, and their audience, to the German National Socialist Party.

Steven Brown

Midtown

Old or dementia are the options

Re: the Aug. 29 article New poll: Biden old, Trump corrupt.

I think Trump, not Biden, is having dementia issues. Trump (Inmate #1135809) will soon be 78. Biden will be 82. Id rather have someone who is 82 years old and clear-headed run the country, than a 78-year-old with dementia.

Alison Hughes

Midtown

Evolution of energy

Re: the Aug. 17 letter Cheap energy.

He says, There is nothing capable of replacing (cheap energy and hydrocarbons) ... It is not technologically possible for solar and wind to make up the difference.

Hes spouting the nonsense of others before him about replacing horses with automobiles, wood for cooking/heating with gas, and gas with electric lights.

Throughout civilizations history, changes were made for better ways to provide energy to accomplish a needed task. The filthy skies of London, New York, and many other cities were cleared up by replacing coal as the source of heat energy. More homes are being built or retrofitted to avoid the hazards of gas and line delivery issues.

The beginnings of electrical delivery and installing gas stations took many decades, yet now you feel reluctant to replace them with safer and better systems? Thats the natural evolution of energy production. So, be ready to smell cleaner air and drink cleaner water as our children and grandchildren lead us, the current polluters, into the new world of energy provision.

John Roldan

West side

Right wing whining

Re: the Sept. 1 article Biden Administrations destructive policies.

James M. Quigleys opinion is yet another example of right wing whining about Biden and the Democrats without any support. Democrats want to destroy this country. Really? Among countless other complaints, his comment that Biden wants to go after farmers and put them out of business like Yellow Freight completely misses the historical fact that Yellow Freight was a financially struggling business for years and almost filed for bankruptcy several times. They got an ill advised COVID loan of $700 million dollars from the Trump administration which they could not pay back. Quigleys opinion should have been limited to a couple of paragraphs in the Letters To The Editor section not in the Opinion section as if it were a scholarly opinion with merit.

John Coinman

West side

Join International Friends!

The Fall semester at the University of Arizona recently began. Nearly 6,000 of the students enrolled are from other countries.

International Friends is a 70-year-old non-profit organization that pairs international students attending the U of A with Tucson individuals and families to share interests, cultures, and to have fun. The only obligation is to do some kind of social activity together once a month over the course of the academic year  meet for coffee, attend a movie, go for a hike.

We would like to expand our pool of Tucson hosts that match with international students. We strive to recruit hosts that reflect the amazing diversity of our Southwest community, and encourage individuals and families of all backgrounds and ethnicities to join.

Signing up is easy! Potential hosts go to ifriendstucson.org, click on the SIGN UP button, and complete the Host Application. Once approved, applicants will receive a follow-up email about the student matching process.

Email info@ifriendstucson.org with questions or concerns.

Randy Spalding and

Patricia Gilman, Co-Chairs,

International Friends

Downtown

Healthcare and politics

Im writing about how one of my health care providers responded to me with a political retort.

As I was finishing up a post-oral surgery visit, I commented that COVID seemed to be surging and mandated mask wearing might be reinstituted. The dentist responded COVID has been overblown and mask mandates were only a way for government to control our behavior. Further, he said that there is little to fear from COVID and that he would not die from it.

While I agree that mandates and laws are instituted to control behavior, this health professionals response surprised me  labeling public health measures as unwarranted government control politicizes public health care with potential detrimental results. As I see it, government control, in this case, is enacted to reduce mass infections and deaths, not some sinister political plot. A more appropriate response from you would be on the side of protecting people from illness and diseases instead of weaponizing public health care.

Richard Fridena

West side

Dream of justice

I, too, have a dream. I have a dream that one day Donald Trump will not be judged by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character. I, too, have a dream.

Theron Smith

Green Valley

VA medical heroes

I recently spent a full day, (8 hours), moving a veteran from the VA hospital to his home. What was remarkable was the professional care, the personal concern, and the respect for the patients by every staff member at the hospital. Everyone took the time to explain the options available, the risks and the benefits of each choice in a caring and clear manner. I was involved in the staff discussion of how best to move him and his belongings, and the concerns for the patient were always the most important consideration. The length of time to make the move was due to the problem of moving some heavy possessions, not from any staff delays. At no time was the monetary expense of one course versus another ever mentioned. What a refreshing experience. I was exhausted after the day, yet the staff at the VA does this every day.

Don Ries
A teen has been arrested in connection to a fatal shooting in a Tulsa apartment complex parking lot Monday night.

Keandre Shivers, 14, was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on a first-degree murder complaint, the Tulsa Police Department reported in a social media post. Under Oklahoma law, a 14-year-old charged with murder is considered a youthful offender and charged as an adult, police said.

Officers responding to a shooting call about 11 p.m. Monday at the Apache Manor apartments found 24-year-old Gregory Robinson unresponsive in a parking lot, according to the TPD post. Robinson was rushed to a hospital and later died of shooting injuries.

During their investigation, detectives determined Shivers was in the parking lot with Robinson when a scuffle broke out over a gun and Shivers shot Robinson before running away, according to the TPD post.

Officers served a search warrant at Apache Manor on Tuesday afternoon where they recovered the gun used in the shooting and took Shivers into custody, police said.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock 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

OKLAHOMA CITY  An appellate court has sided with the Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education after a parent sued because he was tossed out of a meeting during public comment about the districts bathroom policy.

State law requires that students use the bathroom of their biological sex.

Stillwater had been in the news for a 6-year-old policy that allowed males who identify as females to use the womens restroom. The board later adopted a policy in accordance with recently enacted state law.

At an April 12, 2022, board meeting, parent Brice Chaffin signed up to address the board saying he wanted to speak on the policy that allowed biological boys to use the restroom for biological girls.

The court order states Chaffin was told on two occasions to focus on the policy but did not redirect his comments and appeared to follow a written script.

His comments talked about laws governing a persons relationship with God and Gods creation of males and females.

His microphone was cut off, but he continued to speak. Officers escorted him away from the lectern.

Chaffin and Reclaim Oklahoma Parent Empowerment Inc., called ROPE, sued in Payne County District Court and lost.

They appealed to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, which issued a ruling Friday siding with the board and district.

Chaffin and ROPE had argued that school violated his right to freely exercise his religion, the Oklahoma Constitution and the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act.

The record shows he was curtailed for his failure to address the topic under discussion and being guided back to the topic twice by the board, the order said. Plaintiffs cannot establish the board substantially burdened his free exercise of religion.

The court also denied his and the organizations request for attorney fees.

Maria Seidler, Chaffins attorney, said the ruling will be appealed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

She said the ruling was a stretch in legal gymnastics to dismiss the claim.

She said lower courts are behind on rulings rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court when it comes to school boards versus parents.

Stillwater Public Schools had no comment.

Chaffin in 2022 made an unsuccessful bid for House District 33. Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, defeated him after winning 52.11% of the votes in the primary.

Gov. Kevin Stitt in May 2022 signed into law Senate Bill 615 requiring students to use the school restroom that corresponds with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

Schools are required to make reasonable accommodations for students who do not want to follow the requirement.

Schools that fail to comply could lose up to 5% of their state funding.

In 2022, Stillwater adopted a policy to comply.

In accordance with OK SB 615, all multiuse restrooms and changing areas have been designated as either intended for male or female use, according to the school handbook. Private, single-use restrooms are also available for any individual. Students and staff must comply with state law by using the restroom that aligns with their gender as indicated on their birth certificate or a single-use restroom/changing location. Failure to follow this rule will result in disciplinary action.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel 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

U.S. Sen. James Lankford continued his offensive against the Chinese governments connections to American educational institutions on Tuesday with legislation to bar U.S. universities from shared research projects with Chinese counterparts with ties to the Peoples Liberation Army.

As a member of the Senate Intelligence and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees, Lankford has been highly critical of Chinese involvement in U.S. schools and higher education institutions.

The Chinese Communist Party is working to undermine and challenge the U.S.  not just internationally, but on our own soil. They are creeping into our education system at the university and K-12 levels to destabilize, misinform, hack, steal, and propagandize, Lankford said in a Tuesday press release.

The CCP has used these connections to steal American innovation and exert political influence over students, faculty, and their families, Lankford continued. But theyre finding new ways to engage malignly with our schools, from K-12 to universities and colleges who are often connected to the U.S. government through contracts.

The Chinese government backs or has backed several programs designed to improve its image in the United States. The extent to which those programs are used to spy and recruit is a matter of some discussion.

Last month the Biden administration extended for six months a 1979 shared research agreement with China that would have otherwise expired Aug. 27.

According to news reports, the agreement has allowed joint research in areas such as medicine and air pollution control that have benefited both countries. The agreement does not include sensitive or classified research, but as tensions between the U.S. and China have grown, opposition to renewing the pact has increased.

Lankfords bill does not specifically address the agreement but is consistent with that opposition. It is also consistent with Lankfords positions on Chinese activity in the United States.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock 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

OKLAHOMA CITY  Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, announced Tuesday that he will not seek a third term in the Oklahoma Senate.

First elected in 2016, Dugger said he would complete his current term representing Senate District 21, which concludes in November of 2024.

The district includes much of Payne County and parts of Creek County.

It has 22,802 registered Republicans, 11,342 Democrats, 8,186 independents and 513 Libertarians, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.

Serving in the Oklahoma Senate has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am forever grateful to the citizens of District 21 for entrusting me to be their voice at the Capitol, Dugger said. When I was first elected to the Legislature, I told myself eight years would allow enough time to help make a positive difference in our district.

He replaced the late Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater, who did not seek re-election. Halligan was past president of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Dugger is chair of the Senates Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies and holds seats on the full Appropriations Committee, the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Budget, Public Safety, Retirement and Insurance, and the Tourism and Wildlife Committee.

A retired certified public accountant and veteran, Dugger has been a Stillwater resident since 1979. He is a former city council member and vice mayor.

Senator Dugger has been an incredible friend and colleague to me and many others in the Senate, said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. His commitment to public service is unmatched. Whether it was his dedication at a younger age earning honors as an Eagle Scout, his service to his community through the Stillwater Chamber, as a board member of the Red Cross and his commitment to volunteering at several local nonprofit organizations, he embodies what it means to have a servants heart.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Tim Stanley Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Tim Stanley 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

PAWHUSKA  The location of a long-missing Osage County teenagers remains could be revealed in drawings made by the infamous serial killer whom authorities now believe was responsible for her disappearance.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden, in a CNN interview last week, said that the publics help is being sought in an effort to identify barns and silos depicted in sketches drawn by Dennis Rader, better known as the BTK killer.

The announcement came after Virden recently declared Rader the prime suspect in the 1976 disappearance of 16-year-old Cynthia Dawn Kinney of Pawhuska, as well as other unsolved crimes across three states.

Virden said its believed the killer may have buried Kinney in a barn near the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

Authorities released three drawings of Raders showing bound women being held inside barns, which are believed to possibly tie in with actual locations where he committed crimes.

Were hoping that releasing these, someone might recognize one of these barns or the unique features in them, or the closeness of the silo to the barn or possibly might have even found items that they didnt know why were there that could be very important in this case, Virden told CNN.

Even if the barns not there anymore, we would still like that information.

Investigators believe one sketch could be linked to another missing person  a woman last seen in southeast Kansas in 1991. Her name has not been made public in connection with Rader at this time.

Rader, 78  whose self-given nickname BTK stands for Bind-Torture-Kill  is serving multiple life sentences in a Kansas state prison. He confessed to 10 murders, all of which were in Wichita.

Authorities have no direct evidence yet linking Rader to the Kinney case. But the circumstantial evidence, they say, increasingly points to him.

That includes writings recovered after Raders 2005 arrest in which he mentions a Bad Wash Day and indicates he was targeting a brunette at a laundromat.

Kinney, who had short brown hair, disappeared from Osage Laundry in Pawhuska, where she was working on June 23, 1976.

At around around 9:45 a.m., she walked out of the laundry and got into a car, described as a beige 1965 Plymouth by witnesses, who also reported seeing other individuals within it, including the driver, a male, and possibly two females.

Kinney left behind her purse and a half-eaten doughnut.

Authorities have not been able to determine whether Rader was ever in Pawhuska, but said he worked for the security company that installed alarms at a bank across from the laundromat.

In an effort to find direct evidence, Osage County officials recently searched a former property of Raders in Kansas and removed several items for further analysis. Rader was known to keep tokens or personal effects from his victims.

In recent prison interviews with Virden and other authorities, Rader denied committing any murders beyond the 10 to which he confessed.

The public may submit tips to 918-287-3131, info@ocso.net or online at ocso.net/send-tips/.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Potential for trade and investment growth between Vietnam and Australia remains huge, but several obstacles over limited knowledge about the needs, the market, stringent import standards, complicated procedures, poor trade connection, and weak free trade agreement utilization are slowing down the formers export and import activities to the latter, Vietnamese experts told a roundtable held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

In any trade partnership, [Vietnamese enterprises] face some challenges during their investment and expansion processes, To Ngoc Son, deputy director general of the Asia-Africa Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said at the workshop titled Maximizing Import and Export Opportunities through FTAs between Vietnam and Australia.

One of the biggest difficulties local firms encounter when they export products to Australia is the strict import requirement set by the Australian side, while the wide gap of technology has made it hard for Vietnamese firms to meet tough standards, Son said.

Besides, he attributed poor access to knowledge about the Australian market and the needs of Australian consumers to Vietnams modest exports to Australia.

Vietnams Australia-bound export growth averaged out at 4.46 percent per year during the 2009-22 period, according to Ngo Chung Khanh, deputy director general of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Many of Vietnams potential agricultural products have yet to enter the Australian market due to prolonged procedures, Son stressed.

Vietnam and Australia are among signatories of the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which took effect in 2010, 2019, and 2022, respectively, said Khanh.

Several enterprises have failed to either access information about these free trade agreements (FTAs), or tap these FTAs effectively, Son said.

Apart from fiercely competing with many exporters from other nations, Vietnamese firms are facing the added barriers of geographical distance, cautious investor sentiment, and receiving limited funding support from the government.

To Ngoc Son, deputy director general of the Asia-Africa Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is pictured briefing on Vietnam-Australia trade activities. Photo: Tieu Bac / Tuoi Tre News

To spur Vietnams exports to Australia, Son suggested that state agencies should popularize information about the latters market as well as and FTAs to facilitate domestic export activities.

Also, the government should strengthen trade connections and speed up the exportation of potential farm produce to Australia.

Local enterprises hinted at proactively equipping themselves with knowledge about the market, FTAs, and export standards set by Australia.

They should improve the quality of products and diversify their partners to accelerate their shipments to the Australian market, he added.

Ngo Chung Khanh, deputy director general of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, introduces Vietnams regional connection through FTAs. Photo: Nghi Vu / Tuoi Tre

Echoing the view, Khanh said that enterprises should not only enhance their production quality, but also build a sustainable export strategy, and learn more about FTAs.

As for Australian firms, Khanh encouraged them to roll out more marketing programs to access Vietnamese consumers, foster cooperation with Vietnamese firms to form a long-term supply chain, and meet all requirements on investment in Vietnam.

These recommendations are expected to bolster Vietnam-Australian trade and investment activities.

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Australia grew an average 14 percent per year from 2010 to 2020.

Between January and July, two-way trade reached US$8.1 billion, down 14.3 percent year on year, said Son.

In 2022, Australia was Vietnams seventh-largest trade partner, while the latter was the formers 10th-biggest trade partner.

Over the past 50 years, Vietnam and Australia have made great strides in various fields, including trade and investment.

The two nations will keep deepening their relationship and upgrade it to a new height in the future, said Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia in Ho Chi Minh City.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
It was a hot sunny morning in August 2013. I stepped off an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur, through Immigration and out into the early morning sunshine of Ho Chi Minh City. With no return ticket, I had no idea what was ahead but somewhere deep inside, I just knew I had made the right decision to live in Vietnam. But why Vietnam?

Back ten years ago, the visa system was a very different process. I was largely unaware of my options and I arrived on a tourist visa, not knowing that there were other options and requirements; however, I soon learned the rules and I was able to make the changes that allowed me to stay in the country for a longer period.

After an extended period of transformation, Vietnam, again, has opened up-to-three-month tourist visas for travelers. This was the first visa I applied for when I arrived in the country a decade ago. As more and more Westerners again visit Vietnam, this has prompted me to reminisce about my motivations to move to Vietnam as my ten-year anniversary approaches.

I can confidently admit that for most expats, moving to Vietnam is not a simple or easy process. There are many rules and regulations around visas, banking, employment, and just about everything that we need to learn and work with, and we quickly realize that we take these things for granted in our own countries.

My story of 'Why' starts way back in 1965, some two years before I was born in Australia. When the U.S. became involved in the conflict here in the early 1960s, Australia was called in to support an 'Allied Force' of nations.

And for me, because of my familys involvement here in the mid 60s, I arrived into the world with my family having this secret word that was rarely mentioned at home. The word was 'Vietnam.'

And as a young child I had no concept of where it was, what it was or why it was occasionally mentioned at home but I did know that some of my family had been there before my birth.

Well, this set up a personal story that covered the first 18 years of my life. Then I grew up and moved away to take on my own family and career. Around 25 years passed and in 2012, with little memory or thought of my childhood, fortune allowed me the opportunity to visit Vietnam on a holiday. It was this week that changed my life forever.

As the memories of my childhood returned, I found that I was not just taking a holiday but I was on a pilgrimage to join the dots and understand many of those 'secrets' of my childhood that always seemed to include the word 'Vietnam.'

This was to be more than a pilgrimage, however. In just over a week, I learned so much about the culture, spirit, and perfect imperfections of Vietnam. It was a learning experience that brought meaning and purpose to my life.

Returning to Australia, I found that my daily thoughts and my heart focused continuously on Vietnam, such was the impact of the friendliness and hospitality of the people. From a childhood memory, Vietnam became an amazing place, a friendly community, and an adventure that I was compelled to explore.

A visitor has her photo taken in front of a coffee shop in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Ray Kuschert / Tuoi Tre News

It didnt take long before the emptiness of not being in Vietnam ate away at my spirit. My desire to be here grew stronger and stronger with each day that I was away. My daily conversations were with the group of friends that I was fortunate to meet on my travels and I even started to try to learn the language, albeit unsuccessfully at first.

It was just a year and a week after my first holiday when I walked out of Tan Son Nhat airport having made the ultimate decision to give up a career, most of my possessions and say goodbye to my friends and family. I took the risk to move to Vietnam to explore the country and give myself a new purpose that was to change me forever.

Rather than relaxing and taking it easy, I quickly got working and over the next ten years I would develop a new career that would include a wide range of study, freelancing, YouTubing, and more work than I can ever imagine. In fact, I think that after ten years in Vietnam I have never worked longer or harder in my life, but I enjoy what I do and I consider myself very lucky.

My fortune didnt just focus on career and work. With some great friends in Ho Chi Minh City, I have had the privilege to be part of teaching blind children to swim, raising money for orphanages across southern Vietnam, and other charity work to help local communities.

I took up bicycle riding and have experienced backroads and locations of southern Vietnam that I could not have dreamed of ever seeing, and just two years ago I did something truly amazing: I got married to a beautiful Vietnamese woman that is now my wife.

It has been a decade of privileges. The greatest privilege is that of being accepted as part of the Vietnamese community and being able to make people's lives better. I will forever appreciate the smile of a stranger on the Ho Chi Minh City street. I will forever enjoy asking 'Whats your name?' and 'How old are you?' to every child that wants my attention for a moment. And I will be forever thankful for the opportunity to learn and find my purpose in life being part of one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, Ho Chi Minh City.

A file photo shows busy traffic on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, October 4, 2021. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

If you are choosing to move to Vietnam for work, marriage, or family reasons, there are a number of rules and regulations that need to be followed under the new visa laws. Make sure you understand what is needed before you book your flight. Visa agents and law firms in Vietnam can assist you with complying with the relevant laws. Also, people working in Vietnam must have a work permit, or exemption if you are married to a citizen, and this comes with the ability to apply for a two-or-three-year Temporary Resident Card. Get qualified advice before arriving in the country because it can save you a lot of time and money.

Living in Vietnam is not for everyone. At times there are challenges and not every day is easy. But if your heart and soul are here then you will have good days and bad days, but the life-changing moments, happy days, and experiences you will have are sure to be memorable.

As I celebrate ten years of living in Vietnam, I want to say thank you for the honor of being accepted and for allowing me to give my energy to make Vietnam just a little better. Vietnam, for me, really does have 'Timeless Charm.'

What I learned is to choose your home for the right reasons and your life is lived with purpose and meaning. With well over 100,000 expats here, every story is interesting and should be told. Take a moment to share your story with someone today because every story is unique and worth sharing.

A photo taken in the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Ray Kuschert / Tuoi Tre News

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
NAIROBI -- UN chief Antonio Guterres joined African leaders on Tuesday in demanding urgent reforms to the "outdated and unfair" global financial system, speaking at a landmark climate summit in Kenya aimed at showcasing the continent's green potential.

The Nairobi summit hopes to boost investment in renewables, with the UAE on Tuesday pledging $4.5 billion to accelerate Africa's clean energy transition as the continent's leaders look to reshape its economic narrative.

The three-day conference, which began Monday, has attracted heads of state, government and industry leaders from across Africa, as well as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and US climate envoy John Kerry.

It is billed as an effort to define a shared African vision for green development on the diverse continent of 1.4 billion people ahead of the COP28 meeting in Dubai later this year.

Speakers at the Africa Climate Summit have doubled down on calls to reform global financial structures to align with climate goals, with leaders also urging more investment to support a push towards clean energy.

UN Secretary-General Guterres drew attention to Africa's unequal access to economic opportunities even as the continent bears the brunt of climate-related disasters despite contributing the least to global warming.

"Global governance structures reflect the world as it was, not as it is," Guterres said, calling the international financial system "outdated, unfair and dysfunctional".

"Renewable energy could be the African miracle but we must make it happen," he said.

Kenyan President William Ruto said the continent could not hope to access its potential to be a green powerhouse unless a "just regime" was established.

He said African nations paid five times the borrowing rates of advanced economies, burdening them with mounting debt.

"We want a fair financial system that treats everybody equally. That is not too much to ask," he said.

Wind and solar electricity generation by region. Graphics: AFP

The V20, a group of more than 50 climate vulnerable countries, called for reforms that would channel capital towards cash-strapped nations struggling to attract investment.

"Our focus is prosperity, not mere survival. Expect the V20 to continue to shake the tree of complacency and demand immediate action," said V20 chair Ken Ofori-Atta, who is also Ghana's finance minister.

'Assume your responsibilities'

Despite an abundance of natural resources, just three percent of energy investments worldwide are made in Africa.

On Tuesday, the United Arab Emirates promised $4.5 billion in clean energy investments in Africa -- the most significant pledge so far, with COP28 president and UAE oil executive Sultan Al Jaber saying the funding would "jumpstart a pipeline of bankable clean energy projects in this very important continent".

Maasai men stand while waiting for the opening session to start during the Africa Climate Summit 2023 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on September 5, 2023. Photo: AFP

Jaber, who heads the UAE's national oil company ADNOC and government-owned renewable energy company Masdar, said a consortium including Masdar would help develop 15 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.

Africa's renewable generation capacity was 56 GW in 2022, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Jaber also called for "a complete upgrade" of the global financial system.

With the world falling far short of global goals to limit warming, Guterres spoke directly to G20 nations, whose leaders are meeting in India at the weekend, and told them to "assume your responsibilities" in the battle to reduce planet-warming emissions.

'Universal threat'

Geopolitical tensions have cast a shadow on hopes of finding common ground in the fight against global warming.

But US envoy Kerry struck a cautiously optimistic note on Tuesday, saying he hoped Washington and Beijing "could come together" to tackle "a universal threat".

Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Ranger, Josephat Wangige looks on November 29, 2022 over the carcass of a 32 year old female elephant that he discovered weeks earlier amidst palm bushes and retrieved her tusks after she succumbed to the effects of a ravaging drought at the Amboseli National Park. Photo: AFP

"I do hope that China and the United States, the two largest economies in the world, the two largest emitters in the world, I hope we could come together" on the issue of climate change, Kerry told reporters.

A clean energy transition across the world's developing nations will be crucial in order to keep alive the Paris Agreement goal of capping global warming "well below" two degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, and 1.5C if possible.

To make that happen, the International Energy Agency says investment will need to surge to $2 trillion a year within a decade -- an eight-fold increase.

A coalition of civil society groups has been urging Ruto to steer global climate priorities away from what it perceives as a Western-led agenda that champions carbon markets and other financial tools to redress the climate crisis.
Venice plans to experiment with an admission fee of 5 euros ($5.35) for day trippers next year to try to manage the flow of tourists drawn to its historic canals, the city council said on Tuesday.

The fee will be applied on a trial basis on 30 days next year, focusing mainly on spring bank holidays and summer weekends when tourism numbers are at their peak. All visitors over the age of 14 will have to pay it.

The aim was to find "a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city," Venice tourism councillor Simone Venturini said.

It is not a money-making move, he added, saying the fee would only cover the cost of administering the scheme.

The exact dates of the plan and how it will be run will be agreed after final council approval, which is expected next week.

Tourists walk during a new heatwave as temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in some cities, in Venice, Italy August 22, 2023. Photo: Reuters

The plan, first mooted in 2019, was initially postponed because of COVID-19, which kept tourists away, and later for technical and procedural reasons.

Visitors have meanwhile poured back into Venice, with outsiders often vastly outnumbering the roughly 50,000 residents of the city centre, overwhelming its narrow alleys.

Overtourism has long been a problem for the fragile lagoon city.

In July, UNESCO experts recommended that Venice and its lagoon be added to its list of World Heritage in Danger, claiming that Italy was not doing enough to protect the city from the impact of climate change and mass tourism.
A VH-60N helicopter, commonly known as Marine One when serving a U.S. president, has been sent to Hanoi in preparation for U.S. President Joe Bidens two-day visit to Vietnam starting this weekend.

The VH-60N was transported from the U.S. aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft that landed at Noi Bai International Airport late Tuesday afternoon.

Designed as a VIP version of the UH-60 helicopter, the VH-60N, deployed in 1989, features a four-blade main and tail rotor powered by two General Electric T700 turbine engines.

The aircraft, which carries no weapons, can fly at a maximum speed of over 200 kph and it remains functional to ensure the safety of its VIP passengers when one of its two engines is out of order.

Marine One is equipped with an encrypted communications system to maintain contact between the president, the White House, and the Pentagon in any situation.

The title Marine One was first used in 1957 for a Bell UH-13J Sioux helicopter when it served U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Since then, this title has been used for any helicopters that carry high-ranking U.S. officials, especially the president.

Before the arrival of the VH-60N helicopter, five C-17 flights touched down at Noi Bai over the past several days, carrying specialized cars, equipment, and supplies to serve President Bidens upcoming visit, slated for September 10-11.

The visit has been scheduled at the invitation of Vietnams Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, marking 10 years of comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

This is also the first time an American president has accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam from a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Vietnam and the U.S. established diplomatic relations in November 1995, and the bilateral relationship has fruitfully developed since then, especially after the two nations entered their comprehensive partnership in July 2013.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Chairman of Vietnams lawmaking National Assembly (NA) Vuong Dinh Hue presided over a welcome ceremony for and held talks with Japanese President of the House of Councilors Otsuji Hidehisa in Hanoi on Tuesday afternoon.

Otsuji Hidehisa pays an official visit to Vietnam from Monday to Thursday this week at the invitation of NA Chairman Hue.

This is also his first visit to this Southeast Asian nation since he assumed power in August last year.

During their talks, the top Vietnamese legislator affirmed that the visit has significant meaning as it takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

NA Chairman Hue added that the visit will help facilitate the cooperation between the two legislative bodies, paving the way for consolidating the good friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Vietnamese NA and people congratulated Japan on maintaining its political stability, obtaining many socio-economic achievements, taking the lead in multiple fields, and elevating its position on the global and regional stage.

The Japanese upper house chief thanked Chairman Hue for the warm welcome, saying that Japan attaches great importance to its ties with Vietnam.

Otsuji also took this occasion to express his thanks to the Vietnamese government and NA for donating medical face masks to Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leader of the Japanese House of Councilors pledged further support to strengthen the Vietnam-Japan ties in all fields.

Since the establishment of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in 2014, their bilateral relations have reaped fruitful results with high political trust, according to the two officials at the talks.

Vietnam endorses the upgrade of bilateral ties to a greater height, Chairman Hue said and suggested that both sides continue to enhance cooperation and mutual support at important multilateral forums of which Vietnam and Japan are members, such as the UN, ASEAN, and APEC.

He also proposed both nations strengthen the strategic connectivity between their economies based on their high political trust and much room left for further growth.

Accordingly, Japan supports Vietnam in developing an independent and self-reliant economy which can effectively engage in global supply chains.

He suggested Japan continue to offer official development assistance (ODA) loans for Vietnam to execute socio-economic projects to meet sustainable development goals, in addition to launching new-generation ODA programs in the Southeast Asian country with more incentives and simplified, flexible procedures.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
U.S. President Joe Bidens upcoming visit to Vietnam is expected to deepen the partnership between Washington and Hanoi in various aspects, while helping the latter build a tech-based economy and advance innovation, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper told a press briefing on Wednesday.

He affirmed that Vietnam has a necessary workforce to thrive in the global economy in the 21st century.

The U.S. desires to join Vietnams efforts in forming a tech-driven economy, Knapper said in Hanoi.

As such, President Bidens two-day visit to Vietnam will be a key event, he stressed.

The president will pay an official visit to Vietnam on September 10 and 11 at the invitation of Vietnam's Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This will be President Biden's first visit to Vietnam since he took office in 2021.

His forthcoming visit shows that the United States attaches great significance to the relationship with the Southeast Asia nation.

Our policies for Vietnam are aimed at backing its self-reliance, prosperity, independence. They are offered on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political regimes, Knapper underlined.

Over the past few months, as many as five ministerial-level delegations of the United States have traveled to Vietnam, apart from the visits from several groups of U.S. enterprises, and the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

During the 10-year period of their comprehensive partnership, the two nations have achieved multiple impressive results in numerous fields, said the ambassador.

He hoped that Bidens upcoming visit will highlight these great strides and upgrade the two nations ties in the future.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday had a working breakfast with his Lao and Cambodian counterparts, Sonexay Siphandone and Hun Manet, respectively, on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings, held from Monday to Thursday this week in Indonesia.

The three top officials informed each other of their respective countrys socio-economic growth, discussed issues associated with their mutual cooperation fields, as well as global and regional issues of mutual concern.

PM Chinh asserted that the cooperation with Laos and Cambodia always remains a top priority in Vietnams foreign policy.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) talks to his Lao and Cambodian counterparts, Sonexay Siphandone (R) and Hun Manet (C), on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Indonesia, September 5, 2023. Photo: Nhat Bac

The Vietnamese government leader proposed the three nations continue to address existing problems to quickly finish land border demarcation, with the aim of building and maintaining borderlines of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, for the benefit of each nations people.

The trio remarked that these three Southeast Asian nations have made great efforts to overcome challenges brought about by complicated global and regional developments, while maintaining security and political stability.

The relentless efforts to strengthen trilateral ties among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia hold strategic significance for the three nations.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) shakes hands with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet (R), on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Indonesia, September 5, 2023. Photo: Nhat Bac

The three Cabinet leaders agreed to further maintain regular bilateral and trilateral exchanges as well as the working breakfast mechanism when the trio attend international conferences, so as to tighten their solidarity, friendship, and cooperation.

They also agreed to enhance the effectiveness of the existing cooperation mechanisms, comprising joint efforts to hold the 13th Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Summit and the first meeting of the three countries top legislators in Laos this year.

They said the security and national defense cooperation has been significantly advanced and agreed to effectively implement existing agreements and cooperation mechanisms, boost the sharing of information, and bolster cooperation in fighting against cross-border crime and cybercrimes.

Besides, they concurred that more policies will be adopted to encourage trade and investment collaboration, with a focus on border trade and the border gate system among the three nations.

They underlined the need to jointly maximize the three countries competitive edges in terms of heritages, culture, and cuisine to promote tourism cooperation.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Residents of An Quang apartment building in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City have endured persistent flooding and a foul odor due to an unrepaired sewer problem for nearly a year.

Even on the third floor of the apartment building, residents can still smell the unpleasant odor.

The pitch-dark drainage water has spread on the routes in blocks D, E, and F, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

As a result, residents on the ground floor have to regularly sweep the stagnant water to reduce flooding and mosquitoes.

Many households have also poured gravel in front of their apartments or placed bags of sand and debris along the roads surrounding their apartment building to make their travel more convenient.

A man rides a motorbike on a route flooded with drainage water at An Quang apartment building in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre

The broken sewers have also affected locals business activities.

Tran Trinh, 58, lives and sells bun thit nuong (rice vermicelli topped with grilled pork) at block D of An Quang apartment building, said she had suspended her business for half a year, explaining that no customer wanted to eat on the spot due to the disgusting odor of the drainage water.

Huynh Huu Hieu, a resident at An Quang apartment building in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, sits next to his pump, which works at its full capacity but fails to pump all of the stagnant water in front of his apartment. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Similarly, Huynh Huu Hieu, 37, another resident at the apartment building, said his flat is located at the corner of the routes in the building, where the drainage water flows.

He has spent over VND20 million (US$835.6) buying plastic sheets and graval to cover the ground in a bid to deal with the flooding.

However, the dirty water still runs into his house, so he has to purchase a pump to send the drainage water into other adjacent sewers.

I wish the sewers in my apartment building will be repaired soon to ease residents hardship, Hieu said.

Some households on the ground floor of An Quang apartment building in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City pour sand in front of their apartments to prevent the drainage water from flowing into their flats. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Ngo Thi Viet Binh, chairwoman of the Peoples Committee of Ward 9 in District 10, where An Quang apartment building is located, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the sewer system in the apartment building has been deteriorating.

The district has reviewed and held a tender to seek contractors for the sewer repair.

An Quang apartment building is old [as it was built in 1968] and [the ward] has no funds for the maintenance and repair [of its facilities]. Its operation depends on the citys budget," Binh said.

The District 10 urban management division is taking charge of the tender to repair [the sewer system] and the ward will join hands with the division to do the job."

A motorbike wades through a flooded route while a woman tries to sweep stagnant water away at An Quang apartment building in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Phuong Nhi / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The ABC has signed strategic partnerships with two peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that will see an increase in the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names and languages used on all ABC platforms.

First Languages Australia

The First Languages Australia (FLA) partnership will see a continuation of current projects such as This Place, which shares the stories behind place names, station identifications and ABC Education projects like Good Mornings.

The ABCs Head of Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion, Kelly Williams, said the existing collaborations with First Languages Australia had resulted in the creation of more than 100 pieces of video content featuring place names from around the nation.

This strategic partnership deepens the connections between ABC offices and language centres across Australia to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders languages are included in ABC programming and thus the national conversation.

FLA CEO Beau Williams said: Our partnership with the ABC has been a strong asset in our efforts to increase public awareness of the many hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages of this continent. First Languages Australia is looking forward to continuing our work with the ABC to present community-led and owned stories that share the wonders of our nations.

First Nations Media Australia

The First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) partnership will extend the current focus on collaboration around content, knowledge sharing and industry support for a further three years.

FNMA CEO Professor Shane Hearn said First Nations Media Australia was thrilled to announce the extension of their partnership with the ABC.

This collaboration represents a significant step towards amplifying Indigenous voices and narratives through media and signifies our shared commitment to fostering a vibrant First Nations media landscape. Over the next three years, Im looking forward to us building upon our foundation of content collaboration, knowledge sharing, and industry support.

Our focus on skills development in news and current affairs; content amplification through FNMAs IndigiTUBE platform; and the ongoing contributions of decommissioned resources to our members, will empower Indigenous voices and strengthen our collective impact.

ABCs Kelly Williams said: I am excited that the ABC and First Nations Media Australia are continuing to work together to support and increase the visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and perspectives in the media.

The partnerships will run from 2023-2026 and encourage two-way learning while supporting career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in media.
Australian Story next Monday profiles foreign correspondent Dean Yates.

Foreign correspondent Dean Yates had a reputation for being indestructible.

His employer, international newsagency Reuters, depended on his ability to keep calm while covering traumatic events including the Bali bombing, Acehs tsunami and Israels war with Lebanon.

I just thought I could handle everything, Dean says. When youre able to perform at a high level under extreme pressure for a long period of time, theres the evidence, right? I am unbreakable.

But Deans intrepid reporting came at a personal cost and his own family became collateral damage.

When two of his Baghdad staff were gunned down by American soldiers in 2007, Deans robust exterior began to crumble.

I felt responsible for their safety, and I failed to protect them, Dean says.

In the years after Wikileaks Collateral Murder video exposed the truth about the mens death, Deans mental health continued to deteriorate, and his family bore the brunt of his mood swings.

He lost his temper over small things like a door banging or a dog barking, wife Mary Binks remembers of that time. And hed go to bed for days on end.

He finally found help in a psychiatric facility and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and a moral injury, the harm caused when theres a moral dimension to a persons trauma.

After years of struggle, Dean finally came to understand the extent to which he had no control over what happened to his staff, Namir Noor-Eldeen and Saeed Chmagh.

It was at that moment that I could just feel this weight starting to lift, Dean says.

For now, the house is at peace, son Patrick says. Theres been a ceasefire.

Dean is now determined to share his experience of PTSD in the workplace to raise awareness and bring about a permanent change in attitudes.

8pm Monday on ABC.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

ScreenWell
The logo of CEPSA is seen on the facade of a building at Cepsa Energy Park in San Roque

MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish privately held oil company Cepsa has put is oil wells in Peru and Colombia up for sale, newspaper El Mundo reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources.

The wells represented about 9% of Cepsa's overall production in 2022, the newspaper said without providing any value for the assets.

The company declined to comment on the potential deal but told Reuters it is constantly evaluating its options to maximize the value of its assets within is transformation strategy.

Cepsa, which is controlled by Abu Dhabi state investor Mubadala and U.S. firm Carlyle Group, has said it seeks to become a leader in biofuels and green hydrogen.

As part of that strategy it sold its oil and gas exploration and production assets in the United Arab Emirates to French oil major TotalEnergies earlier this year.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro; editing by Jason Neely)
TikTok has announced that operations are underway at the first of its three European data centers, which the social media app is launching to try to appease Western concerns over privacy.

The so-called 'Project Clover' was initiated after a number of government agencies around the world banned TikTok from employee devices.

The app's parent company ByteDance - a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2020 - launched the initiative to create a "secure enclave for European TikTok user data," according to Theo Bertram, TikTok's vice-president for European government relations and public policy.

The video sharing app said on Tuesday it has started transferring European user information to a data center in Dublin.

Two more data centers, another in Ireland and one in Norway, are under construction, TikTok said in an update.

The app has been under scrutiny by European and North American regulators over concerns that sensitive user data may end up in China.

TikTok unveiled its plan earlier this year to store data in Europe, where there are stringent privacy laws, after a number of Western governments banned the app from official devices.

NCC Group, a British cybersecurity company, is overseeing the project, and will check data traffic to make sure that only approved employees can access limited data types and carry out real-time monitoring" to detect and respond to suspicious access attempts, Bertram said.

All of these controls and operations are designed to ensure that the data of our European users is safeguarded in a specially-designed protective environment, and can only be accessed by approved employees subject to strict independent oversight and verification, Bertram said.

TikTok was recently fined by the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) over its handling of children's data in the EU.

That decision is part of an investigation launched in 2021 into whether TikTok had violated the EUs data protection rules, known as GDPR, by failing to ensure its age verification processes sufficiently protected the privacy of children between the age of 13 and 17.
Trai Hume believes Northern Ireland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2024 are still alive (Photo: Charles McQuillan)

Michael O'Neill's men have travelled to Ljubljana to face Slovenia on Thursday in the first of an away doubleheader still with only three points from their opening four qualifiers in Group H, with those earned away to minnows San Marino in their opening fixture.

Since then Northern Ireland have suffered three consecutive 1-0 defeats, losing at home to Finland and Sunday's opponents Kazakhstan either side of a narrow loss to Denmark in Copenhagen.

But with strikers Josh Magennis and Conor Washington back from injury - even as Shayne Lavery and Dale Taylor have joined the likes of Stuart Dallas, Steven Davies and Corry Evans on the sidelines - Hume believes Northern Ireland can add some firepower to a robust defence.

"We had a meeting yesterday where we talked about us and Finland having conceded the fewest goals in the group," Hume said.

"Defensively we've been alright, it's in the attacking sense we haven't done our best, maybe we've not taken our chance or in the build-up created enough chances for the strikers.

"Obviously we can improve in both areas but if we get more goals, we can get more wins."

Finland and Kazakhstan both have nine points from their opening four fixtures, with Denmark and Slovenia on seven.

Hume feels nobody is out of reach at the mid-point of the campaign.

"The mood is still very high," he said.

"Results haven't gone our way but we still feel as a team we can get something out of the group because it's wide open. There's no one really ahead, it's all very even.

"We feel if we got two results here, two wins puts us right back where we want to be."

Hume started both of Northern Ireland's qualifiers in June and looks certain to be selected again with his main rival on the right side of defence, Conor Bradley, part of that lengthy injury list.

Although his season started with a red card in Sunderlands loss to Ipswich, Hume has become a key figure at the Stadium of Light despite still only being 21, and he wants to carry that into his international career.

Story continues

We have a young group at Sunderland, I feel like playing a lot last season, I have a lot of experience within the group and as I keep playing, I gain more experience.

At the start of the season, the first two games we lost both and I got sent off in the first one which wasnt ideal but weve brought ourselves back, got ourselves higher up the table and hopefully its a sign of things to come.

Whenever we first got promoted from League One to the Championship, I didnt know if I was going to be ready to play or not.

Around Christmas time I got put in, started playing games and I felt good so Ive tried to establish myself at that level and its been good.
A mother-of-four from Northern Ireland has become the latest person to die after undergoing a gastric sleeve operation in Turkey in order to lose weight.

A mother-of-four from the UK has become the latest to die after undergoing a gastric sleeve operation in Turkey, despite the procedures popularity among Britons looking to lose weight. Shannon Meenan Bowse from Londonderry was 32 when she died in August.

And now, her father, Shane Meenan told the BBC has urged people to think again before doing the same. He said his daughter travelled for a gastric sleeve operation 18 months ago but got sick almost straight away.

He also said Shannon could not keep any food down after the operation and her condition deteriorated until her teeth began to rot due to constant vomiting. The family were told she died in Altnagelvin Hospital from malnutrition due to gastric sleeve.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Dr Nicola Herron, a Derry-based GP, said the experience of Ms Meenan Browse and her family was "beyond heart-breaking", adding that doctors in Northern Ireland were becoming increasingly concerned about people travelling abroad for surgery.

She said: "The professionals here are sometimes at a loss as to how to look after people who have come back after this major surgery - because this is a specialist area. That is very worrying. She added most people dont realise how serious the surgery can be.

Mr Meenan, meanwhile, told BBC Radio Foyle, that his daughters death had lost him his heart and soul and he wants others who are thinking about travelling for surgery abroad to know it is about more than just paying the money and booking in and getting it.

Mr Meenan said the only food his daughter could eat without throwing up was broth from ready-made noodles. He said: "She was getting very sick because all she was doing was throwing up and sleeping - thats all she could do.

He said Shannon soon needed emergency surgery, but she got sicker after the malnutrition eventually killed her liver and her kidneys. He said: "They then phoned us and told us she was dying and there was nothing they could do and all the machines were switched off."

Story continues

Now, he wants others who are thinking about travelling for surgery abroad to know that it is about more than "just paying the money and booking in and getting it".

Shannons tragic death is the most recent involving weight loss surgery in Turkey. According to a BBC investigation report in March , seven British patients have died after receiving weight loss surgery in Turkey, while others returned home with serious health issues.

Weight loss treatments are available on the NHS . However, long wait times and the high cost of private healthcare have led some patients to seek treatment abroad. These procedures typically cost between 9,500 and 15,000 in the UK when received from private practitioners. Prices in Turkey are significantly lower, sometimes costing as little as 2,000.

The most common types of weight loss surgery include a gastric band, gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, working to increase weight loss as the stomach becomes fuller quicker. This is achieved either through the placement of a band, the joining of the top part of the stomach to the small intestine, or through the removal of part of the stomach.
WALSALL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Philippe Coutinho of Aston Villa during the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and SS Lazio during the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and SS Lazio at Poundland Bescot Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Qatar Stars League side Al-Duhail SC are closing in on the signing of Aston Villa attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a season-long loan deal, according to a reputable report.

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away on Deadline Day last week but nothing was ever completed. Now, though, it appears hes on his way out.

As the transfer window in Qatar doesnt slam shut until September 18, there has been plenty of time for the details of the move to be ironed out and its getting closer.

Fabrizio Romano reports Al-Duhail have finally sealed an agreement with Villa to take Coutinho on a temporary basis, covering his entire salary for the 2023/24 campaign.

Its claimed Coutinho rejected approaches from Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas and Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis in order to move to Qatar.

It was somewhat of a dream come true when the former Liverpool man headed to Villa Park from Barcelona in January of last year but injuries have halted his progress.

The 31-year-old has scored just one competitive goal in 2023 and that came in the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in February  a game in which he went off injured.

Pre-season was very promising this time around and a couple of cameos off the bench excited supporters but that was once again ended prematurely.

Coutinho went off with an agonising hamstring pull against Everton recently and hasnt played since. Villa fans will be hoping his season abroad helps rekindle his form and fitness.
(Bloomberg) -- China-linked hackers breached the corporate account of a Microsoft Corp. engineer and are suspected of using that access to steal a valuable key that enabled the hack of senior US officials email accounts, the company said in a blog post.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The hackers used the key to forge authentication tokens to access email accounts on Microsofts cloud servers, including those belonging to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Representative Don Bacon and State Department officials earlier this year.

Read more: Congressman Bacon Says Emails Hacked in China-Linked Campaign

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Microsoft disclosed the breach in June, but it was still unclear at the time exactly how hackers were able to steal the key that allowed them to access the email accounts.

Microsoft said the key had been improperly stored within a crash dump, which is data stored after a computer or application unexpectedly crashes. The crash dump was then moved into Microsofts production environment, where a compromised account belonging to a Microsoft employee could access it. The key was stolen sometime after April 2021, the company said.

However, because Microsoft didnt have relevant logs, it didnt have complete confidence in its assessment of how the key was stolen, according to the blog.

Due to log retention policies, we dont have logs with specific evidence of this exfiltration by this actor, but this was the most probable mechanism by which the actor acquired the key, Microsoft said in its blog.

Read more: Commerce Chief Raimondos Email Hacked in Breach Tied to China

Story continues

The incident has brought fresh scrutiny to Microsofts cybersecurity practices. Following a demand by US Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, for investigations into the incident, Bloomberg News reported that the Cyber Safety Review Board would study the incident, as well as other cloud security vulnerabilities.

In its blog post, Microsoft identified five different errors in how its systems are architected that have been corrected.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Malcolm Cullen (left) with the Strong family at the crash site of the Liberator bomber. (Image: Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre)

A Pembrokeshire country lane has become a point of pilgrimage for a Canadian family who are following the wartime trail of a relative who survived an aircraft crash on that exact spot.

Graham Strong, his wife Noel and two sons, travelled from Thunder Bay in Ontario, to meet up with aviation historian Malcolm Cullen of Marloes.

In January 1943 Grahams grandfather, Sergeant Roy Strong, was flight engineer on an RAF Liberator transport with 17 crew and passengers which crashed attempting to land at Talbenny airfield.

Three died - one of the pilots and two high ranking Army officers returning from the war leaders conference at Casablanca, Morocco.

Grahams enquiry about the crash came to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre and was forwarded to Malcolm who has researched RAF Talbennys wartime history and knew the exact location where the four engined aircraft came down.

Malcolm, a founder member of the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group, said: Liberator AM913 was one of the first to be operated by the RAF. Within sight of the airfield an engine went on fire and fell off and another engine failed and the Liberator crashed in a field by a road.

Added Graham: My grandfather survived but suffered a broken back. We are most grateful to Malcolm for taking us around the area and for all the information. Its a piece of family history that I understand better now.
Enbridge Inc logo is seen displayed in this illustration taken April 10, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

Enbridge shares (ENB.TO)(ENB) fell on Wednesday as investors digested the Canadian pipeline operator's plan to buy three U.S. natural gas utilities in a deal worth US$14 billion.

Enbridge announced its vision to create North America's largest natural gas utility platform shortly after the close of trading on Tuesday, sending New York-listed shares about seven per cent lower in the after-hours session.

Toronto-listed shares fell 5.50 per cent to $45.51 as at 11:10 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Enbridge says the deal would double the size of its gas utility business through the acquisition of the East Ohio Gas, Questar Gas, and Public Service of North Carolina from Virginia-based Dominion Energy. Under the terms, Enbridge would pay US$9.4 billion in cash, and take on US$4.6 billion in debt.

The company plans to fund the transaction through a combination of debt and equity. On Tuesday, it announced a major bought deal to raise $4 billion through the sale of 89,490,000 common shares to underwriters led by RBC Capital Markets and Morgan Stanley at a price of $44.70 per unit.

"When you issue equity, there is always going to be a little chop in the market," Enbridge chief executive officer Greg Ebel said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

"What we're telling investors, and what I expect will play out here, is investors are really going to like the returns that we're able to generate in this business."

However, Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. analyst Colton Bean says the bought deal came at a "steep cost," in a note to clients on Wednesday.

"The concurrent announcement of a $4 billion bought deal offering largely derisks financing, though at a steep cost, with the equity offering coming at a seven per cent discount to prior close," he wrote.

Enbridge says it expects the acquisition, which requires U.S. state and federal approval, to close next year. The company projects the new assets will be cash-flow accretive in the first year of ownership.

Story continues

"We have a transaction that represents a rare and unprecedented opportunity to acquire high-quality growing natural gas utilities at scale and at a historically attractive valuation," Ebel said on a conference call Tuesday evening. "A gas asset package of this size has not hit the market in at least a decade."

Ebel added that acquiring the trio of utilities from Dominion shifts the company's earnings mix closer to 50-50 crude oil and liquids, versus natural gas and renewable energy, from about a 60-40 ratio today.

"This transaction helps us to achieve greater balance and gives us more exposure to natural gas, which is and will continue to be a critical fuel to help us realize our lower-carbon emissions," he said.

Bean is maintaining a $54 per share price target on Toronto-listed Enbridge shares, framing Tuesday's announcements as a "slight positive."

"While the deal screens well strategically, and allows Enbridge to materially grow its utility base at a reasonable valuation, we expect some near-term weakness as the market contends with the additional equity, and potential rebalancing of investors who are inclined to look elsewhere for utility exposure," he wrote.

Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist.

Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that Ireland is assessing legal advice on the strength of taking a case over the UKs Legacy Bill. (Photo: Jean-Francois Badias)

As the Bill moved a step closer to becoming law, Amnesty International said it was dark day for justice and urged the Irish Government to challenge it through the European Court of Human Rights.

The Bill includes a form of limited immunity for some perpetrators of crimes committed during the Northern Ireland Troubles and would also prevent future civil cases and inquests into legacy offences.

Mr Varadkar said that Ireland is assessing legal advice on the strength of taking a case over the Bill.

The Irish Governments position has been very clear on this all along: we think this is a mistake, this is the wrong way to go about dealing with legacy issues in Northern Ireland, the Taoiseach told reporters in Co Wicklow.

There arent many things that all of the five main parties in Northern Ireland agree on but they all agreed this is wrong, and this is not victim centred and not human rights proofed.

Ive said that to the Prime Minister, the Tanaiste (Micheal Martin) has said it to his counterparts on many occasions.

Ill say it again to the Secretary of State when I see him next week.

He added: What were doing now is assessing legal advice.

The Attorney Generals preparing some legal advice on what the strength would be of us taking a case to the European Court on Human Rights, essentially saying that this Bill, this act is not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, of which United Kingdom is a signatory.

I will make a decision on whether or not we pursue a case in the coming weeks.

And thats something obviously that the Tanaiste and I will have to sit down and talk about, probably next week.

Grainne Teggart, Amnestys Northern Ireland deputy director, said: Today marks a dark day for justice.

Despite huge opposition, the UK government is pushing through a law that does nothing but absolve those responsible for conflict-related abuses  and shamefully, all under the guise of reconciliation.

It is outrageous that the UK government has so dismissively betrayed victims  only adding to their long-standing trauma with a law they so overwhelmingly rejected.

Story continues

She added: It will now be over to the courts to right this historic wrong.

Victims must not shoulder the burden of legal challenge alone.

The Irish government must now follow through with their opposition to this bill and make a firm and unequivocal commitment to take an interstate case.

All eyes are on their next move.

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has also urged the Irish Government to take legal action.

He said: I have never been so angry or ashamed at a decision taken by a legislature on these islands.

The House of Commons has today given its support to an unconscionable effort to end pathways to truth and justice for victims and survivors of the most heinous atrocities of the last 50 years in Ireland and Britain.

The names of those who have lost loved ones, family and friends should ring in the ears of every MP who supported this appalling bill.

He added: There is now, I believe, a moral obligation on the Irish Government to step up and step in with legal action.

The British Government doesnt care about the rights of victims but the international human rights standards that we all enjoy must be defended.

Leo Varadkar was asked whether taking legal action against the UK would jeopardise progress made to improve Anglo-Irish relations damaged by the Brexit process.

He stressed a final decision had not been taken but made clear the Irish Governments main consideration was the victims of the Troubles.

He said any decision over potential legal action would not be taken lightly but he highlighted that such a move would also not be without precedent.

A lot of work has been done including by me, the Tanaiste (Micheal Martin) and others over the past two years to rebuild relations with the UK Government, to agree the Windsor Framework and relations are in a better place, he said.

But we have to think about the victims  the victims of IRA violence, victims of acts that were committed by British soldiers in Northern Ireland. For them its not just in the past, and Ive met many victims and victims groups. They still live this every day and I think that when youve all five parties in Northern Ireland agreeing on something, thats significant, and the Irish Government needs to come behind what theyre saying to us.
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to provide additional resources for policing as the dust settles on last months unprecedented data breach by the PSNI. Picture: Carla Lockhart

The DUP representiative said being a police officer in Northern Ireland takes courage, not least because of the enduring threat from dissident republicans.

"Every officer and employee takes their personal security extremely seriously. In return, they expect the Service to have their back, she said.

"Sadly, the PSNI failed in this duty of care in recent days. Consecutive data breaches and confirmation through the courts that officers were unlawfully disciplined to placate Sinn Fein have been a hammer blow to morale. Many officers and their families are now wondering what the future looks like for them both inside and outside the organisation. Indeed, there is likely to be a chill factor in police recruitment and retention as a result.

"Restoring trust will be a long and arduous process but that process must start now. However, none of this can be treated in isolation from the enormous financial pressures facing the PSNI. We know now that at least an additional 230m-240m would be needed on top of the current police budget every year to restart recruitment and deliver the many improvements necessary.

Ultimately, it will be officers and staff who bear the burden of doing more with less through no fault of their own. Many are desperately seeking assurances they will receive additional support with security - on top of longstanding concerns about pay and conditions.

The MP urged the Secretary of State to step in and step up to the mark in the interests of our dedicated police officers and the communities they serve.
Avi Loeb, an astrophysicist at Harvard University in the US, has published a press release claiming that some of the 700 or so spherical metallic fragments (spherules) he recovered from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Papua New Guinea, are from beyond the Solar System.

The discovery was quite interesting because, although such spherules are distributed globally, it is not easy to recover them from the depths of the ocean bed  requiring a dredging operation with a powerful magnet. But Loeb has speculated that the spherules may be related to the passage of an interstellar meteor, IM1, which burned up over the South Pacific Ocean in January, 2014. He has even hypothesised that the spherules are actually debris from an alien spacecraft. I commented at the time that Id need firm analytical evidence to accept such interpretations.

Loeb has now provided a very detailed set of analytical data of 57 spherules in an article submitted to a journal. But it has not yet been subject to the peer review that academics require before they accept research as legitimate. However, the paper has been subject to much scrutiny on social media.

Loebs analyses were carried out using well known techniques and state-of-the art equipment, so there are no concerns that the analyses are faulty. Indeed, most of the spherules do appear to come from outside our own planet, as shown by their abundances of elements such as nickel, magnesium and manganese, which match those of meteorites.

Such particles are referred to as cosmic spherules and normally come from asteroids within our Solar System. Loebs material is, in fact, similar in nature to cosmic spherules that have been found in sediments and ice cores.

A few of the spherules stand out because they have more unusual elemental compositions. These are named BeLaU particles by Loeb because they are rich in beryllium, lanthanum and uranium. Loeb rules out them being natural, terrestrial material, or extraterrestrial material from within the Solar System, on the basis of their iron isotope compositions. Isotopes are versions of an element with the same number of particles called protons in the nucleus, but different numbers of particles called neutrons, giving them different atomic masses.

Story continues

His conclusions are a little inconsistent. The BeLaU spherules do indeed have a very different iron isotopic composition from some terrestrial and Solar System bodies, specifically those that have been through the process of melting and cooling as they formed. In other words, they do not match planetary objects, such as the Earth, Mars or the Moon. But that does not rule out their coming from bodies that have not been through a planetary formation process, such as the asteroids from which cosmic spherules originate.

Most cosmic spherules have been produced by ablation, the process by which material is eroded from a surface by friction. The friction is generated by interaction with air as a meteorite passes through the atmosphere at high velocity. This imparts unusual iron isotope compositions to the particles. The BeLaU spherules have iron isotope compositions in the same range as cosmic spherules. This could imply that they are indeed from within the Solar System.

Although Loeb acknowledges this, he still concludes that the BeLaU material has an interstellar origin.

Other explanations

It is interesting to join Loeb and speculate on potential origins for the spherules. In his paper, he says the samples could have originated from a highly differentiated magma ocean of a planet with an iron core outside the solar system or from more exotic sources. This is unlikely  iron meteorites from within the Solar System are the most affected by melting and do not have similar compositions to the BeLaU spherules.

Other possibilities that Loeb considers are supernovas (infinitely hot exploding stars) and cool, luminous stars (known as asymptotic giant branch stars, where cool is still incredibly hot). A supernova results from the catastrophic implosion of a stellar source, producing bursts of neutrons to form new elements.

The isotopic composition of those elements has been measured in many grains found in meteorites. Such grains are older than the Sun and could be regarded as interstellar. But they differ from the spherules described by Loeb because they are very small  only a few microns at most. Loebs samples are millimetre to centimetre sized.

I have another, equally speculative, suggestion. The Marshall Islands are only a few hundred kilometres or so from the region where Loeb searched. The Islands were the site of 67 nuclear tests by the US between 1946 and 1958, causing radiation damage. The spherules could be fallout from these tests  a type of human-generated supernova.

I think there are more analyses that could be done to test Loebs hypothesis. For example: look for spherules in the beach sands and ocean floor around Bikini Atoll and Enewetak, where the nuclear tests took place.

Another obvious test is to measure the oxygen isotopic composition of the spherules. This parameter is based on the three stable isotopes of oxygen. The ratios between those can be used to conclusively determine whether material is terrestrial or extraterrestrial.

An oxygen isotope signature can be traced even following weathering and alteration of samples. Similarly, it would be informative to see whether there are gases trapped in the spherules. Analysis of noble gases (especially xenon) in the spherules could indicate if they came from a supernova or other type of star.

Assuming the spherules are not radioactive, I would be happy to facilitate their analysis. Our laboratories at The Open University specialise in the analysis of miniscule amounts of extraterrestrial material, specifically in oxygen isotope composition. We also have a long history of analysis of xenon in interstellar grains.

I am afraid that I come to the same conclusion that I did last time: Loeb has recovered some interesting particles, but none of the evidence he presents is sufficiently convincing to infer that the materials are either connected with IM1, or are from an alien spaceship.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Conversation

Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University, Chancellor of Liverpool Hope University and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at The Natural History Museum. She receives funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council and the UK Space Agency. She tweets as @MonicaGrady
Sara Sharifs stepmother described the youngsters death as an incident. (PA)

The father and stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif have spoken publicly for the first time since the little girl was found dead.

Saras father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool said they were wiling to co-operate with British authorities after Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, south-west London.

Officers were called from Pakistan by her father on 10 August.

A post-mortem examination found Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

She was living with her father and stepmother when she died.

The pair, along with Mr Sharifs brother Faisal Malik, 28, fled the UK for Pakistan after Sara was found dead.

Here, Yahoo News UK rounds up what Batool said  and what other family members have previously said about Saras death.

Urfan Sharif (left) and Beinash Batool have spoken out about the death of Sara Sharif. (Surrey Police/PA)

Beinash Batool (Stepmother)

In a clip of footage sent to broadcasters including the BBC and Sky on Wednesday, Batool, 29, shows no emotion as she describes Saras death as an incident and says that she and Mr Sharif, 41, are willing to co-operate with UK authorities over the case.

She said: Saras death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on.

Batool denied reports that one of Mr Sharifs brothers claimed Sara had fallen down the stairs and broken her neck.

She denied media reports that Mr Sharif's brother Imran said Sara fell down the stairs and claims the family has "gone into hiding".

She spoke about the worry she has for the family's safety and claimed they have been misrepresented in the press.

"All the media have been giving wrong statements and making up lies.

"Imran [one of Mr Sharif's brothers] did not give a statement that Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. This was spread through a Pakistani media outlet. I am very worried about Imran's safety."

It is not clear under what conditions the footage was filmed and Batools claims have not been verified.

Story continues

Watch: Sara Sharifs mother lays flowers at Woking home

Olga Sharif (Mother)

Saras mother, Olga Sharif, gave an interview to the Polish television programme Uwaga! in which she spoke of the harrowing experience of going to view her daughters body.

She said in the interview on Wednesday: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

In a tribute to her only daughter, she previously told The Sun: Sara was so beautiful. She was artsy, she loved building and making things.

Sara always stayed close to me. Shes the only daughter that I have, and I always wanted a daughter.

The Polish national aded: My life will never be the same again. Sara should be with me right now. She was too young.

Sara Sharifs body was found at her home in Woking last month. (SWNS)

Muhammad Sharif (Grandfather)

Saras grandfather, Muhammad Sharif, told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: It was an accident, he didnt tell me how it happened.

Asked why they had fled, he said: Because of fear.

His daughter died and when you go under so much trauma, obviously you cant think properly.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the Pakistani city of Jhelum and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

He urged his son in recent days to present himself to police and give his point of view.

He told Sky News: "We appeal to the police to release my family members.

"I have tried my best to contact Urfan and ask him to present himself and give his point of view.

Flowers and balloons were left outside Sara Sharifs home following her death. (SWNS)

Beinash Batools cousin

On 1 September, the cousin of Saras stepmother  who asked not to be named  urged Batool to come back to the UK and tell the police exactly what happened.

The relative told Sky News: Beinash should come back to the UK.

I dont know where she is. But Im worried about her. Im worried about her kids.

She should come back to the UK, go to the police and tell them exactly what happened.

She added: I dont know  my family dont know  what happened. It could have been an accident; a misunderstanding.

Batools cousin, who is originally from Gujrat in Pakistan, also told the broadcaster Batool was estranged from her parents, having run away to marry Mr Sharif.

The relative added: The relationship (with her family) is finished.

She married secretly, and her father said, She is not my daughter.

She hasnt spoken to her parents since.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued lifetime prohibition orders against former Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng. (PHOTO: REUTERS/Edgar Su)

SINGAPORE  The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on Tuesday (5 September) issued lifetime prohibition orders (POs) against former Goldman Sachs banker Ng Chong Hwa, also known as Roger Ng, for his involvement in Malaysia's 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) sovereign wealth fund saga.

The POs issues following Ng's conviction in the US for conspiracy to launder monies embezzled from 1MDB, and violation of the US' Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Under the prohibition orders, which took effect on Tuesday, Ng, a Malaysian, is "permanently prohibited from performing any regulated activity under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA) and from providing any financial advisory services under the Financial Advisers Act (FAA)", MAS said. "He is also permanently prohibited from taking part in the management, acting as a director, or becoming a substantial shareholder, of any capital market and financial advisory services firm under the SFA and FAA," it added.

Ng was convicted in the US on 8 April 2022 and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment on 9 March.

Soometime between 2009 and 2014, the former banker conspired with others, including Goldman's ex-Southeast Asia Chief Tim Leissner  MAS had banned Leissner for life in 2018  to launder billions of dollars misappropriated from 1MDB. This included funds raised by 1MDB through three bond offering transactions underwritten by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, and its subsidiaries and affiliates.

As part of the scheme, MAS noted in its announcement, Ng and his co-conspirators bribed government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi in order to obtain and retain business from 1MDB. "They also conspired to circumvent The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc's internal accounting controls in connection with the three bond offering transactions and other 1MDB business."

Story continues

Roger Ng's 'severe misconduct': MAS

"Mr Ng's severe misconduct has given MAS reason to believe that it would be contrary to public interest to allow him to carry on business as a representative," MAS added.

The 1MDB scandals has impacted on Malaysian domestic politics and has been described as one of the world's greatest financial scandals. Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak is serving a 12 year prison sentence for receiving US$10 million from a former 1MDB unit.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter.
The case was heard at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. Picture by: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.

Proinnsias Healy (23), of Ballynamore Road in the Cross area near Derry/Londonderry, admitted a charge of 'excess speed' regarding July 3 this year in a 70mph zone near Randalstown.

A defence lawyer told Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, there was "absolutely no excuse" for such a speed.

He said a friend of the defendant had been "locked out of a student house" in Belfast and Healy "foolishly decided to speed up to get there on time".

The lawyer said the defendant, a former university student, "works in peace building and community resolution across the island of Ireland and his licence is very important to him".

The barrister said it had been "a lesson learned" and the defendant told him he will "never darken the door of the court again".

District Judge Nigel Broderick asked what speed would lead to prosecutors considering a dangerous driving charge and a prosecutor said there was no set speed.

The judge said it had been a "wholly inappropriate" speed and one which "borders on dangerous driving". He said a fatality or serious injury could have been caused.

The judge said he would take into account the guilty plea and the defendant's previously clear record but said the sentence had to not only to mark the high speed but also be a deterrence to others.

The defendant was banned from driving for two months and fined 200.
Russian mercenary group Wagner will be declared a terrorist organisation, the Home Office has said.

A draft proscription order will be laid in parliament on Wednesday, which will make it illegal to be a member of, or support the Russian group in the UK.

Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

As part of the order, Wagner's assets can be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

The group, which was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin until he was killed in a plane crash last month, has played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

It has also been active in conflicts in Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan and Libya.

The Home Office said it considered the nature and scale of the organisation's activities as well as the threat they pose to British nationals abroad in deciding on the proscription order.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: "Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas.

"While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals.

"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law.

"Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security.

"That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia."

Ukraine war latest updates

Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has previously called for Wagner to be treated as a terrorist organisation.

The crash that killed Prigozhin occurred exactly two months after he mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russia's military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to Mr Putin's authority in his 23-year rule.
Ryan Christie is hoping to get back among the goals for Scotland. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

He has since left Celtic to join Bournemouth. More recently, he has become a father. He has also played another 25 times for Scotland scoring just one further goal. Christie admits that this detail has started to irk him.

His fine strike on that memorable night in Belgrade was his fourth international goal in five outings. Since then only once, when he struck a penalty winner against the Republic of Ireland a year ago, has the 28-year-old found the net for the national side.

Perhaps returning to the country where he scored his first Scotland goal will prove inspiring. Christie got off the mark in his 10th appearance to set his side on the way to a 2-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win over Cyprus in Nicosia four years ago. I could do with a few more, the goals seem to have stopped of late, he reflected this week as preparations continued ahead of tomorrow's Euro 2024 qualifier in Larnaca.

Scoring goals is amazing and when you do it at international level its even better," he added. "Im desperate to add to my tally and help the team out because Scotty has been doing it all himself.

Scotty is Scott McTominay, who has turned into the new Ally McCoist in recent times after five goals in his last four outings. This Scotland squad is full of goals, which is something that hasn't always been the case.

John McGinn also contributes his fair share from midfield while up front, even the auxiliaries are currently on form. Kevin Nisbet has two in his last two games for Millwall.

Christie wants to start weighing in again. To this day, that Serbia goal is the favourite in my career, he said. That kind of speaks volumes. Any time you score for your country is great. I even loved scoring the penalty in the Ireland game. When youre scoring to help the team achieve something its a nice feeling.

A winner tomorrow evening against Temuri Ketsbaias Cyprus will do nicely. It would be greeted as a major finals-clinching strike by the thousands of Tartan Army members who have made the trip to the sunshine island. Sleepless nights apart, new father Christie currently feels renewed.

Story continues

Im feeling really good," he said. "Weve got a new manager at Bournemouth [Andoni Iraola] and Im loving working under him.

Mostly employed in his favoured No 10 role under the Spaniard, Christie has scored once so far this season  and is looking for more. No prizes for guessing to whom his next goal will be dedicated  Leon, who was born shortly after the win over Georgia earlier this summer.

I was worried hed appear while we were over there, he recalled. That was only about a week to the due date and Graeme Jones (SFA head of high-performance) had my phone every day at training.

In fact, the day before the Georgia game I was doing some shooting drills and he came running over with my phone. I thought, Oh my God its happening! Turns out it was just his Dad, Charlie, calling. Leon and mother Georgie Bell held on until a few days afterwards. Now its Christies turn to deliver.
The father and stepmother of Sara Sharif have said they are willing to cooperate with the UK authorities, in their first public statement since the 10-year-olds death.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father Urfan Sharif on August 10.

She was living with Mr Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool when she died.

Ms Batool, 29, Mr Sharif, 41, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Pakistani capital Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted by police in the UK for questioning.

A grainy video clip appearing to show Mr Sharif and Ms Batool was released on Wednesday.

Mr Sharif stays silent throughout the footage, which lasts less than 50 seconds.

Sara Sharif was found dead in Woking on August 10 (PA Media)

Ms Batool reads a prepared statement from a lined notepad, only briefly mentioning Sara, whose death she describes as an incident.

She says: Firstly, I would like to talk about Sara. Saras death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on.

She goes on to accuse the media of giving wrong statements and making up lies.

All our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety, she said.

No-one is leaving the house. The groceries have run out and there is no food for the kids.

She ends by saying: Lastly, we are willing to cooperate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.

Mr Sharif and Ms Batool are understood to have fled the country with five children aged between one and 13, Surrey Police said.

Saras grandfather previously told the BBC Saras death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

A post-mortem examination found Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

Her mother, Olga Sharif, spoke of the grief she felt when she went to identify her daughters body in the mortuary,

Story continues

Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga!, she said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif said in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially, it became increasingly harder over time.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council told the PA news agency she was known to the local authority.
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed an official telegram to relevant ministries and agencies asking for efforts to ensure adequate power and petroleum supply.

Stressing that ensuring energy security was a fundamental factor and an important premise for socio-economic development, the Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Commission for Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC), Viet Nam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), Vietnam National Coal  Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (TKV) and Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) to enhance accountability and coordination for effective implementation of solutions to ensure energy security.

The telegram was promulgated after some disruptions in energy supplies, including the partial power shortage in the North in the dry season of 2023 and the petroleum shortage in some localities at the end of 2022.

Specifically, the Ministry of Industry and Trade must urgently complete the plan to ensure electricity supply for production, business, and daily life in the remaining months of this year and next year. Power shortages must not be allowed under any circumstances, the Prime Minister said.

The investment in the 500kW power grid from Quang Trach, Quang Binh to Pho Noi, Hung Yen must be sped up to start construction in September.

Additionally, mechanisms to encourage rooftop solar power must be completed and submitted for consideration promptly. Supervision of the operation of the National Load Dispatch Centre must also be enhanced.

CMSC must ask EVN, TKV, and PVN to speed up their investment projects to contribute to promoting socio-economic development and ensure energy security while cooperating closely with each other to implement contracts for supplying coal and gas for electricity production.

EVN, PVN, and TKV must focus on speeding up power generation and grid projects.

Regarding the supply of petroleum for the domestic market, the Prime Minister asked relevant ministries, agencies, and corporations to ensure adequacy under any circumstances with no disruptions.

Market developments must be closely monitored for timely and appropriate management measures.

Any violations in the petroleum business must be strictly handled to ensure the health and transparency of the market.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam is soon to introduce a new set of national criteria aimed specifically at speeding the development of green industries, in line with international standards, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).

The new criteria would serve as a foundation for governmental ministries, agencies, local authorities and industry to filter and select investment projects, as well as to allocate resources, said MPI's deputy minister Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc.

Investors should refer to the criteria as a guideline for governmental preferential policies and available financial resources.

Ngoc said developing green industries remained a top priority for the Vietnamese government as part of the country's commitment to global efforts to fight climate change. Following the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the National Green Growth Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, has been approved by the Prime Minister's Office.

She said the strategy was to play a vital role in the Southeast Asian country's objective of net-zero emission by 2050, and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), self-defined national climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.

Major stakeholders such as governmental ministries and agencies, local authorities and industrial sectors would be required to do their parts in the promotion of the country's shift to sustainable and clean energy, the development of energy-efficient industrial zones and electric vehicles.

The ministry stressed the importance of foreign investors and stronger cooperation and exchange of ideas, technologies and financial resources.

Ngoc said greener industrial development was a global movement that should be embraced by all, especially developing nations despite current challenges and limitations.

MPI advised the government to quickly establish a business environment that is conducive to sustainable and green development with policies and tools designed to encourage and mobilise financial resources from all stakeholders, including the private sector.

In addition, growth could only be achieved and sustained by focusing on creating breakthroughs in efficient energy management, limiting the production and consumption of fossil-fuel-based transportation, building green infrastructure, carbon-neutral structures, construction materials, and waste management.

In order to speed up the process, the ministry strongly recommended a solid legal framework to be put in place in the near future, as well as strong incentive programmes to attract investments.

Meanwhile, the country's economy must also start viewing its green development as part of the international community and therefore, Viet Nam's legal mechanisms and policies must be in line with that view.

Ngoc said MPI had been instructed by the central government to start making a plan to introduce stronger incentives to encourage international organisations and partners to take a more proactive part in the development of green industries in Viet Nam.

In recent decades, Viet Nam has been at the forefront of green development among the world's developing nations as the country pushed for greater investment in renewable energy, environmental protection, circular economy, sustainable agriculture and green infrastructure while signing up for numerous international agreements on reducing carbon footprint and climate change.

In the recently approved Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8), the country aimed to draw a minimum of 30.9 per cent of its energy from renewable sources, increasing to 67.5 per cent by 2050.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi's largest promotional event, known as the 'Ha Noi Promotion Month 2023', is set to commence on October 27th, extending until the end of November. This extravagant event will unfold within the city's bustling commercial centres and venues, offering an entire month of big discounts, some even reaching 100 per cent.

Spearheaded by the Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion (HPA), under the guidance of the Ha Noi People's Committee, this annual affair presents a golden opportunity for local businesses to amplify their sales and actively engage in the capital's supply-consumption ecosystem.

A diverse array of businesses will participate, encompassing trade centres, supermarkets, electronics trading centres chain retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, tourism establishments, hotels, IT enterprises and online shopping platforms. Throughout this promotional month, these enterprises will offer discounts starting from a minimum of 20 per cent, applicable to at least 20 per cent of their products, thus addressing the burgeoning consumer demand.

This celebration will incorporate a series of captivating activities to enhance the overall experience.

The 'Ha Noi Shopping Festival', spanning from October 27 to 29, will grace the 300-square-metre expanse of the Le Thai To Street pedestrian walkway, nestled in the Hoan Kiem District. This period will also witness the 'Ha Noi Mega Sale', an extravaganza encompassing 60 to 70 booths showcasing favourite Vietnamese products, spanning from fashion and beauty articles to everyday consumer goods, cuisine, beverages and regional delicacies.

Simultaneously, the '1,000 Promotion Points - Busy Offers' event will unfold across 1,000 sales registration and promotion points between October 27 and November 30.

The 'Golden Price Shock', scheduled from November 11 to 12, will electrify 50 pivotal shopping destinations in Ha Noi. Among these destinations, supermarkets and commercial centres will serve as the primary registration hubs, offering exclusive promotions and discounts, occasionally reaching a remarkable 100 per cent discount.

Marking the digital front, the 'Ha Noi Online Festival' for 2023 will be hosted on the portal thangkhuyenmaihanoi.vn and various corporate e-commerce websites from November 24 to 30. The organising committee will integrate registered businesses' websites into the portal, actively encouraging consumers to partake in the realm of online shopping.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nam is a huge potential market for the laundromat business thanks to its fast-growing economy and big population, business experts said.

Statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Trade in May 2022 informed that the size of the countrys commercial laundry market was estimated at US$205 million per year with a growth rate of 6 per cent, higher than the Asian average of 3.6 per cent.

Statistics of 2022 also showed that there were about 15,316 laundry shops in the country with more than 60 per cent of them launched within the period of 2020-22, of which, more than 96 per cent were small-scale and household businesses.

New consumption habits, improved living standards of the Vietnamese middle class and a younger generation in urban cities have led to more adoption of new consumer trends.

The preferred business model by Vietnamese business owners has been a combination of traditional kilo-laundry serviced by support staff and a self-service laundromat.

Therefore, laundromats have become a potential investment as the market is growing with high demand and low competition.

An owner of a laundry shop in Hai Ba Trung District of Ha Noi said that many customers coming to her shop are young people who seek laundry service to maintain the quality of their clothes. Furthermore, many customers are visitors who have no time to wash clothes.

The laundry market has attracted many investors who are laundry equipment providers or laundry shop developers.

Recently, Alliance Laundry Systems (ALS), a global leader in commercial laundry equipment, announced that they were looking for new business partners by welcoming all local entrepreneurs who share a vision for revolutionising the commercial self-service laundry sector in Viet Nam.

The company said the Vietnamese market reflected the growing demand for quality laundry services from domestic consumers and international travellers.

This, in turn, has resulted in a rise in investment in laundry services, especially in the big cities, and ALS believes now is the right time to accelerate its foothold in Viet Nam.

The company is making a strategic move to penetrate and expand its presence in Viet Nam under its five well-known brands, namely Speed Queen, UniMac, Huebsch, Primus, and IPSO.

According to the company, as has been proven in other ASEAN markets where it has had strong foothold, the self-service laundromat is a business model that is more favoured by entrepreneurs thanks to the fact that it can be operated without the need for 24/7 staff, with faster wash and dry cycles, usually within one hour, unlike traditional laundries.

This results in a significant reduction in labour cost and higher return on investment for this new generation of stores.

Apart from supplying commercial equipment, the company is recognised for successfully growing laundromat franchises around the world, particularly in markets with similar characteristics to Viet Nam.

The feedback on our laundry equipment and solutions weve received in Viet Nam through our local partner has been positive. Viet Nam and Thailand markets share great similarities in consumer culture and behaviours and were positive that, with our experience in Thailand and other Asian markets, we could facilitate the rapid growth of this relatively new business sector here, said Sukree Kirai, senior regional sales manager, Alliance Laundry Systems.

In August this year, Masan opened a chain of four laundromat shops called Joins Pro in the Binh Thanh and Go Vap districts of HCM City.

Masan expects this model to bring a different experience with the ability to wash and dry in 25 minutes.

This is also a solution for tight living spaces, with no room for drying, especially with large sized items such as blankets, pillows, etc.

Users will no longer have to worry about the weather, while also saving time when washing and drying at home, according to Masan.

Another company, GV Laundry, in May opened a laundry chain in the northern region with many services.

In addition to big investors, many small businesses also open laundry shops due to their affordable investment and high demand in the country.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market inched higher on Monday, buoyed by strong liquidity from domestic investors. Foreign investors, however, were net sellers.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index gained more than 10.9 points, or 0.89 per cent, to 1,234.98 points. The rally extended its winning streak to a fifth day.

The breadth of the market was positive with 81 stocks declining, while up to 256 ticker symbols moved up.

The liquidity also stayed above VN20 trillion, of which the trading value on the southern bourse reached nearly VN24.6 trillion (US$1 billion), equal to a trading volume of nearly 1.1 billion shares.

The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE, also rose 10.11 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 1,244.64 points. Twenty-five stocks of the VN30 basket advanced, while four dropped and one stayed flat.

The analysis team from Saigon - Hanoi Stock Exchange (SHS) said that for the short-term, the market was in a recovery phase which might support the VN-Index to head towards the old peak area of around 1,250 points and create a new base level before facing the strong resistance level of 1,300.

Therefore, short-term investors could watch the market closely and decide to participate, the securities firm recommended.

Data compiled by a financial website vietstock.vn showed that the banking group dominated the top five stocks leading the markets rally trend.

In particular, Vietcombank was the biggest gainer, with an increase of more than 1.1 per cent. It was followed by Vinamilk (VNM), MBBank (MBB), BIDV (BID), and Vinhomes (VHM), up in a range of 1.1-3 per cent.

Also supporting the bullish sentiment, many stocks from other industries posted positive performance, such as Novaland (NLV), up 4.65 per cent, PV Gas (GAS) rose over 1 per cent, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB) soared by 6.43 per cent, Techcombank (TCB) up 1.45 per cent, and Vietjet Aviation (VJC) climbed 2.55 per cent.

However, the gain was capped by losses in some stocks, led by SeaBank (SSB) with a fall of 2.14 per cent.

The markets benchmark was also weighed by the outflow of foreign capital. Of which, foreign investors net sold VN384.67 billion on HoSE

The HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) also increased by 2.53 points, or 1.01 per cent, to 252.28 points.

During the session, investors poured nearly VN2.3 trillion into the northern exchange, equivalent to a trading volume of 117.7 million shares.

Foreign investors net bought a VN5.22 billion on the northern market.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam stands at a crossroads within the dynamic currents of global trends, with the potential to become a strategic link in the world's global supply chain if it adeptly seizes trends and recognises substantial opportunities on a global scale.

One of the most prominent trends is the relentless march of globalisation. Viet Nam's strong integration has provided it with the chance to embed Vietnamese products deep within the global value chain, access foreign technologies at a cheap cost, and tap into the vast reservoirs of cross-border data. These opportunities beckon, waiting to be harnessed.

The second strand is the sweeping transformation of the global economy, characterised by the shift in supply chains, catalysed by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, with multinational giants seeking new shores for their operations. Corporations such as Apple and Intel have begun to relocate factories to Viet Nam, drawn by its burgeoning capabilities and stable political environment.

The third trend involves the shift of supply chains away from politically unstable regions, notably prompted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2022. Viet Nam, being politically stable, has become an attractive destination, with companies relocating to access the Western European market and a surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia.

As these threads converge, Viet Nam emerges as a protagonist in the saga of global supply chains. Its geopolitical position in the Asia-Pacific region and the world is pivotal. The East Sea, with its strategic maritime routes, serves as a vital artery for global trade and international transport, ensuring the seamless flow of commerce. Political stability, bolstered by a youthful workforce and improving infrastructure, beckons manufacturers, investors, and global procurement titans from around the world.

Yet, along with opportunities, Viet Nam is facing many challenges. Competition among Vietnamese products in the local market is fierce. Businesses face the pressure to improve productivity and quality. Institutions and workers need to adapt and come up with new ideas, and there's a need for big investments in things like roads and power to handle the changing supply chain.

Sharing at the seminar on opportunities and challenges for Viet Nam to be a strategic location in the global supply chain on Tuesday, Nguyen Thang Vuong, head of the Department of European and American Markets under the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasised the resonance of the global supply chain shift.

For example, Apple has relocated 11 factories producing audio-visual equipment to Vietnamese shores. Intel, too, has expanded its chip-testing empire in HCM City and Denmark's Lego Group enters the fray with a billion-dollar investment in Binh Duong Province, a testament to Viet Nam's allure.

Corporate titans like Boeing, Google and Walmart have also expressed their intent to spread their wings across Viet Nam's business landscape. Samsung, in a move that echoes through the global tech industry, relocates its entire phone production line to Viet Nam and India, with 60 per cent of Samsung's global smartphone sales now hail from Viet Nam.

The relocation of factories to Viet Nam, laden with opportunities, also carries the weight of challenges.

According to o Thi Thuy Huong, deputy chairwoman of the Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI), emphasised the imperative of robust government policies and support mechanisms for local businesses. They must be equipped to embrace technology, outshine competition and retain their share of the domestic market. Moreover, the technology that enters Viet Nam's shores must be environmentally friendly and conducive to nurturing local suppliers, all within a specified timeframe.

Ngo Khai Hoan, deputy director of the Department of Industry, added a note of caution. Many Vietnamese businesses, while participating in the supply chain, hover at the intermediate stage with limited added value. The raw materials needed for industries like manufacturing, processing, textiles and footwear often arrive from foreign shores. With labour costs rising, Viet Nam risks losing its once-advantageous position in cheap labour to countries like India, the Philippine, and Cambodia.

Foreign investors now cast a discerning eye on Viet Nam's domestic supporting industry capacity, Hoan said and emphasised to welcome this influx, the Department of Industry gears up for policy formulation and capacity-building endeavours. These initiatives encompass training and support for local enterprises, along with fostering connections between domestic businesses and global giants like Samsung and Toyota.

Decree 111/2015/N-CP issued in 2015, crafted to nurture supporting industries, may need revisions to further empower domestic businesses. The Ministry of Industry and Trade envisions a landscape where these enterprises stride confidently, enjoy enhanced incentives and sharpen their competitive edge against foreign rivals, Hoan said.  VNS
HCM CITY  Boston-based management consulting firm Bain & Company on Wednesday announced the opening of its first office in Viet Nam, further strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.

The new office in HCM City marks the establishment of its physical presence by a tenured group of partners and team members. The group has a long track record of serving global and local corporates as well as financial investors in Viet Nam over the last 20 years.

We are excited to expand our global footprint in Viet Nam, one of the most vibrant and fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia, said Wade Cruse, managing partner for Southeast Asia at Bain & Company.

This investment underscores Bains ongoing efforts to expand its footprint to support clients across the region. We are committed to putting people on the ground and we look forward to creating success stories against the backdrop of a dynamic Vietnamese economy spurred by an exceptional talent pool and innovation ecosystems, he said.

The new office will facilitate closer collaboration with local businesses and multinational corporations and provide them access to Bains extensive global expertise, particularly in the areas of technology, digital innovation and sustainability.

Bain has signed an agreement with FPT Digital to support Vietnamese enterprises and the Government to accelerate digital transformation.

Several domains represent the majority of the consulting firm work including business transformations to achieve full potential and re-define strategy and operations in times of uncertainty, innovation via technology, sustainability efforts to support the transition to net zero across business sectors, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory to investors and corporates when making landmark acquisitions in Viet Nam.

As one of the worlds leading consulting firms, Bain serves more than 60 per cent of the Fortune 500, operating in 40 countries and 65 cities, with a global team exceeding 18,000 professionals. VNS
HA NOI  The International Electronics Manufacturing Technology Trade Exhibition and Conference (NEPCON Vietnam 2023) kicked off in Ha Noi on September 6, featuring nearly 300 brands of technology, machinery and equipment.

Organised by RX Tradex Vietnam - ASEAN's leading exhibition organiser, the three-day event sees the participation of exhibitors from over 10 countries worldwide, including Japan, the US, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, and India.

Several business exchange activities to link domestic and international enterprises will also be held during the event, including a technology symposium and the latest bulletins on emerging markets in the field.

o Thi Thuy Huong, member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association, said that the fair will open opportunities to support businesses to exchange, learn from each other towards sustainable development as well as updating trends, advanced technology and smart manufacturing solutions. It is also a chance to enhance capacity to attract foreign investment and improve skills and standards to participate in the global supply chain.

On the occasion, the fair will introduce a special edition of the NEPCO in the southern economic hub of HCMinh City.

NEPCON stands for an exhibition that showcases machine tools, testing equipment, and electronics manufacturing technologies. It ranks as Viet Nam's premier and sole electronics fair.
AK LAK  Killing elephants for their tusks and cutting off elephant tails to "steal fur" have not been uncommon occurrences in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam over the past decades.

ang Nang Long, a famous elephant trainer nicknamed "The Elephant King", said he had to both cry and grit his teeth to pull the tusks out of his recently deceased elephant to prevent wrongdoers from desecrating the elephant's grave.

The tragedy of elephants

In the final days of July, during the early rainy season in the basalt region, a group of reporters from Nhan Dan (The People) newspaper ventured to the elephant graveyard in Buon on (ak Lak Province). Since it wasn't the peak time, the heart of the Central Highlands tourist area was quite deserted. The shared tomb of the elephants Pac Ku and HPanh stood quietly beneath an old tree.

Elephant keeper Nguyen Ksor, who possesses an over-40-year-old elephant, rode his old motorbike through the rain to meet the reporters near the tomb area. The late afternoon sun pierced through the drizzling rain, creating a solemn atmosphere.

When asked about Pac Ku, Ksor said that for almost 15 years, no one could forget the painful death of the great figure with the most beautiful tusks in Buon on. The story goes that Pac Ku was captured by the Gru tribe in 1978. After six months of "learning to live with humans," Pac Ku began to integrate and became the leader of the local elephant herd.

In 1988, a person from Chu Se District (Gia Lai Province) visited Buon on. Seeing the beautiful and gentle Pak Ku elephant, they had their family members bring their belongings to trade for it. It wasn't until 21 years later that the owner of the Buon on ecotourism area used Pak Ku to serve in the tourism industry. By this time, Pak Ku had grown strong with tusks nearly 1m long. However, it was these very tusks that brought tragedy to the Buon on elephant.

One late afternoon in October 2010, Pak Ku was released into the forest. That very night, a group of wrongdoers doused him in gasoline and set fire to his head and rear. Not stopping there, Pak Ku endured more than 200 machete strikes before managing to snap the rope and escape. Despite the subsequent efforts of top experts to save him, Pak Ku remained forever in the wilderness.

Even official authorities compiled statistics, revealing that during the ordeal, Pak Ku suffered exactly 217 machete wounds.

After the elephant's death, the ecotourism area's leadership enlisted the help of the district police force in Buon on, along with military units stationed in the area, to guard and protect the elephant's body for three consecutive days. This was done in order to build a grave and bury Pak Ku.

Equally tragic is the case of HPanh. On one forest excursion, the 55-year-old female elephant fell into a trap set by "elephant bandits" and died. HPanh was later brought back for burial alongside Pac Ku in the elephant graveyard right at the entrance to Ban on.

"Elephant king" ang Nang Long directly experienced the pain caused by the "elephant bandits". Even now, he can't forget the image of his two elephants having their tails cut off for their fur. The two incidents were only 17 days apart. The elephants lost blood and died just three weeks later.

The subsequent criminal case record states: In March 2010, two young men residing in ong Nai and ak Lak conspired to steal elephant tails. Armed with bone-cutting knives, when they encountered Long's elephant HTuk, they heartlessly severed the tail to sell for 20 million ong.

Driven by a blind belief that elephant fur and tusks would bring good luck to the owner, one action multiplied into ten, and ten multiplied into a hundred, leading to an unexpected calamity for the elephants of the Central Highlands. In a Lat, also in 2010, two tourist-serving elephants had their tails brutally severed by wrongdoers.

Subsequently, in order to protect the elephants from the threat of profiteering, the Gru community had to devise ways to safeguard their elephants. They gradually cut the elephants' tails so that no one could easily steal or cut off their tails when they were alone. They also gradually filed down the tusks to reduce their allure. However, all of these actions were carried out according to strict principles. The MNong customs stipulated that before cutting an elephant's tusks, they must first perform a ritual to worship the elephant god Nguach Ngual.

Regarding the tradition of cutting elephant tail fur, Y Thanh Uong, an elephant keeper from Yang Tao in Lak District, explained that this was originally unprecedented. In the past, the Gru would only use brushes to groom the elephants' tails, and any shed fur would be kept and gifted to relatives and friends. However, to preserve the elephants' lives, elephant keepers like Y Thanh Uong had to take more drastic measures.

"No one wants this, but if we don't do it, the elephants' lives will always be threatened," sighed Uong.

It is for this reason that a somewhat humorous yet poignant story emerged: When an elephant passes away, its owner is once again faced with the challenge of finding a way to bury it.

Funeral rites for elephants

Long, who owns the most elephants in the Central Highlands, sighs when talking about elephant protection. He possesses a collection of photos depicting the tragic scenes of his elephants being stolen and killed.

Long recounts that according to tradition, when an elephant passes away, the owner and family members will select a good piece of land deep within the forest to create a burial mound. On the day of the burial, a glass of liquor is poured onto the ground to ask the earth deity to allow the elephant's remains to rest there. At this time, all of the elephant's belongings, from clothing (male elephants are buried with a loincloth, while females wear a yem - a traditional upper garment), bells, pottery, utensils, copper rings, and even smoking pipes, are brought out and neatly arranged in preparation for the funeral ceremony.

During the ceremony, the first to bid farewell are the women in the family, who walk around the elephant. The mournful cries echo through the deep forest. The Mnong people do not dig a pit but use forest branches to cover the elephant. In the case of male elephants, there is an additional ritual of "tying the tusks."

"The chosen piece of land for the elephant's burial mound is situated next to a large tree. When an elephant passes away, we bend a branch of the tree, tie it securely to the elephant's tusks, and then proceed with the water burial. Over time, the elephant's remains will decompose. At this point, the branch will hoist the elephant's tusks high towards the sky. "This is also the time when elephant keepers are allowed to take the tusks home for storing," Long recounts.

After the elephant's remains rest in the "beautiful peaceful tomb", some family members will remain at the burial site to light a fire for warmth for two to three days, sometimes even up to a week. This gesture expresses their affection, sorrow, and perhaps aims to make the elephant feel warmer as it transitions to the other side. About a week after the elephant's passing, on the day the tomb is opened, the family will come to pay respects. The elephant's owner will stand before the tomb, sharing words and memories that bind them and the animal together over a long period.

However, these sacred memories now only exist in the past. Many elephant burial mounds have been desecrated almost immediately after being covered with forest branches. The tusks are plundered, and the tails are severed. Bloodstains mar the red earth, as the pain of the forests silently weeps. The anguish was so profound when an elephant died king Long had to remove a part of the elephant's tusks before its burial.

At times, he even had to go against century-old traditions by personally attaching rocks to the elephant's body and then sinking it into the full waters of Lake Lak during the water-rich season, to prevent wrongdoers from locating the elephant's remains.

"The ethnic groups of the Central Highlands consider elephant burial grounds as sacred places. But these sacred sites have been invaded far too many times," he said.

At the time of the reporters' visit to the Central Highlands, the situation of the region's elephants remained dire. In Lak District, local elephants still carry tourists across vast lakes, waiting for the realization of plans to lessen the burden on these elephants by reducing their workload. Products made from elephant ivory, such as rings and bracelets, were openly displayed for sale in jewelry shops in cities like Pleiku (Gia Lai), Buon Me Thuot, and even in the "land of elephants" at Lake Lak in ak Lak.

After some persuasion, the owner of a souvenir shop next to the Lake Lak Tourism Management Office brought out a bracelet claimed to be made from authentic Central Highlands elephant ivory. She mentioned that this jewelry was originally crafted for her "elder sister," but out of respect, she decided to sell it for VN7 million (US$280).

To enhance our confidence, the shop owner even demonstrated how to distinguish real and fake ivory: "Real ivory will exhibit cross-hatched lines when examined under a light source, whereas fake ivory won't show these characteristics and might be made from synthetic resin or animal bone."

In Buon on (ak Lak), after being contacted, an elephant keeper even directly brought elephant tail fur to sell to journalists for VN200,000-300,000 (US$8-12), claiming: "This is 100 per cent genuine elephant tail fur." They advised us to make future purchases through Facebook due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

In Gia Lai Province, we easily found similar products in souvenir shops at the international border crossing in Le Thanh (uc Co). Although they displayed fake ivory products outside, when customers expressed interest, the owner of the Si Li Na shop would immediately retreat inside and retrieve a basket of "genuine elephant" products.

"These are the molars of young elephants. Here we have femur bones and tail fur. We only have two or three ivory rings left," an elderly man at the counter enthusiastically said to us.

Seeing our skepticism, the shop owner presented a "tooth of an elephant's jaw," highlighting the remaining traces of tooth roots. The elephant's femur bone, about the size of a forearm, was offered for VN1 million (US$40). Additionally, there was half of another elephant's tooth.

"Previously, this tooth segment was longer, but a customer bought it recently, so I cut off half," the shop owner added.

The bundle of elephant tail fur is "priced" at VN500,000 (US$20) per strand. Upon casual observation, one can easily notice that parts of dried meat still cling to the base of the fur strands  evidence that they were directly removed from the elephant. When asked about their origin, the shop owner asserts: All the products originate from Laos, as there are very few elephants left in the Central Highlands. Moreover, due to low demand, the trade has been rather sluggish. Consequently, for several months now, the owner hasn't imported new stock.  VNS
HCM CITY The renovation of Artists Pagoda in HCM Citys Go Vap District is scheduled to be completed in October.

The work began in June with funds from individuals and organisations, including members of the HCM City Theatres Association.

Artists Pagoda is located on 6,000 square metres of land and serves as home for the aged for 1,000 cai luong (reformed opera) and tuong (classical drama) performers who were once stars on the stage.

We have worked to donate funds for Artists Pagoda, the only one of its kind in the city, that also includes a cemetery devoted to former cai luong and tuong performers, said theatre actress and producer Trinh Kim Chi, head of the pagodas managing board.

During the Buddist Vu Lan Festival last week, dozens of artists in the city and neighbouring provinces visited and performed to raise funds for the pagoda.

The festival is meant for Vietnamese people to express their gratitude and appreciation to their ancestors and parents.

Following the tradition, they showed their deep respect for late actress Phung Ha, a great symbol of cai luong and also founder of the pagoda.

Ha spent her savings to build the pagoda in 1958.

Ha began her career in 1923 in My Tho Province (now Tien Giang Province), the cradle of cai luong art. By the 1950s, she was at the peak of her artistry and fame.

She performed in many plays featuring the tragedy of Vietnamese women under feudalism, focusing on beautiful and virtuous girls whose sufferings were caused by village tyrants and cruel landlords.

She also worked hard to train younger colleagues. Many of her students, including the late actress Thanh Nga and celebrated artists Bach Tuyet and Kim Cuong, won top prizes at national competitions and festivals.

Ha was also a founder of the HCM City Rest Home for Artists in District 8.

The home, opened in 1998, serves more than 20 traditional artists aged 70-80, including theatre stars like Dieu Hien, Ngoc ang and Le Tham, who performed for more than 30 years and played a role in theatre development.

Free food and healthcare, and even funeral services, are all offered to the residents.

The home receives financial support from local authorities. VNS
Nguyen The Hung is one of the Vietnamese artists who attended the Freedom & Love International Art Exhibition at APEL Watoe Contemporary Art Gallery, Indonesia last month.

The exhibition featured artists from Brunei, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Viet Nam.

Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Binh spoke with him about his work.

Could you tell us about the exhibition in Indonesia?

It is the 3rd exhibition held in Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. It was founded by Singaporean artist Abu Jalal Sarimon, gathering artists from the region with the aim of exchanging and developing art.

It is an honour for me to be one of the members of the Viet Nam artist group. We had a series of activities including workshops, art talks, and visits to museums and artist residences.

You are known for the dots in your artworks. Could you explain what they signify?

The dots represent seeds. You can see that inside a dot there are other dots, such as nuclei, pollen, cells, and the seeds of life, which symbolise proliferation and development.

In the process of painting, drawing dot by dot is akin to meditating. Small dots are small blessings, and they will grow and spread good things to people.

Why are you also inspired by ancient and traditional designs?

When I was a fine arts student and went on field trips, I was impressed by Vietnamese ancient architecture. To me, the engraved designs in communal houses, temples, and pagodas are vivid and brilliant.

I use them as a favourite material in my works not only because of their beauty, historical and cultural significance, but also because I want to use them as a metaphor for time and traditional cultural values.

How challenging is it to overcome and refresh oneself?

I do not set specific goals, but I follow my feelings and thoughts at each stage. This method sometimes challenges me, as my emotional state often changes significantly between starting and completing a series of works. Eventually, this often leads me to alter the entire work.

To relax and "recharge", I take time to travel, visit exhibitions and museums worldwide, and I also enjoy climbing mountains.

You use lacquer material in almost all of your works. What advantages do you find with this material?

Each material has its own beauty and uniqueness. I like to explore, experience, and practise with different materials. In recent years, I have harnessed the brilliance of lacquer with gold powder and leaf, and I have also researched and practised lacquer on canvas.

Lacquer on canvas paintings are not affected by environmental factors and are much lighter than traditional lacquer paintings on board. However, lacquer on canvas does have certain limitations.

The colours of traditional lacquer paint are derived from eggshell, snail shell or mother of pearl, as well as gold and silver powder and leaf. I aim to preserve and develop these materials to make Vietnamese fine arts unique.

Have you ever felt stuck in your work or life? What makes you happy?

I was born in a mountainous area and always strive to live close to nature. I feel happiest and most peaceful when surrounded by plants, flowers, and small animals.

In both my house and studio, I pursue an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Nature consistently appears in my paintings, reflecting my worldview.

I have endured emotional upheavals, such as the sudden death of my teacher, painter Mai Anh Chau, the impact of the 2008 economic crisis, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Normally, if one doesn't earn enough to cover living expenses and support a family, any job can seem meaningless.

For artists, it's somewhat different. I know many talented artists who struggle financially, investing significantly into their works.

However, I always maintain my faith and feel fortunate to work as an artist.

In a recent exhibition of yours, your series of paintings featured young women with traditional symbols. Could you elaborate on this combination?

Not only in the past but many contemporary artists like to depict women in traditional ao dai (long dress). I'm captivated by the blend of sensuality and confidence.

In truth, I aim to highlight the enduring tradition that is evident not just in clothing. I include metaphorical images that convey the robust connection between the old and the new.

I typically refrain from illustrating human faces and outward appearances in my paintings. I believe that appearance doesn't define a woman. I want viewers to sense the charisma and individual moods of the character in each painting.  VNS
A NANG  The Japan Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) Five will play free community concerts in three beautiful cities of a Nang, Hue and Hoi An during a central Viet Nam tour on September 5-9, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Japan.

The JPO will perform at the secondary school of Tran ai Nghia in a Nang at 9am on September 6 for the new academy year before performing at the a Nang Oncology Hospital for cancer patients from 2.30pm.

The group will play a free show at the Duyet Thi uong Royal Theatre in Hue City on September 7.

During a two-day performance in the ancient town of Hoi An, the JPO will begin the first day at the main hall of Central Park from 7.30pm on September 8.

On the morning of September 9, the JPO will offer a performance at the U Cafe  a rendezvous of Japanese expats owned by Reiko Usuda -- at 120 Cong Chua Huyen Tran Street on the Hoai River bank at 9.30am.

Earlier, the group will play at a Nang Hilton Opera on the night of September 5.

JPO was established in 1956 and is considered one of the five leading orchestras in Japan. They are also known for their unique community-based approaches and for organising creative programmes with children and hospital patients.

In 2018, the JPO's string quartet visited a Nang and Hoi An for concerts, including playing for the patients at a Nang Oncology Hospital, and children's creative programme at U Cafe.

JPO said there are amazing individuals who promote this event; they have dedicated their careers personally and taken advantage of the intertwined cultures of Viet Nam and Japan, including Honna Tetsuji, Principal Conductor of Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra; Ando Saeko, a lacquer painting artist and Nakatani Akari, Youtuber and Actress in Em va Trinh.

Its the second time of the year that Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna will join the performance in a Nang as he leads the Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) to perform in a Nang on August 10 - the VNSO Holiday Concert 2023 - one of a series of activities being held in Viet Nam by the Japanese embassy in 2023.  VNS
A NANG  Art troupes and cultural performers from both the central city and South Korea will show off their talents along the streets and in Bien ong (East Sea) Park at the Viet Nam-Korea culture exchange festival on three nights from September 7-9.

The annual festival is a collaboration organised by the city's Department of Foreign Affairs and the Korea Consul General in a Nang. It will introduce Vietnamese and Korean culture, cuisine, folk games and souvenirs at 60 pavilions over three days.

Korean artists will host a charity programme with children from Hope Village  a shelter for orphans and children with the disabilities. Together they will play musical instruments, dances and hand over gifts.

A Viet Nam-Korea food contest, a Korean-Vietnamese folk dance, a Hanbok and Ao Dai try-on and free film screenings will also take place.

Taekwondo artists from Seung Ri Club in Korea will also perform to local residents and tourists.

Performers from the citys classical drama Nguyen Hien Dinh Theatre will show off the most traditional art of Vietnamese as part of ao dai (long dress) show, play traditional musical instruments and host a Viet Nam-Korea Talent contest.

Bien ong Park will be decorated with hundreds of lanterns in Vietnamese conical hat style and miniature designs of the Gyeongbok Palace.

A parade of Korean art troupes will prelude the festival on Bach ang street (a section from the Dragon Bridge to the Han Market) from 5pm to 6pm on September 6.

The opening ceremony will be taken at the park around 7pm on September 7, while other programmes are organised from 4pm till 10pm.

The festival is a major focus in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties of the two countries.

According to the South Korea Consulate General in a Nang, the beach city has been seen as the most favourite destination to Korean tourists since 2014.

The citys tourist department reported that South Korean tourists account for 55.4 per cent of international tourists in a Nang, and more than 700,000 Korean tourists have visited the city in the first half of 2023.

a Nang was a site that film makers, television (SBS and IHQ) and Korean stars filming the beauty landscape and beach for their programmes in 2022.

The city also plans to build tour links between Jeju Island, Incheon, Seoul and other localities, including UNESCO-recognised world heritages Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Hue Monuments Complex, Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary in central Viet Nam.

School students from a Nang City will join a cultural exchange programme in Uiwang City, Gyeonggi, South Korea this October following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation and friendship signed between the citys Hai Chau District and Uiwang City in Korea.

Six universities from Korea have signed agreements with a Nangs ong A University in education, while five cities  Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul and Jeju officially inked friendship ties with a Nang.

In the past year, a Nang and the South Korean city of Gyeongsan also signed an MoU for the cosmetic industry and tourism development.

Korea airlines including Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul and Tway Air all open their air service from Busan, Seoul, Deagu and Cheong Ju to a Nang. VNS
HCM CITY  The long-running theatre programme for children Ngay Xua Ngay Xua (Once Upon a Time) was closed in HCM City this week.

The programme was started by talented artists from IDECAF (Institute of Cultural Exchange with France), one of the regions leading private drama troupes, in 2000.

It was produced by Meritorious Artist and theatre actor-director Thanh Loc and his partners.

It provided young audiences with new concepts and techniques in Vietnamese drama. Loc and his artists worked hard to foster a love of theatre among children and teenagers.

The programmes last show, called Nang Cong Chua Va Chiec Ao Tam Gai (The Princess and the Thorn Coat), was staged at the Ben Thanh Theatre last Sunday. More than 200 audience members were in attendance.

The musical was closed after 63 performances in front of nearly 20,000 spectators.

It is based on The Wild Swans, a literary fairy tale by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen.

The Vietnamese version features a princess who rescues her family from an evil witch. Love, friendship, bravery and honesty are also highlighted.

Last year, the programme offered Cuoc Phieu Luu Cua Thuyen Truong Sinbad - ai Chien Nang Tien Ca (The Adventures of Sinbad - The Battle of Mermaids), a musical by director inh Toan.

It is a re-telling of the adventures of Sinbad from The Arabian Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales.

It was staged for 60 shows attracting 18,000 fans.

Through our programme, we wanted to provide children with new concepts and techniques in drama. We also hoped to foster love of the theatre among the youth, said the programmes founder Loc.

Ngay Xua Ngay Xua produced 33 plays with more than 900 performances and shows for more than 30,000 children and teenagers, including disadvantaged children who live in open houses and shelters around the city.

It attracted talented artists, including Meritorious Artist My Duyen and Huu Chau, and cai luong (reformed opera) star Bach Long.

The programmes producers spent a lot to make many beautiful outfits, accessories and stage designs for the plays.

IDECAF Drama features 30 professional artists, along with backstage workers.

The theatre offers many experimental shows in drama, musical, cai luong (reformed opera) and hat boi (central drama), two genres of traditional theatre in the south and central regions.

It also offers performances targeting children.

We have worked hard to stage quality drama plays and musicals to entertain young audiences, said producer Huynh Anh Tuan, owner of the IDECAF who has 25 years in the industry.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Jakarta on Wednesday, on the occasion of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction at the positive development of the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and agreed to enhance regular all-level contacts to contribute to more effective, substantive and deeper cooperation between the two countries

Conveying regards from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue to Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking leaders, Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam considers its relationship with China as a strategic choice and a top priority.

According to him, Vietnamese ministries and agencies are working closely with Chinese relevant agencies to take concerted and effective measures toward realising important common perceptions reached by leaders of the two Parties and countries, including stepping up bilateral high-level exchanges and contacts in the near future.

Li, for his part, conveyed warm regards from Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi and other Chinese high-ranking leaders to Party leader Trong and other Vietnamese leaders.

He welcomed PM Chinh's attendance at the opening of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning, Guangxi, and affirmed readiness to maintain regular high-level exchanges to deepen discussions on issues of shared concerns.  VNS
JAKARTA  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday met the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on the sideline of the ongoing 43rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia.

At the meeting, both sides reached consensus on the impressive developments in bilateral ties, especially those in the fields of trade, oil and gas, security-defence, and people-to-people exchange.

PM Chinh suggested the two nations work towards the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on rice trading so as to make contributions to ensuring global food security; while promoting cooperation to develop Viet Nam's Halal food industry for export to Brunei.

Viet Nam and Brunei should enhance collaboration and exchange experience in petrochemical development, he said, asking the Bruneian side to present scholarships to Vietnamese students and expand training cooperation to the fields of technology, green economy, and digital transformation, among others.

For more substantial developments of the Viet Nam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership, PM Chinh said it is necessary for the two nations to expand defence-security cooperation and direct exchanges between forces of both sides.

For his part, the Sultan of Brunei spoke highly of the official visit to Brunei by PM Chinh earlier this year, saying it has created an impetus for bilateral relations and the effective implementation of the action plan to roll out the comprehensive partnership in 2023-2027.

Expressing his delight at the close cooperation between enterprises of both sides, the Sultan affirmed that he will create favourable conditions for Vietnamese firms to use Bruneis logistics facilities to boost exports.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their stance on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The Vietnamese Government leader took the occasion to repeat an invitation to the Sultan of Brunei to visit Viet Nam, and the latter said he will visit the country soon.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio discussed bilateral relations at their meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Wednesday.

Congratulating Japan on its successful hosting of the G7 Summit last May, PM Chinh said he has ordered relevant agencies of Viet Nam to work closely with the Japanese side to carry out high-level commitments and agreements, including the outcomes of his previous talks with PM Kishida.

The Japanese leader highly valued Viet Nam's participation in and contributions to the G7 Summit, noting that his country is actively coordinating with Viet Nam to prepare for upcoming high-level mutual visits as the two countries are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023.

PM Kishida voiced his hope that the two sides will work closely together to bring the Viet Nam-Japan relations to a new height.

At the meeting, PM Chinh hailed the extremely positive and practical strides in all fields of bilateral cooperation. He also spoke highly of the Japanese Governments policies to recover and develop the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially expanding official development assistance (ODA) cooperation, the semiconductor and digital industries, and the reception of foreign workers.

Viet Nam will cooperate closely with Japan to help carry out those policies for the interests of both countries, he affirmed.

To further intensifying bilateral economic and trade links, he called for Japans coordination to fruitfully implement economic and ODA cooperation projects, and assistance for Viet Nam to develop the North-South high-speed railway as well as urban railways in Ha Noi and HCM City.

The Vietnamese PM also thanked and suggested the Japanese Government continue providing favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live, study, and work in the Northeast Asian nation and contribute more to local socio-economic development.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit (China, Japan, and Republic of Korea) held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.

The importance of ASEAN+3 cooperation in peace, stability, cooperation, and development was reaffirmed at the meeting. In 2022, trade between ASEAN and the three Northeast Asian partners increased by 10.2 per cent, reaching US$1.213 trillion, while FDI from the three partners into ASEAN reached $54.8 billion, accounting for 24.5 per cent of total FDI into ASEAN.

The ASEAN+3 leaders agreed to effectively implement the ASEAN+3 Cooperation Plan for the 2023-27 period, which includes leveraging the strengths of cooperation in economics, trade, finance, healthcare, and expanding new areas of cooperation, focusing on innovation, ensuring food security, energy transition, climate change, and aiming for comprehensive and sustainable development.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the session expressed hope that ASEAN+3 will play an active and effective role in proposing feasible solutions and overcoming current difficulties and challenges together.

The Vietnamese Government leader underlined the need for ASEAN+3 to enhance multilateral economic, trade, investment linkages, including effectively implementing ASEAN+1 FTAs with each partner  China, Japan, and RoK  as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

PM Chinh proposed that ASEAN+3 expand areas of cooperation, especially digital transformation, digital economy, e-commerce, fintech, artificial intelligence, green finance, green technology, to create additional impetus for inclusive and sustainable growth and bring tangible benefits to the people.

At the same time, it is necessary to coordinate and ensure food security at the national and regional levels in all circumstances.

PM Chinh also affirmed Viet Nam's readiness to coordinate and promote the Mekong-Lancang, Mekong-Japan, and Mekong-RoK cooperation frameworks, contributing effectively to the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region.

The ASEAN+3 Summit approved the Declaration on the Development of the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended summits between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners  China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK)  in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The partners affirmed the importance they attach to ASEAN, and shared the wish to cooperate with the bloc extensively to cope with global challenges.

They also emphasised the hope to enhance dialogues and cooperation, towards an open, transparent, and inclusive region where international law is respected and ASEAN stays at the centre.

At the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, the sides reported that two-way trade hit a new record of US$722 billion, saying China has become the groupings biggest trade partner for 14 consecutive years.

Lauding the progress in negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, they agreed to further boost cooperation in the economy, trade and investment, while expanding collaboration in digital transformation, digital economy, climate change response, energy transition, and green, sustainable development.

The year 2024 was designated as the year of ASEAN-China peoples exchange.

In his remarks, PM Chinh highlighted the reciprocal relationship between ASEAN and China, and expressed his hope that they will become one of the most important comprehensive strategic partners of each other, for peace, cooperation, and development.

As leading trade partners of each other, ASEAN and China should closely coordinate to turn the region into an epicentre of growth, and take advantage of their close geographical distance to raise the quality of economic, trade and investment cooperation, step up connectivity, and ensure production and supply chains, he suggested.

On this occasion, the PM suggested China expand the market, raise the quota of transit goods and speed up the opening of its door to agricultural and aquatic products and fruits from ASEAN countries through Viet Nam.

Chinh noted his hope that the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will prove effective, contributing to maintaining an environment of peace, stability, and cooperation for mutual development in the region.

Both ASEAN and China should serve as positive factors in promoting trust-building, enhancing dialogues, and peacefully resolving disputes in the region, including the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, contributing to the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) towards an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the PM said.

The summit adopted the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Mutually Beneficial Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and another on deepening agricultural cooperation.

Speaking at the 24th ASEAN-RoK Summit, PM Chinh affirmed that their strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation have been further strengthened, and lauded the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI) by the RoK to advance the relationship.

The PM thanked countries for their support of the initiative of ASEAN-RoK Day slated for November in Viet Nam.

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-RoK relations in 2024, the PM suggested both sides make joint efforts to embark on a new journey with a broader vision and higher goals.

He stressed the need to create significant breakthroughs in economic cooperation, and promote trade and investment in a balanced and sustainable manner.

The leader called on the RoK to open its market further for exports such as agricultural and aquatic products, and seasonal fruits from ASEAN countries, and support ASEAN enterprises to engage more intensively in global supply chains of Korean businesses.

He also suggested the two sides foster cooperation in digital transformation, biotechnology, high-tech electronics, semiconductors, clean energy, smart cities, high-tech agriculture, and the establishment of environmentally-friendly, value chain-focused industrial production complexes.

The sides should bolster cultural exchanges, and promote cooperation in the Mekong sub-region through the framework of the Mekong-RoK partnership, he continued.

At the same time, they need to coordinate to elevate their partnership, and share interests and responsibilities in ensuring peace, security, stability, and development in the region, including the East Sea and the Korean Peninsula, PM Chinh said.

The RoKs President Yoon Suk Yeol commended the significant contributions of Viet Nam as coordinator for the ASEAN-RoK relations.

The KASI demonstrates the importance the RoK attaches to as well as its support for ASEANs centrality and AOIP, he affirmed, calling on ASEAN countries to support the RoKs hosting the EXPO 2030 BUSAN, which is expected to create a forum for participants to seek solutions to common challenges, towards a better future for the region and the world.

The RoK is the fifth-largest trade and investment partner of ASEAN, with a two-way trade volume of $222.8 billion and the total foreign direct investment from the RoK reaching $12.7 billion last year.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing emerging non-traditional security challenges; boost trading; support businesses and startups; step up collaboration in culture, education, and tourism; and expand cooperation in such areas as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure, clean energy, smart cities, sustainable urbanisation, and future industries.

The leaders adopted a Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP.

At the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit, leaders approved a joint statement on the establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, vowed to coordinate closely on the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo this December.

The ASEAN-Japan cooperation has yielded positive results in recent times. Japan is ASEANs fourth largest trading partner and second largest investment partner, with two-way trade reaching $268.5 billion last year, up 11.2 per cent year on year. Total Japanese investment in ASEAN hit $26.7 billion last year, up 27.7 per cent year on year.

ASEAN appreciated Japans contribution of an additional $100 million to the ASEAN-Japan Integration Fund (JAIF) to assist the bloc in establishing and operating the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).

The two sides consented to effectively implement the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement (RCEP). They also agreed to promote cooperation in terrorism and transnational crime prevention, maritime security, natural disaster management, and people-to-people exchange, innovation, digital transformation, electric vehicle ecosystem development, energy, climate change response, clean energy transformation, and green growth.

Speaking at the summit, PM Chinh pledged that as an active member of ASEAN and an extensive strategic partner of Japan, Viet Nam will make every effort to contribute to deepening the ASEAN-Japan relations.

To that end, he proposed that the two sides beef up trade-investment cooperation, maintain the supply chain, create conditions for products of ASEAN countries to make inroads into the Japanese market, and assist regional businesses in engaging more deeply in the supply chain of Japanese businesses, as well as the global supply chain.

The PM expected that Japanese strategic investors would join hands with ASEAN to further promote new and potential areas of cooperation such as green economy, digital economy, and circular economy, among others.

At the end of the summit, the leaders of ASEAN and Japan issued a Joint Statement on Cooperation on the AOIP.  VNS
JAKARTA  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that ASEAN and the US is entering a new era of cooperation with the comprehensive strategic partnership recently established and will need further coordination for a practical, effective and mutually beneficial relationship.

The statement was made at the ASEAN-US Summit in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Vietnamese leader added that economic and trade cooperation should be the core, and science-technology and innovation the driving force behind the ASEAN-US comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides will need to collaborate to promote harmonious and sustainable trade, stabilise the supply chains, minimise anti-dumping duties, subsidies and unnecessary measures for exports, which directly impact peoples employment and livelihoods.

US Vice President Kamala Harris at the event emphasised the US commitment to ASEAN and the region, as well as its support for the bloc in its central role.

She added that the two sides have shared interests, priorities, long-term vision and challenges.

An ASEAN-US Centre will be established in Washington DC to facilitate academic, business and people exchanges, said Harris.

In 2022, the US was the largest investment partner of the Southeast Asian bloc with the foreign direct investment capital totalling US$36.5 billion.

The country is also ASEANs second largest trade partner, with a total two-way trade turnover of $420.4 billion.

At the summit, the two sides agreed to promote trade and investment, stabilise supply chain, improve medical capacity, while also extending the fields of cooperation to science-technology, sustainable infrastructure development, digital transformation, energy, environmental protection, climate change response, sustainable maritime cooperation, as well as green and circular economy.

PM Chinh also requested that ASEAN coordinate with the US to effectively implement ASEAN-US Future Initiatives on healthcare, education, among other fields, and believed that the ASEAN-US Centre will play a significant role in this process.

The government leader also proposed the US cooperate and support Viet Nam further in climate change response, implementing the declaration on Just Energy Transition Partnership, and for the development of the Mekong Sub-region through the Mekong-US partnership, including the sustainable growth efforts for the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta in Viet Nam.

PM Chinh and ASEAN country leaders also requested the blocs partners to support ASEANs stance on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and the Code of Conduct (COC) at the marine area, as well as the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Amid challenges in the region, the Vietnamese PM also said that partners should increase dialogues, cooperation and trust building to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner, responsibility and respect for each countrys legitimate interests, while abiding by international laws.

ASEAN-Canada partnership

The ASEAN-Canada Summit taking place on the same day issued a joint statement to officially establish the strategic partnership between the bloc and the country.

Canada will also increase its presence in the Southeast Asian region while upholding international laws and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the area, according to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

In 2022, the two-way trade turnover between ASEAN and Canada reached $23.1 billion, while the FDI from Canada into the region topped $3.63 billion.

The bloc also welcomes Canadas CAD$24-million ($17.5 million) investment for the Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia, as well as a CAD$1 million ($733,100) contribution to the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund.

The two sides also agreed to explore cooperation potential in digital transformation, food security, business support, education, climate change response and narrowing development gaps.

Believing that this is the right time to elevate the ASEAN-Canada partnership, PM Chinh said that the focus should be put on trade, investment, market access and business connections.

He also proposed that Canada create favourable conditions for Vietnamese and ASEAN exports into the Canadian market, while also providing assistance to ASEAN and particularly the Mekong Sub-region in adapting to climate change and mitigating its risks.

The summit also issued the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders Statement on strengthening food security and nutrition in response to crises.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) Samdech Techo Hun Sen (right), and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), President Thongloun Sisoulith held a high-level meeting in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

The important event is meant to strengthen and enhance the relations between the three Parties and the people of Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos as regional and global situation grows increasingly complex and the three Parties and three countries are entering a new development phase.

At the meeting, the three Party leaders informed each other about the situation of each Party and each country, especially with regards to Party building works and socio-economic development.

They exchanged views on recent global and regional developments and discussed areas of mutual interests.

The three leaders also evaluated the results of cooperation between the three Parties and three countries in the past period, agreed on major orientations for the cooperation between the three Parties and three countries in various fields for the common interests of the people.

The leaders of the three ruling parties congratulated each other on the important and comprehensive achievements that the three countries have accomplished.

They expressed joy and assessed that the cooperation between the three Parties and the people of the three countries is developing extensively and intensively across multiple fields, especially in political relations, effective defence and security cooperation, positive progresses in economic, cultural, scientific, educational, and technical cooperation.

The leaders of the three Parties in their talks highlighted the historical tradition of unity and mutual support among the three Parties and the three countries' peoples, which is seen as valuable asset and one of the most important sources of immense strength for the cause of national liberation and independence in the past as well as nation-building and development in the present.

At the same time, they affirmed the need to continue to disseminate and educate the people of the three countries, especially the younger generation, to preserve and nurture the good relationship between Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos.

CPV General Secretary Trong, CPP President Hun Sen, and LPPR General Secretary Sisoulith concurred that in the current context, the three Parties and three countries need to strengthen unity and tighten coordination, support each other, and continue to consider the relations between the three Parties as the guiding star for the overall relations between the three nations.

The three countries need to bolster cooperation in defence and security along with foreign affairs, make breakthroughs in economic cooperation, strengthen cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, tourism, and agriculture; and further promote cooperation between the Party and State agencies, people's organisations, and localities of the three countries based on maximising the potential and strengths of each country.

The three sides agreed to continue to effectively utilise existing mechanisms and explore the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the three Parties and three countries for the benefit of the people of the three countries, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk Yeol have affirmed their commitments to continue close coordination to develop the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in a more profound and comprehensive manner, contributing positively to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

At their meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday, the two leaders agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels, and make greater efforts to promote bilateral trade, investment, and education cooperation.

PM Chinh expressed his delight at the rapid and practical development of the bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

He also highlighted the success of President Yoon's State visit to Viet Nam in June this year, which left a deep impression on Vietnamese leaders and people.

For his part, President Yoon stated that Viet Nam is a key partner of the RoK in the implementation of its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

He highly appreciated the close cooperation between the two sides in carrying out the results of his Viet Nam visit, including an action plan on the deployment of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The President took this occasion to thank the Vietnamese Government for its attention and favourable conditions provided to RoK enterprises investing and doing business in Viet Nam.  VNS
JAKARTA  Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Jakarta on September 6, as both leaders are in Indonesia to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Both PMs expressed their joy at witnessing the extensive and effective development of the countries comprehensive partnership.

Impressed by Viet Nam's growth achievements, Trudeau held that the Viet Nam-Canada relations have made significant progress, especially in economy and trade, following the sides signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The Canadian PM announced that Canada plans to send a business delegation led by its trade minister to Viet Nam in 2024 to explore trade and investment opportunities. He also affirmed his readiness to Viet Nam in fulfilling commitments related to labour and the environment within the CPTPP.

Highlighting Canadas role in Viet Nam's foreign policy, PM Chinh proposed that the two countries enhance high-level delegation exchanges, especially in 2023, which marks the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He expressed a wish to soon welcome Trudeau on a visit to Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese Government leader expressed his hope that Canada will create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese exports to the nation, provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students, and promote bilateral cooperation in such new areas as digital transformation, green growth, climate change adaptation, and science-technology. Additionally, he proposed the sides enhance tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchange.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums, including the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership framework and international commitments related to climate change response.  VNS
GIA LAI  The Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) province of Gia Lai is expanding the area under medicinal plants that offer economic efficiency and grow well in the local climatic and soil conditions.

It has a diverse range of forest resources and great bio-diversity, including 537 precious medicinal plant species that are widely used and have great potential for developing key products.

They grow naturally on more than 43,000ha of natural forests, mostly in Kbang, ak oa, Chu Prong, and Mang Yang districts.

The province also had 4,000ha of medicinal herbs grown by households and companies as of the middle of last year, 3,000ha more than in 2020.

The plants grown here including Ngoc Linh ginseng, marbled jewel orchids and female ginseng, and many farming models are effective as they involve the use of proper techniques.

The model for growing bo chinh ginseng used by the Quang Vinh medicinal Plant Agriculture Co-operative in Kbang Districts So Pai Commune offers an average yield of six tonnes per hectare per year and income of VN335 million (US$14,000) to the growers.

The model of intercropping ca gai leo (Solanum Procumbens) and coffee in Chu Se Districts Ia Tiem Commune offers farmers incomes of VN40-50 million ($1,700-2,000) per hectare per year from harvesting the former, a medicinal herb.

Nguyen Van Hoan, deputy director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, says the plan is to expand medicinal plant cultivation to 5,000-10,000ha by 2025.

The plants to be grown include Ngoc Linh ginseng, marbled jewel orchids, female ginseng, ca gai leo, and tuber fleeceflower.

The province aims to develop at least four establishments that produce and sell high-quality medicinal plant seedlings and supply about 70 per cent of local demand.

The Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Kon Chu Rang nature reserve will establish two centres for growing medicinal plants on a research basis and produce seedlings of rare and commercial medicinal plants.

The centres will focus on preserving the provinces 21 rare medicinal plants listed in Viet Nams Red Book of endangered flora.

The province will establish a centre to preserve traditional medical knowledge and genomes of precious medicinal plants grown by ethnic peoples in the Tay Nguyen region.

Besides expanding the cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants, the province also aims to grow more foreign medicinal plants such as South Korean ginseng.

Hoan says climatic conditions in the provinces north-eastern areas are suitable for growing South Korean ginseng and so are zoned for the purpose.

The province has three renowned manufacturers of medicinal products, Truong Sinh International Science Development Company, ong Nam Duoc Gia Lai Joint Stock Company and a plant in Chu Pah Districts industrial-handicrafts cluster.

It has four medicinal plant growing projects with an investment of VN497 billion ($20.8 million), and is seeking investors for 10 other projects on a total area of 1,821ha that will require VN7.3 trillion ($300 million).

It is drafting up a plan to solicit investments in nine hi-tech projects for growing medicinal plants and their seedlings.

The province has 26 herbal medicinal products with three- and four-star ratings under the countrys One Commune-One Product programme.

It aims to have at least 10 more by 2030.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday founded two groups to inspect, monitor and direct diphtheria prevention and control in Ha Giang and ien Bien northern mountainous provinces.

These two inspection teams, focused on diphtheria prevention, are led by officials from the General Department of Preventive Medicine (VNCDC) and the Department of Medical Service Administration, as outlined in the MoH's official decision.

The teams comprise experts from various departments within the MoH, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, and the Viet Nam National Hospital of Pediatrics.

Their primary responsibilities include collaborating with the two provinces to enhance diphtheria prevention and control measures, monitoring and managing outbreaks, and administering vaccinations to combat the disease.

Additionally, they are tasked with identifying and treating diphtheria patients and conducting educational and awareness campaigns to promote epidemic response practices.

The experts are responsible for assessing the situation and proposing solutions to control the diphtheria epidemic in the coming time.

One person died of diphtheria recently in Meo Vac District, Ha Giang Province.

The victim was identified as V.M.D., a 15-year-old belonging to the Mong ethnic group, residing in Khau Vai B Village, Khau Vai Commune.

This marks the first reported case of diphtheria in the province in nearly two decades.

In response, the district has implemented several measures to prevent the spread of the disease and minimise the number of cases and fatalities.

Diphtheria is an acute bacterial infection caused by specific bacteria. While the disease is more common among young children, it can also affect adults lacking immunity, according to the VNCDC.

The disease can easily transmitted through the respiratory system or through direct contact with secretions from the patients nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Healthy carriers of the bacteria, when coughing or sneezing, especially in densely populated areas with unhygienic conditions, can also spread the disease.

Previously, the disease was quite common in most localities across the country. Since the diphtheria vaccine was included in the expanded vaccination programme, the disease has been controlled. Only a few cases have been recorded due to non-vaccination, usually in remote areas where vaccination rates are low.

Diphtheria has not been eliminated in Viet Nam, so people can still contract the disease if they are not vaccinated or come into contact with the pathogen.  VNS
According to Medical Tourism Magazine, because of the increasing cost of healthcare along with the rise of high-quality health tourism destinations at affordable prices, the world medical tourism industry is expected to grow strongly in recent years.

Every year, millions of tourists who choose medical tourism go to countries that provide more specialized medical care than the country in which they live.

Depending on needs, medical tourism options range from cosmetic surgery and dentistry to orthopedic procedures at affordable prices.

For medical tourism destinations and healthcare service providers, competition is considered very high, requiring the interaction of many factors to develop medical tourism and enhance service brands in the global market.

However, choosing a destination that suits your medical needs will take much work. Given the risks that many media reports about medical tourism, consumers are more cautious about their choices. The Medical Tourism Index (MTI) is an important measure to select suitable medical tourism destinations and evaluate countries with the best medical tourism centers.

MTI evaluates medical tourism destinations along three main dimensions, including destination environment and provides an overview of the cultural and socioeconomic factors that drive domestic tourism. The medical tourism industry values infrastructure such as seamless communication, facilitation of efficient travel, culturally appropriate programs, quality facilities and services, a team of healthcare professionals, and third-party accreditation.

Medical tourism professionals, healthcare organizations and governments worldwide are investing heavily in accessing the right tools and resources to earn a higher ranking in the bronze MTI and attract more customers and payers for medical services.

Global Healthcare Accreditation, a world leader in healthcare certification, assesses countries' capacity and adherence to industry best practices to achieve these indicators.

Global Healthcare Accreditation now offers certifications, medical training programs, and certifications to help healthcare providers, governments, and medical tourism facilitators comprehensively understand the health tourism industry and be better equipped to handle industry challenges and deliver world-class service.

Assessed by the Health Tourism Index 2020-2021, ranking 46 best destinations for medical tourism, here are some of the best destinations to meet the healthcare needs of travelers worldwide.

Read more: Medical Tourism Moonshot: Breaking the Barriers to Quality Healthcare  PR Newswire - VietReader Viet Nam

Canada

Canada ranked No. 1 in 2020 according to the Health Tourism Index, which is not surprising because the country with the 2nd largest area in the world used to be very proud of its strong tourism industry, attracting more than 14 million people. Americans come here every year.

Its proximity to the US brings the country many tourists and patients. Canada is ranked first for providing quality medical treatments, expertise, and world-class healthcare facilities, especially in orthopedic and complicated cardiac surgery.

Canada is also ranked first for destination environment, 7th for medical tourism and 4th for quality of facilities out of 46 destinations in the Health Tourism Index.

Singapore

Singapore ranks second in the Health Tourism Index, ranking first in the Quality of Healthcare Facilities and Services in 2020. As of 2019, more than 500,000 foreign tourists have visited Singapore to enjoy quality and affordable healthcare services.

Singapore recently established an International Patient Service Center (IPSC) as a medical travel agent to mediate between international patients and Singapore's healthcare providers. , as a way to drive further growth in the industry and enable a much more cohesive medical tourism journey.

Singapore is also the top destination for travelers for cosmetic procedures and cancer treatment, with a wide range of highly qualified healthcare professionals.

Japan

Ranked 2nd in the Medical Tourism industry, in the Quality of Facilities and Services category, and 5th in the Destination Environment aspect, Japan is ranked as one of the best healthcare systems in the world by every standard.

Leading the way in recent advances in technology and medicine, Japan continues to provide top-notch healthcare services to foreign residents and tourists, most of whom are from mainland China.

Spain

Spain is known as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, with a tourism portfolio that attracts tens of millions of tourists each year.

The country is ranked highly by MTI as the most chosen medical tourism destination in Europe, as it offers foreign patients excellent healthcare services and an engaging travel experience.

Spain increasingly attracts international tourists from the Middle East, North Africa and the UK for advanced orthopedic, cosmetic and dental procedures.

UK

The UK ranks 5th in MTI's global ranking of medical tourism destinations for 2020. The UK is also home to medical institutions known for their quality healthcare services. Top.

The UK is also the most popular tourist destination hub, welcoming more than 31 million international tourists annually, many of whom are drawn to the nation's rich cultural heritage.

The UK scores best in the Destination Environment category, coming in at 3rd out of 46 destinations, thanks partly to its abundance of tourist destinations.

Also read: Local Health sectors successes pave the way for medical tourism  Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com
The American tech giant's vote of confidence in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector was discussed by Nguyen Thang Vuong from the Europe-America Market Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) during an online forum on Vietnam's role in the global supply chain on September 6.

Meanwhile, Intel has initiated the expansion of its Phase 2 chip verification plant in Ho Chi Minh City, involving an investment amounting to a staggering $4 billion, said Vuong.

According to Vuong, a shift in the global supply chain has become increasingly evident. For instance, besides the recent strategic moves and multi-billion dollar commitments from Apple and Intel, Danish conglomerate Lego is investing in a factory in the southern province of Binh Duong with an outlay of $1 billion.

Several prominent American corporations, such as Boeing, Google, and Walmart, have announced plans to extend their supplier networks and manufacturing bases in Vietnam following extensive research into the local investment environment, he added.

Particularly noteworthy is the colossal shift by Samsung in relocating its entire mobile phone production line predominantly to Vietnam and India. Remarkably, 60 per cent of Samsung's global smartphone output is now manufactured in Vietnam.

This migration of manufacturing groups to Vietnam offers indigenous businesses enhanced access to Western markets and an influx of foreign direct investment (FDI), especially from Northeast Asia. However, these developments also bring formidable challenges for Vietnamese enterprises seeking to integrate into the expansive supply chains of these global juggernauts.

In an interview with local newspaper Tien Phong, Do Thi Thuy Huong, vice-chairwoman of the Vietnam Supporting Industries Association (VASI), highlighted that alongside Apples relocation, major conglomerates such as Foxconn, Luxshare, Pegatron, and Wistron are also expanding their existing manufacturing bases in Vietnam.

The rapid influx of foreign capital, particularly in the electronics sector, is evident. Samsungs investment in the largest research and development centre in Southeast Asia, valued at $220 million in Hanoi, serves as a testament. Another key player, Hansol Electronics from South Korea, recently secured investment permission for two projects in the southern province of Dong Nai, amounting to $100 million.

To stay ahead and cater to these industry giants, VASI asserts that local governments need to formulate stronger policies to ensure domestic businesses possess the capability to assimilate technologies and compete sustainably in the market.

A prime focus should be on discerning, high-quality technologies that align with the existing technical prowess of domestic manufacturing and assembly groups. Crucially, any technology introduced should be environmentally conscious and promote the inclusion of Vietnamese suppliers within a stipulated timeframe.

Ngo Khai Hoan, deputy director of the Industrial Department under the MoIT, expressed that while Vietnam had previously capitalised on its inexpensive labour force, rising labour costs are now diminishing this advantage, especially when compared to nations like India, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Understanding the potential of domestic supporting industries is vital for attracting FDI. In light of this, the Industrial Department plans to foster initiatives that include policy development, capacity-building for local enterprises, and facilitating connections between domestic businesses and multinational corporations like Samsung and Toyota, said Hoan.

Vietnamese auxiliary manufacturers must engage in global supply chain Vietnamese auxiliary manufacturing businesses need to join in and become a component of the global supply chain.
MoU signing ceremony between Autodesk and the Institute of Construction Economics

This MoU is a strategic next step following the 2017 MoU between Autodesk, the global leader in software for architects, builders, engineers, designers, manufacturers, 3D artists, production team; and the Ministry of Construction (MoC), which contributed significantly to the Approval of the Roadmap for applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction that the prime minister issued in March 2023.

Therefore, the two sides have agreed to carry out a larger scale of cooperation, accelerating the national BIM roadmap to speed up the implementation and integration of technology in all construction work processes.

"The MoU will explore the effectiveness of the BIM programme and project implementation in improving construction productivity at the national level, and explore BIM and GIS harmonisation, the use of technologies such as Internet of Things and AI with BIM for research and development," said Serene Sia, Autodesk's managing director ASEAN.

In the next three years, Autodesk will work with the MoC to develop BIM guidelines and training modules to speed up the implementation and adoption of BIM.

In addition, Autodesk will update training programmes and provide certificates for the transfer of completed documents in the construction industry. These collaborative initiatives will promote digital transformation and BIM adoption in Vietnam.

The Institute of Construction Economics will support Autodesk to study and deploy BIM solutions in accordance with the needs of Vietnam's market.

At the signing ceremony, Le Van Cu  president of the Institute of Construction Economics said, "Autodesk is one of the companies that help the MoC to raise awareness of BIM, share the experiences of some countries that have successfully applied BIM, providing documents and instructions for BIM adoption and supplying equipment and software copyrights of BIM. We hope that by this agreement, Autodesk will continue to support access to make the application of BIM in Vietnam more effectively."

Autodesk and MoC to boost digital transformation

The MoU will help the construction sector adapt to new ways of working and address issues that have dogged the industry for years, such as fragmented ecosystems and over-reliance on on-site manual labour.

They hope that BIM and new technologies will contribute to the vibrant construction industry in the country and become an inspiration for innovation, as well as open up opportunities to access advanced technologies such as BIM Generative Design and Digital Twins to optimise resources, achieve economic and productivity efficiency, and create sustainable impacts.

Nicolas Mangon, Autodesk vice president, said this MoU is an important step in promoting BIM adoption in the Vietnamese construction industry. BIM is an important technology that can help contractors, consultants, and investors optimise efficiency, reduce costs and improve construction quality.

"With more than 40 years of experience in the industry around the world, Autodesk would like to become a trusted partner of the government, agencies, and Vietnamese businesses to improve the application and deployment capacity of BIM, as well as strengthen the development of Vietnam's construction," Mangon said.

In addition, during the cooperation process, the two sides will actively monitor, ensure progress, evaluate the suitability of all planned programmes, evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing programmes, and participate in regional and global programmes and events to stay informed about industry trends, connect with colleagues and contribute to the strategic growth of the construction industry.

Hoa Binh Construction signs multi-year tech deal with Autodesk Autodesk today announced Hoa Binh Construction Groups commitment to implement Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology in their construction projects as part of the firms efforts to bolster their competitive differentiation as a leader in BIM adoption and accelerate growth in the Vietnamese construction sector.
Banks juggle bancassurance quandary, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

The first half of this year saw many top banks in Vietnam experience a significant reduction in their bancassurance sales figures, recording drops of at least half compared to the same period the previous year.

Fresh figures from Vietnam International Bank (VIB) showed that cross-selling insurance commissions for the first six months plummeted by nearly half to $13.29 million. Similarly, TPBank and Techcombank reported a decline of over half in insurance-related revenues, recording figures of $9.28 million and $12.24 million, respectively.

SeABank experienced an even steeper decline, at 80 per cent, with its bancassurance income dwindling to $1.94 million.

This decline comes amidst a challenging phase for bancassurance, following numerous complaints from the public and intensified inspections from the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

Previously, the domestic market has witnessed several billion-dollar collaborations between banks and insurance companies.

Notable agreements include VPBank and AIA, Sacombank with Dai-ichi Life, Vietcombank and FWD, both ACB and TPBank partnering with Sun Life, MSB joining forces with Prudential, and VIB aligning with Prudential.

However, after a prolonged period of controversies, particularly issues where customers savings were inadvertently channelled into life insurance purchases, the revenue from insurance services of some entities has started to show signs of decline.

Pham Thu Phuong, deputy director of the Insurance Supervision and Management Department under the MoF, expressed concern over the prevailing challenges in the life insurance market.

These issues contravened the very humanitarian essence of life insurance, undermining the confidence of policyholders, she said. Despite the sector boasting an annual growth of 20 per cent, the actual quality of services and development has not aligned with its expansion.

Phan Duc Hieu, a standing member of the National Assembly Economic Committee, noted, Consultation service quality remains a primary concern. Insurance entities must prioritise and enhance their service delivery.

However, after a period of rapid growth, this sales channel is now undergoing more transparent adjustments. Several privately held banks have, since the second quarter, shifted their approach to key performance indicators, taking the pressure off employees to sell insurance.

The recent crisis has spurred both banks and insurers to reconsider their bancassurance strategies. The market is currently facing its toughest period, but insurance leaders believe there could be a silver lining.

Phuong Tien Minh, CEO of Prudential Vietnam, said, Bancassurance channels have various areas to improve following the explosive growth of the past. Insurers and banks have amassed tremendous lessons over the past seven years.

Previously, very few bancassurance partnerships in the market were willing to commit to contract retention rates. Overlooking this crucial checkpoint, experts believe, was a primary factor contributing to the overheated and skewed development of bancassurance in recent times.

An industry insider said that asking banks to commit to such a target was always challenging. We even risked losing potential collaborations with several banks due to their insistence on a minimum contract retention rate during cross-selling, the expert told VIR.

On the other hand, one of the few banks in the market committed to a contract retention rate during cross-selling is Sacombank.

Nguyen Duc Thach Diem, CEO of Sacombank, said it was committed to a minimum second-year contract retention rate from the very outset of their partnership with Dai-ichi Life. It has been integral from the early days of our collaboration and is a prerequisite that dictates most of our insurance business activities, she said. While many banks in the market have a second-year contract retention rate of around 60-70 per cent, and some even as low as 30 per cent, Sacombank boasts a rate nearing 90 per cent as of the end of 2022. This indicates that 90 per cent of customers purchasing insurance through the bank continue their participation in subsequent years.

Some banks are proactively seeking different bancassurance partnership strategies amidst the industrys chaos. In May, the partnership between Prudential and VIB, which extends the alliance to 2036, was heralded as a next-generation bancassurance contract. For the first time, it introduces market commitments focused on sales quality.

Signifying a steadfast commitment from both entities, this collaboration seeks to meet actual needs by aligning sales to demand, said Minh of Prudential. We have established a Customer Conduct Standards Committee with VIB. This ensures both parties maintain consistent behaviour standards during customer complaints, streamlining complaint reviews, and setting standards for customer consultation and care.

According to data from the Insurance Association of Vietnam (IAV), by the end of June, the total number of active life insurance contracts  the primary product in the market  stood at 13.35 million. This marks a decrease of approximately 550,000 contracts from the start of the year. This is the markets first decline since 2014.

The association believes that this drop could be attributed to the most significant crisis of confidence the sector has ever experienced. This led to a 31 per cent decrease in new contracts across the market in the first half of the year, dropping to just over one million contracts.

Within this scenario, the number of insurance contracts sold through banks registered a decline in units. Traditional agents from top firms faced challenges approaching new clients. Several advisors turned to friends and relatives to sell low-value insurance products to meet targets, diverging from their prior focus on investment-linked insurance.

Furthermore, roughly 1.5 million contracts were either cancelled by customers or became inactive during these six months. This figure encompasses those who proactively terminated their contracts, halted their payments ahead of schedule, or whose contracts simply reached their payment expiration.

The total life insurance premium revenue for the market in the six-month period also saw a decline, dropping almost 8 per cent from the same period the previous year, amounting to approximately $3.28 billion. New business revenue plunged by 38 per cent, estimated at $653.6 million.

The first half of this year also witnessed significant upheavals in the market share of new business. Manulife, having led in new sales for two consecutive years, now ranks third.

For the first half of the year, Prudential topped the new insurance premium revenue chart with $115.6 million, followed by Dai-ichi Life at $86.3 million. In terms of cumulative insurance premium revenue, Bao Viet Life leads with 20.6 per cent of the market share, followed by Manulife at 17.2 per cent.

The IAV also reported that insurance company payouts for the first half of 2023 were estimated at $1.09 billion, a rise of 37 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.

Bancassurance takes on trust challenges The bancassurance sector is facing challenges amid many partnerships and complaints, requiring stricter regulations and improved governance to restore customer trust.

Insurers to face penalties for wrongdoing in bancassurance sales The Ministry of Finance (MoF) inspection reveals regulatory violations by Prudential, MB Ageas Life, Sun Life, and BIDV Metlife in their bancassurance sales practices, leading to impending penalties and increased scrutiny in the Vietnamese insurance market.
On September 6, Bayer Vietnam inaugurated the first ForwardFarm in Southeast Asia, located in Thoi Lai district of Can Tho city. The scheme is in partnership with the National Agricultural Extension Center (NAEC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The representatives of Bayer and the NAEC with rice value partners at the farm inauguration ceremony

ForwardFarm Can Tho brings together farmers, technology partners, scientists and academia, and value chain partners, as well as consumers, to exchange agricultural know-how and form partnerships to promote modern and climate-smart sustainable agriculture through first-hand experience.

The initiative aims to forge a collaborative future for Vietnam's sustainable agriculture, connecting the partners and farmers to disseminate knowledge and benefit the broader farmer communities.

The tailored solutions, modern tools and practices, and proactive stewardship measures under the scheme will enable farmers to enhance productivity, quality, and yields and in a way that preserves the environment.

Le Quoc Thanh, director general of the NAEC, said that the public-private partnership (PPP) model is essential to stimulating progress in sustainable agriculture.

This is being demonstrated by the partners of Bayer's initiative via the collaboration programmes and the joint training activities to enhance the capacity of farmers to produce sustainable rice towards emissions reductions, climate change adaptations, and smart rice farming, Thanh said.

Le Quoc Thanh, director general of the NAEC shared at the launch event of the ForwardFarming

As capacity building for farmers is crucial to achieve the sustainability goals, we target to reach more than 100,000 farmers for dissemination of sustainable farming practices via the national agriculture extension network on both off-line and online training platforms, added Thanh.

ForwardFarm Can Tho is a testament to Bayer Vietnam's efforts to promote the PPP model in sustainable agriculture. The NAEC is the representative of the public side, while the private side consists of Bayer Vietnam along with rice value chain partners Kim Hong Machine Enterprise Co Ltd., and Binh Dien Fertiliser JSC.

The collective expertise and resources of Bayer, Binh Dien, Kim Hong, and others mark a significant step of the PPP model to drive smart farming practices, addressing the challenges and environmental impacts of rice cultivation, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The establishment is the result of the MoU between Bayer Vietnam and the NAEC in August 2022 to collaborate and transform rice cultivation in Vietnam by improving productivity and quality for exports, as well as promote sustainable agricultural development, including climate mitigation.

Bayer has currently a network of 26 ForwardFarms in 13 countries around the globe, and Vietnam is the 14th country and the first in Southeast Asia. The company has implemented this initiative in Vietnam for smallholder farmers under agreement with the government and through the PPP model with key industry stakeholders in the value chain.

Farmers are excited about innovative and sustainable solutions in line with local farming practices applied through the ForwardFarming

The three-year initiative will improve farmer incomes, ensure food security, and preserve natural resources and the environment. There are additional goals of enhancing practices to reduce water use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as adapting to climate change, complementing Vietnams vision to sustainably develop one million hectares of high-quality rice for export, and promoting green growth in the Mekong Delta.

Through a deep understanding and close collaboration with local smallholder farmers, we aim to create lasting partnerships via this initiative, providing farmers with access to training, agronomic know-how, and solutions to improve farming incomes, said Stacy Markovich, country division head of Bayer for Southeast Asia and Pakistan. We are also committed to sustainability, including the adoption of holistic regenerative farming practices to strengthen farmers livelihoods while also conserving natural resources.

Prior to the official inauguration of ForwardFarm Can Tho, Bayer Vietnam and the NAEC have jointly conducted train-the-trainer and train-the-farmer sessions for 2,000 farmers on sustainable farming practices as part of capacity building programmes in the local farmer network for the project.

The activities also include highlighting the key role of women in the success of agriculture and knowledge sharing on enhancing community health.

Millionaire Bayer Farmers 2022-2023 contest culminates in a jubilant final night On May 12, Bayer Vietnam hosted the final night of the Millionaire Bayer Farmers contest, featuring eight teams from prestigious rice-growing regions in the Mekong Delta.

Bayer Vietnam employees take up community work Bayer Vietnam is giving back to the community by implementing a series of corporate social responsibility activities.
IFCs total commitments in Vietnam were close to $1.9 billion in the financial year ending June 2023 (FY2023), of which $520 million was in long-term finance. Investment and advisory schemes from IFC addressed several core challenges in Vietnamfrom climate change and food security to trade barriers and the housing finance gaphelping local companies recover from the pandemic and navigate challenging internal and external environments.

The majority of the long-term funding increased lending to thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises, including women-owned businesses, and supported lower and middle-income home buyers. IFCs investments in BaF Vietnam Agriculture, a top livestock producer, and in retail operator GS25 helped strengthen agribusiness value chains and improve food security in the country.

IFC also provided over $1.3 billion in short-term trade and supply chain finance to local companies in Vietnam, particularly garments and textiles firms and agribusiness suppliers, enabling them to continue importing and exporting goods while protecting about 100,000 jobs.

In line with the governments twin goals of becoming a high-income country by 2045 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, climate and sustainability have become a bigger focus for IFC engagements in Vietnam. To date, IFC has committed over $900 million in long-term finance to support climate-related projects in the country.

As businesses gradually recover from the pandemic during ongoing global financial crises, its the right time for the private sector to embark on a more sustainable pathway of development. This not only makes a lot of sense from a business perspective, but will also help make the private sector a driving force for the countrys transition to a low-carbon economic growth model, said Thomas Jacobs, IFC country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

IFCs advisory scheme in Vietnam has focused on facilitating markets for ecologically minded businesses and building capacity for local firms to grasp opportunities in the climate space. For example, IFC is supporting the relevant ministries to develop policies that incentivise green projects and encourage private sector participation in the voluntary carbon market. IFC is also advising manufacturers in heavy industries including steel, cement, and plastics to adopt decarbonisation solutions in their production processes.

In addition, IFC supports the State Securities Commission of Vietnam to promote the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and practices and to enforce ESG requirements among market players. This will help leverage the capital market to tackle climate change through green and sustainable finance.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, IFC committed a record $11 billion to 108 projects in FY2023, a 10 per cent on-year increase. This comprised $4.7 billion in long-term financing from its own account, $3.4 billion in mobilisation, and $2.9 billion in short-term trade and supply chain finance to facilitate trade flows.

IFC to support Vietnam's transition to a low-carbon economic growth model The International Finance Corporation (IFC)  a member of the World Bank Group  announced on May 11 that it will support Vietnam to transit to a low-carbon economic growth model.

IFC and BaF sign investment agreements On February 23, the strategic partnership announcement and signing ceremony of investment agreements between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and BaF Vietnam Agriculture JSC took place at Vinpearl Landmark 81.

IFC investments to strengthen agribusiness value chain The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is initiating two new investments in Vietnam's retail and agribusiness sectors. These investments are aimed at strengthening the agribusiness value chain and ensuring food security, while stimulating job creation, and fostering competitiveness on the country.
Chanthone Sitthixay (left), Chon Kyung-soon (centre) and Park Jin-Hyun display the signed agreements in Vientiane.(Photo: Vientiane Times)

Vientiane - The Laos-Vietnam railway is expected to be completed and put into service in 2028, according to Lao media.

Before construction, the Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway will conduct a detailed design study for the railway.

A cooperation agreement on the project was signed in Vientiane last week by President of Petroleum Trading Lao Public (PTL) Company Chanthone Sitthixay, President of Yooshin Engineering Corporation Chon Kyung-soon, and Executive Director of Korea National Railway Park Jin-Hyun.

Upon completion, the Laos-Vietnam Railway will make contributions to the development of a modern and standardised transport infrastructure system, while reducing transport costs so as to promote Laos socio-economic development.

The project will strengthen Laos connectivity as a transport and trade hub within ASEAN and beyond. It is envisaged to support the Lao governments vision and the countrys development strategy of transforming Laos from a landlocked country into a land-linked country.

The Laos-Vietnam Railway is a part of the Laos Logistics Link Project, which includes a number of sub-projects such as the Thanaleng Dry Port and Vientiane Logistics Park, the Laos-Vietnam Railway, Vung Ang Seaport, and the Boualapha Coal Fired Power Plant.

The high-speed electrified railway project will be built over a distance of some 500 kilometres, including some 312 kilometres linking Vientiane and Khammouane provinces Thakhek district, and a 139-kilometre route connecting Thakhek district with the Laos- Vietnam border. Total investment for the project is estimated at 5.5 billion USD.

Vietnam targets to become largest investor in Laos Vietnam and Laos expect that the former will become the leading investor in the country with seven million people, which will be realised via an effort to foster the bilateral trading turnover.

Laos has new Prime Minister The Lao National Assembly (NA) on December 30 voted to approve the nomination of Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone as the new Prime Minister, replacing Phankham Viphavanh.

Vietnam helps Laos develop educational infrastructure: Lao media The Lao media reported on June 20 that the Vietnamese government has provided a grant of more than 2.1 million USD for the construction of a new secondary school in Xienghon district, Xayaboury province of Laos.
At 50.5 points, the index was up from 48.7 points in July, representing a marginal monthly improvement in business conditions for the manufacturing sector. This modest revival comes after earlier signs of increased demand as manufacturers reported the first growth in new orders in six months while new export business increased after a five-month fall. Similarly, manufacturing output increased in August, reversing a five-month trend of decline. However, the rate of increase was again only minor.

Firms have been ramping up their purchasing activity at a steady rate in response to the increase in new orders and higher output requirements. The increase was the first in six months and was the most significant since September 2022.

The employment picture was less positive, however, with firms remaining hesitant to commit to hiring additional staff. August saw a drop in workforce numbers for the sixth month in a row, although the rate of job losses was at its lowest for that period.

Ongoing job losses indicate continued signs of spare capacity in the sector, with work backlogs decreasing for the eighth consecutive month. Firms also recorded a build up of stocks of finished goods for the second month running, amid reports that weak demand had left finished products unsold.

Data from August pointed to a solid increase in input prices, thereby ending a three-month period of decline. A number of experts have linked higher input costs to rising oil prices, while increased food prices were also mentioned. In turn, firms raised their own selling prices, albeit only slightly. The increase in charges was the first since March.

Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said, These latest figures paint a more encouraging picture of the health of the sector than had been the case recently, with output, new orders, exports and purchasing all returning to growth. However, as demand remains quite fragile, it is probably too early to say that the sector is in full recovery mode."

"Another key aspect from this survey was the end of the recent period of falling prices, with both input costs and selling charges up in August, often linked to higher oil prices," he added.

Smart and steady with relocation to Vietnam More foreign corporations are relocating production to Vietnam to diversify their sup-ply chains, spurring the trend of digital transformation and smart manufacturing in Vietnam. Ryohei Oda, managing director of ABeam Consulting Vietnam, shared with Thanh Van his insight into this trend.

Vietnamese manufacturers show signs of stabilisation amidst market slowdown The Vietnamese manufacturing sector remains in contraction but has shown some signs of stabilisation, with slower reductions in output, new orders, and employment.
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines continues to increase flight frequency on routes to Europe, Australia, and China. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines continues to increase flight frequency on routes to Europe, Australia, and China, thereby restoring nearly 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic international flight network.

Specifically, from September 23, it will increase the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Beijing (China) from three to four weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

At present, the airline is still operating one daily flight on the routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Chinas Guangzhou and Shanghai.

From October 29, 2023, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency simultaneously on many routes to Australia and Europe. The number of flights between Hanoi and Melbourne will increase from two to three weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. At the same time, the airline will launch a new direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Perth from December 7, 2023, with 3 round trips per week.

Flights to the UK will increase from five to seven flights per week, including four from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and three from Ho Chi Minh City on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

In addition, the route to Germany will have seven flights per week from the current six, with flights departing from Hanoi daily.

Flights between Ho Chi Minh City and France will increase from three to four flights per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

All of the above flights are operated by modern wide-body aircraft Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 with 4-star Skytrax international service quality. Customers can buy tickets at ticket offices, agents, websites, and mobile applications of Vietnam Airlines.

Vietnam Airlines to adjust flight schedules over typhoon Khanun impact Flights to and from Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) operated by national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines may have their schedules changed based on the extent of the impact of typhoon Khanun to ensure safety.

Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Tourism Board sign MoU Vietnam Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed an MoU until 2025, aiming to promote Singapores popularity as a destination for both leisure and business as Vietnam's outbound tourism recovers.
The Lorena Primary School principal is seeking to be dismissed from a federal lawsuit filed by the family of a child who was sexually abused there in 2021, and the school district is seeking to have some of the familys claims thrown out.

A long-term substitute teacher at the primary school, Nicolas Scott Crenshaw, pleaded guilty in May to sexually abusing two children at the school, one who was 4 and one who was 5 at the time. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The family of one of the children filed a federal civil rights lawsuit early last month in Waco against Lorena Independent School District and Lorena Primary School Principal April Jewell, claiming deliberate indifference to the childs rights.

The lawsuit says the child suffered physical pain, fear and nightmares about school.

Jewell and the district filed motions Aug. 28 and Aug. 30 to have all allegations against her dismissed, claiming the allegations against her were in her role as a district official, not as an individual. Under the law, certain actions of public officials are considered actions of the entity they represent.

Attorneys for the district also filed a motion Aug. 30 for partial dismissal of claims against the district, saying the familys attorneys did not establish in the initial complaint that a policy or custom of the district or its board of trustees led to the girls suffering.

The initial complaint alleges the school district did not investigate Crenshaw after complaints against him by fellow employees, and that Jewell retaliated against some who complained and allowed Crenshaw unsupervised access to the victims.

The judge has not yet ruled on the districts dismissal motions.

To protect the identity of the child, the adult family members who filed the suit also filed motions to be identified as Mary and John Doe, and asked that their relationship be referred to as next friends of the young girl, who is given the pseudonym Jane Doe.
Free fall in Sino-ROK ties must be checked

10:19, September 06, 2023 By China Daily editorial ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Bilateral relations between China and the Republic of Korea are at a historical low since the two countries established diplomatic relations more than three decades ago. This is mainly due to Seoul strengthening its alignment with Washington in recent years as part of the latter's plan to rally its allies in Asia to counter China.

The deterioration in their relations began with the decision of the ROK government to deploy the United States' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system pointed at China. The trilateral summit between US, Japanese and ROK leaders at Camp David last month has also drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which sees it as another attempt by the US to forge a bulwark to contain China.

The telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his ROK counterpart Park Jin on Thursday was a timely attempt to ease the mounting frictions between the two sides. It is a welcome development, as it indicates that the two sides are unwilling to allow their relationship to continue its free fall to the detriment of their national interests.

During their talks, Wang told his ROK counterpart that China's policy toward the ROK has maintained "continuity and stability", and the ROK should not let its China policy be influenced by a third party. While he stopped short of identifying that third party by name, it is evident which party he was referring to and that "interference from external factors" orchestrated by that party is to blame for the deteriorating bilateral ties. Seoul needs to be alert to that disruptive force making further efforts to erode the existing partnership between the ROK and China.

It is pivotal that the ROK "strengthen its strategic autonomy" and refrain from ideological confrontation. And it should work with China to push for steady and long-term cooperation between the two countries. Encouragingly, Park told Wang that his country has no intention to engage in decoupling from China on the issue of production and supply chains. "De-Sinicization" is not only not possible, it is also not desirable, he said.

Indeed, the mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation between China and the ROK, which signed a free trade agreement in 2015, has remained the ballast for bilateral relations. Over the past three decades, trade between the two countries has grown 72-fold to more than $360 billion, with China being the ROK's biggest trade partner for 18 consecutive years.

Despite their differences, China's huge development potential and large market lay a solid foundation for expanding China-ROK cooperation and helping the ROK achieve sustainable prosperity and development. Seoul should choose cooperation rather than confrontation, unity rather than division, as that is the only way forward for China-ROK relations.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The city of Wacos portion of Speegleville Road from U.S. Highway 84 to the bridge over the Middle Bosque River servicing an area growing with development is up for an estimated $28.3 million overhaul by 2027. However, the current project does not include designs for the $17.6 million replacement of the 59-year-old bridge, as the citys federal grant ask from last year was denied.

The Waco City Council approved three contracts Tuesday with Walker Partners LLC, totaling some $1.35 million to survey and design the citys portion of Speegleville Road from U.S. Highway 84 to Oak Road, Oak Road to the bridge over the Middle Bosque River and to perform a drainage study for an area near the McGregor Executive Airport prone to flooding.

Public Works Director Amy Burlarley-Hyland said the project is needed for connectivity between McLennan Countys portion of the road north of the bridge, which was widened and got a new bridge over Hog Creek early last year, and the Texas Department of Transportations recently completed improvements to the intersection at Highway 84.

Theres a lot of increasing development in that area, she said. Theres the opportunity for a lot of development in the county on the other side of the bridge so we need to make sure that our roadway is rightsized to make that connection between the county section of Speegleville Road and TxDOTs U.S. 84 section, both of which have been upgraded.

If we dont have that connectivity detours are pretty extensive. They could take a lot of time, cost a lot of money for people. Detours vary between 13 miles and 16 miles and there are an awful lot of facilities and services in that area that need to be able to use this corridor.

In 2016 the city contracted Walker Partners to provide a preliminary cost estimate and schematics for the section of the road, which are now complete and up to date. Burlarley-Hyland said the city is preparing to make offers to property owners affected by the roads widening for easements and right-of-way acquisitions.

We have completed our Waters of the U.S. report and didnt have any issues, and our hazardous materials report, she said. We will have to do an archeological report but we wont be doing that until weve decided what our design of the bridge is so we know what the footprint is we have to study.

The 15-month process of designing the road not including the bridge will begin later this month with a topographic survey, and 24 months of road construction, estimated at $28.3 million, is slated to begin in 2025.

The regional detention drainage study around Fellowship Bible Church from Wheatland Drive to Oak Road will start concurrently with the roads design.

We do have some flooding in some of the houses over there and we need to figure out the best way to get the water moving, Burlarley-Hyland said. Now is an opportune time to do that.

She said the road widening would likely be the second street capacity program project funded by the citys new street maintenance fee, following the Chapel Road expansion project from Meadow Mountain Drive to Ritchie Road.

Although the project to widen Speegleville Road up to the bridge over the Middle Bosque River got the green flag from city council Tuesday, the functionally obsolete bridge itself awaits funding for its overhaul. Burlarley-Hyland said the bridge does not meet safety standards and is not optimal to serve current or anticipated growth with development in the area.

Its a two-lane bridge and its 12-foot lanes, but theres no shoulders, she said. Theres no sidewalks. Its a dangerous bridge if youre not a driver. Theres not a recovery area and we cant have walkers on it.

The bridge will be replaced with a four-lane bridge with a wide shared-use sidewalk for cyclists and pedestrians on both sides, Burlarley-Hyland said.

Including sidewalks along the bridge and Speegleville Road will be critical to serve students walking to River Valley Middle School, though there may be a few areas along the road that will not be able to have sidewalks on both sides, she said.

I think we would cross over at Oak Road if we couldnt keep it continuous on the other side, she said.

The city council voted last September to apply jointly with the county for a federal grant for design and construction of the bridge, a $17.6 million project. The application for funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was denied, but Burlarley-Hyland said she has received feedback from the Federal Highway Administration on the application and intends to resubmit this year.

We were not successful in getting that grant this time but we did have a pretty extensive feedback meeting with FHWA so we know what areas of our grant application we didnt get the highest scores on, she said.

She said to date the $17.6 million project has received some $2.6 million in in-house funding, and we do have a $1.76 million federal earmark, but it is at this point only an earmark. Its not available to us to spend it. It just has our name on it.

China Spring park

In other business Tuesday, the city council approved a $669,000 professional services agreement for design, surveying and construction support services with RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture, the firm that also worked on Brazos Park East, for an 85-acre park bordering Flat Rock Road in China Spring.

Very excited about the ability to connect it into the trail system that runs across the (Lake Waco) dam as well as its positioning adjoining other (U.S. Army) Corps of Engineers properties, City Manager Bradley Ford said.

The firm will engage stakeholders and collect public input while developing concepts through February. From January to June it will determine phasing and bidding, with bids awarded by October of next year. Construction could begin by January 2025.

Brazos water

The council also approved the $260,000 purchase of three raw water pumps to move water from the Lake Brazos portion of the Brazos River to the citys dissolved air floatation plant, an option for supplementing Lake Waco water during drought conditions.

We made an order in August  and expect delivery of the pumps in December, and given that were currently projecting to move to Stage 3 restrictions, well, here in the next four to eight weeks  we really wanted to have these on hand later in the year so that we can start taking advantage of our Brazos water, Ford said.

He said there is the potential for Stage 3 and Stage 4 drought restrictions around the turn of the year. Stage 2 restrictions limiting outdoor watering to twice a week have been in place more than a year. Stage 3 would limit watering to once a week, among other restrictions.

Zoning, agriculture

An amendment to the zoning ordinance was approved to permit agricultural operations, including raising or keeping livestock, producing crops and growing vegetation, in all zoning districts in accordance with a new state law that advanced in this year's legislative session as House Bill 1750.

All this is proposing to do is add agricultural uses as a zoning use, and then we have some other ordinances that deal with specific regulations that we will be looking at and examining as we go forward, said City Attorney Jennifer Richie in response to a question about how the law would affect variance requests to keep livestock in the city limits.
By Dave Homewood

I made a visit on Wednesday the 30th of August to Avspecs Ltd at Ardmore Airport, Auckland, New Zealand, to catch up with Warren Denholm and the team who are working on their fourth de Havilland DH98 Mosquito airworthy restoration project.

This Mosquito was built by de Havilland Australia at Bankstown, Sydney, Australia, for the Royal Australian Air Force. Originally planned to become an FB.40 fighter-bomber version (essentially the Australian-built equivalent of the very successful FB.VI) it was given the RAAF serial number A52-20. However, the decision was made to convert a batch of partly constructed FB.40s to dual control trainer status, and this aircraft was converted to a Mosquito T.43 while still on the production line. At that point it was renumbered with a new RAAF serial, A52-1054.

The aircraft was allocated to No. 3 Aircraft Depot, RAAF Amberley, in Queensland, on the 19th of August 1946. Two months later it moved to RAAF Archerfield with the same unit on the 18th of October 1946 and was placed in storage, due to the wars end and the sudden lack of need for these machines.

It had been announced in August 1946 that the New Zealand government intended to purchase de Havilland Mosquitoes to replace their Lockheed PV-1 Venturas and Corsairs in Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) service, which were Lend-Lease aircraft, and werent available for continued post-war used under the terms of the agreement. They planned to buy enough to equip three squadrons, and eventually, the total number of Mosquitoes brought to New Zealand was 80.

The RNZAF decided to purchase a small batch of dual-control Mosquitos to help convert crews onto the FB.VI fighter bombers that were to be ferried from Britain. As Australia had dual control Mosquitoes surplus to their requirements, the New Zealand government made a deal to purchase four T.43 models from Australia, and 15 Mosquito T.IIIs (from the UK) as well.

A52-1054 was one of those sold to New Zealand, at an individual cost of 3000, and was eventually ferried across the Tasman to RNZAF Base Ohakea, where it was brought on charge with the RNZAF on the 25th of June 1947. The new, RNZAF, serial number NZ2308 was given to this Mossie.

It was allocated to No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. This turned out to be the only squadron of the postwar Royal New Zealand Air Force to operate Mosquitoes when a policy change meant that the other two planned squadrons were never formed. It was marked with the code letters YC-Z.

The aircraft served with the squadron until the early fifties when the unit converted to de Havilland Vampires. NZ2308 went into long-term storage at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. It had flown 479 hours and 35 minutes at the time of its retirement.

NZ2308 was declared as surplus on the 30th of June 1955, and was sold by the Government Stores Board to ANSA Orchard Equipment Co., of Nelson. This company bought up 27 surplus Mossies, with the intention of using their Merlin engines and propellers on trailers to tow around the apple orchards in the Nelson region to blow frost off the trees in the depths of winter, in the same way that this is now done by low flying helicopters.

The remains of NZ2308 ended up on a farm at Riwaka, north of Motueka. It was a bit of a landmark in the paddock there, visible from the road. In the 1960s the airframe was recovered by volunteers from the Museum of Transport and Technology, who were also restoring another recovered Mosquito, NZ2305.

Eventually, the remains of NZ2308 passed from MOTAT to Owyn Fenner, who worked at Gulf Aeronautics, Ardmore, and he came up with the idea of forming a syndicate to rebuild the airplane to fly again. He approached the NZ Warbirds Association, and a group was formed. One of those syndicate members was Glyn Powell, who would eventually collect all the necessary drawings from around the world to build the fuselage molds from scratch and to rebuild the Mosquito. He also collected parts and other wrecks, and eventually put together a small team of craftsmen.

Glyn Powell constructed a test fuselage on the molds to prove the molds were true and worked, and then he was ready to build new woodwork for NZ2308. But at the same time, Glyn was contracted by Jerry Yagen to create another set of wings and fuselage for Canadian-built Mosquito FB.26 KA114. This latter aircraft famously was completed by Avspecs in 2012 and became the first ever Mosquito to be rebuilt to fly.

Glyn continued with his project slowly as he worked on other projects as well, but he passed away in November 2019, and the aircraft remained unfinished. The partially rebuilt NZ2308 had almost passed into the ownership of a new New Zealand syndicate some years before Glyns death, and he would have retained a share in the ownership, but sadly this fell through.

It had been looked at by numerous other groups and individuals from the UK and USA over the years as a potential purchase. Finally, it did sell in 2022 to an avid warbird collector from North America. Upon my visit, the aircraft was found to be in quite an advanced state. It currently has temporary engines fitted, the ones it will fly with are undergoing overhaul with Vintage V12s right now. But the cowls are mostly completed and a lot of work is being done by the team on systems and finer details.

Almost all of the Avspecs team are currently working on the Mosquito, with just two of them on another project, so the workshop is a hive of Mossie activity. If the pace keeps up the aircraft should hopefully be flying by the late summer (which is around February in the Southern Hemisphere). A real advantage for the team now is that they have so many spare parts for the Mosquito type, from several sources, that have come to light in recent years. When they restored the first couple of Mosquitos it was much harder to find usable, flyable spare parts. Now it seems they have enough stock to build several more.

While NZ2308 in under rebuild, Mosquito Aircraft Restorations and Avspecs are also working on the next Mosquito project for Peter Monk in the UK, which will become the major focus for the team when NZ2308 is complete. They are also working on the Curtiss Hawk for Jerry Yagen, which is on hold temporarily until its wing is completed at Precision Airmotive of Wangaratta, Australia, and arrives to be mated to the fuselage. I hope to make more visits to Ardmore to watch the progress on NZ2308 in the coming months as it draws closer to making that much-anticipated first flight.



Thanks to Dave Homewood for this report. Make sure to subscribe to Daves podcast, the Wings Over New Zealand Show , where you can learn all about New Zealands aviation scene, past and present, and the people involved  from the current RNZAF and Air Force veterans to airshows and warbirds, to airlines, agricultural aviation, recreational flying, history and much more. Click HERE for more information.
INDEPENDENCE  An Independence man is facing up to 125 years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of repeatedly sexually abusing a girl over several years.

Jurors found Scott Neil Brown, 34, guilty of five counts of second-degree sexual abuse on Monday in Buchanan County District Court following half a week of testimony at trial.

Sentencing will be at a later date. Each count is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. If the charges are run consecutive, Brown would have to serve more than 87 years before he is eligible for parole.

Authorities said Brown abused a girl under the age of 12 multiple times between August 2019 and February 2023.

The case was investigated by Sgt. Andrew Isley from the Independence Police Department and prosecuted by County Attorney Shawn Harden and Assistant Iowa Attorney General Monty Platz.

Photos: Missing children in Iowa Jade Colvin Fredrick Workman Benjamin Roseland Erin Pospisil Marc Allen Eugene Martin John Gosch Kimberly Doss Colleen Simpson Daquan Nelson Diomarix Crespo Alivia Beeding
Fifteen of Iowas 135 home-health agencies have been inspected by the state so far this year and 14 of them have been cited for violations.

Four of the agencies cited for violations are run by county health departments.

At one privately operated agency, inspectors found that patients were in immediate jeopardy caused by a nurse who failed to follow a patients orders for resuscitation and then left the patients home without calling 911 after concluding the man was dead.

In 2022, 34 home-health agencies were inspected by the state, and five were cited for 10 or more violations. At four of the 34 agencies, the violations were serious enough that the agency and its registered nurses were prohibited from providing any basic-skills training to home-health aides and barred from evaluating the aides competency for two years.

For a more detailed look at all of Iowas home-health agencies, including those that have yet to be inspected this year, visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Care Compare website or the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing website.

Heres a summary of the inspectors findings at each of the agencies visited by the state so far in 2023. Along with the inspectors findings, youll find CMS quality ratings, which are based on a scale of one to five stars, for each agency. (Some ratings are listed as not available due to insufficient data on which to base a rating.)

Angels Care Home Health of Iowa, Des Moines  This agency has a CMS quality rating of three and a half stars, and a patient-survey rating of three stars. In March, state officials substantiated a complaint against the agency. In reviewing the care provided to four patients, inspectors found that the agency failed to follow the physician-ordered plan of care for three of those patients. In all three cases, the home health workers were to check the patients weight, but repeatedly failed to do so. The agency was also cited for failing to obtain physician orders for some of the treatments that were being provided to patients. The state inspections department did not require the agency to develop a plan of correction to address the deficiencies, according to the inspectors report.

Caregivers Home Health, Centerville  This agency has a CMS quality rating of four stars, and a patient-survey rating of four stars. In February, inspectors reviewed the care provided to four of the agencys 175 patients and concluded that in three of the four cases, the agency failed to provide all of the care that was called for as part of the patients written care plans.

The inspector observed that a nurse failed to provide one patient with two prescribed medications, and on further investigation, it appeared that the plan of care conflicted with physicians orders. The agency was also cited for failing to have registered nurses provide home care aides with individualized, patient-specific instructions for delivering care.

Regional Medical Center Home Care, Manchester  In May, this agency with 71 home-care patients was inspected by the state and no deficiencies were cited. The inspection was prompted by a complaint determined to be unsubstantiated. .

Community Health Services, Algona  This agency has a CMS quality rating of two stars, and a patient-survey rating of five stars. In February, the agency was cited for failing to ensure that home health aides who were assigned tasks requiring extra skills had successfully completed competency testing for those tasks.

One aide who was assigned to help two separate patients with exercises had completed the forms documenting the assistance she provided by adding a one-word notation: Done. The inspector found the agency lacked any documentation indicating the aide had been provided any type of competency training for either of the two patients exercise programs.

The agency was also cited for failing to have registered nurses provide home care aides with individualized, patient-specific instructions for delivering care, and for failing to provide patients physicians with timely discharge summaries.

Good Samaritan Society Home Care, Davenport  This agency has a CMS quality rating of three stars, and a patient-survey rating of four stars. In March, state inspectors completed an investigation of a complaint and concluded the agency had placed residents in immediate jeopardy. After finding the agency was not complying with the conditions for participation in the Medicare program, the agency and its registered nurses were barred for two years from providing evaluations of home health aides basic skills and competency.

The agency also was cited for failing to follow care plans for a patient who died unexpectedly at home. The patient in question had resuscitation orders in place that called on medical personnel to initiate CPR and emergency medical treatment if the patient was found unresponsive.

A licensed practical nurse for Good Samaritan had gone to the patients home on Feb. 14 and consulted briefly with an in-home caregiver before entering the patients bedroom and finding the man cold and stiff with no pulse. The nurse then called the patients physicians and the county coroner to inform them of the death. The nurse didnt take any vital signs, attempt CPR or call 911, and then left the home before police or EMS personnel were contacted. The nurse was later informed by the medical examiner that only EMS personnel could pronounce a patient dead.

Des Moines County Health Department  During a January visit, inspectors cited the agency for failing to accurately complete all updates to a patients comprehensive assessment after the individual was discharged to their home from a hospital. In addition, inspectors reviewed seven patient files and found that in four cases, the agency failed to update patients care plans, in some cases by having incorrect medications listed in the plans.

In three of seven cases, the agency failed to provide only those medications and treatments that were ordered by a health care practitioner. Inspectors reported that the agency also failed to ensure one patients clinical record included accurate and specific documentation of all interventions by neglecting to periodically measure the patients open wounds to chart their progress. At the time of the inspection, the agency had only eight patients.

Heights Home Health, Mapleton  This agency has a CMS quality rating of two stars. No patient-survey rating is available. In February, the agency was cited for failing to accurately complete all elements of a patients plan of care by neglecting to include in the plan all equipment used by the patient to meet their needs, and for failing to obtain physician orders for all services provided.

Iowa Home Care, Ottumwa  This agency has a CMS quality rating of two stars, and a patient-survey rating of three stars. In March, state officials completed an investigation into a complaint and cited the agency for failing to ensure that patients had access to a free-of-charge copy of their clinical record within 10 days of it being requested. A former patient had waited at least two months to obtain a copy of their clinical record to give to her doctor, despite making several requests for the information.

In early 2022, Iowa Home Care was fined $123,219 by the federal government. That penalty was tied to a Dec. 7, 2021, visit by state inspectors who were responding to a complaint against Iowa Home Care of Ottumwa. The state agency cited the business for 17 regulatory violations  an extraordinarily high number of violations for a home health provider. CMS subsequently imposed a $3,213 daily civil monetary penalty against the business for each of the 59 days the business was deemed to be out of compliance.

Those daily fines totaled $189,567. Because Iowa Home Care waived its right to appeal the penalty, CMS automatically reduced the fine by 35% to $123,219.

Later in January 2022, Iowa Home Care was cited for 10 additional regulatory violations. Among the problems cited at the time: failure to ensure initial visits with patients occurred within 48 hours of a referral, failure to complete accurate drug regimen reviews, failure to accurately complete a plan of care in five of the 17 cases that were reviewed, failure to provide medications and treatment as ordered by a physician in four of the 17 cases that were reviewed, failure to report to a physician any changes in clinical findings in three of 17 cases that were reviewed, and failure to coordinate patient care in four of 17 cases reviewed.

In August 2022, inspectors returned and cited the agency for three additional violations: failure to follow a patients plan of care by not providing the physician-recommended number of home-care visits, failure to keep a patients plan of care up to date with new physician orders, and failure to provide care as ordered by a physician.

Iowa Home Care, Webster City  CMS has no quality rating and no patient-survey rating available for this agency. In April, inspectors reviewed a sample of the agencys files and found that in three out of seven cases, the agency had failed to follow the physicians care plans for patients. In all three cases, the staff failed to conduct scheduled home visits and did not notify the patients physicians of those missed visits.

The agency was also cited for failing to accurately complete all elements of three patients written care plans, and for failing to ensure that skilled professionals provided care as ordered by physicians. The inspector noted that in caring for a pediatric patient with chronic respiratory failure, the aides repeatedly failed to check the patients temperature as ordered by the physician and repeatedly measured the childs urinary output based only on the number of diapers that were used.

Orange City Home Health, Orange City  This agency has a CMS quality rating of three stars, and a patient-survey rating of five stars. In February, inspectors cited the agency for failing to accurately complete all elements of three patients written care plans, with one patients care plan failing to make note of the patient having a Lifeline bracelet and necklace to summon emergency assistance over the past year. The agency was also cited for failing to provide patients with wound care as ordered by a physician.

Sanford Home Health and Hospice, Sheldon  In January, inspectors cited the agency for failing to follow patients care plans in two of the seven patient files that were reviewed. In addition, in all of three patient files that were reviewed, the agency failed to accurately complete all elements of the patients care plans. In two of seven cases that were reviewed, the agency failed to update care plans with new orders received from physicians.

Pella Regional Home Health Agency, Pella  This agency has a CMS quality rating of three stars, and a patient-survey rating of four stars. In February, the agency was cited for failing to participate in any disaster-preparedness tests and exercises in both 2021 and 2022. The agency was also cited for failing to ensure assessments of patients treated for open wounds included measurements of the wounds to chart their progress.

Also, in four of the five cases reviewed by inspectors, the agency failed to update the patients care plans to include all medical orders from health care practitioners. In addition, inspectors cited the agency for failing to ensure the patients clinical record included accurate and specific documentation of any interventions, and for failing to provide physicians with patient discharge summaries within five business days of the patient being discharged.

Webster County Health Department, Fort Dodge  CMS has no quality rating and no patient-survey rating available for this agency. In February, the agency was cited for failing to accurately and thoroughly complete updates of a patients comprehensive assessment, and for failing to accurately complete all elements of care plans in two of three cases reviewed by inspectors. In addition, inspectors cited the agency for failing to have a registered nurse provide aides with individualized and specific care instructions for one patient, and for failing to have aides provide care only as ordered by a physician.

Floyd County Public Health Home Care, Charles City  In January, inspectors cited the agency for failing to follow patients care plans in two of the seven patient files that were reviewed. In both cases, the staff failed to conduct scheduled home visits and did not notify the patients physicians of those missed visits. Also, in two out of three cases, the agency failed to accurately complete all elements of the patients care plans and failed to ensure adequate infection-control procedures.

Louisa County Public Health Nursing Services, Wapello  In January, the agency was cited for failing to accurately complete all elements of patients care plans and for failing to update care plans to include all current physician orders.
WASHINGTON  Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison for orchestrating his far-right extremist groups attack on the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to stop the transfer of presidential power after Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.

Tarrios sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases, topping the 18-year sentences that Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and one-time Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean each received after juries convicted them of seditious conspiracy and other charges.

It comes as the Justice Department prepares to put Trump on trial at the same courthouse in Washington on charges that the then-president illegally schemed to cling to power that he knew had been stripped away by voters.

The Tarrio case  and hundreds of others like it  function as a vivid reminder of the violent chaos fueled by Trumps lies around the election and the extent to which his false claims helped inspire right-wing extremists who ultimately stormed the Capitol to thwart the peaceful transfer of power.

Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a national embarrassment, and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear. His voice cracked as he expressed remorse for letting down his family and vowed that he is done with politics.

I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal, Tarrio said.

Please show me mercy, he said, adding, I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, said Tarrio was motivated by "revolutionary zeal" to lead the conspiracy that resulted in 200 men, amped up for battle, encircling the Capitol. Noting that Tarrio had not previously shown any public remorse for his crimes, the judge said a stiff punishment was necessary to deter future political violence.

"It can't happen again. It cant happen again, the judge repeated.

Read more:

___

States where the most Jan. 6 rioters were arrested States where the most Jan. 6 rioters were arrested #49. Mississippi #48. Nebraska #47. Hawaii #46. Rhode Island #45. Vermont #44. New Mexico #43. South Dakota #42. Alaska #41. Louisiana #40. Nevada #39. New Hampshire #38. Connecticut #37. Arkansas #36. Maine #35. Montana #34. Delaware #33. Oregon #32. Idaho #31. Oklahoma #30. Iowa #29. Kansas #28. West Virginia #27. Wisconsin #26. Minnesota #25. Utah #24. Arizona #23. Massachusetts #22. Maryland #21. South Carolina #20. Alabama #19. Indiana #18. Colorado #17. Kentucky #16. North Carolina #15. Georgia #14. Michigan #13. Washington #12. Missouri #11. New Jersey #10. Tennessee #9. Washington, D.C. #8. Illinois #7. Virginia #6. Ohio #5. California #4. New York #3. Pennsylvania #2. Texas #1. Florida
UW-Madison's annual ceremony ushering in the new year took on a somber tone at times Tuesday after a female student was physically and sexually assaulted in a vicious attack off campus early Sunday.

Many of UW-Madison's leaders, including Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Provost Charles Isbell, Jr., and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lori Reesor spoke about the attack, which resulted in a student being hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, during the university's convocation to incoming students Tuesday afternoon.

"We are holding the student and her family in our hearts at this terrible moment, and I hope that you will as well," Mnookin said. "You may also be wondering if you can feel safe here  the answer is mostly yes, Madison is generally quite a safe city. But no place is completely safe, including Madison, and I so wish it were otherwise."

She and Reesor encouraged students to download UWPD's BadgerSAFE app, where students can send their real-time locations to family or friends or contact UW Police Department dispatchers with a call or text.

Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, homeowners in the 300 block of West Wilson Street reported finding the woman, a UW-Madison student in her early 20s, suffering life-threatening injuries.

The woman, who remains in a nearby hospital, is expected to survive.

Tuesday morning, Madison Police Supervisor Alyssa Cains confirmed that the woman's injuries were the result of physical and sexual assault.

Also Tuesday, Madison Police also reported "significant progress" in the investigation, in which they are collaborating with UW-Madison leaders.

UWPD Chief Kristen Roman said the department has offered additional help to Madison police in the investigation and is primarily assisting with increased patrols in areas near where the assault took place and State Street.

"We generally do have an approach that blurs those lines between campus and city, recognizing that so many of our students live off-campus," Roman said. "So, in that regard, we're simply adding some of our own resources to patrol the areas, to add additional sets of eyes and ears and to be there as we are making contact with our students off-campus to answer questions or provide whatever support we can."

The convocation speeches did not address the other significant event that preceded the start of the new academic year  Monday's collapse of a pier near Memorial Union that dropped about 20 students into Lake Mendota.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
President Joe Bidens son Hunter has pleaded not guilty to two tax crimes after a plea deal with federal prosecutors unraveled during a court hearing in Delaware following the judges concerns over the agreement.
San Francisco's most iconic bookstore, City Lights Books, is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a slate of special programming that sheds light on the North Beach landmark's pioneering past.

Founded by Peter Martin and Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953 as a triangular one-room store at 261 Columbus Avenue, City Lights has survived and thrived for seven decades. The store continues to play a vital role in SF by stocking an ever-evolving and well-curated collection of books and periodicals, and by acting as a meeting place and cultural hub for the local literary community. Plus, it's just a very charming spot to browse and rub shoulders with some of the coolest readers in the city.

Editions of City Lights' 'Pocket Poets Series' over the years. (Courtesy of Rosie Merlin)

In honor of the anniversary, City Lights has been sharing writers and readers stories of the importance of the store in their lives, and the store plays a meaningful role in my own origin story.

My dad, Bob Levy, was the bookstore bouncer referenced in Gerald Nicosia's "Poem for Gregory Corso's Ashes in the English Cemetery in Rome." Dad sold books and did accounting for City Lights, and that's where he met my mom, who worked as a bank teller across the street, 47 years ago. I would grow up on those creaky stairs, among the store's quite glamorous childrens book collection, and with the old-fashioned cash register (my dad sometimes let me ring up the customers).

City Lights storied history includes many noteworthy accomplishments and adventures. In 1955, two years after opening the store, Ferlinghetti launched City Lights Publishers with the now-famous Pocket PoetsSeries; the press continues to publish a diverse range of poetry, fiction and nonfiction from local and international authors. In 1956, both the publishing house and the shop became widely known following the obscenity trial of Ferlinghetti for publishing Allen Ginsbergs epic poem Howl.

Autographs for the author from Howl poet Allen Ginsberg... (Courtesy of Rosie Merlin)

...and City Light's legendary founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

The 1970s and '80s brought growth and more space for the store. In 1978, City Lights doubled its footprint by taking over the now-central room which had been occupied by an Italian travel agency. In 1989, Ferlinghetti opened City Lights Poetry Room, a must-visit spot that feels like a magical tree house.

The new millennium has been marked so far by both celebration and survival. In 2001, the SF Board of Supervisors named City Lights landmark No. 228, citing its seminal role in the literary and cultural development of San Francisco and the nation. In 2003, the stores 50th anniversary brought together hundreds of literati at parties on both the West and East Coast. And in 2020, in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, City Lights raised over $500,000 through crowd-funding to keep the store alive.

This fall, learn more about the history and the ongoing place of City Lights in the San Francisco fabric in a series of history talks, poetry readings, and panel discussions. Or, just stop by and buy some books; you never know who you'll meet.

// City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, 261 Columbus Ave. (North Beach); find the schedule of 70th anniversary programming at citylights.com.
Instagram Celebrity

The former 'Game of Thrones' actress is grumbling on social media as she is bracing for a six-week recovery after getting one of her feet injured recently.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - Lena Headey needs a six-week recovery after injuring her foot. The "Game of Thrones" star - who played Cersei Lannister on the HBO epic fantasy drama series - is required to be on crutches for a month-and-a-half and has moaned about the fact she will only be able to wear one of her beloved Birkenstocks.

"F***. 6 weeks. One Birk only," she captioned a picture of her foot in a cast. However, she did not state how she sustained the injury.

In October, Lena married Marc Menchaca at a romantic ceremony in Italy. The 49-year-old "Game of Thrones" actress tied the knot with "Ozark" star Marc, 47, in the southern region of Puglia on October 6 in front of friends and family, including Lena's former co-star Sophie Turner and her husband Joe Jonas and pop veteran Rick Astley, who was seen posing for pictures with other guests in pictures which circulated online.

Other stars from "Game of Thrones" who attended the ceremony included Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, and Conleth Hill (Varys).

Lena and Marc had been together for around two years before walking down the aisle, with the couple going public with their romance back in 2020.

The actress was previously married to musician Peter Paul Loughran. They tied the knot in 2007 and became parents to son Wylie, 13, before divorcing in 2013. Lena went on to find love with director Dan Cadan and they welcomed a daughter named Teddy in 2015 before splitting in 2018.

She struck up her romance with Marc two years later. The couple are believed to be based in Los Angeles, and a source previously told The Sun that Lena has no plans to move back to her native UK as she is happy being Stateside with her partner.

The insider said, "Lena now sees herself living in the States for the foreseeable future. It's where the parts are for her and she's got a blossoming relationship with Marc so she sees no point in her living in the UK."

You can share this post!
NEON Movie

Filmmaker Andrea Iervolino denies 'cultural appropriation' accusation and explains why he cast the 'Star Wars' actor in the lead role although he's not a French.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - "Ferrari" producer Andrea Iervolino has fired back at criticism of the decision to cast Adam Driver in the lead role. The 35-year-old producer insisted that Italian cinema has not produced enough high-profile stars to play the part of Enzo Ferrari - the founder of the legendary car company - and rubbished suggestions of "cultural appropriation" by film star Pierfrancesco Favino.

"Italian cinema needs to look beyond Italy and come up with synergies with the international film industry, which wants to invest in Italian icons. Films like 'Ferrari', which will be distributed in 150 countries, promote Italy and Italian genius," Iervolino - who is Italian-Canadian - said at the Venice Film Festival.

The producer called on Italy's film industry to "make films based on stories that speak to the whole world, with international stars who work side by side with our own talent."

Favino had questioned why acclaimed actors such as Toni Servillo - who featured in "The Great Beauty" - did not get more roles in Hollywood pictures. The "Comandante" star said, "There's an issue of cultural appropriation."

"Instead, the parts are given to foreign actors who are distant from the story's real rotagonists, starting with the exotic accents. If a Cuban can't play a Mexican, why can an American play an Italian? It only happens with us. In another time (Vittorio) Gassman would have played Ferrari. Now, Driver does it and no one says anything."

Meanwhile, Adam revealed that he was not allowed to drive any of the famous cars during the making of Michael Mann's movie - which chronicles Enzo Ferrari's struggles to keep his company afloat amid turmoil in his personal life during the 1950s. The 39-year-old actor said, "They were the scariest things on set, but they wouldn't let me drive the cars for insurance reasons."

You can share this post!
Netflix TV

The Netflix series has shared a picture of King Charles and Camilla's order of service from their 2005 wedding, sparking chatters that the royal event could be the show finale.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - "The Crown" is seemingly set to end with King Charles' second wedding. Netflix's hit royal drama will wrap up later this year when the sixth and final season airs on the streaming service and bosses have now strongly hinted the show will close with King Charles' marriage to Queen Camilla by sharing a picture of the couple's order of service from their 2005 nuptials.

"After six seasons, seven years and three casts, 'The Crown' comes to an end later this year. We'll be back with more soon, but here's a hint at what's to come in our final season," a statement added alongside the snap - posted on Netflix UK's Instagram account.

The order of service lists the couple under their previous titles as Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. It was the second trip down the aisle for both of them with Charles previously being married to the late Diana, Princess of Wales and Camilla being divorced from her first husband Andrew Parker Bowles.

King Charles is played by Dominic West in the final series while Camilla will be portrayed by Olivia Williams. The sixth season is also set to feature Princes William and Harry as adults and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge for the first time. Ed McVey and Meg Bellam play William and Catherine in episodes retelling the early days of the couple's romance while they were at university together.

A previous description released by Netflix revealed "The Crown" will portray William as "determined to lead as normal a life as possible while he still can," adding, "Also beginning life as a University student is Kate Middleton from Berkshire. As the pair meet for the first time on campus, a new romance, and a new future for 'The Crown' begins."

Harry is played by Luther Ford, but the show looks likely to end before the royal strikes up a romance with Meghan Markle, who became the Duchess of Sussex following their 2018 wedding.

Series six is slated to debut in late 2023 with November tipped as a likely date for the show's launch.

You can share this post!
Columbia Pictures Movie

Director Antoine Fuqua talks about the moment he pitched his 2016 movie to the 'Training Day' star and reveals the actor almost turned down the project.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - Denzel Washington almost rejected "The Magnificent Seven". Director Antoine Fuqua - who has teamed up with the 68-year-old actor on "The Equalizer" trilogy after first teaming up on 2001's "Training Day" - admitted selling his collaborator on the 2016 reboot wasn't an easy task.

He remembered opening his pitch with, "So, the sun is coming up. This man on this black horse comes," when speaking at Collider's IMAX screening event for "The Equalizer 3".

Fuqua recalled, "[Washington] goes, 'Wait, what?' I said, 'A man on his horse,' and Denzel's like, 'I'm not gonna get on a horse.' [Laughs] I said, 'No, no, let me finish! Magnificent Seven' And he just sat back and listened to me, let me get out my pitch."

The filmmaker was convinced Washington would "walk away at any moment," but thankfully he was willing to hear what Fuqua was planning. He added, "Like halfway through my pitch, I'm thinking, 'Denzel is gonna get up and walk away at any moment.' He's gonna be like, 'No, I'm not getting on the damn horse playing a cowboy,' but he listened. He listened for a while. That took a while to get him to say yes to Magnificent Seven."

The pair have worked together for the latest instalment in the "Equalizer" franchise, but he insisted he isn't planning a third film in the series. He said, "It's a nice send-off that he's found a place. Because the first one is about finding purpose. He was trying to find a purpose, and he found it."

"The second one is about dealing with the past - his wife dying, Susan getting murdered, his friends betraying him - and he had to deal with his past. This one is about finding a place in life that you feel could be home and some peace. Where do you go from that? A prequel?"

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

Months after calling it quits with Taylor Swift, the 34-year-old The 1975 frontman is spotted making out with the influencer during a stroll around New York City.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - Matty Healy has apparently found new love after splitting from Taylor Swift. The 1975 frontman was spotted making out with influencer Gabbriette Bechtel during a stroll around New York City on Monday, September 4.

Photos obtained by Page Six saw the pair locking lips at just about every corner they stopped while out and about in the city. They seemed to be completely smitten with each other as they walked the streets hand in hand and cozied up to each other.

In one snap, Matty and Gabbriette also packed on PDA while waiting for their food at a restaurant. The latter wrapped her hands around the 34-year-old musician, who rocked an all-black ensemble for the day outing. His outfit consisted of a black tee, fitted jeans and combat-style sneakers.

As for Gabriette, she flaunted her tattoos in a black tank top, a gray skirt and knee-high black boots. She also had an oversized black bag and a black belt around her waist.

Matty's new fling came on the heels of his high-profile relationship with Taylor. They were first romantically linked in early May, but reportedly called it quits in June. According to Deuxmoi, the pair might not be really over because they were never dating to begin with, adding that their fling was "not a committed relationship."

"It was hard and fast and not a committed relationship right off the hop. He's on tour in Europe and she's touring the US. Logistical problems at the moment.... People are nutso," a source wrote in a DM sent to the gossip blog at the time. The outlet also noted that Taylor and Matty will probably "hook up again in the future."

Matty, meanwhile, isn't the only one who has moved on. Recently, it was rumored that Taylor is dating another actor. On Monday, September 4, Deuxmoi posted a claim by a follower who said, "Taylor Swift is dating another actor and that's why she's in LA so much again."

"Are you telling us or asking us lol. Because if you're asking yes, I would belive [sic] that," the gossip account responded, seemingly affirming the statement. The identity of the "Anti-Hero" hitmaker's alleged new beau is still unknown.

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

Going to the theme park in California for a family day out, the 'Put It on Da Floor' raptress and the Migos rapper are spotted smiling from ear-to-ear during a fun roller coaster ride together.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - Cardi B and Offset have had a blast during a day out with their family. Celebrating their son Wave turning 2 years old, the "Put It on Da Floor" raptress and the Migos rapper enjoyed a number of rides together at Disneyland.

On Monday, September 4, the 30-year-old raptress and her 31-year-old husband were caught on camera going for several fun rides, including the Thunder Mountain roller coaster, at the theme park in California. In pictures making their rounds online, she could be seen smiling and laughing while he was putting both of his hands up in the air in the middle of the ride.

Cardi B and Offset had a blast at Disneyland, California to celebrate their son Wave turning 2 years old.

During the fun day out, the power couple was joined by the birthday boy, their 5-year-old daughter Kulture and his older children, 13-year-old Jordan, 8-year-old Kody as well as 8-year-old Kalea, from his previous relationships. A group of friends and other family members were also spotted in attendance. In addition, the two hired two tour guides, three Disneyland security team members and four of their own safety guards.

For the special occasion, Cardi opted to go bold with her hair which was long and colored in bright red. She seemed to have channeled Ariel's look from "The Little Mermaid" movie. She styled her locks in loose waves and parted the bangs to the side.

The "I Like It" spitter sported an unbuttoned white Polo shirt and paired it with a long black skirt that had a knee-high slit on one of her legs. She also put on a pair of long white socks, all-white Nikes Air Force sneakers and huge hoop earrings to complete the look. To match her hair, she carried a red Hermes Birkin bag.

In the meantime, Offset went with a darker-colored get-up. The hip-hop artist sported a long-sleeved black jacket that came with a silver zipper on its front side, a pair of long gray jeans with black and purple cross patterns and glossy black lace-up leather boots. He accessorized with a golden wrist watch and a pair of sparkling earrings.

That same day, Offset paid a sweet tribute to his son Wave via Instagram Story. In the snap, the 2-year-old boy was sitting on a baby stroller wearing an all-white get-up. The spitter exclaimed over the photo, "Big wave turned 2."

Offset and Cardi B paid tribute to Wave on their respective Instagram Stories.

Giving a similar yet different take was Cardi who uploaded a picture of Wave on her own Instagram Story. She released a photo of the mother and son duo. She could be seen cradling him in her arms. Over the snap, she penned, "My baby 2."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

An interview with Kimberly Guilfoyle turns awkward after she takes offense at host Greg Kelly's description of the former president as her 'potential' father-in-law despite her 2-year engagement to his son.

Sep 6, 2023

AceShowbiz - Donald Trump Jr.'s fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle had an awkward exchange with a TV host over a notion that Donald Trump is her "potential father-in-law." The former prosecuting attorney took offense at the lack of certainty in Greg Kelly's words when he said the former president could her "potential" future father-in-law despite her two-year engagement to his son.

In a Newsmax interview that aired on Sunday, September 3, Kelly began by asking Guilfoyle about the impact of the Georgia election interference indictment on Trump's presidential campaign. "So obviously this atrocity unfolds, your potential father-in-law under arrest. But you know what? it's turning up roses," remarked Kelly after introducing Guilfoyle to his show.

"Potential? Future father-in-law. Jesus," Guilfoyle recoiled. After Kelly questioned, "Is it sealed? Do we have a date?" inquiring about the couple's wedding plans, Guilfoyle replied, "Uh, not that I'm sharing on the air."

The banter continued as Kelly snarkily said, "Fair enough. Hey, I'm glad. I didn't realize. There's a ring. Fantastic, that's great news." Guilfoyle then mocked, "We've been engaged babe for two years, but we'll take this breaking news alert. That's hysterical."

"Well, I mean, alright. Look, we need- What's he waiting for?" Kelly responded, clearly irked by his guest's aggressive nature. "We need more Trump," Guilfoyle oddly responded.

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle's engagement made headlines in early 2022. It was reported that they had gotten engaged since late 2020, but the news was only uncovered a littler over a year later.

"Don and Kim got engaged on New Year's Eve 2020 - which is Don's birthday," a source told Daily Mail about the pair's relationship status. "They've been together for almost four years now and have been friends for 15 years."

"They've kept it private for the past year as they settled into life in Florida after moving from New York," the source continued. "Both are focused on their children - they have six between them - and their work."

"It's been an open secret for the past 12 months with everyone Kim runs into admiring her almost 8 carat diamond engagement ring," the informant added. "The chatter about the engagement has increased since the engagement ring was seen on Don and Kim's Instagram accounts on New Year's Eve."

Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle began dating in 2018 after his ex-wife Vanessa, with whom he shares five children together, filed for divorce. The former TV news personality herself was previously married to current California Governor Gavin Newsom from 2001 to 2006. She later wed Eric Villency, with whom she shares one son. The marriage, however, also ended in divorce.

You can share this post!
Cover Images/BauerGriffin Celebrity

The actress leaves so little to the imagination as she dons a barely-there, chain bodysuit at the launch of PrettylittleThing's collaboration with supermodel Naomi Campbell.

Sep 7, 2023

AceShowbiz - Julia Fox stepped out in what appears to be her most daring look to date while kicking off New York Fashion Week. The model/actress left so little to the imagination as she donned a barely-there, chain bodysuit at the launch of PrettyLittleThing's collaboration with supermodel Naomi Campbell on Tuesday, September 5.

For the event, Julia strutted her stuff as she opted to wear next to nothing. The "Uncut Gems" star flaunted her toned physique while walking the red carpet outside Cipriani Downtown in a small metal bra and panty set that barely covered her assets.

Adding a touch of modesty, Julia paired the look with a floor-length black leather trench coat from Naomi's collection and matching black leather boots. She, however, left coat unbuttoned as if she wanted to emphasize her risque choice of attire.

As for her makeup look, the mom of one sported chrome eyeshadow and black lip color to match her bold style. She let her fiery red tresses cascade past her breasts.

Despite being known for her daring style, Julia has yet to score an invite to Met Gala. "To be honest with you, the Met Gala has never spoken to me  I mean look at who is running it," she told Daily Mail back in May. "If it was about fashion I'd be there but it's not... it's about politics, privilege, who your parents are and how much money you make."

While Julia hasn't got to grace the red carpet at the biggest fashion event, organized by Vogue magazine, the Italian-born star was chosen as the cover of Elle Brazil's July digital issue. "Stealing the scene at fashion weeks and the streets of New York, she has facets that go beyond (and a lot) the post of Kanye West's ex - a subject that she also does not ignore, she speaks calmly of the ups and downs," the magz wrote about her.

The magazine also mentioned her role in "Uncut Gems" as well as her goal to complete her "autobiographical book." It additionally touched on the fact that Julia "has already acted as a visual artist, a partner in a club and even a dominatrix, before being the owner of visuals that guarantee fans, haters, but never go unnoticed."

You can share this post!
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.
Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland

Bern, 06.09.2023 - The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has filed an indictment in the Federal Criminal Court against a 45-year-old Romanian citizen. It alleges that in December 2019 in Sevelen (St. Gallen) and Neftenbach (Zurich) respectively, he blew open an ATM and stole cash in excess of CHF 100,000.

Following extensive investigations, the OAG has indicted the Romanian citizen, who has no fixed address in Switzerland, on multiple counts of misusing explosives and toxic gases with criminal intent, multiple aggravated theft and aggravated criminal damage, as well as unlawful entry.

Blowing open an ATM in Sevelen on 12 December 2019

According to the indictment, on 12 December 2019 the suspect used explosives to blow open an ATM in Sevelen in the canton of St Gallen, stealing CHF 126,600 in cash. In addition, the explosion caused serious damage to the ATM and the facade of the building concerned costing around CHF 100,000.

The indictment further states that the suspect committed these offences with an accomplice. In this connection, the OAG filed a separate indictment in October 2021 [1]. The related proceedings are pending before the Federal Supreme Court, with the result that the presumption of innocence also applies to this suspect.

Blowing open an ATM in Neftenbach on 20 December 2019

The OAG also alleges that the suspect blew open a further ATM eight days later in Neftenbach in the Canton of Zurich, stealing CHF 103,200 in cash. Here again, serious property damage costing around CHF 160,000 was done to the ATM, the building and a shop located in the building. In this case, the suspect is also believed to have acted with an accomplice. The person concerned has not been identified, despite extensive enquiries.

In the case of both attacks on the ATMs, the indictment states that the suspect used a highly explosive self-made substance that was unsafe to handle, thereby accepting the likelihood that people would be injured and property damaged.

Conduct of the proceedings

The OAG has conducted the proceedings concerned because it has jurisdiction over explosives offences in terms of Articles 224-226ter of the Swiss Criminal Code. In the course of the investigations, which began immediately, the Romanian national was successfully identified, made the subject of an international arrest warrant, and was then subsequently arrested in Denmark and extradited to Switzerland. The suspect has been serving an accelerated sentence since March 2023.

With the filing of the indictment, the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona becomes responsible for answering any further media enquiries. As is customary, the OAG will make its proposals for sentencing known at the main hearing. The presumption of innocence applies until a final judgment has been issued.



[1] With regard to this, see the related press release of the OAG from 07.10.2021 relating to the filing of the indictment. The court of first instance found the suspect guilty (Judgment SK 2021.45 of 22 December 2021, available on Federal Criminal Court website ). The suspect was then acquitted on appeal, (Judgment CA.2022.2 of 14 March 2023, available on Federal Criminal Court website). The OAG has appealed against this decision to the Federal Supreme Court, requesting that the conviction by the court of first instance be upheld. The appeal proceedings are pending before the Federal Supreme Court.

OAG's criminal proceedings concerning ATM-related explosives offences in Switzerland



- The OAG has jurisdiction over offences involving attacks on ATMs whenever explosives are used. In all other cases - for example, where gas or tools such as crowbars or circular saws are used, the cantons are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the offences.



- In the last two to three years, the OAG has noted an increase in the number of cases involving the use of explosives to blow open ATMs.



- The OAG is currently conducting criminal investigations into around 70 such cases.



- The perpetrators often operate in several different cantons or indeed countries. Conducting the proceedings thus requires a significant amount of time and resources. In part this is because many investigations must be conducted through international mutual assistance.



- Despite these challenges, the OAG, working with fedpol and other partners in Switzerland and abroad, has succeeded in identifying the perpetrators in a number of cases and has already secured several first-instance convictions in the Federal Criminal Court. In addition, a final judgment has been issued in the case of a Netherlands citizen who used explosives and various tools to break open ATMs in Switzerland (Judgment SK.2022.34 of 10. November 2022, available on Federal Criminal Court website).

Original text in German

Address for enquiries

Communication Service of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, info@ba.admin.ch, Tel. +41 58 464 32 40

Publisher

Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland

http://www.ba.admin.ch/




In 2020, Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was arrested by the Maharashtra Police after it reopened a 2018 case in which he was alleged to have abetted the suicide of 53-year-old architect Anvay Naik and his mother Kumud. The case came back into the spotlight in May 2020 when the Maharashtra Congress posted a video of Anvay Naiks widow, Akshata, reiterating the allegation that Goswami abetted the suicides. This case was already closed by the court of law, but then the ruling party reopened the case to harass Arnab because he waged war against the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in those days. Arnab was humiliated, dragged, and threatened, but nothing was proven against him. He was purely a political victim.

Similarly, in the Sushant Singh Rajput suicide case, Arnabs Republic Bharat harassed Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty in the name of aiding Sushants suicide. The agencies were also merciless toward her. Then came Disha Salians suicide; one minister of Maharashtra was accused of having links with this suicide case, and there were nonstop media debates and political statements that created unrest in Bollywood. In all the above cases, the innocent people had to face a lot of viciousness, jail arrest, and mental harassment, but nothing could be established against them. People forgot all those headlines that rocked the prime-time debates on all the mainstream news channels, and here comes another similar case of Edelweiss ARC and Edelweiss Group CEO Rashesh Shah.

Film director Nitin Desai had defaulted on a loan of Rs 180 crore, and a bankruptcy court had admitted an insolvency petition against his company. Desais company, ND Art World Pvt. Ltd., borrowed Rs 180 crore through two loans from ECL Finance in 2016 and 2018. Troubles with repayment began in January 2020, and since then, Desai has been facing financial anguish. The company from which Desai took the loan had taken the legal route to confiscate Desais property.

Notably, the NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal), Mumbai bench, in its July 25 judgment ordered initiation of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Nitin Desais company, NDs Art World Private Limited. In the said order, the bench also appointed Jitender Kothari as the interim resolution professional to carry out the steps mentioned under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. According to the NCLT order, the petition was originally filed by financial creditor CFM Asset Reconstruction Private Limited against corporate debtor NDs Art World Private Limited for unresolved debt totaling Rs 252.48 crore. However, the debt was later assigned to M/s Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Limited in 2020.

The order says that NDs Art World approached ECL Finance Limited (ECLFL) for a loan to the maximum extent of Rs 150 crore, and the ECLFL granted a loan of Rs 150 crore in November 2016. It also states that along with the first loan agreement, various security documents securing the loan were also executed by the debtors, Nitin Desai, his wife Naina Desai, and KND Investments and Finance Private Limited.

Later in 2018, the company again approached the ECLFL for a loan of Rs 35 crore, and while the loan was sanctioned, the corporate debtor availed Rs 31 crore. The total loan, therefore, aggregated to Rs 181 crore. NDs Art World was classified as SMA-2 in the books of the ECLFL on March 30, 2020, because of irregular and delayed payments of principal instalments. On March 31, 2021, the account was declared a NPA (non-performing asset) as the company defaulted on the entire outstanding amount. On March 31, 2022, the company defaulted on the payment of the second loan, amounting to Rs 33.24 crore.

On May 9, 2022, the company defaulted on the entire payment of the principal of the first loan, amounting to Rs 147.37 crore. The amount outstanding as of May 15, 2022 (in the case of both loans) aggregated to Rs 247.77 crore and was due and payable immediately. However, no payment was received from NDs Art World despite this loan recall notice, and as of June 30, 2022, the total default amount stood at Rs 252.48 crore.

Special Mention Accounts (SMAs) are categorized by duration. While an account is categorized as SMA-1 when the overdue period is between 31 and 60 days, it is classified as SMA-2 when the overdue period is between 61 and 90 days. Several reports have stated that it was the gargantuan amount of debt that caused him to take the drastic step. Nitin Desai was given enough time to settle the loan, but he was trying for political intervention. Edelweiss ARC and Edelweiss Group CEO Rashesh Shah never spoke to Desai in person or texted anything. His associates were dealing with the matter, and the inside source said they never sent any text, voice message, or any sort of threat or pressure to Desai. They simply took legal action to recover the loan, following the guidelines of the reserve bank.

Soon after the suicide news went viral, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the Assembly that Edelweiss ARC and Edelweiss Group, from which Desai had taken a loan, would be probed to know whether he was charged high interest and if he was under mental stress. The inquiry is underway. The announcement by Fadnavis came after Bandra West MLA Ashish Shelar demanded an inquiry into Desais death. From here, the owners and associates of Edelweiss ARC and Edelweiss Group started getting threatening phone calls, and there was tremendous pressure mounted on them to come to terms. Whereas the firm owners are already cooperating with the investigations. An FIR has been lodged against Rashesh Shah, and the matter is in court. I am sure the home department, under the able leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, will carry out a fair inquiry without making this case a scoop like Arnab, Riya, or the alleged accused in the Disha Salian suicide case during Maha Vikas Aghadi rule.

60 years old Rashesh Shah is an Indian businessman and the chairman and CEO of the Edelweiss Group, one of Indias leading diversified financial services conglomerates. He is also the co-founder of Edelweiss Financial Services Limited (EFSL). He also delivers many speeches, interviews, and lectures on topics related to financial markets, development, macroeconomic policies, and related matters. He is also deeply involved in EdelGive Foundation, Edelweisss philanthropy arm, which was set up in 2008 by his wife Vidya with the aim of providing expertise in the financial sector to the not-for-profit sector.
Alabamas state library agency is now under scrutiny by the governor, following a handful of local book challenges and conservative efforts to cut ties with the American Library Association.

In a Sept. 1 letter to Nancy Pack, director of the Alabama Public Library Service, Gov. Kay Ivey said she had grown increasingly concerned about the environment our Alabama libraries are providing to families and children.

I am deeply grateful for the work Alabama libraries do, day in and day out, to engage our children and promote a lifelong love of learning  including by providing information that may be unavailable elsewhere in a community, Ivey wrote. At the same time, however, I respect parents who want their young children and teens to be able to freely explore a library without fear of what those children will find there.

Read more: Book bans are a local affair in Alabama schools. That could change.

The Alabama Public Library Service administers state and federal funds to libraries across the state. Last year, APLS received nearly $13 million in state funds  about $5.5 million of which went directly to local libraries.

The service helps train local librarians and aims to ensure all libraries are providing quality services, but its typically up to local branches to screen books and handle any concerns.

Iveys letter comes after recent efforts in Prattville, Foley and other parts of the state to clean up local libraries. Over the summer, several parents challenged childrens and young adult books that discussed gender identity and other LGBTQ themes, as well as some sexual content.

Ivey, in her letter, claimed the following books displayed in local libraries were inappropriate for their labeled age range and should be moved to a different section:

Foley Public Library: Who are You?: The Kids Guide to Gender Identity

Prattville Public Library: The Pronoun Book and If Youre a Kid Like Gavin

Ozark Dale County Library: The Mirror Season and Only Mostly Devastated

LGBTQ-affirming board books and childrens books in Foley and Prattville libraries, she said, were not appropriate for toddlers and children under eight. She also claimed some young adult novels in the Ozark Dale County Library featured graphic sex scenes.

Ivey then issued a detailed list of questions about parental supervision, screening processes and library governance to determine whether reform was needed. She asked Pack to provide an answer before the APLS board meets next Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Pack issued a statement Tuesday afternoon thanking the governor for her thoughtful and considerate concern.

She said the states public libraries will always value parental involvement, and that many libraries already require parental supervision when a child checks out items.

Public libraries should be spaces where parents can feel confident that their children can explore and learn, she wrote. Despite the challenges posed by limited funding, most public libraries in our state do an excellent job of meeting the information needs of their communities.

Cutting national ties?

Several libraries across the state are accredited by the American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world.

In 1939, the association adopted its Library Bill of Rights in response to Nazi book burnings, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom. Since then, hundreds of local libraries and state groups, including Alabamas, have adopted its guidance.

Ivey and other advocates, however, have recently taken issue with the Bill of Rights and the association more broadly  particularly its guidelines that ensure children and other age groups have equal access to library materials, as well as a right to keep their checkout records private.

Across the country, more and more libraries have cut ties with the organization, including state libraries in Montana, Missouri and Texas.

Rather than supporting Alabama families, out-of-state library groups like the American Library Association appear to be making the situation worse, Ivey wrote, accusing the group of violating a law that permits parents to access their childrens library records.

At the most recent APLS board meeting in August, two speakers, who the Alabama Political Reporter identified as Hannah Rees and Will Sanchez of Clean Up Prattville, accused the ALA of smuggling progressive politics into local library programming, training and procedures.

At the urging of John Wahl, an APLS board member who also chairs the states GOP chapter, the board voted to ask the attorney general for his opinion on regulating local libraries  and potentially splitting from the national association. The Alabama GOP proposed a resolution calling for the service to disaffiliate with the ALA at its summer meeting.

Caldwell-Stone said while libraries are expected to respect their users right to privacy, the national association does not tell libraries to disobey the law.

Certainly we respect the Alabama law that provides parents with the ability to look at their childs library records, she said. But on the other hand, law enforcement should not be able to go in and demand a childs library records or a teenagers library records, and thats what that speaks to.

The ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom has recorded more than 1,200 efforts to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since the organization started compiling that information 20 years ago.

In Alabama last year, there were 11 reported efforts, challenging a total of 24 book titles.

Caldwell-Stone said those numbers dont appear to be declining.

But whats most concerning, she said, is that the majority of challenges, about 90%, arent coming from individual parents; rather, theyre mostly coming from advocacy groups with long lists of books that they disapprove of for moral or political reasons.

We support the right of every parent to guide their childs reading and to make decisions about their childs reading, she said. But we also believe that no group, no parent, should make that decision for another family in the community.

Read the full letter below or click here to view it in a different browser.
The Church of the Highlands, Alabamas largest church, is trying to keep up with Huntsvilles growth.

That includes beginning worship services this Sunday, Sept. 10, at AMC Movie Theater, 1485 Four Mile Post Road Southeast, at 8 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., which will be the second Huntsville location for the church. Construction for a permanent home for the new branch campus is underway on Whitesburg Drive, three miles away from the AMC Theater. Its scheduled to open in the spring of 2024.

Its incredible to see what God is doing in Huntsville, and were thrilled to be a part of it, said Senior Pastor Chris Hodges, who founded the Church of the Highlands in the Birmingham area in 2001, meeting at Mountain Brook High School until the completion of the main campus on Grants Mill Road in Irondale in 2007.

The Church of the Highlands opened its first campus in Huntsville at Columbia High School on Feb. 2, 2014. That congregation grew rapidly, so the church purchased land and built a 1,400-seat building few miles away in Madison. That permanent location, now called the Madison Campus, opened July 21, 2019.

Huntsville has become the second-largest branch of the Church of the Highlands, with 4,500 in total Sunday attendance.

Our second location provides additional opportunities for people to worship and serve their friends and neighbors, Hodges said. Were thankful for the amazing partnership with the community.

The main campus at Grants Mill Road in Birmingham is the only branch with larger attendance than Huntsville. The Grants Mill campus hosts four services each Sunday, with attendance of more than 6,000.

The Madison campus pastor is Jason Morgan, and the new Huntsville campus pastor is Allen Pedram, who had led Madison since it opened in 2014 at Columbia High School. Although each branch campus has its own pastor and praise band, the sermons are livestreamed to the branch locations from the main campus at Grants Mill Road.

The Church of the Highlands meets weekly in 23 locations throughout Alabama and two in Georgia, and its Grandview campus in Birmingham hosts a Spanish-language service.

With the tremendous population growth in the Madison and Huntsville cities we are very excited to create more room to serve families and reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, said Church of the Highlands Associate Pastor Layne Schranz.

See also: Church of the Highlands opens Alabaster campus

Chad Veach tells Motion students at Legacy Arena: memorize Bible like you do Taylor Swift lyrics

Church of the Highlands opens Woodlawn branch campus

Highlands College unveils newly opened campus on U.S. 280

For more stories about the Church of the Highlands, click here.
Porta potty brawl in Pittsburgh at Morgan Wallen concert (via @barstoolsports) pic.twitter.com/GoMjYPsJ3m  Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 1, 2023

Dont call her Dalanie. Call her Romper Stomper.

An Altoona, Pennsylvania-bred college student is cashing in on her 15 minutes of fame after a viral video from country star Morgan Wallens Aug. 31 performance at PNC Park in Pittsburgh showed her violently defending her mother at the concerts porta-potties.

Dozens of clips of the brawl have been posted on social media, with one on YouTube nearing 200,000 views.

Pittsburgh police are not pursuing criminal charges against the self-proclaimed Romper Stomper  Dalanie DiSabato  or anyone involved in the Aug. 31 fight, spokeswoman Cara Cruz told the Tribune-Review on Tuesday.

Nobody in the fight wanted to press charges, Cruz said.

That has not stopped DiSabato, who described herself online as a 21-year-old nursing student, from making the rounds.

DiSabato sat down with Barstool Sports Dave Portnoy to discuss the brawl on his podcast.

DiSabato told Portnoy she went to the porta-potty during the concert but unknowingly cut the line, leaving one woman waiting for the facilities pretty irate.

DiSabatos mother guarded the porta-potty door to keep the angry woman away from her daughter. (DiSabato needed time to change in and out of her romper outfit  thus the name.)

When DiSabato exited the porta-potty, her mom was being attacked in a nearby porta-potty.

I did what I think any daughter would have done, DiSabato told Portnoy. Its the first time Ive ever fought.

DiSabatos TikTok account has blown up, raking in more than 60,000 followers and some 340,000 likes in recent days. A video she posted Sunday where she and her mother talk about the fight has garnered more than 4 million views.

On Instagram, where DiSabato has posted selfies in tiny bikinis, Romper Stomper surpassed 17,000 followers this week.

Little else is known about her.

A website identified DiSabato as a student at Mount Aloysius College, a Christian school about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh in Cresson, Cambria County.

Another website also said shes studying nursing at Mount Aloysius and called her an American-based model.

A spokesperson from Mount Aloysius College did not reply Tuesday to emails or calls seeking comment about DiSabato.

DiSabato did not reply to attempts to contact her through social media.

Justin Vellucci is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Justin at jvellucci@triblive.com.

___

(c)2023 The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.)

Visit The Tribune-Review (Greensburg, Pa.) at www.triblive.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said there is no either-or proposition in the ongoing debate on whether the state should invest funds into the West Alabama Highway corridor or to further widen Interstate 65.

Many have tried to make the argument: Either widen I-65 or complete the West Alabama Corridor, and it is simply not an either-or proposition, Ivey said in a statement to AL.com on Tuesday.

Her comments came on the same day a host of mayors, state lawmakers, county commissioners and other public officials gathered at a library in Thomasville to tout the widening of U.S. 43 to Linden, and the widening of Alabama State Route 69 to Moundville and create a north-south highway that ultimately connects Mobile to Tuscaloosa.

The West Alabama Corridor/Highway 43 project is very important for this state, and I am proud to support it, Ivey said. She has backed the project since prioritizing it during her 2021 State of the State address.

We have made wise investments in our Port, and now, with the West Alabama Corridor, we will be able to connect our Port City  one of our major cities  to another major city, all while giving people in our Black Belt a chance at success, Ivey said. We can choose to neglect our challenges, or we can take them head on  I choose to take them head on.

Alabama State Senator Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, who has been a chief critic of the states approach at funding the project, called the prospects of widening both U.S. 43 and I-65 at the same time as a fairy tale.

Elliott said he is concerned if the state plans on borrowing future fuel tax revenues to financed the widening of Route 43 through rural West Alabama. He said the move could harm the states ability to provide matching funds to other big-ticket projects in the future like the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.

He also criticized the state for not having a concrete estimate on the overall cost of the project. He also said the state should be pursuing federal funding to pay for it.

Its 100 percent state funded, he said about the West Alabama Highway. Not a nickel of federal money when the infrastructure jobs act contains funding for rural areas. There is no reason the state DOT should not be seeking and gaining federal funding for this project. You are wasting limited resources spent elsewhere.

Iveys comments also came on the eve of a scheduled meeting between Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day and Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, a critic of the West Alabama Highway project.

Ainsworth, in July, criticized the Alabama Department of Transportation for prioritizing the West Alabama project with less than 1/20th of the traffic count compared to I-65. Ainsworth, who holds the states No. 2 political office, has repeatedly posted pictures of traffic jams along I-65 this summer, the most recent of those coming on Sunday.

Ivey, in May, said Ainsworths pursuit of adding more lanes to I-65 was aimed at making easy headlines.

Day and other public officials -- including Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox -- argued the project was needed to support economic development at the Alabama State Docks, and with automobile manufacturing in Tuscaloosa.

They agreed with Ivey that both projects can occur separate from the other. Stimpson said the highway can serve as a key north-south alternative to I-65.

A timber truck rolls into Thomasville on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, in Thomasville, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Day said praised Ivey for backing the project in recent years following the approval of a 10-cent-per-gallon state fuel tax increase. The revenues from that tax increase supports the Rebuild Alabama Act that is set up to provide funding for road projects throughout the state.

For the last 70 years, its been promised, Day said of the West Alabama Highway corridor. " From (Gov. John) Patterson to Big Jim Folsom and beyond. Ive been in office 26 years. Governor Ivey made that same promise and kept it. Weve already seen ... that companies and investors are looking to this area of the state. They know this highway will bring a new era to this part of the state. We know it will happen.
A young Ensley man convicted of capital murder in the 2018 shooting death of another man at Birmingham apartment complex has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

A Jefferson County jury in May found Corey Lamont Beckwood guilty in the Nov. 17, 2018, slaying of 34-year-old Eric Jermaine Jackson. Beckwood was 16 years old when he was arrested in Jacksons death.

He was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder for the wounding of two others in the same incident.

Beckwood, 22, rejected a plea offer before his trial.

The charge against Beckwood was a capital crime because the victim was in a vehicle.

Beckwood could have faced life in prison without parole. Because of his age at the time of the killing, Beckwood was not eligible for the death penalty.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace handed down the sentence Wednesday morning.

In addition to the life sentence, Beckwood received 30-year sentences on each of the attempted murder convictions.

A Birmingham man was shot to death Nov. 17, 2018, outside an Ensley store. He was then driven to an apartment complex where police responded and pronounced him dead. (Carol Robinson)

West Precinct officers responded just before 1:30 a.m. that Saturday to the parking lot of The Hamilton Apartments in the 1900 block of Avenue O on a report of gunshot victim. Once on the scene, officers found Jackson in a back seat of a white SUV wounded and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Investigators said the shooting happened at nearby Smart Food Mart in the 900 block of 20th Street Ensley. A woman then drove the victim to the apartment complex seeking help. The rear window of the SUV had been shot out.

Hours after the killing, Birmingham police released surveillance photos from the store, asking the public to help identify the suspect. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force four days later in east Birmingham.

Birmingham police and Jefferson County sheriffs deputies set up a perimeter around a home after receiving information the suspect was there. They knocked on the door and could hear a lot of moving inside but nobody would answer the door.

The homeowner gave lawmen permission for the marshals to enter the home. Ultimately, they found Beckwood hiding behind a stove in the kitchen. He had pulled out the stove, climbed in behind it and moved it almost back into place. He was taken into custody without further incident.

This tragic case involved an extraordinarily brutal and utterly senseless act of gun violence from a teenager, Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Ould said following Beckwoods conviction. The verdicts are justice for the victims, especially the family of Eric Jackson, and for the community.

Beckwoods attorney, Christopher Daniel, asked the judge to consider the life with the possibility of parole, citing Beckwoods age, learning disability and tumultuous home life.

This court must consider Beckwoods chronological age and its hallmark features  among them immaturity, impetuosity, and failure to appreciate risks and consequences, Daniel wrote, citing case law, in a sentencing memorandum.

Beckwood is not incorrigible to point of being broken beyond repair, Daniel wrote. Beckwoods mitigation can, will and does make clear that if given an opportunity to reintegrate to society many years from now, Beckwood has a meaningful opportunity to have a successful life.

Distance in time, maturity and geography from his current environment sets Beckwood up for success in a way that he likely would not have were he outright released from custody today, Daniel wrote

Daniel said in his memorandum the life with the possibility of parole is not a reward.

Life with the possibility of parole is just what it appears: a sentence with the possibility of release, Daniel wrote. There is no right or guarantee of parole and given the makeup of Alabamas parole board, the likelihood of parole any time in the near future is next to zero.
Bob Barker, the longtime host of The Price Is Right and a dedicated animal-rights activist, died from complications of Alzheimers disease, according to a death certificate made public Tuesday.

Hypertension, hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia were listed as contributing factors in the 99-year-old TV personalitys death. Barker did not reveal his Alzheimers diagnosis.

TMZ, which first reported on the death certificate, said the TV host was diagnosed with the brain disorder years before his death. Alzheimers disease is the most common cause of dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, and causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die.

On Aug. 26, publicist Roger Neal  who spoke on behalf of Barkers longtime friend Nancy Burnet  said that Barker died of natural causes but did not reveal additional details.

After news of Barkers death spread last month, his Hollywood peers paid tribute on social media. TV personality Drew Carey, who succeeded Barker in 2007 as the host of Price Is Right, wrote about the very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world.

There hasnt been a day on set that I dont think of Bob Barker and thank him, Carey tweeted. I will carry his memory in my heart forever. #RIPBobBarker We love you .

Adam Sandler, who shared the screen with Barker in Happy Gilmore, remembered the TV host on Twitter, now X, as such a sweet funny guy to hang out with.

Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me, he wrote. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!

Barker, whose hosting career included Truth or Consequences and Miss USA pageants, is survived by a half brother, Kent Valandra, and other extended family.

City News Service contributed to this report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Alabama Republican Party could have resolved the dispute over whether David Cole lived in the district where he was running for an Alabama House seat last year, according to his would-be opponent in that race.

But the state GOP chose not to investigate Anson Knowles claim that Cole did not live in the Madison County district for a year before the election, as the law requires. Instead, the party kicked Knowles off the ballot because of his previous involvement with the Libertarian Party.

Cole ran unopposed in the primary, won the general election, and was sworn in as representative for House District 10 in November.

After a lawsuit filed by Coles Libertarian Party opponent in the general election and an investigation by Attorney General Steve Marshall, its now clear that Knowles was right. Cole did not live in the district. Last week, Cole resigned from the House, issued an apology, and agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge of knowingly voting in a district where he did not live.

They didnt do their due diligence, is what Im saying, Knowles said. They had an opportunity to. They were warned and they didnt.

In February 2022, Knowles sent the state Republican party evidence that appeared to show Cole changed his listed address to meet the residency requirement for District 10. Knowles sent the GOP candidate committee the required letter and form to challenge Coles candidacy.

But Reed Phillips, executive director of the state Republican Party, sent Knowles an email saying the partys candidate committee declined to hear his challenge.

My evidence wasnt 100% foolproof, Knowles said. But it raised enough questions that they should have had a hearing.

Knowles said the candidate committee could have, for example, asked for utility billing records to determine whether Cole lived in District 10.

If they would have done that in this case, which I was told by prior members of steering committees that they do in these situations, then the situation would have been resolved immediately, Knowles said. No, David Cole actually did not live where he said he lived. They chose not to do that for some reason. Which I have no idea.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl did not respond to a request for comments on this story.

Last week, Cole, who is a physician and military veteran, sent House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter a letter resigning from his House seat. On Thursday, Coles attorney issued an apology on Coles behalf. And also on Thursday, court documents filed by Cole and Attorney General Steve Marshall indicate that Cole will plead guilty to knowingly voting in an unauthorized place -- in House District 10 when he lived in District 4.

The crime is a Class C felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. The plea agreement calls for a three-year sentence that would be split, with 60 days served in the Madison County jail and the rest on unsupervised probation.

Knowles, 40, an accountant who lives in Huntsville, said the punishment sounds too harsh.

My immediate reaction was that I felt sorry for David and his family because I wouldnt want the power of the state putting me in a cage for 60 days or whatever it is because of something that probably should have been settled just with him resigning, Knowles said. Thats what I think the proper way to deal with it.

Thats pretty harsh punishment. I can understand them doing it because its a lawmaker and the GOP is big on voter fraud and all that stuff, as to kind of make an example of him. But I dont know, I just feel bad for him and his family to be honest with you.

Last year, the state Republican Party kicked Knowles off the ballot in the District 10 race, citing previous involvement with the Libertarian Party. The same thing happened in 2019 when Knowles tried to run on the Republican ticket for Madison County license director.

Knowles said he was a member of the Libertarian Party from October 2015 to January 2017 and rejoined it in February 2023.

I had worked really hard in the GOP, Knowles said. I was a chair of the Young Republican Club. I was on the Madison County Executive Committee for the GOP. It wasnt like I was some Johnny come lately.

Knowles said the Cole case was an example of people who control the Republican Party favoring certain candidates. He said the suspicions that Cole did not live in District 10 were widely known.

The consultant class and the people with the money are the ones that control the GOP, Knowles said. So, theyre going to have their preferred candidates in the primary one way or the other. Theres a structural problem in the GOP that exists that I dont think can be solved.

Its not going to get solved until the GOP basically has a come-to-Jesus moment and realizes that the money people controlling everything isnt the right way to do it.

Cole defeated Democrat Marilyn Lands and Libertarian Elijah Boyd in the general election in November.

Two weeks after the election, Boyd filed a lawsuit in Madison County Circuit challenging Coles candidacy over the residency issue.

Coles attorneys asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that under state law the court had no jurisdiction. They said only the House of Representatives had the authority to hear the challenge because Cole had already been sworn into office. Legislators, unlike many officials, begin their terms in November, one day after the general election.

Boyds attorney Barry Ragsdale disputed that. He said that while state law designated the House as the deciding authority in an election dispute over one if its members, the law also delegated to the circuit court the task of gathering evidence and taking depositions that could be used by the House to hear the challenge.

Madison County Judge Ruth Ann Hall denied Coles motion to dismiss. Coles attorneys appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court, but the court rejected the appeal.

Hall ordered Cole to give a deposition to provide information for the House of Representatives hearing the challenge.

Cole, who is a physician and military veteran, gave a deposition in May. Cole claimed to have leased a new residence in District 10 from a family friend to meet the residency requirement. But many of Coles answers in the deposition cast doubt on that, because Cole said he could not remember ever sleeping at the new residence and that his wife and children did not move there.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said the Legislatures attorneys were aware of the case and advised him on it but that the House had no opportunity to act.

Ledbetter said the law requires the circuit court to gather evidence and submit it to the legislature in the event of a challenge to pre-election qualifications. In order to comply with the state constitution, the evidence would have needed to be presented to the House before House members were seated at the organizational session in January, Ledbetter said.

Ledbetter said the House did not receive Coles deposition until June 9, two days after the regular session of the Legislature ended.

Coles attorney, William Espy, issued the apology last week on Coles behalf.

Dr. Cole admits and takes full responsibility for the mistakes he made in the political process, Espy said. He entered the process to serve his community. He has lived a life of service including serving for 22 years in the Army with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt. The Cole family appreciates all the prayer and support from his friends and community during this time. Dr. Cole will continue to serve his community going forward.

Read more: Madison County judges election contest order leads to sharp response

Supreme Court denies legislators appeal to dismiss contested election
Huntsville city councilman Devyn Keith says he is shutting down a short-term rental property he operated at his home for several months late last year and this year in violation of city ordinances but said he did not knowingly break any laws.

Keith said he reached a resolution with the city to terminate the operation at his north Huntsville home.

My negligence is my fault, Keith said.

Under terms of the resolution, Keith said he will reimburse the city for lodging taxes owed associated with the rentals in addition to no longer renting the property. Keith is among dozens of people in Huntsville who operated short-term rental properties  sometimes referred to as bnbs  that violated city laws and worked with the city to reach settlements.

The city has also filed lawsuits in some instances to stop illegal short-term rentals and recover lost lodging taxes. Keith was not among those sued.

Loading

As Keith was dealing with the city over operation of his short-term rental, he also was facing misdemeanor shoplifting charges this year. He recently pled guilty in the shoplifting case in which he received no jail time but was banned from Walmart.

Keith said he believed that it would be legal to operate the short-term rental property because he continued to live at the property, which has four bedrooms.

I just made the assumption, and it was wrong, that because I lived there -- its actually my home  I could rent those rooms out, Keith said. And when I was told it doesnt work that way, I said, OK. And I said, Ill shut it down.

The city of Huntsvilles website spells out the process for operating a short-term rental property. The first step, according to the website, is to determine if city zoning ordinances permit operating a short-term rental.

Generally, short-term rentals are not permitted in most residential zoning districts, the city website states. Keiths north Huntsville property is in a residential area and the zoning district for the property, designated by the city as R1A, does not permit rental properties.

Keith said he could not remember exactly when he was informed that his rental property violated city ordinances but said it was January or February of 2023. He said he then applied for a rental operating license, which was denied.

Keith said he met with the citys legal department to work out a resolution to paying back lodging taxes on previous stays, adding that he went through the same process as others operating rental properties illegally.

This happens very commonly, Keith said.

According to the citys website concerning short-term rentals, the lodging tax rate is 9 percent plus $2 surcharge per room per night. Keith said his final reservation is in October. At that point, he said the city will make final calculations on how much he owes in lodging taxes, and he will make the reimbursement.

The rental rate listed on the Airbnb website for Keiths property is $142 a night.

The Huntsville Lede reported in August that the city has sent notices to more than 50 property owners operating short-term rentals in violation of city ordinances. Trey Riley, attorney for the city, described it as a first wave of notices his department plans to send out.

Keiths property continues to be listed on the popular short-term rental website Airbnb, but it is no longer accepting reservations. Keith said that his resolution with the city allowed him to honor reservations that had been made at his property and the councilman said similar arrangements had been made with others as well.

The citys legal department did not respond to an AL.com inquiry about the terms of its resolution with Keith.

On the Airbnb website, Keiths property is known as The Greenery with four bedrooms and 3 baths. The booking at the house is for the entire house, according to the website, and guests are not limited to certain areas as can be the case with some short-term rentals. It also indicates Keith renovated the home himself. According to the property deed, Keith purchased the home on June 26, 2020.

Keith attained the status of superhost, which the Airbnb website defined as experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests. The website said Keiths property had an average review score of 4.96 on a five-point rating system.

Based on reviews on the Airbnb website, Keith has operated his rental property since at least August 2022. The website lists 85 reviews of Keiths property.
Its been a while, but the threat for severe weather has returned for Alabama on Wednesday.

Scattered severe storms will be possible, mainly this afternoon and evening, in the northern half of the state. The southern half of Alabama could also see rain and storms, but widespread severe weather isnt expected.

Rain and non-severe storms will also be possible for parts of the state during the morning hours today, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong to severe storms are expected to develop later today ahead or along a cold front that will approach the state.

The strongest storms could bring damaging straight-line winds, hail and heavy rain with them.

NOAAs Storm Prediction Center has added a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for a large part of north Alabama for today. A Level 2 risk means that scattered severe storms will be possible.

Areas farther to the south and east, including the rest of north Alabama and part of central Alabama, will have a Level 1 severe weather risk and could have to deal with isolated severe storms.

The National Weather Service said the main window for storms for north Alabama could begin around 4 p.m. in the northwest, and they could last until around 9 p.m. in east Alabama. However, forecasters cautioned that confidence in that timing was on the low side as of Wednesday morning.

The front is expected to make it through at least the northern part of the state and could bring slightly cooler and drier air behind it starting on Thursday and into Friday, according to the weather service.
A man was rushed to UAB Hospital after a shooting at an east Birmingham apartment complex.

The alleged shooter called Birminghams 911 about 11 a.m. Wednesday to report the shooting, according to police radio communications. The caller told dispatchers the gun was in the living room.

East Precinct officers arrived at Somerset at Trussville apartments on Mary Taylor Road to find the male victim with a gunshot wound to the chest. His injuries were initially considered to be life-threatening, but Officer Truman Fitzgerald said he is now expected to be OK.

Fitzgerald said the shooter and his girlfriend live at the apartment. An dispute arose between the boyfriend and a male friend of the girlfriend, and that dispute turned physical before a shot was fired.

The shooter remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
A man has been arrested in connection with vandalism in Montgomery neighborhood that included racial slurs.

Stephen Hickey, 34, was taken into custody Tuesday on felony charge of first-degree criminal mischief, said Montgomery police Maj. Saba Coleman.

Hickey was arrested by the Special Operation Teams and was undergoing booking into the Montgomery County Detention Facility.

MPD worked diligently through teamwork to identify and capture Hickey, who was responsible for the racial slurs and hate insignias that left the community scarred and on edge, Coleman said.

The major said the department is still working with the FBI on potential federal hate crime charges.

Montgomery police were dispatched at 6:40 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, to the 4300 block of Richardson Road, which is in Dannelly Pines community. Officers responded on a report of damage to property and found damage that included a Nazi swastika painted on a house, and racial slurs painted on vehicles.

State Rep. Phillip Ensler shared photos of some of the damage on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

I am enraged by the white supremacist, racist images and words spray painted on personal, private property of Black residents in the Dannelly Pines area, wrote Ensler, who in November became the first Jewish candidate to win a seat in Montgomery in nearly 50 years.

Coleman did not release any additional information about Hickey or his alleged crimes.

We want to thank the public for their patience and cooperation in this matter, Coleman said.

This arrest demonstrates a commitment the Montgomery Police Department has in making the City of Montgomery a safe place to live, work and visit.
Get the Down in Alabama newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to the daily Down in Alabama newsletter:

Alabama in court

The Alabama state legislatures second run at Congressional redistricting still didnt past muster for a three-judge federal court that rejected the new map on the grounds that its still likely in violation of the Voting Rights Act, reports AL.coms Mike Cason.

So the court wants Alabama to move further away from what appears to be racially gerrymandered districts while the Republicans who control the legislature didnt produce a plan that would risk allowing the Democrats to have a real shot at picking up a second Alabama seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

So where do we go from here? The Supreme Court, if Republican state Attorney General Steve Marshall has his way. Hes appealed the case to the high court. When dealing with the original redistricting map, the Supreme Court upheld the lower courts rejection.

Outside of any judicial reversals, a new map is being produced not by the Legislature but by officials that have been appointed by the court.

Richard Allen will oversee the process. Hes been a chief deputy under four Alabama attorneys general, he was the state prison commissioner for five years, and he retired from the U.S. Army Reserve as a brigadier general.

Cartographer David Ely will join Allen in working up three maps by Sept. 25. There will be three days in which people can object to the maps, and then therell be a hearing on Oct. 3.

Smile for the camera

Tech workers at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville are testing facial recognition, reports AL.coms Lee Roop.

That doesnt mean you can cruise through the gates with a smile at this point, so keep your ID handy. But there are single cameras set up at a handful of gates and multiple cameras at Gate 10 that might be able to identify everyone in a vehicle.

The goal here is to get 40,000-some employees on and off the arsenal quicker and, of course, securely.

The biometrics firm IDEMIA is doing the experiment. That comparny makes Alabama driver licenses as well as scanners that read your TSA card in airports, credit cards and passports.

Highway project

With all the growing talk of widening Interstate 65 -- and with some of that already having money put behind it -- the hope for a corridor in West Alabama hasnt gone anyway either, reports AL.coms John Sharp.

Mayors from Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Thomasville and some area small towns joined a number of state lawmakers and county commissioners at a Thomasville library to express support for the highway.

Thomasville Mayor Sheldon said, quote, The highway will open up opportunities for the Black Belt of Alabama that weve never seen in the history of the Black Belt.

Republican state Sen. Chris Elliott wasnt buying the build-it-and-they-will-come aspect. He pointed to the lack of economic development that followed Mississippis four-laning of Highway 45.

Highway Project

With all the growing talk of widening Interstate 65 -- and with some of that already having money put behind it -- the hope for a corridor in West Alabama hasnt gone anyway either, reports AL.coms John Sharp.

Mayors from Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Thomasville and some area small towns joined a number of state lawmakers and county commissioners at a Thomasville library to express support for the highway.

Thomasville Mayor Sheldon said, quote, The highway will open up opportunities for the Black Belt of Alabama that weve never seen in the history of the Black Belt.

Republican state Sen. Chris Elliott wasnt buying the build-it-and-they-will-come aspect. He pointed to the lack of economic development that followed Mississippis four-laning of Highway 45.

Wrong Birmingham

If you see or hear that Birmingham is declaring bankruptcy, dont panic. Thats referring to the Birmingham in the United Kingdom, not the one an hour and a half southeast of Hackleburg.

To quote Sheriff Andy Taylor, We got way yonder too much smarts for that.

After all, its been nearly 12 years since weve had a massive municipal bankruptcy around here. And that was a county.

More Alabama news

Podcast
A popular Indonesia resort's elevator failed, leading to the deaths of five people on Friday, Sept. 1. The incident specifically took place at the Ayuterra Resort, which is located in the Ubud district of Bali, Indonesia.

Elevator Tragedy in Indonesia Kills Hotel Workers

Authorities said that the latest deadly elevator accident in Indonesia happened because a cable snapped.

Five hotel workers-three women and two men-were riding the lift when the cable failure happened. Officials said that they plunged 100 meters down a steep ravine at the hillside resort.

The elevator they were using was a glass lift, which is one of the attractions of the resort. It is very popular with visitors, especially Instagram influencers who want to create their content.

Metro UK reported that the five hotel workers have been identified as:

Kadek Hardiyanti (24 years old)

Ni Luh Superningsih (20 years old)

Wayan Aries Setiawan (23 years old)

Sang Putu Bayu Adi Krisna (19 years old)

Kadek Yanti Pradewi (19 years old)

The families of the victims said that they will no longer pursue legal action against the resort. They shared their decision after the Balinese resort paid them $20,000.

Hardiyanti's uncle, Nyoman Suarila, explained that even if they filed a lawsuit, their children would not return.

"But we believe in karma. If the company is wrong, then it will get it. That's our principle," added the victim's family member.

Read Also: Canadian Man Accused of Murdering Muslim Family in Truck Attack Pleads Not Guilty

Other Details of the Elevator Accident

According to The Guardian, the Balinese police are still investigating the elevator incident.

Police Chief Made Uder explained that the steel wing rope wasn't strong enough to pull the weight upwards.

He added that the brake/safety wedge wasn't functioning properly when the lift slid downwards at high speed. Aside from this, the resort's elevator is believed to have no emergency brake at all.

Bali's Deputy Governor Cok Ace said that he had seen a permit declaring that the elevator is safe was acquired by the resort.

However, this permit was a part of the routine inspections that were conducted in November 2022.

This means that there's a chance that the Balinese resort made some adjustments in the elevator. This is what Ketut Widiada, Gianyar regency's police chief, believes.

The official explained that they are investigating if there was a reduction in the number of sling ropes supporting the glass life that had caused the tragedy.

While the investigation is being conducted, the resort's guests have been moved to alternative accommodation.

Related Article: Construction Workers Cause 'Irreversible' Damage to Great Wall of China

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In a scathing speech Wednesday on the floor of the Senate, the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee asked if Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville was trying to keep himself in the spotlight as his hold on military promotions has continued for more than six months.

He has achieved what Americas enemies could only dream of  instability in the ranks of our military leadership, said Sen. Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island.

Reed spoke for more than 16 minutes, alternately outlining problems created by Tubervilles blocking of promotions while criticizing Tuberville for doing so. Reed also recounted opportunities offered Tuberville -- who is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee -- to end his block that have not yielded any resolution.

At this point, one has to wonder if the senator actually wants to achieve his demands or if he just wants to stay in the spotlight, Reed said.

Tubervilles holds on military promotions is a protest over a Pentagon policy that provides travel expenses and paid leave to servicemembers to obtain an abortion. Tuberville has maintained that the policy is illegal  a perspective Reed addressed in his speech.

The senator claims that the Pentagon reproductive health care policy is illegal, Reed said. He is wrong. The Department of Justice examined the Pentagons policy and found it to be entirely legal, consistent with 40 years of precedent through both Republican and Democratic administrations. No lawsuits have been filed against the department because no lawyer seriously believes the policy is illegal.

A spokesman for Tuberville declined to comment on Reeds speech.

A June 22 press release from the Justice Department said, The Department of Defense may lawfully provide funds to enable servicemembers and their dependents to travel out of state for abortion care.

Tuberville released a video statement Wednesday afternoon on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. He appeared to take issue with an opinion piece in The Washington Post on Monday by the secretaries of the Air Force, Army and Navy in which the three military leaders objected to the senators hold on promotions.

This should not be played out in the newspaper, Tuberville said. If you need to visit with me, call me or come see me. They know where Im at. And they have not done that. Ive not talking to any of them about this. It just goes to show you this is all propaganda thats being carried on by the Secretary of Defense and the president of the United States, saying Yall got to start putting pressure on this senator. They dont know what pressure is.

My holds are not affecting national security, no matter what national pundits are saying.@SecAFOfficial, @SECNAV, and @SecArmy would rather attack me in a newspaper than have an actual conversation.



Just another example of woke propaganda. pic.twitter.com/ty5ug481iW  Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) September 6, 2023

In his speech, Reed also called on Senate Republicans to convince Tuberville to lift his holds on promotions.

My Republican colleagues must challenge their colleague do what they know is right, Reed said. They must say publicly what they admit many times in private: His behavior is damaging to our national security.

Responding to a similar suggestion about GOP intervention last month by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, Tuberville on X, formerly known as Twitter, responded Good luck.

About 300 military promotions are frozen as a result of Tubervilles hold. Among the frozen promotions are for the commandant of the Marines and, later this month, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff.

Tuberville has repeatedly maintained that military readiness is not affected by his holds, including in his video Wednesday. Seven former secretaries of defense representing both Democratic and Republican administrations have disagreed with that assessment.

Mark Milley, who will be required to retire as joint chiefs chairman later this month, said that Tubervilles hold is affecting between 3,000-4,000 people  taking into account spouses and children. Reed said in his speech that military spouses are unable to accept new jobs and that children are caught between schools because of the uncertainty.

The Senator claims that he is not harming military families, Reed said. And he knows that isnt true.

Regarding military families, Reed said that Tuberville is hurting those who least deserve it.

The senator from Alabama knows that he has lost his argument on the merits, Reed said. He knows the policy he disagrees with is legal. He knows he has the legislative tools available to try and change the policy. But he also knows he likely does not have the votes to prevail. And so he has targeted the men and women of the military itself and their families. He knows the damage he is causing to our military families and our national security. It appears he simply does not care.

Reed concluded his speech by again calling on Republicans to intervene. The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, has said he does not support Tubervilles holds.

The question for the Senate -- really for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle -- is how long will a single senator to be allowed to cause such damage to our military? Reed said. When will my colleagues on the other side of the aisle speak out and act? Republicans must call out their colleague and end this shameful charade.

Updated today, Sept. 6, 2023, at 4:28 p.m. with statement from Tuberville.
Thunderstorms, some of which could be severe, will roll across parts of Alabama today.

Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, said the showers and storms will come ahead of an approaching frontal boundary that will mainly affect the northern half of the state this afternoon and evening.

A few storms north of I-59 will produce frequent lightning with heavy rainfall and may also produce damaging wind gusts and hail to quarter size. South of I-59 the storms will be weakening, and a couple of damaging wind gusts are possible during the evening hours, Stefkovich said.

READ MORE: Level 2 severe weather risk Wednesday for Alabama

The area under a slight risk includes the northwestern part of the state, including areas like Florence, Decatur and Huntsville. Storms will arrive about 3 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. The central part of the state extending to the northeast corner will see storms from 4-9 p.m. The area, which includes places like Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Gadsden and Talladega, is under a marginal risk.

Storms in the southern part of the state are expected to remain below severe levels.
Four months after a civil trial jury found that Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, a federal judge ruled on Wednesday that still more of the ex-presidents comments about her were libelous. The decision means that an upcoming second trial will concern only how much more he has to pay her.

The ruling stands to streamline significantly the second trial, set for January. It concerns remarks that Trump made in 2019, after Carroll first publicly claimed that he sexually attacked her in a dressing room after a chance meeting at a luxury department store in 1996. He denies that anything happened between them.

The first trial, this spring, concerned the sexual assault allegation and whether some 2022 Trump comments were defamatory. Jurors awarded Carroll $5 million, finding that she was sexually abused but rejecting her allegation that she was raped.

The jury considered and decided issues that are common to both cases  including whether Mr. Trump falsely accused Ms. Carroll of fabricating her sexual assault charge and, if that were so, that he did it with knowledge that this accusation was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote in Wednesdays decision.

The judge wrote that the substantive content of the 2019 and 2022 statements was the same. And when the jury found that Trump indeed sexually abused Carroll, it effectively established that his 2019 statements also were false and defamatory, the judge said.

Carroll and her attorneys look forward to trial limited to damages for the original defamatory statements Donald Trump made, said her lawyer Roberta Kaplan, whos not related to the judge.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba said Wednesday that his legal team is confident that the jury verdict will be overturned, mooting the judges new decision. Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, also is seeking to put the second trial on hold while waiting for an appeals court to rule on whether hes legally shielded from the yet-to-be-tried case. He claims immunity because he was president when he made the 2019 comments.

At least for now, the trial is set to start Jan. 15, the day of the Iowa Republican caucuses.

The Carroll case is part of a lineup of legal woes that Trump is facing as he campaigns to return to the White House.

Four criminal indictments accuse Trump, variously, of trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden; mishandling top secret documents and trying to conceal what hed done; and falsifying records in his business to cover up a hush money payment made during his 2016 campaign to porn actor Stormy Daniels. She asserts that they had a sexual encounter, which he denies.

Some of Trumps criminal trials are scheduled to overlap with the presidential primary season. So is a civil trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit accusing Trump and his company of defrauding banks, insurers and others by inflating asset values and his net worth. Trump has denied the allegations, boasted that he has the hottest brand in the world, and accused the Democratic attorney general of conducting a political vendetta.

A judge on Wednesday refused to delay that trial, set for October.

Carroll initially sued Trump in 2019, saying he smeared her by saying shed made a false allegation while trying to sell a new book and suggesting she might be a Democratic operative.

The world should know whats really going on. It is a disgrace, and people should pay dearly for such false accusations, Trump said. He maintained that hed never met Carroll, brushing off a 1987 photo of the two and their then-spouses at a social event.

While that case was playing out, Carroll sued again last year under a New York state law that waived a legal time limit for filing sexual assault allegations. That lawsuit  the one that went to trial last year  came to include claims that Trump defamed Carroll in 2022 by calling the case a complete con job and a scam. The suit over the 2019 statements remained separate.

Trump, meanwhile, countered with a defamation suit against Carroll for saying, after the verdict, that she was not only sexually abused but raped. The judge dismissed Trumps suit last month.
A three-judge federal court on Tuesday blocked Alabama from using its congressional district map in next years elections and ordered a special master and cartographer they appointed to draw a new map.

What was wrong with Alabamas map?

Black residents make up one-fourth of Alabamas population, but only one of the states seven congressional districts has a majority Black population; the other six range from 7% to 40% in Black voting age population. The judges ruled the map likely violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Does the law require proportional representation for minorities?

Not necessarily. The judges said that to establish a Voting Rights Act violation, the voters who sued the state had to establish several factors spelled out in U.S. Supreme Court precedents:

The Black population must be large and geographically compact enough to create a reasonably drawn second majority Black district.

Black voters as a group are politically cohesive.

The white majority votes as a bloc to defeat the Black voters preferred candidate.

Finally, after meeting those preconditions, the plaintiffs must show that under the totality of circumstances, Black voters have less opportunity than other Alabamians to elect a representative of their choice. Among those circumstances are the history of voting-related discrimination in the state and whether voting in the state is racially polarized.

The judges said the plaintiffs met all those conditions and are likely to succeed on the Voting Rights Act claim.

Why is Alabama being accused of defying the Supreme Court?

The case started with voters and organizations suing to block the map the Legislature passed in 2021. That map, similar to three previous maps Alabama has used since 1992, had six heavily white districts and one majority Black district.

The three-judge court ruled last year that the 2021 map likely violated the Voting Rights Act. The judges said the remedy was a second majority Black district or something quite close to it, a second district that gives Black voters an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice.

The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that ruling on a 5-4 vote in June.

In July, the Republican-controlled Legislature passed its new map, the one before the court now, to replace the 2021 map.

But the states lawyers have admitted that it does not create a second opportunity district for Black voters as directed by the court.

State Solicitor General Edmund LaCour told the judges at an August 14 hearing the new map complies with the Voting Rights Act even though it does not create a second opportunity district.

Who will draw the courts map?

The court appointed Richard Allen, who is a former chief deputy under four Republican Alabama attorneys general, as the special master. The court picked as its cartographer David Ely, who has served as a map-drawer and consultant for legislatures in Texas, California, Utah, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Illinois and was special master in a federal court redistricting case in Louisiana. The judges appointed Michael Scodro, a partner in the Chicago office of the law firm Mayer Brown, to assist Allen.

None of the parties in the case objected to the courts choices.

What districts are likely to change?

On the Legislatures new map, as on every map used since 1992, District 7 in west Alabama has been the only majority Black district. It is represented by Congresswoman Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham.

The court ordered the special master and his team to submit three proposed maps that would have a second Black majority district or opportunity district.

Maps submitted by the plaintiffs in the case would change District 2, which covers southeast Alabama, to a majority Black district, partly by extending it westward and incorporating a majority Black portion of Mobile County. District 2 is represented by Congressman Barry Moore of Enterprise, one of six Republicans in Alabamas delegation.

A plan submitted by a group of plaintiffs led by Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton would make District 6 in central Alabama a second Black opportunity district by including all of Jefferson County, where Democrats have fared better with white voters than in most of the state.

Who are the three judges?

Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus, appointed by President Clinton, District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Trump, and District Judge Terry Moorer, appointed by President Trump.

When will the new map be ready?

The court ordered the special master and his team to submit their three proposed maps by Sept. 25. Parties in the case and others will have three days to file objections. The judges have scheduled a hearing for Oct. 3 at the federal courthouse in Birmingham.

Secretary of State Wes Allen has told the court the new map needs to be ready by early October to prepare for next years election.

Will the three judges have the final say?

The states lawyers have told the court they will ask the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday to issue a stay, or put a hold on the ruling, while they can pursue an appeal.

What is a key takeaway?

So far, Alabama is 0-for-3 in the biggest decisions on the merits of the case.

The three-judge court blocked the 2021 plan last year as a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act.

The Supreme Court affirmed that decision in June.

The three-judge court ruled the 2023 map failed to fix the Voting Rights Act violation.

In the ruling Tuesday, the judges said the states assertion that its map complied with the Voting Rights Act even though it did not create a second Black opportunity district, as the court instructed, was pivotal.

That concession controls the case, they wrote.

It indicates the state is banking its chances on convincing one of the justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 against the state in June, to change their vote.
It is striking just how much leftists enjoy being dominated by Big Government. Please make us stand six feet apart! Please monitor and police our speech! Please punish us for skirting COVID lockdowns! Please mandate new experimental goop for our veins! Every time the oppressive authoritarians in positions of power abuse that power to make outrageous and unconstitutional demands of the American people, the leftists hop to and beg for even more obnoxious restrictions. Politicians and bureaucrats are just people (often bad people), but to leftists, they're celebrities, (needed) father figures, and the atheist's empty-suited pantheon of false gods.

As Sam J. wrote in a righteous, all-caps, truth-telling rant over at Twitchy, no matter how nonsensical or harmful the government's often-illegal-but-always-idiotic commands, the masochistic left can be heard shrieking, "YEAH, THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. GOVERN ME HARDER, DADDY! MASK ME UP! TAKE SCHOOL FROM MY KIDS! YAAAAS!" Nothing makes the left happier than a system that insists on ruling over leftists in perpetuity. No group is more worthy of the left's hero worship than an army of control freaks who take pleasure in inconveniencing, voyeuristically surveilling, and intimidating the masses. Silence the vaccine skeptics! Force the anti-maskers into hiding! Imprison anyone who still attends church even after the State's Marxist priests banned the unapproved exercise of religion! In this brave new world, the cowards demand cowardice from everyone.

Or, as the Babylon Bee insightfully observes, the reason Democrats are so irrationally offended by the appearance of Revolutionary Warera Gadsden flags is because everything they have been brainwashed to believe screams out, "TREAD ON ME!" Perhaps it is natural for those with crushed souls to plead for crushed spines, too. If leftists didn't snuggle up next to tyranny, after all, there would be little else to keep them warm at night. It is as O'Brien  the enigmatic Inner Party inquisitor from Orwell's 1984  tells Winston Smith: "If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face  for ever." Leftists alive today crave that boot stamping on their collective face. They need the threat of that boot's punishment to find any sense of meaning in their otherwise empty, fruitless lives. Receiving and inflicting pain is the only way for them to feel...something.

Leftists have been conditioned not to think for themselves and to project their fears and inadequacies onto others. It doesn't matter if a person has twenty academic degrees and is hailed as an "expert" by all the "very best people." If that person mutters tripe such as "the science is settled" or resorts to labeling anyone with an opposing point of view a "denier," then that credentialed crouton is still just stale bread in the left's soup of mental midgets. No person in possession of a first-rate mind ever thinks anything is "settled." No person with the capacity for creative thought would resort to an insult as hackneyed as "denier." When has a thinking person ever stopped pushing the boundaries of knowledge? When has a genius confident in his own thoughts not found more to learn from those who disagree? Only the dogmatic insist on censorship. Only those who lack confidence in their beliefs require other people to be punished for their own.

In many ways, leftists are like PTSD viruses infecting others with their own internalized anxieties. Unfortunately, masks are just as ineffective at preventing the Marxist disease from spreading as they have been with COVID. I joke about a lot of things, but I take post-traumatic stress disorder seriously. If you have ever suffered from the condition or know someone who has, then you know how it can leave a person almost frozen in time.

One of the most astute descriptions of PTSD that I have seen comes from an Israeli therapist, Arian Lev, who has treated thousands of civilians and IDF veterans suffering from the traumatic experiences of firefights, building explosions, missile attacks, kidnappings, and imprisonments. Lev isolates subconscious codes that get activated by trauma  "life equals danger" and "I equals delete." PTSD sufferers "actually delete themselves" so that "they do not exist." "We change 'life equals danger' to 'life equals security and safety,'" and "when you change 'I equals delete' to 'I equals exist,' people become alive again. We reprogram them. They exist in their bodies and they are able to focus on the present and the anxiety is released."

If Lev's research is correct, and large numbers of people in society possess these subconscious codes that can be triggered, consider how the leftist worldview plays directly into these mental struggles. Whether it is COVID, "climate change," fear of overpopulation, the threats of racism, whatever  leftists are constantly teaching people of all ages to equate life with danger. Simultaneously, the answer to every "danger" is some totalitarian communist system that requires each individual to "delete" himself. Life = danger. I = delete. Arian Lev has spent a lifetime trying to fix busted (but not broken) minds, and at the same time, the Marxist globalists are building a world that spreads doom-and-gloom fear, while programming people to view their own freedom, wants, and needs as "selfish." In my estimation, leftists are working overtime to give everybody a bout of PTSD, and the skyrocketing rates of suicide and drug overdose in society seem to back that up. Forget about COVID; the most lethal disease today is Marxist globalism.

Wherever totalitarianism spreads, dissenters are imprisoned for "disloyalty" to the State. That means Marxism first attempts to infect its host with equal measures of propaganda, pain, and PTSD and then sends any holdouts straight to prison.

While thinking about these deadly leftist pathogens, the lyrics of a song called "Pets" from the '90s alternative rock band Porno for Pyros run in my head: "Will there be another race / To come along and take over for us? / Maybe Martians could do / Better than we've done / We'll make great pets!" When I watch leftist zombies obsequiously obeying every stupid and harmful governmental edict, all I think now is, "They'll make great pets!"

They do make great pets. Give them a little government money. Promise them that you'll redistribute other people's paychecks directly into their food bowls. Pat them on the head with supercilious compliments such as "we're the ones we've been waiting for." Assure them that they'll "save the world" by gluing themselves to the asphalt of public highways in protest of hydrocarbon fuels, so that wealthy corporate bankers can make windfall profits on otherwise uneconomic "green" energies." Condition them with poor schooling and overt indoctrination to believe that freedom is "dangerous" and that government is "sacred." Encourage them to assume that anybody who cherishes liberty is really a "racist," a "religious extremist," or a Nazi fascist. Give them enough government cookies so that they never think to question how people who do not want Big Government in their private lives could be "fascists" who believe Big Government should control all our lives. Yank them on the collar should they try to walk in a different direction from those who hold their leash. Reward them for barking and biting anyone outside the pack.

Why would leftists need Martians to turn them into pets when the D.C. Uniparty has already spayed and neutered the leftist horde? You can't have babies, after all, if you're obsessed with "shouting your abortion" or castrating yourself on the way to an "authentic gender." As any veterinarian will tell you, this kind of behavior will help decrease the number of animals in need of shelter. And in a future world where you "own nothing" and the government provides your shelter, the pet owners prefer not to have a lot of human pets in need of homes.

Image: birgl via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Before addressing the inescapable conclusion that Ron DeSantis is not ready for prime time as a presidential contender, and that he should suspend his campaign and endorse President Trump, let's say something positive.

For conservatives, there are things to like about Florida's young 44-year-old governor.

Lets start with what if?

What if President Trump had not endorsed DeSantis in 2018, and what if commie-Democrat Andrew Gillum had been elected governor?

Remember Gillum? The guy later found by police in a drunken stupor in a Miami Beach hotel room, alongside a gay male escort, who by all accounts had overdosed on drugs, in a room where police found baggies of suspected cocaine?

Gillum nearly moved into the Florida governors mansion.

If it werent for DeSantis, and especially Trump, who powerfully endorsed DeSantis against Gillum in 2018, Florida would have faced totalitarian lockdowns, like Michigan under Whitmer, California under Newsome, and New York under Cuomo.

Under DeSantis, in September, 2020, Florida reopened from COVID sooner than most states. Despite some claims pushed by his own camp, DeSantis was not the best governor in the country combating COVID mandates.

For example, Governor Brian Kemp opened Georgia in April, 2020, five months sooner than DeSantis opened Florida. South Dakota governor Kristi Noem never closed her state. And while Florida reopened long before most Democrat states, DeSantis, lest we forget, did shut down the state, and shut down beaches and businesses, something he did not have to do.,

Nevertheless, DeSantis admirably ended Florida lockdowns sooner than most states.

Under his leadership, Republican registration in Florida has outpaced Democrat registration to the point that not even the left-wing pundits can with a straight face call Florida a purple state.

DeSantis should be commended for his war against wokeism in Florida and elsewhere. And in this regard, few conservatives have matched his intensity. His military service is admirable, and more on that in a moment.

Nonetheless, while light-years better than any modern Democrat presidential alternative, DeSantis has proven, by several tactical blunders, that he is not yet ready for prime time and not ready to replace a once-in-a-lifetime, generational leader like President Trump.

His first tactical blunder came by allowing anybody-but-Trump billionaire Rupert Murdoch to talk him into throwing his hat in the presidential ring against President Trump, a foolish leap by DeSantis into the lions den.

Because of DeSantiss blunders, Trump is slaughtering DeSantis in the polls.

By September 1, the Wall Street Journal reports that nearly 60 percent of Republicans favor President Trump over the eight challengers who appeared at the Fox Debate. Trump holds a 46-point lead over DeSantis, with the governors support slipping to levels close to Vivek Ramaswamy.

No, DeSantis isnt ready for prime time, at least not north of the Florida-Georgia line.

Lets explore several recent blunders killing his chances.

First came gross campaign mismanagement, where DeSantis burned through millions donated by RINO anti-Trump super-PACs, without developing a coherent strategy to position himself as a credible alternative to Trump. His incompetent campaign allowed 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy, until recently a political no-name, to surpass the governor in some polls, while nipping at his heels in others.

A horse race for second with Vivek is the last thing that DeSantis needs. But thats what he has.

DeSantiss inability to gain traction has led his billionaire backers to look elsewhere. Rupert Murdoch has tried persuading Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin to enter the race to replace DeSantis as anybody-but-Trump candidate number one. Las Vegas billionaire Robert Bigelow, who contributed $20 million on March 30 to the super-PAC supporting DeSantis, has also withdrawn support.

Then DeSantis attacks Trump supporters as listless vessels not rooted in principle, much like Hillary Clintons basket of deplorables'' insult. Rather than apologizing for a loose-lipped slip-of-the-tongue, DeSantis, who needs Trump voters, doubled down on the comment, piling dumber on top of dumb.

As word surfaced that DeSantis, while in Congress, sponsored a bill to add Puerto Rico as a state, a sure-fire recipe for padding the Democrats' electoral count in presidential elections, DeSantis appeared at the Fox debate of second stringers, implying that he ran missions with U.S. Navy SEALS, but not fully clarifying his real role.

Not smart.

Heres what DeSantis said:

I learned in the military -- I was assigned with US Navy SEALs in Iraq -- that you focus on the mission above all else. And I've deployed in Iraq alongside US Navy SEALs, in places like Fallujah and Ramadi. And it's something that I think has taught me -- you know, when you go in that type of environment, anything you have, your personal agenda, you check it at the door. You go there and it's about focusing on the mission above all else. And guys come together and they get it done.

DeSantiss decision to serve his country as a U.S. Navy JAG officer is admirable. For that, he deserves credit. But the problem isn't what DeSantis said, it's what he did not say.

Missions?

Deployed alongside Navy SEALs?

Really?

By omission, DeSantis implies that he ran dangerous, daring missions with the SEALs.

To be clear, U.S. Navy SEALs and their Army counterpart, Delta Force, perform the most dangerous missions on the planet.

DeSantis boasting about being with the SEALs and learning to focus on the mission, implying the SEALs missions, suggests to low-information voters that he was a special operations warfighter and perhaps even a SEAL himself.

Come on Ron. You might fool chardonnay-sipping, low-information voters out in the suburbs who dont know the difference, but you arent fooling anybody who served in the military.

Yes, JAG officers work with the SEALs, write wills for them, write powers of attorney, give legal advice, and sometimes even advise SEAL commanders on rules-of-engagement matters. This is honorable service.

And yes, JAG officers might find themselves in harms way.

But the SEALs, with the most dangerous job in the world, are always in harm's way. DeSantis knows that JAG officers dont jump from a plane at 30,000 feet over the ocean, or go on top-secret missions to kill Al Qaeda Terrorists.

Technically, DeSantis claiming I was with the SEALs may be accurate, but misleading and incomplete. DeSantis was a JAG officer, not a SEAL. Both are honorable, but theres a difference.

If DeSantis wants to play the SEAL card, he should fly across his state to the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, FL, which has on its grounds a granite wall, the Wall of Honor displaying the names of every SEAL who gave his life. DeSantis should honor them by shooting it straight about his own military service, without embellishment.

After clarifying his record, DeSantis should do himself a favor, suspend his campaign, and endorse President Trump. By taking this step, DeSantis might be able to bury his glaring campaign mistakes -- including his SEAL card charade -- save his political career and fight for the presidency at some point in the future, when he is fully ready and more experienced.

Don Brown, a former U.S. Navy JAG officer, is the author of the book Travesty of Justice: The Shocking Prosecution of Lieutenant Clint Lorance, The Last Fighter Pilot: The True Story of the Final Combat Mission of World War II , and CALL SIGN EXTORTION 17: The Shootdown of SEAL Team Six, and the author of 15 books on the United States Military, including three national bestsellers. He is one of four former JAG officers serving on the Lorance legal team. Lorance was pardoned by President Trump in November 2019. Brown is also a former military prosecutor, and a former Special Assistant United States Attorney. He can be reached at donbrownbooks@gmail.com and on Twitter @donbrownbooks.

Image: US Navy
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

At least 61 people in Georgia have been arrested and handed with racketeering charges over their involvement in the "Stop Copy City" movement.

At least 61 people were indicted in Georgia over racketeering charges in relation to the "Stop Cop City" movement following a long-running state investigation.

The movement involves protests against a planned police and firefighter training facility that would be built in the Atlanta area that critics have called "Cop City." On Tuesday, authorities revealed the sweeping indictment, and Republican Attorney General Chris Carr alleged that the defendants in the case are "militant anarchists."

Stop Cop City Movement Leads to Arrests

The GOP lawmaker said that these people supported a violent movement that prosecutors could trace back to the widespread 2020 racial justice protests. The indictment on Aug. 29 is seen as the latest application of Georgia's anti-racketeering law, also dubbed the RICO law.

The situation also comes a few weeks after the Fulton County prosecutor used the same statute to charge former United States President Donald Trump and 18 other defendants. The "Stop Cop City" movement has been going on for more than two years and sometimes has resulted in vandalism and violence, as per Local10.

Opponents of the planned police training facility are concerned that the center will result in greater militarization of the police. Additionally, they fear constructing the center in an urban forest will only exacerbate environmental damage in a poor, majority-Black area.

Most indicted people have already been charged over their alleged involvement in the movement. Under Georgia law, RICO charges carry a heavy potential sentence that can be added to the penalty for various underlying acts.

Among the defendants that authorities arrested were more than three dozen people already facing domestic terrorism charges in relation to previous, violent protests. Additionally, they include three leaders of a bail fund that was previously accused of money laundering. Three activists were previously charged with felony intimidation after distributing flyers that called a state trooper a "murderer."

Read Also: Burning Man Timeline: Everything You Need to Know About This Famous Festival

Acts of Violence

In a statement during a news conference on Tuesday, Carr said that the 61 defendants had worked together to conspire to prevent the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. According to the Associated Press, he argued that they conducted, coordinated, and organized acts of violence, intimidation, and property destruction.

Prosecutors have made several allegations in trying to link the defendants to the alleged conspiracy, including possessing fire accelerants and throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers.

Activists leading an ongoing referendum effort to prevent the project's advancement have immediately condemned the charges against the defendants. They said that they are "anti-democratic."

In a statement, the Copy City Vote coalition said that Carr could use his prosecutors and power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech. However, it argued that the Republican's threats would not be able to silence their commitment to standing up for their future, community, and city.

Protests against the planned police training facility escalated following the fatal shooting of 26-year-old protester Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, also known as Tortuguita, in January. At the time, state troopers allegedly fired in self-defense after the protester shot at them while they were trying to clear activists from a wooded area near the site of the proposed facility, said USA Today.

Related Article: Massachusetts Teen Dies After Doing Viral TikTok 'One Chip Challenge'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Who is the mastermind behind the Democratic Partys unhinged efforts to impose an elitist ideology on the American people?

Hint: it is not Barack Obama.

Try Jean-Jacques Rousseau, thats who.

A Dead White European Male, Rousseau was born in 1712 in Geneva and died in 1778 in France.

In his 1762 proposal for making a Heaven here on Earth -- The Social Contract -- Rousseau designed the template for what would become what the scholar J.L. Talmon called Democratic Totalitarianism. Rousseau was followed by the socialists -- international (Communists) and national (Fascists) -- and then by the postmodernists.

It was Rousseau - not Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, or Saul Alinsky -- who created the social theory inspiring todays progressive Democrats.

Rousseau begins with a call for self-indulgence and entitlement -- Man is born free and everywhere he is in chains. Thus, his Social Contract supposedly liberates each person from oppressive relationships with others.

So today in America the new social contract proposed by the Democrats provides, for example, that if you decide to be a man, be a man. If you decide to be a woman, be a woman. If you want even more personal freedom, be either from time to time. If you are a girl, then America is your oyster. If you dont want to have a baby, dont have a baby. With immigration, if you want to be an American, come here and be an American. If you want to join the ruling elite, just register for college. Someone else will pay your tuition and, presto, without much effort you will have your passport into the new American elite. If you struggle with illness, taxpayers will free you from that hardship.

But there was a bait-and-switch in Rousseaus design template. None of us really will have individual authority to live as we might wish. We must surrender our rights to the collective which has all sovereign power. Rousseau demands that each of us make a pact with one another whereby each gives ourself absolutely in everything we are and have to the collective which thereby comes to incorporate into itself the entire community. That collective then orders our lives for the better, each of us being the equal of all.

To keep the social contract alive and well, Rousseau insists that whoever refuses to obey its will shall be compelled to by the whole body. This provision turns his social contract into a Big Lie. It is really a tyranny of an elect over all the rest.

Todays Democrats love similar imaginary Big Lies and they love to be our superiors in all things.

The social collective follows what Rousseau called a General Will or what we would call today an ideology. What the General Will wants us to do can only be discerned by insightful intellectuals and must not be left to the voters. Rig elections, anyone?

According to Rousseau, whatever each of us wants is only our self-seeking Particular Will. Because they do not follow the General Will of the collective, each and every Particular Will must be denied authority and social power.

Rousseau said coldly and viciously: Now, the less the relation the particular wills have to the general will, that is, morals and manners to laws, the more should the repressive force be increased.

No wonder Democrats today demand government action to root out what they claim to be disinformation and misinformation on social media.

To further keep us all in chains, Rousseau proposes creation of a new religion -- worship of the State and its government to make the sovereign -- the object of the citizens adoration.

He concludes that there should be a purely civil profession of faith of which the Sovereign should fix the articles, not exactly as religious dogmas, but as social sentiments without which a man cannot be a good citizen or a faithful subject.

And so today in America we have the civil religion of the Democrat Party -- a gospel of racism on the part of Whites only, of DEI privileges for some, of no objective standards in education but with public schools as therapeutic havens for children traumatized by racism, sexism, and so much more, of marginalizing the police function, of no punishment for crimes provoked by social injustice indignities, of abortion under most any circumstance, of intrusively regulating the economy to save humanity and our planet from global warming, of creating money to give everyone a fair deal, Trump Derangement Syndrome, etc.

The insurrection narrative attached to the Jan 6, 2020 riotous disrespect for law and its breaking and entering into the Capitol fits to a T Rousseaus formula for legitimating ostracism and punishment of heretics. Those accused of insurrection had obviously failed to follow the civil religion of the Democrat Partys Federal State. Long prison sentences have been imposed by Federal courts on a few who refused to accept the party line on the legal perfection of the 2020 Presidential election. Such malefactors -- what Rousseau called all such unbelievers -- had by their intemperance flaunted their heresy by trespassing into spaces held sacred by the Democrat Partys civil religion.

Recently a grandmother was sentenced to 15 months in prison for having trespassed on the Capital on January 6th for less than 20 minutes. Her husband, however, has been sentence to 12 years in prison as a member of the Oath Keepers for participating in the Jan 6th -- what shall we call it? -- an illegal temper tantrum brought on by belief in an alternative faith.

Acknowledging her lack of criminal history, devotion to her family, and work in her community, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta insisted this grandmother still must go to prison for not understanding the broader context of her involvement in the events of January 6. We dont have January 6, it does not happen, without people like you, Mehta scolded.

MAGA advocates are similarly heretics to the civil religion proposed by the Democrat Party. They are, therefore, to be banished from our politics.

Joe Bidens speech at Independence Hall this month last year, entitled on the continued battle for the soul of the nation, was completely Rousseauist:

Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic.

Rousseau says that anyone who attacks social rights (Donald Trump perhaps?) becomes a rebel and a traitor to his country. In such a case, the preservation of the State is inconsistent with his own, and one or the other must perish. Those who break the social treaty can no longer be members of the State. In hewing to Rousseaus thinking, the Democrats have brought four criminal indictments against Donald Trump to destroy him as a threat to their civil religion and their right to rule the rest of us.

In the 1970s Rousseaus fixation on the General Will and rule by an elite of self-appointed saints proselytizing their own civil religion were brought over from France to the United States principally in the writings of Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault, missionaries for postmodernism. Then out of our universities metastasized a new Democrat elite having no nourishing roots in Americanism.

This new elite has been and is quite dedicated to bringing about, as Barack Obama once proclaimed, a transformation of the United States into a society where everyone will be free and maintained by the government in indulgent self-absorption.

Image: Allan Ramsay
The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) recently voted to send President Bidens nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), General C.Q Brown, to the full Senate for confirmation. The only reason Browns confirmation has not been brought to a vote is because of Senator Tommy Tubervilles blanket hold on all votes for military officer promotions that require Senate confirmation. While Tubervilles hold is primarily an effort to stop the Department of Defense (DoD) from funding assistance to service members seeking abortion, it is worth noting that Browns views on race and gender diversity in the services are every bit as controversial as government funding of abortion assistance.

General Brown has expressed his concern for lack of representation of minorities and women in U.S. Air Force pilot ranks. As Air Force Chief of Staff, Brown, himself a minority, has acted to remedy such perceived race and gender disparities in the ranks by implementing diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs throughout the Air Force, including establishing quotas for a set percentage of minority pilots. Such programs have more recently included equity as a desired outcome so that DEI is now the preferred acronym.

DEI is often described as the practical application of Critical Race Theory (CRT). Not surprisingly, CRT is also closely associated with the development and efforts of Black Lives Matter (BLM). BLM has been very influential in creating DEI as a movement that has permeated our social, business, and government institutions, including the U.S. military. General Browns efforts to incorporate DEI in our Air Force appear to be no less influential than those of BLM in furthering this movement.

Whether intended or not, the efforts of the DEI Movement have resulted in elevating meeting racial quotas as organizational priorities above those of individual performance and achievement. Companies and organizations have lowered meaningful measures of workplace competence below those of equitable demographic representation. At some point the reduction of competence in the workplace caused by focusing more on equity and equal outcomes than on performance will result in organizational dysfunctions. In military organizations this can mean failure and defeat.

Widespread organizational and institutional dysfunctions already occurring throughout society have been identified and well documented by Heather Mac Donald in her latest book, When Race Trumps Merit How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives. As such dysfunctions continue to increase in both degree and frequency it is essential that we ask ourselves how this trend can be reversed and, where needed, remedied while at the same time being fair and equitable to all, where equity is not measured by demographic outcomes but instead by ensuring equal opportunity for all.

Despite recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that were announced this year to restrict Affirmative Action quotas in admissions to universities, the DEI Movement, which evolved from decades of Affirmative Action programs, continues as many universities and other types of organizations seek ways to maintain their DEI programs despite the Courts decision.

With the continuation of DEI comes its continuing deleterious effects on our society that Mac Donald documented in her latest book. One particularly striking example she highlighted bears emphasizing. It involves Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, professor emeritus and former associate dean of curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

A broad 2022 study on the performance of medical school residents revealed that black and Hispanic students performed significantly below White and Asian students. Keeping with scientific method protocols, researchers presented several hypotheses as to why this might be the case. But when Prof. Goldfarb presented an additional hypothesis, the reaction by academia was immediate, severe, and highly revealing.

Goldfarb merely presented the possibility by asking, in his words, Could it be the minority students were just less good at being residents? In reaction, the chair of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Medicine, Michael S. Parmacek, referred to Goldfarbs question as racist statements and reaffirmed that doctors must acknowledge structural racism.

What sort of thinking displays such close-minded bigotry, refusing to even allow an honest question to be asked that might end up being a legitimate explanation of the disparate outcomes between racial groups? CRT was derived from just such close-minded thinking, the ideology of Marxism. And while its proponents insist that CRT is not connected to Marxism, history clearly documents that they are.

We also know from history that Marxism in the form of Communism disallows the asking of questions that run counter to its ideology, just as todays ideology of CRT/DEI prohibits asking such questions. These Marxist ideologies, regardless their various names, deny the right of an individual to speak freely and openly, as our Constitution recognizes.

It would be interesting to know if General Brown believes, like Dr. Parmacek, that Dr. Goldfarbs question was racist. It would also be interesting to know who the racists are here: The person who asks the tough questions or the person who accuses someone of racism for asking it? Evidently, no one on the SASC thought to ask.

Image: USAF
The Democrats in capitol buildings across the country really hate the black family.

In swept Maryland legislator Jill Carter with her Juvenile Justice Reform bill to right the wrongs of systemic and institutionalized racism, and once again, the black community finds itself suffering the consequences of the politicians who pay no price for being wrong.

On Monday, a Fox News outlet in Baltimore released an interview in which a local reporter sat down with Rae, a local resident and exasperated mother. Raes 14-year-old daughter wont stop stealing cars, but thanks to the changes to the states juvenile justice processes, law enforcement wont detain her; when she defies home detention, they wont violate her. From the article:

She started getting arrested, and when she started getting arrested, they started letting her know that they cant detain her, shes underaged, she cant be charged, or whatever it may be, Rae said.  [T]his Baltimore mom said her teenage daughter has been picked up by police everywhere, but the consequences dont match the severity of the offenses.

Last week, Raes daughter was arrested again, and this time, instead of home monitoring, the judge placed the girl in a group-home setting administered by the Department of Juvenile Services. Of this new equitable situation, Rae bemoaned the ineffectiveness of government policy to stem the tide of juvenile delinquency, stating:

All we can do is keep making phone calls back and forth while the child is out committing crimes[.]  I plead, and I cried for them to arrest her and not to send her in a group home because I didnt think that would be effective[.]

And lastly:

Stop blaming the parents when things go wrong when its a broken system. After you give a juvenile one or two strikes, they should arrest them  They are teenagers. They know what they are doing; they know right from wrong.

Clearly we can all see the two elephants in the room. The first and most obvious being that this young girls out of control behavior is a direct reflection of her home life, most importantly, the lack of a good father. The second elephant, or more apropos, the giant jackass in the room, is that government policy, in this case (and most often) Democrat policy, betrays the black community, and especially, the familyironically, the latter fostered the crisis of the former.

According to the Racial Equity Impact Note of SB691, the justice reforms in Carters legislation largely came from recommendations made by the Juvenile Justice Reform Council, a state bureaucracy established in 2019; from a prominent leftwing Baltimore-based philanthropy group:

This legislation [Carters] protects both public safety and the sanctity of childhood, says Sam Abed, secretary of Marylands Department of Juvenile Services.  These new rules are rooted in research and best practices, adds Nate Balis, who served on the reform council and directs the Casey Foundations Juvenile Justice Strategy Group. The legislature deserves a lot of credit for establishing policies that not only reduce the use of harmful confinement, but also emphasize the need to better support young people in the community outside of the formal system.

Children stealing cars is the exact opposite of the protection of public safety and the sanctity of childhood so thats a demented joke.

I categorically reject the narrative of the left that anti-black bias is systemic and institutionalized because of traditional American values and an entirely non-unique history of slavery, but I do concede a prejudice absolutely exists, because the evidence supports it. The targeted destruction of the family via abortion, the introduction of the welfare state to subsidize laziness and dismantle intact households, and modern policies like the Juvenile Justice Reform act. As Thomas Sowell wrote:

You cannot take any people, of any color, and exempt them from the requirements of civilization -- including work, behavioral standards, personal responsibility and all the other basic things that the clever intelligentsia disdain -- without ruinous consequences to them and to society at large.

Anti-black sentiments underpin and run through one major force, and that is the big government left; its executors are gleeful to trod on others but especially... the blacks.

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krunkwerke/, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
A bipartisan congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The acts purpose is to ensure reasonable workplace accommodations for workers whose ability to perform the functions of a job are limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Normal people understand that language to mean that employers must see to it that pregnant women are kept reasonably safe and comfortable during a natural process that nevertheless exacts a toll on a womans body. However, if youre in the Biden administration, what really makes pregnant women comfortable is to get rid of that baby entirely via abortion.

The EEOCs information page about the PWFA lists some of the commonsense steps employers should take to accommodate pregnant employees, all of which are reasonable and logical:

The House Committee on Education and Labor Report on the PWFA provides several examples of possible reasonable accommodations including the ability to sit or drink water; receive closer parking; have flexible hours; receive appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel; receive additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest; take leave or time off to recover from childbirth; and be excused from strenuous activities and/or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.

The obvious intention is that employers should do what they can to help women have a safe, happy pregnancy that will result in the birth of a healthy baby. This is the kind of law that would pass muster in Hungary, which is doing its best to turn around the negative population growth that has become the norm in the West.

Image by DC Studio.

However, laws are only as good as the people who enforce themand its becoming apparent that theres no one good in the Biden administration. It turns out that the EEOC is planning regulations that make abortion part of those reasonable workplace accommodations for pregnant women:

To assist workers and covered entities, the proposed regulation includes a non-exhaustive list of examples of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions that the Commission has concluded generally fall within the statutory definition. These include conditions that Federal courts and the EEOC have already concluded are part of the definition under Title VII as well as other conditions that are based on the expertise of medical professionals. The list in the proposed regulation for the definition of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions includes current pregnancy, past pregnancy, potential pregnancy, lactation (including breastfeeding and pumping), use of birth control, menstruation, infertility and fertility treatments, endometriosis, miscarriage, stillbirth, or having or choosing not to have an abortion, among other conditions. (Emphasis mine.)

Abortion, of course, is the opposite of pregnancy. It is the undoing of a pregnancy. It is the negation of a pregnancy. It isnt about keeping a pregnant woman safe and comfortable unless you define safe and comfortable as the state of not being pregnant. The practical effect is that employers must give workers paid leave for abortions.

Aside from perverting the law, the proposed EEOC regulations are a backdoor attempt to force religious employers to support abortions:

Indeed, while there has been a great deal of attention paid to the Biden administrations abortion tourism policy for the military  and Sen. Tommy Tubervilles fight against it  it appears Washington bureaucrats are now poised to push something similar on the entire American workforce, effectively by executive fiat. Worse yet, this abortion vacation mandate could also apply to religious organizations and entities. During consideration of the PWFA in Congress last December, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., offered a one-paragraph amendment that would have exempted religious entities from any PWFA provision violating their faith. Despite the common-sense nature of this provision, 53 senators voted the amendment down. Now, the EEOCs proposed rule has officially put religious liberty in jeopardy for countless churches and religious groups.

For Democrats, abortion is the holy grail. Women are roughly 50% of the population, and nothing gets the activists among them activated (and voting) like abortion. Add to that the substantial portion of men who love the idea of consequence-free sex, and youve got a powerful voting bloc. With abortion as a pillar of the Democrat party, the Biden administration will happily pervert legislative intent to destroy religious integrity in the workplace and keep those abortions coming.
For the last three years there has been a debate as to whether the chaos at our southern border is the result of incompetence or intent by the Biden administration. That question has now been answered beyond a reasonable doubt: its the latter.

While there has been plenty of incompetence in this regimesee Kamala Harris brief, tragicomic stint as immigration czarthere is a preponderance of evidence that the White House deliberately turned a stable border zone into a humanitarian disaster and is actively taking steps to worsen it.

The latest and most telling example is the report that Bidens Department of Defense has been selling off materials that were purchased by the Trump administration to complete the border wall but were not used. Eighty-one lots of 28-foot hollow beams have reportedly been sold for $2 million so far, with more available at the online auction marketplace GovPlanet.

Why does this matter? One of Bidens first actions upon entering the Oval Office on Inauguration Day in January 2021 was to issue a proclamation that halted construction of the wall along the southern border, a project he deemed not a serious policy solution and a waste of money that diverts attention from genuine threats to our homeland security.

Since that day, illegal border crossings have exploded, as have the number of migrant deaths along the Rio Grande, illicit drugs transported into the U.S., and children trafficked by cartels. Meanwhile, news reports showed vast fields of steel wall sections rusting in the sun, each section costing about $5,000. It has been estimated that about $150 million worth of materials are sitting idle in south Texas, likely never to be used for their intended purpose.

As the border crisis only gets worse, pro-law enforcement Republicans in Congress have been pushing for legislative action to complete the wall. Rather than have a national debate on the undeniable failure of his policies to secure the border, Biden and his team of anti-borders zealots instead moved to render that debate moot by selling off the wall materials. How can we finish the wall when there are no longer any materials to build it?

This is political cynicism at its worst. Its bad enough that this administration killed the project to complete a border wall system that the government had already bought and paid for. Now, to hide its shame and responsibility for the immigration policies that are tearing the country apart, it sells off the wall materials, making it all but impossible for the project to be completed anytime soon.

Biden might have some credibility in labeling a border wall as not being a serious policy solution if his own alternative policies had been a resounding success. Instead, they have been an epic calamity responsible for the deaths of hundreds of migrants, while creating a pipeline for deadly fentanyl and other drugs to poison Americans throughout the country.

As justification for this madness, illegal immigration activists can only cite the evidence-free bumper sticker line that walls dont work. This is contradicted by reports on other countries like Israel that have had great success with physical barriers in keeping terrorists and other national security threats from entering.

As if to prove that walls dont work, the Border Patrol recently welded open 114 border wall gates in Arizona. The inexplicable move resulted in swarms of migrants walking freely into the United States.

Yes, in some cases walls dont work, like when their gates are intentionally opened for anyone to enter.

It was so easy to get into the United States, a Cuban migrant told the New York Post. Nothing like our trip through Mexico. That part was difficult. I thought there was going to be more security.

We have now reached the point where illegally entering in Mexico is far more difficult than illegally entering the United States. That is not a statement on the strength of Mexico, but on the weakness the United States has projected to the world since the current administration took control.

The latest actions by the White House are not just the selling of wall materials, but selling away our national security. Americans are supposed to be protected by their leaders from foreign nationals who would enter our country illegally and weaken the country. Instead, our national sovereignty has been violated, and all of us are experiencing the collateral damage in one way or another.

It will be hard enough for good leaders to pull our country out of this mess. The last thing we need are those who are purposely trying to make it worse.

Brian Lonergan is director of communications at the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) in Washington, D.C, and co-host of IRLIs No Border, No Country podcast.

Image: Screen shot from Forbes Breaking News video, via YouTube
What is it about Democrats and abnormally harsh sentences for black guys?

They're the ones behind the lock-'em-up-and-throw-away-the-key sentencing "reforms" in the 1990s that Kamala Harris embraced as prosecutor in California during her heyday, keeping black prisoners imprisoned beyond their sentences in order to secure their labor to fight wildfires.

They recently released all of the defendants charged by the Fulton County prosecutor, Fani Willis on bail -- except for the hapless black guy, Harrison Floyd, whose accused crimes were insignificant and in any case, was no flight risk as they claimed. They shoved him into their rat- and bedbug infested jail for five days, while letting all the whites out on bail.

Now they've issued their toughest January 6 defendant sentence -- 22 years, to Enrique Tarrio, the purported leader of the Proud Boys, for "seditious conspiracy" with "terrorism" enhancements.

Sure enough, Tarrio was the black guy. His Wikipedia entry says he is of Afro-Cuban descent.

Yes, the Proud Boys shouldn't have been doing what they were doing, acting in a riotous manner at the Capitol on January 6. Nobody is saying that the group shouldn't have to pay something. But to pin the entire January 6 riot mess on this nobody who literally wasn't at the Capitol at all and his pals is pretty draconian, letting all the incompetence and bad faith from the FBI with its provocateurs, Nancy Pelosi refusing a National Guard detail offered by President Trump, the Capitol Police escorting protestors into the building and other blunders off scot-free.

A 22 year sentence is plainly cruel and unusal punishent, and well more than most murderers get. Had Tarrio gone out and say, looted a building, he wouldn't be facing any time at all.

Twenty-two years.

Nobody died. Nobody whipped out a gun. Nobody lost a limb. Nobody's bank account was emptied. Nobody lost a building.

To sentence Tarrio with this kind of punishment, when he wasn't even near the Capitol building when the crowd got out of control, is frankly outrageous no matter what his color.

That he was the black defendant here, and combined with the harsh treatment of Harrison Floyd in Georgia, has more than a whiff of something else going on. These weren't monstrous crimes being committed by either of these two, but by some strange coincidence, both got the harshest, most life-altering sentences. Someone wanted them out of circulation.

What it suggests is that black supporters of President Trump are a special threat to the Democrat establishment and its grip on power. So instead of normal punishment, even by the standards of what the other J6 and Fulton County defendants got, Democrats are singling out black defendants for special treatment.

It's consistent with Democrats' past, as the historic Party of the Klan, Democrat Bull Connor, and the Southern Democrats who blocked the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They've always sought to punish black people who refused to stay on their plantations. This is them being them.

One can only hope that this outrageous sentence (and that denial of bail to Floyd) is noted in the black community come election time and Republicans make sure that that community knows. Enough is enough, and these "coincidences" are starting to get noticeable.

Image: Anthony Crider (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0
Thanks to President Donald Trump, the Abraham Accords are slowly bringing peace to the Middle East. When Trump left office, though, Saudi Arabia had not formally normalized relations with Israel (although things have been changing, especially with flights going from Israel to Saudi Arabia). The two nations are now on the verge of official normalization, except for one thing: While neither Israel nor Saudi Arabia sees the Palestinians as part of the process (and rightly so because Palestinians have nothing to do with Saudi Arabia), the Biden administration is insisting that any agreement benefits the Palestinians.

There are a whole lot of moving parts here. Ill start with the Times of Israel report about the Biden administrations insistence that the Palestinians get downstream benefits from any relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia:

Any progress on normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia currently hinges on defense guarantees, which the latter is seeking from the United States, said a senior Israeli official traveling with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus delegation to Cyprus. The senior official, deeply involved in the diplomatic process, estimated there are another four to five non-resolved issues upon which the negotiations turn, but they are not as complicated. American and Palestinian delegations are traveling to the Gulf state this week to continue talks that would include a US-brokered normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a prospect deeply desired by Netanyahu. The official assessed that Israeli concessions to the Palestinians were not the chief Saudi focus, with the Saudi-US defense pact the kingdoms main concern. While declining to elaborate on potential concessions, the senior official added that Netanyahu, who spent the past two days in Cyprus for trilateral talks with his Cypriot and Greek counterparts, felt confidant he would be able to rally his hardline coalition behind him. The coalition, including Netanyahus far-right partners and lawmakers in his Likud party, overwhelmingly oppose a Palestinian state and are committed to extending Jewish sovereignty over the West Bank.

In other words, Saudi Arabia doesnt care about the Palestinians. However, the U.S. government, as a condition of the normalization talks, is trying to force Israel to get on board with a two-state solution while pulling out of Judea and Samaria.

Regarding Judea and Samaria, an archeology dig has discovered a 4,000-year-old Israelite settlement in that region. It is a reminder that, with the Canaanites and Philistines having vanished several millennia ago, Jews are the indigenous people of the Holy Land. Its also a reminder that Judea and Samaria are the heartland of the Jews indigenous state.

As for the two-state solution, Israel cannot recognize on her borders a sovereign state that has as its stated goal her destruction. Nor can Jerusalem function as a divided city. The last time that Arab Muslims had control over Jerusalem, they banned Jews from accessing their Holy sites and destroyed anything they could get away with destroying.

In other words, while Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are talking about ways to protect Saudi Arabia, the Biden administration is saying that, as a condition of entering into the agreement, Israel must destroy her national security. That hardly seems fair.

The article has a few other points about the way the Biden administration is interfering in Israels internal politics. It points out that, two-and-a-half years into his administration, Biden still hasnt met with Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, though,

Netanyahus political rival, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, is headed to Washington this week for high-level meetings with White House and State Department officials. The senior official estimates that there will be a meeting with Biden, but said it was not clear when.

In sum, the Biden White House wants to destroy Israels sovereignty and national security before it will put its necessary imprimatur on a peace deal with Saudi Arabia. It is also refusing to acknowledge Israels duly elected political leader and is playing footsie with the opposition to that political leader. And its doing all of this to elevate a group of people who have no long-standing historical ties to the land, who have genocidal intentions toward Israel, and who are misogynistic, homophobic, anti-Christian, and antisemitic.

Image of Biden as the joker in the deck made using public domain pictures and the Joker by David Bellot.
Who remembers the Berlin Wall and why it went up? Who remembers that East German guards shot men and women trying to jump the fence? I remember. Unfortunately, the mayor of Tijuana, Mexico played the wall card and chose the wrong wall to talk about.

This is the story:

Tijuana's mayor took a jab at US migrant policies by recently installing a 3-ton gray concrete slab of the Berlin Wall just feet from America's latest stretch of border wall. "May this be a lesson to build a society that knocks down walls and builds bridges," reads the inscription on the Cold War relic attributed to Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero. The installation, titled "A World Without Walls," was erected Aug 13. in Friendship Park after Caballero was contacted by the owner of the artifact, Marcos Cline, looking to set it up in a poignant location. "Why in Tijuana? How many families have shed blood, labor and their lives to get past the wall," Caballero asked of the US border wall. "The social and political conflict is different than the Berlin Wall, but it's a wall at the end of the day. And a wall is always a sphinx that divides and bloodies nations," the mayor said.

A wall is a wall until you read your history and find it that not every wall is similar.

Mayor Caballero did not make the border situation better with her comments. She confirms historical ignorance and the arrogance of so many Mexican politicians, who always blame the U.S. for the border problem.

Why are people looking to leave Mexico? Why is Tijuana so violent? Why does Mexico allow its territory to serve as a corridor for human-trafficking and the drug business? Don't expect Mexican politicians to answer questions like that.

Is President Biden going to demand an apology from Mayor Caballero? Probably not. In fact, no one fears President Biden, and that's why she put up this piece of the Berlin Wall.

PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: woodleywonderworks via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
The conservative movement seems divided over the proper way of moving forward with the 2024 election. There are a variety of opinions, but seemingly only two that matter. There is the only Trump wing. Basically, this wing holds that Trump was royally screwed out of the 2020 election due to blatant cheating, or at least significant anomalies (i.e., unprecedented reliance on early voting, mail-in ballots, and ballot harvesting, among other things). He deserves a second chance to win the election and get his second term. Then there is the other wing which says that we must move beyond Trump, due to his toxic rhetoric and unelectability. This wing cites his significant unfavorability amongst women as a roadblock to election. They would say that Ron DeSantis, or a figure like him, is much more electable. Also, he is younger, which is a plus, since Biden has significantly tainted the idea that older people can still function and think. I suppose there are other wings, but they are pretty small. Who really cares about the Pence or Christie lovers? They are fringes of the conservative movement, and really seem to have no traction.

I have seen the points of both sides of the movement, and to be honest, I would vote for a doorknob over the Democrat candidate, so conservatives have my vote no matter what. But having pondered deeper, I have come up with some thoughts.

Being in my 50s, I have seen quite a few elections, and for basically every election, we were told it was the most important election of our lifetimes. When I first heard this, I was very moved and motivated. Now decades later, it seems trite, and for sure overused.

Now I would argue that we are almost beyond that point. I am not sure that we can take back our country. It seems that the government/ruling class is more concerned with itself than with governing the country. I believe both sides are to varying degrees involved in this system. So those who cry uniparty have a valid point.

Trump is very much hated by the governing class. He was impeached for Russian collusion, even though a four-year investigation by Robert Mueller found no evidence of this. Hilary Clinton paid for opposition research which was false, to destroy Trump. So he was impeached for Hilarys behavior.

Next was the insurrection hoax. Trump asked his supporters to peacefully voice their concerns. Fed plants and a few rambunctious people broke into the capitol, walked around, and left. None had firearms, but somehow that was an insurrection. As old Joe would say, Come on, man. The break-in started before Trump was finished speaking. This doesnt make sense. But they impeached him.

I could go on, keeping documents is now imprisonable, unless youre Joe Biden or any other Democrat. Questioning an election is now a crime if you have an R by your name. Who really cares about the First Amendment? I think what is so alarming about this is the number of so-called Republicans who sit by and say/do nothing, while the rules of our country are arbitrarily enforced by the ruling class.

So I have concluded that the biggest threat to the Deep State right now is Trump. And for that reason, he has my vote. Every criminal charge they level against him makes me more aware of how threatened they are by him, and it makes me all the more determined to vote for him. If they hate him this much, perhaps he is our last and best chance to preserve this country the way it is, and not become Europe lite. Whatever they do from this point forward doesnt matter to me. Trump has my vote precisely because the powers-that-be do not want him to succeed.

No offense to the others, their time may come if Trump wins this election, if not... well, this may be the end of a free country.

Image: White House
If, in fact, the whole COVID response -- including the vaccine -- was a giant experiment on humans, New Zealand was the perfect test bed. It is isolated, and as it turned out, subject to almost any level of draconian control.

The health authority corresponding to our CDC gave gentle advice such as the following to pregnant women:

Immunisation and pregnancy When youre pregnant, its strongly recommended youre immunised against whooping cough, flu and COVID-19. Book pregnancy vaccines now

The government then stepped up their game and closed their borders, setting up quarantine camps with scant justification. On November 1, 2020, Gregg Jarrett wrote:

New Zealand is taking the term 'lockdown' to a whole new level. With only 25 coronavirus deaths among a population of nearly 5 million, medical officers are now being directed to manage all positive confirmed cases in a quarantine camp, according to the Director-General of Health, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield.

On the Laura Ingraham Show, Victor Davis Hanson laments the precedent this set. In the video, the Prime Minister at the time, Jacinta Ardern, in an unbelievably harsh and unattractive diatribe, explains how dissent will not be tolerated. It is truly creepy.

In an October 11, 2021 article, Reuters quoted her using the same style

About 2.38 million New Zealanders have so far been fully vaccinated, or about 57% of the eligible population, with officials promising to end lockdowns once 90% of the eligible population is vaccinated.

Not that she was the only one -- it's just that she had an extraordinary level of control over a relatively small and isolated population. On December 5, 2021, the BBC noted:

If you are a French doctor, a New Zealand teacher or a Canadian government employee, getting your shots is essential to go to work. Indonesia can deny benefits to people who refuse jabs. Greece is making them compulsory for the over-60s. Austria is set to go further still, with a plan to introduce mandatory vaccinations for all by February.

Well, that was then.

Now, larger and larger percentages of people know or know of someone that "died suddenly." Young people in particular were dying "unexpectedly," along with Canadian doctors and athletes everywhere. The conclusion that the authorities and experts have been lying about almost everything in the COVID saga is gaining much wider acceptance. More people are looking at the self-professed "elites" with skinny eyes.

It only stands to reason that the same globalist interests that engineered this global pandemic will be looking for a common storyline to defend and distract. New Zealand again seems to be the test bed.

The current New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, recently made a rather counterintuitive assertion about the people that were harmed by the jabs: "They ultimately made their own choices."

What? What "choice" are you talking about? One of these?

Lose your job or get a jab?

Be drummed out of your profession or get a jab?

Have a healthy baby or get a jab?

This statement may be a test run at taking the posture that people who got the shot did so voluntarily and are therefore at fault for any negative outcome. This amounts to "It can't be us -- it must be you."

It has not been so long ago that an unbelievable degree of governmental pressure was put on all of us. We haven't forgotten:

Not being able to go to funerals.

Not being allowed to visit elders in nursing homes.

Not going out to restaurants.

Keeping kids locked in the house.

Watching our kids lose irreplaceable learning time.

Losing our local mom and pop stores while Walmart and Amazon take over.

Seeing people being forced back into nursing homes while a huge hospital ship sat ready and empty because of political "optics."

Every single person was affected. Our trust in our medical establishment is gone. If those of a globalist bent think they can go back to the glory days of public compliance, think again. Our response to your orders might be more, well, militant.

Image: PxFuel
(Photo : Josep LAGO / AFP) (JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Prosecutors from all 50 states across the country are urging federal lawmakers to craft legislation to protect youths from AI child sexual abuse images that have been spreading online.

Prosecutors from all 50 states are calling on Congress to pass legislation protecting youths from artificial intelligence child sexual abuse images that have been spreading online.

On Tuesday, the attorneys general from across the United States sent a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate. They called on federal lawmakers to establish an expert commission to analyze the means and method of artificial intelligence that can be used to exploit specifically children.

AI Child Sexual Abuse Images

They also called on federal lawmakers to expand existing restrictions on child sexual abuse materials specifically to cover AI-generated images. The prosecutors added that they were already engaged in a race against time to protect the nation's children from AI threats.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson led the effort to add signatories from all 50 states and four US territories to the letter. Last week, the Republican said that he hoped that federal lawmakers would translate the group's bipartisan support for legislation on the issue into immediate action, as per Newsbreak.

Wilson added that everyone was currently focused on everything that was dividing the entirety of the nation. He said he hopes lawmakers can at least agree on protecting kids from new, innovative, and exploitative technologies.

This year, the Senate has held several hearings on the possible threats of artificial intelligence and related technologies. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in May said that government intervention is crucial to mitigating the risks of increasingly powerful AI systems.

Altman, whose company makes the free chatbot tool ChatGPT, proposed the formation of a US or global agency responsible for licensing the most powerful AI systems. He said it should have the authority to "take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Read Also: AI Tech Creates Fictional Adult Versions of Vanished Children From Argentina's Military Dictatorship

Surge of Pedophiles Sharing Indecent Images

Currently, there is no immediate sign that Congress will craft sweeping laws relating to AI, similar to what European lawmakers are doing. However, societal concerns have led American agencies to promise to crack down on harmful AI products that are found to have broken currently existing civil rights and consumer protection laws, according to CBS News.

Furthermore, Wilson said he is encouraging his fellow attorneys general to scour their state statutes for potential areas of concern on top of the federal action they are calling for. He said that they started to question if child exploitation laws currently on the books could keep up with the novelty of the new technologies.

The situation comes as pedophiles have been found to take advantage of artificial intelligence to create and sell life-like child sexual abuse material. Some accessed the images by paying subscription fees to accounts on mainstream content-sharing sites such as Patreon.

The website said it had a "zero tolerance" policy about sharing or selling such imagery on its platform. The National Police Chief's Council also said that it was "outrageous" that some platforms are making "huge profits" but are not taking "moral responsibility," said BBC.

Related Article: Will Tech CEOs Allow US to Be First Country With AI Laws?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
During World War II, in an effort to disguise the facility and ward off enemy fire, officials at Burbank's Lockheed Air Terminal (now known as Bob Hope Airport ) took the unusual but highly effective step of covering the entire airport with strategically placed camouflage netting. Up from the air, in the eyes of the enemy, the entire area looked like a rural subdivision.

Before

After

In February 1942, a Japanese submarine was spotted just outside San Francisco Bay. When another Japanese submarine surfaced off Santa Barbara, a few nights later, and fired a few shells at an oil storage facility the War Department ordered Lt Gen John L De Witt, head of Western Defense Command, to protect vital installations along the Pacific Coast.

The job of disguising California fell upon Colonel John F Ohmer, a pioneer in camouflage, deception and misdirection techniques. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, Colonel Ohmers carefully made and positioned camouflage caused the Luftwaffe to waste thousands of tons of bombs on empty fields.

With help of scenic designers, painters, art directors, landscape artists, animators, carpenters, lighting experts and prop men from movie studios in Hollywood, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Universal Pictures and others, Colonel Ohmer began the task of disguising March Field and its neighborhood.

Ohmer concealed key factories and assembly plants that may be targets, including Douglas Aircraft. In a short period of time the entire area of the factory was camouflaged. The Lockheed-Vega aircraft plant in Burbank was fully hidden beneath a complete suburb replete with rubber automobiles and peaceful rural neighborhood scenes painted on canvas. Small farm complete with animals, a barn, a silo and other buildings were erected. Pastoral settings used frames of lumber and large spreads of canvas.

Hundreds of fake trees and shrubs were positioned to give the entire area a 3-dimensional appearance. The trees and shrubs were created from chicken wire treated with adhesive, then covered with chicken feathers for leaves, then painted various shades of green (with spots of brown, even). Air ducts were disguised as fire hydrants.

In other sections, scattered decoy aircraft made of canvas scraps, ration boxes, and burlap on chicken wire as well as flattened tin cans dominated the landscape. None of these aircraft looked real up close but looked great from a distance. Fake runways were made by burning grassy strips.

Maintaining the illusion of a neighbourhood required signs of life and activity. Workers emerged to relocate automobiles, and took walks on hidden catwalks. Some took washing down from fake clotheslines only to replace it later at scheduled times. Parked automobiles were moved to indicate drivers were using their cars daily and returning home from work.

Ohmer's "suburb" brought requests for other camouflage projects. In Seattle, Boeing Aircraft covered nearly 26 acres. It became covered by a complete town with municipal buildings, a park, schools and homes.

The disguise of California ceased to be critical when the US Navy dealt a smashing defeat to a Japanese carrier task force at Midway Island. The threat of a serious attack against the West Coast diminished, then vanished.

Sources: 1, 2
In The Knave of Harts, a collection of satirical poems penned by Samuel Rowlands, the English poet makes an allusion to a certain German called Peter Stumpp who was executed for being a werewolf.

A German (called Peter Stumpe) by charme

Of an inchanted Girdle, did much harme,

Transform'd himselfe into a Wolfeish shape,

And in a wood did many yeeres escape

The hand of Iustice, till the Hang-man met him,

And from a Wolfe, did with an halter fet him:

Thus counterfaiting shapes haue had ill lucke,

Witnesse Acteon when he plaid the Bucke.

In the year this literary work was published, 1612, Peter Stumpps story was widely known throughout Europe. However, as the centuries passed, this tale gradually faded into obscurity, and any written accounts about this unfortunate man became lost to the annals of history.

Composite woodcut print by Lukas Mayer of the execution of Peter Stumpp.

In 1920, an English clergyman and author named Montague Summers espied a long forgotten pamphlet in the British Museum detailing the singular case of Peter Stumpp. The pamphlet goes into detail on Stumpp's life, including his crimes and the trial that ensued after his capture. Almost everything we know about this event comes from these 16 pages. The original broadsheet was published in German, from which an English translation was made, of which only two copies now exist. Aside from the one in the British Museum, there is another one in the Lambeth Library, also in London. No copy of the original German pamphlet survive.

Who was Peter Stumpp?

Peter Stumpp was a wealthy farmer in the rural community of Bedburg, located in the electorate of Cologne, Germany. It is possible that Peter Stumpp was not his real name, but a nickname earned because he lost his left hand in an accident. Another alias that is associated with his name is Abal Griswold.

Peter Stumpp was born in the mid-1500s, possibly around 1564, in the village of Epprath, near Bedburg. He had two childrena girl called Beele (Sybil), who was around 15 years old, and a son of an unknown age. He was a widower.

Stumpp was known for his amiable character, as described in the 1590 English pamphlet:

He would go through the streets of Cologne, Bedburg, and Epprath, in comely habit, and very civilly, as one well known to all the inhabitants thereabout, and oftentimes was he saluted of those whose friends and children he had butchered, though nothing suspected for the same.

Werewolves attack

Starting from the mid-1560s, an increasing number cattle around Bedburg began turning up dead with their abdomens ripped open and mutilated. The villagers naturally suspected wolves. But when women and children of the town also began to fall victim to these attacks, the townsfolk became convinced something more sinister was at play.

People became afraid to venture out of their houses, and whenever they did, they did only in large armed groups. Sometimes when travelling from one town to another, they would find dismembered limbs of victims strewn in the fields. These sights sent panic through the populace. When a child would go missing, the parents would immediately assume all was lost and that the wolf had taken another victim.

The attacks continued for 25 years, during which time countless number of men, women, children, cattle and sheep were devoured by the vile creature.

In 1589, there was an extraordinary incident. Some children were playing in a meadow, when suddenly out of the woods emerged a wolf, who caught a young girl by the collar of her coat, but the collar was so stiff and well made that the wolf was unable to pierce through it. An outcry was raised and the wolf let go his hold and ran away. The men gave chase and soon had the animal cornered, but as they moved in for the kill, they found that the wolf had disappeared and in its place was Peter Stumpp. Its unclear whether the men actually saw the wolf transform or Stumpp just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Capture and Execution

Illustrations that accompanied the English pamphlet. In this colorized version we can see the episodes from his story showing Stump as a werewolf, his arrest by authorities, his interrogation, and the stages of his brutal execution. Photo credit: National Geographic

Either way, Stumpp was captured and tortured on the rack, eventually resulting in his confession to a number of horrific crimes. Stumpp claimed that he had been practicing black magic since he was 12 years old. He confessed to having made a pact with the devil, who in return had given him a magic girdle that allowed him to transform into the likeness of a greedy, devouring wolf, strong and mighty, with eyes great and large, which in the night sparkled like fire, a mouth great and wide, with most sharp and cruel teeth, a huge body, and mighty paws. Removing the belt would change him back to his human form. Stumpp claimed he had tossed the belt into a certain valley. The magistrate sent for it to be retrieved but no such belt was ever found.

Stumpp confessed to killing and eating fourteen children and two pregnant women, whose fetuses he ripped from their wombs and ate their hearts panting hot and raw. Stumpp even confessed to killing his own son, whose brain he was reported to have devoured.

Stumpp was also accused of and later confessed to having an incestuous relationship with his daughter. His son is thought to be the result of this relation. In addition to this, he confessed to having had intercourse with a succubus sent to him by the Devil.

Related:

The Wolf of Ansbach

How The Beast Of Gevaudan Terrorized 18th-Century France

For his alleged crimes, Stumpp was put to death in the most gruesome way possible: his body was laid on a wheel, and with red hot burning pincers, the flesh from the body was pulled off from the bones at several places; after that, his legs and arms were broken with an wooden axe. His body was decapitated and then burned in a pyre. His unfortunate daughter and his mistress, Katherine Trompin, were also put to the stake as accessories to the murders. As a warning against similar behavior, local authorities erected a pole with the torture wheel and the figure of a wolf on it, and at the very top they placed Peter Stumpp's severed head.

It's unclear why Stumpp became the prime suspect for the villagers. Some historians believe its possible that Stump was a murderer. His scandalous relationship with his daughter as well as his mistress, who was a distant relative, likely tarnished his reputation throughout Bedburg and could have added fuel to the accusations of Stumpp being the werewolf. It is also possible that Stumpp was made a scapegoat. The events took place during a period known as the Cologne War (1583-88), a conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics. Stumpp was a known Catholic who had converted to Protestantism. The Catholic faction which had secured control of the Bedburg region might have thought to make an example out of Stumpp to dissuade any Protestants from thoughts of rebellion.

The execution of Peter Stumpp was not an isolated incident in the history of werewolf trials. Such trials were prevalent in Europe from the early 15th to the 18th century, reaching their zenith in the 17th century. The persecution of alleged werewolves, coupled with the associated folklore, became intertwined with the broader phenomenon of witch-hunts that swept across Europe during this period. However, it's important to note that accusations of lycanthropy, or the transformation into a wolf, constituted only a small fraction of witchcraft trials.

The 1589 case of Peter Stumpp marked a notable surge in both the interest in and persecution of supposed werewolves, particularly in French-speaking and German-speaking regions of Europe. Werewolf trials eventually extended to Livonia in the 17th century, becoming the predominant form of witch-trial in that area. This phenomenon endured longest in Bavaria and Austria before gradually fading away in the early 18th century in Carinthia and Styria.
The HONOR Magic V2 launched in China back in July. That phone managed to shock people due to its extremely thin profile when folded, and its overall weight. It made a global appearance at IFA 2023 a couple of days ago, and that was kind of seen as its global launch. Well, the global HONOR Magic V2 variant could arrive later than expected, unfortunately.

The global HONOR Magic V2 variant could arrive later than expected

HONOR may have presented the phone to the public outside of China, but we may have to wait a bit until were able to buy it. The company has confirmed, to Android Authority, that the global launch will take place in Q1 2024.

Advertisement

Advertisement

So, were at least four months away from that point, possibly more. That may disappoint some of you, if you expected it to become available in a month or two. This is understandable, as the phone was presented at IFA.

It was a bit strange that HONOR didnt officially announce that the device would become available globally during IFA, nor did it share a timeframe for anything like that. Now we know why that is.

The HONOR Magic Vs, the Magic V2s predecessor, did launch to various markets outside of China, so it was safe to expect the same will happen with the Magic V2. The phone was spotted on HONORs websites in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK already. Its also expected to arrive in various Latin American markets, and in other European countries.

It will have a similar price tag to its predecessor

The companys CEO recently hinted that the price tag will be similar to the one Magic Vs had. In other words, the HONOR Magic V2 could cost around 1,599, or exactly that much.

We had the chance to use the phone in Berlin a couple of days ago, and it managed to shock us. Its as thin as a regular slab phone, basically, while its also not heavy at all at 231 grams. Its unbelievable this phone hides a large display on the inside.

It is a shame well have to wait as long for the phone to arrive to global markets, though. Who knows, perhaps HONOR will surprise us by moving up the release date.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has slowly been moving away from news-related content due to various reasons. Now, as part of its efforts to realign investments, Meta has announced that it will discontinue Facebook News in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, starting in early December.

The company first introduced Facebook News in 2019 as a dedicated news section for publishers residing within the main Facebook interface and serving as a platform for both local and international news. However, shortly after its launch, the platform came under scrutiny from countries such as Canada, which demanded that the company must equally compensate publishers. This resulted in Meta blocking news content in Canada.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In contrast, the companys decision to discontinue news content in these European countries stems from its strategic direction to allocate resources toward services and products that align more closely with users preferences. This is because news content currently constitutes less than 3% of what users encounter in their Facebook feeds. Therefore, instead of focusing on news content, the company will shift its attention to short-form videos and explore new interests.

We know that people dont come to Facebook for news and political content  they come to connect with people and discover new opportunities, passions and interests, reads the companys blog post.

What will happen to the existing agreements?

Despite the plans for the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, Meta has confirmed that it will honor the existing agreements with publishers in these countries. However, the company has pointed out that it does not foresee the introduction of new Facebook products specifically tailored for news publishers in the future.

Additionally, Meta has also clarified that it is not blocking access to articles or publishers pages in the affected European countries. Moreover, publishers will continue to have access to their Facebook accounts and Pages, allowing them to post links to their stories and direct users to their websites like any other individual or organization.
If you use Microsoft Office for work, then you most definitely use Microsoft Teams to conduct your meetings. Meetings are often full to the brim with useful information, and retrieving that information can be a pain. Well, Microsoft Teams will let you revisit and record your old meetings. However, this does come at a cost.

Speaking of Microsoft Teams, Microsoft has unbundled Teams from Office in Europe, which is unfortunate. Before you get your pitchforks out, this wasnt entirely Microsofts decision.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Not too long ago, Slack CEO Eric Yuan asked the EU to look into Microsoft about it bundling Teams with Office as a possible antitrust violation. This prompted the company to unbundle the services in Europe. Yuan has since asked the United States FTC to investigate as well.

You can revisit your old Teams meetings but at a cost

If you need to recall something from a meeting that you didnt write down or go over what was said, Microsoft now gives you the ability to do so. According to Techradar, Microsoft released an API that will allow you to pull transcripts from past meetings.

This will cost the user .24 per minute. So, if you pull a full hour, then it will cost you about 14. Thats not much if youre just going back through a few meetings, but if your meetings go long, or if you need to sift through a ton of meetings, then the costs will add up.

What if you want to pull actual recordings? Well, you can do this as well. This will cost a bit more money at 3 per minute. So, pulling a full hour would cost you $1.80. Again, in the grand scheme of things, thats not a lot. However, the costs could rack up if you need to pull a bunch of recordings.

If you use Microsoft Teams in the US, keep an eye out for any new changes coming down the road. If the FTC looks into Microsoft as per Slacks request, then Teams might be unbundled from Office.
Samsung has revealed the details of the September 2023 security update for Galaxy devices. The latest security patch contains fixes for more than 60 vulnerabilities of varying severity. The Korean firm has already related the update for the Galaxy A14 5G, with other eligible models to follow soon.

According to Samsung, the September SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for Galaxy devices contains 23 Android OS patches. These patches are part of Googles latest Android Security Bulletin (ASB). Four of these are critical vulnerabilities that could allow bad actors to remotely gain access to an affected phone. The rest were labeled high-severity vulnerabilities by Google.

Advertisement

Advertisement

As usual, the latest ASB also contains some patches that dont apply to Samsung devices. On the other hand, the Korean firm fixed 35 Galaxy-specific security issues this month. Called Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVEs), these flaws dont exist on Android products from other brands. Samsung hasnt detailed them all out of security reasons, but we have information about a few SVEs patched with the September SMR.

One of them was a high-severity issue caused by improper access control in Dual Messenger. It allowed local attackers to launch activity with system privilege. Another high-severity issue in Settings Suggestions caused by improper input validation allowed attackers to launch arbitrary activity. Samsung also patched issues with KnoxAI, One UI Home, Samsung Keyboard, LockSettings, and many other system apps and services.

The September SMR for Galaxy devices also contains four Samsung Semiconductor patches. One of those was a moderate severity issue caused by improper authorization of 5G NAS (network-attached storage) messages. These issues affected various Exynos chipsets and modems, including processors found inside smartphones, wearable devices, and automotive products.

The Galaxy A14 5G is getting Samsungs September security update

All of the aforementioned security patches are already rolling out to the Galaxy A14 5G. The new budget smartphone is currently picking up the September SMR in Malaysia, SamMobile reports. The updated firmware build number for the phone is A146PXXU4BWH4. Its unclear if Samsung is pushing anything more to the device or if its just the latest security update.

Nonetheless, the September security patch should soon reach more Galaxy devices. While flagship models usually get priority, theres no hard and fast rule. If youre holding a Samsung device, watch out for an update in the coming days. Thats unless you have a Galaxy Note 10. The Korean firm has ended software support for the 2019 Note series. They will no longer get new updates.
Samsung has revealed the official date for SDC23, its annual developer conference. The company will be holding the event on October 5 in San Francisco and is already sending out invitations to press and other media to attend.

This will be an event focused mainly on upcoming new technologies to be integrated with Samsung devices. What this is not, is a Galaxy Unpacked event. So attendees and viewers shouldnt expect to see unveilings of any big devices in the mobile space. However, Samsung does state that this will give those who attend a chance to get hands-on time with the companys products and platforms. So theres a good chance that Samsungs latest devices will be there in some fashion. The conference should also provide a means for being the first to hear about Samsungs newest tech.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Again though, its important to temper expectations here. This is a developer conference. The majority of the stuff shown off is going to be related to development in some way. Its possible Samsung may show off stuff that has to do with its smartphone and smartwatch UI. We could also hear about emerging features for its SmartThings platform. And honestly theres a whole world of other possibilities. Given that Samsung makes loads of consumer electronics. Definitely expect to hear and see a lot about Samsungs mobile and smart home app platforms though.

The official SDC23 date comes at a packed time

The official timing of Samsungs conference is happening in not just a packed month, but a packed week. Googles upcoming Fall Made by Google event happens on October 4. And there are now rumors that Google may delayed the release of Android 14s stable version on October 5. So anything happening at Samsungs developer conference is going to be competing for attention.

The keynote for the event will happen at 10am PST and should last about an hour and a half. Then there will about five hours of sessions, networking, and code labs. With the event ending in an after party that Samsung is calling Bits and Bytes. For developers, it should be a pretty insightful conference with lots to do and learn.
(Photo : Photo by NEPHELE NOMIKOU/SOOC/AFP via Getty Images)

Damages at the city of Volos, Greece, after floods caused by the severe weather front Daniel, on September 5, 2023

On Tuesday, intense rainstorms wreaked devastation in the neighboring countries of Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria, unleashing torrential downpours that caused widespread flooding and tragic loss of life.

At least seven individuals were killed, and several are still missing due to the catastrophic weather.

Torrential Rainstorms Leave Trail of Devastation in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria

In Turkey, the relentless rainstorms near the Bulgarian border caused catastrophic flash flooding in the Kirklareli province. Ali Yerlikaya, the Turkish Minister of the Interior, confirmed the tragic death of at least two vacationers swept away by a raging river at a campground in the afflicted area.

At the time of his statement, four other individuals were still missing, and rescue teams diligently sought them, according to Washington Post. Television broadcasts captured heartbreaking images of rescuers carrying a young girl and an adult to safety through floodwaters up to the waist.

The severe weather also caused infrastructure damage, including the closure of a main highway. In Istanbul, the largest metropolis in Turkey, the heavy downpour flooded streets and homes in at least two neighborhoods, claiming at least two lives.

Some subway stations were closed, and authorities urged motorcyclists to remain off the roads to prevent additional incidents. Even Greece was affected by these unforgiving rainstorms. The city of Volos, the mountainous region of Pilion, and the resort island of Skiathos bore the brunt of the record-setting rainfall, which caused extensive chaos.

The collapse of a wall near Volos resulted in one tragic death, and five people are still missing, possibly carried away by floodwaters. Streams overflowed their banks, sweeping cars into the sea in the Pilion region, blocking roadways with rockfalls, and knocking out electricity in multiple areas.

The residents of a retirement home in Volos were evacuated as a precaution to guarantee their safety. The village in the Pilion region received a record-breaking 75.4 centimeters (nearly 30 inches) of precipitation in a single day, shattering all previous rainfall records.

The Greek government responded swiftly to the crisis by issuing mobile phone alerts urging people to limit their outdoor activities. Vassilis Kikilias, the minister of climate crisis and civil protection, assured residents that the heavy rain would subside and advised them to remain indoors for their safety.

These calamitous rainfall events in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria are a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the prime minister of Greece, attributed both the devastating wildfires and the current cyclones to climate change. In addition, he admitted that his government had yet to manage the wildfires as effectively as desired.

Read Also: Construction Workers Cause 'Irreversible' Damage to Great Wall of China

Climate Change: A Present Crisis Demanding Global Action

This alarming circumstance should serve as a wake-up call to governments around the globe. Climate change is not a problem of the future but a problem of the present.

The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as wildfires and torrential downpours, are unmistakable indicators of the climate crisis.

Leaders must take immediate action to mitigate the effects of these events, including investing in infrastructure to make it more resilient to natural disasters and adopting environmentally sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Per The Guardian, rainstorms unleashed their wrath on the southern Black Sea coast in northern Bulgaria. In the storm's aftermath, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov confirmed the tragic loss of two lives and reported that three others remained missing.

Flooding rivers caused significant damage to roadways and bridges, resulting in power outages in the affected region. The most remarkable scenes were the two-meter-high (6-foot-high) waves that crashed onto the beaches of tourist resorts, along with the torrential rains that flooded the streets and homes.

Cars and camper vans were swept out to sea in the southern resort town of Tsarevo, demonstrating the destructive force of these rainstorms. As the ground floors of some hotels were submerged in floodwaters, a state of emergency was proclaimed in Tsarevo, and residents were advised to move to higher ground.

In addition, authorities advised against consuming potable water due to contamination from floodwaters. Recent rainstorms in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria are a stark reminder of the devastation caused by extreme weather events in the era of climate change, as per The Telegraph.

There have been fatalities, disruptions of communities, and infrastructure damage. These events should compel governments and world leaders to take immediate action to combat climate change, invest in community resilience, and safeguard vulnerable populations.

The international community must address the underlying causes of these disasters and collaborate to protect our planet and its inhabitants from the escalating threats posed by climate change.

Related Article: Widespread Floods in Spain Leave 3 Dead, 3 Missing Following Heavy Rain

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 6 - Five Italian students have begun a ten-month intercultural exchange programme in Ghana.

The students, aged 16 and 17, will attend secondary school in the West African country and live with host families.

Under the same exchange programme, three young Ghanaians are set to study in Italy. (ANSA).


(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 6 - Juvenile delinquents face being banned from having or using cell phones, according to the draft of a decree on addressing underage crime, youth problems and 'educational poverty' that Premier Giorgia Meloni's cabinet is set to examine on Thursday.

The draft says that police will be able to issue oral warnings to problematic minors aged over 14.

Furthermore, if they have been convicted of certain crimes involving violence, weapons or drugs, the police will be able to request that a court ban them "from using specifically indicated information and telematic platforms and services" and from "possessing cellular telephones".

The decree also seeks to prevent troubled minors dropping out from school.

The draft said the police will be able to summon one or both of the parents of the minors given an oral warning, or the guardian, and issue fines of between 200 and 1,000 euros if they fail to ensure the child fulfils their education obligations.

The draft also envisages that minors convicted of crimes with a term of up five years will be able to go on a "reform path" in which they do socially-useful activities for free for non-profit associations or for the homes or facilities they have been entrusted to.

Juvenile crime is high on the government's agenda after several recent cases that shocked the nation, including the rape of two cousins aged 10 and 12 in Caivano near Naples by a gang of youths. (ANSA).


(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, SEP 6 - Deputy Premier, Transport Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini on Wednesday denied there were divisions within the government over the 2024 budget bill and said the package will be positive for ordinary Italians.

"I have read fanciful reconstructions (in the press about relations within the government)," Salvini told RTL 102.5 radio.

"We will be unanimous in agreement, serious and concrete (on the budget) . "We have four full years ahead of us (in power) and we will fulfil the commitments made.

"The common goal is to put the money that is available, we'll see if it's a little or a lot, to increase salaries and pensions.

"The confirmation is the total agreement with (Premier) Giorgia (Meloni) and the entire ruling majority on cuts to the labour-tax wedge". (ANSA).


Abba singer Agnetha Faltskog has released a music video featuring memories from her life and career to accompany her first new solo single in 10 years.

The video to the track Where Do We Go From Here? sees an animated Faltskog in a dreamlike world, which includes a replica of the Triumph Spitfire car she owned in the 1960s and drove between her home in Jonkoping and Stockholm, where Abba were recording.

Created by animator Aarto Hiiemaa, also known as Josh Twist, the video also features Faltskogs dogs and pays homage to a selection of the definitive Abba outfits of the era, including a blue star print co-ord.

Faltskog, 73, said: When I saw the video for the first time, I couldnt believe my eyes! It was so beautiful and so emotional.

Everything was there, even my beloved dogs and the very first car I ever owned, it captured it all.

The single was released last week alongside the announcement of an upcoming reimagined version of her acclaimed 2013 album A, titled A+ which is due for release on October 13.

The original album was written especially for Faltskog by songwriter and producer Jorgen Elofsson, whose song writing resume includes pop giants such as Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and Westlife.

Approaching the 10-year anniversary of the album, the pair discussed what the record would sound like if it was created in 2023 and decided to explore the idea together, along with fellow producer Anton Martensson.

A+ features a new track listing with songs from the original album stripped back, throwing away the old music while retaining the original vocals.

Bjorn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson, performing Fernando on Top Of The Pops in April 1976 (BBC/PA)

Released in 2013, A was Faltskogs first album since her 2004 cover album My Colouring Book and first original material since 1987s Stand Alone.

The album features Take Thats Gary Barlow on I Shouldve Followed You Home, as well as Faltskogs first self-written track in nearly 30 years, I Keep Them On The Floor Beside My Bed.

Faltskog first achieved success in Sweden with the release of her 1968 self-titled debut album and along with Anni-Frid Lyngstad, met Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1969.

In 1974 the quartet changed their stage name to Abba, an acronym of their first names, and won Eurovision in Brighton with Waterloo.

Faltskog and Ulvaeus married in 1971, but divorced in 1980.

Following the unofficial break-up of Abba in December 1982, Faltskog enjoyed success as a solo artist with three albums and a leading role in the 1983 Swedish comedy film Raskenstam.
A 102-year-old care home resident who fulfilled his wish to see the plane he flew as an RAF pilot at 22 said the experience brought back such fond memories.

Peter Lemon, a resident at Care UKs Foxbridge House on Sevenoaks Road, in Orpington, Kent, was given a surprise by the care home team with a visit to Brooklands Museum in Weybridge after they found out about Mr Lemons former career during the Second World War.

The team at Foxbridge House worked with volunteers from the museum to grant Mr Lemons wish to see the Vickers Wellington aircraft again.

Mr Lemon said: I am very thankful to see my plane again, which brought back such fond memories of my time in the sky.

Peter Lemon had his wish fulfilled to see the plane he flew as an RAF pilot (Care UKs Foxbridge House)

While flying the plane, Mr Lemon clocked up over 1,000 flying hours, with his longest route taking him from London to Japan.

A guided tour was organised for the former pilot, who met with a current pilot to discuss flying tips and tricks in a Vickers Wellington.

The Vickers Wellington bomber was designed during the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey and was the only aircraft to see service throughout the Second World War.

Only two Vickers Wellington exist now, with one on display at Brooklands Museum.

After the tour, the two pilots talked about how the planes were used to hunt submarines in the war and the different responsibilities of the servicemen on board.

Stella Barnes, home manager at Foxbridge House, said it was lovely to see Mr Lemon in his element at the museum.

We were thrilled to be able to make Peters wish become reality.

He had a wonderful time and loved every minute of seeing the planes up close, she added.

We want to say a big thank you to the team at Brooklands Museum and look forward to granting more wishes for the residents at Foxbridge House very soon.

The chance to bring back memories of Mr Lemon flying through the sky again was part of Care UKs Wishing Tree initiative, which fulfils the wishes and dreams of residents who suggest an experience they would like to take part in.
College staff strikes to go ahead as union hits out at Scottish Government

College strikes will go ahead after a union criticised a lack of intervention from the Scottish Government.

Unison Scotland, which represents college support staff, wrote to Scottish higher and further education minister Graeme Dey to express disappointment at the lack of intervention in resolving the pay dispute.

The letter was sent the day before Unisons national day of strike action on Thursday which will see more than 2,000 workers across Scotlands colleges walk out in a dispute over pay, terms and conditions.

It will be followed by rolling strikes from September 11 until September 26 across the country.

Staff were balloted in April over colleges failure to agree on pay and the national harmonisation of terms and conditions, Unison said.

Unison wrote to Mr Dey in response to a letter in which he ruled out any Scottish Government funding to resolve the dispute, and also failed to rule out compulsory redundancies.

John Mooney, Unison Scotlands head of further education, said: This just shows how completely out of touch the minister is.

Rather than dealing with the critical issue of sorting out a long-overdue pay deal for our hardworking further education staff, he completely refuses to intervene to protect jobs and avert strike action.

He also fails to rule out compulsory redundancies across Scotlands colleges, leaving Scotlands colleges the only public service that is not covered by the no-compulsory redundancies policy.

The last thing our members want to do is take strike action, but they have been left with no choice as each pay offer comes with the very real threat of compulsory redundancies.

If the minister is serious about wanting to avoid disruption to students, then he should start by valuing the people who deliver the vital services Scotlands students rely upon and work with Unison to ensure workers get the fair pay and conditions they deserve.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: While operational decisions on pay and staffing matters are the responsibility of individual colleges, the Scottish Government remains concerned by the impact this current action is having on students.

We expect employers and trade unions to make every effort to reach a settlement which is both fair and affordable with a view of bringing this industrial action to a close.

@GraemeDeyMSP @JennyGilruth Scottish Government must step in to support crucial college staff in their fight for fair pay.@unisonscot https://t.co/PeTxzKBW2i  John Mooney (@JohnRMooney) September 6, 2023

The Scottish Government recognises the crucial role that colleges play, which is why we have allocated 787 million in funding for 2023-24, despite the unprecedented financial challenges facing government.

The college sectors resource budget has been increased by over 168 million since 2012-13.
Hundreds have gathered at a vigil for Conor Browne, a father from Strabane who died after being stabbed in Castlederg at the weekend.

Mr Browne, 28, was attacked during a night out with friends in the Co Tyrone town on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital with severe injuries but died on Monday.

Members of the Castlederg and Strabane communities gathered at the Diamond in Castlederg town square, where a lorry that belonged to Mr Browne was set up.

Conor Browne was attacked during a night out with friends on Saturday (Claudia Savage/PA)

In the back of the lorry was a picture of the father-of-one in a large heart surrounded by lights.

Parish priest Father Paul Fraser spoke to the crowd and Mr Brownes family, who attended virtually.

Fr Fraser said the community was united in sorrow with his family.

The outpouring of grief that has been evident in our community over these past couple of days bears witness to how much Conor Browne was loved, he said.

We have felt overwhelmed by sadness and loss. Shocked indeed that such a thing could happen in our wee town, that happened in the small hours of Saturday morning, the tragic events unfolded just a few steps from where were standing.

Our sense of shock and loss is nothing compared to whats being felt by Conors family.

This evening we gather to send a message of love and support to his parents Geraldine and Matt, his son Cobie, his sisters Sinead and Grace, and his brothers Seamus and Andrew and the whole family circle of Brownes and Collins, and we want them to know that as a community we are united with them in sorrow.

Conor was a friend to everyone and we want his friends to remember Conor and his smile and that hopefully will help them over the pain of what they witnessed here on Saturday morning.

While Conor was fighting for his life in hospital in Belfast the whole community here in Castlederg and Aghyaran and beyond stormed heaven with prayers for Conor and his family.

We prayed for one thing, that Conor would survive and recover. It wasnt to be.

A minutes silence was held and the service ended as Fast Car by Luke Combs was played, a song Fr Fraser said was one of Mr Brownes favourites.

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Daniel McCrossan said it was an extremely difficult day for the community.

Conor Browne died on Monday (Family handout/PA)

You can feel it here in Castlederg, the community are united in their condemnation of all violence, he said.

This was a brutal, terrible act that has claimed the life of a young man and left devastating and profound consequences for his child and for his family, and indeed for the many people who knew and loved him in this community and beyond.

From social media, you can see that he is very widely loved and well known, and the consequences of what has occurred here in recent days has hit this community very, very hard and first and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time and his friends.

Mr McCrossan said that Mr Brownes death would have rippling consequences, but that Castlederg is a safe town.

It is a hugely shocking thing and the rippling consequences of it have reached many places but I would like to reassure people that it is no reflection of this area, he said.

Members of the Castlederg and Strabane communities gathered at the Diamond in Castlederg town square (Claudia Savage/PA)

This is a good decent, hard-working, quiet, tight-knit community. And this one act, although very terrible, is no reflection of daily life here.

This is a safe place, but certainly in the aftermath of what has happened there will need to be conversations with the PSNI, community workers, to see how we can better protect people at night in our town centres.

But certainly I would like to reassure people that Castlederg is a good place to do business to shop, to live. Its safe. Its a tight knit community.

Before the vigil floral tributes were placed at the site where Mr Browne was killed.

The organisers of the event, Darkness into Light Castlederg, said in a post that Mr Brownes death had sent a dark cloud over the community.

Father Paul Fraser addressing the crowd (Claudia Savage/PA)

Our town of Castlederg was sent into a sense of shock, disbelief, anger and sorrow over the last few days. The news that broke yesterday that Conor had passed away has put a dark cloud over our town, the post read.

Conor was a much loved Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and a brilliant friend to so many people. Conors death has affected everyone who had the pleasure of knowing this great fella and it has affected people whom never had the privilege of meeting him.

We as a community want to show our support and solidarity to Conors immediate family and to the Browne and Collins family circle.

We want to let the people know that all the good work that has been done in our town is not going to be undone by this vile act.
China demands Britain ensure safety of Hong Kong trade office in London

Xinhua) 10:26, September 06, 2023

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged Britain to ensure the safety of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and its personnel in London after the premises of the office were vandalized last week.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the incident during which the office was sprayed with red paint and the emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was defaced.

"China strongly condemns this heinous act and demands that the British side conduct a thorough investigation, and bring the perpetrators to justice," Mao said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
(Photo : Photo by DITA ALANGKARA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

US President Joe Biden (R) greets Indonesia's President Joko Widodo as he arrives for a mangrove planting event on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting in Nusa Dua, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 16, 2022.

The imminent G20 summit in India is expected to be a turning point in global efforts to combat climate change and advance sustainable development.

The World Bank is at the forefront of US President Joe Biden's and his administration's efforts to reshape and strengthen multilateral development banks, with the World Bank at the forefront of their agenda.

G20 Summit: World Bank Reform for Climate Action

This action is intended to provide countries with a credible alternative to China's international lending practices while addressing pressing issues like climate change and infrastructure development.

Under the Biden administration, the World Bank, which was established after World War II to alleviate poverty and promote economic development in low- and middle-income countries, is enduring a transformation.

During a recent press briefing, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the administration's commitment to reforming the World Bank. Per Reuters, he stated, "One of our main focuses heading into the G20: delivering on an agenda fundamentally reshaping and scaling up the multilateral development banks, especially the World Bank."

Historically, the World Bank has played a crucial role in providing financial support for global development initiatives. In response to shifting global dynamics, however, the US government, under the leadership of President Biden, is actively advocating for the institution to expand its efforts in addressing climate change and hunger-related issues.

Ajay Banga, the new chief executive officer of the World Bank, has been instrumental in pressing for these changes, which aim to increase the bank's lending capacity via new funding and balance sheet regulations. The US administration's push for World Bank reform is partly motivated by a desire to provide credible alternatives to China's overseas lending and infrastructure development initiatives.

The Belt and Road Initiative's (BRI) extensive investments in infrastructure initiatives across Asia, Africa, and Europe have attracted international attention, NDTV reported. Concerns have been expressed, however, regarding the transparency, sustainability, and potential debt burdens of Chinese lending.

The White House submitted a supplemental budget request to Congress late in August, requesting $3.3 billion in additional funding for the World Bank. This funding is intended to "substantially increase development and infrastructure financing" via the World Bank.

By doing so, the United States wants to provide countries with an alternative source of transparent financing, high quality, and free of the coercive tactics sometimes associated with Chinese lending. Sullivan emphasized the vital role that multilateral development banks play in encouraging transparent and high-quality investments in developing nations.

These institutions are considered essential tools in addressing the complex challenges confronting the world today and in the future. By reshaping and scaling up these banks, the United States intends to strengthen its capacity to address pressing global issues, including climate change, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction.

Read Also: Srettha Thavisin Sworn In as Thailand's New PM

The Climate Change Front and Center

President Biden's agenda at the G20 summit places climate change front and center. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, rising global temperatures, and the need for sustainable and green development practices highlight the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges.

The administration of President Biden is committed to advancing climate-friendly initiatives and investments. During the summit, President Biden will urge G20 members to provide significant debt relief for low- and middle-income countries.

According to Politico, this is especially pertinent given that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated global economic challenges. Debt relief measures can assist vulnerable nations in allocating more funds to climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives and sustainable development initiatives.

As President Joe Biden prepares to attend the G20 summit in India, his agenda demonstrates a solid commitment to reshaping multilateral development institutions, with the World Bank in the lead, to address urgent global challenges.

The United States seeks to provide a credible alternative to China's international lending practices by expanding the World Bank's lending capacity and promoting transparency and sustainability.

In addition, President Biden's emphasis on climate change and sustainable development reflects the critical need for international cooperation in combating environmental crises and advancing green initiatives.

The G20 summit provides a forum for world leaders to collaborate on these crucial issues, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient global future.

Related Article: Pope Francis Admits Comments on Russian Imperialism Were Badly Phrased

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Docklands bomb survivor Jonathan Ganesh has been recognised for his outstanding service during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Ganesh has said he is very touched to receive the Pandemic Response Medal in recognition of his efforts during the pandemic.

While the UK grappled with Covid-19 from 2020, Mr Ganesh became an NHS responder and drove a support ambulance.

He also co-ordinated the Docklands Victims Association (DVA) pandemic response team, delivering essential items such as masks, hand sanitisers gloves and equipment to NHS facilities across London.

Mr Ganesh collected patients from hospitals and delivered food, medications and other essential items to those who had been forced to isolate at home.

Jonathan Ganesh, president of the Docklands Victims Association and an NHS Volunteer Responder, with an ambulance donated by Elite Support Services to support the efforts against the Covid-19 outbreak, in London (Yui Mok/PA)

He drove a support ambulance with his friend and fellow DVA founder Wayne Gruba, who later went on to contract Covid-19 and died in October 2021.

Mr Ganesh was left seriously injured as a result of the IRA bomb blast in the London docklands in February 1996, which killed two people and injured 42 others.

He said he accpeted the award on behalf of everyone on the DVA pandemic team, and particularly Mr Gruba.

I feel very touched today to receive this award. However, Im accepting the award on behalf of all the DVA Covid-19 Pandemic team especially my dear friend Wayne Gruba, he said.

Wayne died after contracting Covid whilst working on the front line. Wayne and all those that died on the front line whilst helping others are truly the best of humanity.

Mr Ganesh has been congratulated by a number of others impacted by terrorism.

Ihsan Bashir, whose brother Inam, was killed in the Canary Wharf bomb, said: As a former cancer patient I had to isolate.

The support I received from Jonathan was amazing. Im so pleased he has been finally acknowledged for his work during Covid.

Susanne Dodd, whose father Inspector Stephen Dodd of the Metropolitan Police was killed in the IRA bomb attack on Harrods in 1983, said: Im so pleased that Jonathan has been recognised for his courageous actions in the pandemic.

He is truly deserving of this medal.

Meanwhile Joe Holbeach, who was severely injured in the IRA bomb attack on the Enniskillen Remembrance Day service in 1987, said he will never forget Mr Ganeshs kindness to him.

I was sent masks, hand sanitisers and gloves, he said.

I will not forget the kindness of Mr Ganesh and the DVA. Mr Ganesh kept in contact with me during my Covid isolation so I would not feel alone.
The owner of Leicester City Football Club killed in a helicopter crash would never have risked his life in this machine if he knew safety processes had not been taking place, according to his son.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others died when the Leonardo AW169 plummeted to the ground outside the clubs King Power Stadium on October 27 2018 shortly after taking off from the pitch.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) stated that the crash was caused by the pilots pedals becoming disconnected from the tail rotor as a component  a bearing  seized amid a build-up of pressure.

Investigators listed a series of contributory factors, such as Italian company Leonardo failing to share test flight results with the bearing manufacturer to confirm the type chosen was suitable for use in the aircraft.

Leicester City fans took part in a memorial walk in honour of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others who died in the crash (Aaron Chown/PA)

Leonardo also did not require routine inspections of bearings to confirm they were in the condition expected against their original design.

The AAIB stressed that Leonardo did not need to take either of those actions under regulatory requirements and guidance.

Mr Vichais son, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, who became chairman of Leicester City after his fathers death, said: I am deeply saddened by the course of events.

A statue of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was unveiled outside the King Power Stadium last year (Nick Potts/PA)

Almost five years after my fathers passing, this report provides concerning evidence against Leonardo.

My father trusted that he had bought a safe helicopter from a world-renowned manufacturer.

Had he known what we know now he would never have risked his life in this machine.

The pain this causes me and my family is immeasurable and, as a family, we continue to struggle every day with our grief at the loss of my father.

He was a great inspiration to me personally and we all loved him very much.

A Leonardo spokeswoman said: The AAIB has not directed any recommended actions to Leonardo.

The AAIB final report rightly concludes that Leonardo complied with all regulatory requirements in both the design and manufacture of the AW169.

The other people killed in the crash were: Leicester City employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare; and the pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz, who was also a professional pilot.

The AAIBs 209-page report ruled out pilot error as a possible cause.

Litigation firm Stewarts said it has been retained by the families of Mr Vichai, Mr Swaffer and Ms Lechowicz.

Mr Vichais family are considering their legal recourse against Leonardo and litigation has already been commenced in Italy on behalf of the families of Mr Swaffer and Ms Lechowicz, it added.

Peter Neenan, a partner at Stewarts, described the report as a frightening tale of missed opportunities and claimed the crash was an accident waiting to happen.

Mr Swaffers mother, Deborah Sutton, said: This, of course, is every mothers worst nightmare and time is not healing.

Eric and Izabela were an inseparable couple, devoted to each other and to their flying.

Without them, there is an enormous hole in our lives. I think of them daily and miss them more than I can say.

Ms Lechowiczs sister, Kate Lechowicz, said: My sister and Eric were such bright lights in my life, we shared many adventures, but they had so many more plans and dreams to accomplish.

The outreach from friends across the aviation industry showed how they were respected, but the comments showed they were also well loved.

Having recently bought their dream home, they were embarking on a new chapter in their lives  and were putting more time into animal welfare and other causes close to their hearts.
A list of schools in Scotland with collapse-prone reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) will be published by the end of this week, Humza Yousaf said as he vowed to spend what we need to spend to ensure affected buildings are safe.

The First Minister conceded the Scottish Government does not have contingency funding available to deal with remedial works.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland programme on Wednesday, he said: We dont have contingencies within the Government to spend on Raac.

But we will of course spend what we need to spend in order to ensure that our buildings are safe for those that use them.

Humza Yousaf said the Scottish Government will ensure all buildings containing Raac are safe (PA)

The Scottish Government has already confirmed Raac has been detected in 37 schools in Scotland, but these buildings are not expected to close while a desk-based review is conducted over the coming months.

In contrast, 104 schools south of the border have so far been partially or fully closed following concerns about the material.

Mr Yousaf vowed that the Scottish Government will work with organisations including local councils and health boards where Raac is detected in public buildings.

He said: What I am committed to doing is ensuring there is transparency around this and my intention would be by the end of this week to publish, and work with those who have the information to ensure that information is publicly available, around the schools that have been affected.

He added that where information about mitigation works can be published, it will be important to do so to ensure there is a good level of public confidence around the action that is taken.

Figures shared with the PA news agency from 14 of the 32 local authorities in Scotland show at least 33 schools across the country have been found to have the potentially dangerous material.

City of Edinburgh Council currently has the highest number of affected schools with Raac, with eight known to have the material.

St Kentigerns Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian, is one of the schools where Raac has been detected (PA)

Trinity Primary School and Cramond Primary School have temporary accommodation blocks set up, a council spokesperson said, while other pupils are still in their own classrooms.

Aberdeen City Council has seven schools with the material, while West Lothian Council said Raac is present in five schools  St Kentigerns Academy in Blackburn, Balbardie Primary School and Windyknowe Primary in Bathgate and Riverside Primary and Knightsridge Primary in Livingston.

A spokesperson said all areas with the material in its roofs have been closed, with pupils and staff relocated to other areas.

Dundee, Aberdeenshire and Highland councils each said Raac has been found in two of its schools.

Moray, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, North Lanarkshire, and Argyll and Bute councils all reported one school each with Raac.

Perth and Kinross Council also said Raac was found in one property, Perth Grammar School, in February.

The affected area was closed to pupils and staff until the panels could be removed over the summer holidays and replaced with a steel profile roof.
Tescos chief executive has called on political parties to stand by their net zero commitments and give businesses confidence to invest in the transition.

Speaking at the Reuters Impact event in London on Wednesday, Ken Murphy said green innovation in the food industry could be transformational in helping to cut costs and carbon, protect food security and stimulate green growth.

But he warned that the Government and industry must do more to work together on climate solutions as levels of investment in the UK remain well below the average for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

It comes as Mr Murphy unveiled plans to expand the supermarkets trial of low carbon fertilisers in the UK.

He said that Tesco will partner with its suppliers to drive a 10-fold increase in the number of hectares being cultivated by low-carbon alternatives for the 2024 growing season.

The supermarket has also committed to sharing the findings with other businesses.

It is also highlighting the potential financial benefit for UK farmers struggling with fertiliser shortages and costs rising by as much as 140% last year due to the war in Ukraine.

Mr Murphy said: As we work to protect customers and suppliers from rising costs today, we must also do all we can to safeguard the shopping basket from shocks tomorrow.

That means building a more resilient, sustainable and productive food system. One that guarantees customers a long-term supply of quality, affordable food as well as improving the economy and world they live in.

The Tesco boss said innovations like low-carbon fertiliser are part of the solution, adding that early results from their trial show huge potential for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing soil health and water quality and providing greater cost certainty for farmers.

But to realise the full benefits, we need to see action beyond our supply chain, too, he added.

Well only get there through cross-industry and cross-party collaboration.

We all need to drive towards the same goal, and be better at sharing learnings and resources on the way.

The food industry is willing to invest, but needs more stability and confidence when it comes to future policy.

That is why its critical that all parties, regardless of political creed, stand by their net zero commitments and timelines.

In its first year, Tescos trial has seen 1,300 hectares of land cultivated using eight different low-carbon fertilisers, six of which were manufactured in the UK from material, including food waste, chicken litter, fire extinguisher waste and algae.

This produced 70,000 tonnes of produce such as lettuces, carrots and potatoes for Tesco customers, the supermarket said.

It added that initial results found they were just as effective as conventional fertilisers and cut emissions by up to 50%.

The retailer said it plans to expand the trial to 13,000 hectares next year.

It also plans to roll out the initiative to more of its sustainable farming groups  many of which manage pasture and forage-based systems for rearing livestock  as well as its main vegetable suppliers.
The mother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has spoken of the grief she felt when she went to identify her daughters body in the mortuary.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

She was living with her father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool when she died.

Saras father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool (Surrey Police/PA)

Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel, Olga Sharif said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif said she in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially it became increasingly harder over time.

Mr Sharif, 41, Ms Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted by police for questioning.

They left with five children aged between one and 13-years-old, Surrey Police said.

A person leaves flowers outside a property in Woking where Sara was found dead (PA)

Saras grandfather has told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council has told the PA news agency she was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to the death.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, people have been returned from the Asian country before.

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time on Wednesday.
The stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has spoken publicly for the first time since the little girl was found dead.

Footage was sent to broadcasters including the BBC and Sky of Beinash Batool speaking alongside Saras father, Urfan Sharif.

The pair, along with Mr Sharifs brother Faisal Malik, 28, fled the UK for Pakistan after Sara was found dead and alone at the family home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

In a clip of the footage posted online by Sky, Batool, 29, shows no emotion as she describes Saras death as an incident and says that she and Mr Sharif, 41, are willing to co-operate with UK authorities over the case.

Ten-year-old Sara was found with multiple injuries at a home in Woking, Surrey, in August (Surrey Police/PA)

She said: Saras death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on.

Ms Batool denied reports that one of Mr Sharifs brothers claimed Sara had fallen down the stairs and broken her neck.

She added: All of our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety.

The kids are unable to attend school as theyre afraid to leave the house.

No-one is leaving the house, the groceries have run out and there is no food for the kids as the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear of safety (sic).

That is why we have gone into hiding. Lastly we are willing to co-operate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.

It is not clear under what conditions the footage was filmed and Ms Batools claims have not been verified.

Surrey Police said they were aware of the video and any co-operation from the pair would assist the inquiry.

A police statement said: We were made aware this morning of a video apparently featuring Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool that had been obtained by the UK media, in which Beinash Batool suggests that the family may be willing to co-operate with the British authorities.

Clearly this is significant and we have been liaising with our international partners, including Interpol, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Crime Agency, to determine the next steps.

As you will appreciate, progressing these inquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively.

The welfare of the five children who travelled to Pakistan on 9 August is a priority for us.

We remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Saras death. Any co-operation from the people we want to speak to will assist the inquiry.

Sharif and Batool left Britain with five children aged between one and 13, and Surrey Police want to question them over Saras death.

Their statement came after Saras mother Olga Sharif gave an interview to the Polish television programme Uwaga! in which she spoke of the harrowing experience of going to view her daughters body.

She said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019, when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially, it became increasingly harder over time.

A person leaves flowers outside a property in Woking where Sara was found dead (PA)

Saras grandfather has told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them gain a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council has told the PA news agency that the girl was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to the death.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, people have been returned from the Asian country before.

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time (6.55pm BST) on Wednesday.

Following the release of the footage of Mr Sharif and Miss Batool, Surrey Police said: We were made aware this morning of a video apparently featuring Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool that had been obtained by the UK media, in which Beinash Batool suggests that the family may be willing to co-operate with the British authorities.

Clearly this is significant, and we have been liaising with our international partners, including Interpol, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Crime Agency, to determine the next steps.

As you will appreciate, progressing these enquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively.

The welfare of the five children who travelled to Pakistan on August 9 is a priority for us.

We remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Saras death. Any co-operation from the people we want to speak to will assist the enquiry.
There have been several developments in the Raac crisis. (Getty Images)

What's happening? The government has published a long-awaited list of education settings in England with collapse-prone reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Racc).

A total of 147 places have been identified by the Department for Education (DfE)  which has set out mitigation measures schools have been forced to take.

It comes after more than 100 schools were ordered to fully or partially shut buildings before the new academic year due to concerns about Raac.

The row over Englands schools dominated Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs), where Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer quizzed Rishi Sunak over the crisis and claimed the cowboys are running the country.

A list of schools in Scotland with Raac will be published by the end of this week.

Yahoo News rounds up some of the key developments from the Raac crisis today:

Gillian Keegans department gave 1m from schools rebuilding pot to company linked to husband

Labour has raised concerns about education secretary Gillian Keegan and a potential conflict of interest after it was revealed that a company associated with her husband was awarded a 1 million contract from a schools rebuilding fund.

The Department for Education denied any ministerial involvement in the procurement process of the contracts.

However, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson argued that the optics do not bode well for Keegan.

Crumbling concrete schools would have been rebuilt under scrapped scheme

Remedial work being carried out at Mayflower Primary School in Leicester. (Getty)

A BBC investigation found at least 13 schools now confirmed to have Raac were included in the 55 billion Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme which then-education secretary Michael Gove axed in 2010.

The project was meant to renew every secondary school in England, rebuilding half of them and refurbishing the rest.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary for the National Education Union, claimed there would not be any Raac in a single secondary school in England if the programme had continued.

Read more: Crumbling concrete schools would have been rebuilt under scrapped scheme (PA)

DfE accused of covering up crumbling concrete at school

Scaffolding is seen outside classrooms as repair work continues. (Getty)

The government has faced allegations of concealing evidence for several months regarding collapsing concrete at a school in Scotland.

The DfE had dispatched health and safety experts to investigate the decay of aerated concrete in the building of the privately run Queen Victoria School, in Perthshire, back in May.

But Scottish government sources claim they only found out about this last Thursday, and the DfE has refused to send them the expert evidence it collected.

Read more: DfE accused of covering up crumbling concrete at Scottish school for months (The Guardian)

Some schools with crumbling concrete may have to be demolished

A taped off section inside a primary school. (Getty)

Some experts have warned that English schools found to have Raac may have to be demolished.

Remedial work in some education settings containing Raac could be complicated due to asbestos issues.

According to Steve McSorely, director of structural engineering consultancy Perega, it may be better to demolish a school and construct a new one in severe instances.

Hospitals warned to be ready for evacuation

As the scale of crisis engulfing schools becomes more apparent, attention has turned to other public buildings which may be suffering from the same problem.

As a result, nurses have urged NHS bosses to share emergency plans following reports Trust chiefs have received a letter from NHS England mentioning that 27 sites were found to have Raac.

Hospitals have been advised to prepare plans including the "decant of patients and services where Raac panels are present in clinical areas".

The letter urged the trusts to ensure that they had properly identified and managed the concrete.

Schools say concrete surveys were sent back month ago

A general view of scaffolding at Balbardie Primary School in Bathgate, Scotland. (Getty)

It has been claimed a small number of schools have said they sent back surveys regarding Raac months ago despite receiving a subsequent "telling-off" letter from the Department for Education earlier this week instructing them it was "imperative" they return questionnaires by September 8.

One headteacher has suggested the government may be guilty of a lack of proper record-keeping, warning that their responses may have been "lost."

The headteacher, who was speaking anonymously, told the Evening Standard: We responded months ago and still received a telling off letter. What is the DfE doing? Have they lost our forms? Theyre the ones that need to get organised.

It follows Gillian Keegan's hot-mic comments earlier this week, in which she indicated "everyone else has sat on their arse while she tried to fix the scandal.
Scientists have grown complete models of human embryos in the lab with all the known features found in normal embryos around two weeks old.

Known as stem cell-based embryo-like structures, or SEMs, they were developed without using sperm, eggs or a womb.

The researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel said their models contained hormones that caused a commercial pregnancy test to turn positive.

They stated that unlike previous embryo models, theirs have shown the ability to progress to the next developmental stage, offering an unprecedented opportunity to shed new light on the embryos mysterious beginnings.

The team are hoping their work could shed light on the drama that occurs in the first weeks of human development and help gain insight into what causes birth defects or why miscarriages occur.

Professor Jacob Hanna who led the research, said: The drama is in the first month, the remaining eight months of pregnancy are mainly lots of growth.

But that first month is still largely a black box.

Our stem cellderived human embryo model offers an ethical and accessible way of peering into this box.

It closely mimics the development of a real human embryo, particularly the emergence of its exquisitely fine architecture.

For the study, published in the journal Nature, the researchers used naive stem cells  which have the potential to become any type of tissue in the body.

Chemicals were then used to coax these cells to grow.

The cells then arranged themselves into structures that mimicked the features of a real human embryo.

The models were allowed to grow until they reached a stage equivalent to a two-week old embryo after fertilisation.

Prof Hanna said: An embryo is self-driven by definition; we dont need to tell it what to do  we must only unleash its internally encoded potential.

Its critical to mix in the right kinds of cells at the beginning, which can only be derived from naive stem cells that have no developmental restrictions.

Once you do that, the embryo-like model itself says Go!'

In many countries, 14 days is the legal cut-off for normal embryo research.

However, these embryo models are not legally seen as embryos and are not governed by the same laws.

The researchers said this approach could help reveal the causes of many birth defects and types of infertility.

It could also lead to new ways of growing transplant organs as well as offer a way around experiments that cannot be performed on live embryos, the team added.

Prof Hanna said: Many failures of pregnancy occur in the first few weeks, often before the woman even knows shes pregnant.

Thats also when many birth defects originate, even though they tend to be discovered much later.

Our models can be used to reveal the biochemical and mechanical signals that ensure proper development at this early stage, and the ways in which that development can go wrong.

Commenting on the study, Profesor Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain said he expected the work to raise ethical issues but he added it was a most important piece of research.

He said: The work from the Hanna lab just published has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure from stem cells, in vitro, thus opening the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan.

Darius Widera, professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Reading, said: Despite being a significant stepping stone, this study is focused on early embryo development, and the protocols have a relatively low efficacy.

Importantly, although the embryo-like structures resemble early human embryos, they are not identical.

This research and other recent reports on models of the early human embryo show that models of human embryos are getting more sophisticated and closer to events that occur during normal development, highlighting that a robust regulatory framework is more needed than ever before.
The new Defence Secretary has indicated that he will seek increased funding for the armed forces, as he warned critics not to underestimate him.

Grant Shapps entered the Ministry of Defence last week, replacing Ben Wallace.

Mr Wallace, a former Scots Guard, had never been shy in pushing for a larger defence budget.

Questions were quickly asked about whether Mr Shapps, a close Sunak ally with little personal or professional experience of defence matters, would take the same vigorous approach to lobbying the Treasury for funding.

The appointment as Defence Secretary saw Mr Shapps take on his fifth Cabinet role in a year.

Mr Shapps on Wednesday stressed that he wanted a higher defence budget, as he rejected any suggestion he was ill-equipped for the role.

Only two of the last 15 defence secretaries have come from the military, he told LBC.

Its actually highly unusual. We have a civilian government and rightly we put civilians in charge of it. I think that the Ministry of Defence will benefit from having a hugely experienced secretary of state.

I have run complex infrastructure-heavy departments in the past and I will, of course, as Secretary of State, be fighting the corner.

Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

So dont underestimate me when it comes to defending the country or the department.

Lord Richard Dannatt, a former chief of the general staff of the British Army, was among those warning that it would take Mr Shapps some time to get a grip on the complex brief.

The state of the armed forces and its future development has been put in the spotlight over the last 18 months amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Appearing on Sky News, Mr Shapps said: The amount that were spending, the proportion of our gross domestic product that were spending on defence, is on the rise. And weve already said that we want to see that, over the long term as conditions allow, to go up to 2.5%.

So I fully support that. I think its very important that we are protected as a nation, but also that were doing our part around the world to help the world be better protected.

Asked if he would take the same approach to Mr Wallace in bidding for funding, he said: Well, Ill do it in my own way.

Ive spoken before about my desire to see a higher defence budget, well before being in this role.
Parliament will need to find a new head for a key sleaze watchdog after Sir Keir Starmer brought Sir Chris Bryant on to his front bench.

The Labour leader appointed the senior MP, who was in Gordon Browns government, as shadow minister for creative industries and digital on Wednesday.

Sir Chris tended his resignation from his prominent position as chairman of the Commons Standards Committee, which scrutinises the behaviour of MPs.

Following confirmation of his new job, Sir Chris said he is delighted to take on the role, working under shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire and shadow science secretary Peter Kyle, who were both appointed at the start of Sir Keirs reshuffle.

Creativity drives the UKs potential. It creates jobs. It enlivens our imagination. We need to cherish and celebrate it and make it available to all, Sir Chris wrote on social media.

Commons rules mean the chair of the Standards Committee must come from the Opposition, so his successor will be a Labour MP elected in a secret ballot of the House.

The MP for Rhonddas return to the front bench is another example of Sir Keir bringing in those with experience from Labours last time in government.

In Mr Browns administration, Sir Chris served in the Foreign Office, including as Europe minister, having been deputy Commons leader.

As Im now Shadow Minister for Creative Industries and Digital (yey!) I have tendered my resignation as Chair of the Standards Committee to Mr Speaker with immediate effect  and I mean with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/Cu6fl0d08i  Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) September 6, 2023

He also spent nine months as shadow Commons leader under Jeremy Corbyn, but quit as part of a wave of resignations from the shadow cabinet, saying he feared the then-leader would go down in history as the man who broke the Labour Party.

Sir Chris was elected Standards Committee chairman in 2020 when he beat Labour colleague Yvonne Fovargue in a Commons vote.

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow since 2010, indicated she would run for the role she said has never been more important we get our house in order so that everyone  staff, MPs, voters and visitors alike  can be proud of our Parliament.

I will be seeking the support of colleagues to take up that challenge in the months ahead, she wrote on social media.

Sir Keir began his reshuffle on Monday, promoting centrists at the expense of some MPs on the soft left.

A spokesman for the leader said appointments to the junior ranks would continue on Wednesday.

He denied the Opposition leader was acting ideologically during his reshuffle.

Sir Keirs spokesman told reporters: What Keirs priority has been throughout this reshuffle has been promoting people of competence and commitment into the roles that they have got, not questions of ideology.

What we want to ensure is that we have got a team that is ready for the campaign and, if we are lucky enough to win the next general election, then we will be ready for government.
(Photo : AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP) (AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's military conducted another raid on the West Bank and killed at least two Palestinians while also destryong Nur Shams camp.

Israeli forces raided the West Bank, killing at least two Palestinians and destroying the Nur Shams Camp.

One of the fatalities allegedly opened fire at Israeli soldiers in an illegal Jewish settlement in the area. The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the man killed in Tulkarem as 21-year-old Ayed Samih Khaled Abu Harb. The ministry noted that the victim was shot in the head and that a funeral procession was held for him at 11:00 a.m.

Israeli West Bank Raid

Israeli forces with armored tractors stormed the overcrowded Nur Shams refugee camp from several fronts. The assault came at dawn and incited armed resistance from Palestinian fighters.

The Israeli forces bulldozed the road that led to the camp, which was only minutes away from Tulkarem city. They destroyed several homes and shops in the area as well as caused damage to various infrastructure before withdrawing after three hours from the beginning of the raid, as per Aljazeera.

The head of the camp's popular committee, Taha al-Irani, spoke from the camp on Tuesday and detailed the level of destruction and the shock of Abu Hard being killed while another man was injured. He said that the martyr, Ayed, was standing at his front door when Israeli forces killed him.

The 50-year-old al-Irani said the main road connecting the camp to other cities, including Tulkarem, Nablus, and Ramallah, was partially destroyed. The Nur Shams refugee camp was established in 1952 and is one of two camps located in Tulkarem. It was built to house Palestinian refugees from the Haifa area after the 1948 Nakba, or what is known as the ethnic cleansing of Palestine conducted by Zionist militias.

A 39-year-old supermarket owner, Mohammad Abu Talal, said the Israeli army entered with bulldozers and tractors. He added that they destroyed his shop and everything else in the area during the raid.

Read Also: South Korean Teachers Demand Action on Overwork, Harassment After Colleague's Suicide

Palestinians Killed

The latest developments mark the latest violence in the West Bank during one of the most violent times of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the past two decades. In particular, according to the Associated Press, Israel has pressed on with near-nightly raids in the area while Palestinian militants have also ramped up shooting attacks against the former.

The Israeli army said that when they conducted the raid on the West Bank city of Tulkarem, they discovered and subsequently destroyed a stockpile of explosives. Video footage of the incident was shared by residents online and showed bulldozers ripping off all the asphalt on the main road of the camp.

The military also shared video footage of its own that showed a massive fireball engulfing a building. Security forces were dispatched shortly after the Israeli army received reports of a gunman opening fire toward a shopping mall in a Jewish settlement.

The Palestinian Health Ministry later identified 17-year-old Mohammed Zubaidat as a fatal victim of the Israeli military. Since the beginning of 2023, more than 30 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks against Israelis as the former's attacks have become more frequent because of the latter's intensifying raids in the West Bank, said Yahoo News.

Related Article: Russian FSB Official, Son Injured by Explosive Planted in Mobile Phone

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A soldier accused of planting fake bombs at a military base has gone on the run from prison, sparking an urgent police hunt.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am, where he was being held awaiting trial for a terror offence, the bomb hoax and an alleged breach of the Official Secrets Act.

He has denied all the charges against him.

The prison service said it is urgently investigating how he managed to escape.

Khalife was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel-toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim, with short brown hair. He is 6ft 2in.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Khalife appeared at the Old Bailey in late July where he denied the charges he is facing.

He is accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on August 2 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between May 1 2019 and January 6 2022.

The serviceman, formerly of Beacon Barracks, Beaconside, Stafford, is also accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that he placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

A trial date has been set for November 13 at Woolwich Crown Court.

The inmate escaped from HMP Wandsworth (Jonathan Brady/PA)

HMP Wandsworth is a category B prison, the second highest level of security.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

The escape from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants on remand at the south London site.

On Wednesday morning, murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

Judge Alexia Durran asked a prison officer on a video call to explain the problem.

The officer said: We have got an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

No bodies are being moved due to the severity of the matter.

A lot of appearances in court will be delayed.

The judge put off the case until Monday for the defendant to attend.
Rishi Sunak appears set to announce that the UK will rejoin the European Unions 85 billion Horizon science research programme.

Sources familiar with the negotiations between the two sides said on Wednesday that the Prime Minister has given the go-ahead for a deal to be finalised.

The level of compensation for the UK being frozen out of the scheme during a tit-for-tat retaliation in a post-Brexit row over Northern Ireland is still thought to be an issue.

A deal could be announced within days, as first reported by Bloomberg.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears set to agree terms to rejoin the Horizon scheme (Daniel Leal/PA)

One source told the PA news agency that Mr Sunak had signalled his approval of the deal but that the level of compensation for the two missed years of collaboration could still be an issue.

A conversation with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen would be expected before the announcement.

At Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Mr Sunak told MPs his priority and preference was to associate with Horizon but on terms that are right for both the British taxpayer and for British science and research.

In a hint at a possible breakthrough, he said the Government had been extensively involved in discussions with the EU and I hope to be able to conclude those successfully.

Whitehall sources said in July that a draft deal was with the Prime Minister, prompting scientists to cautiously celebrate the development.

But Downing Street said a UK-based alternative known as Pioneer remained on the table as Mr Sunak continued to be concerned about value for money.

A senior scientist at Londons Francis Crick Institute welcomed the latest developments as fantastic news and said he would love for the deal to be confirmed.

Professor Robin Lovell-Badge told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: Weve really been missing being able to work properly with other European scientists.

Of course the funds would help UK science but its that interaction really that were missing so much with the rest of Europe.

James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said: The science community in the UK will be relieved and encouraged by this outcome.

The Prime Minister is to be congratulated. Making the UK an attractive place for science is very important for our prosperity.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen held out the prospect of Horizon co-operation after the signing of the Windsor Agreement with Rishi Sunak (Dan Kitwood/PA)

Dame Kate Bingham, managing partner of the healthcare fund manager SV Health Investors, said: Collaboration with the top European researchers is critical if the UK is to become a real science superpower.

The UK bats above its weight in science and being part of Horizon means we can use that influence to drive forward world-class research to transform human progress.

Greg Clark, chairman of the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, said: If the news of the UK returning to Horizon Europe is true, it will be a welcome boost for both UK and EU science.

UK science always brings a lot to international collaborations. Everyone gains from excellent UK researchers working with others to advance knowledge.

But Labour criticised the delay, with shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson saying: I seriously hope that comes to pass but I do have to say what on earth have they been doing and why has it taken so long?

This is damaging our competitiveness, its damaging our country and I really hope that we see progress as soon as possible.

Horizon is a collaboration involving Europes leading research institutes and technology companies.

EU member states contribute funds, which are then allocated to individuals or organisations on merit.

Post-Brexit Britain continued to participate under the trade deal brokered with Brussels but was locked out during the bitter row over trading rules for Northern Ireland in 2020.
More than 70 MPs have urged the Prime Minister to use his trip to India to raise the case of a Scottish Sikh blogger who has been jailed in the country for almost six years.

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, was in Punjab in northern India for his wedding in 2017 when his family said he was arrested and bundled into an unmarked car.

He said he has been tortured, including through electric shocks, and faces the death penalty over his activism and campaigning for Sikh human rights.

Rishi Sunak is due to travel to the G20 summit in New Delhi at the weekend and is likely to meet Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

According to the Sikh Federation, a cross-party group of at least 70 MPs have written to Mr Sunak, calling on him to press the Hindu nationalist leader to immediately release Mr Johal.

London and New Delhi are currently in negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal, with reports Mr Sunak could be planning a second visit to India this autumn in a bid to help finalise an agreement.

But the SNPs Martin Docherty-Hughes, who has campaigned for Mr Johals freedom, said the arbitrary detention by the Indian government of a British national should challenge the very basis of any trade deal.

The West Dunbartonshire MP tweeted: Rishi Sunak and James Cleverly must stand up for transparency and the rule of law and for Jagtars rights. Bring him home.

Rishi Sunak is likely to meet with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi while at the G20 summit (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Dabinderjit Singh, the principal adviser of the Sikh Federation, said: Rishi Sunak has an opportunity and must show the courage as the UK PM when he visits India to stand up for a British citizen who has been in arbitrary detention for nearly six years.

The British public and politicians are watching Rishi Sunak closely as the last thing he should be doing is appeasing India and discriminating against Jagtar Singh Johal because he is a Sikh activist.

Mr Singh said Mr Sunak would stand accused of being nothing more than a lame duck leader should he fail to lobby Mr Modi on Mr Johals behalf.

Reprieve, a legal charity that has campaigned on the issue, has set up a petition for the public to also urge the Conservative Party leader to address Mr Johals detainment while in India.

The charity tweeted: A Brit unjustly facing the death penalty overseas should be a matter of national priority, its time for the PM to act.

The UN last year concluded that Jagtars continued detention lacks any legal basis.

Yet the British Government has done next to nothing to get him home.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, according to the BBC, wrote to Mr Johals brother in July to say the Government had decided it was best not to press India over the issue.

Mr Cleverly reportedly told Gurpreet Singh Johal: I do not consider that calling for Jagtars release would result in the Indian authorities releasing him.

Indeed, I fear this could impact the co-operation we depend on  to conduct consular visits, resolve welfare concerns and attend court hearings.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The Government is committed to seeing Jagtar Singh Johals case resolved as soon as possible. We are providing consular assistance to the family.

We have raised concerns about the issues, including consular access, judicial process, reports of torture with the Indian government on more than 100 occasions.
A former soldier accused of terrorism has escaped jail from a prison kitchen by clinging on to a delivery van.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing in his cooks uniform from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am, where he was being held awaiting trial for planting a fake bomb and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.

He has denied the three charges against him.

Khalifes escape sparked a major police hunt with ports and airports placed on alert and some passengers facing delays as extra checks were carried out.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel-toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim and 6ft 2in, with short brown hair.

He made his escape, details of which were first reported in the Sun, while working in the kitchen at the category B prison.

The jail was put on lockdown after he fled.

Head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent inquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Khalife has links to north-west England and Kingston in London, but Mr Murphy said the hunt is covering the whole of the UK.

The 21-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey in late July where he denied the charges he is facing.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday (Metropolitan Police/PA)

He is accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on August 2 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between May 1 2019 and January 6 2022.

The ex-serviceman, formerly of Beacon Barracks, Beaconside, Stafford, is also accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that he placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

A trial date has been set for November 13 at Woolwich Crown Court.

HMP Wandsworth is a category B prison, the second highest level of security.

The inmate escaped from HMP Wandsworth (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

A Prison Service spokesman said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

The escape from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants on remand at the south London site.

On Wednesday morning, murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

A prison officer told Judge Alexia Durran that there was an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

Meanwhile passengers at Manchester Airport have been facing delays of about 30 minutes at security as extra passport checks are carried out, the PA news agency understands.

Delays have been reported at the Port of Dover and Gatwick has also confirmed additional security measures are in place.

There were some queues at Heathrow Airport security on Wednesday, but it is operating as normal.
Customers at Wilko stores which are set to close next week spoke of their sadness and concern about the lack of shops left on high streets.

One shopper at the Acton store in west London described the closure of 52 stores as another nail in the coffin for the high street.

The store was also compared with Woolworths which entered administration in 2008.

And concerns were raised about the lack of shops left in North Shields town centre, North Tyneside, by customers at a Wilko store and a worker at a stall nearby.

Michael Penning, 74, a business consultant from Acton who was shopping for paint brushes at the west London branch of Wilko, said: I think its a shame, a big big shame, its another nail in the coffin for the high street.

It kind of filled a gap Woolworths left, it doesnt have everything, but it filled a gap. Im not sure whats going to fill the void.

Its just such a good place to shop for so many different things.

Theyre competitive in price and the quality is pretty good.

Its going to be another empty unit on the high street.

Wilko customers compared the store with Woolworths and said they would miss shopping there (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Theyve got their own reasons why their business model is not working, but it must be like for everyone in retail  the pressures from rents, rates and energy.

Mr Penning added that he believes people are going to be forced to shop online, which he described as a shame.

He said: Big companies are pushing people towards self-scanning, its a gentle process to put people towards self checkout, thats how its all going to go because they want to save on staff.

Its a shame because certain members of the population, elderly people possibly, go to their local shop and its a social thing for them and were moving that out of the way for artificial intelligence essentially.

People are going to be forced to shop online, but its not the same experience.

Going out shopping is a kind of leisurely pursuit.

Donovan Julies, 50, a solicitor from Acton, said he feels for the workers at the store.

He said: I spoke to one of the ladies last week and she said they didnt know what was happening in terms of their jobs.

For the local community the shop has been a lovely place, lots of people come here. Its very sad.

Some of the women who work here are breadwinners and it will impact their familys finances.

What is going to come into the space? Wilko hasnt been here a long time. It reminds me of Woolworths.

Former mathematician David Wright, 80, from Gunnersbury, west London, discovered Wilko within the last couple of months and said he comes to buy stationery.

He said: One of the things I like about places like this, theres all kinds of things you can get.

Asked for his reaction to the news the Acton store is due to close, he said: I was sorry. Ive only just found the place and only just heard its going.

How a place like this would fail I dont know. Its got great stuff, I dont know whats wrong with it.

Laura Everett, 31, an implementation manager from Acton, said: I do come here quite often, there isnt anything thats really the same.

Some of the things I get from here, such as white vinegar, I dont know anywhere else I can get it from.

I will miss it really.

Meanwhile, a steady stream of shoppers looking for closing down bargains visited the Wilko store in North Shields town centre, North Tyneside, on Wednesday, which is scheduled to close next week.

Retired dinner lady Susan Blacklock, 73, said: Its awful, this is a good shop and I come here all the time.

This is one of the biggest shops in the town centre.

I come here for things like curtain rails and wallpaper  theres no other wallpaper shop around here.

They have built a brand new bus station to come here, but whats there to come for? Nothing.

I feel sorry for all the lasses working in there, you get used to seeing them and its nice to see them, I just hope they have somewhere to go when they leave.

Jean Reynolds, a 68-year-old retired nursing carer, said: I used to get my bedding and quilts there as prices were reasonable.

I would take the grandchildren to the cafe.

I will be sad when it closes.

Usman Khan, 25, works as a phone repair technician from a stall outside Wilko in the shopping centre.

He feared the large shops closure would badly affect footfall.

This will be a big loss, he said.

As you can see, everyone is going in Wilkos.

They have already closed the bank in here and even the vape shop has gone.

Mr Khan blamed online retail for damaging high street chains.
Bird enthusiasts are flocking to see flamboyances of flamingos popping up all over the eastern U.S. after they were blown in by Hurricane Idalia.

More than 150 of the pink wading birds have ended up in unlikely states like North and South Carolina, Virginia, and even Texas and Ohio, since Hurricane Idalia passed through the U.S. last week, experts told ABC News, describing the event as incredibly rare.

Idalia is the type of storm that bird watchers get excited for, "because you never know what kind of species it will bring with it," Nate Swick, digital communications manager for the American Birding Association and host of the American Birding Podcast, told ABC News.

PHOTO: Flamingo in Fort De Soto Park, South-southwest of St. Petersburg, Fla. on Sept. 2, 2023. (Janelle LaFrance)

MORE: How animals at Florida zoos and wildlife sanctuaries are hunkering down for Hurricane Ian

Typically, the species that get blown in are ocean-going birds, such as tube-nosed seabirds and terns, Swick said. Flamingos, a wading bird, are the last species bird watchers would have predicted.

"No one really expected that flamingos would be the bird that Idalia was known for," Swick said.

Almost immediately after Idalia made landfall near Big Bend, Florida, on Aug. 30, birders began seeing reports of flamingos all over the state, Swick said. The reports soon extended all over the East, as far north as Ohio and as far west as Texas.

Flamingos were once native to Florida, but fashion trends at the turn of the 19th century meant they were hunted for their feathers for women's fashion, Jerry Lorenz, state director of research for Audubon Florida, told ABC News.

They still show up to South Florida every once in a while to breed, but the goal is to restore the wetlands enough for them to return as permanent residents, Lorenz said.

PHOTO: Flamingos in Fort De Soto Park, South-southwest of St. Petersburg, Fla. on Sept. 2, 2023. (Janelle LaFrance)

PHOTO: A flamingo takes flight at Honeymoon Island Park in Dunedin, Florida, Sept. 5, 2023. (Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via Zuma Press)

MORE: Florida bill would make it illegal to abandon tied-up dogs during a hurricane or other disasters

These flamingos likely originated from the Yucatan Peninsula, Lorenz said. Birders were able to decipher a unique alphanumeric code on a flamingo that had been banded at Rio Lagartos, a breeding colony in Mexico, Lorenz said.

The birds likely got caught in Hurricane Idalia as they were traveling across the Yucatan Peninsula, the experts said.

Birds that reside in the Caribbean have had to deal with tropical storm systems since the dawn of time, but the mechanisms in which they travel within the storm are unclear. The experts don't know whether they are in flight or which part of the storm they travel in.

PHOTO: Flamingos feed and preen in Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Sept. 4, 2023, in Florida. (Andrew West/The News-Press/USAToday Network)

One theory is that flocks get caught up in the front edge of the storm, in the northwest quadrant, which meteorologists refer to as "the dirty side" of the storm due to the stronger winds, Swick said.

Another theory is that the birds flew continuously in the eye of the storm until it made landfall, an exhaustive feat either way, Lorenz said.

While rare, this incident is not the first time a flamingo has been blown into the U.S. by a storm system.

MORE: This Aruba resort is really into flamingos and now we're really into this resort

In 2019, after Hurricane Barry made landfall on the northern Gulf Coast, a handful of flamingos were blown northward up the Mississippi River and found in Tennessee and Missouri, Swick said.

A bird that never made it back to its original home has been living at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on the Florida Panhandle ever since, the experts said.

But birders have never seen an invasion of flamingos in these numbers, Swick said

"It's been pretty phenomenal," Swick said.

The excitement over flamingo sightings among the birding community has been "palpable," Lorenz said.

A birder in North Carolina found the first flock of wild flamingos ever spotted in the state -- in salt marshes in the Outer Banks, exactly where he expected to find them, because they are attracted to large bodies of water, Swick said.

Those flamingos were still being spotted in the Outer Banks as of Tuesday, Swick said.

For some of the birds who caught a ride on Hurricane Idalia, it may be a one-way journey. But flamingos are capable flyers and can travel for long distances, so they will likely soon return home.

"The hope is that a lot of these birds are close enough to their breeding grounds that they'll be able to return there," Swick said.

Bird watchers in a flurry over 'rare' incursion of wild flamingos blown into US from Hurricane Idalia originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
An internet and privacy watchdog has a warning: Your car is tracking you, and its collecting far more information than it needs just to get you where youre going.

Mozilla, the nonprofit that develops the Firefox browser, released a report Wednesday detailing how the policies of more than two dozen car manufacturers allow for the collection, storage and sale of a wide range of sensitive information about auto owners.

Researchers behind the report said that cars now routinely collect data on par with tech companies, offer few details on how that data is stored and used, and dont give drivers any meaningful way to opt out.

Cars are a humongous privacy nightmare that nobodys seemingly paying attention to, said Jen Caltrider, who directs Privacy Not Included, a consumer privacy guide run by Mozilla. And theyre getting away with it. It really needs to change because its only going to get worse as cars get more and more connected.

Unlike Europe, the U.S has few meaningful regulations on how companies trade and store personal data. Thats led to a bustling industry of companies that buy and sell peopes information, often without their knowledge.

Carmakers have a long list of personal information they say they may track, including employment and purchasing history, education, internet browsing history, location data, music and podcast listening habits, immigration status, religious and philosophical beliefs and health information.

Six of the manufacturers say they can collect genetic information or genetic characteristics, thought its unclear how. All but four of the car manufacturers say they can or do sell at least some of their customers data.

Nissans policy says sexual activity is an example of the type of sensitive information it can collect. Kias mentions sex life or sexual orientation.

Nissan did not respond to a request for comment.

A Kia spokesperson said that the company does not actually collect its users sex life information, and that it includes that language in its privacy policy because it was part of the list of examples of sensitive information under California law. The spokesperson didnt respond to a request for a full list of what types of sensitive personal information Kia does collect.

Other manufacturers indicated they have lower standards than legally necessary for sharing users information with police.

As a rule, U.S. companies turn over information to police if they are compelled to do so by a warrant or court order, and car manufacturers are no exception. But Hyundais explanation of its policies goes significantly further, saying it may turn over customer data simply because a police officer or government official asks for it.

Hyundai can share user information as part of an investigation or request, whether formal or informal, from law enforcement or a government official, it says.

Its unclear how much money car companies make from selling or trading the personal information on their users. But the privacy policies reflect an industry that has become awash in user data  especially location data, which can be incredibly useful for companies looking to track peoples habits  but is unequipped to handle it all, Caltrider said.

These car companies are becoming like tech companies, but they dont have any idea what theyre doing, she said. Theyre like, data, lets get it all.'

Its also practically impossible for a car owner to not be part of this practice, Caltrider said. Tesla, for instance, is the only manufacturer surveyed that gives customers a meaningful option to not share their data. But Teslas data opt-out policy warns users that doing so may end many features and may result in your vehicle suffering from reduced functionality, serious damage, or inoperability.

Consumers cant do anything, Caltrider said. Usually we tell consumers to shop with their dollars. Now Im just going to scream for the policymakers and regulators to get in the act because were already too late.
Evgeny Kovalevsky, Stanislav Berezkin and Vincent Thomas Etienne were rescued after sharks attacked their catamaran - RUSSIAN OCEAN WAY/REUTERS

A catamaran tracing the round-the-world trip of a 19th century adventurer was ripped apart by sharks, forcing the three men on board to escape to a shipping vessel.

Two Russians and a Frenchman who were sailing from Vanuatu to Cairns activated an SOS signal after both of the boats hulls were damaged during several shark attacks 519 miles off the Australian coast, southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

Recounting the experience online, the crew of the expedition entitled Russian Ocean Way said the first attack came on Sept 4. The following day their boat was again set upon by sharks, causing it to sink.

Aerial photos captured by a rescue plane sent by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) showed the catamaran submerging under water.

The AMSA alerted the Panama-registered car carrier, Dugong Ace, which was 30 nautical miles away which changed course and managed to rescue the sailors, who were uninjured, a few hours later.

The crew of the rescue vessel threw a long boarding ladder over the side allowing the men to climb up unaided.

Theres many reasons why vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks are unclear, said Joe Zeller, the acting manager of the AMSA Response Centre.

Mr Zeller said the three sailors were very happy to be rescued and they are all healthy and well and aboard the Dugong Ace.

Vincent Thomas Etienne, Evgeny Kovalevsky and Stanislav Berezkin were sailing from Vanuatu to Cairns on the Russian Ocean Way expedition - RUSSIAN OCEAN WAY/REUTERS

The freighter is expected to dock in Brisbane on Thursday. The crew ranged in age from 28 to 64.

The catamaran was two-thirds into a three year re-enactment voyage, following the route of a 19th century Russian.

This was not the first accident that has occurred during the voyage, Anna Kosikhina, a spokesperson for Russian Ocean Way said.

The steering device of a previous vessel failed during the crossing from Chile to Easter Island.

The crew continued the expedition on an inflatable catamaran by the same manufacturer that had been stored on the island for several years.

A spokesperson for the AMSA said the men were extraordinarily lucky, given that a large section of the right aft had been lost.

The Coral Sea has a large population of reef sharks which are believed to have been responsible for the attack.

There are no records of shark attacks in this area of the Coral Sea which is 500 miles off the coast of eastern Australia.

Attacks like this in such a remote part of the ocean would be isolated and go largely unreported.

However, many so-called pelagic sharks move through the Coral Sea including bronze whalers, tiger, great whites and in this case reef sharks.

In all there are an estimated 52 different species of deepwater sharks and rays in the area.

Around the coast of Australia there have been six reported shark attacks this year.

Coordinated by Russian Geological Society

The journey which has been coordinated by the Russian Geological Society (RGO) launched on July 1 2021.

The RGO was founded in 1845 but was relaunched by Vladimir Putin in 2009.

Putin personally chairs the board of trustees which until the launch of the Ukrainian invasion included Russias richest tycoons and well-known foreign delegates including Bernard Looney, the chief executive of BP, who resigned on the day after the war began.

Putin has used his seat at the RGO to promote his imperialist agenda, seeking to restore the glory of Russian geographical discoveries.

A few months before the invasion, several thousand Russian troops took part in a nationwide quiz organised by the RGO and promoted by Putin.

RGO missions have over the years given Mr Putin a chance to show off his sportsmanship.

In 2011, he famously joined an archeological expedition in the south of Russia only to stumble upon ancient amphorae at the site of a newly discovered shipwreck on the bed of the Black Sea.

In 2015, Mr Putin went down the Gulf of Finland in a submersible and spent half an hour under the water.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Following dramatic accounts by alleged victims on social media, Cuban authorities said they are working to dismantle a human trafficking network coercing Cubans to join the Russian military to fight against Ukraine, according to Cubas Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government Sunday said its Ministry of the Interior detected the network and was working to neutralize it, adding that criminal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in these activities. The statement does not provide any details on the cases but said that the ring had targeted Cubans residing in Russia and living on the island.

The announcement came after two 19-year-old Cubans, identified as Andorf Antonio Velazquez Garcia, from Havana, and Alex Rolando Vega Diaz, from Santa Clara, told a Cuban influencer last week that, desperate to leave the island, they had been scammed and lured to Russia under false pretenses, ending up sleeping in a trench in Ukraine along Russian forces.

They said that friends in Cuba provided them with the contact of a Cuban woman who offered them a contract to do construction work in Russia. Members of the ring, which included at least two other Russian women, they said, sent them a contract in Russian they were told not to translate and bought them a ticket to fly from Varadero to Moscow. Cubans do not need a visa to travel to Russia.

I couldnt stand it in Cuba, thats why I was dying to leave; I had to help my family some way, Velazquez Garcia told Alain Lambert Sanchez, known in social media as Alain Paparazzi Cubano, a Cuban influencer who now lives in Miami.

The young men told Lambert that once in Russia, a Russian woman seized their passports, and they took a citizenship test they thought was used to get fake Russian documents on their behalf. They never got the money promised. Instead, they ended up in a unit in Ryazan, a city in Central Russia, where they passed military training. They were later sent to a place in Ukraine they could not locate but described as a forest 60 miles from the front lines When they got sick, they were taken to several hospitals and later returned to the Ryazan unit.

What is happening in Ukraine is ugly, Vega Diaz said. It is hard to see people with their heads open before you, to see how people get killed. We slept six meters underground and could not sleep well because you could feel the bombs falling next to you; you heard the shots.

From my heart, I tell all Cubans who plan to come here not to come. It is crazy here, he added.

Neither Velazquez Garcia nor Vega Diaz speak Russian. At some point, they were beaten for speaking English to Russian soldiers, they said.

They took all our clothes off, and they beat us because, since we dont understand each other, we spoke to them in English, and they said that the Americans had sent us here, that we had to confess, Velazquez Garcia told local Miami TV station America TV.

The young men said they saw other Cubans in their military unit, and some were sent to fight in the front lines in Ukraine. They also said they believed the same ring had recruited many Cuban passengers on their flight to Moscow.

It is unclear if some of the Cubans they encountered were migrants living in Russia who had voluntarily joined the Russian military seeking a swift path to citizenship, as the Miami Herald previously reported.

The Moscow Times, an independent Russian news outlet, said it spoke to a woman identified as Elena Shuvalova, who posted content on Facebook offering Cubans a one-year contract with the Russian army and a monthly salary of 204,000 rubles  around $2,082. She admitted to the publication that she helped arrange contracts for illegal migrants. She declined to say if she worked for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

America TV said they also exchanged messages with a woman named Elena, whom Velazquez Garcia and Diaz Vega identified as a member of the ring. She said their accounts were false.

Though the two young Cubans did not say the Cuban government was involved in what happened to them, the case sparked speculation that Cuban authorities, who support Russias invasion of Ukraine, might have been sending mercenaries to aid the Russian military.

Cubas foreign ministry strongly rejected such claims, calling them distorted information spread by Cubas enemies to tarnish the countrys reputation.

Cuba is not part of the war in Ukraine, the ministry said. It is acting, and it will firmly act against those who within the national territory participate in any form of human trafficking for mercenary purposes or recruitment purposes so that Cuban citizens may raise weapons against any country.

The statement does not say if the government is providing help to the alleged victims of human trafficking.

Velazquez Garcia and Vega Diaz said they were too scared to desert the Russian army because they had been threatened with 30-year imprisonment.

Please, help us, get us out of here; we just need you to help us out of here, the two said in one of the videos.
Alex Murdaugh, a convicted murderer and disgraced former attorney, is seeking a fresh trial in South Carolina.

Murdaugh's legal team asserts that the court clerk's intentional malfeasance jeopardized his right to a fair trial under the Constitution.

Alex Murdaugh Seeks Retrial Amid Clerk Misconduct Claims

They claim to have discovered newly discovered evidence and request a hearing to investigate further. Murdaugh, who remains embroiled in allegations related to his family's law firm and the death of his former housekeeper, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in 2021 in March.

Attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian, who represent 55-year-old Murdaugh, have made shocking allegations against Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill. According to CNN, they assert that Hill intentionally manipulated the jury during the trial to gain financial gain.

Hill, who self-published "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders" in July, is the subject of these allegations. Griffin and Harpootlian are advocating for an evidentiary hearing that would give them the authority to subpoena phone records and communications and interview witnesses.

Their ultimate objective is to obtain a new trial for their client, formerly sentenced to life in prison. Murdaugh maintained his innocence and vehemently denied involvement in the homicides during his trial.

The court filing by Murdaugh's legal team portrays a troubling picture of Rebecca Hill's conduct during the trial. They assert that Hill undermined the fairness of the proceedings, including instructing jurors not to be misled by Murdaugh's defense evidence and cautioning them not to be "duped" by his testimony.

The filing also alleges that Hill engaged in private conversations with the jury foreperson, solicited jurors' opinions regarding Murdaugh's guilt or innocence, fabricated a story about a Facebook post to remove a juror she believed might not vote guilty, and pressured jurors to reach a quick verdict.

Murdaugh's counsel presented affidavits from three unidentified jurors and excerpts from Hill's book supporting their claims. They accuse Hill of violating her oath of office because her actions were motivated by a desire for financial gain and fame.

The jurors' affidavits and willingness to interact with Murdaugh's legal team indicate they were uneasy and dissatisfied with how the trial unfolded. The lawyers emphasized that the jurors were upset with Hill's actions, particularly since she had started a book tour to make money from her involvement in the case.

Murdaugh's attorneys assert that the jurors' concern with Hill's actions increased after the publication of her book. Griffin and Harpootlian have escalated their efforts by asking the US attorney for South Carolina to launch a federal investigation into the alleged misconduct surrounding the trial, as per NY Post.

Read Also: At Least 61 Arrested in Georgia Over Racketeering Charges in Relation With 'Stop Copy City' Movement

Murdaugh's Team Claims Trial is Tampered

This action demonstrates the gravity of the allegations and the resolve of Murdaugh's legal team to uncover the truth about what transpired during the trial. CBS News has reached out to Rebecca Hill for comment on the allegations, but a response has yet to be received as of publication.

According to Murdaugh's legal team, Hill's actions taint the trial's objectivity. Public attention has been drawn to the dramatic turn of events in Alex Murdaugh's case, as he seeks a new trial based on allegations of jury tampering by the court assistant.

If proven, these allegations raise grave concerns about the trial's justice and the legal system's legitimacy. As the legal proceedings unfold, the pursuit of justice continues, and the case continues to be the subject of intense scrutiny and discussion.

Related Article: Massachusetts Teen Dies After Doing Viral TikTok 'One Chip Challenge'

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Naomi Campbell proved her modeling skills are as fierce as ever when she took the runway to debut her own PrettyLittleThing collaboration ahead of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, September 5.

The 53-year-old catwalk queen was a vision in a netted naked dress, which left little to the imagination. She paired the floor-length number with black pointed-toe pumps and silver hoop earrings. Campbell wore her dark mane loose, allowing it to cascade down her shoulders.

After other models showed off different looks from the collection, Campbell reemerged on the runway. She walked hand in hand with her collaborators, emerging designers Victor Anate and Edvin Thompson, to close out the show.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The presentation was held at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Lower Manhattan and was attended by Lori Harvey, Julia Fox, Emily Ratajkowski and more. Harvey, 26, had all eyes on her in a sheer hooded dress as Fox, 33, nearly went naked under a black trench coat. Ratajkowski, 32, for her part, wore a plunging mini dress.

Birthday Girl Naomi Campbells Best Runway Moments

Happy Birthday, Naomi Campbell! The OG supermodel turns 49 on Wednesday, May 22, and were celebrating by paying homage to her illustrious career. The catwalk queen has been strutting her stuff on runways around the world for some three decades now, and, as you can imagine, there have been some pretty iconic moments along the []

Us Weekly previously reported that Campbell was joining forces with PrettyLittleThing on an intentional collection that spotlights Anate and Thompson.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

This collaboration is an extension of my commitment to create and promote opportunities for young, emerging designers, Campbell said in an August 28 press release. Within my collection, it was important to recognize and include some of the amazing talent thats out there. Im very intentional about using my platform to create opportunities for the next generation of creatives from around the world.

Anate  a Nigerian and Jamaican artist who draws inspiration from romance, literature and film  and Thompson  a New York-based creative who received the CFDA Award for American Emerging Designer of the Year in 2021  created pieces with Campbell that blend elegance, simplicity and avant-garde themes.

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The trios work is realized through 15 looks in several colorways, including tailored jumpsuits, sequin dresses, oversized dresses and more. They are all ideal for individuals looking for a taste of high fashion and a supermodel experience, as they all offer a blend of flair exclusivity, PrettyLittleThing explained in the press release.

Mindy Kaling Red Suit Celebs at NYFW 2023

Its the most fabulous time of the year! New York Fashion Week has commenced and fan-favorite stars have stepped out to celebrate the best fall/winter 2023 trends. Ashley Graham officially kicked off the festivities at the Empire State Building on Thursday, February 9. The supermodel, 35, had the honor of lighting up the historic landmark []

The show will be an electrifying fashion experience, echoing Campbells ethos of innovation, glamor and empowerment, the brand continued. This is an occasion not to be missed, and youll be able to follow every step live on YouTube.

The capsule is now live at PrettyLittleThing.com.
The 14th Governors Awards has been rescheduled until next year amid the ongoing writers' and actors' strike, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday.

The awards show was scheduled for Nov. 18 in Los Angeles but has been tentatively moved to January 9, 2024, pending a resolution to the ongoing labor disputes that have brought Hollywood to a halt. Angela Bassett, Mel Brooks and editor Carol Littleton will receive honorary Oscars at the annual event, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award will be presented to the Sundance Institutes Michelle Satter.

As the Writers Guild of America (WGA) writer's strike, which began May 2, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) actor's strike, which began July 14, continue, here's a list of other events and movies that have been postponed.

August 1, 2023: Adam Shapiro poses on a picket line outside Netflix studios, in Los Angeles. The actor's strike comes more than two months after screenwriters began striking in their bid to get better pay and working conditions.

Primetime Emmy Awards moved to January

In August, the Television Academy announced that the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards were moved from Sept. 18 to Jan. 15. The move means that there will be no Primetime Emmy broadcast in 2023, the first time the show has missed a calendar year since the Emmys launched in 1949.

Fox will air the show on Jan. 15 (8 EST/5 PST), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, from the Peacock Theater at Los Angeles' LA Live. No host has been announced for the awards, honoring the best in TV.

HBO leads the nominations with 127, and just three of its series  "Succession," "The Last of Us" and "The White Lotus"  racking up 74 nominations.

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards, originally scheduled for September 9 and 10, will take place earlier in January and span two consecutive nights, starting Jan. 6. The show, honoring the best in artistic and technical achievement will air Jan. 13 at 8 EST on FXX.

The Daytime Emmys are postponed

The Daytime Emmy Awards, which were to be held June 16 in Los Angeles, were postponed in May by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. A new date for the 50th annual Daytime Emmys honoring soap operas and talk shows has not been set.

"We look forward to our community gathering together as one to celebrate our Golden Anniversary and all of the talented nominees and honorees at a later date," said Adam Sharp, Academy president and CEO.

In 2022, the ceremony returned to a live, in-person event for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In 2020 and 2021, the Daytime Emmys were taped events.

Nicole Kidman

American Film Institute tribute to Nicole Kidman postponed

The American Film Institute announced in May that the 49th annual "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Nicole Kidman," scheduled for June 10, was postponed. A new date has not been announced.

Oscar nominee Austin Butler makes his debut as the villainous Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in "Dune Part Two."

'Dune: Part Two,' 'Godzilla x Kong,' 'Lord of the Rings' delayed

Director Denis Villeneuve's anticipated sci-fi sequel "Dune: Part Two" was delayed until 2024, Warner Bros. announced Aug. 25. The all-star followup and potential Oscar powerhouse, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, was scheduled for a Nov. 3 release, but is now due March 15, taking it out of contention for 2023's awards season.

Warner Bros. announced the monster-filled action film "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" was pushed back a month, to April 12, while "Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim," an animated movie featuring the voices of Brian Cox and Miranda Otto, is now slated for Dec. 13, 2024.

'Kraven the Hunter' stalks new release date with third 'Spider-Verse'

The third movie in the 'Spider-Verse' was delayed due to the strike.

Sony Pictures announced the release date changes for a slew of movies due to the strike on July 28. Kraven the Hunter, Sony's first R-rated Marvel film starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Russell Crowe, moved from Oct. 6 to August 30 (Labor Day weekend 2024). Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, the third animated "Spider-Verse" film, moved from March 2024 to an undetermined date, pending the strike resolution.

The untitled sequel to "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" also moved from December 2023 to March 29, 2024.

'Drive-Away Dolls' rides gets 2024 release date

Focus Features revealed in August that director Ethan Coen's road comedy "Drive-Away Dolls," starring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan, moved its theater release from Sept. 22 to Feb. 23. Pedro Pascal and Matt Damon also appear in the comedy.

Contributing: Brian Truitt

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Awards shows, movies delayed by Hollywood writers' and actors' strikes
French state schools have sent dozens of Muslim girls home for wearing a traditional robe banned in educational settings last week.

The French education minister reported that almost 300 pupils arrived at school on Monday wearing the abaya, a long, loose over-garment that spans from the shoulders to the feet. Similar to the djellaba worn in North Africa or the qamis which is popular in West Africa, it is largely worn by women.

Official figures reflect that 298 girls, mostly aged 15 and over, wore the garment to school in spite of the ban, most of whom agreed to change their clothes after being reprimanded by teachers.

The French education minister reported that almost 300 pupils arrived at school on Monday wearing the abaya (REUTERS)

However, 67 girls refused to comply with the rules and were sent home. Now, they face further discussions between their schools and families; should they refuse to obey, they could face exclusion.

Education minister Gabriel Attal announced the ban at the end of August in line with Frances secularist ban on religious signs in state schools and government buildings. For Mr Attal, the garments are an infringement on secularism and, in some cases, a bid to destabilise schools.

Elsewhere, pupils and teachers alike have been banned from wearing a headscarf in state-run schools since 2004, and full-face veils have been banned in public since 2010. The rules also include the Jewish kippa.

France has a long history of secularism, having enforced strict bans on religious imagery in schools since the 19th century to curb Catholic influence on public education.

Critics of the new policy argue that abayas, worn by women, and khamis, the male garb, are no more than a fashion statement. They say the garments do not constitute an ostentatious sign of religion and should not be banned from classrooms under a 2004 law.

Authorities fear that religious symbols are a gateway to Islamic radicalism, while some Muslims feel stigmatised by efforts to make them conform. Islam is the second largest religion in France.

Our schools are continually tested. We know that, Mr Attal said at a news conference a week ahead of the start of the school year. He said that the wearing of abayas and khamis, a new phenomenon, has recently grown, and must be met with a firm response to tackle what sometimes amounts to infringements, attempts at destabilisation.
Former White House aide Gabe Amo won the crowded special election Democratic primary for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, The Associated Press projected.

Amo, a former staffer in the Obama and Biden administrations, will go up against political newcomer Gerry Leonard (R) in November to replace Rep. David Cicilline (D), who resigned from his office in June to enter the private sector.

Amo took about 32 percent of votes in the primary, as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, besting state Sen. Sandra Cano, former state Rep. Aaron Regunberg and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos.

A dozen candidates participated in the Democratic primary, with the progressive Regunberg as the strongest opponent, garnering about 25 percent of the vote.

Amo was most recently the deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Biden administration and an adviser to President Biden before leaving that post to run for Congress. He worked in the same office during the Obama administration before a stint as an aide to then-Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D).

The son of Ghanaian and Liberian immigrants, Amo gained endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus and former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), who held the seat before Cicilline.

From Pawtucket to the White House, Ive dedicated my career to public service. Now Im running for Congress, Amo said in his campaign announcement. I know how to work together to deliver results on what really matters, including housing, health care, reproductive freedom, and safety from gun violence.

Cicilline announced he would resign in February to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation after 12 years in Congress.

The Democratic primary pitted three powerful groups of House Democrats against each other, with Amo, backed by the Congressional Black Caucus, facing off against candidates from the Progressive Caucus in Regunberg and Hispanic Caucus in Matos.

Regunberg garnered the most significant endorsements in the race, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and multiple members of the Progressive Caucus headlined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

He also led in fundraising, bringing in $630,000, compared to Amos $604,000 haul and Matoss $558,000.

Cano, the state senator who placed third in the race, outperformed Matos with only a fraction of the lieutenant governors fundraising.

Amo performed well throughout the entire district, winning the vote count in every town except for three. He didnt gain the majority in Providence, which Regunberg represented in the state Legislature, as well as the small towns of Central Falls, Canos hometown, and Woonsocket, hometown to fifth-place finishing state Rep. Stephen Casey.

Amo is favored to win the Nov. 7 general election, as the 1st Congressional District is considered a seat safe for Democrats. In 2022, Cicilline won reelection to his seat by 28 points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A man arrested on a homicide charge escaped from a Washington, D.C., hospital Wednesday, police said.

Christopher Patrick Haynes, 30, escaped from George Washington Hospital at 3:38 p.m., the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement.

How he escaped was not clear from the statement. He is not handcuffed, police said.

"Do not engage, call 911 if spotted," the department said.

31-year-old Christopher Haynes escaped custody at GW Hospital in 900 block of 23rd St NW at 3:38 p.m. (Washington, D.C., police)

Temporary and precautionary closures were put in place around the White House, which is less than a mile from the hospital, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said. The Secret Service Uniformed Division was also assisting in the investigation.

George Washington University said it was monitoring the situation near its campus in Foggy Bottom. All evening in-person classes, events and other activities have been canceled, it said on social media.

A shelter-in-place order that had been in effect on the campus was lifted Wednesday night, and the university later said Haynes was no longer believed to be in the area.

Police described Haynes as a Black man with shoulder-length dreadlocks. They had said he was wearing a white suit with one red shoe, but they later said he might be wearing a black T-shirt and gray shorts.

"Haynes was last seen with black handcuffs hanging from his right wrist," police said.

He had been arrested earlier Wednesday in connection with a homicide offense, police said.

More details were not immediately available from police about the circumstances of Haynes' arrest or escape or why he was at the hospital.
NEW DELHI  A dinner invitation has rarely sparked such a buzz.

The streets of Indias capital were rife with speculation Wednesday that the government might be about to scrap the use of the country's English name  a dramatic new step in an effort to break with its colonial heritage and appeal to its hard-line Hindu nationalist base.

The rumors were fueled by a state-issued invite to a dinner reception for world leaders during next weekends G20 summit, which referred to the countrys head as the President of Bharat  the Hindi or Sanskrit version of the word "India."

Better late than never, Akash Tiwari, a private security officer in New Delhi, told NBC News of the rumored change. It used to be Bharat before. The change is good, he added.

But there was also vocal criticism, with opposition figures decrying what they said would be a cynical and self-defeating distortion of the country's identity.

India or Bharat?

For months ahead of the summit, visitors have been welcomed to the host's capital city with a bright logo that references the country's two official names, Bharat in Hindi or Sanskrit, and India in English.

The country's constitution references both names: India to be used for statements in English and Bharat to be used in Hindi. The country is also called Hindustan, which many right-wing Hindu groups have called for to be the official name.

Notably, all names have been in use long before the colonial era. The name India was derived centuries ago in connection to the Indus Valley, which lies in the northwest part of the country.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, his nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party government has been pushing to change colonial names across streets and venues of what it says are the remnants of a legacy of slavery.

Image:The Indian government has seized upon its role as host of this year's G20 summit and mounted an advertising blitz that stresses India's growing clout under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Manish Swarup / AP)

Supporters say the name will help move past a colonial mentality.

The meaning is the same, be it Bharat, Hindustan or India, said Amit Gihar, a fashion photographer. Now we get to use it in our own language. We feel pride in saying it said Gihar, 23, speaking in Hindi.

Many were also left wondering what a person from the country should be referred to in English, as in Hindi citizens are often called Bharati or Bharatiyan.

Some were also bewildered about the governments priorities.

The government shouldnt remove it. India is a very old name, said Vijender Singh, 28, whos been driving rickshaws around the capital for three years. He said that the president's focus should be on work and facilities for poor people.

Critics also say its another attempt by the government to impose Hindi as the national language, and for the BJP to advance its own agenda. The Indian Constitution lists 22 existing languages, but none of them have been given the status of the national language.

According to a decade-old census, Hindi was not the majority language, even though it was spoken by 44% of the people.

Two months ago, the opposition parties came together to form an alliance called INDIA, which they said stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. They hope to oust the BJP from government in next year's election.

I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with India, which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries, Shashi Tharoor of the opposition Congress party posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Later he sarcastically suggested the opposition alliance could also change the name to BHARAT, standing for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow.

Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names, he said.

Indias Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar dismissed criticisms in an interview with the ANI news agency, saying, India, that is Bharat, it is there in the constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it.
Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday laid out the stakes in the 2024 GOP primary as a battle between populism and traditional conservatism.

Pence, speaking in New Hampshire, cast himself as a candidate in the mold of former President Reagan and warned that the party risked abandoning its decades-old policy views and principles if it elected his old running mate, Donald Trump, or someone like him.

Republican voters face a choice. It will determine both the fate of our party, and the course of our nation, Pence said at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, according to prepared remarks.

Today, I ask my fellow Republicans this: In the days to come, will we be the party of conservatism or will our party follow the siren song of populism unmoored to conservative principles? he added, suggesting the divide between the two is unbridgeable.

The former vice presidents speech reflects the broader battle playing out in the Republican primary between populist outsider candidates such as Trump and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and more traditionally conservative GOP figures like Pence, who is also a former congressman and Indiana governor.

Pence, who first warned last year against the dangers of unmoored populism, argued Wednesday that populists favor an agenda stitched together by little else than personal grievances and performative outrage.

He warned those who favor populism over conservatism would abandon Americas role as a global leader, defer the matter of abortion policy to the states and erode constitutional norms. Pence at one point referred to Trumps call last year to terminate parts of the Constitution, a comment the former president later tried to walk back.

Pence has stood by more common conservative tentpoles, speaking out in favor of abortion restrictions nationwide, calling for balancing the federal budget even if it means cutting or reforming popular government programs, boosting military spending and maintaining U.S. leadership on the world stage.

Should the new populism of the right seize and guide our party, the GOP as we have long known it will cease to exist, Pence said Wednesday, according to prepared remarks. And the fate of American freedom would be in doubt.

Pences advisers maintained that the speech was about more than an individual candidate like Trump or Ramaswamy. And while Pence referenced Trump and Ramaswamy by name fleetingly, the speech was an unmistakable nod to the strength of the former president and Ramaswamy in recent polls.

Both Trump and Ramaswamy have expressed skepticism about continued U.S. support for Ukraine, and both men have indicated they would be sympathetic to at least some who were charged for their roles in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol. Ramaswamy has said abortion policy should be left to the states, while Trump has been largely noncommittal about a federal ban.

A slew of polls conducted after the first GOP primary debate in late August found Trump leading by more than 30 percentage points over his next closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). A Morning Consult poll had Ramaswamy in third place at 10 percent, while a CNN poll had him trailing Trump, DeSantis, Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R).

With Trump firmly ahead in the primary and a swath of voters firmly backing the former president despite his legal troubles and his defeat in the 2020 election, the party may have already shifted away from Pence.

Pence and his advisers maintain that Trump governed as more of a traditional conservative during his first term and makes no such promise to do so if reelected.

The former vice president repeatedly invoked Reagan on Wednesday, something his advisers say he is likely to continue to do in advance of the second primary debate, scheduled for later this month at the Reagan Presidential Library in California. Pences speech was titled Populism v. Conservatism: Republicans Time for Choosing, a nod to Reagans own A Time for Choosing speech in 1964.

Pence said that while Republicans do not need to emulate every Reagan policy, staying rooted in his basic beliefs would ensure the partys long-term success.

If we cease to be champions of our Constitution and all the principles enshrined in it, our partys relevancy will be confined to history books, Pence said. It may live on in some populist fashion, but then it will truly be, in a cruel twist, Republican in name only.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is escorted from the crowd by his security personnel after an Aug. 27 prayer vigil for the Dollar General shooting victims.

COMMENTARY | A Florida judge last week struck down a congressional map backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that, in defiance of the Florida constitution, stripped away the ability of Black North Florida voters to elect the candidate of their choice, a rejection not just of the map but also of an imperial view of the governor's powers that the maps' defenders sought to advance in court.

DeSantis cast himself not just as a governor but as a judge: He unilaterally decided a popular voter-approved amendment to the Florida constitution, called the Fair Districts Amendment, violated the U.S. Constitution and thus did not need to be followed. And so he took it upon himself to, against the wishes of the Legislature, advance a map that deleted a North Florida district that provided an opportunity for Black voters to elect the candidate of their choice and replaced it with a whiter, conservative district whose power is concentrated in the exurban Nassau and Clay county neighborhoods surrounding Jacksonville. In doing so, DeSantis set himself directly at odds with the state constitution and with a previous decision by the Florida Supreme Court  a recalcitrant posture the state's lawyers acknowledged was deliberately struck  and he wiped away nearly 30 years of congressional representation even his conservative legislative allies tried to preserve.

It was a brazen ploy from a governor who has now twice suspended elected state prosecutors for, in his words, "effectively nullif(ying) certain laws in the state of Florida," the very sin his lawyers attempted to defend to disastrous results in state court.

"The judicial branch alone has the power to declare what the law is, including whether the Florida Constitutions provisions are themselves unconstitutional," Second Judicial Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh wrote in his order last week.

Once a lawyer under Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and appointed to the bench by former Gov. Rick Scott, Marsh is hardly a liberal squish or a predictable ally to voting-rights advocates, but his 55-page ruling was a thorough debunking of DeSantis' dubious legal theories about his own powers and about the laws of Florida and the United States. Much of Marsh's order is technical, but his contempt for the bunk arguments from the state's lawyers oozes throughout: their argument "fails at every level, for multiple, independent reasons," he writes in one section; their "arguments have no basis under either federal precedent or Florida Supreme Court precedent," he writes in another; the state "erroneously conflates" one portion of the Fair Districts Amendment with another; yet another meritless argument "underscores the bizarre posture in which Defendants arguments place the Court," Marsh lamented.

Perhaps most twisted of all, DeSantis' justification for nullifying the Florida constitution is his mistaken belief that its ban on diminishing minority voting power  the ban he ignored when advancing his preferred congressional map  is unlawful because it violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. Marsh succinctly ripped that distorted view. "The Court finds no reason, and the Defendants have failed to provide one, to interpret the Fourteenth Amendment, adopted to advance racial equality, to render constitutionally suspect popular efforts to protect it."

"Floridians expressed their belief that Florida was home to the sort of the racial discrimination that justified and required the (Voting Rights Act) in the national context and that a similar civil rights structure was required to stamp it out at home," Marsh wrote.

"Floridas history of voting related discriminationas told through Florida case law over the yearsbears out this need."

Indeed, all the state's dissembling lawyers accomplished was prompting a rather conservative judge to pen an eloquent defense of the very law they're seeking to upend. "Florida has been a state home to discrimination in voting and the people of this state demanded a Florida analogue to the (Voting Rights Act) to finally rid the state of its presence," he wrote.

It has been clear from the beginning that DeSantis is banking on the far-right Florida Supreme Court to save him. That he appointed five of the court's seven justices is the only reason to assume Florida's authoritarian-curious governor has any chance, though the strength and breadth of Marsh's ruling will require maximum creativity if DeSantis' most committed allies on that court are hoping to throw him a lifeline.

For nearly 30 years, Jacksonville benefitted from bipartisan representation that was emblematic of the city's purplish political hue. That structure ensured the city always had at least one representative with the party in power, and it provided an incentive for both of Jacksonville's congressional leaders to work across the aisle with one another  a fading tradition that nonetheless endured locally until the very moment DeSantis erased the city's Democratic-leaning district.

This political balance was so uncontroversial the state House and Senate sought to preserve it when drawing the initial congressional maps; the House even drew a backup version that was more compact but still would have allowed Jacksonville's Black voters to elect the candidate of their choice. That back up district was, in fact, more compact than the unlawful map DeSantis ultimately muscled through the Legislature. But compactness was never DeSantis' concern  ripping away Black political power was, and only one map did that: his.

The mass shooting at a Dollar General last week by a racist 21-year-old brandishing a swastika-covered AR-15-style rifle took place in this former district, near the heart of Jacksonville's historic Black neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods have now been lumped into a congressional district where bedroom communities in Clay and Nassau counties call the shots, and they picked one of their own  an affable reactionary named Aaron Bean  to represent them.

State Rep. Angie Nixon staged a sit-in last year to protest DeSantis' redistricting power move on the Jacksonville district she represents. After that protest, DeSantis vetoed all of her requested budget appropriations, and legislative leaders assigned her an office in a dank basement. "I was placed in a basement with rats because I stood up for my communities," Nixon recently told an interviewer, recalling the episode.

DeSantis' appearance at the vigil last week for the shooting victims attracted attention because many attendees booed him  a slight the governor's allies found unfair. But those attendees were, quite literally, exercising the only political voice he'd left them, and less than a week later, those voices were vindicated by Marsh's ruling.

Nate Monroe is a metro columnist whose work regularly appears every Thursday and Sunday. Follow him on Twitter @NateMonroeTU.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Nate Monroe: Judge demolishes DeSantis' North Florida redistricting ploy
Three sailors were rescued from a sinking inflatable catamaran on Wednesday after it came under repeated attack by sharks that left them stranded more than 500 miles off the Australian coast.

The men, two Russians and one Frenchman, were picked up by rescuers after their emergency beacon sent out a distress call at 1.30 a.m. eastern Australian time (11 a.m. Tuesday ET), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said in a statement.

The crew had embarked from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Aug. 28 and were headed to the Australian city of Cairns, on the latest stage of an around-the-world trip.

But several shark attacks left both hulls of their 30-foot boat damaged.

cookiecutter shark, Isistius brasiliensis, found during offshore blackwater dive in Kona Coast, Big Island, Hawaii, USA, Pacific Ocean (Blue Planet Archive / Alamy Stock Photo)

The catamaran had large sections of its hull missing, Joe Zeller, a senior manager at AMSA, said in a video statement.

"An emergency beacon absolutely saved their lives," said Zeller, who was on call when the distress signal was received.

A huge Panama-registered vehicle carrier, the 650-foot Dugong Ace, carried out the rescue in the Coral Sea. The unharmed sailors, aged between 28 and 64, are expected to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday.

AMSA did not named the rescued men but the expedition is led by Evgeny Kovalevsky, alongside crew member Stanislav Berezkin, both from Siberia.

The project's website lists Vincent Thomas Etienne as an extra crew member participating in the Tahiti Australia stage. The boat is a Russian-registered catamaran named Russian Ocean Way  Tion.

Russian boat rescue off Australia (@russian.ocean.way / Instagram)

A spokesperson for the expedition told NBC News via text message that Yulia Kalyuzhnaya, head of the operation, will fly to Australia to meet the sailors and discuss the future of the voyage.

Now [the] travelers are safe, this is the most important thing. Unfortunately, the catamaran could not be saved. The fate of the expedition will be clear next week, the spokesperson said.

The trip from Vanuatu to the trio's intended destination of Cairns, Australia, is more than 1,200 miles and AMSA said it would normally take two to three weeks depending on weather conditions.

An Instagram account for the voyage said that the boat was first attacked on Monday by cookie cutter sharks, a small species that grows to around 16 inches and is linked to only a handful of attacks on humans. This caused the boat to partially submerge but it limped on for 100 more miles.

Russian sailing expedition attacked by sharks off Vanuatu (AMSA)

It was attacked again on Tuesday, when sharks pierced the catamaran's right-side hull, causing the boat to start sinking.

Satellite photos and a video on the AMSA website showed the extent of the damage, with the boat clearly listing and losing buoyancy.

The crew and their belongings were saved but the catamaran was lost.

There are many reasons vessels are attacked by sharks but the motivations of these sharks is unclear, Zeller said in a video statement released by AMSA. The trio was very happy to be rescued, he said.

Russian sailing expedition attacked by sharks off coast of Vanuatu. (@russian.ocean.way / Instagram)

Russian sailing expedition attacked by sharks off coast of Vanuatu (@russian.ocean.way / Instagram)

The boat first set off from St. Petersburg in July 2021, led by Kovalevsky and Berezkin.

The pair said they were emulating pioneering Russian explorers of the 19th century. The voyage was planned to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Adam Johann von Krusenstern, who led the first Russian round-the-world voyage.

The plan was to visit 40 countries and return to St. Petersburg in July 2024, but the future of the project is now in doubt. The Russian Ministry of Science and Ministry of Education, as well as the state broadcasting company, are listed as "information partners" on the project's website.

AMSA has used the incident to remind sailors to always carry the appropriate safety equipment. "This is a timely reminder to always carry a distress beacon while on the water. GPS-equipped EPIRBs and personal locater beacons (PLBs) can save your life in an emergency," it said in a statement.
(Photo : Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: People attend a rally before a City Council Oversight hearing at City Hall on March 01, 2023 in New York City. Elected officials and advocates held a rally demanding transparency and accountability from NYPD ahead of the first oversight hearing by City Council on the NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG). The hearing comes as NYC settled a lawsuit agreeing to pay upwards of $6 million to protesters who were kettled during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have reached a significant settlement regarding the NYPD's response to the Black Lives Matter protests that engulfed the city in 2020.

This historic agreement addresses several important issues, including the use of controversial crowd control methods, demonstrators' treatment, and the media's role during demonstrations.

NYPD and ACLU Addressing 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests

During the Black Lives Matter demonstrations of 2020 in New York City, the NYPD was heavily criticized for its treatment of protesters. It was reported that pepper spray, baton strikes, and bicycles were used as weapons against demonstrators.

Perhaps the most controversial tactic employed was "kettling," confining demonstrators in small areas, frequently leading to confrontations and escalation. Per NY Times, the NYPD has agreed to a series of reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence of such incidents as part of the settlement. Among the most notable terms are:

The NYPD is no longer permitted to use the controversial practice of kettling, which was a contentious issue during the protests. Limit on Helicopter Use: Additionally, "intimidating" helicopters are prohibited, preventing the NYPD from employing aerial tactics that instill fear in demonstrators.

Use of Force Restrictions: The use of force, including pepper spray, batons, and bicycle impacts, is subject to stringent restrictions. These measures are intended to ensure the demonstrators' physical safety.

Read Also: Cuba Reveals Human Trafficking of Cubans To Help Russia Fight Against Ukraine

NYPD's New Protest Approach Plan

A new four-tiered response system will govern the NYPD's response to protests, ensuring that the department's actions are proportional to the circumstance. The NYPD must now issue three dispersal orders before making any arrests, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and dialogue.

The settlement intends to reduce the number of police officers present at future demonstrations, altering the nature of law enforcement's interaction with protesters. Measures have been implemented to improve the treatment of journalists documenting protests, with an emphasis on media freedom and access to protest locations.

A committee of various stakeholders will be established to oversee implementing and observing the new practices. The American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the lawsuit, applauded the settlement, noting its historic significance in limiting the excessive use of force and intimidation during demonstrations.

The group emphasized that the NYPD could no longer inundate protests with officers and that the infamous Strategic Response Group (SRG) would be deployed less frequently.

Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, emphasized the significance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly and reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring that demonstrators could exercise their rights without fear of reprisal.

Civil rights advocates and legal experts lauded the settlement for introducing novel approaches to policing protests, emphasizing that it would aid in preventing the indiscriminate violence and excessive policing of demonstrations that occurred in the summer of 2020.

The settlement is part of a more significant trend, as it follows New York City's accord to pay $13 million to more than 1,000 individuals arrested during George Floyd protests in 2020.

This lawsuit, filed on behalf of demonstrators against racial injustice, focused on 18 demonstrations that erupted in the city following George Floyd's tragic death. The settlement between the NYPD and the ACLU is a significant step towards reforming law enforcement practices during New York City demonstrations.

By addressing issues such as kettling, helicopter intimidation, and using force, this agreement aims to protect demonstrators' rights and ensure a proportionate and respectful response from the police. Establishing a monitoring committee and the commitment to improve media access highlight the significance of police transparency and accountability.

As New York City continues to contend with issues of racial injustice and police accountability, this settlement represents a significant step on the path to genuine change, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: New York City Mayor Eric Adams Signs Deal To Provide $103 Million in Back Pay to Staten Island Ferry Workers

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Workers at Chevron's liquefied natural gas facilities in Australia have agreed to pause planned strike action for one day, hours before they were due to begin industrial action in an ongoing dispute that has rattled gas markets.

The workers will delay strike action until 6.00 a.m. local time in Perth on Friday (2200 GMT on Thursday), two union representatives, who declined to be identified, told Reuters late on Wednesday.

Chevron confirmed the pause in an emailed statement minutes later and said unions had advised it of the roughly one-day delay.

"We will continue to work through the bargaining process as we seek outcomes that are in the interests of both employees and the company," a Chevron Australia spokesperson said.

"We will also continue to take steps to maintain safe and reliable operations in the event of disruption at our facilities," Chevron said.

The reason for the pause was not immediately clear.

Industrial action had been scheduled to begin at 1.00 a.m. local time on Thursday (1700 GMT) as ongoing disputes over pay and conditions remained unresolved.

The Dutch October natural gas contract fell as much as 7.2% to 31.45 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) after news of the pause.

Unions and Chevron have been participating in mediation talks hosted by the Fair Work Commission, Australia's industrial umpire, all this week.

"There must have been progress on the negotiations, with Chevron moving more towards the unions requests, that has seen the unions willing to allow some more time before striking," said energy analyst Saul Kavonic.

Australia is the world's biggest LNG exporter and the ongoing dispute has stoked volatility in natural gas markets, as traders worry about the risk of long-term disruption.

Chevron's Gorgon, Australia's second-largest LNG plant, and its Wheatstone operations account for more than 5% of global LNG capacity.

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson in Sydney; additional reporting by Emily Chow and Sudarshan Varadhan in Singapore. Editing by Nick Zieminski and Tony Munroe)
By Josh Ye

HONG KONG (Reuters) -China's internet giant Tencent Holdings teased the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on Wednesday through a social media post as a race among Chinese firms to develop such tech heats up.

The Shenzhen-based company published a post on WeChat on Wednesday to drum up hype for a two-day summit it will kick off on Thursday. The post featured a demo conversation a user had with an AI chatbot, which helped the user write promotional materials.

The company also added a new mini program named "HunyuanAide" to WeChat, although it remained inaccessible to the public as of Wednesday. Reuters reported in February that the company formed a team to develop a ChatGPT-like chatbot named "HunyuanAide".

This comes after China started to approve AI chatbots for public release last month. Other big tech companies in China including Baidu Inc and SenseTime Group released their AI chatbots last week.

Tencent has been developing its own AI model named "Hunyuan" for months and the company said last month that it was expanding the test of the model internally.

Tencent's shares were down around 0.43% on Wednesday in Hong Kong while the broader market remained flat.

(Reporting by Josh Ye; editing by Jacqueline Wong and Jason Neely)
By Sakura Murakami

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday he explained Japan's stance on the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant to Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Indonesia.

Japan started releasing the water from the wrecked plant into the ocean last month, drawing strong criticism from China. In retaliation, China has imposed a blanket ban on all aquatic imports from Japan.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 triggered a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl 25 years earlier.

Kishida told reporters he spoke briefly with Li ahead of a session at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta.

"During the chat, I explained Japan's position on the treated water to Premier Li," Kishida said. He refused to say how Li had responded.

Kishida avoided commenting directly on whether he had sought the ban on aquatic imports to be lifted during his talk with Li, repeating that he had explained Japan's position. He added nothing had been decided on whether he would talk with Li again on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit later this week.

The talk with Li marked the first time the two had met in person, Japan's foreign ministry said. It was also the first high-level talk between the two countries since the release of the water from the Fukushima plant.

A visit to China by the head of Japan's junior coalition party in late August was postponed amid worsening relations between Tokyo and Beijing following the water release.

The water is treated to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, a radionuclide difficult to separate from water, and then diluted to internationally accepted levels before being released into the ocean.

(This story has been refiled to refer to Chinese Premier Li Qiang by his last name in paragraph 4)

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami and Rocky Swift; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Nick Macfie)
One woman accused him of beating her so badly that her pelvic bone was broken, leaving her disabled. Another said he choked her until she couldnt breathe.

In both cases, Christopher Pelkey, 35, was charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault  a crime that carries a maximum prison term of 10 years in Maine, where the alleged attacks occurred. In both cases, Pelkey pleaded guilty to misdemeanor crimes and was sentenced to little jail time, court records show.

Now Pelkey is headed back to court, accused by another woman who said he choked her, assaulted her son and threatened to kill them both with a hammer, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC News.

He almost killed me, said Andrea Stevens, who has not previously spoken out about the charges, which include aggravated assault, domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence assault. He really needs to serve his time for what hes done.

The cases highlight the challenges prosecutors face in litigating crimes that are often hidden from public view  and the grim reality some abuse survivors still endure.

Francine Garland Stark, the executive director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, said that she wasnt familiar with the specifics of the allegations but that the details appeared similar to some of the most serious domestic violence cases  those that end in death.

She pointed to a 2021 report that reviewed 20 years of homicides in the state and found that more than half of the perpetrators had abused more than one partner.

That kind of history is a red flag, Stark said. We need to know that people who commit domestic violence against multiple people multiple times are really dangerous people, and we have to take them seriously.

Prosecutors expect to learn Thursday whether Stevens case will go to trial. Chelsea Lynds, the assistant district attorney prosecuting the case, said she made Pelkey an offer of three years in prison to plead guilty to one felony but withdrew it after he balked.

Pelkey has been held in lieu of $10,000 bail at the Penobscot County Jail, Lynds said. He hasnt entered a plea. Pelkey's lawyer didnt respond to a request for comment.

In an interview, Pelkeys mother, Jane Arbuckle, denied many of the allegations. I can tell you my son is not perfect, she said. He has a mouth on him that is horrible. But hes a protector. Ive never seen him be violent with anyone.

A connection right away

All of the three women said their relationships with Pelkey developed quickly. Stevens and Persis Smith both said they met him on Facebook. Navy veteran Ashley Alaimo, who told authorities Pelkey choked her until she couldn't breathe, said she met him at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

I immediately felt a strong connection with Chris, Alaimo, 37, wrote in a nine-page sworn statement to the police department in Orono, the college town north of Bangor, where the couple lived in 2015. He almost seemed too good to be true.

We fell in love so quickly and there was no fear in my heart about being with him, she wrote.

But within a few months, Pelkey had become violent, Alaimo wrote. She wrote that during one alleged confrontation, she tried to leave their apartment but that he grabbed her and dragged her down the hallway.

I tried everything to get away, and had even tried to use my hands to grab on to the beginning of the wall but ended up leaving claw marks, she wrote.

When police were summoned a week later after another alleged confrontation, an officer noted the claw marks in an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC News.

During that second incident, on Sept. 13, an argument prompted Pelkey to leave. Alaimo deadbolted the door behind him, according to a police report.

When Pelkey returned minutes later and Alaimo refused to open the door, he scaled the buildings fire escape, broke the kitchen window and cornered her, she told officials, according to the report.

Alaimo told police he knocked her to the ground and pressed on her throat "hard enough that she was not able to breathe at all," according to the report.

Alaimo wrote in the statement that Pelkey grabbed a piece of glass from the window and threatened to kill her.

In the moments that followed, Alaimo tried  and failed  to escape through a bathroom window, according to the report. Pelkey allegedly choked Alaimo repeatedly and covered her nose and mouth with his hand, according to the report.

When he let go enough that she could breathe she said she screamed the loudest she has ever screamed in her life, an officer who interviewed Alaimo wrote in the report.

Pelkey fled, the report says, and Alaimo called 911. When he returned to the apartment, he denied breaking the window and said hed never harmed Alaimo, according to the affidavit.

Alaimo attacked him, Pelkey told authorities, and hed blocked her from leaving because shed been drinking, according to the affidavit.

The officer who wrote the affidavit described Pelkeys account as not a fluid timeline and said he gave various bits of information but did not appear to be telling the whole truth.

Pelkey was arrested and later indicted on five charges, including two felonies  aggravated assault and domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon  according to an indictment filed that November in Bangor District Court.

Two years later, Pelkey pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and was sentenced to 10 months in jail and one year of probation, according to a judgment filed in superior court. All but 30 days of the jail sentence was suspended.

Alaimo said she was floored when she learned of Pelkeys punishment.

It wasnt appropriate at all, she said in a text message. He shouldnt have had an opportunity to do it again! Let alone to multiple women.

The former prosecutor who handled the case for the Penobscot County district attorney didnt respond to a request for comment.

Christopher Almy, a prosecutor with the district attorneys office, wasnt familiar with the charges or the agreement but said domestic violence cases remain difficult to prove.

In many cases there are no witnesses, he said, and while there might be medical evidence, that doesnt guarantee a successful prosecution.

You can read what you want in an affidavit, Almy said. But when you put a victim on the stand and you ask them what happened, we have to make a decision as to whether or not a jury is going to believe them.

No red flags

Smith, who said Pelkey's violence left her disabled, said their courtship was also brief. They met in April 2017, the month he had been sentenced in Alaimos case. He never disclosed the charges, Smith said, and she saw no red flags before their engagement a few months later.

Smith, then a director of admissions at a nursing home, said Pelkey became increasingly abusive  physically, emotionally and verbally  after she became pregnant with their daughter.

I thought I loved my husband, so I stayed, said Smith, 36. Thats ultimately what almost got me killed.

A judge who later granted Smith a protection order described her allegations against Pelkey as some of the most severe domestic violence that hed seen since taking the bench, recalled Smiths lawyer at the time, Caleb Gannon.

Gannon, who said he often handles protection orders, said there wasnt much space between the abuse Smith described and a domestic violence homicide.

The alleged violence escalated in March 2021, according to a divorce judgment provided by Gannon that described Smiths accusations as compelling and very credible.

Smith was on bed rest from a recent surgery, the judgment says, when Pelkey choked her until she urinated herself.

She fell from the bed, the judge wrote, breaking her pelvic bone and damaging several ligaments  an event that required her to go on disability.

Two days later, Pelkey was arrested after a confrontation with Smiths father over the alleged abuse, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC News. Smith was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where a forensic exam found she suffered extensive damage and showed clear signs of strangulation, the affidavit says.

Pekley was charged with four felonies  aggravated assault, domestic violence assault, domestic violence terrorizing and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. During an interview with authorities, Pelkey confessed to choking Smith, the affidavit says.

Less than four months later, Pelkey entered an Alford Plea  or a guilty plea that allows defendants to assert their innocence  on one misdemeanor count of domestic violence assault. He was sentenced to two years probation and had all but 10 days of a roughly six-month jail term suspended, according to a judgment filed in Belfast District Court.

Smith said she was furious  and fearful of what Pelkey might do while on probation.

Kent Murdick, an assistant district attorney in Waldo County, said the charges were dropped after a full investigation that looked at medical records, witness statements and other evidence.

We could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt the four charges that were dismissed, he said, declining to comment further.

'These girls are working against me'

A month after his arrest in Smiths case, Pelkey met Stevens, a certified medical assistant, on Facebook. He was kind and charming, she said, and up front about his criminal past.

Pelkey told her: These girls are working against me, recalled Stevens, 38. He really tried to put the blame on both of them.

Stevens wasnt sure what to make of the allegations but said she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, like I do with everyone.

In June 2022, Smith was divorcing Pelkey, and the judge in that case tore in to him.

In a 14-page judgment, Judge Eric Walker noted that Pelkey had denied being abusive and did not even admit to pleading guilty in the case involving Smith  instead stating he took an Alford Plea.

Plaintiffs denial of his own actions is disturbing, particularly given that Plaintiff is said to be engaging in a Certified Batterers Intervention Program, Walker wrote.

The judge awarded Smith sole custody of their daughter and barred Pelkey from all contact with her  a restriction that Gannon described as rare and reserved only for cases with pretty serious abuse.

The judges decision surprised Stevens, who had been with Pelkey for more than a year at that point. But she said their relationship had already turned abusive, adding: I could only imagine what he put those kids through.

Stevens told officials six months later that she had fled their trailer with her 4-year-old son after Pelkey allegedly assaulted the boy and prevented her from seeing him, according to an arrest affidavit.

She alleged that Pelkey choked her until she couldn't breathe, ripped out her hair and threatened to rape her and kill her and her son with a hammer, the affidavit says. She told officers he tore off her pants and threw her to the floor while using slurs and expletives, the affidavit says.

The alleged violence erupted after he accused her of acting inappropriately with his teenage son  an allegation she described to authorities as blackmail  and an argument over his probation in Smiths case, according to the affidavit.

When authorities found Stevens, she was running down the street sobbing and cradling her son, who was shoeless, the affidavit says.

Andrea seemed scared and hysterical, an officer wrote.

The officer noted that Stevens had a hairless spot on her head and a mark on her neck that he photographed, the affidavit says. He later found the yellow hammer that she said Pelkey had threatened her with.

The officer cast doubt on Stevens allegation that Pelkey kicked her son in the face earlier that day, saying an injury to the boys lip didnt seem recent. (A judge who later granted Stevens a protection order said that he found her allegations credible and that Pelkey had punched her son, according to the order.)

In an interview with police, Pelkey denied the assaults and asserted that Stevens was injuring herself to frame him, the officer wrote.

The officer arrested Pelkey, calling his explanation unreasonable.

In March, Pelkey was indicted on four felony charges, including aggravated assault and domestic violence assault. His probation in Smiths case was revoked, Murdick said.

Stevens, Smith and Alaimo now hope that Pelkey will receive a punishment that matches his alleged crimes.

For the system to let it get to this point, this is blood on their hands, Smith said. The pattern is there. Hes shown he wont stop.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistan closed a key northwestern border crossing with Afghanistan after border guards from the two sides exchanged fire Wednesday, while elsewhere near the border in northern Pakistan clashes killed four Pakistani soldiers and 12 militants, authorities said.

Separately, mortar fire hit a house in Pakistan near the Afghan border, killing five Pakistanis a mother and her four children. It was not immediately clear who fired the mortar and police were investigating the attack in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local authorities said.

Militants often target security forces deployed in the region with mortars, which also has caused civilian casualties in recent years.

The exchange of fire across the border also took place in the province, in the town of Torkham, and it was not immediately clear what prompted the gunfire, said Nasrullah Khan, an official in Torkham. He said Pakistani government and military officials were in contact with Afghan counterparts to defuse tensions.

Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry, confirmed the clash between Afghan and Pakistani forces. He said officials from both sides were trying to find out the cause, and were seeking ways to prevent such clashes.

Pakistani authorities said dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, were waiting on both sides of the border for the reopening of the Torkham crossing, which is a vital commercial artery and a trade route to Central Asian countries for Pakistan.

The border closure came two days after caretaker Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said U.S. military equipment left behind during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan had fallen into militant hands and made its way to the Pakistani Taliban, who are allied with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Later Wednesday, a group of militants in the northern district of Chitral bordering Afghanistan attacked two Pakistani military posts in violence that left four soldiers and 12 militants dead, the military said in a statement.

The clashes took place when a large group of terrorists equipped with the latest weapons, attacked two Pakistani military posts," the military said.

Officials did not give any details about the insurgents, but suggested they have links to neighboring Afghanistan. The statement said Pakistan expects the Taliban government in Afghanistan to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.

Previous such attacks have been carried out by Pakistani Taliban, who are known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and who have intensified attacks over the past months on Pakistan security forces. They are a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban.

The Afghan Taliban overran Afghanistan in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO troops were in the last weeks of a chaotic pullout from the country after 20 years of war.

The Pakistani Taliban have released statements and video clips in recent months claiming they possess weapons such as guns with laser and thermal imaging systems.

Torkham witnessed previous clashes in February and the town remained closed for several days after the two sides accused each other of trying to build new posts along the border in February.

According to the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the clashes at the time caused millions in losses to traders whose perishable goods were ruined.

Afghanistan has never recognized the porous border that runs through the Pashtun heartland and dilutes the power of Afghanistans largest ethnic group on both sides.

Pakistan says it has completed fencing along 97% of the border to stop cross-border attacks and smuggling. Pakistan also accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuaries to Pakistani militants who are living in Afghanistan.

In November 2022, the Pakistani Taliban ended a monthslong cease-fire with the government in Islamabad, ordering its fighters to resume attacks across the country.

-

Ahmed reported from Islamabad. Associated Press writer Rahim Faiez contributed to this story from Islamabad.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Three people on board an inflatable catamaran in the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia have been rescued after the vessel was damaged from several shark attacks, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said on Wednesday.

Photos and a video on the AMSA website showed a large part of the stern of the yacht torn away.

"The vessel departed from Vanuatu and was bound for Cairns (Australia) when contact was established. Both hulls of the vessel have been damaged following several shark attacks," the AMSA said in a statement.

Rescue crews responded to an emergency positioning beacon registered to the Tion, a nine-metre inflatable catamaran on a round-the-world expedition, early on Wednesday morning. The yacht was located about 835 kms (519 miles) southeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea.

AMSA requested the assistance of a Panama-flagged vehicle carrier, which successfully conducted the rescue.

The three passengers - two Russian and one French citizen - are due to arrive in Brisbane on Thursday, AMSA said.

The three men on board the boat were unharmed, said Anna Kosikhina, a spokesperson for the voyage, which she said was aimed at promoting Russia and Siberia and began two years ago.

"They were all intact. Nobody is hurt," she said.

"The only thing is that the balloons of the inflatable catamaran were blown away."

This was not the first accident on the voyage, Kosikhina said, with the steering device of a previous vessel failing during a previous leg from Chile to Easter Island.

The crew continued the expedition on an inflatable catamaran by the same manufacturer that had been stored on the island for several years.

(This Sept. 5 story has been corrected to drop the reference to "satellite" in paragraph 2)

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney, additional reporting by Wang Jiawei and Mahezabin Sayed; Writing by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Michael Perry)
BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese state-owned semiconductor conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup plans to accelerate its international expansion, with Southeast Asia an important target region, its chairman, Li Bin, said on Wednesday.

Tsinghua Unigroup operates three factories in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, Li told a forum in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on the sidelines of a regional summit, and it aims to expand manufacturing and R&D capabilities in Southeast Asia.

Li also said the Tsinghua Unigroup was considering establishing an investment platform to fund projects in the region, adding that Southeast Asian investment institutions were encouraged to participate in the platform.

China is seeking to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing in the face of increased sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.

The Tsinghua Unigroup, which traces its roots to Tsinghua University, has played a major role in the effort, with some of its subsidiaries getting funding from the government or state-owned firms.

Tsinghua Unigroup has expanded rapidly over the past few years, mainly through acquisitions, and its portfolio of companies is involved across the semiconductor supply chain.

Main entities include mobile chip designer UNISOC Communications Co and Yangtze Memory Technologies, China's first and largest NAND flash memory maker.

However, the expansion through acquisitions also led to massive debt for Tsinghua Unigroup, resulting in bankruptcy followed by a restructuring.

Two state-owned firms took over the debt-laden semiconductor group in 2022. Li was appointed chairman in July last year as part of the takeover that provided the struggling company with new ownership and capital.

(Reporting by Yelin Mo and Brenda Goh; Editing by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel)
By Lefteris Papadimas and Stamos Prousalis

ATHENS (Reuters) -At least two people died and three were missing on Wednesday after torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and destroyed infrastructure in central Greece, the fire brigade said.

Storm Daniel, which has battered Greece since Monday, triggered landslides, destroyed a bridge, caused the collapse of power poles and carried away dozens of cars in muddy waters, just days after a deadly wildfire in the north of the country.

The body of an elderly woman was recovered close to a community in the southern Pelion area in central Greece on Wednesday, the fire brigade said, raising the death toll from severe weather in Greece to two.

"The body was found under a pile of woods," a fire brigade official told Reuters, adding that a rescue operation was continuing for three missing people.

A man died on Tuesday after a wall collapsed in bad weather in the port city of Volos on the Pagasetic Gulf and about 94 inmates were moved to safety late on Tuesday after torrential rain damaged part of their nursing home.

A Reuters witness said that the river near the nursing home had swallowed the road and flooded a train station in Volos, disrupting train traffic.

Greece has said the weather was the most extreme in terms of the amount of rainfall since records have been kept in the country.

Police on Wednesday issued traffic warnings for the cities of Trikala and Karditsa as the rainstorm was expected to intensify again later on Wednesday.

Flash floods in Greece in 2017 killed 25 people and left hundreds homeless.

In northwest Turkey, at least five people were killed after heavy rains triggered flash floods, Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber said on Wednesday.

(Additional reporting by Lefteris Papadimas; Editing by Angeliki Koutantou, William Maclean)
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's parliament approved the appointment of former lawmaker Rustem Umerov as defence minister on Wednesday, in the biggest shake-up of the defence establishment since Russia's invasion 18 months ago.

Umerov, 41, replaces Oleksii Reznikov, who helped secure billions of dollars of Western military aid as defence minister but was dogged by media allegations of corruption at the ministry and sacked by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday.

Reznikov did not face corruption allegations himself, but says he is the victim of a smear campaign. His removal is not expected to affect Ukraine's military strategy.

"Our main objective is victory," Umerov wrote on Facebook after parliament voted overwhelmingly to back him.

"I will do everything possible and impossible for Ukraine's victory - when we will liberate every centimetre of our country and each our person."

"Welcome aboard, Minister," the defence ministry wrote on X.

Lawmakers had approved Reznikov's removal on Monday, after he tendered his resignation following Zelenskiy's decision to dismiss him.

When proposing Umerov, a Crimean Tatar, Zelenskiy said new approaches and other forms of interaction with the military and society were needed as Russia's invasion entered its 19th month.

"To head the defence institution during the full-scale war with Russia is a big responsibility," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "We expect that the new minister will quickly step into his duties and continue reforms of the defence sector."

Before his appointment, Umerov, who speaks English and Turkish, headed Ukraine's main privatisation agency - the State Property Fund - for about a year.

He was credited for overturning the institution and restarting the efforts to sell loss-making state-owned companies to private investors despite the war.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash, Yuliia Dysa and Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
(Photo : Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

The suspect in the massacre of a Muslim family in 2021 following a supposed truck attack has pleaded not guitly to charges of murder.

A Canadian man accused of murdering a Muslim family in a truck attack has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The suspect, 22-year-old Nathaniel Veltman, is accused of intentionally targeting the Muslim family with his vehicle because of their faith in the incident in 2021. He has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Muslim Family Massacre Trial

The jury selection for the case trial had already started, and the suspect stood silent in court. Veltman's murder charges include terrorism counts, meaning prosecutors must prove that his actions were intended, deliberate, and motivated by a political, religious, or ideological cause.

The massacre left three generations of the Afzaal family dead, leaving only one survivor. Salman Afzaal, 46 years old, and his wife, Madiha Salman, 44 years old, their daughter, Yumna Afzaal, 15 years old, and the husband's mother, Talat Afzaal, 74 years old, were all killed in the incident. The family was on an evening walk on June 6, 2021, as the couple's nine-year-old son was seriously injured but survived, as per BBC.

A relative said that the couple had traveled to Canada from Pakistan, looking for a better future for their family. Shortly after the incident that killed almost all of the family members, authorities arrested Veltman in a parking lot close to London's oldest mosque, where the Afzaal family were devoted members.

The suspect in the attack was wearing what appeared to be body armor and a helmet, said police authorities. The incident sent waves of grief and fear across the North American country as London's tight-knit Muslim community mourned the loss of the Afzaal family.

With the jury selection ongoing, the chair of the London Council of Imams, Abd Alfatah Twakkal, spoke outside the court. He said that Sept. 6, 2023, is exactly the 27th month since the death of the Afzaal family, which marked a tragedy for the Muslim community in London.

Read Also: Construction Workers Cause 'Irreversible' Damage to Great Wall of China

Charges of Murder

Defense lawyer Christopher Hicks stood beside Veltman in court as the court registrar read the charges against his client. He then pleaded not guilty to the charges of murder on behalf of the suspect, according to Yahoo News.

Last year, Superior Court Justice Renee Pomerance ruled that a change of venue was warranted in the case, which led to it being moved from London to Windsor, Ontario. Due to a publication ban, the reasons for that decision and the evidence and arguments presented in court cannot be disclosed.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, the National Council of Canadian Muslims advocacy group said they would watch Veltman's trial very closely. Shaukat Rizvi, a relative of the Afzaal family, said that justice should be served. He added that they had confidence in the Canadian justice system.

The massacre of the Afzaal family shook the Muslim community that was still reeling in the aftermath of a deadly assault on a Quebec City mosque in 2017. Aljazeera said it also comes after a fatal stabbing in 2020 at a different Mosque in Toronto.

Related Article: Russian FSB Official, Son Injured by Explosive Planted in Mobile Phone

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
University of Michigan | Paul Brady | Dreamstime.com

Students who test positive for COVID-19 at the University of Michigan this fall will be forced in many cases to leave campusan extreme measure that may well encourage sick people to avoid seeking medical attention at all.

Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of medicine and health policy at Stanford University who has frequently challenged prevailing orthodoxies about pandemic restrictions, called attention to the policies on X, describing them as "cruel."

At the @UMich, students testing covid positive must leave their dorms for 5 days & live in the community. A hotel room or a relative's house is ok. This cruel policy is designed to spread covid from the university into the wild. It won't stop covid from spreading @umich. pic.twitter.com/Yfn58QKcut  Jay Bhattacharya (@DrJBhattacharya) September 3, 2023

According to the Care and Isolation section of the university's website, students are required to report a positive COVID-19 test to the health authoritiesunless, of course, they tested vis-a-vis the school's medical system, in which case the authorities already have the result. The university will then contact the students to discuss their isolation; importantly, students living in dormitories are required to temporarily move out, even if they reside in single units.

The rules suggest that students should return home, especially if they can get there without using public transportation. While the university specifies that students should consider returning home if there they have access to their own bedrooms and bathrooms, it does not acknowledge that sending students home may be the very worst idea of all, given that their parents are probably at greater risk of a negative COVID-19 outcome than their college roommates.

The rules are so extreme and disruptive that many students will probably avoid taking COVID-19 tests, even if they are seriously ill. Imagine a student who presumes he has a bacterial infection and desperately needs antibiotics; does he dare risk going to the university hospital and testing positive for COVID-19, especially if that means ejection from his dormitory?

Instead of creating a police state to punish students for contracting COVID-19something that is, let's face it, wholly unavoidableperhaps university health officials could work harder to provide accommodations for students who get sick and voluntarily agree to quarantine. Alas, the website notes that "isolation spaces on campus are extremely limited." Making them less limited seems like a better use of time than hunting down COVID-positive students and exiling them from campus.

The university did not respond to a request for comment.

The post The University of Michigan Will Force Students With COVID To Leave Campus appeared first on Reason.com.
Storm Daniel, a massive storm churning over the southeastern Mediterranean, has turned deadly as it continues to unleash historic and flooding rainfall. And its impacts are not over yet, AccuWeather forecasters say.

At least 14 people have been killed by the storm, according to the Associated Press, with fatalities reported by officials in Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.

Intense rainfall is expected to drench the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea through late this week as Daniel circulates to the southwest of Greece. Due to the nature of the heavy rainfall in Greece, red warnings were issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the Greek government weather agency, warning of "particularly intense" weather with heavy rain and storms across the region.

In the government's three-tier warning system, red warnings are the highest category of warning that can be issued for the country, specifically used for dangerous and severe weather phenomena.

The storm comes just days after a separate storm caused extreme flooding on the other end of the Mediterranean, across parts of Spain and Portugal, over the weekend.

"Heavy rain will continue in Greece through Thursday thanks to an Omega block keeping Storm Daniel nearby for a couple of additional days," explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls.

Damaged cars are pilled up in the mud after a record rainfall in Milina village, Pilion region, central Greece, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Rescue teams in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria have recovered more bodies following floods after fierce rainstorms. (AP Photo/Thodoris Nikolaou) Damaged cars are pilled up in the mud after a record rainfall in Milina village, Pilion region, central Greece, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Rescue teams in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria have recovered more bodies following floods after fierce rainstorms. (AP Photo/Thodoris Nikolaou)

AccuWeather experts define an "Omega block" as a buckling pattern in the jet stream, which resembles the Greek letter "Omega," hence the name. This setup tends to prevent the normal west-to-east movement of weather features and tends to lock in cooler, stormy conditions in some spots.

On Monday, a report from the European Severe Weather Database indicated that a waterspout swirled off the coast of Mantoudi, a village located in the Euboea region of east-central Greece, as a result of the energy swirling from Daniel. Another funnel cloud was observed along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Bagnara Calabra, located in southern Italy. Forecasters warn that additional waterspouts can occur along the coastlines over the upcoming days, particularly along the southern coasts.

Not everyone heeded the warnings. Volos Mayor Achilles Beos was so frustrated that he took to the streets, shouting at drivers. According to Storyful, Beos stood in the floodwaters shouting, "Where are they going? It's crazy what's happening; we've said it a hundred times. We have been telling you since yesterday the rivers will break... go to your homes!"

On Tuesday, police departments ordered traffic bans for the hardest hit locations of Volos, Pelion and the island of Skiathos, all located in east-central Greece. Given the additional rainfall expected across the country, further traffic bans may be issued until the historic storm subsides.

Also on Tuesday, the Greek village of Portaria reported 23.65 inches (600.6 mm) of rainfall since the start of the day, with rain still ongoing across the area. Other nearby locations across the Volos and Agia provinces along the east-central coast of Greece recorded amounts of 7.64 inches (194 mm).

Over 222,000 lightning strikes were detected over Greece, Turkey, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and the Mediterranean Sea in the two days prior to Tuesday evening local time. Over 222,000 lightning strikes were detected over Greece, Turkey, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, and the Mediterranean Sea in the two days prior to Tuesday evening local time.

By Thursday morning, floodwaters in some areas of western Greece had reached the roofs of homes, leading to a dangerous emergency for stranded residents.

According to the AP, a flash flood in northwestern Turkey near the Bulgarian border killed five people, and at least another person was still missing.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts with Premium+

The ZEUS Long-Range Lightning Detection System operated by the National Observatory of Athens registered over 30,000 lightning strikes across Greece by the evening hours on Tuesday, local time, with potent thunderstorms still rumbling over the area. From Sunday afternoon to Tuesday evening, over 220,000 lightning events were recorded across the region by AccuWeather Lightning Strike data.

A visible satellite image shows the storm rotating over the Mediterranean Sea Tuesday evening local time. A visible satellite image shows the storm rotating over the Mediterranean Sea Tuesday evening local time.

Impacts of significant flooding, bridge failures, overflowing riverbanks and mudslides have occurred in locations of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and southern Albania earlier this week. Fortunately, by Thursday, rain and wind from Daniel had diminished across these Balkan countries.

Outer bands of rain stretching from Daniel even reached parts of southern Italy, and rainfall is expected to persist in these locations through the end of the week as the storm slowly shifts southward across the Mediterranean.

Rain totals in southern Italy have not been as extreme as in Greece, but amounts of 1.15 inches (29.2 mm) have been observed across the higher terrain of Sila National Park.

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement product shows over 18 inches of rain in parts of Greece. (NASA) NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement product shows over 18 inches of rain in parts of Greece. (NASA)

In the western Mediterranean last weekend, a separate storm spread severe thunderstorms and widespread heavy rain across parts of Spain and Portugal. The cyclone was named Storm Dana by the Spanish Meteorological Agency over the weekend.

Numerous reports of flooding, damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes occurred as the storm circulated over the Iberian Peninsula. The flooding was so severe that a 10-year-old boy needed to be rescued after clinging to a tree overnight in order to escape the torrential floodwaters.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Private equity group Consortium Brand Partners announced Wednesday it has acquired actress Reese Witherspoons fashion and lifestyle brand, Draper James, through a majority stake.

According to the deal, Consortium Brand Partners acquired a 70% stake in the company for an undisclosed amount while Witherspoon remains a partner and board member in the business.

The Oscar-winning actress, producer and entrepreneur launched the retail brand inspired by her Southern roots in 2015 as a direct-to-consumer business selling clothing in bright hues and bold prints, accessories and home items.

Draper James store in Nashville, Tennessee. - Rick Diamond/Getty Images

As the business grew, the brand subsequently opened three retail locations and entered Kohls nationwide and kohls.com through an exclusive partnership in 2022.

Following the deal, Consortium Brand Partners said Draper James products would continue to sell online on the companys website and at its three retail stores and in Kohls.

In the future, the private equity group said, consumers could expect to see Draper James merchandise expand into the big box home improvement space, department stores, pet store chains and overseas.

Draper James was inspired by a deep personal connection to my roots, my family, and the women who shaped me. Its been so amazing to see so many women connect with this brand, our products, and our mission to bring a little southern joy into everyones homes and wardrobes, Witherspoon said in a statement. We are excited to join forces with the team at Consortium, who understand our vision as a company and the importance of our community.

The sale of Draper James comes two years after Witherspoon sold her media company, Hello Sunshine, in 2021 for more than $900 million to a media company backed by the private-equity firm Blackstone.

Hello Sunshine was behind several of the actress TV projects, such as Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere and The Morning Show. The business also includes Reeses Book Club. Witherspoon launched the company in 2016 as a joint venture with AT&T.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, ripped the Colorado GOPs letter about treatment of Jan. 6 defendants, as he broke down the false claims that the states party outlined.

In a response circulated publicly Tuesday, Buck wrote to El Paso County Republican Party Vice Chairman Todd Watkins about the claims he made in the state partys letter, which garnered more than 200 signatures.

The letter makes a number of factually incorrect claims, and then proceeds to overstate the threat to our Republic based on these false claims, Buck wrote in his response, dated Sept. 1. There has been significant misinformation proliferated on the Internet about the status of the January 6th defendants, and I assume these Internet rumors are the source for much of the incorrect information contained in the letter.

He debunked several arguments championed by some far-right members of the House Republican Conference and by many loyal supporters of former President Trump.

Buck, who is fiercely conservative, has at times displayed an independent streak and has voted against the majority of his conference on some issues. He recently called on Trump to tell his supporters to stand down and avoid violence in response to the four indictments Trump faces. Hes also criticized Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for toying with the idea of impeaching President Biden.

Buck rejected the claim that anyone was jailed pending charges, as he outlined the number of detainees held at any one moment, noting there were 56 in the spring of 2021, 40 in the fall of 2021 and 20 in the spring and summer of 2023. He also noted that 85 percent of those held in custody at the time he wrote his letter were charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, which he said was a felony. He said claims that defendants were held without bond for misdemeanors are also pure fiction.

The congressman acknowledged many of the concerns about treatment in Washington, D.C., jails, noting that it has been a concern of civil rights activists for decades, who argue it maintains substandard treatment of inmates. But he added that your letter misleads the reader by portraying worse conditions at the jail for January 6 defendants than for other inmates. That is simply not true.

Among the claims Buck refuted was that Jan. 6 defendants were being treated differently because of their political beliefs. Drawing on his experience as a prosecutor for 25 years, he noted that trial courts tend to carefully consider the merits of motions alleging violations of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments, since they try to avoid the case being overturned on appeal.

It is irresponsible to allege without evidence, as your letter does, that Americans are being systematically denied their most basic Constitutional rights based on their political beliefs, he said.

Pushing back on arguments alleging failure to provide due process, Buck wrote, While many January 6 defendants have decried the process they face as unfair, it is the process every federally indicted criminal defendant in this country goes through. That is not to say that reforms to our criminal justice system are unnecessary, but for you to argue this specific set of defendants have been singled out and denied due process is misleading.

Buck concluded the letter urging grassroots activists to focus on failed policies of the Biden administration and on restoring commonsense conservative policies, writing, It is sad that Republican leaders are misdirecting the energy and resources of Republican activists at a time when this country is facing crises after crises as a result of the failed policies of the Biden administration.

In response to Buck, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and attacked his positions and sought to undermine his credibility. She noted that he had not visited the Jan. 6 defendants in jail and that, more recently, he has expressed doubts about impeaching Biden. She also raised the fact that he voted to certify the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.

Ken Bucks letter to Mr. Watkins of the El Paso County GOP appeared to show full support of Bidens Weaponized Government and a total disconnect from the cruel reality of J6 defendants and the American people, Greene wrote.

Draining the swamp means impeaching criminal politicians, stopping a communist weaponized government, and objecting to stolen elections. Not apologizing for communists abusing their power to persecute their political enemies, she added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A Russian missile crashed into a market in the heart of a Ukrainian city on Wednesday, killing at least 17 people in one of the deadliest attacks in months, officials said.

The attack on the industrial eastern city of Kostiantynivka came hours after Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in the capital, Kyiv, in a show of U.S. support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the utter inhumanity of the attack, which he said had hit a regular market, shops and a pharmacy. The number of casualties could rise further, he said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Soldiers and rescue workers carry a body a victim after the Russian rocket attack on a city market in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine (Ukrainian Police Press Office via AP )

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that a child was among the dead, and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko initially said 16 people were killed and 28 people were injured in the strike. He added that a rescuer was among the victims.

In a later Telegram post, Klymenko revised those figures and said that 17 people were killed and 32 were injured.

Video captures explosion

The fiery blast came from nowhere and within seconds debris and dust were flying into the air, in footage shared by Zelenskyy on Wednesday and geolocated by NBC News.

Shoppers were milling around before the explosion. For a brief second people freeze, then some of them start to run.

The footage then cuts to burning cars and buildings, a bloody floor in a store, and debris and rubble strewn across the street.

Russia has repeatedly denied that it is targeting civilians in what it calls its special military operation in Ukraine. NBC News has approached Russia's defense ministry for comment about the attack on Kostiantynivka.

Atermath of a Russian military strike in Kostiantynivka (Interior Ministry of Ukraine via Reuters)

The attack overshadowed a visit by Blinken, a gesture of support from Washington as Kyiv's three-month-old counteroffensive searches for a decisive breakthrough.

Blinken, the first top U.S. official to visit Kyiv since the counteroffensive began in early June, met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken told a news conference ahead of the meeting.

Kuleba said in an earlier Telegram post, alongside a picture of him and Blinken, that they had paid their respects to "fallen heroes" at Kyiv's Berkovetske cemetery.

Blinken's visit came as Ukrainian forces are fighting to turn what appears to be a minor breakthrough in the south into a substantial breach of Russian defensive lines before winter sets in.

Kostiantynivka is close to the front lines in the east, where Ukrainian forces have also been battling to push Russian forces back in the Donetsk region around Bakhmut.
The mysterious golden object was recovered from a depth of 3.2km in the Pacific off the coast of Alaska - NOAA Ocean Exploration/SWNS

A strange golden object found on the seafloor off the coast of Alaska is puzzling marine scientists who suspect it may be the egg of an unknown species.

The shiny object, which appears to have a hole in one side where a creature may have hatched, was discovered by a team of deep sea explorers from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) last week.

Something tried to get in... or to get out, one researcher was heard to say during the live feed of the remotely operated dive, which took place two miles beneath the surface at the site of an extinct volcano.

I just hope when we poke it, something doesnt decide to come out, a second marine scientist said. Its like the beginning of a horror movie. When our collective knowledge cant identify it, its something weird. What kind of an animal would make an egg casing like that?

Scientists used a robotic arm to recover the mystery object - NOAA Ocean Exploration/SWNS

The team deployed a robotic arm to jiggle the egg free from its rock before sucking it up so it could be examined at the surface.

Although experts were expecting its texture to be gelatinous  like a shark egg  it was similar to skin tissue or silk, and DNA tests are now being carried out to find its identity.

NOAA said that an egg casing was the most likely explanation.

Several deep sea fish, such as sharks and rays are known to deposit egg cases in similar habitats but experts are stumped about its origin. Other suggestions have included a new type of coral, a Pacific barnacle or a sponge.

Tests are ongoing to discover what the object actually is - NOAA Ocean Exploration/SWNS

The mystery object was found on day eight of NOAAs Seascape Alaska 5 expedition, which has been running since August 23, exploring the seabed around 250 miles south of the Alaskan coast.

Around one third of life in the ocean is thought to be undiscovered and the team has been taking samples of creatures living in deep-sea coral, sponge habitats, and mud volcanoes.

Kerry Howell, a professor of deep-sea ecology at the University of Plymouth, told the Mail Online that the object is weird.

In my 20 years exploring the deep sea I have not seen anything like that, she said. Its always exciting to see new things and I will wait eagerly for the analysis on the sample to understand what it actually is.

There are many many undiscovered species in the deep sea so this could be related to a new species quite easily.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
At its height, Bob Guccione's Penthouse magazine made him one of the world's wealthiest people. (A&E)

The new A&E docuseries Secrets of Penthouse wrapped up on Tuesday, revealing a bevy of information about the rise and fall of the magazine's founder, Bob Guccione, along the way.

The four-part project broke down things like how Guccione treated his family and others, how he liked to spend his money and why he was such a villain in the eyes of so many. So here is a breakdown of all the biggest secrets from Secrets of Penthouse.

His money

He starts one of the dirtiest magazines in America, said Rolling Stone journalist John Colapinto, and becomes one of the richest men in the world.

And he wasnt afraid to spend that money. Guccione lived in what was considered to be New York Citys largest and most luxurious mansion, featuring, according to The Arlene Herson Show, 28,000 square feet, 42 rooms, nine levels, imported marble and $100 million worth of art including original paintings by Picasso, Chagall and Matisse.

His bathtub was lined with gold, and it cost a quarter million dollars, with 22 karat gold fixtures, including faucets and toilet paper holders.

And beyond how well he lived in this life, Guccione had big plans for the next one too, according to his daughter Nina.

Dad and Kathy [Keeton, Penthouse president and, later, Guccione's wife] were obsessed with getting old. He used to talk about him and Kathy being shot off into space, being frozen. Cryogenics was not panning out and they said, OK well, if we cant do our whole body, well well just sever our heads and thatll do it. They can clone us when we get back, she said, adding, I have no idea how much he ended up spending on it.

Steve Belanger, who worked in the Penthouse Finance Department for a while, broke down some of the more odd things Guccione was spending money on during his height. Bob and Kathy had two big Rhodesian ridgebacks, and it turns out that we were paying for the monthly storage of their sperm," he revealed.

Belanger would later say that when Guccione was intensely confronted about just how dire the financial situation was getting, the publisher turned the conversation to the obvious existence of UFOs and how the company should exploit them.

His children

Guccione had five kids in his lifetime and two of them were interviewed for the documentary, along with other nieces and nephews.

His youngest son, Nick, had a very up-and-down experience with his father and the lifestyle that went along with him. He moved into his fathers mansion at the age of 13 and things were crazy from the get-go.

We werent allowed to fraternize with the Pets. And [Bob] told the Pets, Dont fraternize with the kids,' Nick said. But when I was 15, I had the opportunity to have my first girlfriend, and she just happened to be a Pet. She was 23, I was 15. Most guys could only wish they could have sex with any one of them. I was having sex with every one of them.

But as Nick would struggle with drugs and alcohol starting in his teen years and beyond, his relationship with his father was strained.

He says he was a family man," said Nick, "but he really wasnt. He was terrible about giving attention to his own kids, to get involved with their life. My dad never took me seriously, he looked at me like a loser, you know. But hey, maybe he had a right to.

Instead, Nick turned to someone else to play the dad role.

My father figure is Guy Bonano. He was the chauffeur, the guy who drove the limousine. I told Guy everything and he and I were very close, Nick said. And he told my dad, Hey Mr. Guccione, I spoke to your son. He wants to blow his brains out on the Picasso. You know what my dad said? Why the Picasso?

Later in life Nick was working as videographer for Penthouse and went to his dad with a great deal for a Penthouse TV channel, but the idea was shut down. If it wasnt his baby, if he didnt bring that deal to the table, it was automatically out, Nick said.

His sister Nina said that when Nick tried to push back on that deal, things got even worse for father and son.

If you pushed it, he felt betrayed. And if he felt betrayed, you were dead to him, she said. Poor Nick. What a family, my God.

When it came to daughter Nina, her life was always a little bit different too because of who her dad was.

I was 8 years old, and I went to a Catholic school, so it was all nuns. I wrote, My father takes pictures of naked women. I got slapped on the spot. I was slapped. And then they called my mother in and she said, Yes, it was true.

Guccione seemed to revel in being a lightning rod for controversy. (A&E)

Later, Guccione insisted that a teenaged Nina go to the premiere of Caligula, his $17-million feature film that starred Malcolm McDowell, Peter O'Toole and John Gielgud and that Guccione boasted would revolutionize moviemaking through its mix of sensuality and historical accuracy but which was ultimately panned as pure raunchy porn. "Im sitting next to my father, watching this on the big screen," she said. "It was horrifying. Absolutely horrifying. I had never seen a sex film. I was speechless. And I was very upset about it, because no good parent should expose their child or allow them to be exposed to that. But being a narcissist, he had no empathy. He couldnt associate what it would it be like for a teenage girl.

Much like her brothers, Nina worked for her dads company but always felt it was a different experience for her, finding the whole thing demeaning.

Dad loved women, so he was not  in his mind  objectifying them, he was glorifying them, she said.

At one point later in life when Guccione and his company were struggling financially, Nina was trying to help fix things but her father thought she was trying to steal from him and betray him, and he went berserk.

I left the company, I left the house, I left him. I think my passing words to him were just, Youre gonna lose everything. Youre gonna go bankrupt within six months. And I think I was pretty much on target.

When Guccione was near death  he died of lung cancer in October 2010  he wanted to reconcile with Nina who obliged, calling him a completely different person.

I walked in the house and I saw him and he hugged me. He was 72 years old and he hugged me, the first time he ever hugged me, she said. He had become this loving, empathetic, sympathetic individual. It was like having the father I never had for the last year of his life.

His Pets

The Penthouse Pets (models from the magazine) who spoke in the docuseries had varying experiences with Guccione and the magazine, with one of them having moved into his mansion out of convenience and necessity. And from there, Guccione would put them to the test, according to 1979 Pet of the Year Cheryl Rixon. Not long after she moved into the mansion, Guccione asked her to go to an 82-year-old mans birthday party.

At the end of the evening, I was told that I would be staying with the 82-year-old man because I was his gift. I was horrified. I politely declined and I called Bob the next morning and he asked me, How did the dinner go? And I told him, and he laughed. It wasnt a shock at all. This was an arrangement and it was common.

Then there was Penthouse Pet Anneka DiLorenzo who filed a $10 million sexual harassment lawsuit against Guccione, alleging that he coerced her to have sex with his business associates. She was ultimately awarded $4 million, and according to Gucciones daughter Nina, He was irate. He hated losing. They believed her and they should have, because it was the truth.

Jenna Jameson had nothing but great things to say about Guccione, crediting the magazine for being a launching pad for her to become the biggest adult film star in the world in the late '90s. She was around during a time when the magazine was going through what she called a big urination period, featuring its models urinating for the camera.

I remember doing it and just being like, I cant believe Im doing this. It was shocking and beautiful and groundbreaking, she said.

Former Pet Janine Lindemulder, who became mainstream famous after appearing on a Blink-182 album cover and in their video for Whats My Age Again?, also credits Penthouse for her path to stardom and said there was never any inappropriate behavior towards her.

When Guccione started to get attacked by evangelicals, he aimed at doing more controversial pictorials. A photographer had nude pictures of Vanessa Williams, the first black Miss America, with another woman. Guccione jumped at publishing them.

The Vanessa Williams issue was probably the most successful single-issue magazine in American history, said Penthouse editor Peter Bloch. Bob Guccione opened up another brave new world when he realized that people want to see naked celebrities. Paris Hiltons career: based on a sex tape. The Kardashians: based on a sex tape. Bob invented that whole thing with Vanessa Williams.

His (one-time) friend Donald Trump

In addition to Gucciones live-in Pets, the mansion hosted celebrity guests and all manner of famous people, including astronauts and New Yorker Donald Trump who used to come to the house often and he would check out the Penthouse Pets, according to Nick. He was like a kid in the candy store.

Later, Guccione lost $145 million on a casino project in Atlantic City because he couldnt get a license, and eventually had to sell to Trump  who had previously warned him that Atlantic City was going to be tough for him. And Guccione was outraged, especially because they were friends. His daughter Nina said Guccione made his partner Kathy call and cancel an upcoming trip with Trump and his then-wife Ivana.

Despite his stratospheric financial success, eventually, just like the life of the print magazines that fueled that rise, Guccione's reign came to an end, and he lived out his last days essentially broke at his ex-wife's small New Jersey home.

Secrets of Penthouse can be streamed on A&E.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911, or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Six voters in Colorado filed a lawsuit Wednesday seeking to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's election ballots because of his role in the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

Their suit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court in Denver, contends that Trump should be disqualified from running in future elections under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which states that no person shall hold any office if they "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" after having taken an oath to support the Constitution.

The group called on the court to remove Trump from the 2024 ballot and declare that it would be "improper" and "a breach or neglect of duty" for Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, to allow his name to appear on any future primary or general election ballots.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and several law firms filed the lawsuit on behalf of the six voters  four Republicans and two unaffiliated.

The petitioners include former Rep. Claudine Schneider, a registered Republican who represented a congressional district in Rhode Island from 1981 to 1991, and endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008, Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020; Norma Anderson, who served as majority leader in the Colorado House and Senate; and Krista Kafer, a conservative columnist for the Denver Post, who said she would vote for Trump in 2020. Anderson left the Republican Party in 2021, but CREW confirmed to NBC News that she rejoined the GOP a year later.

Their 115-page lawsuit argues that Trump violated his oath of office by inciting the mob that attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6.

The group included findings on Trump's efforts to overturn the election results that were revealed by the House Jan. 6 committee, which dissolved in January after having concluded a lengthy investigation into the riot, as well as from special counsel Jack Smith's investigation that led to one of the four criminal indictments against the former president.

"President Trump was the mobs leader, and the mob was his weapon. The mob traveled from throughout the country to Washington because the President summoned them there," the lawsuit argued. "He instructed the mob to march on the Capitol and they complied. Many in the mob left the Capitol grounds only when, after hours of violence against police officers and interference with Congresss constitutionally-mandated duties, Trump belatedly told them to leave."

Reached for comment, Griswold didn't weigh in on whether Trump violated the Constitution or should be disqualified from the ballot. "I look forward to the Colorado Courts substantive resolution of the issues, and am hopeful that this case will provide guidance to election officials on Trumps eligibility as a candidate for office," she said in a statement.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung slammed the voters behind the lawsuit, saying in a statement that they're "people who are pursuing this absurd conspiracy theory and political attack on President Trump."

They "are stretching the law beyond recognition much like the political prosecutors in New York, Georgia, and DC," Cheung added. "There is no legal basis for this effort except in the minds of those who are pushing it."

CREW noted that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has "not been tested often in the last 150 years, due to lack of insurrections."

However, CREW also said that last year it represented New Mexico residents who sued to remove Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin from his elected position as Otero County commissioner, which was "the only successful case to be brought under Section 3 since 1869."
NEW YORK (AP)  For small businesses that rely on summer tourism to keep afloat, extreme weather is replacing the pandemic as the determining factor in how well a summer will go.

The pandemic had its ups and downs for tourism, with a total shutdown followed by a rush of vacations due to pent-up demand. This year, small businesses say vacation cadences are returning to normal. But now, they have extreme weather to deal with  many say it's hurting business, but more temperate spots are seeing a surge.

Tourism-related businesses have always been at the mercy of the weather. But with heat waves, fires and storms becoming more frequent and intense, small businesses increasingly see extreme weather as their next long-term challenge.

For Jared Meyers, owner of Legacy Vacation Resorts, with eight locations, including four in Florida, Hurricane Idalia's landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 storm led to a loss in revenue as he temporarily closed one resort and and closed another to new guests. It also means a lengthy cleanup period to fix gutter and other damage and beach cleanup, including replanting of sea grass, sea grapes and other plants to protect against the next storm.

Even when the hurricane doesnt hit directly, it wreaks havoc economically, emotionally  to those that have suffered previous losses  and to our way of life, he said.

A lifelong Florida resident, he's used to hurricanes, but fears their intensity is getting worse. In fact, the number of storms that intensify dramatically within 240 miles (385 kilometers) of a coastline across the globe grew to 15 a year in 2020 compared to five a year in 1980, according to a study published in Nature Communications.

It does feel like and probably will continue to feel like were just hopping from one emergency to another based on climate change, Meyers said.

For Steve Silberberg in Saco, Maine, who runs Fitpacking, a company that guides people on wilderness backpacking trips in national and state parks and forests, extreme weather is becoming a serious obstacle. National Park Service Research has shown that national parks are experiencing extreme weather conditions at a higher rate than the rest of the country because of where they're located.

Historic snowfall in March at Yosemite -- followed by a wildfire -- affected one hike Silberberg had planned. Another hike was canceled due to unusually large snowfall rendering the Narrows  part of Zion Canyon in Zion National Park in Utah  impassable due to a high volume of meltwater. He had to cancel a trip to the Los Padres National Forest in California due to wildfires and subsequent flooding, which destroyed trails and made them impassable.

We are quickly approaching a crossroads as to how to keep the business viable, he said. It seems that almost half of our trips are affected in some way by increasingly extreme weather events."

Silberberg is trying to find ways to make climate change work for him, however. He is thinking about starting a company that helps people visit places that may disappear due to climate change, such as Glacier National Park in Montana or the Everglades in Florida, which is threatened by rising sea levels.

In Southern California this summer, businesses faced sweltering heat, followed by Tropical Storm Hilary.

Definitely extreme weather is here to stay, said Shachi Mehra executive chef and partner at Adya, Indian restaurant in Anaheim, California. The restaurant is located in the Anaheim Packing House, a food hall in a historic 1919 citrus-packing house near Disneyland.

The restaurant closed for a day proactively during Tropical Storm Hilary, losing a day of sales. Heat has been more of an issue, as business slowed in late July this summer during a surge in temperatures. Mehra said she suspects the heat is behind the slowdown since typically things start to slow in late August or September.

Media focus on extreme weather can hurt business, too. Dan Dawson, owner of Horizon Divers in Key Largo, Florida, saw business boom during the pandemic. Now it's back to pre-pandemic levels. But when storms like Idalia close in, tourists flee  even though Dawson's spot in Key Largo was 300 miles (480 kilometers) from where Idalia hit.

Once a storm is coming close we stop diving and once it goes by it can take up to two weeks for tourists to come back, and that is if we don't have any damage, he said.

Still, in some places that offer a respite from the heat and storms, businesses are getting an unexpected bump.

At Little America Flagstaff, a hotel set in 500 acres (202 hectares) of private forest celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, temperatures in the 90s felt pleasant compared to the record-breaking heat in Phoenix, a two-hour drive to the south, which had temperatures of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit-plus (43.4 degrees Celsius) for 31 straight days.

When you see temperatures rising to the amount they were in Phoenix you immediately saw, not just with our hotel but all the hotels in the area, our occupancies all went up, said Fred Reese, the hotels general manager.

Similarly, at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, a historic island in Lake Michigan that doesnt allow cars, temperatures have hovered in the temperate 70s while other places around the country have seen triple-digit heat. That leaves Michigan tourists often rubbing elbows with visitors from other states.

It has been brutally hot in most of the country and it has been very, very nice up here in northern Michigan," said Liz Ware, sales and marketing executive and part of the family that owns Mission Point. And so we have seen a lot of people from the Texas, Florida, Georgia area coming up north to northern Michigan because it is so temperate up here.

___

This story has been updated to remove an erroneous reference to Hilary being the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.
(Photo : Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

The Amazon.com, Inc. BHM1 fulfillment center is seen before sunrise on March 29, 2021 in Bessemer, Alabama. - Votes are set to be counted on March 29, 2021 on whether to create the first Amazon union in the United States, at a warehouse in Alabama, after a historic, five months-long David vs Goliath campaign. "I'm proud of the workers at Amazon for standing up and saying enough," said Joshua Brewer, the local president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is rumored to be on the verge of filing a long-anticipated antitrust litigation against Amazon.com.

This legal action is the culmination of a four-year investigation into the company's business practices, including its influential online marketplace.

FTC Antitrust Suit Against Amazon

As the Biden administration intensifies its efforts to address antitrust concerns and promote competition, this impending lawsuit is expected to become the fourth lodged against Amazon this year, raising significant questions about the future of the online retail giant.

According to Bloomberg, the imminent FTC lawsuit will likely target Amazon's vast online marketplace, which has become the company's business strategy pillar. Over fifty percent of Amazon's online sales come from third-party sellers who utilize this marketplace to reach consumers worldwide.

However, the investigation has revealed concerns regarding Amazon's practices in this industry. According to insider sources, the lawsuit will likely address issues such as Amazon's commission structure, which requires third-party sellers to pay a fee for every sale made through the platform.

Numerous merchants have complained that Amazon unjustly ties access to its marketplace to the use of its logistics services, thereby imposing what they view as an unfair advantage. This anticipated legal action indicates the Biden administration's vigorous approach to antitrust matters, which places competition at the forefront of its economic agenda.

Read Also: Massachusetts Teen Dies After Doing Viral TikTok 'One Chip Challenge'

Amazon's Business Practices

The FTC chair appointed by President Biden, Lina Khan, has a history of investigating Amazon's business practices. As a law student, she authored a seminal paper that challenged conventional antitrust thinking regarding the digital age and online platforms, establishing her as a vocal advocate for reassessing antitrust laws in the context of companies like Amazon.

Amazon executives recently met with the three FTC commissioners in the middle of August to discuss the impending lawsuit. However, the discussions did not agree, indicating that the legal dispute will continue.

This lawsuit is not the first time the FTC has confronted Amazon in 2023. In May, the agency brought two cases against the company. In one instance, Amazon was accused of neglecting to delete children's data collected through its Alexa speakers. In contrast, in another, it was charged with illegally spying on users of its Ring doorbells and cameras.

Despite denying the allegations, Amazon consented to pay $30.8 million to settle these lawsuits, The Strait Times reported. In just one month, in June, the FTC sued Amazon once more, this time for consumer protection violations. The agency alleged that Amazon deceived consumers into signing up for Prime memberships, making it purposefully difficult to terminate these subscriptions. Amazon vehemently refuted these allegations, and the lawsuit continues.

As the FTC prepares to sue Amazon in a landmark antitrust case, industry stakeholders, legal experts, and competition advocates will closely monitor the outcome.

This legal action is part of a larger global movement that seeks to hold tech titans accountable for their market dominance and alleged anticompetitive practices. For Amazon, the lawsuit represents a significant legal challenge that could fundamentally alter its marketplace business model.

Regulators and legislators have scrutinized the company's extensive online ecosystem and reliance on third-party sellers. A potential unfavorable ruling could affect how Amazon administers its marketplace and substantially change the e-commerce industry.

In the broader context of the digital economy, this lawsuit may establish legal precedents that impact antitrust enforcement against other tech titans. Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Apple have been the subject of intensifying scrutiny regarding their market dominance and business practices.

A successful case against Amazon could signify a more aggressive approach by regulatory authorities to antitrust concerns throughout the technology industry, as per Fortune.

The imminent FTC litigation against Amazon highlights the growing significance of antitrust enforcement in the digital age and the necessity of fostering competition in the marketplace. As this legal battle unfolds, it will unquestionably shape the future of Amazon's marketplace and may have far-reaching effects on the broader tech industry.

Related Article: Here are the 5 Best Places To Retire in the United States

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The special counsel appointed to oversee the federal investigation into Hunter Biden intends to seek a grand jury indictment of the president's son before the end of September, the prosecutor's office said Wednesday in a court filing.

The filing was made in the felony criminal action against Biden over the possession of a gun while using narcotics, and it also refers to the separately filed misdemeanor tax case prosecutors brought early this year. The filing suggests new charges could be filed in both cases this month.

The Speedy Trial Act requires that the Government obtain the return of an indictment by a grand jury by Friday, September 29, 2023, at the earliest. The Government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before that date, prosecutors wrote in Wednesday's filing.

Both the gun and the tax cases had been expected to be resolved at a plea hearing this year before it fell apart over a judge's questions about the agreement. The deal would have resulted in the gun charges being dismissed in two years if Biden stayed out of trouble, coupled with a recommendation of probation for the tax charges.

Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Biden, said in a statement Wednesday that his legal team believes the signed agreement in the gun case "remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed against Mr. Biden, who has been abiding by the conditions of release under that agreement for the last several weeks, including regular visits by the probation office."

The government has disputed that the agreement Lowell referred to is in effect.

"We expect a fair resolution of the sprawling, 5-year investigation into Mr. Biden that was based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure, and well do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that," he added.

Asked for comment, the White House referred NBC News to Biden's personal representatives.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss, based in Delaware, as special counsel to oversee Biden's case. Weiss, a Trump nominee, was already in charge of the investigation but had requested that he be elevated to special counsel.

That appointment came Aug. 11, shortly before prosecutors from Weiss' office said negotiations over the tax and gun charges against Biden had collapsed. His office noted in court filings that without the plea agreement in place, there were venue issues and the case would most likely have to go to trial in California or Washington, D.C. Prosecutors also suggested that they might bring different charges in the new case.

Under the terms of the original agreement, Biden would have pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor tax charges over his failure to pay income taxes, and prosecutors had agreed to a related agreement that could have resulted in the gun charges being dismissed.

Biden wound up pleading not guilty on the tax charges.
A manhunt has been launched for a British soldier awaiting trial on terror charges after he escaped from a London prison on Wednesday while dressed as a chef, officials say.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing from Wandsworth prison, in the southwest of the British capital, shortly before 8 a.m. local time. He had been awaiting trial for terror offenses and alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

Khalife is a serving member of the British army. He is accused of planting fake bombs at a military base, according to the PA Media news agency.

The audacious and rare escape prompted a sprawling manhunt that delayed flights and led to heightened checks at British ports.

Khalife was dressed in a chefs uniform, so red and white trousers, white t-shirt and brown shoes, Met Counter Terrorism Commander Dominic Murphy told journalists outside Scotland Yard in London on Wednesday.

He reportedly escaped by clinging onto a delivery van, according to PA News agency. When asked about the reports, Murphy said it was a question the prison service had to answer.

Police are appealing the British public to help the search.

He is of slim build, has short brown hair and is around 6 feet and 2 inches tall, officers said.

Murphy said London is the focus of the investigation currently, but that we also have notifications out to very force in the country.

We are working really closely with border colleagues to try and understand any risk that might be posed by him leaving the country so at the moment you could describe this as a nationwide manhunt involving every force in the country that has information that might be of use to us, Murphy continued.

Asked whether he expects the man to flee the country, Murphy said: Its difficult to say at this moment in time. We are open minded to wherever he might go, and I think thats why the appeal to the public is so important because actually hes currently at large in the UK and whilst we are focusing on London he is connected to other parts of the UK, including the northwest of the country, so we need to work with everybody to try and find him.

The police announced the charges against Khalife in January. At the time, they alleged he elicited or attempted to elicit information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism in August 2021.

Another charge alleged he placed an item with the intention of inducing in another a belief that the said article was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

Airport delays

Murphy said Wednesday that he believes the threat posed by Khalife to the public to be low, but urged as a matter of normal course that citizens do not approach him.

British airports and ports are also experiencing disruption after counter-terrorism police alerted the countrys airports and ports to Khalifes escape.

Manchester Airport was facing delays of up to 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoon after introducing extra security checks, according to PA Media.

Meanwhile, Port of Dover Travel posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: Due to a police matter, there are currently enhanced checks on outbound traffic at the Port of Dover and other portals within the UK.

Please be advised this is currently resulting in some delays at the port.

UK prison escapes are a rare occurrence. Data from the British government shows that there was just one escape across England and Wales in 2021-22, none in the proceeding period, and only a handful in the years prior to that.

Wandsworth is a Category B prison, the second-highest security level of four. It is one of Britains largest prisons, holding more than 1,600 inmates.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The three US military service secretaries went on the offensive against Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville over his ongoing hold on senior military nominations in an interview with CNN on Tuesday, saying he is aiding communist and autocratic regimes, and being used by adversaries like China against the US.

Our potential adversaries are paying attention, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told CNNs Jake Tapper alongside Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth in an exclusive joint interview for The Lead. It is affecting how they view the United States and our military capabilities and support for the military. This needs to stop.

Kendall said that at an embassy event in Washington, DC, an Air Force general officer was taunted by a Chinese colonel about the way our democracy was working.

Del Toro echoed the same concerns, saying that as someone born in a communist country, I would have never imagined one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting a communist and other autocratic regimes around the world.

This is having a real negative impact and will continue to have an impact on our combat readiness, said Del Toro, who was born in Cuba. That is what the American people truly need to understand.

It is just unprecedented to be attacking apolitical general officers and flag officers in this way. It is taking our apolitical military  and eroding its foundations, Wormuth added.

The three spoke a day after they wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in which they said the months-long standoff is putting our national security at risk.

The unusual public intervention from the secretaries in a congressional political dispute reflects the frustration felt at the highest levels of the US military over Tubervilles holds, which have been in place for six months.

Senators have many legislative and oversight tools to show their opposition to a specific policy. They are free to introduce legislation, gather support for that legislation and pass it. But placing a blanket hold on all general and flag officer nominees, who as apolitical officials have traditionally been exempt from the hold process, is unfair to these military leaders and their families. And it is putting our national security at risk, the leaders write.

In an interview with CNN, Tuberville doubled down on his stance and expressed disappointment in Del Toros comments to Tapper about him.

It is concerning that you got people that are in secretary positions like that, that would say something like that in our country, instead of getting on the phone and calling me and saying Coach, what are you doing? It just makes no sense, he said.

More than 300 confirmations delayed

Tuberville, of Alabama, has delayed the confirmations of more than 300 top military nominees over his opposition to the Pentagons policy of reimbursing service members and their families who have to travel to receive abortion care. In the Senate, one senator can hold up nominations or legislation, and Tubervilles stance has left three military services to operate without a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time in history.

Its possible to confirm each of the nominees one by one, but Senate Democrats have argued that would take up valuable floor time  despite a five-week recess taken in August. The Senate is reconvening on Tuesday.

Without the replacements, the foundation of Americas enduring military advantage is being actively eroded by Tuberville, and the holds also have a domino effect upending the lives of our more junior officers, too, the leaders write.

We know officers who have incurred significant unforeseen expenses and are facing genuine financial stress because they have had to relocate their families or unexpectedly maintain two residences, they write. Military spouses who have worked to build careers of their own are unable to look for jobs because they dont know when or if they will move. Children havent known where they will go to school, which is particularly hard given how frequently military children change schools already.

Wormuth mentioned Tuesday an Army general officer who has been unable to move their aging mother into their home because the hold on their nomination has kept them from moving into a new house as theyd planned.

Because that move isnt happening, they are paying $10,000 a month right now month to keep the aging parent in an assisted living facility, Wormuth said. That is the kind of consequence thats happening, and these are service members who have literally put their lives on the line for Americans for the last 20 years.

The op-ed concludes, We believe that the vast majority of senators and of Americans across the political spectrum recognize the stakes of this moment and the dangers of politicizing our military leaders. It is time to lift this dangerous hold and confirm our senior military leaders.

Chuck Schumer could confirm all of the service chiefs in one daybut he refuses. Instead he just took five weeks off. Clearly he is not worried about this affecting readiness, Steven Stafford, a Tuberville spokesperson, told CNN.

In July, Tuberville posted on X, I didnt start this. The Biden admin injected politics in the military and imposed an unlawful abortion policy on American taxpayers. I am trying to get politics out of the military.

Tuberville says the Pentagon is violating law with the reproductive health policies that include, among other things, a travel allowance for troops and their families who must travel to receive an abortion because of the state laws where they are stationed. Pentagon officials have pointed to a Justice Department memo that says the policies are lawful.

The holds first began in March and Tuberville has held his ground despite mounting public pressure.

Active-duty military spouses hand-delivered a petition to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Tuberville in July signed by hundreds of military family members who were deeply concerned and personally impacted by Senator Tuberville blocking confirmation of senior military leaders.

By the end of this year, there will be more than 600 military officers up for nomination, including the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. C.Q. Brown, who has been nominated by President Joe Biden to take over for Army Gen. Mark Milley.

Among other positions, the chief of naval operations, Army chief of staff and Marine Corps commandant are serving in acting capacities. In some cases, the officer filling the role on a temporary basis is lower-ranking than the officer who was nominated to take the position; the Missile Defense Agency, for example, is being led by a one-star in an acting capacity despite the position typically being filled by a three-star general.

Wormuth said Tuesday that shes worried the hold will impact morale among lower-ranking officers.

I really worry that a lot of those officers who volunteer are going to walk away and basically say, I dont want to deal with this, she said, If this is what it takes to be a general officer, I dont want to do this.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Manu Raju and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Pentagon leaders have launched a new, more aggressive campaign this week to pressure Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville into finally releasing a nine-month hold on senior military nominations they say is harming national security.

The Defense Department dispatched the civilian leaders of three branches of the U.S. military to slam the senator for the blockade, first in a WashingtonPost op-ed on Monday and then during a CNN interview on Tuesday. On Wednesday, DOD took the rare step of puttingout a news story highlighting the holds impact on its official media webpage. Also this week, the Pentagon released a slate of new senior nominations, including for the Air Force vice chief of staff.

During the CNN interview, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro  a Cuban-born Navy veteran  went so far as to accuse Tuberville of aiding and abetting communists.

For someone who was born in a communist country, I would have never imagined that actually one of our own senators would actually be aiding and abetting communists and other autocratic regimes around the world, said Del Toro, speaking alongside Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth on CNN.

While DOD leaders have continued to talk publicly about the hold through the August recess, the Pentagon is amping up the pressure on lawmakers now that the Senate is back in session. This week has seen a concerted effort to highlight to the American public how harmful the holds are, according to a senior DOD official, who was granted anonymity to discuss the strategy behind the media push.



These holds are not tenable, and the longer it goes the more damaging it is to our readiness and to national security, and of course to our families who are in this limbo state, said the official. The average American does not necessarily feel why this is impactful, but it does have an impact.

Also on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder provided reporters with a breakdown of the promotions on hold by service, noting that 22 are tied to positions in the Pacific, a nod to Washington's interest in deterring China.

The media strategy does not mark the first time Pentagon officials have spoken on the matter, but the volume of speeches, interviews and op-eds this week make clear the effort is intensifying.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has not spoken with Tuberville directly since a July phone call, but the Pentagon chief has engaged with senators on both sides of the aisle about the holds through the August recess, according to the official. Austins and Tubervilles staff members are also in contact.

The senator, who objects to the Pentagons new policy of reimbursing service members who must travel to obtain abortions and other reproductive care, has shown no signs of letting up despite the new pressure campaign. He shot back at Del Toro, saying attacking him "wasn't very smart to do."

"First of all, he should have called me. I have not talked to him about this," Tuberville told reporters on Wednesday, adding it's "disappointing that somebody would do that, would just come out and say that and they know that's not true.  His administration has got the borders wide open."

On Wednesday, Marine Gen. Eric Smith, whose nomination to become the services top officer is among those blocked, added his voice to the chorus, telling an audience at the Defense News Conference in Washington that the situation is not sustainable. Smith, currently the Corps No. 2 officer, is also serving as the Marine commandant in an acting role until his confirmation goes through.

He said senior officers are often being forced to do two or three jobs due to the holds and unfilled positions, but what doesn't stop is the clock. The adversary doesn't take a pause.



Smith added that, since hes not the confirmed commandant, he is forced to delegate many of those duties to other officers, including answering some questions from the Pentagon leadership on building next years budget.

I am responsible and accountable for the entirety of the Marine Corps, to the taxpayers, to Congress, and more importantly to the parents of Marines, and I'm not there  I send someone to do that for me and then get a report back, he said, a process that chews up valuable time.

Pushing that work on already overworked lower-ranking Marines starts to have an effect on families, and to say that it doesn't is factually inaccurate, Smith said.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon also sent Congress 11 high-level nominations this week, including Space Force Maj. Gen. David Miller Jr. to be the commander of Space Operations Command, Lt. Gen. James Slife to be the next Air Force vice chief of staff, and the deputy commanders of the Pacific Fleet and Special Operations Command.

Congressional Democrats at the same time ramped up their criticism of Tuberville's hold and implored his fellow Republicans to step in, an approach that has so far come up empty.

"Basically, what Tuberville and others are saying is they don't believe in democracy," House Armed Services ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said at the Defense News Conference.

"If you don't like the travel policy  get someone elected who will change that policy," Smith said. "Don't stop the ability of the Department of Defense to do its job."

Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) charged that Tuberville is "flirting with disaster" through the vacancies on the Joint Chiefs resulting from the hold.

In a floor speech condemning Tuberville on Wednesday, Reed estimated that nearly 90 percent of the 852 general and flag officers stand to be impacted by the blockade. An estimated 650 nominees will require Senate confirmation this year. Reed added that a further 110 officers will need to do two jobs or take on a temporary assignment because of the blockade.

"He has achieved what Americas enemies could only dream of: instability in the ranks of our military leadership," Reed said.

Tuberville and other Republicans have countered that Democrats could hold individual votes on nominees. But Democrats say that would take too much floor time and the problem is up to Republicans to solve.
The United Kingdom says it will declare Russias Wagner mercenary group a banned terrorist organization, just weeks after its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash.

The order will be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday and if approved, will ban membership in Wagner or support for the mercenary group, which has been a critical piece of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The group has also operated in Syria and multiple countries in Africa.

They are terrorists, plain and simple  and this proscription order makes that clear in U.K. law. Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security, U.K. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in a statement.

Braverman described the group as a violent and destructive organization, noting that it has been used as a military tool of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The U.K. Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat, said that the group was responsible for committing atrocities across the world.

Proscribing Wagner sends a clear message that the UK will not tolerate Russias proxies and their barbaric actions in Ukraine, and condemns Wagners campaign of corruption and bloodshed on the African continent, which has been repeatedly linked to human rights violations, Tugendhat said.

The press release noted also that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky requested that the group be treated as a terrorist organization.

Other terrorist organizations declared by the U.K. government include the Islamic State group, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Northern Ireland paramilitaries.

Declaring Wagner as a terrorist organization is largely a symbolic move that allows British authorities to seize the groups assets, since it is not known to operate in the U.K. The move comes after Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee recommended the group be outlawed in July, saying that British authorities had underplayed and underestimated the group.

The U.S. has labeled the Wagner group as a transnational criminal organization.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Lawmakers are returning to Washington this week, giving investors something new to worry about: a possible government shutdown this fall.

Whether trillions of dollars in government spending will continue flowing into the economy in a timely manner depends on a new round of budget fighting that has already begun as members of Congress return from their August recess.

The first deadline on the horizon is the end of the fiscal year at midnight on Sept. 30. Many government services will cease then unless some sort of action  like a short-term delay  is taken.

"There is one clear place to begin: Keep the government open," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said as he reopened the Senate Tuesday afternoon.

While shutdowns have historically had minimal economic impact, some warn that this time could be different.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D. N.Y.) arrives to the US Capitol as Senate returned from the August recess on Sept. 5. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Moodys Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi laid out one particularly daunting scenario during a recent Yahoo Finance Live appearance. He cited the possibility of a long-term shutdown that "extends out through the entire quarter and into next year possibly."

"If that's the case, that could be a threat," he said. Any monthslong shutdown would be historically unprecedented, with the longest previous government shutdown lasting just 35 days.

Another view came in a report late last week from Goldman Sachs that predicted any shutdown will have a modest effect on the economy while also mentioning the possibility of an extended shutdown as an important scenario to watch.

Why it may not 'change the overall trajectory of the economy'

Stifel chief Washington policy strategist Brian Gardner is a bit more sanguine.

While he recently pegged the chances of a shutdown at around 60-65%, he also predicts that the economic impacts could be limited.

"It's really just a delay, it doesn't change the overall trajectory of the economy," he said of how shutdowns in recent history have played out.

Goldman Sachs analysts project that a government-wide shutdown would reduce economic growth by around 0.15 percentage points for each week it lasted  but then growth would rise by the same cumulative amount in the quarter following reopening.

An additional question is whether the brinkmanship itself will come with higher stakes among bond ratings following a second downgrade of US credit in history delivered last month by Fitch.

The ratings agency downgraded the government's top credit rating from AAA to AA+, citing "a steady deterioration in standards of governance over the last 20 years" as a key reason.

Even if a shutdown is avoided, the coming fight is likely to be just the latest example of Washingtons dysfunctional process of dealing with fiscal issues.

A sign is posted on a barricade in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington during the government shutdown in 2013. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Whats ahead on Capitol Hill

This week, Senators have returned to Washington with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell saying Tuesday he supports Schumers plan to have the Senate begin to pass its version of the necessary government spending bills by next week.

He also said the Senates top priority during the coming debate will be securing money for what he called "urgent national security and disaster relief priorities."

That focus on passing their bills as well as related money for Ukraine and communities in Florida, California, and Hawaii could run headlong into the priorities of House Republicans when they return next week.

The Senate  unlike the House  has already advanced the 12 appropriations bills needed for a long-term deal on a bipartisan basis while the House process is far behind that and has been notable instead for delays and partisan fighting.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been under intense pressure from his right flank  with increasing talk of his job being at threat if he doesn't comply  to attach a variety of unrelated issues to any short or long-term deal.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) takes a selfie with Kevin McCarthy after he received enough votes to become Speaker of the House on Jan. 7. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The most politically explosive push comes from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently said that she would oppose any government funding deal if it is not paired with an impeachment inquiry against President Biden.

Also potentially on the table are other measures around new border security provisions as well as an overhaul of the Justice Departments budget. Many members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are pushing them in exchange for their votes on even a short-term reprieve likely to be under debate later this month.

But whatever happens this month, waiting around the corner during the holiday season is an even more consequential deadline of Jan. 1, 2024.

This springs debt ceiling deal stipulated that if there are no long-term government spending bills in place by then, government spending will be cut by 1% across a wide array of programs. Those types of cuts could ripple across the economy with blunt cuts that would be felt from the Pentagon to the Department of Education.

At stake, Schumer says, is "keeping the government open and avoiding a pointless shutdown, a shutdown that will hurt just about every single American."

Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance


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.
(Photo : Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images)

TOPSHOT - Smoke rises from a Russian tank destroyed by the Ukrainian forces on the side of a road in Lugansk region on February 26, 2022. - Russia on February 26 ordered its troops to advance in Ukraine "from all directions" as the Ukrainian capital Kyiv imposed a blanket curfew and officials reported 198 civilian deaths.

In a significant development on the battlefield in Ukraine, the first verifiable imagery of a burning British Challenger 2 tank has surfaced, indicating the destruction of this armored vehicle in combat.

It is the first time in history that a British Challenger 2 tank has been verified to have been lost in war. This event sheds light on the dynamic evolution of the Ukrainian conflict and the role of foreign-supplied military assets, as per Sky News.

British Challenger 2 Tank Destroyed in Ukraine's Ongoing Conflict

The video obtained near Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast shows a Ukrainian vehicle passing by the charred remains of the tank. The tank in question is believed to be one of the erstwhile main battle tanks of the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, which have played a pivotal role in the ongoing counteroffensive in southern Ukraine.

The tank depicted in the video is a Challenger 2, and fortunate, the entire crew survived the incident. This revelation comes at a time when tensions are rising and combat operations are intensifying in the region.

The pro-war Russian channel Grey Zone also reported on this development, stating that the footage appears to be the first documented instance of a British Challenger 2 tank belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces being destroyed. However, the precise causes of the tank's devastation are unknown, leaving room for speculation and further investigation.

According to the Sun, the United Kingdom initially provided Ukraine with 14 Challenger 2 tanks before increasing the quantity to 28 in May. This assistance contributed significantly to Ukraine's efforts to counter Russian aggression.

This footage has prompted discussion regarding the efficacy of military equipment and the adaptability of tanks in contemporary warfare.

Read Also: Vladimir Putin Pressures The World By Declining To Cooperate About Grain Deal Unless West Meets Its Obligation

82nd Air Assault Brigade's Battlefield Debut

In light of recent events, the Russian Telegram channel Military Informant suggested that the British Ministry of Defense may need to revise the official website description of the Challenger. The 82nd Air Assault Brigade, widely regarded as one of the most formidable brigades in Ukraine, made its debut on the battlefield just last month.

Modifications were made to the tanks, including the addition of mesh enclosures to reduce damage from drone-dropped munitions, to increase their ability to defend against drone attacks.

The entrance of this brigade into the conflict was crucial to the liberation of Robotyne from Russian control at the end of August. Using Challenger 2 tanks was instrumental in breaking the stalemate in the Zaporizhzhia region, which had been the epicenter of intense combat since the beginning of the conflict.

Russian sources have confirmed the presence of Challenger 2 tanks in the southern portion of Ukraine, specifically in an effort to impede Russian forces in Zaporizhia.

The pro-war channel Rybar speculated that British tanks and artillery may have been used to breach enemy defenses.

Notably, there has been no independent confirmation of the Russian claim regarding the destroyed tank's location, timing, or model. In addition, the Ukrainian forces involved in the incident who were retreating did not provide any specific information about the tank.

Separate footage emerged depicting Challenger 2 tanks deployed by the Ukrainian military in the conflict zone, highlighting the significance of these armored vehicles in the ongoing war.

This development emphasizes modern warfare's ever-changing nature and foreign-supplied military assets' influence on regional conflicts. The loss of a British Challenger 2 tank is a stark reminder of the complexities and difficulties Ukrainian and foreign forces engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine confront.

Related Article: Russian FSB Official, Son Injured by Explosive Planted in Mobile Phone

/iframe></p>

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has published a new report on the risk of genocide by Azerbaijan in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

In a statement, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention said it has released an emergency draft of the report due to the dire circumstances of the blockade and Azerbaijan's military buildup along the borders of Artsakh and Armenia.

The @LemkinInstitute's new report on the risk of genocide by Azerbaijan in #Artsakh (#NagornoKarabakh) has been published. Please see the links & QR code below for the executive summary and the full report. We have released an emergency draft of the report due to the dire pic.twitter.com/vY8lEziF6V  Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention (@LemkinInstitute) September 6, 2023

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention hopes that this report will contribute to global resolve to protect the lives and the identity of the Armenians of Artsakh, prevent a Second Armenian Genocide, pressure Azerbaijan to accept self-determination for the people of Artsakh, and initiate a long-overdue process of transformative justice in the region that allows Armenians and Azeris to voice their historical grievances and find common ground around accountability, peace-building, and human security. The Report uses the United Nationss Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes to outline and analyze (in detail) the risk factors and indicators for atrocity crimes, with a special focus on the crime of genocide. We have chosen to focus on the crime of genocide because the evidence in this report points to the existence of several serious red flags for genocide, typical genocidal patterns, and evidence of the special intent to commit that crime, an excerpt from the executive summary of the report reads.

The institute said that the evidence presented in the report suggests that the crime of genocide may already be taking place in the form of the blockade.

In fact, the evidence presented here suggests that the crime of genocide may already be taking place in the form of the blockade, which is both Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group and [d]eliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part (paragraphs II.b. and II.c. of the 1948 Genocide Convention). Azerbaijans crimes conform to Patterns 5 (Gross human rights violations + mass cultural destruction), 6 (Man-made famine/Genocide by Attrition), 7 (Environmental despoliation /Ecocide and land alienation), and 9 (Denial and/or prevention of identity) of the Lemkin Institutes Ten Patterns of Genocide and seem to be headed towards patterns 1 (Gender-neutral mass murder characterized by gendered atrocity) and/or 2 (Mass murder of battle-aged men + atrocities against women and children).

The deep imbrication of eliminationist anti-Armenian hate within the Aliyev regime and Azerbaijani institutions of government leads us to conclude that Azerbaijan is a genocidal state. This fact must be addressed before there can be any peace in the region, it added.

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention warned that there is alarming evidence that President Aliyev may be planning a military assault on Artsakh in the very near future.

A military assault on Artsakh could lead to the mass murder stage of genocide. It would almost assuredly result in the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh and the widespread commission of genocidal atrocities, reflecting those committed in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020 and subsequent hostilities, it said.

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention recommends that members of the international community, including United Nations member states with influence over Azerbaijan, undertake the following actions to prevent the starvation and forced population displacement of Armenians in Artsakh as well as any possible future genocidal assaults on the Armenians of the Republic of Armenia:
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Pentagon has released details on the upcoming Eagle Partner 2023 joint Armenia-U.S. military exercise.

A U.S. military spokesperson told Reuters that 85 U.S. soldiers and 175 Armenians would take part. He said the Americans - including members of the Kansas National Guard which has a 20-year-old training partnership with Armenia - would be armed with rifles and would not be using heavy weaponry.

Armenia will host the Eagle Partner 2023 joint Armenian-U.S. military exercise from September 11-20, the Armenian Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday.

"In the framework of preparation for participation in international peacekeeping missions the Armenia-U.S. joint exercise "EAGLE PARTNER 2023" will be held from 11 to 20 September in Armenia, particularly in "Zar" Training Center of the Peacekeeping Brigade and the N Training Center of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The exercise involves stabilization tasks between conflicting parties during peacekeeping missions.

The purpose of the exercise is to increase the level of interoperability of the unit participating in international peacekeeping missions within the framework of peacekeeping operations, to exchange best practices in control and tactical communication, as well as to increase the readiness of the Armenian unit for the planned NATO/PfP "Operational Capabilities Concept" evaluation. Within the framework of preparation for peacekeeping missions, units preparing for international peacekeeping operations frequently participate in similar joint exercises and trainings in partner countries, the Defense Ministry added.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS/BTA.Assessments of tourist infrastructure are still underway and the number of affected hotels by the floods on the Southern Black Sea coast is yet to be established, Tourism Minister Zaritza Dinkova said on Wednesday after a meeting with hoteliers and tourists at the Nestinarka camping site. Later in the day she will meet hoteliers in Tsarevo and Lozenets.

"I want to thank the people who responded as well as the hoteliers who have created a very good organization," she added. More than 400 tourists were accommodated in the hotel which the Minister visited.

"A group of children was taken to safety from one of the hotels here yesterday, food and water was provided to them. There are some problems in getting the tourists out as it is currently dangerous to take them out by buses due to the need to inspect the roads. I am going to talk to tour operators to find a solution to get these people out," Dinkova stated.

"For the moment, solutions are being found to accommodate the people in need, food and water have been provided. We are powerless against natural disasters, but it must be established what exactly happened. If there are people responsible for this tragedy, they must face punishments. We are likely to encounter more and more such conditions, so we must be prepared and take preventive measures. I think that today, on Unification Day, it is important to show that if we are together, even in a crisis and in a complex situation, a solution can be found," the Tourism Minister stressed.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)
YEREVAN, 6 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 6 September, USD exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 385.83 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 414.38 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 3.94 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.21 drams to 484.14 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 136.45 drams to 23892.73 drams. Silver price down by 6.06 drams to 292.07 drams.
In my book Dvoraks Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music, I call an antipathy to jazz one of the defining attributes of American classical music during the interwar decades. Ive also written a lot about the jazz threat. In the US, jazz bore a Black taint; it was linked to brothels and nightclubs; it was declasse. Henry Fords notorious Dearborn Independent denounced jazz as a morally filthy alliance of crude African-Americans and clever Jewish merchandizers. European-born composers more greatly esteemed jazz than their American colleagues.

All of this is the topic of my most recent More than Music NPR documentary [click to open]. I explore the jazz affinities of Maurice Ravel, Igor Stravinsky, and Paul Hindemith. Moving on to today, I cite the Swiss-born composer Daniel Schnyder, who achieves a bristling jazz/classical fusion without shortcuts. And I sample the jazz-infused performances of Schnyder on saxophone, pipa virtuoso Min Xiao-fen, and bass trombonist David Taylor.

Eventually, I ask Michael Dease if the jazz threat persists. An award-winning trombonist, Dease is white-passing though his mother is Black  so he finds himself eavesdropping on conversations bearing on music and race. His short answer is: yes  jazz remains more prestigious abroad. To hear his long answer, go to 39:00.

Wrapping up, I observe that a lot of whats being composed today sounds makeshift to my ears  a panoply of mixed musical genres and styles unsupported by a panoply of knowledge. Especially in the US, the jazz threat weve been talking about compartmentalized music  classical versus popular, high versus low. Todays music, by comparison, eagerly squeezes the big [musical] sponge Daniel Schnyder extols. The challenge is to squeeze the sponge in a really informed and considered way. The composers weve sampled all furnish lessons in doing precisely that. 

A nations music anchors its identity. That Americas music is formidably Black creates tensions that continue to stress the national fabric.

(Most of the performances here were recorded at last summers Brevard Music Festival, supported by a Music Unwound grant from the NEH. The next Brevard NEH Music Unwound festival, next July, will be the first of four celebrating the sesquicentenary of Charles Ives.

A LISTENING GUIDE:

PART ONE:

00:00  Hindemiths Symphonic Metamorphosis, with its jazz fugue

6:10  Berlins Comedian Harmonists sing Cole Porter

8:45  Woody Hermans Bijou, an influence on . . .

10:30  Stravinskys Ebony Concerto

PART TWO

12:00  A sublime Blues by Ravel

15:40  Josephine Baker in Paris

16:50  Paris as a refuge for Black American musicians

18:45  Aaron Copland and Roy Harris on the limitations of jazz

21:00  Ravel and Gershwin

25:00  Ravels jazzy piano concerto in G

PART THREE

30:15  A fabulous Duo for saxophone and bass trombone by Daniel Schnyder

34:00  David Taylor plays Schubert on his bass trombone

37:00  Min Xiao-fen plays Thelonious Monk on her pipa

39:00  Michael Dease on why jazz remains more prestigious abroad

47:00  Schnyders bass trombone concerto  an exemplary musical sponge
(Photo : Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 8: Writer/director Woody Allen arrives at the premiere of DreamWorks' "Match Point" at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on December 8, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

The renowned filmmaker Woody Allen recently gave an interview at the Venice Film Festival in which he spoke about a variety of subjects, including the long-running accusations made against him by Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter, as well as his opinion on the idea of being canceled in contemporary American society.

Allen offered his thoughts on the documentary "Allen v. Farrow," which received praise for its in-depth analysis of the abuse claims made against him by Dylan Farrow.

Woody Allen's Venice Film Festival Interview

Allen reaffirmed his position by stating, "My reaction has always been the same."

He emphasized that two significant bodies had looked into the allegations and came to the conclusion that there was no basis for them. Both of these bodies concluded that there was no merit to the complaints. He pointed out that these findings are consistent with what he had written about in his book "Apropos of Nothing."

In spite of this, Allen admitted that the charges are still being brought up, leading him to ponder whether or not there is some allure in the fact that they are being brought up again and again.

Allen admitted, about his relationship with Dylan and her brother, the journalist Ronan Farrow, that he has not seen either of them, as per NY Times. However, he is still open to the possibility of doing so. During the conversation, the topic of "cancel culture" was also discussed, and in response to this, Woody Allen stated, "I feel that if you're going to be canceled, this is the culture to be canceled by."

He conveyed his disinterest in the concept and highlighted that, from his perspective, his filmmaking routine has not changed much. Allen maintains a busy schedule writing scripts, securing finance, producing films, editing them, and distributing them.

Allen highlighted that the difference he has witnessed is not because of any influence from contemporary culture but rather because of the presentation of his films. Regarding the #MeToo movement, Allen has stated that he supports it, mainly when it results in positive change for women.

On the other hand, he referred to specific situations as "silly" when they went beyond the confines of what could be considered fair and common sense.

Allen suggested that not every circumstance should be categorized as a feminist issue or unfair to women. He felt that this was an important point to make. He implied that there are occasions when the movement might go too far and magnify problems that most people would not consider offensive.

Allen remarked that he has "never" heard complaints about his behavior on set from actresses or staff members over his extended career. Allen was reflecting on his lengthy career when he made this statement. He made a point to emphasize his dedication to ensuring that women receive equal pay and the excellent working relationships he has with female partners.

Read Also: JRE on GTA 6? Insider Source Claims Rockstar Games Will Feature Joe Rogan Non-Satirically in Future Grand Theft Auto Installment

Woody Allen's Unblemished Collaborations: 50 Films and Counting

Allen's career in the industry, which spans 50 films, has been defined by collaboration with many actresses, ranging from unknown talents to established stars. Per Fox News, Allen claims that not one of these ladies has ever complained about his behavior.

Woody Allen has just finished working on his 50th picture, which is titled "Coup de Chance," and he is considering retiring as a filmmaker due to the difficulties in getting funding and the shifting distribution strategy in the film industry.

He voiced his displeasure with the idea that his work would be adapted so rapidly for television or streaming platforms so soon after its debut in the theater. Meanwhile, Woody Allen's attendance at the Venice International Film Festival drew both praise and criticism from festivalgoers.

Despite the persistent scrutiny and public controversies that surround Allen's private life, his most recent picture, 'Coup de Chance,' was well welcomed at the festival. Viewers gave Allen and his film a three-minute standing ovation after the film's screening, USA Today reported.

Related Article: Venice Boat Company Bans Kanye West and Wife After Scandal

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
If the incumbent President wants to call herself the President of Bharat, so be it.

When you take out a rupee note to buy something, you will find two prominent names  the Reserve Bank of India, written in Latin script, and the Bharatiya Reserve Bank in Devanagari script  which together provide legality, credibility and value to a piece of paper and make it a currency.

Yet not once in the last 75 years has anyone had any shred of doubt over the Indianness of these two names, because for the people of our country, it has been a truism that India and Bharat are one and the same.

That all that changed with just one invitation card must be a comment on our anxiety-riddled collective state of mind. In a formal invitation card that President Droupadi Murmu extended to visiting dignitaries of G-20 nations, the inviter was referred to as the President of Bharat, triggering huge backlash from several quarters.

Our country has always been called Bharat in native languages, while it is called India in English and several foreign languages. It is perhaps a first that our country has been referred to as Bharat in an official communication and that sets off speculation over the present governments intent to resort to changes in nomenclature to reflect this.

Critics inveigh against both context and timing. Opposition parties believe that the Narendra Modi government has stopped using the name, India, because they branded themselves as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance of which I.N.D.I.A. is the acronym and that Prime Minister Modi does not want to give recall value to them by using the word in any manner.

Even if Opposition parties were correct in their assessment, the government, or for that matter anyone else, should be able to call the country by any one of the acceptable names. For, both Bharat and India are the same and can be used interchangeably.

If the incumbent President wants to call herself the President of Bharat, so be it. If the Prime Minister wants to be known as the Prime Minister of Bharat, he is absolutely entitled to it because it does not violate any of the provisions of the Constitution.

Nevertheless, if the government decides to disassociate the country from the name, India, it would be doing a great disservice to our motherland. Just like the people of this country have called our ancient land Bharat for thousands of years, foreigners have been calling this country India since antiquity.

The written reference to India or its Latin variation, Indos, goes back over 3,000 years. Our country is the only one in this world to have an ocean named after it. India is also the sole nation whose name is integral to many geographies, countries or identities such as the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-China region, West Indies, Red Indians, and so on.

If Bharat reminds us of our hoary past, culture, and civilisation, India is a brand that had Europeans set sail in its search. India is still a great civilisational brand, alive and breathing, whose rival is only China.

Many countries are known by two names  one in the native language and the other in a foreign language  such as Japan/Nippon, Germany/Deutschland, Ireland/ Eire, French Republic/Republique Francaise, Norway/Norge and so on.

The ruling and Opposition parties, therefore, should not create unnecessary controversy over the dual identity of our nation, which is both India, that is Bharat, as well as Bharat, that is India.
Its rare for an officer to directly accuse two very senior functionaries of the state

A senior AGMUT cadre officer Ashok Kumar Parmar has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) against J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and chief secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, accusing them of harassment and humiliation. Mr Parmar, who had earlier exposed irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeewan Mission in Jammu & Kashmir, believes that his frequent transfers and mistreatment are a direct result of his role in exposing the Jal Shakti departments mismanagement of the project.

In his complaint, Mr Parmar, who is currently the chairman of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, has reportedly highlighted an incident in which L-G Sinha allegedly barred him from attending a meeting in June, in the presence of other administrative secretaries. He also claimed in July, chief secretary Mehta humiliated him in a meeting of the committee of secretaries, which resulted in his removal from the meeting.

Its rare for an officer to directly accuse two very senior functionaries of the state, so there is heightened interest in the outcome of Mr Parmars complaint. Notably, how the issue ends will depend on various factors, including the credibility of the officers claims, the response of the authorities, the level of public attention it garners, and the prevailing legal and administrative mechanisms in place to deal with such issues.

However, as weve noted in earlier instances of whistleblowers in India, they dont always achieve their aim of ensuring transparency and accountability in the government. In fact, the consequences are often negative. This is why this case is being followed keenly in J&K.

Latest gamble in Manipur

In the recent turn of events in Manipur, it seems that the N. Biren Singh government is rolling the dice with a high stakes move. It has appointed a retired Army colonel, Nectar Sanjenbam as the new senior superintendent of police (SSP). While the situation in the state has been dire, its important to question the wisdom of this decision and its potential consequences in the long run.

Notably, the manner in which this appointment has been made raises eyebrows. The state government appears to have sidestepped due process, creating a new position without a clearly defined scope of duties. The argument put forth by the government is that Mr Sanjenbams experience in combating insurgency makes him the ideal candidate to quell the unrest in the state. While his credentials as a military officer are impressive, its crucial to remember that policing and military operations are distinct domains, each with its own set of rules and ethics.

The move also raises concerns about the militarisation of law enforcement in Manipur. It is being seen as a bold move to tackle the ongoing violence, but it comes with inherent risks. Opting for a military-style solution might exacerbate tensions rather than resolve them. So even as it brings hope to some, the manner in which it has been executed raises valid concerns.

Bureaucratic tumult or strategic moves?

While political pundits are futilely grasping for explanations, at DKB we are contemplating whether the late-night announcement of a massive secretary reshuffle might signify the governments preparations for an extensive administrative push, aimed at achieving a successful last-mile delivery.

This overhaul included fresh appointments, lateral shifts and in-situ elevations of more than two dozen senior IAS officers, leaving observers scratching their heads. This unusual development comes in the backdrop of the upcoming G-20 summit preparations and speculation surrounding the special session of Parliament and historic bills like One Nation, One Election, among others.

Among some notable changes, S. Krishnan is the new secretary of the ministry of electronics and information technology, V.L. Kantha Rao is the new secretary of the ministry of mines, Chanchal Kumar has been laterally shifted to the ministry of development of northeastern region, while Sriram Taranikanti has been appointed the new director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.

In addition to these changes, three senior IAS officers, including Rajendra Kumar, Rakesh Ranjan and Neelam Shammi Rao, have been elevated in-situ to the rank and pay of secretary as a personal measure, temporarily upgrading the posts they hold.

This reshuffle underscores the intricate dynamics of governance in New Delhi and leaves us pondering the implications for the nations future policy direction so close to the general elections.
Will there be a Delhi Declaration and will it have any deliverables that make the world a better place to live in?

Is the G-20 just another multilateral jamboree or does it play any constructive role whatsoever in addressing the major challenges the world confronts? Are the joint communiques or declarations any better than the motherhood and apple pie statements that are the staple of such congregations?

Will there be a Delhi Declaration and will it have any deliverables that make the world a better place to live in?

The sheen is off in any case as two key protagonists whose presence is essential to restore the balance of peace in the global order -- Russias President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping  decided to absent themselves from the New Delhi gathering. While the former is responsible for the unnecessary war in Ukraine, the latter is liable for the theatre-level incursions across the Line of Actual Control into India that has resulted in a land grab of 2,000 sq km of Indian territory at multiple points on the LAC.

To recap the trajectory of the Group of 20, it is imperative to take a walk down memory lane. It came into existence in the wake of the 1999 Asian financial crisis, which was due to the lack of synchronisation of economic policies among the worlds major economies. Thus, the idea of an annual meeting to bring together finance ministers and central bank governors of the worlds largest economies to discuss and coordinate responses to that financial crisis and other economic challenges was envisaged.

The G-20 got scaled up to the heads of government level after the global financial meltdown of 2008. A crisis triggered by the irresponsible and reckless behaviour of the American and Western financial services sector whose junk grade derivatives were sold to gullible investors with Triple A ratings. It triggered a domino effect that hit banks, insurance companies, pension funds and manufacturing industries around the world. It plunged millions into poverty and tens of thousands of others lost their life savings, homes and livelihoods.

The inaugural summit at the level of heads of government was held in Washington DC with the objective of addressing this global financial crisis. The member states recognised the urgency of the situation and agreed on measures to stabilise the financial system through counter-cyclical measures. However, what they failed to remedy was the incestuous relationship between the financial industry, regulators and economic policy czars around the world. Not a single person of any consequence responsible for triggering the crisis was criminally prosecuted, especially in the United States.

Similarly, the second G-20 summit in 2009, held in London, again focused on promoting economic recovery, with initiatives such as increased infrastructure investment and support for small businesses. The 2010 Seoul summit addressed global economic imbalances and financial regulation but failed to stave off the Eurozone crisis of 2011 that again had ripple effects across the world. The starkest failure of the G-20 was its inability to fashion a collective and cohesive response to a once-in-a-century pandemic triggered by a lab-engineered virus that escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.

This virus, later named Covid-19, brought humanity to a standstill. In the initial months, as the virus rampaged across the world, all the responses were subnational and at the local level. The G-20, whose members are also leading lights of the United Nations system, failed to hold the World Health Organisation (WHO) to account whose bizarre behaviour from January 2020 to March 2020, when it kept issuing all is well advisories that people did not need to panic, has gone unaccounted for even three years later. In fact, what people tend to forget is that in March 2020 China stymied all efforts to even hold a discussion on the pandemic in the United Nations Security Council as it held the rotating presidency of that body.

Even after the Dominican Republic assumed the UNSCs presidency in April 2020 and later, the Security Council did not show any urgency in discussing Chinas role in the spread of the virus. However, even such a calamitous event did not trigger off a serious and sustained effort in the G-20 to reform the UN system, including all its instrumentalities.

The cataclysmic events of September 11, 2001 (9/11), whose 22nd anniversary falls next week, commenced the process of swinging the equilibrium of the global order from Pax-Americana of the last decade of the twentieth century to an ostensible sense of multipolarity.

Two decades later that multipolarity remains a chimera, but what has changed in the past two or three years is that a new cold war is upon us. As I had pointed out in this column last month, old alignments are being revived and resuscitated across the world. The underpinning of this new cold war is embodied in the joint declaration between Russia and China of February 4, 2023 -- namely the joint statement of the Russian Federation and the Peoples Republic of China on International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development.

What the world is therefore witnessing today is the reshaping the international order established after the collapse of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war and its repercussions on the principles of jus ad bellum -- conditions under which states may resort to war or to the use of armed force in general; the rise in protectionist barriers to trade and the application of beggar-thy-neighbour policies which significantly diminish global cooperation, to a flag a few such markers. As a consequence, issues existential to the very survival of humanity on Planet Earth such as environmental issues of global warming and the consequent blight of droughts, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans may get reflected in the homilies such summits produce but do not get the requisite mindspace of leaders who can make a difference because of their preoccupation with the immediate, and not the necessary.

The recent Brics summit held in South Africa saw the Western bloc attempting to undercut the narrative of the Global South. On the other hand, Moscow and Beijing were attempting to push their own agenda and counter the US-led international order. This is likely to manifest itself vigorously in New Delhi too.

Thus, India will be at the centre-stage of a reinvigorated Cold War. The G-20 branding exercise may not thus really turn out to be advantageous to India diplomatically or strategically despite all the hype and hoopla generated by a subservient and pliant media.
by Melani Manel Perera

An investigation aired yesterday on Channel 4 implicates the former president for the Colombo massacres. In a documentary with unreleased material, a source revealed that a meeting was arranged between the current intelligence chief and Islamic extremists. The current executive says it will support an international investigation, but ministers contradict each other.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Some officials close to the family of the former Sri Lankan president have facilitated the organization of the 2019 Easter attacks - in which over 260 people died - to favor the Rajapaksa family's return to power.

The revelation, made by a high-level source, is contained in an investigative documentary of the "Dispatches" program aired yesterday on the British broadcaster Channel 4. In the video, the source admits that in 2018 he had organized a meeting between the current of military intelligence, Suresh Salley, who was then working for the national intelligence directorate, and some militiamen of the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), an extremist organization affiliated with the Islamic State.

The goal was to hatch a plot to destabilize the country and ensure that Gotabaya Rajapaksa, effectively elected president in November 2019 after promising to shed light on the attacks, came to power.

Six suicide attacks took place on Easter Sunday against churches and luxury hotels in the capital Colombo, killing 269 people and injuring around 500. Since then, law enforcement has had difficulty arresting those responsible for the tragedy and thoroughly investigate the massacre.

The broadcast of the documentary immediately generated a parliamentary debate, following which the ministers also contradicted each other. Labor minister Manusha Nanayakkara said yesterday that the current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe - appointed after street protests last year ousted Rajapaksa - will support an international investigation. At the same time, he added, the executive will set up a "special parliamentary commission" to look into the matter.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has also called for an international inquiry to be launched, while MPs from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, the party still led by the Rajapaksa family, argue that the British broadcast is trying to create internal divisions of the country, and that the population had already decided, before the attacks, to vote for the election of the former president.

Later, the government spokesman and Minister of Transport and Mass Media, Bandula Gunawardena, denied in a press conference that there had been a discussion between the Council of Ministers regarding the matter of the documentary: "We only discussed what it was on the agenda, he said.

Both Gunawardena and Nanayakkara have argued that Channel 4 has in the past broadcast its documentaries before sessions of the UN Human Rights Commissions to tarnish Sri Lanka's reputation.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
As geopolitical tensions rise between China and the United States, a small number of Chinese ministries have reportedly ordered their staff to cease using iPhones in the workplace.

iPhone Ban in China

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that the instructions were sent by supervisors to their employees during the last several weeks. Five different people familiar with the matter said the directives were issued in August to workers in ministries whose responsibilities include investment, commerce, and foreign relations.

Reportedly, these restrictions were implemented to prevent any potential threats to national security posed by a US company's telecommunications devices.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), it is understood that a similar prohibition has been in effect for certain government agencies for years, but the most recent decision has widened that ban.

Until the end of this month, a source claimed that workers in the mentioned departments were urged to transfer to a different brand of work cellphones.

SCMP discovered that not all government agencies were subject to the phone ban. Also, the order solely affects the California-designed iPhone and has nothing to do with other brands of handsets manufactured elsewhere.

Counterpoint Research, which tracks the global technology industry, has found that Apple's iPhone is the only foreign-made smartphone to have a significant market share in China. As per the statistics, the iPhone had 17.2% of the Chinese market, putting it on par with Oppo and just below Vivo.

See Also: US Restricts AI Chip Exports by Nvidia, AMD to China, Middle East

US-China Tensions

China has been working to lessen its dependence on foreign technology for over a decade, encouraging domestic chip manufacturers and encouraging state-affiliated businesses like banks to use local software.

Reuters reported that as Beijing's worry about data security intensified, the city's officials advocated a "dual circulation" development model in 2020 to lessen the city's dependence on foreign markets and technology.

Increasing the stakes in the race amid disagreements with the US, China in May pushed large state-owned businesses to play a vital role in its quest to achieve technological autonomy.

Beijing has restricted shipments from key US corporations including Boeing and Micron Technology. Meanwhile, Washington has been working with allies to impede China's access to crucial equipment required to keep its semiconductor sector competitive, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited China last week and claimed American businesses had complained to her that the country had become "uninvestible" due to government activities such as fines, raids, and other regulatory burdens.

The United States has banned Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei Technologies and TikTok, controlled by China's ByteDance, and now China has implemented a ban of its own.

See Also: China's EV Industry Slows Down, Affecting Nvidia's Automotive Business

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Renault refreshed the Kangoo lineup in 2023 and added the long wheelbase version for it, named Grand Kangoo. In addition, the French automaker offered electric versions of this successful utility vehicle, which was also available as a people carrier.

The Kangoo was one of the most successful light commercial vehicles on the European market. Renault launched this model in 1997 and, along the model's three generations, it constantly improved it and gave it more aptitudes and capabilities. While it didn't look like a regular MPV, it proved to be better than most minivans in that size segment in terms of interior room, comfort, and fuel efficiency. When Renault launched the third generation of the Kangoo in 2020, it didn't make it with a long wheelbase option. But that was changed during the 2023 model update.

With the new update, the car got a refreshed front fascia, which sported the carmaker's design language. The headlights sported LED daytime running lights incorporated into the headlamps and forming a C-shape. Between them, the automaker installed a broad grille that was mostly masked for the entire range and sported the big and chromed carmaker's badge in the middle. From its profile, the Kangoo revealed its steep panoramic windscreen, suitable for such a tall greenhouse. Passengers could get onboard via the front-hinged front doors or the sliding doors for the rear occupants. Behind it, Renault added a wide window. Finally, at the back, the carmaker didn't bother with aerodynamic enhancements and created a vertical drop for the tailgate.

But the most significant advantage of the Grand Kangoo was its interior space. This version offered enough room for up to seven passengers seated in three rows (2-3-2). For easier ingress and egress of the rearmost seated occupant, Renault created wider sliding doors on the sides and a lower entry step. In addition, the trunk was big enough for most situations. If customers wanted to use the vehicle as a utility one, they could fold or completely remove the second and the third row of seats.

Under the hood, Renault installed a range of gasoline, diesel, and electric motors. The spark-ignited version was a 1.33-liter turbocharged powerplant that offered 130 PS (128 HP), while the oil burner offered just 95 ponies (94 HP) sent to the front wheels. The former version was paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch), while the latter was mated exclusively with a six-speed manual.

Besides the ICE versions, the 2023 Grand Kangoo offered an option for electron-powered drivetrains fueled by a 45 kWh battery pack. Renault offered the electric version with an extended warranty of eight years or 160,000 km (roughly 100,000 miles). The battery pack could've been charged at 80kWh chargers, and the automaker promised that the car could gain about 80 km (50 miles) in about ten minutes of charging.
There's a storm brewing in the waters off the coast of Detroit. And no, we're not talking about the one that wrecked the Edmund Fitzgerald. But with the American auto sector stationed in the city still reeling from a global health crisis and subsequent supply chain armageddon, another wave of turmoil seems dead set on wreaking havoc on the American automotive sector. This time, contentions between the union representatives of America's vital auto workers and their employers seem ready to deal the U.S. auto sector another savage blow. Safe to say, this doesn't bode well for national car prices.

SUV

Headquartered off the banks of the Detroit River, United Auto Workers (UAW) represents all of America's nearly 400,000 active automotive sector workers as well as those across the river in Southern Ontario , Canada, a major hub for Detroit-based manufacturers like Stellantis, Ford, and General Motors. The UAW's reach isn't just limited to domestic automakers. Every American worker from Honda to BMW and everything in between is covered, as are upwards of half a million retirees.Tensions flared in the latest round of union negotiations between the UAW and auto-industry representatives from Detroit's big three. It's to the point that fears of a complete and total union strike by the UAW when their contract expires on Sept. 14th of this year aren't out of the question even slightly. On the agenda at the latest meetings was a list of requests by UAW to increase salaried and hourly position wages by 46 percent, a restoration of traditional worker pensions absent from the sector in recent years, and a contract clause that pays 40 hours worth of pay for only 32 hours of work. According to the representatives from all three of Detroit's big auto giants, these demands are a bridge too far. General Motors, in particular, was starkly and harshly opposed to UAW's contractual requests. The presiding belief by company reps is that such changes would affect GM's ability to keep up with manufacturing demands. GM's head of global manufacturing, Gerald Johnson, indicated such in a public statement as first reported by Reuters. In this statement, Johnson declared the UAW's list of demands carries "significant costs attached that would threaten our ability to maintain our manufacturing momentum." At a time when the American auto sector is the most vulnerable it's been since the 2008 financial crisis, it's very much up in the air whether such sentiments are mere hyperbole or rooted in facts.For an American economy full of workers struggling to pay the bills, such a strike could spell bad news for those hoping national prices for new cars would plateau and one day decrease. With no workers left to manufacture new vehicles in the wake of a strike, a potential directly proportional increase in new vehicle prices could keep a great deal of lower-income North Americans out of the new car buying process indefinitely. But with UAW representatives steadfast in their drive to provide North America's auto workers with as healthy compensation as possible, the whole situation reeks of another unstoppable force vs. immovable object scenario where, ultimately, something's got to give eventually.Would such a strike mirror the vitriol and ferocity of the SAG-AFTRA and Writer's Guild of America? The answer to said question remains to be seen. Hopefully, it'll never come to pass at all. Lest the cost of an entry-level crossoverslip even further out of reality for most working-class North Americans.
It's not often that we get to see car designers publicly talking about their peers' works. Frank Stephenson, however, is known for being curious about what others are doing and eager to share his thoughts with gearheads, investors, customers, and fellow professionals. Now, it's Fisker's turn to go under the spotlight.

SUV

EV

No beating around the bush

Photo: Fisker

If you're not up to speed with what reborn Fisker is doing, here's something that will freshen up your memory. The US-based automaker currently sells one vehicle  the all-electric Fisker Ocean crossover, a rival for the likes of Tesla Model Y.The unit is made in Austria by the same company that manufactures the iconic G-Wagen. Fisker learned its lesson from the Karma failure and chose a serious partner that can deliver the brand's mobility vision. That's why it collaborates with Magna Steyr and ships the vehicles from the Old Continent to the US and Canada.Last month, the company announced (or confirmed) that it will add three new vehicles to its roster  the PEAR , the Alaska pickup truck, and the halo car Ronin. The PEAR and the Alaska are scheduled to be manufactured in the US. The brand said both vehicles would be eligible for thetax credit. But that'll only be possible if Foxconn  Fisker's contract manufacturing partner for North America  manages to reach a final agreement with bankrupt Lordstown, from which it bought a factory in Ohio.The tri-motor halo EV Ronin is a very expensive experiment. It costs $394,000, but the brand can't guarantee it until 2025. Keep in mind that the sum does not include the sales tax, possible options, and fees. That means buyers will spend well over $400,000 for one. It's quite the bet!But big ambitions attract attention. Car designer Frank Stephenson noticed fellow professional Henrik Fisker's efforts to revive the company and achieve his dream of selling cars that must not abide by traditional rules. Stephenson is well-known in the automotive world. He designed the Ferrari F430, the BMW X5, the Maserati MC12, the McLaren P1, MP4-12C, and 570S, and the Fiat 500. That's a portfolio that will impress nearly everyone.However, Henrik Fisker is also a well-known designer. He was responsible for the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DB9 and the V8 Vantage, and even spent some time at Tesla.Both are imaginative thinkers. Both have left their mark on iconic vehicles. Both are still involved in the automotive industry. But while Stephenson is still only focusing on design, Fisker is actively working to expand his vision internationally, unrestricted by existing brand norms.Still, Frank Stephenson says he knows Fisker's CEO and appreciates his courageous approach to creating attractive car shapes. But he argues that the swanky Ronin, at first glance, doesn't completely represent his peer. The man believes the four-door convertible lacks the wow factor. We respectfully disagree with this statement because the EV looks phenomenally attractive when the doors are open or the top is down.But Stephenson doubles down and says the Ronin's front end looks like someone's sucking lemons. He also underlines that there's no dynamic stance, and the side profile lacks cohesiveness with the rest of the car, which makes it look like it was randomly put together. He also states that the overall impression he's left with is that the car looks very heavy.Stephenson also pointed out that the taillights are bland, the lettering on the trunk could've been more intricately put together, and the wheels, albeit nice, seem to be taken from another car and put on the Ronin like the person in charge didn't see the EV before giving it those rims.Ultimately, the designer compares the Fisker Ronin to the Tower of Babylon. He says that there are many elements cramped together, but also goes further and adds that the exterior look doesn't breathe innovation, and people might not get their money's worth because the EV doesn't look sensational.We can't help but wonder  is he right? Share your take with us below.
Austrian bike maker KTM likes to describe itself as "the most successful team in rally history," not only in a broader sense, but with specific reference to the world's most grueling such competition, the Dakar Rally. And it's from the experience the company has in this competition that the factory-made KTM 450 Rally was born.

ECU

Just talking about this year's edition of the Dakar is enough to see what an important name KTM is in Dakar. In the motorcycle side of the race, the win belonged to Argentine Kevin Benavides, who managed to snatch the win, 55 full seconds ahead of runner-up Toby Price.Both men rode into battle as part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, on the backs of KTM 450 Rally bikes. The same machines that now inspired the 2024 model year Replica version the bike maker announced this week.Put together with input from Benavides himself, and by taking advantage of the lessons learned this year as well, the bike is intended for "those racing in national and international rally competitions," but also for multi-stage cross-country outings.At the core of the machine sits the 450cc engine tied to a Pankl six-speed transmission, the same one used by the KTM Red Bull racing team. The engine sits in a race-spec chassis which comes with a chromoly steel frame, and uses a Keihin Management system andmaps specifically developed for rally racing. Handling the engine's breathing power is an Akrapovic exhaust system.Because in this kind of activity suspension is of critical importance, KTM cut no corners when it comes to this type of gear either. The 450 rests on 48 mm WP XACT PRO closed cartridge forks at the front, backed by a WP XACT PRO fully adjustable shock at the other end."The bike is READY TO RACE out of the crate, and has all of the needed capabilities for high-level success. Many riders have relied on this motorcycle to help them achieve their rally goals, and it is developed in-line with our Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Dakar Rally winning machine," said in a statement KTM Rally Technical Manager Stefan Huber.KTM says it will make this two-wheeler in race-ready configuration in limited numbers, with just 80 of them to roll off assembly lines. The bike is already available on the company's website, but no mention is made as to how much it costs.As usual when it comes to KTM limited editions, we do get a warning that this one could just as well sell out fast, so if you're planning something big in your racing career this year it's probably best not to wait for the competition to snatch all available rides.
Despite the high-luxury DNA that unites them, superyachts can have shockingly different trajectories. For instance, the ones owned by Russian oligarchs proved that you can go from worldwide admiration to total disgrace in no time. That's certainly not the case for this majestic Feadship known as Samadhi. Despite its considerable age and a controversial incident, it was recently sold in record time.

Yachts that are arguably more interesting and innovative than Samadhi can stay on the market for at least half a year. Others can be sold or auctioned off for half of their worth. Samadhi seems to be blessed.Built in 2006 and used extensively as a luxury charter yacht, this huge 200-footer (61 meters) still managed to change hands successfully. It sold in just three months, a record time when it comes to the luxury yacht market, and for an amazing price - 42,5 million ($45.6 million).What's behind this impressive sale? A reputable pedigree and famous billionaire owners. Samadhi was born with a funny name  April's Fool. It was built by one of the top shipyards of all time, the Dutch Feadship. Its original owner was allegedly Sandy Weill, an American high-ranking banker.Exactly a decade ago, the New York hedge fund billionaire Daniel Loeb bought the 200-footer and renamed it Samadhi, as it's known to this day. Samadhi is a traditional Buddhist term linked with spiritual practices and the concept of enlightenment  an enlightenment worth at least $360,000. This was the weekly rate for Samadhi during its busiest times. Like most ultra-wealthy yacht owners, Loeb shared his luxury toy with charter customers whenever he wasn't enjoying it himself.Three years ago, the lucky Samadhi hit a rough spot. While anchored at a famous diving site in Belize, it accidentally hooked part of the coral reef, damaging the barrier. Since this was a Unesco World Heritage site, the incident sparked local people's outrage, as well as a formal investigation of the Belize Port Authority and its Department of the Environment.Loeb issued a formal statement, saying that he was "horrified" about what had happened (he wasn't onboard at the time) and that he would be working with local specialists to restore the reef. One year later, Samadhi took time off for a refit. The original builder, Feadship, completed the refit at its facilities near Amsterdam.Two years later, the billionaire "life-long surfer" (as Loeb described himself) decided to part with his famous superyacht after a long, fruitful decade. Even after so many years had passed, the billionaire owner got an excellent deal, considering that he reportedly paid $50 million for Samadhi back in 2013. As for the nearly two-decade-old superyacht, it claims to be in great shape and ready for at least two more decades of luxury cruising.
Tesla continues adding more Supercharger locations for its existing and upcoming customers. The brand is doing the right thing because next year and in 2025, more and more EV owners will visit these stations. This particular one, however, is special. Here's what you need to know about the brand's largest DC fast-charging place.

EV

Photo: Tesla

kW

New Tesla Supercharger: Quartzsite, AZ - Main Event Lane (60 stalls) https://t.co/NqtdMUUnpM pic.twitter.com/J2zup3okvi  Tesla Charging (@TeslaCharging) September 5, 2023

Simply put, Tesla bet against everyone else in the automotive industry and won  for now, at least. Today, the brand is the most valuable company on Earth. On top of that, it has the world's best-selling car (so far into 2023) in its portfolio (the Model Y), and the early investment in establishing a comprehensive high-power charging network will soon start to pay off big time.Ford opened the floodgates when it publicly announced that it would switch from the CCS Combo 1 connector to the North American Charging Standard (formerly known as the Tesla port) and get Supercharger access for their buyers. General Motors followed suit quickly after.Later, Rivian, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Fisker joined in on the fun. Most recently, Honda and Acura announced that they would like to sign a similar deal. It's worth noting, however, that Aptera was the first brand to ever side with Tesla after themaker decided to open NACS to anyone interested.Europe might have the CCS Combo 2 as the only port design that makes sense in nearly all countries over the pond, but in North America, it's becoming increasingly clear that the NACS will eventually reign. Besides that, analysts already estimate that Superchargers could end up worth around $100 billion when all is said and done.As such, it's unsurprising that Tesla continues to invest in expanding its network in the US and other parts of the world. Europe, for example, already has two sites with V4 Superchargers.But what people over the pond can't enjoy is a Supercharger station where 84 EVs can replenish their energy storage units simultaneously. The site is in Quartzsite, Arizona, close to Interstate 10 and near another Supercharger with V2 and V3 stalls. The new location features solar canopies and pull-through spots that allow those with trailers to charge with ease.If you want to visit it, set your navigation to 350-370 Main Event Ln. All the 84 Superchargers are V3 pedestals (250max.) and are open constantly. But, when writing, only 60 are turned on.This new Arizona Supercharger is Tesla 's largest such location yet. Previously, there were reports about Tesla opening a high-power charging station with 100 stalls in Barstow, California, or one with 164 individual charging points in Coalinga, California. Neither has materialized yet.Barstow has four Superchargers with four, ten, 16, and 20 stalls each, while Coalinga has two stations with 18 and 36 pedestals, respectively. There's another one in Coalinga with 80 stalls, but they have not been brought online at the time of writing.The Grand Canyon State is home to the largest Tesla Supercharger yet.
Toyota's Gazoo Racing Division is celebrating a production milestone with the delivery of the 100th GR Supra racer. And instead of baking a cake, they decided to launch an extremely limited edition version of it, which features a few modifications.

kW

Based on the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO , it was named the 100 Edition and is said to be a collector's item. The reason is the extremely limited production, as only three of them will ever see the light of day. One is destined for North America, one for Europe, and one for Asia. And despite being based on an actual racer, it does not feature GT4 homologation, so its future owners will only get to enjoy it during the occasional track day.Finished exclusively in Plasma Orange to match the specification of the GT4 100th Edition Tribute , the new Toyota GR Supra GT4 100 Edition builds on the 444-horsepower (450 ps/331) GT4 EVO. Compared to the competition variant, it has a bigger vent on the hood and new dive plane pieces at the front that improve downforce. The exhaust system does not include a muffler anymore, so the six-pot turbocharged engine with a 3.0-liter displacement sounds throatier, according to the Japanese company.Toyota also says that the Power Stick governing the output of the lump has the same Plasma Orange color. Additional highlights of this limited machine are the endurance LED headlights, side mirror casings made of carbon fiber, and a passenger seat so that the driver can take a close one aboard as they blast through corners. Both seats have a special embroidery that reads '100 Edition.' A unique logo on the dashboard reads '1 of 3  100 Edition,' and a distinctive logo decorates the car cover.The new 100 Edition version of the GR Supra GT4 EVO costs a lot of money. Pricing for the North American market has not been released at the time of writing, but the car manufacturer states that it will set its buyer back a whopping 220,000 on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. It equals $236,440 at today's exchange rates and does not include taxes and delivery costs. This makes it more expensive than a brand-new Porsche 911 Turbo S, which has an MSRP of $230,400 in the United States. For roughly $100k more, you could get a new supercar to enjoy on weekends or on a daily basis.The street-legal Toyota GR Supra costs way less than that. For the 2024 model year , Toyota is asking at least $45,540, excluding destination, for the entry-level variant. The base model packs a 2.0L engine, and for the most affordable 3.0L version, interested parties will have to cough out at least $54,500.
All Toyota factories in Japan had to temporarily shut down due to a server failure. The system is back up and all production centers now operate in normal conditions.

SUV

All the 28 assembly lines at Toyota's 14 car plants were shut down last week. The car giant blames the shutdown on a system malfunction caused by insufficient disk space.The glitch showed up on August 28, during the first shift of the day, at all the 14 Toyota car plants that are on the territory of Japan. The servers that are used to process orders for vehicle parts broke down right after a regular maintenance procedure that experts carried out on the system the previous day.The Toyota representatives explain that, during the maintenance operation, data that had accumulated in the database was deleted and organized. An error occurred due to insufficient disk space and caused the system to shut down. The company was forced to shut down operations all over Japan in orde to fix the issue.The worlds top-selling automaker apologized for the incident that affected customers, suppliers, and related parties. They also stressed that it was not a cyberattack and promised to try to avoid such errors to happen by reviewing the maintenance procedures.The data was soon transferred to a server with bigger storage capacity and the system was restored. Production resumed at all plants the following day, August 29.The glitch caused a serious breakdown in Toyota's production network. The 14 factories in Japan account for a third of the carmaker's global production.Toyota follows the 'just-in-time' production strategy, providing only small deliveries of necessary parts at various stages of the assembly process. It is a system that minimizes costs and improves efficiency and that are carmakers are trying to implement as well. This strategy is also a subject at business schools around the world.The last time all of the Toyota factories in Japan were shut down was February last year. Back then, a supplier said that one of its file servers had been infected with a virus. In order to protect the entire system, operations had to be halted It has been a busy time for Toyota. The Japanese carmaker unveiled the Century SUV at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, as a rival for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The model is going to roll off the assembly line in Tahara, Japan.Only 30 examples of the luxuryper month are to be made for the local market only, for the moment. The SUV starts at 25,000,000 yen, which translates into $170,000 at the current exchange rates. It is by far the brands most expensive model. That is exactly why Toyota is not counting on volume production and sales.
I used to watch with interest and a bit of judgmental thinking all the efforts some people made to prepare for the end of days. That's because back when I was younger the prospect of something cataclysmic hitting our society seemed very remote. Then Covid hit, Russia invaded Ukraine, and the world started spiraling toward what seems like an unstoppable climate catastrophe.

Photo: Leasing Options

Photo: Leasing Options

We generally call the people who like to get ready for hypothetical end-of-days scenarios preppers. That's because they prepare for whatever disaster haunts their dreams by building shelters, storing supplies, and arming themselves to the teeth with hardware and weapons.There are many nasty things preppers like to get ready for, from devastating nuclear wars to global pandemics and even a zombie invasion. Many of them have been doing it for years, and they'll probably continue to do so, only now they are joined by a new kind of prepper: the one worrying about natural disasters caused by global warming.It's this select group that's of interest to us. Sadly, we have no official statistic as to how many of us worry so much about climate change that they feel the need to act on it. But online forums are full of people discussing such things, and those are as good of a place as any other to get a feel of things.One of the first things a prepper has to take into account when detailing their escape and survival is a bug out vehicle. Without one it's unlikely anyone will reach safety in case of disaster, and survival afterwards is nearly impossible.Although end-of-days scenarios take many forms, preppers usually look for bug out vehicles with the same characteristics: they need to be solid enough to survive hard times, must be off-road capable, and suitable for modifications that would probably be never recommended by the manufacturer.In an effort to find out what vehicle is regarded as most suitable for such tasks, the Brits from over at Leasing Options turned to Reddit and went through the posts on several of the platforms threads where preppers gather for a chat.We're told this impromptu study combed through 1,166 individual suggestions of bug out cars. From them, a number of 15 carmakers and 61 vehicle models were singled out as potential suitable choices.By far the Toyota Tacoma is the vehicle of choice for most of the preppers worrying about the climate apocalypse . Of all the chatter surveyed by the Brits, the Japanese car was mentioned as such in almost 54 percent of cases.And that's not some marginal win, as the runner-up, which weirdly enough is the Subaru Outback, came in with just 12 percent of mentions, and the third place, which went to the Jeep Cherokee, only shows 9 percent.The thing is that no matter what vehicle was chosen by the preppers, it always comes with aftermarket modifications meant to ensure the owner's survival. The list of add-ons required for the Tacoma to be up to the task, for instance, is long and at times strange.One thing all preppers would like to have on their pickups is more light. It always comes in handy at night, but also during less-than-bright days caused by sand storms, cloudy skies, or storms. People would go for light bars up top or to the sides of the Tacoma , and some even said underside lighting would be suitable for some reason.Next up is a winch, required quite often when a vehicle traverses less than-friendly terrain and gets stuck for one reason or another. And during a climate apocalypse there will likely be plenty of that to go around.A brush guard to protect the Tacomas front end would also be welcomed, and so would a skid plate, tire deflators, chains, towing straps, and a replacement battery.When it comes to actual survival in the wild when all hell breaks loose, preppers would choose to fit their Tacomas with solar panels for power, a roof-mounted tent for accommodation, and even a snorkel for traveling through water.When they were done with going through what people see as the best way to survive the end of days, the peeps at Leasing Options decided to render a Toyota Tacoma based on what we told you above. You can enjoy the end result in the attached gallery.If you feel the same way as the prepper guys above do, you should know at the time of writing you can get a brand new Toyota Tacoma for as little as $28,600 for the SR trim. At the opposite end, the TRD Pro , which if you ask me would be the best choice for a bug out vehicle, retails starting from $48,000.And do remember you still have to have something on the side for the extras youll want fitted on the truck.
The updated Moderna vaccine is effective against fast-spreading COVID-19 variants, such as Pirola.

The American pharmaceutical giant said that its early clinical trial data for the vaccine's new version shows that it is highly efficient in neutralizing Pirola, the new BA.2.86 variant.

Updated Moderna Vaccine Effective Against Pirola

According to Forbes' latest report, Moderna claims that the updated COVID-19 vaccine provokes a strong immune system against Pirola, Eris, and Fornax; fast-spreading variants of the COVID-19 virus.

The company shared this detail on Wednesday, Sept. 6, after acquiring early data from its clinical trial for the updated vaccine.

The Massachussets-based biotechnology company claims that the vaccine shot produced an 8.7-fold increase in protective antibodies against fast-spreading COVID-19 strains.

Moderna President Stephen Hoge shares his excitement, saying that the clinical trial data shows that their updated COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be an important tool for protection.

He added that the health company will continue assessing and responding to rising health threats across the globe.

As of press time, Moderna remains the only pharmaceutical firm that introduced updated vaccines for the new Pirola variant.

But, Novavax and Pfizer said that they will roll out new vaccines within the following weeks, as reported by CNBC.

Read Also: [STUDY] Choosing the Correct Arm for COVID-19 Vaccine Could Lead to Stronger Immune Response, But How?

Will It Help Prevent a Possible Face Mask Mandate?

Pilora and Eris are concerning officials and health experts. These fast-spreading variants are expected to increase the number of infections; even leading to COVID-19 surges.

Because of this, the return of face mask mandates is expected to happen. ABC News reported that Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends that mask mandates should return.

U.S. officials and other experts criticized Fauci. One of them is Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

"Fauci admits that masks don't work for the public at large, but still absurdly claims masks work on an individual basis. More subterfuge," said the U.S. senator.

While others are criticizing Fauci, some officials are taking action to ban face mask mandates. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law on Friday, Sept. 1, banning local governments from requiring COVID-19 face covers.

As of writing, it is still early to conclude whether the updated Moderna vaccine can prevent possible face mask mandates or if face mask requirements will even go back.

If you want to learn more details about Fauci's face mask mandate recommendations, you can click here.

Related Article: As New COVID Strains Emerge, Hospitalizations Are Up 22% This Week

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
The Pentagon confirmed the information, with a U.S. military spokesperson telling Reuters that 85 U.S. soldiers and 175 Armenians will take part in the ten-day exercise codenamed Eagle Partner 2023. He said the Americans -- including members of the Kansas National Guard which has a 20-year-old training partnership with Armenia -- will be armed with rifles and will not be using heavy weaponry.

According to the Armenian Defense Ministry, the participating troops will practice taking stabilization actions during a joint peacekeeping operation in an imaginary conflict zone.

The purpose of the exercise is to increase the level of interoperability of units participating in international peacekeeping missions  to exchange best practices in command-and-control and tactical communication as well as to increase the readiness of the Armenian [peacekeeping] unit for the planned Operational Capabilities Concept evaluation by NATO, the ministry added in a statement.

The United States and Armenia are not known to have held a bilateral military exercise in the past. Their upcoming drills were announced amid the South Caucasus nations unprecedented tensions with Russia, its traditional ally.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian stoked the tensions in a weekend newspaper interview in which he declared that his government is trying to diversify our security policy because Armenias reliance on Russia for defense and security has proved a strategic mistake. Pashinian also suggested that Russia will eventually leave Armenia and the South Caucasus in general. Moscow denounced his statements.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later on Wednesday that news of the U.S.-Armenian war games is causes apprehension, especially in the current situation.

Therefore, we will deeply analyze this news and monitor the situation, Peskov told journalists.

In April this year, Moscow demanded official explanations from Yerevan after the U.S. Department of Defense initially listed Armenia among 26 nations that will participate in U.S.-led drills in Europe. The Pentagon removed Armenia from the list the following day. The Russian Foreign Ministry claimed at the time that the U.S.-led alliance is seeking stronger influence on Russias ex-Soviet allies as part of its ongoing geopolitical confrontation with Moscow.

Armenias relations with Russia and the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have significantly deteriorated since the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh due to what Yerevan sees as a lack of support from its allies in the conflict with Azerbaijan. Earlier this year, the Armenian government cancelled a CSTO military exercise which it was due to host this fall.
6 September 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

In Armenia, the center of chaos and arbitrariness, the ability of the authorities to take adequate steps on the conflict is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Anarchy has reached such a level that there is no hope for the future of the country. One should not be surprised once we see someone from separatists sitting in PM's post.

In a word, taking decisions in the country does not only belong to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan but those decisions can also be made by separatist elements.

The fact that the separatist regime held some kind of 'presidential elections' in the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan accepted by Pashinyan and the support for it from Yerevan, as well as the so-called inappropriate statement of the prime minister, is clear proof to demonstrate Pashinyan's lack of authoritativeness. This kind of behavior is so unacceptable that even Russia, which is the main patron of Armenia, did not welcome this step. Because Russia understands that supporting Armenia against the territory of Azerbaijan is not only contrary to all negotiations but also withdrawing the head of state from his own word. This shows that it makes no difference to Pashinyan whether he keeps his word or plays into the hands of others.

However, the West and Russia are lowering their reputation by turning a blind eye to Armenia's whims, and may even force Azerbaijan not to settle with them in future negotiations. Because the West and Russia's non-serious approach to the processes may even deprive them of the South Caucasus and the chance to be part of negotiations in the future.

Speaking to AZERNEWS, candidate of political sciences, international expert, and political analyst Maksim Yali brought an example from one of the processes in the Russia-Ukraine war. He said that in 2014, when pseudo-referendums were held in Ukraine and quasi-representatives of the authorities were elected, Russia turned a blind eye to this event. In other words, the same processes are repeated in Garabagh.

"As for the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, I think there will be a similar situation here. Russia once again proclaimed a mandate that supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. But supposedly Armenia is an independent state and Russia cannot interfere in their internal politics. Although, in fact, even during the collapse of the USSR, Russia itself stood at the origins of this conflict. They have supported Armenia militarily and economically throughout all the years that have passed since the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of independent states in the post-Soviet space," Maksim Yali said.

Later, the expert spoke about the position of the West on this issue. According to him, in the West, the policy regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict around Garabagh is ambiguous. On the one hand, all states declare their adherence to international law for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. On the other hand, there is a serious Armenian lobby in certain extremely important states in Europe and the USA. First of all, in France and in the United States itself, especially among the so-called democratic wing.

"In this matter, for example, countries that are particularly close to the threat of separatism, such as Spain, can show more sensitivity. Although Serbia is not a member state of the EU, it has a similar problem with Kosovo. For this reason, Serbia may be against the holding of so-called elections.

As for other countries, I think they may not be interested in this issue. Because this topic is not popular around the world and no one knows what they are doing in Garabagh. As for France and the USA, there are individuals who defend Armenians, especially in the parliament and congress," the pundit opined.

Concluding his comments, Maxim Yali said that the recent statement by the Armenian PM is more for the internal audience in Armenia, where the Garabagh issue is one of the main agendas of political life. According to him, Pashinyan also has to resort to such inadequate ways to protect himself from both internal and external pressures.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 23:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Economic relations between Azerbaijan and China are gradually deepening, and Azerbaijan Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarovs working visit to China which continued from September 1 to September 4 plays an important role in further developing economic relations between the two countries.

China sees Azerbaijan as an important regional trade partner and a significant link in its One Belt, One Road project. Speaking to Azernews on the issue, Sinomach Holding Eurasian Region Commercial Director Kenan Guluzade pointed out that the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the "One Road, One Belt" international forum held in China in 2019 foreshadows the importance of Azerbaijan in the project. He underlines that Ilham Aliyev was the only president who was invited to the forum from the region.

The working visit of Azerbaijani economy minister Mikayil Jabbarov to China is a clear indicator of the basis for the development of economic relations between Azerbaijan and China. The investment of Chinese companies in Azerbaijan and the development of trade relations have been accelerated. China sees Azerbaijan as a leading country in the region, which is confirmed once again by the fact that only Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was invited from the South Caucasus countries to the "One Belt, One Road" forum organized in Beijing in 2019 and attended by world leaders. Azerbaijan is an important point on China's logistics route to the West. At the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Trans-Caspian logistics line is on the focus of Chinese exporters, Kenan Guluzade noted.

Drawing attention to the importance demonstrated by Chinese officials to the visit, Kenan Guluzade told that the visit will play an impetus tole for the development of investment, trade, and logistics cooperation between the two countries. He added that the investment interests of Chinese companies in Azerbaijan will increase.

The working visit to China led by Mikayil Jabbarov and the importance given by the Chinese State to this visit will develop new investment, trade, and logistics cooperation prospects in the relations between the two countries. This visit will create a new ground for mutual cooperation projects of the Azerbaijani delegation with the Chinese state at the "One Belt, One Road" forum, which will be organized for the 3rd time in Beijing in a month. In particular, the investment interests of "Sinomach" and "Energy China" companies in Azerbaijan will stimulate the development of political relations between the two countries, Guluzade said.

Touching on Azerbaijani trade houses performing in China and the inauguration of a new one in Beijing, he said that the trade houses enable Azerbaijani exporters to bring their products to the Chinese market. Kenan Guluzade also spoke about the trade turnover between the two countries and said the volume will increase thanks to the initiative of Azerbaijani officials working in Azerbaijans embassy in China.

Azerbaijan's trading houses opened in various Chinese cities in recent years have increased Azerbaijan's export opportunities to China. It has expanded the sale of various food and other products produced in Azerbaijan. In 2022, the trade turnover between the two countries was 2.159 billion US dollars. This year, this trade turnover is predicted to increase by 40%. We should especially emphasize the efforts of the Trade Representative of Azerbaijan in the People's Republic of China, led by Teymur Nadiroglu, in the growth of exports from Azerbaijan to China. In particular, I think that Azerbaijans newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Bunyad Huseynov will make a special contribution to this development, the expert added.

---

Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 15:46 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

"Azerbaijan Investment Company" (AIC) OJSC has invested $670,000 in Israel's "C2A Security" startup project as part of a collaboration with Israel's OurCrowd Fund, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his page on X (Twitter), Azernews reports.

According to the Minister, "C2A Security" specializes in developing a cybersecurity platform that offers robust safety solutions to protect the internal systems of electric cars from cyberattacks.

In recent years, Azerbaijan and Israel have strengthened relations in the sphere of cybersecurity.

In March this year, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, with the support of the "PASHA Holding" group of companies and cooperation with the Israeli "Technion" institute, established the Azerbaijani Cyber Security Center.

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Head of the Azerbaijani State Security Service Ali Nagiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, former Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Executive Vice President and General Director of "Technion" Institute Boaz Golani, representatives of the Israeli Embassy and other officials.

The agreement between AIC and OurCrowd was the first of its kind since Azerbaijan opened its Trade and Tourism Offices in Israel. The agreement makes OurCrowd the first Israeli business to collaborate with the Azerbaijani government since the offices were set up.

Under the agreement, AIC is looking to invest in 10-15 startups from the OurCrowd portfolio, focusing on energy, health, tech, food tech, education, and more. Both companies are also looking to enable portfolio startups to establish a presence in Azerbaijan.

The investment in C2A Security is the latest in a number of MoUs that the AIC has been signing with partners this year. It recently signed separate MoUs with Baku International Sea Trade Port and JTA International Holding of Qatar to develop joint activities. Besides, it is part of AIC's goal to make short-term investments into Azerbaijan's commercial sector, expand its non-oil revenues, and bring further investment into the country.

The collaboration between AIC and OurCrowd is a step forward in the normalization of ties between regional countries and Israel. These partnerships are emerging elsewhere in the Middle East too, such as in the UAE and Bahrain.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 16:33 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan State Film Fund has enriched its collection with a movie poster of the feature film "On the Distant Shores" (1958).

The movie poster was presented from the personal archive of the well-known cameraman and director, Honored Art Worker Alakbar Muradov (1948-2013), Azernews reports.

The poster was handed over to the fund by his son- film director Murad Muradov. A total of 300 copies of the poster were issued. The condition of the presented copy is not entirely satisfactory, some of its parts are lost.

"On Distant Shores" is a Soviet-era Azerbaijani war film, co-written by Imran Gasimov, Hasan Seyidbayli and directed by Tofig Taghizade.

The film portrays the life of the legendary Azerbaijani guerrilla of the Second World War Mehdi Huseynzade, who fought the Nazi forces in the present-day Italy and Slovenia, hence the film's name referring to the Adriatic Sea.

The film cast included Nodar Shashigoglu as Mehdi Huseynzade (Mihajlo), Yury Bogolyubov as Veselin, Aydar Yelikoyeva as Anzhelika, Alasgar Alakbarov as Ferrero

Lev Borukhov as Warranty and Andrei Fajt as Maselli.

The Azerbaijan State Film Fund is a public fund for support of the film industry and the preservation of film history.

The State Film Fund has recently created a personal archival fund of the well-known cameraman, Honored Art Worker Teyyub Akhundov (1920-1991).

The archive includes over 200 photographs, various letters, diplomas and other materials related to the life of national cinematographer.

The State Film Fund also hosted an exhibition timed to the 125th anniversary of Azerbaijani cinema and the centenary of AzerbaijanFilm Studio.

Over 300 photographs were provided for the exhibition by Honored Cultural Worker Parviz Guliyev.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 17:47 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

One of the leading agricultural exhibitions in Europe, specializing in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the President of the Italian MacFrut, Renzo Piracchini, within the framework of the project of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, met with representatives of agriculture on August 30-31 at ADA University, Azernews reports.

Piraccini, whose visit to Azerbaijan was organized by ADA University, took part in meetings with the Caspian Event Organizers, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Azersun Holding group of companies, the Ministry of Agriculture and AZPROMO.

On August 31, an expert seminar was held at ADA University. The seminar was attended by representatives of agricultural enterprises and students.

The event discussed the knowledge and skills needed to keep up with the high competition in the rapidly changing global horticulture and horticulture sector and highlighted the importance of keeping up with technology and innovation.

During my stay in Baku, I observed the price and quality of agricultural products in local markets. Your products are of good quality. However, in order to bring these products to the world market, it is important to first adapt them to international standards. and provide theoretical and practical support to manufacturers, Renzo Piracchini said.

Professor of the University of Bologna Matteo Vittuari and President of the Italian-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce Manuela Traldi also spoke at the seminar, who emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-sectoral ties in this area in order to create educational programs of a new generation.

It should be noted that during his visit to Azerbaijan, Renzo Piracchini visited the Guba and Gusar regions, met with local companies specializing in growing fruits, got acquainted with the organization of the work process and exchanged ideas.

The visit of an expert to our country helps local experts to benefit from international experience. The McFruit exhibition is an international promotional platform for companies specializing in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. The MacFrut Academy, powered by this platform, offers professionals a wealth of knowledge in food supply chain management, including know-how and application of innovation.

This event, held within the framework of the initiative of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, is an important part of the cooperation between ADA University and the University of Bologna and serves to disseminate the international experience of managers and specialists in the agricultural and food industry. This academic collaboration also includes the provision of postgraduate, undergraduate, and graduate programs with the University of Bologna.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 12:30 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

The tentacle of the Armenian cuttlefish caught in yet another lie and manipulation about Azerbaijan and Israel has been grasped tenaciously by rabbis all around the world. More than 1,500 rabbis from across the United States recently signed a letter in support of accepting refugees, demonstrating the American Jewish community's commitment to the safety and dignity of those in need. The big news is that similarly, rabbis from around the world are uniting to speak out against the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

With the web of Armenian lies on the global map, since May 2023, pro-Armenian activists in Israel have been disseminating left-liberal materials in Israeli and Jewish-American media outlets calling for the withdrawal of support for Azerbaijan. The main argument is that Jews, who survived the Holocaust, are now allegedly becoming "complicit in the genocide" of Armenians in Garabagh. Thus, there is an attempt to put pressure on the Israeli leadership to abandon its military-strategic partnership with Azerbaijan.

The Armenian lobby in the United States is a diverse coalition of individuals and groups seeking to influence US foreign policy in favor of Armenia, Armenians, or Armenian politics. The lobby's main goal is for the United States to recognize the Armenian genocide, but it has not been able to fully exert its influence, as the Turkish lobby has until recently successfully lobbied against it.

In the US, the Armenian lobby is formed almost exclusively by domestic organizations such as the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Assembly of America, the largest and most influential Armenian-American organization in the US, engaged in public affairs (to sow lies) and government relations (to have pressure in promoting the Armenian agenda).

These organizations have similar pro-Armenian lobbying goals, which are mainly to improve US relations with Armenia in terms of aid (propaganda), block aid to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and the ultimate goal of recognizing the Armenian genocide. The influence of the Armenian lobby can be judged by its concentration in a few congressional districts, such as California's 30th congressional district. According to the 2000 census, one-third of the Armenian-American community lived in just 5 districts in the 106th Congressional District.

The Armenian lobby in Israel continues to pressure the Israeli leadership to abandon friendly relations with Azerbaijan in their agenda of propaganda about the alleged "genocide of Armenians in Garabagh", as well as to abandon military-strategic partnership and economic partnership. The Armenian lobby is not a decree for Israel and Azerbaijan.

Turkiye, a close ally of Azerbaijan, called on Yerevan to "stop provocations" against Baku and focus on peace talks and cooperation with its neighbor. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also called for "an immediate halt to any military action", adding that "there can be no military solution to the conflict". Russia also expressed "extreme concern" over the intensified fighting, while the European Council said it was "ready to make efforts to prevent further escalation."

Rabbi Zsolt Balla of Saxony, Germany, joined a group of influential rabbis around the world in condemning the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

"I join my fellow rabbis and share their opinion that using the Holocaust theme as a tool to demonize Azerbaijan and distort the situation in the region is wrong," Balla said in a post on his Facebook page.

Balla's statement was in response to a joint statement by the Rabbinical Council of America, the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, and the Conference of European Rabbis condemning the use of the Holocaust as a propaganda tool in the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenians are digging a deep hole for themselves. The statement notes that the Holocaust should never be used as a tool to demonize any people and that using the Holocaust as a propaganda tool is an insult to the memory of the millions of Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Balla's statement is significant because he is the first rabbi to be appointed to military service in Germany in almost a century. His appointment is seen as a symbol of the resurgence of Jewish life in Germany, as well as evidence of the country's commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and extremism. Balla's announcement is a reminder that the Holocaust should never be used as a propaganda tool and that it is the responsibility of all people to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust is respected and honored.

On 25 August 2023, Baku-based Rabbi Zamir Isayev posted a video message on his Facebook page addressed to all Jews around the world in Hebrew and English. In the first two days, major Jewish media not only published the text of the message but also supported it.

The video message provided documentary evidence that Azerbaijan's accusation of "genocide of Armenians in Garabagh" is pure fiction. It also called on Jews around the world to oppose the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

The Armenian Diaspora will swiftly implode, Heidaiwing-style, around the world, as the lies of the pro-Armenian authorities and their patrons collapse in a short time, in their anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, as well as anti-Turkic statements.

To understand how widespread the hatred towards representatives of Jewish nationality is, it is enough to look at statistics. According to a 2014 survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), about 58 percent of Armenians experience anti-Semitism and similar prejudices. The figures show that Armenia is the second most anti-Semitic country in Europe and the third in the world after the Middle East and North Africa.

Israel has not officially recognized the "armenian genocide". This issue has been repeatedly raised in the Israeli Knesset, but each time the adoption of a relevant resolution was postponed.

Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Poladov held a meeting with a delegation of the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on a visit to the country, Azernews reports with reference to the agency.

Samir Poladov informed about the existing mine problem in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation and the serious threat it poses to people's lives, as well as about the activities carried out in the direction of combating the mine threat.

During the visit to Ganja, the delegation visited a residential area that was subjected to rocket attacks by Armenians during the Second Garabagh War. During the trip to the Aghdam and Fuzuli districts, the delegation members witnessed the consequences of the destruction of religious, cultural, and historical monuments and cemeteries of Azerbaijanis, as well as serious contamination by mines in civilian territories.

In addition, they intend to prepare and submit to the international community an appropriate report on the facts recorded in the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation.

Recall that the visit of the delegation of the Independent Permanent Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to the Aghdam district liberated from occupation began on September 3.

The delegation, which is on a visit to Azerbaijan, will conduct a fact-finding mission in the Aghdam and Fuzuli districts and the city of Ganja until September 6.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, addressed an open letter to The New York Times (NYT), Azernews reports.

"Instead of being a fair platform for all voices, I do regret that NYT is putting firewalls and bureaucratic barriers to alternative views.

X (former Twitter) provides an alternative even more powerful free and open platform against the information monopoly of some Western media outlets that are engaged in Soviet style propaganda against my country. While checking all of these articles, including the one NYT, you get the impression that all they have been written in the same government studio or PR company financed by the armenian lobby and government," Hajiyev said on social network X.

"A good way to start securing peace would be for Armenia to apologize, Hikmat Hajiyev, adviser to Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and the head of the foreign policy affairs department of the presidential administration, told Arab News.

In response to a question regarding the discussion of the Lachin road in the UN Security Council and Armenia's claim that the Armenian population of Garabagh is experiencing a "humanitarian crisis", Hajiyev called them unsubstantiated and ungrounded allegations against Azerbaijan.

What Azerbaijan is suggesting is to have multiple roads. And one of the important roads is the Aghdam-Khankandi road. It is much more efficient and has more logistical capabilities to reach out to the Karabakh region because Azerbaijan has completely rebuilt it, he said.

My Open Letter to @nytimesworld @nytimes

Instead of being a fair platform for all voices, I do regret that NYT is putting firewalls and bureaucratic barriers to alternative views.



X [former Twitter] provides alternative even more powerful free and open platform against the pic.twitter.com/t0iGd0yuV5  Hikmet Hajiyev (@HikmetHajiyev) September 6, 2023
China supports ASEAN central position in region, greater intl role

10:47, September 06, 2023 By Zhang Han ( Global Times

China-ASEAN: a bright future Graphic: GT

China firmly supports ASEAN's central position in regional cooperation and its greater role in international affairs, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday upon his arrival in Jakarta to pay an official visit to Indonesia and attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

While ASEAN faces challenges due to a sluggish global economy, the Myanmar crisis, rifts on issues that include the South China Sea, and particularly the aggravating major power rivalry, experts are confident that the ASEAN can demonstrate resilience to any changing reality.

China and ASEAN share the same expectations for regional peace and growth, which is in the interests of all regional countries, and should join hands to maintain sustainable development with a bigger vision against "petty profits" offered by external forces.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Summit on Tuesday, called on the group to devise a "long-term tactical strategy that is relevant and meets people's expectations," Reuters reported.

"ASEAN has agreed to not be a proxy to any powers. Don't turn our ship into an arena for rivalry that is destructive," Widodo said.

The president urged regional leaders to ensure the ship keeps moving and sailing, saying that "We must become its captain to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity together."

Same direction

Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical issues, ASEAN focuses on growth and downplays political and security matters. China is working with the group in that direction.

Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2003, bilateral interactions are more focused on economic aspects and "expanding volume" in the first 10 years, Ge Hongliang, deputy director of the College of ASEAN Studies at the Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Ge said the key phrase became "upgrading quality" for the second decade of 2013-23, which witnessed key progress in areas like the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, a community of a shared future, a milestone elevation of relationships into a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) trade deal taking effect in 2022.

ASEAN remains China's largest trading partner according to data from the first seven months of 2023, and trade volume with ASEAN members rose 2.8 percent year-on-year, per official data.

Bloomberg reported that ASEAN has replaced the US and EU to become China's largest export destination, which is interpreted by some analysts as a sign of supply chain restructuring in Asia. The phenomenon suggests that Chinese modernization with high-quality development brings new opportunities for ASEAN.

In addition to new growth points in economic and trade relations, China and ASEAN have been exploring cooperation and interactions in fields like security and people-to-people exchanges, Ge said.

China is conducting more military and security drills with ASEAN members, including Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia, many in non-traditional security fields such as maritime rescue and anti-terrorism.

Such operations can enhance mutual trust and understanding between their armed forces, and are conducive to safeguarding regional peace and stability, observers said, as the approach is different from US-led confrontational drills that focus on war scenarios.

People-to-people exchanges are expected to embrace a major boost after the interruption of the pandemic, Ge said.

The friendliness and closeness between China and ASEAN members can be seen through tourism and exchange students, as well as the popularity of Chinese TV programs and dramas in Southeast Asia, analysts said.

ASEAN's hope for regional stability and prosperity is consistent with China's hope, and sailing in the same direction is fundamental to a sustainable and promising relationship, Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Analysts believed that external factors may create waves for China-ASEAN relations, but cannot shake its solid foundation, which dates back to the Bandung Conference in 1955, nor can it twist the direction of development which bears great potential.

Overcoming waves

The biggest challenges to the sound development of China-ASEAN relations are the disputes between some bloc members with China over the South China Sea, which have escalated in recent months.

The Philippines banned Hollywood film Barbie for a scene depicting a map of the South China Sea, opened four more military bases to US armed forces despite domestic opposition and sent construction materials to a grounded warship at China's Ren'ai Reef causing a new row.

Naval vessels from the Philippines and the US conducted their first-ever joint sail through waters west of Palawan Island in the South China Sea, Reuters reported on Monday, in the US' latest attempt to sow discord between Manila and Beijingas it seeks to tie the former onto its chariot.

When Indonesia seeks to accelerate the discussion on a "code of conduct" on the South China Sea under its chairmanship of ASEAN, the Philippines is seen as creating hurdles to the goal.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, when addressing the Global Town Hall 2023 on Saturday, said "Attempts by certain forces outside the region to undermine peace in the South China Sea will not succeed, and the evil claws behind the scenes must be uncovered."

ASEAN unity, centrality and integration will serve the maximum and long-term interests of all members, therefore certain countries should not be misled by non-regional forces that are hijacking and hindering the ASEAN agenda due to external instigation, Li Haidong warned.

Li Haidong noted that ASEAN, as an integral multilateral mechanism in the region, is irreplaceable in safeguarding security and development even though bloc members disagree on certain issues.

The US approach toward engaging Southeast Asia is to mobilize some members to divide ASEAN, marginalize the bloc and exploit the "weak points" in Washington's rivalry with Beijing, analysts said.

ASEAN members should not be hoodwinked temporarily by the US' "promised benefits," because if a regional country alienates itself from the ASEAN, it may ultimately find that depending on the US and acting in Washington's command becomes the only option, they noted.

The South China Sea is not the dominant issue in China's relations with any ASEAN member or the bloc as a whole, Ge said, calling on regional countries to embrace regional integration, see the big picture and be wary of the petty profits the US promises, but may not deliver.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to Kyiv Wednesday (September 6) in a gesture of support for Ukraine as its three-month-old counter-offensive against Russian forces continues with little results.

It is likely Blinken would announce a new package of US wartime assistance to Kyiv worth over $1 billion, a senior State Department official told reporters flying en route to Ukraine. He is also the first top US official to visit Kyiv since the start of the counter-offensive in early June.

Blinken Meets Ukrainian Counterpart, Plans to Meet Zelensky Also on Schedule

In the first of his two-day trip to the war-torn country, Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to begin talks about the new deals. He was also scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, the source official added.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent," Blinken told reporters while standing alongside Kuleba. "We're also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy."

Read Also: Russian FSB Official, Son Injured by Explosive Planted in Mobile Phone

Blinken's Visit a Show of Washington's Moral, Material Support

In recent weeks, media reports have cited unidentified US officials saying the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been too slow, hindered by poor tactics, trenches, and landmines, and might inevitably fail - criticism which angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Kuleba to tell critics to "shut up."

Mere hours before Blinken's visit, Kyiv came under Russian missile attack, but Ukrainian defense officials said they were shot down and did not cause any casualties or damage to the city.

US officials have not publicly criticized Ukraine's military tactics, and last week said they had seen notable Ukrainian progress in the previous 72 hours of its push in the southeast, specifically in the Zaporizhzhia region.

The State Department official also told reporters that Washington wanted to discuss how the counter-offensive was going and assess the battlefield needs and other steps that might be required to shore up Ukraine's energy security before the arrival of winter.

"I think what's most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves," the official added. "We want to see, and hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks."

Meanwhile, the Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reacted to Blinken's visit, saying Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraine's military to wage war "to the last Ukrainian." He added Washington's aid to Kyiv would not affect the course of Russia's "special military operation."

On his train ride to Kyiv, Blinken also held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was also visiting the Ukrainian capital on the same day, thanking him for his country's "leadership in the F-16 coalition of partner nations to train Ukrainian pilots, and for its decision to donate F-16 jets to Ukraine," as mentioned by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Both Denmark and the Netherlands announced last month they would supply the Ukrainians with their F-16s as they upgrade to the F-35 multi-role stealth fighter jets. Aside from its approval to let nations hot-swap their F-16s into the Ukrainian Air Force, the US also offered to train Ukrainian pilots how to fly the venerable fighter jet.

Losing the Home Front

However, with the 2024 election season in full swing, several Republican presidential candidates questioned the Democrat Biden administration's aid to the Ukrainians, fueling concerns about whether Washington would still support the country at the same level once the election campaign intensifies.

So far, the US government has provided $43 billion in weaponry and other military aid to Ukraine, with a new package of security assistance set to be announced this week.

US President Joe Biden has since asked Congress in August to approve an additional $40 billion in spending, $24 billion of which would go to Ukraine and other international needs. However, the request could face opposition in Congress, particularly from the GOP-majority House, where some far-right Republicans - especially those associated with former president Donald Trump - want to cut Washington's spending to aid Ukraine.

Related Article: Ukraine Loses First 'Invincible' Challenger 2 Tank as Russia Abandons Soviet Strategy

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
6 September 2023 11:28 (UTC+04:00)

In accordance with the bilateral military cooperation program for 2023, a group of military personnel from the Military Police Department of the Defense Ministry visited Georgia, Azernews reports, citing MoD.

The delegation first came to the Heydar Aliyev Park in Tbilisi, where they visited the monument of the National Leader and paid tribute to his memory by placing flowers in front of it.

Then the delegation visited the memorial erected in memory of the citizens who died for the territorial integrity and independence of Georgia in Heroes' Square.

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation led by the head of the Military Police Department of the Defense Ministry, Lieutenant Colonel Elgun Aliyev, met with the head of the Military Police Department of the Georgian Defense Ministry, Colonel Kakha Petriashvili.

At the meeting, detailed views were exchanged on the organization of activities of military police bodies, security, development prospects of existing cooperation, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 14:37 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

On September 6, the newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye in Azerbaijan, Major General Soner Orucoglu, was introduced to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Azernews reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Welcoming the guest, the Minister of Defense congratulated him on the start of his activities in Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov expressed gratitude for the moral and political support provided by fraternal Turkiye in the Patriotic War. The Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan emphasized the exceptional influence of the sincere relations between the heads of the two fraternal states on the development of bilateral military cooperation, as well as cooperation in other areas.

The minister spoke about the reforms carried out in the Azerbaijani army under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, about the activities in the liberated territories and the operational situation on the conditional Azerbaijani-Armenian border and in the Garabagh economic region.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov wished Major General Soner Orucoglu success in his further activities to expand military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Thanking for the hospitality, Major General Soner Orucoglu expressed satisfaction with the start of his activities in Azerbaijan as a military attache and noted that he would make every effort to develop Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, including cooperation in the military sphere.

At the meeting, a detailed exchange of views took place on the prospects for the development of cooperation in the military, military-technical, military-educational and other fields, as well as on other issues of mutual interest.

It should be noted that Major General Soner Orucoglu also met with the First Deputy Minister of Defense - Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army Colonel General Kerim Veliyev and Commander of the Naval Forces Vice Admiral Subkhan Bekirov.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

According to the research conducted by Eastern Europe Bureau, the houses of approximately 60 Azerbaijani families have been completely destroyed or seriously damaged across the country since the start of the war in Ukraine, Azernews reports.

About 30 of them were in the Donetsk region, including 20 in the Mariupol city of the region. About 20 of the destroyed houses are the property of people of Azerbaijani descent in the Kherson and Mykolayiv regions.

The war in Ukraine has had a devastating effect on the Azerbaijani population, with many families being forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The conflict has also caused significant economic hardship, with many families struggling to make ends meet.

The European Union has taken steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, providing aid to those affected by the conflict. The EU has also been working to support the Azerbaijani community in Ukraine, providing assistance to those affected by the conflict and helping to rebuild homes and communities.

The United Nations has also been active in the region, providing humanitarian assistance and advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In addition, the UN has been working to ensure that the rights of the Azerbaijani population are respected and protected.

The conflict in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the lives of the Azerbaijani population, and it is essential that the international community continues to provide support to those affected by the conflict. It is also important that the rights of the Azerbaijani population are respected and protected, and that the international community works to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

French President Emmanuel Macron is likely to visit Armenia next weekend with a new statement on the settlement of the issue of Garabagh.

Azernews reports, citing foreign media sources that the visit is scheduled for September 9-10. Besides, there is evidence that after Yerevan, Macron will visit Baku.

However, in French official circles, there is no unanimous decision on whether the visit will take place.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 17:08 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on certain measures to improve medical examination of citizens called up for active military service.

According to the decree, from July 1, 2024, during the medical examination of citizens called up for active military service by district and city conscription commissions, the final medical examination of citizens for decision-making will be carried out by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 18:09 (UTC+04:00)

During his official visit to Croatia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of this country, Davor Filipovic, Azernews reports with reference to the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on economic and trade ties between the two countries, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy, information technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, mine clearance, and other areas.

Meeting between Minister @Bayramov_Jeyhun & Minister of Economy & Sustainable Development of  @DavorFilipovic2 was held w/in the official visit to Croatia .



Diversification of cooperation into various spheres incl. business, investments, transport, logistics was discussed. pic.twitter.com/j8c4jcNYAz  MFA Azerbaijan  (@AzerbaijanMFA) September 6, 2023

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Zhaparov held talks with the head of the World Bank office in the Kyrgyz Republic Naveed Naqvi, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the new World Bank Partnership Framework for 2024-2028, agreements between Kyrgyzstan and the World Bank, the development of the energy industry and the Digital CASA project.

The head of the Cabinet noted that the World Bank is a reliable partner of Kyrgyzstan in terms of affordable and flexible financing, technical and expert support, and providing significant support to Kyrgyzstan in all major areas of development.

In turn, Naveed Naqvi said that the World Bank is ready to finance large projects of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of energy, clean water, irrigation and agriculture.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00)

Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov met with visiting Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Antonio Tajani, Azernews reports, citing Kazinform.

Italy ranks among the top 3 trading partners of Kazakhstan in the world and takes the lead among the EU countries. The sales between the two nations grew last year by 55% to hit 15 billion US dollars. Italy also ranks among the top 5 EU investors in Kazakhstan. The total flow of investments for the past 17 years rose to 7.3 billion US dollars. Last year it grew almost by 2.5 times to stand at some 300 million US dollars.

At the same time, we see significant potential to boost trade. We are ready to increase export of Kazakhstani goods to Italy (110 different items up to more than 900 million US dollars), the Prime Minister said.

In his turn, Antonio Tajani confirmed Italys readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in various areas prioritizing trade, energy and industry. He said the country is ready to open joint ventures, launch new Kazakh companies in Italy and set up a business council to promote cooperation. Besides, he highlighted the significance of opening the new Italian Culture Institute in Almaty to boost students exchange between the two countries.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

Kyrgyzstan imposed a ban on the export of certain types of agricultural goods from the republic for six months, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

This restriction will not affect re-export, transit, as well as humanitarian assistance from the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic of certain types of agricultural products.

In particular, it is prohibited to export from Kyrgyzstan  fodder (hay, straw, mixed fodder, bran and grain fodder), barley, rice, oats.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 21:40 (UTC+04:00)

Uzbek farmers have become the main suppliers of onions and root crops to the neighboring country, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz news agency.

Kazakhstan has significantly increased the supply of several types of vegetables to Uzbekistan, the LS portal reports with reference to the Bureau of Statistics and the State Revenue Committee.

Thus, the export of potatoes for the first half of the year increased by 14.5 times and reached 103.7 thousand tons, and the proceeds from it amounted to $7.9 million. Deliveries of onions showed a twelve-fold increase - up to 36.1 thousand tons.

The market of Uzbekistan has become the main one for the exporters of these two crops from the neighboring country. It accounted for 95.4% of all deliveries of potatoes (108.7 thousand tons) and almost 60% of onions (60.3 thousand tons).

In turn, Uzbek farmers have become the main suppliers of imported onions and garlic to Kazakhstan. From January to June they amounted to 131.5 thousand tons, or 5% more than last year.

Uzbekistan exported to the Kazakh market 38.5 thousand tons of cabbage, or 92% of its imports, as well as 28.3 thousand tons, or slightly less than 80% of root crops (carrots, beets, radishes, turnips). However, compared to last year, the volume of deliveries decreased by 2.4 times and by 22%, respectively.

In addition, the supply of potatoes to the northern neighbors increased by 1.5 times to 3.8 thousand tons, although this is a small share of their imports. On the other hand, the export of cucumbers (3 thousand tons) has almost halved, but provides more than 40% of their Kazakh imports.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Australian police claimed on Wednesday, September 6, that they rescued three men from Russia and France whose inflatable catamaran had been attacked by sharks as they were sailing from Vanuatu.

Three Sailors Rescued

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said that they reacted to a notification from an emergency beacon around 1:30 AM local time. It was discovered by rescuers 500 miles east of Australia's coast in the Coral Sea that both sides of the men's 9-meter boat had been destroyed by several shark attacks.

According to CBS News, the agency solicited the aid of a ship flying the flag of Panama, the vehicle-carrying "Dugong Ace," which successfully carried out the rescue and took the two Russians and one Frenchman onboard. There was also a rescue aircraft that came to help.

A rescue helicopter's footage shows the catamaran slowly swaying in the water as the massive Dugong Ace approaches. According to Joe Zeller, the agency's duty manager in Canberra, "The three males were very happy to be rescued and are all healthy and well."

The guys, who range in age from 28 to 64, are expected to land in Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday, September 7. Zeller estimated that it would take two to three weeks for such a ship to go from Vanuatu in the Pacific to Australia.

Photos taken from above revealed severe damage to the catamaran, with the front part of one hull gone entirely.

Zeller said that the men's lives had been saved due to the GPS-encoded emergency beacon enabling rescuers to rapidly locate them and conduct a successful rescue.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has said that this incident serves as a timely reminder to always have a distress beacon on hand while out on the ocean. "GPS-equipped EPIRBs and personal locater beacons (PLBs) can save your life in an emergency," it stated.

See Also: Surfer in Critical Condition After Shark Attack in Australia

Shark Attacks in Australia

Shark attacks on boats may happen for a variety of causes, according to Zeller. However, it is unclear what drives these sharks.

Coral reef sharks and other top predators like tuna and marlin thrive in the Coral Sea's warm waters. The government of Australia claims that there are more sharks there "than almost any other survey site in the world."

Last month, a surfer attacked by a shark off the east coast of Australia was in serious condition. The 44-year-old man was surfing at Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie when a shark launched a sustained and prolonged attack, according to reports.

The surfer fought the shark for about 30 seconds before noticing how badly he was hurt and swam back to shore. Police said a witness used a tourniquet before paramedics rushed the injured surfer to Port Macquarie Hospital.

Australia had the second-highest number of reported shark attacks on humans in 2016 among all countries tracked by the Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File.

See Also: [VIDEO] Fisherman Captures Encounter With Massive Great White Shark off the Gold Coast

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
6 September 2023 21:10 (UTC+04:00)

From December, individuals will be able to export cash in the equivalent of up to 100 million soums, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz news agency.

Uzbekistan has increased the limit on the export of cash foreign currency abroad, which is not subject to customs declaration, the press service of the Ministry of Justice reports.

The Cabinet of Ministers, by its resolution of September 4, increased the amount of cash foreign currency that is imported and exported from the country.

Now, from Uzbekistan, without filling out a customs declaration, one can import and export currencies in the equivalent of no more than 100 million soums ($8,244 at the exchange rate of the Central Bank on September 6) instead of the current 70 million soums ($5,770).

In addition, for consultation, individuals have the right to present cash in excess of the established limit before customs control, and customs officials will advise them on the rules for filling out the declaration. This rule did not exist before.

This decision of the government will come into force 3 months after the official publication - from December 6.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

With the assistance of the Consulate General of our country in Frankfurt am Main, negotiations were held between the leadership of the Agency for External Labor Migration under the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations and the German company Goldcliff Stark, Azernews reports, Kun.uz news agency.

Goldcliff Stark is an international patent and law firm based in Frankfurt am Main. The organization provides consulting and legal services in the field of construction, architectural, traffic and labor law.

During the negotiations, the German side was informed in detail about the system of regulation of labor migration in Uzbekistan and the Agency activities. Issues of further expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany in the field of labor migration were discussed, in particular in such areas as the provision of advisory services in the field of German labor legislation and language training. At the same time, the management of Goldcliff Stark expressed interest in attracting workers from Uzbekistan and willingness to assist in their employment.

In addition, the leadership of the German company announced its readiness to visit Uzbekistan in the near future to discuss the terms of cooperation and conclude a contract with the Agency.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday said in a statement that three PKK terror organization members, who had fled from northern Iraq, surrendered at a Turkish border post in Habur, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and EU --has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2023 18:35 (UTC+04:00)

Relations between Turkiye and the EU should not be held hostage to interests of some countries, the Turkish foreign minister said on Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

The EU cannot be a global actor without Turkiye, said Hakan Fidan, speaking at a joint press conference with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi in the Turkish capital Ankara.

Turkiye expects the EU to show necessary will and act more courageously to advance relations, said Fidan.

There is no change in Turkiye's EU membership perspective. It is a very strong political will, he added.

Responding to question on recent clashes between Arab tribes and the PKK/YPG terror group in eastern Syria, Fidan called on the US to stop suppressing Arab communities in Syria at the hands of YPG/PKK terror group.

The painting of YPG terror group as legitimate must end, or conflicts we see (in Deir ez-Zor) are just the beginning, he added.

Operations launched by Arab tribes against the terror group in the eastern Syria province of Deir ez-Zor that started last week expanded with the participation of other tribes.

Since Aug. 27, a total of 33 villages have been liberated from YPG/PKK occupation in the rural areas of the Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah provinces and the Manbij district of Aleppo.

Varhelyi is on a two-day visit to Ankara to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The Japanese foreign ministry said late Monday, September 4, that it has complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over China's ban on seafood from Japan after the release of filtered water from the Fukushima nuclear facility.

WTO Talks With China and Japan

In a report by Reuters, China notified the WTO on August 31 that it was taking procedures to halt Japanese aquatic imports. Japan responded by saying it would clarify its viewpoints in relevant WTO bodies. It is urging China to promptly rescind the decision.

The US ambassador to Japan stated last week that the United States would assist Japan if it filed a complaint with the WTO. Some Japanese officials have indicated that this may happen.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters on Tuesday, September 5, that the country would address concerns about the safety of the released water in upcoming diplomatic forums such as the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia and the G20 Summit in India.

Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Matsuno emphasized that "nothing is decided" with regard to a summit between Japan and China's top leaders. Unlike Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will be present at both the ASEAN and G20 meetings.

Japan has also requested talks with China over the import embargo in accordance with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) criteria, according to a separate statement released by the Japanese foreign ministry on Monday.

See Also: China's Seafood Ban Against Japan Could Greatly Benefit Russia-Here's How

The Seafood Market

In 2022, Japan shipped nearly $600 million worth of marine goods to China, making it the largest market for Japanese exports after Hong Kong. This is despite the fact that marine products only account for less than 1% of Japan's worldwide commerce, which is dominated by automobiles.

As reported by Tuesday's data, July saw a 23% year-on-year reduction in exports of aquatic items meant for China, at 7.7 billion yen ($52.44 million). This was the first annual decline in shipments to China in over two and a half years.

Shipments to China have been slowed by increased scrutiny at Japanese customs since Japan declared its intention to release the pristine Fukushima water.

In a separate report, more than 100 billion yen ($682 million) would be invested in Japan's domestic fisheries sector to help offset the impact of the lost seafood market.

As seafood sanctions against Japan persist, analysts think Russia's marine exports have greater potential in China.

Russia is drawn to China's enormous seafood market after the ban is implemented. Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's food safety agency, said the Chinese market appears promising for fish goods.

Russia is one of China's top maritime goods suppliers. Over 890 Russian enterprises may export fish to Asia, according to Rosselkhoznadzor.

These Russian enterprises imported $15 billion in seafood in 2020. Russia exported 2.3 million metric tons of fish worth $6 billion in 2022.

See Also: China Allegedly Making Harassment Phone Calls to Japan-Is Fukushima Wastewater Release to Blame?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Limit elective abortions in the second and third trimesters.

Establish an exception for rape and incest through 20 weeks.

Establish an exception for fetal life-limiting anomalies through 24 weeks.

U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles will allow top Republican legislative leaders to take part in Wednesday's hearing in a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's new abortion law. Plaintiffs in the suit want to the judge to block much of the law from taking effect July 1.State Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, were not named as defendants in the suit, Planned Parenthood v. Stein. But the two legislators filed paperwork Thursday to intervene in the case. They want to defend the law.U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles issued an order Saturday allowing Berger and Moore to participate in a hearing scheduled Wednesday in Greensboro. The hearing will help Eagles determine whether to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the law.Eagles wrote.That brief is due by 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.Eagles' order did not indicate whether Berger and Moore will take part in the case after Wednesday.Legislative leaders' motion to intervene indicated that they were compelled to act when they learned Thursday that N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, would not defend the law.Lawyer Ellis Boyle, representing Berger and Moore, wrote that they seekBerger and Moore cite a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court precedent that allowed them to intervene in a federal case defending North Carolina's voter identification law.Boyle wrote.Boyle argued.Berger and Moore cite Stein's tweet late Thursday afternoon.the attorney general tweeted.Planned Parenthood and Duke Health Dr. Beverly Gray filed paperwork Wednesday seeking an order from Eagles blocking the law.according to a memorandum from the plaintiffs' lawyers.The lawaccording to the memo.Planned Parenthood's lawyers wrote.according to the memo.The latest court documents arrived five days after Planned Parenthood and Gray filed suit against the abortion law in U.S. District Court.Critics of the new law did not aim their legal complaint at leaders of the N.C. General Assembly, which approved the law. Instead the named defendants include state Attorney General Josh Stein, Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley, nine local district attorneys, the president of the N.C. Medical Board, and the chair of the N.C. Board of Nursing.Both chambers of the General Assembly voted on May 16 to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of the abortion legislation. All Republicans voted in favor of the legislation. Every Democrat opposed it. The 72-48 House vote and the 30-20 Senate vote met the three-fifths requirement for a veto override.The law made the following changes to North Carolina's abortion laws:The law maintained an exception to save the life of the mother through the duration of her pregnancy.
As School Choice is beginning to take shape in North Carolina: What is your position on what it should evolve into?

4.35% School Choice is only a distraction from the promise of real public education.91.3% School Choice, as it evolves into its best model to serve the public' s education needs, this benefit will provide choices outside of the historic construct supporting the public school monopoly.4.35% School Choice - I cannot see how it serves the Education Industry.
A climate scientist has revealed how science has been politicized over the global warming theory and how it is now necessary to toe the line of the ideological narrative in order to get published.

Dr. Patrick T. Brown is a climate scientist at Johns Hopkins University and has recently written a piece describing how he had to toe an ideological line in a paper he had just had published in order for the "woke" editors to accept it for publication. The article was about wildfires, and he did not dare mention the very relevent fact that 80% of wildfires are caused by humans, whether arson or carelessness. If he had been honest enough to mention that, his article would have been rejected.

https://www.thefp.com/p/i-overhyped-climate-change-to-get-published

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12493711/Climate-scientist-wildfires-published.html

This shows how the "science" of climate has been politicized. It means that most of the "science" behind climate is highly questionable.

Ironically, the current commotion about climate and CO2 is the result of a British editor of the "New Scientist" publishing an article on a rejected old theory from the 1890s from a Swedish physicist that claimed CO2 impacted climate, a theory that had long been rejected among scientists. However, that article caught the attention of Prime Minister Thatcher as something that would be useful in fighting the radical coal miners unions and the Arab oil sheiks, and her government put out lots of research money to promote it. In those days, scientific journals would publish articles from any perspecitve, unlike the narrative line they demand authors toe these days.

"Hide the Decline" parady on climate alarmism, to the tune of Tommy James and the Shondells "Draggin' The Line":
In the old days, many Americans dreamt of becoming law enforcers, especially joining the police.

However, it looks like this is no longer the case because the U.S. is facing serious police shortages in many towns and cities.

US Faces Police Shortages-Here's Why

According to Forbes, over 520 cities and towns in the U.S. disbanded their police departments between 1972 and 2017.

Meanwhile, at least 12 small towns dissolved their police forces in the past two years. The police shortages are caused by the exodus from law enforcement.

Washington-based think tank Police Executive Research Forum revealed that police officer resignations were up by 47% in 2022.

Comparing it to 2019, with police resignations being up by 19%, 2022's police officer attrition rate is definitely higher.

The American think tank, which surveyed almost 200 police departments, said that officer shortages worsened after the peak of the global COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's death; A Black American who died because of police brutality.

Aside from resigning police veterans, another reason why the U.S. experiences law enforcement shortages is the unwillingness of younger Americans to join the police.

Chuck Wexler, the Police Executive Forum's executive director, said that younger U.S. residents are no longer interested in going through months of training to become a police officer.

"Fewer people are applying to be police officers, and more officers are retiring or resigning at a tremendous rate," explained Wexler.

Read Also: [VIRAL] Maryland Police Officer Suspended After Footage Shows Him Kissing a Female, Getting Into Patrol SUV

Small Towns Disband Police Departments

The Associated Press provided some of the small towns in the U.S. that disbanded their police forces.

One of these is the Morris town in Minnesota, which dissolved its police department in 2022. Officials explained that they did this because their officers already resigned.

In Illinois, two Washburn officials also disbanded their police forces. After doing this in 2021, they allowed the county to take over law enforcement duties.

Surprisingly, a study conducted by Rice University revealed that crime rates in these small towns were unchanged despite the absence of police departments.

If you want to learn more about the existing police officer shortages in the U.S., you can click this link.

Related Article: NYPD To Scale Back Protest Response After Settlement with ACLU for BLM Protesters Attack in 2020

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Chicago-based physician Benjamin Toh, MD, has been convicted for his role in a more than $9.5 million healthcare fraud scheme.

From March 2019 to September 2019, Dr. Toh worked with telemedicine companies to obtain access to Medicare and Medicaid patients and submitted more than $9.5 million in fraudulent claims for cancer genetic tests, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the Justice Department.

Dr. Toh, who is licensed in several states and operated as a consulting provider for telemedicine companies, signed the orders without regard to medical necessity, and he was not the treating physician of the patients.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury in December and convicted of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute after a two-week trial.
Researchers from New Haven, Conn.-based Yale University have developed an algorithm that can predict patients' disease severity and hospital lengths of stay.

The researchers, which also included scientists from foreign universities, based the tool on COVID-19 data but say it could be applied to other viral and disease outbreaks.

"Precision public health  that is the whole idea," senior author Vasilis Vasiliou, PhD, a Yale epidemiologist, told Politico in a Sept. 5 story. "The power that these algorithms are giving you is something amazing."

The study, published Aug. 29 in Human Genomics, compared 111 COVID-19 patients admitted to Yale New Haven Hospital in 2020 to a control group of 342 healthy medical professionals, finding biomarkers that aligned with disease severity. The researchers' artificial intelligence-assisted triage platform includes a clinical decision tree, hospitalization estimator, and disease severity predictor.

The researchers noted that the data was collected before COVID-19 vaccines and many treatments for the virus, which could reduce the biomarker changes, and that the hospitalized patients were largely Black while the control group was mostly white, not excluding race as a factor.

"Being able to predict which patients can be sent home and those possibly needing intensive care unit admission is critical for health officials seeking to optimize patient health outcomes and use hospital resources most efficiently during an outbreak," Dr. Vasiliou said in an Aug. 28 Yale news release.
Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine has billed patients for fewer than 1 percent of MyChart messages since a new policy allowing charges for the patient portal interactions, the Baltimore Banner reported Sept. 6.

In the first month after the change went into effect July 18, the health system received 100,000 MyChart messages, only billing in the tenths of a percent, according to the news outlet.

Like about 20 health systems that now charge for MyChart messages, Johns Hopkins aimed to get a handle on the rise in patient portal communications coming out of the pandemic, when patients grew more comfortable with virtual care. The health system said it would charge for messages that take five minutes or more of a provider's time and are for a new medical issue or flare-up, estimating they would cost between $3 and $50 with many insurance plans covering them.

Some advocates  and even hospital executives  have criticized the practice. "While 1 percent sounds slow, 1,000 messages, or patients, a month is a lot of people who need help, but might not be getting it," Anna Palmisano, director of Marylanders for Patient Rights, told the Banner. "That's 12,000 a year."

Other health systems have taken a different tact, funneling the messages to a group of nurses and taking physicians out of the equation altogether, Jay Holmgren, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at University of California San Francisco, told the news outlet. His research has shown that only a small percentage of patients end up getting charged and the policy hasn't negatively affected already vulnerable patients.

"My fear is that while patients find messaging valuable and doctors don't mind providing care in this way, without some form of payment model, this will become a bigger trend: We simply lose the ability to message physicians at all," he told the Banner.
Members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 40 have indicated plans to begin a three-day strike Sept. 11 at Ascension Providence Rochester (Mich.) Hospital.

The union represents about 270 nurses and radiology technologists, according to The Oakland Press. The hospital is part of St. Louis-based Ascension.

Union members recently voted to authorize a strike. The union and hospital have been at the bargaining table since 2022 under extended contracts, according to the union's website. Ascension, in a statement posted online Sept. 5, said the hospital has been bargaining in good faith with the union, and during a recent bargaining session presented a final offer to OPEIU that includes an RN wage proposal with an average wage increase of more than 19 percent in the first year of the contract, as well as a nearly 15 percent increase to the maximum pay rate. Ascension said the current radiology technologist wage proposal also includes an average wage increase of more than 19 percent in the first year of the deal.

Union members contend there has been a lack of progress in negotiations. During bargaining, OPEIU Local 40 has specifically raised concerns about pay and staffing.

Despite the hospital's proposed raises, pay for Ascension Providence Rochester staff is behind other Ascension hospitals and facilities in the area, said Dina Carlisle, RN, president of OPEIU Local 40, according to The Oakland Press. Ms. Carlisle also alleges the hospital has a recruitment and retention problem.

The union has also filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board against Ascension, for alleged unlawful actions amid negotiations.

Given the planned strike, the hospital has contracted with a staffing agency to provide registered nurses and radiology technologists, Ascension said.

Ascension said the hospital is contractually required to commit to at least four days of work for any registered nursing and radiology technologist staff replaced. Striking workers will be temporarily replaced starting Sept. 11 and will be able to return to their scheduled shifts beginning the morning of Sept. 15.

Meanwhile, additional negotiations are scheduled for Sept. 6, Sept. 11 and Sept. 18 for the nurse contract, as well as Sept. 6 and Sept. 28 for the radiology technologist contract.
As the U.S. enters respiratory virus season, some hospitals have already begun to bring back mask mandates  but others are watching trends and waiting to make that determination.

Since the public health emergency ended in May, universal masking in hospital and healthcare settings has been up to system leadership to determine in conjunction with other factions including COVID-19's spread, local infections and national trends.

While circumstances may evolve as viral seasons begins in the U.S., which could give way to policy changes in time, here are the hospitals and health systems that have announced they are currently not requiring masks again at this time:

Note that this list is not exhaustive and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide attempt at Jackson, Miss.-based Baptist Memorial Hospital that left one person dead and another critically injured, ABC affiliate WAPT reported Sep. 5.

Officials said a suspect was believed to be visiting a patient when they allegedly shot the patient, then went into another room and shot and killed themself. A hospital spokesperson said the people involved were spouses in their early 90s.

The time of the incident has not been released, but police presence was seen outside the hospital around 2 a.m. Sept. 5.

The patient was transferred to Jackson-based University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment and is in critical but stable condition, CBS affiliate WJTV reported.

A hospital spokesperson told Becker's: "We are shocked by the domestic-related shooting involving a patient and their spouse in their early 90s that occurred in our hospital overnight. None of our staff or other patients were involved or harmed, and we have enacted our security protocols as a precaution."

The hospital has increased security presence but remains open. It also is prioritizing the mental and emotional health of its staff and providing resources to that end, the statement said.
The four orthopedic surgeons who sued Grand Rapids-based Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan over a noncompete clause have reached a settlement.

Grand Rapids-based Trinity Health; Timothy Henne, MD; Timothy Lenters, MD; John Healey, MD; and Geoffrey Sandman, MD, and OAM will all handle their own fees from the case, according to a stipulation and order of dismissal filed Sept. 6 in the U.S. District Court for Michigan's Western District.

The surgeons filed their lawsuit in January alleging OAM's noncompete clause forced them to leave Kent County. They previously worked with OAM and wanted to work for IHA, an affiliate of Trinity Health, as employed physicians. But OAM allegedly insisted on enforcement of its noncompete clause.

The surgeons have since begun working at Muskegon, Mich.-based Trinity Health Medical Group Orthopaedics.
Archaeologists have discovered four perfectly-preserved 1,900-year-old Roman swords in a cave in the Judean Desert, which experts believe were captured by Jewish rebels during the Bar Kokhba (or Second Jewish) revolt and placed in a narrow crevice overlooking the Dead Sea.

According to Israel Antiquities Authority's (IAA) Judean Desert Survey director Dr. Eitan Klein, the find near Ein Gedi National Park, near the Dead Sea, was "extremely rare" and such a find was unprecedented in Israeli history.

The cave was already well-known to archaeologists, as it contained a stalactite with a fragmentary ink inscription written in ancient Hebrew script characteristic of the First Temple period.

"Four swords amazingly preserved, including the fine condition of the metal, the handles, and the scabbards," Klein detailed the weapons found and their conditions.

The preliminary article on the swords is published in the volume "New Studies in the Archaeology of the Judean Desert: Collected Papers," which explored new archaeological finds discovered in the Judean Desert Survey Project, The Times of Israel reported.

A conference launching the book is taking place Wednesday (September 6) in Jerusalem.

Read Also: Human Almost Went Extinct, New Chinese Study Claims

Roman Swords in a Jewish Cave

When Dr. Asaf Gayer of Ariel University, geologist Boaz Langford of Hebrew University, and Israel Antiquities Authority photographer Shai Halevi returned to the cave to photograph the stalactite with multispectral photography to decipher additional parts of the discovered inscription not visible to the naked eye, they spotted an extremely well-preserved Roman pilum, a spear-javelin hybrid weapon the Romans used as projectiles prior to charging into enemy positions, in a deep, narrow crack in the rock.

Aside from the swords and spears, the scientists have also found pieces of carved wood in an adjacent niche, which turned out to be parts of the sword's scabbards, as well as pieces of wood and leather.

Archaeologists said three of the swords still have blades inside their scabbards. They likely belonged to Roman soldiers and were stolen by Judean rebels who hid them in a cave either for later use or to avoid being caught with them.

"The blades have been preserved so well, they look like they could be picked up and used right now, even 2,000 years after they were forged," Langford said. "You just realize that you are touching history, because here you are touching a find whose story you know."

Klein added the find was a "very rare and unique find" on an international level that would "shed light on the last moments of the war."

How Did the Swords Survive the Elements?

Another director of the IAA, Eli Escusido, was quoted by the BBC saying that the dry desert climate around the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, enabled the preservation of artifacts that would not survive elsewhere in Israel.

"This is a unique time capsule, whereby fragments of scrolls, coins from the Jewish Revolt, leather sandals, and now even swords in their scabbards, sharp as if they had only just been hidden away today," he added.

The Bar Kokhba revolt, which lasted from 132 to 135 AD, was a Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire and its rule over Judea led by a certain Simon Bar Kokhba.

Related Article: Underwater Village: Archaeologists Discover Ancient Settlement Beneath Albanian Lake

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Boojum said Dublin's Liffey Valley Shopping Centre was a "perfect fit" as the location of its fifteenth store on the island of Ireland

Mexican fast food chain Boojum has announced the opening of their fifteenth store on the island of Ireland.

The burrito chain, which was founded in Belfast, will be opening next month in Dublins Liffey Valley Shopping Centre with the creation of 30 new jobs.

It said the opening was in response to the brands phenomenal success around Co Dublin.

The unit will seat 50 people inside and another 16 outside, and will also offer take away, click n collect and delivery services.

Its the first new store opening by Boojum since its takeover by UK restaurant giant Azzurri Group was announced in June.

Read more Takeover of Charles Hurst owner Lookers plc approved by shareholders

Boojum managing director David Maxwell said: We are delighted to be opening another Boojum store to join our existing seven across our greater Dublin portfolio and the further seven across Ireland.

Boojum was born in Belfast but has passionate fans from both ends of the country and following the success of our Blanchardstown store which opened in 2021, we realised we needed to give our Dublin customers another location outside of the city centre.

"This marks our second out-of-town location and allows us to extend our delivery service area to D22 and beyond, which has been requested by Boojum fanatics for quite some time now.

He said Liffey Valley Shopping Centre was a perfect fit as it was one of Irelands most expansive shopping and leisure destinations.

Read more Tribe Technology in Co Antrim joins the stock exchange with market cap of 22.2m

The business was founded by John Blisard in 2007, and sold to Mr Maxwell and his brother Andrew in 2015.

It now employs over 400 people across its stores in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway.

The store will be located at the main entrance of the shopping centre, beside food outlets Mad Egg and Five Guys.
Charles Hurst announced a 2m investment earlier this year in a new CUPRA and SEAT dealership

Around 90% of shareholders in Charles Hurst parent company Lookers plc have voted in favour of a 504m takeover bid from a Canadian car giant.

The plc said the cash bid from Global Auto had been approved by 91% of shareholders on Tuesday night.

Global Auto is part of Toronto-based Alpha Auto Group Holdings, an operator of car dealerships across North America.

The deal is worth 130p per Lookers share after a previous bid for 120p was rejected.

Charles Hurst, which is led by operations director Jeff McCartney, is NIs largest car dealer group. It runs Europes biggest automotive retail operation on a 30-acre site in Boucher Road.

The business was acquired by Lookers plc in 1996.

Speaking earlier this year, Mr McCartney said: As part of Lookers plc, one of the UK and Irelands leading motoring groups, we are committed to continually innovating and expanding in a rapidly changing retail environment, adding more choice and value for our customers, who remain our priority.

The business has a portfolio of 25 global brands including luxury cars like Lotus, Ferrari, Bentley and Aston Martin.

Charles Hurst has eight sites in Northern Ireland, and two in the Republic.
Actor and writer David Harewood said the unveiling of his portrait in the Harewood House marks a significant day for him and his family (Ashley Karrell/Harewood House/ PA)

Actor and writer David Harewood said the unveiling of his portrait in the Harewood House marks a significant day for him and his family.

The Homeland and Blood Diamond actor, who was raised in Birmingham, is the descendent of people who were enslaved in the 18th century on a Caribbean sugar plantation, owned by the 2nd Earl of Harewood.

The portrait will be displayed as part of the Missing Portraits series this weekend, which aims to address the lack of diverse representation within the Harewood House art collection.

Seeing my portrait enter the collection Harewood House marks a significant day for myself and my family, Harewood said.

Harewood House plays an important role as it continues to acknowledge its own history and the impact that this has had on future generations.

It is vital that we continue to discuss the legacy of slavery and its impact in the UK and abroad.

The portrait will be accompanied by an exhibition called David Harewood: Whats in a name? which explores his life, career and his work as an ambassador for mental health awareness and racial inequality.

Ashley Karrell said it was an honour to be co-creating this moment with Harewood in the history of Harewood House in Yorkshire.

The portrait stands with humility and strength next to those from the 18th and 19th-century, validating those people who were once unnamed and forgotten, Ms Karrell said.

David Harewood was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in July (Jonathan Brady/ PA)

In a small part, we are making a visible change in the present and acknowledging the past, which will hopefully create ripples for how the future is shaped. Our ancestors would be proud because this is a story of truth, survival and triumph.

The Earl and Countess of Harewood, David Lascelles and Diane Howse, said they were delighted to unveil the portrait, adding: By celebrating Davids life and work and engaging with the history that links our two families in this way, we hope to continue these complex conversations and encourage positive change elsewhere.

The exhibition opens on Saturday September 9 and will run until October 22, opening again from January to March next year.
Chief executive David Jackson, who represented Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at the Crown Court hearing

A Northern Ireland council today denied health and safety breach charges brought following an inquiry into the death of a refuse worker who was knocked down by a bin lorry.

Limavady father-of-two John Winton (51), who was also an on-call firefighter, died after he was struck by the lorry on which he was a crew member in November 2018.

Members of Mr Wintons family were in the public gallery at Antrim Crown Court today as a representative for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council appeared to face charges brought following an investigation into the tragic accident.

Council chief executive David Jackson entered not-guilty pleas to two of three charges against the local authority.

The council, with its head office at Cloonavin on Portstewart Road in Coleraine, denied accusations that, as an employer, it failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees on November 6, 2018.

It also denied failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of non-employees on the same date.

The third count, alleging that the council failed to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health and safety of your employees to which they were exposed whilst they were at work, was not put.

Defence counsel Ronan Daly told Judge Roseanne McCormick KC that the defence team intend to lodge a No Bill application to have that charge dismissed.

The charges arise following the tragic death of Mr Winton.

The refuse collection worker, who was also a retained firefighter at Limavady Fire Station, died after a road traffic collision at Mount Eden in Limavady at around 7.30am.

As soon as the case was called today, Judge McCormick turned to Mr Wintons family and told them she wanted to offer the courts unreserved sympathy and condolences, after which she turned to the arraignment of the council.

Following Mr Jacksons denials, Judge McCormick ordered Mr Daly and prosecuting KC Barra McGrory to lodge their skeleton arguments ahead of the No Bill hearing, which she scheduled for October 11.

She warned that any trial will most likely be in April, May or June.

Limavady came to a standstill as mourners lined the streets while Mr Wintons funeral cortege passed in November 2018.

Members from the NI Fire and Rescue Service formed a guard of honour as the procession passed the station from where he had served his community.

A firefighters helmet was placed on top of the coffin as it was carried into the crowded Christ Church in Limavady.

Canon Samuel McVeigh said the building was full to overflowing for the funeral.

He was a very popular man in the town, he told the Belfast Telegraph at the time.

The church has a capacity of around 380, and there were as many people again outside.

Rev Brian Hassan, a cousin of Mr Winton, described him at the time as a true gentleman who served his country with distinction.
Arthur MacNally is facing a raft of charges, including attempted murder of a soldier, armed robbery of a bank, car hijacking and explosives offences

A Co Tyrone pensioner is facing trial accused of a series of historic terror charges including membership of the IRA.

Arthur MacNally is facing a raft of charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery of a bank, hijacking and explosives offences.

The 70-year-old father-of-four, of Minadinna Road, Sixmilecross, did not appear today at Dungannon Magistrates Court, where his lawyer criticised the decision to bring the prosecution and described the defendant as a well-respected member of his community.

A defence solicitor contended the prosecution was in bad faith and thrown together to make arbitrary deadlines before the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill comes into law.

All the alleged offences are said to have taken place on January 20, 1987.

In the order the alleged incidents are said to have happened, he is accused of hijacking a car belonging to a woman  and repeating this with a second woman  seizing control of each vehicle by force, threat or intimidation.

He is then alleged to have committed a robbery at a branch of Ulster Bank in Gortin, Co Tyrone, stealing 875.50.

This was allegedly followed by the attempted murder of two men, one of whom was named on court papers as Soldier A, through unlawfully and maliciously causing and attempting to cause an explosion using an improvised device containing ammonium nitrate-based fertiliser and fuel oil.

He is also accused of being in possession of a improvised explosive device in a beer keg, as well as firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged incident were disclosed during the short hearing, which had been listed as a committal hearing but did not proceed.

A defence solicitor previously said: I have grave, fundamental concerns in respect of the structural integrity of this proposed prosecution.

The court will be aware of the intended legislation before parliament in the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill which states no criminal investigation for any Troubles-related offence may be continued from May 1, 2023.

The Governments clear intention was that this would have attained Royal Assent by July 19, which was the date this bill was to become law, and insofar as thats the case, the court may be intended to participate in an abuse of process to commence and/or entertain this prosecution.

He continued: This case will require careful consideration. There are evidential issues which immediately strike a red light in my eyes. It pains me to say this, but prosecution has been brought in bad faith. This has been thrown together to make arbitrary deadlines set against the carriage of the bill through parliament.

The UK Government seeks to protect its own actors with this legislation yet is intent on bringing tenuous and cynical cases such as this.

The defence described MacNally as a retired father-of-four who was previously in prison but, since his release in 1979, has never been back.

He is a peaceful, law-abiding, very well-respected member of his community, for whom this prosecution has caused great distress and concern, said the defence.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan agreed to adjourn the case to allow for engagement between the defence and prosecution.

The case will be mentioned again on October 4 and, while this is scheduled for committal to Crown court, it is unclear if this will go ahead.
A man charged with an execution-style murder in Antrim must remain in custody, the High Court ruled today.

Jonathan Patterson, 44, was refused bail over his alleged role in the killing of Liam Christie at a house in the towns Ballycraigy estate.

The judge described it as a brutal gangland-type assassination.

Mr Christies body was discovered lying face down in a pool of blood in an upstairs bedroom on October 20 last year.

He had been shot up to eight times at close range, with bullet wounds to the back of his head, chest, nose and jaw.

Two guns were used in the attack - a revolver and a 9mm pistol - but neither weapon has been recovered.

Prosecutors claimed the victim was subjected to an execution.

Patterson, of Moylinney Park in Antrim, is one of two men charged with the murder.

One police theory is that the killing may have been carried out as retribution for the drug-related death of the defendants son, a previous court heard.

In a case based on circumstantial evidence, the Crown argued Patterson is connected through CCTV footage.

The recordings allegedly showed him leaving his home on the estate with another man in the early hours of October 20 to carry out a dry run towards Mr Christies house.

A short time later they went out again, retrieved a suspected gun from the boot of a car, and headed back to the scene of the killing, according to the prosecution.

Patterson, who is also charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, denies any involvement in the murder.

Defence barrister Aaron Thompson argued that the case against his client was weak, with no forensic evidence connecting him to the scene of the shooting.

But rejecting Pattersons renewed bid to be released from custody, Mr Justice Humphreys held that a proposed address in Ballycastle was unsuitable.

The accommodation is such that there are bunk beds and a built-in bar which, it is said, makes it akin to a bachelor pad, the judge pointed out.

On that basis Im not entitled to reopen the question of bail, and the application is dismissed.
Conor Browne (28) died in a stabbing in Tyrone at the weekend. Photo: PSNI.

Two men have appeared in court charged with murdering a Co Tyrone dad who died in hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

Twenty-eight-year-old Conor Browne was attacked outside a pub in Castlederg during the early hours of Saturday 2 September.

The father-of-one was treated in hospital but passed away on Monday 4 September.

Adam Acheson (28), from Baron Square Court, Drumquin, and Jeffrey Bustard (27), from Drumlegagh Church Road, Newtownstewart, are jointly charged with murder.

Acheson is further accused of having a knife with intent to endanger life.

A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court that prior to the incident an altercation occurred in the pub that resulted in Acheson and Bustard being ejected.

They got into a white van and another male joined them before it was driven off then returned and parked up outside the bar.

The men loitered and the victim was seen exiting the bar, when two males approached, believed to be Acheson and Bustard.

A fight ensued during which Acheson allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times.

He sustained a puncture wound to the chest and upper left-arm, a fractured cheek and eye-socket, a laceration to the neck and a head injury.

Although initially conscious on arrival at hospital, his condition deteriorated.

He was taken for emergency surgery then placed in Intensive Care however he continued to deteriorate and passed away.

Both men were originally arrested for attempted murder then released on bail. After Mr Brownes death, they were rearrested along with two other men, who were later released pending a report to the PPS.

During interview, Bustard said ahead of the incident Acheson came to his home and they drank alcohol, then went to the bar.

He said there was an argument, although he didnt know what this was over but knew he was put out of the premises.

He said an altercation occurred but no weapons or feet were used and he saw someone lying on the ground but didnt know what caused this.

He maintained having no involvement in planning or attacking the victim insisting he, did not stab him, had no knife and did not see Acheson with a knife.

Meanwhile, Acheson made no comment during interviews, with the exception of providing a pre-prepared statement, claiming while in the bar Bustard became involved in an argument with an unknown man.

Acheson claimed to have left the bar and remained outside hoping to meet with a woman.

Bustard crossed the street and a melee started with a group of males.

Acheson claims he was assaulted and felt someone pulling him backwards.

He couldnt remember the victim bleeding but did recall someone struggling with him.

While Acheson did not apply for bail, Bustard did, which was opposed by police.

Under cross-examination the detective confirmed as things currently stand there is nothing linking Bustard to the knife.

Urging bail to be granted, the defence pointed out Bustard has, a clear, unblemished record and has never been in court.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: We cannot lose sight of the tragedy which has resulted in the loss of Mr Brownes life. It would seem this prosecution will be on a joint enterprise basis.

"Taking the case against this defendant at its height at present, the weight of evidence is not great.

Read more Plumber accused of loyalist feud petrol bombing barred from Newtownards

Granting bail at 750, Bustard was ordered to reside at an approved address, have no contact with witnesses and observe a curfew from 10pm to 6am along with electronic tagging.

His father is to provide a 5,000 surety.

The case will be mentioned again in Strabane Magistrates Court on 28 September.
A serial thief who allegedly spends 500 a day on cocaine and heroin has been jailed for raiding a fashion store in Belfast.

Kevin McFall stole four pairs of New Balance trainers from Urban Outfitters in the city centre.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard he targeted the retailer on January 17 this year, taking the shoes worth 323 in total.

McFall, of College Square North in the city, was convicted on a single count of theft.

District Judge Anne Marshall highlighted his dreadful record of 186 previous convictions - including 59 for thieving.

Referring to McFalls own statement, she also noted he claims to have a 500 a day cocaine and heroin habit.

Read more Council denies charges linked to death of refuse worker knocked down by bin lorry

Defence barrister Michael Boyd accepted that, even if the level of spending was exaggerated, his client has a serious drugs problem.

McFall himself urged the court to consider an alternative to further imprisonment.

Im crying out for help, I need to be put on a substitute (substance) programme, or else Im just going to reoffend, he insisted.

But Judge Marshall responded that attempts have already been made through probation and drug misuse initiatives.

Imposing two months' custody for the latest theft, she told McFall: There is now no other option.
Hundreds have gathered at a vigil for Conor Browne, a father from Strabane who died after being stabbed in Castlederg at the weekend.

Mr Browne, 28, was attacked during a night out with friends in the Co Tyrone town on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital with severe injuries but died on Monday.

Members of the Castlederg and Strabane communities gathered at the Diamond in Castlederg town square, where a lorry that belonged to Mr Browne was set up.

Hundreds attend vigil in Castlederg for Conor Browne

In the back of the lorry was a picture of the father-of-one in a large heart surrounded by lights.

Parish priest Father Paul Fraser spoke to the crowd and Mr Brownes family, who attended virtually.

Fr Fraser said the community was united in sorrow with his family.

The outpouring of grief that has been evident in our community over these past couple of days bears witness to how much Conor Browne was loved, he said.

We have felt overwhelmed by sadness and loss. Shocked indeed that such a thing could happen in our wee town, that happened in the small hours of Saturday morning, the tragic events unfolded just a few steps from where were standing.

Our sense of shock and loss is nothing compared to whats being felt by Conors family.

This evening we gather to send a message of love and support to his parents Geraldine and Matt, his son Cobie, his sisters Sinead and Grace, and his brothers Seamus and Andrew and the whole family circle of Brownes and Collins, and we want them to know that as a community we are united with them in sorrow.

Conor was a friend to everyone and we want his friends to remember Conor and his smile and that hopefully will help them over the pain of what they witnessed here on Saturday morning.

While Conor was fighting for his life in hospital in Belfast the whole community here in Castlederg and Aghyaran and beyond stormed heaven with prayers for Conor and his family.

We prayed for one thing, that Conor would survive and recover. It wasnt to be.

A minutes silence was held and the service ended as Fast Car by Luke Combs was played, a song Fr Fraser said was one of Mr Brownes favourites.

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Daniel McCrossan said it was an extremely difficult day for the community.

Conor Browne died on Monday (Family handout/PA)

You can feel it here in Castlederg, the community are united in their condemnation of all violence, he said.

This was a brutal, terrible act that has claimed the life of a young man and left devastating and profound consequences for his child and for his family, and indeed for the many people who knew and loved him in this community and beyond.

From social media, you can see that he is very widely loved and well known, and the consequences of what has occurred here in recent days has hit this community very, very hard and first and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time and his friends.

Mr McCrossan said that Mr Brownes death would have rippling consequences, but that Castlederg is a safe town.

It is a hugely shocking thing and the rippling consequences of it have reached many places but I would like to reassure people that it is no reflection of this area, he said.

Members of the Castlederg and Strabane communities gathered at the Diamond in Castlederg town square (Claudia Savage/PA)

This is a good decent, hard-working, quiet, tight-knit community. And this one act, although very terrible, is no reflection of daily life here.

This is a safe place, but certainly in the aftermath of what has happened there will need to be conversations with the PSNI, community workers, to see how we can better protect people at night in our town centres.

But certainly I would like to reassure people that Castlederg is a good place to do business to shop, to live. Its safe. Its a tight knit community.

Before the vigil floral tributes were placed at the site where Mr Browne was killed.

The organisers of the event, Darkness into Light Castlederg, said in a post that Mr Brownes death had sent a dark cloud over the community.

Father Paul Fraser addressing the crowd (Claudia Savage/PA)

Our town of Castlederg was sent into a sense of shock, disbelief, anger and sorrow over the last few days. The news that broke yesterday that Conor had passed away has put a dark cloud over our town, the post read.

Conor was a much loved Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and a brilliant friend to so many people. Conors death has affected everyone who had the pleasure of knowing this great fella and it has affected people whom never had the privilege of meeting him.

We as a community want to show our support and solidarity to Conors immediate family and to the Browne and Collins family circle.

We want to let the people know that all the good work that has been done in our town is not going to be undone by this vile act.
The enactment of Venice's long-awaited ticketing system has been pushed back until the spring of 2024, according to an announcement made by the city council.

On Tuesday, September 5, officials in Venice, Italy, approved regulations that would begin implementing a 5 ($5.50) daily admission tax for tourists beginning next year.

The AP News reported, via Fox Business, that the trial period for the charge will be for 30 days during the spring and summer weekends of 2024. Venice authorities said in a statement, "The aim is to disincentivize daily tourism in certain periods, in line with the fragility and uniqueness of the city," according to the media agency.

'World Heritage in Danger'

After the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicated that it was contemplating adding Venice to its global heritage danger list, the city's leaders took this step in the hopes of reducing the number of tourists visiting the city.

According to Forbes, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro pointed out how important it is to limit visitor numbers at peak times. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this does not mean the city has to be shut down completely. The mayor has promised that the city would remain welcoming to all visitors.

The municipal government said in a statement that "the objective is to discourage daily tourism in certain periods, in line with the fragility and uniqueness of the city."

Reportedly, only daytime guests will be required to purchase an entrance ticket. Those who live in the area, people who commute, as well as students and kids who are under 14, will not have to pay. Guests of hotels located inside the historic city center will likewise be exempt from the fee.

See Also: The World's Safest, Least Expensive Countries to Live and Work

Imposing Price To Enter

There has been talk about instituting an entrance fee to Venice's historic center for quite some time, but no action has been taken on the matter by the city council as a whole.

The executive board of the council has approved a 30-day trial period beginning in the spring and summer of 2024. This will encompass all major holidays and weekends.

Whether or not there will be a daily ticket cap is only one of many factors that have yet to be announced.

Simone Venturini, the deputy mayor for tourism, claimed the new tax will make the city a "trailblazer on the global level." Since the 5 charge would only cover operating expenses, he added the city has no plans to generate a profit from the program.

Instead, he said that a new equilibrium will be sought between the rights of Venice's permanent residents and those of the city's temporary visitors, as reported by Reuters.

Instead, he said that a new equilibrium will be sought between the rights of Venice's permanent residents and those of the city's temporary visitors. A restriction on big cruise ships sailing in front of St. Mark's Square was enacted by the city in 2021.

The move was made in an effort to lessen the number of people that descend by the thousands and cause traffic congestion in the downtown area.

See Also: Over 50% of Americans Bring Their Work on Vacations! Here's How to Avoid This Habit

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Police Federation has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton is currently leading the organisation following the resignation of Simon Byrne after a string of controversies.

The organisation, which represents rank and file officers, also voted to express no confidence in the PSNIs Chief Operating Officer Pamela McCreedy and the Assistant Chief Officer Clare Duffield.

The decision followed an extraordinary and lengthy meeting which examined the fall-out from the Judicial Review ruling that found two junior officers were unlawfully disciplined to allay any threat of Sinn Fein abandoning support for policing.

Federation chair Liam Kelly said: We had a thorough and detailed discussion of all the issues relating to the judicial review ruling, the treatment of our two probationer officers and the monumental data breaches.

Our federation is of the collective view that because of his involvement in the decisions concerning the Ormeau Road incident, and the real or perceived political interference in that process, we can have no confidence in him.

Furthermore, in the wider context of the management, accountability and operation of the Service, my Federation colleagues said they had no confidence either in the Chief Operating Officer Ms McCreedy, and the Assistant Chief Officer, Ms Duffield.

Mr Hamilton was placed in command of the PSNI on Monday after Mr Byrne resigned as Chief Constable.

The committee agreed there is a need for urgent clarification from the senior executive team over whether the PSNI would continue with its intention to appeal the judicial review ruling.

There was also heavy criticism of the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) and the manner in which it handled the fall-out from the ongoing crisis and the need for a review of its effectiveness and role, specifically the interference it had in operational decision-making, Mr Kelly added.

The service is in dire need of clear and strong leadership. We have to fix whats fractured and change the entire way of working so that there isnt a damaging and dangerous disconnect between the Senior Executive Team (SET) and all officers.

We do our level best  often going well beyond whats expected  to deliver professional policing for this entire community. To continue on that path, we must have a leadership that listens and acts on the genuine and constructive feedback from the rank-and-file.

None of this is easy, but we feel we owe it to our members to express in the strongest possible terms the deep feelings of hurt, resentment and anger that exists. The Federation stands ready to work collaboratively to re-build the organisation and put policing back on an even keel.

What next for the PSNI as Simon Byrne bows to the inevitable?

The DUP leader earlier called for an external person to be brought in to lead the PSNI in an interim capacity until a new Chief Constable is appointed.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson told MPs there is a "crisis situation" meaning an officer with "experience and leadership credentials" is needed to take control.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said: "I'm sure that questions are being asked to see what can be done in this space."

Meanwhile UUP MLA and Policing Board member Mike Nesbitt said he does not believe the law would permit someone to step in over Mr Hamilton.

"If there's a way around that then it opens the debate about whether we should try to bring somebody in  but there's also a question of who would that be, who would want to come in at this stage from the outside on a temporary basis?"

In a statement Mr Nesbitt said he understands the vote against Mr Hamilton was unanimous  and pointed out that his party was among the first to call on the Deputy Chief Constable to consider his position.

"We have consistently identified the fact that the problems with the PSNI go well beyond one man and that removing Simon Byrne as Chief Constable does not cure all ills, he added.

"I have also questioned the role of the senior operating officers in both the data breach and more generally. The Policing Board has invested a significant amount of money in creating these senior staff positions.

"The question is whether there has been a significant return on investment.

"Is the PSNI a more effective organisation as a result? It is hard to argue it is.

"This will form part of the agenda for tomorrow's Policing Board meeting."

The Policing Board said it will not be making any comment on the PFNI vote until after members have had the opportunity to discuss it on Thursday.

The Board agreed at its meeting on 4 September that, following the resignation of the Chief Constable, in the interim the Deputy Chief Constable will exercise all of the functions of the Chief Constable, a spokesperson added.
Two more people have died in road traffic incidents in Ireland, gardai have said n(Alamy/PA)

Two more people have died in road traffic incidents in Ireland, gardai have said.

A man was killed in a crash involving a car and lorry in Co Carlow on Wednesday, while in Dublin a 16-year-old boy died in hospital from injuries sustained in a fall from a tractor in Co Galway last week.

The two deaths bring the number of people killed on Irelands roads in 2023 to 129.

The crash in Co Carlow happened on the N80 at Graig na Spideog just before 7am, with the male driver of the car killed.

No other injuries were reported.

The road was shut to allow for an examination of the scene by Garda forensic crash investigators.

Meanwhile, the 16-year-old boy was badly hurt in an incident at Sylane in Tuam, Co Galway, last Wednesday.

He fell from a tractor at about 7.40pm and was taken to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.

He died in the early hours of Wednesday, gardai said.

A post-mortem examination will take place.

Gardai have appealed for witnesses to both incidents to come forward.
Enterprise Minister and Cork TD Simon Coveney said it has been a desperate summer for tragedies in the local area (Damien Storan/PA)

The community is broken after the death of an eight-year-old girl who went missing at a beach in Co Cork, Simon Coveney has said.

A major search was launched after the alarm was raised at Fountainstown Beach near Crosshaven at around 4.40pm on Tuesday.

Members of An Garda Siochana, the Coast Guard, the RNLI, fire services, and Mallow River Rescue were involved in the effort.

The body of the child was recovered from the water at around 7.45pm.

Speaking to the media in Co Wicklow ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Enterprise Minister and Cork TD Mr Coveney said it has been a summer of tragic deaths.

Weve also seen, particularly in my own home city of Cork, extraordinary tragedy again in the last 24 hours in terms of the drowning of a young eight-year-old girl, he said.

Its been a desperate summer in the context of tragedy involving children, both on our roads and unfortunately with water accidents as well, two of them very close to where I live.

The community is just broken again this morning.

On behalf of the Government I want to say our thoughts are with the family and the community and the children who are going to school today with an empty seat.

Last month, 14-year-old Jack OSullivan died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Passage West in Co Cork.

On Tuesday, another person lost their life in Irish waters.

A man in his 80s was taken from the water at Curracloe Beach in Co Wexford after falling ill.

The pensioner was pronounced dead at the scene.
Richard Bruton He expressed his gratitude to voters for his decades in elected politics on Tuesday evening as he announced his decision (PA)

Former Irish Cabinet minister Richard Bruton is to stand down as a Fine Gael TD at the next general election, the Irish Independent has revealed.

Mr Bruton, at the Fine Gael Dublin Bay North meeting this week, said: I have decided that I will not contest the next General Election. I would like to thank local voters for the trust you have shown in me to serve as your local TD for the past 41 years.

It has been a privilege to get the chance to represent you on the Council, in the Dail, and in cabinet. I will continue to work hard for you up to the end of this Dail term.

I would like to thank all those who have helped me in my work throughout my career, particularly my family, my friends, and Fine Gael members. That loyalty means so much to me. However, this is the right time, as new constituencies are forming, to give others the chance to take on the role.

I have been so lucky to be given the chance to hold office under four different Taoisigh, and to be part of some major changes in Irish society. Ireland has made huge strides in that time.

As I announce my departure from politics, I would encourage anyone with an interest in public life to consider putting their name forward for election. There are many important reforms which only politics can deliver, Mr Bruton said.

In April, Mr Bruton refused to confirm if he would be standing again, telling the Irish Independent that it remains to be seen.

He is the latest in a string of Fine Gael TDs to announce they will not be standing at the next election leaving the party with a major challenge to find replacement candidates. A party grandee who served four different cabinets between 1994 and 2020, Mr Bruton (70) has been a TD in Dublin Bay North and its predecessor, Dublin North Central, since 1982.

He stood for the party leadership and lost against Enda Kenny in 2002 before unsuccessfully challenging the future Taoiseach in 2010.

Despite being sacked by Mr Kenny as finance spokesperson that year, Mr Bruton was appointed by the new Taoiseach as enterprise minister, where he had previously served in the mid-90s, in 2011.

He went on to serve as education and communications minister under Mr Kenny and later Mr Varadkar who did not reappoint him to cabinet when the current government was formed in 2020. Mr Bruton was subsequently elected as parliamentary party chairman in July of that year.

Former Dublin Lord Mayor and long-serving councillor Naoise O Muiri and Howth-Malahide councillor Aoibhinn Tormey are among those likely to be in contention to succeed Mr Bruton as the Fine Gael candidate or candidates for Dublin Bay North.

Mr Brutons announcement follows that of fellow former Fine Gael ministers David Stanton (Cork East), Michael Creed (Cork North-West), John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny), Brendan Griffin (Kerry), and Joe McHugh (Donegal) who have all confirmed they are not standing at the next election.

Former housing minister Eoghan Murphy also resigned as a TD for Dublin Bay South in 2021 with Fine Gael failing to hold the seat in the subsequent by-election.

The futures of several other Fine Gael TDs are expected to be clarified in the coming weeks and months in the wake of the Electoral Commissions redrawing of constituency boundaries which has added 14 new TDs to the next Dail.

The Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll at the weekend showed Fine Gael polling at 21pc and projected to win 40 seats at the next election, five more than it won in 2020.
The technical glitch which caused widespread disruption to flights last week was a one in 15 million occurrence, an air traffic control boss said (Liam McBurney/PA)

The technical glitch which caused widespread disruption to flights last week was a one in 15 million occurrence, an air traffic control (ATC) boss said.

National Air Traffic Services (Nats) chief executive Martin Rolfe said one of its systems failed after it didnt process (a) flight plan properly.

The plan submitted by the airline  which has not been named  was not faulty, he added.

The problem led to Nats being unable to process flight plans automatically for several hours on August 28, a bank holiday Monday and a peak period for air travel.

The subsequent switch to manual processing meant the average number of plans it could handle dropped from around 400 per hour to as few as 60, leading to restrictions on flights to and from UK airports.

More than a quarter of flights were cancelled that day, affecting around 250,000 people.

Cancellations continued for two more days as planes and crews were out of position.

Asked what the odds of this happening were, Mr Rolfe replied: We know its at least one in 15 million, because weve had 15 million flight plans through this system and we can be absolutely certain that weve never seen this set of circumstances before.

In a preliminary report shared with Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Nats did not identify the route of the flight plan which led to the chaos but stated the aircraft was scheduled to enter UK airspace during an 11-hour journey.

Airlines flight plans feature waypoints, which represent locations and are identified by a combination of letters and numbers.

The flight plan which caused last weeks disruption was submitted to Eurocontrol  which oversees ATC across Europe  before being passed on to Nats.

The process led to the plan featuring two waypoints around 4,000 nautical miles apart but with identical names.

This meant Nats software was unable to extract a valid UK portion of the flight plan and reacted by shutting down.

A back-up system followed the same steps and also stopped working.

Nats said an operating instruction has been put in place to allow the prompt recovery of the system if there is a repeat of these circumstances. A permanent software change to prevent it shutting down in such an event is expected to be implemented in the coming days.

Mr Rolfe said: Im very confident that the changes were making here will prevent this incident from happening ever again.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced it will launch an independent review into the meltdown.

Details of this will be published by the end of September and the inquiry is expected to take around three months.

CAA joint-interim chief executive Rob Bishton said: The initial report by Nats raises several important questions and as the regulator we want to make sure these are answered for passengers and industry.

If there is evidence to suggest Nats may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations we will consider whether any further action is necessary.

Mr Harper said the CAAs review will dig deeper into this event and understand whether there are any further steps to be taken to improve the resilience of the air traffic control system.

He added: I will chair a further meeting between Nats, the CAA and the aviation industry tomorrow (Thursday) to allow Nats to present its findings and consider initial feedback from airlines.

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: It is vital lessons have been learned so passengers never see a repeat of an incident on this scale.

A full independent and wide-ranging review of Nats is needed to ensure it is fit for purpose today and in the future, and so we welcome the CAAs planned review.
A woman has been barred from removing the body of her partner from a funeral home after becoming embroiled in High Court litigation with one of his relatives (Alamy/PA)

A woman has been barred from removing the body of her partner from a funeral home after becoming embroiled in High Court litigation with one of his relatives.

Mr Justice Roth has ruled that Benedicta Onwordi cannot take possession of the body of Peter Otitoju, who died aged 67.

Mr Otitojus daughter Adekemi Otitoju, 20, of Peckham, south-east London, launched legal action after learning that Ms Onwordi had made funeral arrangements.

Miss Otitoju told the judge, at a High Court hearing in London on Wednesday, that a relative should make the arrangements  not her fathers girlfriend.

She asked Mr Justice Roth to impose an injunction preventing a planned burial from going ahead on Friday.

The judge, who described Miss Otitojus application as somewhat unusual, ruled in her favour after concluding that a child of Mr Otitojus would be given permission to administer his estate.

He ruled that Ms Onwordi must not remove Mr Otitojus body from a funeral home in Walthamstow, east London

The judge said Miss Otitoju was entitled to take possession of her fathers body and arrange a burial.

Mr Justice Roth was told that Ms Onwordi  who was not at Wednesdays hearing  was aware of Miss Otitojus application.

He said she could challenge his ruling.
A general view of Abbey Lane Primary School in Sheffield, which has been affected with sub-standard reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (PA)

Rishi Sunak will face Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Ministers Questions for the first time in seven weeks as he comes under pressure to declare what he knew about the crumbling concrete crisis in schools.

The Conservative Party leader has become embroiled in the row after one of his ministers suggested Mr Sunak approved for 50 schools to be rebuilt a year when he was chancellor, rejecting an application for 200 to be given the same treatment.

Concerns over reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) have caused more than 100 schools in England to partially or fully shut.

Mr Sunak is likely to be grilled by the Labour leader on the funding made available to tackle faulty classroom concrete (PA)

Mr Sunak is likely to be grilled by the Labour leader on the funding made available to tackle faulty classroom concrete when the two face off on Wednesday for the first time since Parliament returned from its summer break.

Labour has already signalled it will look to use an arcane parliamentary mechanism to discover what the Prime Minister knew about the crisis during his tenure in the Treasury.

Mr Sunak has faced accusations he slashed the school rebuilding programme in half when he was chancellor, providing funding for 100 crumbling schools to be replaced annually when, according to former Department for Education (DfE) permanent secretary Jonathan Slater, 400 needed revamps.

The Prime Minister has rejected the attack on his Treasury record.

Elsewhere, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said under fire Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has serious questions to answer after it emerged a company the senior Torys husband has links to was handed a 1 million IT contract from a fund earmarked for rebuilding schools.

As reported by the Daily Mirror, which broke the news about the contract, Michael Keegan states on his LinkedIn social media page that he is a non-executive director at technology firm Centerprise.

The company was one of six suppliers awarded contracts earlier this year to replace server infrastructure, with the money coming from the DfEs school rebuilding programme fund.

Ms Phillipson said: This appears to be a gross conflict of interest and eyebrows will be raised that the Keegans appear to have gained from a shrinking pot of school rebuilding money.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has come under fire for her handling of the schools concrete crisis (James Manning/PA)

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mr and Mrs Keegan.

A DfE spokeswoman said: Ministers had no involvement in the procurement process for these contracts, which were awarded in line with existing government commercial procedures.

It comes after Ms Keegan was forced to apologise after railing against those she said had sat on their arse and done nothing about Raac in a sweary outburst on Monday.

Labour will look to increase the scrutiny on Mr Sunak over the Raac crisis with plans to use a humble address motion, a mechanism for demanding papers from government departments.

They want publication of submissions of evidence sent by the DfE to No 10 and the Treasury relating to advice on the construction trouble.

As part of the move, it will also push to see all related correspondence ahead of the 2020 and 2021 spending reviews and the 2022 spring and autumn statements to show what advice Mr Sunak was given as chancellor about the need to replace Raac.

Ms Phillipson said: Today, we are giving Conservative MPs a choice: to vote with Labour and give parents the right to know about who is responsible for this mess or to vote to conceal the true scale of this crisis and the Prime Ministers failure to keep our children safe.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson wants papers relating to Raac advice received by the PM (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Mrs Keegan, who has come under fire for her handling of the concrete crisis, defended the Prime Ministers past actions to protect school building safety.

She said: As chancellor, the Prime Minister introduced the school rebuilding programmes  delivering 500 schools over the next decade.

On top of that, the Conservatives have invested 15 billion in schools since 2015.

In addition, capital spending this year will be almost 29% higher in real terms than last year.

She continued: An independent review found Labours schools funding programme was badly targeted and complex.

It did nothing to fix schools in poor condition, particularly those affected by Raac. In contrast the Labour-run Welsh government have sat on their hands and failed to act on schools in Wales.
Sara Sharifs mother spoke about her grief when she had to identify her daughters body (Surrey Police/ PA)

The mother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has spoken of the grief she felt when she went to identify her daughters body in the mortuary.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

She was living with her father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool when she died.

Saras father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool (Surrey Police/PA)

Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel, Olga Sharif said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif said she in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially it became increasingly harder over time.

Mr Sharif, 41, Ms Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted by police for questioning.

They left with five children aged between one and 13-years-old, Surrey Police said.

A person leaves flowers outside a property in Woking where Sara was found dead (PA)

Saras grandfather has told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council has told the PA news agency she was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to the death.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, people have been returned from the Asian country before.

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time on Wednesday.
Zak ONeill has been sentenced to be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital for the manslaughter of his his mother, Michelle, whom he stabbed multiple times (Gloucestershire Police/PA)

A teenager stabbed his mother to death during a psychotic episode in which he believed killing her would save her soul, a court has heard.

Zak ONeill, now 21, attacked Michelle ONeill with a knife at their family home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on March 15 last year.

Bristol Crown Court heard that 47-year-old Ms ONeill was a devoted mother-of-two who had a loving relationship with her son, who was 19 at the time, and there was no conflict or animosity between them.

His mental health deteriorated in the months leading up to her death, with ONeill first ringing the police and then a mental health crisis team the day before.

He told police he was concerned about his mental state, adding to the mental health crisis team that he feared he was dangerous, but denying he would harm himself or others.

He later told a psychiatrist, who diagnosed schizophrenia, that he believed killing his mother and himself would save their souls.

The court heard that ONeill stabbed his mother, causing 92 injuries, on the morning of March 15 before driving to a pub  leaving his grandmother to discover the body.

Judge William Hart imposed a hospital order on ONeill, who admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, during a hearing on Wednesday.

He described Ms ONeill as a much-loved and lamented lady whose life was cut short in the most brutal and horrific manner by her beloved son.

There were almost 100 wounds, the judge said. She must have died in physical agony and mental torment.

Two eminent psychologists agreed that ONeill was psychotic at the time, with no other motivations to explain why he killed his mother.

You had a loving, positive relationship with your mother, the judge told ONeill, who had no previous convictions.

There is a lack of any conceivable reason for this killing, aside from your illness.

You became aware of how unwell you were becoming and made attempts to alert the authorities to your concern, the police and the mental health crisis team.

You were were extremely ill at the time of this offence and remain so. You were not insane. You are undoubtedly, if untreated, a dangerous offender.

After sentencing ONeill, the judge told him: What the future holds for you is impossible to know.

You have some insight, you have expressed remorse. That must be an enormous burden. It is one that will be with you for the rest of your life.

William Hunter, prosecuting, said ONeill phoned the police due to concerns about his mental state on March 14 and was advised to contact the mental health crisis team, which he did.

He was worried he was dangerous, he said he didnt have thoughts about hurting anyone, he said he hadnt slept well, Mr Hunter said.

The following morning, ONeills grandmother, Christine Kerr, arrived at the family home and took the dog for a walk at 7.50am.

She returned at 9.10am to find her daughter dead in the lounge, having suffered multiple injuries to her face, neck and head.

ONeill called police at 10.22am, saying he had killed someone and had attempted to take his own life. He was later arrested at a pub in Birdlip, Gloucestershire.

While in custody, ONeill told police: I picked up a knife and started stabbing because I wanted to be with my Mum in heaven because I love her.

He later told forensic psychologist Dr John Sandford he believed he was on a spiritual quest and needed to kill his mother to save their souls.

Andrew Langdon KC, representing ONeill, said: This is a tragic, miserable case. There was no background of hostility, conflict or animosity.

Unbeknown to the world, he was becoming seriously mentally unwell. He had made phone calls the day before the incident.

It is no-ones fault but neither the police nor the crisis team recognised this as the problem that it made out to be.

He killed his mother because he was trying to save her soul and his own soul.

In a statement issued after the case, Ms ONeills family described her as a much-loved mother, daughter and sister.

She was devoted to her son with whom she had a loving relationship, which makes this tragedy so shocking and difficult to come to terms with, they said.

Michelle is much missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Detective Inspector Adam Stacey, of Gloucestershire Police, described the case as heartbreaking for everyone involved.

From our investigation and subsequent psychiatric reports, its shown that this awful act didnt come from a place of hate, but instead Zak ONeill thought his actions would have a different outcome, he said.

Zak ONeill will now be detained in a secure psychiatric hospital so that he can continue to receive the appropriate support.
Leo the cat has been reunited with his owners (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

A pair of Alaska teachers needed good news after they lost nearly all their possessions when their house collapsed into a swollen river and their cat went missing.

Elizabeth Wilkins was holding on to hope that if any animal would survive the house falling into the Mendenhall River on August 5 it would be Leo, the couples resilient big-eyed, black-and-white cat who shows no fear of bears.

I knew that hes pretty smart, and so I felt pretty confident that he would escape and be OK somewhere, she said.

That faith paid off 26 days after the flood when Tonya Mead posted a photo of Leo to the Juneau Community Collective Facebook page.

Elizabeth Wilkins with her cat Leo (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

Ms Wilkins immediately knew it was Leo, the Covid kitten they rescued in 2020. She rushed to meet Ms Mead.

I just started walking down the street calling for him, and he just ran out and was like, Oh hey, here I am, you know, like, where have you been?, she said.

The river flooding was caused by a major release of water from Suicide Basin, a Mendenhall Glacier-dammed lake in Juneau, that eroded the river bank.

Ms Wilkins and her partner, Tom Schwartz, moved into the home shortly before the flood hit, but they were away on a mountain biking trip to Bend, Oregon, at the time.

Friends called and sent videos, warning their house was in danger of being washed away.

Ultimately, several homes were destroyed or partially destroyed, with others condemned or flooded.

Leo the cat was reunited with his owners 26 days after their home collapsed into a swollen river in Juneau, Alaska (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

None of the destruction was as famous as the house being rented by Ms Wilkins and Mr Schwartz, with video of it collapsing into the river going viral.

The couple returned to Juneau three days later to sort out new living arrangements and to look for Leo.

They returned to the site of the house, calling out Leos name and leaving food for him in the chicken coop.

By then, it seemed like everyone in Juneau was looking for him. There were plenty of sightings of Leo, but Ms Wilkins said it appears that there are just many black-and-white unhoused cats in Juneau.

When he did turn up, he appeared to be in good health.

Leo was a little thinner, but otherwise totally fine, Ms Wilkins said. He ate four cans of tuna and went outside to kill a mouse. I imagine that is how he survived.

She said it is amazing to have Leo back, though he is currently staying with a friend while they look for another place to live.

Its super joyful because everyone in their community was looking for him, and its nice to have some good news, she said.
As part of a lawsuit settlement coming from its response to the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, New York City's police department has agreed to implement new regulations aimed at protecting demonstrators' rights.

The 44-page deal, unsealed Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, compels the nation's largest police force to send fewer officers to most public rallies. It establishes a tiered system of protest response that favors de-escalation while outlawing the NYPD's notorious method of kettling, which includes detaining and arresting large numbers of demonstrators, as reported by CBS News.

Revisions Yet To Be Approved

A federal court must still approve the planned revisions. However, the deal suggests that the case brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in 2021, which revealed a pattern of civil rights violations committed by police when protests swept through the city in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in May 2020, will be resolved.

(Photo: by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 27: NYPD officers stand guard as people participate in an anti-migrant rally and protest outside of Gracie Mansion on August 27, 2023, in New York City. Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa was joined by local officials and hundreds of protestors, as he held another anti-migrant protest after staging several in Brooklyn and Queen against the migrant relief shelters in the boroughs. NYPD made several arrests, including Sliwa and two supporters who were arrested for civil disobedience.

Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, said in a video message that the settlement found a proper balance to "ensure that we are both protecting public safety and respecting protesters' First Amendment rights."

Protests in 2020 escalated into chaotic street clashes as riot police used batons, pepper spray, and their own vehicles to aggressively disperse both peaceful and disorderly demonstrators. Some protestors set fire to police vehicles and threw bottles at cops.

Police surrounded nonviolent demonstrators in various areas across the city without provocation, resulting in hundreds of arrests for low-level offenses such as disorderly conduct or impeding traffic.

Read also: New York Police Arrest Fourth Teen Involved in Good Samaritan's Subway Death

Categorization of Protests

Police commanders will categorize protests as one of four tiers under the tiered enforcement system, with higher levels of mobilization occurring in response to direct threats to public safety or essential infrastructure. The NYPD must accommodate street rallies, even those that hinder traffic, under the lower-tier response, which is the norm for most protests.

The Strategic Response Group, a heavily armored police force specializing in crowd control, will not be deployed unless a police commander authorizes a tier three mobilization based on specific infractions committed by demonstration goers. Otherwise, the NYPD will rely on community affairs officers who have been trained in de-escalation techniques.

Separate claims made by the Legal Aid Society, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and other private attorneys, which were joined with the Attorney General's complaint, are also covered by the settlement. Plaintiffs are expected to receive monetary compensation, the amount of which has yet to be determined.

The settlement calls for the city to pay $1.6 million to the state's Department of Investigation, which will oversee the accord reached with other parties, including police leaders and civil rights organizations.

New York City has already agreed to pay at least $35 million to settle claims of police misconduct during the 2020 protests, including an estimated $10 million for those kettled during a rally in the South Bronx. Over 600 individuals have filed individual claims against the city, many of which are still ongoing.

Related article: Protesters Clash Outside New York City Mayor's Home Amid Worsening Migrants Surge

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Floodwater covers a car and the yards of houses in Milina village, Pilion region, central Greece, on Tuesday (Thanasis Kalliaras/Eurokinissi/AP)

Fierce rainstorms have battered neighbouring Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria, triggering flooding that caused at least five deaths, including those of two holidaymakers swept away by a torrent which raged through a campsite.

Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya said four other people were missing after the flash flood swept over the campsite in the Kirklareli province, near the border with Bulgaria.

He said about 12 tourists were at the site when the waters hit.

Search teams had found two bodies, he said on Twitter, now known as X.

The search and rescue efforts for the missing (four) continue uninterrupted, he added.

A man cleans debris from floodwater in the town of Volos, central Greece (Anastasia Karekla/Eurokinissi/AP)

Television footage showed rescuers carrying a young girl and an adult to safety from waters reaching waist-high in some areas.

The rains also damaged and forced the closure of a main road, HaberTurk television reported.

In Istanbul, Turkeys largest city, heavy rain flooded streets and homes in two neighbourhoods, leaving at least two people dead, the governors office said.

A cyclist rides through floodwater blocking the road due to heavy rain in Basaksehir district of Istanbul, Turkey, on Tuesday (Khalil Hamra/AP)

About a dozen people were rescued after being stranded inside a library, while some subway stations were shut down.

Istanbul governor Davut Gul urged motorcyclists to stay home.

In Greece, police banned traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion and the resort island of Skiathos as record rainfall caused at least one death, channeled thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away.

The fire service said a man was killed near Volos when a wall buckled and fell on him.

Five people were reported missing, possibly swept away by floodwater.

Authorities sent mobile phone alerts in several other areas of central Greece, the Sporades island chain and the island of Evia warning people to limit their movements outdoors.

Floodwater in the town of Volos, central Greece (George Kidonas/InTime News/AP)

Streams overflowed their banks and swept cars into the sea in the Pilion area, while rockfalls blocked roads, a small bridge was carried away and many areas suffered power cuts.

Greeces minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the storms were forecast to ease after noon on Wednesday and urged people in afflicted areas to stay indoors.

According to meteorologists, its the most extreme event as far as maximum rainfall in a day is concerned since record-keeping started, he said, adding that in one part of Pilion 6.45cm (2.5in) of rain had fallen by early afternoon.

Mr Kikilias said rainfall was forecast to intensify later on Tuesday and again on Wednesday morning after a brief respite overnight.

Greeces weather service said the Pilion region could get about 6.5-7cm (2.5-2.8in) of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, while 5-6cm were forecast for the central town of Karditsa.

It noted that the average annual rainfall in the Athens region is around 40cm.

The storm comes on the heels of major summer wildfires that hit Greece over the past few weeks, with some burning for more than a fortnight and destroying vast tracts of forest and farmland.

More than 20 people were killed in the fires.

Residents remove debris in Volos, central Greece (George Kidonas/InTime News/AP)

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis blamed both the wildfires and storms on climate change, while conceding that his centre-right government clearly didnt manage things as well as we would have liked on the wildfire front.

I am afraid that the careless summers, as we knew them  will cease to exist and from now on the coming summers are likely to be ever more difficult, he said on Tuesday.

Farther north in Bulgaria, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said two people died and three others were missing after a storm caused floods on the countrys southern Black Sea coast.

Overflowing rivers caused severe damage to roads and bridges. The area also suffered power cuts and authorities warned residents not to drink tap water due to contamination from floodwater.

High winds sent twp-metre (six-foot) waves crashing on to beaches at tourist resorts amid torrential rain that flooded streets and houses.

TV footage showed cars and camper vans being swept out to sea in the hardest-hit southern resort town of Tsarevo.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in Tsarevo and urged people to move upstairs as the ground floors of some hotels were inundated.
Antony Blinken and Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba visited a cemetery in Kyiv (Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Service via AP)

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, hours after Russia launched its first missile attack in a week against the Ukrainian capital.

Mr Blinkens trip aims to assess Ukraines three-month-old counter-offensive and signal continued US support for Kyivs efforts to drive out the Kremlins forces after 19 months of war amid concerns among some western allies over the pace of progress, according to US officials.

After arriving in Kyiv, Mr Blinken laid a wreath at the Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate members of the Ukrainian armed forces who lost their lives defending the country.

He is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss the ongoing counter-offensive and reconstruction efforts.

Rescuers work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in the Kyiv region (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP

Washington officials said possible alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain will also be discussed following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent bombardment of port facilities in the Odesa region from where most grain is transported abroad.

Those alternatives may include ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy. Other possible overland routes are also being examined.

Mr Blinkens visit is expected to include the announcement of new military aid of between 175 million dollars to 200 million dollars. Another larger military assistance package is expected later this week.

Other issues, including support for Ukraines war-torn economy will be discussed, building on Mr Blinkens announcement in June in London of 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernising its energy network that was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in the first aerial attack on the capital since August 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration.

Debris from a downed missile struck the premises of a business in Kyiv, igniting a fire and causing damage to the companys equipment. No casualties were reported.

In the Odesa region, meanwhile, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack that hit the port of Izmail. The attack damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, local authorities said.

The trip to Ukraine is Mr Blinkens fourth since the war began, including one very brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion.

However, it will mark the first time Americas top diplomat has spent the night in Ukraines capital since he visited Kyiv in January 2022, before the invasion.

US officials said Mr Blinkens decision to stay overnight in Kyiv is intended to send a symbolic signal of American support for Ukraine as the war drags on.

Antony Blinken works while travelling by train to Kyiv (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP)

Shared priorities will be discussed with the state of Ukraines counter-offensive high on the agenda, a senior US State Department official briefed reporters ahead of the trip.

The official highlighted the importance of being well-aligned on how Ukrainians see developments on the ground many weeks into the fight, which Kyivs troops launched in June.

Mr Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may come up short and fail to reach their objectives.

While the US has been concerned by certain day-to-day battlefield setbacks, US officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defence capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.
The Russian missile that hit eastern Ukraine on Wednesday turned an outdoor market into a fiery, blackened ruin where weeping civilians looked for loved ones among the mangled, burned bodies scattered across the ground.

The blast in the town of Kostiantynivka killed 17 people and wounded at least 32 in one of Russias deadliest strikes in months, Ukrainian officials said.

There was no military target here. This is a peaceful neighbourhood in the city centre, Stefan Slovak, who lives in Kostiantynivka, said in a trembling voice.

Behind him were the remains of the market, where charred bodies could be seen in the street, their clothes still burning, near cars engulfed in flames.

Behind a market stall holding fresh parsley, rescuers found a woman in civilian clothes with her head covered in blood.

Ukrainian soldiers move an injured woman to an ambulance (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Images taken by Associated Press reporters showed emergency workers extinguishing fires and tending to the wounded amid the wreckage that included blackened cars.

They are shooting at peaceful civilians. Are we soldiers here? Are we shooting at them? No! So why? They are just trying to destroy Ukrainian nation, said Nadezhda Negoda.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike was deliberate. He has visited the town many times on trips to the front line.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area. There arent any military units nearby, Mr Zelensky said during a news conference in Kyiv with visiting Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen.

He said the strike reflects the situation on the battlefield.

Rescue workers put out a fire after the rocket attack (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Whenever there are any positive advances by Ukrainian defence forces in that direction, Russians always target civilian people and civilian objects, he said.

Ukraines minister of internal affairs, Ihor Klymenko reported that emergency workers extinguished the flames that burned an area of 3,200sq ft. Eight market installations and some cars were destroyed.

About 30 pavilions were damaged, along with 20 shops, an administrative building, an apartment building and some power lines, according to Ukraines general prosecutors office.

The attack came as US secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, where he was expected to announce more than one billion dollars in new American funding for Ukraine in the 18-month-old war.
Ukrainian soldiers move an injured woman to an ambulance after a Russian shelling attack on the food market in Kostiantynivka, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more wounded when Russian shelling struck a market in a city in eastern Ukraine, officials said.

Associated Press journalists at the site of the attack in Kostiantynivka saw covered bodies on the ground and emergency workers extinguishing fires at market stalls, with blackened mangled cars nearby.

Prime minister Denys Shmyhal said at least 17 people were killed. At least 28 were wounded, according to internal minister Ihor Klymenko.

Emergency service workers extinguished the fire that damaged about 30 pavilions at the outdoor market, Mr Klymenko said.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky greets US secretary of state Antony Blinken (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/AP)

The attack came as US secretary of state Antony Blinken visited Ukraines capital, where he was expected to announce more than one billion dollars in new American funding in a display of Washingtons unflagging support for Kyivs fight.

Mr Blinken also aimed to assess Ukraines three-month-old counter-offensive and signal continued US backing as some western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress in driving out Russian forces after 18 months of war, according to US officials.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counter-offensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Mr Blinken said during the visit.

Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

The aftermath of a Russian rocket attack on a food market in Kostiantynivka (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Mr Blinken was set to pledge more than one billion dollars in new US funding, a senior State Department official said.

The money would be for a range of investments, the official said, without elaborating.

Other issues, including support for Ukraines war-torn economy were to be discussed, building on Mr Blinkens announcement in London in June of 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernising its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that US assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Mr Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city. He met President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials to discuss the ongoing counter-offensive and reconstruction efforts.

On the train journey to Kyiv, Mr Blinken met Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, also on an official visit, to discuss the war.

Mr Blinken thanked her for Denmarks leadership in a coalition training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent bombardment of port facilities in the Odesa region, from which most grain is transported abroad.

Those alternatives may include new overland routes, or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy.

After arriving in Kyiv, Mr Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate members of the Ukrainian armed forces who lost their lives defending the country.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken, right, and Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba at the Alley of Heroes at the Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv (Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Service/AP)

Mr Blinken told foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba that the US has seen good progress in the counter-offensive. Its very heartening.

Meeting prime minister Mr Shmyhal, Mr Blinken said he was in Ukraine to reaffirm our commitment to stand with you to help ensure that you succeed militarily in dealing with the aggression, but also to stand with you to make sure that your efforts to build a strong economy and a strong democracy succeed.

Mr Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since August 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration.

Debris from a downed missile struck a business in Kyiv, causing a fire and damage. No casualties were reported.

In the Odesa region, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

The trip was Mr Blinkens fourth visit to Ukraine since the war began, including one very brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion.

But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in the capital since he visited Kyiv in January 2022, before the invasion.

US officials said Mr Blinkens decision to stay overnight was a signal of American support.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Bangladesh on Thursday, the nations first-ever visit by a high-profile Russian official, which is expected to focus on how Dhaka can pay Moscow for construction of a nuclear plant despite Western sanctions.

Reports suggest that Russia  cornered by Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine  may want to step up ties with Bangladesh, which Moscow recently defended against Western criticism over concerns about human rights and free and fair elections.

Lavrovs is a welcome visit for Bangladesh, said Muhammad Faruk Khan, a senior lawmaker from the ruling party who heads a parliamentary committee on foreign affairs.

Bangladesh will urge Lavrov to take measures to stop the war in Ukraine. We are against all wars. But at the U.N., we will not name Russia in condemnation resolutions on Ukraine, he said, adding that Bangladeshi officials would also be drawing attention to the wars fallout on Bangladeshs economy.

Dhaka has refrained from siding with Moscow and President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, however, has repeatedly voiced concerns about the impact of the Western sanctions against Russia on developing economies. She has also ratcheted up her anti-U.S. rhetoric due to Washingtons outspoken stance on the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.

Russias top diplomat will travel to Dhaka from ASEAN meetings in Jakarta, also attended by a Bangladesh delegation led by its president and foreign minister. After paying a courtesy call to Hasina on Friday, he will travel on to New Delhi to lead the Russian delegation at the Group of Twenty summit this weekend.

Lavrovs visit is a part of Russias anti-West geopolitics, Shamsher M. Chowdhury, a former top Bangladeshi career diplomat, told BenarNews. He will likely ask Bangladesh to find ways to continue paying interest on Russias loan for the Rooppur nuclear power plant by circumventing the Western sanctions.

Analysts says the South Asian nation finds itself in the spotlight because Lavrovs visit comes days before the scheduled visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who will also be attending the G20 meeting in the Indian capital.

Visits by two powerful leaders in less than a week are very significant from diplomatic points of view, Chowdhury said.

Faruk Khan, the Awami League parliamentarian, said the visits show Bangladesh is important politically, economically and strategically to many big powers.

Construction work is under way at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna, Bangladesh, March 5, 2023. [BenarNews]

The Awami League found an ally in what was then the Soviet Union, when the party spearheaded Bangladeshs independence movement against Pakistan in 1971.

But from the 1980s onward, Bangladesh has grown closer to the Western countries that provided vital aid to the nation ravaged by poverty and natural disasters. Western markets are also the largest destination for Bangladeshs ready-made garments industry, widely considered to be its main economic engine.

After returning to power in 2009, however, Sheikh Hasina moved to rekindle the dormant ties with Russia, making multiple official trips to the country, culminating in the signing of an agreement to build a nuclear power plant in 2015.

Russia has provided more than U.S. $10 billion as a loan for the project, while its state-run companies are building its critical infrastructure.

But since Russian financial institutions were cut off from the global interbank system, SWIFT, after the country invaded Ukraine last year, Bangladesh has struggled to keep repaying the loan by sidestepping the Western restrictions.

In April, both sides agreed on a third-party mechanism backed by Chinas yuan currency, but the process is yet to take off.

A few months ago, the Russian government submitted an application to open a branch of Sberbank, a majority state-owned bank under U.S. sanctions, in Dhaka, an official with Bangladeshs central bank told BenarNews last month. The central bank has yet to review the application.

In December last year, because of the U.S. sanctions, Dhaka denied entry to a sanctioned Russian cargo ship that was carrying materials bound for the nuclear plant.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speak at a signing ceremony in Moscow, where Russia granted Dhaka a U.S. $1 billion loan for arms purchases, Jan. 15, 2013. [Mikhail Metzel/pool/Reuters]

The turmoil in relations between the West and Russia also coincides with the growing criticism of Sheikh Hasinas authoritarian rule from the United States and European Union.

In July, a spokesperson for Russias foreign ministry responded by labeling Western demands for a free and fair election in Bangladesh as neo-colonialism.

This is an attempt at blatant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state whose authorities, as we understand it, have not asked for advice on how to conduct elections, Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing, adding that Russia supported Dhakas desire to pursue an independent domestic and foreign policy.

For its part, Bangladesh refused to condemn Russia for its invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations, as Prime Minister Hasina recalled the Soviet Unions support during Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971 to explain her refusal to denounce Russia.

She also repeatedly lashed out at the sanctions against Russia but later moderated the stance by acknowledging that the invasion had violated international law.
Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai, Myanmar Union Minister Ko Ko Hlaing and others tour a facility for Rohingyas along Myanmar-Bangladesh border, March 9, 2023.

Myanmars junta has pledged to build 20 villages as part of a plan to repatriate thousands of Muslim Rohingya who fled a crackdown to neighboring Bangladesh, but members of the stateless ethnic group say they dont trust the regime and wont accept its offer.

Myanmars government has made at least two attempts to invite Rohingya back to the country since the military carried out a brutal offensive in their home state of Rakhine in August 2017, but with little success.

About 1 million Rohingya, including about 740,000 who fled the offensive, live mostly in crowded and sprawling refugee camps in Coxs Bazar, a district in southeastern Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, Union Minister Ko Ko Hlaing told state-owned media that 7,000 Rohingya would be repatriated from Bangladesh camps to Myanmar by the end of the rainy season next month.

He said 20 new villages would be constructed for the Rohingyas and that plots for 1,000 houses had already been cleared for those who return. China and other members of the international community had agreed to provide assistance in building additional homes, the union minister claimed.

The comments came days after the junta invited officials from foreign embassies  including Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka  to examine arrangements for readmitting Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

Just for show

But while the junta appears to be rolling out the red carpet to the Rohingya, residents of the camps in Bangladesh told RFA Burmese that they believed the offer was a trick.

They are doing it just for show, due to international pressure, said Ali Jaina, a Rohingya living in the Balukhali refugee camp in Coxs Bazar. They have been putting on these kinds of shows since we arrived [in Bangladesh]. But no one has gone back.

Rohingya refugees gather for a rally marking the 6th anniversary of genocide day, in Ukhia, Bangladesh, Aug. 25, 2023. [Tanbir Miraj/AFP]

Al Jaina said that the Rohingya in Bangladesh have no confidence in the junta.

How can they give us peace when they cant even make peace with the ethnic groups who already live there? he said.

Since seizing power in a February 2021 coup detat, Myanmars military has become embroiled in a multifront conflict with an armed resistance and multiple ethnic armies based in the countrys remote border regions.

Junta troops have killed more than 4,000 civilians since the takeover, according to Thailands Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma).

Al Jaina dismissed the juntas plan to repatriate Rohingya as a program that will move refugees from one camp to another, and suggested that those who accept will face an even worse food crisis than they do in Bangladesh, due to restrictions their ethnic group faces in Myanmar.

No desire to return without guarantees

Another Rohingya at a camp in Bangladesh said they would only return if they were guaranteed citizenship, access to education, freedom of movement, and the right to resettle their original land.

If we are provided with these, we will go back right away, the refugee said, speaking on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal.

No one would need to plan for our return or persuade us to go back  we would do it ourselves. If not, none of us are going to go back. We have no desire to do so.

A Myanmar delegation arrives in Teknaf, Bangladesh, to meet with Bangladeshi officials as part of efforts to revive a long-stalled plan to return the stateless Rohingya minority to Myanmar, May 25, 2023. [AFP]

Union Minister Ko Ko Hlaing has said that returnees will be issued a screening card for citizenship, although they will need to apply. Rohingya who want to return to their original communities can do so with official approval from village and state authorities, he said.

Attempts by RFA to contact Hla Thein, the juntas spokesman for Rakhine state, for comment on the screening process for readmitting Rohingya went unanswered Tuesday.

Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, said that the juntas readmission plan would fail because it did not provide any substantial opportunities for the Rohingya refugees.

The key to the readmission process is providing the Rohingya with the right to citizenship and [recognition of their] ethnicity, he said. Without these, no one will return. Simply moving refugees from the camps in Bangladesh to other camps on the Myanmar side wont be successful.

In 2018 and 2019, Myanmar and Bangladesh made two attempts to repatriate some 6,000 Rohingya. However, with no guarantees of citizenship or resettlement of original communities, no one accepted the offer.

Based on an analysis of the situation in Rakhine state, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said on March 19 that conditions were not acceptable for the Rohingyas to return home for the foreseeable future.

This report was produced by Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday extolled his countrys brotherly ties with Southeast Asian nations, but skirted the issue of Chinas new map that shows Beijings claim over some of its neighbors waters in the South China Sea.

Disagreements must be handled through dialogue, Li said, addressing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in Jakarta.

We have preserved peace and tranquility in East Asia in a world caught with turbulence and change. In particular, we confronted the COVID-19 challenge by coming to each others aid in those difficult times, Li said. And that is a reflection of our brotherly ties in the face of adversity with concrete actions.

Li avoided any mention of Chinas new map, which was released last month and shows Beijings expansive claim over most of the South China Sea, including territories overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of ASEAN countries Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Those countries, India and Taiwan have objected to the map.

In a statement Wednesday, Indonesia, the ASEAN chair, did not mention the Chinese map, but said disputes over the South China Sea must be settled in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

The statement also did not specifically mention China Coast Guard firing water cannons at a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the disputed waters.

It did say that some ASEAN member-states expressed concern about serious incidents in the area, including actions that put the safety of all persons at risk.

A day earlier Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a meeting with his ASEAN counterparts did not name China but made strong statements about territorial integrity.

We do not seek conflict; but it is our duty as citizens and as leaders to always rise to meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights and our maritime jurisdictions in the South China Sea, he said.

No country would expect any less. No country would do any less.

The Philippines, he said, calls upon all parties for self-restraint on activities that complicate South China Sea disputes.

The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries, Marcos said.

This not only denies us our independence and our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during her bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Sept. 6, 2023. [Achmad Ibrahim, pool via AP]

The U.S. representative at the summit, Vice President Kamala Harris, pledged Washingtons support of ASEAN.

ASEAN is at the center of Americas commitments to the Indo-Pacific. As the United States Indo-Pacific strategy makes clear we are committed to ASEAN centrality, Harris said.

Since President Biden and I took office we have expanded ASEAN ties. To that end, we have upgraded the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. We invested in infrastructure and the digital economy. We launched major initiatives to address the climate crisis and health security.

Myanmar discussions

ASEAN members also addressed the crisis in member-state Myanmar, where a military coup in February 2021 toppled the elected government and unleashed a brutal crackdown on protesters and civilians.

More than 4,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested by security forces since then, according to a monitoring group.

In a statement released Wednesday, the ASEAN leaders expressed grave concern over the lack of progress in implementing their five-point consensus on Myanmar adopted in April 2021. It calls for an immediate halt to violence and a dialogue among all parties.

The escalation of violence is causing prolonged suffering for the people of Myanmar, humanitarian crisis, the destruction of houses and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, markets, churches and monasteries, and adverse impacts on regional stability, particularly along the border region, the statement said.

Still, the leaders reiterated their position that the consensus plan remains ASEANs main reference to address the Myanmar situation.

Harris said the U.S. would continue efforts to return democracy to Myanmar.

We have a shared commitment to international rules and norms and to our partnership on pressing national and regional issues such as the crisis in Myanmar, Harris said.

She said the U.S. would press the regime to end the horrific violence, to release all those unjustly detained, and to reestablish Myanmars path to inclusive democracy.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan (left) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang take a trial run on the Beijing-funded Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, Sept. 6, 2023. [Indonesia Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment]

In a separate meeting with leaders of ASEAN, South Korea and Japan, Li urged those leaders to find common ground, avoid a new Cold War and reject attempts to force countries to take sides.

China has accused Washington of a cold war mentality as it pushes back against perceived efforts to contain Beijings rise as a global superpower.

Beijing has also suggested that Washington, through its alliances and partnerships with other countries, seeks to isolate or pressure China on issues such as trade, technology and territorial disputes.

To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, oppose bloc confrontation, and oppose a new Cold War and to ensure that disagreements and disputes among countries are properly handled, Li said.

Away from ASEAN proceedings, Li joined Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesias coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, for a trial run of the China-funded high-speed train connecting Jakarta with the city of Bandung. The two discussed potentially extending the $7.2 billion project, according to Reuters news service.

The rail project is the most high-profile of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative projects in Indonesia, Southeast Asias largest economy. It has been touted by Indonesia and China as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries.

BenarNews staff in Manila contributed to this report.
Anwar Ibrahim (center) and his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wave during a press conference in Kajang, Malaysia, after Anwar was appointed the countrys 10th prime minister, Nov. 24, 2022.

Malaysian civil society groups and human rights activists are accusing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of breaking campaign promises to stamp out corruption as well as review and cancel laws that curb free speech and stifle dissent.

Anwars government is instead using some of the same laws to curtail criticism of his administration or appease conservative elements, they said.

And the PM, who came to power 10 months ago, is cracking down on corruption selectively, his critics allege, noting how prosecutors this week dropped dozens of graft charges against the head of a party propping up Anwars federal government.

The laws that Anwar promised to review or revoke are the colonial-era Sedition Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Last year, Anwars Pakatan Harapan alliance had campaigned for election on a progressive and reform agenda, so his governments regressive actions were disappointing, said Josef Benedict, of Asia Pacific for CIVICUS, an alliance of civil society organizations.

More worryingly, the government has instead used some of these laws to investigate activists and critics as well as block news websites and blogs, he told BenarNews.

Last month, Ministry of Home Affairs personnel raided a Kuala Lumpur bookstore owned by Amir Hamzah Akal Ali, a writer whose pen name is Benz Ali.

Citing the Printing Presses and Publications Act, the people from the ministry confiscated two books titled Marx Sang Pendidik Revolusioner (Karl Marx, The Revolutionary as Educator) and Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi (A Collection of Masturbation Poems).

Neither book is banned in Malaysia.

According to descriptions on GoodReads, the book on Karl Marx talks about the German political philosopher being a radical and educational thinker. The poetry book authored by Benz Ali is a collection of spiritual, political and love poems, whose title was intended to ridicule intellectual discussions that didnt effect change, he said.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended the seizure, saying it was based on public complaints.

Benz Ali said such actions were completely the opposite of the reforms Anwar had promised.

It is now clear that politicians are unwilling to entirely discard or repeal these draconian acts. This also contradicts Anwar Ibrahims rhetoric, he told BenarNews.

Personnel from the Ministry of Home Affairs seize copies of two books from a book shop belonging to Amir Hamzah Akal Ali in Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 18, 2023. [Photo courtesy Amir Hamzah Akal Ali]

The printing act gives the Home Minister absolute discretion to prohibit the printing, sale or distribution of any publication which is in any manner prejudicial to or likely to be prejudicial to public order, morality, security, or which is likely to alarm public opinion.

Saifuddin in April said the government had no plans to revoke that law because it remained essential for preserving public peace.

The act is being used to impinge on the right to free speech and information, said Article 19, a group that advocates for these issues, and other rights activists.

The government used the same printing act to seize watches made by Swiss firm Swatch, which had an LGBTQ+ theme, and then to make owning those watches punishable by up to three years in prison.

Anwars administration also banned two childrens books because they allegedly promoted LGBTQ lifestyles and a novel for allegedly being harmful to Malaysian morals.

Meanwhile, an opposition politician was charged under provisions of the draconian Sedition Act in July.

The act carries a prison sentence of up to three years, or a fine of up to U.S. $1,100, or both. It outlaws speech deemed as insulting the Malaysian royalty or inciting racial or religious tensions.

After the politician Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor was charged with sedition in July, liberals and conservatives both lambasted the government for skirting the line on free speech.

Lawyers and rights activists have criticized the act for being too broad in scope and lacking clear definitions of words such as hatred,  disaffection, or contempt. Therefore, the law is ripe for abuse, they said.

Anwar, for his part, defended the use of the Sedition Act against Sanusi, who had allegedly insulted the sultan of Selangor state.

We avoid the use of the Sedition Act, but when it comes to matters concerning the position and dignity of the rulers, this is something we should uphold and prevent from becoming an unhealthy political discourse, Anwar said in July when reporters asked him about the issue.

A newsstand worker puts up newspapers featuring Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims appointment at a stall in Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia, Nov. 25, 2022. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews]

Similarly, the Communications and Multimedia Act, which proscribes using a website for offensive or menacing content includes a section that is vague and ambiguous without proper definitions, critics said.

An offense under this act can lead to fines up to $10,760, up to two years in prison, or both, with the government having discretionary powers to issue or revoke licenses to publishers. Critics said this act is used to target the media.

The law was used recently to block two news publications websites temporarily, while a third one that was blocked remains inaccessible.

Following these blockages, senior journalists and media observers accused Malaysias internet regulator of excessive control over the media by censoring content it considered sensitive or critical of the government.

The regulator defended itself by saying its job was to ensure that no one spread fake news or malicious content.

Anwar is clearly going against his word, said Phil Robertson, a deputy director for Asia at Human Rights Watch.

PM Anwar seems to be cynically pursuing a path characterized as watch what I say, not what I do as his government uses the same repressive, and rights-abusing laws, he told BenarNews.

The laws, Robertson said, had been weaponized to give successive governments the ability to restrict political discourse and silence their political opponents.

Anti-corruption

Anwar and his Pakatan group have also railed against corruption, managing to use that platform in the historic 2018 general election to unseat an alliance that had ruled Malaysia for nearly 60 years.

But since he became prime minister last November, critics said, Anwars anti-graft campaign has honed in on opposition politicians.

And with prosecutors dropping corruption charges against Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Monday, many observers are raising the specter of political interference in the judiciary.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from right) is joined by supporters at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex after the High Court dismissed 47 charges of corruption against him, Sept. 4, 2023. [S. Mahfuz/BenarNews]

It does not matter whether there was political interference, because that narrative is now in the public domain and would have tainted Anwar, said Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University of Malaysia.

I think the optics are obviously not good. It allows the opposition to double down on the narrative that [the Anwar government] is not serious about fighting corruption, she told BenarNews.

The move deeply undercuts the governments credibility, political accountability and stymies anti-corruption efforts as those who help secure power are seen to be let off, said Bridget Welsh of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

It will impact Anwar public support, but his government depends on the support of MPs, who remain with him at the moment, she told BenarNews.

For his part, Anwar denied that he had interfered in Zahids case and said the attorney general was handling the case. Responding to criticism, the Attorney Generals Chambers noted that the judge had qualified the prosecutions reasons to drop the charges as cogent.
At least 16 people were killed and scores more wounded in a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka Wednesday (September 6) while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Kyiv.

One child was reported to be among the dead.

Ukrainian officials have circulated footage of the attack, which showed people falling to the ground or running for cover after a huge explosion in front of them, seconds after looking up to the sky when they heard what sounded like a missile approaching.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly responded by saying his country condemned the attack. He added that a market, shops, and a pharmacy had been struck in the city, which is located about 30 km from the devastated city of Bakhmut.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," he said on his Telegram account. "When someone in the world still attempts to deal with anything Russian, it means turning a blind eye to this reality. The audacity of evil. The brazenness of wickedness. Utter inhumanity."

He later told a press conference in Kyiv he believed it had been a deliberate attack on what he called "a peaceful city."

The attack was the fourth time Kostiantynivka was hit by Russian attacks this year.

Read Also: Russia Drones Strike Ukrainian Port Near Romanian Border as Putin Prepares for Grain Deal Talks with Erdogan

String of Attacks

According to Reuters, the strike at Kostiantynivka was the latest in a series of Russian attacks on cities in eastern Ukraine with the objective of targeting civilian infrastructure, including a popular cafe.

There was also an air strike several hours before Blinken visited the Ukrainian capital, as well as in Odessa. No casualties were reported in Kyiv, but local officials in Odessa said one person was killed.

Local officials in Kostiantynivka added that 20 shops, power lines, an administrative building, and a residential building were damaged. Eight retail facilities were burned to the ground and cars were also destroyed.

Images also circulated on Telegram where emergency and rescue services clear the rubble and carry bodies in black bags.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack and has denied deliberately targeting civilians.

Related Article: US State Secretary Blinken Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Brian Brennan, of Dalton, may not be the only one facing charges following the altercation, in which he, too, was injured and treated at Berkshire Medical Center.
As world leaders convened in Indonesia amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the necessity of preventing a "new Cold War" while resolving international disputes.

Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference alongside China, Japan, and South Korea, Li emphasized the need for nations to "appropriately handle differences and disputes," according to Reuters.

ASEAN is also holding more extensive discussions with Li, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and leaders of associate nations like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India. ASEAN has previously warned against becoming entangled in disputes between big powers.

Neither Chinese President Xi Jinping nor US Vice President Joe Biden will be present.

Concerns Over China

(Photo: by WILLY KURNIAWAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the plenary session of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on September 5, 2023.

Concern over China's increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, a crucial trade route where several ASEAN nations have competing claims with China, is a major topic of discussion during the sessions in Jakarta. In her opening remarks to the ASEAN leaders, Harris stated that the US was dedicated to the area.

Additionally, Harris stated that the United States would keep pressing the Myanmar junta to put an end to the "horrific violence" that has broken out since a military takeover in 2021.

In response to China's illegitimate maritime claims and provocative activities, a White House official had earlier stated that Harris would "underscore the United States' and ASEAN's shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea."

Read also: Antony Blinken Set to Meet China's Wang Yi on During ASEAN Meeting

A Code of Conduct

According to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, ASEAN and China this week discussed speeding negotiations on a long-discussed code of conduct for the canal.

The United States and its allies have reiterated ASEAN's concerns for freedom of overflight and navigation as well as a prohibition on establishing a physical presence in waters that are in dispute. China has constructed a number of facilities, including runways, on small seamounts.

Just prior to this week's meetings, China published a map with a "10-dash line" indicating what appeared to be an enlargement of the area in the South China Sea that it regards to be its territory. The map was rejected by a few ASEAN nations.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos stated in reference to the South China Sea that his nation did not seek out violence but had a responsibility to "meet any challenge to our sovereignty."

While others are more hesitant, certain ASEAN nations have established close diplomatic, commercial, and military ties with China. With different degrees of success, the US has courted the ASEAN nations.

The leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries met at their summit earlier this week in an effort to demonstrate the group's importance in the face of criticism that it is not doing enough to pressure Myanmar's military leaders to work together on a peace plan.

Related article: World Leaders Update: Biden to Attend G20 Summit This Week; Harris Sent to ASEAN Summit to Quell Regional Concerns

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Breakthrough platform delivers process flexibility and scalability with the first active release mechanism of its kind for clinical trial and commercial manufacturing use

American firm Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has announced the launch of Gibco CTS Detachable Dynabeads (CTS Detachable Dynabeads), its next-generation platform of Dynabeads with the first active release mechanism of its kind for clinical trial and commercial manufacturing use.

The active release mechanism of CTS Detachable Dynabeads utilises a release buffer that helps enable users to actively detach Dynabeads from a target cell at any point during their manufacturing process. As a result, CTS Detachable Dynabeads help drive manufacturing cost savings while delivering high cell purity, yield and viability. These manufacturing benefits can help cell therapy developers get more life-changing treatments to patients faster, especially for those diagnosed with complex diseases such as blood cancers.

CTS Detachable Dynabeads offer process flexibility, compatibility with automation, and scalability through its differentiating active release mechanism. This functionality, for cGMP and clinical use, helps empower users to achieve greater control of their process with the ability to consistently deliver target cells with the desired characteristics for their therapy. Cell recovery, phenotype, and viability for downstream steps within the workflow are also optimizsd through this platform. These advantages are critical for cell therapy manufacturers who need to scale their manufacturing while maintaining consistent performance as they transition from process development to clinical trials and commercial manufacturing.
Arete Group announces sale of 38 acres industrial land to Gharda Chemicals at PIP

Arete Group, a Gujarat based leading business conglomerate and Industrial park developer, has on boarded Gharda Chemicals Limited, a prominent player in the chemical manufacturing industry, by selling 38 acres of prime industrial land at its Industrial Park project PIP (Payal Industrial Park) in Dahej, Gujarat. With a total investment commitment of Rs 600 crore, Gharda Chemicals Limited is set to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing facility at this site.

With plans of establishing a greenfield project at PIP, Gharda Chemicals gains access to, proximity to essential vendors, and the opportunity to be a part of a thriving industrial cluster.

The upcoming chemical manufacturing facility at PIP will specialize in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) and agrochemicals-based formulations, further reinforcing Gharda Chemicals commitment to delivering high-quality chemical products.

Situated in Dahej, Gujarat, PIP spans an expansive area of 3,500 acres dedicated to large-scale industrial development, logistics parks, and utilities. Developed within the Gujarat PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region) as declared by the Government of India under the PCPIR Policy 2007, PIP is strategically surrounded by fast-growing industrial projects within Gujarat PCPIR. The park has received government approval and boasts world-class infrastructure facilities.
Food Lover's Market has entered Sharks-infested waters with an exciting two-year partnership with The Sharks rugby team as their food sponsor in a two-year partnership.

Image supplied

Food Lovers Market has a passion for excellence and, through vision and commitment, has significantly increased their presence throughout South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. The Sharks association with Food Lovers Market mirrors their approach, and in their quest to establish a greater global presence, they are excited to partner with a brand that shares a similar ethos of family and excellence.

Commenting on the partnership, The Sharks CEO, Dr Eduard Coetzee said: We are delighted to welcome Food Lovers Market to The Sharks family. The Food Lovers Market brand has shown tremendous growth and become a major part of the South African food industry. This partnership allows for great synergy and potential and we look forward to working closely with the Food Lovers team in achieving our collective objectives and making this partnership a mutually beneficial one.

Image supplied

Says Travis Coppin, CEO of Food Lovers Market retail, As a proudly South African brand, Food Lovers Market is delighted to be the Official Food Sponsor of The Sharks. Food Lovers Market is on a journey to become the best store in the community. With this in mind, we upgraded three of our stores in Kwazulu-Natal - La Lucia, Ballito and The Crescent. These three stores have all been refurbished to offer uncompromising value, range and quality to local shoppers.

With that in mind, we understand the power of building a community through sport and our sponsorship and support of The Sharks into 2025 further indicates our commitment to the region. We look forward to offering The Sharks and the community of KZN the best in fresh.

From the 2023/2024 season, the Food Lovers Market logo will appear on the side panel of the Hollywoodbets Sharks playing shorts.
Situated at King Air Industria, an industrial park near Cape Town International Airport, the development site of a new clothing and textile distribution centre for Truworths International Limited which, once opened, is expected to be the biggest of its kind in the Western Cape.

This week, the Citys Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, says "This is indicative of the fact that Cape Town continues to experience a development boom thanks to the Citys mission to make the metro the easiest place in Africa to do business. In fact, according to a recent FNB report on commercial property owners motivations for development in a particular region, one of the most commonly cited reasons to relocate was the provision of reliable services."

An aerial view of the new distribution centre. Image supplied

The new distribution centre, which is on track for development completion in November 2023, is a joint venture between King Air Industria and Truworths. King Air Industria is the development company of the industrial park which is a joint venture between Atterbury Property and Old Mutual Property. The new facility will house a warehouse of 50,000m2 and an office of 3,000m2, totalling 53,000m2, the equivalent of five-and-a-half rugby fields. Some 750 tons of steel were used for the construction, equal to 125 African elephants.

Gerrit van den Berg, head of Western Cape Developments at Atterbury Property added that the development of the site was a dream made reality.

The development of this iconic warehouse, which forms part of the bigger King Air Industria of 280,000m2, would simply not be possible without the support of the City and its officials. We are very grateful for the support that we are receiving from the City of Cape Town, as well as the hard work that is done behind the scenes by Alderman Vos and his team to grow the economy of Cape Town and particularly the airport and its surrounds. Our investment in King Air Industria and Truworths shows our commitment to contribute to the economy of this beautiful, well-run City, said Van Den Berg.

Alderman Vos said that Cape Town was the ideal location for the massive new distribution centre as the metro was the historic home of the clothing and textile industry.

L to R: Arno Du Plessis, development manager at Atterbury Property; Gerrit van den Berg, head of Western Cape Developments at Atterbury Property; Pierre Rousseau, managing director of Abbeydale Cape construction company; Vincent Mushayi, contract manager at Abbeydale Cape construction company; Dumisani Banda, regional business development manager at Old Mutual; Karien Coetzee, project architect and manager at Atterbury Property; Alderman James Vos, the Citys Mayoral Committee Member of Economic Growth. Image supplied

In 2023, retailers are projected to source 368 million garments from the South African industry, supporting over 60,000 formal manufacturing jobs, of which the majority are women. Through the Citys partnership with and funding of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster, we drive strategic upgrading initiatives with representation across the value chain from retail through to SMMEs. For example, one of the Clusters projects, the Business Accelerator Programme, which assists small clothing and textile businesses in Cape Town to become suppliers to large retailers, resulted in the signing of new contracts worth millions of rands this past year, said Alderman Vos.
Kantar's Media Reactions 2023 report uncovers the attitudes of consumers and marketers to ad platforms and channels. The annual study, now in its fourth year, is based on interviews with around 16,000 consumers in 23 markets and 900 senior marketers globally. The report unpacks trends from the past four years and how to brave this fragmented media battleground, where digital pervades real life, and parts of real life have retreated into virtual worlds.

Amazon is consumers preferred ad platform for a second year in a row

Amazon has once again taken the title of consumers most preferred ad platform. Most consumers consider ads on Amazon to be relevant and useful, with few negative qualities. Despite not being one of the top five favourite platforms for marketers globally, Amazon is building trust among this group  with a 10% year-on-year rise in trust scores. The e-commerce giant also tops the charts in Brazil, Germany and Mexico, three of the 23 markets included in the study.

Marketers will cut ad spend on X in 2024

Hot on the heels of Elon Musk clipping the wings of the most famous blue bird on Earth, the new Kantar research reveals the extent of the collapse in trust in the social network among marketers: Net 14% of marketers now say they will reduce their ad investment on X in 2024 rather than increase it.

YouTube tops the charts for marketers

Among marketers, YouTube has leapfrogged to the top of the charts, improving trust by 6% compared with last year. The rise of YouTube demonstrates marketers preference for established brands, even if it does not register in consumers top five platforms.

TikTok now the worlds most attention grabbing platform

The report tells us there's few areas where consumers and marketers are in agreement but TikTok is a hit with both: making it officially the world's most attention-grabbing ad platform. The ByteDance owned app features in the top five preferred ad platforms for both marketers and consumers and is also voted by both groups to be the single best ad platform for capturing attention  which many research studies have proven helps to build brands and drives sales.

Top-ranking media brands

This years analysis also reveals that in-person touchpoints dominate consumers preferred channels  with sponsored events taking the lead for the second year in a row. The rest of the top five also comprises channels that are experienced in-person, including cinema ads, point of sale, and out-of-home/digital out-of-home.

Top-ranking media channels

The study shows theres significant contrast between marketers and consumers most preferred channels, with marketers inclined towards newer channels while consumers prefer channels that cause the least interruption to their lives.

TV or not TV?

Notably, TV, the traditional lynchpin of ad campaigns, is absent from the ranking of marketers preferred ad channels this year. While TV has never been rated highly among consumers, it has historically performed strongly among marketers. However, it has fallen from third place in marketers preferred channels last year to 12th place in 2023, and TV sponsorship has fallen from 12th place to 20th. Just 6% of marketers say they will increase TV spend in 2024.

While TV as a preferred channel is waning amongst global marketers, it remains the glue that holds ad campaigns together in South Africa. However, load shedding is disrupting the status quo and shifting attention to online channels. We also see South Africans appetite for e-commerce growing, driven by trust in those channels, comments Nuala Harris-Morele, managing director, Media, sub-Saharan Africa, Kantar.

The marketers mindset

The Kantar Media Reactions 2023 survey of around 900 marketers around the world also quantifies how trends and changes in the media landscape shape their attitudes. Key highlights include:

The Metaverse continues to be an unfulfilled promise  In 2022, a net 61% of marketers claimed they would increase spend in the metaverse, but only a net of 12% actually did. In the 2023 study, only one in five (22%) state they will raise their budget for Metaverse advertising next year.



 In 2022, a net 61% of marketers claimed they would increase spend in the metaverse, but only a net of 12% actually did. In the 2023 study, only one in five (22%) state they will raise their budget for Metaverse advertising next year. Twitter, the end of an era  X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has suffered reputational damage among marketers, the research shows. X, the latest incarnation of the platform, does not feature in the list on marketers top five preferred ad platforms. A decline in perceptions of innovation (now 16%, down from 28% in 2021) and trustworthiness (now 7%, down from 11% in 2021), is accompanied by a net 14% of marketers saying they will reduce their ad investment on the platform in 2024.



 X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has suffered reputational damage among marketers, the research shows. X, the latest incarnation of the platform, does not feature in the list on marketers top five preferred ad platforms. A decline in perceptions of innovation (now 16%, down from 28% in 2021) and trustworthiness (now 7%, down from 11% in 2021), is accompanied by a net 14% of marketers saying they will reduce their ad investment on the platform in 2024. The race for attention  Marketers continue to invest in channels that consumers dont think are attention-grabbing. For marketers, influencer content is king in terms of delivering attention, but it doesnt make the top five for consumers. Furthermore, a staggering 50% of marketers do not see attention as important as brand or sales outcomes, despite the evidence that it helps build brands and drives sales. According to the study, cinema ads, sponsored events and digital out-of-home are among the few channels that both consumers and marketers believe are attention-grabbing. Both groups are in agreement that TikTok is the most attention-grabbing media brand.

Top media brands per market

Successful advertising today seamlessly integrates into consumers lives: in their scrolling, viewing or simply while they go about their days. This year, consumers have spoken up and said they strongly prefer advertising that they see out-of-home, like at sponsored events or the cinema. So why is there such a huge mismatch between the advertising consumers enjoy and what marketers are spending their precious budgets on? We know advertising campaigns are seven times as impactful among receptive audiences, so for marketers, its crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different ad platforms and invest their money where it will make an impact, concludes Gonca Bubani, global thought leadership director, Media, Kantar.

Download your copy of the Media Reactions 2023 study.

Watch the webinar Kantar Media Reactions 2023: Braving the battleground on demand at www.kantar.com.

To find out more about the Media Reactions insights for South Africa, chat to: Nuala Harris-Morele, managing director, Media, sub-Saharan Africa, Kantar on moc.ratnak@eleromsirrah.alaun.

About Media Reactions 2023  Kantar has been researching media experiences and perceptions for over 20 years. Media Reactions combines consumer and marketer studies for a complete view of the current media landscape and how to navigate it. The 2023 survey spoke to around 900 marketing professionals from advertiser, agency and media companies around the world. The consumer survey is based on around 16,000 interviews in 23 markets (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Japan, KSA, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, UAE, UK, USA, and Vietnam).




Since its inception in 2008, local agency Rogerwilco has been at the forefront of South Africa's digital marketing landscape. Over the years, the company has witnessed the evolution of digital platforms, from the infancy of Facebook and Twitter to the advent of Instagram and the birth of the iOS app store.

In a dynamic digital landscape where change is constant, one thing has remained unwavering: consumers' desire for elegant online experiences. Rogerwilco recognised this fundamental truth early on, even before the concept of User Experience (UX) became a mainstream term in the digital customer experience (CX) sphere.

While the company had an intense focus on customer experience in its first decade, it wasn't until 2018 that Rogerwilco began to speak the language of digital CX. The subsequent year saw the launch of the company's inaugural research report on South African digital customer experience, with a follow-up report in 2021 that specifically examined CX within South Africa's townships.

This deep dive into the online experiences of South African citizens marked a turning point. Rogerwilco subtly repositioned itself, transitioning from being a standard digital marketing agency to a digital CX agency.

What does this repositioning mean?

Rogerwilco continues to offer a comprehensive range of digital marketing services but with a renewed emphasis on the end customer experience. The core principle is to ensure that all solutions provided to clients are seamlessly woven together, driven by a singular goal: delivering a consistently elegant experience across all touchpoints, whether it be a banner ad, a social post, a web page, a video, or an email.

This nuanced approach is not confined to client-facing activities. Rogerwilco has applied the same philosophy to its internal processes. When a client's project requires input from multiple subject matter experts, these experts collaborate closely on delivery, avoiding silos. The result? A puzzle where every piece fits seamlessly into place.

Understanding digital CX

Digital customer experience (CX) is the essence of how a customer perceives a brand based on all their online interactions with it. In today's omni-channel world, consumers use multiple channels for researching and purchasing products and services. Rogerwilco's 2023 CX report highlights that online research influenced over R516bn in physical retail spend, with 67% of consumers reading online reviews before making a purchase.

This underscores the critical importance of digital CX in modern marketing strategies. The quality of digital interactions is paramount; delivering a great online experience cultivates loyalty, repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals. Conversely, a subpar experience can result in negative reviews, deterring prospective customers.

In a world where information is readily available, and transactions occur at lightning speed, prioritising digital CX can mean the difference between securing a sale and losing a potential customer for life.

Rogerwilco's journey from a digital marketing agency to a digital CX agency exemplifies its commitment to elevating South Africa's digital landscape. With an unwavering dedication to providing consistently elegant online experiences, Rogerwilco continues to shape the future of digital marketing in the region.
South African insurer Discovery Ltd on Wednesday, 6 September, launched a renewable power trading platform in a bid to tap into a rapidly developing market as businesses seek solar and wind energy to sustain operations amid a power crisis.

Source: Reuters.

South Africa has witnessed a boom in adoption of renewable energy as struggling state utility Eskom has implemented record daily power cuts this year to prevent a total grid collapse.

But not all businesses such as fitness centres, community shopping malls, small hotels and lodges are able to shell out enough capital to install renewable power plants, often resorting to expensive diesel generators.

As well as the need for uninterrupted power supply, they are under pressure from shareholders and activists to cut carbon emissions by shifting to renewables from coal-powered plants.

Adrian Gore, chief executive officer of Discovery Ltd, said the company's renewable platform, called Discovery Green, would be "in the middle of the market, creating a real model between buyers and sellers".

The platform, which went live from Wednesday, will only supply power to consumers from 2026 as Discovery starts work with power developers to set up wind and solar plants, depending on the accumulated demand.

The company expects installed capacity from the plants of between 400 megawatts (MW) and 1,000 MW and will sell power to consumers either at a premium or at a discount depending on the volume they purchase, Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green said.

South Africa has daily demand of nearly 30,000 MW.
A Florida guy who attempted to use a makeshift hamster wheel to run across the Atlantic Ocean to London has been detained.

Reza Baluchi, 44, was discovered by the US Coast Guard (USCG) on August 26 off the coast of Georgia. He reportedly claimed he wanted to continue all the way to the UK, as reported by Sky News.

In accordance with court records, the USCG determined that the homemade watercraft was "manifestly unsafe" and was only kept afloat by buoys and wiring.

He set off on his journey just days before Hurricane Franklin, which peaked at a category 4 storm, made landfall in the Caribbean and headed for the US.

However, Mr. Baluchi resisted getting off the boat for three days before officials were able to safely remove him and bring him back to land two days later, according to court documents.

According to the records, Mr. Baluchi demonstrated to authorities that he was armed with two knives measuring 12 inches (30 cm) and that he would try to murder himself if they tried to remove him.

Officers stayed at the scene, and Mr. Baluchi allegedly threatened to "blow himself up" the following day, on August 27. According to the records, the USCG stated that they "believed this to be a valid threat" as he possessed cables in his hand.

(Photo : by Jes Aznar/Getty Images)

MARIVELES, LUZON, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 06: Members of the Philippine Coast Guard take part in a simulation during a trilateral maritime exercise with Japan and the US Coast Guard on June 6, 2023, 15 nautical miles off the coast of Bataan province, western Philippines.

Before he revealed the threat was a hoax on August 28th, shortly after officers attempted to bring food and water, this caused officers to summon in bomb disposal experts.

Officers pulled Mr. Baluchi off the ship on August 29 and into a small boat before bringing him onshore on September 1.

According to the documents, this was Mr. Baluchi's most recent encounter with the Coast Guard; prior encounters with the agency allegedly involved a homemade vessel in 2014, 2016, and 2021.

Read also: Florida Fuel Contamination: Officials Warn of Risks After Alleged Human Error at Port of Tampa

More Homemade Vessels Coming Out

The US Coast Guard has reported an increase in encounters with homemade vessels, also known as "go-fasts" or "pangas." These vessels are often used by smugglers to transport drugs and other contraband across international waters.

The Coast Guard has expressed concern about the increasing use of homemade vessels by smugglers. These vessels are often difficult to detect and board, and they can be very dangerous to operate. In some cases, smugglers have been known to scuttle their vessels in an attempt to evade capture.

In addition to the challenges posed by smugglers, the Coast Guard also faces the problem of asylum seekers who use homemade vessels to try to reach the United States.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who have attempted to make the journey across the Caribbean Sea in homemade boats.

Related article: Missing Florida Boy Murdered by Dad; Body Later Seen in Alligator Jaws

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In an era marked by the potential of collaboration and conscious consumerism to enact tangible change, Amazi emerges as a transformative force, a social impact ecosystem dedicated to uplifting, educating, and empowering marginalised communities. The synergy between Amazi and Woolworths signifies the power of conscious business practices, a partnership that speaks volumes about the ripple effects of impactful collaborations.

The genesis of Amazi can be traced back to its visionary founders, Divya Vasant and Sekela Lisa Mgcotyelwa. Driven by an unwavering resolve to uplift economically excluded women in South Africa, they harnessed the strength of collective wisdom and purchasing power. This led to the reshaping of conventional business paradigms, infusing inclusivity and empowerment into the very core of their entrepreneurial journey.

Sekela Lisa Mgcotyelwa and Divya Vasant, founders of Amazi. Image supplied

Central to Amazi's transformative strategy is the Rands & Change philosophy, an innovative framework that ensures every rand spent by customers directly contributes to the development of women of colour.

Through the empowering avenue of the Amazi Academy, these women are provided with invaluable upskilling, nurturing, and opportunities for growth. What emerges is not just an educational initiative but a movement that propels these women into employment, breaking the cycle of economic exclusion.

A beacon of hope

The collaboration between Amazi and Woolworths is a beacon of hope, showcasing how conscious consumerism can drive change beyond mere transactions. The Amazi Beauty Bars, available in 15 Woolworths stores nationwide with plans to launch in KwaZulu-Natal this Spring, offers high-quality, on-the-go treatments. These treatments include gel application for hands and feet, brow threading, tinting and a whole lot more. This collaboration has turned economic inclusion into a tangible reality.

At the heart of the Amazi Beauty Bars concept lies accessibility and convenience. These services cater to the modern individual's fast-paced lifestyle, seamlessly blending between errands and shopping, and all the while, offering affordable excellence. The Beauty Bars not only provide a respite amidst busy routines but also an avenue for empowerment through skilled technicians, representing a harmonious blend of quality and convenience.

Image supplied

Amazi's commitment to holistic empowerment extends to its beauty range available at selected Amazi Beauty Bars in Woolworths, its two flagship standalone stores, as well as online. These products are not only about skincare; they embody the philosophy of conscious consumerism. Sourced sustainably from within Africa, these products represent a commitment to the environment and the empowerment of women.

Amazi's history

Amazi is more than a beauty brand; it's a social impact ecosystem with a singular focus: uplifting economically excluded women in South Africa. Guided by innovative business practices and a commitment to conscious consumerism, Amazi's impact is comprehensive. Its Rands & Change philosophy stands as a beacon, embodying the transformative potential of each customer's contribution. The result is an unbroken cycle of empowerment for women of colour, shattering barriers and rewriting narratives.

With Beauty Bars that offer affordable treatments and a product range rooted in sustainable sourcing, Amazishowcases a future where businesses serve as agents of positive change. This brand embodies the intersection of commerce and empowerment, embodying the belief that meaningful change is more than an ideal; it's an achievable reality.

Looking ahead

Amazi's horizon stretches beyond its current impact. With a goal to touch the lives of 2000 women by 2025, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, Amazi is leading the charge towards gender equality, economic growth, and meaningful work for young women. As Amazi continues to inspire, uplift, and transform, its journey remains a testament to the untapped potential within businesses to catalyse lasting and meaningful change.

The collaboration with Woolworths is just the beginning of an expansive journey, an indication that real change is not a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality. Through initiatives like the Beauty Bars and the Amazi Beauty conscious products.

Amazi is laying the foundation for a future where empowerment is more than rhetoric; it's a lived experience, one that ripples through generations. As Divya Vasant and Sekela Lisa Mgcotyelwa continue to reshape narratives and redefine norms, Amazi stands as an emblem of hope, proving that collaboration, innovation, and conscious consumerism can pave the way for lasting change.
With 78% of CEOs relying on their CMOs to steer growth in their organisations, and move the financial needle by aligning to the efforts of their boards, today the CMO role has never been more integral to the needs of the business.

Source:  123rf 123rf Impact South Africa Conference, presented by the MMA SA, takes place tomorrow

This is the core theme of the Impact South Africa Conference, presented by the MMA SA, that takes place tomorrow,7 September, at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Held in partnership with MultiChoice, Takealot.Group Advertising, Standard Bank and MTN and supported by event sponsors Mindshare, Helm and Ayoba, the conference will host a heavy-weight line-up of 23 speakers who are either delivering their keynote addresses or are part of a panel discussion.

Collectively, they will share tools and techniques with the audience with a view to assist them to not only weather todays economic, technological and social storm but also how to thrive as marketers in our contemporary, often challenging world.

Key takeaways

Among key takeaways of the Impact South Africa event are how:

Businesses can transform into purpose-led organisations that meet corporate social responsibility expectations.

CMOs can align with CFOs to enable growth and align strategies with the latters metrics and reporting criteria.

Marketers can grasp the evolving data landscape to develop potent data strategies that are transparent, compliant and transformative.

AI can be leveraged to boost economic growth while elevating a brands impact.

Next-gen marketing looks through the lens of different generations to create meaningful, engaging and sustainable relationships with customers.

The MMA SAs regional director, Sarah Utermark, says, This years conference is host to the best in breed and delegates will engage in thought-provoking discussions, forge valuable business connections, gain insights into their organisation's market position, and above all, stay ahead of the curve in an industry that is forever in flux and fiercely competitive.

The event has been expertly tailored for the modern marketer so that they leave with cutting-edge knowledge that can be taken back into their businesses to further their own impact on its financial future.

"We are delighted to present this meeting of great minds who will take to the stage and share their wealth of experience with delegates. As a free-to-attend event, our aim as the MMA SA is to engage as many marketers from across the industry spectrum as possible, empowering them with knowledge and how-tos that will make an indelible impact on their businesss performance."

Speaker line-up

Speakers include:

Zeyad Davids, partner Deloitte Digital



Katherine Madley, VP marketing Massmart



Beyers van de Merwe, chief executive: marketing, PEP



Kerry Janse Van Rensburg, digital director, Ignition Group



Heidi Brauer CM(SA): CMO/brand mama at large (Former CMO: Hollard & kulula.com)



Vincent Maher: group executive head of digital MultiChoice Group



Diana Springer: head of group brand and marketing Standard Bank Group



Luisa Mazinter: chief growth officer Mesh.Trade and 42Markets Group



Gillian Ezra, head of content and engagement Ayoba



Kate Kitz: CEO Mindshare South Africa.

For the first time, the line-up also includes the chair and vice-chair of the newly formed MMA SA Youth Development Board, Takalani Masikhwa, digital lead and strategist at Mindshare and vice-chair Anesu Malisa, head of Gen Z marketing (Africa Office) at Samsung Electronics.
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) is moving ahead with its final improvement to the historic Longkloof precinct in Cape Town - the development of the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof hotel.

The project was originally planned for completion towards the end of 2021 but was put on hold as South Africa has navigated a period of uncertainty. With increased tourism in Cape Town, and in particular the material growth in tourist numbers over the usually quiet winter months, as well as a general upswing in economic activity evident in the city, Growthpoint believes the time is now right to get the project back on track.

The Western Cape, and Cape Town in particular, have exhibited economic resilience. Semigration from other parts of South Africa to the Western Cape is steady and is boosting Cape Towns appeal as an attractive city to live and work in. Reflecting this appeal, Growthpoints office vacancies in the Mother City are steadily improving and recently dropped below the 10% mark for the first time since 2020, significantly outperforming the SAPOA national average of 15.8% (March 2023).

International tourism has also picked up again, with international flights to Cape Town numbering higher than ever before and a strong flow of tourists year-round. Tourist centres in South Africa are also likely to get a boost from the current exchange rates, with a positive effect on Cape Towns attractiveness to international travellers.

The heritage-led project to revitalise the Longkloof Precinct includes the renovation of several Growthpoint-owned buildings and the creation of an attractive public yard that connects to the city via four different access points. Growthpoints vision was to reimagine the six buildings and vacant parking lot that are made up of a historical school and a historical industrial building with its boiler room as a modern and trendy mixed-use precinct that embodies the essence of this unique city in something new and exciting, yet respectful of its heritage.

The plans were painstakingly developed and refined over several years before work began in 2019, and most elements, with the exception of the hotel, were completed in 2021. This created unique and desirable offices now occupied generally by entrepreneurs, tech and marketing-related companies.

One of the highlight features of the precinct is the 150-room Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof Hotel  the first of its kind in Africa  which leads out onto the public yard offering curated ground-level retail. The facade of the former MLT House, the structure of which is being incorporated into the hotel, has been carefully preserved and integrated into the new design.

Timothy Irvine

Timothy Irvine, Growthpoint regional asset manager for the Western Cape, says that while delaying construction was correct in the economic uncertainty, market conditions are indicating that it is now the right time to resume work. The hotel will round off the precinct, which is now ready for it. It will complement the mix of uses and tenancies there, he says.

These include tech-orientated and entrepreneurial businesses as well as Workshop 17, which is now expanding. Workshop 17 is located in 32 on Kloof, which was the first building in the precinct to be renovated and which opened its doors in August 2019.

The building known as the Refinery, a gracious Herbet Baker-designed historical school building, underwent a modernisation of its services. The buildings known as Darter Studio and Threshers Studio, in deference to their surroundings and former use, were also revamped to create connected office buildings which have proven popular with creative and tech businesses.

There is a total of just under 17,000sqm of space available in Longkloof, of which some 16,600sqm is occupied, and by excellent tenants.

The public yard functions as a central space, along with its connectors into the rest of the city. It was important that it should be accessible to the general public, as something that anyone in the city could enjoy. A new coffee shop, Vine & Dandy, has now opened there, enlivening the space and reinforcing its importance as a place of socialisation and connection.

Irvine believes that the completion of the hotel and its operation under the Hilton Canopy brand will round out the special appeal of the precinct. Careful consideration of the precinct parking requirements and the addition of another 150 underground parking bays to the others in the precinct bolsters the attractiveness of what has already become one of the ultimate spots in Cape Town.

The Longkloof Precinct is on the Mother Citys famous Kloof Street in an area that has a distinctive character and culture. It is rich in history and beautiful buildings - authentically Cape Town.

Introducing Canopy by Hilton, a hotel that is unique in Africa, to the revitalised Longkloof Precinct is the fantastic final finishing touch to the new dynamic that Growthpoint has created to be a perfect fit for this unique neighbourhood.
Like several of its global counterparts, South Africa is experiencing a critical skills shortage, particularly in finance, health and IT sectors. The current skills deficit can be attributed to a number of factors, including the migration of young talent to opportunities overseas as well as remote work prospects. The impact of this attrition of the skills base has upped the ante for local businesses competing for the best talent. Within this highly competitive environment, small businesses need to be very strategic about how they attract and retain their workforces.

Kgomotso Ramoenyane

Commenting on this is Kgomotso Ramoenyane, executive general manager: human resources at Business Partners Limited, who explains that: Small businesses are not only competing with other enterprises of the same size. Theyre dipping into the same talent pool as large corporates.

"The answer lies in establishing an attractive value proposition for employees by leveraging the advantages of working for a small business. Along with attracting the right kind of talent, small businesses also need to focus on retaining that talent and continuing to invest in their people and helping them grow.

The state of South Africas labour market

According to the most recent report by South Africas Labour Market Intelligence research programme, there is a structural imbalance between labour demand and supply.

Currently, highly skilled individuals with the potential to fulfil managerial roles are in huge demand. But, given that the majority of the South African workforce consists of low- to medium- skilled workers, there simply is not enough talent to occupy these roles. In contrast, lower skilled level positions are in short supply.

This is compounded by the fact that South Africas labour force is relatively young, with over 63% of the population consisting of individuals between the ages of 15-34. With the median age of managers and professionals sitting at between 40 and 45 years old, there is a clear disconnect between the kinds of jobs that are in dire need and the capabilities of the local labour force.

This situation is exacerbated by what is being referred to as the notable migration of young talent to foreign countries. According to research conducted by Rand Merchant Bank, qualified and experienced individuals in their 30s and 40s are increasingly looking at roles overseas instead of pursuing career growth on local shores. South African employers of all sizes are faced with a significant challenge when it comes to finding the right people for the right jobs.

Focus on flexibility

Unpacking how small businesses can get ahead within this competitive arena, Ramoenyane encourages small business owners to consider the value they can offer employees that larger companies cannot. For example, small businesses may be in a better position to offer a greater degree of flexibility, which has proven to be of paramount importance in a post-pandemic landscape.

The pandemic changed the way South Africans think about work. More and more, employees are valuing flexibility, fulfilling their roles remotely and having the ability to control their own schedules. In the post-pandemic working world, greater freedom to have a good work/life balance remains a huge plus. And in the case of small businesses, being more flexible could also contribute towards reducing costs such as office rentals and may also provide them with more scope for negotiating compensation packages, says Ramoenyane.

Matters of the mind: building a healthy, happy team

The past few years has also seen a deterioration in the mental health of employees. More workers are under immense pressure to perform in their jobs, while balancing their personal responsibilities within the context of a very turbulent economic environment. The unfortunate cost of this includes loss of productivity, a decrease in the quality of outputs and rising absenteeism.

As Ramoenyane suggests: Working in larger companies can in some areas reduce employees to numbers rather than individual members of the workforce. In small businesses, employees can be recruited on the basis that their needs as individuals will be catered for.

"Small businesses who may not have the financial muscle to implement elaborate mental health policies and benefits could look at small but meaningful measures. These could include offering extra days off for rest and relaxation, regular one-on-one check-ins with management, open forums for honest conversations amongst teams, motivational speaker events and small incentives and rewards.

Invest in the tools people need to perform better

According to the Small Business, Big Opportunity report conducted by Sage, tech-driven tools that aid efficiency and productivity can be hugely beneficial and are important contributing factors to business confidence. Investing in tools that can provide this kind of support is not only key to maintaining healthy levels of productivity but is also a way to decrease the administrative burden placed on certain roles.

As Ramoenyane concludes: By investing in tools that are relatively inexpensive, small businesses can help employees become more productive and manage their time more efficiently. When tasks that are time- and resource-intensive are automated, this could free up time for employees to be proactive about contributing to the success of the business and to engage in activities that make them feel more fulfilled.

"If people are given more opportunity to do work that they enjoy, they can be shown, in a very tangible way, that what they do adds real value to the business and that they are an important part of the business ecosystem. More valued employees will be happier employees. And happier employees are more productive and easier to develop and retain as the business grows.




In collaboration with TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa and First National Bank (FNB), South African National Parks (SANParks) is excited to announce the upcoming 18th annual South African National Parks Week, set to begin in just over a week. This week of free access will take place from 16 September 16 to 24 September, 2023.

SANParks general manager: media, PR and stakeholder relations, Rey Thakhuli said, Under the established theme Know Your National Parks the weeklong campaign encourages citizens through the #LiveYourWild campaign to visit a national park for free and be part of a world-wide campaign.

SANParks is striving to provide all South Africans with equal opportunities, and in line with our vision of a A world class system of sustainable national parks reconnecting and inspiring society, we want to inspire people to take pride in and to enjoy their national parks while spending time in nature.

The week in partnership with TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa and FNB is meant to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africas natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system which is the basis for the established theme Know Your National Parks. Its important for South Africans to visit and know the importance of national parks.

This year, SANParks will open the week in Kruger National Park. The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official identity documents. Young persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity.

The free access to the parks will not include accommodation and commercial activities in the park such as guided safaris in vehicles or guided walks. Entry to Namaqua National Park and Boulders Penguin Colony and the Cableway in Table Mountain National Park are not included in the free access.

Thakhuli said, Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens who are granted free access to national parks during this time. Since we started the programme in 2006, some 691,418 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks, and we want to see these numbers grow.

SANParks encourages all South Africans and especially the youth of our country to diarise these dates and plan a visit to a national park nearby.

The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa, concludes Thakhuli.
Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries

SUBSCRIBE
The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) is partnering with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the United Nations (UN) in South Africa to host the first-ever indigenous languages and the media seminar. Media professionals are invited to attend this event.

It will be held at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton on 7 September 2023 from 9am to 2pm. The role of indigenous languages in the media in building engaged and informed communities is the theme of the seminar.

Inquiries and registrations should be directed to az.gro.fenas@eizduzd.
Some Americans should look beyond disassembling phones

10:52, September 06, 2023 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

Although some mainstream US media and the US government maintain a "reserved" style of silence, Huawei's latest flagship mobile phone, Mate 60 Pro, continues to send shockwaves in the US public opinion field. Bloomberg commissioned a professional organization to disassemble the new phone, looking for clues about how far China's technology has gone. Some simply claimed that the development was a "slap in the face" to the US. We can feel that the shock shown by American public opinion is real. It boils down to two main questions: Has Huawei succeeded? Has America failed?

As a company, what mobile phones Huawei launches and what technologies it uses have nothing to do with the US and should not attract such attention. Disassembling devices is a routine practice for professionals in the technology industry to understand new products, and it is mostly a personal activity. However, it is abnormal for the US media to commission organizations to disassemble a mobile phone, making a big fuss about it.

Just imagine, if a China media "disassembled" an iPhone with a "search" mentality to analyze what new technologies it has developed with a magnifying glass, it would obviously be considered "senseless." And frankly speaking, Chinese society as a whole is happy to see technological advancement of American products. Almost no one would think that those advancements mean China's failure, and no one would feel that it is a "slap in the face." The actions of disassembling a phone ultimately reflect Washington's pathological psychology.

The reason why some American elites are surprised is that they generally believe that China cannot make high-end chips on its own. According to Kevin Klyman, a technology policy researcher at Harvard University, the US has done its best to undermine China's semiconductor industry by taking a really unprecedented step and launching a surgical strike on that industry. He also said that "It has been an extraordinary success beyond anyone's wildest dreams that the Netherlands and Japan have joined US export controls to the hilt."However, due to such crazy suppression, things suddenly appeared beyond "control" in the areas that the US considered most confident and critical. For some politicians in Washington with extremely distorted mentality toward China, this is enough to overwhelm them.

We advise some Americans to deconstruct and reconstruct their concept of China's technical development and innovation, in addition to disassembling smartphones. In recent years, not only Huawei but also many other Chinese enterprises have made substantial headway in areas where the US pushed to ban China, such as aerospace, photovoltaics and energy. China has achieved tremendous breakthroughs in these areas and has brought more technological dividends to the world. Thereby, we establish closer ties with the international community. It is reasonable to say that China's tendency toward high-level technological self-reliance and self-strengthening is irreversible. As many Chinese netizens have said: those who cannot kill us will eventually strengthen us.

Some US media have conducted "self-reflection" on Huawei's launch of a new phone series, saying that "Huawei chip shows US curbs are porous, not useless." This kind of thinking is like trying to forcefully build a dam in the middle of rushing waves, without considering whether the water can be stopped. In the end, they will find that they have spent a great deal of effort to build an island that traps themselves. Unfortunately, we have not seen Washington deeply reflect on why its restrictions and suppressions have failed and whether some policy measures were wrong, nor have we seen corresponding adjustments being made.

When a Chinese manufacturer releases a new gadget, people in the US will be busy disassembling it with political motives. When China signs a cooperation agreement with another country, the US quickly eavesdrops and goes to that country to "lobby." Sure, let Washington go through these troubles. This kind of self-torment will ultimately consume US' national strength, not China's. Facts have repeatedly proven that US suppression will only strengthen China's determination for independent innovation, self-reliance and opening-up to the outside world. China's progress cannot be stopped.

It is exceedingly abnormal for one country to regard another country's technical advancement as a threat. In today's deeply globalized society, any technical advancement will eventually benefit all of humanity. The primary criterion for measuring its success is the number of people who will benefit from the technical rewards it brings. In this sense, if Washington continues to cling to a "small yard, high fence" mentality, it will only move further away from its expected "victory."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Armenia said Wednesday (September 6) it would host a joint military exercise with the US next week.

The Armenian defense ministry said the purpose of the exercise called "Eagle Partner 2023" slated for September 11 to 20 was to prepare its forces to take part in international peacekeeping missions.

Meanwhile, a US military spokesperson was quoted by Reuters, saying 85 US military personnel - including a contingent from the Kansas National Guard, which has a 20-year-old training partnership with Armenia - and 175 Armenian troops would focus more on infantry training than on heavy weaponry like armor and artillery.

Russia Concerned with Joint US-Armenian Exercise

Despite the small scale of the exercise, the Kremlin said it would closely monitor it.

"Of course, such news causes concern, especially in the current situation. Therefore, we will deeply analyze this news and monitor the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia has a military base in Armenia and saw itself as the pre-eminent power in the south Caucasus region, which until 1991 was part of the Soviet Union. The Russians also maintain a peacekeeping force in the region to uphold an agreement that ended the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020, the second they have fought since the Soviet Union collapsed.

Read Also: Armenia Denounces Azerbaijan Claims Using Karabakh To Control, Worsens Spat Between the Two Countries

Armenian PM: Russia Failed to Protect Us

In an Italian newspaper interview over the weekend, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Russia failed to protect his country against what he called the continuing aggression from Azerbaijan. He also suggested that Russia's war in Ukraine meant it was unable to meet all Armenia's security needs.

On the other hand, Peskov dismissed Pashinyan's remarks, saying Russia was an "absolutely integral part" of the southern Caucasus.

"Russia plays a consistent, very important role in stabilizing the situation in this region...and we will continue to play this role," he added.

According to Al Jazeera, Armenia also refused to host military drills by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a Russian-led alliance of post-Soviet countries, reflecting Yerevan's growing tensions with Moscow.

CSTO is Russia's answer to NATO.

The military escalation since the latest war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020 has been causing severe hunger in the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan closed its border on the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting the enclave to Armenia, since December 2022.

Related Article: Investigation Reveals Use of Spyware in Azerbaijan-Armenia Conflict

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
^Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR * Aprocitentan, Idorsia's oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist is currently under review with health authorities for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension. * Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million * Idorsia is initiating activities to determine the best approach to maximize the value of aprocitentan. Allschwil, Switzerland - September 6, 2023 Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Janssen Biotech Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the return of rights for aprocitentan to Idorsia. In return, Idorsia is committed to pay up to 306 million Swiss francs, subject to marketing application approval by the US FDA and Europe's EMA. Jean-Paul Clozel, CEO of Idorsia, commented: "I'm happy that we have come to an agreement for the return of aprocitentan to Idorsia. Aprocitentan has demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful sustained blood pressure lowering benefits with a good safety profile, particularly suited to the high-risk patient population with resistant hypertension. Revolutionizing the use of endothelin receptor antagonism is something the team at Idorsia knows all about. We will now determine the best approach to maximizing the value of our exciting new anti-hypertension therapy." The founding team at Idorsia brought the first oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) to market, followed by the discovery, development, and launch of a next generation oral, dual ERA. The team will now evaluate options for realizing the value which the company has created by successfully developing aprocitentan, the first anti-hypertensive therapy which works via a new mechanism of action in 30 years. About the agreement Idorsia will reacquire the development and commercialization rights for aprocitentan from Janssen. In return, Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million, depending on Idorsia's revenues, as follows: * 30% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or divestment of aprocitentan, * 10% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or the divestment of any other Idorsia product, following the first approval of aprocitentan, and * low- to mid-single digit royalties on total group product net sales, beginning from the quarter after first aprocitentan approval. Janssen funding obligations to aprocitentan cease at the effective date of the agreement. Janssen licenses to aprocitentan IP (excluding pulmonary hypertension) will terminate and Janssen will transfer the brand name and relating commercial materials to Idorsia. Janssen will retain licenses in the pulmonary hypertension field. The agreement also eliminates the revenue-sharing agreement in respect of ponesimod. The agreement will be effective following receipt of the clearance relating to the United States Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Andre C. Muller, Chief Financial Officer, commented: "If aprocitentan is approved in the US and Europe as we expect, Idorsia would have an additional product in its portfolio giving the company more strategic flexibility, and potentially allows Janssen to recoup over time their investment in aprocitentan." About the regulatory status of aprocitentan A new drug application (NDA) for aprocitentan was filed with the US FDA in December 2022 (Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) current date: December 19, 2023), and the market authorisation application (MAA) was submitted to the EMA at the end of January 2023. Jean-Paul Clozel, concluded: "The review process with the US FDA is progressing well, though it is likely to require an extension to the review period of up to 3 months as the company will provide additional Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) materials to support a streamlined REMS which is designed specifically for patients taking aprocitentan." About aprocitentan in resistant hypertension Full results from the PRECISION study were published in November 2022 in The Lancet "A randomized controlled trial of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan for resistant hypertension (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140- 6736(22)02034-7/fulltext)". More details and commentary can be found in the dedicated press release (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and- events/media-release-details?newsId=2869821) and an investor webcast (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and-events/Apro-session-AHA-2022) featuring Prof. Markus Schlaich, an investigator in PRECISION. Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure are at risk of major cardiovascular events.(1) These risks are even higher for patients whose blood pressure is uncontrolled despite treatment with three or more antihypertensives(2), known as resistant hypertension(3,4). It has been more than 30 years since a new anti- hypertensive therapy working by a new mechanism has been brought to patients. By targeting a currently unopposed pathophysiologic pathway, aprocitentan represents a potential novel, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for resistant hypertension. Notes to the editor The endothelin system in systemic hypertension Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that also induces neurohormonal activation, vascular hypertrophy and remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction. In hypertension, both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors mediate harmful effects of ET-1.(4) As a vasoconstrictor, co-mitogenic agent, linking pulse pressure and vascular remodeling, and mediator of aldosterone and catecholamine release, endothelin is a key player in hypertension and end-organ damage.(5,)(6) About difficult-to-control (resistant) hypertension Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors, and its prevalence continues to rise. According to a recent study, there are more than 1.3 billion people living with hypertension worldwide(6) - a startling number, which has almost doubled in the past 40 years. Left uncontrolled, people have a greater risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.(7) Patients with hypertension can often successfully control their blood pressure by combining a healthier lifestyle with effective medication. However, approximately 10% of patients have difficult-to-control hypertension where the blood pressure remains high despite receiving at least three antihypertensive medications of different pharmacological classes, including a diuretic, at optimal doses,(3)(,)(8) (also categorized in hypertension guidelines and the medical community as having resistant hypertension). The endothelin pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, especially in volume- and salt-dependent forms, which are a common feature in patients with resistant hypertension. The endothelin pathway has not been targeted by existing anti-hypertensive therapies until now, thereby leaving this relevant pathophysiologic pathway unopposed with currently available medications.(3,9,10) The endothelin system is also activated in patients prone to developing resistant hypertension, such as Black or African American patients, patients with obesity or obstructive sleep apnea,(1)(1)(-1)(3) and in comorbid conditions frequently associated with resistant hypertension such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.(1)(4)(-1)(7) About aprocitentan Aprocitentan is an investigational, novel, oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), which potently inhibits the binding of ET-1 to ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. Aprocitentan has a low potential for drug-drug interaction and a mechanism of action that is ideally suited for the pathophysiology of resistant hypertension. About PRECISION(18,19) (NCT03541174 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03541174)) PRECISION was a multicenter, blinded, randomized, parallel-group, Phase 3 study, which was performed in hospitals or research centers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Patients were eligible for randomization if their sitting systolic blood pressure was 140 mm Hg or higher despite taking standardized background therapy consisting of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The study consisted of three sequential parts: Part 1 was the 4-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled part, in which 730 patients were randomized to aprocitentan 12.5 mg (n=243), aprocitentan 25 mg (n=243), or placebo (n=244) in a 1:1:1 ratio; Part 2 was a 32-week single (patient)-blind part, in which all patients received aprocitentan 25 mg (n=704); and Part 3 was a 12-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled withdrawal part, in which patients were re-randomized to aprocitentan 25 mg (n=307) or placebo (n=307) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary and key secondary endpoints were changes in unattended office systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 4 and from withdrawal baseline to week 40, respectively. Secondary endpoints included 24-h ambulatory blood pressure changes. At baseline, 69.2% of patients were obese or severely obese, 54.1% had diabetes, 22.2% had stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease and 19.6% had congestive heart failure. 63% of randomized patients were receiving at least 4 anti-hypertensive therapies at screening. Key PRECISION findings(19) The least square mean change in office SBP at 4 weeks was -15.3 mmHg for aprocitentan 12.5 mg, -15.2 mmHg for 25 mg, and -11.5 mmHg for placebo, for a difference versus placebo of -3.8 mmHg (p=0.0042) and -3.7 mmHg (p=0.0046), respectively. Office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) also decreased with both aprocitentan doses compared to placebo (-3.9 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and -4.5 mmHg for the 25 mg dose). Office SBP and DBP were maintained during Part 2 in patients previously receiving aprocitentan and decreased within the first 2 weeks of Part 2 before stabilizing in those previously receiving placebo. In Part 3, office SBP after 4 weeks of withdrawal (the key secondary endpoint) increased significantly with placebo compared to aprocitentan (5.8 mmHg; pA

Quelle: dpa-Afx
Washington-based watchdog group, CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics), decided to file a lawsuit to prevent Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot in Colorado.

This is one of the latest efforts of voters who don't want to former U.S. president to run in the upcoming 2024 U.S. election.

Watchdog CREW Files Lawsuit to Ban Trump

The Associated Press reported that the legal action was filed by CREW on Wednesday, Sept. 6. It was filed by the watchdog on behalf of six Colorado Republican voters (who are not affiliated with the group).

The lawsuit, which was quickly dismissed by Donald Trump's team, cites Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.

ABC News reported that the legal action is one of the first serious challenges to Trump's presidential candidacy based on the rarely used clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The 14th Amendment's Section states that U.S. officials who took an oath to support the Constitution and engaged in rebellion/insurrection or gave aid to the enemies thereof while they were serving are not eligible for future office.

It added that they can only have a position if they are granted amnesty by a two-thirds vote of the U.S. Congress.

The previous use of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment against other Republicans was not successful. However, CREW managed to push to overthrow a county official in New Mexico in 2022.

This official was convicted of trespassing in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.

Read Also: Donald Trump Surrenders to Atlanta Authorities in Relation to Georgia Election Case After his Official Mug Shot was Released

What CREW's Lawsuit Says About Trump

CREW's lawsuit argues that Donald Trump aided the attack on the Capitol in 2021. This accusation is the same reason why the House of Representatives impeached the former American leader.

However, he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate. Trump also repeatedly defended himself, saying that he did not incite the violent protesters.

Noah Bookbinder, the president of CREW, explained that they filed the lawsuit as they believe that defending the republic today and in the future is necessary.

Trump's team defends the ex-POTUS from challenges like CREW's legal action.

"The people who are pursuing this absurd conspiracy theory and political attack on President Trump are stretching the law beyond recognition," said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.

He added that these allegations have no legal basis except in the minds of those who are using it.

Related Article: Sen. Kaine Claims Donald Trump Could Be Disqualified in US Presidential Election

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Rolling Stones will unveil details of their first studio album of original music since 2005 at an event in London on Wednesday.

Their new LP Hackney Diamonds will be their first collection of original songs in 18 years, and the first since the death of the bands long-time drummer Charlie Watts in August 2021.

Advertisement

Their last album of new material was 2005s A Bigger Bang. The bands last studio album, released in 2016, was called Blue & Lonesome and comprised blues covers.

A new Stones era

Worldwide September 6th

Join at https://t.co/09XIP65sXt

#hackneydiamonds pic.twitter.com/uV6xOXKDig  The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) September 1, 2023 Advertisement

Band members Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood will be interviewed about the new material on Wednesday in Hackney, east London, by US talk show host Jimmy Fallon.

Advertisement

The new music has been teased online and in an advert in the Hackney Gazette, which appeared to be for a fictional glass repair business.

Advertisement

The advert included a website and a phone number, which when called, responded with the automated message: Welcome to Hackney Diamonds, specialists in glass repair: Dont get angry, get it fixed. Opening early September, Mare Street, E8. Register for a call at hackneydiamonds.com. Come on then.

The event with Fallon will be livestreamed on YouTube and the band said: Hackney may be at the heart of Hackney Diamonds, but this is a truly global moment we want to share with fans around the world via YouTube.

The Glimmer Twins statue of Rolling Stones Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards created by sculptor Amy Goodman at One Bell Corner in Dartford, Essex (Yui Mok/PA)

Advertisement

Fans can watch the interview on YouTube in a live-stream that is scheduled for 2.30pm.

The Rolling Stones formed in the early 1960s. Beforehand, Jagger and Richards had been in a blues band and became regular faces at a jazz club in Ealing Broadway.

Last year the Stones  Jagger and guitarists Richards and Wood  travelled through Europe for their 60th anniversary tour which featured stops in cities including Madrid, Milan and Munich, and also a performance at British Summer Time (BST) festival in London.

They were joined on tour by Steve Jordan on drums, following the death of Watts.








By Lee Hae-rin







Korea's "ambitious" package measures to attract 2 million Chinese tourists by year-end are not likely to work out as intended as they are pressed for time in achieving the goal and fall short of reflecting current trends, according to the tourism industry and experts.







In addition, it also remains to be seen if air routes between the two countries will increase due to declining local demand for flights to China.







On Monday, the government

to attract an additional 1.5 million inbound travelers from China by the end of this year, with a goal of reaching 2 million for all of 2023 and an annual GDP growth of 0.16 percentage points. The measures were unveiled weeks ahead of China's largest holiday season of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6.







Last month, the Chinese government lifted its ban on group tours to Korea, ending a six-year hiatus caused by frayed relations following the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system here.







The package includes an electronic visa fee waiver for tour groups, installation of mobile payment services nationwide and simplified procedures for duty free shopping tax refunds.







Although experts and the industry welcomed the package plan, they pointed out its limitations.







Park In-sook, the president of the Korea Tourist Guide Association (KOTGA) who has been working as a tourist guide and interpreter since 1994, said that the plan is "long-awaited great news for the industry," but is unlikely to bring immediate effects, with the Chinese holiday season only weeks away.







"It usually takes longer than three to four weeks for an international tour program to be finalized because it involves flights, accommodations, restaurants, transport reservations and many other factors," Park told The Korea Times, Tuesday, questioning whether the package deal will attract more tourists during the upcoming holiday season.







Lee Hoon, a professor of tourism at Hanyang University, called for a bolder and more aggressive approach, such as offering special promotions or incentives of an additional night of stay at accommodations, to make Korea a more appealing travel destination than neighboring countries like Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.







"It's most important to enhance the quality level of travel," Lee said, highlighting the changes in travel trends, where Chinese tourists, formerly seen as big spenders traveling in large groups, now prefer solo travel or small group travel and seek themed itineraries and shopping routes.







Lee Ji-ho, a professor of tourism at Jangan University, echoed Lee's view, stressing that the young generation, which now accounts for over 40 percent of Chinese visitors to Korea, are trend- and digital-sensitive travelers who expect a wide range of cultural experiences, covering gastronomy, leisure and local communities when visiting Korea.






An interim leader should be appointed to steer the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) through a crisis situation, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said.

Former PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne resigned this week after a string of controversies.

Advertisement

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton is currently steering the organisation while moves are under way to recruit a new chief.

Mr Hamilton had been expected to attend an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland, a body representing rank and file officers, but was unable to attend due to an unplanned medical procedure.

A PSNI spokesperson said the Service Executive Team is leading the organisation following Mr Hamiltons medical procedure.

Federation chairman Liam Kelly told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Tuesday that he believed Mr Hamilton needed to address his members concerns.

Advertisement

Advertisement

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton (PA)

Mr Byrne quit on Monday as pressure mounted after a data breach, which revealed personal details of officers and staff, and a critical High Court judgment, which said the disciplining of two officers following an arrest at a Troubles memorial event in Belfast in 2021 was unlawful.

Mr Donaldson said an interim leader needs to be brought in for the PSNI.

Advertisement

Speaking in the UK House of Commons, he said the DUP fully supports the PSNI in its impartial implementation of policing across all communities in Northern Ireland.

But he said: We are in a crisis situation, with not only the data breach but also the loss of confidence internally within the PSNI.

And whilst it is the responsibility of the policing board to make appointments, does he agree with me that perhaps what we need now, in the absence of a chief constable, is for someone to be brought in with the experience and leadership credentials that are needed in the interim period, pending the appointment of a new chief constable, to take control of this situation?

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris responded in the Commons.

Advertisement

I do believe the senior management team is a strong and an effective unit and the policing board has a lot on their plate at this point in time and have even, I believe, launched a review into how they operate themselves, he said.

Advertisement

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris (PA)

Im quite sure questions are being asked to see what can be done in this space but, as of now, I can only update the House with what I have.

Advertisement

In an earlier exchange between the pair, Mr Donaldson said: The data breach is a matter of national security because it includes officers who work with the security service in a very specialist role involving counter-terrorism and intelligence in Northern Ireland.

So will the Secretary of State assure the House that whatever resources are required by the PSNI, not only to fulfil that function but to protect its own officers and staff, will be available to them?

Mr Heaton-Harris thanked Mr Donaldson for the very and sensible question, adding: Some of the elements of that question are obviously in a place that I cannot answer in public, but any additional funding required by the PSNI would be submitted through an established process and currently were right at the very beginning of that established process.

He said it would not be right to pre-empt that but the Government is clear that security is paramount.
The British government has been urged to scrap a controversial Troubles legacy Bill after an embarrassing vote in the UK's House of Lords.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which is opposed by victims groups, most political parties and the Irish Government, proposes an effective amnesty for crimes in exchange for information.

Advertisement

It would also prevent future civil cases and inquests into Troubles offences.

In the final stages of its parliamentary journey, on Tuesday, former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Murphy of Torfaen proposed a change to the Bill setting out conditions for legal immunity as part of reconciliation efforts, including consent from the families of victims.

Peers supported his amendment to the Bill 201 to 190, majority 11, with many urging against the immunity offer plan.

However, the Bill is expected to clear the final hurdle at Westminster later this week.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Victims campaigner Raymond McCord, from the Truth and Justice Movement, described events on Tuesday as a defeat and an embarrassment for the Tory government.

Advertisement

Mr McCord, who is seeking answers around the murder of his son Raymond junior by loyalist paramilitaries in 1997, said it once again shows the opposition to this shameful Bill.

Today the Conservatives were clearly not the party of law and order rather they were the party of shame, he said.

Murder is murder despite what the Conservatives say.

We, the Truth and Justice Movement  the cross-community victims group, must congratulate all those who voted for the amendment but special thanks to Baroness Nuala OLoan and Baroness Margaret Ritchie for their open support for all victims.

Advertisement

Today was a victory for the victims and it must have been hard for the Conservative Lords losing in front of victims sitting in the gallery. Will the Conservatives learn from this and scrap the bill? That is what must be done, nothing less.
The UK Government needs to get serious in its negotiations with the DUP about a return to government at Stormont, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has told MPs.

Giving evidence to a Westminster committee, Mr Eastwood also said that many people in Northern Ireland believe the DUPs refusal to return to the powersharing institutions is because they do not want a nationalist as first minister.

Advertisement

The Stormont Assembly remains dormant as the DUP seeks further assurances from the UK Government about post-Brexit political and trading arrangements following the signing of the Windsor Framework.

The framework, negotiated by Rishi Sunak earlier this year and approved by Parliament, proposes reduced checks in goods travelling directly to Northern Ireland from Great Britain to reduce trade barriers within the UK.

The Northern Ireland Affairs committee is investigating the operation of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement 25 years after the peace deal was signed which created the Stormont Assembly.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Eastwood was asked about his call for the Irish Government to have an increased consultative role in Northern Ireland while the Assembly and executive are not functioning.

He said: We could have direct rule (by Westminster) very quickly, we had a budget passed on Monday night by the British Government.

Advertisement

There is no role at all for anybody other than the unionist tradition right now in the governance of Northern Ireland.

A greater role for the Irish Government does give more voice to what the Good Friday Agreement was about.

Mr Eastwood also called on the UK Government to get serious with the DUP in its negotiations to restore the executive.

Advertisement

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart of the DUP said business in NI were looking for solutions to the Northern Ireland Protocol (Niall Carson/PA)

However, DUP committee member Carla Lockhart said that there was a perception of an intolerance for the unionist viewpoint.

She added: What we are asking for is solutions for our businesses that are impacted by the (Northern Ireland) protocol.

You only have to look at manufacturing, agriculture, all of those different industries which are key pillars within our country and for the prospering of our country. We want solutions for them.

Advertisement

These issues sit very firmly within the UK Governments gift and it is important that you recognise that and that we get those solutions.

Advertisement

She added: It does, to the unionist community, seem that you are quite happy for there to be a border down the Irish Sea, but not one on the island of Ireland.

Mr Eastwood responded: I am one of the people who argue most strongly to not have economic borders anywhere. I am a real believer in the customs union and the single market.

Unlike your own party which argued for us to be pulled out of those institutions which took us out of the biggest trading block on the planet.

He added: We are open to listening and we are trying to give space but there comes a moment very soon, I think, that the British Government are going to have to say to the DUP: You are either in or you are out, because what more do you want?

I think the Windsor Framework was a victory for the DUP and you should take it and run with it.

Mr Eastwood continued: You have got more or less everything you asked for in the Windsor Framework.

Do you know what people really think? They dont think it (the DUPs refusal to form an executive) is anything to do with the protocol.

Advertisement

I dont know what the real reason is, but I think a lot of people think its because there is going to be a first minister from a nationalist perspective.

When people stop me on the streets of Derry and anywhere else, they think they just dont want a nationalist as first minister.

Ms Lockhart said her party leader Jeffrey Donaldson had made it clear that was not the case.

Colum Eastwood said a conversation about constitutional change in Ireland had begun (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Eastwood also told the committee that he believed a live conversation about constitutional change was beginning.

He said if a united Ireland did not accommodate the unionist tradition it is not worth having.

Mr Eastwood added: I dont think we are ever going to achieve our full potential as part of the UK, I just dont believe that.

I look across the border at what is going on in Dublin, the massive economic advance. Every major company in the world is based in Dublin.

Constitutional change isnt just about changing a flag over a building, its actually about embracing the ideas of a new Ireland which is all the traditions of the island coming together in a different constitutional set-up.
Changes to speed limits, the death of a young girl in Cork and warnings over Budget 2024 are some of Wednesday's front pages stories.

The Irish Times leads with a stern warning to the Government from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council which says the State risks "repeating mistakes of the past" by surpassing spending limits in the upcoming budget.

Advertisement

The Irish Examiner's main headline reads: 'Speed limits to be cut to save lives on road', while The Echo reports that the body of an eight-year-old girl was recovered from the water near Fountainstown on Tuesday.

Advertisement

The Irish Independent also leads on speed limit changes, as the Irish Daily Mail claims "tensions have flared" over the housing of Ukrainian refugees.

Good morning, here is the front page of today's Irish Independent: pic.twitter.com/byE6Yuh85I Advertisement  Independent.ie (@Independent_ie) September 6, 2023

Advertisement

The Irish Daily Mirror also leads with the Cork tragedy, but joins the Irish Daily Star in carrying an image of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who travelled to Dubai on Tuesday to discuss the Kinahan crime group with authorities there.

Advertisement

In Britain, the papers on Wednesday are a mixed bunch, with some focusing on Birminghams economic mess, while several other splashes took on the upcoming benefits revamp for those out-of-work due to sickness benefits.

The Times, the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph have all run with the upcoming sickness benefits revamp, which will see those without work made to find jobs and work from home.

The Times: Mentally ill to work from home in benefits revamp #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ZWB7LiciYP Advertisement  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

Daily Mail: One million on sickness benefits will have to find a job #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rRTskgvEDO  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

Daily Telegraph: Back to work drive shelved until 2025 #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/MD5dQ08psT  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

The Financial Times leads with Birminghams economic woes after the city declared bankruptcy after blaming its financial failure on equal pay.

Financial Times: Birmingham declares itself bankrupt

after equal pay deals drain resources #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/se8E1jeyRH Advertisement  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

As per the i and The Independent, it seems the school building debacle has now spread to the NHS, with concerns arising over the safety of care home buildings.

The i: NHS staff told to watch out for concrete danger signs #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/lLNJcr9SoM  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

The Daily Mirror has highlighted Britain's education minister Gillian Keegans husband, whose IT firm won 1 million from the fund dedicated to rebuilding shaky schools.

Metro reports water companies are flouting regulations that dictate they can only release sewage into waterways after heavy rain, finding 388 occasions where waste was dumped during fine weather.

The Sun has shone a light on the bitter spat between Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, as the ex-TV presenter unfollowed his former This Morning co-star on Instagram.

The Sun: I've had my Phil of Holly #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/8J3HrZOa6z  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

The Daily Express has slammed the French, claiming our neighbours across the Channel clearly need to be doing more to stop the boats.

Advertisement

Daily Express: French 'clearly need to be doing more' to stop the boats #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/QWfeABiX2l  George Mann (@sgfmann) September 5, 2023

Finally, the Daily Star has taken an international outlook, focusing on the great fool of China; a man who blasted his way through the 700-year-old wall to make his commute to work quicker.
A pair of Alaska teachers needed good news after they lost nearly all their possessions when their house collapsed into a swollen river and their cat went missing.

Elizabeth Wilkins was holding on to hope that if any animal would survive the house falling into the Mendenhall River on August 5 it would be Leo, the couples resilient big-eyed, black-and-white cat who shows no fear of bears.

Advertisement

I knew that hes pretty smart, and so I felt pretty confident that he would escape and be OK somewhere, she said.

That faith paid off 26 days after the flood when Tonya Mead posted a photo of Leo to the Juneau Community Collective Facebook page.



Elizabeth Wilkins with her cat Leo (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

Advertisement

Ms Wilkins immediately knew it was Leo, the Covid kitten they rescued in 2020. She rushed to meet Ms Mead.

Advertisement

I just started walking down the street calling for him, and he just ran out and was like, Oh hey, here I am, you know, like, where have you been?, she said.

The river flooding was caused by a major release of water from Suicide Basin, a Mendenhall Glacier-dammed lake in Juneau, that eroded the river bank.

Ms Wilkins and her partner, Tom Schwartz, moved into the home shortly before the flood hit, but they were away on a mountain biking trip to Bend, Oregon, at the time.

Advertisement

Friends called and sent videos, warning their house was in danger of being washed away.

Ultimately, several homes were destroyed or partially destroyed, with others condemned or flooded.



Leo the cat was reunited with his owners 26 days after their home collapsed into a swollen river in Juneau, Alaska (Elizabeth Wilkins via AP)

Advertisement

None of the destruction was as famous as the house being rented by Ms Wilkins and Mr Schwartz, with video of it collapsing into the river going viral.

The couple returned to Juneau three days later to sort out new living arrangements and to look for Leo.

They returned to the site of the house, calling out Leos name and leaving food for him in the chicken coop.

Advertisement

By then, it seemed like everyone in Juneau was looking for him. There were plenty of sightings of Leo, but Ms Wilkins said it appears that there are just many black-and-white unhoused cats in Juneau.

Advertisement

When he did turn up, he appeared to be in good health.

Leo was a little thinner, but otherwise totally fine, Ms Wilkins said. He ate four cans of tuna and went outside to kill a mouse. I imagine that is how he survived.

She said it is amazing to have Leo back, though he is currently staying with a friend while they look for another place to live.

Its super joyful because everyone in their community was looking for him, and its nice to have some good news, she said.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, hours after Russia launched its first missile attack in a week against the Ukrainian capital.

Mr Blinkens trip aims to assess Ukraines three-month-old counter-offensive and signal continued US support for Kyivs efforts to drive out the Kremlins forces after 19 months of war amid concerns among some western allies over the pace of progress, according to US officials.

Advertisement

After arriving in Kyiv, Mr Blinken laid a wreath at the Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate members of the Ukrainian armed forces who lost their lives defending the country.

He is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss the ongoing counter-offensive and reconstruction efforts.



Rescuers work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in the Kyiv region (Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP

Advertisement

Advertisement

Washington officials said possible alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain will also be discussed following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent bombardment of port facilities in the Odesa region from where most grain is transported abroad.

Those alternatives may include ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy. Other possible overland routes are also being examined.

Mr Blinkens visit is expected to include the announcement of new military aid of between 175 million dollars to 200 million dollars. Another larger military assistance package is expected later this week.

Other issues, including support for Ukraines war-torn economy will be discussed, building on Mr Blinkens announcement in June in London of 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernising its energy network that was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Advertisement

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in the first aerial attack on the capital since August 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration.





Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  06 September 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/cbPJ1TMN7E



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/IFuBWE9WPL Advertisement  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) September 6, 2023 Advertisement

Debris from a downed missile struck the premises of a business in Kyiv, igniting a fire and causing damage to the companys equipment. No casualties were reported.

In the Odesa region, meanwhile, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack that hit the port of Izmail. The attack damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, local authorities said.

Advertisement

The trip to Ukraine is Mr Blinkens fourth since the war began, including one very brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion.

However, it will mark the first time Americas top diplomat has spent the night in Ukraines capital since he visited Kyiv in January 2022, before the invasion.

US officials said Mr Blinkens decision to stay overnight in Kyiv is intended to send a symbolic signal of American support for Ukraine as the war drags on.



Antony Blinken works while travelling by train to Kyiv (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP)

Shared priorities will be discussed with the state of Ukraines counter-offensive high on the agenda, a senior US State Department official briefed reporters ahead of the trip.

The official highlighted the importance of being well-aligned on how Ukrainians see developments on the ground many weeks into the fight, which Kyivs troops launched in June.

Advertisement

Mr Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may come up short and fail to reach their objectives.

While the US has been concerned by certain day-to-day battlefield setbacks, US officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defence capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.
At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more wounded when Russian shelling struck a market in a city in eastern Ukraine, officials said.

Associated Press journalists at the site of the attack in Kostiantynivka saw covered bodies on the ground and emergency workers extinguishing fires at market stalls, with blackened mangled cars nearby.

Advertisement

Prime minister Denys Shmyhal said at least 17 people were killed. At least 28 were wounded, according to internal minister Ihor Klymenko.

Emergency service workers extinguished the fire that damaged about 30 pavilions at the outdoor market, Mr Klymenko said.



Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky greets US secretary of state Antony Blinken (Brendan Smialowski/Pool/AP)

Advertisement

The attack came as US secretary of state Antony Blinken visited Ukraines capital, where he was expected to announce more than one billion dollars in new American funding in a display of Washingtons unflagging support for Kyivs fight.

Advertisement

Mr Blinken also aimed to assess Ukraines three-month-old counter-offensive and signal continued US backing as some western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress in driving out Russian forces after 18 months of war, according to US officials.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counter-offensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Mr Blinken said during the visit.

Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

Advertisement



The aftermath of a Russian rocket attack on a food market in Kostiantynivka (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Mr Blinken was set to pledge more than one billion dollars in new US funding, a senior State Department official said.

The money would be for a range of investments, the official said, without elaborating.

Advertisement

Other issues, including support for Ukraines war-torn economy were to be discussed, building on Mr Blinkens announcement in London in June of 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernising its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Advertisement

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that US assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Mr Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city. He met President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials to discuss the ongoing counter-offensive and reconstruction efforts.





Advertisement

The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.



The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine 6 September 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Ep6tZpaEol #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/OyZUE6Ub4J  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) September 6, 2023

On the train journey to Kyiv, Mr Blinken met Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen, also on an official visit, to discuss the war.

Mr Blinken thanked her for Denmarks leadership in a coalition training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent bombardment of port facilities in the Odesa region, from which most grain is transported abroad.

Advertisement

Those alternatives may include new overland routes, or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy.

After arriving in Kyiv, Mr Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate members of the Ukrainian armed forces who lost their lives defending the country.



US secretary of state Antony Blinken, right, and Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba at the Alley of Heroes at the Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv (Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Service/AP)

Mr Blinken told foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba that the US has seen good progress in the counter-offensive. Its very heartening.

Meeting prime minister Mr Shmyhal, Mr Blinken said he was in Ukraine to reaffirm our commitment to stand with you to help ensure that you succeed militarily in dealing with the aggression, but also to stand with you to make sure that your efforts to build a strong economy and a strong democracy succeed.

Mr Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since August 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration.

Advertisement





Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  06 September 2023.



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/cbPJ1TMN7E



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/IFuBWE9WPL  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) September 6, 2023

Debris from a downed missile struck a business in Kyiv, causing a fire and damage. No casualties were reported.

In the Odesa region, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

The trip was Mr Blinkens fourth visit to Ukraine since the war began, including one very brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion.

But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in the capital since he visited Kyiv in January 2022, before the invasion.

US officials said Mr Blinkens decision to stay overnight was a signal of American support.
Japanese prosecutors have formally indicted a 24-year-old man on attempted murder and other charges over the explosives attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in April, court officials said.

Mr Kishida was campaigning for elections in a small fishing port in Wakayama in western Japan when a man threw a homemade pipe bomb at him.

Advertisement

Mr Kishida was unhurt, but two people received minor injuries.

Ryuji Kimura was arrested on the spot and underwent a three-month psychiatric evaluation sought by local prosecutors to determine that he is mentally fit for trial.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 15 (Kyodo News via AP)

Advertisement

Police and prosecutors determined that the bomb used in the attack was potentially lethal, according to local media reports.

Prosecutors indicted Kimura on an attempted murder charge and four others, including violation of the gun and swords control law and the explosives control law, according to the Wakayama District Court, which accepted the indictment.

Advertisement

A trial date has not been decided, court officials said.

In the indictment, prosecutors allege that Kimura threw the pipe bomb at Mr Kishida with an intent to kill and caused minor injuries to a police officer and a local resident in the audience, Kyodo News reported.

Advertisement

Kimura has refused to talk to the authorities.

The attack came about a year after former prime minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot while campaigning for elections in Nara in western Japan.

Gun and bomb violence in Japan is rare, and the attacks on Mr Abe and Mr Kishida shocked many in the country. The attacks prompted greater police protection of dignitaries and a review of safety measures during election campaigns.
Armenia said on Wednesday it would host a joint military exercise with the United States next week, a development that Russia said was cause for concern.

The Armenian defence ministry said the purpose of the September 11th-20th "Eagle Partner 2023" exercise was to prepare its forces to take part in international peacekeeping missions.

Advertisement

A US military spokesperson said 85 US soldiers and 175 Armenians would take part. He said the Americans - including members of the Kansas National Guard which has a 20-year-old training partnership with Armenia - would be armed with rifles and would not be using heavy weaponry.

Despite the small scale of the exercise, the Kremlin said it would be watching closely.

"Of course, such news causes concern, especially in the current situation. Therefore, we will deeply analyse this news and monitor the situation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Advertisement

Russia has a military base in Armenia and sees itself as the pre-eminent power in the South Caucasus region, which until 1991 was part of the Soviet Union.

Advertisement

It maintains a peacekeeping force in the region to uphold an agreement that ended a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020, the second they have fought since the Soviet collapse.

Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a weekend interview with an Italian newspaper that Russia had failed to protect Armenia against what he called continuing aggression from Azerbaijan. He suggested that Russia's war in Ukraine meant it was unable to meet all Armenia's security needs.

Peskov told reporters on Tuesday he disagreed with Mr Pashinyan's remarks.

"Russia is an absolutely integral part of this region," he said. "Russia plays a consistent, very important role in stabilising the situation in this region ... and we will continue to play this role."
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is seen speaking during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, in this Sept. 5 captured image. Yonhap



The top U.S. national security adviser urged North Korea not to provide any lethal weapons to Russia on Tuesday, saying it will pay a price if it decides to do so.



National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there were no indications that the North has provided large amounts of weapons to Russia but that negotiations toward that end between the two countries are "actively advancing."



"Providing weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield to attack grain silos and the heating infrastructure of major cities as we head into winter, to try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation is not going to reflect well on North Korea and they will pay a price for this in the international community," Sullivan told a press briefing at the White House.



Earlier news reports stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be considering taking a trip to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss a possible arms deal between the two countries.



Sullivan partly confirmed the report, saying the reclusive North Korean leader has expectations for high-level, including leader-level, engagement with Russia.



"Most recently, we saw the defense minister of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, to make a trip to Pyongyang in essence to ask for weapons. And we also have information as we have indicated publicly that North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has some expectation that those discussions will continue as we go forward, including leader-level discussions, perhaps even in person, leader-level discussions," he told the press briefing.



The Russian defense minister traveled to the North Korean capital in late July to attend events marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, celebrated in North Korea as Victory Day.



Shoigu said earlier that he has proposed holding a tripartite joint military exercise with North Korea and China during his trip to North Korea.









Sullivan said the U.S. has yet to see large amounts of munitions or other military capacity being supplied to Russia by North Korea, but that negotiations to that end are actively advancing.



"I can only say that the discussions have been actively advancing and the Russians have imbued them with an increased intensity, as reflected in the fact that their defense minister, their number one guy in their defense establishment, actually got on a plane and flew to Pyongyang to try to push this forward," said Sullivan.





North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, in this July 27 photo released by North's official Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap
Russian mercenary group Wagner is set to be declared a terrorist organisation by the UK, as British ministers condemned its devastating role across the world.

Britain's defence secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the group, ahead of a draft order being laid in the British parliament on Wednesday.

Advertisement

The group has played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine since it was launched in February 2022.

The order will mean that, once passed, it is illegal to be a member of or support the Wagner Group.

Wagners assets can also be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Advertisement

Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the Wagner Group, saying the government had to follow the correct process (James Manning/PA)

Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

The newly appointed defence secretary told LBC: Essentially it means that you can no longer or will no longer be able to be a part of that group in the UK because they will be deemed as a terrorist organisation, so you wouldnt be able to belong to it, you wouldnt be able to use their insignias or logos.

Advertisement

Weve seen how Wagner operate. Obviously weve seen the devastating impact theyve had or tried to have in Ukraine, but they also operate in Africa or across the Sahel.

Advertisement

And we do not want to see that organisation here. Prescribing them means that becomes illegal once parliament passes it.

Proscription of the group comes after consideration of the nature and scale of the organisations activities as well as the threat it poses to British nationals abroad, the British Home Office added.

Britain's home secretary Suella Braverman called the group a violent and destructive organisation and said its continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlins political goals.

But ministers also faced questions about why it has taken this long to proscribe the notorious group.

Advertisement

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash in Russia last month (Sergei Ilnitsky/AP)

Mr Shapps insisted the British government had to follow the correct process.

One of the reasons, of course, is we have a democratic system, we have to declassify information in order to be to take these issues, to make them robust in front of courts, he told Times Radio.

Advertisement

He said it is right that the group is being proscribed now.

There is a process you have to follow to do those things.

Advertisement

The move comes after Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russias military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to Russian president Vladimir Putins authority in his 23-year rule.
Russian mercenary group Wagner is threatening democracy and freedom around the world, Rishi Sunak said as the UK government prepared to ban it as a terrorist organisation.

The British prime minister said the private military firm had been unleashed around the world under Russian leader Vladimir Putin, carrying out torture, theft and barbarism.

Advertisement

UK defence secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the group, which played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The order will mean that, once passed by the British parliament, it is illegal to be a member of, or support, the Wagner Group.

UK defence secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the Wagner Group, saying the UK government had to follow the correct process (James Manning/PA)

Advertisement

The ban is expected to come into force on September 13th and will also mean Wagners assets can be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Advertisement

The newly appointed defence secretary told LBC: Essentially it means that you can no longer or will no longer be able to be a part of that group in the UK because they will be deemed as a terrorist organisation so you wouldnt be able to belong to it, you wouldnt be able to use their insignias or logos.

Weve seen how Wagner operate. Obviously weve seen the devastating impact theyve had or tried to have in Ukraine, but they also operate in Africa or across the Sahel.

Advertisement

And we do not want to see that organisation here. Prescribing them means that becomes illegal once Parliament passes it.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash in Russia last month (AP)

Proscription of the group comes after consideration of the nature and scale of the organisations activities as well as the threat it poses to British nationals abroad, the Home Office added.

Advertisement

British home secretary Suella Braverman called the group a violent and destructive organisation and said its continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlins political goals.

But ministers also faced questions about why it has taken this long to proscribe the notorious group.

Mr Shapps insisted the UK government had to follow the correct process.

Advertisement

One of the reasons, of course, is we have a democratic system, we have to declassify information in order to be to take these issues, to make them robust in front of courts, he told Times Radio.

Advertisement

He said it is right that the group is being proscribed now.

There is a process you have to follow to do those things.

The move comes after Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russias military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to Putins authority in his 23-year rule.
Two construction workers have been arrested for smashing a hole in the Great Wall of China to use as a shortcut, according to local authorities.

The Youyu County government said the men were in custody with further legal action pending, following a report of a breach in the Unesco world heritage site.

Advertisement

State media showed a dirt road cut through the wall against a rural landscape in Youyu County, hundreds of miles west of Beijing.

Reports said the two men, identified only by the surnames Zheng and Wang, wanted a shorter route for work they were doing in nearby towns.

The breach was in a broken-down section of the wall, far from the restored segments familiar with tourists.

The Great Wall stretches approximately 5,500 miles and was built mainly during the Ming dynasty that lasted until 1644.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The wall was abandoned and plundered for bricks and stones by local villagers, only to be revived by the communist government as a symbol of patriotism, mass mobilisation and resistance to outside pressure.
The Visitors, Jane Harrison, Fourth Estate, $32.99



First we had a play, now we have the novel, and next month well have the opera. Jane Harrison is director of the Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival. The first stage iteration of The Visitors was nearly 10 years ago, since when it has been staged at the Sydney Festival several times. Harrison imagines a meeting of seven elders assembling on Gadigal land to work out a response to the alien nowees (ships) assembling in the harbour in 1788. Not as simple as it might seem, and Harrison deftly individualises her characters and their feelings. Songs for the Dead and Living, Sara M. Saleh, Affirm Press, $34.99



Sara Saleh is a poet, editor, human rights lawyer and now a novelist. In her novel, which she has said is in part about honouring the women in her family, her protagonist Jamilah lives with her family in Beirut, but as Palestinian refugees, life for them is precarious and they are forced out again to Cairo and beyond.

Jamilahs story is a search for freedom, Saleh writes, and freedom that comes at great cost can be a very lonely gift. Sara M. Salehs first novel is in part about honouring the women in her family. Credit: Would That be Funny? Growing Up with John Clarke, Lorin Clarke, Text, $35



Its hard to believe that the great John Clarke died suddenly more than six years ago. Such a shock to his legions of fans and, of course, his devastated family. Now his eldest daughter, podcaster and writer Lorin  aka Lozz, or Narz  tells the stories of the Clarke family, in which he was known as the Great Relaxer, and how John was a father and mentor, from the times when she and her sister would leap into their parents bed, begging for stories, to when he would console her about a shattered romance with the line: The problem with boys is that, unfortunately, a lot of them are boys.

The Dictionary People, Sarah Ogilvie, Chatto & Windus, $35. September 12



Many readers will be familiar with William Minor, the former American Civil War surgeon, asylum inmate, enthusiastic contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary and the subject of Simon Winchesters The Surgeon of Crowthorne. Now Australian-born lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie delves into the stories of many other contributors to the dictionary, among whom were Karl Marxs daughter, Eleanor, and a particularly enthusiastic contributor and keen naturist from Brisbane. Loved Pip Williams Dictionary of Lost Words? Try this for a very different story. Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson, Simon & Schuster, $59.99. September 13



The biographer of Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci  both, it has to be said, influential innovators  has now turned his attention to Elon Musk, the boss of Tesla who bought Twitter, now X, for $44 billion after trying to extricate himself from the deal and then slashing staff and, it seems, alienating many millions of users.

Musk, who also owns Tesla Energy and Spaceflight, among other big businesses, has generated more copy inches than most businessmen, perhaps for his views about COVID, the names of his children  try X AE A-XII Musk for size  and so much more. This biography is bound to be fascinating. Doppelganger, Naomi Klein, Allen Lane, $36.99. September 19



Other Naomi is how Naomi Klein, author of No Logo, refers to Naomi Wolf, with whom she has now been confused for many years. The two have radically different opinions. Indeed, Klein reckons Wolf may now be a doppelganger of her original character  given to conspiracy and right-wing theories and cavorting with the likes of Steve Bannon. But this is no life of Wolf: rather, its an investigation of a culture crowded with various forms of doubling, some as simple the avatar maintained online, others with significantly more serious impacts. Mick Herron, the creator of the flatulent Jackson Lamb, is back with a standalone novel about spies. Credit: Alamy

The Secret Hours, Mick Herron, Baskerville, $32.99. September 12 Oh, for another Slow Horses novel featuring the flatulent Jackson Lamb and all his idiosyncratic colleagues. But for the moment, Britains greatest contemporary spy novelist has produced a stand-alone predicated on a government inquiry into the failures of the countrys intelligence services. Its not getting very far, until a file appears that shouldnt, and sheds light on a shadowy undercover Cold War op in Berlin, spy central for classic writers such as Len Deighton. As usual, Herrons capacity for wit, thrills and great characters is on display in his 21st novel. Scattershot, Bernie Taupin, Monoray, $34.99. September 12



So Elton John wrote all the music, but what about the words? Well, in Scattershot, the man who came up with the lyrics for Rocket Man, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Im Still Standing and so many more great songs tells his own story of partying, drugs, staying up late and settling down.

Taupin told Rolling Stone that the book was contemplative, self-assessing, and attempts to stay off the beaten path in not regurgitating whats already been written. Nonlinear, its an exploratory trip bouncing back and forth along the decades. Storytellers, Leigh Sales, Scribner, $39.99



Anyone who has watched 7.30 knows that Leigh Sales is an interviewer par excellence. But in this book of interviews she asks her print and broadcast peers about good journalism  the craft  what makes it and how they go about it. The book is divided into sections, including news, correspondents, investigations, features, interviewing, commentary and much more. Among the people she talks to are Trent Dalton, Laurie Oakes, Kate McClymont, Stan Grant, and Karl Stefanovic.
Independent MP Kylea Tink says she was yelled at aggressively by a male opposition MP following a vote in parliament yesterday, prompting Speaker Milton Dick to say parliamentarians had fallen well short of expected standards of behaviour.

Tink stood in parliament immediately after question time to say the unnamed male MP aggressively challenged her voting decision, referring to a testimony she gave to an earlier committee hearing in which she expressed a desire to see questions in parliament answered more directly.

His tone was hostile. And his body language was aggressive. And to the best of my recollection, his words were, Well where were you today then? Hey, you say you want clear answers? Well, that was your chance. And where were you? she said.

Independent MP Kylea Tink speaks at the end of question time. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

She added he was looking at her in a way she found to be aggressive and honestly quite confronting. Yesterdays behaviour left me feeling like my senses had been assaulted by what I experienced as excessive and unconstructive noise and aggressive aggression being thrown around the room.

She said the tone of the debate in parliament was overly aggressive and personalised, with numerous examples of condescending and offensive language designed to ... intimidate others within the chamber. In any other professional environment, this sort of behaviour would be completely unacceptable.

Dick said it had been a combative week in parliament by any measure.

Such behaviour does not reflect well on the house, or any of us. Its expected that parliamentary debate will expose differences of opinion, but we have to find ways of engaging in debate that also contains respectful behaviour. We are simply not meeting the standards we should be meeting. This requires change, he said.
Review or no review, Chris Minns always intended to throw Eraring a lifeline. Just weeks before coming to power, he made it clear that NSW Labor was on board to intervene to keep Australias largest coal-fired power station open. It suits him, then, that a review his government commissioned delivered that very conclusion.

Im not going to negotiate with the private company from opposition, but Im not going to take [buying it] off the table, Minns said in early March on radio station 2GB when pressed on whether Labor would buy the Origin Energy-owned Lake Macquarie power station.

Credit: Bloomberg

On Tuesday, the government released its highly anticipated energy check-up. Unsurprisingly, one of the recommendations in the report was that NSW should engage with Origin about extending the life of Eraring beyond its proposed August 2025 closure date. The report did not recommend a buyout but made it clear that, without Eraring, there are reliability risks and price spikes facing NSW.

The check-up was conducted by Cameron OReilly, the former head of the now defunct Energy Retailers Association, who was also a one-time Labor staffer and senior energy department executive. OReilly did not comment publicly on Tuesday when his report was released but, in an interview on Wednesday morning with ABC Radio National, he stressed that under the terms of reference he was asked to look at reliability and affordability. The environmental impacts of prolonging Erarings life were not part of his remit. Keeping the lights on and dealing with the rising cost of living were the key elements of his brief.
A Melbourne model who was crowned Miss Universe Australia last week is the eldest daughter of two property developers who went bankrupt owing $100 million and has 10 companies herself that are in the sights of the nations financial regulator.

Moraya Wilson is the sole director and shareholder of 10 companies, but her representatives told this masthead she was unaware of her role in a proposed hotel development in Melbournes south-east.

Moraya Wilson is crowned Miss Universe Australia.

Moraya is the daughter of bankrupt property developers Anton and Melinda Wilson. The network of construction and hospitality companies was founded in November 2020, according to records filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

They were part of a proposal to build a hotel in Noble Park, which never proceeded.
A little blue pill with the imprint of a skull. An orange tablet branded with a Nike tick. A black powder that turns grey when crushed.

These are among the dangerous new street drugs, sometimes being sold as something theyre not, that have made their way into the Victorian community.

Metonitazene usually appears as a white, off-white or beige powder. It has been mis-sold as cocaine (pictured). Credit: iStock

Were seeing increasing amounts of novel psychoactive substances, which are sometimes much more dangerous than anything we experienced 10 or 15 years ago, said John Ryan, chief executive of the Penington Institute, a leading drug policy group.

Lots of people are talking about strange reactions to a drug that theyve traditionally taken ... suggesting its actually not what they were traditionally taking, but its been adulterated somehow.
Regal Theatre managing director Kim Knight believes Subiaco has recaptured the energy that she remembers from her young partying days. Credit: Mark Naglazas Many trace the decline of Subiaco to the decommissioning of Subiaco Oval in 2017 and its demolition two years later. However, Knight believes Subi slipped into a slumber several years earlier when its notoriously negative council failed to take advantage of the change in the small bar laws that were designed to inject life into inner-city neighbourhoods. Small bars were popping up everywhere  in the city, in Leederville, in Northbridge, in Beaufort Street. Small bars were on trend. It changed the way people drank and ate, she says. Instead of going to big establishments they would start drinking in one bar then move on to the next and then on to a restaurant. But we missed out on this transformation in hospitality because of the failure to act on the change in laws. Consequently, Subiaco was left a decade behind.

Another major blow for Subiaco was the emergence of suburban shopping centres. While malls have murdered retail in every inner-city shopping precinct it has been especially devastating for Subiaco, which for decades has been a destination for those looking to buy something a little out of the ordinary. Shopping was integral to Subis identity and economic vitality. It was the perfect storm, says Knight, who is one of the movers and shakers in the town team SUBIaction, a collection of local business people and concerned citizens whose aim is to bring life and energy into the area. The lack of bars and restaurants meant there was little choice for people after theyve been to one of our shows, the loss of Subiaco Oval impacted the bigger venues and the big shopping centres meant we had less foot traffic. The place was a shadow of its former self. Andrew Watt of the Jolimont-based consultancy Creating Communities believes that Subiaco didnt sink as low as is commonly thought. It just seemed that way from the outside. Subiaco lost control of the narrative, argues Watt.

While it suffered the same shifts in fashion that afflict any neighbourhood the narrative that took hold was the one about Subiaco being in terminal decline. It wasnt entirely true, but it didnt matter. The narrative created its own reality. Subi One: A mix of high-density housing and adding immensely to revitalised Subiaco. Watt says that there has been a major turnaround in the past year or so, with a new optimistic spirit luring new businesses and residents. The narrative has been recaptured. There is definitely a new vibe, he says. Watt believes that the loss of the Subiaco Markets and the long delay in developing the site did more damage to Subiacos reputation than the loss of AFL.

The markets were closed for so long and the delay in developing the site so protracted that it became a symbol of Subiacos decline, says Watt. But now with Subi One complete and a lot of really classy hospitality operators moving into the area it bodes well for the revival of Subiaco. The council now needs to focus on making going to Subiaco a great experience. Perhaps the most important sign of Subis resurrection is that the age of people who are enjoying the restaurants and bars, taking in the shows at the Regal and the Subiaco Arts Centre and, hopefully, sticking around for some shopping has dropped. Subiaco has picked up a reputation for being staid and starchy. But thats changing, Watt says. There are some amazing places to eat and we now have the bars that are drawing a younger crowd. Young people go to places that are exciting, so its a good measure of how were going.

City of Subiaco mayor David McMullen is stunned by the speed of the revival, which Rex Hunt or Dennis Cometti might have described as the greatest comeback since Lazarus. Im surprised at how fast its happened, says McMullen, a lawyer and father-of-two elected in 2021. Optimism, like pessimism, is contagious. Once people see a collection of good businesses flourishing in Subiaco it lures other businesses. As a council, I believe weve done a fantastic job in delivering the kinds of events that draw people into Subiaco. Lums Wine Bar: The influx of new restaurants, cafes and bars run by Perth hospo heavy hitters is a clear demonstration that Subiaco is soaring, according to Mayor David McMullen. McMullen believes the real sign of confidence in Subiaco is the quality of hospitality operators who have moved into the strip.

Among the big names who have opened businesses are Miles Hull (Little Creatures, Alex Hotel, Jetty Bar), whose Subi Continental is garnering rave reviews; 2022 WA Chef of the Year Leigh Power and Benny Tua of the Mechanics Institute and the Old Synagogues collection of bars have opened Shui; and Northbridge bar baron Clint Nolan (Alabama Song, La Cholita) has opened a mod-Mexican cantina called La Condesa in the old Oriel space on Hay Street. Loading Players with these track records wouldnt move into a suburb thats in decline, argues McMullen. Theyre arrival is a good indication of how Subiaco is tracking. Retail, however, remains a challenge for Subiaco. There are some great retailers in Subiaco who have been there a long time. They have the economic models that have seen them through bad times, McMullen says.
What gives a leader success can also be their undoing. Scott Morrison secured the Coalitions unexpected election victory in 2019 by going solo. He detached himself from his government colleagues, made the campaign all about him and ran on the fact that he wasnt Bill Shorten.

But in the ensuing three years, Morrisons weird act got weirder and more off-putting and in 2022, Anthony Albanese got Labor over the line by not being Morrison or Shorten.

If opinion polls are any guide, October 14 cannot come soon enough for the Yes side and Anthony Albanese. Credit: Dionne Gain

Leaders have always had an outsized role in our politics but since the days of Gough Whitlams TV-focused Its Time campaign, the trend has intensified and electoral contests have become increasingly presidential in style and tone. That worked for a while. But lately? Not so much.

If were to have a politics based on a star system, the stars must have star power that can last beyond a few weeks.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during the South Korea-ASEAN Summit at Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia, Wednesday (local time). Joint Press Corps



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk Yeol issued, Tuesday, an apparent warning against Russia, which is purportedly pursuing an arms trade deal with North Korea. He made the comments at the South Korea- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.



"Any attempt at military cooperation with North Korea, which undermines international peace, must be stopped immediately," Yoon said, according to presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon. He also called on ASEAN members to make efforts to deter the North's nuclear and missile provocations.



Yoon's remarks also came after the U.S. partly confirmed news reports stating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be considering a trip to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss a possible arms deal.



"We also have information as we have indicated publicly that North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has some expectations that those discussions will continue as we go forward, including leader-level discussions, perhaps even in person," U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at a press briefing.



South Korea's Ministry of Unification also said that many signs indicate the growing possibility of an arms deal between North Korea and Russia, saying that Pyongyang appears to have sought to improve relations in recent years.









As part of their deal, North Korea is anticipated to provide ammunition, while Russia is reciprocates by providing key technologies involving satellites or nuclear-powered submarines.



Also, possibilities are growing over a potential joint military exercise between Pyongyang and Moscow, after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told reporters on Monday that the joint drill is "under discussion." Shoigu visited the North and had a meeting with Kim in July, upon the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, and it is assumed that the minister asked for weapons at that time.



Korea's National Intelligence Service Director Kim Kyou-hyun also said on Monday that Shoigu proposed conducting three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China during his meeting with Kim in late July.



"The North's nuclear and missile provocations are a serious threat to the peace of the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region, and it is a blatant challenge against the international non-proliferation scheme," Yoon said during the summit. "Also, no United Nations member should abandon the North Korea sanctions duty, such as banning the illegal arms trade, imposed by the Security Council."





North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a banquet after their summit in Vladivostok, Russia, in this April 25, 2019, photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. Yonhap
Another 48 native species including butterflies, geckos and crayfish have been added to Australias list of wildlife at risk of annihilation, spurring a new plan to cut the deadly feral cat population and exposing the challenge of delivering the governments pledge to stop extinctions.

The draft cat plan released by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to mark National Threatened Species Day on Thursday is declaring war on feral cats. Her first step is seeking feedback on curfews for pet cats to be inside at night, desexing requirements and a household limit on number of cats.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is developing a new plan to tackle feral cats as the list of native wildlife threatened with extinction grows. Credit:

Australia is a world leader in wildlife losses. Since colonisation, about 100 of the countrys unique flora and fauna species have become extinct, with untold losses of invertebrates. The rate of loss has not slowed over the past 200 years.

Feral animals such as wild cats and dogs are key drivers of native wildlife losses, along with habitat loss through land-clearing and development.
For critics, another delicious morsel: evidence, surely, the premier had checked out. Palaszczuk had opted instead for an abrupt getaway to the south of Italy with her obesity surgeon boyfriend, Reza Adib, without thinking to inform key colleagues, including Treasurer Cameron Dick. The trip was promptly cast as on-brand for Queenslands red carpet premier  an insult deployed by the LNP to tar Palaszczuk as a sellout to her cultivated, and fading, auntie-next-door persona. The Italian jaunt was Scott Morrison-esque folly, opponents said  a leader absent amid the metaphorical bushfires of youth crime, housing and health. Presumably, this was the editorial justification for News Corp to hunt her and Adib to their Naples hotel.

Were on holiday: Talk to the hand screamed the Courier-Mail headline, set to the money shot of Palaszczuk, in an exotic location, trying to cover her face with her hand, the smiling Adib in tow. Ive had some health issues. Im here on private holidays, she was quoted as saying. Tell the photographers to go away, Im upset youre here. The pair later posed for a photo anyway, Palaszczuk in the manner of a hostage. Annastacia Palaszczuks Scott Morrison-esque holiday abroad at a time of turmoil was presumably News Corps justification to hunt her and boyfriend Reza Adib down in Italy. Credit: News Corp Back at home, Queenslanders commenting on the premiers Facebook page overwhelmingly vouched for her right to take a break.

The defence from her ministers had the right words but was hardly full-throated. A nod to the unseemly optics of an ill-advised getaway? Or perhaps just an expediently timid reproach for a media business controlling almost all of Queenslands newspapers. Palaszczuk, who in May next year will surpass Peter Beattie as Queenslands longest-serving postwar Labor premier, returns on Monday to a Labor caucus rattling with the first genuine prospect of collective defeat at next years October election. Successive opinion polls put the LNP ahead, and its leader, Newman-era minister David Crisafulli, as the preferred premier, even though he lists few policies. Worryingly for the government, the polls reveal a long trend of increasing dissatisfaction, as opposed to intermittent blips of the political cycle. It is a long way from the pandemic, when Palaszczuks hard border closures and daily rhetoric of keeping Queenslanders safe propelled Labor to a third consecutive election victory in 2020.

Faced with business-as-usual governing in a dispersed, conservative-leaning state, Labor has been risk-averse, secretive and reactive, swaying with headlines and grievances du jour. Loading It has passed big, progressive reforms  voluntary assisted dying, for example  but rarely without another state Labor government having already bulldozed the path. In 2022, an independent review into the culture of the Queensland public service under the Palaszczuk government found it had been weakened by the rising influence of ministerial advisers and external consultants. Peter Coaldrakes Let the Sunshine In also revealed the trivialising of parliamentary committees and artistic obscuring of lobbying efforts.

But none of the more recent debates have been more damaging than youth crime, a perennial favourite of the opposition, and low-hanging fruit for the evening news. While youth crime rates have been decreasing for years, a small hardcore cohort has been offending more  and driving Queensland wild. In response, the government has twice suspended human rights laws and ignored expert advice in a quest to lock up more children more often, reversing its earlier ideological and practical resolutions. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been very, very clear that she intends to lead Labor to the next election, says her deputy, Steven Miles. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Evidence shows that by placing young offenders in detention, they are more likely to reoffend, minister Di Farmer declared in 2018. We cant continue to keep doing the same things over and over and expect a different result.

This same minister now boasts about Queensland having more children in detention than ever before. The governments unpredictable manoeuvres on youth crime peaked last month when it rushed through a trove of surprise amendments to an unrelated bill. Among them was the consecration of police watch houses as places to indefinitely store children. Loading The amendments were unannounced and had not been referred to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny. The opposition accused the government of trashing democracy. The Greens called it a dog act. Days later, Palaszczuk flew to Italy, igniting the present round of turmoil.
The low-key launch of a new smartphone last week by the heavily sanctioned Chinese technology company Huawei is causing consternation in the US and triumphalism in China.

It may not have been a coincidence that the earlier-than-scheduled release of Huaweis Mate 60 Pro came even as the US commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo, was visiting China. Her department is responsible for the imposition of the raft of US sanctions on Chinas technology companies.

The new Huawei phone shows a dramatic increase in Chinas technological capabilities. Credit: Bloomberg

It was an unusual product launch, with Huawei keeping the key technical specifications of its new phone under wraps. Chinese state media, however, hailed the phone as a triumph for Chinas ability to circumvent the sanctions. The phone is Huaweis first higher-end processor since the US sanctions were first imposed in 2019.

The launch set off a scramble by Western technology experts to unravel the mysteries around the phones capabilities and a guessing game over how Huawei was able to develop the advanced semiconductors that power the new devices.
This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible, Zelensky said, describing it as a deliberate attack on a peaceful city. Aides posted video footage showing an explosion after what sounded like a missile approaching, and people scurrying for cover or falling to the ground. The European Unions diplomatic service called it heinous and barbaric and said those behind it would be held to account. Russia did not immediately comment on the attack and has denied deliberately targeting civilians. Blinken, the first top US official to visit Kyiv since the counter-offensive began in early June, announced a new package of US wartime assistance worth more than $US1 billion ($1.6 billion), including support for Ukraines air defences.

In the ongoing counter-offensive, progress has accelerated in the past few weeks. This new assistance will help sustain it and build further momentum, Blinken told reporters at a news conference with Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Blinken earlier described the progress as important and very, very encouraging. In comments as he began his meeting with Zelensky, Blinken said he was encouraged by the results of the operation so far. He said he was looking forward to hearing the presidents account of two days spent near front line positions this week. But certainly we see the important progress thats being made now in the counteroffensive and thats very, very encouraging, Blinken said.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent. US media reports have cited unidentified US officials as saying the Ukrainian operation has been too slow and hindered by poor tactics  criticism that angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Kuleba to tell critics to shut up. Ukraine has retaken more than a dozen villages and small settlements, but its push into Russian-held territory has been slowed by minefields and trenches. US officials have not publicly criticised Ukraines military tactics, and last week said they had seen progress in the south-east. Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talk as they eat at a McDonalds in Kyiv. Credit: AP

The State Department official said Washington wanted to discuss how the counter-offensive was going and assess battlefield needs as well as any steps that might be required to shore up Ukraines energy security before the northern winter. I think whats most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves, the official said. We want to see, hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks. The new US aid would include HIMARS missile launch systems, Javelin anti-tank weapons, Abrams tanks and other weapons systems, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. Asked about Blinkens visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraines military to wage this war to the last Ukrainian. Rescue workers puts out a fire after a Russian rocket attack on a food market in the city centre of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine. Credit: AP

He said US aid to Kyiv would not affect the course of what he called Russias special military operation. Rising opposition to Ukraine aid Blinkens visit coincided with parliament approving the appointment of Rustem Umerov as defence minister following the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov. Officials did not say whether Blinken would meet Umerov. Loading During his train ride to Kyiv, Blinken also held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was visiting the same day.

Blinken thanked Frederiksen for Denmarks donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and its leadership of a coalition of nations to train Ukrainian pilots, a State Department spokesperson said. Denmark and the Netherlands announced last month they would supply more than 60 US-made F-16s as soon as Ukrainian pilots were trained to fly them  the first countries to offer the jets. The US government has provided more than $US43 billion in weaponry and other military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Several Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned US aid, fuelling concerns over whether Washington will still back Ukraine at the same level once the US 2024 election campaign intensifies. Reuters
Russias military has started placing car tyres on top of some of their bombers to protect them from Ukrainian missile or drone attacks, some experts believe.

Satellite images produced by Maxar show two Tu-95 long-range bombers at Engels Airbase, approximately 500 kilometres from Ukraine, covered in car tyres.

A satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows car tyres placed on top of two Tu-95 bombers at Engels airbase near Saratov, Russia. Credit: Satellite image 2023 Maxar Technologies

It may reduce the thermal signature for exposed strategic aviation assets placed on airfield aprons, but they will still be observable under infrared cameras, Francisco Serra-Martins of drone maker One Way Aerospace told CNN.

The unusual images come as drone strikes conducted both by Russia and Ukraine have emerged as an ongoing feature of Russias protracted war against its neighbour.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi attend the Japan-China high level economic dialogue at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, April 14, 2019. (Photo: REUTERS/Jason Lee/Pool)

Japanese media sources reported that on September 4, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its formal submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), denouncing China's seafood import restrictions as "completely unacceptable." These restrictions were imposed following Japan's decision to release treated radioactive water into the sea. Japan also indicated its intention to clarify its stance at relevant WTO committees and urged China to immediately revoke its actions.

"This can be seen as Japan's response to China's move at the WTO," said Zhang Guihong, Director of the United Nations and International Organizations Research Center at Fudan University. He further noted that it would be interesting to see if Japan escalates the issue to the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism.

On August 31, China informed the WTO of its decision to suspend seafood imports from Japan. This decision came in response to Japan's August 24 announcement to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear disaster into the ocean. China's Customs Administration justified the suspension as a measure to protect Chinese consumers from potential radioactive contamination, citing both domestic food safety laws and the WTO's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

Under WTO regulations concerning sanitary and phytosanitary measures, countries are obligated to notify the WTO if they adopt measures that significantly affect trade with other nations.

In response to Japan's recent move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China has repeatedly expressed its stance on Japan's release of radioactive water. He emphasized that Japan's decision to discharge the water into the ocean is unprecedented and lacks universally recognized disposal standards. The international community has expressed concerns about the potential risks to marine environments and public safety, leading to preventive measures. China's actions, he argued, are entirely justified and necessary.

Some Japanese officials have hinted at the possibility of filing a complaint with the WTO over China's import suspension. Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, who was visiting Israel, mentioned considering a WTO-based response to China's notification. Japan's Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, also indicated that Japan would "take necessary actions through various means within the WTO framework." Earlier, Japan's Economic Security Minister, Takamori Yoshikawa, suggested that filing a complaint with the WTO might be an option if diplomatic protests to China prove ineffective. The U.S. Ambassador to Japan expressed support for Japan should it decide to take this step.

In addition to the WTO, Japan has also called for discussions with China based on the provisions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement regarding the import ban.

However, the WTO's dispute resolution mechanism is currently dysfunctional. Its Appellate Body, the highest arbitration institution for trade disputes, has been paralyzed for over three years. The body ceased operations in December 2019 after the Trump administration blocked the appointment of new judges. President Trump criticized the Appellate Body for overstepping its mandate and making "harmful judicial actions" detrimental to the U.S. President Biden has maintained this freeze and called for fundamental reforms to the WTO's dispute resolution system.

Despite this, member countries can still file complaints and receive preliminary rulings. However, if the losing party appeals, the dispute enters a legal limbo. This situation allows governments to take measures without fearing WTO-sanctioned retaliation.

Still, Zhang Guihong believes that turning to the WTO can serve as a symbolic gesture, signaling the initiation of formal procedures.

Last year, WTO members agreed to restore a "fully functional dispute settlement system" by 2024. However, expectations for a breakthrough remain low, given the U.S.'s continued obstructionist stance. This is especially true considering the Biden administration's reluctance to expend political capital to repair an institution that, in Trump's words, "harms U.S. interests."

To fill the void left by the WTO's paralyzed appellate mechanism, the European Union, China, and several other member countries established the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). However, neither Japan nor the U.S. participated.

Apart from China, South Korea has also imposed an import ban on seafood from Fukushima. In August, South Korean Prime Minister Han Deok-soo stated that the country would maintain its import ban on seafood from Fukushima and surrounding areas until its citizens felt safe.

South Korea's ban dates back to 2013. Due to concerns about radioactive contamination, South Korea has consistently prohibited imports of seafood from Fukushima and seven surrounding areas affected by the nuclear accident. In 2015, Japan formally protested South Korea's import restrictions and additional testing requirements for Japanese seafood at the WTO. Initially, in 2018, the WTO's dispute resolution body ruled in favor of Japan. However, the following year, the Appellate Body overturned this decision, siding with South Korea.

Despite the ban, there are growing concerns in Seoul about the possibility of lifting the restriction, especially as President Yoon Seok-youl's administration seeks to mend ties with Japan.

Although seafood accounts for less than 1% of Japan's global trade, dominated by automobiles, Japan exported seafood worth approximately $600 million to mainland China in 2022. This made China Japan's largest export market, accounting for 22.5% of the total, followed by Hong Kong at 20%.

With the loss of its primary seafood export destination, Japan is now planning to cultivate new export markets in regions like Taiwan, the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

Tokyo wholesaler Yoshinobu Yoshihashi reported that exports of products like oysters, sea urchins, and snappers to some Asian neighbors have "decreased by more than half." The company told French media last weekend that "our situation is quite difficult," especially exports to Hong Kong and Macau, where "the losses are quite severe."

Meanwhile, Fukushima fishermen have never ceased their opposition to the government's release of radioactive water, and they are about to take legal action. On September 5, over 100 fishermen living near Fukushima announced their intention to file a lawsuit in the Fukushima District Court on September 8, seeking to prevent the government from releasing the radioactive water.

The group of fishermen set to appeal stated in a declaration that the Kishida administration failed to honor its commitment to obtain the fishermen's consent before the official discharge. They described the release of radioactive water into the ocean as an "absolutely intolerable" policy that disregards the strong opposition from Fukushima fishing groups and related organizations across Japan. "Releasing nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is absolutely intolerable as it would inflict further suffering on the victims of the nuclear accident."
Reliance Industries on Wednesday said it has received Rs 8,278 crore from Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) for around 1 per cent stake in Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), the retail arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led group.

As per the deal, it has allotted 6.86 crore equity shares to QIA of RRVL, which is the leading retailer in the country, said a regulatory filing from Reliance Industries Ltd ( RIL ).

"Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd today received the subscription amount of Rs 8,278 crore from Qatar Holding LLC (QIA) and allotted 6,86,35,010 equity shares to QIA," said RIL.

The investment is made by QIA's wholly-owned subsidiary into India's largest retailer at a valuation of Rs 8.278 lakh crore (USD 100 billion).

Earlier on August 23, RIL had announced divesting 1 per cent stake in RRVL to QIA for a consideration of Rs 8,278 crore (USD 1 billion).

Updating about the development, Reliance Industries had said: "QIA's investment will translate into a minority equity stake of 0.99 per cent in RRVL on a fully diluted basis."



Last month in the AGM of Reliance Industries, its Chairman Mukesh Ambani had said several marquee global strategic and financial investors have shown strong interest in Reliance Retail.

Addressing shareholders, he had said if RRVL was listed on stock exchanges, then based on the current valuation, it would be among the top four listed entities in the country.

In less than three years, the valuation of Reliance Retail has doubled and the pace of this value creation is "unmatched globally", Ambani had said.

Referring to around 1 per cent stake purchase by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Reliance Retail Venture Ltd (RRVL) by investing Rs 8,278 crore (USD one billion) at a valuation of USD 100 billion, Mukesh Ambani had said the company's valuation has doubled in less than three years.

"Just for context, during our fund-raise in September 2020, the valuation of our retail business stood at Rs 4.28 lakh crore. In less than three years, the valuation of retail has almost doubled, notwithstanding the intervening Covid-19 pandemic."



RRVL is the holding company of the RIL's retail business.

Also Read Qatar sovereign fund in talks for $1 billion stake in Reliance Retail Qatar Investment Authority looking to buy 1% stake in Reliance Retail Qatar sovereign fund in talks for minority stake in Reliance Retail Adani raises $1.4 bn from stake sale in 3 firms; $9 bn raised in 4 years AI platform Builder raises over $250 mn led by QIA in Series D funding Morgan Stanley sees tipping point in carbon credits as prices sink TVS Motor eyes European market with launch of new Apache RTR 310 bike Lupin to sell generic respiratory drugs on Mark Cuban's online pharmacy Oyo's India CEO, Europe Head resign ahead of company's public listing Abbott India recalls batches of Antacid Digene gel

In 2020, RRVL had raised Rs 47,265 crore (around USD 6.4 billion) from global private equity funds for a 10.09 per cent stake, valuing the company at more than Rs 4.2 lakh crore.

The company had raised funds from Silver Lake, KKR, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, GIC, TPG, General Atlantic and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund at a valuation of around USD 57 billion at that time.

RRVL is aggressively expanding its business here by acquiring companies and getting franchise rights of leading international brands for the Indian market.

Besides, it is investing on scaling up infrastructure and also acquired the India business of German retail major Metro Cash and Carry.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday urged fintech players to set up a Self Regulatory Organisation (SRO) at the earliest for an orderly growth of the industry.

"Fintech players need to evolve industry best practices, privacy and data protection norms in sync with the law of the land," he said, adding that they can also set standards on issues like misselling, promoting ethical business practices and transparency in pricing.

Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest here, Das said that good governance will be key to durable and long term success of any company, and in particular, the fintech players.

As per projections, the fintech sector revenues are set to touch USD 200 billion by 2030, he added.



Governor also said that the Reserve Bank is mulling handing over the newly-launched frictionless credit platform to a private company as it did with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Under the frictionless platform initiative, banks are extending loans like the Kisan credit cards in under 10 minutes.

Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest here, Das said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) led the initiative and is involved on a day-to-day basis with it as that requires multi-agency coordination like accessing land records from states' revenue departments and satellite data.

" broadly, the idea is eventually we want to make it an open architecture. We do the open platform, we will gradually withdraw and hand it over to a private company like RBI did in the case of NPCI and it will be an open architecture on which any bank or NBFC can onboard," Das said.

According to Das, the banks and non-bank finance companies can continue with their lending activities even after RBI hands over the platform.
President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, speaks during a South Korea-ASEAN summit at the Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center in the Indonesian capital, Sept. 6. Yonhap



South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday urged an immediate halt to any attempts to seek military cooperation with North Korea, amid reports Russia and the North are eyeing arms and defense technology trade.



Yoon made the remark during a summit with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, after The New York Times reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may travel to Vladivostok in Russia next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discuss a possible arms deal.



Russia's defense minister also said earlier that he has proposed holding trilateral military exercises with North Korea and China.



"Attempts at military cooperation with North Korea, which damage peace in the international community, should be stopped immediately," the presidential office quoted Yoon as saying.



North Korea has been suspected of providing weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine.






There are 88,200 crypto millionaires worldwide, with just under half (40,500) holding their fortunes in Bitcoin, according to the inaugural Crypto Wealth Report compiled by investment migration specialists Henley & Partners. The total market value of crypto is now a staggering $1,180 billion and there are 425 million individuals globally that own cryptocurrencies.

Traders, miners, investors, and cryptopreneurs are exploring investment migration strategies to safeguard their interests. "We have seen a significant spike in enquiries from crypto millionaires over the past six months looking to protect themselves against any potential future bans on the trading or use of cryptocurrencies in their own countries and mitigate the risks of aggressive fiscal policies that tax digital assets at source," said Dr. Juerg Steffen , CEO of Henley & Partners.

In the global super-rich league, there are now 182 crypto centi-millionaires, namely, high-net-worth individuals with crypto holdings of$ 100 million or more, 78 of whom are Bitcoiners, while six of the world's 22 crypto billionaires have amassed their fortunes fro

"Crypto is the most inevitable trade and technology of the last 30 years, and now is a fantastic opportunity to buy as we're unlikely to ever see these prices again," said global investment expert, Jeff D. Opdyke.

Including over 750 data points, Henley's new Crypto Adoption Index assesses and rates crypto-friendly investment migration host countries based on their level of adoption and integration of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Singapore takes the leading position overall with a score of 50.2 out of 60, or 83.76%, with Switzerland in 2nd place (78.17%), followed closely by the UAE on 76.17%. Hong Kong (4th on 76%), the United States (5th on 73.83%), Australia (6th on 71.83%), and the United Kingdom (7th on 71.17%) all land first-class honors when it comes to crypto adoption, with Canada (8th on 67,33%), Malta (9th on 64.83%) and Malaysia (10th on 62.5%) also making it into the Top 10.

Some of the most attractive locations for those involved in cryptocurrencies are in countries that offer residence and citizenship by investment programs, which enable them to obtain the right to reside and/or citizenship in return for making a significant investment. Cryptocurrencies prominence in high-net-worth individuals portfolios has also increased as investors seek new sources of return and diversification," noted the report.

Singapore leads the pack as the top crypto hub

With its innovative ecosystem and supportive community, Singapore takes the leading position in Henleys Crypto Adoption Index with a score of 50.2 out of 60, or 83.76%. The government cooperates closely with all actors  banks, businesses, and the public  for the optimal development of the national crypto sector, and the city-states crypto taxes are beneficial to individuals and investors alike, with no capital gains taxes.

Also Read HNIs to skilled professions: Australia regains millionaire magnet crown UEFA Super Cup final, Man City vs Sevilla live match starts at 12:30 AM IST A big, gleaming 'super blue moon' will rise today. Here's how to see it In charts: India's rural super rich are growing faster than the urban rich CoinDCX partners with KoinX to allow crypto tax tracking on its platform Multi-asset allocation fund: Invest for a diversified, low-risk portfolio Over 60 mn ITR filings processed for assessment year 2023-24: CBDT If you live in company- provided house, your take home pay just increased 10-11% interest rate: Take a look at the top 10 high-yielding bonds CSB's special savings account for senior citizens and women: Details here

Switzerland sits in 2nd place (78.17%) with its well-established crypto infrastructure, robust legal framework, and reputation for privacy and security, followed closely by the UAE in 3rd place on 76.17%.

The UAE stands out as a leading jurisdiction for crypto investors, with its strong public adoption score demonstrating a vibrant interest in the crypto ecosystem. The Middle Eastern powerhouse also offers favorable tax policies and a high level of economic stability. Hong Kong (4th on 76%), the US (5th on 73.83%), Australia (6th on 71.83%), and the UK (7th on 71.17%) all land first-class honors when it comes to crypto adoption, with Australia joining Singapore and Switzerland as frontrunners when it comes to providing a supportive regulatory environment that balances innovation with consumer protection.

Canada (8th on 67.33%), Malta (9th on 64.83%) and Malaysia (10th on 62.5%) all make it into the Top 10 countries hosting the most appealing investment migration program options for crypto investors. As Volek points out, Maltas reputation as the Blockchain Island has been bolstered by government initiatives to foster innovation, attract blockchain businesses, and provide regulatory clarity, while Malaysia is developing into a promising center for blockchain innovation in the Asian region with its burgeoning crypto community and the emergence of numerous start-ups.

Most tax-friendly options

In terms of the tax-friendliness parameter, which assesses a country's approach to taxing cryptocurrency-related activities, Singapore and the UAE score a flawless 10 out of 10, with Hong Kong, Mauritius, and Monaco securing an impressive 9 out of 10, and Antigua and Barbuda, Malaysia, Namibia, and Switzerland each achieving a respectable 8 out of 10.

Switzerland does not charge any taxes on profits from crypto trading or investing. However, the country does have a wealth tax on investments, which is set by each individual canton. In addition, profits from crypto transactions such as mining, staking, and interest are taxed as ordinary income. In the UAE, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market (FSRA-ADGM) was the first to provide rules and regulations regarding cryptocurrency purchasing and selling. The Emirates are generally very open to new technologies and have proposed zero taxes for crypto owners and businesses.

Spike in crypto adoption among investors and sovereign states

The UAE and Singapore again share the leading position when it comes to public adoption, which measures the level of awareness, interest, and engagement with cryptocurrencies in the general population, with each scoring 7 out of 10 for this parameter. The UK, US, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Malta all make it into the Top 10 when considering factors such as the percentage of crypto users relative to the total population and Google search interest related to cryptocurrencies.
The Arunachal Pradesh assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution celebrating the historic success of Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Science and Technology Minister Honchun Ngandam while bringing the resolution said, "The assembly joins the nation in celebrating the historic success of the lunar mission and extended heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated scientists behind the monumental achievement...

In the resolution, the minister welcomed the decision of the Centre to designate August 23 as National Space Day' to commemorate the momentous occasion.

"The assembly commends ISRO for its tireless efforts. Landing near the moon's South Pole with precise accuracy is a remarkable feat in itself, showcasing the indomitable spirit of our scientists. The data collected by the Pragyan' rover promises to advance knowledge and unlock mysteries on the moon's surface and beyond," the minister said.

He added in an era defined by technological advancement and innovation, scientists are beacons of knowledge, dedication and expertise.

"Their commitment to inquiry and exploration has consistently propelled our nation to the forefront of global scientific achievements, inspiring countless others," he added.

The minister said, "The state assembly welcomes naming of two moon points Tiranga point (Chandrayaan-2 footprint) and Shivshakti point (Chandrayaan-3's landing site), symbolizing our rich heritage and scientific aspirations."



Ngandam added that Chandrayaan-3's success aligns with prime minister's call for Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan', which will expand opportunities for start-ups, MSMEs and job creation while also promoting innovations.

Later, the House adopted the resolution by voice vote before Speaker Passang Dorjee Sona adjourned sine die.

Also Read PM Modi raises 'Jai Vigyan Jai Anusandhan' slogan outside airport in B'luru Nasa picks geology team for first crewed lunar landing mission in 50 yrs In a first, Chandrayaan-3 to attempt soft-landing on moon's south pole Lunar Eclipse 2023: The lunar eclipse on May 5 will be visible in India Lunar Eclipse 2023: Year's First Lunar Eclipse in India, details inside Special Parliament session to be conducted in new building from Sept 19 India records 66 new Covid cases, active cases have declined to 491 Defence Minister Rajnath to meet Nigerian President ahead of G20 summit Bihar caste survey: SC defers hearing for Oct 3 on plea against HC order Nataraja statue at G20 venue testament to India's age-old artistry: PM Modi
Pakistan troops repelled a cross-border raid from Afghanistan by hundreds of Pakistan Taliban militants on Wednesday, a senior official said, with extra forces rushed to the rugged frontier region. "They were in hundreds and were armed with light and heavy weapons. We were ready to face the attack and exchange of fire continued for some four hours," Mohammad Ali, deputy commissioner of Chitral district, told AFP.

India is the right country to hold the G20 Presidency, said UK PM Rishi Sunak in an exclusive interview to PTI. "We will work closely with India through its G20 Presidency to address biggest challenges facing world," said Sunak. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward to attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, UK High Commissioner in India Alex Ellis has said. India is the right country to hold the G20 Presidency, said UK PM Rishi Sunak in an exclusive interview to PTI. "We will work closely with India through its G20 Presidency to address biggest challenges facing world," said Sunak. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward to attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, UK High Commissioner in India Alex Ellis has said.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind will on Wednesday hold the first official meeting of the "One Nation, One Election" committee at his residence in Delhi, news agency ANI reported citing sources. The Centre had formed an eight-member committee last week to explore the possibility of "One Nation, One Election" which envisages the holding of general election and state Assembly elections simultaneously.Full curfew has been clamped in all the five valley districts of Manipur as a preventive measure from Tuesday evening, officials said. The cancellation of curfew relaxation hours in Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal West and Imphal East comes in the wake of the call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and its women wing requesting people from all parts of the valley districts to remove an army barricade at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district, a few kilometres away from Churachandpur, on Wednesday, officials said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday left for an almost week-long Europe tour during which he will hold meetings with European Union (EU) lawyers, students and the Indian diaspora, sources said.

Gandhi will meet a group of EU lawyers in Brussels on September 7 and also hold a similar meeting in The Hague, they said.

According to the sources, the former Congress president will address students at a university in Paris on September 8.

He is also slated to participate in a meeting of the Labour Union of France in Paris on September 9. Thereafter, he will visit Norway, where he will address a diaspora event in Oslo on September 10, they said.

Gandhi is likely to return by September 11, a day after the G20 summit concludes.

The G20 Leaders Summit will be held from September 9-10 in Delhi.

India is hosting the G20 summit in its capacity as the current president of the grouping and it is likely to be attended by more than 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organisations.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday it is important to avoid a "new Cold War" when dealing with conflicts between countries as world leaders gathered in Indonesia amid sharpening geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region.



Speaking at an annual summit involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea, Li said countries needed to "appropriately handle differences and disputes".



"At present, it is very important to oppose taking sides, bloc confrontation and a new Cold War," Li told the meeting.



ASEAN, which has warned of the danger of getting dragged into major powers' disputes, is also holding wider talks with Li, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and leaders of partner countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia and India.



Neither U.S. President Joe Biden nor his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is attending.



High on the agenda at the gatherings in Jakarta is concern about China's increasingly assertive activity in the South China Sea, an important trade corridor in which several ASEAN members have claims that conflict with China.



In remarks at the start of her meeting with ASEAN leaders, Harris said the United States was committed to the region.



"The United States has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and more broadly to the Indo-Pacific," she said.



Harris also said the United States would continue to press the Myanmar junta to end "horrific violence" that has erupted since a military coup in 2021.



A White House official had earlier said Harris would "underscore the United States' and ASEAN's shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, in the face of China's unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions".



ASEAN this week discussed with China accelerating negotiations on a long-discussed code of conduct for the waterway, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.



The issue also came up during an ASEAN-Japan summit where leaders "expressed the importance of keeping situations in the region conducive, especially in the Korean peninsula and also the South China Sea", she said.



Also Read India, Asean to intensify efforts to wrap up trade agreement review by 2025 Delivering carbon neutrality for ASEAN could unlock $5.3 trn opportunity PM Narendra Modi to visit Indonesia today for ASEAN-India Summit BCCI to sell digital, TV rights for bilateral series separately: Report Pak FM Bilawal to travel to China and Japan to boost bilateral ties Microsoft Xbox chief Spencer 'confident' on closing Activision deal Japan joins India, Philippines, Malaysia in rejecting Beijing's new map Go First lessor seeks parts replacement 'robbed' from grounded planes UK's second-largest city Birmingham declares itself effectively bankrupt Russian shelling of Ukrainian city kills 16, wounds dozens: Officials

NEW CHINESE MAP



The United States and its allies have echoed ASEAN's calls for freedom of navigation and overflight and to refrain from building a physical presence in disputed waters. China has built various facilities, including runways, on tiny outcrops in the sea.



Just before this week's gatherings, China released a map with a "10-dash line" showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea.



Several ASEAN members rejected the map.



Referring to the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said his country did not seek conflict but had a duty to "meet any challenge to our sovereignty".



"The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries," Marcos said.



"This not only denies us our independence and our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests." Some ASEAN members have developed close diplomatic, business and military ties with China while others are more wary. The United States has also courted ASEAN countries with varying degrees of success.



The 10 members of ASEAN held their summit earlier in the week with leaders seeking to assert the bloc's relevance in the face of criticism it is failing to press Myanmar's military leaders to cooperate on a plan for peace.



In a statement on Wednesday, ASEAN chair Indonesia said the bloc needed to "strengthen stability in the maritime sphere in our region ... and explore new initiatives towards these ends".



Regional leaders also expressed "grave concern" over a lack of substantial progress on the bloc's five-point peace plan for Myanmar, the statement said.



The summit also saw South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledge to work with Japan and China for the early resumption of three-way talks in building better ties.



Yoon said any military cooperation with North Korea must stop. The New York Times reported on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to travel to Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss supplying Moscow with weapons for the war in Ukraine.
Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday that those responsible for the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing violence at the US Capitol must be held accountable even if that means Donald Trump.

Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may, Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she was attending a regional summit.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, for his efforts to cling to power in 2020, The former president also has been charged in Georgia in a scheme to subvert the will of voters who elected Democrat Joe Biden instead of giving Trump a second term.

I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor," Harris, who served as California's attorney general before moving to Washington as a US senator. I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability.

The White House has been circumspect in addressing the issue of Trump's criminal charges in order to avoid any whiff of political meddling in the work of prosecutors. But Biden and Harris have been outspoken about what they view as the very real danger to American democracy the aftermath of the 2020 election exposed.

Democracies are very fragile," the vice president said in the AP interview. They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it.

Harris is representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of Biden.

She sounded a strong warning about reports that Russia was talking with North Korea about obtaining weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, calling the possible alliance ill-advised".

Russia has been levied a strategic failure, she said. Their aggressive, unprovoked actions in Ukraine have resulted in a situation where the aura and myth of the Russian military has now been dispelled.

Also Read Jury to decide whether Trump will be charged over Georgia's 2020 election Trump to surrender at Georgia jail on charges to overturn 2020 election Trump cancels scheduled press conference on election fraud claims Trump and his allies double down on election lies after indictment The Trump saga: Indictment, RICO law & future of presidential campaign US Prez Biden to focus on progress on climate at G20 Summit: White House UK says it will declare Russia's Wagner group banned terrorist organisation Faced with forex crunch, Pakistan looks up to Iran for life-saving drugs Act of 2 Chinese workers puts them in same league as Genghis Khan, Manchus California passes anti-caste discrimination bill; supporters on strike

Harris dismissed concerns about Biden's age even though he's widely seen as too old for office. A recent AP/NORC poll showed that 77 per cent of Americans and 69 per cent of Democrats think he's too old for a second term.

Harris is next in line to the presidency, a position that increased scrutiny of her as she serves with a president who would be 86 at the end of a potential second term. GOP hopefuls raise the idea that a vote for Biden would really end up being a vote for Harris and not in a good way.

I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out, she said.

And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers.

Harris described the idea of possibly stepping into the role of president as hypothetical but said she was ready.

Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," she stated. But let us also understand that every vice president every vice president understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president.

"I'm no different.
Banking on what Pakistan described as longstanding and time-tested close fraternal relations with Iran, cash-strapped Pakistan is looking forward to Tehran's help to tide over the unprecedented medicine shortage, including that of life-saving drugs.

For more than six months now, Pakistan has faced a severe shortage of life-saving drugs amid a crippled healthcare system due to a lack of Forex reserves, which in turn, has hampered the country's capacity to import both the medicines and the raw material used for local drug manufacturing.

It was decided at a meeting between Pakistan's Minister for National Health Services (NHS) Dr Nadeem Jan and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri-Moghaddam here on Tuesday that Pakistan's drug regulatory authority will work out a comprehensive strategy on a fast-track basis with its Iranian counterpart to ensure uninterrupted supply of life-saving drugs.

Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported that the Iranian Ambassador had called on the Pakistani Minister when the two sides discussed diverse areas of cooperation in the field of health between the two countries.

Pakistan and Iran share longstanding and time-tested close fraternal relations, the report quoted Dr Jan as saying about the meeting, during which the Minister also said, Iran has a strong primary healthcare system. Pakistan will definitely benefit from the experiences and best practices adopted by Iran in the field of primary healthcare.

Quoting the data released by the central bank, a report in The Express Tribune newspaper in mid-August said that foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had increased by 0.14 per cent on a week-on-week basis, reaching USD 8.1 billion. In the first week of June, the foreign exchange reserve had plummeted to below USD 4 billion.

Also Read World Athletics 2023, IND vs PAK in javelin throw: Neeraj, Nadeem eye glory I was competing with myself, not with Neeraj Chopra: Arshad Nadeem Pak shelves multi-billion-dollar gas project with Iran under US pressure England's NHS introduces 7-minute 'under the skin' cancer treatment World Athletics 2023: Neeraj Chopra wins Gold, scripts yet another history Act of 2 Chinese workers puts them in same league as Genghis Khan, Manchus California passes anti-caste discrimination bill; supporters on strike Hollywood strike stings Warner Bros, profit outlook trimmed by $500 mn SL to investigate claims of intelligence complicity in 2019 Easter bombing Suspect indicted on attempted murder charge in explosives attack on Kishida
Japan has joined India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan to lodge protests against China over its new "standard map" for including the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as part of its territory.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told the media in Tokyo on Tuesday that Japan has lodged a strong protest to China through diplomatic channels over a new map released by Beijing last month.

Tokyo urged Beijing to rescind the map because it has a description based on China's unilateral claims on the Senkaku Islands in southern Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, Matsuno has been quoted by the Japanese media.

The map describes the Senkakus as the Diaoyu Islands, the Chinese name for the islands. The Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea are claimed by Beijing.

The islands are "indisputably an inherent part of Japanese territory, both historically and under international law," Matsuno said.

Japan "responds in a calm and resolute way, based on its policy to stand firm in protecting people's lives and properties, as well as the country's land, seas and airspace," he said.

Reacting to Japan's protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected Tokyo's claim over the islands.

Diaoyu Islands and neighbouring islands are part of China's territories, Mao told a media briefing on Wednesday.

"It is reasonable for China to include them in our standard maps. We do not accept relevant statements," she said.

Earlier, the Governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan joined India in rejecting China's new national map, issuing strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory.

China published a new version of its national map last week to correct what Beijing has in the past referred to as problematic maps that it claims misrepresent its territorial borders.

India lodged a strong protest with China over its so-called "standard map" laying claim over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin, and asserted that such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

Also Read China, Japan trade accusations over infringement on maritime territory Tokyo's heat smashes 150-year trend as extreme weather bakes globe PM Modi holds talks with Papua New Guinea PM, Governor-General Bob Dadae Earthquake of 5.8 magnitude jolts Andaman and Nicobar Islands, says NCS At 6.81 million, Delhi Metro records its highest ridership on August 28 Go First lessor seeks parts replacement 'robbed' from grounded planes UK's second-largest city Birmingham declares itself effectively bankrupt Russian shelling of Ukrainian city kills 16, wounds dozens: Officials Chinese chipmaker raises over $1.8 bn as Beijing prepares new chip fund Warner Bros Discovery plans to offer live sports on Max later this year

The External Affairs Ministry also rejected China's claims as having "no basis".

"Just making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while reacting to the Chinese move.

The Philippine government has also slammed China's 2023 edition of its so-called standard map that still shows swaths of Philippine features in the West Philippine Sea.

The Malaysian government has said that it will send a protest note to China over the latter's claims on the South China Sea as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023', which also covers Malaysia's maritime areas.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry said last Wednesday that Malaysia does not recognise China's claims in the South China Sea, as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023," which also encompasses Malaysia's maritime areas.

The Vietnamese government also criticised China's latest provocation.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Wednesday rebuked China's new "standard map" by saying Taiwan has never been ruled by the People's Republic of China.
Color us excited: iconic beauty brand and global entrepreneurship company Mary Kay Inc. has been named #1 Direct Selling brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World* by Euromonitor International. The honor comes as the company celebrates its 60th anniversary in business, continuing Mary Kay Ashs legacy of empowering women then, now, and always.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905783588/en/

The honor comes as the company celebrates its 60th anniversary in business, continuing Mary Kay Ashs legacy of empowering women then, now, and always. (Graphic: Mary Kay Inc.)

Euromonitor International stands as the foremost provider of global business intelligence, market analysis, and consumer insights with over 50 years of conducting market research across more than 100 countries. Their recognition of Mary Kay not only attests to the brand's unparalleled quality, but also to its vast and continually growing presence on the global stage.

"This tremendous honor from Euromonitor is the cherry on top of our birthday cake, said Nathan Moore, President of Global Sales and Marketing at Mary Kay. It speaks volumes about our commitment to quality and innovation as well as our incredible community of independent beauty consultants who remain our heartbeat and driving force. Their dedication and passion have painted our past, present, and future with vibrant shades of success.

Mary Kay has a long-standing commitment to advancing skin health, research and development, and nutrition. The brand holds more than 1,600 patents for products, technologies, and packaging designs in its global portfolio.

Were just getting started, added Moore. While this is a remarkable business achievement and speaks to the strength of our brand, Mary Kay Ash taught us never to rest on our laurels. Heres to the next 60 years of empowerment, innovation, and success.

*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2023 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2022 data.

About Mary Kay

Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich womens lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905783588/en/
The combined company will perform aerial inspection on over 170 GW of solar this year.

Previously a division of NovaSource Power Services, Heliolytics brings a suite of robust solar inspection diagnostic and analytic capabilities to further Zeitviews advanced energy and infrastructure inspections.

Zeitview today takes the lead in advanced aerial inspections for energy and infrastructure by acquiring Heliolytics, which specializes in photovoltaic (PV) system performance via aerial inspection and integrated analytics. The acquisition of this former division of NovaSource Power Services enables the combining of Heliolytics' data insights with Zeitviews expertise in aerial inspection technologies. The majority of Heliolytics staff will join Zeitview, and the teams presence in Toronto, Canada, will continue. The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

"Heliolytics are pioneers in the solar industry and have earned a commendable reputation for their unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and exceptional customer servicevalues we hold in the highest esteem, said Dan Burton, founder and Chief Executive Officer at Zeitview. Their expertise and dedication are valuable as we continue developing groundbreaking solutions that redefine inspection standards within the renewable energy sector. We are excited for this next chapter in our journey, where our united teams create a complete market-winning solution."

For renewable energy customers, this collaboration reinforces Zeitview's multi-asset approach to solar, wind, and utilities. For property owners, it offers critical insights into the performance of their rooftop solar facilities. For all customers, Heliolytics' international operations in Europe, Latin America, and the Asian Pacific are also being combined with Zeitview's global footprint in those same regions.

Joining forces with Zeitview is a tremendous opportunity to further the renewable energy industry, said Jocelyne Moyer, Head of Heliolytics. Post-acquisition, Moyer takes the title of Senior Director of Strategy and Operations at Zeitview. We have a shared commitment with Zeitview to deep client partnerships, science-driven innovation, and unparalleled responsiveness to our global clients. I am excited to join the leadership team and look forward to collaborations that will strengthen Zeitviews role in the operations and maintenance of renewable energy assets.

Heliolytics' inspection tools and integrated analytics are now supported by Zeitview's AI/ML data processing engine. With this addition, Zeitview doubles the reach and breadth of its airplane operations and adds topography, EPC, and drone solutions to Heliolytics, all of which can translate into faster, more comprehensive customer results.

With the sale of Heliolytics to Zeitview, NovaSource Power Services continues to offer best-in-class aerial inspection software and services to their customers via Zeitview.

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with the Heliolytics team under the Zeitview name, said Timo Moeller, Chief Growth Officer, NovaSource Power Services. Zeitviews impressive inspection and software tools will enhance the insights we currently use to support operations and maintenance requests. It is clear that the Zeitview team deeply understands our data needs and is committed to providing continued unrivaled expertise as aerial inspection providers to support our growth.

A complete integration of Heliolytics operations, data capture, and software into Zeitviews market-leading global solar solution is expected to be finished by the end of 2024.

To learn more about how Zeitview supports global energy and infrastructure through advanced inspections and actionable data, visit www.zeitview.com.

ABOUT ZEITVIEW

As a single partner for aerial inspections across a broad spectrum of industries, including solar, wind, real estate, telecom, and utility assets, Zeitview is trusted by the largest enterprises worldwide to deliver fast, accurate insights that optimize asset performance and reduce operating and maintenance costs. Combining state-of-the-art aerial inspection software with the ability to capture in-depth visual data via airplanes and drones, Zeitview harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Such aerial intelligence delivers customers actionable insights in near real-time and empowers organizations to make better-informed decisions about their most critical assets at scale.

Learn more about Zeitview's cutting-edge solutions at www.zeitview.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906378784/en/




Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held a summit with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown on Wednesday, and discussed cooperation in the maritime and fisheries fields, his office said.







The two leaders met on the sidelines of annual summits involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta and highly assessed the recent active exchanges between their countries, including their previous meeting on the margins of a Korea-Pacific island nations summit in Seoul in May.







"The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in developing deepwater resources, and in the maritime and fisheries realm," the presidential office said in a press release.







It said Yoon explained Korea's decision to boost official development assistance for Pacific island nations and increase the size of a Korea-Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) cooperation fund to strengthen solidarity and cooperation for addressing regional challenges, including climate change, the food crisis and the digital gap.







The PIF is an intergovernmental body aimed at enhancing cooperation among 18 island countries in the region.







Yoon and Brown agreed to continue communication for a successful summit of the PIF and its dialogue partners, which will be hosted by the Cook Islands in November.







Yoon also asked for the Cook Islands' support for Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. (Yonhap)


Entrepreneurship in Ireland is a thrilling yet challenging venture. The Emerald Isle offers a robust economy, a well-educated workforce, and a business-friendly environment. However, the path to entrepreneurial success is fraught with complexities, from regulatory hurdles to fierce competition.

One way to navigate these challenges is by arming yourself with a comprehensive toolkit of services that can help you manage various aspects of your business. Below, we delve into some essential yet often overlooked services that can make a significant difference in your entrepreneurial journey in Ireland.

Streamlining Payments: A Case for Specialised Services

Financial management is the cornerstone of any successful business venture. In our increasingly digital world, the role of payment services has expanded beyond mere transaction processing. Companies like Fire offer a suite of features that go beyond the basics. With multi-currency accounts, real-time notifications, and API integrations, such solutions provide a holistic approach to managing your finances.

But why opt for specialised payment services? First, they offer enhanced security features, including fraud detection and two-factor authentication, which are crucial for protecting your financial assets.

Second, they can integrate with your existing accounting software, streamlining your financial workflows and reducing manual errors. Lastly, specialised payment services often come with analytics tools that can provide valuable insights into customer behaviour and spending patterns, thereby informing your business strategy.

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

In Ireland's competitive business landscape, differentiation is key. While many entrepreneurs focus on digital marketing and customer service, the importance of physical branding elements like custom signage is often overlooked. Custom signage serves as a visual handshake with your potential customers, offering them a glimpse into what your brand stands for.

Investing in high-quality, professionally designed signage can yield significant returns. For instance, it can improve brand recall, making it easier for customers to remember and return to your business.

Moreover, custom signage can be an effective form of local marketing. A strategically placed sign can attract foot traffic and serve as a 24/7 advertisement for your business. Lastly, it can also contribute to a cohesive brand image when integrated with your other marketing materials like business cards, websites, and social media profiles.

Mastering the Art of Business Events

Conferences and business events serve as powerful platforms for networking, brand exposure, and knowledge sharing. However, the success of such events hinges on meticulous planning and execution. One often-overlooked aspect is transportation. A reliable conference chauffeur service can add a layer of sophistication and convenience to your event.

By offering chauffeured transportation for your conferences, you not only ease logistical challenges but also create a more memorable experience for your attendees. Imagine the impression you'd make if your key speakers or VIP guests are greeted with a luxury car and professional chauffeur upon their arrival. Such attention to detail can elevate your event from good to exceptional, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and potentially leading to fruitful business relationships.

Legal Compliance: Navigating the Maze

Doing business in Ireland involves a labyrinth of legal obligations, from employment contracts to data protection laws. Ignorance is not an excuse in the eyes of the law, and failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even legal action. Legal consultation services and compliance software can serve as your navigational aids in this complex landscape.

These services can help you draft legally sound contracts, ensure compliance with GDPR regulations, and even assist in intellectual property matters. By proactively addressing legal issues, you mitigate risks and create a more secure operational framework for your business. This not only protects you but also builds trust with your stakeholders, including investors, employees, and customers.

Digital Marketing: Your Virtual Shopfront

In today's digital age, an online presence is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Digital marketing services can help you establish and maintain your virtual shopfront. From SEO to social media management, these services can significantly broaden your reach.

SEO can improve your website's visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic and increasing the likelihood of conversions. Social media management, on the other hand, allows you to engage with your audience in real-time, providing customer service, gathering feedback, and building brand loyalty.

Email marketing services can help you maintain regular contact with your customers, keeping them informed about new products, special offers, and company news. By integrating these digital marketing elements, you create a cohesive online strategy that can significantly impact your business's success.

Supply Chain Management: The Unsung Hero

For businesses dealing with physical products, the supply chain is often the backbone of operations. Supply chain management services can help you streamline everything from procurement to inventory management to distribution.

Effective supply chain management can lead to cost savings through bulk purchasing discounts, optimised storage solutions, and efficient transportation methods. Moreover, it can improve your business's responsiveness to market changes by enabling real-time tracking of inventory levels, order statuses, and delivery timelines. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also provides you with valuable data for forecasting and strategic planning.

Employee Wellbeing: A Worthwhile Investment

Your employees are your most valuable asset. Investing in their wellbeing can yield dividends in the form of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction. Employee wellbeing services can range from health and wellness programmes to flexible working arrangements and mental health support.

By fostering a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, you're not just creating a positive work environment; you're also enhancing your employer brand, making it easier to attract and retain top talent. This, in turn, contributes to your business's long-term success and competitiveness in the Irish market.

Takeaway

Remember, the key to a successful entrepreneurial journey is not just solving immediate problems but building a resilient and adaptable business. By carefully selecting and integrating these services, you're laying the groundwork for long-term success in Ireland's vibrant and competitive business environment.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware 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 Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
The emblem of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of Korea (ACRC)



By Nam Hyun-woo





Kim Se-shin, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Training Institute / Courtesy of Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission of Korea
gettyimagesbank



Family ministry vows to prevent women's career break, support their entry to high-quality jobs



By Jun Ji-hye



The salary gap between men and women in both listed companies and public offices in Korea still remained high last year, though the gap showed a decreasing trend year-on-year, according to a report announced by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Wednesday.



The ministry's analysis of salaries of 2,716 listed companies showed that female workers received 60.15 million won ($45,200) annually on average, compared to male workers' 86.76 million won.



This marked a 30.7 percent gap in wages by gender, which was narrowed by 7.5 percentage points from the 38.1 percent difference tallied in 2021.



The ministry has announced the gender pay gap since 2021 in accordance with the 2020 revision to the Framework Act on Gender Equality. In 2021, the ministry announced the data for 2019 and 2020.



The gender pay gap for listed companies has fluctuated as the figure stood at 36.7 percent in 2019, 35.9 percent in 2020, 38.1 percent in 2021 and 30.7 percent in 2022.



This year's report also showed that men served an average of 11.9 years in listed companies and women served 8.9 years, with the difference in their career length marking 25.1 percent.



The gender salary gap appeared to be higher when the difference in the career length between genders was larger.



In 323 companies, where men's career length was more than 50 percent longer than women's, there was a 43.6 percent gender pay gap.



As for public offices, women earned 25.2 percent less than men on average last year, marking a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from 26.3 percent tallied a year earlier.



The average career length stood at 13.9 years for men and 9.5 years for women, marking a 31.5 percent difference.



"The report shows that the gender gap in salaries and career length has shown a decreasing trend," said Kang Min-jeong, a senior analyst at the Korean Women's Development Institute.



"This is mainly because the ratio of female workers and their career length have consistently increased."



In a separate survey conducted by the ministry showed that the employment rate for women exceeded the 60 percent mark for the first time last year.




President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a ceremony at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul, Sept. 1. Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon



President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating has fallen to 34.1 percent from a month ago, according to a survey conducted jointly by Yonhap News Agency and Yonhap News TV on Wednesday.



The survey also revealed that the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) would secure 30.5 percent and 29.9 percent of the vote, respectively, if parliamentary elections scheduled for next April were held tomorrow.



Yonhap News Agency and Yonhap News TV jointly commissioned the survey to gauge public sentiment. The survey was conducted by Metrix on 1,000 adults aged 18 and older Saturday and Sunday.



According to the poll, the positive assessment of Yoon's performance was 34.1 percent, a 3.9 percentage-point fall from the previous survey conducted a month ago, while the negative assessment gained 5.7 percentage points to 58 percent.



The survey identified defense and diplomacy as the most frequently cited factors in both positive and negative assessments of Yoon's performance.



In terms of age demographics, the poll showed that Yoon's positive assessment declined across all age brackets, notably among those in their 30s, dropping from 29.5 percent in the previous poll to 22.9 percent.



Regionally, the positive assessment of respondents living in Seoul, and the southern cities of Busan and Ulsan increased by 5.3 and 2.7 percentage points, respectively.



In contrast, the positive assessment of respondents living in Daejeon and Daegu decreased by 12.2 and 11.1 percentage points, respectively.



The poll also indicated a close race between the PPP and the DPK in April's general elections.



Support for the PPP decreased by 0.8 percentage point from the previous survey, while support for the DPK increased by 2.5 percentage points.



The survey showed that 2.3 percent of respondents would choose candidates from the minor opposition Justice Party, while 18 percent had no preference for candidates, representing a 0.2 percentage-point increase from the previous survey.



In detail, 74.1 percent of respondents with a positive assessment of Yoon's performance said they would vote for PPP candidates, while 47.9 percent of those with a negative assessment of Yoon's performance favored DPK candidates for parliamentary seats.





President Joe Biden greets Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, at Camp David, the presidential retreat, near Thurmont, U.S., Aug. 18. AP-Yonhap
BRI helps Africa become frontier of development; debt trap rhetoric is more of political narrative, propaganda of West: African scholar

10:58, September 06, 2023 By Liu Xin, Xing Xiaojing and Zhang Wang in Nairobi ( Global Times

Dennis Munene Mwaniki, Executive Director of the Africa Policy Institute, has an interview with the Global Times. Photo: Yin Hao/GT

Some Western economists used to say Africa is a hopeless continent, but through China-Africa cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it has become a frontier of development, Dennis Munene Mwaniki, Executive Director of the Africa Policy Institute, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview.

For many years, Africa was considered to be underdeveloped, but today, through the BRI, the continent is able to have more than 100,000 kilometers of highways, some 1,000 bridges and around 100 ports that have been under construction with a large number of employments being created, said Mwaniki, noting that these are the greatest achievements seen to date which Africa accessed through the BRI.

Through the BRI, Chinese nongovernmental organizations and educational institutes have deepened exchanges with African scholars. When Mwaniki joined the Africa Policy Institute in 2014, doors were opened to learn more about China, which also inspired his interest in the Asian country.

Although many African people may not know BRI by its name, they have seen its effects with their own eyes, Mwaniki said, citing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya as an example.

"The SGR has been one of the catalysts for our GDP. During the construction, the SGR had been able to generate direct and indirect employment for more than 30,000 people," said Mwaniki, noting that the railway has also facilitated the transportation, boosted local tourism and ensured security of cargo.

The SGR has helped accelerate Kenya's modernization. The Nairobi expressway has reduced the travel time from the airport to the city center from two hours to 15 minutes. The Thwake Dam has solved water issue for local residents; and the Lamu Port has provided new sea routes for countries such as South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda, the African scholar said.

In response to Western media hype over China setting "debt trap" or engaging in "neo- colonialism" in Africa, Mwaniki said that their rhetoric is "more of a political narrative and propaganda pushed to discourage Africans from working with China," but "infrastructure development does not have any fiscal burden to our country and is paying for itself. Without the development, we cannot compete with other countries."

The problem lies in some African leaders who have opted to misuse the loans that have been issued to support infrastructure - this is the biggest issue when it comes to debt in Africa. And many countries are dealing the problems of governance and corruption, Mwaniki said.

Mwaniki noted that the Western media and the Western politicians are trying to push Africans away from China because where there is development, there will be peace. This is why they [the Western media and politicians] pay more attention on politics or geopolitics, not development.

The US and Western countries are trying to counter China's influence in Africa. But for us Africans, all we want is sustainable development, and that's what China is giving us," said Mwaniki.

Kenya was colonized by Great Britain and the country faced limited development opportunities for a long time after claiming independence. Mwaniki noted that many of African countries had been colonized by Western countries and the policies the West made in the continent was to make sure it would have no development and this is why every loan the West offered have political conditions.

China's BRI has helped African countries, including Kenya, to develop their infrastructure and boost the local economy, making Africa stand on the frontier of development, while China also benefits from the win-win cooperation, Mwaniki added.

The scholar said that via the BRI, China has transferred its excess production capacity to Africa, opening up international markets in Africa and across the global South. Currently, there are over 10,000 Chinese companies operating in Africa.

Mwaniki also expressed high expectations for future China-Africa cooperation under the BRI.

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kenya and China. Kenya has benefited from its cooperation with China... China's modernization has inspired our 'African dream' and Africa also hopes to explore its own path and achieve accomplishments similar to that of China," Mwaniki stated.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)




Prosecutors on Wednesday raided places related to Kim Man-bae, a key figure behind the scandal-ridden Daejang-dong development scandal, over allegations of his false media interview carried out to influence last year's presidential election.







The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office sent prosecutors and investigators to three places, including Kim's house and office, to seize materials and evidence in connection with his controversial interview with Shin Hak-lim, a journalist affiliated with online news outlet Newstapa, conducted on Sept. 15, 2021.







Kim, a journalist-turned-property developer, has been imprisoned to stand trial for his role in the development project pushed in the mid-2010s by opposition leader Lee Jae-myung as the mayor of Seongnam, to which Daejang-dong belongs.







In the dialogue with Shin, Kim made remarks to the effect that Yoon Suk Yeol, then opposition party presidential candidate, was behind the Daejang-dong scandal and the interview was reported by Newstapa on March 6, 2022, just three days before the presidential election, triggering a heated political controversy.







Kim is also suspected of paying 165 million won ($123,500) to Shin in return for the interview.







Prosecutors already raided Shin's home and office last Friday and have asked him to appear at the prosecution Wednesday for questioning about the fake interview case. (Yonhap)


India vs Bharat: A Short History of 'India' vs 'Bharat'

Wars over nomenclature are nothing new in the Modi era. However, it appears that the government is currently executing the largest move of them all by indicating that it wants to rename the nation. Droupadi Murmu was referred to as the "President of Bharat" rather than the conventional "President of India" in the masthead of a dinner invitation the president's office delivered to G20 summit participants on Tuesday.

The West's colonial heritage and cultural imperialism forced upon us are a significant part of why it looks to give India precedence over Bharat. The government can be convinced by the same force to use the name Bharat, a shortened version of Bharatvarsha, "the land of the descendants of the Bharatas," in place of India. It's not an alteration of name because the administration has been using both "Bharat" and "India," and it may be an attempt to return to the way things were in the past.

However, the Modi-led government continues to attempt to rectify the effects of imperialism and colonialism. The existing parliament building was constructed over a century ago during the British colonial era, therefore the plan called for changing the names of streets, museums, and other buildings. It also called for the inauguration of the new parliament building in New Delhi.

India is often referred to as Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan in Indian languages and classical literature. However, high offices in the nation have typically stuck to titles such as President of India, Prime Minister of India, and Chief Justice of India while communicating in English, especially during and after the colonial regime. In normal everyday discourse, both the general public and the governments use these names interchangeably.

With this, there has been a whirring around the history/ origin of India, so let's look into the different aspects of the origin of the name of India.

Historic Overview:

Historically speaking, the country bears different names: India, Bharat, Hindustan, Hind, or the oldest one; Jambu Dweep. Hindustan/Hind has been employed on occasion, however, at the moment only Bharat and India are used frequently. According to the Indian Constitution, we are "the people of India that is Bharat."

The Indian Constitution was ratified on January 26, 1950. India's official name at the time was Bharat. India, also known as Bharat, is a union of states that blends many different religions, cultures, customs, heritage, and other elements, making it a captivating country that celebrates global variety. Our nation has been referred to as Bharat (Sanskrit for "India") from antiquity.

It is interesting to consider that the name differs contingent on the setting and language. The word "India" is used in English-language conversations, while the word "Bharat" is used in Hindi-language phrases. It is referred to as "Bharat" by the natives and "India" by the Anglicised. While the other people, the Janata, refer to it as "Bharat," our governing elite refers to it as "India." Preference for the word "India" over "Bharat" has become a trend and vogue. In spite of the fact that we govern it in English, we communicate with the nation in Hindi and other local tongues.



How the Terms "Bharata" and "India" Were Coined?:

Bharata:

The term "Bharata" is frequently used to refer to the Great Emperor Bharata, the son of Dushyant and Shakuntala. Bharata, who later took the name Chakravarti, belonged to the Chandravamsha dynasty. He is recognized as the progenitor of Brihadhratha, Jarasandha, the Kauravas, the Pandavas, and Brihadhratha. The geographical location of Bharat is described in the Vishnu Purana. It reads "Uttaram yat samudrasya, Himadreschaiva dakshinam, varsham tad Bharatam nama Bharati yatra santatih". It denotes that Bharatam, or Bharat, is the nation that is located south of the snowy mountains and north of the ocean. Bharatvarsha was also alluded to as being a portion of Jambudweepa in several Hindu literature. Therefore, the term "Bharat" refers to a country that is descended from King Bharat.

India:

The word "India," on the other hand, is derived from the river "Indus/Sindhu" and refers to the southern basin's inhabited region.

What is Stated in the Constitution?:

India, or Bharat, must be a Union of States, according to Article 1 of the Indian Constitution. Article 1 reads as follows:

India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule

The territory of India shall comprise -

(a) the territories of the States;

(b) the Union territories specified.
India is possibly the only country in the world with multiple names: Bharat, India, Hindustan, or Hind, and the oldest Jambu Dweep. However, at the moment, only Bharat and India are commonly used, with Hindustan/Hind appearing on occasion. We are "the people of India that is Bharat," according to the Indian Constitution. It appears to give India primacy over Bharat; this is largely owing to the West's colonial legacy and cultural imperialism imposed on us.

The Constitution of India was ratified on January 26, 1950. Bharat was adopted as India's official name at the time. India, or Bharat, is a union of states that is a blend of many religions, cultures, customs, heritage, and so on, making it an intriguing nation that embraces the diversity of the world. Since ancient times, our country has been referred to as Bharat (Sanskrit for "India").

India as Bharat

The term "Bharat", "Bharata", or "Bharatvarsha" has their origins in Puranic literature and the epic Mahabharata. According to the Puranas, Bharata is the area between the "sea in the south and the abode of snow in the north." Catherine Clementin-Ojha, a social scientist, defined Bharata as a religious and socio-cultural entity, rather than a governmental or geographical entity.

The name Bharat can also be traced back to the reign of the Great Emperor Bharata, who is credited with being the first conqueror of the entire subcontinent - India and the Republic of India. It is the name of an ancient ruler of legend who was the ancestor of the Rig Vedic tribe of the Bharatas, and thus the progenitor of all subcontinental peoples. As a result, the term "Bharat" represents a nation descended from King Bharat.

India One of the contentious arguments in the Constituent Assembly was the Bharat Debate. During the Constituent Assembly debates on September 17, 1949, the "Name and territory of the Union" was brought up for discussion. As soon as the first item was read, which stated that "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," a schism developed among the participants. Many members were against using the term "India," which they saw as a reminder of the country's colonial past. When President Rajendra Prasad ultimately submitted the modifications to a vote, Article 1 remained "India, that is Bharat."

The Indian Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950. It officially acknowledged the country's dual identity, referring to it as "India that is Bharat." However, as with many other concepts, the name changes depending on the language or situation in which it is used.

Bharat; Unity in Diversity

These are not the only hypotheses concerning the origin of the term "Bharat" that exist. Whatever the number of ideas about the origin of the term Bharat, what importance is the substance of a notion named Bharat, Hindustan, or India as it is more commonly known? And that essence is the concept of a nation that welcomes and embraces the world's diversity.

Is India about to be renamed 'Bharat'?

The central government is expected to introduce legislation to change India's official name to 'Bharat'. In addition, numerous titles, such as the Reserve Bank of India and the Indian Railways, already have Hindi forms with "Bharatiya" in them. during Parliament's special session, which is set for September 18-22. However, to "ensure the citizens of this country get over the colonial past," the Supreme Court dismissed a petition in June 2020 that sought to remove the phrase "India" from the Constitution and replace it with the term "Bharat," declaring that "India is already called Bharat in the Constitution itself."
The Karnataka SET 2023 Short Notice is now available on the official website kset.uni-mysore.ac.in. The Karnataka SET 2023 Notification will be released on September 5, 2023, according to the notice. Candidates may apply between September 10 and September 30, 2023. On November 5, 2023, the Karnataka SET 2023 test will be held.

Overview

Conducting Body University of Mysore

Full -Form Karnataka State Eligibility Test

Appointed As Assistant Professor

Official website kset.uni-Mysore.ac.in

Notification

The official notice for the KSET Exam 2023 will be published on the official website on September 5, 2023. The official KSET Notification covers all necessary information, such as how to fill out the application form, the application deadline, fees, age, eligibility, and so on. Candidates must routinely check the official website for the most recent information.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Go to the KSET's official website.

Step 2: Candidates must register by providing an email address and a password.

Step 3: After successfully registering, candidates should fill out their personal and educational information.

Step 4: Candidates must finish the payment either online or at the local State Bank of India branch.

Application Fees

Unreserved INR. 1150/-

Cat-IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB INR. 950/-

Cat-I, SC, ST, PWD (VH/PH) INR. 650/-

Exam Pattern
On September 8, the G20 Summit will begin in New Delhi. Several important global concerns, including digital transformation, finance for climate change, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and food security, will be discussed by leaders of the world's 20 largest economies.

Here is a list of world leaders who have confirmed their attendance as well as those who have opted out of the event in New Delhi.

World Leaders who have confirmed their Attendance:

1. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

PM Modi is the main host of the global leaders coming to New Delhi to attend G20 Summit. The main motive of PM India is to push India as a global leaders in different sectors.

2. US President Joe Biden

He will be in India for the G20 Summit, and he will also engage in bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But according to the sources his India visit is now doubtful because his wife Jill Biden has been ill with COVID-19.

3. Chinese Premier Li Qiang

He will lead China's delegation, as President Xi Jinping will not attend in person. Since the first G20 summit was held in 2008, this will be the first time a Chinese president has missed one.

Xi Jinping virtually attended the conference in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

This will be the first official visit of Rishi Sunak to India after he became Prime Minister of Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his cabinet on Tuesday that he would only strike a trade agreement with India if it benefited the entire Britain, speaking to his top staff before departing for the G20 Summit. Well there is no information about his visit to his in-laws place, i.e. Narayanmurthy's house.

5. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Australian PM will participate, emphasizing Australia's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Ahead of the G20 Summit, Albanese made a point of emphasizing Australia's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region to advance "growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty, and lasting peace."

6. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau will attend G20 after participating in the ASEAN summit. His Delhi visit will be crucial amid the pause in India-Canada trade.

7. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

The German premier has confirmed his attendance, emphasizing the importance of the G20 Summit.

8. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

The Japanese PM will attend and may address Russia's actions in Ukraine. He will reach India after attending ASEAN in Indonesia.

9. South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeo

The South Korean President will be present in G20 and likely to focus on North Korea's missile provocations. Along with that he is expected to extend cooperation with the international community for the transition to clean energy.

10. French President Emmanuel Macron

The French President will attend and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

11. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

Although an official confirmation is still pending, Mohammed Bin Salman is most likely to attend the G20 event in New Delhi.

12. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa

India's G20 summit enjoys the full support of Cyril Ramaphosa.

13. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

The G20 summit in New Delhi is expected to be attended by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is one of the nations that India has asked to take part as an observer.

14. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

For the G20 summit, Tayyip Erdogan will travel to India where he will speak about a number of topics, including climate change.

15. Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez

A confirmation of Alberto Fernandez's participation in the G20 summit in New Delhi has been made.

17. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu

The Nigerian President has already arrived in India. The goal of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's attendance at the G20 conference is to encourage international investment in his nation and mobilize financial resources for the construction of infrastructure. He will be the part of Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and the Nigeria-India Business Conference both. Other than that many more sessions will witness his presence.

World leaders who are not attending:

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, will skip the G20 Summit this year. Putin is wanted for questioning by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes committed in Ukraine. He now runs the possibility of being detained while traveling abroad. Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, will represent the nation at the crucial summit in New Delhi.

European Union leaders Ursula Von Der Leyen and Charles Michel

Ursula Von Der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, have not yet confirmed their presence at the G20 summit.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the president of Mexico, is most likely skipping the G20 summit this year.
The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has published the WBPSC Food SI Notification 2023 on its official website, wbpsc.gov.in. A total of 480 vacancies for Sub-Inspector in the Subordinate Food & Supplies Service, Grade-III, have been announced by the Food & Supplies Department, Government of West Bengal. The WBPSC Food SI Application Portal will be operational on August 23, 2023, with an application deadline of September 20, 2023.

Overview

Organization West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC)

Posts Name Sub-Inspector (Food SI)

Department Food & Supplies Department, Govt. of West Bengal

Vacancies 480

Registration Last Date 20th September 2023

Selection Process Written Exam & Personality Test

Job Location West Bengal (WB)

Official website https://wbpsc.gov.in

Notification

WBPSC Food SI Recruitment 2023 will be held by the West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) to fill the position of Food Sub Inspector in the Subordinate Food & Supplies Service, Grade III. On August 22, 2023, the detailed WBPSC Food SI Notification was published on its website @wbpsc.gov.in. Eligible individuals may apply for the WBPSC Food SI position only through the website.

How to Apply?

Visit the WBPSC's official website. Enter your Enrollment/Registration ID and Password to log in.

After logging in, go to the WBPSC Food Sub-Inspector Recruitment 2023 page and click on the link to apply.

Fill out the WBPSC Food SI Application Form, submit the necessary documents, photos, and signatures, and pay the application cost (if required).

Submit the application form and print it.

Age

18 to 40 years

Salary

Pay Scale of Rs. 5,400-Rs.25,200/-
Concept cars are basically manifestations of what an automakers direction is be it in design or technology. Thats why these two concept ca...




Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho on Wednesday appointed a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea as his special adviser, citing his expertise in information analysis on the North.







Ko Young-hwan, who defected to South Korea in 1991, was named as an adviser to Kim on inter-Korean affairs and will play a role in helping people better understand the North's situation, according to Seoul's unification ministry.







"The unification ministry is planning to strengthen its ability to analyze North Korean intelligence and effectively push for the policy on North Korean defectors. In that sense, his appointment will help bolster the ministry's capabilities," Kim said.







Ko, who hails from Pyongyang, served as a French interpreter for late North Korean founder Kim Il-sung and is the first North Korean diplomat ever to defect to South Korea.







He served as the vice chief of the state-run Institute for National Security Strategy in Seoul and is currently working as a member of an advisory committee on unification policy vision.







"I will do my best to make the Yoon Suk Yeol government's policy on the North and unification a success and build inter-Korean relations into a mutually beneficial and equal one," Ko said.







President Yoon has taken a hard-line stance against the North's provocative acts and has stressed the need to make the international community aware of the dismal human rights situation in the North. (Yonhap)


In a Kyoto courtroom on Tuesday, a Japanese man admitted to starting a fire that killed 36 people at Kyoto Animation in 2019.

Now, the defense team for Shinji Aoba, 45, is arguing that he was mentally unstable at the time and that he should be acquitted or face a reduced sentence.

The attack: According various Japanese news media reports, Aoba broke into Kyoto Animations Studio 1 building on July 18, 2019. Once inside, he spread gasoline on employees and their workstations before lighting it and shouting, Drop dead. At the time, Aoba himself was still in the building and sustained life-threatening burns in the fire. As a result of the attack, 36 people died while 32 others were injured, some seriously.

The charges: Aoba faces five charges, including murder, attempted murder, and arson.

Why would Aoba attack the studio? Aoba believed the studio stole his work. Before the attack, Aoba had submitted a novel to a contest run by the studio, and he believed the studio stole ideas from the book. Police who apprehended Aoba near the studio on the day of the attack said that he told them as much.

Whats Aobas defense saying? Defense attorneys are arguing that he was suffering from delusions at the time of the attack and should not be held fully accountable for his actions that day. Theyve asked that if he is convicted, the court grant him a reduced sentence because of his state of diminished capacity at the time of the attack.

Appearing in court in a wheelchair and wearing a face mask on Tuesday, Aoba said:

I have done (what I have been accused of). That was the only way (I could get myself heard) at the time. I didnt think so many people would die. Looking back, Id gone too far.

Whats the prosecution saying? When Aoba was indicted in December 2020, prosecutors conducted a psychiatric evaluation, which found him competent to stand trial and concluded that he could be held criminally responsible for his actions. On Tuesday, prosecutors said that Aoba committed the attack after convincing himself that a director at the studio had stolen his ideas. They also suggested the Kyoto Animation fire wasnt Aobas first plan for an attack. They say that Aoba previously went to Omiya Station in his home prefecture with six knives hoping to commit mass murder before he eventually scrapped that idea.

When will the court decide? Tuesdays hearing was the first of 24 sessions planned for the trial, with a ruling scheduled for January 25, 2024.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was sentenced Tuesday to 22 years in prison for orchestrating his far-right extremist groups attack on the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to stop the transfer of presidential power after Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.

Tarrios sentence is the longest so far among more than 1,100 Capitol riot cases, topping the 18-year sentences that Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and one-time Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean each received after juries convicted them of seditious conspiracy and other charges.

It comes as the Justice Department prepares to put Trump on trial at the same courthouse in Washington on charges that the then-president illegally schemed to cling to power that he knew had been stripped away by voters.

The Tarrio case  and hundreds of others like it  function as a vivid reminder of the violent chaos fueled by Trumps lies around the election and the extent to which his false claims helped inspire right-wing extremists who ultimately stormed the Capitol to thwart the peaceful transfer of power.

Rising to speak before the sentence was handed down, Tarrio pleaded for leniency, describing Jan. 6 as a national embarrassment, and apologizing to the police officers who defended the Capitol and the lawmakers who fled in fear. His voice cracked as he expressed remorse for letting down his family and vowed that he is done with politics.

I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal, Tarrio said.

Please show me mercy, he said, adding, I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by Trump, said Tarrio was motivated by "revolutionary zeal" to lead the conspiracy that resulted in 200 men, amped up for battle, encircling the Capitol. Noting that Tarrio had not previously shown any public remorse for his crimes, the judge said a stiff punishment was necessary to deter future political violence.

"It can't happen again. It cant happen again, the judge repeated.

Standing before the judge in orange jail garb, Tarrio lowered his head after the sentence was read, then squared his shoulders and put his hands before his back.

Prosecutors had sought 33 years behind bars for Tarrio, describing him as the ringleader of a plot to use violence to shatter the cornerstone of American democracy and overturn the election victory by Joe Biden, a Democrat, over Trump, the Republican incumbent.

Prosecutor Conor Mulroe told the judge that the Proud Boys came dangerously close to succeeding in their plot to stop the transfer of presidential power  and noted that it didnt take rifles or explosives.

There was a very real possibility we were going to wake up on Jan. 7 in a full-blown constitutional crisis, Mulroe said, with 300 million Americans having no idea who the next president would be or how it would be decided.

The prosecutor urged the judge to ensure that consequences are abundantly clear to anyone who might be unhappy with the results of 2024, 2028, 2032 or any future election for as long as this case is remembered.

Tarrio wasnt in Washington, D.C, when Proud Boys members joined thousands of Trump supporters, who smashed windows, beat police officers and poured into the House and Senate chambers as lawmakers met to certify Bidens victory. But prosecutors say the 39-year-old Miami resident organized and led the Proud Boys assault from afar, inspiring followers with his charisma and penchant for propaganda.

Tarrio had been arrested two days before the Capitol riot on charges that he defaced a Black Lives Matter banner during an earlier rally in the nations capital, and he had complied with a judges order to leave the city after his arrest.

The judge agreed with prosecutors that the Proud Boys crimes could be punished as terrorism  increasing the recommended sentence under federal guidelines. But he ultimately sentenced the Proud Boys to prison terms shorter than what prosecutors were seeking.

The backbone of the governments case was hundreds of messages exchanged by Proud Boys in the days leading up to Jan. 6 that prosecutors say showed how the extremists saw themselves as revolutionaries and celebrated the Capitol attack, which sent lawmakers running into hiding.

As Proud Boys swarmed the Capitol, Tarrio cheered them on from afar, writing on social media, Do what must be done. In a Proud Boys encrypted group chat later that day someone asked what they should do next. Tarrio responded, Do it again.

Make no mistake, Tarrio wrote in another message. We did this.

Tarrios lawyers denied the Proud Boys had any plan to attack the Capitol or stop the certification of Bidens victory. They argued that prosecutors used Tarrio as a scapegoat for Trump, who spoke at the Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6 and urged his supporters to fight like hell.

Tarrio is the final Proud Boys leader convicted of seditious conspiracy to receive his punishment. Three fellow Proud Boys found guilty by a Washington jury of the rarely used sedition charge were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 18 years.

The Justice Department is appealing the 18-year prison sentence of Rhodes, the Oath Keepers founder, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy in a separate case, as well as the sentences of other members of his antigovernment militia group that were lighter than what prosecutors had sought. Prosecutors had requested 25 years in prison for Rhodes.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Hudson's Bay says it is expanding its Zellers brand to even more of its department stores.

The Toronto-based retailer says Zellers pop-ups will open within all Hudson's Bay stores that have not yet featured the discount chain.

The expansion will cover 13 Ontario locations, seven in B.C. including Orchard Park Shopping Centre in Kelowna, six in Alberta, four in Quebec and one in Manitoba.

They will be open in time for the holiday season and bring the number of Hudson's Bay stores with a Zellers presence to 78.

The locations typically have a footprint ranging from 1,000 to 2,800 square feet and stock an array of affordable household goods.

Hudson's Bay says it is using the pop-ups to determine which markets would be ideal for future Zellers stores.

"Pop-ups are a key ingredient in our expansion strategy, allowing us to explore and test in new markets and fine-tune our offering before establishing larger format store locations," Sophia Hwang-Judiesch, Hudson's Bay's president, said in a statement.

"Our customers are in the driver's seat  they will tell us how and where to grow."
CTP to supply WHR to Cimpor plants

06 September 2023

Oyak group is investing in technology to mitigate the carbon footprint of its cement plants through its Cimpor subsidiary, which is equipping Souselas and Alhandra in Portugal with new waste heat recovery systems (WHRS).

Cimpor has set the goal of reducing direct CO 2 emissions by 37 per cent by 2030. The measure, which is part of the Oyak and its controlled long-term environmental strategy, is part of the energy transition plan to a carbon neutral economy, which is expected to take place in the middle of this century. Cimpor is now committed to investing EUR100m in the modernisation of industrial assets and in research and development projects by 2030.

Cimpor has signed an EPC contract with CTP Team Italy, who has engineered a customised solution which consists of two WHRS, one for each plant. In both cases, organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology has been chosen to convert the waste thermal energy into electrical power due to its the technical validity, the balance of capex, and operation and maintenance activities. The projects will enable Cimpor to pursue its environmental goals.

For Souselas the WHRS proposed will recover heat from the preheater (PH) hot gasses and the clinker cooler exhaust air (AQC) of Kiln Line 3. With an expected thermal power of 33MWht for both the heat recovery boilers, CTP expects a power production of 8MWhe. The first kW generation is scheduled for end of year 2023.

For Alhandra the WHRS is designed to recover waste heat from Kiln Line 7 with 3000tpd of clinker production capacity and the configuration consists of two heat recovery boilers on the clinker cooler air (AQC) and preheater gas (PH) with a combined expected thermal power of 20MWht. The WHR power production is 4MWhe. The first kW generation is scheduled for June 2024.

In terms of sustainable operations, the new WHRSs alone will reduce the carbon footprint of cement plants by a total of 24,000tpa of secondary CO 2 emissions. In addition, the WHRS provided by CTP are totally water free, will bring considerable savings in the water sprayed in the existing GCT and energy consumptions of the heat exchanger cooler side.

Published under
Lee Jae-myung, third from right, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a meeting of the party's Supreme Council at a tent in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, Sept. 6, as he stages a hunger strike for the seventh day in a row. Yonhap



The prosecution and opposition leader Lee Jae-myung continued to clash Wednesday over the timing of his appearance for questioning regarding his alleged involvement in a company's illegal money transfers to North Korea.



The Suwon District Prosecutors Office requested that the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) appear for questioning between Thursday and Saturday. Earlier in the day, lawyers for Lee, who has been on an anti-government hunger strike since Thursday, notified the prosecution that he would attend next Tuesday.



"As Chairman Lee has previously refused two summonses and his fasting was hindering the investigation, we urged him to attend the questioning between Sept. 7 and 9 this week," the prosecution office said in a release.



Lee was booked by the prosecution in Suwon, 30 kilometers south of Seoul, last month on the charge of third-party bribery in connection with Ssangbangwool Group's remittances to North Korea on behalf of Gyeonggi Province between January 2019 and January 2020 when he was its governor.



Out of the $8 million sent, prosecutors suspect that $3 million was intended to facilitate Lee's planned visit to Pyongyang, while the remainder was meant for Gyeonggi's smart farm support program in North Korea.



The prosecution's two previous attempts to interrogate him were canceled due to disagreements over the schedule between the two sides.



Initially, the prosecution summoned him on Aug. 23 for an appearance on Aug. 30, but he offered to attend on Aug. 24 or 26, which the prosecutors refused.



On Aug. 28, the party's spokesperson announced Lee would undergo questioning in September when there is no plenary session of the National Assembly, possibly between Sept. 11 and Sept. 15.



Late last week, the prosecution refused the offer and told him to appear this Monday. The party accepted it, but on condition that the inquiry would last only two hours in the morning.



The prosecution rejected the condition and the party announced that he would not appear on the proposed date. (Yonhap)


President Yoon Suk Yeol gives a speech at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, Sept. 1. Joint Press Corps



President's far-right stance likely to alienate moderate voters ahead of April election: analysts



By Lee Hyo-jin



After expressing a staunch anti-communist stance in his National Liberation Day speech on Aug. 15, President Yoon Suk Yeol has been explicitly underscoring that sentiment in recent weeks.



During the Aug. 15 speech  in which he used the term "communist" eight times  Yoon lashed out at "anti-state forces" that "blindly follow communist totalitarianism" and urged the public not to be deceived by such groups.



When he met with new leaders of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council on Aug. 29, Yoon stressed their role in defending liberal democracy from "communist totalitarian forces that are engaging in psychological warfare to disturb the free society."



The president reaffirmed his assertive stance in another speech on Sept. 1 during a ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.



Saying that the nation's freedom is under constant threat from "communist totalitarian forces and their opportunist followers," he criticized that such groups are triggering anti-Japanese sentiment and undermining the strengthened trilateral partnership between Korea, the United States and Japan.



While liberal lawmakers criticized Yoon's remarks, likening them to former President Park Chung-hee, a former military general and staunch anti-communist, political analysts viewed that the president appears to be rallying conservative voters ahead of next year's parliamentary elections.



Yoon, who is still struggling to broaden his political support base, seems to have opted to veer further right in order to consolidate the backing of conservative forces  his primary support base  ahead of the general election slated for next April, according to Park Chang-hwan, a professor at Jangan University.



However, Park said, "Such a strategy, which reminds many Koreans of the outdated tactics in domestic politics of labeling their opponents as communists, will alienate moderates and the younger generation."



According to the latest poll conducted by Realmeter released on Monday, Yoon's approval rating stood at 35.4 percent, down 2.2 percentage points from a week earlier. The largest decline in his approval rating came from respondents in their 20s, down by 9.8 percentage points.



The drop in the positive assessment was attributable to a recent controversy over the government's decision to move a bust of independence fighter Hong Beom-do outside of its current location at the Korea Military Academy, according to analysts at Realmeter.



Despite strong public backlash, the Yoon administration decided to move the bust, citing the independence fighter's involvement with the Soviet Communist Party.



Park said that lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) are cautious about expressing support for the president's far-right messages.



"The PPP has to appeal to the large share of moderate voters in order to win the (general) election, so it is refraining from adopting extreme positions," he said.



Hahm Sung-deuk, an expert in presidential politics and a professor at Kyonggi University Graduate School of Political Studies, was also critical of Yoon's strategy.



"The president seems to have his own philosophy about state affairs and is apparently trying to solidify it within his support base, but he should always keep in mind that the other blocs do not share the same opinion," he said.



Hahm also commented that Yoon's "overly candid" style of speech may be perceived by the public as lacking the ability to embrace diverse perspectives. He advised the prosecutor-turned-president to adopt a "mellower tone" when addressing the public.



"Considering that the president's repeated remarks (about communist totalitarianism) are becoming bolder, these reflect his personal beliefs and philosophy, rather than those of his aides or advisers," political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon said.



"I'm beginning to think that the president shares the same views with the New Right," he added, referring to the group of far-right-wing conservative scholars.






Former President Moon Jae-in plans to file a defamation suit against Veterans Minister Park Min-shik for suggesting that his father was a pro-Japanese figure, according to an opposition lawmaker Wednesday.







Park made the remark during a parliamentary meeting earlier in the day, saying Moon's father served in a regional government in Hungnam, a city in what is now North Korea, during Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.







"Former President Moon plans to file a lawsuit against Minister Park for defaming the deceased," Rep. Youn Kun-young of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, who served as Moon's senior presidential secretary, told reporters.







Youn strongly refuted the minister's remarks, categorizing them as baseless lies. He clarified that Moon's father had worked there following the liberation of Korea and not during the colonial rule period.







The minister's remarks were made while he was making a comparison to another historical figure, Gen. Paik Sun-yup, who is widely credited for his contributions to the country during the Korean War of 1950-1953.







Despite being credited with leading key battles during the conflict, a presidential committee put Paik on a list of pro-Japanese figures in 2009, citing his military service for Manchukuo, a puppet state of Imperial Japan, during Tokyo's colonial rule.







In July, the veterans ministry deleted a state burial record describing Paik as a pro-Japanese figure.







Several past figures, such as Paik and independence fighter Hong Beom-do, have recently become subjects of political debate due to their complex past records. (Yonhap)




By Kim Ji-soo



In dynamic South Korea where past and present stand jarringly juxtaposed, the faint image of then-future President Kim Young-sam emerging weak after a 23-day hunger strike in 1983 appears in my mind. This was triggered last Thursday when main opposition leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, said he would go on an indefinite hunger strike. He termed it as a national struggle against the "incompetent and violent" government of President Yoon Suk Yeol.



Back in 1983, Kim (1927-2015) went on a hunger strike for 23 days, asking that then-President Chun Doo-hwan lift the ban on his political activity and release him from house arrest. He was eventually released from house arrest, and his hunger strike is regarded to have led to the constitutional revision that brought about a direct presidential election in 1987. In 1990, then-future President Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) went on a hunger strike to protest the ruling camp's moves to adopt a parliamentary Cabinet system and also demand local autonomy. Kim's ideas were accepted. The hunger strikes of the two Kims were successful non-violent political protests, which invoked guilt and empathic support from the public.



There have been other such strikes by former presidents and party leaders since then, but they were more politically motivated tactics. And Lee's latest hunger strike  he staged one in 2016 as mayor of Seongnam to protest a possible revision to the local government's operation of its finances  may well fall into that category.



The former presidential candidate cited the worsening livelihood, failing democracy and opposition to the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, among others. Lee acknowledged his role in failing the Korean voters.



These reasons are all good. It is the timing and his resorting to an unusual form of political protest that raise eyebrows. The former presidential candidate has been under a series of investigations over corruption and bribery allegations against him from when he was mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. He escaped a motion for his arrest in February and possibly faces another one, thus it would be difficult for Lee to dismiss the criticism that he is on the hunger strike against another possible arrest motion.



Rep. Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, sits in front of the National Assembly building in Seoul, Aug. 31, during his hunger strike which he has called "national resistance." Yonhap



This sudden hunger strike prompts worries for the health of our party politics. The National Assembly is currently in its last plenary session with the current members before the nation goes to the polls next April to elect new representatives. Some 200 bills are up for vote as well as the next year's government budget, but the hunger strike will definitely put up roadblocks.



Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), expressed frustration that Lee was holding people's livelihood issues hostage with heightened judiciary risks. But the PPP should also ask whether it has done its role of crossing the aisles of the Assembly to resolve difficult issues. The ruling party also stands in the shadow of the president, who has been vocally expanding on his conservative views of liberalism and laying stress on ideology. In his recent meeting with PPP lawmakers, Yoon stressed the need to fight against "communist totalitarianism." The president has castigated critics of the release of treated radioactive water from Fukushima, as those who say "one plus one adds up to 100." His approval ratings in the five days from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 tallied 35.4 percent in a Realmeter survey.



While Lee and Kim have met as respective party leaders, Yoon has not met his former presidential rival Lee since taking office in May 2022.



In Korea's hard-won democracy, constituents deserve healthy engagement between parties  be it partisan growling and fighting over bills  rather than a "freeze" in relations.





The writer is a member of The Korea Times editorial board.
Alayna Bridges, 18, of Chattanooga, daughter of Delayna Bridge, will compete for the Miss Tennessee USA title March 7-9, 2024 at Austin Peay State University.Ms. Bridges attend the University of Tennessee Chattanooga.She enjoys being an aunt to seven, is an advocate for ending sexual and domestic abuse and loves being in the chemistry lab.Ms. Bridges says she also loves helping her community and growing as an individual.
Two visiting writers and three local writers will present a series of readings and classroom visits at local schools. Besides visiting Baylor and CGLA, they will perform Wednesday at noon at the UTC Honors Reading Room and at Covenant College at 7 p.m. on Friday. Pamela Uschuk and William Pitt Root, as well as Earl Braggs, Richard Jackson and Kris Whorton, will present at each event."These award-winning writers create a unique environment by taking away the usual separation of the writer and the audience, and will read a poem at a time each in response to each other and to the audiences questions and contributions." organizers said."The intended effect is to make poetry more accessible rather than the privileged art form it is often taken to be. Designed as a conversation with the audience, this unique approach will elicit questions, poems and comments. The Writing As Conversation Series breaks down the barriers between writer and reader to create a unique experience where your questions and contributions shape the conversation."The series is sponsored by Double Cola Company, Olsen Law Firm, Rising Dragon, Tech, UTC Honors College, Poetry Miscellany and several former students, including Hunter Hobbs, Daniel Yim, Cody Taylor, Bradley Paul, Karri Harrison, Taylor Loy, Rebecca Shelton, Laura Baird, Danielle Hanson, Laurel Snyder, Charlie Scott and Tatiana and Ata Moharerri.About the writers:Pam Uschuk has eight books of poems, including Crazy Love, winner of a 2010 American Book Award and a new collection, Refugee, from Red Hen Press, 2022 (Starred Review). Translated into more than a dozen languages, her work appears worldwide, including Poetry, Ploughshares, Agni Review, etc. Her awards include Best of the Web, the Struga International Poetry Prize (for a theme poem), Dorothy Daniels Writing Award from the National League of American PEN Women, and prizes from Ascent and Amnesty International. Editor-in-chief of Cutthroat, A Journal Of The Arts and Black Earth Institute fellow, Ms. Uschuk lives in Bayfield, Co. and Tucson, Az. She edited the anthologies, Truth To Power: Writers Respond To The Rhetoric Of Hate And Fear, 2017, Puro Chicanx Writers of the 21st Century, 2020 and Through the Ash, New Leaves, 2022. The month of September found her at Storyknife Women Writers Retreat in Alaska on a writing fellowship. Shes finishing work on a multi-genre book called Crazed Aggels Of Hope: An Odyssey Through Ovarian Cancer.William Pitt Roots numerous poetry collections include Strange Angels (2013), White Boots: New and Selected Poems of the West (2006), PEN West Poetry Award finalist Trace Elements from a Recurring Kingdom: The First Five Books (1994), and The Storm and Other Poems (1969). Roots poetry has been featured in several anthologies, including What Saves Us: Poems of Empathy and Outrage in the Age of Trump (2019), And What Rough Beast: Poems at the End of the Century (1999), and The Last Best Place: A Montana Anthology (1988). His honors include the Southern Reviews Guy Owen Prize and three Pushcart Prizes, as well as a Stegner Fellowship at Stanford University and other fellowships from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. The poetry editor for the literary journal Cutthroat, Mr. Root has taught at Hunter College, Michigan State and the University of Montana. He lives with his wife, poet Pamela Uschuk, near Durango, Co.Richard Jackson is the author of 17 books of poetry, including The Heart as Framed: New and Select Poems, Dispatches, Where The Wind Comes From and Broken Horizons and 12 books of essays, interviews, translations, editions and anthologies. Winner of Guggenheim, Fulbright, NEA. NEH and Witter Bynner Fellowships and the order of Freedom from the President of Slovenia for his literary and humanitarian work during the Balkan wars, he has also edited 32 chapbooks from eastern European poets. His poems have been translated into 17 languages and his books have won the U of Alabama Book Award, Cleveland State Book Prize, U Mass Juniper Prize, Ashland Poetry Press Award, Eric Hofer Award, Maxine Kumin Award and Ben Franklin Award. His poems have appeared in numerous anthologies such as 5 Pushcart appearances, Best American Poems, Best of Georgia Review, Best of Crazy Horse, Prairie Schooner Anthology and others. He has given readings and lectures at dozens of universities and libraries as well as in Slovenia, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Spain, India, Israel, Hong Kong, Canada, England, Wales, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary and Romania. Over 52 of his former UT-Chattanooga undergrads have gone on to publish nearly 130 books. He is distinguished emeritus professor at UTC and founder of the Meacham Writers Workshops.A North Carolina native from the rural-back-woods-fishing community of Hampstead, Earl Sherman Braggs is a UC Foundation and Battle Professor of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Braggs is the author of fourteen collections of poetry. Hat Dancing with Miss Bessie Smith, Cruising Weather Blues and Negro Side of the Moon are his latest. Among his many awards are the Anhinga Poetry Prize, the Cleveland (Ohio) State Poetry Prize (unable to accept, manuscript won in two places at the same time), the C&R Poetry Prize, the Jack Kerouac International Literary Prize, the Knoxville News Sentinel Poetry Award and the Gloucester County Poetry Prize. Braggs novel, Looking for Jack Kerouac was a finalist for the James Jones First Novel Contest. Boy Named Boy, a Memoir was published by Wet Cement Press. Obamas Children was published by Madville Press. His Moving to Neptune: New & Selected has just been published by Anhinga Press.Kris Whorton teaches creative writing, literature, and composition at the University of Tennessee. Additionally, she teaches creative writing at Hamilton County Jail and works with teens, adults and mental health members in the community. Her fiction has been published in Driftwood Press, Scarlet Leaf Review and elsewhere. Her poetry will appear in The Greensboro Review and has appeared in American Muse, Facets-magazine and Pinball Publishing. Her Creative Non-Fiction has been anthologized. A guest editor for Driftwood Press and Indianola Review, she currently reads for Cheap Imitation.
A woman on Graysville Road told police she last saw her vehicle two days before parked at her friends residence, but now it was gone. One of her friends said that the vehicle was at the residence the night before, because she parked next to it. The woman said that the keys were inside of the vehicle. Her vehicle was entered into NCIC as stolen.



* * *

A woman and a man on Allemande Way told police that the man's soon to be ex-wife was getting in contact with the woman's friend telling her lies that the man was endangering her, and that he was searching her car. The woman and man told police they just wanted this documented at this time.

* * *

A noise complaint was reported by a neighbor on Dreamcatcher Way, who told police they heard loud noises come from a residence. Police spoke with the homeowner, who said they were having a girls night and the same neighbor always calls in complaints. Police did not observe any noise violation. All the girls were leaving the residence when police arrived.



* * *



Police were dispatched to Z-Motors used car lot at 6808 Shallowford Road. Police found a Kia Optima with its headlights on and the back driver's side window busted out, as well as the steering column broken. Police believe the damage is from an attempted theft of the vehicle, but it is not known for sure, since the business was closed and the owner was not on scene. BWC was worn and activated during this call for service.

* * *



Police recognized a man from former interactions at O'Grady Drive/Gundy Lane while responding to a separate call. The man asked for a ride to Signal Mountain, therefore police took him to the 100 block of Signal Hills Drive without incident.

* * *



The owner of Rogers Super Market, 1400 E. Main St., reported indecent exposure from a woman at the property. Police spoke with the woman, who had since put on clothing, and the property owner. When asked if he would like the woman to be trespassed from the property, he said yes. After running both of them for warrants, the woman was informed she is to be trespassed from the property. She acknowledged, gathered her belongings and left the property without incident.

* * *



A suspicious person was reported at the Subway, 115 Browns Ferry Road. Police located a black female loitering on the property who was supposedly harassing customers for money She told police that she was homeless and then police offered her some help. She agreed to be transported to the Community Kitchen, where she could get some assistance.

* * *



A disorder was reported on Jeffery Lane. When police arrived, no one on scene was cooperative and they let police know they were not needed or trusted.

* * *



A employee at the Mapco, 100 W. 20th St., told police an older white female wearing a yellow shirt and black skirt had put several soft drinks into her canvas bag. When the employee confronted the woman, she put the drinks back and left.

* * *



A woman on Horse Creek Drive told police she found small pills in a small container in her driveway and was not sure what they were and wanted to turn them over to police. Police identified the pills as Allegra, the allergy medicine, and Excedrin. Due to the medications not being illegal, police took them and disposed of them.

* * *

A woman on Standifer Gap Road called police to file an auto theft report. She said a man, whose first name she gave police, borrows the vehicle consistently and is believed to have the vehicle now and is not answering his phone. Police told the woman her vehicle has fled from police multiple times, including a mere hour before this report was requested. She was unable to provide any identifying information about the man. She adamantly said she had not been fleeing from police in her vehicle.

* * *

Officers were on routine patrol when they located a wallet at 400 Frazier Ave. Inside the wallet was identification for a man. Officers took the wallet to CPD's Property Division for safekeeping and have made it releasable to owner.

* * *

A woman on Marlboro Avenue told police that when her ex-husband arrived to return their son he wanted to speak to her about the school choice for their son, saying the school he goes to is bad and he wants to send him to a better school. She said when she tried to close the door in his face, he put his foot in the doorway so they could keep talking about it. The woman recorded the interaction and it sounded like a reasonable conversation from both of them. The woman simply wanted the interaction to be reported to police in case of further escalation.

* * *

A disorder was reported at a home on Metro Park Lane. Police spoke with the neighbor of the home, who said that an altercation occurred between her woman neighbor and the woman neighbor's boyfriend. The situation was described as a verbal disorder between the two, and when the woman went to grab her phone out of the car, the man took off in the car with the female partially hanging out of the vehicle. The woman fell out of the car during the incident, but refused wanting EMS to check her out. The woman told the neighbor on the phone with dispatch she did not wish to speak to police, and when police arrived on scene she refused to speak to them.

* * *



A woman on Fisher Avenue called police to complain her neighbor was playing loud music. She told police there has been on-going tension between and her neighbor. She said the neighbor attempts to annoy her by playing loud music at night. She said the music started at 3 a.m. Police didn't hear any noise coming from neighbor's apartment. Police attempted to speak with the neighbor, but were unsuccessful. Police provided the woman with a complaint card and told her it would probably be best to contact CHA regarding the issue.

* * *

A woman on Monte Vista Drive told police her car, a CAD SRX 06', was damaged from an unknown person with an unknown object against the windshield (approx. 3-4 impact points), as well as what appears to be sugar in the gas tank. Do to the humidity and lack of prints, police were not able to pull finger prints from the gas tank. The woman last saw her vehicle at approximately 10 p.m. the day before, undamaged. Pending investigation, she said that she will reach out to the neighbors regarding video footage and other information to provide to CPD. There is no suspect information.

* * *

A woman on Garfield Street told police someone threw a brick at her window around 4 p.m. As police walked to the side of the house, they observed the damage to the window. There were no suspects identified.

* * *

A suspicious vehicle was reported, parked in an open field on Apex Lane. The vehicle was found to be stolen and towed by Gudel's. The owner was notified. The vehicle was removed from NCIC.

* * *

A man on E. 5th Street told police he noticed his white 2020 Vitacci Bahama VIP had been stolen that morning from his yard. He said that the moped was still on his property at 11:23 p.m. the day before. The vehicle was entered into NCIC as stolen.

* * *

A disorder was reported between a husband and wife on Forest Highland Dr. Police found the wife was intoxicated and arrived at home and could not get in due to the door being locked and not having a key. Their argument started over this. Both of them agreed moving forward for the evening they would leave each other alone.
The 17-year-old shot and killed by Chattanooga Police in a confrontation on South Kelley Street has been identified as David Mendez Lopez.

Chattanooga Police said the youth twice pointed a gun toward officers.

Officers, including members of the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team, responded overnight to a domestic disorder with a weapon.

Officers got the call to the 1900 block of South Kelley Street at 11:35 p.m. They were able to escort family members out of the residence, during which the suspect pointed his gun at the officers, it was stated.

After the other members had been escorted out, the suspect came out a back door and again pointed his gun at police. Officers engaged and shot the suspect.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate by District Attorney Coty Wamp.

TBI officials said, "Preliminary information indicates that the incident began just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday night when officers with the Chattanooga Police Department responded to a report of a domestic assault in the 1900 block of South Kelley Street.

"Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 17-year-old male who was armed with a gun. The individual refused to comply with verbal commands and would not come out of the residence. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called, and police negotiators began speaking with the teen in an attempt to get him to surrender. For reasons still under investigation, the situation escalated, and officers discharged their service weapons, striking the teen. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.

"TBI agents continue to work to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for her review and consideration. The TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters; that decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBIs involvement.

"The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit."
Herbert E. Conley, age 82 went to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, September 2, 2023, in his home with his loving family by his side.

Herbert E. Conley: Husband, Father, Buckay, Brother, Uncle. Herbert carried many titles in his unwavering desire to exhibit his love and affection for his family, not only by words, but by deeds. None of us will ever know the number of sacrifices he made for his family and friends. His family considers it an honor and a joy to carry on this wonderful legacy of love to future generations.

A devoted Christian, a man of high integrity that would accept nothing less than doing his best and expected the same of others. He was a generous role model for his children and grandchildren. They cherish the examples of strength, persistence, and faith that was reflected in the way their father/ grandfather lived his life. We loved him dearly and we miss him very much.

Herbert also wore many hats professionally: Pastor, Chaplain, Electrician, Farmer. Herb was Pastor of Cleveland Cornerstone Church for almost 17 years. He was Chaplain at the Bradley County Justice Center for 40 years. He always said this was his favorite job, although he was never paid to do it. Herbert was an electrician and proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 175 for 60 years. He cherished the friendships he made during his time with IBEW. Herb worked most of his career with Duncan Electric serving for many years at M&M Mars in Cleveland.

Farming held a special place in Herbs heart. Most farmers will tell you they dont do it for the money and that was especially true for Herb. Much of his time was spent helping his brothers on their farms. He was happiest on a tractor mowing a hayfield or plowing Huberts field for the sunflowers.

Herbert also enjoyed attending auctions to collect antiques and old farm implements. He loved old cars, especially ones that he and his twin brother Hubert owned when they were young. El Caminos were another of his favorites. He finished his life with two in collectible condition and two in the barn he always planned to restore. Herb enjoyed attending monthly car shows.

We will never know the numbers of people Herbert ministered to on the job, in the jail or from the pulpit. He was always willing to help others. He always said if you want to help someone, you start by getting their heart right and everything will begin to fall into place after that.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dean and Ina Belle (Poteet) Conley; one very special grandson Justin Fowler; and his nephew Hubert Conley, Jr. Herbert always treasured a birthday gift he received from Justin. The memory always brought a smile to his lips and tears to his eyes.

Herbert will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 59 years Priscilla Hannah Conley and the daughters he adored, Alisa (Barry) Fowler and Amy Conley-Moore. He was so proud of his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to brag about them: Jacob Fowler, Caleb Fowler, Hannah Grace Moore, Evan Moore, and Isabel Moore and great granddaughter Skylar Mieseler. Herberts love for his brothers was second to none: Hubert (Beverly) Conley, David (Von) Conley, LeBron (Karen) Conley. He dearly loved his nephews and niece and had a special relationship with each of them: David Conley, Jr., Allison (Parker) Randolph, and Brandon (Kaylee) Conley. Great niece and nephew Summer and Trevor Conley. Brother-in-law Rodney (Mary Ann) Hannah.

Special thanks to a very special nurse that now feels like family, Bridgette Campbell.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cleveland Cornerstone Church, 533 Broad Street, Cleveland, on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at 3 p.m.

The service will be officiated by Pastor Barry Fowler with music by Caleb Fowler and Jeff Moore.

Interment will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. at Flint Springs Cemetery with Dylan Artrip, Brandon Conley, David Conley, Jr., Trevor Conley, Caleb Fowler, Jacob Fowler, Evan Moore, and Parker Randolph serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cleveland Cornerstone Church- Jail Ministry (533 Broad Street, Cleveland, Tennessee) or Gideons International (https://www.sendtheword.org).

Arrangements by Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Conley family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.
Just over two years ago, on Aug. 5, 2021, the body of 32-year-old Carissa Hamby was discovered in a field on Lower River Road in Bradley County.

An extensive investigation into the death of Ms. Hamby was conducted by the Bradley County Sheriffs Office. The investigation revealed the cause of her death was blunt force trauma to the head. Further evidence linked Billy Blasingim as being responsible for the death of Ms. Hamby.



Blasingim was arrested by the Bradley County Sheriffs Office on a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder on April 22, 2022.



On Tuesday, Blasingim pled guilty to second-degree murder in Criminal Court. He faces a 19-year prison sentence with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.


Previous Next

Girls Cub Scout Pack 3070 & BSA Troop 1070 spent their Labor Day assisting with Nourishing Children In Catoosa, a program that provides nutritious snacks to kids on the weekends when kids arent in school.The Scouts helped to pack over 1,600 bags.
A Chattanooga man has been charged in the death of his 11-month-old daughter.

Nicholas Peter Merrill was charged with second-degree murder and child neglect in the July 23 death of Malaysia Denise Nicole Merrill.

Police said the autopsy indicated that the child had been left in a hot area.

She was dead when she was taken to Children's Hospital.

The child's mother said in an earlier GoFundMe page:

"I left off to work Friday July 21 afternoon, kissed my daughter goodbye expecting to see her again Sunday evening July 23d only to answer my door to a detective at 12 am to tell me my daughter will not be coming home. While sleeping she took her last breath Sunday afternoon."

Merrill is under bonds totaling $150,000.


Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has been appointed by the Tennessee Commissioner of Safety to serve on the State of Tennessees State-Level Safety Team.Sheriff Garrett will serve as the designated representative for the Tennessee Sheriffs Association and will represent all 95 sheriffs on this state-level advisory team. The team is comprised of several representatives from a variety of different educational, health and law enforcement disciplines, including a representative from the Tennessee Chiefs of Police Association."The State-Level Safety Teams purpose is to promote safer and more effective school safety initiatives and to develop plans of action to mitigate a variety of potential threats that could endanger our states students and schools.This includes district-wide safety and building-level emergency response plans," officials said. "The collective input of this team will be vital to public safety and the legislative process which includes working closely with state legislators on future school-based safety legislation."I am honored to be appointed by the Commissioner of Safety to serve on the State-Level Safety Team and be a part of proposing and advocating for initiatives and safety measures that support the safety of our students and schools, said Sheriff Garrett.
While season 21 of the flagship NCIS series may not premiere until 2024, a new Sydney spinoff is on the way.

While the American NCIS franchises are paused due to industry strikes, the shows Aussie extension is stealing the limelight. NCIS: Sydney, the franchises maiden international endeavor, is currently in active production, bringing fresh energy to the well-loved series.

From seasoned actors to rising stars, the ensemble cast is buzzing with excitement as they film new episodes in Australia.

Amid delays in Hollywood, filming is underway for NCIS: Sydney

NCIS and its Hawaiian spinoff are on a break due to current WGA and SAG-AFTRA labor disputes. The Hollywood strikes have grounded many projects, but the situation is decidedly more upbeat Down Under.

In contrast to their currently idle American counterparts, the NCIS franchises Australian division is buzzing with activity.

The Australian arm of NCIS is, in fact, in full swing. According to Hello Magazine, NCIS: Sydney, which marks the franchises first foray into international territory, is not just in pre-production but is actively being filmed.

The new cast members have been a public presence on Australian sets since their official introduction this past June. And they are thoroughly enjoying their time capturing scenes for the anticipated series.

Though the network has yet to reveal an official premiere date, the excitement is already palpable among fans, particularly given the ensembles impressive body of past work.

A look at the cast of the hit crime procedurals latest spinoff

The ensemble for NCIS: Sydney blends seasoned pros with fresh faces. Olivia Swann, an English actor, plays the part of NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey role.

Swann first graced the small-screen in a 2018 episode of the UK series Doctors before landing a noteworthy part as Astra Logue in DCs Legends of Tomorrow.

Todd Lasance, an Aussie actor known for roles in The Flash, The Vampire Diaries, and Spartacus: War of the Damned, will portray Sergeant Jim JD Dempsey. His previous stint on the third season of Australias Rescue: Special Ops offers relevant experience for this role.

Filling out the ensemble are Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper, Mavournee Hazel as AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird Blue Gleeson, and William McInnes in the role of AFP Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose.

NCIS: Sydney stars are all smiles as they film season 1

As NCIS: Sydney production rolls along, Lasance and Narkle appeared upbeat while shooting a sequence in a North Bondi parking area.

Donning a navy NCIS jacket, dress shirt, and jeans, Lasance conveyed a concentrated demeanor during his performance. Conversely, Narkle was deeply involved in a tense scene, acting alongside British performer Sagar.

According to photos published by Daily Mail, both actors sported matching NCIS jackets and crime-scene gloves, clearly relishing their time before the camera.

They shared the set with Swann of DCs Legends of Tomorrow fame, who seemed delighted to spend the active day with her co-stars. All in all, the performers seemed engrossed, genuinely enjoying bringing their characters to vibrant life.

NCIS: Sydney is slated for a late 2023 release following an agreement between Paramount Plus Australia and Network Ten. It remains unclear when its parent show, NCIS, will return to CBS.


By Lee Kyung-hwa



The theme for this year's Venice Architecture Biennale (May 20 to Nov. 26) is "The Laboratory of the Future." Curator Lesley Lokko has tackled global issues such as decarbonization and migration, technological advances and imbalances. Architectural exhibitions and future city projects are now taking place in various cities around the world. These are being presented as blueprints to address disasters and environmental crises for the future of humanity in the present age.



One of the future city projects currently attracting the most attention is Saudi Arabia's NEOM Project. It is a postmodern ecotopian smart city plan that breaks away from the oil-centered economic structure. The plan applies alternative energy, desalination and digital science. It applies artificial intelligence and robotics, autonomous driving and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. It also utilizes technologies such as innovative vertical farming and greenhouses, sustainable food self-sufficiency production, technology-enabled health and wellness initiatives and digital manufacturing.



NEOM, reminiscent of the future city in the film "Blade Runner," is divided into detailed projects: The Line, a low-carbon, eco-friendly linear city to be built in the desert as a residential district, Oxagon, to be built on the sea as an industrial district, and Trojena, a future resort city built on the highest mountain range as a tourist district.



This is the crux of why architectural exhibitions are important: They are committed to experimentation and diversified imagination beyond the limits of current physical spaces. When such interventions unfold freely, positive possibilities for our future are opened. The videos, images and installations of this year's Venice Architecture Biennale  one such iconic platform for architectural exhibitions  were comprised of more conceptual work than physical representation of the buildings of the future, connecting a spectrum of ideas surrounding architecture to the problems facing the world today. Ultimately, it's more about questions than conclusions, methods than results and concepts than buildings.



From this perspective, the Korean Pavilion, which presented the national pavilion exhibition at this year's biennale, proposed a virtual space called Sibichon, a future community. Curated by Kyong Park and Soik Jung, the theme of Sibichon is "2086: Together how?" Composed of site-specific projects in Korea preparing for a time of decline and depopulation and environmental crisis as central concepts, the exhibition includes the visitor-participation game "Together How." Participating artists Suh Yehre and Min WoonGi, Hwang Na-hyun + David Eugene Moon (N H D M), and Kim Wol-sik, and Yerin Kang + Lee Chi-hoon, Jaekyung Jung presented "'Ruin as future, future as ruin,' 'Destructive Creation,' 'mobility and migration."'



Philosopher Frederic James talks about the concept of junk space in relation to current crises and disasters in his book "Future City." Referencing the concept introduced by master of architecture Rem Koolhaas, James writes, "Junk-space is the sum total of our current achievement; we have built more than did all previous generations put together, but somehow we do not register on the same scales... If space-junk is the human debris that litters the universe, junk-space is the residue mankind leaves on the planet. The built product of modernization is not modern architecture but junk-space. "The compartmentalization of cities, the destruction of communities and urban centers, and have given birth to a new kind of space in the contemporary society we live in which can be called junk-space. The emergence of this type of space raises questions for human psychology and reality itself, implications for the unpredictable future we face.



Urban cities are fascinating objects of diversity, instability, heterogeneity, dynamism and complexity due to their density and chaos. They are objects of uncertainty that are so large and complex that they cannot be grasped in their entirety. We, who live in such places, find ourselves in an unpredictable era where conventional approaches to various phenomena no longer apply.



Unlike the traditional concept of a city that has been shaped by human history, there are such experiments as NEOM City, a mega future city attempting to reproduce nature through advanced artificial way. As well as virtual village cities such as Sibichon, which incorporates the causes and perception of destruction as a central concept, and the instant city Burning Man, which is built in the Nevada desert for a short period of time and then disappears.



It is important to have exhibitions that embrace these various elements and showcase experimental thinking in an uncertain contemporary context. In essence, such architectural exhibitions function as the brains of experiments that will drive the bodies of entire cities. This empowers us to take a multi-faceted view of the future so that we can design plans to deal with ongoing events and crises.



In Korea, exhibitions such as the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, and KIA Convention & Exhibition by the Korean Institute of Architects (KIA) are held every fall. In the future, it would be of tremendous value for these international architectural exhibitions to be structured more freely, openly and creatively, giving rise to the engaging, active dynamic of a chemical reaction in a laboratory. In the context of these venues, art, science and architecture could organically converge, eschewing rigidity in favor of inspiration and invention.



Traditional art exhibitions tend to focus on finished elements and objects. But architectural exhibitions are predominantly about the open-ended process, not the final result, as like living organisms, buildings and cities are never finished. The role of the exhibition then is to be a "subject of change," to influence the viewer, to organically interact with our lives, to melt into the city and to reflect the city as a whole. Ideally, international exhibitions such as the Venice Architecture Biennale will become equally and even more active throughout Korea.



The future directions of art, architecture and the city are profoundly  and promisingly  intertwined. By allowing ourselves to combine historical approaches with radical imagination, tradition with invention and an understanding of the past with unrestricted visions for the future, we will be free to discover what is possible.





Lee Kyung-hwa (khl@namjunepaikcfoundation.org), a graduate of Harvard University Graduate School of Design, is the international director of the Nam June Paik Cultural Foundation.




You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Former Tribal Councilor Wes Nofire hosted a GOP campaign rally on Nov. 4, 2022 for Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt in Tahlequah days before the gubernatorial election. Nofire received an appointment from Stitt on Sept. 5.
I think a case can be made that faith is one of the worlds great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate, Richard Dawkins said in 1996 to the American Humanist Association. Ten years later, in 2006, a ComRes poll found that 42 percent of UK adults agreed with this vitriolic statement. That is, two in five were not just nonbelievers; they thought all belief in God should be deliberately snuffed out.

This was near the height of the New Atheism movementan angry, bombastic form of anti-religion that arose in the early 2000s. New Atheist leaders garnered millions from best-selling books and gained an influential following. At the time, it seemed that this would become the permanent state of secularismthat a lack of belief in God was necessarily joined with a bitter, trollish contempt for religion.

But things began to change. By 2015, some had begun to announce the death of New Atheism, and in 2020, 15 years after the ComRes poll, a new survey showed that only 20 percent of adults in the UK agreed that religious faith could be compared to an evil and intractable plague on society.

Nick Spencersenior fellow at Theos, a Christian thinktank in the UK, and one of the coauthors of the new reportsaid the New Atheism era spawned an unprecedented scale of animosity against religion in the general public. But he concluded in a 2022 Theos report on science and religion that the angry hostility towards religion engineered by the New Atheist movement is over, with the UK public expressing a more balanced view of religion than during the height of New Atheist influence. Among the streams of contemporary nonbelief, more nuanced forms are on the rise.

As the New Atheist movement seemed to implode from withindue in part to its odd merger with the Far Right in the American culture warsmany secularists in the public square began to consider its leaders a real embarrassment who give atheism a bad name, says John Dickson, a Wheaton professor and public apologist who engages with atheists.

Basically, the world has moved on and has rather left the New Atheism behind, said Oxford theologian and apologist Alister McGrath, author of The Dawkins Delusion? But thats no cause for rejoicing, because we have new problems to worry about. That is, the decline of the New Atheists particular brand of hyperbolic antireligious fervor does not necessarily signify a rise in religious faith or belief in God.

There has been an increase in the proportion of non-believers in the UKalready one of the least religious countries in the world, according to Gallup Internationaland also in the US, where prominent New Atheists such as Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett lived and worked.

It doesnt mean that religion is in a better place; it just means religion is in a different place, McGrath said.

There are similarities and differences in how the nonreligious landscapes of the UK and the US have changed since the New Atheism era. Religion in both countries has declined over the past decade, and its recession looks poised to continue.

Although many activist atheists still publicly maintain staunch antireligious sentiments, a milder type of temperate atheist, who is more tolerant of religion overall, is on the rise. Another curious trend is the increase of amicable atheists, or secularists who become unlikely evangelists for the Christian worldviewincluding a number who eventually come to a full-fledged faith.

In England and Wales, the 2021 census showed that less than half the population identified as Christian, a sharp drop in the past decadeand over a third say they have no religion, making these nones the second-biggest religious group in the country. But Hannah Waite, a researcher at Theos, found that out of those who identify as nonreligious, only about half said they dont believe in God.

A recent Theos report determined that these nonreligious respondents fall into three different groups. About a third of the UK nones are strongly atheistic and hostile to religion (Campaigning Nones), and these overlap with the activist atheists who span both countries. Another third of UK nones are generally atheistic yet accepting of religion (Tolerant Nones), and the remaining third are agnostic but spiritually open (Spiritual Nones).

In the US, the proportions are quite different. The US is more religious than the UK. Pew Research found in a 2021 report that self-identified Christians made up 63 percent of the population, down from 75 percent a decade prior. Just under a third of US adults (29%) were nones.

According to the 2021 General Social Survey (GSS), almost 7 percent of US adults selected I dont believe in God from a list of phrases to describe their faith.

Working from GSS data, Ryan Burge, author of The Nones and political science professor at Eastern Illinois University, found that not all self-identified atheists would say they dont believe in God.

Perceptions of religion in the two countries are also not parallel. The share of UK adults who believed religions cause more conflict than peace declined from 74 percent to 63 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to a British Social Attitudes study, indicating a slight warming trend. In the same survey, most UK adults said they had a positive view of Christianity and a positive or neutral view of other religious groups.

In the US, the publics view of religion is more positive and more stable. A 2019 Pew report showed that a majority (55%) of Americans see religious organizations as a positive force in American society.

In both places, however, activist atheists view religion more negatively than other nones and the general public. In the UK, 24 percent of the population and 39 percent of all nones said they believed that Religion has no place in the modern world, compared to 89 percent of campaigning nones (78 percent of whom still agreed with Dawkins that religion is comparable to the smallpox virus).

In the US, a 2019 Public Religion Research Institute survey showed that 36 percent of the general public said they believed Religion causes more problems in society than it solvescompared to 88 percent of avowed atheists.

Theres different factions of atheists, different groups, Burge says. There are the evangelical boogeyman atheists who are old-school boomers associated with the Freedom From Religion Foundationthe ones who read Nietzsche in college and became like a hardcore hippie liberal, Burge describes.

Then theres the American Atheists group, populated by a younger, hipper, more socially active kind of atheist. This group is known for posting billboards around Christmas time encouraging people to come out as atheists, and suing for the right to not be blocked from commenting on politicians social media accounts. And while the elder atheists are a bunch of old, retired college professors who are happy to read their Dawkins and Hitchens books, the younger ones are in some ways more radical, Burge says. They dont like each other. Like the disunity among evangelicals, the divides between different atheist groups tend to run along generational lines.

Next-generation activist atheists are more present on social media and more likely to be politically engaged for far-left causes. They are also more outspoken in their attacks on evangelical Christians, Burge says. Theyre the ones really trying to push the agenda.

These activist atheists think that religion (especially evangelicalism) is evil and immoral, Burge said. That, for them, is like their reason to be.  They want less religion in society. They want their worldview to win out.

Some of the most popular and well platformed among these younger activist atheists are exvangelicals, people who once considered themselves evangelical Christians but have since repudiated the movement.

According to Paul Djupe and Burges analysis of the General Social Study, former evangelicals may comprise up to 5.5 percent of the US populationa rate that has remained steady since the 1970s. Most exvangelicals arent atheists. Burge says that only about 6 percent of exvangelicals dont believe in God.

But in recent years, this minority has had an amplified voice and outsized influence in the public square as a nexus point of interest for both evangelicals and atheists, Burge explains.

Some exvangelical influencers, like Abraham Piper, theologian John Pipers son, do not identify as atheists but also say they do not believe in God. Tony Campolos son, Bart Campolo, identifies as a secular humanist. (Both have been profiled by The New York Times about their deconversions.) Others, such as the social media personality @Eve_wasframed, have built their platforms around being exvangelical atheists.

Burge believes American society is currently at peak exvangelical and that this backlash movement is likely to wane in the next five to ten years. At some point you cant be defined by what youre not, Burge said. And also, as the number of Americans who were raised evangelical goes down, youre talking to a smaller and smaller audience every time.

Article continues below

Any rise in religious belief can prompt greater antagonism toward faith, Spencer explains. Thats because atheism is a shadow movement, as he puts itmeaning the bigger the shadow cast by religion and its faith figures, the darker and bigger the shadows are of those who oppose religion. Not only did this happen with the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Islamic extremism in the early 2000s, but the rise of religious nationalism has sustained the rhetoric of activist atheists, Burge says.

Christian nationalism is being amplified by atheists  as this evil thing were pushing back againstand that gives them traction, online clicks, retweets, and likes, all the things they need to amplify their message, Burge said. Christian nationalists [have] become the perfect enemy.

On the other hand, many past predictions of the death of God and religion have been followed by revivals of faith and belief in America. For instance, five years after the 1966 cover of Time magazine echoed Friedrich Nietzsches words with the question Is God Dead?, its 1971 cover story was The Jesus Revolutionand five years after that, Newsweek dubbed 1976 the year of the evangelical.

In any case, Burge says the growth of hardline atheism in the US has slowed and is not projected to expand much in the futurein part due to the homogeneity of the movement. Two-thirds of US self-identified atheists are men (68%), and three-quarters (78%) are white.

In contrast to activist atheists, a more temperate type of atheist thinker seems to have emerged over the past five years or so, explains Jim Stump. Stump is vice president of programs for Biologos, a Christian think tank in the US founded by Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health.

Instead of frontal attacks on religion as a cancer to society, he says, this new wave is more subtle. Whereas New Atheists say religion is dangerous and we need to go out and combat it, Stump said, some of these dispassionate atheists simply dismiss religion as irrelevant.

Theres kind of a second wave of books that are coming out by people who are atheists and have no love of religionbut their approach is different, Stump said. The 2011 bestseller Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, On The Origin of Time by Thomas Hertog, and many similar books offer naturalistic origin stories for humankind that account for the development of morality and religion.

While these temperate atheist authors may still be anti-religion, they are more likely to acknowledge reasons why so many people today hold to religious worldviews. Instead of relying solely on hardcore scientism, Stump says, this approach to atheism borrows from and blends with soft sciences like sociology, psychology, and natural history.

They recognize that there are differences of values and that these are things that were not ultimately going to resolve through scientific arguments, Stump said. Their works are popular, accessible, and engage in more charitable public discourse and modest claims about world religions.

The reason theres an appetite for a more calm, cool, and collected brand of atheismand the reason it is palatable to a wider audience than simply atheistsis because of the ever-deepening divides between ideological groups in our society.

The tribal identity we have has become stronger and stronger, Stump says. And that, I think, contributes to this newer way of looking at these religions as though they are distinct people groups.

This more circumspect atheist rhetoric has eclipsed the New Atheist dialogue in volume and popularity. Of course, the activist atheists are still out there, but their vitriol does not have as wide an audience as the New Atheists once did. This is partly because the internet can be so partitioned according to personal interest, Stump says.

The atheist content thats likely to gain an audience among the general public today comes from those whose approach to religion seems fair-minded and polite, instead of unreasonable and vicious. Its a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of different religions, rather than the New Atheists way of saying, Look at all those religious people, arent they stupid? Stump said.

Image: Illustration by Danielle Del Plato

One of the most famous and frequent accusations New Atheists have launched at Christian theism was that it is anti-science and therefore anti-intellectual.

Dickson says the New Atheists brought this debate back to the forefront and gave it a fresh energy. Even though he reckons the general public could not remember a single argument they made, their rhetoric left people with the general feeling that science versus God is a live issue.

In fact, much of the general public in the US and the UK today still perceives a tension between science and religion.

In the UK, Theoss 2022 report found that the British public are more likely to think that science and religion are incompatible (57%) than compatible (30%).

Similarly, in the US, a 2014 Pew poll found that 59 percent of Americans believed there often is conflict between science and religion, compared to 38 percent who said the two are mostly compatible.

However, Theos concluded that this sense of incompatibility between science and religion seems to be a conflict of image rather than substance, since the percentages were much lower when the respondents answered questions about specific religions, sciences, or scientific arguments rather than about science and religion in general.

Its the same in the US. A higher percentage of people (68%) said that science did not conflict with their own religious beliefs. This finding aligns with Theoss conclusion that although many religious people have no personal issue with science, they still perceive there to be conflict in general.

That is not to say that some atheists dont still look down on Christians because of their sense of a conflict. Stump noted that in certain scientific fields, there is what he called an academic elite who find it hard to believe that a serious scientist could be a committed Christian. It doesnt quite compute to them. They dont quite understand how you can accept all of science, but yet still hold on to this, he said.

Some groups of American evangelicals do find their faith to be in tension with scientific findings like evolution and climate change, as well as with policies they see as aligned with science, such as abortion or vaccines derived from fetal stem cell lines. In the UK, however, there has historically been less perceived tension on these issues, even among those with conservative Christian beliefssuch as an orthodox interpretation of Scripture, a pro-life stance, and a traditional sexual ethic.

Biologos is seeking to reconcile the truths that can be known by science with the truth of the Bible, theological principles, and church tradition. One of its primary goals is to encourage believers who have a high view of Scripture and an interest in science.

Science has been put on one side of the culture wars, and religion on the other, Stump said. The ultimate real-world impact that wed love to see is that kids growing up in the church or going through school dont feel that theyre forced to choose between the insights of todays scientists and genuine religious faith.

Christian thought leaders are pointing out that science and religion are neither the same nor completely separate fields of inquiry. Spencer borrows from Stephen Jay Goulds idea that, as in a Venn diagram, science and religion are distinct magisteria. But in contrast to Goulds theory that these magisteria never overlap, Spencer sees significant overlap in their authorityespecially around the question of the human. His book Magisteria describes science and faith as entangled, rather than competing.

In fact, there is a burgeoning science-engaged theology movementencouraging theologians to explore scientific topics through the lens of faith, and Christians in scientific fields to lend their expertise. The goal is to show that not only can science and religion correspond, but they can do so in many creative and generative ways.

This includes the initiatives of newer organizations such as Biologos and of older organizations like the John Templeton Foundationfounded in the 1970s and 80s by a social philanthropist who saw the need for scholarship and dialogue among scientists, philosophers, theologians, and the general public.

Theologian and coauthor of Science-Engaged Theology Joanna Leidenhag says one of the goals of such efforts is to go beyond the traditional apologetic arguments and historic battlegrounds between Christians and New Atheists. Its leaders want to do the work of employing science within constructive theology, she explained, but more carefully, more deliberately, and more conscientiously than has been done in the past.

The other primary battleground between Christians and New Atheistswhether religion is good or bad for societyis also as relevant as it ever was.

Article continues below

With the rise of Christian nationalism in the US, ongoing church and leadership abuse scandals, and greater awareness of Christianitys historic participation in systemic marginalization, people of faith are having to combat as much criticism from the unbelieving world as ever.

The New Atheists left a lasting impact on the public consciousness, says Dickson, making it respectable to be disrespectful toward religion and shifting the burden of proof onto people of faith to show how religion could be good for society, rather than on secularists to prove why religion is bad for society.

Dickson, the author of Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History, says that while believers should concede that theres such a thing as bad Christianity, Christians can also highlight the beauty and goodness in how God has worked through the church and Christianitys positive impact on human history.

In fact, some thinkers want to reclaim the term Christian humanism. They want to highlight the Christian values underpinning much of the humanitarian ideology that built Western civilizationconcepts such as reason, dignity, and morality.

Spencer explains that humanism is a Christian idea because it involves a commitment to a concept of the human that is utterly rooted in Christian thought and practice. He says the term humanist was absolutely in no way, shape, or form a non- or anti-religious label until it was increasingly appropriated by nonbelievers from the 1920s and 30s onwards and relinquished by Christian believers in the postwar period. After that, he explains, it became a badge for atheists and freethinkers, or skeptics and secularists.

I talk to a lot of humanists, and I will irritate them enormously by saying, Well, look, Im a humanist too, Im a Christian humanist. And they say, Well, you cant be, because humanism is atheism, McGrath said. And I say, Look  you are secular humanists, and you have hijacked the word humanist for your own aims.

As a historian, McGrath argues that figures like Isaac Newton and Erasmus of Rotterdam were actually Christian humanists. Our dispute really is what we mean by humanism, McGrath said. Back in the Renaissance, a humanist was someone who, in effect, saw religions or God as being key to enriching and enabling authentic human existence.

Some of the best apologists for Christian humanism today arent even Christian. Thats because, along with the decline of angry activist atheists and the rise of temperate atheists has come the advent of what we might call amicable atheists. Most of them do not believe in God, but, unlike the temperate atheists, they are publicly pro-religion and may even advocate for Christianitys benefits for society.

For instance, Jonathan Haidt, author of the best-selling book The Righteous Mind, is a moral psychologist who considers himself an atheist but believes religion is good for humankind. In an interview for The Atlantic in 2020, Haidt said he believes that religion is part of human nature, is generally a good part of human nature, and an essential part of who we are and how we became a civilized species.

He also shares a critical commonality with Christians: believing there is a God-shaped hole in everyones heart that must be filled. Calling himself the opposite of the New Atheists, Haidt said hes even gotten into some arguments with them for defending religion against some of their charges. Hes also spoken at various Christian organizations and universities, and was interviewed on The Russell Moore Show, a CT podcast.

Then there is Tom Holland, a historian and former liberal skeptic who wrote Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World. Growing up with an Anglican mother and an atheist father, Holland once considered himself an atheist but now describes himself as agnostic. He even attends church occasionally, once encountering something akin to a spiritual experience.

Holland realized the values of Christianity were the reason the Western world moved from celebrating brutal societieswhere might makes right and the strong dominate the weakto honoring civilized societies where a universal human dignity is the ideal. Holland now champions Christianity as a benefit to human society, becoming a kind of apologist for Christian humanism while not yet claiming any faith of his own.

I think that ultimately the power of Christianity is expressed most potently through its stories, Holland explained in an interview with author Glen Scrivener. Those stories dont have to be literally true  for the story itself, in my opinion, to be true.  Some stories have such a power that you can surrender to them.

And while amicable atheists like Haidt and Hollandalong with Jordan Peterson, Alain de Botton, Douglas Murray, and othersbecame more tolerant and spiritually open to Christianity, some of them have adopted Christianityin a purely cultural sense, not as followers of Jesus.

For example, Murray, a politically controversial UK figure, wrote The War on the West and describes himself as a cultural Christian and a Christian atheist. Or as Holland wrote in The New Statesman, In my morals and ethics, I have learned to accept that I am  thoroughly and proudly Christian.

But perhaps most surprising is the growing number of atheists who have come to embrace a full-fledged faith in Jesus.

This group of adult atheist converts to Christianityalong with many of their conversion storiesis catalogued in two books released this year: Atheists Finding God: Unlikely Stories of Conversions to Christianity in the Contemporary West and Coming to Faith Through Dawkins. The former explores what brought 50 skeptics to faith, while the latter highlights 12 intellectuals who said New Atheists were actually instrumental in their journey toward Christian faith.

Some notable atheists-turned-Christians in recent years are Stephen Bullivant (author of Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America); Josh Timonen (who was once Dawkinss right-hand man); New York Times columnist David Brooks; and writers Martin Shaw, Paul Kingsnorth, A. N. Wilson, Leah Libresco, and Molly Worthen.

Privately, I have had conversations with at least 15 men in the last year who are either now Christian or actively trying to be, wrote the former director of Theos, Elizabeth Oldfield. Its possible that Im seeing it now because of the backlash to the New Atheist movement.  Either way, I find it moving and hopeful.

Justin Brierley, a public apologist in the UK and author of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God, says that there is a growing meaning crisis in the West, a crisis Burge says America is on the leading edge of now.

Once you lose the Christian faith as the overarching narrative in the West, people just latch on to other quasi-religious things, Brierley says. In the absence of the Judeo-Christian story, culture was basically coming up with lots of little stories about identity and purpose and meaning.

Brierley was the host of the Unbelievable? audio show, where believers and atheists frequently discuss questions of faith. And in the past five years or so, he says hes begun to have much more nuanced conversations around faith and meaning with many secular thinkers on airdiscussing questions like the purpose of humanity and whether we can live in the absence of God.

In the wake of disappointment that the scientism touted by the New Atheist movement didnt answer peoples questions and get to the bottom of things, Brierley says many atheists today are on the quest for meaning and purpose and wondering where to go in the absence of Christianity and religion. Theyre asking themselves, What sort of story do we live by?

And in order to reach those who are seeking a greater purpose and sense of identity in community, he says, the church needs to avoid retelling the same lesser narratives proposed by either side of the culture wars. Instead, Brierley says, Christians need to get back to this big story that God is tellingin which we can all find a place.

This trend of activist, temperate, and amicable atheism spreading in the UK and the US highlights important insights for the future of Christian apologetics in a post-Christian age, where New Atheism is no longer a dominating factor in conversations about the existence of God. That is, for all the people who are leaving Christianity today, a great many are open to returning. But these seeking souls are looking for a faith deeply rooted in history and tradition that can answer the question of what it really means to be human.

It turns out that the Christian faith, when properly centered on Gods story and kingdom, still has the same ancient power to captivate even the most cynical hearts.

Stefani McDade is an associate editor at CT.

Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here.
School district offers books teaching kids to explore 'kinks' through porn, gay sex apps

A Wisconsin school district library reportedly offers books that feature guides about how to view pornography online and engage in gay intercourse, according to a recent report from Libs of TikTok.

Libs of TikTok, a conservative social media influencer named Chaya Raichik, highlighted the titles This Book Is Gay and Let's Talk About It offered to students by the Kenosha Unified School District in a Monday Substack report.

This Book is Gay, authored by Juno Dawson, contains a chapter called "The Ins and Outs of Gay Sex," while Let's Talk About It by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan features graphic depictions of genitalia and a guide for using porn to explore one's "fantasies."

Libs of TikTok began searching through the district's library, uncovering several titles it considered "pornographic" after receiving an email from a concerned parent.

In an email to the district, Libs of TikTok raised concerns about the availability of five book titles  Flamer, Me and Early and the Dying Girl, Gender Queer, Let's Talk About It and This Book Is Gay  at various schools throughout the district.

A spokesperson from the district stated that staff regularly uses "selection" and "deselection guidelines" to assess the collection of library books.

"At any point, they can deem titles no longer meet the needs of their school community and process books accordingly," the spokesperson stated. "Parents/guardians who have concerns are encouraged to contact their child's school office for assistance and support."

The Kenosha Unified School District did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

Libs of TikTok questioned the response, wondering how some titles passed an evaluation process. The Substack post included screenshots of Let's Talk About It and This Book Is Gay to highlight some of the content of the books mentioned in the email.

In addition to discussing gay sexual intercourse, This Book Is Gay depicts a diagram of a naked male, noting that if the reader is also a boy, then they have likely noticed "which parts FEEL NICE when you touch them." Another section of the book instructs students on how to take a photo of themselves and upload it to an application that will work out their location to tell them "who the nearest homosexuals are" so they can chat with them.

Screenshots of another book, Let's Talk About It, show how it informs readers that when porn is "consumed right," it can help people learn about their sexuality and help explore "kinks and fantasies."

Other photos of the book highlight text that assures readers that "there's nothing wrong with enjoying some porn," likening it to a "sugary treat." While one section of the book acknowledges that watching porn can be unethical or illegal depending on one's age, the text advises readers to do some research.

"Look up interviews with your fave porn performers, go to sites they recommend, and pay for your porn," the book states.

Controversy over the content students are exposed to in public schools and how much of a say parents should have over their child's education has arisen in multiple districts nationwide.

Last month, a federal judge rejected a request from parents for a preliminary injunction that would've allowed them to once again opt their kids out of lessons teaching LGBT ideology that conflicts with their religious values.

A group of interfaith parents had filed a lawsuit after the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland enacted a no-opt-out policy.

While the parents are not trying to ban books, they seek the right to determine the religious upbringing of their children. Some of the books the parents objected to offered to pre-K through fifth grades as part of an LGBT curriculum include Pride Puppy and Uncle Bob's Wedding.

Some parents have appeared at school board meetings to share their concerns about the material presented to their children.

During a 2021 Fairfax County Public School Board meeting, one mother objected to the availability of sexually explicit books in the district's high school libraries, including Lawn Boy and Gender Queer.

After reading aloud from both books, a school board member advised the mother to watch her mouth as children were present in the audience.

Last September, Libs of TikTok voiced concern about how This Book is Gay was made available to students at Newburyport Public School District in Newburyport, Massachusetts. A photograph posted with the tweet showed This Book is Gay on a bookshelf at an undisclosed location underneath a poster advertising "Banned Books Week."
Babylon Bee tackles 'destructive' gender ideology in guidebook, anticipates backlash

The Babylon Bees Kyle Mann and Joel Berry want to make one thing clear: When satirizing hot-button issues, from LGBT ideology to celebrity pastors, their goal isnt to demean individuals  its to mock harmful ideas they see as pushing society away from biblical truth.

We love people, Joel Berry, managing editor of the conservative parody website, told The Christian Post.

We're all made in God's image. Our intention is to mock ideas because we see image-bearers of God being destroyed by these bad ideas. We always want to emphasize that, when we're being especially savage or mocking in our tone, we're trying to tear down an idea, not a person, and with the hope that the ultimate result is the elevation of that person to find their true meaning and purpose in Christ.

And gender, particularly the confusion surrounding the topic and the chaotic aftermath that happens when individuals try to take control of definitions, is the latest controversial issue to get the Babylon Bee treatment.

The Babylon Bee Guide to Gender: The Comprehensive Handbook to Men, Women, and Millions of New Genders We Just Made Up!(Salem Books, Sept. 19), penned by Berry and Babylon Bee editor-in-chief Kyle Mann, explores the colorful rainbow of genders and shares everything you need to know about gender identity, transgenderism and biological sex.

The third installment in the duo's guidebook series, the illustrated book gives gender and the ideology surrounding it the full Babylon Bee treatment it deserves, Berry told CP.

This is something that we've been writing about and joking about for a few years now, he said. It's almost become our bread and butter. If you look at us like reporters from clown world, gender ideology is kind of our beat; its the main lie that's being propagated in our culture today. Writing this book felt like a natural extension of what we were already doing with the site.

In the guidebook, Berry and Mann dive deep into the satirical exploration of gender ideology. They begin with tackling traditional male and female roles before citing all 437 genders and offering a genderator to help readers pick out some new pronouns like an Elvish bi-annual oracle" or "Hylian hyper-dental hedgehog."

We tried to make them as insane as possible and Im sure some of them are actually real, Mann said.

There's also a "reflect and apply" section where readers are prompted to, for example, "draw how you feel about your gender at this moment" or, for men, "list how you plan to become less toxic in the coming year."

We got to be really, really just disgustingly sexist in a good-natured way, Mann said. I think some of those male and female jokes are some of the joys of life. As married people who experience those differences, it's fun to kind of joke about those. It anchors the book because you start with men and women, and then you get into gender ideology, where all of that is completely upturned, and it just becomes crazier and crazier.

The duos approach to controversial topics hasnt come without backlash. Last year, the Babylon Bee was suspended from Twitter after it awarded Rachel Levine, a trans-identified Biden official, the "Man of the Year" title.

Theyre anticipating similar pushback once their latest book is released.

Twitter decided that was criminal misgendering and suspended us, and that was where it all came to a head, Berry said. But the opposition had been going long before that in the form of fact checks and things like that, trying to de-platform us or suppress us in social media algorithms.

With this publication, it remains to be seen, he continued. Well see what happens when it releases. We're almost hoping to get de-platformed from Amazon with this book because it will be great publicity for us.

Im sure itll cause some problems, Mann added.

Addressing the anticipated backlash from critics who believe their work makes light of genuine gender identity struggles, Berry and Mann stressed that satire's purpose is to confront and challenge, potentially making readers uncomfortable.

If your gender identity issues are so integral to your identity and who you are and what your life purpose is, you're going to get offended by this book, Mann said. I think that's the role and purpose and satire. It should make us a little bit uncomfortable. If you read this book, it's clearly an exaggeration of the extremes and the fringe and not the kid who's actually struggling with some questions.

And while traditional discussions on gender can often fade into background noise, satire can be more potent, Mann added. Humor, he said, makes people pause, think and reconsider their preconceived notions.

If somebody that I disagree with politically posts something, I'm probably just going to disregard it and be like, Theyre a flaming lib, Im not going to listen to them, he said.

But if they post something in a funny way, you can kind of laugh and then think about it and go, Maybe they have a point, maybe there's an element of their perspective that I haven't considered. Our humor narrative, all of those tools, have a way of punching through all our defenses that we've built up towards the topic.

Mann and Berry stressed that as Christians, they feel called to engage in the public sphere and combat detrimental ideas, no matter how unpopular.

We've seen the pitfalls of Christians that remain apolitical over the past 10, 20, 30 years, Mann reflected. The way I leaned five or 10 years ago was, Politics is politics, and we Christians kind of stay in our own [lane]. I'm reading Lord of the Rings right now, and one lesson is the hobbits in the Shire wanted to stay in the Shire. But, Gandalf tells Frodo, Soon you're not going to have a shire to come back to. Theres wisdom in that  Christians do need to pick up their swords and defend what we hold what we hold dear.

A lot of our duty as Christians is to preserve the things that are true and good and beautiful, he added. I do think we need to be engaged out there. The left is doing it; why are we at a point now where they're OK with transing kids and not alerting their parents when they're in public schools? Because Christians didn't stand up early enough.

Barry contended that the current political climate showcases issues, like proposals related to abortion and gender identity in Ohio, which seem likely to pass if Christians do not intervene.

If the Church in Ohio were to mobilize, [these bills] would get struck down by huge numbers, he said. The problem is the Church is afraid to bring up these issues in the pulpit, whether they're afraid of losing their audience, or theres this long-held cultural bias that we, as Christians, shouldn't be in politics.

The duo emphasized that while they use humor and exaggeration in their book, the content isn't vastly different from current gender discussions. They expressed concern over gender ideology's core belief of self-centricity, arguing that teens already grapple with identity and belonging, and introducing a narrative that they were "made wrong" only complicates their self-identity.

Its such a destructive ideology because, at its core, gender ideology makes everything about you, Mann said. I think that's the deadliest thing about it is that its not conducive to you going out and finding a true meaning and a purpose for your life. It's this thing that just makes you death spiral around yourself. And that's why we're seeing so much depression, and suicide and all these other horrible things that are going on with teens these days.

The Babylon Bee Guide to Gender follows the success of best-selling The Babylon Bee Guide to Wokeness, which was released in 2021 and The Babylon Bee Guide to Democracy, which was released in 2022.

Looking ahead, Mann and Berry said they plan to release at least one more guidebook.

Mann teased: Talking about the news trends that we're going to be covering  where's our nation headed? Probably the end of the world. So that's maybe what we might be covering.

The Babylon Bee Guide to Gender releases Sept. 19.
5 reactions to Rev. Raphael Warnocks historic election as Georgias first black senator

Longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Raphael Warnock was elected as Georgias first black senator, defeating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a closely contested runoff.

The race was called for the man who currently leads the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. both served as pastors, at around 2 a.m. Wednesday by the Associated Press after he built a statewide lead of more than 40,000 votes.

Warnock, who told The Christian Post last summer that he believes the U.S. Senate could benefit from having a pastor in its midst, thanked voters for placing their faith in him in a victory speech.

I stand before you as a man who knows that the improbable journey that led me to this place in this historic moment in America could only happen here. We were told we couldnt win this election, but tonight we proved that with hope, hard work and the people by our side, anything is possible, said Warnock, who also served as pastor of the late Democratic Congressman John Lewis.

I am so honored by the faith that you have shown in me, and I promise you this: I am going to the Senate to work for Georgia, all of Georgia, no matter who you cast your vote for in this election.

The Morehouse College graduate also touted his roots as the son of a pastor and a mother who used to pick somebody elses cotton in Waycross, Georgia.

Because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody elses cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States Senator, said Warnock, who will be the 11th black person to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Warnocks election has since sparked a flurry of excitement and criticism around the country. Here are five reactions to his win.
Beloved Chicago pastor found fatally battered as man she helped is charged with murder

Family and friends of beloved Chicago pastor and food pantry volunteer Marisol Berrios are struggling to cope after she was found battered to death inside her home Saturday, allegedly by a man she once helped. Berrios was 53.

"Is this what we get when you try so hard to help someone, you have to worry about your personal safety?" asked Berrios' friend Leatisha Bailey in a tearful interview with Fox 32.

Chicago police allege that Marvin Wells, 59, beat Berrios to death after he forced his way into her home in the 4200 block of West Adams Street just before 8 a.m. Saturday. He then stole a car she had in her possession and her purse.

Wells has since been charged with one felony count of first-degree murder, one felony count of home invasion, one felony count of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, one felony count of possessing a stolen vehicle, and one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, Fox 32 reports.

Police told ABC 7 that Wells was arrested after he crashed the stolen vehicle and was found with Berrios' purse. Berrios' sister, Patricia Berrios, told the news outlet that her youngest sister found the slain sibling's body. She said that what Wells is alleged to have done to the beloved pastor "has no name."

"[She] actually fed him, as well. Like, just gave him food. But, for him to do what he did has no name," Patricia Berrios said.

Bailey said she was heartbroken when she learned who is alleged to have murdered her friend.

"When I saw his face, my heart was broken because this is someone she fed and even given money to," Baily told Fox 32. "Marisol would say, 'Honey, I know they are addicts, they just need a chance, and they just need something to do.'"

Though she wasn't rich, Pastor Berrios spent a lot of her time volunteering to help the less fortunate around the world, her friends and family say.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Berrios was listed as the executive director of the Mexico-based ministry Naciones Unidas Para Jesucristo.

In a GoFundMe campaign seeking to raise $10,000 to help with her burial expenses, organizer Edwin Nieves Jr. said she touched many people with her faith.

"Marisol was not just a beloved family member but also a dedicated pastor who spent her life spreading love, hope and compassion. She touched countless lives through her faith, inspiring sermons, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Her strong, soulful spirit resonated with everyone she met," Nieves wrote.

"Now, in this difficult time of grieving, we want to honor her memory by giving her the farewell she deserves. Unfortunately, the sudden and unexpected circumstances of her passing have left us unprepared for the expenses associated with her funeral and memorial service."

Nieves encouraged Berrios' supporters to give whatever they could because "no donation is too small."

"We are humbly asking for your support to give Marisol Berrios a dignified funeral that reflects the love and care she shared with the world. Your generous contribution will go towards funeral expenses, memorial arrangements, and helping her family cope during this challenging period," he added. "No donation is too small, and every dollar brings us closer to our goal of celebrating Marisol's life and legacy."
Church of Haitian pastor who led members into deadly clash with gang is shut down: gov't official

Haitian authorities have reportedly temporarily suspended the operating license of the Church of the Pool of Bethesda in Caradeux after the congregations pastor, Marcorel Zidor, recently led hundreds of his members into a deadly confrontation with a violent gang then blamed the deaths of at least seven of them on their lack of faith.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship Jean Victor Geneus announced the suspension of the churchs operating license, according to Haiti Libre, but it doesnt appear to have kept the church from operating.

The church's YouTube channel shows that since Zidor, who is popularly known as Pastor Marco, convinced his followers to engage in the deadly confrontation with the gang controlling a suburb of Port-au-Prince called Canaan, has streamed church events online four times since Aug. 25. A church announcement noted that one event is planned for Sept. 9.

Many of his followers also appear devoted to him as they left many encouraging messages online showing their support of his ministry.

In an earlier press statement, Haitis Police Chief Frantz Elbe said Zidor, who is popularly known as Pastor Marco, led several hundred of his followers, some of whom were armed with sticks and machetes, to overthrow the gang in Canaan.

Elbe said police tried to stop the protest by setting up security perimeters and warning church officials that confronting the gang members was not a good idea, but they ignored the warnings. In an earlier report, The Christian Post noted that Zidor had convinced his parishioners that they could not be harmed by the bullets from the gangsters, and they believed him.

They were determined because the pastor told them, They will not get shot, Elbe said during a subsequent press conference.

There was a belief in this crowd; there was a determination, he added. The police did everything they could to prevent the crowd from arriving at its destination.

A video posted on X, formerly known as the platform Twitter, shows gang members opening fire on the church members with what appears to be the lifeless bodies of a man and woman from the protests at the end of a trail of blood in the unpaved streets of the squatter community. Other videos posted on YouTube show several members who were also kidnapped. Zidor allegedly abandoned his flock on a motorcycle, Haiti Libre reported.

In an interview with Mega Radio, cited by Reuters, Zidor said the members of his flock who died after they were shot had died because they "went to hide" in houses.

"Those who died are those who went to hide in the houses," he said. "Ninety-five percent of my parishioners were being shot at, none of them got hit.
David Platt's adopted son arrives home after yearslong delay caused by COVID pandemic

David Platt is rejoicing and giving all glory to God after his adopted son arrived home following a yearslong delay due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

In a social media post Tuesday, Platt, pastor of McLean Bible Church in the Northern Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C., revealed that his son, Jeremiah Daniel (J.D.), finally arrived from China.

"Three and a half years ago, we got a call saying that our international adoption would be postponed for a couple of weeks due to a strange virus that was spreading. By God's grace and through the work of so many people, including the many caregivers we honor who have provided for him in his home country, that adoption has finally come to completion, and Jeremiah Daniel Platt is home in our family!" Platt wrote.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you to so many of you who have heard about J.D. over these years and prayed for a precious little boy on the other side of the world that you have never met. He is a uniquely amazing kid. Please pray for him as he experiences the range of thoughts, emotions, joys, and challenges that adoption entails. And pray that ultimately he sees and knows God's love for him through his family and all who are around him."

"All glory be to the One is always working in our waiting and whose wisdom, power, and love are worthy of all our trust."

The Platts have six children, four of whom are adopted.

In January 2020, Platt told The Christian Post, "My family and I are about to adopt our fifth child next week. Two of our kids are adopted, and this will be our third child that we have adopted."

In August 2020, he revealed that travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic delayed adoption.

"Today was my son's 4th birthday. But I haven't met him yet. We were 5 days away from going overseas to adopt him when travel to his country shut down in early February," Platt wrote at the time. "For the last 6 months, I've been pleading every single day for a way to go to him. As a dad, I would do anything possible to make that happen."

"I woke up this morning to new pictures of him in his orphanage, and then I read the first verse that just so happened to be in my Bible reading plan. 'Jesus told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart'  Luke 18:1," Platt added. "Could I ask you to pause for a moment, pray for J.D., and ask God to make a way for him to come into our family?"

According to a recent report from the National Council for Adoption, 115,353 children were adopted in the U.S. in 2019. This includes international adoptions, but those numbers have been far lower. The council estimates that overall adoptions "declined dramatically" in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Platt touched on the delays in bringing J.D. into his family in his 2023 book Don't Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus.

Platt, who previously served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, told CP that participating in global missions is not reserved for a select few but is the calling of all Christians.

"Our purpose on the planet is not to promote the greatness of our nation, it's to spread the Gospel to all nations," he said. "We have more opportunities than ever before in history to spread the Gospel to the ends of the Earth today than any other people have ever had."

"How can we experience the multi-ethnic beauty of the Church? How can we make sure we're seeking God not as a means to an end but as the end?" he asked. "How can we be intentional about showing counter-cultural compassion in the world and doing justice in a world of injustice?"




Lotte Mart, one of Korea's major supermarket chains, will create special shopping zones for non-Korean tourists at its branches frequently visited by inbound travelers, its operator said Wednesday.







Last month, Lotte Mart first created a 20-meter-long special shopping zone, named "Must-Haves of Korea: K-Food," at its Seoul Station branch, where about 30 percent of visitors were non-Koreans in the first eight months of this year, according to Lotte Shopping.







Lotte Mart plans to expand the shopping zone to its eight other branches near tourist spots, including those at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul and Lotte World Tower in southern Seoul, as well as on the southern resort island of Jeju, by the end of this year.







"We have prepared customized services for non-Korean customers, starting with the Seoul Station branch as the number of international travelers has increased since the endemic and the number of tourists visiting Lotte Mart is expected to further grow with the resumption of China's group tours," a company official said.







Lotte Mart's Seoul Station branch is also providing a luggage storage service to tourists and has installed currency exchange machines.







It additionally resumed its international shipping service in May, which runs three days a week, on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. (Yonhap)


DC police not investigating local abortion clinic in 5 aborted babies case

Authorities are not investigating an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C., as part of a case involving the discovery of five aborted babies at a residence in the nations capital.

Last year, five aborted babies were discovered at the home of a pro-life activist in the District of Columbia, with pro-life groups claiming that they were unlawfully aborted at the Washington Surgi-Clinic, which is overseen by abortionist Cesare Santangelo.

In brief comments emailed to The Christian Post on Tuesday, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department stated that they were not investigating Santangelo or his abortion clinic.

We never had an open case on Santangelo, explained an MPD spokesperson, adding that the investigation into the remains of the five aborted babies is still open.

In March of last year, the pro-life activist group Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising announced that they had discovered the remains of five aborted babies that they argued had been the victims of late-term partial-birth abortion, an illegal abortion procedure.

In a statement released in May of 2022, PAAU accused Santangelo of having either killed the babies via partial-birth abortion or possibly killed them after they were born.

Outrage over the discovery led dozens of Republican members of Congress to sign a letter to United States Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling for an investigation into the cause of death of the five babies.

Official statements made by the Metropolitan Police of DC have made the assumption that each preborn baby died as the result of a legal abortion, read the letter from April 2022.

However, we question whether such a conclusion can be reasonably reached regarding the cause of death for each preborn baby until an official autopsy is performed.

The letter called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the matter, adding that justice is indiscriminately due to the born and preborn, without regard to numbers, wealth, or rank.

There is no compensatory reparation that may be provided to those injured by the abhorrent act of partial-birth abortion. As such, justice demands that at the very least, an investigation be conducted to ensure that anyone conducting these illegal, abhorrent acts against the most innocent among us may be prosecuted, the letter stated.

Last week, members of PAAU, including the groups director of activism and mutual aid, Lauren Handy, were found guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act for blockading the entrances to an abortion clinic in 2020.
Ex-porn star shares how the seducing 'spirit of Jezebel' once consumed her life

Ex-porn star Brittni De La Mora recently shared how after years in the porn industry, she came to the realization in the middle of a flight that her life was consumed by the "spirit of Jezebel," and she needed to repent for leading others into sexual sin.

In an episode of their "Let's Talk Purity" podcast last month, De La Mora and her pastor husband, Richard, of Love Always Ministries, warned about the dangers of the "Jezebel" spirit and what Christians should know so they don't let such a spirit consume their lives.

Jezebel was an Old Testament queen and wife of evil King Ahab, known for sins like murder and sexual promiscuity. She was also known for leading Israel astray with its worship of idols.

The "spirit of Jezebel" is defined by the apologetics website Got Questions as something that "characterizes anyone who acts in the same manner as Jezebel did, engaging in immorality, idolatry, false teaching, and unrepentant sin."

Brittni De La Mora said she battled "heavily with the Jezebel spirit." She advised listeners that protect themselves from the spirit to "be secure in who you are."

"If you're not secure in who you are, you will allow the words [of people looking to manipulate] to sway you," she warned.

"If you're not secure, you'll allow those words to start making you feel like: 'Aw, man, maybe they're right. Maybe I did do something wrong. You know what, they always do help me. Maybe I should help,'" she continued.

"And you'll start feeling terrible about your life because the spirit of Jezebel has a way of making you feel bad about your boundaries."

She warned that the Jezebel spirit tries to seduce people sexually and cited her years in the pornography industry as an example.

"I battled heavily with the Jezebel spirit. It was a spirit that operated through me on a regular basis. I think the door first opened because I was hurt. I felt rejected in life. I didn't feel validated," she recounted.

She recalls one of her first encounters with the spirit of Jezebel came after dating a boy in high school who cheated on her with three different people and took her virginity. Not long after, at 16, she found herself dancing at a strip club in Mexico to seek attention and validation from men.

"I went from a man cheating on me to now a man paying me just to be in my presence," she recounted. "That made me feel so validated, so secure, so strong. It was like this alter ego just came out of me. No, it was the Jezebel spirit.

The former porn actress said that during a plane trip to what became her last porn scene, she read Revelation 2:20-23. The passage describes how Jezebel "misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols" and that she will be cast "on a bed of suffering."

"When I read that verse, I started crying on the airplane, and I repented. I said: 'God, I am this woman named Jezebel.' I had to own up to it," she recalled. "I said, 'I am so sorry for what I've been doing. I've been leading your people into sexual sin, and I want help. I want to serve you. I want to be with you now, God.'"

Richard De La Mora told listeners that the only way to truly cast out the spirit of Jezebel is through the Holy Spirit, citing 2 Timothy 1:7, which says that "for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

"I would ask God personally, 'God give me power. Give me courage. Give me strength to be able to confront this spirit,'" he said. "Because you are going to need the assistance of the Holy Spirit."

Jezebel's spirit comes in a "plethora of different ways," Richard De La Mora said.

He urged Christians not to "tolerate" the Jezebel spirit because it would try to manipulate and control their entire lives.

"Whenever you tolerate something, you're giving it permission. You're allowing it to be in your life. And the issue is that with the spirit of Jezebel, when you tolerate it, it doesn't want to come in, in a portion of your life. It wants to take all of your life. It wants to consume you," Richard De La Mora said.

"That's what happens when you face people who are operating in the spirit of Jezebel because they want to control you."

Brittni De La Mora said that when someone has the spirit of Jezebel, they won't care about other people's time and energy. Instead, she said they try to control others through manipulation.

"If you're trying to not tolerate the spirit of Jezebel and you're trying to not let this person control you, guess what, they're going to try even harder because they are not a respecter of boundaries. And so, when you do tolerate it, what you're giving them is power and control over your life," she said.

"They feel like if you don't tolerate them, and you set boundaries, and you're very clear with them, they're going to try to fight harder because now they feel rejected by you."

Brittni De La Mora said those afflicted by the spirit will sometimes claim they are just "guarding my heart" to justify why they are trying to control someone else.

"They're trying to feel validated and accepted by you," she said. "'If I have control over this person, they can't walk out on me. They can't leave me. They can't hurt me.'"

Richard De La Mora said that the spirit of Jezebel can be found in people who will use past favors they did for someone to justify their manipulation of that same person.

"When you're around a person who operates in the spirit of Jezebel, they do not respect your boundaries. When you say 'no' to them. That doesn't mean 'no.' And they will find a way to manipulate you and to go and twist your 'no' to make you do what they want to do," Richard De La Mora said.
Warnock calls Senate victory a glimpse of Gods vision of a more inclusive humanity

In his first sermon days after defeating Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in a closely contested runoff election in Georgia, Rev. Raphael Warnock called his election as the southern state's first black senator on Sunday a glimpse of Gods vision of a more inclusive humanity.

The longtime civil rights activist and pastor emerged victorious with fellow Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff over Republican Sens. Loeffler and David Perdue in Georgia's hotly contested Senate runoff elections last week.

Their victories came two months after President-elect Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state since 1992.

Whoever would have thought that in the state of Georgia we would see the people of Georgia rise up and send an African American man who grew up in public housing, the pastor of this Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King preached and a Jewish young man, the son of an immigrant to the United States Senate, he said in a recording of the sermon shared on his churchs website.

Doesnt matter if youre a Democrat or a Republican. If you look at that, it doesnt matter about your politics and your ideology. If you look with an honest eye at the history of this country and see this moment, you must know that this is a glimpse of Gods vision of a more inclusive humanity that embraces all of Gods children."

Warnock, 51, is the pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. both served as pastors.

And now that hes elected, the church leader says he wants Gods glory to shine through me.

Im just grateful to be a part of this. Im just grateful because I just want to serve. I just want to be a vessel," he explained. "I just want to be a prism of Gods glory so that Gods glory might shine through me and thats what you should want for your own life  that Gods glory might shine through your gifts, through your opportunities to share and to serve."

Before preaching his sermon based on Matthew 11: 7-15 and titled Gods Victory Over Violence, the congregation also shared how happy its members are with their pastors election to Congress.

We rejoice with the state of Georgia, the nation and the people around the world as we congratulate our senior pastor the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock on his historic election to the United States Senate," the church said in a statement.

"In this pioneering moment, we are proud that Pastor Warnock has been elected as Georgias first black U.S. senator and the 11th African American senator in our countrys history. And as a congregation, we pray that God will continue to guide and protect our pastor as he embarks on this historic journey."

In his sermon, Warnock highlighted from the Scripture John the Baptists work during a time of political and cultural transition. He compared it with present-day America.

With the coming of John the Baptist on the scene, there was this sense that something new and something special was emerging in the world. The sense that God was up to something, he said.

This was no ordinary time. It was a time of transition, inflection, a turning point, read this Gospel passage and know that this was no ordinary time and John is no ordinary man. He was a preacher to be sure but a different kind of preacher  truth-telling trouble maker was he, Warnock said.

The Senator-elect also highlighted the tension created by John the Baptists activism that led him to be jailed by Herod.

He is an inmate in Herods prison industrial complex. He is a brother in jail. He is a brother in jail there because he is violently resisted. But the reverberations of his ministry still resound with meaning and power throughout the whole land," the preacher stated. "John the Baptist, by the time we bump into him in this text, he is already in jail. He has been caged, but the truth of his gospel cannot be caged."

Warnock shared how the celebration of his victory in Georgia was interrupted by the attack on the Capitol.

Georgia had elected its first black senator and its first Jewish senator. And then as we were basking in the glory of all that represented, [it seemed] like we could only have a few hours to celebrate," he recalled. "Just as we were trying to put on our celebration shoes, the ugly side of our story, our great and grand American story began to emerge as we saw the crude and the angry, disrespectful and the violent break their way into the Peoples House."

Warnock added that some who stormed the Capitol were carrying confederate flags along with "signs and symbols of an old world order passing away."

I asked myself, 'Lord, why could we not have a few hours to bask in the glory of what God is doing?'" the pastor said.

Here it is, the old world order is surely passing away and those on the underside of history [are] arising to take their place as equal members in the human family. Thats what God intends for all of us. And if youre looking at it right, one peoples emergence ought not be a threat to your own somebodiness."

Warnock compared the response of law enforcement to protesters marching against racial injustice and police brutality over the summer and the Capitol rioters last week. He then called on all of us to recognize our common humanity.

The violence in this world is real yet violence does not have the last word. God is still up to something in this world and so dont give in to cynicism. Dont give in to fear. Dont give in to hatred. Dont give in to bigotry. Dont give in to xenophobia because violence will never have the last word," he assured. "Yes, John spoke up, and they beheaded John. But his voice crying out in the wilderness had already prepared the way of the Lord by the power of his moral voice. He had already paved a highway in the desert for our God."

Warnock went on to state that Jesus was crucified "in order to crush his movement."



But he got off the cross and got in our hearts," he continued. "Thats why nobody sings songs to Caesar. But all over the world right now in churches and cathedrals from the east to the west, from the north and the south in diverse languages and tribes, all are singing 'all hail the power of Jesus name, let angels prostrate fall"
Georgia Senate candidate Raphael Warnock denies wrongdoing after reports of 2002 arrest resurface

A U.S. Senate candidate from Georgia is denying allegations of wrongdoing after a report resurfaced this week revealing that he was arrested nearly two decades ago for obstructing an investigation into child abuse at his church camp for children.

The Rev. Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, is running in a special election to finish the remainder of Sen. Johnny Isaksons term after he resigned from the Senate in 2019 due to complications from Parkinsons disease. Kelly Loeffler was appointed to replace him, but she is now in a runoff election against Warnock which will be held on Jan. 5, 2021.

Warnock was arrested in 2002 for obstructing a police investigation, according to The Baltimore Sun. On Wednesday, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., tweeted out a Baltimore Sun article titled City ministers accused of obstructing abuse probe.

At the time, he served as senior pastor of Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and was accused in court documents of trying to prevent a state trooper from interviewing counselors at the churchs Camp Farthest Out in Eldersburg, where the child abuse was alleged to have taken place. Warnock and the Rev. Mark Andre Wainwright were arrested and charged before being released on their own recognizance.

Cotton included an excerpt of the piece in his Twitter thread, which alleged that Warnock and Wainwright interrupted a police interview of a counselor Wednesday in a room at the camp and, after investigators moved the interview to a nearby picnic area, interfered again and subsequently tried to prevent a camper from directing police to another potential witness, according to charging documents.

The excerpt also featured a quote from State Trooper Diane Barry who said: Ive never encountered resistance like that at all.

For his part, Warnock has maintained his innocence throughout the past two decades.

Reverend Wainwright and I acted well within the framework of the law, and I am confident that we will be exonerated, Warnock said at the time. Its just unfortunate that our children had to see their pastors carried away in handcuffs.

According to Warnock, My concern simply had to do with the presence of counsel. We cooperated fully with their investigation. We have nothing to hide.

Later that year, The Baltimore Sun published a follow-up piece on the matter titled, 2 ministers no longer facing charges of hindering probe.

What we decided was there was some miscommunication that had occurred with them, explained Deputy States Attorney Tracy Gilmore.

They were very helpful with the continued investigation. It would not have been a prudent use of resources to have prosecuted them, she added.

Eighteen years later, Warnock, who moved to Georgia to become the pastor of the church where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, is running in an extremely consequential Senate race that will determine the balance of power in Washington, D.C., come next year.

A Warnock spokesman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the concerns raised by Cotton and other Republicans are part of a false attack.

The truth is he was protecting the rights of young people to make sure they had a lawyer or parent when being questioned. Law enforcement officials later apologized and praised him for his help in this investigation, Warnock spokesman Terrance Clark said.

Unofficial results compiled by Politico show that Warnock received the highest share of votes in the all-party blanket primary that took place on Election Day. He will advance to a runoff with Loeffler, who Gov. Brian Kemp appointed to fill Isaksons seat until a special election could be held.

The winner of the runoff election will serve until 2022, when Isaksons term expires. At that point, a regularly scheduled election will take place, where the winner will serve a full six-year term. The runoff will come two months after a surprisingly close presidential race in Georgia, a state that has voted for Republican presidential candidates consistently since 1996.

The runoff for the special election will take place on the same day that Georgias other Senate seat is on the ballot. Incumbent Senator David Perdue, a Republican, fell just short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. As such, he will face Democrat Jon Ossoff head-to-head, with the winner serving a full six-year term.

Based on the results of the 2020 Senate elections, Republicans will have at least 50 seats in the upper chamber while Democrats will have at least 48. Should Republicans win one or both Georgia runoffs, they will maintain control of the Senate regardless of what happens in the contested presidential election.

If Democrats win both runoffs and Democrat Joe Biden wins the presidency as many media outlets have projected, his vice-presidential pick, Kamala Harris, would break the 50-50 tie votes in the Senate, giving the Democrats a majority.

Fully aware of the consequences of the two Senate runoffs, interest groups on both sides of the aisle have poured millions of dollars into the Georgia runoffs. If Warnock wins the election, he will become the first African American senator in the states history. If either or both Democrat Senate candidates win their respective races, they would become the first Democrats to represent Georgia in the Senate since moderate Democrat Zell Miller retired in 2004 and was replaced by Isakson.
Ebenezer Baptist Pastor Sen. Raphael Warnock may have violated disclosure laws, watchdog suggests

The leader of Atlantas historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia, might have violated federal disclosure laws or Senate ethics rules when he accepted $125,000 in deferred compensation from his church in 2022, according to conservative watchdog group the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust.

In a letter sent Tuesday to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics led by Chairman Christopher A. Coons, D-Del., and Vice Chairman James Lankford, R-Okla., the organizations executive director, Kendra Arnold, called on the committee to investigate the circumstances under which Warnock accepted the $125,000 deferred payment from the church, legally or ethically.

When the facts presented so clearly indicate a violation has occurred, it is incumbent on the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate, inform the public to maintain citizen confidence, and hold the Senator responsible for violations should they be found, Arnold stated in her letter.

Citing Warnocks 2022 financial disclosure report, Arnold noted that he received $154,895 from Ebenezer Baptist Church, including the $125,000 described as deferred compensation for services before January 20, 2021.

Curiously, this was the first time Sen. Warnock reported the $125,000 that was claimed to be earned before he was sworn in as a U.S. Senator, Arnold wrote. Similarly, Ebenezer Baptist Church reportedly also failed to report the liability of $125,000 in its prior financial statements for calendar years 2020 and 2021.

Arnold explained that financial disclosure laws would have required Warnock, who was elected as Georgias first black senator in January 2021, to disclose any deferred payments he was expected to receive prior to his election. She also pointed out that the Senates outside income earned income limit rule would have prevented him from accepting more than $29,895 in other income beyond his government salary in 2022.

According to Senator Warnocks own filings, he has apparently either violated the disclosure laws or the outside earned income limit. If the payment of $125,000 was accurately described as deferred compensation, which would require that the agreement was reached before he entered into the Senate, then he should have disclosed it on his candidate financial disclosure filings and his previous financial disclosures. He cannot accept payment of $125,000 in 2022 and retroactively describe it as deferred compensation, Arnold argued.

On the other hand, if the $125,000 payment was not earned before he was sworn in as a Senator, and thus was not accurately described as deferred compensation, then he has submitted false information on a financial disclosure report and exceeded the outside earned income limit for 2022, she added.

When contacted for comment Wednesday, Warnocks office did not immediately respond to questions about the deferred payment from The Christian Post.

Alexandra Dubois, a representative of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, told CP that she could not immediately confirm whether Warnock has provided a response to the letter.

She said if the committee provides a response, it will likely come at a later date.
200 school districts sue social media companies amid mental health crisis

A North Carolina education board recently joined around 200 school districts nationwide in filing a lawsuit against leading social media giants, accusing the companies of fueling a youth mental health crisis in the United States.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education is the latest to file a suit against Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) Google (owner of YouTube), ByteDance (owner of TikTok) and Snap Inc. (owner of Snapchat) due to concerns about students' mental health.

As WCNC reported Monday, the board filed the lawsuit late last month and is represented by attorney Philip Federico. Federico said the goal of the litigation is to convince the companies to change how they operate their businesses, arguing that there is a "healthy" way to run their platforms that is not "addictive."

The board filed the lawsuit as it struggles with providing mental health resources to students "amid rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation," according to a statement from the Charlotte school board members.

"The Board's decision to take legal action reflects our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our students and to ensure that social media corporations are held responsible for their contribution to the mental health challenges faced by CMS students," the board's chairperson, Elyse Dashew, said.

In a Tuesday statement to The Christian Post, a spokesperson for Meta acknowledged that teen mental health is a "complex issue," calling for a greater appreciation of the daily struggles youth face. The spokesperson also noted that reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that several factors, including the aftermath of COVID-19, have impacted young people's mental health.

"We want to work with schools and academic experts to better understand these issues, and how social media can provide teens with support when they need it, in a way that acknowledges the full picture," the Meta spokesperson told CP.

A spokesperson for Snap also told CP in a Tuesday statement that the company designed its platform, Snapchat, differently from other social media platforms because it was thinking about the well-being of the communities using it.

"Our app opens directly to a camera rather than a feed of content that encourages passive scrolling and is primarily used to help real friends communicate," the Snap spokesperson stated. "We aren't an app that encourages perfection or popularity, and we vet all content before it can reach a large audience, which helps protect against the promotion and discovery of potentially harmful material."

While the spokesperson noted that there is always room for improvement, the Snap representative said that the company is pleased with its role in "helping friends feel connected, informed, happy, and prepared as they face the many challenges of adolescence."

In a statement to CP, a Google spokesperson told the outlet that protecting kids across platforms is the "core" of the company's work.

"In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube and provide parents with robust controls," the spokesperson said. "The allegations in these complaints are simply not true."

ByteDance did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education's 200-page lawsuit cited reports that social media companies deliberately design their products to be addicting for students, according to WSOC-TV. The board also highlighted studies about social media algorithms and how they can potentially influence students' perceptions of their appearances.

"This is a problem that has been evolving over the past decade," Federico told Fox News. "Because if you speak with the mental health counselors in these schools, and you speak with psychiatrists and psychologists who treat adolescents and children, they will tell you that over the course of the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in mental health problems  self-image problems, anxiety problems, even suicide and suicide ideation."

"And you can see that line tracks very much with the increased use in social media by this same peer group," he concluded.

Court documents show that at least four law firms are representing the board, and several of those firms are representing other districts in a multi-district lawsuit filed in March.

"This lawsuit follows on a growing body of scientific research, including Defendants'

own internal (previously concealed) studies, that draws a direct line between Defendants' conscious, intentional design choices and the youth mental health crisis gripping our nation," the lawsuit filed in March reads.

"Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube have rewired how our kids think, feel, and behave. Disconnected 'Likes' have replaced the intimacy of adolescent friendships. Mindless scrolling has displaced the creativity of play and sport. While presented as 'social,' Defendants' products have in myriad ways promoted disconnection, disassociation, and a legion of resulting mental and physical harms."

As nearly 200 school districts have joined the lawsuit, The Wall Street Journal reported in June that the companies have filed a motion to dismiss the case under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields social media companies from liability for posts made by users.

In March 2022, Nature Communications journal published a Cambridge University study that noted a link between negative life satisfaction in adolescents and social media use. The study suggested that certain age groups are more sensitive to social media.

A survey last year of 1,055 Generation Z members ages 18 to 24 found that 42% of people in the adult cohort had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Seventy percent of survey participants also said that COVID-19 negatively impacted their mental health, although many made a connection between their poor mental health and social media.

The report found that Gen Z members spend an average of four hours daily on social media. Thirty-six percent of participants reported that they deleted their social media to protect their mental health, and more than 57% said that they had to take a social media break for their mental health.

The debate about social media and its potential harm to teens has existed for quite some time. In recent years, advocates have called on social media companies to improve safeguards to protect youth.

In 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported on an internal study launched by Meta that found one out of three teenage girls who used Instagram said the platform made them feel worse about their bodies. The leaked study also found that among teens who reported suicidal thoughts, "13% of British users and 6% of American users traced the desire to kill themselves to Instagram." The report spurred a bipartisan U.S. Senate investigation.
Preacher Tim Ross says he'll stop cussing on his public platforms after backlash: 'I love the Church too much'

Preacher Tim Ross has received substantial criticism in recent months for using profanity on his new podcast platform, and although he initially defended his decision to use strong language, he recently announced he will no longer cuss on his public platforms.

At the end of 2022, Ross stepped down from his role as senior pastor at Embassy City Church in Irving, Texas, which he started nearly a decade ago because he felt called to go into full-time podcast ministry. His podcast, The Basement with Tim Ross, has amassed over 278,000 subscribers but he's also received pushback for cussing on the podcast from the Church community and his pastor friends, one of whom asked him to look at the part of Ephesians 4:29 that says, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

Ross said many people had sent him Ephesians 4:29 to rebuke his cussing, but he responded by saying that the verse is not about cussing. Instead, it's Paul "talking about gossiping and lying and backbiting and sowing discord among brethren, which is worse than all the cussing." He added that his pastor-friend knows the context of the verse, and so when his friend pointed to the second sentence in Ephesians 4:29, he read it and received it for self-correction.

Initially, Ross defended his use of strong language because he said it fit with his strong emotions. However, following a recent discussion with his pastor-friend he had a change of heart and decided to no longer use foul language on his public platforms. He made this decision in part because he continues to be invited to preach at churches and doesn't want churchgoers to be put on the spot and asked to defend his cussing on his podcast if asked.

Using strong language on my public platforms is not worth [my pastor friends] having sideways energy brought their way, he said in an Instagram Live video posted in August. Ross said his church leader friends should not be forced to defend him.

On his podcast, the minister, who has been preaching for 27 years, said his intent is to be real, honest and vulnerable with his listeners. His conversations on slavery and domestic abuse have incited Ross to use profanity, including the f-word.

In my mind, it makes sense that when Im feeling strong emotions, I should use strong language to go with those emotions, Ross said of his decision. He said he is very intentional with his words and is not moved by others' opinions of his choice to occasionally use profanity.

Ross said he has never felt convicted by the Holy Spirit for using profanity in public and stressed that he would never speak that way in the pulpit or at church.

He said his listeners now tend to be non-believers or new Christians and can handle what comes out of my mouth.

The recent conversation with his pastor-friend nevertheless led him to reconsider how he chooses to speak publicly because the issue has caused distress among those who've been following him for the past 27 years as a minister of the Gospel. He described it as a frustration that I have not been unaware of.

Since his platform attracts both believers and non-believers, Ross said he is not willing to make his church friends uncomfortable. He clarified that his video was not repenting but rather, is him stumbling into how to do this right because he does not want to send mixed signals.

Ross ended his video by assuring everyone that, moving forward, he feels led to not use strong language on public social media platforms or in any podcasts or interviews.

The pastoral oversight of Mike Todds Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, defended Ross, saying that he is fairly new to podcasting. However, several others took to social media to rebuke Ross, including Christian hip-hop rapper Datin.
Dr. Death's Controversial Assisted Suicide Pod, Indeed's Support For Trans Employees, 7,000 Join UK's Pro-Life March

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:24 06:24

Top headlines for Wednesday, September 6, 2023

In today's episode, we we explore the controversial stance of 'Dr. Death,' an assisted suicide advocate creating a stir with his latest invention - a suicide-enabled pod raising ethical questions. Next, we take a look at the bold move by job search giant Indeed, offering a $10,000 benefit to help trans-identified U.S. employees relocate to states that support gender-affirming care. Finally, join us as we cover the UK March for Life, where an impressive 7,000 people took to the streets of London to support the rights of the unborn.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Follow Us on Social Media

Get the Edifi App

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Links to the News

Top headlines for Wednesday, September 6, 2023

In today's episode, we we explore the controversial stance of 'Dr. Death,' an assisted suicide advocate creating a stir with his latest invention - a suicide-enabled pod raising ethical questions. Next, we take a look at the bold move by job search giant Indeed, offering a $10,000 benefit to help trans-identified U.S. employees relocate to states that support gender-affirming care. Finally, join us as we cover the UK March for Life, where an impressive 7,000 people took to the streets of London to support the rights of the unborn.
The New York Times endorses black nationalism

A couple of weeks ago, The New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow published an article titled, "Dear Black Americans, Please Move To The South". The subtitle is "An argument for consolidating Black political power."

He writes:

I believe that if Black people simply returned to the South, they could significantly increase their own political power, which has the potential to not only upend the politics of that region, but also of the country as a whole.

Can you imagine The New York Times publishing an article saying white people should move away from black people in order to consolidate power? If Charles M. Blow was white and he wrote those words about white people, would Times publish it?

If he said: If white people would simply move away from black people, they could significantly increase their own political power, which has the potential to not only upend the politics of that region, but also of the country  would the article be approved by their editor?

Of course not. In fact, we know this because in February they published an article by the same author calling Dilbert creator Scott Adams racist for saying:

Theres no fixing this. This cant be fixed. You just have to escape. So thats what I did. I went to a neighborhood where I have a very low Black populationjust get the hell away [from Black people]."

Blows words are identical to Scott Adams. The New York Times denounces white flight, but theyre endorsing black flight.

Its actually worse than that. Its black nationalism. An argument for consolidating black political power is an argument for black nationalism. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes black nationalists as a hate group who believe the answer to white racism is to form separate institutions  or even a separate nation  for black people. Most forms of black nationalism are strongly anti-white 

So Times has published an article promoting an ideology that even the Southern Poverty Law Center considers extremist.

Nevertheless, the article says if black people move to the South to form black political power, it will be a reverse migration  the reverse of the Great Migration in the early-to-mid 20th Century when millions of black Americans moved from the South for jobs in Northern and Western states.

Reverse migration is actually a fitting term, since black nationalism in the South would achieve the reverse of the purpose of the Great Migration. Before the Great Migration, 90% of black Americans lived in the South. Poverty and racial segregation compelled millions to migrate to the North and the West for better jobs and racial integration.

As a result, black Americans in the North achieved significantly higher socioeconomic levels than black Southerners. The migration created some of the first black middle-class neighborhoods in America.

Therefore activists in the Civil Rights era often referenced the success of the Great Migration in their protests against Jim Crow segregation in the South. Racial segregation didnt help black people in the past, and it wont help black people today.

Furthermore, the article mentions that black Americans are already moving to the South. Interestingly, Blow fails to mention why this is happening. Considering the purpose of the article, it seems relevant to mention why millions of black people are moving to Southern states.

Black people  especially young black college graduates  are moving from New York, California, and Illinois to Georgia and Texas. Theyre not moving away from white people, theyre moving away from blue states. Like other Americans, theyre moving to Southern states like Georgia and Texas because of low costs and burgeoning economic opportunities. Theyre moving away from the Democrat policies that have destroyed majority-black cities for decades.

This begs the question, would black political power in Southern states look any different from black political power in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, or Southern cities like Memphis? These majority-black cities are some of the most dangerous and poorest cities in America. Has so-called black political power helped these cities?

What reason do we have to believe black political power in southern states would have better outcomes? Unless fatherless rates and voting patterns change significantly, theres no reason to believe that if Tennessee, for instance, became a majority-black state, it wouldnt be just a bigger version of Memphis.

But thats the least of the problems with this article. The New York Times article is promoting black nationalism. That is the inevitable outcome of racial identity politics: racial nationalism.

Originally published at Slow to Write.
A new framework for mission is needed

It is estimated that around 100,000 Americans went on short-term cross-cultural missions each year in the 1980s. Today, that figure is estimated to be as much as four million, demonstrating the significant and growing popularity among Christians over the last 40 years. These missions have captured the imagination of millions of Christians keen to evangelise overseas and have become both a buzzword and a billion-dollar industry.

There are some benefits to short-term cross-cultural missions. They can convict and encourage Christians of their calling to missionary work, they can help raise supporters and fuel a passion for God in a more hands-on way.

But the reality is, more often than not, they miss the point of mission work: they benefit the missionary, not the nations they are supposed to be reaching.

Successful missions that result in indigenous peoples understanding, accepting, and becoming long-term followers of Christ  the foundational purpose of mission  face enough obstacles as it is. War, difficult geography, persecution, and historical complexity are part and parcel of a lot of missionary work. Why burden it with cultural and lingual illiteracy, accusations of white saviourism, cross-cultural dependency, and financial inefficiency as well?

If we're going to spend several thousand pounds a head on spreading the gospel, why not spend it on something that will have a more lasting impact? Why not spend it on raising up indigenous Christian leaders? I have a Bosnian friend who, after completing his training at one of our local Langham Partnership preaching clubs  a UK charity which deepens Christians' faith by equipping, training and resourcing indigenous leaders worldwide  helped set up more than 10 preaching clubs to train local pastors. He knew the situation, the culture, the history, and the geography of the country, and was far better placed to impact Bosnia for Christ than any foreign missionary could ever hope to be.

A new framework for mission is needed. The countries that are most open to the gospel message are often suffering from the most poverty and pressure, and yet still have great leadership potential in their population  what we at Langham call the 3Ps. These can be closely interlinked. Despite the immense pressure the Russians have applied over the last 18 months in Ukraine, and the poverty they have created along the way, the inherent resilience of the Ukrainians was already creating a generation of strong leaders able to give their people the kind of leadership that they deserve.

Countries struggling under immense poverty and pressure will usually invite Langham in to equip, train and provide resources for their potential leaders. These current and future pastors aren't sent or even found by Langham. We trust that God will place them before us  and He does, at the right time and in the right place.

Once theologically trained, the impact these local leaders have on their nations is astonishing. In Lebanon, one of our scholars' churches swelled from 300 to 3,000 members during the Syrian war as he took in and cared for refugees.

After achieving her PhD, another of our scholars in Ethiopia trained pastors and leaders to speak out against female genital mutilation. She has helped convince several of the country's politicians to abandon their support for the practice, helping to put the nation on the pathway to change.

If we are serious about using missions to develop disciples around the world and impact communities in the long-term then we must prioritise approaches that benefit the reached more than the 'reachers'. Supporting charities and organisations that raise up and theologically train local leaders who disciple their congregations and communities over decades will enable us to achieve far more for the Kingdom of God than by visiting these leaders ourselves.

Simon Foulds is Supporter Development Manager for Langham Partnership. If you're interested in finding more about the work that Langham Partnership does, visit: https://uk.langham.org/bookmark/
Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, front left, introduces Hanwha Ocean's submarine technologies to Polish President Andrzej Duda at the company's exhibition pavilion for the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of Hanwha Ocean



Hanwha Ocean focuses more on sales of naval ships



By Park Jae-hyuk



Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Tuesday (local time), at the company's exhibition pavilion for the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in the Polish city of Kielce.



Kim informed Duda about technologies applied to Hanwha Ocean's 3,000-ton submarine, Jang Bogo-III Batch-II, according to the conglomerate, in an apparent attempt for the group's shipbuilding unit to defeat HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and other rivals in a bid to win orders from Poland to build a couple of 3,000-ton submarines, collectively worth around 10 billion zloty ($2.4 billion).



"Hanwha's total defense solutions for army, navy and air force will contribute to enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries and to their technological exchanges," Kim said, according to the company.



The vice chairman is also said to have talked with the Polish president about joint production with the European country's defense companies, collaborating with local shipyards and doing maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) there.



In addition to Hanwha Ocean, the group's other arms manufacturing units  Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems  displayed their defense systems at the exhibition, amid the absence of HD Hyundai.



HD Hyundai did not open an exhibition booth, despite its participation in the bid for the Polish submarine project.



HD Hyundai President Chung Ki-sun, who has maintained a friendly rivalry with the Hanwha Group vice chairman, will be in Singapore this week to introduce the company's technologies for eco-friendly vessels to the participants of Gastech 2023, the world's largest meeting place for natural gas, hydrogen, low-carbon solutions and climate technologies.



Industry officials expect HD Hyundai to focus more on the commercial vessel market, which is larger and considered more lucrative than the naval ship market, while Hanwha will likely focus on selling warships, based on its experience and connections in the defense industry.



Although Hanwha Ocean opened a booth for Gastech, it remains uncertain whether the Hanwha Group vice chairman will make a surprise visit to Singapore. Hanwha Ocean said it sent CEO Kwon Hyek-woong and President Kim Jong-seo in charge of the merchant ship business to Gastech.



Hanwha Group's senior executives are also expected to join the business delegation led by Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) Chairman Ryu Jin, which will participate in the Krynica Forum in Poland between Sept. 13 and 15 to discuss cooperation with the European country in nuclear power, the defense industry and infrastructure.



The Polish president, who is an honorary sponsor of the forum launched last year, will attend this year's event for two days, according to the FKI.


Bishop Michael Curry responds to complaints of 'free passes' for accused bishops

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, head of the Episcopal Church, announced recommendations for revising disciplinary procedures for bishops in a video posted Tuesday evening.

"For the sake of the gospel, for the sake of our integrity, and, above all, for the sake of the well-being of every child of God who is a part of this church, we cannot, we must not, and we will not sit idly by when anyone is hurt or harmed in our midst," said Curry.

He asked the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons, a representative body of 10 laity, five clergy and five bishops, to review how the church has disciplined bishops and recommend changes to that process to the General Convention, the denomination's governing body.

Curry, who was recently hospitalized for a recurrence of internal bleeding and is scheduled for a related surgery later this month, was responding in his address to an Aug. 31 letter signed by at least 55 Episcopal bishops who are "angered by and deeply concerned about the perception  or the reality  that bishops get a free pass on behavioral issues," as well as a separate open letter signed by over 240 individuals that called on Curry to deliver a "powerful word" in response to the church's moment of "reckoning."

Last Wednesday, Julia Ayala Harris, president of the House of Deputies and the second-ranking officer of the church, wrote a letter stating concerns about the church's response to her allegations that a retired bishop subjected her to "non-consensual physical contact" as well as "inappropriate verbal statements" on July 9, 2022, the day she was elected president.

Ayala Harris wrote that she filed a complaint that led to a Title IV process, the internal disciplinary procedure for Episcopal clergy accused of misconduct. Though investigations found that the retired bishop likely violated church canons and New York sexual harassment laws, Ayala Harris said, he was referred for a pastoral response rather than discipline.

"I find this outcome deeply unsettling and feel the referral to be an obvious abuse of discretion by the church attorney," Ayala Harris wrote in her letter. She noted that at the 2024 General Convention, scheduled for June 23-28 in Louisville, Kentucky, she will invite deputies  clergy and lay representatives  to sign a covenant that "will make clear that any form of harassment, intimidation, or other improper conduct will have no place in the House of Deputies."

When a handful of bishops in the Episcopal Church's Province VIII, or the Province of the Pacific, learned of Ayala Harris' letter, they decided to draft their own letter requesting the House of Bishops review the disciplinary process at the House of Bishops Meeting scheduled for later this month.

"As women, we have all experienced inappropriate behavior on the part of others, and as bishops, we're responsible for helping with church discipline. We're also responsible for, how do we do the work of justice? The work of reconciliation?" Gretchen Rehberg, bishop of the Diocese of Spokane, Washington, and one of the organizers behind the letter, told Religion News Service.

"We are aware of several recent high profile cases in which bishops were accused of improper behavior, and many in the church believe those bishops received few or no consequences," the letter says. "Bishops cannot be allowed to have a 'free pass.'"

The letter, which also acknowledges the church's recent hiring of an independent intake officer for misconduct complaints against bishops as a "good first step," was sent with 29 signatures to Curry, who in turn sent the letter to the House of Bishops on Friday. Rehberg said that while the letter was not designed as a petition, the organizers have received over two dozen additional requests from bishops asking to add their signatures since the letter was sent.

"What it shows is, there's a real groundswell of support," said Rehberg. "This is a really serious issue, and we really need to spend time talking about it."

 Religion News Service
Iraqi Christian leaders join UN conference on investigations into ISIS' targeted genocide of Christians

(CP) Iraqi Christian leaders convened with a United Nations team and international representatives in Iraq's Kurdistan Region to discuss ongoing investigations into ISIS' targeted genocide against Christians, which was described as "barbaric attacks, rooted in hate and inhumanity."

The United Nations Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL, or UNITAD, organized the conference, which also included political leaders from various countries.

UNITAD Special Adviser Christian Ritscher revealed the investigation's findings, saying ISIS had destroyed Christian cultural heritage in Mosul and the Ninawa plains (also known as Nineveh plains). Churches, monasteries, cemeteries, manuscripts and Christian symbols were targeted in what Ritscher described as "barbaric attacks, rooted in hate and inhumanity," the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern noted in a statement.

Safeen Dizayee, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's Department of Foreign Relations, emphasized Kurdistan's role as a refuge for Iraq's Christians. "Christians are the indigenous people of this land and must continue their lives with dignity and security," Dizayee said.

Dindar Zebari, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Coordinator for International Advocacy, said the majority of the remaining 200,000 Christians in Iraq have taken refuge in Kurdistan. Zebari recounted the history of Christian persecution in Iraq, noting that displacement due to terrorism peaked after ISIS' attacks in 2014.

UNITAD's conference gathered over 30 Christian community leaders and international representatives from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Hungary and the European Union.

Ritscher commended the resilience of the Christian community. "Your togetherness and your resilience are inspirational, not just to the Christian community in Iraq, but also to us at UNITAD," he said, according to UNITAD's press release.

Ritscher also mentioned that individual case files for ISIS members involved in crimes against Christians are being developed. These identities are corroborated by testimonial evidence and internal ISIS documents.

U.S. Consul General Mark Stroh and French Acting Consul General Rodolphe Richard reiterated their countries' support for UNITAD's investigations. Both emphasized the importance of investigating crimes against the Christian community and other minorities in Iraq.

During the conference, UNITAD investigators provided updates on their progress. They discussed modern tools and methodologies used in international crime investigations.

Christian leaders at the conference shared recommendations on evidence gathering and witness accounts. They stressed the importance of documenting ISIS' international crimes against the Christian community to hold perpetrators accountable in court.

At last year's G20 event centered on religions' role in helping solve global problems, the Most Rev. Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, warned that Christianity in Iraq was "on the very edge of extinction."

During his remarks at the G20 Religion Forum in Bali, Indonesia, in November, the archbishop stressed that "sectarian violence" was 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.

"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," he said. "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."

Warda added, "As I share with you this experience, I pray that you will find in our story a clear warning to you all." He 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."

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.

U.S. forces and their allies killed at least 686 Islamic State suspects in Iraq and Syria in 2022 "to degrade the terror group's ability to direct and inspire destabilizing attacks in the region and globally," according to the U.S. Central Command.

 The Christian Post
Muslims with machete, club halt worship in Indonesia

A machete-wielding Muslim threatened to kill members of a house church in Indonesia as he and family members on broke up a worship service, sources said.

In West Sumatra Province, the Sola Gratia congregation of Bethel Indonesia Church (Gereja Bethel Indonesia, or GBI) was meeting the evening of August 29 in a rented house in Jalan Banuaran, Banuaran Nan XX village, Lubuk Begalung Sub-District, in Padang, when a Muslim woman broke the home's windows with stones and told those inside to stop worshipping, the church pastor said.

Pastor Hiatani Ziduhu Hia told outlet radarsumbar.com that the woman claimed she was the owner of the house in the attack at about 8:35 p.m.

Later the woman's husband came to the house with a machete, accompanied by another man with a wooden club. Brandishing the machete, the Muslim shouted at the congregation that he was going to cut their throats into pieces and told them to stop worshipping, Pastor Hiatani reportedly said.

"We continued to pray," the pastor told radarsumbar.com., adding that the husband later returned and continued demanding that they cease worship.

"We stayed calm, trying to explain the situation to them," Pastor Hiatani said. "But they didn't pay attention to us."

The woman, later identified as a relative of the landlord, claimed that the church could not worship in "her home," the pastor said.

"We know that the owner of the house is not her, because we pay someone else," Pastor Hiatani said. "Those who receive our money also know that we occasionally use the place for worship. The head of the neighbourhood already knows about our activities. As for the perpetrators, we know that they are the relatives of the house owners, not the house owner."

The house tenant, Juni Anton Zai, told BBC News Indonesia that 20 congregation members were holding a worship service when they heard the screaming woman approach from the backyard and break the windows.

"We were shocked, and our worship was dismissed," Juni told BBC News. "My son was shocked. The mother screamed, and we cancelled our worship."

He and the rest of the congregation ran out of the house, Juni said. Later the woman, her husband and their two younger siblings returned, with the husband telling them that they could not worship there because it was "our parents' house," he said.

Juni offered to sit down and discuss the matter calmly, but they refused, he said.

"Instead of having a nice talk, they threatened us," Juni said. "His younger brother was also carrying a machete; he scared us. After that, his younger brother came. He came bringing a wooden club. He wanted to hit my little brother, who was sitting on the motorbike."

In a video of the attack uploaded onto social media on Aug. 30, the assailants claim that they were entitled to the house and had a right to know the tenants' activities, according to Kompass.com.

Pastor Hiatani said it was the first disruption of a church service at the venue, and that they reported it to Padang Police.

'Misunderstanding'

Juni's attorney, Yutiasa Fakho, head of the Community Legal Defence Team, said he told police on Friday (Sept. 1) that the assailants had committed criminal acts, including threats with sharp weapons, vandalism, use of sharp weapons and human rights violations.

He asked police to prosecute, but officers dismissed it as "just a misunderstanding" over "neighborhood ethics" and sent the husband home, claiming that he was "suffering from mental disorders," according to BBC.com.

The West Sumatra Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (Forum Komunikasi Umat Beragama, or FKUB) agreed with police and suggested a solution "with local wisdom."

By contrast, the executive director of human rights think-tank the Setara Institute, Halili Hasan, said authorities and the FKUB had "ignored" justice and that the Christians' right to freedom of worship had been violated, according to BBC News Indonesia.

"The most dangerous thing is, if law enforcement does not occur, it means there is neglect," Halili reportedly said. "This incident will happen again if there is no fair law enforcement."

Padang city is the third most intolerant city in Indonesia, according to a 2022 Setara Institute report.

The Communion of Christian Churches (Persatuan Gereja Indonesia, or PGI) condemned the attack.

Pastor Henrek Lekra, executive secretary of PGI's Justice and Peace unit, said the group strongly condemned "the anarchist actions in disbanding Christian family worship which has led to death threats," and that "actions like this are contrary to the mandate of the Constitution and insult the values and teachings of any religion that prioritizes love, justice, and peace."

The PGI called on police to immediately take firm action against the "perpetrator who made a vulgar threat of death to stop the worship, so that it does not set a bad precedent in the future and spread unrest in society." The group also called for deliberation and dialogue along with prosecution of criminal acts.

"The mediation was carried out by the security forces, and the element of the local government should not put pressure on the victim, which causes the victim to experience multiple layers of intimidation," Lekra said in a press statement.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 International Sufi Congress in Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that although harmony in diversity continues to be promoted, cases of intolerance are still found in Indonesia, according to Bloomberg Technoz.com.

"There are still several cases of intolerance," Widodo said in Pekalongan, Central Java on Aug. 29. "This is something we can pay attention to so that peace can be maintained in Indonesia and the world."

Indonesia ranked 33rd on the Christian support organization Open Doors' 2023 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Indonesian society has adopted a more conservative Islamic character, and churches involved in evangelistic outreach are at risk of being targeted by Islamic extremist groups, according to Open Doors' WWL report.

"If a church is seen to be preaching and spreading the gospel, they soon run into opposition from Islamic extremist groups, especially in rural areas," the report noted. "In some regions of Indonesia, non-traditional churches struggle to get permission for church buildings, with the authorities often ignoring their paperwork."

 2023 Morning Star News
Cho Joo-wan, right, CEO of LG Electronics, speaks with Markus Knabl, left, senior manager of marketing at Magna International, during the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, Tuesday (local time). Courtesy of LG Electronics



By Baek Byung-yeul



LG Electronics is strengthening cooperation with Canada-based automotive parts company Magana to expand its presence in the burgeoning automotive electronics business, the Korean company said Wednesday.



LG said its CEO Cho Joo-wan visited Magna's booth during the IAA Mobility show, which is currently being held in Munich, Germany, and had a meeting with Diba Ilunga, president of Magna Powertrain, and other executives.



The company has been operating LG Magna e-Powertrain, a joint venture with Magna. They announced at the IAA Mobility show on Sept. 4 that they would establish an electric vehicle (EV) parts production plant in northeastern Hungary and accelerate global business expansion.



Upon completion of the new plant, its first in Europe, LG Magna e-Powertrain will operate a total of four plants in Incheon, Nanjing in China and Ramos Arizpe in Mexico. The joint venture also plans to expand its supply of EV powertrains, including drive motors, inverters and converters, the key parts of EVs.



In addition, LG Electronics and Magna have been promoting strategic technological cooperation to meet the growing demand for advanced cars since the beginning of this year. Through the cooperation, LG said its infotainment technology and Magna's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and autonomous driving-related technologies will be integrated to respond to the upcoming autonomous driving era.



To diversify its business portfolio, the home appliance maker launched a vehicle component solutions (VS) unit in 2013. The VS unit succeeded in turning a profit last year and has become a solid profit source for the company. LG added that the unit's order backlog touched 80 trillion won ($60 billion) as of the end of 2022 and the figure continues to expand.



Via its collaboration with Magna and due to upgrading its own technology, LG's automotive business consists of an infotainment business through its VS unit, the EV powertrain business through LG Magna e-Powertrain and the automotive lighting business through its Austrian subsidiary ZKW. Based on the steady growth of these three core businesses, the company said it is increasingly expanding its presence in the global auto parts market.



"Through the cooperation with Magna, we will strengthen our position in the global automotive electronics market and proactively respond to the future mobility era of EV and self-driving cars," the LG CEO said.


The company announced the launch of Riyadhs cloud region to contribute to the emergence of a new era of digital-led economic growth. The launch aligns with Huaweis plans to invest in Saudi Arabias market.

KSA will be Huawei Clouds focus in serving the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, providing innovative, reliable, secure, and sustainable cloud services. This achievement highlights how the Chinese company is planning to support Huawei Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, aligned with the nations ambitious technological advancement, leadership, and innovation goals. At LEAP, the biggest tech event in the Middle East that took place in February in Riyadh, Huawei said it would invest 400 million dollars in the Saudi Arabia cloud region over the next five years.

Huawei is a proud partner in our countrys technological progress having worked with the Ministry, service providers, enterprises and universities in various collective efforts towards digital transformation. We look forward to the transformative impact the Huawei Cloud Riyadh Region will have on our digital ecosystem, creating new avenues for innovation and growth, said H.E. Eng. Haitham bin Abdul Rahman Al-Ohali, Vice Minister at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Saudi Arabia.

The company also released the Saudi Arabia Go Cloud Go Global plan to connect Chinese and Saudi enterprises internationally, fostering growth and innovation. Huawei will train 500,000 developers in Saudi Arabia in the next five years. It will also build joint solutions with 1,000 local partners and launch the Huawei Cloud Entrepreneurship Program to help 2,000 startups grow.
STC, the kingdoms largest telecoms operator, unveiled the investment yesterday. The holding consists of 4.9% of Telefonicas shares and financial instruments that give it another 5% in so-called economic exposure to the company.

This significant long-term investment by STC Group is a continuation of our growth strategy as we invest in vital technology and digital infrastructure sectors in promising markets globally, said STC Chairman Mohammed K. A. Al. Faisa.

We are facing a transaction that does not go unnoticed, since STC Group becomes the largest shareholder of Telefonica, surpassing BBVA, BlackRock and CaixaBank. The new shareholders, however, have said that it is not their intention to acquire control or a majority stake in the company.

The Saudi participation in Telefonica, which is one of the most important telecommunications companies in Europe, occurs shortly after Jose Maria Alvarez-Pallete, the CEO of the firm, announced its new medium-term corporate strategy (2023-2026) focused on growth, profitability and sustainability.

STC also owns stakes in companies operating in Kuwait and Bahrain. The company is 64% owned by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund (FPI), the main engine of the Crown Princes Vision 2030 Mohammed bin Salman to untie the economy from its dependence on oil.

It should be noted that Telefonica and STC Group signed a strategic collaboration agreement at the beginning of the year to benefit from their scale and explore potential joint business opportunities. This collaboration was aimed at a very broad scale of areas related to digital services, innovation and B2B business. In the case of STC Group, the group also had a certain relationship with Spain, as it has sponsored Real Madrid since 2009, and operates several submarine cables with moorings in the country.
Since ChatGPTs release in November of 2022, there have been countless conversations on the impact of similar large language models. Generative AI has forced organizations to rethink how they work and what can and should be adjusted. Specifically, organizations are contemplating Generative AIs impact on software development. While the potential of Generative AI in software development is exciting, there are still risks and guardrails that need to be considered.

Members of VMwares Tanzu Vanguard community, who are expert practitioners at companies across different industries, provided their perspectives on how technologies such as Generative AI are impacting software development and technology decisions. Their insights help answer questions and pose new questions for companies to consider when evaluating their AI investments.

AI wont replace developers

Generative AI has introduced a level of software development speed that didnt exist before. It helps increase developer productivity and efficiency by helping developers shortcut building code. Solutions, like the ChatGPT chatbot, along with tools such as Github Co-Pilot, can help developers focus on generating value instead of writing boilerplate code. By acting as a multiplier effect of developer productivity, it opens up new possibilities in what developers can do with the time they save. However, despite its intelligence and benefits to automating pipelines, the technology is still far from completely replacing human developers.

Generative AI should not be seen as being able to work independently and still needs to be supervised  both when it comes to ensuring the code is correct and when it comes to security. Developers still need to be able to understand the context and meaning of AIs answers, as sometimes they are not entirely correct, says Thomas Rudrof, DevOps Engineer at DATEV eG. Rudrof believes that AI is better for assisting with simple, repetitive tasks and acts as an assistant rather than replacing the developer role.

Risks of AI in software development

Despite Generative AIs ability to make developers more efficient, it is not error free. Finding bugs and fixing them may be more challenging using AI as developers still need to carefully review any code AI produces. There is also more risk related to the software development itself as it follows the logic defined by someone as well as the available dataset, says Lukasz Piotrowski, developer at Atos Global Services. Therefore, the technology will only be as good as the data provided.

On an individual level, AI creates security issues as attackers will try to exploit the capabilities of AI tools while security professionals also employ the same technology to defend against such attacks. Developers need to be extremely careful to follow best practices and not include credential and tokens in their code directly. Anything secure or containing IP that can be revealed to other users should not be uploaded. Even with safeguards in place, AI might be capable of breaking security. If care is not taken in the intake process, there could be huge risks if that security scheme or other info are inadvertently pushed to generative AI, says Jim Kohl, Devops Consultant at GAIG.

Best practices and education



Currently, there are no established best practices for leveraging AI in software development. The use of AI-generated code is still in an experimental phase for many organizations due to numerous uncertainties such as its impact on security, data privacy, copyright, and more.

However, organizations already using AI need to use it wisely and should not trust the technology freely. Juergen Sussner, Lead Cloud Platform Engineer at DATEV eG, advises organizations to try to implement small use cases and test them well, if they work, scale them, if not, try another use case. Through small experiments, organizations can determine for themselves the technologys risks and limitations.

Guardrails are necessary when it comes to the use of AI and can help individuals effectively use the technology safely. Leaving AI usage unaddressed in your organization can lead to security, ethical, and legal issues. Some companies have already seen severe penalties around AI tools being used for research and code, therefore acting quickly is necessary. For example, litigation has surfaced against companies for training AI tools using data lakes with thousands of unlicensed works.

Getting an AI to understand context is one of the larger problems with leveraging AI in software development, says Scot Kreienkamp, Senior Systems Engineer at La-Z-Boy. Engineers need to understand how to phrase prompts for AIs. Educational programs and training courses can help teach this skill set. Organizations serious about AI technologies should upskill appropriate personnel to make them capable of prompt engineering.

As organizations grapple with the implications of Generative AI, a paradigm shift is underway in software development. AI is going to change the way developers work. At the minimum, developers leveraging the technology will become more efficient at coding and building software platform foundations. However, AI will need an operator to work with it and should not be trusted independently. The insights shared by VMwares Vanguards underscore the need for cautious integration and the need to maintain guardrails to mitigate risk in software development.

To learn more, visit us here.
Former senior municipal legislator sentenced to life imprisonment for graft

Xinhua) 11:14, September 06, 2023

NANCHANG, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chen Jiadong, a former senior legislator of Xiamen City in east China's Fujian Province, was on Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power.

The verdict was issued by the Intermediate People's Court of Nanchang in east China's Jiangxi Province.

Between 2000 and 2022, Chen took undue advantage of his positions in Tibet Autonomous Region and Fujian to assist various individuals and entities, and accepted 94.15 million yuan (about 13.12 million U.S. dollars) in money and valuables in return.

According to the court, Chen exploited his position in Fujian's Zhangzhou City between 2015 and 2017, embezzling state-owned properties valued at more than 3.41 million yuan. He was also found guilty of indulging in malpractice for personal gains and abusing his power during his tenure in Zhangzhou between 2013 and 2014, resulting in state asset losses of over 190 million yuan.

The defendant has been deprived of his political rights for life and his personal properties have been confiscated, according to the verdict.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)




Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Saudi Arabian Oil Company, one of the world's largest crude oil exporters, will visit Korea to meet with government and business leaders here, industry sources said Wednesday.







Al-Rumayyan, who also governs the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, will arrive in Seoul later in the day for a three-day visit, according to the sources.







It will be his second trip to Korea after he attended the inauguration ceremony of the country's President Yoon Suk Yeol in May last year.







He is expected to have meetings with Korean government officials and business people, including Chung Ki-sun, CEO of the shipbuilding-to-energy conglomerate HD Hyundai, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation.







Saudi Aramco is the largest shareholder of S-Oil, Korea's No. 3 oil refiner, and is also the second-largest shareholder of Hyundai Oilbank, the oil refinery unit of HD Hyundai. (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
Transparenta Consiliului Superior al Procurorilor, intre a fi sau a nu fi. Ce constatari se regasesc intr-un raport prezentat de CRJM?
A visitor checks a mobile phone near the Huawei logo during the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai, China, June 28. Reuters-Yonhap



China is set to launch a new state-backed investment fund that aims to raise about $40 billion for its semiconductor sector, two people familiar with the matter said, as the country ramps up efforts to catch up with the U.S. and other rivals.



It is likely to be the biggest of three funds launched by the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, also known as the Big Fund.



Its target of 300 billion yuan ($41 billion) outdoes similar funds in 2014 and 2019, which according to government reports, raised 138.7 billion yuan and 200 billion yuan respectively.



One main area of investment will be equipment for chip manufacturing, said one of the two people and a third person familiar with the matter.



President Xi Jinping has long stressed the need for China to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductors. That need has become all the more pressing after Washington imposed a series of export control measures over the last couple of years, citing fears that Beijing could use advanced chips to boost its military capabilities.



In October, the U.S. rolled out a sweeping sanctions package that cut China's access to advanced chipmaking equipment and U.S. allies Japan and the Netherlands have taken similar steps.



The new fund was approved by Chinese authorities in recent months, two of the people said.



China's finance ministry is planning to contribute 60 billion yuan, said one person. Other contributors could not be immediately learned.



All the sources declined to be identified as the discussions were confidential.



The State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the government, the finance ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.



The Big Fund also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.



Investments to date



The fundraising process will likely take months and it was not immediately clear when the third fund will be launched or if further changes will be made to the plan, said the first two sources.



Backers of the Big Fund's previous two funds include the finance ministry and deep-pocketed state-owned entities such as China Development Bank Capital, China National Tobacco Corporation and China Telecom.



Over the years, the Big Fund has provided financing to China's two biggest chip foundries, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation and Hua Hong Semiconductor, as well as to Yangtze Memory Technologies, a maker of flash memory and a number of smaller companies and funds.



Despite those investments, China's chip industry has struggled to play a leading role in the global supply chain, especially for advanced chips.





A Chinese flag is displayed next to a "Made in China" sign seen on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken Feb. 17. Reuters-Yonhap
Helen Stephenson has announced she will be stepping down as chief executive of the Charity Commission after seven years at the helm.

Now the longest-serving chief executive of the regulator, Stephenson took up post in July 2017. She joined from the Department for Education where she was director of early years and childcare for three years.

Before that, she held senior roles in the governments Office for Civil Society and at the Big Lottery Fund.

Stephensons role will be advertised from 7 September, with interviews to be completed at the end of the year. Stephenson will remain in post until July 2024.

In an exclusive interview with Civil Society , Stephenson said the Commissions relationship with the charity sector had improved under her leadership.

Stephenson: There is plenty still to do

Stephenson said in a statement: Im exceptionally proud of my time at the Commission so far and will look back with great satisfaction at the challenges we have overcome, the improvements we have delivered and the expert organisation the Commission is becoming.

It is, of course, with some sadness that Ive decided to draw this chapter to a close next year, but I know the Commission is well-placed to take the next steps in its long and proud history. There is a strong, skilled leadership team, dedicated, enthusiastic staff and a thoughtful, supportive board  all committed to overseeing the work of our dynamic sector and achieving excellence in all they do.

There is plenty still to do, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the board and our staff, building on our achievements to date, and setting a new strategy, while the process of appointing my successor takes place.

Orlando Fraser: Immense gratitude

Orlando Fraser, chair of the Charity Commission, said: I want to put on record the immense gratitude of the Board for everything Helen has achieved.

Helens warm leadership has built a strong and respected Charity Commission, and her clear minded approach and deep understanding of the sector has ably steered the Commission through successive challenges and headwinds.

She is respected and trusted by our team and has led an organisation that truly reflects its values: being rigorous in our scrutiny but balanced in our support.

ACEVO: Done a sterling job

Jane Ide, CEO of ACEVO, said: Helen has done a sterling job in steering the Commission through what have been challenging times for our sector, and throughout her tenure she has enabled an open, constructive and very valuable dialogue with the Commission's stakeholders.

We appreciate in particular the relationship she has always maintained with ACEVO and the opportunities that has offered us to raise queries or concerns in the interests of our members.

On a personal level I look forward to working with Helen until she comes to the end of her tenure next year, and wish her very well for the next chapter when it comes. But it is too soon to say farewell, and I suspect that over the coming months we and the Commission will need to work closely together on issues such as charities' right to campaign and our shared priority of ensuring excellent governance in our sector.

NCVO: Positive approach to working with NCVO and the wider sector

Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO commented: A strong relationship between NCVO, as the largest membership body, and the Charity Commission, as regulator, is vital for the health of the charity and voluntary sector in England. I want to take this opportunity to thank Helen for her leadership and positive approach to working with NCVO and the wider sector, which has helped deliver the support needed to ensure the effective working of thousands of organisations across the country.

I look forward to working with Helen over the course of her remaining time with the Commission. This is especially important as the sector faces another difficult winter supporting communities and prepares for a challenging year in the run up to the next general election. I know the strength of Helens wider team, under the leadership of Orlando Fraser as chair, will be crucial in helping her continue to support the sector in the Commissions regulatory role over the coming period.

sign up to receive the Civil Society daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
The Fundraising Regulator has suggested a revision to the rule that fundraisers must be polite to people at all times, as it could be a problem for fundraisers facing abuse during their work.

It today opened a consultation on its Code of Fundraising Practice, which sets the standards that apply to fundraising carried out by all charitable institutions and third-party fundraisers in the UK.

The consultation reads: The expectation to be polite at all times could be a problem for fundraisers facing abuse or intimidation during their work.

The revised rule could include an expectation for fundraisers to behave professionally at all times, rather than be polite. This adjustment could allow fundraisers to respond with appropriate assertiveness to inappropriate behaviour from potential donors and the public.

There are a number of other proposed changes, spanning different areas of fundraising. For example, the Fundraising Regulator proposes amending a rule to allow organisations to consider reputational issues before agreeing to accept a legacy with terms regarding recognition.

More broadly, the changes include moving towards a principles-based framework, expanding the code, amending existing rules and reviewing rules where the Fundraising Regulator is not the lead regulator.

The code is the bedrock of charitable fundraising

Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: The Code of Fundraising Practice is the bedrock of charitable fundraising so its vital it is accessible, up-to-date, and, crucially, provides clarity to charities, third-party fundraisers, and the general public.

This marks the first major review of the code in five years so it reflects best practices in fundraising behaviour and wider trends in the UK.



Launching this public consultation is a key part of the review process and we welcome all views, whether they choose to address every proposal or just one section. We look forward to the responses and applying them to the proposals.



We are constantly working with the charitable sector to ensure the code mirrors the fundraising landscape of today and tomorrow, so the public has confidence and trust in charities, and that charitable fundraising thrives.

Consultation closes on 1 December 2023

The regulator is inviting all those interested in charitable fundraising to share their views on proposed changes to the code, and respondents will be able to share their views on as many or as few of the proposals as they wish.

Following the conclusion of the consultation on 1 December 2023, the Fundraising Regulator will publish a summary of responses and a new draft Code of Fundraising Practice in the first half of 2024.

This will be the subject of a final eight-week public engagement exercise before being finalised. The new code is then expected to go live in early 2025.

The review process began in October 2022 with a public call for information and is expected to be completed by early 2025.

As part of the consultation process, the Fundraising Regulator is also hosting a series of events around the UK to engage with the sector, starting today at the Chartered Institute of Fundraisings Scottish Fundraising Conference.

Subsequent events will also be held in Northern Ireland (September 14), Wales (September 20), and England (October 4), as well as an online event on 12 September.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
By the time she leaves in July 2024, Helen Stephenson will have been the longest serving chief executive at the Charity Commission.

I feel very privileged to have led the regulator through this particular period, which has been quite a turbulent one, she says. Its time to hand over to somebody else.

She is taking some time to think about her next steps, she tells Civil Society.

Were not here to be an enemy

Stephenson says the relationship between the charity sector and the regulator has definitely improved since she joined the Commission in 2017.

As a regulator, what I want in the relationship is one where were not friends, but were not foe. We are the regulator. So, were not here to be everybodys best friend, but at the same time, were not here to be an enemy.

So, I wanted to have that relationship where we had respect and understanding of one another and I certainly think that has improved.

One of the things she is proudest of is providing support for trustees through the regulators five-minute guides and a contact centre that is open five days a week. When she started it was open three mornings a week.

The balance of those two things: both resourcing and supporting is absolutely key for us to be an effective regulator. I think weve made real progress in that over my time, and Im really proud of that.

Would have liked to collaborate with sector bodies earlier

When asked if she had any regrets about her time in office, Stephenson says she does not like the term.

I dont think in terms of regrets, but there are things where I think that its great that it happened but Id have liked it to happen earlier.

One example of this is the collaboration between the regulator and charity sector bodies like NCVO and ACEVO, she says.

One of the good things that happened as a result of Covid-19 was the way in which the Commission and sector bodies were able to work together to support the charity sector and weve continued since the pandemic and weve moved on to other challenges, like with Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis.

We understand each others distinct role, but at the same time, feel the importance of working together to share intelligence and to understand and support the sector.

I suppose Im glad that the pandemic brought that about and I wouldve liked that to have happened earlier in my career.

Were not a complaints ombudsman

On starting her role, Stephenson was surprised by the amount of how her inbox was filled with stuff that wasnt particularly nice, she says.

One of the misconceptions about the regulator is that it is a complaints ombudsman, Stephenson adds.

Certainly, our next phase is to develop a strategy and to be very clear both with charities but also with the public on where we can and where we cant take regulatory action.

If somebody wants to complain about a charity, were not a complaints ombudsman. I think that would be something that I feel that people dont understand necessarily and which wed like to clarify more.

Stephensons role will be advertised on 7 September, with interviews to be completed by the end of the year.

She wants to see someone who is a great leader replace her and take the regulators great staff onto the next level.

Anybody would be proud to lead them.

sign up to receive the Civil Society daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
In 2018, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, or ICIJ, invited me to embed with a project that it coordinated to investigate medical devices, a four-hundred-billion-dollar industrymaking pacemakers, breast implants, and morewhose products were inconsistently regulated and frequently caused patients injury and even death. The project, which brought together hundreds of reporters in thirty-six countries, was something of a departure for ICIJ, which had recently made a name for itself by drilling into massive leaks of offshore financial data and incriminating the global super-rich. The devices project, by contrast, involved the herculean task of collecting data from sources all over the worldwhat one staffer described to me as a patchwork quilt approach. And the story was not about the world of finance, but public health.

When I embedded with the investigation, one of my key points of contact was Ben Hallman, the lead reporter on the story. At the time, Hallman became more aware of this big gap in coverage of health issues, global health issues especially, he told me. Five years and one pandemic later, and Hallman is now striking out as founder and executive director of The Examination, a nonprofit news site that will launch next week and promises accountability reporting on the global public health beatfrom tobacco to the fossil-fuel industry, via foodin partnership with news organizations large and small around the world. The Examination has so far received financial support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Pulitzer Center, and Hallman has assembled a team that includes his fellow ICIJ alums Asraa Mustufa and Will Fitzgibbon, as well as Raquel Rutledge, a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist formerly of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Ahead of the launch, I caught up with Hallman about his plans for The Examination, the state of global collaborative journalism, and what he makes of this moment for nonprofit news following high-profile layoffs at other outlets. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.



JA: What was the inspiration for The Examination?

BH: Ive been an investigative journalist for two decades. Throughout my career, Ive looked for stories and subjects that I feel have massive human implications but are relatively undercovered compared to the threat they pose. Were coming at the global health beat from the understanding that some of the gravest threats to human health also receive the least attention. Were especially focused on the ways in which commercial activityindustrial products and practicesintersect with human health, being informed by the research around it. I dont think theres really any more important beat than that.

We last spoke in the context of the medical devices project that you worked on at ICIJ. Ive noticed that youre bringing some other ICIJ folks over with you to The Examination. Is there any ICIJ spirit baked into your new site? How do the two compare?

Sign up for CJR 's daily email

We are terrifically inspired by ICIJ, which is an amazing news organization that does just stunning work. Like ICIJ, we are going to operate across borders. Like ICIJ, we are going to develop deep relationships with news partners, especially in places in the world where we feel the problems were writing about are most acute. And there are some ways in which were probably going to diverge as well. We have a beat focusa narrower focus than ICIJ does. I think that allows us to develop a depth of experience and expertise around public health. Were a mix of folks who have investigative reporting experience, corporate accountability reporting experience, and now were adding a couple of folks with really deep public health reporting experience as well. Hopefully, we kind of meld that together and have a formidable squad.

What are you looking to do differently when it comes to coverage of global public health?

Lets just start with health reporting in general: my contention, and I think this is backed by the evidence, is that a lot of newsrooms, especially in the modern age, lack even a single health reporterwhich is insane, given theres no issue it feels should be more important to readers. And the communities that are most impacted by a whole range of health threats are the very same communities that traditionally have gotten the least amount of attention from Western media. So we want to help bridge that gap.

Can you talk about any of your early stories?

We have a project that involves smoking in China; were working on that with a large European partner and a Chinese-language news outlet that is based offshore. We are working with a large US partner about the ways in which health professionals disseminate potentially misleading information online. Will Fitzgibbonwho was ICIJs Africa partnership coordinator, and probably has more experience working with African journalists than any other Western journalistjust got back from Cameroon, and he is working on a story about a very specific health threat that is endangering the children of a community there; hes been working on that project directly with his Cameroonian counterpart. We have a story about chemical regulation in the US. We have an explainer story that helps to unravel the science around vaping. Im hoping that this suite of stories at launch will help show the public what were about and what our priorities are.

A key theme of my article on ICIJs devices project was the state of global collaborative journalism, and how that particular story represented a departure from ICIJs previous blockbuster investigations in that it required stitching together a story from disparate sources and data sets. Since then, weve only seen that type of global investigation become more common. What are your reflections now on the state of global collaborative journalism, compared with the last time we spoke about this five years ago?



I have a lot of reflections. Ive been doing collaborative journalism for twelve or thirteen years, initially as a reporter at the Center for Public Integrity, and it was very common for us to hit major roadblocks in approaching partners about collaborationthey didnt get it, they didnt understand, they didnt know why they would want to do it. Theres been a massive sea change over those years, thanks to places like CPI, ProPublica, ICIJ, and more. And now the doors are open, and its really wonderful. Theres just a wide acceptance throughout the news industry that collaborations can be beneficial.

Like with all things in life, the relationships really matter, and those are built on trust. Just because a partnership sounds cool doesnt mean that its necessarily a good idea. So I do think that Im probably more choosy about partners than in the past. Some of the ICIJ collaborations, while amazing, involved dozens or even hundreds of partners. ICIJ has built an entire infrastructure to help manage that. Were not going to have that, so we feel like the sweet spot for us is going to be a collaboration of two or three newsrooms. We want to ensure that every major investigation we have includes a partner from wherever it is that were focused onthats sort of a givenand then ideally we want a larger partner as well: first of all so they can provide valuable reporting and editing, but, frankly, so the stories can maybe reach power brokers who have the power to change conditions. If we were to stumble upon some massive trove of documents, maybe we would call up ICIJ and have them help organize a mega-collaboration. But I dont think that thats going to be the norm for us.

Were talking at an interesting time for nonprofit news: the Texas Tribune just executed the first layoffs in its history, which led to a lot of concern in the industry given that the Tribune had been held up as a model for other nonprofit outlets to follow. Futuro Media also recently made layoffs. Whats been your experience of launching a new nonprofit news site in this kind of environment? Have you faced any of these same challenges?

Theres no segment of the news industry that is not challenged by economic forces. Local media has been decimated; everyone but a very small handful of the largest newsrooms is struggling in some way, and even some of them are as well. I think it makes [sense] that, a decade into the nonprofit-news revolution, as it were, there would also be some growing pains in this neck of the woods. I dont have any insight as to what happened at the Texas Tribune. I think its an amazing news organization, really a trailblazer. Theyre also pretty big, and have a different model to what The Examination is going to pursue.

Ultimately, I think that its incumbent on us to proceed with a clarity of mission and be able to execute that mission over and over again. I think successful nonprofit news organizations are ones that can do that. I dont see a retreat in funders from journalismI think its actually the other way around; I think, increasingly, philanthropic organizations are interested in donating to journalism. There are some, obviously, that support journalism for journalisms sake, but everyone else, they need to be shown why it makes sense for them to support a news organization rather than a whole bunch of other potential priorities. What I try to do, and what I think a lot of journalists are trying to do, is be able to speak to what the return on investment is. I know thats a weird phrase for a journalist, but thats how a lot of funders think, so we have to think that way as well. Were writing stories that we believe can inspire positive change. I just dont see a for-profit solution to this coverage gap that were trying to fill.



Other notable stories:

During (and since) the Trump era, books about the former president have juiced sales for publishersbut Politico s Daniel Lippman reports that books about Biden havent generated anywhere near the same level of interest . What makes for stable governance makes less dramatic copy, the literary agent Keith Urbahn told Lippman. The Atlantic s Franklin Foer is trying to buck the trend with his new book on Biden, out this week.

Digiday s Sara Guaglione dug into recent workplace-diversity reports released by Gannett, the Washington Post , and Insider , and found very littleif anychange in overall employee diversity year over year. The Post and Insider did improve the diversity of their editorial staffs, but the diversity of their overall workforces showed less change, and leadership diversity at the three outlets didnt move much either.

Ahead of hosting the G20 summit this week, Indias right-wing government has referred to the country, on official invitations, as Bharatpresaging a possible effort to officially change its name. Government allies say that Bharat is interchangeable with India, which has colonial overtones, but critics see the change as exclusionary of Muslims. The Post has more (and I wrote about how the media should handle country name changes ).

Recently, in the UK, Peter Wilby, a former editor of the Independent on Sunday and the New Statesman , was convicted of possessing images of child sexual abuse . For The Observer , Dean Nelson, an investigative journalist, alleges that Wilby once worked to kill his reporting on the abuse of children in careand that Wilby went on to lead a backlash against whistleblowers, victims and journalists who paid too much heed to their claims.

And CJRs Jem Bartholomew profiled Fabrizio Romano , an independent journalist who has come to dominate the frenzied business of reporting on soccer transfers and, as a result, may now be the most famous reporter in the world. Romanos magic trick has been getting people to trust him in a business that often runs on suspicion, Bartholomew writes, building a reputation for accuracy, speed, and trustworthiness.

ICYMI: What is media criticism for?

Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
Two litigation funding firms are seeking to intervene in disciplinary proceedings against McClenny Moseley & Associates after a federal judge in Louisiana ruled that the law firm has no right to any attorney fees for 201 hurricane-damage claims.

The Equal Access Justice Fund and EAJF ESQ Fund said in a petition filed Monday that the Aug. 22 order by US District Judge James D. Cain impairs their right to collect $30 million in loans they made to MMA. They said that MMA had pledged attorneys fees and other income as security.

Lenders have a perfected security interest in the case proceeds at issue, the motion filed by New Orleans attorney Thomas M. Flanagan says. Yet neither the lenders nor any other party received notice or an opportunity to be heard regarding the law firms interest in case proceeds before the court adjudicated that issue.

The litigation funds have also filed a lawsuit in Harris County, Texas court seeking recovery the $30 million loaned to MMA  $15 million from each fund. The lawsuit states that the parties agreed to resolve any disputes in binding arbitration, but asks the court to confirm and enforce the decision of the arbitrator.

Both investment funds are managed by West Palm Beach, Florida financier B.E. Blank & Co. The Claims Journal reported last month that Judge Cain asked MMA founder Zachary Moseley during an Aug. 8 hearing how much he money he had borrowed from the Equal Access to Justice Fund. Moseley replied that the law firm had raised $40 million in total from investors.

A Texas contractor, Access Restoration Services, has filed a lawsuit against MMA alleging the law firm defaulted on a $10 million loan.

MMAs use of an internet marketing firm and door-to-door solicitations by a restoration contractor to obtain clients for its new satellite office in New Orleans prompted US District Court judges in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Louisiana to sanction the law firm. They discovered through a series of hearings that the law firm had filed claims on behalf of property owners it did not represent, filed lawsuits that duplicated claims made by other attorneys and told insurers that they represented property owners when actually they were acting on behalf of restoration contractors.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance fined the company $2 million saying its misrepresentations amounted to insurance fraud. The Louisiana State Bars Office of Disciplinary Counsel indefinitely suspended the law license of R. William Huye III, MMAs New Orleans office manager.

Cain on Aug. 8 ordered Moseley to disclose all monies held in client trust funds for Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida damage claims. MMA submitted a list of payments to trust funds for 201 cases filed within the Western District of Louisiana in totals ranging from $15.15 to $150,000.

On Aug. 22, Cain issued an order stating that MMA is not entitled to any attorneys fees, costs or expenses from those cases. The amount held for the 201 cases amounts to $3,209,020.75, according to the documents provided by MMA.

Attorneys for the litigation funds said in the petition that Cain did not have jurisdiction to rule as he did without first consulting with all interested parties.

The lenders were never given a chance to present these arguments, the petition says. They therefore seek leave to intervene to voice their concerns and defend their interests before this court and/or before a reviewing court.

After filing the petition, the litigation funds filed a second pleading asking for an expedited hearing. Cain had not yet ruled on those motions as of late Tuesday.
3M has agreed to pay $6.01 billion to settle lawsuits by U.S. military veterans and service members who say they suffered hearing loss from using the companys earplugs, the company and lawyers for the plaintiffs announced on Tuesday.

The deal comes after a failed attempt by 3M earlier this year to move the lawsuits, which had grown into the largest mass tort litigation in U.S. history, into bankruptcy court in the hope of limiting its liability.

About 240,000 people are expected to be eligible for the settlement, Chris Seeger, a lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, said at a press conference. 3M has the right to walk away from the deal if less than 98% of eligible claimants decide to take part, but Seeger said he was confident that threshold would be met.

The money will be paid out from 2023 to 2029, and $1 billion will be in the form of 3M stock, the company said in a statement. The Minnesota-based company said it was not admitting liability and that the earplugs are safe and effective when used properly.

This historic agreement represents a tremendous victory for the thousands of men and women who bravely served our country and returned home with life-altering hearing injuries, Seeger and his co-lead attorneys, Bryan Aylstock and Clayton Clark, said in a joint statement.

3Ms shares were up more than 2% on Tuesday. They closed 5.2% higher on Monday on earlier reports that a settlement was imminent. Some analysts estimates of the companys potential liability from the earplug litigation had been as high as $10 billion.

The Combat Arms earplugs were made by Aearo Technologies, a company 3M acquired in 2008. They were used by the U.S. military in training and combat from 2003 to 2015, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuits claim that the company hid design flaws, fudged test results and failed to provide instructions for proper use of the earplugs, leading to hearing damage.

The lawsuits were consolidated before U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida, federal court in 2019. At its height, the litigation accounted for about 30% of all federal court cases nationwide.

Of 16 earplug cases that have gone to trial, 3M has lost 10, with about $265 million being awarded in total to 13 plaintiffs. Those verdicts are included in the $6.01 billion amount.

Aearo filed for bankruptcy in July 2022, with 3M pledging $1 billion to fund its liabilities stemming from the earplug lawsuits.

3M argued that the mass tort litigation was unfair because Rodgers had kept scientific evidence favorable to the company out of trials and allowed thousands of unvetted claims to swell the courts docket.

However, a bankruptcy judge in June dismissed the bankruptcy, finding that Aearo was not in enough financial distress to justify it.

Mondays settlement comes just two months after 3M announced a tentative $10.3 billion deal with a host of U.S. public water systems to resolve claims of water pollution by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, known as forever chemicals.

That deal is not yet final, but cleared one potential hurdle on Monday as 22 U.S. states and territories withdrew their earlier objections to it.
People ride on a gondola as the municipality prepares to charge tourists up to 10 Euro for entry into the lagoon city, in order to cut down the number of visitors, in Venice, Italy, Sept. 5, 2021. Reuters-Yonhap



Venice will trial a long-debated ticketing system from spring next year, officials said Tuesday, with day-trippers charged five euros to enter the Italian city's historic center in attempt to cut tourist numbers.



The council executive backed the move just weeks after UN cultural agency UNESCO recommended Venice be added to its list of world heritage in danger, in part because of the impact of mass tourism.



"Regulating tourist flows in certain periods is necessary, but that does not mean closing the city," said mayor Luigi Brugnaro.



"Venice will always be open to everyone."



The plan, which has long been mooted, must still be approved by the wider city council, which meets on September 12.



And many details are still unclear, notably on how many tickets will be available.



But the council executive on Tuesday agreed to a 30-day trial, likely spread out across public holidays and weekends in the spring and summer of 2024.



Residents, commuters, students and children under the age of 14 will be exempt, as will tourists who stay in the city overnight, the local authority said in a statement.



"The objective is to discourage daily tourism in certain periods, in line with the fragility and uniqueness of the city," it said.



With the new system, Venice will become a "trailblazer on the global level", added Simone Venturini, the city's council member for tourism.



He said it was not about making money  with the proposed five-euro fee only covering costs  but finding a "new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice, and those who visit the city".



'Irreversible damage'



Venice authorities have for years sought to ease the pressure of the vast numbers of tourists who flock to see sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Square.



The ticketing plan has been repeatedly postponed over concerns it will seriously dent tourist revenue and compromise freedom of movement.



Two years ago, the city imposed a ban on massive cruise ships, from which thousands of day-trippers emerge daily, rerouting them to a more distant industrial port.



The aim was also to reduce damage from the large waves caused by the ships, which are eroding Venice's foundations and harming the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.



But the tourists still come, with around 3.2 million staying overnight in Venice's historic center last year, according to official data.



UNESCO put Venice on its heritage list in 1987 as an "extraordinary architectural masterpiece", but it has warned of the need for "more sustainable tourism management".



On July 31, it warned the city risked "irreversible" damage due to a string of issues ranging from climate change to mass tourism.



The recommendation that the city be added to its list of world heritage in danger will be discussed at a meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in Riyadh later this month. (AFP)


BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- City Council has unanimously approved amendments to Beachwoods zoning code aimed at regulating institutional properties, including home-based shuls.

But there will remain room to possibly work out problems shuls experience with the new guidelines.

City leaders have been discussing the amendments since last year, after the existence of the shuls -- small home-based places of Jewish worship -- brought up questions of safety, safeguarding of religious freedoms, traffic and following of federal law.

Among the amendments approved Monday (Sept. 5) are those that require:

-- At least 18,000 square feet of property to operate an institutional use on a residentially zoned property, as well as 100 feet of frontage. The square footage requirement reduces the amount of land formerly needed, which had been three acres -- or 130,680 square feet in total property -- and 250 feet of frontage.

-- A home shul provide one parking space for each 300 square feet of gross floor space of the structure on the property.

-- Flooring that is bolstered to accommodate a greater number of people than a normal residence, as well as adequate exits and lighting around exits.

The amendments were written by City Planner George Smerigan, with assistance from the city administration; lawyer Dale Markowitz, whom council hired for this purpose; and council.

The amendments were also discussed in a spring public hearing. Council President Alec Isaacson said that hearing brought out more people than he had ever seen for such a meeting, with attendees expressing their views -- pro and con -- on the regulation of home shuls.

Institutional districts also take in uses such as private and charter schools and museums.

For many Orthodox Jews, who pray three times daily, home shuls provide a nearby, convenient place of worship.

There were other residents at the hearing who didnt like the traffic and street parking generated by the home shuls.

During his report at the start of Mondays meeting, Mayor Justin Berns read a statement about the amendments, calling them changes that reflect our commitment to progress, equality and the safety of our community.

Berns said three core principles guided the efforts to craft the regulations: an adherence to state and federal regulations; protecting the citys cherished residential neighborhoods; and fostering inclusivity by accommodating smaller institutional uses.

Beachwood, in approving the amendments, hopes to avoid lawsuits sometimes brought by home-based shuls, such as a federal lawsuit filed in 2021 by the Aleksander Shul against its home city of University Heights.

With the assistance of our city planner, we painstakingly reviewed our regulations to comply with (the federal Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA), Berns said in his statement, ensuring religious uses are treated on equal terms with non-religious institutions, irrespective of denomination.

Berns said the amendments provide for safety that, in the event of a fire or a collapsed floor in a home shul, could result in death and blame for the city and the shuls operators.

Before Mondays council vote, seven members of the community spoke to council about the amendments.

Lawyer Aaron Evenchik, who represents some of the home-based shuls, repeated his past criticisms, stating that the 18,000-square-foot requirements should not apply to streets where there are smaller lots (in these cases, he believes the regulations should merely call for two side-by-side lots).

He also objected to the parking requirements. He and other speakers noted that many worshipers walk to home shuls, as do all on holy days.

In a joint mayoral/City Council statement released immediately after the meeting, it was conveyed that single-family residential homes are located and permitted only in U-1 zoning districts. Places of worship and residential care facilities are permitted in U-5 zoning districts.

With the changes adopted by City Council, applicants who want to create, convert or adapt a house in our U-1 district to an institutional use must ask that the zoning for that property be changed from U-1 to U-5.

That request will then be considered by City Council, with input from the citys Planning and Zoning Commission.

Every request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and include one or more public hearings, ultimately resulting in a yes or no vote by City Council after a number of factors are considered, including deciding if the proposed use is harmonious with adjacent properties.

The rezoning process is, by design, deliberative.

The statement noted that each request to rezone U-1 property to the U-5 Public and Institutional District will, at minimum, be reviewed at three separate council meetings and may be referred to a committee of council for further study.

For each request, the statement read, a public hearing must be well advertised and scheduled at least 30 days in advance of adoption. We know zoning issues can be complicated and contentious.

Berns said that to explain the proposed changes as simply as possible, along with the reasons for the changes and the necessary compromises, the city has created a detailed Q&A document that will be updated when necessary and posted on the citys website.

Isaacson said such decisions will not be rubber-stamped and will require a process that could last about 10 weeks.

Some who attend home shuls are concerned for the future of those existing shuls if they are unable to meet the new requirements.

In the Q&A document, the question of what will happen to such shuls was answered in this way: Under the new zoning code, the city will contact the property owner who we believe are operating places of worship. Those properties will have a reasonable amount of time to apply for a rezoning and comply.

Property owners who disagree their property is being used as a house of worship, as is defined in the new code, will have the opportunity to make that case.

Any place of worship in violation of our code will not be permitted.

Evenchik, when asked how many home shuls are in Beachwood now, said, A handful.

I think the number of home shuls will continue to develop, he added.

Of the passage of the amendments, Evenchik said he has hope that the situation will continue to evolve in favor of the shuls.

I appreciate the cooperation of the city and working together for well over a year now, and Iook forward to the process to enable these (home shuls) to be fully permitted and developed.

Not everyone is convinced that what council passed will be good for the Orthodox community.

Among those at the meeting were Daniel Eleff; his mother, Jodi Eleff; and his grandfather, Ted Cohn. Cohn said he moved to his current Beachwood address in 1966 and is pleased to have a nearby home shul on Greenlawn Avenue to which he and his wife can walk as they grow older and walking becomes more difficult.

His daughter agreed with that statement, while Daniel Eleff said: Isnt it a waste of resources to require a house to be knocked down (to allow for one shul on 18,000 square feet of property, where two houses had stood before)? Those property taxes will be lost. And to have parking -- for what -- nobodys driving to shul.

This is a tremendous loss of resources, Daniel Eleff said. Were knocking down a house, were losing property tax for the school system, were paving over ground that doesnt need to be paved over. Theres just no purpose to this.

Read more from the Sun Press.
BEREA, Ohio -- Berea Municipal Court Clerk Raymond Wohl is retiring after having held the position since 1993. Candidates from Berea, Brook Park and Strongsville running in the Nov. 7 General Election hope to win a six-year term to replace him.

The court oversees cases from Berea, Brook Park, Middleburg Heights, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Strongsville, the Cleveland Metroparks and the local Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Michael D. Gammella is a former mayor of Brook Park and past Ford auto workers union president.

Johanna Hamrick of Berea owns and operates a consulting business.

All three recently responded to two cleveland.com questions. Their answers are presented in alphabetic order by last name.

First, they shared why they chose to run for Berea Municipal Court clerk.

DeMio: I have represented my hometown of Strongsville since 1995. As the Berea Municipal Court clerk, I would provide non-partisan leadership qualities for taxpayers served by the court. I have worked closely with taxpayers in the justice system for decades and would work across party lines to best serve residents needs.

Gammella: I will bring down the cost of running the court, make the court user friendly and implement a sound system of management with fairness to all. I have a proven track record in doing this as mayor of Brook Park and as president of Ford U.A.W. Local 1250.

Hamrick: It is in my heart to serve others, bringing fresh ideas and compassion locally. I am ready to take on any challenges our court faces. Being a lifelong resident of the court district, bringing new leadership and transparency matter for the court. Representing all people as an Independent is a priority.

The candidates then explained why they believe they are uniquely qualified to hold the position.

DeMio: I have been a Cuyahoga County bailiff since 1987 and a Strongsville councilman since 1995. I also managed Ohios third-largest license bureau from 1985-1987. I know the importance of budgets, providing excellent services to taxpayers and working with countless other agencies connected to the justice system. Navigating the justice system is stressful for residents. I would bring decades of compassionate experience helping employees, taxpayers, plaintiffs, defendants, judges and attorneys working in the Berea Municipal Court.

Gammella: I have experience in both the private and public sectors. I managed Mayors Court in Brook Park and was a state-certified magistrate. As a union president, I wrote and negotiated contracts. Most importantly, in both positions I helped people with their day-to-day issues. I am the only registered Independent candidate in this race and have no party allegiance. I am also a past president of the United Way Loaned Executive Association.

Hamrick: As a business owner, I understand the operations and issues the court faces. Making it through challenges operating a corporation is something I bring to the table. Being the first woman clerk, I will work diligently putting people first, ensuring a balanced budget so taxpayers are not paying court deficits. Keeping taxpayer dollars in their respective communities for roads, parks, police and fire is crucial. I wish the Honorable Raymond Wohl the best in his retirement.

Read more stories from the News Sun.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Former Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Pinkey Carr was sentenced to four months of probation Wednesday after she pleaded no contest to filing false court documents during her time on the bench.

The hearing marked an end to the saga that has derailed the legal career of one of the courts longest and most well-known jurists.

Carr, 57, of Cleveland, reached an agreement with prosecutors before the hearing to plead no contest to three first-degree misdemeanor falsification charges. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts office, which handled the investigation and prosecution after Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley recused himself, agreed not to seek jail time in exchange for the plea.

Retired Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Larry Allen, who presided over the case, noted that Carrs conduct ended her career as a judge and cost her her law license.

It seems like anything I would do would pale in comparison to the losses youve already suffered, Allen said.

Carr, who declined to speak before learning her sentence, replied: I concur.

Carrs attorney, Fernando Mack, told Allen that Carr did not gain anything from her conduct and that she was trying to move her docket along.

Shell be the first to admit that she exceeded her authority, Mack said.

Assistant Ohio Attorney General Drew Wood asked Allen to impose a suspended 180-day jail sentence for her actions that undermined the publics confidence in the accuracy of public records and the judiciary.

The judge declined to do so. He did not fine Carr or order her to pay costs, and she will not have to report to a probation officer.

The charges, which Yosts office filed in July, came after the Ohio Supreme Court kicked Carr off the bench and indefinitely suspended her law license.

Court records say that on three separate occasions Carr presided over arraignments and amended charges against defendants without a Cleveland city prosecutor present. Carr then did knowingly make a false statement by filing papers in which she checked a box that said a prosecutor amended the charge.

In one case, Carr filed paperwork that said she conducted a hearing on a defendants ability to pay a fine before she waived it. In fact, she held no such hearing, the documents said.

In all three cases, Judge Pinkey Carr then signed the order, affirming the truth of the false statement, the documents say. The cases were extremely minor. They involved defendants accused of playing loud music, failing to display a license plate and possessing open alcohol containers.

The states high court held in October that she committed an unprecedented level of misconduct during a two-year period beginning in 2019.

Among the violations, the justices found that Carr issued arrest warrants for people who didnt show up to hearings that the court announced would be canceled at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carr then made untruthful statements to the media and the courts head judge when questioned about the proceedings, the justices found.

Carr also ran a modern-day debtors prison by issuing arrest warrants for people who failed to pay fines as a way to raise money for the court, according to the Ohio Supreme Court. She made inappropriate comments toward her staff, attorneys and members of the public who appeared in court, the justice held.

Carr was Clevelands law director under former Mayor Mike White for the final two years of his tenure before joining then-Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Masons office in 2003. Her profile skyrocketed during the nationally-televised trial of Cleveland serial killer Anthony Sowell, who was sentenced to death after a jury convicted him of strangling 11 women.

Carr filed to run for election to the Cleveland Municipal Court in the middle of Sowells trial. She was the fourth longest-serving judge on the bench when the Ohio Supreme Court removed her from office in October.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cuyahoga County domestic relations court judges former judicial assistant filed a lawsuit on Tuesday accusing the judge and court administrators of retaliating against her for allowing a news reporter to review public court files.

The lawsuit, which attorney Subodh Chandra filed on behalf of Georgeanna Semary, accuses the courts Administrative Judge Leslie Ann Celebrezze, Administrator James Zak and other officials of demoting Semary and cutting her pay by $20,000 this summer.

The lawsuit says that the move was in retaliation for Semary allowing a reporter with The Marshall Project -- Cleveland to review court files related to her appointment of Mark Dottore as a receiver in a contentious divorce case involving the owners of a string of funeral homes.

Semarys lawsuit says that Celebrezze and Dottore were having an extramarital affair and that Celebrezze confided in Semary. The suit also claims that the FBIs public corruption unit interviewed Semary and asked her about Celebrezze.

Dottore and Celebrezze have previously denied being romantically involved in court filings.

The suit was assigned to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Andrew Santoli.

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer reached out to Celebrezze and Zak for comment.

The allegations surfaced after a private investigator followed Celebrezze for several days and recorded video of Celebrezze and Dottore kissing outside a restaurant.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy last month disqualified Celebrezze from presiding over the case after finding Celebrezze failed to follow the courts rules requiring cases be randomly assigned. Celebrezze assigned the case to herself after another judge stepped away from the case.

Judge Tonya Jones appointed Dottore to oversee the couples business finances during the divorce. Jones recused herself because her former staff attorney left and took a job with the husbands attorneys law firm. After Celebrezze took over the case, she approved Dottores requests for fees that reached nearly $300,000.

The move came after Dottore had filed paperwork asking for a hearing on whether the husband was improperly concealing assets.

The lawsuit said that Semary reviewed the case file for confidential material before she allowed the reporter to review it. After the reporter left, she texted Celebrezze a photo of his business card and said that he didnt identify himself as a reporter until after the interaction.

The lawsuit said that Celebrezze and the courts administrators demoted her, citing a provision in the employee handbook that requires employees notify the courts administrative staff if they receive a request from the media. The lawsuit says that practice was rarely enforced during Semarys time at the court. The lawsuit also claims that Celebrezze and Zak fabricated evidence to justify firing her.

Semary, a longtime friend of Celebrezze, also received high marks in her 2022 employee evaluation, the lawsuit says.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  An Independence attorneys law license was suspended indefinitely after his conviction for soliciting a 15-year-old girl and buying drugs from a cocaine dealer and human trafficker.

The Ohio Supreme Court handed down the discipline Wednesday against Shawn A. Romer. His license had been under an interim suspension since his guilty plea in March 2022.

When a lawyer engages in or attempts to engage in sexually motivated conduct with an underage victim, an indefinite suspension of the lawyers license to practice is appropriate, the justices wrote in an unanimous opinion.

Romers attorney, Peter Traska, said in a statement that people should read the complete findings of the Ohio Supreme Court. He said Romer remains committed to his sobriety and is grateful that the Court will allow him to seek reinstatement in the future.

We are pleased that the Court recognized that Mr. Romer neither sought out nor desired to have sexual contact with a minor, and that Mr. [Reuben] Rankin used the victim to extort Mr. Romer, Traskas statement said.

Romer was sentenced to three years in prison after Cuyahoga County prosecutors allowed him to plead guilty to a charge of attempted corrupting another with drugs, a third-degree felony, and soliciting prostitution, a first-degree misdemeanor. In exchange, Romer testified in Rankins federal trial. Rankin was was later convicted and sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

Romer was granted judicial release from prison in May.

Although Romers cooperation with federal authorities enabled him to secure a plea to offenses that do not reflect the fact that his conduct included sexual contact with a minor, he does not dispute that he engaged in such conduct, the supreme courts ruling stated. Based on the facts of this case, the aggravating and mitigating factors present, and our precedent, we find that an indefinite suspension with no credit for the time served under his interim suspension is the appropriate sanction for Romers misconduct.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Prospective Barbies and Kens can live out their doll fantasy when the Barbie Dreamhouse Living Pop-Up Truck makes its way to Northeast Ohio.

The 2023 Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour will stop at Crocker Park on Saturday, September 9. It will be located near Nordstrom Rack and Regal Cinemas, and the bright-pink vehicle shouldnt be hard to spot. The attraction will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for photos and more.

The revamped truck will be loaded with new apparel to add a Barbie Dreamhouse touch to visitors own homes. The apparel available includes hoodies, T-shirts, hats, jackets, and jewelry. As for home goods, Barbie-inspired items like coasters, glassware, throw blankets, and more will be available for purchase.

The 2023 Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour will stop at Crocker Park on Saturday, September 9.

To help justify doing some shopping, the Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be offering free gifts to folks who spend at least $40 on merchandise.

The 2023 Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour comes just a year after the 60th anniversary of Barbie moving into her first-ever Dreamhouse. Its also following the successful theatrical run of Greta Gerwigs Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The premiere of Woody Allens 50th film, the French-produced Coup de Chance, at the Venice Film Festival served as a reminder that the acclaimed writer-director no longer makes movies in the United States. Amazon Studios terminated his contract in 2018 after longstanding allegations that he sexually abused his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, when she was seven years old resurfaced at the height of the #MeToo movement.

Allen has never been charged. But a states attorney in Connecticut said at the time there was probable cause to prosecute the filmmaker. And the 2021 HBO documentary Allen v. Farrow presented a compelling argument that he indeed committed a crime. Thats why the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheques decision to present a series of Woody Allen movies over the course of the next six weeks raised a few eyebrows.

Of course, I was hesitant because he really has been kind of ostracized by society, said John Ewing, the Cinematheques longtime director. Cancel culture is a real problem for someone like me who is committed to showing great or memorable films.

Ewing admits the case against Allen is pretty convincing, he believes its necessary to separate the art from the artist.

Are we really going to deny ourselves the pleasure of a lot of great work just because the person who made it is not morally spotless? Ewing said. I cant overlook somebody who produced an Oscar-winning movie (Annie Hall) that still remains very popular among a lot of people today.

Ewing, who is retiring next year, knows the series is a risk. But he also sees an opportunity.

Nobody is showing Woody Allen right now and that bothers me, he said. To be honest, one thing I thought about is that any ill will that my regulars feel towards me for programming this series will be mitigated by the fact that Im leaving.

The series, dubbed Early Funny Woody, includes six comedies from the beginning of his career. Silly and inventive, the films were made when Allen was a brilliant, baggage-free writer, stand-up comic, and TV personality transitioning to movie star and director, Ewing said.

Take the Money and Run kicks things off on Sept. 17. Released in 1969, the film, Allens second feature, is about an incompetent bank robber.

Its done in this documentary style and has great gags, lots of laughs and just stupid behavior, Ewing said.

Next is Bananas on Sept. 22-23. The screwball romance focuses on a man who, in an attempt to impress a woman, unwittingly becomes the leader of a rebellion in a tiny Latin American country.

Its nonsensical, but its a very funny movie, Ewing said. I dont know how it holds up now. The 70s in general were a much more extreme, outrageous and audacious period of moviemaking than anything thats come after it.

The series continues on Oct. 1 with Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask), a film of vignettes starring Burt Reynolds, Gene Wilder and Lynn Redgrave that tries to answer seven verboten questions about sex.

Some of the segments are probably in bad taste, but the last one (think Fantastic Voyage but in mans erect penis) is maybe the funniest, most brilliant thing he ever did during this phase of his career, Ewing said.

Sleeper, the 1973 sci-fi slapstick comedy about a man cryogenically frozen for 200 years, follows on Oct. 6 & 8. Love and Death (Oct. 14-15) is a satire of Russian novels like War and Peace and The Brothers Karamazov. The series concludes on Oct. 21 with Allens masterpiece, Annie Hall.

Its very funny and, at the same time, quite touching, Ewing said. Its a bittersweet romance a lot of people can relate to.

Screenings are at the CIAs Peter B. Lewis Theater (11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland), the only cinema in the region capable of projecting movies in digital, 35mm and Blu-ray formats, as this series requires. Tickets, ranging in price from $9-$14, are available at cia.edu/cinematheque.

I dont think its important that people see these movies, but I think if people choose to see them, theyre going to have a great time because theyre funny as hell, Ewing said.

So, while he recognizes the risk, there is precedence for him to be hopeful. The Cinematheque, as did the Cedar Lee Theatre, showed Allens previous film, Rifkins Festival, without incident last year. The theater recently screened Roman Polanskis Chinatown and is planning to present his Apartment trilogy in October, too. The filmmaker pled guilty to raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977 and fled the country 45 years ago. He remains a fugitive.

One person asked me if I had any misgivings about showing Chinatown. I said, of course, I think about it, but on the other hand, its a great film.

Ewing said he has shown -- and would again -- controversial films such as D.W. Griffiths blatantly racist The Birth of a Nation and Gone With the Wind, which has come under fire in recent years for romanticizing the Old South.

If you suppress Birth of a Nation, youre not letting people see how bad the racism was, Ewing said. People may not believe what you tell them otherwise.

He also pointed out that repertory movie theaters across the country have kept showing Miramax films produced by Harvey Weinstein. But if theres a line, where does the Cinematheque draw it? Ewing said he would never show a snuff film. He would also think twice about Manhattan. In that movie, which came two years after Annie Hall and is considered another Allen classic, the filmmaker appears as a middle-aged comedy writer who dates a teenage girl played by Mariel Hemingway.

Ultimately, however, Ewing said he doesnt believe cancel culture should suppress works of art. So, Early Funny Woody, something hed been planning to do for years, will go on.

I do worry about whether people will come, the Cinematheque director said. Some people have told me they still love Woody Allen films almost like theyre confessing a deep dark secret. Im hoping those people will turn out. If they dont, well, cest la vie.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Cleveland Mayor Bibb is scheduled to announce a High Road Kitchens grant program at a Server for an Hour event 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

Bibb will don an apron at Fat Cats in Clevelands Tremont neighborhood for the announcement of the program, which is in partnership with One Fair Wage and High Road Restaurants.

The High Road Kitchens program is designed to support small-business restaurants as they face post-pandemic staffing shortages, a critical and ongoing residual effect that the industry continues to deal with. Ten $5,000 grants will be awarded to small-business restaurants to help support their efforts to bolster wages, encourage fair-labor practices and recruit workers. The grants are made possible via The George Gund Foundation.

To participate, restaurants must commit to transition to paying all staff a minimum $15 per hour plus tips and implement equitable employment practices.

The Raise the Wage Campaign Ohio Coalition urges passage of an amendment this fall to raise Ohios minimum wage to $15 per hour in November 2024. Ohios minimum wage is $10.10 for non-tipped employees and $5.05 per hour for tipped employees.

Restaurant owners can apply online. Application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 30.

Bibb is expected to be joined by Fat Cats owner Ricardo Sandoval, One Fair Wage President Saru Jayaraman, Director of High Road Restaurants Mikey Knab, Executive Director of OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Michelle Rose and other supporters.

Fat Cats is at 2061 W. 10th St., Cleveland.

I am on cleveland.coms life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. For my recent stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy, is Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe by Gray & Co.

Get a jumpstart on the weekend. Sign up for Cleveland.coms weekly In the CLE email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to do in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Click here to subscribe. Cleveland.com newsletters are free.

Like cool local food + drinks photos and videos? Follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Temperatures again are expected to approach 90 degrees Wednesday with heat indexes making it feel even hotter, leading some Northeast Ohio school districts to cancel classes.

Parma City Schools again are postponing students return from the Labor Day weekend, pushing it back to Thursday. There will be no classes on Wednesday, according to an announcement from the district on social media.

Parma made the decision late Tuesday night after initially announcing that schools would be open on Wednesday.

Projected temperatures have risen and there already was not much of a margin for error, the district says in the post. Unfortunately, we still see a projection of 94 degrees RealFeel.

Tuesday was the hottest day of the year in Cleveland with a high of 91 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The Weather Service in Cleveland is predicting highs around 88 degrees on Wednesday with mostly sunny skies. An air quality advisory for ground-level ozone is in effect for Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.

Riverside Local Schools in Painesville Township in Lake County will not have classes on Wednesday, but heat isnt the sole concern. In an announcement on social media, the district says its experiencing a significant lack of bus drivers.

The lack of available drivers would have students riding buses in the afternoon heat potentially for over an hour, the post says.

All Bedford City Schools will be closed Wednesday, the district announced Tuesday night. The district also canceled classes Tuesday.

The announcement says several classrooms exceeded 100 degrees on Tuesday even though no students or staff were present.
SHARONVILLE, Ohio  An Ohio man is accused of keeping his infant daughter in a motel room filled with drugs and the body of the childs dead mother, police say.

Records with the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office show Troy Mahaffey, 32, of College Hill, Ohio, is charged with endangering children and failure to report a crime or knowledge of a death. Mahaffey is being held in the countys jail on a $26,000 bond.

WXIX Channel 19 reports police found Geri Mays, 34, on Aug. 2 at a Days Inn & Suites. Officers were called to the motel room to conduct a wellness check. Mays reportedly was on a bed in a room at the motel and was unresponsive.

Mahaffey, who was in the room when officers arrived, told police that Mays had passed out, WHIO Channel 7 reports. Mays reportedly died of a drug overdose.

WXIX reports that a police report shows the infant, who was 7 months old, was wearing a onesie sized for a 3 month old. Police say the babys onesie was heavily soiled and the formula in the childs bottle was curdled. It was clear the child had not been bathed in a long time, the report says, and she was reluctant to straighten her legs because she had been kept in a car seat for so long.

Police also say it was clear Mays had been dead for a long period of time because rigor mortis had set in.

The baby was treated by medical workers and now is in the custody of the Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services, WXIX reports.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Several of Clevelands major labor organizations have come out against the proposed Peoples Budget charter amendment that would allow residents to directly decide how to spend a portion of the citys annual budget.

Meanwhile, talks brewing in recent days around a potential compromise between Peoples Budget supporters and City Council, which largely opposes it, have collapsed.

With a compromise now off the table, council President Blaine Griffin is looking to labor unions to help rally voter opposition to the measure, which would establish a concept known as participatory budgeting in Cleveland. It would set aside the equivalent of 2% of the citys general fund budget each year  roughly $14 million  for programs and capital projects that would be decided by Cleveland residents who are 13 years and older, through a voting process overseen by an 11-person committee.

If approved at the ballot box in November, council would no longer decide how to spend that slice of the budget.

Mayor Justin Bibb and Council President Blaine Griffin, among other city leaders, oppose the amendment, in part, because they say it could force cuts to critical city services, such as the safety forces.

Now echoing those concerns are the unions representing those safety forces.

The Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association, which represents rank-and-file officers, said in a City Council news release on Wednesday that the Peoples Budget, if passed, would take more officers off of the streets in the face of an ongoing police shortage of more than 250 officers.

The charter amendment would place millions of dollars of budget decisions in the hands of people with no experience with large city budgets, the release stated.

Officers are forced to work double shifts and mandatory overtime to keep Cleveland safe. The Peoples Budget if passed will require the City of Cleveland to cut $14 million from the budget every year. Those cuts could mean fewer resources to recruit and retain quality officers to protect and serve Cleveland, the release said.

In the past, Peoples Budget proponents have noted how the mayor and council would be the ones to decide how to shift the city budget  including potential cuts  in order to fund participatory budgeting. So, cuts to one department, like the Division of Police, arent predestined, but rather a choice by city leaders, supporters argue. Opponents, meanwhile, say the budget is already so slim that painful cuts must happen somewhere.

Other groups that came out against the Peoples Budget on Wednesday afternoon were the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8, which represents higher-ranking officers, the Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees, which represents EMS workers, and the International Association of Firefighters Local 93, which represents firefighters.

The firefighter union called the Peoples Budget a gamble that Cleveland cannot afford to take.

The EMS union raised concerns about potential cuts to city services.

The majority of the budget is dedicated to safety workers like Paramedics, EMTs, Firefighters and Police Officers -- as well as everyday services that Clevelanders need. Services such as street repair, snow plowing and garbage pickup, President Mark Barrett said in a release. With Cleveland EMS responding to record-high call volumes, Clevelanders need MORE critical safety and service workers -- not LESS.

Opposition from safety-related unions comes after two other major labor players came out against the Peoples Budget in recent days.

The North Shore AFL-CIO earlier this week announced that it, too, opposes the measure, saying it would have a disastrous effect on union members who live and work in Cleveland, a release said.

And last week, the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council, which is an umbrella organization for 29 Northeast Ohio unions, voiced opposition. Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski said in a release that participatory budgeting may sound like a good or progressive idea, but its not.

Im sure those behind the idea had good intentions, but the reality is participatory budgeting is a gimmick that presents a very real danger to a city budget that is already cut to the bone. Further cuts could do irreparable damage to City services and public safety, Wondolowski said.

The charter amendments campaign manager, Molly Martin, said in a release that PB CLE is disappointed in opposition from the labor unions.

Hundreds of cities across the country that use participatory budgeting rely on unionized city workers to implement projects voted on by residents, like installing public restrooms, mobile health clinics, and playground improvements, the release stated. Unionized public sector jobs can give workers a voice at work and provide better wages and benefits. Just as unions are a democratizing force in the workplace, the Peoples Budget will be a democratizing force in the governance of our city.

Council President Blaine Griffin has been urging labor unions to oppose the Peoples Budget amendment in hopes of routing it at the ballot box. Council spokesman Darryle Torbert said that strategy is somewhat a reaction to the Issue 24 police-reform ballot initiative that voters passed in 2021.

We were clear we wanted to take the lead on this, as opposed to [Issue 24], when there wasnt really a lot of leadership from council on which way to vote, Torbert said. Griffin and other council members, he said, will be leading the charge against this.

Earlier this year, Griffin and council rejected a participatory budgeting pilot program, pitched by Bibb, using $500,000 in American Rescue Plan funding. Some of the criticism from council back then was that participatory budgeting was undemocratic. They argued that it disregarded voters, who placed council members in office to make spending decisions on their behalf. Others said it would disproportionately favor residents who are better-off and have more free time to participate in such a process.

Earlier proposals favored by Bibb at one time or another included a $5-million pilot, and a $30-million program, all using federal aid.

Bibb may have been on board with using one-time federal money for the idea. But he balked at the charter amendment, in part because it would tap locally generated tax money that is (at least currently) used for everyday city services.

The arguments now coming from opponents to the Peoples Budget are increasingly centered on what they describe as a roughly $14 million budget gap that could jeopardize delivery of basic services.

But PB CLEs release said the aim is to build a stronger local government that does not continue to cede power to corporate interests at the expense of Cleveland workers and residents.

Martin said that city officials should be able to plan ahead for shifts to the budget.

If the Peoples Budget wouldnt be fully implemented until 2027 and the Browns stadium mortgage gets paid off in 2028, we should be able to expect a future where our public dollars are prioritized on streets over stadiums, she said in the release.

Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer, one of councils four members who co-sponsored Bibbs original pilot program idea, reached out to PB CLE this week to pursue a compromise of some sort, involving a lower dollar amount than the current $14 million proposal. PB CLE said it was willing to consider a substantially lower amount.

Council spokesman Darryle Torbert said council members were trying to be pragmatic and work out a compromise.

But Torbert said it was ultimately an 11th-hour attempt, and council didnt have enough time before a Friday deadline to reach a deal with which it was comfortable. Peoples Budget backers wanted some form of participatory budgeting to be enshrined in the charter, but that was a fatal sticking point for council, he said.

Torbert said he believed there was a real willingness from council to compromise.

PB CLE, meanwhile, described it this way: City Council was not willing to negotiate.

After that attempt failed on Wednesday, Maurer said she can now be counted among those opposing the amendment.

Said Maurer in a statement: I fundamentally believe in the need to reinvigorate small-d democratic engagement in the city and I believe the PB coalition has been acting in good faith to do just that. But as an elected member of City Council, I must balance these beliefs with my fiduciary obligations to keep the City in good financial standing. Because of the amount of money being asked and the lack of safeguards in the amendment, I must oppose it.

Two other council co-sponsors of the original pilot program, Jenny Spencer and Deborah Gray, havent said where they stand on the charter amendment.

The other, Stephanie Howse, told cleveland.com Wednesday she is not in favor of it. She said she wasnt given the chance by Peoples Budget organizers to weigh in on the crafting of the amendment. When she eventually saw it, she was concerned about where the money would come from, and how it could affect workers who deliver services, as their wages comprise a lions share of the city budget.

You cant grant-write your way out of this, Howse said.

She added: Its hard to support something when you dont have a real conversation, and to really think through where resources are going to come from.

Read more:

Peoples Budget Cleveland charter amendment heading to ballot, Bibb opposes it

Peoples Budget charter amendment would significantly impair city of Cleveland, Bibbs finance chief says

Cleveland coalition collecting signatures for Peoples Budget ballot initiative

Cleveland City Council bucks Bibbs request for participatory budgeting
COLUMBUS, Ohio  The Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a case Wednesday asking the court to reverse a state boards rejection of a permit to build a solar farm in Greene County.

The court didnt explain itself beyond noting the participating justices unanimously dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction. The ruling isnt necessarily the courts last word, but at minimum adds to the timeline, legal hurdles, and economic uncertainty for Vesper Energy, the parent company behind the Kingwood Solar project.

Regardless, Juan Suarez, chief development officer and vice president at Vesper Energy, indicated plans to soldier on.

The Ohio Supreme Courts ruling on Kingwood Solar is procedural, prolonging the schedule for the final ruling, he said. Vesper Energy is committed to Kingwood Solar, and we look forward to resolution with the Ohio Supreme Court, the Ohio Power Siting Board, and our community partners.

In December 2022, the Ohio Power Siting Board rejected Kingwood Solars application for a permit. While Kingwood met the technical and environmental requirements, the board found the facility will not serve the public interest, convenience and necessity, as state law requires.

The board based its decision on the mostly negative feedback from a November 2021 public hearing in which about 75% of the 68 speakers opposed the project, and opposition from township and county elected officials.

The facility is projected to generate 175 megawatts of solar energy via hundreds of thousands of solar panels on 1,200 acres of private land, whose owners struck deals with developers. It predates a new Ohio law that gives local governments explicit powers to kill renewable projects within their borders  a power they do not wield over oil, gas or coal developments.

After a power siting board ruling, parties can seek a rehearing on the matter. In Kingwoods case, the board agreed Feb. 7 to grant a rehearing for the purpose of affording the [OPSB] more time to consider the issues raised. The ruling offered no further detail or timeline, and it was the boards last word on the matter before Kingwood appealed to the Supreme Court in April.

The Supreme Courts ruling narrows the path to development for Kingwood, which originally hoped to break ground in June 2022, though it remains viable. The OPSB could reverse its rejection of a permit. Or it could affirm its decision, which Kingwood could once again appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court.

The siting board has not yet scheduled a new hearing. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer have reached out to the board for comment on the timeline of the Kingwood rehearing.

The Utility Scale Solar Electric Coalition of Ohio, via its lobbyist Will Hinman, declined to comment on the courts ruling.

The proposed Kingwood project falls near the Cedarville home of Gov. Mike DeWine. Last year he told the Ohio Capital Journal he wouldnt take a position on the project given its in my backyard. His son, Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine, recused himself from the Kingwood case without offering his reasoning.

Kingwood isnt the only solar farm blocked from developing due to an alleged failure to serve the public interest, convenience and necessity. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing appeals of Birch Solar in Allen and Auglaize counties, a 300 megawatt project that ran into local political opposition at the power siting board.

Jake Zuckerman covers state policy and politics for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
LOS ANGELES -- When Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis set Donald Trumps bail at $200,000, the indicted ex-president responded with a Truth Social post that appeared to be an attempt at  well  comedy. This was a shock because Trump has never actually demonstrated that he has a sense of humor.

Has anybody ever heard him tell a joke? Has anybody even seen him laugh or smile?

Trump joked that he would escape to Russia and share a gold-domed suite with Vladimir. Not bad for an amateur comedy writer, but who lives in a house with a gold dome?

On top of that, why would Trump think that a ruthless dictator like Putin would want a roommate, especially a guy with no interior decorating taste? Vlads got a gazillion dollars. He doesnt need to split the rent. Trumps fortune is in a bank in fantasyland.

An award-winning novelist and former magazine editor who co-authored the movie, Blue Streak, John Blumenthals work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Sun-Times, Playboy, Publishers Weekly, Salon and Huffington Post. This was written for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

The post continues with this gem: Would I be able to take my very understated airplane with the gold TRUMP affixed for all to see? Id be much better off flying commercial  Im sure nobody would recognize me!

Truly hysterical but who still refers to jets as airplanes? As for recognition, if the flight attendant is a Democrat, Trump definitely wont get pretzels.

Whats not funny is that Trumps understated airplane might actually get away with making tire tracks on the tarmac, taking him to Putins gold dome suite if his team of lawyers sense a guilty verdict and counsel him early enough to get out of Dodge.

Trump will easily recoup the bail money by selling his mug shot merchandise. His loyal supporters, with their typically Paleolithic logic, will continue to send him their hard-earned money, failing to notice that Trump, will use the funds to desert them forever. (This last part is comedy gold.)

One might wonder why his attorneys even took him on as a client in the first place, For the exposure? Money? They certainly didnt do it to improve their reputations since many of them have been indicted or fired or left a trail of exasperated judges with their frivolous trials and motions. (The lawyer routine would have Vegas audiences rolling in the aisles.)

Millions of people would love to see Trump in an orange jumpsuit forever (Funny) but if that doesnt happen (Not Funny), the best alternative might be for him to permanently relocate to another country, preferably one that will restrict him from using social media (Funny). Russia seems like a good fit.

Would Putin greet Trump with a marching band? Probably not. First off, Russias marching bands have all likely been sent to fill out the ranks in Ukraine (Not Funny) with inadequate training and guns that dont function (Not Funny), so former band members are spending their time stealing dishwashers and toilet seats (Not Funny). The two leaders couldnt toast each other with vodka because Trump doesnt drink alcoholic beverages. A man who does not partake of vodka, especially during Russias frigid winters is suspicious to Russians. (There are some potentially big laughs in the toasting thing, Donald.)

Sure, Trump called Putin a genius and savvy (Very Funny) for invading Ukraine (Not Funny) but look how thats turned out so far (Not Funny.) An easier strategy would have been for Trump to simply hand over Ukraine to Putin while he was president. No weapons, no aid. Who was going to make a fuss, Belgium? After all, Putin helped Trump win in 2016 so Vlad might be saying, Comrade Donald, tell me: How hard can it possibly be to make a coup happen?

The possible good news is that Comrade Donalds unsuccessful attempt to pull off a coup will make him a member of Putins trusted inner circle although the vodka situation could prove problematical.

Some advice: Donald, dont quit your day job. Oh yeah, you dont have a day job anymore.

An award-winning novelist and former magazine editor who co-authored the movie, Blue Streak, John Blumenthals work has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Sun-Times, Playboy, Publishers Weekly, Salon and Huffington Post. This was written for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

Have something to say about this topic?

* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
MAUI, Hawaii  A friend left for an anniversary trip to Hawaii last week with some trepidation.

On her itinerary: Several days in Maui, site of devastating wildfires in August, which killed more than 100 people.

Her plans included a stay in Paia, some 30 miles northeast of Lahaina, the historic town that was destroyed last month.

She wondered: Is it too soon? Was she taking lodging from displaced residents or contractors? Would the locals welcome her? Should she go somewhere else?

These are questions that have relevance outside of Hawaii, of course. Last year, I traveled to Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach two months after Hurricane Ian devastated the southwest Florida beachfront communities. I was a journalist, doing my job. But I also felt like a voyeur, with a front-row seat to others pain.

The residents of southwest Florida needed some time to heal, as do the people in Maui.

But how much time is enough?

The answer so often is common sense, said Jeff Greenwald, co-founder and executive director of Ethical Traveler, a nonprofit that seeks to use the economic clout of tourism to protect human rights and the environment. You dont want to be where youre not welcome, basically. And you do want to be where you are needed. The first question you need to ask yourself: Am I doing any good?

He added: Theres going to be a point where Maui is going to want tourism back. At that point, its an ethically positive thing to go back there.

Part of the problem, however, is that not all groups of people speak in one voice. On Sanibel, for example, the business community was clearly ready for tourists sooner than residents were.

And when it comes to travel to Hawaii, visitors have been getting mixed messages, as well.

Shortly after the devastating fires, visitors were told by both government officials and residents to leave Maui and to stay away.

Apparently, travelers heeded the message too well. Some tourism operators reported that travelers are canceling plans for travel dates as far off as December.

This week, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has shifted its messaging, encouraging respectful, responsible tourism to Maui.

The agency released a map last week that shows the relatively compact area of west Maui that is closed, as well as the neighboring communities where hotels and other lodging are taken up by displaced residents and workers.

Other areas are open.

The agency said the drop in tourism is costing the entire state $9 million per day. They need to know its OK. ... And by coming, youre supporting Mauis economy. Youre supporting Mauis ability to recover, the groups spokesperson T. Ilihia Gionson told Hawaii News Now.

Even before the wildfires last month, some travelers had grown uneasy about travel to Hawaii, where overtourism, overdevelopment and skyrocketing prices have sparked a local movement to limit visitation to the islands. That effort, sometimes in alliance with the Native Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement, has made some visitors feel unwelcome in recent years.

Indeed, my own children have expressed some ambivalence about traveling to Hawaii, thanks to some social media messaging theyve seen that is critical of the environmental effects of overdevelopment and the cultural disrespect shown by some tourists.

A girl rides her bike past a sign that says "Tourist Keep Out," in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Long before a wildfire blasted through the island of Maui the week before, there was tension between Hawaii's longtime residents and the visitors some islanders resent for turning their beaches, mountains and communities into playgrounds. But that tension is building in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP

Greenwald, with Ethical Traveler, said he believes its a minority of native Hawaiians who dont want visitors to come to the islands. Many Hawaiians have benefited from the tourism industry, said Greenwald, who lives in northern California and regularly travels to Hawaii. The goal is not to eliminate it but to make it more respectful and impactful.

Toward that end, he suggests that visitors try to stay at locally owned lodging, dine at locally owned restaurants, employ knowledgeable local guides and make the effort to learn about native history and culture.

My friend, meanwhile, decided to stick with her plan to travel to Paia. She reached out to the owners of her Airbnb and they encouraged her to come.

I think you will enjoy the spectacular beauty of Maui and it is uncrowded right now, they told her. Most Mauians depend on visitors for their livelihoods and you are most welcome.

After several days on Oahu, shes due to arrive on Maui this weekend. I expect shell have a wonderful time.

PASSPORT UPDATE: No, you dont need a passport to travel to Hawaii. But I have good news for folks who are waiting for passports so they can travel out of the country.

I wrote in June about the months-long delays plaguing the U.S. Department of State, which processes both first-time and renewal passports. The pent-up desire for travel following the COVID-19 pandemic caused a huge backlog in passport processing times by the State Department, which has struggled to keep up with demand.

At the time I submitted my passport for renewal in late June, the department was saying it could take 10 to 13 weeks to receive my updated document. My husband and I both received our passports approximately seven weeks after we sent them in for processing.

In addition, I heard from a couple of readers who used the expedited passport service (for an extra $60), which the State Department said should take between seven and nine weeks. Both readers got their new or renewed passports in five weeks.
QUEENSLAND, Australia  Three people were rescued from an inflatable catamaran on the Coral Sea after the boat was heavily damaged by attacks from sharks.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) says in a news release that two Russians and a French citizen were pulled from the 9-meter (29.5 feet) vessel after an emergency beacon was received at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The catamaran had left Vanuatu in the South Pacific and was bound for Cairns, Australia. The AMSA says both hulls of the vessel had been damaged by several shark attacks.

Theres many reasons why vessels are attacked by sharks. However, the motivations of these sharks are unclear, Joe Zeller, acting manager of the AMSA Response Center, tells Al Jazeera.

The Dugong Ace, a vehicle carrier sailing under a Panama flag, was contacted and was able to find the catamaran and rescue the three people on board, AMSA says.

Al Jazeera reports Zeller said the three people were very happy to be rescued and they are all healthy and well and aboard the Dugong Ace.
TOKYO, Sep 06 ( News On Japan ) - A 14-year-old female junior high school student in central Japan was arrested early Wednesday morning on suspicion of attempted murder for stabbing her mother, who later passed away, with a kitchen knife.

The mother (40) was found lying with profuse bleeding from her abdomen in their apartment in Daichi-cho, Aichi Prefecture, at around 1:10 AM on September 6, after an emergency call reported "a person has been stabbed in the stomach."

The mother was taken to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries approximately 4 and a half hours later.

The second-year junior high school student was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of her mother and was transferred to a detention facility shortly after 9:30 AM on Wednesday.

The female student lived with her mother and a younger elementary school-aged sister.

When the police arrived, the female student reportedly nodded silently, acknowledging her involvement in the crime. However, during subsequent questioning after her arrest, she continued to nod in response to questions but did not provide additional information. The police are conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the crime.
In an interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer on Tuesday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed the importance of communication in fostering the country's economic relationship with China. Raimondo said U.S. businesses are "desperate" for dialogue.

Raimondo visited Beijing and Shanghai last week to meet with government officials, becoming the first U.S. Commerce secretary to travel to the country in five years, but the fourth high-level U.S. official to visit China this summer.

"I did, myself, personally, talk to over a hundred CEOs of U.S. businesses before going to China, and to say that they were desperate for some kind of a dialogue is not an exaggeration," Raimondo said. "I'm not going to say we're going to solve every problem, because we won't. But to even find some practical solutions, I have to be the voice of business and put it to the Chinese government, and give them, you know, a chance to make some changes and show some action."

U.S. businesses need a "level playing field" in China, Raimondo said, as many fear raids or unpredictable government action toward their companies.

The Commerce secretary also touched on artificial intelligence. She said the government is "erring on the side of caution" and attempting to ensure China does not get the most sophisticated AI chips made in the U.S.

"Even they are a little bit scared about the destructive power of AI," Raimondo said of the artificial intelligence creators she has spoken with. "And we can't let that get into the hands of the Chinese military."

Raimondo went on to explain the "soft power" that stems from American brands in China, emphasizing the need for a stable and practical relationship with Beijing, adding the tourism industry creates jobs and adds billions to the U.S. economy.

"Not decoupling our economy is critical, not just for our economy but for our national security," she said. "We have to do business where we can, communicate and have dialogue where we can, and never compromise our national security."
Elon Musk's recent comments insinuating that the real-time messaging service formerly known as Twitter could file a defamation lawsuit against the Anti-Defamation League is merely a "threat of a frivolous lawsuit," the nonprofit's CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said Tuesday.

In a statement shared with CNBC, Greenblatt dismissed allegations Musk made over the Labor Day weekend, in which he claimed the ADL was "trying to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic." The nonprofit's CEO added that Musk's "behavior is not just alarming nor reckless."

"It is flat out dangerous and deeply irresponsible," Greenblatt said. "We need responsible leaders to lead, to stop inflaming hatred and to step back from the brink before it's too late."

The ADL chief's comments come after Musk claimed on Monday that the ADL was responsible for putting "pressure on advertisers" that led to a 60% drop in X's advertising revenue. Musk alleged that the ADL "has been trying to kill this platform by falsely accusing it & me of being anti-Semitic," ever since he bought the messaging service last fall in a deal worth roughly $44 billion.

Musk said X, the company formerly known as Twitter, would have "no choice but to file a defamation lawsuit" if the ADL continues to allegedly pressure advertisers.

Multiple civil rights groups and researchers have documented a rise in hate speech, racist comments and other inflammatory posts on X after Musk gained control of the messaging app last fall.

The Center for Countering Digital Hate nonprofit, for instance, published a report in June that claimed X failed to take action against several subscribers of Twitter Blue, now referred to as X Premium, when they posted inflammatory content.

In August, X sued the CCDH in federal court alleging that the nonprofit illegally obtained data from X using methods like data scraping to "falsely claim it had statistical support showing the platform is overwhelmed with harmful content." X's attorneys alleged that the CCDH's studies were based upon "flawed methodologies" and caused advertisers to stop running promotional campaigns on the messaging service, thus damaging X's business.

Last week, Greenblatt said in an X post that he had a "very frank + productive conversation" with newly appointed X CEO Linda Yaccarino on how "to address hate effectively on the platform," adding that he "appreciated her reaching out and I'm hopeful the service will improve."

Greenblatt said he would give both the former global advertising chief at NBCUniversal and Musk "credit if the service gets better... and reserve the right to call them out until it does."

Shortly after Greenblatt commented about his conversation, #BanTheADL began trending on X as some users called for the nonprofit to be banned from the messaging platform. For instance, Nick Fuentes, a far-right livestreamer who has previously made antisemitic comments, urged his viewers to contribute to the #BanTheADL campaign.

Musk then began engaging with some of the anti-ADL posts on X, liking some of the comments and even responding to them.

"ADL has tried very hard to strangle X/Twitter," Musk said, replying to the YouTube streamer Keith Woods, who the ADL has previously said has produced antisemitic content.

"It is profoundly disturbing that Elon Musk spent the weekend engaging with a highly toxic, antisemitic campaign on his platform  a campaign started by an unrepentant bigot that then was heavily promoted by individuals such as white supremacist Nick Fuentes, Christian nationalist Andrew Torba, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and others," Greenblatt said. "Finally, we saw the campaign manifest in the real world when masked men marched in Florida on Saturday brazenly waving flags adorned with swastikas and chanting 'Ban the ADL.'"

X did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Disclosure: NBCUniversal is the parent company of CNBC.
A bird flies by in the foreground as a Southwest Airlines jet comes in for a landing at McCarran International Airport on May 25, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Major U.S. airlines warned about a spike in jet fuel prices, adding to costs during the busy summer travel season.

Jet fuel in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York averaged $3.18 a gallon on Tuesday after the Labor Day holiday weekend, up more than 30% compared with July 5, according to industry group Airlines for America.

Fuel and labor are airlines' biggest costs. A spike raises questions about how much of the increase carriers have been able to pass along to customers this summer after fares fell from last year.

The higher cost forecasts come as Southwest Airlines narrowed its unit revenue outlook for the current quarter. The Dallas-based carrier said it expected unit revenue to fall 5% to 7% from last year in the three months ending Sept. 30. In July, Southwest said revenue could drop as little as 3% this quarter from last year.

"While August 2023 close-in leisure bookings were on the lower-end of the Company's expectations, modestly impacted by seasonal trends, overall leisure demand and yields continue to remain healthy," the carrier said in a securities filing.

Southwest said that it expects fuel to average $2.70 to $2.80 a gallon this quarter, up from its earlier estimate of up $2.55 to $2.65. It maintained its forecast for capacity to rise 12% from 2022.

Other carriers warned increased costs could affect their results.

Alaska Airlines said higher fuel prices will eat into its pretax margin this quarter.

United Airlines maintained its revenue forecast, but said it expects fuel prices of as much as $3.05 for the quarter, up from its July estimate of no more than $2.80 a gallon.

Airlines are scheduled to report quarterly results in October.
The stock dropped 36.8%, bringing it to $8.62 per share. On a split-adjusted basis, that is AMC's lowest close on record, according to FactSet.

Shares of AMC Entertainment fell sharply on Wednesday after the theater chain said in a filing that it plans to sell up to 40 million new shares to raise cash.

AMC was widely expected to sell additional shares after the successful conversion of the preferred APE shares into AMC common stock in August. It followed the settlement of a lawsuit objecting to the move.

The theater chain sold millions of shares of common stock in recent years after becoming one of the so-called meme stocks popular with retail traders. The sales helped AMC stabilize itself after the Covid pandemic effectively halted the theatrical movie business.

However, AMC used up its allotment of stock and needed shareholder approval to issue more. The company issued the preferred APE shares as part of a strategy to change its corporate voting structure and get shareholder approval to sell additional common stock.

AMC said in the filing Wednesday that it will sell the new shares through "at-the-market" offerings, without a specific time frame. Citigroup, Barclays, B. Riley Securities and Goldman Sachs are listed as sales agents in the filing.

The U.S. movie business remains below pre-pandemic levels, and the ongoing strikes in Hollywood have clouded the release slate for the rest of 2023 and 2024. AMC and pop star Taylor Swift announced last week that the theater chain is serving as the distributor for a concert movie of The Eras Tour to be released in October.
A number of schools across Japan are urgently seeking ways to provide meals for their students following the sudden discontinuation of lunch catering services.

Hoyu, a food company based in Hiroshima City, western Japan, has been providing school lunches and dormitory meals. However, sources within the company revealed that it is considering filing for bankruptcy with the local district court, as its finances have worsened due to soaring food and utility costs.

This sudden development has left many high schools, special needs schools and police schools around Japan without meal services since the beginning of this month.

In response, some schools have resorted to having the faculty buy boxed lunches for the students. Others are asking students to bring their own lunches or turning to other caterers.

To assess the situation, officials from the Hiroshima Labor Bureau spent about two hours at the company's headquarters on Wednesday.

Hoyu's website says the company has 22 offices across Japan. It had 586 workers, including part-timers, as of April 2020.
Market Movers rounded up the latest reactions on Apple from investors and analysts. The pros discussed Apple after The Wall Street Journal reported that China banned the use of foreign-branded devices, including iPhones, for government officials at work. Additionally, Apple faces pressure as the European Commission designated it and five other major tech companies as "gatekeepers" under the EU's Digital Markets Act . CFRA reiterated the iPhone maker as a buy Wednesday and is bullish ahead of the company's upcoming product event . Apple's stock fell 3.6% Wednesday and is currently held in Jim Cramer 's Charitable Trust portfolio.
Storage tanks and oil processing facilities operate beside the Arabian Sea at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and terminal in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, Oct. 1, 2018. The upcoming OPEC+ meeting in Vienna will result in an oil production cut "of some historic kind", said CIO of Pickering Energy Partners, Dan Pickering.

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Thursday, after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended voluntary oil production cuts to the end of the year.

Hong Kong-listed shares of Chinese property stocks surged, with Evergrande leading the charge, soaring by more than 70%. The Hang Seng Property Index was up 4%, but the broader Hang Seng index was close to the flatline in its final hour, following Tuesday's losses. Mainland Chinese markets also fell, with the CSI 300 down 0.22% and ending at 3,812.03.

Brent crude futures traded at $89.66 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures traded near $86.40 a barrel, both hovering close to a 10-month high.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will extend its cut of 1 million barrels per day until the end of December, while Russia said it will reduce its oil exports by 300,000 barrels per day.
The loading and unloading of cargo freighters has been suspended at all 29 U.S. West Coast ports this weekend because of chronic slowdowns on the docks that shippers and terminal operators have blamed on the dockworkers' union, the companies said Friday.

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden celebrated the recent West Coast dockworker contract in a ceremony at the White House on Wednesday.

"I want to thank both sides for working through this and getting it done," Biden said. "It's a good deal for workers, it's a good deal for companies and it's a good deal for the United States of America."

Leaders from both the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents the workers, and the Pacific Maritime Association, which operates the port terminals, joined Biden at the White House.

Last week, the ILWU and the PMA ratified a contract after more than a year of negotiations that prompted the Biden administration to get involved. The contract is set to last for six years and was approved by 75% of union members who voted. It included increased pay and benefits for 22,000 workers across 29 ports on the West Coast.

"The contract finalized last week represented a prime example of Bidenomics at work, reflecting workers empowered and bargaining together for the wages, benefits, and quality of life they deserve, and company owners recognizing those unions' right to organize," a White House official said in a statement.

Chronic worker slowdowns plagued the ports as negotiations lagged on, in some cases diverting shipments and leading to temporary port closures.
A BYD Co. Seal electric sedan during the media day for the Munich Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Chinese electric vehicles pose "a real threat" to the European car industry, according to Christian Kames, managing director at financial advisory firm Lazard. Kames spoke from the IAA Mobility Conference in Munich, where the number of Chinese companies has soared since the last event. Around 40% of the presenters at the conference are from Asia, while the number of Chinese exhibitors in attendance has more than doubled from 29 in 2021 to 75 this year, according to IAA Mobility. There are almost 750 exhibitors in total, from 38 countries.

watch now

The increase in Chinese companies in attendance shows that these firms "really have the European market  as the next market they want to conquer," Kames said. The comments reflect those of Chinese automakers, who have stressed that Europe is a key part of their global expansion plans.

Warren Buffet-backed carmaker BYD launched its Seal electric sedan for Europe on Monday, while Leapmotor, which is based in Hangzhou, China, said its SUV would be available in Europe next year. Similarly, Xpeng announced plans to sell its cars in Germany in 2024, after already entering the Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Dutch markets. "We recognize Germany is the most important and the highest standard market for all" carmakers, Brian Gu, the president of Xpeng, told CNBC in an interview Monday. Swiss bank UBS has gone as far as to downgrade two major European automakers because of the threat posed by China's broadening EV market.

European companies are 'ready to engage'

European auto manufacturers are well aware of the competition brought about by Chinese companies, Christian Kames told CNBC. "[European carmakers] get it now, that the Chinese [automakers] are a real threat. The question is what do they do about it," Kames said. "I don't think we are still at the stage where they underestimate the Chinese," he added.

watch now

Renault CEO Luca De Meo on Monday said that the French carmaker is continuing to ramp up its investment in new technologies, particularly in its new EV-dedicated unit, Ampere, which he believes puts the company in good stead against international competition. "We think we have the argument and the confidence to [cut costs], it will take some time because Chinese OEMs, they started a generation before the Europeans because market conditions were different in China, so that's the fight, and we are ready to engage," De Meo told CNBC. China's advances in Europe's electric vehicle sphere can also teach European countries how they can better crack into the Asia market, Chris Reitermann, CEO of Ogilvy Asia Pacific and Greater China, told CNBC's Evelyn Cheng on Aug. 25. "A lot of the multinational players, they struggle because they underestimated the huge, the speed of shift to electric, which is probably a good lesson in how multinationals need to run their businesses if they want to be successful in China," Reitermann said in a video interview.

watch now
An Iraqi man splashes water on his face to cool down during a heatwave in the Shorja market in central Baghdad on August 13, 2023.

The world just experienced its hottest three months on record by a substantial margin, according to the UN weather agency, prompting the UN chief to call for world leaders to take urgent climate action.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization and European climate service Copernicus on Wednesday announced that the June to August season of 2023 was the warmest such period in records that began in 1940.

The average temperature for those three months was 16.77 degrees Celsius (62.19 degrees Fahrenheit), which was 0.66 degrees Celsius above average for the period.

The month of August was found to be the hottest on record by a large margin and the second hottest month after July 2023.

The global average surface air temperature of 16.82 degrees Celsius for August was 0.71 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1991 to 2020 average for the month, and 0.31 degrees Celsius warmer than the previous hottest August, logged in 2016.

It comes after a series of extreme weather events across the Northern Hemisphere, with repeated heatwaves fueling devastating wildfires.

"Climate breakdown has begun," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"Scientists have long warned what our fossil fuel addiction will unleash," Guterres said, adding that "surging temperatures demand a surge in action."

The UN chief said that this latest global heat record must coincide with world leaders urgently pursuing climate solutions. "We can still avoid the worst of climate chaos  and we don't have a moment to lose," Guterres said.

The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, is the chief driver of the climate crisis.
The timeline to decide Hulu's ownership fate has been moved up, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said Wednesday.

Comcast and Disney are set to begin those discussions on Sept. 30, months earlier than the initial January 2024 deadline. The talks will include an appraisal process.

Under the original 2019 agreement, Comcast can force Disney to buy, or Disney can require Comcast to sell, that remaining 33% stake in January 2024, at a guaranteed minimum total equity value of $27.5 billion.

"We are excited to get this resolved," Roberts said Wednesday at Goldman Sachs' Communacopia and Technology conference. "And the minimum $27.5 billion that people have bandied about, that was a hypothetical that we picked five years ago because Disney has control of the company. The company is way more valuable today than it was then. "

Roberts called out Hulu as a great streaming business, second only to industry giant Netflix, which he noted has a market cap of $200 billion.

The deal between Disney and Comcast has set up, in essence, the first-ever sale of a streaming service of this magnitude, Roberts said Wednesday. The two companies will each have their own appraiser, and if their valuations are far apart, a third will likely be brought in.

When valuing Hulu, there's more to consider than just the streaming app itself, Roberts said. A valuation would include the platform's content, much of which is supplied by Disney. The parties will also assess that Hulu is sold in a bundle with fellow Disney services Disney+ and ESPN+, lowering the likelihood of so-called churn or consumers who drop their subscriptions.

He also noted that synergies could be worth "a couple billion dollars" to a buyer of Hulu.

"Just that  the synergy and churn benefit, could be worth $30 billion," Roberts said.

"I think, if you were selling all this as is, there would be a line of bidders around the block to buy all the content, all the bundling of Hulu. That business, we've never seen," Roberts said.

A representative for Disney didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Discussions between the two companies regarding Hulu's valuation have been ongoing in recent years, CNBC has previously reported.

Roberts and Disney CEO Bob Iger have faced questions about the future of Hulu for some time now.

In May, Roberts said at an investor conference that Comcast would likely sell its 33% stake in Hulu to Disney at the beginning of 2024. He suggested the final price for Hulu would likely be higher than that initial valuation.

As the deadline has neared, Comcast's NBCUniversal has removed content  including series such as "Saturday Night Live" that appeared the day after airing on traditional TV  from Hulu and put it on its own fledgling streaming platform, Peacock.

Although Disney+ is the flagship streaming service of the mouse house, Hulu is its adult-oriented content platform known for series such as "Only Murders in the Building."

While Iger said on CNBC earlier this year that "everything is on the table" regarding Hulu, he changed his tune shortly after, announcing in May that Hulu content would be added to Disney+. The content crossover is part of Disney's push toward offering a "one app experience" in the U.S., Iger had said.

The move to add Hulu content to Disney+ came as Disney focuses on its ad-supported Disney+ option to attract more subscribers and advertising revenue. Iger had called it a "logical progression" for its streaming options that gives more opportunities to advertisers.

The one-app platform is expected to be rolled out by the end of this year.

Disclosure: Comcast owns NBCUniversal, the parent company of CNBC.
Medical staff treat a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient in their isolation room on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, U.S., January 4, 2022. Shannon Stapleton | Reuters

Covid hospitalizations are increasing substantially across much of the U.S. for the first time this year, just as students are returning to school and shortly before updated shots arrive at pharmacies for a fall vaccination campaign. New hospitalizations have jumped about 16% in the U.S. over the past week, continuing an upward trend that began in late July, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New hospital admissions increased more than 30% over the past week in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and Wyoming, according to the data. The late summer Covid spike comes after a quiet year in which hospitalizations and deaths declined week after week since January. Dr. Deborah Birx, former White House coronavirus response coordinator during the Trump administration, said the U.S. has largely let its guard down and is ignoring the summer wave of infections, despite the fact that the virus is following a predictable pattern the nation has been through ever year of the pandemic. "We're living in a bit of a fantasy world where we're pretending Covid is not relevant," Birx told ABC in a podcast interview last week. "There is a lot of Covid out there and we're not testing for it and we're not telling people to get tested," she said.

The U.S. is rolling out updated shots from Pfizer , Moderna and Novavax later this month for a fall vaccination campaign, but the public health response is still struggling to keep up with a fast-evolving virus. The shots were designed months ago to target a variant, XBB.1.5, that is no longer dominant. Birx said those vaccines should have been released weeks ago to combat the predictable summer wave, adding the U.S. should already be developing new shots for January to target the emerging BA.2.86 variant. Scientists in China conducted lab studies that found BA.2.86 has a large number of mutations that allow the variant to dodge the protection conferred by vaccination or previous infection. BA.2.86 has so far been detected in 11 countries in small numbers, including the U.S. "This booster is most likely not going to work with the winter wave because we already have a pretty significant escape variant out there," Birx said. Subsequent studies indicated BA.2.86 may not be as immune-evasive as originally feared. Moderna said Wednesday its updated shot produced a strong immune response against BA.2.86 during a clinical trial. The CDC, in a risk assessment published last month, said BA.2.86 may be more adept at causing infection, but there's no evidence the variant results in more severe illness. The updated shots should be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization from the variant, according to the agency. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday the Biden administration believes the U.S. is well prepared with shots, antivirals and at-home tests heading into the fall and winter.

'It's not going to be the tsunami of cases'

Though Covid is on the rise again, Dr. Anthony Fauci said the number of hospitalizations and deaths are low and the U.S. has a substantial wall of immunity from vaccination and prior infection. "I doubt very seriously whether you're going to see the hospital and death surge that we've seen in the past even if we get a surge of infections, because there's enough fundamental, community-level protection," Fauci told the BBC in an interview last week. "It's not going to be the tsunami of cases that we've seen," said Fauci, who stepped down last year from his role as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and White House chief medical advisor. Still, the rise in Covid transmission is causing some disruption in communities. Some school districts in Kentucky and Texas recently canceled classes due to a surge in respiratory illnesses. And the virus struck the White House again with first lady Jill Biden testing positive this week and showing mild symptoms. President Joe Biden, who is attending the G20 summit in India this week, has tested negative. The first lady last caught Covid in August 2022 and the president tested positive in July of last year. Birx said it was a "huge mistake" for the CDC to stop tracking cases after the public health emergency ended and rely mostly on hospitalization data to monitor how the virus is spreading: "By the time you see hospitalizations in your area, the virus has been circulating for four to six weeks," she said. Birx said the summer wave comes about two weeks later every year, which means the U.S. should expect a winter surge in late December or early January. "We should be making vaccine right now for that wave," she told ABC.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage units at Grain LNG importation terminal, operated by National Grid Plc, on the Isle of Grain on August 22, 2022 in Rochester, England. Dan Kitwood | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The looming threat of strikes at Australian natural gas facilities will keep global gas markets on tenterhooks, energy analysts told CNBC, with traders fearing that a prolonged halt to production could squeeze global supplies and send European prices higher. U.S. energy giant Chevron and unions representing workers at the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects in Western Australia are in daily talks this week to try to come to an agreement over pay and job security. The Fair Work Commission, Australia's independent workplace relations tribunal, is mediating talks between both sides. If a deal cannot be agreed, the strikes are scheduled to begin from 6 a.m. local time Thursday. The long-running dispute escalated even further on Tuesday as a union alliance announced plans to strike for two weeks from Sept. 14. "In response to Chevron's [duplicitous] claim that our EBA negotiations are 'intractable', the Offshore Alliance is escalating Protected Industrial Action to [demonstrate] that our bargaining negotiations are far from 'intractable,'" the Offshore Alliance said in a Facebook post. "Offshore Alliance members are yet to exercise their lawful workplace rights to take Protected Industrial Action and our bargaining claims will look more and more reasonable as Chevron's Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG exports dry up." In response, a Chevron Australia spokesperson told CNBC, "We're looking to narrow points of difference with Gorgon and Wheatstone downstream employees and their representatives through further bargaining mediated by the Fair Work Commission."

There is so little flexibility in the market that the slightest provocation will cause large changes to the prices. Jacob Mandel Senior research associate for global energy markets at Aurora Energy Research

Fears of strike in Australia, one of the world's biggest exporters of liquified natural gas (LNG), have recently pushed up European gas prices  and analysts expect near-term volatility to persist. Jacob Mandel, senior research associate for global energy markets at U.K.-based consultancy Aurora Energy Research, said the global natural gas market was currently "very tight" and "very little supply flexibility" means that strike action in Australia could send European gas prices higher. "Prices have moved quite significantly on basically little bits of news on what's happened to these two facilities because there is so little flexibility in the market that the slightest provocation will cause large changes to the prices," Mandel told CNBC via videoconference. He said that European gas prices could climb to above 40 euros ($42.9) per megawatt hour if the strikes go ahead as planned. The front-month gas price at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub, a European benchmark for natural gas trading, traded at 33.5 euros on Tuesday. The TTF contract rose sharply to around 43 euros last month. TTF prices have since pared gains, however, and remain well below last summer's extraordinary spike to more than 300 euros. "I think it is extremely unlikely prices will go anywhere near where they were last September, where they hit these massive record peaks," Mandel said. "Prices reached those peaks under extraordinary circumstances, which in theory could have been replicated. However, in Europe, we've taken many steps that could keep prices from reaching such a high." "It doesn't mean that prices could increase above this 40 per megawatt hour level and if something else happens  a sudden winter storm, or something like this  certainly this can push [prices] higher," he added.

watch now

Kaushal Ramesh, head of gas and LNG analytics at research firm Rystad Energy, said looming industrial action at Chevron's Gorgon and Wheatstone facilities suggested near-term volatility could continue until a resolution is reached. "We still don't think there will be a material impact on production," Ramesh said, citing the resolution of other similar disputes. He noted that it may become difficult for Chevron to prolong the strikes if they do go ahead. "Whatever monetary impact there may be to Chevron from giving in to the workers' demands is likely a fraction of lost revenue if production were to be substantially impacted," Ramesh told CNBC via email. "Thus, these are political developments, and things can get irrational, but so far, Asian buyers have not been too concerned. This winter, Japan and Korea will have an additional 6 GW of nuclear power available compared to the previous year."

Another 'big question mark' for Europe

Wild price swings in energy markets in recent weeks come as the euro zone continues to wean itself off Russian fossil fuel exports following the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last month, the EU hit its target of filling gas storage facilities to 90% of capacity roughly two-and-a-half months ahead of schedule, bolstering hopes the bloc has secured enough fuel supplies to keep homes warm during winter. Nonetheless, the region's gas market remains sensitive. "Europe's gas markets remain nervous, as seen in the jump in prices in August at the threat of an LNG worker strike in faraway Australia," said Henning Gloystein, a director for energy, climate, and natural resources at political consultancy Eurasia Group. "Real disruptions" are possible this winter, Gloystein said, including Norwegian winter storm outages or a cut of the remaining Russia gas to Europe. He warned that a stoppage of pipeline transit via Ukraine or a suspension of Russian LNG shipments were two notable risks for Europe. One "big question mark" adding a risk premium to costs in Europe, Mandel said, is the future for the transit of Russian gas through Ukrainian territory, which is scheduled to expire at the end of next year.

watch now
"I'm looking for people who want to exchange ideas, who want to innovate and are not happy with the status quo," says a Google VP.

As a vice president at Google Asia Pacific, Sapna Chadha is most excited about the region's "growth story." "Within Southeast Asia, in the last few years alone, we've added 100 million new internet users. And you see the quickness to adapt and to adopt changes," she told CNBC Make It in a virtual interview. Chadha, who is responsible for business strategy, and operations across Southeast and South Asia, looks for the same agility in team members as well.

"What we've seen at Google is that among our best staff, a growth mindset is a common characteristic  It's one of the biggest drivers of good performance and results," said Sapna Chadha, a vice president at Google Asia Pacific. Google

"I'm looking for people who want to exchange ideas, who want to innovate and are not happy with the status quo," she added. "What we've seen at Google is that among our best staff, a growth mindset is a common characteristic  It's one of the biggest drivers of good performance and results."

Traits of someone with a 'growth mindset'

Having a growth mindset for Chadha means believing in the idea of continuous learning, and believing that one can always evolve. The one question she would ask during a job interview is: What's the latest thing you've learned? "That's one way you can spot that is by knowing what people are doing to actually evolve themselves," she added. "Have they taken some initiative on their own to learn something that's out of their domain? Because I want to learn from you." The response would not only be an indication of a growth mindset, but also show whether a person is willing "to exchange information and collaborate," Chanha explained.

I tend to look for people that are not just focused on vertical advancement, but thinking about broadening their horizon and their skill sets so that they can flex more in the future. Sapna Chadha Vice president, Google Asia Pacific

"I think this is a critical trait to possess in today's context where tech continues to advance, and this act of knowledge exchange encourages a healthy environment of curiosity and growth." The other thing that Chadha said she always looks out for is whether people are willing to admit that they've made mistakes and what they've learned from it. "Maybe they've tried something, didn't go so well the first time, but they realize that they can improve. That admission is really important."

How to build a growth mindset

One way you can continuously grow yourself is to "view your career not as a ladder to climb, but a jungle gym," said Chadha. "Being open to move across  not just always up  is important. I tend to look for people that are not just focused on vertical advancement, but thinking about broadening their horizon and their skill sets so that they can flex more in the future." For example, Chadha shared that she had the opportunity to move from being a product manager to chief of staff at her former company. "I was initially unsure at that time, but it turned out to be one of the jobs that helped me grow the most," she added.
A group of Colorado voters filed a lawsuit Wednesday to kick Donald Trump off the state's ballot in 2024, citing a nascent legal theory that proposes the former president is constitutionally barred from running for office.

The complaint hinges on the argument that then-President Trump engaged in an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, and is therefore disqualified from holding government office under the 14th Amendment.

"Trump tried to overthrow the results of the 2020 election, leading to a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol to stop the lawful transfer of power to his successor," the plaintiffs wrote in their legal complaint in Colorado state court.

The third section of the 14th Amendment bars people from holding "any office" at the federal or state level if they have "previously taken an oath" to support the U.S. Constitution and then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof."

Ratified in 1866, the so-called Disqualification Clause was intended to prevent leaders of the defeated Confederacy from running for public office after the war. The clause allows an individual's disqualification to be overruled with a two-thirds vote from the House and Senate.

Trump has claimed that the growing attention to the theory, and legal actions stemming from it, are all part of a broader conspiracy against him.

But a pair of constitutional scholars last month argued in an academic paper that the clause disqualifies Trump, "and potentially many others, because of their participation in the attempted overthrow of the 2020 presidential election."

The plaintiffs  six Colorado registered voters, four of whom are Republicans  alleged in the new complaint that Trump's actions led to "a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol to stop the lawful transfer of power to his successor."

The theory also has some outspoken detractors, however. Law professor Jonathan Turley, who defended Trump during his first impeachment, called it "the ultimate Hail Mary pass" by Trump's critics.

The legal interpretation being used to try to keep Trump from reclaiming power has rarely, if ever, been tested in the courts  a fact the plaintiffs in the Colorado suit acknowledge.

"If the very fabric of our democracy is to hold, we must ensure that the Constitution is enforced and the same people who attacked our democratic system not be put in charge of it," said Noah Bookbinder, the president of the watchdog group CREW, the organization behind the suit.
New York Citys floating jail, a temporary barge that has housed inmates along the East River off-and-on since the early 1990s, will close next month, officials said.

More than 500 people in custody and the 200 correction officers and staff who watch over them will be relocated from the Vernon C. Bain Center to Rikers Island and other lockups in a move designed to centralize operations, a department spokeswoman said.

The move drew immediate criticism from activists who have been trying for years to get officials to close Rikers.

The Boat, like Rikers Island, should have closed a long time ago, Lezandre Khadu, a member of the Campaign to Close Rikers, said in a statement. However, transferring people from the Boat to Rikers is not the solution. Its equivalent to jumping from the frying pan and into the fire.

Khadus son Stephan Khadu, died on Sept. 22, 2021, after contracting meningitis while detained at the Bain Center.

Cynthia Acevedo, another Campaign to Close Rikers member, whose brother, Gregory, died nearly a year ago after jumping off the barge in an escape bid, said more needs to be done to reduce the overall jail population.

I will be so glad to see the boat close, but the jails on Rikers need to close, too, Acevedo said.

The mayor constantly speaks about the amount of people with mental health challenges incarcerated, but he has not done anything to reduce that population. Instead of moving people from the Boat to Rikers, he should get them into treatment, and divert them from incarceration in the first place.

The union that represents city correction officers unequivocally opposes the citys plan to close the Bain Center.

The fact that its closing is a recognition that the Department is not anywhere close to having the sufficient number of officers needed to maintain safety and security at our facilities even off Rikers Island, said Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association.

We have far too many officers working close to 150 hours of overtime a month and closing facilities isnt going to solve that problem in the long term, Boscio said. We need more officers and we need them now.

Closing the Bain center has been part of the citys Close Rikers plan, which would move all the citys jail detainees to new jails in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Work on the new jails is underway, but critics fear the city will not meet its October 2027 deadline for closing down Rikers.

The Bain Centers closing also comes as a Manhattan federal judge has set plans to determine whether the federal courts should take over management of the city jail system.

A July report documented widespread deterioration of fire safety, sanitation and building infrastructure at Rikers Island and the rest of the aging New York City jails systems.

The barge off Hunts Point in the Bronx  across from Rikers Island  was built in 1989 and opened in 1992 as a temporary fix to ease Rikers soaring jail population during the height of the war on drugs. It was once one of five jail barges operated by the city.

The Bain Center was was emptied out and closed in 1995  though city officials said at the time that they were maintaining it in move-in condition. It reopened in 1998, and was used to house juvenile detainees before being converted to a mens prison.
This story is part of CNBC Make It's The Moment series, where highly successful people reveal the critical moment that changed the trajectory of their lives and careers, discussing what drove them to make the leap into the unknown.

Today, it's celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's favorite cookware brand, bringing in millions of dollars annually. But HexClad almost went bankrupt within its first year, nearly taking its co-founders down with it.

After Danny Winer and Cole Mecray launched the company in December 2016, they faced a year of "financial terror," Winer, 57, tells CNBC Make It.

Put simply, they needed funding. Investors didn't think HexClad's main product, a pan that combined nonstick and stainless steel technology in a hexagon design, could stand out in a crowded industry. The timing was poor for bootstrapping: Winer and Mecray had just shuttered their first startup attempt, a juice presser company called Juicepresso.

But Winer, the CEO, was "very, very confident," he says. He led the hustle, cashing out 90% of his savings and retirement accounts to pay for advertising and manufacturing. Mecray contributed most of his paychecks from his part-time sales job elsewhere.

They maxed out credit cards, took out a small-business loan from American Express and packaged cookware sets in their backyards. That year, they spent more than $500,000 of their own cash, Winer estimates. A third business partner, whom they later bought out, contributed money too.

"I just hoped we'd get [off the ground] before our money ran out," says Winer, adding: "I was waking up panicked every night at 4 a.m."

In November 2017, Winer and Mecray landed an in-store demonstration at Costco. They sold $5,000 worth of pans that day, Winer says: "I went out to my car and I just [wept], because in that moment, everything had been validated."

The next year, HexClad was profitable, driven largely by Costco sales. It's grown steadily since, bringing in $170.7 million in revenue last year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. The company is on track to bring in $350 million this year, HexClad president Jason Panzer says, and Ramsay is now a partial owner.

Here, Winer discusses why he mortgaged his future on a company investors wouldn't touch, how he knew it was a good bet and how he recognized the "point of no return" signifying that he had to go all in.

CNBC Make It: Why did you decide HexClad was worth gambling your livelihood, so quickly after your first company failed?

Winer: Cole and I started that juicer company nine years ago, before every Whole Foods and New York City street corner had juice bars of their own. At its height in 2015, we brought in somewhere between $5 million and $6 million in revenue.

But sales dropped the next year. One day, I watched a girl put a $7 green drink on two credit cards. It made me realize people didn't care that it was cheaper to make juice at home. We couldn't keep up.

HexClad felt different right away. When I showed my friends HexClad pans, I didn't have to work to sell the product. The response was, "How do we make this into a saucepan? Can we make a wok next?" We knew from listening to consumers that they really only cared about two things: Is the cookware easy to clean and is it durable?

There was no arguing, no "ifs" in the situation.

How did you recognize this particular window of opportunity and prepare yourself to jump through it?

I paid attention to information around me.

In 2017, I was in a doctor's office reading a business magazine. There was a story inside about how the average Costco customer was 55 years old, and the company was trying to find ways to attract young people. I thought, "Hm, that makes sense."

About two weeks later, with very little notice, we landed a meeting with Costco. It was essentially a courtesy meeting. The interviewer really wasn't interested in us, until I said, "We aren't your grandma's cookware. Our average customer is in their early 30s, not their late 50s."

I saw in her face: That connected with her right away.

What would have happened if you'd failed?

I'm a sales guy, so I might have gone and worked for another company. To be honest, though, as soon as I started working on the pan, I knew it wasn't going to fail. I just wasn't sure how big it would be. Worst-case scenario, I figured I'd sell $20,000 worth per month and make around $100,000 per year.

But [that first year], I wrestled with a level of doubt. When investors laughed me out of rooms, I was like, "Do they know something I don't know?"

There was a point of no return, in a way. Ten percent or 50% of my retirement [savings] wasn't going to be enough [to keep HexClad going]. I'd be working until I was 75 anyway, so I went all in.

I had to look myself in the mirror and recalibrate. I reminded myself people are always hesitant to commit to something new.

That's why Cole and I didn't listen to the people who doubted HexClad. We had already learned how to listen to consumers. That was the one thing I knew we were both really good at.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter!

Get CNBC's free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire's No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do's and don'ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook.

Check out more from The Moment:
SINGAPORE  India's imports of Russian crude is a win-win situation for the world economy, according to India's No. 1 oil company, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

"By importing from Russia, India also has helped the global economy in the sense that [we] freed up some oil on the Gulf for other countries to source, particularly Europe. So it was kind of a win-win situation," K.C. Ramesh, executive director of ONGC said at the annual APPEC energy conference held by S&P Global Insights in Singapore.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, India's refiners have been snapping up discounted Russian oil. Moscow has since leapfrogged to become India's leading source of crude oil, accounting for about 40% of India's crude imports.

World powers, including the European Union and the Group of 7, have placed sanctions and restrictions on Russia's oil exports since its unprovoked war on Ukraine.

India's economy has benefited from the discounted prices, Ramesh said.

"[It has] a very huge impact on our economy, in terms of helping the [Indian] economy grow  the price being very reasonable that we get from Russia," said Ramesh.
In this article META Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump makes a keynote speech at a Republican fundraising dinner in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. August 5, 2023. Sam Wolfe | Reuters

Ever since Meta lifted its two-year ban on former President Donald Trump earlier this year, its Facebook and Instagram platforms have emerged as a key element of Trump's presidential campaign fundraising plan, according to data from Meta's archives and interviews with campaign strategists and Trump advisors. Meta's platforms offer Trump a vital resource that he can't get from his own social media site, Truth Social, or via his countless mass emails: Access to millions of potential donors who may not be part of his traditional political base of supporters. A big audience Meta boasts 202 million daily active users on Facebook in the U.S. and Canada, according to its latest quarterly report. That's a lot of eyeballs for a catchy political ad. Starting in April, when it was announced Trump was first indicted in New York City, the number of overall impressions that Trump's campaign ads rack up via his Facebook and Instagram accounts has skyrocketed, according to company data. Trump's Aug. 24 mugshot in Georgia, the first ever for a former president, has been a top draw in his recent posts. The photo is used in at least 18 different versions of the same ad, spots that together racked up over 1 million impressions in the past week, according to the archive's data. The ads allow viewers to click a link to a fundraising page for the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee that helps raise money for the Trump campaign and a leadership political action committee called Save America that's spending millions of dollars on the former president's legal fees. The Trump camp has said that it's raised over $9 million since he was booked in Georgia.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Source: Meta Ad Library

The Trump campaign did not say how much of the fundraising was through Facebook, but a Trump digital fundraiser told CNBC that the boost is likely due at least in part to the former president's renewed efforts to raise money on the Meta-owned platforms. This person declined to be named in order to speak freely about internal campaign strategy. Social media impressions are considered one of the most important metrics, especially for digital ad buyers, since it counts as "the number of times any content from your page or about your page entered a person's screen," according to Facebook. Andrew Arenge, the director of operations for the University of Pennsylvania's program on opinion research and election studies, told CNBC that higher impressions can be a key factor in helping bring in waves of campaign cash. Arenge's team studies digital ad spending for both Democrats and Republicans. "The value of running fundraising ads on digital versus say television, is that there is less friction between when an individual sees the fundraising appeal and when they can actually donate the money," Arenge said in a message to CNBC over X, formerly known as Twitter. "So getting an ad in front of more eyeballs should provide more opportunity for the campaign to see more people click on the ad thus an opportunity to raise more money." Return on investment Trump's Facebook ad impressions have come with very little cost to his political operation, making it a cheap way for the former president to raise money for both his campaign and legal defense efforts. Trump's team only spent just over $77,000 on Facebook and Instagram ads the week he was charged in Georgia, according to data from digital ad tracker FWIW. The Meta ad archive shows that since early June, the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee spent more than $500,000 on digital Meta ads. There is no public data showing how much the Meta ads have directly raised for the Trump campaign. Political strategists say that Trump's regaining access to Facebook is key to him raising money through online donations and acts as a lifeline to his 2024 campaign, regardless of his legal struggles. "Online donations are the lifeblood of Trump's campaign. Without access to those donors, he'd struggle to raise sufficient resources," Alex Conant, a partner at Firehouse Strategies and former advisor to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., recently told CNBC when asked about Trump's resurgence on the platform. Trump's campaign outraised all of his Republican primary opponents in the second quarter, according to Federal Election Commission records. And while many of his rivals struggled to collect donations from 40,000 people in order to qualify for the first Republican debate, Trump has booked online contributions from 10 times that many individuals  at least 400,000 donors  from the launch of his campaign last year through June, according to NBC News. Brad Parscale, who was Trump's initial 2020 campaign manager and a key architect of the former president's digital fundraising platform during their successful 2016 White House run, told CNBC that many of his company's clients saw major digital fundraising success post the mugshot becoming public. Parscale founded and is now a partner at digital fundraising firm Campaign Nucleus, which has recently counted the Trump campaign and Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC backing Trump's run for president, as clients, according to FEC records. "Since President Trump posted his mugshot, Campaign Nucleus has witnessed substantially increased activity, and many of our clients have seen an increase of up to 3x their normal fundraising," Parscale said.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Source: Meta Ad Library

In the months since Trump regained access to his personal Facebook and Instagram accounts, he has steadily ramped up his presence as his legal troubles mount. Trump and 18 other co-conspirators were indicted in Georgia in August for alleged illegal efforts in overturning the 2020 election in the state. In New York, Trump faces criminal charges of falsifying business records tied to a scheme that directed hush money payments to two women. Special counsel Jack Smith has charged Trump in two federal cases: One over his handling of classified government records after he left office and another case charging him with trying to overturn President Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election. Christian Ferry, a veteran Republican strategist who used to work for the late Republican Sen. John McCain and Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said that Trump's Facebook ads represent a "desperate need" to raise money both for his campaign and legal fees. "Trump is in desperate need of small-dollar donations to feed both his campaign and growing legal fees, so the more platforms the better," Ferry said. "But impressions do not equal contributions and his polarizing nature ensures his posts get impressions from and detractors alike." Different Facebook, same Trump The content of the ads has changed very little since his last presidential campaign in 2020 and the deadly, pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, that initially prompted his ban from Meta's sites. While he was banned, Trump's political team kept advertising on the platform through at least August 2021, as evidenced by the archived ads. Facebook's 2019 decision allowing political ads that have false information to remain on the platform without any repercussions has given Trump the ability to freely use falsehoods in his posts. Some of the recent Trump ads falsely claim, for instance, that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, "lets violent murderers and TRUE criminals run wild in her city." Willis is leading the case against Trump for his alleged illegal efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the state. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that violent crime in Atlanta is down 20% compared with this time last year.

Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Source: Meta Ad Library
Philippine's President Ferdinand Marcos, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao pose for a family photo during the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on September 5, 2023. Adi Weda | Afp | Getty Images

Southeast Asian leaders decided Tuesday that Myanmar won't take over the rotating leadership of their regional bloc as scheduled in 2026, in the latest blow to efforts by its ruling generals to gain international recognition after violently seizing power in 2021. Western governments led by the United States have condemned the Myanmar army's ouster of Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government in 2021 and have demanded her immediate release from yearslong detention along with other officials. Resistance to the military takeover has escalated into what some U.N. experts have described as a civil war. The Philippines agreed to take over the regional bloc's chairmanship in 2026 at an ASEAN summit hosted by Indonesia on Tuesday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement, citing what he told fellow leaders in the closed-door meetings. "It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026," Marcos told his ASEAN counterparts in Jakarta, the statement said. An official ASEAN statement issued Tuesday night confirmed the decision to hand the chair to the Philippines in 2026 and affirmed the group's commitment to a five-point plan for restoring peace and stability in Myanmar. Marcos did not explain why Myanmar lost the prestigious yearlong ASEAN chairmanship, but two ASEAN diplomats told The Associated Press that it was related to the continuing civil strife in the country and fears that the bloc's relations with the United States and the European Union, among others, might be undermined because of their non-recognition of the military-led government in Myanmar.

watch now

The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the delicate issue publicly. The ASEAN leaders' statement on Myanmar stressed the desire to work with the generals to end the country's crisis, especially in the context of the five-point plan which Myanmar accepted in 2021 but has largely failed to implement. However, the leaders also urged "the Myanmar Armed Forces in particular, and all related parties concerned in Myanmar to de-escalate violence and stop targeted attacks on civilians, houses and public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, markets, churches and monasteries." Previous ASEAN statements were less sharply worded. Myanmar's Foreign Ministry rejected the ASEAN statement as biased and one-sided and complained that the country had not been represented at the summit, which it claimed was a violation of ASEAN's charter. "Although the ASEAN Chair consulted Myanmar on the draft document, the views and voices of Myanmar are not taken into account," it said in a statement issued in Naypyidaw, the country's capital. In a punitive step for their failure to comply with the peace plan, Myanmar's top generals and their appointed officials were again barred from attending this year's summit in Jakarta despite suggestions by some member states that they be allowed back because their ejection had failed to resolve the country's crisis. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said ASEAN leaders decided to stick with the peace plan despite an assessment that it has not led to any progress in easing the crisis. They designated three nations  the bloc's previous, current and next chairs  to deal directly with Myanmar's civil unrest, she told reporters. Myanmar's generals will continue to be barred from attending high-level ASEAN meetings, Marsudi said.

watch now

Myanmar security forces have killed about 4,000 civilians and arrested 24,410 others since the army takeover, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a rights monitoring organization. The continuing deadly civil strife in Myanmar and new flare-ups in long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea were high in the agenda of the 10-nation bloc's talks on Tuesday. Thorny issues including the U.S.-China rivalry in the region have set off divisions within ASEAN, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo renewed his call for unity. "All of us are aware of the magnitude of the world's challenges today, where the main key to facing them is the unity and centrality of ASEAN," Widodo told fellow leaders. He likened the regional group to a big ship carrying Southeast Asia's people. "ASEAN leaders must ensure that this ship is able to keep going, able to keep sailing," Widodo said. "We must be captains of our own ships to bring about peace, to bring about stability, to bring about shared prosperity." After their summit on Tuesday, the regional group's leaders will meet with Asian and Western counterparts from Wednesday to Thursday, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is attending in lieu of President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said before flying to Jakarta that he plans to offer assurances of the safety of the ongoing release into the sea of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. The release began on Aug. 24 and China immediately imposed a ban on all Japanese seafood.

watch now
The FBI claims North Korea-linked hackers were behind a $100 million crypto heist on the so-called Horizon bridge in 2022. Budrul Chukrut | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

North Korea-linked hackers have stolen hundreds of millions of crypto to fund the regime's nuclear weapons programs, research shows. So far this year, from January to Aug. 18, North Korea-affiliated hackers stole $200 million worth of crypto  accounting for over 20% of all stolen crypto this year, according to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs. "In recent years, there has been a marked rise in the size and scale of cyber attacks against cryptocurrency-related businesses by North Korea. This has coincided with an apparent acceleration in the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," said TRM Labs in a June discussion with North Korea experts. In that discussion, TRM Labs said there has been a pivot away from North Korea's "traditional revenue-generating activities"  an indication that the regime may be "increasingly turning to cyber attacks to fund its weapons proliferation activity." Separately, blockchain analytics company Chainalysis said in a February report that "most experts agree the North Korean government is using these stolen assets to fund its nuclear weapons programs." The Permanent Mission of North Korea to the United Nations in New York, a diplomatic mission of the regime to the UN, did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.

They need every dollar they can. And this is just obviously a much more efficient way for North Korea to make money. Nick Carlsen intelligence analyst, TRM Labs

Since North Korea's first nuclear test in 2006, the United Nations has slapped multiple sanctions on the reclusive regime  known formally as DPRK, or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea  for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The sanctions, which include bans on financial services, minerals, metals and arms, are aimed at limiting North Korea's access to sources of funding it needs to support its nuclear activities. Just last month, the FBI warned crypto companies that North Korea-linked hackers are planning to "cash out" $40 million of crypto. The agency also said in January it continues "to identify and disrupt North Korea's theft and laundering of virtual currency, which is used to support North Korea's ballistic missile and Weapons of Mass Destruction programs."

"They are under pretty serious economic stress with international sanctions. They need every dollar they can. And this is just obviously a much more efficient way for North Korea to make money," Nick Carlsen, intelligence analyst at blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs, told CNBC. "Even if that dollar stolen in crypto doesn't directly go towards the purchase of some component for the nuclear program, it frees up another dollar to support the regime and its programs," said Carlsen.

North Korean hackers' exploits

North Korea-affiliated hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the crypto ecosystem in a variety of ways. Some examples include phishing and supply chain attacks, as well as through infrastructure hacks which involve private key or seed phrase compromises, TRM Labs said in the report. According to data from Chainalysis, 2022 was the biggest year ever for crypto hacking. A whopping $3.8 billion was stolen from crypto businesses, primarily from exploiting decentralized finance protocols and by North Korea-linked attackers, said Chainalysis.

In March last year, U.S. officials accused North Korea-linked hackers of stealing a record amount of more than $600 million worth of crypto assets from Ronin Bridge in the popular blockchain game Axie Infinity using stolen private keys  passwords that allow users to access and manage funds. Hackers exploit what's known as a blockchain "bridge," which allows users to transfer their digital assets from one crypto network to another.

Evolving tactics

North Korean-affiliated cybercriminals reportedly posed as recruiters and lured an engineer from blockchain gaming firm Sky Mavis into believing there was a job opportunity, The Wall Street Journal said in June. The hacker shared a malware-laced document with the victim, enabling the criminals to access the engineer's computer and steal more than $600 million in crypto after they broke into Sky Mavis's digital pets game, Axie Infinity.

watch now
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departs federal court after a plea hearing on two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay income taxes in Wilmington, Delaware, July 26, 2023.

The appeals panel tossed out in the conviction because the law as applied to the defendant in that case, Patrick Daniels Jr., conflicted with a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that voided a New York state law regulating gun possession because it violated the nation's "historic tradition of firearm regulation."

The constitutionality of that charge, at least in some cases, was called into question last month by a panel of judges on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals , which overturned the conviction of a Mississippi man who was sentenced to prison for possessing firearms while being a user of marijuana.

The gun charge that Weiss indicates he will seek from a grand jury prohibits people who are users of illicit drugs from possessing a firearm.

The lawyer, Abbe Lowell, also said the deal bars Weiss from filing any more charges against Hunter.

A lawyer for Hunter later said Wednesday that the prior deferred prosecution deal is still valid for the gun charge, meaning that Hunter cannot be charged with that crime if he stays out of trouble for two years, at which point that case would be closed.

The plan was disclosed in a status report that special counsel David Weiss filed in U.S. District Court in Delaware , six weeks after a planned plea deal that would have seen Hunter plead guilty to tax crimes  while avoiding conviction on the gun charge  collapsed after a judge questioned its terms.

Federal prosecutors plan to ask a grand jury to indict Hunter Biden , the son of President Joe Biden , on gun-related charge before Sept. 29, they revealed in a court filing Wednesday.

Hunter does still face charges of two counts of failure to pay federal income taxes on income of more than $1.5 million annually in 2017 and 2018. He entered a not-guilty plea to those counts at the July 26 hearing in Delaware where the plea deal fell apart.

Since then, Weiss' office and defense lawyers have argued in dueling court filings over whether their prior agreement to let Hunter escape prosecution on the felony weapons charge is in effect.

Weiss's filing Wednesday noted that federal law says that if prosecutors want to criminally charge a defendant they must do so within 30 days of that person being arrested or summoned to court, barring that clock being suspended for various legal reasons.

"The Speedy Trial Act requires that the Government obtain the return of an indictment by a grand jury by Friday, September 29, 2023, at the earliest," Weiss's office wrote.

"The Government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before that date. Thus, the Government does not believe any action by the Court is necessary at this time."

Hunter's lawyer Lowell, in a statement said, "We believe the signed and filed diversion agreement [on the gun charge] remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed against Mr. Biden, who has been abiding by the conditions of release under that agreement for the last several weeks, including regular visits by the probation office."

"We expect a fair resolution of the sprawling, 5-year investigation into Mr. Biden that was based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure, and we'll do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that," Lowell said in the statement, which was obtained by NBC News.

Hunter Biden, who had business dealings in China and Ukraine, for years has been the focal point of allegations by Republicans of corruption involving him and his father.

Neither Biden has ever been charged in connection with those allegations.

But Hunter Biden has been under criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware, which Weiss leads, since 2018.

Weiss was appointed to that job by former President Donald Trump, who lost his reelection bid to Joe Biden in 2020. Trump is now seeking a 2024 rematch against Biden as the Republican nominee.

Weiss enraged congressional Republicans in June by offering Hunter a plea deal on relatively minor charges, ones that would nearly guarantee he would not serve any time in jail.

As part of that deal, Hunter agreed to plead guilty to the misdemeanor charges of failure to pay income taxes.

He also consented to a so-called pretrial diversion agreement, which would allow him to escape being charged with a felony of possessing a firearm while being a drug addict if he abided by the conditions of that agreement.

On July 26, Hunter and prosecutors appeared in Delaware federal court before Judge Maryellen Noreika, with both sides expecting to formalize that deal.

Instead, the deal collapsed after Noreika questioned prosecutors about its terms, particularly the condition that called for the judge  and not the Department of Justice  to decide whether Hunter was complying with the gun-charge diversion agreement over a two-year period.

That condition was widely seen as insurance against Trump pressuring the DOJ to find Hunter in noncompliance with the agreement if Trump returned to the White House.

Noreika, who herself was appointed by Trump, gave Hunter's lawyers and prosecutors time to redo the deal to address her concerns. But those discussions failed.

Weiss last month asked Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint him special counsel in the case, which Garland consented to.

Shortly afterward, Weiss said Hunter Biden would likely face trial in either California or Washington, D.C., for the tax crimes.

Hunter's attorneys last month told Noreika that Weiss had reneged on the previously agreed deal on the tax crimes. Defense lawyers also argued that the gun-charge diversion deal was still "valid and binding."

Weiss's office has said the gun agreement is now off the table, and that it is not valid because it was not signed by the U.S. Probation Office.

But in their separate court filing Wednesday, Hunter's lawyers said they still believe the deal is in place, and said he is complying with its conditions.
Piper Sandler thinks consulting giant Accenture could come out on top as an artificial intelligence play. Craig Johnson, the firm's chief market technician, sees the stock climbing to about $379 per share, which implies shares could gain 16% from Wednesday's close. Accenture  which has soared 22.3% this year, outperforming the S & P 500  hasn't traded at $379 per share since early 2022. "This one catches my attention because with the whole focus on AI, there are so many CEOs that are asking the question, 'what does AI mean for their business?'" Johnson said Wednesday on CNBC's " Power Lunch ." "When I look at a big chart like Accenture, I see this huge base that's been forming in here  and this really sets itself for upside." The stock is a "stealthy way to think about AI," Johnson said. ACN YTD mountain 2022-01-03 ACN since early 2022 Accenture announced in mid-June that it will invest $3 billion over the next three years in its data and AI practice, in efforts to assist company clients across all industries in leveraging AI. The company also said it plans to double its AI talent to 80,000 employees through hiring, acquisitions and training. Johnson also mentioned oilfield services company Baker Hughes and engineering and construction firm Fluor as stocks with potential upside. While the chart analyst said he is not convinced that the energy sector overall isn't "really ready to work," he sees Baker Hughes getting back to its March 2022 highs. The stock has gained 26% this year and closed Wednesday's session just 6.9% below its March 2022 peak. BKR 1Y mountain Baker Hughes stock. Texas-based Fluor, which is up nearly 4.4% this year, could benefit from engineering and reshoring projects as manufacturing increases in the U.S., according to Johnson.
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump looks on as he attends the ALGOP Summer Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama, Aug. 4, 2023.

A New York judge on Wednesday rejected Donald Trump's request to delay his sweeping civil fraud trial, calling the former president's request "completely without merit."

One day earlier, attorneys for Trump, his two adult sons and his businesses had asked the judge to stay the case until three weeks after he has ruled on competing motions for summary judgement. The trial is currently scheduled to begin Oct. 2.

New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron promptly smacked down their request.

"Decline to sign," Engoron wrote in a brief, handwritten note at the bottom of Trump's proposed order for a stay. "Defendants' arguments are completely without merit."

The order keeps the case on track to become Trump's first trial since he left the White House in 2021. The former president faces numerous other major legal challenges, including four separate criminal cases, as he campaigns for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Attorney General Letitia James is seeking $250 million in damages in the civil case, which accuses Trump and his co-defendants of submitting years of fraudulent financial statements to get better tax benefits and loan terms for the Trump Organization.

Engoron's rebuke came one day after James asked the judge to sanction Trump and others in the case for repeatedly putting forward the same failed legal arguments.

James asked the judge to issue a combined $10,000 fine to all the defendants, and another collective fine of $10,000 on their lawyers.

Late last month, James asked Engoron to grant partial summary judgment against Trump, pointing to what she called a "mountain of undisputed evidence" backing up her allegations.

James in that court filing alleged that Trump's true net worth was much lower than what he claimed each year over the course of a decade, a difference that translated to "$1 billion or more in all but one year," she said.
Sergei Surovikin, the former commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, seen here in 2021.

A photo has emerged online that appears to show Russian General Sergei Surovikin, a top military figure who was regarded as an ally of Yevgeny Prigozhin, alive and in public.

Surovikin had not been since since Prigozhin's failed mutiny in June, prompting speculation that he had been detained for his links to the ill-fated mercenary boss. Prigozhin, the head of the mercenary Wagner Group, died last month in a plane crash.

The general's last public appearance was on the day of the rebellion itself as he called on Prigozhin to turn back as he and a band of Wagner mercenaries headed to Moscow. The rebellion was seen as the culmination of a long-running dispute between Prigozhin and Russia's defense ministry.

On Monday, however, a photo was posted on Telegram by Russian media personality Ksenia Sobchak purportedly of Surovikin and his wife. NBC News was unable to authenticate the image.

"General Sergei Surovikin is out. Alive, healthy, at home, with his family, in Moscow. Photo taken today," Sobchak wrote in a caption on the picture on Telegram.

The general was reportedly arrested in June and then dismissed as the head of Russia's Aerospace Forces in August, according to the Moscow Times.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that Surovikin appeared to have been freed but cited unnamed U.S. officials as saying it was not clear if his movement was restricted.

The Kremlin and Russian defense ministry have refused to answer reporters' questions on the whereabouts and role of Surovikin now.

Surovikin had been appointed to lead Russia's armed forces in Ukraine last October, and was credited for spearheading the building of deep lines of Russian defenses on occupied territory ahead of Ukraine's counteroffensive. The defensive lines have proved a hard obstacle for Ukraine to overcome.

Surovikin was replaced by Putin loyalist General Valery Gerasimov in January 2023, with speculation that he was replaced because he had become too powerful.

 Holly Ellyatt
Here are Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: UBS upgrades Toast to buy from neutral UBS said the restaurant tech company "continues to prove itself as a top provider" for the restaurant industry. " Toast r emains well-positioned to capture the restaurant industry's ongoing shift from legacy technology to omni-channel, integrated software solutions." Read more about this call here. Baird initiates Lucid as neutral Baird said it sees a challenging setup for the electric vehicle maker. " LCID' s performance is among the best; however, high starting prices and a niche market segment create a challenging near-term setup, in our view." Goldman Sachs reiterates Nvidia as buy The firm said it's standing by its buy rating on the stock after one of Nvidia's executives presented at Goldman's annual Communacopia + Technology Conference. "We are Buy-rated on Nvidia. Our 12 month price target of $605 is based on normalized earnings power of $11.00 and a target multiple of 55x." William Blair initiates The Trade Desk as outperform William Blair said in its initiation of The Trade Desk that the ad tech company has a "differentiated offering." "The Trade Desk's proprietary platform was developed with a variety of features designed to improve the experience for its clients." Argus upgrades Chewy to buy from hold Argus said the online pet company is well-positioned in the quarters ahead. " CHWY shares have underperformed over the past quarter, falling 29% compared to a gain of 3% for the Russell 2000 index." HSBC initiates Amgen and Biogen as buy HSBC initiated several biopharma companies Wednesday and said the transformations are underway. "We believe Amgen (Buy) and Biogen (Buy) look attractive as they transform their businesses." Read more about this call here. CFRA reiterates Apple as buy CFRA said it's bullish heading into the company's iPhone event next week. "We believe the iPhone Pro devices will further separate themselves from AAPL's standard phones." KeyBanc upgrades Celanese to overweight from sector weight KeyBanc said it sees a "self-help" story driving growth in 2024 for the engineered materials company. "We think CE is a compelling way to play global manufacturing economic stabilization and recovery. We believe the stock stands out for its large discount to normalized earnings among our cyclical coverage." TD Cowen upgrades Constellation Brands to outperform from market perform TD Cowen said it sees "better beer growth" for the alcohol stock. "With STZ's beer growth accelerating, we believe there is now upside potential to consensus in FY24, as the company has had a strong summer selling season, with the company comfortably delivering 200 bps + market share gains again." Morgan Stanley names Bloom Energy a top pick Morgan Stanley said the energy company is its top pick in clean technology. " BE is a key beneficiary of several key themes including: (i) the growing 'economic wedge' or value proposition of distributed energy (i.e. fuel cells for C & I customers), (ii) rising grid instability." Read more about this call here. Needham upgrades ResMed to buy from hold Needham said investors should buy the dip in the medical equipment company. " RMD' s shares are down 31% since the start of August (versus a 2% decline in the S & P 500), mainly due to concerns about the potential for GLP-1 obesity drugs to reduce demand for RMD's sleep therapy devices, we believe." UBS downgrades Block to neutral from buy UBS said it sees slowing profit growth for Square's parent company. "In 2H/23E and 2024E, Block gross profit growth will likely slow given softening of consumer discretionary spending, a slowdown in Cash App monthly active user growth and moderation of Cash App monetization rates." Read more about this call here. Needham upgrades Semtech to buy from hold Needham said it sees long-term upside for the semiconductor company. "We are upgrading shares of Semtech to Buy from Hold and establishing a 12-month PT of $35, though we see potentially greater upside to the shares over the long-term." Deutsche Bank reiterates Nio as buy Deutsche Bank said it's concerned about the company's growth trajectory but that it's sticking with its buy rating. " NIO' s growth trajectory appears somewhat weaker than expected despite having multiple new models fully ramped up." Deutsche Bank reiterates Tesla as buy Deutsche Bank said it's standing by its buy rating on the auto giant. "All in, we continue to see some risk to 2023/24 Street expectations as Tesla adjusts pricing to secure its volume growth in a challenging macro, but remain bullish on Tesla's longer-term opportunities and reiterate our BUY rating." Bank of America reiterates SoFi as neutral The firm said SoFi is a key beneficiary of student loan refinances. "SOFI should benefit from higher student loan refinances given its strong position in the student loan refi market."
Police arrested one of two men wanted for stabbing a 36-year-old man to death in the Bronx, cops announced Tuesday.

Angel Silva, 47, was charged with murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon for the slaying of 36-year-old father of five Jyleal Connor, according to police.

Silva and another man attacked Conner near E. 149th St. and Bergen Ave. in Mott Haven around 11:35 a.m. Saturday, stabbing him multiple times, cops said.

Jyleal Conner, a father of four sons and a daughter, was confronted near E. 149th St. and Bergen Ave. in the Bronx about 11:35 a.m. Saturday and stabbed multiple times.

Medics rushed the victim to Lincoln Hospital, where he died, according to law enforcement.

His killers split up and hightailed it on foot, said police.

Conner, who had four sons and a daughter, was slain less than a mile from the apartment where he lived with his uncle following a move from Philadelphia to the Bronx a few months ago, according to his sister.

His children are not handling it well, Ebony Conner, 39, previously told the Daily News. Theyre in the same level or state of grief as everyone else.

The victim came to the Bronx for a fresh start but was beginning to wonder if he had made the right move, his family said. He worked odd jobs, including cutting hair.

He could sing, he could dance, he could rap, his sister said. He was extremely funny.  He was not perfect, but we loved him and we are very saddened at how he was taken from us.

The arrest comes just over a week after police released surveillance footage of Conners suspected killers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. Calls are confidential.
Club holding Apple 's (AAPL) standing as an aspirational brand in China shouldn't be affected by an apparent move by the Chinese government to further sever its reliance on foreign technology. Beijing has banned state employees from using Apple's iPhones and other foreign-branded devices at work, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Although the Chinese government has restricted certain officials from iPhone usage in years past, the order has been broadened to include a greater number of workers, demonstrating a more pronounced effort to uphold such regulations. It's unclear, however, how any new rules will be applied among government workers. Apple did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment Wednesday. The news parallels an ongoing U.S. crackdown on Chinese technologies. A growing number of states have moved to ban Chinese social media app TikTok on government devices. And Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has been the target of U.S. sanctions since 2019 amid allegations of spying for Beijing. Huawei, meanwhile, launched a new smartphone last week, with an initial batch quickly selling out online. AAPL YTD mountain Apple (AAPL) year-to-date performance Beijing's new rules, as reported by the Journal, come weeks before Apple's highly-anticipated launch event for the nascent iPhone 15 on Sept. 12. China accounts for about 40 million to 50 million iPhone units for Apple, according to Bank of America. The firm estimated Wednesday that the reported new Chinese ban could result in a 5 million to 10 million-unit headwind for Apple. "Additionally, if iPhones are banned from being carried into official workplaces... the impact could be higher given the high propensity of Chinese consumers to own and carry multiple phones," Bank of America analysts predicted in response to the Journal story. Bottom line While the reported Chinese ban on iPhone usage for government workers, coupled with a resurgent Huawei, could undermine Apple's standing in China, we expect the impact to be limited. Apple  which relies on Chinese consumers for about 19% of total sales  should remain a premium brand in China because of its prices, product quality and closed ecosystem. Moreover, any sales slump due to a downturn in China would likely be buffeted by Apple's ongoing expansion into emerging markets like India  a pivot that's been accelerated by worsening U.S.-China tensions. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL . See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Customers try out new iPhones at an Apple store as iPhone 14 series go on sale on September 16, 2022 in Shanghai, China. VCG | Visual China Group | Getty Images
A new initiative to boost India-ASEAN maritime security cooperation is likely to be unveiled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds summit talks with the leaders of the 10-nation influential bloc in Jakarta on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said.

Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday night to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit. Indonesia is hosting the summits in its capacity as the current Chair of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

The ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.

Shoring up India's trade and security ties with the ASEAN is likely to be the focus of Modi's engagement with leaders of the bloc.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing that Modi will review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and provide them further direction at the summit. "The prime minister will depart Delhi on the night of September 6 and return on the late evening of September 7. Given that the G20 summit follows shortly after the ASEAN summit, it will be a short visit," he said.

Asked whether the issue of China's release of the so-called "new standard" map would figure in the summit talks, Kumar said, "It is difficult to anticipate what would be discussed when the leaders meet, but issues which are of mutual concern  regional and international  would all come up. To another question on whether there is a possibility of consensus to reject the map on the issue at the ASEAN-India summit as a number of member countries of the grouping have already criticised China's cartographic aggression, the senior official said he cannot anticipate what would come out of the discussions.

On August 28, Beijing released the 2023 edition of the "standard map of China" that includes Taiwan, the South China Sea, Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as Chinese territories. India has dismissed the "map" and lodged a strong protest with China over it.

Anguished by China's territorial claim over the South China Sea, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have already rejected the claim.

Kumar said New Delhi appreciates Indonesia for making adjustments to the ASEAN meeting schedule so as to facilitate the prime minister's early return.

This is a very short visit because the prime minister would be hosting the G20 summit and the effort is to participate in this important summit (ASEAN-India) and get back home as quickly as possible. So there would not be any bilateral (meeting) during the course of the visit," Kumar said.

He said the ASEAN-India summit would be "special" since it is the first one after the elevation of the relationship between the two sides to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year. "India's relations with ASEAN are the central pillar of our Act East policy as well as India's vision for wider Indo-Pacific. India and ASEAN have a comprehensive engagement covering a wide array of areas," Kumar said.

Referring to the launch of flight connectivity from India and Vietnam and Indonesia, he said having similar connectivity to other member nations of the grouping is being looked into.

On economic ties, Kumar said the India-ASEAN trade volume in 2022-23 was USD 131.5 billion. "It accounted for over 11 percent of India's trade for the year and was the second highest after India-EU trade," he said.

In August, during the ASEAN-India economic ministers' meeting, the two sides started the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and agreed for its completion by 2025, he added. The objective of the review is to make AITIGA more friendly as well as to diversify trade.

The 10 member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The ties between India and ASEAN have been on a significant upswing in the last few years with focus being on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.
Adani Group stocks traded mildly positive on Wednesday (September 6), managing to stay in the green for a fourth session in a volatile week. At 11:08 am, shares of Adani Enterprises were trading at Rs 2,495.65 apiece, up 0.03 percent, while Adani Ports rose 0.18 percent to Rs 806.20 on the BSE.

Share Market Live NSE

Adani Energy Solutions Ltd was up 1.67 percent to Rs 826.95, Adani Green Energy inched up 0.07 percent to Rs 962.25, Adani Total Gas rose 0.5 percent to Rs 636.95 apiece and Adani Wilmar jumped 1.14 percent to Rs 354.50 per share on BSE.

Adani Power was also up 1.5 percent to Rs 347.20 apiece, but Adani Group -controlled ACC Ltd was down 1 percent to Rs 2,063.10 and Ambuja Cements was trading unchanged at Rs 440 per share.

Last week, shares of Adani Group companies were under pressure after another investigative report surfaced over various opaque stock market transactions.

As many as six of the eight Bermuda and Mauritius-based public funds alleged to have been used by people with ties to the Adani Group for buying shares of the conglomerate's listed companies have been shut, according to a report by Mint.

The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in its report said that Mauritius funds were used to channel substantial investments into the stocks of the Adani Group.

However, the Adani Group rejected these allegations made in the report, saying the claims are based on closed cases from a decade earlier.

The group further said that these foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are already under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

Adani Group stocks witnessed a decline in market cap of nearly Rs 25,000 crore on August 31, a day after the release of the investigative report by OCCRP.

Earlier, Sebi had submitted its status report to the Supreme Court on the extensive probe it carried out into the alleged stock manipulation by the group.

The report shed light on the progress of the probe, which encompasses a total of 24 investigations related to various aspects of the Adani conglomerate's activities.

Of these 24 investigations, 22 have already reached their conclusion, resulting in the issuance of final investigation reports. Additionally, one interim investigation report has been prepared as part of the ongoing scrutiny.

The Supreme Court will consider the fresh status report filed by Sebi in the Adani-Hindenburg matter on September 15.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured an additional $22 million worth of investment commitments during his visit to Indonesia, the Palace said Wednesday.

In a statement, Malacanang said the president received these pledges following his meetings with the executives of Indonesia-based companies engaged in animal health, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital connectivity.

The Palace said PT Vaksindo Satwa Nusantara expressed interest in injecting $2 million in investments in veterinary vaccines.

Meanwhile, PT WIR Asia Tbk, a firm involved in AI, has committed to shell out $20 million in the local market.

Marcos also met with Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, which earlier committed to launch satellite internet services in the Philippines.

According to the Palace, Pasifik Satelit Nusantara is scheduled to launch a new satellite within the year, with an allocation of 13.5 Gbps of bandwidth for the Philippines.

Marcos is in Indonesia until Sept. 7 for the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  Cristine Reyes said she's amazed at how she does not feel the star complex from Empoy Marquez as the two pair up for the romantic-comedy film "Kidnap For Romance."

"One thing I learned, Empoy amazes me kasi hindi nagsi-sink in sa kanya 'yong gravity of his stardom [Empoy amazes me because the gravity of his stardom doesn't sink in with him]," Reyes said in an interview with CNN Philippines' New Day aired on Wednesday.

"If you see Empoy, when you work with Empoy, you don't feel the star complex," she added. "We're all just like workmates. I admire that about Empoy."

Both of the artists have been in the industry since 2003.

The two first worked together in the 2008 drama TV series "Kahit Isang Saglit," where they had supporting roles.

Marquez is best known for starring in the 2017 rom-com movie "Kita Kita" along with Alessandra de Rossi. It is the highest-grossing Philippine independent film.

He and De Rossi returned as a pair in "Walang KaParis," which was released in March this year through Prime Video.

"In a long time from 2003 something, nasanay ako puro sitcoms, puro sidekick, di ko alam na darating 'yong panahon na kaya [ko] palang maging leading man [I was used to sitcoms, sidekick roles, I didn't know there will come a time that I will be a leading man]," Marquez said, adding he only wants to give happiness to everyone around him.

"Kidnap For Romance" follows the story of stuntwoman Elena who was forced to hold a rich heir captive for ransom. But romance came in the way when the botched kidnapping suddenly turned into a fixed marriage.

It opens in cinemas on Sept. 6.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5)  Groups led by former Information and Communications Technoogy Secretary Eliseo Rio renewed calls for a transparent and credible system for the 2025 midterm elections, and this means disqualifying technology provider Smartmatic for alleged irregularities in the general polls thee years ago.

Ang immediate action ay ma-disqualify, hindi natin magamit ang Smartmatic sa future elections natin. Yun ay pwedeng magawa kaagad, Rio said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

[Translation: The immediate action is to disqualify and not use Smartmatic in future elections. That can be done immediately.]

In June, Rio was one of three petitioners who asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to review the qualifications of Smartmatic.

RELATED: Petition asks Comelec to study possible disqualification of Smartmatic from 2025 polls

Their petition cited reported irregularities between the transmission logs and reception logs of election returns from the precinct level to the Comelecs transparency server.

Peoples Movement for Truth, Justice, and Reforms, Kontra Daya and the Computer Professionals Union echoed the sentiment.

They also called for a hybrid election  manual voting and counting on the precinct level, automated transmission  to ensure transparency.

The poll body earlier said it will use a new automated election system in 2025, and ditch the over 90,000 vote counting machines purchased from Smartmatic.

On the call to disqualify Smartmatic, Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said the poll body will refer the petition to its law department.

"Wala pong law on hybrid as of now," he pointed out. "But we did better nga po, to do Fastrac which incorporated all the features in transparency audit and count po."

[Translation: There is no law on the matter of hybrid elections as of now. But we did better, to do Fastrac which incorporated all the features in transparency audit and count.]

Transmission logs vs. reception logs

Rio reiterated his challenge to Comelec to provide him transmission logs since he was only given reception logs.

He said the true transmission logs are critical to check if the use of a single, private IP (internet protocol) address did not affect poll results.

Comelec earlier stood firm that what was uploaded on its site and gave to Rios group were the May 9 transmission logs.

Doon sa raw files doon namin nakita yung IP address na nagpadala ng election returns natin. Doon kami nagtaka bakit yung IP address ay private, Rio explained.

Ibig sabihin itong mga natanggap ng transparency server, ay nasa isang local area network or private network na ang may-ari ay Comelec. he said.

[Translation: Seen in the files were the IP addresses that sent election returns, We wondered why the IP addresses were private. This means what the transparency server received is from a local area network or private network owned by Comelec.]

IT experts found a bulk of vote counting machines in Metro Manila, Cavite and Batangas transmitted election results using the 192.268.0.2 IP address.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia earlier said the new modems the commission purchased had a common IP address.

He said using a single IP address is not illegal, noting that the results were accurate.

The random manual audit of votes showed 99.95% accuracy.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel backed the clamor of the groups to seek answers to the supposed irregularities.

Last week, the Makabayan bloc filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an inquiry into the evidence presented by Rio.

Kung hahayaan natin yung mga unresolved questions noong 2022 elections ay nandiyan lang hindi nasasagot, yung at stake dito yung mga susunod na eleksyon, Manuel said.

[Translation: If we allow the unresolved questions from the 2022 elections to remain unanswered, the thing at stake here is the next elections.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 5)  Senator Robin Padilla on Tuesday revealed the plight of a 62-year-old man from Lanao del Norte who has been jailed for almost a month now after being mistaken for a fugitive.

Mohammad Maca-antal Said was at NAIA Terminal 3 bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Aug. 10 when immigration personnel intercepted him because of an "alert" on his name, Padilla said in a privilege speech.

According to the senator, Said was brought to Building 14 of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, which serves as a temporary detention facility of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and is still behind bars to date.

"Sa imbestigasyon po, natuklasan ng NBI International Airport Investigation Division (IAID) na mayroong siyam na warrants of arrest para sa isang Mohammad Said aka Ama Maas na tugma sa pangalan at pagkakakilanlan ni Tatay," Padilla said.

[Translation: In an investigation, the NBI International Airport Investigation Division discovered there were nine warrants of arrest for a certain Mohammad Said aka Ama Maas that matches the name and identity of this man.]

The lawmaker from Mindanao presented photos of the two individuals saying they do not even look alike.

He said it was not the first time Said was arrested on mistaken identity, but the NBI released him in the past and even issued him a clearance stating he has "no derogatory record."

To top it all, Padilla said there have been reports of Ama Maas' death during a military operation in Sulu in 2016.

"Inilapit po namin sa korte ang sabi ng korte kailangan pang dumaan sa proseso," Padilla said. "Hindi ko na po maintindihan kung ano bang proseso kailangan e matagal nang patay itong suspect na sinasabi nila."

[Translation: We brought this to court who said that it has to go through the process. I don't understand what process is needed as the suspect they are talking about has been dead for some time.]

Reports said Maas was among those killed in a 2016 encounter in Sulu. He was said to be involved in the 2015 abduction of a Norwegian national.

He said the incident also shows flaws in the information sharing activities of agencies, which need to be addressed.

"Ang kaso po ng mistaken identity ay hindi makatwiran, hindi makatarungan at hindi makatao," the senator said. "Hindi na po ito katanggap-tanggap lalo na sa panahon na bumubuhos ang technology at innovation."

[Translation: The case of mistaken identity is unreasonable, unjustifiable, and inhuman. This is unacceptable especially now when we are flooded with technology and innovation.]

Padilla, as well as opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros, recalled the case of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar who was killed by cops after being mistaken for a murder suspect in Navotas.

Hontiveros said it is high time law enforcement agencies reviewed their policies to stop cases of mistaken identity that violate human rights.

The speeches were referred to the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino, for legislative probe.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  China should respect international law and not pick what to follow especially with regard to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tuesday.

"Mali 'yun. It violates our, the principles of international law, especially when it regards to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Dapat igalang nila ang UN Convention on the Law of the Sea where they are part of the convention," Remulla said in a briefing when he was asked about what he thought about Chinas expanded 10-dash line.

[Translation: It's wrong. It violates our, the principles of international law especially when it regards to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They should respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea where they are part of the convention.]

RELATED: PH rejects, protests Chinas expanded 10-dash line in South China Sea

"They cannot choose what to respect and what not to respect in the UN. Dapat ang China matuto silang gumalang sa batas. At ang international law kasi, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is recognized as law by all the member-states of the United Nations and they are still members of the UN," he added.

[Translation: They cannot choose what to respect and what not to respect in the UN. China should learn to respect the law. And the international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is recognized as law by all the member-states of the United Nations and they are still members of the UN.]

Remulla also said China could opt out of the UN if they can't abide by its conventions.

"If they don't want to be a member of the UN then probably, they may just opt out if they can't respect the UN Conventions," he said.

Remulla's sentiments were similar to lawmakers who brushed off China's new map showing its extended claims in the South China Sea.

The map showed 10 dashes that form a U shape, claiming nearly the entire South China Sea as part of its territory. The area overlaps with the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of the Philippines as well as those of Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Sen. Francis Escudero, for one, said China could issue maps as much as it wants to but it does not affect us nor does it impinge on the Arbitral Ruling in our favor. Any unilateral declaration by a State has no weight nor standing in international law.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that a diplomatic protest has been filed over the issue and called on China to act responsibly and to abide by its obligations under the UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

RELATED: After Chinas 10-dash line map, Marcos says global support a big help in asserting West PH Sea claims
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  Local government units announced class suspension due to inclement weather brought by southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Depression Ineng.

In its 11 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Ineng is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.

Raising storm signals remains unlikely at this time, it added.

Here's the list of suspended areas on Wednesday:

Basista, Pangasinan (preschool to senior high school; public and private)

Binmaley, Pangasinan (preschool to senior high school; public and private)

Dagupan City (elementary to high school; public and private)

Lingayen, Pangasinan (classes in all levels; public and private)

Refresh this story for more updates.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  A police officer and a 20-year-old student were apprehended by authorities after they illegally detained a Chinese woman in a hotel in Pasay.

In a report, police said the suspects identified as Lordgin Antonino and Nelson Antonino attempted to extort money from the victim demanding 500,000 for her release.

It added that the incident came to light after the victim's friend, Law Yi Wei, sought police assistance past midnight on Monday after his friend was arrested by individuals claiming to be members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for alleged human trafficking.

He also provided the police with a picture of the victim with handcuffs, a Philippine National Police ID that belongs to PMSg John Reggie Reyes, and text messages from the suspects asking for ransom.

Authorities went to Qing Qing Hotel and arrested the suspects on Tuesday evening.

Police said complaints for illegal detention, robbery and extortion, falsification of documents, illegal use of firearms, and illegal use of PNP uniform were filed against the suspects who are currently detained at a custodial facility in Pasay.

In a statement, Southern Police District Director PBGen Roderick Mariano said they condemn any form of wrongdoing or abuse of authority by their members.

"We will continue to take swift action against any individuals within our ranks who engage in criminal activities," he added.
A driver lost control of his car and plowed into a couple and their grandchildren outside their Queens home on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old driver, a 65-year-old woman and two children, ages 5 and 1, were injured in the crash and a 67-year-old man was killed, according to police.

The driver of a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder was cruising east along 73rd Ave. when he lost control near 260th St. at 3:53 p.m., cops said.

The Pathfinder appeared to slam head-on into a parked Honda SUV belonging to the two adult victims. They were unloading their grandchildren when the crash occurred, according to a neighbor who refused to give her name.

The NYPD Highway Patrol investigates after several people were struck by a car on 260th St. and 73rd Ave. in Glen Oaks Village, Queens, on Tuesday.

The deceased victim was spotted at the scene beneath a white cloth hours after the crash, his body pinned between the back of the Honda and the front of a Lexus SUV parked behind it.

A childs car seat was also spotted lying in the roadway following the crash.

Paramedics rushed the woman to Long Island Jewish Hospital with an injured leg, according to police.

The infant suffered an injured leg and is listed in serious but stable condition, while the 5-year-old suffered scratches, cops said. They were both taken to Cohen Childrens Medical Center.

The Pathfinder driver remained at the scene of the crash, and no arrests have been made.

He was later taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital complaining of chest pains, according to law enforcement sources.

The incident is being investigated by the NYPDs Collision Investigation Squad.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 6)  The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to create an inter-agency council to prevent teenage pregnancies.

Under House Bill 8910 or the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Inter-Agency Council (APPIAC) will serve as a policy making body in charge of formulation and implementation of programs centered on the prevention, counseling and post-delivery care of teenage pregnancy.

It will be led by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) executive director along with the Council for the Welfare of Children executive director as co-chairperson.

APPIAC members would be senior officials (at least undersecretary) of the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Commission on Women, National Youth Commission, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The chairpersons of the leagues of provinces, cities and towns; two representatives from women's rights groups; one adolescent representative; and one youth representative will also be included in the council.

In a statement on Tuesday, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the bill aims to address the social problem of early pregnancy, which has adverse effects on both the mother and the baby, and on society in general.

"The social cost of this issue and the negative impact on the national budget could run into billions  in terms of the government having to take care of young mothers and their babies. There is also the human development aspect," he said.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, said enacting a law aimed at avoiding adolescent pregnancy is critical to institutionalize policies and strategies to prevent adolescent pregnancy and provide social protection to young mothers and their infants.

"It will save young girls from the clutches of maternal death, unemployment, poverty, improve their future and reinforce their self-esteem," Lagman, who also authored the bill, added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that pregnancy among women aged 15 to 19 in the country were at 5.4%, or 5,531, in 2022.

It added that a higher number of pregnancies were recorded in rural areas (6.1%) compared to those in urban areas (4.8%).
(CNN)  The Eritrean Defense Forces committed war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity in Tigray, Ethiopia, immediately before and after signing a ceasefire last year, a new Amnesty International report has alleged.

The crimes are said to have happened between October of 2022 and January this year, during an ongoing conflict between Tigrayan forces and the federal Ethiopian government and its allies, including the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF), which has left thousands dead since it began in 2020.

The 46-page report details abuses such as the rape and sexual enslavement of women, who it says were subjected to physical and psychological abuse and deprivation of food, water, and medical services, as well as the extrajudicial execution of civilians during house-to-house searches.

Tigray is one of 11 administrative regions in Ethiopia, Africas second-most populous country. Each region is mostly autonomous, with its own police force and militia. Regional governments are largely divided along entrenched ethnic lines, and long-standing tensions between regions have led to ethno-nationalist clashes.

Amnestys new findings focus on the Kokob Tsibah and Mariam Shewito districts, which remained under the EDFs control until 19 January 2023. CNN reached out to the Ethiopian National Defense Force, Eritrean information ministry and Ethiopian foreign ministry for comment on Amnestys findings but did not receive a response at the time of writing.

Later on Tuesday, Eritreas Ministry of Information posted a letter by its Permanent Mission to the United Nations to X, formerly known as Twitter. This is yet another futile attempt to indict Eritreans on the (basis) of spurious allegations, it said.

The letter suggested that the report had a flawed methodology, saying that Amnesty chose to use its platform to regurgitate unsubstantiated allegations against Eritreas military personnel, taken from third-party sources, faceless and nameless, in continuation of its libelous decades-long campaign against the State of Eritrea.

A 2021 CNN investigation uncovered evidence of the torture, mass detention and execution of residents in the town of Humera in the Tigray region. Bodies were found bound with electrical wire, some missing limbs or showing signs of suffering intense violence. Eyewitnesses and forensic experts described victims being tortured, executed, and piled on top of each other. The Ethiopian government responded to CNNs findings via an American public relations firm saying they would be working with the relevant authorities to investigate and hold those that they find responsible to account.

Within the Amnesty report released on Tuesday, a social worker says that a total of 160 sexual violence cases were reported in Kokob Tsibah between November 2020 and January 2023. A medical expert cited in the report says their center has handled 2250 cases of conflict-related sexual violence from parts of the Eastern Tigray Zone, including Kokob Tsibah, in the same period.

Victims said that they could identify the perpetrators through their uniforms, the Tigrinya dialect, and the use of racial slurs. According to Amnesty International, survivors said that EDF soldiers frequently asked them Werent you chanting that Tigray will win? The report suggests that women were held on suspicion that their spouses, sons, or relatives were in the Tigrayan forces.

Amnesty Internationals report also found evidence of the killings of 23 men and one woman in Kokob Tsibah district between November 2022 and January 2023. Many of these executions were reported to be at close range. The victims are reported to have been aged between 40 and 90 years old. One victim, a 70-year-old priest, was allegedly shot and killed while seeking refuge inside a church.

Due to the violence taking place in the district, many victims families described being unable to bury their loved ones for long periods of time after their deaths. One woman told Amnesty International that her husbands body remained at the place where he was killed for three months.

Extrajudicial executions are also reported to have taken place in Mariam Shewito district. Amnesty International cites a social worker who it says, provided a list of more than 100 names of people who they said had been extrajudicially executed within this period, though it could not independently corroborate all of these cases. Witnesses and family members of the victims declared that victims were civilians, most actually farmers, the report said.

Communities in Kokob Tsibah and Mariam Shewito have had their lives changed, irreversibly, by the violations they experienced at the hands of the EDF, Amnesty International said.

One survivor is quoted in the report as saying: Humans were treated like animals throughout this conflict.

Our sons should not die because of a war as well. Let this be the last war, they continued.
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.
OpenAI recently announced the first of its B2B product portfolio, ChatGPT Enterprise, arguably the most significant upgrade to the generative AI (genAI) platform since it launched last November.

The Enterprise version aims to address two major concerns users have had with the cloud-based AI service: What happens to corporate data thats used to customize it for specific business purposes, and how can that data be secured. The new ChatGPT offering increases security and privacy through encryption and single sign-on for enterprise authentication.

GenAI continues to dominate the tech industry and is being heralded as a steroid for business efficiency and productivity. Advertising and marketing groups can use ChatGPT to help create new campaigns. The technology can be used to speed up the writing of software code by producing a sometimes-useful base from which developers  and even non-techies  can create useful apps and plug-ins. And, as a chatbot, ChatGPT can be used for customer service and surveys.

The global artificial intelligence (AI) market was valued at $428 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from $515.31 billion this year to more than $2 trillion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Seventy-nine percent of CEOs believe genAI will increase efficiencies, and 52% expect it to boost growth opportunities, according to a Deloitte survey released in July. The same poll found 55% of CEOs are already evaluating or experimenting with AI.

Forty-five percent of executive leaders said ChatGPT had encouraged them to increase AI investments, with 68% believing the benefits of genAI outweigh the risks, according to a Gartner Research poll of 2,500 executives. With an enterprise version of ChatGPT, those percentages are only likely to increase.

In an interview, Claire Trachet, CEO of London-based tech business advisory firm Trachet, said she sees a new wave of tech startups leveraging ChatGPT Enterprise to reduce their costs and increase investor appetite.

Claire Trachet CEO Claire Trachet

In this Q&A, Computerworldposed a series of questions via email to Trachet about ChatGPT Enterprise and how it could affect the adoption of genAI tools at both startup firms and more established enterprises. The following are the answers to those questions:

What does ChatGPT Enterprise means for startups and investor sentiment? The announcement of ChatGPT Enterprise and plans for ChatGPT Business to also be introduced could signal new opportunities for businesses and startups who are navigating an uncertain economic climate. As we saw with the debut of ChatGPT, investor confidence naturally grew  with everyone wanting to capitalize on new technology that will inevitably change the way we work on a day-to-day basis.



This is also coming at a time when the AI arms race is becoming more competitive, and consumers are becoming more familiar with AI technology. As a result, consumers and businesses are becoming more inclined to use and integrate this technology into their lives and businesses. For startups and smaller businesses, this will act as a way to help them scale up in a more cost-effective way through M&A deals and gain investor interest.

Despite the M&A sector experiencing a slowdown this year, Open-AIs announcement could help the sector pick up again. Investors will no longer be frozen, as they know opportunities are presenting themselves and are ready to actively seize them. In addition, there is a growing number of investors who sat on a dry powder pile having paused investments due to uncertainty in 2022. This means there are significant opportunities on the horizon, and now is the moment to prepare and get deal ready as [options] will increase in H2 of this year.

What is the greatest significance of ChatGPT Enterprise for businesses compared to the previous version of ChatGPT? The previous version of ChatGPT was made as a way for people to interact with the model through text-based conversations, demonstrating the capabilities of large language models and providing users with a conversational AI experience. In comparison, ChatGPT Enterprise has been specifically tailored to address the needs and concerns of businesses by providing enhanced security, data control, and advanced features for data analysis and customization.

Do you believe ChatGPT Enterprise will prompt greater adoption of generative AI? If so, why? I think the enhanced security and privacy features are definitely a step in the right direction, which could see a greater adoption of AI. [While] the debut of ChatGPT was met with a lot of excitement, dominating headlines and signaling a change in the way we interact with technology, there have since been a lot of experts and academics who have raised concerns about the service.

We have seen various countries banning ChatGPT, including Italy becoming the first Western country to do so, and experts such as Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and even AI godfather Geoffrey Hinton expressing their concerns over the capabilities of generative AI. However, with ChatGPT Enterprise assuring data ownership and controls to mitigate these concerns, it is possible businesses will be more willing to integrate AI into their operations.

Additionally, unlimited access to GPT-4 will also be a significant advantage, giving users quicker and more accurate insights from data, which are essential for informed decision making. This efficiency boost enhances the appeal of generative AI for businesses looking to streamline their processes and gain competitive advantages. The ability to modify ChatGPT's knowledge of company data and the future advanced analytical tools will also make use of the software more appealing for businesses.

Many businesses are still wary of using ChatGPT or other generative AI platforms because the tech poses a risk not only to security but to privacy and copy rights. Does ChatGPT Enterprise address those concerns? Although ChatGPT Enterprise has addressed various concerns related to security, privacy, and data rights, some business leaders remain reticent. For example, certain nuanced concerns such as copyright, data security during usage, and the flexibility of customization might still require further clarity or solutions.

At the same time, AI regulation remains a significant topic of discussion [among] academics, experts, and the government. The UK has announced it will be hosting an AI safety summit in November where discussion will take place around regulation and potential consequences of AI. The outcomes of this summit are likely to have a significant effect in terms of how widely these tools are adopted in businesses across the country.

Microsoft and Amazon appear locked in a battle over wholl rule the cloud, and genAI appears to be at the center of that fight now. Who do you believe has the advantage, and how should users approach the adoption of AI in the cloud? Both tech giants have made headlines for being prominent figures in both the cloud and generative AI race. At present, Amazon leads in the cloud market, having been in the market for several years prior to the likes of Microsoft. Most recently, the company has announced various new AI tools such as a language-model-based, Bedrock and a code generator, CodeWhisperer. The tech giant also announced it would start the process to develop its own AI chips. The diversification of the business approach demonstrates it is thinking far into the future about how it will utilize AI and retain its place as a leader in the space.

Despite this, Microsoft has seen significant growth in its revenues despite being much earlier on in its journey compared to Amazon. At the same time, while Amazon has pulled back on its public announcements and marketing, Microsoft has been a prominent name in the media in relation to AI. This includes announcing that all of its products would have copilots,' a brand that would be across all of the companys platforms to make things more efficient.

How does ChatGPT Business that differ from the Enterprise version? ChatGPT Business is designed for businesses and individuals looking to access and use OpenAI's language model for general purposes. It offers an enhanced version of the standard ChatGPT experience, with improvements and optimizations that cater to business-related queries. This version might provide features such as improved comprehension of business terminology, better handling of industry-specific information, and possibly faster response times.

[While] ChatGPT Enterprise is a more advanced version of the original ChatGPT model, addressing the concerns surrounding security, privacy, data ownership, and customization for businesses. It goes beyond the features offered in ChatGPT Business, providing more enhanced security measures, full data ownership, and control over data usage.
Palestine criticizes U.S. for inaction on Israeli violations in West Bank

Xinhua) 11:21, September 06, 2023

RAMALLAH, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Tuesday criticized the United States for its inaction on the "ongoing Israeli violations in the West Bank," urging it to take meaningful actions to end the "Palestinian suffering."

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said in a press statement that "the irrational U.S. silence has encouraged the Israeli government to continue its violations against our people in the West Bank."

As a result, Israel returned to its policy of storming the cities in the West Bank and killing young Palestinians as well as destroying the infrastructure of Palestinian cities and villages, Abu Rudeineh added.

"Palestinians will never give up their rights of defending their lands and holy places," he stressed.

He called on the U.S. to "intervene immediately to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression and not be satisfied with the policy of statements that do not change anything on the ground," warning that "the situation is on the verge of exploding as a result of the dangerous Israeli escalation."

Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian in overnight clashes in a West Bank refugee camp, Palestinian and Israeli sources said on Tuesday, amid rising tension in the occupied territory.

Since January, 33 people, most of them Israelis, have been killed in a series of attacks carried out by Palestinians, and more than 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers, according to official figures.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Not only is he an accused serial killer, Rex Heuermann is also a deadbeat boss, according to the state Department of Labor.

It filed suit Tuesday to recover nearly $70,000 in back wages, penalties and interest for stiffing a former executive assistant.

Heuermann and his Midtown architectural firm, RH Consultants & Associates, stole $20,908.10 in wages from their employee, Donna Sturman, according to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.

He paid Sturman a wage below the states minimum requirement from February 2017 to March 2018. The $20,908.10 in stolen wages include $9,454.56 in vacation pay Sturman was owed, court records show.

She could not immediately be reached for comment.

On top of the stolen wages, the accused murderer owes $33,362.16 in civil penalties, $20,908.10 in liquidated damages and $9,767.48 in interest.

An order filed by the state Department of Labor in January 2021 stated Heuermann had to pay the full amount of $84,945.84 owed within 10 days or appeal within 60 days. He and his firm entered a settlement agreement after filing a petition in February of that year, but they failed to stick with a payment plan that was agreed upon, prompting the suit.

Heuermann managed to shell out $16,385 before getting locked up, but he still owes a balance of $68,560.84.

Both Danielle Coysh, one of Heuermanns attorneys, and a spokesperson for the Department of Labor declined to comment on the suit.

Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, was arrested near his firms office on July 13 and charged with the killings of three sex workers whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach in 2010  Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. Hes denied the charges.

He has also been named a suspect but has not been charged in the death of a fourth Gilgo Beach victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. He is awaiting trial at the Suffolk County jail and is set to return to court on Sept. 27.
The last century or so has been a big one for big wars  we even had not one but two that encompassed the entire world. Its easy, then, to think of war as this massive machine, but that would ignore all the rest of the combat-happy history of warfare. People used to break out into battle over the slightest misunderstanding, and as a result, there were a lot of tiny wars, from duration to area to casualties to plain old fucks given.

4 The Anglo-Zanzibar War Lasted About 40 Minutes The Anglo-Zanzibar War can be blamed on the latters insufficient succession laws and also the British Empire (get ready to see a lot of them). The death of the sultan in 1896 left several claimants to his throne, including Prince Khalid ibn Barghash, the son of a previous sultan. The Empire preferred a different guy who they expected to be easier to control, but they didnt have to stick their noses in it at all, although one of their major interests in Zanzibar was ending slavery, so theyre actually not as bad of the guys here for once. It all came to a head after Khalid occupied the palace and called the Empires bluff when they told him he had to be out by the morning of August 27, 1896. He didnt think theyd actually fire on him despite their several-hundred-year history of doing exactly that, but he immediately found himself in a palace under heavy siege. Khalid surrendered only about 40 minutes later, after 500 of his soldiers were killed, and nobody in Zanzibar so much as stuck their tongue out at the British until their independence 60 years later.

3 The Nauru Civil War Spanned Eight Square Miles Nauru is the smallest island nation in the world, only about eight square miles in area, or about one-third of a Manhattan. In such cramped quarters, people are gonna get sick of each other, and in 1878, a fateful argument erupted over dining etiquette at a Nauruan wedding. This was before Reddit, so instead of simply asking the community who was the asshole, the participants began shooting at each other, and one of their bullets hit and killed the son of a clan chief. Things just kind of spiraled from there. Advertisement For the next 10 years, outsiders knew little of the Nauru Civil War, only that merchant ships kept landing on the island with the hope of trading for coconuts and finding otherwise perfectly friendly Nauruans more strapped than a 1990s gangsta rapper and other Europeans desperate to escape the conflict. Thats right: 10 years, over a wedding brawl. It didnt stop until Germany set its sights on colonizing Nauru and its coconuts and seized all 800 rifles on the island. For those keeping track, thats 100 rifles per square mile. Not even Texas boasts those kinds of numbers. Advertisement

2 The Kettle War Had a Single Inorganic Casualty The Kettle War took place on October 8, 1784, but it really began almost 200 years to the day earlier, when seven states of the Netherlands rebelled against Spain, forming the Dutch Republic and taking the River Scheldt with them. That might not seem like such a big deal today, when rivers are mostly pollution baths that we occasionally get drunk and float down, but back then, it was like cutting off the only highway into town. Advertisement Two centuries and one transfer to Austria later, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II asked the Dutch Republic to pretty please give back the river, seriously, you guys, and when they continued giving him the silent treatment, he sent three ships out to take it by force. The Dutch responded with a single ship that sent a single shot, which hit a soup kettle on board one of Josephs, spooking his troops into turning tail. Its totally unclear why  they could have easily defeated the Dutch, even without a kettle. Maybe they were deeply attached to that soup. Not that it mattered. A few years later, the Dutch Republic reached an agreement with Austria that allowed them to keep the river in exchange for a big payoff, but then France ordered them to give it up anyway. Moral of the story: Never pay for what France will just make you give back later. Advertisement Advertisement
You know who sucks? The general public. You know when they suck even more? When theyre upset, or hurt, or sick, or anything else that they can whine about like irritating little weenies.

Its therefore not unusual that doctors and the police find themselves occasionally incredibly annoyed at the people they have to deal with (the public also frequently find themselves upset by dealing with health-care systems and questionable police actions, but thats another matter).

One outlet both medicine and the law have turned to is creating their own insulting jargon that can be presented in full view or earshot of the people involved, whether as a few extra terms added to a patients medical notes or an additional detail thrown into a radio conversation. Basically a consequence-free a sphincter says what? approach: pretty satisfying.

But, in the medical world at least, its said to be dying out  in situations involving litigation, every entry on a patients notes might be examined and have to be explained in court, and nobody wants to find themselves explaining to an unimpressed judge that, rather than any sort of medical advice, this particular term was just a way of calling a patient a dickhead.

14 Take One of These and Dont Call Me in the Morning A polite British doctor once explained to a court that that TTFO on the notes of a patient advised to return home was short for to take fluids orally. It in fact stood for told to fuck off. (Source)

13 An Occasional Byproduct of Acute MILF While doctors on the childrens ward have been known to write GLM on notes, to communicate to their colleagues there is a Good Looking Mom involved, FLK  Funny Looking Kid  is also frequently used. (Source)

12 Youre All Better  High Six! NFN written on a British patients sheet stands for Normal for Norfolk, a region of Britain with a (totally unfounded) (well, mainly unfounded) reputation for inbreeding. (Source)

11 And the Tylenol Goes to ATS (Acute Thespian Syndrome) goes by different names around the world, and has been known in the States as MGM Syndrome  a patient putting on a big performance. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement

10 Hospital Food, and Lots of It Similarly, CBT has countless global variants, the most common English-language ones being chronic burger toxicity and chronic biscuit toxicity  i.e., a bit of a husky fella. (Source)

9 Oh, Al Used in both law enforcement and medicine, describing someones condition with the suffix BUNDY  but unfortunately not dead yet  is, any way you look at it, pretty rough. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement

8 Cerebral Activity Minimal, Irritating CNS-QNS written on someones notes is the fairly damning central nervous system quantity not sufficient, a deliberately obscure way of calling someone a dumbass. (Source)

7 Cranial-Faecal Overdose Similarly, LOBNH (lights on but nobody home); faecal encephalopathy (shit for brains); DKA (doesnt know anything); JPS (just plain stupid); and DMFNFL (dumb motherfucker not fit to live) showing up on your notes suggest you havent impressed your physician. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement

6 Grandmas Got Confused Again The word CRAFT sometimes shows up on elderly patients notes, or those of someone involved in a drunken incident. What this communicates, as subtly as possible, is that they cant remember a fucking thing. (Source)

5 Unpleasant Last Words Few of these terms are ones youd want on your notes, but particularly AMYOYO syndrome, CTD and GPO: Alright motherfucker, youre on your own; circling the drain; and good for parts only. Oh dear. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement

4 Medical Feats TSS or SFS look innocuous enough, but refer to a patients bodily hygiene  toxic sock syndrome and stinky foot syndrome. When half the other entries on this list seem to show outright contempt, This guys feet smell! is almost sweet. (Source)

3 Gourd Damn It Being classed as pumpkin positive might raise some eyebrows, so its use is dwindling, but its very evocative  it refers to someone so stupid that, if you shone a flashlight in their mouth, their whole head would light up. (Source) Advertisement Advertisement

2 Chronic Cranial Excess Not so much a slam as an observation  and one a trained professional cant help but make  BFH often shows up on the notes of an FLK (see above) and refers, beautifully, to their Big Fucking Head. (Source)
The amalgamation of New Zealand's Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ) with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)--which holds hosts the Government Chief Information Security Officer (GCISO) function--has started after it was first announced in July. In what is expected to be a first step to creating a lead operational cybersecurity agency, this is also a move to create a similar cybersecurity agency structure to those operated by other Five Eyes nations--Australia, the UK and Canada that have single agencies with a wide span of responsibilities and customers.

"Having a single agency to provide authoritative advice and respond to incidents across every threat level is international best practice," Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little said in a statement in July.

The amalgamation of both agencies is part of "a strong evolution and dealing with what is a clear threat," according to Alexander Gillespie, professor of Law at the University of Waikato. He explained that for New Zealand the threat of cybersecurity has become more prominent once the Russia-Ukraine war started. "And the international black hole of law has forced some countries to rethink [things] like theres no international treaty on cybersecurity and cyber threats in the military way. There should be a treaty but there is not," he tells CSO.

Gillespie says that the amalgamation of these two key parties is New Zealand's response to the increasing cybersecurity threat. This may also facilitate better synchronisation with the Five Eyes nations. "The more that the agencies are interlinked, the better the cooperation will be between them," he adds.

Next steps for CERT NZ and NCSC

The first step towards creating a lead operational cybersecurity agency will see the transfer of CERT NZ operations and staff from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to the NCSC. Work to redesign a new integrated operating model that uses both agencies enhanced scale and capability to provide a stronger cybersecurity system and improved customer service for New Zealanders will begin "shortly," head of NCSC Lisa Fong said in a statement. But until that happens both agencies will remain providing their existing functions separately.

"While it will take significant time to complete the integration, we hope to find opportunities along the way to leverage the expertise of both CERT NZ and NCSC in the services we provide," CERT NZ director Rob Pope said in a statement.
Police cuffed a city legal eagle following a boozy joy ride that saw him flee the scene of an accident and refuse a breathalyzer test in Brooklyn early Tuesday morning, cops said.

Attorney Philip Simonelli, 29, who works for the citys Law Department as assistant corporation counsel, was slapped with six misdemeanor charges following his 2:20 a.m. arrest, according to police.

The charges include driving while ability impaired by alcohol, refusal to take a breath test, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, failure to obey traffic signals and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, cops said.

A spokesman for the Police Department would not provide details on the arrest except to say that Simonelli was involved in a crash and got arrested sometime after he had fled the scene.

The bust was made in the 78th Precinct, which covers the neighborhoods of Gowanus, Park Slope and Prospect Park.

Simonelli began working with the city as a student legal specialist while pursuing a legal degree at CUNY School of Law in 2018, records show. The Law Department hired him as a salaried employee after he was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2020.

He pulls an annual salary of $75,277, according to city records.
Generative AI has emerged as the chief concern for companies across geographies as three-fifths of global board members believe it poses huge security risks, according to a report by Proofpoint.

The report built from survey responses of 659 board members at organizations with 5,000 or more employees across industries underlined a general sense of panic as it found a majority of respondents fearing a material attack in 2023.

"The year-over-year change may reflect the ongoing volatility of the threat landscape, including lingering geopolitical tensions and rises in disruptive ransomware and supply chain attacks," said the report. "The emerging risk of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT may also be contributing to these sentiments."

The participants were from organizations in countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Singapore, the US and the UK.

Generative AI adds to existing board panic

With 73% of the respondents fearing a material cyberattack on their organization this year, up from 65% in 2022, boards are growing wary of emerging technologies like generative AI.

A significant number (59%) believe that generative AI presents a high-security risk to their organization. Generative AI's risk comes from the fact that it can be weaponized by miscreants, using tools like ChatGPT, to create and deliver malware for any kind of attack.
Summary Table

Advertisement

AUD/JPY

AUD/JPY: Retail trader data shows 36.73% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 1.72 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 4.03% lower than yesterday and 11.85% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 8.47% higher than yesterday and 7.33% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests AUD/JPY prices may continue to rise.

Traders are further net-short than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger AUD/JPY-bullish contrarian trading bias.

AUD/USD

AUD/USD: Retail trader data shows 71.20% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.47 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 1.56% lower than yesterday and 12.80% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 50.30% higher than yesterday and 59.70% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests AUD/USD prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current AUD/USD price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

Oil - US Crude

Oil - US Crude: Retail trader data shows 79.21% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 3.81 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 24.07% higher than yesterday and 29.52% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 0.81% lower than yesterday and 25.43% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Oil - US Crude prices may continue to fall.

Traders are further net-long than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger Oil - US Crude-bearish contrarian trading bias.

Germany 40

Germany 40: Retail trader data shows 63.45% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.74 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 9.53% higher than yesterday and 4.01% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 14.45% higher than yesterday and 16.98% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Germany 40 prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current Germany 40 price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

EUR/CHF

EUR/CHF: Retail trader data shows 70.18% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.35 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 7.40% lower than yesterday and 20.36% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 12.71% higher than yesterday and 56.47% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests EUR/CHF prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current EUR/CHF price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

EUR/GBP

EUR/GBP: Retail trader data shows 38.61% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 1.59 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 2.35% higher than yesterday and 6.79% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 12.77% higher than yesterday and 12.16% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests EUR/GBP prices may continue to rise.

Traders are further net-short than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger EUR/GBP-bullish contrarian trading bias.

EUR/JPY

EUR/JPY: Retail trader data shows 20.60% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 3.86 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 9.02% higher than yesterday and unchanged from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 6.07% higher than yesterday and 5.73% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests EUR/JPY prices may continue to rise.

Yet traders are less net-short than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current EUR/JPY price trend may soon reverse lower despite the fact traders remain net-short.

EUR/USD

EUR/USD: Retail trader data shows 59.53% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.47 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 2.24% lower than yesterday and 9.76% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 33.85% higher than yesterday and 7.86% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests EUR/USD prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is less net-long than yesterday but more net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed EUR/USD trading bias.

France 40

France 40: Retail trader data shows 65.28% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.88 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 7.48% lower than yesterday and 8.72% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 39.55% higher than yesterday and 1.64% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests France 40 prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current France 40 price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

FTSE 100

FTSE 100: Retail trader data shows 76.27% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 3.21 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 2.39% lower than yesterday and 3.12% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 18.11% higher than yesterday and 15.54% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests FTSE 100 prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is less net-long than yesterday but more net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed FTSE 100 trading bias.

GBP/JPY

GBP/JPY: Retail trader data shows 34.91% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 1.86 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 7.28% higher than yesterday and 8.33% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 5.37% higher than yesterday and 5.07% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests GBP/JPY prices may continue to rise.

Yet traders are less net-short than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current GBP/JPY price trend may soon reverse lower despite the fact traders remain net-short.

GBP/USD

GBP/USD: Retail trader data shows 68.86% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.21 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 0.98% lower than yesterday and 9.99% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 23.54% higher than yesterday and 12.70% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests GBP/USD prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is less net-long than yesterday but more net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed GBP/USD trading bias.

Gold

Gold: Retail trader data shows 60.20% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.51 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 13.44% higher than yesterday and 3.48% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 4.64% higher than yesterday and 2.22% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Gold prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is more net-long than yesterday but less net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed Gold trading bias.

NZD/USD

NZD/USD: Retail trader data shows 70.63% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.40 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 0.47% higher than yesterday and 3.39% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 23.61% higher than yesterday and 14.10% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests NZD/USD prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current NZD/USD price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

Silver

Silver: Retail trader data shows 87.03% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 6.71 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 1.45% lower than yesterday and 0.70% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 2.40% higher than yesterday and 6.17% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Silver prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is less net-long than yesterday but more net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed Silver trading bias.

US 500

US 500: Retail trader data shows 66.46% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.98 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 4.06% higher than yesterday and 18.95% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 12.68% higher than yesterday and 9.62% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests US 500 prices may continue to fall.

Positioning is less net-long than yesterday but more net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed US 500 trading bias.

USD/CAD

USD/CAD: Retail trader data shows 21.68% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 3.61 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 21.05% higher than yesterday and 31.23% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 2.19% higher than yesterday and 46.95% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests USD/CAD prices may continue to rise.

Positioning is less net-short than yesterday but more net-short from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed USD/CAD trading bias.

USD/CHF

USD/CHF: Retail trader data shows 70.24% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.36 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 1.04% higher than yesterday and 12.33% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 14.35% higher than yesterday and 10.76% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests USD/CHF prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current USD/CHF price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

USD/JPY

USD/JPY: Retail trader data shows 16.85% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 4.93 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 2.41% higher than yesterday and 8.58% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 1.67% higher than yesterday and 13.49% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests USD/JPY prices may continue to rise.

Yet traders are less net-short than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current USD/JPY price trend may soon reverse lower despite the fact traders remain net-short.

Wall Street

Wall Street: Retail trader data shows 53.54% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.15 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 17.48% lower than yesterday and 3.09% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 65.06% higher than yesterday and 14.50% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Wall Street prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current Wall Street price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.
Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn scored a victory against a gun part maker Tuesday, after a judge concluded they likely tricked their customers into thinking a part that turns rifles into machine guns was legal.

In a 129-page ruling, Brooklyn Federal Judge Nina Morrison issued a preliminary injunction against Rare Breed Triggers, barring the company from selling a gun part called an FRT-15 that lets an AR-15 style rifle fire multiple rounds  without manual reloading  automatically by a single function of the trigger, according to federal prosecutors.

Morrison issued a temporary restraining order on the company in January, after U.S. Attorney Breon Peaces office filed a civil complaint against Florida-based Rare Breed Triggers and Texas-based Rare Breed Firearms. The government accused the businesses and their owners, Lawrence DeMonico and Kevin Maxwell, of mail and wire fraud.

After a two-day evidentiary hearing last month, the judge determined that the government is likely to succeed on the merits of its claims.

Rare Breed has sold roughly 100,000 FRTs, typically charging its customers $380 for the part, according to court filings.

Defendants fraudulently induced their customers to buy a product that is illegal to possess  falsely representing that the FRT-15s was absolutely legal, while withholding material information in their possession that revealed otherwise, Morrison wrote. In the process, Defendants placed tens of thousands of their customers at risk of criminal prosecution and the loss of their right to own firearms.

On Tuesday, the judge issued a first-of-its-kind preliminary injunction against further sales of the device.

One of Rare Breeds own experts warned the company the ATF would likely view the device as a machine gun, but the company declined to seek ATF classification of the FRT-15, precisely because they knew that allowing the ATF to examine their device before bringing it to market might kill their proverbial golden goose.

But her decision is complicated by a Texas federal judges ruling in another case last week, setting up a possible appeals court and Supreme Court battle.

In that case, Judge Reed OConnor issued a temporary restraining order barring the ATF from enforcing its FRT ban against three plaintiffs who brought the case, writing that the ATFs expanded definition of machine gun  is likely unlawful.

Rare Breeds attorneys did not immediately return a message seeking comment Tuesday.
Article by IG Senior Market Analyst Axel Rudolph

FTSE 100, DAX 40, S&P 500 Analysis and Charts

FTSE 100 slips on risk-off sentiment



The FTSE 100 looks to be on track for a third consecutive day of losses as a rising oil price due to extended voluntary supply cuts by Russia and Saudi Arabia and rising yields put pressure on sentiment and stock markets. The breached July-to-September downtrend line, now because of inverse polarity a support line, at 7,390 is about to be tested, together with Tuesdays low at 7,388. If it falls through, the 7,300 region could soon be back in play.

Resistance remains to be seen along the 55-day simple moving average (SMA) at 7,475 and also at Mondays 7,524 high.

FTSE 100 Daily Chart

Download the Free FTSE 100 Sentiment Report

FTSE 100 Mixed Data provided by of clients are net long. of clients are net short.

Change in Longs Shorts OI Daily -3% 14% 1% Weekly 1% -10% -2%



DAX 40 continues to slide

The DAX 40 continues to slide, this time due to weak Eurozone PMI data and as German factory orders tumble. They dropped by 11.7% month-on-month (MoM) in July, worse than an expected plunge of 4.0% and the first drop in industrial orders since March and the steepest pace since April 2020. Were Tuesdays low at 15,690 to be slipped through on a daily chart closing basis, the August lows at 15,545 to 15,469 may be revisited in September.

A potential bounce may encounter minor resistance around Mondays low at 15,796 ahead of the 24 August high at 15,895. While the next higher 55-day simple moving average (SMA) at 15,934and the July-to-September downtrend line at 15,958 cap, overall downside pressure should retain the upper hand.

DAX 40 Daily Chart

Recommended by IG Building Confidence in Trading Get My Guide



S&P 500 is keeling over

The S&P 500 is beginning to lose upside momentum and is gradually sliding from last weeks 4,540 high to its 4,474 24 August high and the 55-day simple moving average (SMA) at 4,470 as the oil price and yields are rising. Traders are looking forward to todays US ISM services PMI data to gauge the state of the US economy.

Minor resistance is seen around the 4,500 mark ahead of the current September peak at 4,540.

S&P 500 Daily Chart
GOLD OUTLOOK & ANALYSIS

Higher oil prices & global growth concerns push USD higher.

US ISM services PMIs in focus later today.

Cautious gold traders look to fundamentals for guidance.

Recommended by Warren Venketas Get Your Free Gold Forecast Get My Guide

XAU/USD FUNDAMENTAL FORECAST

Gold prices are under threat of another collapse as reflation fears have been stoked by OPEC+ whereby Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to maintain production cuts through to the end of the year. While extending supply cuts were somewhat anticipated, the duration was not. This should keep the US dollar elevated with China and European growth concerns adding fuel to USD upside.

Later today, the US ISM services PMI report will be released. Being a primarily services driven economy, this report carries a lot more weight than the manufacturing metric. Estimates are projected slightly lower than the prior figure but should not deter from a buoyant greenback unless there is a significant miss.

Fed speakers will be scattered throughout the trading day and could stoke some short-term volatility for both the USD and gold respectively.

GOLD ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Source: DailyFX

Money market pricing (see below) has been revised lower in terms of cumulative rate cuts by the end of 2024 which was around 110bps a week ago, now 98bps. The threat of additional rate hikes could harm the non-interest bearing yellow metal but further US specific data will be needed to confirm a more hawkish stance  increasing real yields.

IMPLIED FED FUNDS FUTURES

Source: Refinitiv

Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

GOLD PRICE DAILY CHART

Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG

Daily XAU/USD price action above has respected the longer-term trendline resistance (black) and now hovers around the 1925.06 swing support low. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests hesitancy by gold traders with no inclination to the upside nor downside. Fundamental data mentioned above will likely drive directional bias and any additional dollar support could see gold prices re-test the 200-day moving average (blue) once more.

Resistance levels:

1950.00

Trendline resistance

50-day MA (yellow)

Support levels:

1925.06

200-day MA

1900.00

IG CLIENT SENTIMENT: BEARISH

IGCS shows retail traders are currently distinctly LONG on gold, with 71% of traders currently holding long positions (as of this writing). Download the latest sentiment guide (below) to see how daily and weekly positional changes affect GOLD sentiment and outlook.

Introduction to Technical Analysis Market Sentiment Recommended by Warren Venketas Start Course

Contact and followWarrenon Twitter:@WVenketas
US Dollar, USD/JPY, Japanese Yen, Treasury Yields, JGB, BoJ, YCC, Kanda - Talking Points

The US Dollar scaled to new heights overnight with Treasury yields jumping

The Japanese Yen lost ground, but official chatter might start running interference

If USD/JPY continues to climb, will we see action from the Bank of Japan?

Recommended by Daniel McCarthy Trading Forex News: The Strategy Get My Guide

The US Dollar roared across the board overnight with Treasury yields taking flight along the curve.

USD/JPY ran to its highest level since November last year in the New York session, topping out at 148.80.

It recoiled lower in early Wednesday trade after comments from Masato Kanda, Japans Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, the title is colloquially known as Japans chief of currency.

On speculative moves in foreign exchange, he said, if these moves continue, the government will deal with them appropriately.

The framing of the language has been viewed by the market as softer than that used when the Bank of Japan (BoJ) intervened in USD/JPY late last year.

Most apparent is that the jawboning has begun and may seem likely to get stronger should USD/JPY approach last years peak of 151.95.

Recommended by Daniel McCarthy How to Trade USD/JPY Get My Guide

In the meantime, the spread between Treasuries and Japanese Government Bonds (JGB) has been widening but not to the same extent that occurred when USD/JPY hit its peak.

While the 10-year Treasury note is close to where it was in November last year, the JGB yield has been allowed to creep higher.

It is currently near 0.65%, above the 0.50% yield it had previously been anchored to by the BoJs yield curve control (YCC) program.

The change in YCC policy was not a directive to adjust the +/- 50 basis points band around zero percent for JGBs out to 10 years, but rather to allow flexibility in the implementation.

Todays comments from Kanda san might be reflective of an overall tilt in the way Japanese officials are seeking to avoid sudden and excessive volatility toward Yen depreciation.

BoJ board member Hajime Takata also spoke on Wednesday but did little to move the dial in regards to monetary policy.

To learn more about trading USD/JPY, click on the banner above.

Elsewhere currencies exposed to global growth and risk sentiment saw the largest losses overnight with the Australian Dollar leading the way lower in the aftermath of the RBA leaving rates on hold yesterday at 4.10%.

Compounding the outlook for such currencies, the outlook for China continues to be mired in uncertainty around the prospects of the property sector there being able to make a recovery.

The Caixin services PMI missed forecasts yesterday, coming in at 51.8 for August, rather than the 53.5 anticipated and 54.1 previously. The composite PMI was 51.7 against 51.9 prior.

USD/JPY AND YIELD SPREAD BETWEEN 10-YEAR TREASURIES AND JGBS

Chart created in TradingView

Trade Smarter - Sign up for the DailyFX Newsletter Receive timely and compelling market commentary from the DailyFX team Subscribe to Newsletter

--- Written by Daniel McCarthy, Strategist for DailyFX.com

Please contact Daniel via @DanMcCarthyFX on Twitter
The fairy tale of cheap wind energy is falling apart.

Whether at sea or, even worse, on land, wind-powered electricity turbines are not simply inefficient and horrendously expensive  they threaten Britains entire energy programme.

Yet a blinkered group of Tory rebels, backed by a dodgy European consortium funded in part by extremists from the Extinction Rebellion anti-capitalist movement, has hounded Rishi Sunak into overturning the ban on new onshore wind farms.

In doing so, the Prime Minister has broken a key pledge he made to the Tory grassroots when he was running to be party leader.

Shameful

Last July, Mr Sunak was unequivocal: I want to reassure communities that as Prime Minister I would scrap plans to relax the ban on onshore wind in England.

He reiterated that promise when he took office last October, undoing a decision taken weeks earlier by Liz Truss, the interregnum PM who was in No 10 for just 50 days.

RUPERT DARWALL: A blinkered group of Tory rebels, backed by a dodgy European consortium funded in part by extremists from the Extinction Rebellion anti-capitalist movement, has hounded Rishi Sunak into overturning the ban on new onshore wind farms

Yet on Monday, in the face of a sizeable rebellion from Tory backbenchers, a Downing Street spokesman performed a U-turn: We support the development of onshore wind where there is local support.

By caving in to mutineers at yesterdays Energy Bill debate, the Prime Minister has done enormous damage both to the countryside and to Britains hopes of securing reliable, low-cost electricity. It is a shameful exhibition of short-term political expediency.

Its also desperately disappointing  and to make matters worse, the blame lies wholly with a disloyal band of Tory MPs who were prepared to vote with Labour to bend the PM to their bidding.

READ MORE: Ministers U-turn to ditch de facto onshore wind farm ban as Rishi Sunak struggles to contain Tory infighting Advertisement

MPs from the Conservative Environment Network, which has about 160 MPs on its books, including Liz Truss and disgraced ex-health secretary Matt Hancock, backed an amendment axing the ban on new land turbines.

This was tabled by Sir Alok Sharma, who two years ago was president of UN climate summit Cop26. Despite his best intentions, Mr Sunak is being held to ransom.

Uglier still, the Conservative Environment Network draws financial backing from some highly concerning quarters.

It is indirectly funded by the European Climate Foundation (ECF), a shady organisation that describes itself as a philanthropic initiative.

Set up in 2008, the ECF is committed to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by promoting its own climate policies. Let me be clear: European eco-lobbyists have found a way to exert control over the UKs plans for generating power, in defiance of what the Prime Minister and British voters want.

One of the ECFs funders is Sir Chris Hohn, the billionaire hedge fund manager who, as The Guardian reported last year, is also the single biggest individual donor to the eco-anarchist Extinction Rebellion movement.

With backing like that, the influence of the Conservative Environment Network can be nothing less than pernicious.

This is a group in thrall to eco-zealots, holding a gun to the Prime Ministers head and stymying conversation about the many and undeniable flaws of onshore wind power.

These eyesores blight our landscape, despoiling many of the most beautiful views in protected areas.

On Monday, in the face of a sizeable rebellion from Tory backbenchers, a Downing Street spokesman performed a U-turn

Any visitor to southern Snowdonia will know how hideous the hillsides have been made with industrial clusters of turbines, an aberration repeated across the UK.

Wherever they spring up near villages and towns, such as in Keadby in Lincolnshire or at Hyndburn in Lancashire, house prices take a pummelling. They are so big they even need lights to warn air traffic.

I can only think that nobody in the hopelessly misnamed Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) lives anywhere near them.

Not only is the beacon a source of light pollution, but the constant flickering shadows of the blades have been reported to cause headaches and nausea.

The noise, a low-frequency rumble, travels for miles. And there is the constant threat of an accident: blades have been known to shear off in winds.

Any gust above about 55mph, or Force 10 and above, is too great for the turbines and they have to shut down.

That alone tells us wind power is not the answer: turbines dont work when theres no breeze, and they cant work in a strong gale.

Carnage

They are also lethal to wildlife. Their turbines wipe out insects, birds and bats.

For bats in particular, flying mammals with internal organs similar to ours, death by turbine is unpleasant: the pressure causes their lungs to explode.

Bats are so protected by law that, if a colony comes to roost in your loft, its illegal to disturb them. Yet wind farms are exempt from any obligation to protect these mammals.

Some of Britains rarest birds are also being slaughtered. Eagles, ospreys and harriers are being forced to share their habitat with these devices, with hideous consequences.

It is a mystery to me that conservation groups such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), usually so quick to wade into political arguments, are silent about this carnage.

They have a duty to speak up, yet they seemingly say nothing. It seems the RSPB is happy for birds to be killed  up to 100,000 a year, as one study put it  as long as its being done with the approval of the European Climate Foundation and their hypocritical eco-allies.

You might ask why, if onshore wind farms are so bedevilled with problems, we dont build more at sea. The Germans and the Scandinavians certainly thought this was the answer  until they saw the bill.

Swedish wind operator Vattenfall is cancelling offshore turbine construction in the North Sea, due to unsustainable costs.

Problems

These have a lifespan of about 20 years, a comparatively short time to recoup their high costs around 300,000 to install a 250kW turbine plus annual running of 5,000. Their carbon-fibre construction makes them difficult to recycle  hardly a good argument for sustainability.

Thats why the Danish firm Orsted is demanding higher subsidies before it goes ahead with more windmills in the U.S.

In June, Siemens Energy issued a profits warning due to reliability problems with its latest generation of huge onshore turbines.

In short, wind power is a bust. Turbines are useless when wind isnt blowing, or when it blows too hard, which means doubling up on generating capacity to keep the lights on.

When the wind is blowing, it forces other generators off the grid, making it impossible to harness a steady supply from other forms, such as nuclear.

Thats why more wind farms push up the cost of zero-emissions nuclear power.

If Mr Sunak cannot stand up to his own party and continues acquiescing to an agenda set by foreign eco-activists, we will all pay the price.

We have to pull the plug on this failed experiment.

Windmills are not the future. They belong in fairy tales  ones with unhappy endings.

Rupert Darwall is a senior fellow of the RealClear Foundation and author of Green Tyranny.
School uniform policies should be eased as they may adversely affect the learning of children with autism and sensitivities, experts warn.

Leading UK charity, The National Autistic Society and inclusive fashion brand Rare Birds have placed an urgent call to schools.

Children across the country are putting on heavy uniforms for the first time since the summer holidays this week while parts of the UK are sweltering in temperatures of 30 degrees or more.

However, experts have claimed that strict uniform rules could put autistic and sensitive children at a disadvantage because their learning may be disrupted by the sensory impact of uncomfortable clothing.

The National Autistic Society reported that autistic children can experience discomfort and anxiety from wearing school uniforms.

The National Autistic Society and inclusive fashion brand Rare Birds warm that strict school uniform policies may hinder the learning of children with sensitivities (stock image)

Autistic children may have heightened sensitivities, meaning materials can feel itchy as clothing tags rub the skin, and tight clothing can make them feel enclosed and uncomfortable.

Tianna Cowan, Deputy Head of Relationship Fundraising at the National Autistic Society, said: 'Every autistic child has individual sensory differences and needs, and some autistic children can experience discomfort and anxiety from wearing school uniforms.

'This can be extremely overwhelming and lead to children being unable to focus at school due to sensory overload.

'Schools should consider more relaxed uniform policies, which allow for the reasonable adjustments that autistic pupils need.

'It's vital that autistic children, and all children who experience sensory sensitivity, receive the right help and support to be able to thrive at school.'

'It is not just disabled children and children with sensory issues that may find uniforms difficult; some children with eczema or very sensitive skin also find school uniforms uncomfortable.

What are the signs of autism? Signs of autism in young children include: Not responding to their name

Avoiding eye contact

Not smiling when you smile at them

Getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound

Repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body

Not talking as much as other children

Repeating the same phrases Signs of autism in older children include: Not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling

Finding it hard to say how they feel

Liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes

Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities

Getting very upset if you ask them to do something

Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own

Taking things very literally  for example, they may not understand phrases like 'break a leg' Common signs of autism in adults include: Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling

Getting very anxious about social situations

Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own

Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to

Finding it hard to say how you feel

Taking things very literally  for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like 'break a leg'

Having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes Source: NHS Advertisement

Sensory friendly clothing brand, Rare Birds, has recommended schools to replace blazers with jumpers as well as making ties optional to allow shirts to be untucked during lessons.

Clementine Schouteden, Founder of Rare Birds said: 'School uniform policies should reflect the needs of children and ensure they have the right tools to learn undisrupted.

'This includes allowing an adaptable, inclusive school uniform policy that aids not inhibits children's education.

'Every child has the right to an education, are we really going to let something as simple as what the next generation are wearing during lessons stand in the way of them achieving their dreams?'
Joop, 69, messaged Rona, 25, on Facebook after seeing her whilst on holiday

A man has hit back at trolls who have accused his 25-year-old wife of using him for money and says his family and friends do not accept their relationship.

Joop Evers, 69, and his wife, Rona have lost family and friends in their fight for love.

But the couple insist that money has had nothing to do with their relationship and that they are just like any other couple.

Joop, originally from the Netherlands, now lives in his wife's hometown, Bacolod, Philippines, where their relationship is widely accepted.

But Joop, who is divorced and with two children from his previous marriage, says his family do not accept Rona because of her age.

Joop Evers, 69, and his wife, Rona, 25, have lost family and friends because of their relationship

He said: 'In the Philippines age gaps are highly accepted, but I don't have contact with my family and a lot of friends anymore because they don't accept my relationship.

'When I told them about my relationship, they just refused to accept my wife because of how young she was.

'I'm a divorced man with two children already so it was a big change, but this is my life and they chose not to accept it.'

People have accused Rona of using Joop for a 'green card' and for money, but he insists that is not the case.

'Age is just a number and I know that people think this is for a Green Card or for money, but Rona has never asked for money unless it is to help other people who are in desperate need,' Joop said.

'This is a real love story, not an attempt to get money or a Green Card. It's true love, I know people won't believe it, but there's so much love and understanding between us.

'She doesn't want a Green Card, you read a lot of people want them to go to the US but I'm from the Netherlands, we don't have them there.

'We don't care what people think or say, it's our life and we are really happy together. It's no problem for me or Rona, she is happy to have an experienced partner that is in balance and loves her the way she is.'

People have accused Rona of using Joop for a 'green card' and for money, but he insists that is not the case

Joop, who is divorced and with two children from his previous marriage, says his family do not accept Rona because of her age

The pair met when Joop sent Rona a message on Facebook after he noticed her whilst on a trip to the Philippines to visit his brother and his wife.

The lovebirds then chatted over text before she eventually flew over to meet him in person.

He said: 'I used to travel a lot to the Philippines because I worked for a worldwide call centre organisation, I also visit my brother and his wife there, so I know the country well. So, we connected through Facebook, we had mutual friends.

'We started to chat four years ago, when we finally met, she flew over and it was a huge culture shock for Rona because the Netherlands is so different to the Philippines, I know the people and culture of the Philippines, but she had never been to Europe, so it was a nice meeting but a lot to adjust to.

Joop also claims that people are 'jealous' of their relationship and says that they often get stared at when out in public together.

Joop, originally from the Netherlands, said that his family refuses to accept his new relationship because of how young Rona is

The pair met when Joop sent Rona a message on Facebook after he noticed her whilst on a trip to the Philippines to visit his brother and his wife

Rona says that her family support their relationship and says the large age gap is 'a lot more normal' in the Philippines

'If we go to shopping malls, we get a lot of stares because she is so young, but she dresses differently to other Filipinos too, I think it all just comes from jealousy,' Joop said.

'I'm on an age gap relationship group on Facebook and there are always people that are jealous who comment things about us being together.

'Everything that has been said to us comes from jealousy, but we're happy. It's a better life for her but it's also a better life for me.'

Rona said: 'My family have been so supportive of our relationship. Obviously, an age gap is a lot more normal in the Philippines, so they have always supported us no matter what.

'I don't care what people say about us, I love him very much. We are good people; we love and care for people and just want that love back.'
A suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a man amid post-West Indian American Day Parade parties in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, on Monday night, according to police.

Sergio Codrington, 39, was charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a controlled substance for the shooting death of 51-year-old Malik Muhammad, cops said Tuesday.

Responding to a 911 call around 8:50 p.m., officers found Muhammads body riddled with bullets on Sterling Place near Schenectady Ave., about three blocks away from the parade route, as raucous parties were still filling the streets.

A witness coming from a nearby party was near the scene, a construction site, when he heard multiple gunshots. He described the killing as deliberate and thorough.

There were lots of shots, a witness who would only give his name as Roman told the Daily News on Monday. They gave him everything. They made sure he was dead.

Muhammads killing was the third shooting reported near the parade route on Monday.

Earlier in the day, a 19-year-old man was shot in the chest and thumb on Eastern Parkway near Utica Ave. when two groups began arguing with each other.

One of the fighters pulled a gun and opened fire into the crowd amid the brawl at 5:20 p.m., said NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Kenny.

Two other teens suffered slash wounds amid the fracas and an FDNY fire truck at the scene was hit with a stray bullet, according to police.

The gunman in the Monday afternoon shooting near Utica Ave. tossed his weapon away as he fled.

That firearm and 29 others were recovered within the four precincts where JOuvert and the West Indian American Day Parade took place, cops said. More than 70 weapons were recovered by police over the weekend throughout the city.

Another man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a fight outside a five-story residential building along Eastern Parkway at the corner of Franklin Ave. at 4:20 p.m., according to cops.
The Irish gangster who was tried for the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin has said guards turned a blind eye to women visiting him behind bars, in a new book.

John Gilligan, 71, is appearing in a three-part series on Ireland's Virgin Media channel called Confessions of a Crime Boss, which has caused outrage on the Emerald Isle for 'glorifying' a notorious gangster.

At the same time he's launched a new book The Gilligan Tapes: Ireland's Most Notorious Crime Boss In His Own Words, where he revealed he fears dying in prison, and that he wishes he had never gone into crime.

The Dublin-born crime boss added that prison guards would 'turn a blind eye' to female visitors in prison.

When asked if he 'revels in his notoriety', Gilligan replied: 'No. It's been a thorn in my side. The real fact is, as I look at myself, I'm a fool! I've served close to thirty years. How could I say, "I'm great" when I got caught and was in jail? It's a myth.

John Gilligan, 71, is appearing in a three-part series on Ireland's Virgin Media channel called Confessions of a Crime Boss, which has caused outrage on the Emerald Isle for 'glorifying' a notorious gangster

John Gilligan and wife Geraldine in the 1970s

'It's crazy for people to think that I feel great over being, for the want of a better word, a gobs***e, doing time in prison'.

Despite saying time in prison 'doesn't bother him' the gangster said he would not like to die behind bars.

'It didn't bother me when I got locked up, because it was like when I'd go away to sea in the merchant navy. I think prison, for me, was fairly simple, because my trade was to go away to sea. And the reports saying I didn't want to go to jail for six months [for assaulting Veronica Guerin]  I would do six months in the shed. It wouldn't bother me.'

He also said he had no fears about coming face to face with Brian Meehan - the only man imprisoned from Veronica Guerin's murder.

Gilligan (pictured) was accused of ordering the murder but was acquitted at trial in 2001. He was instead sentenced to 28 years for smuggling cannabis, and was freed in 2013.

Guerin's murder led to multiple other convictions. Paul Ward was sentenced to life as an accomplice on the grounds he had disposed of the murder weapon, but the conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal.

Brian 'Tosser' Meehan was convicted of her murder and remains in prison, although reports last year said he could be out in just five years after he was transferred from a maximum security jail.

Guerin was working for the Sunday Independent when she was shot dead at a red traffic light on the Naas Dual Carriageway near Newlands Cross on the outskirts of Dublin on June 26 1996.

Ms Guerin (pictured) was a crime reporter who had confronted Gilligan about alleged gang activity

The Colt Python revolver used to shoot her by one of two men on a motorbike, which had been loaded with .357 Magnum Semiwadcutter bullets, was never found.

Her funeral was attend by Irish Taoiseach John Bruton, who described her murder as an 'attack on democracy' and the head of Ireland's armed forces.

'I'm not worried if Brian Meehan tries to get somebody to give me a dig in the head or something. I've no worries, no fears. I wouldn't be afraid of them. Not for half a second I wouldn't be,' he added.

The death of Veronica Guerin: Ms Guerin was working for the Sunday Independent when she was shot dead at a red traffic light on the Naas Dual Carriageway near Newlands Cross on the outskirts of Dublin on June 26 1996. The Colt Python revolver used to shoot her by one of two men on a motorbike, which had been loaded with .357 Magnum Semiwadcutter bullets, was never found. Her funeral was attend by Irish Taoiseach John Bruton, who described her murder as an 'attack on democracy' and the head of Ireland's armed forces. In the run-up to her assassination, Ms Guerin had filed charges for assault against Gilligan after he allegedly hit her at his 5million equestrian centre in County Kildare in September 1995 while she tried to quiz him about how he made his money. The judge who acquitted the drugs baron accepted he had made a chilling telephone threat on September 15 1995 to kill her and kidnap her five-year-old son. The journalist also had shots fired at her house in October 1994. The following January she opened her door to a gunman wearing a motorbike helmet who shot her in thigh the day after writing an article about another high-profile Irish criminal. Award-winning Ms Guerin was killed two days before she was due to speak at a Freedom Forum conference in London. The topic of her segment was 'Dying to Tell the Story: Journalists at Risk.' Within a week of her murder the Irish parliament enacted two pieces of legislations enabling assets from the proceeds of time to be seized by the government. It led to the formation of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Advertisement

He went on that prison was easy for him.

'I could do prison in a dustbin. It wouldn't bother me. I don't care where they put me in a prison. Even if I got arrested today for something, and they gave me life in prison and they put me in the dustbin to live, I'd live in it.

'I had a few very good-looking young girls visit me. I'd be talking to them on the mobile phone in the prison and they'd say, "Can I comedown and visit you?" There was this regular girl who came down to me every second week, and she always dressed really sexy.

'She'd be holding me man thing and I'd be feeling her boobs and feeling between her legs and we'd be kissing. But there was a prison officer present at all times in the visiting room when I met you in Portlaoise Prison.

'The prison officers just turned a blind eye to it and they put the head behind a newspaper.'

John is separated from wife Geraldine Gilligan and is currently dating British girlfriend Sharon Oliver.

It comes as John appeared on the first of a three-part series on Ireland's Virgin Media channel called Confessions of a Crime Boss.

In the first episode, which aired Monday, he said he felt 'nothing' over Veronica Guerin's death.

Ms Guerin was a crime reporter who had confronted Gilligan about alleged gang activity.

She was shot dead while stopped at a red light on the outskirts of Dublin 27 years ago.

Her life - and death - was later turned into a film starring Cate Blanchett as the fearless reporter.

Gilligan was accused of ordering the murder but was acquitted at trial in 2001. He was instead sentenced to 28 years for smuggling cannabis, and was freed in 2013.

At the trial, Mr Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan said of Gilligan: 'Never in the history of Irish criminal jurisprudence has one person been presumed to have caused so much wretchedness to so many. A haemorrhage of harm that is unlikely to heal in a generation.'

When asked about how he felt when Ms Guerin was killed, he said: 'Nothing really. I could say it for the cameras, 'oh my God, I was shocked'.

'I wasn't. It didn't matter to me.'

When asked further about the reporting of crime and gang activities, he added: 'If you go into the kitchen, don't expect not to be burned.'

However, the crime boss did admit that the journalist's death was 'the beginning of the end for him'.

'It shouldn't have happened that way to me,' he said.

'I wish them people had never done it, for her sake and for her family's sake, not just for mine.'

The programme has been widely slammed in by both Ms Guerin's family and by Irish politicians.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee called for the producers of the documentary to 'think about what they're trying to achieve' with the series.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, she explained: 'This is a man that has created misery for so many people and so many communities.

'He's someone who has been convicted of very serious offences and I for one certainly won't be watching it.'

'I know there's a lot of people, families and communities that are very upset by the fact that this documentary is on this evening.'
A woman who almost died after forgetting to remove her tampon wants her terrifying experience to serve as a warning to others.

Kelsey Foster, 29, has used tampons since she first got her period and was unaware of any potentially lethal dangers from their use.

While the beauty influencer had heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), she did not take much notice of the tiny printed warnings that come with women's sanitary products.

Then one day, the woman from Newcastle went to the bathroom and felt something 'plonk' out of her.

She initially thought it was a blood clot, which she is prone to, 'But it was an old tampon,' she told news.com.au.

Kelsey Foster (pictured), who almost died from Toxic Shock Syndrome after forgetting to remove a tampon, wants to let her terrifying experience be a warning to others

Ms Foster, 29, had used tampons since she first got her period and was unaware of any potentially lethal dangers from their use

READ MORE: Glamorous Australian tourist targeted by trolls after Bali orphanage donation Online trolls have mercilessly targeted Australian tourist Kelsey Foster after she donated food to a children's orphanage in Bali. Advertisement

'I'm not sure how long it had been inside me, but it must have been at least six weeks ago, as that is when my last period was,' she said.

Ms Forster says there needs to be a lot more awareness about TSS.

'It is a deadly condition, and your body can shut down within 24-48 hours. It is no joke,' she said.

'Toxic shock is real, it is deadly and it is way more common than we think.'

Ms Foster suffers from several medical conditions, including gallbladder and liver problems and endometriosis, where tissue, similar to the lining of the womb, grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

She had recently been in and out of hospital with her other conditions and initially mistook the severe cramps she was experiencing as being due to them - not realising it was TSS.

The stress and lack of sleep caused by her other medical issues was what caused her to forget about the tampon, she thinks.

The businesswoman kept the tampon to show her doctors, which allowed them to run tests and confirm she was suffering from TSS.

The doctors told her she was lucky she didn't die from the condition, she said.

She is thankful she found the tampon when she did, otherwise she might not have been around to tell the story.

Her advice to other women using tampons is to find out more about TSS and to keep track of when they have inserted them - doing so could save their lives.

Ms Foster also had a very dangerous medical episode late last year when she was hospitalised in Bali with a leg injury that left her in a wheelchair.

She was enjoying the trip of a lifetime when she tore a ligament in her ankle after slipping on a tile in the notorious Legion Street shopping district.

Doctors told Ms Foster (pictured) she was lucky she didn't die from Toxic Shock Syndrome

Ms Foster (pictured) also had a very dangerous medical episode late last year when she was hospitalised in Bali with a leg injury

Ms Forster (pictured) said there needs to be a lot more awareness about the dangers of TSS

The stress and lack of sleep caused by her other medical issues was what caused Ms Foster (pictured) to forget about the tampon, she thinks

Then shortly after the accident, she got a huge tattoo on her leg that became infected due to her ankle injury.

Luckily, Ms Foster had bought travel insurance at the last minute before her trip.

'I got emergency flown home business class back to Australia. The tickets alone for it were over $4,000 + over $1,000 in meds and scans for me in Indonesia,' she said at the time.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Foster seeking further comment.
An ecstatic brother, Edo Mapelli Mozzi has shared the exciting news of Alby Shale's engagement.

Three years since Princess Beatrice, 35, and Edo, 39, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, Edo's half-brother Alby, who is based in New York, is following suit.

Property mogul Edo took to Instagram to celebrate the happy news of his half-brother Alby Shale's engagement to his fiancee Chelsea.

The caption also hinted towards Edo's feelings for Beatrice as he wrote: 'Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life.'

Alby is the son of Edo's mother Nicola Burrows and her second husband Christopher Shale, David Cameron's constituency chairman, who died of a heart attack, aged 56, at the Glastonbury Festival in 2011.

Edo took to Instagram to celebrate the happy news of Alby Shale's (left) engagement to his fiance Chelsea (right)

A subsequent inquest found he had been suffering from undiagnosed heart disease.

Edo's post showed Alby as he smiled behind his partner while donning a shirt with the top buttons casually undone.

Chelsea shared a big grin while leaning on the shoulder of her fiance.

She sported a metallic strappy top with a pair of tortoise-shell shades.

Alby, who maintains a low profile, is a social entrepreneur and founder of Life is Meeting.

In the caption, Edo gushed over his 'little bro Alby' and said: 'Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness.'

The caption read: 'So happy for my little bro Alby and Chelsea!

'Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life. Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness.

'Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures!'

Edo gushed over his 'little bro Alby' and said: 'Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness'

The caption also hinted towards Edo's (right) feelings for Beatrice (left) as he wrote: 'Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life'

The news comes shortly after Edo's step sister, Phoebe Williams-Ellis, 29, and Raoul de Lantsheere wed in Cumbria.

According to the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden, Beatrice and Edoardo Mozzi Mapelli's 22-month-old daughter was asked to be a flower girl for the happy couple.

Meanwhile, Edo's seven-year-old son Wolfie - who he shares with his ex-fiance Dara Huang - is said to have performed the role of pageboy during the ceremony.

Whilst Sienna arrived at the church with her parents, Wolfie - who was wearing braces - remained with the other pageboys before joining them later.

The youngster is said to have arrived at the ceremony at St Oswalds church in Kirkoswald, Cumbria in a tractor.

The bride - who works as a Set Designer, Costume Designer and Production Designer- is the step-daughter of Edo's mother Nicola Diana Williams-Ellis.

Despite the wet weather, Phoebe appeared in great spirits as she arrived at the church with her father David Williams-Ellis - who protected her from the rain with a large blue umbrella.

Phoebe styled her hair in a half-up, half-down style and looked elegant in a floor-length white gown with sheer sleeves and chunky heels.

During the traditional church ceremony, the bride was given away by her father.
Hoda returned to the studio in time for Today With Hoda & Jenna

She abruptly left the studio to go and take her young daughters to school

The presenter, 59, abandoned her presenting duties and put her family first

Hoda Kotb abruptly left her presenting duties mid-way through Wednesday's episode of the Today show to drop her kids off for their first day back at school - weeks after she revealed her youngest daughter Hope was 'on the mend' following a stint in the ICU.

The television host, who recently celebrated her 59th birthday with her family at her beach house on Long Island, was updating viewers on what was coming up in the episode when she suddenly revealed she had to take her daughters, Hope, four, and Haley, six.

As the show approached 7:25am, news anchor Savanah Guthrie, 51, pointed out that Hoda was 'on the run'.

'I'm taking my kids to school!' Kotb exclaimed, before jumping to her feet and asking, 'Ok, can I leave right now?'

Hoda Kotb abruptly left her presenting duties mid-way through Wednesday's Today Show

The presenter, who is mom to Hope, four, and Haley, six, dropped her daughters off for their first day back at school

'Yes give them a hug for us,' Guthrie responded.

Kotb then suddenly emerged from her seat and excitedly told her co-stars, Guthrie, Craig Melvin, 44, and Al Roker, 69, 'Byeee! See ya later!'

But she wasn't gone for long, as Kotb was back to the Rockefeller studio in time for Today With Hoda and Jenna at 10am - and shared details of the milestone day to her co-host Jenna Bush Hager.

'I was so excited,' she gushed. 'I left the set at 7:30. I live about 20 minutes from 30 Rock, so I zipped home, got my kids their backpacks.

'They were all ready. They were bursting. Haley is going into first [grade] and Hope into pre-K and they go to the same school.'

She continued: 'Haley went sprinting off with her friends. It was like, "bye!" We were like, "Okay, have a great day." She was gone, dust!'

Turning her attention to Hope, Kotb added: 'Hope was great. She started playing with some people and they do a phase-in. She stayed about an hour.'

Kotb marked her children's return to school on her Instagram page on Wednesday morning, sharing a thoughtful Dr Seuss quote.

Kotb documents life as a mom on her Instagram - including getting ready for the school term

She surprised her co-stars Savanah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Al Roker by getting up and going

'You're off to great places, today is your day!' it read. 'Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!'

She's also been busy gearing up for the big day, having previously shared images of her girls getting their hair cut ahead of the start of the new school year.

'Thank you to my pal @lbcastorino! The best Back to school cuts! First day of school tomorrow!'

Kotb's Instagram followers have been sharing their heartfelt messages to the host, with many commenting on her posts wishing her and her family good luck.

One wrote: 'Have a great first day back, sweet girls! Hoda, you're such a wonderful mother!'

Another said: 'I hope both of you girls have a great learning experience and a fun filled school year!!!'

A third added: 'Wishing your beautiful girlies the best school year! These years fly enjoy them!'

For years, Kotb thought motherhood wasn't in the cards for her. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 42 years old and came out of treatment unable to conceive.

She and her ex-fiance, Joel Shiffman adopted Haley in 2017, and two years later, they welcomed Hope.

Kotb's daughters, pictured with her mother during the summer vacation, have returned to school, with Hope having started pre-kindergarten

Kotb shares her two daughters with her ex, New York financier Joel Schiffman

'Shes taught me that resilience comes in all kinds of packages and that kids are incredibly strong. Shes also taught me to find wonder in the smallest things,' Kotb said of Hope

Kotb recently shared how Hope learned how to ride a bike without training wheels this summer

Last month, Kotb revealed her youngest child inspired her new children's book, Hope is a Rainbow, which is about the importance of having optimism even in the face of adversity.

The announcement of the book came months after Hope was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness in February.

'It just reminds me  and she just reminds me  that hope is all around every corner. No matter what you go through, no matter what hardship you endure, there she is,' she previously told Today.com.

The mother of two also shared how Hope learned how to ride a bike without training wheels this summer.

'My daughter Hope is so inspiring to me,' she said. 'She's a little child, but with a real kind of old spirit, an old soul. There's something about her in how she sees magic in everything.'

'You know, I was dreaming and praying for a child like her,' Kotb added. 'And then it became a reality. Every night I tell her: 'I love you. I'm proud of you. I think you're terrific. And I'm glad you're mine.''

'She's taught me that dreams come true.'
The conservative MP for Don Valley, Nick Fletcher, seems like a nice young Yorkshireman, but when I heard him on Womans Hour advocating for a Minister for Men, I couldnt help wondering what planet he was on.

He expressed concern that he sees a lot of aimless boys on the streets near his home; that 96 per cent of prisoners are male; that 88 men die of heart disease every day.

Yes, I thought, but why on earth do men need their own minister when they already hold all the power?

Cant they just change the laws anyway  two-thirds of politicians in the House of Commons are male.

Surely there are enough of them in every department  education, health, justice  to fix these problems for themselves.

The conservative MP for Don Valley, Nick Fletcher, has advocated for a Minister for Men

Why must they have yet further representation? He even argued that men have been neglected in the drive for equality.

Some may believe the fight for equal rights has been won  that the balance is tipping too far in our favour  but I am not one.

Domestic violence, rape, unequal pay  some of the terrible inequalities that inspired the creation of the role of Minister for Women back in 1997  continue to this day.

Two women a week are killed by their partner or former partner in England and Wales.

Others, such as Sarah Everard, are picked up on the street by men we should trust  in Sarahs case, a serving police officer.

Girls walking home from school are harassed by kerb crawlers. Women are touched up at work. And its still women who get the lowliest, worst-paid jobs.

Harriet Harman became the first Minister for Women at a time when more women had come into parliament than ever before.

Though dubbed Blairs Babes, for the first time there was a significant number ready to take on some of the legal issues that disadvantaged women needed to be changed.

Sarah Everard, 33, was picked up on the street by serving police officer Wayne Couzens

After thinking very carefully through Mr Fletchers concerns, Jenni is certain that the answer is not a Minister for Men

The 1970s and 1980s had been terrible for women in England. Police advised them to stay home after the Yorkshire Ripper murdered 13 women and left seven more for dead.

It was a time when a young rape victim was described by a judge as a menace to young men. Another was told she appeared to have suffered no great trauma.

The danger in the home as well as on the streets was well known for women, though, and domestic violence began to be spoken about with urgency in parliament.

It was, however, only when a Minister for Women was appointed that previously ignored crimes such as marital rape became illegal.

So do men now face similar threat and fear of discrimination?

Nick Fletcher is worried about boys having no male teachers or fathers to look up to.

Hes also concerned about the lack of male nurses. Perhaps that is due to it being one of those lower paid jobs few men are willing to touch with a bargepole.

As for the absence of fathers in so many families  what can a minister do?

Well, he could extend the idea of paternity leave and ensure both parents have plenty of time with their children.

Except the fathers wont take it.

How many new fathers say theyll step back from their career to look after the children?

Most secretly admit they work late or pop into the pub for a quick one before going home, pretty sure that by the time they get there, the toys will have been tidied away, the noisy kids will be fast asleep in bed and theyll only have to give them a quick peck on the cheek before sitting down to a dinner the wife has prepared.

A series of Ministers for Women, then Ministers for Women and Equalities, currently Kemi Badenoch, have tried to make things safer and fairer for women.

And many men have learned that their traditional, sexist behaviour is unacceptable, but theres a long way to go.

Why does Nick Fletcher suppose that, in this period of gender confusion among young people, the majority of those considering the benefits of transition are girls?

Does he not realise that girls have always thought how much easier their lives would be if they could grow up to be men?

I toyed with the idea myself as an early teenager.

Thered be no one fussing about the length of my skirt, no one advising on hair and make-up, no one telling me to sit with my knees together for fear of attracting the wrong kind of attention, no one telling me to go into teaching which would make it easy to combine work and family.

Life, in many ways, would be so much easier.

So, after thinking very carefully through Mr Fletchers concerns, its a resounding no from me for a Minister for Men.

No sex...your children are watching!

Presented by Davina McCall, My Mum: Your Dad is a dating show for the middle-aged

My Mum: Your Dad is the middle-aged Love Island which begins next Monday on ITV.

No bikinis, ripped chests or cameras in the bedrooms . . . which is just as well given the children of the nine contestants are not only watching, but are the ones who put them up for it in the first place.

Save our libraries  they were the making of me...

How depressing that just 43 per cent of children say they read for pleasure.

Lack of investment means one in eight primary schools has no library, and public spending cuts led to the closure of 800 libraries in the decade from 2010.

Barnsley Library made me what I am. From three, Id go each week with my mother.

How could I have done my job without all that reading? Libraries matter. Theyre free. Bookshops are not!

Education Secretary: Gillian Keegan

What has the Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, been doing as the school term starts, apart from going on holiday and changing frocks?

Not the ****ing good job she claims  or 150 schools wouldnt be affected by dangerous concrete.

Should we expect a new Education Secretary  the sixth since September 2021?

Wheres the fun May I met?

Jenni is not a fan of painter Saied Dai's portrayal of Theresa May in a new portrait that will be hung in Parliament

What was the painter Saied Dai thinking when he portrayed Theresa May as a haggard, wrinkled misery in a portrait thats to be hung in Parliament?

It will represent her for ever and shows none of the warmth or fun I witnessed during numerous interviews with the former Prime Minister. I hope shes furious.

She should be.

Its not often you read a story that warms the cockles of your heart, but the tale of the neighbours who rebuilt the family home destroyed in a gas explosion in Seven Sisters, South Wales, has restored my faith in humanity.

As did my neighbours who pitched in to help care for my animals when I was rushed into hospital. Community spirit is alive and well.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York is celebrating the news that her godson, Albemarle Alby Shale, has got engaged, to a woman called Chelsea Peters.

Alby is the son of Nicola Williams-Ellis, who is also the mother of Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, husband of Fergies daughter Princess Beatrice.

Albys father, Christopher Shale, was a close associate of former prime minister David Cameron who died at Glastonbury Festival in 2011.

I am so delighted and proud of my godson, the Duchess tells The Daily Mail's Richard Eden. His father would be skipping with joy and happiness. Alby and Chelsea are a superb couple. Chelsea is magical and I wish them all the happiness for their future.

Elsewhere, property mogul Edo, 39, took to Instagram to celebrate the happy news of his New York-based, half-brother Alby's engagement to his fiancee Chelsea.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi took to Instagram to celebrate the happy news of Alby Shale's (left) engagement to his fiance Chelsea (right)

The caption also hinted towards Edo's feelings for Beatrice as he wrote: 'Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life.'

Edo's post showed Alby as he smiled behind his partner while donning a shirt with the top buttons casually undone. Chelsea shared a big grin while leaning on the shoulder of her fiance.

She sported a metallic strappy top with a pair of tortoise-shell shades. Alby, who maintains a low profile, is a social entrepreneur and founder of Life is Meeting.

In the caption, Edo gushed over his 'little bro Alby' and said: 'Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness.'

The caption read: 'So happy for my little bro Alby and Chelsea! Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life. Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness.

'Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures!'

The news comes shortly after Edo's step sister, Phoebe Williams-Ellis, 29, and Raoul de Lantsheere wed in Cumbria.

According to the Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden, Beatrice and Edoardo Mozzi Mapelli's 22-month-old daughter was asked to be a flower girl for the happy couple.

Sarah Ferguson (pictured right, with Edo, left, and Alby, centre, in March 2016 in London), Duchess of York also celebrated the news that her godson, Albemarle Alby Shale, has got engaged, to a woman called Chelsea Peters

Edo gushed over his 'little bro Alby' and said: 'Your engagement news fills my heart with so much happiness'

The caption also hinted towards Edo's (right) feelings for Beatrice (left) as he wrote: 'Finding that special someone is truly the greatest blessing in life'

Meanwhile, Edo's seven-year-old son Wolfie - who he shares with his ex-fiance Dara Huang - is said to have performed the role of pageboy during the ceremony.

Whilst Sienna arrived at the church with her parents, Wolfie - who was wearing braces - remained with the other pageboys before joining them later.

The youngster is said to have arrived at the ceremony at St Oswalds church in Kirkoswald, Cumbria in a tractor.

The bride - who works as a Set Designer, Costume Designer and Production Designer- is the step-daughter of Edo's mother Nicola Diana Williams-Ellis.

Despite the wet weather, Phoebe appeared in great spirits as she arrived at the church with her father David Williams-Ellis - who protected her from the rain with a large blue umbrella.

Phoebe styled her hair in a half-up, half-down style and looked elegant in a floor-length white gown with sheer sleeves and chunky heels.

During the traditional church ceremony, the bride was given away by her father.
Advertisement

Kanye West 'wife' Bianca Censori has been spotted strolling through Italy topless while holding a purple cushion over her chest to cover up her breasts - in a bizarre and rather concerning outing that comes amid an ongoing police investigation into the couple's 'lewd' behavior.

In her most indecent appearance yet, the Australian architect, 28, who has worn a slew of eccentric outfits ever since she and the rapper, 46, started dating in January, stepped out in a pair of skin-tight nude pants and no shirt - hours after DailyMail.com revealed that her close friends have grown 'extremely concerned' about her increasingly-strange behavior.

Bianca held a pillow over her breasts to hide them from the public as she and Kanye made their way out of their hotel in Florence early on Wednesday morning - with a local photographer later revealing that the pair enjoyed a shopping trip at designer brand Marni, while she continued to sport the wild ensemble.

Even more bizarrely, Bianca was seen clutching onto the same cushion hours earlier - when she and Kanye enjoyed a late night dinner together, however, she appeared to be wearing a long-sleeved bodysuit for their evening meal.

But when they ventured out in the morning, the Kim Kardashian lookalike had nothing but a small piece of tattered fabric wrapped around her back underneath her breasts, leaving them entirely exposed behind the cushion, suggesting that the top she had been wearing the night before had either been ripped or DIY-ed with some scissors.

Kanye West's 'wife' Bianca Censori was spotted strolling through Italy topless while holding a purple cushion over her chest to cover up her breasts - with what appeared to be the ripped remains of a shirt seen across her back

In what is arguably her most indecent appearance yet, the Australian architect, 28, stepped out in a pair of skin-tight nude tights and no shirt

Bianca held a pillow over her breasts to hide them from the public as she and Kanye, 46, made their way out of their hotel in Florence early on Wednesday morning

Even more bizarrely, she was seen clutching onto the same cushion hours earlier - when she and Kanye enjoyed a late night dinner together, although for their evening out, she added skin-tight sleeves to her look

However, Bianca appeared to be wearing a long-sleeved bodysuit for their evening meal, while Kanye covered his face with a black shawl

An onlooker told DailyMail.com that Bianca kept the pillow pressed tightly against her breasts the entire time that they dined

It seemed like the racy ensemble did not come as a result of a wardrobe malfunction however - because had it been a mishap she could have easily gone back inside the hotel to change.

She completed the strange look with a pair of clear heels.

As for the Stronger artist, he opted for a pair of black sweat pants, a black shirt, and a scarf wrapped around his face. He chose not to wear any shoes during the outing, walking the streets of Italy in only a pair of socks.

An onlooker told DailyMail.com that Bianca kept the pillow pressed tightly against her breasts the entire time that they dined on Tuesday evening.

After heading out of their hotel on Wednesday, they went on a shopping trip to Italian designer Francesco Risso's boutique, Marni.

A local photographer caught them embracing with the fashion icon, before heading into the store. It looks like they found something they liked because Kanye held onto a shopping bag as they exited afterwards.

No strangers to scandal, Kanye and Bianca have continuously raised eyebrows over their choices in clothing. Since arriving in Italy last month, Bianca's barely-there looks have continuously sparked fury from locals.

She has been seen donning sheer and mesh outfits that left her breasts clearly visible, which social media users described as 'disrespectful' in a country known for its conservative Catholic heritage.

When they ventured out in the morning, a small piece of fabric could be seen wrapped around her back underneath her breasts, however the sleeves were nowhere to be seen and there appeared to be no fabric covering her chest

The tattered string of fabric across her back made it look as though the sleeved garment she had been wearing the night before could have been torn or DIY-ed with some scissors

She completed the strange look with a pair of clear heels

As for the Stronger artist, he opted for a pair of black sweat pants, a black shirt, and a scarf wrapped around his face

He chose not to wear any shoes during the outing, walking the streets of Italy in only a pair of socks

Things reached new heights last week, when the two stars were caught engaging in what appeared to be a risque act during a boat ride through Venice.

The musician bared his naked buttocks to a slew of gawking tourists as he leaned against the back of the vessel, while Bianca nestled her head in his lap.

It appeared that things were getting very steamy as she faced the hitmaker and, at one point, rested her elbows on his knees, while he was then seen cradling her face as they sailed along the river.

The couple had been accompanied by a female friend, who seemed to spend much of her time up front with the boat's captain, giving the couple as much privacy as possible.

Still, the pair didn't appear to mind who spotted them during the trip - given that they were surrounded by other boats filled to the brim with tourists, all of whom had a perfect view of them putting on their amorous display and quickly whipped out their phones.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed afterwards that police are investigating the couple over the compromising photos.

A law enforcement source said that they had identified the driver of the water taxi they were on and were expecting to question him in the next few days about what exactly went on.

'There are standards of public decorum that have to be followed by tourists and locals alike and any breaches are severely punished,' the insider dished.

'The images of [Kanye] with his trousers down while in a taxi as he and his partner crossed the lagoon were seen all over the globe.

No strangers to scandal, Kanye and Bianca have continuously raised eyebrows over their choices in clothing

She has worn a slew of eccentric outfits ever since she and the rapper started dating in January

Since arriving in Italy last month, Bianca's barely-there looks have continuously sparked fury from locals

She has been seen donning sheer and mesh outfits that left her breasts clearly visible, which social media users described as 'disrespectful'

Things reached new heights last week, when the two stars were caught engaging in what appeared to be a risque act during a boat ride through Venice

The musician bared his naked buttocks to a slew of gawking tourists as he leaned against the back of the watercraft, while Bianca nestled her head in his lap

'You could clearly see his trousers were half down and we have received complaints from people who witnessed it.

'Now we have identified the driver of the boat and we will be asking him what he saw as well.

'The images show the couple clearly in a state of intimacy and if the local prosecutor decides to press charges then we will notify the couple, most probably through the relevant embassies.

'The offence being investigated is acts contrary to public decency which is punishable by an administrative sanction.'

Venezia Turismo Motoscafi, the company that rented the boat to Kanye and Bianca, told DailyMail.com that the couple had been banned for life from using its services following the crude act.

In a statement, the company condemned the pair's behavior and said they were 'no longer welcome.' t also said it was 'completely unaware' of what had occurred on the boat until the photos were made public.

'On board, the driver had to keep a lookout for traffic and did not see these obscenities. If this had happened, he would have immediately disembarked and reported the transgressors to those in authority,' it said.

'In addition, there was a third person on board the taxi, who accompanied Mr. and Mrs. West, who obstructed the captain's view to the stern in any case.

'We completely dissociate ourselves from such acts and behavior. Mr. West and his wife will certainly no longer be welcome on board our company's boats.'

Venezia Turismo Motoscafi is one of Venice's leading private navigation companies, boasting an impressive array of celebrity clientele, including Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck.

Kanye's behavior in recent months has said to have left Bianca's friends 'extremely concerned' that she's being manipulated by the 46-year-old.

'Bianca is stuck and her friends are trying to save her, but no one can because of the blockades Kayne has put up [around her],' a close pal of Bianca's told DailyMail.com.

'Everyone is extremely concerned. This isn't who she is. She is an incredibly outspoken and lively person who is never one to keep her mouth shut. But she has no one right now and it is scary.'

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed afterwards that police are investigating the couple over the compromising photos. Bianca is seen on Wednesday morning

A law enforcement source said that they had identified the driver of the water taxi they were on and were expecting to question him in the next few days about what exactly went on

Kanye's behavior in recent months has said to have left Bianca's friends 'extremely concerned' that she's being manipulated by the 46-year-old

'Bianca is stuck and her friends are trying to save her, but no one can because of the blockades Kayne has put up [around her],' a close pal of Bianca's told DailyMail.com

They added: 'Everyone is extremely concerned. This isn't who she is. She is an incredibly outspoken person who is never one to keep her mouth shut. But she has no one right now'

Bianca, who was hired as the Head of Architecture for Yeezy, was first linked to Kanye back in January 2023 - just months after his divorce from ex-wife Kim Kardashian was finalized

Kanye has become well known for pushing boundaries when it comes to his choices of clothing - and he's also earned a reputation for influencing what his significant others wear

Almost everyone that Kanye has been linked to over the years has undergone a major style transformation after they started dating the rapper - including Kim, Julia Fox, and now Bianca

'Kanye is trying to make Bianca into a radicalized version of Kim - almost like Kim 2.0,' the source continued

A separate insider theorized to Page Six that the couple's attention-grabbing antics may be part of a publicity stunt to promote his 'imminent' new album

They claimed he is currently planning a major career 'comeback' - and that his and Bianca's actions are all part of a bigger plan to get people talking about him

Bianca, who was hired as the Head of Architecture for Yeezy, was first linked to Kanye back in January 2023 - just months after his divorce from ex-wife Kim was finalized.

Kanye has become well known for pushing boundaries when it comes to his choices of clothing - and he's also earned a reputation for influencing what his significant others wear.

Almost everyone that Kanye has been linked to over the years has undergone a major style transformation after they started dating the rapper - including Kim, Julia Fox, and now Bianca.

'Kanye is trying to make Bianca into a radicalized version of Kim - almost like Kim 2.0,' the source continued.

'The difference is that when Kim was with Kanye he was respected in the fashion world. He has since lost this respect.'

Someone else close to the situation told The Sun following the boat incident that Kanye's ex Kim - who shares four kids with Kanye - is 'desperately embarrassed and worried' about him.

They said she believes 'something clearly isn't right' and doesn't know how she will 'explain it all to the kids.'

A separate insider theorized to Page Six that the Bianca and Kanye's attention-grabbing antics may be part of a publicity stunt to promote his 'imminent' new album.

They claimed he is currently planning a major career 'comeback' - and that his and his 'wife's' actions are all part of a bigger plan to get people talking about him.
A man has been given the title of 'world's best boyfriend' for always spoiling his girlfriend with gifts regardless of how tired he feels after work.

Harry Fairlie, a diesel plant mechanic from Sydney, lives by a 'no excuses' mentality in delivering treats to his partner Ella Whiteley.

After arriving home from a long work day, Harry stopped by a local store to pick up a bouquet of flowers, bag of Smith's chips and chocolate bars for her.

The moment he gave the gifts to Ella, who he's been with for five months, was caught on camera and instantly warmed the hearts of thousands.

'This is your sign to make the effort,' Harry captioned a TikTok video.

'Never stop treating her like you're still trying to win her. 14 hour shifts, little sleep, NO excuses to not make an effort.'

Harry Fairlie, from Sydney, has been praised by thousands for always spoiling his girlfriend. After arriving home from a long workday, Harry stopped by a local store to pick up a bouquet of flowers, bag of Smith's chips and chocolate bars (pictured)

The moment he gave the gifts to Ella was caught on camera and warmed the hearts of thousands. 'This is your sign to make the effort,' Harry captioned a TikTok video

In the clip Harry shared two images - one of himself at work and another of the gifts - then cuts to the moment he arrives home.

Ella is standing out the front with a huge smile on her face as she sees the flowers.

A remix of Sam Smith's pop hit 'Latch' plays over the footage and Ella can be seen jumping up and down excitedly.

The couple then embrace with a kiss before the video ends. Over just four days the TikTok has gone viral exceeding more than 1.3million views.

Read more: Australian women reveal how much they expect their boyfriends to pay an engagement ring Advertisement

'It's the little things, flowers at random times, I drop everything as soon as she's sick and help her beat it, get what she needs no questions,' one person commented.

'Aww well done, this is brilliant!' another said.

'Her little happy jumps in the driveway. Such a beautiful couple,' a third wrote.

'I'm happy to see that there's still relationships like this,' someone else added.

'Agree. No one is too busy. Good on you for recognising that these small gestures go a long way!' another wrote.

Other women were a little jealous.

'Wish mine was like this,' one wrote, another said: 'I definitely don't get that .. completely opposite.'

Read more: My husband ruined our gender reveal and I acted like a brat and 'raged' in front of everyone - but here's why other mums say I'm not to blame

Aussie woman is 'mindblown' after only just learning the phonetic alphabet exists: 'How did I miss this?'
Will Gibb couldn't think of anything fun to do besides going to the beach

Comedian claims there's 'nothing to do' in Sydney

A man has listed the reasons why he believes Sydney is a 'boring' destination for tourists, and why cities in other states are a much better choice.

Will Gibb, a comedian who lives in Sydney, said he couldn't think of any fun activities to do outside of visiting the picturesque beaches along the east coast.

The young co-host of the You Wouldn't Podcast said Sydney as a whole has nothing to offer compared to other cities such as Melbourne or the Gold Coast.

'I've lived in Sydney my whole life. Sydney sucks. It's not actually good. The only reason Sydney's good is because my friends and family are here and I know all the spots,' he said.

'What is in Sydney, genuinely? If I were to come to Sydney for a holiday, holy f*** would it suck.'

While the eastern city is best known for the stunning Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the two landmarks weren't mentioned. Neither were any parks, bars or restaurants.

Sitting alongside his co-host Patrick Clifton, Will said Sydney has the 'best beaches in the world' but when it comes to other social activities there's 'nothing to do'.

'Everything shuts early, I can't think of a cool restaurant, the CBD is just awful,' he said.

Patrick then jumped in, adding: 'The CBD sucks but all cities suck.'

Comedian Will Gibb has lived in Sydney his whole life but says the popular Aussie city is 'boring'. 'What is in Sydney, genuinely? If I were to come to Sydney for a holiday, holy f*** would it suck,' he said

Will replied: 'Melbourne's cool. If I go to Melbourne I know what I'm getting - a really cool city, layout, nightlife and coffee.

'Second thing, I look at Queensland, Gold Coast, you know. Big s*** holes but at least you know what you're going for. It's like the Dubai of Australia. It's fake but it's fun. '

He also said restaurants and bars shut early in Sydney, with few offerings available on Uber Eats late at night.

'It hits 9pm and my Uber Eats is like a barren wasteland,' he said.

Will also claims restaurants and bars shut early, with few offerings available on Uber Eats late at night (pictured with actor Jordan Dulieu)

After just 17 hours the video was viewed more than 262,000 times, with many weighing in themselves.

'Sydney is a great city, but people forget how far away it is from other countries and relatively expensive. Beaches are only enjoyable in summer,' one wrote.

'Melbourne is so good compared to Sydney. I went to Sydney for two weeks and it's so boring compared to here,' another added.

'No good restaurants? Haha who is this guy?' a third wrote.

Another said: 'I think this is how most people feel about their hometown/city or whatever you call it. Yet we love it because it's home.'

'This how I feel with Melbourne,' one admitted.

Others disagreed with Will's claims.

'Best beaches? Western Australia and Gold Coast are monumentally better,' one said.

'Try living in London or UK in general, Sydney is a dream compared,' another commented.

'No lie though Australia is the best place in the world,' a third wrote.

Read more: I visited Egypt for a 'dream' holiday and it turned out to be the worst trip ever

I picked up a 'sell-out' Kookai-inspired Kmart dress to buy and another shopper hissed a 'body-shaming' insult at me

Aussie tourist's 'overwhelming' experience visiting Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast - and says she will never go back
Hospitals are choosing who to treat based on targets rather than on clinical need, a study found.

The drive to meet national performance targets has led to trusts gaming the system, often at the expense of patient safety.

Introduced under Tony Blairs Labour government, measures such as the 18-week referral to treatment standard have created a threshold effect, researchers said.

It means patients closest to the target are often prioritised  while those waiting the least or most time can be wrongly ignored.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham analysed monthly data on treatment waiting times for all 144 non-specialist acute NHS hospital trusts in England between January 2016 and September 2021.

Looking specifically at the 18-week referral to treatment target, it revealed a spike around the target threshold, according to the findings presented in the BMJ

This included admission to hospital, surgery, starting a course of drugs, fitting a medical device, condition monitoring or receiving advice from a clinician on how to manage a condition.

They then analysed waiting times for all patients before looking at 13 specific treatment groups including cardiology, general surgery, trauma and orthopaedics, urology and ear, nose and throat.

Looking specifically at the 18-week referral to treatment target, it revealed a spike around the target threshold, according to the findings presented in the BMJ.

Their analysis showed that the proportion of NHS hospital trusts meeting the target worsened over time, falling from 92 per cent in 2015-16 to 64 per cent in 2021-22.

When financial sanctions for missing targets were removed in 2016, the proportion of patients seen within 18 weeks decreased while Covid saw it plummet in 2020-21 before gradually recovering.

The number of people waiting for routine hospital treatment in England soared to a record 7.42million (red line) in April, figures show. More than 370,000 people in the queue for routine ops, such as hip replacements, were waiting for more than a year (yellow bars)

The data repeatedly showed a large spike in the number of trusts exactly meeting the 92 per cent target threshold for the 18-week standard, followed by a sharp drop after the target had been reached.

This suggests that some trusts treat the minimum number of patients waiting under 18 weeks to comply with the standard, say the researchers.

This threshold effect only disappeared in the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22, when the COVID-19 pandemic made it virtually impossible for most hospitals to meet the target.

Hospitals close to meeting the target are likely to take action to clear it, while those further away may not bother because they are discouraged, feeling further effort is futile.

Either way, the target can distort clinical decision making, the researchers suggest, although the study did not investigate the behavioural triggers and motivations behind it.

They conclude: Our findings suggest that hospital trusts may choose whom to treat based on the target instead of clinical need, as the target provides no encouragement to treat patients who have only been waiting for a short time or who have already passed the 18-week wait.

They suggest policymakers should be wary in their use of targets, which should be carefully designed to mitigate threshold effects.

Six in 10 cancer patients started treatment within two months of an urgent GP referral (red line). This is down from March and well below the NHS target of 85 per cent. It means 5,178 patients (blue bars) had to wait longer for surgery, chemo or radiotherapy

It comes after the NHS was given the green light to slash the number of cancer waiting time indicators that hospitals are measured against from ten to three.

Those lost include the requirement for 93 per cent of patients to see a specialist within two weeks of receiving an urgent referral from a GP.

Nigel Edwards, chief executive of health think tank, the Nuffield Trust, said the study joins a long litany of examples of the unintended impact of targets.

In a linked editorial, he cites the Mid-Staffordshire hospital scandal, stating the pursuit of financial objectives and a short-term focus on meeting requirements to qualify for greater organisational autonomy led to unsafe levels of staffing, a lack of attention to important issues of quality and safety, and a major collapse in elements of a caring culture.

These include demanding unsustainable levels of work from staff to meet the target, to the exclusion of almost everything else; and gaming the targets, which can lead to an arms race of increasingly complex rules designed to eliminate the practice, he suggests.

He said the NHS has often focused on input targets rather than outcomes and on promoting achieving the numbers over developing a better understanding of the problem, and often without involving those responsible for delivery, he adds.

He said: Effective performance improvement systems cannot be built solely on targets but need a great deal of managerial judgement.

The improvement system and the local teams delivering improvement both need the management capacity to make good judgements to avoid the issues of gaming, overpromising, and other perverse ways of pursuing the metric while missing the point.

An NHS spokesperson said: The suggestion that the NHS is incentivising Trusts not to bother treating people once they pass 18 weeks is nonsense - treatment priority is determined by the clinical needs of patients as identified by clinicians as well as those waiting longest.

The NHS has a clear plan in place for reducing the covid backlog, which has inevitably built up as a result of the pandemic, with significant progress reducing the longest waits.
A group of anti-police activists has been labeled a criminal group in Georgia, where prosecutors hit 61 protesters with RICO charges on Tuesday.

The demonstrators have been rallying for more than two years against a proposed police and firefighter training center outside Atlanta thats been dubbed Cop City. Environmental activists have joined anti-cop groups in seeking to prevent construction of the center in a forested area.

But Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said their actions turned violent and criminal, leading to the charges under Georgias racketeering law.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr brought the case against Cop City protesters. In this photo, he speaks in Atlanta on Jan. 13, 2020.

Our job is to enforce the laws of this state, Carr said, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As you can tell in this indictment, this is about violent acts, plain and simple.

Protest groups immediately decried the indictments, saying authorities were attempting to intimidate demonstrators and prevent them from using their First Amendment rights.

Chris Carr may try to use his prosecutors and power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech, but his threats will not silence our commitment to standing up for our future, our community and our city, the Cop City Vote coalition said.

Protesters have demonstrated and rallied in and around Atlanta for more than two years against Cop City. In this photo, they are seen reacting to a city council vote that approved more funding for the project on June 6, 2023.

Many of the 61 people accused in the RICO indictment were already facing charges in connection with previous incidents around the Cop City site. More than three dozen activists have been charged with domestic terrorism.

Bulldozers and heavy trucks are clearing the future site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, May 30, 2023, in Atlanta.

Demonstrators united after the shooting of Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, a 26-year-old known as Tortuguita, at the site. Teran was shot more than 50 times; officers claimed he fired first but were not wearing body-cameras.

The Atlanta area is now home to three high-profile racketeering cases: Donald Trumps alleged effort to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, Young Thugs alleged involvement in a criminal gang and the Cop City indictments released Tuesday.

With News Wire Services
A slew of schools across America are reinstating mask mandates amid a surge in positive Covid tests - despite evidence they harm children's learning.

Kinterbish Junior High School in Alabama has asked all students, staff and visitors to start wearing face masks in classrooms and hallways 'due to the slow rise of Covid cases in the area' since late last month.

Alabama's Talladega City School district which serves more than 1,700 students has also urged children and staff to wear masks, but stressed they are 'encouraged but not required.'

Meanwhile, a Maryland elementary school sparked outrage this week after saying students must don tightly-fitted N95 masks for 10 days, despite only a handful of schoolkids testing positive for Covid.

New York health officials are also providing free masks to schools in the state in response to rising Covid rates and absences, while face coverings are being strongly encouraged in some classrooms in Los Angeles.

The new calls for masks are a throwback to the dark days of the pandemic and come despite the growing body of evidence that masks were not only not effective at preventing the spread of the virus, but also hampered children's learning, social interactions and natural immunity to other infections.

Kinterbish Junior High School in Alabama last month asked all students, staff and visitors to start wearing face masks on its grounds 'due to the slow raise of Covid cases in the area'

Studies suggest N95 masks may expose people to toxic chemicals. Pictured: California Governor Gavin Newsom joins masked schoolkids in a classroom in August 2021

Kinterbish Junior High School, in Cuba, Alabama, has around 120 students aged between five and 14, while Talladega City Schools district has 1,792 students aged four to 18.

New York State will also send masks and Covid tests to school districts that need them.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that an outreach survey will be sent to districts in the state asking if they need supplies, which will then be sent out.

Case rates are slowly climbing in the US. The test positivity rate - the share of swabs that come back positive - has soared from 6.7 percent in the week ending July 15 to 13.5 percent by August 19, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Schools in Los Angeles, which previously had some of the strictest Covid measures in the country, including mask mandates, 10-day illness quarantines and weekly Covid testing, have also opted for an optional masking policy.

But the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has more than 429,000 kindergarteners through 12th grade, has taken an even more relaxed approach to illness.

Los Angeles schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho urged students to come to school even if sick to combat high rates of absence.

He told the LA Times: 'We're back at a point  based on high levels of vaccination, therapeutics available and childrens higher resiliency than most  where if a child is mildly sick  no fever, just maybe the sniffles  it is OK for them to go to school.

'There are ways of mitigating against that: some good meds, a mask and monitoring.'

Last month, a Kentucky school district canceled classes less than two weeks after reopening after swathes of students were hit by a 'tripledemic' of flu, Covid and strep throat outbreaks  meaning nearly a fifth signed off sick.

Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that damaging Covid policies could creep back into American life.

There is little evidence that face masks actually reduce infection rates, and mounting research shows the mandates stunted children's social development and education.

Masks were blamed for the surge in flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bacterial infection Strep A cases last year in minors because wearing face coverings and avoiding exposure to healthy germs prevented them from developing the natural immunity they would have otherwise gained.

The Talladega City School district in Alabama state urged students to wear masks but stressed that 'masks are encouraged but not required' (file photo)

In Maryland, Rosemary Hills Elementary School principal Rebecca Irwin Kennedy formalized the mask mandate in a letter sent to parents on Tuesday.

It explained she made the move after 'three or more individuals' caught the virus in the last ten days.

She demanded students don thick N95 masks to 'keep our school environment as safe as possible', despite a recent study finding the mask may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.

And while even embattled medical guru Dr Anthony Fauci admits there is a lack of evidence the masks stop the spread of Covid, Kennedy told parents the N95s will only become optional after 10 days.

The letter caused widespread fury among those who see the decision as a slippery slope back to Covid lockdowns, with Donald Trump Jr posting to X: 'DO NOT COMPLY!!!'

While Covid cases are rising in the US, public health officials say most people are experiencing mild symptoms comparable to a cold or flu.

Children are as likely as adults to get Covid, but their risk of becoming severely ill from the virus is much lower.

The CDC considers the hospitalization rate of Covid patients to be low and the weekly death rate is near a historic low. The vast majority of people who are in hospital or dying from Covid are over 65.

Experts have insisted the recent surge of Covid cases is not worth overreacting to after the US recorded its first uptick in hospitalizations due to the virus this year.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed 8,000 patients admitted to hospitals nationwide in the last week of August, up 12 percent on the previous seven-day spell.

Despite the rise, rates remain at historic lows. For comparison, there were 150,000 Covid admissions per week at the height of the pandemic in January 2021, and hospitalizations reached as high as 44,000 a week earlier this year.

Experts have put the spike down to the natural waning of immunity, which happens around six months after the previous wave of infections.

The decision to return to mask-wearing in Maryland also comes despite experts warning that the highly contagious virus is likely to be a lasting fixture of everyday life, similar to the common cold.

'One thing that Americans must understand: SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are never going away,' Dr Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

'It is here to stay because its mutation rate is high, just like influenza.'
Updated Covid booster shots designed to target new variants could be approved in just two days time, reports suggest  and be available to Americans from next week.

Four sources familiar with the matter said the Food and Drug Administration was set to green-light the shots as early as this Friday.

They would still need to get approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but reports suggest its director Mandy Cohen could sign off on them next Wednesday, making them available.

The vaccines are expected to be offered to all age groups like the current shots are, but only 17 percent of eligible Americans have come forward for a single booster.

Moderna  one of the companies developing the new vaccine  claimed today that its shot neutralizes the 'Pirola' variant that has been causing concern among health experts. Pfizer also claimed its vaccine triggered enough antibodies to neutralize the variant.

But there appears to be little demand for boosters in the US.

It is not clear who will be offered the shots, but the White House previously suggested they would be made available to all age groups (stock photo)

The updated boosters are mRNA vaccines that are being made by Pfizer and Moderna. A protein-based shot is also being developed by Novavax.

The shots are all designed to target the XBB.1.5, or 'Kraken', variant that was dominant in the US for most of this summer.

But early test results from Moderna show their shot will also likely be effective against BA.2.86, or 'Pirola', which has sparked fears over a fresh wave.

Tests have already shown the shot is effective against EG.5, or 'Eris', which is the current dominant strain in the US.

Announcing the BA.2.86 test results today, Moderna's head of infectious diseases Jacqueline Miller said: 'We think this is news people will want to hear as they prepare to go out and get their fall boosters.'

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could approve the shots as early as this Friday, four sources told NBC News  although two added that this deadline could be pushed into early this week.

They said the agency was also looking at giving the vaccines full approval, instead of the emergency use authorization normally given to Covid shots.

An independent panel of advisors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will then meet on September 12 to determine who should receive the shots.

A sign-off from the CDC director could come as early as September 13, or next Wednesday, which would make them available nationwide, reports ABC News.

Draft CDC guidance published in June suggests the vaccines may be recommended for everyone down to children as young as two years old, but a final decision is yet to be taken.

The Biden administration suggested on August 20 that all Americans would be urged to get an updated booster vaccine.

Most Americans will be able to get the booster shots for free via their health insurance, experts say.

Vaccine uptake continues to wane in America amid anti-vaxx conspiracy theories and little sign that further shots will benefit healthy middle-aged adults.

Many experts say older adults should consider the updated Covid vaccine this winter because protection in this group is more likely to wane over time.

But they say there is little evidence that middle-aged and younger adults, among whom immunity wanes more slowly, will benefit from the shots.

A member of the FDA's vaccine advisory committee, Dr Paul Offit, said last year that healthy young people do not need an updated booster vaccine.

He wrote in the Wall Street Journal, referring to the booster tweaked to target Omicron sub-variants: 'The CDC found that both a third and fourth dose [of the Covid vaccine] reduced hospitalizations. But not everyone benefitted.

'Those who did fell into three groups: The elderly, people with serious health problems and people who were immunocompromised.'

He added: 'As the CDC launches its fall booster dose campaign, it would be wise to focus on those at risk rather than the young and healthy.'

The head of Moderna, Stephane Bancel, also admitted late last year that healthy under-50s did not need to get an annual Covid booster shot.

He told a finance meeting: 'I think it's going to be like the flu. If you're a 25-year-old, do you need an annual booster every year if you're healthy?

'You might want to... but I think it's going to be similar to flu where it's going to be people at high-risk, people above 50 years of age, people with co-morbidities, people with cancer and other conditions, people with transplants.'

The above map shows the proportion of people by state who got the previous updated booster vaccine. No state went above 25 percent of coverage

About 97 percent of Americans are already thought to have a level of protection against Covid from vaccinations or previous infections.

While this may not stop someone from catching the virus, it slashes the risk that they will suffer severe disease.

The UK, which sped up its vaccine rollout after BA.2.86 was detected, is offering updated booster vaccines to all adults over 65 years old only.

When the vaccines were first rolled out, tens of millions failed to come forward to get the jab.

Uptake dipped, however, during the first wave of boosters in September 2021  which targeted the Wuhan strain.

And the following winter  with jabs targeting the then-dominant Omicron variant plus the Wuhan virus  only 17 percent of eligible Americans came forward to get them.

Officials are expecting further poor uptake levels this year.

A CDC official said late last month: 'Our goal, our imperative, our task, is to make sure we're using those tools.

'Vaccination is going to continue to be key this year because immunity wanes and because the Covid virus continues to change.'

There were concerns that the new shots would be less effective against fresh strains because these variants have slightly different sites where Covid-fighting antibodies bind to stop infections.

But many scientists have pointed out that other parts of the immune system, like T-cells, can also help fight off infections. Early tests also show that the vaccines trigger immunity against other variants.

Hospitalizations across the United States are going up, which is feared to be being driven by the EG.5 Covid variant because it is causing cases to rise

Deaths due to Covid have also risen slightly, official surveillance suggests

The FDA told DailyMail.com in a statement: 'Availability of the updated Covid vaccines is expected in mid-September, pending regulatory action by the FDA and recommendation from CDC.'

It comes amid mounting concern in some areas over rising Covid cases and new variants that have prompted some places to bring back face masks.

Fears spooked several colleges and businesses into bringing back mask mandates, while health officials in New York encouraged people to don face coverings over Labor Day weekend.

Concerns over the Pirola variant also saw some schools bring back face masks  even as studies showed the variant was not more transmissible than other currently circulating strains.

Data shows Covid hospitalizations across the US are ticking up, with about 15,000 people admitted to wards over the week to August 19  up 18 percent compared to the previous seven-day period.

But this is also still well below the levels reported earlier this year when there were 44,000 admissions a week in January.

Deaths are also rising, with 616 fatalities recorded over the week to August 5, the latest available  up 20 percent from 512 in the previous week. But this is also well below levels recorded earlier this year.
Daughters say he has already tested negative for Covid and the flu

An American father has been put on a ventilator after being struck down by a 'mystery respiratory infection' while in the Philippines for his mother's funeral.

Armando Ramos, 53, from California, has tested negative for Covid and the flu  leaving doctors struggling to work out the cause of his illness.

The father-of-three  who has no underlying conditions  has also been intubated and suffered a collapsed lung, brain inflammation and kidney problems.

He is being treated at a hospital in Manila after his sore throat progressed into chest pains and breathing problems within five days. He had flown to the country in early August.

Armando Ramos, 53, has been intubated and placed on a ventilator in hospital after suffering from a 'mystery illness'. He was visiting the Philippines from California when he started suffering a sore throat, which quickly progressed into chest pains and breathing problems

The above is a screen grab from a call with his three daughters  Yasmin, Emma and A.J.  on the day he was admitted to hospital. He is shown inset top left

His daughters Emma and A.J. Gaines-Ramos told local news the illness felt like a 'cruel deja vu' with the Covid pandemic.

'Right now, it's a mystery,' Emma told the publication. 'Every day, we still don't know what's happening to him.

'It's traumatizing, in the sense, when the pandemic first occurred, nobody knew what was happening.

'You're kind of just treating the symptoms, but not getting to the source of it.

'That's what it feels like is happening right now.'

A.J. added: 'It's a cruel deja vu with the pandemic. Every day, anticipating his state and not knowing, it's scary.'

Mr Ramos had flown to the Philippines from Chula Vista, California, in early August for his late mother's funeral.

He attended the ceremony where he placed a vase containing her ashes inside a mausoleum.

He began to suffer from a sore throat and persistent tiredness and five days later he went to hospital when his symptoms progressed to chest pains and breathing problems, where doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and placed him on a ventilator.

His condition continued to deteriorate with his daughters saying that as well as lung, brain and kidney problems, he also had complications with his heart and liver.

He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital as doctors battled the infection.

Recently, doctors also pumped bacteria-filled fluid from his lungs.

Tests for viral infections were negative, but it was not clear whether swabs had also been carried out for bacterial infections  like streptococcus pneumoniae.

Emma and A.J., pictured during an interview, said his mystery illness reminded them of the early days of the Covid pandemic

Mr Ramos is pictured above with his three daughters several years ago. This image was posted as part of a video requesting donations to help fund their father's hospital care

He is also being tested for meningitis, a condition where an infection causes inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

The father has already been in hospital for a week battling the illness.

Over the last few days, there have been some signs of improvements with his kidney function improving and a rise in oxygen levels in his blood  although he remains in the ICU.

Doctors say he will likely be in the unit for at least another two weeks while they wait for his condition to improve.

The daughters' mother has flown out to be by his bedside.

They added that their father was otherwise healthy and would exercise regularly.

The family revealed their case in a GoFundMe where they are appealing for $50,000 to help cover international hospital bills. Currently, they have raised $20,000.
Hundreds of Rhode Island residents have received rabies vaccines after they were possibly exposed to the fatal disease during an 'unprecedented bat season' in the state.

Health officials said approximately 200 people have needed to receive rabies postexposure prophylaxis, the vaccine series that prevents the viral disease after someone has been exposed.

Rabies is considered 100 percent fatal in humans if it is not treated before symptoms begin.

Bat season in Rhode Island typically lasts for a few weeks in August because hotter temperatures prompt bats to find cooler places in houses than the attic, where temperatures rise.

People are also more likely to be exposed to bats and rabies in late August and September because baby bats have fledged.

This presents a higher risk of infection because the young bats are still learning to forage and, as a result, are more likely to come into contact with people.

In humans who have been infected, symptoms of rabies appear one to three months after exposure and rapidly develop into hallucinations, delirium and hydrophobia, or fear of water, closely followed by death

A bat bite is often so small there is no visible wound, but a bite from an infected bat can transmit the rabies virus, which is passed from animal to human via saliva (stock image)

Rhode Island health officials stress how important it is for people who see a bat or come into contact with one to try and not let it escape so officials can test it for rabies. Additionally, even if someone is unsure if they've come into direct contact with the bat, they should still contact the Department of Public Health.

If a person sees a bat in their home, they should 'try to safely capture it...and get it tested for rabies, Rhode Island health officials told The Boston Globe.

'If someone reports a bat in their house and they do not have the bat, we have to assume that the bat was rabid and the person will have to get the rabies vaccine series.'

If a person is not able to or does not feel comfortable capturing the bat themselves, they should call the Rhode Island Department of Public Health.

A bat bite is often so small there is no visible wound, but a bite from an infected bat can transmit the rabies virus, which is passed from animal to human via saliva.

And the lack of a bite mark makes a bite even more concerning, as someone could be bitten by a rabid bat and not know it.

'Bats fangs are so tiny that someone can be bitten and either not know it or the bite marks heal in an hour or two,' health officials added.

Most bats are healthy and generally don't pose a threat to humans. The animals play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and less than one out of every 200 bats randomly sampled test positive for the rabies virus.

Of those submitted for testing each year in Rhode Island, an average of four to five percent test positive for rabies.

However, the animals are the leading cause of rabies deaths in humans in the US and some of those infected may show no signs or symptoms of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are one to two cases of rabies in human per year.

Bats that act strangely or come into contact with humans are more likely to be carrying the disease.

In humans who have been infected, symptoms of rabies appear one to three months after exposure and rapidly develop into hallucinations, delirium and hydrophobia, or fear of water, closely followed by death.

The disease is more than 99 percent fatal in humans once symptoms appear, but can be treated using an aggressive medical regime, such as receiving multiple vaccines.

However, the regimen must be started on the day of exposure.

People who are feared to have been exposed to rabies are given Rabies Post-Exposure Prophlaxis (PEP)  a vaccine and antibody treatment.

They will receive a dose of man-made rabies antibodies to fight the infection as soon as they are exposed, as well as four doses of a rabies vaccine over two weeks.

The vaccine contains a small spike protein from the surface of the rabies virus in order to prepare the immune system to fight the real virus should they become infected.

In addition to Rhode Island, at least five other states  Utah, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and South Carolina  have reported rabid bats over the last month, with Florida placing a county of nearly half-a-million people under a two-month alert for the disease.
Poll Will YOU be wearing a face mask in public as Covid cases rise? YES NO UNDECIDED Will YOU be wearing a face mask in public as Covid cases rise? YES 650 votes

NO 2449 votes

UNDECIDED 87 votes Now share your opinion





Covid masks are starting to creep back into daily life for thousands of Americans.

Schools across the country are reinstating mandates or strongly recommending the use of face coverings - despite evidence they harmed children's education and health.

And private companies and universities have also begun to flirt with mandates, but there is no indication that state or federal mask mandates will return.

When asked last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it had no intentions to bring back compulsory masks in any setting.

Instead, a spokesperson said: 'Anyone may choose to wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs at any time.'

DailyMail.com app users can vote in the poll by clicking here

Americans wear face masks as they wait in line to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Some colleges and businesses are reinstating mask mandates as Covid cases rise in the US

Covid is no longer the deadly threat it once was. While hospital admissions involving the virus have been rising for weeks, they are still about 10 times lower than levels seen at the peak in January 2022, and deaths are about 40 times below the peak in late 2020.

Many doctors now compare the virus to the common cold or the flu, which while disruptive and deadly among vulnerable groups, will not cause serious illness in the vast majority of people.

The transition from deadly virus to manageable seasonal illness can be attributed to the high levels of immunity among Americans from infection or vaccination, plus an arsenal of highly effective therapies and drugs.

For these reasons, the federal government declared the pandemic over in May this year and ended the public health emergency, scrapping legal requirements to mask, isolate, test and get vaccinated.

A Maryland elementary school sparked outrage this week after saying students must don tightly-fitted N95 masks for 10 days, despite only a handful of schoolkids testing positive for Covid.

Additionally, a recent editorial by the American College of Physicians called for mask mandates to return to healthcare facilities.

A Kaiser Permanente hospital in California and several in New York state reinstated mandates for at least several weeks.

Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate also reinstated its mask requirement briefly last month before quickly reversing its decision.

A YouGov poll done between August 17 and August 21 found that one in seven Americans said they are still wearing a mask 'some of the time', and the same proportion said they would 'think less of' someone wearing a mask in public.

Yahoo conducted the survey! and YouGov using a representative sample of 1,665 US adults who were interviewed online.
Fraud is the biggest form of crime in the UK and these days it is a lot more than someone using your stolen credit card. It involves sophisticated scammers tricking you in to giving them your money.

Around 80 per cent of it is cyber-enabled  criminals using social media to steal. They put up fake adverts for investment scams, pretend to have a car for sale that doesnt actually exist, or lure you into thinking they are your own child in need of emergency cash.

Scams can be seen as victimless crimes, but they cause emotional and financial devastation. More than three million people fall victim in the UK each year.

That is why I welcome the Daily Mails Stop The Social Media Scammers Campaign, highlighting the way the fraudsters work.

But, as the Mail is demanding, we also need to force social media companies to put stronger systems in place to stop the scammers.

Online threat: Scams can be seen as victimless crimes, but they cause emotional and financial devastation. More than three million people fall victim in the UK each year

Some, such as Google, Twitter and TikTok have already taken steps to stop fraud. Data from the banks show that 61 per cent of all so-called authorised push-payment scams in the UK are on platforms owned by Meta  Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Scams have become such a big issue in the UK that the Prime Minister appointed me as his Anti-Fraud Champion, the first time any country has had someone in such a position.

Before becoming an MP, I led the banks efforts to stop fraud, but now my task is to lead the Government against scammers.

We must strengthen law enforcement, but also stop the scams happening in the first place.

My job is to use all the tools of Government, including legislation and regulation, to ensure such strong anti-fraud measures are in place that the scammers are put out of business.

Most is done by organised criminal gangs, many based overseas. Around seven in 10 frauds have an international element.

It is big business: they are flush with cash, have access to sophisticated technologies and can train up their armies of fraudsters, working in fraud factories.

The UK is a global hotspot for fraud for four main reasons. There is more money here than most countries.

We speak English, making it easier for international gangs. We are relatively technologically enabled.

And we have an instant payments system  Faster Payments  which makes it easier for fraudsters to whisk off cash within seconds of getting it.

There is much to do to stop the scammers, but also a lot we are already doing. We have just launched a new National Fraud Squad with 400 officers.

We are making sure local police forces make tackling fraud a higher priority. Working with partners, we will launch a major public awareness campaign so more people know how to protect themselves.

But we will not win the battle against fraud without widescale changes to the way companies  especially tech firms  operate.

Hot spot: Data from the banks show that 61%t of all so-called authorised push-payment scams in the UK are on platforms owned by Meta - Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp

Fraud is so varied there is no single bullet that will kill it off, so the Governments approach is to deploy every weapon in its arsenal. We have legislated to force banks and other payments providers to compensate victims of fraud  the only country to do this.

This gives them a financial incentive to deploy AI technology to block fraudulent payments. The Payments System Regulator is looking at slowing down suspect payments to give banks and police time to act.

All our mobile phone companies have now brought in an AI-driven SpamShield to filter out scam texts. While the system is far from perfect it has stopped 600 million scams texts so far.

Yet given that 80 per cent of fraud is cyber-enabled, it is tech firms that must do the most to stop it. Many do a lot to stop fraud but not all  and the fraudsters know how to spot weaknesses.

As the Mail has demanded, there are simple measures tech firms can take, such as checking the identity of those who take out paid advertising or try to sell goods on peer-to-peer marketplaces.

The Mail is also asking for secure payment systems, which work well on platforms such as eBay.

The new Online Safety Bill will require social media companies to treat fraud as a priority harm and put in place robust systems to block fraudsters or face fines of up to 10 per cent of turnover.

That will take some time to come in, so I am negotiating an Online Fraud Charter, to make sure all the main tech firms quickly put in place industry-leading systems to stop fraud.

This will require firms to make stronger efforts to stop scams in the first place, to take them down quickly when they happen and work with police to catch the scammers.

If all social media firms put in place the systems that the best ones use, it would reduce fraud dramatically. No other country is doing as much as the UK to stop scams and other governments are keen to find out what we are doing.

Governments have never previously worked together to stop fraud, but it is a global problem.

It would be more powerful if governments worked together. In the new year, we will hold the first ever global fraud summit in London, to catalyse international Government action against fraudsters.

We know we cannot stand still. Fraudsters are great entrepreneurs, if we close down one line of business, they will find other ways to steal our money. But tackling fraud is now a clear priority across government, regulators and industry.

We are at a turning point and all guns are now focused on the enemy. This is a battle we can start to win.

Meta said: We recognise the important role we must play in tackling this industry-wide issue. We dont want anyone to fall victim to these criminals which is why we have systems to block scams and financial services advertisers now have to be FCA authorised.

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to defraud people which is why we run consumer awareness campaigns on how to spot fraudulent behaviour.
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme in London is heading for failure  with a 160 million bribe to get cars off the road only attracting just over 1 per cent of eligible motorists.

Only around 14,000 of the estimated one million drivers in London with cars that fail the ULEZ fuel emissions test have accepted the 2,000 grant to have their car towed away and destroyed in a scrap yard.

There are 2.6 million motorists in London.

The main reason the scheme is being shunned is because it offers such a poor deal. The average non-ULEZ compliant vehicle is worth 5,200, according to the car trading website Carwow.

So scrapping a car leaves drivers out of pocket. Others are thwarted by the red tape and confusing offers.

Classic: Shahzad Shiekh's cherished 1989 BMW is non-ULEZ compliant - but he would be offered just 2,000 scrappage

London drivers  most of those living within the M25 with an address in one of the 32 boroughs or the City of London  with non-compliant vehicles can apply for the 2,000 grant.

If you have a motorbike it is 1,000. For petrol-driven motors it typically means cars built around or before 2005 and for diesel those made before 2015.

The money does not have to be spent on a new eco-friendly car  it can simply be pocketed.

However, TfL is encouraging motorists to not only ditch old cars but to take public transport instead.

It is offering owners of older cars 1,600 plus a single 12-month bus and tram pass for the capital worth as much as 900 as an alternative to the 2,000  or 1,200 if you are willing to take two passes.

Small businesses or charities with less than 50 staff can claim more  7,000 to scrap a van, 9,000 to scrap a minibus.

If scrapping a wheelchair-accessible vehicle the grant can be worth 10,000.

I'd only get a tenth of the value of classic 1989 BMW worth 20,000 Classic: Shahzad Shiekh's 1989 BMW is non-ULEZ compliant Shahzad Shiekh has a 1989 BMW that is non-ULEZ compliant. His high-performance classic is worth 20,000 and certainly not ready for the scrapyard  where TfL would give him just a tenth of its true value. The online car journalist, who works under the name Brown Car Guy, lives in Kingsbury, North-West London. He says: 'This scrappage scheme is nothing but a bad joke. When car owners realise they must scrap their car first  having already spent money to ensure it has valid insurance, road tax and a full MoT  before they can receive any money, they soon realise what a lousy deal the whole idea is.' He adds: 'Of course, the vast majority of vehicles are worth far more than the amount offered  which is little more than an insulting gimmick. Scrapping a perfectly useable car is also extremely wasteful and harmful to the environment  as the vehicle is replaced by a new one. It is a tragic waste of money doing more harm than good.'

How it works

All applications are made through the TfL website. You need to create a road user charging account  putting in personal details including car registration number, bank or card payment information and a password.

TfL says it aims to process this stage of the application within ten days. Next you must drive your vehicle to an authorised treatment facility  council-speak for a scrap yard.

The scrap yard issues a certificate of destruction to guarantee the vehicle is stripped of all its parts and crushed.

You can ask the scrap merchant if they might give you extra money for it. The average scrap value of a car is 300 and can be pocketed on top of the 2,000 grant.

Fines: TFL is encouraging motorists to not only ditch old cars but to take public transport instead

Only after you have sent a copy of the certificate of destruction to the TfL will you get paid  a cheque for 2,000 will be sent by post. According to TfL it typically takes 20 days for the scrappage process to be completed.

Any scrapped vehicle must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) under your name at a London address where you have been living since January 30 last year.

On top of this it must have an up-to-date MOT, road tax and be fully insured. To ensure opportunists do not just buy any old banger to try and make 2,000, only cars registered in London before January 30 last year can claim the cash  so some new owners could miss out.

Those living outside the ULEZ zone  even if they drive into London every day  cannot claim the 2,000 grant.

A TfL spokesperson says: More than 14,000 applications to the scrappage scheme have been approved. They are being processed in a matter of days.

Jeremy Palliser, of Oxshott in Surrey, lives just inside the M25, but a few hundred yards out of the ULEZ zone.

The retired fund manager, 63, says the congestion zone expansion will only add to his fuel bill as he must now drive further to avoid the 12.50 daily charge.

He says: Sadiq Khan has an obsession with the congestion charge due to his own health problems as an asthma sufferer  but as someone who also suffers from this condition I dont believe charging motorists to drive around London will make a jot of a difference. It is just another way to squeeze more money out of us.

toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk.
The global ESG fund industry is set to be worth as much as 42 trillion by 2025.

In light of this, figures showing four successive months of withdrawals in the UK from such funds  which prioritise environmental, social and governance criteria  may seem a blip.

But this is not so. It is a wake-up call that merits attention now, although it may not rival the sound and fury of the US culture wars over 'woke' investing.

Elon Musk considers ESG to be 'the devil'. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is similarly unenthusiastic.

Even BlackRock boss Larry Fink, ESG's most vocal proponent, now prefers to avoid the ESG term, considering it to have been 'weaponised'.

Concerns: Figures show four successive months of withdrawals in the UK from ESG funds  which prioritise environmental, social and governance criteria

The British investors who cashed in close to 2billion worth of their ESG fund holdings since May have expressed their discontent through their withdrawals.

Some of this unhappiness focuses on the shares that are deemed suitable. The selection methodology is not consistent and can sometimes be bizarre.

In 2020, it emerged that some funds had stakes in Boohoo, apparently believing they could inspire a fast fashion business to become virtuous.

Defence companies are excluded, despite the role of businesses like BAE in the Ukraine war.

After all, what is more ethical than the defence of democracy? The anti-armaments stance has also adversely affected the funds' returns.

Another concern is the funds' lack of emphasis on the 'G' part of ESG, although superior governance standards should create better all round corporate citizens.

The cost of paying too little attention to governance is illustrated by the damage done to NatWest, which has lost Dame Alison Rose, its chief executive, over the disclosures about Nigel Farage's bank account to a journalist.

Chairman Sir Howard Davies is set to follow suit. They seemed to forget that, in financial services, governance is based on trust. The FCA has delayed its proposed and much-needed ESG labelling rules until the end of year.

Until then, the withdrawals from ESG funds may continue because investors sense that they are being greenwashed.

Middle-class favourite

B&M is the secret haunt of the bargain-loving middle classes. They pop into one of its 707 stores, which are mostly based on retail parks with plenty of car parking space, following a visit to a nearby Lidl.

They leave B&M with something for their pet, and other items for the home.

This discounter excels at making you buy stuff. Its talents are now going to be put to the test following its acquisition of 51 of the 400 shops left empty by Wilko, the summer's retail casualty.

Wilko stores are largely situated on high streets, which means that B&M must secure a new clientele  those get to shops on foot or on the bus.

This means that B&M's merchandising division in the Far East  it orders directly from manufacturers  must produce ranges to tempt these shoppers.

B&M shares fell to 547.8p on the news of the Wilko store deal. Yet such is the belief of some analysts in B&M's flair that they are targeting a price of 680p. B&M's progress towards this level will be interesting.

But it will not be as compelling as the detailed account  that we are owed, I would argue  as to how Wilko failed to thrive amid a cost-of-living crisis, and role of the restructuring specialist Hilco, the main secured creditor to the retailer.

Will Wilko turn out to be the bargain of the year for Hilco? Almost certainly.

Arm wrestle

By now we should be less bitter about the news that Arm, the Cambridge-based semiconductor company, will float in New York rather than in London, and that US tech giants, like Apple and Nvidia, will be the 'cornerstone' investors. UK shareholders must wait their turn.

But the announcement that Arm shares will be valued at between $47 and $51 has served to remind us of the shortcomings of the UK stock market which was considered unworthy for various reasons, including the tepid welcome it tends to give to tech names.

The Americanisation of Arm will reignite the debate about the higher valuations that fund managers say would be afforded to some other British players by Wall Street.

What multiple, for example, would be given to Ashtead, the equipment supplier, since it makes 85 per cent of its sales and 90 per cent of its profits from its American Sunbelt operation?
Advertisement

Electric cars have endured the worst year in their short history in terms of falling prices with some 'nearly new' year-old battery vehicles losing more than half of their value, data shared exclusively with This is Money reveals.

The last 12 months has seen second-hand electric vehicle (EV) values plunge as a result of falling demand and an oversupply of used examples entering the market.

We reveal the 30 electric cars that have nosedived most, all of them shedding in excess of 30 per cent of their value a year ago, with the worst affected plummeting by more than half its average 2022 price.

But have we seen the worst of it for crashing EV prices? A market expert explains his prediction for what will happen to electric car values in the coming months - will they continue to drop like a stone or begin to level out?

Worst year for electric car values: Owners of EVs have seen the price of their 'nearly new' year-old motors crash by as much as half in the last 12 months as demand for second-hand battery vehicles has gone into reverse. We reveal the 30 electric car models that have been hit hardest by the decline

In contrast to the new car registrations where EV sales are booming and account for one in five models entering Britain's roads, the used sector has seen values of electric models hurtle into a decent that is set to cost owners thousands of pounds if they sold today.

This is due to a perfect storm triggered last October that has pummelled the used EV market for 12 months.

Taking a combined toll includes the spending impact of the cost-of-living crisis, sky-high energy prices, fresh scrutiny of electric cars in mainstream media, an oversupply of EVs entering the used market and Tesla's decision to slash new model prices at the beginning of the year.

Derren Martin, head of valuations at cap hpi, says used EVs started to reduce in value 12 months ago, describing the impact on second-hand electric car prices since October 2022 as 'seismic'.

Below, we reveal the biggest fallers in value over the last 12 months for 'nearly new' EVs using data supplied by cap hpi.

The figures are based on the most substantial declines in value by comparing the sale price of a one-year-old example with 10,000 miles on the clock in October 2022 and the sale price of a year-old example of that same model with the same mileage at the beginning of this month (September 2023).

This is therefore a measure of deflation and not 'depreciation' (which is when a car becomes less valuable when it gets older), showcasing just how much the price of EVs has nosedived in the last 12 months.

And to put the sizable drops into perspective, cap hpi says average values of year-old petrol cars have risen 0.6 per cent in the same period - and even diesels went up by 0.5 per cent on average over the 12 months.

10 BIGGEST USED EV PRICE FALLERS IN THE LAST YEAR

10. Peugeot e-208 (2019-present) - down 37.1%/loss of 9,485

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 25,580 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 16,095

Peugeot's e-208 is arguably one of the most accomplished - and best looking - supermini EVs on the market today. But the price of a nearly-new example has crashed by 37.1% in the last 12 months, which translates to a loss in value of almost 9,500

The e-208 is a small and - relatively - affordable new supermini that has proved pretty popular since arriving in 2019, mostly thanks to its practical range of 224 miles between charges.

Yet owners of this impressive compact Peugeot have seen the value of their cars deflate substantially in the last 12 months.

A one-year-old example with 10,000 miles on the clock would have cost 25,580 in October 2022 but the average sale price of one this month is down to just 16,095 - that's a loss of 37.1 per cent, which translates to almost 9,500.

9. Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-2022) - down 37.6%/loss of 11,388

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 30,300 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 18,913

Hyundai's Kona Electric has cemented itself as one of Britain's favourite compact electric SUVs. But year-old used examples haven't escaped enormous losses with the price of a nearly-new version falling by 37.6% - or 11,388 - in the last 12 months

Hyundai has recently launched its second-generation electric Kona, but the original remains a solid second-hand purchase.

Owners could - with a few hypermiling techniques - achieve the 300-mile quoted single-charge range, which is an impressive distance for a model at the lower end of the compact EV SUV market that's dominated by premium examples.

However, it seems demand for second-hand variants isn't what it was a year ago. In October 2023, you would have needed to pay 30,300 for a 12-month-old Kona Electric with 10,000 miles on the clock. But today, the same-age car can be hand for less than 19,000, which is a difference of 11,388.

8. Vauxhall Corsa-E (2019-present) - down 37.7%/loss of 8,731

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 23,138 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 14,406

Despite being the sister car and almost mechanically - and electrically - the same as the Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e superminis have shed more value. Nearly new prices have fallen in the last 12 months by 37.7%, cap hpi says

Vauxhall's Corsa-e is the sister car to the Peugeot e-208 in tenth spot in this list, so it's not surprising to see a similar level of used price deflation in the last 12 months.

Despite the recent success of the Corsa model line - which sees it second overall in 2023 for new car registrations - the electric version of the popular supermini wasn't among the 10 best-selling EVs last year.

And demand for used examples seems to be dwindling, as the value of a one-year-old version with 10k on the clock is now 8,730 lower than it was in October 2022, meaning a price fall of 37.7 per cent in 12 months.

7. Mazda MX-30 (2020-present) - down 39.0%/loss of 9,119

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 23,375 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 14,256

The Mazda MX-30 is certainly stylish and well built, but a 124-mile range makes it an expensive compromise for families. This might partly explain why nearly new examples have fallen in price by 39% in the last year, which is a loss to owners of 9,100

The MX-30 is Mazda's attempt to wade into the compact electric SUV market with a stylish retro design and suicide doors.

But there is one limiting factor of this family-friendly Japanese EV and that's its range. At an official 124 miles, it far shorter than rivals and could be one of the main reasons why second-hand buyers are giving them a wide birth.

Last October, the average year-old example with 10k on the odometer was selling for 23,375. But 12 months later - and a huge crash in EV prices - has seen average sale values slip by over ,9100 to a fraction over 14,250.

6. BMW i3 (2013-2022) - down 39.9%/loss of 12,739

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 32,061 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 19,322

Discontinued by BMW recently, the i3 is set to become one the first electric modern classic thanks to its bold looks, recycled interior and trend-setting platform. Yet values of nearly new examples have taken a near-40% nosedive in the last year

BMW's first mainstream production electric car - the i3 - arrived way back in 2013 and set a new standard for compact EVs. It's funky design, mostly recycled cabin materials and chassis-mounted battery were ahead of their time, with manufacturers still following this recipe for new models today.

Before the German car giant killed it off last year, it had been available in i3 and an uprated i3S guise, the latter with improved performance - the values listed here are for a combination of both variants.

Despite being a pioneer for EVs, second-hand values for the i3 have fallen off a cliff edge. A year-old example would have cost 32,000 in October last year but in September 2023 a 12-month i3 with 10,000 miles is worth just 19,300.

5. Hyundai Ioniq Electric (2016-2023) - down 40.8%/loss of 10,750

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 26,375 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 15,625

Hyundai no longer sells the Ioniq Electric family car having released a range of next-gen Ioniq models. And the versatile hatchback has taken a hit, with nearly new examples worth 40.8% - or 10,750 - less than they would have been a year ago

Hyundai's Ioniq was one of the Korean brand's first fully electric models to arrive in showrooms 2016. It was sold alongside a conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant, making it the company's green poster car for some time.

With a maximum range of 194 miles from its small 28kWh battery, it's not the biggest single-charge mile muncher. Yet it has lots of space in the back and a reasonable boot, making the Ioniq a practical second-hand family EV.

And if you want a year-old example, you will only have to pay just 15,625 for one today rather than close to 26,275 if you had purchased a 12-month-old example a year ago. This is because the value of these EVs have dropped 40.8 per cent - or 10,750 - since October 2022.

4. Volkswagen e-Up (2014-2022) - down 42.5%/loss of 9,700

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 22,800 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 13,100

Volkswagen's e-Up was designed to be a low-cost city EV, and in the last 12 months it has become increasingly more affordable. That's because year-old 'nearly new' examples are down 42.5% in price, which is a 9,700 decline

Volkswagen's e-Up is one of the smallest five-seat [just, at a push] electric cars sold in Britain.

Using the brilliant Up city model as a shell, VW stripped out the engine and combustion drivetrain and replaced it with a 36.8kWh battery, 61kW electric motor, single speed gearbox and a quoted range of up to 159 miles.

While an accomplished all-round package with an urban-friendly diminutive size might make it appeal to inner-city commuters, second-hand valued have deflated quite substantially, dropping by 42.5 per cent for one-year-old examples with 10,000 miles on the clock.

3. Nissan Leaf (2017-present) - down 42.7%/loss of 10,982

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 25,818 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 14,836

Nissan's British-built Leaf is still one of the best family EV models at the lower end of the market, yet nearly new cars have taken a big hit in the last 12 months. Like-for-like prices have dropped a massive 42.7% - almost 11,000 - since October 2022

Built in Sunderland and among the most popular electric cars since it first hit showrooms, Leaf has been a success story for Nissan, not least with the arrival of the second-generation car just over half a decade ago.

Depending on battery size, customers were promised a range of 168 to 239 miles between charges for a practical hatchback that could easily accommodate a small family.

But the used value of a Leaf has fallen dramatically than most other EVs. In October 2022, a year-old model with average mileage would have cost 25,818 but today used prices for 12-month-old examples have slipped to just 14,836 - deflation of 42.7 per cent, or almost 11,000.

2. Renault Zoe (2019-present) - down 44.2%/loss of 9,536

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 21,557 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 12,021

One of the best small EVs on the market, Renault's Zoe offers unrivalled range for an electric car of this size. But it has suffered big price deflation in the last 12 months with nearly new examples worth 44.2% - or 9,500 - less than they were a year ago

It's no surprise that many early EV adopters on the hunt for a small - relatively affordable - battery car for nipping around town bought Renault Zoes, which remains one of the best compact car packages there is.

However, it hasn't been able to escape painful deflation in the last 12 months, meaning owners are set to lose out of thousands if they sell now.

This month, a year-old Zoe with 10,000 miles on the clock is worth just over 12,000. But that's 9,500 less than a 12-month-old Zoe with the same mileage was selling for back in October 2022, says cap hpi.

1. Seat Mii Electric (2019-2022) - down 50.3%/loss of 9,875

Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Oct'22 19,650 Average price of 1-year-old 10k mile example in Sep'23 9,775

The nearly new electric car that has lost the biggest chunk of value in the last 12 months is Seat's Mii Electric. Prices for a year-old example of this dinky EV have plummeted by more than half (50.3%) since October 2022 - that's a loss of almost 10k on a vehicle that a year earlier would have sold for 19,650

If you thought VW's e-Up had suffered huge used price deflation in a turbulent last 12 months for EVs, wait until you seen how much one of its sister cars has haemorrhaged in price.

Like the VW, Seat's Mii Electric makes a solid choice on paper. Also a sister model to Skoda's Citigo e iV, it has a claimed range of 162 miles on a single charge and is bundled-up into an attractive city car package with lots of equipment and build quality.

Production only ended last year but used values still went into freefall. The average year-old car with 10,000 miles on the clock would have set buyers back 19,650 if they had bought one a year ago. Today, you can get your hands on a 12-month-old example with the same mileage of 10,000 miles for only 9,775 - a loss in value of almost 10,000, which is deflation in excess of 50 per cent.

USED EV PRICE FALLERS (PLACES 11-30) 11. Volkswagen ID.3 (2020-present) - down 36.3%/13,328 =12. Peugeot e-2008 (2019-present) - down 35.9%/10,415 =12. Citroen e-C4 (2020-present) - down 35.9%/9,358 14. MG5 EV (2020-present) - down 35.7%/8,900 15. Fiat 500 Electric (2020-present) - down 35.5%/8,171 =16. Vauxhall Mokka-e (2020-present) - down 35.0%/9,539 =16. Kia E-Niro (2018-2023) - down 35.0%/11,588 18. Jaguar I-Pace (2018-present) - down 34.4%/18,470 19. Polestar 2 (2019-present) - down 34.3%/16,353 20. Mini Electric (2019-2023) - down 33.9%/10,508 21. DS3 E-Tense (2019-present) - down 33.7%/8,619 22. Honda e (2020-present) - down 33.6%/9,500 =23. Mercedes EQC (2019-present) - down 33.3%/20,275 =23. Tesla Model 3 (2019-present) - down 33.3%/15,538 25. Smart ForFour EQ (2019-2022) - down 33.1%/5,225 26. Audi Q4 e-Tron (2021-present) - down 32.4%/17,363 27. Audi e-Tron S'back (2019-2023) - down 31.9%/18,929 28. Mercedes EQA (2021-present) - down 31.5%/14,808 =29. Audi e-Tron (2018-2023) - down 30.0%/16,158 =29. Tesla Model Y (2022-present) - down 30.0%/17,300 Source: cap hpi - value decline based on October 2022 price for a one-year-old 10,000-mile example VS September 2023 price for a one-year-old 10,000-mile example

Will used electric car prices continue to tumble or have they bottomed out?

Rewind just over 12 months and second-hand electric car values were in a spell of good health.

Like their new prices, used EVs remained expensive compared to petrol and diesel equivalents, sometimes with the same model being 10,000 more due to having electric propulsion.

But such a high starting point has left more room for sizable declines, explains Derren Martin, cap hpi's director of valuations.

Derren Martin, director of valuations at cap hpi, says the 'worst is over' for fall EV values, but warns there is likely 'further realignment' for some models that could continue to fall in price in the coming months

And it isn't solely their higher starting point that has seen some EVs shed more than half their used value in 12 months. In fact, the reason behind the decline is multifaceted, he explained.

'Range anxiety became an issue once more following a number of unfavourable reports surrounding queues of two to three hours over the Christmas period, particularly at motorway service stations,' Derren says.

'Then there was the cost to charge. With prices of electricity having increased and fossil fuels reducing over recent months, it was no longer clear-cut that it was cheaper to charge your EV than it is to fill up your ICE [internal combustion engine] car.

'This all happened at the same time as vastly increased volumes returned to the used market, from registrations starting three years ago.'

Tesla's decision in January to slash the price of Model 3 and Model Y added an additional layer of uncertainty around the value of used EVs, while the roaring success of finance and leasing deals - as well as booming demand for tax-cutting salary sacrifice schemes - saw the cost of owning a brand new EV fall to a similar level to, if not lower than, used prices.

But Derren says used prices are now starting to level out having endured a year of spiralling.

'Since the start of the summer, EV values have started to stabilise and August saw the smallest downward movement so far this year,' he told us.

'Many models are now seeing adjustments more or less in line with other fuel-types of vehicles that sit in the same sector, rather than the big adjustments we witnessed earlier in the year.

'Last month, we saw less pressure for some of the smaller and medium EVs, and many of these models now hit an attractive price point in the retail market, encouraging wholesale buyers, albeit in small numbers.

'However, some heavy reductions have been applied to some more expensive, premium EVs, maybe a reflection of some of the financial headwinds consumers are currently facing.'

And he went on to warn: 'Whilst the worst is over, there is likely to be some further realignment for some EVs, particularly where volumes are increasing and values have not fallen by as much as other models.'
In 2019 I applied for a refund of Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums that Id paid on some loans. I received the money owed with no problems.

Then, in 2022, I learned I was entitled to a refund of the tax that had been deducted from the payout. So I completed the forms and sent them off.

I heard nothing more until I received a letter in early March, informing me that my tax refund of 1,447 from HMRC would be sent to a company called Tax Reclaim PPI Ltd within 14 days.

I do not recall having any dealings with this firm. Ive tried calling it but the number is disconnected.

Ive sent emails but they just bounce back. Why did HMRC send the money to this firm? And why has it not passed on my refund five months later?

W. D., Newtownards, Co. Down.

Rip-off fees: A reader was left horrified after discovering that her PPI refund was being sent to a third party firm

Sally Hamilton replies: Somehow you have fallen into a nasty trap where a third party can make a claim for a tax refund on your behalf and pocket hefty fees for the privilege, when you could easily have reclaimed it for yourself with no charge.

Money Mail issued a warning about these reclaim firms last year. Indeed, the papers investigation helped obtain a 6 million repayment for 48,000 taxpayers who were ripped off by Tax Credits Ltd.

This company offered to help claim tax rebates but did not show clients a copy of an agreement, known as a deed of assignment, that must be signed by customers before a firm can make a claim to HMRC and receive refunds on their behalf.

I contacted Tax Reclaim PPI Ltd to see what had happened in your case. I tried its phone number first but, like you, encountered a dead line. However, I was luckier with email.

The firm responded later that same day, saying it had quickly contacted you after my intervention to discuss the situation. It also said that you had signed a contract with it on September 29, 2022, and that HMRC had a copy of this document.

HMRC confirmed to me that it holds a deed of assignment signed by you, authorising this firm to apply for and receive your refund. This meant it could not pay you the refund, even though you had also completed a claim yourself.

You then told me you had a vague memory of being on a call with someone talking about tax reclaims many months ago, but you did not recall signing anything.

After that you went quiet on me. HMRC would not let me see the signed agreement without your direct consent, which you didnt provide. I can only assume the firm is telling the truth.

However, even assuming that the authorisation is valid, I pointed out to the firm that five months was an unacceptable period to be sitting on your tax repayment.

I am pleased to say this sparked some action and your refund was organised immediately.

A spokesman for the firm told me a cheque would be sent out, minus its usual service fee of 33.3 per cent plus VAT and a 50 administration fee.

That would leave you with just 820 of the 1,447 owed, meaning the company has pocketed 43 per cent of the refund amounting to 627.

A few days later, you got in touch with me again with the surprising news that the firm had, in fact, sent you the full 1,447.

No explanation was given for this turn of events, but naturally you werent complaining.

The reason those who received PPI windfalls can reclaim tax at all is that statutory interest of 8 per cent a year (not compounded) was added to the payouts.

The interest is treated in the same way as interest paid on savings accounts, which is taxable. But instead of receiving the interest gross, as savers do, 20 per cent tax was taken off the windfall interest at source.

As most people are entitled to a savings interest allowance (1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers and 500 for higher-rate), tax would not necessarily be due on the PPI payment, so a reclaim could be made.

Although it was unable to comment on Tax Reclaim PPI Ltd directly, HMRC provided general tips for those who feel they have unwittingly authorised an agent to act for them.

It says customers who believe they did not appoint an agent to reclaim tax should report it to HMRC, as well as to Action Fraud.

A spokesman says: Where theres evidence that a repayment agent isnt meeting our standard for agents, we will investigate them.

Consumer protection in this area has improved, as claims agents must now register with HMRC, and agreements made since March 15 will not be legally binding.

This means taxpayers can change their minds and have a refund paid to them instead of to an agent, so long as they let HMRC know before the payment is issued.

Anyone who is due a tax refund on a PPI windfall can make a claim via gov.uk/claim-tax-refund.

Straight to the point Barclays closed my account in December as it is no longer serving international customers after Brexit. I live in Spain and have 2,000 in the account I cant access. L. K., via email. Barclays says it tried to contact you several times before closing your account. It has set up a transfer request for your funds, which will be with you within ten days and offered you a 100 gesture of goodwill. *** I bought an LG fridge-freezer from AO.com in 2018. In June, I noticed it wasnt keeping my food frozen. LG sent an engineer to fix it, which cost me 195, but my food was still defrosting. Can you help me get a refund? P. D., Solihull, W. Mids. LG says an internal leak caused the problem so the fridge-freezer cannot be fixed and it cannot be replaced as the warranty is up. But it will refund you for the engineer repair and offer you a discount on an LG product. *** My mum had a new front door installed by DG Solutions, at a cost of 1,300. Shortly afterwards she could not get back into her house because it had jammed. The emergency locksmith  costing 120  said it had warped. The firm has gone into administration and her home insurer, AXA, says she is not covered. L. B., Essex. If your mum had paid by card, she might have been able to make a claim for reimbursement under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or request a chargeback. Since she didnt, we asked the insurer to reconsider the claim. AXA says: Because her home insurance policy does not provide cover for faulty workmanship, we are unfortunately unable to cover the claim. Redman Nichols Butler, the administrators winding up DG Solutions, refused to comment so you may want to try them directly  and join the queue of creditors.

TalkTalk wants to charge me for bills

TalkTalk wrote to me in March saying it could no longer send my monthly bill for phone and broadband to my email address.

Instead, it would have to post it to my home and charge me 2.75 a month for doing so.

No other firm I deal with has a problem contacting me via this address. Ive used the same one since June 2006  and TalkTalk has even emailed me about the billing problem via this email.

M. T., Leigh, Greater Manchester.

Sally Hamilton replies: It seems crazy that TalkTalk customer services was able to exchange emails with you over your billing complaint, but its billing department could not issue your regular payment demand to that same email address.

TalkTalks initial response to your complaint suggested checking your spam folder, seeing whether the inbox was full and ensuring its email address was in your contacts or safe senders list.

None of these actions was appropriate in your case. Its final suggestion caused me a wry smile. If the others failed, you should contact your email provider: in other words, TalkTalk.

TalkTalk suggested you change your email address. You said youd rather cancel your contract, as that would cause less hassle than changing an email held by all the companies you deal with.

I asked TalkTalk to look into what had gone wrong. It took a few weeks and a tech expert at TalkTalk spoke to you several times. But it then found the error was due to its billing system marking your email as invalid.

TalkTalk has now corrected this and you have started to receive your bill by email again. As well as refunding the initial 2.75 paper billing charge, TalkTalk added 50 as an apology for its error.
Two workers are accused of damaging the Great Wall of China after allegedly using an excavator to dig a hole through the ancient structure.

Police were alerted to the damage after receiving reports of a gap in the wall.

A 38-year-old man named Zheng and a 55-year-old woman named Wang caused irreversible damage when they used an excavator to widen a gap in a part of the wall in the northern Shanxi province, the Youyu County Public Security Bureau said.

Both workers are from Mongolia.

Police detained the two, who were working on an unrelated construction project and were trying to make a shortcut, and charged them with destroying a cultural relic, China Daily reported.

Excavators were used to excavate the original gap of the ancient Great Wall into a large gap, so that the excavator can pass through the gap, which caused irreversible damage to the integrity of the Ming Great Wall and the safety of cultural relics, the police statement reads.

The case remains under investigation.

The section of the wall that was damaged dates back to between 1368 and 1644, during the Ming Dynasty, officials said. The oldest portions of the wall are more than 2,000 years old.

The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical and architectural significance and the Chinese government has strict laws protecting the iconic landmark because up to two-thirds of the 12,000-mile long structure has deteriorated and partially crumbled over the centuries  with much of the damage caused by locals stealing bricks or stones to build their own structures.

The government has also harshly cracked down on vandalism.
Britons with second homes in France may choke on their croissants when they are hit with their latest property tax bill in the coming weeks.

The French government is ramping up property taxes for owners of holiday homes in popular tourist areas.

Some may find their bill has risen by 60 per cent as President Emmanuel Macron clamps down on second homes in areas where there is a housing shortage.

There are two main property taxes in France, taxe fonciere and taxe dhabitation. The taxe fonciere is an ownership tax and is paid by the owner of a property, regardless of who occupies it.

The taxe dhabitation, a residence tax, is paid by the occupier. It is like council tax in the UK and is spent on community services. Last year the tax was an average of 772 (660) for a house and 941 (800) for a flat.

Townhouse: Kate Cherry and husband Matt, are braced for sharp tax hikes on their four-story property in Occitania, southern France (pictured)

As of 2023, this tax is now abolished for those owning one residence.

But it is still applied on second homes and additional properties so includes Britons who own a second home in France.

It is this tax where a surcharge of between 5 per cent and 60 per cent could be applied in 2024.

Initially, the surcharge was limited to 1,136 councils in big cities and tourist resorts, where last year areas including Bordeaux, Lyon and Biarritz increased property taxes by 60 per cent. For example in Paris, the city council has declared a 51.9 per cent property tax rise.

Now the French government has given an additional 2,263 rural areas the option to roll out increases to the tax by the same amount.

The tax rates for 2024 have not been published yet so its still a very grey area for homeowners.

There should be some clarity towards the end of the year but there are still a lot of things that are not yet known, or whether the taxes will increase again at some point, warns Christophe Du Tertre, a specialist at FranceTax Law.com.

But one things sure: property taxes are rising for second home owners in France, and this will affect the thousands of Britons with holiday properties there.

For example, in Brittany, 156 councils have been given permission to increase the residence tax by up to 60 per cent where about 12 per cent of the regions properties are second homes. An estimated 8,900 Britons may be hit by the hike in taxes.

Townhouse: Kate Cherry and husband Matt

In eastern France in the Jura region, Lebby Eyres, 52, has owned a second home for the past 11 years with her French husband Fred, a TV producer.

He comes from neighbouring Burgundy, so the pair often stay at the house when they are visiting his family with their two teenage children.

The couple bought the four-bedroom property for 165,000 in 2012 from an 86-year-old woman who had knocked two houses into one. It is still treated as two houses, meaning the tax bill will be higher.

The taxe fonciere for the house is due to rise by 11.5 per cent this year, from 1,126 to 1,257 a year.

The couple also pay taxe dhabitation of around 1,100 annually, so pay total property taxes of around 2,000. They expect their total annual property tax bill to rise to around 2,500.

Its a double whammy. We pay the taxes annually, so it is quite onerous to get two big bills near the end of the year, says Lebby, who is chief executive of The Health Lottery.

However, she adds that the house is not an investment.

We bought it so we can see family and the children could experience French culture, being half French. We may possibly retire down here one day. We would just have to take any tax rises on the chin.

Kate Cherry, 46, lives in Hertfordshire and owns a four-story townhouse in Occitania, southern France. Kate , who lived in the region when her parents moved there in the 1990s, bought the property with her husband Matt for 350,000.

Connection: Lebby Eyres (pictured at her second home in the Jura region) expects her total annual property tax bill to rise from 2,000 to around 2,500

It is split into four apartments, two of which are let. Another is used by Kate, while the other is used by her parents.

Kate only pays the taxe dhabitation on the one apartment that is used as her main dwelling when shes in France. She paid 729 last year. Her taxe fonciere bill was 3,611 in 2022, about 300 up on the year before.

Kate, regional director at business networking organisation The Athena Network, says there are still question marks over how much second-home owners will see their property tax bills rise. She is expecting her bill for the coming year to land this month.

Im waiting to see what our village does in terms of increasing property taxes because the council is super reliant on tourism and there are a lot of businesses that make most of their money in the summer.

I understand they need to make money but clearly I wouldnt like to see it go up too much, she says.

Rising property taxes are a further blow to Britons who are already struggling to spend time in their holiday homes in Europe.

British citizens can no longer spend more than 90 days in EU countries in any 180-day period.

Squeezed: Around 60,000 Britons are estimated to own a second home in France, down by a third from around 90,000 in 2012

About 809,000 Britons own second homes, according to the English Housing survey. Some 60 per cent are in the UK, up from 48 per cent 10 years ago, suggesting more Britons are now favouring holiday homes in their own country.

Since Brexit, we are seeing fewer British buyers because there are constraints on how long they can be in the country, says Alex Balkin, head of Savills French Riviera division.

Around 60,000 Britons are estimated to own a second home in France, down by a third from around 90,000 in 2012.

Susan and Chris Beesley have recently sold a home in France because of increasing bureaucracy and the restrictions on how long they can stay.

Their chalet in the French Alps came with a self-contained apartment in the same property.

Susan and Chris stayed in the apartment during peak ski seasons, while letting the chalet to holidaymakers. They sold the apartment for 300,000 in 2021 and the chalet for 695,000 in 2022.

We loved our property but we were impacted by the pandemic, which hit bookings. Also, after Brexit, we could no longer stay out there for the full season and run our chalet business.

We decided to sell up and use the money to invest elsewhere, says Susan, 68, a former management consultant who advises others on how to make income in retirement.

The couple were paying around 1,500 a year for the taxe dhabitation and 1,950 for the taxe fonciere.

I truly believe owning a property overseas is good but youve got to go into it with your eyes open and understand how the rules work and that they can change depending on the government at the time, adds Susan.

moneymail.co.uk
Enquest slumped into the red as the windfall tax continues to hammer North Sea operators.

The energy group posted losses of 16.8million for the six months to June having made a profit of 162.1million over the same period last year.

Like many of its rivals, the oil and gas producer has been battered by the windfall tax, which was introduced last year by Rishi Sunak when he was Chancellor after global energy prices spiked.

Squeezed: Enquest posted losses of 16.8m for the six months to June having made a profit of 162.1m over the same period last year

The Energy Profits Levy imposed a 25 per cent tax surcharge on profits, and was raised to 35 per cent by Jeremy Hunt after he took over at the Treasury.

On top of the hefty charges already faced by North Sea operators, the levy imposes an effective 75 per cent corporate tax rate on the industry and is set to remain in place until 2028, even as energy bills ease.

Enquest said it paid 61million in tax in the six months to June due to the levy  sending its Aim-listed shares down 12.1 per cent yesterday.

Chief executive Amjad Bseisu said: The UKs oil and gas sector faces significant challenges and loss of competitiveness due to uncertainty following the adverse changes to the fiscal regime.

We believe timely legislative reform is required to restore confidence in the UK oil and gas sector to protect jobs and deliver both energy security and decarbonisation.

Other North Sea operators have also criticised the tax.

Last month, Ithaca Energy bosses said it has already led to the deferral and cancellation of certain 2023 and 2024 projects.

Earlier this year, Harbour Energy said its annual profits were all but wiped out by the tax.

Francesca Bell, analyst at lobby group Offshore Energies UK, said Enquests latest results were another worrying example of the negative impacts the tax is having on UK energy production.
More than 50 Wilko stores will shut next week in a fresh blow to staff  even after B&M swooped in to save some of the stricken retailers sites.

The store closures will result in redundancies for 1,016 staff who have been nervously awaiting news over their futures since the company crashed into administration last month.

Administrators at PwC said they would reveal the locations of the 52 stores that will close today before the shutters come down for the final time on Tuesday or Thursday next wek.

There was no interest from potential buyers for these particular stores, PwC said.

The administrators also announced a further 299 redundancies at two distribution centres in Worksop and Newport. These staff will be redundant tomorrow. A total of 1,601 Wilko jobs have been lost.

More than 50 Wilko stores will shut next week resulting in redundancies for 1,016 staff

The bleak news came after Wilkos discount rival B&M yesterday agreed to buy up to 51 Wilko stores for 13million.

It is not clear how many of the 1,000 or so staff at these shops will be kept on. And B&M would not confirm whether it will keep the Wilko name.

Analysts reckon it is keen to expand the B&M brand beyond retail parks and onto the High Street  meaning the Wilko name could disappear.

Talks between PwC and HMV owner Doug Putman to save hundreds more stores and thousands of jobs are ongoing.

Administrators said: We continue to explore all interest in the remainder of the business and are actively working with potential buyers.

Rescue talks for Wilko  founded by JK Wilkinson in 1930 with a single hardware shop in Leicester  have been taking place since the stricken homeware chain collapsed on August 10, putting 400 stores and 12,500 jobs at risk.

PwC has been trying to secure the best value for creditors, including restructuring specialist Hilco, which is owed 40million.

Staff are hoping for more information this week about Canadian tycoon Putmans ambitions for the retailer. He is thought to want to save 300 stores and pay debts owed to Hilco.

It has been reported that suppliers are demanding overdue payments, which is holding up administrators from giving Putmans deal the green light.

Hopes for a larger white knight rescue of the Wilko chain have been clouded in a dust of uncertainty, said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

At the most, it looks like a scaled-down bid for the chain will be clinched, which would save the famous red and white frontage.

But Wilkos presence on the High Street would be a pale comparison to its heady days of success.

Unions reiterated criticisms of the companys leadership and owners after Wilko dished out multi-million dividend payouts in the run-up to its collapse.

Some 77m was handed to former shareholders in the past decade, including during years when the firm made a loss, The Mail on Sunday reported exclusively.

Last night Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said: Every single redundancy is a person who will wake up facing an uncertain future.

This needs to be on the forefront of everyones minds. The reality is, years of mismanagement have led us here.
Frankie & Benny's parent company has swung back to a first-half profit despite challenging conditions in the hospitality sector.

The Restaurant Group, which also operates Wagamama and Chiquito, declared a 2.3million statutory pre-tax profit for the six months ending 2 July, compared to a 28.5million loss in the same period last year.

Profitability was supported by significantly lower impairment charges and a bumper trading performance boosting turnover by 10 per cent to 467.4million.

Recovery: Frankie & Benny's owner The Restaurant Group swung back to a first-half profit

Its concessions business saw the largest increase in sales, with like-for-like growth of 28 per cent thanks to a continued rebound in air travel following the absence of pandemic-related restrictions.

Demand at the start of 2022 was impacted by the Omicron variant's emergence discouraging many Britons from commuting to work or visiting hospitality venues.

TRG also recorded healthy first-half trade at its pubs and Wagamama outlets, although like-for-like revenue declined in its leisure division, which it partly blamed on consumer cost-of-living pressures.

However, all the firm's segments achieved turnover growth in the eight weeks to 27 August, with concessions sales jumping by a third.

TRG noted Wagamama benefited from cooler summer weather, while popular cinema releases like Barbie and Oppenheimer buoyed the leisure business.

Following the result, bosses at the London-listed company have made a 'moderate increase' to their expectations on adjusted core profits.

Andy Hornby, chief executive of TRG, said: 'We are encouraged by the significant progress made in the first eight months of the year, delivering strong LFL sales growth despite the consumer backdrop.'

He added: 'We are making excellent progress on our medium-term plan, and the board continues to actively explore strategic options to further accelerate margin accretion and deleveraging.'

TRG said annualised cost savings of 5million had been attained, while the planned reduction in its leisure estate portfolio was proceeding ahead of schedule.

From the next fiscal year, the group plans to launch eight to ten new Wagamama establishments, as well as up to three 'high-quality' pubs.

The Restaurant Group shares were 1.8 per cent down at 42.9p on early Wednesday afternoon, meaning they have slumped by approximately 72 per cent since Hornby took over in August 2019.

Hornby has faced considerable backlash from some investors for the company's long-term share price weakness and its four consecutive annual losses.

In March, 46 per cent of shareholders - including activists Oasis Management and Irenic Capital - voted against the ex-HBOS chief executive's proposed 792,000 pay package.
Wilko administrators have warned more shops will shut after naming the first 52 to close.

In a fresh blow to staff who have been fearing for their jobs since the chain collapsed last month, PwC said it is possible that further store closures may regrettably be necessary.

The warning came as PwC named the first 52 shops that will shut next week, which will result in the loss of 1,016 staff.

There will be closures on Tuesday and Thursday across the UK in locations ranging from Bishop Auckland and Barrow in Furness to Hammersmith in west London and Weston-super-Mare.

> The first 52 Wilko shops set to close: Is yours shutting down?

Collapse: Wilko stores will close on Tuesday and Thursday across the UK in locations ranging from Bishop Auckland and Barrow in Furness to Hammersmith in west London

This week a further 299 redundancies at two distribution centres in Worksop in Nottinghamshire and Newport in south Wales were announced  taking the total number of jobs lost to 1,601 since Wilko crashed into administration on August 10.

Administrators have been working to save as many of Wilkos 400 stores and 12,500-strong workforce as possible.

Discount chain B&M this week agreed to buy up to 51 stores.

But after the 52 closures, the future of the remaining 300 sites remains in doubt. PwC is in talks with Canadian tycoon Doug Putman, who owns HMV, but sources said it was unlikely a deal would be reached this week.

Putman is thought to want around 200 stores and to be offering to pay off 40m of debt to creditor Hilco. He is also thought to be keen to purchase the Wilko brand, which would mean its signature red logo stays on high streets.

It has been reported that suppliers are demanding overdue payments from administrators, which has slowed down the process.

Last night sources close to the talks said a deal with Putman was still in the works but there would be no announcement in the near-term. Other parties are also in discussions with PwC about acquiring stores.

Active discussions with parties interested in buying parts of the business continue and administrators remain committed to preserving as many jobs as possible, said PwC

Depending on the outcome of those talks, it is possible further store closures may regrettably be necessary.

B&M is thought to want to rebrand the Wilko stores it is buying as it expands its high street presence.

It remains uncertain how many staff will be kept on.

Jonathan De Mello, retail analyst at JDM Retail, said it was possible only 25 per cent of Wilkos stores could be rescued should a deal with Putman fall through.

He said: With B&M having cherry-picked 51 stores with their recent 13million acquisition, and Putman apparently hoping to secure 200 stores, that would still leave 97 stores to close, unless the likes of Poundland owner Pepco step in and acquire some.

This is unlikely, given the stores Putman wants will likely overlap significantly with stores Pepco wants.

Unlike Wilko, discount brands such as B&M and Poundland have cashed in on a demand for affordable homeware and miscellaneous goods amid a cost of living crisis.

Edward Williams, a joint administrator at PwC, said: In the absence of viable offers for the whole business, very sadly store closures and redundancies of team members from those stores are now necessary.

The business was founded by JK Wilkinson in 1930 with a single shop in Leicester. It outlasted the demise of rival Woolworths after the financial crisis in 2008.

But its leadership and owners have been criticised after 77million was handed to former shareholders in the past decade  first reported by the Mail on Sunday  including during years when the firm made a loss.

This week Andy Prendergast, national secretary of the GMB union, said: Every single redundancy is a person who will wake up facing an uncertain future.

The reality is years of mismanagement have led us here.

He added: We are still doing everything we can secure a deal that would protect the majority of jobs and stores.
Images found by his daughter Jane Clargo while sorting through possessions

During the war, he was an inmate at camps including Stalag Luft III

Remarkable unseen images show a prisoner of war-turned-Tory-minister performing in amateur productions while an inmate at the infamous 'Great Escape' camp in the Second World War.

Peter Thomas, who died aged 87 in 2008, became the first Welshman to serve as Chairman of the Conservative Party under Edward Heath between 1970 and 1972.

During the war, he was an inmate at camps including Stalag Luft III after being shot down while serving as a bomber pilot in 1941.

While sorting through his possessions with her sister Claire, his 69-year-old daughter Jane Clargo discovered more than 20 images of her father performing in the camp's makeshift theatre.

She contacted MailOnline after seeing her father in an image from a similar collection of inmates' performances that was sold at auction in 2021.

Future Conservative Party Chairman Peter Thomas (left) is seen performing in an amateur production while an inmate at Nazi prisoner-of-war camp Stalag Luft III in 1943. The image is one of more than 20 found by his daughter Jane Clargo, 69

Peter Thomas was an inmate at Stalag Luft III after being shot down while serving as a bomber pilot in 1941. Above: Mr Thomas (centre) performs in 'Girls, Girls, Girls' at Stalag Luft in March 1943

Mother-of-three Mrs Clargo, who lives in Putney, south London, said: 'We were sorting through my father's belongings because the Welsh Library asked us to send us his papers.

'We had been putting it off but when we started going through it we came across these images.'

She said she had been 'vaguely aware' that her father had performed in productions while at Stalag Luft, but added: 'I really didn't realise that there lots of quite amazing productions.'

Captions on the images show he performed in plays with names including 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Home & Beauty' and 'Meet Mrs. Mandon', alongside some inmates who were dressed as women.

Inmates at Stalag Luft III are known to have performed bi-weekly in shows that were also running in London's West End.

Inmates at Stalag Luft III are known to have performed bi-weekly in shows that were also being performed in London's West End. Above: Mr Thomas (second from right) performs with other inmates

Mr Thomas (front row, far right) posing with his fellow inmates who were performing in 'Meet Mrs Mandon' in November 1942

Inmates dressed in women's underwear are seen posing during another production. Mr Thomas is second from left from the person sitting on the throne in the centre

Peter Thomas is seen in the background (left) as an inmate in the foreground poses in drag

Peter Thomas (right, standing on stage) is seen at Stalag Luft VI during what is described as the 'Flieger Jockey Club Gala Day in August 1943

Peter Thomas (standing right of the stage) is seen with his fellow inmates at Stalag Luft VI in August 1943

The prisoners also enjoyed a school-style 'sports day'.

Mr Thomas, who entered the House of Lords as Baron Thomas of Gwydir after stepping down as an MP in 1987, joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot in 1940.

At the time of joining up, he had just completed the first year of a law degree at Oxford University.

After being shot down, he spent more than four years in a series of prisoner-of-war camps, one of which was Stalag Luft III.

The camp, in Sagan in what is now Poland, was made famous for the daring mass-breakout in 1944 which was immortalised in the 1963 Steve McQueen film 'The Great Escape'.

On March 6, 1944, 76 PoWs tunnelled their way to freedom, but all but three were recaptured within days and 50 were executed.

Mr Thomas had been moved to Stalag Luft VI before the escape took place.

While in captivity, Mr Thomas celebrated his 21st birthday and managed to complete his second-year law exams, which were sent to him in Red Cross parcels.

His daughter said he even defended other prisoners-of-war in Nazi courts.

'Because my dad never talked about the war, I have heard a lot more about him in the war since he died,' she said.

'He never really talked about it, he would say that's all in the past, which is a shame. We are sort of discovering things like that.'

Mrs Clargo added: 'My main feeling was that I wish I had spoken to him when he was alive and told him how proud I was of him, because he obviously did some extraordinary things.

'He was somebody who always looked forward, I don't think he liked dwelling on the past.

'Or maybe he thought we wouldn't be that interested. It's only now we are very interested. He wasn't somebody who banged on about the war at all.'

Before the end of the war, Mr Thomas moved from Stalag Luft III to Stalag XI-B.

Once back in the UK, he finished his degree at Oxford, where he met his wife Tessa. As well as Ms Clargo and her sister, the pair had two sons.

Peter Thomas served as Welsh Secretary during Edward Heath's entire time as Prime Minister. Above: At his desk in 1963, when he was a more junior minister of state

Peter Thomas (left) performs in 'Home & Beauty' at Stalag Luft III in April 1943

Peter Thomas (right) performs in 'Home & Beauty' while an inmate at Stalag Luft in April 1943

Peter Thomas embraces a fellow in mate while performing in 'Home & Beauty' in April 1943

Peter Thomas is seen with fellow cast members of 'Home & Beauty' at Stalag Luft III in April 1943

Peter Thomas rests his head on the lap of a fellow inmate while performing in 'For the Love of Mike' at Stalag Luft III in March 1943

Mrs Clargo, a former journalist who retired at the beginning of the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, said the couple had a 'happy marriage'.

Baron Thomas entered Parliament in 1951 as MP for Conway. He lost his seat the 1966 election but then returned to the Commons as MP for Hendon South in 1970.

As well as Tory Party chairman, he served as Welsh Secretary for the whole of the Heath premiership, between 1970 and 1974.

His time in charge of Welsh affairs saw him have to deal with with violent activism by Welsh nationalists.

Baron Thomas left the Conservative front bench after Margaret Thatcher was elected party leader.

He did not serve under her during her 11 years as Prime Minister.
Portrait of Harewood is set to be placed in Harewood House's Drawing Room

Actor David Harewood has teamed up with an earl descended from the owners of the plantation on which his ancestors were enslaved to call on the British Government to '100 per cent' apologise for its role in the slave trade.

The Homeland star, 57, has discovered that his ancestors were enslaved on sugar plantations in Barbados and has called on the Government to make a formal apology for its involvement in slavery.

Speaking to the BBC, he revealed that the only reason his name is Harewood is 'because of slavery' and the practice of slaves being forced to take the name of their owners.

Mr Harewood's ancestors were enslaved on a sugar plantation owned by the Lascelles family, the Earls of Harewood.

Current earl David Lascelles, who is also the King's second cousin and the late Queen Elizabeth's godson, has joined the actor in calling on the government for an apology.

The earl's 18th-century home, Harewood House, near Leeds, was built using money made by the family during the slave trade.

The earl and Mr Harewood are now acknowledging their 'weird and dark' shared history with a portrait of the 57-year-old star being placed in Harewood House's Cinnamon Drawing Room.

Actor David Harewood has teamed up with an earl descended from the owners of the plantation on which his ancestors were enslaved to call on the British Government to apologise for its role in the slave trade

When the actor visited Harewood House in his thirties he thought his shared name was just a coincidence.

But later he discovered the link and Mr Harewood and the earl then met in 2021 for a documentary exploring their linked past.

Speaking of the portrait by Ashley Karrell, which is part of a series entitled Missing Portraits, the star said it stands as an example of 'the resilience of my people'.

He added that he hopes when visitors see the portrait they will 'enquire as to why his picture is there, and then they'll understand... all of the unpaid work that my ancestors did, and the brutality of what they suffered... helped build this house'.

Earlier this year, Rishi Sunak said that 'trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward'.

The Earl of Harewood said: 'Being honest about the past is the only way to start to address the prejudices of the present.

'We can't change what's happened, but we can change what happens now.

'I'd like people to think we'd tried our best to make a difference here.'

Mr Harewood's ancestors were enslaved on a sugar plantation owned by the Lascelles family, the Earls of Harewood. Current earl David Lascelles (right), who is also the King's second cousin and the late Queen Elizabeth's godson, has joined the actor in calling on the government for an apology. Above: The pair both featured in a documentary examining their families' shared pasts in 2021

The earl and Mr Harewood are now acknowledging their 'weird and dark' shared history with a portrait of the 57-year-old star being placed in Harewood House's Cinnamon Drawing Room. Above: Mr Harewood and Earl Harewood with the portrait

In Channel 5's 2021 documentary 1,000 Years a Slave, Mr Harewood discovered the names of his enslaved ancestors in Barbados with the help of local genealogist Pat Stafford (pictured together)

Speaking of the call for an apology, he said: 'I think that needs to be something that happens at a national level At the moment, with our feeble prime minister, there's absolutely no sign of that happening, sadly.'

Despite calling for the Government to apologise, the current earl has not apologised himself, stating: 'I've always felt rather ambiguous about apologising for something I haven't done personally'.

However, he has said that he would 'probably' apologise if Mr Harewood were to ask him directly.

When Mr Harewood met with the earl in 2021, he broke down in tears when he discovered the names of his four-times great-grandparents.

As well as going to Harewood House, he travelled to Barbados to see the plantations his relatives worked on.

Mr Harewood and the earl first met in 2007 during celebrations to mark the bicentennial of the Abolition of Slavery Act.

The actor's great-great-great-great grandfather Richard Harewood was born in 1817 at the Fortescue Plantation in St Phillip.

Proceeds from the plantation helped to fund the construction of Harewood House.

Richard's wife Betty - David's four times great-grandmother - was also born into slavery at the Fortescue Plantation.

Although Mr Harewood had previously explored some of his family tree, he had never known the names of his enslaved ancestors until meeting with local genealogist Pat Stafford in St Philip.

Before 1854 and the abolition of slavery, enslaved people weren't included in the registry of births and deaths, meaning Mr Harewood couldn't find the names through conventional methods.

The earl's 18th-century home, Harewood House, near Leeds, was built using money made by the family during the slave trade

But Pat was able to find name's of the actor's relatives by looking through slave records, which were introduced in 1817 following the Bussa's rebellion - the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history.

Mr Harewood also read the Barbados Slave Code of 1661, a piece of colonial legislation with instructions to slave owners on how to control their 'chattels' with torture.

The document instructed plantation masters to whip enslaved people and brand initials into their faces with hot irons.

Along with former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, Earl Harewood is the co-founder of the group Heirs of Slavery, which encourages wealthy families with links to the historical slave trade to make formal apologies and give reparations in former Caribbean colonies.

Ms Trevelyan made headlines earlier this year when her family made a public apology after it emerged their ancestors owned more than 1,000 slaves in the Caribbean.

They also donated 100,000 to establish a research fund at the University of the West Indies.
The release of a Netflix documentary has prompted fresh scrutiny of historical records of sexual abuse kept by the Boy Scouts of America.

Those records of suspected pedophiles, a 'red flag' list known as the 'perversion files', were kept confidential by the Boy Scouts until they were made public in 2012. They detail accusations of child abuse by scout leaders between 1947 and 2005.

Their release led to a deluge of lawsuits - an astonishing 82,000 claims - from victims who say they were molested as scouts, leading the organization to file for bankruptcy in 2020.

Netflix's documentary, Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America, unveils the role of the internal red flag list and how the largest youth organization in the US covered up sexual abuse, failing to report many allegations to police.

The Boy Scouts began to collect the files soon after its founding in 1910. But what were the 'perversion files' for, why are they called that and who is on the list?

The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910 and soon after started collecting a red flag list detailing accusations of child abuse against scout leaders

Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America is a Netflix documentary that explores the stories of victims and the impact of the 'perversion files'

What are the Boy Scouts of America's 'perversion files'?

The 'perversion files' are internal records that were kept by the Boy Scouts of America to monitor volunteer scout leaders and 'red flags' that had been raised about them.

Thousands of these records, cataloging accusations of child abuse by scout leaders between 1947 and 2005, were published in 2012 after a court battle.

The Boy Scouts of America has defended them as a way of getting rid of bad leaders and preventing abuse, while saying their confidentiality was necessary.

But the primary intention of the records - to protect children from pedophiles - failed.

The Boy Scouts of America is accused of covering up decades of allegations, failing to report the majority of victims' claims to parents, the public or even the police.

The files have long been the center of legal battles, some of which were settled out of court.

There were over 82,000 claims of sexual abuse against the Boy Scouts by 2020, at which point the organization filed for bankruptcy.

Scouts Honor is available to stream on Netflix. It features survivors, whistleblowers and experts discussing the impact of abuse within the scouts

A certificate of registration issued to a Boy Scout by the organization in 1959

Michael Johnson, a former director at the Boy Scouts of America, speaks of his attempts to reform the system in Netflix's Scouts Honor

Why are the records known as the 'perversion files'?

The 'perversion files' has become shorthand for the red flag list.

A New York Times writer calling for the dissolution of the Boy Scouts described the name as 'grotesque' in 2020.

The term was used internally by the Boy Scouts of America themselves to describe the records, although earlier in its history it was described as 'red flag list'.

A New York Times article from 1935 describes the organization's list of hundreds of 'degenerates' who had been scout leaders

A New York Times article from 1935 describes how that name came to describe the organization's list of hundreds of 'degenerates' who had been scout leaders.

Former Chief Scout Executive Dr James E West explained that during the first 15 years of the organization, geographical and alphabetical cards were made for every man who had a commission in the Boy Scouts.

He said: 'We made a notation on the card which indicated that we should refer to a confidential file to see if there was anything of importance to be noted.'

'We put a red label, or red sticker, over the top of the card for the man we wanted to be careful about - that is, to be sure and look into his record carefully.'

He concluded: 'That was the origin of the so-called red flag list.'

The Los Angeles Times plotted all of the files on an interactive map and created a searchable database of the allegations

Tom Krumins is among the victims who share their story in the Netflix documentary Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America

Who is accused of sexual abuse in the 'perversion files' and who are the victims?

In 2012, 14,500 pages of the 'perversion files' were leaked online, leading the website hosting them to crash within the first few hours.

Soon after, the Los Angeles Times plotted all of the files on an interactive map and created a searchable database of the allegations.

It analyzed court records to provide information on nearly 5,000 cases from 1947 to 2004 that can still be viewed in the database. About 1,900 of them have detailed reports, with any means of identifying the victims redacted.

An unknown number of records have been purged.

The Netflix documentary Scouts Honor features survivors, whistleblowers and experts discussing the impact of abuse within the scouts.

It also focuses on cases such as the landmark one against troop leader Timur Dykes.

Dykes remained in the Boy Scouts of America even after the organization was made aware of abuse accusations.

He admitted to a bishop in the early 1980s that he had molested 17 boys and been arrested for some of the crimes.

The bishop, an official representative of the Boy Scouts, told nobody about the admission.

A court found the Boy Scouts of America liable for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old boy and awarded $18.5 million in damages.

That trial outcome led to the eventual release of the files.

Most of the victims' identities have been kept confidential, but some have gone public with their claims.

In the documentary Tom Krumins, a survivor, says : 'We want to feel like our voices are heard. We want to feel like theres an opportunity to heal.'

A $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan took effect in April, allowing the Texas-based Boy Scouts to keep operating while compensating more than 80,000 victims.
A British couple on holiday in Crete have denied kicking up a fuss about the quality of their meals  and walking out of at least three local tavernas without paying.

Angela and Ian McKie, who are from Liverpool, were slammed on the Greek holiday island after reportedly tucking into food and drinks before complaining loudly about their meals and refusing to pay.

They are said to have stormed off without settling their bills in at least three restaurants on separate nights around the village of Koutouloufari in the north of the idyllic island.

But speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Mr McKie hit back and said there was only one incident, where they quibbled over some 'badly cooked' chicken and chips for 12.

He said they complained about the meal and were threatened with jail by the restaurant manager, so paid in cash and left.

Angel and Ian McKie have denied leaving three restaurants in Crete without paying

The couple are believed to have walked out of the Ariadni Apartments restaurant, known for its fine pizzas and seafood

Mr McKie said: 'What we are being accused of is simply not true. It is a little village with one road of shops, bars and tavernas.

'It would be impossible to leave one restaurant without paying, never mind three because everyone knows each other.'

He added: 'We were flying home the next day and they'd have never let us on the flight. There is not one ounce of truth in what they are claiming.'

Mr McKie, who works as an electrician, admitted that he and his wife refused to pay for part of the final meal of their holiday on 30 August at the Taverna Pithari, in the village of Koutouloufari after complaining that their chicken and chip dish was undercooked.

He said: 'The waitress asked if everything was OK with the meal, and we said the chicken and chips were undercooked.

'We then spoke to the manager, and I said we wouldn't be paying for that meal. He then said to me that if I didn't speak good Greek, I'd be spending the night in a prison cell.'

Ms McKie, 54, added: 'As soon as he mentioned the police, I started to panic. We didn't want to get into trouble with the police so paid the bill in full.

'We were not refusing to pay the entire bill. It was the 12 for my meal.'

The catering assistant continued: 'It has caused a great deal of stress. We are honest people and have been called thieves. We have never walked out of anywhere without paying the bill.'

The couple insisted that they eventually paid the bill in full, which was 52 Euros.

Mr McKie said: 'As we were walking out of the restaurant, the manger grabbed my arm demanding that I paid.

'I told him the cash was in the payment box on the table. And as for the other restaurants, I have no idea about them. We have not been to them. If we had left without paying, why didn't they call the police?'

An angry member of staff at Ariadni Apartments posted a picture on Facebook of the couple dining along with a warning that they refused to pay

Ms McKie is a former director of Bluebells nursery in the Netherley area of Liverpool, which has around 40 children and has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted.

The couple have two children, a daughter aged 27 and a son, 23.

She said: 'We love Crete and have been going there for 35 years.

'The people are lovely. Since we've returned home, I have had messages for people in Greece saying don't come back and that we are not welcome. It is so unfair as we have done nothing wrong.'

A storm around the couple's alleged antics erupted after an outraged member of staff at the Ariadni Apartments restaurant posted their picture on Facebook, along with message stating: 'Keep an eye on this couple. After finishing their meal, they refuse to pay the bill.

'We are third restaurant so far where they have tried this tactic. It's good restaurant owners in the village communicate with each other so we know what to expect.'

The post on the Facebook group Koutouloufari For Ever attracted more than 200 comments.

One woman rushed to defend the restaurant, posting: 'Such beautiful people and place!! Shame on you.'

Another furiously posted: 'How disgusting. How could anyone do such a thing to the lovely people around the area.

'It's people like that who give us English a bad name. I see it has been shared on the posts that I am a member of. I hope they rot in hell for what they have done.

'They are probably on their way back home by now. So sorry to all those lovely people who have been affected x'

A third Brit added: 'Why can't the taverna owners join forces and bring a few hefty brothers/cousins/mates into the village as an "encouragement" for these lowlifes to pay up, if the cops won't do anything?'.

Former Ministry of Defence worker Mark Flynn, 59, who has lived in Crete for 16 years accused the couple of 'taking advantage of the kindness of Greek people'.

But Mr and Mrs McKie insist they have done nothing wrong and that they only tried to refuse to pay half of their meal at Taverna Pithari, and ended up doing so when the manager threatened to call the police

He added: 'It looks like they have been going into restaurants to eat. It is the custom here for places after a meal to provide a free dessert and a glass of the local raki firewater.

'They then apparently started complaining in each place about the service and meal they had been given even though they had eaten and drunk everything.

'As far as restaurants are concerned, it is often just easier for them to let people like that walk away, and forget about it, because most diners are very honest.

'But in this case, it seems that this couple have gone too far and have tried the same stunt repeatedly in at least three places. It is extremely unusual for local restaurants to post something like this because they don't like to cause a scene, and it is a sign that they must have been very upset.'

Mr Flynn who is from Plymouth, Devon, added: 'It is the first time I have heard of Brits doing this in all my time here.

'When it has previously happened, it has been Russians or Israelis. Everyone is really angry about it because the behaviour of one couple is giving all British people a bad name.

'It is not a very nice thing to do at all. The Greeks are wonderful people and do not deserve to be abused like this.'
He built a successful career as a Manhattan architect before his arrest in July

Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann owes thousands of dollars in stolen wages from staff at his Manhattan architecture firm, according to a lawsuit filed by the New York Department of Labor.

The alleged murderer, 59, owes employees $20,908 in unpaid wages from his firm RH Consultants & Associates, the lawsuit claims. He is also being sought for $9,767 in interest payments, $20,208 in liquidated damages, and and additional $33,362 in civil penalties.

Heuermann counted Nike, American Airlines and Target as clients during his three-decade architecture career, while allegedly also strangling three women and taunting their families with phone calls - often allegedly made from his New York office.

He is charged with first and second degree murder in connection with the deaths of three victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. Authorities say he is the 'prime suspect' in another killing, Maureen Brainard-Barnes.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, comes days after Heuermann's distraught family slammed police for tearing their Long Island home apart in search of evidence.

After starting his architecture firm in 1994, Heuermann built a successful career in Manhattan before his dramatic arrest in July

The 59-year-old allegedly made taunting phone calls to his victims' families from his architecture offices in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue (pictured)

He was reportedly first ordered to repay the wages in January 2021 - over a year before he landed on cops' radar as the potential killer - and had paid back $16,300 before his arrest in July.

Alongside his architecture work, which mainly focused on internal building design, Heuermann was also known in the New York property sphere as an expert fixer who had an intimate knowledge of the state's bureaucracy.

In an interview with a French journalist in 2022, he boasted of his career success and abilities as a 'troubleshooter'. In an ominous moment talking about his skillset, he said he was inspired by his dad, whom he described as a cabinet maker and an 'aerospace engineer who built satellites.'

'I have one tool that's pretty much used in every job  a cabinet maker's hammer,' he said of both his furniture-making and consulting.

'It is persuasive enough when I need to persuade something, and it always yields excellent results.'

Asked if he meant he was 'that kind of hammer for your business,' Heuermann replied: 'Sometimes I have to be the heavy framing hammer. Other times I'm the lightweight hammer just to nudge things along.'

Heuermann, pictured during a 2022 interview about his architecture firm, boasted that he was an expert architect who had a knack as a 'troubleshooter'

Heuermann is charged with with the deaths of three victims, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. He is the 'prime suspect' in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes

Alongside the three murders he has been charged with, Heuermann is suspected of being responsible for several other sets of remains found on Gilgo Beach, New York over a decade ago

Heuermann's dramatic arrest outside his offices in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on July 13 came as a result of a decade-long hunt for the infamous Gilgo Bach serial killer.

The first set of remains were found along the strip of coastline in December 2010, when the body of Melissa Barthelemy, 24, was discovered during a search for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert, 23.

Two days later, cops realized they may have a manic serial killer on their hands when three additional sets of remains were discovered - those of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Costello and Megan Waterman.

The bodies were found along a half-mile stretch on Gilgo Beach, where several other bodies have been found - some of which police are still determining if Heuermann had anything to do with.

The three woman he has been charged with killing and the one he is suspected of murdering were all found wrapped in camouflaged burlap, and worked as escorts on Craigslist, officials said.

Heuermann's arrest in July outside his Manhattan offices came after a decade-long hunt for the Gilgo Beach serial killer. He first landed on investigators' radar in March 2022

A map showing where the victims remains were located along the barren stretch of Ocean Beach Parkway in Gilgo Beach, located on the South Shore of Long Island

Following his dramatic arrest, Heuermann's ramshackle home in Massapequa Park, Long Island, was combed through by forensic investigators

Crews scoured the home, including the backyard, for days for further evidence. Heuermann's family have recently criticized cops for tearing apart their property

Investigators claimed that following Barthelemy's disappearance, taunting phone calls were made to her family where a man described in grim detail how he sexually assaulted and killed her.

The sickening phone calls were used by police after he was first floated as a suspect in March 2022.

According to documents filed in court, investigators that month were looking into the murder of Costello, where a Chevrolet Avalanche was spotted by a witness at the time of the killing.

Following the identification of Heuermann as the owner of a vehicle that matched one seen at the crime scene, cops issued over 300 subpoenas, search warrants and other legal processes to obtain further evidence - including his cellphone records.

Through Heuermann's American Express records, police were able to link him to a Tinder account in which he used a pseudonym, his middle name, Andy. That account was linked to one of his many burner phones.

He was known to go through a slew of burner phones, and as recently as this year he allegedly used one of the phones 'extensively for prostitution-related contacts' including sex workers and massage parlors.

In January, with police surveilling him, police recovered a pizza box that he had tossed into a garbage can in Manhattan. They were able to match the DNA from the leftover pie with a sample that was taken from the burlap sack that the killer used to conceal Waterman's body.

Police say that the burner cell phones and the victim's phones put Heuermann in the area where the victims were found around the times of their disappearances and around his Midtown Manhattan office when phone calls were made, including the taunting Barthelemy call.

In January, with police surveilling him, police recovered a pizza box that Heurmann had tossed into a garbage can in Manhattan that they used to obtain his DNA

Heuermann's distraught family have returned to their Long Island home, and have criticized police for tearing it apart during their search for evidence

New York state police removed a massive haul of weapons from Heuermann's Long Island home during their investigation in July

One of the burners used by Heuermann showed extremely sexually graphic internet searches for sexual assault and torture.

While an email address used by Heuermann saw him regularly Google in search of updates in the Long Island serial killer case, including podcasts and documentaries.

The case has drawn immense public attention. The mystery attracted national headlines for many years and the unsolved killings were the subject of the 2020 Netflix film 'Lost Girls.'

Determining who killed them, and why, has vexed a slew of seasoned homicide detectives through several changes in police leadership. Last year, an interagency task force was formed with investigators from the FBI, as well as state and local police departments, aimed at solving the case.

The investigator charged with tracking down the killer for years, ex-police chief James Burke, has been condemned in recent months for his handling of the case.

Following his arrest, forensic investigators scoured Heuermann's home, where they retrieved a slew of items including a freezer and a massive haul of firearms.
Yesterday, state Attorney General Tish James, joined by the Legal Aid Society, New York Civil Liberties Union and private plaintiffs reached a settlement with the NYPD over its treatment of protected speech protest activity as a result of its heavy-handed response to the 2020 racial justice protests following the killing of George Floyd.

The new agreement sensibly sets out a tiered framework for police response to so-called First Amendment activity (FAA), including a minimal presence during peaceful protests and the deployment of additional resources and units like the troubled Strategic Response Group only if a newly-appointed FAA executive signs off on it. Under it, the level of response is intended to be directly proportional to the level of supposed criminal activity happening around a protest with the explicit goal of preventing the police from chilling speech. Good going for James and the other plaintiffs in safeguarding our speech rights.

That the NYPDs protest-response tactics and accountability practices needed a reevaluation is hardly arguable when just weeks ago the departments actions triggered $13 million in settlements to be paid by taxpayers, but precious few real consequences for the officers involved. Former Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell refused to impose the Civilian Complaint Review Boards often mild recommended discipline in more than half of cases where officers were even identified, not to mention the dozens where they werent.

Still, a settlement is just words on paper without real enforcement muscle behind it. The Nunez settlement, which has for about eight years directed the city to improve dangerous conditions and pervasive violence on Rikers Island, has clearly failed to in and of itself compel the sorts of changes that are necessary, even if it has allowed the continued failures to be extensively documented by the federal monitor. Remedial orders and other motions failed to meaningfully move the needle. The settlement may finally lead to actual improvement if and when Manhattan Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain appoints a monitor, who would have real teeth to implement reforms.

The closer parallel of the Handschu settlement, reached more than three decades ago to curb the NYPDs habit of aggressively surveilling political movements and organizations that it disapproved of, clearly did not stop the department from, for example, unlawfully surveilling Muslim Americans in the aftermath of 9/11. These settlements then can best be understood as tools facilitating the type of active intervention that is often necessary, and not the intervention itself.

Fortunately, this settlement lays out a pretty robust and multi-phase oversight system, including a committee formed by the attorney generals office, the commissioner of the Department of Investigation, corporation counsel, the forces new protest chief and representatives from the plaintiffs, who will examine the NYPDs compliance in phase two. The court will retain jurisdiction for a year after this phase.

This is the most important part of the settlement, and the key to its success. The NYPD can and might well claim without backing that a peaceful protest has criminality risk requiring an elevated response, for example. Both the committee and the courts must be willing to seek and mandate real consequences for noncompliance, including aggressive disciplinary action. Officers and department leaders should understand that violating the Constitution is not something that will be tolerated.
A database of childhood photos of everyday Australians could help artificial intelligence detect signs of abuse, experts say.

Monash University launched its My Pictures Matter campaign last June in the hopes of crowd-sourcing 100,000 photos of Australian children.

So far only 1,000 images have been collected and the Australian Federal Police are appealing for more people to send submissions.

The campaign will assist the creation of a new AI which can find child sexual abuse material on the dark web and suspects' electronic devices.

It will not trawl through all parts of the internet and instead will be used to hone in on specific persons of interest.

Monash University and Australian Federal Police are calling for everyday Aussies to submit their childhood photos to the My Picture Matters campaign

The campaign is aiming to collect 100,000 'safe' childhood photos to help develop an AI that can detect child sexual abuse material on the dark web and suspects' electronic devices

The AFP believes the new technology will save the mental wellbeing of hundreds of officers who are regularly exposed to the horrific material.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale is 'deeply concerned' about the high volume of child abuse material circulating in Australia.

'This project is so important because it may not only save a child from being abused a day longer but it also will help our members who day-in, day-out are required to watch children being sexually abused for investigative purposes,' she said.

'The AFP and Monash University are asking adults to provide pictures of themselves in their youth, not images of their children because consent is important.

'This enables development of technology that is both ethically accountable and transparent.

'We also do not want to source images from the internet because children in those pictures have not consented for their photographs to be uploaded or used for research.'

Deputy Commissioner Gale urged Australians to consider the children who could be saved from harmful situations by the new technology.

'The creation of child abuse material is a horrendous crime,' she said.

'The victims in these images are children and they are being used as a commodity for the sexual gratification of others, including those who try to make money from the abuse.

'The children in this material are not actors, they are real children being abused.

'As someone who is dedicated to protecting our most vulnerable, I will do my small part to encourage the crowdsourcing of images, and I hope other Australians will do so as well.'

Australians looking to submit their photos must be over 18 and give formal consent for its use in the research

The My Pictures Matter campaign was launched in June last year but has only collected 1,000 photos

For the AI to best learn the difference between 'safe' situations and instances of abuse, it needs a database of 100,000 'safe' childhood photos from people of different ethnicities aged from infancy to 17.

The AI will be able to start operating with just 10,000 photos.

Monash University is accepting 'safe' photos from anyone over the age of 18.

The photos can show multiple people so long as all those pictured give consent for its usage in research.

The project is being developed by Monash University in partnership with federal police but the university alone will be responsible for the safe storage of the photos.

It will only share the photos with police or other research agencies if contributors choose to consent while uploading and with renewed permission at the time.

'Consent isn't just saying "yes", it means understanding what you're agreeing to,' My Pictures Matter Project Head, Dr Nina Lewis, said.

'We can reassure people that this dataset is wholly owned and managed by Monash University, with use by our AFP colleagues subject to the same transparency and accountability measures that apply for all researchers on the team working to combat child abuse.

'People are also free to withdraw their childhood photos from the dataset if they change their mind.'

Several AFP officers have already uploaded their own photos and hope to get the project off the ground as soon as possible.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale (above) said the AI tool will help save children and protect the wellbeing of officers who are regularly exposed to child abuse material

The renewed push is part of the AFP's effort for National Child Protection Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday.

Since the agency created the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in 2018 it has removed 637 children from harm, identified 570 victims and charged 877 alleged offenders with 7,029 offences.

To upload your photos or find out more, visit mypicturesmatter.org.
A 'one in 15 million' computer failure in Britain's air traffic control system was to blame for the Bank Holiday meltdown in UK flight operations.

A software update is due to take place this week to prevent a repeat of the mayhem, it has emerged.

The system failure at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) saw the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights and disrupted the travel plans of more than 300,000 people.

Families were stranded across the world with many forced to sleep on airport floors and facing massive bills, running to thousands of pounds, to find accommodation and alternative routes home.

At the time of the crisis, two sets of NATS computer engineers, one on-site at the Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centre, Hampshire, and a second team working remotely were unable to fix the problem.

A 'one in 15 million' computer failure in Britain's air traffic control system was to blame for the Bank Holiday meltdown in UK flight operations. Pictured: Passengers waiting at Stansted Airport on August 29 after flights were delayed

A software update is due to take place this week to prevent a repeat of the mayhem, it has emerged. The system failure at National Air Traffic Services saw the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights and disrupted the travel plans of more than 300,000 people. Pictured: Travellers whose flights were cancelled/delayed at Stansted Airport last month

It was only resolved after a technical design team and the manufacturer of the computer system were contacted.

NATS chief executive Martin Rolfe, who took home 1.3million this year, said one of its systems failed after it 'didn't process (a) flight plan properly'.

He added it was a 'one in 15 million' event that caused hundreds of thousands of people to be stranded abroad, some for up to a week.

The subsequent switch to manual processing meant the average number of plans it could handle dropped from around 400 per hour to as few as 60, leading to restrictions on flights to and from UK airports.

More than a quarter of flights were cancelled that day, affecting around 250,000 people.

Cancellations continued for two more days as planes and crews were out of position.

Asked what the odds of this happening were, Mr Rolfe replied: 'We know it's at least one in 15 million, because we've had 15 million flight plans through this system and we can be absolutely certain that we've never seen this set of circumstances before.'

In a preliminary report shared with Transport Secretary Mark Harper, NATS did not identify the route of the flight plan which led to the chaos but stated the aircraft was scheduled to enter UK airspace during an 11-hour journey.

Airlines' flight plans feature waypoints, which represent locations and are identified by a combination of letters and numbers.

The flight plan which caused last week's disruption was submitted to Eurocontrol - which oversees ATC across Europe - before being passed on to NATS.

The process led to the plan featuring two waypoints around 4,000 nautical miles apart but with identical names.

This meant Nats' software was unable to extract a valid UK portion of the flight plan and reacted by shutting down.

A back-up system followed the same steps and also stopped working.

Nats said an 'operating instruction' has been put in place to allow the 'prompt recovery' of the system if there is a repeat of these circumstances. A 'permanent software change' to prevent it shutting down in such an event is expected to be implemented in the coming days.

Mr Rolfe said: 'I'm very confident that the changes we're making here will prevent this incident from happening ever again.'

The CAA is today triggering an independent inquiry - expected to take three months - into what it has called 'an improbable data anomaly'.

An initial investigation by NATS points to a software glitch linked to the flight plan of a single long-haul flight passing through UK airspace.

The flight was due to take off 4am on Bank Holiday Monday and then fly over the UK before going on to land at its destination at 3pm on the same day.

A problem identifying the entry and exit points through UK airspace meant both the main computer system and its back-up went into 'critical exemption' mode and effectively stopped working 'to preserve safety'.

As a result, air traffic controllers were reduced to manually plotting the comings and goings of aircraft, which dramatically reduced the number of flights that could be handled.

The former BA boss and head the international airlines body, IATA, Willie Walsh, has estimated the cost of cleaning up the mess for carriers, including paying refunds and covering the expenses of passengers, could be as much as 100 million.

He has called for a change in the compensation regime to make NATS responsible for any losses caused by its failures.

The details of the airline and flight plan linked to the computer failure have not been revealed, however there are indications it was a transatlantic flight between North America and France.

CAA sources say the details of the flight are not relevant as 'a correct flight plan was entered' and this was entirely a 'downstream systems issue'.

The NATS investigation states that this was the first time the problem had occurred in the five years the computer system has been operating, handling more than 15 million flights. One person close to the inquiry suggested that this was a 'one in 15m' event. Pictured: Disrupted travellers at Stansted Airport on August 29

The NATS investigation states that this was the first time the problem had occurred in the five years the computer system has been operating, handling more than 15 million flights. One person close to the inquiry suggested that, as a result, this was a 'one in 15m' event.

NATS said an imminent change to the system software should prevent any repeat.

It said: 'A permanent software change by the manufacturer... will prevent the critical exception from recurring for any flight plan that triggers the conditions that led to the incident.' On the issue of whether NATS should pay up for the disruption, it said: 'It is not within NATS' remit to address any wider questions arising from the incident such as cost reimbursement and compensation for the associated disruption.' There is no evidence of any cyber and the CAA is satisfied there was no risk to the safety of travellers.

It said: 'This technical event is now understood and should it reoccur would be fixed quickly with no effect to the aviation system.

'A software adaptation is planned to be implemented by the manufacturer this week once testing is complete and change process assessed, this will mean it will not reoccur.'
Karl Stefanovic has called out Anthony Albanese's government and accused them of having a transparency issue, following its decision to block Qatar Airways from flying extra routes after being lobbied by Qantas.

In July, the Labor government rejected a proposal by Qatar Airways to add an extra 21 Australian routes - a bid that might have reduced airfares and boosted the tourism industry by $788 million.

The move came under scrutiny after it was revealed Qantas lobbied the government to do so before posting a record $2.5 billion profit over the 2022/23 financial year.

Transport Minister Catherine King has insisted the decision was made on national interest grounds and not to protect national airline carrier Qantas from competition.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied speaking to Qantas but clarified in parliament on Tuesday he did speak to Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka before the final decision was made in July.

That decision will now be the subject of an inquiry after Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie successfully advocated for an official probe into the matter.

On the Today Show, Stefanovic didn't mince words when Treasurer Jim Chalmers appeared.

He described the decision to block Qatar Airways as 'bad,' 'negligent,' and 'horrendous,' and he criticised the Labor government for its handling of the situation, referring to it as a 'dog's breakfast.'

'I mean, Labor's a dog's breakfast on this,' Stefanovic declared.
Tucker Carlson is planning to air an interview with the convicted con artist who claims he engaged in drug-fueled sex acts with Barack Obama.

In a promo clip on the social media platform X, the former Fox News host teased the interview with Larry Sinclair, who alleges Obama bought and smoked cocaine with him before they had a sexual encounter in 1999.

Sinclair first aired his claims during the 2008 election, including at a press conference that ended in his arrest on an outstanding larceny warrant, but has never offered proof of his allegations.

In the teaser clip for the Carlson interview, Sinclair is seen claiming that, in 1999, he gave Obama $250 to purchase cocaine, which Sinclair snorted and Obama smoked, before the two men had a sexual liaison.

Carlson in the clip is seen describing Sinclair's claims about Obama as 'credible information that he's smoking crack and having sex with dudes'.

Convicted con artist Larry Sinclair (left) will appear on Tucker Carlson's show on X to revive his longstanding claims of drug-fueled sex with Barack Obama

A spokesperson for Obama's personal office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Tuesday evening.

Sinclair has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions on forgery, fraud and larceny charges, and has served prison time in Arizona, Florida and Colorado.

In 2008, when Sinclair first aired his claims, Politico reported on the saga, noting that the 'story has generally been ignored by the mainstream media, because he's been unable to substantiate his allegations.'

In June 2008, Sinclair rented a room at the National Press Club in Washington DC, and spoke for an hour, going into great detail about two sexual liaisons he claimed to have had with Obama in 1999, one in the back of a limo and another in a hotel room in Gurnee, Illinois.

Sinclair claimed that a limo driver introduced him to Obama after Sinclair asked for help connecting with someone to 'party,' and that Obama, then an Illinois state senator, readily introduced himself with his real name and job title.

The press conference ended in Sinclair's arrest on an open warrant from Delaware, after liberal bloggers who supported Obama apparently tipped off DC police to his scheduled appearance.

For more than a decade, Sinclair's claims were taken seriously only by the furthest fringe of conspiracy theorists, and had largely receded from public discourse.

Last week, Carlson revived the long-defunct controversy in a podcast interview.

Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are seen at the US Open last week. They have been married since 1992 and share two daughters

In June 2008, Sinclair rented a room at the National Press Club in Washington DC, and spoke for an hour about his claims. He is seen above at the press conference

Larry Sinclair, who claims he performed a sexual act on Barack Obama, poses with women at Trump National Doral Miami in a photo he posted October 12, 2019 from Miami, Florida.

Carlson, 54, speaking on the popular Adam Carolla Show last week, said: 'In 2008, it became really clear that Barack Obama had been having sex with men and smoking crack.'

'A guy came forward, Larry Sinclair, and said 'I'll sign an affidavit' and he did, 'I'll do a lie detector' and he did,' he added, calling Sinclair's claims 'obviously true.'

In fact, Sinclair notoriously failed the lie detector test in 2008, and then publicly accused Obama adviser David Axelrod of bribing the examiners to rig the results, according to Courthouse News Service.

Sinclair's history of sworn statements is also dubious. In 2004, he signed an affidavit claiming to be 'terminally ill' as he sought to have a warrant dismissed, although nearly two decades later he appears to still be alive.

Carlson was fired by Fox News in April, and has since been producing his own show on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

The pundit has claimed he was fired as a condition of Fox News' $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems to end a lawsuit concerning the spread of lies about the 2020 presidential election.

Other media reports have claimed Carlson was fired over incendiary communications uncovered during the lawsuit.

Private messages sent by Carlson with 'highly offensive and crude remarks' were a 'catalyst' in Fox's decision to cut him loose, according to the New York Times.

One redacted message included a slur against a senior Fox executive, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post both reported. Each of the reports relied on sources that were not named.
It is illegal for stores to sell products containing nicotine

It is illegal for stores to sell products containing nicotine

Concerned parents have unleashed on a 'loophole' that allows stores to sell vapes and tobacco products alongside toys, and attracting children to them.

Moonee Ponds Toyland in Melbourne's northwest has a neon 'we sell tobacco' sign beneath its sign outside the store.

Jacquie Felgate from 3AW, who is a concerned mother-of-two, took photos of several other shops selling both tobacco and lollies and toys and posted them to her Instagram on Tuesday.

'It's a loophole that allows traders to sell vapes alongside toys and products targeted to kids. The vapes often contain nicotine which is illegal,' she wrote.

Concerned parents have unleashed on a 'loophole' that has allowed a toy store to sell vapes and tobacco alongside products targeted to children (pictured)

Jacquie Felgate from 3AW radio (pictured) posted a series of photos of illegal tobacco stores also selling lollies and toys marketed to children to Instagram on Tuesday

On the store's website, there is no mention of tobacco products among the catalogue of Ben10 figurines, Lego kits, Disney products and baby items.

Parents who saw her post slammed the shop owner for combining toys with tobacco products.

'WTAF? This is why we need a special part of government called, 'the department of common sense' which has overriding powers to squash s*** like this immediately. This is so bloody wrong,' one woman wrote.

'Kids love grabbing a packet of ciggies as they get some new Lego,' a second said.

A third shared: 'This is happening everywhere. These shops popping up marketing themselves as American candy then selling vapes and other smoking paraphernalia.'

Craig Sinclair, director of prevention at the Cancer Council, told 3AW there were too many tobacco stores willing to sell products to children.

'It's still legal unfortunately, and we expect reform to come soon,' he said. 'But it's still legal for retailers to sell e-cigarettes alongside lollies and confectionary.

'They are absolutely obligated not to sell them to children but that's the problem that we know is going on.'

Mr Sinclair said many e-cigarettes still contained nicotine despite labels on the product stating otherwise.

'A large proportion of e-cigarettes being sold in these shops have nicotine in them, so that means they're actually illegal products,' he said.

'No one is allowed to sell nicotine, e-cigarettes in this state without a prescription.

'It's an open game unfortunately. Too many retailers are selling to young kids and many of those products contain nicotine.'

In a photo of another store in Brighton, the store shelves are stocked with cigars, cigarettes, vapes, American candy and popular Prime drinks (pictured)

It is illegal for businesses other than pharmacies to sell vapes and e-cigarettes containing nicotine in Victoria. However, retailers do not require a license to sell tobacco

In Victoria, it is illegal for businesses other than pharmacies to sell vapes and e-cigarettes containing nicotine.

However, stores do not require a license to sell tobacco. A manager must ensure the products are not sold to children under the age of 18.

Retailers caught selling tobacco to underage children face a fine of up to $9,514.

In May, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced a major vaping crackdown, including banning popular single-use disposable vapes and barring the import of non-prescription vaping products into Australia.

Adults will only be able to purchase vapes in pharmacies with a prescription rather than in retail stores, and vapes will only be sold in plain packaging and flavours.

Mr Butler described vaping as the 'biggest loophole in Australian history' and the 'No. 1 behavioural issue in high schools'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Moonee Ponds Toyland for comment.
DNA test to see if they are from Melbourne woman Vinh Chuong

Human remains have been found at a swimming hole in far north Queensland, with police fearing they may belong to a dental assistant who went missing eight months ago.

Vinh Chuong, who lived in Melbourne, has now been identified as the woman reported missing after she was swept away by fast flowing water in the Mossman River on January 6.

A search and rescue operation was launched after the 54-year-old was taken downstream and disappeared underwater during bad weather.

Police divers and the SES searched for six days before the investigation was scaled back and became a recovery mission as it was presumed Ms Chuong had drowned.

Eight months later, a tourist made a grim discovery after finding a human tibia on the riverbed at Mossman Gorge, 20km north from Port Douglas, on August 22.

Police divers and the SES searched for 54-year-old Vinh Chuong after she went missing at Mossman river in January (pictured)

Police searched the waters after human remains were found eight months after Ms Chuong went missing (pictured). Forensic testing will confirm whether the bones belong to the missing tourist

Divers conducted a new search of the area on August 28 to 29 and recovered more bones.

Police are waiting for forensic testing to confirm whether the bones belong to Ms Chuong.

Mossman Police Officer in Charge Sergeant Matthew Smith said the discovery was not surprising but added a new line of inquiry would be raised if the bones did not belong to Ms Chuong.

'We're very hopeful that this may lead to some closure for her family but at this stage we have a fair bit of forensic DNA testing to be conducted to confirm that,' Sergeant Smith said.

'We have sort of been expecting this, her being underwater wedged under a rock,' he told the Cairns Post. 'If it's not her it's going to open a can of worms.'

Ms Chuong is understood to be the first person to have died at Mossman Gorge since 2014.

Mossman Gorge is a river in Daintree National Park, north Queensland, and is a popular swimming spot among locals and tourists (pictured)

A coronial inquest on February 15, 2014, examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Taiwanese tourist Che-Wei Su.

The 28-year-old, who was a strong swimmer and had completed military training, was visiting the gorge with his girlfriend and three friends at the time when he was swept downstream by strong currents and hit his head on boulders.

The inquest recommended a wide-ranging review to probe safety issues at the popular swimming spot.

Mossman Gorge, in the state's Daintree National Park, will remain open to the public.
A recording of the confronting moment William Tyrrell's foster mother kicked an 11-year-old girl during an argument over household chores has been aired in court.

In evidence played to the Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday, the foster mother can be heard talking about what the family has endured since William went missing, and the enduring mystery of what became of him.

'You don't know about the stuff we've had to do, you don't know about the stuff that's going on right now,' the foster mother told the girl after kicking her around 7.45am on October 20, 2021.

After the mother assaults the girl, the 11-year-old tells the foster father 'she kicked me', saying it was because the girl had threatened to kick another child.

The foster mother - whose identity is concealed and is known before the court as SD - interrupts and says 'just be quiet and sit there, so now you know how it feels'.

The girl then says to SD 'you're a bad mother'.

The foster parents later tell the girl she can leave the house and when she responds by saying she won't come back, SD says 'No-one's chaining you to the front door.'

During fights between the girl and the foster parents, she says at one point to JS - the foster father - 'I hate you, I hate her, I hate this family. I quit this family'. The girl directly tells SD: 'You're a f***ing b***h.'

Another recording was played in court of SD with another male while driving around in a car in which she slams her husband.

Awkwardly, the foster father was in court beside his wife to hear that recording.

William Tyrrell's foster parents arrive on Wednesday four court, which heard the moment when she committed her second assault, kicking an 11-year-old girl

'I'm pissed off with him and if I go home I'm going to say I'm over it,' SD says on October 9, 2021.

'I'm so angry. He treats me like s**t. He's supposed to be the father, but he acts like a f***ing 16-year-old.

'I am stuck in it. The house was fine, it was happy. But f***ing (JS).'

Saying her husband was 'mean and cruel' to the 11-year-old girl, she calls him a f***ing 54-year-old' and complains 'there's nowhere in that house for me to escape'.

'F***ing (JS) ... life does not work to (JS)'s time frame. He does not run the world.'

The foster mother broke down as the recording of her assaulting the girl was played, holding her head in her hands and wiping her eyes with a tissue.

The audio recordings are being played in court during a trial of the foster parents on charges of assaulting a child and stalking and intimidating to cause fear of physical or mental harm.

The accused couple were the foster parents of William Tyrrell who disappeared aged three in September 2014 in the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall and no trace of the toddler has ever been found.

No-one has ever been charged over his disappearance.

A new search of bushland within 700m of the Kendall house where William was last seen was conducted in late 2021, but no items of significance have been identified.

The evidence played on Wednesday followed a dramatic day on Tuesday in which the mother broke down during the playing of a recording of the moment she whacked the 11-year-old girl with a wooden spoon.

On the distressing audio tape, the foster mother can be heard telling the girl to go and get the wooden spoon, followed by the sound of the girl being hit.

The girl then repeatedly wails 'help me' before SD tells the girl to 'shut up'.

In a subsequent recorded phone call, the foster mother tells the foster father they had a problem because the assault had 'left a welt'.

The foster parents wept during the playing of the recording, which stemmed from a late night confrontation after they took away some of the child's clothes and toys.

William Tyrrell's foster mother (centre) - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - faced court on Tuesday alongside the missing boy's foster father

The assault, to which the foster mother has pleaded guilty, happened on January 26, 2021.

The recording was made after SD complained that the girl had 'lost $120 worth of clothes' and that she owned 'over a thousand dollars of toys'.

SD later told a friend she had 'cleared out' the girl's room, 'tipped out her toys' and reduced her to a few pairs of clothes, telling the friend, 'I feel awful ... but I have to do it, I have to break her.'

In the tape, at the sight of the cleared room, the girl sobs and first cries out at the couple 'you've ruined everything. You've taken everything and I don't know where it is.'

Then she says 'Help please, I need some help. I need some help. Hello, I need some help. Please, I need some help.'

She then breaks into loud anguished sobbing and screams, 'Please help me. You are not allowed to do that to me. I need help. I need help. I need help. I need help. I just need help. I just need some help. I just need some help.'

On the tape recording, the girl can be heard moving and she says 'I have the iPad upstairs. I'm calling'.

Movement can be heard, then the girl's anguished screams, sobbing and the foster mother saying 'Get up, get up, away from the screen', telling her to move her hands before the moment she is then is struck with the wooden spoon.

The girl then erupts into a series of nine long, drawn-out utterances of 'Noooo'.

It was at this point listening in the court room that the foster mother broke down and cried and her barrister requested a short break, which Magistrate McIntyre granted.

In a subsequent audio recording, the foster mother tells the girl that if she hears one more sound out of her that evening then SD will be going up to the girl's room and removing her meal.

'You seem to think that you can control me, that you control the situation. You can't, you never will,' SD says.

Multiple disturbing recordings from vehicles or two Sydney North Shore houses have been played in court of the 11-year-old girl screaming and sobbing inconsolably as William Tyrrell's foster parents yell and berate her.

In one audio recording, an apparently enraged foster father screams at the girl in a car as the ABC Radio morning news plays in the background. It starts: 'Every f***ing day!

'Close the front door. Move, f***ing move! We're done with this game. I'm over it. Out. It's f***ing ridiculous. I'm f***ing over it. It's f***ing stupid.'

As the sound of the child's sobbing continues, the foster father says: 'I'm done with it. You don't understand, you do this every day. Every day!'

'Don't lose your s*** now,' he says as more loud sobbing can be heard.

In a recorded exchange with the girl, the foster mother tells her: 'Look at me. The next time you talk back to me this is going on your bottom.'

In another recording, during an argument over the girl's clothes, the foster mother yells: 'Keep going, keep going, I will outlast you, you will not beat me at this.

'Look at me, I'm stronger. I will outlast you. You keep on, I'll go higher, I'll go harder. Your choice.'

The foster mother wept and embraced the foster father (the couple pictured above) as harrowing audio was played in court of her hitting the 11-year-old girl with a wooden spoon, then telling her to 'shut up' as the child sobbed and begged for help

The recordings being played date from November 2020 and January 2021.

In one of the recordings, the foster mother tells the 11-year-old in a loud and strident tone: 'Listen to me. Do what I say, not what you want. Not your position. MY position.

'You will do it MY WAY.'

On 26 January, 2021, in an argument about the girl having too many clothes, while a radio plays in the background SD told the girl: 'Be quiet, you don't get to talk, you have absolutely nothing to say. Zero.'

When the girl reacts and says, wailing 'I hate you', SD responds. 'You do what we tell you to do. NO means No.'

Cop takes the stand

The recordings are being played after the Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Senior Constable Sean Ogilvy, took the stand.

Police planned to play recordings of up to four hours of evidence since the foster mother pleaded guilty to two charges of hitting and kicking the 11-year-old girl.

The 58-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two charges of stalk and intimidate, while the foster father has pleaded not guilty to one count of stalking and one of common assault.

The offences involve the foster mother kicking the girl and hitting her with a wooden spoon during confrontations with the then primary schoolgirl over a mobile phone and after the child told the foster parents 'I hate you'.

The foster parents of missing toddler William Tyrrell (above) are accused of assaulting and stalking and intimidating a primary age schoolgirl in 2021 in a raft of incidents between January and August

The officer in charge of the case - Detective Senior Constable Sean Ogilvy - has taken the stand as disturbing recordings have been played in court

Following the two guilty pleas, the foster mother failed in a bid by her lawyer to have the five-day trial held in secret and closed off to the public and the media.
He will retain 100 per cent of his vision

Aussie tradie struck in the eye with a nail

An Aussie tradie has miraculously retained his vision after his eye was struck with a nail while renovating his home.

Stephan Giersberg, 45, was fitting a new window frame in his living room at his house in Boyup Brook, in Western Australia's southwest, when the accident occurred on August 17.

Mr Gierberg was using a nail gun to put the frame into place when one 35mm nail ricocheted off the wall and lodged in his left eye.

He was not wearing safety glasses at the time.

'I had scratched my glasses and I thought, 'it's just a few nails, what can go wrong?' he told 7News.

Stephan Giersberg (pictured right), 45, was renovating his home when he was struck in the eye with a nail

'That was my mistake.'

Mr Gierberg initially thought a splinter from the wall had struck his eye before he walked over to the mirror and realised it was a nail.

The former chef managed to drive himself to a local hospital, where staff placed a paper cup over the injury so the nail wasn't driven further into his eye.

He was then flown to Royal Perth Hospital via helicopter.

Doctors advised against a plane as they were unsure if his injury would worsen travelling at a higher altitude.

Surgeons operated on Mr Gierberg's eye by cutting into it, removing the nail and then stitching it back up.

Amazingly, he will recover 100 per cent of his vision within three months.

Doctors revealed that if the nail was a millimetre on either side of his left eye he would've been permanently blinded.

WA Country Health Service shared a post to Facebook about the miraculous story.

'After accidentally taking a nail to the eye, Boyup Brook local Stephan has credited the local hospital with helping to save his vision,' the post read.

Mr Gierberg told the hospital: 'The whole time I felt like I was in very safe hands, I feel incredibly lucky'.

He thanked the doctors, nurses, surgeons and aftercare workers for their individual efforts in getting the nail removed and providing care during his recovery.

He is already back on the tools performing 'light duties' and is now wearing full protective gear at all times.
Joe Rogan and Bill Maher have debated whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden was worse for the country on the podcaster's show.

Maher and Rogan both agreed on The Joe Rogan Experience that neither 2024 candidate was a good option, but argued over who was worse.

Rogan said 80-year-old Biden - America's oldest president in history - was 'mentally compromised.' The Club Random host then responded: 'As if other guy isn't?'

The MMA commentator attempted to reason that America's second-oldest president 'speaks much clearer.'

Rogan said that the 80-year-old Biden - America's oldest president in history - was 'mentally compromised'

'[Trump] might be crazy. He might be a sociopath. It still doesn't take away from the fact there's something wrong with Biden,' Rogan added. 'He makes up words. He stumbles through things.'

'He doesn't seem to know where he is half the time. That's my problem with him.'

Maher felt that Rogan should lower his standards for Biden when compared to former President Trump.

'We're living in a world where 'perfect' is not on the menu,' Maher said. 'These are the choices.'

Maher even admitted that Trump 'looks and sounds a lot more hearty and robust. He's a city roach, the worse things he eats, the stronger he gets. You cannot kill him.'

Rogan said Trump was 'the only [president] who didn't noticeably age.' 'No, we did,' Maher said. Maher tried to argue Trump was 'crazy' and 'stupid.'

Maher and Rogan both agreed that neither likely 2024 candidate was a particularly good option, they became combative when arguing over who was worse

Comedians and podcast hosts Joe Rogan and Bill Maher debated whether former President Donald Trump or current President Joe Biden was worse for the country on Rogan's show Saturday

'And crazy and stupid are two different things  stupid is 'Frederick Douglass is alive' or 'the stealth bomber is literally invisible,' Maher said.

'Crazy is 'it's important that the crowd at my inauguration was the biggest ever, and I'm going to make an issue of this for the first two weeks of my presidency despite photographic evidence of the contrary.' Or 'I'm going to steal these documents, and I'm going put them next to the toilet at Mar-A-Lago, and I'm going to fight you to take them back.'

'Or 'I'm not conceding the election.' Those are crazy  he's also a criminal.'

The two also battled over which of the two presidents lied more, with Rogan saying his biggest problem with Biden was 'he lies a lot.'

Maher responded: 'Well, certainly not more than Trump.'

'They both lie,' Rogan said. 'I don't think comparing [Biden] to Trump does anybody any good.'

'They're running against each other, so it's necessary,' Maher said.

Maher than reasoned that he agreed 'Joe Biden is not a great president,' he continued to say that 'you can't really believe [Trump] is not worse than Biden.'

'And the Hunter Biden stuff is a stinky scandal that stinks to the high heaven. But if you think that it compares to what Trump tried to do, then you just cannot tell unlike things apart.'

Maher felt that Rogan should lower his standards for Biden when compared to former President Trump

Maher even admitted that Trump 'looks and sounds a lot more hearty and robust. He's a city roach, the worse things he eats, the stronger he gets. You cannot kill him'

Bill Maher spent part of the interviewing comparing 'woke' progressives to the KKK, arguing both groups are fixated on race

Maher was responding to Rogan's assertion that the former HBO star is a '90s liberal' and not a 'far-leftists,' like the current progressive wing of the Democratic party

Maher spent part of his appearance slamming woke progressives again - this time arguing they are not like 'colorblind' liberals, and instead have a fixation on race that is comparable to that of the KKK.

He argued that, while liberals like former democratic presidents Barack Obama and John F Kennedy aim to to not see race at all, today's progressives are extremists who are obsessed with identity.

'[Wokes] believe race is first and foremost the thing you should always see everywhere, which I find interesting because that used to be the position of the Ku Klux Klan.'

Maher was responding to Rogan's assertion that the former HBO star is a '90s liberal' and not a 'far-leftists,' like the current progressive wing of the Democratic party.

The comedian has time on his hands amid the writers' strike, which prompted his HBO show Real Time to go on an unplanned hiatus for all of May and June before the planned July break in filming.

He is yet to return to the studio, as the strike continues.
Shocking footage has captured the moment a baby was fed beer by his father with the young boy's mother defending the horrifying act.

The dangerous stunt was filmed in the backyard of the family's home in Bundaberg, in south-east Queensland, on Father's Day on Sunday.

In the video, the baby's dad is seen appearing to feed the baby beer from a glass bottle, as he holds the child up between his legs.

The son can be seen tippling on tiny amounts of the alcoholic beverage while his father raises his arms in the air and rocks his head in approval.

The boy's mother filmed the astonishing scene for uploading footage to her Facebook account where it was shared by outraged social media users.

The mother clapped back at the criticism claiming it was a 'funny' moment while revealing she is expecting a second child.

A woman filmed her partner feeding their baby sips of beer on Father's Day in the couples backyard, before she posted footage of the dangerous stunt on social media

Many social media users blasted the parents for the disturbing act saying it had left them feeling shocked.

'Absolutely disgusting. [That's] Budaberg for ya [sic],' one wrote.

The mother claimed the family was just having some fun as part of Father's Day celebrations.

'I am not a bad mother,' she told 7News.

'We are the best parents... it was Father's Day!'.

'We all have photos of our grandparents or dads just having a laugh giving the son a sip of beer, not even it was coming out his mouth! [sic]'.

The woman, who is expecting her second child said the stunt was 'funny in my eyes' before launching into a scathing attack at her critics.

'Are you actually serious right now?' she said.

'How about you all look at yourself, no one is a straight Mumma, you have a laugh and giggle and some fun.

'Back in the day, we all have photos of our Dads giving us a sip of beer.'

The woman defended the couple's actions and said she thought the brazen act was 'funny in my eyes' after social media users slammed her over the negligent act

Queensland Police were made aware of the incident and told Daily Mail Australia they are conducting an investigation.

'Bundaberg police are aware of the depicted video and are making further enquires,' a spokesperson for Queensland Police said.

Act for Kids Executive Director Thomas McIntyre expressed concern for the child's welfare.

'Although we don't know the full circumstances around this baby or their family, Act for Kids does not condone any behaviour where a baby or child is given alcohol under any circumstances,' Mr McIntyre told Daily Mail.

'Even if some people may find this funny or if it was intended to be a joke, we wouldn't support any behaviour that involves or promotes the use of alcohol and a young child,' he said.

The state's Minister for Child Safety, Craig Crawford, also addressed the incident after he was asked about it at a press conference in Brisbane earlier.

Mr Crawford told reporters that people should contact authorities if they have concerns over such matters.

Experts have warned alcohol is not safe for babies as it can affect their brain development and can even cause seizures.

Pregnant mothers have been urged to avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as this will affect their child's growth.
A festival of poor planning and disappointment

Alexandria, Va.: I am writing to bring attention to the Electric Zoo music festival in New York City that took place Sept. 1-3. The event started off on a bad note when its organizers posted that the first day would be canceled due to supply chain disruptions that led to construction not being completed.

Day two started with an announcement that the festival would be delayed two hours due to ongoing construction. During the course of the day, people who were required to go to will call to receive their wristbands faced wait times of up to six hours. Some people were only able to enter in time to see the closing acts. When the day concluded, the crowd was forced into a narrow chokepoint where multiple people passed out from exhaustion or had panic attacks from being in tight quarters for hours.

I write this on day three. The issues continued. The will call lines seem to have been corrected, but the main line faced massive backups of more than an hour. At around 6:30 p.m., the festival denied further entry, stating the event was at capacity and claiming that anyone who was denied entry will receive full refunds. Currently, the people still inside can remain and the festival will go on until the scheduled ending time at 11 p.m. There are reports that people who were denied entry tried to rush through the closed gates.

Many details of the terrible experiences faced by many people who traveled to be at this festival can be found on the Electric Zoo Reddit page. Austin Burrow

Hypocrisy on parade

Bronx: So, we have a debate over the NYPDs use of drones in the recent West Indian Day Parade and other Caribbean festivities. Supporters say its needed for safety and security to ensure no trouble arises, while opponents say its racial profiling and a violation of civil rights, given that the spectators and participants are predominantly people of color. Well, one major question has not been addressed: Were there any drones present in the St. Patricks Day Parade, whose participants and spectators are predominantly Caucasian? If not, where were they, especially in wake of the continuous dangerous, divisive and deadly rhetoric of Donald Trump and some GOP leaders, along with the subsequent deadly violence of many MAGA extremists? Michael S. Wilbekin

Comics out, comics in

Manhattan: You ban Dilbert but you print a Baldo strip where his little sister quotes the author of Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, and General Tales of Ordinary Madness, in which Charles Bukowski constantly refers to gay men and Latinos with slurs. You dont see a little hypocrisy in that? Or is your PC-ness decided in a back room? You can either apologize and ban Baldo because you apparently love to be part of the cancel culture, or just do the right thing, grow a thicker skin and bring back Dilbert. Louie Russo

Whered it go?

Yorktown Heights, N.Y.: Please bring back the old-style crossword puzzle in the back of the Daily News Saturday edition. The current one is terrible. Why did you switch puzzles? William J. Griggs

Flat fee

Brooklyn: So, if I live in Staten Island, the Department of Sanitation will accept my flat-screen TV for disposal at no charge. In Brooklyn, I have to take my TV to Best Buy, 50 inches and smaller only, and theyll take it off my hands for $30. Yeah, Ill do that, it seems fair. Thats why flat-screens are dumped all over the place! Rocco Conte

By merit

Port Jefferson Station, L.I.: To Voicer Justine Chambers: Congratulations on all of your hard-earned accomplishments. When you entered Stuyvesant High School, you had to get a high grade on your entrance exam, which separated you from the merely good students. Along with you were other highly capable students of color who also did very well on their entrance tests. You now decry the lack of students who look like you in the Stuyvesant student body. No one, except maybe your parents, opened the door into this exceptional school  you did it with hard work and dedication. Maybe you should be addressing parents who do not follow what their children are doing in school. Do they make sure homework is done? Are they cognizant of any issues that are preventing their children from succeeding in academia? Please, Ms. Chambers, use your life story and multiple successes to show others the path to becoming a fully accomplished person. Bob Cavaliere

Very stable fable

Scarborough, N.Y.: Trumpty Dumpty sat on a wall / Trumpty Dumpty had a big fall / All the kings lawyers and all the kings men / Couldnt keep Trumpty out of the pen. Thomas F. Comiskey

Putins pal

Swarthmore, Pa.: Both Trumps former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper say that Trump was planning to pull out of NATO in a second term. Make no mistake about it: If Trump gets back into the White House, hell try to pull the U.S. out of NATO, the most powerful and effective military alliance in U.S. history. This would fulfill one of Vladimir Putins main goals of weakening our alliance. A vote for Trump is a vote for a weaker and more isolated America, and it is a vote that favors Putin, Americas geopolitical adversary. This is not putting America first, it is putting Putins Russia first. Ken Derow

Where are they?

Brooklyn: Doesnt anyone hear the demeaning silence of Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand as we are overwhelmed with misbehaving migrants? Maria Ciarametaro

Oddball odds

Rego Park: Several studies have reported that one in five New Yorkers has a mental health problem. If you live in a typical New York apartment with neighbors above and below you and on either side, that means you have a 60% chance that one of your neighbors will be crazy. Not good at math? This is like Aaron Judge batting .800, only this is not good and this is not a game. You take into account ancient building codes that permit paper-thin walls and floors and youre in deep doo-doo. The guardians of the Han dynasty could not have devised a more diabolical torture chamber than the New York City apartment. A seasoned real estate broker put it to me plainly: You have to get lucky. Jeff Rosenblatt

Exorbitant fee

Cedarhurst, L.I.: Voicer Mitch Kessler wrote regarding the tax we pay for the violations mentioned. I dont disagree, but here in Nassau County it is above and beyond a tax. Aside from the $50 fine for a speed camera violation, the Nassau County Legislature added $100. The tickets are $150. I have asked the county executive, my county legislator, my state senator and my assemblyman to give me the details of when this rule was enacted, who voted yes, why they added $100 and any other pertinent information. No one has answered. Almost any other violation can be mitigated in court, but not this. To the best of my knowledge, the state does not have a set time for the stop before you proceeded. A split second of your tires not moving should be sufficient to void the ticket. The cameras do not take this into account. What is a person of limited means to do? Ellie Weiner

Slow down

Tarrytown, N.Y.: I drive into the city because I work at various locations daily with cumbersome equipment, so I am a seasoned driver. Voicer Diane Stillmans letter gives a somewhat erudite opinion defending speeding and complaining about speed cameras. She said she cant stare at her speedometer while driving, hence she speeds. That would preclude that she constantly speeds as her failure to glance, as the majority of drivers intuitively do, would mean she is a bad driver and should enroll in a drivers safety program to maintain speed limits in a city where excessive speeding inevitably leads to accidents. Common sense should prevail and you wont receive camera tickets, whether you consider them taxation or not. Adam Reich
Social media firms have been told by the secretary of state for technology that they must block under-13s from their sites or face 'humongous' fines.

Michelle Donelan, who is the minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, said the government would pursue a 'zero-tolerance' approach to allowing young children on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

'If that means deactivating the accounts of nine-year-olds or eight-year-olds, then they're going to have to do that,' she told the Daily Telegraph.

'Because otherwise the mental toll and the ramifications for these young people is unimaginable and we're just storing up a bigger problem for tomorrow in terms of the long-term impact that we are going to face.'

Under the proposed bill, Ofcom, will have the power to fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they fail to include effective checks to enforce age limits in their terms and conditions.

Britain's Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan leaves a Cabinet meeting at No. 10 Downing Street

Social media companies could be fined up to 10% of their global turnover if they fail to include effective checks to enforce age limits in their terms and conditions

Company bosses could even potentially face jail terms up to two years as a maximum penalty for failing to fulfil these duties.

The legislation has, however, faced repeated amendments following backlash in the tech industry.

Earlier this year, a study suggested that social media is reprogramming children's brains and creating a generation of thin-skinned adults.

Youngsters see regions in the brain that control feelings of reward and punishment become overreactive compared to their peers who are not always online.

Researchers say the changes indicate that social media-addicted kids will grow up to become 'hypersensitive' to feedback from others.

It comes amid concerns the pandemic has made more children than ever addicted to social media.

Another study has suggested lockdowns damaged their ability to stand up straight because they spent so much time engrossed in technology.
Families have to operate within a budget, as do governments, as do businesses. So why should it be any different for local authorities?

Labour-run Birmingham City Council going into effective bankruptcy with debts of 760million shows a cavalier disregard for the prudent handling of public money.

Failure to get to grips with an equal-pay lawsuit hanging over the authority, plus an over-budget, botched IT system have contributed to this financial meltdown.

And it is the people of Birmingham who must pay the price. Only core services such as child protection and social care will be maintained. All other spending will be curtailed. Yet the councils leadership seems to admit little or no blame. Its as if it were an act of God, rather than the result of chronic mismanagement.

This is symptomatic of a wider malaise within local government. Birmingham is the fifth English council to issue a bankruptcy notice in recent years, with another 26 said to be on the brink.

Labour-run Birmingham City Council going into effective bankruptcy with debts of 760million shows a cavalier disregard for the prudent handling of public money

A worker clears the street of rubbish in Birmingham city centre on September 5, 2023

The detailed reasons have varied. With some it has been reckless investments, others have simply refused to cut their cloth according to their financial width.

But in every case, the culprits are looking to central government for a bailout.

Not every ailing council is Labour controlled, of course, but the majority are  offering a vision of how life could be with Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street.

Since Ken Livingstones profligate Greater London Council, Labour has been synonymous with municipal waste and sky-high council taxes. The Birmingham debacle shows the party still cant be trusted to control the public purse strings.

Customer disservice

The advent of digital banking has for many been hugely beneficial, allowing us to manage our money without the hassle of visiting a local branch.

But for millions, especially the elderly, online accounts remain both confusing and intimidating, not least through the increased exposure it brings to cyber-fraud.

That most of those will be loyal customers doesnt seem to bother the banks, who for a decade have been shutting branches at a rate of 50 a month. A staggering one in eight is now expected to close this year, leaving those reliant on face-to-face services more isolated than ever.

The sector has promised to fund banking hubs in communities devoid of branches. But so far, a paltry seven have been set up.

Shouldnt the greedy banks just come clean and admit they believe the traditional high street branch is now dead  and with it the once treasured notion of decent customer service.

Benefits everyone

Boosting economic growth and reducing the national debt mountain are two of Rishi Sunaks five promises to the public.

But without bringing some of the shocking 2.5million people who languish on sickness benefits back into the workforce, those goals will be tough to achieve.

If even a fraction found jobs, it would ease labour shortages, increase productivity, slash the 26billion long-term incapacity and illness bill, and swell tax receipts.

So the Government is right to press ahead with plans to encourage those with mental and physical health problems back to work.

Assessments will take more account of the possibilities of home-working. With todays technology, its surely not impossible for many to take on at least some paid employment  or face docked benefits.

Of course, the Left will accuse ministers of being cruel to the vulnerable. But welfare dependency is not just unfair to taxpayers who pick up the bill for state handouts. It can be just as crushing to the morale and life chances of those who rely on them.
A collection of 174 priceless Aboriginal artefacts which were gathering dust in a store room at a British museum have been returned to their rightful owners.

Manchester Museum handed back the relics to the Anindilyakwa community of Groote Eylandt, 50km off the coast of the Northern Territory, on Tuesday.

The 174 objects included 'culturally significant' shell dolls, boomerangs, armbands and spear throwers among other objects.

'Thank you for looking after our ancestors' artefacts,' Anindilyakwa elder Noeleen Danjibana Lalara told the museum's officials, crying as she spoke at the ceremony.

The so-called 'Worsley Collection' of 174 objects acquired by British Professor Peter Worsley who visited Groote Eylandt in 1953 has been given back to Aboriginal elders. Pictured: some of the shell 'dolls' from the collection

Negotiations between the museum, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the Anindilyakwa Land Council took three years

The hand-painted shells were painted by parents for their daughters and were considered important to generational bonds by the Anindilyakwa people

'Thank you so much ... from my heart, from my people. Thank you.'

The collection had been traded or purchased by esteemed sociologist Professor Peter Worsley who went to the area as part of his PhD studies in 1953.

The so-called 'Worsley Collection' doesn't comprise of any stolen items with the artefacts mostly bought or bartered for - including tobacco.

In the last 30 years 1200-plus artefacts have been returned to Indigenous communities by British museums and universities.

Australian-born human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson once called the British Museum 'the world's largest receivers of stolen property'.

Mr Worsley was an ex-army officer and respected anthropologist famous for introducing the term 'third world' into the English language.

The shells in the collection were hand painted by parents for their daughters and were considered important to generational bonds by the Anindilyakwa people.

The Anindilyakwa are the original inhabitants of Groote Eylandt, which is 50km offshore from the Northern Territory in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The museum's head of exhibitions, Georgina Young, said it was right the items were sent back home.

'Sitting with Elders and hearing them discuss this collection on the their land in their terms has enabled me to understand and care in ways not possible in a store room in Manchester, and brought us to a place of understanding together,' she said.

Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Stephen Smith said the return of the items is 'a great thing'.

'The return of these significant cultural heritage items is important for Australia's reconciliation process. It also helps renew cultural practices and safeguard such practices and items for future generations.

The return of the 'culturally significant' collection is considered important for Australia's reconciliation process

Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Stephen Smith said the return of the items is 'a great thing'

The Anindilyakwa are the original inhabitants of Groote Eylandt, which is 50km offshore from the Northern Territory in the Gulf of Carpentaria

'Returning this collection of items to representatives of the Anindilyakwa community and the children and grandchildren of those who made them is a great thing.

'I commend the collaborative way in which AIATSIS, Manchester Museum and the Anindilyakwa community have brought this project to fruition.'

Negotiations between the museum, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and the Anindilyakwa Land Council took three years.

Groote Eylandt, named by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, became the site of a manganese mine in 1964 when it was given a lease over the island, in exchange for royalty payments to the Church Missionary Society.

Manganese was used to make batteries.

Today the island is becoming renowned for its fine Aboriginal rock art sites, arts and crafts and outstanding sport-fishing.
France has banned makers of vegan food from using meaty names to advertise their products, claiming the industry has deep issues of 'transparency and honesty'.

A draft decree, in its final stages before it becomes law, has banned food-makers from using 21 words and phrases to describe plant-based products, including 'steak', 'escalope', 'spare ribs', 'ham', and 'butcher'.

Over 120 more meaty names and phrases will only be allowed on packaging and advertising if producers can prove that products do not exceed a threshold of plant proteins.

This would mean that vegan 'nuggets' or vegan 'bacon' would have to take on new names if levels of plant protein exceeds legal limits.

The decree will come into force three months after publication to give operators time to adapt their labelling.

It also leaves open the possibility for manufacturers to sell all product stocks labelled before it comes into force, at the latest one year after publication

The country's agriculture minister, Marc Fesneau (pictured right) said that the government's decree is all about helping consumers

Veganism is not a popular lifestyle in France, and in often associated with negative political connotations

The country's agriculture minister, Marc Fesneau, said that the government's decree, which has been submitted to the European Commission to make sure it doesn't violate its food labelling laws, is all about helping consumers.

He said that the vegan food industry has 'an issue of transparency and honesty responding to the legitimate expectations of consumers and producers.'

But vegan groups and animal rights activists claim that the French government is siding with the meat industry.

Guillaume Hannotin, a lawyer for the Proteines France organisation representing makers of vegan and vegetarian alternatives, said the term 'plant-based steak' had been in use for more than 40 years.

Meanwhile, Brigitte Gothiere, of the French animal rights' group L214, tweeted that the decree was an example of 'manipulation', calling the French agriculture ministry 'the ministry of meat'.

She said: 'Do people confuse motor oil, olive oil and jojoba oil? I think not. No more than they confuse vegan steak from beef steak.'

Despite the fuss, France has historically been a predominantly meat-eating country, and ranks the highest in beef and veal consumption per person in Europe.

According to an Ifop poll in 2020, less than 1% of the French population is vegan, and the word 'vegan' itself had become laden with negative political associations amid rows over activism against butcher shops.

Nearly a quarter of French people identify as flexitarian and are cutting down on meat.

But studies have shown that sales of vegan products in French supermarkets, including fake meat, are less than in neighbouring countries, such as the UK.

This isn't the first time France has tried banning food manufacturers from using meaty words for non-meat products.

The government's first decree on the matter, put forward last year, was considered too vague and was suspended by France's top administrative court, the council of state.

The court has asked for guidance from the European court of justice before making its final ruling at a later date.
Jordan Peterson has unleashed on Qantas, just months after he blasted the airline for playing an Aboriginal Acknowledgement of Country during one of their flights.

The psychologist and self-help author shared a screenshot of an article written by Rita Panahi, a columnist for the Herald Sun, that celebrated the early resignation of the airline's CEO, Alan Joyce.

'Good riddance to the man who transformed Qantas from the 'Spirit of Australia' into an arrogant, underperforming, and overcharging activist airline,' Panahi wrote.

Qantas's reputation has been battered following the controversy over its flight credits, ACCC complaints, attempt to block additional flights from Qatar airways and granting the prime minister's son an executive chairman's pass.

It's resulted in Mr Joyce resigning on Tuesday - bringing his resignation forward by a whole two months after he was grilled in a senate hearing last week.

Dr Peterson went on to suggest that the airline's Acknowledgement of Country message on flights resembled propaganda seen in countries like China and North Korea.

'The worst propaganda of any airline anywhere,' he wrote.

'Although I haven't flown in China Or North Korea. Do they have planes in North Korea?'

His latest comments come after he criticised an Acknowledgement of Country played to passengers on his flight to Perth in November last year.

'I could really do without the land acknowledgement propaganda delivered to me by a corporate behemoth @Qantas,' he wrote.

'I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way. Stick to (1) flying and (2) making money.

'I don't want or need moral lessons from you or any other corporation.'

Controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson has called out Qantas

There has been a significant uptick in Welcome to Country practices over the past decade, everywhere from the workplace and seminars to national sporting events.

A Welcome to Country can only be conducted by traditional owners or custodians of the land on which an event is taking place. In circumstances where a traditional owner is unavailable, an Acknowledgement of Country can instead be performed.

But some Aboriginal activists claim they are becoming so frequent that they're losing the full power of their meaning and making the general public 'apathetic' toward Indigenous Australians.

Kiescha Haines-Jamieson, an Aboriginal activist from Western Australia said: 'It was never intended for opening football games or corporate and social events'

'It was actually a practice used for ensuring permission and safe passage to and through tribal boundaries and now it's being so mainstreamed it has made people be apathetic.'

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has made similar arguments about the overuse of Welcome to Country ceremonies.

She has previously said she'd had enough of being 'symbolically recognised' and explained First Nations people wanted to be recognised and respected by their character rather than their race.

'I personally have had more than my fill of being symbolically recognised,' she said.

After watching the Welcome to Country ceremony ahead of the second State of Origin match, Ms Nampijinpa Price told 2GB's Ben Fordham she found such ceremonies 'a little bit narcissistic'.

She said: 'I'm sick and tired of these acknowledgements because of nothing more than my racial heritage.

'It's every single day I acknowledge and pay my respects and recognise Indigenous First Nations people in the room what for?

'What for you don't even know everyone in the room and why are we being singled out purely, only because of our race it's divisive.'
Aung San Suu Kyi requires 'urgent care' in prison after 'vomiting and severe dizziness' but has been denied treatment by the military junta who forced her out of power, according to her British son.

Fears over the health of the Myanmar democracy leader are growing as she has reportedly been left in such severe pain by gum disease medication she has been unable to eat.

Prison authorities made a request for private care for the 78-year-old which was denied, according to local sources.

Her youngest son, who lives in London, has now pled with the military leaders to allow his ailing mother to receive treatment.

Kim Aris, 46, slammed the military authorities, saying: 'To deny a sick prisoner access to recommended medical care is callous and cruel.

Aung San Suu Kyi requires 'urgent care' in prison but has been denied treatment by the military junta who forced her out of power

General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the junta, has ruled Myanmar since Suu Kyi's deposition and arrest in February 2021

'To the best of my knowledge my mother has been vomiting and has severe dizziness as a result of her ill health,' he said, speaking to The Times.

'Urgent care has been recommended by prison authorities but this has been denied.'

He added: 'I urge the authorities in Burma to relent and act in a humane way.'

Mr Aris wants his mother to be returned to her home in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon.

He called the decision by the military leaders to keep his mother in prison while she is suffering from poor health 'heinous' in an interview with The Independent.

Suu Kyi's youngest son Kim Aris, 46, slammed the military authorities as 'callous and cruel'

'To hold someone illegally in prison, a move condemned by the outside world, is compounded into further and heinous wrong when basic human rights are abrogated,' he said.

There have been suggestions in recent weeks that the former leader, who was ousted by a military coup in 2021 before being jailed, could be put under house arrest after she was pardoned in a number of cases.

Her legal team is continuing to appeal to prove her innocence in the cases, as well as working on appeals for 14 others she faces, despite not being able to meet with her in prison.

General Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the junta, has ruled Myanmar since Suu Kyi's deposition and arrest in the coup of February 2021.

Human rights monitors have reported 4,035 deaths since the military junta took power and 24,674 arrests.
The move sparked outrage, with Donald Trump Jr urging people not to comply

A Maryland elementary school has sparked outrage after reinstating pandemic-era mask mandates despite only a handful of schoolkids testing positive for COVID.

In a letter sent to parents on Tuesday, Rosemary Hills Elementary School principal Rebecca Irwin Kennedy said she made the move after 'three or more individuals' caught the virus in the last ten days.

She demanded students don thick N95 masks to 'keep our school environment as safe as possible', despite a recent study finding the mask may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals.

And while even embattled medical guru Dr Anthony Fauci admits there is a lack of evidence the masks stop the spread of Covid, Kennedy told parents the N95s will only become optional after 10 days.

The letter caused widespread fury among among those who see the decision as a slippery slope back to Covid lockdowns, with Donald Trump Jr posting to X: 'DO NOT COMPLY!!!'

School principal Rebecca Irwin Kennedy (pictured) reinstated masks for schoolkids after only a handful of positive cases, despite studies suggesting they may be harmful

Rosemary Hills Elementary School said the decision was made to 'keep our school environment as safe as possible'

The letter sparked outrage, with many fearing the reintroduction of mask mandates in schools is a slippery slope to the return of Covid-era restrictions

The letter was reportedly sent to parents of students in one class in the school, informing them that their children will be forced to wear masks again so they can keep in-person teaching.

Kennedy wrote that additional N95 masks have already been handed out to students and staff, which they will have to wear for 10 days before they become 'optional.'

She added that at-home rapid test kids are being sent out by the school, alongside CDC advice on how often parents should test their children after exposure.

'If at any time during the next 10 days your child develops COVID-19-like symptoms such as fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, or other COVID-19 indicators, they should stay home from school and be tested,' the letter continues.

'Consider contacting a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or not improving, or your child is at higher risk of complications due to COVID-19 infection.'

The Montgomery County Public Schools system (MCPS), Kennedy and her assistant principal Cassandra Scott did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.

MCPS lifted its mask mandates in March 2022, and Maryland has not introduced a statewide mask mandate as cases tick up across the country.

Donald Trump Jr slammed the move and urged people not to comply with new Covid rules

Studies suggest N95 masks may expose people to toxic chemicals. Pictured: California Governor Gavin Newsom joins masked schoolkids in a classroom in August 2021

Experts have insisted the recent surge of Covid cases is not worth overreacting to, after the US recorded its first uptick in hospitalizations due to the virus this year.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed 8,000 patients admitted to hospitals across the country in the last week of August, up 12 percent on the previous seven-day spell and the first week-on-week rise since December.

Despite the rise, rates remain at historic lows. For comparison, there were 150,000 Covid admissions per week at the height of the pandemic in January 2021 and hospitalizations reached as high as 44,000-a-week earlier this year.

Experts have put the spike down to the natural waning of immunity, which happens around six months after the previous wave of infections.

The decision to return to mask wearing in Maryland also comes despite experts warning that the highly-contagious virus is likely to be a lasting fixture of everyday life, similarly to the common cold.

'One thing that Americans must understand: SARS-CoV-2 and its variants are never going away,' Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

'It is here to stay because its mutation rate is high, just like influenza.'

The above map shows the percent positivity of Covid tests by US region during the week ending Aug. 26. The percent positivity is highest in the region that includes New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, where it is 20 percent or more

The above maps shows the percentage of deaths due to Covid by state during the week ending Aug. 26

Estimates suggest that around 96 percent of Americans have build a level of immunity to Covid, thanks to both prior infections and vaccinations.

The high levels of immunity suggest the nation will combat new waves of infection far better than at the peak of the pandemic, with the CDC noting that deaths have fallen to record lows as officials downplay the surge.

Dr Brendan Jackson, a Covid incident manager for the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, said: 'If you sort of imagine the decline in cases looking like a ski slope  going down, down, down for the last six months  we're just starting to see a little bit of an almost like a little ski jump at the bottom.'

A CDC spokeswoman added: 'US Covid rates are still near historic lows after seven months of steady declines.

'Early indicators of Covid activity (emergency department visits, test positivity and wastewater levels) preceded an increase in hospitalizations seen this past week.'

Despite the promising indications from medical officials, fears over the return of Covid also saw New Yorkers advised to don masks for their Labor Day celebrations, with a spokesman for NYC's health department telling DailyMail.com that wearing a mask may be a 'good idea.'

Covid hospitalizations across the US have now risen for the second week in a row. This may be driven by waning immunity levels

The above graph shows Covid deaths recorded in the US per 100,000 people. These have not started to rise and remain at record lows

Concerns over the reintroduction of mask mandates has been especially maddening to some due to the apparent flip-flopping on the issue by Covid czar Dr Anthony Fauci.

As early as April 2020, he told fearful Americans: 'If everybody does that, we're each protecting each other. Because the data is, it's more efficient to prevent transmitting to others than it is to prevent transmission to yourself.'

Directives led by Fauci saw people mandated to wear masks in schools, public transportation, restaurants and workplaces.

But in a recent interview with CNN, he relegated the importance of masking up.

'When you're talking about the effect on the epidemic or the pandemic as a whole, the data are less strong.

'But there are other studies, that show at an individual level, for individuals, they might be protective.'

The former health chief was responding to questions about a study by Tom Jefferson, a senior associate tutor at the University of Oxford, whose research concluded that 'there is just no evidence that they - masks - make any difference.

'Full stop.'
New York City cops let the suspect accused of beating a 60-year-old woman with her own cane walk free after interviewing him at the scene of the heinous attack.

Norton Blake, 43, was named by NYPD officials as the sole suspect in the attack on Laurell Reynolds, which occurred early Friday inside a Harlem subway station.

Officers questioned Blake but let him go without arresting him after he and Reynolds offered conflicting accounts of the attack, the New York Post reported.

The officers' handling of Blake at the scene is now under investigation, sources said. An NYPD spokesman did not comment when reached by DailyMail.com.

The victim Reynolds, who uses a walker, voiced her outrage, telling the Post in a bedside interview: 'They should've arrested him!'

Scroll down for video

Norton Blake, 43, was named by NYPD officials as the sole suspect in the attack on victim Laurell Reynolds, which occurred early Friday inside a Harlem subway station

Norton Blake remained at large on Tuesday night, a law enforcement source confirmed

'I don't deserve that. Not at all, not at all  and I pray to God that it doesn't happen to no one else,' said Reynolds. 'They need to keep that man off the street.'

It's unclear whether police viewed bystander video of the attack before or after they cut Blake loose.

The video was filmed by a transit worker, who called the city's Rail Control Center, which in turn called 911, as she documented the attack, officials said.

NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper named Blake as the prime suspect in the attack at a press conference on Tuesday.

Blake remained at large on Tuesday night, a law enforcement source confirmed to DailyMail.com.

Within days of the attack, the two-minute clip of the beating went viral - sparking a search for the man in footage after he successfully fled before cops arrived.

The attack happened just before 3:30am Friday, as Reynolds - who resides in the Bronx - was making her way through the subway station at West 116 Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem.

In comments to The New York Post, Reynolds' daughter revealed she learned of the assault only after seeing the video online.

'Now I know,' recalled 41-year-old Lashanne Reese, also of the Bronx, after being left wondering why her mom never made it to back her apartment for a party she was having Saturday, after leaving her home to go home and change.

Of the harrowing footage - which looked to have been filmed from inside a subway toll booth - she said: 'I'm hurt - it hurts.'

'That man could've killed my mother,' she added, as her mom remains hospitalized and is believed to be in stable condition.

'You all did nothing. I have a problem with that.'

NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper named Blake as the prime suspect in the attack

The assailant showed no mercy as he struck Reynolds more than 50 times with her cane

Blake has a laundry list of priors, ranging from drug possession and assault to trespassing and resisting arrest, but reportedly gave a false name to cops on Friday.

'We're looking for him, and I'm pretty confident that in short order, he will be arrested and charged for that assault,' Kemper assured reporters after revealing Blake to be their sole suspect.

Of how the altercation transpired, the top transit cop said he and others believed the suspect and Reynolds had engaged in some kind of argument as the victim traversed one of the station's staircases.

'A witness [said] they were arguing over something that might have dropped,' Kemper said, claiming it was still unclear whether the two knew each other.

'He might have been helping her carry something up the steps and something might have dropped, causing them to argue,' he theorized.

The dispute soon devolved into one of the most heinous assaults on the system in recent memory, during which Blake allegedly hit Reynolds in the head, stomach, leg, arms, back, and hands.

The beating - which commenced after Blake snagged the woman's walking stick from her hands - continued as she fell to the ground, and left thousands across the city and country shocked due to its prolonged and relentless nature.

Law enforcement sources further told the Post that Blake, while on the run, is well known to the NYPD - and has prior arrests for drug possession, assault, trespassing, resisting arrest, evidence tampering, and possessing stolen property.

Two of the assault offenses saw the suspect strike other NYPD officers, the insiders said - one in 2017 while resisting arrest and another in 2003 where he punched an officer in the face while he was off-duty.

Cops have IDed 43-year-old Norton Blake as the sole suspect in the Friday attack, which happened at a West Harlem train station at about 3:30am and was filmed

The victim's daughter was unsure why her mother was in Harlem at the time of the assault, and lamented that nobody on the platform jumped in to help when she was assaulted

Reese told the Post she was unsure why her mother was in Harlem at the time of the assault, and lamented that nobody on the platform jumped in to help when she was assaulted.

'We're supposed to be a loving, caring community. It's unity in community  if we put unity in, we get a whole community,' Reese said.

'For them not to do that  this is why it's going on everywhere,' she continued. 'Everywhere this is happening because there is no unity in our community.'

Of the suspect, she tearfully said: He needs help  No, he shouldn't be on the street.

'He just attacked my mother and beat her with a cane. He don't belong on the street.

Subway crime has been labeled one of the city's major crises and though statistics say transit offenses are down slightly, even progressive Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said last month he was afraid for his family when they road the subway.

'I know the statistics that transit crime is down, but when one of my family members gets on the train, I, too, get a knot in my stomach,' he told FOX 5 News when asked about the perception that the subway system is becoming increasingly unsafe.

'I live here, I'm raising my family here, so we have a lot more work to do,' he added.

Major crime decreased 9.9 percent in the subway system in July from one year ago, according to the city's statistics.
An Australian tourist was left stumped after discovering a green zip-tie had been attached to his suitcase when he went to collect it at an airport in Bali.

The man took to Facebook shortly after landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar to seek help in finding out why the tie was attached.

'Landed last night and have a cable-tie on both suitcase handles. Anyone know what this means?,' he asked.

An Australian tourist found a bright green zip-tie on his suitcase (above) after touching down in Bali

Dozens of Bali-regulars were quick to advise the zip-tie marked his bag as a possible security risk that needed to be subject to an extra search.

'I thought it was for heavy bags,' one commenter said.

'It just means they want to search your bag,' another wrote.

To many commenters' shock, several tourists suggested hiding or removing the zip-tie to save precious minutes at immigration.

'It means something has shown up in the X-rays and they want to check your bag as you leave,' one wrote.

'They only do it if the guys at customs see the cable tie, in future put your hand over it on the way out.'

One angry woman called out the odd reaction and reminded people they're guests in Bali so shouldn't be looking to dodge laws.

'I can't believe how many comments I read on posts giving people bad advice,' she person wrote.

'[Like] cut it off, put your hand over it, carry nail clippers on your person to snip it off.

'If you have nothing wrong in your bag, then don't worry. You are in a foreign country. It's their rules.

'You'd be up in arms if something dreadful happened in your own country. Obey the rules. Respect the rules.'

Aviation expert Martin Engeler explained the zip-tie tagging system to Yahoo News last year after another flyer discovered an orange zip-tie on her suitcase.

Bali-regulars said the zip-ties are typically used to flag bags that are a potential security risk at Ngurah Rai International Airport (above)

He said different colour zip-ties work as secret codes for security staff and said it was a 'Bali thing'.

'What they used to do was mark it with a yellow crayon and put a cross on it,' he said, adding the cross meant the bag was flagged for an extra security check.

'Baggage is screened before they come out of the airport... It tells customs to check that bag. It's for people who try to bring in stuff like electronics.'
A native title claim for a block of land adjacent to one of Australia's most famous beachside locations has led to revelations there are almost 40,000 unresolved claims throughout NSW.

On Tuesday evening, Mosman Council, on Sydney's exclusive north shore, voted to oppose a $100million claim for the Lawry Plunkett Reserve parkland next to Balmoral Beach.

But revelations of the claim have led to Sydney's Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Nathan Moran revealing the claim is one of 3,000 in Sydney - and 40,000 across the state - that are yet to be assessed.

A NSW Government source has warned the legal fees and court costs involved in Crown Land clearing the backlog could be "billions".

Mr Moran said this could be largely avoided if the state government did chose to grant a claim 'when it should'.

The 4000sq/m area of parkland between Botanic Road and Plunkett Road sits just off of the Esplanade at Balmoral, on Sydney's lower north shore

'I am a little bit saddened that people arent aware NSW and the Northern Territory are the only states or territories with Aboriginal land rights,' Mr Moran told 2GB radio talkback host Ben Fordham on Wednesday.

'Quite frankly, thats the frustration, if more people knew about it I think it would work better and more people understand it I think we would get along much better.'

Mr Moran explained that under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1983, Native Title can be claimed on any Crown land that is either not being used, or is being used for purposes other than it was supposed to be when the land was gazetted to NSW parliament.

He revealed that prior to 2018, land councils, which are the elected Indigenous bodies who can make claims, were denied access to gazette data and so had to make claims 'blindly' on the 'suspicion' land was not being used for its proper purpose.

'Prior to 2018 ... we would simply look at a site, understand it and realise is it potentially not used by Government, than we would make claims,' he said.

About two-thirds of claims made by the land council have been rejected, he said.

'Not all claims are actually made successfully and granted to us,' he said.

Former Mosman deputy mayor Roy Bendall, who was deposed from the position on Tuesday night but still sits on the council, said they were shocked to be told of the claim on Lawry Plunkett Reserve.

Councillor Bendall said council had been tending the reserve for over a 100 years and it was 'highly used' for public recreation and had bush care groups tending to it.

Sydney's Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Nathan Moran said many people do not understand NSW Native Title laws

He said council voted unanimously not just to 'strongly' oppose the claim but to 'use all our resources possible to try to fight this claim'.

The claim dates from 2009 but has only now entered the assessment phase when Council is notified and only have a month to respond.

Mr Moran said he 'found it hard to believe' Mosman Council did not have record that attest to the claim made 14 years ago.

'I am a bit bewildered by that statement they didnt know about it,' he told Fordham.

The NSW department of Crown Lands decides whether a claim is successful.

Mr Moran said if they were granted the area near Balmoral Beach, 'a range of opportunities comes up'.

'We always look through the eyes of it is cultural, it is social, it is environmental is it recreational, or is commercial/residential,' he said,

'Thats the prisms we understand all land for is generally. We approach it by case-by-basis.'

He sent the Metropolitian Council worked with local bodies who had been using the land.

'We dont kick anyone off,' Mr Moran said.

'We work with them and offer licences to continue that relationships.'

A good example of this, according to Mr Moran, was Waratah Park, in nearby Warringah on the northern beaches, which his council had won after a court battle over the claim in 2013.

Mr Moran told 2GB host Ben Fordham that the Sydney Land Council has lodged almost 3000 claims on Sydney real estate

Mr Moran claimed that the park was being used illegally by a commercial operator and highly contaminated with all the steel stripped out.

He said since the since the Metropolitan Council took it over they have been working with local groups, including a veterinary hospital which they have licenced to rehabilitate the bushland.

Waratah Park was the setting for the famous 1970s children's program Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
A beleaguered wind farm development has changed its name and halved the number of proposed turbines in an attempt to garner support from both traditional owners and the government.

Chalumbin Wind Farm has been renamed Wooroora Station Wind Farm and 44 of the proposed 86 industrial-scale, 250-metre high wind turbines have been dumped.

Some locals and Indigenous people in far north Queensland have been relentless in opposing the project on the edge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Some of the Jirrbal traditional owners initially feared the green energy development site would tarnish a sacred site where women once went to give birth - a concern Ark Energy has always flatly denied. The developer believes the original name of the project has confused people about the paramatres of the earmarked site.

Environmental groups also have concerns the wind farm poses a threat to native endangered wildlife and will change the landscape on the outskirts of the heritage-listed rainforest.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will have the final say as to whether the project goes ahead, but Ark Energy, a subsidiary of Korea Zinc, made significant changes in the hopes it will sway the government.

The project has now been renamed after Wooroora Pastoral Station

'After extensive public consultation, we have listened to feedback from the community, government, and the traditional owners, and made changes to the project to meet expectations,' Ark Energy General Manager Anthony Russo said.

'These changes reduce the impacts to very low levels. We believe the benefits to the natural environment of this project far outweigh its impacts.

'Not least of them more clean energy into the grid in a relatively short time period and a significant improvement in habitat for protected species on private land adjacent to protected forests.'

Ark Energy says claims the site is to be constructed on sacred Aboriginal ground is a misconception due to the name of the project.

The company hopes the new name, inspired by the Wooroora Pastoral Station, which will host all of the new wind turbines, will alleviate community concerns.

The region is home to some of Australia's most endangered wildlife, and traditional owners believe the marshes of Chalumbin have protected the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

Now, Ark Energy says the wind turbines will completely avoid 'wet sclerophyll forest adjoining the World Heritage Area as well as all known magnificent brood frog habitat'.

The wind turbines which remain will not be visible from publicly accessible viewpoints within and beside the heritage area, the company said. The nearest wind turbine to any rainforest will also be at least one kilometre away.

All the red X marks where turbines have been removed, while the yellow dots show where they are proposed to go

A beloved Indigenous site where women once birthed their babies and home to endangered wildlife could soon be bulldozed to make way for wind turbines

Critics still want the project scrapped entirely. Ms Plibersek has until the end of September to make her final decision.

Many of the species which live in the area where the wind turbines were initially expected to be built are rare or threatened. These include the endangered brood frogs, which will now not be impacted, along with masked owls, the spectacled flying fox, northern quoll and rare bird and possum species.

Traditional owners believe there are many more which have yet to be identified and are found nowhere else on the planet.

Sir David Attenborough once described the nearby Wet Tropics region as 'the most extraordinary place on Earth'.

It is the oldest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest in the world, estimated to be about 150 million years old.

The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, the biggest non-government environmental organisation for the region, wants Ms Plibersek to reject the proposal.

'We know that the rapid rollout of renewable energy is essential to secure a safe climate future. No one knows that better than the stewards of the reef and rainforest,' the centre's director, Lucy Graham, said.

The fate of Chalumbin, which borders on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in Far North Queensland, rests squarely in the hands of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek

'However we also know that we cannot afford to perpetuate the extinction crisis and bio-diveristy loss through renewable energy development.'

Beyond the disruption to wildlife, some of the local Indigenous community which has lived in the region for 60,000 years worry the project will cause irreparable damage.

Georgina Wieden, a Jirrbal woman, spoke of the torment of potentially losing what she considers such a culturally significant area with Rainforest Reserve Australia.

'It's not only about the destruction, the pollution, or how ugly it's going to be. 'It's about our spiritual connection to our homes, our land. That's our belonging,' she says through tears.

Ark Energy hopes the amendments will alleviate the concerns expressed by some locals and First Nations people.

Ms Wieden revealed one of her grandmothers was born at the bottom of the gorge in Chalumbin.

'That's where life comes from,' she said.

There were community fears the waterways that could be cleared were once sacred grounds were babies were born and initiations took place, but Ark Energy insists these sites are not part of the development.

The Jirrbal people have received reassurances that the land council - Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation - would send a team out to 'mark sites' of significance.

But Ms Wieden says such a task isn't that simple.

Ms Wieden claims her elders were not informed of the proposal - something which ARK Energy flatly denies

READ MORE: Blazing row erupts between two Indigenous elders over the smoking ceremony to mark the opening of a new highway Advertisement

'It is not just a matter of walking up and saying that was a camp site, that was a burial site, or that was a birthing place or was initiation place,' she said. 'There is a ceremony that needs to be conducted before you even enter them.

'You need to talk, you need to practice cultural law before entering and exiting those places. You can't just walk on Country and think you have a right to be there, because you don't.'

Ms Wieden claims her elders were not informed of the proposal - something which ARK Energy flatly denies.

The Native Title Act of 1993 placed power to make such decisions with Prescribed Body Corporates - land councils.

The land council which acts as a trustee for Chalumbin is the Wabubadda Aboriginal Corporation - which has signed off on the wind turbines.

A spokesperson for the organisation has repeatedly insisted the Jirrbal people voted with a majority in favour of the land use agreement, but elders are calling for the organisation to reveal who was consulted in their name.

Bradley Go-Sam, a Native Title Applicant who is described as a Jirrbal Elder on ARK Energy promotional materials, said the sacred land of his people is actually deeper in the rainforest and won't be touched by the project.

'We call it the motherland,' he said. 'This is home. We will never go into the Chalumbin rainforest. We will never touch or destroy that.'

Betty Cashmere, who also features in the promotional material, argues the land which will be cleared is 'open forest', and not the 'rainforest... where my people hunted, gathered and lived'.

'We are the rainforest people. This is where we come from. We come from that rainforest,' Ms Wieden said

Betty Cashmere, who also features in the promotional material, argues the land which will be cleared is 'open forest', and not the 'rainforest... where my people hunted, gathered and lived'

READ MORE: Calls for investigation into Aboriginal Land Councils Advertisement

A report responding to up to 700 submissions from the community rallied against community concerns about the cultural and ecological factors.

The report stated the land within the project area has been 'managed by graziers for agricultural purposes' and that access to Jirrbal people 'has been restricted for many years', but that negotiations had allowed for 'some access'.

Indigenous people expressed their distress that burial grounds, where many 'old people and elders' still remain, would be bulldozed for the project.

Another submission read: 'There's the Creation story there. I don't know how Wabubadda doesn't know this, there is a Rainbow Serpent trapped in Koombooloomba dam.

'There was a practice of burying the placenta after birth. Burying the placenta on Country. That's what the old ladies did. I was the first one to do that with my son in 40 years, when my son was born seven years ago.'

Ms Wieden said she has never had trouble accessing the site, and that many old people still 'go back on country' to heal when they're sick or need to renew their spiritual connection.

'We're not going to have that. It's part of us. Part of our being. If we don't have that, what do we have?'
Foreign Minister Penny Wong held talks with Qatar's Prime Minister this week as Labor faced increased scrutiny over it's decision to block additional flights into Australia from the nation's carrier.

Qatar Airways made a bid to add an additional 21 flights into Australia - a move that could have reduced airfares by up to 40 per cent.

Labor rejected the proposal, and will now face an inquiry into the decision, helmed by Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie.

Senator Wong has been subjected to intense questioning this week about the government's decision. Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell revealed she initiated a call to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Monday.

A statement released on Qatar's Foreign Ministry website said the duo 'discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and regional and international developments'.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) held talks with Qatar 's Prime Minister this week as Labor came under increased scrutiny over it's decision to block additional flights into Australia from the nation's carrier

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Qantas Alan Joyce are pictured together

READ MORE: Australian women searched at Al Hamad airport Advertisement

A spokesperson for Ms Wong said the Qatar Airways decision was not discussed during the conversation.

But Ms Wong did broach the 2020 Al Hamad airport incident, in which women on the ground at the airport in Doha, including 13 Australians, were invasively searched after a newborn baby was found abandoned in a plastic bag.

Some of the women were left traumatised and launched legal action.

Ms Wong's office said: 'The Minister initiated the call to discuss a range of bilateral matters, including in relation to the Al Hamad airport incident, and multilateral issues ahead of the UN General Assembly later this month.

'The Bilateral Air Services Agreement was not raised during the call.'

Ms McKenzie has been advocating for an official probe into the government's decision this sitting week, and was supported 32-31 on Tuesday afternoon.

Labor and the Greens voted against the motion, while the Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation and David Pocock and the Lambie Network voted in favour of it.

A statement released on Qatar's Foreign Ministry website stated the duo 'discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and regional and international developments'

Qatar Airways made a bid to add an additional 21 flights into Australia - a move that could have reduced airfares by up to 40 per cent

The government has maintained there was nothing out of the ordinary in its decision to refuse Qatar's request

READ MORE: INQUIRY INTO QATAR AIRWAYS DECISION Advertisement

Outgoing Qantas CEO Alan Joyce last week told a Senate committee hearing allowing Qatar flights would distort the market, and said he sent a letter to the government in October 2022 about Qatar's proposal.

Ms McKenzie said of the decision: 'The Senate has agreed to a short and sharp inquiry into Federal Labor's decision to restrict flights into major capital cities.

'Finally we can get to the bottom of why the Gov has restricted Australians from having a safe, reliable and competitive airline industry.'

The government has maintained there was nothing out of the ordinary in its decision to refuse Qatar's request.

Several government ministers have noted Qatar can add additional flights into Canberra, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Avalon.

The committee for the inquiry will be comprised of three Opposition members, two from government and two from either a minor party or Independent.

The deputy chair must be a senator from a minor party or an Independent.

It will examine all 'federal government decisions relating to any proposals received in the past 12 months for additional services to Australia's major airports'.

The senate vote comes on the same day embattled Mr Joyce stood down as CEO with a $24million golden handshake after 15 years at the helm.
A public high school was left scrambling after a box with potentially hazardous material was discovered on campus.

A box labelled 'yellowcake' was found sitting on a science storage shelf at Castle Hill High School, in north-west Sydney, last Wednesday.

Yellowcake is a type of uranium concentrate powder that can be harmful when inhaled.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said the contents of the box had yet to be identified and that an ANSTO expert had been called in.

The box is understood to have been in the room for decades and was only discovered after white powder, suspected to be asbestos, fell onto it.

Subsequent tests found it was not asbestos.

The school was the centre of an asbestos scare in 2020 with several classrooms closed for a month after the dangerous material was detected in the roof.

A box labelled 'yellowcake' was found sitting on a science storage shelf at Castle Hill High School, in north-west Sydney, last Wednesday (stock image)

A teacher said Castle Hill School's principal confirmed the science storeroom was off limits. The school was the centre of an asbestos scandal in 2020

A teacher at the school told news.com.au that the 'incompetence is staggering'.

'Somehow it got put in a red box and left in the storeroom... forever,' he said.

Teachers were told the science chemical storeroom was strictly off limits until further notice in an email from Castle Hill School principal Georgina Fleming.

Ms Fleming said in the email that the school was 'testing suspected asbestos and other material'.

The room remains 'isolated and secured' until the material is properly tested. If necessary it will likely to be removed by a hazmat team this week.

Parents and guardians were also advised by email.

Students were given yellowcake powder to set off radiation counters in classroom science experiments in the 1960s.

Yellowcake is radioactive, though not highly. It is extremely long-lasting, with a 'half-life' of over 4 billion years, meaning that it emits radiation at a slow rate.

The main reason it is considered toxic is it can cause kidney damage if inhaled.

The material is derived from the milling and chemical processing of uranium ores.

The Department of Education confirmed in a statement that 'a potentially hazardous material' was found in a 'locked science block storeroom' at the school on August 30.

'The storeroom was not accessible to students and the material was in a sealed box and believed to have been used to support science experiments in the past,' the statement said.

The statement said the science block was cleared after inspection as 'safe for normal use'.

The toxic concentrated uranium powder is believed to have been sitting on the science storeroom shelf for up to 50 years. Pictured: stock image of a storeroom

Castle Hill School told parents in an email about the yellowcake scare but the science block is understood to be safe to use as normal

Staff and students complained for several years before 2020 that strange dust was falling from the ceilings before the asbestos was identified.

The school's then principal Vicky Brewer, who retired in 2021, is understood to have ignored the complaints.

The NSW Department of Education received a positive asbestos test result from the school four years earlier in 2016, but told the school it had come back negative.

Daily Mail Australia approached The Department of Education and Castle Hill School for comment.
The desperate family of a girl who has been diagnosed with the world's most painful condition, which she calls 'the great evil', is pleading for help to afford treatment.

Jazmin Farr, 11, has suffered from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) since she broke her foot jumping from a trampoline in Adelaide three years ago.

CRPS is a rare neurological disorder which is rated as the most painful condition on the McGill Pain Index, even higher than unmedicated child birth.

There is no cure for CRPS but the disease can go into remission with the help of some treatments.

Jazmin's CRPS has caused her non-stop horrific pain for several years with the 11-year-old often left 'begging' for her suffering to end.

Jazmin Farr (above) suffers from a rare neurological condition that causes her to constantly suffer through horrific pain

CRPS is rated the most painful disease on the McGill Pain Index (above), even higher than unmedicated childbirth

Her devastated mother, Amanda, detailed how the condition has destroyed the little girl's life in a GoFundMe post.

'It was four days before Jazmins eighth birthday that our world was turned upside down,' she wrote.

'It was a year-and-a-half before she was finally and officially diagnosed with CRPS.

'We thought this would bring us answers, treatment and finally an end to our daughters suffering. We were very wrong.'

Jazmin and her family had never heard of CRPS and, to their dismay, neither had many of their doctors.

Due to the complex nature of the disease, the best most doctors have been able to offer Jazmin is strong pain medication to help her get through the day.

She hasn't been able to attend school in person for years and instead spends most of time confined to her Adelaide home.

'Jazmin suffers daily from excruciating pain. Mobility in her left ankle and leg has been effected and she feels unbearable pain all the way to the top of her head,' Mrs Farr said.

'She is on intense medication daily, none of which relieve the pain that she suffers.

'Daily tasks, like having a shower, are intolerable and bring her to tears.

'Just the lightest touch from the water makes her skin feel like someone is pouring a bucket of pins all over her body.'

Jazmin (above) was diagnosed with CRPS after a break in her foot brought the disease forward just four days before her eighth birthday

Jazmin compared the pain to her 'bones being crushed or stabbed with a knife'.

She regularly suffers painful swelling, bruising, discolouration, fatigue, insomnia and is prone to dramatic temperature changes.

'Jazmins pain has aggressively become worse as her CRPS becomes more advanced and makes its way through her fragile body,' Mrs Farr said.

'We have watched our happy, vibrant and active little girl be robbed of her childhood and deteriorate as she suffers daily from excruciating pain.

'As a parent, to sit and watch our child in agonising pain is utterly gut wrenching and absolutely soul destroying.

'To feel like your hands are tied as you helplessly sit by and watch and have no medical help to support you.

'It is something that changes you, something that chips away at your heart and at your very existence.'

Mrs Farr described the 11-year-old's everyday life as a 'battle with her body'.

Jazmin's mum, Amanda, said the 11-year-old girl (above) is left exhausted at the end of each day from the extreme and constant pain

'She constantly begs for her pain to stop, she helplessly pleas with her own body as it becomes intolerable,' she said.

'Exhaustion is a regular part of Jazmins days, as the pain takes over her body cant handle much more. She is overwhelmed with pain and trying to cope.

'She refers to CRPS as "the great evil". Jazmin writes, "A dark wave of sadness or even anger, frustration and confusion covers my mind and makes my heart feel sad".

'Our beautiful girl has lost her spark and that once strong spirit of hers, is now barely a flicker on a burning candle.'

However, there's still one piece of hope Jazmin is holding onto.

The Spero Clinic is the only facility in the world trying to treat the cause of CRPS through non-invasive therapy rather than opting for pain management.

It's approach has been very successful with a high number of patients entering remission.

'We believe that this is our only hope to help Jazmin and to give her a chance at a life she deserves,' Mrs Farr said.

Unfortunately, the clinic is in the United States.

Jazmin regularly suffers painful swelling (above), bruising, discolouration, fatigue, insomnia and is prone to dramatic temperature changes from her CRPS

Mrs Farr told Daily Mail Australia her family has been in a whirlwind trying to organise a way for Jazmin to visit the centre but the cost is too high.

'This is something far beyond our means which is why we are reaching out and asking for people to open their hearts and help us achieve this dream for Jazzy,' she said.

'This is a chance for Jazmin to be able to live a better quality of life. We have been through three-and-a-half years of pure hell from this disease.

'We have tried every possible avenue. Going to Spero Clinic, where they actually specialise in the treatment of CRPS, is our last glimpse of hope to finally put an end to our daughters suffering.'

Treatment at Spero Clinic is a minimum of 13 weeks but individual cases greatly differ and Jaz could be there a lot longer.

Mrs Farr said she is doing everything she can to try and get her daughter help.

'We need to get Jaz over there as soon as possible due to her CRPS rapidly spreading through her body,' she said.

'As soon as we can raise enough funds to support this endeavour and secure a placement at Spero Clinic, we will be there.

'I am racing around as we speak to get passports and medical visa applications processed to be ready to go.'

Mrs Farr said her family is trying to raise money to help Jazmin (above) receive potentially life-changing treatment in the United States

So far more than $10,000 has been raised to help Jazmin receive the life-changing treatment. Mrs Farr said her family is grateful for every cent.

'No child should have to live a life that is constantly full of pain,' she said.

'To hear the sound of laughter echo through out the walls of our home rather than screams of pain should not be something we just dream of, it should be our reality.'

To donate or read more about Jaz's story, visit her GoFundMe page.
Three foreign sailors have been rescued after several terrifying encounters with sharks that destroyed their catamaran off the Australian east coast.

Russian adventurers Evgeny Kovalevsky and Stanislav Berezkin and Frenchman Vincent Beaujeu were sailing from Vanuatu to Cairns on their 9m long inflatable catamaran Tion when several shark attacks damaged both hulls.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated the rescue in the Coral Sea south-east of Cairns after responding to a radio distress beacon from the trio's vessel around 1.30am Wednesday.

AMSA requested the assistance of Panama-flagged cargo ship Dugong Ace and deployed the Cairns-based challenger rescue aircraft to the scene 835km away.

The rescue vessel and aircraft reached the stricken sailors three hours later.

Dramatic photos and footage released by the AMSA show the catamaran began sinking during the rescue mission.

Sailors Evgeny Kovalevsky, Vincent Beaujeu and Stanislav Berezkin were heading to Cairns when disaster struck

READ MORE: Aussie castaway rescued after three months adrift Advertisement

The sailors were successfully rescued and are scheduled to back on dry land in Brisbane on Thursday morning.

The trio are believed to be good health.

'They're very lucky  it's rare to have a vessel so close in such a remote location,' AMSA on-duty response centre manager Joseph Keller said.

'This operation shows once again that maritime rescue efforts transcend geopolitics and international boundaries.

He added the catamaran's stern had been ripped apart by sharks.

'A large section of the vessel, the right aft, had been completely removed and destroyed,' Mr Zeller said.

'The Dugong Ace took the sailors on via a boarding ladder, which would have been a hairy situation itself, climbing up the side of the ship.'

Mr Kovalevsky and fellow adventurer Beryozkin were two thirds into a three year voyage tracing the first 19th century Russian around-the-world expedition

The 9minflatable catamaran (pictured) began taking on during rescue efforts

The trio were rescued from their damaged vessel 835km from their next destination Cairns

The pair and French crew member Mr Beaujeu left Vanuatu a week ago and had hoped to arrive in Cairns next Monday.

The trio were fully aware their upcoming voyage across the Pacific wouldn't be smooth sailing.

'We set off from Vanuatu, from the island of Efate, where we had been moored for a week, made repairs. We are going to Cairns, Australia,' Mr Kovalevsky told the Russian Geographical Society last week.

'The waves are up to three meters; the breeze is up to 20 knots, probably. At times it will pick up to all 25.'

The sailors had spent ten days in Vanuatu while repairs were made to their catamaran, including a fractured hull and earlier damage from cigar sharks.

'We were amazed at how easy it turned out. We start the engine, we go out of the lagoon, and we'll set sails at the exit. See you in Australia,' Mr Kovalevsky added.

It's currently unknown when or whether the sailors will continue their voyage.

Wednesday's rescue serves as a timely reminder for sailors always to carry a distress beacon whenever on the water and ensure it's registered with AMSA.

The catamaran (pictured) has been damaged by several sharks in recent weeks
Ruby Franke has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse a week after one of her sons was discovered with open wounds and duct tape on their limbs

YouTuber mom Ruby Franke has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse after her 12-year-old son was found with open wounds and duct tape on their limbs.

Ruby, 41, who runs the 8 Passengers YouTube page, was arrested on two counts of aggravated child abuse along with business partner Jodi Hildebrandt on August 30.

The Mormon mom's son climbed out of a window of Hildebrandt's home and ran to a neighbor for help, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC states.

In addition to his wounds, the boy was found in an emaciated state. Ruby and husband Kevin Franke's 10-year-old daughter was found in a similar condition.

Hildebrandt is also charged with six counts of felony child abuse in Washington County, Utah. Each count carries a sentence of up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine.

YouTuber mom Ruby Franke (pictured) has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse after her 12-year-old son was found with open wounds and duct tape on their limbs

Ruby, her husband, and their six kids were shot into stardom back in 2015, after she started sharing videos giving an inside look into her life as a Mormon mother-of-six on YouTube

Ruby Franke, (left) who ran the now-defunct 8 Passengers channel, was arrested along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt (right) on August 30

At the time that Ruby's children were discovered, authorities said that Russell, 12, and Eve, 10, were so malnourished they needed to be taken to a hospital for care.

Investigators said 'evidence consistent with the markings found on the juvenile' was located inside the home upon a search.

The woman's other four children - Shari, Chad, Abby, and Julie - were taken by the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.

In a statement to NBC News, the Washington County attorney said the two women are believed to have caused or permitted 'serious physical injury' in three ways.

'(1) a combination of multiple physical injuries or torture, (2) starvation or malnutrition that jeopardizes life, and (3) causing severe emotional harm,' they said.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office's website, both women are still in custody as of September 5.

Ruby and her business partner will next appear in court on September 8.

The Mormon woman first rose to fame for her strict parenting style which blew up on YouTube and made her 'millions' of dollars, she claimed.

She racked up more than 2.2million subscribers for documenting their day-to-day endeavors on social media, along with husband Kevin.

The pair stopped uploading videos in January 2022 and the page was taken down completely from the website earlier this year.

When asked why she left YouTube behind months later, she said she opted to stop uploading videos because she wanted to 'save her kids.'

Jody Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, as seen on Friday

This is the house that Russell Franke reportedly ran from in order to get help

Ruby Franke is seen with her four daughters: Shari (red coat), Eve (gray dress), Julie (pink coat), and Abby (black coat)

The family blew up on social media after beginning to post videos in 2015

In July, she was called out online after video surfaced of her allowing Eve to go hungry after the young girl had forgotten to make her own lunch before school.

In a video posted to in 2020, Ruby said her daughter's teacher had texted her, telling her that the youngster didn't have anything to eat for lunch.

She said all her kids are responsible for preparing their own lunches in the morning, so she would not be dropping off any food for Eve to teach her a lesson.

Franke said: 'My hope [is that] she will be hungry and come home and be like 'that was really painful being hungry all day I'll make sure to always have a lunch with me.''

'The natural outcome is that she is just going to have to go hungry.'

It was this parenting style that helped the woman to gain a massive following on YouTube and shine a spotlight on herself and her family.

After her arrest, one of Ruby's adult children spoke out on social media and shared that she was excited to see justice finally served to her mom.

In an Instagram story after her mom's arrest, Shari, 20, celebrated her mom's arrest and said she had been 'trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this.'

Shari also said that she is 'so glad they finally decided to step up' and that her siblings are safe, DailyMail.com reported.

The 20-year-old shared an image of police officers outside the family's Springville, Utah home along with the caption 'Finally.'

Ruby once came under fire for revealing her then-six-year-old daughter Eve had to 'go hungry' because the little girl had failed to make her own lunch before school

Ruby in a video alongside her oldest son, Chad

Ruby Franke's Springville, Utah home, is seen on Saturday

Ruby's eldest daughter Shari, 20, posted about her mother's arrest on Instagram, sharing an image of police officers outside the home captioned 'Finally'

On Sunday, Kevin was spotted outside his home by DailyMail.com for the first time since his wife and her business partner were arrested last week.

Kevin was seen pacing around the property as a man came to remove the YouTube branding from a van parked outside the house.

The man is believed to have been kicked out of the family home last year.

He said last week he is 'trying to keep his children together' following the arrests.

Kevin's attorney, Randy S. Kester, told Page Six his client's 'urgent focus is simply to keep his children together under his fatherly care'.

Neighbors said they had been concerned about the children's wellbeing, and once saw the kids outside pulling weeds for hours during triple-degree heat.

DailyMail.com spoke to one of Hildebrandt's neighbors whose home is also in the Kayenta Community located at the base of the Red Mountains in Ivins, Utah.

They recalled seeing Franke's van, which had an '8 Passengers' sticker and license plate, regularly parked in front of the home at the time.

'One thing we noticed and we told the police the same thing, six to eight weeks ago when it was really hot I was outside in the late morning, afternoon pulling weeds and over at Jodi's home several kids were also outside her home pulling weeds.

'Over the course of the day the temperature was over 100 degrees and I gave up after a while because it was so hot but I noticed that the kids stayed out there,' the neighbor explained.

On Sunday, Kevin was spotted outside his home by DailyMail.com for the first time since his wife and her business partner were arrested last week

Kevin Franke was seen pacing around outside his home on Saturday in Springville, Utah

Franke's '8 Passengers' van with an '8PSNGRS' license plate

After Kevin had departed the family home, one neighbor said it appeared the children stopped going to school.

Neighbors said one of the daughters would often knock on the doors of other homes in the neighborhood that had kids and ask to play while the others were at school.

'She would just knock on your door and say, 'Hi, can your kids play?' And we're like, 'Well, they're at school. They won't be home for three or four hours.' And she'd be like, 'I'll wait.' She's like this lost child,' the neighbor recounted.

'I'm really angry because I spoke up. Other people spoke up, and nothing happened, another (female) neighbor explained.

'I want those kids to know that the community loves them and wants them to be safe,' she said.
It comes as Mayor Adams continues to struggle with the 107,000 migrants

Furious protestors have gathered outside a former Staten Island Catholic school to vent their fury against its use as a makeshift migrant shelter.

Hundreds took to the streets outside St John Villa Academy in New York City on Tuesday to condemn the city's handling of the huge influx of 107,000 asylum seekers flooding into the Big Apple since last year.

A 300-bed site has been set up on the old campus, leading some locals to worry for the safety of students at another school that backs onto the new migrant center.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has also turned to historic landmarks such as Manhattan's Roosevelt and Redbury Hotels as he pleads for help with the overwhelming numbers.

Adams' mayoral rival Curtis Sliwa, who has relentlessly campaigned over the migrant issue in recent times, pledged on Tuesday to shut down the nearby Verrazzano and Goethals Bridges to create travel chaos in protest of the situation.

The academy, which was shuttered in 2018, has become the epicenter of Staten Islanders' ire over the ongoing crisis. Tuesday's protest was the latest in a string of demonstrations in the borough which also saw over 1,000 people protest outside the school last week.

Furious protestors took to the streets of Staten Island to demonstrate against the influx of migrants into New York City, taking aim at a historic Catholic school being used as a shelter

Hundreds of residents congregated outside the St. John Villa Academy to protest the shuttered school's use as a migrant shelter

Locals raged about the city's handling of the migrant crisis, which is costing officials millions every day as the buses continue arriving from the southern border

St. John Villa Academy, founded in 1922, was shuttered in 2018 due to low enrollment and mounting expenses. Its use as a migrant shelter has now sparked fury and it has become the epicenter for protests in Staten Island over the city's handling of the crisis

The overwhelming numbers of refugees moving to New York comes as the US-Mexico border continues to set records for crossings. As the numbers surge, several southern states, most notably Texas, have taken to bussing migrants north to send a statement about the porous border.

The issue has plagued Adams' time in office, leading him to declare a state of emergency last fall as he has branded the situation a 'humanitarian crisis.'

The under-fire Mayor has pleaded for federal aid and has littered the Big Apple with short-term housing. But his efforts have not gone appreciated in Staten Island, as protestors at the event displayed signs slamming his actions - with one reading: 'Mayor Adams is a dork.'

'I realize it's a sanctuary city, but there has to be a limit to our compassion,' said protestor Michele Rubin to Fox5.

Adams' rival in the 2021 mayoral election, Curtis Sliwa, was also at the protest, where he whipped the crowd into a frenzy over the mounting crisis as he pledged to shut down the Verrazzano and Goethals bridges to create chaos over the issue.

The plan would allegedly see him shut down the bridges with 16-wheel trucks, but Sliwa declined to elaborate on the stunt when pressed by DailyMail.com.

Sliwa was arrested last week at another migrant demonstration, and his persistent attacks on Adams' handling of the crisis led the mayor to brand him a 'buffoon'.

Curtis Sliwa whipped the crowd into a frenzy on Tuesday night as the migrant crisis continues to plague New Yorkers

The mood at migrant protests in the Big Apple has been souring as the relentless influx continues, with one demonstrator on Tuesday branding it a 'losing battle'

The shuttered campus at St. John Villa Academy has hosted several protests in recent weeks against the influx

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (pictured September 1, 2023) has been plagued by the migrant situation throughout his tenure, and has branded it a 'humanitarian crisis'

One woman at the demonstration said that the appearance of the shelter led her to be concerned for her niece, who is a student at St. Joseph Hill Academy, another Catholic school whose campus borders the new migrant shelter.

'We are trying to do what is best for our children [but] it's like fighting a losing battle,' said Florence P., 68, to the New York Post.

She added that the city should not necessarily be against welcoming the migrants, but felt they should all be vetted and vaccinated beforehand.

'We don't know what their background is,' she said. 'Until we find out and get them vetted then they're welcome. Until then they're not welcome.'

'All these people are jumping the line,' added another protestor, David Rem, 59.

Counter protestors were also at the demonstration, holding signs welcoming the migrants and chastising those on the other side of the issue as 'racists.'

The souring mood at migrant demonstrations in the Big Apple has been evident for months, spilling over last week as a violent clash broke out outside of Adams' Gracie Mansion.

In a statement to FOX5 in response to Tuesday's protest, the Mayors office said: 'New Yorkers are tired from bearing the brunt of this national crisis, and we empathize with their concerns.

'We have opened more than emergency sites, including 15 large-scale humanitarian relief centers, and are constantly searching for new places to provide the more than 60,000 asylum seekers in our care and the thousands coming every week with the shelter they are asking for.

'But let's be clear: The sites we are now finding are the only options left. This situation demands a broader state and national solution.'

A large sign was erected outside the campus to condemn its new role as a migrant shelter

Tensions in the Big Apple have been boiling over, with one migrant protest last week turning violent as people on either side of the aisle clashed

Counter protestors were also present at the event holding signs welcoming the refugees to the city

Officials in New York have been grappling for over a year with the flood of refugees, who are arriving on a near-daily basis despite Adams saying there will soon be no more room.

He has warned that the situation could soon reach boiling point, with residents growing frustrated as he maintained that it could end up costing $12 billion over the next three years.

While the numbers of illegal border crossings has been a growing issue for years, the influx was escalated when Title 42, a pandemic-era border policy that gave officials more powers to detain, ended in May.

The number of illegal border crossings topped 10,000 per day when the policy ended.

A large number of the refugees have moved from Venezuela amid the country's ongoing economic struggles, with more than seven million residents leaving the nation of 29 million people as of February, reports The New York Times.

While the vast majority of the seven million have opted for neighboring countries, many have made their way to the US. From 2015 to 2018, only around 100 Venezuelans were stopped annually at the border.

From October 2021 to August 2022, that number stood at 150,000.
A dingy 'crack den' littered with sleeping bags, dirty laundry and drug paraphernalia - including bongs, a blow torch and methylated spirits - was at the centre of a series of local crimes that led police to Australia's most wanted man.

Ahmad Alameddine, a member of one of Sydney's most notorious crime families, was arrested after cops busted him engaging in a sexual act with a woman in a flat in South Coogee, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, on Tuesday.

The dramatic arrest ended a four-week manhunt, sparked when the 33-year-old allegedly fled from officers who turned up to his Greenacre home, in the city's west, on August 3, to investigate firearm offences.

Alameddine's girlfriend Jade Heffer, 28, the widow of slain Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu, was taken into custody at the time for allegedly helping him escape, where she has remained since.

But while her loyalty has allegedly landed her behind bars, it was her boyfriend's lack of devotion that ultimately led him to the same fate.

Pictured: the Bundock Street unit block where police accidentally stumbled upon Ahmad Alameddine on Sunday

Drug paraphernalia - including bongs and a blow torch - were found on a table in the living room

Ahmad Alameddine (pictured), was taken into custody on Tuesday after officers busted him engaged in a sexual act with another woman a back room of the South Coogee flat

Daily Mail Australia can reveal police were investigating a string of robberies when they accidentally stumbled upon Alameddine shacked up with the other woman in the back bedroom of the South Coogee flat.

Police turned up at the unit to speak to other occupants when Alameddine jumped from a window and ran from the scene, wearing only a T-shirt.

Officers were unable to catch him, but had better luck the second time when their surveillance caught him returning to the property at 2pm.

Sources familiar with the investigation told Daily Mail Australia the unit in the government housing block - with predominantly elderly and disabled tenants - became troublesome when a couple moved in last year.

'Everything went downhill from there,' the source said. 'It turned into a crack den.'

Random groups of guests began incessantly trailing in and out of the premises 'at all hours' and there would be loud, days-long parties every week.

Police rummaged through the unit's garbage bin on Tuesday during a raid of the house

Several officers sifted through the rubbish, finding drug-use equipment and credit cards

Officers spent hours combing through the unit bagging up items to be taken away as evidence

Locals began to notice bizarre incidents linked to the flat - including men in balaclavas jumping over the balcony and dashing inside - which were reported to police.

The couple were sent to jail around a month ago, but affairs at the flat only grew worse when their friend - an associate of Alameddine - took over the deserted home and the number of shady visitors and parties increased.

Last weekend, an Uber driver was delivering food to another unit inside the block when an occupant from the problematic flat allegedly robbed and attacked him as he pulled up in the car park.

Recent incidents caused detectives' turn their attention on the Bundock St flat, the source said.

Police swooped on the property around 9am on Tuesday and executed a search warrant, discovering several sleeping bags strewn across the floor in various room throughout the house.

In the living room, a small round coffee table was covered in drug-use items, including a bong, blow torch, and water balloons - which are used within criminal networks to package up illicit substances.

A wooden board was hammered into the front door frame to stop anyone from entering the premises after the high-profile arrest

Two bikes were seen dumped in the lawn outside the housing commission block on Wednesday

The windows and doors at the unit on Bundock Road was boarded up (pictured) in the hours after Alameddine's arrest on Tuesday

Alameddine allegedly jumped out of a window from the bottom floor unit to evade police

But signs of the debauchery was 'even worse' in the back room, according to the source.

Officers dumped the contents of the unit's wheelie bin on the front lawn before sifting through the rubbish, which included packets of drugs and discarded credit cards.

Two security cameras - which had been set up by the occupants to guard over the external front balcony - were also seized by police.

While Alameddine was allegedly on the run, police spoke to the four occupants inside.

NSW Police would not confirmed whether any of the four have since been charged, with a spokesperson telling Daily Mail Australia 'investigations are ongoing'.

After police later arrested Alameddine near Gumara St around 2pm, tradesmen were sent to the property to change the locks and board up the doors and windows.

Alameddine was later arrested near a patch of bushland in Gumara Street (pictured), which runs parallel behind Bundock Stree

A gate way that sits behind the unit complex runs down towards Gumara Street

Pictured: The pathway that runs along the back of the Bundock Street unit block, leading towards the Gumara Street grass track

After the arrest, Alameddine was taken to Maroubra police station and slapped with nine charges, including four outstanding warrants for serious firearm-related offences and a drug-related offence.

He was due to face Waverley Local Court on Wednesday, but remains in hospital under police guard where he is receiving treatment for a foot injury.

'Crazy life'

The unusual turn of events has shone a light on the complex relationship between Alameddine and Ms Heffer - and how her life has appeared to derail in the 15 months since her husband's death.

After her gangster husband was gunned down next to her in an apartment block carpark, an emotional Jade Heffer told Daily Mail Australia she wanted to keep her head down so her newfound Islamic community would take her seriously, it can now be revealed.

But the former fitness instructor appears to have done the opposite.

Alameddine's girlfriend Jade Heffer is currently behind bars after allegedly helping him escape from his Greenacre home in August. She is pictured with her husband, Yusuf Nazlioglu, who was allegedly executed last year

Jade Heffer is pictured earlier this year, less than a year after her husband's alleged shooting murder

Jade Heffer is pictured with her husband, Yusuf Nazlioglu, before he died in a carpark last year

Police raided her Paramatta home in June and arrested three men with alleged links to the Alameddine family crime gang over an alleged brawl at a Westfield in Sydney's CBD.

Two months later, she herself was arrested during another raid - this time, it was her gangster boyfriend's home in Greenacre, and she was charged with hindering a police officer and weapons-related offences.

But it was just little more than a year ago that Ms Heffer expressed a desire to stay away from the public eye due to fears the Islamic community would criticise her.

She converted to the faith following the alleged shooting murder of her Lone Wolf bikie husband in June last year and promptly swapped plunging necklines for a hijab.

'I'm grieving and I've witnessed an [alleged] homicide,' she said, at the time.

'The world I live in is pretty crazy and talking to the news is something we don't do.

'People don't take me seriously as it is, and I get it, I'm Aussie, I know that, but this is my community now.'

Ms Heffer previously said she was concerned the Islamic community would not take her seriously

Ms Heffer had been married to Nazlioglu, 40, for six months before he was allegedly shot ten times and left to die in a pool of his own blood in the carpark of their Rhodes unit block, in Sydney's west.

Police have since charged Mohammed Hosni Khaled, 25, and Abdulrahman Atteya, 33, over the alleged murder.

Ms Heffer kept a low social media profile in the months following her husband's death, but she started uploading glamorous selfies earlier this year.

She could be seen at restaurants with friends, posing in hallways and bathroom mirrors - always in modest but figure-hugging attire, paired with different hijabs.

During the police raid at her Paramatta home in June, Ms Heffer could be seen sitting on the kerb with her hoodie pulled down over her face.

She flicked her middle fingers at the camera, as cops searched for evidence.

During her arrest in August, police went to her boyfriend's family home in Greenacre to execute a Firearm Prohibition Order and allege Ms Heffer and Alameddine's sister Susan helped him escape.

Officers allegedly found a firearm and an encrypted phone at the property.

Ms Heffer was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with hindering police and multiple weapons charges.

Ms Heffer will face Sydney's Supreme Court on September 11, while Alameddine's matter is next due before Sydney Downing Centre on September 28.
It follows negotiations with the teacher's union

NSW teachers could soon join Australia's best paid after the state government and union struck an in-principle deal for a significant wage hike.

Following an increasingly bitter pay dispute, the NSW Teachers Federation is recommending members accept an offer including a major first-year pay bump.

All teachers will get an initial pay increase of up to $10,000 per year under the proposed deal, which will be put to the union's state council on Saturday.

From October, the starting salary for first-year teachers will go from $75,791 to $85,000 - an increase of more than 12 per cent.

Salaries for teachers at the top of the scale will rise from $113,042 to $122,100, an eight per cent increase.

NSW teachers are set to receive a huge pay boost after an in-principle deal was struck with the NSW Teachers Federation (stock image)

Casual teacher and school counsellor rates will also be lifted, while a controversial 2.5 per cent cap on pay rises in the subsequent three years of a four-year agreement has been shelved.

Union leaders will recommend the state council endorse the deal at the upcoming meeting.

NSW Teachers Federation acting president Henry Rajendra said the proposed increase was 'once-in-a-generation' with children the ultimate beneficiaries if approved.

'The teacher shortage is a crisis that brewed for 12 long years, it can only be tackled by paying teachers what they are worth,' he said.

'We will attract and retain more hardworking teachers and prevent them drifting to other professions or states.'

Catholic school teachers can also expect a pay rise, as an interim settlement between the Independent Education Union and NSW dioceses binds the latter to pass on salary increases for teachers in the public system.

The union's NSW branch secretary Mark Northam said the flagged pay increases were unprecedented and would help to rebuild the profession.

If the latest offer is accepted, public school teachers' award will be varied and extended until October 2024, while negotiations will continue on pay increases for later years.

Mr Rajendra said the union would take into account the state of the economy and gather information from its members in the lead-up to further negotiations on the award next September.

Education Minister Prue Car (pictured) said the deal would mean the state's teachers went from being among the country's worst-paid classroom leaders to its best-paid

READ MORE: Prestigious $30,000-a-year boarding school in Perth abandons plan for teachers to pretend to have disabilities Advertisement

Education Minister Prue Car said the deal would mean the state's teachers went from being among the country's worst-paid classroom leaders to its best-paid.

She was hopeful the deal would be accepted so teachers could start to see more money in their pay packets.

But Opposition Leader Mark Speakman accused the government of 'caving under union pressure' and agreeing to a deal that would send the state budget into further crisis.

He said the government was yet to reveal where cuts would be made in order to fund the pay increase.

Talks will continue on what pay increases teachers can expect for the remainder of the four-year period after the government walked back its 2.5 per cent offer.

The union effectively rejected being locked into the figure, which it argued mirrored the former coalition government's public-sector wage cap and would again lead to worsening teacher shortages.
Gary Busey is being investigated for a possible hit-and-run after a woman accused him of crashing into her then speeding off in Malibu.

The 79-year-old actor allegedly rear-ended the woman's car with his Volvo on August 30, on the 23000 block of Pacific Coast Highway near the pier.

Busey, a Malibu resident, then drove off, the woman claimed - and she sped after him and filmed the chase.

She yelled at him to pull over, and when he eventually did she confronted him. 'You hit my car,' she shouts, as he turns to look at her and grins. 'I need your information. Sir! You hit my car!'

Gary Busey, 79, is pictured on August 30 in Malibu. A woman accused him of rear-ending her car, and when he sped off she chased him down

The Oscar-nominated actor's Volvo had a large dent visible in the front, and numerous scratches

It is unclear if she recognized the actor, who was nominated for the Oscar for 1978's The Buddy Holly Story.

He also starred in the original of A Star Is Born, and the Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze classic Point Break.

Busey has been in the headlines in recent years for his wild antics: he was accused of groping at least three women during a film convention in August 2022.

A day later he was photographed sitting on a Malibu bench with his hands down his pants, seemingly pleasuring himself in broad daylight, in full public view.

In the August 30 footage, Busey eventually gets out of his car, but refuses to give the woman his insurance details.

'It'll be wiped out,' he tells her, seemingly referencing damage to their cars. His Volvo had scratches and a large dent in the front bumper, while hers had scratches to the back.

'It doesn't matter - that's not how this works,' she replies, audibly angry and distressed, in footage from TMZ. 'You hit my car, you have scuffs all over your car.'

The woman began filming the car chase after the incident - honking her horn and yelling at Busey to stop. He grinned and sped off, eventually pulling over down the road

Busey initially ignored her frantic pleas to pull over, after the alleged hit and run

The woman confronts Busey - it is not clear if she knows who he is - and asks for his insurance details

Despite her pleas for his insurance details, Busey ignored her and drove away, laughing

Busey's Volvo had visible damage to the front

Busey then says: 'Progressive insurance.'

She replies: 'I want the number, I want your information.'

The actor, getting back into his car, says: 'No, no. I'm private.'

He starts the engine, and turns his car around to drive away, playing The Beach Boys song 'Wouldn't It Be Nice', and laughing.

'Sir! You don't get to just leave hitting someone!' she pleads.

Busey then drives off.

The woman called police, and an investigation was opened.

Under state law, leaving the scene of a minor collision can qualify as a misdemeanor.

It is not the first crash Busey has been involved in.

Busey's battered Volvo is pictured in Malibu, where he lives, in February 2020

In 2015, close to the spot of the August 30 incident, Busey reversed out of a parking spot and hit a woman.

She was treated at the scene by the Los Angeles Fire Department and released.

And in 1988, he nearly died after crashing off his Harley Davidson without a helmet.

'I hit the concrete going 45 miles per hour,' he told David Letterman, the year after the accident.

'I hit a little sand and gravel, fish-tailed, hit my rear brake, and I smashed into the concrete, and I don't remember seven weeks of my life.

'I was in the hospital for two months. I'd split my skull, scraped the temple side of my brain.'

The accident left his left eye permanently disfigured.

It also significantly changed his personality.

His son Jake, now 51, said the accident made him 'more impulsive and prone to anger and delusions of grandeur,' according to a 2019 Hollywood Reporter profile.

'He was a vegetable in a wheelchair staring at the wall,' said Jake.

'At 17, I had to teach him with my mom to talk, to eat, to feed himself. To walk again. To write. That was very difficult for me at that age.'

Busey is seen in September 2018, at the New York Stock Exchange

He added: 'The post-accident version of him turned his personality up to 11.

'I feel like I lost my dad on December 4, 1988.'

The Hollywood Reporter profile detailed his lack of filter, following the accident.

They reported that while being photographed for the magazine, he asked a slim male photo assistant: 'Did you used to be a woman? You came out great.'

He then told a female hairstylist: 'If you're not having fun, I have something for you to have fun: I'll tickle you till you pee.'

Busey previously faced drug charges in 1995 when authorities found cocaine during a search of his Malibu home.

He was charged with one count of cocaine possession and three counts of possession of marijuana, possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms and being under the influence of cocaine.

In the past he has also been arrested on charges of spousal abuse.

In 2011, during a season of Celebrity Apprentice, he was accused of sexually assaulting a female employee of the show.

'We were smoking cigarettes outside, and Busey was standing next to me,' an employee told the Daily Beast in 2016.

'And then at one point, he grabbed me firmly between my legs, and ran his hand up my stomach, and grabbed my breasts.

'I didn't know what to do.

'So I made this joke that, 'Oh, I've never been sexually harassed by a celebrity before!'

'Then he grabbed my hand and put it [over] his penis, and said, like, 'I'm just getting started, baby.''

In August last year, his spokesman claimed that the actor perhaps needed to relieve himself - which was why he was caught on camera with his pants round his ankles, his hands buried in his crotch.

'Gary often sits on the bench in front of his home to meditate and look at the ocean,' said a spokesperson.

They told Page Six: 'Our only guess is that perhaps at his age, he realized he couldn't get to the bathroom in time which explains what happened in the video of him on the bench.'

Seemingly unaware that he was in full public view, the actor lowered his pants and sat on a bench with his hand between his legs.

His representative said Busey was on private property, but he was in full view of the public.

Busey was filmed making his way to a bench at the lookout point, where he sat down, pulled out his phone and then pulled down his pants.

Busey stuck one hand down the front of his pants, appeared to clench his jaw and then looked around to make sure no bystanders had caught him in the lewd act.

Seemingly satisfied with his actions, Busey lit up a cigar and looked out over the ocean for nearly 30 minutes before getting back in his car and leaving the park.

The day before, he was charged with four counts of sexual contact and harassment after multiple women accused him of indecent conduct at a New Jersey horror movie convention.

The case is believed to be pending.

Busey is seen here taking pictures in the same photoshoot area of the Monster Mania event where at least three women have accused him of inappropriately touching them

Busey is seen with a fan the annual Monster Mania Convention, which was held at the Doubletree Hotel on August 12-14, 2022, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Pictured, Busey with fans during the Philadelphia convention

The actor, who lives in Malibu, California, was scheduled as a featured guest for all three days of the event

The charges stem from offenses that are alleged to have occurred at the annual Monster Mania Convention at the Doubletree Hotel on August 12-14, 2022 in Cherry Hill, in the Philadelphia suburbs

The charges stem from offenses that are alleged to have occurred at the annual Monster Mania Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ, police said.

Cherry Hill Police say three women were touched by Busey inappropriately during an autograph signing and meet and greet.

'It was about contact. It was about touching,' Cherry Hill Police Lt. Robert Scheunemann told the Philadelphia Inquirer, noting that 'multiple complaints' about the actor's conduct had been received throughout the weekend.

Busey had to be removed from a portion of the event after he was seen groping women, according to Fox 29.

Police initially did not identify the suspect as the actor, but followed up with a statement saying that Busey was the man facing charges.

At the convention Busey was said to be appearing alongside other actors including Ralph Macchio, Tom Skerritt and Veronica Cartwright.

A lawyer for the convention, Nikitas Moustakas, said the convention company was 'assisting authorities in their investigation into an alleged incident involving attendees and a celebrity guest at its convention.'

'Immediately upon receiving a complaint from the attendees, the celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return,' he said.

'Monster-Mania also encouraged the attendees to contact the police to file a report. The safety and well-being of all our attendees is of the utmost importance to Monster-Mania, and the company will not tolerate any behavior that could compromise those values.' Busey called the allegations lies.

'It took less than 10 seconds and they left,' he said of the meeting at the 'Monster-Mania' convention. 'Then they made up a story that I assaulted them sexually.'

He added that 'nothing happened.' 'It was all false,' he told TMZ, in video footage shot at a gas station.
Blog Archive: Oct 2023 (150) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
Questions are mounting about how a young couple lost $90,000 after claiming to have fallen victim to a bungled bank transfer - with the bank now saying the pair never had the money to begin with.

Elli Houston, 21, and her fiance Trae Murphy, 23, came forward this week to claim they had transferred $90,000 from their Commonwealth Bank account to a Bank of Melbourne account on June 30.

The pair had saved the amount of money up to buy a block of land in Yarrawonga, a small town located near the NSW and Victoria border.

However, the couple have claimed that the money first bounced back into their account - and has since vanished altogether.

Ms Houston and Mr Murphy, a carpenter, have now lodged a complaint about the bank with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and said they've been left devastated that their hard-earned savings seemingly disappearing into thin air.

But the couple's version of events and that of the Commonwealth Bank are starkly at odds, with the bank claiming they never had anywhere near $90,000 in their account.

While it's not suggested the couple have done anything wrong - simply that a stuff-up has seemingly occurred somewhere along the way - Daily Mail Australia takes a look at the key questions that remain unanswered about the peculiar saga.

Elli Houston, 21, and her fiance Trae Murphy, 23, came forward this week to claim they had transferred $90,000 from their CBA account to a Bank of Melbourne account on June 30. However, they say the large figure has now vanished

What happened to the mystery $90,000?

Ms Houston said the couple initially transferred $90,000 from a CBA account that had a total of $96,000 in it on June 30.

But she said it bounced back days later on July 4.

That same day, the couple tried to transfer the money again. They flew out to Bali on July 5th for a holiday.

Ms Houston said the money bounced back for a second time on July 7, but because they were in Bali they weren't able to transfer the money internationally.

The couple were then charged a $2,500 late settlement fee because, given the money was missing, the settlement fell over while they were overseas.

They returned from Bali on July 20 and went straight to a Commonwealth Bank branch to revolve the matter.

But they claimed after going into the branch, they were then told they just had 75c in their account.

'In Bali we could see that ($90,000) figure sitting in our account again,' Ms Houston told 3AW's Neil Mitchell.

'Then when we got home, nothing, 75c in our bank account.'

The young couple have been trying to get their money back but the Commonwealth Bank say they never had the money in their account to begin with

A spokesman for Commonwealth Bank (CBA) said it had investigated the claims and had since told Mr Murphy that the receipt numbers he provided 'do not exist in CBA records'. The bank also said the couple have 75c in their account

However, the Commonwealth Bank has claimed the couple never had $90,000 in their bank account.

In a letter sent to the couple, the bank said on the dates they allegedly tried to transfer the money, their bank account only had 75c in it.

The highest balance their account had was $10,400 in July last year, the bank added.

Is something wrong with the couple's receipts?

Ms Houston and Mr Murphy sent screenshots of their account to the Commonwealth Bank and receipts of the money being moved.

CBA said they conducted a thorough review of their records and the screenshots provided by the couple but that they did not match.

'CBA confirms that the screenshots do not match CBA's records of your accounts or the balance held in your accounts,' the bank's letter read.

'No transactions of $90,000 were attempted on either 30 June or 4 July.'

A spokesperson for CBA added: 'On examination of the images of the receipts provided, the documents differ from genuine CBA receipts and the receipt numbers do not exist in CBA's records.'

CBA said they conducted a thorough review of their records and the screenshots provided by the couple but that they did not match

How could they transfer the funds from their bank account?

Another complication is the funds allegedly sent from the couple's bank account would not have been able to be directly transferred to the Bank of Melbourne.

This is because the money was in a NetBank saver account which can only transfer funds to other CBA accounts.

'The account from which the transfers allegedly took place is a NetBank Saver which only permits transfers to another CBA account and is unable to process transfers to another financial institution,' a CBA spokesperson said.

What does this mean for the couple?

Ms Houston has claimed the $90,000 had been in their CBA account while they were in Bali but when it came to transferring it to the Bank of Melbourne when they returned home, it had disappeared.

She and her partner took a day off work to sit in the office of a bank employee in the hopes of finding the deposit.

'We were visibly distressed because we had lost so much money,' she told 3AW.

'They asked us if we were being held ransom because we were so upset. This was a whole day, then they took five weeks to come back with an answer.'

The couple said they waited five weeks to get a response from CBA, with the bank including a link to Beyond Blue, a suicide prevention hotline.

'They said ''we're really sorry, we're still investigating this, here are some links if you need some help'',' she recalled.

The couple have had to increase the amount of their existing loan to keep the land.

'My partner and I have been together since we were 15 years old, we've saved for so long for this land and our goal was always to pay it off before we put a house on it so we could then travel,' she said.

'It feels like everything's been taken from under us.'

The Bank of Melbourne declined to comment.

Daily Mail Australia sent written questions to Ms Houston and Mr Murphy but they did not respond.
An ice-affected father who stabbed his own brother to death over a $600 debt told a friend his sibling would be 'pretty sore but alright' following the attack.

Josh Tovey died after Jesse plunged a folding knife into his chest and shoulders four times outside their mother's south-east Melbourne home on January 18, 2021.

The brothers fought over $600 Josh claimed his brother owed. Jesse sent an ominous SMS warning he would collect 'either with money or blood'.

After Josh was knifed at the Mornington Peninsula property, he fled for his life but collapsed in a nearby repair shop's car park.

Workers called paramedics who resuscitated him once after he went into cardiac arrest, but when it happened again, he couldn't be saved and was declared dead.

Meanwhile Jesse Tovey had gone to another house in the same suburb where he collapsed into a deep, drug-induced sleep.

The father-of-three was jailed for eight years and three months on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his brother.

Josh Tovey (pictured) died after his brother Jesse plunged a folding knife into his chest and shoulders four times outside their mother's south-east Melbourne home on January 18, 2021

The crime followed weeks of fighting between the brothers, who were raised in circumstances of extreme violence and mistreatment at the hands of adults.

It's because of that, Jesse Tovey's moral culpability for his inability to control the violent impulse is reduced, Victorian Supreme Court Justice Michael Croucher found.

There was physical violence between the pair, including Joshua assaulting Jesse with a mallet, injuring his face.

When Jesse arrived at his mother's house in the early hours of January 18, Josh went to a nearby service station while their mother tried to encourage others to get ice-affected Jesse to leave.

When Josh returned, Jesse was still waiting with a folding knife which he used to stab his brother four times to the chest and shoulders.

Jesse returned to a friend's home on the Mornington Peninsula where he was staying.

When asked if he knew anything about a stabbing in the Hastings area, he said he had got into a fight with his brother, who he thought would be pretty sore but would be alright.

Father-of-three Jesse Tovey (pictured second from left) killed his brother over a $600 debt and told a friend his sibling would be 'pretty sore but alright' after stabbing him

Now every time Jesse Tovey looks at his family and surviving siblings he will be reminded of the pain and suffering he has caused them, on top of the devastation and immense sense of loss and grief he feels himself, Croucher said.

Jesse Tovey has the ongoing support of family, including a brother who has a room and a job ready for him once he has served his sentence  a minimum of five years before he's eligible for parole.

He regards his brother as a good person who lacks the right direction and wishes to support him getting the help he needs on his release. Croucher ended the sentence hearing by extending his condolences to the Tovey family  including Jesse Tovey  for their loss.
The mum of a young Aussie man in jail in California for allegedly killing two people while driving on the wrong side of the road has made a desperate plea for help.

Western Australian man Luke Nardini was driving along highway 84 near La Honda, a forested mountainous area 50km south of San Francisco, when his white BMW M4 collided with a grey Ford Taurus shortly after 5pm on Friday.

Mr Nardini was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road while taking a tight, blind turn when he crashed head-on into the Ford Taurus.

A male passenger in his 60s, who was sitting in the back seat of the Ford Taurus, died at the scene.

The three other passengers were rushed to Stanford Medical Center, where a woman who was also in her 60s and riding in the back seat, was declared dead.

Western Australian man Luke Nardini (pictured) is in jail in California for allegedly killing two people after he allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with a car carrying four passengers

The horror crash occurred only minutes from the four passengers' home in San Mateo County.

California Highway Patrol Officer Officer David LaRock said Mr Nardini had not been in the United States long and was not familiar with the winding two-lane road.

Investigators concluded Mr Nardini may have thought he was driving on the correct side of the road, Mr LaRock told San Francisco Bay Area newspaper The Mercury News.

Mr LaRock added that drugs and alcohol were not suspected to have contributed to the crash.

Mr Nardini was taken to hospital following the head-on collision but in a Facebook post shared on Monday his mum Cheryle confirmed he was in jail awaiting his first court appearance on Tuesday.

'Some of you may have heard what has happened to Luke in San Francisco,' Ms Nardini wrote.

'Luke had a terrible car accident where he accidentally drove on the wrong side of the road.

'Two people have tragically passed away, which Luke and our family are devastated about.'

Nardini was driving on the wrong side of the road along highway 84 near La Honda, a forested mountainous area 50km south of San Francisco, (pictured) when he took a tight, blind turn and crashed into the Ford Taurus

Ms Nardini made a desperate plea to friends and family to write a testimonial to Luke's character so that his lawyer could present it in court.

'If anyone would be able to give an opinion of how you know Luke and his character so that his lawyers are able to use this in Court, our family would be forever grateful,' Ms Nardini wrote.

'Could you please comment on this post so we are able to screenshot this for his lawyers.'

The post has received more than 150 comments, with friends, family and local businesses in Narrogin, 192km south-east of Perth, writing character references for the young man.

'Ive had the privilege of knowing Luke Nardini for many years, both professionally and personally,' one business owner wrote.

'I have witnessed Luke grow into the most kindest, respectful and genuine person you will ever meet. He takes pride in everything he does and will always go over and above to help anybody in need.

'Luke is not a reckless person in any way and would never go out to hurt anybody intentionally. Luke would be extremely remorseful for the families involved in this tragic accident that has occurred.

'Lukes family is well respected in the community as is he for everything he has contributed to the community with never asking for anything in return. My condolences to all families involved.'

His mother has issued a desperate plea on Facebook urging family, friends and business owners to provide a character reference for her son to be used at his bail hearing (pictured)

'I've known Luke for 21 years. He is extremely well respected amongst his peers and community. There isnt a bad bone in his body. He is a man of the highest integrity,' another commented.

A third chimed: 'I have the highest respect and trust for Luke and have always found him to be a mild-mannered, honest and compassionate person.'

Mr Nardini's mother and brother, Jamie, have travelled to California to provide him with support.

He will face court again for a bail hearing on November 19.
A laid back surfer who boldly took his pet snake out for a swim is being investigated for the brazen act, over concerns for the animal's welfare.

Higor Fiuza took his carpet python into the water while he hit the waves at Rainbow Bay at Coolangatta, in south-east Queensland.

Spectacular aerial footage taken by a drone and shared on Sunday showed the snake named Shiva, draped over the shoulder of Mr Fiuza, as he rides his surfboard.

Australians were left impressed after footage was shared to social media, however the Queensland Department of Parks and Wildlife Service were not amused and have launched an investigation to determine if the surfer broke any wildlife laws.

Wildlife authorities are investigating a man who took his pet snake for a surf as he hit the waves on a beach in Queensland

At one point, the footage captures the surfer riding a small wave with the python hastily slung around his neck.

The clip also shows the man paddling on the water, while the animal nestles itself comfortably on the surfboard as it enjoys the sunshine.

The video of Mr Fiuza's daring act was shared on an Instagram page before it draw plenty of comments from social media users including the surfer.

'Cheers bro... what a day,' Mr Fiuza said.

'That's wild,' one social media user wrote.

'I've legit seen everything' another added.

Mr Fiuza told ABC the three-year-old snake has surfed 10 times and said Shiva was 'a natural'.

'She's such an amazing snake,' Mr Fiuza said.

'I always took her to the beach and she loved to be in the water swimming, so one day I decided to take her out for a surf and she loved it,'.

Mr Fiuza said he was not worried about losing Shiva in the water, because the animal has developed a strong grip and now holds onto his neck tightly while he's surfing.

'She known to to swim. She goes under the water and comes back to me,' he said.

Surfer Higor Fiuza took his pet carpet python Shiva for a swim before the pair rode the waves together

Authorities are not having a bar of the man's antics however, as they launch an investigation into his actions.

The Queensland Department of Parks and Wildlife Service told Daily Mail Australia they are looking into whether the man broke any wildlife laws.

'The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is aware of media reports about a person allegedly taking a pet snake out in public,' a department spokesperson said.

'Wildlife officers are making inquiries into the matter to determine if any legislative provisions under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 or permit conditions under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 have been breached'.

Experts say exposing snakes to the water and will harm the animal.

Tim Hudson, from Hudson Snake Catching Gold Coast and Hinterland told 7News, the Shiva should not have been taken into the water.

'Snakes are ecotherms, so obviously that can cause the snake a lot of stress, being out in that cold, salty water,' Mr Hudson said.

'Snakes are very fragile in their environment and how they interact with their environment, having them out in the cold, salty surf would definitely cause that animal a considerable amount of stress'.

Mr Fiuza said Shiva had surfed at least ten times and was a 'natural' as video footage was posted to social media showing the snake slung onto the man's shoulders as he surfed
Voice architect and campaigner Marcia Langton has taken a veiled swipe at Nationals Senator Jacinta Price by referencing a quote allegedly made by her father and used by a controversial figure in the No campaign.

While answering a question from a journalist after giving an address at Canberra's National Press Club on Wednesday Professor Langton referenced a speech by No vote advocate Gary Johns where he allegedly used a quote from Senator Price's dad.

'One person said recently, 'if they want a Voice - learn English', Professor Langton said.

Dr Johns, who is president of anti-Voice group Recognise a Better Way, used the alleged quote from Senator Price's dad, Dave Price, during a speech to the conservative CPAC event held in Sydney last month.

'Now, yesterday, Senator Jacinta Price declined to approve of that person (Dr Johns),' Professor Langton said.

'Well, why? Because of the school whose governing committee she chairs, I believe, teaches the curriculum in the four local languages spoken by the Indigenous children from the town camps who attend the school.

Senator Jacinta Price (pictured left) with her parents Bess Price and Dave Price, who was an English teacher

'So you know, they're throwing out highly curated slogans to the public, but behind the slogans, at least some of them understand exactly the problem.

'Cultural diversity, linguistic diversity, extreme disadvantage, and the priority that children must take.'

During his CPAC speech Dr Johns said: 'As Dave Price, Jacinta's dad, has said to me often enough: 'If you want a voice, learn English. That's your voice'.

Dr Johns made the comments while asserting that Indigenous people in remote communities were living in 'stupor' and needed the tools to 'adapt to life in the modern world'.

Dr Johns' speech attracted widespread criticism including by Nationals leader David Littleproud and a number of Coalition members who oppose the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

However, when asked about the comments Senator Price did not completely disavow what she called Dr Johns' 'perspective'.

'Indigenous kids, whose first language is not English, need to be able to understand, read and write,' she said on Tuesday.

Professor Marcia Langton used an address at the National Press Club to take a veiled swipe at Senator Price's dad

'(To) learn English to participate in a modern Australia for the benefit of themselves, and for the benefit of future employment opportunities - to participate in society as is,' she told the press.

In saying Dr Johns had a 'pretty pertinent point' Senator Price referred to her dad.

'My parents . . . both have been teachers for a very long time, my father is a former English teacher,' she said.

'The importance of reading and writing English, [that] has led to great opportunities, like representing the country as a Senator.'

However, the Senator later appeared to distance herself from the CPAC speech as she took a dig at the media while holding a the press conference to call for more funding for the Yipirinya school that she chairs in central Australia.

"People can have their opinions,' she said.

"I'm not concerned with the opinions of others, I'm concerned for the welfare of children in marginalised communities - be nice if the media were concerned for that as well.'

Senator Price will speak at the National Press Club next Thursday.

Former Labor minister Gary Johns has become a controversy magnet during the Voice campaign

Dr Johns, a former Labor minister, has been the subject of considerable controversy for his leading role in the anti-Voice campaign.

In 2003 during a speech to the Bennelong Society Conference Dr Johns likened the 'preoccupation' with preserving Indigenous communities to keeping a zoo.

'It was as if it was a postcolonial situation where people had regained their land and were fighting to establish a nation,' Dr Johns said.

'There was an obsession with preserving difference. It is what you do in zoos - preserve things and put them aside.'

Dr Johns has also called for genetic testing before Indigenous people can obtain 'race-based benefits' and welfare payments.

His comments have even drawn criticism from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with many calling the No campaign to sack him.

Whether Australia recognises the continent's original inhabitants with an constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament will be decided by referendum on October 14.

Senator Price has been contacted for comment.
READ MORE: Deakin University pressured to change name

She has been remembered for her intellect and creativity

A gifted young student has been remembered by her loved ones and the local community for her intellect, creativity and talent following her tragic death.

Zoe Hulme-Peake, who was a high-achieving pupil at Downlands College in Toowoomba, recently died near Taree in New South Wales.

Ms Hulme-Peake was dux of her year group when she graduated from the college in 2018.

She was also ranked in the top 0.06 per cent of students in the state and recognised as one of the top 30 Year 12 students.

Because of her impressive results, the bright student was offered a place at Homerton College at Cambridge University in the UK.

Zoe Hulme-Peake (pictured centre) has been remembered by her loved ones and the local community for her intellect, creativity and talent following her tragic death

She was set to begin a philosophy course at the university but was forced to defer her studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Hulme-Peake moved to Brisbane after school and went on to study some environmental philosophy units at the University of Queensland in the meantime.

She was hugely passionate about the arts, and was an actor and musician in her spare time.

Last year, she wrote a play called Ash and Andie, which won her the Queensland Theatre Young Playwrights Award.

Ms Hulme-Peake was also a strong advocate for social justice issues such as the environment, refugees and asylum seekers.

She organised and took part in demonstrations for refugees and the climate.

Many of her former teachers shared heartfelt tributes.

'Zoe was a student who thought, reflected and wrote beyond her years,' one teacher told the Toowoomba Chronicle.

Ms Hulme-Peake and playwright Blake Hohenhaus wrote a play called Ash and Andie, which won them the Queensland Theatre Young Playwrights Award

'She has unique points of view and capably synthesises disparate concepts to develop a body of work that would not be out of place in a tertiary-level research journal.'

Another said she 'always strived to improve and extend herself' and possessed 'extraordinary intelligence'.

Others referred to her as 'exceptionally gifted' and 'passionate' with an appetite for learning new things.

In a 2020 social media video Ms Hulme-Peake gave an insightful online talk as a past student to the Downlands school community about dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, thanking teachers for the learning environment they'd created.

A spokesperson from her school told the Queensland publication that 'there is no doubt that Zoe's co-curricular involvement had helped to extend her intellectual growth and capabilities.

'Over and over again, we have witnessed a young scholar who delights in, and makes meaning out of, the intriguing interplay of science and the arts.

'Our prayers and thoughts are with Zoe's family and friends during this difficult time.'
A picture of the sign - reading 'Nude beach past this sign' - was posted to X

A prankster has posted a fake nudist beach sign at Loyola Beach in Chicago

A cheeky prankster has erected a fake nudist sign on a popular non-naked beach in Chicago.

The sign was put in the sand at Loyola Beach in the Rogers Park neighborhood over the Labor Day weekend.

'Nude beach past this sign' the fake placard reads in a photo posted online.

A person with a rather cheeky sense of humor planted a fake sign advertising a beach as a 'nude beach' on a popular Chicago coast over the Labor Day weekend

The picture was posted to X - formerly known as Twitter - by City Alderwoman Maria Hadden (pictured) along with a caption warning guests that clothing is still required

'We've been notified that someone has installed this cheeky sign at Loyola Beach. Please note that this is not an official @ChicagoParks sign,' Alderwoman Maria Hadden wrote

The picture was posted to X - formerly known as Twitter - by City Alderwoman Maria Hadden along with a caption warning guests that clothing is still required.

'We've been notified that someone has installed this cheeky sign at Loyola Beach. Please note that this is not an official @ChicagoParks sign,' Hadden wrote.

'We've reported to Parks so they can remove it. As a reminder, at least some clothing is required at all of our beaches,' the local representative continued.

The photo posted by Hadden showed the sign lodged in the sand in front of the coastline beach patrons could be seen in the background.

Hadden's tweet has been viewed more than 143,000 times, according to X data, and the response has been overwhelming with thousands liking and retweeting the pic.

Dozens of constituents have also weighed in underneath the post with punny responses and continuations on the joke.

This is Loyola Beach where the 'nude beach past this sign' was posted

'Love an Alderwoman with a 'cheeky' sense of humor.' 'Some clothing - just socks ok?' 'This is hilarious.'

'Compromise? Nude beach hours observed between Nov. 1 and March 31.'

The sign appeared to have the city's real emblem on it, which caused a stir with the official Chicago Parks District's X account.

'This is not an official @chicagoparks sign. @chicagoparks is working on removing all unauthorized signage,' the account wrote in a tweet.

'Please note: Unauthorized use of the @chicagoparks seal is strictly prohibited.'

The response did not go over well with Chicago residents who were upset over the prank. 'Booooooo,' one person wrote. 'Make it real tho,' another responded.

Dozens of constituents have also weighed in underneath the post with punny responses and continuations on the joke

'Compromise? Nude beach hours observed between Nov. 1 and March 31'

'Some clothing - just socks ok?' wrote one person

Despite the fact that the sign was clearly a joke, Hadden said that the local land actually has a deep connection to the potential for a nude beach.

According to Hadden, in 1932, a 49th Ward representative introduced a resolution to make the land a nude sunbathing area two years before it became Loyola Beach.

The proposal was brought forth by George A. Williston and looked to appease residents who 'sniffed at the carryings on of nudist cults in Germany and elsewhere in Europe,' according to a Chicago Tribune article.

The article from the time stated that Williston would have had facilities that would have obstructed locals views of the nude beachgoers.

The beach also would've included separate sunbathing areas for men and women.
A mum left fighting for life after she was allegedly stabbed numerous times by her husband in front of their young children on Father's Day has woken up in hospital.

Amy White, 38, was found with multiple stab wounds to her upper chest and neck at her house in Frenchville in Rockhampton, central Queensland, on Sunday.

Emergency services had responded after receiving a triple-0 call.

Ms White was rushed to Rockhampton Hospital in a critical condition, where she underwent emergency surgery.

Her husband of almost 10 years Geoffrey Ernest White, 52, was arrested and is currently behind bars after he was charged with one count of attempted murder.

Police provided an update on Ms White's condition on Wednesday that she's now awake and conscious.

Mum-of-two Amy White (pictured) required lifesaving surgery after she was allegedly stabbed by her husband in front of their two children

Police were called to the Constantia Crescent home in Frenchville on Sunday night

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Kevin Mawdsley hailed the 'amazing' efforts of paramedics, surgeons and hospital staff who saved Ms White's life.

'She is very fortunate,' he told The Morning Bulletin.

'We haven't spoken to her yet, we are going to give her some time to recuperate and look to engage with her in the coming days.'

Ms White remains in hospital in a stable condition.

The alleged incident occurred weeks out before the couple's 10th wedding anniversary on October 19. They had been together since 2010.

The home owned by the couple remains a crime scene three days on but is expected to be handed back to Ms White's family later on Wednesday.

Police confirmed a knife had been seized.

Geoffrey Ernest White (left) is accused of stabbing his wife Amy (right) on Father's Day

The Frenchville home remained a crime scene three days after the alleged stabbing. Pictured are forensic officers at the scene

Geoffrey Ernest White didn't appear or apply for bail when his case was briefly mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday.

White's lawyer requested a brief of evidence for the charge before the magistrate adjourned the matter to November 1.

Police revealed they were unaware of any history of domestic violence between the couple.

Police described Sunday night's alleged stabbing as concerning as they issued a plea to the local community.

They also confirmed the couple's two young children, both aged under 10, were home at the time.

'Obviously a very distressing scene for those children as well as neighbours and first responders,' Detective Acting Inspector Luke Peachey said.

'I think in the next couple of days we will have a clear idea of how this has happened and reasons why.'

'If you are thinking about doing something like this, then please seek help and reach out to someone.'

If you or anyone you know needs support, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 13 11 14.
The body of a man has been found amid a grisly scene in a suspected homicide after cops performed a welfare check at the house.

Inside the Torrens Road, Caboolture South home, police found a 41-year-old man dead with 'wounds to his neck'.

Police confirmed that a 23-year-old man 'of African appearance', who was inside when officers arrived on Wednesday morning, is now in custody.

The dead man was of 'Caucasian appearance', Detective Inspector Stephen Windsor told media on Wednesday afternoon, adding that there were no indications they knew each other.

The 23-year-old man, who had 'blood on his person', is 'assisting' investigations.

Police confirmed that a 23-year-old man 'of African appearance', who was in the Caboolture south home when officers arrived to find a deceased 41-year-old man, is in custody

Detective Inspector Stephen Windsor told media first responders found a 'confronting scene' with blood throughout the home

As of Wednesday afternoon a large police presence is at the Caboolture property including forensic officers and detectives

'He's still being examined but there is no obvious injuries to him, no,' Det. Insp. Windsor said.

'He was in there (in the house) and even when police attended he spoke with police, he didn't attempt to flee, no.'

Police are not currently looking for any other persons, though no arrests have been made.

They received a call at 9.15am on Wednesday from 'a male carer' about a 'disturbance' at the Torrens Road address, he confirmed.

When police attended they found the dead man, a new client of the carer, inside and immediately set up a crime scene.

'This was confronting for the initial police who attended, with a substantial amount of blood in the premises,' Det. Insp. Windsor said.

'It was quite a graphic encounter for first responder police.'

He said 'a weapon has been used' but could not confirm whether it was a knife.

Det. Insp. Windsor said there was 'some contact in the early hours of this morning' between the men, who do not appear to be known to each other.

Police on the scene of a suspected homicide in Caboolture South on Wednesday where a man died after receiving wounds to his neck

A male carer phone police at 9.15am on Wednesday and when officers arrived they found a dead man and a second man, 'f African appearance' who is now helping with enquiries

Det. Insp. Windsor said the man in custody could be the person neighbours had reported as going door to door early on Wednesday morning

'It doesn't appear to be a home invasion [and] there is nothing to indicate this was a robbery.'

He said the younger man is not from the Caboolture or Moreton areas.

Det. Insp. Windsor said the man in custody could be the person neighbours had reported as going door to door early on Wednesday morning.

'There is a possibility that it is the same male person, yes.'

As of Wednesday afternoon a large police presence remained at the property including forensic officers and detectives.

Police have requested anyone with information that may help investigations contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A stripper-turned-accountant is facing deportation after entering into a fake marriage in an attempt to remain in Australia.

Malaysian national Belinda Hui Cheng Yong, 33, filed seven statutory declarations as part of her application for permanent residency in Australia after marrying another non-citizen in January 2018.

The court heard her application for permanent residency contained false claims about the marriage with the pair never becoming husband and wife.

Yong pleaded guilty to one count of arranging a pretend relationship and seven charges of providing false or misleading information relating to non-citizens in the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday.

Malaysian national Belinda Hui Cheng Yong, 33, filed seven statuary declarations as part of her application for permanent residency in Australia after marrying another non-citizen

The court heard Yong's application for permanent residency contained false claims about the marriage with the pair never becoming husband and wife

She was sentenced to two years behind bars with immediate release on a two-year good behaviour bond with a conditional sum of $1,000, the Courier Mail reported.

In December 2021, Yong was previously sentenced to 18 months in jail after she was caught with a quantity of cocaine after police raided her home in September.

The court heard officers discovered a total of 65g of white powder containing nearly 16g of pure cocaine and a smaller quantity of cannabis.

Yong moved to Australia from Malaysia in 2013 and worked as a stripper and topless waitress to support herself while studying at university.

The adult entertainer became heavily dependent on alcohol and cocaine, with Yong claiming her bosses 'almost forced' her to take the drugs at work, the court heard.

The court heard she told police who raided her home last September the drugs were for personal use but that she sometimes shared them with friends or clients.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Commerce, she worked as an accountant and volunteered at a Brisbane dance school.

She continued to financially support her parents, who still live in Malaysia.

Judge Deborah Holliday KC took Yong's history of substance misuse disorders and mental health conditions into account during sentencing on Wednesday.

In December 2021, Yong was previously been sentenced to 18 months in jail after she was caught with a quantity of cocaine after police raided her home in September

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Commerce, Yong worked as an accountant and volunteered at a Brisbane dance school

She accepted the former stripper would face adversity if she was deported back to Malaysia and that she had expressed remorse for her offending.

Judge Holliday accepted prosecution submissions that a sentence was required in this case to deter other people from similar offending.

'It is submitted that you participated in a relatively sophisticated scheme in an attempt to obtain a visa you were not entitled to,' she told Yong.

'You entered into the marriage knowing that it was a scam and then provided multiple false declarations.'

A man who helped organise the sham marriage with his powers as a Justice of the Peace was previously sentenced to two years and six months behind bars with release on a recognisance after four months served.
UN convention on judicial sale of ships signed in Beijing

Xinhua) 11:28, September 06, 2023

A representative of Switzerland signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A signing ceremony for the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, took place in Beijing on Tuesday.

The document, adopted in December last year by the UN General Assembly, is aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships, which helps protect the incentives of financial institutions in ship financing and promote the development of international shipping and trade.

Representatives from 34 countries and regions attended the ceremony, and 15 countries and regions, including China, Switzerland, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, became the first signatories to the convention.

The convention has filled the gaps in relevant international rules in maritime commerce, which is conducive to reducing the transaction costs of the judicial sale of ships and will safeguard the stability of several rights, such as the ownership of ships, said China's Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen, who signed the document on behalf of the country.

He expects the convention to play a positive role in promoting the transaction of ships, the development of shipping, and global trade.

A representative of Singapore signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2023 shows the signing ceremony of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

A representative of China signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

A representative of Saudi Arabia signs the United Nations (UN) Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention on the Judicial Sale of Ships, at a signing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
He was criticized for going mask-less despite Jill Biden testing Covid positive

Joe Biden has sparked backlash after he hastily exited a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, leaving a celebrated war hero awkwardly alone on stage.

The President, 80, quickly made his way out of the East Room after awarding the nation's highest military honor to Larry Taylor, 81, a retired Army Captain celebrated for his heroics during the Vietnam War.

But while Taylor shed a tear as the medal was pinned to his lapel, Biden appeared less moved by the moment as he was reportedly already heading out of the door before the closing benediction was read.

While many have reacted with fury, some have speculated that the commander-in-chief was trying to give the veteran the spotlight, leading to an awkward moment where Taylor was left alone on stage.

The gaffe came after Biden was earlier criticized for removing his mask moments before greeting Taylor, despite First Lady Jill Biden testing positive for Covid-19 the day before.

Biden's quick getaway is the latest in a long line of incidents that have led people to brand him disrespectful to the troops, including an infamous moment where he repeatedly checked his watch during a ceremony honoring soldiers killed in an ISIS-K suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021.

President Joe Biden awards the Medal of Honor to Capt. Larry Taylor, an Army pilot from the Vietnam War who risked his life to rescue a reconnaissance team that was about to be overrun by the enemy

PICTURED: Then-1st Lt. Larry L. Taylor in his UH-1 'Huey' helicopter. Taylor served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with D Troop (Air), 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division

Taylor flew over 2,000 combat missions in UH-1 and Cobra helicopters and led a rescue mission in 1968 to save a small group of soldiers trapped in a rice field by enemy troops

Biden was awarding Taylor, a retired Army Captain, for his bravery during the Vietnam War, where he risked his life for his comrades in the jungle in June 1968.

On the night of June 18, 1968, Taylor took off in his attack helicopter to rescue four men on a long-range reconnaissance team that had become surrounded and was in danger of being overrun by enemy troops.

He had to figure out a way to get them out, otherwise 'they wouldn't make it.'

David Hill, one of the men Taylor saved that night, said Taylor's actions were what 'we now call thinking outside the box.'

Hill and the three others were on a night mission to track the movement of enemy troops in a village near the Saigon River when they were found by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops.

An intense firefight ensued and soon they were running out of ammunition. They radioed for help.

Taylor flew off in his attack helicopter, arriving just minutes later at the site northeast of what at the time was Saigon, since renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

Taylor said the first problem with getting to the trapped soldiers was poor visibility.

'It's difficult to support you because I can't see you and I can't see the bad guys. I'm afraid if I start throwing some rockets out here, I'm going to kill one of you all,' he recalled telling them over the radio.

1st Lt. Larry Taylor sitting in a UH-1 'Huey' helicopter in an undated photo. After completing flight training, Taylor was assigned to one of the Army's first Cobra helicopter companies in Vietnam where he served from August 1967 to August 1968

Then-1st Lt. Larry Taylor flying a Cobra in the mid-to-late 1960s

General view of American soldiers walking in the jungle at the Hill 875 near Dakto on November 29, 1967

He asked the patrol team to send up some flares to mark their location in the dark.

Taylor and a pilot in an accompanying helicopter started firing their ships' Miniguns and aerial rockets at the enemy, making low-level attack runs and braving intense ground fire for about half an hour.

The two American helicopters attacked the enemy troops, using all their rockets and nearly 16,000 machine-gun rounds.

But with both helicopters nearly out of ammunition and with the enemy continuing to advance, Taylor surveyed the team's intended escape route to a point near the river and concluded that the men would be overrun if they tried to get there.

He had to think of something else.

Now running low on fuel and with the reconnaissance team also nearly out of ammunition, Taylor directed his wingman to fire the rounds left in his Minigun along the team's eastern flank and then head back to base camp, while Taylor fired his remaining rounds on the western flank.

He used the helicopter's landing lights to distract the enemy, buying time for the patrol team to head south and east toward a different extraction point he had identified.

After they arrived, Taylor landed under heavy enemy fire and at great personal risk.

The four team members rushed toward the helicopter and clung to the exterior - it only had two seats - and Taylor whisked them away to safety. He was on the ground for about 10 seconds.

'I finally just flew up behind them and sat down on the ground,' Taylor, now 81, explained during an interview.

'They turned around and jumped on the aircraft. A couple were sitting on the skids. One was sitting on the rocket pods, and I don't know where the other one was, but they beat on the side of the ship twice, which meant haul ass. And we did!'

Capt. Larry L. Taylor and wife, Toni Taylor. Taylor will become the newest recipient of the military's highest award for valor in battle when President Joe Biden presents the Vietnam veteran with the Medal of Honor on Tuesday more than 55 years after his heroic actions

Moments after he was awarded the nation's highest military honor, Taylor was left awkwardly alone on the stage when Biden made a hasty exit

What Taylor did that night had never before been attempted, the Army said.

'I was doing my job. I knew that if I did not go down and get them, they would not make it,' Taylor told Stripes.com.

Hill put their odds of survival at 'absolutely zero' without Taylor's outside-the-box thinking.

'His innovation was well beyond the call, as was his courage,' said Hill, the only member of the patrol team who is still alive. 'And that's the short of it, folks.

'Hell, we were dead,' Hill said. 'The fortunes of war had turned against us that night.'

We were in a Custer-like situation,' Hill said, referencing Custer's Last Stand, an American battle from 1876.

'We were finally able to make a breakout because he directed us to the very weakest portion of the enemy envelopment,' Hill explained.

Taylor basically concocted the plan as he flew along.

'There's nothing in the book that says how to do that and I think about 90 percent of flying a helicopter in Vietnam was making it up as you go along,' he said. 'Nobody could criticize you `cause they couldn't do any better than you did and they didn't know what you were doing anyway.'

Taylor said he flew hundreds of combat missions in UH-1 and Cobra helicopters during a year's deployment in Vietnam. 'We never lost a man,' he said.

'You just do whatever is expedient and do whatever to save the lives of the people you're trying to rescue,' he said.

Taylor was engaged by enemy fire at least 340 times and was forced down five times, according to the Army.

He received scores of combat decorations, including the Silver Star, a Bronze Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Taylor left Vietnam in August 1968, a couple months after that flight.

He was released from active duty in August 1970, having attained the rank of captain, and was discharged from the Army Reserve in October 1973.

He later ran a roofing and sheet metal company in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his wife, Toni, live in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

Taylor is a native of the St. Elmo community in the Volunteer State.

In a 2021 interview with News Channel 9, Taylor explained that he was in the ROTC program during his time in college prior to entering the army.

'I was in the armor branch. They said, 'Well, do you think about this tank? I said well it sucks I want to go fight school.'

Hill said he and supporters of Taylor were astonished to learn decades after that harrowing night that their hero had not been awarded a Medal of Honor.

Hill is the only other surviving member of the team who is still living.

But while Taylor was full of emotion as he wiped away a tear when the medal was pinned to his lapel, Biden appeared less moved by the moment.

His quick exit was condemned by military veterans following the ceremony, who argued that he showed a brazen lack of respect for the veteran.

'Pardon my French But what a f***ing idiot,' said former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan. 'The continuous lack of respect Biden has for anyone is appalling.'

Ryan, a podcast host, also noted Biden's recent appearance in wildfire-hit Hawaii as evidence of his apparent lack of respect.

The incident saw the president initially slammed for 'no commenting' on the crisis, before he gave a rambling speech and jetted off for a vacation in Lake Tahoe.

His most recent show of contempt has brought a wave of fury from military supporters online, with one daughter of a deceased colonel lying at Arlington Cemetery condemning him for 'leaving (Taylor) alone on the stage.'

'He hates our military,' she concluded. 'What is it with Biden? He keeps on showing disrespect to our men and women in uniform,' said another stunned viewer.

'Here leaving a Medal of Honor recipient alone on the stage while he beehives for the exit. Nothing honorable about this President.'

While many reacted with anger, Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, an army veteran, made light of the apparent disrespect by noting Biden's previous blunder at the Afghanistan ceremony in 2021, saying: 'At least he didn't check his watch this time.'

The president has come under increasing scrutiny over his advanced age in recent months as his reelection campaign heats up, with military account Military Arms also taking aim at his age on X, formerly Twitter.

'Do you think this was done on purpose or just is it more senile moments? I think the guy is so self-absorbed he makes blunders like this.

'God this man is a massive embarrassment to our nation,' he said.

Earlier in the ceremony, Biden raised eyebrows when he removed his face mask while standing next to the 81-year-old war hero despite his wife Jill testing positive for Covid-19 the day before.

President Biden was also criticized for removing his face mask during the ceremony, despite the First Lady testing positive for Covid-19 the day before

President Joe Biden remains negative for COVID while Jill Biden, a teacher, missed the first day of school after testing positive

The president entered the room wearing a black face mask, but decided to remove it before the ceremony got underway.

He then remained mask-less for several minutes as he stood beside Taylor. The president remains negative after being tested on Monday night and Tuesday morning and shows no symptoms.

Before the event, the White House said he would follow CDC guidelines, as press secretary Karine Hean-Pierre said he would only remove it when 'sufficiently' distanced from others.

'He will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with CDC guidance and as as has been the practice in the past.

'The President will remove his mask when sufficiently distance from others indoors and while outside as well,' she said on Tuesday, before the ceremony.

The president didn't put his mask back on to walk out of the East Room but did give a thumbs' up when asked how his wife was doing, saying she was 'well.'

His decision to remove the mask left viewers scratching their heads, with one woman remarking: 'I'm floored by his behavior.

'There's no point walking in masked to then unmask & put everyone at risk.' 'I hope their families sue if they get sick,' said another critic.

Biden escorts the Medal of Honor recipient to the East Room in a mask, which he was later criticized for removing

In 2021, President Joe Biden came under fire for appearing to look at his watch during the 'dignified transfer' onto American soil of the 13 American troops killed in a Kabul suicide bomb attack

The claims that he was disrespectful to the troops comes two years after the infamous moment where Biden appeared to check his watch during the 'dignified transfer' onto US soil of the 13 American troops killed in a Kabul suicide bombing.

After he broke the solemn moment to glance at his wristwatch, a slew of military veterans spoke out to lament his behavior.

'Looks like he was being inconvenienced by having to show some respect for these American Heroes [sic],' wrote Desert Storm Army veteran Samuel Williams.

Submarine veteran J Larry Hanna wrote: 'Biden, as the caskets passed before him, had to glance at his watch. Does he have something more important?'

Another veteran wrote: 'After a fallen soldier goes by, Biden shows his true incredibly disrespectful soul, he checks his watch as if he has somewhere else to be. I'm so mad, this is personal slap to all veterans and active duty.'
William Tyrrell's foster mother has claimed she was under police scrutiny over the disappearance of the missing toddler because police had botched investigations into his presumed death.

In a secretly taped conversation on October 20, 2021, the foster mother says: 'They are trying to get me on stuff. They are doing that because they f***ed it up'.

William was three when he vanished from his foster grandmothers home at Kendall on the NSW mid north coast on September 12, 2014.

Lawyers for William Tyrrell's foster mother, known by the court as SD, also accused police of using two child assaults she committed to pressure her into giving away the location of the missing toddlers' body.

Under cross-examination by the foster mum's barrister John Stratton, SC in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday, Detective Senior Constable Sean Ogilvy said it was his concern for the 11-year-old girl that motivated him.

When Mr Stratton accused Detective Ogilvy of 'ambushing' the foster mother, he countered that assaults had only come to light during surveillance of the foster parents over William's disappearance.

Asked by Mr Stratton if there was 'part of a campaign to break' SD on the location of William's body, the detective said 'absolutely not ... I had concerned concerns about the treatment of (the young girl).'

Detective Ogilvy agreed with Mr Stratton when he asked: 'You are well aware that (SD) has continually said she has no idea where the body of William Tyrrell is?'

Detective Senior Constable Ogilvy was being questioned during the five-day trial of SD and JS - who is the foster father - on charges they assaulted, stalked and intimidated the 11-year-old girl.

While pleading guilty to two counts of assault, the foster mother maintains she is not guilty of stalking the girl. The foster father has pleaded not guilty to one charge each of common assault and stalk and intimidate.

During the trial, disturbing recordings have been played on confrontations between the foster parents and the young girl, as well as about missing William.

The foster parents have discussed on secret recordings the case of missing William Tyrrell

Under cross-examination by the foster mother's lawyer, the OIC Detective Seniro Constable Sean Ogilvy (above) denied he was trying to ambush her on missing William and instead had concerns about the welfare of an 11-year-old girl

William Tyrrell vanished in September 2014 from Kendall home of SD's mother on the NSW mid-north Coast and no trace of him has ever been found.

The foster mother, who denies any connection with William's disappearance has been described as a person of interest in the case. No charges have ever been laid against anyone in relation to William vanishing.

In recordings played on Wednesday, SD complained about police pressure on her over the disappearance of the missing toddler, saying she was trying to be tricked into revealing something.

She also spoke disparagingly of William Tyrrell's biological parents, referring to their drug-taking and of her husband, saying at one point he had been behaving 'like a 16-year-old' at home

Blaming being in the spotlight for her behaviour towards 11-year-old girl, in conversations taped n secret recordings, the foster mother says are 'trying to trip me up' over the case.

'They need to discredit Jubelin because Jubelin came out and said we were in the clear,' the foster mother, SD, said, referring to the former William Tyrrell strike force commander Gary Jubelin who by that time was off the case.

The foster mother said police had botched the investigation into a suspect in her missing toddler son's case leaving her under scrutiny

'They cleared a guy on a telephone call after William went missing, she said in a taped recording on October 20, 2021.

The foster mother was speaking at a time when she had already appeared before the NSW Crime Commission to be questioned in a clandestine hearing into what she and the foster father knew about William's disappearance.

The conversation was just weeks before she was publicly named by then NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fullerton as a person of interest in her foster son's disappearance.

kicked an 11-year-old and hit her with a wooden spoon during clashes between the girl in two different homes on Sydney's exclusive north shore.

The foster mother, 58, who has pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting the 11-year-old, allegedly struck her the girl during one of several disciplinary sessions after the child called her a 'f***ing b***h'.

Police allege the foster mother, referred to in the court as 'SD', threatened the girl while William's 56-year-old foster father, known as 'JS' by the court, allegedly 'grabbed' the girl by the neck and 'physically restrained her to sit back down' in the kitchen of a suburban home.

Details have emerged on what William Tyrrell's foster mother (above, after pleading guilty on Monday) actually did to an 11-year-old girl

A judge has said police prosecution evidence that the schoolgirl feared threats of 'phsyical violence, humiliation and intimidation' may well hold water

The child was reportedly 'pleading' with SD to stop while the two defendants allegedly subjected her to a 15-minute 'tirade of verbal abuse'.

READ MORE: William Tyrrell's foster mum pleads guilty to assault of an 11-year-old William Tyrrell's foster mum, known as JS Advertisement

When the girl threatened to poo on the kitchen floor, the foster mother then allegedly warned the girl that if she did, she would rub her face in it.

Police allege that when the child screamed out in pain, SD forced her to sit on the floor for an extended period of time.

The foster mother then kicked the girl when she tried to get up, police allege.

In a series of incidents occurring between January and August 2021, police allege the foster parents stalked and intimidated the girl.

She later told a teacher she was afraid to go back to the house, police allege.

Prosecutors said the child using a phone without permission ended with her calling the foster mother 'a f***ing b***h'.

The girl is due to testify via pre-recorded evidence during a week-long trial at Parramatta Local Court in Sydney's west.

The court heard about heated verbal exchanges between the child and allegedly about a recording of the then primary schoolgirl being smacked.

Defence barrister John Stratton, SC, argued the repeated incidents, including a threatened warning by the foster mother that if the child continued to behave badly 'she would slap her' was just 'lawful chastisement, not a criminal activity'.

He said if a threat by a parent to issue a child with a smacking was deemed criminal 'that would criminalise every household in Australia'.

The parents of William Tyrrell are on trial for allegedly stalking and intimidating an 11-year-old girl over an eight month period in 2021 in two North Shore houses

READ MORE: How William Tyrrell's foster parents escaped scrutiny... until now The problems that beset the William Tyrrell case from the moment the three-year-old vanished go directly to the heart of Australia's flawed foster parent system. On one side, you have a his foster parents, a wealthy, well-educated couple who live in a $4 million home on Sydney's exclusive north shore. And on the other are his biological parents, who fell under suspicion from police because of the problems which saw them lose custody of the little boy in the first place: substance abuse and issues with law and order. READ MORE: How toddler 'couldn't get up' after 'distressing' accident, hit and bit foster mum Advertisement

But police prosecutor Detective Sergeant John Marsh said the 'smack, smack, smack' was clear on the recording, and the multiple incidents and alleged threats was 'certainly not what (happened in) every household in Australia'.

'It is the cumulative effect of all these incidents to show that (the foster mother) knew her conduct was likely to cause fear but nonetheless continued.'

Attending the hearing was a large group of detectives from Strike Force Rosann, which is investigating the disappearance of William Tyrrell, including the task force commander Detective Chief Inspector David Laidlaw.

The court was told the foster mother had been 'attempting to intervene in the (alleged) victim's problematic behaviours'.

SD and her husband JS were charged with common assault of the girl in late 2021, as police embarked on a new search of bushland near the NSW Mid North Coast town of Kendall for the remains of William Tyrrell.

The girl is expected to give evidence from a secure location in closed court at Parramatta on Thursday morning.

They have also entered guilty pleas to charges of using a dummy bidder to increase the sale price of their former 'forever home' for missing William on Sydney's North Shore at an auction in 2020.
Shocked parents have revealed how police and paramedics fought for 20 minutes to save the life of a toddler at a childcare centre before she died two days later.

The two-year-old girl had a 'medical episode' - believed to be a choking incident - at Humpty Doo Child Care Centre, 40km south-east of Darwin in the Northern Territory on Thursday last week.

Emergency services performed CPR at the site before moving her to a nearby medical centre where the life-saving work continued, said locals.

The youngster was then rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital but staff were unable to save her and she died on Saturday.

Police have now launched an investigation but the official silence around the tragedy has left parents of the childcare children frustrated and angry.

Many have kept their children away from the centre while the official investigation continues - and there were only 30 attending on Tuesday at a centre which can care for up to 116 toddlers.

'It is very concerning, and devastating,' one mum told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's heartbreaking knowing a child was dropped off and ended up never going home.

The two-year-old girl had a 'medical episode' - believed to be a choking incident - at Humpty Doo Child Care Centre (pictured), 40km south-east of Darwin in the Northern Territory

Many parents have now kept their children away from the centre - which can care for up to 116 toddlers - while the official probes continue, with only around 30 reported there yesterday

'No parent would think dropping their kid at daycare would be the last time they see them.

'It will all come out eventually but not quickly enough for parents. We kept our girl home today and many more were missing from her group yesterday.

'We respect that the family needs privacy - but the Chinese whispers as to what happened creates more angst.'

Parents have been given few details about the incident, with three text messages sent through the centre's app to update them.

'The first email just said an incident occurred,' the mother revealed. 'The second said there was an investigation happening and they cant elaborate further.

'Then on Monday, the last message said the little girl died on Saturday, an investigation was underway, and that for the privacy of the family involved, they cant say any more.'

The latest message from the centre told parents: 'I hope this post finds you and your family well in these difficult times.

'We are deeply saddened to inform you that the little girl that required medical attention at RDH [Royal Darwin Hospital] from Thursday's incident has tragically passed away over the weekend.

'Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.

'As this is still under investigation and with respect for the family, we are still limited in what can be shared and appreciate the stress and worry this may cause.

'The centre will continue to operate as normal at this time unless circumstances change, we will advise you.'

Parents say they have been given few details about the incident, with just three emails (the latest one is pictured) through the centre's app to update them since the tragedy unfolded

One mum added: 'I really hope that the daycare did do everything in its power to not be a contributing factor in that poor child dying.

'Some sort of acknowledgment of what happened without too many details may ease parents' minds. I understand due process, but saying nothing is not helping.'

The not-for-profit childcare centre is run by local parents with a $3million annual turnover and a yearly wage bill of more than $2.3million for the mum-and-dad staff.

Some parents allege there had been a recent slide in standards of care at the centre and claim children as young as two are hosed down with cold water when they are being changed.

'They have become slack with reporting on a childs day,' said one parent. 'They used to put meals eaten and how much, nappy or toilet activity and sleep times, as well as pics.

'But they havent done it for a couple of months. They say they dont have enough working devices or staff to do it. It's frustrating as you need to know these things.'

They added: 'They have maybe three or four toilets for more than 40 kids, and even more if you count the younger group.

'They use a cold hose to rinse down the kids to change them...which seemed a bit extreme to me. Its okay most of the year but in June/July, it gets cold up here.

'It reminds me of Humpty Doo maybe 20 years ago, but in this day and age, its crazy.'

The youngster was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital (pictured) but staff were unable to save her and she died on Saturday

NT Education Minister Eva Lawler added her own message of sympathy to the family of the dead toddler in a post on social media overnight.

'My deepest condolences to the family, and Humpty Doo Child Care community, on the tragic news of the passing of your beautiful little girl over the weekend,' she posted on Facebook.

'My heart breaks for you. Such sadness.'

Her office stressed all the parents involved in staffing the centre were suitably trained to work in childcare.

'The centre is managed by a parent-run committee,' a spokesman for the minister told Daily Mail Australia.

'All parents are, and have to be, fully-qualified to federal standards. These standards come under the QECNT.

'The Humpty Doo Child Care Centre does not come under the NT Gov/NT Education.'

They also defended the lack of information about the tragedy despite the concern of other parents.

'A coronial investigation is underway into the tragic event of this poor young girl, we are respecting that process,' added the spokesman.

'We are providing space and time for this family as this tragic, life changing event has just occurred.'

NT Police confirmed the matter was under investigation but said the death did not appear to be suspicious.

A spokesman added: 'A report will be prepared for the Coroner.'
Sara Sharif's fugitive father and stepmother described the schoolgirl's death as only 'an incident' today as they were seen for the first time since fleeing to Pakistan.

In a remarkable video, Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool said they were willing to co-operate with British police and will 'fight our case in court', revealing how they have gone into hiding 'as everyone is scared for their safety'.

The body of Sara, 10, was found at a house in Woking, Surrey, on August 10, with a post-mortem examination concluding she had suffered 'multiple and extensive injuries' over a 'sustained and extended' period of time.

Police were called to the property by Mr Sharif from Pakistan, who had flown to South Asia with Ms Batool and other members of the family.

Showing no emotion as she addresses the tragedy for the first time, Ms Batool described Sara's death as 'an incident' but failed to provide any more details.

She spoke of how food was running out for the children staying with them because they are unable to venture outside.

The conditions under which the video was filmed or its location are not clear. Sky News correspondent Sabah Choudhry said it was shared with her late last night.

It came just hours after Sara's mother Olga appeared on Polish television, where she accused the couple of turning her daughter against her.

Sara's body was found at a property in Woking, Surrey, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10

In a remarkable video released this morning, Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool said they will 'fight our case in court', revealing how they have gone into hiding 'as everyone is scared for their safety'

Olga Sharif says she hardly recognised her daughter, Sara, in the mortuary due to her injuries

Ms Batool says in the video: 'Firstly I would like to talk about Sara. Sara's death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan is severely affected by all that is going on.

'All the media have been given wrong statements...Imran [one of Mr Sharif's brothers] did not give a statement that Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. This was spread through a Pakistani media outlet.

'All of our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety. The kids are unable to attend school as they are afraid to leave the house. No one is leaving the house.

'The groceries have run out and there is no food for the kids as the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear of safety. That is why we have gone into hiding.

'Lastly, we are willing to cooperate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.'

Mr Sharif does not speak in the video.

It comes after Sara's mother Olga told the Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel that Ms Batool tried to stop her seeing her two children, one of whom is believed to be in Pakistan.

'Their stepmother wrote to me not to come anymore because the children did not want to see me,' she said.

'It's not normal that once the children were happy, and arguing about who would talk to Mum first, and then the kids don't even want to talk to me on the phone and are calling me the worst names.'

Olga also spoke in the interview of having to identify her daughter's body at the mortuary, saying she hardly recognised her because of her injuries.

'One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised,' she said.

Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel, Olga Sharif said: 'Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like'

Police want to speak to Sara's father (left) and his partner Beinash Batool (right)

Faisal Malik is also on the run alongside Sara's father and his partner

'Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.'

Ms Sharif said she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially it became harder over time.

Mr Sharif, 41, Ms Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted by police for questioning.

They travelled with five children aged between one and 13 years old, Surrey Police said - the eldest of which is Ms Sharif's son.

Sara's uncle said last month that his niece had fallen down the stairs and broken her neck - claims that were dismissed by Ms Batool today.

Imran Sharif is said to be assisting the hunt for his brother, Sara's father, after it was reported police in Pakistan are under 'tremendous pressure' from the British High Commission to find him.

He allegedly told officers: 'Beinash was home with the children. Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Beinash panicked and phoned Urfan.'

Imran denied knowing where Urfan and his family were, police in the city of Jhelum in Pakistan's Punjab province said.

He reportedly told officers: 'I found out what happened to Sara through the international media. My parents told me Urfan briefly came home very upset. He kept saying they are going to take his children away from him.'

Police said they have detained Mr Sharif's brother because they are 'convinced' that he knows where the family is hiding.

It has also been claimed that Mr Sharif's parents along with other relatives, who live in a large house in Jhelum, have also now gone into hiding.

Ms Batool's family home in Mirpur has also been searched, but with no sign of the family.

A police source said: 'We spoke to Imran and some of the family members last week and they insisted that they did not know where Urfan and his family are.

'But we don't believe them, there's absolutely no way that they can't know where eight of their relatives who have come from England are. They are telling us a pack of lies.'

They added: 'We managed to get hold of Imran, but the rest of his family have gone missing. They clearly have something to hide. We have got hold of one of them and will be interrogating him until he tells us the truth.'

Olga Sharif with a picture of her daughter Sara who was found dead at her home in Woking, Surrey

Police were called by Sara's father, 41, who is understood to have rushed to Islamabad

Urfan Sharif (left) fled the UK with his partner Beinash Batool (centre), brother Faisal Malik (right). They are wanted for questioning over Sara's murder

Meanwhile, Sara's grandfather previously told the BBC that her death was an 'accident' and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will 'ultimately' return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw his son Urfan Sharif, Sara's father, soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said he had fled the UK out of 'fear'.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Sara's lifestyle prior to her death.

Surrey County Council previously said that Sara was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nation's government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to Sara's death.

There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan but people have been returned from the Asian country before.

It comes as Sara's grandfather said this week that his son, the girl's father, had nold him the death was an 'accident' and that he left the UK out of fear.

Muhammad Sharif told BBC News: 'His daughter died and when you go under so much trauma, obviously you can't think properly.'

He said he saw Urfan after he arrived in Pakistan, adding: 'It was an accident, he didn't tell me how it happened.

'All I can say is that they should have faced the case, they should have stayed there and faced it instead (of coming to Pakistan). They will ultimately go back to the UK and face their case.'

It also emerged over the weekend that Urfan contacted a friend who owned a money transfer shop to get eight last-minute plane tickets before he and his family left the country.

Colourful tributes are left outside the home to Sara Sharif where her body was found at home on August 10

Police outside the home to Sara Sharif where her body was found at home on August 10

The 41-year-old told Nadeem Riaz on August 8 he urgently needed the one way tickets due to the death of a cousin and wanted to fly out to Islamabad as soon as possible.

The next day Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother Faisal Malik, 28, left the UK on a British Airways flight with five of the couple's children, aged between one and 13.

Sara was left behind. She was already dead.

After arriving in Pakistan Sharif phoned 999 and informed police they would find the body of his oldest daughter at their address in Horsell.

She was discovered with 'multiple and extensive' injuries which are believed to have occurred over a 'sustained and extended' period of time.

Mr Riaz told the Times he had often had business with Sharif before, who would frequently end money to one of his brothers, Imran, in Pakistan.

His shop doubled as a travel agency, and he had previously secured flights for the family after the death of Sharif's mother last November.

He said: '[Sharif] sounded normal. No different to his usual self.'

After the call, Mr Riaz sent a message to Sharif and asked him what kind of tickets he wanted. Sharif is said to have responded: 'One way.'

The shop owner, who has known Sharif for 11 years, is said to be assisting police with their enquiries into Sara's death.

He told the paper: 'For the first few days after it happened, every time I looked at my own daughter I felt so sad for Sara.

'I love my daughter [who is six] so much. How could anyone leave their daughter?'

A post-mortem was unable to determine a precise cause of death for Sara, and further tests are ongoing

Flowers and police outside of the home to Sara Sharif, 10, in Woking, Surrey

The international manhunt for the family is still underway, as Pakistan police this week claimed they were not asked to look for the relatives until five days after her body was discovered.

Sara's family were known to both the police and local council, it was revealed at the weekend.

But police have not referred themselves to the IOPC, saying their knowledge of the family was 'historic' and that the case did not meet the threshold to do so.

Surrey County Council has said they are 'working tirelessly' to fully understand the consequences that led to Sara's death - and have now revealed the girl was known to them before her death.

A spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'We can confirm Sara Sharif was known to Surrey County Council but we cannot comment further while the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership's thorough review process is ongoing.'

On Friday council leader Tim Oliver said: 'This is an incredibly sad situation and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected.'

He said the national Child Safeguarding panel has been notified of the death and a multi-agency rapid review is under way, in line with standard process following the death of a child.

He explained: 'This rapid review will determine whether a local child safeguarding practice review (LCSPR) is to be undertaken by the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership.

'An LCSPR is a statutory process, bringing together partners including the police, health, social care and education to review practice of all agencies involved, organisational structures and learning.'

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time on Wednesday.
Peter Dutton has lost his cool over ministers dodging questions about refusing Qatar Airways additional flights into Australia.

The Opposition Leader was unusually fired up during Question Time on Wednesday after Transport Minister Catherine King gave a vague answer about who she met with prior to the decision.

The Middle Eastern carrier was seeking to bring 21 additional services into Australia, which proponents, including Virgin Australia, argue would bring down international airfares by increasing competition.

Ms King briefly mentioned that her best recollection of the conversations she held over the proposal was with Virgin and a third party, while the only discussions she recalls having with Qantas were about separate 'same job, same pay' legislation.

In the midst of tense and deafening shouting from both sides of the chamber, Mr Dutton yelled that Ms King's behaviour had left her 'integrity seriously in question'.

'This minister has put this House into disrepute.'

He added: 'The minister could not be more evasive.

'We need to hear from this minister in a direct way whether or not she met with Mr Joyce before she made a decision.'

Peter Dutton has lost his cool over ministers dodging questions about refusing Qatar Airways additional flights into Australia

Ms King briefly mentioned that her best recollection of the conversations she held over the proposal was with Virgin and a third party, while the only discussions she recalls having with Qantas were about separate 'same job, same pay' legislation

He said the decision to refuse Qatar costing the Australian public thousands of dollars in higher flight costs.

Mr Dutton said Australians are 'demanding answers from this government' and the 'prime minister is off on another overseas flight'.

Leader of the House Tony Burke described the outbursts as 'angry, furious interjections by the Leader of the Opposition'.

A senate inquiry has been established to investigate the decision.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has been advocating for an official probe this sitting week, and was supported 32-31 on Tuesday afternoon.

Labor and the Greens voted against the motion, while the Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation and David Pocock and the Lambie Network voted in favour of it.

Ms King later returned to the topic, claiming the Coalition, while in government, 'put a Qatar request on hold for four years', only to approve seven additional flights.

The Opposition Leader was unusually fired up during Question Time on Wednesday after Transport Minister Catherine King gave a vague answer about who she met with prior to the decision

Anthony Albanese and the Labor government are under increasing pressure to justify the decision

READ MORE: QANTAS BOSS STEPS DOWN Advertisement

The flights began operating in early 2022, long after the 2018 request.

Mr Dutton proceeded to ask whether Ms King met with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce prior to making her decision, which she maintains was in the national interest.

She said: 'To the best of my recollection, the people who talked to me were Virgin and a third party approached my office on behalf of Qatar.

Mr Dutton interjected, noting 'you can remember all of that, but you can't remember [Qantas].

'Why not answer honestly?' he asked. He later withdrew that remark.

Ms King said she believes all discussions held with Qantas around that time period were regarding the government's 'same job, same pay' legislation.

The Opposition hope an inquiry will help deliver some clarity.

Ms McKenzie of the inquiry: 'The Senate has agreed to a short and sharp inquiry into Federal Labor's decision to restrict flights into major capital cities.

'Finally we can get to the bottom of why the Gov has restricted Australians from having a safe, reliable and competitive airline industry.'

The government has maintained there was nothing out of the ordinary in its decision to refuse Qatar's request.
Recently departed Qantas CEO Alan Joyce made no secret that he lobbied the government on the issue of Qatar Airways seeking more flights into Australia.

He told a Senate cost of living inquiry on August 28 that Qantas 'put its case to the government' and 'made representations' in a letter in October 2022.

Transport Minister Catherine King formally rejected Qatar's request in July 2023.

Now, she says she can't recall having any discussions with Mr Joyce about the matter.

She does remember Virgin lobbying in favour of the request, and a 'third party' approaching her office on behalf of Qatar, but when it comes to Qantas, she draws a blank.

In Parliament on Wednesday, Ms King said if memory serves, the only matter she spoke to Mr Joyce about around that time was the government's 'same job, same pay' legislation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese categorically ruled himself out of having received the correspondence earlier this week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Qantas Alan Joyce are pictured together

The PM said in Question Time he 'received no lobbying from Qantas on this issue'. He, too, revealed he had 'one substantive conversation' on the Qatar decision, but would not elaborate on who that conversation was with.

Both revelations beg the question: Who did Qantas approach with their concerns about the Qatar request in October 2022?

Daily Mail Australia has sought clarification on the matter from Qantas, the Prime Minister's office and Ms King's office.

Mr Joyce said during the inquiry Qantas had been 'open' and 'clear' about the fact it had made representations to the government about Qatar.

'Like everybody, a lot of airlines and a lot of other parties, we did make representations. We've been open about that,' he said.

'We did put our case to the government and we said we said to the government that capacity was coming back.

'Granting a carrier a doubling of their traffic rights in the short term would cause distortion.'

Mr Joyce defended the government's decision and said it was standard practice globally.

He told a Senate cost of living inquiry on August 28 that Qantas 'put its case to the government' and 'made representations' in a letter in October 2022

Transport minister Catherine King (left) defended blocking Qatar's expansion with a range of various excuses, including that it was 'not in the national interest'. Assistant treasurer Stephen Jones (right) later said allowing Qatar more flights would 'make it unsustainable for the existing Australia-based carrier'

READ MORE: The reasons provided for refusing Qatar's request Advertisement

He added: 'Various countries around the world protect the national interest.'

Mr Joyce was asked to clarify if the proposal was discussed with either the Prime Minister or the Transport Minister, but he refused.

'One thing that I've always done... is say that any conversations I have with the Prime Minister or a minister I never divulge.

'I've kept that for all seven prime ministers either way, and I have no intent on changing my approach with divulging conversations that take place.'

The government maintains there was nothing out of the ordinary in its decision to deny Qatar's expansion request.

Ms King simply says 'it was not in the national interest', while Assistant treasurer Stephen Jones suggested it would 'make it unsustainable for the existing Australian-based carrier'.

The transport minister claimed when she was in London in July that the decision to block Qatar was being taken on environmental grounds, saying that she wanted to 'de-carbonise the transport sector'.

'I want more capacity for people to be able to enjoy travel, but equally I want to be able to de-carbonise the transport sector,' she said at the time.

'Aviation has a role to play in that as well, so there's a mix of things I look at.'

In Question Time, Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie accused the government of running a 'protection racket' for Qantas. Qatar Airways flight attendant pictured

READ MORE: Peter Dutton explodes at Catherine King Advertisement

The decision to block the move was also initially linked to the 2020 incident at Qatar's Doha Airport when 13 Australian women air passengers were among 18 travellers intimately examined by investigators after a newborn baby was found abandoned in a bin.

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie successfully sought an inquiry into the decision on Tuesday afternoon, with Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson and her predecessor Alan Joyce to be grilled over their talks with federal ministers.

Labor and the Greens voted against the motion, while the Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation and David Pocock and the Lambie Network voted in favour of it. It passed 32-31.

Ms McKenzie said of the decision: 'The Senate has agreed to a short and sharp inquiry into Federal Labor's decision to restrict flights into major capital cities.

'Finally we can get to the bottom of why the Gov has restricted Australians from having a safe, reliable and competitive airline industry.'

It will examine all 'federal government decisions relating to any proposals received in the past 12 months for additional services to Australia's major airports'.

In the week since Mr Joyce appeared at the cost-of-living inquiry, he has chosen to step down from his post and retire early.
Up to 40,000 Indigenous Australians will not cast a vote in the upcoming referendum, a senate inquiry has been told.

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Indigenous people are not enrolled to vote on whether they wish to enshrine a First Nations Voice to Parliament in Australia's Constitution on October 14, according to Australian Electoral Commission boss Tom Rogers.

Senators were told the government did not seize on a 'lost opportunity' to draft and pass legislation in time to offer people on-the-day voter enrolment that would have offered a sizeable portion of Indigenous people living in remote and rural areas the option to participate.

Up to 40,000 Indigenous people are not enrolled to vote as Australia get's set to decide whether to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, when the Voice referendum is held on October 14

Mr Rogers said the number of Indigenous voters in Australia was in the best shape it had ever been in, with a 20 per cent increase in enrolled voters since 2017.

'The number of the estimated unenrolled Indigenous population has sunk below 50,000 for the first time in Australia's history,' Mr Rogers said on Wednesday.

As of June 2023, estimated rates of national voter enrolment reach more than 97 per cent, while the rates for Indigenous voter enrolment are at 94 per cent.

Thousands of incarcerated Indigenous Australians will also be unable to vote in the referendum, the Senate was told, despite Greens attempts to amend laws banning people who have been jailed for more than three years the right to vote in federal elections or referendum.

Despite tens of thousands of Indigenous Australians who are not enrolled to vote in the upcoming Voice referendum, Australian Electoral Commission boss Tom Rogers said the number of Indigenous voters has risen by 20 per cent since 2017

READ MORE: Support for the Voice is plummeting A nationwide poll has revealed support for the Voice to Parliament is plummeting with only 38 per cent of the population planning to vote Yes. Advertisement

More than 30 per cent of Australia's prison population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The AEC commissioner told senators that he had written to jail bosses across the country about whether they'd support a law change and to ensure prisoners who were eligible to vote were able to do so.

'Some have said they're happy for us to actually do in-person voting in the prisons, something that we used to do many, many years ago. Others didn't prefer that as a method of voting because it was disruptive, and they would have preferred us to provide postal votes, which is what we've been doing effectively for the last for the last few elections,' Mr Rogers said.

Mr Rogers also flagged that the AEC had clocked an 'extraordinary' outpouring of online aggression over recent weeks that has raised concerns for the safety of polling staff and volunteers on referendum day.

Support for the Voice has plummeted with the latest Newspoll, showing the number of people intending to vote No has risen to more than 50 per-cent

He cited an incident during the NSW state election where volunteers were filmed and harassed outside polling booths

'What we're seeing at the moment is a greater level of aggression online than we've ever seen,' he said.

'We've looked at this in terms of the forthcoming referendum and for the future because it seems to be escalating at every event, this level of aggression and disinformation.'
Britain could enjoy the hottest day of the year so far today as temperatures soar towards 33C (91F) after an official heatwave began for the first time since June.

Although temperatures have risen this high before in September, it is unusual for the heat to last so long, with the Met Office predicting up to six days above 30C (86F) for some areas  and the peak likely on Saturday with 33C (91F) highs in London.

The UK Health Security Agency has upgraded its heat health alert to amber across every region of England apart from the North East, where a yellow alert is in place.

The six-day alert, which began yesterday and will run until Sunday night, warns of higher death rates and 'significant impacts' on vulnerable people and the NHS.

These impacts are likely to be felt across the health service, with those aged above 65 or those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular disease at greater risk.

But Britons flocked to parks and beaches today to enjoy the warmth as the mercury could top the current 2023 high of 32.2C (90.0F), recorded both on June 10 and 25.

As of 4pm this afternoon, today's top UK temperature was 31.6C (88.9F) at Northolt in West London - followed by 31C (87.8F) at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

It comes as autumn begins in an unseasonably warm fashion after a disappointing summer that saw Britain endure its sixth wettest July since records began.

The Met Office said areas in West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Wales hit heatwave criteria yesterday, with more regions expected to be added to that list today.

While the hottest UK temperature recorded yesterday was 30.7C (87.3F) in West Sussex, forecasters said a new record is likely still to come.

Some 13 weather stations have now marked this period as an official heatwave, which is at least three days in a row with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold - a figure which varies by region.

Amber Lucy and Daisy Barden enjoy the hottest day of the year on Brighton beach today

A packed Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon as temperatures soar across England

Louise Hutchinson (left), 25, and her sister Rowan, 27, sit on Ayr beach in Scotland today

The beach at Weymouth in Dorset is busy today with sunbathers basking in the hot weather

Met Office meteorologist Amy Bokota said: 'As you go through the next couple of days quite a few extra (weather stations) will be added on to that [list].

What records could be broken this week? HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR? The current highest temperature of 2023 is 32.2C (90.0F), recorded at Chertsey in Surrey on June 10 and Coningsby in Lincolnshire on June 25. The Met Office believes temperatures could hit 33C (91F) either today or on Thursday somewhere in the South East, which would set a new record for this year. HOTTEST SEPTEMBER NIGHT? Overnight temperatures in some southern areas could remain above 20C (68F) this week. The record highest overnight minimum temperature for September is 21.7C (71.1F), which the Met Office said could be challenged tonight and Thursday night. HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR IN SEPTEMBER? If the hottest day of 2023 is achieved this week, it would be the first time since 2016 - and before that the 1950s - that the UK's warmest day of the year has happened in September. MOST SEPTEMBER DAYS AT 30C+? This week could also see the greatest number of September days and greatest number of consecutive September days on record where temperatures reach 30C (86F) or more. WARMEST SEPTEMBER DAY EVER? This is unlikely to be broken. The warmest September day on record was in 1906 when temperatures reached 35.6C (96.1F) in Bawtry, South Yorkshire. Advertisement

'32C is expected today, 33C perhaps on Thursday, which is expected to be the peak. It will then be 32C right the way until Sunday for some places in the South.'

Temperatures are also set to reach 27C in Northern Ireland and Scotland, the Met Office said.

The mercury could start to drop gradually at the weekend and there is a chance of thunderstorms breaking out from the North and West of the country, the Met Office added.

Before then, the forecaster is watching a number of September heat records.

If the hottest day of 2023 is achieved this week, it would be the first time since 2016 - and before that the 1950s - that the UK's warmest day of the year has happened in September.

In addition, the highest temperature of the year has happened in September in just four years over the last century.

There is also a chance of tropical nights this week, which is when overnight temperatures remain above 20C (68F).

The record highest overnight minimum temperature for September is 21.7C (71.1F), which the Met Office said could be challenged tonight and tomorrow night.

This week could also see the highest number of September days and highest number of consecutive September days on record where temperatures reach 30C (86F) or more.

However, the record for the warmest September day on record is unlikely to be broken this week. That record has stood since 1906 when temperatures reached 35.6C (96.1F) in Bawtry, South Yorkshire.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: 'A lot of people will probably think of the summer just gone as being pretty non-exceptional, pretty disappointing if you had plans in the UK.

'This week, it looks likely that we'll see the highest temperature of the year so far. Today will be the third day that some sites have seen three consecutive days of heatwave conditions.

'By the end of today, officially, it will be a heatwave, it is certain that it will be by tomorrow.'

The forecaster said this week will be the first prolonged spell of hot weather the UK has seen since June following an unusually wet July.

Smart thermostat firm tado has made an interactive map showing how hot your home gets in a heatwave. It is based on indoor temperatures recorded during the last heatwave on June 25

A woman enjoys the September sunshine at Greenwich Park in South East London today

The beach at Bournemouth in Dorset is busy today with people enjoying the sunshine

Beachgoers paddle in the sea to cool off at the seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset today

Four-year-old Lilly cools off at Centenary Square Fountain in Birmingham in the heat today

A horse from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery cools off at Hyde Park in London today

Pelham Wilson, 71, applies sun cream in the heat at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge today

The UK is also now dealing with a Saharan dust cloud, leaving deposits on cars and windows

Mr Morgan added: 'We may well be close to some record-breaking temperatures in the next few days. The daytime maximum temperatures are a little less likely to be broken but nonetheless it will be hot so we are watching a couple of records.

What is causing the heatwave in Britain? The heatwave is being driven by tropical storms pushing a high pressure system over the UK, with the jet stream having moved to the north and bending into what is known as an omega blocking pattern. Named after the Greek letter omega because of its shape, this system occurs when an area of high pressure gets stuck between two areas of low-pressure to the west and east and also slightly south. This has brought torrential rain and flooding for Spain and Greece but hot, dry and clear conditions for the UK. Advertisement

'The most likely record that we could see broken is the highest overnight temperature for Wales. Currently the September highest overnight temperature for Wales stands as 20.5C.

'The highest UK September temperature we've ever seen still stands at 35.6C.

'So we are very unlikely to see temperatures quite that high but probably a 33C is on the cards either today or maybe also on Thursday, so we are not too far away from the UK record either.'

Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said high pressure situated to the South East of the UK was bringing more settled conditions and temperatures well above average for the time of year.

He added: 'An active tropical cyclone season in the North Atlantic has helped to amplify the pattern across the North Atlantic, pushing the jet stream well to the north of the UK, allowing some very warm air to be drawn north.

'It's a marked contrast to the much of meteorological summer, when the UK was on the northern side of the jet stream with cooler air and more unsettled weather.'

The Met Office confirmed it has not issued an extreme heat warning, which covers the UK and aligns with the wider national severe weather warning service.

People enjoying the weather at the Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge today

Mounted police are seen at an ice cream van at St James's Park in London today

A woman sunbathes at Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge amid the hot weather today

Barnie the dog, aged six, with an ice cream on Ayr beach in South Ayrshire, Scotland, today

Beachgoers take shelter from the sun on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, today

People play a card game as they enjoy the weather at Sefton Park in Liverpool this afternoon

A woman shields her face from the sun on Brighton beach today as temperatures soar again

Sunseekers flock to Bournemouth beach in Dorset today as they enjoy the sunshine

People walk and cycle through Hyde Park in London this morning on a very hot and sunny day

People make the best of the hot weather as they visit Land's End in Cornwall today

The UKHSA however has issued a six-day heat health alert, which began yesterday and will run until Sunday night.

Read more: Heatwave warning to millions on antidepressants as users share shocking pictures of little-known but agonising side effect that means they can BLISTER in the heat Advertisement

It warns of higher death rates and 'significant impacts' on vulnerable people and the NHS.

Health experts fear great swathes of the population, especially the elderly and those with dementia, will be hit by heat-related sickness  increasing demand for NHS services.

NHS buildings are 'ill-equipped' to deal with the mercury rising to levels normally reserved for the early summer months, with hospitals frequently experiencing overheating incidents, with some even being forced to cancel operations or shut wards when temperatures soar.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told MailOnline: 'We know that climate change is making our summers hotter, and society needs to acknowledge and be alive to the serious health risk that extreme heat presents.

'Last summer we saw temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and there were more than 3,000 excess deaths associated with the heat.

'Hot weather is of particular risk to people who are frail or suffering from dementia who may be less able to respond to their body's own warning signs.

'People experiencing mental ill health  especially those taking anti-psychotic medication  are also disproportionately affected, similarly people experiencing homelessness who may not be able to find shelter or easy access to water.'

He added: 'Our advice would be to ensure that people check on anyone who is older, has existing health problems or frailties.

'Try to stay out of the heat as much as possible and keep hydrated by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids.'

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: 'Extreme weather can put added pressure on the NHS in terms of demand and affect the health of some people.

Read more: From avoiding coffee to eating spicy food: Four surprising ways to stay cool as UK braces for hottest day of the year Advertisement

'Extreme heat or cold can also put additional pressure on often antiquated and ill-equipped NHS buildings and estates.

'Temperatures this summer have not yet reached extremes, but health leaders would still encourage the public to stay safe in the sun and keep hydrated during the current warm weather.'

One major concern, heat exhaustion is triggered by the body being unable to cool itself down.

It can cause dizziness, excessive sweating and lead to potentially fatal heat stroke.

There was also a warning issued to pet owners to ensure animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight.

Dr Justine Shotton, senior vice president or the British Veterinary Association, said: 'We may be past the peak summer months but it's important to remember that this September sun and heat is also dangerous for animals.

READ MORE Autumn's ablaze! Scotland is set to bathe in glorious late summer heatwave with highs of 25C until the weekend as September sunshine continues Advertisement

'Pets can be extremely susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, and can also suffer sunburn, heart conditions and breathing difficulties, many of which can sadly be fatal. Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.'

Meanwhile tourism chiefs and MPs criticised the 'nannying' warnings from the UK Health Security Agency about the weather yesterday.

The heat health alert, used in situations that can potentially put the whole population at risk, advised people to 'stay hydrated and keep cool'.

But Conservative MP Peter Bone dismissed the 'nanny state' tone, saying: 'There will be a time when there is a need for a real alert because temperatures are very high. The danger is if you issue them all the time, people ignore them. They ought to be careful about issuing alerts.'

Fellow Tory Giles Watling, MP for Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, added: 'Obviously for those vulnerable people in society we've got to say be careful but I for one welcome the Indian summer. To issue a general warning to the whole population is overplaying it.'

People enjoying the weather at the Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge today

A member of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery drinks water at London's Hyde Park today

People head to Parliament Hill Lido in London for a swim during the heatwave this afternoon

Pedestrians walk in the midday sun past the Palace of Westminster in London today

Commuters pack on to a hot Jubilee line Underground train in Central London this morning

People cycle and jog through London today as the heatwave continues in England

A commuter with a portable handheld fan on a Jubilee line train in hot conditions today

Swimmers enjoy The Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens in London's Wandsworth in the heat today

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg branded the warning 'ridiculously overblown', adding: 'It isn't for the state to tell you to put on suncream or drink water.'

READ MORE Tourism chiefs and MPs hit out at 'nannying' weather warnings issued by forecasters Advertisement

Malcolm Bell, spokesman and until recently chief executive of Visit Cornwall, pointed out 'beautiful sea breezes' would make conditions more bearable along the coast.

He said: 'The danger is people do the opposite when confronted by the nanny state. Just give them the facts and let them decide.'

And VisitEngland chief Patricia Yates said everyone should take 'sensible precautions' but urged them to use the 'wonderful opportunity to get out and explore the outstanding tourism our country offers'.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days of a particular region exceeding a given threshold, which varies around the UK.

For Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cornwall and northern England, the threshold is 25C; for Somerset, Hampshire and the Welsh Borders, 26C; the south coast, East Anglia and the East Midlands, 27C; and for London and the home counties the threshold is 28C.

As the climate continues warming because of rising greenhouse gases, these hot spells will become more frequent and severe, the Met Office said.

Carol Speakman, 60, from Manchester, enjoys the weather on Ayr beach in Scotland today

People take shelter from the sun under umbrellas at St James's Park in London today

Beachgoers enjoy the sun on Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, this afternoon

Swimmers enjoy The Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens in London's Wandsworth in the heat today

A swimmer enjoys the clear water and clean sands of Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth today

People enjoy the hot weather on Ayr beach in Scotland today as the heatwave continues

A visitor to Kew Gardens in West London enjoys the sunshine at the Grass Garden today

By 2070, it says 30C for two days or more will become more likely, with southern parts of the UK projected to see this happen 16 times more frequently than today.

US-based, non-profit Climate Central calculated that the UK's heatwave has been made five times more likely by climate change.

Scientists are seeing heat records broken on a near-continuous scale, with the Earth having just experienced its hottest ever Northern Hemisphere summer, the World Meteorological Organisation announced today.

Not only was it the hottest August on record, but it was the almost the hottest month ever measured, second only to July.

The average global temperature last month was 1.5C higher than the pre-industrial average, though this does not mean the target of the Paris Agreement has been breached as that refers to a decades-long average.

Last month also saw the highest global sea temperatures ever recorded, at an average of 21C.

Dr Friederike Otto of Imperial College London, and co-lead of World Weather Attribution, said: 'This week's heat in the UK has been made hotter by climate change that is the result of human activities like burning coal and other fossil fuels.

'This is now the case for every heatwave, everywhere in the world. Until net greenhouse gas emissions end, heatwaves in the UK and elsewhere will continue to become hotter and more dangerous.'
Motorway was closed in both directions as emergency services rushed to the scene

A man has sadly died after walking into the path of a HGV on the motorway during this morning's rush hour.

Three-mile queues piled-up where the M5 crosses the Somerset-Devon border as emergency services rushed to the 'serious collision' near Tiverton in Devon.

The man suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by the lorry and was confirmed dead at the scene by police - his next of kin have been informed.

The stretch of road between junctions 26 for Wellington and 27 for Tiverton was shut down at 6am in both directions, causing delays of 45 minutes for motorists as police responded to the incident.

While the southbound side has reopened, the northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed into the afternoon. It is unclear when vehicles stuck within the closures will be released.

Motorists on the M5 are stuck in huge queues due to a 'serious collision' involving a HGV and a pedestrian

A man has died after walking into the path of a HGV on the motorway this morning

Devon and Cornwall Police have advised drivers to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible as drivers are stuck in a three-mile tailback.

A spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 5.30am today, Wednesday, September 6, to the M5 near Tiverton following reports of a collision involving a HGV and a pedestrian.'

'Highways England have put diversions in place and traffic stuck within the closures will be assisted to move when possible,' they added.

Diversion routes through Wellington including the B3187 Taunton Road and the A38 West Buckland Road are also experiencing delays.
At least two people died and four were missing today after torrential rain flooded homes

Hundreds of holidaymakers are trapped on upper floors of hotels with no water, power or means of escape

Advertisement

Brits stranded on a flooded Greek island are being evacuated from apartments and are being forced to share hotel rooms with strangers as they await news on their flights home.

Hundreds of tourists are stranded as terrifying flash floods and torrential rainstorms lash the country - with many 'trapped' inside their hotels as emergency services warn them to stay inside.

At least two people died and four were missing today after torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and destroyed infrastructure in central Greece.

Some of the those stuck on the island of Skiathos have taken to social media to express their concerns. Veronica Carr wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Currently in Skiathos and can't get any appropriate help from Jet2 no plan B for relocating flooded guests. Our accommodation hosts have 'other priorities'. Last night my partner and I shared a room with an elderly couple, each couple in a single bed, separated.'

Nurse Paula Hull posted: 'Evacuated from our apartments after a terrifying flash flood in Skiathos @TUIUK No information being shared with us we still don't know when we are flying home ! Very scary and TUI can't tell us anything tonight @SebastianEbel'.

Partially submerged cars are seen in a flooded road in Skiathos, Greece, on September 6, 2023

Flood waters run at a beach during Storm Daniel on Skiathos island, Sporades, Greece, on September 6, 2023

The water can be seen flowing past buildings as a man looks at a flooded street in Skiathos, Greece, on September 5, 2023

'Cars, quads and debris are being swept away and streets have been turned into rivers... I've never seen anything like it before!' one Brit holidaymaker said

Quadbikes and cars are seen being swept away

Filmmaker and Cinematographer Ollie Watson wrote: 'Arrived Sunday at #Skiathos never seen storms like it before. Lots of people stranded waiting for flights home and we have been stuck in our hotel rooms for the last 2 days and spent yesterday with no food or electricity and no help from @jet2tweets sadly.'

Since Monday, Storm Daniel has triggered landslides, destroyed a bridge, caused the collapse of power poles and carried away dozens of cars in muddy waters, days after a two-week deadly wildfire died out in the north.

Some 10 people were trapped on the banks of a torrent in southern Pelion, Michalis Mitzikos, a local mayor, told Skai television. Greece has said the weather was the most extreme, in terms of rainfall, since records have been kept.

The volume of water that fell in Pelion yesterday was equal to annual rainfall in London, meteorologist George Tsatrafyllias said on X.

Police today issued traffic warnings for the cities of Trikala and Karditsa as the rainstorm was not expected to weaken before tomorrow.

The body of an elderly woman was recovered close to a seaside community in the southern Pelion area near the port city of Volos on the Pagasetic Gulf today, the fire brigade said, raising the death toll from severe weather in Greece to two.

A man died yesterday after a wall collapsed in bad weather in Volos and about 94 inmates were moved to safety after torrential rain damaged part of their nursing home.

A Reuters journalist said that an overflowing river near the nursing home swallowed the road and flooded a train station in Volos.

Authorities were looking for four people missing, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said in a televised news conference.

'Yesterday the rainfall was very intense, unprecedented,' said Vasilis Batsios, 44, in Volos. 'For 24 hours it was nonstop and there was a lot of water, the amount of water was unbelievable.'

Some 158 vehicles and hundreds of emergency crews have been operating in other areas hit by downpours across Greece to help people at risk or with health issues, Kikilias said.

Victoria Jolley, 25, who is stranded with her family in a hotel near the old town on the island of Skiathos, told MailOnline of her terror at watching the storm surge blast through the town's streets below her room.

'Cars, quads and debris are being swept away and streets have been turned into rivers... I've never seen anything like it before.

'It is scary... we have the good fortune to be in a high room. Ground floor rooms have flooded. Fortunately our hotel walls had flood defences,' she said.

'We're also without water to our apartment. It's very upsetting seeing the damage that's been caused.

The ground floor of hotels were flooded while cars struggled to turn through the streets

 Slide me  Horrifying scenes reveal the damage in Volos following torrential floods and brutal storms

 Slide me  The country's minister of climate crisis and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the heavy rain was not expected to ease up until Wednesday afternoon

 Slide me  Streets and ground floor properties were overrun with surge

 Slide me  Floodwater is seen churning beneath a bridge in Volos

Some of the those stranded on the island of Skiathos have taken to social media to express their concerns

Another holidaymaker, Carlo Cencherle, told MailOnline: 'Yesterday's rain, thunder and lighting was relentless, power cuts, flooding, landslides, boats overturning... we couldn't leave hotel and got pinged four times from the government as to warn us of the severe conditions.

'To make things worse the hotel caught on fire from a cable being hit by the lightning so we rushed to reception,' he said, adding that staff managed to extinguish the blaze before anyone was hurt.

Meanwhile, one British tourist, Lindsay Hamilton, sang the praises of 'amazing and generous' hotel staff who are looking after guests as well as their own families amid the deluge.

'I am staying with friends at The Magic Hotel a few kilometres from Skiathos Town. We are up a hill and therefore protected from the flooding but the destruction and damage for many local residents here is truly shocking.

'Many of our young hotel staff live in Skiathos Town and as well as being absolutely amazing looking after guests have their own families and safety and situations to consider... the generosity of spirit and willingness to support us is nothing short of humbling so a vote of deepest gratitude must go to them from the those of us going home to our comfortable homes,' she said.

Other desperate Brits have been left with power cuts, 'no way to get food', nor methods of communication after severe flooding struck the small island east of the Greek mainland.

Tourists stuck with no electricity described the situation as 'horrendously scary' and say there have been no flights in or out of the airport, which is just over a mile from the flooded town centre of Skiathos.

'We have all received another emergency warning for the next 24 hours!,' one Brit told MailOnline this morning.

'People are still trying to clear the silt and rubble from their properties and shops downhill and on the seafronts. Bulldozers have been deployed to clear roads and the last thing they need is more rain which I think is inevitable soon or tonight.

'Some people tried to drive through flood water yesterday and their cars were swept away... The local supermarket is almost out of food and has run out of bottled water.'

People look on next to damage due to the impact of storm Daniel, near a nursing home in the city of Volos, Greece, September 6, 2023

A dead sheep is seen among debris in an area flooded due to the impact of storm Daniel in the city of Volos, Greece, September 6, 2023

The floods created chaos at the airport where tourists have been stranded for hours and not allowed to leave

Many flights to and from the UK have been cancelled amid the flooding

Streets in Skiathos have been completely submerged by floodwater, with business owners working to salvage tables and chairs at what are usually bustling restaurants

Residents desperately try to remove debris from a flooded area in the town of Volos, central Greece

Footage shared by locals shows gushing water inundating the Skiathos town's streets

Flood waters overrun a street and flood a hotel in Skiathos

Jet2 said the horrendous conditions left them with no choice but to cancel all flights from Britain to Skiathos on Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving hundreds stranded inside the airport and unable to leave.

The FCDO has now updated its travel guidance to Greece, warning Brits of the brutal conditions they may face. It now reads: 'Adverse weather conditions, including floods, are affecting some regions. The situation can change quickly. Follow 112 Greece on Twitter for official updates.'

One British holidaymaker told MailOnline he and his wife were due to fly back to the UK at 8pm last night but their flight was cancelled and they received little information from TUI as to when they can expect a new one.

They are currently stranded at their hotel with no power and 'food is running low'. Locals are also being accommodated for at the hotel after the floods destroyed their homes on the beach.

'Food supplies are running out at the hotel. No more can be supplied because the road by our hotel has collapsed.

'The rain has been heavy for around 36 hours. Our hotel is now homing local families who have lost theirs on the beach,' he said last night.

A TUI statement read: 'We are closely monitoring the weather situation in Skiathos, and our main priority remains communicating with those customers in resort and ensuring their safety.

'Due to the severity of the conditions, we made the difficult decision to cancel three flights which were due to depart on Tuesday 5th September.

'We are working to get customers safely back home to the UK, and will contact them directly with flight details once they are confirmed. For those due to travel, we are actively monitoring the weather forecast and will be in direct contact with a travel update as soon as possible.

'Customers that were due to travel to Skiathos on the 5th or 6th of September are able to amend their holiday for free with a 10 per cent rebooking incentive, or receive a full refund if they no longer wish to travel.'

Police have ordered all residents and tourists to stay off the streets and the island's mayor has put in a request to declare a state of emergency following the 'biblical rain', local media reported.

Authorities sent phone alerts in several other areas of central Greece, the Sporades island chain and the island of Evia warning people to limit their movements outdoors as the storm sweeps across the country.

Streams overflowed their banks and swept cars into the sea in the Pilion area, while rockfalls blocked roads, a small bridge was carried away and many areas suffered electricity cuts. Authorities evacuated a retirement home in the city of Volos as a precaution.

Greece's weather service said a Pilion region village received nearly 30 inches of rain late Tuesday, by far the highest level recorded since at least 2006. It noted that the average annual rainfall in the Athens region is around 15.75 inches.

The country's minister of climate crisis and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the heavy rain was not expected to ease up until Wednesday afternoon.

The storm comes on the heels of major summer wildfires that hit Greece over the past few weeks, with some burning for more than two weeks and destroying vast tracts of forest and farmland. More than 20 people were killed in the fires.

A man stands on a balcony after a rainstorm in Volos, central Greece, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023

Damaged cars are pilled up on a flooded road after a rainstorm in Volos, central Greece, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023

A fallen tree is seen in a flooded river during a storm in the city of Volos, Greece, September 5, 2023

A car is damaged after the street is flooded during a heavy rain in Volos, Greece on September 6, 2023

A car is damaged after the street is flooded during a heavy rain in Volos, Greece on September 6, 2023

Desperate Brits are begging for advice after finding themselves stranded on the flooded island of Skiathos or the surrounding islands

Footage shared by locals shows fast moving water rushing through the streets of Skiathos, where just days ago Brits were enjoying the end of their summer holidays.

Holidaymaker Emma Taylor said that fearful hotel staff asked guests to check out of their rooms if they were due to fly home.

They were then allowed to check back in again if their flights were cancelled, as many have been, she said.

The mother said: 'This is a serious storm. Flooding in our hotel corridors, ceilings, power cuts, and we're lucky as we're up high at the Skiathos Palace, Koukounaries. Some guests have been asked to check out of their rooms.'

Emma, whose daughter is celebrating her 22nd birthday today on the holiday island, said her family are trying to make the most of it amid electricity outages, flooding and torrential rain outside.

She told MailOnline that the whole experience has been 'dramatic and stressful' and that she and her family have been 'trapped' inside their hotel.

Dangerous sea conditions forced ferries to and from the island to be halted, leaving many passengers unsure whether they will be able to catch their flights home over the next few days.

Jet2 said in a statement on Tuesday evening: 'We are aware of the weather conditions affecting Skiathos, and we are closely monitoring the situation with our customers best interests in mind.

'As a result of the conditions, which are completely outside our control, we have taken the decision to cancel all flights that are due to depart to Skiathos today and tomorrow (five flights in total).

'This is in addition to one flight from London Stansted to Skiathos which diverted to Thessaloniki because of the weather yesterday, where customers have been provided with hotel accommodation. This flight will return customers to the UK tomorrow (Wednesday 6th September).

'We are contacting all affected customers and they will of course receive a full refund.'

Pictured are boats and cars being washed away by severe flooding sweeping across Skiathos

Storm Daniel has battered eastern parts of Greece, including Skiathos island

Cars being washed away in Skiathos. pic.twitter.com/0YO2xwDDJ5  Chris McCash (@chrismccash) September 5, 2023

Footage shows a car being swept away as huge rolling waves crash into the pier in Agios Ioannis

An image taken with a drone shows drifted belongings and cars on the street at the Istanbul Furniture Market after floods hit the west districts of Istanbul, Turkey, 06 September 2023

An image taken with a drone shows containers in the floodwaters at the Halkali Customs after floods hit the west districts of Istanbul, Turkey, 06 September 2023

Drifted belongings lie on the street at the Istanbul Furniture Market after floods hit the west districts of Istanbul, Turkey, 06 September 2023

A man wades through floodwaters after floods hit the west districts of Istanbul, Turkey, 06 September 2023

An aerial view of furniture manufacturers' site where evacuation efforts continue after heavy rains cause flash floods at Basaksehir district of Istanbul, Turkiye on September 06, 2023

The travel operator earlier advised customers on X that staff are 'aware of the weather conditions currently affecting Skiathos' and 'are monitoring the situation very closely with our customer's best interests in mind'.

Storm Daniel is causing severe flooding across the region, with people being ordered off the streets.

Footage shared on social media shows a car being swept away as huge rolling waves crash into the pier in Agios Ioannis, a village on the east side of the mainland.

Residents in the central mainland town of Volos and the nearby mountain region of Pilion have been told to not leave their homes as a severe storm hit the area, turning streets into flooded torrents.

The ban, which covers all except emergency services and roadside assistance vehicles, will remain in place until the storm subsides, police said.

Fierce rainstorms also battered Turkey and Bulgaria on Tuesday, triggering flooding that caused at least seven deaths, including two holidaymakers swept away by a torrent that raged through a campsite in northwestern Turkey.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said four other people were missing after the flash flood swept over the campsite in Kirklareli province, near the border with Bulgaria. He said about 12 vacationers were at the site when the waters hit.

Search teams had located two bodies, he said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. 'The search and rescue efforts for the missing (four) continue uninterrupted,' he added.

Television footage showed rescuers carrying a young girl and an adult to safety from waters reaching waist-high in some areas. The rains also damaged and forced the closure of a main road, HaberTurk television reported.

In Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, heavy rain flooded streets and homes in two neighborhoods, leaving at least two dead, according to a statement from the governor's office.

Around a dozen people were rescued after being stranded inside a library, while some subway stations were shut down. Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul urged motorcyclists to stay home.

In Bulgaria, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said two people died and three others were missing after a storm caused floods on the country's southern Black Sea coast.

Overflowing rivers caused severe damage to roads and bridges. The area also suffered power blackouts, and authorities warned residents not to drink tap water due to contamination from floodwaters.

Cars are pictured battling rising water as people wade through it in the city of Volos

Floodwaters submerge a car and surrounding houses in Milina village, Pilion region, central Greece

Underwater: Floods have ripped through streets in Volos, Greece, as storms lash the country

Dramatic videos and pictures have revealed the scale of the floods sweeping through Volos in Greece

A man is pictured attemting to drive his motorbike through flood waters in Volos

A man is pictured clearing debris off the road following a flash flood in Volos

Pictured are fast flowing stream waters that have risen during a heavy storm in the city of Volos

A fallen tree pictured in a flooded river during the brutal storm in the city of Volos

Officials rescue a man after the downpour caused floods and stream overflows in Demirkoy district of Kirklareli, Turkiye

A car washed in the sea at Arapia camping near Tsarevo at the Bulgarian Black sea coast after heavy rains led to flooding

Two people died and one more was missing as torrential rains hit Bulgaria's Black Sea coast on Tuesday

The extreme weather comes on the heels of major wildfires that hit Greece over the past few weeks, with some burning for more than two weeks and destroying vast tracts of forest and farmland. More than 20 people were killed in the fires.

A massive blaze raging over the last two weeks destroyed swathes of the Dadia national park in the northern Evros region.

Artopios told AFP that the Dadia fire front, raging since 19 August, was 'under control and no area was active'.

'Firefighters are staying in position to survey the situation,' he added.

Classified by experts as a 'megafire', the blaze raging in Dadia destroyed more than 81,000 hectares (200,155 acres) of the forested area, protected by the European agency Natura 2000.

The devastation in Dadia accounts for almost half the total area burned by wildfires in Greece since the start of the summer, according to the European climate service Copernicus.

Like several Mediterranean countries, Greece faces fierce wildfires every summer, which this year left 26 people dead and at least 150,000 hectares burned.

Police and rescue services searched on Tuesday for three people missing after devastating floods hit central Spain as trains to the south resumed after thousands of passengers were left stranded.

The torrential downpour that swept over large swathes of Spain on Sunday and Monday, caused by a so-called cut-off low phenomenon, left three people dead and wreaked havoc on transport infrastructure, shutting roads, subway lines and high-speed train connections. The heaviest damage was in the provinces of Toledo and Madrid in the country's centre.

Local authorities, the army's emergency response corps, firefighters and law enforcement officers were working to 'guarantee the stability of a key pipeline in the system supplying water to more than 270,000 people in the south of Madrid and Toledo', Environment Minister Teresa Ribera told reporters.

Ribera was speaking from the town of Aldea del Fresno, southwest of Madrid, which was devastated by the flooding of the Alberche River.
A truck driver who repeatedly denied killing a man by dangerous driving - saying it was not his fault - has finally come clean.

After Jagmeet Singh, 31, struck and killed pedestrian Nengguang Wen in the southern Adelaide suburb of Melrose Park on February 5, he gave a TV interview to protest his innocence.

'What happened was not my fault', Singh told 7News, adding that he did not 'know what happened, it was a blink of my eye'.

But on Wednesday, he faced Adelaide Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mr Wen by dangerous driving.

Singh could now be jailed for up to 15 years for his crime, along with a 10 year driving ban.

Jagmeet Singh (outside court on Wedneday), 31, struck and killed pedestrian Nengguang Wen in the southern Adelaide suburb of Melrose Park

A truck driver who repeatedly denied killing a man by dangerous driving has finally come clean. The truck is pictured after it struck and killed the pedestrian

READ MORE: Driver released without charge after mum killed in front of L-plater son Advertisement

He had previously tried to get a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

Chinese national Mr Wen, 64, who had been visiting family in Adelaide, died at the scene after being struck by Singh's truck.

'It was a horrible scene, I got out of the truck and looked at the man, he was not looking good,' Singh told reporters at the time.

'I didn't do it intentionally, there was no intentions to hit that person  I can't sleep, the scene is coming again and again in front of me and my wife.

'I would just say sorry and what happened was not my fault, I was not aware, I am not a murderer.'

After Jagmeet Singh (pictured) struck and killed pedestrian Nengguang Wen on February 5, he gave a TV interview to protest his innocence

Chinese national Mr Wen, 64, who had been visiting family in Adelaide, died at the scene (pictured) after being struck by Singh's truck

Mr Wen's family are seen outside court on Wednesday

When he faced court in May, Singh asked prosecutors to accept his guilty plea to aggravated driving without due care, but on Wednesday his lawyer Andrew Graham said 'He is ready to be arraigned and will be pleading guilty to the major charge.'

Judge Mary-Louise Hribal recorded Singh's new guilty plea and deleted his previous confession to the lesser offence, the Advertiser reported.

Singh was remanded on continuing bail and will appear before the District Court in November, when a date will be set for sentencing submissions.

Neither he nor Mr Wen's family spoke outside the court.
This is the disgusting moment a plane passenger sitting behind a woman puts his 'smelly and dirty' feet on her arm rest during a flight.

Pornpreeya Keng, 27, boarded a low-cost Vietnam Airlines flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport for a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

But as she settled in her seat to enjoy the view out of the window, an offensive odour suddenly irritated her nose. When she looked down, she saw the source of the repulsive smell. A man's bare foot was poking through the gap and propped up on her armrest.

Footage from onboard the Airbus A320 shows a visibly disturbed Keng recording the scene while sitting next to the man's hot sweaty feet.

She can be seen muttering to herself and covering her nose and mouth while glancing over at the unwashed feet before using a nasal spray to block out the smell.

Footage from onboard the Airbus A320 shows a visibly disturbed Pornpreeya Keng, 27, recording the scene while sitting next to the man's hot sweaty feet. She can be seen muttering to herself and covering her nose and mouth while glancing over at the unwashed feet

Keng said the inconsiderate passenger kept moving around to find a better sleeping position, causing the smell to intensify and make her dizzy.

She said: 'I tried to shift in my seat to make him aware of my discomfort, but he didn't notice me. I felt uncomfortable, but I did not want to confront him directly, so I took a video of his poor manners.'

Keng later called the attention of an air hostess, who instructed the man to take off his feet on her behalf.

Keng disinfected the armrest afterwards with an alcohol wipe and also used nasal spray to block out the smell

She then disinfected her armrest with some wet wipes and used a menthol nasal inhaler to clear her sinuses of the stomach-turning feet odour.

Speaking of the nightmare flight, which took place on Saturday, she said: 'Everyone should educate themselves on proper flight etiquette. If anyone experiences what I did, inform the flight attendant and ask for help.'

Plane passengers in the early days of aviation would never have experienced such a problem as many airlines had strict dress codes, meaning that shoes had to stay firmly on.

In the 1950s, Pan American World Airways, known as Pan Am, ordered male passengers to wear suits and ties, while women were expected to wear skirts and blouses. Shorts, jeans, and T-shirts were not considered appropriate attire for a plane and hair was also required to be neat and tidy.

Dress codes gradually began to loosen over the years, and in the 21st century it is not unusual to find backpackers dressed in shorts and vests on planes - sometimes putting their bare feet up on the seats.
A city financier and retired major managed to catch the thief and pin him down

This is the dramatic moment two have-a-go heroes chase a shoplifter after he made off with sunglasses at a shop owned by celebrity optician Tom Davies in London's Royal Exchange.

Romanian Muscalu Valentine, 23, was grabbed by a city financier and a retired major after attempting to steal glasses frames for a second time.

The thief previously walked in to the store 'like a customer' before making off with three frames on July 5, and tried his luck a second time on July 17.

This time, the store manager who found themselves alone in the shop, ran behind the thief, who emerged from the store 'carrying a handful of sunglasses', calling for locals to stop him.

In a heartwarming demonstration of community spirit, some people held out their legs in front of Valentine's tracks, before the two heroes swiftly apprehended him and forced him to return the stolen sunglasses back to the store.

Romanian Muscalu Valentine, 23, was apprehended by two heroes after being seen carrying frames that he'd swiped from a London store

The 'brave citizens' made sure to hold the thief tight, as he tried to resist, and pinned him down until City of London Police arrived to take over.

City financier Simon White, 55, who stopped Valentine, said modestly: I was just walking up Royal Exchange and I could hear some shouting and someone shouting: Stop him. Stop him. This was 5.10pm so there were lots of people around.

I saw a man coming out of the optician carrying a handful of sunglasses. He came in my direction first and then he went in another direction. There was another man coming up, who grabbed him.

He backed towards me and I thought: Im going to grab him, and that was it. Between the two of us, we got him down to the ground. I was conscious we have to keep his hands pinned down to the pavement. He still had the sunglasses in his hand.

By that time, we were outside the shop and the lady there had the phone in her hand. I said: Are you calling the police? and she said: Yes.

It wasnt for very long. Within a minute, another man arrived in a tracksuit, who showed us his badge and he was City of London Police.

Valentine, from Barking, east London, pleaded guilty to theft at Westminster Magistrates Court on July 18 and was released on bail on August 8 pending a drug rehabilitation order.

But he failed to show up yesterday at Westminster Magistrates Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Valentine casually strolls into the glasses shop with the intention to swipe the designer frames

The thief heads straight for the display shelf near the door and starts grabbing the frames

With a handful of frames, Valentine heads for the door and attempts to make off with them

The store manager who found themselves alone in the shop, ran behind the thief

Luckily, two brave heroes apprehended Valentine and forced him to return the stolen frames

The 'brave citizens' made sure to hold the thief tight, as he tried to resist, and pinned him down until City of London Police arrived to take over

It is the second time Davies has been the victim of criminals. Two years ago, two masked burglars broke into his Sloane Street store and stole six pairs of frames, replicas of Emma Thompson and Emma Stones glasses in the film Cruella.

Last night Davies, who created the frames that actor Henry Cavill wore in the 2016 movie Superman v Batman, praised the men who chased the thief.

In an ironic twist, the designer has teamed up with Warner Bros to create a collection of Batman and Superman sunglasses to celebrate their 100th anniversary. They are being launched next month.

Regrettably, this is the second time I've had frames stolen, said Davies, 48, who lives in Petersham, south-west London, with his wife Kirsten, 46, and two children Oscar, 16, and Amelia, 14.

But, on both occasions, justice has been swift and effective - this time with the help of some local real-life superheroes. I get quite emotional when I think about it.

Davies earned his reputation as the King of Specs after making glasses for celebrities and Hollywood films

Two years ago, two masked burglars broke into his Sloane Street store and stole six pairs of frames, replicas of Emma Thompson and Emma Stones glasses in the film Cruella

My own staff member chased the thief out the store and raised the alarm and then these brave citizens apprehended him - all without any thought for their own safety.

We have to look after each other in this world and it warms my heart that people would help out like this. Ive been lucky enough to make glasses for a number of fictional superheroes - the very least I can do is make some special thank you frames for their real-life counterparts.

Valentine broke into the store in Londons Royal Exchange on July 5, stealing three pairs of frames, which were being sold for 195, 249, and 395.

Then on July 17, he tried his luck again. But he was recognised by the store manager Ekta Depala, who had been on duty 12 days earlier.

He walked in like a customer, she told the MailOnline, but as soon as he came in, he went straight to the display, which is right next to the door. He started taking three frames.

This time because there was no one in the store, I ran behind him shouting: Hey stop. So, he went across the street. Someone tried to stop him by putting their leg out. But he saw that and changed his direction towards Bank station.

Two gentlemen from the crowd heard me saying: Stop him. They grabbed him. They caught him. They brought him back to the shop and forced him to give the frames back.

He said: Ive given the frames back let me go. But one of the men said: No you are not going. He tried to run away. The gentlemen held him tight but they had to put him on the ground because he was trying to resist.

Replicas of Emma Thompson and Emma Stones glasses in the film Cruella have previously been stolen from the store

Davies created the frames that actor Henry Cavill wore in the 2016 movie Superman v Batman

Heston Blumenthal is one of the celebrity clients who have gone to the store for their designer specs

Davies earned his reputation as the King of Specs after making glasses for celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Heston Blumenthal, Carrie Fisher, and Susannah Constantine.

He has also created frames for a dozen Hollywood films including Superman, Spiderman, Angelina Jolies The Tourist, Brad Pitts Allied, Rowan Atkinsons Keeping Mum and the Keanu Reeves film The Matrix.

He came up with the idea of making the 195 Superhero frames after visiting Warner Bros prop room in Los Angeles.

I wasn't sure there was a market for adult superhero stuff until I went to Glastonbury and saw a guy walking around with a large S tattooed on his chest, he said. Then I drove the Batmobile in LA when visiting their prop room and got inspired to make grown-up superhero glasses.
An unhinged Vladimir Putin has claimed the West deliberately installed a Jewish Ukrainian leader to cover up the glorification of Nazism.

In his poisonous diatribe on state TV against Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian despot repeated the false claim that Kyiv's other leaders pursued neo-Nazi 'genocide' against Ukraine's millions of native Russian-speakers.

Kyiv has denounced 70 year old Putin's 'maniacal obsession with the Ukrainian president's ethnic origin [as being] another manifestation of the deep-rooted antisemitism of the Russian elite'.

In an attempt to justify his land grab war in Ukraine, Putin said: 'Western curators have put a person at the head of modern Ukraine - an ethnic Jew, with Jewish roots, with Jewish origins.

'And thus, in my opinion, they seem to be covering up an anti-human essence that is the foundation... of the modern Ukrainian state

An unhinged Vladimir Putin (pictured) has claimed the West deliberately installed a Jewish Ukrainian leader to cover up the glorification of Nazism

'And this makes the whole situation extremely disgusting, in that an ethnic Jew is covering up the glorification of Nazism and covering up those who led the Holocaust in Ukraine at one time - and this is the extermination of one and a half million people.'

In seeking to justify its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a 'special military operation', Moscow has claimed the country is a Nazi state and accuses Kyiv's leaders of pursuing a neo-Nazi 'genocide' of Ukraine's millions of native Russian-speakers.

He has done so without providing evidence, and there is no evidence to back his claims. Kyiv and its Western allies call this a baseless pretext for a war of acquisition.

In June, Putin told an economic forum in St Petersburg, again without evidence, that some Jews considered Zelenskiy a disgrace to their people, as he interrupted his own address to show newsreel footage of Nazi atrocities in Ukraine.

And in January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov drew a sharp rebuke from the White House for accusing Washington of marshalling European countries to solve 'the Russian question' in the same way that Adolf Hitler had sought a 'final solution' to eradicate Europe's Jews.

Meanwhile, Putin has expressed the view that Ukraine is not a real state and should be part of his Russian empire.

He has also claimed his so-called 'special military operation' is an effort to bring about the 'denazification' of a belligerent imperial power backed by the west.

This narrative has been refuted by Kyiv and its allies, and there is no evidence to support Putin's claim that Ukraine is a Nazi state.

Zelensky - who is Jewish, Russian speaking, and has said members of his family were killed by Nazi Germany in the Second World War - was democratically elected in 2019 with more than 70 percent of the vote.

He has repeatedly rejected Russian accusations that he has supported neo-Nazis in Ukraine.

In his poisonous diatribe on state TV against Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured September 4), the Russian despot repeated the false claim that Kyiv 's other leaders pursued neo-Nazi 'genocide' against Ukraine 's millions of native Russian-speakers

No parties that formed an extreme-right coalition in Ukraine won enough votes to win a proportional seat in the country's parliament. The Svoboda party, a far-right nationalist party, was able to secure a single constituency seat.

On February 27, 2022 - three days after Putin ordered his forces to begin their invasion of Ukraine, some of the world's leading historians of Nazism and the Holocaust released a statement rejecting Putin's baseless claims.

'We strongly reject the Russian government's ... equation of the Ukrainian state with the Nazi regime to justify its unprovoked aggression,' it said.

'This rhetoric is factually wrong, morally repugnant and deeply offensive to the memory of millions of victims of Nazism and those who courageously fought against it'. It added: 'It was propaganda in 2014. It remains propaganda today.'

The statement said that while Ukraine 'has right-wing extremists and violent xenophobic groups' like any country, 'none of this justifies the Russian aggression and the gross mischaracterisation of Ukraine'.

The statement was signed by hundreds more historians and scholars.

As for Russia, a survey in 2018 found 14 percent of the population would not like to have Jews as their fellow citizens. This was compared with five percent in Ukraine.

The far-right has been heavily represented among pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, with several past or current leaders of the republics of Donetsk and Luhansk being linked to neo-Nazi, white supremacist and ultra-nationalist groups.

The West says Putin's invasion is nothing more than an imperialistic land grab by Russia with the goal of eradicating a sovereign nation.

Hundreds of thousands have perished in his war launched in February 2022 which aimed initially to take the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and topple Zelensky's government before annexing the entire country.

Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko accused Putin and the Russian elite of 'deep-rooted antisemitism'.

'We call on the world to strongly condemn the Russian president's antisemitic statements,' he said.

'In the modern world, there should be no place for hatred on ethnic grounds.'

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Putin himself was disgusting 'when he tries to justify mass crimes against citizens of another country with a monstrous lie'.

In seeking to justify its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a 'special military operation', Moscow has claimed the country is a Nazi state and accuses Kyiv's leaders of pursuing a neo-Nazi 'genocide' of Ukraine's millions of native Russian-speakers. He has done so without providing evidence, and there is no evidence to back his claims. Kyiv and its Western allies call this a baseless pretext for a war of acquisition. Pictured: A Ukrainian soldier near Bakhmut, Sept. 4

Some estimates suggest 1.7 million Soviet Jews - mainly from Russia and Ukraine - were killed by the German Nazis and their collaborators by late 1942.

But others say this figure is much higher, with between 850,000 to 1.6 million Jews from Ukraine alone being killed by Nazi Germany.

Before the Second World War, 1.5 million Jews lived in the Soviet Republic of Ukraine, and constituted the largest Jewish population within the Soviet Union.

In 2014, that figure was estimated to be around 400,000.
This is the horrifying moment a passenger was pushed into the sea to his death by ferry crew after he tried to leap on to the departing vessel at a Greek port.

Shocking footage shows the 36-year-old man, who has not been named, sprinting towards the Blue Horizon ferry and frantically jumping on to the ramp just as the vessel was starting to pull away from the port of Piraeus last night.

But two crew members, who were standing on the ramp, prevented the man from boarding and appeared to push him backwards.

The latecomer tried for a second time to board the vessel - bound for Heraklion in Crete - this time with devastating consequences as the crew members violently shoved him backwards.

In harrowing scenes, the man lost his balance and toppled into the churning sea below where he fought to stay above the water.

In separate video, the man can be seen being sucked below the foaming water due to the power of the ferry's propellers. It is not known whether the victim hit his head as a result of falling from the ferry but his body was pulled from the sea a short time later, reports Protothema.

 :      Blue Horizon    36      pic.twitter.com/eiPvxWYKvq  kakajason (@kakajason50) September 5, 2023

Shocking footage shows the 36-year-old man, who has not been named, sprinting towards the Blue Horizon ferry

The man can be seen reaching the ramp and jumping on to it where he is met by crew members

Several crew appear to confront the man on the ferry ramp just as the vessel leaves Piraeus

Two of them prevent the man from boarding and seem to push him backwards

The two crew members can be seen looking down into the water at the man, as the ferry continues to sail away from the port.

Witnesses appeared to suggest that the crew members had shoved the latecomer off the vessel's ramp because he didn't have a ticket - despite the fact that passengers are able to buy one on board.

'Come on, did he throw him off the [ramp] and die?' one witness asked, while another added: 'He was probably taken by the propeller and sank.'

The Greek coastguard said the victim was plucked from the water unconscious and rushed to the General State Hospital of Nikaia where he was pronounced dead.

The Blue Horizon ferry was ordered to return to the port of Piraeus after the horrifying incident where the captain and crew members were arrested, the Greek newspaper Protothema reported.

But the latecomer tries for a second time to board the vessel towards Heraklion in Crete - this time with devastating consequences as the crew members shove him backwards

In a harrowing scene, the man, circled, loses his balance and topples into the churning sea where he fights to stay above the water

'A man fell in the port of Piraeus during the sailing of the Blue Horizon. He was recovered unconscious and taken to the General State Hospital of Nikaia. The ship is returning to Piraeus,' the coastguard said.

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, Greece's shipping minister, said: 'I express my sadness for the tragic incident in the port of Piraeus in which one person lost his life.

'All the necessary actions are being taken by the Piraeus Port Authority to clarify the case and assign responsibility.'
Tensions between teachers and Gillian Keegan over the concrete crisis escalated again today after she ordered them to 'get off their backsides'.

Heads have responded to the Education Secretary's extraordinary attack by stressing their job is to focus on children's learning, not search for Raac in buildings.

The spat looks to be gathering pace amid growing fears in Whitehall that the situation could spiral out of control and cripple budgets.

There are warnings that Ms Keegan might have opened 'Pandora's Box' with an over-cautious stance, setting a low bar for drastic action on the rest of the public sector estate.

Keir Starmer will bid to bind Rishi Sunak to the chaos when they face off at the first PMQs since Parliament returned from its summer break.

The premier has become embroiled in the row after one of his ministers revealed that as chancellor he dismissed an application for 200 schools a year to be to be rebuilt.

Heads have responded to Gillian Keegan's (pictured) extraordinary attack by stressing their job is to focus on children's learning, not search for Raac in buildings

Raac mitigation work being carried out at Mayflower Primary School in Leicester this week

Builders at work at Hornsey School for Girls in London this week

Instead funding was provided for 50 schools a year.

In another line of criticism, BBC analysis has suggested that at least 13 schools confirmed to have Raac had reconstruction funding withdrawn after the credit crunch in 2010.

Raac is a lightweight form of concrete that was widely used between the 1950s and 1990s. Concerns about weaknesses in the material have been around for years.

But Ms Keegan says fresh evidence about collapses without any warning sparked her decision that more than 100 schools in England needed to partially or fully shut while mitigation was put in place.

Mr Sunak is likely to be grilled by Sir Keir on the funding made available to tackle faulty classroom concrete. The PM has rejected the attack on his Treasury record.

It comes after Ms Keegan was forced to apologise after railing against those she said had 'sat on their arse and done nothing' about Raac in a sweary outburst on Monday.

Yesterday she complained about schools not returning questionnaires on the presence of Raac, saying they should 'get off their backsides'.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, branded the crisis a 'national scandal', and highlighted the 2010 decision to scrap the Building Schools for the Future scheme.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I think the nation's parents will think this just reinforces a sense that we have got a Government that frankly doesn't care, and hasn't cared about education for many years.

'I actually remember visiting a school in a pretty deprived part of Suffolk, which was on the Building Schools for the Future list on the day that Michael Gove gleefully announced that the programme was being pulled.

'There were all kinds of flaws with that programme: it was expensive and it was overambitious, but it was saying something important, that the nation's schools needed to be refurbished.

'What we have got today, therefore, is some of those schools' headteachers scrambling around trying to identify bits of concrete which might look like Aero bars when they should be focusing on children learning and developing.'

Labour will look to increase the scrutiny on Mr Sunak over the Raac crisis with plans to use a humble address motion, a mechanism for demanding papers from government departments.

They want publication of submissions of evidence sent by the DfE to No 10 and the Treasury relating to advice on the construction trouble.

As part of the move, it will also push to see all related correspondence ahead of the 2020 and 2021 spending reviews and the 2022 spring and autumn statements to show what advice Mr Sunak was given as chancellor about the need to replace Raac.

Mrs Keegan, who has come under fire for her handling of the concrete crisis, defended the Prime Minister's past actions to protect school building safety.

She said: 'As chancellor, the Prime Minister introduced the school rebuilding programmes  delivering 500 schools over the next decade.

Keir Starmer will bid to bind Rishi Sunak (pictured) to the chaos when they face off at the first PMQs since Parliament returned from its summer break

Sir Keir has seized on the concrete crisis as he mounts a push towards the general election next year

'On top of that, the Conservatives have invested 15 billion in schools since 2015.

'In addition, capital spending this year will be almost 29% higher in real terms than last year.'

She continued: 'An independent review found Labour's schools funding programme was badly targeted and complex.

'It did nothing to fix schools in poor condition, particularly those affected by Raac. In contrast the Labour-run Welsh government have sat on their hands and failed to act on schools in Wales.'

Meanwhile, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said Ms Keegan has 'serious questions to answer' after it emerged a company the senior Tory's husband has links to was handed a 1million IT contract from a fund earmarked for rebuilding schools.

According to the Daily Mirror, Michael Keegan states on his LinkedIn social media page that he is a non-executive director at technology firm Centerprise.

The company was one of six suppliers awarded contracts earlier this year to replace server infrastructure, with the money coming from the DfE's school rebuilding programme fund.

Ms Phillipson said: 'This appears to be a gross conflict of interest and eyebrows will be raised that the Keegans appear to have gained from a shrinking pot of school rebuilding money.'

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mr and Ms Keegan.

A DfE spokeswoman said: 'Ministers had no involvement in the procurement process for these contracts, which were awarded in line with existing government commercial procedures.'
The future of Notting Hill Carnival will be discussed at a meeting tonight amid calls for it to be moved after sickening violence yet again marred this year's celebration.

Police arrested 308 people over the two-day event in West London on August 27 and 28 - with eight revellers stabbed and at least 75 officers assaulted. Six of the officers were bitten, one was sexually assaulted and another suffered a serious hand injury.

Petrified carnival-goers also saw a hooded thug charging across the street wielding a foot-long machete, while another was spotted raising a zombie knife in the air. This year's event saw the highest number of stabbings since 2016, when there were 15.

Research by MailOnline today established that there have been 5,319 arrests made over the past 20 years at the carnival  with this year's total of 308 up by 47 per cent on the 209 at last year's event, which also saw the first carnival murder since 2004.

Now, there are growing calls for the annual party to be moved to another location such as nearby Hyde Park, with Policing Minister Chris Philp revealing he could be open to seeing it relocated if this was recommended by the Metropolitan Police.

Tonight, organisers the Carnival Village Trust are holding a post-event residents' meeting at their headquarters in The Tabernacle community hub on Powis Square.

A young man waves around a machete at Notting Hill Carnival in West London last month

A man is seen running across Ladbroke Grove holding a machete-type blade on August 28

Police detain a young man on Ladbroke Grove on August 28 during the Notting Hill Carnival

Crews who carried out the clean-up estimated collecting 13 tonnes of laughing gas canisters

Tonight, organisers the Carnival Village Trust are holding a post-event residents' meeting

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police and the councils of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea will attend the event from 6.30pm to 8pm, with discussion likely to include whether the location could be moved to make it easier to police.

The meeting has been billed as 'an opportunity for you to let the organisers know how the Carnival was for you, what was useful and what could be improved'.

MORE THAN 5,000 NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL ARRESTS IN 20 YEARS YEAR ARRESTS 2023 308 2022 209 2021 n/a 2020 n/a 2019 354 2018 373 2017 313 2016 454 2015 407 2014 252 2013 301 2012 278 2011 245 2010 243 2009 243 2008 280 2007 246 2006 277 2005 183 2004 167 2003 186

It comes after Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate in the 2024 London mayoral election, called for the carnival to be moved to another area.

The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents officers in the capital, has also echoed these suggestions.

Its vice chairman Rick Prior last week condemned the level of violence as 'unsustainable', saying: 'It is just awful and this sort of violence against officers at this event has become normalised.

'The officers have a right to come to work and expect not to be attacked, injured, sexually assaulted or bitten. Those bitten will have had to be given anti-viral drugs if the skin was broken, and will now need all sorts of tests  it is horrendous.

'It has almost become a certainty we will have this violence and terrible treatment of police officers every year and it is just not acceptable.

'It is a very difficult event to police and of course we recognise the need for this event but it should perhaps be moved to somewhere like Hyde Park where it would be less problematic to police.'

Meanwhile Ms Hall has labelled the carnival 'dangerous' and has suggested it should be moved to Hyde Park.

The carnival has been held on the streets of Notting Hill every year since 1966 - apart from in 2020 and 2021 when it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

When Ken Livingstone was mayor, he suggested it could be started in Hyde Park and then proceed to its normal venue - but the idea was dropped amid mass opposition.

Mr Philp said last Thursday that if police advised that the narrower streets posed a challenge for officers, he would not oppose discussions about moving the carnival.

This map issued in a booklet for residents this year reveals the Notting Hill Carnival area

A man is seen to wield a large machete-type blade on Ladbroke Grove on August 28

A man holds his face in his hands at the carnival as he is escorted away by police on August 28

A man waves a machete-type weapon around at Notting Hill Carnival on August 28

Police officers detain a person during the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27

Mounted police officers make their way through the streets of Notting Hill last month

Speaking to LBC, he said: 'The mayor of London obviously is the politician responsible for London. I think if the police advise that narrow streets make it more dangerous, then I think, yes, that should be looked at very, very seriously in light of what happened.

Notting Hill Carnival meeting details A meeting following this year's Notting Hill Carnival will take place tonight (Wednesday, September 6) from 6.30pm to 8pm. It will be held at The Tabernacle, which is the headquarters of Carnival Village Trust, at 35 Powis Square (W11 2AY). Representatives from Kensington and Chelsea Council, Westminster Council and the Metropolitan Police will be present, as well as the organisers. Although the event is billed as a 'post event residents meeting', there is no requirement to pre-register to attend. Westminster Council says: 'No need to sign up, just pop along to ask any questions you may have.' It adds: 'Its an opportunity for you to let the organisers know how the carnival was for you, what was useful and what could be improved so that next years event can be even better.' Advertisement

'I think it's reasonable that the carnival goes ahead. We're a free country, after all, and if people want to have a carnival  and obviously hundreds of thousands of people went to it  then it is reasonable that goes ahead.

'But it's got to be done safely. If the police advice is that narrow streets make that difficult, and if it's moved into slightly wider streets that would help, that is something I think the mayor of London should be looking at seriously.'

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stressed last Wednesday that any such change was not a decision for police, who would work with organisers to review safety at the event.

At this year's event, one 29-year-old man was in a critical condition after being knifed just after 9pm on the Monday, while a 19-year-old was in a stable condition having been stabbed an hour earlier.

Scotland Yard confirmed that 308 were arrested - up from an initial total of 275 that was given - at the carnival, which was attended by an estimated two million people.

The arrests were for offences such as possession of offensive weapons including guns, assaults, possession of drugs and sexual offences.

Shocking pictures showed one man brandishing a foot-long machete very close to other carnival-goers as he ran around the streets with other group members in masks.

One image showed him appearing to point the weapon at a person on the ground. As those in the vicinity fled, police on horseback tried to chase after the group.

Chaotic scenes at Notting Hill Carnival on August 28, pictured around the Ladbroke Grove area

Police officers take their positions during the parade at Notting Hill Carnival on August 28

Police officers patrol during the main parade of the Notting Hill Carnival on August 27

Police officers keep a lookout during the parade at the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28

As well as the two men left in hospital, six others aged between 18 and 40 were stabbed in separate incidents and sustained non life-threatening injuries.

It comes after 74 officers had been injured at the carnival last year.

Mr Prior praised the senior Met officers who oversaw the policing operation and said the crime would have been far worse without strong leadership.

'Our point of contact at the carnival was very pleased with the Met's command team and the decisions they made this year,' he said.

'They gave the officers on the ground the confidence to carry out their role knowing they had leaders in place who were making the right decisions quickly.'

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who oversaw the policing, said: 'It is regrettable that for a second year in a row, Monday night at Carnival has been marred by serious violence.

'Nobody disputes the significance of Carnival on London's cultural calendar and the overwhelming majority of those who came will have had a positive experience. However, we cannot overlook the stabbings, sexual assaults and attacks on police officers that we have seen.

'Carnival is a challenging policing environment. Officers were asked to be vigilant and alert but to be approachable, respectful and sensitive at the same time. They did all of that and more and they deserve our recognition and our thanks.'

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: 'The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world's biggest street festivals and is part of the very fabric of our city.

Crowds pack the streets on the second day of this year's Notting Hill Carnival on August 28

Revellers at the Notting Hill Carnival on August 28 as they pass through gates in West London

Crowds pack the streets on the second day of this year's Notting Hill Carnival on August 28

Dancers parade through the streets of West London on August 28 - the final day of the carnival

Performers at the Notting Hill Carnival make their way through the streets on August 28

'The celebration was born out of the Caribbean community in north Kensington and Notting Hill, and the mayor believes that it's only right that this remains its home.

'Like with other major events in London the mayor will continue to work with local partners to ensure the event remains safe and enjoyable for all.'

The final night of the carnival also saw raunchy celebrations with scantily clad revellers twerking and grinding against each other in the streets.

The suggestive videos have received mixed comments online with some hitting out at the dancing as inappropriate. But others defended partygoers for letting their hair down and 'having fun'.

Meanwhile laughing gas is set to become illegal by the end of the year, with users facing up to two years in prison.

It comes after waste crews who carried out the carnival clean-up estimated collecting 13 tonnes of laughing gas canisters from the streets.

Kensington and Chelsea Council said crews collected five skips' full - with an estimate of more than 12,000 canisters.

The nitrous oxide ban was previously unveiled as part of the Government's anti-social behaviour action plan, with measures including making laughing gas a class C drug, which could see dealers and users facing jail time and unlimited fines.

Secondary legislation has been brought forward yesterday which will control nitrous oxide as a class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The new measures are expected to come into force by the end of the year, the Home Office said.

Nitrous oxide is the third most used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England and police have reported links to anti-social behaviour - intimidating gatherings on high streets and in children's parks, and empty canisters strewn across public spaces.
Venice will become the first city in the world to charge day-trippers an entry fee in a determined bid to curb mass tourism, its tourism chief announced yesterday.

From 2024, the city will introduce a 5 fee for tourists passing through, though hotel and Airbnb stayers will not be affected by the move, Simone Venturini said.

The fee will be trialled for 30 days next year to start, focusing mainly on spring bank holidays and summer weekends when tourism numbers are at their peak.

The scheme aims to find 'a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city,' tourism chief Simone Venturini said.

The new policy comes in response to growing backlash against the influx of day-trip holidaymakers and large cruise ships crowding the city.

But critics say the fee misses the point, ignoring the more fundamental issue of short-stay Airbnb rentals keeping rents high and deterring permanent residents.

Matteo Secchi, president of the Venice residents' activist group, said the new fee would effectively turn the city into 'Disneyland'.

'Making visitors pay to get in turns Venice into a museum or a theme park rather than a city where people live, go to the supermarket and drop their kids off at school,' he said.

Tourists are seen enjoying gondola rides through Venice's famed canals, September 3, 2023

Protesters demonstrate against mass tourism and huge cruise ships, and call for a change in how tourists are catered for in the city after the lockdown in Venice, Italy. June 13, 2020

Plans to introduce fees on day tourists were originally raised in 2019 but postponed due to the pandemic.

Last year, Venice finally made plans to charge tourists 10 to enter the city all year round but ultimately scrapped the policy, with Venturini citing 'resistance'.

A spokesperson for Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said late last year that the plans had been delayed as the city council had not yet fully approved a new admissions process.

Technical and procedural issues were expected to set the scheme back six months.

Now, residents expect the exact dates of the new plan and how it will be run from 2024 to be announced next week, following final council approval.

Venturini said the scheme will make only enough money to cover administrative costs, and that only visitors over the age of 14 will be made to pay it.

The Italian government last year paved the way for tourism reforms by allowing Venice to impose separate limits on rentals.

The city's mayor said that policy would aim to limit Airbnb lets, stopping homeowners from leaving the city and renting out their home for long periods.

Venice's population has steadily fallen in recent years, in part as residents leave and let out their flats to tourists.

In turn, this reduces the supply of available housing and makes homes more expensive for residents.

Barcelona has faced a similar problem and, in 2021, set precedent by becoming the first European city to ban short-term private room rentals under 31 days.

Rome and Milan, two of Italy's most touristic cities, have also since sought the ability to restrict short-term room lets as rents rise and salaries flatline.

Venetians also have concerns that short-term visitors spend less than tourists who rent rooms or book out hotels for several days.

The main island, which measures two square miles and is populated by 50,000 permanent residents, was visited by 19 million people in 2019.

That averages some 52,000 per day. Figures can be climb to twice that in peak seasons.

But more than three-quarters of those amassing at the famous Piazza San Marco do so for just a day.

A view of the Grand Canal and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute during sunset in Venice

Guests who stay the night already pay a city tax of one to five euros per night and will be exempt from the new system.

But even last year, critics voiced concerns an entry fee system would do little to meaningfully change tourism to the city.

Local newspaper Corriere della Sera wrote of the announcement last year: 'Venice is becoming more and more like Disneyland.'
A female prisoner has claimed she was sexually assaulted by a trans inmate with male genitalia at a women's prison.

The inmate at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey, where she has been locked up since 2003, claims she was assaulted in September and October last year.

She has now filed a lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Corrections over the alleged lack of 'corrective action' taken by prison guards about the 'sexually aggressive and harassing behavior of the transgenders'.

The department is accused of failing to implement actions to protect inmates even after 'two female inmates became pregnant from sexual interactions with transgenders', according to local news outlet My Central Jersey.

She said she reported the assault by the transgender inmate - only identified with initials in the lawsuit - to staff at Edna Mahan, but was given disciplinary action instead, it says in the lawsuit filed on August 29 by Somerville attorney James Wronko.

The inmate at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women (a sign near the entrance pictured above), where she has been locked up since 2003, claims she was assaulted in September and October last year

She said she reported the assault by the transgender inmate - only identified with initials in the lawsuit - to staffers at Edna Mahan, but was given disciplinary action instead, it says in the lawsuit filed on August 29 by Somerville attorney James Wronko (right, pictured above with actress Amy Locane)

She has now filed a lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Corrections over the alleged lack of 'corrective action' taken by prison guards about the 'sexually aggressive and harassing behavior of the transgenders'

The transgender inmate who allegedly sexually assaulted her has since been transferred to a male facility.

Another claim made in the lawsuit alleges that transgender prisoners were housed with female inmates in areas not monitored by security cameras.

In a separate lawsuit against the Department of Corrections, a former Edna Mahan inmate claims she was forced to have sex with a male prison guard.

She claims the guard was in her cell, slapped her on the foot and told her 'to get up and come here' on August 21, 2021.

The guard then allegedly led her into a bathroom where he switched off his body camera, undid his pants and demanded a sexual act from the prisoner, according to claims in the lawsuit.

The guard told the inmate he could make her time at the prison 'really good' and that she did not 'want to leave with missing teeth,' the lawsuit claims.

Governor Phil Murphy ordered in June 2021 that the prison should be closed after the abuse scandals by guards became public

She then performed the sexual act on him and after that day, she never saw the guard again because he was transferred to a male prison, according to the lawsuit.

These are just two of many lawsuits brought against Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

Governor Phil Murphy ordered in June 2021 that the prison should be closed after the abuse scandals by guards became public.

No new location for the prison has been announced yet and the project is estimated to cost $300million.

Murphy had requested $90 million in this year's fiscal budget for the closure.
New footage has emerged of the moment Ukrainian troops blasted a Russian helicopter out of the sky while shouting 'Got him!'

A laser-guided Swedish-supplied RBS-70 portable air-defence system gunned down the Ka-52 Alligator helicopter from a field near the village of Robotyne, which Ukraine claims to have liberated as its counter-offensive continues.

In footage of the attack on the helicopter, a fighter is heard shouting 'Shoot!' and seconds later, after the button has been pushed on the shoulder-fired weapon, a jubilant voice yells 'Got him!' followed by expletives.

Smoke can be seen pouring from the aircraft, which is hailed by the Kremlin as 'the world's best helicopter gunship', as a section seems to split from the fuselage before it curls into a nosedive and hits the ground. The video shines a new light on the downing last month in which the pilot was reported to have escaped alive after using the ejector seat.

The new video emerged as a prominent US think-tank claimed that nearly 50 of Vladimir Putin's elite soldiers were killed in one day in another battlefield coup for Ukraine.

A laser-guided Swedish-supplied RBS-70 portable air-defence system gunned down the helicopter from a field near the village of Robotyne

Smoke can be seen pouring from the helicopter as a section seems to split from the fuselage

Another video shows the aircraft ablaze in a field with black smoke billowing into the sky

Ukraine's troops are thought to have pinned down some of Russia's elite soldiers in Donetsk, stopping them from redeploying to a key part of the front line, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.

Some 49 soldiers of the 7th VDV Division were killed in one day of fighting near the village of Staromayorske, with Russian commanders reportedly not overseeing the retrieval of bodies, the US think-tank said, citing a Russian military blogger who posted an audio recording purportedly from a Russian soldier.

It represents yet another battlefield humiliation for Putin who has seen some of his top commanders killed and his most advanced military hardware fail during his stuttering invasion.

In earlier footage of the helicopter downing, the aircraft could be seen ablaze in a field with black smoke billowing into the sky, with a second Russian helicopter - thought to be a Mil Mi-28 - landing close to the wreckage.

Military blogger Kirill Fedorov claimed the navigator of the Ka-52 Alligator 'was unable to leave the aircraft and heroically died'.

A new video shows Ukrainian troops pressing the button on their RBS-70 portable air-defence system before the aircraft was shown exploding

After the helicopter was hit it curled into a nosedive and struck the ground

The helicopter burning in the field near the village of Robotyne, which Ukraine claims to have liberated as its counter-offensive continues

Footage shows a second helicopter landing in the field close to the wreckage

The War Gonzo Telegram channel, which had posted footage of the Ka-52 in flames in a field, reported: 'Immediately after the crash of the helicopter at the site moved an Mi-28, which surveyed the area, established the location of the survivor and sent a signal for evacuation.

'A short time later, a transport helicopter landed on the field and picked up the pilot.'

The 12.7 million all-weather Ka-52 Alligator helicopters are operated by the Russian air force.

READ MORE: Moment Russian missile kills 17 people in Ukrainian market massacre as bloody war rages on Cars ablaze in a scene of devastation as the market burns following Russian shelling in the city centre of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine on September. 6, 2023 Advertisement

The highly manoeuvrable aircraft can destroy armoured ground targets such as tanks, low-speed aerial targets and personnel at the front line.

A total of 42 Russian Ka-52 Alligators have been destroyed or damaged since February last year, according to the intelligence defence analysis website Oryx.

In June, Colonel Yuriy Ignat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian air force, downplayed the threat from Russian attack helicopters during the counter-offensive, insisting: 'The Ka-52 is absolutely not a helicopter that establishes air superiority.'

He also argued that it did not it deliver 'the kind of firepower that is decisive on the battlefield'.

Geolocated footage posted yesterday shows Russian forces striking Ukrainian positions north-west and west of Robotyne, indicating that Ukrainian forces have advanced into an area near the settlement that Russian forces previously claimed to control, the ISW said in its daily update.

Ukraine claims to have liberated Robotyne, around six miles south of the frontline town of Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region.

A Russian-appointed official has acknowledged that Moscow's forces have abandoned Robotyne, more than a week after Kyiv announced its recapture.

Yevgeny Balitsky, the top Moscow-installed official in the Zaporizhzhia region, said in a television interview that the Russian army had withdrawn for what he called tactical reasons.

'The Russian army abandoned - tactically abandoned - this settlement because staying on a bare surface when there is no way to completely dig in... doesn't generally make sense. Therefore the Russian army moved off into the hills,' the news outlet RBC quoted him as saying.

The Ka-52 Alligator is an all-weather attack helicopter operated by the Russian air force (File Photo)

Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, on August 25

Russia has not previously acknowledged the loss of Robotyne, the recapture of which was announced by Ukraine on August 28.

In its daily update yesterday, the Russian defence ministry said its forces had repelled two Ukrainian attacks near Robotyne.

More than 18 months after Russia's invasion, Ukraine says it is gaining ground and has broken through Russia's first line of fortifications in several places on the front line, despite repeated statements from Moscow that Ukraine's counter-offensive has been a failure.

Meanwhile, a Russian strike today killed at least 17 people, including a child, in a market in the frontline in east Ukraine, in an attack that President Volodymyr Zelensky described as 'heinous evil'.

The projectiles ripped into the centre of Kostiantynivka, a town of nearly 70,000 people in the Donetsk region, hours after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Kyiv to announce new funding.

Firefighters extinguish the blaze in the market on September 6, 2023

A Ukrainian serviceman shouts to paramedics standing in front of bodies after a Russian rocket attack on the food market in the city centrer of Kostiantynivka, Ukraine, on September 6, 2023

Emergency service workers extinguished the blaze that damaged about 30 pavilions at the outdoor market, according to internal minister Ihor Klymenko.

Rescue workers picked through the debris and carried some of the wounded for treatment past charred vehicles and kiosks torn to pieces in the blast, according to images distributed by officials.

'Seventeen people were killed and 32 injured as a result of the Russian shelling,' Klymenko said, announcing the rescue operation had ended.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Russian drone attack on the Danube port of Izmail in the Odesa region killed one person and damaged infrastructure, the region's governor said on Telegram.

During the nearly three-hour attack, several agricultural and port facilities were damaged and several fires recorded, said Oleh Kiper.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv today in a gesture of support as Ukraine's counter-offensive grinds into its fourth month with only small gains.

He said today that Ukraine was making 'very encouraging' progress in the counter-offensive as he met with Zelensky, adding that Washington would continue to walk 'side by side' with Ukraine.

A Ukrainian serviceman inspects a destroyed Ukrainian tank near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region on August 25

A Ukrainian serviceman operates an FPV drone from his position on the front line near the village of Robotyne on August 25

During his two-day visit, staying overnight in Ukraine for the first time since before Russia's invasion in February 2022, Blinken is expected to announce a package of US assistance worth more than $1billion, a senior US State Department official said in a briefing for reporters on the trip.

Media reports have cited unidentified US officials as saying the counter-offensive has been too slow and hindered by poor tactics, criticism that angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to tell critics to 'shut up'.

Ukraine has retaken more than a dozen villages and small settlements in its offensive, but its soldiers' push into Russian-held territory has been slowed by vast minefields and miles of trenches.

US officials have been careful not to publicly criticise Ukraine's military tactics and last week said they had observed notable Ukrainian progress in the previous 72 hours of its push in the south-east.


Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday suggested that the opposition parties bloc of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as BHARAT which means alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible, Advancement for Tomorrow then the ruling BJP might stop its fatuous game of changing names. His remarks came amid the bitter war of words between the ruling BJP and the Congress after the Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out invites for the G20 dinner of September 9 in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.



Tharoor wrote on X, We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names.



The Congress-led opposition parties have dubbed the alliance of the like-minded parties as INDIA during the second meeting of the bloc in Karnatakas Bengaluru on July 17 and 18.



Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had targeted the INDIA alliance saying that even Indian Mujahideen and East India Company had the words INDIA in them.



Later, the Prime Minister also ahead of his reply on the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition targeted the opposition parties saying it is a reflection of mutual distrust among INDIA bloc parties as they want to test who is with their proposal and who is not.



In his address to party MPs at the BJP parliamentary meeting, he described the opposition alliance as 'ghamandia' (marked by arrogance) and congratulated the party's Rajya Sabha members for the "semi-final" win in voting on the Delhi services bill.



Meanwhile, the Congress and the other opposition parties have hit back at the BJP for comparing INDIA with East India Company and banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen.




The first anniversary of Her Late Majesty's death falls on September 8

Despite the family troubles that dogged the last years of her life, Her Late Majesty Elizabeth II met her Maker at peace and with no regrets, according to the senior churchman who was with her at Balmoral just days before she passed away.

The Right Reverend, Dr Iain Greenshields, then Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, spent a few days at the castle last summer as a guest of the Queen, as was traditional.

Her Late Majesty was frail, he told me, but that, in a series of one-to-one conversations, he found her mentally sharp and contemplative, preoccupied in particular with her faith and that of her father, George VI.

It would be normal for a Moderator to talk about matters of faith but I was very interested in how much she wanted to talk about her own, he recalled this week.

The late Queen's thoughts were upon her faith and that of her father, King George VI, in the days before she died. Here, Queen Elizabeth's coffin enters Westminster Abbey borne by eight Grenadier Guards. Her son King Charles III walks at its side

Christian faith was the bedrock of her reign, says Catherine Pepinster. Hers was a strong and straightforward style of belief. She is pictured leaving St George's Chapel, Windsor, following a service to mark the 80th birthday of Prince Philip

The former Moderator of The Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields. Dr Greenshields spoke to Her Late Majesty in the days before she passed away

It was her Platinum Jubilee year and so she was looking back. She had remarkable recall. She had no regrets and was very much at peace.

She also mentioned her father - George VI - and the great influence his faith had on her.'

Dr Greenshields said he had been surprised that his visit had not been cancelled as he found Queen Elizabeth frailer than he expected.

The Queen had wanted him to be there, however, and to deliver the sermon he was due to preach at Crathie Church - just as Her Majesty had been determined to see Boris Johnson and Liz Truss for the prime ministerial handover.

Dr Greenshields explained that he had been one of very few visitors at the time as the number had been reduced for fear of tiring the Queen.

There were just six people at dinner during the three nights he was there, including Sophie Wessex (now the Duchess of Edinburgh), the Princess Royal and her husband, Commander Sir Timothy Laurence, John Warren, the Queens horse trainer and racing manager, and the Queen herself.

During those final meals, the Queen spoke of her faith and continued to do so in private conversations with Dr Greenshields. Her love of Scotland, and Balmoral in particular, came through.

At one point in our conversations she went to the window and said who would not want to be here. She was in a very peaceful, private place. She was at peace.'

Dr Greenshields, who stepped down from his post as Moderator in May, delivered the homily at the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Elizabeth II at St Giless Cathedral, Edinburgh, on September 11 last year and attended her funeral at Westminster Abbey.

When she died, Dr Greenshields continued, I thought of my mother and how she, too, had spoken about her faith just before she died and that normally she would never do so.

So, I do wonder if people, even subconsciously, are getting ready for the end. Its also very common when people are dying to reflect on their parents, as the Queen did.

Princess Elizabeth in July 1936 with her father, still the Duke of York, in the grounds of their home at 145 Piccadilly. Before she died, the Queen's thoughts were upon her parents and her father's faith

Father and daughter: Princess Elizabeth in conversation with George VI in 1946

The young Queen is crowned in 1952. Faith was more than a personal matter to Elizabeth, who was Supreme Governor of The Church of England

She also mentioned an American religious leader who had a big impact on her and although she didnt mention his name - and I didnt interrupt to ask - I did wonder if it was Billy Graham, whom she met.

Queen Elizabeth and the Moderator also talked about the Church of Scotland.

She was just a member, not in a high position as she was in the Church of England as Supreme Governor, and in a way I think she liked that.

Queen Elizabeths religious faith had formed the bedrock of her 70-year reign.

She had always considered her life and duties as Queen through the prism of her Christian faith and it seems that faith remained undimmed to the end.

When the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, began Elizabeth IIs funeral 11 days after her September 8 death, he told the congregation  and the millions watching around the world  that they were there to mourn her loss and recall her long life of selfless service.

But, he added, they had gathered in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God our redeemer.

Hers was a strong, and in the best possible way, a simple faith, shaped by attending church every Sunday, hymn-singing, the Book of Common Prayer and the Bible.

One of her most precious possessions was a book of prayers, specially put together for her by Geoffrey Fisher, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, to help her prepare for her 1953 Coronation.

For Elizabeth II, being a Christian was more than a matter of personal spirituality.

As monarch she was Supreme Governor of the Church of England at a time when Britain was becoming more secular and more diverse in religious faith.

But she found a way to bridge any divide between the Church and the rest of society in a way that few bishops manage: she managed to communicate her beliefs both with conviction but without proselytising, notably during her Christmas Day broadcasts.

Her funeral was unashamedly Anglican, yet there was space for a role for leaders of other faiths too.

At times Queen Elizabeth had been reluctant to discuss her own funeral arrangements but she did eventually, choosing to include some of her favourite hymns.

Among them was The Lords My Shepherd, also sung at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947. It is fitting, not least the verse expressing her strength of faith:

'Yea, though I walk through deaths dark vale, yet will I fear none ill; for thou art with me, and thy rod and staff me comfort still.'

The late Queen and Queen mother outside St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, on Christmas Day

Chelsea Pensioners join members of the public paying their respects to Her Late Majesty's coffin at her Lying in State at Westminster Hall

Princess Elizabeth stands over her father as he goes through the Royal boxes at Windsor Castle. She felt his influence until the end

The monarchs own rod, the sceptre, was placed with the orb and the Imperial State Crown on the altar of St Georges Chapel, Windsor, during her committal, as if to say that the burden of office was gone.

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was no longer a queen but a Christian soul like any other believer  and one who had once written in a little known book for the Bible Society that she was very grateful to God for his steadfast love. I have indeed seen his faithfulness.
Her symptoms had been dismissed by a doctor prior to diagnosis

A 33-year-old woman has died after doctors said her rare genetic illness was 'all in her head'.

Stephanie Aston died at her home in Auckland, New Zealand, on September 1 after a long and public battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

EDS is a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue and their are 13 different variants of the condition.

The disorder is considered and 'invisible disease' because sufferers often look reasonably healthy despite experiencing excruciating symptoms which include severe migraines, dislocating joints, easy bruising, abdominal pain, iron deficiency, fainting and an abnormally fast heart-rate.

Ms Aston revealed that in 2016 her symptoms had been dismissed by a doctor who thought she was just faking it.

Stephanie Aston, 33, died at her home in Auckland, New Zealand , on September 1 after a long and public battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

What is EDS? Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue and their are 13 different variants of the condition. The disorder is considered 'invisible' as sufferers often look reasonably healthy despite experiencing excruciating symptoms which include severe migraines, dislocating joints, easy bruising, abdominal pain, iron deficiency, fainting and an abnormally fast heart-rate. Advertisement

She encountered the physician after other puzzled doctors referred her to Auckland Hospital.

The doctor told Ms Aston he believed she was not experiencing any illness at all and was instead causing herself to be sick.

She said the misdiagnosis lead to her being accused of self-harm, eating disorders, faking fevers, coughing fits and fainting spells and even being placed on psychiatric watch.

'I feel like I have had my dignity stripped and my rights seriously breached,' Ms Aston told the NZ Herald.

After complaining to the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), Ms Aston said the diagnosis had a further negative detriment to her health.

Meenal Duggal, the complaints resolution deputy commissioner for the HDC, ruled in May of 2017 that it was not the role of the office to overturn or confirm a disputed diagnosis.

The office did not take any further action after the ruling.

Ms Aston's story lead to her becoming an idol for those suffering with EDS or similar invisible disabilities for standing up for herself despite the debilitating disorder.

She had also helped start Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes New Zealand in 2017, an organisation that supports those suffering form disorder.

EDS is considered 'invisible' as sufferers often look reasonably healthy despite experiencing excruciating symptoms which include severe migraines, dislocating joints, easy bruising, abdominal pain, iron deficiency, fainting and an abnormally fast heart-rate. Ms Aston is pictured in hospital

Ms Aston (right) had become an idol for those suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome after her painful and public battle with the disorder

'Its with much sadness that we have to announce the passing of Steph Aston,' the organisation wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

'Steph helped set this society up with myself back in 2017 and helped run it with me for many years until her health declined further and couldnt continue helping.

'She has also been a beacon for many in our community.

'Even until the very end she was keen to help anyone and lend an ear. You will be sorely missed.

'I hope you rest well now.'
SCOTLANDS abortion rate has soared in the last year amid fears social media misinformation about contraception.

TikTok videos claiming hormonal birth control methods are unnatural and damaging are scary to women and discouraging them from taking the Pill or having implants and coils.

The fears have been raised amid a rising tide of videos claiming that contraception can cause depression, anxiety, body changes and even cancer.

The number of abortions carried out in Scotland rose by almost a fifth last year.

There were 16,584 terminations in 2022, an increase of 19 per cent on the previous year.

Latest figures also show there were 1,899 abortions among young women aged 16 to 19, the highest number since 2013.

Dr Cook said: Social media may be one of the factors leading to Scotlands rising abortion rate

It was also revealed that 81.7 per cent of the procedures pills being taken at home.

Dr Sinead Cook, Scottish Chair of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health said scare stories on social media could be one of the factors fuelling the rise.

Dr Cook, a consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health working in Grampian, said: Its really worrying. Hearing things like that is really scary and I can imagine that women out there who are hearing things like that and are taking the Pill or different contraception or are thinking about it, it would be terrifying to hear that.

A lot of this is misinformation or one persons experience. We do know that there are side effects with contraception but the most important thing to do if you are worried about side effects is to go to your health practitioner and discuss it but if you are hearing these things online you might be tempted just to stop using it.

Ive had some patients who have told me theyve seen videos, particularly on TikTok that have scared them. Quite a few young people Im seeing are talking about wanting to have a break from contraception because theyre worried about being on it long term.

We know some contraceptives can affect some peoples mood and we can often find something different for them so its really important that they come and have a good discussion about what might be a better alternative for them.

Adding that social media may be one of the factors leading to Scotlands rising abortion rate she said: We know from our local clinic when weve been asking people about use of contraception that for the majority of people whove said that theyre not using contraception when theyve fallen pregnant and ended up attending abortion clinic, for a lot of them its either previous experience of side effects or worries about side effects that have stopped them using contraception.

So I do wonder whether its one of the factors contributing to an increase in abortion figures but we dont know for certain and my gut feeling is theres probably a number of things that have contributed to this, not just one thing.

She added that having sufficient trained healthcare providers across Scotland would help address the issue of women being able to understand their contraceptive options.

Weve been under extra pressure in the NHS since covid and it is sometimes more difficult for people to access trained support so we are keen on making sure weve got a good workforce. Its important to make sure young people have access to good sex education and one of my worries is that likely slipped during covid and its really important that can properly restart now.
A man accused of strangling a widow and squandering her life savings with his girlfriend is alleged to have Googled 'is a dead body a strong smell' and 'Barclays transaction limit' in the days after her death, a court heard.

Susan Hawkey, 71, who was described as 'highly vulnerable', was allegedly stripped and murdered in her own home by Xyaire Howard, 23, and his pregnant girlfriend Chelsea Grant, 28, last September.

The couple are said to have embarked on a massive spending spree while leaving Miss Hawkey's body to decompose in her bed in Neasden, north-west London.

Her body was found partially stripped, including the removal of her underwear, with a used condom containing DNA from the murder-accused nearby, the court heard.

Prosecutors say the duo 'preyed' on their slightly built victim, who was 'struggling to cope' following the death of her parents and partner.

Her body was found partially stripped, including the removal of her underwear, with a used condom containing DNA from the murder-accused nearby, the court heard.

Susan Hawkey (pictured), a 71-year-old who lived alone, was described as 'highly vulnerable' when she was attacked in her own home

Prosecutors said Chelsea Grant, 28, (pictured) and her partner 'preyed' on their slightly built victim, who was 'struggling to cope' after the death of her parents and partner

Xyaire Howard, 23, (pictured) and Grant are alleged to have blindfolded, tied and strangled Miss Hawkey last September, before stealing her bank cards and frittering away 13,000 of her money during a three-week spree

Police found her body after friends became worried and reported that Miss Hawkey had not been seen for weeks.

The suspects are alleged to have blindfolded, tied and murdered Miss Hawkey, before stealing her bank cards and PIN and frittering away 13,000 of her money.

Opening the prosecution case on Tuesday, Annabel Darlow KC said the defendants had identified Ms Hawkey as an 'ideal victim' and 'easy pickings' during last summer.

Ms Hawkey was a 'highly vulnerable' elderly woman who lived an isolated life with little contact with friends and family, Ms Darlow said.

She was also a 'creature of habit' and would take the same route with her bank card to the shops and Post Office to withdraw cash, the court was told.

The defendants first robbed her on July 27 and then again August 22, 'ripping her bag from her shoulder with enough force to knock her over to the ground', it was claimed.

The next day, they let themselves into her home with her stolen keys, pinned her down in a chair and stole more money while Ms Hawkey attempted to fight back, jurors heard.

Ms Hawkey cancelled her card but not before the defendants had allegedly used it for a few small transactions.

She was last seen alive on September 6, the same day the defendants were seen walking to and from her home, jurors were told.

Ms Hawkey (pictured) was a 'highly vulnerable' elderly woman who lived an isolated life with little contact with friends and family, according to police

The suspects lived a short walk away from Miss Hawkey in Neasden, north-west London, with it being claimed that they had 'recognised in her an ideal victim'

Ms Darlow said the defendants went on a 'massive spending spree' over the next three weeks and 'burned their way through almost 13,000' of her money in 146 transactions.

The victim's bank account went from a balance of more than 16,000 to just 3,434.03, jurors heard.

Meanwhile, Howard had searched Google for 'Barclays transaction limit' and Grant typed in the search phrases 'can you smell a dead body from outside the house' and 'is a dead body a very strong smell', it was claimed.

Ms Darlow said: 'The evidence indicates that Susan Hawkey had committed her PIN to memory and would not have given the PIN to anyone - still less two people who had robbed her three times before - unless she was the victim of considerable violence and aggression.

'When Susan Hawkey's decomposing corpse was found by the authorities, she was bound and blindfolded, and a ligature was around her neck.

'For some reason, all of her lower clothing, including underwear, had been removed and her upper clothing had been cut down the front. An item of clothing had been placed over her head and her body concealed under a duvet.'

A used condom containing Howard's semen and material from Grant was found in the same room as the body, together with a wrapper bearing Howard's fingerprint, the court was told.

Ms Darlow added: 'The ligature around Susan Hawkey's neck had been tightened with sufficient force to break one of the bones in her neck and the prosecution say that she was strangled by these defendants during an attack motivated by greed and self-interest - they wanted to stop Susan Hawkey from blocking the card and prevent her from reporting them to the police for the multiple crimes they had already committed against her.'

The couple, from Neasden, have denied murder and robbery charges, although Howard has admitted a charge in relation to the robbery on August 22.
READ MORE: Moment Russian artillery obliterates shops , killing at least 16 and wounding 28 in Ukraine

Blinken traveled overnight by train from Poland as Russian forces launched a new cruise missile attack on the Ukrainian capital

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday in a gesture of support as Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces grinds into its fourth month with only small gains.

Blinken took the typical route to the Ukraine, arriving in Poland on Tuesday evening before taking an overnight train to Kyiv. He has taken the trip to the war-torn country four times since the invasion began and six since taking office.

As Blinken made the journey under the cover of darkness, Russian aircraft were pummeling the Ukrainian capital with cruise missiles, hours after Putin's forces targeted the port city of Odesa in a drone attack.

During his two-day visit, staying overnight in Ukraine for the first time since before Russia's February 2022 invasion, Blinken will likely announce a new package of U.S. assistance worth more than $1 billion, a senior State Department official said in a briefing for reporters on the trip.

Blinken, on the first trip to Kyiv by a top U.S. official since the Ukrainian counteroffensive began, is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba among other senior officials, as well as civil society figures, the official said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken works while traveling by train to Kyiv

Blinken is thought to be in Ukraine as a gesture of goodwill

According to a Kyiv city official, there were no injuries or damage done by the cruise missiles as they were taken down by air defenses. In Odesa, one person was killed as a result of a three-hour long drone offensive.

A senior state department official told reporters who were traveling with the delegation that the Ukrainian delegation has an 'important mission' at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

'The Ukrainians have an important mission in New York to continue to explain  to their allies and partners around the world  whats going on and their continued need for support. And its important for us to continue to lead that global effort to support them,' the official said.

The official said that there was a need for the state department and Ukrainian officials to 'align' prior to the assembly.

There are plans to Blinken to tour cultural landmarks in Ukraine during the visit, reports ABC News.

Media reports have cited unidentified U.S. officials as saying the counteroffensive has been too slow and hindered by poor tactics, criticism that angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Kuleba to tell critics to 'shut up'.

Ukraine has retaken more than a dozen villages and small settlements in its offensive but its soldiers' push into Russian-held territory has been slowed by vast minefields and miles of trenches.

U.S. officials have been careful not to publicly criticize Ukraine's military tactics, and last week said they had observed notable Ukrainian progress in the previous 72 hours of its push in the southeast.

Washington would like to have a discussion with the Ukrainians on how the offensive is going, assess the battlefield needs as well as any steps that might be required to shore up Ukraine's energy security ahead of the winter months, the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.

'I think what's most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves,' the official said. 'We want to see, hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks.'

Despite staunch U.S. support for Ukraine so far since Russia's invasion, several Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned that aid, fueling concerns over whether Washington will be able to back Ukraine at the same level once the U.S. 2024 election campaign intensifies.

An employee inspects debris at a site of a shopping mall damaged during a Russian missile strike on September 6

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and the colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi visiting the brigades engaged in offensive operations in the Bakhmut sector, in Donetsk region

The U.S. government has so far provided more than $43 billion in weaponry and other military aid to Ukraine. A new package of security assistance is set to be unveiled this week, Reuters reported on Friday.

Kyiv is hoping to receive U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets pledged by a number of NATO allies.

Blinken's trip is intended to keep the U.S. public focused on the war and what the senior State Department official described as 'dictators and autocrats not being able to bite off a piece of their neighbor and get to keep it with impunity'.

'So it's also a good time to remind the American people why this matters,' the official said.

Public support for helping Ukraine has been strong but a recent CNN poll found that just over half of Americans now oppose additional funding for Kyiv.

U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress in August to approve about $40 billion in additional spending, including $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs.

The request could face opposition in Congress, where some far-right Republicans - especially those with close ties to former President Donald Trump - want to pare back the billions in assistance Washington has sent to Ukraine.
The ex-soldier explained his lengthy absences on being away with the Army

A bigamist former soldiers double life was exposed when his daughter from one of his marriages messaged his second wife on Facebook asking what her connection to him was.

Jason Hayter, 48, had five children with his two wives and lived with one family in Germany, where he was stationed with the Army, and visited the other in the UK.

Neither woman knew about the other as he explained his lengthy absences on being away with the Army and, after he left, training as a paramedic, or on mental health problems.

Norwich Magistrates' Court heard Hayter was already married and divorced before legally marrying his second wife, Tracey Larkcombe, in 2010 when she was pregnant with their first child.

After they wed he took his wife's surname, becoming Jason Larkcombe.

They had met two years earlier on a dating website and lived in Germany. A second child was born in 2015.

Jason Hayter, 48, had five children with his two wives and lived with one family in Germany , where he was stationed with the Army, and visited the other in the UK

In the same year he married Mrs Larkcombe he met Sara Hayter, also through a website, and began a clandestine relationship with her in the UK.

They had a child in 2014 and married in 2016  while he was still legally married to his second wife  before having twins in 2018.

Hayter, of Kirby Cross near Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, appeared in court wearing a pinstripe suit and sitting in a wheelchair as he admitted a charge of bigamy. He faces up to seven years in jail when he is sentenced at Norwich Crown Court next month.

Prosecutor Sally Harris said the impact of his offence on his two unwitting families had been very significant.

This had been aggravated by the length of time it had continued, with the overlap in the relationships and the children involved.

No effort was made to rectify the situation, even when a divorce was asked for, she told the court.

Statements from both of Hayters current wives were read out in court on Tuesday.

Mrs Larkcombe said he was always going backwards and forwards to the UK for training while he was based in Germany with the Army.

Neither woman knew about the other, and Hayter explained his lengthy absences on being away with the Army

She added: I never thought anything was wrong. Him being away was normal for us.

But after one absence he sent her a text message saying: I dont love you any more, Im gay.

Mrs Larkcombe said she was abandoned and left to handle debt collectors, explaining: He walked out on me and the children. He has never sent a birthday card and never asked about the children. We have had nothing from him.

I was shocked to learn that he had married again and had three other children.

Mrs Hayter understood the disappearances were due to her husband training as a paramedic for London Ambulance Service.

She said: We would always make plans together and at no point during this time did I suspect he had other families.

I dont want anything to do with him. I did not see this coming. He has manipulated me. I believe everything he has said to me is a lie. I dont think he knows the truth any more.

Charles Judge, defending, said Hayter had been in the armed forces for 24 years, serving in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. He was later diagnosed with PTSD and suffered a stroke last year.

Mr Judge added his clients 2016 marriage took place after the breakdown of his 2010 union.

This is not a case where any false documents have been produced to allow the second marriage, he told the court.

Hayter was told that all sentencing options were open, including prison.

The offence of bigamy carries a maximum sentence of seven years jail, but there are no sentencing guidelines due to its rarity.
Supermarket giant Lidl has been forced to recall packs of ready-to-eat hot dogs, after warnings that the snacks could cause high temperatures, diarrhoea and meningitis.

The supermarket chain issued an urgent safety recall for McEnnedy Corn Dogs on sale across Britain and Ireland after Listeria monocytogenes bacteria was found.

Lidl is pulling the snacks, which retail for around 4.99, from its shelves.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a warning over the products, stating today: 'Lidl is recalling McEnnedy Corn Dogs because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the product and accompanying sauce.

NHS advice on listeriosis - the infection caused by eating foods containing listeria - says that the illness 'usually goes away on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill.'

Lidl has been forced to recall packs of McEnnedy Corn Dogs after warnings that the snacks could cause high temperatures, diarrhoea and meningitis

According to the NHS, symptoms of listeriosis include a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

The packs containing Listeria were found to be those at a size of 530g, with best before dates 28 April 2024, 10 June 2024 and 10 August 2024

The FSA added: 'Lidl is recalling the above product. Point-of-sale notices will be displayed where the product was sold. Thesenotices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

'Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

'However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.

The FSA warned customers not to eat the product if they have purchased it.

Lidl GB and Lidl Ireland 'apologised for any inconvenience caused' and said consumers can return the product to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund, even without a receipt.

MailOnline has contacted Lidl for comment.
Terrified shoppers fled a Target store after the children's clothing section went up in flames.

Shocking video taken by a shopper shows flames lick the ceiling of the store in Buena Park, California, surrounding a display of children's clothes.

Among the fleeing shoppers was Guillermo Santander, who was with his daughter.

He told ABC 7 Eyewitness News that when he walked in, it was a small fire, but suddenly got bigger.

He said: 'We thought it was a Halloween prop. But as we got closer, we heard a pop which was the sprinkler going off. All of a sudden the flame got bigger.'

@OC_Scanner fire @ Buena Park Target, all is good pic.twitter.com/wsHGrELIRK  Drone Daddy News, OC (@BPW_SERVICES714) September 6, 2023

In a shocking video taken by a shopper, the blaze can be seen burning up to the ceiling of the Buena Park, California store

A male voice in the clip says: 'The clothes are on fire, somebody lit it on fire probably.'

After burning through a rack of garments, the fire quickly grew and spread to other items.

The video, originally posted by 'Drone Daddy News' on X, also shows an employee frantically trying to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out.

The incident happened just after 7pm on Tuesday at the Target on Orangethorpe and Western avenues, reported ABC 7 Eyewitness News.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and firefighters confirmed that the store sprinkler system was deployed.

By the time Orange County Fire Authority firefighters arrived, the blaze had been extinguished.

However, the store was still filled with a smoky haze, according to Erik Miranda, OCFA battalion chief.

The video also shows an employee frantically trying to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out

Thankfully, no one was injured but many children's clothing items were damaged.

The clip began circulating on social media, with people praising the employee's reaction.

One viewer said: 'He needs a raise. Just saved the whole giant warehouse'.

Another added: 'He must have watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to be a fireman.'
British parents are being warned about wooden toy chests after the tragic deaths of American twins who suffocated while sleeping in a box used to store their stuffed animals.

Four-year-old Aurora and Kellan ran out of oxygen after falling asleep in their cedar toy chest in the middle of the night at their home in Jacksonville, Florida.

They were found dead by their older brother who believed they were still asleep as their arms were wrapped around each other.

Now, a UK accident prevention charity has urged parents in the UK to teach their children not to climb into or onto furniture, and to check how easy it is to open toy chests.

Twins Kellan (left) and Aurora (right) suffocated after falling asleep in their cedar toy chest in the middle of the night

The twins, pictured with their mother Sadie Myers and father Don, ran out of oxygen and suffocated and were eventually found dead, with their arms wrapped around each other

Now, a UK accident prevention charity has urged parents in the UK to teach their children not to climb into or onto furniture, and to check how easy it is to open toy chests. Pictured is a wooden toy chest believed to be similar to the one the children climbed in

Chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, Katrina Phillips, said what happened was a 'terrible tragedy' and called on parents to check their children's toy boxes.

She told MailOnline: 'This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the family. Do take a moment to check how easy it is to open your child's toy box.

'Many push open easily but there could be a problem with a heavy wooden lid. And teach your children not to climb onto or into furniture.'

Ms Phillips added that what happened is incredibly rare and she is not aware of any incidents such as this in the UK.

Meanwhile, the twins' mother Sadie Myers issued a warning to parents that the toy chests become 'air tight' and 'soundproof' when closed and urged others to 'destroy it immediately'.

They were taken to bed by their father Don Starr (pictured) on August 25 but decided to snuggle up in the box used to store their stuffed animals

Aurora and Kellan, pictured with their older brothers, would often get up at odd hours and would be found sleeping in various places in the morning with toys scattered across their room

Ms Myers spoke about the death of her children on Facebook and wrote: 'Me and Don are having an extremely hard time trying to make sense of this not many will ever know the feeling of trying to not spend EVERY WAKING SECOND crying in agony.'

She was working on the night of the incident so her husband Don put their four children to bed. But the twins woke up at some point early on Saturday and decided to play together using the wooden chest.

Chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, Katrina Phillips, said she was not aware of any incidents such as this in the UK, but added that parents should check their children's toy boxes.

Heartbroken Ms Myers wrote: 'Something I did not know and Im sure many others dont know is that most wooden toy chests once closed are AIR TIGHT and also sound proof.'

'I hope knowing this helps in some way, and I hope if you have a toy box like this that you destroy it immediately!'

In its list of safety tips the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends checking toys regularly for wear and repair, in addition to observing young children while they play.

Ms Myers said she had tied the wooden chest shut but the kids had begged her to open it so they could play with the stuffed toys inside it.

'I still made sure to have something tied on the latch so that the kids couldn't lock each other in and so it wouldn't latch shut if closed, unfortunately that didn't prevent it from being airtight if closed,' she said.

The older boys have been staying with family members as the parents deal with the loss of the twins.
Ministers have been warned not to 'give up' on recovering taxpayers' cash as the vast majority of 1.1billion lost to fraud and error through Covid grants is still yet to be recouped.

In a new report, the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee (PAC) noted how only 20.9million of an estimated 1.1billion in fraud and error losses from coronavirus business support grants had been recovered.

Across eight separate schemes, 22.6billion of Government funding was distributed by local authorities in England in grants to businesses between March 2020 and March 2022.

The PAC report, published today, said it was still not clear how far the money succeeded in protecting firms and workers' jobs during the Covid crisis.

The cross-party group of MPs also put pressure on the Government not to relent in efforts to recover the money lost to fraud and error through the various schemes.

Across eight separate schemes, 22.6billion of Government funding was distributed by local authorities in England in Covid grants to businesses between March 2020 and March 2022

Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the PAC, said: 'The Government must not wait for the conclusions of the COVID inquiry to learn the lessons laid out in this report.'

It found, by May this year, only 20.9million had been recouped. But, in response to the PAC report, the Government said it has now recovered 32.6million with a further 13.6million pending.

The PAC said Whitehall departments had been 'slow to take effective action to recover losses' more than three years since the schemes were first introduced.

'When we challenged officials about improving their approach to recovering losses, we were told that checking payments is very expensive, there are legal questions about the ability to recover some payments, and it will be 'incredibly hard' to recover much of the losses,' the report said.

The PAC said the Government's focus on distributing grants quickly led to 'compromises on how targeted the support was and on the checks required to be made before money was paid out'.

It also found that a 'distance' between the Government and 'practical realities on the ground' caused 'confusion, delays and uncertainty' for businessses and councils.

The MPs also criticised a lack of Government planning for how businesses would be provided support during a national emergency such as the pandemic.

Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, the chair of the PAC, said:'The Government must not wait for the conclusions of the COVID inquiry to learn the lessons laid out in this report.

'Never again should a national emergency find policy being written as we go along, without firm planning and good local data, with local authorities not properly funded to work in partnership on the support required.

'The next emergency must find the Government rigorously prepared with an understanding of the optimal means to support businesses through difficult times.

'The lack of planning from Government also meant that a door was left wide open in these schemes to fraudsters who took shameful financial advantage of schemes that were designed with national solidarity in mind.

'It is simply not good enough to give up on recovering this money simply because it is difficult to do so.

'Public trust is harmed if the Government shrugs its shoulders at criminals lining their pockets with state support.'

Responding to the PAC report, a Government spokesperson said: 'It was only right that we stepped up to support the country in unprecedented times  saving businesses and jobs.

'We are working with local authorities to recover payments made to businesses who weren't eligible for the grant scheme and have recovered nearly 33million and a further 4billion of taxpayers' money in funds held by local authorities.

'We have also taken decisive action to recoup more than 12 million of taxpayers' money linked to fraudulent Covid-19 bounce back loan scheme applications, and a recent raid in West Yorkshire led to four people being arrested.'


Delhi Police apprehended three snatchers, including two juveniles, for stabbing a man to death after robbing him of his cash and mobile in northeast Delhi's Mandoli area, an official said on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Salman (25), a resident of Mandoli Extension, was stabbed multiple times on the left side of the abdomen by the accused, leading to his death.



Sharing the details, a senior police official said that a call regarding the incident was received at 6:58 a.m on September 1, regarding a body near Mandoli crematorium.



"A case was registered, and the investigation was initiated," said the official.



During the investigation, police apprehended one Abhishek Thakur (21) and two juveniles, both aged 17-years, all residents of the Nand Nagri area. On interrogation, it was revealed that the motive behind the murder was robbery.



"Thakur and his three other associates waylaid the victim on a lonely stretch near Shamshan Ghat in Mandoli. They attempted to rob him. When he resisted, one accused held the victim in a chokehold from behind, while Thakur stabbed him multiple times. They robbed the victim of his phone and some cash (about Rs 500) and fled from the scene," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey.



After committing the murder, they took an auto-rickshaw and reached Narela, where they stayed at a relatives house. "Thakur sold the stolen phone to an unsuspecting buyer for Rs 1600 the next day," said the DCP.



The official mentioned that the deceased used to run a water kiosk near Meet Nagar Fatak, Jyoti Nagar.



"He spoke with his mother at about 10:30 p.m. on August 31 night. After that, he could not be contacted. His phone and some cash were missing. His wife and son live in the village in Uttar Pradesh," said the DCP.



"Efforts are being made to apprehend the fourth associate, who is also a minor. A blood-stained knife, blood-stained clothes, and the stolen phone have been recovered," the official added.








An elderly man has been charged with the murder of an RAAF member who disappeared from her Victoria home almost four decades ago.

Debra Campbell vanished from her home in Melbourne's inner-south on February 25, 1984, after a disagreement with her fiance.

Ms Campbell's mother, Jean, reported the 21-year-old missing to police when she failed to report to duty the following Monday.

In a major breakthrough, police revealed on Wednesday a 65-year-old man had been charged in NSW with Ms Campbell's murder.

Debra Campbell, 21, disappeared from the streets of Melbourne's inner-south nearly 40 years ago

The man, from Cardiff South, was arrested at the port town near Newcastle in a joint operation involving NSW and Victorian officers.

He appeared before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, and will face court again on Friday for an application to extradite him to Victoria.

The arrest follows a public appeal by police in April of this year for information in relation to Ms Campbell's disappearance.

That same month, police from NSW and Victoria executed a search warrant and spoke to a 65-year-old Cardiff South man.

Ms Campbell was last seen leaving her home on High St, Windsor, on the night of February 25 1984

Debra's mother, Jean, said she was 'desperately hopeful' a fresh investigation could shed light on her daughter's disappearance

The warrant came after a review of the case by Victoria's Missing Person Squad detectives last year, which lead to fresh leads.

Ms Campbell's disappearance had been investigated by the air force, of which her fiance was also a member at the time.

Her mother, Jean, said in April she remained 'desperately hopeful' a reinvestigation could bring answers to the family.

A coronial inquest held into Ms Campbell's disappearance in 1998 found that she was likely to be deceased.

The inquest was unable, though, to determine the circumstances of Ms Campbell's death.
A man has been charged with murder after another man was found dead at a unit north of Brisbane during a welfare check.

Queensland Police were called to the Caboolture unit block where a 41-year-old man lived about 9.15am on Wednesday by a carer after he discovered blood.

During the welfare check, officers discovered the body of the man and blood was found 'throughout the premise' on Torrens Rd, Caboolture South.

The Courier-Mail has named the dead man as Alan Waterman.

A 23-year-old man, located at the property, was on Wednesday evening charged with murder, and enter dwelling with intent.

A man has been charged with murder after another man was found dead at a unit north of Brisbane during a welfare check

Queensland Police were called to the Caboolture unit block where a 41-year-old man lived about 9.15am on Wednesday by a carer after he discovered blood

The man, from the Brisbane suburb of Everton Park, is due in Caboolture Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Detective Inspector Stephen Windsor addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon, saying it appears a weapon was used.

'The victim has sustained injuries to his neck. The scientific [unit] is still processing the scene and body, but there are some wounds,' Detective Inspector Windsor said.

He says their investigation so far hasn't indicated anyone else was at the property, or that the men are known to each other, with no signs of forced entry.

'There appears to have been some contact in the early hours of this morning, but it doesn't appear to be a home invasion,' Mr Windsor said.

He indicated the 23-year-old man was found with 'blood on him' but didn't appear to have been injured himself.

A 23-year-old man, located at the property, was on Wednesday evening charged with murder, and enter dwelling with intent

'It was confronting for initial police ... there was a substantial amount of what appeared to be blood at the premises ... it was quite a graphic encounter for first responders,' Mr Windsor said.

Neighbours reported a man knocking on doors in the early hours of Wednesday morning, but police couldn't confirm if that was the same man who has been charged.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Caboolture is a suburb within Moreton Bay, about 47km north of Brisbane's CBD.
A ten-year-old schoolboy who was 'loved by all around' has died in hospital three days after falling from a rope swing while playing with friends.

Lewi Sullivan had gone out on his pushbike to enjoy the end of the school summer holidays when tragedy struck in Ebbw Vale, South Wales.

The youngster was rushed to hospital after he fell from a rope swing on Friday. He was declared dead on Monday.

Heartbroken father Nigel Sullivan, 44, said his son loved 'rugby and motorbikes' and riding in lorries at his groundworks and plant hire business.

The alarm was raised when Lewi fell to the ground in front of his horrified friends.

Lewi Sullivan had gone out on his pushbike to enjoy the end of the school summer holidays when tragedy struck in Ebbw Vale, South Wales

Passers-by desperately tried to help Lewi before an air ambulance arrived to transport him to hospital on Friday.

Father Nigel has now paid tribute to his 'fun, loving, caring' son after he died at Noah's Ark Children's Hospital in Cardiff on Monday.

He said: 'Lewi was a fantastic, caring and loving son. He really was every father's dream, and we had this brilliant father and son bond.

'I was proud to bits of him, and I know he was really proud of me, not only as a father, but also as a friend. We had a very strong friendship bond as well as being father and son and that was really special to me.'

Lewi, who lived with his dad Nigel, stepmum Louise and his two brothers, was described as 'the best child a dad could ask for.'

His parents - including mum Falina - thanked those who tried to help their son including paramedics from the air ambulance.

Nigel said: 'I just want to thank everyone who tried to help Lewi - the kids who were with him when it happened, and even some passers-by.

'I know one guy tried to help him for almost 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived.

'The air ambulance was out of this world, the paramedics were fantastic, the police incredible. All of the professionals who helped him were incredible.

The youngster was rushed to hospital after he fell from a rope swing - and died three days later

'The staff at Noah's Ark went above and beyond for him, and I know they did everything they could. I know he had the best care possible and that they gave him the best chance.

'We sometimes don't appreciate the NHS, but I am so grateful to them for all the things they did for him.'

He added: 'Lewi was an absolute gem of a child. He loved his rugby and motorbikes and he loved being in lorries and machines with me. He was loved by all around here and he would stop and speak to anybody.

'He was such a lovable kid. He was a real loveable rogue, a real character with a wicked sense of humour.'

Rhymney rugby club - where Lewi's brother Dan played - paid tribute to Lewi.

A club spokesman said: 'All at the Brewers will be shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic loss suffered by the family of former Rhymney RFC player Dan Sullivan from Ebbw Vale.

'Dan, who played several years with our minis, juniors and youth, has lost his young brother Lewi in a dreadful innocent accident, while out playing.

'Sincere sympathy to father Nigel, well known too at the Park, to Dan and all the family. RIP Lewi.'

Heartbroken father Nigel Sullivan, 44, said his son loved 'rugby and motorbikes' and riding in lorries at his groundworks and plant hire business

Nigel said Lewi was 'proud' to be part of Beaufort rugby club.

A Beaufort RFC spokesman said: 'As a club, we are truly devastated by the passing of one of our mini bulls Lewi. You were the funniest and most out going little lad who loved playing rugby for Beaufort RFC. You will sadly be missed by many.'

A fundraising page has been set up to raise funds for the Air Ambulance and the Noah's Ark paediatric critical care unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
An Iranian man who sought asylum in Britain will go on trial in Belgium today, accused of heading a human trafficking organisation that helped smuggle thousands across the Channel.

Hewa Rahimpur, 30, is alleged to have been a 'leading person' in a criminal gang that sourced small boats from Turkey and organising their storage in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands before using them to transport migrants across the Channel.

The accused, who had lived in Ilford, was arrested in May last year at the start of a European-wide police operation that saw the confiscation of 135 boats 1,200 life jackets and thousands of Euros in cash - as well as 40 arrests.

Rahimpur is one of 21 now facing trial in Bruges over alleged ties to the gang, with the other 20 registered as having lived in Germany.

The court will hear that Rahimpur worked from his Britain to organise the logistics of the operation, procuring boats and arranging for them to meet customers in France.

Hewa Rahimpur (left), originally from Iran but now living in Ilford, being detained in an May 2022 NCA operation in Wanstead Park, east London

A 2022 search of a farm near Osnabruck, Germany, where more than 60 boats and 900 life jackets along with outboard motors were recovered, linked to a large-scale human trafficking operation

Rahimpur arrived in Britain in 2016 and claimed asylum as an Iranian Kurd fleeing persecution.

READ MORE: Suspected kingpin behind 10,000 illegal migrant Channel crossings into Britain vanishes after German court set him free under EU human rights laws Advertisement

He was given leave to remain in 2020 and set up a barber's shop, before moving on to a food kiosk in east London a year later.

He was arrested in May 2022 by police from the National Crime Agency and has been charged with being 'a leading person' in the criminal organisation.

Last year, the decision was made that he would be extradited to Belgium to face charges of involvement in 'systematic human smuggling' offences using small boats.

The indictment against all those accused claims they smuggled children and adults from France to Britain, taking advantage of the 'vulnerable condition' of people and bringing 'unidentified victims' into crime.

Two people arrested in Belgium also identified Rahimpur as the person who purchased boats and organised their transport to the French coast.

Prosecutors are demanding he repay 157,000, which they say accounts for the 'capital gains derived directly from the crime'.

The accused will face trial at the main court in Bruges.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Iranian Hewa Rahimpur, 29 who was living in Ilford, appearing in the dock at Westminster Magistrates' Court, central London, as proceedings began for his extradition to Belgium. Picture date: Thursday May 5, 2022

Police from Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands co-ordinated the investigation into the group. Pictured: recovery of equipment during a search in Osnabruck in 2022

Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, Deputy Director of Europol, said migrants pay between 2,000 and 9,000 to make the crossing and that the criminal group's activity generated as much as 51.4 million in 2021 alone.

Andrea Wilson, NCA Deputy Director of Organised Immigration Crime, said at the time of Rahimpur's arrest: 'One of the ways we are seeking to disrupt these people smuggling networks is through targeting their supply of boats.

'Some of the vessels we have seen attempting the Channel crossing have been nothing short of death-traps, held together using gaffer tape and planks of wood.

'Sadly, we have also seen how these crossings have resulted in fatalities, which is why tackling this criminality is a priority for the NCA and our law enforcement partners both in the UK and overseas.'
New Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confused the RAF and the navy during an interview today.

Mr Shapps, who took over from Ben Wallace in the 'mini-shuffle' last week, praised the UK's aircraft carriers as 'the largest the RAF has ever had'.

In fact the Royal Navy built and operates the carriers.

The muddle on LBC radio was not the only misstep for Mr Shapps during his tour of broadcast studios. He was unable to say on Sky News how many ranks there are in the army - with the correct answer being 12.

Mr Shapps was also grilled over his decision to keep posting on TikTok despite security worries over the Chinese-owned social media site. He insisted that he does not have the app on his phone, but stressed it was important to engage with the public.

Grant Shapps has vowed to continue posting on TikTok despite calls for the new Defence Secretary to quit the Chinese-owned social media app over security fears

Senior Tory backbenchers have been urging Mr Shapps - who last month posted videos to TikTok from a ministerial visit to Ukraine - to stop using the app

TikTok was banned on Government phones issued to ministers and Whitehall officials earlier this year following a security review prompted by spying fears

Mr Shapps is one of the most prolific users of TikTok in Westminster and has amassed nearly 15,000 followers on the app.

TikTok was banned on Government phones issued to ministers and Whitehall officials earlier this year following a security review prompted by spying fears.

It is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, but has denied it is controlled by the government in Beijing.

Mr Shapps does not have TikTok on his personal phone and his account is managed by his staff.

But he has rebuffed MPs' calls for him to quit the app completely after being appointed Defence Secretary.

Asked if he would give up posting to the social media network, Mr Shapps told GB News today: 'No, I don't have it on my phone and, by the way, the Ministry of Defence uses TikTok as does the Army.

'You can't help but be where people are actually viewing things, but I don't personally have it on my phone.

He added: 'Just to be clear, there's no security risk viewing TikTok. I don't think anyone is saying that - the security risk will come through the app itself and I don't have the app on my phone. I don't personally post to it.

'We have to make a decision in the wider worldI don't think it's the best way to communicate, not being on the platforms that people use.

'They have to be used safely. Presumably the MoD before my time here came to the conclusion that it was able to do that and I follow the security lead of the Ministry of Defence.'

Senior Tory backbenchers have been urging Mr Shapps - who last month posted videos to TikTok from a ministerial visit to Ukraine - to stop using the app.

Ex-Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who has been sanctioned by the Chinese government, said: 'I recommend now that he revisits his decision and that he recognises that they pose a threat  otherwise they wouldn't have been banned from Government phones.

'So in his situation, he should come off it, frankly.'

Tim Loughton, another Tory backbencher who has been sanctioned by China, said: 'You can not de-link personal and ministerial TikTok accounts when you are in such a high-profile Government position. It is not sustainable.'

Mark Francois, a former armed forces minister, claimed there was 'little the Chinese intelligence services would like more' than to have Mr Shapps regularly using TikTok.

Tobias Ellwood, the chair of the House of Commons' Defence Committee, recently predicted Mr Shapps would come out of his first Ministry of Defence briefing with less apps on his phone.

'He'll be getting the mother of all briefings when he walks into the MoD,' Mr Ellwood said last week.

'I suspect he might have his phone, not taken away from him, but certainly he'll come out with less apps on his phone than when he walks in.'
Former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers suffered a stroke the day before he was due in court accused of fraud by abusing his position, a judge has been told.

Flowers, 73, was not present for the brief hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday where he was due to appear accused of defrauding a woman of carpets and by using cheques while acting as power of attorney.

District Judge Tom Mitchell adjourned the hearing for a month after being told Flowers had a stoke on August 29, the day before he was first due to first appear in court last week.

Elizabeth Ridgway, defending Flowers, a former Methodist minister, Labour councillor in both Rochdale and Bradford, and chairman of Co-op Bank between 2010 and 2013, asked for Wednesday's hearing to be adjourned.

Ms Ridgway said her client had sent an email on August 30 to say he had had a stroke the previous day and had been in hospital.

Former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers in 2014 (PA)

A letter had also been received from the community psychiatric services which said the stroke had impacted Flowers' mobility and he was struggling to leave his home in Swinton, Salford.

Ms Ridgway said the letter asked for Flowers to be given time to recover his physical and mental health.

District Judge Mitchell adjourned the hearing to October 4 and asked Flower's lawyer to update the court on the 'prognosis and diagnosis' of the defendant.

He added: 'A person must be before the court before they can be dealt with. He has to appear here at some point.'

Flowers served more than 15 years as a Labour Party councillor on Rochdale and Bradford councils.

During this period, in 2010, he was appointed to the party's finance advisory board by then Labour leader Ed Miliband.

In 2009, the Co-operative Bank merged with Britannia Building Society and it was later revealed that the merger had led to a 1.5 billion capital shortfall requiring an emergency rescue for the bank in 2013.

Flowers also served more than 15 years as a Labour Party councillor. During this period, in 2010, he was appointed to the party's finance advisory board by then Labour leader Ed Miliband (pictured)

Its owner, the Co-op Group, was wiped out and the bank is now owned by private equity groups.

A report concluded there had been broken corporate governance and executive management failings at the bank.

Flowers is accused of fraud by abuse of position.

The full charge against Flowers listed in court reads: 'Between 28/6/16 and 28/10/17 at Salford committed fraud in that while occupying a position, namely Enduring Power of Attorney, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not act against the financial interests of Margaret Mary Jarvis, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely staircase, carpets and 11 cheques paid to the defendant, for yourself, contrary to Sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006.'
Officials say the test was to validate and verify the readiness of the system

The US Military has successfully launched an unarmed ballistic missile from its Air Force base in California in a display of nuclear readiness.

An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was successful on Wednesday morning, at around 1.26am.

It took place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, and was described as a routine test scheduled years in advance.

Officials confirmed that the re-entry vehicle traveled 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

They added that the LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III starting 2029 with full capability in mid-2030s.

An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was successful on Wednesday morning, at around 1.26am

The purpose of the test launch was to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the nuclear weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority for the unarmed missile.

'The Airmen and Guardians who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and dedicated personnel in America's Air Force,' said Titus.

'These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent.'

Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.

Pentagon press secretary Brig Gen Pat Ryder said on Tuesday that the US transmitted a prelaunch notification to the Hague Code of Conduct.

He added that the US also notified the Russian government of the test due to existing obligations, with the launch coming amid growing tensions between the two countries.

Ryder said: 'The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent.'

Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US

It also comes amid rising tension between the US and North Korea, which has repeatedly launched a flurry of its own missiles.

The country also failed to put a satellite into orbit during its second attempt.

State-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday that Pyongyang had simulated a tactical nuclear strike with mock warheads in a warning to the United States of its nuclear capabilities.
A couple who swindled 150,000 from the accounts of a luxury restaurant run by Gordon Ramsay's best man have been ordered to pay back just 1.

Mother-of-five Nicola Nightingale, 48, fleeced chef Stephen Terry, who appeared on TV series the Great British Menu, while working as an administrator at his restaurant, The Hardwick, in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

With the money, she and husband Simon, 51, jetted off on a string of trips abroad to Disneyland Paris, Disney World Florida, France and anniversary stays in Morocco.

The pair received two-year suspended prison terms and 100 hours' community service at Cardiff Crown Court in April.

Mr Terry said his restaurant survived 'by the skin of its teeth' following the Nightingales' crimes and branded the sentences a 'joke'.

Mother-of-five Nicola Nightingale, 48, walking hand-in-hand with Simon Nightingale outside Cardiff Crown Court

Celebrity chef Stephen Terry outside Cardiff Crown Court. He employed Mrs Nightingale as a financial administrator at his restaurant The Hardwick in Abergavenny

Nicola Nightingale, 48, and Simon Nightingale, 50, pictured at Disney World

Yesterday, a Proceeds of Crime hearing at Cardiff Crown Court was told Mrs Nightingale stole 150,000 from the restaurant while transferring 46,000 into the account of her husband.

The alarm was raised when suspicious Mr Terry saw money was missing and discovered two 40,000 loans had been taken out in his name along with a 10,000 shortfall in the pension pot.

Prosecutor Tom Roberts said Mrs Nightingale 'generated fake invoices from fictitious suppliers' after she was employed at the country inn.

The court heard she began working at the restaurant in February 2018 before she started to pay herself inflated wages and create bogus invoices.

Mr Roberts said: 'She gave the impression that the business was running smoothly but she had in fact run it into significant debt.'

The total money stolen from the restaurant in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, was 150,234.63 between February 2018 and February 2020.

Mrs Nightingale, of Deal, Kent, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, while her husband was found guilty of acquiring criminal property after a trial.

The Proceeds of Crime hearing was told a 'thorough' examination of the couple's finances revealed no releasable assets.

Gordon Ramsay with TV chef Stephen Terry (right), who was fleeced out of 150,000

Nicola and Simon Nightingale outside Cardiff Crown Court. The pair both received suspended sentences

Judge Shomon Khan handed out nominal 1 confiscation orders to be made for Mr and Mrs Nightingale.

He said: 'There has been a lot of interest in his case but there has been a thorough investigation and that's where we are in terms of the recoverable amount and this is as far as the courts can take it.'

Speaking after their sentencing, Mr Terry said: 'What kind of message does that send out? It's a joke, an absolute joke.

'I am disappointed there was no custodial sentence for what they have put myself through. For someone to come and do that, I think she practically got away with it.

'They had holidays we could have only dreamed of and all of a sudden you find out you're paying for it. For them to result in getting a suspended sentence is a travesty.

'This should be a lesson for all people not to trust, do your research, get references and be aware of how your business is being run. We trusted her and, unfortunately, she didn't fulfil her job title.

'Get involved in your business because I am sure it's going on as we speak and it's an absolute killer. We have managed to survive by the skin of our teeth but we're still repaying debt. We're good at what we do and have managed to work through that.'

At the sentencing hearing, the judge took into account the 'lasting negative impact' a jail term would have on the Nightingales' children.

The Hardwick in Abergavenny, Wales - owned by celebrated chef Stephen Terry - is one of the country's best restaurants

Simon Nightingale was found guilty of swindling a celebrity chef out of 150,000 from the restaurant where his wife worked and using the money to go on luxury holidays

Recorder Judge Barry Clarke said sending both defendants to prison would have had a 'lasting, negative impact on them [the children] and upon their development'.

But Mr Terry said: 'It says white collar crime pays - just make sure you've got kids.

'We heard what the impact of custody might have been on their children but what about our family?'

Mr Terry and his wife Joanna Terry said an equal amount of consideration had not been paid to their family.

Mrs Terry said: 'The court has not put into anything about our what our children have gone through and what they continue to go through and that's wrong.'

Mr Terry, who trained under Marco Pierre White, opened his award-winning gastropub in 2005 and it has become known as one of the best restaurants in the country.

Nightingale, who Mr Terry employed as his office administrator between February 2018 and March 2020, had alcoholism and mental health problems and used the money to fund her spending addiction, the court heard.

Giving evidence at Nightingale's husband's trial in February, Mr Terry previously said: 'I think it took Nicola about four weeks to start taking money from us from when she started. She didn't hang about.'

Prosecutor Tom Roberts said: 'Nicola Nightingale began working there [The Hardwick] on February 13 2018 and was responsible for managing the business's accounts and finances.

Stephen Terry, who was Gordon Ramsay's best man, was fleeced out of 150,000

'In March of 2020, as the Covid lockdown came into effect, Mr Terry became suspicious of her behaviour.

'He and his wife contacted HSBC and found there were payments made directly to Mrs Nightingale outside the normal payment structure amounting at that stage to about 27,000.'

Mr Roberts said Mr Terry tried to contact both Mrs and Mr Nightingale to get the login details for their business accounts but they did not respond.

The following day Mrs Nightingale resigned via email and Mr Terry contacted Gwent Police, who began an investigation.

'She left the restaurant owing suppliers 70,000 and 6,000 in business rates,' Mr Roberts continued.

'She also left the company owing 110,000 in PAYE and VAT, and she left the pension fund with a 10,000 shortfall.

'She'd given the impression that the business was running smoothly but she had in fact run it into significant debt by extracting money from it for herself.'

Mr Nightingale claimed he believed the cash was his wife's wages along with money for shifts he had carried out at the restaurant.

He told a jury: 'There was no need for me to challenge her because it was her wages going into my account and my extracurricular wages going into my account.'

The court heard the couple went on multiple trips while also making payments to debt management company Lowell Portfolio Ltd to pay off store cards.

The couple's daughter Jasmine, 22, claimed her mother had 'complete control' of the finances while they jetted off abroad.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Terry said: 'This has caused significant reputational damage and is very hard to accept as we built this business from scratch and worked very hard to get to where we are now.'

In a victim impact statement written in June 2020 and read to the court, Mr Terry said the fraud was 'potentially devastating' to his business.

'Over the past 15 years I've worked extremely hard to build a successful business in the heartland and throughout this time I've worked well with suppliers and built strong working relationships.

'The impact of being defrauded of such a significant amount of money and having large outstanding payments to my suppliers is potentially devastating. There's no doubt damage to my reputation and working relationships.

'Had it not been for the unprecedented pandemic, that is Covid-19, I'm not certain that I would have been aware of the fraud. And I believe that the business would not have survived this financial loss.'

Mr Terry said he had since had to take out loans to pay back his suppliers and employees.

The court heard Mr Nightingale was on a 55,000-a-year salary as a group head chef for Q Hotels at the time of the crimes.

At the sentencing hearing, Susan Ferrier, defending Mrs Nightingale, said her client had an 'extreme problem with alcoholism and mental health' and that those problems, with previous marriage troubles and losing her youngest brother, caused her to become addicted to buying things as a means of coping.

Ms Ferrier said Mrs Nightingale was 'shocked' at and 'bitterly regretted' the amount she had stolen, which accumulated over time, and is 'haunted' by the impact of her actions on others.

She said Mrs Nightingale, now a grandmother, had a low risk of reoffending and raised concerns about how she would cope in prison given her 'fragile' state.

Mr Nightingale's defence, led by Martin Taylor, said the defendant accepted his 'negligence' and had 'massive regret for allowing this situation to have arisen'.

Mr Taylor said Mr Nightingale was left having to 'carry the family', including caring for their two youngest children, aged 10 and 12, due to his wife's difficulties.

Millie Davies of the CPS said: 'The CPS presented evidence showing there had been 55 transactions to Simon Nightingale's account.

'Nicola Nightingale took advantage of her position of trust within the business and used the opportunity for her own gain.'
Police have arrested a retired Colorado doctor on suspicion of gun and drug charges after raiding a luxury yacht and discovering 'prostitutes' on board.

Dr Scott Burke, 69, who practiced in Denver, Colorado, and also has an address in Key Largo, Florida, has been charged with possessing a firearm without a permit, having ammunition, as well as possession and trafficking of Class A and B drugs.

Authorities boarded the boat named the Jess Conn in the harbor of the ritzy Massachusetts island. The 70-ft motor yacht is registered in the Cayman Islands.

Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com appear to show him spending the holiday season with his wife Ellen, 65, and two children, Jessica and Connor aboard a similar boat in 2017 - also called the Jess Conn.

Burke, who founded Denver Spine and Rehab, is set to appear at Nantucket District Court on Monday for arraignment on the charges. It is unclear if he remains in custody.

Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com appear to show Dr Scott Burke (right) spending the holiday season with his wife Ellen, 65, and two children Jessica and Connor on a similar boat in 2017 - also called the Jess Conn

The retired doctor appears to be the manager of JessConn Charters LLC  based in Florida - though it is unclear how much or if he was charging customers to travel on the vessel

Relatives declined to comment when contacted by DailyMail.com, but the Nantucket Police Department confirmed Burke was arrested.

In a statement, they confirmed that the woman was taken to Nantucket Cottage Hospital after reports that she needed 'medical assistance' on Tuesday at 7.45am.

Scott Burke, 69, has been charged with possessing a firearm without a permit, having ammunition, as well as processing Class A and B drugs

They added: 'As a result of this information, the boat was identified and located within the Nantucket Harbor Anchorage.

'Authorities responded to the boat and located the involved woman and identified the owner who was also onboard.

'The owner of the boat was arrested by Nantucket Police Department for one count of Possession of a Firearm without a license. This case remains under investigation at this time.'

Burke has also been charged with one count of trafficking a Class B drug, one count of possession to distribute a Class A drug, one count of possession of ammunition without a license and four counts of possession of a large-capacity feeding device.

Law enforcement sources told the Nantucket Current that sex workers were discovered on the boat during the raid.

Burke, who owns a $2.3million mansion in Englewood, Colorado, appears to have named the vessel after his children.

The Coast Guard and Nantucket Police launched a probe after a woman was taken from the vessel, called the Jess Conn, after a 'wellness check'

The retired doctor, who set up a medical insurance company where both his children work, appears to have previously owned several other crafts. Pictured: Scott Burke (right)

Law enforcement sources confirmed that other contraband was found alongside the guns, drugs and prostitutes, but did not go into further details

Authorities boarded the boat in the harbor of the ritzy Massachusetts island, with the 70-ft motor yacht being registered in the Cayman Islands

The retired doctor, who set up a medical insurance company where both his children work, appears to have previously owned several other crafts.

He is also the manager of JessConn Charters  based in Florida - though it is unclear how much or if he was charging customers to travel on the vessel.

The Coast Guard and Nantucket Police launched a probe after a woman was taken from Burke's vessel after a 'wellness check'.

The Jess Conn arrived in Nantucket Harbor on August 23 after a voyage from Newport, Rhode Island.

Law enforcement sources confirmed that other contraband was found alongside the guns, drugs and prostitutes, but did not go into further details.

It recently ran aground in Florida in May, but appears to have escaped without significant damage in the incident.

Coast Guard Station Brant Point's executive petty officer Jeff Wecal confirmed that his crew is assisting the Nantucket Police Department in its investigation.

The boat was designed by Jeff Leishman, and boasts four docks of over 24 meters each.

It has three large guest cabins, an owner's cabin, a laundry room, as well as a main saloon and formal dining room.

The yacht also has a hot tub on board, and can house up to eight guests as well as accommodation for two crew members.
Firebrand Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz has said lawmakers will soon force a vote on impeaching President Joe Biden - and warned Speaker Kevin McCarthy could face the consequences if he tries to stop them.

The lawmaker urged his GOP colleagues to 'seize the initiative' in investigating the 80-year-old president when they return to Washington next week.

He also said McCarthy 'may not have the job long' if he 'stands in the way' of pushing for a Congressional trial into Biden's links to his son Hunter's foreign business deals.

McCarthy agreed to lower the requirements for a motion to remove him as Speaker in the negotiations to secure his election during a 15-round vote battle in January.

Gaetz is now threatening to use the procedure from the 'toolkit' if impeachment isn't on the agenda next week.

'I have traveled the country and spoken to so many Americans. They're disillusioned with House Republicans right now', Gaetz told conservative radio host Todd Starnes on Tuesday.

'They think that we have not put up a substantial battle to defeat the worst elements of this Biden administration.

Firebrand Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz has said lawmakers could soon force a vote on President Joe Biden's impeachment - and warned Speaker Kevin McCarthy could face the consequences if he tries to stop them

'I worked very hard in January to develop a toolkit for House Republicans to use in a productive and positive way. I don't believe we've used those tools as effectively as we should have.

'When we get back to Washington, we have got to seize the initiative.

'That means forcing votes on impeachment. And if Speaker McCarthy stands in our way, he may not have the job long.'

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee have been investigating Biden and issues over his family's overseas business deals since he was inaugurated in January 2020.

But the party is facing an internal divide over an impeachment vote.

Lawmakers on the right are entirely behind the proposal, while more moderate members have resisted.

The issue will also be at the center of government shutdown negotiations as the September 30 deadline approaches.

Marjorie Taylor Greene promised to vote against funding the government if impeaching proceedings had not begun.

The White House has rejected every suggestion Joe was involved in his son Hunter's business deals and insists the Biden impeachment push is politically motivated.

Ian Sams, White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations,, slammed Gaetz's comments.

McCarthy agreed to lower the requirements for a motion to remove him as Speaker as part of the negotiations to secure his election during a 15-round vote battle in January

The White House has rejected every suggestion Joe was involved in his son Hunter's business deals and insists the Biden impeachment push is politically motivated

'On the heels of openly admitting the goal of impeachment isn't to get to the truth but instead to damage the President politically, Matt Gaetz is yet again confirming that House Republicans' evidence-free impeachment stunt is being driven by the demands of the most extreme, far-right members of Congress, he said.

'Last week, Marjorie Taylor Greene threatened to shut down the government if she didn't get an impeachment vote, and now Gaetz is threatening to potentially oust Speaker McCarthy if he doesn't give them what they want,' Sams said.

'If Speaker McCarthy opens an impeachment inquiry simply to throw red meat to the right wing, it will yet again prove this is nothing more than a costly, illegitimate, politically-motivated exercise not rooted in reality.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to McCarthy's office for comment.


Congress national President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday that there was nothing in the Red Diary, and the Gehlot-led government always worked in the interest of the common man. Kharge was in Rajasthans Bhilwara district, his first visit to the state after becoming the Congress president.



During his address at a Kisan Sammelan, he said the Rajasthan government has always worked in the interest of the common man and there was nothing in the Lal Diary, and BJP in only trying to intimidate by flaunting it.



Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also targeted BJP's Parivartan Yatras in the Kisan Sammelan. He said that the BJP is failing.



The Chief Minister said, "Kharge Saheb has played a big role in the grand alliance of the opposition. He has been at the forefront of uniting the opposition parties by forging an alliance in the name of INDIA. Why is Modi facing difficulties with the opposition alliance? "



He further said that the Congress government was formed in the country after some time when Sonia Gandhi became the Congress President. "Now that Kharge Saheb has been made the president, the beginning has already been made. After he became the president, Congress governments have been formed in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and will further win Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, he added.



Gehlot said that there is talk of 'One Nation, One Election', but the opposition was not taken into confidence. "The opposition has the right to ask why the Central government has called a special session of Parliament? It was also not told to the opposition why the Parliament session was called," he questioned.








A sick paedophile who posed as a model scout to lure child victims into carrying out sexual acts just months after being released from prison for similar offences was today jailed for 30 years.

David Harmes, 27, targeted 45 youngsters aged between six and 15 after messaging them through Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok from his bedsit.

Using aliases including Jess, who he falsely claimed was a model scout for high street fashion outlet River Island, Harmes would stage fake auditions.

The warped pervert would then tell them to twirl for the camera, pose in bikinis or underwear and eventually strip naked.

If they refused to carry out further demands he would threaten to expose them by sending videos to their friends.

David Harmes, 27, of Winsford, Cheshire, was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely

Horrifyingly, despite being on the sex offenders register having just been freed on licence halfway through an eight-year prison sentence for posing as fashion blogger Zoella (pictured) to groom young children online, it was six months before Harmes was finally stopped

Horrifyingly, despite being on the sex offenders register having just been freed on licence halfway through an eight-year prison sentence for posing as fashion blogger Zoella to groom young children online, it was six months before Harmes was finally stopped.

Its believed he contacted as many as 300 different children before being put back behind bars, however many have yet to be identified.

In harrowing victim impact statements read out at Chester Crown Court, youngsters described the trauma and mental health issues they had suffered.

They told how their lives had been damaged after Harmes had taken away their innocence.

One called Harmes low and disgusting for exploiting children and said the thought he could do this to someone else seriously makes my stomach turn.

I wish nothing else for all this to go away and for you to get what you deserve, she added.

One parent, a teaching assistant, said they had suffered stress and anxiety and had been forced to take time off work because they felt they had failed to protect their daughter and didnt feel they should be in charge of looking after other peoples children.

Nicholas Williams, prosecuting, said Harmes had been prolific in contacting children in both the UK and US.

The warped pervert would tell victims to twirl for the camera, pose in bikinis or underwear and eventually strip naked

He would then persuade them to download the now closed Google Hangouts app so they could video call each other before using screen capture software to record the footage.

Examination of his laptop showed Harmes had used at least 30 different identities to contact children, including posing as a Jess, a supposed model scout for River Island.

Victims would be told that the scout was looking for girls aged 10 to 14 to help launch a new Spring collection and that if they passed an online trial they would earn 1,200.

When she responded, he would ask the girl to walk up and down on camera to score points to be considered for a contract and/or financial reward, Mr Williams said.

The victim would then have to remove clothing and perform increasingly serious sexual acts in order score the required number of points.

Having contacted one victim he would then target their friends or siblings or children from the same school, Mr Williams said.

Detectives were able to track him after police received a report in January 2020 that an 11-year-old child was being groomed.

He was identified by his computers IP address and Instagram user name as the person who had been in contact with her.

The court heard Harmes took part in a programme for treating sex offenders while in prison

Detectives matched Harmes through his distinctive bedding to images found on his devices, as well as footage that showed his face after he accidentally filmed himself for a few seconds.

He was arrested in February 2020, recalled on licence and sent back to prison.

Examination of his laptop revealed more than 2,000 indecent images, of which 100 were Category A, the most serious type, the court heard.

Harmes, of Winsford, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to charges included possessing, making and distributing indecent images, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child at a previous hearing.

The offences related to 45 victims - 39 in the UK and six in the USA - over a six-month period.

Simon Mills, defending, said there were times it was appropriate to make an open public recognition of the horrifying nature of what their client had done, given the sheer scale of Harmes offending and the harm he had caused.

He said Harmes accepts full responsibility and didnt seek to minimise the seriousness of what hed done.

In 2016 he was jailed for eight years after posing as popular celebrities including fashion icon Zoe Sugg and a modelling agent to trick almost 300 girls into degrading sex acts.

He would tell besotted fans to pose in swimwear and underwear to score points to be in with a chance of winning tickets to see or meet the stars he pretended to be.

In February 2019 he was released on licence under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Today that order was renewed and he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Afterwards Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Jiro Asafa said: Harmes is a prolific and dangerous sex offender who played on the hopes and aspirations of children to gratify his warped sexual desires.

The feelings of the children involved meant nothing to him.

We hope that this case sends a message out to children and parents that caution is required at all times when engaging with people on the internet as they may not be what they seem.

We also hope it shows potential online abusers that they will be caught and brought to justice.

The court heard Harmes took part in a programme for treating sex offenders while in prison.

After his release he was ordered to undergo polygraph  lie detector  testing which revealed one minor, unrelated concern.

Judge Simon Berkson said the sentence  which would have been 45 years had Harmes not admitted the offences - reflected the sheer scale and depravity of his crimes.

This was sophisticated criminal offending using the internet by a criminal who was prepared to lie and deceive young children to meet your sexual desires towards children, he said.

The offences are of the worst type and this was sophisticated offending by a defendant who has many relevant previous convictions and who was in breach of many of the prohibitions of a court order and was on licence at the time of the offending.

Last night it emerged that a serious further offence report had been launched to establish how Harmes was able to go back to preying on young girls despite supposedly being monitored.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: These were appalling crimes and our thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Serious further offences are rare but each one is thoroughly investigated so any necessary action can be taken to keep our streets safe.

Results of the probe will be shared with victims and their families.

According to the MOJ, less than 0.5 per cent of offenders subject to probation supervision are convicted of a serious further offence.
British police today confirmed they are investigating whether a body found in a German river is toddler Ben Needham who went missing more than 30 years ago on the Greek island of Kos.

Ben's heartbroken mother Kerry has been searching for her son, who was just 21 months old, ever since he vanished while playing at his grandparents' farmhouse in July 1991.

She alerted officers to a fresh appeal by international police Interpol to identify the body of a young child found by a canoeist in the River Danube in Bavaria more than a year ago, which had been weighed down with a flagstone slab and wrapped in foil.

After South Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating, Kerry said: 'I'm pleased they are looking into it. Every possibility has to be investigated and ruled out. Our hope is that one day one piece of information will come forward which will uncover the truth.'

Interpol DNA Database Manager Francois-Xavier Laurent told local media on September 5: 'We have received 33 hints from the public.' The Laurent added: 'We can now assume that this boy was probably not German.'

Ben Needham has been missing since July 24, 1991, while playing at his grandparents' house

Kerry Needham has been searching for her son for more than 30 years

Interpol released a reconstruction of the boy found in the the River Danube near Grossmehring in Bavaria on May 19, 2022

In the Interpol Black Notice, the organisation said it was 'seeking the public's help in identifying a deceased boy and to determine the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death'.

Interpol also published a graphic reconstruction of the boy's head. The blue-eyed boy staring out of the photo is described as between five and six years old. The description went on: 'The boy is thought to be aged between five and six. He was approximately 110 cm (43.3 in) tall and 15 kg (2.36 st), with brown hair and blood type 0.'

The investigators added: 'The results of investigations indicate that he likely spent time outside of Germany.'

Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock said: 'Through this Black Notice, Interpol is calling upon the global law enforcement community to cross-check databases and consult open or unsolved cases.'

He added: 'Someone, somewhere knows something about this boy, making it equally important to release certain details publicly.

The unidentified child's remains were discovered by a canoeist in the town of Grossmehring

'Whether he was the victim of trafficking, abduction or violence, we are committed to mobilising all of Interpol's policing capabilities to identify him and help investigators shed light on his death.'

He went on: 'Members of the public, particularly those who remember a missing child whose characteristics and disappearance indicate a potential link to this case, are invited to contact the national police team in Germany should they have any information.'

Missing Ben's mother Kerry had urged South Yorkshire Police to contact Interpol over her son.

She said: 'I am hoping our British police will check this out and contact the German officers about this. We need to rule it out. I've always said all along that I don't believe he's died.'

Kerry added: 'The reconstruction has a look of Ben. I never realised how child trafficking is so rife and massive.'

The investigations continue.
Security footage shows that McGrath did not go overboard

The disappearance of Kevin McGrath, 26, was reported just hours before the boat was due to return to Miami

A man mysteriously disappeared from a Carnival Cruise ship just hours before the ship was due to arrive in Miami.

Kevin McGrath, 26, was a passenger on a Carnival Cruise ship sailing from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas, during the Labor Day weekend.

He was supposed to meet his family for breakfast on Monday morning before the ship returned to Florida but he never showed up.

The Carnival Cruise company contacted Miami Police and the Coast Guard to alert them about the mysterious disappearance but the search turned up nothing.

Kevin's sister said: 'My family and I went on a Carnival Conquest Cruise for my father's 60th birthday celebration. There was at least 30-40 family/friends with us. My brother went missing between the hours of 3.30pm and 7 am before the rest of us woke up on September 4.'

Kevin McGrath mysteriously disappeared on a Carnival Cruise ship on its way back to Miami. Pictured: The McGrath family while on thh cruise

McGrath is from South Florida and was on a cruise going to the Bahamas with his family

McGrath's brother was the one who reported his brother missing after last seeing him at 2 am in his cabin

His family realized once they were getting off the ship that McGrath was nowhere to be found.

His sister said: 'Nobody just vanishes. Someone will be held liable for the disappearance of my brother. If Carnival is not able to account for every passenger that gets on and off that boat, I will personally make sure that Carnival Conquest never sets sail again!'

Kristen McGrath posted on social media as authorities continue to search for her sibling: 'My brother is missing! He never got off the Carnival Conquest cruise ship. He has a family who love him and we will not rest until we find him.'

Kirsten shared a picture of the family during the cruise on her social media and Kevin looked happy as he smiled and held a drink.

She captioned the picture posted to spread awareness about her brother's mysterious disappearance: 'I will never be the same until I know where you are.'

Security footage shows from the cruise ship shows that McGrath didn't go overboard

'My brother is missing! He never got off the Carnival Conquest cruise ship. He has a family who love him and we will not rest until we find him,' McGrath's sister posted on Instagram

The worried family of the missing man reported his disappearance at 7 am on Monday

McGrath, 26, was supposed to meet his family for breakfast on Monday morning but never showed up

McGrath was last seen at 2 am by his brother in his cabin, which was number 1326. He was wearing a black T-shirt with black shorts and grey sneakers.

Camera surveillance and security devices have shown that McGrath did not go overboard.

The worried family of the missing man reported his disappearance at 7 am on Monday.

After Miami-Dade police searched the boat for McGrath without finding him, they cleared the cruise ship to set sail again back to the Bahamas.

Video footage did not show him disembarking with the other guests - further adding to his mysterious disappearance.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Miami-Dade police at (305) 715-3300.

Mitchell Branch was a friend of McGrath through the military. He posted on Facebook after McGrath went missing and stated: 'The military was a bond that could never be broken. I pray you're okay.'

Branch said: 'Part of me wants to drive to Florida and start my own search party.'
A sex offender who identifies as a woman and is being held in a men's jail has admitted groping two prison officers while being served food in a cell.

Katana Paris, 27, who was part way through a three-year sentence at the time for attacking a nurse, assaulted the male and female staff members at HMP Forest Bank in Manchester last year.

The first officer, a woman, was taking breakfast to Paris' cell, with the help of two inmates, when the offender walked towards her and touched her inappropriately.

The next day, Paris reached through the cell door hatch and grabbed the genitals of a male officer as he tried to serve lunch.

Paris admitted two counts of sexual assault at Manchester Crown Court and was handed a further six-month sentence.

Katana Paris, 27, has admitted groping two prison officers while being served food in jail

Paris assaulted the male and female staff members at HMP Forest Bank in Manchester last year

Prosecuting, Megan Edwards said that Paris, who uses female pronouns, was on remand at the prison for an offence of sexual assault.

The day of the incident, a female prison officer was on breakfast duty at around 7:50am.

Mrs Edwards said: 'She approached the defendant's cell and unlocked the door in order to serve her breakfast.

'She stepped out of the cell, which was unusual, as prisoners would normally remain in their cell.

'She asked the defendant to move back, but the request was ignored. The defendant then placed a hand on her hand, before sliding her fingers between her knuckles.'

The officer moved away and the two prisoners who were helping handed over Paris' breakfast.

The defendant then 'jumped up and down' as if 'excited', before moving over to the woman and touching her genitals.

'She did not say anything when she did this, but she was shocked and in disbelief that she deliberately touched her like that,' the prosecutor added.

One of the prisoners, the court heard, said to the officer: 'Did she just touch your...'

The officer replied: 'Yes, she just touched me.' Not wanting the rest of the inmates to know what happened, the prison officer continued to serve breakfast, before reporting the incident.

Paris, who uses female pronouns, was on remand at the prison for an offence of sexual assault

A day later, a male custody officer was serving lunch when he went to Paris' cell, who was described as being 'quite aggressive'.

As he unlocked the hatch to her door and passed the food through, Paris reached out a right hand and grabbed his genitals.

'He immediately felt violated and used his body strength to push her back into her cell,' Ms Edwards said.

Paris, who has convictions for 87 offences, was handed a 37-month sentence after pulling a nurse towards her genitals while in hospital, the court heard.

Mitigating, Rochelle Collins said her client was suffering with mental health problems and emotional regularity problems at the time.

'She is extremely remorseful and tells me this happened at a time when her mental health was at its lowest,' she said.

'She doesn't want to continue with these types of behaviours. There has been no further complaint whilst she has been in custody.'

Sentencing, the Recorder of Manchester, Judge Nicholas Dean KC said: 'Prison officers are placed in a vulnerable position - they are described as emergency workers.

'They are in a situation where they are vulnerable to these sorts of assaults and they deserve and require the protections of the courts when assaults such as this happen.

'I have read and considered a presentence report, and I am not convinced you have shown any significant remorse.

'It seems to me you regard what you did as being rather trivial.'

Paris, is now at HMP Swaleside in Kent and will be on the sex offender register for five years.
Flamingos made an unexpected pit stop in Ohio after they were thrown off course by Hurricane Idalia, much to the surprise of birdwatchers.

The birds were thought to be traveling from outside the United States and had been flying between Central America and the Caribbean when the storm struck.

Sightings of the birds were reported in Florida soon after Idalia hit, but it is not uncommon to see them in the state regardless of weather events. They will typically fly to other southern states during storms, but the recent trip was much further north.

Residents in Ohio were shocked to see the birds in their state for the first time, and experts are stumped exactly why they ended up in the Buckeye State.

'I was like wait, those are flamingos. What are flamingos doing here?' George Keller told the Columbus Dispatch.

A pair of flamingos was spotted in the lake at Caesar Creek State Park, drawing disbelief from onlookers. Some people made the 200-plus mile trek from Cleveland to see the birds

Photographer Mike Wilhelm, a Dayton, Ohio, native, got footage of the crowd as they snapped pictures of the birds. Experts warned them to approach with caution, as the birds were likely stressed from the sudden change in course

The furthest north sighting was in Caesar Creek State Park lake near Waynesville in southwest Ohio.

Enthusiasts traveled from places as far as Cleveland to snap pictures.

Jacob Roalef rushed to see the flock about 40 miles from his home in Dayton. He is a birdwatching tour leader as well as the USA Office Manager for Birding Ecotours.

Roalef told CNN that he saw a pink adult and a gray juvenile wading and sleeping by the shore before they were scared off by a dog later that evening.

'I quickly grabbed my gear and told my wife and was out the door,' Roalef said.

Wildlife photographer Mike Wilhelm, @wilherp on TikTok, captured footage of the frenzy to catch sight of the birds.

In one video, that was reuploaded to Twitter, a horde of photographers are seen crowding around the lake with some lying on their stomachs to get the best shot.

The duo lingered at the state park for a few hours before they were scared off by a dog at around 6pm. Wilhelm said large parts of the beach were closed off so people could observe from a safe distance

In a subsequent video, the photographer fired back at claims of 'animal harassment'.

'A large portion of the beach was blocked off for people to maintain a respectable distance, which they did,' he wrote.

Experts maintained that the excitement to see the birds was not mutual. Jerry Lorenz, the state director of research for Audubon Florida, told CNN that the birds were under a tremendous amount of stress since being blown off course.

'They just went through a terrible ordeal,' he said.

He suspected the birds were flying between Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico when they were sidetracked by the storm.

The Mexican population of flamingos lives on the peninsula year-round and migrates between Celestun on the west coast and Rio Lagartos on the north coast. These locations serve as popular tourist sites to see the birds in the wild.

Rumors circulated that the birds likely came from the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve but Lorenz said on September 3 that it hadn't been confirmed.

Florida is home to most flamingos in the United States, though this is only about 1 percent of flamingos worldwide. The American population was hunted to extinction in the 1900s before making a comeback.

It's common for them to migrate to avoid dangerous storms to other southern states.

Flamingos were also spotted in Florida. It was unclear where they came from, as Florida is home to its own population that makes up about 1 percent of flamingos in the world

Chris Crolley, a boat driver and CEO of Coastal Expeditions in South Carolina, spotted the birds in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

He suspected at first that they were roseate spoonbills, another species of waterbird known for its dazzling pink color.

Crolley watched in shock as the birds raised their heads.

'They made this beautiful treble clef, this giant 's' and I said 'Oh my God, they're flamingos.' They were just beautiful,' he told USA Today.

Cincinnati Nature Center Director of Conservation Cory Christopher told WCPO the flamingos in Ohio will be able to find their way home.

Birds are able to navigate using a built-in compass that works with the Earth's magnetic field, which helps them discern position and direction.

While it was no surprise to see one or two flamingos in other states following a massive storm, Lorenz said, this was a first in history for Ohio.

He was surprised that sightings fell to the north and south of Idalia's path.

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour. The damage was most extreme in rural parts of Florida

The hurricane tore through the state's West Coast before moving on to Georgia. Despite the widespread destruction, only two deaths were reported

The hurricane caused large-scale damage across the states of Florida and Georgia, particularly in areas that were already economically starved.

It made landfall on August 30 with maximum sustained winds of 125 miles per hour.

Idalia hit the West Coast of the state as a Category 3 storm, snapping trees and knocking out power in rural areas of North Florida before moving into the neighboring state.

Despite the widespread destruction, only one death was reported. A day later, a Georgia man was killed while cleaning up debris, marking the second fatality.

President Joe Biden and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took separate tours of Hurricane Idalia's aftermath after the Republican refused to meet with his Democratic rival.

Despite suggesting a meeting could hinder disaster response efforts, DeSantis held a separate, simultaneous tour of Keaton Beach while Biden visited Live Oak, about 50 miles away.

DeSantis and his wife also stopped by Horseshoe Beach, where they handed out Chick-Fil-A before visiting first responders.

In response to the snub, Biden said: 'He may have had other reasons because, but he did help us plan this. He sat with FEMA and and decided where we should go, where would be the least disruption.'
Mike Pence will warn Republicans that it's time to choose between Donald Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy or traditional GOP conservative values in a major speech in New Hampshire on Wednesday.

'I think there's a movement afoot, not just my former running mate, but some of his imitators in this Republican primary, that are more embracing the politics of populism today, walking away from American leadership in the world, walking away from a commitment of fiscal responsibility and reform, and even trying to relegate the question of life to the states only, when I believe it's an issue for all of the American people,' Pence told local news station WMUR.

The former vice president will draw a line in the sand when he speaks at Saint Anselm College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics, in what his campaign is billing as a major speech on the future of the conservative movement.

The speech could become a pivotal moment in Pence's campaign. And it comes after the former vice president came out aggressively against Ramaswamy in the first Republican debate, where he also defended his actions on January 6th when he oversaw the certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory.

Mike Pence will warn Republican voters it's time to choose in major speech in New Hampshire

Pence is struggling to gain traction in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination. He has been barnstorming New Hampshire - the first primary state - but sits at 2% in the RealClearPolitics polling average of the state. Trump leads by double digits and Ramaswamy is at 6%.

And the latest poll in New Hampshire had Trump holding a 38-point lead over the field with 48% while Pence was in seventh place with only 4%.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley shared second place with 10% apiece. Ramaswamy came in at 8%.

In his remarks, Pence will argue that government intervention in free markets, refusing to address Social Security and Medicare, and pulling away from foreign relations are not the way of the Republican Party.

Those policy positions were espoused by Trump and have been picked up by Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur who is a Trump defender.

'I think we have a very clear choice that's emerging, not just between candidates but between a philosophy of governance, and Republicans are facing a Republican time for choosing,' Pence told Fox News.

Much of what Pence will address is reflective of the internal battle happening inside the Republican Party - a fight between the right-wing MAGA supporters and the more moderate side. The battle is playing out both on the campaign trail and in the halls of Congress as the GOP struggles with its future.

Other candidates have tried similar moves - making grand speeches that are also targeted at addressing one of the major questions voters have about them. Mitt Romney, a Mormon, made one on faith during his presidential campaign. And Barack Obama made one on race during his presidential bid.

For Pence, that major question is Trump. As his former vice president, he worked in the administration that pushed some of those policies he is now questioning.

And the former president has reshaped much of the GOP, bringing in a more working class voter but also promoting a more populist and nationalist agenda.

Pence's speech will push back against policies espoused by Donald Trump

Pence has also been critical of Vivek Ramaswamy

In his speech, Pence will push for a strong defense, American leadership in the world, and a nationwide ban on abortion.

'I really do believe that we're in the midst of a healthy debate in the Republican Party today  whether or not we're going to continue to hue towards that time honored conservative agenda of a strong national defense, American leadership in the world, limited government, fiscal responsibility, traditional values, and the right to life, or whether we're going to follow the siren song of populism away from many of those same timeless conservative principles,' Pence told Fox News.
Do you know the woman in the Mercedes? Email newsUS@dailymail.com

The owner of Florida restaurant Rick's on the River has taken a unique approach to dealing with the growing problem of 'dine and dash' customers.

Ken Brackins, a second-generation owner of the Tampa establishment, installed 16 security cameras outside the establishment around two years ago and is now shaming customers into paying their bill by sharing footage of them on Facebook.

The system seems to be working, with Brackins catching nearly a dozen dashers who eventually paid their bill - with many begging him to delete the videos.

He told DailyMail.com: 'We believe it's been a deterrent for those that have been caught. They're embarrassed and hopefully won't do it again in the future.'

The owner of Florida restaurant Rick's on the River has taken a unique approach to dealing with the growing problem of 'dine and dash' customers

In the latest video posted last week, an employee confronts a woman in a Mercedes in the parking lot over an unpaid beer tab

In the latest video posted last week, an employee confronts a woman in a Mercedes in the parking lot over an unpaid beer tab. Accompanied by circus music, the video provides a closeup of her face and captures her license plate.

It has gained significant attention on social media, garnering nearly 9,000 views and hundreds of comments, mostly supporting Brackins' unconventional method and condemning the customer.

The captions reads: 'This latest dine and dasher spent her beer money on a fancy, late model Mercedes. She refused to pay her entire tab because she said the wind blew over her pitcher of beer. There were only a few ounces of beer on the deck. True story.'

Poll Is the restaurant owner right to name and shame the dine-and-dashers? yes no Is the restaurant owner right to name and shame the dine-and-dashers? yes 6388 votes

no 50 votes Now share your opinion





'I think she is sticking to her story that it wasn't really a dine and dash and didn't owe the tab,' Brackins said to Tampa Bay Times.

Brackins told Dailymail.com the feedback he has received after posting the video has been 'overwhelmingly positive' - and that he has seen a decrease in the amount of 'dashers' since publicizing the footage.

He added that other restaurants have also contacted him regarding serial dine and dashers.

The unpaid tabs for those involved have sometimes reached several hundred dollars.

Despite this, Brackins has chosen not to involve the police, considering it a low-priority issue in comparison to more significant crimes.

'They have a lot to do. I don't want to bother them for this.'

He did, however, post a sign in his shop, warning customers that the crime of dining and dashing has a penalty of a second-degree misdemeanor through a third-degree felony.

Ken Brackins, a second-generation owner of the Tampa establishment, is now shaming customers into paying their bill by sharing footage of them on social media.

Accompanied by circus music, the video provides a closeup of her face and captures her license plate

It has gained significant attention on social media, garnering nearly 9,000 views and hundreds of comments, mostly supporting Brackins' unconventional method or condemning the customer

Brackins said 9 of the 10 patrons he caught on camera came back and settling their tabs

Since its implementation, Brackins said he has caught over a dozen 'dine and dashers' with the cameras who have eventually paid their bill

Brackins told Dailymail.com that the feedback he has received after posting the video has been 'overwhelmingly positive'

Since its implementation, Brackins said he has caught nearly a dozen 'dine and dashers' who have eventually paid their bill.

'We've shared approximately 10 dine and dash posts. Nine of the 10 have resulted in the culprits coming in and settling their tabs,' Brackins told Dailymail.com.

'But I would say that 100% of them that come back and pay, don't tip,' Brackins said to the Tampa Bay Times. 'And they also want to call in a payment with a credit card. But I make them come in. They always seem to have an excuse for why they forgot to pay.

'We've had a family member call us and turn them in,' Brackins said. 'I'd guess they are embarrassed.

'I have people call and be like, "Hey, I paid, can you take it down?" They get very angry. They say they are going to sue me. They are not coming down. That's the consequences of it. It's like the modern Scarlet Letter.'

He was referencing the classic Nathaniel Hawthorne book - most recently turned into a movie starring Demi Moore - that tells the story of a colonial Salem woman who is forced to wear a red letter A to signify her sin of adultery.

The Fisherman's Arms posted CCTV footage and grabs on social media calling out the family who stayed for about three hours, had three courses and drank cocktails before walking out

Not only does the system seem to be working, viewers also seem to be getting a kick out of the almost comical videos. Others express rage toward the criminal customers.

'Make an example of her,' one user commented on the video of the woman in a Mercedes.

'Got her tag. Now charge her,' another emphasized.

'She can afford to drive a Mercedes Benz but won't pay a food bill. ? Shameful,' another wrote. 'Love it when these entitled are called out! Bravo!'
A letter penned by 'father of the dictionary' Dr Samuel Johnson to his 12-year-old pen pal is expected to sell for up to 12,000 after being found in a cupboard.

The three-page letter, which was considered lost by experts and dates back to 1783, was found tucked away with others in the library of a Gloucestershire country house.

He was writing to Sophia Thrale, the daughter of his close friend and rumoured love interest Hester Thrale, who he later fell out with.

The elderly lexicographer - who died in 1784 aged 75 - reassured the girl that she was 'never likely to lose' his favour and praised her skills in maths, which he called 'arithmetick'.

Dr Johnson is most famous for his A Dictionary of the English Language, which was first published in 1755 after the author spent seven years compiling it.

A letter penned by 'father of the dictionary' Dr Samuel Johnson to his 12-year-old pen pal is expected to sell for up to 12,000 after being found in a cupboard. The three-page letter, which was considered lost by experts and dates back to around 1783, was found tucked away with others in a cupboard in a Gloucestershire country house

Dr Johnson became acquainted with Sophia when her mother married brewer Henry Thrale in 1763 and moved to London.

His letter to the girl is the only known one from their correspondence to survive.

He told her: 'My favour will, I'm afraid never be worth much, but its value more or less, you are never likely to lose it.'

Praising her arithmetical ability, he added: 'Never think, my Sweet, that you have arithmetick enough, when you have exhausted your master, buy books, nothing amuses more harmlessly than computation.'

The author also pointed Sophia to what he called a 'curious calculation' relating to the capacity of Noah's Ark in fellow author John Wilkins's An Essay towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language.

The letter was found by auctioneer Werner Freundel, of Chorley's auction house in Gloucestershire, after he was asked to value a collection of books and rugs.

Dr Johnson is most famous for his A Dictionary of the English Language, which was first published in 1755 after the author spent seven years compiling it

The elderly lexicographer - who died in 1784 aged 75 - reassured the girl that she was 'never likely to lose' his favour and praised her skills in maths, which he called 'arithmetick'

One of the cupboards in the property's library contained a volume of 100 letters that the family were not aware of.

Towards the end of the volume was Dr Johnson's letter to Sophia, which until now had been listed as 'current location unknown'.

The text of it was published in a 1994 book but the physical letter was considered lost.

The letters between Dr Johnson and the Thrale family began in 1765 but then came to an end after Hester's second marriage to an impoverished Italian music teacher.

Dr Johnson did not approve and they stopped writing to each other in 1783.

The pair reconciled just before his death and Hester went on to publish a book about their letters.

The envelope for Dr Johnson's letter to Sophia, who he corresponded with more than once

Dr Johnson's flirtatious relationship with Hester, who was 30 years his junior, has long excited scholars.

She is rumoured to have chained him up before caning him; an act which - according to historian Henry Hitchings in his 2018 biography of the author - 'both satisfied and punished his sexual urges.'

Also being sold is a series of 30 letters sent between Hester and Sophia. They were written between 1805 and 1821.

The letters, which are encased in a leather album, have never been published.

In the same album is a selection of other letters, mostly to Sophia, from acclaimed stage actress Sarah Siddons.

In one, she complains that she must 'embrace the dreadful fatigue of playing every night.' The other letters are expected to sell for up to 20,000.

In 1746, Dr Johnson was paid 1,575 - the equivalent of nearly 300,000 today - to compile his dictionary.

In the years he spent writing it, he was threatened with arrest after falling into debt.

The resulting book was at the time the most comprehensive dictionary in the English language.

Also being sold is a series of 30 letters sent between Hester and Sophia. They were written between 1805 and 1821

In the work, Dr Johnson distinguished between 124 senses of the verb 'to take' and found 20 meanings of 'up'.

In 1762, Dr Johnson was granted an annual pension of 300 by King George III.

He used the some of the money to travel to the Hebrides with his male companion, James Boswell.

Besides his dictionary, Dr Johnson is known for his famous phrases, which include: 'When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.'
Sir Keir Starmer today claimed children are 'cowering under steel supports' in classrooms as he clashed with Rishi Sunak over the concrete crisis in schools.

The Labour leader accused the Prime Minister of leading a 'cowboy' Government as he compared ministers to dodgy builders over the problems with school buildings.

But, in fiery exchanges during Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, Mr Sunak insisted his Government had acted 'decisively' on the issue of collapse-prone 'bubbly' concrete.

He also branded Sir Keir as 'Captain Hindsight' and accused the Labour leader of 'political opportunism'.

The PM and Sir Keir faced each other in the House of Commons shortly after the Government published a list of nearly 150 education settings with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Racc).

Sir Keir Starmer claimed children are 'cowering under steel supports' in classrooms as he clashed with Rishi Sunak over the concrete crisis in schools.

In fiery exchanges during Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, Mr Sunak insisted his Government had acted 'decisively' on the issue of collapse-prone 'bubbly' concrete.

A total of 147 education settings in England are included on the long-awaited list from the Department of Education.

It sets out the mitigation measures schools have been forced to take due to the presence of Raac on their sites.

It comes after more than 100 schools were ordered to fully or partially shut buildings before the new academic year due to concerns about Raac.

The list from the Department for Education (DfE) suggests 19 schools in England have had to delay the start of term because of the concrete crisis.

It also shows pupils at 24 schools will receive some remote learning because of the concrete crisis, with four schools switching to fully remote learning.

Speaking at PMQs, Sir Keir told Mr Sunak: 'The truth is this crisis is the inevitable result of 13 years of cutting corners, botched jobs, sticking-plaster politics.

'It's the sort of thing you expect from cowboy builders saying that everyone else is wrong, everyone else is to blame, protesting that they've done an effin' good job even as the ceiling falls in.

'The difference is that in this case, the cowboys are running the country.

'Isn't he ashamed that after 13 years of Tory Government children are cowering under steel supports stopping their classroom roof falling in?'

Mr Sunak replied: 'This is exactly the kind of political opportunism that we've come to expect from Captain Hindsight over here.

'Before today he's never once raised this issue with me across this despatch box.

'It wasn't even worthy of a single mention in his so-called landmark speech on education this summer.

'And if we'd listened to him, our kids would have been off school and locked down for longer.'

Sir Keir visited Park View School in north London earlier on Wednesday, which was included on a Government list of 147 Raac-affected schools

Sir Keir visited Park View School in north London earlier on Wednesday, which was included on the list of 147 Raac-affected schools.

He used PMQs to attack Mr Sunak over past decisions on school maintenance budgets, but the PM defended the actions he took when he was Chancellor.

Mr Sunak said: 'The professional advice from the technical experts on Raac has evolved over time and indeed it is something that successive governments have dealt with, dating back to 1994.

'Now, as new advice has come forward the Government has rightly decisively and swiftly acted in the face of that advice.'

He added: 'Far from cutting budgets, as he (Sir Keir) alleges, the amount spent last year was the highest in a decade.

'That spending review maintained the school rebuilding programme, delivering 500 schools over a decade, a pace completely consistent with what had happened previously.'

Mr Sunak also accused Sir Keir of attending PMQs with 'prepared scripts' but not listening to 'a single fact on six questions about the record amounts of funding going into schools, about the incredible reforms to education impacting the most disadvantaged children in our society  a record we're rightly proud of'.

Lucy Powell, Labour's shadow Commons leader, later raised a point of order to say it was 'categorically untrue' of Mr Sunak to say Sir Keir had not raised the issue of school safety in his education speech during the summer.
Oasis star Noel Gallagher has today been banned from the road for six months - despite never learning to drive.

The rocker, 56, admitted failing to identify of the driver of his 120,000 chauffeur-driven Range Rover Autobiography when it was caught speeding twice earlier this year.

Gallagher, who was once gifted a chocolate brown Rolls Royce by his record label, gave up learning to drive at the height of Oasiss fame.

The now High Flying Birds frontman told Radio 2s Zoe Ball earlier this year that a driving lesson in the 90s saw him mobbed by fans.

He said: Im in a red Nissan Micra with a massive great big triangle on the top of it with an L, with all these kids coming out.

This is at the height of Oasis mania. I was like, never, never again am I getting in a car.

Yet magistrates yesterday hit the singer-songwriter with 12 penalty points, leading to a ban under the totting up procedure.

Abigail Akano, prosecuting, told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court: On 30 November 2022 the speed recorded at 1.42pm was 35 (mph) in a 30 (mph zone).

Noel Gallagher was today handed a six-month driving ban, despite never having a licence - after a series of speeding tickets issued to his 80,000 chauffeur-driven Range Rover went unpaid

On January 2, 2023, at 2.52pm the speed recorded was 41 (mph) in a 30 (mph zone).

On January 5 2023, for the offence of failing to identify the driver, a notice of intended prosecution was sent to the registered keepers address with regard to a traffic matter, this was a speeding matter.

A notice for the identification of the driver was allowed within 28 days.

A second reminder was then sent giving an extra seven days for the defendant to respond. There was no response to the two notices sent.

On February 9, in relation to the same vehicle, a form was sent out to the registered keeper to the same address.

They were given 28 days to establish the identification of the driver and they were again given an extra seven days.

Gallagher, who lives in an 18th Century Hampshire estate, admitted two counts of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver at and the case went ahead in his absence.

In a letter written to court, he wrote: I did not personally receive the notice or the reminder and neither were brought to my attention by my staff.

I have a team who assist me with my business and personal matters, which includes correspondence to my home address.

I acknowledge my responsibility to safeguard against important correspondence not being replied to.

Once my management team notified me of receipt of this letter, I identified my willingness to comply.

I am content with the court to proceed in my absence. Please note, I am currently working abroad.

Magistrate Diane Chitty said: There will be 18 points on the licence, the two offences are six points each and historically there are six points.

That means with a total minimum of 12 points, Mr Gallagher will be banned from driving for six months.

He did write to say he was aware of that ban.

The six-month ban will run from today. Mr Gallagher must not drive during that period.

Gallagher was fined a total of 1,340 for the offences, costs of 110 and a victim surcharge of 536.

Ms Chitty added: The total, 1986, is to be paid and we will give seven days to pay this case.

A letter will be sent to his address.

A collection order will be made. In the unlikely event of non-payment a bailiff may attend the address.

The latest offences follow on from when the Dont Look Back in Anger singers car was clocked by a speed camera doing 41mph on a 30mph stretch of the A40, in west London, last October.

At that time, his driver Alan Neeson wrote to Willesden Magistrates Court, explaining he had been at the wheel at the time of the speeding incident while Gallagher was the register keeper of the vehicle.

But Mr Neeson said an initial charge sheet was never received and the final reminder was not received until mid-January because of the postal strike before Christmas.

For that offence, Gallagher was handed a 742 fine and six penalty points.


TASK Group Holdings Limited (ASX: TSK) (TASK or the Group) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Glenn Day as Group Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Mr Day has more than 20 years experience as a senior finance executive across the software, financial services and superannuation sectors. He was most recently CFO and Company Secretary of previously ASX-listed businesses, Kyckr Pty Limited (delisted following its acquisition in November 2022) and Class Limited, where he held responsibility for accounting and finance, corporate governance, compliance, investor relations, company secretarial acvies, treasury and M&A.

Mr Days appointment reflects TASKs upcoming migration of domicile from NZ to Australia and previous transition to a primary listing on the ASX, with the new Group CFO role being in Australia.

Mr Day will be based in Sydney.

He holds a Bachelor of Business from Western Sydney University, majoring in Accounting and is a member of CPA Australia.

Commenting on the appointment, TASK CEO Daniel Houden said: We are pleased to have attracted a Group CFO of Glenns calibre and experience. He brings extensive expertise in financial management and a strong track record of supporting growth and driving performance in ASX-listed SaaS businesses.

ENDS

TSK TASK GROUP Appointment of Group Chief Financial Officer

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

General Capital Subsidiary Director Resignation

Arvida Bank Facility Update

BFG - Capital Return - Interim Orders Received

CHI - Exchange Mechanism of CHI010 notes for CHI030 bonds

CHI - Channel launches retail bond offer

October 30th Morning Report

AGL - Accordant Group - Half Year Financial Performance

CBD - Successful Verification for Oral Solution Products

Spark Finance extends Westpac Sustainability-Linked Loan

General Capital (GEN:NZX) Subsidiary General Finance Update


An adventurer who was trying to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Britain in a giant home-made hamster wheel has been arrested.

Reza Baluchi, 51, was detained 70 nautical miles into his journey off Tybee Island, Georgia, after a three-day standoff with US coastguards.

The Iranian national, who lives in Florida, was attempting to make the 5000 nautical mile journey on a human-powered vessel that is in the shape of a hamster wheel.

The contraption consists of a metal drum, with paddle wheels on either side which are buoyant, theoretically allowing him to run across the waves.

On August 26 the USS Coast Guard cutter Valiant intercepted him at sea before he allegedly threatened anyone attempting to arrest him that he would take his own life with a 12-inch knife and that he had a bomb onboard his vessel, according to Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Reza Baluchi (pictured during a previous attempt in 2014) was detained 70 miles into his journey which he was trying to make in a human powered hamster wheel

Reza Baluchi posted a video of his latest hamster wheel on Instagram in July

READ MORE HERE: Endurance athlete attempts to run on floating hamster wheel from Florida to New York... but washes back up on Miami beach Advertisement

After two days Baluchi finally admitted that there was no bomb on his hamster wheel and another day later he joined officers on their boat.

He was brought ashore on September 1 and faces federal charges of obstruction of a boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order.

'Based on the condition of the vessel  which was afloat as a result of wiring and buoys  USCG officers determined Baluchi was conducting a manifestly unsafe voyage,' the criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Florida stated.

It is not the first time Baluchi, who also takes part in charity endurance runs, has attempted to use the hamster wheel to travel across the ocean. He has made attempts in 2014, 2016 and 2021. Each of them were intercepted by a Coast Guard.

In 2014 he embarked for the first time on the 'hydro pod'. He hoped to travel from Pompano Beach in Florida to Bermuda and then back to Miami.

In 2016 he was given a written warning by the Coast Guard not to attempt the five month trip, which they deemed too dangerous.

But Baluchi ignored this and launched his homemade hydro pod bubble from Pompano Beach, Florida on Saturday, bound for Bermuda via the Caribbean.

In 2021 he tried to travel from Miami to New York City for charity but was washed ashore on a Florida beach not far from where he set off.

Deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene at a beach in Hammock, near Miami, after concerned residents reported seeing the unusual cylindrical vessel.

When they arrived, they said, they found Baluchi safe inside without any injuries.

Baluchi reportedly told the authorities he was trying to run in the floating vessel from Florida to New York to raise money for charity but 'came across some complications that brought him back to shore,' the Flagler County Sheriff's Office explained in a Facebook post following the rescue.

#BreakingNews: Adventure runner's voyage ends after he violated a USCG order not to embark on his seagoing journey. pic.twitter.com/FxNUEawySO  USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016

Baluchi's vessel (pictured here in 2021), a giant hamster wheel, was declared unsafe. He was using it to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Britain

Reza Baluchi who was arrested when his self-made floating 'hamster wheel' was found 70 miles off the coast of Tybee Island in Georgia on September 1

Baluchi has had his attempts to cross the high seas in his precarious flotation device scuppered at least four times before

On August 26 the USS Coast Guard cutter Valiant intercepted him at sea and attempted to arrest him. Pictured is his vessel during a previous attempt

'My goal is not only raise money for homeless people, raise money for the Coast Guard, raise money for the police department, raise money for the fire department,' Baluchi told FOX 35 News.

'They are in public service, they do it for safety and they help other people.'

He reportedly carries around a GPS with him on each of his treks, so family and friends know where he is at all times, and carries enough food and water to keep him safe and can 'survive anywhere for days and weeks,' his friend, Gina Laspina told the local news channel.

But this is far from the first time Baluchi had to be rescued from one of his floating vessels, which he calls a 'bubble'.

Baluchi had to be rescued from a 'hydro-bubble' near Saint Augustine in 2014 when he had attempted to journey 3,000 miles from Florida to Bermuda.

And in 2016 he had to be rescued off the coast of Jupiter. Miami Coast Guard spent 12 hours trying to coax him out of his homemade inflatable bubble after already warning him not to attempt a 'life-threatening' 3,500 mile ocean journey.

Ahead of that trip, Baluchi had been given a written warning by the Coast Guard not to attempt the five month trip from Pompano Beach, Florida, bound for Bermuda via the Caribbean. Officials said it was too dangerous, and put him and other sailors at risk.
An officer told DailyMail.com that Lemieux has been self-identifying as male and using the legal name Kerry

Security escorted Lemieux to the school and he was seen without the signature blond wig and Z-cup prosthetic breasts that caused chaos last fall

Teacher Kayla Lemieux showed up for the first day of school dressed as a man

The saga of Kayla Lemieux appeared to come to an end Wednesday morning when the controversial Canadian teacher slipped into Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, for the first day of classes.

Lemieux was in mens attire and sporting stubble on his face. An officer told DailyMail.com that Lemieux has been self-identifying as male and using the legal name Kerry.

The blond wig, makeup and enormous prosthetic breasts under tight-fitting tops that Lemieux wore in the classroom at a high school in Oakville, Ont. last school year were not on display.

It was the same look Lemieux had for at least one week before classes started, as revealed exclusively by DailyMail.com.

Teacher Kayla Lemieux showed up for the first day of school dressed as a man. An officer told DailyMail.com that Lemieux has been self-identifying as male and using the legal name Kerry

Security was tight on Wednesday morning as students filed into the school for the first day of classes

Lemieux caused chaos last fall when photos circulated showing massive breasts while working at a Canadian high school

Lemieux is flanked by security guards upon arrival at the Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School for the first day of school

Lemieux is now working at the Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School. The principal warned parents of 'possible media interest onsite and protests'

Just after 8.15am on Wednesday, Lemieux arrived at the rear door of the school in a vehicle escorted by two unmarked cars with officers from Halton Regional Police Service. Stepping out of the rear seat, the shop teacher was flanked by security guards contracted by the school board.

Police collaborated with security personnel and school officials to ensure Lemieux's safety. As DailyMail.com revealed exclusively, the teacher met with officers for about 30 minutes on Tuesday to discuss the plan.

There were no organized protests outside the school, which sits on a cul-de-sac and is surrounded by corn fields.

In a letter to parents before the new school year, principal Tom Fisher warned of 'possible media interest onsite and protests' due to the hiring of an 'experience educator' who was 'recently the subject of public attention, pertaining to their gender expression, while teaching at a school in a different community.'

Fisher did not name Lemieux but outlined precautions, including 'having students enter and exit the building using assigned doors at entry and dismissal' and 'locking exterior doors during school hours, only using the front main doors during school hours.'

Fisher did not respond to requests for comment.

Halton Regional Police Service has kept mum on precautions and whether there have been any threats against Lemieux or the school.

One student who will have Lemieux as a teacher said it was 'a little bit' of a relief to know that Lemieux was presenting as a male. He said Lemieux's appearance, including the bogus mega-breasts with prominent nipples, was 'kinda weird.'

Lemieux was seen by DailyMail.com meeting with officers on Tuesday - the day before the first day of classes at a Canadian elementary school

There was no sign of the teacher's long blond wig or gigantic prosthetic breasts under tight-fitting tops

Lemieux drove to a Tim Horton's coffee shop only blocks away from Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, and met with two female plainclothes officers from the Halton Regional Police Service

A female student returning to Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School said Lemieux's previous look was a distraction.

'It is very unprofessional to show up at the school in that,' she said. 'I feel like if it's going to bring only bad things to the school, why should it be allowed?

'I feel like they changed our school a lot to accommodate this person.'

But, most students said they were not bothered when they found out that Lemieux would be teaching at their school.

'Not really,' said one boy, with a shrug. 'My dad was so pissed, though!'

Another said: 'As long as it doesn't cause any harm to our school or the students, it's like, whatever.'

Lemieux is back in the classroom for the first time since being placed on paid leave on Feb. 28 by the Halton District School Board (HDSB) only days after pictures surfaced showing her out and about as a man  after claiming her breasts were real and the result of a 'hormone sensitivity to estrogen.'

Last week, Lemieux said nothing when asked why he insisted the breasts were real.

When Lemieux started teaching at Oakville Trafalgar High School in the fall of 2022, he was named in the online faculty directory as 'Kayla Lemieux.' The list was later taken offline.

The school took unprecedented security measures after protests popped up outside and both officials and Lemieux faced threats of violence. The HDSB tried to introduce a dress code that would have tamed Lemieux's cartoonish attire.

Lemieux earned a teaching diploma from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in 2002 and a diploma in education from Queen's University in 2006. As all teachers are required to do in the province of Ontario, he successfully completed a Sexual Abuse Prevention Program.

The Ontario College of Teachers, which certifies educators in the Canadian province, shows 'Kerry Luc Lemieux' as a teacher 'in good standing' since 2006.

In August of 2021, TikTok user Evan Scrinko posted a clip of Lemieux walking down Lakeshore Road West in Oakville wearing the blond wig and prosthetic breasts.

According to a source, Lemieux went on leave from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) later that year after 16 years with the board, including years as department head of Ancaster High School's Technological Design program.
ISIS terrorists have been seen stringing up blindfolded prisoners, savagely beating them with sticks and forcing them to stumble through the corridors of their headquarters in long lines in never-before-seen footage.

ISIS have always been careful at pushing out professionally-made videos - often without any sign of criminality or violence - in an effort to recruit people to what they call the Caliphate.

But unbeknownst to them, the ISIS fanatics were recording the reality of life in a torture chamber for months on end - and as a result, revealing their identities to international prosecutors.

Grainy CCTV footage inside a captured children's hospital in Aleppo, Syria, kept rolling even after the terrorists made it their headquarters in 2013 - an oversight that will be gold dust for investigators who are hoping to hold them to account.

The shocking video shared with CNN shows ISIS fanatics stringing up a prisoner and leaving him to hang there while he struggles to stand, his arms tied behind his back.

Other scenes show hooded prisoners being beaten with a stick as they are forced to do squats with their hands tied behind their back. One fanatic was seen laughing as he pushes a victim's head downwards.

Other prisoners, their heads covered with bags, were seen being marched in a long line through the bleak corridors of the hospital turned ISIS headquarters.

The shocking video shared with CNN shows ISIS fanatics stringing up a prisoner and leaving him to hang there while he struggles to stand, his arms tied behind his back

Other prisoners, their heads covered with bags, were seen being marched in a long line through the bleak corridors of the hospital turned ISIS headquarters

One terrorist was seen laughing as he pushes a victim's head downwards.

In their comfort, the ISIS terrorists removed their masks - not realising that their every move was being recorded by the hospital's CCTV.

This oversight has meant international prosecutors have been able to gather important evidence and corroborate testimonials from survivors.

'This is exactly the kind of treatment that we've heard about from survivors,' Chris Engels, the director of investigations and operations for the Commission for International Justice and Accountability, told CNN.

'What makes this important is,' Engels says while pointing at an unmasked ISIS terrorist walking past a man being tortured, 'that's a person who would normally try and hide his face outside.'

'That's incredible evidence at trial - there are several individuals who have been identified,' Engels said, adding that they have been able to identify a French suspect from the CCTV footage.

Hundreds of civilians were kept in the makeshift prison in the Qadi Askar neighbourhood of Aleppo - and when it was liberated by rebel forces in January 2014, the bodies of dozens of prisoners were found strewn across the bloodied floor.

Many of the prisoners had been executed by the ISIS fanatics, their hands tied behind their backs.

But some made it out alive, including French journalist Didier Francois, who said he could hear the Syrian and Iraqi prisoners being beaten and tortured inside the hospital.

'We could hear the Syrian prisoners in the first places where we were detained,' Francois told CNN in 2015. 'In Aleppo hospital, for instance.'

Other scenes show hooded prisoners being beaten with a stick as they are forced to do squats with their hands tied behind their back

In their comfort, the ISIS terrorists removed their masks - not realising that their every move was being recorded by the hospital's CCTV

A blindfolded prisoner is led through the corridors of the ISIS headquarters

Francois, who was a war correspondent of Paris-based radio station Europe 1, added at the time: 'There were also some Syrian and Iraqi prisoners there  local people who were detained for whatever reason  because they smoked or because the girls were not wearing the proper veil or whatever. And they were beaten and tortured. And we could hear them behind the doors.'

He said that he would often find prisoners lying in pools of their own blood when it was taken to use the toilet.

'There were some rooms in which torture was taking place every night. And sometimes we were put in those rooms. And you could see the chains hanging or the ropes hanging or the iron bars.'

Engels said the grainy footage from inside the hospital are 'clear evidence of abuse that went on in the facility'.

'And it also helps identify those perpetrators who were responsible for abuse,' he said. 'We're able to show the world today what Islamic State looked like behind the scenes.'

Last month, the UN revealed that ISIS still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 members across its former stronghold in Syria and Iraq and its fighters pose the most serious terrorist threat in Afghanistan today.

The terrorist group declared a self-styled caliphate in a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq that it seized in 2014.

It was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017 following a three-year battle that left tens of thousands of people dead and cities in ruins, but its sleeper cells remain in both countries.

Despite sustained counter-terrorism operations, ISIS continues to command between 5,000 and 7,000 members across Iraq and Syria, 'most of whom are fighters,' though it has reduced its attacks deliberately 'to facilitate recruiting and reorganization,' UN experts said.

In northeast Syria, approximately 11,000 suspected ISIS fighters are being held in facilities of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which have played a prominent role in the fight against IS, the panel said. The fighters include more than 3,500 Iraqis and approximately 2,000 from almost 70 nationalities, it said.

Northeast Syria is also the site of two closed camps  al-Hol and Roj  where the experts said some 55,000 people with alleged links or family ties to IS are living in 'dire' conditions and 'significant humanitarian hardship.'

Approximately two-thirds of the population are children including over 11,800 Iraqis, nearly 16,000 Syrians and over 6,700 youngsters from more than 60 other countries, the experts said.

The panel quoted one unnamed country as saying ISIS has maintained its 'Cubs of the Caliphate' program, recruiting children in the overcrowded al-Hol camp. In addition, more than 850 boys, some as young as 10, were in detention and rehabilitation centres in the northeast, the experts said.
NATO could be downplaying strikes on its own territory 'out of fear of escalation', a security expert has warned following Romania's U-turn on whether a Russian drone came down on its territory earlier this week.

Vlad Sutea, founder and lead analyst at early warning and threatcasting group T-Intelligence, exclusively told MailOnline that Romania 'either failed to effectively investigate the impact site or aimed to cover it up' after officials today confirmed parts of a Russian drone had landed in Romania on 3 September - after saying they did not.

Mr Sutea said that NATO states 'may consider downplaying such incidents' to avoid provoking direct confrontation with Russia, but warned that 'this mindset is precisely what led to this situation'.

'The more you shy away from confronting Russia, the more aggressive Russia will become, as it will perceive you as weak and vulnerable.

'In this case, a cover-up would not prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. Instead, it will give Moscow a blank check to continue prosecuting its intended targets without fearing that stray munitions may trigger repercussions from Ukraine's NATO neighbors.'

A firefighter works at a site which was hit during Russia's drone attacks in Odesa region, Ukraine September 3, 2023

Vlad Sutea (pictured) said NATO could be downplaying stray 'missiles' landing in its territory to avoid confrontation with Russia

Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar (pictured in August) confirmed today that drone parts had fallen within the country's borders

Romanian Defence Minister Angel Tilvar today confirmed that parts of a Russian drone fell on Romanian soil following a drone strike against a Ukrainian port on the Danube overnight on Sunday.

'We have covered a very large area, including the area that has been publicly discussed, and I confirm that in this area pieces that may be from a drone were found,' Tilvar told CNN reporters in Tulcea, a region of Romania near the Black Sea.

Romania had initially denied that its territory was hit in the attacks, which Ukrainian prosecutors say injured two and damaged fuel storage facilities in Reni, Ukraine.

Oleg Nikolenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine's foreign ministry, warned after the attack that repeat strikes posed 'a huge threat not only to Ukraine's security, but also to the security of neighbouring countries, including NATO member states'.

On Sunday, Romania's defence ministry issued a statement only to object to the 'unjustified' attacks on Danube infrastructure close to its border in the Odesa region of Ukraine.

It 'categorically denied' Nikolenko's claims that Iranian Shahed drones launched by Russia had fallen in Romania.

The ministry instead said it 'reiterates in the strongest terms that these attacks against civilian targets and infrastructure in Ukraine are unjustified and in deep contradiction with the rules of international humanitarian law'.

The statement noted that 'at no time did the means of attack used by the Russian Federation generate any direct military threat to the national territory or territorial waters of Romania'.

Romanian President Kalus Iohannis yesterday also denied the claims, saying the attacks were 'verified 800 metres' from our border, so very, very close'.

Mr Sutea told MailOnline today it was 'unclear why Bucharest claimed for several days that there was no impact on its soil when mounting evidence was pointing to the contrary.'

He said that Moscow was 'well aware of the danger that its munitions may stray into NATO territory' and added that Bucharest now 'has a unique opportunity to show Russia that NATO is united and steadfast in its resolve.

Shying away from confronting Russia... will give Moscow a blank check to continue prosecuting its intended targets without fearing that stray munitions may trigger repercussions from Ukraine's NATO neighbors.

'Romania can call for allied consultations under Article 4 and enhance its defensive posture in the Danube area. But until then, Bucharest may at least start with a clear and firm condemnation against Russia for the incident.'

Mr Sutea said the handling of the incident was not NATO's fault, and that it was Romania's responsibility to support additional support.

He said that Romania likely pivoted due to the recent geolocation of key photographic evidence by online users showing that an explosion did occur on the Romanian side of the Danube River.

'This is just the latest example of the power of Open Source Intelligence.'

Firefighters work to put out a fire in a supermarket, during a Russian drone and missile strike amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine in this picture released August 14, 2023

A grain depot at the damaged grain terminal of a port on the Danube River in the Odesa region of Ukraine on 16 August 2023, after Russian troops attacked with shock drones overnight

Moscow has stepped up attacks on Ukraine's southern coast in recent weeks since leaving a critical deal that ensured safe passage of ships carrying grain from Ukrainian ports.

Drone strikes have targeted grain stores and civilian infrastructure in provocative moves seen to be edging closer to NATO territory.

What is Article 5? Article 5 is the cornerstone of the founding treaty of NATO, set up in 1949 as a powerful counterweight to the Soviet Union and its allies. The charter stipulates that NATO members agree that an armed attack against one or more of them 'shall be considered an attack against them all'. This means that if one NATO member is attacked, each other will assist the attacked nation in any way 'it deems necessary'. This can include the use of armed force with the aim of restoring and maintaining security. Notably, members are not automatically obliged to go to war in the event that one member is attacked. Advertisement

In August, Romania's defence ministry investigated reports of a Russian drone crashing on Romanian territory during an attack in Odesa Oblast.

The Romanian Air Force inspected a supposed crash site in Ceatalchioi province on August 3 but was unable to find 'concrete elements' to verify the claims.

In July, attacks on Reni and Izmail, both just 200 metres from the Romanian border, prompted the ministry to again assure that no direct military threat was posed by the drone strikes.

The uptick in bordering strikes has flared anxieties that NATO members could be drawn into the war under Article 5 of the treaty.

Mr Sutea urged that this would not necessarily be the case.

'One could argue that Romania, or Poland (in its own incident earlier this year), was not deliberately attacked, but the munition crashed due to navigation error, or other reasons.

'This constitutes shaky ground for any country to invoke Article 5.

'Also, one needs to bear in mind that Article 5 was activated only once, on September 12, 2001.

'But probably the most important factor is that activating Article 5 is a political decision and not a mechanism that automatically gets triggered under certain parameters.

'The most likely and advisable course of action is for Romania to activate Article 4, which calls for allied consultations.

'Bucharest can request allies to deploy air defenses that are best suited to intercept low-observable munitions such as cruise missiles, loitering munitions, or one-way attack drones such as the Shaheds.

'This could both augment and supplement Romania's limited short-range air defense capabilities.

'Turkey took an identical decision in 2012 when stray missiles from Syria were crashing on Turkish soil.

'The outcome was the deployment of allied Patriot batteries in southeastern Turkey to 'close the airspace'.

'I would note that Bucharest has now launched an investigation into the incident, so more details are to surface soon, including a possible response.'

Since the invasion of Ukraine last February, similar events in Poland have caused concern but resulted in limited action.

In November last year, a village on the Polish-Ukrainian border was struck by a missile during the extensive bombing of infrastructure across Ukraine, raising concerns NATO members might be dragged into the conflict.

Two people were killed on the evening of 15 November 2022 after a stray missile exploded in Przewodow.

Conflicting reports emerged over the origin and nature of the explosion after Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially claimed the missile was 'Russian produced'.

Russia denied responsibility and said the furore was 'deliberate provocation aimed at escalating the situation'.

There was speculation Poland would seek to trigger NATO's Article 4 to discuss the security threat, from which the alliance could decide to trigger Article 5.

In this case, NATO members could agree to respond to an act of aggression with armed force, pulling them into a war. However, this must be decided by the alliance.

In the end, initial findings suggested that the missile was fired by Ukrainian forces at an incoming Russian missile.

Then, in April 2023, debris from a Russian missile was found in forests near Bydgoszcz in Poland.

Contemporary reports said the missile likely entered Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine launched from Belarus the December prior.

A view shows marine station building destroyed during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Izmail, Odesa region, Ukraine August 2, 2023

After leaving a deal in July that allowed Ukraine to export grain to world markets through the city of Odesa, Russia has hammered Black Sea ports with strikes.

Grain exports have been severely disrupted since the start of the war, with Russia's navy blockading the Black Sea ports.

This has caused global food prices to spike, hitting Middle Eastern and African countries most reliant on Ukrainian exports.

The United Nations and Turkey had made an agreement in July last year - the Black Sea Grain Initiative - to ensure safe passage of grain out of the Black Sea.

But Moscow contested that a parallel agreement to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertiliser had not been properly honoured by the West.

Since the impasse, Russian strikes have continued to devastate local communities in southwestern Ukraine, as well as access to food overseas.

Rights groups have accused Russia of the deliberate starvation of civilians as a weapon of war.

Yuqing Liu, Senior Legal Advisor at international human rights law firm Global Rights Compliance, told MailOnline today: 'As a war crime, starvation goes far beyond conflict-induced hunger and encompasses any objects that are indispensable to civilian's survival in the circumstances  water, heating, shelter, medical care, relief supplies, farmlands, irrigation systems, and farming machinery, etc.

'In Ukraine, we see a widespread and repeated deprivation of such objects that jeopardises the civilian population's ability to access means to sustain their lives and, in many cases, undermine the fabric and foundation of the affected communities.'

Ukrainian rescuers working at the site of a drone attack on a port infrastructure in Odesa region, southern Ukraine, 2 August 2023, amid the Russian invasion

A huge inferno erupted at an oil depot in Izmail, Odessa region as a result of a Russian strike

Ms Liu added: 'Global Rights Compliance's Starvation Mobile Justice Team has been documenting attacks on civilian infrastructures, food distribution points, and evacuation efforts, as well as the destruction of Kakhovka dam, the grain theft, and the Black Sea blockade.

'They should not be viewed as an isolated incident, and certainly not an inevitable 'side effect' of a war.

'When viewed together, these incidents speak to a broader, ongoing, and deliberate pattern of attack against civilian objects, and to terrorise, deliberately starve and collectively punish the Ukrainian people.'
A pair of teachers whose entire home was destroyed when it collapsed into a flooded river have been reunited with their beloved cat 26 days later.

Elizabeth Wilkins and her partner Tom Schwartz were holding onto hope that if any animal would survive the house falling into the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, on August 5, it would be their Leo - the resilient big-eyed, black-and-white cat who shows no fear of bears.

'I knew that he's pretty smart, and so I felt pretty confident that he would escape and be OK somewhere,' Wilkins said.

That faith paid off 26 days after the flood when a photo of Leo was posted on the local community Facebook page. Wilkins immediately knew it was Leo, the 'COVID kitten' they rescued in 2020, and rushed to reunite with him.

'I just started walking down the street calling for him, and he just ran out and was like, "Oh hey, here I am, you know, like, where have you been?"' she said.

Elizabeth Wilkins and her partner Tom Schwartz were holding onto hope that if any animal would survive the house falling into the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, on August 5, it would be their Leo (pictured here) - the resilient big-eyed, black-and-white cat who shows no fear of bears

'I knew that he's pretty smart, and so I felt pretty confident that he would escape and be OK somewhere,' Wilkins said (pictured above are Wilkins and Leo, two days before the house collapsed and the cat went missing)

The river flooding that washed away their home was caused by a major release of water from Suicide Basin, a dammed lake nearby, which eroded the river bank.

Wilkins and Schwartz moved into the house shortly before the flood hit, but they were away on a mountain biking trip to Bend, Oregon, at the time.

Friends called and sent videos, warning their house was in danger of being washed away.

Ultimately, several homes were destroyed or partially destroyed, with others condemned or flooded. But none of the destruction was as famous as the house being rented by Wilkins and Schwartz, with videos of it collapsing into the river going viral.

The videos showed towering trees along the river bank were initially pulled into the rushing waters. As the bank continued to recede across several hours, the home, teetering at the edge, collapsed into the river.

The land around the home rapidly eroded over several hours before the building was no longer supported and was dragged into the water

It took just seconds for the house to collapse into the water during the heavy flooding on Saturday

Witness Sam Nolan, who filmed the moment the home collapsed into the water, said: 'It was really sad to see, but all we could do was stand there and watch.'

Wilkins and Schwartz returned to Juneau three days later to sort out new living arrangements and to look for Leo.

They returned to the site of the house, calling out Leo's name and leaving food for him in the chicken coop.

By then, it seemed like everyone in Juneau was looking for him. There were plenty of sightings of Leo, but Wilkins said it appears that there are just many black-and-white unhoused cats in Juneau.

When he did turn up, he appeared to be in good health.

Wilkins (pictured here) said it is amazing to have Leo back, though he currently is staying with a friend while they look for another place to live. 'It's super joyful because everyone in their community was looking for him, and it's nice to have some good news,' she said

'Leo (pictured) was a little thinner, but otherwise totally fine,' Wilkins said. 'He ate four cans of tuna and went outside to kill a mouse. I imagine that is how he survived.'

'Leo was a little thinner, but otherwise totally fine,' Wilkins said. 'He ate four cans of tuna and went outside to kill a mouse. I imagine that is how he survived.'

She said it is amazing to have Leo back, though he currently is staying with a friend while they look for another place to live.

'It's super joyful because everyone in their community was looking for him, and it's nice to have some good news,' she said.

And just like Leo, some of their other possessions are finding their way back to them, but not in as good of condition as the cat.

'People have been finding some things, like some of our clothes and pictures were in 4 feet of silt in someone's yard down the Mendenhall River,' Wilkins said.
Residents and business owners in New Jersey were terrorized by a local prankster who police say used a drone to turn their pool water neon green.

Authorities say they arrested Patrick Spina IV, 45, from Absecon, New Jersey, on Monday in connection to the case.

Residents and businesses in the Absecon and Galloway areas of New Jersey had been reporting the suspicious activity since June 22 when their pools mysteriously began to change color.

The Quality Inn in Galloway Township was a victim of the prankster after their pool was colorized a dozen times during the summer.

'I went into my office and I had a meltdown,' Owner Sandra Woolstion told ABC7 about the continued prank.

Residents and businesses in the Absecon and Galloway areas of New Jersey had been reporting the suspicious activity since June 22 when their pools mysteriously began to change color

Sandra Woolstion is the owner and general manager of the Quality Inn and she said she had a meltdown because of the repeated prank

The first time the prank happened at the motel was in late June. Woolstion said she thought it was algae that turned the pool neon, while the staff found a dye pack at the bottom of the pool, but didn't know what it was.

She would have the pool drained and cleaned - each time costing her thousands of dollars.

She estimated between the cleanings and canceled stays because of no pool, she lost $20,000 this summer.

But, repeatedly, she would look out to see the pool dyed from a new pack. That left guests, including children, upset they couldn't use the pool.

'The girls are standing here like, "Oh my God we want to go swim." Some of them were crying,' Woolstion said.

The Quality Inn was hit again Friday, but this time police partnered with the FAA to track the drone to a Comfort Solutions Heating and Cooling across the White Horse Pike. There, authorities arrested the owner, Spina.

Authorities described the motive as a prank.

The motel wasn't the only place hit by the alleged prankster. Police in communities surrounding Atlantic City received calls from swimming pool owners who all had similar complaints.

'We had a resident who was enjoying time in his pool and saw a drone over top and the drone actually dropped something in his pool and it turned green immediately,' Absecon Police Chief James Laughlin told the news station.

Authorities arrested Patrick Spina IV, 45, in connection to the ongoing prank in the Atlantic City area

Woolstion had the pool drained and cleaned - each time costing her thousands of dollars

The motel wasn't the only place hit by the alleged prankster. Police in communities surrounding Atlantic City received calls from swimming pool owners who all had similar complaints

The sea dye that Spina used to transform the color of the pool water is usually used by search and rescue teams and can be damaging to pools.

The same dye is used to attract the attention of sea-rescue services because of the bright neon fluorescent color it dyes the water.

Spina was arrested for multiple counts of criminal mischief and harassment which put an end to his summer-long stint of terrorizing residents and businesses in his area.

He could face charges of up to $30,000 including punishments for conducting unsafe operations with the drone he used.
The Bay Area resident responded to an ad looking for a sadist to get a young woman to engage in sex work

He planned to bind and waterboard a 21-year-old woman for four days

A California sommelier has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he flew to Texas to torture a young human trafficking victim to get her to engage in sex work.

Ian Justin Ranney, 35, responded to an ad posted by a federal agent in Dallas posing as a human trafficker asking for an 'experienced sadist' who would be paid $6,000 to 'break' a young woman.

The San Mateo resident was arrested last November outside a North Texas warehouse with tools of torture such as restraints, rope and batons. He pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and possession of child pornography in February.

Ranney planned to bind and waterboard a 21-year-old woman for four days, dousing her genitals with a chemical irritant and subjecting her to complete sensory deprivation.

A criminal complaint seen by DailyMail.com says Ranney told agents he specialized in 'objectification and degradation,' having 'psychologically destroyed a few girls.' He added he could 'break any bi***.'

Ian Ranney, 35, responded to an ad posted by a federal agent posing as a human trafficker asking for an 'experienced sadist' who would be paid $6,000 to 'break' a young woman

He described himself as a '35M, 6'4 Sadistic Dom' who would 'use you mercilessly, showing you a world of pain you never imagined'

He described himself as a '35M, 6'4 Sadistic Dom' who would 'use you mercilessly, showing you a world of pain you never imagined.'

Ranney's social media shows a luxurious lifestyle filled with travel and elegant dinners.

He posted images proudly showing off his Tesla, vaccine card and voting records on Facebook.

'Wine is my passion. Great service is my specialty,' he wrote on Instagram.

The agent who posted the ad claimed they needed someone to 'train one of his girls that was no longer wanting to work for him.'

They stated they ran a human trafficking organization for a 'high-end clientele' and had bought the woman from another trafficker.

When the agent said they needed the victim to independently conduct sex work and bring them the profits, Ranney said this would be 'trickier,' but that he 'loved a challenge.'

Ranney and the agent agreed he would work to 'break' the woman in an isolated warehouse for four days at $1,500 per day

'That sounds fun,' he wrote.

Ranney and the agent agreed he would work to 'break' the woman in an isolated warehouse for four days at $1,500 per day.

He wrote he would try to leave the woman 'undamaged,' adding: 'The worst she might get is like a broken bone or two.

'I specially use chemicals during a lot of my torture scene,' he said. 'One of my favorites is capsaicin.'

Ranney suggested someone recorded the victim being tortured with the chemical as 'having someone else watch her in that torture is a good way to put them in their place.'

He planned to bring 'blackout contacts' for sensory depravation.

While Ranney engaged in consensual BDSM acts, prosecutors noted he was repeatedly told the ad was not about roleplaying or fantasy, and was reality.

Police also found a 14-year-old girl's explicit photos on his phone that he admitted he received through Snapchat.

Ranney's social media shows a luxuries lifestyle filled with travel and elegant dinners

He advised upscale restaurants on their wine selections and appeared to last work for Taurus Steakhouse in San Carlos

Three other men who responded to similar ads and traveled to Texas have also been sentenced to prison.

The trained sommelier advised upscale restaurants on their wine selections and appeared to last work for Taurus Steakhouse in San Carlos.

During Tuesday's sentencing, Ranney's lawyer claimed he had a hard time 'connecting' to people, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.

He said saying sorry for his actions 'seems to fall short.'

Judge Terry Means ruled that because of Ranney's IQ, he would recommend a prison with 'mental challenges' so the sadist isn't 'warehoused.'
A former prison officer has been jailed for three years for having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.

Joanne Hunter, 28, conducted the relationship with Connor Willis while working at HMP Forest Bank in Salford.

Hunter - described as 'naive' and 'vulnerable' in court - believed Willis was 'in love' with her and agreed to smuggle packages, including cannabis, into prison for him. She also sent him explicit photographs, which were later found on her phone.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Hunter, who has a master's degree in Childhood and Youth studies, began working at the prison in December 2018.

In December 2020, prison authorities received information that she was taking items inside and when she was interviewed by security managers she admitted having a relationship with Willis.

Rachel Widdicombe, prosecuting, told the court how Hunter had agreed smuggle packages into the prison for Willis, one containing a juice carton and another coating a Red Bull can.

Hunter received the packages from an unnamed woman after meeting her at a Tesco supermarket, the court heard. She then smuggled them inside the prison before passing them on to another prisoner - whom she knew as a 'big player' and member of crime gang - for Willis. Willis offered to pay her 200-300 for each package, but she refused to take the money.

Joanne Hunter, 28, conducted the relationship with Connor Willis while working at HMP Forest Bank in Salford

Hunter - described as 'naive' and 'vulnerable' in court - believed Willis was 'in love' with her and agreed to smuggle packages, including cannabis, into prison for him

She also sent him explicit photographs, which were later found on her phone

Ms Widdicombe said the pair had struck up a relationship after Willis arrived at the prison in early 2019, despite her 'not liking him at first as he was arrogant and threw his weight around'.

Hunter had admitted kissing Willis, she said, and phones seized from her showed she had rung him and sent him messages, including explicit photographs. But Hunter claimed the relationship 'went no further', Ms Widdicome said.

Messages from Willis to Hunter asked her for 'burn [tobacco], weed, whizz [amphetamines]'.

And Ms Widdicombe said Hunter had been aware that she had smuggled cannabis inside the prison for him,

Prison officials said her actions had compromised prison security by leading to an increase in criminal activity, problems of discipline and a risk of violence.

Rachel Widdicombe, prosecuting, told the court how Hunter had agreed smuggle packages into the prison for Willis, one containing a juice carton and another coating a Red Bull can

Hunter, from Bury, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office and bringing or conveying cannabis into the prison at a hearing in March.

She pleaded not guilty to bringing or conveying an unauthorised mobile phone into the prison and that charge will now lie on file.

Richard Orme, defending, said that Hunter was a 'naive, impressionable and vulnerable young woman'.

'She was ripe for picking for an unscrupulous criminal to take advantage of her in her first job out of education,' he said.

'She believed this unscrupulous individual loved her.

'And she believed it needed to reciprocated and she needed to do what he asked.'

Mr Orme said Hunter had never had a serious relationship or boyfriend because 'she was focused on her education'.

He described her as 'fish out of water' who was 'out of her depth' in a prison environment, adding that she was remorseful for her actions.

The judge, Recorder Paul Hodgkinson, told Hunter that she should have been an 'asset' to the Prison Service but 'chose another path due to your selfish desires'.

He jailed her for three years, saying her actions had 'struck at the heart of criminal justice system' and discipline and order at the prison had been 'severely undermined', putting the public, fellow prison officers and other inmates at risk.
Vice President Kamala Harris insisted Wednesday that she was ready to 'take over' from President Joe Biden if the 80-year-old fell ill and couldn't carry on running the country.

The VP laid out the worst-case scenario, but insisted Biden is fine and can continue serving through a second term until he is 86.

Harris, who has struggled with dire approval ratings, defended the president's age during an interview with the Associated Press at the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The AP's Chris Megerian pointed to last week's AP-NORC poll that found 77 percent of Americans, including 69 percent of Democrats, believe Biden is too old to run for reelection.

Vice President Kamala Harris insisted Wednesday that she was ready to 'take over' from President Joe Biden, however assured Americans that he was up to serving as president until age 86

A Wall Street Journal poll out Monday had similar findings, with 73 percent of voters saying Biden is too old to run again, including two-thirds of Democrats.

Harris dismissed concerns and said Biden was ready to serve as president until January 2025.

'First of all, let me say that our president has been an extraordinary leader who has accomplished things that previous presidents hoped and dreamed and promised they would do and did not achieve,' she said.

'So yes, I see him every day, a substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can, to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people, have played out,' Harris continued.

'And so I will say to you, that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers - and Joe Biden delivers,' the VP added.

Harris also answered in the affirmative when Megerian asked if she was prepared to serve as president.

'Yes,' she said.

He then prompted her to 'describe that process.'

'Well, first of all, let's - I'm answering your hypothetical - but Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition,' Harris said.

President Joe Biden is captured walking out of a Medal of Honor ceremony before the final prayer on Tuesday, another incident that raised questions about his age

President Biden removes his face mask during the ceremony

'But let us also understand that every vice president, every vice president, understands that when they take the oath, that they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president,' she said. 'I am no different.'

Harris has been plagued with low approval numbers and in late June, NBC found that she hit a record for low approval among vice presidents since the network's polling began.

Just 32 percent of registered voters approved of her.

That, coupled with Biden's age problems, have made the Democratic ticket ripe for attack.

The Repulbican candidate taking the most advantage, so far, has been former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, who opened up her presidential campaign by floating the idea that candidates older than 75 have to take mental competency tests.

Since then she's focused on Biden's age by suggesting Harris could become president.

'We cannot have Kamala Harris as president. We can't chance this,' Haley said on Fox Business' Sunday Morning Futures in late August. 'We have to make sure we have a new generational leader who will bring in not only Republicans, but independents, suburban women, Hispanics and the Asian community.'

'We have to make sure we win this because the thought of Kamala Harris being president should send a chill up every Americans' spine,' Haley added.
One of the last surviving female codebreakers at Bletchley Park, who helped to decipher enemy communications during the Second World War, has died aged 99.

Margaret Betts, of Ipswich, Suffolk was 19 when she was headhunted by 'men from the ministry' to join Britain's elite Bletchley Park codebreaking unit in 1942, due to having performed well at school, her son, Jonathan Betts, 68, said.

Her son explained that his mother was 'desperate' to contribute to Britain's war efforts due to having 'recently lost her brother because his ship had been sunk by a German U-boat.'

The grandmother later started working at Bletchley Park, near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, in the summer of 1943 and worked at the country house-turned-military HQ until Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in 1945.

She later kept her time as a codebreaker a secret from her family, due to having signed the Official Secrets Act, before she passed away in a nursing home in Minehead, Somerset on August 26.

Margaret Betts (pictured), of Ipswich, Suffolk was one of the last surviving female codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII

The 19-year-old (pictured on her honeymoon in Lugano in 1947) was headhunted to join Britain's war efforts following her brother's death on a ship that was sunk by a German U-Boat

How Bletchley Park cut WWII short by two years The importance of the code-breaking operations at Bletchley Park cannot be underestimated. They produced vital intelligence that played a huge part in swinging the war in the Allies' favour. As Winston Churchill said at the time, the Bletchley staff were 'the geese that laid the golden eggs and never cackled'. Intelligence from Bletchley played a vital part in the defeat of the U-boats in the six-year Battle of the Atlantic, British naval triumphs in the Battle of Cape Matapan in 1941 and the Battle of North Cape off the coast of Norway in 1943. By 1944 British and American commanders knew the location of 58 out of 60 German divisions across the Western Front. In addition, a great deal of information was decrypted about General Erwin Rommel's Nazi forces in North Africa. The German commander enjoyed a great deal of success against the British but with the help of intelligence from the codebreakers General Bernard Montgomery's British forces were able to drive him back in 1942. The success of Bletchley's cryptanalysts was partly due, however, to German operators failing to encrypt messages properly. Had they not been so sloppy, the outcome of the war could have been very different. Advertisement

The codebreaker's son, Mr Betts, explained that his mother was inspired to join the war effort due to the death of her brother.

'It was absolutely tragic, he had just married a few weeks before, the whole family was in terrible shock and desperate to do something, to do their bit,' Mr Betts said.

'She was inspired by this and said 'absolutely, any way I can help I will'.

'She wasn't told what it was, she was just told it would be highly secret work and that eventually she would be told what it was but meanwhile she was to pack her bags and go to a clearing house in north London.'

He explained that his mother was headhunted in 1942, and following completion of a selection process, she started work codebreaking in the summer of 1943 which continued until VJ Day in 1945.

'Like most of them did, she always played down her role,' said Mr Betts, who lives outside Salisbury, Wiltshire.

'She said yes, I know it was incredibly important, our part in it, and I know it was highly secret, but please don't come away with the idea that we're all Alan Turings, because we're not.

'We were there operating the machines, we were obeying orders, we were applying logic to do what we were told to do, and we were doing so efficiently and intelligently, but we didn't design the machines for decoding.

'We were the service staff who were operating them.'

She said they programmed machines, called bombes, and set them running to identify encrypted code.

'When they (the machines) stopped they knew the machine had come up with something,' said Mr Betts.

'It may not be anything, but what they then did was take a printout from what the machine had produced. They then took it to an Enigma machine - as they had German Enigma machines that had been captured.

'They then put the deciphering through the Enigma machine and if it came up with something they then sent it up the line to the senior personnel.'

Margaret Betts (pictured) worked at Bletchley Park from the summer of 1943 until VJ Day in 1945

Mr Betts said his mother was told at the beginning 'you must never, never tell anyone about it'.

'And so she didn't - for over 40 years she wouldn't talk about it, all she told us was she worked in an office in the Royal Navy's service at home.

How the Wrens' cracking of the German's Lorenz code helped the Allies at D-Day and contributed to their victory in the war The Wrens work helped Allied military leaders establish that Hitler and his troops had fallen for their propaganda campaign. Just before D-Day they revealed that Hitler had believed the deception campaign to convince him that the invasion force would land in the Pas de Calais. Nicknamed Operation Fortitude, the Allied plan used dummy and inflatable tanks to confuse German forces. Even once the invasion had begun they kept the Germans guessing about whether another landing would follow elsewhere. As a result Hitler kept vital forces in the Pas-de-Calais - well to the north of the Normandy beaches - until the Allies were already overrunning his troops. Another message showed how Allied air raids were successfully hindering the German war effort.

Advertisement

'It was only when documentaries started to appear on the TV and books started to be published that eventually she said 'you know, I was one of those',' said Mr Betts.

'We said 'gosh, why didn't you tell us before!' and she said 'well, I signed the Official Secrets Act, we were told never to tell anyone but it's obvious now people are all talking about it so I feel it's OK to mention it'.

'She was very proud about it, but she played it down.

'When we said that sounds really exciting like James Bond spy stuff, she said no, it wasn't at all like that, it was very humdrum.

'We were operating machines night and day and it was incredibly boring work most of the time.

'You just had to stand by the machines, you had to concentrate when you were programming it and make sure it was set up correctly, and the rest of the time you were there watching it, waiting for it to come up with something.'

Mr Betts said the Navy Wrens of Bletchley Park were invited to parties at local American airbases and 'they had proper food, as in Britain there was rationing but the Americans didn't have it in the same way'.

'We were all terribly proud to know (of her role),' Mr Betts said.

'Yes, we heard what she said about it being humdrum but it was vital work they were doing.

'She was put in a great position of trust and respected that trust and worked hard and along with all the other Wrens in that service she did extremely well.

'Without their work the war would have lasted longer - some people reckon it would have gone on two years longer if they hadn't been able to break the German and Japanese codes.

'She contributed a small part to a very important element in winning the war.'

Margaret Betts (pictured in Davos c.1948), one of Bletchley Park's last surviving female codebreakers, passed away aged 99 at a nursing home in Minehead, Somerset

He said that his mother 'ran the family' after the war, as her husband - who had been a Japanese prisoner of war - 'was ill quite often and never really recovered from his terrible traumas'.

She had five children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and lived in Ipswich for 99 years.

She died on August 26 this year of natural causes, while in a nursing home in Minehead, Somerset.

'She kept her sharp brain right until the end,' said Mr Betts.

He said one of the stories that his mother told was that the Wrens would sometimes go out from Bletchley Park into the nearest big town, Northampton, to go shopping.

'They would hear gossip, and the gossip was there's something going on down the road in Bletchley Park and nobody knows what it is,' said Mr Betts.

'But the strong rumour was it was actually a home for pregnant Wrens who had got pregnant accidentally and had been very naughty and were having to quickly disappear so they could have their baby and then get back to work.

'Of course, the Wrens thought this was hilarious.

'They didn't particularly like the idea they were thought of as being naughty Wrens but of course the officials really encouraged this belief as it was a wonderful cover for what was actually going on.'
Prue Flacks, a director since 2010 and Chair for the last four years, has announced that she will retire from Mercurys Board at the end of December 2023.

Mercurys Board has elected Scott St John as the next Chair. Ms Flacks said she was delighted that Mr St John will succeed her as Chair of a well-balanced and focused Board.

Scott will be an outstanding leader of our Board. We have worked very hard on succession and Scott has all the attributes necessary to coalesce the skills, experiences and perspectives of our strong cohort of directors. Together with Vince and his leadership team, they will drive the business forward.

Mr St John was appointed to the Mercury Board in 2017 and chairs the People and Performance Committee. He is a director of Fonterra Cooperative Group, ANZ Bank New Zealand and Next Foundation. He also chairs Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation.

Mr St John said he was relishing stepping into the role of Chair and acknowledged Ms Flacks contribution. Prues dedication and service has been exemplary during her thirteen-year term as a director. Her leadership has been first-class.

Mercury Chief Executive Vince Hawksworth paid tribute to Ms Flacks enormous contribution to Mercurys transition from State-Owned Enterprise to one of New Zealands largest generators and multi-product, digital retailers.

As Chair, Prue has overseen fundamental change at Mercury. This change is helping Aotearoa New Zealand transition to a low carbon future through our renewable generation pipeline, scale retail business, our partners and our people. Ive gained a lot working with Prue and well miss her at the Board table.

The appointment of Mr St John is a result of the Boards ongoing succession planning process. As required under Mercurys constitution, the Minister of Finance has approved the appointment of Mr St John as Chair, to take effect on 1 January 2024.

ENDS

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

General Capital Subsidiary Director Resignation

Arvida Bank Facility Update

BFG - Capital Return - Interim Orders Received

CHI - Exchange Mechanism of CHI010 notes for CHI030 bonds

CHI - Channel launches retail bond offer

October 30th Morning Report

AGL - Accordant Group - Half Year Financial Performance

CBD - Successful Verification for Oral Solution Products

Spark Finance extends Westpac Sustainability-Linked Loan

General Capital (GEN:NZX) Subsidiary General Finance Update


The suspect was described as a white man wearing camouflage

He then set the vehicles ablaze before taking off in a silver Honda CR-V

A camouflaged man shot at four Michigan police cars before setting them ablaze in the early morning and fleeing the scene - sparking a hunt for the suspect.

The curious attack was carried out at a Michigan State Police post on Wednesday at around 3.30am. The suspect unloaded several rifle rounds into unoccupied cars at the Sault Ste. Marie post, which is located off the I-75 Business Spur near 3 Mile Road.

He subsequently set fire to the vehicles, then hopped into a silver Honda CR-V and took off.

No troopers were injured when the cars were ambushed but the arson destroyed three vehicles.

'There are four patrol vehicles that were damaged in this, three of which were a total loss,' said Lt. Mark Giannunzio, Public Information Officer for the Eighth District of the Michigan State Police.

Michigan State Police are on the hunt for a man who shot at four unoccupied police cars before setting them on fire in the early hours of Wednesday. Three of the cars were destroyed

The attacker was described as a white man wearing camouflage. He was last seen heading southbound on I-75 Business Loop in a Honda SUV

The man can be seen holding a red gasoline can as he douses one of the patrol cars before lighting it on fire

Surveillance footage captured the moment one of the police cars ignited, bursting into a wall of flames that engulfed the neighboring vehicle

Lt. Mark Giannunzio told MailOnline.com that police had yet to determine a motive and were still on the hunt for the suspect as of early Wednesday afternoon

Police said the post would stay closed on Wednesday.

'We are still searching for the suspect and running down leads,' Giannunzio told MailOnline.com. 'No motive has been identified.'

The lieutenant added the agency would release further information when possible.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen heading southbound on I-75 Business Loop.

MSP Eighth District released grainy images of the man taken on a surveillance camera. He was described as a white man wearing camouflage.

Sault Ste. Marie sits on the northeastern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is about 350 miles from Detroit and an hour's drive from three of the Great Lakes.

The July 2022 population estimate was just over 13,000 people, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Harvard University has been ranked the worst school for free speech in the U.S. - with the Ivy League institution being awarded zero points out of a possible 100.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression releases a similar list of rankings for American institutions of higher education every year.

For 2023, Harvard - which has never performed well by FIRE's standards - was dubbed an 'abysmal' place for free speech.

Despite being arguably the most elite academic institution in the country, Harvard's 0-point score was a full 11 points behind the next worst school on the list, fellow Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.

FIRE added that Harvard's result was 'generous' and that its actual score by its calculations was less than zero at -10.69.

Harvard's score tanked for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the nine professors and researchers at Harvard who'd faced calls to be punished or fired in the last few years based on things they'd said or written

The school's score tanked for a number of reasons, not the least of which being the nine professors and researchers at Harvard who faced calls to be punished or fired in the last few years based on things they'd said or written.

Seven of the nine were ultimately disciplined.

The director of polling and analytics at FIRE, Sean Stevens, told the New York Post that Harvard has consistently ranked among the bottom tier of schools on the list, but was surprised a school was able to 'fall below zero.'

'They've had so many scholar sanctions,' he said.

A school's score is calculated based on factors like how strong its policies in favor of free speech are and how many professors, students, and visitors to campus have been targeted by school authorities for their publicly held positions.

At Harvard, in the last five years, some of the seven free speech incidents have included the school's decision to revoke conservative activist Kyle Kashuv's acceptance because of racist comments he made on social media as a 16-year-old, for which he apologized.

Since 2019, Harvard has sanctioned four scholars, three of whom the institution has gone on to fire.

David Kane, a former government professor at the university, was fired after hundreds of students signed a petition for his removal because of an op-ed he wrote about his alma mater's acceptance criteria and claimed that '90 percent-plus of the Black students at Williams would not have been admitted were it not for their Blackness.'

The director of polling and analytics at FIRE, Sean Stevens, said that Harvard has consistently ranked among the bottom tier of schools on the list, but he was surprised that a school was able to 'fall below zero'

Michigan Technological University in Houghton was ranked number one in the US for its treatment of free speech on campus

Points are awarded if administrators at the school defend the rights of those whose speech has been threatened.

The score is also impacted based on the results of a poll conducted by FIRE in conjunction with the College Pulse about overall student sentiment surrounding free speech.

Harvard's shocking position comes despite some 100 of its professors uniting earlier this year to establish the Council on Academic Freedom to defend open inquiry on campus.

'Many, many people are being threatened with - and actually put through - disciplinary processes for their exercise of free speech and academic freedom,' said Harvard Law School professor Janet Halley. 'We are in a crisis time right now.'

Harvard and Penn were the only two Ivy League schools to round out the bottom five of the 248-school list. They were followed by the University of South Carolina, Georgetown University, and New York's Fordham University.

Columbia University in New York City took the top spot for worst school for free speech last year, though this year it ranked 214th out of 248.

Large public universities filled out the top five best environments for free speech, according to the FIRE rankings

Last year, Columbia University took home the award for worst campus free speech culture. This year, the New York City school jumped to 214th out of 248 schools

In the other direction, Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan earned the number one spot on the list for best campus free speech culture, with a score of 78.01.

Stevens said he was 'not necessarily surprised that a technological school has a better speech climate, primarily for the reason that they dont really talk as much about controversial topics.'

'They're there to make things work as engineers.'

But there was not a single Ivy League University included within the top five colleges on the list - all were large public universities.

Auburn University, the University of New Hampshire, Oregon State University, and Florida State University were celebrated for their apparent commitment to the principles of free speech.

Beyond the straightforward ranked results, the 55,000-student survey that included opinions from 254 universities found that 56 percent of students are worried about getting 'canceled' for something they say, and 27 percent believe it's acceptable to use violence to stop campus speech in some circumstances.
Labour have drawn level with the SNP in Scotland ahead of the next general election, a new opinion poll has shown.

In the latest Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey, Sir Keir Starmer's party were backed by 35 per cent when Scottish voters were asked who they would support at a Westminster contest.

This gave Labour the same level of support as the SNP, also on 35 per cent, to deliver a fresh blow to First Minister Humza Yousaf.

It is the first time the SNP have not held the lead in Scotland in Redfield & Wilton's monthly tracker of voting intentions.

The poll is also only the second time the SNP have not led in any publicly released Westminster voting intention survey of Scottish voters since June 2014.

There was more gloom for Mr Yousaf and his party as the latest Redfield & Wilton poll revealed a six-point lead for 'No' when Scots were asked if they would back independence.

In the latest Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey, Sir Keir Starmer 's party were backed by 35 per cent when Scottish voters were asked who they would support at a Westminster contest

There was more gloom for Humza Yousaf and the SNP as the latest Redfield & Wilton poll revealed a six-point lead for 'No' when Scots were asked if they would back independence

Support for Mr Yousaf's SNP and Scottish independence has fallen over recent months amid a series of setbacks for the nationalist party

Support for the SNP and Scottish independence has fallen over recent months amid a series of setbacks for the nationalist party.

This has included a furious row over controversial gender identity reforms, the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, a divisive leadership contest to select Mr Yousaf as her replacement, and an ongoing police probe into the party's finances.

Sir Keir's chances of becoming prime minister will be hugely boosted if his party picks up a string of seats in Scotland, with the Labour leader likely to be buoyed by the latest Redfield & Wilton poll.

It gave Labour and the SNP (both on 35 per cent) a 20-point lead over the Tories on 15 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats backed by 8 per cent and the Scottish Greens supported by 4 per cent.

Due to the concentrated nature of Labour's vote in Scotland - relative to the more distributed SNP vote - if such a result were repeated at the next general election it would likely see Labour gain more seats in Scotland than the SNP.

Both Sir Keir (5 per cent) and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (6 per cent) enjoyed positive net approval ratings among Scottish voters.

This contrasted with the negative net approval ratings for Mr Yousaf (-8 per cent), Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (-20 per cent), and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross (-23 per cent).

When those answering 'Don't Know' were excluded, 53 per cent backed 'No' when asked if Scotland should become an independent country following a referendum.

This compared to 47 per cent who supported 'Yes'.

When those answering 'Don't Know' were included, the lead for 'No' was cut to five points over 'Yes' (49 per cent to 44 per cent, respectively).

The poll also found 42 per cent would oppose a referendum on Scottish independence being held in the next year, while the same number (42 per cent) supported a vote being held in this timeframe.
A disgraced surgeon who performed botched operations on hundreds of patients could be extradited back to Scotland, the Health Secretary has said.

Professor Sam Eljamel is currently believed to be operating in Libya after he was suspended from NHS Tayside in 2013.

Michael Matheson said a recent due diligence report from NHS Tayside into the former consultant neurosurgeon raised 'serious issues of concern'.

Campaigners, many of whom suffered life-changing injuries, believe more than 200 patients may have been harmed by Prof Eljamel, who worked for the Tayside health board between 1995 and 2013, when he was suspended following three months of 'indirect supervision'.

That supervision was deemed 'inadequate' by the NHS Tayside report released last week, and he may have operated on more than 100 patients during that complaint process.

Disgraced surgeon Professor Sam Eljamel (pictured) who performed botched operations on hundreds of patients could be extradited back to Scotland, the Health Secretary has said

Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson (pictured) said a recent due diligence report from NHS Tayside into the former consultant neurosurgeon raised 'serious issues of concern'

His victims have repeatedly called on Scottish ministers to commit to a public inquiry, however First Minister Humza Yousaf has said the preferred method of investigation would be an independent review which would provide answers quicker.

READ MORE: Butcher surgeon who removed woman's tear gland instead of brain tumour could have harmed more than 200 patients Advertisement

He also said a potential public inquiry would not be able to compel Prof Eljamel to attend and face questions.

Mr Matheson has now said he believes the rogue surgeon should 'be brought to account' for the harm caused to patients.

He said the Scottish Government has extradition procedures in place with Libya which could be used depending on a police investigation.

Speaking to journalists in Edinburgh on Wednesday, he said: 'The last location we knew that Eljamel was in was in Libya.

'There's still a police investigation ongoing in relation to this issue, which is a live investigation and of course we do have extradition procedures in place with countries like Libya.'

Mr Matheson added: 'That will be determined by the police and Crown Office forward, but that's a live investigation.

'My view is that he is an individual who should be brought to account for his actions.'

His comments came as victims of Prof Eljamel gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in protest against the Scottish Government's refusal to commit to a public inquiry.

Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and left patients with life-altering injuries. Despite concerns over his practice, he was allowed to operate on 111 patients unsupervised in the six months leading to his suspension in 2013

Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross speaks with protesters outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh who are asking for a public inquiry into the care given to patients by "disgraced surgeon" Professor Sam Eljamel

Dressed in hospital garments and putting on a display representing a botched surgery, protesters criticised the Scottish Government and called for 'justice for Eljamel victims'

Dressed in hospital garments and putting on a display representing a botched surgery, they criticised the Scottish Government and called for 'justice for Eljamel victims'.

Scottish Conservative Leader Douglas Ross spoke with the protesters outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh earlier today as they made their demands.
Vladimir Putin is 'gambling' on Donald Trump winning the 2024 US election and ending the superpower's backing for Ukraine, according to Western officials.

The Kremlin is hoping that a second Trump presidency would see support for Kyiv dwindle, with the Ukrainian counteroffensive relying heavily on sustained Western backing.

Trump has pledged to immediately end the war in Ukraine if re-elected, threatening to cut off military aid and convince Kyiv to sacrifice territory in the east - something Ukraine has vowed it will not do.

While progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive has been slower than hoped, the official said, Putin's 'gamble' on Trump re-entering the Oval office in November next year is a risky one as the Russian ranks continue to be eroded.

'Russia thinks time is on its side, we think times is on our side,' the official said.

'It has been put that if you're Putin you're gambling that Donald Trump wins the next election. But that is quite a long way away.'

Vladimir Putin is 'gambling' on Donald Trump winning the 2024 US election and ending the superpower's backing for Ukraine, according to Western officials

Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, on August 25

Officials admitted that a major breakthrough by Ukrainian forces is unlikely to be made before winter, but encouraged observers to look at the bigger picture rather than 'focusing on such tactical issues'.

'Russia has lost either killed or wounded over 270,000 people and [destroyed] over a couple of thousand tanks, and if you add that to armoured fighting vehicles [it is] over 4,000 fighting vehicles.

'There has been an enormous drain on Russia, and particularly its army and its combat effectiveness,' the official said.

'And then in the broadest base, you're seeing Russia under economic pressure and under diplomatic pressure.'

Trump is not the only Republican candidate who has aimed to secure votes by reducing spending on Ukraine.

Another frontrunner in the race for the presidency, Vivek Ramaswamy, has been accused of being soft on the Kremlin.

The 38-year-old tycoon's position on the war - if he were to win the race - would be to freeze the battle lines in Ukraine, allowing Russia keep the Donbas region.

Texas Governor Ron De Santis has also been vocal about diverting funds from Ukraine to focus on tackling illegal migration from Mexico.

Trump has pledged to immediately end the war in Ukraine if re-elected, threatening to cut off military aid and convince Kyiv to sacrifice territory in the east

Another frontrunner in the race for the presidency, Vivek Ramaswamy , has been accused of being soft on the Kremlin

Meanwhile Trump's former Vice President, Mike Pence, slammed his plans to 'end the war in a day', reasserting his support for Kyiv.

'I think it ends by giving the Ukrainians what they need to win,' he said in July.

'I mean, there's some talk, my former running mate likes to talk about solving it in a day. The only way you'd solve this war in a day is if you gave Vladimir Putin what he wanted.'

It comes as the first British Challenger II tank was put out of action near Zaporizhzhia by Putin's forces earlier this week.

Some Western politicians have warned that 'war fatigue' could take hold if progress continues to be slow, however steady progress has been indicated by recent gains.

Putin has seen some of his top commanders killed and his most advanced military hardware fail during his stuttering invasion.

A prominent US think-tank has claimed that nearly 50 of Vladimir Putin's elite soldiers were killed in one day in another battlefield coup for Ukraine.

A laser-guided Swedish-supplied RBS-70 portable air-defence system gunned down the helicopter from a field near the village of Robotyne

A new video shows the aircraft ablaze in a field with black smoke billowing into the sky. A helicopter lands close to the wreckage, and appears to inspect the damage before flying off

Ukraine's troops are thought to have pinned down some of Russia's elite soldiers in Donetsk, stopping them from redeploying to a key part of the front line, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.

Some 49 soldiers of the 7th VDV Division were killed in one day of fighting near the village of Staromayorske, with Russian commanders reportedly not overseeing the retrieval of bodies, the US think-tank said, citing a Russian military blogger who posted an audio recording purportedly from a Russian soldier.
Hundreds of migrants are being hidden behind a black curtain at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, with families left sleeping on the floor for up to 10 days at a time.

This influx of asylum seekers is a result of Texas transporting hundreds of thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities as a protest against federal border policies - causing many like Chicago to reach their housing limits.

Currently, 433 migrants are seeking shelter at the airport, where black curtains are being used to conceal the worsening humanitarian situation.

The video from within the shelter, obtained by News Nation, reveals children sprawled throughout the room and depicts harsh living conditions, with some migrants describing the situation as truly inhumane.

The makeshift shelter has poor quality food such as instant ramen, lack of access to health care, showers and laundry, inadequate bedding, and no support for placing children in schools, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

Migrants have also been sleeping on the floor inside Chicago police stations since June while awaiting access to proper shelters.

Hundreds of migrants are being hidden behind this black curtain at Chicago 's O'Hare Airport, where asylum seekers have reported inhumane living conditions with families left sleeping on the floor for up to 10 days

The video from within the shelter reveals children sprawled throughout the room and depicts harsh living conditions, with some migrants describing the situation as truly inhumane

'While they find another place for us to go, some have been here for 10 days. But people keep leaving and the city of Chicago will take us and will find a place for us to stay,' Rayberth, a Venezuela migrant who has been staying at O'Hare for nearly a week, told NewsNation.

The overcrowded facility includes many children, far exceeding the city's capacity limit.

'Here, we are truly in conditions that are not at all humane. There are many children sick to their stomachs and other things because the food they are being given is not adequate food,' the migrant added, speaking to News Nation.

Vianney Marzullo, a lead volunteer with the Police Station Response Team advocacy group, told the Chicago Sun Times that O'Hare is supposedly just a holding place for the incoming flights.

Chicago continues to struggle to house the influx of thousands of migrants into the city. About 14,000 migrants have been transported to Chicago by bus since August.

There are 15 shelters for asylum seekers operating across the city currently with another shelter expected to open next month on the South Side.

Currently, 433 migrants are seeking shelter at the airport, forced to sleep on the floors behind black curtains used to conceal the worsening humanitarian situation

A new video captured by FOX 32 last week at Chicago Police Department's 12th district shows migrants still sleeping on the floor, where they've created beds.

Last week, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a letter requesting aid from the federal government to streamline work authorization for asylum seekers.

'Chicago nears the one-year mark of receiving nearly 14,000 new migrant arrivals from politicians' inhumane practices,' Johnson wrote on social media.

Meanwhile, just yesterday Texas sent the twelfth bus filled with migrants to Los Angeles just a week after the city voted to pursue legal action and a criminal probe against the Lone Star state over the bus program.

The bus arrived at Union Station in Los Angeles on Monday morning and carried 23 men, 20 women and 21 children onboard.

The migrants are from Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Russia and Venezuela.

Earlier in June, the state of Florida picked up three dozen migrants in Texas and sent them by private jet to California's state capital, catching shelters and aid workers in Sacramento by surprise.

Earlier this year, DeSantis sent two planes filled with migrants to ritzy Martha's Vineyard island, off the coast of Massachusetts.

The migrant crossings come after Title 42 ended in May - causing an influx of people moving into the US over the border.

The migrants staying at Chicago police stations say they are better off than the ones in temporary shelters

A migrant couple from Venezuela and their 17-month-old daughter rest in the lobby of a police station where they have been staying with other migrant families since their arrival to the city on May 9

A migrant father from Venezuela changes the diaper of his 15-month-old son in the lobby of a police station

The migrant bus (like the one pictured above) arrived at Union Station in Los Angeles on Monday and carried 23 men, 20 women and 21 children onboard

The number of migrants arriving in the US has drastically increased in 2022

The Title 42 rules had been in place since March 2020.

The restrictions allowed border officials to quickly return asylum seekers back over the border on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. authorities have unveiled strict new measures to replace Title 42, which crack down on illegal crossings while also setting up legal pathways for migrants who apply online, seek a sponsor and undergo background checks.

The Biden administration has opened up new ways for migrants to enter the US legally as part of a broader strategy to discourage people from crossing the US-Mexico border illegally.

Migrants waiting in Mexico can apply for US entry on a smartphone app and later request asylum, but slots on the app fill up quickly.

Under another Biden program, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans can request to enter the US by air if they have US sponsors.

But those routes do not provide the same benefits available to refugees or a direct path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
Actor Jonathan Majors had his trial on allegations of the assault of an ex delayed over a legal technicality that will push his case for at least a couple of weeks.

The actor was arrested on March 25 on misdemeanor charges for allegedly attacking Grace Jabbari, his former girlfriend.

Majors appeared virtually in New York criminal court on Wednesday and prosecution filed a certificate of compliance, signaling that they're ready for trial.

His attorneys, however, have said they've found deficiencies with the certificate.

Majors' new trial date has not yet been set. He vehemently denies all wrongdoing.

The actor was arrested on March 25 on misdemeanor charges for allegedly attacking Grace Jabbari, his former girlfriend

Grace Jabbari is alleged to have attacked the Creed actor first and reportedly admitted in text messages to being the aggressor

Jabbari initially told police Majors hit and strangled her, but the strangulation charges were dropped. Now, he is only charged with hurting her arm.

Jabbari admitted to Majors in text messages that she was the aggressor, his lawyers claim. After the alleged attack, she was seen at nightclubs drinking and partying with friends.

Majors has always maintained his innocence, and NYPD sources cited by The New York Times say there's enough evidence to also charge Jabbari for attacking him.

It remains unclear why she has not yet been arrested.

Majors filed his own domestic violence claim against her in June, telling police he had been slapped and scratched by a violent and 'hysterical' Jabbari.

Majors, whose star was quickly rising, was dropped by his management firm and PR firm after the charges were dropped.

He has attended previous court appearances with his new girlfriend, actress Meagan Good.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Jabbari texted Majors to apologize.

Majors, 33, strode into court with new girlfriend Meagan Good and his attorneys for the first day of his assault and harassment trial in August

The actor has always maintained his innocence and filed his own domestic violence claim against his accuser

'Please let me know when you got this. They assured me that you won't be charged. They said they had to arrest you as protocol when they saw the injuries on me and they knew we had a fight.

'I'm so angry that they did. And I'm sorry you're in this position. Will make sure nothing happens about this. I told them it was my fault for trying to grab your phone... I only just got out of hospital... just call me when you are out.'

The actor did not respond.

A few hours later, around 9:30pm, she sent another text message to Majors, telling him that she spoke to officials again.

In the text, she wrote: 'Reiterated how this was not an attack and they do not have my blessing on any charges being placed.'

His attorneys submitted surveillance footage from NYC nightclubs that show Jabbari out with friends using the hand she said was injured in the 'attack'.

Majors' attorney Priya Chaudhry said after a recent hearing: 'One hundred and thirty-one days ago, authorities unjustly cuffed Jonathan Majors in his own home, hauling him off to jail based on the word of a woman now hunted by the NYPD.

'Bravely, Jonathan Majors laid bare to the NYPD the relentless, alcohol-fueled abuse he suffered at the hands of Grace Jabbari, an enduring nightmare in their relationship. Now, as soon as Jabbari sets foot back in New York, the NYPD stands ready to arrest her.

'For an excruciating four months, Jonathan Majors, the real victim in this shameful ordeal, has had his life, career, and reputation torn apart. Yet he remains unwavering in his determination to be absolved from this harrowing ordeal.'
Donald Trump is skipping the second Republican presidential debate later this month but there is one person he'd like to meet for a head-to-head matchup: Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

The former president told radio host Hugh Hewitt that he'd 'love' to debate Meghan, noting he didn't 'like the way she dealt with the Queen.'

And he noted the Queen, who was 96 when she died, was much sharper at her age than President Joe Biden is at 80.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Biden as 'Sleepy Joe' and he's previously criticized Meghan and Harry for being 'disrespectful' of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Donald Trump is skipping the Republican debate but said he'd love to debate Meghan Markle

But Trump did concede he'd love to meet Meghan on the debate state.

'Let's set it up. Let's go do something. I'd love to debate her. I would love it,' Trump told Hewitt on Wednesday morning.

'I didn't like the way she dealt with the Queen. I became very friendly with the Queen. She was an incredible woman,' Trump said. 'I think it's not a good situation going on with the two of them, but I didn't know that they don't like me. Somebody mentioned it might be possible. They wouldn't be the only ones.'

Trump paid tribute to the late Queen in an op-ed for DailyMail.com.

He met the Queen during a June 2019 state visit to the United Kingdom. At the time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were still members of the Royal Family.

But Meghan, who had been a vocal critic of Trump and his policies before her marriage to Harry, skipped the state events, citing her maternity leave. She had recently given birth to their oldest child Archie.

In the interview, Trump also compared the cognitive abilities of the Queen to Biden.

'At 95, she was so sharp. She was 100%. When you watch Biden, you say this is a different planet,' he said.

Biden met the Queen in June 2021, shortly after he became president, when he was in England for the G7 summit.

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards in May

Donald Trump, the Queen, Melania Trump, and the then-Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019

Biden and Jill Biden attended her funeral but only the first lady attended King Charles coronation, which Trump criticized Biden for.

Trump, in a March interview with Nigel Farage, suggested his 80-year-old political rival was not up to it 'physically' making the trip, and said if he was president he would have gone.

He said: 'I think that it's hard for him to do it physically. I think, getting over here for him.

'He's got a lot of things going and a lot of strange things happen. But certainly he should be here as a representative of our country. I was surprised when I heard that he wasn't coming.

'You would think he would be here, he'll be in Delaware where he spends a lot of time, he spent a lot of time there during the election.

'So I don't know, but I was very surprised to see I think it's very disrespectful for him not to be.'

He added: 'That man is incompetent, and it's a shame.

'He can't even come to your Coronation as a country, and your Coronation's a big event.

'When you have somebody that's going to be sleeping instead of coming to the coronation as president of the United States, I think it's a bad thing.

'The reason is he's sleeping. It shouldn't happen. It's disrespectful.

During Trump's 2019 state visit to the UK, Prince Harry speaks with Ivanka Trump; Meghan was on maternity leave

Donald Trump with Queen Elizabeth during the June 2019 state visit with Harry and Ivanka visible behind them

President Joe Biden and Jill Biden met the Queen in June 2021

When asked by Farage whether he would have attended if he was president, Trump said: 'I would.'

He added: 'I think it's a very important event. I think it's a great thing. A lot of people talk about the monarchy should you have it, should you not, I think it's a fantastic thing. It holds your country together largely.'

Trump skipped the first Republican presidential primary debate and has said he would skip the second one.

He and his allies have argued that with his double-digit lead in the polls, he doesn't need to appear next to the other contenders, none of whom come close to him in polling.

The Republican National Committee is said to be considering Alabama for the site of the third debate. Trump is very popular in that state and it's close to his Florida home.

The former president told Hewitt he would consider attending.

'Well, I won Alabama in the highest number anybody has ever won, which is very interesting, because I set a record in Alabama,' he said, adding: 'I'll make that decision. I would love to go to anything involved with Alabama. But when you're up 50 points'

The second Republican presidential primary debate will take place on September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
A 90-year-old woman is among the 532 people who were rescued from slave-like conditions in August, Brazilian authorities revealed Tuesday.

The woman, whose name has not been released, had been working for 50 years for a family in the northern Rio de Janeiro town of Grajau.

The woman performed maid services for 16 years and also cared for the 100-year-old mother of her former boss. She was forced to sleep on a sofa so that she could be by the side of her ex-employer's mother if the event she required assistance and was only allowed to use a bathroom that was located next to the house.

Agents assigned to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Public Ministry of Labor and Employment and Federal Police rescued the woman from the home on August 22 after they received an anonymous call, local media outlets reported.

They believe she is the oldest person who was subjected to modern-day slavery.

A 90-year-old woman is among the 532 people who were rescued in August from slave-like conditions in Brazil

Brazilian authorities said that the 90-year-old woman had not been allowed to return to her home since December 2022

Investigators said the woman had not been allowed to return home since December 2022.

Brazilian authorities estimate that 'Operation Rescued III' was the country's biggest mission to free people from modern-day slavery.

The government legally defines slavery as forced labor, but also covers debt bondage, degrading work conditions and long hours that pose health risks.

Prosecutors said authorities carried out 200 inspections in 22 states and the capital, Brasilia.

Agents rescued 26 children and teenagers, and at least 74 people that had also been victims of human trafficking.

Authorities raided a garlic farm in the state of Mina Gerais where 97 workers were rescued.

'At the work site there were not enough bathrooms, a place to heat food and chairs for employees to sit on,' the government said in a statement. 'The workers did not have a formal work permit nor did they receive protective equipment.'
Energy giants have been quizzed about how they sleep at night as profits surge while thousand die from the cold.

MPs yesterday condemned horrifying figures showing there were some 4,706 excess deaths last winter against the background of punishing energy bills.

Charities have warned that thousands more will die early this coming winter from conditions made worse by cold and damp homes.

MPs investigating the governments preparations for winter today heard harrowing evidence of people resorting to dangerous coping measures.

These ranged from not washing childrens clothes to not taking hot showers and using to barbecues to produce a hot meal.

Centrica chief executive Chris O'Shea (pictured) was asked by Conservative MP Vicky Ford: 'Chris, how do you sleep at night?'

British Gas, reported a record figure of 969m for the first six months of 2023  a nine-fold increase on the 98m in the same period last year.

A small fall in energy bills  worth around 3.50 a week on average  is due to come into effect on October 1, however this is expected to be reversed in January.

Simon Francis, co-ordinator at the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, told the Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee, warned of more deaths, saying: The signs are that people are going to be struggling more in cold, damp homes this winter.

READ MORE: Energy price cap could rise back above 2,000 early next year Advertisement

Chief executive at National Energy Action, Adam Scorer, said customers are weighed down with impossible levels of debt to their suppliers.

He said there was evidence of privation, with people switching to a panoply of dangerous coping mechanisms, which will be worse this winter.

Looking ahead, he warned: People will expect they will not wash clothes for their children, they will expect not to have hot showers or baths, not to heat their homes, to use barbecues to cook their food.

A member of the committee, the Conservative MP Vicky Ford, described the warnings as horrifying.

Her comments came during questioning of senior executives at the energy firms British Gas, Octopus, EDF and E.On.

She said: A lot of you listened to the previous panel, and that was horrifying. 4,700 deaths, dangerous coping mechanisms, people not washing their children's clothes, not using their ovens, risking their lives with barbecues.

In the meantime, a lot of you have been making an awful, awful, awful lot of money  a nine times profit increase.

Speaking to the chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, Chris O'Shea, the MP asked: Chris, how do you sleep at night?

Conservative MP Vicky Ford (pictured) said energy bosses had been making an 'awful, awful, awful lot of money' as customers suffered

Mr O'Shea replied: So our profits increased at British Gas this year, as you say, quite substantially, the vast majority of that is the recovery of past costs.

He said the increase was designed to off-set substantial costs due to wholesale energy price rises caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

His evidence was halted by Ms Ford who said: Stop. People are dying.

People are being driven to situations to kill themselves last winter because of the one-off crisis that happened for the first time that winter, because of Ukraine, and we think it may happen again - even worse.

Mr OShea said the company has committed to boost support to struggling customers with a contribution equal to 10 per cent of British Gas profits.

He said companies are making a modest profit margin of 2 per cent and argued that energy bills are just one factor in a wider problem.

There are a substantial number of people in the UK that cannot afford to live with dignity. Whether its rent, mortgage, food, energy, he said.

Energy companies are permitted to make 2 per cent margin, that's half the margin that supermarkets make, that's a lot less than other regulated businesses. We are part of a bigger issue.

Giving evidence, the head of energy at Citizens Advice, Gillian Cooper, argued for the introduction of a social tariff for the poorest households, which would guarantee lower prices for heat and light.
Russian efforts to conquer Ukraine have not gone according to plan but in the Black Sea, Russian efforts to disrupt Ukrainian agricultural, mainly grain, and exports have had more success. Before Russia invaded in 2022, Ukraine grain and other agricultural exports represented ten percent of such exports worldwide. Most of these agricultural exports left by ship from Ukrainian Black Sea ports before the 2022 Russian invasion, with most being stopped by a Russian blockade. Russia offers to allow renewal of Ukrainian grain exports to get economic sanctions on Russia lifted. Before 2022 Ukraine exported about 33 million tons of grain and other agricultural products a year. Since the war began, that has declined to 13.5 tons a year. Russia normally exports three times more grain and other agricultural goods than Ukraine.

There are no trade sanctions on Russian food exports and the more Ukrainian food exports Russia can block, the more Russia receives for its grain. In the last year Russia has shipped 60 million tons of food and is getting above average prices for it. Unlike Ukraine, which only ships grain from Black Sea ports, Russia has other options. Russia has lost a lot of support from African and Middle Eastern countries that depend on Ukraine and Russian grain exports. Russia assures these nations that it will supply the grain, but does not mention that prices will be higher because of the Russian disruption of food Ukrainian exports. Many of the nations Russia exports food to are relatively poor countries and the higher prices are a burden.

The United States is one of the five major wheat exporters. The top five are Russia, Australia, America, Canada, and Ukraine. Together these nations export over 115 million tons of wheat a year worth nearly $32 billion. Food importing nations have noted that the Western economic sanctions on Russian exports have deliberately excluded food. Russian efforts to block Ukrainian grain exports increase the price of exported grain and Russian benefits while nations purchasing this grain dont.
This is the moment a jealous husband 'bear hugs' his estranged wife in the street before taking her to his flat where he stabbed her 32 times and kept her body in his bedroom.

Pawel Chmielecki, 40, was today jailed for life after stabbing Marta Chmielecka, 31, in the throat after she refused to rekindle their relationship before wrapping her body in a blood-stained duvet.

Police were alerted by her family after they received suspicious text messages suggesting someone else was using her phone.

Officers raided a terraced property in Wood Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire, where Chmielecki was staying, on October 19 2021.

They found her body in a bedroom and Chmielecki lying alongside Marta's body bleeding heavily from up to nine self-inflicted knife wounds to his throat. He was rushed to hospital where he was treated for his injuries before he was charged with murder.

Video footage released by Northamptonshire Police today showed the Polish national leaving home and 'intercepting' his wife as she walked nearby, followed by a struggle between them and her coughing as she seemed unsteady on her feet.

Video footage released by Northamptonshire Police today showed the Polish national leaving home and 'intercepting' his wife while she was out for drinks

Pawel Chmielecki (pictured), 40, was today jailed for life after stabbing his estranged wife 32 times before keeping her body in his bedroom for nearly four days

Marta Chmielecka (pictured) was found dead after officers forced entry to Chmielecki's house in Kettering, Northamptonshire

The footage also showed the killer visiting a shop to buy six cans of beer two days after the murder.

Sentencing, His Honour Judge David Herbert KC said: It's clear from the evidence that Marta was scared of you and was frightened you would end up killing her.

'Those last moments of her life would have been utterly terrifying, as you stabbed her repeatedly in the neck.

'You accept you intended to kill her and must then have watched her die lying in a pool of her own blood.

'The only sentence that can be imposed for the offence of murder is life imprisonment, and that is what I impose on you.'

Marta's family Iistened from the public gallery as the judge sentenced Chmielecki, who wore a grey Nike tracksuit and gold chain in the dock, via a Polish interpreter.

The court heard the couple wed in Poland and moved to the UK in 2017 but Chmielecki had subjected his wife to domestic abuse.

Detectives found he was a 'jealous, controlling man' who had also stalked, made threats and been violent towards Marta since the end of their relationship.

The court was told she was 'starting to enjoy life again' and was coming out of her shell before her ex-husband fatally attacked her.

Ms Chmielecka (pictured) married Chmielecki in 2017 but he subjected her to domestic abuse

On Friday, October 15, Marta had spent the evening socialising with friends before leaving on foot at around 10.40pm.

CCTV from the area revealed she encountered Chmielecki and before some sort of struggle broke out between them, with Marta ending up on the floor.

Afterwards she was visibly unsteady on her feet, with Chmielecki at one point appearing to hold her up in a bear-hug as they approached his home.

He later admitted he had stabbed her to death in his room with a knife used to cut up his pizza after confronting her about her forming new relationships.

A post-mortem showed Marta had suffered 32 sharp force injuries - seven to her right hand, five to her shoulders and upper arm, one to the left breast and 19 to her face and neck.

A combination of the stab wounds to her neck were the direct cause of her death.

Further CCTV analysis of his movements between the night Marta entered his room and the day her body was discovered showed Chmielecki going out to buy cans of beer and a soft drinks before returning to his address.

Detective Superintendent Joe Banfield, of Northants Major Crime Unit, said: 'Marta Chmielecka was a much-loved young woman looking forward to a bright future, which was extinguished by the violent actions of a jealous man.'

'Pawel Chmielecki did not want to accept the end of his relationship with Marta, and remained in contact with her despite her attempts to distance herself from him.

'Tragically for Marta, Chmielecki's efforts to maintain a hold over her culminated in his ferocious fatal attack, after which he stayed with her body in his room for almost four days, before he attempted to take his own life as police arrived.'

He went on to say that while he admitted his crime, Chmielecki refused to cooperate throughout the trial, and attempting to 'control the court process by initially denying he had previously been physically abusive towards Marta'.

Pictured are tributes and flowers laid outside the property on Wood street in Kettering where Ms Chmielecka was murdered

'For the sake of her loving family, who remain devastated by her death, I am glad Chmielecki now accepts his guilt on this as well, and I'm pleased to see him receive this significant prison term

'Nothing can bring Marta back, or alleviate the pain of her loss, but I hope her loved ones and friends can take some small comfort from knowing the man responsible has been brought to account for his awful crime.'

In a statement after sentencing, Marta's family said: 'Marta was exceptional. She was full of life, kind, cheerful, helpful and smart. You never had to ask for her help, she was always just there for us, whatever we needed.

'She loved our children and was a fantastic aunty to them both. Marta was definitely a daddy's girl too, they had such a strong bond and loving relationship.

'After her death, her father began stuttering and now finds it very hard to communicate. He has really suffered, we all have.

A post-mortem showed Ms Chmielecka (pictured) had suffered 32 sharp force injuries - seven to her right hand, five to her shoulders and upper arm, one to the left breast and 19 to her face and neck

'Marta had so many plans and dreams. She was independent and confident. We all loved her so much.

'It is never going to be the same without her. Losing Marta has changed our whole lives.

'He has taken Marta away from so many people who loved her. She loved our children and he took her away from them, from them having a relationship with her.

'He deprived them of their aunty. He deprived us of our sister. He deprived our parents of their child.

'Our elder daughter knows Marta is with the angels, but our youngest doesn't remember her because she was only one when she died.

'We were a really close family - we don't have any other family here, we only had Marta. So, we would mark every celebration together - Christmas, birthdays, everything.

'Things are just completely different now. It's hard to describe.

'When Marta died, something beyond her died as well and none of us will ever be the same. We miss her every day.'
Vili Fualaau is set to become a grandfather at 40 years old.

The Samoan DJ has two daughters - Audrey, 26, and Georgia, 24 - with his sixth grade teacher and convicted pedophile ex-wife Mary Kay Letourneau, who died in 2020 from cancer.

DailyMail.com can reveal that their youngest daughter Georgia is due to give birth to a baby boy in January.

Mom-to-be Georgia announced the news on her private Instagram account on Saturday, sources told DailyMail.com.

One post showed Georgia and her husband sharing a kiss with the caption, 'New parents coming soon'

Vili Faulaau's youngest daughter with late convicted pedophile Mary Kay Letourneau is pregnant, DailyMail.com can reveal. Georgia can be seen getting a kiss on her baby bump from her big sister Audrey at the gender reveal party

Daughter Georgia, 24, (left) is expecting a boy in January, which will make Faulaau a grandfather at 40 years old. Mary Kay is pictured with her daughters and Vili two years before her death. She was convicted of raping the father of her two children when he was just 12 years old

In another, Georgia is seen in a black tank top and underwear holding her belly with the caption, '22 weeks with my sweet boy. Wanted to do a halfway mark but this is close enough! Cried this morning talking to my son about how much love I feel for him already. I love you my baby boy.'

Faulaau became a father at just 14 when Letourneau gave birth in prison at the age of 36

Big sister Audrey, who is now working as a Honolulu-based flight attendant, had words of encouragement for her younger sister and posted photos from a gender reveal celebration last month.

Georgia can be seen getting a kiss on her baby bump from soon-to-be-aunt Audrey at the party.

'It's a BOY. Words cannot explain how excited I am for my little sister to have this baby boy. you're going to be such an amazing mom! I can't wait to help raise the little cutie pie,' Audrey captioned the post.

Dad Vili makes no appearance in the happy posts, but he's busy these days with his almost one-year-old baby daughter Sophia.

Last November it was revealed by the girls on their social media that they were big sisters thanks to the birth of Vili's youngest child.

Georgia wrote, 'Hi Sophia. I'm your big sister! You're so beautiful, I can't wait to watch you grow. I'll be right here by your side no matter what! I love you.'

'It's a BOY. Words cannot explain how excited I am for my little sister to have this baby boy. you're going to be such an amazing mom! I can't wait to help raise the little cutie pie,' Audrey captioned the post

Audrey had words of encouragement for her younger sister and posted photos from a gender reveal celebration last month

The Fualaau girls were raised by Vili's mom Soona while Mary Kay served out a seven year sentence after violating the plea deal agreement

It's been a rough road for the father of three and soon-to-be grandpa.

He began a relationship in 1996 with his 34-year-old sixth grade teacher Mary Kay Letourneau at age 12. She was already a married mother of four.

The illicit affair was soon leaked to law enforcement by a relative of her husband Steve Letourneau, and became a national scandal.

Mary Kay, who passed away from stage four colon cancer at the age of 58 in July 2020, was initially given a slap on the wrist with a six-month prison term after pleading guilty to two counts second degree child rape.

One of the conditions of her agreement was that she have no contact with the young teenager, a condition she could and would not adhere to.

In 1998 at the age of 14, Vili became a father to Audrey. Fourteen months later Georgia was born.

Vili and Mary Kay remained steadfastly defiant of their love and relationship. They were married in 2005, shortly after Mary Kay's release from prison, and remained together until he filed for legal separation in 2017

Mary Kay gave birth to Georgia during her six years in prison. She was sent to prison after violating her original sentencing deal of not contacting her lover. The pair were found having sex in a car

The Fualaau girls were raised by Vili's mom Soona while Mary Kay served out a seven-year sentence after violating the plea deal agreement.

Vili and Mary Kay remained steadfastly defiant of their love and relationship.

They were married in 2005, shortly after Mary Kay's release from prison, and remained together until he filed for legal separation in 2017.

They are said to have got back together again a year later.

Mary Kay died just five months after their divorce was finalized with Vili at her side. She left him and their two daughters her entire estate.
Ministers were ridiculed at an inquiry into the Salisbury Novichok poisonings yesterday for refusing to admit one of the victims, Russian spy Sergei Skripal, was a British agent.

More than five years after the Kremlin targeted him at his home, and despite Mr Skripal himself helping write a book about his double life as an MI6 operative, the inquiry was told the Government could not confirm or deny his situation.

At the same time, at yesterdays hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice to decide how much the public can be told about the case, a senior lawyer for the Government pledged to uphold the enormous importance of open justice.

Barrister Michael Mansfield KC told the court: This neither confirm nor deny [policy] is almost Alice in Wonderland - the Government standing there and denying that which is obvious.

Inquiry chairman Lord Hughes of Ombersley was told that Mr Skripal had helped write a book about his undercover exploits as an MI6 agent and it was obvious he was a British asset, yet the Government still refused to admit or deny he was a double agent.

Pictured, Sergei Skripal who was a former Russian agent who helped write a book about his double life as an MI6 agent

Lord Hughes warned it was inevitable there would be perhaps quite a lot of material kept secret from the public when his inquiry eventually starts.

He told yesterdays preliminary hearing that, although the starting point will be for everything to be heard in an open hearing, issues of national security and police workings will have to be heard in private.

Cathryn McGahey KC, for the Government and security services, said: The Government does not dispute for one moment the enormous importance of open justice.

But referring to Mr Skripal, she said as a matter of policy ministers never confirmed or denied if someone was an agent, saying: Confirming if a person is an agent may put that person at risk, confirming they are not may put someone else at risk - and that risk could be a risk of death.

Potential agents will not work for His Majestys Government if they think one day their identities may be revealed at a court, and if they wont work for us, then vital intelligence that keeps our country safe may be lost.

Jude Bunting KC, for media groups including the Mail, the Telegraph, the BBC and Sky News, urged the chairman to keep as much material as possible in the open to protect public confidence, prevent the appearance of a cover-up and assist in the quality of evidence.

Lord Hughes, a former Supreme Court judge, said: Given what is alleged to have happened, theres inevitably going to be some material, perhaps quite a lot, that falls into the closed category.

Mr Mansfield, representing the family of Dawn Sturgess, an innocent victim of the 2018 poisonings, questioned if enough had been done to safeguard the people of Salisbury given Mr Skripal who was undoubtedly a Russian spy and who lived in Salisbury under his own name had been moved there after a prisoner swap with the Kremlin.

Pictured, the aftermath of the Salisbury poisoning in which Sergei and his daughter were attacked in a Kremlin-sanctioned hit

Has somebody done a risk assessment? I think the public need to know what the safety element of all this is. How much safeguarding was being done in advance? asked the KC.

The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry is examining the truth of the audacious attack, to establish the extent of Russian state involvement in the death of the 44-year-old mother-of-three, who died after spraying herself with the nerve agent contained within a discarded perfume bottle.

Russian spies had sprayed deadly Novichok on the door handle of the home in Salisbury where ex-spy Mr Skripal had been housed with his daughter Yulia. They both narrowly survived the attack, but Ms Sturgess died in hospital three months later after her boyfriend found the perfume bottle used by the agents to hide the poison.

Russian military intelligence officers Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov were later identified as the poisoners, and were branded dumb Bond spies who became a global laughing stock when they went on Russian state TV to insist they were merely history-buff tourists who visited Salisbury to see the citys famous 123-metre cathedral spire.
Anthony Albanese donned a traditional Indonesian shirt as he was joined by partner Jodie Haydon at the ASEAN summit in Jakarta.

The prime minister placed a protective arm around Ms Haydon - who wore a simple black dress with matching heels - as they walked the red carpet before being greeted by Indonesian president Joko Widodo.

Speaking at the summit, Mr Albanese said security links with the Indo-Pacific will be bolstered alongside an upgrade to economic ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Anthony Albanese donned a traditional Indonesian batik shirt as he was joined by partner Jodie Haydon at the ASEAN summit in Jakarta

The prime minister placed a protective arm around Ms Haydon as they walked the red carpet

The prime minister unveiled Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which sets out ways to increase trade links with the fastest growing economy in the region.

The report lists 75 recommendations to boost trade and investment ties with the region, which is expected to become the world's fourth largest economy by 2040.

The first initiatives for the strategy include $95.4 million being spent over the next four years on teams identifying investment opportunity, business exchange programs and pilot programs for placements for young professionals.

Mr Albanese said the government would work through implementing all 75 recommendations in an 'orderly way', saying the strategy would also strengthen security links with Asian nations.

'There's a complete link between the economy and economic relations and national security,' he told reporters in Jakarta.

'This is a positive report that will be seen positively by all of the nations in Asia.'

Australia's two-way trade with ASEAN nations last year was about $178 billion - greater than the two-way trade with Japan, the United States or European Union.

However, Mr Albanese said trade ties with the region had been underdone.

Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon were greeted by Joko Widodo and Indonesian First Lady Iriana

'Australia's economic engagement with the region has not kept pace with the growth of Southeast Asian economies,' he said.

'The strategy we outline today reflects an enduring truth: this is where Australia's economic destiny lies, and this is where our shared prosperity can be built.'

Southeast Asia special envoy Nicholas Moore, who developed the strategy, has identified 10 priority sectors for Australia including agriculture and food, resources, infrastructure, energy and education.

READ MORE: Karl Stefanovic calls out Anthony Albanese's government Advertisement

The strategy also calls for further efforts to remove trade blockages, including establishing an all-in-one service for further foreign investment.

Extending partnerships for infrastructure with the region, with a mix of public and private-sector funds, is part of the plan.

The prime minister said a streamlining of Indonesian visas to Australia was still being examined.

'We have a migration review taking place ... my government works issues through in a logical orderly way to make sure that we get decision making right,' he said.

Mr Moore said Southeast Asia represented a lot of untapped potential for Australia.

'Our trade has been constant while the region has been growing. Our investment actually going backwards is an issue,' he said.

At a business function in Jakarta coinciding with the launch of the strategy, the prime minister said net zero would be a key component of investment in the region.

'We know that as the globe moves towards net zero, here in this region there's a particular challenge,' he said.

'Because you want to be moving to net zero while you're gving much more of the population of Southeast Asia access to energy ... that presents a challenge and presents an emormous opportunity which we can seize.'

Mr Albanese met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit on Wednesday.

He will also held bilateral talks with leaders from Laos, Malaysia and East Timor.

But despite the improving trade relations with China following the removal of tariffs, the prime minister won't be holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is not attending the ASEAN summit or the upcoming G20 summit

Premier Li Qiang will instead represent China at the G20.

'I'm sure that over the next period, both here and the G20, Premier Li will be present and we'll certainly be in the same room,' Mr Albanese said.

'China, of course is our main trading partner. We support trade with China and we've been working through some of the issues.'

The prime minister also announced ASEAN leaders would meet in Melbourne in March 2024, commemorating 50 years since Australia became a dialogue partner of ASEAN.
The senator froze last week during a press conference in Kentucky

Some Republicans are saying Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell should not be holding his leadership position following rising 'doubts' about his health status after he experienced a second 'freeze-up' incident last week.

McConnell's health has been under increasing scrutiny following his second public freeze-up in recent weeks during a press conference in Kentucky where he didn't respond for 30 seconds after being asked if he would run for reelection in 2026.

The episode mirrored the senator's first freezing event that occurred at a July press conference in the Capitol. It also comes just months after McConnell suffered a concussion and broken rib when he tripped and hit his head at the D.C. Waldorf Astoria and was admitted to hospital for treatment.

Now, some Republicans are publicly questioning McConnell's health status and ability to lead as the Senate returns to the Capitol after a 40-day recess hiatus.

But McConnell himself said Wednesday that he has 'no plans' to step down from his leadership post or retire. He told reporters he will finish his term as GOP leader and his Senate term too.

The GOP leader cited the Capitol physician's statement from Tuesday that there was 'no evidence' that he suffered a stroke or seizure or has a 'movement disorder' - saying he had nothing to add beyond that.

He also told lawmakers behind closed doors at their weekly lunch that he had only suffered two of the bizarre freezing episodes - both which happened to occur during press conferences.

Earlier Wednesday, Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he 'absolutely' doesn't believe McConnell is the right lawmaker to lead the Republican Party as they try to take back control of the Senate in 2024.

He told reporters: 'Is he able to do the job? I mean, he's going to have to answer that question. Do I think he should be a leader? No.'

Hawley was one of a handful of Republicans who did not vote for McConnell to become minority leader at the end of 2022. The other defectors included Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mike Braun, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul and Rick Scott.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks to the chamber as he returns to work at the Capitol

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) leaves his Washington house to return to the U.S. Senate, less than a week after he froze for more than 30 seconds while speaking to reporters

'I don't think you can have it both ways,' he continued addressing his other GOP colleagues' commitment to standing behind McConnell after his health scare, while questioning 80-year-old President Biden's health and mental acuity.

The GOP leadership has put the full weight of their support behind McConnell.

Sen. John Thune, R-N.D., who is the No. 2 Senate Republican, said Tuesday that he fully backs McConnell continuing to serve as leader.

On Tuesday, the Capitol physician shut down speculation over the cause of the freezes.

Dr Brian Monahan said there was 'no evidence' that McConnell suffered a stroke or seizure or has a 'movement disorder' such as Parkinson's disease, according to a letter publicized by the minority leader's office on Tuesday ahead of his return.

The physician said he consulted with neurologists and examined McConnell's MRIs and an EEG study in making his determination. As a result, he writes that there are 'no changes in recommended treatment protocols' since the senator's fall and concussion in March.

The minority leader's office said last week that he was just feeling 'lightheaded' and assured he would consult a doctor as a precautionary measure.

Dr. Monahan cleared McConnell to continue working, saying the episode could be attributed to dehydration and that it's normal to experience lightheadedness during concussion recovery.

The other Kentucky senator, Rand Paul, pushed back on his assessment, saying dehydration is not a 'valid' diagnosis.

'Everybody's seen the clips, it's not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say that's dehydration,' Paul, who worked in medicine for 25 years as an eye doctor, said Tuesday.

'Somebody ought to wake up and say wow, this looks like seizure.'

However, not all are concerned.

'He's a fine leader. If he has a hangnail, I don't need to know about it,' said Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.

'The reality is that we may expect that Mitch McConnell will check out for 20 seconds a day, but the other 86,380 seconds on the day he does a pretty darn good job.'

Senators will reconvened on Tuesday for the first time since the end of July.

McConnell made remarks on the Senate floor, but did not directly address his health challenges, only making a passing reference.

At Wednesday's GOP lunch, the leader talked about his health history in more depth with members of his caucus.

According to Sen. John Kennedy, McConnell explained that he's 'no stranger' to health problems, which started when he had polio as a child.

The leader said he's only had 'two of these brain freeze moments' and has been checked out by specialists in D.C. and elsewhere who have given him a 'clean bill of health.'

'I take him at his word. regardless of what we all think the truth is, and what I've tried to explain to my friends in the press, the only person in the milky way who can make Mitch McConnell step down is Mitch McMonnell.'

'It will happen when you see donkeys fly,' Kennedy, R-La., continued in an interview on Fox News following the lunch.

He faced tougher questioning by the Capitol Hill press corps later Wednesday at the weekly GOP press conference, but said he has no plans to retire and reiterated that the Capitol physician cleared him.

The Senate has a busy few weeks ahead as government funding is set to run out by Oct. 1.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated his plan to move forward a series of spending bills over the next several weeks.

But the House of Representatives is not set to return to D.C. until next Tuesday, not leaving much time to get a deal done and starve off a government shutdown.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy has floated the idea of a one-month short-term funding bill, but he is receiving push back from farther right members of his conference.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is also continuing his blockade on military appointments - which sparked a rare public rebuke from the secretaries of the Army, Air Force and Navy in an op-ed this week calling it a 'dangerous hold.'

The House minority leader made a series of calls to his Senate allies following the latest troubling episode, DailyMail.com confirmed last week.

It was an apparent effort to assure them of his stable health and drum up support as worries intensify.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune's spokesperson Ryan Wrasse confirmed to DailyMail.com that the Minority Whip spoke with McConnell and the leader 'sounded like his usual self and was in good spirits.'

A spokesperson for Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., did not confirm that a call took place between the senators, but said they were aware of reports that the two spoke.

McConnell told Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, that he is doing well when the two spoke after the incident on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the senator confirmed to DailyMail.com.

The GOP senators, known as the 'Three Johns,' are also next in line to replace the minority leader in the event that he steps down or is unfit to serve.

The very swift all-clear comes as reports emerge that a handful of Republican senators are discussing holding a meeting amid McConnell's declining health.

It does not appear that party leadership is involved in these alleged talks.

At least a dozen GOP offices said when reached by DailyMail.com last week that they are not aware of any meetings on the topic.

The latest episode has led to renewed calls for term limits in the House and Senate  even from those within the walls of Congress.

GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley called the Senate the 'most privileged nursing home in the country' after McConnell's recent episode.

'What I will say is, right now, the Senate is the most privileged nursing home in the country,' she said last week. 'I mean, Mitch McConnell has done some great things and he deserves credit. But you have to know when to leave.'

Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., said the limits would help restore 'human decency' for elderly politicians like McConnell and Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 90, who is also suffering public health scares.

Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo., said Wednesday he 'absolutely' doesn't believe McConnell is the right lawmaker to lead the Republican Party as they try to take back control of the Senate in 2024

McConnell returned to work in the Senate Tuesday after a 40-day recess hiatus

McConnell entered his U.S. Capitol Police SUV as he leaves his Washington house to return to work in the Senate Tuesday

Senate Republican Mitch McConnell appears to freeze up for more than 30 seconds during a public appearance in Kentucky last week

McConnell also froze mid-press conference while speaking just off the Senate floor in July, requiring assistance from fellow lawmakers to walk him back to his office

'For goodness sake, the family, friends, and staff of Senators Feinstein and McConnell are doing them and our country a tremendous disservice,' Phillips wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

'It's time for term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court, and some basic human decency.'

His criticism of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein comes after the 90-year-old was hospitalized earlier this month following a trip and fall at her home in San Francisco.

She was released after tests showed she was fine, but the latest health incident raised more questions about her ability to carry out her duties as a senator.

Her many absences since the start of the year have hampered the majority Democrats' ability to move nominations through the Judiciary Committee.
Parents have slammed a secondary school for sending pupils home for wearing unsuitable footwear - including Vivienne Westwood pumps and Nike walking boots.

Students attended Grace College in Gateshead on Tuesday for the start of their new school year. But a number of parents were left stunned when the staff sent their children home for wearing incorrect shoes.

Among those who were asked to return home were a year 10 pupil, who was wearing black Nike walking boots, and year nine and a year seven students who were wearing black Vivienne Westwood pumps.

Melissa Pope said her 11-year-old daughter Layla Thomson was sent home during her first day of secondary school for wearing the popular Vivienne Westwood slip on shoes.

The 37-year-old, from Car Hill, Gateshead, said her daughter spent the day in isolation before being picked up by her grandmother and now does not want to return to the school.

Parents have slammed secondary school Grace College in Gateshead for sending pupils home for wearing unsuitable footwear - including Vivienne Westwood pumps (pictured)

A year 10 boy was sent home from Grace College for wearing Nike boots (pictured)

Melissa, who works as a phlebotomist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, has described the school's response as 'disgusting' and 'ridiculous'.

The mum-of-two said: 'My daughter has had her first day at secondary school. She's been sitting in a room not learning anything at all and not wanting to go back.

'They've said she can't wear them for health and safety because the shoe doesn't cover the top of the foot. I asked if I could get her a loafer and they said that still wasn't acceptable, it had to be a brogue type of shoe.

'I just don't see why, I don't understand it. She was wearing them for the last two years of primary school and she didn't have any problems. I think it's just a power thing. There were so many girls sent home today.

'It's a school, it's not a camp. They're getting treated like they're in the Army and they have got to do this and that and wear this and that.

'The only thing it's done today is disrupt a whole school. She hasn't done anything or had any lessons. She doesn't know what the school is like. She's just been stuck in a room.

'I'm not going to buy another pair of shoes, she will just not go back! I will try and get her into a different school.'

The father of a year nine student, who did not wish to be identified, claims a 'large proportion' of girls had been sent home for wearing the black Vivienne Westwood shoes, which contain a logo at the front.

He said: 'It's ridiculous, it's way over the top. They're not taking into account their education. They have been off for six to seven weeks already and they're going to keep them off further for a pair of shoes.

'They've had all that time off during the pandemic where they've had to stare at tablets and iPads to try and get some sort of education.

'The North East has the lowest GCSE results in the country and we've got a secondary school sending kids in year nine - when they start to knuckle down for GCSEs - home for a pair of shoes.

'Surely their education and their GCSEs are more important than a pair of shoes?'

The dad said more consideration could have been given to the parents, who have paid out as much as 100 for the shoes.

He said: 'They could have sent a letter home to say 'We appreciate that kids want these types of shoes and they've probably spent a lot of money on them, but can you please make sure they wear a different pair of shoes if possible'.

'Not something as abrupt as sending them home and expecting them to have a pair of shoes straight away.

'We're in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Parents have probably scrimped and saved up for these schools that were 100 because their kids harped on for them because all their friends are wearing them.'

He added: 'I'm quite angry that they are clearly focusing on matters that are less concerning then others that have been raised to them. There's more important things that should be addressed rather than shoes.'

Layla Thomson (pictured), 11, from Car Hill, Gateshead, was put into isolation and sent home for wearing Vivienne Westwood shoes on her first day of secondary school at Grace College

Students attended Grace College (pictured) in Gateshead on Tuesday for the start of their new school year. But a number of parents were left stunned when the staff sent their children home for wearing incorrect shoes

The mother of the year 10 boy, who did not wish to be identified, said she had to take time out of work to collect him. She claims she was asked if she could take another student home with her as well as their parents were at work - even though she was at work too.

The woman, who works as a student nurse, said she is 'absolutely livid' with the situation.

She said: 'It's a Nike walking boot - he walks to school and back everyday and they are robust. They want them to wear office shows, like brogues. That's not good for them to walk to school in, especially in the rain.

'I have told the teacher if they are not going to accept him into school they have to wait until I get paid at the end of the month.

'It's absolutely ridiculous, a shoe is a shoe. Fair enough if it was white converse or bright trainers but they're shoes. It doesn't change how they're educated. It doesn't make any difference what they wear on their feet. Uniforms are expensive enough.

'He's been home for six weeks, I want him back to a routine. He needs his education. He hasn't been able to get his timetable.'

The school, located on Saltwell Rd South in Low Fell, was previously known as Joseph Swan. It was taken over by the Emmanuel Schools Foundation, which runs Emmanuel College in Lobley Hill, in 2019.

Grace College said that school shoes should be plain black and devoid of fashion logos to ensure consistency across the college, ensure safety and protect students from pressure to follow trends.

The school said work is done with all Year 6 parents prior to children joining Grace College to make expectations clear. They said uniform was one of the important topics covered specifically at face-to- face meetings with parents for Year 6 students in July.

A spokesperson for Grace College said: 'Grace College is proud of its uniform for the professional image it portrays, and we expect students to wear it with pride.

'We aim for high standards at all times and wearing the correct uniform in the correct way is a significant and important starting point in setting and maintaining these standards. Our uniform policy is designed to be fair, equal and affordable to all students, which is especially important during a cost of living crisis.

'Our uniform is smart, practical and good value and clear guidance on it is provided to families prior to their children joining the college; the policy can also be found within three clicks on our website.

'All families are aware that school shoes should be plain black and polishable, and devoid of fashion logos. Our website offers guidance on eight different styles and we name recommended suppliers.

'This is to ensure consistency across the college, to ensure safety, to protect students from pressure to follow trends, to prevent bullying and to keep costs as low as possible.

'Our policy is always to ask students to correct their uniform where they can. We have a small supply of uniform in college to support students to do this straightaway.

'Where it is not possible to rectify a uniform issue, we always contact parents and seek to work with them to put things right. We have had to do this with a number of students today.'
Problem for Sir Keir Starmer. When you have refocused your party's attacks on to saying the Tories made a Horlicks of economic recovery, and then that contention turns out to be factually untrue, you have what our German friends call 'ein Katzenjammer'. A political hangover.

At PMQs Sir Keir did his normal thing of alighting on the week's scalding-hot controversy. With his shiny red tie and razored bog-brush hairdo, the nasal knight flew at Rishi Sunak and accused him of untold wickedness on the schools concrete crisis. Mr Sunak was a rich cur who did not care about other people's children!

Histrionics. Alarums. Bulged eyeballs. Sir Keir called government ministers a bunch of 'cowboys' and said children in schools were 'cowering under steel girders'. He made them sound like smudge-faced urchins from the poster for Sir Cameron Mackintosh's Les Miserables.

The Labour leader spat out the words, adopted the tough-guy routine and made it all sound tremendously worrying. He was a turbocharged Eeyore, a surfer of setbacks, an adenoidal alarmist to topple the late Arthur Schopenhauer for the title 'king of pessimists'. Those of us who used to be gossip-columnists sympathised. On days when the column was short of substance, the advice was always 'give it a bit of topspin'.

At PMQs Sir Keir (pictured) did his normal thing of alighting on the week's scalding-hot controversy

With his shiny red tie and razored bog-brush hairdo, the nasal knight flew at Rishi Sunak (pictured) and accused him of untold wickedness on the schools concrete crisis

Then Mr Sunak spoke about the new economic data which has corrected earlier statistics and shows that Britain in fact bounced back economically from lockdown better than our European counterparts. Conservative MPs cheered. The rest of us, to use another German expression, may simply have thought 'if Starmer's Sturm und Drang on the economy was so wonky, maybe he's off the pace on some of this other disaster-movie stuff, too'.

The Commons was its customary serene self: a jampot of tics and twitches and heckles. Theme of the day, thanks to Gillian Keegan's TV obscenities on Monday, was backsides. A Scots Nat MP distinguished himself by saying the word 'a*se'. And no, it wasn't apse. Chris Law (Dundee West) thought he would make a name for himself by saying that Labour and the Conservatives were 'two cheeks of the same a*se' because their welfare policies were so similar. It took Speaker Hoyle a few seconds to realise what the burly Law had said. He requested milder language so that 'the pride of this parliament will shine through'. Mr Law said 'bottom' instead.

One of the policies mentioned by Mr Law was the bedroom tax. Remember that? At the time we were told it was going to be a calamity. And yet we survived.

Back to apses. 'We've heard far too much recently about ministerial posteriors,' announced the heroically pedestrian Mary Glindon (Lab, N Tyneside). All I could think about, as she said that, was what voluminous bags she herself might be wearing. A terrible image. I had just about rinsed my mind back to serious matters when Andy McDonald (Lab, Middlesbrough) described grotty school facilities in his constituency and encouraged the prime minister and Mrs Keegan, his Education Secretary, to 'get off their derrieres'. A David Cameron might have complimented mirthless McDonald on his modern-language skills but Mr Sunak batted back a boringly safe reply. Rishi doesn't really do jokes.

Mrs Keegan, since you ask, was half way down the government frontbench, far enough away from the PM not to infect him with anything politically unwholesome. She has become a wonderful cartoon villain, tossing her lustrous mane with affected nonchalence, curling her lip and shouting a derisive 'oh, seriously!' at Sir Keir's attack line on the cowboys. She did not look entirely thrilled, either, when Kemi Badenoch turned up (typically) late and everyone on the ministerial bench had to squeeze tighter to accommodate the trade secretary's petite rump. It used to be said that the next Conservative leadership contest was likely Kemi v Keegan. Not now, perhaps. Unless the schools concrete controversy evaporates like so many other crises.
Legal experts have warned Alex Murdaugh could win a re-trial if allegations that the clerk in his blockbuster trial interfered with jurors prove to be true.

'Where theres smoke, theres fire, and it looks a lot like Clerk of Court Becky Hill did something very wrong,' lawyer and former law professor Danny Karon told DailyMail.com on Wednesday.

Murdaugh's legal team filed an appeal against his conviction on Tuesday, arguing Colleton County Court clerk Rebecca Hill repeatedly 'influenced the trial' and profited from a book deal she obtained thanks to her position as an insider.

Attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian claim they have sworn statements from two jurors who say Hill 'tampered with the jury,' even warning them at one point to 'not to be fooled by' Murdaugh before he took the stand.

While the allegations against Hill have not been proven, Karon said her publishing of a book is inappropriate and only bolsters Murdaugh's case.

'I cant know whether she entered the jury room or said anything inappropriate to the jurors. But the fact that shes already published a book about her story  when this wasnt her story to begin with  to me smacks of meddling and opportunism. Its people like her who tend to step over the line,' he said.

The defense team submitted a motion on behalf of the disgraced South Carolina attorney on Tuesday, claiming that Rebecca Hill repeatedly 'tampered with the jury'

Hill, pictured with Judge Newman, is being accused by Murdaugh's defense team of influencing the jury as they move for a retrial

Lawyer and lecturer Danny Karon said that while the allegations against Hill have not been proven, her publishing of a book is inappropriate

In legal documents Murdaugh's lawyers stated that Hill would enter the jury room on a regular basis, asking jurors about their opinions about Murdaugh's guilt or innocence.

Hill, who is on her first term as elected Clerk of Court, published a book on the trial, Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, in July. The work has swiftly moved up the Amazon rankings for non-fiction crime books and thrillers.

Murdaugh's attorneys argue that Hill breached a South Carolina code which states: 'No public official, public member, or public employee may knowingly use his official office, membership, or employment to obtain an economic interest for himself.'

Now that Murdaugh's lawyers have filed the appeal, the attorney general will have to respond within 10 days. A judge will then have to look at the evidence they say they have - two sworn affidavits with the scandalous claims - and decide if their arguments are valid.

The judge would then hold a hearing for Murdaugh to prove the allegations that Hill did have contact with the jurors to influence the trial, and if he does, the judge must grant a new trial.

The prosecution would then have the heavy burden of proving that Hill's contact with jurors was harmless, Karon explained.

He added: 'In a criminal case, any private communication, contact, or tampering with jurors during a trial is deemed presumptively prejudicial.

'Though this presumption is not conclusive, the state would have a heavy burden to overcome that contact with jurors was harmless to Murdaugh.'

Hill, who is on her first term as elected Clerk of Court, published a book, Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, on the trial in July

South Carolina attorney Andrew Postal told DailyMail.com the allegations against Hill are serious, and if what the defense is saying is true, the motion for a new trial stands a chance.

He explained: 'The clerk of court should never attempt to influence the jurors, and ultimately the outcome of the trial. Whats worse is that she is accused of doing this for personal financial gain to sell a book.

'The ultimate question will be whether the clerk of courts behavior influenced the verdict, and the answer to that will depend on the interviews with each juror.'

It's not clear how much money Hill has made from her book, but the title is currently doing very well on Amazon, ranking at number 58 in books.

As a South Carolina lawyer, Postal added that he doesn't see how Murdaugh could get another trial in the state.

'Due to the publicity of the first trial, it is difficult to imagine anywhere in South Carolina where a fair and impartial jury could be found for a new trial,' he said. 'Maybe that is part of their strategy, we will have to wait and see.'

The defense team submitted a motion on behalf of the disgraced South Carolina attorney on Tuesday.

It stated: 'Ms. Hill did these things to secure for herself a book deal and media appearances that would not happen in the event of a mistrial. Ms. Hill betrayed her oath of office for money and fame.'

Murdaugh's legal team says he was 'shaking and in disbelief' after they presented him with the evidence. He is currently serving two life sentences for the murders of Maggie and Paul.

They claim that they were informed of Hill's alleged behavior after the publication of the book, when jurors who were 'upset' with her came forward.

'We were hitting brick walls until her book came out,' Dick Harpootlian said. 'Then jurors who obviously were not comfortable in how she handled matters, and even less comfortable with her going on a book tour and making money off it, they reported it to us.'

They say that they are 'optimistic' for a retrial, but would not answer questions about any new suspects or evidence they would bring in the case.

Griffin and Harpootlian say Hill traveled with jurors to New York when they appeared on NBC's Today Show.

NBC did not immediately respond when contacted by DaiylMail.com for a request for comment.

The pair further allege that Hill 'invented a story about a Facebook post to remove a juror she believed might not vote guilty.'

Attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Hapootlian claim they have sworn statements from two jurors that are enough cause for Alex Murdaugh to get a new murder trial

Court documents claim Hill, right, would enter the jury room on a regular basis, as well as having private conversations with the jury foreperson 'lasting five or ten minutes'

Joe McCulloch, lawyer for two jurors who signed affidavits, told News Nation that his clients 'reluctantly agreed' to speak to the defense team.

He added: 'This is one of those chips fall where they may. I have a lot of regard for the clerk and it's unfortunate that we find ourselves here.

'It is hard to say where this goes but it is a challenge to our court system to evaluate all this and determine what is the next right thing to do.

'I will say that the assertions by the defense today, with statements made by people I represent they're serious and there certainly is a way that the court could find that this cannot be assigned as harmless error.

'But well have to wait for the court to do its work.'

During the trial Judge Clifton Newman ordered Hill to produce a Facebook post that she had seen, claiming that a juror's ex-husband was 'saying stuff' about how his former wife told him what her 'verdict was going to be'.

But the new documents now claim that Hill 'invented' the post, with the juror claiming it could not be possible as she hadn't seen her ex-husband in more than ten years.

'Ms. Hill never saw any such Facebook post. She made it up,' the newly filed motion claims.

The former spouse also denied the allegations that he wrote the post, as well as a follow-up apology, in a sworn affidavit.

Judge Newman ultimately dismissed the juror, but said: 'Oh boy. I'm not too pleased about the clerk interrogating a juror as opposed to coming to me and bringing it to me.'

The lawyers said there are additional jurors who won't speak to them, so they want them to be subpoenaed to testify under oath.

Griffin claimed Hill went as far as telling the jury to not 'be fooled' by Murdaugh's testimony.

'If these jurors are to be believed, it is an impossible burden by the state we get a new trial,' he added.
A historic dwarf bullfighting troupe has had their show cancelled by the Spanish government following outcry from woke activists who branded practice as 'cruel and degrading'.

The mini-matadors said they have become the 'victims' of so-called do-gooders, who complained it was humiliating for little people to take part in such a performance.

But they insist they are 'entirely happy' and don't feel at all degraded, adding that banning their show signalled 'a total lack of respect' for their feelings.

Their popular routine sees them dressed in gaudy clothes while heavily made-up, darting about the ring and leaping skillfully out of the path of charging bulls.

Daniel Calderon - a bullfighter and manager of the company, Diversiones en el Ruedo comedy troupe, insisted: 'It shows a complete lack of respect and freedom'

A troupe of dwarf bullfighters are fuming after a regional Spanish government banned their comedic show

Above all, they insist they do not actually harm the animals.

But now the event, scheduled for Murcia's bullring, next Wednesday, has been cancelled.

It comes after an official complaint was filed by an animal protection group to the region's acting president, Fernando Lopez Miras.

The Franz Weber foundation made their plea to the Ministry of Social Rights, as well as the Disabled Persons Directorate at the Murcia government headquarters.

The foundation described the shows as 'degrading' for the dwarfs and a 'cruel mockery'.

They cited a section of Spain's General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that specifically vetoes 'any bullfighting show in which there is mockery, ridicule or humiliation for people with functional diversity'.

Members of the "toreros comicos" of the "Diversiones en el ruedo" Spanish troupe perform during the Thethieu festival in Tethieu, southwestern France, last month

Their popular routine sees members of the troupe darting about the ring and leaping skillfully out of the path of charging bulls

The troupe's director said: 'We are skilled professionals who work hard and entertain like other performers'

Spain's parliament saw its Senate upper house back a measure last April to ban such events but the move still has to be approved by the lower house.

Daniel Calderon - a bullfighter and manager of the company, Diversiones en el Ruedo comedy troupe, insisted: 'It shows a complete lack of respect and freedom.

'We are skilled professionals who work hard and entertain like other performers.'

He added: 'All those who enter the ring are registered as bullfighters at Spain's Ministry of Culture, whatever size they are, and we enter of our own free will.

'Surely it's discrimination to stop us from doing so?'
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that President Joe Biden bailed from Tuesday's Medal of Honor ceremony before the final prayer to protect people from COVID exposure.

She also tried to defend his inconsistent mask use on the heels of first lady Jill Biden testing positive for COVID on Monday.

Biden's hasty exit Tuesday afternoon after honoring retired Army Capt. Larry Taylor for his Vietnam War piloting heroics prompted criticism, as did the president's decision to stay unmasked while placing the medal around 81-year-old Taylor's neck.

Asked if it was a 'mistake' for Biden to remove his mask indoors, Jean-Pierre said the president removed his mask 'to deliver incredibly powerful remarks' and that he 'wanted to honor the captain.'

'And for a brief time afterwards, he also didn't have his mask on, as you just laid out, and he left, as planned, as it was planned, he left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize, to minimize, his close contact with attendees who were about to participate in the reception,' Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday's briefing.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday that President Joe Biden bailed from Tuesday's Medal of Honor ceremony before the final prayer to protect people from COVID exposure

BYE BYE BIDEN: President Joe Biden left a Medal of Honor ceremony Tuesday before the final prayer, which Jean-Pierre said Wednesday was intentional to minimize COVID risk. But Biden also took his mask off to present the Medal of Honor, staying unmasked as he left

With Biden dipping out before the final prayer, Taylor was left lingering onstage.

The president did not put his mask back on as he departed.

The event wrapped up moments later.

On Wednesday, when he addressed a group of union workers, the president also appeared unmasked.

He walked into the State Dining Room holding a black mask in his hand.

'They keep telling me because it has to be 10 days or something, I gotta keep wearing it,' Biden said. 'But don't tell them I didn't have it on when I walked in,' the president joked, motioning toward the press.

During the briefing, which was held ahead of the union event, Jean-Pierre insisted that reporters 'take this all into context.'

President Joe Biden (right), whose wife tested positive for COVID-19 Monday, places the Medal of Honor around the neck of 81-year-old retired Army Capt. Larry Taylor, who saved four men during the Vietnam War due to his chopper piloting heroics

And then on Wednesday, President Joe Biden showed off the mask he wasn't wearing when he appeared in the State Dining Room to briefly address union workers

'I think what's the most important is the president tested negative a couple of hours before this event. He tested negative yesterday, as I just mentioned. He tested negative Monday, he tested negative today,' she said.

'He has no symptoms,' she continued. 'And I think it's important to look at the context as well.'

'For a brief moment afterward, yes, his mask was not on and then when the program paused for a moment he stepped out,' she said.

Subtly addressing the criticism Biden received for leaving Taylor onstage, Jean-Pierre also noted that Biden 'good amount of time with the captain' prior to their joint appearance in the East Room.

'And everybody was masked because he wanted to spend that quality, important time hearing from this hero, hearing his stories and thanking him one-on-one, and also with his family around him, and so the president in every way that we could yesterday followed the CDC guidelines,' she said. 'And again, yes he had his mask off briefly, and then when there was a pause he walked out,' she added, reiterating her previous point.
A bus driver is facing jail for killing a woman who was knocked over outside London's Victoria railway station.

Olusofa Popoola, 60, accidentally accelerated into the back of a stationary bus on the morning of August 10 in 2021 which then hit into pedestrian Melissa Burr.

Ms Burr, 32, died from multiple injuries and the other bus driver, Diane Mathuranayagum, suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident in Terminus Place.

Popoola admitted causing Ms Burr's death by careless driving and said he had pressed the accelerator instead of the brake by mistake.

On Wednesday, a jury cleared Popoola, from Peckham, south-east London, of the more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury following a retrial at the Old Bailey.

Olusofa Popoola arrives at Westminstrer Magistrates Court last year

Melissa Burr (pictured), 32, died from multiple injuries after she was hit by the bus

Previously, prosecutor Robert Evans told how the fatal collision happened as Popoola queued in a line of buses behind Ms Mathuranayagum's vehicle.

When the first bus moved off, Ms Mathuranayagum moved up to the front of the queue. She put on the parking brake, got out of her cab and went to stand by the open door.

Ms Burr, from Rainham, Kent, was the first of three pedestrians to cross in front of the line of buses.

Mr Evans said: 'The parked bus lurched forward. It hit Ms Burr, who was propelled up and forward. The people behind her jumped backwards out of the way.

'The driver of the parked bus, Ms Mathuranayagum, was thrown out of the door of the parked bus and on to the pavement.

'The driverless parked bus continued to go forward; it ran over Ms Burr, who ended up under the bus and she very sadly died as a consequence of the multiple injuries that she received.'

An off-duty police officer on the bus was also thrown to the floor and suffered minor injuries, the court was told.

At the scene, Popoola said he was in the process of stopping when his 'foot slipped off the brake and on to the accelerator'.

In a later prepared statement, he said: 'I felt a big collision out of nowhere. I think out of shock, I may have applied my accelerator more firm instead of the brake. I think I believed that I was pressing the brake.

The scene at Victoria Station in central London when the incident occured

'I think I pressed the brake eventually to bring my vehicle to a stop but the collision had already taken place.

'I was in a state of shock. I could not believe what had happened. I remained seated for around a minute. I did not think anyone was hurt, just that I had caused damage to the vehicles.'

He said he felt terrible about what had happened and added: 'It is so difficult for me to explain. I do not know what happened. I just wanted to move my bus forward and next thing I know the collision happened.'

A crash investigation concluded the defendant had continued to apply the accelerator pedal - rather than a foot brake - after impact with the stationary bus before finally using the parking brake to stop.

Data from his vehicle found it was travelling at around 8mph at the point of collision and reached a peak speed moments earlier of 10mph.

Jurors were shown distressing CCTV footage of the incident in which Ms Burr was struck to assess how Popoola drove.

Mr Evans said: 'He depressed the accelerator pedal with his foot, moving the electric bus forward - driving it forward - and he continued to drive it forward even after his bus had hit the bus in front.

'He then drove forward for almost the whole length of the bus in front, accelerating as he did so.

Another bus driver, Diane Mathuranayagum, suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident in Terminus Place

'The force of the impact from the bus driven by the defendant, into the rear of the parked bus, pushed the previously stationary bus forward and into Ms Burr, who had been crossing the bus bay ahead of it.

'The parking brake had remained applied to the front bus throughout this movement.'

There was no suggestion that Popoola, a bus driver for 20 years, had deliberately driven dangerously but the prosecution argued that his actions that day fell below the standard of a careful and competent motorist.

The jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for 11 hours to reach its verdicts.

Judge Rebecca Trowler KC adjourned sentencing until November 10 and ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation service.

She warned the defendant: 'Plainly the guidelines relating to causing death by careless driving indicate a starting point of custody.'

Popoola was granted continued conditional bail until his sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey.
Sam Bankman-Fried today lost an appeal asking to released from a Brooklyn jail after complaining he cannot properly prepare for his trial over the collapse of his FTX cryptocurrency exchange.

In rejecting Bankman-Fried's request to be freed before his criminal trial, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan nonetheless said it would ask the next available three-judge panel to consider it.

A spokesman for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Aug. 11 revoked Bankman-Fried's $250 million bail after finding that the former billionaire likely tampered with witnesses at least twice.

Bankman-Fried quickly appealed, arguing he would be unable to properly prepare for his scheduled Oct. 3 trial from behind bars.

Sam Bankman-Fried pictured leaving Manhattan Federal Court after being handed a gag order on Wednesday, July 26

Cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed after Bankman-Fried allegedly misused billions in shareholder funds on lavish gifts and political donations

Bankman-Fried's lawyers had claimed he was being fed a 'flesh diet' and forced to make do with bread, water and peanut butter.

His legal team also complained that the crypto whizz kid, who appeared in Manhattan Federal court was unable to prepare without his correct medication.

Lawyers for Bankman-Fried argued that he needed access to computers and medication to prepare properly.

He was previously granted access to Adderall, after his lawyers told the court that he would take 10mg tablets three to four times a day for his ADHD.

Bankham-Fried was also allowed 'uninterrupted access' access to his Emsam prescription for depression by Kaplan on August 14.

But just eight days later, his attorneys have complained he has not been given access to the drugs.

Bankham-Fried was also allowed 'uninterrupted access' access to his Emsam prescription for depression by Kaplan on August 14

The disgraced vegan billionaire, 31, is being fed a 'flesh diet' of bread, water and peanut butter - which his lawyers said was 'outrageous'

His lawyers insisted he shouldn't be jailed for trying to protect his reputation against a barrage of unfavorable news stories

Prosecutors say Bankman-Fried stole billions in FTX customer funds to plug losses at Alameda Research, his hedge fund.

They pushed for Bankman-Fried to be jailed after he shared the personal writings of Caroline Ellison, Alameda's former chief executive and his onetime romantic partner, with a New York Times reporter.

Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges, and said he shared Ellison's writings to defend his reputation, not to intimidate her.

Ellison, who ran Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading hedge fund that was one of his businesses, is expected to testify against her former lover at trial.

The judge said the writings were kinds of things that a former romantic partner was unlikely to share with anyone 'except to hurt, discredit, and frighten the subject of the material.'

Prosecutors say that the memo Ellison wrote will be used against Bankman-Fried in the trial, as well as testimony from members of his inner circle.

She described being racked with self-doubt over her decision making, with one message reading: 'At the end of the day I can't wait to go home and turn off my phone and have a drink and get away from it all.'

Leaked messages written by Caroline Ellison offered a glimpse at her life as CEO of Alameda Research, where she noted being 'overwhelmed' by the role

The state said it planned to use a memo she wrote after one conversation with him titled 'Things Sam Is Freaking Out About.'

A 70-page court document included a trove of financial records, political donations and private Slack messages.

In court papers on Tuesday, Bankman-Fried's lawyers said the arrangement to give him several hours a day to review evidence on a laptop at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn has proven inadequate.

They said he lost more than four hours on Friday when he had to return to his cell for a prisoner count, and lost more time over the weekend.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan said the jail has authorized Bankman-Fried's purchase of a second laptop.

He wore a navy suit, with brown shoes on Aug 11 and kept his head down as he shuffled into court

The disgraced crypto genius shuffled into the courtroom before nodding at his mother, (pictured on August 11) who became emotional after hearing the jail conditions her son was allegedly enduring

Bankman-Fried's lawyers have not sought to delay the trial. Kaplan said last week that he would consider such a request.

Kaplan previously noted Bankman-Fried 'tried to go up to the line' after using a VPN to watch a football game 'over an account he wasn't authorized.'

'He subscribed from the Bahamas and used a VPN as if he were in the Bahamas when he was in Palo Alto and could have watched it on public TV,' he said.

'It shows the mindset. All things considered I am going to revoke bail.'

Bankman-Fried is facing a slew of criminal charges related to the collapse of his cryptocurrency exchange FTX in November.

He allegedly misused billions of dollars from investors on lavish gifts and political donations, before losing shareholders their fortunes

The accused fraudster was under house arrest at his parents' home in Palo Alto, California, since his December extradition from the Bahamas.

His $250 million bail package, which was the most expensive in US history, severely restricted his internet and phone usage.

Bankman-Fried is being held in the notorious MDC, which previously held high profile individuals including R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell and Martin Shkreli.

The Metropolitan Detention Center houses more than 1,600 inmates and is situated near the waterfront in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Other inmates have been linked to high-profile drug trafficking and terrorism cases, while others are comparatively anonymous New Yorkers awaiting trial.

In 2019, the prison made headlines after inmates suffered days without heat or power during a cold snap.
Two nurses drugged patients on a hospital stroke unit for their own amusement and an easy life during shifts, a jury heard today.

Catherine Hudson, 54, and Charlotte Wilmot, 48, are also said to have targeted patients at Blackpool Victoria Hospital if they disliked them or their relatives.

In one text message to a colleague about an alleged victim, a court heard Hudson wrote: I sedated one of them to within an inch of her life lol.

Bet shes flat for a week haha xxx.

In others, jurors were told Hudson wrote that she was going to kill bed 5 and planned to give one patient the best sleep she ever had.

Catherine Hudson, 54 and Charlotte Wilmot, 48 were said to have targeted patients they disliked while working at Blackpool Victoria Hospital (pictured)

What a lovely day I have had in blue bay today, Hudson wrote in a message read to the jury.

Sedated all the troublemakers lol xxx.

Opening the case at Preston Crown Court, prosecutor Peter Wright said: We say the defendants treated patients not with care and compassion, but with contempt.

They considered them, or some of them, to be an imposition, an irritation.

Patients were ill-treated.

They were sedated either for the amusement of these defendants or simply to keep them quiet and to make their life easier, and their work less onerous or arduous.

He said the defendants through their own mouths in those messages had revealed a culture of abuse on the unit.

A whistleblowing student nurse brought events she allegedly witnessed at the unit to the attention of the authorities in November 2018, the court heard.

Mr Wright said a detailed and lengthy investigation included an examination of the defendants electronic devices.

A message exchange between Hudson, an experienced Band 5 registered nurse, and Wilmot, a Band 4 assistant practitioner, about an elderly male patient was read to the court.

Hudson wrote: Im going to kill bed 5 xxx.

Wilmot replied: Pmsl (p****** myself laughing) well tonight sedate him to high heaven lol xxx.

Hudson said: Already in my head to give him double!!

Later, Hudson wrote: I've just sedated him lol he was gearing up to start (laughing emoji) xxx.

Wilmot said: Pmsl (tablet emoji) praise the lord Xxx.

The two nurses exchanged messages joking about killing patients and sedating them 'to high heaven'

Another set of messages between the friends showed an antipathy towards an elderly female patient and her daughter, said the prosecutor.

Wilmot wrote: Give her the best sleep she ever had pmsl (laughing emojis) xxx.

Hudson replied: Permanently (laughing emojis) xxx.

The Crown say Hudson bragged about sedating another patient to a healthcare assistant when she wrote: I sedated on(e) of them to within an inch of her life lol. Bet she's flat for a week haha xxx.

On the following day she inquired about the same patient to Wilmot.

Hudson wrote: Whats bed 29 been doing today pmsfl. Not a f***ing lot I bet!! Seeing as I sedated her on sat and sun lol lol xxx.

Wilmot replied: Yeahhhh I knew it, everything you gave her has started working today!!!!

Made for a nice day though, it aint been bad lol. Xxx.

Hudson responded: She was driving me mad, so it was pxd (prescribed) and had to b done lol . She needed the rest xxx.

To another colleague, Hudson wrote: What a lovely day I have had in blue bay today.

Sedated all the troublemakers lol xxx.

Mr Wright said Hudson was also involved in depriving patients of prescribed laxatives, writing that there would be: No s******g on my shift.

He said the defendant was covertly recorded in her home as part of the investigation that followed.

Prosecutor Peter Wright also said that Hudson was involved in withholding prescribed laxatives from patients

In one conversation, jurors heard Hudson complained about the whistleblower, saying: Take it to the grave - we say that all the time and this stupid f***ing student has spoiled this.

Hudson, of Blackpool, denies ill-treating four patients and stealing Mebeverine, a medicine intended for an end-of-life care patient.

Wilmot, also of Blackpool, denies encouraging Hudson to sedate one of those patients.

Both defendants have also pleaded not guilty to conspiring to ill-treat another patient.

The alleged ill-treatment offences are said to have taken place between February 2017 and November 2018.

The trial continues.
In an interview on Sunday, the host called her 'brave' but failed to ask for her side of the story

They also claimed she had been 'peeping' on them in intimate situations

In a suit, members of Kappa Kappa Gamma challenged Langford's admission, casting doubt on whether rules allowed a trans woman to join

The 21-year-old trans student at the eye of a legal storm surrounding her sorority has broken her silence in her first national news interview.

Six University of Wyoming women sued Kappa Kappa Gamma's nationwide organization in March over the admission of Artemis Langford to the house.

Langford spoke out via MSNBC on Sunday - but the fawning host failed to ask for her side of the story regarding either the allegations of voyeurism against her, or the broader issue of gender at the heart of the lawsuit.

After being introduced by interviewer Yasmin Vossoughian as 'the very brave woman at the center of it all', Langford described 'the sheer terror of being in a lawsuit and not knowing what's happening next'.

'It's been a very difficult year to say the least,' Langford said.

Artemis Langford (pictured), the trans college student at the eye of a legal storm which embroiled her sorority this year has broken her silence on the national stage

Six University of Wyoming women sued Kappa Kappa Gamma's nationwide organization in March over the inclusion of 21-year-old Langford (far left) in the house

'The sheer surreal-ness of being in a media cycle again and again even though I didn't necessarily want to be, given all this attention because of my identity.

'And then the sheer terror of being in a lawsuit and not knowing what's happening next, especially with threats online and harassment both physically and online.

'It's been very hard on myself and those that are in my chapter, and campus in general has been very affected because of that.'

The lawsuit was brought against the KKG Fraternity based in Ohio and its president Mary Pat Rooney, by sisters Jaylyn Westenbroek, Hannah Holtmeier, Allison Coghan, Grace Choate, Madeline Ramar, and Megan Kosar.

They wanted Langford barred from KKG over claims of rampant voyeurism - including that she had been 'peeping' on them in intimate situations - and for the court to make a ruling preventing other transgender women from joining in future.

Since KKG's governing documents define it as a space exclusively for females, the organization broke its own rules by admitting a trans person, the plaintiffs argued.

Last month, a judge ruled no policies had been violated by allowing the student to join KKG, and dismissed the case saying he wasn't going to decide the definition of a woman.

KKG along with Langford's lawyer have previously denied all allegations.

When asked whether she had been harassed on campus as a consequence, Langford said some students had been 'very hostile' with 'glares' and bumping into her in corridors.

Langford's side of the story has been heard for the first time as she appeared on MSNBC on Sunday - but the host failed to ask for her response to the allegations, or to address any of the issues about gender in the lawsuit

She added though that some 'very smart people' from the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority are 'on my side'.

'I am very glad to have such great supportive sisters in my chapter,' she said.

'As a sorority, Kappa to me demonstrates so much about very wonderful values from loyalty to courage to trailblazing.

'I want people to know that everything that they've experienced, I'm certainly not the first trans person to be attacked by elements in the media and I don't think I'll be the last,' she said.

'But I want people to know that it's never ok to have that kind of scrutiny on a person just because of their identity, just because I'm trans.'

Members of the sorority alleged a number of issues in the suit, including Langford had 'been voyeuristically peeping on them while they were in intimate situations.'

The sisters alleged Langford harassed the women who lived in the sorority house by silently watching some of them as they moved to and from the house showers in nothing but towels.

According to them, Langford also 'repeatedly questioned the women about what vaginas look like, breast cup size, whether women were considering breast reductions and birth control.'

The women alleged Langford would stare at the other girls for hours without saying anything, while sitting with a pillow in her lap.

They also accused her of taking photos of the girls at a slumber party.

The lawsuit was brought against the KKG Fraternity based in Ohio and its president Mary Pat Rooney, by sisters Jaylyn Westenbroek, Hannah Holtmeier, Allison Coghan, Grace Choate, Madeline Ramar, and Megan Kosar (all pictured with their lawyer speaking with Megyn Kelly)

Langford described 'the sheer terror of being in a lawsuit and not knowing what's happening next, especially with threats online and harassment both physically and online' on MSNBC

One young woman alleged she once saw Langford staring at her while she changed - though the validity of this claim has since been called into question.

More broadly, the suit also alleged that Langford violated KKG policies by joining the sorority despite not being a biological woman.

The plaintiffs argued 'sorority leaders' efforts betrayed the womens understanding of what they were joining and the sororitys own guiding documents.'

In the ruling, the judge - Alan Johnson, a University of Wyoming graduate - wrote: 'The University of Wyoming chapter voted to admit - and, more broadly, a sorority of hundreds of thousands approved - Langford.

'With its inquiry beginning and ending there, the Court will not define "woman" today.

'The delegate of a private, voluntary organization interpreted "woman", otherwise undefined in the nonprofit's bylaws, expansively; this Judge may not invade Kappa Kappa Gamma's freedom of expressive association and inject the circumscribed definition Plaintiffs urge.'

An attorney for the plaintiffs, Cassy Craven, told Ingraham the judge's refusal to engage on the question of how we define a woman is an indication that the threat of the erasure of women is growing.
'When it comes to science, Nature does not have a preferred narrative,' Skipper said of the journal

Dr Magdalena Skipper, the editor-in-chief of Nature, accused Patrick T. Brown of 'poor research practices' after he said journals favor 'distorted' climate research

The editor-in-chief of one of the world's leading academic journals has rebuked a scientist who claimed that research about climate change is rejected if it does not 'support certain narratives'.

Dr Magdalena Skipper, the top editor at Nature, accused Patrick T. Brown, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and doctor of earth and climate sciences, of 'poor research practices' that are 'highly irresponsible'.

Brown claimed in an article for The Free Press that editors at Nature and Science - two of the most prestigious scientific journals - select 'climate papers that support certain preapproved narratives' and favor 'distorted' research which hypes up dangers.

He referred to an article he authored which was published in Nature last week and said the study - titled 'Climate warming increases extreme daily wildfire growth risk in California' - focused exclusively on climate change and intentionally ignored other key factors. Brown said researchers often 'tailor' their work in such a way to 'support the mainstream narrative'.

In a scathing response, Skipper said: 'The only thing in Patrick Brown's statements about the editorial processes in scholarly journals that we agree on is that science should not work through the efforts by which he published this [study].

Dr Magdalena Skipper, the top editor at Nature, accused Patrick T. Brown, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and doctor of earth and climate sciences, of 'poor research practices' that are 'highly irresponsible'

Patrick T. Brown, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University with a PhD in earth and climate sciences, said editors at Nature and Science - two of the most prestigious scientific journals - 'want climate papers that support certain preapproved narratives'

Brown said one of his studies on the subject was published by Nature 'because I stuck to a narrative I knew the editors would like'

'We are now carefully considering the implications of his stated actions; certainly, they reflect poor research practices and are not in line with the standards we set for our journal.'

Skipper said Nature has an 'expectation' that researchers use the most appropriate data, methods and results.

'When researchers do not do so, it goes against the interests of both fellow researchers and the research field as a whole. To deliberately not do so is, at best, highly irresponsible. Researchers have a responsibility for their research which they must take seriously,' she said.

Nature, which is based in London, was founded in 1869 and is one of the world's most cited scientific journals.

'When it comes to science, Nature does not have a preferred narrative,' said Skipper.

The strongly-worded rebuttal came after Brown claimed top scientific journals approach climate change research in the way 'the press focus so intently on climate change as the root cause' of wildfires, including the recent devastating fires in Hawaii.

He pointed out research that said 80 percent of wildfires are ignited by humans.

Brown said 'the editors of these journals have made it abundantly clear, both by what they publish and what they reject, that they want climate papers that support certain preapproved narrativeseven when those narratives come at the expense of broader knowledge for society.'

He wrote: 'To put it bluntly, climate science has become less about understanding the complexities of the world and more about serving as a kind of Cassandra, urgently warning the public about the dangers of climate change.

Brown also took aim at the media for focusing 'intently on climate change as the root cause' of wildfires, including the recent devastating fires in Hawaii. Pictured: A search, rescue and recovery member conducts search operations of areas damaged by Maui wildfires in Lahaina

An aerial view of Lahaina shows the sheer scale of destruction that the wildfires have caused in Hawaii

'However understandable this instinct may be, it distorts a great deal of climate science research, misinforms the public, and most importantly, makes practical solutions more difficult to achieve.'

Scientists whose careers depend on their work being published in major journals also 'tailor' their work to 'support the mainstream narrative', he said.

'This leads to a second unspoken rule in writing a successful climate paper,' he added. 'The authors should ignoreor at least downplaypractical actions that can counter the impact of climate change.'

Skipper's response also pointed to the peer review process for Brown's paper - which was written along with seven other researchers - which highlighted the 'lack of inclusion of variables other than climate change' and said 'the authors themselves argued against including it'.

She also listed three recent examples of research published in Nature that does not 'follow the purported editorial biases alleged by Brown'.
An electric traffic sign on a busy Boston street displayed a message that read, 'KKK Meeting Today', over Labor Day Weekend - just one day after signs promoting a white supremacist group were put up in Martha's Vineyard.

The Boston police department's Civil Rights Unit has opened a probe after an officer came across the rigged electric construction sign on Cypher street in Southie on Monday.

The signs are owned by a private construction company which was listed as the victim of the incident in the police report, according to the Boston Herald.

It's not yet clear whether the signs were hacked or an employee wrote the message.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Boston police for more information.

The Boston police department's Civil Rights Unit has opened a probe after an officer came across the rigged electric construction sign on Southie on Monday

On Sunday, signs promoting the neo-fascist group Patriot Front appeared outside two black-owned businesses in Oak Bluffs, in Martha's Vineyard

The incident came just days after signs by a white supremacist group turned up in elsewhere in Massachusetts.

On Sunday, signs promoting the neo-fascist group Patriot Front appeared outside two black-owned businesses in Oak Bluffs, in Martha's Vineyard, the Oak Bluffs Police Department said.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois said he is working with Massachusetts State Police detectives to find those behind the signs.

'If you observe any of these signs on public property or private property without the owner's permission then please notify your local police department,' he said.

Patriot Front formed in the aftermath of the 2017 white nationalist 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, when it broke off from another extremist organization, Vanguard America, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups.

About 200 of its members marched in Washington D.C. back in May, drumming and chanting 'life, liberty and victory' along the National Mall.

The white nationalist group often clashes with progressive counter-protesters and claims its 'activism' is intended to assert 'cultural independence' founded in 'our European race.'

The group also made headlines a month before when they descended on SatanCon in Boston, the 'largest Satanic gathering in history,' and clashed with attendants.

Officials are asking that anyone with information contact police at 508-693-0750 or send the department a direct Facebook message.

Massachusetts and New England at large have seen a rise in white supremacist activity over the last years - with New Hampshire seeing the largest surge in 2022, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

According to the report, the number of recorded hate incidents nearly doubled in the five states that make up the region.

Their activity has included spreading racist signs and messages across the area and delivering hateful messages through graffiti or fliers.

Around 200 members of white supremacy group Patriot Front descended on DC in May, parading through the National Mall while flanked by police

The most active hate groups are the Patriot Front and the Nazi Nationalist Social Club (NSC-131), which experts say has been getting larger and more dangerous.

NSC-131 describes itself as a 'pro-white, street-oriented fraternity dedicated to raising AUTHENTIC resistance to the enemies of our people in the New England area.'

Founded in 2019, the group has 30 to 40 members. They are against immigrants, drag performers, Jews and all people of color.

Particularly concerning is that The Nationalist Social Club has attracted at least 10 military veterans, who, as the Boston Globe notes, have been 'trained by the American government to fight and kill.'

The hate group has targeted community events, handing out Nazi literature and chanting racial slurs.
A San Francisco resident said he was attacked by a homeless woman after he told her to stop smoking fentanyl near a children's playground.

Darren Stallcup was walking around the neighborhood when he spotted multiple drug users smoking in close proximity to the park - and said that there were no police officers around to help the situation.

In the video, the woman, who seems to be set up in her own tent sprawling on the sidewalk, can be heard saying she 'doesn't care' and she can 'smoke where she wants to.'

People smoking substances are then seen lining the wall that directly neighbors the playground, where kids were seen and heard playing in broad daylight.

Darren Stallcup said he was attacked when telling this homeless woman to stop smoking near the children's playground in San Francisco

People smoking substances are then seen lining the wall that directly neighbors the playground, where kids were seen and heard playing in broad daylight

Stallcup shared the video, along with the caption: 'San Francisco. Woman attacks me for telling Her not to smoke fentanyl next to children's playground. Behind her, 5+ People smoking fentanyl next to Children's playground'

Stallcup shared the video, along with the caption: 'San Francisco. Woman attacks me for telling Her not to smoke fentanyl next to children's playground. Behind her, 5+ People smoking fentanyl next to Children's playground.

'Multiple San Francisco Police Cars, not an officer in sight. Children need a fentanyl free environment, not a fentanyl filled environment. This is a damn shame.

Darren Stallcup was walking around the neighborhood when he spotted multiple drug users smoking in close proximity to the park

'Our founding fathers, troops who fought for our country, My Grandma and Grandpa, Your Grandma and Grandpa, are all rolling in their graves.

'Local San Francisco leaders will resign if they have any divinity left or respect for our community. God help us all.'

He said in a follow up tweet: 'It is distressing to receive death threats while trying to raise awareness about the grave dangers of fentanyl.

'Fentanyl is hurting people of all colors, creeds and religions and it's disheartening to encounter such hostility.

'By raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, We can save more lives. More life is good. If one of these San Francisco old school dope fiend crack heads want to threaten me, so be it.

'They ain't got s**t else going on in they life. Miserable low life b*****ds with nothing better to do than threaten a white boy.'

A homeless person on the streets of Union Square in San Francisco

In the last three months, local and state law enforcements have seized over 100 kilos of narcotics - including 56 kilos of fentanyl - from San Fran's Tenderloin and South of Market districts

Homeless people and drug users on the streets of San Francisco's South of Market District

San Francisco's once bustling Union Square is facing an exodus of businesses, residents and tourists caused by the city's lax approach to crime, homelessness and open-air drug use

Groups of people do drugs on the streets of San Francisco

In the last three months, local and state law enforcements have seized over 100 kilos of narcotics - including 56 kilos of fentanyl - from San Fran's Tenderloin and South of Market districts.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office said three hundred people have been arrested under drug laws and for outstanding warrants as a result.

Mayor London Breed said in a statement: 'Shutting down open air drug markets is critical to the safety of our neighborhoods and the overall health of our city.

'We will continue to offer help to people in crisis, but we must hold people accountable who are hurting our communities.'

San Francisco is also part of Operation Overdrive - a federal Department of Justice initiative launched to aid local authorities disrupt criminal drug networks.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said: 'I am grateful to all local, state and federal partners who have come together to share resources and work collaboratively to close open-air drug markets and take our neighborhoods back.'

Shockingly, five people suffered fentanyl overdoses within 24 hours this week in San Francisco. Two of them were fatal, reports the SF Chronicle.

Police said it was probably a 'bad batch' that was dealt in the area.

The city, which has had more than 2,200 overdose deaths since 2020, is plagued with Honduran drug dealers who are drawn in and able to thrive in the city due to its relaxed drug policies - some making upwards of $350,000 a year.

In August alone, San Francisco reported nearly 1,670 car break-ins, contributing to the nearly 10,000 thefts from vehicles recorded in the city this year.

Criminals often engage in 'bipping and boosting,' smashing car windows and swiftly driving away, frequently targeting multiple parked vehicles in a single day.

Last month, thieves in San Francisco were captured on camera cruising the streets in a Lexus, stopping at parked cars to smash windows and steal valuables inside.

One SUV even had a person sitting in the back when the windows were smashed, but the thief still snatched the victim's bag before escaping in the waiting Lexus.

Signs can be seen throughout the city warning residents and tourists not to leave anything inside their cars, but the crime rate has remained stubbornly high.

Tourist areas such as the North Beach, Japantown and Presidio have the highest rate of break-ins in cars per 10,000 residents.

As a result of rising crime and drug use in the city, multiple shopping stores have shuttered their doors in recent months.
Mike Pence launched a direct attack on rivals Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis in a speech where he challenged the Republican Party to return to its conservative roots.

The former vice president, in what was billed as a major speech by his campaign, slammed the direction the GOP was moving in and called for new leadership that would bring the party to what it was under Ronald Reagan.

'The truth is the Republican Party did not begin on a golden escalator in 2015,' he said, referring to Trump's campaign announcement, when he rode down as escalator at Trump Tower.

Much of what Pence addressed is reflective of the internal battle happening inside the Republican Party - a fight between the right-wing MAGA supporters and the more moderate side. The battle is playing out both on the campaign trail and in the halls of Congress as the GOP struggles with its future.

He made his argument at Saint Anselm College's New Hampshire Institute of Politics, an must-stop on the presidential campaign trail. New Hampshire, which holds the first in the nation primary, prides itself on its political independence, touting its state motto of 'Live Free or Die.'

Mike Pence launched an attack on rivals Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy in a major speech on the future of the Republican Party

A small crowd of about 50 people listened to his remarks and posed for selfies afterward.

For Pence, the speech could be a pivotal moment. It comes after he made aggressive attacks in the first Republican primary debate. The second debate will take place in three weeks, on September 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Other candidates have tried similar moves - making grand speeches that are also targeted at addressing one of the major questions voters have about them. Mitt Romney, a Mormon, made one on faith during his presidential campaign. And Barack Obama made one on race during his presidential bid.

For Pence, that major question is Trump. As his former vice president, he worked in the administration that pushed some of those policies he is now questioning.

Trump has a strangle hold on the Republican Party. His MAGA supporters have made or broken candidates in several primary elections, leaving him in a position of power. The former president's own arraingments and legal issues have seen him raise millions from his supporters.

In his remarks, Pence cast himself as the inheritor of Reagan's legacy and slammed his rivals for rejecting the Constitution, using the government to further their own agenda, and turning to populism.

'When Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, he promised to govern as a conservative. Together we did,' Pence said. 'But it's important for Republicans to know that he and his imitators in this Republican primary make no such promise today.'

He also criticized Trump's position on Medicaid and Medicare.

'Donald Trump's position on entitlement reform is identical to Joe Biden's,' Pence said.

Donald Trump rides an escalator in Trump Tower in 2015 to announce his candidacy for president of the United States

Mike Pence with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in September 2020 - Pence argued the two men together governed as conservatives and that Trump has turned from that

Pence is struggling to gain traction in the polls for the Republican presidential nomination. He has been barnstorming New Hampshire - the first primary state - but sits at 2% in the RealClearPolitics polling average of the state. Trump leads by double digits and Ramaswamy is at 6%.

And the latest poll in New Hampshire had Trump holding a 38-point lead over the field with 48% while Pence was in seventh place with only 4%.

DeSantis and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley shared second place with 10% apiece. Ramaswamy came in at 8%.

Pence, in his speech, tried to tie DeSantis to Trump, calling the Florida governor an 'imitator' of the former president.

'These imitators in this primary have demonstrated a willingness to brandish government power to impose their will on opponents,' he said, pointing to DeSantis' war on Walt Disney.

'The governor of Florida still justifies using the power of the state to punish a corporation for taking a political stance that he disagreed with,' Pence said.

The DeSantis/Disney clash began when the company spoke out against the governor's so-called 'Don't Say Gay' law - a state law prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity. As part of that war, DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida legislature terminated the self-governing privileges that Disney World had held since 1967.

In his remarks, Pence attacked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (above right) for his war on Disney

Biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy is also campaigning around New Hampshire - above he's at the Labor Day Parade in Milford

And Pence criticized Ramaswamy for advocating in his book for a 59% inheritance tax. The former vice president said the tax policy was something liberals would support.

'In his book Nation of Victims last year, he said that Americans should not become wealthy quote, just by having rich parents,' Pence noted.

Pence called on Republicans to return to the policies of 'limited government and individual liberty.'

He argued that was the way to defeat President Joe Biden next November.

'If we're to defeat Joe Biden and turn America around, the Republican Party must be the party of limited government, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility and traditional moral values,' Pence said in his closing. 'And I'll be carrying that message across the Granite State and all across America in the days ahead.'
Hunter's team is accused of explicitly of leaking materials to two media outlets

Republicans are expressing 'serious concerns' about whether DOJ's handling of the Hunter case was truly impartial

Republicans accuse Hunter Biden's attorneys of leaking details of the collapsed 'sweetheart' plea deal to the media and are threatening to call in the president's son to testify.

Hunter appeared in federal court on July 26 prepared to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges and walk away with just a slap on the wrist and no prison time, which Republicans slammed as a 'sweetheart deal' that Biden's Department of Justice (DOJ) put together to protect the president's son.

However, the deal blew up spectacularly after a hidden clause giving Hunter blanket immunity for a wide range of other potential charges, including illegal foreign lobbying, was uncovered by the judge.

Details of how the deal unraveled were leaked to the New York Times and Politico since the hearing, and the outlets published their own accounts of what happened between DOJ and Hunter's legal team.

Three top House Republicans say in a letter to Hunter's attorneys Wednesday obtained by DailyMail.com that those reports were based on 'nonpublic information' and also include 'previously undisclosed documents and communications' that only a limited number of people would have been privy to.

As a result, they have 'serious concerns' about whether DOJ's handling of the Hunter case was truly impartial.

It was only until after IRS whistleblowers accused DOJ of improper influence in the federal investigation into Hunter that U.S. Attorney David Weiss - Hunter's main prosecutor - decided to charge him with tax crimes, according to the New York Times report published on Aug. 19.

The GOP investigators also accuse Hunter's team explicitly of leaking the materials to the two media outlets. They say now that the information is public, all communications should be turned over to their committees.

And if they do not hand them over, they will bring in Hunter himself to sit for a deposition.

Hunter Biden departed the U.S. Federal District Court in Wilmington, Delaware, where his plea deal was thrown out on July 26

Attorney General Merrick Garland promoted Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss - the main Hunter prosecutor - to special counsel status last month

'Should you refuse to provide the Committee with the requested information because of any purported privilege, the Committee may need to seek testimony from you and/or Hunter Biden regarding the disclosure of these documents and communications to the New York Times and Politico,' they conclude.

They are demanding all requested documents and communications by Sept. 20.

In a filing Wednesday in federal court, prosecutors on Weiss' team said they plan to bring an indictment against Hunter by the end of the month.

That could spark a possible new plea deal between Hunter's team and DOJ, depending on what exact charges are brought.

Weiss was appointed as a special counsel into the Hunter probe by Attorney General Merrick Garland last month.

At the end of July, the same three top House Republicans launched an investigation into how the plea deal terms were agreed to before they dramatically unraveled in court.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., wrote to Attorney General Garland to 'better understand' the Department of Justice's decision to sign off on such an 'atypical' plea agreement.

According to the letter obtained by DailyMail.com, the Republicans state that the 'unusual plea and pretrial diversion agreements with Mr. Biden raise serious concerns' about the department's 'preferential treatment toward Mr. Biden in the course of its investigation and proposed resolution of his alleged criminal conduct.'

The Republican lawmakers cited Judge Noreika's concerns about the pretrial deal in the letter to Garland when she stated it was 'not standard' and 'different from what I normally see.'

They add it is especially concerning due to the recent IRS whistleblower allegations that Hunter received 'special treatment' during the criminal probe.

IRS agents Joe Ziegler and Gary Shapley testified under oath that their investigation 'supported felony and misdemeanor tax charges,' which were ultimately not brought against the president's son Hunter due to political pressures.

Weiss tried to bring felony charges against him in Washington, D.C., they said, but was blocked by the district's top federal prosecutor Matthew Graves, a Biden appointee.

The special treatment for Hunter became a pattern that kept happening over and over, said the whistleblowers who were told they would get in 'hot water' if they tried to speak with President Joe Biden's adult children and grandchildren over the course of their investigation.

The lawmakers also accused DOJ of having 'benefitted Mr. Biden by giving up its unilateral ability to bring charges against him if it concludes that he has breached the pretrial diversion agreement.'

The department 'shifted a broad immunity provision, which benefits Mr. Biden, from the plea agreement to the pretrial diversion agreement apparently to prevent the District Court from being able to scrutinize and reject that immunity provision,' say the Republicans.

They continued, saying that it 'was notable' that Hunter's attorneys stated during the hearing that it was their understanding that 'the immunity provision in the pretrial diversion agreement would preclude the Department from bringing charges against Mr. Biden under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.'

'While the Department did not agree with that position, it is difficult to understand how the parties would not have a meeting of the minds regarding a clause of the agreement as fundamental as the scope of the immunity provision, and it raises questions about what discussions have taken place between the Department and Mr. Bidens counsel regarding the status of those investigations.'

The collapse of Hunter Biden's original plea deal also presents more problems for his father, Joe Biden. The president will now face more headlines and questions involving his drug-addict son's case as he hits the 2024 campaign trail.

The unraveling of the agreement between prosecutors and the defense team means Hunter could now face more charges. It also means that Hunter is likely to face additional prosecutions down the road.

Those may include any crimes related to his business deals with Ukraine, Romania and China that raked in millions of dollars.

And Republicans say Joe was at the center of them.

During the plea hearing, Hunter admitted that he obtained over $600,000 from a Chinese company, and was in business with one of their associates.

'My partner was associated with a Chinese energy company called CEFC,' Hunter told the federal judge.

When asked the name of his partner, Hunter responded: 'I don't know how to spell his name, Yi Jianming is the chairman of that company.'

That directly contradicted a statement President Biden made on the campaign trail in 2020 that his son has never 'made money' from China.

In addition, some of the future charges Hunter could be facing puts the sitting president in a tough position.

'Today District Judge Noreika did the right thing by refusing to rubberstamp Hunter Biden's sweetheart plea deal,' said House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., who is leading the congressional investigations into the Biden family's business dealings.

He added that the Department of Justice 'revealed Hunter Biden is under investigation for being a foreign agent.'

If it turns out that the DOJ pursues charges against Hunter under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), as Comer alluded, that would create an even bigger headache for the president.

Hunter walked into the federal court in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, alongside his 'sugar brother' and lawyer Kevin Morris (left) - who was seen smoking a bong during a visit from the president's son the week before

IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler testified before Congress in July

FARA violations carry hefty prison sentences and sharp penalties.

In 2018, former President Donald Trump's associate Paul Manafort was sentenced to 18 months in prison for FARA violations related to his business work in Ukraine.

The department has not confirmed directly that it is pursing charges for Hunter for failing to register as a foreign agent while conducting his overseas business dealings, but House Republicans have stacked up a mountain of evidence linking him and his father to deals in China, Romania and Ukraine.

The White House has maintained the president was never 'in business' with his son, but the GOP have ramped up their investigation with testimonies from whistleblowers and a slew of other evidence.

And Comer says Hunter can expect between six to 10 criminal referrals by the end of his investigation into the first son and his family.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is even mulling opening an impeachment inquiry into the president because he has 'lied to the American public' about his son's business deals.

He is waiting to set a date or timeline until additional information is uncovered.
A family of a woman killed desperately trying to flee the Maui wildfires is suing the county and others over her death that they say could have been prevented.

Rebecca Rans, 57, died while escaping the flames with her longtime partner, Doug Gloege. She is one of the 115 people killed in the deadly blaze that left 300 missing.

On Monday, her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Maui County, the state, Maui Electric, the state and Bishop Estate. The estate is the largest landholder in Hawaii and traces back to the Royal family.

The family blamed government officials for not using alarms to notify residents of the spreading fire. It also blames Bishop Estates for not maintaining its alleged fire-prone property.

'The combination of weather, uncontrolled vegetation and aging electrical infrastructure created a tinderbox ready to explode in Maui. The risk was not theoretical. Grass-originated and grass-fed fires continue to increase in Hawaii,' the suit read.

The family of Rebecca Rans (pictured), 57, who died last month in the Maui wildfires is suing the county, the state and the Hawaii's largest landowner over the deadly wildfires

The Maui wildfires killed 115 people and more than 300 people remain missing

Rans' family is seeking an unspecified amount of money in the lawsuit. It is one of 18 civil suits related to the fires.

Before the tragedy, Rans lived in Lahaina, Maui, for more than two decades with her three kids.

When Rans' body was found, she had one slipper and a gold bracelet that read 'kuuipo', meaning sweetheart in Hawaiian.

'As a direct and proximate result of Landowner Defendants' carelessness and negligence, Rebecca Rans suffered death,' the suit reads.

Bishop Estate is the biggest private landowner in Hawaii and the largest privately funded charity. It is overseen by five trustees and holds assets worth over $20 billion. This estate's sole beneficiary is the Kamehameha Schools, which has around 5,500 students.

The family says the land owner and the state failed to maintain the vegetation on their property to help minimize the fire risk.

'As someone who has spent nearly my entire life in Hawai'i, I have witnessed firsthand how the Island of Maui has been taken over by invasive, non-native and flammable grasses and brush vegetation,' the family's lawyer, Jim Bickerton, said in a statement.

Bishop Estate or Kamehameha Schools says in a statement: 'At this time, our hearts are with all affected by the Maui fires and their 'ohana' but refused to comment further as the fires are still under investigation.

Government officials have also declined to comment on the lawsuit.

'As a direct and proximate result of Landowner Defendants' carelessness and negligence, Rebecca Rans suffered death,' the suit reads

The family also question why emergency officials never sounded the alarm sirens during the blaze

The family also questioned why emergency officials never sounded the alarm sirens during the blaze.

'Why weren't there alarms sounded?... She had severe arthritis in her feet. She could barely walk, let alone run,' said Kathleen Hennricks, Rans's sister, during a news conference, according to USA Today.

Rans' body was found behind a building with her boyfriend as they tried to flee the fire, the family contends.

The family admitted it didn't plan to file a lawsuit until they heard the head of Maui's Emergency Management Agency, Herman Andaya, tell media he did not regret not triggering the warning. He later resigned amid backlash of that decision.

'I feel like what we're doing is not just about my sister, but all the people who this happened to. And the people who are still not found,' Hennricks said.

'I feel like what we're doing is not just about my sister, but all the people who this happened to. And the people who are still not found,' Kathleen Hennricks, Rans's sister, said.

Maui County has filed its own lawsuit over the blaze and blamed the power company for sparking the deadly fires

. More than 2,220 buildings were destroyed and $5.5billion worth of damage was caused on the island which remains under a state of emergency. Maui County has filed its own lawsuit over the blaze and blamed the power company for sparking the deadly fires

The Maui County suit alleges that the company acted negligently in not cutting power to the area following the Red Flag Warning for high winds issued by the National Weather Services at 5am on August 7.

Power company leaders claimed cutting the power it could harm the elderly and hospital patients, while disabling the water pumps needed for fighting fires.

The company admits it was approaching 9am on August 8 before power was cut, by which time its power cables were already falling in gusts of up to 80mph.

Videos have surfaced on Facebook that purport to show powerlines entangled with overgrown trees and vegetation.

But the power company says that downed lines only led to an earlier fire that was contained. Hours later, the deadly blaze ignited.

Shortly before 3pm while the power remained off, our crew members saw a small fire about 75 yards away from Lahainaluna Road in the field near the Intermediate School, the company said in a statement.

They immediately called 911 and reported that fire.

By the time the Maui County Fire Department arrived back on the scene, it was not able to contain the Afternoon Fire and it spread out of control toward Lahaina.
An Argentine governor seeking reelection has channeled his inner Rocky Balboa in hopes of attracting more voters after coming up short in the primaries this summer.

Governor Jorge Capitanichs campaign team released a version of the iconic Rocky II scene in which the character interpreted by Sylvester Stallone runs through the streets of Philadelphia in preparation of his fight with Apollo Creed.

Capitanichs face is superimposed over Rockys who is jogging with hundreds of people in tow before he climbs the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

His rendition of the video touches on some of the goals that his administration claims to have achieved in the northeastern province of Chaco after he was elected governor for a second time in 2019.

The campaign of Argentine Governor Jorge Capitanich decided to channel his inner Rocky Balboa when they superimposed his face over the iconic character played by Sylvester Stallone as Capitanich hopes it will attract voters ahead of the September 17 election in the northeastern province of Chaco

Jorge Capitanich, who was elected governor of the Argentine province of Chaco in 2019, came in second after his party 'Chaqueno Front placed second behind Leandro Zdero and the Together For A Change party

Argentine Governor Jorge Capitanich used the scene from Rocky II and had his faced superimposed over Rocky Balboa's in a bid to attract voters ahead of the September 17 elections

The clip boasts about the 14,000 paved blocks and 20,000 homes that were constructed during his current tenure.

It also celebrates the fact that his administration has been responsible for 250 medical centers and 52 hospitals improved and 820 broadened schools.

The video ends with Capitanich imitating Rocky on the steps of the museum and flashes his nickname Coqui,' 'It's Coqui,' and 'Governor on the screen.

Social media users were quick in mocking Capitanichs take on Rocky Balboa ahead of the September 17 elections.

Jorge Capitanich is seeking reelection as governor of the Argentine province of Chaco

The incumbents party Chaqueno Front placed second behind Leandro Zdero and the Together For A Change party in the July primary.

Capitanich drew more votes (192,725) than Together For A Change candidates Zdero (121,970) and Juan Polini (103,508).

However, Ismael Espinoza, who was also seeking the Chaqueno Front nomination, received only 1,961 votes.

Rocky had his brother-in-law who worked in (butchers shop) and Coqui had a friend who slaughtered pigs, one user joked. Maybe that's why he feels identified.

Another person was not too enthused with the video, suggesting that Capitanich was staining Rockys image.

A user believed that the governor video could cost him his seat.

Does he think he will win votes with this?
Mexico's Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide Wednesday, two years after ruling that abortion was not a crime in one northern state.

That earlier ruling had set off a grinding process of decriminalizing abortion state by state.

Last week, the central state of Aguascalientes became the 12th state to decriminalize the procedure. Judges in states that still criminalize abortion will have to take account of the top court's ruling.

The court announced on social media today 'that the legal system that penalizes abortion in the Federal Penal Code is unconstitutional, since it violates the human rights of women and people with the capacity to gestate.'

FILE - A woman holds a banner reading in Spanish, 'Legal, safe, and free abortion' as abortion rights protesters demonstrate in front of the National Congress on the 'Day for Decriminalization of Abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean,' in Mexico City, Sept. 28, 2020. Mexico's Supreme Court on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, has decriminalized abortion nationwide. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

The court's sweeping decision comes amid a trend in Latin America of loosening restrictions on abortion, even as access has been limited in parts of the United States.

Mexico City was the first Mexican jurisdiction to decriminalize abortion 15 years ago.

The Information Group for Chosen Reproduction, known by its Spanish initials as GIRE, said the court decided that the portion of the federal penal code that criminalized abortion no longer has any effect.

'No woman or pregnant person, nor any health worker will be able to be punished for abortion,' the non-governmental organization said in a statement.

The impact also means that the federal public health service and any federal health institution must offer abortion to anyone who requests it, GIRE said.

The court ordered that the crime of abortion be removed from the federal penal code.

With some 100 million Catholics, Mexico is the largest predominantly Catholic country after Brazil. The Catholic Church opposes all forms of abortion procedures.

Hundreds of mostly poor Mexican women have been prosecuted for abortion, while at least several dozen remain jailed.
Bankruptcy at Labour-run Birmingham Council cannot be blamed on Government funding cuts, a leaked internal report for the party has found.

Sir Keir Starmer today tried to blame ministers for the collapse of Labour's flagship council, saying it had been 'stripped of funding'.

But a report ordered by Labour's ruling National Executive Committee warned the party leadership that blaming the council's woes on budget cuts 'does not stand up to scrutiny'.

The report uncovered a 'dysfunctional climate' at the council, which has been run by Labour since 2012. It said the authority suffered from a 'long-standing and persistent issues in getting the basics right'.

Rishi Sunak today said that Labour's mismanagement of Birmingham demonstrated what the party would do in power.

John Cotton, who was handpicked as Birmingham City Council leader by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, conducted an interview via video link on Tuesday as it was announced that a section 114 notice had been filed, effectively declaring the council bankrupt

Sir Keir Starmer today tried to blame ministers for the collapse of Labour's flagship council, saying it had been 'stripped of funding'

He said Labour in Birmingham were 'failing hardworking people, losing control of taxpayers money, and driving their finances into the ground'.

The Prime Minister told MPs: 'They've bankrupted Birmingham, we can't let them bankrupt Britain.'

The row came as it emerged that the council's Labour leader has continued with a family holiday in New York - where he is celebrating his 50th birthday - as the crisis unfolded.

John Cotton, who was handpicked for the role by Sir Keir, conducted an interview via video link on Tuesday as it was announced that a section 114 notice had been filed, effectively declaring the council bankrupt.

Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands by video-link against a blank backdrop, Mr Cotton said the council would 'continue to deliver on essential services' for the city's 1.1million taxpayers.

A local Tory source said Mr Cotton was known to be in New York celebrating his 50th birthday.

Asked whether that was the case, a council spokesman said: 'Councillor Cotton is away on a long-standing family engagement but has been working around the clock since the Section 114 Notice was published.' Gary Sambrook, Conservative MP for Birmingham Northfield, said: 'If anyone wants to see how Labour would behave in Government then look no further than Birmingham.

'Starmer's man was picked without a vote and when things get tough is nowhere to be seen.

'Labour have bankrupted Birmingham and they'll do the same to the country.'

The financial collapse of Labour's flagship council, which is the biggest local authority in Western Europe, is a major embarrassment for Sir Keir.

Asked about the issue today, the Labour leader tried to blame the government.

Bankruptcy at Labour-run Birmingham Council cannot be blamed on Government funding cuts, a leaked internal report for the party has found

He told BBC Breakfast: 'If you take a step back from Birmingham, you will see there are versions of this across the country.

'And that's because, for 13 years, local authorities have been stripped of the funding they need.'

But the internal Labour report, which was sent to the party leadership in May, found this was not true.

'Budget cuts and the size of the City are used as reasons to explain the situation however, this does not hold up to scrutiny,' the report said.

'Other large Local Authorities with similar levels of deprivation and inequality have also suffered large, in some cases greater, cuts without the same issues with basic services.'

The study found the council had suffered from 'years of personality-driven factionalism', with senior figures leaking damaging stories against each other. It also reported accusations of racism and misogyny.

'It is clear that the existing culture and processes have contributed to a dysfunctional climate,' the report said.

Birmingham Council has been plagued by bitter industrial disputes over bin collections and care homes leading to 'fractious' relationships with unionised staff.

The report's authors said that the quality of service delivery was beyond its remit, but added: 'We cannot ignore the repeated complaints we heard about housing repairs, waste collection and fly-tipping, the bereavement service, and special education.'
A murder suspect has fled from a hospital in Washington DC and a large-scale police investigation has been launched.

Christopher Hayes, 31, escaped from custody at George Washington Hospital in the 900 block of 23rd street at around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

He has been described as a 6ft tall black male with shoulder-length dreadlocks and was wearing a black t-shirt, grey shorts and a white body suit.

Hayes, who was arrested and charged with homicide on the day he escaped, is currently not in handcuffs and the public has been warned not to engage with him.

A helicopter was seen circling the area and large sections near the hospital have been cordoned off.

Christopher Hayes, 31, escaped custody at George Washington Hospital in the 900 block of 23rd street at around 3.30pm on Thursday

A large-scale police investigation has been launched to try and find the escaped prisoner

Hayes, who was arrested and charged with homicide, is currently not in handcuffs and the public has been warned not to engage with him. Pictured: George Washington Hospital

An alert was sent out to ask people to be on the lookout for the escaped criminal and to call 911 if they spot him.

'31-year-old Christopher Haynes escaped custody at GW Hospital in 900 block of 23rd St NW at 3:38 pm,' it read.

'He is described as a black male with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a white suit with one red shoe. He is not handcuffed.

'Do not engage, call 911 if spotted.'

Authorities shared a picture of Haynes and described him as 6ft tall, weighing approximately 205 pounds and with black hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a black t-shirt, grey shorts and a white body suit when he was last spotted.

George Washington University's campus is under shelter as police continue to search for the escaped criminal.

Its student alert system asked members of the campus to keep safe 'due to the dangerous individual around campus'.

Authorities shared a picture of Haynes and described him as 6ft tall, weighing approximately 205 pounds and with black hair and brown eyes

Images from the scene show a heavy police presence with dozens of officers patrolling the area

Several areas near the hospital have been cordoned off in pursuit of the escaped prisoner

A helicopter was seen circling the circling the Foggy Bottom neighborhood

Images from the scene show a heavy police presence with dozens of officers patrolling the area.

Several areas near the hospital have been cordoned off in pursuit of the escaped prisoner.

Some cops are searching on foot while others are riding around in patrol cars or on bicycles.

There was a helicopter circling the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
Wisconsin Police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with a brutal attack on a University of Wisconsin student who was beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled on Sunday.

Brandon A. Thompson, a local resident, was arrested on charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury and strangulation, according to Madison police.

Thompson was arrested at about 12:20 am Wednesday and booked into the Dane County Jail at around 7am, according to jail records.

The student had been found with life-threatening injuries at about 3:20 am Sunday in between two houses in Madison, Wisconsin.

The female student was reportedly 'snatched off the street by a stranger and dragged between two houses' - where a neighbor heard her cries for help.

Brandon A. Thompson, a local resident, was arrested on charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury and strangulation, according to Madison police

Officers were called by a neighbor to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving fellow students 'terrified' of a repeat attack

Wisconsin Police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with a brutal attack on a University of Wisconsin student who was beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled on Sunday, and left with life-threatening injuries

A neighbor told WISN 12 News the young woman, 20, was walking on a sidewalk when she was forced into an area between two houses at Bedford and Wilson streets, where a homeowner heard her crying for help.

Friends claimed the woman was strangled, beaten and sexually assaulted by the random assailant and left with a broken jaw, according to WISN-12.

She is currently in critical condition but expected to survive.

Madison police said the incident appears to be a stranger assault. Following the incident, authorities launched a manhunt for her attacker.

Officers were called by a neighbor to the 500 block of West Wilson Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, with fellow students 'terrified' of a repeat attack.

University of Wisconsin student Azza Bayoudh said she was petrified when cops began knocking on student's doors at 4am after the attack.

'It was just kind of terrifying because I was like, that kind of could've been me,' Bayoudh said to WISN 12. 'So that's what scared me. So we have our doors locked now and we hope they catch whoever it was.

The University sent out an email regarding the incident, warning student to remain 'vigilant' and 'maintain awareness of their safety and surroundings'

The University sent out an email regarding the incident, warning student to remain 'vigilant' and 'maintain awareness of their safety and surroundings.'

During a press conference, Madison police Assistant Chief Paige Valenta confirmed they collected DNA evidence from the scene, adding that they had called in multiple resources to investigate the incident.

She said: 'My heart goes out to the victim and her family.

'We have reached out to our partners in the Madison area, including the UW Police Department to ensure that they are supported as they try to cope with this terrible crime.'
The owner of a trendy New York cafe has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by eight foreign workers.

Marie Eiffel is the owner of Marie Eiffel Market and Restaurant in the Long Island town of Shelter Island.

The spot is a favorite of celebrities such as Christie Brinkley, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain.

Eiffel's website describes her as a 'Shelter Island legend' and 'bold as the coffee she serves.'

The lawsuit, filed in US District Court Friday, claims she groped female employees, choked workers and even spanked them with bunches of parsley.

The suit includes a photo of Eiffel holding parsley against another person's buttocks with her tongue stuck out.

Marie Eiffel (pictured), the owner of a trendy New York cafe has been accused of sexual harassment and assault of her employees in a lawsuit brought against her by eight foreign workers. The suit includes this photo of Eiffel holding parsley against another person's buttocks with her tongue stuck out

The lawsuit, filed in US District Court Friday, makes wild accusations against Eiffel, saying she groped female employees, choked workers and even spanked them with bunches of parsley

The spot is often a favorite of celebrities like Christie Brinkley (pictured), Bradley Cooper , Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain

It was filed against both Eiffel and InterExchange Inc., the company that sponsored their work in the US.

The eight employees were all hired with the US government's J1 program, which offers cultural and educational exchanges for foreign workers. It's often used by businesses to beef up their summer workforce.

The workers came from Thailand, Colombia, Malaysia and Ecuador.

They all describe themselves in the complaint as 'survivors of human trafficking seeking redress for rampant sexual assault, battery, discrimination, harassment and wage theft perpetrated through' abuse of the program.

Plaintiffs were subject to treatment that 'included constantly spanking employees on the buttocks while they were alone, in front of other employees, and even in front of customers, groping female employees' bodies, including their breasts, and kissing employees.'

Eiffel's website describes the restauranteur as a 'Shelter Island legend' and 'bold as the coffee she serves'

The eight employees were all hired with the United States government's J1 program, which offers cultural and educational exchanges for foreign workers. It's often used by businesses to beef up their summer workforce

They also accuse Eiffel of having 'wrapped her hands around the neck of and choked multiple employees.' She 'acted as though she believed that such egregious behavior was funny.'

Eiffel allegedly 'routinely spanked Plaintiffs on the buttocks, groped female employees' breasts, choked employees, and made sexually harassing, demeaning, and discriminatory comments about their race and looks.'

The complaint also says that the defendants failed to pay portions of their wages and withheld tips in violation of state labor laws.

Within the suit includes documentation of the employees working 10-plus hour shifts over 20 days a month for most of the summer of 2022.

They're requesting damages, restitution, injunctive relief and payment for all legal fees from Eiffel and InterExchange.

Speaking to the Shelter Island Reporter Tuesday, Eiffel denied the claims and said she had not yet been served but had hired an attorney.

Eiffel allegedly 'routinely spanked Plaintiffs on the buttocks, groped female employees' breasts, choked employees, and made sexually harassing, demeaning, and discriminatory comments about their race and looks'

Actress Nina Agdal shared this view of Eiffel's cuisine at brunch with Brinkley's family in 2020

Eiffel thinks the suit spawned from her interaction with a disgruntled former worker whom she called 'a trouble young man' whom she tried to mentor. She claims he stole from her home.

The owner also claims that tips weren't in the workers' contracts, though Eiffel wants them to be tipped and claims workers she hired were given 'bonus' tips.

She sent a journalist emails from three of her employees that worked for her this summer, all lauding her for her efforts.

Eiffel did not provide any emails from any of the plaintiffs in the suit who had worked for her in 2021 and 2022.

The plaintiffs have asked for a jury trial
Norton Blake, 43, bared his teeth as he was perp walked on Wednesday

The thug who beat an elderly woman with her own cane fifty times on a New York City subway launched into a deranged rant about 'judgement day' as he was perp walked by cops.

Norton Blake, 43, flew into a frenzy as he was hauled through the Transit District 3 police precinct Wednesday.

'Judgement is coming on the face of the Earth, World War III is upon us!' he screamed, while baring his teeth to the media hours after his arrest.

Shocking footage captured the attack five days ago, showing the man identified by police as Blake viciously hitting the pensioner, Laurell Reynolds, with her cane as she pleaded with him to stop.

Police sparked fury after it emerged that Blake was initially set free by cops on the scene after he and Reynolds reportedly offered conflicting accounts of the attack, before public outcry led investigators to arrest the thug days later.

Norton Blake, 43, launched into a furious rant as he was hauled through the Transit District 3 police precinct on Wednesday

The thug was arrested by police at around 6:30am on Wednesday by the NYPD's warrant squad

As his perp walk moved outside, Blake raved about 'judgement day' and warned 'World War III is upon us'

Blake, a career criminal with at least nine prior arrests, was picked up by the NYPD's warrant squad at around 6:30am on Wednesday, law enforcement sources told the New York Post.

After being detained at the transit precinct, he was hauled before the media in cuffs while wearing a navy blue shirt and pants.

At first he appeared to hide his face from the cameras, before he quickly flew into an incoherent rant about the end of days.

While not much could be made out from his furious tirade as he screamed through a subway terminal, he could be heard declaring that he is a 'lord'.

The alleged attacker's perp walk was then taken outside to the streets of Manhattan, as footage of the incident saw him appear to claim his innocence.

'It's like Donald Trump says, its fake news, its gonna be one sided,' he said. 'You're going to take like AI, and make it seem like my words... to use against me.'

Moments before he ducked into a police car, Blake added: 'Use the spirit of the Lord, 'Judgement is coming on the face of the Earth, World War III is upon us!'

'Judgement is coming upon the face of the earth,' he repeated.

Blake, a career criminal with at least nine other arrests, was named by NYPD officials as the sole suspect in the attack on Laurell Reynolds (seen on the floor), on Tuesday - four days after the Friday attack. The suspect was able to leave the scene after giving cops a fake name

The assailant - believed to be Blake - showed no mercy as he struck Reynolds more than 50 times with her cane

The brutal attack that landed Blake behind bars saw him continuously strike Reynolds with her own cane at around 3am inside a subway station in Harlem, New York City.

At first, the attacker tried to hit her with an umbrella, while she used her cane to try and keep him at bay.

But the brute was able to sent her to the ground, whereupon he swiped the cane from her and begun the savage beating.

Blake allegedly hit her with the cane on her head, stomach, legs, arms, hands and back, and only stopped the attack when the cane broke from the force of the impacts.

Many have reacted with fury at the incident, as not a single transit staff or police officer was stationed at the subway to stop the attack.

The attacker, dressed in dirty clothes and appearing to be a vagrant, continued abusing the pensioner by screaming at her after the stick snapped.

Before the video stopped, Reynolds was seen curled up and motionless, while the attacker landed several more kicks to her body.

When footage of the attack went viral and caused widespread outrage in New York City and online, a boroughwide search for the man responsible was launched.

Blake was named by police four days later, leading to questions over the delay after it emerged that he the suspect was freed when he gave police a fake name and countered Reynolds' version of events.

The initial police report came in around half an hour after the attack, which claimed that the suspect fled the scene to 'parts unknown.' The oversight meant police on the scene missed Blake's reported decades-long rap sheet.

Those officers' handling of the suspect at the scene is now under investigation, sources further told the Post. It's unclear whether police viewed bystander video of the attack before or after they cut Blake loose.

Initially, officers under NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kemper (pictured) said they received a call reporting the assault Friday at 3:30am, but that the suspect fled the scene 'to parts unknown.'

The head of the NYC Transit Authority revealed an MTA worker was the one who filmed the clip, while placing a call to the city's Rail Control Center - who in turn called 911. Cops responded to the scene, before letting the suspect walk.

The victim Reynolds, who uses a walker, voiced her outrage before the suspect was caught, saying: 'They should've arrested him!

'I don't deserve that. Not at all, not at all  and I pray to God that it doesn't happen to no one else,' said Reynolds. 'They need to keep that man off the street.'

In comments to The Post, Reynolds' daughter revealed she only learned of the assault after seeing it circulating online.

'Now I know,' recalled 41-year-old Lashanne Reese Tuesday of how she realized what happened to her mom - after being left wondering why she never showed for a party she was having Saturday.

Of the harrowing footage - which raised eyebrows due to its vantage from inside a subway toll booth - she said: 'I'm hurt - it hurts.'

'That man could've killed my mother,' she added, crying at times in fits of apparent frustration over how things were handled. 'You all did nothing. I have a problem with that.'
This is the Department of Justice form that could be at the center of Hunter Biden's charges if he is indicted for buying a gun while using drugs.

Delaware, where the First Son purchased the 0.38 caliber pistol, makes any buyer answer a series of questions before they can lay their hands on a weapon.

One from the 2018 application asks if the applicant uses or is addicted to drugs. The box is clearly checked 'no.'

Joe Biden has always insisted that his son did nothing wrong. But now his troubled son is facing a potential indictment on the firearms charges by the end of September.

If found guilty, the most severe punishment he faces is 10 years in prison.

Hunter allegedly lied on a firearm report (above) required for his gun transaction. A photo of the form shows he answered 'no' when asked if he was an 'unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance'

His answer contradicts what he wrote in his memoir 'Beautiful Things' in which he openly admitted to his battle with alcohol and narcotics.

As part of the promotional blitz for that book, he told CBS News that at one time he was 'smoking crack around the clock'.

A picture from Hunter Biden's leaked hard drive shows him posing naked while holding a semi-automatic handgun by his side

Video discovered on Hunter's laptop computer shows him naked and brandishing a handgun in a hotel room in 2018, allegedly five days after buying the gun.

Hunter's girlfriend at the time, Hallie - his brother Beau's widow - eventually threw out the revolver after finding it in his car at grocery store Janssen's Market in Wilmington, Delaware.

She claims that she disposed of the gun because she thought he was going to kill himself.

She told the store, and the store's general manager called the police.

The FBI was called to the scene and both Hunter and Hallie were interviewed by police.

Angry text exchanges between the pair were later leaked online in which Hunter accused his sister-in-law turned lover of turning him over to the feds.

'I hate what you've done to me,' Hunter said. 'I won't ever recover from all of this.'

Hunter's sister-in-law and one-time girlfriend Hallie had found a gun in his car, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and threw it away in the trash outside Janssen's Market (pictured) in Wilmington, Delaware in October 2018, because she feared he would use it to kill himself
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King says a strip search incident involving 13 Australian women in Doha was a factor behind her decision to reject Qatar Airways' request to increase its flights to Australia.

In July, the Labor government rejected a proposal by Qatar Airways to add an extra 28 Australian routes which could have reduced airfares by 40 per cent and boosted the tourism industry by $788million.

The move came under scrutiny after it was revealed Qantas lobbied the government to do so before posting a record $2.5billion profit over the 2022/23 financial year.

But this morning, Ms King pointed to the strip search of 13 Australian women as 'context' to her decision to block Qatar Airways.

The women were among 18 female air passengers intimately examined by investigators after a newborn baby was found dumped in an airport bathroom bin.

The Federal Transport Minister Catherine King says a strip search incident involving five Australian women in Doha was a factor behind her decision to reject Qatar Airways

Anthony Albanese says his sole conversation about a Qatar Airways proposal was not with Qantas and denies blocking it to protect the Australian airline

Five of the Australian women are taking legal action over the alleged strip search at Hamad International Airport - the Doha home of Qatar Airways - in October 2020.

They also wrote to Ms King lobbying for the ban on the additional Qatar flights because of the incident.

Ms King sent a letter to their lawyers on July 10 confirming the ban on the very day she officially rejected Qatar Airways' request, and days before she told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of her decision, or announced it publicly.

'This is the only airline that has something like that that has happened,' she said. 'That is context that is there.'

The minister added 'there was no one factor that influenced this decision.'

The admission is an apparent contradiction of what the mnister said on July 26, when she said: 'I wouldnt link the decision not to continue to engage with Qatar.

'Im sure Qatar will continue to come to Australia and continue to ask for air rights, and we dont want to consider that at the moment.'

Women of child-bearing age travelling through Doha Airport in October 2020 were told to take off their underwear and expose their genitals by investigators seeking the mother of the newborn infant.

'Police officers were coming on the plane. They had guns,' one of the women revealed.

The women say they were not given any reason for the invasive examination at the time.

'She told me to pull my pants down and that I needed to examine my vagina,' one of the Australian travellers - flying home from London - revealed at the time.

'I said Im not doing that and she did not explain anything to me. She just kept saying, "We need to see it, we need to see it".'

None of the women inspected was the mother of the child, who was later identified by Qatar as an 'Asian immigrant' who managed to flee overseas.

The Qatari investigation found the child's mother 'threw the newborn infant in the trash can in one of the toilets in the departures lounge at the airport and boarded the plane to her destination.

'[The mother] had a relationship with another person of the nationality of one of the Asian countries as well, and this relationship resulted in the infant that was found.

'The father of the infant admitted she sent him a message and a photo of the newborn infant immediately after her birth.'

Foreign Minister Marise Payne described the searches at the time as a 'grossly disturbing, offensive, concerning set of events'.

The government has come under fire this week over its long list of excuses it has given for the decision to block Qatar's expansion bid.

Ms King pointed to the strip search of 13 Australian women at Qatar's Hamad Airport in Doha (pictured) as 'context' behind her decision to block Qatar Airways

A range of different reasons has been given for the decision, including it not being in the national interest, environmental concerns, protecting Qantas jobs and the airline's investment in new planes.

Ms King added on Thursday: 'As Ive said repeatedly, I made this decision in the national interest, and there is no one factor that I will point to that swayed my decision one way or the other.

'If you remember, we had multiple media requests on behalf of the women who had been escorted at gunpoint after a Qatar airlines flight and had then been subject on the tarmac in ambulances to invasive body searches.

'Wed had multiple media inquiries about that. And so, by July 18, the prime minister was aware of my decision.'

The excuses have come under fire from the opposition, with Liberal senator James Paterson demanding a public inquiry to probe the decision.

'None of the explanations shes given are convincing, none of them are trustworthy,' he said. 'And thats why we have to have this inquiry to get to the bottom of it.'

'It is an explanation which just frankly defies credibility. Shes been asked in the parliament, shes been asked in the media.

'And still today  weeks on from the scandal first emerging  she has failed to give a simple, clear explanation for why she made the decision.'

Foreign minister Penny Wong revealed on Wednesday that she raised the strip search incident in a call with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday.

'I initiated the call to discuss a range of bilateral matters. One of those, obviously, is in relation to the Hamad Airport incident,' she said.

'That's something I spoke about in Opposition. Obviously it was a very distressing event for the women concerned.'

But she added: 'The bilateral air services agreement was not discussed in the call.'

Critics have also questioned why Qantas's partnership with UAE-based Emirates airline has escaped scrutiny despite its worsening human rights record which still criminalises homosexuality and banned its discussion in schools.

The Disney film Lightyear was banned across the country in 2022 over a same-sex kiss in the animated children's movie.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the government about the apparent double standard.

Under questioning about whether he met with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce about the Qatar ban, Mr Albanese told parliament he had one 'extensive conversation' about the Qatar Airways deal, but it was not with any representative from Qantas.

'I received no lobbying from Qantas on this issue,' the prime minister said during Question Time on Monday.

He said opposition questions about the arrangement came from 'a complete failure to understand the way the international aviation system works'.

'We have the most open aviation market in the world, bar none,' he said.

'Qatar Airways can add more seats in Australia today, right now.'

Mr Albanese noted when he was minister in 2009 he doubled Qatar's access from seven to 14 flights.

He said global aviation was not a free-for-all, giving the example of Australian carriers being limited in their access to European markets.

Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie is pushing for an inquiry into the decision.

'It's very easy to assume that this government is continuing to run a protection racket for the most complained about company in our country,' Senator McKenzie said.

'The Australian public deserves to know why you made (the decision), that it wasn't just a cosy, special relationship, that it wasn't just a dirty deal.'

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said there was a 'murkiness' around the government's rejection of Qatar Airways, describing it as a 'sweetheart deal' with Qantas.

The Labor government has given a range of different reasons to block extra Qatar flights, including protecting Qantas jobs and their airline's investment in new planes

The Greens have introduced a Senate motion that would compel the government to release documents about the decision.

Queensland Acting Premier Steven Miles said he hoped 'common sense prevailed' and the Qatar Airways decision was reversed.

The calls come after a horror month for Qantas, which has been marked by a Senate grilling on delays, a potential $250 million fine, and the revelation CEO Alan Joyce had received more than $10 million worth of shares before his resignation.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is taking court action after the carrier allegedly advertised tickets for flights that had already been cancelled.

A Qantas spokesperson said the company would review allegations made by the consumer watchdog, but acknowledged its standards 'fell well short' as the airline emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

'The ACCC's allegations come at a time when Qantas' reputation has already been hit hard on several fronts,' the spokesperson said.

'We know it will take time to repair and we are absolutely determined to do that.'
A convicted con man claimed in an interview on Wednesday that he took cocaine with Barack Obama and performed oral sex on him twice in Chicago in 1999.

Larry Sinclair claimed he met Obama through a limousine driver, who knew the then-Illinois representative.

He claimed Obama smoked crack with him and then Sinclair gave him oral sex. He alleged Obama turned up at his hotel the next day, and the same routine played out.

Sinclair said he was certain Obama had had sex with men before, and smoked crack previously.

He said he knew Obama was married, but the marriage was troubled, and described him as 'a con' who used Sinclair, looking for some sort of 'hook', or advantage.

Sinclair, a convicted fraudster, first raised the claims more than 15 years ago and has never offered any proof of his claims against the former president.

Convicted con artist Larry Sinclair (left) appeared on Tucker Carlson's show on X on Wednesday night to revive his longstanding claims of drug-fueled sex with Barack Obama

The South Carolina-born fraudster hired a room in the Washington DC press club in 2008 to tell his story, and in 2009 self-published a book entitled: 'Barack Obama & Larry Sinclair: Cocaine, Sex, Lies & Murder?'

Sinclair's claims were given a new lease of life by the publication of a letter which Obama, then 21, wrote to his girlfriend Alex McNear in November 1982.

In the letter, he wrote that he 'loves making love to men daily, but in the imagination,' according to the New York Post.

Sinclair's claims were given fresh oxygen on Wednesday night by Tucker Carlson, who interviewed him for his show on X.

A spokesperson for Obama's personal office did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Wednesday evening.

Sinclair has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions on forgery, fraud and larceny charges, and has served prison time in Arizona, Florida and Colorado.

HOW SINCLAIR SAYS THEY MET

Sinclair, who grew up in South Carolina and now lives in Mexico, said that he was living in Colorado at the time and went to Chicago.

'I was in town for a few nights, and I was definitely looking to party,' he said. 'There was no doubt what I was looking for.'

He said a limousine driver picked him up, and introduced him to Obama. 'The driver definitely knew him, as he said he was a friend.

'I only found out later, dealing with a reporter from Bloomberg News, that the limousine company had been doing business with Tony Rezko.'

Syrian-born Rezko was a notorious Democrat donor, who contributed to Obama's campaign. He was later imprisoned for multiple counts of fraud.

Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are seen at the US Open last week. They have been married since 1992 and share two daughters

SOURCING COCAINE

Sinclair said that he and Obama went to an 'upscale, quiet' bar, which he could not name - but 'where the glasses had three Xs on them'.

He said he was told Obama was having trouble in his marriage, but the issue was not discussed.

'My feeling is that Barack Obama is definitely bi. There is a lot of transactional qualities to him. I think whatever he does is looking for a hook, looking for a benefit,' said Sinclair.

Sinclair said he had no idea Obama was a politician.

The fraudster said he told Obama he was tired and 'wanted something to wake up,' and Obama immediately knew he meant cocaine, and told him he could get it.

'I had no idea that he was a representative in the Illinois House. I just knew that he was supposedly married, and at that time going through some issues in the marriage,' said Sinclair.

He said they returned to the limo, and were driven to a place where they could buy cocaine. Sinclair said he gave Obama $250 to buy cocaine: Obama went out, returned to the limo, and then they took the drugs.

Sinclair claims that Obama smoked the drug, while he snorted it.

GETTING INTIMATE - TWICE

Sinclair said that, after they had both taken cocaine, Sinclair began stroking Obama's thigh.

'Then you hit on him,' Carlson said. 'Did he seem shocked by that?'

Sinclair replied: 'Not at all.'

Larry Sinclair, who claims he performed a sexual act on Barack Obama, poses with women at Trump National Doral Miami in a photo he posted October 12, 2019 from Miami, Florida.

He continued: 'I've done a lot of crazy things in my lifetime. I'm a pretty good judge of character. I didn't feel like I was going in the wrong direction.

'I wasn't sure I could trust the individual. But I was somewhat buzzed, so caution went to the wind.'

Sinclair said he was someone who had 'been around', and was constantly worried his partners would pull a knife on him, or worse.

After the act, in the back of the limo, Sinclair said he returned to his hotel - a Comfort Inn, in the Chicago suburb of Gurnee.

'I got dropped off, and they left,' he told Carlson.

'The next day was somewhat interesting because he showed up at my hotel room.

'I got no warning - I was in my room, I get a knock on the door, he's standing there with more coke.

'Exact same program.'

He said again Obama smoked crack, and then Sinclair performed oral sex on him.

'You get off, you finish smoking, you leave,' he said.

OBAMA WAS 'A CON', LOOKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE

Sinclair said he thought Obama was 'interesting, definitely a con.'

He added: 'I had definitely been around. You know when people are doing things because they actually really enjoy it, looking for a connection.

'Or they are looking for an in, a hook. I thought he was looking at it as in, is there something I can get out of it, other than the sexual part.'

He said he was left with 'a bad taste in his mouth'.

SINCLAIR DISCOVERS WHO OBAMA IS

Sinclair said he learnt Obama's identity five years later, in 2004.

'I had no idea who he was until I was sitting in my house in Mexico in 2004 and he walked onto the stage, at the convention,' he told Carlson.

'I hit the floor. I was laughing so hard.'

Sinclair is seen speaking to Tucker Carlson, for Carlson's show on X

Sinclair said he was in no doubt it was him.

'I don't forget people. He used his real name - he called himself Barack.

'I didn't know that much about him. You hook up. Today it's Grindr, back then it's a limo driver or bar tender. You ask, and somebody knows something or doesn't.'

Sinclair said he 'freaked out', and told friends who were at his house that night.

'You're not going to believe this,' he said he told them. 'I blew this guy twice!'

He said it was 'unreal'.

Sinclair added: 'It was a strange feeling sitting there seeing him walk across the stage, and realizing who he was.'

SINCLAIR CONTACTS THE 2008 CAMPAIGN

Sinclair said he got in touch with the campaign in 2007, when Obama said he was open about his drug use as a young man.

'The only reason I came out about it is - I had reached out to the campaign even in 2007,' said Sinclair.

'Only because I saw all these kids getting excited about it.'

Sinclair once ran for mayor of the town of Cocoa, in Florida

In his 1995 memoir, Obama mentioned smoking 'reefer' in 'the dorm room of some brother' and talked about 'getting high.'

He wrote that he had indulged in marijuana, alcohol and sometimes cocaine as a high school student in Hawaii, and made 'some bad decisions' as a teenager involving drugs and drinking - but he did not give specifics.

Sinclair said he felt Obama was not being honest.

'I simply pointed out: look, why don't you come out and say I did coke, and I've done it as recently as 1999. Put it out there, and let it stay as the truth.'

He said he reached out to the office of David Axelrod, Obama's chief campaign strategist, in Chicago, and sent three letters. Initially he did not mention sex.

OBAMA ON CRACK?

'What was Obama like on crack?' asked Carlson.

'I knew a lot of people who smoked it, as I was in Miami in the late 80s when it became popular,' said Sinclair.

'Similar to a friend of mine in Miami: extremely high, calm, euphoric. Then when it starts to come down twitching and looking. Anything that looks white you think is another piece you can smoke.

'Euphoric, talkative but not really saying anything.'

Carlson added: 'So, just like his presidency.'

Sinclair said he was sure it was not the first time Obama had smoked crack, because he 'got into a limo with a pipe in his pocket.'

SINCLAIR'S STORY IS DISMISSED

In 2008, when Sinclair first aired his claims, Politico reported on the saga, noting that the 'story has generally been ignored by the mainstream media, because he's been unable to substantiate his allegations.'

In June 2008, Sinclair rented a room at the National Press Club in Washington DC, and spoke for an hour, going into great detail about the two sexual liaisons.

The press conference ended in Sinclair's arrest on an open warrant from Delaware, after liberal bloggers who supported Obama apparently tipped off DC police to his scheduled appearance.

In June 2008, Sinclair rented a room at the National Press Club in Washington DC, and spoke for an hour about his claims. He is seen above at the press conference

For more than a decade, Sinclair's claims were taken seriously only by the furthest fringe of conspiracy theorists, and had largely receded from public discourse.

Sinclair urged Obama, on Wednesday night, to turn over his phone records from 1999 and prove Sinclair was not 'crazy'.

He said he did not anticipate the reaction, but it probably 'would not have stopped me.'

He added: 'My opinion was: if you are going to tell the story, tell the whole story and let the chips fall where they may.'

Sinclair said YouTube gave access to his account to someone, and when it was returned to him the video of his 2008 speech was deleted.

Carlson asked Sinclair why he was telling the story, saying he had not got rich from it.

'I think I have an answer for why a lot of reporters would not want to follow up,' said Sinclair.

He said someone in the Obama campaign told a Chicago Tribune reporter 'that they were aware of who I was, and it was their intention to destroy me, and if they mentioned my name they would be cut off from the campaign.'

Sinclair added: 'No one wanted to be blackballed by a historic campaign. It would be a story if the media really cared about telling the truth about anything.'

THE CRIMINAL RECORD

Sinclair attacked Politico, for saying he had a 27-year criminal record.

'My criminal record goes from 1980 to 1986. Any sentence I've been given, I've served,' said Sinclair.

He denied being a fugitive, or trying to escape justice.

'I've never hidden my past in regular, everyday life - why would I hide it with this?'

OBAMA'S RECORD

Sinclair said: 'I think he's the same grifter he always was. I think he's power hungry. I think he's calling the shots in the Biden administration.

'Race relations in this country has not only been pushed back. But everything is about race now. About victimization.

'I would be willing to bet you I'm not the only white male he had sex with. He got what he wanted - he's in DC, living the life, still looked upon as the savior of the country.

'Sadly people are still giving him that power.'

He said: 'I grew up as a gay kid in an area where being gay could get you killed, just as much as being black.

'I've watched it all my life. I know when people play. I knew because he was saying one thing on the campaign - remember when he told supporters to turn up for a fight with a knife, get in their face, argue with them, convince them.

'You don't say things like that, and then say you won't make it about race.'

Carlson concluded that that was 'the one part of your story that we can say, unequivocally, you are telling the truth about.'
Writers from 7 countries take part in 2023 Shanghai Writing Program

Xinhua) 13:02, September 06, 2023

SHANGHAI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 Shanghai Writing Program, which commenced on Monday, has offered international writers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant city of Shanghai for two months.

Writers from seven countries, including Egypt, Germany, Argentina and Cyprus, are participating in this year's program to gather material for their future literary works during this period.

Hosted by the Shanghai Writers' Association, the program has invited 100 writers from 38 countries to reside in the city and experience Chinese culture and street life since 2008.

Participants have the opportunity to explore the charming alleyways of Shanghai, experience the hustle and bustle of underground carriages, and savor the local delicacies, including steamed and pan-fried buns.

Everyday life fragments have served as a wellspring of inspiration for the writers' creations, leaving a lasting impact. Malgorzata Budzynska Dora Hamisson from Poland, who joined the program in 2016, was so enamored by Shanghai that she and her family decided to relocate to the city three years later.

The theme for this year is "Cities That Appear Distant," and foreign writers will have the opportunity to visit Fudan University, go for city walks, and visit places with splendid cultural heritages around Shanghai, such as Tonglu and Shaoxing.

Wang Wei, in charge of the Shanghai Writers' Association, said that this year's invited writers, originally scheduled to visit Shanghai in the fall of 2020, can now do so as international literary exchanges, disrupted by the pandemic, have been resumed.

Singaporean writer Clara Chow, participating in this year's program, said that as an overseas Chinese, she has recently begun to write poetry in the Chinese language. "English is the language from my mind, while Chinese is the language from my heart."

Acclaimed German author Bernhard Hennen, whose works have been translated into more than 10 languages, said he is looking forward to embracing new ideas in Shanghai for his next fiction.

He said he cannot wait to wander in Shanghai's streets and look for the city's unique stories that blend modernity and tradition.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Gillian Keegan has been accused of opening 'Pandora's box' with an overly cautious and 'unilateral' approach to closing school buildings at risk from crumbling concrete.

Ministers accused the Education Secretary of setting a cautious standard which risks dragging scores of public sector buildings into the crisis.

While supporters of Mrs Keegan insist she had no choice but to order schools to shut, others fear her actions will cause the problem to spiral.

Ministers were surprised there was no 'collective agreement' between departments before action was taken, a government insider told the Mail.

'Officials were blindsided by the approach,' they said. But an ally of Mrs Keegan last night defended her actions, insisting she had to act with an 'abundance of caution' because the use of RAAC concrete cannot be monitored easily across all 22,000 schools.

Gillian Keegan (pictured) has been accused of opening 'Pandora's box' with an overly cautious and 'unilateral' approach to closing school buildings at risk from crumbling concrete

They also said the impact of a falling panel in a classroom would be very high  with a large number of children in a relatively small space.

Downing Street said last night that other departments would not take the same approach to the concrete issue as Mrs Keegan had done.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The way that the Department for Education is approaching RAAC will not be uniform to all departments and indeed beyond public bodies as well.'

Thousands of pupils have been told to stay at home as the school year gets under way due to safety concerns about crumbling concrete.

Just minutes before Prime Minister's Questions today, the Department for Education (DfE) published a long-awaited list of 147 schools and colleges in England identified as having collapse-prone reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete on site.

Four schools have had to switch to remote learning for all pupils. An additional 20 have had to offer some remote learning at the start of the academic year because RAAC was present in their buildings.

Thousands of pupils have been told to stay at home as the school year gets under way due to safety concerns about crumbling concrete

Work being carried out at Mayflower Primary School in Leicester

The start of term has been delayed at a further 19 schools while accommodation is finalised, the DfE list suggests. The list has been published nearly a week after the Government told more than 100 education settings in England to shut buildings just days before the new academic year.

Mrs Keegan said: 'I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

READ MORE: School concrete crisis deepens as primary warns disruption could last until 2025 and parents across the UK are told buildings will remain shut until further notice and children must stay home - just HOURS before the start of term Advertisement

'Thanks to the hard work of schools, colleges, councils, diocese and academy trusts, the majority of settings where RAAC has been confirmed have opened to all pupils for the start of term... We are also expediting surveys and urging all responsible bodies to tell us what they know about RAAC, so we can be confident that settings are safe and supported.'

Yesterday the Education Secretary told school chiefs who had not yet responded to a survey about crumbling concrete to 'get off their backsides' and inform the Government if they are affected by this Friday.

Mrs Keegan urged the 5 per cent of schools, or the bodies responsible for them, to fill out the DfE's questionnaire. Downing Street said the number of school sites affected by RAAC could rise as not all questionnaires have been returned.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'I believe significant numbers, [from] ministers down and indeed locally, are trying to get clarity on the remaining numbers that haven't responded.'

At least 13 schools confirmed to have the flawed material had rebuilding funding cancelled when the Conservatives came to power in 2010, the BBC reported. And Labour continued to mock the Government's attempts to reassure parents and pupils.

Seizing on a tweet by the Education Secretary which said 'most schools unaffected', they posted a series of posters on Twitter stating: 'most crimes unsolved', 'most rivers full of sewage', 'most bills too high' and 'most patients waiting on record'.
Nine in ten businesses in Londons West End say they have been damaged by the scrapping of tax-free shopping for tourists.

Companies in the nations premier shopping hub say they are considering slashing investment in the UK after seeing foreign visitors footfall and spending fall.

Holidaymakers are shunning Britains capital to spend their money in rival cities such as Paris and Lisbon due to the tourist tax, business leaders warn.

MPs are set to debate the levy in Parliament this afternoon following the Daily Mails Scrap the Tourist Tax campaign.

Around 100 members of the New West End Company, which represents businesses, were asked about Rishi Sunaks decision to end the tax-free shopping scheme for tourists in 2021. One in five (21 per cent) said they were considering making closures in the UK or instead investing in other countries such as France and Italy.

Companies in London's West End say they are considering cutting investment, amid lower visitor footfall as tourists choose other European cities to avoid Britain's 'tourist tax'

British fashion label Mulberry closed its Bond Street store earlier this year, citing a dramatic drop in footfall after the levy was introduced. Of those affected by the tourist tax, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) reported a fall in the overall numbers of visitors.

This suggests the UK is being held back from the post-pandemic travel boom that many of its rivals in Europe are enjoying. Nine in ten also said they had seen international tourists spend less cash in their venues.

Dozens of MPs and peers have backed the Mails campaign, and a 90-minute Westminster Hall debate is set to be held on the issue today. This means the Treasury will have to formally respond to the campaign, launched by hotelier Sir Rocco Forte and backed by more than 350 prominent firms, including Burberry, Harrods and Marks & Spencer.

We are cutting off our nose to spite our face

By Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

This weeks belated heatwave may seem like a strange time to be thinking about Christmas. But thats exactly what Britains beleaguered hospitality and retail sectors are doing while the rest of the UK basks in long-overdue late summer sunshine.

The festive season, of course, provides an annual economic boost for business as well as a welcome fillip for the Exchequer. But were missing out by billions of pounds a year of potential growth because of the Treasurys short-sighted decision to abolish tax-free shopping for overseas tourists.

Thats why Ive called a Parliamentary debate in which I will today ask the Treasury to commission a wide-ranging study into the economic impact of this misguided tax on tourists.

As the Daily Mail has pointed out in its hard-hitting Scrap the Tourist Tax campaign, the Chancellors decision to end VAT-free shopping for tourists almost three years ago now was based on a simple calculation that it would save the Government 2billion a year in lost revenues.

But I believe the Treasurys sums were based on flawed assumptions and failed to take into account the bigger economic picture  that shopping can be an important driver of international tourism and tourists do more than spend on luxury goods.

The Treasurys sums were based on flawed assumptions and failed to take into account the bigger economic picture, writes Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP

They stay in hotels and spend money in pubs and restaurants, as well as on visits to museums, theatres, concerts and sporting events.

In fact, the Treasurys decision to effectively make Britain 20 per cent more expensive for tourists has had an immediate negative effect. Big-spending shoppers from America, China and the Middle East have chosen to shop elsewhere.

While Londons tourist spend has flatlined, the capitals biggest rivals  New York, Paris, Milan and Madrid  have seen their tourist spends double or even triple.

We really are cutting off our nose to spite our face. Studies by Oxford Economics and the CEBR suggest that abolishing the tourist tax will contribute up to 9.1billion to the economy. Far from costing the Treasury 2billion a year, it would generate additional tax revenues of 350 million a year.

Despite this weeks baking weather, a Treasury U-turn would come too late to boost our tourist economy for the summer season. But abolishing the tourist tax in one of the hottest weeks of the year would be one of the best Christmas presents Britain could possibly have.
Britain is poised to rejoin the EU's Horizon science programme after Rishi Sunak gave negotiators the green light to finalise a deal.

The UK has been absent from the bloc's 85 billion research regime for two years post-Brexit, and there were fears that talks may be scuppered over tensions about the price of rejoining.

But an official announcement is expected as early as tomorrow after 'significant' progress in negotiations, according to one Government source. The issue is understood to have been sitting in Mr Sunak's in-tray for weeks as he haggled for higher sums from the fund for British scientists to ensure they can catch up after the two-year absence.

It is understood some minor issues will still need to be ironed out.

Britain is poised to rejoin the EU's Horizon science programme after Rishi Sunak (pictured with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in February) gave negotiators the green light to finalise a deal

At Prime Minister's Questions today, Mr Sunak told MPs his 'priority and preference' was to associate with Horizon but 'on terms that are right for both the British taxpayer and for British science and research'

At Prime Minister's Questions today, Mr Sunak told MPs his 'priority and preference' was to associate with Horizon but 'on terms that are right for both the British taxpayer and for British science and research'.

Hinting at a breakthrough, he said the Government had been 'extensively involved in discussions' with the EU and added: 'I hope to be able to conclude those successfully.'

A deal will allow close ties between Europe's top research hubs to resume after the UK was frozen out of the fund while Brexit tensions flared. News of a breakthrough was welcomed by scientists, who have warned that a lack of a deal has been damaging to the UK's reputation in the life sciences field.

They have complained that being shut out of the scheme made it far harder to lead cross-European projects from Britain, risking 'brain drain' and scientists moving abroad. Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, at London's Francis Crick Institute, welcomed the developments as 'fantastic news' and said he would 'love' for the deal to be officially confirmed.

He told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: 'We've really been missing being able to work properly with other European scientists. Of course the funds would help UK science but it's that interaction really that we're missing so much.'

In a letter to The Times in July, Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute and Nobel laureate, said membership of Horizon was 'vital... to keep the UK at the forefront of world science'.

Cancer Research UK has been calling on ministers and the EU to clinch a deal, saying it is in the interests of people affected by the disease.

Horizon is the main cross-European research funding programme, offering scientists access to significant grants for research about issues such as climate change and cancer.
SHOPPING  Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Mail Best article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

There are plenty of ways to brew coffee in the comfort of your own home. If youre a self-professed coffee snob, though, you know that the right device can make all the difference to its strength and flavor.

The bonVIVO Gazetaro French press is easily one of the best candidates of its kind. More than just a stylish accent, it does the job so impressively that users have dubbed it the best press theyve every owned  and its now reduced by 52% to only $22.11.

bonVIVO Gazetaro French Press Just plunge and pour! True coffee lovers know that the almighty French press is the only way to satisfy their cravings for an unforgettable cup. This beautiful device is finished in gorgeous copper, adding a lovely touch to your kitchen. Beyond that, it delivers a rich, flavorful, and highly aromatic brew every time. Just fill with your grounds of choice, add boiling water, and plunge. (At this price, it makes a great gift, too!) Shop

You can use this beautiful coffeemaker to plunge your way to a much more robust and flavorful cup every single day. French presses are the gold standard for making some of the best brews in the world right at home.

All you need are coffee, water, and a little bit of patience. The German-made device is incredibly easy to use, yielding a wonderfully aromatic cup within minutes.

The aesthetics alone make the bonVIVO Gazetaro French press worthy of a place on your brunch tray or a gift for the coffee snob in your life.

And, of course, it is as fashionable as it is functional. The bonVIVO approach prioritizes style just as much as efficiency, which makes the Gazetaro French press an especially impressive addition to the kitchen.

Made with stainless steel, it boasts a stunning copper finish that blends nicely into any space. At 34 ounces, its sized just right to help you enjoy a few cups a day.

Even if you arent a coffee lover, odds are you know someone who is  and if they truly appreciate their java, theres no question theyll love the bonVIVO Gazetaro French press.

Satisfied users have awarded it five stars for everything from its good looks to its efficiency. One stated, Im very fussy about that last cup  its the one that usually has that bitter residue but the screen/plunger mechanism does a great job and keeping that stuff out  even in the last cup.

Another shares, Very simple to use and tasted amazing. I really like that Im getting the full flavor of my coffee. Great item.

The Gazetaro French press is thoughtfully designed with heat-resistant elements, a stainless steel frame, and a sleek silhouette.

This is by far the best French press I have owned, declares a user who awarded the press five stars. This one is sturdy and is very eye catching.

Whether for yourself or the coffee lover in your life, dont miss the opportunity to save big on the bonVIVO Gazetaro French press.
Friends of Kanye West's so-called 'wife' Bianca Censori have grown 'extremely concerned' about her bizarre behavior in recent months - and fear the rapper is manipulating her into a 'radicalized' version of his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

Kanye, 46, and Bianca, 28, have sparked scandal after scandal during a recent trip to Italy - with the controversy reaching new heights when the pair were caught engaging in a risque act during a boat ride in Venice while the rapper bared his naked buttocks in public.

Their bizarre behavior has prompted fury from Italian locals and sparked a police investigation into their lewd conduct on the boat - while also prompting grave concern from Bianca's inner circle, who insist that this is not who she really is, but rather a result of Kanye's influencer over her.

'Bianca is stuck and her friends are trying to save her, but no one can because of the blockades Kayne has put up [around her],' a close friend of Bianca's told DailyMail.com.

'Everyone is extremely concerned. This isn't who she is. She is an incredibly outspoken and lively person who is never one to keep her mouth shut.

Friends of Bianca Censori, 28, are 'extremely concerned' amid an ongoing police investigation into her lewd behavior with Kanye West, 46, on a boat ride in Venice, Italy (pictured)

Last week, Kanye was seen flashing his naked derriere during a very amorous boat ride with Bianca - an incident that has since prompted an investigation by Italian authorities

'But she has no one right now and it is scary.'

Bianca, who was hired as the Head of Architecture for Yeezy, was first linked to Kanye back in January 2023 - just months after his divorce from ex-wife Kim was finalized. During his marriage to Kim, Kanye often referred to her as his 'muse' and heavily influenced her fashion choices.

Friends feel that he is doing to same to Bianca.

'Kanye is trying to make Bianca into a radicalized version of Kim - almost like Kim 2.0,' the source insists. 'The difference is that when Kim was with Kanye he was respected in the fashion world. He has since lost this respect.'

In October 2022, Kanye's fall from grace began when he wore a White Lives Matter T-shirt to his YZY SZN 9 fashion show in Paris.

The following month, he began a tirade of horrific anti-sematic remarks on Twitter, which led to him getting dropped by Adidas and Gap, whose lucrative collaboration with Kanye led to billions of dollars in profit.

The friend tells DailyMail.com, 'Bianca knew what she was getting into when she started dating Kanye. But she found him charming.'

Certainly on the surface, it appears that the rapper's 'charm' has worn down for Bianca; images of her taken during their Italian getaway show her looking somber and often with her face turned down.

DailyMail.com has contacted Kanye and Bianca's spokespersons for comment.

Unhappily ever after: 'This isn't who she is. She is stuck,' a source tells DailyMail.com of Bianca (pictured with Kanye in Italy last month in a controversial 'naked' outfit)

Karbon Kopy: 'Kanye is trying to make Bianca into a radicalized version of his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian,' the pal says

Signs that Kanye and Bianca were an item first appeared in December when Kanye released a song called 'Censori Overload.' On January 9, they were both spotted wearing gold bands while having lunch in Beverly Hills.

After news of their marriage, which DailyMail.com has reported was not official because they never obtained a marriage certificate, Bianca's social media presence completely disappeared.

On Facebook, an account existed under the username 'bibi.censori' and the page name 'Bibi Bonk', but it became inactive after their non-legally-binding union. It is not confirmed that the account belongs to Bianca.

The account features one photograph of Bianca, uploaded as a profile picture on October 26, 2021, but it does not appear to have posted since then.

There is further confusion surrounding her online presence as a link to an interview with Bianca and Yeezy's Tanil Raif and Abe Salman appears to have been removed.

When clicking on the link that took users to her Instagram, it now says, 'Page Not Found. Sorry the page you were looking for cannot be found.'

At the time, Bianca's resemblance to Kim was uncanny, including striking similarities in their gorgeous face and voluptuous bodies.

Shortly after they 'wed', Bianca chopped her long brown hair off and dyed it blonde. Her outfit choices then began slowly changing into more risky ensembles, which were clearly a result of Kanye's over-the-top fashion preferences.

None were as risky as her outfit choices in Italy last week. Among them was the outrageous nude catsuit - which saw her forced to cover her nipples with a black cross-body bag.

The couple have already made headlines for their odd wardrobe choices, with critics taking aim at Bianca for 'going around virtually naked' in Venice (seen here)

According to the source, Bianca (in Italy last month) is being guarded by 'blockades' put up by her YEEZY rapper husband

Seeing double: Bianca (left) has dyed her hair blonde but as a brunette she was a dead ringer for Kanye's ex-wife Kim (right)

According to major tourism website CIU Travel, locals found it 'offensive' to see visitors 'wandering the streets in varying states of undress.'

The website reads: 'Walking around in beach attire or, worse, shirtless, is a huge no-no in Italy, unless you have your feet buried deep in the sand.'

It is not only Bianca's fashion choices that has caused issues with the Italians, but also their actions.

Kanye and Bianca were being investigated by the police in Italy after being caught on-camera in compromising positions while on a boat tour.

In photos published by DailyMail.com, Kanye exposed his buttocks while on a river taxi tour with Bianca. Seated in the back of a water taxi.

Bianca was seen seated in between the rapper's legs with her head on his lap. The photos are quite alarming due to the fact that the rapper's pants were unbuttoned at the time - as evidenced by the fact that his entire backside was exposed.

Police have identified the driver of the taxi they were on and he is expected to be questioned in the next few days about what exactly he saw on the boat.

Police are also asking for photographers to hand over the images that went around the world.

A Venice police source told MailOnline.com, 'There are standards of public decorum that have to be followed by tourists and locals alike and any breaches are severely punished.

'The images of West with his trousers down while in a taxi as he and his partner crossed the lagoon were seen all over the globe.

'You could clearly see his trousers were half down and we have received complaints from people who witnessed it. Now we have identified the driver of the boat and we will be asking him what he saw as well.

'The images show the couple clearly in a state of intimacy and if the local prosecutor decides to press charges then we will notify the couple, most probably through the relevant embassies.

'The offence being investigated is acts contrary to public decency which is punishable by an administrative sanction.'

Venetian officials have also expressed outrage - hardly surprising considering the city issues fines for infractions like swimming in the canals, open air picnics and sprawling on the steps of public buildings.

Elisabetta Pesce, councillor for public security in Venice, told MailOnline: 'Without any shadow of doubt what we saw from the couple was a lack of respect for Venice, which is the most enchanting city in the world.'
She is the latest star to promote popular jewellery brand, Pandora.

But Rebecca Judd's Instagram followers had trouble focusing on the jewels as she starred in a sponsored ad for the line this week.

The AFL WAG, 40, revealed a hint of underboob and flaunted her insane abs in a crop top as she modelled some stunning bracelets and rings.

She looked fit as a fiddle in the cream top teamed with a fluffy cardigan and jeans.

Bec allowed her luscious brunette hair to hang freely around her shoulders and accessorised and wore an application of bronzed makeup.

Bec Judd (pictured) always turns heads when it comes to her cutting edge fashion choices. And on Wednesday, the AFL WAG, 40, looked every inch the stunner as she flaunted her insane abs in a sponsored Instagram post for Pandora jewellery

'So pretty,' she wrote next to the photo.

Back in August, Bec reflected on her cultural background while speaking to Stellar.

The mother-of-four, who is soon to start on The Amazing Race, revealed she is Maori on her mother's side, with fans rarely guessing it as her heritage.

The Perth native added that extra oomph to her look with a light layer of makeup and highlighted her natural beauty with a cheeky smile

'Mum's side is Maori, so we did a lot of trips to New Zealand when we were kids. No-one ever guesses that I'm Maori. No-one. Ever,' the catwalk star told the publication.

Bec said her grandfather has a large farm in New Zealand, with their family regularly enjoying a hangi - a traditional way of cooking food underground.

'My pop has a big farm, and we'd have all the uncles and aunties over to have a hangi every time we went over,' she added.

Back in August, Bec revealed no one ever guesses her New Zealand heritage

Both Rebecca's mother and father, Hugh Twigley and Kerry Brown, are from New Zealand and lived in a small cray fishing town called Leeman.

The pair moved to Western Australia in the late 70s to take advantage of the mining boom, before having Rebecca and older sister, Kate.

Kerry and Hugh separated early in Bec's childhood, but remain close friends.

Bec is married to former AFL star Chris Judd and the couple have four children: Oscar, 12, Billie, nine, and twins Darcy and Tom, six.
Guy Pearce has reunited in secret with his former on-screen sweetheart Annie Jones to film new scenes for the Neighbours reboot.

The 55-year-old Hollywood star shot the scenes in England with Jones, 56, in February before the rest of the cast began work on the new series in Melbourne in April reports TV Tonight.

Pearce and Jones wowed fans last July when they returned for what was thought to be the Neighbours finale, reprising their original roles as sweethearts Mike and Jane.

When last seen, Mike (Pearce) and Jane (Annie Jones) had just decided to buy a house together.

But after Neighbours was revived by Amazon, the show's producers elected to bring the characters back says executive producer Jason Herbison.

Guy Pearce has re-united in secret with his former on-screen sweetheart Annie Jones to film new scenes for the Neighbours reboot reports TV Tonight Pictured: Annie Jones (L) and Guy Pearce as they appear in the upcoming Neighbours reboot

The 55-year-old Hollywood star shot the scenes in England with Jones, 56, in February before the rest of the cast began work on the new series in Melbourne in April

'When the news of the shows return was announced, one of the big questions was, what will happen with Mike and Jane?,' he said in an interview with TV Tonight.

'Fortunately, Guy was very committed to seeing the storyline through and absolutely wanted to honour their relationship and their romance, and the fact that the show had ended, with Mike and Jane together buying a house. So we came up with a storyline.'

Elsewhere in the chat Herbison said that Pearce and Jones made time in their schedules to film the new scenes on an estate in Surrey, outside London.

The storyline, filmed over two days, will involve several episodes in the reboot.

Herbison also teased future episodes featuring Pearce's much loved character.

We definitely dont rule out. It may not be the last you see of him, but well have to let that unfold.

Pearce originally appeared on the long-running series from 1986 - 1989 as Mike Young, the best friend of Scott, played by Jason Donovan.

Meanwhile, Annie Jones, who played Jane, first appeared in the beloved soap in 1986.

News of Neighbours axing made world headlines in March 2022, when Channel 10 and producers Fremantle announced the show would be ending after 37 years.

But heartbroken fans were given relief just four months after the last episode screened in July, when Amazon elected to reboot the famed soap.

It comes after the all-star series finale of Neighbours win the television ratings for the first time in more than a decade last July.

Pearce and Jones wowed fans last July when they returned for what was thought to be the Neighbours finale, reprising their original roles as sweethearts Mike and Jane

After Neighbours was revived by Amazon, the show's producers elected to bring the characters of Jane and Mike back says executive producer Jason Herbison Pictured: Herbison, Pearce and Annie Jones during filming of the new storyline

The episode, which was simulcast on Channel 10 and 10 Peach, drew 873,000 metro viewers across both stations, largely thanks to the cast of returning favourites such as Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

Meanwhile, the Neighbours reboot will air on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US and will include streaming rights to thousands of episodes from previous seasons.

The series will stream on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Channel 10 will debut Neighbours at 4:30pm on Monday September 18, with the Amazon Prime premiere set for September 25.
Deborah Hutton has blasted Qantas publicly on Instagram on Tuesday, urging her followers to switch alliances and take their business to Virgin.

The 61-year-old star expressed her discontent after her flight was delayed for over 45 minutes, barely a few hours after the airline vowed to improve its punctuality and cut down on cancellations.

A vexed Hutton couldn't contain her ire, taking to social media to vent her frustrations and effectively adding fuel to the already simmering Qantas PR crisis.

'Syd-Melb45 mins late so far and counting @qantas,' she wrote alongside an eye-rolling emoji.

She continued: '@virginaustralia much better airline,' along with a heart and thumbs up.

Deborah Hutton has blasted Qantas publicly on Instagram on Tuesday, urging her followers to switch alliances and take their business to Virgin

This scathing recommendation comes shortly after Qantas pledged to 'restore the public's confidence in the kind of company we are'

This scathing recommendation comes shortly after Qantas pledged to 'restore the public's confidence in the kind of company we are.'

The Foxtel presenter's post was met with a deluge of mixed reactions from her follower base, with opinions oscillating from staunch agreement to outright defence of the beleaguered airline.

One social media user echoed Hutton's sentiment, slamming Qantas for selling tickets to already cancelled flights, calling it 'disgraceful'.

This scathing recommendation comes shortly after Qantas pledged to 'restore the public's confidence in the kind of company we are'

Meanwhile, others rallied to Qantas' defence, pointing out the reasonable nature of a 45-minute delay, especially when dictated by weather conditions and safety considerations.

A handful critiqued Hutton's approach, accusing her of exacerbating the issue by publicising it during a particularly turbulent time for the airline.

'Seriously. Why do you need to put this out. I really don't get it,' another user commented.

'I get Qantas is in the headlines at the moment but why make it worst? adding fuel to the fire,' they continued.

The Foxtel presenter's post was met with a deluge of mixed reactions from her follower base, with opinions oscillating from staunch agreement to outright defence of the beleaguered airline

The situation has sparked a deeper debate surrounding the competition and service quality between Qantas and Virgin Australia.

While some were quick to support Hutton's call for greater competition to shake Qantas from their perceived complacency, others were less convinced about Virgin being hailed as a superior option, noting its history of financial troubles and its operational stance as a low-cost airline.

The heated debate surrounding Qantas' service disruptions and its ensuing PR nightmare continues to engulf social media platforms, adding a new chapter to the airline's ongoing saga of trying to rebuild trust and confidence with the Australian public.
ABC star Leigh Sales took a brutal swipe at Karl Stefanovic during Tuesday night's episode of The Cheap Seats.

The former 7.30 host joked that the Today show star was 'not a real journalist' while revealing which Aussie presenter she had interviewed that had surprised her.

'You speak to some incredible names in Australian journalism. Annabel Crabb, Karl Stefanovic, Tracy Grimshaw, David Speers, who surprised you the most of who you spoke to?' host Tim McDonald asked.

'I actually thought you were gonna say that you spoke to some incredible names in journalism and Karl Stefanovic,' she joked.

'But he is amazing at what he does, let the records show.'

She went on to say her interview with Karl had surprised her because he revealed how nervous he used to get at the beginning of his career.

'You know Karl actually did surprise me a bit because he talked about how nervous he used to get when he was first starting out and he said he used to sweat absolute buckets,' she explained.

It comes days after Leigh defended her all-staff email about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, arguing there is 'no secret 26-page' version of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

She shared her thoughts about reporters' coverage of the Voice debate in an email sent last Thursday by the ABC's editorial policy chief Mark Maley.

ABC star Leigh Sales took a brutal swipe at Karl Stefanovic during Tuesday night's episode of The Cheap Seats

The former 7.30 host joked that Karl (pictured) was 'not a real journalist' while revealing which Aussie presenter she had interviewed that had surprised her

The Australian Story presenter appeared on Ben Fordham's 2GB radio show on Monday to explain that the ABC needs to get 'factually correct' information out to the public.

Leigh said one of the inaccuracies going around 'is the idea that there's some secret document that the Uluru Statement as we've been presented as the one-page document, that's not all there is.

'(It's claimed) there's a secret 26-page document and that's what's secretly driving government policy.'

Fordham put it to her that the existence of the longer document - which contained calls for reparations, 'rent' to be paid and reconsideration of land rights - was still newsworthy.

'Of course, but what you can't do is come on and present it as what you've been told isn't the full Uluru Statement. We are presented with the full Uluru Statement,' she said.

It comes after Leigh defended her all-staff email about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, arguing there is 'no secret 26-page' version of the Uluru Statement from the Heart

'The other material, which is of interest to people who want to understand the full context, is a separate thing.'

Leigh said the extra pages contain context that was discussed in formulating the Statement.

But she said 'it's not some secret document that the government is going from that's actually being hidden from the Australian public.

'It's been there all along if you want to have a look at it.'
The Seven Network officially opened their newsroom and studios in Sydney last month after relocating from Martin Place in Sydney's CBD.

The anticipated high-tech facility located at South Eveleigh is now the home of Seven's Sydney and national news operations, including 7NEWS, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Latest and Spotlight.

But it's not all state-of-the-art as previously thought, with Sunrise being forced to film their outdoor broadcasts in the loading dock.

On Monday, viewers took to forum Media Spy to share their disappointment with the flawed layout as hosts Natalia Barr, Matt Shirvington, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta presented in the driveway.

The segment featured traditional Greek dancers and plates being smashed as part of a giveaway for one lucky viewer's chance to win a trip to the Greek Islands.

The Seven Network officially opened their new high-tech newsroom and studios in Sydney last month after relocating from Martin Place in Sydney's CBD, but it's not all state-of-the-art as previously thought

'In the carpark this morning - must have wanted to protect the new studios floor,' one fan wrote to the forum.

'Not the best location for an OB. It looks like a loading bay,' another added.

'[I] Miss Martin Place for these types of set ups.'

While one user noted that the outdoor location was perhaps used for the 'smashing of plates', another disgruntled viewer said it was 'the second time' they have used the loading dock for an OB.

Sunrise was forced to film one of its outdoor broadcasts in the loading dock on Monday, as hosts Natalia Barr, Matt Shirvington , Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta presented in the driveway

The segment featured traditional Greek dancers and plates being smashed as part of a giveaway for one lucky viewer's chance to win a trip to the Greek Islands

'Hopefully its not a regular occurrence,' they added.

Sunrise ushered in a new era in July as Channel Seven officially relocated its studios to nearby South Eveleigh after 19 years of broadcasting from Sydney's Martin Place.

According to an official press statement, 'The world-leading studio space is five times larger than Martin Place and allows for permanent sets for all programs, with two complete control rooms and more than 40 square metres of LED screens.'

But not all fans are enamoured with Brekkie Central's new look.

On Media Spy, one viewer noted that the outdoor location was perhaps used for the 'smashing of plates', but another said it was 'the second time' they have used the loading dock

Critics rushed to social media to slam the state-of-the-art studio, with many claiming it looks 'sterile' compared to the iconic Martin Place studio, which featured a large window facing onto the busy footpath outside.

'Sorry but Martin Place was loads better. Loved being able to see the actual world go by in the background. This new place seems like a windowless, dark, damp, basement dwelling,' one viewer complained.

'The new Sunrise set at Channel 7 Sydney is much too sterile - almost unfriendly - unlikely the lively view of people in Martin Place in the CBD,' another agreed, while someone else described the studio as looking 'all boxed in'.

Sunrise ushered in a new era in July as Channel Seven officially relocated its studios from Sydney's Martin Place to nearby South Eveleigh. But not all fans are enamoured with Brekkie Central's new look

Critics rushed to social media to slam the state-of-the-art studio, with many claiming it looks 'sterile' compared to the iconic Martin Place studio, which featured a large window facing onto the busy footpath outside

Naysayers have also taken aim at the set's new colour palette, which introduces brighter hues of yellow and orange as well as more white space.

'Way too bright. Too much orange and white,' one complained, as another wrote: 'It is very in your face and it takes over. Very glary. Just too much.'

There has also been some backlash online about the apparent lack of camera operators visible in the studio, amid reports Seven is phasing in robotic cameras.

'It's a shame. The people who worked last week in Martin Place on [the cameras] likely no longer have a job on the show now,' one viewer commented Media Spy.

There was backlash online about the apparent lack of camera operators visible in the studio, amid reports Seven is phasing in robotic cameras

'It's a shame. The people who worked last week in Martin Place on [the cameras] likely no longer have a job on the show now,' one viewer commented on industry forum Media Spy

However there was plenty of positive feedback for Sunrise's refreshed look.

'It's very cohesive. All elements seem to work together and look great on screen,' someone said.

During their first show at Everleigh, host Matt told viewers that the studio paid homage to its Martin Place predecessor.

'We are in our brand-new home this morning, it's quite amazing. It has a lot of inspiration from the Martin Place Brekky Central but it has some new things as well,' he said.
Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner has revealed her plans to 'enter the workforce' amid the former couple's bitter divorce battle.

The Yellowstone star, 68, and his ex, 49, recently attended the latest divorce hearing which saw Judge Thomas Anderle slash Costner's child support payments to Baumgartner in half, from $129,000 to $63,000, which the mother of three said she considers a 'complete joke.'

The ruling took place on Friday after a two-day hearing in court, where both the award-winning star and the designer took the stand to offer their own sides in regard to what they thought was a 'reasonable' amount for child support  as well as future plans.

During Christine's time on the stand in a Santa Barbara courthouse, she admitted she had intentions to go back to school and also get a job, per People.

'I will look into the steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce,' she stated while explaining ways she intended to support herself following the couple's tumultuous split.

Getting a job! Kevin Costner's, 68, estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, 49, has revealed her plans to 'enter the workforce' amid the former couple's bitter divorce battle; seen in 2022

Future plans: During Christine's time on the stand in a Santa Barbara courthouse, she admitted that she had intentions to possibly go back to school and also get a job, per People; seen late last month in Santa Barbara

While Kevin was on the stand, he also said that 'my world's been a little shook up' since his wife filed for divorce earlier this year on May 1  with the date of separation cited as April 11.

While discussing his next steps in the future, The Bodyguard actor stated, 'I have to take care of obligations that are already in place, I have a lot of responsibilities I have to take care of.'

'I need to figure out how I'm going to spend more time with the children, walk them through this process. I am going to need to take some time for myself,' he explained, adding, 'I have a lot to contemplate  what I have to do versus what I want to do.'

The hearing last week was focused on the former couple's child support battle, after Baumgartner had requested an increase from $129,755 a month for child support. At the start of the divorce proceedings, she had initially asked for $248,000.

Kevin and Christine welcomed three children during the course of their nearly 19-year marriage: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13.

After the judge's ruling, the designer has vowed to fight on ahead of a fresh court appearance over the pair's combined legal bill of $1.5 million on Wednesday.

The two are due in court to hear who will foot the bill for their attorney fees  with the mom-of-three asking the actor to pony up $575,000 to pay her lawyers and for another $280,000 to cover the costs of experts.

Costner, meanwhile, racked up a $664,000 tab through to the end of July, according to figures aired in court last week, but said he intends to pay his own fees.

Tomorrow's appearance comes hot on the heels of a two-day evidentiary hearing over child support where Baumgartner asked for her monthly payments to be bumped up from the $129,000 she had been enjoying, to $161,000.

But in a shock twist, Judge Thomas Anderle slashed it to $63,000  leaving the mom-of-three stunned, according to a close pal.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, a source said, 'Christine is shocked. She said even Kevin looked shocked. Everyone looked shocked.

The 'workforce': 'I will look into the steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce,' she stated; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles

Child support battle: Kevin and Christine welcomed three children during the course of their nearly 19-year marriage: Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles

'To say Christine is disappointed is an understatement. She described the ruling is a complete joke.'

The friend added, 'Christine said they (Kevin and his lawyers) painted the picture of this shallow, greedy gold-digger and that if Kevin could get past his anger and revenge, he would see how this is hurting their kids.'

'She said Kevin is ripping her apart from her community by making it impossible to live in the tight-knit neighborhood.

'Christine said this was never about beach views and Kevin knows this. He knows how much the community means to Christine, and that this is his way of punishing her,' adding, 'Christine said the fight is far from over.'

In court, Baumgartner had argued that her new $40,000-a-month rental pad in Montecito was not good enough for her family  saying the children needed beach access to maintain their lifestyle while with her.

During cross-examination, Baumgartner was grilled over whether she intends to get a job to pay for her lifestyle and was forced to admit that she has only got as far as 'exploring' the idea.

According to her friend, Baumgartner believes that was unfair, and says she already has full time employment as a mother to the couple's three children.

The insider said: 'Christine said Kevin is under the illusion that she wants a free ride out of their divorce, so she doesn't have to work a day in her life. 'However, he seems to have forgotten that she already has a full-time job, it's called being a mother to their three children.'

'She said if anyone is playing games and making character attacks, it's Kevin not her,' with the source later adding that Baumgartner feels, 'being a full-time mother pales in comparison to being a famous actor.'

Shortly before the official child support ruling on Friday in Santa Barbara, Costner broke his silence on their divorce.

Surprise win: But in a shock twist, Judge Thomas Anderle slashed it to $63,000  leaving the mom-of-three stunned, according to a close pal

A 'joke': 'To say Christine is disappointed is an understatement. She described the ruling is a complete joke,' a source told DailyMail.com

Opening up: He told Access outside of the courthouse, 'This is a horrible place to be but this is where we're at. It feels so bad, were talking about somebody I love on the other side. I just can't'; seen in February in Beverly Hills

He told Access outside of the courthouse, 'This is a horrible place to be but this is where we're at. It feels so bad, were talking about somebody I love on the other side. I just can't.'

The Oscar winner, who stated he 'probably go to court' over Yellowstone series, also admitted that he 'still has love' for his estranged wife, and that he believed 'everybody' wants the divorce proceedings to be resolved.

Along with another court appearance on Wednesday September 6, the former couple will also have a hearing in November over their prenuptial agreement.

The prenup gave the designer a one-time amount of $1.5 million in the case of a divorce as well as and the first year of mortgage repayments on a property of her own worth up to $1 million.
Dame Emma Thompson memorably once referred to Britain as a 'a tiny little cloud-bolted, rainy corner of sort-of Europe, a cake-filled misery-laden grey old island'. Now, she plans to move to warmer climes, I hear.

The Oscar winner has said she wants to 'settle in Venice' after revealing she is spending increasing amounts of time in the Italian city.

Dame Emma said she had dreamed of living in Venice since childhood and was now spending a minimum of two months a year there.

For the time being, family ties mean she maintains a permanent base in Britain, but she plans to 'settle' in Venice. She says: 'Since I was a child I have dreamed of living in a magical place like Venice.

Now, I have realised my dream. I have moved into a house in the city and when I can, I spend at least two or three months there. And, in the meantime, I'm studying Italian, which I want to know and speak as best as possible.'

Weather: Dame Emma Thompson (pictured) once referred to Britain as 'a tiny little cloud-bolted, rainy corner of sort-of Europe, a cake-filled misery-laden grey old island'

Actor: The Oscar winner has said she wants to 'settle in Venice' after revealing she's spending more time in the Italian city

Speaking to Italian publication Il Gazzettino, she declares: 'I still live in London, in the same street as my children and my mother, who is 91 years old and needs me, but my greatest desire is to settle in Venice for the whole year. Meanwhile, I'm happy to be able to enjoy the city for at least a couple of months.'

Dame Emma, 64, adds that she loves the fish market in Venice and is 'crazy for Venetian and Italian food in general'.

She gushes: 'Venice is not only a special city, the Venetians are too, they have a unique character. And I also understood why: the Venetians know what resilience is, they know how to resist everything.'

She was speaking in Venice while attending the Diane von Furstenberg Awards on the island of San Giorgio.

Earlier she had faced accusations of hypocrisy after appearing on board a luxurious 200million super yacht owned by Fox News Founder Barry Diller and his wife, the fashion designer Von Furstenberg.

Critics contrasted the luxury vessel with her appearance onboard a boat dumped in Oxford Circus as part of an XR climate protest in 2019.

Three years ago, she became an honorary citizen of Venice along with her husband, the actor Greg Wise, 57, who played the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma in Netflix hit The Crown.

Lady Mary swaps DJ decks for dinner plates

She was once described as London's 'posh wild child' and got married in a semi-transparent bridal dress.

But now Lady Mary Charteris, 36, wants to make a name for herself as a domestic goddess. The Earl of Wemyss's daughter has launched a home furnishings range, featuring napkins and bamboo plates, with socialite Alice Naylor-Leyland, 37.

'Working with an old friend like Alice has been so great,' the model and DJ (above) tells me. 'It felt like we were 21 all over again.'

Famous: Lady Mary Charteris, 36, (left) wants to make a name for herself as a domestic goddess

Wedding day struggle for C4's Sirieix

He's the charming front man on First Dates  a match-making show that has led to at least five weddings  but Channel 4 maitre d' Fred Sirieix is struggling to get a date in his own diary.

The Frenchman has been engaged to his mysterious fiancee, publicly known only as Fruitcake, for more than three years. 'We are still deciding on a date,' Sirieix, 51, tells me at the opening of an 'Endorphin Shop' hosted by Neilson Beach Clubs in London's Soho. 'We're working on it.'

Lovers: Fred Sirieix (left) has been engaged to his mysterious fiancee, publicly known only as Fruitcake (right), for more than three years

Obi-Wan's clothes go under the hammer

Fancy owning clothes worn by Ewan McGregor?

The Star Wars and Trainspotting actor is putting some of his outfits under the hammer to raise money for charity.

McGregor, 52, will sell them on his daughter Esther's Instagram account. 'Esther and I came up with an idea to have a big spring clean and to sell some of the clothes I've collected over the years and worn on red carpets and in photoshoots,' he says.

Items include Adidas trainers he wore in the 2017 Trainspotting sequel.

Is Charles for the chop if Keir wins?

Uneasy may be the head that wears the crown if Labour wins the next election.

Labour MP Clive Lewis has revealed many senior figures in Keir Starmer's party want King Charles to be ousted.

'There are lots of members of Labour's front bench who have no love for the monarchy,' Lewis tells the i newspaper.

'They don't hate it, but they are not enthusiastic royalists by any stretch of the imagination. When I speak to colleagues, they go, 'Oh, causing trouble again.' I tell them, 'Your views aren't that different from mine,' and they say, 'I agree with what you're saying but I'm not sticking my neck out.'

Best-selling novelist Zadie Smith has revealed why she went from being Sadie to Zadie at the age of 14. 'I had a massive crush on a friend of mine whose name began with a Z, and he drew on everything, like exercise books, with a dramatic Z, and I kind of wanted it, so I took it,' the 47-year-old White Teeth author tells the Changes with Annie Macmanus podcast.

He was spared the horrors faced by his grandfather, Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris, in both World Wars. But Tom Assheton is finding Sadiq Khan's London quite enough to contend with. Last week, as I disclosed, the co-host of the Bloody Violent History podcast tracked down a thief and alerted police, only to see the miscreant let off with a caution.

But returning to his South London home on Sunday, the ex-Life Guards officer found his road barred by police. 'There was a trail of blood,' Assheton, 60, tells me, adding it's difficult not to despair. 'The police have been 'wokerised'. So they have to nick people for taking photographs or other 'hate crimes','  referring to the case of a pensioner who was quizzed by police after taking a photo of a sticker saying 'keep males out of women-only spaces' on an LBGT+ poster.
Love Island Australia star Ruby Ennor has gone viral again as she got wild at a Bali beach bar last month.

The Margot Robbie lookalike downed consecutive shots as she waded through a shallow pool and danced to deafening house music.

Sharing footage of her happy occasion to TikTok, the blonde beauty could be seen stumbling as she accepted two jello shots and danced her drunken heart out.

'Margot Robbie now the Barbie press tour is over,' she captioned the video.

The clip was taken just a few weeks before Ruby jetted back home and was abused on the Gold Coast as she took pictures outside an apartment block.

Love Island Australia star Ruby Ennor (pictured) has gone viral again as she got wild at a Bali beach bar last month

The angry mother, whose home had been repeatedly used as a backdrop for photo shoots by influencers, unleashed on Ruby and her friends.

Sharing videos of the incident with fellow Love Island star Tayla Mellington, Ruby said the woman flipped them off and told them to 'get real f**king jobs'.

The pair said they were taking photos outside Mali Residences, a high-end apartment block at Mermaid Beach, when the woman came out of the building with her baby.

The Margot Robbie lookalike downed consecutive shots as she waded through a shallow pool and danced to deafening house music

Neither of the influencers live at Mali Residences.

'We just went and [made] some content at Mali Residences... We were there,' Tayla started.

Ruby cut in: 'Minding our own business, to the side.'

Sharing footage of her happy occasion to TikTok, the blonde beauty could be seen stumbling as she accepted two jello shots and danced her drunken heart out

Poll Does Bali Robbie look like Margot? Yes No Does Bali Robbie look like Margot? Yes 63 votes

No 407 votes Now share your opinion





Tayla continued: '[We were] taking a photo of Ruby and this chick comes up and starts abusing us.

'She's like, "You're devaluing the property, I'm gonna call the police." We just didn't say anything, and she's like, "You really don't care, do you?" and I was like, "No, not really."'

Ruby chimed in to explain their response: 'You know when someone's going at you, you just ignore it because we're not channelling into that energy. And she kept going!'

She went on to say that the woman's remarks then turned personal as she commented on how 'unattractive' the pair were.
Countryfile star Anita Rani has reportedly split from her husband of 14 years.

The TV presenter, 45, and her tech company owner partner Bhupi Rehal are said to have parted ways after their busy schedules kept them apart.

A source told The Mirror: 'It's really sad but they've decided to separate.

'Their hectic schedules over the past couple of years have sadly meant they've drifted apart over time.

'They remain on very good terms and wish nothing but the best for one another.'

Breakup: Countryfile star Anita Rani has reportedly split from her husband Bhupi Rehal after 14 years of marriage (pictured together in 2018)

Claims: The TV presenter, 45, and her tech company owner partner Bhupi Rehal are said to have parted ways after their busy schedules kept them apart

A source told The Mirror : 'It's really sad but they've decided to separate. Their hectic schedules over the past couple of years have sadly meant they've drifted apart over time.'

Anti and Bhupi, who first met at a rave in East London, married in a Sikh ceremony back in 2009.

The TV host previously told how the couple had a good marriage, saying: 'He's great and we have a great life. It's like any marriage: you have to work at it.'

It comes after Anita previously opened up about suffering a miscarriage, telling The Times: 'I'm much better at self-care and I ask myself more questions about how I want to live my life.

'I'm also more willing to be vulnerable, like talking about the miscarriage I had in 2018.

'Vulnerability used to scare the s*** out of me, but it has been liberating to share my personal story and see the response.'

Anita has presented Countryfile since 2015, the same year she reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing.

She studied broadcasting at the University of Leeds and got her start in media working as a researcher at the BBC.

Anita later fronted shows on Channel 5 before joining the BBC Asian Network in March 2005.

History: Anti and Bhupi, who first met at a rave in East London, married in a Sikh ceremony back in 2009
There is a ticket for Erika Jayne's December 15 Bet It All on Blonde Las Vegas residency on sale for $7.

The ticket to see the 52-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is listed on resale website Stub Hub, according to a Page Six report.

The low-cost purchase will give the buyer access to the general admission section at House of Blues, which is close to the stage.

And on Vivid Seats there are also affordable tickets on sale between $14 and $22 in the general admission section for a September 22 show.

But over on Ticketmaster and Live Nation, the original retailers of the tickets, the least expensive tix are $69.

Price cut: There is a resale ticket for Erika Jayne 's December 15 Bet It All on Blonde Las Vegas residency on sale for $7

Residency: The ticket is listed on resale website Stub Hub, according to a report

The bombshell has not publicly commented on the the resale ticket prices.

She did, however, drop in on Instagram this week to promote her upcoming new single.

In one post, she provocatively applied lip gloss in slow motion in a reel soundtracked by a snippet of her soon-to-be released song Drip Drop.

'Like when I hit it with that LIP GLOSS,' she began the caption to her 2.6 million followers.

The note continued, '#DripDrop Out September 8 #linkinbio to pre-save.'

In her Instagram Stories she also shared a clip promoting a giveaway. 'Fill out the link below and I will see two of you at my show,' she teased.

It comes two weeks after Jayne's highly-anticipated show opened in Sin City.

The Real Housewives first announced that she would be performing her original music on a regular basis in April.

Promo: This week on Instagram Erika provocatively applied lip gloss in slow motion in a reel soundtracked by a snippet of her soon-to-be released song Drip Drop

Teaser: Erika has been sharing snippets of the upcoming new single

Last week the Bravo TV personality revealed that she is dating someone younger than her 84-year-old ex husband Tom Girardi.

In an interview on Teddi Mellencamp's Two Ts in a Pod podcast, the host asked about her love life - specifically, if Erika has always been attracted to older men.

'No, I'm actually seeing someone younger now,' Erika dished.

She was married to Tom for 20 years before they separated in 2020.
Julia Fox has outdone herself, yet again, with one of her riskiest looks to date in a barely-there, chain bodysuit while en route to the Naomi X PrettylittleThing NYFW show.

As she strutted down the sidewalk in next to nothing, the actress, 33, commanded attention as she put her incredibly toned physique on full display underneath a black leather trench coat, slung across her elbows.

She accessorized her trench, designed by supermodel Naomi Campbell, with a pair of black boots, matching lipstick and silver earrings.

Her fiery red tresses cascaded past her breasts, which were almost completely exposed, apart from the pasties protecting her modesty.

The mom-of-one's bold looks, from wearing an entire outfit made of condoms to a bra made out of jeans, has made her a one of this generation's most daring fashion icons.

Daring: Julia Fox has outdone herself, yet again, with one of her riskiest looks to date while kicking off New York Fashion Week in a barely-there, chain bodysuit

Despite always creating buzz with her clothing, she has never scored an invite to the Met Gala.

'To be honest with you, the Met Gala has never spoken to me  I mean look at who is running it,' she told DailyMail.com in May.

She continued: 'If it was about fashion I'd be there but it's not... it's about politics, privilege, who your parents are and how much money you make.'

Regardless, she become a fixture in the fashion industry, and most recently, appeared on the latest cover of Elle Brazil.

In a joint Instagram post that was shared to both Fox's and Elle Brazil's main last month, the caption teased about the July digital issue. 'Julia is the cover of our July ELLE View!'

'Stealing the scene at fashion weeks and the streets of New York, she has facets that go beyond (and a lot) the post of Kanye West's ex  a subject that she also does not ignore, she speaks calmly of the ups and downs.'

The lengthy caption also touched on her role in Uncut Gems as well as her goal to complete her 'autobiographical book.'

She also, 'has already acted as a visual artist, a partner in a club and even a dominatrix, before being the owner of visuals that guarantee fans, haters, but never go unnoticed.'

Baring it all: As she strutted down the sidewalk in next to nothing, the actress, 33, commanded attention as she put her incredibly toned physique on full display underneath a black leather trench coat, slung across her elbows

Risky: She completed her very risky look with a pair of black boots, matching lipstick and silver earrings

The Italian-born star is no stranger to the world of Elle Magazine, and also was featured in Elle USA earlier this year in February.

She also appeared in a video interview at the time with Elle, where she answered a variety of questions. At one point, she was asked who her 'fashion icon' was, and Julia simply replied with, 'Me.'

During a recent interview with Evening Standard, the model opened up about her love of fashion and how it started when she was at a young age. 'I remember being young and poor and really loving fashion.'

'I would steal the magazines from my lobby that would go to other neighbors who had subscriptions to Vogue or whatever, and I would cut them up and make collages,' she recalled.

'But it just seemed so inaccessible, so far away. Now that I have the stage, in terms of fashion, I want to show that you dont need everything head-to-toe Balenciaga.'

Jumping back to the current time, the star also discussed her own unique sense of style and explained that when it comes to fashion, 'I'm just doing what I want to do.'

No stranger to controversy: Fox is known for her edgy fashion choices

Fashionista: During a recent interview with Evening Standard , the model opened up about her love of fashion and how it started when she was at a young age

'That's the thing: sometimes I'll do something and it'll go viral, and it'll get picked up with outlets, and it's like, really? That was so not even planned,' Julia explained to the outlet.

Along with being prominent in the fashion industry, Julia recently helped promote the Canadian-Swiss trans drama titled, Something You Said Last Night, which was directed by Luis De Filippis.

Fox recently took on the role of an executive producer for the project, which was officially released commercially in Canada on July 7, per Variety. The movie previously premiered last year in September at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.

However, her main focus is on her son, Valentino, two, whom she shares with ex-husband, Peter Artemiev.

Motherhood: However, her main focus is on her son, Valentino, two, whom she shares with ex-husband, Peter Artemiev

Opening up: Last year, she opened up about post-partum depression as she theorized that women experience it because they are told since they're little girls that 'having a baby is the end goal'

Reality check: 'I think its just such a reality check when we finally have a kid, and were like, holy f**k, this has just drastically made my entire life worse. This is not at all the fairytale that I was f**king promised. But how do we say that out loud?' she said on TikTok

Blowing kiss: Julia Fox blows a kiss after the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell fashion show

Julia, Emily and Tommy: Julia Fox, Emily Ratajkowski and Tommy Dorfman attend the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show for NYFW

Julia in black: Julia Fox rocks a black trench coat at the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell fashion show during NYFW

Last year, she opened up about post-partum depression as she theorized that women experience it because they are told since they're little girls that 'having a baby is the end goal.'

'I think its just such a reality check when we finally have a kid, and were like, holy f**k, this has just drastically made my entire life worse. This is not at all the fairytale that I was f**king promised. But how do we say that out loud?' she said on TikTok.

At the time, she made it clear that she loves her 'son to death' but felt it was important to 'start having this dialog.'

'A life without a child can be just as fulfilling if not more and women are more than just one of our many biological functions. Moms will get this. Everyone else will not,' she concluded.
The Kardashians have been viciously trolled for attending Beyonce's Renaissance tour concert in Los Angeles last Monday.

While the famous family appeared to have had a great time at the show at SoFi Stadium, many have said it's 'embarrassing' that they attended.

Many of Beyonce's dedicated fans believe the pop superstar still doesn't like Kim Kardashian and her family after her husband Jay-Z and Kim's ex, Kanye West, were locked in a feud.

On Tuesday, Kris Jenner shared a carousel of photos of herself, her boyfriend Corey, her daughters Kim and Khloe, and her granddaughters North West and Penelope Disick enjoying the show.

Many were confused why the family attended the gig, with one commenting: 'Beyonce hates Kim'.

The Kardashians have been trolled for attending Beyonce's Renaissance tour in Los Angeles last Monday

Another added: 'Wow thats very nice of you all to go and support Bey after she said she didn't want to associate with the Kardashians and didn't even attend Kim and Kanye's wedding.'

And a third wrote: 'I thought Beyonce hates the Kardashians'.

It's well-known that Beyonce and Kim are not friends, and it's believed the reason for this is because Jay-Z and Kanye West's ongoing feud.

While the famous family appeared to have had a great time at the show at SoFi Stadium, many have said it's 'embarrassing' that they attended. Kris Jenner is pictured with Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren Sanchez

The power couple didn't attend Kim and Kanye's wedding, despite Jay-Z previously being his mentor and a main player in kick-starting his career.

In April 2018, Kanye told radio host Charlamagne tha God that their feud began after the couple snubbed his wedding.

According to Page Six, sources told the publication that Beyonce, who keeps most of her family life private, didn't like that Kanye was participating in Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

'[Beyonce] always gives Kanye a lot of grief whenever he does anything for the show [Keeping Up with the Kardashians],' they said.

Another source told the publication that Kim and Kanye's obsession with fame irritates' Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Many of Beyonce's dedicated fans believe the pop superstar still doesn't like Kim Kardashian and her family after her husband Jay-Z and Kim's ex, Kanye West , were locked in a feud

The power couple didn't event attend Kim and Kanye's wedding, despite Jay-Z previously being his mentor and a main player in kick-starting his career

Beyonce was also upset in 2009 when Kanye famously interrupted Taylor Swift's big moment of winning Video of the Year at the VMA's, saying Beyonce deserved the award.

While this didn't end their friendship, in 2016 things escalated when Kanye referenced Jay-Z in a 17 minute speech while on-stage in Sacramento, California.

In the speech, where he referenced Donald Trump, Kanye asked Jay-Z to not have him assassinated.

In response to this, Jay-Z referenced Kanye in his next album 4.44, however, he later said their feud was 'brotherly rivalry'.

Not only did The Kardashians support Beyonce at her Los Angeles concert on Monday, they also adhered to her request for fans to wear all-silver outfits to her birthday concerts.

Kim showed off her incredible figure in a bejewelled silver crop top complete with a choker necklace, which she styled with distressed grey jeans.

Not only did The Kardashian's support Beyonce at her Los Angeles concert on Monday, they also followed her request for fans to wear all-silver outfits to her birthday concerts as they all sported very glitzy matching metallic ensembles

She clutched a silver handbag in one hand and showed off her smooth visage as she sported a high-glamour make-up palette.

Kris looked equally stylish in a metallic silver jacket and matching trousers, which she teamed with a glittering T-shirt and matching trainers.

Khloe sported fitted silver trousers and a white crop top as she posed with her arm around her niece Penelope.

Meanwhile, Kim and Khloe's sister Kylie Jenner was seen publicly with boyfriend Timothee Chalamet for the first time during the same concert - while hanging out with their other sister Kendall Jenner.

Kim showed off her incredible figure in a bejewelled silver crop top complete with a choker necklace, which she styled with distressed grey jeans

Matriarch Kris was also trolled for taking photographs with Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez.

One person wrote: 'Not Jeff Bezos'.

While another said: 'Casually hanging out with Jeff Bezos' followed by a crying face emoji.

And a third person commented: 'This whole time I thought the bald guy was Pitbull'.
Kyle Richards was spotted arriving at the members-only San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood on Tuesday.

The reality TV star, 54, looked effortlessly chic for her afternoon out in a loose fitting blue and white pinstripe button-up shirt.

Richards  who enjoyed a girls' trip to Las Vegas over the holiday weekend  styled the top with a pair of cuffed blue jeans.

Never one to skimp on the glamour, the Halloween actress carried a $28,000 green Hermes bag that matched her Louis Vuitton sneakers.

The longtime Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star accessorized with several pieces of jewelry, as well as a pair of red-tinted sunglasses.

Exclusive: Kyle Richards was spotted arriving at the members-only San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood on Tuesday

Effortless: The reality TV star, 54, looked effortlessly chic for her afternoon out in a loose fitting blue and white pinstripe button-up shirt

Her gorgeous brunette hair fell onto her chest and she kept her makeup minimal.

In celebration of Labor Day weekend, Richards ventured to Las Vegas with some of her closest pals.

And she gave her fans a peek at one of her sexy night out looks on her Instagram Story on Saturday.

Posing in front a mirror in her hotel suite, she looked phenomenal in a busty black dress that exposed her chiseled tummy.

She was in Sin City to catch her pal and RHOBH co-star Erika Jayne's new residency at Mandalay Bays House of Blues.

'On my way to see @theprettymess #betitallonblonde,' captioned Richards as she showed off her figure for the camera.

The show, titled Bet It All On Blonde, opened two weeks ago and Page Six recently reported that a single ticket to one of Jayne's December show was being re-sold for just $7.

Richards' Las Vegas residency comes amid her separation from longtime husband, Mauricio Umansky, 53,

The former couple initially met in 1994, and they waited two years before getting married.

Richards was previously married to Guraish Aldjufrie, and they share a daughter named Farrah, 34.

She eventually moved on with real estate mogul and they went on to welcome daughters Alexia, 27, Sophia, 23, and Portia, 15.

However, a source spoke to People this past July and revealed that Richards and her husband had decided to split up.

The insider remarked that, although the pair had separated, they were still 'living under the same roof.'

The source added that 'they remain amicable as they figure out what's next for them and their family.'

Vegas! In celebration of Labor Day weekend, Richards ventured to Las Vegas with some of her closest pals

Bet It All On Blonde: She was in Sin City to catch her pal and RHOBH co-star Erika Jayne's new residency at Mandalay Bays House of Blues

Richards' Las Vegas residency comes amid her separation from longtime husband, Mauricio Umansky, 53; seen in April

Richards and Umansky released a joint statement via their respective Instagram accounts to express that they were, in fact, not divorcing, and were attempting to work out their differences.

The reality television personality recently spoke about her relationship with her husband during an Amazon Live broadcast, where she discussed the difficulty they faced in continuing their marriage.

'This has been very hard playing out with so many people having their eyes on us, being in the public eye,' she said.

She added: 'Obviously, we care about each other a lot...and that's all I really want to share with you right now.'
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Chad Michael Busto, the man accused of stalking Drew Barrymore after he did not appear to get a GPS monitor affixed to his person.

A Southampton Town Justice Court judge issued a bench warrant for Busto, 43, after he didn't show up for a fitting for the GPS monitor, a court clerk told TMZ Tuesday.

The GPS was conditional after Busto was taken into custody in late August after he showed up at Barrymore's home in Long Island, New York without invite, days after she was whisked off a stage in New York City when he showed up during a speaking engagement she had.

Busto was taken into custody August 23 after officials said that he was seen scouring her Hamptons neighborhood looking for the $6 million home she lives in there, according to the outlet.

Barrymore, 48, was not at the residence at the time Busto was apprehended there, sources told the outlet.

Details: A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Chad Michael Busto, the 43-year-old man accused of stalking Drew Barrymore, 48, after he did not appear to get a GPS monitor affixed to his person

On August 21, two days before the arrest, Busto charged at the stage Barrymore was on during at interview with Renee Rapp at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, the outlet reported.

At the event, according to the New York Post, Busto shouted at Barrymore, 'You know who I am! I need to see you at some point while you're in New York!'

Busto was restrained from the stage by a guard on the premises as Rapp led Barrymore off the stage.

Police sources told the paper that Busto has 'a lengthy criminal record' in the wake of the incident.

According to multiple police reports reviewed by the paper, Busto's criminal record dates back to June of 1999 and as recently as January of 2022.

Among the crimes listed on his record - spread over multiple states - included harassment, criminal trespass, resisting arrest, indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and theft.

In an August 25 hearing at Southampton Town Justice Court, Judge Barbara Wilson released Busto - who was charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree stalking in the incident at her home - under the condition he be fitted with a GPS tracker.

In the hearing, Busto told the court he was bankrupt and looking to live at a shelter. He said he was due to appear at a September 3 hearing in Texas in a federal court.

On August 21, two days before the arrest, Busto charged at the stage Barrymore was on during at interview with Renee Rapp at the 92nd Street Y in New York City

Barrymore after she was whisked off a stage in New York City when he showed up during a speaking engagement she had

In an August 25 hearing at Southampton Town Justice Court, Judge Barbara Wilson released Busto - who was charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree stalking in the incident at her home - under the condition he be fitted with a GPS tracker

A judge issued a bench warrant for Busto after he didn't show up for a fitting for the GPS monitor

Busto told DailyMail.com that he had crossed paths with Barrymore around 10 years ago, and was hoping to be in a romance with her.

A source close to Barrymore said that the actress was not rattled by the disturbing series of events.

'Drew feels good, feels safe, and even at the moment, it happened so fast she was OK and didn't stress about it,' the source said. 'She has moved on from the incident as she knows that people were there to protect her.'

The source continued: 'The one thing she didn't want to happen was to make the incident the thing that was remembered for the night, so she forgot about it as soon as it was over, and she continued talking to Renee and revert the attention back to the conversation, that is what was important for Drew.

'She is not going to change the way she runs her life and protects herself, all those things are and have been set for her during her entire life, and she doesn't want anyone to worry about her wellbeing.'
Two-time Grammy nominee Miley Cyrus recalled the time she managed to 'scare' two-time Grammy winner Ariana Grande by flirting with her a little too much as they performed their first-ever duet back in 2015.

The former child stars - both 30 - were singing a cover of Crowded House's 1986 ballad Don't Dream It's Over for her Happy Hippie Presents: Backyard Sessions while clad in animal onesies when the awkward moment occurred.

During the duet, Miley (born Destiny) missed her part while saying something to Ariana - who cowered off the inflatable couch - and proceeded to apologize to the band and crew: 'Sorry I was flirting, sorry!'

Cyrus - who boasts 346.5M social media followers - admitted via TikTok on Tuesday: 'I was flirting with her, and she was a little scared. We were having fun.'

The Tennessee-born pansexual pop star continued: 'Ariana's a real friend. There's never been a time where I've asked her to do something that was important to me that she didn't come through, and same thing for me with her.'

Two-time Grammy nominee Miley Cyrus (L) recalled the time she managed to 'scare' two-time Grammy winner Ariana Grande (R) by flirting with her a little too much as they performed their first-ever duet back in 2015

Eight years ago! The former child stars - both 30 - were singing a cover of Crowded House's 1986 ballad Don't Dream It's Over for her Happy Hippie Presents: Backyard Sessions while clad in animal onesies when the awkward moment occurred

Grande re-posted Miley's nostalgic storytime with the caption: 'My sweet.. Love you always @mileycyrus. We #usedtobeyoung!'

Cyrus then replied to the pretty R&B belter via Instastory: 'Love you 5ever my friend.'

The Flowers hitmaker has been hosting a TikTok series called Used to Be Young to coincide with her new single and eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation.

In part 36, Miley revealed she was filming her role as Ashley O in the fifth season of Netflix's Twilight Zone-style sci-fi series Black Mirror when her $2.525M four-bedroom Malibu house burned down in the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

'I was in South Africa, but it was taking place in Malibu. So it was just a real trip,' Cyrus - who's over two years sober - recalled.

'Like probably two or three years later after this happened, I didn't understand, but I would have this anxiety attack with the vision attached that I would be strapped down to a gurney.

'So I would have these dreams anytime I would go to perform and I thought that was just an anxious vision that made no sense, but actually as my house was burning down I was strapped to a gurney with my hands locked in handcuffs strapped to a bed.'

The day after the goddaughter of Dolly Parton's two-story home was destroyed she had to film her pop star character Ashley O's dance-filled On a Roll music video: 'The show must go on.'

During the duet, Miley (born Destiny) missed her part while saying something to Ariana - who cowered off the inflatable couch - and proceeded to apologize to the band and crew: 'Sorry I was flirting, sorry!'

Cyrus - who boasts 346.5M social media followers - admitted via TikTok on Tuesday: 'I was flirting with her, and she was a little scared. We were having fun'

The Tennessee-born pansexual pop star continued: 'Ariana's a real friend. There's never been a time where I've asked her to do something that was important to me that she didn't come through, and same thing for me with her'

Grande re-posted Miley's nostalgic storytime with the caption: 'My sweet.. Love you always @mileycyrus. We #usedtobeyoung!'

Cyrus then replied to the pretty R&B belter via Instastory: 'Love you 5ever my friend'

Black Mirror's three-episode fifth season was by far the worst reviewed with only 66% critic approval rating (out of 150 reviews) and a 51% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Miley had recorded her first album in 2005 at Rainbowland recording studio located on the two-acre compound she shared with then-fiance Liam Hemsworth.

Cyrus will next compete for five Moonman trophies - including video and song of the year for Flowers - at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, which air next Tuesday.

The Human Resources actress - who gets 70.8M monthly listeners on Spotify - will then release the 10th anniversary reissue of her fourth studio album, Bangerz, on September 29.

Storytime! The Flowers hitmaker has been hosting a TikTok series called Used to Be Young to coincide with her new single and eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation

'It was just a real trip': In part 36, Miley revealed she was filming her role as Ashley O in the fifth season of Netflix's Twilight Zone-style sci-fi series Black Mirror when her $2.525M four-bedroom Malibu house burned down in the 2018 Woolsey Fire

Cyrus said: 'As my house was burning down I was strapped to a gurney with my hands locked in handcuffs strapped to a bed'

Say what? The day after the goddaughter of Dolly Parton's two-story home was destroyed she had to film her pop star character Ashley O's dance-filled On a Roll music video

Miley deadpanned: 'The show must go on'

'Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too': Black Mirror's three-episode fifth season was by far the worst reviewed with only 66% critic approval rating (out of 150 reviews) and a 51% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

End of an era: Cyrus had recorded her first album in 2005 at Rainbowland recording studio located on the two-acre compound she shared with then-fiance Liam Hemsworth
Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne was terrified she would be unemployed when the long-running soap was briefly axed last year.

The veteran actress, 67, said she experienced conflicting emotions after the show was dumped in March last year, only to be revived several months later.

'I never thought of it as retirement, only unemployment. When the show wrapped up without a new broadcaster, that was the end as far as we were concerned,' she told told Perth Now.

Woodburne explained she was just coming to terms with the show being over when she was told she needed back on set.

'Our executive producer came to my house to tell me. I made him repeat it several times because my brain was not processing the information. I was in shock,' she said.

Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne (pictured) revealed on Wednesday she was worried about being unemployed when the show was briefly axed last year

Jackie added that she hoped the upcoming reboot would break into the tough American market after Amazon screened the revival there later this month.

'The US is such a huge market. I think they are interested in Australian film and TV having seen so many great productions. Good storytelling is an international language, I think they'll love us,' she said.

News of the Neighbours axing made global headlines in March 2022.

Avid viewers of the show were left devastated when Channel 10 and producers Fremantle announced the show would be ending after 37 years.

The veteran actress, 67, told Perth Now she experienced conflicting emotions after the iconic soap was axed in March last year - and then revived several months later. Pictured: Jackie with fellow cast members Alan Fletcher and Mischa Barton

But heartbroken fans were given relief just four months after the last episode screened in July, when Amazon elected to reboot the famed soap.

It comes after the all-star series finale of Neighbours won the television ratings for the first time in more than a decade last July.

The episode, which was simulcast on Channel 10 and 10 Peach, drew 873,000 metro viewers across both stations, largely thanks to the cast of returning favourites such as Guy Pearce, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.

'I never thought of it as retirement, only unemployment. When the show wrapped up without a new broadcaster, that was the end as far as we were concerned,' Jackie said. Pictured: Jackie with co-star Ian Smith

Meanwhile, the Neighbours reboot will air on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US, and will include streaming rights to thousands of episodes from previous seasons.

The series will stream on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Several big names have signed onto the reboot including The O.C. star Mischa Barton, 37, and veteran Neighbours actor Guy Pearce, 55.

Channel 10 will debut the Neighbours revival at 4:30pm on Monday September 18, with the Amazon Prime premiere set for September 25.
Travis Barker was spotted while stepping out in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon.

The 47-year-old drummer cut a very casual figure in a graphic-printed t-shirt and slightly loose-fitting pants while he made the most of the pleasant summer weather.

The performer, whose daughter recently dealt with online critics, completed his look for the day with a jet-black beanie.

Barker's outing took place not long after it was revealed that his pregnant wife, Kourtney Kardashian is doing 'better' and has now returned home following a short hospital visit.

An insider told People the reality star, 44, is 'back home now with her kids' after she was pictured departing a Los Angeles-area hospital with her husband.

In the streets: Travis Barker was spotted while stepping out in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon

Taking it easy: The 47-year-old drummer cut a very casual figure in a graphic-printed t-shirt and slightly loose-fitting pants while he made the most of the pleasant summer weather

'She is feeling better. She is happy to have Travis back home too,' the source added.

On Friday, Travis' band Blink-182 announced the postponement of some European tour dates because of an 'urgent family matter' that forced him to dash home.

The following day, Kourtney, who went public with her pregnancy in June, was seen leaving the hospital with Travis and climbing into an SUV.

Neither Travis nor Kourtney has disclosed why they were at the hospital.

Kourtney was seen walking unassisted as she and her husband surfaced on Friday, piling into a gleaming black Range Rover and heading off.

The reality star, who has not publicly divulged her due date, wore a silver maternity top and matching trousers.

On Friday, Blink-182 announced via Insta Stories that they would have to delay their upcoming concerts on account of Travis' family emergency.

'Due to an urgent family matter, Travis has had to return home to the States,' the band revealed on social media. 'The Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin shows are being postponed. More information in regards to his return to Europe and rescheduled dates will be provided as soon as available.'

'Feeling better': Travis dashed home from tour on Friday to be with his wife Kourtney Kardashian during a brief hospital stay. She is now doing 'better' and back home; pictured departing the LA-area hospital on Saturday

Oh baby! Kourtney and Travis are expecting their first child together

Bumping along just nicely! She has been displaying her bump on social media

The Blink-182 tour in Europe was meant to commence Friday night in Glasgow, which is where Travis was when the announcement was made.

Travis then fired up his own social media and cryptically posted pictures of the prayer room at the Glasgow Airport.

Just last week, he and his pregnant wife had been spotted soaking up the sunshine together during a romantic stroll on the beach.

As Travis raced home to Kourtney, his ex-wife Shanna Moakler confirmed that the children she herself shares with him are 'safe and sound.'

Shanna and Travis welcomed Landon, 19, and Alabama, 17, together, and Travis was also crucial in helping raise Shanna's daughter Atiana De La Hoya, 24, whom she had with the former professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Meanwhile Kourtney shares three children - Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, eight - with her ex-fiance Scott Disick, whom she dated on and off for nearly a decade.

Kourtney ecstatically revealed to the world in June that she is expecting a baby by Travis, whom she tied the knot with last year.

She dropped the bombshell during a Blink-182 concert, standing in the audience and holding up a sign that read: 'TRAVIS I'M PREGNANT' - a mischievous nod to a similar scene in the music video for the band's song All The Small Things.

Oh baby! Kourtney ecstatically revealed to the world in June that she is expecting a baby by Travis, whom she tied the knot with last year

Her breathtaking news came over a year after Kourtney pulled the brakes on her IVF journey, which had subjected her to a raft of health issues including depression.

On a 2022 episode of her reality show The Kardashians, Kourtney spoke candidly about the 'awful' experience she was having with IVF.

She claimed in a confessional that the 'medication that they have been giving me, they put me into menopause, literally into menopause.'

Kourtney theorized: 'I think because I'm so clean and careful about what I put into my body, it's just like having the complete opposite reaction and working as a contraceptive instead of helping us.'

She explained: 'I have everything in the world to be happy about. I just feel a little bit off and not like myself. Super moody and hormonal, like I am a lunatic half the time.'

In December of that year, a few months after her wedding, she told the Wall Street Journal that she had stopped her IVF treatments 10 months earlier.

Kourtney, who tied the knot with Travis that May, shared that she 'took a break to just focus on our wedding and getting married.'

On a subsequently aired episode of The Kardashians, she said: 'We would love a baby more than anything but I just really believe in what God has in store for us.'

Growing family: Kourtney also shares three children - Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, eight - with her ex-fiance Scott Disick

She also spilled that she had 'seven frozen eggs from years ago before Travis' - a step she had taken when she was nearing the age of 40.

'When I was 38 or 39 everyone was like pushing me to do that and most of mine didn't survive the thaw because eggs are one cell and none of them made it to an embryo,' the eldest Kardashian sister said.

'All the thing that came with IVF took a toll on me physically. My health is still impacted because it's hormones. And also mentally it took a toll,' she said.

'So, I think just being happy is most important and being a good parent to my kids. We are just embracing that whatever is meant to be will be.'
Florence Alexandra Moerenhout was known for her gorgeous long blonde hair and tanned skin when she was on multiple series of The Bachelor franchise.

The Dutch bombshell first found fame on Matty Johnson's season in 2017, before causing chaos on seasons one and two of Bachelor in Paradise Australia.

Last year, she returned to the franchise for a fourth time as she featured on season eight of Bachelor in Paradise US.

However, she has since returned to her home country the Netherlands permanently and she has had a major transformation.

Fans were almost unable to recognise Florence after she dyed her signature bleach blonde locks a natural shade of brown.

Florence Alexandra Moerenhout was known for her gorgeous long blonde hair and tanned skin when she was on multiple series of The Bachelor franchise

The reality star has also cut her new brunette locks shorter.

In a photo posted to her Instagram story on Tuesday, she looks very different as she has ditched the makeup for a more natural look.

At the beginning of August, Florence shared a video of her hair transformation process.

However, she has since returned to her home country The Netherlands and she has had a major transformation

The Dutch bombshell first found fame on Matty Johnson's season in 2017, before causing chaos on seasons one, two and two of Bachelor in Paradise Australia. Last year, she returned to the franchise for a fourth time as she featured on season eight of Bachelor in Paradise US

'It is time to try something new and exciting,' she captioned the clip.

'Hello ash brown locks, so healthy and glossy.'

Aussie fans will remember Florence's fling with Jake Ellis in season one, before he dumped her for Megan Marx.

She then returned for season two, where she made it to the end with Davey Lloyd before the pair split.

Since the show, Florence has continued to work as an Instagram influencer.
Brooke Blurton recently unveiled her new look after waving goodbye to her luscious brunette locks.

And on Monday, the 28-year-old former Bachelor star and podcaster showed off her new stylish bob before enjoying a night out.

She shared a series of photos to Instagram of herself posing in a figure-hugging black dress.

Brooke looked glamorous as she flaunted her incredible physique in the gown while looking into the distance.

The brunette beauty was simply glowing as she let her natural beauty shine by opting for a natural makeup palette.

Brooke Blurton showed off her dramatic new look and incredible figure in a black dress after mystery boyfriend dumped her

Brooke's post comes following her announcement her mystery boyfriend of one month pulled the plug on their relationship.

She posted an aerial view of her flight to Melbourne and captioned it with some reflective words.

'Perth was such a nice reset for my soul. After the guy I had fallen for broke it off, I was really questioning who I was,' she began.

'Sometimes a reset helps you get back into alignment. As much as it stung, I know in my heart that it isn't me. I haven't met the right person yet and that's okay.

The Bachelor, Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise star went on to say she was putting her love life on hold for awhile while she focused on other priorities.

'I love my work, friends and really do love what I'm doing. I just need to chill on the 'love' aspect right now,' she added.

Brooke looked glamorous as she flaunted her incredible physique in the gown while looking into the distance

Back in 2021, Brooke split with Bachelorette winner Darvid Garayeli shortly after they fell in love in front of the cameras.

She recently reflected on her stint on the show.

'I just can't believe I got through that whole thing and still found at least someone in the end. Not with them now, I just can't believe it,' she said.

'I'm definitely not built for something like that and I think still to this day that I was the s**ttest Bachelorette. That's not very positive, but I still think that.'
The stars gathered on the red carpet ahead of the National Television Awards on Tuesday evening to honour the biggest and brightest stars of the small screen.

However just hours later, the departures from the event were slightly less glamorous, as celebrities piled into taxis outside The O2 Arena following the boozy bash.

Maya Jama and Michelle Keegan opted for comfort, as the Love Island host slipped into a pair of Nike Dunks and actress Michelle switched into a cosy tracksuit.

The TV presenter, who missed out on the red carpet earlier in the evening, still looked flawless as she left the event in her elegant black evening gown.

Meanwhile, some were looking slightly-bleary eyed following the boozy ceremony, as Vicky Pattison was seen stretching out in the back of a cab.

Heading out! Maya Jama led the departures from the National Television Awards on Tuesday

Chilling: Meanwhile, some were looking slightly-bleary eyed following the boozy ceremony, as Vicky Pattison was seen stretching out in the back of a cab.

Travelling in style: Cya! Big names spotted leaving the arena included Holly Willoughby and her husband Dan Baldwin, who made a pitspot at McDonalds on the the way home for a late night snack

Yum! Holly shared a picture of herself tucking into a Quarter Pounder burger in the back of a taxi, but did not reveal whether she hit up any of the after parties.

She's no princess: Vanessa Feltz proved she's just like the rest of us as she hopped on the tube home

Exit: Olivia Attwood looked slightly bleary-eyed as she departed the bash

Love Island queen! Maya still looked gorgeous at the end of the night as she left in a taxi

Glam: Maya looked glowing in the pictures taken as she left the venue

In she goes! Helen Flanagan was also pictured making her exit

Other big names spotted leaving the arena included Holly Willoughby and her husband Dan Baldwin, who made a pitstop at McDonald's on the way home for a late night snack.

NTA winners: At a glance New Drama Wednesday Returning Drama Happy Valley TV Presenter Ant & Dec Drama Performance Sarah Lancashire, Catherine Cawood, Happy Valley The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award Gogglebox Serial Drama EastEnders Talent Show Strictly Come Dancing Advertisement

Love Island's Whitney Adebayo suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction while leaving the awards.

The reality star was chatting to pals in a taxi when she accidentally popped out of her glamorous green dress.

The outfit featured racy cut-out details, which caused the nip slip, and was embellished with silvers gems.

Holly shared a picture of herself tucking into a Quarter Pounder burger in the back of a taxi, but did not reveal whether she hit up any of the after parties.

Earlier in the evening Holly, appeared to take a swipe at former co-star Phillip Schofield as she spoke to reporters on the red carpet.

Phillip's absence for the first time in 14 years saw Holly walk the red carpet alone and This Morning fail to scoop the Daytime Award following his affair scandal.

Hours after Phillip, 61, unfollowed her on Instagram, Holly, 42, seemingly retorted with a thinly-veiled dig at her ex pal as she addressed her 'difficult year' while talking to press at the glitzy event.

Speaking to The Sun at London's 02 Arena, Holly remarked; 'If I am really honest, it has been up and down. It has been a difficult year for everybody but whats lovely is you find that people rally around you and the goodwill is there.

She went on: 'People want things to move on. It feels different.'

It was a tough night for ITV overall as BBC came out victorious bagging gongs in nine out of the 16 categories.

The Traitors beat Love Island in the Reality Competition category and The Graham Norton Show was awarded with Best TV Interview.

Well done mate! Ant and Dec looked in jovial spirits as they left the National Television Awards ceremony following their 22nd win

Taking home the goods: Despite Anne-Marie's absence, Ant still appeared on good form as he chatted and joked with Dec and Ali, while both carrying an award in their hands

Absent: Ant, who usually attends the event with his wife Anne-Marie Corbett, arrived at the bash alone this year. It is not known why is partner was unable to attend

Winner, winner! Ant and Dec claimed their 22nd NTA at the annual ceremony following a successful return to the Australian jungle with I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here

Home time: Following the ceremony, the double act were spotted hopping into a waiting car as they headed home together

A swift exit! After losing out during the show she made a low-key exit with husband Dan

And.. relax! Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly kicked back following their successful night

Cosy: Maya Jama and Michelle Keegan opted for comfort, as the Love Island host slipped into a pair of Nike Dunks and Michelle (pictured) switched into a cosy tracksuit

Oh no! Love Island's Whitney suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction

Leaving: Holly sat beside her husband Dan as they made their exit

Glam! Michelle and her husband Mark Wright arrived at the Intercontinental Hotel before changing into comfier clothes

Jovial: Mark and Michelle looked in high spirits as they piled into a car

Nodding off? Shane Ritchie seemed to be catching up on his sleep in the back of the car

What a gent! Joe Swash arrived carrying a clothes bag

Home time! He was loading up the car before making their way home

Fit for a princess! Stacey, who was wearing an incredible pink sequin dresss, put on a giddy display

Cute! Newly-rekindled Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Culculoglu looked cosy in the back of their taxi

Beaming! Maya flashed a beaming smile as she left the arena after the ceremony

He's done it again! Ant chatted on FaceTime after securing his 22nd Best Presenter win at the awards

Loved-up! Love Island stars Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki made a glam exit

Fully equipped: Holly had plenty of water and a charger for the journey home

EastEnders beat the broadcaster's rival soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale in the Serial Drama and Serial Drama Performance categories thanks to Danielle Harold's heartbreaking storyline as the terminally-ill Lola Pearce-Brown.And while it was a big night for the BBC, some of the channel's biggest stars were noticeably absent.

Traitors and Strictly host Claudia Winkleman did not attend the ceremony, with Graham Norton, Happy Valley's James Norton and writer Sally Wainwright and Tess Daly also skipping the event at The O2.

The SAG-AFTRA strikes in America impacted attendance as A-listers swerve events.

It was a night of what ifs for Alison Hammond and flagship show This Morning, but it was business as usual for Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly as the National Television Awards got underway on Tuesday evening.

Beneath the lights of the arena, it was Ant and Dec who claimed their 22nd NTA at the annual ceremony following a successful return to the Australian jungle with ITV1 juggernaut I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

The pair claimed the award ahead of the much fancied Hammond, notably selected ahead of her This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby in the category for Best Presenter.

Meanwhile This Morning lost its best daytime show title at the as The Repair Shop claimed the prize, with the ITV daytime show the subject of boos from members of the audience as the awards ceremony got underway.

It comes as the ITV morning programme, which has been on a winning streak in the daytime category for the last number of years, continues to face backlash amid the furore of the Phillip Schofield affair.

The Repair Shop host Jay Blades encouraged the crowd to cheer as the show's team took to the stage at The O2 and took a picture of the moment as he noted it was a "rarity" for them to be winning the prize.

Blades thanked those who voted and the team behind the show, adding: 'I would like to salute my experts, they are my family.'

He also praised his fellow nominees at This Morning, The Chase and Loose Women, saying: "We're the new kids on the block ad I'm glad we've won this time.

Thumbs up! Maura Higgins flashed a positive gesture as she departed

Hey! Giddy Michelle waved to cameras after changing into her tracksuit

Dapper: Ben Shepherd looked dashing in his velvet green jacket

Suited and booted: Mark Wright cut a smart figure in a white shirt and trousers

Handsome couple: Mark and Michelle made every inch the

Leavers: Stacey and Joe made their exit from the hotel

Keeping busy: Joe carried Stacey's dress in a clothes bag after his wife was spotting chattin in the lobby

Racy! Love Island's Mal Nicol put on a racy display in a green metallic bikini and matching mini skirt

Out and about: Mal was joined by a pal wearing a matching outfit in silver

Leggy! Shelby Tribble flashed her toned legs in a metallic dress while Helen Flanagan looked lovely in a strapless khaki gown

Sweet: Mark and Michelle matched in black ensembles

Stunning: Katie Piper looked incredible in an eye-catching black gown

Cheese! Lisa Appleton flashed a beaming grin as she went barefoot in the back of a taxi

Grinning! Lisa looked happy as she left the event

'I know it won't be a regular thing so thank you.'

Ant and Dec - who were also competing with Martin Lewis, Claudia Winkleman and Bradley Walsh for Best Presenter - admitted they were "more nervous than ever" before going into the event on Tuesday evening, but were just as "humbled and grateful" to receive the honour as they had ever been.

Ant said: 'Thank you so much to the NTAs we've got quite a long list of thank yous, all of the shows and the people we work with, we are the luckiest two men on telly because we've got the best production teams and the best people to work with, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.'

His presenting partner Declan Donnelly added: 'Thank you to ITV, to Kevin and Katie and all the team at ITV for your continued support. Thank you to our fantastic management team for your support, thank you gang, you're up in the box somewhere.

'Thank you to our lovely wives, our beautiful children. I can't believe that we are still getting away with this...'

Ant interrupted: Were you more nervous than ever?'

Dec agreed: 'Ever before, hands are sticky, my heart is beating, but we are as humbled and grateful tonight as we were the first time we won, so thank you for taking the time to vote for us, we really appreciate it.'

The 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' presenters promised to keep working together for as long as possible.

Dec said: 'We'll see you back on telly very soon.'

Ant added: 'We'll keep doing it for as long as you want us to keep doing it.'

Catching up: Shane scrolled on his phone in the back of the taxi

Bye! Ann Heggerty looked lovelly in a red dress

Grinning: Maura flashed a toothy grin as she left the bash with a friend

Couple: Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova left together

Kicking back: Tameka Empson also kicked after her shoes after a long night

Homeward bound: Nadiya looked lovely as she sat in the back of the cab

Legs 11! Junaid Ahmed wowed in tiny shorts and a silver jacket

Casual: Ashley James switched into a bagg shirt and denim shorts

The big flop! A historic ITV loss, no-shows, booing and jokes falling flat reflected a turbulent year behind the screen

Change: Phillip Schofield 's absence for the first time in 14 years saw Holly walk the red carpet alone

Terrific trio: Holly posed for pictures with co-presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary

Loving life: Alison beamed as she snapped selfies with Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes

Oh dear: Alison shrugged off the Best Daytime Show loss

Loving life: Holly was in high spirits as she oversaw the night's activities

Stunning: Holly drew further attention to her look with an eye-catching diamond necklace

Couple: Mark Wright and his wife Michelle looked every inch the dapper couple as they matched in black for the ceremony

Here come the girls: Maura Higgins, Danielle Harold and Tina O'Brien all turned heads with their showstopping looks

Wow: Maura arrived to the ceremony in a daring black gown with a cut out detail along the abdomen

Couple: Stacey Solomon was all smiles as she cosied up to her husband Joe Swash who looked dapper in a black suit

Ensemble: Olivia Attwood opted for an emerald green long-sleeved gown with a high leg split

Pose: Rochelle commanded attention in a bold long sleeved roll neck red gown which featured a long ruched tie detailing around her waist

Hosts with the most: Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly looked dapper in matching black tuxedos

Glamour: Lisa Snowdon looked picture perfect in a black off the shoulder midi dress and matching heels

Couple: Davina, 55, and boyfriend Michael Douglas, 48, put on a loved up display as they hit the red carpet

Leggy: Ekin-Su Culculouglu looked incredible in a white strapless dress with a very high leg split

National Television Awards 2023: ALL THE WINNERS New Drama Beyond Paradise Blue Lights Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Wednesday- WINNER Reality Competition Love Island Race Across the World SAS: Who Dares Wins The Traitors - WINNER Authored Documentary Deborah James: Bowelbabe in Her Own Words Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now - WINNER Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction Rob Burrow: Living with MND Returning Drama Call the Midwife Happy Valley -WINNER Stranger Things Vera TV Presenter Alison Hammond Ant & Dec - WINNER Bradley Walsh Claudia Winkleman Martin Lewis Factual Clarkson's Farm Paul O'Grady: For The Love Of Dogs - WINNER Sort Your Life Out The Martin Lewis Money Show Live Drama Performance Brenda Blethyn, DCI Vera Stanhope, Vera India Amarteifio, Young Queen Charlotte, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story James Norton, Tommy Lee Royce, Happy Valley Judy Parfitt, Sister Monica Joan, Call The Midwife Sarah Lancashire, Catherine Cawood, Happy Valley - WINNER The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Gogglebox - WINNER I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! The Masked Singer Serial Drama Coronation Street EastEnders - WINNER Emmerdale Hollyoaks TV Interview Louis Theroux Interviews Piers Morgan Uncensored The Chris & Rosie Ramsey Show The Graham Norton Show - WINNER Serial Drama Performance Charlotte Jordan, Daisy Midgeley, Coronation Street Danielle Harold, Lola Pearce-Brown, EastEnders - WINNER Dominic Brunt, Paddy Kirk, Emmerdale Maureen Lipman, Evelyn Plummer, Coronation Street Quiz Game Show Michael McIntyre's The Wheel Richard Osman's House Of Games The 1% Club - WINNER The Chase Celebrity Special Rising Star Benjamin Chivers, Isaac, The Devil's Hour Bobby Brazier, Freddie Slater, EastEnders - WINNER Channique Sterling-Brown, Dee-Dee Bailey, Coronation Street Lewis Cope, Nicky Milligan, Emmerdale Daytime Loose Women The Chase The Repair Shop - WINNER This Morning Comedy Brassic Ghosts Ted Lasso Young Sheldon- WINNER Talent Show Britain's Got Talent Strictly Come Dancing - WINNER The Great British Bake Off Advertisement

Elsewhere Haold cried as she picked up the Serial Drama Performance Award for her former role in EastEnders.
Two-time Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins treated his 12M social media followers to yet another charming video of himself playing piano on Tuesday.

'Tuesday tunes,' the 85-year-old Welshman captioned his video.

'When an empty hotel lobby is the perfect venue...'

But the mystery lobby was hardly empty as when Anthony (born Philip) finished playing the song, which sounded similar to his NFT track Eternal, no less than 10 black-clad hotel staffers applauded his efforts.

The Alfonso piano was much smaller than the Bosendorfer grand piano Hopkins owns at his $6M four-bedroom Pacific Palisades home.

Class act! Two-time Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins treated his 12M social media followers to yet another charming video of himself playing piano on Tuesday

The Son actor's Instagram post received glowing comments from everyone from The Talk co-host Amanda Kloots to Brooklyn composer-pianist Eric Christian.

Oscar-nominated producer Jeff Goldblum's third wife - Emilie Livingston Goldbum - gushed in the comments: 'Aw that's like Jeff whenever he can play! Sounding beautiful sir!'

Anthony became acquainted with the eccentric 70-year-old - whose jazz band is called Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra - while on the Australian set of Thor: Ragnarok in 2016.

Hopkins - whose mother Annie wanted him to become a concert pianist - famously went viral during the height of the pandemic for serenading his late cat Niblo on the piano.

'She, of course, wanted me to be a concert pianist, and I had different plans,' the Zero Contact star told NPR in 2012.

'I just wanted to be a composer; I became an actor by default, really. I got a scholarship to a college of music and drama, hoping to take a scholarship in music. But I ended up as an acting student, so I've stuck with that for the last 50-odd years.'

Anthony's first single Distant Star peaked at No. 75 in the UK Singles Chart in 1986 and he released an album of classical music titled Composer in 2012.

Hopkins has served composer duties on five film/TV projects - Elyse (2020), Andre Rieu in Andre Rieu: Wien, du stadt meiner Traume (2011), Slipstream (2007), August (1996), and Dylan Thomas: Return Journey (1990).

The 85-year-old Welshman captioned his video: 'Tuesday tunes. When an empty hotel lobby is the perfect venue...'

Bravo! But the mystery lobby was hardly empty as when Anthony (born Philip) finished playing the song, which sounded similar to his NFT track Eternal, no less than 10 black-clad hotel staffers applauded his efforts

Keys: The Alfonso piano was much smaller than the Bosendorfer grand piano Hopkins owns at his $6M four-bedroom Pacific Palisades home

'Bravo Maestro!' The Son actor's Instagram post received glowing comments from everyone from The Talk co-host Amanda Kloots to Brooklyn composer-pianist Eric Christian

Oscar-nominated producer Jeff Goldblum's third wife - Emilie Livingston Goldbum - gushed in the comments: 'Aw that's like Jeff whenever he can play! Sounding beautiful sir!'

'Dearest friend, I adore you!' Anthony became acquainted with the eccentric 70-year-old (R, pictured May 24) - whose jazz band is called Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra - while on the Australian set of Thor: Ragnarok in 2016

'He demands I entertain him!' Hopkins - whose mother Annie wanted him to become a concert pianist - famously went viral during the height of the pandemic for serenading his late cat Niblo on the piano

'I became an actor by default, really': The Zero Contact star's first single Distant Star peaked at No. 75 in the UK Singles Chart in 1986 and he released an album of classical music titled Composer in 2012

Canada bound? Anthony plays British humanitarian Nicholas Winton in James Hawes' biopic One Life, which premieres this Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival but SAG-AFTRA strike rules might keep him from appearing

Premiering December 22 on Netflix! But audiences can next catch Hopkins voicing JC1435 mechanical knight Jimmy in Zack Snyder's epic space opera Rebel Moon

The two-time Emmy winner plays British humanitarian Nicholas Winton in James Hawes' biopic One Life, which premieres this Saturday at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada but SAG-AFTRA strike rules might keep him from appearing.

But audiences can next catch Anthony voicing JC1435 mechanical knight Jimmy in Zack Snyder's epic space opera Rebel Moon, which premieres December 22 on Netflix.

The $166M-budget two-film project also features Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Jena Malone, Fra Fee, and Ed Skrein.

On the personal front, Hopkins has been married to third wife - Colombian-born antiques dealer Stella Arroyave - for over 20 years.

The Armageddon Time actor - who celebrated 47 years of sobriety on December 29 - is father to 55-year-old estranged daughter Abigail Hopkins from his six-year marriage to actress Petronella Barker, which ended in 1972.
Vicky McClure looked sensational as she styled two Versace glamorous gowns at the National Television Awards at The 02 in London on Tuesday.

The actress, 40, who married director Jonny Owen three weeks ago, walked the glitzy red carpet in a black ruched midi dress which statement shoulders.

She posed up a storm with one hand on her hip and beamed for the cameras before heading into the ceremony where she presented an award.

During the event, Vicky changed into a stylish ensemble as she met her Dementia choir group, that she set up, on stage to perform.

The Line Of Duty actress showcased long black gown which detailed a sequin halterneck neckline.

Sensational: Vicky McClure, 40, looked sensational as she styled two glamorous gowns at the National Television Awards on Tuesday

Sensational: The Line Of Duty actress changed into long black gown which detailed a sequin halterneck neck line to announce an award

Wow: The actress arrived at the glitzy red carpet in full smiles and donned an animated dress that featured a dramatic ruched neckline

Vicky styled her long black tresses straight and wore a simple palette of make-up, before slipping on her glasses to announce the award.

The National Television Awards took place at The O2 Arena in London this year for the 28th annual ceremony.

It was a night of what ifs for Alison Hammond and flagship show This Morning, but it was business as usual for Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly at the National Television Awards.

Meanwhile, This Morning lost its best daytime show title at the as The Repair Shop claimed the prize.

The Repair Shop host Jay Blades encouraged the crowd to cheer as the show's team took to the stage at The O2 and took a picture of the moment as he noted it was a "rarity" for them to be winning the prize.

Blades thanked those who voted and the team behind the show, adding: 'I would like to salute my experts, they are my family.'

He also praised his fellow nominees at This Morning, The Chase and Loose Women, saying: "We're the new kids on the block ad I'm glad we've won this time.

'I know it won't be a regular thing so thank you.'

Glamorous: She posed up a storm with one hand on her hip and beamed for the cameras before heading into the ceremony where she handed out an award

Stunning: She looked unrecognisable as she wore her long black tresses straight and wore a simple palette of make-up, before slipping on her glasses to announce the award

Inspiring: During the event, Vicky changed into a stylish ensemble as she met her Dementia choir group on stage to perform

Beneath the lights of London's O2 Arena, it was Ant and Dec who claimed their 22nd NTA at the annual ceremony following a successful return to the Australian jungle with ITV1 juggernaut I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.

The pair claimed the award ahead of the much fancied Alison, notably selected ahead of her This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby in the category for Best Presenter.
Tracy Grimshaw is set to return to Channel Nine in 2024.

The former A Current Affair host, who filmed her last episode of the long-running show in November last year, will front a 'secret project'.

Channel Nine made the announcement on Wednesday evening at the network's Upfront in Sydney, teasing invitees with an image of the respected journalist sitting at a news desk.

Details about her return to the spotlight were vague.

'In a new project with details to come, Tracy Grimshaw returns to Channel 9 in 2024,' announced a Nine spokesperson.

Tracy Grimshaw is set to return to Channel Nine in 2024. The former A Current Affair host, who filmed her last episode of the long-running show in November last year, will front a 'secret project'. Pictured

Tracy has been keeping a low-profile since she left A Current Affair, choosing to spend time at her regional property in NSW.

Grimshaw filmed her final episode of A Current Affair in November, after 17 years hosting the Channel Nine news show.

Former Today show host Allison Langdon famously took over from Tracy.

Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show before her departure, Tracy said she was looking forward to enjoying a well-deserved career break this year.

'I'm having a year off and I'm not doing anything for an entire year,' she said.

'I'm resetting my work-life balance to purely life next year,' she replied when asked whether she'd be moving to another news show in 2023.

'But then, you never know what I might pop up doing in 2024,' she coyly added.

In April this year, the star even reportedly knocked back two of the most coveted journalism awards in Australia, according to The Australian's media diary.

Details about her return to the spotlight were vague. 'In a new project with details to come, Tracy Grimshaw returns to Channel 9 in 2024,' announced a Nine spokesperson

Former Today Show host Allison Langdon famously took over from Tracy

Grimshaw initially accepted lifetime achievement awards from both the Melbourne Press Club, but later changed her mind due to the 'hoopla surrounding her receiving the award'.

She is said to have turned down another lifetime award from the Sydney-based Kennedy Awards for the same reason.

'Tracy's a no-nonsense person who doesn't like all the fuss,' a Nine insider told The Australian's Media Diary.

'She's having the first gap year in her career, and she's really enjoying the chance to step away from the media circus.'
Kanye West crashed the wedding of a random couple in Italy, much to the delight of the bride and groom, video appears to show.

West and his 'wife' Bianca Censori have caused a stir in the country after a series of controversial public appearances in recent weeks, including being caught with his buttocks on show and with his wife's head in his lap during a boat ride in Venice.

But this time, his public antics appear less likely to cause upset as it appears he was spotted in a TikTok video greeting the happy couple and taking pictures with them.

The footage, which went viral over the weekend, was captured in a church in Florence and shows the beaming bride and groom shaking hands and making small talk with a man believed to be West, as camera flashes go off. 'Imagine getting a pic [with] Kanye West at your Italian wedding,' the video's caption reads.

'In Atlanta, we live right above Grant Park,' the Groom is heard telling him. The man thought to be West is draped in the rapper's familiar all-black uniform which covers most of his body and face, meaning his face isn't actually seen in the clip.

Kanye West crashed the wedding of a random couple in Italy , much to the delight of the bride and groom, video (pictured) appears to show

It was not clear what prompted him to make an appearance at the wedding, or exactly when and where the video was captured in Florence.

READ MORE: Wild theory about Kanye West and Bianca Censori's lewd boat ride in Venice as rapper Drake gets dragged into the controversy Advertisement

The controversial rapper is no stranger to surprising people at weddings. In 2016, he jumped on the mic at Miami nightlife mogul Dave Grutman's ceremony and referenced his infamous Taylor Swift incident at the 2009 VMAs.

'Imma let you finish,' Kanye said at the wedding. 'But Dave and Isabela had one of the best weddings of all time!'

The video emerged a day after MailOnline revealed West and Censori are being investigated by police after they were caught in a compromising position in Venice.

The couple sparked controversy last week while in the romantic city of Venice as West exposed his bare buttocks while on a boat and Bianca was seen kneeling in front of him.

In other images the American rapper, 46, was seen seated at the back of a river taxi while Australian Bianca, 28, nestled her head in his lap.

The company operating the boat have since banned the couple for the 'obscene' incident, and police are not understood to be investigating.

West is expected to be questioned in the next few days about what exactly he saw on the boat and police are also asking for photographers to hand over the images that were shared around the world.

A Venice police source said: 'There are standards of public decorum that have to be followed by tourists and locals alike and any breaches are severely punished.

'The images of West with his trousers down while in a taxi as he and his partner crossed the lagoon were seen all over the globe.

Police are investigating Kanye West and his 'wife' Bianca Censori after they were caught on camera in a compromising position during their Italian holiday (pictured)

Prior to boarding the boat, West was covered from head-to-toe in an all-black ensemble while Censori wore a knee-length trench coat which she teamed with a pair of nude heels

The couple have made headlines for their odd wardrobe choices, with critics taking aim at Censori for 'going around virtually naked' in the conservative Catholic country

'You could clearly see his trousers were half down and we have received complaints from people who witnessed it. Now we have identified the driver of the boat and we will be asking him what he saw as well.

'The images show the couple clearly in a state of intimacy and if the local prosecutor decides to press charges then we will notify the couple, most probably through the relevant embassies.

'The offence being investigated is acts contrary to public decency which is punishable by an administrative sanction.'

Venetian officials have also expressed outrage - hardly surprising considering the city issues fines for infractions like swimming in the canals, open air picnics and sprawling on the steps of public buildings.
Roxy Horner has welcomed her first child with her beau Jack Whitehall.

The model, 32, gave birth to a baby girl at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's in London and was seen leaving the private hospital with comedian Jack, 35, on Tuesday evening in exclusive pictures obtained by MailOnline.

It comes Roxy suffered with symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) in her final trimester.

SPD is common in pregnancies and is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness in the pelvis joints or the joints moving unevenly.

New dad Jack looked proud as he held his new baby in the carrier as they pair headed home to their West London pad.

Exciting news to share! Model Roxy Horner has welcomed her first child with her beau Jack Whitehall, exclusive pictures from MailOnline show

Parents: The beauty, 32, gave birth to a baby girl at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's in London and was seen leaving the private hospital with comedian Jack, 35, on Tuesday evening

Roxy wore a striped vest and dark shades as she held Jack's hand while making her way down the steps to the car.

Jack dressed casually in a navy hoodie and matching shorts which he wore with a grey hat and comfortable trainers.

The Lindo Wing has seen a host of Royal births including The Princess of Wales who welcomed her three children there, as well as many other famous faces.

It comes after last week Roxy looked effortlessly glamorous in a black dress as she attended her baby shower ahead of welcoming her first child.

And she was joined by her friends and family for a 'last minute' baby shower on Friday, complete with pink balloons and floral displays.

Sharing snaps from the bash to Instagram, Roxy cut an elegant figure in a black strapped dress which hugged her growing baby bump.

She wore a pregnancy support belt over her dress and posed on crutches amid her struggles with pelvic pain due to symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

SPD is common in pregnancies and is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness in the pelvis joints or the joints moving unevenly.

'If you have to wear crutches might as well have sparkly ones,' she wrote alongside the snap of herself, referring to her glitter crutches from Cool Crutches & Sticks.

For her baby shower, Roxy was joined by her mother Lisa Rae and her sister Riana, as well as a group of her close friends.

Father: New dad Jack looked proud as he held his new baby in the carrier as they pair headed home to their West London pad

Given birth: Roxy wore a striped vest and dark shades as she held Jack's hand while making her way down the steps to the car

Chilled: Jack dressed casually in a navy hoodie and matching shorts which he wore with a grey hat and comfortable trainers

Luxury: The Lindo Wing has seen a host of Royal births including The Princess of Wales who welcomed her three children there, as well as many other famous faces

Tough: SPD is common in pregnancies and is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness in the pelvis joints or the joints moving unevenly

Holding hands: Jack supported his girlfriend as they both made their way home with the new arrival

She praised her mother and sister for helping her through her difficult third trimester of pregnancy as she shared a snap of them all holding hands at the shower.

On her Instagram Stories, she wrote alongside the picture: 'My tribe who have kept me together this past month.'

It comes days after Roxy admitted she has been in 'excruciating' pain as she detailed her struggles during the third trimester of her pregnancy recently.

Roxy - who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021 - took to her Instagram Stories recently to reveal that she has been left in pain while moving due to SPD.

Roxy has since been seen out-and-about using crutches as she continues to struggle walking due to her symptoms.

She explained: 'Thank god for my mumma looking after me during this final trimester. I actually don't know what I would have done without her.

'Getting everything baby ready with SPD has not been easy but my mumma has really helped me get things organised this last week and I'm starting to feel a bit more at ease with that.

'Just can't wait to have baby girl here and not feel this way anymore, it really is excruciating to walk or move right but not long to go and apparently all symptoms of SPD go away once bubba arrives.'

Roxy also shared a black and white video showing her baby bump and told how a pregnancy belt has helped her to manage her symptoms.

'Also I've only just got myself a pregnancy belt which has helped a lot with SPD, I would highly recommend any pregnant woman getting one asap to help avoid getting pelvic pain,' she added.

Roxy then shared a selfie of herself lying in bed as she thanked her fans for their support and told how she had 'ignored' her painful symptoms for a long time.

Glowing: Roxy dressed casually as she left the Lindo Wing with her baby girl

Difficult: Roxy - who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2021 - took to her Instagram Stories recently to reveal that she has been left in pain while moving due to SPD

Pain: Roxy was then seen out-and-about using crutches as she continued to struggle walking due to her symptoms

Adorable: Their baby girl was dressed in a sweet pink and white striped romper as she slept in her carrier

New parent: Jack looked relaxed and happy as he left the private hospital

Strolling: They made their way down the steps and headed to the waiting car

Getting into the swing of things: He held the carrier in one hand and a dummy in the other

Cute: He supported Roxy by holding his hand

New arrival: They headed home with their little one in a baby carrier

Heading home: They were helped into a waiting car after leaving the Lindo Wing

Celebrating: It comes after Roxy looked glamorous in a black dress as she attended her baby shower on Friday ahead of welcoming her first child. She used crutches amid her struggles with SPD

Health: It came days after Roxy admitted she has been in 'excruciating' pain as she detailed her struggles with SPD during the third trimester of her pregnancy

Pregnancy: Roxy told how she has been left in pain from any movement or walking amid her struggles with SPD, and has got a pregnancy belt to help her symptoms

Couple: Roxy and Jack have been dating for more than two years and they reside in a 17.5million, five-bedroom home in Notting Hill with their pooch Coco

She continued: 'I'm so grateful for my female followers! It seems a lot of you have also suffered from SPD and can relate.

'From what I've learnt so far if you are experiencing pain during pregnancy, get it checked out because I ignored mine for too long thinking that was just normal, I kept holding my tummy for support as it was agonising to walk and felt like bub could just fall out!

'Even sleeping is rough but I've been told the best thing to do with SPD is rest as much as possible, get a pregnancy support belt, pregnancy pillow, painkillers and see a physio! Hope that helps anyone else going through the same thing.'

Roxy and Jack have been dating for more than two years and they reside in a 17.5million, five-bedroom home in Notting Hill with their pooch Coco.
Molly-Mae Hague flew over to New York to see PrettyLittleThing's biggest collaboration ever with supermodel Naomi Campbell.

The Love Island star, 24, quit her 5million-a-year role as Creative Director in June to focus on being a mother to her eight-month-old daughter Bambi Fury.

After stepping aside, the fashion giant have signed with Naomi, 53, who stormed the catwalk at Cipriani 25 Broadway during New York Fashion Week.

And Molly-Mae jetted over to the States to see the supermodel's collection debut, while fiance Tommy, also 24, cares for their daughter at home.

PLT have spared no expense for her work trip, with Molly-Mae taking to Instagram to show off her 2,000-per-night Baccarat hotel.

The television personality ensured all eyes were on her as she went braless in a grey suit blazer as she strutted out of the event at 11.30pm, while Naomi went on to party at The Highlight Room.

Molly-Mae Hague flew over to New York to see PrettyLittleThing's biggest collaboration ever with supermodel Naomi Campbell

Stunning: The television personality., 24, ensured all eyes were on her as she went braless in a grey suit blazer as she strutted out of the event

Molly-Mae appeared to be having a great time as she enjoyed time off from parenting duties to attend the star-studded show.

The television personality shocked fans in June when she stepped down from her role as the fashion brand's creative director after 22 months as she wanted to focus on motherhood.

But now it's been revealed that she's reportedly growing her own eponymous brand, with a huge focus on lifestyle and beauty content.

A source told The Sun of Molly-Mae's new project: 'Molly's branching out into a lifestyle brand - fans are always asking where she got her home decor from, where her clothes are from and for her hair and beauty tips so it'll be a huge success.

'Everyone thinks it could be as big as Holly Willoughby's company - or even Kourtney Kardashian's Poosh!'

On Tuesday evening, Naomi broke out her legendary catwalk skills as she modeled in her own PrettyLittleThing New York Fashion Week show.

Naomi, 53, debuted a range of stylish pieces she designed with the fashion retailer in its biggest partnership yet.

Iconic: The 53-year-old debuted a range of stylish pieces she designed with the fashion retailer in its biggest partnership yet

Having fun: Molly-Mae appeared to be having a great time as she enjoyed time off from parenting duties to attend the star-studded show

Fashionista: Molly wore her blonde hair in a high bun and accessorised with a pearl clutch

Out: The former Love Island star shocked fans in June when she stepped down from her role as the fashion brand's creative director after 22 months as she wanted to focus on motherhood

The supermodel of 90s notoriety looked phenomenal in a stone-covered halter neck dress.

The maxi-style piece hugged her fit, 5ft10in frame and had a sheer, black base under the accoutrements.

A description about the collaboration on PLT's official website states that the collection pays 'homage to Naomi's legacy and iconic signature style.'

The collaboration was engineered by the fashion brand's founder Umar Kamani, who happens to be very close friends with the catwalk queen.

Stars like Julia Fox, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lori Harvey stepped out in style as they attended the debut.

Closing catwalk: Victor, Naomi and Edvin Thompson take a bow after showcasing the collection
Brian Cox looked smart as he celebrated his 50 years on screen at BFI Southbank in London on Tuesday.

The actor, 77, took to the stage at the event to discuss his lengthy career in conversation with Mark Kermode after recovering from coronavirus.

Last week, Brian was forced to pull out of the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland in the EU event in Edinburgh, where he was due to give a speech, after testing positive for the respiratory illness.

Luckily, he recovered in time for Brian Cox: 50 Years on Screen, where he introduced a screening of Manhunter in which he played Hannibal Lecter.

For the event, he wore a blue blazer with a paisley printed shirt and beige chino trousers.

Career: Brian Cox, 77, looked smart as he celebrated his 50 years on screen at BFI Southbank in London on Tuesday

Achievement: The actor took to the stage at the event to discuss his lengthy career

Speaking ahead of the film he praised director, Michael Mann, and said: 'I got on with him like nobodies business. He is an extraordinary visionary.'

On Thursday, Brian announced that he was pulling out of the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland in the EU event in Edinburgh on Saturday, where he was due to give a speech in his native country.

He emerged just hours after it was revealed he will miss the gathering, which is being organised by Believe in Scotland and Yes for EU, while he recovers from the respiratory illness.

The Dundee-born actor told The National: 'I am absolutely gutted to have to miss the Believe in Scotland rally which seems to be building into a pivotal moment for the independence movement...

'I was looking forward tremendously to joining the grassroots independence organisers and supporters and an inspiring list of speakers on Saturday for this positive celebration of the independence movement.

'I would very much like to attend the Believe in Scotland March and Rally planned for early next year so I will work with the organisers to fit that into my schedule.'

Instead, Brian will film an Independence video once he has recovered from the symptoms of coronavirus, which has seen a surge in cases across the UK and sparked growing concern over the spread of mutated COVID variant Perola.

Believe in Scotland founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp added: 'Everyone at Believe in Scotland and Yes for EU wishes Brian a speedy recovery.'

Big night: He was joined in conversation with Mark Kermode at the event

Feeling better: Last week, Brian was forced to pull out of the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland in the EU event after testing positive for the respiratory illness

On stage: Luckily, he recovered in time for Brian Cox: 50 Years on Screen, where he introduced a screening of Manhunter

Throwback: Brian played Dr Hannibal Lecter in the 1986 film

Reminiscing: Speaking ahead of the film he praised director, Michael Mann, and said: 'I got on with him like nobodies business. He is an extraordinary visionary'

'We will miss both the star quality and honest integrity that Brian provides whenever he speaks on Scotland's undoubted potential as an independent nation.

'Brian has also offered to record a video for our supporters when he is fully recovered, so we will hear from him soon.'

The Scottish actor is also among a number of celebrities who will be attending and speaking at this years Cheltenham Literature Festival.

The Gloucestershire-based festival gives a voice to contemporary authors in fiction  and the programme is a mixture of ticketed events, free family activities and fringe events.
She stepped down as the host of Love Island last year.

Yet Laura Whitmore proved she hadn't lost her love of sun-soaked villa trips as she shared snaps from her PR trip to the Maldives with husband Iain Stirling.

The Irish presenter, 38, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a slew of snaps on her idyllic getaway while posing in a skimpy blue bikini that showcased her stunning figure.

Laura shared pictures of her day out snorkelling and a sweet image enjoying dinner with her husband.

She captioned the images: 'Into the blue BRB just having a lovely time in paradise thank you @coco_resorts #cocomoments #prtrip.'

Love Island? Laura Whitmore proved she hadn't lost her love of sun-soaked villa trips as she shared snaps from her PR trip to the Maldives with husband Iain Stirling

Wow: The Irish presenter, 38, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a slew of snaps on her idyllic getaway while posing in a skimpy blue bikini that showcased her stunning figure

While Laura looked like she could have been a Love Island contestant with her incredible bikini snaps, she revealed she'd more than moved on from the show since Maya Jama took on from hosting duties.

She opted not to watch the final of the last series - which was won by Jess Harding and Sammy Root - instead hosting Disaronnos cocktail event at Artotel Battersea Power Station.

Laura has since started filming investigative documentaries and previously expressed her relief at being a producer on her ITVX series Laura Whitmore Investigates, after having previously just been 'the face' of television projects.

The DJ admitted she sees the move as her way of 'reclaiming my power,' after having been 'frustrated' over having 'no control' over the shows she worked on.

In the interview, Laura also revealed she is having therapy after it was offered to her for the first time, and admitted: 'I never really feel like I fit in!'

The television personality also confessed that perhaps she has never asked for mental health support, because she 'didn't want to be seen to be weak.'

Speaking to The Telegraph, Laura said: 'Sometimes  a lot of the time  your job is to turn up and look a certain way. I've worked on shows where I've had no control over my script or producing or anything.

'When I first started on Radio 5 Live, I had comments on Twitter saying, "Why have you got that bimbo on that slot?" [] I never really feel like I fit in anywhere, but does anyone?'

Yum: Laura shared pictures of her day out snorkelling and a sweet image enjoying dinner with her husband Iain Stirling

Moved on: While Laura looked like she could have been a Love Island contestant with her incredible bikini snaps, she revealed she'd more than moved on from the show

She continued: 'Once I can add something to the narrative and I'm getting something from it I'll bloody well do it, and I hope I'll do it to the best ability I can.

'I have a lovely life, but I will also call out the s**t, because I hope I'll be able to continue to do this for years and it will get better and I'll have more power. I've definitely got more power now than I did 10 years ago in this industry.'

Laura also revealed she met with a therapist early on in the documentary-making process after it was offered, for the first time in her career.

She confessed: 'I've never had that before and I kind of wish I had done it before now... for any show.'

The former model also considered if she 'should have asked for help' rather than waiting for it to be offered, adding 'because people don't offer things.'

But, she admitted: 'maybe [I] didn't want to be seen to be weak, so I didn't,' adding: 'The more I work in TV the more I will be like, ''I'm finding this really hard''.'

Snubbed: Laura opted not to watch the final of the last series - which was won by Jess Harding and Sammy Root - and presented by Maya Jama (left)
Fred Sirieix has revealed he is still struggling to set a wedding date to marry his fiance of three years.

The First Dates host, 51, is the charming frontman of the match-making show that has led to at least five weddings - but admitted he can't get his own date locked in.

The Frenchman has been engaged to his mysterious fiancee, publicly known only as Fruitcake, for more than three years.

'We are still deciding on a date,' Sirieix, 51, told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden at the opening of an 'Endorphin Shop' hosted by Neilson Beach Clubs in London's Soho.

He added: 'We're working on it.'

Lovers: Fred Sirieix (left) has been engaged to his mysterious fiancee, publicly known only as Fruitcake (right), for more than three years

Plans: The Frenchman has been engaged to his mysterious fiancee, publicly known only as Fruitcake, for more than three years (pictured at the National Television Awards 2023)

Birthday boy! Earlier this year, Fred celebrated his 51st birthday by enjoying a romantic trip to Amsterdam with his fiancee Fruitcake

Earlier this year, Fred celebrated his 51st birthday by enjoying a romantic trip to Amsterdam with his fiancee Fruitcake.

The maitre d'hotel shared a slew of snaps from the city break - including late night canal walks and a playful evening in the bath.

Fred and his partner got engaged in March 2020, though he has never revealed her identity, simply referring to her as 'fruitcake'.

Taking to Instagram, Fred told his followers that the lead-up to his birthday was 'amazing'.

He said: 'I'm 51! The last few days have been amazing!!!! @fruitcake_fundamentals organised the most wonderful trip in #Amsterdam.

'My first time ever there! What a fantastic city - so beautiful, so neat and so clean.

'The crisp and cold air added to the charm as we walked and walked and walked along the canals to discover the city. I even learned that Amstel wasnt just a beer but a river too!'

In one snap, the pair are seen at a bar overlooking the river.

Playful: The First Dates maitre d'hotel shared a slew of snaps from the city break - including late night canal walks and a playful one in the bath

Fruitcake and I: The couple got engaged in March 2020, but Fred has never revealed his partner's identity, simply referring to her as 'fruitcake'

Fighting the cold: The pair wrapped up warm for the trip, with Fred donning a padded navy jacket with a grey beanie hat

Fred looks particularly suave as he pairs a tan blazer with a casual t-shirt and jeans.

The pair then appeared in another amusing snap while Fred enjoyed a relaxing bubble bath,

He could be seen beaming and laughing as his fiancee playfully gets a selfie with him in the water sticking his leg out.

In another selfie, the couple get cosy as they wrap up warm in turtleneck jumpers and big coats and scarfs.

Earlier in the week, Fred had given his 832,000 followers a sneak peak at their trip as the duo enjoyed a day of sightseeing as they explored the city on foot.

They wrapped up warm for the trip, with Fred donning a padded navy jacket with a grey beanie hat.

While his fiancee opted for a lilac coat with a matching pastel checked scarf, ribbed beanie and black gloves.

But the beauty, who goes by @fruitcake_fundamentals on Instagram, added some glamour to the look with giant silver hoop earrings.

The couple were staying at the city's Doubletree By Hilton hotel, with Fred sharing a snap from their room to show the gorgeous view of the city.

Despite a jam-packed day of sight-seeing, the pair ensured to make plenty of stops as Fred enjoyed a pint of beer during one pit stop.

While they enjoyed a bite to eat at Mandarin restaurant New King, with Fred dubbing the eatery 'excellent'.
Liz Hayes had heads spinning at the Nine Upfronts in Sydney on Wednesday evening, with many remarking her old Hollywood style and glamour won the night.

The veteran TV presenter, 67, was the definition of chic in a cream, Grecian-style column dress that featured one-sleeve detailing.

The beloved 60 Minutes star was all smiles as she posed on the red carpet in a sea of pantsuits.

Hayes opted to wear her cropped blonde locks in a loose beach wave, and kept her accessories to a minimum, opting for stylish earrings, strappy silver heels and a monochromatic clutch.

The youthful star highlighted her ageless features with a stunning makeup palette, and added a pop of colour with red nail polish.

Liz Hayes had heads spinning at the Nine Upfronts in Sydney on Wednesday evening, with many remarking her old Hollywood style and glamour won the night. Pictured

The veteran TV presenter, 67, was the definition of chic in a cream, Grecian-style column dress that featured one-sleeve detailing

Hayes opted to wear her cropped blonde locks in a loose beach wave, and kept her accessories to a minimum, opting for stylish earrings, strappy silver heels and a monochromatic clutch. Pictured with 60 Minutes stars Tara Brown (centre) and Amelia Adams (right)

Elsewhere, Karl Stefanovic, 49, looked every inch the distinguished in a black blazer and crisp white shirt.

The respected journalist finished his look with a pair of black jeans along with a pair of high-shine black boots.

The star was closely followed by Sarah, 37, who opted for a blue pantsuit for the occasion.

Karl Stefanovic (pictured) and Sarah Abo have completely reinvigorated the Today show with their charisma and charm. And the pair proved their star power once again when they led the arrivals at Nine's annual Upfronts at Moore Park on Wednesday

Karl, 49, looked every inch the distinguished in a black blazer and crisp white shirt. The respected journalist finished his look with a pair of black jeans along with a pair of high-shine black boots

The star was closely followed by Sarah, 37, who opted for a blue pantsuit for the occasion

Sarah kept to the glamorous brief wearing a white top under the blazer and white heels

The TV star wore her raven tresses in a ponytail and opted for a matte makeup palette for the event

Sarah kept to the glamorous brief wearing a white top under the blazer and white heels.

She carried her belongings in a tan Loewe handbag which she wore on her forearm.

The TV star wore her raven tresses in a ponytail and opted for a matte makeup palette for the event.

Karl and Sarah were joined by comedy duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, who happily posed in front of Nine signage.

Lego Masters Australia host Hamish was all smiles in a white graphic sweater that featured sky blue trim.

He paired the look with black pants and white sneakers.

Karl and Sarah were joined by comedy duo Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, who happily posed in front of Nine signage. Pictured

Lego Masters Australia host Hamish was all smiles in a white graphic sweater that featured sky blue trim. He paired the look with black pants and white sneakers

Today Extra stars Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell looked to be the life of the party at the network event. Both pictured

Sylvia opted for a high-neck, yellow-hued frock which featured significant fringing at the hemline. She carried her belongings in a statement pearlescent clutch

Richard Wilkins rocked his signature all-black look at the event

Andy Lee kept his look stylish, opting for a double-breasted tan suit.

The Gap Year star finished his look with a black t-shirt and a pair of black dress shoes.

Today Extra stars Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell looked to be the life of the party at the network event.

Sylvia opted for a high-neck, yellow-hued frock which featured significant fringing at the hemline.

She carried her belongings in a statement pearlescent clutch.

David, meanwhile, opted for a maroon suit which he paired with a black shirt and matching dress shoes.

The Block's Marty Fox, Shaynna Blaze, Neale Whittaker and Darren Palmer oozed style on the night

The Block's Shaynna Blaze, 60, ensured all eyes were on her in a form-fitting yellow frock which featured one sleeve

The reality star looked sensational in the graphic dress which she paired with a studded handbag and strappy heels

The Block's Scott Cam, 60, looked very dapper indeed in a black shirt paired with light blue chinos. The beloved host completed his look with a smart blazer and chic eyewear

Darren Palmer looked every inch the male model as he donned an all-black ensemble

The Block's Shaynna Blaze, 60, ensured all eyes were on her in a form-fitting yellow frock which featured one sleeve.

The reality star looked sensational in the graphic dress which she paired with a studded handbag and strappy heels.

The star wore her blonde tresses in a ponytail and opted for a glossy makeup palette for the star-studded event.

The Block's Scott Cam, 60, looked very dapper indeed in a black shirt paired with light blue chinos.

The beloved host completed his look with a smart blazer and chic eyewear.

A Current Affair's Allison Langdon, 44, and Nine star Leila McKinnon, 50, looked deep in conversation as they headed into the event.

A Current Affair's Allison Langdon, 44, (right) and Nine star Leila McKinnon, 50, (left) looked deep in conversation as they headed into the event

Today Show star Brooke Boney, 36, opted for an ivory silk top and matching pants for the event

Allison wore a red pants suit for the event with her opting for beige accessories.

While Leila opted for a purple pantsuit which she paired with a lace top and chunky heeled shoes.

Today Show star Brooke Boney opted for an ivory silk top and matching pants for the event.

Married At First Sight's Mel Schilling, John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla dazzled at the event. All pictured

Mel Schilling was ready to party in her disco-inspired number

Married At First Sight's sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, 49, opted for a floral pantsuit on the night, which she paired with an upmarket chain link bag

She finished her look with a glossy makeup palette and curled brunette tresses.

Married At First Sight sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, 49, opted for a floral pantsuit for the event.

The star finished her look with a pair of pointed black heels and a chain link bag she wore slung over her shoulder.

Married At First Sight star Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis certainly brought the glamour to proceedings. Both pictured

Kate Langbroek looked regal in navy as she posed with a cheeky hand on hip

Eddie McGuire, 58, opted for a black suit with a pocket square which he paired with a crisp white shirt

Married At First Sight star Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis certainly brought the glamour to the Nine event.

Evelyn flaunted a glimpse of her chest in a cleavage-baring white dress which featured a thigh-high split.

Duncan covered his muscular physique wearing a double breasted blazer, black pants and Nike sneakers.
Love Island stars Maura Higgins and Faye Winter had to be separated during a furious backstage row at the National Television Awards on Tuesday evening.

Onlookers at the awards party spotted the reality stars locked in an 'hour-long' argument, which was captured in a video obtained by The Sun.

In the clip, Maura, 32, and Faye, 28, can be seen jabbing figures at each other during the feud, while Maura shouted: 'Don't you point your finger at me!'

According to the publication, a friend of one of the women was forced to intervene, saying: 'Girls, girls. Why are you fighting? This has been going on for an hour now. Stop it, stop it.'

The argument took place at the bar in a backstage area of the NTAs at the O2 Arena in front of a room full of attendees.

Feuding: Love Island stars Maura Higgins and Faye Winter were caught in a furious row backstage at the National Television Awards on Tuesday evening

On no! Onlookers at the awards party spotted the reality stars locked in an 'hour-long' argument, which was captured in a video obtained by The Sun

Both parties looked furious as they rowed back and forth over a currently unknown issue.

An onlooker told the Sun: 'Maura looked furious with Faye - the pair were arguing quite loudly and in front of a loads of people. It was quite embarrassing and they were at it for ages.'

Another attendee noted: 'Maura and Faye looked a bit worse for wear and were rowing for most of the evening. They seemed to be really p***** off at each other.

Maura appeared on season five of the popular ITV2 reality show, while Faye appeared the following year during series seven.

Maura, who was the social host of Love Island USA, was reportedly heard relaying the conversation she had with Faye to a friend later on.

Following the argument she missed last orders at the bar, as she was refused a glass of wine because they were no longer serving alcohol.

Maura and Faye's representatives have been contacted for comment.

During the evening, Maura made a bold choice in her illusion two-piece dress, but left fans divided with her very racy pearl-covered look.

Meanwhile, Faye opted for a dazzling silver mesh slip which was layered over a nude bodysuit.

Wow: During the evening, Maura made a bold choice in her illusion two-piece dress, but left fans divided with her very racy pearl-covered look

Razzle dazzle! Meanwhile, Faye opted for a dazzling silver mesh slip which was layered over a nude bodysuit

It wasn't the first time the NTAs had descended into a fight, as Chris Hughes became embroiled in a violent altercation at the 2020 ceremony.

At the time, Chris was dating ex-Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, who took home the gong for Best Factual Programme, for her critically acclaimed BBC Three documentary.

But the celebrations looked to be short-lived, as Chris found himself grappling with a photographer outside the O2 in the early hours of Wednesday morning, in a row which is now being investigated by the Met Police.

The following morning, Chris took to social media to apologise to his girlfriend and admitted the night 'should have been about her' and not the scrape.

Chris wrote on social media: 'I want to address last night's altercation. I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won...

'After coming out of our hotel a particular paparazzi decided to repeatedly call me a name I wouldn't call my worst enemy, and physically try and start an altercation. As everyone can see I retaliated back badly to this - which I regret...

'I'm human. No different to anyone else's however I want to make everyone aware this was only in self defense. I hope people I care about including my followers, family and friends can understand and forgive me.

'This night was about Jesy's win and I am sorry if I distracted anyone from this. Ultimately, I'm the proudest boyfriend ever and want to congratulate my amazing girlfriend for a deserving win. I am proud of you.'

Scuffle: Chris was in the throes of rage when he locked horns with the snapper

Oh dear... Chris wrote on social media: 'I want to address last night's altercation. I was having an amazing night celebrating the award my girlfriend deservedly won'

Speaking to MailOnline following the row, the photographer said: 'I am a freelance photographer so I only earn money depending on what pictures I sell - I really wanted a picture of Chris and Jesy together.

'However, they exited the hotel separately and I was disappointed as a picture of Chris on his own doesn't really sell. I'm sorry for the langauge, but I said: 'that's a c***' under my breath. I was referring to the situation and not to Chris.

'He caused damage to my 1k camera which he kicked twice. It's now in the hands of the police.'

In 2019, Jacqueline Jossa was pictured leaving the NTAs having an emotional chat with her husband Dan Osborne amid claims he was caught flirting with female guests.

Jacqueline, who has two daughters with Dan, is said to have demanded to leave when she saw the TOWIE star in conversation with the women - in a row which came after they suffered a self-confessed 'bad patch' in their marriage.

Insiders told the Mirror that Jacqueline stated: 'It's just not cool. I want to go NOW', before growing 'really upset', before she later admitted on Instagram that both parties were drunk during the night on the town.

Insiders said: 'When he came back over they got into an argument which resulted in her wanting to leave early. Jacqueline said: 'It's just not cool. I want to go NOW' and he was arguing that he didn't want to leave and the feud carried on...

'I reckon he's up to old tricks because afterwards, she was really upset and actually cried. It was awkward because everyone was having fun and they weren't hiding their fight from those around them.'

They were later seen looking tense as they walked inside the venue, with Jacqueline raising her arms towards her husband in a seemingly enraged display.

Shocker: In 2019, Jacqueline Jossa was pictured leaving the NTAs having an emotional chat with her husband Dan Osborne amid claims he was caught flirting with female guests

'Not true': Dan hit back at 'nonsense' claims he 'rowed with Jacqueline about his 'flirty behaviour'

The following day, Dan rubbished 'nonsense' claims he was caught in a drunken row with his wife after the frosty pictures emerged.

He insisted he had a 'great night' at the star-studded awards ceremony and thanked the organisers for inviting his wife and him.

He wrote in the caption: 'Couple of pictures from NTAs Tuesday night... What nonsense! actually had a great night and what was online, was not true at all.. thank you again for inviting us.'
Thousands of Taylor Swift fans have been left devastated after being told that seats they bought for their Eras gig at Wembley are not available.

Tickets costing around 200 which they bought via Ticketmaster have been refunded because the seats are unavailable as they are behind the stage.

The fans - known as Swifties - were told that the tickets should never have been sold in the first place. While they did get their money back, they have been left unable to go to the sell-out concerts at Wembley Stadium next year.

Many have already paid for travel and accommodation.

Superfan Georgia Hanson, 17, from Borehamwood, London saved money from working in a pub to join her friends in August next year and celebrate their A-Level results at the concert.

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans have been left devastated after being told that seats they bought for their Eras gig at Wembley are not available

Superfan Georgia Hanson, 17, from Borehamwood, London saved money from working in a pub to join her friends in August next year and celebrate their A-Level results at the concert

Her mother, Emma Hanson, said: When she and her friends found out their seats didnt exist, they were so angry and upset.

They had planned outfits and had a countdown set up as the screensaver on their phones.

Georgia is Taylor Swift obsessed having written a musical about the star and made over 100 friendship bracelets to give out at the Wembley concert - which she still plans on doing but outside the arena.

Her mother said: Shed had the whole family trying to get these tickets as it was also her 18th birthday present.

We felt so lucky when we got her one but now shes spent seven weeks chasing Ticketmaster with no response.

Georgia is Taylor Swift obsessed having written a musical about the star and made over 100 friendship bracelets to give out at the Wembley concert

Swifties accused Ticketmaster of not being proactive and instead of contacting those who have bought tickets to tell them that the seats cannot be used, they have waited for fans to chase them.

It is the latest issue for Ms Swift who was also left irritated when the Ticketmaster website crashed in July when they were trying to purchase pre-sale tickets for two shows at Londons Wembley Stadium and three shows in Edinburghs Murrayfield Stadium.

Technical glitches caused by the overwhelming mass of Swifties flocking to the site meant many were left feeling hard-done-by and ticketless. Thousands of fans were also kicked out of the queue of more than 20,000 people.

The Eras Tour is due to hit the UK in June next year. Starting in Edinburgh, the star will travel to Liverpools Anfield Stadium, then to Cardiff and finish at Wembley in mid-August where she will continue on to Dublin.
Madelaine Petsch was announced as the new face of Kim Kardashian's SKIMS on Tuesday.

She made her debut in a black bra and undies that highlighted her toned figure. And soon after the 29-year-old was seen in a beige bra and top as well as pink items.

The star is representing SKIMS' next era of Cotton' according to a press release. 'A new era,' it was claimed.

'When I wear SKIMS I feel sexy and comfortable,' said Madelaine, who hails from Washington state.

Petsch is best known for her starring role as Cheryl Blossom in The CW's Riverdale for seven seasons up until its finale in August 2023.

Along with being a star of one of the most popular teen dramas of the past decade, Madelaine has become a social media phenom in her own right, connecting with millions of next-gen followers.

New look: Madelaine Petsch was announced as the new face of Kim Kardashian 's SKIMS on Tuesday. She made her debut in a black bra and undies that highlighted her toned figure. And soon after the 29-year-old was seen in a beige bra and top

Kim picked her: The star is representing SKIMS' next era of Cotton' according to a press release. 'When I wear SKIMS I feel sexy and comfortable,' said Madelaine, who hails from Washington state

A CEO: Kim Kardashian attends the 2023 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center in April in New York City

'I had such a good time on set and felt really confident in my SKIMS, the Cotton Collection is the softest loungewear.'

This campaign introduces new styles to the brands most tagged collection ever, the Cotton Collection.

And it highlights how SKIMS continue to engage up-and-coming talent in order to connect with the next generation of consumers and serve as a reflection of pop culture.

The Cotton Collection  SKIMS' most viral collection to date  has been updated with all-new color blocked details and the return of the fan-favorite pink colorway.

The collection features Cotton Jersey and Cotton Rib styles, thoughtfully designed as a modern take on classic cotton underwear.

Shot and directed by Stevie Dance, the campaign launches Tuesday, on Skims.com and across digital and social platforms.

The new cotton collection will drop on Thursday, September 7th at 9am PT.

SKIMS fever: 'When I wear SKIMS I feel sexy and comfortable,' said Madelaine, who hails from Washington state

Cry me a River(dale): Petsch is best known for her starring role as Cheryl Blossom in The CW's Riverdale, a pop culture-disrupting series that resonated with teen viewers and Gen Z for seven seasons up until its finale in August 2023

SKIMS mastermind: Kim seen on Monday evening at Beyonce's performance at SoFi in Inglewood

Co-founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, SKIMS is the solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear.

It is also setting new standards by providing solutions for every body, the company has said.

From technically constructed shapewear that enhances your curves to underwear that stretches to twice its size, the brand's goal is to consistently innovate on the past and advance the industry.

SKIMS sells directly through its website (SKIMS.com), as well as through select partnerships with retailers including Nordstrom, Selfridges, SSENSE, Net-a-Porter, Lane Crawford, Holt Renfrew and David Jones.

Pretty in pink: Another selection of pieces from the range was a soft pink tank and boxer brief co-ord with a matching bra option
Bill Bailey has revealed he is still close with his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Oti Mabuse.

The comedian, 58, who won the BBC competition with the South African professional dancer, 33, in 2020,

Speaking on Loose Women on Wednesday, the star reflected on his time on Strictly and said the experience was very 'strange' because it took place during Covid.

During the time Bill spent around 12 hours a day with Oti before returning home and repeating the process throughout the competition due to people having to remain in their specific bubbles.

The panel asked if he is still in contact with his former partner, Bill replied: 'Oh yes!'

Sensation: Bill Bailey has revealed he is still close with his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Oti Mabuse

Champions: The comedian, 58, won the BBC competition with the South African professional dancer, 33, in 2020

He went on to confirm that he has suggested a number of baby names for her to use as she is expecting her first child with husband Marius Lepure.

He joked: 'Bill. for a boy, obviously and Bailey if it's a girl.'

It comes after Oti candidly revealed that she struggled with her fertility prior to revealing her pregnancy last month.

The dancer confirmed her surprise baby news live on ITV's Oti Mabuse's Breakfast Show with her partner.

Speaking to her Instagram fans, Oti revealed that she and Marius decided to stop trying for a while as they were giving up hope of having children.

She said: 'We had been trying for a while and decided to stop (it all just got too much) and just live life as us two, as nothing was happening.'

She continued: 'We enjoyed each other's company, dinners, concerts, parties and just simply removed all the pressure and here we are!'

The couple surprised both guests and viewers alike when they announced they are expecting their first child on air.

Amazing: Speaking on Loose Women on Wednesday, the star reflected on his time on Strictly and said the experience was very 'strange' because it took place during Covid

Partners: Bill spent around 12 hours a day with Oti before returning home and repeating the process throughout the competition due to people having to remain in their specific bubbles

Embracing her husband, Oti began the final segment of her show as normal, before teasing that they had been 'holding in some good news'.

She said: 'Speaking of things that you didn't know at home, we have a little something for all of you, we've been holding some good news. We're having a baby!'

The couple then shared a warm embrace as the crew could be heard cheering, while Marisha and Chizzy looked completely shocked by the revelation.

After confirming the news live on air, Oti then took to Instagram to share an array of sweet snaps of herself cradling her baby bump as she posed alongside Marius.

She also hinted at her due date as she told how their 'beautiful journey' is 'nearly over' and teased that 'Christmas is about to get even louder'.

She penned: 'Our 'yes' year is getting better and better and so is our little family.

'We feel finally ready and excited to share our wonderful news. This is new for us scarier than swimming with sharks, jumping off cliffs or even swinging from bridges but the best news we could have ever ask for.

'We love our little bundle of joy so much already and can't wait to see what our future will now look like as family of 3 plus Leo, it's been a beautiful journey so far with close friends and family and nearly over but we have learnt a lot a long the way. Christmas is about to get even louder.'

Pals: Bill said he is still in contact with Oti and went on to confirm that he has suggested a number of baby names for her to use as she is expecting her first child with husband Marius Lepure

Oti and Marius met in Germany during a dance trial and competed together in several competitions.

Marius popped the question on his birthday to the Dancing On Ice judge in 2014 and the pair married the same year.

In 2017, Oti gave an insight into their proposal and hilariously told how she had told him that he was 'annoying' her by acting nervous, before he popped the big question.
Less than a year after sustaining serious injuries in a snowplow accident, Jeremy Renner will be returning to television for season three of Mayor of Kingstown.

Paramount+ have officially renewed the show for a third season, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The show had been quietly renewed several months ago, but a formal announcement was deferred in light of Renner's recovery, insiders told the outlet.

No premiere date for the third season has been announced. Renner is still healing from his injuries, and a historic double strike in Hollywood remains ongoing.

Renner has been playing Mike McLusky since 2021, and season two of Mayor of Kingstown premiered season two while he was still in the hospital.

He's back! Less than a year after sustaining serious injuries in a snowplow accident, Jeremy Renner will be returning to television for season three of Mayor Kingstown

The actor has been documenting his recovery progress on Instagram, and in his latest post he shared video of his leg exercises along with an inspirational message.

'Positive daily routines have been a solid foundation in my recovery. Build your mind, the body will follow.

'I make sure I get leg movements and stretches everyday  oil up inside my metal/joints with movement  push out scar tissue , strengthen muscle, tendons to have more Joint support.

'If youre struggling, just know your attitude will dictate every waking moment moving forward . Let go of the past , and move with positive intention and you will be provided. I promise.'

Just hours after ringing in the new year of 2023, Renner's chest was crushed and his upper torso collapsed when he was pulled under a seven-ton snow plow near his Lake Tahoe home.

He had been trying to pull his nephew's vehicle from the snow in his driveway when the horrifying incident occurred.

The actor was heard in agony in a 911 call following the accident, which resulted in him being airlifted to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, where he was initially listed in 'critical but stable condition.'

Hit show: Renner has been playing Mike McLusky since 2021

On the mend: In April he made his first red carpet appearance since the incident for the premiere of his Disney+ show Rennervations

He ended up suffered nearly three dozen broken bones, not to mention also the cuts, scraps and bruising.

Once he was stable and got some recovery days behind himself, the Hurt Locker star started sharing updates on his condition and rehabilitation via social media, including a January 21 post showing him in physical therapy for his legs.

'Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new years . Spawned from tragedy for my entire family, and quickly focused into uniting actionable love,' he wrote.

Horrific: Just hours after ringing in the new year of 2023, Renner's chest was crushed and his upper torso collapsed when he was pulled under a seven-ton snow plow near his Lake Tahoe home

Healing: In his latest post he shared video of his leg exercises along with an inspirational message

After putting in painful work in the gym and PT by mid-April, Renner improved enough that he was able to walk hand-in-hand with Ava at the premiere of his Disney+ series mini-series Rennervations, which chronicles him helping charities by reconstructing decommissioned vehicles for new uses.

Not long later, Renner visited the staff at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada to thank them in person for saving his life.

During an interview with Diane Sawyer in April, The Town actor sat down to also open up about the incident.

Although he admitted that he was 'triggered by the accident,' Jeremy explained, 'I shift the narrative of being victimized, of making a mistake or anything else.'

He added that he refused 'to be haunted by that memory that way.'
A revolving loan facility of $100 million has been created, with the primary aim of supporting transactions involving UAE exports to Egypt.

Towards this, Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export-financing arm of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has signed a financing agreement with the National Bank of Egypt (NBE).

This landmark collaboration, which reinforces trade and economic relations between the UAE and Egypt, solidifies the longstanding bond between the two nations and showcases their commitment to mutual prosperity and growth.

Cross-border trade relations

This initiative seeks to bolster economic activities and promote cross-border trade relations, further enhancing the already fertile trade landscape between the two nations.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Exports Office, said: The agreement aligns with our leaderships vision, demonstrating its dedication to strengthening national exports. The financing extended by ADEX represents a significant stride forward  a mission that actively contributes to the growth of our national economy and enriches a strategic partnership that enhances trade relations between our two countries.

He added that the agreement would bolster ADEXs ambitions to tap into emerging regional and global markets. Our aim is to empower Emirati exporters to expand their international presence and enhance their competitiveness on a global scale; thus increase their contribution to the economy.

A milestone

The agreement marks a milestone in ADEXs ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with Egypt and other countries. The partnership was a result of unilateral signings by each party, which were subsequently combined to cement the collaborations foundation.

The Abu Dhabi Exports Office extends loans and guarantees to Emirati exporters, with the aim of enhancing their contributions to the economy and fostering their global expansion. The agreement reflects a strategic collaboration designed to strengthen the export sector, aligning with mutual interests.--TradeArabia News Service
Netflix has introduced the newest group of singles entering the pods.

In a new teaser for season five of Love Is Blind, the 28 contestants reveal why they are still single, what they're looking for in a future partner, and more.

The singles range in age and occupation, but all of them have one thing in common - a desire to find their soulmate.

Maris, 30, an HR specialist, said: 'I'm still single because I have a mouth on me and I don't apologize about it.'

'I tend to pick people that don't fit me and I try to mold myself into a person for them,' Josh, 32, a sales rep, said.

Enter the pods! The contestants appearing on season five of Love Is Blind opened up about their love lives in a new teaser

'I have great taste and I just haven't found the right person yet,' Paige, 32, a stylist, said, before jokingly adding, 'A lie.'

'My parents would just say, "You need to sit your a** down somewhere so that you could actually fall in love with somebody!"' Aaliyah, 29, an ICU travel nurse, said.

'Either I can date the mailman, or the pool guy, or I got to get out of the house,' Renee, 32, a veterinarian, said.

'I'm definitely looking for someone that's goal-oriented in either a career or a passion they have,' Milton, a 25-year-old petroleum engineer, said.

'Somebody who will be able to support just who I am as well as be an encouragement,' Mayra, a 25-year-old minister, said.

Jared, 32, a firefighter, is looking for a 'fun-loving' partner: 'Caring, nice, and kind,' he said.

'Someone who will treat me like the queen that I deserve to be treated like,' Linda, 32, a talent acquisition recruiter, said. 'Because he's going to get that same thing back from me.'

'I'm looking for a partner that brings me peace,' Enoch, 27, a financial advisor, said. 'Who helps mellow me out and allow me to be comfortable.'

Candid: 'I tend to pick people that don't fit me and I try to mold myself into a person for them,' Josh, 32, a sales rep, said

Looking for love! 'I have great taste and I just haven't found the right person yet,' Paige, 32, a stylist, said, before jokingly adding, 'A lie.'

Single and ready to mingle: 'My parents would just say, "You need to sit your a** down somewhere so that you could actually fall in love with somebody!"' Aaliyah, 29, an ICU travel nurse, said

Looking for his partner-in-crime! Jared, 32, a firefighter, is looking for a 'fun-loving' partner: 'Caring, nice, and kind,' he said

Eye on the prize! 'I'm definitely looking for someone that's goal-oriented in either a career or a passion they have,' Milton, a 25-year-old petroleum engineer, said

Preach! 'Somebody who will be able to support just who I am as well as be an encouragement,' Mayra, a 25-year-old minister, said

'I'm looking for someone who's adventurous!' Jarred, 34, a university director, said. 'Somebody who's going to be able to go hike up a mountain with me.'

'Someone who's both responsible and intelligent,' Johnie, 32, a lawyer, said. 'But also someone who has a sense of humor.'

'A definite soulmate,' Ernesto, 32, suppler chain manager of oil and gas, said. 'Just finding the one.'

Love Is Blind's fifth season will take place in Houston, Texas, where various singles will meet virtually and make their marital decisions without meeting in person.

Meet the singles! Mayra, Renee, and Maris are among the contestants

Putting their hearts on the line! Stacy, Paige, and Lydia are seeking their soulmates in the pods

Ready for love! Justice, Milton, and Carter are among the contestants looking for their future spouses

The couples will subsequently be introduced to one another and decide if they want to tie the knot or separate over the following weeks.

Love Is Blind initially debuted on Netflix in February of 2020, and the show quickly became a hit with viewers.

The program subsequently returned for three more seasons, which were set in cities including Seattle and Dallas.

International versions of the series have been produced in Brazil and Japan, and several European iterations of the show are currently in development.

Will they find love? Robert, Enoch, and Uche will be taking a chance for love on the Netflix series

Ready for their match! Chris, Efrain and Jarred are among those entering the pods

Stream all about it! Watch Taylor, Shondra and Lydia's journey unfold on Netflix

Swipe right! Miriam, Erica, and Estefania will be looking for love off the apps this season

Will there be a spark? Linda, Johnie, and Aaliyah are among the cast of hopeful singles

All for love! Ernesto, Josh, and Connor are seeking their future partners

Looking for The One! Izzy and Jared 'JP' are hopeful their matches are in the pods

Check it out: Find out who will meet their future partners when season five debuts September 22

Nick Lachey, who co-hosts the program alongside his wife Vanessa, previously spoke to PopSugar and discussed how he attempted to remain level-headed for the show's cast members.

'You spend time with these people when they're going through a really, really vulnerable place in their life. So my goal is always to be as supportive as I can, emotionally and otherwise,' he said.

The 98 Degrees member went on to speak about the cast members to whom he felt the closest.

'I really gravitated towards [Matt] Barnett and Amber [Pike]. I just love them. They have a genuine love of life together. They're wild and crazy, and I love them being wild and crazy together,' he said.

The first four episodes of season five will debut on Netflix on September 22.
Georgia May Jagger cut a very stylish figure in double denim as she posed for her latest photo shoot for 7 For All Mankind in London on Wednesday.

The model, 31, looked nothing short of sensational as she showcased her incredible figure while modelling the brands Fall 2023 campaign.

Turning heads while posing in the city, Georgia tucked a blue denim shirt into a pair of wide legged floral patterned jeans.

She cinched in her waist with a chunky black belt and accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings.

Completing her chic outfit, Georgia rocked a pair of shiny black boots and styled her blonde tresses in loose waves.

Chic: Georgia May Jagger cut a very stylish figure in double denim as she posed for her latest photo shoot for 7 For All Mankind in London on Wednesday

Stylish: The model, 31, looked nothing short of sensational as she showcased her incredible figure while modelling the brands Fall 2023 Collection campaign

Stunning: Turning heads while posing in the city, Georgia tucked a blue denim shirt into a pair of wide legged floral patterned jeans

The stunner later changed into a black T-shirt and blazer as she posed in the city wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Swapping outfits again, Georgia looked incredible in a pair of ripped jeans which she teamed with a denim corset top and long jacket.

Looking effortlessly cool, the daughter of rock legend Mick Jagger, 80, and model Jerry Hall, 67, opted for a black leather look in another photo.

She donned a pair of skinny cropped leather trousers which she teamed with a coordinated jacket and white top.

Georgia sat on the pavement posing up a storm for photos while wearing a pair of black shoes.

Opting for a more summery look, the model tucked a chic white satin shirt into a pair of white jeans and matching boots.

Changing into another chic outfit, Georgia stunned in a brown satin shirt with a large neck bow which she wore under a denim waist coat.

The beauty seemed to be having the time of her life during the photo shoot as she posed on top of a red letter box and in front of double-decker bus.

Cool: Swapping outfits again, Georgia looked incredible in a pair of ripped jeans which she teamed with a denim corset top and long jacket

Sensational: Looking effortlessly cool, the daughter of rock legend Mick Jagger, 80, and model Jerry Hall, 67, opted for a black leather look in another photo

Looking good: She donned a pair of skinny cropped leather trousers which she teamed with a coordinated jacket and white top

Posing up a storm: Georgia sat on the pavement posing up a storm for photos while wearing a pair of black shoes

Fashionista: Opting for a more summery look, the model tucked a chic white satin shirt into a pair of white jeans and matching boots

Glam: Changing into another chic outfit, Georgia stunned in a brown satin shirt with a large neck bow which she wore under a denim waist coat

Having fun: The beauty seemed to be having the time of her life during the photo shoot as she posed on top of a red letter box and in front of double-decker bus

Exciting: Discussing the new collection, Georgia said denim has always been an 'essential part' of her style

Glam: Georgia celebrated her collection with a campaign dinner at The Clocktower in New York on Thursday evening

Wine and dine! The group sat down to dinner at the event

Cool chick: Georgia rocked a leather jacket and trousers combination

Model behavior: Georgia styled her look with a black top and stilettos

Smouldering: She wore her blonde locks in a bouncy blow out

Stunner: She enhanced her pretty features with a soft pallet of make-up

Discussing the new collection, Georgia said denim has always been an 'essential part' of her style.

She said: 'Denim has always been an essential part of my personal style, and it is an honor to be the face of a brand that celebrates individuality while creating an extraordinary range of fashion-forward pieces that cater to the modern global citizen'.

Francesca Toninato, CEO at 7 For All Mankind, added: 'We are thrilled to have Georgia May Jagger as the face of our Fall and Holiday 2023 Global Campaigns.

'Her wit and charm complement her captivating presence and dynamic spirit, which perfectly embody the essence of 7 For All Mankind - bold, confident, and effortlessly chic'.

Earlier this summer Georgia spent some quality time with her rockstar father as she was pictured at his 80th birthday bash in July.

Celebrating at Embargo Republica in Chelsea, Sir Mick celebrated his milestone birthday with a huge party alongside his family, Hollywood A-listers and music legends.

He was joined by his family, including his fiancee Melanie Hamrick, 36.

His ex-partner Jerry, who he was with for 23 years, also joined the celebrations, as well as his Rolling Stones bandmate Ronnie Wood.

There were even surprise appearances from Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Lenny Kravitz as the A-listers travelled from far and wide.
The mood was subdued, but the dress code was undeniably elegant as the 80th annual Film Festival continued in northern Italy on Wednesday evening.

After a week of largely underwhelming red carpets, the result of Hollywood's solidarity with ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, it was the turn of biographical drama Origin to premiere at the city's Lido.





Making an early arrival on Wednesday, Bar Refaeli claimed her fair share of the spotlight in a sweeping silk evening gown ahead of its first official screening.

The Israeli model, 38, accentuated her slender physique in the form-fitting dress, with an off-the-shoulder detail and plunging chest drawing further attention to her exposed cleavage.

Refaeli was in attendance as the Ava DuVernay directed film, based on the 2020 book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson, screened in-competition at the annual ceremony.

Make way: The mood was subdued, but the dress code was undeniably elegant as the 80th annual Film Festival continued in northern Italy on Wednesday evening (pictured: Bar Refaeli)

Here she comes: Making an early arrival on Wednesday, Bar Refaeli claimed her fair share of the spotlight in a sweeping silk evening gown ahead of the first official screening of Origin

Don't mind me: But the fresh-faced Israeli model commanded attention outside the Lido

Gorgeous: Former Bond girl Caterina Murino looked simply stunning in a strapless pink satin dress which featured a full skirt

Pretty in pink: Elevating her slim frame in a pair of red pointed toe heels, the Italian actress accessorised with a pair of dazzling drop earrings

Dressed to impress: The Casino Royale star applied a flawless palette of makeup for the evening

Red carpet: The film writer and director Ava DuVernay put on a busty display in a lemon off the shoulder long sleeved satin gown

All smiles: The American filmmaker looked gorgeous in the figure hugging number which she teamed with a gold metallic bag

Former Bond girl Caterina Murino looked simply stunning in a strapless pink satin dress which featured a full skirt.

Elevating her slim frame in a pair of red pointed toe heels, the Italian actress accessorised with a pair of dazzling drop earrings.

She was all smiles as she styled her brunette tresses in a neat up-do while posing on the red carpet.

Writer and director of the film, Ava DuVernay put on a busty display in a lemon off the shoulder long sleeved satin gown.

The American filmmaker looked gorgeous in the figure hugging number which she teamed with a gold metallic bag.

Turning up the glamour, Ava accessorised with a dazzling necklace and earrings and styled her long dark tresses in a neat up-do.

Meanwhile Diana Ghenea cut a glamorous figure for the evening in a cowl neck white satin dress which boasted ruched detailing and a daring thigh high split.

The actress, 36, commanded attention as she added an eye catching large feather wrap off her shoulders.

She put on a leggy display as she elevated her frame in a pair of dazzling silver heels and accessorised with a pair of glittering earrings.

Flawless: Giovanna Sannino showcased her stunning curves in black stretch jersey tank dress with sequin hand embroidery from Spring/Summer 2023 Michael Kors Collection

Stunning: Meanwhile Diana Ghenea cut a glamorous figure for the evening in a cowl neck white satin dress which boasted ruched detailing and a daring thigh high split

Incredible: The actress, 36, commanded attention as she added an eye catching large feather wrap off her shoulders

Dramatic: Singer Loretta Grace made sure all eyes were on her in a bold hooded black gown which boasted a large leather waist detailing

Turning heads: Georgia Mos put on a very leggy display in a racy black velvet cut out gown which donned two bold thigh high splits

Daring: The music artist showed off her amazing figure in the garment which had a halter neckline and dazzling edged detailing

Dazzling: Italian actress Manila Nazzaro looked incredible in a sequinned red and black one shoulder dress

Racy: Braless Taylor Mega wowed as she showed off her sensational figure in a silver beaded sheer gown

Eye catching: Elisabetta Pellini flashed her toned midriff in a black crop top and coordinated long maxi skirt which featured yellow detailing

Diana showcased her jaw dropping figure in the stunning backless gown as she walked the star-studded red carpet.

Singer Loretta Grace made sure all eyes were on her in a bold hooded black gown which boasted a large leather waist detailing.

Georgia Mos put on a very leggy display in a racy black velvet cut out gown which donned two bold thigh high splits.

The music artist showed off her amazing figure in the garment which had a halter neckline and dazzling edged detailing.

She added inches to her frame in a pair of black Yves Saint Laurent heels and styled her long tresses in luxurious waves.

Italian actress Manila Nazzaro looked incredible in a sequinned red and black one shoulder dress.

Blogger Alice Basso showed off her amazing curves in a naxy dress which donned a bold pink cape.

Elisabetta Pellini flashed her toned midriff in a black crop top and coordinated long maxi skirt which featured yellow detailing

Beauty Queen Denny Mendez dazzled in a black glittering playsuit which she teamed with towering heels.

Leggy display: Beauty Queen Denny Mendez dazzled in a black glittering playsuit which she teamed with towering heels

Phenomenal: Alice Basso showed off her amazing curves in a naxy dress which donned a bold pink cape

Colourful: Filmmaker Alice Diop cut a stylish figure in an orange double breasted blazer which she teamed with wide legged trousers

Sizzling: Making quite the entrance, Tanya La Gatta looked very glamorous in a dazzling gold gown with a satin orange train

Couple: Elisa Egger stunned in a sheer black dress while Carlo Dona Dalle Rose looked dapper in a blue blazer

High spirits: Natalia Ryumina put on a leggy display in a purple strapless minidress while Edoardo Francia dressed smart in a navy blazer and open collar shirt

Braless Taylor Mega wowed as she showed off her sensational figure in a silver beaded sheer gown

Filmmaker Alice Diop cut a stylish figure in an orange double breasted blazer which she teamed with wide legged trousers.

Making quite the entrance, Tanya La Gatta looked very glamorous in a dazzling gold gown with a satin orange train.

She showed off her toned pins through an eye catching thigh high split and elevated her frame in a pair of coordinated heels.

The stunner styled her blonde tresses in a neat up do as she blew kisses to the crowd at the premiere.

Natalia Ryumina put on a leggy display in a purple strapless minidress while Edoardo Francia dressed smart in a navy blazer and open collar shirt

Elsewhere Elisa Egger stunned in a sheer black dress while Carlo Dona Dalle Rose looked dapper in a blue blazer
Ethan Slater got a 'like' from one notable fan after he made his Instagram public again - his new girlfriend Ariana Grande.

Ethan, 31, made his Instagram account private after his romance with Grande made headlines, and on Wednesday he shared his first post since opening up his profile to the world.

It was a post which appeared to capture his life as of late, including preparation for Spamalat, the musical he was recently cast in.

'Spamalot. (not pictured),' he captioned the post.

Ariana, 30, was among the many supporters who 'liked' the post.

Ariana approved! Ethan Slater got a 'like' from one notable fan after he made his Instagram public again - his rumored new girlfriend Ariana Grande

She likes what she sees! Grande showed her approval by 'liking' the post

The post contained a shot of Ethan, a snap of a dog looking out a window, and footage of him rehearsing a routine with another actor.

Ethan was announced as part of the Spamalot cast last month. He will be playing The Historian/Prince Herbert.

Ethan is no stranger to Broadway, having played the title character in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical. The role earned him a Drama Desk Award, as well as a prestigious Tony Award nomination.

Rumors, however, have recently emerged that Ethan had an affair with Ariana while filming Wicked together.

A source told People on Friday that the speculation is unfounded and 'this entire situation has been blown out of proportion'.

In July, it was revealed they had separated from their respective partners, and multiple sources close to the couple deny that the two had started dating any earlier than that.

'It's much different than what has been portrayed in public,' the insider said, once again asserting that Grande had already separated from her now-estranged husband, Dalton Gomez.

Likewise, they claim that Slater and his wife, Lilly Jay, had already split prior to him finding romance with Grande.

Practice makes perfect: Slater appeared to be rehearsing for Spamalot

Back on Broadway: Slater will be playing The Historian/Prince Herbert in the upcoming musical revival

Life lately: The post also contained a snap of a dog looking out a window

'People have tried to question the timeline,' a close family friend asserted that they were friends and co-stars on the upcoming musical film adaptation.

'The truth is, Ariana and Ethan didn't begin seeing each other until after both parties were separated, respectfully,' the insider continued.

Another source revealed that the Thank U, Next hitmaker and her 'are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.'

An additional source told People that Slater's focus remains to be his infant son  whom he and his estranged wife welcomed in August 2022.

Former flame: Grande pictured with her estranged husband Dalton Gomez

Hit-maker: Grande pictured on The Voice

'Ethan's priority will always be to co-parent his son,' the insider explained.

Ariana and Ethan originally met and became friends while filming Wicked together in London.

When news of the two-time Grammy winner's new relationship emerged, it was revealed that she had separated from Gomez, 28, in January after two years of marriage.

In mid-July, Grande was spotted without her wedding ring before it was revealed that their marriage had been on the rocks in the past year while she was filming in London.

'Ariana and Dalton have been having some issues for months now,' an insider had revealed to Us Weekly at the time.

'They were having issues before she left for Wicked filming [in London] that they couldn't resolve, and the distance did not help,' the source added.

Previously, the former couple took their relationship public in February 2020 and got engaged less than a year later.

The songstress had tied the knot with Gomez at her Montecito mansion in May 2021 after being together for over a year.
He appeared on seasons two through six of Discovery's Moonshiners

Jim Tom Hedrick, a popular former star of the Discovery Channel reality series Moonshiners, has died at age 82.

Hedrick died on Wednesday morning in Robbinsville, North Carolina, according to a family member.

The cause of Hedrick's death isn't yet known, but he had been suffering from kidney cancer recently, a family member told TMZ.

The reality fixture had also been receiving dialysis treatments for 'a long time,' the family member said.

His death comes just months after another Moonshiners star, Craig Landy, was hospitalized after a devastating electric unicycle crash.

Reality star: Jim Tom Hedrick (R), a popular former star of the Discovery Channel reality series Moonshiners, has died at age 82. A family member told TMZ he had suffered from kidney cancer and had been on dialysis recently

Last days: Hedrick had reportedly been living in a nursing home in the final year of his life

Hedrick had reportedly been living in a nursing home in the final year of his life.

A post from a cousin of Hedrick's posted to the Facebook page of fellow Moonshiners stars Mark and Dugger revealed that he was 'comfortable and resting with no pain right now,' as of a few days before his death.

'Jim Tom dedicated much of his life to the art of moonshining, becoming a legend in Appalachia along the way,' read an Instagram statement from Sugarlands Distilling Co.

'Jim Toms well-earned reputation as one of the most skilled moonshiners in the South earned him a role on the hit television program Moonshiners, where his colorful personality endeared Jim Tom to the hearts of millions.'

Sugarlands president and founder Ned Vickers added: 'Jim Tom was one of the first veteran moonshiners to truly embrace Sugarlands when we opened our doors.

'Gaining the stamp of approval from Jim Tom was instrumental in shaping the authenticity of Sugarlands, and were forever indebted to his support and friendship,' he wrote.

They said he gave them his 'stamp of approval,' which helped to considerably legitimize their business.

In photos posted to Facebook announcing his death, Hedrick was seen shirtless in a hospital bed while receiving visitors at his nursing home.

Longtime star: Hedrick joined the cast of the Discovery Channel's Moonshiners series in its second season, and he stuck with the show through its sixth season, which wrapped up in 2017; still from Moonshiners

Staying positive: In photos posted to Facebook announcing his death, Hedrick was seen shirtless in a hospital bed while receiving visitors at his nursing home. Despite his declining health, he managed an upbeat smile while being visited by family

Helping hand: Sugarlands Distilling Co. praised Hedrick on Instagram for being one of the first distillers in the area to give his support to it

Despite his declining health, he managed an upbeat smile while being visited by family.

Hedrick joined the cast of the Discovery Channel's Moonshiners series in its second season, and he stuck with the show through its sixth season, which wrapped up in 2017.

It presents a dramatized version of the exploits of illegal distillers. However, according to a 2012 statement from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, none of the people featured on the series creates illegal liquor.

Moonshiners is currently in its twelfth season, which is expected to wrap up in April of 2024.
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have what it takes to become a celebrity power couple to rival Beyonce and Jay-Z.

The couple were not shy about displaying their affection for one another as they finally went public with their romance at Beyonce's concert in LA on Monday.

The couple could hardly keep their hands - and lips - off each other as they exchanged multiple kisses while enjoying the show.

A branding expert has now told how the pair have the potential to earn millions off their budding romance thanks to their huge followings.

Chairman of InterTalent Professor Jonathan Shalit OBE told MailOnline: 'The relationship between Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet, one of the most promising young actors of his generation, is golden.

Romance: Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have what it takes to become a celebrity power couple to rival Beyonce and Jay-Z

Smooch: The couple were not shy about displaying their affection for one another as they finally went public with their romance at Beyonce's concert in LA on Monday

Future: A branding expert has now told how the pair have the potential to earn millions off their budding romance and could rival Beyonce and Jay-Z

'She's already a branding queen in her own right, but Kylie is now dating one of the coolest actors of his generation.

He added: 'Together they can enter the mega league of Beyonce and Jay-Z.'

At just 26 years old, Kylie is already a makeup mogul thanks to the success of her company Kylie Cosmetics.

She is also currently the fifth most-followed person on Instagram with 399M followers as of Wednesday, September 6.

Along with the other members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kylie commands the attenton of a hugely loyal fanbase who buy her products and watch her Hulu reality series The Kardashians.

Timothee is one of his generations most promising actors and at 27, has already received been nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BAFTAs.

Getting his start on the TV series Homeland, he is known for roles in films like Call Me By Your Name, The French Dispatch and Dune.

He has won a loyal fanbase while building his career with his most ardent devotees calling themselves the Chalamaniacs.

Success: At just 26 years old, Kylie is already a makeup mogul thanks to the success of her company Kylie Cosmetics

Influence: She is also currently the fifth most-followed person on Instagram with 399M followers as of Wednesday, September 6.

Career: Timothee is one of his generations most promising actors and at 27, has already received been nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BAFTAs

Timothee, who has over 18.4million followers on Instagram, will next take on the lead role in musical blockbuster Wonka while he will also reprise his role as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two.

Earlier this month it was confirmed that Kylie and Timothee are still in a relationship, despite rumors that he had 'dumped' the mother-of-two.

They have been quietly dating since early April and have not broken up, TMZ reported.

Their sources denied the report that was circulating that the movie star 'dumped' Kylie. The stars are still 'an item' and 'any reports that say otherwise are false,' their insiders said.

Kylie and Timothee were first linked romantically in April via celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi, after a tipster wrote in.

Relationship: Earlier this month it was confirmed that Kylie and Timothee are still in a relationship , despite rumors that he had 'dumped' the mother-of-two

They are said to have sparked up a romance after they both attended the Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion show on January 25, 2023.

Kylie shares two children with ex-partner Travis Scott: daughter Stormi, five, and Aire, one. They started dating in 2017, welcoming Stormi in the following year.

The couple split in October 2019 but reunited in February 2020, before split again during the holidays in December 2022.

Meanwhile Timothee has been linked to Lily-Rose Depp, Eiza Gonzalez and Lourdes Leon.
Kourtney Kardashian has praised doctors for 'saving her baby's life' as she breaks silence after being rushed to the hospital during the final trimester of pregnancy prompting husband Travis Barker to abruptly flee his band's European tour.

The 44-year-old reality star - who is said to be 'feeling better' - took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a black and white snap of she and her 47-year-old musician husband holding hands on a hospital bed.

She captioned the image to her 224million followers: 'I will be forever grateful to my incredible doctors for saving our babys life.

'I am eternally grateful to my husband who rushed to my side from tour to be with me in the hospital and take care of me afterwards, my rock. And to my mom, thank you for holding my hand through this.'

Kourtney then went on to reveal that despite having pregnancy complications before she still wasn't ready for what had happened.

'Praise be to God': Kourtney Kardashian has praised doctors for 'saving her baby's life' as she breaks silence after being rushed to the hospital during the final trimester of pregnancy prompting husband Travis Barker to abruptly flee his band's European tour

'I am eternally grateful to my husband': The 44-year-old reality star took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a black and white snap of she and her 47-year-old musician husband holding hands on a hospital bed

The mother-of-three continued: 'As someone who has had three really easy pregnancies in the past, I wasnt prepared for the fear of rushing into urgent fetal surgery.

'I dont think anyone who hasnt been through a similar situation can begin to understand that feeling of fear. I have a whole new understanding and respect for the mamas who have had to fight for their babies while pregnant.

'Praise be to God. Walking out of the hospital with my baby boy in my tummy and safe was the truest blessing.'

On Friday, Travis' band Blink-182 announced the postponement of some European tour dates because of an 'urgent family matter' that forced him to dash home.

Travis took to Twitter on Wednesday to write: 'God is great. I flew home for a life-threatening emergency surgery for our baby that Im so grateful went well. I want to say thank you for all the support. Tour resumes Friday.'

This came after news that Kourtney is doing 'better' and has now returned home following a short hospital visit.

An insider told People the reality star is 'back home now with her kids' after she was pictured departing a Los Angeles-area hospital with her husband Travis

'She is feeling better. She is happy to have Travis back home too,' the source added.

The following day, Kourtney, who went public with her pregnancy in June, was seen leaving the hospital with Travis and clambering into an SUV.

'Feeling better': It was reported recently that Kourtney is doing 'better' and now home following a brief hospital visit; pictured departing the LA-area hospital with her husband on Saturday

What is fetal surgery? Fetal surgery is a procedure performed on an unborn baby (fetus) in the uterus (in utero) to help improve the long-term outcome of children with specific birth defects. Because these defects often worsen as a fetus develops, fetal surgery done by a team of experts focuses on treating and improving the conditions before birth. Comprehensive health centers that have fetal surgery expertise and experience can treat many birth defects in utero, including: Amniotic band syndrome Bronchopulmonary sequestration of the lung Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) Fetal anemia Lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) Mediastinal teratoma Neck mass Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) Spina bifida (myelomeningocele) Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) Why is it done? Before a baby is born, early intervention using fetal surgery can treat life-threatening birth defects and improve outcomes in some cases. For example, if a baby has been diagnosed before birth with spina bifida, surgeons might perform open fetal surgery or a less invasive procedure using a fetoscope. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic) Advertisement

Neither Travis nor Kourtney has disclosed why they were at the hospital, but based on the appearance of her bump as she left, she did not appear to have given birth.

Kourtney was seen walking unassisted as she and her husband surfaced on Friday, piling into a gleaming black Range Rover and heading off.

The reality star, who has not publicly divulged her due date, was decked out in a silver maternity top and matching trousers.

On Friday, Blink-182 announced via Insta Stories that they would have to delay their upcoming concerts on account of Travis' family emergency.

'Due to an urgent family matter, Travis has had to return home to the States,' the band revealed on social media. 'The Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin shows are being postponed. More information in regards to his return to Europe and rescheduled dates will be provided as soon as available.'

The Blink-182 tour in Europe was meant to commence Friday night in Glasgow, which is where Travis was when the announcement was made.

Travis then fired up his own social media and cryptically posted pictures of the prayer room at the Glasgow Airport.

Just last week, he and his pregnant wife had been spotted soaking up the sunshine together during a romantic stroll on the beach.

Oh baby! Kourtney and her husband Travis Barker are expecting their first child together; they are pictured in September 2022

Bumping along just nicely! She has been displaying her bump on social media

As Travis raced home to Kourtney, his ex-wife Shanna Moakler confirmed that the children she herself shares with him are 'safe and sound.'

Shanna and Travis welcomed Landon, 19, and Alabama, 17, together, and Travis was also crucial in helping raise Shanna's daughter Atiana De La Hoya, 24, whom she had with the former professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya.

Meanwhile Kourtney shares three children - Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, eight - with her ex-fiance Scott Disick, whom she dated on and off for nearly a decade.

Kourtney ecstatically revealed to the world in June that she is expecting a baby by Travis, whom she tied the knot with last year.

She dropped the bombshell during a Blink-182 concert, standing in the audience and holding up a sign that read: 'TRAVIS I'M PREGNANT' - a mischievous nod to a similar scene in the music video for the band's song All The Small Things.

Her breathtaking news came over a year after Kourtney pulled the brakes on her IVF journey, which had subjected her to a raft of health issues including depression.

Oh baby! Kourtney ecstatically revealed to the world in June that she is expecting a baby by Travis, whom she tied the knot with last year

On a 2022 episode of her reality show The Kardashians, Kourtney spoke candidly about the 'awful' experience she was having with IVF.

She claimed in a confessional that the 'medication that they have been giving me, they put me into menopause, literally into menopause.'

Kourtney theorized: 'I think because I'm so clean and careful about what I put into my body, it's just like having the complete opposite reaction and working as a contraceptive instead of helping us.'

She explained: 'I have everything in the world to be happy about. I just feel a little bit off and not like myself. Super moody and hormonal, like I am a lunatic half the time.'

In December of that year, a few months after her wedding, she told the Wall Street Journal that she had stopped her IVF treatments 10 months earlier.

Growing family: Kourtney also shares three children - Mason, 13, Penelope, 11, and Reign, eight - with her ex-fiance Scott Disick

Kourtney, who tied the knot with Travis that May, shared that she 'took a break to just focus on our wedding and getting married.'

On a subsequently aired episode of The Kardashians, she said: 'We would love a baby more than anything but I just really believe in what God has in store for us.'

She also spilled that she had 'seven frozen eggs from years ago before Travis' - a step she had taken when she was nearing the age of 40.

'When I was 38 or 39 everyone was like pushing me to do that and most of mine didn't survive the thaw because eggs are one cell and none of them made it to an embryo,' the eldest Kardashian sister said.

'All the thing that came with IVF took a toll on me physically. My health is still impacted because it's hormones. And also mentally it took a toll,' she said.

'So, I think just being happy is most important and being a good parent to my kids. We are just embracing that whatever is meant to be will be.'
Hand in hand with his 52-year-old wife Soon-Yi, Woody Allen looked sprightly for a man of 87 as he arrived at the Venice Film Festival on Monday.

The couple, accompanied by their two adopted daughters, strode down the red carpet, pausing now and then to pose for the paparazzi. But for the perennial look of anxiety on Allen's face, the filmmaker seemed like a man with the world at his feet, not one dogged by controversy.

Indeed, Allen makes up a triptych of directors, including Roman Polanski and Luc Besson, who some have ordained persona non grata at the floating city's annual cinematic shindig.

All are presenting new films, but all stand accused of sexual impropriety at some stage in their careers.

Allen was famously accused of molesting his adopted daughter when she was just seven; Polanski pleaded guilty to intercourse with a minor and Besson, recently cleared of rape, once fathered a child to a 16-year-old girl (he was 33).

Woolly Allen (left) was famously accused of molesting his adopted daughter when she was just seven

Woody Allen (pictured) is seen arriving at the 80th Venice International Film Festival 2023 on September 4

Hand in hand with his 52-year-old wife Soon-Yi (right), Allen looked sprightly for a man of 87 as he arrived at the Venice Film Festival on Monday

While such a line-up would be inconceivable for, say, the forthcoming London Film Festival, the Europeans seem unperturbed - although there was some booing and unseemly scuffling as protesters attempted to make clear how unwelcome they were... to them at least.

But no doubt the five-minute standing ovation that greeted the conclusion of the premiere of his 50th movie, Coup de Chance, made up for it. It is a witty black comedy and his best film for years. It's also his first French language picture.

The truth is that even if there hadn't been a Hollywood writers' strike leading to a paucity of stars at this year's festival - what wits are describing as a 'dearth in Venice' - Allen would have been welcomed by the event's organisers like a visiting potentate, despite the abuse claims made by his adopted daughter Dylan, his ex-partner and Dylan's mother Mia Farrow, and Dylan's older brother Ronan. He vehemently denies the allegation and no charges have ever been brought.

His adopted son (with Farrow) Moses defends him and says that Farrow turned on Allen once she discovered he had been having an affair with Soon-Yi, her adoptive daughter, whom Allen had known since she was ten and helped to raise.

Yes, it's a complicated story but whatever the truth of it, the whiff of scandal around Allen has only got stronger since the MeToo movement erupted in the wake of producer Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes. A raft of well-known British and American actors have declined to work with Allen, while others have publicly regretted doing so in the past. That, some are saying, is why he chose to make his latest film in French.

Allen makes up a triptych of directors, including Roman Polanski and Luc Besson, who some have ordained persona non grata at the floating city's annual cinematic shindig

Director Roman Polanski (pictured) pleaded guilty to intercourse with a minor

Broadly speaking, the French, like the Italians, don't much care about any crimes and misdemeanours (to quote the title of another of Allen's movies) that the veteran director might have committed. He is also regularly and lavishly feted at the Cannes Film festival each year.

And so, more controversially still, is Roman Polanski.

He is 90 now and still a fugitive from justice in the U.S. where, in 1977, he pleaded guilty to 'unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor'. In return for that, more serious charges were dropped. They included 'rape by the use of drugs, sodomy, perversion and performing a lewd and lascivious act upon a child under 14.' His victim, Samantha Gailey, was 13.

Yet last Friday, Polanski too was honoured in Venice with a premiere for his movie The Palace. There were protests there as well, which doubtless would have been longer and louder had the Polish director dared to turn up in person. Nevertheless, there was scattered applause and half-hearted cheers when his name flashed up on screen. I heard no booing.

There should have been a great deal of booing at the end, if only for what we endured on screen. The Palace is a terrible dud. If it ends up being the last film by the director, whose credits include classics such as Repulsion (1965), Rosemary's Baby (1968) and Chinatown (1974), then his career will fade out in the very opposite of style. Set in a swanky Swiss hotel on New Year's Eve 1999, it is a crass, lumpen, desperately unfunny comedy full of screeching stereotypes and, sadly, John Cleese. He plays an American tycoon with a much younger wife (casting that one might expect to have given him pause for thought before accepting a role in a Polanski movie, but evidently didn't).

Yet, if its inclusion is an artistic embarrassment to the Venice Film Festival, the much greater embarrassment is that the self-confessed paedophile Polanski has a film here at all. For Rita Di Santo, film critic for Italian newspaper Il Manifesto, it is reasonable to showcase Polanski's pictures in Venice. 'Both he and Woody Allen deserve attention because of what they've done in cinema,' she says.

'That's why they are both more appreciated in Europe than in Britain or America. And it is why [Festival director Alberto] Barbera has the courage to invite them. He is not concerned about what they've done in their private lives. If the personal behaviour of famous artists stopped us looking at their work, we would never enjoy the paintings of Caravaggio, who was a murderer and slept with boys.'

It is an age-old debate: should the life of the artist diminish the value of the art? I don't believe so; Di Santo's point about Caravaggio is a valid one.

Luc Besson (pictured), recently cleared of rape, once fathered a child to a 16-year-old girl (he was 33)

Admiring a painting, film, or even a building, is hardly an endorsement of any wrong-doings on the part of its creator. But we should all be free to boycott anything on our own moral grounds.

I have to see Polanski's films because of my job. If I didn't, I wouldn't. Repulsion turns out to be a very apt title for one of his best-known pictures  it's what I feel for him.

Though I feel differently towards Allen; his conviction in the court of public opinion is shaky, at best, although his affair with the young Soon-Yi is certainly questionable.

As for Barbera, he said before the festival: 'Polanski is one of the last great masters of European cinema. He made huge mistakes 50 years ago. He recognised that he was guilty. He asked to be forgiven by the victim and the victim gave her forgiveness.'

As it happens, Polanski's shows of contrition for his crimes have been muted, to say the least. But it is undoubtedly true that the French and Italians in particular are much more willing than the British or Americans to turn a blind eye to sexual misbehaviour, deviancy even, if the miscreants are people they otherwise admire.

Barbera, who thinks it 'absolutely unbelievable' that Woody Allen's films are no longer released in the U.S., was also quite happy to give a premiere this year to Dogman, an English-language film by Luc Besson. He is the French director accused and cleared of rape, who started dating the actress Maiwenn when she was 15 and he was more than twice her age. They'd met when she was 12.

That there should be three directors at Venice this year with sex scandals attached to their names seems almost like an act of defiance. It is all the more extraordinary in the light of MeToo, which has so convulsed Hollywood and continues to inspire some decidedly feminist films. One of the best such pictures, Poor Things, starring Emma Stone, is ironically in with a very good shout of winning the coveted Golden Lion.

On Sunday, a series of messages appeared on the Lido, all written in black letters on separate sheets of paper and all saying the same thing: 'Will the Golden Lion go to a rapist?'

Whoever placed them presumably had their facts slightly wrong: neither Coup de Chance nor The Palace are in competition for the main prize, although Dogman is.

But whether or not the directors of those films are in contention for the Golden Lion, it doesn't stop them being lionised.

And that can't be right.
Anne Hathaway was seen in new images for the Shiseido brand this week.

The 40-year-old actress was a wrinkle-free wonder as she wore a beige silk camisole with her brunette hair down.

In the ad it says 'potential has no age.'

'I'm so excited to be a @shiseido brand ambassador and am honored to have been chosen to represent the line #VitalPerfection!' she wrote in the caption.

'Shiseido and I are aligned in our belief that your skin is one of the most important investments you can make in your life and that we should never stop exploring our own potentialat any age.

'Thank you to Shiseido for inviting me to join your wonderful family!!  #ShiseidoSkincare #PotentialHasNoAge.'

40 and fine: Anne Hathaway was seen in new images for the Shiseido brand this week. The 40-year-old actress was a wrinkle-free wonder as she wore a silk camisole with her hair down. In the ads it says 'potential has no age'

This comes after the Devil Wears Prada actress said she feels 'honored' to be representing Shiseido.

The acclaimed star was recently named as the face of Shiseido's Vital Perfection line, and Anne is thrilled to be working with the Japanese beauty brand.

The Hollywood star said she has a huge amount of admiration and respect for the brand.

'I'm so honored that they felt I was a fit. They're a brand that's been synonymous with the highest quality for so many generations; they have such integrity,' Anne, 40, told Vogue.

'I'm just really, really thrilled that they felt that I am somebody who could effectively reflect that.'

What she is plugging is a cream that promises to 'lift and firm skin to reveal a dramatically revitalized and sculpted complexion with renewed fullness and bounce.'

It claims to 'visibly lift skin in just 1 week and reveal a dramatically firmer, revitalized complexion with this rich sculpting anti aging cream for dry skin.'

Like 30! The Hollywood star said she has a huge amount of admiration and respect for the brand. 'I'm so excited to be a @shiseido brand ambassador and am honored to have been chosen to represent the line #VitalPerfection!' she wrote in the caption

Miracle cream: What she is plugging is a cream that promises to 'lift and firm skin to reveal a dramatically revitalized and sculpted complexion with renewed fullness and bounce'

One of the ingredients is VP8 Technology which 'slows the aging process with 5 targeted ingredients, including olive root, tea, and angelica root extracts to address wrinkles and dullness,' according to the website.

One jar costs $140.

Anne has also praised the company's 'global' evolution.

Asked what she admires most about the brand, Anne explained: 'The care, thoughtfulness, rigour, and passion.

'That passion is something that the volume can be all the way turned up, but it's also something that can be very quiet at the same time.

'And that doesn't diminish its intensity.

Clean skin: It claims to 'visibly lift skin in just 1 week and reveal a dramatically firmer, revitalized complexion with this rich sculpting anti aging cream for dry skin'

In a white tank top: One of the ingredients is VP8 Technology which 'slows the aging process with 5 targeted ingredients, including olive root, tea, and angelica root extracts to address wrinkles and dullness,' according to the website

She is worth it! One jar costs $140 but it seems to do a lot of wonderful things

In her jeans: Anne has also praised the company's 'global' evolution. Asked what she admires most about the brand, Anne explained: 'The care, thoughtfulness, rigour, and passion'

'I feel that my relationship with Shiseido has allowed me to see with much more clarity, depth, and appreciation.

'The company has such a legacy within Japan, and it was exciting to see how [they've been] able to go global without losing any of their character, integrity, and identity.'

Anne is also delighted to be the face of Shiseido's Vital Perfection line because it 'includes everybody'.

The actress said: 'Because it's a product that goes on your skin, it's for everyone.

'It's a way of enhancing something you already possess.

'[It's] a way of introducing a concept of perfection that includes everybody.'

Another brand: The red carpet glamor queen also represents Bulgari jewelry

The company shared: 'We are excited to announce @annehathaway as the new brand ambassador for our VITAL PERFECTION collection.

'We all have untapped potential withinwe just have to look for it.

'This is the inspiration behind VITAL PERFECTION, our skincare line that uses advanced technology to bring out your full potential.

'Experience the power of your own possibility.

A hashtag reads, 'Potential Has No Age.'
And then there were three. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are the last Rolling Stones still rolling.

And yesterday, rocks unholy trinity announced the release of their new album, Hackney Diamonds.

Most bands would issue a Press release or perhaps quietly urge a radio station to play a few tracks, but new music from the Stones? This is a major international event. This calls for blanket coverage on Sky News and other stations, with updates across multiple social media platforms.

On Twitter, Jagger unleashed details across seven time zones, while in London, the band hired the Hackney Empire theatre and flew in U.S. chat show host Jimmy Fallon to interview them on this momentous occasion.

Do you guys still love being in the studio together? Was it fun? he wondered. Yeah, yeah, it is still fun, they assured him.

Right to left: Ronnie Wood, Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at the Rolling Stones Hackney Diamonds launch event in London

In fact, it is so much marvellous fun they havent done it for nearly 20 years  their last album of new music, A Bigger Bang, came out in 2005.

Weve been lazy, said Mick, by way of explanation. Did they worry about how fans will receive their new music, Fallon probed? Nah, we just cross our fingers, shrugged Jagger.

On stage the three rockers were resplendent in hats and hair dye, sitting on sculpted red armchairs which wrapped around their tiny, frangible hips like cupcake holders.

Under a canopy of red velvet drapes lit by red table lamps, they talked of their new melting-pot melodies and lovely riffs, looking as if they were inside some demented boudoir, a lush crypt for the decrepit.

I can tell you straight that I have no idea what its about, said Keith of one of the new songs, which he quite possibly wrote himself. Ronnie expounded on why making guest appearances playing guitar with other bands helps keep him young.

Youve got to keep your fingers moving when you get to our age. Youve got to keep everything moving, he added, gratified by the ripple of smutty titteration that ran through the audience.

Certainly, there is no avoiding the issue of their advanced age, a combined 235 years, but for a few shining moments on stage yesterday, the decades melted away like candle wax, their life force and enthusiasm seemingly undiminished, writes JAN MOIR

Perhaps part of the Stones enduring appeal is to foster the notion amongst their more timid male fans that they too could run off with cocktail waitresses and ballerinas. Or survive honky-tonk wives and falling head first out of coconut trees, whilst still buccaneering through life and loves at the age of 80 and beyond.

Perhaps part of the Stones enduring appeal is to foster the notion amongst their more timid male fans that they too could run off with cocktail waitresses and ballerinas

It is a potent myth, even if one wonders how on earth the Stones themselves survive the emotional turmoil.

Some are fey, some are tongue-in-cheek, some are a little bit more of a joke, said Mick, talking about his long-term relationships with the women who  sorry, my mistake. He was talking about the 12 new songs on the album.

Certainly, there is no avoiding the issue of their advanced age, a combined 235 years, but for a few shining moments on stage yesterday, the decades melted away like candle wax, their life force and enthusiasm seemingly undiminished.

Individually and collectively, they are more on the ball than 80-year-old President Biden  scant praise, agreed  but there is something undeniably magnificent about their craggy, ancient presence.

In profile, todays Mick, Keith and Ronnie are rock n rolls Mount Rushmore; Vice President Cadaver, President Wrinkle, King Corpse. Yet in spirit they still drum to a much younger, hipper beat.

The trio explained that the title of their new album is a slang term that refers to the smashed windscreen of a burgled car in Hackney. What is the significance? Were a London band, said Keith.

Or as London as they can be, what with being tax exiles for the past 50 years or so.

Fans wish Sir Mick Jagger a happy 80th birthday outside the event in London

These street-fighting men stopped being street during that chateau-buying spree way back when. But the shameless loquacity of their gor-blimey accents suggests theyd never left the Old Kent Road and partake of regular infusions of jellied eels.

Drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021, but by the miracle of modern technology he plays on two tracks on the new album.

Even more surprising is the presence of Bill Wyman, who left the band 30 years ago amid much acrimony and mutual accusations of being boring. What was behind this rapprochement? We learn that Mick just rang him up on the dog and bone.

Are you still playing, Bill? he asked. Of course I am, replied Wyman. And that was that.

The televised interlude ended with a video performance of the Stones new single Angry, in which Mick complains he is not getting enough sex. Strike a light, guv. Some things never change.
The Italian-Saudi Investment Forum, which brought together policy makers, business leaders and innovators from both countries in Milan, concluded 21 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and investment agreements.

These agreements covered sectors including clean energy, real estate, health, waste management, technology and manufacturing.

The agreements included:

* An MoU in support of direct investment between the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made In Italy.

* An MoU in healthcare between GKSD Investment Holding Group, Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia and King Saud University Medical City to set up one or multiple entities in the Kingdom.

* An MoU in the energy sector between A2A and ACWA Power, to collaborate in green hydrogen projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

* An MoU in the energy sector between Italmatch Chemicals and ACWA Power, to explore a collaboration into the supply of technology.

* An agreement in the real estate sector between Cipriani Group, and Alkholi Holding Company, to develop Casa Cipriani in Riyadh.

* An MoU in the manufacturing sector between Continuus-Properzi and Bahra Electric as part of a project to localize the manufacture of copper and aluminum rods in Saudi Arabia.

The Italian  Saudi Investment Forum also featured presentations from Italys Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, as well as Saudi Arabias Ministry of Investment, Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority and National Centre for Privatization. The forum also included panel sessions spotlighting the investment opportunities in Clean Energy & Petrochemicals, Healthcare, Pharma & Life Sciences, Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing and Real Estate Development in Tourism and Hospitality.

Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, said: "Italy and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners and I believe it is a key and long-lasting relationship that needs to be taken to the next level.

"Saudi Arabia is more than open for business. We are inviting all great Italian companies to make the Kingdom, their second home. We want them to see Saudi Arabia as a platform for accessing not only the Saudi market, which is growing at a high rate, a regional market that is healthy and growing, but a platform for reaching other markets around the world.

"I look forward to continuing todays discussions at the Saudi  EU Investment Forum on the 23rd October, he said.

Against the backdrop of weakening global economic growth, the Italian and Saudi relationship has put both countries in the economic fast lane. The value of bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries amounted to around SAR5.6bn (1.4 billion) in 2022, offering strong potential for further growth. Italy is also among the top 20 countries investing in the Kingdom (by stock of FDI), with more than 150 Italian firms having a foreign investment licence in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Italian investment is creating high-quality jobs for more than 6,000 Saudis, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service
Christine Baumgartner was ordered to pay a $14,000 sanction by a judge in Santa Barbara today, after he sided with her estranged husband Kevin Costner who said she had failed to provide full details about her bid for spousal support.

Baumgartner, 49, is hoping to void the spousal support section of their prenuptial agreement at trial in November so she can be awarded alimony.

She also wants Judge Thomas Anderle to hand her $855,000 in projected attorney fees to cover the cost.

In court today, Judge Anderle agreed to postpone the decision on the legal costs until September 20 when a full hearing on the issue is scheduled.

Baumgartner's attorney John Rydell also asked him to reconsider his decision to sanction Baumgartner - saying providing full answers about why she feels the premarital agreement should be overturned to Costner's lawyers would violate her attorney-client privilege.

Neither Costner or Baumgartner were in court, although Baumgartner, dressed in an orange sweater and with her blonde hair pulled back, appeared via Zoom from her Range Rover SUV.

Kevin Costner was snapped heading to a meeting in Los Angeles on Wednesday and his and his estranged wife's attorney's appeared in court

The actor, who made his first public appearance since his wife demanded he pay her $800,000 legal fees, was clad in casual jeans and carrying a backpack

Estranged wife Christine Baumgartner, who appeared via Zoom on Wednesday, was ordered to pay a $14,000 fine after she failed to explain on why her prenup should be voided

Judge Anderle also denied Baumgartner's request to have Costner sanctioned over his alleged failure to provide all of his financial documents, with Rydell told to produce a list of what is missing and send it to Costner's attorneys Laura Wasser and Jacqueline Misho.

Baumgartner's latest legal setback comes days after Judge Anderle slashed her child support payments from a monthly fee of $129,000 to $63,000.

The mom-of-three had been asking for a bump in her payments to $161,000.

The Yellowstone actor, 68, and his soon-to-be ex-wife are now due to appear in front of the judge later this month to hear his decision on who pays for what.

Costner has already racked up a $644,000 legal tab of his own but argued that he shouldn't have to foot Baumgartner's bill on top of his own.

During an evidentiary hearing last week, his lawyer Laura Wasser said the mom-of-three is attempting to 'amass a war chest to sue Kevin.'

Baumgartner's $855,000 request is a projected amount and combines the money she has spent so far with the amount she believes she'll need to cover the costs of a seven-day trial over the couple's prenuptial agreement beginning November 28.

According to a breakdown aired in court last week, the total includes $575,000 for attorney fees and $280,000 for expert witnesses.

The warring couple had expected a decision on legal fees at the end of an evidentiary hearing last week, but Judge Anderle deferred his conclusion until today, saying he needed more time to make up his mind.

However, he did decide on child support  slashing Baumgartner's temporary payment of $129,000-per-month in half to $63,000.

Both Baumgartner and Costner looked stunned by the decision  with the 49-year-old standing up and immediately consulting with her lawyers.

A friend told DailyMail.com that the decision had left her shocked. The pal said: 'Christine is shocked. She said even Kevin looked shocked. Everyone looked shocked.

'To say Christine is disappointed is an understatement. She described the ruling is a complete joke.'

Costner has already racked up a $644,000 legal tab of his own but has argued that he shouldn't have to foot Baumgartner's bill on top of his own

The mom-of-three had been enjoying a temporary monthly payment of $129,000 and had wanted it bumped to $161,000

DailyMail.com previously revealed that Baumgartner, 49, moved into the luxury four-bedroom home on Friday  after a judge in Santa Barbara, California, slashed her child support payments

The friend added: 'Christine said they [Costner and his legal team] painted the picture of this shallow, greedy gold-digger and that if Kevin could get past his anger and revenge, he would see how this is hurting their kids.

'She said Kevin is ripping her apart from her community by making it impossible to live in the tight-knit neighborhood.

'Christine said this was never about beach views and Kevin knows this. He knows how much the community means to Christine, and that this is his way of punishing her.

'Christine said the fight is far from over.'

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Brett Ward, a partner at New York legal firm Blank Rome and an expert in family law, said a party requesting fees isn't unusual, although the potential size of the award is.

He also said judges tend to take a dim view of what they see as excessive requests and generally want to prevent drawn out cases like the Costner divorce is becoming.

He said: 'There is certainly a legal basis for [Baumgartner's] request. However, a judge will examine the reasonableness of the fees requested.

'Judges generally do not want to encourage additional litigation by providing one side with a war chest of future legal fees.

'Courts generally balance the less wealthy party's right to carry on the litigation in a fair manner against the concern that a party with a significant fee award will take that money and use it to make every possible argument available, no matter the merit or lack thereof for each claim.'

In July Baumgartner was court-ordered to vacate the former couple's $145million lavish California mansion

Baumgartner and Costner have been slugging it out in court since May when she abruptly filed for divorce, leaving the actor 'blindsided'

Ward said the enormous legal bills the pair are racking up are unusual in family court but added that much of the money can be explained by the value of the assets being wrangled over and expects the eventual tab to be much higher.

He said: 'At this pace, and without a settlement in the near future, I would not be surprised if the combined legal fees approach or exceed $5 million.'

Last week saw both the actor and his estranged wife take to the stand as they attempted to set out their case for how much Baumgartner should get in child support.

In her testimony on day one, Baumgartner said she needed more cash to provide a suitable home for their three children Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14 and Grace, 13.

She said her new $40,000-a-month Montecito rental does not compare to Costner's $75million Carpinteria compound and complained her sons would have to share a bathroom.

Baumgartner also said the pool house guest accommodation was substandard and moaned that the property does not have beach access  a must for her watersports-obsessed offspring.

During his testimony, Costner told court that his biggest fear was being forced to take on jobs he didn't want to; should Baumgartner be awarded an 'inflated' level of child support.

He also apologized to his estranged wife of 18 years, saying: 'I want to help but the thought of having things inflated to the point I can't do what I want to do 'Somehow in this unusual world, we didn't make it and for that, I'm sorry.'

Costner, who cut a laconic figure on the stand, was also asked about her new home and whether he would swap his mansion for hers.

Costner's lawyer accused Baumgartner of making 'unreasonable' financial demands

Asked if the single property compared to his five-lot compound, the veteran actor said: 'I only live in one of the properties so I believe they're comparable. I don't think they're equal.'

When attorney John Rydell asked if he would swap homes with his ex, Costner, wearing a pair of black framed glasses, burst out laughing and quipped: 'This is tricky!'

He went on: 'No, I would not but not because I don't think that home is comparable. 'I have raised three children in my home, their hands are in the stone. I think most people would understand that.'

Smiling, he added: 'There are some features [of Baumgartner's new house] I'd like to have in mine.'

The court also heard details of the family's lavish spending  which totaled $240,000-a-month in 2022.

Expenses included $40,000 spent each month on flowers and gifts alone, although Costner's forensic accountant Tracy Katz pointed out the figure is for the entire family, including Baumgartner.

Katz said the 49-year-old was responsible for a host of big-ticket items, including $18,000-a-month on medical bills, $18,855 on clothing and $3,377 on beauty treatments.

On top of that, Baumgartner was responsible for the lion's share of the $8,886 in cash taken out at ATM machines according to Katz.
Olivia Molly Rogers revealed she just moved into another swanky high-rise apartment on Tuesday after she was booted from the last one.

The Miss Universe Australia winner, 31, had just moved into her ultra-luxe Melbourne unit in mid-April and was ready to settle in for the long haul, but the owner had different plans.

Sharing a video of her swift move into a new luxury pad to Instagram, the model revealed she was thankfully able to secure a home just like it in the same building.

In the time lapse footage, Olivia flaunted her new sprawling skyline views as she moved in all her living furniture with help from new beau Morgan Waterhouse.

She first laid down a beige rug before topping it with a circular art deco coffee table and a gorgeous emerald couch with a matching ottoman.

'A couple of months ago, I requested a lease extension but the owner of the apartment wants to move back in,' Olivia captioned the video.

'So, after unsuccessfully hunting for another place, I got really lucky and one came up in the same building.

'I got approved on Thursday and moved in yesterday.'

Olivia Molly Rogers, 31, (pictured) revealed she just moved into another swanky high-rise apartment on Tuesday after she was booted from the last one

The Miss Universe Australia had just moved into her ultra-luxe unit in mid-April and was ready to settle in for the long haul, but the owner had different plans

The big move comes after Olivia went Instagram official with her new boyfriend Morgan Waterhouse just weeks before she moved into her last unit.

Olivia and Morgan were first romantically linked when they posted identical photos of the view from her apartment.

The pair met though their mutual friend, stylist Paul Versace.

Sharing a video of her swift move into a new luxury pad to Instagram, the model revealed she was thankfully able to secure a home just like it in the same building

In the time lapse footage, Olivia flaunted her new sprawling skyline views as she moved in all her living furniture with help from new beau Morgan Waterhouse

The beauty queen confirmed her split from husband Justin McKeone in October last year after just eight months of marriage.

Break-up rumours began swirling in September when fans noticed she'd reverted to her maiden name on Instagram.

She had also unpinned all photos from their February 2022 wedding.

The former couple, who met in 2018, were last pictured together in August 2022 in a series of loved-up holiday snaps from their trip to New York City.
Netflix live-action adaptation of One Piece broke viewing records on August 5, consequently sending the internet into hysterical ani-mania - with many fans admitting that the remake has far surpassed their expectations.

Originally announced in January 2020, the long-awaited series has won legions of fans after bringing the anime phenomena into the live-action world when it was released last week.

Developed by showrunners Matt Owens and Steven Maeda (Helix, Pan Am), the series is based on the ongoing manga by Eiichiro Oda, which was adapted into a popular anime from 1999.

Within the first few days of its release on August 31, One Piece quickly became the No 1 ranked TV series in 84 different countries around the world.

The hit eight-episode adventure series surpassed the record set by season one of Netflix's Addams Family adaptation Wednesday and season four of Stranger Things.

Smash hit: Netflix 's live-action adaptation of One Piece broke viewing records on August 5 - within the first few days of its release, the series quickly became the No 1 ranked TV series in 84 different countries around the world.

It was also recently revealed that the eight-part series cost an eye-watering $17 million per episode, more than even the fantasy HBO epic Game Of Thrones - which cost around $3 million less per episode.

The plot of the smash series revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer who has longed for a life of freedom since he can remember.

Luffy sets off from his small village on a perilous journey to find the legendary, highly coveted treasure, One Piece, to become 'King of the Pirates.'

However, in order to find and acquire the ultimate prize, Luffy is tasked with assembing a crew of quirky characters before finding a ship to sail, searching every inch of the blue seas, outpacing the Marines, and outwitting dangerous rivals.

Scores of old and new fans on X, formerly Twitter, have praised the thought that went into the casting and representation of the original anime series - with some completely blown away by how little the plot strayed from its predecessor.

One person said: 'I gotta hand it to the team that made this show. The villains were so well done both in character and look and the straw hat crew were just as good. Can't wait for the next season.'

Another wrote: 'The portrayal and casting of all the antagonist characters in the Neflix One Piece live adaption was top-tier.'

One user said: 'It turned out better than I expected, truly one of the best live action adaption of a manga.'

Unexpected treasure: Many fans of the original manga and anime series have admitted that Netflix's take has far surpassed their initial expectations - branding it a 'top-tier' adaption

Ani-mania: Excited fans attended Straw Hats Unite: Pirates on the Pier on August 24 in Santa Monica, California, just before the official release of the live-adaptation on Netflix

Lights, camera, action: A stunning drone show also took place at the Pirates on the Pier event for fans to enjoy on August 24 in Santa Monica, California

One other person wrote: 'Crazy that the one anime most of us thought would be incredibly difficult to make into a live action due to its nature ended up being Netflix's first W (win) for a live-action adaption.'

Another fan commented: 'The care, love and attention to detail to the source material with minor details shows they really cared. All the cast are perfectly casted in their parts - for fans of the original, you'll be happy.'

However, some eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a couple of hilarious blunders within the trailer and first episode - forcing Netflix to take action in altering the scenes.

A fan on X, who goes by @OP_Netflix_Fan, was quick to spot and highlight an inconsistency on July 28 from the official pre-release trailer on the Netflix site.

During a snippet depicting character Roger's execution, an extra, who was wearing a short-sleeved black T-shirt, was seen wearing a smartwatch - inconsistent with alternative realities presented in the show.

Netflix has since removed the smartwatch worn by an extra during Roger's execution scene. The updated One Piece Live Action Trailer can now be found on their website.

TikTok user @NunoLuna posted a clip from the first episode of character Zoro engaged in a sword fight - but his sword sheath appears to bend flexibly in half like a paper straw.

The post received more than 1M views and over 2000 comments from bemused fans, with one jokingly writing: 'His swords are made of rubber.'

Piece de resistance: Scores of old and new fans on X, formerly Twitter , have praised the thought that went into the casting and representation of the original anime series

Whoops: Netflix has since removed the smartwatch worn by an extra during Roger's execution scene in the trailer after eagle-eyed fans noticed the blunder on July 28

Yo ho-ld up a second: TikTok user @NunoLuna posted a clip from the first episode of character Zoro engaged in a sword fight - but his sword sheath appears to bend flexibly in half like a paper straw

A flogging from a fan: The post of the blunder received more than 1M views and over 2000 comments from bemused fans, with one jokingly writing: 'His swords are made of rubber'

The One Piece franchise has already been so popular around the world that it has a Guinness World Records title for the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author - with 416,566,000 copies printed up until 2022.

According to Guinness World Records Kids, One Piece began 25 years ago, with author Eiichiro Oda saying in the past that he originally planned to finish the story in 2002, after just five years.

The writer even has the final ending planned out, but he has delayed it for several years as he continued to create epic characters, battles and adventures.

The plot of the live-action, as well as the manga and anime, revolves around pirates - with some even based on real life pirates, according to Complex.

Gol D. Roger, the Infamous King of Pirates, is based on a French pirate named Olivier Levasseur, who hid a treasure thats yet to be discovered to this day.

The One Piece animated series currently sits at 1,071 episodes and counting, with eight TV specials and 13 films. And now, with the arrival of Netflixs live-action series, even more fans will be introduced to the incredible world of Luffy and friends.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Climate change is "relentlessly eating away" at Africas economic progress and its time to have a global conversation about a carbon tax on polluters, Kenyas president declared Tuesday as the first Africa Climate Summit got underway.

"Those who produce the garbage refuse to pay their bills," President William Ruto, a host of the summit, said to an audience that included senior officials from China, the United States and the European Union - some of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases.

The rapidly growing African continent of more than 1.3 billion people is losing 5% to 15% of its gross domestic product growth every year to the widespread impacts of climate change, according to Ruto. It's a source of deep frustration in the resource-rich region that contributes by far the least to global warming.

He and other leaders urged reforms to the global financial structures that have left African nations paying about five times more to borrow money than others, worsening the debt crisis for many. Africa has more than 30 of the worlds most indebted countries, Kenyas Cabinet secretary for the environment, Soipan Tuya, said.

The U.S. governments climate envoy, John Kerry, acknowledged the "acute, unfair debt." He also said 17 of the worlds 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa - while the worlds 20 richest nations, including his own, produce 80% of the worlds carbon emissions that are driving climate change.

Asked about the Kenyan presidents call for a carbon tax discussion, Kerry said President Joe Biden has "not yet embraced any particular carbon pricing mechanism."

Kenya's President William Ruto speaks at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Ruto said Africas 54 countries "must go green fast before industrializing and not vice versa, unlike (richer nations) had the luxury to do." Transforming Africas economy on a green trajectory "is the most feasible, just and efficient way to attain a net-zero world by 2050," he said.

Climate finance is key, speakers said. A pledge by richer nations of $100 billion a year to help developing nations achieve their climate goals remains unfulfilled, and Ruto said the summit declaration will "firmly encourage" everyone to keep their promises.

The United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the next United Nations climate meeting later this year, announced it plans to invest $4.5 billion in Africas "clean energy potential."

The African continent has 60% of the worlds renewable energy assets and more than 30% of the minerals key to renewable and low-carbon technologies. One goal of the summit is to transform the narrative around the continent from victim to assertive, wealthy partner.

"Its becoming increasingly difficult to explain to our people, particularly to our youth, the contradiction: resource-rich continent and poor people," Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde said.

Africas GDP should be revalued for its assets, which include the world's second-largest rainforest and biodiversity, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina said.

"Africa cannot be nature-rich and cash-poor," he said.

But divisions are evident around the issue that was little mentioned in the opening speeches and yet is at the heart of the tough conversations ahead: fossil fuels.

Africa must use its natural gas resources - a growing interest of Europe - along with renewable energy sources, Adesina said. "Give us space to grow," he said.

Ruto, however, has criticized the "addiction" to fossil fuels. His country now gets more than 90% of its energy from renewables.

"We dont have to do what the developed countries did to power their industries. It will be harder to use renewable energy exclusively, but it can be done," said one local summit attendee, Martha Lusweti.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the summit attendees that its time for the world to "break our addiction to fossil fuels." Worldwide spending on fossil fuel subsidies reached $7 trillion in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund.

European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said African nations could produce enough clean energy to power the continent and export abroad, "but for this, Africa needs massive investment."

Some of Africa's biggest economies rely on fossil fuels. South Africa's coal-fired plants are struggling. Parts of Nigeria's Niger Delta are slick from oil extraction. Some of Africa's cities have the world's worst air pollution. A TotalEnergies pipeline project in Uganda and Tanzania is being challenged.

Missing from the summit were the leaders of a number of Africa's largest economies including South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt, as well as forest-rich Congo.

Also missing from the leading speakers was China, the world's largest emitter of heat-trapping gases, Africa's largest trading partner and one of its biggest creditors.

Some African leaders gave passionate descriptions of climate change's toll.

"The seas that once serenaded us with lullabies now warn of rising tides," Sierra Leone's president, Julius Maada Bio, said. "It is an African story, and I daresay its a global story, too."

___

Follow APs coverage of the climate at https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment and of Africa at https://apnews.com/hub/africa

A delegate walk in front of a mural outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. The summit's opening speeches included clear calls to reform the global financial structures that have left African nations paying about five times more to borrow money than others, worsening the debt crisis for many. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Delegates walk outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. The summit's opening speeches included clear calls to reform the global financial structures that have left African nations paying about five times more to borrow money than others, worsening the debt crisis for many. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, arrives at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, for the Africa Climate Summit. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Paul Kagame, center, President of the Republic of Rwanda, arrives at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, for the Africa Climate Summit. On the right is Kenya's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, center, attends the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Azali Assoumani, President of the Comoros, arrives to attend the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

U.S. government's climate envoy, John Kerry, speaks during a press availability at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. John Kerry acknowledged the "acute, unfair debt." He also said 17 of the world's 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa, while the world's 20 richest nations, including his own, produce 80% of the world's carbon emissions that are driving climate change. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

United Nation Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addresses at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, during the Africa Climate Summit. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

U.S. government's climate envoy, John Kerry, attends a press availability at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. John Kerry acknowledged the "acute, unfair debt." He also said 17 of the world's 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa, while the world's 20 richest nations, including his own, produce 80% of the world's carbon emissions that are driving climate change. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

U.S. government's climate envoy, John Kerry, smiles during a press availability at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. John Kerry acknowledged the "acute, unfair debt." He also said 17 of the world's 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa, while the world's 20 richest nations, including his own, produce 80% of the world's carbon emissions that are driving climate change. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, speaks during the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Guterres told the summit it's time to "break our addiction to fossil fuels." (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, speaks during the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Guterres told the summit it's time to "break our addiction to fossil fuels." (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, speaks during the Africa Climate Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Center in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Guterres told the summit it's time to "break our addiction to fossil fuels." (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

U.S. government's climate envoy, John Kerry, speaks during a press availability at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. John Kerry acknowledged the "acute, unfair debt." He also said 17 of the world's 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa, while the world's 20 richest nations, including his own, produce 80% of the world's carbon emissions that are driving climate change. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
A pandemic tax break for small businesses has turned into a 'modern-day gold rush' as consultancy firms charge fees to help entrepreneurs get their hands on Government cash.

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) - which offers up to $26,000 for each worker a company kept employed during lockdown - has already cost taxpayers more than $150 billion.

And by July that figure could be as high as $220 billion, according to investment bank Piper Sandler. It would mean the relief has cost more than triple Congress' initial estimates.

The spike in payouts is partly fueled by relentless advertising from firms who help entrepreneurs work out what they are owed. Among them is 'Bottom Line Concepts' - a business plugged frequently by Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary.

Bottom Line has helped clients pursue more than $6 billion in ERC refunds, helping them to earn as much as $1 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.

By July the total cost of the ERC program could be as high as $220 billion, according to investment bank Piper Sandler. It would mean the relief has cost more than triple Congress ' initial estimates

It charges between 15 and 25 percent fees for any refund it helps a customer secure. Around 10 percent of this sum is then passed onto its 'affiliates' who introduce clients to the firm, the WSJ reports.

Bottom Line told DailyMail.com that the ERC filing is a 'highly complex' operation and the fees cover the cost of its expertise. The business employs certified public accountants, attorneys and former IRS officials among others to help smooth the process for filers.

Congress devised the ERC in 2020 as an emergency measure to keep employees on payrolls during the pandemic.

The relief expired in late 2021 however the window to claim the credit retrospectively is open until April 2025.

It has prompted a spate of email, text and broadcast adverts from firms like Bottom Line. The company, based in North Miami Beach, Florida, points out it complies with the law, follows IRS guidelines and comes with no upfront fees.

The spike in payouts is partly fueled by aggressive advertising from firms who help entrepreneurs work out what they are owed. Among them is 'Bottom Line Concepts' - a business plugged frequently by Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary

In one online video, 46-year-old founder Josh Fox promises: 'You would make $1.3 million if you can bring 100 clients to us in a two-year period. This is your opportunity.'

In another clip, he adds: 'This is the modern-day gold rush.'

Business has been bolstered by repeated endorsements from O'Leary who meets with the team at least weekly, according to the WSJ.

The TV entrepreneur and Bottom Line are both partners in WonderTrust - a website for booking ERC claims. WonderTrust has submitted $140 million in ERC claims for more than 780 employers.

In a video uploaded to O'Leary's YouTube page, he is filmed sitting next to Fox to discuss the credits.

He tells the camera: 'All my people teamed up with Bottom Line Concepts and said 'look, let's form a partnership and get the word out there.

Business Line's founder Joshua Fox is pictured with Christina Ricci and Jason Binn at a media event in New York in March this year

'Let's go to town and get every small business in America to apply for this and if they do qualify let's get them an expert to actually go through the whole program and get their application in front of the IRS as fast as possible.'

The IRS does not comment on specific companies but back in July the agency's commissioner Danny Werfel said: 'The amount of misleading marketing around this credit is staggering.

'This was not how the law was intended to work.'

Bottom Line was set up in 2009 originally to help companies reduce their shipping, utility and office-supply bills and claim tax benefits.

Today, the ERC accounts for more than 75 percent if its revenue, the Wall Street Journal reported.

A spokeswoman for Bottom Line said: 'We are proud of the companys record of delivering valuable services to American businesses with no upfront fees in a compliant and transparent manner, including educating small businesses on the ERC program and helping them reinvest in their business and their workforce to the benefit of local communities across the country.'

Representatives for Kevin O'Leary were also approached for comment.
Rumors of a property crash have been rife for months yet house prices are remaining buoyant against the odds.

Economists at Zillow predicted in July that home values will have shot up by 5.8 percent by the end of 2023 compared to the start. And a separate index by the National Association of Realtors found property prices increased again last month.

But with so much uncertainty ahead, current buyers may want to think carefully about whether a new home is going to guarantee them a profit.

Personal finance experts at GoBankingRates conducted a study this month to find the best cities for 'bargain' homes - meaning they are low in value now but are steadily going up.

Using February 2023 data from Zillow, the analysis looked at house prices in each city, how much they had increased by in the last year and how much lower they were compared to the rest of the state.

Personal finance experts at GoBankingRates conducted a study this month across the US to find the best cities for 'bargain' homes - meaning they are low in value now but are going up

It named Midland, TX, Englewood, OH, and Cicero, IL, among the best property hotspots - though they were not officially ranked.

In Midland, a typical single-family home is worth $276,294 - around $14,900 less than the average home value in the rest of Texas.

Yet this difference is thinning as Midland saw home values creep up by $2,528 between February 2022 and 2023.

Similarly, in Englewood, the average single-family residence is worth $193,457, up by $7,978 from the year prior.

In Cicero, homes are now worth $225,208, up from $222,638 in 2022.

The vast majority of cities GoBankingRates identified are located in the South and Midwest regions.

It comes as Americans are now facing worse housing affordability than in 2006 as buyers face a perfect storm of high mortgage rates and elevated house prices.

Home buyers are facing the least affordable market since 2006, according to figures from the Atlanta Federal Reserve

Economists at Zillow recently predicted that house prices would increase by another 5.8 percent before the end of the year, bringing the average property to $370,754

Figures from the Atlanta Federal Reserve show that affordability has fallen below levels seen during the housing bubble peak in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis.

The Atlanta Fed uses house prices, mortgage rates and average incomes to calculate an 'affordability' score each month. The latest figures, from June 2023, show the score has plunged to 69.5 - nearly 40 points below where it was in June 2020.

Leading economist Fred Harrison, who accurately predicted the last two global property crashes, recently told DailyMail.com that the US would not face a real estate collapse until 2026.

Harrison is a pioneer of the '18-year house price cycle theory' which claims a crash only occurs 18 years after the last one began.

His hypothesis, which is based on 1930s research on business cycles in Chicago, has yet to prove him wrong.

His most recent book We Are Rent claims prices will peak in 2026 before a recession occurs that will eclipse the events of 2008.
The real estate market in the EU countries has always been interesting for foreign investors from non-EU countries. Development trends show the prospect of buying residential and commercial real estate to rent for profit or living. Let's consider two countries - Cyprus and Italy - which offer excellent conditions for buying real estate for passive income and determine where you can invest your money.

Understanding the Cyprus Real Estate Market

The island nation's real estate market in 2023 is at its peak over the past 15 years. Today, the percentage rate of foreign sales is the highest in history, reaching 46% on average per year. This figure highlights the continued interest of international buyers in Cyprus' residential and commercial real estate sector.

House prices have increased by 2-9% depending on the city, which is explained, among other things, by the state's attraction of more than a thousand foreign companies in 2022. Cyprus real estate investment is an attractive program for wealthy business people ready for a relatively significant investment in the local economy.

According to Immigrant Invest specialist Zlata Erlach, the most attractive and expensive for investors are the cities of Larnaca, Limassol, and the resort areas of Famagusta and Paphos. Penthouses, duplexes, villas, and townhouses are mostly bought here. These are the most popular real estate opportunities in Cyprus. The annual yield of these objects is about 10%.

However, it is essential to consider that those wishing to buy real estate in Cyprus who are not citizens of the EU states can purchase no more than two objects with the appropriate authorization and will have to regularly pay for them several different taxes according to local legislation.

When investing over 300,000 euros in real estate in the island state, the investor can count on obtaining a permanent residence permit. After living in the country for 5 or more years, he can get a Cypriot passport by naturalization.

Understanding the Italy Real Estate Market

Among other things, Italy is known worldwide for its various opportunities to invest in real estate. Foreign citizens can buy, sell, and rent real estate without restrictions. In addition, apartments and commercial properties on the property market in Italy are growing in value by 4% per year on average.

It is easy and convenient to buy a house in Italy. You can not even have a residence permit. However, it would be best if you still had a permanent permit to visit the country. To do this, you should confirm your stable passive income - at least 31,000 euros per year.

Wealthy individuals who become residents of Italy receive special tax conditions for attracting their funds into the country's real estate sector. There are different tax regimes for various categories of foreigners, but this is a topic for a separate article. This question is covered in more detail on the website immigrantinvest.com.

One of the reasons that makes the country attractive for investment in Italy real estate market is the security guaranteed for all types of transactions. Every time a contract is signed, a qualified notary acts as an official on behalf of the government and remains neutral to both parties. The notary also performs several formal checks, such as:

the signature and legal capacity of the parties involved in the contract;

the tax treatment applicable to the contract;

the treatment of matrimonial property;

special benefits related to compliance checks, etc.

The local real estate market also demonstrates a high average return on investment, which is calculated based on each, separately taken region of the country. Today, it is estimated that the average ROI is about 22%. At the same time, you should consider that there are areas that are potentially more profitable than others. These are the Alps on the border with Austria and major cities: Milan, Rome, Florence, and others. Penthouses, townhouses, and villas are also in demand in major tourist areas such as the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Puglia, and the island of Capri.

Comparative Analysis: Cyprus vs Italy Property markets

If you compare the prices of flats and commercial buildings in Cyprus and in Italy, the cost per square meter in the first case is lower by 25-30%, depending on the object's location. The tax system in Cyprus is also more lenient than in Italy, but there are restrictions on the number of real estate units a foreigner can purchase. However, do not immediately reject real estate opportunities in Italy. There are also many interesting offers here.

Conclusion

Since we have looked at the property market in Cyprus and Italy, we can draw conclusions and decide which country to invest in. However, it is also important to consider other factors that determine the comfort for you and your family: climate, standard of living, opportunity to study, develop business, get medical treatment, travel without visas to EU countries and others.
"Our objective is within 10 years to be able to renovate 40,000-44,000 schools in this way, and therefore to support municipalities, departments, regions, depending on the level, in this work" which will also be based on a educational project, assured the Head of State during a visit to the Daniel-Argote college in Orthez (Pyrenees-Atlantiques).

A major renovation plan for the 49,000 schools in France, or 50 million m, was launched on May 9 by the government, while only 10% to 15% of the stock was subject to thermal renovation. This project is valued at 40 billion euros to achieve the objective of reducing energy consumption by 40% by 2030.

Announced a year ago, the green fund, amounting to two billion euros, aims to help local authorities for the financing of projects in the fields of environmental performance, adaptation of the territory to climate change and improving the living environment. The government has already dipped into it for forest firefighting or low emission zones. The school renovation program also benefits from the aid of the Banque des Territoires, which has pledged to lend two billion euros for works by 2027.
Lebanese ex-leader welcomes Guterres position on situation in Gaza 30 Oct 2023 | 5:21 PM Gaza, Oct 30 (UNI) Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has called the UN Chief Antonio Guterres remark regarding the breach of international law in the Gaza Strip "the voice of reason in times of madness," and pointed out his courageousness as well. see more..

Kiev loses up to 285 soldiers in Donetsk direction in past day 30 Oct 2023 | 5:16 PM Moscow, Oct 30 (UNI) Ukraine military lost up to 285 soldiers killed and wounded in the Donetsk direction in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. see more..

9 detained after attack on FF club Lyon's bus 30 Oct 2023 | 5:14 PM Paris, Oct 30 (UNI) French law enforcement have detained nine people in the country's southern city of Marseille after an attack on the team bus of French top league soccer club Lyon, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday. see more..

Lebanese ex-leader welcomes Guterres position on Sstuation in Gaza 30 Oct 2023 | 4:56 PM Gaza, Oct 30 (UNI) Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has called the UN Chief Antonio Guterres remark regarding the breach of international law in the Gaza Strip "the voice of reason in times of madness," and pointed out his courageousness as well. see more..
Huawei's latest phone, the Mate 60, shouldn't exist. The sanctions and blockades that the US has imposed on China for years make it practically impossible for the manufacturer to access chips with a sufficient level of miniaturization and connectivity that today is made in mobile phones from other manufacturers.

But, against all odds, the phone not only has compatibility with 5G networks but is also the first to be manufactured in China in a 7-nanometer process, a level of miniaturization that requires special lithography equipment to which China, initially, does not have access.

This level of miniaturization has long since been surpassed by other manufacturers. Today the vast majority of telephone processors are manufactured in 5 or 4 nanometer processes. Most of it is produced at TSMC factories in Taiwan, the rest at semiconductor factories in South Korea, Japan or the US. The next iPhone, to be announced next week, is expected to be the first phone with an even more advanced processor, manufactured using a 3-nanometer process. The figure refers to the distance that separates the gates of each of the millions of transistors integrated into a chip. The smaller this distance, the more powerful and efficient the processors are, since a greater number of transistors can be integrated on the same surface, generating less heat during operation.

When a manufacturer, even a Chinese one, wants to use the most advanced processors, they often turn to these providers, especially Qualcomm (a Californian company). Since 2019, however, Huawei has been blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce and no US company, with very specific exceptions, can do business with it.

This blockade has had devastating effects on the brand's mobiles, which until not long ago was one of the most important manufacturers in the world. The problem isn't just that you can't get access to the latest chips. Although its phones, for example, use an operating system based on the same code as Android, they also don't have access to Google's official app stores or services, which has significantly reduced their appeal.

The company has managed to launch some phones with 5G connection but in very limited productions and thanks to the collection of chips that it managed to do before the sanctions came into force.

After its inclusion in the list, Huawei has had no choice but to bet on the Kirin processors from the Chinese company Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), which for years have tried to position themselves as a low-cost alternative to Qualcomm's Snapdragons.

In 2020, however, a new wave of trade restrictions left SMIC without access to today's most advanced lithography equipment. Since then its chips have been "stuck" in a 14-nanometer manufacturing process.

The announcement of the new processor in the Mate 60 seems to indicate, however, that SMIC has found a way to obtain new lithography equipment or modify those it has access to to achieve a higher level of miniaturization, probably in exchange for reducing the amount of viable chips on each wafer (and thus increasing the cost).

China is trying to revitalize the semiconductor sector with a major injection of capital, in a bid to develop its own technology capable of competing with the processes and machinery used by semiconductor makers in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The launch of this new phone and its chip in a way is the starting gun in this new race.

On Tuesday, one of the US national security advisers, Jake Sullivan, assured that the government is trying to obtain more information about the manufacturing process of these new processors and the way in which China would have managed to circumvent the commercial blockades. The country and many of its European partners, including Spain, still consider that Huawei's products may pose a serious danger to national security. Not all have blocked sales of phones to consumers, as the US has, but the vast majority ban the use of Huawei's network equipment in mobile network infrastructure.
Technology industry body Nasscom on Monday announced the appointment of Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and Managing Director of Cognizant India, as its Chairperson.

Nambiar takes on the new role from his previous role as Vice Chairperson succeeding Anant Maheshwari, Former President, Microsoft India, Nasscom said in a statement.

Chairperson Nambiar along with President Debjani Ghosh will continue to work with Nasscom Executive Council, industry, and government in strengthening Indias position as a global technology hub while navigating current volatile macro environment, it said. I am honoured and humbled to support the Nasscom Executive Council as its Chairperson and look forward to working with all its stakeholders to continue to strengthen Indias leadership as the most trusted tech partner for the world, Nambiar added.
The advocates boycotted the judicial work at Allahabad High Court as well as in the District Court in protest against the alleged lathicharge on the lawyers by the Hapur police. The strike call was given by the UP Bar Council and the Allahabad High Court Bar Association. The advocates staged a demonstration at different gates of the High Court, while an effigy of the UP DGP was also torched in front of the main gate.

They demanded stern action against the police personnel involved in Hapur lathi charge, withdrawal of cases against lawyers and implementation of the Advocates Protection Act.

The district court lawyers also boycotted judicial work and took out a procession to lodge their protest.

The advocates had gone on a flash strike on August 30 to condemn the Hapur incident. The litigants had to face a tough time owing to the advocates strike.

DUPED: A retired army man was deprived of gold chain and rings in Georgetown area by four thugs who introduced themselves as police personnel.

Raj Kumar Shukla, an ex-army man who resides in Daraganj, left for Civil Lines on his bike and took the route of Sangam petrol pump- Georgetown police station to reach the destination. He was stopped by four persons near Pepsi agency. They introduced themselves as police personnel, and said that Raj Kumar had jumped police barrier. They threatened Raj Kumar and asked him to show his identity card.

After checking his ID, the thugs asked Raj Kumar to remove gold chain and ring and keep them in the pocket because chain snatchers are active in the city. In the mean time another person was stopped and asked to do the same. When Raj Kumar removed his chain and ring, he was offered a paper to wrap the valuables.

The thugs extended help in wrapping the chain and ring and let Raj Kumar go. When he reached his destination, Raj Kumar unwrapped the paper found that the chain and ring were not there.

An FIR had been lodged at the Georgetown police station in this connection.
US space agency NASA has released an image of Chandrayaan-3 lander 'Vikram' on the lunar surface, which was captured by its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft.

The Chandrayaan-3 lander is in the centre of the image, and its dark shadow is visible against the bright halo surrounding the Vikram. "@NASA's LRO spacecraft recently imaged the Chandrayaan-3 lander on the Moon's surface.

The ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Chandrayaan-3 touched down on Aug 23, 2023, about 600 kilometres from the Moon's South Pole, NASA said on social media platform 'X'. NASA said its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) acquired an oblique view (42-degree slew angle) of the lander four days later.

The bright halo around the vehicle resulted from the rocket plume interacting with the fine-grained regolith (soil).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the Nataraja statue installed at Bharat Mandapam, the convention centre which will host key G20 summit meetings, will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions.

He was responding on X to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts's post about the statue which, it said, is made of Ashtadhatu.

"The 27 feet tall, 18-ton-weight statue is the tallest statue made of Ashtadhatu and is sculpted by the renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty of Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team in a record 7 months. 34 generations of Radhakrishnan have been making idols since the Chola Empire period. This statue of Nataraja, an important symbol of cosmic energy, creativity,and power, is going to be an attraction at the G20 summit," it said.

Modi posted, "The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of our rich history and culture. As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions."
The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are progressing and Britain will only agree to a pact that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his ministers.

Ahead of his first visit to India as UK Prime Minister to attend the G20 World Leaders' Summit in New Delhi later this week, Sunak updated his top team on the ongoing trade talks, which have completed 12 rounds of negotiations, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The British Indian leader described India as an indispensable partner of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to strengthen further.

He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree to an approach which worked for the whole of the UK, notes a Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting.

The Prime Minister said India was an indispensable partner of the UK, both economically and in addressing the global challenges all democracies are facing. He said we must now strengthen the UK-India relationship, it said.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has returned from a visit to India after talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month, also updated the UK Cabinet on the FTA negotiations, saying that India is already one of the UK's largest trading partners, with a relationship worth GBP 36 billion a year.

The Prime Minister concluded Cabinet by setting out his desire to use our growing relationship in trade, defence, and technology to build a lasting and deep partnership with India which benefits the people of the UK for decades to come, Downing Street said.

The 43-year-old leader is expected to receive a grand welcome when he arrives in New Delhi, with bilateral talks expected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the course of his stay.

While the details of the visit are yet to be confirmed by Downing Street, some UK media reports have indicated that a sightseeing visit to Humayan's Tomb is expected to be on the agenda for Sunak and wife Akshata Murty.
China Green Agriculture, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various fertilizers and agricultural products in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through three segments: Jinong (Fertilizer Production); Gufeng (Fertilizer Production); and Yuxing (Agricultural Products Production). It offers humic acid-based compound, blended, organic compound, slow-release, compound, highly concentrated water-soluble, and mixed organic-inorganic compound fertilizers, as well as develops, produces, and distributes agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and colored seedlings. The company markets its fertilizer products to private wholesalers and retailers of agricultural farm products. It sells its decorative flowers to end-users, such as flower shops, luxury hotels, and government agencies; fruits and vegetables to supermarkets and upscale restaurants; and seedlings to city planning departments. As of June 30, 2022, the company operated a network of 1,398 distributors covering 22 provinces, 4 autonomous regions, and 4 central government-controlled municipalities in China. It also exports its products through contracted distributors to various countries, including India and Africa. China Green Agriculture, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Xi'an, the People's Republic of China.
Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru gold mines located in western Turkey; Lamaque gold mines located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. The company was formerly known as Eldorado Corporation Ltd. and changed its name to Eldorado Gold Corporation in April 1996. Eldorado Gold Corporation was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) announced its earnings results on Thursday, October, 26th. The company reported $3.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.43 by $0.42. The firm earned $4.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $4.08 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 34.59% and a net margin of 6.98%. The company's quarterly revenue was up 39.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.26 EPS.

Read the conference call transcript.


FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS) pays an annual dividend of $3.92 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 0.91%. The company has been increasing its dividend for 25 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 32.56%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, FDS will have a dividend payout ratio of 22.02% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.

Read our dividend analysis for FDS.
Washington, Sep 6 (UNI) SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday the company was waiting for the approval of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch another Starship spacecraft.

"Starship is ready to launch, awaiting FAA license approval," Musk said on X (formerly known as Twitter).

SpaceX said on X earlier in the day that it had "fully stacked Starship on the launch pad at Starbase" in Texas.

SpaceX carried out the first combined launch of the Starship spacecraft and the Super Heavy first-stage booster in April. The spacecraft was deliberately blown up during the test flight after it began to lose altitude when multiple engines failed. The spacecraft climbed to an apogee of about 39 kilometers (24 miles) over the Gulf of Mexico, which is the highest point any Starship spacecraft has reached to date.

Musk said in late June that SpaceX would launch another Starship spacecraft in about six weeks, adding that the new launch has about a 60% probability of making it to orbit.

UNI/SPUTNIK AKS
The following companies are subsidiares of Laboratory Co. of America: 1957285 Ontario Inc. dba Quality Underwriting Services, 2089729 Ontario Inc., 2248848 Ontario Inc., 3065619 Nova Scotia Company, 3257959 Nova Scotia Company, 8165335 Canada Inc., 8348596 Canada Inc., 896988 Ontario Limited, 9279-3280 Quebec Inc., Accupath Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., Assets of Pathology Inc, Beacon LBS IPA Inc., Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions Inc., CannAmm GP Inc., CannAmm Limited Partnership, Center for Disease Detection International, Center for Disease Detection LLC, Centrex Clinical Laboratories Inc., Chiltern, Clearstone Central Laboratories (U.S.) Inc., Clearstone Holdings (International) Ltd., Clinical Outreach Laboratory Services, Clipper Holdings Inc., Colorado Coagulation Consultants Inc., Colorado Laboratory Services LLC, Correlagen Diagnostics Inc., Covance Inc., Curalab Inc., Cytometry Associates Inc., Czura Thornton (Hong Kong) Limited, DCL Acquisition Inc., DCL Medical Laboratories LLC, DCL Sub LLC, DIANON Systems Inc., DL Holdings Limited Partnership, Decision Diagnostics L.L.C. (aka DaVinici/Medicorp LLC), Diagnostic Services Inc., DynaLifeDX, Dynacare - Gamma Laboratory Partnership, Dynacare Company, Dynacare G.P. Inc., Dynacare Holdco LLC, Dynacare Laboratories Inc., Dynacare Laboratories Limited Partnership, Dynacare Northwest Inc., Dynacare Realty Inc., DynalifeDX Infrastructure Inc., Envigo's nonclinical contract research services business, Esoterix Genetic Counseling LLC, Esoterix Genetic Laboratories LLC, Esoterix Inc., Execmed Health Services Inc., FirstSource Laboratory Solutions Inc., GDML Medical Laboratories Inc, Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratories GP Inc., Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratory Limited Partnership, HHLA Lab-In-An-Envelope LLC, Health Testing Centers Inc., Health Trans Services Inc., Home Healthcare Laboratory of America LLC, IDX Pathology Inc., Impact Genetics Corporation, Impact Genetics Inc., Kaleida LabCorp LLC, Lab Delivery Service of New York City Inc., LabCorp BVBA, LabCorp Belgium Holdings Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (Canada) Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (China) Inc., LabCorp Colorado Inc., LabCorp Development Company, LabCorp Employer Services Inc., LabCorp Health System Diagnostics LLC, LabCorp Indiana Inc., LabCorp Japan G.K., LabCorp Limited, LabCorp Michigan Inc., LabCorp Nebraska Inc., LabCorp Neon Ltd., LabCorp Neon Switzerland S.a.r.l., LabCorp Specialty Testing Billing Service Inc., LabCorp Specialty Testing Group Inc., LabCorp Staffing Solutions Inc., LabCorp Tennessee LLC, LabCorp UK Holdings Ltd., LabWest Inc., Laboratoire Bio-Medic Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America, Lifecodes Corporation, LipoScience Inc., Litholink Corporation, MEDTOX Scientific Inc., MNG Laboratories, MedAxio Insurance Medical Services GP Inc., MedAxio Insurance Medical Services LP, Medical Neurogenitics LLC, Medtox Diagnostics Inc., Medtox Laboratories Inc., Monogram Biosciences Inc., Monogram Biosciences UK Limited, Myriad Autoimmunes Vectra Testing Business, NWT Inc., National Genetics Institute, New Brighton Business Center LLC, New Imaging Diagnostics LLC, New Molecular Diagnostics Ventures LLC, Orchid Cellmark ULC, Ovia Health, PA Labs Inc., Paclab LLC, Path Lab Incorporated, Pathology Associates Medical Lab LLC, Pee Dee Pathology Associates Inc., Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc., Persys Technology Inc., Pixel by LabCorp, Princeton Diagnostic Laboratories of America Inc., Protedyne Corporation, SW/DL LLC, Saint Josephs-PAML LLC, Sequenom Biosciences (India) Pvt. Ltd., Sequenom Inc, Sequenom Inc., Tandem Labs Inc., Toxikon Corporation, Tri-Cities Laboratory LLC, Viro-Med Laboratories Inc., Visiun, and Yakima Medical Arts Inc..

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

Read More
Toast, Inc. operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States and Ireland. The company offers Toast POS, a software module that integrates payment processing with point of sale functionality; Toast Invoicing that allows restaurants to send invoices and collect payment; Toast Mobile Order & Pay, which allows guests to scan a QR code to browse the menu, order, and pay from mobile; Kitchen Display System software that connects the house with the kitchen staff; and Multi-Location Management, a tool to manage operations and configure menus across multiple locations and channels. It also provides Toast Flex, an hardware for on-counter order and pay; Toast Go, an integrated handheld POS device; Toast Tap, a card reader for accepting EMV-contactless payments; Toast Online Ordering & Toast TakeOut, an online ordering and consumer Toast TakeOut application; First-Party Delivery, a toast delivery service; POS integration for restaurants using third-party delivery services to order intake and eliminate the need for extra third-party tablets; and loyalty, email marketing, and Toast Gift Cards services. In addition, the company offers Payroll & Team Management solution for employee performance and satisfaction; Employee management tools, such as Sling for Toast that provide streamlined scheduling and team communication; Toast Pay Card & PayOut, which offers eligible workers instant access to a portion of their tips and wages; and Tips Manager solution that automates the tip-pooling process. Further, it provides xtraCHEF a suite of back-office tools, such as accounts payable automation, inventory management, ingredient price tracker, and recipe costing for restaurants; Payment Processing, capital funding, and purchase financing solutions; insights and reporting on real-time sales, menu, and labor data; Toast Partner Connect, a portal that allows customers to discover, select, and connect their restaurant to partners; and a suite of bi-directional application programming interfaces. The company was formerly known as Opti Systems, Inc. and changed its name to Toast, Inc. in 2012. Toast, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Targa Resources Corp., together with its subsidiary, Targa Resources Partners LP, owns, operates, acquires, and develops a portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets in North America. The company operates in two segments, Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Transportation. It engages in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and selling natural gas; storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, and selling natural gas liquids (NGL) and NGL products, including services to liquefied petroleum gas exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, purchasing, and selling crude oil. The company is also involved in the purchase and resale of NGL products; and wholesale of propane, as well as provision of related logistics services to multi-state retailers, independent retailers, and other end-users. In addition, it offers NGL balancing services; and transportation services to refineries and petrochemical companies in the Gulf Coast area, as well as purchases, markets, and resells natural gas. As of December 31, 2022, it leased and managed approximately 606 railcars; 122 tractors; and 6 vacuum trucks and 2 pressurized NGL barges. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. It also offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution; data-driven solutions and an end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and omni-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services; solutions for public corporations and mutual funds; data and analytics solutions; SEC filing and capital markets transaction services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; and omni-channel customer communications solutions, as well as operates Broadridge Communications Cloud platform that creates, delivers, and manages communications and customer engagement activities. Its Global Technology and Operations segment provides solutions that automate the front-to-back transaction lifecycle of equity, mutual fund, fixed income, foreign exchange and exchange-traded derivatives, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearing and settlement, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral management, asset servicing, compliance and regulatory reporting, portfolio accounting, and custody-related services. This segment also offers business process outsourcing services; technology solutions, such portfolio management, compliance, fee billing, and operational support solutions; and capital market and wealth and investment management solutions. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York.
GE is a multi-national conglomerate that was originally incorporated in 1892. The company was founded by Thomas Edison as the Edison General Electric Company and shortened its name to General Electric following a merger with two other early electric pioneers. The name was later shortened again to GE. The company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts but has operations on a global scale. One of the original 12 Dow stocks, the company was a component of the index for 122 years until its ousting in 2018.

Originally intended to make and market Edisons incandescent lamp and following products, the company grew over the years through mergers, acquisitions, and natural expansion into newly created fields. Among the many early accomplishments is the creation of RCA and NBC which will both become forces of their own. Other major innovations include the worlds first turbine superchargers, industrial gas turbine engines, and the first jet engine. In the field of computing, General Electric Company is credited as being one of the 8 major computer companies of the 1960s and shares responsibility for todays digital world. In regard to its employees, two were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work with the company.

Today GE operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through four segments including Power, Renewables, Aerospace, and Healthcare although there are plans in the works to split the company into three separate entities. The three new companies would be GE Vernova (power and renewables), GE Health, and GE Aerospace. The spin-offs are expected to be completed by 2025.

The Power segment offers a variety of turbine engines for power production as well as the full range of services from plant construction to retrofit and refit. The Renewables segment is focused on solutions for renewable energy including wind and hydro and the technology to operate them. The Aviation segment manufactures aircraft engines of all varieties and the Healthcare segment offers technology for imaging, monitoring, diagnostics, and drug discovery to health and medical facilities.

General Electric is committed to helping the world transition to a greener way of life and is exiting the new-build coal-fired power industry. Instead, its advancements in wind, grid efficiency, and natural gas are being deployed around the world helping to reduce emissions and generate cleaner energy for businesses, industry, and communities. The company is targeting 2030 for its own carbon neutrality and 2050 for net zero emissions.
Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG) pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 1.73%. The company does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 6.97%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, STNG will have a dividend payout ratio of 12.92% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.

Read our dividend analysis for STNG.
Octopus House Residency

Gibraltar Cultural Services has announced the Octopus House Artist in Residence, an initiative which is being organised by the Rock Retreat in collaboration with GCS.

Photographer Rhiannon Adam and novelist Manon Steffan Ros will spend over a week in Gibraltar, from 8th  16th October, using the Rock as a destination of interest for their photographic and literary exploits and related creative outputs. As part of the residence participants will be living at Octopus House in the upper town immersing themselves in the Rock and deepening their research about Gibraltar. The Rock Retreats Eleanor Taylor Dobbs aim and vision is to inspire them with the rich tapestry of culture, history and location available here.

Rhiannon Adam is a photographer with a profound interest in The British Overseas Territories. Her voyage to Pitcairn Island and exquisite exhibition and book that resulted has won numerous awards. The artist has a connection with Gibraltar too, stemming back to her childhood on board her parents boat. Adam's work is heavily influenced by her nomadic childhood spent at sea. Her analogue photography process captures liminal worlds and is an important social documentary. Rhiannon is one of the eight original artists selected to be part of the ultimate art residency, a voyage round the moon project.

Manon Steffan Ros is a novelist, playwright and screenwriter working mainly through the medium of her mother tongue, Welsh. She has written more than 40 books and has won awards including the Tir Na NOg prize for childrens literature, Wales Book of the Year, and a Theatre in Wales award. Her novel, The Blue Book of Nebo, has been translated into ten languages and won the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.

The project will afford the visiting artists the opportunity to live in the historic Upper Town area and discover the complex layers that make up Gibraltar and its people. Part of their trip will include the delivery of a public talk on their work as well as school visits, with more details to be announced soon.

Rhiannon Adam

Referring to her time on the Rock, Rhiannon remarked that one of her happiest childhood experiences was spending a season in Gibraltar, recalling it involved churros! Adam's projects straddle photography and social documentary, focusing on complex narratives relating to climate change, social injustice, outsider communities. Later this year (following the Gibraltar residency) Rhiannon will be joining the ultimate artist residency, a voyage around the moon. The Japanese art collector Yusaku Maezawa has selected eight individuals, including Rhiannon, to accompany him on a space voyage around the moon later this year. The six-day mission, called dearMoon, will take place aboard Starship, a rocket being developed by Elon Musks SpaceX .Rhiannon will be taking her analogue camera equipment with her. https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/12/12/the-ultimate-artist-residency-space-trip- team-will-include-photographers-and-performers

Manon Steffan Ros

Full-time author and dramatist Manon Steffan Ros won the 2023 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, the UKs most prestigious childrens books award. Ros translated The Blue Book of Nebo from its original Welsh herself. It is the first time a translated book has won in the awards 87-year history. She has written more than 20 books for adults and children.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/21/carnegie-medal-childrens-books-translation-manon-steffan-ros-blue-book-of-nebo
STI Dating app Hinder, which has 75 million users, has been going from strength to strength, spreading sexually transmitted infections to millions of users globally. One 23-year-old man has publicly praised Hinder for giving him Super Gonorrhoea and suppurating genital warts as large as walnuts.

The TikTok star even showed off his walnut sized genital warts before milking them of green puss into a bucket, explaining his gruelling daily regimen.

Thanks to Hinder, I now carry this shit around like luggage. Theres no known cure, so I have to sit here every day for three hours milking my bulging genital wart walnuts. I also have acquired HIV and Herpes from using the dating app. Im proud of my condition, and I still rarely use a condom, J.R Hartley, 23, a milkman from Leeds, told his 35,000 TikTok fans.

Last year, over 45,000 Hinder app users died from their conditions, but such is the efficacy of these dating apps for population control that Bill Gates himself praised the app.

I love these dating apps because they spread disease and viruses very fast, and most of the stuff is incurable. Most STIs are immune to antibiotics these days. Its a great tool for population control, and we want more of these people to be as promiscuous as possible. Eventually, and hopefully many will expire, and its all down to their lifestyle dictated by these apps.

Hinders CEO, Tuborg Urethra, praised his app for reducing the population.

These idiots are so base that they pay me large amounts of their own money to effectively hinder and lower their life expectancy. Last years revenue alone nearly reached 40 billion dollars, and we hope to have another bumper year. Thank you fuckers, by the way, keep spreading that shit around, its a win-win situation for us.
China to steadily boost institutional opening-up: Chinese premier

Xinhua) 13:13, September 06, 2023

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a welcoming reception hosted by China-Indonesia business community in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will steadily boost institutional opening-up, further expand market access in areas including modern services, and make greater efforts to protect intellectual property rights, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks when delivering a speech at a welcoming reception hosted by China-Indonesia business community.

China will make efforts to provide a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, said Li, hoping that Indonesia continues to make its market open and provide a fair and just business environment for Chinese enterprises.

The Chinese premier arrived here on Tuesday for an official visit to Indonesia, where he will also attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
IT minister K.T. Rama Rao with Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed, in Dubai on Wednesday. (Image by arrangement)

HYDERABAD: Information technology minister K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday met several business bigwigs in Dubai and consented to partner with Dubai-based companies to invest in Telangana by setting up their business units.

Meanwhile, the Telangana state government has partnered with Tabreed, the leading cooling utility player, to develop best-in-class cooling infrastructure in industrial parks, including in Hyderabad Pharma City.

Over the years, Tabreed, which is to invest Rs 1,600 crore in the state, will develop 125,000 RT (refrigeration tones) of district cooling plants and networks investing up to $200 million. This will provide sustainable long-term cooling services through utility cooling as a service model for process cooling and storage requirements of industrial units.

The government signed a MoU with Tabreed to explore district cooling infrastructure in existing and upcoming commercial districts of Cyberabad and other mixed-use development areas that offer the potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity demand resulting in an annual CO2 reduction of 18 million tonnes over a 30-year period while mitigating the heat island effect that will further bolster Hyderabads position as one of the best cities to live and work in Asia.

Speaking on the occasion, Rao said "As we embark on a journey towards a more sustainable future, we are delighted to partner with Tabreed, exemplifying our commitment to environmental stewardship by embracing innovative and implementable solutions. By prioritizing cooling as a key action area through cool-roof policies and energy-efficient district cooling, we are shaping a greener and healthier environment for our communities and contributing significantly to our ambitious vision of making Telangana net-zero by 2047."

Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, chairman of Tabreed, said that the collaboration with the Telangana government represents a watershed moment in the evolution of sustainable infrastructure development. "We are bringing our expertise in district cooling to the world's largest net zero pharmaceutical cluster and also the extremely high-tech industrial zone," he said.

Rao met Abdul Jabber, managing director of Hot Pack, which is one of the largest manufacturers of hygienic disposable and packaging products made of paper, aluminum, foam and plastics in the UAE. The firm is planning to expand its operations in India. The minister highlighted Telangana's investor-friendly policies that have made it the preferred destination for foreign investments in India and invited them to consider setting up their manufacturing base in the state.

He met a senior delegation from the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC), which was led by Faizal Kottikolan, founder and chairman of KEF Holdings.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (ANI)

New Delhi: On the upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that both nations are looking forward to building upon the "strong" state visit of PM Modi to the US which took place in June this year.

Jaishankar said PM Modi's June visit was a very strong one in terms of outcomes and results.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the EAM said, "We have had a very strong state visit by the Prime Minister to the United States, strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. So my understanding is right now, both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working that through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year."

"So I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock," he said.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that Biden will visit India for the G20 summit.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit in India. On Friday Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023," Sullivan said.

Talking about the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10, the US NSA said, "As US President Joe Biden is heading to New Delhi, the focus is going to be on delivering for developing countries; making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology; and US will show its commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver.

"And thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Indias presidency, we hope well be able to do all of those things," he added.

During his state visit to the US in June this year, Prime Minister Modi had said that the partnership between India and the United States will make the world better in the 21st Century.

In his address to the diaspora in Washington DC, he had said the India-US partnership is driven by conviction and compassion and it is also a friendship that has bipartisan support.

Speaking about the potential of India-US defence industrial cooperation, the Prime Minister said, the decision to manufacture fighter jet engines by General Electric will prove to be a milestone in the journey of India's defence sector. He said the Artemis Accord signed by India and America is going to open many possibilities in the space sector.

A joint statement during PM Modi's official State visit to the United States said that PM Modi and US President Jo Biden also welcomed the depth and pace of enhanced consultations between the two governments on regional issues including South Asia, the Indo-Pacific and East Asia.

The two leaders reiterated their enduring commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous India-Pacific region with respect for territorial integrity sovereignty, and international law.
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday held an exhaustive review of the project with some of his Cabinet colleagues and senior officials at Pragathi Bhavan during which he said the irrigation project was neglected in the undivided Andhra Pradesh but it is now ready because of the hard work and dedication of the Telangana state government.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will inaugurate the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation scheme on September 16. He gave a call to people from the unified Mahbubnagar and Rangareddy districts to join in the celebrations. The Chief Minister, who said that the state had to overcome several hurdles to get the project going, said a public meeting will be held after he switches on the pumps at the Narlapur pump house marking the start of the PRLIS project.

Rao on Wednesday held an exhaustive review of the project with some of his Cabinet colleagues and senior officials at Pragathi Bhavan during which he said the irrigation project was neglected in the undivided Andhra Pradesh but it is now ready because of the hard work and dedication of the Telangana state government. The project will cater to drinking water and irrigation needs of southern districts, he said.

Rao called on people from the two districts to hold celebrations in every village on September 17. This is a historic occasion marking the realization of a dream that was for decades in the making. There should be processions and other celebrations in every village on that day, he said.

Following a consensus at the meeting, the Chief Minister said the state government will organise transport for people from all the villages in the two districts to attend the public meeting.

He urged sarpanches to bring vessels in which they should carry Krishna river waters back to their villages and use the water for abhishekams in their local temples.

He also directed officials to take up works related to canals for the project and begin the land acquisition process for the same.

After switching on the Bahubali pumps at the Narlapur pump house, the Chief Minister will go to the Narlapur reservoir and offer prayers, and later address a public meeting.
G20 dinner invitation, shared on X (formerly Twitter), read: President of Bharat requests the pleasure of the company ., sparking a flurry of reactions from the Opposition. Amid speculations of India being renamed to Bharat. (Image source: Twitter)

NEW DELHI: Controversy erupted on Tuesday after a G20 dinner invitation from the "President of Bharat" was shared by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The invite, shared on X (formerly Twitter), read: "President of Bharat requests the pleasure of the company .," sparking a flurry of reactions from the Opposition. Amid speculations of India being renamed to Bharat, the Congress alleged that the "Union of States" is under assault and this was happening as the BJP was jittery about the I.N.D.I.A. alliance.

The demand to change Indias name to Bharat has been raised by several BJP leaders through private member bills in the past, stating that the name India was a reminder of colonial slavery and should be removed from the Constitution. Earlier in June, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a plea seeking renaming of India as Bharat.

The latest Bharat invite bomb comes days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat urged people to use the name Bharat instead of India at an event in Guwahati.

While there has been no official word from the government on the issue, the Opposition is fuming as the name India has been replaced with Bharat on G20 invitation cards.

It stated that whatever the name may be, the government must not be foolish to dispense the name India, which has incalculable brand value.

"So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhavan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9 in the name of the President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India. Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States. Now, even this "Union of States" is under assault," said Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

The Congress leader also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of distorting history and dividing the country.

"But we will not be deterred. After all, what is the objective of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance? It Bharat Bring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation, and Trust. Judega Bharat Jeetega India!" said Ramesh.

"While there is no Constitutional objection to calling India Bharat, which is one of the countrys two official names, I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with India, which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries. We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world," said Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.

RJD MP Manoj Jha said the BJP was jittery because of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance and people will soon push them out of power. "It has been only a few weeks since the I.N.D.I.A. alliance was formed and you are bringing a resolution to change the Republic of India to the Republic of Bharat".

Our Constitution very clearly says India, that is Bharat and our (I.N.D.I.A. bloc) tagline says Judega Bharat, Jitega India. You will be neither able to take India nor Bharat. People will snatch away the power that is enabling you to do this, people love both India and Bharat," said Jha.

Responding to the Congress attack, BJP leaders jumped in, saying that the Congress seems to have a strong aversion towards Bharat and the Opposition alliance intentionally chose I.N.D.I.A. as its name with the aim of defeating Bharat.

BJP president J.P. Nadda accused the Congress of having no respect for either the country or the Constitution and Constitutional institutions, as he asked why it "hates" the chant of "Bharat Mata ki jai".

"Republic of Bharat  happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards Amrit Kaal. Now my apprehension has proven to be true. The Congress seems to have a strong aversion towards Bharat.

It appears that the name I.N.D.I.A alliance was intentionally chosen with the aim of defeating Bharat," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said India is an accepted name for the country and is incorporated in the "Constitution of India".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned what was the sudden need for the country to be called Bharat. "We call the country Bharat, what is new in this? In English, we say India. Theres nothing new to be done. The world knows us as India. What happened suddenly that the name of the country needs to be changed?" she asked.

"We accept both India and Bharat names and feel proud of them. The 'I' in Isro is India, the 'I' in IITs is India, the 'I' in IIMs is India, and the 'I' in IPS is India. The BJPs politics has stooped so low because they are afraid of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance," said Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that the BJP was using its majority in Parliament to treat the entire country as its "fiefdom". "The BJP's aversion to India's foundational principle of unity in diversity has touched a new low. By reducing Indias many names from Hindustan and India to now only Bharat shows its pettiness and intolerance," she posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked his ministers to strongly refute Opposition leaders on their controversial comments on Sanatana Dharma and expose them.

However, he told his ministerial colleagues to avoid the political row around the Bharat name issue, noting that it has been the country's ancient name, according to sources.

Modi spoke on the issues during his interaction with the Union council of ministers, during which he also spoke about preparedness for the G20 meeting.

Speaking on the political row after DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin blamed Sanatana Dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people and said it should be eradicated, Modi said parties and leaders behind such statements should be exposed and the truth brought before people.

A source said Modi spoke positively of Sanatana Dharmas endurance over the millennia and asked ministers to strongly refute the suggestions made by Opposition leaders.

With the government accused of violating the Constitution after Droupadi Murmu was addressed as the "President of Bharat" and Modi as the "Prime Minister of Bharat", ministers were asked to avoid joining the debate.

Government sources have insisted that the Constitution itself refers to the country as India as well Bharat and accused opposition parties of stoking an unwarranted row over the matter.
The following companies are subsidiares of Sun Life Financial: 0936543 BC Ltd., 10458465 Canada Inc., 10458481 Canada Inc., 3060097 Nova Scotia Company, 6324983 Canada Inc., 6425411 Canada Inc., 6965083 Canada Inc., 7037457 Canada Inc., 7647913 Canada Inc., 7647930 Canada Inc., Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Company Limited, Annemasse Boisbriand Holdings L.P., BK Canada Holdings Inc., BK Prime GP Holdco Inc., BKC Capital Inc., BKCB Services Ltd., BKCG Services Ltd., BKCP Residential G.P. LTD., BKCP Residential Limited Partnership Manitoba, BKCP Retail G.P. LTD., BKCP Retail Limited Partnership Manitoba, BKCP SS G.P. LTD., BKCP SS Limited Partnership Manitoba, BKUS Institutional Logistics Coinvestment LLC California, Barnwood Properties Limited, Bentall Kennedy (Canada) G.P. Ltd., Bentall Kennedy (Canada) Limited Partnership, Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) G.P. LLC, Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) Limited Partnership, Bentall Kennedy Holdings LLC, Bentall Kennedy Luxembourg Holdings Ltd., Bentall Property Services (Ontario) Ltd., BestServe Financial Limited, Country Lane Enterprises Ltd., Dental Health Alliance, Denticare of Alabama, Disability Reinsurance Management Services, Independence Life and Annuity Company, Kennedy Management Investors LLC, Landmark Dental Alliance, Laurtrust Limited, MFS Bermuda Holdings Ltd., MFS Development Funds, MFS Exchange LLC, MFS Financial Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co, MFS Fund Distributors, MFS Heritage Trust Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, MFS International (Chile) SpA, MFS International (Hong Kong) Limited, MFS International (U.K.) Limited, MFS International Australia Pty Ltd Victoria, MFS International Holdings Pty Ltd, MFS International Ltd., MFS International Singapore Pte. Ltd., MFS International Switzerland GmbH, MFS Investment Management Canada Limited, MFS Investment Management Company (LUX) S.a.r.l., MFS Investment Management K.K., MFS Service Center, MFS do Brasil Desenvolvimento de Mercado Ltda., Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Maxwell Health, NewTower Management GP LLC, NewTower Management LLC, NewTower Trust Company, PT. Sun Life Financial, PT. Sun Life Indonesia Services, Prime Advisors, Professional Insurance Company Texas, Rushmore Partners LLC, Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc., Ryan Labs Fund Management, Ryan Labs TIPS Partners, SL Finance 2007-1, SL Investment 2007-1 ULC, SL Investment US-RE Holdings 2009-1, SLF of Canada UK Limited, SLFC Services Company (UK) Limited, SLI General Partner Limited, SLI Investments LP Manitoba, Solidify Software, Sun 521, Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc., Sun Life (India) Distribution Investments Inc., Sun Life (Luxembourg) Finance No. 1 Sarl, Sun Life (Luxembourg) Finance No. 2 Sarl, Sun Life 2007-1 Financing Corp., Sun Life Administrators (U.S.), Sun Life Asset Management (HK) Limited, Sun Life Asset Management Company, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Barbados) Limited, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.K.) Limited, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada - U.S. Operations Holdings, Sun Life Capital Trust, Sun Life Capital Trust II, Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance Company Limited Tianjin, Sun Life Financial (Bermuda) Reinsurance Ltd., Sun Life Financial (India) Insurance Investments Inc., Sun Life Financial (Japan), Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Finance, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Finance, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Holdings, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Investments LLC, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Reinsurance Company, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Reinsurance Company II, Sun Life Financial (U.S.) Services Company, Sun Life Financial Advisory Inc., Sun Life Financial Asia Services Limited, Sun Life Financial Distributors, Sun Life Financial Distributors (Bermuda) Ltd., Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., Sun Life Financial Holdings (HK) Limited, Sun Life Financial International Holdings (MC), Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc., Sun Life Financial Investments (Bermuda) Ltd., Sun Life Financial Philippine Holding Company, Sun Life Financial Plans, Sun Life Financial Trust Inc., Sun Life Financial of Canada (U.K.) Overseas Investments Limited, Sun Life Global Investments (Canada) Inc., Sun Life Global Investments Inc., Sun Life Grepa Financial, Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, Sun Life Hong Kong Services Limited, Sun Life India Service Centre Private Limited, Sun Life Information Services, Sun Life Information Services Ireland Limited, Sun Life Institutional Distributors (U.S.) LLC, Sun Life Institutional Investments (Canada) Inc., Sun Life Institutional Investments (U.S.) LLC, Sun Life Insurance (Canada) Limited, Sun Life Investment Holdings (HK) Limited, Sun Life Investment Management U.S., Sun Life Investments LLC, Sun Life Malaysia Assurance Berhad, Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Berhad, Sun Life Management Holdings (HK) Limited, Sun Life Pension Trust Limited, Sun Life Trustee Company Limited, Sun Life Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.), Sun Life of Canada (Netherlands) B.V., Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Sun Life of Canada International Assurance Limited, Sun Life of Canada UK Holdings Limited, SynchroSERV Inc., SynchroSERV Limited Partnership, The Premier Dental Group, UDC Dental, Union Security DentalCare of Georgia, Union Security DentalCare of New Jersey, United Dental Care of Arizona, United Dental Care of Colorado, United Dental Care of Michigan, United Dental Care of Missouri, United Dental Care of New Mexico, United Dental Care of Texas, United Dental Care of Utah, and Vuzion.

Read More
The following companies are subsidiares of Pentair: ACP Pleatco Blocker Corp., APEL International LLC, Air Capital Filtration LLC, Aplex Industries Inc., Aquion, Aquion (Xi'an) Water Treatment Equipment Co. Ltd., Aquion Hong Kong Limited, Aquion Inc., Be the Change Labs Inc., Bylin Engineered Systems Inc, Century Mfg. Co., Clean Process Technologies, ClearWater Tech L.L.C., ETE Coliban Pty Limited, Enviro Water Solutions LLC, Erico Global, Everpure Japan Kabushiki Kaisha, Filter-Medic LLC, FilterDeal LLC, FilterSoft LLC, Fleck Controls Inc., Goyen Controls Co. Pty. Limited, Goyen Valve LLC, Greenspan Environmental Technology Pty Ltd, Guardian Filtration Products LLC, Haffmans B.V., Haffmans North America Inc., Hawley Group Canada Limited, Hypro EU Limited, Jung Pumpen GmbH, Ken's Beverage, Lincoln Automotive Company, MECAIR S.r.L., Manitowoc Ice, McNeil (Ohio) Corporation, Milperra Developments Pty Limited, Milton Acquisition ULC, Mobile Pool Builder Inc., Moraine Properties LLC, Nijhuis Pompen B.V., Nuheat, PES Pty Ltd, PFAM Inc., PTG Accessories Corp., Panthro Acquisition Co., Pelican Holding Corporation, Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems Inc., Pentair Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pentair Canada Inc., Pentair Clean Process Technologies India Private Limited, Pentair Commercial Services LLC, Pentair Denmark Holding ApS, Pentair Federal Pump LLC, Pentair Filtration Sales & Service Company LLC, Pentair Filtration Solutions LLC, Pentair Finance Group GmbH, Pentair Finance S.a.r.l., Pentair Finance Switzerland GmbH, Pentair Flow Control International Pty Limited, Pentair Flow Services AG, Pentair Flow Technologies LLC, Pentair Flow Technologies Pacific Pty Ltd, Pentair Flow Technologies de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Pentair France SARL, Pentair Germany GmbH, Pentair Global Holdings B.V., Pentair Global S.a.r.l., Pentair Group (Thailand) Limited, Pentair Holdings Inc., Pentair Holdings S.a.r.l., Pentair Housing Inc., Pentair Housing LP, Pentair Inc., Pentair International (UK) Ltd, Pentair International Holding S.a.r.l., Pentair International Sarl, Pentair Investments Switzerland GmbH, Pentair Ireland Limited, Pentair Janus Holding LLC, Pentair Janus Holdings, Pentair Kenya Limited, Pentair Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Pentair Management Company, Pentair Manufacturing Belgium BV, Pentair Manufacturing Italy S.r.L., Pentair Middle East FZE, Pentair Nanosoft US Holdings LLC, Pentair Netherlands Euro Finance B.V., Pentair Netherlands Finance B.V., Pentair Netherlands Holding B.V., Pentair Pacific Rim (Water) Limited, Pentair Pacific Rim Limited, Pentair Philippines Inc., Pentair Pleatco Acquisition LLC, Pentair Residential Filtration LLC, Pentair Sales LLC, Pentair Sudmo GmbH, Pentair Tamimi LLC, Pentair Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Pentair Transport Inc., Pentair UK Holdings Limited, Pentair US LLC 1, Pentair US LLC 2, Pentair US LP, Pentair Valves & Controls del Uruguay S.A., Pentair Water (Suzhou) Company Ltd., Pentair Water Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pentair Water Australia Pty Ltd, Pentair Water Belgium BV, Pentair Water Brazil LLC, Pentair Water France SAS, Pentair Water Group Inc., Pentair Water Holdings LLC, Pentair Water India Private Limited, Pentair Water Italy S.r.l., Pentair Water LLC, Pentair Water Latinamerica S.A., Pentair Water Operations Australia Pty Ltd, Pentair Water Polska Sp.zoo, Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc., Pentair Water Proces Technologie Holding B.V., Pentair Water Process Technology B.V., Pentair Water Purification Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Pentair Water Spain S.L., Pentair Water Treatment (OH) Company, Pentair Water Treatment Company, Pentair Water Treatment Private Limited, Pentair Water do Brasil Ltda., Pentair Water-Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Penwald Insurance Company, Pigeon Point Systems Inc., Pleatco, Pleatco Holdings LLC, Pleatco Intermediate Holdings LLC, Pleatco LLC, Pleatco Mexican Holding Company LLC, Pleatco Mexicana S. De R.L. De C.V., Plymouth Products Inc., Porous Media Corp., Procam Controls Inc., Rocean, Seneca Enterprises Co., Shupeco LLC, Sta-Rite Industries LLC, Sta-Rite de Mexico S.A. de C.V., TVS Filters Acquisition LLC, Tupelo Real Estate LLC, Tyco Flow Control, U.S. Milton Holdings Inc., Union Engineering (NingBo) Co. Ltd., Union Engineering A/S, Union Engineering Holding LLC, Union Engineering Latam Ltda, Union Engineering North America LLC, Urban Organics Pentair Group LLC, Urban Organics Schmidt Real Estate Group LLC, Urban Organics St. Paul LLC, Water Ingenuity Holdings Corp., Webster Electric Company LLC, X-Flow B.V., and delMAC Filters LLC.

Read More
A Derry-based human rights group has slammed the passing of the British Government's Legacy Bill.

The government's controversial Legacy Bill has passed after a vote in Westminster. A bid by the House of Lords to amend the bill was voted down by 288 to 205.

The bill, which will end Troubles-era prosecutions and inquests and offer a conditional amnesty to those accused of killings, will return to the Lords next week before going for royal assent.

It has been widely opposed by victims groups and all of the North's political parties.

The Pat Finucane Centre, which represents a number of families that have lost loved ones because of the security services, said the passing of the controversial bill seeks to prevent the truth about its role in the Troubles.

A PFC spokesperson stated: The British Government wants us to believe this legislation is about providing information to families and promoting reconciliation, but its real motivation is to protect its veterans from being found guilty of human rights abuses during the conflict. It also seeks to prevent the truth about its so-called Dirty War from emerging.

It is about protecting the actions of successive British Governments in order to save face internationally and, in order to guard its reputation, it is willing to allow perpetrators from paramilitary organisations off the hook.

No family who lost a loved one supports this legislation as it effectively removes their recourse to justice. It is not only families of victims and survivors who oppose this shameful legislation but all political parties on the island of Ireland; all organisations supporting families and survivors; The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the United States Government are all in total opposition to it.

The British Labour Party - and even the House of Lords - believe the bill should have been scrapped.

The spokesperson said the proposed Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is no substitute for an independent, human rights compliant investigation.

While it is likely that some families and survivors may engage with the new body, they will do so only because they have no other option. This legislation is unprecedented in a so-called modern, western democracy.

The Pat Finucane Centre & Justice for the Forgotten believe that the ICRIR is doomed to fail but the British Government does not care as long as its interests are protected.

We anticipate a number of legal challenges in the domestic courts and in Europe.

The PFC will continue to support families through the next difficult stage in their journey.

We implore the Irish Government, as a matter of urgency, to lodge a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights, against the British Government.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he was "angry and ashamed" at the outcome of the vote and called on the Irish Government to intervene.

"The British Government doesn't care about the rights of victims but the international human rights standards that we all enjoy must be defended," the Foyle MP said.

Grainne Teggart, of Amnesty International UK, said it was a "dark day for justice" and that the law only absolves "those responsible for conflict-related abuses - and, shamefully, all under the guise of reconciliation".
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.
The UK Government needs to get serious in its negotiations with the DUP about a return to government at Stormont, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has told MPs.

Giving evidence to a Westminster committee, Mr Eastwood also said that many people in Northern Ireland believe the DUPs refusal to return to the powersharing institutions is because they do not want a nationalist as first minister.

The Stormont Assembly remains dormant as the DUP seeks further assurances from the UK Government about post-Brexit political and trading arrangements following the signing of the Windsor Framework.

The framework, negotiated by Rishi Sunak earlier this year and approved by Parliament, proposes reduced checks in goods travelling directly to Northern Ireland from Great Britain to reduce trade barriers within the UK.

The Northern Ireland Affairs committee is investigating the operation of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement 25 years after the peace deal was signed which created the Stormont Assembly.

Mr Eastwood was asked about his call for the Irish Government to have an increased consultative role in Northern Ireland while the Assembly and executive are not functioning.

He said: We could have direct rule (by Westminster) very quickly, we had a budget passed on Monday night by the British Government.

There is no role at all for anybody other than the unionist tradition right now in the governance of Northern Ireland.

A greater role for the Irish Government does give more voice to what the Good Friday Agreement was about.

Mr Eastwood also called on the UK Government to get serious with the DUP in its negotiations to restore the executive.

However, DUP committee member Carla Lockhart said that there was a perception of an intolerance for the unionist viewpoint.

She added: What we are asking for is solutions for our businesses that are impacted by the (Northern Ireland) protocol.

You only have to look at manufacturing, agriculture, all of those different industries which are key pillars within our country and for the prospering of our country. We want solutions for them.

These issues sit very firmly within the UK Governments gift and it is important that you recognise that and that we get those solutions.

She added: It does, to the unionist community, seem that you are quite happy for there to be a border down the Irish Sea, but not one on the island of Ireland.

Mr Eastwood responded: I am one of the people who argue most strongly to not have economic borders anywhere. I am a real believer in the customs union and the single market.

Unlike your own party which argued for us to be pulled out of those institutions which took us out of the biggest trading block on the planet.

He added: We are open to listening and we are trying to give space but there comes a moment very soon, I think, that the British Government are going to have to say to the DUP: You are either in or you are out, because what more do you want?

I think the Windsor Framework was a victory for the DUP and you should take it and run with it.

Mr Eastwood continued: You have got more or less everything you asked for in the Windsor Framework.

Do you know what people really think? They dont think it (the DUPs refusal to form an executive) is anything to do with the protocol.

I dont know what the real reason is, but I think a lot of people think its because there is going to be a first minister from a nationalist perspective.

When people stop me on the streets of Derry and anywhere else, they think they just dont want a nationalist as first minister.

Ms Lockhart said her party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson had made it clear that was not the case.

Mr Eastwood also told the committee that he believed a live conversation about constitutional change was beginning.

He said if a united Ireland did not accommodate the unionist tradition it is not worth having.

Mr Eastwood added: I dont think we are ever going to achieve our full potential as part of the UK, I just dont believe that.

I look across the border at what is going on in Dublin, the massive economic advance. Every major company in the world is based in Dublin.

Constitutional change isnt just about changing a flag over a building, its actually about embracing the ideas of a new Ireland which is all the traditions of the island coming together in a different constitutional set-up.
Setting a date for an inquest into the death of former Provisional IRA commander Gerard Jock Davison at this stage could create false hope, a coroner has been told.

During a brief preliminary hearing in the case at Laganside Courthouse in Belfast, coroner Paddy McGurgan was told the PSNI worker dealing with the disclosure of sensitive material is on sick leave.

Mr Davison, 47, was shot dead in the Markets area of Belfast as he walked to work in May 2015.

He had been involved in a personal dispute with other republicans.

Three months after Mr Davison was killed, former IRA man Kevin McGuigan was murdered in a shooting in nearby Short Strand.

Mr McGurgan is presiding over both inquests.

Receiving an update from his counsel Philip Henry, the coroner was told the PSNI had provided 28 files of non-sensitive material in the case.

The lawyer said the coroners service had also viewed all the sensitive material in the case and that the barrister for the PSNI, John Rafferty, would need to provide his client with an opinion ahead of a public interest immunity (PII) application.

Mr Henry said: He is slightly disadvantaged at the moment because I was visiting Seapark in relation to a different inquest and I know that the person who had been dealing with PII and giving Mr Rafferty his instructions is on sick leave at the moment.

He told the court it would be difficult to set a date for the full inquest until the disclosure process is at a more advanced stage.

He added: I think if the court attempted to fix an inquest hearing date today you might be creating false hope or setting us up to fail. You would need a better indication from the PSNI of how long that exercise will take.

Mr McGurgan said: To give the PSNI a chance and an opportunity, given that they have somebody who is in control of this on sick leave, there is no point listing preliminary hearings.

I dont like bringing people back unnecessarily but at the same time I dont like taking my foot off the pedal.

Another preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 17.
HIGHLIGHTS The Xiaomi 13T series could include the 13T and 13T Pro.

Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi has confirmed the launch date.

Xiaomi 13T Pro could boast a 50-megapixel Omnivision OVSOD telephoto sensor.

According to reports, Xiaomi 13T series was expected to launch on September 1 in the global market. But that plan somehow didn't work out, however, Xiaomi has now finally announced the launch date of the Xiaomi 13T series. The Xiaomi 13T series could include the 13T and 13T Pro. Lei Jun, the founder and CEO of Xiaomi has shared the details of the launch on X (formerly Twitter). In addition to that, these smartphones will be launching in Berlin and the company will also run a live streaming.

The launch poster shared by Lie Jun confirms the launch on September 26 at 14:00 GMT+2 (5:30 PM IST). The poster also confirmed the collaboration of Leica engineering. Along with confirming the Leica engineering and launch date of Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro, it has not confirmed any details of smartphones. But recently a known tipster, Paras Guglani, has suggested the specifications and design of the high-end model Xiaomi 13T Pro. Check them out.

#Xiaomi13TSeries, co-engineered with Leica, is coming September 26th! So excited to bring the authentic Leica imagery to even more fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/34Et2UUcEv  Lei Jun (@leijun) September 5, 2023

The Xiaomi 13T Pro could be offered in three colour options; Black, Green and Blue. Now the Blue variant might feature a leather back, whereas the rest of the two colours might come with a glass back panel. An IP68 rating against water and dust might also be featured

Speaking of the display, the Xiaomi 13T Pro might be equipped with a 1.5K OLED display that is tipped to come with 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support and peak brightness of 2600 nits. The MIUI 14 skin based on Android 13 OS might operate the Xiaomi 13T Pro.

Also read: The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is the best portrait camera phone on the market now, heres why

Performance-wise, it could be powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9200 chipset along with up to 16GB RAM. Xiaomi could add one more RAM option that is 12GB. However, both of these RAM variants will reportedly be paired with three storage configurations; 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Furthermore, Xiaomi 13T Pro might be packed with a 5000mAh battery with up to 120-watt fast charging support.

For photography, it is tipped to include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX707 OIS primary camera along with a 13-megapixel Omnivision OV138 ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel Omnivision OVSOD telephoto sensor. a 50-megapixel Omnivision OVSOD telephoto sensor. At the front, the Xiaomi 13T Pro might sport a 20-megapixel Sony IMX596 sensor.

Also read: Xiaomi 13T Pro new launch date, processor, display details revealed: Everything you need to know

Now the million dollar question, will the Xiaomi 13T series come to India? On this, we have no official information yet, but it is expected that this series might make it to India.
HIGHLIGHTS Earlier, the Redmi Note 13 Pro was spotted on the TENAA certification website.

The Redmi Note 13 series is expected to launch in October.

The Note 13 series could include the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus.

Xiaomis new Redmi Note series is expected to launch soon in the market, as one of the smartphones from the Note 13 lineup has started appearing on the certification websites. Last week, the Redmi Note 13 Pro was spotted on the TENAA certification website and on a fresh update, it was seen on 3C listing. The Redmi Note 13 series is expected to launch in October. The mid-range series could include three smartphones, which are Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro and Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus.

Talking about the 3C certification, a Redmi smartphone with model number 2312DRA50C has been spotted on the certification website. It has been speculated that Redmi Note 13 Pro could be the smartphone, as it already appeared on TENAA earlier. The 3C listing also revealed the 5G connectivity and 67-watt fast charging support in the Redmi Note 13 Pro.

Also read: Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus with 200-MP camera, curved display coming very soon

Now spotting of Redmi Note 13 Pro on 3C certification website means the Redmi Note 13 series could roll out in China soon. In India, the Note 13 series could launch by the end of this year, as the Chinese brand typically introduces its Note series in other regions a couple of months after the China launch.

According to the rumoured specifications, the Redmi Note 13 Pro might boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a resolution of up to 27121220 pixels. It is also tipped to be powered by a processor of a maximum clock speed of 2.4GHz, which processor ? We dont know that yet. The smartphone could be offered in these four storage variants; 6GB 128GB, 8GB 256GB, 12GB 512GB, and 16GB 1TB.

Also read: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro and Pro Plus spotted with 6.67-inch OLED screen, other cool features

Speaking of camera, it is rumoured to match the same camera configurations with the Redmi Note 12 Pro Plus. A 200-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens. On the front, there could be a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
TSMC's Japan fab progresses smoothly as employees move in

TSMC is currently constructing a new factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Some office spaces have already been completed, and TSMC employees from Taiwan are gradually moving in.

According to reports from Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun and the local news channel KKT, TSMC's subsidiary in Japan, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), is building a new factory in Kikuyo-cho, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is expected to be completed around the end of 2023, with some office buildings already completed in August of the same year.

Employees dispatched from Taiwan are steadily arriving in Kumamoto. From August to the end of September 2023, around 600 TSMC employees and their family members are scheduled to move to Kumamoto. Most of the employees' children will attend Kumamoto International School (KIS), and on September 4th of the same year, ten TSMC employees' children have already enrolled. The total number of children is expected to reach 130. The total number of TSMC employees sent to the Kumamoto wafer factory is expected to be 400, with an additional 750 family members, which is a 20% increase from the originally planned numbers.

Furthermore, about 200 Japanese engineers from Sony, transferred to work at JASM, are returning to Japan after receiving training in Taiwan. There are also 125 new graduates who joined JASM in April 2023 and are currently undergoing training in Taiwan.

The final total number of JASM employees will be 1,700. TSMC indicated that in April 2024, new graduates and employees changing positions are expected to join JASM, and personnel recruitment is proceeding as planned.

The wafer fab is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and after the introduction of equipment and installation of production lines, mass production is expected to begin before the end of 2024, according to the planned schedule.

The construction of TSMC's Kumamoto wafer fab, personnel recruitment, and the arrival of Taiwanese employees have been relatively smooth compared to TSMC's construction plan in Arizona, USA. The construction of the Arizona site began in April 2021, one year earlier than the factory in Kumamoto. Although the originally planned production date was also 2024, it has now been delayed to 2025, and personnel recruitment has encountered difficulties.

However, the shortage of semiconductor talent is a global issue. In the Japanese Kyushu region, where TSMC's Kumamoto fab is located, it is estimated that there may be a shortage of around 1,000 semiconductor industry professionals in the next 10 years. If TSMC plans to build a second fab in Kumamoto, the demand for local engineers will increase further in the future.
Save my User ID and Password

Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site.

Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site.
The young girl who died in a freak drowning tragedy on a beach in Co Cork on Tuesday afternoon has been named as seven-year-old Emily Roman.

Emily was on Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, Co Cork as families enjoyed the 25C weather, when tragedy struck.

It's understood a number of children were playing in or near shallow water on the popular beach when a larger wave swept the girl out into deeper water.

A three-hour search took place and the girl's body was found at 7.45pm.

The young girl's family are originally from Eastern Europe but have been living locally in Crosshaven where the community has been plunged into morning.

She has been remembered today as "kind, with a bubbly personality" and a "beautiful smile." Emily would have celebrated her eighth birthday this week on Thursday.

Templebreedy National School, Crosshaven, the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, as Patron of the school, the school Principal, Doris Bryan, and the Chairperson of the Board of Management, Michael Hodder, issued a statement on Wednesday and led tributes.

"The entire school community in our small Church of Ireland school in Crosshaven, County Cork, together with the local parish and community, are in shock and are utterly devastated at the death of our 2nd class pupil Emily Roman. Most of all we are all heartbroken for Emilys family and loved ones," it read.

"Emily would have been eight years old tomorrow. Emily and her twin brother Jeremy have been in our school since they joined Junior Infants in 2020."

Doris Bryan, the school principal, who is also Emilys class-teacher in second class, describes her as kind, with a bubbly personality," adding that "she had a beautiful smile."

"She was greatly loved by everyone and was very popular with all her friends. She was also very artistic and a gifted young girl. On behalf of the school I extend our deepest sympathies to Emilys parents, Marta and Slawomir, her older sister Inga and her twin brother Jeremy," Principal Bryan continued.

She added: "We are doing our best at the moment to make our school a safe space for all our school community to be together and to support each other as we remember Emily and come to terms with what has happened. Again our primary focus, for Emilys sake, is with her family and loved ones."

The school has implemented its Critical Incident Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are on site and supporting the school community.

"We are also being supported by our local clergy and our bishop who are here too," Ms Bryan said.

Bishop Paul Colton, patron of the school, said: "Most of us cannot begin to imagine the suffering that this family must now be going through. We are all, however, in shock and devastated. On behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland, in general, and in connection with Templebreedy National School and Templebreedy Parish, in particular, I too extend our sincere sympathy to everyone in the Roman family, to Emilys mother, Marta, father Slawomir, twin brother Jeremy, and older sister Inga.

"A tragedy like this is having a traumatic effect also on this small parish school at the start of this new school year, and also the wider community. I am visiting the school this morning and throughout the day. Practical support and prayers are assured for everyone in the school community, for Emilys family, her fellow students, the school Principal, Doris Bryan, the teachers, staff, parents/guardians and members of the Board of Management.

"I extend sympathy to you all. I am also very conscious of the role played by the first responders, some of whom I know personally, and everyone in the rescue services and Im conscious of the impact a tragedy such as this has on each of them as individuals.

"My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Funerals details for Emily have not yet been announced by her family.
Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu has called on the government to empower the Irish regulator to protect customers from what he calls "rip-off energy costs".

The Dundalk TD says research commissioned by the party has found the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) lacks the powers needed to protect customers from unfair and unaffordable energy costs.

Deputy O Murchu said the "sky high" energy costs are putting "huge pressure on people in County Louth" and added that people need a break from "rip-off energy costs".

He said that customers in the State pay the highest electricity prices in the EU, adding almost 1,000 to the average annual bill, while wholesale energy prices are at a two-year low.

Deputy O Murchu said: "My colleague, Sinn Fein spokesperson on Energy, Darren O'Rourke TD, commissioned research by the Oireachtas Library and Research Unit to examine why this is.

"The report published recently reveals that Ireland has a very light touch regulator, compared to other European countries where customers are better protected from unfair costs. Government and the energy regulator are acting as commentators on energy prices.

"Government, the CRU and, by extension, the general public are expected to take it at face value, to trust energy companies to pass on savings when they see fit. Thats simply not good enough. Its clear there isnt transparency around bills and people in Louth are paying the price.

"The government must act to ensure there is transparency and accountability in the energy market. The CRU should be specifically mandated to monitor and regulate hedging practice. Its powers should be strengthened to monitor anti-competitive behaviour.

"It should have an expanded role in consumer protection and an increased role in energy poverty monitoring and response  including through the oversight of an expanded Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme. These are practical measures that would ensure the regulator is fit to hold energy companies to account."

The Sinn Fein TD added: "In addition, to ensure transparency and accountability for the public, the CRU should publish, on a monthly basis, the average price of natural gas and electricity supply and the average margin received by natural gas and electricity suppliers. This would ensure people can monitor costs. The public deserve nothing less."
The list of finalists in the Louth Business Awards were announced this week.

The winners will be announced at the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Dinner which will take place on Saturday the 21st October 2023 in the Carrickdale Hotel.

The event is always a sell out with tickets at a premium. Tickets cost 60 plus vat per person and include a champagne reception, four course meal with wine, and dancing until late with the impressive band Sugartown Rd..

Local dignitaries, business leaders and fellow members of the Chamber will attend what promises to be one of the highlights of the social calendar in Dundalk.

Oveall Business of the year sponsored by VHI Healthcare will be announced on the night as will the Lifetime Award for contribution to Louth sponsored by PayPal.

The event has attracted over 630 guests to this glittering, black tie occasion. Tickets are a on a first come first served basis.

To book tickets call Brenda at Dundalk Chamber on Tel: 042 9336343 or email brenda@dundalk.ie

The nominees are:

Best Customer Service in the Retail Sector sponsored by Net 1

Backhouse Pharmacy

BC Electrics & Lighting

Brodigans Londis

National Tile

Best Shop Front Both Interior Exterior sponsored by AV Direct

Bumbles for Kids

Coast & Co

Pinstripe Punk

The Flower Studio

Best Hair & Beauty Award sponsored by LOreal

Glitter Girls Beauty

Luminess Skin & Laser Clinic

Renegate 13 Male

The Hairshop

Best Licensed Premises sponsored by Diageo

Lumpers Bar

Mo Chara

PJ O Hares

The Windsor Bar & Restaurant

Best Hospitality Business sponsored by Dundalk Stadium

Blue Anchor

Square Restaurant

The Lisdoo

The Townhouse

Culture Heritage & Tourism Award sponsored by Value Centre Cash & Carry

An Tain Arts Centre

Carrickdale Hotel

Creative Spark CLG  Seek Urban Arts Festival

Walking Holidays Ireland

Best Not for Profit Organization sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union

BUMBLEance

Dundalk Dog Rescue

SAFE Castlebellingham Community Counselling

SOSAD Ireland

Best New Business sponsored by The Argus

Beam Consulting Ltd

Breastcare By Alison Ltd

Louth English

Signature Hair/Signature Kids

Micro Business of the year sponsored by Recruit Island

Bumblebee Cocktail Toppers

Enerview Solutions

Wunjo Club

Zoma

Best SME Business sponsored by AIB Bank

Cusken Sync IT

Hydroscand Ireland Ltd

The Unit

TSM Control Systems

Large Business of the year sponsored by Bank or Ireland

Cargotec Engineering

KTF Housing

McArdle Skeath

Suretank Ltd

Wuxi Biologics Ireland

Training Award sponsored by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet

Irish Life Customer Service Centre

McArdle Skeath

Payckeck Plus By IRIS

UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited

Best Family Business sponsored by Prometric

Carlingford Oyster Company

Carrickdale Hotel

Macfar Property Management

Sean Moriarty Transport

Team of the year sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel

Catherine Allison & Co

Prometric Ireland

Servisource

UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited

International Business Award sponsored by Enteprise Ireland

Farrell Furniture

Gardiner Family Apothecary

Suretank Ltd

TSM Control Systems

Young Business Person of the year award sponsored by Oriel Hub

Bumblebee Cocktail Toppers

Digital Design & Consultancy

Wunjo Club

Zoma

Technology, Research & Innovation Award sponsored by the Regional Development Centre at DkIT

Comfort Keepers Homecare

Creative Spark CLG

ECC Design & Engineering Ltd

XOCEAN

Best Green Business sponsored by Permanent TSB

Cargotec Engineering

Irish Life Customer Service Centre

Value Centre Cash & Carry Dundalk/BWG Foods

Wuxi Biologics Ireland

Best Use of Digital Marketing/ Social Media sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Louth

Darver Castle

Gift & Art Gallery

Hire Direct Ltd

KT Travel
Louth County Council have been allocated a further 1.5 million in Local Property Tax baseline funding.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OBrien TD today announced a 75.4m increase in Local Property Tax (LPT) baseline funding to Local Authorities nationally  bringing the total to 428.4m in 2024  following a review of how the money is allocated.

Every local authority receives a minimum (baseline) amount of funding from the Local Property Tax, supplemented by funding from the exchequer where a local authoritys LPT income is lower than its baseline.

This baseline funding is essential and recognises the essential role played by local authorities, not only in delivering a broad range of services day-to-day, but also in successfully leading the local response to emergency situations; such as sectors establishment of Community Call during Covid-19, and more recently the community response fora to support the Ukrainian crisis.

Current baseline funding for Louth County Council in 2023 is 9,866,198 with a planned increase to 11,366,198 in 2024.

Minister OBrien TD, said:

Local Authorities play an integral role in the delivery of services to our citizens. I am aware of the growing challenges faced by local authorities due to the increase in demand for services and the growing cost of providing these.

This significant increase in funding should go a long way towards easing the pressure on the sector.

Since 2020 I have been committed to a review of the baseline funding of local authorities and I established a working group earlier this year to examine the issue.

I am pleased to announce that todays funding has been guided by the review that has taken place and the recommendations of the working group.

Kieran ODonnell, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, welcomed the completion of the review of Local Property Tax baselines, noting the important work completed by the review group, which included elected local representatives, to inform the final model.

Minister ODonnell said:

I would like to thank the Working Group for all their work on assisting our review of how we provide baseline funding. Todays increase in allocations reflects the importance of the work that local authorities do, which I see for myself as I visit and meet with Councillors across the country.
COBH might be a world-famous cruise destination, home to the last port the Titanic visited, and where Ellis Islands very first immigrant, 17-year-old Annie Moore, began her journey - but it is also the destination Vasilijus Krupodra chose 12 years ago when he travelled 21,00km from Lithuania to start a whole new way of life.

I havent done anything huge like other people do, says Vasilijus, who works part-time in Aldi.

But I am proud of myself and believe that I am a good example to my family.

Vasilijus, who is married to Aiste, has every right to be proud of himself. He has done something huge and achieved his dream into the bargain.

Business in Coffeeon, at 5, Midleton Street, Kilgarvan, Cobh, has been booming since the Krupodra family opened its doors at the end of July.

Vasilijus, Aiste and their eldest son, Danielis, are the trio behind Coffeeon, which is proving very popular with locals and tourists alike.

I came to Cobh to find a job, says Vasilijus.

I liked the town and I stayed here, later my wife joined me.

Born in the Ukraine, Vasilijus grew up in Lithuania and moved to Ireland to start a life of his own when he was 18.

Vasilijus hard at work refurbishing the cafe.

Vasilijus, with a good work ethic, got a job and was content. Then a friend put an idea into his head, an idea that appealed to Vasilijus and his family.

I had been working in Aldi in Cobh for years, and one day a friend of mine said, You should open a cafe here. Youd be great at it, and it would be lovely for all the locals and tourists.

Vasilijus friend was persuasive.

He said, You could do it. Keep it simple. A coffee shop is the way to go in Cobh.

Vasilijus, knowing his adopted home town was one of the most sought-after places to visit on the map, considered his friends idea and put a lot of thought into it.

I had some restaurant experience before, he says. I kept the idea and I like my coffee!

There were a lot of plusses.

I love dealing with customers and helping them out, says Vasilijus.

My family were eager to do it and we began creating the whole project together. We were all on board from the beginning.

Coffeeon was a team effort - and a family affair.

Myself, my wife, Aiste, and our son Danielis work here, but everyone is involved, says Vasilijus.

Even my eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, kept asking, When is Coffeeon going to open?

There were a few hurdles to get over before Coffeeon was good to go.

We went through years of planning, renovations, and pandemic setbacks that almost made us give up, says Vasilijus.

Exterior shot of the new cafe.

Now weve opened the cafe of our dreams.

Coffeeon was a real labour of love. Hard grafting went into making the dream come true.

We first started thinking seriously about the project in 2019, says Vasilijus.

Everyone volunteered to help with painting and renovating a building when we were able to find a suitable premises.

Vasilijus mother was as enthusiastic as her son, willing him on to open his coffee shop selling a wide-range of coffees and some of Aistes delicious home-baked treats.

East Corks new addition is bang smack in the centre of Cobh, and it was built from scratch when the family acquired a venue that needed a lot of doing up.

My mother even got involved, Vasilijus says. She ordered us our very own Coffeeon sign as a present. It is over the shop front today.

Going into business for the first time is never easy.

I was about to give up, says Vasilijus. There seemed to be nowhere around suitable to open a cafe.

But the determined father-of-four kept looking; kept hoping.

We did all the planning before Covid, he adds.

Timing was everything.

We spotted an empty place in Midleton Street that had been open as a coffee shop before, says Vasilijus.

I thought, its now or never. It was a three-day decision.

The enthusiastic team got working on the empty building.

Wed been planning for years, Vasilijus says.

During Covid, we said, definitely not now.

The pandemic threw everything out of kilter.

After Covid, we said, maybe yes, maybe not.

The empty shop that needed a lot of TLC seemed to fit the bill. And the Krupodora family were not afraid of hard work.

In the end, we did everything from scratch in three weeks! says Vasilijus, laughing.

I was tired and I didnt take a day off for two months.

Coffeeon is the result of many long days and nights work. Most of the refurbishments also had to be done while some of the hard-working team were balancing full-time jobs on the side.

My son and I are still juggling part-time jobs even now, says Vasilijus.

Interior shot of the new cafe.

It took gumption to realise the dream.

It was definitely difficult to try and get everything set up to open the cafe, Vasilijus admits. But we managed to do it.

He had a good incentive.

We got in a coffee machine at home, so we could train, says Vasilijus.

I looked at the machine one day thinking, she wants to work, we have to let her work. I knew then we had to keep going.

Vasilijus is double-jobbing.

Im still working in Aldi and Danielis also works in a takeaway in the evenings. He helps us out during the daytime when he has the chance.

You have to divide yourself, says Vasilijus.

I say, when I am in Aldi, then I am in Aldi. I dont let the pressures get on top of me. Aldi helped me a lot in that way, learning how to cope with a fast-paced environment. You want to be comfortable so youre not making mistakes and doing your work right, both for you and for the customers.

The efforts of the family and the efforts of their helpers didnt go unnoticed in Cobh.

Since we opened, weve been very, very busy, says Vasilijus.

It surprised us because we didnt do any advertising. We only had a soft launch.

The Krupodoras were pleasantly surprised when they opened for business.

Customers have been flooding in the doors, says Vasilijus.

Locals gave us good luck cards and best wishes which was really nice.

Its really nice that Vasilijus has realised his dream.

In my view, the cafe is a great job, says Vasilijus.

We did it all together. Perhaps my kids might do the same in the future. It is possible to do it.

Coffeeon, Midleton Street, Cobh is open from 8am-3pm weekdays (except Tuesdays), and 9am to 3pm at weekends.
NATIONAL Broadband Ireland announced the 50,000th connection to the high-speed fibre network under the National Broadband Plan at a special event in Cork this week.

High-speed fibre connections are now available to over 180,000 premises across the country, with the NBI saying it is currently working ahead of its rollout plan.

The milestone connection was marked at an event at a farm in Knocknagree on Monday.

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, said 22,000 people in Cork can currently avail of the fibre service.

Every day of the week we are connecting homes and the home in Knocknagree was the 50,000th connection. In County Cork, one-quarter of the rollout is now complete with almost 22,000 premises ready to connect.

"We are progressing in all the counties at the same time. By the end of next year, the entire country will be under construction. There is real confidence the programme will be delivered by the end of 2026, he said.

We are making good progress, said Mr Hendrick.

We have 180,000 homes now available to place an order. We are probably three to four months ahead of plan right now.

"We have about 1,800 people working across the country. We have increased the total capacity on the ground to build out the network. A lot of that comes down to survey and design. We are approaching 80% of the entire country surveyed. We have 60% of the entire country under construction of the fibre. We are deploying about 2,000 kilometres of fibre every month."

Knocknagree native Noreen OConnor, who is connected to the NBI network, said having high-speed broadband has made life much easier.

There are several things on the farm that require a strong broadband connection from the calving cameras, to registering and tagging animals, to applying for online grants.

"Having high-speed broadband has made life much easier. Without a reliable connection, we wouldnt have access at all.
Although a breakthrough in negotiations to find a new childcare provider to take over the running of a northside preschool is believed to be imminent, a rally in support of staff and families affected by its closure is expected to go ahead outside Before 5 this afternoon.

The centre, which has been described as the heartbeat of the community and had provided childcare in Churchfield, Gurranabraher, and surrounding areas for half a century, closed suddenly two weeks ago.

Local representatives expressed cautious optimism last week that a community-based childcare provider might be found to take over the running of the preschool by yesterday evening, but no concrete developments had been reported last night.

It is understood that four separate childcare providers are currently in talks with Cork City Childcare, which facilitates and integrates the provision of childcare in Cork, about the possibility of taking over the running of Before 5.

The former Before 5 company went into liquidation on Monday, and Christine Mullins, a Siptu member who had worked there for the past 12 years, said the process had been hard on the former staff.

It was a horrible day Monday, and some of us got emotional when it hit us that it was all over, she said. Were still very hopeful a new provider can be found, but were going ahead with the rally at 2.30pm on Wednesday at Before 5, and were hoping to see a big show of support.
Gardai in Cork have arrested and charged a man following the discovery of cannabis cultivation in Ballingeary, Co Cork on Sunday 3rd, Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th September 2023.

Over three days, a number of searches were carried out under Operation Tara by gardai attached to the Cork West Divisional Drugs Unit at various locations in the Ballingeary area.

During the course of these searches, over 140 mature suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of 112,800 and 405g harvested suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of 8,100 were seized.

This intelligence led operation was supported by the Southern Region Dog Unit, Cork County Divisional Drug Units and the Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance (ESSC) Team from the Irish Defence Forces.

The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.

A male in his 50s was arrested in connection with the seizures and detained at a garda station in the Southern Region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

He has since been charged and is due to appear before Macroom District Court at a later date. A file will also be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigations are ongoing.
THE little girl who died by drowning in Fountainstown has been described by her teacher as a talented child with a bubbly personality.

The heartfelt tribute was made just a day before what should have been Emili Romans eighth birthday. Templebreedy National School is in mourning this week following the loss of the much-loved pupil.

The Crosshaven girl was recovered from the water in Fountainstown at around 7.45pm yesterday evening following an extensive search operation. She had found herself in difficulty at around 4.30pm that day. Emergency services including gardai and ambulance services were involved in a major search operation throughout the afternoon. Locals from the community had assisted with the search.

Doris Bryan, who taught the second-class pupil, and is also the principal of the school opened up about the joy Emili brought to others. She described the little girl as kind, with a bubbly personality.

She had a beautiful smile," Ms Bryan said. She was greatly loved by everyone and was very popular with all her friends.

"She was also very artistic and a gifted young girl.

"On behalf of the school, I extend our deepest sympathies to Emilis parents, Marta and Slawomir, her older sister Inga and her twin brother Jeremy. We are doing our best at the moment to make our school a safe space for all our school community to be together and to support each other as we remember Emili and come to terms with what has happened. Again, our primary focus, for Emilis sake, is with her family and loved ones.

Patron of the school, Bishop Paul Colton also extended his condolences.

Most of us cannot begin to imagine the suffering that this family must now be going through," he said.

We are all, however, in shock and devastated.

"On behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland, in general, and in connection with Templebreedy National School and Templebreedy Parish, in particular, I too extend our sincere sympathy to everyone in the Roman family, to Emilis mother, Marta, father Slawomir, twin brother Jeremy, and older sister Inga."

He said that prayers will be offered for the family.

A tragedy like this is having a traumatic effect on this small parish school at the start of this new school year, and also the wider community. I am visiting the school this morning and throughout the day. Practical support and prayers are assured for everyone in the school community, for Emilis family, her fellow students, the school principal, Doris Bryan, the teachers, staff, parents or guardians and members of the board of management," added Bishop Colton.

"I extend sympathy to you all. I am also very conscious of the role played by the first responders, some of whom I know personally, and everyone in the rescue services, and Im conscious of the impact a tragedy such as this has on each of them as individuals."

A joint statement was released courtesy of Templebreedy National School, Crosshaven, the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, the school Principal, Doris Bryan, and the chairperson of the board of management, Michael Hodder.

"The entire school community in our small Church of Ireland school in Crosshaven, County Cork, together with the local parish and community, are in shock and are utterly devastated at the death of our 2nd class pupil Emili Roman," the statement read.

"Most of all we are all heartbroken for Emilis family and loved ones. Emili would have been eight years old tomorrow (Thursday). Emili and her twin brother Jeremy have been in our school since they joined Junior Infants in 2020."

The statement referred to supports available to pupils at this difficult time.

"The school has implemented its Critical Incident Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) are already here and are supporting and advising the school in our efforts to stand alongside everyone in our school community, especially students and staff. We are also being supported by our local clergy and our bishop who are here too."
The bedroom of a Knockraha teenager was converted into a full laboratory type set-up to manufacture cannabis vapes which were then sold online and posted all over Ireland and Europe.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said the drugs enterprise uncovered by Garda Damien Cronin consisted of cannabis oil vapes that were undetectable by smell.

The teenager learned on a zoom meeting with someone he encountered online how to manufacture the cannabis vapes.

Ryan Lynch of The Brambles, Knockraha East, County Cork, was smoking cannabis at the time and when the lockdown came in March 2020 he lost all purpose, his solicitor, Shane Collins Daly, said at Cork District Court today.

He ordered cannabis oil online. Curiosity became greater and he ordered other ingredients on line. He gave it to friends at first but then things got out of hand, Mr Collins Daly said.

By the time he was caught in July 2021 he had 7,380 in cash, cannabis worth 2,487, three chocolate bars of Psilocin worth 150 and a substance known as DMT valued 800.

Sergeant Davis said: On July 6 2021 at 1.30pm a warrant was executed for the search of The Brambles, Knockraha East, the home of Ryan Lynch.

During the course of the search a large amount cannabis oil, cannabis and other illegal substances were located in an upstairs bedroom of the property. Other drug paraphernalia were also located including a scales, baggies, postage envelopes and other material.

Mr Lynch admitted to learning how to manufacture cannabis vapes from an unknown male over Zoom. He admitted making vapes in large amounts for a number of months.

He had a full laboratory type set-up in his bedroom where he made all his produce.

He openly admitted using cannabis and other illegal substances, although the majority of his products were for sale and supply. He mainly advertised his products using social made.

He kept meticulous records of all postal transactions and sales made from day one. These records show hundreds of sales around the country and continent.

The cannabis vapes Mr Lynch manufactured are not detectable by smell.

Mr Collins Daly said on behalf of the defendant, who is now aged 21: He hugely regrets this. It was a crazy enterprise he got involved in. He is ashamed of putting his family through this. He was trying to further himself with education.

He asked the judge to take into consideration the age of the accused at the time and the absence of any convictions before or since this enterprise was uncovered just over two years ago.

Judge Olann Kelleher asked: Has he any insight into the damage he is doing to people he is making a fortune out of?

The solicitor replied that a senior probation officer reported that the young man had good insight into this.

Mr Collins Daly said: He has made a huge mistake. He has completely and utterly stopped doing anything like this.

Judge Kelleher said it was a serious drugs case but that he was obliged to take into consideration the youth of the defendant and the absence of other convictions. The judge imposed a 750 fine, a ten-month suspended sentence and ordered Ryan Lynch to do 240 hours of community service.
A new banking system that instantly pays out digital transactions could be a big money gain for crooks as online fraud worsens.

The Federal Reserve on July 20 announced the FedNow Service is live. Banks and credit unions of all sizes can now sign up and use this tool to instantly transfer money for their customers, any time of the day, on any day of the year.

The Federal Reserve built the FedNow Service to help make everyday payments over the coming years faster and more convenient, said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell. Over time, as more banks choose to use this new tool, the benefits to individuals and businesses will include enabling a person to immediately receive a paycheck or a company to instantly access funds when an invoice is paid.

According to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, instant payments will provide substantial benefits for all consumers and businesses when fully available. They include rapid access to funds when needed to help manage cash flows in bank accounts. For example, individuals can instantly receive their paychecks and use them the same day, and small businesses can more efficiently manage cash flows without processing delays.

The FedNow Service is an extremely timely and needed payment service given todays increased reliance on technology for various financial transactions quickly. In the past, instant payments have posed a major challenge for financial institutions and their customers, Justin Newell, CEO of software provider Inform North America, told the E-Commerce Times.

However, the need for speed and the convenience of instant transaction payments comes at the cost of new security challenges, he warned.

Speedy Delivery of Digital Funds

The FedNow Service operates alongside other longstanding Federal Reserve payment services, such as Fedwire and FedACH, as an interbank payment system.

To participate in FedNow, financial institutions must demonstrate a higher level of security. They must complete a certification process to ensure their preparedness to address instant payment-related fraud by implementing effective operational and communications tools. Computing security infrastructure, however, may not be as easy to certify.

Newell explained that the FedNow Service differs from other payment applications because transactions are completed in seconds directly between bank accounts without the delays typically incurred in payment applications. Many alternative payment platforms require users to hold balances in the apps rather than sending and receiving money directly to or from their bank accounts.

Other payment services or apps allow funds to be sent directly from a bank account, with funds instantly available to the recipient. But in those cases, the money transfer from bank to bank is delayed. That is where the credit risk appears, he offered.

The FedNow Service also can be used with all types of payments between businesses (B2B) and between businesses and consumers (B2C). Another difference is that only banks and credit unions can access FedNow, but no third parties.

No AI Cyber Fix to the Rescue Yet

Card-skimming fraud is already at all-time highs. FICO last month released new data about card skimming increases this year. Criminals put small card-reading devices into payment terminals to steal card information.

According to the data, skimmed card instances jumped 77% YoY from roughly 70,000 cards in 2022 to nearly 120,000 in just the first six months of this year. Other kinds of payment fraud are also on the rise, including authorized-user- and first-party fraud.

So far, AI is unable to help. New data from Brighterion, a Mastercard company, cites a shortage of data science capabilities as the top barrier to using AI to prevent fraud.

The ongoing labor shortage among cyber experts is impacting IT staffing capabilities, which also strains businesses ability to act on other business plans.

Other top barriers for financial institutions to utilize AI for payment fraud prevention include complex and drawn-out implementation. The technology many financial institutions use to prevent fraud is clunky and requires a lot of maintenance, according to industry reports.

However, no AI applications are available to act independently and more accurately identify fraudulent transactions before they happen.

Instant Payments Intensify Fraud Risks for Merchants, Banks

The new FedNow approach will not actually provide them with better security, which is a cause for concern, warned Newell.

The rapidity of instant payments intensifies the difficulties in fighting fraud. Instant payments, while susceptible to similar fraud types as other payment methods, present unique obstacles due to their swift completion and non-reversible nature, he explained.

For most payment methods, a customer can retract a mistaken payment before it gets processed. However, instant payment is finalized within seconds, he continued. Since it is irreversible, the payer cannot cancel the transaction. Moreover, the payee can immediately access the funds.

Newell cautioned that if the payee is a fraudster, these features make it harder to identify and halt a fraudulent instant payment transaction before the fraudster has already taken the funds.

Although FedNow will offer new tools for fraud prevention, too, for example, to establish risk-based transaction value limits, I am afraid this alone will not guarantee the security needed, he said.

FedNow Advantages Shadowed by Persistent Fraud Risks

FedNows new features may do little to curb the online fraud landscape. Instant payments will offer many benefits for many stakeholders, but they also bring unique risks.

Regardless of the payment method, the strategies to fight fraud remain consistent and involve multiple layers of protection, said Newell. This includes the security features integrated into the payment systems themselves, as well as those incorporated into the systems of the participating financial institutions.

He suggested that financial institutions adopt a comprehensive fraud-fighting strategy to secure instant payments better. This recommendation becomes particularly important when their existing solutions and processes for combating fraud still rely on batch processing or manual intervention.

For truly holistic fraud prevention, banks must analyze a vast array of data from various sources for each transaction within milliseconds to assign an accurate risk score. This analysis must factor in information about all involved banks, accounts, the people behind those accounts, apps, channels, amounts, timing, locations, involved devices, whitelists, blacklists, sanctions lists, and much more.

This can only be done with contemporary AI solutions that incorporate all these factors, Newell observed.

Navigating Fraud and Risk in the Instant Payments Era

With current technology, banks cannot speed up the typical cycle time needed to comb through data to identify trends in fraud and risk. Accelerating this process is only possible with state-of-the-art AI solutions, which are not yet available.

On the one hand, Newell noted, banks need to use machine learning to investigate incredible amounts of data for fraud and behavior patterns and learn from them. On the other hand, rigid rule systems, such as those still frequently used by many banks, have had their day.

We need dynamic profiling, flexibly adaptable rules in real time by algorithms, but also by human experts. This is where questions of software usability also come into play. It often must happen quickly. Otherwise, the criminals will cause incredible damage, he predicted.

This need for AI assistance will also apply to traditional or established banking systems. Holistic risk and fraud management solutions must be able to communicate with various banking and other IT systems.

It is important that financial institutions can easily integrate them into their IT landscape, Newell urged.
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.

A new study has found a direct link between human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and the survival of polar bear cubs. The findings could help address a former legal opinion that impacts polar bear protections.

A 2008 legal opinion from the Solicitor of the Department of Interior noted that emissions did not need to be considered when deciding whether projects could move forward or if they would impact the bears. The opinion stated, It is currently beyond the scope of existing science to identify a specific source of CO2 emissions and designate it as the cause of specific climate impacts at an exact location.

Polar bears were labeled as threatened under the Endangered Species Act the same year, but the legal opinion created a loophole for projects, including oil and gas development, to move forward without considering greenhouse gas impacts on polar bears.

The new study from scientists at Polar Bears International, the University of Washington and the University of Wyoming directly connects the number of Arctic ice-free days to specific quantities of emissions and determines how these ice-free days can impact polar bear cub survival rates. The information, which was published in the journal Science, helps close the loophole.

Overcoming the challenge of the Bernhardt Memo is absolutely in the realm of climate research, Cecilia Bitz, co-author of the study and professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, said in a statement. When the memo was written in 2008, we could not say how greenhouse gas emissions equated to a decline in polar bear populations. But within a few years we could directly relate the quantity of emissions to climate warming and later to Arctic sea ice loss as well. Our study shows that not only sea ice, but polar bear survival, can be directly related to greenhouse gas emissions.

Polar bears are threatened in part by low cub recruitment linked to climate change, meaning that not enough cubs are surviving to adulthood, Polar Bears International explained on its website. Ice-free days make it harder to polar bear mothers to hunt for food, leading to a decline in cub survival.

Steven Amstrup, chief scientist emeritus of Polar Bears International and former member of the United States Geological Survey who helped obtain the Endangered Species Act listing for polar bears, led the study, which allows researchers to calculate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from specific projects on polar bear cubs.

Weve known for decades that continued warming and sea ice loss ultimately can only result in reduced distribution and abundance of polar bears, Amstrup said. But until now, weve lacked the ability to distinguish impacts of greenhouse gases emitted by particular activities from the impacts of historic cumulative emissions.

According to Amstrup, the methodology involves regression analysis and could be used not just for polar bears but for other species around the world to help determine impacts that projects may have on the environment.

However, some experts arent sure that the new data could shift political opinion.

I think it takes us a little bit closer to understanding some of those relationships, but I just dont know that this paper pushes it over a new threshold, Andrew Derocher, a polar bear expert and biological sciences professor at the University of Alberta, told The Associated Press. I just dont think that this is the smoking gun that is going to change opinion.

Either way, the research offers more insight into emissions and their connections to polar bear survival at a crucial time. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, polar bear populations are expected to decline 30% in the next 35 to 40 years. A study from 2020 warned that polar bears could be extinct by the end of this century if greenhouse gas levels continue rising.
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.

Conservation NGO African Parks has announced that it will work to rewild more than 2,000 southern white rhinos over the next decade.

The organization has purchased Platinum Rhino, the planets biggest private captive breeding operation for rhinos, a press release from African Parks said. The property covers more than 19,000 acres in South Africas North West province.

The 2,000 rhinos at Platinum Rhino represent as much as 15 percent of the remaining population of wild rhinos in the world.

African Parks had no intention of being the owner of a captive rhino breeding operation with 2,000 rhino[s]. However, we fully recognise the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals so that they can once again play their integral role in fully functioning ecosystems, said CEO of African Parks Peter Fearnhead in the press release.

African Parks, along with a dozen African governments, manages 22 protected areas.

Platinum Rhino was auctioned in April of this year due to financial strain, but received no bids. Without the protection of the private operation, the rhinos would be at risk of habitat fragmentation and poaching.

Breeding rhinos is an expensive hobby, said John Hume, the breeder who opened Platinum Rhino in 2009, in an interview with AFP, as reported by Africanews.

Hume said he had spent $150 million trying to save the majestic mammal, but had run out of money.

African Parks decided to purchase the Platinum Rhino property and all the rhinos under its protection after partnering with the South African government to conduct an assessment of the property. African Parks has previously translocated rhinos back to Malawi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as managed protected areas.

The single objective of African Parks is to rewild rhinos over the course of the next 10 years. Its goal is to place them in secure and well-managed areas in order to supplement or establish strategic populations so that the species will no longer be in as great of risk.

The scale of this undertaking is simply enormous, and therefore daunting. However, it is equally one of the most exciting and globally strategic conservation opportunities, Fearnhead said in the press release. We will be working with multiple governments, funding partners and conservation organisations, who are committed to making this rewilding vision a reality.

African Parks will phase out the Platinum Rhino breeding program and release all the white rhinos into the wild in one of the biggest continent-wide undertakings to rewild any species.

African Parks has been working alongside local communities and governments for more than two decades to make sure protected areas and their ecosystems are safeguarded.

On behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, I would like to congratulate African Parks and Mr. Hume for reaching this important agreement which facilitates a conservation solution for the rhino[s] currently in a captive facility, said Barbara Creecy, who is the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, in the press release.

Our Government is guided in our approach to conservation by the UN Convention on Biodiversity and our own white paper. In this regard we are ready to support African Parks and other partners with technical and scientific advice in developing a conservation solution that includes translocating the animals over a period of time to suitable parks and community conservancies in South Africa and on the African continent, Creecy added.

Rhinos were originally made up of two distinct subspecies: the northern and southern white rhino. Just two female northern white rhinos exist in captivity in Kenya and are not being bred, making the subspecies functionally extinct.

The southern white rhino population consists of less than 13,000 individuals after rebounding to around 20,000 following a historic low of 30 to 40 individuals in the 1930s. They are poached for their horns, which are sold in the illegal wildlife trade.

The conservation sector is delighted that African Parks can provide a credible solution for this important population, and a significant lifeline for this Near Threatened species, said Dr. Mike Knight, chairman of the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group, in the press release. This acquisition provides the unique opportunity to re-wild these 2,000 white rhino[s] for the benefit of people and rhino conservation in Africa.




Chile's salmon and trout exports show modest growth in first half of 2023



In its latest Quarterly Salmon Export Report, the Chilean Salmon Council has announced a slight, yet notable, increase in exports of farmed salmon and trout during the first half of 2023 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2022, SeafoodSource reported.

Chile's export of salmon and trout collectively reached 373,734 metric tonnes (MT) in the first half of 2023, marking a 2% rise compared to the same period last year. The total value of these exports amounted to US$3.31 billion, reflecting a 2% increase.

The Chilean Salmon Council represents prominent salmon-farming firms, including AquaChile, Australis, Cermaq, Mowi, and Salmones Aysen, which collectively contribute over half of Chile's salmon production. The report draws upon data from Chile's Central Bank and the National Customs Service.

Loreto Seguel, executive director of the Salmon Council, said that they see an industry that is expanding but at very moderate levels, and in a competitive world, those that do not advance fall behind.

Chile's salmon production primarily takes place in the southern regions of Los Lagos, Aysen, and Magallanes. It serves as a substantial source of employment and stands as the nation's second-largest export sector, trailing only the mining industry. According to the council's calculations, salmon represented 15.5% of Chile's total non-mining exports by value in the first half of the year. This performance slightly outperformed the average of 14.9% observed from 2017 to 2022.

Despite this growth, the industry has not yet reached the export levels recorded in the first half of 2020 when Chile dispatched 381,735 MT of salmon and trout to international markets.

- SeafoodSource




Malaysia ends suspension of live cattle imports from Australia

Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced it has been formally advised by Malaysia on September 5 that it has lifted the temporary suspension of live cattle and buffalo imports from Australia, effective immediately.

Acting Deputy Secretary of the DAFF Agricultural Trade Group Nicola Hinder said the announcement followed the provision of technical information to the Malaysian authority demonstrating Australia's freedom from lumpy skin disease (LSD).

"I reconfirm that lumpy skin disease has never been detected in Australia and we remain free from the disease," Hinder said. "Malaysia's decision to lift the suspension is welcomed by the Australian Government and industry. It's a result of a well-coordinated whole-of-government effort, led by the department's technical and trade officials who helped gather the extensive evidence base that led to this determination.

"We have been advised Malaysian authorities will commence granting import permits to industry immediately."

Indonesia's suspension of four export yards in northern Australia and additional conditions placed on cattle exported from more, put in place over the weekend, remain in place.

Hinder said Malaysia's lifting of the suspension further highlighted Australia's robust systems for the ongoing monitoring of Australia's animal disease status, including LSD.

"The department will continue to engage with stakeholders to provide the necessary assurances to our trading partners on our animal health status," Hinder added. "We thank our government partners in Malaysia for their continuous cooperation and are proud of our international partnership. We continue to learn from each other's experience to ensure best practice and results in trade resumption.

"LSD is a highly-infectious viral disease of cattle and buffalo that is transmitted by biting insects it is not a disease that poses a risk to humans. There is no cause for concern for Australian cattle producers as Australia remains LSD-free.

"Australia continues to trade livestock products internationally, including live cattle to Indonesia."

Australian Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt also released a statement welcoming Malaysia's decision.

"This is an important first step in the full restoration of this trade," Watt stated. "We have always maintained that Australia is free of lumpy skin disease, demonstrated by the results of extensive testing undertaken across Northern Australia.

"Australia also welcomes ongoing technical discussions with Indonesia."



- Beef Central




Ukrainian farmers expected to maintain winter wheat sowing area for 2024 despite export crisis



Ukrainian farmers are anticipated to keep their winter wheat sowing area stable for the 2024 harvest, despite facing heightened logistics costs due to the ongoing wartime export crisis, said a senior farming official, Fox News reported.

Ukraine, renowned for its significant wheat production, encountered disruptions in the Black Sea corridor, a crucial route for grain exports during the war. This disruption raised concerns that farmers might reduce the cultivation of winter wheat due to declining profit margins attributed to the increased costs of alternative export routes.

The country's agriculture ministry cited survey data indicating that farmers might indeed reduce the area designated for winter wheat sowing while increasing the acreage allocated to winter rape for the 2024 season, potentially reaching record levels.

Taras Vysotskiy, Ukraine's First Deputy Agriculture Minister, downplayed the potential reduction in winter wheat sowing, suggesting it might amount to only 0.1%.

He said that any expected reduction in the overall winter grain sowing area would come at the expense of other grains, with barley sowing anticipated to decline by 5.4% for the upcoming winter.

For the 2023 harvest, Ukraine sowed approximately 4.1 million hectares of winter wheat, while the area allocated for winter barley amounted to around 615,000 hectares. Winter wheat dominates Ukraine's wheat output, accounting for at least 95% of the country's total production.

Farmers have already completed the 2023 wheat harvest, yielding 21.94 million metric tons, surpassing the 20.7 million tons harvested in 2022.

Ukraine's agriculture ministry has not yet provided a forecast for the total sowing area in 2024, but it mentioned the possibility of an 8% increase, equivalent to 0.5 million hectares, in the overall winter crop sowing area compared to the previous season.

Traders have speculated that an expansion in the sowing area of winter crops, particularly winter oilseeds, could lead to a reduction in the cultivation of spring grain crops, with corn and spring barley being the most likely to be affected.

Ukraine's current export options are limited to small river ports on the Danube and its western land border with the European Union. Consequently, local producers adjusted their sowing plans in 2023, shifting from grain crops to oilseeds, which, although more expensive to cultivate, yield lower volumes.

In 2023, Ukraine had already decreased its sowing area for corn in favour of sunflowers.

- Fox News




Uruguay's meat exports return to Mexico after three years

Uruguay announced the resumption of meat exports to Mexico after three years, with 22 slaughterhouses authorised to sell beef and sheep meat to the latter for the next two years, Montevideo reported.

Mexico's National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria - SENASICA) inspected Uruguay's official veterinary service as well as eight of the applicant meat packing plants resulting in 22 clearances issued on August 29, said Uruguay's Acting Livestock Minister, Juan Ignacio Buffa.

"The Mexican market has always been relevant for Uruguayan meat production," Buffa added.

He also pointed out that exports will be carried out with a verification of the merchandise at the ports of destination, as opposed to the previous practice which required that such control be carried out by Mexican inspectors in Uruguay.

"There are well-founded expectations that a relevant commercial flow will be reestablished," Buffa said.

The announcement came amid Minerva's acquisition of three plants from competitor Marfrig.

- MercoPress




Russia not renewing Ukraine grain deal until demands on agricultural exports met

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 4 that a landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea amid the Russo-Ukraine war will not be restored until the West meets Moscow's demands on its own agricultural exports.

Ukraine and its Western allies have dismissed the Kremlin's demands as a ploy to advance its own interests.

Still, Putin's remarks dashed hopes that his talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could revive an agreement seen as vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Russia refused to extend the deal in July, complaining that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertiliser hadn't been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade, though it has shipped record amounts of wheat since last year.

Putin reiterated those complaints, while also telling reporters that if those commitments were honored, Russia could return to the deal "within days."

Erdogan also expressed hope that a breakthrough could come soon. He said Turkey and the United Nations  which both brokered the original deal  have put together a new package of proposals to unblock the issue.

"We believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time," Erdogan said at the news conference held with Putin in the Russian resort of Sochi.

Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other goods that developing nations rely on.

Data from the Joint Coordination Center in Istanbul, which organised shipments under the deal, show that 57% of the grain from Ukraine went to developing nations, with the top destination being China.

Grain prices shot up after Russia pulled out of the deal but have since fallen back, indicating that there isn't a big crunch in the market for the moment.

Putin also added that Russia was close to finalising an agreement to provide free grain to six African countries. Last month, he promised shipments to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic.

The Russian leader added that the country will ship one million tonnes of cheap grain to Turkey for processing and delivery to poor countries.



- The Associated Press
The price of Crude oil surged higher against the US Dollar (USD) this week and the persistent rally is becoming a growing concern.

As well as the continuing OPEC+ cuts, Saudi Arabia and Russia have decided to extend their voluntary cuts. This will further constrain supply while demand remains robust.

Higher oil will have an effect on a number of other economies and markets. It could weigh on the economies of energy importers such as the EU, and the Euro is already weak.

Although many commodities are under pressure this week from a stronger dollar, oil continues to buck the trend. Both WTI and Brent oil prices broke to new 2023 highs and levels not seen for nearly a year. WTI is up around 35% from the May low.

The gains come despite higher US dollar rates and are driven by several positive factors. Firstly, demand is healthy and traders expect it to remain so as the odds of a US recession are thought to be low. Technical recessions in other countries are so far shallow and oil demand is expected to stay robust.

Secondly, supply continues to be constrained. OPEC+ cuts to production remain in place and news out on Tuesday jolted markets as Russia and Saudi Arabia announced they would extend voluntary cuts. These are on top of the OPEC+ agreement and are a direct attempt to squeeze oil prices higher and  in the case of Russia  put pressure on the West.

Heres Reuters with the details:

Saudi Arabia will extend its voluntary oil output cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for another three months until the end of December 2023, state news agency SPA said on Tuesday, citing an energy ministry official.

Russia extended its voluntary decision to reduce its oil exports by 300,000 bpd to the end of this year, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in a statement on Tuesday.

So far, the announcement has had the desired effect. Oil was already trading at new 2023 highs, and then jumped a further 3% on the news. Some of the move has since faded, but the fundamental backdrop likely means dips are bought.

Higher oil prices have an impact on a number of correlated markets. The correlations are not always linear, but when prices increase quickly or persistently, the effect is often more apparent. An obvious example comes from the Canadian Dollar, which tends to outperform when oil prices are high as Canada is a large energy exporter.

The US is energy independent which means the US dollar should also outperform at the expense of large energy importers. These include the EU, Japan and Turkey, all of which are already seeing currency weakness. Heres ING with some thoughts on the Euro:

...the supply-driven spike in energy, [is] reviving fears of last summer's negative terms of trade story for the euro. In practice, that meant the eurozone's traditional trade surpluses turned into deficits and the euro got hammered. With natural gas prices still very subdued, this energy story will not hit the euro as hard as last year, but it remains unwelcome.

One of the problems is no-one knows where this oil rally will stop, and nervous traders will be reminded of last year and avoid the Euro. EURUSD has already broken key technical levels and looks set to drop further should the current backdrop persist.

One possible saviour for the Euro comes from the ECB meeting next week which may deliver a hawkish surprise. Markets are only assigning a 25% probability of a hike, which seems low and means a hike would give a decent boost to Euro exchange rates. However, higher oil gives the ECB even more to think about and hiking into weak economic data and an energy rally may be too much to ask.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023

JUNE 12, 1968 | NEAR AP GO CONG, BINH DUONG PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

A four-man long-range reconnaissance team saw through its night-vision scope that it was completely surrounded by hostile forces on a mission northeast of Saigon. Army attack helicopter pilot Larry Taylor responded to their call for support.

Taylor and his wingman arrived in AH-1G Cobra helicopter gunships to provide support.

Despite intense ground fire, Taylor and his wingman strafed the enemy with mini-guns and aerial rockets for 45 minutes. When they ran low on ammunition and the enemy was closing in, Taylor realized that the planned evacuation route was too dangerous for the four Soldiers. Instead, he came up with a daring plan to extract them using his two-man Cobra helicopter, an unprecedented and risky maneuver.

Taylor directed his wingman to cover one flank of the patrol team while he covered the other, using his Cobras landing lights to draw enemy fire. The patrol team headed to an extraction point, and Taylor landed his Cobra under heavy enemy fire, allowing the Soldiers to board by sitting on rocket-pods and skids. He then carried them to safety before landing them on the ground.

Lt. Larry L. Taylors extraordinary gallantry, selflessness, and disregard for his own safety in rescuing his fellow Soldiers, in a situation never before attempted, reflect the highest traditions of military service and bring great credit to himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Taylor was awarded a Silver Star for his actions that night. That award will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor on September 5.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 6, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Just like adults, kids face daily stressors.

Luckily, a new study suggests that teaching them creative thinking can help them manage it all.

Researchers found that when school-age children learned some "narrative creativity" techniques -- such as shifting your perspective and imagining "what if" scenarios -- they quickly became better problem-solvers.

After a week-long creativity camp, or even just a single lesson, kids showed more confidence in their ability to face life's daily problems and come up with a "plan B" when necessary.

The study was small, based on 60 kids attending the same summer camp. But experts said the findings just make sense.

When kids can think flexibly, they are less likely to "panic" in the face of challenge, said study author Angus Fletcher, a professor at Ohio State University.

Instead of simply giving up, he said, they are more apt to hunt for alternative solutions -- a capacity called resilience.

"Kids have some of the same daily challenges that adults do," Fletcher said. "Their biggest problems aren't in math, they're in interacting with other kids."

Yet, Fletcher noted, schools typically focus on test scores rather than life skills.

Meanwhile, parents, however well-intentioned, can also get in the way -- if they rush to fix their child's dilemma or tell them the "correct" solution.

"It's very challenging for some parents to resist that," Fletcher said. "But you should try to create an environment where you allow your children to do it their way."

"The world your child is facing is different from the one you did growing up," he added. "You need to teach them to be problem-solvers, rather than program them with the 'correct' answers."

The findings, published recently in the Journal of Creativity, come from two small studies, each of children at a summer camp in Ohio. All were in third through fifth grade.

In one study, the researchers divided 32 kids into two groups. One had a crash course in narrative creativity, while the other served as a comparison group. Kids in the creativity group were asked to think of someone in their lives with a special skill and consider that person their "creative friend" who could give advice when they're in a scrape.

That tactic, Fletcher said, is known as perspective switching -- the ability to look at a problem through someone else's eyes.

Next came the "problem" challenge. Kids in both groups were asked to think of a problem in their own lives; some responses included "my dad has to be away for two months" and "my sister bullies me." They were also given a hypothetical problem to ponder (being unable to attend a friend's birthday party, for example).

All of the children were tasked with devising possible solutions to those dilemmas; those in creativity group were specifically told to imagine the advice their friend might give.

In the end, Fletcher's team found, nearly all of the children in the creativity group were able to conjure up potential solutions. In contrast, most kids in the comparison group were not: Fewer than half came up with answers to the hypothetical problem -- and not one had a solution to their own real-life challenge.

In the second study, involving another 28 kids, the researchers tested a 10-hour creativity training program spaced out over five days. Besides perspective-switching, the training taught kids to come up with "what if" scenarios and, when frustrated by a task, to take a step back and think about their broader goals.

The results were similar to those seen in the first study: After the training, every child was able to come up with not one, but two, plans to attack both hypothetical and real-life problems.

Anand Patel is a child psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. He said the findings resonated with him because he uses similar tactics with children who have anxiety or depression.

Those kids, Patel said, are essentially in a "stuck" way of thinking, and the goal is to get them "unstuck."

"I try to help kids take on a different perspective," Patel said. That, he added, could mean asking them to step outside of themselves and think, "What if this were my friend feeling this way? How would I help them?"

What's interesting about this study, Patel said, is that it focused on healthy kids in their everyday lives.

It's true that old-fashioned free play gives room for creative thinking. But the reality is, kids today are fixated on devices rather than face-to-face interactions, both Fletcher and Patel said.

And play time on devices, Fletcher noted, is different from the old-school kind.

"Kids are getting really good at these digital tasks," he said. "But that's much simpler than real life."

So, it's more important than ever to help kids develop the creative thinking they need to navigate life, both experts said.

It's not, however, only children who can learn to think more creatively. The course kids took in this study, Fletcher said, was similar to one his team has used for resilience-building among U.S. Army Special Forces units.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more on screen-free activities for kids.

SOURCES: Angus Fletcher, PhD, professor, English, Ohio State University, Columbus; Anand Patel, PsyD, child psychologist, Pediatric Behavioral Health Integration Program, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City; Journal of Creativity, Aug. 4, 2023, online
Chinese automaker Xpeng to sell electric cars in Israel

Xinhua) 13:14, September 06, 2023

JERUSALEM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Xpeng Motor's models will be sold in Israel, according to a statement issued by the Israeli car dealership Freesbe on Tuesday.

The statement follows a previous announcement by the Chinese company about reaching a strategic partnership with Freesbe for sales and service in the Israeli market.

The start of sales, expected next month, will include Xpeng's compact executive sedan P7 and the mid-sized luxury SUV G9 models, according to the statement.

The basic version of the P7 model offers a battery with a capacity of 81 kWh that enables a driving range of 586 km, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The G9 features a 98-kWh battery and a total range of about 700 km, with an option to charge a range of 200 km in just five minutes. It has powerful acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and includes innovative autonomous driving capabilities.

Chinese electric cars have become popular in Israel in recent years, and two of the automakers, BYD and Geely Auto Group, topped Israel's EV sales in the first eight months of 2023.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Expectant parents are typically filled with excitement as they prepare to welcome their newborn into the world.

Amid this excitement, a pivotal decision looms large: choosing the perfect pediatrician for your baby.

This choice will shape your child's health care journey, so here are some expert tips and pediatrician interview questions to aid you in selecting the right pediatrician doctor.

What is a pediatrician?

A pediatrician, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, is a doctor who specializes in the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Their care begins at birth and continues through a child's 21st birthday, or even longer if necessary. Pediatricians play a crucial role in preventing, detecting and managing many physical, behavioral and developmental issues that affect children.

You might wonder about the difference between pediatricians and family practice doctors.

A board-certified pediatrician has spent three years of residency training exclusively working with and learning about children's health care and passed an examination covering these topics from birth, through adolescence and into early adulthood," noted Dr. Kelly Henchel, medical director of Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.

A board-certified family practice doctor has spent the same three years learning about health care in all people from birth through adulthood, aging and end-of-life care, and has passed an examination covering all of these topics. Both groups can provide primary care for children, she added.

Further, In the first year of life, infants will see their pediatrician for at least seven well-care visits," Henchel noted. "From the first birthday until 3 years, they will be seen an additional six times for well-care and then yearly following that.

How to choose a pediatrician for your child

Pediatricians care only for children, which allows the entire practice to be tailored to fit the needs of the parents and children, Henchel noted. Pediatricians focus on all of the factors that allow children to develop into the best version of themselves, including safety, nutrition, developmentally appropriate anticipatory guidance, immunizations, screening tests and growth.

It is natural, however, for parents to want to find the best pediatrician for their child.

Tips to finding the best pediatrician for your child and their needs

Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is a significant decision, and the Cleveland Clinic offers valuable guidance on how to go about it effectively. Here are some essential steps to help you find the best pediatrician for your child's needs:

Step 1: Ask people you trust

Start by seeking recommendations from friends, family members or coworkers who have children and whose opinions you respect. Your obstetrician may also provide valuable recommendations based on their knowledge and expertise if you're expecting.

Step 2: Scan the pediatrician's website

Use the internet to gather basic information about pediatricians in your area. Many pediatricians have their own practice websites or are listed on health system websites. Here, you can discover crucial details such as:

The doctor's medical background and training

Years of experience

Office hours and location

Languages spoken

Collaborations with other health care providers

Step 3: Meet the pediatricians you're considering

Narrow down your choices to two or three pediatricians and arrange meetings with each one. Most pediatricians offer virtual or in-person interviews at little or no cost. During these meetings, ask questions about:

Office location and accessibility

Availability of after-hours care

The presence of other providers at the office

Alignment with your child's specific health care needs

How they address topics important to your family

Hospital affiliations

Accepted insurance plans

Board certifications

By following these steps, you can make a well-informed decision when selecting a pediatrician who will provide the best care for your child's health and well-being.

Questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician doctor

Henchel suggests, Parents should ask if vaccines are given in the practice so that they do not need to arrange separate visits for them. They should ask about the hours and days the practice is open and the after-hours options for advice or triaging of a sick child.

"They also may like to know if there are any learners [medical students or pediatric residents] involved in the practice as these visits can be more time-consuming, but also help ensure the pediatricians are up to date in their care recommendations as they are helping to train the next generation of providers," she said.

Follow your gut when selecting the best pediatrician for your child

In the United States, there are approximately 33,430 pediatricians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's important to recognize that not all pediatricians are the same.

By asking pertinent questions, ensuring alignment with your values and trusting your instincts, you can help ensure that your child is in capable and compassionate hands.

Resources

Kelly Henchel, MD, medical director, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cleveland Clinic: Pediatrician

Cleveland Clinic: How to Pick the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 29-1221 Pediatricians, General
Get 4 Weeks of Farm and Dairy Home Delivered Sign Up for your FREE Trial
Asda has become the first British retailer to stock salad grown in vertical farms in a move to 'improve sustainability'.

The supermarket chain announced today (6 September) it would stock a range of bagged salad nationally and online.

According to the retailer, the salad is grown using 90% less water than 'traditional farming', while powered by '100% renewable energy'.

The salad range, called 'Homegrown', is grown in a vertical farm based in Gloucestershire.

They are grown in trays, stacked vertically, and are exposed to 'optimum growing conditions', Asda said.

By using temperature control and artificial lighting, the salad range can "achieve year-round crop production while reducing water, chemicals used and land use".

The Homegrown salad range includes 80g mixed salad, 60g rocket and 80g hot & peppery cress.

Dom Edwards, Asda produce director said: Were delighted to be the first British retailer supplying a vertically farmed bagged salad range at this kind of scale, enabling customers to buy nationally and online.

"As well as clear sustainability benefits, the salad leaves arent subject to adverse weather  resulting in better availability and more consistent quality for our customers.

It comes after an indoor farming company secured an unknown amount of funding to develop a new 140,000sq ft vertical farm in south London.

The expansion of Harvest Londons production capacity was driven by the "increasing need for locally grown produce".
A woman who repeatedly failed to keep her dogs under control, including around livestock, has been convicted at court.

Livia Morvay, 65, was sentenced at Hastings Magistrates Court on 15 August for livestock worrying and nine breaches of her Community Protection Notice.

An investigation by Sussex Polices Rural Crime Team began in 2020 after members of the local community reported multiple incidents of her dogs being out of control.

In total, there were 27 reports of her dogs worrying livestock, knocking people over, and chasing other dogs.

Morvay, from Heathfield, was arrested and charged with livestock worrying on three separate occasions and issued with a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice.

These required her to ensure her dogs wore a muzzle when being walked in public, however she continued to breach the conditions of these orders.

In August, Morvay was convicted of nine breaches of the Community Protection Notice and fined 600 for each breach, totalling 5,400.

She was also ordered to pay 300 compensation to one of the victims and 190 to the court.

Morvay was also given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prevents her from keeping or controlling any dog for five years. If caught doing so, she could be arrested and face a prison sentence of up to five years.

Sergeant Jon Attfield, of the Rural Crime Team, said this case was a reminder of the importance of responsible dog ownership.

Morvays actions caused significant harm to the agricultural and rural community, to other dog owners and to members of the public," he said.

She did not take responsibility for her dogs, repeatedly ignoring the requirements of orders imposed by the court, and she has now been fined and banned as a result.

We hope this sends a message to any other irresponsible dog owners that police and the courts will take action against those who fail to keep their dogs under control.
Vaping shrinks men's testicles.

Vaping causes men's testicles to shrink

Scientists have warned that smoking e-cigarettes has a disastrous impact on male reproduction as it also lowers both libido and sperm count.

Experts from Turkey tested the impact of e-cigarettes on the testicle size and sperm of male rats - which have anatomical and genetic similarities to humans.

They measured how much sperm the rodents produced and what their testicles looked like under a microscope.

However, regular cigarettes - which have long been linked to male infidelity - are even worse in terms of disrupting sexual function.

The team from Sivas Cumhuriyet University wrote: "It should be considered that although (e-cigarette) liquid has been introduced as harmless in smoking cessation studies, it could increase oxidative stress and cause morphological changes in the testicle."

However, the study is limited as it was only conducted on rats and the authors want to probe extensively into the effects of vaping on male humans.
Belgium's Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta have welcomed their third child into the world.

Archduchess Alix of Austria-Este (c) Twitter

The couple - who married in July 2014 - are "delighted" to have another daughter after little Alix, a sibling for Anna-Astrid, seven, and three-year-old Maximilian, was born on Saturday (02.09.23).

Alongside a picture of the baby, the Belgian Royal Palace tweeted: "Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Alix. She was born in Brussels on Saturday 2 September, weighs 3.4 kg and, like her mother, is doing well. Their families share in this great happiness."

Although Alix will be ninth in the line of succession to the Belgian throne, she will not be titled Princess but instead will be known as Archduchess Alix of Austria-Este.

Her father, Amedeo, who is the eldest son of Princess Astrid and the first grandchild of former King Albert and Queen Paola, is sixth in the order.

King Philippe currently holds the Belgian throne and he will be succeeded by Princess Elisabeth, who will be the nation's first-ever female ruler by birth thanks to legislation passed a decade before she was born, which meant a daughter wouldn't be overtaken in the line of succession in favour of a younger male sibling.

Three years ago, the Princess began preparing for life on the throne by starting her military training at Brussels' Royal Military Academy.

She said in a speech to mark her 18th birthday: "These 18 years have been filled with many rewarding moments that have made me the person I am today.

"[It is] a step that I take with great optimism. I realise that I still have a lot to learn. I will also focus on that in the coming years: trying to understand the world better  and helping to improve it, by giving the best of myself.

The country can count on me."
Dame Emma Thompson is planning to fulfil a life-long dream by moving to Venice.

Emma Thompson is hoping to move to Venice full time after buying a house there

The 'Love Actually' star has revealed she's longed to live in the Italian city since she was a child and she's now one-step closer to a permanent move there after snapping up a property where she can spend several months of the year before settling in the city full-time.

According to the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column, she told Italian publication Il Gazzettino: "Since I was a child I have dreamed of living in a magical place like Venice.

"Now, I have realised my dream. I have moved into a house in the city and when I can, I spend at least two or three months there. And, in the meantime, I'm studying Italian, which I want to know and speak as best as possible."

Emma insisted she still officially lives in London so she can help look after her elderly mother, but she does hope to relocate to Venice for a whole year.

She added: "I still live in London, in the same street as my children and my mother, who is 91 years old and needs me, but my greatest desire is to settle in Venice for the whole year. Meanwhile, I'm happy to be able to enjoy the city for at least a couple of months."

It comes three years after the 64-year-old actress was made an honourary citizen of Venice alongside her husband Greg Wise.

The title has no legal status but at the time deputy mayor of Venice Simone Venturini insisted he was thrilled to honour the couple's connection to the city. He said: "They wanted to be resident citizens to come and live in Venice. They bought in the historic centre, not a 'second home'. She was very happy and said that she loves Venice very much. They told me they are attending Italian courses. We are truly happy and proud to have Emma Thompson and Greg Wise as our fellow citizens, for what they represent and for the love they show for Venice."
The man accused of stalking Drew Barrymore has a warrant out for his arrest.

Drew Barrymore's stalker didn't attend the fitting

A bench warrant has been issued after Chad Michael Busto, 43, after he failed to attend a fitting for his GPS monitor.

As reported by TMZ, a Southampton Town Justice Court judge issued the judge after he didn't show up to have the monitor fitted.

Having the GPS was conditional after Busto was arrested last month after showing up to Barrymore's Long Island, New York home without an invite just days after he showed up during a speaking engagement.

It meant she was whisked off stage in New York City, and he was taken into custody on August 23 and later charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree stalking.

According to the outlet, he had been seen scouring the Hamptons neighbourhood looking for her $6 million home.

It's said the 48-year-old actress was not at home at the time of his arrest.

Two days earlier, he had charged at the stage she was on during a live interview with Renee Rapp at New York City's 92nd Street Y venue.

As reported by the New York Post, he shouted: "You know who I am! I need to see you at some point while you're in New York!"

A security guard restrained him and prevented him from getting on stage.

The outlet reported that according to police sources Busto has a 'lengthy criminal record' ranging from 1999 and January 2022, including criminal trespass, harassment, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, indecent exposure and theft.

At a Southampton Town Justice Court hearing on August 25, Judge Barbara Wilson released him under the condition he was to be fitted with a GPS cracker.

He told the court he was bankrupt and planning to live at a shelter, with a September 3 hearing reportedly set for federal court in Texas.

Meanwhile, a source said: "Drew feels good, feels safe, and even at the moment, it happened so fast she was OK and didn't stress about it.

"She has moved on from the incident as she
Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner has vowed to get a job following her divorce from the Hollywood actor.

Kevin Costner's estranged wife Christine Baumgartner is planning to go back to school and get a job

The couple - who have been married for almost 20 years - are moving forward with divorce proceedings following their split in the spring and during a two-day court hearing over Baumgartner's child support payments she revealed she plans to return to her education and enter the workforce.

According to PEOPLE, the former model/handbag designer told a court in Santa Barbara, California: "I will look into the steps I need to take and any schooling I need to do, and I will enter the workforce."

Costner - who has three children with Baumgartner - also talked about his future plans, telling the court: "I have to take care of obligations that are already in place, I have a lot of responsibilities I have to take care of.

"I need to figure out how Im going to spend more time with the children, walk them through this process. I am going to need to take some time for myself. ... I have a lot to contemplate - what I have to do versus what I want to do."

The former couple are parents to Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13, and after the court hearing a judge slashed Baumgartner's child support payments - ordering 'The Bodyguard' star to pay her $63,209 a month instead of the $161,592 she asked for.

Speaking after the two-day hearing concluded, Costner told Access Hollywood following his win: This is a horrible place to be, but this is where were at. It feels so bad. Were talking about somebody I love on the other side. I just cant. When the outlet asked whether Costner still has love for his estranged wife, he replied: Of course.

The Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves actor stressed he wasnt "laughing about their divorce proceedings despite cracking a joke on the stand. Baumgartners attorney had accused Costner of making more money than he previously stated, with him quipping, Well have to have a treasure hunt to find it.

Baumgartner filed for divorce in May and their official date of separation was listed as April 11.
Miley Cyrus was filming 'Black Mirror' when her house burned down.

Miley Cyrus was filming Black Mirror at the time

The 30-year-old star has reflected on being in South Africa shooting scenes for her role as Ashley O in the 'Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too' episode of the Netflix anthology sci-fi horror series when her $2.525 million Malibu home burned down in the 2018 Woolsey fire.

Speaking in her new TikTok series 'Used To Be Young', she said: 'I was in South Africa, but it was taking place in Malibu. So it was just a real trip.

'Like probably two or three years later after this happened, I didn't understand, but I would have this anxiety attack with the vision attached that I would be strapped down to a gurney.

'So I would have these dreams anytime I would go to perform and I thought that was just an anxious vision that made no sense, but actually as my house was burning down I was strapped to a gurney with my hands locked in handcuffs strapped to a bed.'

The day after her home was destroyed in the blaze, she was on set filming her pop star character's 'On A Roll' fictional music video.

She added: "The show must go on."

The 'Flowers' hitmaker lived in the property with her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth before it burned down in the California wildfires nearly five years ago, and in spite of their split, Miley still has very fond memories of living there.

She said in a recent TikTok video: "The 'Meet Miley Cyrus' record was really where I started writing my own songs as a solo artist. And so I was working with a producer in Malibu that lived in a house in Ramirez Canyon, which I would've never known 15 years later I would be living in that house, which would eventually burn down.

"That house had so much magic to it. It ended up really changing my life."
To read the full story, become a PRIME member today.

PRIME Unlimited Access to

Insightful Industry Information

All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials.
A cargo vessel recently left Nansha Port in Guangzhou in Guangdong province for Brazil, marking the first regular direct shipping route from the southern Chinese port to South Americas eastern coast.

The Tian Le V.42, operated by Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based China Cosco Shipping Corp, was loaded with high value-added goods.

The vessel will dock in Victoria and Santos, Brazil, before heading to the port of Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico.

A cargo vessel recently left Nansha Port in Guangzhou in Guangdong province for Brazil, marking the first regular direct shipping route from the southern Chinese port to South America's east coast. It will dock in Victoria and Santos, Brazil, before heading to the port of Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico. At least eight multipurpose vessels will operate in the route.

It is the fifth global marine route freshly designated for BRICS countries, helping to expand trade channels between enterprises in South American and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, port authorities were cited as saying by an official media outlet.

At least eight multipurpose vessels will operate in the route, providing two-way direct import and export services between China and South America, port authorities said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Japan and Turkiye recently signed a cooperation agreement to promote trade, investment and economic partnership.

Signed by Turkish trade minister Omer Bolat and Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry Yasutoshi Nishimura in Istanbul, the agreement includes holding a trade and investment summit, accelerating economic partnership and expanding cooperation in third countries.

Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry Yasutoshi Nishimura and Turkish trade minister Omer Bolat recently signed a cooperation agreement in Istanbul to promote trade, investment and economic partnership. A trade and investment summit will be organised in Tokyo, economic partnership will be accelerated and cooperation in third countries would be expanded.

The summit is planned to be organised in Tokyo soon.

Bolat and Nishimura also discussed bilateral economic ties, the former was quoted as saying by Turkish media reports.

Both sides aim to raise economic ties to the level of strategic partnership, Nishimura said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha will be married in a matter of days, making it one of the most anticipated weddings in B-town. In May, the couple had a ceremony to announce their engagement. Parineeti and Raghav recently travelled to Rajasthan to look for a wedding venue. Their wedding will be held in Udaipur later in September. Now, a recent report has provided fresh updates.According to reports in a leading news portal, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha are going to host a week of wedding celebrations in Rajasthan's Udaipur and even though Parineeti is busy with work currently, "shes been planning the wedding day in, day out."According to the report, the couple is set to start their wedding celebrations on September 17, 2023. The Leela Palace Udaipur will host the events. The source also revealed that the couples close family and friends will be staying at the venue while the other guests will be staying in luxury properties around the venue. We also know that its going to be a Punjabi wedding. The celebrations will end on September 24, 2023.As many politicians are expected to attend the wedding, the hotels have been instructed to strengthen security measures.It was earlier revealed about the wedding that Parineeti and Raghav want to keep it as traditional and intimate as possible. Family traditions and rituals are a big part of both families. A glimpse of this was seen during their engagement.On the work front, Parineeti will be seen with Diljit Dosanjh in Imtiaz Alis Chamkila next.
There is no denying that Nayanthara, the leading lady of south Indian cinema, holds a significant position in the film industry. After becoming a highly successful actress down South, she's making her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. But did you know, this powerhouse performer turned down a lucrative offer to star opposite Bollywood's 'King Khan back in 2013?

Nayanthara's Rise to Stardom

A hardworking actress and a relentless dream-chaser, Nayanthara rose to prominence with performances that not just won her accolades, but also established her as a powerhouse of talent.

Nayanthara and Her Choice of Films

Today, with her remarkable choices, Nayanthara puts forth a modern and emancipated image of an Indian woman, often doing women-centric films and shattering several stereotypes.

Chennai Express  A Lucrative Proposal

Did you know Rohit Shetty had reached out to Nayanthara for Chennai Express? Well, the filmmaker had approached her to feature in the film's popular song One Two Three Four. Yes, you read that right! Interestingly, the song eventually went to South actress Priyamani, who is also a part of Jawan.

Nayanthara's Surprising Refusal

Surprisingly, Nayanthara turned down the offer, emphasizing her interest in working only with projects that met her criteria of strong, meaningful roles, even if it meant saying no to Shah Rukh Khan.

Conclusion

Though Nayantharas refusal to work with SRK came as a shock to many, this event presents a valuable insight into Nayantharas character. Strong-willed and steadfast in her vision, she continues to push the boundaries and amaze the audience with her exceptional on-screen performances. Now, fans are excited to watch her in Jawan.
Imagine an actor putting on 8kgs of weight for a role, then reducing it for another project and repeatedly doing this , before every schedule.. Spending innumerable hours with army officers in their offices and barracks, understanding the uniform, protocols, hierarchy in the armed forces,having never ending discussions with their families about life, their duty and even politics... All of this to play an Indian army colonel from 1971 in what is now : one of the most successful Hindi films of all time: Gadar2!

..and then to have highly decorated and reputed real life colonels validate and appreciate his hardwork for portraying the character accurately and authentically on screen. .

The highly acclaimed Bollywood and Hollywood actor Gaurav Chopra played col Rawat ,a young patriotic Indian colonel in Gadar 2, and is winning hearts and 'seetis' for his new look, performance and dialogues.

He never imagined that there would be such an outpouring of love for his portrayal of an upright and honest army officer in the film. But for Gaurav Chopra, the cherry on the cake was to get appreciation from colonel Surinder Singh and colonel Ranveer Jamwaal along with many other officers and jawans from the Indian army, who loved his performance and his authenticity on screen when the magnum opus film was screened specially for the Ministry of Defense and Indian army officials in Delhi.

Mr. Surinder Singh, who mentored Gaurav during the shooting of the film, has been continuously passing on congratulatory messages from the army with personal pride.

He said, "I am part of the process of the film from day one as a consultant, and i must say that Gaurav Chopra has blown the screen with the genuine portrayal of the army colonel. "

" I must complement Gaurav for the real portrayal of an army colonel. All the jawans and officers present during the screening really praised Mr. Chopra for adopting and getting into the skin of an army officer with almost 100% accuracy."

Narrating an incident, Surinder Singh said, "During the shooting of the film we were walking in the YOL cantonment area near Dharamshala and Mr. Gaurav Chopra was wearing a vintage army uniform of a colonel. Some of the real soldiers were crossing us when they saw him and they actually saluted him! They forgot that the uniform this gentleman is wearing is no longer worn by the army officers but the way he was carrying himself in that uniform, everybody thought he was a real army colonel. I was quite happy after witnessing this incident and I could see the sense of achievement on Gaurav's face."

Colonel Ranveer Jamwaal is known to conquer Mount Everest thrice, he also conquered 7 summits of the world and he is right now heading the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga Abhiyaan' through which Indian Army is conquering the highest peaks of 28 states of India, for which he happened to be in Maharashtra and specially wanted to congratulate Gaurav for looking and depicting as authentically as possible. He did so by gifting Gaurav his valueable time, precious stories from his own experiences and a momento from his mission . He said that the army felt pride when they saw Gaurav on screen because it felt so real and that Gaurav displayed the honourable intent of duty and nation above everything and everyone else to perfection.

Gaurav said. "It was really gratifying and satisfying to know that all the efforts of getting that I put for almost two years has now touched so many hearts.

I believe actors are blessed with many lives.. living them to the fullest, with utmost sincerity, for them to come alive on screen is what I aim for when I work on my craft. And this time, it was an honour to represent India as a nation and the Indian army on screen in a magnum opus like Gadar 2. Now that this praise is coming from stalwarts and well respected personalities nothing can match that feeling of honour and satisfaction. It will always be the biggest award for me. "
After having made an appearance in Netflix's 'Khakee: The Bihar Chapter', Avinash Tiwari is now gearing up for two upcoming releases. One being 'Kaala', set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar, the other one is the eagerly awaited 'Bambai Meri Jaan' on Prime Video whose trailer has already been released. With his outstanding performances, Avinash has always resonated with audiences across a wide range of genres. What distinguishes Avinash is his remarkable versatility - his seamless transitions between roles, genres, and platforms showcase his unwavering commitment to his craft. Currently, he is eagerly anticipating the simultaneous release of two different projects on two distinct platforms within a span of just two days.

Avinash is all set to come up with a badass character in 'Bambai Meri Jaan' and now he is here to express his experience of playing it, "My character from Bambai Meri Jaan is one of the most badass characters you'll see and remember on screen. I have had the best time shooting for it, right from prepping for it, to actually playing the character. The character is full of power, and to embody that sort of a character, was one of the hardest challenges I faced, but it is sure that when the audience experiences it, they will experience every bit of my hard work, on their screens and in their hearts! The impact Dara has on his people, is something which will just make you feel the vibrations! The character speaks power, speaks authority, speaks mastery and so much more. The audience will feel the strong impact the character makes in every scene. As they say Dara literally is 'Bambai ka Naya Badshaah'. Watching this is going to be a delight and the audiences will hands down agree on this!"

Avinash's ascent to fame in the digital landscape underscores his capacity to evolve with the shifting dynamics of the industry. His endeavors have generated anticipation and enthusiasm, with viewers eagerly looking forward to the chance to witness his artistic talents in action once more.
Embarking on a remarkable odyssey that unfolds from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the captivating landscapes of Latin America, Saurabh Monga has evolved into a revered cinematographer with a global resonance.

Saurabh Monga's passage, shaped by his earlier ventures such as "Agra," and culminating in the recent Netflix release "Kohrra," is a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic maturation. Returning to India from the United States at the tender age of 20, Saurabh's passion for cinema ignited his journey. Over time, his quest took him to Latin America at the age of 26, where he meticulously honed his craft. During this transformative period, absorbing and traveling between the cultural landscapes of India and the West, he contributed to an array of projects including notable feature films like "The Gold-Laden Sheep & the Sacred Mountain," "Candela," and also lent his expertise to short films like "La Carga," "El Destetado," "Tiznao," all while actively participating in the creation of 'Kohrra,' back in India.

Reflecting on his trajectory from these earlier projects to "Kohrra," Saurabh shared, "It's been a surreal experience. The four-year wait for 'Agra' to release was rewarded with its premiere at Cannes. Interestingly, 'Kohhra' came to me unexpectedly. I was on the brink of finalizing another project when Sudip approached me. I had just 48 hours to decide. 'Kohrra' resonated with me, and within three days, I found myself on a flight to Ludhiana. With only three weeks at hand, I immersed myself in scouting, absorbed Randeep's vision, and grasped the essence of the project. I was fortunate that Sudip, Randeep, and I clicked so well."

Drawing a parallel between the professional landscapes of India and the West, Saurabh pointed out, "While the emphasis on preparation might not be as pronounced in India, for me, cinematography is a vessel for storytelling, and a robust collaboration with the director serves as the cornerstone. Interestingly, this practice holds true not only in the Western context but also here in India, where directors often gravitate towards sustained collaborations with the same cinematographers, fostering a seamless creative symbiosis."

The appreciation that followed "Kohrra" deeply touched Saurabh. As industry stalwarts like Karan Johar, Deepa Mehta, and Mira Nair applauded the series, he experienced a mixture of excitement and humility.

Reflecting on the changing landscape of storytelling, Saurabh added, "The evolution of Indian filmmaking is exciting. People now recognize cinematography and understand its importance. It's heartening to see the media discussing various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, background scores, and cinematography."

Following the success of "Kohrra," Saurabh's upcoming projects promise to showcase his skill in creating a unique interplay of light and shadow, crafting narratives that resonate universally.
Bigg Boss Tamil 7 Confirmed Contestants List: Fans have been expressing their desire to see actress Roshini Haripriyan in the Tamil Bigg Boss show for the last two seasons. In this case, it has been reported that she will definitely participate in this 7th season.

Two Bigg Boss Voices With Two Houses

Bigg Boss has been entertaining people for the past 7 years. In that way, this year too, the official announcement about Bigg Boss show was released a few days back.

In the first promo, Kamal Haasan just gave one sharp look without saying anything and the Bigg Boss team has increased the fans' expectations by saying there will be two houses for this season in the next promo. They have also announced that this season Bigg Boss can be watched live 24 hours a day on Disney Plus Hotstar.

Apart from that, we are used to hearing only one Bigg Boss voice, this season we are going to hear two Bigg Boss voices. Acoordingly, a female Bigg Boss and a male Bigg Boss is expected to entertain us. It has been reported that Darsha Gupta, Bablu, Vijay TV DJ Black, Uma Riaz, Jacqueline, Coimbatore female bus driver Sharmila, Raveena Taha, Sridevi Vijayakumar, actor Yuthan Balaja are participating in the event.

Roshini Haripriyan Is Confirmed?

Roshini Haripriyan, the heroine of Vijay TV's popular serial Bharathi Kannamma, is recently added in the list of confirmed participants this season. Fans have been waiting for him for the last 2 seasons and this season their expectations are going to be fulfilled.

Roshini Haripriyan is a tamil girl. Born and brought up in Chennai, she completed her graduation from Ethiraj College, Chennai. She became famous by playing the role of Kannamma in Bharati Kannamma serial. She acted as Kannamma in this serial which started in 2019 till 2021. After that she left the serial. However, apart from the serial, she also participated as a cook in Vijay TV's Cooku with Comali.
Vijay Cameo In Jawan Confirmed? Information is spreading in cinema circles that actor Vijay has done a cameo role in Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan.

Vijay With Shah Rukh Khan

Jawan is directed by famous Tamil director Atlee. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is playing the hero. The film will hit the screens tomorrow (September 7). It has been reported that actor Vijay is playing a cameo role in this film. At this stage, people in the film circles have released some information about Vijay's character.

Nayanthara is playing the lead role in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan. Atlee has become a popular director in India despite directing only a few films in Tamil cinema. This is his first Bollywood film. Jawan is releasing in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu languages.

Entire Indian film fans are eagerly waiting to watch Jawan. The reason for this is Tamil director Atlee joining hands with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan's films were not released for 5 years. In such a situation, a few months ago the film Pathan was released and it was well received by fans across the globe.

His next film is Jawan and it is said that Shah Rukh Khan has taken on an avatar that he has never done before in this film. Not only that, Atlee, who last directed Bigil in 2019, has not directed any other film in Tamil since then. He has been completely focused on the film Jawan for four years. Due to this, the fans have high expectations on the film.

Vijay's Character Name LEAKED?

When the announcement of Jawan came out, there was talk of actor Vijay playing a cameo role in the film. Vijay's character was not seen in the preview released a few weeks ago. However, it has footage of someone fighting with his face covered. Fans doubted whether this was Vijay. Actor Vijay's cameo was talked about, and Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone was also said to play a cameo role in it. As mentioned, she has acted in a cameo role in the film. So, Vijay is also believed to be in this film.

Some people in the film circles have released information about Vijay's name and the duration he appears in Jawan. According to the current reports, Vijay's name in Jawan is said to be Dharmeshwar. According to the information, Vijay's scene has been included for 1 minute in this film. Fans are in awe of this news.

As in the Hollywood film industry, Tamil cinema is also developing separate multiverses and universes. Lokesh Kanagaraj is the creator of the LCU. Now there are reports that like him, Atlee is also creating a separate universe with Jawan.
In a city as dynamic as Brisbane, businesses need a digital marketing partner that understands their unique challenges and aspirations.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / As the business landscape continues to evolve, local companies in Brisbane are leveraging Zib Digital's strategic SEO expertise to achieve unprecedented growth. As the leading digital marketing agency Brisbane-wide, Zib Digital is at the forefront of propelling businesses to success through its tailored and innovative SEO solutions.

In the fast-paced digital environment, the significance of a strong online presence cannot be overstated. This is where Zib Digital steps in, offering cutting-edge SEO strategies specifically designed for Brisbane-based businesses. With a proven track record, Zib Digital has earned its reputation as the go-to SEO agency Brisbane-wide, providing businesses with the tools they need to not only survive but thrive in the competitive online market.

According to Zib Digital, SEO is the driving force behind enhancing a company's visibility on search engines. As more consumers turn to online platforms for their needs, businesses must adapt to remain relevant. Zib Digital's expertise in this field enables them to craft bespoke strategies that align with the unique goals and values of each business they work with.

"Zib Digital understands that success in the digital age requires more than just a website - it demands a strategic and data-driven approach," said a spokesperson from Zib Digital. "Our team of seasoned professionals has a deep understanding of the Brisbane business landscape and we harness the power of SEO to unlock new opportunities for growth."

Zib Digital's approach goes beyond simple keyword optimization. Their comprehensive strategy encompasses website optimization, content enrichment, local SEO and much more. This holistic methodology ensures that businesses not only rank higher on search engine results pages but also deliver an exceptional user experience, translating into increased leads and conversions.

By choosing Zib Digital, local businesses gain a partner dedicated to their success. The agency's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving digital landscape empowers clients with the latest strategies and techniques. Whether it's a small startup or an established enterprise, Zib Digital's tailored solutions are designed to drive growth and create a lasting impact.

For more information on how Zib Digital is revolutionizing business growth through strategic SEO Brisbane-wide, visit https://zibdigital.com.au.

About Zib Digital

For over 15+ years, Zib Digital has been a leading digital marketing agency in Australia and New Zealand. Offering a comprehensive suite of services including SEO, PPC and social media marketing, Zib is dedicated to delivering results-driven campaigns that make a real impact.

Contact Information

Zib Digital

Manager

(03) 8685 9290

SOURCE: Zib Digital

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/779703/driving-business-growth-in-brisbane-zib-digitals-strategic-seo-empowers-local-companies-for-success
MoneyAge recognised Fisher Investments UK with its Wealth & Asset Management Award

LONDON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Investments UK reviews its award as a 2023 Equities Manager of the Year by MoneyAge as part of its fifth annual Wealth & Asset Management Awards. This is the first time the firm has been named Equities Manager of the Year and follows a 2022 award for Active Manager of the Year.

"We're honoured to be named a top wealth manager," said Fisher Investments' CEO Damian Ornani. "This award demonstrates our ongoing dedication to creating successful investment strategies to help private and institutional clients achieve their financial objectives."

MoneyAge chose winners based on recommendations from an independent panel of expert judges from within the sector considering factors including customer service and effective portfolio management. As Fisher Investments UK reviews, the Wealth & Asset Management Awards celebrate success and innovation in the wealth and asset management industry.

"We're very proud to be recognised for this award," said Carrianne Coffey, Fisher Investments' Senior Executive Vice President of the International Private Client Group. "This independent award reflects our unrelenting commitment to be one of the world's preeminent wealth managers."

To learn more about Fisher Investments UK review, https://www.fisherinvestments.com/en-GB

Fisher Investments UK Reviewed

Fisher Investments UK is the trading name of Fisher Investments Europe Limited and is part of the global group of Fisher companies. Fisher Investments UK is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Number 191609) and is registered in England (Company Number 3850593). Fisher Investments UK's registered office is located at Level 18, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX. For more information on Fisher Investments UK, please visit https://www.fisherinvestments.com/en-gb.

Fisher Investments Reviewed

Fisher Investments is an independent, fee-only investment adviser. As of 30/06/2023, Fisher Investments and its subsidiaries manage over 166 billion in assets globally-over 136 billion for private investors, 27 billion for institutional investors and 2 billion for US small to mid-sized business retirement plans. Fisher Investments maintains four principal business groups: US Private Client, Institutional, Private Client International and 401(k) Solutions-serving a global diverse investor clientele. Strategies may vary by jurisdiction. Founder and Executive Chairman Ken Fisher wrote the Forbes "Portfolio Strategy" column for 32  years until 2017, making him the longest continuously running columnist in its history. He now writes monthly for the New York Post. Ken's columns, varying by country, have run regularly in major media globally, spanning more countries and more volume than any other columnist of any type in history. Ken has appeared regularly on major TV news like Fox Business and News and CNN International. Ken has written 11 investing and finance books, including four New York Times bestsellers. For more information on Fisher Investments, please visit www.fisherinvestments.com.

Media Contacts

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1330249/Fisher_Investments_UK_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fisher-investments-uk-reviews-its-2023-equities-manager-of-the-year-award-301918463.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 5, 2023) - Rumble Resources Inc. (CSE: RB) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its initial public offering (the "IPO") by issuing 1,725,000 common shares (the "Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.10 per Share, for gross proceeds to the Company totaling $172,500, pursuant to a prospectus of the Company dated June 6, 2023 (the "Prospectus") filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission. In connection therewith, the Agent (as defined herein) exercised its option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), granted pursuant to the Agency Agreement (as defined herein), to increase the size of the IPO by additional 225,000 Shares to cover the over-subscription under the IPO. The Shares have been approved for listing on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") under the symbol "RB".

The IPO was completed pursuant to an agency agreement dated June 6, 2023 (the "Agency Agreement") between the Company and Research Capital Corporation (the "Agent"), which acted as the lead agent on the IPO. Under the Agency Agreement, the Company paid to the Agent as consideration for its services, (i) a corporate finance fee (including GST) totalling $21,000, (ii) an agent's commission totalling $17,250, and (iii) expenses and holdback for expenses (including taxes) totalling $35,016.72, and issued to the Agent and its subagents an aggregate of 172,500 non-transferable warrants (the "Agent's Warrants") of the Company, being 10% of the number of Shares sold pursuant to the IPO. Each Agent's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $0.10 per Share until September 5, 2025.

The net proceeds of the IPO will be used to carry out exploration of the Company's Woolford Creek Property, for general and administrative purposes, and for working capital purposes.

For more information, contact Erwin Wong, CFO, and see the Prospectus of the Company filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile.

About Rumble Resources Inc.

The Company is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource projects. The Company holds the exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Woolford Creek claims, located approximately 15 kilometres north of Squilax, British Columbia, on the northeast shore of Little Shuswap Lake and is comprised of seven mining claims in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia covering approximately 3,620.07 hectares.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the commencement of trading of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange, future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, that the COVID-19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to conduct the exploration program on the Woolford Creek project, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's option to acquire the Woolford Creek project, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated June 6, 2023, and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179642
PERTH, AUSTRALIA and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / Sarama Resources Ltd. ("Sarama" or the "Company") (ASX:SRR)(TSXV:SWA) advises that it has received notification ("Notification") from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso (the "Government") that it has withdrawn the Company's rights to the 100% owned Tankoro 2 Exploration Permit (the "Permit").

The Permit hosts the Tankoro Deposit (Mineral Resource of 0.6Moz Au Indicated and 1.9Moz Au Inferred(1)) which is the central component of the Company's multi-million-ounce Sanutura Project (the "Project"). The Project has been the subject of a preliminary economic assessment which was due for completion and release imminently; however, following receipt of the Notification, this has been suspended.

Sarama has been active on the Permit for 12 years and its mineral tenure was most recently confirmed with the granting of the Permit on November 24, 2021 by the then Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Minister Dr Bachir Ouedraogo and the subsequent payment of the prescribed issuance fees within the requisite timeframe, on November 29, 2021 (refer news release December 1, 2021).

Under the applicable Burkina Faso laws, following the grant of an exploration permit, the Government issues the respective arrete (or licence certificate(4)) which is an administrative process. The Company has successfully been re-issued exploration permits through this same process on multiple occasions, and as recently as August 3, 2023, in respect of the Ouangoro 2 Exploration Permit.

The Notification states that the Company's application for the Permit was unsuccessful. This is inconsistent with, and contradictory to formal correspondence from the Government. The Company stridently disagrees with the withdrawal of its rights and intends to pursue all avenues to appeal this decision.

The Company retains 100% ownership of its fully issued permits which include the Djarkadougou 2 Exploration Permit which was reissued July 30, 2021 followed by the receipt of the arrete on January 6, 2023 and hosts the Bondi deposit (0.5Moz Au Inferred Mineral Resource(2)). The Company also retains an 18 percent interest in the Karankasso Project JV (Mineral Resource of 0.7Moz Au Inferred(3)).

The Company is evaluating its position and will advise further as events warrant.

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Dinning

Sarama Resources Ltd

e: info@saramaresources.com

t: +61 8 9363 7600

This announcement has been authorised by the Board of Sarama Resources.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the intention to pursue all avenues to appeal the Government's decision and the Project being taken forward into development. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such factors include, among others, foreign country and political risks, including risks relating to foreign operations and expropriation or nationalization of mining operations; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Sarama does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws.

FOOTNOTES

Mineral Resource estimate for Sanutura Project - 9.4Mt @ 1.9g/t Au for 0.6Moz Au (Indicated) plus 52.7Mt @ 1.4g/t Au for 2.3Moz (Inferred), reported at cut-off grades ranging 0.2-1.6g/t Au, reflecting the mining methods and processing flowsheets assumed to assess the likelihood of the Mineral Resources to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. The effective date of the Company's Mineral Resource estimate is 16 November 2021. For further information regarding the Mineral Resource estimate refer to the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report Sanutura Project, South-West Burkina Faso", dated 7 February 2022 and prepared by Paul Schmiede, Rindra Le Grange and Fred Kock, and the Company's ASX Prospectus dated 11 March 2022. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama. Ms Le Grange and Mr Kock are employees of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd and Orway Mineral Consultants Pty Ltd respectivley and are considered to be independent of Sarama. The technical report is available under Sarama's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the ASX Prospectus is available under Sarama's profile on ASX at www.asx.com.au. Bondi Deposit component of the current mineral resource - 9.2Mt @ 1.5g/t Au for 0.5Moz Au (Inferred, reported at cut-off grades ranging 0.2-1.5g/t Au, reflecting the mining methods and processing flowsheets assumed to assess the liklihood of the mineral resources to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. For further information regarding the Mineral Resource estimate refer to the technical report titled "NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report Sanutura Project, South-West Burkina Faso", dated 7 February 2022 and prepared by Paul Schmiede, Rindra Le Grange and Fred Kock, and the Company's ASX Prospectus dated 11 March 2022. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama. Ms Le Grange and Mr Kock are employees of Cube Consulting Pty Ltd and Orway Mineral Consultants Pty Ltd respectivley and are considered to be independent of Sarama. The technical report is available under Sarama's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the ASX Prospectus is available under Sarama's profile on ASX at www.asx.com.au. Mineral Resource estimate for Karankasso Project - 12.74Mt @ 1.73g/t Au for 709koz Au (effective date of December 31, 2019), disclosed on 24 February 2020 by Semafo Inc ("Semafo", since acquired by Endeavour Mining Corp. "Endeavour"). For further information regarding that Mineral Resource estimate, refer to the news release "Semafo: Bantou Project Inferred Resources Increase to 2.2Moz" dated 24 February 2020 and Semafo: Bantou Project NI43-101 Technical Report - Mineral Resource Estimate" dated 3 April 2020 and the Company's ASX Prospectus dated 11 March 2022. The news release and technical report are available under Semafo's and Endeavour's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the ASX Prospectus is available under Sarama's profile on ASX at www.asx.com.au. The Mineral Resource estimate was fully prepared by, or under the supervision of Semafo. Sarama has not independently verified Semafo's mineral Resource Estimate. Semafo, and now Endeavour, is the operator of the Karankasso Project JV and Sarama is relying on their Qualified Persons' assurance of the validity of the Mineral Resource estimate. Additional technical work has been undertaken on the Karankasso Project since the effective date but Sarama is not in a position to quantify the impact of this additional work on the Mineral Resource estimate referred to above. The Government of Burkina Faso has processed the requisite documents to facilitate the grant of the new, full-term Tankoro 2 and Djarkadougou 2 Exploration Permit (the "Permit") and subsequently issued the invitation to pay the permit issuance fee (the "Fee") and the Fee was paid within the requisite 10-day timeline. Following the payment of the Fee, the issuance of the Permit's arrete and related paperwork becomes an administrative process during which time the Company may undertake work on the Tankoro 2 and Djarkadougou 2 Properties. The Company has received the arrete for the Djarkadougou 2 Exploration Permit. The property hosting the Tankoro and Bondi Deposits respectively, were formerly known as Tankoro and Djarkadougou, but have been renamed as part of the process of re-issuing the respective Permits.

QUALIFIED PERSONS' STATEMENT

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to the preparation of the Mineral Resource estimate for the Sanutura Project is based on information compiled or approved by Paul Schmiede. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a Fellow in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Paul Schmiede has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Paul Schmiede consents to the inclusion in this news release of the information, in the form and context in which it appears.

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to exploration activities at the Sanutura Project is based on information compiled or approved by Guy Scherrer. Guy Scherrer is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a member in good standing of the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Guy Scherrer consents to the inclusion in this disclosure of the information, in the form and context in which it appears.

Scientific or technical information in this disclosure that relates to the quotation of the Karankasso Project's Mineral Resource estimate and exploration activities is based on information compiled by Paul Schmiede. Paul Schmiede is an employee of Sarama Resources Ltd and is a Fellow in good standing of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Paul Schmiede has sufficient experience which is relevant to the commodity, style of mineralisation under consideration and activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Paul Schmiede consents to the inclusion in this disclosure of the information, in the form and context in which it appears. Paul Schmiede and Sarama have not independently verified Semafo's (now Endeavour's) Mineral Resource estimate and take no responsibility for its accuracy.

COMPETENT PERSONS' STATEMENT

The Mineral Resource estimates referred to in this announcement were first disclosed in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 in the Company's ASX Prospectus dated 11 March 2022. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the ASX Prospectus and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the ASX Prospectus continue to apply and have not materially changed.

SOURCE: Sarama Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780944/sarama-resources-provides-update-on-status-of-exploration-permit
MILAN, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fontina PDO will be one of the key players at Vinitaly China Roadshow 2023 that completes the three-year schedule of the Top Tales project launched in 2019. The activities in China include several tastings of Fontina PDO cheese.

From Sept. 11 to 15, 2023 as part of Vinitaly China Roadshow, the Veronafiere-branded event, Fontina PDO, Protected Designation of Origin cheese will be on a taste itinerary between Beijing, Changsha and Hangzhou.

The first stop is Beijing at Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang District, followed by Changsha, in Hunan Province, one of the culinary capitals of China, in which case the event will take place at IFS Tower T1, 188 Jiefang West Road.

The last event will be in Hangzhou, one of the most important cities in coastal China at 1366 Qianjiang Road, Shangcheng District. Fontina DOP will be involved in the Walk Around Tasting in first-class hotels where cheese industry operators will be invited: wholesalers, importers, distributors, horeca operators, selected retailers and ecommerce, sommeliers, KOLs and specialized media with strong communication impact.

Concurrently with the Vinitaly China Roadshow, a tasting event will be held Pechino presso Bottega Group - Forno Sanlitun, where Fontina DOP will be used in a variety of recipes.

The purpose is to educate food professionals in emerging cities and create a tasting area with food tastings. Specifically, the Roadshow will be held in Beijing on 11/09, in Changsha 13/09 and in Hangzhou on 15/09. The exhibition booth number will be 60 for the three venues.

About Top Tales: Top Tales is a project supported by the European Union aimed at promoting Fontina DOP from Valle d'Aosta, Rice di Baraggia Biellese e Vercellese DOP, as well as the DOCG's Barolo and Barbaresco. The European communication campaign Top Tales: A piece of Europe on your table, is designed to increase the awareness of the three DOP products in the Chinese market.

Website https://toptales.cn/

Images link

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2199343/FONTINA_DOP_2023.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2199081/Fontina_DOP_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fontina-pdo-cheese-flies-to-china-for-vinitaly-china-roadshow-301915309.html


OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Enbridge Inc. (ENB, ENB.TO) said that it has entered into three separate definitive agreements with Dominion Energy Inc. (D) to acquire the East Ohio Gas Company, Questar Gas Company, and its related Wexpro companies, and Public Service Company of North Carolina Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of US$14.0 billion or C$19 billion.



The purchase price comprised of US$9.4 billion of cash consideration and US$4.6 billion of assumed debt.



Enbridge reaffirmed its 2023 financial guidance.



The acquisitions are expected to close in 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain required U.S. federal and state regulatory approvals.



In a separate press release, Dominion Energy confirmed that it agreed to sell its three natural gas distribution companies to Enbridge for about $14.0 billion.



Dominion Energy expects it will use total after-tax proceeds of $8.7 billion to reduce parent debt in addition to the conveyance of $4.6 billion of operating company debt.



Dominion noted that the assets included in the transactions will be reclassified as discontinued operations for GAAP reporting and excluded from operating earnings for the third-quarter and full-year 2023.



The company expects a decrease of $0.05 to $0.06 per share from the previously announced third-quarter operating earnings guidance range of $0.72 to $0.87 per share for the removal of such assets, which excludes any potential impact from the use of sales proceeds. The company has not provided full-year 2023 earnings guidance.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Mega-Chance: Der Indien Report Ihre Chancen im groten Wachstumsmarkt: 3 indische Top-Aktien. Die Highlights dieses Spezialreports: 1. Indien als Wachstumsriese, 2. Indiens Wirtschaft boomt!, 3. 3 Top-Performance-Aktien. Jetzt kostenlos downloaden. Hier klicken




TOKYO, Sept 6, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Overview of the full-digital substation systemsThe current protection and control system were configured to require one metal cable for each piece of information to be delivered in the substation premises, making it difficult to achieve duplexing. The full-digital substation system that will be introduced in the future will utilize fibre optic technologies to enable a single optical cable to transmit many pieces of information from network equipment to on-site units, and make duplexing easy. JR East and Hitachi jointly examined the system configuration and operation methods of the substation and conducted field tests(1). We have decided to introduce the system into the operating facilities as we are ready to put it into practical use.Features of the full-digital substation systems1. Stable supply of electricity through digitalization of substationsWe have achieved complete dual configuration of transmission lines and of protection and control functions in substations. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in one equipment within the substation premises, the other equipment can continue to operate, providing a more stable supply of electricity than before.2. Saving space and improving efficiency of constructionBy consolidating and downsizing the monitoring control panel and the protective relay panel into an integrated unit (developed by Hitachi), we have significantly reduced the number of panels. In addition, by adopting fibre optic technologies that does not require a large number of control cables from the network equipment to the on-site units, the number of control cables was reduced by approximately 90%. As a result, space saving and improving efficiency of construction are realized.3. Adopting international standardsBy adopting the international standard IEC61850*2 to this system, JR East will reduce the risks of introducing new system and ensure business continuity. This is the first introduction of a digital substation system based on IEC61850 by a domestic railway company.Commencement of useIt is scheduled to be installed at the Koiwa AC substation from fiscal 2025 onward. We plan to gradually install equipment from fiscal 2024, start using 22,000 volt equipment in fiscal 2025, remove old 22,000 volt equipment and install 66,000 volt equipment in fiscal 2026, and start using 66,000 volt equipment in fiscal 2027.(1) Field tests: Test equipment was installed at the substation of JR East, and communication status was confirmed under the actual environment.(2) An international standard developed by the technical expert committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and international standardisation organisation that develops international standards in the field of electrical and electronic technology. It specifies the communication networks and systems required for power utility automation.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 company's 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 athttps://www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company" or "NDM") announces an independent technical report entitled Pebble Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Alaska, United States of America, effective date August 21, 2023 ("2023 PEA") has been completed and will be filed at www.sedarplus.ca.

"The proposed mine for the Pebble Project would provide good-paying, year-round employment for thousands of Alaskans, something desperately needed in Southwest Alaska," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO of Northern Dynasty. "The mine would mean substantial tax revenues for Alaska, including contributions to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which will be important for the future economic sustainability of the region. New infrastructure developed to support the proposed project would offer the additional benefit of potentially lowering energy costs for the region. The July 2020 Environmental Impact Statement of the Pebble Project (the "FEIS") states that the proposed mine can be developed and operated without harming the fishery, and so, with Alaska's excellent track record of managing all its resources for the benefit of its people, it can have BOTH the mine AND the fishery."

The 2023 PEA was prepared to accomplish several objectives. The report is an independent review of the project that provides cost and price estimates to reflect current economic volatility. It includes an infrastructure plan that uses the "southern route" for project access as defined in the original permitting application for the Pebble Project. In addition, the 2023 PEA updates the status of the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") Final Determination and United States Army Corps of Engineers ("USACE") Record of Decision Appeal processes (see Northern Dynasty January 31, 2023 and July 28, 2023 news releases, respectively).

The 2023 PEA provides production, financial and cost estimates for a proposed 20-year, 180,000 tons per day ("Tpd") open pit operation with conventional processing producing two concentrates for the Pebble Project in Southwest Alaska (the "Proposed Project") as described in the Pebble Project permit application and its amendments. United States ("U.S.") dollars and U.S. standard units are used in the 2023 PEA and in the information below unless otherwise indicated. All results presented are post-tax. Unless otherwise noted, all figures in the study are based on the forecast long-term metal prices shown in the table below.

Metal Unit Forecast Price ($/unit) Copper lb 3.90 Gold oz 1,700 Molybdenum lb 12.50 Silver oz 22.50 Rhenium kg 1,500

The Proposed Project would be capable of processing 1.3 billion tons of mineralized material over 20 years of mining at a low strip ratio of 0.12:1, with an average annual mine operating cost of $14.17/ton. Average annual metal production is forecast to be 320 million lb copper; 368,000 oz gold; 15 million lb molybdenum; 1.8 million oz silver and 10,000 kg rhenium, with Life-of-Mine metal production of 6.4 billion lb copper; 7.4 million oz gold; 300 million lb molybdenum; 37 million oz silver; and 200,000 kg rhenium.

The forecast financial results of the Proposed Project with third parties providing key infrastructure (the "Base Case") are tabulated below. On July 27, 2022, Northern Dynasty announced a Royalty agreement by which the Royalty Holder has the right to acquire five Royalty tranches. Currently, the Royalty Holder has acquired one tranche but the table provides the financial results assuming all five tranches of the Royalty are acquired.

In June 2021, Pedro Bay Corporation ("PBC") announced they had signed an agreement whereby a fund had obtained an option to buy portions of their land to create a conservation easement. PBC and the fund announced the exercise of the option in December 2022. While the Pebble Partnership has not explored the full range of options available to it with this announcement, its current assumption is that the northern route defined in the FEIS is no longer practicable and thus does not qualify as an alternative as defined by the Clean Water Act ("CWA"). Accordingly, the 2023 PEA analyzes the amended version of the southern transportation alternative proposed by the Pebble Partnership for the transportation route in its original 2017 permit application.

The total initial capital cost for the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of the proposed project is estimated to be $6.77 billion, which includes all direct and indirect costs, as well as a contingency. Northern Dynasty believes it is most likely that, if approved, the proposed project would be developed with partners who will provide the primary infrastructure (marine terminal, access road, ferry, natural gas pipeline, mine site power plant) in return for lease payments or tolls at rates which provide a return on investment to the developers of the infrastructure. The capital cost of this infrastructure which may be provided by third parties is estimated at $2.64 billion, which would reduce Northern Dynasty's portion of the cash outlay required for construction. The financial results also include anticipated metal streaming, which would provide proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion towards the initial capital cost.

Description Units Proposed Project - Base Case, including Royalties Mining Taxes & Government Royalties US$ M 1,487 Corporate Income Tax US$ M 1,931 Post - Tax Undiscounted Cash Flow US$ M 7,681 Post - Tax NPV at 7%1 US$ M 2,233 Post - Tax IRR % 16.2% Post - Tax Payback Period years 4.6

The 2023 PEA also evaluates potential mine expansion scenarios, which are presented to demonstrate optionality inherent in the polymetallic Pebble deposit and a possible pathway for future mine development. The study also assesses the potential of the future addition of a gold plant. Any future development option beyond the Proposed Project would require extensive federal, state and local permitting processes and approvals before proceeding, which would be in addition to the initial permits and approvals required for the Proposed Project and, very importantly, in consultation with the people and communities of Western Alaska, as well as State agencies.

The 2023 PEA has been prepared within the guidelines established by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") to disclose the current cost estimates and potential financial results for the Pebble Project. The Company is a "foreign issuer" under the U.S. Exchange Act and entitled to file continuous disclosure reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System ("MJDS") between Canada and the U.S., and to provide disclosure on the Company's mineral projects, including the Pebble Project, in accordance with NI 43-101 disclosure standards and Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Definition Standards. For this reason, information contained in this news release in respect of the Pebble Project may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and rules and regulations thereunder.

The mineral resources in the 2023 PEA have been independently audited and have not changed materially from the Company's previous technical report, effective date May 19, 2023. The 2023 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves and there is no assurance that the 2023 PEA will be realized, or that the project economics will be achieved. The 2023 PEA is a preliminary analysis of the potential viability of the Pebble Project's mineral resources, and should not be considered the same as a pre-feasibility or feasibility study, as various factors are preliminary in nature. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no assurance that the Pebble Project mineral resources will ever be upgraded to reserves. The 2023 PEA assumes that the Proposed Project will ultimately be able to obtain the required Federal government and State of Alaska permits to enable development of the Proposed Project. Neither the 2023 PEA, nor the mineral resource estimates on which the 2023 PEA is based, have been adjusted for any risks that (i) the Pebble Partnership may not be able to successfully appeal the record of decision issued by the USACE on November 25, 2020 denying the granting of the required permit under the CWA, or (ii) the ability to overturn the Final Determination issued by the EPA on January 31, 2023. In addition, the 2023 PEA does not account for any additional capital or operational costs that may be necessary to obtain the required Federal or State permits, should adjustments to the operating or environmental mitigation plans be required to be made in order to secure the required permits.

Investors are encouraged to read the full text of the 2023 PEA, which will be filed in Canada on SEDAR+, and will also be filed in the U.S. on EDGAR in the coming days.

The NI 43-101 Technical Report was prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc., with contributions by the Qualified Persons listed below. The Qualified Persons are independent of Northern Dynasty and have reviewed the scientific, technical and economic information contained in this news release.

Robin Kalanchey, P.Eng., Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.

Scott Weston, P.Geo., Ausenco Sustainability Inc.

Graeme Roper, P.Geo., Tetra Tech Canada Inc.

Greg Z. Mosher, P.Geo., Tetra Tech Canada Inc.

Hassan Ghaffari, P.Eng., Tetra Tech Canada Inc.

Sabry Abdel Hafez, PhD, P.Eng., Worley Canada Services Ltd.

Les Galbraith, P.Eng., P.E., Knight Piesold Ltd.

Stuart J. Parks, P.E., NANA Worley

James Wescott Bott, P.E., HDR Alaska Inc.

Steven R. Rowland, P.E., RECON LLC

Stephen Hodgson, P.Eng., a qualified person who is not independent of Northern Dynasty, has approved the scientific, technical, and economic information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources.

For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Review Canadian public filings at www.sedarplus.ca and U.S. public filings at www.sec.gov.

Ronald W. Thiessen

President & CEO

U.S. Media Contact:

Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897

Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this presentation, other than statements of historical facts, which address permitting, development and production for the Pebble Project are forward-looking statements. These include statements regarding (i) the mine plan for the Pebble Project including the financial results of the 2023 PEA, including net present value and internal rates of return, and the ability of the Pebble Partnership to secure the financing to proceed with the development of the Pebble Project, including any stream financing and infrastructure outsourcing, (ii) the social integration of the Pebble Project into the Bristol Bay region and benefits for Alaska, (iii) the political and public support for the permitting process, (iv) the ability of the Pebble Project to ultimately secure all required federal and state permits, (v) the right-sizing and de-risking of the Pebble Project, (vi) the design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project mine plan, including projected capital and operating costs, (vii) the outcome of the USACE remand and ability to successfully appeal the negative Record of Decision and secure the issuance of a positive Record of Decision by the USACE and the ability of the Pebble Project to secure all required federal and state permits, (viii) the status/merit of the EPA Final Determination and the actions of the EPA with respect to its Final Determination with respect to the Pebble Project; (ix) exploration potential of the Pebble Project, (x) future demand for copper, gold and other metals, and (xi) if permitting is ultimately secured, the ability to demonstrate the Pebble Project is ultimately commercially viable, and (xii) the potential addition of partners in the Pebble Project. Although NDM believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government permits, establish the commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project, achieve the required financing or develop the Pebble Project.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by NDM as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies and such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government permits, establish the commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project, achieve the required financing or develop the Pebble Project. Such forward looking statements or information related to the 2023 PEA include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the mined and processed material estimates, the internal rate of return, the annual production, the net present value, the life of mine, the capital costs, operating costs estimated for each of the Proposed Project and the expansion scenarios for the Pebble Project, other costs and payments for the proposed infrastructure for the Pebble Project (including how, when, where and by whom such infrastructure will be constructed or developed), projected metallurgical recoveries, plans for further development, and securing the required permits and licenses for further studies to consider expansion of the operation, market price of precious and base metals, or other statements that are not statement of fact. Assumptions used by NDM to develop forward-looking statements include the assumptions that (i) the Pebble Project will ultimately obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, (ii) any feasibility studies prepared for the development of the Pebble Project will be positive, (iii) NDM's estimates of mineral resources will not change, and NDM will be successful in converting mineral resources to mineral reserves, (iv) NDM will be able to establish the commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project, (v) NDM will be able to secure the financing required to develop the Pebble Project, and (vi) the EPA's Final Determination will ultimately not be successful in restricting or prohibiting development of the Pebble Project.

The likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including (i) the current mine plan may not reflect the ultimate mine plan for the Pebble Project, (ii) obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, licenses and approvals without undue delay, including without delay due to third party opposition or changes in government policies, (iii) finalization of the mine plan for the Pebble Project, (iv) the completion of feasibility studies demonstrating that any Pebble Project mineral resources that can be economically mined, (v) completion of all necessary engineering for mining and processing facilities, (vi) the ability of NDM to secure a partner for the development of the Pebble Project, and (vii) receipt by NDM of significant additional financing, to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. NDM is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. Investors should also consider the risk factors identified in its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and included in the Company's annual report on Form 40-F filed by the Company with the SEC on EDGAR (www.sec.gov), as well as the risk factors set out in the Company's subsequent public continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR and EDGAR.

The National Environment Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently contemplated. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time and no determination has been made to pursue any of the expansion options identified in the 2023 PEA.

For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

1 Net Present Value is calculated using a 7% discount rate. By convention, a discount rate of 8% is typically applied to copper and other base metal projects, while 5% is applied to gold and other precious metal projects. Given the polymetallic nature of the Pebble deposit and the large contributions of gold to total project revenues, a 7% blended discount rate has been selected. SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780970/independent-preliminary-economic-assessment-for-northern-dynastys-pebble-project-completed-positive-projected-financial-results-excellent-optionality-and-important-benefits-for-alaska
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Aprocitentan, Idorsia's oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist is currently under review with health authorities for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension.

Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million

Idorsia is initiating activities to determine the best approach to maximize the value of aprocitentan.

Allschwil, Switzerland - September 6, 2023

Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Janssen Biotech Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the return of rights for aprocitentan to Idorsia. In return, Idorsia is committed to pay up to 306 million Swiss francs, subject to marketing application approval by the US FDA and Europe's EMA.

Jean-Paul Clozel, CEO of Idorsia, commented:

"I'm happy that we have come to an agreement for the return of aprocitentan to Idorsia. Aprocitentan has demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful sustained blood pressure lowering benefits with a good safety profile, particularly suited to the high-risk patient population with resistant hypertension. Revolutionizing the use of endothelin receptor antagonism is something the team at Idorsia knows all about. We will now determine the best approach to maximizing the value of our exciting new anti-hypertension therapy."

The founding team at Idorsia brought the first oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) to market, followed by the discovery, development, and launch of a next generation oral, dual ERA. The team will now evaluate options for realizing the value which the company has created by successfully developing aprocitentan, the first anti-hypertensive therapy which works via a new mechanism of action in 30 years.

About the agreement

Idorsia will reacquire the development and commercialization rights for aprocitentan from Janssen. In return, Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million, depending on Idorsia's revenues, as follows:

30% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or divestment of aprocitentan,

10% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or the divestment of any other Idorsia product, following the first approval of aprocitentan, and

low- to mid-single digit royalties on total group product net sales, beginning from the quarter after first aprocitentan approval.





Janssen funding obligations to aprocitentan cease at the effective date of the agreement. Janssen licenses to aprocitentan IP (excluding pulmonary hypertension) will terminate and Janssen will transfer the brand name and relating commercial materials to Idorsia. Janssen will retain licenses in the pulmonary hypertension field.

The agreement also eliminates the revenue-sharing agreement in respect of ponesimod.

The agreement will be effective following receipt of the clearance relating to the United States Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Andre C. Muller, Chief Financial Officer, commented:

"If aprocitentan is approved in the US and Europe as we expect, Idorsia would have an additional product in its portfolio giving the company more strategic flexibility, and potentially allows Janssen to recoup over time their investment in aprocitentan."

About the regulatory status of aprocitentan

A new drug application (NDA) for aprocitentan was filed with the US FDA in December 2022 (Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) current date: December 19, 2023), and the market authorisation application (MAA) was submitted to the EMA at the end of January 2023.

Jean-Paul Clozel, concluded:

"The review process with the US FDA is progressing well, though it is likely to require an extension to the review period of up to 3 months as the company will provide additional Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) materials to support a streamlined REMS which is designed specifically for patients taking aprocitentan."

About aprocitentan in resistant hypertension

Full results from the PRECISION study were published in November 2022 in The Lancet "A randomized controlled trial of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan for resistant hypertension (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)02034-7/fulltext)". More details and commentary can be found in the dedicated press release (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and-events/media-release-details?newsId=2869821) and an investor webcast (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and-events/Apro-session-AHA-2022) featuring Prof. Markus Schlaich, an investigator in PRECISION.

Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure are at risk of major cardiovascular events.1 These risks are even higher for patients whose blood pressure is uncontrolled despite treatment with three or more antihypertensives2, known as resistant hypertension3,4. It has been more than 30 years since a new anti-hypertensive therapy working by a new mechanism has been brought to patients. By targeting a currently unopposed pathophysiologic pathway, aprocitentan represents a potential novel, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for resistant hypertension.

Notes to the editor

The endothelin system in systemic hypertension

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that also induces neurohormonal activation, vascular hypertrophy and remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction. In hypertension, both ET A and ET B receptors mediate harmful effects of ET-1.4 As a vasoconstrictor, co-mitogenic agent, linking pulse pressure and vascular remodeling, and mediator of aldosterone and catecholamine release, endothelin is a key player in hypertension and end-organ damage.5,6

About difficult-to-control (resistant) hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors, and its prevalence continues to rise. According to a recent study, there are more than 1.3 billion people living with hypertension worldwide6 - a startling number, which has almost doubled in the past 40 years. Left uncontrolled, people have a greater risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.7

Patients with hypertension can often successfully control their blood pressure by combining a healthier lifestyle with effective medication. However, approximately 10% of patients have difficult-to-control hypertension where the blood pressure remains high despite receiving at least three antihypertensive medications of different pharmacological classes, including a diuretic, at optimal doses,3,8 (also categorized in hypertension guidelines and the medical community as having resistant hypertension).

The endothelin pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, especially in volume- and salt-dependent forms, which are a common feature in patients with resistant hypertension. The endothelin pathway has not been targeted by existing anti-hypertensive therapies until now, thereby leaving this relevant pathophysiologic pathway unopposed with currently available medications.3,9,10 The endothelin system is also activated in patients prone to developing resistant hypertension, such as Black or African American patients, patients with obesity or obstructive sleep apnea,11-13 and in comorbid conditions frequently associated with resistant hypertension such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.14-17

About aprocitentan

Aprocitentan is an investigational, novel, oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), which potently inhibits the binding of ET-1 to ET A and ET B receptors. Aprocitentan has a low potential for drug-drug interaction and a mechanism of action that is ideally suited for the pathophysiology of resistant hypertension.

About PRECISION18,19(NCT03541174 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03541174))

PRECISION was a multicenter, blinded, randomized, parallel-group, Phase 3 study, which was performed in hospitals or research centers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Patients were eligible for randomization if their sitting systolic blood pressure was 140 mm Hg or higher despite taking standardized background therapy consisting of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The study consisted of three sequential parts: Part 1 was the 4-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled part, in which 730 patients were randomized to aprocitentan 12.5 mg (n=243), aprocitentan 25 mg (n=243), or placebo (n=244) in a 1:1:1 ratio; Part 2 was a 32-week single (patient)-blind part, in which all patients received aprocitentan 25 mg (n=704); and Part 3 was a 12-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled withdrawal part, in which patients were re-randomized to aprocitentan 25 mg (n=307) or placebo (n=307) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary and key secondary endpoints were changes in unattended office systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 4 and from withdrawal baseline to week 40, respectively. Secondary endpoints included 24-h ambulatory blood pressure changes.

At baseline, 69.2% of patients were obese or severely obese, 54.1% had diabetes, 22.2% had stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease and 19.6% had congestive heart failure. 63% of randomized patients were receiving at least 4 anti-hypertensive therapies at screening.

Key PRECISION findings19

The least square mean change in office SBP at 4 weeks was -15.3 mmHg for aprocitentan 12.5 mg, -15.2 mmHg for 25 mg, and -11.5 mmHg for placebo, for a difference versus placebo of -3.8 mmHg (p=0.0042) and -3.7 mmHg (p=0.0046), respectively. Office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) also decreased with both aprocitentan doses compared to placebo (-3.9 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and -4.5 mmHg for the 25 mg dose). Office SBP and DBP were maintained during Part 2 in patients previously receiving aprocitentan and decreased within the first 2 weeks of Part 2 before stabilizing in those previously receiving placebo. In Part 3, office SBP after 4 weeks of withdrawal (the key secondary endpoint) increased significantly with placebo compared to aprocitentan (5.8 mmHg; p<0.0001). Office DBP also increased with placebo compared to aprocitentan (5.2 mmHg; p<0.001). The difference between the two groups remained up to week 48.

The results from ambulatory BP monitoring, a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality,1,2 confirmed those derived from office measurements. At the end of Part 1, aprocitentan, after placebo correction, decreased both the 24-hour ambulatory SBP (-4.2 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and -5.9 mmHgfor the25 mg dose) and DBP (-4.3 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and -5.8 mmHg for the 25 mg dose). The placebo-corrected SBP lowering effect was -5.1 mmHg and -7.4 mmHg during the nighttime and -3.8 mmHg and -5.3 mmHg during the daytime, for the 12.5 mg and 25 mg doses, respectively. In Part 3, after 4 weeks of withdrawal (week 40), both the 24-hour ambulatory SBP and DBP increased with placebo compared with aprocitentan

(6.5 mm Hg and 6.8 mm Hg respectively).

Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during the 4-week double-blind study period (Part 1) were reported in 27.6% and 36.7% of the patients treated with 12.5 and 25 mg aprocitentan, respectively, versus 19.4% in the placebo group. The most frequent adverse event was fluid retention which was reported more frequently with aprocitentan than with placebo in a dose-dependent fashion (9.1%, 18.4%, and 2.1% for patients receiving aprocitentan 12.5 mg, 25 mg and placebo, during Part 1, respectively; 18.2% for patients receiving aprocitentan 25 mg during Part 2; and 2.6% and 1.3% for patients on aprocitentan 25 mg and placebo, during Part 3, respectively). Fluid retention was generally mild-to-moderate. Discontinuation due to edema/fluid retention was reported for seven patients.

Key Literature

Dolan E, et al. Superiority of ambulatory over clinic blood pressure measurement in predicting mortality: the Dublin outcome study. Hypertension 2005; 46:156-61 Staplin N, et al. Relationship between clinic and ambulatory blood pressure and mortality: an observational cohort study in 59?124 patients. Lancet. 2023;S0140-6736(23)00733-X. Williams B, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J 2018; 39: 3021-104. Kedzierski RM, et al. Endothelin system: the double-edged sword in health and disease. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001; 41:851-76. Iglarz M, et al. At the heart of tissue: endothelin system and end-organ damage. Clin Sci 2010; 119:453-63 NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants. Lancet 2021; 398:957-80. Daugherty SL, et al. Incidence and prognosis of resistant hypertension in hypertensive patients. Circulation. 2012 Apr 3;125(13):1635-42. Noubiap JJ, et al. Global prevalence of resistant hypertension: a meta-analysis of data from 32 million patients. Heart 2019; 105: 98-105. Dhaun N, et al. Role of endothelin-1 in clinical hypertension: 20 years on. Hypertension 2008; 52:452-9. Clozel M. Aprocitentan and the endothelin system in resistant hypertension. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:573-83. Grubbs AL, et al. Saphenous vein endothelin system expression and activity in African American patients. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2002; 22: 1122-7. Parrinello G, et al. Central obesity and hypertension: the role of plasma endothelin. Am J Hypertens 1996; 9: 1186-91. Phillips BG, et al. Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on endothelin-1 and blood pressure. J Hypertens 1999; 17: 61-6. Takahashi K, et al. Elevated plasma endothelin in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia 1990; 33: 306-10. Solini A, et al. Resistant hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes: clinical correlates and association with complications. J Hypertens 2014; 32: 2401-10; discussion 10. Dhaun N, Webb DJ, Kluth DC. Endothelin-1 and the kidney--beyond BP. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 167: 720-31. Rossignol P, et al. The double challenge of resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Lancet 2015; 386: 1588-98. Danaietash P et al. Identifying and treating resistant hypertension in PRECISION: A randomized long-term clinical trial with aprocitentan. J Clin Hypertension 2022 Jul;24(7):804-813. Schlaich MP, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan for resistant hypertension. The Lancet, 2022; Dec 3;400(10367):1927-1937.





About Idorsia

Idorsia Ltd is reaching out for more - We have more ideas, we see more opportunities and we want to help more patients. In order to achieve this, we will develop Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core.

Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech-hub - Idorsia is specialized in the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecules to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Idorsia has a 20-year heritage of drug discovery, a broad portfolio of innovative drugs in the pipeline, an experienced team of professionals covering all disciplines from bench to bedside, and commercial operations in Europe, Japan, and the US - the ideal constellation for bringing innovative medicines to patients.

Idorsia was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA) in June 2017 and has over 1,300 highly qualified specialists dedicated to realizing our ambitious targets.

For further information, please contact

Andrew C. Weiss

Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil

+41 58 844 10 10

investor.relations@idorsia.com  media.relations@idorsia.com  www.idorsia.com

The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Anhang
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Dime, the pioneering Gen Z marketing platform, celebrates a successful launch in New York City, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize how companies connect to Gen Z.

Photo from Dime's recent event

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/179533_c62f3db9f4857897_001full.jpg

Dime, a venture-backed startup originally founded by Abby Huang at Duke University and now headquartered in New York, has successfully tapped into the Gen Z and university market, revolutionizing how businesses engage with the upcoming generation of consumers.

Dime recently hosted an exclusive event at the Four Seasons Downtown Hotel in New York to announce its official launch in the city and to welcome its extensive ambassador community. With a presence spanning over 35 universities in the US, UK, and Canada, Dime's grasp on this new generation is evident. The occasion united accomplished undergraduates and recent graduates from institutions such as NYU, Columbia, Emory, Harvard, Duke, UPenn, and many others. Dime's debut in New York facilitated the creation of new relationships and formation of distinct communities across universities and within the Gen Z market.

This event also served as a nexus for Dime's diverse clientele and partners. Noteworthy mentions include amika, one of largest independent B Corp Certified hair care companies in the US with over 11 collections for all hair types, and Health-Ade, a leader in the Kombucha market stocked nationwide at over 65,000 respected retail stores, with high-quality Kombucha that exceeds the World Health Organization's daily standard for probiotics.

Photo from Dime's recent event (2)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/179533_c62f3db9f4857897_002full.jpg

About Dime:

Dime connects brands with influential Gen Z individuals and university organizations through a data-driven platform, hyper targeting this audience and fostering authentic relationships that resonate with Gen Z's preferences. At the core of Dime's innovation lies the premise of cultivating premium collaborations and providing unique, invaluable experiences tailored to resonate with Gen Z's preferences, aspirations, interests, and values.

In 2022 alone, the global market for digital advertising for the younger audience is at $628.8 billion. Serving as a data aggregator for Gen Z information, Dime's initiative is to help companies maximize marketing budgets, nurturing trust and rapport that extends beyond the reach of traditional social media ads.

Photo from Dime's recent event (3)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/179533_c62f3db9f4857897_003full.jpg

"In our digital age, data-driven solutions at scale aren't just an advantage. They're the blueprint for precision, efficiency, and foresight in business," stated Marek Drozdowski, the CTO and co-founder of Dime. "Our Gen Z focused database and software platform enable brands to transcend the limitations of indirect, traditional ad campaigns by fostering genuine connections with the Gen Z demographic to drive sales." Drozdowski, previously a deep learning specialist at Nvidia, is enthusiastic about how Dime is implementing new technologies to bridge the gap between companies and the next wave of consumers.

As the Gen Z market continues to evolve, Dime's influence aims to grow, making it a company to watch in the ever-changing landscape of marketing for the new generation.

Contact Info:

Name: Abby Huang

Email: contact@dimemarketplace.com

Organization: Dime

Website: https://dimemarketplace.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179533
After nearly seven years at Novartis and more than four years as a member of the ECN, Ms. Tschudin will pursue her next chapter of leadership outside of Novartis

Dr. Horber to drive next phase of international growth, shape commercial strategy, and continue Novartis leadership in reimagining medicines for patients around the world

Basel, September 06, 2023 - Novartis today announced that Marie-France Tschudin, President, Innovative Medicines International and Chief Commercial Officer, has decided to leave the company and will step down from the Executive Committee of Novartis (ECN), effective September 15, after nearly seven years of commercial leadership at Novartis. Patrick Horber, M.D., currently Senior Vice President and President, Immunology at AbbVie has been appointed as President, International, effective later this year, reporting to Vas Narasimhan, M.D., CEO of Novartis. Dr. Horber will become a member of the ECN. Mukul Mehta, Chief Financial Officer, International, will lead the unit ad-interim until Dr. Horber assumes the role.

"I leave Novartis with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment in how we have delivered on our purpose," Marie-France Tschudin said. "My deep esteem and gratitude go to the Novartis colleagues around the globe for their trust, hard work, and relentless efforts in getting patients the treatments they need, faster."

Vas Narasimhan said: "I want to thank Marie-France for her extraordinary leadership during her nearly seven years at Novartis. She has been integral to reimagining our commercial model and the way we deliver innovative medicines to patients around the world. Marie-France has led her teams to remarkable growth. The impact she has had on our business, on our people, and on patients around the world will be long-lasting. I wish her the very best as she pursues her next chapter."

"I look forward to welcoming Patrick to Novartis. He is a proven leader with deep experience enabling commercial performance on a global scale, and I am confident he will catalyze our growth journey as Novartis enters our next chapter as a fully focused innovative medicines company."

Patrick Horber said: "As a Swiss medical doctor, it is a privilege to join Novartis-a pillar of global biomedical innovation and scientific progress. I look forward to working alongside our teams to reimagine medicine for and with patients around the globe."

Dr. Horber holds a M.D. from the University of Zurich. He is a native of Switzerland with over 20 years of experience in the biopharma sector and a deep understanding of the global pharmaceutical market. In his latest role as Senior Vice President and President, Immunology, at AbbVie, Dr. Horber was responsible for their Immunology Business Unit, leading the Global Strategy and U.S. execution including Global Commercial Development. Prior to this role he has served in a variety of leadership and general management positions in the US and Europe.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "appoints," "drive," "shape," "continue," "will," "ad interim," "assumes," "look forward," "confident," "until," "become," "effective," "may," "could," "expectations," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding the appointment of Patrick Horber as President, International and a member of the ECN. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Mr. Horber will ultimately assume the role of President, International, or on any particular date. In particular, our expectations regarding the outcome of the forward-looking statements in this press release could be affected by, among other things, general political, economic and business conditions, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We deliver high-value medicines that alleviate society's greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in R&D and novel access approaches. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. About 103,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work together to bring Novartis products to nearly 800 million people around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com)

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at https://twitter.com/novartisnews (https://twitter.com/novartisnews)

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library (https://www.novartis.com/news/media-library)

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com (mailto:media.relations@novartis.com)

# # #


Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

RICHEMONT NOMINATES GARY SAAGE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS AUDIT COMMITTEE



06-Sep-2023 / 07:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





To read the full announcement click here: Richemont Company Announcement

For a printer-friendly version: Richemont Company Announcement PDF EN

Richemont is pleased to announce that Gary Saage will be proposed for election to the Board of Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA for shareholder approval at the annual general meeting to be held in September 2024 and, if elected, to the role of Chairman of its Audit Committee.

As a former Chief Financial Officer of the Group and Board member, Gary Saage brings with him invaluable knowledge of Richemont and relevant financial skills to perform this important role. Mr Saage also brings along decades of experience in the luxury goods industry and a track record in financial discipline. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA, and a US Certified Public Accountant, Gary Saage began his career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand. In 1988, he joined Cartier in the US, thereafter serving as Chief Operating Officer of Richemont in North America and then of dunhill in London. In 2006, Mr Saage moved to Geneva to act as Group Deputy Finance Director and in 2010 was promoted Chief Financial Officer. That same year, he joined the Board, which he subsequently departed in September 2021. He continued to serve as Chairman of Richemont North America and related companies until August 2023 in a non-executive capacity, overseeing governance matters.

Josua (Dillie) Malherbe will remain Deputy Chairman of the Board and will continue to sit on the Audit and the Strategic and Security Committees whilst facilitating changes due over the next 18 months during which period three members of the Audit Committee will depart and a tender process to select the next Group's external auditor is equally underway. Gary Saage, if elected, will also undergo an in-depth handover for his Chair of the Audit Committee's responsibilities.

Commenting on the nomination, Johann Rupert, Chairman, said:

"I am truly delighted that Gary has accepted to re-join our Board and, if elected, take up the position of Chair of the Audit Committee. This is a complex role that requires proficiency of accounting and regulatory matters, business acumen as well as the courage to speak up in challenging situations, all competencies that he has clearly demonstrated during his long career. It also requires deep institutional knowledge which Gary, having joined Cartier the year I founded Richemont and worked across different parts of the Group, indisputably has.

I am glad that Dillie has accepted to continue to serve as Deputy Chairman and sit on the Audit and the Strategic and Security Committees for a while longer to ensure a smooth execution of our succession plan".



About Richemont

At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont's ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar including G/FORE, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. In addition, Richemont operates NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division. Find out more at www.richemont.com .

Richemont 'A' shares are listed and traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont's primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index ('SMI') of leading stocks. The 'A' shares are also traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont's secondary listing.

Investor/analyst and media enquiries

Sophie Cagnard, Group Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Director

James Fraser, Investor Relations Executive

Investor/analyst enquiries: +41 22 721 30 03; investor.relations@cfrinfo.net
MUNICH, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- REPT BATTERO, a global leader in cutting-edge energy storage solutions, marked a historic moment with the official inauguration of its European branch at the REPT BATTERO Germany branch in Munich. Representatives from BMW and Renault, delegates from the German Overseas Chinese Association, representatives from the Labor and Economic Affairs Department of Munich, and delegates from the German Chamber of Commerce China Center, etc. attended the event.

The establishment of the European branch is a strategic move that aligns with REPT BATTERO's optimistic outlook on the electrification sector across various domains such as automotive, maritime, industrial vehicles, and construction machinery. The branch aims to meet the rising demand for reliable new energy power and energy storage systems, facilitate the widespread adoption of clean energy sources, and drive innovation through local collaborations. At the same time, the European branch will become a sales, production, and technology center in the future.

In the whole year of 2022, REPT BATTERO's shipments of energy storage batteries ranked third. In the future, REPT will continue to provide leading technology products for local energy storage customers in Europe, including new energy project development, household storage, industrial and commercial energy storage, and mega energy storage utility.

During the event, REPT BATTERO unveiled its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roadmap, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by 2026 and value chain Carbon Neutrality by 2035. This roadmap encompasses environmental responsibility goals, support for societal impact initiatives, and governance excellence standards, all aimed at propelling innovation and progress toward a sustainable future.

REPT BATTERO's CEO Dr. Hui Cao delivered an address during the ceremony, expressing, "I'm honored to be here for the grand opening of REPT BATTERO's European branch. We are bringing you cutting-edge battery technology, a seamless industrial chain, and sustainable competitiveness. Our goal has always been to drive the green transition, achieve carbon neutrality, and promote sustainable energy globally. Today, the establishment of our European branch signifies our unwavering commitment to this mission, fortified by our leadership in advanced battery technology." At the same time, the European branch's General Manager, Ms. Diana Cheng, added, "we are thrilled to bring REPT BATTERO's expertise to Europe. Our team is dedicated to delivering top-notch energy solutions, fostering local partnerships, and contributing to the continent's sustainable energy future."

The inauguration of the European branch marks a new chapter in REPT BATTERO's journey toward global leadership in the energy storage industry. The company looks forward to building strong partnerships and contributing to global transition to clean energy.

ABOUT REPT BATTERO

REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd. (REPT BATTERO), founded in 2017, stands as TSINGSHAN Industry's inaugural investment in the new energy sector. Leveraging TSINGSHAN's rich nickel mine resources, REPT BATTERO focuses on research, development, production, and sales of new energy batteries and system-level applications. The company offers high-quality solutions for battery electric vehicles (BEV) and intelligent power storage. In the whole year of 2022, the installed volume of REPT BATTERO power batteries ranked among the Top 10, and the shipments of energy storage batteries ranked third. With plans to elevate its total capacity to over 150 GWh by 2025, REPT BATTERO is steadfast in its commitment to sustainable energy. For more information, please visit REPT BATTERO's official website and LinkedIn. Please visit https://chinarept.com/en/ and www.linkedin.com/company/reptbattero for more information.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202514/REPT_BATTERO_European_Branch.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202515/REPT_BATTERO_European_Branch_1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rept-battero-expands-global-reach-with-inauguration-of-european-branch-301918737.html
MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today announces presentations featuring the Company's theranostic programs at the 36th Annual Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) to be held in Vienna from 9 - 13 September 2023.

Further data from Telix's completed pivotal Phase III ZIRCON study of TLX250-CDx (89Zr-DFO-girentuximab) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03849118) will be presented in on oral session on Sunday 10 September.

In addition, the congress program features the following Telix initiatives:

Sponsored symposium on personalised diagnostics in urological cancers: the promise of nuclear medicine;

Phase III ProstACT GLOBAL study of TLX591 investigational prostate cancer therapy;

Artificial intelligence (AI) Segmentation and primary characterisation of prostate cancer lesions using models trained on 68 Ga-PSMA-11 image datasets;

Ga-PSMA-11 image datasets; Nob ody Le ft Behind (NOBLE) Registry of Telix's single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-based prostate cancer imaging agent TLX599-CDx; [1] and,

ody ft Behind (NOBLE) Registry of Telix's single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-based prostate cancer imaging agent TLX599-CDx; and, A preclinical evaluation of carbonic anhydrase IX- (CAIX)-targeted lutetium-177 radionuclide therapy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition.

Dr Colin Hayward, Telix Chief Medical Officer, said, "We are pleased to be so well represented at this year's EANM Annual Congress, with a sponsored symposium and abstracts accepted across Telix's late-stage prostate and kidney cancer imaging and therapy programs. In addition, our innovations in AI and quantum computing for prostate cancer segmentation and characterisation will be featured in an oral presentation.

"Once again, we will be supporting the EANM Sanjiv Sam Gambhir Young Investigator Award, an exciting opportunity for a junior physician or scientist to further develop their career in radiopharmaceuticals. We look forward to seeing you at booth number 241 to discuss Telix's industry leading theranostic pipeline and opportunities for collaboration."

EANM presentation details are as follows:

Sponsored Symposium: Personalised diagnostics in urological cancers: the promise of nuclear medicine

Chairperson: Professor Stefano Fanti, Director of Nuclear Medicine Division and of PET Unit - Policlinico S.Orsola, Bologna, Italy

Professor Stefano Fanti, Director of Nuclear Medicine Division and of PET Unit - Policlinico S.Orsola, Bologna, Italy Introduction: How PSMA PET dusted off the Management of Prostate Cancer.



Professor Stefano Fanti.



Prostate Cancer Imaging: is there only one PSMA-PET?



Dr. Macarena Rodriguez Fraile, Nuclear Medicine Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain



Next Generation Imaging in Urology: What's new in Bladder and Kidney Cancers.



Prof. dr. Karolien Goffin, Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Leuven - KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.



The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Prostate Cancer Management.



Dr. Laszlo Papp, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (CMPBME), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Date & Time: Sunday, 10 September, 2023, 1:15 - 2:45 PM (CEST).

Session: Theranostics Track - Oncology & Theranostics Committee / EARL - Featured Session: Old but Novel Techniques

Title: 89Zr-DFO-girentuximab PET/CT imaging for clear cell renal cell carcinoma - ZIRCON study results of diagnostic performance, including in very small lesions (oral presentation)

Date and Time: 10-Sep-23, 4:20 - 4:30 PM

Presenter: Clement Bailly, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, FRANCE

Presentation ID: OP-194

Session: Cutting Edge Science Track - TROP Session: Segmentation and Denoising

Title: Using a 3-D UNet artificial intelligence model to segment PSMA-avid lesions in 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT images (top-rated oral presentation)

Date and Time: 10-Sep-23, 4:55 - 5:05 PM

Presenter: Simon Wail, Telix Pharmaceuticals, North Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Presentation ID: OP-222

Session: M2M Track - TROP Session: TME and Therapy: Direct Targeting and Secondary Effects

Title: Evaluation of Therapeutic and Immunological Action of CAIX-Targeted Lutetium-177 Radionuclide Therapy Combined with Immune Checkpoint Inhibition (top-rated oral presentation)

Date and Time: 11-Sep-23, 10:15 - 10:25 AM

Presenter: Simone Kleinendorst, Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, NETHERLANDS

Presentation ID: OP-358

Session: Clinical Oncology Track - TROP Session: Prostate Cancer Biochemical Recurrence

Title: The imaging characteristics of theranostic 99mTc/188Re-PSMA-GCK01 is equivalent to dedicated diagnostic 99mTc-HYNIC-iPSMA in prostate cancer (top-rated oral presentation)

Date and Time: 11-Sep-23, 6:05 - 6:15 PM

Presenter: Eduards Mamlins, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, GERMANY

Presentation ID: OP-512

Session: e-Poster Presentations Session 10 - Oncology & Theranostics Committee: Haematological and Abdominal Malignancies / localised Treatments

Title: NOBLE (Nobody Left Behind) Registry: Initial Experience of [99mTc]-HYNIC-iPSMA Imaging in the Detection of Prostate Cancer (oral e-poster presentation)

Date and Time: 12-Sep-23, 10:53 - 10:57 AM

Presenter: Fuad Novruzov, Department of Nuclear Medicine Azerbaijan National Centre of Oncology, Baku AZERBAIJAN

Presentation ID: EPS-206

Session: Cutting Edge Science Track - TROP Session: AI Methods and Applications

Title: Primary prostate characterization in PSMA-11 PET on real quantum computers (top-rated oral presentation)

Date and Time: 12-Sep-23, 3:00 - 03:10 PM

Presenter: Laszlo Papp, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AUSTRIA

Presentation ID: OP-706

Session: Clinical Oncology Track - TROP Session: Prostate Cancer Treatment

Title: ProstACT GLOBAL: A Phase 3 Study of 177Lu-DOTA-rosopatamab (TLX591) With and Without the Best Standard of Care for Patients With PSMA Expressing Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Progressing Despite Prior Treatment with a Novel Androgen Axis Drug (top-rated oral presentation)

Date and Time: 12-Sep-23, 3:30 - 3:40 PM

Presenter: Neel Patel, Telix Pharmaceuticals, North Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Presentation ID: OP-718

Session: D: Technical Studies -> D5 Radiopharmacy/ Radiochemistry -> D57 Radiopharmaceutical Preparation and Quality Control

Title: The Optimization of the Current ININ Method of Lu-177-DOTA-HYNIC-iPSMA (e-poster)

Presenter: Yehia Omar, Misr Radiology Center, Cairo, EGYPT

Presentation ID: EP-0880

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals and associated medical devices. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia with international operations in the United States, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical-stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX).

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, announcements made to the ASX, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on LinkedIn.

Telix's lead product, gallium-68 (68Ga) gozetotide (also known as 68Ga PSMA-11) injection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),[2] by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA),[3] and by Health Canada.[4]Telix is also progressing Marketing Authorisation Applications for 68Ga-PSMA-11 in the United Kingdom and the European Union.[5]

Telix Investor Relations

Ms. Kyahn Williamson

Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Email: kyahn.williamson@telixpharma.com

Legal Notices

This announcement is not intended as promotion or advertising directed to any healthcare professional or other audience in any country worldwide (including Australia, United States and the United Kingdom). This announcement may include forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "outlook", "forecast" and "guidance", or other similar words. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect the Company's business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix's business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix's preclinical and clinical studies, and Telix's research and development programs; Telix's ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; the commercialisation of Telix's product candidates, if or when they have been approved; estimates of Telix's expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix's financial performance; developments relating to Telix's competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix's product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix's actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, Telix does not undertake to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. Readers should read this announcement together with our material risks, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the ASX and on our website.

2023 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. The Telix Pharmaceuticals and Illuccix name and logo are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates (all rights reserved).

[1] A collaboration with the Oncidium Foundation. [2] Telix ASX disclosure 20 December 2021. [3] Telix ASX disclosure 2 November 2021. [4] Telix ASX disclosure 14 October 2022. [5] Telix ASX disclosure 3 April 2023.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1920208/4254425/Telix_Main_Logo_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/telix-to-showcase-new-zircon-phase-iii-kidney-cancer-imaging-data-and-theranostic-pipeline-at-eanm-301918787.html
Human capital seen as greater driver of growth than digital transformation, but confidence in talent falls from 68 percent to 58 percent in a year

Frankfurt / London / Paris, Sept. 06, 2023Findings show board-level respondents in the region are more concerned about a lack of local executive talent than they are a global recession.

The global study, Exploring Adaptivity through Strategy and Talent, reveals perspectives on risk among CEOs, boards and other senior leaders, alongside executive talent trends, priorities and investment.

Findings show that 37 percent of European board-level respondents (board member/Chair/non-executive director) identify lack of local executive talent as the top external risk to their organisations; 33 percent identify global recession as the top external risk.

With innovation, digital transformation and human capital the top growth drivers, skills in AI/robotics/machine learning are most in need of strengthening, followed by skills in innovation. Nearly half of board-level respondents identify skills in AI/robotics/machine learning as the top skill to strengthen on the board.

"In today's ever-changing world, business leaders are confronting a new array of organisational shifts with profound implications for structures, processes and people," explains Anita Pouplard, Partner, Boyden France and Global Practice Leader, Private Equity & Venture Capital. "Technology, AI and digital advancements demand specific skill sets that may not always be available internally but are highly sought after in the market."

Among all respondents, confidence in having the right talent to align to strategy fell 10-points, down from 68 percent in 2022 to 58 percent in 2023.

"Leadership is about creating optionality, when the future is more uncertain than it has ever been," comments Michael Lewis, Former CEO, E.ON UK and Board Director, United Utilities Group PLC. "You have to be ready to move quickly into a space where value is suddenly emerging, which means having a portfolio of options available to react quickly to whatever the new opportunity is at the right time.

Additional findings across Europe reveal:

70 percent of respondents expect to hire new leadership talent by early 2024

73 percent of board-level respondents expect recruitment challenges, specifically: competing with bigger brands, a shrinking talent pool and relocation or mobility issues

67 percent of respondents are using performance-based bonuses to attract senior executives, higher than global peers at 53 percent

53 percent of respondents are using flexible and hybrid working practices to attract talent

41 percent of respondents identify competing for the right talent as the top driver of structural change

HR expertise has jumped from eighth priority in 2022 to fifth priority in 2023

Read the full report: Europe Regional Analysis 2023: Exploring adaptivity through strategy and talent

About the research

This research was conducted in Q2 2023 among senior executives worldwide. More than 380 responses were captured in Europe where respondents are 43 percent board/president/CEOs; 24 percent SVP, division or country heads; and 33 percent functional leaders.

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 70 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes' Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2023. For further information, visit www.boyden.com.

Attachment
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. - September 6, 2023) - Indigo Exploration Inc. (TSXV: IXI) (OTCQB: IXIXF) (FSE: INEN) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has awarded Sproule Associates Limited ("Sproule") the contract to prepare a maiden resource estimate for the Company's Fox Creek West lithium brine project in central Alberta. With over 70 years of operating history in over 90 countries, Sproule has established a reputation as a leader in the energy space. Within the resource estimation and certification space, Sproule completes over 250 evaluations annually in over 50 countries which recently includes the petrolithium brine resources for the Rainbow Lake project in Alberta and the Kindersley project in Saskatchewan.

The Company would also like to highlight the recent milestone advancements from neighbouring E3 Lithium Ltd. ("E3") an emerging lithium developer in Alberta which announced last week the commencement of operation of its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant. E3's plant represents the first commercial operation of a pilot plant within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB") targeting petrolithium brines from the same or similar aquafer reservoirs as contained within Indigo's projects. Indigo's Leduc-Legal project adjoins some of E3's Alberta properties targeting the same world-class Leduc Aquifer.

"The engagement of Sproule to complete our first maiden resource estimate represents the culmination of activities since last October when the Company shifted its focus to the growing lithium market," commented Paul Cowley, President & CEO of Indigo Exploration. "The resource estimate for Fox Creek West represents only the first of many maiden resource estimates we anticipate delivering and only the beginning of demonstrating the world class potential of these projects to fill the overwhelming lithium supply imbalance. E3's efforts in demonstrating the commercial potential of the DLE application to petrolithium brine projects in Alberta paves the way for other players in the industry to unlock the value of this vast resource."

About the Fox Creek Lithium Brine Projects

The Fox Creek Projects are located adjacent to active exploration and development work being undertaken by Lithium Bank, namely their Boardwalk and Park Place projects. The Fox Creek Projects cover an area of 114,522 hectares and is comprised of the Fox Creek East (45,568 hectares), Fox Creek West (59,738 hectares) and Fox Creek Central (9,216 hectares) areas. The Fox Creek West Project targets the Devonian-aged reefs, including the Wabamun and the Swan Hills Formation of the Beaverhill Lake Group, which has the highest consistent lithium concentrations according to sampling data from the Alberta Geological Survey.

About Sproule

Sproule is an independent engineering and energy advisory firm providing technical and commercial expertise that drives value from energy assets around the world. Sproule has extensive experience with subsurface characterization, reservoir deliverability, economic analysis and field operations, including reservoirs containing lithium-enriched brines. Indigo Exploration can confidently rely on Sproule's expertise related to regulatory reporting requirements, asset valuation and financing, and strategic support. Sproule provides support and advice critical to understanding value drivers, capital attraction and allocation, and execute corporate strategy in a rapidly changing environment. Sproule is familiar with the regulatory requirements for lithium enriched brines and has completed several technical reports compliant with National Instrument 43-101.

About Indigo Exploration

Indigo Exploration is an emerging petro-lithium brine explorer with 147,904 hectares of Metallic and Industrial Minerals permits in Central Alberta, Canada. The Company's three primary lithium projects are the Fox Creek (114,522 hectares), Leduc (23,488 hectares) and Peace River (10,048 hectares) which are located within the heart of lithium exploration and development in Western Canada.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Paul Cowley",

President and CEO

For further information, please contact: Paul Cowley: (604) 340-7711 Website: www.indigoexploration.com

Bradley Parkes, P.Geo., VP Exploration and Director of Indigo Exploration Inc., is the Qualified Person as defined in

National Instrument 43-101, who has read and approved the technical content of this news release.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept 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/179621
Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre-stabilisation mBank S.A. EUR benchmark green 4NC3 snp

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 06

Pre-Stabilisation notice

6 September 2023

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

mBank S.A.

EUR Benchmark GREEN 4NC3 SNP

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

Commerzbank AG (contact: Daniela Olt-Farrelly; telephone: +49 69 136-20) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: mBank S.A. Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR benchmark Description: Fixed rate 4NC3 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Green senior Non-Preferred RegS bearer bonds, maturity 11th Sep 2027, denoms 100k/100k, listing Lux Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG Deutsche Bank Erste Group UBS Investment Bank Stabilisation period expected to start on: 6th September 2023 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg regulated market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
The leading enterprise customer data platform will help the travel company unify, manage and activate its data to deliver highly personalised, end-to-end experiences

Amperity, the leading enterprise customer data platform (CDP) for consumer brands, today announced Virgin Atlantic as a new customer for its critical data foundation. Amperity will help unify, manage, and activate all of the travel company's digital and transactional customer data, to deliver personalised customer experiences and drive revenue growth.

Virgin Atlantic looks after a vast amount of customer data generated from digital touchpoints and offline transactions throughout the customer journey. As part of their ongoing data transformation, the travel company will use the CDP to create a personalised ecosystem and improve the digital experience. Amperity offers a sophisticated, AI-powered platform to create unified customer profiles, harness data to help acquire new customers, deepen existing loyalty relationships, build a community, and support the best possible customer experiences across the end-to-end journey.

Tom Barber, Head of Data at Virgin Atlantic, said: "When it comes to innovating for our customers, Virgin Atlantic never stands still. We're building a digital core at the heart of our business so that our customers benefit from a seamless shop, book and service experience for our flights and holidays, with an innate understanding of their preferences across the end-to-end journey. We're excited to adopt Amperity to help us get to know our customers better than ever, supporting personalised and meaningful content and experiences at every touchpoint, with the advantage of consistent and secure first-party data and customer segmentation."

Amperity's platform uses patented machine learning algorithms to deliver industry-leading identity resolution, audience segmentation, and predictive analytics which allows Virgin Atlantic to create the most relevant content and communications for each customer.

"Today, customer data is at the heart of any ambitious organization, especially one that aspires to make every interaction feel more like it is a one to one experience versus a one to many approach," said Barry Padgett, CEO at Amperity. "By tapping into Amperity, the platform for customer data, Virgin Atlantic will be able to take advantage of patented identity resolution, with strict governance and activation capabilities that will make experiences even more connected and relevant."

To learn how other brands like Virgin Atlantic are partnering with Amperity visit https://amperity.com/customers.

About Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core, with a purpose to ensure everyone can take on the world. In 2022, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain's only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the sixth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs more than 7,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 31 destinations across four continents. Virgin Atlantic recently continued its expansion in the US, launching new routes to Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida.

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance's first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance's transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, with a commitment to achieving 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies and has reduced its absolute carbon emissions by 35% over the last decade. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed the first of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2027. In late 2023, Virgin Atlantic will be leading an industry consortium to deliver the first 100% SAF flight across the transatlantic, demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes.

For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

About Amperity

Amperity delivers the data confidence brands need to unlock growth by truly knowing their customers. With Amperity, brands can build a first-party data foundation to fuel customer acquisition and retention, personalise experiences that build loyalty, and manage privacy compliance. Using patented AI and ML methods, Amperity stitches together all customer interactions to build a unified view that seamlessly connects to marketing and technology tools. More than 400 brands worldwide rely on Amperity to turn data into business value, including Alaska Airlines, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Endeavour Drinks, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels Resorts. For more information, visit amperity.com or follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906474229/en/

Contacts:

Andrea Mocherman

press@amperity.com
EQS-News: African Energy Chamber / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Urges African Union (AU) and the Africa Climate Summit to Prioritize Labeling Natural Gas and Nuclear as Green Energy/Renewable



06.09.2023 / 10:25 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Urges African Union (AU) and the Africa Climate Summit to Prioritize Labeling Natural Gas and Nuclear as Green Energy/Renewable

In line with the European Union's 2022 announcement, the African Union should similarly designate natural gas and nuclear energy as environmentally friendly, thus creating a pathway for greater investment in these essential African resources. Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) ( http://www.EnergyChamber.org ) has long-been a fierce advocate for the role oil and gas plays in Africa. While climate activists have dubbed these resources as 'dirty', oil and gas stand to significantly advance energy security across the continent, increasing access to electricity, fueling industrialization and opening up economic opportunities for millions continent-wide. The AEC calls on the African Union (AU) to align policies with demand, embracing gas and nuclear energy as green solutions, as the European Union (EU) has for its own continent. Last year, the EU made a decision, supported by the European parliament in July 2022, to label natural gas and nuclear energy as 'green.' The move essentially gave foreign investors and project developers the greenlight - excuse the pun - to fund and develop such projects. However, following the advent of the policy, it was clear that the EU's recognition of gas as green was only directed at Europe, and that African gas resources were to remain 'dirty.' At a time when the international community continues to villainize African gas, the AEC calls on the AU to implement its own gas and nuclear-friendly policies. Currently, over 600 million people are without access to electricity in Africa while 900 million are without access to clean cooking solutions. At the same time, the continent has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations. As demand for energy grows, Africa's gas resources stand to fuel the economy. The continent's proven gas resources are measured at 620 trillion cubic feet, most of which remain undeveloped. Lack of investment in the gas industry has largely restricted monetization, despite the potential of the resource to alleviate energy poverty. Domestic gas utilization is also still in its infancy stage, with the majority of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exported to European markets. While the AU has put in place policies such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), intra-African trade cannot be fully implemented if gas is not identified as a green energy source. To alleviate energy poverty and bolster industrialization, Africa requires substantial investments to be made in pipeline, power infrastructure, LNG terminals and applications. An AU-led 'gas is green' policy will galvanize financing for the continent's gas projects while kickstarting the development of small- and large-scale LNG and power generation facilities. And the timing could not be more important. Sizeable oil and gas discoveries continue to be made across the continent. Namibia, for example, made five hydrocarbon finds in 2022 and 2023 while major projects have or are poised to come online in Senegal and Mauritania (Greater Tortue Ahmeyim); Mozambique (Coral Sul); Nigeria (Nigeria LNG); and many more countries. While the AfCFTA has essentially removed barriers to trade and market entry, unless supported by an AU-led 'gas is green' policy for Africa, the benefits of the continent's resources as well as its trade structures will not be realized. This week, the AU's Inter-Institutional Coordination Meeting for the Implementation and Domestication of the African Commodity Strategy will take place in Addis Ababa. The meeting, held under the theme, 'Commodity-led Industrialization for One African Market,' falls under the flagship project of the AU's Agenda 2063, 'The African Commodity Strategy,' which aims to develop Africa's commodities as a driver of structural, social and economic transformation. Central to these commodities should be gas, the products of which have the potential to drastically change the socioeconomic landscape in Africa. For a continent that produces less than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is unjust for the AU to sit by and allow this product to not be used while the same resource continues to drive development and improve the standard of living in Europe. "The AU should not villainize the very resources that offer the continent the chance to industrialize, electrify and grow, but rather, should provide the regulatory tools that enable the trade of gas-based products on a continental basis. Africa has abundant natural gas resources: a sustainable energy solution lying in arms reach of many countries continent-wide. Developing these resources is no longer simply an exciting or challenging investment opportunity, but rather, investing in gas and nuclear has become one of the only ways Africa will industrialize and make energy poverty history," states Ayuk. Gas and nuclear energy can undeniably act as a pivotal lifeline for numerous African nations. By mirroring the policies of the EU, the AU could set the stage for a substantial influx of foreign investment, which, in turn, could serve as a catalyst for propelling commodity-driven and gas-centric industrialization efforts across the African continent. Africans deserve to have the same advantage as European have. By implementing a 'gas is green' policy for Africa, the AU stands to usher in a new era of investment and development in Africa, while spearheading a just and inclusive energy transition. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. Download image: https://apo-opa.info/3PpofYi



06.09.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / HippoFi, Inc. (OTC PINK:ORHB) proudly announces a partnership with global medical technology leader ZIMMER BIOMET, aiming to redefine the spinal biologics landscape. This collaboration will harness the combined expertise of both companies to introduce a novel synthetic biomaterial for bone growth, set for a 2024 launch under HippoFi's biologic subsidiary, PUR Biologics.

Recognized as a leader in musculoskeletal innovations since 2013, PUR Biologics champions the advancement of regenerative medicine solutions.

HippoFi/PUR has acquired the FDA 510(K) clearance for ActiveOrbTM technology, while also securing from Zimmer Biomet an exclusive global license to the underlying technology for the spine market. Both entities have also engaged in a joint commercialization research agreement, with Zimmer Biomet overseeing the production of the spine-specific product under the PUR Biologics brand.

Ryan Fernan, Head of PUR Biologics, expressed, "Our collaboration with Zimmer Biomet is a significant stride in our journey to elevate the standards of patient care. We're excited to bring this innovative technology to the forefront of spinal treatments."

CJ Wiggins, CEO of HippoFi, concluded, "Joining forces with an industry leader like Zimmer Biomet not only amplifies our reach, but also reinforces our commitment to delivering breakthrough biologics that transform lives."

To learn more about PUR Biologics' full line of biologic products, visit: www.PURbiologics.com

About PUR Biologics

PUR Biologics, a wholly owned subsidiary of HippoFi, Inc. (OTCPK: ORHB), is a leading biologic company committed to supporting surgeons and hospitals in providing the best care for their patients. PUR Biologics' complete line of biologic products currently includes advanced allografts and demineralized extracellular matrices (d-ECM), innovative synthetic bone-forming solutions, cellular-derived tissues, and a future of patented and next-generation regenerative stem cell and growth factor-driven therapeutics for treating osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration.

About HippoFi, Inc.

HippoFi, Inc. (OTCPK: ORHB) delivers its cutting-edge healthcare innovations and propriety technologies through an extensive sales channel network, while implementing first-to-market solutions in the multibillion-dollar biotech, fintech, and artificial intelligence (AI) markets. HippoFi comprises three segments: Regenerative Therapeutics, Digital Payments, and AI, and utilize the same customer channels to commercialize solutions, drive revenue, and improve patient outcomes. HippoFi, Inc. is publicly traded under the symbol: ORHB and is headquartered in Irvine, California, USA.

For more information, please visit: www.HippoFi.com and www.PURbiologics.com

Contact:

Jason Brown

Shareholder Communications

612-209-7565

SOURCE: HippoFi, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780997/hippofi-announces-strategic-alliance-to-lead-spinal-biologics-innovation
NEW YORK and DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With a successful showcase of Flying vehicles, robotics, Metaverse, and more in the year 2022; the world's largest tech event GITEX Global is back again bigger and better than ever. Continuing a 6-year tradition, a Top app development company, Hyperlink InfoSystem is all set to participate in GITEX 2023.

Since 1981, GITEX Global has been helping tech professionals enhance their global networking, share digital ideas, and build the tech world together. In the year 2023, GITEX Global is all set to happen in Dubai from 16th to 20th October 2023, bringing together more than 5000+ exhibitors from 180+ countries.

Being a constant exhibitor of GITEX Global, A top app development company, Hyperlink InfoSystem is again going to participate in the world's most prominent tech event to showcase their exceptional development skills and enhance their professional network to innovate, collaborate, and embrace the technologies together.

Starting to set a footprint in the technological world by offering App development services, Hyperlink InfoSystem is now a prominent name known for its versatile offering of web development, software development, game development, salesforce solutions, blockchain development, and more for its global client base. Their extensive team of 1000+ developers holds proficiency in various technologies like Swift, Kotlin, Java, PHP, Python, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and more to deliver custom solutions to fulfil every bit of the client's development requirements.

Leveraging their development expertise the team has served more than 4800+ Apps, 2300+ Websites, 120+ AI & IoT Solutions, 25+ Metaverse Solutions, 20+ NFT Marketplace, 140+ Games, 120+ Salesforce Solutions, 80+ blockchain solutions, and more for their global clients which include TATA Power, Hitachi, Astral, CEAT, Zydus, Papa John's, BBC, Kantar Media, DHL and 2800+ various other global startups to enterprise level businesses.

In a talk with the CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem Harnil Oza stated, "GITEX Global is one of the largest tech events that has helped us build a global network with other tech representatives and enhance our global client base while connecting and communicating with other participants. Throughout these years we have received an enormous amount of response from GITEX Global and we are excited to participate again this year as well expecting better opportunities and chances of interaction with global business owners and entrepreneurs."

The team of Hyperlink InfoSystem is going to be at Hall 7 Stand 11, GITEX Global 2023, Dubai World Trade Center through the week starting from 16 to 20 October 2023. Businesses can reach out to the team of a top app development company and leverage their outstanding offering, knowledge, and proficiency to build innovative and exceptional tech solutions. One can also enquire at +18057441224 or email info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com.

About Hyperlink InfoSystem:

Hyperlink InfoSystem is an established and popular top web & mobile app development company based in USA, UK, UAE, France, Canada with its development center in India. The company's talented team of 1400+ developers offers world-class services in the areas of Custom Software Development, Mobile app & Web Development, Metaverse Solutions, NFT Marketplace Development, Blockchain Development, AR & VR App Development, Game App Development, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Salesforce & much more. Since 2011, the company has successfully built 4,800+ mobile apps for more than 2,800 clients around the world.

Contact Details:

Hyperlink InfoSystem

Harnil Oza

+1-805-744-1224

info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com

New York Address:

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton Street suite 8500,

New York, NY 10007,

United States

Mumbai Address:

Level 8, Vibgyor Towers C 62,

G Block Bandra Kurla Complex,

Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098

London Address:

Level 30, The Leadenhall Building,

122 Leadenhall Street,

London EC3V 4AB

Canada Address:

151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor,

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7,

Canada

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/708610/1379456/Hyperlink_Infosystem_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyperlink-infosystem-announces-its-participation-in-gitex-global-dubai-2023-301918894.html
VANCOUVER, BC and HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Reyna Silver Corp. (TSXV:RSLV)(OTCQX:RSNVF)(FRA:4ZC) ("Reyna' or the "Company") is pleased to report multiple, near-surface, high-grade, native silver-bearing intercepts in three of the initial holes of its 2023 Batopilas Drilling Campaign. Intercepts include Reyna Silver's widest to date (BA23-58: 9 m of 616 g/t Silver within 30 m of 218 g/t Ag) and the discovery of a new, blind Native Silver vein reporting 6,440 g/t Silver across 0.2 metres (BA23-57). The holes were drilled in the historic Silver Zone on the district's west side. Following the end of the rainy season, drilling is expected to resume in both this area and the recently discovered Gold-Silver Zone on the district's east side.

The targets reported here resulted from a year-long systematic geological re-evaluation of the district, including mapping, sampling, structural, and geophysical studies ( See Press Release from June 29, 2023 ) triggered by Reyna's 2022 discovery of significant gold ( See Press Release from April 12, 2022 ). Gold was previously unknown at Batopilas, famous as Mexico's richest Native Silver District, historically producing over 300 Moz of Silver with an average grade of 1,500 g/t Silver.

Highlights from the initial 2023 Batopilas Drilling Campaign (See Table 1).

Hole BA23-58 cut 9 m of 616 g/t Silver within an overall structure of 30 m width running 218 g/t Silver, including 1.4 m of 1,405 g/t Silver (See Table 2).

Hole BA23-57 hit a new Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver across 0.2 metres in a blind structure between the historically important Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins. There were also multiple additional intercepts on the way to the new vein (See Drill Results Explanation below and Figure 3).

hit a across 0.2 metres in a blind structure between the historically important Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins. There were also multiple additional intercepts on the way to the new vein (See Drill Results Explanation below and Figure 3). Hole BA23-60 cut 0.8 m grading 1,342 g/t Silver 65 m above the Escritorio Vein.

"We are delighted that the time and effort spent over the past year on the sampling program, structural studies, and geophysics has paid off with these high-grade silver discoveries," said Jorge Ramiro Monroy, CEO of Reyna Silver. "Cutting new native silver structures -including one reporting 9 metres of over 600 g/t Silver- shows that a disciplined, district-scale approach to exploration can lead to discovery. Going forward our team will test this model against our upcoming drill targets in our campaign to search for the silver and gold veins of Batopilas."

"Finding multiple new, high-grade silver veins through collaborative rethinking of a district with 400 years of mining history proves that solid field work and modern exploration approaches can revolutionize the geologic perception of an ore system. Mining history tells us that the Batopilas Native Silver veins can blossom from a few centimeters to over 2 metres wide in a few metres laterally, so any of these intercepts could be very close to a major shoot," said Dr. Peter Megaw, Chief Exploration Advisor to Reyna Silver. "Next, we get to turn our sights and drills on targets in the Banda Este Gold-Silver Zone generated through this systematic district reappraisal."

Table 1. Highlights from Drillholes BA23-57, BA23-58 and BA23-60. Reported widths are core length as true widths for the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined.

Drill Results Explanation and Highlights

The drilling program consisted of six holes, totaling 1,458 metres, targeting areas of interest determined by the yearlong study (See Map 1, 2).

Hole BA23-58 targeted the San Roberto-Roncesvalles vein/structure more than 350 metres NW of BA23-57 in Escritorio. Starting just 3 metres below the surface, it cut an overall 30 m (core length) mineralized zone grading 218 g/t Ag, encompassing multiple high-grade zones (See Table 2). Within these 30 m, starting 9 m down-hole, the drill cut 1.5 m of 398 g/t Ag. Then, at 21 m in depth, 9 m of 616 g/t Ag was cut, including 1.45 m grading 1,405 g/t Ag. At 28.5 m depth, it cut the final high-grade zone of 1.5 m grading 936 g/t (See Highlight Table 1).

Hole BA23-57 was designed to test the top of the Escritorio vein on the way to a target identified through a combination of geophysical, sampling, and structural studies conducted during the 2022-23 systematic exploration program. At 64.5 m downhole, the drill cut the top of the Escritorio vein, which showed 0.25 m grading 1,360 g/t Silver. Then, at 203.2 m, the drill cut a new and completely blind, Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver over 0.2 m (See Highlight Table 1 and Figure 3). The technical team is excited by this development because the covered structure lies between the Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins, two of the most significant veins in the district. Historically, miners would follow narrow silver-rich calcite seams into the famous native silver ore shoots of Batopilas, so follow-up drilling of this new vein is a high-priority exploration goal (See Figures 1 and 2).

Hole BA23-60, also in the Escritorio zone, had a steeper trajectory than BA23-57 and cut the Escritorio Vein at 72.7 m, where it carried 0.8 m of Native Silver grading 1,432 g/t Silver (see Highlight Table 1). The intercept was 50 m below and 15 m south of the BA23-57 intercept and is believed to lie 66 m from any historic workings (See Map 2).

Figure 1. (above):

Schematic Plan View of a Typical Batopilas Ore-Shoot. Native Silver (in blue) occurs sporadically in the narrow calcite veins that link the oreshoots for 30-150 m. Over a distance of 1-8 m, the structure blossoms into steeply-inclined oreshoots, ranging from 0.5 to 2 m wide, 30-80 m on level, and up to 350 m in height. Approaching a shoot, the vein shows a rapid lateral transition from calcite containing fine-grained Galena (lead sulfide, PbS) (in grey), fine-grained Sphalerite (zinc sulfide, ZnS) (in mauve), and finally Proustite (a silver sulfosalt, Ag3AsS3) and Acanthite (a silver sulfide, Ag2S) (in orange) before entering the principal Native Silver ore-zone. As the Native Silver zone is passed, the vein transitions through the sequence in reverse before shrinking back to a narrow calcite seam, which continues 30-150 m to the next oreshoot.

Figure 2. (left): Schematic Cross-Section View of the Batopilas Oreshoot. Native Silver is denoted in blue, fine-grain Galena (PbS) in grey, fine-grain Sphalerite (ZnS) in mauve, the combination of Proustite (Ag3AsS3) and Acanthite (Ag2S) in red. The steeply inclined oreshoots continued down for hundreds of meters in several areas.

Map 1. Major elements of the Batopilas District, within the claim area shown in blue. The purple line is the historic Porfirio Diaz Tunnel. Recent Drill holes are marked in black, and earlier drill holes are in greys, including historic drilling by MAG Silver. Veins are in red, and structures are in blue. The gold and silver ovals highlight the different zones within Batopilas. The NE Gold Zone, the Cobriza Gold + Silver Zone, and the East Gold and Silver Zone ("Banda Este") were discovered by Reyna Silver.



Click here to watch the video

Map 2. Location map for drill holes described here (in bold) plus historical drill holes (in grey). BA23-57 targeted a structure suspected to exist between Escritorio on the east and Todos Los Santos on the west; it cut 0.25 m grading 6,440 g/t Ag in a previously untouched area. BA23-60 tested Escritorio as well. The BA23-58 intercept is between San Roberto-Roncevalles, 85 metres from the nearest historic stope or adit. BA23-56 was in Pastrana (TD at 190.5 m), BA23-57 was in Escritorio (TD at 450 m), BA23-58 was in Roncesvalles (TD at 140 m), BA23-59 was in Todos Los Santas (TD at 159 m), BA23-60 returned to Escritorio (TD at 159.5 m), BA23-61 was in La Vaca II (TD at 141 m), and BA23-62 was in La Vaca (TD at 222 m).

Future Exploration Plans

These results validate the time Reyna spent systematically rethinking the district's geology following the discovery of significant Gold mineralization in this historic Silver district (See Press Release from April 12, 2022 ). This process substantially increased understanding of the Batopilas District and resulted in multiple new drill targets. These six holes represent the first stage of drilling on these new targets, and after a break for the rainy season, rigs will be mobilized to the next major planned target area, the Gold-Silver bearing Banda Este zone. This area rose in priority for the exploration team after significant gold and silver mineralization was encountered by a selective sampling program (See Press Release from September 13, 2022 ). Banda Este has few historical workings, but Reyna Silver's work in the district indicates significant potential for it to grow into an important exploration area (See Map 1).

While drilling is underway at Banda Este, the technical team will develop follow-up targets building on the high-silver results reported here. The principal goals will be refining understanding of the structural controls on the Native Silver shoots, identifying vectors to follow the Native Silver intercepts into major oreshoots, and continued investigation of the relationship between the silver and gold mineralization stages that have been recognized.

Table 2. Results from BA23-58 of the full 30 metres grading 218 g/t Ag from 3 to 33 metres.

Figure 3. Close up of NQ-sized core (4.8 cm diameter) from Hole BA23-57 with Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver over 0.2 metres. Note threads of shiny metallic Native Silver in the upper vein zone and the black acanthite (silver sulphide Ag2S) filling breccia in the middle of the vein. This is the style of mineralization seen historically in the district approaching major mineralized shoots.

QA/QC STATEMENT

Reyna Silver follows industry standard procedures for diamond core drilling and sample analysis. Drilling is carried out using NQ and HQ size tooling. The drill core is cut in half using a diamond rock saw, with one-half of the core then taken as a sample for analysis and the other kept as a register. Sample intervals are generally from 0.2 to 2 m intervals, producing samples of between 0.6 to 10 kg. Half-core samples are delivered to the internationally certified ALS Minerals laboratory facilities in Chihuahua City, where the samples are prepared. ALS has a Quality management system (ISO 17025), and Assays are completed by ALS Minerals in Canada. The samples are fire-assayed for Au (Au-23) and are analyzed for Ag and multi-elements using method code ICP (ICP-41) following an aqua regia digestion. Samples showing visible gold are resubmitted to ALS for Metallic Screen Assaying. Overlimits are analyzed using an appropriate method. Multi-element geochemical standards and blanks or duplicates are inserted systematically into the drill core sampling series to monitor lab performance. The control samples are inserted every 25 samples in the case of standards, blanks, and field duplicates, and for rejects and pulps duplicates, every 30 samples are intercalated. Referent to the chain of custody, the samples are transported from Batopilas by Reyna Silver personnel to ALS Chemex in Chihuahua City.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Dr. Peter Megaw, C.P.G., the Company's Chief Exploration Advisor and Qualified Person, reviewed the technical aspects of the exploration projects described herein and is responsible for the design and conduct of the exploration program and the verification and quality assurance of analytical results. Dr. Megaw is not independent as he and/or the companies with which he is affiliated hold Net Smelter Royalties on the Guigui and Batopilas Projects that predate Reyna Silver acquiring them.

ABOUT REYNA SILVER

Reyna Silver Corp. (TSXV: RSLV) is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company focused on exploring for high-grade, district-scale silver deposits in Mexico and USA.

Reyna's principal properties are the Guigui and Batopilas Properties in Chihuahua, Mexico, plus Medicine Springs and Gryphon Summit in Nevada, USA. Guigui covers the interpreted source area for the Santa Eulalia District, and Batopilas covers most of Mexico's historically highest-grade silver system. The Company also has an option to acquire 100% of the Medicine Springs CRD project in Elko Co., Nevada, USA, and the 10,300-hectare combined Carlin-style and CRD Gryphon Summit Project in Eureka Co., Nevada, USA, as well as several early-stage properties in Mexico.

Cautionary Statements

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration results and plans, and our other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, our estimates of exploration investment, the scope of our exploration programs, and our expectations of ongoing administrative costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or our estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks associated with mineral exploration, price volatility in the mineral commodities we seek, and operational and political risks. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Reyna Silver Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781001/reyna-silver-drills-multiple-new-native-silver-veins-at-batopilas-including-9-m-at-616-gt-silver
TOKYO, Sept 6, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi, Ltd. continued to be selected as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series, the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index.The FTSE4Good Index Series, the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index are ESG investment indices created by FTSE Russell and significant benchmarks used by investors for assessing corporate ESG practices. The FTSE Blossom Japan Index and the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index are adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) as a benchmark for ESG passive funds.Hitachi has been promoting sustainable management and working specifically to achieve the carbon neutrality of its business sites (factories and offices) by FY2030 and its entire value chain by FY2050 under Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050, its long-term environmental targets. In addition, Hitachi has set a target of increasing the ratio of female and non-Japanese executive and corporate officers (the executive position next to executive officer) to 30% respectively by FY2030.To promote sustainable management, Hitachi also amended its executive compensation system*, expanding the ratio of sustainability evaluation in the compensation.Hitachi will solve various challenges faced by our customers and society and contribute to therealization of a sustainable society where people live happily in prosperity through the SocialInnovation Business leveraging data and technology.* News Release on April 25, 2023 "Hitachi Amends Executive Compensation System, Further Strengthening Links Between Corporate Value and Compensation" www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2023/04/230425b.htmlFTSE4Good Index Serieswww.ftserussell.com/products/indices/ftse4goodFTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Indexwww.ftserussell.com/products/indices/blossom-japanHitachi Sustainability Reportwww.hitachi.com/sustainability/download/index.htmlHitachi Integrated Reportwww.hitachi.com/IR-e/library/integrated/index.htmlAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting our customers" digital transformation; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
By Fang Aiqing and Wang Ru

BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The key role of media cooperation in promoting Asian cultural heritage conservation, as well as the importance of amplifying Asia's voice, was emphasized at a forum on Tuesday in Beijing attended by media experts and heritage conservators from various Asian countries.

The Forum on Cultural Heritage Conservation, themed "Civilizations in Harmony", was co-organized by China Daily, the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Asia News Network. It was held following ANN's annual board meeting on Monday.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said the forum is an important platform to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and promote the inheritance and development of Asian cultures.

He said he hopes that the forum can advance cultural heritage conservation cooperation and deepen exchanges in the field, in order to enhance Asian countries' understanding and recognition of Chinese culture and to promote the shared values of all mankind.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, highlighted ANN's guiding role in promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of Asian countries' fine traditional cultures, and the urgency to "accelerate the formation of Asia's voice that can match the volume of Asia".

"Taking Asia as the anchor point, we should build a media cooperation network for dialogue between global civilizations, systematically demonstrate the significance of Asian civilizations to the world and spread the shared values therein for all humankind," Qu said.

Li Qun, head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said: "We will encompass major subjects such as human origin, global ancient civilizations and the Belt and Road Initiative to make plans for joint archaeological work, and establish sound mechanisms for coordinating joint archaeological efforts."

He called for giving full play to ANN's communication advantages and the resource advantages of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, which was inaugurated in April in the presence of more than 150 delegates from 22 Asian countries and three international organizations. The Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation, which is affiliated with the alliance, has so far generated 88 million yuan ($12 million) for conservation projects.

Mahfuz Anam, chairman of the ANN, emphasized mass media's responsibility to improve mutual understanding of diverse cultures that make for the collective heritage of humankind. He said that global and regional media cooperation in increasing knowledge of each other's cultures can largely help create deeper harmony between different cultural and ethnic groups.

Wang Jinzhan, executive secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology, listed some of the joint efforts made by Chinese and foreign cultural relics conservators to facilitate high-quality conservation with scientific and technological innovations. For example, Chinese scientists assisted in mapping Cambodia's Angkor sites and helped monitor its preservation with 3D scanning and Geographic Information System technologies, he said.

Kong Vireak, secretary-general of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia and Cambodia's undersecretary of state for culture and fine arts, highlighted the international endeavor to preserve the cultural legacies of Angkor, and the sustainable development of tourism and job opportunities generated through the process.

At a seminar held after the keynote speeches, delegates from cultural heritage institutions, and media agencies and associations, discussed how they can shoulder their responsibility to better preserve cultural heritage.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202833/ANN_meeting___20230906100528.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/teamwork-of-media-entities-stressed-at-heritage-forum-301918944.html
AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, has today announced the opening in Beijing of its latest Customer Experience Center (CEC). The Center demonstrates AVEVA's ongoing commitment to continued investment and growth in China and is the group's fifth such technology hub globally.

At the opening ceremony, the team welcomed industry leaders and media representatives. AVEVA's Chief Executive Officer Caspar Herzberg and, Chief People Officer Caoimhe Keogan, attended alongside regional leadership Senior Vice President, Head of APAC Emon Zaman, and local Vice President, General Manager of China Jingyi Cui, to welcome guests and share the company's strategy and growth ambitions for China.

Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, said: "Today's opening of our state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center here in Beijing is a testament to AVEVA's commitment to our customers and partners in China, and our ongoing investment in innovation and growth in the world's second largest economy.

"Our CECs around the world are a string of pearls that enable our customers to experience and explore our solutions for themselves. They can experience the power of connected ecosystems in diverse industries and explore how leading-edge industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins can be used in their own businesses."

Jingyi Cui, Vice President, General Manager of AVEVA China added: "I'm honored to be welcoming our customers and media to today's opening. This new CEC is a significant milestone in AVEVA's 27-year history in China, reflecting both our innovation of technology in industrial software and also collaboration with customers on their digital transformations."

Demonstrating the transformative power of industrial ecosystems to drive innovation and realize the connected industrial economy, the China CEC showcases AVEVA's industrial platform and applications. It includes a range of interactive demos that show the company's software capabilities in digital transformation, AI for industries, data visualization and virtual reality, supporting hybrid cloud architectures. The CEC also features a variety of industry-specific solutions including process dynamic simulation with AVEVA Extended Reality Solution, AVEVA E3D Design, AVEVA Enterprise Resource Management, AVEVA Asset Information Management, AVEVA PI System, AVEVA Predictive Analytics, AVEVA APC and AVEVA Process Optimization. Each example highlights how AVEVA's hybrid platform and applications enable industrial customers to optimize the entire asset lifecycle and accelerate sustainable outcomes.

With over 16% of revenue invested in R&D, AVEVA has 10 dedicated R&D centers around the world and five CECs, with leading CECs also located in London, UK and San Leandro, Lake Forest and Houston in the USA.

AVEVA China will use the CEC to demonstrate new capabilities to customers, partners, media, academy, research institutions, government and other public utilities, to showcase potential value and to collect and synthesize customer feedback to optimize development and prioritize investment in new capabilities.

Globally, the industry is undergoing a rapid change from supply chain and geo-political pressures to decarbonization and generational transition as more digital natives join the industrial workforce. AVEVA's solutions empower teams with the trusted information and insight they need to spark their ingenuity. In China this approach is enabling businesses to drive growth while aligning with China's 'dual carbon' policy, to reduce peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

ENDS

Copyright 2023 AVEVA Solutions Limited. All rights reserved. AVEVA Solutions Limited is owned by AVEVA Group. AVEVA, the AVEVA logos and AVEVA product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of AVEVA Group or its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and other countries. Other brands and product- names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906698212/en/

Contacts:

external.communications@aveva.com

07920086154
Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Sekur Private Data Ltd. (CSE: SKUR) (OTCQB: SWISF) (FSE: GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, is pleased announce that since it has started optimization and SEO in January 2023, its Customer Acquisition Cost "CAC" was lowered to US$26 per Customer in August, beating its 2023 target CAC by 65%.

The Company is also generating a higher average revenue per user ("ARPU") as compared to July 2023, up 3.4% to US$8.75. This increase in spending per subscriber, or user, is attributed to the bundling of solutions offered on the newly updated Sekur website. Additionally, average spend per Customer is up 24% to US$14.97 month-over-month from July 2023. Spend per customer comprises of all spending for all users signed up under a particular customer. Examples of customers could be families, small businesses or enterprises. As the Company increases SMB marketing to businesses, spending per customer is expected to increase, as SMBs have multiple users in their business. Spending per user is also expected to increase as the Company launches its SekurVoice voice calls encrypted solutions and SekurPRO, its video conferencing and complete private and secure communications suite, in Q1 2024.

In January 2023, The Company has embarked on a reduction of its Customer Acquisition Cost ("CAC") in order to focus on targeted digital marketing, such as Google Ads and META campaigns and optimization of its Sekur website. Previously, the Company announced that is was targeting a CAC of US$75 or lower by the end of 2023, and a CAC of US$60 or lower for 2024 from direct marketing, not counting B2B partnerships, which would lower the CAC overall. The Company is targeting consumers and SMBs at this time and is improving its website content in order to inform SMBs and visitors on the benefits of using the Sekur privacy and security communications platform. The Company counts its digital marketing spend as the basis for its CAC. As the Company increases digital marketing, its user base is expected to grow in proportion and eventually exponentially, as its CAC lowers through organic searches.

Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data said: "We are very happy to be ahead of our plans for our CAC reduction. Right now, if we count the money we are spending on digital marketing, and the organic growth from the SEO efforts, we are tracking a CAC of US$26 as of August 2023. This is the 3rd month of us achieving a CAC of well under US$50. All metrics, from ARPU to monthly sales, are increasing month over month as well. As we increase spending on digital media, we expect to increase our user base, and our organic traffic and SEO are also contributing to this lowering of the CAC. Our immediate goal is to reach a website traffic of one hundred thousand visits per month, and since we are already tracking a conversion rate of over 2.5%, we could get the CAC down to US$4 with those visits, based on our SEO and digital PR marketing costs of US$15,000 per month. Our strategy for 2023 is to lower our CAC and increase website traffic, and we are beating all expectations we have set for our year end 2023. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and, as we are not connected to any Big Tech platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. We look forward to continuing to offer true data privacy to all individuals and their businesses and protect their intellectual property, and their privacy, from data miners and malicious hackers."

Since the Company has added SekurVPN and customized 'a-la-carte' bundles for consumers and businesses, approximately 50% of all customers have been buying bundles and 32% of customers purchased SekurVPN in the bundle or on its own.

On April 7th 2023, the Company launched its privacy VPN solution called SekurVPN available through https://www.sekurvpn.com, or through https://www.sekur.com , and started commercial sales of its highly anticipated SekurVPN privacy and security VPN solution. The solution is also offered in USD, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, CHF, EUR and GPB. The Company plans to launch several videos on social media promoting SekurVPN in the coming weeks to select targeted audiences in the USA, and Australia. Recently Australia has been voted most hacked nation in the globe as of Q4 2022 according to this Cybersecutiy Connect article. The incident was discussed by Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur, in the latest Sekur Hack of the Week TV Episode on NewsmaxTV, Fox Business and on streaming media.

SekurVPN is especially meant for privacy enthusiasts and users wanting to protect their identity from hackers. An example would be users going to their e-banking or shopping online, using their emails, using messaging applications and wanting to have full privacy and protection from hackers hijacking their IP location and signal. The service guarantees not to use Big Tech or Hyperscalers for its functioning or hosting, it guarantees that there are no third party bundles sold with it, so no data is leaked or sold to third parties, it guarantees no traffic pulling or monitoring, and no phone number required to register to the service.

According to a study and publication on forbes.com, 66% use a VPN to help protect personal data, 80% use a VPN for increased security and 33% use a VPN to mask their internet activity. More statistics can be found on this VPN Statistics And Trends In 2023 article.

Private:

SekurVPN uses its own proprietary infrastructure and does not use any Hyperscaler or Big Tech hosting providers, unlike most other VPNs. It offers Swiss IPs only, and this guarantees that it is using only SekurVPN's own servers and routing. Other VPNs offer 100s of locations and are using Big Tech providers, compromising users' privacy. SekurVPN never monitors users' activity and never shares any data with third party service providers. By being a pure VPN, without bundled outside services, such as anti-virus, and ad-blockers, SekurVPN keeps users' information private without sharing their data with third party service providers. With SekurVPN, users do not register their phone number on the App or the web, rendering users invisible from hackers or snoopers. No phone number to register, anonymous Swiss IPs only, no data mining or traffic sharing with anyone.

Secure:

SekurVPN's secure VPN routes all your Internet traffic through SekurVPN's privately owned servers, in multiple locations in Switzerland only, and using the highest encryption industry standards, combined with its proprietary HeliX technology for added security. Encryption keys are not stored on devices and are unique at every connection. Users' passwords, confidential data and Internet surfing stay encrypted even over public distrusted internet connections.

Easy to use:

SekurVPN is extremely easy to setup and deploy. There is no country list and our interface is simplified, just tap or click the connection button. SekurVPN's no-frills but highly secure and private service gives users peace of mind without thinking about geo-locations.

Currently SekurVPN is available to use with MacOS, iOS and Android devices. Versions for Windows 64, Windows 32 and Linux are planned to be launched in the coming weeks.

In addition to SekurVPN, the company offers a bundled Sekur plan, which includes SekurMessenger and SekurMail, as a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one application, and includes the Company's latest SekurMail technology, which includes proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients' email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large Enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology ("DLP") with real time continuous archiving.

Recent data breaches in messaging applications have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications from cyber-attacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices.

SekurMessenger comes with a proprietary feature and technology called "Chat-By-Invite". This feature allows a SekurMessenger user ("SM user") invite via email or SMS, a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way, without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, finance, insurance, medical, government, energy, manufacturing, trade and pharmaceutical sectors.

SekurMessenger also eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not only not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a user's phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a user's phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a Sekur number. The Sekur number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other Sekur users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including Sekur's proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers.

Sekur's Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users' data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection ("FADP") of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner.

Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked "secret official discussions." In 2010 the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track Internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved.

About Sekur Private Data Ltd.

Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers, and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website at https://www.sekur.com , and approved distributors, and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide.

On behalf of Management

SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD.

Alain Ghiai

President and Chief Executive Officer

+1.416.644.8690

corporate@sekurprivatedata.com

For more information, please contact Sekur Private Data at corporate@sekurprivatedata.com or visit us at https://www.sekurprivatedata.com.



For more information on Sekur, visit us at: https://www.sekur.com or https://www.sekurvpn.com



Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. Sekur 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 Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca. 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, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179629


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Euro area retail sales fell for the first time in four months and at a slightly faster than expected pace in July, led by a slump in sales of auto fuel, preliminary data from the statistical office Eurostat showed Wednesday.



Retail sales decreased 0.2 percent month-on-month in July, which was slightly faster than the 0.1 percent fall economists had expected.



The 0.3 percent decrease that was originally reported for June was revised to 0.2 percent growth.



The latest decline was the first since March, when sales fell 0.4 percent.



Sales of automotive fuel in specialized stores decreased for the second month in a row, down 1.2 percent in July.



The food, drinks and tobacco group logged sales growth of 0.4 percent and the non-food products excluding auto fuel segment registered a 0.5 percent upside.



Mail orders and internet sales grew 3.8 percent, which was more than double of the 1.5 percent increase in June.



Eurozone retail sales continued to fall on a year-on-year basis, down 1.0 percent in July, which was the same as in June, post-revision.



In the EU, the retail sales volume shrunk 0.3 percent monthly in July following a 0.2 percent gain in the previous month. Compared to the same month last year, retail sales continued to fall, down 1.2 percent in July.



Among the EU states, the worst monthly declines in retail sales were logged in Denmark and Ireland. The biggest gains were seen in Portugal, Sweden and Cyprus.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Mega-Chance: Der Indien Report Ihre Chancen im groten Wachstumsmarkt: 3 indische Top-Aktien. Die Highlights dieses Spezialreports: 1. Indien als Wachstumsriese, 2. Indiens Wirtschaft boomt!, 3. 3 Top-Performance-Aktien. Jetzt kostenlos downloaden. Hier klicken


President Joko Widodo inaugurates the Plenary Session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, held on September 5-7 in Jakarta, after the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, in May 2023.

JAKARTA, Sept 6, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Amid increasingly complex global and geopolitical challenges, the unity and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since its establishment in 1967 is still maintained and remained strong. Indonesia is holding the ASEAN chairmanship 2023, with the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth." The vision of Indonesia's chairmanship is to build a resilient, adaptive, and inclusive ASEAN.The statement was voiced by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the opening of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta on Tuesday, September 5, where he emphasized that "ASEAN unity until this day is still well maintained, amid differences in opinion between its member countries."The summit draws participation from delegates representing 22 countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Russia as *ASEAN's country partners*. The Timor-Leste leader also attend the summit as an observer.In his opening speech of the 43rd ASEAN Summit's plenary session, Jokowi underscored that ASEAN unity does not mean that there are no differences in opinion *amongst* member countries. The head of state noted that Indonesia, as a country with diverse ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions, sees unity as harmony despite differences, including opinions."Because differences in opinion, in fact, nurture democracy. It shows that we, as a family, are on an equal footing," he stated. Jokowi then pushed ASEAN to bolster further its cohesiveness, boldness, and agility to face current global challenges."ASEAN needs long-term tactical strategies that are relevant and in line with the expectations of communities," he said. By retaining ASEAN's position as a center of growth, Indonesia expects that the bloc will continue to be a relevant actor to the communities in Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions.President Jokowi also described ASEAN as an "ark" responsible for the well-being of its population of hundreds of millions. Hence, he urged all ASEAN leaders to ensure that the ark can persistently navigate the oceans amid emerging "storms" or challenges.Like President Jokowi, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has called on the unity and cooperation of the bloc in navigating any challenges, including in resolving the Myanmar issue. "ASEAN can only steam forward in full power if we can ensure a peaceful and lasting solution in Myanmar," Marsudi stated at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) on Monday, September 4.Aside from the firm solidity of ASEAN, President Jokowi also highlighted the principle of equality that is respected in the region. According to Jokowi, equality has become a "rare thing" in the world, considering the injustices and conflicts that continue to occur due to the absence of equality."However, in ASEAN, things are different. Equality is, in fact, the primary value that we respect and uphold together in the framework of unity and togetherness so that the big ship of ASEAN can continue to sail," he affirmed. He also believed that a united ASEAN would be able to become a significant actor in realizing global peace and growth.As the chair of ASEAN 2023, Indonesia seeks to strengthen the institutional capacity and effectiveness of ASEAN so the region can respond to the challenges in the next 20 years. Indonesia is also committed to preparing the ASEAN Post-2025 Vision towards ASEAN 2045 which must be adaptive, responsive, and competitive and align with the ASEAN Way and the ASEAN Charter.Reporter: Andi Firdaus, Katrian; Editor: Tia Mutiasari; COPYRIGHT (c) ANTARA 2023Source: ASEAN SummitsCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica" or "the Company") (NYSE:CMA) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors who purchased the Company's securities between February 9, 2021 and May 29, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before October 20, 2023.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at bschall@schallfirm.com.

The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Comerica failed to provide effective oversight of its contractors that ran its Direct Express program on a day-to-day basis. The Company failed to maintain compliance with its federal contracts due to poor fraud dispute handling and allowing sensitive information to be managed in Pakistan. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Comerica, investors suffered damages.

Join the case to recover your losses.

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

www.schallfirm.com

Office: 310-301-3335

info@schallfirm.com

SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm





View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780979/deadline-action-alert-the-schall-law-firm-encourages-investors-in-comerica-incorporated-with-losses-of-100000-to-contact-the-firm
Regulatory News:

Following the arrival of Alain Favey as Group CEO in June, Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR) announces the appointment of Claire Charbit as Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, and Stephane Crasnier as Group Chief Fleet Officer. Both join the Group Executive Committee.

Over the last 15 years, Claire Charbit held a number of key roles within Air France, including her last position of Senior VP Transformation. Prior to that, she was Senior VP Product Technology for Digital, Marketing and Sales for Air France KLM. She also managed transformative programs related to the digitization of customer journeys and the implementation of state-of-the art revenue management systems. She started her career in Accenture where she spent 10 years on assignments in France and abroad.

Claire Charbit holds a PhD in Business Administration and Management from the Universite Paris Dauphine.

Stephane Crasnier is a seasoned professional, expert in fleet management and remarketing. Since July 2018, he was President of Alphabet France, the 3rd largest multi-brand full service leasing company in the French market. Prior to that, Stephane Crasnier held various positions in France and abroad (China, Australia) in the automotive distribution sector (Ford), car manufacturers (Ford, Citroen, BMW) and a financial captive (BMW Financial Services).

Stephane Crasnier graduated from the ESSCA in Sales and Marketing.

Alain Favey, Europcar Mobility Group CEO, comments:

" Our ambition is to both strengthen Europcar Mobility Group's position as a major player in the car rental market and to be a driving force in the delivery of future sustainable mobility solutions. Claire and Stephane will bring a decisive contribution to the management team in delivering our strategy, driving the transformation process and ensuring excellence in fleet management."

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a global mobility services provider with a leading position in Europe. In the coming years, the Group's ambition is to become a leader in sustainable mobility services, driven by data, technology and people.

Europcar Mobility Group offers to individuals and businesses a wide range of car and van rental services, be it for a few hours, a few days, a week, a month or more, on-demand or on subscription, relying on a fleet of more than 250.000 vehicles, equipped with the latest engines including more and more electric vehicles.

Its brands address differentiated needs, use cases and expectations: Europcar a global leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar a frontrunner at providing low-cost car rental services in Europe, Fox-Rent-A-Car, one of the main players in the car rental market in the US, with a "value for money" positioning, Buchbinder, one of the most important players in car and light commercial vehicle rental in Germany, and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders of car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's ambition and that of its more than 8,000 employees, everywhere Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions, thanks to a strong network in 140 countries (including 16 wholly owned subsidiaries completed by franchisees and alliance partners).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906688744/en/

Contacts:

Europcar Mobility Group
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA / Key word(s): AGMEGM

DECISIONS OF THE RICHEMONT 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING



06.09.2023 / 12:45 CET/CEST





To read the full announcement click here: Richemont Company Announcement

For a printer-friendly version: Richemont Company Announcement PDF EN

Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA (the "Company") held its 2023 Annual General Meeting ("AGM") in Geneva today.

The General Assembly approved the appointments of two new non-executive directors, Fiona Druckenmiller and Bram Schot, and voted in favour of the re-appointments of all Board members who stood for re-election for a further one-year term. All directors have been elected by a large majority of Class 'A' votes represented in addition to the Class 'B' votes.

In addition, 'A' shareholders were asked to formally designate one person to serve as representative of all 'A' shareholders on the Board. Following the vote of 'A' shareholders only, Wendy Luhabe was designated as representative of the 'A' shareholders with a compelling majority.

The proposals to amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation were supported by a majority of Class 'A' votes represented in addition to the Class 'B' votes. These amendments were made to implement the Swiss corporate law reform of 2020, which became effective in January 2023, as well as some other organisational changes.

All other matters on the agenda were approved by the shareholders, with most of them by an overwhelming majority.

Specifically, the results for the year, including the proposals of the Board of Directors for the appropriation of retained earnings at 31 March 2023, were approved.

An ordinary dividend of CHF 2.50 per 'A' share was approved and will be paid on the listed 'A' registered shares while a dividend of CHF 0.250 per share will be paid on the 'B' registered shares in the Company. A special dividend of CHF 1.00 per 'A' share and CHF 0.10 per 'B' share was also approved. The dividend will be declared in Swiss francs and subject to Swiss withholding tax at the rate of 35%. The remaining available retained earnings of the Company, after payment of the dividend, are to be carried forward to the next business year.

For shareholders other than South African shareholders, the dividends will be payable in Swiss francs on Friday 22 September 2023. For the South African shareholders, the dividends will be paid in Rand on Thursday 28 September 2023. The Rand amount will be based on the exchange rate indicated in the announcement published through the South African news service 'SENS' on Tuesday 12 September 2023.

The detailed voting results and Chairman's address will be available for download in the coming days from the Richemont website at AGM/EGM | Investors (richemont.com) and Results, reports & presentations | Investors (richemont.com).





About Richemont

At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont's ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaia, AZ Factory, Chloe, Delvaux, dunhill, Montblanc, Peter Millar including G/FORE, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. In addition, Richemont operates NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division. Find out more at www.richemont.com .

Richemont 'A' shares are listed and traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont's primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index ('SMI') of leading stocks. The 'A' shares are also traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont's secondary listing.





Investor/analyst and media enquiries

Sophie Cagnard, Group Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Director

James Fraser, Investor Relations Executive

Investor/analyst enquiries: +41 22 721 30 03; investor.relations@cfrinfo.net

Media enquiries: +41 22 721 35 07; pressoffice@cfrinfo.net ; richemont@teneo.com

End of Media Release


Centric solutions to harmonize buying and optimize product offerings across regions for leading discount grocery retailer

CAMPBELL, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Centric Software, the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) market leader, is pleased to announce that global discount retailer ALDI SOUTH is partnering with Centric Software to advance their digital transformation, support data driven decision making and further enhance international collaboration. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, price and sell products to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

Founded in 1961, ALDI SOUTH is a global discount grocery retailer with 7,100 stores in 11 countries, including Australia, Germany, UK, USA and China, on four continents. Stores offer a core range of food products, including regional goods, organic and fresh produce, and other non-food consumer goods with a predominant focus on carefully selected private-label. These are complemented by weekly rotating themed special buys and seasonal items. ALDI SOUTH has thousands of suppliers, including many that are local to specific regions.

After an intensive vendor selection process, ALDI SOUTH selected Centric Software to provide a category range management solution to support international collaboration on range and product development. ALDI SOUTH will implement Centric PLM, Centric Software's flagship market-leading PLM solution, and Centric Visual Boards, an innovative visual collaboration platform that extends the capabilities of PLM to transform the go-to-market process for multi-category retail.

"Centric Software stands out for their expertise and the user-friendly interface of their solutions," explains Simon Weil, Managing Director Global Business Coordination at ALDI SOUTH and adds, "Centric solutions are a great fit for our customer focused assortment and the teams that will use the software, from buying, planning, merchandising and branding, to sourcing including suppliers who will also use the system."

"Centric's tools support our goal of streamlining the buying process for food, near-food and non-food so that we can offer our customers the best possible products at the lowest possible prices," states Christian Gillmann, Group Director International IT at ALDI SOUTH. "We are striving for a strong partnership and a collaborative innovation ahead, with the goal of elevating the capabilities of the software."

The broader digital transformation allows ALDI SOUTH to respond rapidly to changing consumer behaviour and improve time to market for new products and services, meet compliance, sustainability and quality goals, and drive cost leadership via improved efficiency and collaboration.

ALDI SOUTH plans to integrate Centric Software's solutions with several other enterprise systems such as ERP and PIM, and manage functions, including elements of quality assurance and sustainability, on a global scale.

"We are very excited to announce our partnership with ALDI SOUTH," says Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software. "ALDI SOUTH is a global leader in the discount grocery retail space, with ambitious plans to streamline their operations in a long-term strategic way. We are proud to provide the tools that will enable ALDI SOUTH to achieve those goals. We look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial relationship."

Learn more about Centric solutions

Request a Demo

ALDI SOUTH

The ALDI SOUTH Group operates in eleven countries on four continents and employs around 186,000 members of staff. The food retail company has more than 7,100 stores in Germany, Austria, the USA, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, China and Italy.

Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides a product concept to launch platform for consumer goods such as fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, consumer electronics, cosmetics and personal care, and food and beverage. Centric Software's flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Centric PLM, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, quality and product portfolio optimization innovations specifically for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric Visual Boards offer highly visual, touch-screen experiences for collaboration and decision-making. Centric Planning is an innovative, cloud-native, augmented-intelligence solution delivering end-to-end retail planning to maximize retail and wholesale business performance. ?Centric Pricing, is an AI-driven market insight platform for data-informed decision-making on pricing and product assortments to maximize revenue and margins. Among many other market-driven innovations, Centric Software is widely known for its connectivity to dozens of other enterprise systems, including ERP, DAM, PIM, e-com and more, in addition to creative tools such as Adobe Illustrator, a host of 3D CAD connectors and sustainability tools, such as HIGG. Centric Software has the highest user adoption rate, customer satisfaction rate and fastest time to value in the industry.

Centric Software is a subsidiary of Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list several times. Centric Software also received five excellence awards from Frost & Sullivan over the past decade and 4 excellence awards from Just Style.

Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software, Inc. in the US and other countries. Centric PLM, Centric Planning, Centric Pricing and Centric Visual Boards are trademarks of Centric Software, Inc. All third-party trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202907/ALDI_Centric_Software.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2088403/4060048/Centric_Software_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/centric-software-partners-with-aldi-south-to-accelerate-their-digital-transformation-301919056.html
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:PX)(OTC PINK:PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent activities and plans for its projects in Ghana and Canada.

Highlights

District-scale Obuasi Project will benefit from an agreement with TuNya Mineral Resources Ltd. ("TuNya") to provide both exploration expenditures and access to significant technical expertise.

TuNya funded exploration program is underway on the Obuasi Project and will focus on two large target areas in the southwest corner of the property closest to the Obuasi Mine property, the Obuasi and NGA target areas.

TuNya's exploration program will also cover the Tarkwaian geology which has been under-explored to date.

The recently completed Manfo drill program extended mineralization in both the Pokukrom East and West deposits, demonstrating resource growth potential with continued step-out drilling.

Canada Nickel Company's significant discovery on its Mann Northwest property enhances interest in our adjacent Mann property (2.2 km away).

"Recently we've had a number of very positive developments for Pelangio in Ghana and Canada," commented Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO of Pelangio. "Firstly, our agreement with TuNya provides a catalyst for exploration success at our Obuasi Project, a district-scale land package adjacent to the giant high-grade Obuasi mine. The agreement provides both exploration funding and access to a technical team with over 125 years of expertise on the extremely prolific Ashanti gold belt, including significant experience at the Obuasi mine itself. Secondly, our Manfo drill program extended known mineralization at the southern ends of both the Pokukrom East and West deposits. With a number of targets yet to be drilled around these deposits, potential remains to establish additional extensions to the mineralization and to grow the Manfo resource with continued drilling. Thirdly, our Mann property has benefitted from new data provided by the significant discovery made by Canada Nickel Company on its adjacent Mann Northwest Project. Our Mann and Kenogaming properties provide our shareholders with exposure to critical mineral potential in Ontario.

GHANA EXPLORATION UPDATE

Manfo Project

The 96 km Manfo project, located in the Sefwi-Bibiani Belts 15 km southwest of Newmont's Ahafo gold mine and 40 km north of Asante Gold's Bibiani gold mine, has recently been Pelangio's exploration focus in Ghana. Refer to Figure 1. In 2013, SRK Consulting estimated the project hosts a gold mineral resource of 195,000 oz (at 1.52 g/t Au) Indicated and 298,000 oz (at 0.96 g/t Au) Inferred with the bulk of the resource contained in the two Pokukrom deposits.

In 2021, a project data review and targeting development and ranking exercise was conducted. It identified opportunities to grow the project through step-out drill testing of open-ended mineralization in the known deposits to demonstrate possible extensions that would be further drilled for potential resource addition, plus drill testing of multiple exploration targets along and near the 9 kilometers of mineralized structures within the property. A 3,700-meter diamond drilling program was designed to test potential extensions of the Pokukrom deposits and in late 2021, drilling commenced with two holes at the smaller, higher-grade Pokukrom West deposit. The first hole was drilled in the midst of previous drilling to gain a better understanding of the structural controls on the mineralization. It returned an intercept of 3.81 g/t Au over 15 meters, including 5.65 g/t Au over 7 meters - better than surrounding holes. The second hole tested for the down-plunge continuation of the Pokukrom West lode. It returned an encouraging intercept of 3.19 g/t Au over 12 meters, including 6.85 g/t Au over 3 meters, demonstrating that the Pokukrom West deposit does in fact continue down-plunge. This small drill program validated the strategy of continued drilling to potentially grow the project.

The planned diamond drilling program recommenced in 2023 with the drilling of seven holes for 1,039.5 meters on both the Pokukrom East and West deposits. This program was completed in June 2023. The drill program, detailed in Pelangio's news release of July 24, 2023, tested for strike and down-dip extensions in select areas of both Pokukrom deposits, in addition to a soil plus auger gold geochemical target sitting on the western flank of Pokukrom East. While the program eliminated the geochemical target and downgraded the potential shallow northern strike extension to Pokukrom West above the successful 2021 down-plunge drill test, drilling demonstrated a continuation of the Pokukrom West mineralization incrementally further to the south of the deposit plus a down-dip extension of Pokukrom East at the southern end of the deposit. The drill hole south of Pokukrom West returned an intercept of 1.88 g/t Au over 13 meters, including 4.01 g/t over 4 meters. The shallow oxide mineralization is still open further to the south and the potential remains to expand the Pokukrom West resource with further drilling to the south. The down-dip drill test at the shallower southern end of Pokukrom East intercepted 0.71 g/t Au over 20 meters plus 1.66 g/t Au over 7 meters, including 1 meter of 8.43 g/t Au. The mineralization remains open down-dip in this area and there is potential to expand the resource to depth here. Table 1 summarizes the significant drill intercepts at Pokukrom from the 2021 and 2023 programs, and Figure 2 illustrates the drill hole locations.

With a number of targets yet to be drilled in the planned resource step-out diamond drilling program around the Pokukrom deposits, potential remains to establish additional extensions to mineralization and potentially grow the resource with infill drilling. This would be followed with a resource estimation update for Manfo which, at a higher gold price than the US$1,450/ounce used in the 2013 MRE, is expected to result in some addition to the Manfo project gold resource. In addition, a 7,000-meter exploration air-core drilling program is planned to test up to 21 previously untested geological, geochemical, and structural targets along and near the 9-kilometer long main structural corridor, which could yield satellite deposit discoveries that might also add significantly to the project. With a defined gold mineral resource and a number of opportunities remaining to add to it, Manfo continues to be Pelangio's core project in Ghana.

The Manfo mineral resource estimation was conducted by SRK Consulting and published in June 2013. (Refer to the Mineral Resource Evaluation Technical Report, Manfo Gold Project, by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., released on June 21, 2013 and available on Pelangio's website). The resource estimation was made in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects at the time of the mineral resource estimation in 2013. NI 43-101 standards for disclosure have been amended multiple times since 2013 and as a result, Pelangio's 2013 resource estimate is no longer NI 43-101 compliant under the current standards.

Obuasi Project

Pelangio's 100% owned Obuasi project covers 284 km located immediately adjacent to and on geological strike with AngloGold Ashanti's 25 Moz Obuasi Mine. Refer to Figures 1 and 3. The Obuasi project is also immediately adjacent to TuNya's property, which hosts the Kyereboso deposit. Obuasi was Pelangio's flagship project in Ghana from 2007 until drilling on the Manfo Project started demonstrating mineral resource potential and litigation between vendors of two of the four claims of the Obuasi property hindered exploration activities on the property. With the litigation now resolved and a recently signed binding letter of intent ("LOI") to option a portion of the Obuasi property to TuNya Mineral Resources, Pelangio is turning new focus to the Obuasi project.

Pelangio conducted considerable work on the Obuasi project from 2007 to 2011, including two airborne VTEM/magnetic surveys, geological and geochemical surveys, and trenching plus diamond drilling focused on just a handful of prospects that returned Obuasi-style geology and alteration with anomalous to significant drill intercepts from nearly all targets drill tested. The early exploration activity plus subsequent and more recent data reanalysis, prospectivity and targeting exercises prioritized two large principal target areas for follow up exploration situated in the southwestern corner of the property closest to the Obuasi Mine property. The Obuasi Targets area covers the strike extension of geological stratigraphy along which the Obuasi deposits lie. It was the focus of early exploration drilling by Pelangio, returning anomalous results but no significant discovery. Considerable Au and As geochemical anomalism along and near to this trend has not yet been drill tested, and drilling by Pelangio has generally been relatively shallow and focused over several small areas. The NGA Targets area straddles the main Birimian-Tarkwaian metasedimentary contact and has seen minimal drill testing by Pelangio, although two drill holes returned high grades over narrow widths, including 24.50 g/t Au over 1 meter and 11.28 g/t Au over 2 meters. This high-grade prospect will likely be one of the first revisited when Pelangio's field activities get back under way.

Ongoing work on the Obuasi project will continue the desktop target development and ranking exercise, augmented by field work to include a comprehensive review of drill core, detailed field mapping and a structural study. This effort will be conducted largely by TuNya's "Obuasi experts." Pelangio has recently entered a binding LOI for an option for TuNya to earn into an 80% interest on the southern portion of Pelangio's Obuasi project covering principally Tarkwaian geology. For details, refer to Pelangio's news release dated July 31, 2023. This allows TuNya to explore the Tarkwaian for extensions and additions to their Kyereboso deposit that could result in a more robust project for them, while Pelangio maintains a 20% interest in ground that was unlikely to be explored by Pelangio over the near term. In exchange, TuNya will undertake a comprehensive review of Pelangio's Obuasi property prospects, focusing on the Obuasi and NGA Target areas and utilizing their personnel who have considerable senior technical and management experience at the Obuasi Mine and elsewhere along the Ashanti Belt.

Working with TuNya and their new products, Pelangio expects to be able to develop a more informed ranked target list for ongoing Obuasi exploration. At the same time, Pelangio proposes to enhance this with improved geochemical and geophysical datasets through targeted auger drilling programs plus a high resolution airborne aeromagnetic survey covering the western third of the Obuasi property. As has been attempted in the past at Obuasi, upon completion of these programs, an AI (artificial intelligence) prospectivity platform can be utilized to generate smarter exploration targets with better, more detailed datasets. This work will be guided by the Obuasi expertise of TuNya's technical people, including a structural geologist, a geophysicist and a GIS specialist. These efforts should ultimately delineate the very best targets for drill testing. Drill testing will initially be performed at shallow depths, followed by deeper probes as and where warranted.

Dankran Project

The 35 km Dankran project is contiguous to the northeast corner of Pelangio's Obuasi property and covers 7 kilometers of strike of prospective Obuasi geology and structures 25 kilometers northeast of AngloGold Ashanti's 25 Moz Obuasi Mine. The property sits adjacent to the Obuom Mine - a small, high-grade 1930's era underground gold mine, which produced roughly 30,000 ounces of gold at 16 g/t from shear-hosted quartz veins situated along the main Birimian volcanic-sedimentary contact. Refer to Figure 3.

Pelangio entered into an option agreement to acquire the property in late 2020 and immediately commenced soil sampling, mapping and prospecting campaigns to test this relatively large, underexplored segment of the Ashanti Belt. Soil sampling delineated several robust soil anomalies on the main contact along strike from the Obuom Mine coincident with a number of artisanal miner's workings extending into the Dankran property. A 2,491-meter scout RC drilling program was conducted in May and June of 2021 to test several of the soil anomalies. It returned encouraging results along 2.5 kilometer strike of the structure with drill intercepts including 14.17 g/t Au over 3 meters, 6.07 g/t Au over 2 meters and 0.47 g/t Au over 10 meters.

The Dankran project, which is now 100% owned by Pelangio, has shown evidence of high-grade gold potential on the Obuasi-Obuom trend from limited, shallow (<70 meter vertical) RC drill testing, which warrants follow up drilling. An additional 3,500 meters of RC drilling is planned to further explore the 2.5-kilometer long target, which was sparsely drill tested in the first pass program. Up to 1,000 meters of diamond drilling would follow to test the most prospective targets at depth and gain a better understanding of the geology and structural controls on the gold mineralization. While currently a lower priority than Pelangio's Manfo and Obuasi projects, the Dankran project represents an early-stage, high-grade gold exploration opportunity hosting 7 kilometers of underexplored strike of the Ashanti Belt, 25 kilometers away from the world-class Obuasi Mine.

Figure 1. Location of Pelangio's Gold Projects in SW Ghana

Table 1: Significant Results of the 2021 and 2023 Diamond Drilling Programs at Manfo

Figure 2. 2021 and 2023 Drilling on the Pokukrom Deposits, Manfo Project

Figure 3. Location of Pelangio's Obuasi and Dankran Projects in Relation to AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine

CANADA EXPLORATION UPDATE

Kenogaming Project

In 2022 Pelangio acquired a 100% interest in the prospective gold-silver-zinc polymetallic project in Kenogaming Township, located approximately 63 km southwest of the City of Timmins. Kenogaming is located in the northeastern part of the Swayze greenstone belt near to the interpreted western extension of the Porcupine-Destor Fault. The Swayze Belt hosts IAMGOLD's 14 Moz Cote Gold development project to the south, in addition to Newmont's high-grade Borden Mine to the southwest.

The Kenogaming project covers 800 meters strike of a 300-meter wide strongly pyritized corridor of highly altered felsic rocks that are geochemically enriched in gold, silver and zinc. Historical drill holes on the property have returned intercepts of 35.65 g/t gold over 1.21 meters, 18.5 g/t gold over 1.0 meters and 0.59 g/t gold, 1.8 g/t silver and 1.10% zinc over 10 meters untested at depths below 150 meters and with approximately 400 meters of untested strike length on the property. The project is drill-ready and a 1,000 m diamond drilling program has been designed to test the most prospective targets. Refer to Figure 4.

Figure 4. Location of the Kenogaming Polymetallic Project

Mann Project

Pelangio's 100% owned Mann project has come to the forefront with a recent nearby discovery by Canada Nickel Company. Canada Nickel is advancing their 2 billion tonne Crawford nickel project and aggressively exploring multiple properties in the district. The Mann Property is located in Mann Township, 50 km northeast of the City of Timmins, and covers an area of approximately 2 km. The twelve patented claims (mining and surface rights) cover a portion of a large ultramafic intrusive complex that is prospective for nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium and PGE's close to where Canada Nickel Company has just reported assays from a significant new discovery on their Mann Northwest Property surrounding Pelangio's patented claims (see their Canada Nickel's release dated August 22, 2023).

Canada Nickel drilled eight holes from May to July 2023, testing 2.7 km of strike. Each hole returned multi-hundred-meter wide intersections of "strongly serpentinized peridotite, dunite and pyroxenite with fine mineralization throughout." Canada Nickel reported assays from five of the eight holes drilled were all mineralized with significant nickel, platinum and palladium values returning up to 348.5 meters of 0.23% Ni and 0.04 g/t Pt+Pd including 33 meters of 0.31% Ni and 0.057 g/t Pt+Pd. This hole also ended with 28.9 meters of 0.52 g/t Pt+Pd. Canada Nickel's drill holes are located 2.2 km from Pelangio's Mann property boundary. The Mann patents cover historical airborne electromagnetic anomalies that experienced limited shallow drill testing by Inco from 1948 to 1951 and returned significant nickel values over narrow widths. Given the very significant nearby discovery by Canada Nickel, Pelangio is currently considering exploration programs to evaluate the potential of the property. Refer to Figure 5.

Figure 5. Location of Pelangio's Mann Property in Relation to Canada Nickel's New Mann Northwest Discovery

Qualified Person

Mr. Kevin Thomson, P.Geo. (Ontario, #0191), is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Thomson approved the technical data disclosed in this release.

About Pelangio

Pelangio acquires and explores world-class land packages on strategic gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is exploring its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of seven near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located four km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as its Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. In Canada, the company has several gold properties and two critical minerals properties. See www.pelangio.com for further details.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.pelangio.com, or contact:

Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO

Tel: 905-336-3828 / Toll-free: 1-877-746-1632 / Email: info@pelangio.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, delays due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are 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 release.

SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781103/pelangio-exploration-provides-update-on-activities-in-ghana-and-canada
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company" or "FWTC") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aalborg CSP ("Aalborg CSP"), a premier developer of solar thermal collectors designed to facilitate heat generation without the reliance on conventional fuel combustion.

The LOI, signed August 31, 2023 outlines the terms and conditions under which FWTC and Aalborg CSP intend to pursue a relationship that will enable FWTC to access Aalborg CSP's flat panel and parabolic solar thermal solution offerings for integration into FWTC'S proprietary Forward Osmosis ("FO") technology systems, specific to Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) applications and where the use of solar thermal integration provides beneficial use to the client. The parties have agreed to work diligently and in good faith to negotiate and finalize a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to effectuate the proposed relationship.

Both FWTC and Aalborg CSP would like to create a mutually beneficial relationship that enables the rapid commercialization of FWTC's industrial Solar-FO process offering integrated with Aalborg CSP's solar thermal offerings (flat panel and/or parabolic) in meeting client needs. FWTC possesses expertise in FO technology and design, complemented by a robust array of technical resources to offer comprehensive project support. However, FWTC acknowledges its limitations in sourcing and constructing solar thermal systems. In contrast, Aalborg CSP brings to the table extensive solar thermal engineering expertise, well-established supply chains, and proficient fabrication capabilities, making them the ideal partner to design, manufacture, and seamlessly integrate solar thermal solutions into FWTC's FO equipment.

By partnering both Aalborg and FWTC anticipate being able to deliver a robust and unique system and process offering enhancing the attractiveness and portfolios of each company. For clarity, this proposed relationship is not a license to either party's proprietary intellectual property but a cooperative relationship between both companies in working together on DLE client opportunities, where integration and use of Aalborg CSP's solar thermal solution offering provides value and benefit to FWTC's customers.

"We are excited to proposed relationship with Aalborg CSP as the integration of their solar thermal energy offerings into our FO designs establishes a new benchmark in energy requirements for extraction and reuse of water from challenging process streams at less than 10 kWh/m3 of electrical energy. FO operations driven by solar thermal enables us to meet and surpass client requirements of reduced CO2 emissions, increased water reuse and sustainable operations as needed by our direct lithium extraction clients in support of their environmental permits and process economics" as quoted by Grant Thornley, VP Engineering Solutions at FWTC.

The LOI is non-binding and subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, satisfactory due diligence, regulatory approvals, and the execution of the Definitive Agreement. There can be no assurance that the relationship contemplated by the LOI will be completed as proposed or at all.

The Company will provide updates as significant developments occur, and it anticipates disclosing further details upon the execution of the Definitive Agreement.

Investors and shareholders are encouraged to review the Company's filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) for additional information about the Company and other related developments.

About Forward Water Technologies Corp.

Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.

For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com.

About Aalborg CSP.

Aalborg CSP A/S is a leading developer and supplier of innovative, renewable technologies with the vision Changing Energy aiming at changing the way energy is produced and stored today. We design and supply green solutions and integrated energy systems based on solar power, energy storage within power-to-X (PTXHEAT and PTXSALT), heat exchange and much more for industries and power plants worldwide. For more information, please visit www.aalborgcsp.com.

Contact Information

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer

howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com

416-451-8155

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding the proposed relationship with Aalborg CSP and the anticipated benefits from such relationship, expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the inability to finalize a Definitive Agreement, the inability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed relationship. the impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

SOURCE: Forward Water Technologies Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781092/forward-water-technologies-corp-announces-letter-of-intent-with-aalborg-csp
AWKN-P001 is a N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor-Modulating Drug Used in Combination with Psycho-Social Support for the Treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Awakn Life Sciences Corp. (NEO: AWKN) (OTCQB: AWKNF) (FSE: 954) ("Awakn"), a biotechnology company developing therapeutics to treat addiction with a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), announces today it has submitted the Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for a phase III trial for its lead program AWKN-P001 for the treatment of Severe Alcohol Use Disorder (SAUD).

SAUD, the most acute type of alcohol use disorder, affects approx. 12.5 million people in the US and the key European markets of Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain.

AWKN-P001 is a novel combined therapeutic of an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-modulating drug (ketamine) used in combination with psycho-social support to treat SAUD. Results from AWKN-P001 phase II study were positive, achieving 86% abstinence in the 6 months post treatments vs. 2% abstinence pre-trial and 25% abstinence in current standard of care.

The trial is being run by Awakn, The University of Exeter, and a partnership between the National Institute of Heath and Care Research (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC). The phase III trial will be an n=280, two-armed randomized placebo-controlled trial. It will be delivered in the UK across ten UK National Health Service (NHS) sites. Awakn will contribute approx. GBP 800,000 towards the costs of the trial, with the NIHR, the MRC, and the University of Exeter contributing the balance of the costs.

Awakn and its partners are expecting feedback in the coming months on the CTA, and subject to ethical and regulatory approval, first trial participants will be treated in late Q4 2023 or early Q1 2024.

Furthermore, in February 2023 UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) awarded an Innovation Passport to AWKN-P001. The Innovation Passport is the entry point for the MHRA's Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), the UK's version of the FDA break through designation. The goal of ILAP is to accelerate the time to market in the U.K. Awakn now intends to utilize its ILAP access to seek input from the regulators including the MHRA and the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) regarding market access for AWKN-P001 in the UK.

Anthony Tennyson, Awakn CEO commented, "We are pleased to be working with our partners in the NIHR, MRC, and the University of Exter on this program as we together progress AWKN-P001 closer to potentially treating the first participant in the phase III trial. We are also pleased to have secured ILAP designation for AWKN-P001 with which we will look to initiate discussions in the near-term with the MHRA and NICE on our target development plan and market access in parallel to the executing the phase III."

About Awakn Life Sciences Corp.

Awakn Life Sciences Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics targeting addiction. Awakn has a near-term focus on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a condition affecting 40 million people in the US and key international markets and 285m people globally for which the current standard of care is inadequate. Our goal is to provide breakthrough therapeutics to addiction sufferers in desperate need and our strategy is focused on commercializing our R&D pipeline across multiple channels.

www.AwaknLifeSciences.com | Twitter | LinkedIn

About National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;

Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;

Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;

Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;

Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;

Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events or the Company's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "continues", "forecasts", "projects", "predicts", "intends", "anticipates", "targets" or "believes", or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, including statements relating the business of the Company. All forward-looking statements, including those herein are qualified by this cautionary statement.

Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information. These include, but are not limited to:COVID-19; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; the business plans and strategies of the Company; the ability of the Company to comply with all applicable governmental regulations in a highly regulated business; the inherent risks in investing in target companies or projects which have limited or no operating history and are engaged in activities currently considered illegal in some jurisdictions; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; fluctuations in securities markets; inconsistent public opinion and perception regarding the medical-use of psychedelic drugs; expectations regarding the size of the addiction market; and regulatory or political change. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date or dates specified in such statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For more information on the Company, investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities in the United States. The Company's and Awakn's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investor Enquiries:

Anthony Tennyson, CEO, Awakn Life Sciences

anthony.tennyson@awaknlifesciences.com

Media Enquiries:

Gordo Whittaker, CMO, Awakn Life Sciences

gordo@awaknlifesciences.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179684
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP) (OTCQB: MLPNF) (FSE: X0D) ("MLP", "Millennial" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the situation on the ground in Gabon remains calm and MLP's operations at its Banio Potash Project remain unaffected by the recent change in government. In addition, MLP is pleased to report that the extension of historic drillhole BA-002 has been completed to a depth of 552.50m and several intervals of potash mineralization have been intersected.

Farhad Abasov, Millennial's Chair, commented, "Millennial is pleased to report that its exploration drilling program remains unaffected by recent political events in Gabon. The new government has given assurances, as recently as the interim President's address on September 4th, that all business, commercial and permitting agreements will be respected and a recent article by Oxford Economics Africa indicates the risk profile for Gabon is similar to South Africa and Namibia. Our senior management. including our CEO, who are currently on the ground have confirmed that Gabon remains in a state of calm and order, and this is further evidenced by the opening of all air and sea borders on September 2nd. All the major petroleum and mining companies continue their operations as usual. Millennial has been operating without any interruptions and will continue with its Phase 1 exploration program which has already proven successful with the intersection of two additional potash Cycles below the bottom of historic drillhole BA-002."

Millennial's senior management and local Gabon country manager have engaged with representatives of the UN and other international bodies and report that Gabon remains calm and that recent political events have had no impact on the ongoing exploration programme at its Banio Potash Project. New Gabonese leaders have given assurances that all commercial agreements, licenses, and permits will remain in place. Gabon is an OPEC member that produces approx. 200,000 barrels of oil daily and major producers Maurel and Prom, BW Energy and others have indicated all offshore and onshore operations are continuing as normal. In addition, Eramet has resumed production at its large manganese operation after a brief temporary shutdown on Aug. 30. A recent article by Oxford Economics Africa (Political Focus-Gabon, 05/09/2023) maintains its Low-Moderate risk level for the country, lower than before the political events, a similar level to Ghana, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco, and trending neutral. The article also reiterates that the business and policy environments will remain broadly unchanged. Millennial will continue its current drilling program and will closely monitor the situation in Gabon.

The Phase 1 drill program is in progress and the extension of historic hole BA-002 has been completed to a depth of 552.5m. Preliminary interpretations indicate that evaporite Cycles IV and III with beds of massive nodular carnallite and minor halite have been intersected (see photos below). Core is currently being logged and sampled and will be expedited to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Potash Laboratory in Saskatoon for analysis. The drill rig is currently mobilizing to historic hole BA-001 to complete an approx. 250m extension from the bottom of the historic hole to test for additional potash cycles. Data from extended holes BA-002 and BA-001, and BA-003, including re-sampling data, are expected to form a basis for a potential initial maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the North Target. No drillholes from the South Target, scheduled to be tested in late 2023/early 2024, will be included in this initial MRE.

Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing red carnallite attributed to Cycle IV (Hole Dip=90).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/179576_7fc59656b4131996_001full.jpg

Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing red carnallite attributed to Cycle III.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/179576_7fc59656b4131996_002full.jpg

This news release has been reviewed by Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo, Director of the Company, a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

To find out more about Millennial Potash Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email at info@millennialpotashcorp.com.

MILLENNIAL POTASH CORP.

"Farhad Abasov"

Chair of the Board of Directors

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.

This document 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 used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental (including land or water use), local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or CFA or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project. 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, environmental 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/179576


NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - On Thursday, President Joe Biden will travel to India to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit.



On Friday, he will participate in a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in capital New Delhi.



And on Saturday and Sunday, the President will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit.



'As the President heads to the G20, he is committed to working with emerging market partners to deliver big things together. That's what we believe the world will see in New Delhi this weekend,' White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said while announcing his itinerary.



The United States' commitment to the G20 hasn't wavered, and we hope this G20 Summit will show that the world's major economies can work together even in challenging times, she told reporters.



Karine Jean-Pierre said that at the G20, Washington's focus will be on delivering for developing countries; making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology; and showing U.S. commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver.



Fundamentally reshaping and scaling up the multilateral development banks, especially the World Bank and the IMF, will be one of the main agenda for Washignton at the summit.



Last month, President Biden asked Congress for additional funds that would have the impact of increasing World Bank financing by more than $25 billion.



The White House said the United States hopes 'the G20 endorse this level of ambition and deliver a broader vision of multilateral development banks that are better, bigger, and more effective'.



President Biden will also be calling on G20 members as leaders in the global economy to provide meaningful debt relief so that low- and middle-income countries can regain their footing after years of extreme stress.



He will make it clear that the United States expects real progress on ongoing cases by the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Marrakech next month.



The New Delhi G20 Summit will welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union.



The United States is the host nation of the G20 in 2026.



Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Mega-Chance: Der Indien Report Ihre Chancen im groten Wachstumsmarkt: 3 indische Top-Aktien. Die Highlights dieses Spezialreports: 1. Indien als Wachstumsriese, 2. Indiens Wirtschaft boomt!, 3. 3 Top-Performance-Aktien. Jetzt kostenlos downloaden. Hier klicken
Avery Dennison, a leading global packaging and materials manufacturer, today commissioned Europe's largest Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) platform and Thermal Storage unit at its production plant in Turnhout, Belgium. The renewable energy project contains a Concentrated Solar Thermal platform with 2,240 surface mirrors, with a solar field peak yield of 2.7 GWh thermal power, and six thermal storage modules with a capacity of 5 MWh thermal power.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906241289/en/

Europe's largest Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) platform and Thermal Storage unit at Avery Dennison's production plant in Turnhout, Belgium. (Photo: Business Wire)

The renewable energy platform, consisting of a CST field and Thermal Storage unit, covers roughly 5,540 square meters on site, and will contain the largest installation of parabolic mirrors combined with thermal energy storage in an industrial setting in Europe. In operation, the total installation will provide heat equivalent to 2.3 GWh of gas consumption, reducing the plant's greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 9 percent annually compared to current rates. During summer months and high-sunshine periods, it will provide up to 100 percent of the factory's heat demand.

The project is a collaboration with Azteq, an organization that builds, develops and maintains CST facilities; ENERGYNEST, a long-duration thermal energy storage (TES) provider; and local community group Campina Energie, which helped secure a portion of the project financing.

The CST platform built by Azteq will concentrate energy from direct sunlight into a collector tube filled with absorption liquid, like thermal oil. Additionally, thermal energy from this process will be stored in ENERGYNEST's ThermalBattery and dispatched on demand as secure, green heat. When coupled with the six battery modules, the CST platform can produce and dispatch high-temperature thermal energy both day and night on demand. The solar field, thermal storage and heat distribution system of the Avery Dennison production facility is all connected by the Balance of Plant (BoP) by AURA GmbH Co. KG, and used for heat shifting between the heat sources and heat sinks.

By supplying zero-carbon solar energy, the project will help provide heat to run drying ovens, which are used during the coating process of pressure-sensitive adhesive products manufactured at the site. These products are used in industries such as automotive, building and construction, medical devices and personal care.

Financing was secured through Campina Energie, which is engaged in green energy projects and represents more than 1,000 Turnhout residents. The ENERGYNEST thermal battery installation received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. Azteq's CST platform is partially funded by the Flemish Government via the call Green Heat.

The BoP has been developed in the research project MODULUS which is partly funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Tinne Van der Straeten, Belgian Minister of Energy comments on the project: "The greatest potential for energy is in our own hands. Here in Turnhout, Avery Dennison, Azteq, ENERGYNEST and Campina Energie prove exactly that, by commissioning Europe's largest Concentrated Solar Thermal Platform and Thermal Storage Unit. The clean energy transition is the only path to a sustainable future. Investments in innovative renewable energy sources, like this project in Turnhout, will lower our carbon output and have a positive effect on climate change. I am proud to see the active involvement and enthusiastic community support from local Turnhout residents, brought together by Campina Energie. Only by working together will we tackle the climate crisis."

"We have big ambitions to tackle climate change and achieve net zero by 2050. To meet these goals we will look across our industrial processes and identify opportunities to implement new technologies that decarbonize and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The successful commissioning of the project in Turnhout is a big step forward in our sustainability plans," says Mariana Rodriguez, general manager, Avery Dennison Performance Tapes Europe.

Christian Thiel, CEO ENERGYNEST, added: "Avery Dennison is paving the way for a more sustainable and modern industrial sector in Europe. Companies across industries are considering how to best reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonize high-emitting activities, like heat production, while continuing to provide affordable, reliable goods and services to consumers. We will help solve these issues by reducing energy costs, helping the scale-out of reliable renewable energy like CST, and decarbonizing heat production."

Koen Vermout, CEO of Azteq, commented on the project's potential for creating a shared future for greener industrial heat. "This project will have tremendous payoffs for the company and the local community by helping reduce the plant's carbon footprint, lowering energy usage, and ensuring reliable thermal energy supply for manufacturing operations throughout the lifespan."

Jef Van Eyck, chairman of energy cooperation Campina Energie, reaffirmed the community group's enthusiasm for the renewable energy project. "Since 2017, we have worked with Avery Dennison to produce wind energy. We are proud to cooperate again by supporting this renewable energy project. These kinds of projects, implemented with different partners, help the Kempen region towards its goal to become climate-neutral, reduce reliance on expensive, imported energy, and strengthen our economy. And what's even more important: Campina Energie brings citizens together to be part of these projects and work on the necessary energy transition."

Together with the local Turnhout community, Avery Dennison also plans to have sheep graze the fields and grass beyond the mirror installation. The sheep replace lawn mowers and support biodiversity on site. So-called "solar grazing" is a common practice as part of "agrivoltaics" and is used for solar and PV installations as a way for both industries to utilize the same ground. The program causes no harm to the animals.

About Avery Dennison:

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company's products, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. Headquartered in Glendale, California, the company employs more than 32,000 employees in over 50 countries. Reported sales in 2020 were $7 billion. For media inquiries, please contact ilse.van.der.linden1@eu.averydennison.com.

About Azteq:

Azteq is a Belgian company dedicated to the engineering and construction of solar thermal plants producing up to 400 C for industrial processes (steam, thermal oil, hot water,..). Highly efficient parabolic troughs and vacuum collector tubes are used for an optimal absorption of the concentrated solar radiation. AZTEQ offers EPC contracts (Engineering, Procurement Contracting) as well as heat as a service by exploitation contracts over a period of 20 to 30 years. For media inquiries, please contact peter.vandeurzen@azteq.be.

About ENERGYNEST:

Founded in 2011, ENERGYNEST is at the forefront of thermal energy storage. The company's ThermalBatteryTM provides secure, green energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuel in energy systems and high-carbon industrial processes. The company's thermal batteries enable renewables growth without grid constraints and support industry to recycle heat and steam for later use. Our technology is flexible and can help decarbonize dispersed industrial sites. Available now, the thermal batteries reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The technology is quick to install, easy to scale and gives customers security on supply and pricing. For media inquiries, please contact msc@energy-nest.com.

About Campina Energie:

Campina Energie is a Kempen cooperative that was founded in March 2015. The cooperative brings 1800 citizens together to invest in renewable energy and energy saving in the Kempen. Since 2015 we have participated in 9 windmills, installed 45 PV-installations with town governments, hospitals, schools, etc. and advised about 450 people in their personal energy-transition. For media inquiries, please contact info@campinaenergie.be

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906241289/en/

Contacts:

Avery Dennison

ilse.van.der.linden1@eu.averydennison.com



Azteq

peter.vandeurzen@azteq.be



ENERGYNEST

msc@energy-nest.com



Campina Energie

info@campinaenergie.be
Rapid NSCLC Biomarker Test already demonstrated its significant impact and clinical benefits as part of a lung cancer clinical study.

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Imagene, an emerging leader in the field of AI-based precision oncology, is pleased to announce the release of LungOI, the world's first AI-based Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) molecular panel, identifying actionable alterations from the biopsy image alone within minutes. This ground-breaking solution can provide healthcare professionals with immediate genomic information, to support making informed treatment decisions in the complex cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.

LungOI

The First AI-based NSCLC Molecular Panel

By providing immediate biomarker profiling results based on biopsy images alone, LungOI aims to address key challenges in molecular testing. Only 50% of newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC cases are tested for the guideline-recommended biomarkers, and due to long turnaround times, even among those tested, approximately 30% start first-line treatment prior to receiving all biomarker test results. Moreover, in up to 20% of cases, comprehensive molecular testing is not an option, due to tissue quality and quantity issues. These factors can lead to clinical decisions being made based on incomplete information as well as suboptimal or delayed treatment that can negatively impact patients' outcomes.

"The launch of LungOI represents a pivotal moment not only for Imagene but for the medical community and cancer patients as a whole," said Dean Bitan, Co-founder and CEO of Imagene. "The availability of an immediate, accurate multi-gene biomarker panel for NSCLC will potentially help more cancer patients receive the optimal and personalized treatment medicine can offer and eliminate the long and stressful waiting time and uncertainty for patients."

Dr. Ross Camidge, Professor of Medicine, Joyce Zeff Chair in Lung Cancer Research, Director of Thoracic Oncology at the University of Colorado, elaborated, "Demographic variations in access to cancer molecular testing contribute to significant health disparities. This inequality not only limits access to precision medicine but also results in underrepresentation of certain groups in clinical trials. A rapid accessible AI-based test that could prompt relevant, maximally efficient molecular testing could help to address these imbalances in cancer care and improve health equity."

LungOI is a multi-gene NSCLC biomarker panel including alterations in the genes EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK1/2/3, ERBB2, BRAF, MET and KRAS demonstrating high performance levels, for example, inference of EGFR mutations in high confidence cases, showed 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity, and for ALK fusions the levels were 97% and 96% respectively. LungOI is an AI-powered laboratory-developed test compatible with various imaging devices, staining protocols and diverse populations. Imagene's technology already had a significant impact on treatment initiation and avoiding brain radiation in lung cancer patients as demonstrated in a recently published case report in the Journal of Clinical Pathology, as part of a clinical study.

Imagene's executive team will be attending the upcoming World Congress of Lung Cancer in Singapore, on Sept. 9-12. Demonstrations of LungOI can be scheduled upon request at LungOI@Imagene-ai.com.

About Imagene:

Imagene is an emerging leader in AI-based precision oncology leveraging AI to profile, within minutes, a broad range of cancer biomarkers from a digitized biopsy image alone. Imagene empowers physicians with immediate oncology intelligence to ensure optimal treatment for all cancer patients. Our success derives from our cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary team of data scientists, biologists, software engineers, and medical experts. Imagene's molecular classifiers under research, currently detect 30 different cancer biomarkers, spanning eight body organs. With a commitment to scientific excellence and collaborations, Imagene is dedicated to advancing precision oncology and improving patient outcomes.

For more information, visit imagene-ai.com

Contact Information

Avital Rabani

Head of Marketing

media@imagene-ai.com

SOURCE: Imagene

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780155/imagene-announces-lungoi-the-first-ai-based-nsclc-molecular-panel-for-immediate-cancer-biomarker-profiling
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / NOA Lithium Brines Inc. (TSXV:NOAL), (FSE:N7N) ("NOA" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Phase 1 diamond drill program at its Rio Grande project ("Rio Grande" or the "Project"). Drilling on the third hole, RG23-003, located at the Cristina claim on the surface salar was completed to a depth of 659 meters ("m") and full laboratory results are expected in the coming weeks. Preliminary highlights of the third hole include:

Lithium brine-saturated geological units ("units") starting at approximately 15 m below surface.

More than 500 meters of lithium brine-bearing units (48 total packer tests thus far).

Believed to be the deepest reported occurrence of permeable brines at Rio Grande.

Preliminary results confirm lithium content in the brine all along the depth of the well, with lab geochemical analyses in progress.

NOA's Chief Executive Officer Gabriel Rubacha states: "Results from our third hole are very encouraging. As in our second hole which was also drilled on the surface salar, brines were intercepted essentially starting at surface. In addition, over 80% of this +600 m hole intercepted lithium brine-saturated units, representing an incredible thickness. With two rigs now operating, we plan to start holes 4 and 5 in September and we remain on track to complete the 6-hole Phase 1 drill program in Q4 2023 and finalize a maiden resource estimate for Rio Grande thereafter."

Hole RG23-003 was executed with diamond drilling (HQ-size), permitting the extraction of core samples of the salar basin formations and collection of brine samples where possible. Drilling was carried out by Salta-based Hidrotec S.A., under the supervision of NOA's geologists.

The lithological profile of the third hole is in-line with other drillholes at the Project. Almost the entire depth of the +600 m hole returned brine-saturated units based on packer testing, except for a few horizons of 10-30 m thickness. In general, halite and interstitial sands were the dominant lithologies, with amounts of each varying along the depth.

Brine packer samples have been sent for laboratory analyses, including multi-element geochemical analysis for lithium and other relevant elements, and results are expected in the coming weeks. Selected drill core samples will be sent to an accredited laboratory for physical property tests, including drainable porosity.

The Phase 1 drill program is planned for six holes and is designed to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate for the Rio Grande project in early 2024. The location of RG23-003 is shown in Figure 1 and its drill collar information is provided in Table 2 below.

Figure 1: Plan Map Showing Hole RG23-003 And Previous Completed Drillholes

Table 2: RG23-003 - Drill collar information

Hole #: RG23-003 Azimuth: 0 deg. Claim name: Cristina Inclination: -90 deg. Coordinates (UTM 19J South): E: 582411 m N: 7226470 m, Z: 3702 m Contractor: Hidrotec S.A. Machine type: HT07 LF-90 Drill type: Diamond Hole diameter: HQ

About NOA Lithium Brines Inc.

NOA is a lithium exploration and development company formed to acquire and develop assets with significant resource potential. All NOA's projects are in the heart of the prolific Lithium Triangle, in the mining-friendly province of Salta, Argentina, near a multitude of projects and operations owned by industry leaders. NOA has rapidly consolidated one of the largest lithium brine claim portfolios in this region that is not owned by a producing company, with key positions on three prospective salars (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) and a total portfolio of approximately 100,000 hectares.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gabriel Rubacha

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For Further Information

Website: www.noalithium.com

Email: info@noalithium.com

Telephone: 416-568-1027

Sample analysis & QA/QC Program

The Company has a robust QA/QC and sample management program. Brine samples were collected by a single / double packer system (in-hole inflatable) to isolate specific intervals down the drillhole. The packer sampling method allows the collection of brine samples at specific depths while sealing the hole at the top and bottom of the interval. The packer system was run several times to flush the hole after drilling to clear / clean the hole prior to sampling and four samples for each interval were collected (main sample, duplicate sample, check sample, reserve sample). The drillhole of the current release was inclined vertically (90 degrees) and the salar strata are believed to be flat-lying resulting in reported intervals approximating true thickness.

Samples of brine were submitted by courier for analysis to SGS Argentina S.A., the local subsidiary of SGS International, an accredited laboratory for the analysis of lithium and other elements. SGS employed Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry as the analytical technique for the primary constituents of interest, including: boron, calcium, potassium, lithium, and magnesium. Measurements in the field included pH, conductivity, temperature and density. The quality of sample analytical results was controlled and assessed with a protocol of blank, duplicate and standard samples included within the sample sequence. Differences between original and duplicate samples and results for standards and blanks are considered within the acceptable range for lithium.

Qualified Person

Taj Singh, P.Eng, Strategic Advisor, NOA Lithium Brines Inc., is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Singh has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release is accurate.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements within this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements including, but not limited to NOA's future plans and objectives regarding its projects, which constitute forward looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although NOA believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements include fluctuations in market prices, including metal prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. NOA does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable laws.

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.

SOURCE: NOA Lithium Brines Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780892/noa-intercepts-over-500-meters-of-lithium-brine-saturated-units-in-third-hole-at-rio-grande-project
The IoT Community's annual members event attracts thousands of elite IoT thought leaders and practitioners to convene online on September 7th for this premier IoT event covering the latest trends and developments from across the IoT landscape

The Internet of Things Community (IoT Community), the world's first to market, longest standing, largest and last standing independent community of IoT thought leaders and practitioners, announces the agenda for its IoT Community Members Slam 2023 virtual conference commencing September 7th 2023, Online.

The event provides the global IoT ecosystem with a unique opportunity to learn from expert innovative practitioners, about the use-cases and best practices for enterprises designing, developing, and shaping the future of the enterprise and industrial IoT landscape.

The conference features expert contributions from elite IoT practitioners at leading-edge organizations that are corporate members of the IoT Community including: HPE, ClearBlade Inc, SAS, Oracle, Softserve, Intertrust, Intellias, Cisco, Phoenix Contact, Link Labs, Red Hat, among other leading industry players, and IoT Practitioners from the IoT ecosystem.

Speakers will be discuss and demonstrate business applications and thought leadership around the deployment of IoT in corporate, enterprise and industrial ecosystems at this marquee IoT conference.

The exclusive speaker Lineup includes:

Amanda Healy, Head of IoT Global Demand Generation, Awareness, Marketing Operations, Cisco

Bob Proctor, Co-founder and CEO, Link Labs

Bobby Shkolnikov, Global Principal in IoT Commercialization, SAS

Brent Chandler, Worldwide Vice President of Sales and Marketing, ClearBlade, Inc

Catherine (CJ) Robison BSN, RN, Health Innovation Scientist at Oracle Health

Christopher Benassi, Senior Director of Commercial Growth at Baxter Healthcare

Dave Eifert, Sr. Business Development Manager IIoT, Phoenix Contact, USA

Tom Bradicich, PhD, Tom Bradicich, PhD VP Hewlett Packard Fellow, Global Head, IoT and Edge CoE Labs, Hewlett Packard Enterprise;

Erika Franco, Technical Leader, IoT Solutions, Cisco

Fernando Machin, Founder and CEO, Boxes

Guy Merritt, VP of Solutions and Consulting, SoftServe

Hana Rizvic, Head of AI/ML, Intellias

Hardi Desai, Machine Learning Developer, SAS

Jennifer Halstead, Chief Financial Officer, Link Labs

Joseph Soliz, Sr. Business Development Director at Link Labs

Julian Durand, Vice President, Product Management and Chief Information Security Officer, Intertrust

Karen S. Finger Global Lead, Connected Health Strategy and Innovation Healthcare, Insurance Life Sciences Verizon Global Enterprise Solutions

Kellie Swink BSN, RN, CCRN Clinical Nurse Program Coordinator Tele-Cardiac ICU Command Center Children's National Hospital

Lori Kimbro, IIoT Embedded Firmware Engineer, Schneider Electric

Dr Mark Wolff, Advisory Industry Consultant Chief Health Analytics Strategist Global IoT Division SAS Institute

Michele Null Co-Chair of the IoT Community's WioTCoE, Principal Product Marketing Leader, Ansible Automation, Red Hat

Richa Daga, Software Engineer, Cisco

Richard Shan, Chief Practitioner

Romina Elias, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC Healthcare CNIO, Dell Technologies

Steve Enck, Senior Manager, IoT Consulting, SAS

The full list of speakers and profiles can be viewed here: https://iotslam.com/iot-members-slam-2023-speakers/

IoT Members Slam, features an exclusive end-user focused program, luminary thought leaders and academics from the IoT ecosystem as well as corporate members of the IoT Community. The event will present crucial learnings and inspirational ideas around future trends and challenges across industrial, enterprise and public sector government IoT, exploring the opportunities 5G, Edge, AI, enable in smart buildings, cities, societies and the connected home office, healthcare life sciences, autonomous vehicles and omni-channel retail.

David Hill, Executive Director of the IoT Community said, "We are thrilled to unveil another exclusive and world class line-up of IoT thought leaders and practitioners speaking at the IoT Community Members Slam event. I invite members, partners, and anyone who wants to engage, to join us at this fascinating event on September 7th, to interact in the discussion and gain a fresh perspective on real-world industry best practices."

The full conference program, topics, themes, and list of speakers can be viewed at: https://iotslam.com/iot-members-slam-2023-agenda/

"We look forward to delivering our latest installment in the series of exclusive IoT Slam conferences", said Dr Tom Bradicich, HPE Fellow, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and IoT Community Advisory Board Chairman. "As leading IoT practitioners, and a thought leadership community, we're engaging more global business leaders to help address their diverse challenges and advance the IoT and edge industries. Our attendees will see many real-world use cases and insights from industry leaders that will inspire ways to improve business and societal outcomes."

Registration Details

To register now at no cost, please visit: https://iotslam.com/iot-slam-conference-registration

Collaboration Corporate Membership Media Opportunities

To explore accession to the IoT Community please email info [at] iotcommunity [dot] net.

About IoT Community Members Slam 2023

IoT Community Members Slam takes place September 7th 2023, broadcast online in real time. For more information, visit https://iotslam.com IoT Slam delivers the best in class IoT Strategy, Leadership, Advisory and Methodology (SLAM) IoT Slam.

About IoT Community (Internet of Things Community)

The IoT Community is the world's largest CxO community of senior business leaders and IoT practitioners consisting of 47,000+ members. The function is to focus on adoption and application of IoT in commercial environments, seeking to contribute to applying technology or overcoming the variety of barriers, inhibitors, and technical and operational issues. For more information about the IoT Community, visit www.iotcommunity.net

Keep up to date on Twitter by following @IoTChannel or using the hashtag IoTSlam.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906476753/en/

Contacts:

IoT Community

David Hill

david [dot] hill [at] iotcommunity [dot] net
Acquisition bolsters company's mission to help customers modernize in place without disruption

Rocket Software, Inc. ("Rocket Software") a global technology leader that develops enterprise software for some of the world's largest companies, today announced it has acquired B.O.S., a leading German-based software company that provides data integration solutions. B.O.S.' flagship product, tcVISION, now called Rocket Data Replicate and Sync, will join Rocket Software's portfolio of modernization products that add scale, flexibility and security to an organization's existing infrastructure. The combination of Rocket Software's existing solutions and B.O.S.' technology will allow Rocket Software to offer its customers more complete solutions to their mainframe data modernization challenges. This proprietary technology means that organizations can leverage advanced tools, including machine learning and analytics engines, in cloud environments using mainframe data in real time without needing to rewrite all their applications to run on the cloud. Further, this technology makes training generative artificial intelligence (AI) models easier by leveraging a business' mainframe data.

The mainframe holds an estimated 80% of global enterprise data and remains a critical system of record for organizations. The data held in mainframes is an invaluable source of insight for businesses across financial services, retail and healthcare, as well as major government agencies. However, to operate most effectively, the mainframe must be modernized to integrate with the public and private cloud, which offers advanced analytics capabilities that can help organizations extract the most valuable insights from their data.

With the acquisition of B.O.S., Rocket Software offers its customers the ability to store, manage, control and replicate data between the mainframe, on premise and public cloud platforms in near real time. Unlike other solutions on the market, Rocket Software will make it easier for its customers to get data from hard-to-understand subsystems on the mainframe, while making it easier to replicate the data to multiple targets on the cloud or on premise. This will allow customers to reap the benefits of the security, availability, and reliability of the mainframe, while also taking advantage of the powerful analytics tools on the cloud.

"Our customers partner with us to solve their most complex IT challenges and simplify their modernization journeys," said Milan Shetti, President and CEO of Rocket Software. "By bringing B.O.S. into the Rocket Software family, our customers will have the unique capability to seamlessly replicate data between the cloud and mainframe, allowing them to modernize in place to accelerate and optimize their journeys and meet the evolving needs of the market."

"Rocket Software's acquisition of B.O.S. underscores its forward-thinking approach to solving modern IT challenges," said Steven Dickens, VP and Practice Leader at Futurum Group. "This deal further signals that while Rocket may be rooted in mainframe it is fully embracing the future of IT infrastructure-hybrid cloud. In a hybrid environment, agility, scalability, and security aren't just buzzwords-they're requisites for organizational success. B.O.S.' data replication technology paired with Rocket Software's existing solutions will allow customers to reap the benefits of both the mainframe and the cloud."

"For decades B.O.S. has put its customers at the forefront of everything we do," said Elisabeth Schwarz, CEO of B.O.S. "We're completely aligned with Rocket Software's mission and values and are very proud to enter this next chapter together where we can apply our solutions at a grander scale thanks to Rocket Software's extensive portfolio and global reach."

The financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Rocket Software's Hybrid Cloud Solutions provide customers with the powerful capabilities to access, replicate, automate, monitor and backup their mission-critical workloads that span the mainframe to the public cloud. For more information on the suite of products, click here.

About Rocket Software

Rocket Software partners with the largest enterprises, in all industries, to solve their most complex IT challenges, across infrastructure, data, and applications with solutions that simplify, not disrupt their modernization journey. Trusted by over 10,000 customers, Rocket Software helps enterprises modernize in place with a hybrid cloud strategy, so they don't need to re-platform or build from the ground up. The company's 2,600 global employees work with customers to accelerate and optimize their modernization journey while meeting evolving market needs. Rocket Software is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in the Boston area with centers of excellence strategically located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Rocket Software is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity. Follow Rocket Software on LinkedIn and Twitter or visit www.RocketSoftware.com.

About B.O.S.

B.O.S. is a leading provider of data integration solutions. Headquartered in Germany, B.O.S. drives innovation with powerful, platform-independent integration technology for heterogeneous environments powered by mainframe architecture. For more than three decades, the company has helped the largest enterprise customers and government agencies create synergies between their mainframe and emerging technologies like Cloud and Big Data-connecting the past with the future so they can access the right data in the right place at the right time. The company's focus is on cross-system data replication, synchronization and migration including data transformation and propagation to the target systems in environments with IBM z mainframes, Linux, Unix, MS-Windows, Hadoop, Cloud, and Big Data platforms. Follow B.O.S. on LinkedIn and learn more at www.bossoftware.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906653410/en/

Contacts:

Jessica Hohn-Cabana

jhohn@rocketsoftware.com
OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Calian Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), a diverse solutions company, providing innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity products and services, has announced that Calian Advanced Technologies (AT) has been awarded a contract from MDA Inc. to support the development of Canadarm3, a next-generation space robotic system being developed by MDA (MDA) for the Canadian Space Agency.

Calian will develop and deliver the Electronic Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) for Canadarm3, Canada's contribution to the NASA-led Lunar Gateway. Calian will create the hardware and software solutions that will form the EGSE, known as System Test Centers and Unit Test Sets, which will be used to fully test the Canadarm3 prior to launch.

"We have had a long track record of working with MDA and supporting Canadarm3 speaks volumes to the quality of this relationship," says Kevin Ford, Calian CEO. "We are excited to partner with MDA to help pave the way for the next generation of Canadian and global space exploration."

"The depth of skill and expertise in the Canadian space industry is second to none and is critical to the delivery of Canadarm3," said Holly Johnson, Vice President of Robotics and Space Operations at MDA. "Our long-term relationship with Calian is a great example of the opportunity we have for Canadian companies to work together to bring world-leading space technology and know-how to the NASA-led Artemis mission and to market."

MDA is the Prime Contractor for the Canadarm3 program that will operate aboard Gateway, a deep space outpost that will orbit the Moon. Gateway will support both human and robotic missions to the lunar surface, serving as a science laboratory, and acting as a proving ground for exploration missions into deeper space. Canadarm3 will be AI-enabled and comprised of a large and a small robotic arm, specialized tools to perform maintenance and science tasks, and robotic interfaces to enable access to all Gateway elements.

"Calian is proud to play a vital role in the next international collaboration for lunar and deep space exploration," adds Patrick Thera, President Advanced Technologies. "Calian continues to seek key roles to support the exploration of space for the benefit of Canadians and the world."

The EGSE program will be completed in three phases, including preliminary design, critical design, and integration and test. Final delivery is scheduled for the middle of 2025.

To learn more, visit Calian AT .

About Calian

We keep the world moving forward. Calian helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex problems. That's "Confidence. Engineered". A global company with more than 40 years of steady growth, we have offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets.

Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

Media inquiries:

pr@calian.com

613-599-8600 x 2298

Investor Relations inquiries:

ir@calian.com

DISCLAIMER

Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

*Canadarm is an Official Mark of His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry.

Calian  Head Office  770 Palladium Drive  Ottawa  Ontario  Canada  K2V 1C8

Tel: 613.599.8600  Fax: 613-592-3664  General info email: info@calian.com

SOURCE: Calian Group Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780556/calian-partners-with-mda-on-canadarm3-development
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Garibaldi Resources (TSXV:GGI) (the "Company" or "Garibaldi") is pleased to announce analysis of results for holes EL-22-97b and EL-22-98. The 2022 drill program at Nickel Mountain focused on testing the large ZTEM response along trend of the E&L gabbro system and successfully intercepted semi-massive sulphides within the broad geophysical target. The deep-seated ZTEM anomaly continues below the E&L for more than 1,000 meters and represents a large volume of highly prospective rocks. The Company's 100% owned Nickel Mountain-Palm Springs claims cover 180 sq. kms and is located within the heart of the Eskay mining district of Northwest British Columbia.

The untested keel of the E&L Intrusion coincides with the ZTEM geophysical response. The presence of rocks of the E&L intrusion with magmatic sulphide mineralization containing Ni-Cu-Co and precious metals indicates a promising new zone. The two holes provide critical data projecting new areas, to target for additional mineralization along trend of the E&L mineralized gabbro system. Most importantly, the two holes provide an excellent geophysical platform for bore-hole electro-magnetic (BHEM) surveys to test a volume coincident with the ZTEM response below the keel of the intrusion.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hole 97b was drilled northwards beneath the E&L Intrusion to 738 meters depth and intercepted E&L type orbicular-textured gabbroic and ultramafic rocks with disseminated to semi-massive sulfides at 469.4 - 477.5m depth. This interval graded 0.14 % Ni, 0.16% Cu, and 0.30 g/t Pd. Concentrations of metal in the sulfide portion of the rock (termed metal tenor) returned 3.3 and 3.4 % Ni, 3.7 and 5.3 % Cu and 3.3 and 5.7 g/t Au+Pt+Pd in mineralized samples with at least 1% S grade. A massive sulphide target with a similar range in metal tenor is the focus of 2023 exploration at E&L.

LaMontagne Geophysics completed BHEM surveys of the 2022 holes last month, resulting in a conductive anomaly over 100 meters wide approximately 50 meters off hole east of E&L-22-97B. The broad response lies 200 meters immediately down trend of the mineralized E&L gabbro in holes EL-20-88 and EL-21-91. Historically, when drill holes have intersected semi massive sulphides at Nickel Mountain, BHEM surveys have successfully identified off hole conductive anomalies comprised of massive sulfide lenses, these anomalies remain the focus of 2023 exploration at E&L.

The interval of mineralization encountered in hole 97b extends the strike length of the E&L system to over a 1km downslope and remains open. The interval occurs within a package of Hazelton Group sedimentary rocks containing melanocratic rocks of the Nickel Mountain Gabbroic Complex.

EL-22-98 was collared from the same setup as EL-22-97b at -67 degrees to a depth of 942m. Hole EL-22-98 intercepted intervals of Nickel Mountain Gabbro from 550 - 621m and a melagabbro interval between 789 and 793.5m which might represent a splay of the E&L Intrusion. This hole was also lined with PVC in anticipation of BHEM surveying.

Hole EL-22-97 was originally collared upslope of the 97b, but the hole was lost when it intercepted a fault at 237m well before intercepting the area of interest, subsequently tested and confirmed with EL-22-97b. Hole ELW-22-01 was also collared approximately one km west of E&L, above a slope of mineralized boulders resembling E&L intrusive, testing a geophysical anomaly. It was drilled to a depth of 140m and intercepted a series of mudstones in the Hazelton Group. The source of the boulders remains unknown.

Drill Hole Table - UTM Zone 9N

Hole Easting Northing Elev Azimith Dip () Length EL-22-97 396389 6271134 1531.95 345.19 -70.10 237 ELW-22-01 395351 6271557 1784.6 342.87 -70.59 140 EL-22-97B 396443 6270939 1463.6 339.98 -49.74 738 EL-22-98 396443 6270939 1463.6 338.97 -67.36 942

The 2022 drilling was successful in further extending the E&L Gabbro intrusion to 820 m, and intersecting disseminated and semi massive sulphides with elevated metal tenor indicative of E&L massive sulfide style mineralization.

2023 Preview

The 2023 exploration program began with BHEM surveying of 2022 drill holes, with high priority given to EL-22-97b which intercepted disseminated and semi massive sulphides in rocks of the E&L Intrusion. Follow up drilling will target anticipated off hole conductive anomalies from the same pad as EL-22-97B, a new 5 year (2029) drill permit extension for 74 drill locations was recently granted final approval.

Garibaldi plans to test the B1 target, located 5 kilometers northeast of E&L. The B1 target exhibits both high conductance VTEM and large-scale ZTEM anomalies within a geochemical footprint. Initial groundwork will aid in finalization of drilling plans to intercept the near surface VTEM conductor and possibly test the broader deeper ZTEM response.

Garibaldi also plans to test the PSP target, which hosts a high priority near surface VTEM conductor associated with rocks of the Upper Hazelton Group, similar to the host stratigraphy at the Eskay Creek Deposit. This target is located less than 2 kilometers from the Garibaldi Camp near to the Eskay road. Historic Min-files and follow up work have confirmed the presence of hydrothermal brecciation containing realgar and orpiment, minerals associated with Eskay Creek style mineralization.

CRITICAL METALS INITIATIVE

Garibaldi Resource is pleased to confirm that the Company has accepted an invitation to collaborate with the British Columbia Geological Survey under a new Critical Metals initiative. BCGS geologists have collected samples of core and outcrop from Nickel Mountain to further understand the relationship between the E&L Gabbro and the Nickel Mountain Gabbroic Complex. Also, work under a separate Federal NSERC grant with University of British Columbia Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) continues, aiming to further unravel the geological relationship between the E&L Gabbro and Hazelton Group sediments.

Figure 1 - West facing slice through Nickel Mountain showing holes EL-22-97b and EL-22-98. Drill hole EL-22-97b intercepted semi massive sulfide hosted in mineralized E&L Gabbro down trend of previous drilling. The E&L system remains open and is broadly following a low resistivity zone mapped out in the 2021 ZTEM survey.

VP Exploration Jeremy Hanson states "We are encouraged by the deep drilling results from the 2022 program, which successfully extended the strike length of the E&L system. The off hole BHEM anomaly in 97B is a great follow up result suggesting we're continuing on the right track mapping the mineralized E&L gabbro, ideally to a new zone of massive sulphides. We are excited to kick off our drill program testing this high priority target."

Dr. Peter C. Lightfoot, P.Geo. has reviewed the results of the 2022 drill program and provided input to the field program in 2023. Peter states: "The keel of the E&L Intrusion remains untested along much of the length of the intrusion, and represents a potential locus for the accumulation of magmatic sulfide mineralization. Strategically positioned boreholes from the 2022 program provide an ideal platform to complete borehole EM surveys to identify conductive massive sulfide mineralization.

Steve Regoci, Garibaldi's CEO Stated: "Nickel Mountain drill results and geophysics support the potential to discover new mineralized zones further downslope within the broad deep-seated ZTEM response. The 2022 drill test of the large ZTEM anomaly intersected E&L nickel-copper-cobalt semi massive sulphide mineralization. This crucial result bolsters the prospects for further discovery.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

Garibaldi Resources has applied a rigorous quality assurance/quality control program at the E&L Nickel Mountain Project using best industry practice. All core is logged by a geoscientist and selected intervals sampled. HQ and NQ drill core is sawn in half and each sample half is placed in a marked sample bag with a corresponding sample tag then sealed. The remaining half core is retained in core boxes that are stored at a secure facility in Smithers, British Columbia. Chain of custody of samples is recorded and maintained for all samples from the drill to the laboratory.

All diamond drilling sample batches included 5% QA/QC samples consisting of certified blanks, standards and field duplicates. Multiple certified ore assay laboratory standards and one blank standard were used in the process. Samples were submitted to SGS Canada Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia, an ISO 9001: 2008 certified lab, for base metal, sulphur and precious metal analysis using Inductivity Coupled Plasma (ICP), Fire Assay (FA) and Leco methods. Samples were prepared by crushing the entire sample to 75% passing 2mm, riffle splitting 250g and pulverizing the split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold, platinum and palladium were analyzed using a 30-gram fire assay and ICP-AES. Total sulphur and total carbon were analyzed using a Leco method. Nickel, copper, cobalt, silver and base metals were analyzed by sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-MS. The performance on the blind standards, blanks and duplicates achieved high levels of accuracy and reproducibility and has been verified by Jeremy Hanson, a qualified person as defined by NI-43-101.

Qualified Person & Data Verification

Jeremy Hanson, P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by NI- 43-101, has supervised the preparation of and reviewed and approved of the disclosure of information in this news release. Mr. Hanson has verified the data, including drilling, sampling, test and recovery data, by supervising all of such procedures. There are no known factors that could materially affect the reliability of data collected and verified under his supervision. No quality assurance/quality control issues have been identified to date.

About Garibaldi

Garibaldi Resources Corp. is an active Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on creating shareholder value through discoveries and strategic development of its assets in some of the most prolific mining regions in British Columbia and Mexico.

GARIBALDI RESOURCES CORP.

Per: "Steve Regoci"

Steve Regoci, President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release

SOURCE: Garibaldi Resources Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780868/garibaldi-updates-results-2023-drilling-targets-bhem-anomaly
NEWPORT BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Galexxy Holdings Inc., ("Galexxy" or "Company") (OTC PINK:GXXY) is pleased to outline its forecasted revenue sources for 2024 arising from; its new JV Direct sales company called Galexxy LLC., an expanded VendGenie Smart Kiosk Vending business unit and ABC Wholesale LLC., with a new product launch for its East Coast distribution of AVALOO branded products.

Galexxy's Projected Revenues

Wellbeing Farms (100% owned) expects to generate $7.5m in revenues from its first full year of product supply to Galexxy LLC.

Galexxy LLC (60% owned) is targeting revenues of $10m in its first 6 months following its Q4-2023 enrollment and for its Q1-2024 pre-launch is projecting $20m total revenues for 2024.

Galexxy LLC has large distributors who are silent partners that have already committed to join in its launch prior to the planned enrollment date announcements.

VendGenie's (100% owned) One-Stop-Shop Agreement with Delta 88 LLC., located in Texas projects $3m in revenue by the end of its first full year of trading from 125 VendGenie Kiosks, increasing to $12.75m in year two from a total of 600 Kiosks. Delta 88's Business Plan calls for a growth rate of 30 new Kiosks per month, commencing Q1-2024.

ABC Holdings LLC (69% owned) is currently generating $1.1m in AVALOO sales revenue. Galexxy anticipates a 2x increase in AVALOO sales revenue from additional new products, synergized operations, and deployment of VendGenie Kiosks through its growing national network.

Wellbeing Farms produces ~20 proprietary Functional Mushroom - Adaptogen based products which have recently been published on the RangeMe website. RangeMe is the world's largest wholesale product sourcing platform, with over 7,500 retail buyers. RangeMe enables Wellbeing Farms to showcase its unique products to qualified buyers for small, large, and big-box chain stores.

VendGenie imports its technologically customized Smart Vending Kiosks from one of the world's largest kiosk manufacturers. VendGenie's advanced technology features include an integrated iOS and Android App, remotely programmable operating systems, large digital displays for promotion and advertising and Age Verification with Facial Recognition. VendGenie is 'Reimagining Convenience' with 24 /7 access for age restricted purchasing.

Galexxy LLC is a "Company First" to specialize in direct-to-consumer sales of proprietary functional mushroom supplements on a global scale. Thousands of existing direct-to-consumer distributors have indicated commitment to Galexxy's upcoming launch.

ABC Holdings is a Georgia based wholesale/retail distributor of its proprietary AVALOO branded products to 22 east coast distributors and independent retail outlets. Galexxy is planning a significant expansion of ABC's business plans and supply of additional white labelled products.

https://galexxyholdings.com/contactus

Galexxy Holdings Inc.

Rachel Fyffe, VP Communications

E: Rachel@galexxyholdings.com

Office: (949) 418 7450

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "statements"). All 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 press release.

www.galexxyholdings.com

www.wellbeingfarms.com

https://twitter.com/GXXYHoldings

SOURCE: Galexxy Holdings Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780831/galexxy-holdings-revenue-growth-strategy
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) (the "Company" or "Hypercharge"), a leading, smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider, is pleased to announce it will provide 78 Level 2 EV chargers to University District by Bosa Properties, located in Surrey, BC, with installation due to be completed by the end of 2023. The sold-out project encompasses more than 750 homes and includes 23,000 sq ft of resort-style amenities for all residents.

Bosa Properties is an end-to-end real estate company offering human-centered solutions for property development and management. Based in Vancouver, Canada, their diverse team of in-house experts work across residential, commercial, and master-planned projects and their growing residential portfolio includes more than 20,000 homes that are built or under development.

"We are thrilled to partner with Bosa Properties to bring Hypercharge EV charging to residents and visitors of the University District," said Chris Koch, Head of Growth and Partnerships at Hypercharge. "We're proud to be supporting Bosa Properties with a secured inventory of charging stations for quick fulfillment, plus providing wireless communications infrastructure throughout the entire development's parkade."

-##-

About Hypercharge

Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) is a leading provider of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions that offers turnkey technology to multi-unit residential and commercial buildings, fleet operations, and other rapidly growing sectors. Driven by its mission to accelerate EV adoption and enable the shift towards a carbon neutral economy, Hypercharge is committed to providing seamless, simple charging solutions by offering industry-leading equipment and a robust network of public and private charging stations. Learn more: https://hypercharge.com/

On behalf of the company,

Hypercharge Networks Corp.

David Bibby, President & CEO

Investor Relations:

Kelsey Letham | Head of Investor Relations

invest@hypercharge.com

604-881-1730

Media Contact:

Kyle Green | Senior Marketing Manager

kyle.green@hypercharge.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the expected installation of charging stations by the Company. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither NEO Exchange Inc. nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of NEO Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179578
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") announces that it has completed its inaugural drill program on its Thelon Basin uranium project located 100 km west of the Hamlet of Baker Lake, Nunavut. Forum holds a 100% interest in 95,500 hectares of ground adjacent to Orano's 133 million pound Kiggavik uranium project (Figure1). Five holes were completed on two uranium targets, Tatiggaq and Ned for a total of 991 metres. Assay results are expected in September/October.

Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Forum's VP, Exploration, stated, "Forum's drill program successfully infilled and extended uranium mineralization at the near surface Tatiggaq deposit located five kilometres west of Orano's Andrew Lake and End deposits, which together contain a total of 93 million pounds of uranium at its Kiggavik uranium project. This drill program was successful in confirming our understanding of the controls of mineralization, which will focus our targeting in Forum's next drill program to extend the deposit at depth and along strike. Only 200 metres of this 1.5 kilometre long anomaly has been drill tested. The drilling at Ned shows that the area is fertile for unconformity-type uranium mineralization processes due to the intersection of clay alteration in the sandstone."





Figure 1 The Thelon Basin is a geologic analogue to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Orano's uranium deposits are along the same controlling structures as Forum's Tatiggaq deposit and over 20 other targets are present within the project, which could host additional uranium deposits similar to the Athabasca Basin.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/179616_51e7f9c7442a2bc8_003full.jpg

Tatiggaq

Mineralization at the Tatiggaq zone occurs in two zones - the Main and West Zones and is located at depths between 80 and 180 m. The entire 0.7 km wide by 1.5 km long Tatiggaq gravity anomaly remains open for additional uranium mineralization both along strike of the known zones but also along numerous sub-parallel fault zones to the north and south. Forum drilled two holes in the Tatiggaq Main zone and two holes in the Tatiggaq West zone for a total of 826 metres (Figure 2). The drill core from the mineralized sections has been delivered to the Saskatchewan Research Council laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.





Figure 2 The Tatiggaq gravity anomaly showing the location of the Tatiggaq West and Main zones, historical drilling and the 2023 drill holes.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4908/179616_51e7f9c7442a2bc8_004full.jpg

Ned

One hole was drilled on the large Ned gravity target (Figure 1), one of over 20 high-priority targets on the property with potential to host large unconformity-style uranium deposits. Ned is a completely untested 1.3 km by 1.5 km gravity anomaly target located 10 km west of Orano's 40 million pound Kiggavik deposit. The drill hole at Ned was collared in Thelon sandstone and was targeting the sandstone-basement unconformity along the Thelon Fault zone. The hole was lost at 165 metres in clay-altered Thelon sandstone, a typical alteration feature of large uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin. This anomaly will be the focus of additional drill testing during Forum's planned 2024 drill program.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canada's Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Forum's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the historical data, the work expenditure commitments; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund future exploration or development programs; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes commodity prices, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or an inability to obtain permits required in connection with maintaining or advancing its exploration projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

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.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

mazur@forumenergymetals.com

Tel: 604-630-1585

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179616
Grass Valley, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Rise Gold Corp. (CSE: RISE) (OTCQX: RYES) (the "Company" or "Rise Gold") reports that it has submitted a Petition to the County of Nevada asserting its vested right to mine at the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine. The Petition was prepared by Mitchell Chadwick LLP and was independently reviewed by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC. As demonstrated in the Petition, mining operations on the Vested Mine Property are a vested use, protected under the California and federal Constitutions, and a use permit is not required for mining operations to continue. The Petition is available on the Nevada County website.

The Company owns the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine, consisting of 175 acres of surface land and a 2,560-acre mineral estate (the "Vested Mine Property"), located in Nevada County ("County"), California. Before the Vested Mine Property was consolidated into its current configuration in 1941, it existed as multiple historical mines and operations referred to in the Petition as the "Mine Property" or the "Mine."

For the vested right to be recognized by the County, Rise needs to demonstrate that fact that mine operations were being conducted both before and immediately after the County first required a permit to mine in 1954. The Petition and its exhibits are replete with historical evidence that mining was conducted at the Vested Mine Property prior to, during, and after 1954, when the County first required a use permit.

Once vested, this right to mine endures unless it is abandoned, which has not occurred here. Abandonment only occurs if two conditions are met: (1) there is evidence of a property owner's actual intent to abandon the vested mining right; and (2) an overt act (or failure to act) demonstrating such intent. The California Supreme Court has held that a vested mining right is not abandoned merely because the mine has been inactive for periods of time, and the Court has found that cessation of use alone does not constitute abandonment of a mine. The evidence set out in the Petition establishes the various previous owners evidenced their intent to retain the vested right to mine by continuously recording mineral reservations, entering into leases, and making plans for resuming mining in the future, even when mining operations were suspended. There is no evidence that any owner of the Vested Mine Property actually intended to abandon the vested mining right or took an overt act demonstrating that intent (let alone both). In addition, the vested right was already confirmed in 1980 by the County itself1.

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding the Company's Petition on October 27th of this year. A decision on the Petition is not discretionary, rather the Board of Supervisors must decide whether to confirm the vested rights by reviewing the historical facts in light of how the California Supreme Court has interpreted the relevant legal principles.

About Rise Gold Corp.

Rise Gold is an exploration-stage mining company incorporated in Nevada, USA. The Company's principal asset is the historic past-producing Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine located in Nevada County, California, USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Benjamin Mossman

President, CEO and Director

Rise Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

RISE GOLD CORP.

Suite 215, 333 Crown Point Circle

Grass Valley, CA 95945

T: 530.433.0188

info@risegoldcorp.com

www.risegoldcorp.com

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are 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.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to, among other things, its ongoing business operations. These risks are related to a number of factors including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, meeting expenditure and financing requirements, compliance with environmental regulations, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information contained in this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.

1The County recognized that mining operations on the Vested Mine Property were a legal nonconforming use in 1980 (i.e., a vested right) in its grant of Use Permit U79-41 authorizing the harvesting, crushing, screening, and sale of existing mine rock and tailings at the Centennial Industrial site. The County's Staff Report explicitly states that the grant of the permit was "an expansion of an existing, non-conforming use." California courts have ruled that a vested right cannot be broken down to encompass "less than the entire business operation," and, therefore, under the California law the County vested the right to mine for the entire Vested Mine Property.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179643
Las Vegas, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state operations-focused cannabis company, is pleased to provide a corporate update, including the planned divestment of its Ohio processing operation and license, the commencement of construction at the Body and Mind branded dispensary in Lynnwood, Illinois, and the finalization of its building plans for its New Jersey dispensary.

"We are encouraged by last week's announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which called for cannabis to be reclassified to Schedule III and look forward to the next steps within the rescheduling process," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "We are laser focused on advancing our operations and licenses in Illinois and New Jersey; in addition to the recently announced divestment of our Ohio dispensary (see July 24, 2023 press release), we have now executed definitive agreements to divest our Ohio processing operation and license. Funds from both asset sales are earmarked to reduce debt and create more balance sheet flexibility to support the development of our Illinois and New Jersey market opportunities."

Ohio Processor Divestment

The Company is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, DEP Nevada, Inc. ("DEP"), has entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with LMTB, LLC (the "Purchaser"), whereby DEP agrees to sell all of the issued and outstanding interests (the "Interests") in NMG OH P1, LLC ("NMG OH P1"), which owns and operates the Body and Mind Ohio processor, to the Purchaser.

The total consideration for the transaction is US$2 million including US$1 million cash placed in escrow within three days of execution of the definitive agreement and US$ 1 million cash at closing. The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on estimated closing indebtedness, estimated transaction expenses, estimated closing cash, and a working capital adjustment. Closing shall occur on the later of: (i) the first calendar day of the month following the satisfaction or waiver, if applicable, of all closing conditions, including the receipt of all approvals for the transfer of the license by the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, or such earlier time as the parties agree; or (ii) seven days following the satisfaction or waiver, if applicable, of all closing conditions.

Lynnwood, Illinois Dispensary

Construction has commenced at the Lynnwood dispensary site with building permits approved, foundations complete and groundworks ongoing. The dispensary will be a 3,400 square foot Body and Mind branded store and is conveniently located on highway 83, less than 2 miles off both Highway 294 and Highway 30 in Eastern Illinois.

"We have been working closely with the Lynnwood administration to advance development of our second Body and Mind dispensary in the greater Chicago region ever since final award of our provisional license," stated Trip Hoffman, COO of Body and Mind. "I'd like to thank our landlord, development team and Lynnwood administration for advancing approvals and permits for construction. We are excited about this location and look forward to bringing our retail experience to more customers in the underserved greater Chicago area."

New Jersey Dispensary

The Company has completed final building plans to renovate an existing 4,100 square foot building in the Lawrenceville township area north of Trenton, New Jersey. The Company has received local authorization for the dispensary and state approval is in process.

"Currently, New Jersey (population estimate of 9.2 million) is home to only 37 recreational dispensaries and according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, recreational marijuana has generated about $306 million in sales - and $18.8 million in sales tax revenue - in the first two quarters of 2023 combined. We have been following the New Jersey market closely and feel New Jersey will be a key long-term strategic market for Body and Mind," stated Michael Mills. "We are looking forward to bringing our development and retail experience to the project and opening the Lawrenceville dispensary as soon as possible."

About Body and Mind Inc.

BaM is an operations-focused cannabis company with active retail operations in Ohio, Arkansas, Illinois and California, pending retail operations in Illinois and New Jersey, and craft cultivation and/or processing operations in Nevada, Ohio and Arkansas. We work daily to increase our market share through delighting customers while also continuing to hone our operational efficiencies to drive profits. We are primarily guided by the metric of return on investment. Currently, we believe the most significant return on investment projects in front of us are successful retail cannabis store launches in Illinois and New Jersey, which augment our existing retail footprint. We also believe that our team's core operational skillsets will create significant future shareholder value as the cannabis industry matures.

Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information.

Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM

Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Jody Kane

+1 475 477 9402

jody.kane@harbor-access.com

Company Contact:

Michael Mills

CEO

Tel: 800-361-6312

ir@bodyandmind.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such 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. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179673
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to outline three important strategies: the Company's product commercialisation process, organic corporate growth strategy and product distribution channel strategy.

The Company's Product Commercialisation Process (see Figure 1) is to develop the Company's products through four stages, including: (i) developing the initial product concept, (ii) making the product repeatedly and verifying it will meet the target market needs with external testing, (iii) building the capacity to produce and sell the product, including regulatory approvals and organisation, and (iv) building awareness, making and selling the product into the route to markets developed.

Figure 1: Product Commercialisation Process.



*GMG Graphene Powder is made for use in GMG's products.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/179690_graphene_01_550.jpg

The Company is also pleased to announce Thermal XR is now in the fourth and final stage of commercialisation; building awareness, making and selling the product. G Lubricant is positioned in the second stage as it is currently undergoing product market testing and the Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery (G+AI Battery) is also in the second stage as the battery is currently undergoing product development and optimisation (see Company's news release dated May 29, 2023).

The Company's intended organic Growth Strategy (see Figure 2) is to progress the products through the commercialisation process to be able to grow revenues from making and selling Thermal XR and G Lubricant whilst developing Energy Storage products (i.e. the Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery). Supporting both will be the continued development and growth of GMG's Graphene production engineering capability.

Figure 2: Corporate Growth Strategy.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/179690_graphene_02_550.jpg

Meanwhile, the Company plans to continue developing Energy Storage products with the goal of adding selected partners from different verticals to co-sponsor and accelerate development. Rio Tinto is the first such sponsor, targeting Graphene Aluminium Ion battery for mining haul trucks in the mining and mineral processing sector.

The Company's intended Channel Strategy (see Figure 3) is to sell its Energy Saving products through relevant industry segment distributors in various geographic locations and/or co-branded products for further distribution. The co-branded products allow product co-developers to share in GMG's branded logo and product technology through their existing production, distribution and sales infrastructure. The Company sees this as a way to distribute its product and increase GMG's footprint faster and wider. For larger companies where bespoke or new applications require product development and/or support, direct sale would initially be undertaken.

Figure 3: Channel Strategy.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/179690_graphene_03_550.jpg

The Energy Storage products, based on the Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery, will primarily be direct business to business sale (B2B Direct) as new technology battery customers require intensive technical engagement with their battery suppliers to ensure they work effectively in their products.

GMG's 4 critical business objectives remain to:

produce Graphene and improve/scale the production process; build revenue from Energy Savings Products; develop Next-Generation Battery; and develop supply chain, partnerships and project-execution capability.

About GMG

GMG is a clean-technology company which seeks to offer energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene, including that manufactured in-house via a proprietary production process. GMG has developed a proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its elements: carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications. The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications. In the energy savings segment, GMG has focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving paint), lubricants and fluids. In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries"). For further information please contact:

Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223

Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041

www.graphenemg.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, the implementation of the Company's product commercialization process, the Company's intended organic corporate growth strategy, the Company's plans to continue developing and growing the Energy Solutions products, the Company's plan to make and sell Energy Saving Products into various target market segments, the Company use of partnerships and co-branding and the Company's intended product distribution channel strategy.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding: the Company will be successful in implementing its product commercialization process, the Company will be successful in executing on its intended organic corporate growth strategy, the Company will be successful in continuing to develop and grow its Energy Saving Products, the Company will be able to engage third parties in connection with sponsorship and co-branding opportunities and that the Company will be able to fulfil its intended distribution channel strategies, and derive the expected benefits therefrom. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG 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: the Company will be unsuccessful in implementing and maintaining its product commercialization process, the Company will not be able to fulfill its intended organic corporate growth and product distribution channel strategies, or derive the expected benefits therefrom, the Company will not be able to continue developing and growing its Energy Solutions products, the Company will be unable to make and sell Energy Saving Products into target market segments, the Company will not be successful in engaging third parties and developing relationships to assist in the development of the Company's products, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the failure of the Company to attract and retain skilled personnel, unexpected development and production challenges, unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated October 18, 2022 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

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 statements or 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 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 and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179690
Scanbot SDK has adopted a new design system, completely revamping its website and company logo.

BOON, Germany, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The company launched in 2011 with the aim of revolutionizing document management. In 2014, it introduced the consumer document scanning app "Scanbot". A B2B scanning solution, the Scanbot Software Development Kit (SDK), followed in 2017. Building on the latter's success, the company has catered exclusively to the needs of businesses since 2020.

Christoph Wagner, CEO of Scanbot SDK, explains the motivation for the design change: "The strategic shift from B2C to B2B allowed us to concentrate on high-quality, reliable solutions for businesses. Today, we are proud to count many industry-leading companies among our customers, including DocuSign, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Telekom, AXA, Aflac, Motive and Rimi Baltic. Their trust is a testament to the quality and reliability of our products. We try to reflect that with our new brand design."

The first aspect of the new design is a new color palette. While keeping the signature Scanbot SDK red, the company introduced five functional colors. These help communicate important information or actions to users.

The next change concerns the brand's typography: Scanbot SDK is moving from Fira Sans, a casual typeface, to Inter, a more formal and robust typeface. Inter is a sans-serif font designed for high legibility on screens of all sizes.

The last piece of Scanbot SDK's rebranding efforts is its new company logo. It consists of four circles in the company's signature red and contains right angle shapes that together evoke a camera viewfinder. The whitespace between the circles resembles a camera flash. These details encapsulate what Scanbot SDK is all about: enabling fast and accurate data capture and extraction. The new logo enhances the company's recognizability and clearly positions Scanbot SDK as a trusted entity in the B2B space.

Christoph Wagner concludes: "This rebrand is more than just a visual makeover. It reflects our continual evolution and our commitment to a first-class user experience. We are excited to see this new visual identity bring a fresh perspective to our brand and resonate with our clients."

All these changes are also reflected in the redesign of the Scanbot SDK website, which features a fresh look and feel as well as improved usability: https://scanbot.io.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201400/Scanbot_RedBlack_Logo.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201401/Scanbot_New_Brand_Design.jpg

Contact: Niklas Kreck

press@scanbot.io

+49 (0)228 94800044

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/scanbot-sdk-unveils-new-logo-and-brand-design-301919220.html
PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 FinancialNewsMedia.com News Commentary

/PRNewswire/ -- The remarkable development in lithium production has led to the growth of its demand all over the world. Revolution in various fields, such as automobile, glass and ceramics, medical, air treatment, and polymer production, has led to industrialization and urbanization, making metal a vital development element. Mining supplies are used for batteries for electric vehicles. The growing industrialization and urbanization have given rise to the demand for power in the world. The rising functions of the digitized world require a lot of electrical power. The dependence on process automation and round-the-clock network usage has given rise to the high demand for a consistent power supply, a key driving factor for the energy storage sector. A report from Fortune Business Insights projected that the Global Lithium Mining Market is projected to grow to USD 516.22 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 6% in the 2021-2028 period. The rise in CAGR is attributable to this market's demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over. The report said: "The high demand for power because of the surging urbanization and industrialization worldwide would affect growth positively. It would result in the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries for storing the excessive energy." Active mining companies in the markets this week include:Indigo Exploration Inc. (OTCQB: IXIXF) (TSX-V: IXI), Livent Corporation (NYSE: LTHM), Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) (TSX: LAC), E3 LITHIUM LTD. (OTCQX: EEMMF) (TSXV: ETL), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB).

Fortune Business Insights continued: "By source, the lithium mining industry is categorized into brine and hard rock. Amongst them, the hard rock segment is presently in the dominant position and would remain so in the upcoming years. This growth is attributable to the abundance availability of hard rock lithium reserves worldwide. There are multiple big, small, and medium-sized companies in the lithium mining industry. But, only a handful of them are investing in developing state-of-the-art mining technologies. They are majorly striving to compete with their rivals. A few educational institutions are also joining hands with private organizations to discover novel techniques."

Indigo Exploration Inc. (OTCQB: IXIXF) (TSX-V: IXI) BREAKING NEWS Indigo Engages Sproule for Maiden Lithium Brine Resource Estimation & Provides Market Update - Indigo Exploration Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has awarded Sproule the contract to prepare a maiden resource estimate for the Company's Fox Creek West lithium brine project in central Alberta. With over 70 years of operating history in over 90 countries, Sproule has established a reputation as a leader in the energy space. Specifically, within the resource estimation and certification space, Sproule completes over 250 evaluations annually in over 50 countries and recently includes the petrolithium brine resources on the Rainbow Lake project in Alberta and the Kindersley project in Saskatchewan.

The Company would also like to highlight the recent advancements from neighboring E3 Lithium Ltd. ("E3") an emerging lithium developer in Alberta which announced last week the commencement of operation of its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) pilot plant. E3's plant represents the first commercial operation of a pilot plant within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin ("WCSB") targeting petrolithium brines from the same or similar aquafer reservoirs as contained within the Company's projects. Specifically, Indigo's Leduc-Legal project adjoins E3's properties with both targeting the world-class Leduc Aquifer.

"The engagement of Sproule to complete our first maiden resource estimate represents the culmination of activities since last October when the Company shifted its focus to the growing lithium market" commented Paul Cowley, President & CEO of Indigo Exploration. "The resource estimate for Fox Creek West represents only the first of many maiden resource estimates we anticipate delivering and only the beginning of demonstrating the world class potential of these projects to fill the overwhelming lithium supply imbalance. E3's efforts in demonstrating the commercial potential of the DLE application to petrolithium brine projects in Alberta paves the way for other players in the industry to unlock the value of this vast resource."CONTINUEDRead this and more news for Indigo Exploration at: https://www.indigoexploration.com/news/news-2023

In other market news of interest:



Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) (TSX: LAC) recently announced that shareholders have voted in favor of the separation of the Company into Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. ("Lithium Argentina") and a new Lithium Americas Corp. ("Lithium Americas (NewCo)") pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Separation") at the Company's annual general and special meeting of shareholders held today (the "Meeting"). The Separation was approved by 98.85% of the votes cast by shareholders present or represented by proxy at the Meeting, as well as 98.78% of the votes cast excluding those of such shareholders who are required to be excluded pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

"We are delighted to see our shareholders' overwhelming support for the Separation," said Jonathan Evans, Lithium Americas' President and CEO. "Following the Separation, the Lithium Americas (NewCo) team is committed to advancing the Thacker Pass project toward production to support the critical North American lithium supply chain. Meanwhile, the Lithium Argentina team will advance Cauchari-Olaroz toward full commercial production and pursue development opportunities in its significant growth pipeline in Argentina."

E3 LITHIUM LTD. (OTCQX: EEMMF) (TSXV: ETL) recently announced that commissioning of its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) field pilot plant is complete and operations have begun. The commissioning process included connecting all major pieces of equipment to the piping and wiring systems on site. The team has also conducted a series of necessary inspections and system tests to ensure safe and successful operations. Each DLE system has demonstrated it is operating as expected based on the performance metrics established during pre-pilot testing.

The operations begin with running the DLE processes at different system parameter settings to determine the most efficient extraction of lithium, guided by the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) outlined on June 14, 2023. Upon determining a specific set of operating parameters, each system will run for a longer duration to accomplish two tasks: 1) confirm consistent results over an extended period; and 2) produce large volumes of lithium concentrate for further refining into lithium products, such as lithium hydroxide. The data collected throughout the pilot operations will be primarily used to inform the commercial design of the processing facility for our Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and Feasibility Study (FS).

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) a global leader in supplying essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, recently announced its intent to pursue a binding agreement to acquire Liontown Resources Limited.

Albemarle acknowledges Liontown's announcement on the ASX and confirms that it has submitted a best and final non-binding proposal, pending the absence of a better offer, to acquire all outstanding shares of Liontown through a scheme of arrangement at A$3 cash per share. This revised proposal values Liontown at A$6.6 billion or $4.3 billion in equity value.

Livent Corporation (NYSE: LTHM) recently reported results for the second quarter of 2023. Second quarter revenue was $235.8 million, 7% lower than the first quarter of 2023 and 8% higher than the second quarter of 2022. Reported GAAP net income was $90.2 million, or 43 cents per diluted share, compared to $114.8 million in the previous quarter and $60.0 million in the prior year's quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $134.5 million, 15% lower than the previous quarter but 42% higher than the prior year's quarter, and adjusted earnings per diluted share (1) were 51 cents. Volumes sold were roughly flat versus the first quarter of 2023 while average realized prices were slightly lower and overall costs were higher.

"We continued to see healthy demand from our customers which helped to support strong financial results in the second quarter. As anticipated, we experienced the lagged impact of lower market prices in certain lithium products and end markets, as well as higher operating costs during the quarter," said Paul Graves, president and chief executive officer of Livent. "We expect 2023 second half financial performance to be broadly similar to the first half of the year, supported by pricing visibility from our existing customer contracts and incremental volume available for sale in the second half of the year."

DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated twenty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Indigo Exploration Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

Contact Information:

Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com - +1(561)325-8757

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/demand-still-growing-for-lithium-mining-market-thats-projected-to-reach-516-million-in-2028-301918991.html
Start date is expected by the end of 2023 / beginning of 2024. VIRO also offers an update on Diabetic trials and Sagaliam transaction.

ALLEN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Enzolytics, Inc. (OTC PINK:ENZC) (https://enzolytics.com/).

Virogentics, Inc. ("VIRO"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Enzolytics, Inc. (the "Company" or "ENZC"), a drug development biotech company, announced today that based on the Bulgarian population of HIV-infected individuals that the sample size for the ITV-1 clinical trials will be 60 individuals.

R&D Services Ltd. ("R&D"), under the leadership of Aneliya Vidinlieva, Manager Clinical Trials, assisted by Dr. Ivaylo Tsonev, Chief Medical Officer of Desing and three consultants assigned by the University of Pharmacology, will be performing the clinical trials. R&D and VIRO expect the clinical trials to begin in late 2023 or early 2024.

With locations across Bulgaria, where the Clinical Trials will be conducted, R&D services will manage all the administration of the Clinical Trials of ITV-1 conducted in public, municipal, and private healthcare institutions. R&D is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 14001:2015 quality assurance standards for services provided.

R&D Services Ltd.'s general responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Improving the quality of the collected data during the clinical trials.

Building up a trial site at each healthcare institution and providing all the necessary equipment for conducting clinical trials and premises for proper document and study drugs storage, in compliance with the Good Documentation Practice, Good Clinical Practice, and Good Manufacturing Practice.

Ensuring protocol compliance, compliance with the International Conference on Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice guideline, Bulgarian legislation and specific requirements of the Sponsor/CRO.

Providing the necessary documents for the initial study submission.

Prescreening of eligible patients during the initial review/approval period so that a maximum number of patients can be enrolled in the relevant time period.

Redirecting eligible patients from trial sites that do not participate in the trial to sites that are approved; building a referral network of physicians to support the study enrollment.

Quality checking all the needed documentation concerning the proper conduct of a clinical study (eCRF, temperature logs, subject logs, study drug accountability logs).

Reporting any adverse events to the Sponsor/CRO.

Ensuring document access for audits on behalf of the Sponsor/CRO, independent auditor, and regulatory authorities.

In addition, the trials being conducted by R&D will include a review by an immunologist to evaluate any correlation of patient outcomes with a different origin of immune deficiency using cell examination.

The Company's therapeutic developments will include participation by many established pharm entities, including the following. VETPROM AD, a division of the French company Danhson, currently headed by Stanislav Stoev, Executive Director,represents over 65 years of continuous operations in the Bulgarian economy and is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers of medicinal products (for human and veterinary use), food supplements and cosmetics in Bulgaria. VETPROM manufactures products under its brand name, as well as for third parties under contract manufacture agreements operating under accepted ISO 9001:2008 System for quality of management and the integrated system for Good Manufacturing Practice, under requirements of Volume 4, Good manufacturing practice (GMP) Guidelines.

The German Cooperative Clinical Grug Research and Development (CCDRD) is a contract research organization for clinical phase I-IV trials and will be performing the pharmacokinetics study on ITV-1 under the guidance and leadership of the CEO Rossen Koytchev, MD, PhD and Petra Kowalski PhD, Director of Business Development. CCDRD was founded in 1990 and has been performing clinical trials for over 30 years. The company is headquartered in Hoppegarten near Berlin, Germany.

The Center of Phytochemistry was set up as a joint project of the Bulgarian Government, UNDP, and UNESCO for scientific and applied research and training of specialists in organic chemistry and chemistry of natural products. The organization was renamed The Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry (IOCCP) and is the leading scientific institution in t organic and bio-organic chemistry field in Bulgaria. VIRO has engaged IOCCP, represented by Prof. DSc Pavlina Dolashka, a member of its organizing committee and scientific committee to perform the biochem analysis of ITV-1 at the Bulgarian Academy of Science.

Documentation and correspondence that is required with the EMA as part of the permitting and application process will be performed for VIRO by Vili Topalova, MD EU QPPV Medical Director of AV Consult Pharm ("AVCP"). AVCP is a consulting company in the fields of Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Devices vigilance, Cosmetovigilance, price and reimbursement and other consultancies for medical treatments. AVCP's expertise is based on years of experience with the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA) and the technical expertise of its employees - former experts and employees of the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA).

As a result of a delay in delivery of the Toxicity report to the African hospitals, GOMA, PRC, and Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, DRC, the administration of the ITV-1 immunotherapy initial injections into the HIV/AIDS-infected volunteers was delayed. We expect that to commence soon.

Since entering the U.S. Market six months ago, VIRO's growing nutraceutical division has resulted in the exclusive distribution licensing of + Liver Rescue in the North American market. This product accelerates the functions of the liver (accelerated emission of alcohol dehydrogenase), thereby reducing the harmful effects of alcohol on the body and the central nervous system. This is a new revolutionary nutritional supplement in the form of a drink, which is currently being marketed in Europe with great success. Coupled with the monthly increasing production and sales of IPF Immune, the market potential for these products is favorable.

Currently, the Company is pursuing testing IPF Immune as an immunomodulator under EMA guidelines on patients with cirrhosis, as an after-radiation and chemotherapy treatment of cancer patients in an attempt to reduce recovery time from the effects, impact on HIV patients immune system (in addition to the ITV-1 Clinical trials), application for type 2 diabetes patients effect on blood sugar levels and glycosylated Hb (in addition to the clinical trials of ITV-1 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes scheduled for later this year), herpes, COVID, influenza and all diseases where there is an immune system decline - including autoimmune disease. With the potential of both ITV-1 and IPF Immune to participate in the aforementioned markets, capturing 1% of the 2022 autoimmune $104.21 billion market and the $84.56 2023 diabetes market, VIRO could realize over $2 billion in revenue in addition to what it captures in the HIV/AIDS $30.46 billion market where VIRO expects the most significant market penetration.

VIRO has also filed two utility patent applications covering its new developments, one covering the European Union and one for the United States.

"With the quality of our partners and our past success with ITV-1 Clinical trials, we at VIRO are expecting great success in not only the ITV-1 application to HIV but also its application to Diabetes and other areas being pursued," stated Harry Zhabilov, CSO of VIRO.

ENZC has provided SAGA with its draft of the Business Combination Agreement and related documents and is awaiting any edits or comments in anticipation of a final version being circulated for signature by October 31, 2023.

Barry Kostiner, CEO of Sagaliam, commented, "We are continuing to make progress on the consummation of our transaction with Enzolytics. The deep bench of expertise and therapeutic solutions is impressive. In addition to our dedicated scientists, we have an outstanding team of collaborators who support all aspects of the business including regulatory, clinical and manufacturing operations. The goal is to build a pharmaceutical platform company, going beyond one-off therapies, to providing solutions for broad categories of chronic disease."

Enzolytics, Inc. Overview

Enzolytics, Inc. is a drug development company committed to commercializing its proprietary proteins and monoclonal antibodies to treat debilitating infectious diseases. The Company is advancing multiple therapeutics targeting numerous infectious diseases. One patented and clinically tested compound, ITV-1 (Immune Therapeutic Vaccine-1), is a suspension of Inactivated Pepsin Fraction (IPF), covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 8,066,982 and 7,479,538. Studies have shown it to be effective in treating HIV/AIDS. ITV-1 has also been shown to modulate the immune system.

The Company has proprietary technology for producing fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against infectious diseases which is currently being employed to produce monoclonal antibody therapeutics for treating the CoronaVirus (SARS-CoV-2), HIV-1 and the Feline Leukemia virus. The Company has also identified conserved epitopes on and has plans to produce mAbs targeting many other viruses, including HIV-2, Influenza A and B, H1N1 influenza, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Small-Pox, Ebola Virus, Tetanus, Diphtheria, HTLV-1/2, Rabies, Herpes zoster, Varicella zoster, Anthrax, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) and Visna virus (VISNA). The Company has also analyzed epitopes of animal viruses and plans to produce mAbs for treating these animal viruses.

Safe Harbor Statement : This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties associated with financial projections, budgets, milestone timelines, clinical development, regulatory approvals, and other risks described by Enzolytics, Inc. from time to time in its periodic reports filed with the SEC. ITV-1 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or by any comparable regulatory agencies elsewhere in the world.

While Enzolytics, Inc. believes that the forward-looking statements and underlying assumptions contained therein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, including, but not limited to, the ability of Enzolytics to establish the efficacy of its therapeutics in the treatment of any disease or health condition, the development of studies and strategies leading to commercialization of its therapeutics in the United States, the obtaining of funding required to carry out the development plan, the completion of studies and tests on time or at all, and the successful outcome of such studies or tests. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this release will prove to be accurate.

Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations. They involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of the statements made, and cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update the forward-looking statements or update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Company Contact:

Enzolytics, Inc.

1101 Raintree Circle

Allen, Texas 75013

www.enzolytics.com

SOURCE: Enzolytics, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781111/patient-population-for-the-clinical-trials-of-itv-1-has-been-established-by-the-european-medicines-agency-ema
Informa Markets Engineering introduces new PBS touchpoint to highlight bulk materials and processing.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / The Powder & Bulk Solids Texas Conference (PBS TX Conference), organized by Informa Markets Engineering, is a two-day technical event focused on bringing vital education to engineers in the bulk materials and processing industry. The new conference (taking place September 10-11, 2024, at the Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria in Houston, Texas) will deliver critical knowledge led by industry experts and offer exclusive networking opportunities in the Southwest region.

As a complement to the biennial International Powder and Bulk Solids event in Rosemont, IL, the Texas conference will provide educational content to processing engineers in the petrochemical, cement, building materials, plastics as well as the food and beverage industries. Sessions will be useful for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry.

"The PBS Texas Conference will present an opportunity for technical education and training to support the development of processing professionals leading engineering innovation in Texas. Conference attendees will be able to learn from leading industry experts as well as build important relationships with peers over the course of the two-day event," says Melissa Magestro, VP Group Portfolio Leader, Informa Markets Engineering.

Texas is home to the largest plastic manufacturer in the world, ranks in the top three states for food and beverage processing plants, is number one in the US for cement production and has the highest concentration of chemical engineers in the US. The Houston metropolitan area comprises of the largest petrochemical manufacturing in the world , including synthetic rubber, insecticides and fertilizers.

"Engaging our advanced network of speakers, academic leaders and association partners, the Houston conference will provide a unique opportunity for industry professionals to gain access to valuable and essential education each year, in the region's most appropriate accessible hub for powder bulk solid processing needs," says Steve Everly, Group Event Director, Informa Markets Engineering.

Everly continues, "Innovation throughout the region continues to expand and we are confident that our positioning in Houston advances growth and opportunity while also serving as an expansion of our portfolio of events across Montreal, Toronto, Chicago and Charlotte."

Session topics will include bulk solids storage, retrieval and logistics, combustible dust safety, conveying and feeding, dust control and processing and quality.

For more information on the 2024 event, please visit www.powderconferencetexas.com.

About Informa Markets Engineering:?

Informa Markets' Engineering portfolio is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com .? Media Contact:?

Jordan Douglas

Informa Markets Engineering PR?

PR.IME (@) Informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780871/powder-bulk-solids-announces-new-regional-conference-in-texas-september-2024
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Brigadier Gold Limited (the "Company") (TSXV:BRG),(FSE:B7LM)(OTC PINK:BGADF) is pleased to announce commencement of follow-on Phase-1 exploration at its Nemaska2 Property, James Bay, Quebec. Having successfully sampled multiple zones of shallow pegmatite mineralization during July, crews will now focus on the almost 50% of the Nemaska2 property which to date is unexplored.

The 2023 Phase-1 exploration program is designed to identify targets for a Q3/Q4 2023 drill program. Sampling results will be made public when available. Brigadier's goal for this and future exploration at Nemaska2 is to prove the existence of bulk tonnage, near-surface, lithium-bearing mineralization.

The Phase-1 program at Nemaska2 is being carried out by the Company's technical partner Geologica Groupe-Conseil ("Geologica") of Val D'or Quebec.

Phase-1 Summer 2023 Exploration Program - Work Completed to Date

A total of 163 kms of tracked traverses were completed between July 10th and 28th. One hundred and twenty-four (124) pegmatite samples were collected in areas hosting pegmatite swarms in the north, northwest, central and southwest parts of the property (Figure 1). In addition, over 343 geo-observations, photos and descriptions were taken during this field program. The pegmatite dykes are generally hosted within dark pink medium grain size massive granites, vary in size from 30 cm to 4 metres, and have been observed over several tens of metres.

The samples were sent to ALS Global Laboratories of Val-d'Or and assay results will be revealed as soon as available.

Management Commentary

"We are highly encouraged with the results of our Phase-1 work program, which successfully confirmed pegmatite occurrences mapped in historical government exploration and discovered new zones of previously undocumented shallow pegmatite mineralization. While we wait for completion of assays, we have initiated part two of this work program, which will focus on additional promising targets throughout our property", stated Robert Birmingham, President and CEO of Brigadier Gold. "We anticipate that Phase-1 results combined with a recent data compilation study, could provide a number of prospective drill targets for a fall 2023 drill campaign."

Quebec Lithium Scene

In it's aim to become a major player in the global supply chain for battery metals, a consortium of Ford Motor Co F.N and South Korean companies announced on August 17th they would build a C$1.2 billion plant to produce electric vehicle (EVs) battery materials in Becancour, Quebec.

The past several months has seen The Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Northern Quebec experiencing an unprecedented level of investment and exploration activity targeting lithium-bearing pegmatites.

On May 22nd, Nemaska Lithium announced a long term lithium hydroxide supply agreement with Ford Motor Company; On June 14th, Rio Tinto entered the James Bay region with a $65.5 million option agreement with Midland Exploration Inc; On August 3rd, Patriot Battery Metals Inc. announced a $109 million investment with chemical processing multinational Albemarle.

Quebec is consistently ranked as a Top 10 mining and exploration jurisdiction and enjoys robust support from the Provincial government.

About Nemaska2 Lithium Project

The Nemaska2 project consists of 162 map-designated mining titles (Nemaska2 and Nemaska2 extension) covering a total area of 8,300 hectares and is located in Northern Quebec, approximately 160 kilometres east of James Bay, near the community of Nemaska. Neighbouring Brigadier's Nemaska2 project are claims held by Li-Ft Power, Brunswick Exploration, Dios Exploration, Critical Elements Lithium and about 23 kilometres to the east lies Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi project.

Nemaska2 hosts easily accessible on-site infrastructure, including a powerline, aerodrome, railway and an accommodations camp. The property is bisected by the region's primary east-west road and is approximately five kilometres by road from additional accommodations, fuel and supplies. A large portion of the property is also accessible by all-season logging roads, eliminating the need for any use of helicopters in reconnaissance, mapping, sampling or drilling.

Qualified Person

Mr. Alain-Jean Beauregard, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.

Killala Lake Option Termination

On August 29, 2023, the Company provided notice of its intent to terminate the May 11, 2020 Killala Lake South Option Agreement.

For further information, please contact:

Brigadier Gold Limited

www.brigadiergold.ca

Robert Birmingham, Chief Executive Officer

rob@brigadiergold.ca

(604) 424-8131

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 Information Cautionary Statement

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements include those relating to the focus of the Phase-1 exploration program, the discovery of additional pegmatites, and target generation for and the timing of future drill programs. 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 ability to complete all payments and expenditures required under its mineral property option agreements; and other risks and uncertainties relating to the actual results of current exploration activities; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with adjacent properties and the Company's expectations; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); environmental and regulatory requirements; availability of permits, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, political risks, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks involved in the mineral exploration industry, and those risks set out in the filings on SEDAR made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities legislation.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the

securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

SOURCE: Brigadier Gold Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780890/brigadier-initiates-follow-on-phase-1-exploration-at-nemaska2-lithium-project-james-bay-quebec
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") declares its monthly dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on September 29, 2023 to shareholders of record as of September 19, 2023. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A. offering investors exposure to both gold production and dividend yield.

Dividends may vary in amount and consistency or be discontinued at the Board of Directors' discretion depending on variables including but not limited to operational cash flows, Company development requirements and strategies, construction, spot gold and silver prices, taxation, general market conditions and other factors described in the Company's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Fortitude Gold Corp.:

Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of five high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt and a sixth high-grade gold property in west central Nevada. The Isabella Pearl gold mine, located on the Isabella Pearl mineralized trend, is currently in production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions.

Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release.

CONTACT:

Greg Patterson

719-717-9825

greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com

www.Fortitudegold.com

SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780945/fortitude-gold-declares-september-monthly-dividend
Head Brewer Luke Wortendyke Shares His Love For Lagers

AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / "Oktoberfest is a time to laugh with friends, celebrate the end of summer, and drink fresh, handcrafted lagers," said Luke Wortendyke, Head Brewer. Oktoberfest at Fast Friends Beer Company is on Saturday, September 9th, starting at 11 a.m. Expect big Oktoberfest vibes with a special release of three German Lagers: Festbier, Marzen, and Dortmunder. Chef Emily Rayburn curated a special menu, including homemade pretzels, crispy chicken schnitzel, locally sourced bratwurst, and more. Fast Friends will also have limited edition ceramic steins, dimple mugs, live screen printed t-shirts, and a face painting booth. Of course, no Oktoberfest celebration would be complete without stein holding competitions!





Oktoberfest at Fast Friends Beer Company

Oktoberfest at Fast Friends Beer Company Saturday September 9th 2023





"We wanted to go 'all out' for Oktoberfest with our lineup of European lagers, with the star being our Festbier. This is a recipe I've been working on for years. Festbier is golden in color with a subtle toasty malt character and supportive hop crispness throughout." It's clear that Luke has a serious affinity for lagers. "The Marzen is our take on the more historically malt-forward beer that delivers rich amber maltiness with nonstop drinkability."

Lager brewing is an endless, yet timeless, pursuit of perfection, and Luke is responsible for bringing these beers to life. "I'm huge on sourcing the highest quality malt that we can buy, typically heirloom varieties from a 144-year-old German malting company." The Fast Friends Brew Team dives deep into modern-day brewing science in order to recreate these historic beers. "We have an incredible water purification system that allows me to adjust our water profile in real time, giving us a lot of flexibility with the water mineral make-ups for our beers. For example, our Dortmunder collaboration with St Elmo Brewing Company stands out due to its hard, high sulfate content water. This adds a huge boost of crispness to the beer, accentuating the subtle grassy noble hops in a really nice way"

"The hardest part about making these beers is being patient. The final step is a long wait. We allow these Euro-style lagers to cold condition at 32F for 6-10 weeks, and the end result is a clear, crisp, and naturally carbonated glass of cold lager, made fresh right here in Austin, Texas."

"We take lager brewing seriously so that our guests can enjoy a world-class lager drinking experience," said Luke, "It's a never-ending pursuit, and we can't wait to share our labor of love with you all at Fast Friends' Oktoberfest on September 9th!"

###

Fast Friends Beer Company is a brewpub built on the foundation of inspiring people to DO/good, LOVE/big, and LIVE/now. We aspire to be a beacon of positivity and a happy place for human connection over good food and good beer.

Contact Information

Dave Childress

Founder

dc@fastfriendsbeer.com

7372570333

SOURCE: Fast Friends Beer Company

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780850/oktoberfest-at-fast-friends-beer-co-is-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year
Seasoned experts join Kueski to enhance the user experience and growth of the company's product ecosystem

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Kueski , one of the largest buy now, pay later (BNPL) and online consumer lenders in Mexico, today announced the appointment of Javier Irigoyen as Head of Product Management for Kueski Pay , the company's buy now, pay later (BNPL) product, and Patrick Strange as the company's Head of Design. An unmatched customer experience is of the highest priority to Kueski and the addition of both Javier and Patrick is a testament to the company's investment and focus on crafting the optimal user experience as it moves forward with its mission to create greater access to financial services for millions of customers across Mexico.

As Kueski Pay's Head of Product Management, Irigoyen will guide the company's BNPL product vision, strategy, roadmap, and day-to-day product operations. His leadership will be instrumental in helping Kueski Pay meet the financial needs of millions of Mexicans and bring new, innovative business growth levers to thousands of brands, merchant partners, and store associates. Irigoyen joins Kueski after serving as a product leader for top brands in the U.S. such as Amazon, TikTok, and JP Morgan Chase.

In the Head of Design position, Strange will spearhead the design vision at Kueski across the product ecosystem. He will lead a team of product designers, user researchers, and content designers to create world-class product experiences for customers and help further the Kueski mission of creating greater access to financial tools and improving the financial lives of Mexicans. Prior to joining Kueski, Strange led product design for a segment of Meta and also co-led the design team for Novi, Meta's first crypto-based financial product. Throughout his decade-long career, Strange has worked at agencies, as well as globally recognized technology companies designing functions ranging from product design, content design, and user research.

"Both Javier and Patrick bring a wealth of experience from some of the world's top technology companies that will help Kueski continue to grow our footprint and product ecosystem, granting as many Mexicans as we can access to financial services," said Fausto Ibarra, Chief Product Officer at Kueski. "We are always searching for the best and brightest talent to add to our team, and we are excited to have these two dynamic additions to the world-class Kueski team."

Kueski continues to gain momentum with the company experiencing triple-digit growth in unique users since 2022 and a record 12 million loans issued. According to the "Upsurge of Latam BNPL" report by Morgan Stanley, Kueski Pay is the preferred merchant partner for BNPL in Latin America and has the highest penetration in the top 150 e-commerce merchants in Mexico. Kueski estimates that 1 of 4 of the top e-commerce merchants in Mexico is offering its BNPL service. In addition to unprecedented growth, Kueski recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary as an organization, was named a top consumer lender on the 2022 CB Insights' Fintech 250 list, and a 2023 top Consumer Payments Company by Fintech Breakthrough Awards .

About Kueski

Kueski is one of the largest buy now, pay later (BNPL) and online consumer lending companies in Mexico, providing financial services to consumers and connecting the Mexican economy through its innovative product ecosystem. This ecosystem consists of Kueski Pay, the company's BNPL product available online and in-store, and Kueski Personal Loans, its instant personal loan product. Founded in 2012 with the mission of making the financial lives of people in Mexico easier, Kueski leverages technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to expand access to traditional financial products and services. Kueski was named to CB Insights' Fintech 250 List.

U.S. Media Contact

Holland Eichorn

301-873-9653

kueski@calibercorporate.com

SOURCE: Kueski

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/780696/kueski-appoints-javier-irigoyen-and-patrick-strange-formerly-of-amazon-tiktok-and-meta-to-product-team
ZHUMADIAN, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 6, the 25th China Agricultural Products Processing Industry Investment and Trade Fair was held in Zhumadian City in central China's Henan Province.

The event is hosted by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the People's Government of Henan Province, and is organized by the ministry and province's related departments and the local government of Zhumadian.

Seeking to explore the potential of local agricultural specialties and promote the high-quality development of the agricultural products processing industry, the fair will arrange activities such as expo tour, opening ceremony, exhibition and business match-making.

High-quality agricultural products from all over the country and even the world are on display, and domestic advanced agricultural processing technology, machinery and equipment are also showcased in the fair.

Zhumadian, located in central Henan, is an important grain and oil production base in China, with fame like "the granary of the Central Plains", "the oil reserve of central China" and "the Sesame Kingdom". It has the largest oil production in China and the top vegetable and animal husbandry output in Henan.

The city's annual grain output exceeds 8 billion kilograms, of which wheat output accounts for 1/26 of the country's total. Zhengyang, Pingyu and Biyang in Zhumadian are respectively the largest counties in the production of peanuts, sesame and shiitake mushrooms in China.

Thanks to its rich agricultural products resources, Zhumadian has a rapidly developing agricultural products processing industry, with related enterprises' total output value topping 220 billion yuan in 2022.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442072

Caption: Investment & trade fair on agri-products processing was held in the city of Zhumadian, Henan, China.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203011/Fair.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/investment--trade-fair-on-agri-products-processing-held-in-the-city-of-zhumadian-henan-china-301919259.html
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Retained executive search firm Caldwell (TSX:CWL)(OTCQX:CWLPF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Katherine Baker in the New York office to the role of partner.

Katherine Baker

"Our purpose at Caldwell is identifying great people capable of leading and transforming organizations," said Chris Beck, president. "This holds as true for ourselves as it does for our clients, so supporting and developing our own people is imperative. Katherine has continually demonstrated incredible dedication and commitment to her clients, candidates and colleagues. We are proud of her accomplishments, and it gives us great pleasure to recognize her importance to Caldwell and her impact on our clients' success."

Ms. Baker is a member of Caldwell's Insurance Practice with more than 13 years of experience placing chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief investment officers, chief marketing officers, chief underwriting officers, chief actuaries, and members of their teams at clients in property & casualty, life, and employee benefits.

Prior to joining Caldwell in 2021, Ms. Baker spent six years with Korn Ferry as a member of their Global Insurance and Asset & Wealth Management practices. She began her career at Whitney Partners, where she worked on senior-level investment banking searches. Ms. Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She is a member of the Association of Professional Insurance Women.

"This is an incredibly well-deserved promotion. Since Katherine joined the Caldwell team she has time and again demonstrated an unerring grasp of the challenges facing our clients in the insurance industry, a strong-willed drive to achieve on their behalf and a truly hands-on approach to client service and candidate care," said Peter Reed, managing partner of Caldwell's Insurance Practice. "She's an excellent representative of the Caldwell brand and we're excited to welcome her to our partner team."

About Caldwell

Caldwell is a leading retained executive search firm connecting clients with transformational talent. Together with IQTalent, we are a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. Through the two distinct brands - Caldwell and IQTalent - the firm leverages the latest innovations in AI to offer an integrated spectrum of services delivered by teams with deep knowledge in their respective areas. Services include candidate research and sourcing through to full recruitment at the professional, executive and board levels, as well as a suite of talent strategy and assessment tools that can help clients hire the right people, then manage and inspire them to achieve maximum business results.

Caldwell's common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL) and trade on the OTCQX Market (OTCQX: CWLPF). Please visit our website at www.caldwell.com for further information.

For further information, please contact:

Caroline Lomot

Caldwell

clomot@caldwell.com

+1 516 830 3535

SOURCE: Caldwell Partners International, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/778599/caldwell-announces-promotion-of-katherine-baker-to-partner
CAMDEN, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Subaru of America, Inc. announced that as part of its Subaru Loves Learning initiative to give all students an equal opportunity at a quality education, the automaker will adopt all classrooms at high schools on the Camden High Campus.

Achieved in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, the adoptions by Subaru of America will put funds in teacher's hands to provide critical learning materials for students at Camden High School, Charles Brimm Medical Arts High School, Creative Arts Academy and Camden Big Picture Learning Academy. As the largest corporate partner of AdoptAClassroom.org, Subaru and its retailers have supported more than 470,000 students nationwide through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative since 2021.

In addition to the classroom adoptions, Subaru will support the development of a graphic arts lab at Eastside High School with funding and materials donations, allowing the students to learn valuable technical skills and concurrently serve as a revenue generator for Eastside by creating branded gear for the school store. This new lab further enhances a grant from the Subaru of America Foundation to support career and technical efforts (CTE), partnership with 12Plus, that connects students to a range of meaningful workforce development opportunities.

"The heart of our Subaru Loves Learning initiative is showing support for the students in our communities, and here in our own Camden community we want every student to get the education that can help them achieve their dreams," said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "We're honored to once again team up with our close friends at the Camden City School District and wish every student, teacher and faculty member an outstanding school year."

To celebrate the announcement and help the Camden City School District (CCSD) kick off the school year, more than 170 volunteers from Subaru of America (SOA) headquarters visited 15 schools across the district during its largest off-site volunteer day. SOA volunteers assisted teachers with preparations for the year, including helping them to set up classrooms for more than 80 teachers.

"Our number one focus is providing the very best education for students in Camden, and learning materials play a critical role in achieving the quality schooling they deserve," said Katrina McCombs, Superintendent of the Camden City School District. "We thank Subaru for taking some of the burden off of our teachers, parents and students to keep our classrooms well-prepared for the school year."

As the largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org, Subaru of America adopted all kindergarten through fifth (K-5) grade classrooms in the CCSD in 2021, and in 2022, the automaker adopted all sixth through eighth (6-8) grade classrooms in the CCSD, as well as Eastside High School.

For information about Subaru Loves Learning and to find out more about the partners that Subaru supports, visit subaru.com/learning.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

###

Diane Anton?

Subaru of America, Inc.

856-488-5093??

danton@subaru.com???

Adam Leiter

Subaru of America, Inc.

(856) 488-8668

aleiter@subaru.com

Subaru of America adopted all 55 classrooms at the four-school Camden High Campus (grades 9-12) in the automaker's hometown of Camden, New Jersey.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Subaru of America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Subaru of America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/subaru-america

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Subaru of America

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781121/subaru-of-america-adopts-all-camden-high-campus-classrooms-during-subaru-loves-learning-initiative
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Cisco Systems Inc.

As we celebrate World Entrepreneurs' Day on August 21, it is interesting to reflect on how an established company like Cisco-a Fortune 500 company with more than 80,000 employees-relates to entrepreneurship.

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Cisco. In fact, the qualities that define an entrepreneur such as risk taking, creativity, perseverance, and passion are foundational to the way we operate and pursue opportunities to serve our customers and communities. In fact, the very reason Cisco started in 1984 was born from personal desire to solve an urgent issue and need for personal connection.

Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner were not able to email each other from their respective offices at Stanford University because they were on different networks with different local area protocols. They developed the multiprotocol router, and that's how Cisco was born!

Their entrepreneurial spirit lives on in a company that strives to solve business challenges for our customers today. Not only that, but Cisco also helps businesses large and small to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.

Training future entrepreneurs

For more than 25 years, Cisco Networking Academy has trained people to build and maintain networks utilizing the latest technology. But it has done so much more than that. As part of the process, learners are encouraged to work collaboratively, and the program fosters a mindset of identifying and solving problems.

These are core entrepreneurial skills. Numerous Networking Academy learners have gone on to use those skills, not only in networking, but in business too.

Antonius, from Indonesia, had never encountered a computer until a tsunami brought rescue workers to his hometown, where he saw the value-and opportunity-in tech. He went on to study at Networking Academy and earn CyberOps Associate certification. In one of his first jobs after studying, Antonius used his problem-solving skills to conclude that the network of the large organization where he worked had been hacked, and that rebuilding the system from scratch was the best solution.

Niels, in Belgium, took a different path. After working in kitchens from a very young age, Neils decided to embark on Networking Academy study. "I have been in love with tweaking computers all my life," he says. While he found the study challenging at times, with support from the Networking Academy community, he went on to attain CCNA certification. Niels credits the program with giving him the self-belief necessary to start his own penetration testing company.

Doing more

Obviously, the tech revolution has seen a vast increase in the demand for the sort of hard skills that are the basis of Cisco Networking Academy, and those skills continue to be indispensable.

The World Economic Forum found over 85% of organizations surveyed for the 2023 Future of Jobs Report identified increased adoption of new technologies and broadening digital access as the trends most likely to drive transformation in their organization.

The same report, however, finds that technological literacy is only the third in the list of skills businesses see as growing in importance over the next five years. Creative thinking and analytical thinking rank as numbers one and two, respectively.

Recognizing that technical skills alone are not enough for success in today's business environment, Networking Academy has recently launched several new courses on our Skills For All platform:

Engaging Stakeholders for Success provides essential skills for any professional, regardless of the industry. Learning to effectively engage with stakeholders is a core skill in any workplace. In this course, learners gain the insights and tools to identify, prioritize, and engage with stakeholders for success.

Discovering Entrepreneurship offers a solid foundation for anyone interested in developing entrepreneurial skills. The course covers entrepreneurship fundamentals, including the entrepreneurial perspective, identifying opportunities, and crafting an entrepreneurial story.

The big idea

Obviously, no course can teach the entrepreneurs of tomorrow how to have the big idea that drives a new business or industry. But by helping learners recognize that idea and teaching them the analytical and personal skills to make that idea grow, we can help them along that journey.

A problem as simple as being unable to send your partner an email saw the founding of the company that would grow into the Cisco we know today. What's your big idea?

View original content here

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc.

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781133/cisco-networking-academy-fostering-founders-one-learner-at-a-time
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Phenom Resources Corp. (TSXV: PHNM) (OTCQX: PHNMF) (FSE: 1PY0) ("Phenom" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the further strengthening of its gold exploration portfolio in Nevada by signing an Option Agreement for a Carlin-type gold-deposit opportunity strategically located along the northwest trending Sulfur-Lovelock-Austin structural-mineral trend in central Nevada, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Eureka, Nevada.

Dave Mathewson, Geological Advisor to the Company states, "The Dobbin Gold Project is an exceptionally good Carlin-type gold prospect which I identified in the late 1980's for Newmont. The prospect area was initially identified through an altered cobbles in drainages program, followed up by detailed rock sampling, claim staking, and soil surveys. Soil sampling identified an area on the property of significant elevated gold values in soils consistently ranging between 1g/t and 3g/t Au at surface in highly altered Roberts Mountains Formation. Roberts Mountains Formation is well known to be one of Nevada's best rock hosts for Carlin-type gold deposits. Much to my protests, Newmont pulled out of the project when an initial Wilderness Study Area was declared in 1989 which later shrank in size, leaving the anomalous gold-in-soil area open for staking which is now covered by the recently acquired Dobbin Property."

Paul Cowley, President & CEO states, "We are very excited to add this high-quality near surface gold asset as we continue our gold push in Nevada, complementing our flagship Carlin Gold-Vanadium and Crescent Valley Projects. Much to our astonishment and delight, this gold prospect had been completely and mistakenly forgotten by the world under the assumption it was still within the Wilderness Area. I spent three days last week in the anomalous gold-in-soils area on the Dobbin Property. I was very impressed with the intensity and size of the area where the Roberts Mountains Formation is completely silicified (jasperoid); over an area of at least 1 kilometre long and 300 metres wide. And, knowing that there is 1-3g/t Au values reported at surface within this unit is remarkable."

Dobbin Transaction

The Company has signed a six-year option agreement with two private vendors pursuant to which it may acquire a 100% interest in 31 unpatented mining claims located in Nevada, commonly referred to as the Dobbin Property. Pursuant to the Dobbin Option Agreement, in order to fully exercise its option and acquire the property, over a six-year period, the Company will pay an aggregate of US$150,000 (US$25,000 in Year 1, US$25,000 in Year 2, US$25,000 in Year 3, US$25,000 in Year 4, US$25,000 in Year 5 and US$25,000 in Year 6) and incur an aggregate of US$2,000,000 in exploration expenses on the property (US$100,000 in Year 1, US$100,000 in Year 2, US$200,000 in Year 3, US$200,000 in Year 4, US$400,000 in Year 5, and US$1,000,000 in Year 6 ). The vendors will also retain an aggregate 3% net smelter return royalty on any mineral products derived from the property. Phenom will have the right to purchase up to a 1% NSR for US$1.0 million for each 1% NSR prior to commencing commercial production, leaving the vendors with a 2% NSR.

About Phenom Resources Corp.

Phenom has a 100% interest in the Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project, located in Elko County, 6 miles south from the town of Carlin, Nevada and Highway I-80. The Project lies in the Carlin Gold Trend. Approximately 9 million ounces comprised of multiple gold deposits, including past producing mines, are present near the Phenom flagship property (5-15km). The Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project also hosts the Carlin Vanadium deposit.

ON BEHALF OF PHENOM RESOURCES CORP.

per: "Paul Cowley"

CEO & President

(604) 340-7711

pcowley@phenomresources.com

www.phenomresources.com

Technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dave Mathewson, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and Geological Advisor to the Company.

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.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance and include the Company's ability to meet its obligations under the Access and Mineral Lease Agreement and the conditions required to exercise in full its option to acquire the Carlin Vanadium project, to finance and drill test the interpreted gold target model and to encounter potential gold zones shown in the gold model . All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179699
BAODING, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On 5th September, GWM reported global sales figures for August, with a total of 114,096 vehicles sold worldwide. Overseas sales reached a record-breaking 30,741 units, constituting nearly 27% of the total sales and witnessing a remarkable YoY growth of 99.95%. In addition, GWM's NEV models recorded sales of 26,301 units, reflecting a substantial YoY increase of 119.83%.

GWM's outstanding August performance is attributed to strategic global partnerships, including the Inchcape Group, and initiatives in Uzbekistan. GWM is expanding global presence and has recently entered the Mexican market successfully. The GWM TANK500 also achieved remarkable sales in the Middle East, significantly enhancing overseas sales.

GWM has demonstrated exceptional performance in the South African market, ranking as the top-selling Chinese automotive brand in terms of sales for August and maintaining a stable position in the top ten within the industry. Active participation in the NAMPO Harvest Day allowed GWM to connect with diverse customer segment. Furthermore, as the official vehicle provider for the 2018 BRICS Summit in South Africa, GWM has once again undertaken important role this year, highlighting its significant position in the South African market.

In August, GWM's NEV sales excelled, particularly in European, South American, and ASEAN markets, indicating a successful shift towards NEVs. These sales lead in niche markets and are a crucial factor in the overall sales growth.

GWM is expanding European market presence with the opening of a new dealership in Sweden. In Germany, ORA recorded sales of 2,211 units. The ORA brand has consistently shown strong sales performance, receiving praise from local media. ORA 03 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars in Euro-NCAP safety tests in the "small family car" category.

In the South American market, GWM maintained its position as the top-selling Chinese brand in Chile for the first seven months of the year. In Brazil, GWM expanded dealer network to 50 locations in the H1 and plans to launch its first NEV factory in the H1 next year. GWM introduced NEV models, including HAVAL H6 PHEV/HEV and HAVAL H6 GT PHEV, offering a groundbreaking driving experience. Since May, HAVAL H6 NEV has led the Brazilian NEV market from May to July with a segment share exceeding 10%.

GWM continues to expand in the ASEAN market, having successfully entered Singapore and Indonesia markets. On August 2nd, the GWM was officially launched in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking GWM's successful entry into the Vietnamese market, achieving full coverage in the core ASEAN region.

GWM's relentless efforts have led to remarkable global sales performance in recent years. This success can be attributed to GWM's focus on new energy vehicles, product innovation, and a commitment to high-quality automotive products. The company will continue to progress steadily, pursuing its vision of sustainable mobility and delivering high-quality automotive products to consumers worldwide.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tyler Qian

Great Wall Motor Company Limited

Baoding, Hebei Province

Website: www.gwm-global.com

Email: globalpr@gwm.cn

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202934/image_5028817_39106038.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gwm-achieves-record-breaking-overseas-sales-in-august-301919314.html
EQS-News: AdhereTech, Inc. / Key word(s): Personnel

AdhereTech Appoints Innes Meldrum as President and Chief Executive Officer



06.09.2023 / 16:00 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





AdhereTech Appoints Innes Meldrum as President and Chief Executive Officer



Brings significant experience in successfully commercializing novel products in both the pharmaceutical and technology industries

Will drive company as it grows and brings its technology to market

New York, NY, September 6, 2023. AdhereTech, Inc., a leading digital healthcare company focused on building cloud-based software and devices that seamlessly connect patients to care, today announces that Innes Meldrum has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. He is succeeding Chris O'Brien, who will support Innes in the next phase of the Company's growth.

Innes Meldrum has nearly 30 years of global experience in the pharmaceutical and technology industries. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Reset Pharmaceuticals. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Otsuka Pharmaceuticals North America. In this role, he was responsible for all commercial activities, including Otsuka's psychiatry business and the commercialization of CNS drugs such as Abilify Maintena. Before this, he served as Commercial Vice President at Orexo, focused on addiction medicine, and prior to this spent 11 years in commercial roles of increasing responsibility at Novartis in the US, as well as within the global organization based in Switzerland.

"We are delighted to have Innes join AdhereTech," said Neale Trangucci, Chair of the Board. "He is a highly experienced international life sciences and technology executive who has led cross-functional development and commercialization teams, having successfully launched and marketed both medicines and technologies in his career. His proven track record and ability to develop top-notch teams will be vital for the Company as we prepare for the next phase of growth. I warmly welcome Innes and look forward to working with him. I also would like to thank Chris O'Brien for his leadership and am pleased he will advise Innes and the Company going forward."

Daniel Raynor, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Argentum, AdhereTech's main investor, said, "We believe Innes' successful track record in both the pharma and technology spaces of developing and commercializing innovative, patient-focused solutions will lend itself well to establishing AdhereTech as the market leader in providing technologies to address medication management and adherence challenges."

Innes Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am excited to join AdhereTech as the Company grows its footprint and impact and look forward to working with the team to accelerate the positive patient impact of AdhereTech's technologies."

In addition to causing unnecessary health complications for patients, nonadherence to medication regimens costs the pharmaceutical industry hundreds of billions of dollars [i] per year.

About AdhereTech, Inc.

AdhereTech is a New York-based digital health company and the leading provider and pioneer of smart devices that connect patients to care via real-time interventions. AdhereTech partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty pharmacies and healthcare teams with the mission of using technology informed by insights into human behavior to improve health outcomes. The Company provides commercialized digital solutions to measure and manage medication adherence in a variety of settings, including academics, clinical trials, and commercially prescribed treatments. It develops and produces treatment management solutions utilizing smart devices with integrated cellular technology that, seamlessly, connects patients in real time to confirm when patients take their medication and provides two-way communications to ensure dosing regimens are followed and reports and escalates the reasons for missed doses. Its Aidia SystemTM is a proven, integrated technology-based adherence solution that empowers patients and healthcare teams to achieve optimal medication success. For more information, please visit us at www.adheretech.com . You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter , @AdhereTech.

Abilify Maintena is a registered trademark of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

For further information please contact:

AdhereTech, Inc.

Innes Meldrum

President and Chief Executive Officer

i.meldrum@adheretech.com

[i] Moore, Chawla, Firlik, "Estimated annual pharmaceutical revenue loss due to medication non-adherence," CapGemini Consulting/Health Prize Technologies, 2016, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pharmaceutical-companies-lose-637- billion-in-revenue-annually-due-to-medication-nonadherence-300363979.html

06.09.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


BERWYN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Positive Physicians Insurance Company is elated to announce the strategic appointment of Shelly Ursini as the Senior Vice President of Insurance Services, effective immediately. Shelly joins the team with a rich portfolio of experience in insurance services, marketing, underwriting, and business development.

Shelly Ursini

Shelly Ursini, Senior Vice President of Insurance Services at Positive Physicians Insurance Company

Shelly Ursini is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in the Medical Professional Liability (MPL) arena. She has served in various capacities on both the broker and carrier sides of the industry. Most recently, she held the position of Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Integris Group, where she led for 7 years and 4 months. Her leadership extended to both business development and underwriting teams, showcasing her versatility and comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Shelly will spearhead Positive's expansion initiatives in the New England region as part of the company's strategic plan to extend its national footprint. Beyond geographical expansion, Shelly will be instrumental in diversifying the portfolio of products and services offered to our insureds, thereby enhancing customer value.

"Shelly is an extraordinary addition to our Senior Leadership Team," said Michael G. Roque, President & CEO of Positive Physicians Insurance Company. "Her extensive leadership and national experience in the MPL industry will be pivotal in executing Positive's strategic vision. We're excited to have Shelly's expertise as we make our forthcoming expansion into the New England territory and the introduction of new, region-specific products and services."

About Positive Physicians Insurance Company

Positive Physicians Insurance Company is a Pennsylvania-domiciled insurance company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Positive Physicians Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: PPHI). The Company specializes in underwriting medical professional liability coverage for physicians, medical groups, clinics, and allied healthcare providers. Our comprehensive suite of offerings includes claims-made coverage, claims-made plus, occurrence-based policies, and tail coverage. We currently operate in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Georgia, with plans for further expansion.

Contact Information

Susanna Anderson

Brand, Design & Marketing Specialist

sanderson@positivephysicians.com

888-335-5335

SOURCE: Positive Physicians Insurance Company

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781159/positive-physicians-insurance-company-announces-strategic-appointment-of-shelly-ursini-as-senior-vice-president-of-insurance-services
Disease Landscape Insights empowers healthcare innovators to combat Monkeypox with comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and market insights. Monkeypox is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can jump from animals to humans. While it is a rare disease, outbreaks can occur, and public health measures are taken to control its spread when cases are identified. It is essential to stay informed about the latest health guidelines and updates on monkeypox, especially if you are in or planning to travel to affected regions. DLI aims to empower new healthcare innovators with comprehensive services to make a meaningful impact in the fight against Monkeypox and improve global healthcare preparedness.

LONDON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Monkeypox, an emerging infectious disease with the potential for outbreaks, continues to pose significant challenges to public health worldwide. In response to this growing concern, Disease Landscape Insights, a leading healthcare consulting and solutions company, is committed to assisting new players in the healthcare industry with the launch of innovative diagnostic and treatment products. Through a comprehensive approach towards human Monkeypox disease that includes diagnostic analysis, treatment analysis, competitive insights, market trends analysis, and clinical assessment, DLI aims to empower emerging healthcare innovators to make a meaningful impact in the battle against Monkeypox viral disease with its Healthcare Consulting Services.

Diagnostic Analysis

People often have numerous questions about this disease such as: "Can I get monkeypox if I had chickenpox" or "does Monkeypox kill you" or "what are symptoms monkeypox virus." Accurate and timely diagnosis is pivotal in managing Monkeypox cases so as to understand virus that causes monkeypox and to know what are the effects of monkeypox. This analysis further aids in curbing its spread. Another easy way is to follow the CDC guidelines monkeypox. DLI offers new players a wealth of expertise in diagnostic analysis with its Epidemiology Study across various categories:

1. Laboratory Testing

DLI specializes in the development of cutting-edge laboratory testing solutions for Monkeypox. Our diagnostic assays are designed to provide rapid, reliable, and precise results, enabling healthcare professionals to swiftly identify monkey pox cause, monkeypox symptoms, monkeypox prognosis, monkeypox disease, Monkeypox cases, and so on.

2. Clinical Evaluation

Clinical evaluation and Clinical Trial Assessment is an integral aspect of DLI's diagnostic approach. We collaborate closely with healthcare experts to ensure that our diagnostic tools align seamlessly with clinical practices, enhancing their usability and efficacy in real-world healthcare settings. Thus, one can better understand the monkeypox lesions, monkeypox rash, monkeypox rash stages, and monkeypox disease symptoms.

3. Isolation Testing

Isolation testing plays a critical role in preventing the spread of Monkeypox bacteria within healthcare facilities. DLI guides in state-of-the-art isolation testing designed to facilitate the safe handling and containment of Monkeypox pathogen and samples.

Price and Market Access

4. Serological Testing

Understanding the immune response to Monkeypox and monitoring disease progression is essential. DLI's serological tests provide comprehensive Disease insights and Disease Overview into patients' immune status and offer valuable information for treatment decisions so as to analyze the symptoms monkeypox causes.

Some of the major players in Diagnostic Kits are as follows:

ACON Biotech

Altona Diagnostics

Bioperfectus Technologies

DaAn Gene

hanghai ZJ Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

NOVACYT

Perkin Elmer

Sansure Biotech

ThermoFisher

TIB Molbiolc

Treatment Analysis

Effectively managing Monkeypox cases requires targeted treatment strategies. DLI offers new players valuable insights and expertise in the analysis of treatment options:

1. Pharmaceutical Innovations

DLI is dedicated to pioneering pharmaceutical solutions for Monkeypox treatment with its Drug Insights. Our research and development efforts focus on antiviral agents and immune-modulating therapies, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and reducing the severity of Monkeypox infections and to understand is monkeypox contagious.

2. Supportive Care

Supportive care is crucial in alleviating the symptoms of Monkeypox and improving patient comfort. DLI's product portfolio includes supportive care solutions tailored to the specific needs of Monkeypox patients, enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

3. Therapeutic Monitoring

Monitoring patient response to treatment is essential in adapting therapeutic strategies. DLI provides innovative monitoring tools that empower healthcare professionals to track patient progress effectively and make informed decisions by providing an overview of the Disease Landscape.

Learn More About the FDA NDA & BLA Approval (NME) Drugs for Psoriasis Disease @ https://www.diseaselandscape.com/downloadsample/postid/62

Some of the present manufacturers of antiviral drugs and vaccine are as follows:

Manufacturer of Anti-Drug & Vaccine Product/Brand Name SIGA Technologies Tecovirimat Chimerix Brincidofovir Emergent Tembexa Bavarian Nordic A/S (Vaccine) JYNNEOS (Imvamune or Imvanex) vaccine

Competitive Analysis

Navigating the competitive landscape is vital in positioning Monkeypox products effectively. DLI conducts comprehensive competitive analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the market:

1. Competitor Assessment

DLI assesses existing Monkeypox diagnostic and along with Treatment Gaps Identification in the market and opportunities for innovation, ensuring new players can carve out a niche for their products by Commercial Strategy Analysis.

2. Market Positioning

Based on our competitive analysis, DLI strategically positions new players' products to offer unique value propositions and address unmet needs in the Monkeypox landscape, enhancing their market relevance. The monkeypox statistics by DLI is the hero in this scenario, all thanks to our Healthcare Consulting Services.

3. Differentiation

DLI helps new players differentiate their Monkeypox products through advanced technology, accuracy, reliability, and a commitment to quality and patient care, setting them apart from competitors.

Major players in Monkeypox Diagnostics kits are:

ACON Biotech

Altona Diagnostics

Bioperfectus Technologies

DaAn Gene

hanghai ZJ Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

NOVACYT

Others

Unlock the Benefits Today! Get Started Now and Elevate Your Experience @ https://www.diseaselandscape.com/checkout?report_id=62

Market Trends Analysis

Staying abreast of market trends is essential in anticipating evolving healthcare needs. DLI conducts thorough market trends analysis to inform product development and launch strategies:

1. Emerging Diseases

The emergence of diseases like Monkeypox underscores the demand for rapid diagnostic and treatment solutions. DLI aligns new players' efforts with the rising demand for solutions to address such emerging threats.

2. Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Point-of-care diagnostics are gaining prominence, particularly in remote and underserved areas. DLI supports new players in the development of user-friendly, rapid diagnostic tools to meet this growing need.

3. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring

Telemedicine and remote monitoring are transforming healthcare delivery. DLI helps new players integrate these trends into their Monkeypox solutions, enhancing patient care and access to services.

4. Recent Market Trends

In May 2022, Qiagen developed the NeuMoDx automated PCR method with the aim of enhancing disease outbreak detection in regions where diseases like monkeypox are not typically prevalent. This innovation is set to expedite monkeypox diagnosis and improve crisis management protocols.

To bolster patient outreach, monkeypox testing, and community education efforts in various U.S. regions, VIIV, a subsidiary of GSK, has pledged a generous contribution of $50,000 in August 2022. Additionally, the global surge in demand for vaccinations and the increasing prevalence of monkeypox infections are expected to drive the expansion of the market.

In July 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services announced its commitment to improving vaccine accessibility by procuring an additional 144,000 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine for the treatment of monkeypox. As part of this strategy, the FDA will actively promote diagnosis and facilitate Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) requests for monkeypox diagnostic tests.

Discover More About Pricing and Reimbursement, Epidemiology Study, and Healthcare @ https://www.diseaselandscape.com/downloadsample/postid/62

Clinical Assessment

DLI collaborates closely with new players, healthcare institutions, clinicians, and researchers to conduct comprehensive clinical assessments of Monkeypox diagnostics and treatments:

1. Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are a crucial part of the development process for Monkeypox products. DLI assists new players in conducting rigorous trials to evaluate safety and efficacy.

2. Real-World Data

Leveraging real-world data is vital in understanding how Monkeypox diagnostics and treatments perform in diverse clinical settings. DLI ensures that new players' initiatives are applicable in practical healthcare scenarios.

Disease Landscape is your strategic partner in streamlining the process. From crafting effective patient recruitment strategies to ensuring strict regulatory compliance, we pave the way for a successful trial outcome. Explore our comprehensive table below, detailing the ongoing clinical trials and their respective phases, and embark on a journey towards medical innovation.

PHASE 1 (Human Pharmacology) PHASE 2 (Therapeutic Exploratory Trail) PHASE 3 (Therapeutic Confirmatory Trial) PHASE 4 (Post Marketing Surveillance)

A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blinded Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Tecovirimat for the Treatment of Adult and Paediatric Patients with Monkeypox Virus Disease A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Tecovirimat for the Treatment of Human Monkeypox Virus Disease Cohort Events Monitoring (CEM) Study for the Assessment of Safety Profile of MVA-BN (Jynneos) Vaccine in Adult Personnel and Staff in the PALM-007 Study in Democratic Republic of The Congo

A Phase 2 Randomized, Open-Label, Multisite Trial to Inform Public Health Strategies Involving the Use of MVA-BN Vaccine for Mpox A Phase III, Multi-country, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blinded Trial to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Tecovirimat Antiviral Treatment for Patients with Monkeypox Virus Disease



Monkeypox and Cancer: A Pan-cancer Based Multi-omics Analysis and Single Cell Sequencing Analysis-Experimental Studies Monkeypox and Cancer: A Pan-cancer Based Multi-omics Analysis and Single Cell Sequencing Analysis-Experimental Studies



DLI is dedicated to empowering new players in the healthcare industry to make a significant impact in the fight against Monkeypox. Through diagnostic analysis, treatment advancements, competitive insights, market trends analysis, and clinical assessment, we aim to improve patient outcomes and enhance global healthcare preparedness.

Search more about Infectious Diseases @ https://www.diseaselandscape.com/disease/infectious

Related Reports:

Exploring Solid Tumor Epidemiology: Studies, Market Size, and Forecasts

Global Landscape of Lung Cancer Services: Insights and Trends

Pneumonia Demystified: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Strategies

Demodex Blepharitis: How to Achieve Eye Health and Eliminate Demodex

Understanding Lupus: Navigating the Complex Autoimmune Disorder

Comprehensive Guide to Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease Uncovered: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Insights

Parkinson's Disease Explored: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Breakthroughs

Comprehensive Guide to Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Harnessing AI-Powered Predictive Analytics

The Role of AI in Medical Imaging: Revolutionizing Healthcare

AI-Driven Personalized Medicine: Ethics and Responsibility

Ethical Considerations in AI Healthcare Solutions: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

Advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Healthcare

Exploring the Leading Causes of Cancer Deaths: Identifying Deadly Contributors

Inpefa by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals: A Breakthrough in Medical Innovation

Empowering Hope: Paxlovid - A COVID-19 Breakthrough Treatment

Posluma: Advancing Prostate Cancer Imaging in Targeted Oncology

Xacduro by Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics: Empowering Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment

About Disease Landscape

Disease Landscape, a pioneering company specializing in Disease Intelligence, Pricing, and Market Access. Utilizing the power of data analytics, Disease Landscape Insights is dedicated to healthcare sector with invaluable, finely crafted insights and recommendations regarding global pricing and market access strategies. As a specialized firm, we are committed to delivering unparalleled insights into pricing and market access, custom-tailored to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Our data-driven solutions and cutting-edge technology position us as your trustworthy partner, offering swift, adaptable, and evidence-based alternatives to traditional market access and pricing research methods.

Our core competencies encompass Market Research Services, Consulting Services, Global Pricing and Market Access, Epidemiology Studies, as well as Product Portfolio and Pipeline Services. Our expertise lies in furnishing comprehensive data intelligence throughout every phase of drug and device research

Contact Us:

Disease Landscape Insights LLP

6th Floor, Sr No.207, Office A H 6070 Phase 1

Solitaire Business Hub, Viman Nagar

Pune, Maharashtra, 411014

1-888-853-7040 - U.S. (TOLL FREE)

+44-1173181773 - U.K. OFFICE

+91-7447409162 - INDIA OFFICE

Email: vishal@diseaselandscape.com

Email: ajay@diseaselandscape.com

Blog: https://www.diseaselandscape.com/blogs

Case Study: https://www.diseaselandscape.com/casestudies

Services: https://www.diseaselandscape.com/services

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/strategic-insights-in-monkeypox-with-comprehensive-epidemiology-study--pipeline-assessment-by-disease-landscape-insights-301919376.html
Addresses the deletion and mislabeling of customer name in Caller ID (CLID) and the mislabeling of calls as "Spam Likely" and shows how it safeguards CLID for its customers

NASHUA, NH / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Unified Office, Inc., a leading managed services provider offering highly reliable, cloud-based, business communications services, IoT services, and business analytics to auto dealerships, restaurants, medical practices, and hospitality among other industries, announced today that it will address the SIP NOC Forum on this issue on September 12.

"We are pleased to speak at SIP NOC on this timely topic," said Ray Pasquale, Founder & CEO of Unified Office. "Earlier this year Unified Office began to receive complaints from customers that their calls were being labeled as potential spam or that the customer's name had been replaced with other labels, such as the city and state associated with the calling telephone number. As a result of this new industry practice calls were not being answered, creating further distrust of the public telephone network, which is the antithetical to the spirit and intent of the FCC's current robo calling mitigation efforts in the STIR/SHAKEN mandate. Calling party and legitimate businesses' branding and reputations are being harmed as a result. After thoroughly researching the issue, we appeared before the FCC in May of this year detailing our findings and proposed an industry wide solution."

The topic of the talk is the vexing practice of deleting and mislabeling customer name delivery in Caller ID and the mislabeling of calls as "Spam Likely." This practice, which has become prevalent in the last year, is a point of consternation for service provider customers who rely on this service to engage with their own customers. It damages a company's brand and lowers confidence in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and its ability to complete calls. It also inhibits public safety interventions and critical doctor/pharmacy/patient interactions.

The presentation will start with Unified Office's view that the customer name and not the telephone number has become the "de facto" trusted standard of Caller ID, and that this problem must be addressed to restore trust in the public phone network. The talk will show how the FCC's STIR/SHAKEN mandate should be modified to include the customer name along with the phone number and how this should be authenticated by the originating service provider.

Once authenticated and attested by the originating carrier, transit and terminating carriers should be prohibited from changing the name in the Caller ID field. In addition, if authenticated calls are labeled as spam, the originating service provider should be

notified and provided an opportunity to correct the spam labeling made in error or resolve the issue at the source with its customer. Originating carriers that abuse the process should run the risk of losing their STIR/SHAKEN certification.

"At Unified Office we go to work to support our customers, providing them with the connectivity, intelligence and automation that improves their operations and customer service and protects their branding in the marketplace," Pasquale added. "We have been able to get some of our customers' mislabeled telephone numbers corrected but the problem persists and seems to be increasing. There is no clear industry standard on how this is done."

Unified Office believes that Stir/Shaken was a good first step, but that additional steps are needed now to make it work as intended. In addition, there appears to be a lack of consistency (and sometimes there is no clarity at all) on how third-party analytics companies and terminating carriers determine which calls are spam, which to re-label, and how to resolve complaints. Originating service providers should work with terminating carriers on how best to remedy incorrect markings, spam callers and/or robocallers. The presentation will cover the steps that Unified Office recommends to remedy these problems.

The talk draws on the May 25, 2023 meeting that Unified Office, Jeff Pulver of Pulver.com, Robert Atkinson (Former Deputy Chief of the FCC Common Carrier Bureau) and Glen Richards from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP had with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In this meeting Unified Office= voiced its concerns about the deletion and mislabeling of customer name from the Caller ID field and the mislabeling of calls as "Spam Likely," as previously raised in the WC Docket No. 17-97 - Call Authentication Trust Anchor1.

About Unified Office

Unified Office is a leading managed communications technology company, constantly innovating to help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Unified Office's unique, Voice Over IP business communications service is built on their patented Highest Quality Routing ProtocolTM (HQRPTM) transmission network, which ensures that you will never miss a call, all while experiencing exceptional call quality and no downtime.

All Unified Office offerings benefit from its real-time business analytics and alerting so you can see how your business is performing and make changes in real-time from the customer portal on any device, anywhere, at any time. Unified Office's patented platform and all of its offerings, including its industrial-grade IoT and AI-based sentiment analysis services, go to work for Small and Medium Sized Businesses, so they can concentrate on running their business, providing exemplary customer service, driving more revenue, and increasing employee and operational effectiveness. For more information, visit www.unifiedoffice.com.

Contact:

Cathy Clarke

CNC Associates

508-833-8533

cathy@cncassocs.com

1. Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls, CG Docket No. 17-59; Call Authentication Trust Anchor, WC Docket No. 17-97; Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. - Federal Communications Commmission (FCC) SOURCE: Unified Office

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781171/unified-office-speaks-at-sip-noc-forum-on-whos-calling-the-disappearance-of-caller-id
Chinese premier throws his weight behind ASEAN upon maiden Asian trip

Xinhua) 13:17, September 06, 2023

JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday voiced his support for the central status of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in regional cooperation upon his arrival at Jakarta to attend meetings with the regional bloc.

Earlier in the day, Indonesia, chair of ASEAN, opened the 43rd ASEAN Summit under the official slogan "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth."

China firmly supports the central status of ASEAN in regional cooperation and a bigger role in international affairs, said the Chinese premier right after he landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in the capital city. He said he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with all parties on major topics of regional cooperation.

Li is scheduled to attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit and the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit on Wednesday, and the 18th East Asia Summit on Thursday. This trip marks the Chinese premier's debut on the ASEAN stage and his first visit to an Asian country after assuming office in March.

A series of economic deals will be signed between China and ASEAN during the summits, said Zhang Jie, a senior fellow on Asia-Pacific studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

New energy vehicles will be one focus, said Zhang, expecting cooperation in the sector and other technological innovations, including new energy and AI, to usher in broader economic prospects in the region.

The Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries has reported soaring sales of electric vehicles in Indonesia over past three years.

China and ASEAN have enormous development potential to tap, said Zhang. "And a shared economic growth will be a solid guarantee for lasting security in the region."

ASEAN and China remain each other's top trading partner. Latest data from China's General Administration of Customs showed, for the first seven months in 2023, the total trade value between China and ASEAN was 3.59 trillion yuan (519 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 15.3 percent of China's total foreign trade.

Founded in 1967, ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The bloc is deemed one of the world's most vibrant markets as it has a combined GDP of approximately 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars and over 670 million people, according to Indonesian statistics.

"This makes ASEAN the third-largest economy in Asia and the fifth-largest in the world," ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said. "By 2030, ASEAN is projected to be the fourth-largest in the world."

In the past decade, the grouping's average annual economic growth reached 3.98 percent, above the global rate of 2.6 percent, data released by ASEAN showed.

When he addressed the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged ASEAN to stay united and not be a proxy to any power.

"Don't make our ship, ASEAN, become an arena of rivalry that causes damages to each other," he said. "Make our ship the foundation to build cooperation and create prosperity, stability and peace, not only for the region but also for the world."

The United States is courting ASEAN countries to join its Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China.

"What ASEAN countries want is strategic independence. They want to have a say in their own development," said Zhang from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

China, which supports the region's independence, "always seeks inclusive, rather than exclusive, cooperation with ASEAN countries," said Zhang.

In the long run, their cooperation can stabilize the global economy amidst anti-globalization sentiments and uncertainties, according to Zhang.

Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, highlighted the role of China and ASEAN in regional peace and prosperity.

"Closer China-ASEAN ties are even more important to ensure long-lasting peace, security, stability, food security, sustainable development and prosperity in the region," he told Xinhua.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Marvel Discovery Corp. (MARV:TSX.V), (O4T:GR), (MARVF:OTCQB); and Falcon Gold Corp. (FG: TSX.V), (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB) together (the Alliance) are pleased to announce the companies have received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:

Copper-anomaly

Anomalous Gold-Arsenic

Multiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomalies

Multiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and Zirconium

Prospecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Marvel JV Partner, Falcon Gold. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:

22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215ppm

20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98ppm

34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149ppm

10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123ppm

9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72ppm

20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppm

Multiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)

Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) Arsenic

The Alliance interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations."

Figure 1. Location of Marvel's, and Falcon's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Robinson, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.



About Marvel Discovery Corp.

Marvel, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Newfoundland (Slip, Gander North, Gander South, Victoria Lake, Baie Verte, and Hope Brook - Au Prospects)

Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au Prospect )

) Elliot Lake, Ontario (East Bull - Ni-Cu-PGE Prospect)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium Prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements Prospect)

The Company's website is: https://marveldiscovery.ca/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Marvel Discovery Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President/Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: 604 716 1036 email: k@r7.capital

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the proposed Arrangement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

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: Marvel Discovery Corp.







View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781168/marvel-jv-partner-receives-assays-at-golden-brook-moose-mountain-project-identifies-lithium-and-multiple-rare-earth-element-anomalies
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Falcon Gold Corp. (FG:TSX-V), (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the company has received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property, and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:

Copper-anomaly

Anomalous Gold-Arsenic

Multiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomalies

Multiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and Zirconium

Prospecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Falcon. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:

22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215ppm

20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98ppm

34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149ppm

10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123ppm

9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72ppm

20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppm

Multiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)

Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) Arsenic

Falcon interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations."

Figure 1. Location of Falcon's, and Marvel's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.



The Company holds multiple additional projects: The Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; The Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently Battery Metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, The Timmins West and Outarde Property.



CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani" Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-1036

Email: k@r7.capital

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the Spin-Out. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Falcon Gold Corp







View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781175/falcon-receives-assays-at-golden-brook-moose-mountain-project-identifies-lithium-and-multiple-rare-earth-element-anomalies
The "Global Higher Education Market Size By Course, By Institution, By Mode, By Geographic Scope And Forecast" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Higher Education Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Higher Education Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.03% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 477.12 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 853.28 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=2374

Browse in-depth TOC on "Higher Education Market"

202 - Pages

126 - Tables

37 - Figures

Higher Education Market: Global Trends, Market Drivers, and Key Players

The global Higher Education Market, characterized by post-secondary and tertiary education institutions, is undergoing a significant transformation. With increasing enrollment rates, a shift towards online learning, and the emergence of new key players, the landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly.

Higher Education Market Drivers:

Enrollment Growth: The higher education sector has witnessed substantial growth in enrollments, primarily driven by middle-income countries. Factors such as the expansion of English-language academic programs, investments in educational resources, and the mobility of international students contribute to this upward trajectory.

Online Education Surge: Online education or distance learning has gained immense popularity in recent years. The flexibility it offers in terms of time and location has made it an attractive option for learners worldwide. This trend is expected to continue as technology advances and the demand for remote education persists.

Hybrid Learning: Hybrid learning, which combines in-person and online instruction, is garnering increased attention. Educational institutions are adopting this approach to provide students with the flexibility to choose between physical and virtual classrooms.

Financial Constraints: Despite the growing demand for higher education, institutions face ongoing financial challenges. This situation has prompted innovative funding models and collaborations between universities and industry players.

Higher Education Market Outlook:

The outlook for the global higher education market is optimistic, with several trends shaping its future:

Expansion in Developing Nations: Developing countries are becoming more prominent in the global higher education landscape. Lower-middle-income countries have already surpassed high-income countries in tertiary enrollment, reflecting the growing presence of developing nations in higher education worldwide.

Government Interest: Governments are taking a keen interest in the development of online education and are likely to support its growth through policies and funding.

Industry Partnerships: Collaborations between universities and industry players are expected to increase, leading to enhanced research opportunities, funding, and job placement for students.

Higher Education Market Key Players

Institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Imperial College London, University of Chicago, University College London (UCL), ETH Zurich (Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich), University of Leeds, University of Edinburgh, Universita degli Studi di Padova, University of Barcelona, and University of Manchester are leading the way in global higher education. They continue to drive innovation and research excellence.

The global higher education market is evolving, with enrollment growth, technological advancements, and key players playing pivotal roles. As the industry adapts to changing dynamics, it presents opportunities for innovation and expansion in both developed and emerging markets.

To get market data, market insights, financial statements and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Higher Education Market, please Contact Verified Market Research.

Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Higher Education Market into Course, Institution, Mode, And Geography.

Higher Education Market, by Course

Undergraduate



Master's



PhD

Higher Education Market, by Institution

State (Public) Institutions



Private (Non-public) Institutions

Higher Education Market, by Mode

Offline Education



Online Education

Higher Education Market, by Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa





Latin America

Browse Related Reports:

Adaptive Learning Software Market By Components (Platforms, Services), By End-Use (K-12, Higher Education, Educational Institutions, Corporate Sectors), By Geography, And Forecast

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) Market By Product (< 55 Inch, 56-65 Inch), By Application (Education Field, Business Field), By Geography, And Forecast

Student Engagement Software Market By Product Type (Basic$39-59/Month, Standard$59-99/Month, Senior$99-149/Month), By Application (School, Training Institutions, Bureau of Education), By Geography, And Forecast

Education Learning Management System Market By Product (Cloud-Based, On-Premises), By Application (School, Educational Services, Other), By Geography, And Forecast

Top Educational Software Companies offering a revolutionary way of learning new skills

Visualize Higher Education Market using Verified Market Intelligence -:

Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future.

VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market.

About Us

Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions.

Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research.

We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries.

Contact Us

Mr. Edwyne Fernandes

Verified Market Research

US: +1 (650)-781-4080

US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768

Email: sales@verifiedmarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/higher-education-market-size-worth-usd-853-28-billion-globally-by-2030-at-7-03-cagr-verified-market-research-301919082.html
Ashtead Group Plc - AGM Statement

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 06

Ashtead Group PLC

AGM Statement

6th September 2023

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

(the "Company")

AGM Statement & Results

AGM Statement & Results

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 6 September 2023 at 11:30am, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed on a poll with the required majorities. The full text of each resolution is contained in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. Resolutions 1 to 15 were passed as ordinary resolutions. Resolutions 16 - 19 were passed as special resolutions.

Issued Share Capital: 438,068,721

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against Total no. of votes validly cast % of Issued Share Capital voted Votes withheld ** 1. That the accounts for the year ended 30 April 2023, the directors' report and the auditors' report be adopted. 328,942,654 99.97 110,014 0.03 329,052,668 75.11% 2,437,681 2. That the directors' remuneration report for the year ended 30 April 2023 be approved. 319,772,680 96.60 11,241,935 3.40 331,014,615 75.56% 475,734 3. That the final dividend recommended by the directors of 85 cents per ordinary share for the year ended 30 April 2023 be declared payable on 12 September 2023 to holders of ordinary shares registered at the close of business on 11 August 2023. 331,081,936 100.00 1,496 0.00 331,083,432 75.58% 406,917 4. That Paul Walker be re-elected as a director. 301,708,636 91.13 29,370,573 8.87 331,079,209 75.58% 411,140 5. That Brendan Horgan be re-elected as a director. 331,065,464 100.00 13,696 0.00 331,079,160 75.58% 411,189 6. That Michael Pratt be re-elected as a director. 330,135,236 99.71 943,704 0.29 331,078,940 75.58% 411,409 7. That Angus Cockburn be re-elected as a director. 324,550,205 98.03 6,528,405 1.97 331,078,610 75.58% 411,739 8. That Lucinda Riches be re-elected as a director. 316,147,326 95.49 14,935,286 4.51 331,082,612 75.58% 407,737 9. That Tanya Fratto be re-elected as a director. 323,397,405 97.68 7,681,204 2.32 331,078,609 75.58% 411,740 10. That Lindsley Ruth be re-elected as a director. 323,618,322 98.05 6,446,299 1.95 330,064,621 75.35% 1,425,728 11. That Jill Easterbrook re-elected as a director. 322,299,399 97.35 8,779,810 2.65 331,079,209 75.58% 411,140 12. That Renata Ribeiro be elected as a director. 324,671,372 98.06 6,407,837 1.94 331,079,209 75.58% 411,140 13. That PwC be appointed as auditor of the Company. 329,124,396 99.41 1,946,364 0.59 331,070,760 75.58% 419,589 14. That the audit committee be authorised to agree the remuneration of the auditor of the Company. 330,987,896 99.97 89,479 0.03 331,077,375 75.58% 412,974 15. That the directors are authorised to allot the shares under section 551 (1) (a) and (b) of the Companies Act 2006. 316,711,862 95.66 14,354,965 4.34 331,066,827 75.57% 423,522 SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS Votes for (including discretionary votes) % Votes for * Votes against % Votes against Total no. of votes validly cast % of Issued Share Capital voted Votes withheld ** 16. That the directors be empowered to disapply the provisions of section 561 (1) to (6) of the Companies Act 2006. 328,360,336 99.22 2,567,929 0.78 330,928,265 75.54% 562,084 17. That the directors be empowered to issue shares on a non pre-emptive basis. 325,659,301 98.41 5,266,423 1.59 330,925,724 75.54% 564,625 18. That the directors be authorised to make market purchases of the Company's shares under section 701 of the Companies Act. 321,823,149 97.25 9,114,968 2.75 330,938,117 75.54% 552,232 19. That a general meeting other than an annual general meeting may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice. 319,641,874 96.55 11,434,120 3.45 331,075,994 75.58% 414,355

* Includes discretionary votes

** A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "for" and "against" a resolution.

Following the 2022 AGM, the Company responded to the level of support for the directors' remuneration report and the re-election of Lucinda Riches resolutions being below 80% by conducting an engagement with those institutional shareholders identified as voting against the resolutions. The outcome of this engagement was detailed in an RNS dated 3 March 2023 and in the Company's 2023 Annual Report.

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.2, a copy of the special resolutions have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism .

Contact:

Will Shaw - Investment Manager, 020 7726 9700

Maitland

Sam Cartwright - 0207 379 5151
Mechanical Engineer & Corporate Trainer Robert Svidron Was Recognized as One of 2023's Top 20 Next Gen Plumbing All-Stars by Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Magazine

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Robert Svidron, lead corporate trainer and applications engineer of Chicago-based commercial water heater manufacturer Intellihot, was recognized as one of 2023's Top 20 Next Gen Plumbing All-Stars by Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer magazine. For the second consecutive year, Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer's Next Gen All Stars recognizes high-impact HVAC professionals under the age of 40, with the hopes of battling the plumbing industry's challenge of attracting younger talent. Svidron's role in familiarizing plumbing professionals with Intellihot's sustainable technology is pivotal in decarbonizing the nation's water heating infrastructure.

Robert Svidron

A mechanical engineering graduate from Bradley University, Svidron contributed integrally towards helping engineers and contractors apply Intellihot's ultra-efficient systems, which make them the brand standard for large commercial properties. In his previous role as Intellihot's lead applications engineer, Svidron assisted commercial properties with a wide range of individual differences in transitioning from unsustainable boiler systems to Intellihot's ultra-efficient tankless products. Intellihot's efforts slashed 8.47 billion pounds of CO2 emissions as of 2022.

"The technology we designed is not only less wasteful, but also easier and more cost-friendly for the industry professionals that work with it every day. However, it is vital to demonstrate these advances in action to plumbing professionals who have been disappointed far too often by poorly realized innovative products that turn out to be finnicky and challenging for everyday use," Svidron says.

Svidron regularly teaches plumbers, plumbing engineers, and contractors how Intellihot's units work so they can confidently begin adopting and working with them. He is able to leverage his applications engineering experience to quell common misconceptions and fears that thwart plumbing professionals from transitioning to more innovatively sustainable products.

Svidron's victory delights Intellihot's ambitious co-workers and team leaders, whose efforts in building an innovation hub-like work culture that attracts top young talent, were recently recognized by Fast Company. Being named as one of the Best 100 Workplaces for Innovators in 2023, Intellihot's founder and CEO Sridhar Deivasigmani hopes that Svidron's recognition fuels higher youth interest in the HVAC industry. "Buildings have a massive energy footprint, accounting for 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of carbon emissions: even higher than transportation, and next only to industrial. There is no stopping global warming without solving building energy consumption. The only factor stopping the youth from finding passion in this high-impact industry is the prior lack of innovation and workplaces that prioritize the pursuit of new ideas. We hope to change that," Deivasigamani says.

Intellihot's focus on innovation has helped it secure over 100 patents and launch the world's first heat pump tankless water heater earlier this year. With this launch, Svidron's role as a corporate trainer has become even more impactful as he seeks to educate industry professionals about the most feasible technology currently available to electrify commercial water heating in the United States.

About Intellihot

Intellihot is an innovative designer/manufacturer of built-environment systems that challenge traditional approaches for sustainability. Intellihot offers a range of award-winning tankless water heaters designed and built for commercial applications with a focus on sustainability, cost savings, and water quality for safety. Intellihot has operations in suburban Chicago and Galesburg, Illinois. Learn more at www.intellihot.com or by following the company on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Contact Information

Amy Turner

Director Marketing

aturner@intellihot.com

SOURCE: Intellihot

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/778724/engineer-at-chicago-based-firm-intellihot-gets-recognized-as-one-of-the-top-20-next-gen-plumbing-all-stars
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLI), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") with Nittetsu Mining Co. Ltd. ("Nittetsu")1, a public arm's length company based in Japan, whereby Nicola would agree to establish a joint venture entity with Nittetsu in respect of the Company's wholly-owned New Craigmont Copper Project (the "Project") in exchange for the payment by Nittetsu of certain exploration costs and other consideration, which could total up to $25.0 MM upon completion (the "Transaction").

The LOI is a non-binding agreement which sets out the principal terms on which the parties have agreed to complete the Transaction. Subject to satisfactory due diligence and successful additional negotiations, the parties intend to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the Transaction (the "Definitive Agreement") on or before December 23, 2023. During the period until the entry into the Definitive Agreement, the parties have agreed that their geological and technical teams will work closely together reviewing and organizing Project data, which includes the historic mine dumps, the historic mine's skarn mineralization, and current porphyry targets.

The total aggregate $25.0 MM contribution by Nittetsu would value the New Craigmont Project at $62.5 MM would garner Nittetsu a 40% interest in the New Craigmont Copper Project. Investment would occur directly into the Project Upon execution of the Definitive Agreement, Nittetsu expects to invest in two stages:

Optional Phase - 1st Stage: During the Optional Phase, Nittetsu may contribute an aggregate of $10.0 MM in order to achieve a 20% ownership in the Project, which would be reflected as equity in a new company (the "Project Entity") to be established by the parties in respect of the Transaction and the Property. Nittetsu also maintains the right to discontinue its investment in the Project. If Nittetsu opts not to proceed to the 2nd Stage, its equity in the Project Entity would be cancelled and returned to treasury. The 1st Stage is expected to take approximately three years, at which time Nittetsu, at its sole discretion has the option to move forward to the 2nd Stage.

FS Stage - 2nd Stage: The two year FS Stage will focus on the feasibility of the Project with the goal of moving into extraction of copper from the Project, including from the historic waste dumps. Upon completion of the FS Stage and a total contribution of at least $15.0 MM, Nittetsu will have earned a 40% interest in the Property, reflected as equity in the Project Entity.

Under a Definitive Agreement, Nittetsu will act as a sales agent for the 100% copper production or can tag along with Nicola if the latter receives superior pricing for production offtake.

Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola, commented, "We are very excited to be working with Nittetsu, which brings a great deal of experience and credibility to our New Craigmont Copper Project. We believe that the post-money valuation of the Project will be augmented with the capital and are very excited to commence working together. In addition, the contributions does not increase the outstanding shares of the Company and excludes our fully permitted silver mine, Treasure Mountain, and the Merritt Milli Facility. We are also very excited to know that the Project is Nittetsu's first foray into a British Columbia based copper project."

Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. is a diversified company that was founded in 1899 and currently has operations globally. Current businesses include: mining and distributing industrial minerals; purchasing and distributing coal and petroleum products; developing and distributing equipment, machinery and environment-related products; real estate; power generation using renewable energy; the supply and sale of electricity. Nittetsu operates Atacama Copper Mine and currently in the process of developing a second copper mine in the Republic of Chile.

Qualified Person

Kevin Wells, P.Geo, a consulting geologist to the Company, is the independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Nicola Mining

Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture and Frankfurt Exchanges that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola's fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.

The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of 10,084 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Teck Resources Ltd.'s Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, consisting of 29 mineral tenures covering 2178 hectares (ha) and a mining lease covering 335 ha.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Peter Espig"

Peter Espig

CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig

Phone: (778) 385-1213

Email: info@nicolamining.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 and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future including, without limitation: the entry into the Definitive Agreement on the terms announced in this news release, or at all, that the Transaction will occur on the terms announced or at all; the proposed total contributions to be made by Nittetsu under the Transaction; and the perceived benefits of the Transaction. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that it and Nittetsu will obtain the required approvals for the Transaction, market fundamentals will support the viability of mining exploration, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Project, the availability of any financing required for the Company to carry out its planned future activities, and the availability of and the ability to retain and attract qualified personnel. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of minerals, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for minerals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, as well as the risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's SEDAR+ profile. 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 that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

1 LOI executed on August 30, 2023

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179630
Acquisition's completion follows Monotype's earlier announcement of its intent to acquire in July 2023

Fontworks' 73 employees and type catalogue of more than 1000 fonts, join the Monotype family

TOKYO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Monotype, a global leader in type design and technology, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Fontworks, renowned provider of premium Japanese typefaces and services.

This follows Monotype's earlier announcement in July of its intent to acquire the Fontworks business from SB Technology Corporation; a listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

With the completion of this acquisition, Fontworks' extensive font inventory, industry expertise, and dedicated team will enable Monotype to continue to meet the growing demand for high-quality Japanese typefaces from creatives and customers worldwide.

Fontworks' catalog of more than 1000 fonts is now part of the Monotype library, which houses one of the world's largest and most comprehensive collections of type.

Fontworks' catalog includes 'new-classic' Japanese typefaces such as Tsukushi and Matisse- some of Japan's most recognized fonts in media and gaming. In addition, the acquisition includes Fontworks' type services LETS, mojimo, and FONTPLUS.

The Fontworks acquisition will give Japanese customers extended access to Monotype's collection of multiscript and acclaimed Latin typefaces, including popular fonts like Gotham, Chronicle, Benton Sans, and Akzidenz-Grotesk.

By combining Fontworks' extensive Japanese font catalog with Monotype's advanced delivery and patented technologies, brands targeting the Japanese market are given a powerful solution ensuring both visual appeal and technical excellence.

As the backbone for efficient font delivery, Monotype's patented advanced compression technology ensures that intricate Japanese characters will be delivered in the smallest file sizes without compromising clarity.

The now combined expertise, resources, and services of Monotype and Fontworks further cement Monotype's position as a leading provider of type solutions on a global scale, and signal Monotype's commitment to delivering unmatched type solutions, support, and innovation to customers in Japan and across the world.

Akira Kobayashi, 2022 Type Directors Club Medal winner and Creative Type Director at Monotype, said, "It is an exciting day when we can officially welcome the Fontworks team into the Monotype family. We look forward to working together in Japan and across the globe. Together we will do amazing things."

Ninan Chacko, CEO at Monotype said, "We're pleased to announce the completion of Monotype's acquisition of Fontworks. Their brand is synonymous with Japanese type and innovation - and as part of Monotype, Fontworks' talented team, market expertise, and catalog will become an integral part of our global type solutions."

About Monotype

Monotype creates brands that matter with type, technology, and expertise. The company partners with leading foundries to deliver the broadest inventory of high-quality typefaces in the world for our customers. Monotype Fonts is the leading font management platform in the industry and combines the world's largest collection of award-winning type, the expertise of the most sought-after foundries and type designers and trusted and secure font management - all under a single agreement.

Further information is available at www.monotype.com .

Follow Monotype on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

Monotype and Akzidenz-Grotesk are trademarks of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain other jurisdictions. Fontworks, LETS, mojimo, and FONTPLUS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Monotype Imaging Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. Gotham and Chronicle are trademarks of The Hoefler Type Foundry registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2200288/MONOTYPE_IMAGING_HOLDINGS_INC_Fontwork.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2200287/SQUARE_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/monotype-completes-acquisition-of-leading-japanese-foundry-fontworks-301919455.html
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global AI Content Generation Market is Segmented by Type (Cloud Based, On-Premise), by Application (Large Corporation, SMEs): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2029.



The global AI Content Generation market was valued at USD 1400 million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 5958 million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 27.3% during the forecast period 2023-2029.

Download Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-33N13947/Global_AI_Content_Generation

Major Factors Driving the Growth of AI Content Generation Market:

Due to its capacity to expedite and automate the content creation process across numerous industries, the AI content generation industry is expanding quickly. AI systems can now produce high-quality and relevant content for marketing, consumer interaction, e-commerce, and other purposes while drastically lowering time and resource restrictions thanks to developments in natural language processing and machine learning. By enhancing productivity and scalability in content production, this technology lets companies fulfill the growing need for personalized and useful information, eventually fueling the AI Content Generation Market growth.

View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-33N13947/global-ai-content-generation

TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF AI CONTENT GENERATION MARKET:

The main advantage of AI is that it can produce content much more quickly than humans can. An article can be created by an AI tool quickly. To conduct all the research and write it would take a human writer significantly longer. When the number of articles is multiplied by the quick turnaround, an AI tool can generate a sizable amount of content. Additionally, AI supports language localization for diverse geographical contexts and may design social media with site-specific customization. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the AI Content Generation market.

The quality of information produced by artificial intelligence (AI) has substantially increased because of developments in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques. With the use of these technologies, AI systems can now recognize context, tone, and style, producing content that is more and more similar to that authored by humans. In order to retain their brand voice and tone across numerous media, firms might use AI-generated content. The market for AI content generation is driven by the demand for speed and scalability in content creation. Due to bottlenecks and delays, traditional content generation techniques frequently find it difficult to keep up with the quick pace of digital marketing. AI-driven solutions have the benefit of producing big amounts of content quickly, enabling organizations to take advantage of window-of-opportunity possibilities and keep a regular online presence. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the AI Content Generation market.

Cost-effectiveness is crucial to the development of this sector. The hiring and upkeep of a staff of content producers can be time- and resource-consuming. A more affordable option is provided by AI content generation systems, which eliminate the need for a huge content crew while yet maintaining a constant flow of content development. Businesses may scale up the personalization of their content thanks to AI content generation. AI systems may personalize content for each user by examining user information and preferences, increasing user engagement, and promoting conversions. In a digital environment that is becoming more and more competitive, personalized content is essential for creating deep connections with customers. This factor is expected to drive the growth of the AI Content Generation market.

By automating product descriptions, reviews, and recommendations, the e-commerce industry benefits from AI content development. AI-generated content can help to effectively showcase products, improving customer understanding and increasing sales conversion rates.

AI content creators comb through countless web documents to gather knowledge. Generators identify keywords to enhance search engine optimization (SEO) by looking through all of these papers. The article writer may receive keyword suggestions from the AI tool. If an article uses these keyword ideas throughout and complies with the other requirements of being authoritative and authored by a person, it will rank better in search engine results.

Buy Chapters

AI CONTENT GENERATION MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

The largest revenue came from North America. The market is growing as a result of major advantages such as enhanced user experience, greater content creation, more ranking keywords, time savings for content development, and rising investments in developed nations like the U.S. and Canada for using AI text generator technology.

Get Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-33N13947/Global_AI_Content_Generation

Key Companies:

Jasper

Copysmith

Writesonic

Kafkai

Article Forge

Articoolo

Rytr

CopyAI

Peppertype

Surfer

GrowthBar

Scalenut

Outranking

Narrato

AI Writer

Closers Copy

OpenAI

Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact : https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-33N13947&lic=single-user

SUBSCRIPTION

We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans.

SIMILAR REPORTS

- Generative ai market size was valued at USD 8.2 Billion in 2021, and is projected to reach USD 126.5 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 32% from 2022 to 2031.

- User Generated Content (UGC) Software market size is projected to reach USD 630750 million by 2028, from USD 184150 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 19.0% during 2022-2028.

- Synthetic data generation market was valued at USD 168.9 Million in 2021, and is projected to reach USD 3.5 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 35.8% from 2022 to 2031.

- The global artificial intelligence chip market was valued at USD 11.2 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 263.6 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 37.1% from 2022 to 2031.

- Artificial Intelligence as a Service Market

- Artificial Intelligence Visual Inspection System Market

- AIGC Media Market

- Customer-Generated Content (CGC) Software Market

- AI Generated Content Chip Market

- AI Content Moderation Service Market

- Content Writing Services Market

- Content Analytics and Search Software Market

- Artificial Intelligence Generated Content Platform Market

- AI Generated Content in Games Market

- The global artificial intelligence market size was valued at D65.48 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach D1,581.70 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 38.0% from 2021 to 2030.

- Generative AI Media Software Market

- Content Generation Market

- Web Content Management market size is projected to reach USD 17510 Million by 2028, from USD 7003.7 Million in 2021, at a CAGR of 13.7% during 2022-2028.

- The global conversational AI market size was valued at USD 5.78 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 32.62 billion by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.0% from 2021 to 2030.

- Voice Cloning market size is projected to reach USD 1723.9 million by 2028, from USD 364.8 million in 2021, at a CAGR of 24.6% during 2022-2028.

- Content Collaboration Market

- Online Content Moderation Market

Click here to see related reports on AI Content Generation Market

ABOUT US:

Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs.

Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs.

To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources.

CONTACT US:

Valuates Reports

sales@valuates.com

For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225

For IST Call +91-8040957137

WhatsApp: +91-9945648335

Website: https://reports.valuates.com

https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/932

https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/933

https://reports.valuates.com/sitemap/html/reports/934

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ai-content-generation-market-size-to-grow-usd-5958-million-by-2029-at-a-cagr-of-27-3--valuates-reports-301919458.html
Aviation commentators are warning of a worsening skills shortage which could threaten the industry's bounceback from the pandemic. This is particularly acute for pilots, but covers all workers from cabin crew to ground staff. Artemis Aerospace explores how training is being affected.

WISTON, England, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, along with many other industry commentators, we sounded a warning about the need to address the skills shortage in the aviation sector, and discussed how to build momentum to overcome it and highlight the appeal of careers in the industry. If we fast forward a year, has this changed?

Boeing's Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023-2042 states that "over the next twenty years, 649,000 new pilots, 690,000 new maintenance technicians and 938,000 new cabin crew members will be needed to maintain the global commercial fleet."

A global skills survey from IATA in 2022 found that the percentage of pilots in place to meet immediate needs was 72%, maintenance and technical staff was 70%, and cabin crew only 63%. In the US, there are 10% fewer fully trained air traffic controllers than there were ten years ago, 12,000 fewer mechanics, and nearly 15,000 pilots are due to retire within five years. In the UK, the number of pilots who retired during the pandemic is reputed to be at least twice the usual levels.

There are a multitude of different reasons for this alarming shortfall in personnel, one of the most important ones being issues surrounding training. It's critical for the industry that more training places are provided, and more applicants encouraged to take them up.

Inevitably, for jobs on which people's lives depend, training is thorough and demanding. On graduating from a UK pilot training school, prospective pilots will have gained a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and an Instrument Rating (IR) which combine to make a "frozen ATPL." This opens doors to jobs as a first officer or co-pilot. In order to "unfreeze" the APTL, 1,500 flying hours are required before a trainee can advance to the rank of captain, as well as a practical skills test, and exams in subjects such as radio navigation. Whichever training route is taken, courses are completely self-funded and extremely expensive - between 70K and 120K - which doesn't encourage a large or diverse entry into the system.

Prior to 2001, flight training sponsorship by an airline was one way in which trainees could subsidise their courses. However, a combination of the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the financial crisis of 2008 meant numerous smaller airlines went into liquidation and this was largely discontinued. Sponsorship was being utilised again by some airlines prior to the pandemic, but then COVID arrived, the skies shut down, a number of flight training schools closed permanently, and many pilots were made redundant and never returned to the workforce, which also meant a diminishing pool of people to train new pilots.

However, some airlines are seeking solutions through new training opportunities. In July, British Airways announced that it is investing millions in a new pilot cadet programme, the Speedbird Pilot Academy, which will fund the training of 60 future pilots. It's hoped that the Academy will enable people, for whom the training cost would have otherwise been prohibitive, to apply. Aer Lingus has just announced it is seeking 90 aspiring pilots for its relaunched pilot training programme over the next five years, in collaboration with a Spanish flight training school.

Airbus, the multinational aerospace corporation, has begun to tackle the problem of the lack of aircraft technicians through its programme to provide training academies with access to state-of-the-art support. It has rolled out its Airbus Competence Training (ACT) suites at the locations of airline customers worldwide, using virtual and interactive tools to ensure that technicians have full training on Airbus aircraft.

Another major headache for airlines is cancelled flights due to a global shortage of qualified cabin crew. Training for this type of work is also exacting and some airlines are resorting to generous sign-on bonuses. However, a backlog in security clearances for applicants has caused further issues.

To complete training, pilots spend many hours in a flight simulator, and need regular re-tests to keep their licences. The multi-faceted job of cabin crew also involves time in a simulator to cover situations such as emergency evacuation, fire and smoke training and secure cockpit procedures. The gridlock as trainees struggle to book time on a simulator has the potential to set back any initiatives to reduce the skills shortfall and, if simulators (which run almost constantly) break down, then queues get even longer.

Having a reliable simulator support service that's available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is crucial for preventing disruption to training schedules and is essential to the mission of ramping up trainee numbers to meet the requirements of post-pandemic air travel.

Artemis Aerospace offers an innovative approach to component solutions for the aviation sector. Established in 1999, the company has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service by solving problems and providing a range of realistic options that offer customers the flexibility and freedom to choose a solution that suits their timescale and budget. Its services include component supplies, component repairs, lessor support, flight simulation hardware support, consignment stock management and global aircraft logistics.

With decades of expertise in global aviation logistics, the expert team works with trusted MROs, OEMs, and aftermarket suppliers around the world to offer 24/7 support to its global customer base.

www.artemisaerospace.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203050/Artemis_Aerospace.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/artemis-aerospace-discusses-skills-shortages-in-the-aviation-industry-301919460.html
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Provoke Solutions, a global technology firm, is pleased to announce the addition of technology executive JuneAn Lanigan to its Customer Advisory Board. Known for her expertise in orchestrating global enterprise data management programs, JuneAn will bolster Provoke's commitment to delivering strategic solutions that emphasize data-centric innovation. Her passion for data management closely aligns with Provoke's own focus, further strengthening our approach to practical, utility-driven technological advancements.

The professional partnership between JuneAn and Provoke traces back to her tenure at Western Digital. This collaboration laid the groundwork for both parties to jointly address complex challenges in the realms of data architecture, governance, and Big Data analytics. Her expertise and passion for data made her an ideal partner for Provoke's mission and endeavors.

JuneAn's illustrious career is highlighted by roles that showcase her mastery in data management and business intelligence. She has served as Senior Director of Enterprise Business Intelligence at Sun Microsystems, led Global BI Programs at Oracle, directed Business Intelligence and Data Management Strategy at Juniper Networks, and held the position of Vice President in the IT Digital Tech Group at Western Digital. Currently, she is the CIO and Chief Data Officer at FTC Solar. Each role has advanced her ability to deliver enterprise-level solutions in data architecture, data integration, master data management, data governance, and Big Data analytics.

Provoke CEO Andy Lin remarked, "Having someone of JuneAn's caliber on our Customer Advisory Board is a monumental asset. Her deep expertise in the enterprise data management landscape significantly amplifies our capabilities. Her addition marks a pivotal moment in Provoke's pursuit of offering effective, innovative solutions to our clients."

JuneAn Lanigan reciprocated the enthusiasm, stating, "I'm delighted to join a board that is setting the direction for technology services, fusing innovation with real-world utility. As a member of Provoke's Customer Advisory Board, I look forward to sharing my insights in data management and business intelligence to further drive the company's commitment to innovation and client success."

With JuneAn joining the board, Provoke embarks on a new chapter aimed at strengthening its leadership in developing technology solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients. This significant move allows Provoke to further instill customer perspectives into its strategic decision-making and product development.

About Provoke

Provoke is obsessed with helping clients innovate and disrupt, and we've been doing it for over 20 years. Our multi-disciplinary teams accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies such as ML, AI (including GenAI), Blockchain, and AR/VR, multiplying the value of new and existing cloud-based solutions. From ideation to strategy, planning, engineering, and scaling, Provoke has helped 550+ clients deliver winning digital experiences for employees, customers, and the future. For more on how Provoke is shaping the future of business through technology, follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Jenna Chamra

641.780.2075

jennac@provokesolutions.com

SOURCE: Provoke Solutions

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781178/provoke-solutions-welcomes-technology-executive-junean-lanigan-to-customer-advisory-board
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / McDonald's Corporation

RMHC is a global network of more than 260 Chapters that help families access medical care for their children and family support services in more than 60 countries and regions throughout the world. Ronald McDonald House Charities and RMHC are trademarks of McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates. RMHC programs provide families with somewhere to stay in or near leading hospitals and healthcare services, helping to ensure they are fully supported along their child's healthcare journey. RMHC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.

In total, McDonald's, our Franchisees and customers donated over $182 million to RMHC in 2022, helping the charity provide more than 2.2 million overnight stays for RMHC families around the world.

All donation and monetary figures have been converted to U.S. dollars and are approximate.

2022 Highlights

McDonald's Corporation donated $20 million as part of our five-year, $100 million commitment to support families when they need it most.

More than 28,000 individuals in the McDonald's System - including Owner/Operators, Developmental Licensees, employees and crew - actively volunteered with RMHC Chapters.

"Round-Up for RMHC" - providing customers with the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest whole number - continued in select markets, raising over $32 million across participating restaurants.

More than $24 million was donated worldwide through RMHC Donation Boxes at restaurant counters and Drive-Thru windows.

What Ronald McDonald House Charities Does

Through three core global programs and hundreds of local programs, RMHC provides stability and vital resources to families around the world.

Ronald McDonald House programs - More than just a place to sleep, each House is near the hospital and provides meals and a range of supportive services to families with a hospitalized child.

384 Ronald McDonald House programs

48 countries

9,649 bedrooms for families around the world every night

Ronald McDonald Family Room programs - Located within the hospital, this program offers families a place to recharge, rest and have a snack, all within a few steps of their child's bedside.

269 Ronald McDonald Family Room programs

29 countries

Accommodating more than 3,400 visits by families every day

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs - In partnership with a clinical services provider, these mobile units provide medical, dental and healthcare resources to children and families in underserved communities around the world.

39 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs

9 countries

Serves more than 76,000 children a year

Our Strategy: McDonald's & RMHC Working in Partnership

When our communities need us, we show up. Collective support from McDonald's, our Franchisees, suppliers and customers helps RMHC continue offering the important programs that keep families in or near leading hospitals and healthcare services, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs. McDonald's ongoing support of RMHC is a central pillar of our commitment to have a positive impact on the communities where we operate, and we are proud to be more than a founding partner of RMHC - we are its forever partner. See our Community Impact & Philanthropy page for more information. McDonald's, along with individual donors and corporate partners, plays a key role in supporting RMHC in its efforts to keep families together during their child's medical journey.

In some countries or regions, McDonald's donates a percentage of the sale of specific products or runs other special promotions in restaurants. We make it easy for our customers to support RMHC too, through a range of on-site and modernized giving opportunities.1

In 2022, McDonald's Corporation donated $20 million as part of our five-year, $100 million commitment to support families when they need it most. The gift is helping RMHC deliver its mission through:

Direct financial support to Chapters, including capital expansion grants.

Chapter capacity building and consultation services in areas such as operations, infrastructure, financial management, fundraising, branding and people development.

Resource development for the RMHC system and advancement of key global initiatives in financial management, leadership training and systems/ technology improvement.

McDonald's Actions in 2022

The McDonald's community has provided their time, funds, and in-kind services, all of which have helped RMHC to positively impact millions of children and their families since 1974. The actions we take - alongside our customers, Franchisees and suppliers around the world - have enabled us to continue to support families, despite unforeseen global challenges. Here are just a few examples from 2022:

More than 28,000 individuals in the McDonald's System - including Owner/Operators, Developmental Licensees, employees and crew - actively volunteered with RMHC Chapters. Some even volunteer as RMHC Board members, helping shape the ways in which local Chapters meet the critical needs of children and their families in their local community. Volunteers are vital to RMHC, helping offset costs and allowing the charity to direct more donations to services supporting children and their families.

When McDonald's Portugal redesigned the uniforms of all 9,500 crew members, the team developed an innovative circular economy initiative to recycle the more than 18,000 used uniforms. These uniforms were transformed into recycled textile yarns and converted into new textile bags, and 5,500 bags were then donated to RMHC Portugal to be used as "Family Welcome Kits" with items to improve families' well-being.

Tyson Foods provided six branded food programs across Ronald McDonald House programs in the U.S. The programs enabled guest families to access quick meals around the clock and also offered refrigerators/freezers and products to the Houses in core Tyson markets.

UL Solutions became the first RMHC partner solely dedicated to supporting its global sustainability efforts. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UL Solutions offers building assessments to evaluate the indoor air quality of several RMHC programs. The partnership galvanizes UL Solutions' network of employees to give back and volunteer at their local RMHC Chapters, and provides educational resources to reinforce sustainability priorities for more than 260 RMHC Chapters across the globe.

Relief Response Around the Globe

As our communities navigated through adversity, McDonald's - along with our global community of customers, suppliers and Franchisees - continued supporting RMHC Chapters around the world. Our efforts to help families with sick children during very difficult times in 2022 included:

McDonald's Ukraine helped RMHC Ukraine continue core mission delivery in the ongoing conflict. For example, volunteers supported the Chapter's continued operations of its Ronald McDonald Family Room programs. The organization supported more than 100 humanitarian aid projects; delivered more than 160,000 food kits to those in need and mobilized nearly 500 volunteers from McDonald's who supported the Chapter's purchase and delivery of medical equipment to hospitals.

RMHC Ukraine also plans to build its first Ronald McDonald House through a partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and support from McDonald's Ukraine.

Several European RMHC Chapters partnered with our packaging supplier, TMS/HAVI, in their contribution to relief efforts in Ukraine. For example, HAVI partnered with RMHC Portugal and RMHC Spain to transport over 80 pallets filled with essential items like canned goods, blankets, mattresses, sanitary products, towels, winter clothes, and more. The goods were split between two organizations for distribution throughout Ukraine.

Several hundred McDonald's restaurants across Texas banded together in response to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. $150,000 was raised for RMHC San Antonio and the Uvalde community through a McDonald's lunchtime fundraiser, which donated 10% of sales to the cause. RMHC San Antonio served family members from Uvalde and created a special fund to help those impacted.

In support of those individuals affected by Typhoon Noru (known locally in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Karding), McDonald's and RMHC Philippines stepped in to provide 3,000 meals to communities in Bicol, Bulacan, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac. The efforts came through the local Chapter's Kindness Kitchen project: an initiative focused on spreading kindness by serving meals to communities in need across the country.

Giving Back to RMHC Chapters With Our Customers Around the World

McDonald's is committed to providing McDonald's customers with opportunities to support the mission of RMHC throughout their McDonald's customer experience - regardless of their order and pay journey.

There are many ways for our customers to support RMHC Chapters around the world. For example, "Round-Up for RMHC" - providing customers with the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest whole number (of their local currency) at self-order kiosks, front counter and Drive-Thrus - continued in select markets in 2022, raising over $32 million across participating restaurants.

Additionally, RMHC Donation Boxes at restaurant counters and Drive-Thru windows make it easy to give spare change. In 2022, more than $24 million was donated worldwide through the Donation Box program.

Finally, in-restaurant events and special product fundraisers in many countries allow customers to join McDonald's in giving back to RMHC.

In the U.S., one penny from every Happy Meal at participating McDonald's went to RMHC totaling $5.9 million. Additionally, McDonald's customers in the U.S. donated more than $33 million to RMHC through Round-Up for RMHC and Donation Boxes.

Over $11 million was raised by McDonald's Canada, its independent Franchisees, and customers through in-restaurant giving efforts. These include the annual McHappy Day festivities, Donation Boxes, and Round-Up for RMHC, or simply by buying a Happy Meal or RMHC Cookie.

McDonald's Australia, its Licensees and customers provided support through McHappy Day and other giving efforts locally, which raised more than $10 million. In New Zealand, 170 McDonald's restaurants supported RMHC New Zealand through a Happy Meal promotion, donating 10 cents (NZ) from every Happy Meal sold. In total, more than $450,000 was raised.

McDonald's restaurants in South Africa and Egypt hosted Happy Meal promotions that benefited each country's RMHC Chapter, raising more than $560,000.

In Argentina, $544,000 was raised from the sales of Big Mac sandwiches during a 14-day McHappy Day fundraiser in which 225 McDonald's restaurants participated. Additionally, more than 1,000 restaurants in Brazil participated in McHappy Day, raising $3.8 million.

Footnotes

1 Donation and impact information on this page includes self-reported totals provided by local, independent RMHC Chapters that are not independently audited by RMHC Global or McDonald's Corporation.

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from McDonald's Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: McDonald's Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mcdonalds-corporation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781203/last-year-mcdonalds-its-franchisees-and-customers-donated-over-182-million-to-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities
BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea, a leading brand in smart home appliances, has announced the IFA debut of its new R290 product lineup in Berlin. During its five-day exhibit at IFA 2023, Midea has also participated in the IFA Sustainable Village, underscoring its commitment to advocating for a sustainable and green lifestyle.

As part of this IFA Sustainable Village program, on September 3, Midea hosted a dedicated slot attended by guests from UNIDO, the German Environment Agency and GIZ. The discussions focused on refrigerants' impact on the environment and their role in shaping the future of the HVAC industry.

Dr. Chang Wei, CTO of Midea Group delivered a speech at the event, blending Midea's overall green development strategy with the discussion on the go-to-market strategy of R290 products in the international market and the importance of consumer education. The participants also delved into topics such as heat pumps, fluorinated gases, and the potential of R290 as a solution. These discussions highlighted Midea's dedication to fostering collaboration, leading improvements, and sustainable business in the industry.

During the five-day event, Midea's latest R290 products, showcased under the theme of "Green Vision Blue Future," have received significant attention. These high-efficiency and eco-friendly products include the newly released top-of-the-line A+++ EffiClima split AC the Xtreme split AC that has received the Blue Angel Certificate, and the A+ high-efficiency heat pump water heater. These products not only provide exceptional performance but also strongly support Midea's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building a sustainable future.

With the increasing environmental awareness, relevant regulations have been put forth at the legal level to address the requirements regarding refrigerants. Consequently, refrigerants are also undergoing continual improvement. Both R32 and R290 have a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). However, compared to R32's Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 771, R290 has a significantly lower GWP of only 0.02, making it a much more ideal choice. More and more countries and regions are focusing on the GWP of refrigerants due to the worsening climate change. According to the current EU F-gas Regulation, from 1 January 2025, single split air-conditioning systems using less than 3kg of HFCs with a GWP of 750 or more will then be prohibited.

As a world's leading HVAC company, Midea has prioritized environmental friendliness by embracing R290, a green refrigerant. For 12 years, Midea has been at the forefront of R290 technology. It has achieved remarkable innovations like the world's first R290 rotary compressor and the inaugural R290 demonstration line, acknowledged by the United Nations.

By opting for Midea's R290 products, consumers can enjoy advanced and eco-friendly solutions. For example, Midea's R290 EffiClima offers a SEER of 12.2 and a SCOP of 6.3, surpassing the performance of R32. This ultra-energy-efficient R290 air conditioning product is specifically designed to meet the needs of European consumers, providing effective heating while conserving energy.

During the IFA event, Euromonitor International awarded Midea the title of being the world's No.1 R290 air conditioner company in terms of sales volume in 2022. So far, Midea has produced more than 6.2 million R290 products. Based on these sales figures, it is estimated that Midea's R290 products have successfully curbed CO2 emissions by a remarkable 3.715 million tons. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 that 4.4 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest could absorb in just one year.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203216/image_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203217/image_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203218/Image3.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mideas-sets-vision-for-a-greener-future-with-debut-of-new-r290-product-lineup-at-ifa-2023-301919485.html
Nova Eye Medical Limited, a medical technology company committed to advanced ophthalmic treatment technologies and devices, is pleased to announce that the Company's proprietary canaloplasty technology platform (iTrackand iTrack Advance) will be featured in numerous presentations and posters during the official scientific program of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 41st Congress on September 8-12, 2023 in Vienna, Austria.

Europe's largest annual meeting for anterior segment surgeons and comprising both a scientific program and a technical exhibition, the ESCRS Annual Congress provides an important opportunity for the Company to share clinical research and collaborate with existing and future customers.

"ESCRS is a key event in our global calendar, particularly at this important juncture in our growth strategy as we ramp up launch efforts for iTrack Advance," said Kate Hunt, Chief Commercial Officer of Nova Eye Medical. "This year's official ESCRS scientific program will spotlight a number of papers and posters featuring our new iTrack Advance, including the interim 12-month results from the iTrack Global Data Registry. The Registry has been adopted by surgeons across the globe to collect real-world data for our iTrack and iTrack Advance canaloplasty devices and we have been buoyed by the enthusiasm of the surgeons involved."

Established in May 2022, the iTrack Global Data Registry is collecting prospective, multicenter, longitudinal data for canaloplasty in the treatment of glaucoma and currently counts 367 canaloplasty procedures from surgeons in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. More than 500 canaloplasty procedures are expected to be independently documented by surgeons via the iTrack Global Data Registry, providing a real-world assessment of the clinical utility of the Company's iTrack and iTrack Advance canaloplasty devices.

The iTrack Global Data Registry is incorporated in the global International Glaucoma Surgery Registry (IGSR), an observational, non-interventional study of patients undergoing laser or surgical treatment for glaucoma. Established five years ago, the IGSR already counts more 7000 procedures in 63 countries and is the official registry partner of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS).

World-renowned glaucoma surgeon and one of the IGSR founders, Prof. Keith Barton, MD FRCP FRCS (United Kingdom) will present the interim 12-month data from the iTrack Global Data Registry, "Multicenter Canaloplasty Data Registry Outcomes of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Across Different Glaucoma Types and Severity," in the official MIGS session at the ESCRS. Refer to session details below.

"The IGSR was developed to provide surgeons with an opportunity to contribute directly to better understanding the clinical effectiveness of the various glaucoma procedures and thus enable evidence-based decision making. We are pleased to collaborate with Nova Eye Medical in facilitating the collection of real-world evidence of the effectiveness and safety of canaloplasty to treat glaucoma," commented Prof. Barton.

Also to be presented in the ESCRS scientific program are the interim results of the Cataract Surgery in Conjunction with Ab-interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack Advance device Compared to Cataract Surgery Only ("CATALYST") Study. The multicenter, randomized control study was initiated in 2022 by the Companyacross four sites in Germany to assess the effectiveness, safety and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of canaloplasty using the Company's iTrack Advance device, as compared to a cataract surgery-only control arm. Key assessment outcomes include reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean number of glaucoma medications, surgical and postoperative complications, endothelial cell count and QoL utilizing a patient reported outcome measure. Karl Mercieca, MD, FEBO will present the interim data update for the CATALYST Study at the 2023 ESCRS Annual Congress. Refer to poster details below.

A summary of the ESCRS 2023 presentations and posters featuring iTrackand the newly launched iTrackAdvance is included below.

Podium Presentation

Keith Barton, MD (UK); Shamil Patel, MD (USA), Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia); David Lubeck, MD (USA); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada)

"Multicenter Canaloplasty Data Registry Outcomes of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Across Different Glaucoma Types and Severity"

Session: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Date: Monday, September 11, 2023

Time: 8:48-8:54am

Location: Lehar 1-2-3 Free paper podium 4

Presented Posters

James Murphy, MD (USA)

"Efficacy of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Performed With and Without GATT Following Previous Glaucoma Laser Treatment 24-Month Outcomes"

Session: Glaucoma for Cataract Surgeons

Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023

Time: 2:15-3:45pm

Location: Podium 3

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Keith Barton, MD (UK); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada); Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia); Shamil Patel, MD (USA)

"Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Effectiveness Categorized Based on Viscoelastic Volume"

Session: Glaucoma for Cataract Surgeons II

Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023

Time: 5:00-6:00pm

Location: Podium 3

E-posters

Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany); Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany)

"6-Year Clinical Effectiveness of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack In Reducing The Medication Burden in Glaucoma Patients"

Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany); Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany)

"6-Year Efficacy and Safety of iTrack Ab-interno Canaloplasty as a Standalone Procedure and Combined with Cataract Surgery in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma"

Karl Mercieca, FEBO (Germany); Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany); Markus Kohlhaas, MD (Germany); Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany)

"Cataract Surgery in Conjunction with Ab-interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack Advance device Compared to Cataract Surgery Only (CATALYST Study)"

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Keith Barton MD (UK); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada); Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia)

"iTrack Global Data Registry to Support the Role of Canaloplasty for Treatment of Glaucoma"

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Robert Noecker, MD (USA)

"Endothelial Cell Density And Loss Following Ab-Interno Canaloplasty In Patients With Mild-Moderate Glaucoma As Compared To Severe Glaucoma"

James Murphy, MD (USA)

"Efficacy and Safety Profile of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Performed With and Without GATT 24-Month Outcome"

Full session details can be accessed via the ESCRS program:

https://escrs-apps.m-anage.com/escrs2023/en-GB/pag

All educational content of the ESCRS Annual Meeting is planned by its Program Committee. The ESCRS do not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services.

Nova Eye Medical will also provide additional peer-to-peer educational opportunities by hosting a series of interactive panel discussions during the ESCRS 2023. Surgeons from the USA, Canada and Germany will discuss their unique insights and experiences using the iTrack Advance as a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) treatment. All registered delegates of the ESCRS 2023 Annual Congress are invited to attend the Speaker Forum at the Nova Eye Medical Exhibit, #114 (Hall C). See full session details here: https://nova-eye.com/escrs

ABOUT NOVA EYE MEDICAL

Nova Eye Medical Limited is a medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells a portfolio of proprietary ophthalmic treatment technologies and devices. Used by eye surgeons in more than 100 countries globally, these technologies include the iTrackportfolio of canaloplasty devicesfor the treatment of glaucoma. The Company also manufactures and sells the proprietary Molteno3 glaucoma drainage device for the treatment of severe or complex glaucoma. With its sales headquarters based in Fremont, California, Nova Eye Medical is supported by sales offices in Adelaide, Australia and Berlin, Germany, and a global network of more than 50 distribution partners. Manufacturing facilities are located in Fremont, California and Dunedin, New Zealand.

ABOUT CANALOPLASTY

First introduced in 2008, canaloplasty is a surgical treatment for glaucoma that targets the main sites of outflow resistance in the conventional outflow pathway: the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and the distal collector channels. Based on the same principles as angioplasty, a flexible microcatheter is cannulated 360 degrees around Schlemm's canal during the procedure to manually break and remove blockages. Next, viscoelastic fluid is injected into Schlemm's canal as the microcatheter is withdrawn to dilate the distal outflow system and to improve the function of the trabecular meshwork.

The iTrack Advance canaloplasty device has a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) and CE Mark (Conformite Europeenne) for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.

The iTrack Advance canaloplasty device has been cleared for the indication of fluid infusion and aspiration during surgery, and for catheterization and viscodilation of Schlemm's canal to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma.

For additional information about the iTrack Advance, including safety information, please visit: https://itrack-advance.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230903461690/en/

Contacts:

For media enquiries, please contact:

Kate Hunt: Nova Eye Chief Commercial Officer khunt@nova-eye.com

Giorgio Pirazzini: GP Communications giorgio@gpcommunications.eu
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) Executive Chairman, Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Melvin are pleased to provide the results from the Initial Assessment[3] ("IA") for its Santa Cruz Copper Project, located west of Casa Grande, Arizona. The IA is a preliminary technical and economic study for the Santa Cruz Copper Project and associated high-grade mineral resources included in the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits. The study analyzes the potential for a high-grade underground copper mining operation supported by modern technologies to reduce environmental impact and powered predominantly by renewable energy.

Mr. Friedland commented: "Completing the Initial Assessment for our Santa Cruz Copper Project is an important achievement for Ivanhoe Electric as we work to advance a new source of responsibly produced "green" copper in the United States. Our goal is to develop a modern copper mine that produces copper with among the lowest levels of carbon dioxide output in the industry; a product we think has the potential to attract a premium price in the future. Using primarily onsite renewable electricity generation, and with the potential to increase that to meet the Project's entire future needs, the Initial Assessment shows us that we are on the right track to achieving our goal at Santa Cruz and our larger goal of enhancing U.S. supply chain independence for critical metals. We are excited about the future for our Santa Cruz Project in Arizona."

Mr. Melvin commented: "The Initial Assessment for the Santa Cruz Copper Project is the result of a tremendous effort by our team and an important milestone for the Project. The study provides a first look at our plans for a technologically advanced, underground copper mine in Arizona with attractive economics at today's copper prices. We are designing the Project to minimize environmental impact through the use of modern technologies and renewable power. We believe the Santa Cruz Copper Project will become an industry-leading example of responsibly produced copper in the United States, and a source of high-quality jobs in Arizona during development and throughout its anticipated long mine life."

Highlights of the Initial Assessment

The Santa Cruz IA outlines a potential 5.9 million tonnes per year underground mining operation, supported by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed with an average grade of 1.58% copper from the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits, resulting in an estimated 20-year mine life.

The IA focuses exclusively on the high-grade exotic, oxide and enriched domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits. The oxide and enriched domains of the Texaco Deposit are not included in the current study (2.7 million tonnes indicated grading 1.42% total copper and 27.3 million tonnes inferred grading 1.39% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade). Future studies could evaluate the potential addition of the large primary sulfide domains at Santa Cruz (76.2 million tonnes indicated grading 0.88% total copper and 8.0 million tonnes inferred grading 0.92% total copper, using a 0.70% cut-off grade) and at the Texaco Deposit (0.9 million tonnes indicated grading 1.05% total copper and 35.0 million tonnes inferred grading 1.06% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade), subject to market conditions.

Copper recoveries of 95.4% are expected to be achieved through a combination of solvent extraction and electrowinning ("SX/EW") and conventional froth flotation.

The IA includes LOM production for the Project of 1.0 million tonnes of copper in the form of 99.99% pure copper cathode and 0.6 million tonnes of copper contained in a 48% copper concentrate with very low deleterious elements, such as arsenic or lead.

LOM average C1 cash costs are expected to be $1.36 per payable pound of copper, with C3 total costs[4] expected to average $2.84 per payable pound of copper.

The IA contemplates initial project capital expenditures of $1.15 billion, and LOM sustaining capital expenditures totaling $0.98 billion. A three-year construction period is envisioned to develop the underground workings and build the surface processing facilities.

The IA estimates that the Project has a pre-tax net present value ("NPV") of $1.6 billion at an 8% discount rate and a pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 25.1%, using a flat LOM copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. After-tax NPV is estimated at $1.3 billion with an after-tax IRR of 23.0%, using the same discount rate and copper price assumptions.

The IA is designed to minimize environmental impact and minimize surface land disruption. As a result of the small surface footprint required for underground copper mining activities included in the IA, the total land area expected to be required for the mine, plant, tailings storage facilities and potential on-site generation of renewable solar power covers approximately one-third of the total land package.

The IA base case assumes 70% of the total electric power requirements for the Project will be generated by onsite renewable infrastructure, enabling copper production with very low carbon dioxide equivalent ("CO2e") emissions of 0.49 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of copper for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. In comparison, the global mining industry average is approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of copper equivalent[5]. The subsequent Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Project will evaluate the potential use of combined solar power, battery storage and a geothermal-driven microgrid as renewable power sources to provide up to 100% of the electricity requirements for the Project.

An all-electric underground heavy mining fleet is assumed in the IA, in combination with railveyor technology for material movement, which would significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve energy efficiency. The use of an all-electric underground heavy equipment fleet alone represents an estimated 70-80% reduction in Scope 1 emissions when compared to a traditional high-efficiency diesel-powered heavy equipment fleet.

The IA also contemplates placing 50% of the mine tailings back underground as cemented paste fill. The remaining 50% will be stored on the surface as thickened tailings at 65% solid content. Surface tailings will be contained within a ring dyke dam with a capacity to store 56.7 million tonnes. Water management associated with tailings storage is minimized as a result of thickened tailings and high evaporation rates in the Sonoran Desert.

Ivanhoe Electric controls the private surface land and patented mineral rights encompassing the entire Santa Cruz Project. The entirety of the facilities referenced in the IA, including mining, processing, tailings storage and onsite renewable power generation facilities, can be developed on private land under private mineral title. Ivanhoe Electric also controls water rights associated with its Santa Cruz land package.

Video of the Santa Cruz IA operation. Click on the image below for the high-resolution video.

Ivanhoe Electric to Host a Conference Call on the Santa Cruz Initial Assessment

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Ivanhoe Electric will host a conference call to discuss the results of the Santa Cruz IA.

The call will include remarks from Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland, President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Melvin and other members of the Company's management team. It will also feature a question-and-answer session.

DATE: Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

TIME: 11:00 am Eastern / 8:00 am Pacific / 8:00 am Arizona.

DIAL IN: 1-888-664-6383 or 416-764-8650

LINK: https://app.webinar.net/oE8nX7LrV06

A replay of the call, together with supporting presentation slides, will be made available on Ivanhoe Electric's website at www.ivanhoeelectric.com.

Table 1. Summary of the Initial Assessment Estimated Operating and Economic Results

Production Results Mine Life 20 years Total LOM Mill Feed 105.2 Mt Nameplate Mill Throughput 15,000 tpd Average Feed Grade (total copper) 1.58% Average Feed Grade (soluble copper) 1.01% Average Total Copper Recovery 95.4% Total LOM Copper Production (in cathode and concentrate) 1.59 Mt Average Copper Production in Cathode (first 10 years) 57 ktpa Average Copper Production in Concentrate (first 10 years) 29 ktpa Operating Costs Onsite Operating Costs (mining, processing, G&A) $43.48/t Average C1 Cash Costs $1.36/lb Average C3 Total Costs $2.84/lb Capital Costs Initial Capital Expenditures $1.15B Sustaining Capital Expenditures $0.98B Total LOM Capital Expenditures $2.12B Economic Analysis Copper Price $3.80/lb Pre-Tax Undiscounted Free Cash Flow $5.22B Pre-Tax NPV 8% $1.64B Pre-Tax IRR 25.1% After-Tax Undiscounted Free Cash Flow $4.23B After-Tax NPV 8% $1.32B After-Tax IRR 23.0%

Robust IA Economics for the USA's "Next Generation" Copper Mine

The IA outlines LOM copper production totaling 1.6 million over a 20-year mine life - underpinned by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed grading 1.58% total copper. Copper C1 cash costs are expected to average $1.36 per pound.

Figure 1. Santa Cruz IA copper sales and cost profile.

Total operating costs (mining, processing, G&A and other) are expected to average $43.48 per tonne processed, including mining costs of $27.33 per tonne, processing costs of $12.84 per tonne and G&A and other costs of $3.31 per tonne.

The initial capital expenditures total $1.15 billion, which includes pre-production development of the twin declines and underground infrastructure, purchase of mining equipment, construction of the processing plant and infrastructure facilities and construction of the tailings storage facility.

LOM sustaining capital expenditures total $0.98 billion, which includes the capital required to extend the twin declines to the lower portion of the Santa Cruz Deposit, as well as the maintenance of all equipment and supporting infrastructure. It also includes expansion and closure costs of the tailing facility.

The IA estimates LOM revenue of $12.9 billion using a flat copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. Pre-tax undiscounted free cash flow totals $5.22 billion and pre-tax NPV8% totals $1.64 billion with an IRR of 25.1%.

On an after-tax basis, the IA Project is estimated to generate $4.23 billion of undiscounted free cash flow, an NPV8% of $1.32 billion with an IRR of 23.0%.

Figure 2. IA economics are sensitive to the input copper price and capital and operating cost assumptions.

Note: Copper price points calculated by Ivanhoe Electric and inserted into IA sensitivity model.

The IA is preliminary in nature and includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable the inferred mineral resources to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Accordingly, there is no certainty that the results of the IA will be realized.

The IA contains economic analyses which include and exclude inferred mineral resources. This press release focuses on the economic analysis, including inferred mineral resources. For more information regarding the economic analysis without inferred mineral resources, see the Initial Assessment, which is included as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC in connection with this announcement.

The IA is based on Ivanhoe Electric's December 31, 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate, which includes the Santa Cruz, East Ridge and Texaco Deposits, using a 0.70% copper cut-off at Santa Cruz, 0.90% at East Ridge and 0.80% at Texaco (the "2022 Mineral Resource Estimate", see February 14th, 2023 news release). The economic analysis described in this release and in the IA does not include any mineral resources from the Texaco Deposit.

Phased Approach to Underground Mining Optimizes Initial Capital Expenditures and Maximizes Return on Investment

In the IA, twin declines, each measuring 4.3 kilometers, would be developed to access the upper parts of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits. One decline is required for air intake and access, while the other will be required for air exhaust and material movement. To develop the declines, the IA assumes that construction of the portal box cut would begin in 2026, decline development in 2027 and continues through 2028 to access the top portion of the mine. Under these assumptions, stoping activities would begin in 2029 with a 1-year ramp up to the full 15,000 tonnes per day capacity.

Mining of the upper portion would proceed for the first eight years before additional capital expenditures are required to extend the declines by 1.9 kilometers. Additional surface infrastructure would be required once mining of the lower portion commences. This would include the second phase construction of a refrigeration plant, ventilation, water handling, and material handling.

Mine sequencing would employ typical transverse longhole stopes for the Santa Cruz deposit on a primary-secondary sequence with paste backfill for support. Mining of the Santa Cruz exotic mineralization has been evaluated using a drift and fill technique with access from the Santa Cruz longhole stoping levels. The East Ridge deposit will apply a drift and fill mining technique with access directly from the twin declines.

Over the total LOM, 105.2 million tonnes of mineralized material is expected to be mined. This includes 88.6 million tonnes from the Santa Cruz deposit, 1.9 million tonnes from the Santa Cruz exotic mineralization, 9.8 million tonnes from the East Ridge deposit and 4.9 million tonnes of low-grade material required to access the Deposits.

Figure 3. Santa Cruz IA site layout, requiring approximately one-third of the total land package for the mine, plant, process, tailings storage facilities and on-site generation of solar power.

Figure 4. Completed IA mine design plan identifying the Santa Cruz deposit, Santa Cruz zone of exotic mineralization and East Ridge deposit. Key mining infrastructure is also depicted, such as the portal box cut, twin declines, lateral developments and ventilation raises.

Significant Technical Work Completed to Date Increased Knowledge of the Regional Aquifer and Groundwater Flows

Ivanhoe Electric has conducted a detailed analysis of historical hydrogeological information and completed additional drill holes focused on obtaining additional hydrogeological information. Using this information, a hydrogeological conceptual site model was developed to determine which rock types have influence on the storage or movement of groundwater. A groundwater flow model was then developed to evaluate mine dewatering requirements and inform mine planning. The underground mine access and mine plan were analyzed against the groundwater flow model and showed that most of the mineralization is located within rock relatively low in water inflow.

Ivanhoe Electric has been proactive in its approach to geotechnical data collection. Upon acquisition of the Project, early collection of geotechnical information began to facilitate the completion of a comprehensive geotechnical model in the early stage of design work, which also informed the groundwater flow model. As of August 2023, Ivanhoe Electric has completed 71,620 meters of geotechnical drilling.

Copper Recoveries Averaging 95.4% Expected to be Achieved by Using SX/EW for Copper Cathode Production and Froth Flotation Copper Concentrate Production

The IA envisions the production of copper through a process that utilizes a conventional design for treating high-grade mixed copper oxide and copper sulfide mineralization. In the IA, total copper recovery averages 95.4% over the LOM.

The IA includes potential LOM production of 1,587,000 tonnes of copper contained in 99.99% pure cathode and 48% copper concentrate with very low deleterious elements, such as arsenic or lead. LOM copper recovered to cathode totals 1,032,000 tonnes and LOM copper recovered to concentrate totals 555,000 tonnes (65% copper in cathode, 35% copper in concentrate).

Figure 5. Santa Cruz IA summary processing flowsheet showing the production of both copper cathode from copper oxide mineralization and copper concentrate from copper sulfide mineralization.

Ivanhoe Electric is Committed to Utilizing Industry-Leading Mining Technologies and Renewable Power Sources

The IA applies modern mining technologies, including the use of railveyor technology for the efficient movement of mined mineralization from underground to surface. Railveyor is a safe and autonomously operated alternative to traditional belt conveyors or diesel haul trucks. It is also able to recover energy through regenerative braking during the return phase.

Figure 6. Sandvik roadheader used for decline development shown on the left (Source: Sandvik) and railveyor unloading turn shown on the right (Source: Railveyor)

Additionally, the IA base case envisions that 70% of the Project's power requirements will be generated from onsite renewable power sources. The subsequent PFS will investigate the potential of onsite generation of power from combined solar panels, battery storage and a geothermal-driven microgrid to provide 100% of the electricity needs for the Project. Even at 70%, the application in the IA of onsite renewable power for the direct production of copper would lead to one of the lowest CO2e emissions intensities per pound of copper produced in the industry[6].

Average carbon intensities in the global mining industry stand at approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of copper equivalent, encompassing both scope 1 and 2 emissions[7]. The IA base case anticipates that the average CO2e intensity for Santa Cruz copper (development and mining stages) is 0.49 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of copper for scope 1 and 2 emissions.

CO2e intensity is affected by a variety of factors, including the type and efficiency of the mining equipment used, the grade of the ore, the depth of the mine, and the method of generating electricity.

Figure 7. At the IA base case, Santa Cruz is projected to be one of the lowest CO2e emissions operations per tonne of copper on the global emissions "cost" curve.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 8. Santa Cruz is projected to produce less CO2e per Tonne of Copper than other USA copper mines currently in production.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 9. Santa Cruz LOM C1 copper cash costs of $1.36/lb in the IA are projected to be below industry average.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 10. Santa Cruz has the potential to be a significant copper producer in the US with attractive operating costs.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Ivanhoe Electric is Committed to the Responsible Development of the Santa Cruz Project through Diligent Permitting, Planning, Environmental Monitoring, Water Management and Stakeholder Engagement

Data collection for permitting purposes is ongoing using a phased approach - Phase A involves acquiring the information required for the twin decline development permits, and Phase B focuses on obtaining mine development permits. The data included in the IA will form the basis for the permitting process.

To support the permitting process, there are several baseline environmental monitoring programs already in place. These programs include quarterly surface water sampling in major drainages, as well as the installation of piezometers in selected drill holes to collect sub-surface hydrologic data. Water elevation from existing agricultural wells is measured and a baseline groundwater sampling and monitoring program is being developed. To further assess the impact on local waterways, Ivanhoe Electric has assessed and classified all waterways within the Project area through the completion of an ordinary high water mark analysis.

Updated biological, archaeological, and cultural studies have been completed, which assist Ivanhoe Electric in taking the precautionary steps to preserve the ecosystem and cultural heritage. Ivanhoe Electric has, for example, implemented beneficial practices and procedures aimed at protecting migratory bird species.

Additionally, meteorological data is monitored to gather site-specific climate and evaporation information. This data, along with the development of an emissions inventory, will help determine the air permitting pathway.

Ivanhoe Electric has commenced engagement with key stakeholders, including surrounding communities, government agencies and municipalities and local water groups.

Qualified Persons

The Initial Assessment is entitled "S-K 1300 Initial Assessment & Technical Report Summary, Santa Cruz Project, Arizona", is dated September 6, 2023, and was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 and Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The Initial Assessment was prepared by the following firms: SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. (SRK), Nordmin Engineering, Ltd. (Nordmin), M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. (M3), Met Engineering, LLC(Met Engineering), Call & Nicholas, Inc. (CNI), INTERA Incorporated (INTERA), KCB Consultants Ltd. (KCB), Tetra Tech, Inc. (Tetra Tech), Life Cycle Geo, LLC (LCG), and Haley & Aldrich, Inc. (H&A).

The Initial Assessment will be available on the SEC's EDGAR website as an exhibit to a Form 8-K filed by the Company in connection with this announcement.

Other disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release with regard to the Santa Cruz Project have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Glen Kuntz, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Kuntz is an employee of Ivanhoe Electric.

Ivanhoe Electric will have prepared and filed an independent technical report prepared under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 within 45 days of this news release. This report will be available on the company's website and on the company's SEDAR profile.

For the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, the independent Qualified Persons responsible for preparing the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release are Anton Chan (SRK); Matt Sullivan (SRK); Joanna Poeck (SRK); Christian Ballard (Nordmin); Laurie Tahija (M3); John Woodson (M3); Jim Moore (Met Engineering); Rob Cook (CNI); Jim Casey (KCB); Annelia Tinklenberg (INTERA); Daryl Longwell (Tetra Tech); Tom Meuzelaar (LCG); and Eric Mears (H&A). Each Qualified Person has reviewed and approved the information in this news release relevant to the portion of the scientific and technical information for which they are responsible.

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, 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

We are a U.S. company that combines advanced mineral exploration technologies with electric metals exploration projects predominantly located in the United States. We use our accurate and powerful Typhoon geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc., to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as we seek to discover new deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. We believe the United States is significantly underexplored and has the potential to yield major new discoveries of critical metals. Our mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals, including nickel, vanadium, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold, and silver. Through the advancement of our portfolio of electric metals exploration projects, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona and the Tintic Copper-Gold Project in Utah, as well as other exploration projects in the United States, we intend to support United States supply chain independence by finding and delivering the critical metals necessary for the electrification of the economy. We also operate a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden to explore for minerals on ~48,500 km2 of underexplored Arabian Shield in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com.

Contact Information

Investors: Valerie Kimball, Director, Investor Relations 720-933-1150

Follow us on Twitter

Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe

Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric

Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable US 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 in this news release include, without limitation: the projections, assumptions and estimates contained in the Initial Assessment, including, without limitation, those relating to exploration, development, capital and operating costs, production, grade, recoveries, metal prices, life of mine, mine sequencing, NPV, IRR, payback, processes, equipment, staffing, emissions, use of land, water, power and other inputs, tailings storage, groundwater flow and estimates of mineral resources; costs and emissions relative to other mines; use of renewable energy; the preparation of a PFS; the functioning of our technology; our ability to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process; potential new discoveries and planned or potential developments in the businesses of Ivanhoe Electric.

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 we have no mineral reserves, other than at the San Matias project; we have inferred resources that may never be upgraded to a higher category of resource or reserve; we have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects; we depend on our material projects for our future operations; our mineral resource calculations at the Santa Cruz Project are only estimates; actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated; the title to some of the mineral properties may be uncertain or defective; our business is subject to changes in the prices of copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, vanadium and platinum group metals; we have claims and legal proceedings against one of our subsidiaries; our business is subject to significant risk and hazards associated with exploration activities, mine development, construction and future mining operations; we may fail to identify attractive acquisition candidates or joint ventures with strategic partners or be unable to successfully integrate acquired mineral properties or successfully manage joint ventures; our success is dependent in part on our joint venture partners and their compliance with our agreements with them; our business is extensively regulated by the United States and foreign governments as well as local governments; the requirements that we obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits are often a costly and time-consuming process; our non-U.S. operations are subject to additional political, economic and other uncertainties not generally associated with domestic operations; and our operations may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts to the availability of our workforce, government orders that may require temporary suspension of operations, and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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.

[1] C1 cash costs calculated per Wood Mackenzie's definition which include mining, processing and G&A costs. C1 cash cost is not a measure recognized by GAAP but is a standard measure used in mining as a reference point to denote the basic cash costs of running a mining operation to allow a comparison across the industry. [2] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022) [3] The Initial Assessment is the equivalent of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. [4] C3 total costs quoted per Wood Mackenzie's definition of C3 total costs which include mining, processing, G&A, depreciation, depletion and royalties costs. C3 total cost is not a measure recognized by GAAP but is a standard measure used in mining as a reference point to denote the total costs of running a mining operation to allow a comparison across the industry. [5] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022) [6] Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (based on public disclosure, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie). [7] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022)

SOURCE: Ivanhoe Electric Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781210/correcting-and-replacing-ivanhoe-electric-announces-completion-of-the-initial-assessment-for-the-santa-cruz-copper-project-in-arizona
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Tequila has been manufactured for over 250 years. The Cuervo family began commercially distilling tequila in 1758, followed by the Sauza family in 1873. Mexican-made tequila remains unmatched with its artisanship. Yet, modern-day food and beverage reporting requirements, which require process standardization and optimization, are challenging this age-old craft.

Tecno Productos-a Mexico-based machine builder and gold-level member of the Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK) PartnerNetwork-is helping tequila manufacturers meet these requirements while bringing efficiency, sustainability, and compliance to the tequila industry.

For Sauza Tequila, Tecno Productos relies on Rockwell technology to visualize and control the entire tequila production process from recipe and batch management through equipment cleaning. The solution automatically generates reports that meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. In addition to facilitating compliance, the increased visibility and data have led to valuable insights and improvement opportunities.

In just one year, Tecno Productos has helped Sauza Tequila reduce water consumption by 75% and increase production by 16% - that's an increase of about 107 million liters of tequila.

Automation and artisanship can co-exist. Learn more about how automation can enhance productivity help achieve sustainability goals.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rockwell Automation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Rockwell Automation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rockwell-automation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781215/improving-sustainability-compliance-and-efficiency-for-the-tequila-industry
Rightmove Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 06

6 September 2023

Rightmove plc

Share buy-back programme

Rightmove plc - transactions in own shares

Rightmove plc ('Rightmove'), announces that today it purchased 185,000 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 561.975p. The highest price paid per share was 566.000p and the lowest price paid per share was 556.600p. Rightmove purchased these shares through Numis Securities Limited.

The number of shares purchased represented 0.0228% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled.

Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 495,307,568 ordinary shares.

The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 811,748,086. Rightmove holds 11,998,426 shares in treasury.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the 'UK MAR'), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by Numis Securities Limited on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme.

Contact: Michelle Palmer, Assistant Company Secretary

CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk

Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions
CAPE MAY, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Celebrating its 70th year in the seafood business next year, Lund's Fisheries has spent years investing in the sustainability of its products. The latest result of this effort is this August's certification of the company's activity in the California market squid fishery, which was certified as sustainable and in compliance with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards. Market squid is now the fifth fishery product offered by Lund's to have achieved MSC certification.

"Completing the sustainability certification of our third squid fishery reaffirms our long-standing commitment to responsible fishing practices and environmental stewardship," said Wayne Reichle, President of Lund's Fisheries, who represents the third generation of his family leading the company. "Every year, sustainably sourced seafood grows as an important part of our domestic and export seafood markets; our certified squid, scup, and scallop products are at the forefront of our strategy to meet that demand."

The market squid certification, reviewed by independent third-party auditor SCS Global Services, was accomplished in partnership with two other California producers, Del Mar Seafoods and Silver Bay Seafoods. Like the other four MSC certifications earned by Lund's Fisheries, the review evaluated the fishery against a rigorous set of sustainable fishing guidelines, confirming the health of the market squid stock, ensuring the effectiveness of its fisheries management program, and certifying the fishery's minimal environmental impact.

Lund's Fisheries vessels at sea

Market squid is the third Lund's Fisheries squid product to be MSC certified, following its two east coast squid fisheries, Doryteuthis (Loligo pealeii) in 2018 and Illex illecebrosus in 2019. Lund's Fisheries is now the only domestic seafood producer to offer all three U.S. species of MSC-certified squid. Several of Lund's other major fisheries have also been certified, in addition to its squid operations: the company's scup fishery was certified in 2022, and its Atlantic scallop fishery has been certified since 2013.

Lund's Fisheries' market squid fleet fishes out of the Port of Hueneme, California, with additional processing facilities located in Ventura and Santa Cruz counties. Fishing operations are concentrated in southern California, near the Channel Islands, and in the north near Monterrey Bay.

About Lund's Fisheries Inc.

Lund's Fisheries, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned company and a primary producer of fresh and frozen seafood located in Cape May, N.J. Lund's purchases, produces and distributes nearly 75 million pounds of fresh and frozen fish annually. Its fresh and frozen domestic sales stretch nationwide while its frozen exports extend to markets around the world. Lund's Fisheries is committed to developing and managing systems and practices to fish within sustainable limits and track its products back to the harvest location to ensure they are sourced from fisheries that are well-managed, certified as sustainable or actively working towards implementing more responsible and sustainable harvesting practices.

PRESS CONTACT:

Bob Vanasse

Stove Boat Communications

(202) 333-2628

bob@stoveboat.com

SOURCE: Lund's Fisheries Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781198/with-market-squid-certification-lunds-fisheries-now-offers-five-msc-certified-products
Grace Kim brings two decades' experience in financial strategy and business development for private and public companies

She has a deep track record of leveraging high-impact relationships with Wall Street to optimize capital development strategy and maximize long-term value creation

As an experienced biopharma financial strategy partner with deep executive network across the industry, Dr Kim will contribute the following to achieve MedinCell's objectives: Build strategic positioning and relationships with high profile US biopharma asset management, prominent sell-side and buy-side analysts, and broad life science stakeholders Advise and support US financial strategy Support business development



Regulatory News:

MedinCell (Paris:MEDCL):

"We are very proud to welcome Grace, who is recognized as one of the best US investor relations strategists," said Christophe Douat, CEO of MedinCell. "I'm already seeing the impact of her actions. She has a deep understanding of the US pharma and biotech capital world. I'm convinced that she will leverage this understanding to support our strategy, increase our visibility, build demand, and create long-term value. We need to build on the burgeoning interest in MedinCell from top tier US pharma and biotech institutional investors that has followed the commercial launch of UZEDY and the recognition of the first-in-class blockbuster potential of mdc-TJK, an olanzapine long-acting injectable also based on MedinCell's technology, currently in Phase 3."

"Led by discussions with top US biotech analysts and diligence, I am impressed by MedinCell's team, recent achievements, and the strong potential of its pipeline of next-evolution products developed to serve unmet medical needs," said Dr Kim. "MedinCell is among the most promising companies I have reviewed, and it is a great honor to work with the executive team at this critical inflection point."

Dr Kim has served senior executive roles at public and private companies including Chief Strategy Officer, Head of Investor Relations, and Chief Business Officer. She has also led two biopharma investor relations/corporate development advisories in Senior Vice President and Founder roles including Burns McClellan, the oldest biotech IR company in the U.S. Companies she has worked with include BeiGene, BioMarin, Cullinan Oncology, Aimmune (Nestle) and many other biotechs of diverse therapeutic areas, including CNS and oncology. Dr Kim earned a doctorate in pharmacology from the University of Florida with post-doc immunology and graduate studies at the University of Chicago. She was a science writer in her early career and advised on drug analysis via proprietary database. Dr Kim is published in Nature Clinical Oncology and holds an adjunct faculty position at Columbia University.

About MedinCell

MedinCell is a commercial-stage technology pharmaceutical company developing long-acting injectable drugs in many therapeutic areas. Our innovative treatments aim to guarantee compliance with medical prescriptions, to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of medicines, and to reduce their environmental footprint. They combine already known and used active ingredients with our proprietary BEPO technology which controls the delivery of a drug at a therapeutic level for several days, weeks or months from the subcutaneous or local injection of a simple deposit of a few millimeters, entirely bioresorbable. The first treatment based on BEPO technology, intended for the treatment of schizophrenia, was approved by the FDA in April 2023, and is now distributed in the United States by Teva under the name UZEDY (BEPO technology is licensed to Teva under the name SteadyTeq).

We collaborate with leading pharmaceutical companies and foundations to improve global health through new treatment options. Based in Montpellier, MedinCell currently employs more than 140 people representing more than 25 different nationalities.

UZEDY and SteadyTeq are trademarks of Teva Pharmaceuticals

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Company's 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/20230906422457/en/

Contacts:

David Heuze Head of Communications

david.heuze@medincell.com +33 (0)6 83 25 21 86

Media Relations

Nicolas Merigeau

medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

Investor Relations France

Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Alban Dufumier

medincell@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

US Financial IR Strategy

Grace Kim

grace.kim@medincell.com +1 (646) 991-4023
CALGARY, AB, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Peloton, a global leader in data management software solutions for the energy industry, is excited to announce that the Peloton Platform, a recognized Microsoft solution hosted on Microsoft Azure, is running from Microsoft's Australia East datacenter region located in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

As our clients in the Asia Pacific region continue their journey to the cloud, this infrastructure milestone empowers them with an unparalleled user experience, user interfaces, and enhanced system performance. Energy companies all around the world can leverage the Peloton Platform, providing a secure and scalable cloud-based environment enabling them to focus on optimizing their operations through data management and analysis.

The Peloton Platform provides an integrated single source of truth through the following solutions:

Well Data Lifecycle : Globally recognized data management solution that encompasses workflows from well planning through reclamation, including data acquisition and management of real-time fracturing data and analysis.

: Globally recognized data management solution that encompasses workflows from well planning through reclamation, including data acquisition and management of real-time fracturing data and analysis. Integrity and Reliability Data Management : Robust workflows that enable organizations to assess well failure related risks, and to operate more efficiently and profitably.

: Robust workflows that enable organizations to assess well failure related risks, and to operate more efficiently and profitably. Production and Operations Data Lifecycle: Powerful data management solutions to support production data capture, field operations, surveillance, hydrocarbon accounting, emissions, and regulatory reporting.

Powerful data management solutions to support production data capture, field operations, surveillance, hydrocarbon accounting, emissions, and regulatory reporting. Land Data Management: Modernized workflows for surface and mineral acquisition, payment and non-payment obligation tracking, ownership and chain-of-title history, owner relations, supporting contracts/agreements, document generation and reporting.

Modernized workflows for surface and mineral acquisition, payment and non-payment obligation tracking, ownership and chain-of-title history, owner relations, supporting contracts/agreements, document generation and reporting. Geospatial Mapping: Solution for enabling an all-encompassing view of products with full integration between Esri's ArcGIS Enterprise and the Peloton Platform. Powerful cross-functionality with all Peloton applications enables advanced spatial analysis.

"Significant scale is achieved by managing all of Peloton's solutions in one platform," said Duncan Knight, President, International Operations and Business Development. "By using both commercial integrations across our solutions and tailored integrations through the Platform web API/ETL, our clients are maximizing business and operational value from their data, while minimizing effort to gather and curate. The Peloton Platform enhances clients' operations through data management and analysis in a cost-effective and commercially secure environment."

About Peloton

Peloton's Platform is the world's energy data management solution, enabling digital transformation through mobility, automation, and data integration by providing fully integrated well data lifecycle, production data lifecycle and land data management solutions. With a 30-year history and a clear direction, over 600 energy customers worldwide rely on Peloton to equip their stakeholders with the tools and information necessary to manage, simplify and optimize their operations. For more information, visit https://www.peloton.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1924235/Peloton_NewGreyTagline_RGB_WEB_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-peloton-platform-is-now-in-the-microsoft-azure-sydney-data-centre-301919699.html
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / MetaMask is introducing its highly anticipated Community Support Program, offering community members the opportunity to become dedicated Community Support members and earn tokens through their valuable contributions. This exciting initiative aims to enrich the MetaMask ecosystem by tapping into the collective expertise of its passionate user base.



MetaMask Jobs



Applications for this program are exclusively available through the user-friendly platform metamaskjobs.io in the community section under "Resources." Interested individuals can sign up and showcase their commitment by answering a series of real test questions specifically designed to assess their forum moderation and community support skills.

It's important to note that this initiative is not a traditional paid job. Instead, it's a unique community role designed to empower users to actively contribute to the platform's forums and enhance overall quality control. Those selected will play a crucial role in maintaining a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all MetaMask users.

Community Support members will take on various responsibilities, including answering user inquiries, providing guidance, and ensuring that discussions remain constructive and on-topic. What makes this program even more appealing is the opportunity to earn tokens as a token of appreciation for their hard work. MetaMask has introduced a rewards system where members can accumulate tokens for their contributions, fostering a sense of community and incentivizing continued dedication.

MetaMask's Community Support Program reflects the platform's unwavering commitment to its users and its dedication to fostering a stronger sense of belonging and cooperation within its community. To apply and become a part of this exciting initiative, visit metamask.io and navigate to the community section under "Resources." There, you'll find the straightforward application process, including real test questions designed to assess your forum moderation and community support abilities.

Join the community support revolution today and earn tokens while making a meaningful impact on the MetaMask platform!

Contact Information:

Rauf Hasham

Marketing

ads@metamaskjobs.com

+17491938455

SOURCE: MetaMask Jobs

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781346/metamask-jobs-launches-community-support-program-earn-by-enhancing-forums
Abbey Labs Co-Founder & CEO Arvil Nagpal and Co-Founder & CTO Jeff Chao

In July, Abbey Labs, a San Francisco, CA-based identity and access management (IAM) company, raised $5.25m in seed funding. In conjunction with the announcement, we reached Co-Founder & CEO Arvil Nagpal, who replied to our questions about the company, the product they offer, the funding, business achievements, and future plans.

FinSMEs: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself? Whats your background?

I spent many years in identity working for Okta as a product lead. Jeff has been an infrastructure engineer at companies such as Netflix, Stripe, and Heroku. We started Abbey Labs to solve a problem that our customers faced, and that Jeff lived first-hand, namely, that engineers were spending far too much time on access management instead of their core responsibilities.

Jeff [Co-Founder & CTO Jeff Chao] and I came together because of our shared values and experiences. Were both from immigrant families and each of us grew up outside the Bay Area (Las Vegas and Boston). Were both family-oriented, love our dogs, and have a shared vision of building a successful and lasting company.

FinSMEs: What is the market problem you want to solve? What is the real opportunity?

We sit at the intersection of several multi-billion-dollar markets: access governance, privileged access management, and identity management. According to one estimate, these aggregate markets are poised to make up approximately $11 billion in annual spending.

Today, theres more data than ever. For engineers to do their jobs properly, they need the right access levels at the right time. Currently, access levels consist of a mingled set of IT tickets, wikis, slack messages that are all pieced together with little to no cohesion. Our approach at Abbey Labs is to enable companies to move quickly and securely. We believe that by empowering and creating better solutions for engineers we can solve this problem.

Engineers that are closest to the crown jewels  cloud and data infrastructure  that have been historically underserved in this market. We are addressing this problem with automation tooling.

FinSMEs: What are the features differentiating the product from competitors?

Were enabling engineers to automate how access is granted. By doing so, we reduce toil, and allow companies to be more secure and compliant.

Were not a SaaS tool that tries to institute control over an organizations technology. Rather, we are an enabler of access and are deeply embedded into the environments in which people work as well as their existing developer workflows and deployment pipelines.

FinSMEs: You just raised a new funding round. Please, tell us more about it.

Were fortunate to have a great team of investors behind us. Point72 Ventures led the seed round with participation from Haystack, Essence Ventures, as well as a tremendous group of angel investors across security, data, and infrastructure.

Our angel investors include Emilio Escobar, CISO at Datadog, Harold Gimenez, SVP of Engineering at Hashicorp, Pete Soderling, Founder of Data Council, Margaret Francis, former CPO at dbt labs, Savin Goyal, CTO of Outerbounds), Kamal Shah, former CEO of Stackrox,, Chip Huyen, CEO of Claypot AI, , Ryan Carlson, former CMO of Okta and Wiz, Jon Oberheide, founder of Duo, and many more.

FinSMEs: Can you share some numbers and achievements of the business?

We just announced our Seed fund raise of $5.25m, and weve worked with a small number of design partners on our private beta. We recently launched our public beta. In addition, we formed a partnership with Hashicorp focused on co-developing and co-marketing our platform to HashiCorps clients to extend their infrastructure as Code (IaC) capabilities and allowing security teams to automate and secure which employees can access sensitive data.

FinSMEs: What are your medium-term plans?

Our vision is to embed access automation into every developer pipeline. Were starting with Infrastructure as Code by building on Terraform, but this is just the start.

Think about access as having both positive and negative implications, with a perfect balance between people having access, and the business limiting access. Giving people more access reduces friction; its the principle of least resistance. Reducing access makes you more secure, but with more friction; its the principle of least privilege.

We believe that access should be autonomous; it should be self-healing. Based on data around who people are, their history, how they login, the strength of their 2FA factors, their location, and other variables, were able to define in real-time the ideal workflow for that access decision. The vast majority of requests are auto-approved but based on the risk of a given user and resource, additional steps can be taken, not just to allow for approvals, but to verify the user is who they say they are.

While the world is stuck in a workflow-driven process, this represents just the beginning for Abbey. Well support how the world works today, deploying Grant Kits for every company, every user, and every resource, as a means of collecting the rich data sets through which autonomous automation is built on.

FinSMEs

06/09/2023
Comminsignia, a Santa Clara, CA-based company focusing on providing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions, raised USD15M in Series B funding.

The round was led by PortfoLion Capital Partners, Inventure, Day One Capital and Inference Partners, together with Partech, Credo Ventures, and Karma Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to grow in new markets and geographies.

Led by CEO Szabolcs (Szabi) Patay, Commsignia leverages vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology that uses intelligent transport systems and advanced driver assistance systems with V2X software and hardware products and services to improve road safety and efficiency for all road users and enable value-added services in the vehicle industry. Its solutions allow road owners and operators to gain real-time traffic insights from connected sensors and cameras to protect a wide range of connected and nonconnected road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The company also enables automotive manufacturers, micromobility providers and bicycle manufacturers to deliver improved road safety and driving experience for their customers by joining the V2X ecosystem, which connects road users with each other and with roadside equipment to support them with information through sensor sharing and ensure safe and comfortable driving.

With a presence in automotive hubs in the US, Germany and South Korea, Commsignia is also a partner in research projects with automakers including for example Volkswagen, Audi of America and Ford. On the operator side, the company and its partners have covered hundreds of intersections across the United States, Europe and Asia with V2X, contributing to increasing road safety in cities and regions, like Las Vegas, Denver and broader Colorado, the Italian motorways, and highways in Czechia.

FinSMEs

05/09/2023
Ameesha Patel, who is basking in the glory of Sunny Deol starrer Gadar 2, hit headlines for another reason in the past. The actress, in an interview with ETimes previously, revealed how talking about her relationship with director and former lover Vikram Bhatt, affected her career negatively. Now, amid the success of Gadar 2, which became the fastest film to enter the Rs 500-crore club, an old interview of Bhatt has been doing rounds on social media.

Based on old reports, the Raaz director said something similar about his relationship with the Gadar star. According to that interview, Vikram Bhatt acknowledged being through tough times together. However, as time passed, their relationship turned sour.

Vikram Bhatt on Ameesha Patels failed projects

As per the conversation, Vikram Bhatt opened up about how both struggled professionally at the time they were together. While he directed one flop after another, Ameeshas films also did poorly at the time.

It was after they both broke off that Bhatts film 1920, starring Adah Sharma became a huge hit. It was followed by movies like Shaapit and Haunted while Ameesha Patel struggled. I have seen her struggle, he noted.

Not just this, he also acknowledged how seeing Ameesha lose her ground after 2-3 back-to-back hits was painful for him. While Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Humraaz did well, Kunal Kohlis Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic didnt perform as planned, leading to disappointment for the actress. But then she saw other girls taking her over. I also saw other directors coming and overtaking me. So, we both lived through difficult times. And so, I understand the pain of an actress who is losing her ground, he told ETimes.

Ameesha Patel on celebrity kids

Ameesha Patel has never shied away from talking about the fact that as a newcomer to the film industry, when only star kids like Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Tusshar Kapoor, Esha Deol among others marked their presence, films were snatched from under her nose.

She said that a lot of cutting her off from movies happened, which she couldnt make sense of back then. The actress also revealed that she had signed some films and blocked the dates, only to find out later that she is no longer part of them.

Ameesha Patel on work front

Ameesha Patel made her Bollywood debut with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai in 2000 opposite Hrithik Roshan. The films Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Humraaz, and some more hits gained her prominence as an actress.

After basking in Anil Sharmas Gadar 2 success, the actress will next appear in Mystery of the Tattoo.
New Delhi is all ready to host the crucial G20 Summit this weekend.

In a remarkable display of artistry and cultural significance, an enormous Nataraja statue is meticulously installed at Pragati Maidan.

The Lord Shiva Nataraja, also featured on the cover of Prime Minister Narendra Modis official handle on X (previously Twitter), reflects the central governments numerous initiatives for G20 leaders.

Describing the statue on Wednesday, the Indian leader said that it will stand as a testament to Indias age-old artistry and traditions.

Heres all we know about the statue.

Also read: G20 Summit: What Xi and Putins absence means for India

The Nataraja statue at G20

Taking to X, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi unveiled the statue and captioned it, The grand Bharat Mandapam, hosting the historic #G20Summit, showcases the awe-inspiring worlds tallest Nataraja statue, standing at an impressive 28 feet, symbolising the grandeur of this monumental event on Indian soil.

The grand Bharat Mandapam, hosting the historic #G20Summit, showcases the awe-inspiring worlds tallest Nataraja statue, standing at an impressive 28 feet, symbolising the grandeur of this monumental event on Indian soil. #G20India @g20org @G20_Bharat pic.twitter.com/ohgLX1yT9j  Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) September 5, 2023

The worlds tallest ashta-dhatu statue is truly one of its kind as it has been made using the traditional sculpting technique  the lost-wax casting method  of the Chola period, the chief sculptor Radhakrishna Sthapati told PTI on Tuesday.

The lost-wax casting method (madhuchisht vidhan) is used to make finely detailed single-piece sculptures, which means there are no welded parts in the Nataraja statue. The casting process follows canons and measurements as mentioned in Silpa Shastra, which have followed in the making of Nataraja since the Chola period, i.e. 9th century AD onwards.

The statue is made with eight metals namely; copper- 87 per cent, zinc- 10 per cent, lead- three per cent, tin- trace quantity, silver- trace quantity, gold- trace quantity, mercury- trace quantity, and iron as support.

The 27 feet of Shiva Nataraja, the Lord of dance, installed in front of Bharat Mandapam, at the time of the G20 Presidency, is the tallest bronze icon as of now. This Cosmic dance symbolises the Omnipresent Infinite permeating the sub atom too. This form of the Lord is a synthesis of Religion, Philosophy, Art, Craft and Science. The book Dance of Shiva by Ananda Coomaraswamy created ripples of thought in the world of atomic physics, sources told ANI.

The sources further mentioned that the statue was made in Tamil Nadu in a record time of seven months.

Also read: G20 Summit: How to travel in Delhi? Whats allowed and whats not?

Symbolic details

The Nataraja sculpture is an iconic representation of Lord Shiva, which holds immense artistic, religious and spiritual significance.

Lord Shivas dynamic dance posture in the statue is called tandava, which represents the omnipresent infinite that permeates the sub-atom as well. This representation of the Lord is a blend of philosophy, art, craft, and science.

According to Times Now, Natarajas figure features four hands that were thoughtfully designed with a purpose in mind. His cosmic stage is symbolised by the arch that surrounds the figure.

As it vibrates, the tiny drum in his uplifted right hand represents creation. It incorporates vibrational and particle theories, according to science. The mother of all languages, fourteen phonetic phrases, are claimed to have been produced by the sound of this tiny drum. As a matter of fact, there is the philosophy of Nada (sound) and Brahman (infinite God), i.e., the perpetual ultrasonic of Om, which serves as the soundtrack for cosmic activity. The dance of the lord is referred to as Nadanta Natanam.

Protection (Abhaya hasta) and well-being assurance are visible in the bottom right hand.

The fire in the raised left hand represents dissolution rather than destruction. It also pertains to the Hindu belief in the laws of Janma (reincarnation) and Karma (action) law. It symbolises the cycle of birth and death, to put it another way, according to the report.

With the fingers pointing to the lifted left foot on the right side, the lower left hand is stretched across the chest towards the right side and is called a Kari hasta in Sanskrit.

The weary spirits that have been freed from earthly bondage have finally found their way to this uplifted foot. It is, in other words, the ultimate haven (Moksha).

A demonic dwarf, who represents human depravity brought on by ignorance leading to ego, is seen being crushed by the right foot. As was already mentioned, the dancing lord is surrounded by an arch that represents all of creation, which is his theatre and in which he is dancing as each sub-atom, which is magnified as the five elements.

The five acts he does in his dance represent his five roles: creation (Shrishti), protection (Sthiti), illusion (Tirobhava), dissolution (Samhara), and liberation (Anugraha).

Another feature of Natarajas idol is a pair of linked invisible triangles that stand for Shiva and Shakti. This is the mixing of matter and energy, according to science. This is referred to as the Yantra (line diagram revered ritually).

Talking about the symbolism of the Nataraja sculpture, Sachchidanand Joshi, member secretary, of IGNCA told PTI they have tried to depict the traditional Indian thought process that everything that takes birth has to die and be reborn.

We relate Nataraja, a symbol of Lord Shiva, with cosmic energy and how it creates a balance in cosmic energy. Our shastras have explained this. Lord Shivas dance depicted in the Nataraja pose symbolises the cosmic cycle of creation, preservation and destruction, he said, adding that the Indian thought process has never been linear, but cyclic which has been depicted through the Nataraja sculpture.

Also read: G20 Summit: What is Sandes app that Delhi Police is using to avoid security breach?

Its journey from Tamil Nadu to Delhi

It took a special green corridor, support of administrative staff of several states en route, cheering crowds, and less than four days for the 27-foot tall Nataraja single-cast statue to leave Swamimalai in Tamil Nadus Thanjavur to reach the national capital, where it has been installed to welcome foreign delegates for the G20 Summit.

It took us nearly seven months to complete the statue. It would have taken only three months if we made each part separately and joined them through welding and other processes. But we wanted to follow the ancient Chola technique used by our forefathers, Radhakrishna, a qualified engineer in temple architecture, told the news agency.

According to India Today, due to the commitment of all artisans to the project, the firm producing the Nataraja statue did not accept any other orders during this time. The Nataraja statue was acquired on a Ministry of Culture directive in February.

The sculptor comes from a family of temple architects (called sthapati) who have been making statues using traditional techniques for the last 34 generations.

Radhakrishnas father, master sculptor Devasenapathy Sthapati, is known for making Chola bronze sculptures, including at Rajarajeshwari temple in Delhis Janakpuri.

It took more than 100 artists over the course of seven months, nearly 3.25 lakh man hours, to complete the different processes involved in the lost-wax casting method to create the hollow bronze statue which weighs around 18-20 tonnes.

The time of casting is like childbirth. We have to concentrate on the process like dealing with a pregnant woman. At the time of pouring the metal, the people of the state offer prayers to Lord Shiva. People came to Swamimalai to pray for the statue and wish for its safe journey to Delhi, Radhakrishna said.

Talking about transporting the statue from the small town of Swamimalai to Delhi, the Head of the Conservation Unit at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Achal Pandya said it took efforts of artists, civilians and administrative machinery of eight states.

A green corridor was created with two cars in the front and two in the back. Wherever we went, people met us with great respect, they helped us all along. We travelled through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi in three-and-a-half days. In every state, people of the NHAI, district magistrates and police commissioners supported our journey, Pandya said.

Also read: Rig Veda, Mona Lisa, and Magna Carta: The Culture Corridor on display at G20 summit

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a packed schedule this week. Just days before New Delhi hosts the G20 Summit over the weekend, he is set to fly off to Indonesia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India and East Asia summits scheduled for Thursday (7 September).

Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital Jakarta in the night today and will return to New Delhi late in the evening the next day. After this brief visit, the Indian leader will have his hands full with the G20 Summit which is scheduled for 9-10 September in Delhis Pragati Maidan.

Lets take a closer look at Modis busy schedule this week.

Short trip to Jakarta

Indonesia has rescheduled the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit for Thursday in view of PM Modis time constraint.

The Indonesian side was kind enough so as to advance both summits to earlier in the day on 7 September so that PM Modi could return to India on the same day, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar informed earlier, as per The Hindu.

This will be the first ASEAN-India Summit since the two sides upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

Indias leader will not hold any bilateral meetings during his brief visit to Jakarta.

According to Kumar, Modi will assess progress on strategic cooperation, military exercises, and connectivity, including physical, digital and people-to-people ties, as well as trade relations.

As per Indian Express, a new proposal to boost maritime security cooperation could be launched. Talks on future cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the situation in Myanmar could also come up as leaders of the 10-nation influential bloc and India meet.

Meanwhile, the MEA official did not confirm whether the recent controversy over China releasing a new standard map will be discussed. Beijing angered India, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam as its map laid claims to Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh and the South China Sea.

Besides Modi, the East Asian Summit will be attended by the leaders of the ASEAN bloc, United States vice president Kamala Harris, Chinese premier Li Qiang, and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

ALSO READ: Narendra Modi and the democratisation of G20: 3 key takeaways from PM interview with Moneycontrol

Bilaterals amid G20

Modi is set to hold bilateral talks with US president Joe Biden on 8 September (Friday) in Delhi, a day ahead of the G20 Summit.

According to Deccan Herald, civil nuclear cooperation between India and the US could be one of the agendas during the talks. Developing next-generation small modular reactor technologies, accelerating progress on the General Electric (GE) F-414 fighter jet engines deal, announcing an agreement on India procuring MQ-9B HALE UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and easing the US visa process for Indians could also be on the cards, reported Indian Express.

In Delhi, the US will focus on delivering for developing countries, making progress on key priorities for the American people from climate to technology, and showing our [its] commitment to the G20, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at a White House press briefing on Tuesday, as per The Hindu.

Modi may also host Biden to a dinner on Friday, depending on the US presidents arrival in New Delhi, noted Mint. This is Bidens first visit to India since becoming the US president. Modi had visited the US on a state visit in June this year.

The Indian leader will also meet Mauritian prime minister Pravind Jugnauth, his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and Comoros president Azali Assoumani  who is also the Chairperson of the African Union (AU)  on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

AU is likely to become the 21st member of the G20 during the Delhi summit.

On Sunday, Modi will hold a bilateral conversation with French president Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders may also partake in an afternoon lunch, as per the Mint report.

G20 Summit

This is the first time India is hosting the leaders of the G20 nations, comprising of 19 of the worlds wealthiest countries and the European Union.

Discussions on the impact of Russias invasion of Ukraine on the global economy are expected to dominate the talks. However, PM Modi will attempt to highlight the concerns of the Global South with a focus on Africa during the two-day gathering, as per the Mint report.

He will also promote green development and green objectives to tackle climate crisis in the future. He is expected to encourage the use of millet for global food security.

After wrapping up the G20 summit, Modi may hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 11 September. The Saudi Crown Prince, who is also the prime minister of his country, is travelling to India for the G20 meeting following which he will start his day-long state visit on Monday, reported Hindustan Times.

With inputs from agencies
Is India going to be renamed Bharat? The question has raised political temperatures in the country.

After dinner invites by Droupadi Murmu for world leaders coming for the G20 Summit referred to her as the President of Bharat, reports emerged that the Narendra Modi-led government may bring a resolution during the five-day Special Session of Parliament that begins on 18 September to rename the country. However, the Centre has said that the buzz around name change is a mere rumour.

But, what would it take to change Indias name to Bharat? What constitutional amendments would be required, and what do legal experts think? We take a closer look.

One name for the country

India, that is Bharat written in Article 1 of the Constitution is only descriptive and the two cannot be used interchangeably, constitutional expert P D T Achary said on Tuesday and underlined that any change in name from the Republic of India will require several amendments.

His remarks come after a G20 dinner invitation has triggered a massive debate over the name of the country with the Opposition alleging that the government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat.

Also Read: From India to Bharat: A brief history of the many names of the country

Asked about what it would take to bring about changes in the current position on the name of the country, former Lok Sabha secretary general Achary said, They will have to amend the Constitution. Article 1 (will have to be changed) and then there will be resultant changes in all the other articles.

Wherever India is used will have to go. You can have only one name for the country. There cannot be two names interchangeable, that will create a lot of confusion not only in India but outside also, he told PTI.

In the United Nations, Indias name is the Republic of India, and tomorrow if it has to be written as the Republic of Bharat then the Constitution has to be amended and communication has to be sent to all the relevant countries, saying that our name has been changed, he said.

That change has to be brought about by an amendment in the Constitution, otherwise Indias name is India only. India that is Bharat written in Article 1 is only descriptive, it is not that these two are interchangeable. It will be suicidal to use them interchangeably. There is only one name for one country, Achary explained.

Opposition legal eagles say

Legal experts from the Opposition feel a change in name is easier said than done.

The fact is that the terms Bharat and India can be used interchangeably, especially in view of the authorised Hindi version of the Indian Constitution, but the government cannot stipulate that everyone use only one name: either is permissible and usable interchangeably, senior Supreme Court advocate and Congress member Abhishek Singhvi told The Hindu.

An amendment would be required only if the government insisted on the use of any one term or wanted to remove a particular term, he added.

A new constitutional amendment law will be required if the government chooses to change the name. The bill must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and it must be ratified by the states. Article 368 authorises the amending of the Constitution by either a simple majority amendment or a special majority amendment.

According to Majid Memon, a lawyer-turned-politician, ratification would be difficult because a number of states currently have non-BJP governments, reports News 18.

P Wilson, a Rajya Sabha member of the DMK, told the publication, If they wish to drop the word India entirely, it would necessitate amendments to all the laws where the word India is present. Given the number of laws and sections involved, this will be a massive legislative exercise, similar to the IPC/CRPC/Evidence Act, which they have dubbed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill.

The change is possible but is it necessary, former Additional Solicitor-General and senior Supreme Court advocate Aman Lekhi asked when talking to The Hindu. He added that there are certain things that should be free of controversy and the name of the country should be highest on that list.

He said, the country was officially called the Republic of India, and the G-20 presidency was also known as the Indian Presidency.

Bharat is not new

According to government sources, Bharat already exists under the Indian Constitution. It specifies in Article 1(1), India, that is Bharat, will be a union of states, and this paves the path for incidents such as the President of India sending out G20 dinner invitations as President of Bharat.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan explained the move by claiming that the President merely prioritised Bharat among the two names mentioned in the Constitution.

This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. Bharat is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to Bharat. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset, Pradhan said, as per a News 18 report.

One view advanced by government officials is that the Presidents invitation just reflects the Presidents desire to use the word Bharat more frequently in governance. Because the name is already in the Constitution under Article 1, such usage would not necessitate constitutional revisions.

INDIA effect

The Opposition, on the other hand, claims that the administration is scared of the INDIA bloc, hence changing the countrys name to Bharat and dropping India entirely.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took to his microblogging website, X (formerly Twitter), to cite Article 1 in the Constitution and accused the government of assaulting the idea of a Union of State.

On Tuesday, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal asked a flustered BJP whether it would change the name of Bharat if the Opposition alliance INDIA renamed itself Bharat.

Why is this happening? It is being said that this is being done because we have formed an alliance named INDIA The country belongs to 140 crore people and not to one party. If INDIA alliance rechristens itself Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat also, Kejriwal said, reports Mint.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also questioned the need to suddenly use only Bharat while referring to India in an official communique.

With inputs from PTI
A heated debate has erupted in India after the Group of 20 (G20) invites for a dinner party referred to President Droupadi Murmu, as President of Bharat. This has triggered speculations about whether the Central government was mulling dropping India and only keeping Bharat.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is cheering the use of Bharat on the invites, the Opposition INDIA bloc has denounced the move. Amid the political row that started on Tuesday (5 September), Union minister Anurag Thakur dismissed the talks of renaming the country to Bharat as rumours, reported Indian Express.

The row further spiralled after BJPs Sambit Patra shared a picture of a note on the Prime Ministers visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit showed Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat.



Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated using Bharat instead of India.

However, this is not the first time that bids for calling the country Bharat have come to light. The matter has reached the Supreme Court at least thrice in recent years. Lets look at what happened when attempts were made to change Indias name before.

Tracing the history

The Constituent Assembly adopted the draft Article 1 of the Constitution on 18 September 1949.

Article 1 mentions: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.

But before this Article was adopted, there were several arguments among the framers of the Constitution over the name of the country.

As per Indian Express, Hari Vishnu Kamath, a member of the Forward Bloc, had moved an amendment to the first article calling for the use of a much happier expression that Bharat, or, in the English language, India, shall, be and such.

Seth Govind Das, representing the Central Provinces and Berar, suggested: Bharat known as India also in foreign countries. Hargovind Pant, representing the hill districts of the United Provinces, claimed that the people of Northern India wanted Bharatvarsha and nothing else, noted the English daily.

However, all these proposals were turned down by the drafting committee formed under the chairmanship of BR Ambedkar.

Besides Article 1, the Constitution, originally drafted in English, does not mention Bharat in other provisions.

Other attempts

The contention over the name of the country has come up several times even after Indias Constitution was drafted.

In 2004, the then Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav moved a resolution in the state Assembly that proposed amending the Constitution to say Bharat, that is India, instead of India, that is Bharat. This resolution was unanimously adopted after the Opposition BJP staged a walkout before it was passed, reported Indian Express.

According to Times of India (TOI), Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP) had said in its manifesto before the 2004 Lok Sabha elections that India should become Bharat.

A retired IAS member and journalist V Sundaram propagated the use of Bharat in place of India in an article in 2005.

Congress Shantaram Naik moved a bill in Rajya Sabha in 2012 on similar lines. India denotes a territorial concept, whereas Bharat signifies much more than the mere territories of India. When we praise our country we say, Bharat Mata Ki Jai and not India ki Jai, he said at the time, as per Indian Express.

ALSO READ: Will India become Bharat? A look at other countries that changed their names and why

What has the Supreme Court said?

The Narendra Modi-led Central government rejected the need for renaming the country in 2015. In its response to the Supreme Court on a PIL that sought the name change, the Centre said that there was no change in circumstances since the Constituent Assembly debated the issue to warrant a review, as per the Indian Express report.

The affidavit by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) pointed out that the Constituent Assembly broadly discussed the issues regarding the countrys name while drafting the Constitution and clauses in Article 1 were adopted unanimously.

It also noted that the term Bharat was not a part of the original draft of the Constitution. It was during the debates that the Constituent Assembly took into consideration different names such as Bharat, Bharatbhumi, Bharatvarsh, India that is Bharat, and Bharat that is India, the newspaper report added citing the Centres response to the apex court at the time.

The apex court then refused to entertain the plea.

In 2016, the matter of Indias renaming again reached the top court. A PIL was filed by Niranjan Bhatwal from Maharashtra seeking to use Bharat instead of India for all purposes.

The then Chief Justice of India (CJI) TS Thakur told Bhatwal that it was his choice to call the country India or Bharat, adding that no authority, state, or court had the power to tell the citizens what to call their own country.

Bharat or India? If you want to call it Bharat, go right ahead. Someone wants to call it India, let him call it India, a bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice UU Lalit, both retired now, told the petitioner, as per news agency PTI.

Dismissing the PIL, the apex court said will not interfere.

In June 2020, a similar PIL came before CJI SA Bobde. The petitioner, a Delhi-based businessman, sought to remove India from Article 1, arguing that there should be uniformity about the countrys name.

The removal of the English name though appears symbolic, will instill a sense of pride in our own nationality, especially for the future generations to come. Infact, the word India being replaced with Bharat would justify the hard fought freedom by our ancestors, the plea argued, noted Economic Times (ET).

The petitioner claimed there was a strong wave in favour of renaming the country to Bharat or Hindustan.

Chief Justice Bobde responded by saying: Bharat and India are both names given in the Constitution. India is already called Bharat in the Constitution.

Although he dismissed the petition, the then CJI recommended transforming the plea into a representation and forwarding it to the Centre, particularly the MHA, noted The Hindu.

With inputs from agencies
Humanity nearly went extinct around 900,000 years ago.

Scientists say that the population capable of reproduction at the time declined to just around 1,300.

Even more shocking, their population remained at that minuscule number for nearly 120,000 years.

So, what happened? And how did humanity rebound?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the study?

The study was published in the peer-reviewed academic journal Science on 31 August, as per CNN.

The results are derived from a computer model developed by scientists in the US, China and Italy.

As per France24, the study relied on genetic data from 3,154 human genomes from 50 population groups across the globe.

Fabio Di Vincenzo, an anthropologist at the University of Florence and Giorgio Manzi, a palaeontologist at the Sapienza University of Rome  two of the studys coauthors, said their computer model is named FitCoal.

Calling it entirely innovative, they claim it is 95 per cent accurate.

We need to look at the genetic diversity present in the populations among whom the ancestors of the selected individuals lived. The lower the genetic diversity, the smaller the population, French National Museum of Natural History senior lecturer and anthropologist Celine Bon told the website.

What happened back then and why?

The study said data showed that humanity suffered a population bottleneck 930,000 years ago, as per France24.

The period, which lasted for 117,000 years, reduced the number of individuals that could reproduce from around 100,000 to just 1,280.

As per CNN, the study estimates that 98.7 per cent of humanity died out during that period.

Researchers arent sure exactly why this happened but contend that the declining numbers correlate with a gap in the fossil record.

Haipeng Li, a population geneticist at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, and co-author of the study, said the discovery of this bottleneck may explain the chronological gap.

Researchers also say these stark developments  which could have spelled the end of humanity  coincided with what is called the mid-Pleistocene transition.

This is thought to be a time of pronounced climate change when glacial periods became lengthier and far stronger  resulting in temperatures plummeting and climatic conditions turning extremely dry.

Yi-Hsuan Pan, an evolutionary and functional genomicist at East China Normal University, and the senior author of the study was quoted as saying by CNN, The novel finding opens a new field in human evolution because it evokes many questions, such as the places where these individuals lived, how they overcame the catastrophic climate changes, and whether natural selection during the bottleneck has accelerated the evolution of human brain.

Our ancestors experienced such a severe population bottleneck for a really long time that they faced a high risk of extinction, study co-lead author Wangjie Hu of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City told Live Science.

These findings are just the start, study co-author and Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health theoretical population geneticist and computational biologist LI Haipeng said in a statement as per Popular Science. Future goals with this knowledge aim to paint a more complete picture of human evolution during this Early to Middle Pleistocene transition period, which will in turn continue to unravel the mystery that is early human ancestry and evolution.

Provocative but

Nick Ashton, curator of the Paleolithic collections at the British Museum, and Chris Stringer, research leader in human evolution at the Natural History Museum in London, told CNN the study was provocative.

They said it brought the vulnerability of early human populations into focus.

The estimated population size for our ancestral lineage is tiny, and certainly would have brought them near to extinction, Stringer told Live Science.

However, they arent convinced that the situation was indeed calamitous.

They pointed out that the fossil record shows that Homo Sapiens lived in and outside Africa during that period.

Whatever caused the proposed bottleneck may have been limited in its effects on human populations outside the Homo sapiens lineage or its effects were short-lived, they told CNN.

The proposed bottleneck needs to be tested against human and archaeological evidence, they added.

Bon also pointed out to France24 that the study only counted the individuals capable of reproduction and not for example children and the elderly.

French National Museum of Natural History research director and palaeontologist Antoine Balzeau told pointed out that such genetic tracing excludes all human groups that may have lived at that time but are not our direct ancestors.

University of Wisconsin-Madison population geneticist Aaron Ragsdale told Smithsonian Magazine, I think its a bit of a stretch to conclude from these results that human ancestral populations were on the verge of extinction.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said ASEAN is the central point of Indias Act East Policy. Attending the 20th ASEAN-India Summit in Indonesias Jakarta today (7 September), the Indian leader said, Our history and geography unite India and ASEAN. Along with it, our shared values, regional integration, and our shared belief in peace, prosperity and multipolar world also unites us.

This years theme is ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. ASEAN matters because here everyones voice is heard & ASEAN is epicenter of growth because ASEAN plays an important role in global growth, Modi was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times (HT).

Later today, PM Modi will attend the East Asia Summit (EAS). He will then fly back to Delhi as India hosts the G20 Summit this weekend.

If you want to sound like an ASEAN expert, we have all the information for you.

What is ASEAN?

ASEAN, formally known as The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is an organisation bringing together 10 Southeast Asian nations to address economic and security issues. It has 10 member nations  Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam  that boasts of a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $3.2 trillion.

It was formed in 1967 when the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand met during the polarised atmosphere of the Cold War. The alliance aimed to promote stability in the region. In subsequent years, the bloc added Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

According to the World Economic Forum website, regional cooperation was further extended with the creation of the ASEAN Plus Three forum in 1997, which included China, South Korea and Japan. And then the East Asia Summit, which began taking place in 2005 and has expanded to include India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

The main objective of ASEAN countries today is to promote collaboration and cooperation among member states, as well as to advance the interests of the region as a whole, including economic and trade growth. Over the years, ASEAN has negotiated a free trade agreement with China as well as eased travel in the region for citizens of member countries.

Whats Indias link with ASEAN?

While India is not a member country of ASEAN, it has ties with the bloc; from being Regional Dialogue Partners in 1992 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 propelled by PM Modis Act East policy. In 2018, ASEAN leaders were also the chief guests at Indias Republic Day parade.

India has also signed a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in 2010.

Notably, India also had individual ties with the member countries, making it a strong player amid the grouping.

Whos coming for this ASEAN summit?

Indonesias Jakarta is hosting the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) on 6-7 September. PM Modi was invited to the meet by President Joko Widodo.

Along with Modi, South Koreas president Yoon Suk Yeol has confirmed that he will be attending the ASEAN summits, second year in a row, underscoring the importance his government places on the bloc.

While PM Modi will attend the meet, Chinas Xi Jinping, who has decided to snub the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi, is also opting out of the ASEAN meeting. Chinese foreign ministry announced earlier that Premier Li Qiang would instead attend the meeting. At the invitation of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair, Chinese premier Li Qiang will attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit to be held in Jakarta, and pay an official visit to Indonesia from 5 to 8 September, state-run Global Times quoted the Chinese foreign ministry as saying.

Earlier, it had been reported that Modi would hold talks with Chinas leadership on the margins of the meetings.

Another big name that is opting out of the summits is US president Joe Biden. The White House has announced that Vice President Kamala Harris would attend in his stead.

Marty Natalegawa, a respected former foreign minister of Indonesia, has expressed disappointment over Bidens absence, but said that such incidents were more alarmingly emblematic of ASEANs declining relevance. The absence of the US president, while it is disappointing and symbolically significant, is for me the least of the worry because whats more worrisome actually is the more fundamental structural tendency for ASEAN to become less and less prominent, Natalegawa told The Associated Press in an interview.

Whats on the table at ASEAN?

Leaders gathering at the summit will have one primary concern that they wish to address  China and its growing influence in the region.

The eyes of our peoples are on us to prove ASEAN still matters and can contribute towards peace, stability and prosperity in the region, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said on Monday.

Chinas latest map adventures  claiming territories of their own in their recently-released standard map has upset some member nations as well as India. Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have dismissed Chinas map claims.

Chinas movement and growing presence in the South China Sea is also bound to be discussed extensively. Earlier on 5 August, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocked and shot water cannon at a Philippine navy-chartered supply boat in the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. Vietnamese fishermen have also complained that a Chinese vessel attacked their fishing boat with a high-pressure water cannon in the South China Sea on 28 August, injuring two of them.

Another hot topic that will garner attention at the summit is the situation in Myanmar following the 2021 coup. News agency AFP reports that theres been no consensus on the issue. While Indonesia advocates for Myanmars junta to adhere to a previously agreed plan to halt violence and resume talks, these pushes have seen no results due to the juntas non-cooperation.

Additionally, Thailands separate engagement with the junta has further divided the ASEAN.

It is expected that PM Modi will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. Theres also talks to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which was signed in 2009. The Print has also reported that digitisation of trade procedures and addressing non-tariff barriers like Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures  which are applied to protect human, animal or plant life  are likely to be on the table as well.

With inputs from agencies
Its probably the most asked question in India right now. Is the country changing its name to Bharat? The Narendra Modi-led government has rejected speculative media reports of a possible name change. However, Bharat has quickly replaced the traditional nomenclature in some government communication.

After President, now Prime Minister of Bharat

It all started with President Droupadi Murmus G20 dinner invitations to world leaders. The invites to heads of state for a 9 September dinner in Delhi went from the President of Bharat instead of the President of India for the first time.

This is a significant change as India prepares to host US president Joe Biden, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and other top leaders from across the world for the G20 leadership summit.

However, the shift in nomenclature is not restricted to the G20 invites alone. On the international stage, the government seems to be making its intention clear.

Also read: From India to Bharat: A brief history of the many names of the country

Now another document refers to Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of Bharat. A note on the leaders visit to Indonesia on Wednesday and Thursday for the 20th ASEAN-INDIA Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit refers to him as the Prime Minister of Bharat.

The Prime Minister Of Bharat pic.twitter.com/lHozUHSoC4  Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 5, 2023

The note was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra with a tweet, The Prime Minister Of Bharat.

In August, PM Modi attended the BRICS Summit in South Africa and then visited Greece. The government notification for visits to both countries referred to him as Prime Minister of Bharat, reports India Today.

Also read: India vs Bharat: How attempts to change country's name in the past failed

Bharat on other G20 ID cards, booklets

The word Bharat seems to be everywhere. The identity cards of Indian officials attending the G20 Summit will now read Bharat official.

The name has also been used in a G20 booklet handed out to foreign delegates. The document titled Bharat: The Mother of Democracy highlights Indias rich democracy and its ethos.

Released on Tuesday, the 40-page booklet will be handed over to dignitaries at the summit. It talks about old scriptures and the four Vedas and mentions how epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata incorporated democratic elements.

The government says

The increasing use of Bharat has only added fuel to the rumours that the government has called a special session of Parliament from 18 September to 22 September to initiate a name change.

But Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Arunag Thakur has rejected the rumours as speculation. I think these are just rumours which are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset, he told The Indian Express.

I am a Minister in the Bharat Sarkar. There is nothing new in it. G20-2023 (branding, logo) will have both Bharat and India written. So why this objection to the name Bharat, he asked, reacting to criticism from the Opposition over the use of the Hindi name for official communication.

Defending the Centre, External Affairs Minister S Jaishakar said in an interview with ANI that the word Bharat is mentioned in the Constitution.

India, that is Bharat, is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar to the news agency.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on the row over invitation cards to the G20 Summit, mentioning 'Bharat', India/Bharat debate "India, that is Bharat - it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read it...When you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an pic.twitter.com/5tg6QTK86c  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

When asked if the government intended to rebrand India as Bharat, Jaishankar told ANI, Look, when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well.

Article 1 of the Constitution

The Constitution of India came into effect in 1951. Article 1 of the Constitution states, India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. This means the Constitution recognises both India and Bharat as official names for the country.

This was reiterated in 2020 by the then-Chief Justice of India BA Bobde. Bharat and India are both names given in the Constitution. India is already called Bharat in the Constitution, he said when the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea asking for a name change from India to Bharat.

The Oppositions criticism

After the G20 invite created a buzz, Congress criticised the changes saying the Union of States is under assault.

Reacting to the note shared by Patra, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote on X, Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA.

Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA  pic.twitter.com/AbT1Ax8wrO  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal echoed similar views, questioning what the Centre would do if the Opposition alliance renamed itself Bharat.

Just because many opposition parties have formed an alliance and called it INDIA, will the Centre change the name of the country? The country belongs to 140 crore people, not to one party. If the name of the alliance is changed to Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat to BJP, the AAP chief asked on Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies
Over the years, tensions have increased between the United States and China over a variety of issues, including trade, tariffs, technological competition, and allegations of espionage.

Most recently, Beijing has ordered officials at central government agencies to not use Apples iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, according to the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday.

This ban, in Apples biggest markets, comes ahead of a mega event next week that analysts believe will be about launching a new line of iPhones and could trigger concern among foreign companies operating in the country.

Also read: Ready For the World: Apples factory has started shipping iPhone 15 Ultras from factories in China

The reason for the ban

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions with the US, Chinese ministries have asked staff against using the California-designed iPhone at the office due to national security dangers.

The orders, according to South China Morning Post, were given in August to officials at ministries focusing on commerce, investment, and international affairs, the Chinese outlet cited five different sources as saying.

According to its sources, it is believed that the measures were intended to reduce any potential threats to national security posed by American-made telecommunications equipment.

For some government entities, its thought that a similar ban has been in effect for years; nevertheless, the most recent directive has expanded that ban.

Notably, China is one of Apples biggest markets and generates nearly one-fifth of its revenue.

According to the report, employees in those ministries have till the end of this month to change their work phones to another brand. Not all ministries had phone usage limitations in place.

According to the WSJ, the restriction solely affects iPhones and does not apply to any other foreign-branded cell phones.

The latest restriction by China mirrors similar bans taken in the United States against Chinese smartphone maker Huawei Technologies (HWT.UL) and short video platform TikTok, owned by Chinas ByteDance.

Also read: Big Beijing Steps In: How Chinese brands are replacing iPhones and Audis in Russias sanction-hit economy

Not the first time

Beijing has previously imposed limitations on the use of foreign technology due to national security worries and suspicion.

Despite Teslas repeated denials that its cars are used for espionage, Beijing prohibited the US electric automaker from visiting military installations and government buildings two years ago, citing spying concerns.

Tesla is still banned, according to SCMP.

Chinas concerns over national security

China has been attempting to lessen its reliance on foreign technologies for more than ten years, urging state-affiliated businesses like banks to switch to indigenous software and encouraging domestic chip manufacturing.

The report suggests Beijing stepped up this drive in 2020 as its concern over data security increased. Its officials then advocated a growth model known as dual circulation to lessen reliance on foreign markets and technologies.

China raised the stakes in the race to achieve technological self-reliance in May amid tensions with the United States by urging large state-owned companies (SOEs) to play a crucial role in it.

The Xi Jinping-led nation has also beefed up legislative structures to support national security, including efforts to create rules to guarantee that data gathered in China stays on Chinese soil.

A new anti-espionage law in China went into force in July, outlawing unauthorised cyberattacks against the government to obtain data and information related to national security and interests.

In order to keep access to Chinas sizable consumer market, foreign businesses were forced to comply with Chinas 2017 Cybersecurity Law, which mandates that they store customers data within the country. Since 2018, an Apple data centre in the Guizhou region of Chinas southwest has housed the data of Chinese consumers.

Chen Yixin, Chinas state security minister, urged for greater steps to proactively defend against spies in July, citing concerns about an unstable global environment, in order to improve national security and the partys leadership.

Also read: Taking a Big Bite: Why Apples first store in India is a big deal

Tensions between the US and China

According to Reuters, the tensions between the two largest economies in the world have been high as the Joe Biden administration works with allies to block Chinas access to vital equipment needed to keep its chip industry competitive.

Beijing restricts shipments from prominent US firms including planemaker Boeing (BA.N) and chip company Micron Technology (MU.O).

During a visit to China last week, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said US companies had complained to her that China had become uninvestible, pointing to fines, raids and other actions that have made it risky to do business.

With inputs from agencies
Is Digene gel unsafe?

Batches of the popular antacid used to soothe acidity have been recalled in India by drugmaker Abbott India after a complaint of a bitter taste and pungent odour.

This comes after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) issued an advisory against using the product manufactured at a particular plant.

Digene gel is used to provide relief from acidity.

So, what happened? And is Digene unsafe?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

The DCGI has issued an advisory recommending that consumers and patients not consume Digene Gel manufactured at Abbott Indias Goa plant.

The DCGI has issued the advisory on the basis of a complaint filed on 9 August.

The plaint alleges that one bottle of Digene Gel mint flavour tasted normal and was pink in colour while another bottle from the same batch had a bitter taste and pungent odour and was white in colour.

As per News18, the DGCI, in its letter, stated, On 9th August 2023, one bottle of Digene Gel Mint flavour used by the customer is of regular taste (sweet) and light pink colour whereas another bottle of same batch observed it was of white colour with bitter taste and pungent odour as per complaint (sic).

The Times of India reported that the DGCI cautioned that all flavours  mint, orange and mixed fruits  within shelf life and manufactured at this plant should not be consumed.

The DGCI in its letter warned that use of the product manufactured at this plant may result in an adverse reaction.

Healthcare professionals should promptly report any suspicious cases of adverse events linked to this product, the DGCI wrote in its letter.

The DGCI has further directed retailers and wholesalers to remove the product manufactured at Abbots Goa plant from shelves and distribution.

The DCGI also directed states/Union Territories Drugs Controllers to keep a strict vigil on the movement, sale, distribution, stock of the drug products in the market, draw samples of the product lying in the market and initiate necessary action as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

Initiated recall voluntarily over isolated complaint

Abbott India in its letter to DCGI dated 11 August said it had voluntarily recalled the impugned product and also stopped production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility.

Abbott India told News18 the voluntary recall has been given the go-ahead following isolated customer complaint on taste and odour.

Abbott in India has voluntarily recalled Digene Gel antacid medicine manufactured at our Goa site due to isolated customer complaints on taste and odour, an Abbott spokesperson told News18.

There have been no reports of patient health concerns. Other forms of Digene, such as tablets and stick packs are not impacted and Digene gel manufactured at our other production site is not affected and continues to be available in sufficient quantities to meet current demand.

As per Moneycontrol, Digene gel manufactured at other facilities has not been impacted.

With inputs from agencies
The speculation about whether the Centre will change Indias name to Bharat continues  as so does the debate.

The Centre has called for a special session of Parliament from 18 to 22 September  just days after the conclusion of the G20 Summit in the National Capital with several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden set to attend  with no word on the agenda.

On Tuesday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor pointed out that Pakistans founder Muhammed Ali Jinnah had objected to the name India.

Tharoor said he did so as it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state.

While the subject is live, lets recall that it was Jinnah who objected to the name India since it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state. As with CAA, the BJP govt keeps supporting Jinnahs view! Tharoor said.

But why was Jinnah opposed to the name India?

Lets take a closer look:

As per Indian Express, Jinnah in a letter to Lord Mountbatten, claimed that the name India was misleading and intended to create confusion.

Indian Express quoted Martin Lau, professor of South Asian law at SOAS, as writing so in his paper Islam and the Constitutional Foundations of Pakistan.

It is a pity that for some mysterious reason Hindustan have adopted the word India which is certainly misleading and is intended to create confusion, Jinnah wrote, as per Scroll.

Jinnah feared that Pakistan would be seen as lesser than India and his position on the term derived from such fears.

The use of the word implied a subcontinental primacy which Pakistan would never accept, historian John Keay was quoted as writing by the outlet.

Keay also wrote that Jinnah wanted India to be named Hindustan to add heft to the argument that Partition was done on religious lines.

However, Lau wrote, The provisions of the Indian Independence Act did not make Pakistan an Islamic state  nor did the Indian Independence Act of 1947 make India a Hindu Raj.

Keay wrote that what convinced Jinnah neither side would use the name India emmed from its historical currency amongst outsiders, especially outsiders who had designs on the place.

Jinnah further felt the name India had attached to it the historical legacy of being an object of conquest.

This, he felt, would deter Nehru from using the name India.

He [Jinnah] was under the impression that neither state (India or Pakistan) would want to adopt the British title of India. He only discovered his mistake after Lord Mountbatten, the last British viceroy, had already acceded to Nehrus demand that his state remain India. Jinnah, according to Mountbatten, was absolutely furious when he found out, Keay further wrote, as per Indian Express.

As per Scroll, some experts even say Jinnahs protest demonstrates that he wanted a loose confederacy rather than a full-fledged Partition of states.

The outlet quoted historian Ayesha Jalal as writing that this was a commentary perhaps that Jinnah never quite abandoned his strategy of bringing about an eventual union of India on the basis of Pakistan and Hindustan.

Incalculable brand value

Tharoor, reacting to G20 dinner invites being sent out in the name of President of Bharat, earlier said that while there can be no constitutional objection to calling India Bharat, he hopes the government will not be so foolish to completely dispense with India, which has incalculable brand value.

We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world, he said.

Tharoor on Wednesday took a swipe at the government over the India-Bharat naming row, saying the opposition bloc could call itself the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT) and then perhaps the ruling party might stop the fatuous game of changing names.

His remarks came after invitations for a G20 dinner sent out by President Droupadi Murmu, describing her position as President of Bharat instead of the customary President of India, triggered a massive furore on Tuesday with the opposition alleging that the Modi government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the countrys name.

In a post on X, Tharoor said, We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names.

The Congress is a constituent of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).The G20 Summit will be held in the national capital from September 9 to 10 under Indias presidency and several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden, are set to attend the event.

With inputs from agencies
A distressing incident came to light from Darjeeling, West Bengal, where a 68-year-old man was accused raping a minor girl multiple times over a period exceeding a month, as confirmed by local authorities.

The accused is reported to have, following each sexual assault, given the victim with a sum of Rs10 and issued threats of dire consequences if she dared to disclose these horrific experiences to anyone.

The young girls harrowing ordeal came to public attention on Monday, when she, a 5th-grade student, bravely recounted the traumatic events to her mother. In response, her mother promptly reported the matter to the local police and filed a formal complaint.

As per the First Information Report (FIR), the heinous acts transpired while the girl was alone in her residence. The accused, a resident of the area, allegedly compelled her into silence by offering Rs10 after each assault and menacing her with the possibility of strangulation if she were to disclose these crimes to others. A police officer quoted by PTI shared this information.

Subsequent to the mothers complaint and the victims statement, a case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and law enforcement has taken the accused into custody. In the interim, the young girl has been subjected to a medical examination at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, with ongoing investigations in progress.

In a separate incident occurring earlier in July, a 16-year-old girl in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, reportedly suffered repeated sexual assault at the hands of a 60-year-old man, who happened to be her neighbor. An FIR was lodged following a complaint by the girls family, leading to the arrest of the accused by the police. It was further alleged that the accuseds son had previously been arrested for the rape of a minor several years ago.
Refuting claims that New Delhi is leaning more towards Washington lately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that G20 is not the arena for power politics.

Jaishankar said that today India is identified as a democratic, pluralistic and developing country.

In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar said, I think a lot of countries identify with India as a developing country. A lot of countries identify India as a democracy. Many identify with India saying Okay, its a pluralistic country. We see many institutional cultural similarities, so different people in the world identify with us. G20 is not the arena for power politics.

Diplomacy and international relations is a very competitive exercise. But even in diplomacy, there are occasions when you are competitive there. Occasions when you are cooperative. G20 is very much a collaborative forum, Jaishankar said.

The EAM said that in G20, even countries who differ profoundly on many issues, find something that can bring them together.

It is even countries who differ profoundly on many other issues, but their history, if you look at it in G20 is to find something which brings them together. So we are trying to develop an agenda that if you look at resources for green development. For example, if you look at dealing with sustainable growth, if youre looking at plastics, if youre looking at bio-fuels, if youre looking at educational access at nutrition. These should not be and I dont think these are political issues. So what Indias strategic calculations and adjustments may be, I think its a different subject.

Speaking on the upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, Jaishankar said that both countries would look forward to building up on the basis of a very strong State visit of PM Modi to the US.

We have had a very strong state visit by the Prime Minister to the United States, strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. So my understanding is right now, both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working that through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year. So I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock, he said.

#WATCH | When asked what on the bilateral level is going to be on the table & what could be on the agenda during President Bidens visit, EAM Dr S Jaishnkar says, Well, we have had a very strong state visit by Prime Minister Modi to the United States. Strong in terms of the pic.twitter.com/4NwrdZ9Aoc  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

Additionally, Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Indias changed attitude at international fora, a reason for India finding its place at the high table of diplomacy.

He said, It is a different world, a different India. It is a different Prime Minister. It is a different government. And that is why you have all that you havent seen in the past.

Speaking on India taking up the voice of the Global South to G20, the minister said that no other presidency had aimed at getting developing countries together.

No other G-20 presidency has tried to get together developing countries who are not on the table and sayplease come, sit with us, tell us what are your concerns. And we will distil those concerns and place them before the G-20. That is a unique exercise, the foreign affairs minister said.

Jaishankar said that India has a special responsibility in this changing world scenario.

I see it more for India as a responsibility, that we have the responsibility today in a very difficult world. How do you bring people together? How do you make everybody understand that we all have a bigger responsibility and therefore please, can we kind of get our act together here and do what is right by the world, he said.

#WATCH | On the G20 Summit, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says Today the expectations of the world are very high in terms of what the G20 is able to produce, and produce in terms of meeting the challenges of the worldThe world is waiting. Today, I see it more for India as a pic.twitter.com/tje2AtXgeC  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

The External Affairs minister said he hoped that the G20 nations would understand their responsibilities to other countries.

India has a reputation of being a constructive player. Someone who bridges, divides, who kind of somewhere helps to fix problems. I am confident that every one of the G20 coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear. That the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them, he said.

#WATCH | When asked if the Global South countries see India as a credible voice, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar says, There have been G20 Summits before, no other G20 presidency has made an effort to get together the developing countries who are not on the table and sayplease come, sit pic.twitter.com/mFByy1Tuhw  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

The minister said that the participation of every citizen of the country in some way in the summit was assuring.

One of the big pluses of the G20 is really how much more interested the people of India, especially the young people of India have got foreign policy and they need it because look, this is a globalized era, he said.

Asked about the possibility of the G20 summit being overshadowed by the presence of the American President, the minister assured that everything would go smoothly.

We are India. We know how to handle the world. Believe me, especially in the last ten years we have shown how we can handle the world, Jaishankar said.

With inputs from ANI
Delhi Metro services will start from 4 am from terminal stations on all lines from 8 to 10 September, 2023. The decision has been taken by DMRC for the convenience of commuters during the crucial G20 Summit.

In a notification released on Wednesday, DMRC said the decision to begin Delhi metro services early has been taken to facilitate the general public, police personnel and staff from other assisting agencies deployed to maintain security, law and order, traffic arrangements etc. for the upcoming G20 Summit to be held in Delhi on 9 and 10 September, 2023.

The (metro) trains will run with a frequency of 30 minutes on all the Lines till 06:00 AM. After 06:00 AM, Metro trains will run as per the normal timetable throughout the day on all Lines, the notification read.

Delhi metro stations closed for general public for G20

There has been a lot of doubt among travellers as to which metro stations would be closed during the G20 Summit in the national capital. The DMRC said, All metro stations will remain open for the general public during this period (8th to 10th September) except Supreme Court Metro Station where no boarding/deboarding of passengers will be allowed on 9 and 10 September, 2023, due to security constraints.

Entry/exit at some Delhi metro stations may be regulated

The DMRC further said there might be a possibility that entry/exit at some stations may be regulated for a brief period in New Delhi district as and when directed by the security agencies on 9 and 10 September to facilitate the movement of VVIP delegations.

Delhi Metro parking during G20 Summit

DMRC said parking at all Delhi Metro stations will continue to remain available as usual except three Metro stations falling in New Delhi district  Supreme Court, Patel Chowk and Rama Krishna Ashram Marg.

Parking at these three stations will remain closed from 4 am of 8 September, 2023, till midnight of 11 September.

Delhi Metros appeal to passengers

The Delhi Metro has appealed to its passengers to extend all possible cooperation in smooth running of the Metro services and follow the instructions of station staff and guidelines issued by the authorities from time to time without falling prey to rumors.
A thousand police personnel have been deployed for the security of delegates arriving for the G20 Summit at the Hindon Airport in Uttar Pradesh, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Police personnel will also be deployed on rooftops of high-rise buildings adjoining the airport and residents of nearby villages have been asked to avoid terraces during the movement of delegates, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Trans Hindon) Shubham Patel told PTI.

He added that personnel have also been deployed on rooftops in these areas. A thousand personnel from the civil and the traffic police have been deployed to look after the security of foreign delegates from the airport to the border with Delhi.

No heavy vehicles will be permitted to enter Delhi from Thursday evening. This plan will remain in force till the end of the G20 Summit, Patel added.

Light motor vehicles will not be allowed to ply towards Delhi during the movement of the delegates from Ghaziabad to Delhi. All heavy vehicles will move towards Delhi via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and National Highway 9, he said.

In emergency cases, commuters may seek the help of traffic police personnel. Notices have been served to locals not to flout orders, Patel added.

The G20 Leaders Summit will be held on September 9-10. The summit is likely to be attended by more than 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said this is the first time the troika of G20 is with three members of the Global South  Indonesia, India and Brazil  and this can significantly advance the interests of the developing world.

The G20 troika refers to the grouping of three countries based on the previous, current and incoming G20 Presidencies. While India is the current chair of the group of 20 leading economies, the countrys predecessor was Indonesia and its successor will be Brazil.

For the first time in the history of G20, the troika is with the developing worldIndonesia, India, and Brazil. This troika can amplify the voice of the developing world, at a crucial time when there are increased tensions due to global geopolitics, said PM Modi in an exclusive interview to moneycontrol.com.

The Prime Minister stressed that India has been advocating for the Global South and raising their concerns at all multilateral forums including the G20.

These are countries with which we empathise. Since we too are part of the developing world, we understand their aspirations, he said.

As soon as we became the President of the G20, we held the Voice of Global South Summit, which made it clear that we were a voice for the inclusion of those who felt excluded from the global discourse and institutional priorities, PM Modi said.

As part of its Presidency, PM said India has been supporting agendas that promote a stable, transparent and fair-trade regime that benefits everyone.

The essential role of the multilateral trading system with WTO at its core has been acknowledged while also being committed to working towards necessary reforms, including strengthening WTO rules, restoring the dispute settlement mechanism and concluding new mutually beneficial WTO agreements, the Prime Minister said.

He said India has also been advancing the interests of the developing world, including the interests of nations not represented in the G20, such as the countries of the African Union.

Equitable trade policies are certainly a key area of thrust at the G20, as this directly benefits the whole world in the long term, said PM Modi.

To a question whether G20 has been able to fulfil its mandate, PM said that it would not be right on his part, with India being the President of the G20 right now, to do an evaluation of the G20s journey over the years.

I think it is a good question which needs a larger exercise to arrive at the answer. Soon, the G20 will be nearing 25 years of establishment. Such a milestone is a good opportunity to evaluate what objectives the G20 set out with and how far it has been able to achieve them. Such introspection is a necessity for every institution. It would have been wonderful if the UN had undertaken such an exercise when it turned 75 years old, said the Prime Minister.

Coming back to the G20, it would also be a good idea to seek the views of nations outside the G20, especially from the Global South, when it reaches the milestone of 25 years. Such inputs would be very valuable to chart the future course for the next 25 years, he added.

The PM said that there are many countries, academic institutions, financial institutions and civil society organisations that continuously interact with the G20, provide ideas and inputs, and also convey expectations.

Expectations are built only where there is a track record of delivery and there is trust that something will be accomplished, said PM Modi.

India, too, has been active in this forum even before becoming G20 President. From terrorism to black money, from supply chain resilience to climate-conscious growth, we have made important contributions to the evolving discussions and actions over the years. There have also been appreciable developments in global cooperation on these issues after they were raised at G20. Of course, there is always scope for improvement, such as greater involvement of the Global South, and a bigger role for Africa, amongst others. These are the areas that India is working on, during its G20 Presidency, he added.
With G-20 events being held across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol.com, said that historically there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi for hosting national and international meets.

The Prime Minister was responding to a question on the democratisation of G-20, which is being held in India this year. Events have been held in multiple cities across the country, such as Kashmir, a departure from an earlier tradition of holding such events in one or two major cities of the country.

Historically, in the circles of power, there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan, for hosting national and international meets. This may have been due to convenience or lack of confidence in the people, said the PM.

Observing how even the visits of foreign leaders would be restricted to mainly the national capital or a couple of other places, PM Modi emphasised that he developed a different perspective, seeing the capabilities of the people and the wonderful diversity of India, and his government worked on changing the approach since day one.

I have hosted several engagements with global leaders around the country. Let me quote a few examples. The then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel was hosted in Bengaluru. French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Varanasi. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was hosted in Goa and Mumbai. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Shantiniketan. The then-French President Francois Hollande visited Chandigarh, said Prime Minister Modi.

He said many global meets have also been held in different places outside Delhi.

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Hyderabad. India hosted the BRICS Summit in Goa and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Corporation Summit in Jaipur. I can go on quoting examples, but the pattern that you can observe here is that this is a great change from the prevailing approach, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that the another point to note here is that many of these meets were held in states run by non-NDA governments at the time.

This is also a testament to our firm belief in cooperative federalism and bipartisanship when it comes to national interest. This is the same spirit that you can see in our G20 Presidency too, the Prime Minister added.

By the end of our G20 Presidency, he said there will have been over 220 meetings in 60 cities across all 28 states and 8 union territories.

More than 1 lakh participants from approximately 125 nationalities will have visited India. Over 1.5 crore individuals in our country have been involved in these programmes or have been exposed to various aspects of them. Holding meetings of such scale and hosting foreign delegates is an endeavour that calls for great capacity building in terms of infrastructure, logistics, communication skills, hospitality and cultural activities, among others, he added.

Our democratisation of the G20 Presidency is our investment in the capacity building of the people, especially youth, of various cities across the country. Further, this is yet another example of our motto of Jan Bhagidari  we believe peoples participation is the most important factor in the success of any initiative, said the PM.
Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a first-of-its-kind airshow will be held at Jammu airfield on September 21, an official spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The airshow is being organised by the IAF in collaboration with the local administration and will feature a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, the spokesperson said.

He said necessary arrangements for the event were discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and attended by senior officers of the IAF and police.

The airshow would be a spectacular occasion for the local residents, especially the children and youth, the deputy commissioner said, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the event is a success.

With inputs from PTI.
Several key things stand out from PM Narendra Modis latest interview with Network 18s Rahul Joshi, Santosh Menon, Karthik Subbaraman and Javed Sayed where the prime minister laid out his plans ahead of the global summit:

Democratisation of the G20: The PMs assertion about the democratisation of the G20 and how differently India has organised the event  with 220 meetings being held in 60 cities across all 28 states and eight Union Territories.

This is significantly different from the usual mono-focus on national capitals. It reflects not only a lasting legacy that Indias G20 presidency will leave behind in diplomatic terms but also a nuanced political approach to big events domestically. As PM Modi put it, Historically, in the circles of power, there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan, for hosting national and international meets. This may have been due to convenience or lack of confidence in the people.

Modi insisted that he has not made any of his major policy announcements from Vigyan Bhawan. Even the UPI announcement, for example, was made at the Talkatora stadium.

In some ways, this decentralising approach is a natural offshoot of the Modi governments approach in bilateral diplomacy as well. In terms of world leaders, the then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel was hosted in Bengaluru. French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Varanasi. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was hosted in Goa and Mumbai. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Shantiniketan. The then-French President Francois Hollande visited Chandigarh.

In terms of multilateral forums, India hosted the BRICS Summit in Goa and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Corporation Summit in Jaipur.

Importantly, this capacity-building and showcasing of India beyond Delhi is not restricted to NDA-led states alone. As Modi put it, Many of the examples I have quoted are of states that had non-NDA governments at the time. This is also a testament to our firm belief in cooperative federalism and bipartisanship when it comes to national interest.

Digital Alternative for the Global South  A New Model for Welfare Delivery: The interview also reflected Indias strong emphasis on digital public infrastructure and how it has emerged as such a central theme of its G20 presidency. These have not only had a multiplier effect on the economy and a deep social impact but have become a major tool of Indian diplomacy.

With Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity, India now has major tech solutions to offer to countries in the Global South for direct benefit transfer-based social welfare systems. UPI has emerged as a major fin-tech hinge.

Today, when foreign delegates visit India, they are amazed to see street vendors asking customers to pay through a QR code through UPI, said Modi. No wonder, India accounted for almost half of the real-time digital transactions that happened in the world.

This is one reason why a framework to govern digital public infrastructure has been adopted by the Digital Economy Ministers. There is a reason why organisations like the IMF, the World Bank and global tech leaders like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella have been publicly effusive of Indias digital public infrastructure and why this has become such an important tool of Indias soft power and diplomacy.

Power Play Ahead of 2024: A month after announcing from the ramparts of the Red Fort that he would be back next year, PM Modi continues to exude confidence. At a time when the INDIA alliance has moved ahead with mechanics for cooperation in its joint front against the BJP, Modis response on the outlook for the 2024 poll is typical.

In 2014, nobody knew Modi and yet they voted me in with such a huge mandate, he said. Ten years on, theyve seen a little bit of Modi everywhere  in the Chandrayaan Mission, in my recent visit to the US. Now that they know me well, I have no doubt that the people will choose correctly again.

Tailpiece: At a time when social media is ablaze with the Bharat vis-a-vis India controversy, the prime ministers choice of words to talk about his decentralising pitch in global diplomacy is very interesting. I have a problem with those who think Dilli is Hindustan, he told Network18 editors. It is an important larger point on decentralisation, but for a leader who understands the politics of language more than most, the wordplay with Hindustani here makes for fascinating reading.

The writer, an author and academic, is the Dean of School of Modern Media at UPES University in Dehradun, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University Singapore, and Group Consulting Editor, Network 18. He is the author of The New BJP: Modi and the Making of the Worlds Largest Political Party. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Police have booked seven persons in connection with an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Partys Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch district, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Wednesday.

Mishra also claimed the attackers were associated with the Congress.

The yatra was attacked in Neemuch district on Tuesday evening and vehicles which were part of the march were vandalised by Congress supporters, Madhya Pradesh BJP president VD Sharma earlier alleged.

The opposition Congress on Tuesday sidestepped the BJPs allegations and said the attack reflected peoples anger against the ruling party and the government headed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Talking to reporters in Rewa on Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Mishra said state Congress chief Kamal Nath had said that stone-pelting like in Manipur could happen in MP too.

Also, Congress Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh had given the example of Nuh (Haryana) violence, saying it may repeat in MP, Mishra said.

They were inciting people. An FIR has been registered in the Neemuch stone-pelting (incident) against seven persons, including Khema Gurjar, who are associated with the Congress. The Congress will resort to such tactics out of its frustration, Mishra claimed.

The minister further said the Congress has done this earlier too, but people of the state should understand.

The Jan Ashirwad Yatra (March for Peoples Blessings) from Neemuch was launched by Defence Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Monday.

Alarmed by the massive public support for the yatra ahead of the assembly polls, Congress supporters attacked the march in Neemuch district and vandalised vehicles, state BJP president V D Sharma alleged on Tuesday night.

I strongly criticise this act of the Congress and we will not spare these goons. Strict legal action will be taken against them, he said.

Sharma alleged vandals hid behind trees and attacked the yatra and broke the vehicles which were part of the convoy in a systematic manner.

The main vehicle (rath) of the yatra along with other vehicles which were part of the convoy were attacked, claimed the BJP leader.

Asked about the BJPs allegations, state Congress Media Department chairman KK Mishra on Tuesday said angry people have started giving their blessings to the Jan Ashirwad Yatra.

VD Sharma is venting out his personal frustration on the Congress. Such reaction from members of the public is coming due to the BJPs own sin. The CM recently distributed shoes to people, who are now returning them with love, Mishra quipped.

The BJP has launched the mass outreach programme from five different locations in the state to connect with voters ahead of the year-end Assembly polls.
Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), Arun Kumar Sinha, passed away at a hospital in Gurugram early Wednesday, an official said.

He was 61 and had been unwell for the past few months.

Sinha was a 1987 batch Kerala cadre IPS Officer and serving as SPG Director since 2016.

He was recently given an extension in the service. The Special Protection Group (SPG) was raised in 1985 with the intention to provide proximate security cover to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members. Later, their mandate was amended and they now only provide security cover to the prime minister of the day.

Sinha has previously served as DCP Commissioner, Range IG, Intelligence IG and Administration IG in Thiruvananthapuram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the people of India voted for a stable government that had a clear agenda for development, which was one of the many factors behind the strengthening of Indias relationships with various countries across regions.

In an exclusive interview to moneycontrol.com, PM Modi said, After many decades of instability, in 2014, the people of India voted for a stable government that had a clear agenda for development. These reforms empowered India to not only strengthen its economy, education, health and welfare delivery but also gave the country the ability to become part of global solutions in various domains.

He said that whether it is space or science, technology or trade, economy or ecology, Indias actions have been lauded worldwide.

Whenever any country interacted with us, they knew they were interacting with an aspirational India that was looking to partner with them in their progress while also taking care of its own interests. This was an India that had a lot to contribute to every relationship and naturally, our global footprint increased across regions and even countries that saw each other as adversaries became friendlier with us, added the Prime Minister

He said, when it comes to the Global South, these are countries with which we empathise.

Since we too are part of the developing world, we understand their aspirations. At every forum including the G20, India has been raising the concerns of the countries of the Global South, said PM Modi.

He added, As soon as we became the President of the G20, we held the Voice of Global South Summit, which made it clear that we were a voice for the inclusion of those who felt excluded from the global discourse and institutional priorities.

Talking about ties with Africa, he said at the G20, we have given momentum to the idea of the inclusion of the African Union.

We are a nation that looks at the world as one family. Our G20 motto itself says that. In any family, every members voice matters and this is our idea for the world too, said the Prime Minister.
Amid the Bharat-Vs-India political row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked his ministers to refrain from commenting on the issue.

Do not comment, the PM is believed to have said at a meeting of the Council of Ministers where G20 and other issues were discussed.

This is the first time PM Modi is learnt to have discussed the subject with his ministers.

Over the last 24 hours, the Opposition has held two back-to-back meetings to chalk out a strategy for the issue. On Wednesday morning, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi wrote to PM Modi, suggesting a list of nine subjects that can be discussed at the special session of Parliament beginning on September 18.

The Centre, however, has reacted sharply, suggesting that the senior Congress leader does not pay attention to tradition, under which the agenda need not be discussed before the session begins.

After the calling of the session by the President and before commencement of the session, there is a meeting of the leaders of all the parties in which the people rising in the Parliament are discussed. Issues and work are discussed, wrote Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Since Monday, when it was revealed that President Droupadi Murmus invite to G20 leaders describes her as the President of Bharat, the Opposition and the BJP had clashed with each other on the name change issue. The next day, a document surfaced that saw PM Modi being described a Prime Minister of Bharat.

The Opposition has accused the ruling party of creating a smoke screen to deflect attention from the lacunae in their governance that has triggered unemployment, poverty and steep price rise. The issue is also a fallout of the Opposition Front calling itself INDIA, they said.

Bharat Rashtra Samithis MLC K Kavitha has meanwhile questioned why Sonia Gandhis letter to PM Modi did not list the long pending demand for the Womens Reservation Bill. Gandhis nine-point letter included Centre-state relationship, communalism, Manipur situation and the border conflict with China.
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges son Priyank Kharge have been booked under sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur.

While the charge against Stalin comes after his remark on Sanatan Dharma, Kharge has been booked for backing his comment.

The FIR came at the complaint of lawyers Harsh Gupta and Ram Singh Lodhi who highlighted media reports on Stalins statement alleging that the politicians comments had hurt their feelings.

Anil Rajbhar, UP Minister & BJP leader, said, Our country and Modi Govt will not let anyone harm Sanatana DharmaStrict actions should be taken against him (Udayanidhi Stalin) and we welcome those who have registered an FIR against him.

#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | On FIR registered against Tamil Nadu Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, UP Minister & BJP leader, Anil Rajbhar says Our country and Modi Govt will not let anyone harm Sanatana DharmaStrict actions should be taken against him (Udayanidhi Stalin) and we pic.twitter.com/65Q04vrSud  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) September 6, 2023

Udhayanidhi Stalins comment has created a stir with Rights body Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) issuing a legal notice to the Police Commissioner of Greater Chennai for suo motu registering an FIR against him for delivering hate speech targeting the followers of Sanatan Dharma.

Stalin, who serves as a Tamil Nadu minister, on Saturday, made a controversial statement on Sanatan Dharma saying that it is incompatible with the concept of social justice and should be eliminated.

He drew a parallel between Sanatan Dharma and vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which has led to strong criticism from BJP leaders.

He, however, later claimed that he had not called for violence against the followers of Sanatan Dharma.

With inputs from agencies
On 8 May, 2020, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated a newly built 80-kilometre-road linking Indias Dharchula to the LAC via the Lipulekh pass. The intent was to facilitate movement of pilgrims to the Mansoravar lake in Tibet. Lipulekh is disputed between Nepal and India.

A fortnight later Nepals Oli led government issued a new map incorporating 300 square kilometres of Indian territory including Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as part of Nepal. Objections by the Oli government on the construction of the road led to anti-India protests in Kathmandu. India protested on the map.

In August 2020, on the first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, Pakistans Imran Khan-led government issued a map which included Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and some areas of Gujarat as part of its territory. As per a press notification from Islamabad, the map was released by prime minister Imran Khan after it was approved by the cabinet and had the backing of the army.

The announcement further stated that this would be Pakistans official map. A text below the map mentioned, Disputed Territory Final Status will be decided in line with relevant UNSC resolutions. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistans foreign minister stated that for the first time in history, our government has openly presented its stance before the world.

The Indian government termed Pakistans actions as political absurdity, laying untenable claims to territories in the Indian State of Gujarat and our Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It also added, These ridiculous assertions have neither legal validity nor international credibility. In fact, this new effort only confirms the reality of Pakistans obsession with territorial aggrandisement supported by cross-border terrorism.

A month later, Indias NSA, Ajit Doval, walked out of the SCOs (Shanghai Cooperation Organisations) NSA virtual meeting, when his Pakistani counterpart displayed the wrong map in the background. The Pakistan NSA refused to relent to requests from the chair, Russia, to remove the flag.

Both Nepal and Pakistan issuing maps were a fallout of India releasing its own map in November 2019, post abrogation of Article 370 resulting in the creation of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Other than heating the political temperature in all three countries the release of maps did nothing else. Neither talks progressed to resolve disputes nor were the maps removed nor territory lost.

Last week it was Chinas turn to play its cartographic game. It released a map which included Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory. On its eastern seaboard the map included Taiwan and shoals/islands covered by its nine-dash line in both the South and East China Seas. China is in dispute with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia over different shoals/islands in these seas. The map was released by Chinas Ministry of Natural Resources during the celebration of Surveying and Mapping Publicity Day and the National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week.

China has, as part of its publicity exercise, thrice earlier renamed regions, which it claims, whether it be in Arunachal Pradesh or those in the South and East China Sea. China had even objected to the holding of G 20 preliminary meetings in Arunachal, Srinagar and Ladakh, to which India paid no heed. India has, as is customary, objected to Chinese issuance of maps.

On the Chinese action, Indias foreign minister, S Jaishankar, stated, Its an old habit of theirs. These (territories) are very much part of India. This government is very clear (about) what our territories are. Making absurd claims doesnt make others territories yours. The Indian spokesperson added, We reject these claims as they have no basis. Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

Apart from India, other countries in dispute with China, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan also rejected the Chinese claim. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson defended the map stating, It is a routine practice in Chinas exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law. We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue.

What remained interesting was the timing of the release. It was done shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a tete-a-tete in Johannesburg, whose script the Chinese soon amended. It resulted in political wrangling in India as it opened doors for the opposition to target the government on the failure of the Xi-Modi meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Volume of political discussion on China including the standoff in Ladakh has increased in recent days. It also signalled the non-attendance of Xi for the G20 Summit.

What does the release of the map signify for India? It confirms that China is not willing to engage in talks to resolve the LAC. Therefore, there is unlikely to be any bilateral between Prime Minister Modi and whoever represents China in Delhi for the forthcoming G20 Summit. Secondly, it would justify any Chinese attempts at infiltration in Arunachal Pradesh as they would claim it as their territory (not that they have not done so in the past). Finally, it conveys that the Chinese believes that India does not possess the economic or military power to challenge it.

The issue of the map will have no major impact on the border standoff as China is aware that India can and will respond to any attempts at changing status quo. It will only push India to continue to enhance its ties in anti-China groups as also reject Chinese proposals in any global forum. Further, India will have to accept that under Xi, China will remain in an aggressive posture and any talks (military, political or diplomatic) will be meaningless. India must concentrate on developing its military and economic power to deter China.

The impact of the new map will be more in the South China Sea, where China is projecting its power more forcefully. Chinese recent military exercises in the Taiwan strait as also use of water cannons against the Philippine navy, which was attempting to provide logistic support to its troops stationed in a disputed shoal (Second Thomas in the Spratly Islands) are examples. Most of the nations in dispute with China in this region are smaller and weaker and hence it displays its aggressiveness more brazenly. China exploits its military power and their economic dependency on it. Simplistically put, China is bullying weaker nations where it can.

India needs to ignore the Chinese map, as these possess zero value. If it must counter China in cartographic warfare, then its next map must display Tibet as an independent/occupied nation.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
One of the most popular comments circulating on social media in Pakistan aptly describes what is happening in our neighbourhood, especially in context of Pakistans much touted Defence Day celebrations: Hum hai Pakistani Fauj, kabhi koi ladai jeeti nahi aur kabhi koi election haare nahi (we are Pakistans armed forces, we have never won a war and never lost an election).

However, paradoxically, if you ask any common Pakistani about Pakistans Defence Day celebration you are likely to get this standard reply: Every year on 6th September, Pakistan celebrates its Defence Day to commemorate the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers who laid down their life to defend their territory against belligerent Indian Army attack.

Every citizen of Pakistan has been made to hear, assimilate and repeat this narrative about the fictitious bravery of Pakistans armed forces during India-Pakistan war in 1965. The facts are quite contrary to this fake narrative fed to the people of Pakistan by its armed forces. There is ample evidence to show that it was Pakistan who initiated the war against India in 1965 and was defeated comprehensively by Indian armed forces.

In 1965 Pakistan was under the dictatorship of Muhammad Ayub Khan, former chief of the Pakistan Army who had seized power in a military coup in 1958. Khan had dumped his benefactor General Iskander Mirza within days of being appointed prime minister by Mirza. Mirza was forced to go into exile in London where he lived a miserable life, courtesy Ayub Khans dictatorship. Ayub Khan himself was deposed by Yahya Khan, another army General. The tradition of seizing political power through coups has not only continued but it has become an intrinsic part of the body politic of this failed state.

Incidentally, the 1960s was the time when large inflows of foreign aid and investment had made Pakistan the fastest growing economy in South Asia while the Indian economy was struggling and the nation was recovering from the 1962 Sino-Indian war debacle. Taking advantage of the favourable geopolitical situation and undermining Indias potential to retaliate, Pakistan sent more than seven thousand mujahids in Kashmir Valley to incite civil unrest. This incursion happened on 5 August, 1965. They had named this offensive as Operation Gibraltar referring to the conquest of Spain by the Umayyad Caliphate in 711 AD which subdued Iberian Peninsula (modern day Spain and Portugal) under the rule of Moorish Muslims for next 800 years. However, the covert operation failed as the Pakistani infiltrators got detected early and common people of Jammu and Kashmir refused to get influenced by these Mujahids.

Sensing the failure of this grand plan, Ayub Khan launched on 1 September, 1965, a full-scale land offensive named Operation Grand Slam against Indian armed forces deployed in Akhnoor sector. Indian armed forces immediately went on counter offensive inside Pakistans Sialkot sector threatening both Sialkot and Lahore. The war finally ended with a ceasefire declaration on 21 September, 1965.

What is noteworthy of the India-Pakistan 1965 war is that till the outbreak of war, Pakistan had received generous US military aid worth $4,287.15 million (out of financial assistance of $15,427 million between 1950 and 1965) in the form of formidable Patton tanks and Starfighter Jets. In conventional terms Pakistans armed forces had distinct qualitative and quantitative advantages over Indias armed forces. Pakistan also had the first mover advantage as it had started the war at a pre-planned place and time. Despite all these advantages, Pakistans armed forces failed miserably to achieve their final objective to sever Jammu and Kashmir from India.

The impact of this defeat has been devastating on Pakistan, said Ishtiaq Ahmed, eminent Swedish political scientist and author of Pakistani descent, during his interview with Deccan Herald, on 2 July, 2023. When he was asked what in his opinion is the biggest mistake Pakistan committed post-Partition? He replied, I think the 1965 war with India was in some ways responsible for what Pakistan is today. Soon after partition, the US and World Bank invested heavily there, which helped the country achieve a certain degree of progress. But post 1965 war with India, investment slowed down drastically. From then on, Pakistan was never able to recover economically. The textile industry, which was once flourishing, has now shifted to Bangladesh, where cotton is not even grown. Presently, the Pakistani economy is so bad that it cannot even raise a billion dollars to manage loans. Its a failing state.

Recently, on 1 August, during inaugural session of Pakistan Mineral Summit in Islamabad the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif had admitted that the wars fought by Pakistan with India in last 75 years, have only resulted in increased poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources to finance education, health and well-being of Pakistani people. The statement delivered by Sharif in the presence of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir says a lot if analysed carefully.

Why does Pakistan celebrate Defence Day on 6 September every year? The answer lies in the need to build a positive narrative by the Pakistan Army which is the most powerful deep state within Pakistan. So, instead of telling common citizens about the defeat, Pakistans armed forces rake up nationalism by manipulating the deaths of its soldiers in a battle where they were made to die as sacrificial lambs by its Generals. These fake celebrations are being carried out every year as a smokescreen to hide the blunders of Pak Generals by evoking sentiments of common people terming these deaths as sacrifices.

To run away from the facts by creating a false narrative is a permanent pattern of Pakistans deep state. Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat in 1971 in the Bangladesh Liberation War. On 16 December, 1971, Pakistan Army surrendered to the Indian Army in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). How can one erase history of such absolute defeat and humiliation? Pakistans armed forces have an answer to this. They do it by creating false narratives.

So, instead of recounting and recalling this defeat on 16 December every year, mass campaigns are run by Pakistan Army sponsored handlers on the tragic attack on Army Public School that took place at Peshawar in 2014 and shook the whole Pakistan. It is a tactful attempt to replace the history of failure with a narrative of a human tragedy. This well-fed army of invisible army of narrative builders works in close coordination with the Pakistan Army to erase every trace of its failure while capitalising on the emotions of its citizens. Hence, it is crucial for Pakistans armed forces to keep celebrating its Defence Day with great pomp and zeal so that the common Pakistani dont question their competence.

But lately things are changing for the Pakistan Army as it has started facing questions of accountability and there is growing resistance from common people especially during the past one and half year. The 9 May incident of burning down Lahore Corps Commanders house is an indication of how its own masses look at its army. There has been a manifold increase in violent attacks on Pakistan Army by Pashtuns of KPK, Balochis of Baluchistan and Sindhudesh forces of Sindh province have increased manifolds. As per the data compiled by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), there were 99 attacks across Pakistan targeting Pakistan forces in the month of August 2023 alone.

It appears that the Pakistani masses had enough military intervention in domestic issues and the Perception Management of the Pakistan Army is gradually losing its sheen. There is visible anger in the Pakistani masses against the absolute power wielded by the Pakistan Army since Independence. This is precisely the reason why Pakistans last federal PDM government went on to pass controversial laws of Official Secret Act Bill 2023 and Army Act Amendment Bill 2023 in haste, bestowing unrestricted powers to Pak Intelligence Agencies and Army. It was under the pressure from the Pakistan Army that the PDM government did not even bother to take Pakistans President Arif Alvi on-board and passed the law without his official consent.

With the general elections approaching, the passage of these laws is being viewed as a measure by the Pakistan Army to cull down any further dissent. It was crucial for the forces to prepare a strong legal backing to justify its crackdown on protests and enforce its will on the masses.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. He tweets @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
In his interview to Network18s Moneycontrol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has detailed how the rich learnings of his governments experiences reaping the dividends of inclusive governance at home can offer solutions for the world.

Indeed, Indias presidency of the G20 coincides with the nation emerging as a global bright spot. While this is a fortuitous coming together of dates, Indias global surge isnt accidental.

The policies pursued by the NDA under the stewardship of Prime Minister Modi have been shaped by the guiding philosophy of integral humanism and the concept of Antyodaya (welfare of the poorest). Echoing Deendayal Upadhaya, one of the BJPs founders, the PM has always maintained that the success of economic planning and economic progress will not be judged by those who are at top of the ladder but through the people who are at the lowest rung.

Using digital infrastructure, the NDA has strived to reach the last citizen. Its inclusive initiatives have by and large democratised access to resources and opportunities to address the yawning inequity between the haves and the have nots. Statistics testify to this. In a little over a decade more than 400 million Indians have been lifted out of poverty through an empowering welfarism. Importantly, the Prime Minister never fails to point out that the NDA model is far removed from the economically ruinous dependency creating the revadi model of state patronage. The labarthis (an elegant colloquial name to dignify beneficiaries) who are being drawn into the arc of the NDAs inclusive welfarism have created a virtuous up-cycle of demand-led growth.

But sadly, at the same time billions around the world (mostly in the Global South) have slipped into indigence. Their problems have exacerbated particularly because the global elites, who are at the core of multilateral institutions like the G20, have failed them. The demise of the post-Cold War US helmed unipolar world order has meant increased geo-strategic and geo-economic disruption as more powers flex their muscles in the race for dominance. Today, the most steadfast votaries of globalisation have torn up the rulebook taking expedient steps to score points over each other in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Those left behind or abandoned by the global elites are crying out for a third way. It is into this yearning for global leadership that Modi sees a massive role for India. A role which he is keen to personally steer over two days beginning 9 September.

In the interview, the Prime Minister summed it up thus, It is well known that we have followed the approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas in our country over the last 9 yearsThis is our guiding principle in global relations as well. Over the last many years, the world had been keenly watching Indias growth across many sectors When we laid out our agenda for the G20, it was welcomed universally, because everyone knew that we would bring our proactive and positive approach to help find solutions for global issues. When global leaders meet me, they are filled with a sense of optimism about India They are also convinced that India has a lot to offer and must play a larger role in shaping the global future.

Indias emergence as a putative fulcrum of global governance has also made it more difficult for Modis detractors, whove criticised the Prime Minister for using the G20 Summit to boost his own image.

While there is no doubting the political dividend when the BJP projects Modis diplomatic accomplishments in election season, the fact is that taking G20 to the masses (200 meetings across 60 cities in all states) is very much in keeping with the aims of deepening the roots of cooperative federalism.

But there also may well be another compelling reason why Modi is personally pushing the broad basing of G20 events under Indias presidency.

By taking diplomacy beyond the starchy precincts of Vigyan Bhawan, the Prime Minister has signalled that he is committed to bringing the masses  in India and abroad  within the fold of global governance decision making.

For Modi the peoples G20 presidency is his way of signalling that he has a problem with those who think Dilli is Hindustan.

As I marvelled at the diversity of our vast nation, said Modi to Network18, there was one common thing that I observed across the country. People of every region and every section of society had a can do spirit. They took on challenges with great resourcefulness and skill. They had great self-belief even amidst adversity. All they needed was a platform that empowered them. Historically, in the circles of power, there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan, for hosting national and international meets.

Modis new approach will appeal beyond Indias borders to the malcontents of globalisation  those beyond its pale and those disillusioned by its unkept promises.

Ever since India took over the mantle of the G20 presidency, Modi has refused to be drawn into the clash over Ukraine and by implication the larger tussle for dominating the globe between the US-led Western order and the Russo-Sino axis. Had Modi given in to the pressure to take sides India would have been co-opted by this or that camp and lost credibility. Instead, Modi has championed the need for reforming and reviving global institutions so that they can become more responsive to the needs of the global subaltern.

Institutions that cannot reform with the times, cannot anticipate the future or prepare for it they cannot create any real impact and end up as irrelevant debating clubs. When its seen that institutions cannot act against those who violate the global rules-based order or worse, get hijacked by such entities, they risk losing credibility. There is a need for credible multilateralism powered by institutions that embrace reform and treat various stakeholders with consistency, equality and dignity.

As Modi observes in the interview, A reformed multilateralism also needs to focus on going beyond the institutional sphere to tap into the power of individuals, societies, cultures and civilisations. This can only be done by democratising international relations and by not making government-to-government relations the only medium of contact The interconnected nature of our world today can become a strength for peace and progress if we focus on a people-centric policy.

Indeed, it is largely due to New Delhis persistent call for urgent reform that India is being viewed increasingly by subalterns around the world as most capable of pursuing a humanising global governance aimed at democratising opportunity.

Perhaps in the end analysis, Indias appeal to global constituencies will be the greatest measure of the success of Bharats legacy at the helm of the G20.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Rustem Umerov is set to become Ukraines new defence minister. He is a leading member of the Crimean Tatar community and represented Ukraine in negotiations with Russia. In his video statement announcing the replacement on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said MPs would be called to vote on Umerovs nomination this week. The Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) knows this person well and Mr Umerov does not need any additional introductions.

Born in Soviet Uzbekistan, where his family was exiled to under Stalin, Umerov moved back to Crimea in Ukraine as a child when the Tatars were allowed to return in the 1980s and 1990s.

The 41-year-old Muslim was elected to Parliament in 2019 where he served as co-chair of the Crimea Platform, an international diplomatic effort aimed at reversing Russias 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. He has also worked for years as an adviser to the leader of the Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev.

Russia wrested control of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and pushed through a referendum on the annexation that was condemned as illegitimate by Ukraine and its Western allies. The Tatar community, which accounted for 12-15 per cent of Crimeas two million residents, largely boycotted the vote.

Moscow then banned the Mejlis, the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority, declaring it an extremist organisation and jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns.

Russian propagandists invented the narrative of dividing the Ukrainian nation into ethnics to justify their military actions on the territory of our country, said Umerov last year in an interview to Jordanian news site Amman Net. We do not feel any chauvinism or Islamophobia [in Ukraine] regarding our ethnicity or religion, he said.

Behind the scenes negotiations

Though a member of an opposition political party, Umerov, has taken on several critical roles for the Zelenskyy government since the war began. Both after the annexation and after the start of Russias full-scale invasion, Umerov has taken part in behind-the-scenes talks with Russian officials, including negotiating high-profile prisoner exchanges, and evacuations of civilians.

He was part of Ukraines delegation in negotiations with Russia in the first weeks of the war and participated in talks on establishing an export corridor for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russia has since pulled out of the grain deal, accusing Ukraine and its allies of failing to uphold a part of the agreement to facilitate Russian exports.

In September last year, he was named head of the State Property Fund  whose mission is to attract investment into Ukraine. A difficult role in Ukraine where the process of privatisation has been plagued by corruption.

Reznikov dogged by graft allegations

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his defence minister Oleksii Reznikov, citing the need for new approaches as the war with Russia enters its 19th month. This week, Parliament will be asked to make a personnel decision  I have decided to replace the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Oleksii Reznikov has gone through more than 550 days of fullscale war, Zelensky said.

Reznikov has been holding the position since November 2021 and has helped secure billions of dollars of Western military aid to help the war effort but has been dogged by graft allegations surrounding his Ministry. His removal also comes in the wake of a number of corruption scandals involving Ukraines Ministry of Defence. President Zelenskyy fired a number of senior officials at the beginning of the year over a scandal linked to the procurement of wartime supplies. The countrys deputy defence minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov resigned after facing allegations of corruption.

As per reports the Ministry of Defence has been facing a string of allegations of mishandling military contracting and corruption as its budget ballooned. At one point, $986 million worth of weaponry the ministry had contracted for was undelivered by dates specified in contracts, according to government figures.

As per New York Times, The allegations dogging the Ministry are not related to Western weapons transfers but to domestic weapons procurement. Western countries transfer weapons and ammunition directly to the Ukrainian Army, while financial aid is directed to nonmilitary spending. Ukrainian tax revenues fund defence procurement, where the accusations of mismanagement arose.

It was widely reported that Reznikov barely held on to his own post. At the time, he said the stress he had endured was hard to measure precisely, adding that his conscience is absolutely clear.

His apparent exit appears to bring an end to months of domestic media pressure that began in January when the defence ministry was accused of buying food at inflated prices. Though not personally involved in the food contract, some Ukrainian commentators said he should take political responsibility for what happened. The fate of the defence minister, had been the subject of increasing speculation in Ukraine.

Last month, a media outlet accused the defence ministry of corruption during the procurement of winter coats for the army. Reznikov denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly said he was being targeted by a smear campaign.

Recently President Zelenskyy dismissed all officials in charge of regional military recruitment centres, citing numerous ongoing criminal proceedings. While Reznikov has not been implicated in any of these scandals, they have still been seen to damage him by association.

On 1 September, the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with senior Ukrainian anti-corruption officials and urged them to continue prosecuting anti-graft cases no matter where they lead.

The next day, one of Ukraines most powerful oligarchs and a key Zelenskyy supporter, Ihor Kolomoisky, was arrested as part of a fraud investigation.

Lets keep the line

President Zelenskyy said eliminating corruption is vital to Kyivs chances of attaining long-awaited membership in NATO and the European Union. Ukraine officially became an EU candidate state last year, but Brussels has made it clear that Kyiv will need to step up its fight against corruption if it wants to become a full member.

According to a 2021 report by Transparency International, Ukraine is the second-most corrupt country in Europe after Russia. Globally, it ranked 122nd of 180 countries. President Zelenskyys promise to rid the country of corruption was one of the reasons behind his rapid ascent into power in 2019 as he managed to tap into the nations deep-rooted disappointment and disgust over rampant corruption.

Reznikov submitted his resignation and wrote on Facebook: Following the decision of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, I submitted my resignation to the Ukrainian Parliament. I am ready for the report. Lets keep the line! On Twitter, he said that it was an honour to serve the Ukrainian people and work for the #UAarmy for the last 22 months, the toughest period of Ukraines modern history.

As per BBC, Ukrainian media has speculated that he will become Kyivs new Ambassador in London, where he has developed good relations with senior politicians. The 57-year-old has become a well-known figure since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Internationally recognised, he has regularly attended meetings with Ukraines Western allies and played a key role in lobbying for additional military equipment. Although Reznikov, an English speaker has had numerous interactions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, a Pentagon spokesperson declined comment on the move, saying that it was an internal matter for the Ukrainian government.

Conclusion

The removal of Reznikov in light of the din of criticism is no doubt the biggest shake-up in Ukraines government since Russias full-scale invasion. He had won praise for negotiating the transfer of vast quantities of donated Western weaponry, and he oversaw the expansion of the army and its transition from an arsenal of Soviet-legacy armaments to Western systems.

Umerovs appointment comes as Ukraine is in the midst of a slow and bloody counter-offensive after securing more advanced weapons from Western allies. It is a critical time both from the point of view of the counteroffensive in the South, and at a time when its relationships with allies and donors enter a new phase. Ukraine is trying to accelerate the training and deployment of F16 combat planes as well as acquire a host of other equipment and weapons to help push forward its counteroffensive, but it also needs to counter corruption.

However, the reshuffle is unlikely to lead to any major change in Ukraines battlefield strategy, with General Valery Zaluzhny the Commander of Ukraines Armed Forces overseeing the campaign.

The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Peking exists only on restaurant menus, in conjunction with the word duck. Because China has firmly insisted for decades that its capital, erroneously pronounced by ignorant foreigners as Peking, is actually Beijing. Similarly, Canton has transitioned to Guangzhou everywhere except menus, though not many know that the Anglicised name arose from a mix-up by Westerners of the name of the province (Guangdong) with the name of the city!

The post-colonial world has gradually complied with the return to Chinese names in the past 65 years. But China has stopped short of insisting on its endonym Zhongguo for the countrys name. Maybe because even China fears what foreign tongues, no matter how eager, will actually make of Zhongguo given the level of proficiency in such matters. Bharat, however, rolls off tongues as easily as India so, ideally. there should be no qualms on that count. But there are.

Exonyms are what countries or places are called by others; endonyms are what the natives call those places  and themselves. Sounds simple enough and fairness dictates that people should be called by what they call themselves. Except that when ancient foreign travellers wrote chronicles (now deemed history) they were unsure of the names they heard, and their alphabets could not capture correct pronunciations. And their misheard versions became current.

European ears and alphabets were no exceptions. Thus, carrying on their old habits, relatively recent foreigners in India decided that Thootukudi is Tuticorin, that the Toda othakal-mund is Ootacamund, and so on. For many generations, Indians have been happy to use these and other easier westernised constructs too, presumably because they sound more sophisticated. Some Indians today also profess trouble pronouncing local names, as foreigners did earlier.

Burma and Ceylon bravely decided to switch to their endonyms Myanmar and Sri Lanka no matter what foreign tongues made of them. But many countries have wearily accepted that exonyms will prevail, at least among outsiders and visitors, although they have not forgotten or denied their ancient and traditional endonyms. Germany will always be Deutschland for its natives, Japan is Nihon or Nippon, Hungary is Magyarorszag. But is India accepted as Bharat by us?

Not yet. But the outrage over a decision to change India to Bharat stems from ignorance of endonyms, exonyms and subcontinental history. Not only are Bharat and India mentioned in the Constitution, indicating their equal status, but many of the most indignant also seem to be unaware that both names are already there in all official documents. The Government of India written in English, for instance, has always been accompanied by Bharat Sarkar in Devanagari.

Bharat in Devanagari already partners India on official documents and need not be changed. Our currency notes already have Bharatiya Reserve Bank as well as Reserve Bank of India. On passports, Republic of India is accompanied by Bharatiya Ganatantra, missions abroad also have Bharatiya Dootawas in Hindi alongside Embassy of India. All thats needed is a mental changeover that puts Bharat first and then India. But that needs a close relook at history.

For far too long books on ancient history have been written by Europeans, who based their versions on the accounts of Europeans travellers (and other peripatetic foreigners) whose notions of the lands they chronicled were far from accurate. When those travellers heard unfamiliar names and tried to write them down, they were often ludicrously off-target but as the people whose places they misnamed were unaware of their inaccuracies, these were never corrected.

So, for centuries wrong exonyms became the norm, more so when trading ties graduated to foreign control. In Egypt, for example, the oldest endonym is hardly known: Kemet or the land of the black soil in the now-extinct language of that ancient civilisation. Egypt was a portmanteau exonym created by the Greeks and adopted by the Romans that began by mispronouncing the name of a prominent god, Ptah. And even Misr was coined by the ancient Akkadians!

That is no reason for such exonym inaccuracies to prevail, much less be declared better representations of nations names than ancient endonyms. Indians have been exceedingly generous towards the shortcomings of those incorrect tags. Many, for example, still use Ganges although Ganga is the right word and as easy to enunciate. Why? Habit. Laziness. Maybe even a tacit belief that whatever the Westerners decreed still sounded more sophisticated.

The debates in the Constituent Assembly on the inclusion of Bharat shed a powerful light on how much it was revered by that august gathering. Bharat was finally included via an amendment moved by BR Ambedkar himself. Sadly, few Indians have ever gone through those impassioned interventions, otherwise they would have known the ancient roots of the word Bharat. No wonder the highest national honour was also named Bharat Ratna not Jewel of India.

Few also know that India is derived from the exonym given by the Greeks and that the Avesta recorded the land of Sapta Sindhu as Hapta Hindu because of the limitations of the Old Iranian alphabet. The word Hindustan was also derived from that initial mistake, carried over from Old Iranian to Middle Persian as Hindugan by the Sasanian ruler Shapur I in an inscription dated 262 CE on the so-called Kaba-e-Zartosht (Cube of Zorosaster), itself an exonym!

Not many know why Iran is no longer called Persia either. A rather recent king, Reza Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty, decreed in 1935 that Iran shall be the name of his kingdom. During World War II, there was a brief return to Persia. His son, Mohammed Reza, the last Shah, declared in 1959 that both Persia and Iran will be used. Not surprisingly then, some think Persia was the ancient endonym and that Iran is more recent, whether exonym or endonym.

The oldest endonym was Airyanam (land of the Aryas!) used in the Zoroastrian holy book Avesta and mentioned in the Behistun inscription of the Achaemenid ruler Darius the Great. Another name was Iranshahr. Persia was what the ancient Greeks called it, later the Romans, and finally the Arabs. Thus, both Persia and Iran are old names, but one is an exonym and the other an endonym. Both are still in use interchangeably in that country and still debated.

That should come as no surprise to Indians, or Bharatiyas. For quite a while now, India and Bharat have been used in certain circles to describe the divide between modern and the backward, with the foreign exonym naturally prevailing over the indigenous endonym when it comes to positive imagery. Being Indian is supposedly more modern, secular, even cosmopolitan. Why desi Bharat got a negative connotation is not very hard to understand.

The question is, for the sake of convenience will India cling on to its inaccurate old Iranian-Greek exonym like China has to its exonym variously ascribed to ancient Sanskrit, Persian and Greek derivatives? Or will Bharatiyas embrace their indigenous legacy with pride? That Bharat is everything that India is  and much more  needs to be asserted, dispelling the negative nuances that were created, accepted and even propagated by colonised minds.

The author is a freelance writer. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be travelling to New Delhi on Saturday for the Presidents G20 dinner, officials said on Wednesday. She will be flying to the national capital at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, they said.

Asserting that its well known that India is Bharat, the Trinamool Congress chief had on Tuesday questioned the need to suddenly use only Bharat while referring to India in an official communique.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently shared on X a G20 dinner invitation from President Murmu, which described her position as the President of Bharat.

Lauding Banerjees decision, the opposition BJP asserted that it is an endorsement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country in the right way.

The CPI(M) claimed she might have some additional work in New Delhi as was seen in the past.

It is good she has accepted the invite as the prestige of the state is at stake and she is going there representing West Bengal, senior state BJP leader Rahul Sinha told PTI. He claimed that Banerjee changes her public posturing depending on the turn of events.

Just one day ago, she flayed the Modi government on the issue of Bharat in the invitation card and better sense prevailed the next day It is an endorsement that the way Modi-ji is leading the country is the right way, Sinha said.

CPI(M) Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the invitation is from the President of Bharat and not the President of India. He said, So, in a way this is illegal. I wonder if Mamata Banerjee is going there as the CM of West Bengal or as the CM of Paschim Banga (as the state is known in Bengali).

I believe she has some additional work in New Delhi. Every time she goes to New Delhi, there is some other purpose, Chakraborty added.

The G20 Summit is being held in Delhi on September 9 and September 10 under Indias presidency and several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden, are attending the event.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with whom Banerjee shares a cordial relationship, is also likely to be present at the event.
Udhayanidhi Stalins Sanatan Dharma remark needs proper response, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday in his first comment on the controversial remarks of the Tamil Nadu minister last week.

Government sources said, PM Modi, while speaking at a meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, told his party leaders that they need to counter comments of Udhayanidhi Stalin, but advised leaders of his party to stick to the facts as per the Constitution.

He also asked them to speak at the contemporary situation of the issue.

Udhayanidhi, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, triggered a political row on Saturday after he compared the Sanatan Dharma with vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.

Speaking at an event, Udhayanidhi said: Such things should not be opposed but destroyed.

No religion can be used to seek votes and no religion can be abused, or no religion can be subjected to terms like calling it malaria or dengue, PM Modi told his party colleagues as he convened the meeting to discuss the upcoming G20 Summit in national capital on 9 and 10 September.

The Prime Minister further said the Constitution says no religion should be disrespected and nobody can play politics in the name of religion.

Udhayanidhi remains adamant in not apologising for his remarks, but after the Prime Ministers response, BJP will intensify its demand for forgiveness from the Tamil Nadu minister.

An FIR was registered on Wednesday in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges son Priyank Kharge for allegedly outraging religious feelings with their statements.

Stalin was booked for his call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma and Kharge for backing his remark.

Both the political leaders were booked under sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of the IPC.

PM Modi on India vs Bharat debate

As per reports, during the meeting with the Council of Ministers, PM Modi also advised the members of his party against commenting on India vs Bharat debate and said only the authorised person should speak on the matter.
After creating ruckus over the invitations for a G20 dinner sent out by Rashtrapati Bhavan mentioning President of Bharat, instead of President of India, it appears that the Opposition is diving deep into making irrelevant claims.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) and said the name of the Opposition alliance I.N.D.I.A could be changed to BHARAT to stop the ruling party from this fatuous game of changing names.

We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names, Tharoor said.

On Tuesday, Tharoor said, while there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', he hopes the Central government will not be so "foolish" to completely dispense with 'India', which has "incalculable brand value".

The Congress Thiruvananthapuram MP even claimed it was Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who had objected to the name 'India' since it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state".

"While the subject is live, let's recall that it was Jinnah who objected to the name 'India' since it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state. As with CAA, the BJP govt keeps supporting Jinnah's view!," Shashi Tharoor said.

Invitations for a G20 dinner have been sent out by President Droupadi Murmu describing her position as 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India' that has triggered a massive furore with the Opposition alleging that the Modi government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the country's name.

In response, the ruling NDA alliances accused the Opposition bloc of opposing the name Bharat.

The G20 Summit, under India's presidency, will be held in New Delhi from 9 to 10 September. Several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden, will be attending the event.

With inputs from agencies
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that the Special Parliamentary Session was called without any consultation with other political parties by the central government.

None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for Government Business, the letter, dated 6 September, read.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the Special Session of the Parliament had been called without any prior discussion with the opposition and also sought details of the agenda of the session. pic.twitter.com/02ZH4gbStd  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

It added, We most certainly want to participate in the Special Session because it will give us an opportunity to raise matters of public concern and importance.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi last week informed about the five-day special session of Parliament from September 18-22. The agenda for the special session, however, was not revealed yet.

Heres what the Congress wants to discuss

Sonia Gandhi listed a number of issues that the Opposition wants to discuss during the special parliamentary session. These are:
Tesla has reportedly filed a lawsuit against a Chinese firm called Bingling Intelligent Technology, alleging infringement of tech secrets and unfair competition, as per Reuters.

Notably, Bingling Intelligent Technology has Xiaomi as one of its stakeholders, with Xiaomi owning an 11.9 per cent stake in the company. This Chinese firm is known for its design of microchips and other automotive components.

This legal action by Tesla comes at a time when Xiaomi is actively seeking a share of the electric vehicle (EV) market. Xiaomi is also striving to incorporate autonomous driving technology into its electric cars. Just last month, Xiaomi obtained approval from Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to manufacture electric vehicles.

Xiaomi has even unveiled its first electric sedan, codenamed MS11 or Modena, which aims to compete directly with Teslas flagship Model S. To facilitate mass production of the Modena, the Chinese smartphone giant has partnered with local companies in a joint venture.

Whats intriguing is that Teslas lawsuit against this tech company is part of a growing trend of Chinese firms being accused of EV technology theft from global companies. China anyway has had a reputation of not respecting international copyright laws.

There have been previous instances, such as a former Apple employee facing charges for stealing self-driving vehicle data on behalf of a Chinese company. This individual later joined a joint venture between Chinese tech firm Baidu and automaker Geely, focusing on self-driving vehicle technology.

In 2020, the FBI even issued a warning to U.S. automakers about Chinas high interest in stealing electric car technology.

China currently holds a prominent position in the EV manufacturing sector, with numerous domestic electric car brands dominating both the Chinese and global markets. Chinese EV manufacturers are aggressively pursuing a leading role in the global electric vehicle market.
Errol Musk, Tesla CEO Elon Musks father, recently expressed some worries about his sons safety. His concern arose after a report came out discussing how Elon Musks influence could affect government decisions.

Despite a strained relationship with his son, Errol Musk told a reporter from The US Sun that he is genuinely concerned that his billionaire son might be in danger of an assassination attempt.

This whole situation started when a report from The New Yorker came out that suggested that Elon is too involved in major government decisions and that he is often referred to as an unelected official.

Musks father believes it was a bit of a hit job. The report delved into how the worlds richest person, Elon Musk, has been shaping government decisions, especially when it comes to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

According to Pentagon officials quoted in The New Yorker article, several high-ranking officials see Elon Musk as almost like an unelected official. Theyre also concerned about his views on Vladimir Putin. The report also highlighted the critical role played by SpaceXs Starlink satellites in the Ukraine situation.

Now, Errol Musk openly admitted that his relationship with his son isnt exactly great. In fact, Elon Musk has publicly called his dad a terrible human being before. But despite their differences, Errol is genuinely worried about Elons safety. With all the intense scrutiny and attention on him, Errol Musk is afraid something might happen.

Errol Musk described The New Yorker article as basically preparing the ground before an actual attack, comparing it to artillery softening up the enemy.

This isnt the first time there have been concerns about Elon Musks safety. At one point, he even made a kind of dark-humoured comment about the possibility of dying under mysterious circumstances after a disagreement with Russias space chief about providing Starlink terminals to Ukrainian soldiers.

Safety concerns around Elon Musk have been cropping up in various ways. There have been reports of him having two bodyguards with him at all times, including when he goes to the bathroom. He even requested a bathroom next to his office to not disturb his security team during late-night visits.

One rather notable incident was when someone tracked Elon Musks private jet back in December. This led him to accuse journalists of potentially wanting to harm him. He also claimed that a crazy stalker once followed a car that he thought was carrying his son, mistaking it for Elon.
In the exciting realm of research around AI, theres a growing field known as organoid intelligence, and its aim is to replicate the human brain in order to further advance AI and more.

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) research rapidly gains momentum, a handful of scientists worldwide are already pioneering the next big thing: a field that envisions computers with real brains, aptly termed biocomputing. Also known as organoid intelligence, its aim is to replicate the human brain in order to further advance AI.

At present, conventional AI models rely on networks comprising a few hundred million neurons, characterized by their simplified nature, and these models demand a substantial amount of energy. In contrast, the human brain operates far more efficiently in terms of energy consumption while managing connections between nearly 90 billion neurons.

To put things into perspective, experts suggest that should current artificial intelligence companies attempt to replicate the sheer number of connections found in the human brain, theyd require the energy output of a nuclear power plant.

Biocomputing, on the other hand, introduces a groundbreaking shift by using genuine biological neurons. Dr. Fred Jordan, the CEO and co-founder of Final Spark, expressed, Were at the beginning of a revolution.

In 2014, Dr. Jordan, alongside his colleague Dr. Martin Kutter, established one of the worlds earliest biocomputing companies in Switzerland. Today, its one of three corporations pioneering this field, alongside Cortical Labs in Australia and Koniku in the US.

Biocomputers are machines that incorporate live neurons, allowing them to reason much like humans and generate novel ideas beyond their own programmed knowledge. This sets them apart from AI programs like ChatGPT, which can only provide responses based on the data in their databases.

Dr. Jordan shared his lifelong dream, saying, Ever since I was a teenager, my dream was to build a thinking computer. Three years ago, he realized that merging artificial intelligence and neuroscience, two traditionally separate disciplines, was the path to achieving that goal. He explained, The way the brain processes information is incredibly intricate, and todays digital computers simply arent up to the task. So, we thought, since hardware alone isnt sufficient, lets revolutionize it with living neurons or wetware.'

However, building a biocomputer that can pass the Turing testassessing whether a machine can display intelligence indistinguishable from that of a humanremains a challenge that no one has yet overcome.

In terms of the progress in biocomputing research, Final Spark works with thousands of neurospheres, which are three-dimensional structures housing living neurons and serve as biocomputer prototypes. These neurospheres house approximately 10,000 neurons for 100 days, during which Dr. Jordan and his team strive to understand how to train these neurons.

The ultimate goal is to enable neurospheres to accomplish useful tasks, such as learning and memorization (also known as neuroplasticity), by stimulating the neurons using electrodes. However, achieving this is a formidable challenge, as each neurosphere exhibits unique characteristics.

For now, Final Sparks neurospheres can only store 1 bit of information, akin to a quantum computer from 15 years ago.

Dr. Jordan emphasized, All our work is open data because we believe the greatest risk lies not in competition but in failing to discover the optimal solution for biocomputing.

In the coming months, Final Spark plans to collaborate with universities worldwide, enabling students to conduct remote electrode stimulation tests and contribute to research on neuroplasticity. Dr. Jordan expressed hope that they will make substantial progress in certain aspects of learning next year, asserting that at present, we are charting a course in intriguing and innovative directions.

The most apparent application of biocomputing at present is its potential to replace the synthetic processors used by AI companies, potentially reducing energy consumption by an astonishing 1 million to 10 billion times, as indicated by Dr. Jordan.

Dr. Jordan has already established connections with numerous tech companies, although he acknowledged that not all fully grasp their objectives. Nonetheless, Frontiers, a highly respected research journal, recently introduced a section on organoid intelligence. Dr. Jordan found this recognition to be particularly meaningful, given the lack of prior acknowledgement.

When contemplating the potential of biocomputing, Dr. Jordan noted that it extends beyond merely reducing the energy consumption of certain AI ventures. He asserted that the capabilities of biocomputing are unfathomable since neurons possess the ability to self-program.
There has been growing speculation regarding the possibility of India officially adopting the name Bharat. This speculation has been fueled by the recent circulation of an invitation for a G20 dinner scheduled for September 9, which notably referred to the President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India.

Furthermore, another instance that has added fuel to speculations of this kind, is the fact that in a separate state document, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was referred to as Prime Minister of Bharat.

Additionally, there is an upcoming special session of the Parliament, leading some to connect the dots and suggest that the government might introduce a resolution to change the countrys name from India to Bharat.

If such a change were to occur, it could potentially pose some challenges, particularly in cases of domain names and internet identity. The .IN domain is a country code top-level domain or ccTLD that signifies the websites association with India. It functions very much like the +91 code we have internationally for all telephone and mobile numbers in India.

It indicates that the domain name was registered with INRegistry, an organization established by NIXI or the National Internet Exchange of India. Furthermore, .IN has subdomains reserved for specific purposes, such as gov.in for the government and mil.in for the military.

While the specific top-level domain (TLD) may not always be a critical factor for websites today, historically, ccTLDs consisting of two alphabets have helped identify a websites country of origin. For example, .US is associated with the United States, and .UK indicates a British website.

If India were to change its name to Bharat, there is a possibility that a new TLD for the countrys websites is chosen. However, its worth noting that many potential TLD options are already allocated to other countries. For instance, .BH belongs to Bahrain, .BR is designated for Brazil, and .BT is reserved for Bhutan.

One possible solution could involve diplomatic negotiations with countries that hold such TLDs to explore the possibility of acquiring them, however, chances of that actually happening aret that strong.

Alternatively, India could consider creating new TLDs that incorporate Bharat into the domain, such as .BHARAT or .BHRT. This could provide a clear and distinct online identity for the country in the event of an official name change. However, this process would require careful consideration and coordination to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential conflicts in the domain naming system.
Meta has revealed its plan to discontinue the dedicated news tab on Facebook in certain European countries, starting in early December.

The company made this announcement late on Tuesday, asserting that users primarily utilize the platform for purposes other than accessing news and political content. Meta emphasizes that this alteration will have a minimal impact on users.

Facebook getting rid of its News Tab

In an official statement, Meta specified that the Facebook news tab will no longer be available in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

It is important to note, however, that this removal does not signify the disappearance of news from the platform altogether; rather, it pertains solely to the removal of the news tab. Consequently, news outlets will retain the ability to publish articles and other content for users to peruse.

Meta further expounded in its press release that individuals primarily visit Facebook to foster connections with others and explore fresh opportunities, passions, and interests.

Meta refuses to pay for news it curates from news organisations

The company noted that less than 3 per cent of the content displayed in users feeds comprises news. This relatively low engagement with the news tab implies that the vast majority of users are unlikely to be significantly affected by this change, as highlighted in the press release.

Nonetheless, in contrast to Metas assurances that news outlets can continue to post content for their audiences, recent reports suggest that Meta has discreetly reduced referral traffic to media organizations.

A report by the prominent UK news outlet, Reach PLC, reveals a 14.5 per cent decline in digital revenue in the UK during the first quarter of 2023. Reach attributes this decline to recent changes to the way Facebook presents news content, causing a reduction in referred traffic across the sector.

This development occurs in the context of Metas earlier decision to block Facebook news content in Canada back in June, in response to a new law that requires technology companies to compensate news outlets for their content. In June, the Canadian government enacted the Online News Act, prompting Meta to issue a press release stating its decision to end news availability in Canada.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv Wednesday after another night of Russian strikes on Ukraine, with Washington set to unveil more than $1 billion in fresh aid to battle Russia.

The visit  his fourth since the start of Moscows invasion  comes as Kyiv has touted some successes this week in its counteroffensive to push back Russian forces.

As the top US official arrived, Kyivs army said it was pressing on with offensive operations towards eastern Ukraines war-battered town of Bakhmut  which fell to Russian forces in May  and the southern Moscow-occupied city of Melitopol.

It said troops had been successful near the southern villages of Robotyne and Novoprokopivka.

Ukrainian forces have also claimed strategic victories on the southern front, saying they paved the way to push deeper towards Moscow-annexed Crimea.

A US State Department official told reporters en route to Kyiv that they would announce more than a billion dollars in new US funding for Ukraine.

Hours before Blinkens arrival, Kyiv was targeted by a Russian missile strike, which authorities said caused no casualties but did start a fire outside the capital.

The visit also comes as a time for change for Kyivs military establishment, days after President Volodymyr Zelenky dismissed defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov  who served throughout the Russian invasion  after allegations of graft in defence ministry contracts.

Parliament on Wednesday approved Zelenskys nomination to replace Reznikov with Rustem Umerov  a behind-the-scenes deal-maker from the Crimean Tatar community with extensive contacts in Turkey and the Middle East.

The US official said it was a good time for Blinken to come, several months into Kyivs counter-offensive, and before a second winter during the full-scale war, with energy security fears rising again.

Talks will focus on what they need for this phase of the battle, said the official, adding that supplying more air defence would be a high priority.

The US has supplied key weaponry to Ukraine that has allowed it to go on the advance this summer.

Progress in Kyivs counter-offensive has been slower than expected however, due to heavily mined territory and tough Russian defence lines.

The Kremlin dismissed Blinkens Kyiv visit, a spokesman saying US aid would not influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows term for its offensive.

He accused Washington of wanting to keep Ukraine in a state of war, to wage this war till the last Ukrainian.

Danish PM visits

A string of Western leaders have visited Kyiv during the war, pledging support against Russian forces.

Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was also in the Ukrainian capital Wednesday, after pledging to supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 fighter jets.

Denmark and the Netherlands last month announced they would provide the advanced jets to strengthen Kyivs Soviet-era air force.

Frederiksen addressed Ukraines parliament Wednesday, where lawmakers thanked her for supplying the planes.

The US said Blinken and Frederiksen met on their way to Ukraine, which Western leaders have mostly been reaching by train from Poland.

State Department spokesman Matthew Millar said Blinken thanked her for Denmarks leadership in the F-16 coalition of partner nations to train Ukrainian pilots, and for its decision to donate F-16 jets to Ukraine.

Russia has called the decision to supply Ukraine with the American planes an escalation.

Russian drone strikes

Overnight, Russian drone attacks on the countrys south-western corner near Romania killed one person.

Moscow has pounded Ukraines Black Sea and Danube ports for weeks after exiting a key deal that ensured the safe navigation of ships carrying grain.

Unfortunately, one person died, said Kiper, adding that it was an agricultural worker who was seriously injured and died in hospital.

Destruction and fires were recorded in several settlements, he added, with port and agricultural infrastructure including administrative buildings damaged.

The Danube river port of Izmail, which borders NATO member Romania, has become a main export route for Ukrainian products following Russias withdrawal from a UN-brokered grain deal in July.

Following the collapse of the agreement that had allowed grain shipments from Black Sea ports, Russia has ramped up attacks on Ukraines southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, home to ports and infrastructure vital for agriculture exports.

The president of NATO member Romania, Klaus Iohannis, said Tuesday that the attacks had taken place very, very close to his countrys border.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday it is important to avoid a new Cold War when dealing with conflicts between countries as world leaders gathered in Indonesia amid sharpening geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at an annual summit involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea, Li said countries needed to appropriately handle differences and disputes.

At present, it is very important to oppose taking sides, bloc confrontation and a new Cold War, Li told the meeting.

ASEAN, which has warned of the danger of getting dragged into major powers disputes, is also holding wider talks with Li, US Vice President Kamala Harris and leaders of partner countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia and India.

Neither US President Joe Biden nor his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is attending.

High on the agenda at the gatherings in Jakarta is concern about Chinas increasingly assertive activity in the South China Sea, an important trade corridor in which several ASEAN members have claims that conflict with China.

In remarks at the start of her meeting with ASEAN leaders, Harris said the United States was committed to the region.

The United States has an enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and more broadly to the Indo-Pacific, she said.

Harris also said the United States would continue to press the Myanmar junta to end horrific violence that has erupted since a military coup in 2021.

A White House official had earlier said Harris would underscore the United States and ASEANs shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, in the face of Chinas unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions.

ASEAN this week discussed with China accelerating negotiations on a long-discussed code of conduct for the waterway, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

The issue also came up during an ASEAN-Japan summit where leaders expressed the importance of keeping situations in the region conducive, especially in the Korean peninsula and also the South China Sea, she said.

NEW CHINESE MAP

The United States and its allies have echoed ASEANs calls for freedom of navigation and overflight and to refrain from building a physical presence in disputed waters. China has built various facilities, including runways, on tiny outcrops in the sea.

Just before this weeks gatherings, China released a map with a 10-dash line showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea.

Several ASEAN members rejected the map.

Referring to the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said his country did not seek conflict but had a duty to meet any challenge to our sovereignty.

The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries, Marcos said.

This not only denies us our independence and our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests, he said.

Some ASEAN members have developed close diplomatic, business and military ties with China while others are more wary. The United States has also courted ASEAN countries with varying degrees of success.

The 10 members of ASEAN held their summit earlier in the week with leaders seeking to assert the blocs relevance in the face of criticism it is failing to press Myanmars military leaders to cooperate on a plan for peace.

In a statement on Wednesday, ASEAN chair Indonesia said the bloc needed to strengthen stability in the maritime sphere in our region  and explore new initiatives towards these ends.

Regional leaders also expressed grave concern over a lack of substantial progress on the blocs five-point peace plan for Myanmar, the statement said.

The summit also saw South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledge to work with Japan and China for the early resumption of three-way talks in building better ties.
Chinas Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday that major powers must oppose confrontation and a new Cold War as he met with Japanese, South Korean and Southeast Asian leaders in Indonesia.

Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interferences, he said at the start of an ASEAN plus three meeting in the capital Jakarta.

To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War.

His remarks came as leaders and top officials including US Vice President Kamala Harris gathered to discuss a range of issues that have overshadowed Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this week.

They include a map Beijing recently released that makes claims to most of the South China Sea, a row between China and Japan over Tokyos decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant and North Koreas ballistic missile launches.

Chinas premier was due to attend the 18-nation East Asia Summit on Thursday where Harris and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also take part.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Tuesday Harris would underscore the United States enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific generally, using another term for the Asia-Pacific region.
A Russian attack on a city in eastern Ukraine killed at least 16 people on Wednesday as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv to offer support for its counteroffensive against Russias forces.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, which hit a market, shops and a pharmacy in the city of Kostiantynivka, close to the battlefield. He said a child was among the 16 dead, and officials said at least 34 were wounded.

This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible, Zelenskyy said, describing it as a deliberate attack on a peaceful city. Aides posted video footage showing an explosion after what sounded like a missile approaching, and people scurrying for cover or falling to the ground.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack, and has denied deliberately targeting civilians.

Blinken was expected to announce a new package of US wartime assistance worth more than $1 billion during his two-day visit, a senior State Department official said.

The first top US official to visit Kyiv since the counteroffensive began in early June, Blinken had talks with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and was later due to meet Zelenskyy.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said standing alongside Kuleba.

US media reports have cited unidentified US officials as saying the Ukrainian counteroffensive has been too slow and hindered by poor tactics  criticism that angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Kuleba to tell critics to shut up.

Ukraine has retaken more than a dozen villages and small settlements in its offensive. But its push into Russian-held territory has been slowed by minefields and trenches.

US officials have not publicly criticised Ukraines military tactics, and last week said they had seen progress in the southeast.

The State Department official said Washington wanted to discuss how the counteroffensive was going and assess battlefield needs as well as any steps that might be required to shore up Ukraines energy security before winter.

I think whats most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves, the official said. We want to see; hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks.

Asked about Blinkens visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraines military to wage this war to the last Ukrainian.

He said US aid to Kyiv would not affect the course of what he called Russias special military operation.

RISING OPPOSITION TO UKRAINE AID

Blinkens visit coincided with parliament approving the appointment of Rustem Umerov as defence minister following the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov. Officials did not say whether Blinken would meet Umerov.

During his train ride to Kyiv, Blinken also held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was visiting the same day.

Blinken thanked Frederiksen for the donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and its leadership of a coalition of nations to train Ukrainian pilots, a State Department spokesperson said.

Denmark and the Netherlands announced last month they would supply more than 60 US-made F-16s as soon as pilots are trained to fly them  the first countries to offer the jets.

The US government has provided more than $43 billion in weaponry and other military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. A new package of security assistance is set to be announced this week, Reuters reported on Friday.

Several Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned the US aid, fuelling concerns over whether Washington will still back Ukraine at the same level once the US 2024 election campaign intensifies.
A British-made challenger 2 tank, which had not seen any combat loss hitherto, has been destroyed in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia.

The tank, one of the 14 of its type the UK sent to Ukraine early this year, was seen lying destroyed near the Rabotino village in Zaporizhzia in southern-Ukraine in a viral video, Russia Today claimed.

A video, showing a Challenger 2 tank on fire, emerged online on Monday. It was reportedly taken by Ukrainian servicemen driving tank as it emitted a thick plume of black smoke. The video also showed an abandoned Ukrainian T-64 tank, a damaged BMP-family infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), and several disabled armored and soft cars.

Stills from a drone video shared on Russian Telegram on Tuesday appeared to confirm the destruction of the tank. The pictures also showed a pile of destroyed Ukrainian vehicles near the tank: two Soviet-era BMP-1 IFVs, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier missing its turret, AND a soft pickup truck.

This is the first combat loss reported for a Challenger 2 ever, not just Ukraine. The tank has served in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Iraq, and besides a unit lost to a friendly fire in Iraq it has never been lost to an enemy.

Southern-Ukraine has been the center of intense fighting in the recent days as Ukraine pushes southwards to reach the Sea of Azov and cut the Russian forces in the east and south.

Meanwhile on the ground, Ukrainian army has made it to the final layer of the Russian defence line in southern Zaporizhia, according to George Barros, a Russia analyst at the Institute for the Study of War.

Ukrainian forces continue pressuring the line between Verbove and Robotyne and may be setting conditions to breach the line in earnest, Barros was quoted as saying by Telegraph.
Japan has joined India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan to lodge protests against China over its new standard map for including the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as part of its territory.

Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told the media in Tokyo on Tuesday that Japan has lodged a strong protest to China through diplomatic channels over a new map released by Beijing last month.

Tokyo urged Beijing to rescind the map because it has a description based on Chinas unilateral claims on the Senkaku Islands in southern Japans Okinawa Prefecture, Matsuno has been quoted by the Japanese media.

The map describes the Senkakus as the Diaoyu Islands, the Chinese name for the islands. The Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea are claimed by Beijing.

The islands are indisputably an inherent part of Japanese territory, both historically and under international law, Matsuno said.

Japan responds in a calm and resolute way, based on its policy to stand firm in protecting peoples lives and properties, as well as the countrys land, seas and airspace, he said.

Reacting to Japans protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected Tokyos claim over the islands. Diaoyu Islands and neighbouring islands are part of Chinas territories, Mao told a media briefing on Wednesday.

It is reasonable for China to include them in our standard maps. We do not accept relevant statements, she said.

Earlier, the Governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan joined India in rejecting Chinas new national map, issuing strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory.

China published a new version of its national map last week to correct what Beijing has in the past referred to as problematic maps that it claims misrepresent its territorial borders.

India lodged a strong protest with China over its so-called standard map laying claim over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin, and asserted that such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

The External Affairs Ministry also rejected Chinas claims as having no basis. Just making absurd claims does not make other peoples territories yours, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while reacting to the Chinese move.

The Philippine government has also slammed Chinas 2023 edition of its so-called standard map that still shows swaths of Philippine features in the West Philippine Sea.

The Malaysian government has said that it will send a protest note to China over the latters claims on the South China Sea as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023, which also covers Malaysias maritime areas.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry said last Wednesday that Malaysia does not recognise Chinas claims in the South China Sea, as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023, which also encompasses Malaysias maritime areas.

The Vietnamese government also criticised Chinas latest provocation. Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Wednesday rebuked Chinas new standard map by saying Taiwan has never been ruled by the Peoples Republic of China.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinpings absence will not impact the G20 Summit that will be held in New Delhi on 9 and 10 September.

In an interview with ANI, EAM Jaishankar noted that in the past too, a number of presidents have chosen not to come for global meetings and that countrys position is reflected by the representative present on the occasion.

I think at different points of time in G20 there have been some presidents or prime ministers who for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves but that country, and that countrys position is obviously reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion, he said.

The foreign minister added, So, you had some occasions where you had a president or two, sometimes three, who have not themselves come. My sense from talking to the ministers, certainly, and I know the Sherpas are in touch with each other, they are right now trying to hammer out the final document. I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness.

On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry notified that Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in India, instead Premier Li Qiang will mark his presence. The ministry, however, did not give any explanation for his absence.

Similarly, the Kremlin announced Putins absence citing the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Focus on the Global South

Today the expectations of the world are very high in terms of what the G20 is able to produce and produce in terms of meeting the challenges of the world. So, if you were to go to Africa, go to Latin America, go to parts of Asia, go to the Caribbean, and go to the Pacific, everybody is today saying, okay I have a certain set of issues, EAM Jaishankar said.

He said that one of the important messages of the G20 Summit is to focus on the Global South.

You are going to get really a mix of issues that the world is looking at and a lot of this, the burden is on the Global South, on developing countries. So, one very important message for us is focus on the Global South, the foreign minister said.

He added, But there is a larger context. The context is of a very turbulent global environment, the impact of COVID, impact of the Ukraine conflict, issues like debt which have carried on for some time and by the way climate disruptions which are today affecting the economy as well.

Bharat is in the Constitution

Taking a veiled dig at Opposition parties over their comments following Rashtrapati Bhawan sending out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 on behalf of President of Bharat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is Bharat and the same is mentioned in the Constitution

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on the row over invitation cards to the G20 Summit, mentioning Bharat, India/Bharat debate India, that is Bharat  it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read itWhen you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an pic.twitter.com/5tg6QTK86c  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar said.

Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, he added.

With inputs from ANI
Reports that Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia soon have drawn attention to the traditional method of travel for North Korean leaders: luxury, armored trains that have long been a part of the dynastys lore and are symbols of its deep isolation.

In what would be his first foreign travel since the start of the pandemic, Kim may visit Russia this month for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a US official has said, possibly to discuss North Korean arms sales to refill Russian reserves drained by its war on Ukraine.

According to US reports, the two leaders could meet in the eastern city of Vladivostok, the site of their first get-together in April 2019, when Kim took his green-and-yellow train. Putin is expected in the city for the annual Eastern Economic Forum that runs from Sunday to Wednesday.

The reports come at a time when the leaders interests are aligning in the face of their deepening, separate confrontations with the United States.

Whether Kim could again make the rattling 20-hour journey by rail is a focus of media attention, as is the reportedly luxurious train, which stands in sharp contrast to the grinding poverty of daily life for most North Koreans.

Kims famously flight-averse father, Kim Jong Il, made about a dozen trips abroad during his 17-year rule, almost all to China and all by train. North Koreas state media said that the elder Kim died of a heart attack during a train trip in 2011.

According to an account published in 2002 by Konstantin Pulikovsky, a Russian official who accompanied Kim Jong ll on a three-week trip to Moscow, the train carried cases of expensive French wine and passengers could feast on fresh lobster and pork barbeque.

The trains most important feature, however, is security. According to South Korean media reports, North Korea has 90 special carriages in total and operates three trains in tandem when a leader is traveling  an advance train to check the rails, the train with the leader and his immediate entourage, and a third behind for everyone else. High-tech communication equipment and flat-screen TVs are installed so a leader can give orders and receive briefings.

In a sign of the trains symbolic importance, a life-size mock-up of one of the carriages is on permanent display at a mausoleum on the outskirts of Pyongyang where the embalmed bodies of Kim Jong Il and his state-founding father, Kim Il Sung, lie in state.

Kim, who is 39, has used his familys armored train for previous meetings with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019.

But he does sometimes fly, unlike his father. Schooled for several years in Switzerland, Kim Jong Un is believed to have traveled by air often as a teenager.

When he jetted off to the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in 2018 to meet with Xi, it was the first time a North Korean leader had publicly gone abroad by air since Kim Il Sungs flight to the Soviet Union in 1986.

Kims official plane is a remodeled version of the Soviet-made IL-62. North Korea calls it Chammae-1, named after the goshawk, North Koreas national bird. South Korean media say the plane can carry about 200 people and its maximum range is about 9,200 kilometers (5,700 miles) but it has reportedly never flown that far.

Putin, for his part, now prefers to avoid airplanes and also travels on a special armored train since his decision to invade Ukraine in early 2022, according to Gleb Karakulov, a defector from Putins secretive elite security service.

Kims earlier meeting with Putin required a daylong trip that began at the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and chugged over the countrys aging railways along the eastern coast before crossing a river that serves as the border with Russia.

Some analysts are skeptical that another meeting would occur on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum because Kim and his predecessors have preferred stand-alone summitry when making rare trips abroad

In all, Kim went to China four times from 2018 to 2019 to meet Xi  two of them by train and two on his jet. In June 2018, he borrowed a Chinese plane to meet Trump in Singapore, reportedly because his jet was deemed unsafe. For another meeting with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, Kim took his train on the two-and-half day trip.

Since closing his countrys borders in early 2020 to guard against the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim hasnt met any foreign leader.

Kims possible second trip to Russia could signal a restart of a summit-driven diplomacy and may be followed by a trip to China for a meeting with Xi, said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in South Korea.
US-backed Kurdish-led forces in Syria declared the end of military operations in the countrys east Wednesday after days of clashes with Arab fighters left dozens dead.

The violence started when the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) detained Arab chief Ahmad al-Khabil, who headed the affiliated Deir Ezzor Military Council, on 27 August.

Military operations in Dhiban have ended, SDF spokesman Farhad Shami told AFP.

An SDF statement said that the town has been completely cleared of armed intruders.

Control of the province is split between the SDF to the east of the Euphrates river and Iran-backed Syrian government forces and their proxies to the west.

The clashes had rocked Kurdish-controlled areas of Deir Ezzor province, killing 90 people, mostly fighters but also nine civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The violence had pitted the SDF against loyalists of Khabil, who is also known as Abu Khawla, and local Arab fighters led by a sheikh from a prominent tribe, the Britain-based war monitor said.

But the tribes are divided in their loyalties, added the Britain-based Observatory, which has a network of sources inside Syria.

Arab-majority Deir Ezzor, a resource-rich region which borders Iraq, is bisected by the Euphrates and is home to dozens of tribal communities.

Some of their fighters joined the SDF in its campaign against the Islamic State group which ended the jihadists self-declared caliphate in Syria.

In northern Syria on Monday, Turkey-backed fighters who said they were from Arab tribes attacked SDF positions in support of the fighters in Deir Ezzor.

The SDF has denied any dispute with Arab tribes in the region, saying the clashes have mostly involved elements of the regime and some beneficiaries of Khabil, whom they accuse of drug trafficking, mismanagement and communicating with Damascus.

The US embassy to Syria, which is based outside the country, had said on Sunday that senior US officials had met with Kurdish-led forces and community leaders in eastern Syria to discuss the need for de-escalation.

Kurdish authorities control areas in north and northeast Syria through local civilian and military councils in an effort to stave off Arab discontent.

Syrias civil war broke out in 2011 with the governments repression of peaceful protests. The conflict has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.
Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in organizing the US Capitol riot.

The punishment became the longest sentence given to a key figure involved in the attack on the heart of American democracy.

Tarrio, aged 39, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy, an offense dating back to the US Civil War, along with other charges in May.

Its worth noting that Tarrio was not physically present in Washington during the riot, but he played a significant role in planning the participation of the far-right group.

Over 1,100 individuals have been apprehended and charged in connection with the events of the Capitol riot.

Before his sentencing on Tuesday, Tarrio expressed remorse to both law enforcement and the residents of Washington, D.C., for his involvement in the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol during the certification of Joe Bidens election victory.

Wearing an orange jail uniform, Tarrio admitted, I am deeply ashamed and regretful that my actions caused pain and suffering. He continued, saying, I will carry this shame with me for the rest of my life.

Tarrio also recognized his own arrogance, which led him to believe he was unjustly targeted and described himself as my own worst enemy.

He made it clear that he was not driven by extreme political ideology and did not intend to alter the elections outcome. He appealed to the judge for mercy, asking that his 40s not be taken away from him.

In an emotional moment, Tarrio wiped tears from his eyes as his mother requested leniency from the judge.

Tarrio held the position of national chairman within the Proud Boys, a far-right group that originated in New York City in 2016, with members often referring to themselves as an all-male social club.

They viewed themselves as loyal supporters of Trump and frequently clashed with left-wing activists.

Tarrios defense lawyer argued in court that his client was merely a keyboard warrior and a misguided patriot who engaged in provocative speech but never intended to overthrow the government.

However, US District Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump, emphasized Tarrios lack of remorse for his actions and the gravity of the seditious conspiracy charge, ultimately labeling him as the key figure in the conspiracy.

In addition to seditious conspiracy, Tarrio was found guilty in May of obstruction and conspiracy charges, civil disorder, and destruction of government property.

Prosecutors had described his actions as a premeditated act of terrorism, advocating for a 33-year prison sentence, while the defense argued for a maximum of 15 years.

Tarrio received his sentence in silence and then waved to his family in the courtroom while flashing a peace sign as he was led away. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision.

In the wake of the 2020 election, Tarrio and other Proud Boys posted menacing messages online, warning of violence and unrest if Trump were to leave office.

He was apprehended by police two days before the Capitol riot while entering Washington, D.C., on charges related to burning a Black Lives Matter banner taken from an African-American church and possession of a high-capacity ammunition magazine, which violated the citys gun laws. After being released on bail, he was ordered to leave the nations capital.

On the day of the riot, Tarrio was located in Baltimore, Maryland, and publicly expressed his enjoyment of the events unfolding at the Capitol, urging the rioters to take action.

Tarrios sentencing concludes a series of hearings for key figures involved in the Capitol riot. Prior to this, the longest sentences were 18 years, given to another Proud Boy, Ethan Nordean, and Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers, in May.

Three additional Proud Boys received prison sentences last week, with lengths ranging from 10 to 17 years. Its worth noting that former President Trump has pledged to pardon many or all of the rioters if re-elected in 2024.

Charges against the rioters have varied, ranging from minor offenses like trespassing to more serious crimes like assaulting police officers and conspiracy. Approximately 200 individuals have pleaded guilty to felony charges thus far.

The FBI continues its ongoing investigation, aiming to locate 14 individuals captured on video assaulting law enforcement officers or members of the media during the riot.
The Russian mercenary Wagner Group is set to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government, the BBC reported on Tuesday citing a draft order.

The draft order will allow Wagners assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized, BBC said, adding that it will be illegal to be a member or support the organisation according to the order.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman told the BBC that Wagner was violent and destructive  a military tool of Vladimir Putins Russia.

They are terrorists, plain and simple  and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law, she said.

Proscribing Wagner as a terrorist organisation would mean it would be a criminal offence in Britain to belong to or promote the group, arrange or address its meetings, and carry its logo in public.

The Wagner mercenary group was deployed in Ukraine soon after the Russian invasion last year.

By December, the group took a central role in the battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after enlisting thousands of prisoners in Russian jails to fight for it on front lines and until recently was the mainstay of the Russian offensive.

Britains move to declare Wagner a terrorist group comes after lawmakers on the Foreign Affairs Committee in July urged more targeted sanctions on what it said were a web of entities beneath the Wagner Group.

Britain sanctioned Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2020, the Wagner Group as a whole in March 2022, and in July this year sanctioned individuals and businesses with links to the group in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan.

Prigozhin died when his private Embraer jet crashed while travelling to St Petersburg from Moscow on Aug. 23. Russia said it would investigate the crash, but no cause has yet been made public.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted on Wednesday that no form of extremism is acceptable, and that the right to hold lawful protest did not extend to violent or threatening behaviour, allaying Indias concerns over activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the United Kingdom.

In an interview to PTI, Sunak said he takes the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously.

He said the UK is working closely with its partners in the Indian government to tackle the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism.

There have been increasing concerns in India about activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK, especially after an attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March.

Sunaks comments came days before he visits India to attend the G20 summit.

No form of extremism is acceptable in the UK, and I take the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously, he said.

We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government to tackle the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism and the British police are fully empowered to deal with violent acts, he said, replying to a question on the issue.

There is a point of view in Delhi that the Khalistani issue is a stumbling block in deeper India-UK ties.

Sunak also referred to a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UKs Security Minister Tom Tugendhat last month that was focused on addressing the threat of extremism and corruption.

In August, the UKs Security Minister met Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi to develop our shared work addressing the threat of extremism and corruption, Sunak said.

During that visit he announced new funding to enhance the UKs capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism. The Rs 1 crore investment will strengthen our understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism and complement the joint work already underway between the UK and India, he said.

UK citizens enjoy the right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view, but rights to lawful protest do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour, the British prime minister said.

In March, India reacted angrily after pro-Khalistan elements attacked the Indian High Commission in London and pulled down the national flag from a pole at the front of the building.

The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then British counterpart Boris Johnson in May 2021.

At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.
A high-level US Congressional delegation will meet the top prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Thursday and discuss allegations of war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin, its chair said on Wednesday.

The delegation led by Representative Michael McCaul, Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, will talk with ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan  the latest sign of improving ties between Washington and the worlds top war crimes court.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied its forces have engaged in war crimes, or forcibly taken Ukrainian children.

Nearly 30,000 children have been taken away from their families and indoctrinated in Russia, McCaul said. Washington was looking at how it can help The Hague collect more evidence and intelligence to prove the case against Putin, he said.

The United States is not a member of the court, along with major powers including China and Russia, but US Attorney General Merrick Garland made an unannounced stop off at the court in June, the first of its kind.

In July, US President Joe Biden asked his administration to begin sharing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the ICC.

Washington imposed sanctions against top ICC officials under the Trump administration and then lifted them under US President Joe Biden. It has supported the ICCs work in investigating war crimes in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February of 2022.

Asked whether there was enough evidence for a genocide case against Russia, which argues it is fighting a defensive war against the West in Ukraine, delegation members compared the situation with the Nazi occupation of Europe during World War Two.

When you try to erase a culture, a people and a religion, that is a definition of genocide, McCaul said.

The delegation was on the last stop of a visit to Europe to discuss NATO cooperation and ways to further support Ukraine, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets and pilot training. It also visited Sweden and Finland.
Armenia will host joint drills with US peacekeeping forces next week, officials in Yerevan said Wednesday, the latest sign of the ex-Soviet republics drift away from traditional ally Russia.

The report came a day after Russia dismissed Yerevans criticism of Russian peacekeepers over their failure to maintain order at the Lachin corridor, the sole road linking Armenia to the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The exercise, Eagle Partner 2023, will be held on 11-20 September in Armenias Zar training centre to increase the level of interoperability between Armenian and US forces participating in international peacekeeping missions, Armenias defence ministry said in a statement.

The exercise involves stabilisation tasks between conflicting parties during peacekeeping mission.

The manoeuvres will be held amid a spat between Yerevan and Moscow over the role of the 2,000-strong Russian peacekeeping contingent that has patrolled the Lachin corridor since a 2020 Russian-brokered ceasefire ended a war between Armenia and Azerbaijan for control of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Moscow was either unable or unwilling to control the Lachin corridor which Yerevan says is under Azerbaijani blockade that has stopped food from getting to Armenian-populated towns.

Marking a major foreign policy shift, Pashinyan has also said that Yerevans longstanding reliance on Russia to guarantee the countrys security was a strategic mistake.

His wife was on Wednesday in Kyiv to attend a meeting of first ladies and gentlemen and deliver humanitarian aid for the first time since Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has a permanent military base in Armenia which is part of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation.

Russia on Tuesday rejected the criticism, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying that Russia continues to fulfil its role as a guarantor of security Russia is not going anywhere and is not going to go anywhere.

Tensions between Baku and Yerevan have escalated sharply in recent months, as both sides accuse the other of cross-border attacks.

The two sides have been unable to reach a lasting peace settlement despite mediation efforts by the European Union, United States and Russia.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has hinted at an upcoming interview with Larry Sinclair, a man who made allegations in 2008 that he had engaged in sexual activities and drug use with Barack Obama.

Back then, these claims were largely dismissed by U.S. media as Obama was on his way to winning the presidential election.

Carlson gave a sneak peek of the interview on social media, with the full conversation set to be released on Wednesday evening. Within just an hour of posting a one-minute clip on X (formerly Twitter), it had already garnered around 4 million views.

A man who claims he had sex with Barack Obama in 1999 tells his story. Wednesday. 6pm ET. pic.twitter.com/iDYMSww1KS  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) September 5, 2023

Sinclair recounted that he met Obama outside a Chicago bar in November 1999 without knowing he was an Illinois state senator.

He claimed that he had two sexual encounters with Obama and that they used cocaine together. Sinclair asserted that Obama bought cocaine on his behalf and that he witnessed the future president smoking crack in a limousine.

Back in 2008, Sinclair shared his allegations at the National Press Club and later published a book in 2009, in which he also claimed Obama had a gay affair with a church choir director who was allegedly murdered in December 2007.

When asked why the Washington press corps did not investigate his story during the 2008 election, Sinclair responded, It would be a story if the media truly cared about telling people the truth.

Carlson suggested in a previous interview that the media avoided the story because the Obama campaign threatened to deny them access to the candidate, saying, The media told a lot of lies about it. This kind of thing happens frequently in government.

Carlson pointed out that Sinclair had signed an affidavit and taken a lie detector test to lend more credibility to his allegations.

However, Sinclairs past, including time served in prison in the 1980s for financial crimes like check forgery, raised questions about his credibility. In 2018, he also ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Cocoa, Florida.

Recent weeks have seen a surge in reports about Obamas sexuality. His half-brother in Kenya, Malik Obama, posted a tweet in July suggesting that the former president is definitely gay.

This tweet garnered attention from various media outlets and came in response to Barack Obamas letter denouncing the banning of controversial books, including those with explicit content related to gay sexual acts, from public libraries.

Furthermore, a letter from 1982, penned by Obama when he was a 20-year-old college student, resurfaced last month.

In the letter, he expressed his views on homosexuality, stating, In regard to homosexuality, I must say that I believe this is an attempt to remove oneself from the present, a refusal perhaps to perpetuate the endless farce of earthly life. You see, I make love to men daily, but in the imagination.
As we approach Googles October 4 event, more information about the upcoming Pixel 8 Pro is surfacing. Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) on X (formerly Twitter) shared high-quality images of the Pixel 8 Pro.

He also provided screenshots from the Pixel Phone Simulator, displaying a 3D model of the device, including the SIM card tray. The new images confirm that the blue color variant is named Sky, not Sky Blue as previously rumored.

Evan Blass (@evleaks) also shared a blue render of the Pixel 8 Pro, revealing the redesigned camera setup with a single cutout for three cameras, a flash, and a temperature sensor. The phone appears to have slightly rounded corners.

The Pixel 8 Pro will be available in the stunning blue color, alongside black and off-white options that match the Pixel Fold. Blass also shared screenshots showing the default wallpapers for the Pixel 8 Pros homescreen.

In terms of specifications, previous reports suggest that the base storage for both Pixel 8 models will be 128GB, with an additional 256GB option for the regular Pixel 8 and 512GB for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Google is also rumored to provide five years of Android updates for the Pixel 8, which is an improvement from previous models that received five years of security updates.

Launch date

The Pixel 8 series is scheduled to launch, along with the expected launch of the Pixel Watch 2. The Made by Google in-person launch event will be held in New York City at 10 am ET (7:30 PM IST) on October 4, 2023.

Source | Via 1, 2
Xinhua think tank report reveals perils of U.S. military hegemony

Xinhua) 14:16, September 06, 2023

This photo taken on July 15, 2023 shows a view of Qala-e-Shatir village, where the U.S. forces dropped cluster bombs in 2001, in Herat City of west Afghanistan's Herat province. (Photo by Mashal/Xinhua)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A new research report Xinhua News Agency's think tank released on Tuesday uncovers the damage and threats of U.S. military hegemony.

In the report titled Origins, Facts and Perils of U.S. Military Hegemony, Xinhua Institute outlines the formation of the U.S. military hegemony, summarizes the means Washington adopted to maintain it, and delves into its perils by presenting facts and data.

"This report ... aims to trace the root cause of U.S. military hegemony, to explore how the United States has pursued, maintained and abused its military hegemony, and to tell the truth about the perils of the practices of U.S. military hegemony to the whole world," the think tank said.

The concepts of "empire" and "hegemony" are found throughout the history of the United States, the report said. "The idea has continuously influenced U.S. policies and behavior on its way towards global military hegemony."

"As both a dream and a fact the American Empire was born before the United States," it quoted Bernard DeVoto, an American historian, as saying.

Throughout the 240-plus-year history of the United States, there were less than 20 years in which the country was not at war, stressed the report.

Since 2001, the United States has launched wars and military operations in more than 80 countries around the world in the name of "anti-terrorism," which have directly resulted in the death of about 929,000 people, including 387,000 civilians, displacing about 38 million people, it said.

"With its military hegemony, the United States has been promulgating hegemonic policies and actions, bringing tremendous harm to the whole world," the report added.

"The United States has a long and bloody history of military intervention and expansion. Its wars and interventions have caused immense human suffering and instability around the world. The United States must change its ways and adopt a more peaceful and cooperative approach to foreign policy," said Mohamed A. Elchime, professional associate of political science at Helwan University in Egypt.

The U.S. military hegemony is bound to backfire. "The pursuit of absolute security, political exclusion and military containment ... will not help establish a security framework, but lead to a dilemma and even turmoil," the report said.

"It could not foster peace and security, but only create war and disaster; it could not bring equality and freedom, but only slavery and oppression; it could not offer development and cooperation, but only cause conflicts and division," the report concluded.

Noting that the study is "of historic significance," said Zivadin Jovanovic, president of Belgrade Forum for a World of Equals.

"I have no doubts that this document will play an important role in strengthening global understanding, solidarity and coordination of efforts toward building a polycentric, more just, inclusive, truly democratic new world order," Jovanovic said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Also called the Battle of Embabeh



Answer: Battle of the Pyramids



The town of Embabeh, located in the Nile Delta, has existed for hundreds of years. Originally it was the center of the all-important camel trade in ancient Egypt, and it still functions to some degree in that capacity. Part of the metropolis of Cairo, Embabeh (Imbabah) is listed today as the most heavily populated city subdivision in the world.



Napoleon and his army left France on May 19 and stopped to take over Malta on June 12 before moving on to capture Alexandria on July 2. Their next stop was Embabeh.

2. July 21, 1798



Answer: Battle of the Pyramids



Why on earth was Napoleon in Egypt with an army? The government of the Directory approved an Egyptian campaign in 1798, establishing the Armee d'Orient, the first incarnation of the famous unit. Napoleon, already a military hero, was the general chosen to lead the group. His assignment was to establish a French base in Egypt, from which British ships traveling to and from India could be harassed and intercepted.



The Armee d'Orient conquered the Egyptian city of Alexandria on July 2, and then continued east toward Cairo. The Battle of the Pyramids is really a misleading name, as the fighting occurred about nine miles away from Giza Plateau, where the pyramids are located. It has been said that in reality, they were barely visible from the battlefield. After a victory at the Battle of the Pyramids, Napoleon made his way to Cairo, taking the city on July 24, and establishing his own government there.

3. Fought mostly against Mamluks



Battle of the Pyramids



The Mamluks in Egypt were descended from medieval slave-soldiers. Originally from Eurasia, the members of the group are believed to have been descended from enslaved Christians. Brought to Egypt sometime between 900-1200 AD, by the time of the Crusades the Mamluks were ruling the country.



In 1517, the Mamluks were conquered by the Ottoman Empire, but were allowed to continue to rule Egypt as Ottoman vassals. When the Mamluks tried to revolt against Ottoman rule in 1768, they were been soundly defeated, but continued to retain their status as rulers of Egypt.



About 300 French soldiers died or were wounded at the Battle of the Pyramids, but the Mamluk casualties have been estimated to have been close to 10,000, as they were terribly unprepared to fight a modern battle. Approaching the French army in heavy armor, they expected to fight duels, and were easily shot down. Answer:The Mamluks in Egypt were descended from medieval slave-soldiers. Originally from Eurasia, the members of the group are believed to have been descended from enslaved Christians. Brought to Egypt sometime between 900-1200 AD, by the time of the Crusades the Mamluks were ruling the country.In 1517, the Mamluks were conquered by the Ottoman Empire, but were allowed to continue to rule Egypt as Ottoman vassals. When the Mamluks tried to revolt against Ottoman rule in 1768, they were been soundly defeated, but continued to retain their status as rulers of Egypt.About 300 French soldiers died or were wounded at the Battle of the Pyramids, but the Mamluk casualties have been estimated to have been close to 10,000, as they were terribly unprepared to fight a modern battle. Approaching the French army in heavy armor, they expected to fight duels, and were easily shot down.

4. Pyrrhic victory for Napoleon



Answer: Battle of Borodino



The term "pyrrhic victory" is derived from an ancient confrontation that took place between Rome and Pyrrhus, the leader of Epirus, in the 280s BC. Rome had been threatening to take Tarentum, a Greek city in Magna Graecia, as it expanded its empire, and Tarentum asked Pyrrhus for help. He provided 25,000 soldiers and 20 war elephants at Heraclea, and managed to defeat the Romans. His victory, however, was so costly that his army was never able to recover.



While it seemed after the Battle of Borodino that Napoleon had a smooth path to Moscow, nothing was further from the truth. The city had been completely evacuated, and the resources that could not be taken along were destroyed. Most of the city had been razed. Napoleon stayed there for five weeks, waiting for a surrender from the czar that Alexander I had no intention of sending. By the time Napoleon decided to return to France, he found that the Russians had regrouped their army, and were consequently able to inflict terrible damage on the retreating French army. Which Napoleon reached France, his army numbered only about 10,000 soldiers.

5. September 7, 1812



Answer: Battle of Borodino



Napoleon and Alexander I had signed the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807, but by 1812 it had become more and more apparent that the Russians did not intend to respect the alliance. The trade limitations imposed by Napoleon's use of the continental system, an attempt to severely limit England's trade on the European continent, were being ignored in Russia. Napoleon began to lead his Grande Armee of approximately 500,000 men (some sources say as many as 650,000 men) across the Niemen (Naman) River on July 24 to begin his invasion of Russia.



Even though he won the Battle of Smolensk on August 16-18, the first real confrontation of the invasion, Napoleon's lost of manpower occurred at a staggering rate during this time. Within six weeks he lost an estimated half of his army due to deployment to other areas, starvation, adverse weather conditions, and desertion. Nevertheless, his army prepared to fight against the Russian Imperial Army, which had taken a stand near the village of Borodino, about 75 miles (120 milometers) from Moscow.

6. Fought against Russian Imperial Army



Answer: Battle of Borodino



At the time that Napoleon invaded Russia, the Russian Imperial Army was about half the size of his Grande Armee, and in a state of flux with a new leader, Mikhail Kutuzov. Kutuzov's plan was to protect the main road, the New Smolensk Road, that would prevent Napoleon's Grande Armee from making its way to Moscow. It must be noted that Moscow was not Russia's capital at this time - St. Petersburg was - but it was still important; Russians regarded the city as Russia's second capital.



Although historians believe that Kutuzov could have used his army more efficiently at the Battle of Borodino, there is no doubt that his decision to retreat from the field of battle was the right move. The day after the battle his surviving soldiers left in order to regroup, and the Grande Armee made its way to Moscow.



Kutuzov proclaimed that his army had won a great victory at Borodino, which allowed him to stay in command, and eventually redeemed himself with his use of attrition warfare. Today he is considered to be a hero of the Patriotic War of 1812.

7. Bloodiest single day of fighting during Napoleonic Wars



Answer: Battle of Borodino



Napoleon was already in the midst of a disaster by the time of the Battle of Borodino. He had started his invasion with an estimated 500,000 men (or more), but by August 1812, he had about 185,000 men left.



An estimated 250,000 troops from both sides fought at the Battle of Borodino. The death toll for the Grande Armee was approximately 28,000, including 49 generals, although the number would eventually go much higher considering that the wounded had little chance of recovery.



The Russian Imperial Army estimated about 44,000 casualties, including 22 generals who were either dead or wounded. As it turned out, it was much easier for the Russian army to recoup its losses after that day, as Russia had a much greater population than France.



The Battle of Borodino has the terrible distinction as being the single bloodiest day of fighting until the Battle of the Marne in 1914. Both sides lost an estimated third of their army.

8. Ended the Hundred Days



Battle of Waterloo



After his disastrous invasion of Russia, Napoleon was exiled to Elba, where he stayed about nine months. After his escape, he returned to France and was able to rally his supporters who had mutinied after the Battle of Paris. The French generals who had taken an oath of loyalty to Louis XVIII, the restored Bourbon king, quickly forgot their vow; as Napoleon and his entourage from Elba marched toward Paris they were joined by a growing army.



Napoleon ruled France once again during the Hundred Days. During this time he prepared for war, but while the French army continued to grow in numbers, so did the army of the opposition. Answer:After his disastrous invasion of Russia, Napoleon was exiled to Elba, where he stayed about nine months. After his escape, he returned to France and was able to rally his supporters who had mutinied after the Battle of Paris. The French generals who had taken an oath of loyalty to Louis XVIII, the restored Bourbon king, quickly forgot their vow; as Napoleon and his entourage from Elba marched toward Paris they were joined by a growing army.Napoleon ruled France once again during the Hundred Days. During this time he prepared for war, but while the French army continued to grow in numbers, so did the army of the opposition.

9. Fought in Belgium



Answer: Battle of Waterloo



Many people may ask what Napoleon was doing in Belgium, but the simple fact is that Belgium was where he had taken his army. When he learned that the opposition planned to invade France on July 1, he had two choices - he could either stay there and defend the land or take the battle elsewhere.



He led his Armee du Nord to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, hoping that he would be able to prevent the unification of the opposition armies - one was led by the Duke of Wellington from Britain and the other was led by Prince Blucher from Prussia. The place where all the armies met in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in modern-day Belgium.

10. Fought against the Seventh Coalition



Answer: Battle of Waterloo



The Treaty of the Seventh Coalition formed a new military alliance after Napoleon's enemies heard that he escaped from Elba. He had interrupted them at an important time; the members of the Sixth Coalition that had defeated Napoleon during his German Campaign were participating at the Congress of Vienna and attempting to make decisions that would restore the peace of Europe.



The Seventh Coalition consisted mostly of all the European nations that were not either France or Naples, which was ruled by Napoleon's brother in law. This included England, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, Holland, Saxony, Bavaria, Baden, Wurttemberg, and Switzerland. Vowing to refuse any negotiation with Napoleon, they were quite a formidable force.

11. Fought June 18, 1815



Answer: Battle of Waterloo



The Waterloo Campaign began on June 15, 1815, when Napoleon began attacking some Prussian units in order to position his army in the most favorable place - in the center between the Duke of Wellington's forces and Prince Blucher army. The Armee du Nord was able to take position that day, and held out on June 16 against both opposing armies at the Battle of Quatre Bras against the British and the Battle of Ligny against the Prussians.



The Allied army took a position near the village of Waterloo on the night of June 17, and the battle the following day was a stalemate until more Prussian forces arrived at the scene in the early evening. The Waterloo Campaign officially ended on July 8, however, Napoleon was finished by the end of the day on June 15.

12. Resulted in Napoleon's first exile



Battle of Leipzig



With the tremendous loss in Russia in 1812 that could not be propagandized into a victory, and the subsequent loss in 1813 during the German Campaign, Napoleon had nowhere to go but away from France. His army was so soundly defeated at the Battle of Leipzig that they could not defend Paris from an attack on the city by the enemy army.



Napoleon abdicated after the Battle of Paris on March 30-31, 1814, and was exiled to the island of Elba, according to the Treaty of Fontainebleau. The Allies would quickly discover that this wasn't their best plan. Even though Napoleon retained the title Emperor and was allowed to "rule" the island, he wasn't going to remain there very long. The island was too close to the mainland, and escape was relatively easy. Napoleon spent about nine months on Elba, trying to improve life there and plotting his escape. Answer:With the tremendous loss in Russia in 1812 that could not be propagandized into a victory, and the subsequent loss in 1813 during the German Campaign, Napoleon had nowhere to go but away from France. His army was so soundly defeated at the Battle of Leipzig that they could not defend Paris from an attack on the city by the enemy army.Napoleon abdicated after the Battle of Paris on March 30-31, 1814, and was exiled to the island of Elba, according to the Treaty of Fontainebleau. The Allies would quickly discover that this wasn't their best plan. Even though Napoleon retained the title Emperor and was allowed to "rule" the island, he wasn't going to remain there very long. The island was too close to the mainland, and escape was relatively easy. Napoleon spent about nine months on Elba, trying to improve life there and plotting his escape.

13. Also called Battle of the Nations



Answer: Battle of Leipzig



Throughout the German Campaign, Napoleon's army of French, Italian, Germans from the Confederation of the Rhine, and Polish soldiers fought against a coalition led by Russia (Czar Alexander I) and Austria (Karl von Schwarzenberg) that included troops from Russia, Austria, Prussia and Sweden, the most powerful countries on the continent at the time. And don't forget - at the same time forces from Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal were on their way to France.



The Battle of Leipzig was the largest battle of the Napoleonic Wars, and held the distinction of being the largest battle fought in Europe until World War I. On both sides there was a total of approximately 560,000 soldiers, with an estimated 133,000 casualties.

14. Fought October 16-19, 1813



Answer: Battle of Leipzig



After a cease-fire with the Russians had been arranged at the end of 1812, Napoleon embarked on what is called his German Campaign the following year. As early as 1806, the French had occupied much of Germany; it was, however, very unpopular with the local people and the French army had many uprisings and rebellions to deal with there.



After the disastrous Russian invasion, Napoleon had returned to France and began rebuilding his seriously depleted army. He knew that it was time to turn his attention back to Germany, and when Frederick William III of Prussia declared war on France on March 17, 1813, Napoleon's forces were ready.



There were battles in the summer of 1813, the Battle of Lutzen and Battle of Bautzen, that were counted as French victories and led to a six week truce. The French, however, didn't fare as well during the autumn campaigns.

15. "Forty centuries look down upon you..."



Answer: Battle of the Pyramids



After taking Alexandria, Napoleon's Armee d'Orient marched two weeks across the desert toward Cairo. When they finally gained sight of the pyramids, they also saw that about 10,000 Mamluk cavalrymen were lined up and waiting for them. His men rested for an hour and then engaged in the Battle of the Pyramids, which lasted for about an hour and was a victory for Napoleon.



Although some historians say that Napoleon's words came at the time the French first landed in Egypt, most believe that his pre-battle address before the Battle of the Pyramids included strategies regarding fighting the anticipated battle and this insight: "Soldiers, from the height of these pyramids, forty centuries look down upon you".

Source: Author ponycargirl This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor trident before going online.Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.
amasan1 at 6-09-2023 08:14 AM (1 month ago) (m)

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigerias founding fathers who won independence should take the blame for doing a poor job at nation-building.

In his remarks at a national dialogue and public presentation of 21 books in honour of Prof. Udenta Udenta, as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday in Abuja yesterday, September 5, Jonathan stated that Nigerian founding fathers paid greater emphasis on ethnic and identity politics at the expense of building Nigeria into a cohesive nation.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigerias founding fathers who won independence should take the blame for doing a poor job at nation-building.In his remarks at a national dialogue and public presentation of 21 books in honour of Prof. Udenta Udenta, as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday in Abuja yesterday, September 5, Jonathan stated that Nigerian founding fathers paid greater emphasis on ethnic and identity politics at the expense of building Nigeria into a cohesive nation.

Quote Have we been able to convince ourselves whether we are a state or a nation? If we are a country and a state, how do we become a nation?



I am not blaming our founding fathers but they failed to integrate us into a proper nation. They operated as individuals and so on. Of course, if you have read some of the comments of our former leaders, someone like (Obafemi) Awolowo made it very clear that there was no nation called Nigeria. That it is a geographical entity, it is a country, it is a state, it has laws but there is no nation.



The country was so polarized especially during the early political party formation and the parties were regional parties. There was no sense of commitment to integrate Nigeria into an entity that you can say yes, this is a nation with core values, common philosophy and people will be patriotic to that nation.



Most of the parties that time belonged to regions and there were no alliances for the purpose of ruling the country.



When I compare Nigeria with a country like Tanzania, I feel that Julius Nyerere made his vision clear to make Tanzania a nation. They have different tribes, maybe not as many as Nigeria but one nation was at the height of his thoughts.

Post Reply I am an investigative reporter at Gistmania, I conduct fact-finding investigative journalism. Posted: at 6-09-2023 08:14 AM (1 month ago) | Hero
Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43-inch Set to Launch in India on September 15 News oi -Kabir Jain

Xiaomi's Redmi Smart TV series continues to expand its footprint in India, with the much-anticipated Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K 43-inch model gearing up for its official launch on September 15. Following the successful debut of the Redmi Smart Fire TV 32-inch variant earlier this year, the Chinese tech giant is now ready to treat Indian consumers to a larger, more feature-rich television experience.

To build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming launch, Xiaomi has created a dedicated microsite on its official website. This microsite serves as a sneak peek into what the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K has in store for consumers. As the name suggests, this television boasts a 43-inch screen size with a 4K display resolution.

According to the microsite, the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K offers a captivating viewing experience. It features slim bezels on three sides of the screen with a thicker bezel at the bottom. Additionally, there's an LED light at the center for added sophistication.

The Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K is expected to run on FireOS, which means it will have a user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of apps and streaming services. Additionally, it is likely to come with a remote control that supports voice commands through Alexa.

Building on Past Success

Xiaomi has already made a name for itself in global markets with the F2 TV series powered by FireOS. If the upcoming Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K follows suit, Indian consumers can expect some impressive features. These include UHD resolution with support for HDR10 and HLG, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite content in stunning detail and vibrant colors, a MediaTek MT9020 processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, and two 12W speakers with support for Dolby Audio, DTS-HD, and DTS Virtual:X.

Availability

Amazon has also launched a dedicated microsite for the Redmi Smart Fire TV 4K. This confirms that the TV will be available for purchase on their platform. Additionally, you can expect to find it on Xiaomi's official website, Mi.com.

Via

Source

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A34 5G Available on Offer in India: A54 New Shade Confirmed News oi -Carlsen Martin

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G were unveiled in India in the first half of 2023. The two mid-range smartphones arrive with some standout features including a 120Hz AMOLED displays, large batteries, triple-camera setups, and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

Now, Samsung has announced new offers on the Galaxy A34 5G and Galaxy A54 5G. With these offers, customers can purchase the two mid-range Galaxy A series devices for as low as Rs 26,999.

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A54 5G Offers in India

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G price in India starts from Rs 28,999 for the 8GB/128GB model and Rs 30,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant. However, Samsung is offering an instant bank discount of Rs 2,000 using ICICI Bank and SBI cards on the purchase of the Galaxy A34 5G.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G price in India starts from Rs 36,999 for the 8GB/128GB model and Rs 38,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant. However, Samsung is offering an instant bank discount of Rs 2,000 using ICICI Bank and SBI cards on the purchase of the Galaxy A54 5G.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G New Variant

Additionally, Samsung is also offering a Rs 1,000 welcome voucher on the Samsung Shop App. The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G and A54 5G are offered in Awesome Lime, Awesome Voilet, and Awesome Graphite colour options.

Samsung recently announced that it would be unveiling a new version of the Galaxy A54 5G in India. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G will be offered in an Awesome White shade in India soon, although no official date has been provided.

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A54 5G Key Specs

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (Review) features an Exynos 1380 SoC, a 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50 MP triple-camera setup with OIS, a 5,000 mAh battery, an IP67 rating, stereo speakers, and the latest software with flagship-grade support.

The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G features a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC, a 120Hz AMOLED display, a 48 MP triple-camera setup with OIS, a 5,000 mAh battery, an IP67 rating, stereo speakers, and the latest software with flagship-grade support.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
China's Ministry of State Security reveals how first US CIA employee died overseas after espionage in China's Xinjiang and Xizang regions

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 05, 2023 12:28 PM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday revealed how Douglas Mackiernan, the first black star on CIA's Memorial Wall which represents fallen CIA operatives overseas, was countered by China's anti-spy agencies and military-civilian forces against his espionage in China's Xinjiang and Xizang regions.



According to the MSS WeChat account which debuted in August, Mackiernan studied physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and demonstrated mastery of radio technology, meteorology, photography, and organic chemistry. He was proficient in Spanish, French, German and Russian.

After Mackiernan joined the US army in 1942 to conduct meteorological research, he was dispatched to Dihua, the current location of Urumqi City in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as a member of the US Army's 10th Weather Squadron for a covert mission from 1944 to 1946, and the CIA recruited him as an internal spy.

Under the external identity as the Deputy Consul General of the US Consulate in Dihua, Mackiernan cultivated spies and political forces with financial and arm support in Northwest China, the MMS wrote. He also secretly installed intelligence monitoring devices in Xinjiang which monitor barometric, seismic, and radiation information to gather intelligence on the neighboring former Soviet Union's atomic bomb testing.

After Xinjiang was peacefully liberated in 1949, Mackiernan fled to Xizang with his two colleagues in March 1950 to carry out new missions. The group was shot dead by a local military-civilian militia in April 1950 after trespassing onto private land and refusing to drop their weapons.

Before fleeing Xinjiang, Mackiernan specifically met with one of the spy leaders he cultivated, Osman Batur, requesting him and his network of undercover agents and paramilitary forces to continue to resist the Chinese government.

Osman, who then gathered more than 5,000 militiamen launched a rebellion in the border areas of Northwest China's Xinjiang, Gansu and Qinghai, was captured in February 1951 and executed two months later.

In July 1952, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China dispatched delegates to Xinjiang to deal with the residual forces connected to Osman. Through working from political, economic, and social perspectives to eliminate room to operate, remaining spies and hostile elements nurtured by US' CIA were all brought to justice.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Army Reserve redeploys from Poland

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Forester and Sgt. Brian Jones September 5, 2023

RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS, Germany -- The 446th Movement Control Battalion, 7th Mission Support Command, arrived at Rhine Ordnance Barracks Sunday, August 20, 2023, after completing a nine-month mobilization.

Brig. Gen. Karen Monday - Gresham, Commanding General of the 7th MSC and unit leadership received the 446th, applauding them for their service in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

The unit, initially identified for a rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve, was reassigned to Operation Secure, Deter and Reinforce, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and lead all movement control operations for the 4th Infantry Division's sustainment brigade. Lt. Col. Neil McGough, Commander of the 446th praised his team for their hard work and dedication to the mission.

"We have a unique mission set as part of the strategic theater reserve," he said. "We provided liaison support to the Polish and Romanian National Movement Centers, mission command over movement control, as well as in-transit visibility in support of combat, contingency, and training operations."

Greater than two-thirds of the sustainment resources and capabilities for the total Army reside in the Army Reserve, making the 7th MSC's presence, involvement, and readiness essential to the success of missions throughout Europe.

"We are the first (Army Reserve) organization to deploy entirely intra-theater," said McGough. "We're stationed here. We completed mobilization requirements here, and then we moved into a forward position in support of operations here in Europe as well."

The unit is the first U.S. Army Reserve unit in Europe to mobilize in more than a decade, and the first to complete their mobilization requirements in theater. The unit will reunite with their families and be recognized for their efforts during a formal ceremony, following the completion of their demobilization requirements.

The 7th MSC is the only forward-headquartered U.S. Army Reserve command in Europe and provides ready, capable, units of action in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa missions throughout the theater.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






September 5, 2023

Release

INDUS-X Senior Advisory Group Holds Kick-Off Meeting

Department of Defense Spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners provided the following statement:

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) held the first virtual meeting of the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) Senior Advisory Group today.

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Director Doug Beck and Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford co-chaired the meeting alongside Mr. Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion) of the Indian MoD. Participants discussed ongoing initiatives to drive innovation and equip both countries' armed forces with the capabilities they need to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DIU and iDEX announced topics for the first two joint challenges, focused on undersea communication and maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Aligned with the Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation, the challenges provide for start-ups in both countries to develop technological solutions for shared defense challenges, culminating in financial awards for the most promising technology along with potential procurement opportunities. DIU and iDEX will open the challenges to start-ups later this month.

The Senior Advisory Group welcomed initiatives by non-governmental stakeholders to implement the INDUS-X collaboration agenda. On August 25, Hacking4Allies and IIT Hyderabad hosted a program for 50 Indian start-ups to equip them to commercialize, recruit talent, and expand. And on August 29, Pennsylvania State University and IIT Kanpur convened a virtual group of U.S. and Indian academics, government officials, and industry representatives to advance discussions on developing innovation ecosystems in emerging domains like AI, space, and cyber. The Group also noted efforts by private investors to generate capital for U.S. and Indian defense and dual-use technology start-ups, and committed to facilitating greater two-way flow of capital to support innovation and integration between their respective private defense sectors.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3515656/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Abbas calls on U.S. to end sanctions, build normal relations with Palestine

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:14, September 05, 2023

RAMALLAH, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday called on the United States to end all sanctions imposed on the Palestinians and build normal relations with Palestine, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Abbas made the remarks when receiving a phone call from U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during which the two sides discussed the latest developments in Palestine and ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including reopening the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem and the Palestine Liberation Organization office in Washington, said the report.

He also demanded the U.S. administration accept Palestine's endeavor to obtain full membership in the United Nations by a Security Council decision, it added.

Besides, Abbas said Israeli forces and settlers are undermining the two-state solution and destroying all chances of achieving peace by conducting aggressive practices, urging the need to oblige the Israeli authorities to stop all these violations, the WAFA reported.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran to help Burkina Faso build new oil refinery: Minister

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 7:13 PM

Iran will contribute to building an oil refinery in Burkina Faso and will supply the West African country with oil products it needs, according to a statement from Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji.

Owji said on Tuesday after a meeting with Burkinabe Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba in Tehran that petroleum sector cooperation between Iran and Burkina Faso will expand in the future as part of agreements reached between the two countries in recent months.

"It was agreed in the meeting with foreign minister of Burkina Faso that a refinery will be constructed through cooperation between engineers and experts of the two countries based on agreement signed earlier," the minister told reporters after the meeting.

Owji said that he and Rouamba had also agreed on the launch of oil products exports from Iran to Burkina Faso.

He did not elaborate on financial details of petroleum contracts signed between Iran and Burkina Faso but said that the African country has some good mines that can service the needs of Iran's metals sector.

Rouamba, who has been in Iran for an official visit since early on Monday, said after the meeting with Owji that Burkina Faso seeks to import oil products from Iran to respond to rising domestic demand for fuels in her country.

She said her talks with Owji had centered on the results of previous discussions between Burkinabe trade officials and the Iranian authorities.

The minister said there is a bright perspective for cooperation between engineering companies of the two countries for construction of a new refinery in Burkina Faso.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






France in talks with Niger officials over troops exit

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 3:03 PM

France has started talks with Nigerien officials over the withdrawal of "illegal" French troops from the country.

The Le Monde newspaper reported on Tuesday that exchanges were taking place with the Nigerien military who ousted president Mohamed Bazoum to withdraw certain French military units from the Sahelian country.

These talks took place a month after the denunciation of the military cooperation agreements between Paris and Niamey by the ruling junta amid mass rallies taking place with protesters calling for the French forces to leave.

"Discussions on the withdrawal of certain military elements have begun," several French sources familiar with the matter confirmed to Le Monde.

"It is normal to discuss it insofar as anti-terrorist cooperation has been interrupted" since the July 26 coup, added one of them.

At this stage, neither the number of soldiers concerned nor the terms of this departure have been officially decided, but the principle is accepted, the report said.

Currently, some 1,500 French soldiers are deployed in the country, on three bases: in the capital, Niamey, in Ouallam, north of the capital, and in Ayorou, near the border with Mali.

Some units could be redeployed in the region, particularly in neighboring Chad, or be directly repatriated to Paris.

Until now, the French authorities had always rejected requests for the withdrawal of the French troops in Niger, contesting the legitimacy of the junta in power. Paris has also refused to recall the ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to the French capital. And, Paris has demanded the return to power of President Bazoum, with whom France's President Emmanuel Macron remained in contact.

'Maintain cooperation with France'

Niger's newly appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said earlier that "contacts" were underway about a "very swift" departure for Paris' troops.

The generals behind the coup renounced several cooperation agreements with France on August 3, including one with a month-long notice period that expired on Sunday.

Zeine nevertheless said Monday that he hoped to "maintain cooperation if possible with a country with which we have shared many things".

In a press conference held on Monday in Niamey, Zeine addressed critical issues concerning the presence of French troops in the country and the nation's pressing economic challenges.

Prime Minister Zeine began by discussing the status of French troops and ambassadors in Niger. He emphasized the government's stance on the matter, stating that "you could see the mobilization that there is; the government has already denounced the agreements which allowed them to be on our territory. They are in an illegal position."

Zeine expressed confidence that ongoing discussions would lead to the swift withdrawal of French forces from the country. However, he expressed disappointment regarding the French ambassador's conduct, noting that diplomatic attempts to resolve the issue had been rebuffed, describing the ambassador's conduct as "a behavior of contempt."

Regarding the security situation, Zeine commended Niger's defense and security forces for their efforts in safeguarding the nation's territory and the well-being of its citizens.

Turning his attention to the economic challenges facing Niger, Zeine revealed that the country faced a substantial debt burden. "Today we are at a stock of debts estimated at 5200 billion CFA Francs (7.92 billion euros)", he stated, outlining the composition of both external and internal debts.

The Prime Minister underscored the need to address the economic situation urgently and formulate strategies to mitigate the impact of this heavy debt load on Niger's economy.

Meanwhile, the French government has so far rejected the idea of a departure of its troops deployed in Niger as part of its wider fight against extremist forces all across the Sahel region.

France's army, however, is holding "talks" with counterparts in Niger about "easing movements of French military resources" in the country following the July coup, a source close to Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu told AFP Tuesday.

"Exchanges (...) exist locally between soldiers to facilitate the movement of French military resources immobilized since the suspension of anti-terrorist cooperation", the source said, explaining that for a month, drones, helicopters and planes have been grounded.

The discussions are only carried out between soldiers, not with the junta in power, the source said.

"Talks on functional coordination exist locally between soldiers," the source said, as French forces have been "immobilized since anti-terrorist cooperation was suspended" following the military takeover in Niamey.

The source did not give further details about the type, size or dates of troop "movements" taking place, nor did they mention any withdrawal of French forces.

Since the military takeover, anti-French sentiment has grown exponentially in Niger.

Over the weekend, thousands of demonstrators once more showed their support for the putschists, demanding the withdrawal of French soldiers from the mineral-rich African country's soil.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Palestinian industries denounce as 'collective punishment' Israel's closure of key crossing for Gaza exports

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 2:48 PM

Two Palestinian industrial institutions in the Gaza Strip have strongly condemned Israel's latest decision to close the Kerem Shalom crossing for exports from the Gaza Strip, describing the move as a collective punishment that exacerbates the sufferings of the people in the besieged territory.

Waddah Bseiso, the spokesman for the General Federation of Palestinian Industries, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Israeli decision will have negative repercussions and greatly affect Gaza's economy, particularly the industrial sector, Palestine's official Wafa news agency reported.

The decision threatens the closure of hundreds of industrial facilities that heavily depend on export and will lead to laying off thousands of workers, he added.

Bseiso further called on Israel to retract the decision, saying any actions that lead to the closing of the crossing are rejected by the industrial sector, which is to export standards and procedures.

Ayed Abu Ramadan, the head of the Union of Chamber of Commerce in the Gaza Strip and Secretary of the Coordination Council for Private Sector Institutions, also condemned the Israeli decision, stressing that the closure is an "unjustified escalation" in the 18-year-long Israeli blockade on the impoverished coastal territory.

He went on to say that the decision will leave adverse effects on Gaza's economy as well as the livelihood of its people, adding that it will aggravate the already difficult economic situation there.

Ramadan also noted that the decision will negatively affect the industrial, agricultural and labor sectors, adding that it threatens to prevent many industrial and agricultural facilities from working, which will result in the loss of jobs for many workers, and increase the already high rates of unemployment and poverty in the besieged Gaza Strip.

He also denounced the closing of the crossing as "an unjust measure and collective punishment" for the more than two million people in the Gaza Strip, who are already suffering from exceptionally difficult conditions and will cause a real humanitarian catastrophe.

Ramadan further called for the urgent and immediate reopening of the crossing and lifting the sanctions that worsen the sufferings of the population and undermine opportunities for economic growth, peace and stability in the region.

On Monday, Israeli authorities ordered the closure of the crossing after an alleged attempt to smuggle explosives.

In a statement, Israeli military claimed that it had "detected several kilograms of high quality explosives, hidden within a clothing delivery carried by three trucks" at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The halting of all "commercial deliveries from Gaza to Israel" is being carried out to allow "security adjustments to be made at the crossing", the statement said.

"Deliveries will resume in accordance with subsequent situation assessments," it added.

Palestinian border officials said they were told by Israel that the crossing would be closed "until further notice."

Gaza has been under an Israeli land, air and sea blockade since June 2007. The crippling siege has caused a decline in the standard of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty in the Gaza Strip.

In recent years, the Gaza Strip has been receiving its bare essentials through the Kerem Shalom crossing as well as two others, including one with Egypt, which is being strictly controlled by the government in Cairo.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Indonesia's president pushes back against talk of tensions, divisions within ASEAN

Regional bloc will stick to its five-point consensus on Myanmar, a much criticized and ineffectual peace plan.

By Tria Dianti for BenarNews 2023.09.05 -- ASEAN members may have their differences but the bloc remains united and central to the conduct of regional affairs, Indonesia's president asserted on Tuesday amid criticism of the grouping's inadequacy in tackling the Myanmar crisis.

Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, whose country holds the Southeast Asian bloc's chair for 2023, was speaking on day one of its three-day summit in Jakarta, as observers questioned ASEAN's cohesion and relevance in the face of regional challenges such as the post-coup situation in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

"Lately, I've been hearing questions related to ASEAN: will ASEAN break up and not be able to unite? Can the ASEAN ship keep sailing?" Jokowi told his counterparts at the start of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

"As a family member and as the chair of ASEAN, I want to affirm that ASEAN's unity is still well maintained. Unity does not mean there is no difference of opinion," he said, even after member-state Thailand broke ranks and engaged in talks with the Burmese junta.

And despite criticism about it being ineffective, Jokowi said a five-point plan that the bloc had agreed to with the Myanmar junta chief should remain the main guide for resolving the conflict there.

"We need more tactical and extraordinary efforts for the implementation of the five-point consensus," he said, referring to the regional consensus that was struck within a few months after the Burmese military overthrew an elected government in February 2021.

The five-point plan includes ending violence, starting dialogue, providing humanitarian aid, appointing a special envoy, and the envoy visiting Myanmar.

The junta meanwhile has ignored the five-point consensus. Since the coup on Feb. 1, 2021, the military has cracked down on mass protests, killed more than 4,000 people and arrested tens of thousands more, human rights groups say.

Jokowi said Indonesia had achieved some trust building through engagements with stakeholders in Myanmar, "except with the military junta."

Retno Marsudi, the Indonesian foreign minister, said the Myanmar crisis was "very difficult, very complicated and not easy to solve." There had been no significant progress in implementing the consensus despite Indonesia's engagement efforts, she added.

However, ASEAN leaders had agreed to form a troika of current, previous and incoming chairs of the regional bloc to deal with the Myanmar crisis, she said. Such a troika would then include 2022 chair Cambodia, this year's chair Indonesia, and upcoming chair Laos.

Hun Manet, who inherited power last month from Hun Sen, his strongman father, was among the heads of government attending the Jakarta summit. New Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisit was unable to join the others because his cabinet was being sworn in by the king on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Philippines said Tuesday that it was ready to replace Myanmar as the rotating chair of the 10-nation bloc in 2026.

"We will fortify the foundations of our community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter," Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

Some media reports in mid-August cited unnamed diplomatic sources as saying that Myanmar was withdrawing from chairing ASEAN in 2026 because of the domestic crisis.

Malaysia, a particular vocal critic of the Myanmar junta, is set to be ASEAN chair in 2025. On Monday, the country's top diplomat expressed Malaysia's frustration at the Burmese military's reneging on the five-point consensus.

"Malaysia and other member countries gave their views that we cannot allow this to continue without strong and effective measures imposed on the junta," Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir told reporters after ASEAN foreign ministers met in Jakarta on the summit's eve.

Malaysian media quoted Zambry as also saying that ASEAN top diplomats would urge their leaders to review the five-point plan. Zambry's predecessor, Saifuddin Abdullah, had called for abandoning the consensus outright and devising a new time-bound plan.

Many regional observers aren't fans of the consensus either.

Indonesia lacked a clear strategy and had failed to make progress on the ASEAN five-point plan under its chairmanship, said Dinna Prapto Raharja, an international relations lecturer at Paramadina University in Jakarta.

"The five-point initiative has been rolling along without any direction or urgency," she told BenarNews.

She also questioned Jokowi's statement that ASEAN's unity was still well maintained.

"Anyone who follows foreign affairs issues can see that it is divided," she added.

Another analyst wondered what Jokowi meant by calling for "extraordinary efforts" to implement the five-point consensus.

"I have no idea what they are, but I assume they are more of a hope," Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta, told BenarNews.

"If they are called extraordinary, they should be something that is out of the comfort zone."

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised the issue of the disputed South China Sea in his address to his ASEAN counterparts, saying it must be managed in a peaceful and rational way through dialogue in accordance with international law.

He was referring to the "2023 edition of the standard map of China," which showed China's claims over most of the South China Sea overlapping with those of ASEAN members including, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.

These members as well as Taiwan objected to the map, which Beijing released last month amid tensions with the United States over Taiwan.

The 2023 map covers Taiwan and most of the West Philippine Sea, particularly the contested Spratly Islands.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan. While Jakarta is not an active claimant in the South China Sea, it has been locked with China in tensions over the Natuna Islands.

The three-day ASEAN meetings include talks between the bloc and dialogue partners at the East Asia Summit.

Among those scheduled to attend the talks are U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Jason Gutierrez in Manila, Muzliza Mustafa in Kuala Lumpur, and Almira Wang in Jakarta contributed to the report.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






War Crimes Trial Opens For Bosnian Serbs Accused Of Rapes, Torture At Prison Camps During 1992-95 War

By RFE/RL's Balkan Service September 05, 2023

The war crimes trial of three men accused of abusing non-Serb citizens in prison camps during the Bosnian War opened on September 5 in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The three defendants -- Slavko Puhalic, Dragan Skrbic, and Rajko Damjanovic -- face sweeping war crimes charges, including the rape of at least 10 women and girls. One of the women died, and the rapes resulted in forced pregnancy and childbirth for two of the victims.

At least 21 prisoners died as a result of the abuse suffered at prison camps in Prijedor, where more than 30,000 non-Serbs were illegally detained in three camps established in 1992 by civil and military authorities of Republika Srpska. The bodies of five of the people who died have never been found.

The victims were tortured, raped, and killed in the camps, and the accused contributed to these crimes, the Prosecutor-General's Office of Bosnia said in announcing the indictment in December of Puhalic, Skribic, and Damjanovic. All three pleaded not guilty. They face many years in prison if convicted.

Puhalic was an assistant to the commander of one of the camps. He and the other two defendants are accused of participating in a joint criminal enterprise during the attack on the civilian population of Bosniaks and Croats in and around Prijedor.

The Prosecutor-General's Office in the indictment said it has statements from 180 witnesses, including three experts, and has submitted more than 900 pieces of evidence.

Puhalic was one of the defense witnesses at the trials in The Hague of Ratko Mladic, the wartime Bosnian Serb commander, and Radovan Karadzic, the wartime president of Republika Srpska.

Mladic is serving a life sentence after being convicted of commanding forces responsible for crimes, including the deadly three-year siege of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, and the 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica.

Karadzic was found guilty of similar charges, including genocide, and is also serving a life sentence.

During his testimony in Mladic trial, Puhalic claimed that non-Serb civilians came to the camp in Prijedor on their own searching for protection from out-of-control Serbian units. He said they were allowed to leave at their own will, which numerous surviving witnesses denied during the trial.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bosnia-war-crimes-trial- prison-camp-war/32579807.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China Wants to Mediate Resolution of Crisis in Niger - Ambassador

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - China is willing to play a mediating role in resolving the crisis in Niger, Chinese Ambassador to Niger Jiang Feng has said.

"The Chinese government intends to provide good offices, play a mediating role so that a political resolution to the crisis in Niger could be found with full respect to countries in the region," the ambassador said at a meeting with Niger's rebel-appointed prime minister, Ali Lamine Zeine.

China is always committed to the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries, the diplomat added.

Last week, Jiang met with Nigerien Defense Minister, Gen. Salifou Mody where the diplomat congratulated the defense chief on the appointment to a key position.

A military takeover took place in Niger on July 26. Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. Following the takeover, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended all cooperation with Niger and threatened an invasion if the rebels do not reinstate Bazoum.

In early August, during a summit in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, ECOWAS leaders agreed to activate a standby force to potentially compel the Nigerien military to reinstate the ousted president. On August 18, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel-Fatau Musah said the bloc's chiefs of staff had agreed on a date for an invasion of Niger, but would not make it public.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

5 September 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Alright, good afternoon, everyone. I hope you all enjoyed your Labor Day.

** Noon Briefing Guests

Today, our guests will be Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy, in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Gabriella Waaijman, Humanitarian Director for Save the Children Global. They will brief on their latest mission with the humanitarian Emergency Directors' Group to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Emergency Directors' Group is composed of representatives from about 20 member organizations of the Inter Agency Standing Committee and partners/observers, including relevant UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. It is chaired by Ms. Wosornu.

** Kenya

In Nairobi this morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the Africa Climate Summit. He said that an injustice burns at the heart of the climate crisis and its flame is scorching hopes and possibilities in Africa. He underscored that the continent accounts for less than 4 per cent of global emissions and yet it suffers some of the worst effects of rising global temperatures. The Secretary-General made a strong appeal for large emitters, namely the G20 countries that are meeting in New Delhi later this week, to commit to reaching net-zero emissions as close as possible to 2040. "Assume your responsibilities," he told them. The Secretary-General also said that we must all work together for Africa to become a renewable energy superpower. "Africa can be at the heart of a renewable future," he said. And he also had a press encounter at the Summit in which he reiterated his call to reform the outdated, unfair and dysfunctional global financial system. And he is now on his way to the ASEAN-UN Summit in Indonesia.

** General Assembly

This morning, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, spoke on behalf of the Secretary-General at the closing of the General Assembly's seventy-seventh session. She commended the stewardship of its president, Csaba Korosi, adding that the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly has kept diplomacy, dialogue and debate alive, and worked towards real solutions for people and planet alike. She will also address the opening of the seventy-eighth session, at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

** Syria

The Secretary-General is concerned about the escalation in hostilities in north-east Syria, which reportedly killed and injured dozens of civilians and caused damage to critical civilian infrastructure. The Secretary-General strongly condemns all violence in Syria and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international law. He recalls that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further regional escalation.

Further on that, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns about an escalation in hostilities in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. Humanitarian workers and partners report that, since 27 August, at least 54 civilians have been killed, including 4 children. Critical public infrastructure has also been damaged, including two hospitals and three water treatment facilities. Partners on the ground have called on all parties to facilitate free and unimpeded movement and take measures to prevent attacks on health facilities and other civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, an uptick in hostilities across Idlib and northern Aleppo Governorates has killed four civilians, including two children, and injured dozens of others. At least 500 families have been displaced. The UN and its partners are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to deliver assistance as needed.

** Mali

Turning to Mali, yesterday, El-Ghassim Wane, the head of our peacekeeping mission in the country  United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA)  visited Tessalit and Aguelhok in the Kidal region. This was part of the drawdown and withdrawal process of the peacekeeping mission in the country. Over the next weeks, uniformed personnel will begin to leave the Mission's bases in these two locations, which will be closed as part of the second phase of the drawdown plan. While in Tessalit and Aguelhok, Mr. Wane conveyed his gratitude to the peacekeepers. He paid tribute to their contributions, including to a large number from the Chadian contingent. Mr. Wane also met with local stakeholders, including municipal authorities and civil society, and acknowledged their collaboration, which enabled the Mission to implement its mandate in the Kidal region. As Mr. Wane reminded the Security Council last week, the second phase of MINUSMA's drawdown will be challenging, with the Mission's convoys scheduled to travel long distances in a difficult and insecure terrain.

** Central Emergency Response Fund

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, has released $125 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to boost underfunded humanitarian operations in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. This year's global humanitarian funding requirements have surpassed $55 billion, but it is less than 30 per cent funded. Today's allocation will help scale up humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and Yemen ($20 million each), Burkina Faso ($9 million), Mali ($8 million), Myanmar ($9 million), Haiti ($8 million), Venezuela ($8 million), the Central African Republic ($6.5 million), Mozambique ($6.5 million), Cameroon ($6 million), the Occupied Palestinian Territories ($6 million), and Malawi ($4 million). The allocation will also support refugee operations in Bangladesh ($8 million) and Uganda ($6 million). With this additional funding, CERF has allocated a record $270 million so far this year through its Underfunded Emergencies window. This is the largest annual amount ever apportioned, to the highest number of countries, a reflection of skyrocketing humanitarian needs.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, our humanitarian colleagues tell us that civilians were injured and civilian infrastructure, including agricultural assets, were damaged in attacks on port facilities and grain infrastructure along the Danube River in Odesa Region on 3 and 4 September. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Denise Brown, condemned the repeated attacks on the Danube's ports and grain facilities which have far-reaching humanitarian consequences for Ukrainian farmers, but also for people worldwide already grappling with rising food costs. Our humanitarian colleagues say that since the Russian Federation's decision not to extend the Black Sea Initiative, the Danube's ports and grain facilities are one of the main alternatives to ensure that Ukrainian food reaches the global market. This is vital to prevent higher prices and increased hunger.

** Sudan

Turning to Sudan, we have an update on deliveries of humanitarian assistance in hard-to-reach parts of the Darfur region. In recent days, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs facilitated convoys to both North and South Darfur. This is the first time that the Office has negotiated cross-line access to these areas. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that more than 20 trucks arrived in El Fasher, North Darfur's capital, on Saturday. They were carrying hundreds of tonnes of seeds from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as health supplies and medicines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

And last week, three United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) trucks carrying 50 metric tons of nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies reached several localities in South Darfur: Gerida, Buram, Dimso, Karkada and Marmosa. Since 22 May, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has facilitated the delivery of more than 2,400 trucks of humanitarian assistance  that's more than 110,000 tons of aid  to different locations across Sudan. And our colleagues from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) tell us that internal displacement from the conflict in Sudan has now topped four million people. IOM notes that in just the last week, more than 274,000 people have been displaced inside the country. Meanwhile, according to UNHCR, more than 992,000 people have fled across Sudan's borders. This brings the total displaced by the fighting to more than five million people.

** Liberia

We have an update from Liberia, where our UN team, led by Christine Umutoni, is boosting its response to national efforts to address food insecurity. This follows a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showing that over half a million people are currently facing acute food insecurity in the country, with 21,500 people facing emergency food insecurity levels between June and August this year. The UN has been training almost 2,700 smallholder farmers in sustainable agricultural practices over the last six months, providing seed funding, assets, and equipment such as water pumps or improved rice and vegetable seeds. For its part, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Education, is also reaching over 42,000 schoolchildren with meals prepared with locally produced food.

** Afghanistan

The World Food Programme today said that it is being forced to drop another 2 million hungry people from food assistance in Afghanistan in September. This brings to 10 million the number of people cut off from its support this year in the country. Due to a massive funding shortfall, going forward, WFP will only be able to provide emergency assistance to three million people per month. In March, WFP had to reduce rations from 75 to 50 per cent for communities experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In April and May, it was forced to cut off 8 million people from food assistance. For the coming six months, WFP needs $1 billion to reach a planned 21 million people with lifesaving food and nutrition assistance, as well as livelihood support.

** Western Sahara

We issued a note saying that the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, had arrived on Monday in Laayoune for a visit of Western Sahara. Thereafter, he is looking forward to conducting visits in the region and meetings, engaging all concerned ahead of the issuance of the report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council in October.

** International Day of Charity

Today is the International Day of Charity, which was established with the objective of sensitizing and mobilizing people, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders all around the world to help others through volunteer and philanthropic activities. The date of 5 September was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

** Noon Briefing Guest

Tomorrow, our guest will be Mohamed Ag Ayoya, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. He will brief on the humanitarian situation, response and challenges in the Central African Republic. So, are there any questions for me before we turn to our guests for today? Yes, Dezhi.

** Questions and Answers

Question : Several questions. First on Black Sea Initiative. Today, the Ukrainian media reported three vessels, Primus, Anna-Theresa and Ocean Courtesy, left ports from Black Sea, which they said it's a signal to break the embargo to export Ukrainian commodities by sea. Does the UN or the JCC [Joint Coordination Centre] in Istanbul have any information on these vessels?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, the JCC doesn't deal with this particular corridor. You're aware of the area of operations that they monitor. But from our side, we want to make sure that as much food assistance from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation can go out to the world, given the dramatic needs in the world for such food and fertilizer exports.

Question : The Turkish President, Mr. [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, said we believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time. Has the Turkish side ever contacted or shared information with the UN on their meeting with President [Vladimir V.] Putin?

Deputy Spokesman : We're aware of the meeting, obviously. We are thankful to Turkiye and all countries who have been trying to help efforts to resolve the situation. We, of course, from our side, will continue with our efforts to do as much as we can to get Ukrainian and Russian food and fertilizer exports out onto world markets.

Question : So, no updates yet?

Deputy Spokesman : Given the nature of these talks, I wouldn't expect detailed updates about what's going on. Of course, work is ongoing, and we'll share what we can when it's useful to do so.

Question : One last question, still on the topic. President Putin on Monday said that Russia was nearing a deal that could secure free grain to six African countries, including Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia and Zimbabwe, which actually he said that he proposed that in July. Any new comments on the donation?

Deputy Spokesman : There's no new comments. But, as you know, the Secretary-General in his remarks and his press stakeouts, has commented on this, and I would just refer you to what he's said. Edie, and then Benno.

Question : Further on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in the meeting between the Turkish President and the Russian President very clearly rejected the UN's hope for a restoration quickly of the initiative, saying that demands that Russia has made have not been met. We know that Secretary-General sent a letter to President Putin. What is the next step that the Secretary-General is going to take?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we're going to continue with our discussions. But, yes, you're quite right that the Secretary-General did send a letter. And in that letter, he outlined what he thought was a concrete way forward on implementing the relevant Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and the Russian Federation, and we will continue at our various levels to try to do what we can to move forward with this.

Question : So he's going to specifically go and try and fulfil all of the measures that he outlined or the ones that the Russian President outlined?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, he had concrete proposals that he outlined. We'll see what can be done to get those realized, but we are continuing with all our efforts through our various interlocutors. Yes, Benno?

Question : Thank you. About DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] and Russia, are there any comments from you about North Korea's leader reportedly traveling to Russia to discuss weapon supply to Moscow, which would clearly violate Security Council resolutions?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, we'll have to see what happens at the meeting once it happens. Obviously, if there's anything that is a matter of concern regarding the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's weapons activity, that would be an issue for the relevant Security Council Sanctions Committee. Yes, Kristen?

Question : Thanks Farhan. You talked about all the money that's been released from CERF for humanitarian reasons and the fact that this is unprecedented. Can you expand on that a little bit, in terms of why so much money is needed, why it's so underfunded and kind of put it in perspective historically a little bit?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, yeah, the basic thing is this is the most we've ever had to deal with. Part of it is because global humanitarian funding requirements are very large. $55 billion is a lot of money, and we're aware of that. We're aware that that takes a certain amount of strain on the international system. But, the point is because it's only 30 per cent funded, we still need 70 percent of a large number  of $55 billion. That's a huge amount of money. And we can only put in terms of the fact that this involves the threat of hunger, of disease spreading to millions of people around the world, more people than you or I or any of us in this room will ever see or meet in our entire lifetime by a huge factor. And we can't let those people down. Because we can't let those people down, we're using the underfunded emergencies window of our Central Emergency Response Fund more than we've done. And we're giving large amounts of money. The individual amounts, there's $20 million each going to Afghanistan and Yemen, for example; $9 million going to Burkina Faso. Those are the largest numbers, but I just gave out the names of all the various countries. But, the numbers don't tell the tale that if we don't get all this funding, you'll have situations like the one I was just mentioning in Afghanistan, where we have a lot of people in need and the World Food Programme says they just can't feed them.

Question : And just on Sudan, do you have any updated casualty figures or death toll numbers?

Deputy Spokesman : Since the start of the conflict, you mean?

Question : Yes.

Deputy Spokesman : I believe we've had periodic updates on our humanitarian website. So, I would just refer you to those. Yes, Margaret?

Question : Farhan, on the CERF money then, so, for instance, could some of the $20 million that they're giving towards Afghanistan go to WFP or is it only for OCHA-funded programmes? Like, can you cross to agencies and funds and programmes?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, yeah, some of this goes to different humanitarian operations that would include delivery of food, so that could help. But, again, the World Food Programme has made clear in its request that it still needs funding for its operations overall.

Question : And can you tell us the status of the Joint Coordination Committee? Is it suspended, its work? Because, since the deal is collapsed, so what are they doing?

Deputy Spokesman : As you know, there are four partners to that committee - from the United Nations, the Government of Turkiye and the Governments each of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Not all of them are participating in activity now, but we continue with our part, and we continue to be present in Istanbul. And we'll see whether there's any way that the activity of ships in the Black Sea through this initiative can be resumed.

Question : And can I just get one more? On Niger, last week, I asked about this proclamation, I guess, from the military junta about the UN isn't allowed and the NGOs aren't allowed to operate in so-called military zones, operation zones; you guys were trying to get clarity on this. Have you gotten any clarity?

Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. All I can say on that is the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is reaching out to the de facto authorities to find mitigation measures in order to maintain humanitarian assistance. Stefano?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. About De Mistura's mission in Western Sahara. This is the first time that De Mistura is going in disputed territory there. So can you tell us a little bit more about this mission that does he have... does the Secretary-General expect something happening in the next days or it's just for the report that you say for the next October? We know that just a couple of days ago, a US envoy also met with the Polisario Front. So, there is anything relevant moving that we should know?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, what I can say is that Mr. de Mistura looks forward to further deepening consultations with all concerned on the prospects of constructively advancing the political process on Western Sahara in the course of these regional engagements, and he does plan to report on his visits and his engagements to the Secretary-General and the Security Council in October. Yes, Dezhi?

Question : Local media of Israel reported that five Palestinian women were forced to strip by IDF [Israel Defense Force] soldiers in Hebron during the raid in an apartment building, and which actually angered many Palestinians and also some of the militants' factions threatens for a response. Any reaction from the United Nations on this particular incident?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, certainly, this needs to be investigated by the relevant authorities, and we would be opposed to any forms of collective punishment. Yes?

Question : Farhan, could you go over the figures of globally how much humanitarian needs were estimated for this year and what the amount of donor funding has been received?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, like I said, the overall funding requirements throughout the world have surpassed $55 billion. At this point, the level of funding from all donors received is less than 30 per cent. Okay, Kristen?

Question : Farhan, on Democratic Republic of Congo, does the Secretary-General have any comment on recent anti-UN protests there and also the Government's crackdown on the protests and now crackdown on the military leaders who crack down on the protesters? What does the Secretary-General make of all this that's happening there? And what does it mean for the UN operations and the mission there?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, yes, we're aware of the significant loss of life from the demonstration that happened on 30 August. I believe we mentioned this in last Friday's briefing. Our peacekeeping mission there, MONUSCO [United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo], welcomes the news of a high-level Government delegation in Goma to assess the situation, and the Mission strongly encourages a thorough and independent investigation into the incident. We're also aware that two senior military people and four other defence and police officers have been arrested, and we're monitoring the court hearings that are now underway. And so we will continue to follow-up on this. Yes, Alan?

Question : Thanks so much, Farhan. May I ask you for the comment regarding the words of Turkish leader, Erdogan, who said after the meeting with President Putin that, basically, he admitted that only 44 per cent of wheat was going to Europe through this grain deal, and only 14 percent was going to Africa? As far as I remember, UN was providing different numbers. How can you comment on Erdogan's words? Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, you have to remember that  and we've said this repeatedly over the past year  that the initial destinations do not necessarily indicate where the final destination of food is. Sometimes they would go to European areas for reprocessing and then move forward to other countries. Remember, these are commercial transactions, and so that's part of the regular process. The other part, and again, we've said this repeatedly, is that the significance of having these corridors open is to maintain a low level of world food prices overall. So, the overall impact to global food markets is the main result of this initiative. And with that, let me turn to our guests.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UNHCR commits to climate action in Africa to protect displaced populations and foster resilience

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

05 September 2023

GENEVA -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, reaffirms its dedication to climate action as a central element of its mission to address displacement and provide protection to vulnerable populations in Africa.

UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Raouf Mazou, and Director General and Special Representative of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, travelled to Kenya's Dadaab refugee complex in advance of this week's Africa Climate Summit.

"UNHCR recognizes the unique vulnerabilities faced by forcibly displaced populations and host communities in Africa. We must act now to ensure that the most vulnerable, who bear the highest cost, are not left alone in their struggle and have their voices heard," said Mazou.

In Dadaab, they witnessed the impact of climate change on refugees and host communities. Kenya continues to be among the top refugee-hosting countries in Africa and is heavily impacted by regional displacement crises. The country generously hosts more than 630,000 refugees and has witnessed increased cross-border movements due to intensifying climate shocks that have contributed to food insecurity, tensions, and cycles of conflict in neighbouring countries.

"The Dadaab refugee complex, which is one of the largest refugee settlements in the world, is a striking example of the urgent and interconnected challenges we face," said Al Suwaidi during his visit. "Unpredictable weather patterns and the devastating Horn of Africa droughts have disrupted communities and livelihoods, pushing them to the brink of survival.

"The stories I have heard from refugees and host communities in Dadaab are a stark reminder of why we must continue to drive equitable and just climate action that leaves no one behind," he added.

In the Horn of Africa, while rains finally came in May, the effects of a catastrophic drought -the worst in four decades -continue to impact the lives of millions of displaced and local communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

Across the region, climate impacts continue to exacerbate the challenges vulnerable populations face with the combination of conflict and drought severely affecting their search for safety, basic necessities and a means to survive. Our responses across the region must factor in the impact of extreme weather events, such as the recurring droughts or floods attributed to climate change.

"UNHCR's commitments are aligned with its overarching vision to create resilient, sustainable, and inclusive solutions for displaced populations across Africa. UNHCR is taking action to mobilize financing, enhance legal frameworks, strengthen data availability, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable settlement, all with the aim of mitigating climate-related displacement and ensuring the well-being of affected populations," said Mazou.

Funding for these commitments includes ongoing investments through the Refugee Environmental Protection (REP) Fund, which aims to support impactful reforestation and clean cooking programmes in refugee-hosting areas vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, UNHCR is dedicated to mobilizing further resources, with funding commitments of up to $500 million identified so far to integrate climate action within its programming across 24 African countries for the year 2024.

Ahead of the Global Refugee Forum and COP28 in December, UNHCR will collaborate with governments, regional bodies, partners and communities to forge a future where the impact of climate-related events on displacement is met with resilience, protection and solutions.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Poorly funded humanitarian crises to receive US$125 million from UN emergency fund

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

As global humanitarian needs skyrocket and the funding gap widens, support from the multi-donor fund CERF reaches new record

Geneva/New York, 5 September 2023 -- Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths today released US$125 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to boost underfunded humanitarian operations in 14 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East. Afghanistan and Yemen top the recipient list with $20 million each.

The allocation will have an added focus on advancing efforts to better include affected people in humanitarian decision-making.

This injection brings the emergency fund's total support through its Underfunded Emergencies window to more than $270 million this year. This is the largest annual amount ever allocated, to the highest number of countries, a reflection of skyrocketing humanitarian needs and the fact that regular donor funding is not keeping pace.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said: "It is a cruel reality that in many humanitarian operations, aid agencies are scraping along with very little funding right at a time when people's needs compel them to scale up. Thanks to the generosity of a vast range of donors, we can count on CERF to fill some of the gaps. Lives are saved as a result. But we need individual donors to step up as well - this is a fund by all and for all."

In 2023, global funding requirements have surpassed $55 billion to support 250 million people affected by conflict, the impact of the climate crisis, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, displacement and other crises. Faced with these record needs, less than 30 per cent of the funding required has been received.

Today's CERF allocation will help scale up humanitarian assistance in some of the world's most protracted and neglected crises: Afghanistan and Yemen ($20 million each), Burkina Faso ($9 million), Mali ($8 million), Myanmar ($9 million), and Haiti ($8 million).

The allocation will also support refugee operations in Bangladesh ($8 million) and Uganda ($6 million).

In addition, funding will go to Venezuela ($8 million), the Central African Republic ($6.5 million), Mozambique ($6.5 million), Cameroon ($6 million), the Occupied Palestinian Territories ($6 million), and Malawi ($4 million).

Note to the Editor

CERF is one of the fastest funding instruments available to help people affected by crises. Managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the fund enables timely, effective and life-saving humanitarian action by UN agencies and others to kick-start or reinforce emergency response anywhere it is required. Funding decisions for underfunded emergencies are based on detailed analysis of more than 90 humanitarian indicators and wide consultation with stakeholders.

Since its creation by the UN General Assembly in 2005, and with generous contributions from 130 Member States and observers, as well as other donors including private individuals, CERF has assisted hundreds of millions of people with more than $8.6 billion across more than 110 countries and territories. This includes more than $2.8 billion to underfunded crises. CERF has an annual funding target of $1 billion.

For further information, please contact: Jens Laerke, OCHA Geneva, laerke@un.org, +41 79 472 9750

5 September 2023



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






USNS Burlington Arrives in Trinidad and Tobago

US Navy

05 September 2023

From Lt.j.g. Nickolas West, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago -- The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) arrived in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on Sept. 2nd, marking the third stop throughout the course of the Continuing Promise 2023 mission. The Burlington was previously in Santa Marta, Colombia in support of Continuing Promise 2023.

Burlington is an efficient, lightweight and versatile asset that is able to support Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility. The ship has the capability to transport a battalion-sized element, up to 1,000 personnel, or 600 tons of cargo at high speeds.

The Burlington will be in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago for eight days. During the ship's time in port, the Continuing Promise 2023 team will work alongside Trinidad and Tobago's medical experts and primary care providers to conduct medical engagements, reconstruction projects, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) training, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) symposiums, subject matter expert exchanges, and host several live performances by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band.

"The Continuing Promise 2023 mission allows us to learn from partner nations and collaborate in potential contingency operations," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Ebenezer Atekwana, Senior Enlisted Leader for Continuing Promise 2023. "We're thrilled to team up with medical experts from Trinidad and Tobago to enhance our partnership. Our time here is a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and improving the interoperability of our medical teams."

This U.S. Navy's Continuing Promise deployment has taken place almost every year in the last 17 years to assist or aid people in the region. Since 2007, Continuing Promise medical personnel have treated more than 595,000 people, to include approximately 7,300 surgeries. When combined with all the veterinary services, subject matter expert exchanges, engineering projects, community relations events, and band performances, Continuing Promise has positively impacted more people in our partner nations than any other deployment series in the U.S. Navy's history. Throughout the mission stop in Almirante, Panama, the Continuing Promise 2023 team and Panamanian healthcare providers were able to administer care to over 2,700 patients, issue over 850 vaccines, and distribute more than 7,000 prescriptions.

The Continuing Promise mission aims to foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-government organizations, and international organizations.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Economic, Strategic Concerns Seen Pushing Vietnam Toward US

By Le Nguyen September 05, 2023

An unsettling mix of economic and strategic pressures is seen as pushing Vietnam toward a historic upgrade in relations with the United States, part of a broader realignment that is expected to include closer ties with several U.S. allies in Asia.

U.S. President Joe Biden will arrive in Hanoi on Sunday for talks with Vietnam's top leaders on ways to deepen bilateral ties, the White House announced last week.

The visit comes at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party of Vietnam, following a telephone conversation between the two leaders in late March.

When in Hanoi, Biden is likely to elevate relations with Vietnam to "comprehensive strategic partnership," a two-notch leap from the existing framework of strategic partnership, Reuters reported this week.

While no formal announcement has yet been made, that would put Washington on par with Beijing and Moscow on Hanoi's hierarchy of diplomatic ties.

Only a handful of other countries  such as India and South Korea  currently share such a relationship with Vietnam. But Hanoi is reported to be planning to admit Australia, Singapore and Indonesia into this club.

'Strategic autonomy'

The elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership would be a "major development," Greg Poling at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies' Southeast Asia Program told VOA, noting that it would signal "greater strategic alignment between the two countries."

"Vietnam has made that decision because it views China as a strategic threat and sees closer ties with the U.S. and other like-minded partners as necessary to maintain its strategic autonomy in the face of that threat," he wrote in an email to VOA.

At a reelection campaign event in Freeport, Maine, in late July, Biden said he "got a call from the head of Vietnam" who "desperately" wants to meet him and to "elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China."

Poling said the decision "sends a message throughout the Vietnamese government that the senior leadership has deemed closer economic, military, and people-to-people ties with the U.S. a top priority."

Struggling economy

According to a White House press release late last month, Biden and the Vietnamese leaders will "explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region," among other things.

"Expanding trade and investment with the U.S. will help Vietnam overcome the current economic headwinds," said Vo Tri Thanh, former deputy head of the Hanoi-based Central Institute for Economic Management.

The growth of Vietnam's export-driven economy has slowed to 4.14%  the slowest for any second quarter since 2011, and well below the government's target of 6.5%  due to sluggish demand in the U.S. and EU markets, leading to massive layoffs of blue-collar workers.

Thanh noted that the U.S. is a "key trade and investment partner" of Vietnam. The U.S. is currently Vietnam's second-largest trading partner behind China and its largest export market, with bilateral trade in 2022 valued at almost $139 billion.

In the first half of this year, the U.S. is the eighth biggest investor in Vietnam, with total capital registered at $405 million.

"Vietnam's economy is at a turning point of development and reform. In recent years, it has shifted focus from available resources like cheap labor, land and natural resources to productivity, innovation and cutting-edge technologies," Thanh noted.

He said Vietnam is transitioning to a digital and green economy. It is also seeking to integrate more deeply into a resilient supply chain. These are areas where Washington can help, he added.

'Imperative'

Hanoi's decision to upgrade ties with the U.S. followed intense debate within the Communist Party's Politburo, said Nguyen Huu Vinh, a former security major with links inside the party who is also known as blogger Ba Sam.

He told VOA from Hanoi that the top decision-making body reached consensus consensus on upgrading the ties, but "was divided over which level to upgrade to." Initial reports on Biden's visit put the upgrade at "strategic partnership," a step below comprehensive strategic partnership in diplomatic parlance.

Vietnamese leaders "are facing international challenges" including Russia's war in Ukraine, China's economic slowdown and Beijing's stepped-up harassment in the South China Sea, Vinh added. That has created "an urge for [a] definitive move regarding ties with Washington."

"From the perspective of national interest, it's imperative to improve ties with the U.S.," he said, noting that Washington can help Hanoi on both the economic and political fronts. This can include the transition to new technologies, political support in the South China Sea dispute and weapons sales.

Russia is by far Vietnam's top supplier of weapons, but given its struggles in Ukraine, the blogger said Hanoi must slowly transition away from Russian weapons.

The upgrade of ties with the U.S. and countries such as South Korea, Australia and Singapore, are signals that Vietnamese leaders "are slowly gravitating toward the West," Vinh said.

At the same time, he said, Hanoi is not afraid of a backlash from Beijing, because the Chinese "know the Vietnamese leadership well" and are confident that Hanoi "will never fall into Washington's orbit."

Just days ahead of Biden's arrival in Hanoi, Trong received Liu Jianchao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

Reuters also reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping or Premier Li Qiang could meet Vietnamese leaders "after or even shortly before Biden's arrival."

For Washington, the elevation of ties with Hanoi "is a top priority because Vietnam is a vital economic partner in the region and an important non-aligned state in the Global South. And that is where the competition between the U.S. and China will play out," said Poling from CSIS.

VOA has contacted the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington to inquire about what Vietnam can expect from the U.S. under the new framework but has not received a response.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Activists Sound Alarm as Cluster Bomb Casualties Rise Nearly Eightfold in 2022

By VOA News September 05, 2023

2022 saw the highest number of casualties from cluster bombs since 2008, the year most of the world banned them, according to an annual report from the Cluster Munition Coalition, or CMC, released Tuesday. Civilians represent 95% of the victims.

Cluster bombs killed or wounded 1,172 people in 2022, mostly non-combatants, a nearly eightfold increase from 2021. That casualty number was 890 in Ukraine alone. Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Laos, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Yemen also recorded casualties.

According to the report, children accounted for 71% of casualties from unexploded remnants, often mistaking the small, shiny fragments for playthings.

Cluster bombs scatter explosives across wide swaths of land. Some submunitions initially fail to detonate, so unseen bomblets can linger in terrain like landmines, killing and disabling civilians years after a conflict has ended. Once an area has been contaminated, countryside used for agriculture becomes unworkable; routes where humanitarian aid could be delivered become impassable.

Loren Persi, who helped edit the report, emphasized the need "for improved access to rehabilitation services [particularly in remote war-torn areas]."

Today, 124 nations recognize a global ban on cluster bombs. As per the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, those countries have committed to restoring contaminated lands, dismantling the last of their stockpiles, and assisting victims.

"All countries that have not banned these weapons must do so immediately," said Tamar Gabelnick, director of the CMC, referring to some of the biggest players in geopolitics, like the U.S. and Russia.

Since February 2022, Russia has repeatedly peppered Ukraine with cluster bombs. Ukraine has used cluster bombs, too, albeit to a lesser extent. In July, the U.S. began transferring an unknown load of stockpiled 155mm artillery-delivered cluster bombs to Kyiv. At least 21 government leaders and dignitaries from around the world have condemned that decision, including some who support Ukraine's war effort.

"It's unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited," said Mary Wareham from Human Rights Watch at a press conference in Geneva.

Activists like Wareham are worried that a resurgence in cluster bombs could diminish global support for the 2008 ban, permanently shifting how wars play out for the worse.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Central African States Suspend Gabon's Membership, Call for Return to Constitutional Order

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka September 05, 2023

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has suspended Gabon's membership during an extraordinary summit in Djibloho, Equatorial Guinea, and condemned the use of force to resolve political conflicts.

One week after a coup ousted Gabon's president, Ali Bongo, little has been said about him and he hasn't been seen since a video in which he was pleading for international help.

Monday's extraordinary summit was held under the presidency of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Obiang said ECCAS wants Gabon to return to constitutional order so that all the institutions in the country can function. ECCAS said it expects the international and regional communities to help Gabon out of difficult times, but gave no details.

ECCAS said Gabon was suspended from proceedings because of an unconstitutional power change.

Chad's foreign affairs minister, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, read the summit's resolutions on Equatorial Guinea's National Television.

He said ECCAS leaders are asking the military junta in Gabon to guarantee the physical integrity, safety and security of ousted President Bongo and his family. He said Gabon has an obligation under international law to protect all citizens and ensure a quick return to civilian rule.

Annadif said the summit designated Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera to negotiate with Gabon's military junta to hand over power.

Etienne Ngola, an international affairs lecturer at the Omar Bongo University in Libreville, said via a messaging app that the coup in Gabon was one of the most peaceful in the world with no bloodshed. He said ECCAS should allow Gabon's military junta, which has much internal support, enough time to bring back order and prepare civilians for democratic rule before handing over power.

Gabon's ousted president has not been seen in public since August 30, when a group of Gabon military officers appeared on national television and announced that they had seized power and put Bongo under house arrest.

But an audio extract from a video of Bongo has gone viral on social media platforms. In the video, Bongo cries for help, asking people he calls his friends to come to his rescue.

"I am Ali Bongo Ondimba, president of Gabon, and I want to send a message to all the friends that we have all over the world, to tell them to make noise for the people here have arrested me and my family," he said on the video. "My son is somewhere and my wife is in another place and I am at the residence, nothing is happening, I don't know what is going on so I am calling you to make noise. I am thanking you."

Shortly after the coup, Bongo's son, 31-year-old Noureddin Bongo Valentin, was arrested and accused of high treason and corruption.

The ECCAS summit did not make any public statements regarding the arrest of Bongo's son.

The military junta led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, a former commander of the Republican Guard, who was sworn in on Monday as Gabon's transitional president, has not commented on his predecessor's family situation.

During the summit, Niger-born Abdou Abarry, who is the special representative of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, pleaded for the establishment of rules and strong institutions he said will consolidate Gabon's democratic foundations at the end of a transition within a reasonable time.

Abarry also expressed hope that ECCAS and the regional office of Central Africa would equip themselves with what he called adequate instruments to deal with the resurgence of unconstitutional changes.

Presidents Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Joao Lourenco of Angola, Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic, as well as Sao Tome and Principe Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada and a representative of Cameroonian President Paul Biya were present at the ECCAS summit. ECCAS also has Chad, Burundi, Gabon, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo and Rwanda as members.

The summit said all member states agreed that more sanctions will be meted out on Gabon should the military junta fail to hand over to civilian rule soonest.

During his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Nguema said he would hand over civilian rule, but did not say when.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






WFP in Afghanistan forced to drop 10 million people from lifesaving assistance, deepening despair and worry for Afghans

World Food Programme

5 September 2023

KABUL -- The World Food Programme (WFP) is being forced to drop another 2 million hungry people from food assistance in Afghanistan in September, bringing to 10 million the number of people cut off from its support this year in the country. Due to a massive funding shortfall, going forward WFP will only be able to provide emergency assistance to 3 million people per month.

"Amid already worrying levels of hunger and malnutrition, we are obliged to choose between the hungry and the starving, leaving millions of families scrambling for their next meal," said Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP's Country Director and Representative in Afghanistan. "With the few resources we have left, we are not able to serve all those people teetering on the edge of utter destitution."

In March, WFP had to reduce rations from 75 to 50 percent for communities experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In April and May, it was forced to cut off 8 million people from food assistance. WFP is often the last lifeline for women, who are increasingly being pushed out of society, with dwindling options for making a living and feeding their children.

These cuts mean that 1.4 million new and expecting mothers and their children are no longer receiving specialized food designed to prevent malnutrition. WFP expects to see a sharp rise in admissions to nutrition centers in the months to come as children slide deeper into hunger.

For the coming six months, WFP needs US$1 billion to reach a planned 21 million people with lifesaving food and nutrition assistance as well as livelihood support. This includes funding to pre-position food for communities that will become cut off during the harsh Afghan winter.

"A small window of opportunity remains to avert catastrophe in Afghanistan, but we are running out of time," said Lee. "The cost of inaction will be paid by the most vulnerable women and children reeling from the impact of 40 years of conflict, a crippled economy and a worsening climate crisis."

The announcement comes ahead of the 78th annual UN General Assembly in New York, where world leaders will gather to debate key global challenges to development, including hunger. As needs skyrocket globally, WFP is urging donor governments to prioritize funding for humanitarian operations.

WFP is in the midst of a crippling funding crisis that is forcing the organization to scale back life-saving assistance at a time when acute hunger is at record levels. Almost half of WFP country operations have already cut - or plan to cut soon - the size and scope of food, cash and nutrition assistance programmes.



# # #



The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 05 September 2023 - Day 559

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian authorities in the occupied regions of Ukraine plan to hold for the first time elections on 8-10 September 2023 in parallel with those held in the Russian Federation. Voting has already started in Zaporizhzhia and Mariupol.

Whilst over 1,000 candidates have been identified, there is a lack of qualified, experienced, and willing candidates according to some reports. There is also an absence of independent candidates that are not members of the Kremlin endorsed parties, indicating that these will not be free or fair elections. The Ukrainian Centre of National Resistance claims that the occupation administrations have significantly overstated the number of voters on the electoral register.

Kremlin polls indicate United Russia, the dominant political party in the Russian Federation, is predicted to gain 80 per cent of the vote in the four occupied regions. The United Russia party will likely command the majority of seats in an attempt to secure the Kremlin's hold and influence over the occupied regions.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of September 5, Russian forces launched 32x air strikes, 39x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high.

During the day of September 5, there were more than 20x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russian occupiers launched air strikes in the vicinities of Sydorivka (Sumy oblast) and Udy, Veterynarne (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces fired mortars and artillery at over than 15x settlements, including Klyusy, Buchky, Karpovychi (Chernihiv oblast), Znob-Novhorods'ke, Romashkove, Buhor, Vorozhba, Veselivka, Popivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Strilecha, Ohirtseve, Vovchans'k, Nesterne, Chorne (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: the Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at various settlements, including Masyutivka, Kucherivka, Kyslivka, Berestove, Kovalivka (Kharkiv oblast).

Lyman axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Novojehorivka (Luhansk oblast). The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Sivers'k and Spirne (Donetsk oblast). Russia continues to fire artillery and mortars at various settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Dibrova, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Spirne (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders attacks successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the area north of Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Fedorivka Druha, Tykhonivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast), suffered artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at the settlements of Oleksandropil', Keramik, Stepove, Avdiivka, Sjeverne, Nevel's'ke, (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the vicinity of Mar'inka. The adversary launched an air strike near Krasnohorivka. The Russian invaders fired artillery at the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Pobjeda, Katerynivka, Veselyi Hai (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Vuhledar and Staromaiors'ke. More than 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Shakhtars'ke, Novoukrainka, Urozhaine, Fedorivka, Shevchenko (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery shelling.

Zaporizhzhia axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka, Orikhiv, Robotyne, (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The adversary fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Velykomykhailivka, Nikopol', Dobra Nadiya (Dnipropetrovsk oblast), Novodarivka, Malynivka, Zatyshshya, Novoandriivka, Stepove, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast).

Kherson axis: Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Mykhailivka. The Russian adversary fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Zolota Balka, Respublikanets', Odradokam'yanka, Ol'hivka, Tokarivka, Sonyachne (Kherson oblast).

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol' axis, consolidating their positions and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of September 5, Ukrainian Air Force launched 11x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, weapons, and military equipment, as well as 2x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile systems of the Russian adversary.

During day of September 5, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x concentration of troops, weapons and military equipment, 12x artillery systems at their firing positions and 1x ammunition depot of the Russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in cooperation with aviation and artillery, have successfully repelled 4 attacks by AFU assault groups close to Kleshcheevka and Vesyoloye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 225 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery system, and one Grad MLRS system.

In addition, one control point for AFU drones has been destroyed near Pervomaiskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian grouping of troops, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems have repelled two attacks by the 47th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 170 Ukrainian servicemen, two tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, three U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery systems, and one M119 howitzer, one German-manufactured Panzerhaubitze-2000 self-propelled artillery system, one British-manufactured FH-70 gun, and one D-20 and one D-30 howitzers.

One ammunition depot of 46th Airmobile Brigade of the AFU has been destroyed near Orekhov (Zaporozhye region).

In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of coordinated actions by units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, Army Aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems, three attacks by assault groups of 63rd and 67th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been repelled close to Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were over 70 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one D-20 howitzer.

In Kupyansk direction, the attacks, launched by aviation, as well as artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces, have resulted in the neutralisation of the enemy manpower and hardware close to Sinkovka, Peschanoye, Berestovoye (Kharkov region), and Stelmakhovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 50 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer.

In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces have inflicted a comprehensive fire attack on two AFU manpower and hardware concentration areas near Ugledar and Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been disrupted close to Urozhainoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 175 Ukrainian servicemen killed and wounded, four motor vehicles, and D-20 and D-30 guns.

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 40 Ukrainian servicemen, including two AFU sabotage and reconnaissance groups, two motor vehicles, and two D-30 howitzers.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised manpower and military hardware in 132 areas.

In addition, the control point of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU near Ugledar and the 8th Mountain Assault Brigade of the AFU have been hit near Razdolovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Air defence facilities have intercepted 21 HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles.

In additon, 33 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed and suppressed by electronic warfare means close to Topolevka, Zaliman, Krasnorechenskoye (Lugansk People's Republic), Berestovoye, Petrovskoye, Semigorye, Vesyoloye (Donetsk People's Republic), Kharkovo, Romanovskoye, Mirnoye, Ocheretovatoye (Zaporozhye region), Golaya Pristan, and Novaya Mayachka (Kherson region).

In total, 467 airplanes, 248 helicopters, 6,409 unmanned aerial vehicles, 435 air defence missile systems, 11,653 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,148 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,230 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,715 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Proud Boys Leader Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Seditious Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- The former national chairman of the Proud Boys was sentenced today for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, 39, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to 22 years in prison and 36 months of supervised release.

"On January 6th, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked, 140 law enforcement officers defending those inside were assaulted, and the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected government - a cornerstone of our democracy - was interrupted," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department proved in court that the Proud Boys played a central role in setting the January 6th attack on our Capitol into motion. Over the past week, four members of the Proud Boys received sentences that reflect the danger their crimes pose to our democracy. Today, the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, learned that the consequence of conspiring to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power is 22 years in federal prison."

"Today's sentencing demonstrates that those who attempted to undermine the workings of American democracy will be held criminally accountable," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The FBI will always protect those who peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. But we will never condone the actions of those who break our laws, and we will continue to work with federal prosecutors to ensure those perpetrators are held responsible."

"No organization put more boots on the ground at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 than the Proud Boys, and they were at the forefront of every major breach of the Capitol's defenses, leading the on-the-ground efforts to storm the seat of government," said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. "The leaders of the Proud Boys and the leaders of the Oath Keepers, who conspired before, during, and after the siege of the Capitol to use force against their own government to prevent the peaceful transfer of power have now been held accountable."

On May 4, 2023, a jury found Tarrio and three other co-defendants of multiple felonies, including seditious conspiracy for their actions before and during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Previously sentenced in this matter were co-defendants Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola. Nordean was sentenced to 18 years in prison, Biggs was sentenced to 17 years, Rehl was sentenced to 15 years, and Pezzola was sentenced to 10 years.

According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, prior to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, Tarrio created a special chapter of the Proud Boys known as the "Ministry of Self Defense," which included co-defendants Nordean, Biggs, and Rehl, conspired to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the Electoral College vote and to oppose by force the authority of the government of the United States.

In the days leading to Jan. 6, 2021, Tarrio and the other leaders of the Ministry of Self Defense hand-selected members of the organization, including co-defendant Dominic Pezzola, to serve as "rally boys" during the attack on the Capitol. To prepare for the attack on the Capitol, Tarrio and the other leaders of the Ministry of Self Defense established a chain of command, chose a time and place for their attack, and intentionally recruited others who would follow their top-down leadership and who were prepared to engage in physical violence if necessary.

On Jan. 6, 2021, the group began their assault that day at 10:00 a.m. when Nordean, Biggs, Rehl, and others marched an assembled group of nearly 200 individuals away from speeches at the Ellipse and directly toward the Capitol. At 2:11 p.m., Pezzola smashed open a window, allowing the first rioters to enter the Capitol as Biggs and those with him entered close behind. Court documents say that Nordean, Biggs and Rehl, and the men they recruited and led, participated in every consequential breach at the Capitol that day.

As the events of Jan. 6, 2021, unfolded, Tarrio, who was monitoring the attack from afar as it unfolded, posted encouraging messages to his tens of thousands of social media followers, including the following messages: "Proud of my boys and my country" and "Don't f****** leave." Tarrio privately claimed credit for the riot at the Capitol, telling Proud Boys senior leadership, "Make no mistake . . . we did this." On Jan. 7, 2021, Tarrio addressed the Ministry of Self Defense members, telling them he was "proud of y'all."

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly found that Tarrio's conduct constituted an official act of terrorism and applied an enhancement to his final sentence.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The charges in the investigation are the result of significant cooperation between agents and staff across numerous FBI Field Offices and law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, the Justice Department's National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section, and the Justice Department's Criminal Division's Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case.

In the 31 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Topic: Domestic Terrorism

Components: Office of the Attorney General

Criminal - Organized Crime and Gang Section

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - District of Columbia

Press Release Number: 23-967

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SILENT BARKER

Silent Barker provides onorbit optical space domain awareness for orbit determination, discovery, custody, and change detection of deep space objects. The Space-Based Space Surveillance Follow-On program partnered with the National Reconnaissance Office to satisfy common DoD and intelligence community requirements. Known as Silent Barker, the program includes both the space elements and the telemetry, tracking and command elements. Silent Barker will provide space situational awareness and indications and warning to detect geosynchronous orbit threats.

What is a "Silent Barker"?

A cryptonym is a secret name or word, or a code name or code word. The word "cryptonym" comes from the Greek words "crypto-" meaning "secret, hidden" and "-onym" meaning "name". The term was first used in 1868. The US intelligence community uses cryptonyms to refer to projects, operations, people, and agencies. A two-letter digraph is a prefix that designates a geographical or functional area. For example, the digraph AM refers to Cuba. Cryptonyms are used to group codenames into sets based on characteristics such as geographic location or other methods of grouping. For example, the digraph KU refers to organizations of the CIA itself.

Codenames may be publicly known. For security purposes, codenames are generally picked from a list of "good" words. The US and British intelligence agencies say that codenames are randomly chosen by computer. However, they avoid using common words that could be intended to mean their normal definitions. And these names are often taken from popular culture.

The 1892 book, the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is a collection of short stories. One of the stories is Silver Blaze,a mystery about the disappearance of a famous racehorse the night before a race and the murder of the horses trainer. Holmes solves the mystery by recognizing that no one he spoke to in his investigation remarked that they had heard barking from the watchdog during the night.

Gregory (Scotland Yard detective): Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?

Holmes: To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.

Gregory: The dog did nothing in the night-time.

Holmes: That was the curious incident.

The fact that the dog did not bark when you would expect it to do so while a horse was stolen led Homes to the conclusion that the evildoer was a not a stranger to the dog, but someone the dog recognized and thus would not cause him to bark.

The mascot on the NROL-107 launch logo looks like a fox. Sly as a fox is an idiom that means someone is cunning, experienced, and can get what they want, often in an underhand way. The phrase has been used for hundreds of years. Foxes have a reputation for being cunning or sly. They are known for being tricksters, sneaky, and cunning in their behavior.

Foxes are closely related to dogs, but their vocalizations are higher-pitched. Their bark sounds similar to that of a dog, except slightly higher pitched and sometimes shrill. Foxes have many vocalizations. They yip, they bark, they howl, they growl, they gekker, and they squee. They can be vocal year-round, but they are more vocal at night when the calls seem to travel farther in the still winter air. Foxes do bark, but their barks are higher-pitched and sometimes shrill compared to dogs. Foxes use their barks to communicate with other foxes, and they are often used when the fox is agitated or feeling threatened. Foxes may also bark during hunting and scavenging activities, and territorial disputes.

But maybe the mascot is not a fox, but rather a Basenji, nicknamed the 'barkless dog. And the NROL mascot does resemble the Basenji in coloration, and curly tail. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound known as a "barroo", due to its unusually shaped larynx. The basenji has been around for thousands of years, even possibly appearing in cave paintings in Libya. Basenjis are also known for their keen hunting instincts and may chase after small animals if given the opportunity. They are recognizable by their glistening short coat, tightly curled tail, and wrinkled forehead and expressive almond-shaped eyes that convey a variety of subtle, humanlike emotions.

The NRO and the USSF have a shared interest to strengthen the nation's SDA and Indication & Warning (I&W) capabilities to enable timely decision making and unity of effort to defend the DoD and IC critical capabilities against current and projected threats. SILENTBARKER will strengthen the NRO's ability to provide a wide range of timely intelligence information to national decision makers, warfighters and intelligence analysts to protect the nation's vital interests and support humanitarian efforts worldwide.

The Silent Barker initial contract was awarded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018. Surveillance from space augments and overcomes existing ground sensor limitations with timely 24-hour above-the-weather collection of satellite metric data only possible with a space-based sensor and then communicates its findings to satellite operators, analysts, and other mission users.

The Silent Barker mission, also known as NROL-107, will serve as a "watchdog" to continually track other objects and detect potential threats in GEO, according to NRO Director Chris Scolese. The US Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) partnered up for the launch of spy satellites as part of their new Silent Barker mission.

The launch was set to be carried out by the United Launch Alliance (ULA), which said the mission will "protect nation's vital interests and support humanitarian efforts worldwide." Silent Barker's satellites were scheduled to launch on 28 August 2023 at 1234 GMT onboard an Atlas V rocket from the Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. However, in its latest update, ULA said the launch was delayed due to an impending tropical storm. Out of an abundance of caution for personnel safety, a critical national security payload and the approaching Tropical Storm Idalia, the team made the decision to return the rocket and payload to the vertical integration facility (VIF). A new date will be provided once it is safe to launch, potentially 07 September 2023.

The destination of the mission's satellites is geosynchronous orbit (GEO), a belt of satellites at nearly 36,000 kilometres above the equator. According to the Defense Intelligence Agency, activity in GEO poses a unique challenge to the Space Force, as spacecraft in GEO are difficult to track and characterize, and could threaten U.S. or allied satellites. For example, that report stated that adversaries could place operational or reserve satellites in deep space so they are much harder to monitor, and then move them to lower orbits for later use. In recent years, US officials have warned of several Russian inspector satellites approaching American spy satellites in both low-Earth orbit and higher up in GEO. By 2017 Air Force Space Command [AFSPC] and NRO had developed an SSA architecture designed to meet the DoD and Intelligence Community needs to enable space protection. As a result of the architecture work, we have developed a collaborative acquisition program to meet both NRO and Air Force Indications and Warning and SSA requirements. This new program was called SILENT BARKER.

The Air Force had a joint program with the National Reconnaissance Office called Silent Barker where, instead of having two programs on two different sides of the national security space business, there will be one. That one program will improve situational awareness of the geosynchronous orbit in a significant way. AFSPC increased analytical and prototyping efforts to support architecture development. This paid significant dividends in the changed SILENT BARKER acquisition strategy to partner with the NRO to provide greater capability, faster and at the same cost.

Silent Barker will provide the primary layer of critical space-based space situational awareness to the warfighter. The system will rapidly detect, identify, track, and collect data on resident space objects in deep-space orbits on the short timelines required to conduct indications and warning of threats against U.S. high-value assets. The Air Force contributes to this effort through the Space-Based Space Surveillance Follow-On program. By pursuing this collaborative effort with a key mission partner, the Air Force estimated in 2019 there will be approximately $400 million in overall cost avoidance over a traditional acquisition. While the Space-Based Space Surveillance Follow-On program remained under Air Force Service Acquisition Executive authority and control, it contributed funding and personnel to the NRO for executing Silent Barker.

The Silent Barker mission aims to "deter aggression" by letting potential adversaries know that the US Space Force is keeping a close watch on what happens in GEO, Space Force Lt. General Michael Guetlein said. "A huge element of deterrence is the ability for the adversary to know what we can and cannot see. So we actually want our competitors to know that we have eyes in GEO and that we can see what's happening in GEO," Guetlein said in a pre-launch teleconference.

The US military currently relies only on ground-based radars to scan GEO but by the Silent Barker satellites will be placed closer to observation targets, giving the NRO and the Space Force a new edge. "Not only are we going to maintain custody and the ability to detect what's going on in GEO, but we'll have the indications and warnings to know there's something out of the normal occurring, and that goes a long way towards deterrence."

While the exact capabilities of Silent Barker remain unknown, the US Defence Department is making an effort to be more transparent with this mission compared to others, according to Scolese. We want to let people know, to some extent, what our capabilities are, and this is one capability that if you think about it, has great value beyond just national security, Scolese said in a roundtable with reporters, He also said that the space environment is becoming more competitive as more countries launch missions into space, which also means "its becoming easier and easier to see whats going up there."

While it was publicly known there were multiple payloads on the launch, officials had not disclosed how many, what companies were involved in building the satellites or specifics about their design, such as their scanners. However, Scolese said US officials plan at least one more launch with additional Silent Barker satellites in the coming years. Planned launch and Full Operational Capability is scheduled for fiscal year 2026. The budget is also unknown but the Government Accountability Office put the estimated cost of the program at $994 million.

It took only about three years to develop the Silent Barker and it is set to be fully operational in 2026, according to Scolese. The relatively short turn-around is due to the rare collaboration between Space Force and the NRO. Today, the NRO and Space Force are working hand in hand to shape the future of ground moving target indicators, which will provide day/night, all-weather detection and tracking of ground and maritime targets for the warfighter, Scolese said in earlier remarks.

Working together with the Space Force and other military services, allows the NRO "to deliver and acquire reliable and resilient GMTI systems at speed, delivering this critical capability with our colleagues at Space Force" to the mission. Frank Calvelli, the senior space acquisition authority at the Department of the Air Force, said, this team-up approach "really fits" his priority "of speed, speed and speed".

"The IC [Intelligence Community] had an existing design that we could scale up, and we can get there years earlier with, and that was really a deciding factor for partnering with them, Calvelli said.

Raw data from the Silent Barker satellites will most likely remain classified but tracking information will be provided to the military's catalog of space objects, which is publicly available.The catalog is also widely used by commercial and international satellite operators to avoid clashes and interference.

The Basic Aerospace Doctrine of the United States Air Force specifies aerospace control as the key mission that is associated with the core competence of air and space superiority. This Doctrine requires that the Air Force gain and maintain dominance of space through its control thereof. This mission can be divided into three categories: space surveillance, protection, and negation. Although defensive counterspace operations (DCS) and offensive counterspace operations (OCS) are the pillars of space dominance and superiority (SDS), Space Situation Awareness (SSA) serves as the base for their effective functioning.

Thus, the accomplishment of the space dominance and superiority mission relies on the combination of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), together with real-time communication and information processing technologies that are the major enablers of this mission. Therefore, progress in system development that provides better and more effective Space Situation Awareness enhances the capabilities in space dominance and superiority and is desirable.

Space superiority is a fundamental part of a military air and space doctrine. Space superiority is gained and maintained through the application of counterspace operations. These counterspace operations are critical to success in modern warfare. Combatant commanders leverage space capabilities to maintain a combat advantage over adversaries. Space superiority ensures a freedom to operate in the space medium while denying the same to adversaries. Key to acquiring and maintaining space superiority is quick and accurate assessments of whether detected objects in a monitored space present a threat of harm to other items in the monitored space. As such, appropriate action can be taken only in response to threatening objects to maintain space superiority. Achieving the goal of accurate and efficient decision making to evaluate potential threat scenarios, however, is enormously challenging.

One Air Force top priority is to enhance awareness of the space domain. The Air Forec is leading an effort to fundamentally change the approach to SSA operations from cataloging to warfighting. In a warfighting domain, domain awareness is essential to successful mission accomplishment. Todays SSA capability is catalogued focused and based on passive tracking. As potential adversaries continue to field capabilities that challenge our freedom of access in space, the Air Force needs better SSA tools, methodologies and CONOPS to enhance the Nations SSA mission.

AFSPC, in partnership with the NRO, has taken action codified in a CONOPS to guide the way forward in this endeavor. It has already activated the 18th Space Control Squadron (18 SPCS) under the 21st Space Wing in order to increase overall operational effectiveness and agility. The 18 SPCS, as the focal point for SSA, will drive great tactical synergy alongside other SSA units.

Gen. John W. Raymond, the head of Air Force Space Command, said in written testimony in May 2017 that AFSPC and NRO have developed an SSA architecture designed to meet the DoD and Intelligence Community needs to enable space protection. As a result of the architecture work, they have developed a collaborative acquisition program to meet both NRO and Air Force Indications and Warning and SSA requirements.

This new program is called SILENT BARKER [probably two words, not one, although seen both ways]. Brig. Gen. Mark Baird, director of space programs, told reporters at a November 2017 briefing that the classified mission will involve a new capability in the space situational awareness portfolio, though officials declined to provide additional details.

Another element of SSA includes space traffic management (STM), a concept that includes technical as well as regulatory elements to provide a framework for the safety, security and stability of space activities in the future.

The Air Force is increasing analytical and prototyping efforts to support architecture development. This has already paid significant dividends as it changed the SILENT BARKER acquisition strategy to partner with the NRO to provide us greater capability, faster and at the same cost. in a formal solicitation released 31 January 2019, the Air Force said it planned to launch the new capability in fiscal 2022. The program is also referred to as NROL-107 in the solicitation documents.

An advanced integrated multi-sensor system (AIMS) can comprise a shared optical train that is configured to cooperate with a laser tracking system, a visible imaging system, and an infrared search and track system so as to provide an integrated multi-sensor system. The AIMS can be used for detection, tracking, characterization, discrimination of an object of interest in space, air, marine or submarine environment. An AIMS can comprise a plurality of sensors and a shared optical train. The shared optical train can be configured to facilitate the most effective and reliable fusion of the data from multiple various sensors so as to provide a single observation angle (sight) for the plurality of sensing elements and thus facilitate an enhanced ISR capabilities.

Reasoning about threat capability and probability posed by the known or unknown object may involve considering multiple hypotheses of potential threat capabilities and motive for the reasoned identity; and considering diplomatic, intelligence, military and economic (DIME) information corresponding to the reasoned identity to determine the most probable threat capability and probability. Reasoning to identify the object as a known object or unknown object may involve consulting space catalog information, considering kinematic information for the detected object to deduce the most probable identity of the detected object, and considering other available information potentially characterizing the object.

Reasoning about the identity of the object as a known object or unknown object may involve comparing the received sensor information data to data corresponding to known satellites, and matching the received sensor information data to one of the known satellite objects to identify the object or designating the object as an unknown object and create a new data profile for the unknown object for future analysis.

Modern space surveillance systems are typically either distributed or collocated sensor modules. Thus, such surveillance systems are not capable of providing a comprehensive set of surveillance measures for accurate target characterization and consistent track association for multiple various standard data sources. For example, the effectiveness of imaging sensors in detecting passive (non-radiating) space objects commonly depends on sun illumination. As such, Earth eclipsed targets are less detectable.

The fusion of data according to nowadays practice suffers from inherent deficiencies. Data derived from distributed or collocated sensors can be difficult to match for various reasons, including incompatible observation conditions, variant parallax registration, observation angle and scaling factors, and deficiency in a common time standard resulting in significantly in track association.

Difficulty may encounter in the data fusion process, such as in the superposing of target features accurately. Indeed, post processing of time and space partitioned data sources with uncertainty in data delay may render the outcome deficient or unusable.

Surveillance in general, and space surveillance in particular, requires capabilities for detection, tracking, imaging, and characterization of remote objects with their characteristics that are not distinct. In general, most current space surveillance systems are not capable of generating the desired tracking accuracy, and providing required object characterization because they are single sensor based.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Eyes in the sky

By Captain Joanne Leca

5 September 2023

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was a critical force enabler during Exercise Alon, with the E-7A Wedgetail and F-35A Lighting II aircraft providing close air support.

Exercise Alon, a bilateral amphibious training activity conducted in the Philippines from August 14 to 31 as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour, included forces from the ADF, Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Marine Corps working together in complex scenarios.

Supporting the combined joint force during the air-assault and amphibious-assault exercises was F-35A fighter pilot Flight Lieutenant Andrew Haes.

Flight Lieutenant Haes' job was to provide situational awareness and weapons effects to forces on the ground before and during a tactical assault.

"The F-35A is a fifth-generation asset, equipped with sensors on board that allow for coordination on the ground," he said.

"We're the eyes in the sky for the troops, providing vantage points and enemy locations.

"It's the first time the F-35A has been to the Philippines and it's great to show other forces the capabilities RAAF can provide."

Ensuring the F-35A and E-7A could fulfil their duty were the enablers of RAAF's C-130J Hercules and Combat Support Group's mobile air load team and security forces, provided by 1 Security Forces.

"We came to the Philippines in a C-130J Hercules, along with the maintenance crew and all their gear," Flight Lieutenant Haes said.

"The C-130J provided a communications hub for operational and strategic reach back to Australia, in addition to its primary role as the tactical air lift of maintenance personnel and equipment, keeping the F-35A airborne.

"During this exercise we trained how to lower our logistics footprint when operating the F-35. That's where the C-130 Hercules helped us to fit everything into one aircraft.

"Taking any aircraft overseas, in a different airspace with different rules can be tricky, but it is really rewarding when it does pay off in the end."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala meets Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui

European External Action Service (EEAS)

05.09.2023

Beijing

Press and information team of the Delegation to CHINA

Tuesday, 5 September 2023

The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, met the Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs, Ambassador Li Hui, for consultations in Beijing today.

The two sides discussed the EU's and China's respective engagement and cooperation with the countries in Central Asia and the situation in the region. The EUSR informed on the EU policy with the region based on the 2019 EU Strategy for Central Asia, as well as on the priorities in the current, rapidly-changing circumstances. The EU has further strengthened the partnership with the region including through high-level dialogue, economic cooperation and cooperation with civil society. She referred to the EU's role as a long-term partner to the region, as biggest donor and investor as well as second-biggest trading partner, and looked forward to widening the partnership with the countries, both bilaterally and regionally. Against the backdrop of the global challenges due to climate change and environmental degradation, the EUSR specifically pointed to the regional Team Europe Initiatives on Water, Energy and Climate change and on Digitalisation.

They furthermore exchanged views on the security situation in the wider region, including on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and on developments in Afghanistan and their effect on Central Asia. The EUSR voiced concern on the situation in Afghanistan, in particular regarding human rights, referring to shared interests and the dialogue with the Central Asian countries, including on border security, counter-terrorism and radicalisation. The EUSR reiterated the EU position on Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and stressed that any meaningful way to end it must be consistent with the UN Charter in its entirety.

The two sides agreed to continue consultations in the future.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's first foreign state immunity law safeguards sovereignty, plays deterrent role

Global Times

Law provides a robust legal basis for China to reciprocally counter baseless lawsuits driven by anti-China forces: official

By Chen Qingqing Published: Sep 05, 2023 09:41 PM Updated: Sep 05, 2023 11:41 PM

Three days after China's top legislature adopted a long-awaited foreign state immunity law - the first law in the country's history that comprehensively stipulates the foreign state immunity system, marking a milestone in rule of law fields related to foreign affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the law aims to protect the lawful rights and interests of the parties concerned, safeguard the sovereign equality of states and promote friendly exchanges with other countries, which all in turn will boost China's higher-level opening-up.

The new foreign state immunity law was adopted at a session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on Friday, and it will take effect on January 1, 2024. It has 23 provisions and stipulates that China will move away from the absolute theory of foreign state immunity and adopt the restrictive theory of foreign state immunity.

Calling the move a "necessary adjustment" to China's sovereign immunity policy, an official of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee was quoted in a report by the Xinhua News Agency saying the new law will help protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons, and safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests.

According to the law, Chinese courts can legally accept and adjudicate cases with a foreign state as the defendant under certain conditions, Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Foreign Ministry Ma Xinmin told China Central Television in a latest interview.

Before the adoption of the foreign state immunity law, Chinese courts, for a long time, wouldn't process cases with a foreign state as a defendant or cases against a foreign state's assets, Ma said.

This led to two disadvantages: First, Chinese citizens and enterprises couldn't defend their legitimate rights and interests in Chinese courts when they encounter commercial disputes with foreign states. On the other hand, in recent years, some foreign courts have frequently accepted and exercised jurisdiction over baseless and frivolous lawsuits against China, creating an imbalanced situation since Chinese courts couldn't exercise jurisdiction over foreign states, he noted.

Introducing the law is a normal legislative activity by China's NPC that fully adheres to international law and is consistent with general state practices, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

The law affirms the fundamental principle that a foreign state and its property enjoy immunity in China, at the same time stipulates exceptions relating to non-sovereign act of a foreign state, under which Chinese courts can exercise jurisdiction, such as cases involving disputes arising out of commercial activity, relevant personal injury and property damage.

It also states that Chinese courts can take compulsory judicial measures against a foreign state's commercial property under strictly limited circumstances.

China firmly upholds the principle of sovereign equality and will faithfully implement this law to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals and legal persons and respect the immunities enjoyed by foreign states under international law, the ministry added.

"In recent years, some foreign courts, influenced by anti-China forces, have been accepting baseless lawsuits against China and even clamored to strip China of the state immunity it should enjoy under international law," Ma said, noting that the enactment of the foreign state immunity law provides a robust legal basis for China to reciprocally counter such actions, playing a preventative, cautionary, and deterrent role.

"It's a necessary step to confront challenges and mitigate risks using rule-of-law thinking and methods," he said.

'A very significant move'

In 2020, some 35 lawmakers raised a special motion during the two sessions, urging the country to speed up formulating a foreign state immunity law that will grant Chinese citizens and companies the right to sue other countries in domestic courts, in an attempt to retaliate against US' abuse of litigation against China over the COVID-19 pandemic.

"After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, some Americans and even individual states within the US sued China in American courts, demanding that China assume substantial compensation liability for the pandemic, and these cases were accepted by US courts," Huo Zhengxin, a law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, some Chinese citizens wanted to sue the US government in Chinese courts, accusing it of smearing and stigmatizing China, thereby infringing upon the legitimate interests of the Chinese nation and its citizens. However, due to China's stance on absolute immunity, its courts couldn't accept these cases, Huo said.

"That situation illustrated that the stance of absolute immunity no longer helps safeguard China's national interests. In fact, it has resulted in an unequal situation where foreign courts can exercise jurisdiction over China, but Chinese courts cannot exercise jurisdiction over foreign states," he said.

Some experts also believe that given the US has already imposed sanctions on a lot of Chinese companies, after the enactment of the foreign state immunity law, those companies would be able to sue the US government in Chinese courts, which is another highly significant step after the country passed the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in June 2021.

Following the enactment of the law, some netizens have been wondering whether Chinese courts can now handle cases involving the infringement of rights of Chinese fishermen amid Japan's forceful dumping of nuclear-contaminated water, and if any relevant Chinese enterprise or individual can sue Tokyo Electric Power Company for compensation after the law comes into force, and if Chinese courts can accept the case under certain conditions and make a final trial.

"In theory, such case can be filed, and the court can also accept it. However, I think it is very difficult to prove that the nuclear-contaminated water has caused real economic or physical damage to the plaintiff," Huo said.

Higher level of opening-up

Besides that the enactment of the law serves as a crucial move for resolutely defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests, it represents a significant measure to practice legislation for the people and an essential means to support China's high-quality development and facilitate high-level opening-up to the outside world, said Ma, the foreign ministry's official.

The scope of "exercising jurisdiction" includes situations where a foreign state explicitly accepts jurisdiction over specific matters or cases; litigation arising from commercial activities; litigation stemming from the performance of labor or service contracts; compensation litigation related to tortious acts; and matters related to arbitration, Louis Chen, a member of the Election Committee and general secretary of the Hong Kong Legal Exchange Foundation, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

After the law is enacted, Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions should follow the central government in adopting the state immunity rules and policies set out in the law.

The provisions of this law regarding the circumstances under which Chinese courts can exercise jurisdiction are strict and specific, and they align with relevant international treaties and prevailing international practices, Chen said.

"In the long run, adopting the principle of restrictive immunity will demonstrate the Chinese government's responsible attitude to foreign investors, providing them with a stable expectation for the protection of their investments. This supports China's opening-up and the deepening development of the Belt and Road Initiative," he added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






FM Wang Yi hails BRI cooperation amid Italy's 'withdrawal' speculation; 'Unwise' for Rome to shut itself out business opportunities when facing economic challenges

Global Times

By Wang Qi Published: Sep 05, 2023 09:15 PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed the fruitful results of China-Italy cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in various fields, and China's willingness to strengthen practical cooperation and promote the steady development of bilateral relations, during his meeting with the visiting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Beijing on Monday, amid speculation that Italy may withdraw from the BRI.

Chinese experts said on Tuesday that the facts prove that the cooperation between China and Italy under the BRI has been mutually beneficial. The Italian side, whether it is seeking more benefits from cooperating with China or under US diplomatic pressure, should comprehensively and objectively view the role of the BRI in the development of bilateral relations, the experts noted.

With Europe in the shadow of economic recession and geopolitical conflict, it would be wise for the European country to stabilize practical cooperation with China, a large and growing economy. Given the year 2023 marks the BRI's 10th anniversary, if Italy decides to pull out at this point, it means that Rome is shutting itself out of new favorable policies that are expected, experts said.

In meeting with Tajani on Monday, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in the face of geopolitical and other challenges and disturbances, China and Italy should adhere to the right way of getting along with each other, featuring mutual respect and trust, openness, cooperation and equal dialogue.

China is ready to work with Italy to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, expand high-level practical cooperation, enrich people-to-people exchanges and push for sustained, sound and steady development of China-Italy relations, Wang said.

China and Italy are both major global economies, and their cooperation is based on complementary advantages, aiming to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, said Wang, noting that the two sides' cooperation under the BRI has yielded fruitful results.

Tajani, also the Italian Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, said that Italy attaches great importance to developing long-term and stable relations with China, and will continue to abide by the one-China policy. Italy looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China and strengthening exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Although the current international situation is volatile, Italian-China relations will not be affected by it, said Tajani.

Before departing for Beijing, Tajani said on Saturday that the BRI did not bring results that met Italy's expectations, and many parties are against it. However, he noted that Italy wants to work with China, wants to be present in China's market, and is ready for Chinese investment, according to media reports.

"Foreign Minister Wang has reminded everyone of the fruitful results that the BRI win-win cooperation brought to Italy. As a veteran European politician who has long dealt with China, Tajani knows exactly what are the benefits of cooperation with China," Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of European Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

In the past five years, bilateral trade volume between China and Italy has increased from $50 billion to nearly $80 billion, with Italy's exports to China growing by about 30 percent, according to Wang Yi.

"Tajani's visit to China may be intended to draw China's attention to Italy's concerns and needs through the BRI in the face of economic problems in Italy to obtain more concessions," Zhao said. "It may also be to appease China and convey to China that Italy is a victim of coercive diplomacy by US, but it does not want to break completely with China."

Wang's remarks show that China hopes Italy, starting from the long-term development of bilateral relations, can have a more comprehensive understanding of the BRI's achievements and its prospects, Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

In times of economic recession and geopolitical conflict in Europe, it is wise for Italy to keep its partners, and China's large and still growing market provides a stable option, Cui said.

Given that Germany and France have recently increased their investment in China, and the British Foreign Secretary has also visited China, Italy should also focus on its own interests and principles, rather than dancing to the tune of US, Cui noted.

Italy has until the end of 2023 to withdraw from its 2019 BRI pact or see it extended for another five years.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI, and China is likely to take this opportunity to further release favorable policies, Cui said. "If Italy withdraws at this point, it means that Rome will distant itself from the multiple positive effects, which is unwise."

Italian politicians need to be rational and pragmatic about China-Italy BRI cooperation, which will not only bring benefits to both sides, but also promote the deepening of China-European relations, Zhao said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 5, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

The Paper: At a recent press briefing, the Taiwan authorities listed "four appeals" on Taiwan's UN participation and claimed that they would invite "diplomatic allies" to submit a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General urging him to rectify the UN's erroneous interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758. What's your comment?

Mao Ning: Taiwan is part of China. Despite that fact and legal basis, the DPP authorities have been distorting UNGA Resolution 2758, openly challenging the internationally recognized one-China principle, and spinning lies to pursue "Taiwan independence". These are extremely dangerous separatist provocations.

On October 25, 1971, the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority, which "decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations", and to expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the place which they unlawfully occupy. Henceforth, the "dual representation" proposal put forth by the US and a few other countries to keep Taiwan's seat in the UN became a piece of waste paper. Once and for all, UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN. It also made it clear that there can only be one seat representing China at the UN. No issues exist about so-called "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan".a

Since the adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758, it has been observed by the UN and its specialized agencies and other international and regional organizations. On the basis of the one-China principle, 182 countries have established diplomatic relations with China. The one-China principle has long been a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community. Any issue regarding the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations must be addressed under the framework of the one-China principle. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood.a

Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. Taiwan is part of China's territory. Although the two sides have been politically against each other for a long time, China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity has never been split. This is the real status quo of the Taiwan question. The DPP authorities' hype-up of Taiwan's participation in the UN system is actually an attempt to create a false impression of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and challenge the UN-centered international order underpinned by international law. The DPP authorities have been promoting "incremental independence" and pushing for "de-sinicization", while some external forces have been fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle and conniving at and supporting separatist acts for "Taiwan independence". It is them, not anyone else, who are undermining the status quo and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They are the ones responsible for disrupting the cross-Strait status quo.

Let me stress that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and its resolution is a matter for the 1.4 billion Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities will not succeed in seeking external support to embolden its separatist acts. UNGA Resolution 2758 must not be challenged and the one-China principle is unshakable. The wheels of history will keep rolling on. The complete reunification of our country can, without doubt, be realized.

AFP: Question about Pope Francis' comments yesterday. He said that "relations with China are very respectful, very", while both sides needed to understand each other better, so the Chinese citizens don't think that the church "depends on another foreign power." What is your comment?

Mao Ning: As we have previously said, China is positive towards improving its relations with the Vatican and our two sides have engaged each other and maintained communication. China practices the policy of freedom of religious belief, which is consistent with our national realities and the actual conditions of various religions in China.

Kyodo News: Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that it had submitted a written document to the WTO, saying that the import control measures announced by the Chinese side following the release of treated water into the sea are "totally unacceptable". What's the Foreign Ministry's comment? Will China hold consultations with Japan?

Mao Ning: We've made clear China's position on Japan's ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water several times. The discharge has had no precedent since humanity began using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, nor is there widely recognized standards for this method of disposal. The international community is watching closely what risks Japan's moves have brought to the marine environment and public safety, and have taken preventive measures accordingly. The measures we've adopted are fully legitimate, reasonable and necessary. As for the specific questions you raised, I'd refer you to the relevant authorities.a

Phoenix TV: The premises of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London were vandalized with red paint and the regional emblem of the Hong Kong SAR was defaced a few days ago. What is your comment?

Mao Ning: The government of the Hong Kong SAR has issued a statement on this matter. China strongly condemns this egregious act. We have asked the UK for a thorough investigation and serious action to bring the perpetrators to account and effectively protect the security of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London and the safety of its staff.

Reuters: Will China accept any invitation from the US for official talks on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Jakarta? Will Premier Li Qiang hold talks with US Vice President Harris who is attending on President Biden's behalf?

Mao Ning: I have nothing to share.

NHK: I have two questions. The first one is what is the reason of President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit in New Delhi? The second one is will he attend the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in Russia?

Mao Ning: I gave my answer to your first question yesterday.a

On your second question, I have nothing to share.

The New York Times: Countries in the West have expressed concerns about China's stringent limits on imports of personal care products. Is China unfairly restricting these imports?

Mao Ning: I'm not aware of what you said. Maybe you could ask the relevant authorities on that.

Global Times: According to reports, in a recent written interview with The AP, ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol said that China "seems to have considerable leverage" over Pyongyang, and said "What really matters is whether Beijing will use its leverage, and if so, how much and in what way". "If North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities and openly violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, China, which has a responsibility to maintain international peace and stability as one of the permanent members of the Security Council, should make constructive efforts to denuclearize North Korea", Yoon added. How do you comment on this?

Mao Ning: On this question, I would like to make four points. First, as friendly neighbors, China and the DPRK enjoy long-standing friendly ties. The DPRK is a full UN member state and a sovereign and independent country. The close ties we have with the DPRK and the influence China has on the DPRK are two different things and cannot be lumped together.

Second, the current situation on the Korean Peninsula does not serve anyone's interest, nor is it something that China wants to see. The process that started in 2018 to address the Korean Peninsula issues came to a standstill fundamentally because the US has refused to respond to the denuclearization measures taken by the DPRK. Neither has the US taken the DPRK's legitimate concerns seriously or shown readiness to address these concerns. The US needs to draw lessons, correct course, step up to its responsibility, stop heightening the pressure and sanctions, stop military deterrence, and take effective steps to resume meaningful dialogue.

Third, China has faithfully implemented relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Those resolutions are not just about sanctions. They also underscore the importance of dialogue. China believes in their full and balanced implementation and opposes selectively focusing on sanctions and ignoring the dialogue process.

Fourth, China is committed to upholding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and advancing the process of settling the Korean Peninsula issues through dialogue. China will continue to actively uphold stability and promote talks and push for the early realization of lasting peace and security on the Peninsula. This serves the common interests of all parties.a

The New York Times: Does the decision to send the Premier instead of the President to India reflect tensions between China and India?

Mao Ning: The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. China always attaches high importance to and actively participates in relevant activities. We support India in hosting this year's summit and stand ready to work with all parties to make the G20 summit a success.a

China-India relations have been stable on the whole and our two sides have maintained dialogue and communication at various levels. The continued improvement and growth of China-India relations serves the common interests of the two countries and two peoples. We stand ready to work with India to further improve and advance bilateral relations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China signals Xi to skip G20 summit as 'East is rising'

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 7:30 AM

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has announced that Premier Li Qiang will lead the country's delegation at the upcoming summit of G20 in India, signaling that President Xi Jinping would not attend, what experts believe may be another way for Xi to pivot away from the US-dominated institutions.

"The G20 is the main forum for international economic cooperation and China has always placed great importance on and proactively taken part in such events," Mao Ning, the ministry's spokesperson, said at a news conference on Monday, when asked by a reporter why China's "leader" would not attend.

While Mao did not correct journalists who made the assertion that Li's attendance meant that Xi would not go, she declined to directly confirm that.

The upcoming summit is scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi.

Since its first edition in 2008, no Chinese president has missed the leaders' summit, though Xi attended virtually in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wen-Ti Sung, political scientist at the Australian National University, pointed out that Xi had taken part in last month's meeting of leaders of the BRICS group of major emerging economies in South Africa.

"Xi's skipping the West-heavy club of G20 right after attending the BRICS summit may be a visual illustration of Xi's narrative of 'East is rising, and the West is falling', as well as showing solidarity with Russia's President Putin who is also not attending," Sung said.

Russia will be represented by its foreign minister following an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Analysts have also suggested that ditching this year's G20 could be a snub of the host India.

China and India are embroiled in border disputes. The Sino-Indian border disputes have led to violent clashes over the years, including one in June 2020 that killed at least 24 Indian and Chinese soldiers.

Following reports on Xi's absence from the summit, Biden said on Sunday that he was disappointed Xi was not going to attend, but he added that he was going to "get to see him", without elaborating.

The last time the two presidents met was on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Indonesia in November.

Beijing's relationship with Washington stands at its lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two governments due to persisting differences ranging from trade and technology to regional security and territorial disputes.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






New law will allow Beijing to seize foreign government assets

The Foreign State Immunity Law takes China's 'Wolf Warrior' diplomacy a step further.

By Raymond Cheng for RFA Cantonese 2023.09.05 -- China has passed a law allowing the authorities to seize and freeze the assets of foreign states, in a move analysts say will encourage tit-for-tat "hostage diplomacy."

The country's National People's Congress Standing Committee passed the Foreign State Immunity law on Friday, in a move state media said would "safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests."

The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, allows Chinese, Hong Kong and Macau authorities to seize or freeze the assets of foreign states in situations where the government concerned has already taken similar action against Chinese assets on foreign soil, state news agency Xinhua reported.

"Once a foreign state abolishes, restricts or downgrades the immunity it has granted to China, China will have the right to take necessary countermeasures in accordance with the principle of reciprocity," Xinhua said.

But the law doesn't affect privileges and immunities enjoyed by foreign diplomatic missions, consular posts, special missions, missions to international organizations, delegations to international conferences, nor the privileges accorded to foreign heads of state, heads of government, foreign ministers, and other officials of comparable status.

Analysts said the law is part of a slew of recent legislation targeting foreign entities and individuals in China that includes recent amendments to the Counterespionage Law, and a Foreign Relations Law.

Elastic definition

Chinese authorities have typically employed a highly elastic definition of what constitutes a state secret, and national security charges are frequently leveled at journalists, rights lawyers and activists, often based on material they posted online.

"This kind of legislation means they have another tool they can use ... to bring a lot of diplomatic pressure to bear to achieve their aims," Hong Kong lawyer and current affairs commentator Sang Pu commented on the law. "They can claim that they are only acting in accordance with their laws."

"This is an important part of China's Wolf Warrior diplomacy, and another step forward in its diplomatic bullying of other countries," Sang said. "It's part of a comprehensive foreign policy intended to confront Western liberal democracies."

Under the law, a foreign state will be deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of Chinese courts if it files a lawsuit, or if it is named as a plaintiff or a defendant in a lawsuit accepted by a Chinese court.

Commercial activities by foreign states could spark legal action in China if the actions "have had a direct effect in Chinese territory even though they took place outside Chinese territory."

That includes transactions of goods or services, investments, borrowing and lending, and other acts of a commercial nature that do not constitute an exercise of sovereign authority, according to the China Law Translate website.

Lunghwa University of Science and Technology assistant professor Lai Jung Wei said the ruling Chinese Communist Party appears to believe that foreign countries are busy infiltrating China, much as their agents and supporters are infiltrating other countries.

"A lot of their state-owned enterprises take the guise of private enterprises to infiltrate the rest of the world," Lai said. "They do this because the party has to be in control of everything - it's a party-state."

"And they use the same logic to view the rest of the world, and they are worried that the rest of the world is going to start doing it to them," he said.

'Hostage diplomacy'

Lai said it's another card Beijing - which has repeatedly hit out at sanctions against its officials over its human rights record - can play in future diplomatic wrangles.

"[They're saying] if you refuse to back down, we can use this against you, or as a form of retaliation if you do similar things to us," he said. "But the legislation is inseparable from party rule."

"To put it bluntly, it's a form of political security for the Xi Jinping dictatorship," he said.

China was widely criticized for its "hostage diplomacy" when it arrested and jailed Canadian nationals following the arrest of a top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on Dec. 1, 2018 pending a U.S. extradition request.

Sang said it's noteworthy that the law will be enacted in Hong Kong and Macau as well as in mainland China, suggesting that there is now scant difference between the three jurisdictions.

"Hong Kong is getting more and more similar to mainland China," he said.

Reports emerged last year that China was trying to obtain floor plans for all properties used by foreign missions in Hong Kong, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by Beijing.

Simon Cheng, a former employee of the British Consulate General in Hong Kong, told Radio Free Asia that Chinese state security police were insistent that he draw a floor plan of the consulate for them during his interrogations during a 15-day detention in August 2019.

Cheng warned in an October 2022 interview that Beijing will continue to tighten control on what it views as potentially hostile "foreign forces" that it blames for inciting the 2019 protest movement in Hong Kong.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hong Kongers step up calls for UK sanctions despite climate of fear

Campaign groups are putting up posters in British universities, only to see them torn down overnight.

By Cheryl Tung for RFA Cantonese 2023.09.05 -- Exiled Hong Kongers in the U.K. are stepping up calls for the British government to sanction officials linked to human rights violations in the city they once called home, despite apparent attempts at sabotage and the threat of violence by supporters of the Chinese Communist Party.

Posters have been appearing on university campuses across the country calling for sanctions amid an ongoing crackdown on peaceful dissent and political opposition under the Hong Kong National Security Law, amid a risk of violent attacks from supporters of Beijing.

Some 30-40 students at nine universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and University College London have signed up for a poster and leaflet campaign launched by the campaign group HKers United, the head of the organization told Radio Free Asia.

"There are a great many international students in the United Kingdom, and a lot of students come to the U.K. to study," said the group's leader, who gave only the name Rex.

"In some countries, for example, Sweden, or Poland, they may not have a clear understanding of what is happening in Hong Kong, and we want more people to pay attention to this. Then they can explain it to people back home."

But Rex said the poster campaign has been marred - apparently by the actions of Beijing's supporters on British soil.

"We put up the posters, and they disappeared the next day," Rex said. "We all know that there are a lot of Chinese students on [British] campuses, and we highly suspect that it was them."

"But we can't let that stop us because it's hard to avoid."

The renewed campaign comes amid growing concerns over Chinese Communist Party infiltration of all aspects of British life, and warnings from Hong Kongers in exile over growing acts of violence by Beijing's supporters and officials alike.

Overseas activists frequently report being targeted by agents and supporters of the Chinese state, including secret Chinese police stations in a number of countries.

Protecting culture and freedom

Meanwhile, a petition calling on the government to sanction officials and civil servants whose actions contribute to breaches of rights and freedoms that Beijing promised would remain after the 1997 handover had garnered more than 20,000 signatures when viewed on Monday.

"The U.K. has to take responsibility to monitor China's implementation," the petition read, citing the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration governing the handover to Chinese rule.

"We want the U.K. Government to implement sanctions to pressure the Chinese regime not to undermine the rules of law, democracy and autonomy of Hong Kong and protect the interests of the British in Hong Kong," it said.

A Hong Kong student who gave only the nickname Water said people had been out on his campus in London on Monday, promoting the petition.

"Students ... represent the opinions of the next generation of Hong Kongers," Water said. "We are very worried right now about whether we can pass on Hong Kong's culture and its freedoms can be passed on [to the next generation]."

"If our generation doesn't do this, then there's no guarantee that the next generation will," he said.

He said older Hong Kongers sometimes express fear and concern for his generation of student activists, however.

Activists at risk

U.K.-based former pro-democracy lawmaker Dennis Kwok, who is among eight overseas activists wanted by Hong Kong's national security police for allegedly "serious crimes" under the national security law, said he believes many more people are too scared of potential repercussions to join the campaign.

Calling for sanctions has been criminalized under the National Security Law, under clauses banning "collusion with foreign powers."

National security police have hauled in family members of most of the eight wanted activists in recent weeks for questioning, in addition to placing a HK$1 million bounty on each of the activists' heads.

"Our goal is to obtain 100,000 signatures to show the strength of public opinion ... by Jan. 10 next year," Kwok told Radio Free Asia. "We are hoping that the British government will use stronger diplomacy ... to protect political dissidents and activists with British National Overseas passports or British nationality, including Jimmy Lai."

Lai, a British citizen who founded the now-shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, faces two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and one count of "collusion with foreign forces" under a draconian security law imposed by Beijing in the wake of the 2019 protest movement, along with a charge relating to "seditious" publications.

He was first arrested in August 2020 and is currently serving time for fraud in connection with the lease on his Next Digital media empire's headquarters.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office replied to the petition: "We keep all sanctions designations under close and regular review. We do not speculate about future sanctions designations, as to do so could reduce their impact."

It said China is in "ongoing non-compliance" with the 1984 Joint Declaration, pointing to its suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, and the extension of an arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong.

Kwok dismissed the British government's response to the petition as "insufficient."

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Stop tourism of Xinjiang, Uyghur advocacy group says

By offering tours, travel agencies are implicitly supporting China's repression of Uyghurs, it says.

By Roseanne Gerin and RFA Uyghur 2023.09.05 -- Western travel agencies must stop offering tours of China's far western Xinjiang region because they are implicitly supporting Beijing's repression of the mostly Muslim Uyghurs who live there, a new report by a Uyghur advocacy group says.

"Travel companies have no business in running tours to sites of ongoing atrocities," said Omer Kanat, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Uyghur Human Rights Project, or UHRP, in a statement issued Aug. 30, the day the report was released.

"Nobody would have dreamed of taking tourists into Rwanda, Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge, or Darfur in the midst of the horrors in these places," he said. "The same should apply to East Turkistan," he said, using Uyghurs' preferred name for Xinjiang, which means "New Territory" in Mandarin.

Human rights organizations, the U.S. government and several Western parliaments have declared the Chinese government's actions toward the Uyghurs as genocide or crimes against humanity. A 2022 report issued by the U.N.'s human rights office said the abuses may constitute crimes against humanity.

The actions include heavy surveillance, mass detentions of an estimated 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in camps and prisons, torture, forced sterilizations of women, forced labor, repression of religious belief and expression, and destruction of cultural heritage.

China has denied accusations of rights abuse in Xinjiang. There was no immediate response from the government about the report.

'Genocide Tours'

The report titled "Genocide Tours: International Travel Companies in East Turkistan," identifies seven Western travel companies with tour itineraries that include stops in Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar. The tours also include visits to Uyghur homes, which families are not in a position to refuse, given an environment of state control, the report says.

The travel companies are based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Among the firms identified are Abercrombie & Kent, Bamboo Travel, Geographical Expeditions, Goway Travel, Intrepid Travel, Laurus Travel and Wild Frontiers, which is also doing business under the name Myths and Mountains.

In early August, the UHRP emailed the companies to inform them about the report.

Geographic Expeditions acknowledged receipt of the group's email, while Intrepid Travel said it canceled tours to Xinjiang, the UHRP said.

On Tuesday, Wild Frontiers told RFA that its marketing department responded to the report on X, formerly known as Twitter, but no such tweets were found on its accounts.

Wild Frontiers told Voice of America that it has not operated tours to Xinjiang since 2019 and that it would conduct an investigation into its trips to the region to ensure that potential future visits are "done as sensitively as possible." According to the UHRP, the company said it does not support China's actions in Xinjiang but believes that travel can have a positive impact on local communities.

Bamboo Travel told VOA it does not support China's suppression of the Uyghurs and has not operated tours in Xinjiang in five years.

Goway said it would stop offering tours that include Xinjiang, following an article about the report that appeared in the Guardian. The company had no comment about the report.

Though the tour companies see their actions as neutral, they are contributing to China's narrative that life is normal in the region and minimizing concerns over genocide, said Julie Millsap, UHRP's government relations manager.

Because Chinese authorities prevent Uyghurs in Xinjiang from freely engaging with foreign tourists, visitors' impressions are being "filtered through the lens that the Chinese government allows them to see and is helping to portray life as normal, when in reality it is still not," Millsap told RFA.

In the report, the UHRP makes seven recommendations to travel companies and their respective trade associations, calling for an end to Xinjiang tours and for companies to meet internal, industry, and international environmental, social and governance standards.

The group also called for the companies to commit to international human rights standards for the travel industry embodied in the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics and to adhere to its articles through an annual review of operations.

Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

The story was updated to include additional information from Wild Frontier and Goway Travel.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China supports ASEAN central position in region, greater intl role

Global Times

Shared hope for regional peace, growth ensure stable, healthy relationship

By Zhang Han Published: Sep 05, 2023 10:23 PM Updated: Sep 06, 2023 12:02 AM

China firmly supports ASEAN's central position in regional cooperation and its greater role in international affairs, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday upon his arrival in Jakarta to pay an official visit to Indonesia and attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

While ASEAN faces challenges due to a sluggish global economy, the Myanmar crisis, rifts on issues that include the South China Sea, and particularly the aggravating major power rivalry, experts are confident that the ASEAN can demonstrate resilience to any changing reality.

China and ASEAN share the same expectations for regional peace and growth, which is in the interests of all regional countries, and should join hands to maintain sustainable development with a bigger vision against "petty profits" offered by external forces.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Summit on Tuesday, called on the group to devise a "long-term tactical strategy that is relevant and meets people's expectations," Reuters reported.

"ASEAN has agreed to not be a proxy to any powers. Don't turn our ship into an arena for rivalry that is destructive," Widodo said.

The president urged regional leaders to ensure the ship keeps moving and sailing, saying that "We must become its captain to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity together."

Same direction

Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical issues, ASEAN focuses on growth and downplays political and security matters. China is working with the group in that direction.

Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2003, bilateral interactions are more focused on economic aspects and "expanding volume" in the first 10 years, Ge Hongliang, deputy director of the College of ASEAN Studies at the Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Ge said the key phrase became "upgrading quality" for the second decade of 2013-23, which witnessed key progress in areas like the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, a community of a shared future, a milestone elevation of relationships into a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2021 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal taking effect in 2022.

ASEAN remains China's largest trading partner according to data from the first seven months of 2023, and trade volume with ASEAN members rose 2.8 percent year-on-year, per official data.

Bloomberg reported that ASEAN has replaced the US and EU to become China's largest export destination, which is interpreted by some analysts as a sign of supply chain restructuring in Asia. The phenomenon suggests that Chinese modernization with high-quality development brings new opportunities for ASEAN.

In addition to new growth points in economic and trade relations, China and ASEAN have been exploring cooperation and interactions in fields like security and people-to-people exchanges, Ge said.

China is conducting more military and security drills with ASEAN members, including Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia, many in non-traditional security fields such as maritime rescue and anti-terrorism.

Such operations can enhance mutual trust and understanding between their armed forces, and are conducive to safeguarding regional peace and stability, observers said, as the approach is different from US-led confrontational drills that focus on war scenarios.

People-to-people exchanges are expected to embrace a major boost after the interruption of the pandemic, Ge said.

The friendliness and closeness between China and ASEAN members can be seen through tourism and exchange students, as well as the popularity of Chinese TV programs and dramas in Southeast Asia, analysts said.

ASEAN's hope for regional stability and prosperity is consistent with China's hope, and sailing in the same direction is fundamental to a sustainable and promising relationship, Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Analysts believed that external factors may create waves for China-ASEAN relations, but cannot shake its solid foundation, which dates back to the Bandung Conference in 1955, nor can it twist the direction of development which bears great potential.

Overcoming waves

The biggest challenges to the sound development of China-ASEAN relations are the disputes between some bloc members with China over the South China Sea, which have escalated in recent months.

The Philippines banned Hollywood film Barbie for a scene depicting a map of the South China Sea, opened four more military bases to US armed forces despite domestic opposition and sent construction materials to a grounded warship at China's Ren'ai Reef causing a new row.

Naval vessels from the Philippines and the US conducted their first-ever joint sail through waters west of Palawan Island in the South China Sea, Reuters reported on Monday, in the US' latest attempt to sow discord between Manila and Beijing as it seeks to tie the former onto its chariot.

When Indonesia seeks to accelerate the discussion on a "code of conduct" on the South China Sea under its chairmanship of ASEAN, the Philippines is seen as creating hurdles to the goal.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, when addressing the Global Town Hall 2023 on Saturday, said "Attempts by certain forces outside the region to undermine peace in the South China Sea will not succeed, and the evil claws behind the scenes must be uncovered."

ASEAN unity, centrality and integration will serve the maximum and long-term interests of all members, therefore certain countries should not be misled by non-regional forces that are hijacking and hindering the ASEAN agenda due to external instigation, Li Haidong warned.

Li Haidong noted that ASEAN, as an integral multilateral mechanism in the region, is irreplaceable in safeguarding security and development even though bloc members disagree on certain issues.

The US approach toward engaging Southeast Asia is to mobilize some members to divide ASEAN, marginalize the bloc and exploit the "weak points" in Washington's rivalry with Beijing, analysts said.

ASEAN members should not be hoodwinked temporarily by the US' "promised benefits," because if a regional country alienates itself from the ASEAN, it may ultimately find that depending on the US and acting in Washington's command becomes the only option, they noted.

The South China Sea is not the dominant issue in China's relations with any ASEAN member or the bloc as a whole, Ge said, calling on regional countries to embrace regional integration, see the big picture and be wary of the petty profits the US promises, but may not deliver.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






High Appraisal

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Pyongyang Cornstarch Factory one day in June Juche 105 (2016).

Going round various parts of the factory, he learned in detail about its modernization and production. Then he dropped in at the newly-built general analysis room.

Looking round the equipment there, he said with great satisfaction that the general analysis room clearly shows that the factory is a model unit across the country and it is admirable that most of analysis equipment and facilities are home-made.

He repeatedly praised the factory as a model factory advancing under the banner of Juche-oriented production, an icon factory in the creation drive based on self-reliance and self-development and a textbook factory teaching how to modernize.

The officials and employees of the factory expressed their firm determination to produce more excellent goods in the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance, cherishing his great trust deep in their mind. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Speech by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the opening of the Conference of the Heads of German Missions

Germany Federal Foreign Office

04.09.2023 - Speech

I am especially pleased that you, dear Ngozi, are here today. And to be honest I can hardly imagine a better guest for a conference in which we are focusing above all on our global partners.

For the questions we are asking ourselves are also questions that run through your impressive curriculum vitae. In your role as one of the leading politicians in Nigeria, as a high-profile expert at the World Bank, and now as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

How can we strengthen our partnerships in a world in which an increasing number of players are fighting for influence? How, amid a host of crises, can we manage not to opt for isolation, nationalism and populism, but for openness, for cooperation which reflects the interests of all partners and which benefits above all those people who need it most?

You, Ngozi, summed up these questions recently in an essay:

"Globalisation is not over, nor should anyone wish for it to be. But it needs to be improved and reimagined for the age ahead."

I quite agree. And in my view that doesn't only mean reimagining our cooperation on trade issues, but on all the major issues that you, our heads of mission, are concerned with globally on a day-to-day basis in an interconnected world.

Our networked security, international climate policy, the global containment of crises and conflicts, the fight against poverty, starvation and suffering. And I am convinced that if we want to reimagine these issues, we need first and foremost to start with ourselves. And for me that means specifically the question of how we want to shape Germany's role in a united Europe, in the world, in future.

As we all, know, this role has changed dramatically in the last one and a half years with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, with this watershed.

If we look back, it feels like two decades ago, but it is only two years ago that billions of cubic metres of natural gas flowed from Russia to Germany through Nord Stream 1 and other pipelines. Fossil fuels from Russia met a large proportion of our energy requirements. Today, that is no longer the case, and Germany is now completely independent of them.

Just two years ago, the idea that Germany could supply tanks and air defence systems to a war zone would have seemed frankly absurd. Today, Germany is one of those leading the way in supplying weapons for Ukraine's self-defence.

This change, this watershed, is not something we have simply whipped out of our sleeve. It has cost effort, it has required discussions which were often painful. Above all, it has required self-reflection on our part. Yet we have negotiated this about-turn together.

And in doing so, we have, as I see it, ushered in a new phase of German foreign policy in the last one and a half years. And we can see how radical that is when we look back on the different phases of German foreign policy and the crossroads at which we then stood. Crossroads where we repeatedly had to decide whether to stand still, go forward, turn right or turn left. As my time here today is limited, I'm just touching on key points.

Since the Shoah and the horrors of the Second World War, unleashed by Germany, our country's foreign policy has been anchored on the principle that no war must ever again emanate from German soil. That remains the basis of our foreign policy activities. After 1945, Germany strove to win the trust of former enemies. And to this day we are grateful - in my case at the age of 42 - that my generation had the good fortune to be able to grow up in peace, that our neighbours and friends, indeed the whole world extended their hands to us and accepted us back into the fold of the international community. That was by no means a matter of course.

This year we are celebrating 50 years of United Nations membership. That underscores how little that could be taken for granted, particularly after 1945. It shows how long it took for Germany, then the FRG and GDR, to be accepted back into the international community, the United Nations in 1973, quite some time after the founding of the organisation.

In those days, the Federal Republic made clear contributions to the Western alliance. At the same time, German governments quite rightly exercised restraint in foreign policy and practised what we would now term chequebook diplomacy. The conviction that our money rather than our soldiers should be deployed to resolve conflicts. That was right and important in those days. And at the same time, during this phase of German foreign policy we made clear that, through this chequebook diplomacy, we wanted to give something back.

At the start of my term of office, when I spoke of value-led foreign policy, I was often asked how I felt about chequebook diplomacy. I'm not entirely new to politics, and it was clear that the aim wasn't to provide an analysis of German foreign policy but to generate what sadly also shapes foreign policy these days: snappy headlines. It would have made a nice headline: "Baerbock criticises Genscher." But what kind of a question is that? As if we could compare the 1970s or the 1980s with 2023. Who would even think of saying that what was right in 1970 automatically applies decades later to a potential blueprint of German foreign policy? As if five years in the United Nations were the same as fifty years of United Nations membership today. It was therefore important for me to make clear from the outset that every period has its responsibilities. That is why you can't simply copy foreign policy, and politics in general, from the past but, as you also stated in the context of international trade policy, you have to keep reimagining it. After all, to put it bluntly, it would be slightly crazy if we were to approach ECOWAS or Ukraine with chequebook diplomacy alone.

In 1989, a third phase began for German foreign policy when, even before the brave people in East Germany, our Eastern neighbours toppled the dictatorships on the other side of the Iron Curtain and then stretched out their hands to the reunified Germany. In a common European Union, in our common European Union. It is clear to us today that we stand with our neighbours in these new times in the same way that they extended their hands to us after 1945 and made German reunification possible in 1989.

Simultaneously, in this third phase our country became increasingly involved in the United Nations and NATO-led missions. Driven by the unbearable images of the Balkan wars, the question of participation in robust mandates also grew more urgent. That led to active German engagement within the context of the NATO-led forces in Kosovo. And this decision, once again a decision that actively had to be taken, was significant. Not in spite of but because of the history of our country, as then-Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said. Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust not only means an obligation in the sense of "never again should there be a war" but also "there should never be another Auschwitz, there should never be another genocide".

In recent years, German has supported its partners in UN, EU and NATO missions all over the world. And this phase was also intensively characterised by efforts to actively shape the United Nations and further develop international law. We are still engaged in this task today, and we want to continue to be so in future.

However, what has fundamentally changed as a result of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and what we were brutally made to understand is that our own security is not a foregone conclusion. This insight will shape our politics for years to come. And that is what this new, fourth phase of our foreign policy is all about. About the way in which we deal with threats to our own security at the heart of Europe. And above all, about how we can actively assume responsibility ourselves - just as others took responsibility for our security.

In my mind, two conclusions are crucial here.

Firstly, we need to regroup, and consolidate our position - from a political, economic, military, civil and mental perspective. We need to invest in our own resilience.

And secondly, we need to invest in our European and transatlantic alliances abroad, as well as in new global partnerships.

This is precisely what we as the Federal Government have set out in our first National Security Strategy.

Yet the question of how we do this is in my view at least as important as the question of what we do.

I believe that if we want to be a reliable team player who doesn't just stand on the sidelines but is willing to be a game changer, we need to keep on having the courage to initiate things. To keep going, even when success is not assured. Or if at the beginning it is not yet clear who is on the team. The courage to be optimistic particularly in times like these. Not to be cowed when confronted with headwinds but to stand up - for our values and interests. Not naively and guilelessly, not acting merely on principle, but with optimism and farsightedness. Because we cannot afford to just sit back and give up at the first sign of resistance. Because then others will step in to fill this gap. Possibly even in contravention of our values and our interests.

And here I believe the new phase of German foreign policy comes fully into its own. Not as a clean break with everything that went before, but as a logical consequence.

When I was sitting with my new State Secretary Thomas Bagger recently - and at this point I would like to give him a warm welcome to Berlin again following his inauguration last week - we spoke about how, in times gone by, instructions to our multilateral representations in New York and Geneva frequently featured one particular standard phrase. It read: "We will not stand in the way of an emerging consensus."

Evidently some of you are familiar with this, going by the murmuring.

In those days, that statement was more than logical because we were an outsider which only joined international institutions, in particular the United Nations, in 1973. We became part of the international community. We didn't want to stand alone. But now I believe it would be taking the easy way out if we were to adopt this stance: if it came to the crunch, we might end up on our own. Or were to ask so many questions that ultimately we would not have to formulate our own position.

In the past 558 days, the time that Russia's terrible war has now been raging, we have seen how strong we are in our unity, in the European Union particularly, but also beyond it. But we have also seen that at the start of these 558 days there was no blueprint that we could just fall back on by lifting standardised sentences from old instructions. Rather, this unity is not something that just sprung up out of nowhere. How important it was, time and again, when making new decisions to first ask ourselves: what are we aiming for? How can we achieve that together with our partners? And time and again to subject ourselves to scrutiny.

Otherwise we would never have launched these sanctions packages, this strong support to enable Ukraine to defend itself. In NATO and the G7, and above all in the European Union. We have launched military aid, sanctions packages, humanitarian assistance and political support, because we have repeatedly been willing to contribute our own ideas, to make compromises and above all have made clear that we are committed to our European unity with everything we have. We have made clear that Ukraine, Moldova, the countries of the Western Balkans, and in the longer term also Georgia, will become EU members. I don't know if anyone would have been willing to place bets on that five years ago.

But it also means that we now need to take bold steps to ensure that this EU of the future with more than 30 members is a strong union with the ability to act. Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, that will require internal reform. We have therefore initiated a process with some partners in order to allow more qualified majority decision-making in our common foreign and security policy. And even in this area we are far from reaching a consensus. But here, too, it was clear that Germany cannot simply sit on the sidelines and wait. And it is also clear that that in itself will not be enough. Reform of the European institutions and the cohesion policy will also be necessary, and we will need to consider how we can strengthen the EU as a geopolitical player.

We are aware that it will be difficult. Will these processes, which we are convinced we need, ultimately be truly successful? No, we can never be sure of it. But that cannot be a reason not to lead the way when it comes to formulating proposals. For if we want enlargement, we also have to work to ensure that the EU implements the necessary reforms. After all, we are asking the same of the states wanting to join.

We intend to issue an invitation to a conference on Europe in Berlin before the European Council in December to discuss precisely that - the necessary steps for us in the European Union in view of the enlargement and the reforms on which it needs to be based. For I believe that, as the largest economy in the European Union, and also as a country that was able to become one again thanks to its European partners, we have a special responsibility for the further development of our community.

However, that also applies to our global partnerships. I firmly believe that if we want to strengthen our partnerships in Africa, Latin America and Asia, then we have to be prepared to listen, to question our own reasoning or actions and to allow others to question them. It's not always pleasant to be told: "You think we should support you on Ukraine? And you? Where were you when we needed you? Where was West Germany when we were fighting against apartheid in South Africa?". We have to take it on the chin. We don't have to accept all the criticism but nor are we above it. And it's only honest if we say where and when we were wrong. That is very clear especially with regard to apartheid.

That is precisely why it is so important that we address our colonial history. I'm saying this to my home audience here. It's part of an active foreign policy. It's part of a foreign policy which shows respect for others. Shows that we have learned the right lessons from the dark chapters of our history. We have just spoken again in the corridor about what it means to Nigeria to get back the Benin Bronzes. Some of them. That was only a small proportion of the objects that are to be returned. Because if we address our past honestly, we can speak much more openly with our partners about the future.

And for that we have to take their security concerns more seriously. I'm thinking in particular of the climate crisis here. This crisis is fuelling conflicts and, first and foremost, it is affecting small and especially vulnerable countries with full force. As we all know, entire island states may sink under rising sea levels. For that reason, our new embassy in Fiji, for example, is not just any old new embassy. Rather, it will be one of our most important embassies in the world because it demonstrates the value we attach to an entire region. It demonstrates not just the significance we attach to Fiji, one island state, but to a whole host of island states. It symbolises our new partnership in responsibility-sharing in this new geopolitical age.

The task, colleagues, is to first of all listen and work with our partners on concrete solutions, particularly in those regions where we were not formerly present, either because we didn't have an embassy there or it was not a focus of our foreign policy. That is precisely why we decided to bring climate diplomacy to the Federal Foreign Office. Not only to engage with partners on climate policy but to emphasise that we see this not just as a climate-policy but as a security-policy task. And many countries around the world have already adopted this stand.

That is why we will have the most vulnerable states in mind when we press for greater ambition at the next COP in Dubai when it comes to expanding renewable energies and the new loss and damage mechanisms. Here, too, we don't know whether we will succeed; whether the new loss and damage instrument will have an immediate impact. Of course, that partly depends, if climate policy is so much a part of geopolitics, to what extent we again see old or new blocs emerging at climate change conferences. Whether it will again be the G77 against industrialised nations, or whether we manage to achieve what we have gradually succeeded in doing over the last year and a half, at least to a small extent: forming new and stronger climate alliances which break down these old bulwarks.

What we are building on time and again in this new age, in all the new formats, are our foreign-policy actions, which in all their phases have been marked by our values, our rules and interests anchored in our Basic Law. On the basis of which the international community accepted our country back into the fold. Based on the United Nations Charter, international law and human rights. Our actions are guided by our desire to strengthen this order. That is value-led foreign policy. This may sound abstract, but this order stands for something quite concrete, for rules and institutions in which small and large nations feel they are treated fairly and as equals. Because they respect and protect the rights of all.

However, we realise when we listen carefully that our small and medium-sized partners in particular are concerned when there is talk of order in a "multipolar world". For when multipolarity means that even more large nations negotiate this order among themselves in back rooms, it's a nightmare scenario for the small and medium-sized countries which make up the vast majority of the 193 member states of the United Nations. That is why our goal is to shape our reality in 2023 in such a way that it serves everyone and is fairer.

We don't want to be a status quo power. We want to further develop the international order - by listening carefully to the concerns of our partners.

Just think of the UN Security Council. The last time it was reformed was 60 years ago. Since then, not only has a reunited Germany been formed but around 60 states have gained their independence. In Africa, in Latin America, in Asia. These states are rightly demanding to have their say and an appropriate seat at the table.

The same applies to international financial institutions, health organisations and formats such as the G20, of which the African Union ought to be a permanent member.

But we also have to improve our joint instruments if we want to master today's challenges. Many vulnerable countries are barely able to invest in measures to protect them from climate damage because they are almost collapsing under an immensely increased debt burden. Here, too, we need solutions.

And these are also incredibly difficult challenges. But let me stress once more that if we fail to address these questions then others will be there to provide answers. And if people had lacked courage and opted for the easiest option at other crossroads in foreign policy, then we today would have neither a European Union, nor an OSCE or an International Criminal Court - of which, as we all know, not all states are parties.

Making a start, developing things further. That, too, has always been a hallmark of German foreign policy. And it is for that very reason that we are also working on the further development of international law. That, too, sounds very abstract. But I believe that we have reached a crucial point in this endeavour, too. A point where we can achieve what was not possible in the past. Reforming the Statute of Rome so that the crime of aggression can be subject to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. As we are all aware, the current gap in international law makes it impossible to hold those in power in Russia to account before the International Criminal Court for breach of peace. Here, too, we hear from so many sides: "Reform the Statute of Rome? Why? That'll take ages." However, when we think about how thankful we can be that others had the courage to reach out to us, then I believe we have a special responsibility when it comes to international law. And with regard to the crime of aggression, I believe it is so crucial now not only to focus on the European perspective but to see the larger picture and our global responsibility. And yes, German foreign policy can make a real difference here. For, of course, this is about Ukraine. But it is about so much more. It is about every country in the world which fears the aggression of a neighbour. And that is precisely why we are already working with those states, particularly in Africa, which attempted to do this 13 years ago as a small group.

And our task is to take on board those very countries. I believe that what makes our role so special here is that, knowing what we have to offer, we not only have every reason to be courageous and optimistic. But also because we have earned much trust during earlier chapters of our foreign policy. And we have not made the mistakes some others have made but have helped to launch key initiatives such as the International Criminal Court.

What is more, and we should not underestimate this either, we have something to offer because the confidence placed in us is due to our long-standing efforts to further a fair international order, the fight against environmental and climate destruction, sustainable development and the struggle for peace and security, also in other regions. That is one of the reasons we are again standing for election to the Security Council for 2027 and 2028.

At the same time, it goes without saying that we know how hard these times are. Being optimistic doesn't mean failing to see all the pitfalls and obstacles.

We know that not everyone sees it that way. That is why I ask those who reject our vision of an international order as "Western ideology" the same question time and again, quite simply and quite openly: what is your vision of an international order if it's not the United Nations Charter, if it's not the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on which we all agreed? Is it about other interests, about another order?

Of course, we cannot force anyone to stand with us and against others. Nor do we want to. For we Germans experienced first-hand over the course of four decades of division what the formation of blocs means. We know that genuine partnership can never only be a means to an end. It must benefit both sides.

That is one of the key challenges facing us when it comes to dealing with China. The fact that many countries are pivoting ever more towards China, for example at climate change conferences where you say to yourself: "You have nothing in common in terms of climate policy", is often due to their belief that there is no alternative. China has a particular advantage in those spheres where we have too little to offer or don't do enough to promote what we have to offer. Our China Strategy is therefore directed first and foremost at ourselves. It is up to us to show our commitment by providing concrete solutions. And something else is important, Heads of Mission: it is up to us to communicate what we have to offer in a clear manner.

And, dear Ngozi, this readiness to further develop the status quo and shape a new globalisation together also applies to trade policy. You have underscored that the number of people living in extreme poverty has been drastically reduced during the last few decades, partly thanks to a huge increase in international trade. But fair and sustainable international trade requires clear and fair rules that apply to everyone. Rules which are made for everyone and not just for certain countries. Rules which are respected and enforceable.

However, we see that the work of the WTO is hampered by geopolitical tensions, by differences between developing and industrialised countries or between the United States and China. And these tensions and differences concern key questions which are sometimes hovering in the background: when is a country no longer a developing country? How many protective measures are permissible to foster key business sectors, for instance in the spheres of climate action or semi-conductors? And how do we prevent a subsidies race which ultimately harms everyone?

The WTO also needs reform if we are to resolve these issues, if it is once more to be the forum for re-imagining globalisation which you, dear Ngozi have called for. So that its dispute resolution mechanism is again fit for purpose in the age of digitalisation and AI. As quickly as today's world turns.

You, indeed we, are doing everything possible to bring this about. We cannot do it by being intransigent. We are going to need compromises. As always in life, as always in politics. We will also keep exploring new avenues with difficult partners, even if we don't share the same views on all issues. That requires us to also look at ourselves critically. After all, we know we are not perfect.

That we are often faced with dilemmas where no answer is 100% right or 100% wrong. Because our politics, the hopes we place in processes and cooperation, can fail. Failure is a possibility in any action. We are currently seeing that in a very dramatic fashion in the Sahel, in Mali and now in particular and quite tragically in the Niger. I see acknowledging problems and revealing our thought processes as a sign of strength. And it lies at the heart of feminist foreign policy. A policy which involves listening, naming dilemmas and facing up to them. I firmly believe that taking a critical look at our own actions, particularly in the field of international trade, makes us stronger rather than weaker.

Dear Ngozi, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues,

Re-imagining our global cooperation and globalisation, thinking them more effectively. That is how you put it. We want to do that together. As a partner aware of its responsibility towards its friends and neighbours and other partners. A partner that doesn't shy away when the going gets tough. As a team player that knows its own strengths and allows partners to show their strengths. Because together we are better.

Courageous and optimistic. Because this is about our shared security. This is about a fair future.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Transcript of Special Briefing on Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia (September 05, 2023)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 05, 2023

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: A very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you very much for joining us for this special media briefing on the occasion of Prime Minister's visit to Jakarta for the India-ASEAN summit as well as the East Asia summit. To give us a sense of this visit, we have with us Secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar, as well as Joint Secretary (Indo-Pacific) Smt. Geetika Srivastava. Sir, I'll hand over the floor to you for opening remarks.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East): Thank you. Thank you, Arindam. Good afternoon, friends. Namaskar. Thank you for joining us today for this briefing on the upcoming visit of the Honourable Prime Minister to Jakarta for the ASEAN-related meetings. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Joko Widodo, Prime Minister will visit Jakarta for the 20th ASEAN-India summit and the 18th East Asia summit, scheduled for the 7th of September. Prime Minister will participate in the ASEAN-India summit along with Heads of State/Government of the ASEAN member states. East Asia summit, as you know, brings together at the leadership level, ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners, which are Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States.

Prime Minister will depart Delhi on the night of 6th September and return late evening on the 7th September. Given that the G20 summit follows shortly after the ASEAN Summits, it will be a short visit. We are appreciative of the Indonesian Government for making adjustments to the ASEAN meeting schedule so as to facilitate Prime Minister's program and his early return. By way of background, this will be the 9th ASEAN-India Summit to be attended by the Prime Minister. The summit, in a sense, is special since it is the first one after the elevation of India-ASEAN relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which happened last year. During the summit, Prime Minister will review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and provide them with further direction. India's relations with ASEAN are a central pillar of our Act East policy, as well as of India's vision of the wider Indo-Pacific.

India and ASEAN have a comprehensive engagement covering a wide array of areas at all levels, including seven ministerial engagements besides several official level ones. India and ASEAN share similar vision for the Indo-Pacific and are committed to building on the synergy between ASEAN's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. This year, Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN. The theme of their chairship is 'ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth'. Within this framework, Indonesia organized a flagship event, 'ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum', to implement ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. This is an event which is focused on increasing connectivity of ASEAN to the Indo-Pacific by involvement of businesses and industries, so it's a track 1.5 event which they have organized. India contributed to this by organizing a panel discussion on digital public infrastructure and its importance for enhancing digital transformation and inclusivity.

Let me also give you a brief sense of the activities we undertook with ASEAN this year. Last year, India and ASEAN, as you know, celebrated the 30th anniversary of their partnership, and a number of events and activities were organized. We have continued with our active engagement with ASEAN this year as well. Our focus has been on enhancing comprehensive connectivity with ASEAN in all aspects, including physical, digital, economic, and people-to-people. In August this year, India and Indonesia established direct flight connectivity through Indigo and Batik Air flights. We also have started direct flights with Vietnam. Earlier in February, Prime Minister, along with his Singapore counterpart, launched the real-time cross-border payment link between UPI and Singapore's Pay Now. We are looking at ways to expand this to other ASEAN countries.

This year's calendar also included ASEAN-India Youth Summit held in Hyderabad in February, where 175 youth from ASEAN countries and India interacted with each other. India and ASEAN also held a conference on traditional medicines in July focusing on pandemics. The India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aims to further deepen practical cooperation in areas including maritime, cyber security, digital economy, as well as in new and emerging areas of cooperation. In May this year, India and ASEAN organized their first maritime exercise. The first ASEAN-India Defense Ministers' meeting was held in November last year. Trade and business-to-business ties are integral to our relations with ASEAN. The fifth ASEAN-India Business Summit was held in March this year in Kuala Lumpur with the aim to enhance business connectivity and supply chain resilience. In 2022-23, India and ASEAN registered a bilateral trade of US $131.5 billion. It accounted for over 11% of India's trade for the year and was the second highest after India-EU trade. You might recall that during ASEAN-India Economic Ministers' meeting earlier in August, the two sides started the review of ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement and agreed for its completion by 2025. The objective of the review is to make AITIGA, which is the ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement, more friendly and trade-facilitative, as well as to enhance and diversify trade while addressing the current asymmetries.

A few words on East Asia Summit, and I'll conclude after that. East Asia Summit is the foremost of the ASEAN-centered mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific. Since its inception in 2005, it has played a significant role in providing a platform for dialogue and discussion on matters of strategic importance to the region. India as the founding member of the East Asia Summit has been committed to strengthening of the mechanism and making it more effective to deal with contemporary challenges. The synergy between ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, AOIP, and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative makes East Asia Summit an important platform to promote practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The new East Asia Summit Plan of Action, which was adopted during the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in July this year, also prioritizes cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. At the forthcoming East Asia Summit, Prime Minister and other leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen the EAS mechanism, as well as exchange views on matters of regional and international interest. Thank you.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you, sir. I'll open the floor for questions.

Yeshi Seli: Good afternoon. This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Is PM Modi likely to have any bilaterals with other leaders coming for the summit? And is any bilateral expected with the Chinese Premier Li Qiang?

Nayanima Basu: Sir, Nayanima from ABP Live. I just want to understand what will be the discussions around issues on Myanmar. Because ASEAN had some reservations earlier, but I think now they are okay with it. If you can give some information on that. Thank you.

Siddhant: Hi, sir. I'm Siddhant from WION. How much focus India will be putting on the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN centrality during Prime Minister's address during various meetings?

Shashank Mattoo: Thank you, sir. Shashank Mattoo with the Mint. You mentioned the ASEAN-India trade in goods agreement. What specifically will be on the cards in terms of India's demands from ASEAN in terms of what we want from it? And also, will the Trade and Services Agreement as well be brought up in terms of the fact that India wants to renegotiate that?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: To be honest, your question is a little beyond the visit. But I think I'll just... sir may like to address that.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East): Yeshi, I think, as I mentioned, this is a very short visit because Prime Minister would be hosting the G20. And the effort is to participate in this important summit and get back home as quickly as possible because Prime Minister is the host for the G20. So there would not be any bilaterals during the course of the visit.

Nayanima, you mentioned about Myanmar. Myanmar, of course, like other regional and international issues, is likely to come up in the discussions. Our position on Myanmar is very clear. So I would leave it at that. And once we have the post-summit briefing, if there is anything more, I would add to that.

Siddhant, ASEAN centrality, I think, is a central point of our message to the ASEAN. So this definitely would be communicated. And I think some of it came out in my presentation also.

Shashank, trade in goods... I think, I just mentioned that the Trade Ministers' Meeting took place in August. And that is a track on which AITIGA review process would take place. So I think while trade would be referred to in general terms, but specifics of trade would be discussed in that particular forum. Thank you.

Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra main News Nation se. Jo China ka naya map hain woh ASEAN ke kai deshon sahit Bharat ke samprabhuta par sawal khada karta hain. Kya is mudde par koi baatchit hogi? Kya agende mai hoga?

[Questioned in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I'm Madhurendra from News Nation. The new map of China challenges India's sovereignty, including that of several ASEAN countries. Will there be any discussions on this issue? Will it be on the agenda?

Sidhant: Hi, sir. I'm Sidhant from CNN News 18. Sir, my question is same what Madhurendra sir asked. So this one is regarding the map which has been issued by China. And since all these nations in Indo-Pacific came out with a statement opposing the map China claiming their territory, so can we see some sort of a consensus being built on the sidelines of this summit and can we come out with some sort of a statement, strong statement against Chinese expansionist policies? Thank you.

Manish Jha: Sir main Manish Jha hoon TV9 se. Aapne abhi bataya ki Prime Minister ke schedule ko dekhte hue Indonesia ne apne karyakram mai thoda adjustment kiya hain, agar aap thoda sa use bata sake detail mai ke pahle kya tha and kis tarah se adjustment kiya gaya? Thank you.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9. You just mentioned that Indonesia has made some adjustments to its program based on the Prime Minister's schedule. If you could please provide a bit more detail about how it was before and how the adjustment was made? Thank you.

Sridhar: Sir, Sridhar from the Asian Age. Sir, recently during the visit of the Filipino leader, we had made it very clear that the international tribunal verdict in the South China Sea has to be respected, the award which came out in the favor of Philippines a few years ago. Will this issue also be addressed at the summit or raised by India?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I think many of these are bilateral issues, but I would leave it to you Sir.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East): So I think let me club the first two and the last question, which are about the Chinese map and about the tribunal. It is difficult to anticipate what would be discussed when the leaders meet, but issues which are of mutual concern, regional and international, would all come up once they have their discussion. Whether there would be a consensus or not, I mean, I can't anticipate what would come out of the discussions.

Manish, you asked about the adjustment in the program. Both the summits had been kept for the 7th, so as to facilitate Prime Minister coming back early. The Indonesian side was kind enough to advance the East Asia Summit timing a little bit so that Prime Minister could come back early.

Main hindi mai bhi bol deta hoon, aapne shayad prashna hindi mai pucha tha. Pradhan Mantri ji wapas jaldi aa sake usko dhyan mai rakhte hue Indonesian side ne jo ki East Asia Summit ka jo timing hain woh thoda sa afternoon mai pahle tha, usko advance kar ke forenoon mai kar diya, toh nau se dus baje tak ASEAN India summit hoga, 15 minute ka uske baad gap hoga, aur uske baad East Asia Summit hoga. Toh Pradhan Mantri ji uske baad free ho jayenge aur wapas aa sakte hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I can also answer in Hindi; perhaps you asked the question in Hindi. Taking into account the possibility of Prime Minister's early return, the Indonesian side adjusted the timing of the East Asia Summit. Originally, it was scheduled for the afternoon, but they moved it to the forenoon. So, the ASEAN-India Summit will take place from 9 AM to 10 AM, followed by a 15-minute gap, and then the East Asia Summit will begin. This way, Prime Minister will be free to return after that.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much sir.

Madhurendra: [Inaudible]

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East): Main hindi mai bol deta hoon. Maine jo abhi bataya hain, jitne bhi regional aur international mudde jo mutual concern ke hain sambhavana hain woh leaders is forum mai discuss karenge. Abhi ye kehna mushkil hain specific terms mai, ki issue a, ya issue b, discuss hoga ya nahi hoga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I'll say it in English. What I just mentioned is that all the regional and international issues of mutual concern are likely to be discussed by leaders in this forum. Right now, it's difficult to specify whether issue A or issue B will be discussed or not in specific terms.

Suhasini Haider: I did want to ask one question about the ASEAN reaction to India's position on bringing African Union into the G20. Given that ASEAN is not a member of the G20 and is an observer like the AU, has ASEAN asked to bring this up in any of the meetings in Jakarta. And since you referred to the Prime Minister returning for the G20, today the Ministry of External Affairs has sent out invitations for a banquette that have the word Bharat. Normally Bharat is used in Hindi invitations but in English invitations you have written Republic of Bharat, the President of the Republic of Bharat invites the dignitaries. So I just wanted to ask if there is an official notification on the changing of the name, or is it just usage?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I am not sure that was at all related to the visit...

Suhasini Haider: [Inaudible]

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No, that's true but you can't bring in, this is pushing that envelope, and I think we will let that be for on President's behalf. But on the G20 question also I didn't get that, ASEAN is not in G20, your question was have they raised the issue with us?

Suhasini Haider: Yeah.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay would ASEAN like to be a G20 member, is that the context?

Suhasini Haider: [Inaudible]

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: But then ASEAN has not been called either.

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East): To the best of my knowledge this issue is not related.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Look this is a G20 question. Thank you very much Sir. Thank you also to Geetika Srivastava. Thank you all for joining.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Defense minister says all arms embargoes on Iran will expire in October

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 11:32 AM

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has announced that all unjust arms embargoes imposed on Iran are set to expire next month, voicing Iran's readiness to expand defense ties with all independent countries.

In an article published in al-Vefagh newspaper, the minister stressed that Iran's defense policy pursues "peace, friendship, stability and security" with and for all countries.

Ashtiani said Iran's defense ministry, "within the framework of active defense diplomacy, is ready to establish and expand defense and strategic ties with all independent countries ..., especially regional neighbors and Muslim nations based on the principle of collective security, mutual respect and consolidation of peace and stability."

"Thus, we today are seriously seeking to expand bilateral and multilateral defense diplomacy and effectively participate in the regional and international security arrangements."

Ashtiani pointed out that many countries are seeking to "expand [their] defense cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran" as the weapons and military equipment of Iran's defense industry have proved their effectiveness in the battle fields, especially in the fight against terrorism.

In June, Reuters claimed that European diplomats have told Iran they plan to retain European Union ballistic missile sanctions set to expire in October.

European Union ballistic missile sanctions are set to expire on October 18 under a UN resolution that enshrined the 2015 nuclear deal.

The news agency cited what it called four unnamed sources as saying that the alleged use of Iranian drones by Russia against Ukraine and the possibility of the transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia are among the reasons to keep the sanctions.

The deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was inked in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France -- plus Germany.

It enabled limited sanction relief for the Islamic Republic, which, in turn, volunteered to change some aspects of its nuclear work.

The US, however, left the agreement in 2018 as part of former president Donald Trump's so-called "maximum pressure" policy against Iran, returning all the sanctions that the deal had lifted.

The US's allies in the deal -- France, Britain, and Germany -- then bowed under Washington's pressure by toeing the sanction line and suspending their trade activities with Tehran.

Negotiations to revive the agreement started in April 2021. The talks have, however, stalled amid Washington's refusal to offer guarantees that it would not ditch the deal again.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mahsa Amini's Uncle Arrested Ahead Of Anniversary Of Her Death

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda September 05, 2023

Relatives of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman whose death nearly a year ago sparked mass protests in Iran, have confirmed reports that one of her uncles has been arrested ahead of the anniversary of her death.

A brother of Amini's, Ashkan Amini, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that Safa Aeli was arrested in their hometown of Saghez, in the northwestern Kurdistan Province, on September 5.

It is not known what the reasons are for the arrest or what entity carried it out, although social media posts indicated that security forces in Saghez were involved.

RFE/RL was unable to determine Aeli's whereabouts.

The arrest took place as the anniversary of Amini's September 16, 2022, death approaches.

Amini was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, while visiting the Iranian capital with her family. She was detained by Iran's "morality police" for allegedly improperly wearing her hijab, or head scarf. Within hours of her detention, she was hospitalized in a coma and died on September 16.

Her family has denied that Amini suffered from a preexisting health condition that may have contributed to her death, as claimed by the Iranian authorities, and her father has cited eyewitnesses as saying she was beaten while en route to a detention facility.

Amini's death sparked protests in Saghez that spread around the country and ultimately posed one of the biggest threats to Iran's clerical establishment since the foundation of the Islamic republic in 1979.

At least 500 people were killed around the country after the Iranian authorities clamped down on the demonstrations with brutal force.

Ahead of the anniversary of her death, the authorities have stepped up pressure against family members of those killed, including through arrests, summons for questioning, and warnings against them holding memorial events in honor of Amini or their loved ones.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/mahsa-amini-death-anniversary- relative-arrested/32579472.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran, Saudi Arabia Exchange Ambassadors After Years of Divisions

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran and Saudi Arabia posted ambassadors to their respective diplomatic missions on Tuesday in a sign of warming relations that follow seven years of bitter rivalry.

Iranian Ambassador Alireza Enayati and Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin Saudi Al-Enzi arrived, respectively, in Riyadh and Tehran, elevating ties between their countries to the ambassadorial level, the state news agencies of the two countries reported.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said over the weekend that Ambassador Enayati was hosted by Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian before his departure for Riyadh for talks about his vision of future ties between the two countries.

The regional powers reached a China-brokered agreement in March to reopen their embassies. The move blindsided Israel, which has been seeking a normalization pact of its own with Saudi Arabia in an effort to isolate its arch-rival Iran.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Reports: Iran Arrests Uncle of Mahsa Amini Ahead of Death Anniversary

By VOA Persian Service September 05, 2023

News reports from Iran say authorities have arrested the uncle of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman whose death in police custody last year sparked months of anti-government protests.

Safa Aeli was detained Tuesday at his residence in Saqqez and taken to an undisclosed location, the reports said.

Sources cited by Kurdish news agency Kurdpa said security forces entered the home without presenting a judicial order.

The arrest comes ahead of the September 16 anniversary of the death of Amini, who had been detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely. Iran saw months of anti-government protests after her death.

Activists allege that Iranian authorities have been carrying out an increasing number of arrests as the anniversary approaches.

In August, Amnesty International accused Iran of ramping up a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the families of those killed in last year's protests. The group said it documented the cases of 36 victims' families from 10 provinces across the country who have been subjected to human rights violations in recent months.

The office of the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, Abram Paley, has vehemently denounced the "overt attempts to instill fear among Iranians, who already have suffered profound losses, particularly on the eve of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN warns Israel that deporting Eritreans en masse contravenes intl. law

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 4:58 PM

The United Nations has urged Israel to refrain from mass deportations of Eritreans following weekend clashes involving refugees, warning it would "contravene international law."

"Any decision impacting all Eritrean asylum-seekers, or instances of refoulement would contravene international law," William Spindler, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, told reporters in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday.

Collective punishment is banned under international law, as is refoulement, or returning someone to a country where they could face torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, he said.

The comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought Eritrean migrants who were involved in a protest in Tel Aviv to be deported immediately and also ordered a plan to remove all African migrants from the occupied territories.

The far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir now plans to propose a bill that would press ahead with the mass deportation of migrants who entered 'illegally'.

While stressing that it was "important to establish accountability" for the events, the UNHCR spokesman warned Israel against taking broad measures against Eritreans across the occupied territories.

"UNHCR calls for calm and restraint, and on all parties to refrain from taking any steps that could aggravate the situation further," Spindler said.

Stressing that the situation in Eritrea, considered one of the world's most authoritarian states, "remains unchanged", Spindler warned that sending people back there "could result in dramatic human consequences."

He insisted that "the vast majority of asylum-seekers living in Israel are peaceful and law-abiding". "The incidents on September 2 are deeply regrettable, and do not reflect the behavior of the broader Eritrean community in Israel."

The developments came days after protests by rival groups of Eritreans in south Tel Aviv.

The clashes came as Eritrean government supporters marked the 30th anniversary of the current ruler's rise to power, an event held near the Eritrean embassy in south Tel Aviv.

The Israeli regime's forces then used live bullets, stun grenades, and mounted forces to disperse the protesters. The Israeli police officials confirmed that their forces had used live fire against protesters.

Nearly 160 people, including 30 Israeli forces, were injured during the standoff.

The UN rights office meanwhile decried the use of force by law enforcement. "We understand that hospitals are reporting that there are people who suffered gunshot wounds... so live ammunition was used," rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters.

Eritreans make up the majority of more than 30,000 African asylum seekers in Israel.

Israel has tried a variety of tactics to force them out, including sending some to a remote prison.

The Tel Aviv regime has been under fire by rights groups for racism and discrimination against non-white individuals.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 5, 2023

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today. Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and U.S. commitment to Israel's security. The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed mutual interests, including expanding Israel's regional integration and countering threats posed by Iran. The Secretary reiterated continued U.S. support for policies that ensure freedom, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Junta offers villages, but Rohingya won't return without guarantees

Refugees in Bangladesh want citizenship and the right to resettle their old communities.

By RFA Burmese 2023.09.05 -- Myanmar's junta has pledged to build 20 villages as part of a plan to repatriate thousands of Muslim Rohingya who fled a crackdown to neighboring Bangladesh, but members of the ethnic group say they don't trust the regime and won't accept the offer.

Myanmar's government has made at least two attempts to invite Rohingya back to the country since the military carried out a brutal offensive in their home state of Rakhine in August 2017, but with little success.

About 1 million Rohingya, including about 740,000 who fled the offensive, live mostly in crowded and sprawling refugee camps in Cox's Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, Union Minister Ko Ko Hlaing told state-owned media that 7,000 Rohingya will be repatriated from Bangladesh camps to Myanmar by the end of the rainy season next month.

He said 20 new villages will be constructed for the Rohingyas and that plots for 1,000 houses had already been cleared for those who return. The union minister claimed that China and "other members of the international community" had agreed to provide assistance in building additional homes.

The comments came days after the junta invited officials from foreign embassies - including Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka - to examine arrangements for readmitting Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

'Just for show'

But while the junta appears to be rolling out the red carpet to the Rohingya, residents of the camps in Bangladesh told RFA Burmese they believe the offer is a trick.

"They are doing it just for show, due to international pressure," said Ali Jaina, a Rohingya living in the Balukhali refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. "They have been putting on these kinds of shows since we arrived [in Bangladesh]. But no one has gone back."

Al Jaina said that the Rohingya in Bangladesh "have no confidence" in the junta.

"How can they give us peace when they can't even make peace with the ethnic groups who already live there?" he said.

Since seizing power in a February 2021 coup d'etat, Myanmar's military has become embroiled in a multifront conflict with an armed resistance and multiple ethnic armies based in the country's remote border regions.

Junta troops have killed more than 4,000 civilians since the takeover, according to Thailand's Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma).

Al Jaina dismissed the junta's plan to repatriate Rohingya as a "program that will move refugees from one camp to another," and suggested that those who accept will face an even worse food crisis than they do in Bangladesh, due to restrictions their ethnic group faces in Myanmar.

'No desire' to return without guarantees

Another Rohingya at a camp in Bangladesh said they would only return if they are guaranteed citizenship, access to education, freedom of movement, and the right to resettle their original land.

"If we are provided with these, we will go back right away," the refugee said, speaking on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal. "No one would need to plan for our return or persuade us to go back - we would do it ourselves. If not, none of us are going to go back. We have no desire to do so."

Union Minister Ko Ko Hlaing has said that returnees will be issued a "screening card" for citizenship, although they will need to apply. Rohingya who want to return to their original communities can do so "with official approval from village and state authorities," he said.

Attempts by RFA to contact Hla Thein, the junta's spokesman for Rakhine state, for comment on the screening process for readmitting Rohingya went unanswered Tuesday.

Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition, said that the junta's readmission plan will fail because it does not provide any substantial opportunities for the Rohingya refugees.

"The key to the readmission process is providing the Rohingya with the right to citizenship and [recognition of their] ethnicity," he said. "Without these, no one will return. Simply moving refugees from the camps in Bangladesh to other camps on the Myanmar side won't be successful."

In 2018 and 2019, Myanmar and Bangladesh made two attempts to repatriate some 6,000 Rohingya. However, with no guarantees of citizenship or resettlement of original communities, no one accepted the offer.

Based on an analysis of the situation in Rakhine state, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said on March 19 that conditions were not acceptable for the Rohingyas to return home for the foreseeable future.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Junta troops detain more than 70 civilians in Myanmar's Mandalay region

Soldiers tortured them and used them as human shields.

By RFA Burmese 2023.09.05 -- Junta troops arrested more than 70 residents of Mandalay region's Ngazun township, residents told Radio Free Asia Tuesday.

They said the locals from Tha Kyin village were rounded up in revenge for a People's Defense Force drone attack that killed seven soldiers.

A resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said troops captured more than 50 villagers on Sunday and around 20 on Monday.

"Everyone they met on their way was grabbed and immediately drugged," the local said.

"The women were arrested at night. Their faces were covered and their hands were tied behind their backs.

"Every man was arrested, fathers, sons and brothers."

He said after the locals were tortured and interrogated at the village administrative office, they were taken to another village in four trucks on Monday.

Around 40 were released on Tuesday, according to a leader of the local defense force, TGYR-Youth Guerrilla Counter Revolution, who wouldn't give his name for security reasons.

"The detainees were taken as human shields and not all were released when the troops arrived at their destination. More than 30 were still held."

RFA's calls to the junta's Mandalay region spokesperson, Thein Htay, went unanswered Tuesday.

Troops have been stationed in Tha Kyin village since a junta captain was killed in a shootout with the local People's Defence Force in February 2022.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2023, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Pakistan: US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan falls into militant hands

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 6:46 PM

Pakistan's caretaker prime minister says the US military equipment left behind during the withdrawal from Afghanistan has fallen into militant hands and ultimately made its way to the militant Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group.

Speaking to a select group of journalists at his office Monday in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said there was a need to adopt a "coordinated approach" to tackling the challenge of the leftover equipment.

The equipment a which include a wide variety of items, from night vision goggles to firearms a is now "emerging as a new challenge" for Islamabad as it has enhanced the fighting capabilities of the Pakistani Taliban, the premier added.

The remarks come as TTP have over the past months intensified attacks on Pakistan's security forces. They are a separate militant group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban.

Some security sources in Islamabad say the TTP either bought the equipment from the Afghan Taliban or was given it as an ally. They say TTP fighters now target Pakistani troops from a distance, while before their only weapons were AK-47 assault rifles.

The Pakistani Taliban have also released statements and video clips in recent months, claiming they possess, for example, guns with laser and thermal sighting systems.

Still, Pakistani security forces will continue to fight militants "to defend our home, children, mosques and places of worship," Kakar said.

Kakar, 52, was sworn in last month as Pakistan's youngest prime minister to head a caretaker government. His Cabinet will run day-to-day affairs until the next parliamentary elections.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kakar ruled out any talks between the government and the TTP since the militants unilaterally broke off a cease-fire last November.

The outlawed TTP has a strong presence in North Waziristan and elsewhere in the region close to the Afghan border. It is allied with the Afghan Taliban. The 2021 Afghan Taliban takeover has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban, who have stepped up attacks since then. The military in recent weeks has also carried out multiple raids on militant hideouts in the northwest.

Over the past years, the TTP militants have been involved in multiple terrorist attacks, including targeted bombings and killings of members of religious communities and security officials across the country.

On December 16, 2014, the group attacked Peshawar's Army School, where more than 150 people, mostly children, were killed, one of the deadliest massacres in Pakistan's history.

In the face of the Taliban sweep, the US-backed and trained Afghan military crumbled in mid-August 2021.

The Taliban seized US-supplied firepower, recovering guns, ammunition, helicopters and other modern military equipment from Afghan forces who surrendered it.

Though no one knows the exact value, US defense officials have confirmed it is significant.

Since the Taliban takeover next door, Islamabad says TTP fighters have increasingly been given shelter by the Afghan Taliban, straining ties between Islamabad and Kabul.

Pakistan became a key ally of Washington in its war against terror after the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Some figures and studies suggest at least 80,000 Pakistanis have been killed in the so-called US-led War on Terror over the past years.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Francis Fukuyama Says Russia's Weakening Would Embolden Central Asia, Present Opportunities

By Yelnur Alimova, Baktygul Chynybaeva September 05, 2023

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Renowned U.S. political scientist and philosopher Francis Fukuyama says a diminished Russia due to losses in the Ukraine war would remove any territorial threats to Kazakhstan and give Central Asian countries more opportunities to set their own policies.

Fukuyama, the director of the Center for the Advancement of Democracy and the Rule of Law at Stanford University, talked about the state of the Ukraine war, how battlefield losses are affecting Russia and its government, and scenarios for the end of the conflict in an interview with RFE/RL's Kazakh Service. He was in Almaty for the Kazakh-language release of his new book, Liberalism And Its Discontents.

War's End: The Collapse Of Putin's Regime Or A Cease-Fire?

Fukuyama added to the view he gave Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, a few months ago that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a strategic mistake, while refreshing his views on the war with the conflict's effect on Central Asian countries.

"I think that Putin thought that he could launch that so-called special military operation and the regime in Kyiv would fall in two or three days, and he can install somebody to be sympathetic to Moscow. But more than a year and a half later, the Russian Army has suffered horrendous casualties. This was a much bigger action for Russia than Putin had intended."

Fukuyama said an essential task for the Ukrainian Army was the destruction of the land corridor Moscow has established between the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which it illegally occupied in 2014. He said the important thing was for Ukrainian forces to cut the railway line and therefore be able to easily bombard the bridge across the Kerch Strait that provides the bulk of Russian supplies to its military.

Fukuyama said that if Ukrainian forces were able to accomplish this, "Russia's position will become much weaker. Perhaps then it makes sense to talk about a cease-fire or some conflict mitigation. But it is too early to say [now] that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed and that there will continue to be a stalemate."

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Fukuyama predicted recently that the end of the war would lead to the collapse of President Vladimir Putin's regime.

Noting the discontent in the Russian Army signaled by the failed uprising led by paramilitary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his subsequent death, he told RFE/RL the real threat to Putin's regime comes not from the streets but from "somebody within the security establishment."

"Many authoritarian regimes look very strong until the moment they collapse," Fukuyama said. "It's quite possible [that Putin] can manage to survive because Russia has a lot of resources, and [Putin] is a pretty clever politician."

Weak Russia Can Lead To Stronger Central Asia

Fukuyama's best-known work as a political scientist is the article and the book of the same name, The End Of History And The Last Man, published in 1992, in which he claimed that with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Western liberal democracy had triumphed as the "final" political system and thus ended "history" in that respect.

Regarding the current situation in Eurasia, the 70-year-old scholar said any weakness to the Russian regime as a result of losses in Ukraine could allow Central Asian countries more independence in formulating in greater importance.

Conversely, Fukuyama said the fall of Ukraine to Russian forces would pose a significant threat to Kazakhstan, as some ultranationalist politicians in Moscow claim parts of northern Kazakhstan should be Russian.

"Any weakening of Russia...could give Central Asian countries -- and [specifically] Kazakhstan -- a greater ability to set their own policies [without Russian interference]," he said. "You can imagine the opposite if [Russians] conquer Ukraine or take some part of Kazakhstan, like they have in Ukraine. But a weakened Russia would allow [Central Asians to make their] own decisions without worrying what the Russians will say or how they will react."

Fukuyama also pointed to the importance of a liberal development of society in the region.

"It is important to form a national identity that truly includes all those who live in Kazakhstan rather than allowing one group or another to dominate. During the [Soviet era] there was an attempt [coming from Moscow] to Russify everything, to make everyone speak Russian, to make Russian culture somewhat dominant. And that was wrong," he said. "People really need the freedom to live in their own cultural environment without being blocked by others."

Fukuyama is surprised by the strict measures that exist on Central Asia's borders and says a greater implementation of a free market and the opening of borders would lead to a surge in the region's economic development.

"One of the things that's been quite striking in visiting this region is how little communication trade interchange there is among the countries in Central Asia," he said. "[There could be much] bigger markets and much more prosperity if the countries in this region didn't impose border controls and didn't pursue more economically nationalist kinds of policies but rather were integrated into a larger single market. That's a project that the leaders in these countries could pursue at some point."

Independence Is Essential...

Fukuyama's doctrine of liberalism posits that in a truly open society people will be treated equally regardless of race, gender, or anything else. When asked about Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev, Fukuyama emphasized the importance of liberty for the individual.

"I think [Kazakhstan has] a very centralized authoritarian regime. I think that the transition to Mr. Toqaev nonetheless opens up certain possibilities that probably didn't exist under the first president, just because [former Kazakh President Nursultan] Nazarbaev was there for so long and had centralized so much power...[but] even if you don't have full democracy, I think you can still have an authoritarian regime that permits a greater degree of individual freedom," Fukuyama said, citing China as an example.

"If you look at China, there's a big difference between China in 2010 and China in 2023 because individual Chinese in 2010 had much more freedom to travel, to speak, to think for themselves. Under [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping, those freedoms have been taken away. It's still an authoritarian regime as it was back then...but I think the degree of individual freedom has been gravely restricted. Those are the kinds of choices that exist in Kazakhstan, even if it continues to be a highly centralized regime."

...And Poor Education Leads To An Easy Dictatorship

Fukuyama said the possibilities for greater democracy in Central Asia are restricted due to its two big authoritarian neighbors, China and Russia, although he did offer hope in pointing to Mongolia.

"Mongolia is also caught between Russia and China and yet, ever since 1991, it's had democratic elections," he said. "It's permitted a great deal of freedom for its citizens. So, I don't think that geographical location necessarily dictates the internal form of government. [But] if the power of Russia and China were to weaken, it will permit more freedom of action for Central Asian countries."

Fukuyama also cited the poor level of education as amplifying dictatorship in the region, though he noted the critical role of the new generations of Kazakhstan in going abroad for their university education.

"If you have a population that is not very educated, it's easier to run a dictatorship," he said. "[But] if you have a country that's got a larger middle class where people travel abroad, they have different ideas, then you're going to have a greater demand for a more open society, and that's been happening in Kazakhstan. The number of students that have gone abroad to study outside of Central Asia is quite impressive, and they are in time going to make a difference. So that's a major social change in the last generation."

Written by Baktygul Chynybaeva based on an interview by Elnur Akimova of RFE/RL's Kazakh Service

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-weakness-central- asia-fukuyama/32579747.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia's 'General Armageddon,' Not Seen Since Wagner Mutiny, Reappears In Telegram Photo

By Mike Eckel September 05, 2023

General Sergei Surovikin, who has not been seen publicly since the June mutiny by Wagner Group mercenaries, has reappeared in a new photograph online, adding further mystery to the fate of the Russian commander.

Unnamed U.S. officials, meanwhile, said Surovikin had been freed from custody days after the crash of the plane belonging to Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and that he still retains his rank, according to The New York Times.

Dubbed "General Armageddon," Surovkin was commander of Russia's Aerospace Forces when he was tapped in October to take overall command of Russia's flagging Ukraine invasion. He was removed about three months later.

On June 23, in the early hours of the mutiny launched by Prigozhin, Surovikin was seen in a video where he appealed to Wagner mercenaries to call off their rebellion.

An ally of Prigozhin, with ties dating back to his command of Russian forces in Syria, Surovikin was frequently championed by Prigozhin, who faulted Russian commanders for not being more ruthless and indiscriminate in the war.

Since that video, however, Surovikin had not been seen publicly, with rumors mounting that the Kremlin had arrested him, amid a purge of military officers and security officials seen to have backed Prigozhin's mutiny. President Vladimir Putin had called the mutineers "traitors" and the rebellion a "stab in the back."

On August 22, several Russian news reports said Surovikin had been relieved of command of the Aerospace Forces.

A day later, on August 23, a business jet linked to Prigozhin crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Russian authorities later said DNA evidence showed Prigozhin was among the 10 killed in the crash. His body was buried in a St. Petersburg cemetery days later.

The photograph that showed Surovikin was published September 4 by Ksenia Sobchak, a journalist and former socialite whose father was President Vladimir Putin's boss in St. Petersburg in the 1990s. The image showed the general in civilian clothes, along with a woman identified as his wife.

"General Sergei Surovikin is out. Alive, healthy, at home, with his family, in Moscow. Photo taken today," she said in the September 4 post on Telegram

It wasn't immediately possible to verify the photo or when or where it was taken.

In a post to Telegram several hours later, Aleksei Venediktov, a prominent and well-connected Russian journalist, said Surovikin was at home with his family. He said Surovikin was "on leave on the instruction of the Defense Ministry."

In its September 4 report, The New York Times cited "two U.S. officials and a person close to the Russian Defense Ministry" as saying Surovikin had been released from custody in the days after the crash of Prigozhin's jet.

Surovikin retained his rank and was still a military officer, "but he no longer has any career prospects," one of The New York Times sources said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-general-surovikin- reappears-putin-prigozhin/32579103.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Minister of Defence holds teleconference with tleadership of Russian Armed Forces

05.09.2023



'I'm going to start by summarising two important events held by the Ministry of Defence last month.

On 20 August, the International Military-Technical Forum ARMY-2023 was completed.

One and a half thousand enterprises and organisations, including 83 foreign companies, demonstrated 28 and a half thousand samples of military and dual-use products.

National expositions were presented by Belarus, Vietnam, India, Iran, China, Pakistan.

The Forum was attended by military delegations from 83 countries, including forty one high-level delegations, as well as representatives of six international organisations.

Fifteen thousand experts participated in the scientific and business programme. Twenty state contracts were concluded for a total amount of over four hundred billion roubles. More than one million people visited the exhibition grounds during the week.

The Forum once again proved that even under the conditions of sanctions it remains a relevant platform for countries ready to build equal partnership relations in the military-technical sphere.

Thanks for the well done job to everyone involved in the preparation and running of the event.

The 11th Moscow Conference on International Security was also held in August.

It brought together 800 delegates from 76 countries and six international organisations, including 26 defence ministers, 16 deputy defence ministers and chiefs of general staff.

The heads of foreign defence ministries expressed support for Russia's foreign policy course towards strengthening multipolarity and readiness to further develop constructive cooperation with Russia in the defence sphere.

The conference confirmed Russia's high authority in the international arena and demonstrated the failure of the collective West's efforts to isolate it.

Further on the start of the new school year in the Armed Forces.

On 1 September, 38 higher and 33 pre-university educational institutions of the Ministry of Defence began their work.

Classes began for the first time at the newly established Military Engineering Academy in Nakhabino, the Donetsk Higher Combined Arms Command School and the Irkutsk Suvorov Military School.

The total number of students and cadets was more than 60 thousand people, students - almost 17 thousand. At the same time, the 2023 enrolment was significantly higher than last year's.

The training programmes are adapted to the experience of the special military operation.

Special attention is paid to practical training, modelling, issues of organisation and support of combat operations, use of weapons, military and special hardware, including new models.

Cadets and Suvorov Military School students will study the basics of military and naval training, take courses in tactical medicine, army tactical shooting and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Teachers, students and cadets will take part in operational and combat training of troops, command and staff exercises.

***

About the special military operation.

The Russian Armed Forces continue active actions along the entire line of contact.

The Kiev regime, despite heavy losses, has been trying for the third month to wage the so-called counter-offensive. In none of these areas did the AFU achieve their objectives.

The Ukrainian leadership is desperately trying to demonstrate to its Western handlers at least some success of offensive actions in order to further receive military and economic support, which only prolongs the conflict.

The most tense situation was in Zaporozhye direction. The enemy has brought into the battle brigades from the strategic reserves, whose personnel have been trained under Western instructors.

Thanks to the selfless actions of servicemen of the 810th Brigade and the 177th Marine Regiment, the 56th Airborne Assault Regiment and the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment, as well as units of the 76th Airborne Assault Division, significant damage was inflicted on Ukrainian units.

Acting decisively in Kupyansk and Kremennaya directions, Russian troops liberated Novosyolovskoye, significantly improving the situation along the front line.

During the offensive, servicemen of 1st, 12th and 26th tank regiments show bravery and courage.

The Russian Armed Forces continue to destroy Ukraine's military infrastructure with precision strikes.

Over the past month alone, 34 command posts of the AFU of the command operational-tactical unit were hit.

Since the beginning of the so-called offensive, the enemy losses were sixty six thousand men and seven thousand six hundred pieces of armament.

In an attempt to cover up the failure of the offensive, Ukrainian militants are attacking civilian objects and presenting these attacks as military victories.

As a result of the competent actions of Russian combat units, 159 HIMARS missiles, over a thousand unmanned aerial vehicles and 13 cruise missiles were shot down last month.

I thank the military personnel for their fighting spirit and focus on victory.

***

The thematic part of the conference.

Let us first discuss how The PJSC United Aircraft Corporation is implementing its plan to deliver heavy military transport aircraft and modernised strategic missile carriers.

Six Il-76MD-90A and four Tu-160M are due to be delivered to the Armed Forces this year.

At the event, we will outline measures for the unconditional fulfilment of the 2023 delivery plan.

***

The next issue concerns the preparation of the Ministry of Defence facilities for the heating period.

Maintenance and repairs of heat generating facilities were carried out in advance.

The work was performed in full, including maintenance, capital and current repairs of barracks housing fond of utilities.

Navigation delivery has been completed, and standard fuel reserves have been created in the Far North regions.

The heating has been already started in five regions.

Today we will hear a report on the readiness for the upcoming heating season in the other regions.

***

Next, we will discuss the state of the military transport aviation fleet, which carries out a wide range of tasks in the country and abroad.

Thus, since the beginning of the special military operation, eight thousand aircraft sorties have been made, almost 376 thousand servicemen, over two thousand seven hundred units of military hardware and one hundred thirty-two thousand tonnes of cargo have been delivered.

In addition, military transport aviation was involved in firefighting missions and supporting of the actions of Russian grouping in Syria.

At the conference, we will consider opportunities for further development of military transport aviation.'

Department for Media Affairs and Information

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin Says Russophobia, Neo-Nazism Become Norm in Ukraine, Baltic States

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian leader noted on Tuesday that the country confronts ideological descendants of Nazi criminals in Ukraine, stressing that they are the real enemy of Russia, and not the common people terrorized by the radicals.

"New meanings, challenges of the time clearly show that Nazism was defeated in 1945, but, unfortunately, it was not eliminated: it manifests itself again in the same Russophobia or Antisemitism. And the glorification of Nazi criminals, direct propaganda of Nazism in the Baltic states, an just in Ukraine, in general, have become the norm, as if there was no Nuremberg," Putin said at a meeting of the Russian Victory Organizing Committee.

Putin added that history was started to be used "as a weapon of ideological struggle."

Over the course of the years, the Ukrainian regime declared Nazi collaborators in WWII "heroes of Ukraine", naming streets after them and opening monuments to the war criminals. At the same time, numerous paramilitary groups supported by Kiev have been openly brandishing neo-Nazi symbols, while Ukrainian politicians voiced their support for the harshest discrimination against everyone who refused to support such policies.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Hypersonic Missiles Carrier Frigate to Conduct Exercises in Atlantic

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Admiral Gorshkov frigate carrying Zircon hypersonic missiles will conduct series of exercises in the Atlantic Ocean, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Today, the Northern Fleet's ... Admiral Gorshkov frigate which has been operating in the Mediterranean since April 2023, entered the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar, accompanied by the Vyazma medium sea tanker. In the Atlantic Ocean, the crew of the frigate will continue to improve their naval skills and conduct a series of shipboard exercises," the Ministry said in a statement.

After completing all the assigned tasks, the ship will arrive at the main base of the Northern Fleet - Severomorsk, the department added.

Since January 4 the frigate overcame about 42 thousand nautical miles, the Defense Ministry noted. In particular, the crew of the ship successfully fulfilled all the assigned tasks as part of the permanent grouping of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean Sea.

Zircon is a scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile aimed at eradicating enemy ships at Mach 9, capable of striking on-shore targets.

Early in February, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled a plan to start mass deliveries of Zircon to Russian Armed Forces this year.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Kremlin Not Confirming Reports on Meeting Between Putin, North Korean Leader in Russia

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov shared Moscow's opinion on key issues of foreign and global policy.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that he cannot confirm media reports about a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Russia in the near future.

The US media reported Monday, citing US and allied officials, that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un plans to visit Russia in September to meet with Putin and discuss military cooperation.

"No. We cannot [confirm these reports], we have nothing to say on this topic," Peskov told reporters.

On Putin-Erdogan Meeting

The goal of the Monday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was exchange of views, there were no plans to reach any concrete agreements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"Some kind of agreement in a written document or other documents were not planned, and the main goal of yesterday was to exchange views on a very rich complex of our bilateral relations and also exchange views on well-known regional problems ... this goal was achieved and very, very constructive and fruitful negotiations took place, but it was hardly possible to reach any specific agreements," Peskov told reporters.

On Black Sea Grain Deal

Agreements on grain are multilateral processes, and it is difficult to agree on anything concrete at the moment in bilateral contacts between Moscow and Ankara, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"It was hardly possible to reach any specific agreements, because if we talk about a grain deal, then this is a multilateral process, and as for the grain deal, then... this is the position of the countries of the collective West, which have been refusing to fulfill the terms of the Black Sea deal for a long time, which is why its further continuation is not possible. Therefore, here, of course, the issue concerns other parties, it is simply not possible to agree on something specific in the course of bilateral [Russia-Turkey] contacts," Peskov told reporters.

On Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Russian Ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed attempted drone attacks on ships guarding Russian gas pipelines, TurkStream and Blue Stream, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

"The president spoke about attacks on our ships that guard these pipelines," Peskov told reporters, noting that the ships every time successfully repelled these attacks.

On the Removal of Ukrainian Defense Minister

The change of the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is an internal affair of Kiev, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday that Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov will leave his post, saying that the chief of the Ukrainian State Property Fund, Rustem Umerov, will head the country's defense department.

"No, we cannot comment on that. This is, in fact, an internal affair of Ukraine. We do not think that now any appointments can somehow affect the essence of the Kiev regime as a whole. So far, this essence seems to remain without any changes," Peskov told reporters.

On Japan's Attempts to Re-Write History

Moscow cannot pay attention to Tokyo's protests against September 3 Victory Day over militaristic Japan as this concerns Russia's history, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Russia has declared September 3 as the Victory Day Over Militaristic Japan. Tokyo then voiced protest over Moscow's decision.

"In this case, we are talking about our history and history, which is absolutely obvious. It should be obvious for Japan as well. Therefore, we, of course, cannot take these protests into account," Peskov told reporters.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia has increasingly used this Council as a platform for propaganda and disinformation: UK statement at the Security Council

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Working Methods of the Security Council.

5 September 2023

President, let me start by congratulating you on assuming the Presidency and wishing you a very productive month of September. I also start by thanking Albania for your role as Chair of the Informal Working Group, for your team's excellent stewardship of this important topic.

On the 17th January 1946, the Security Council held its first meeting in Church House, in Westminster in the United Kingdom. In the 77 years since, the Council has worked to discharge its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Dag Hammarskjold, of course, said it best: "The UN was created not to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell". For all its faults, fractures and inefficiencies, the Council continues to play a vital role. It has outlasted the League of Nations by 51 years, it has helped to prevent a third world war.

Our vision remains for a Council that is able to solve problems through interactive debate, building consensus, responsible and inclusive penholdership, and decisions that have real impact on the ground.

Realising this means looking ahead to forthcoming threats to peace and security and being proactive in preventing conflict or deterring escalation, using all the tools at the Council's disposal.

It means tackling issues head on, even where they are uncomfortable for some.

It means hearing from genuine experts, including Civil Society, who can enrich our deliberations.

It also means striking a balance between transparency and confidentiality.

Sometimes the Council is most effective when it holds frank discussions in private - when it does so we should strive to agree press elements in the interest of transparency.

And it means, most importantly, that Council members have a responsibility to uphold the UN Charter.

It is 50 years since the UK last unilaterally vetoed a Council resolution. We are glad that GA resolution 76/262 has helped secure transparency and accountability when a permanent member blocks action to maintain international peace and security.

President, by invading its sovereign neighbour and engaging in a brutal war of aggression, one permanent member has shown a flagrant disregard for the Charter.

In attempting to defend the indefensible, Russia has increasingly used this Council as a platform for propaganda and disinformation. It has requested briefers on the basis of their willingness to defend or distract from Russian aggression and it has allowed its narrative to seep into other important issues on the Council's agenda.

It is incumbent on all of us to maintain the authority, integrity and legitimacy of this Council. All the more so when the actions of one permanent member threaten this.

President, we will continue to work with you in your capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group, and collectively with colleagues around this table, to maximise the Council's effectiveness and to uphold the UN Charter.

Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






No 'KMT-TPP collaboration' deal: Ko's spokeswoman

ROC Central News Agency

09/05/2023 01:49 PM

Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) A spokeswoman for the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) on Tuesday rejected a media report that stated the party chairman and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je () had reached a deal with the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to collaborate in the presidential and legislative elections next January.

The Chinese-language Mirror Media magazine reported Tuesday that the two opposition parties had set collaboration timetables and were expected to unveil their plans for the legislative election this month and the presidential election next month.

While it avoided defining "collaboration," the report hinted that Ko was set to be the running mate of KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (), and included two quotes as backup.

"Naturally, political leaders can chat among themselves" as long as the discussion is not premised on "distribution of power and positions," Ko said on Sept. 2 at a campaign event in Taoyuan, in response to a reporter's request for comments on recent remarks by Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen () that a collaboration between Hou and Ko would be settled in September.

"Politicians don't create the waves, they are propelled by them. Oftentimes, it's the people that make decisions for us," Ko said at the time.

The report also cited KMT Chairman Eric Chu () as saying recent talks with the TPP on a possible collaboration were "gleaning new progress and results every day."

The "collaboration" was decided because Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder Terry Gou (), who announced his presidential bid as an independent candidate on Aug. 28, had tried to strongarm the KMT into "yielding to him," which motivated the party to "distance itself from Gou and instead approach Ko," Mirror Media reported, citing an unnamed KMT Central Standing Committee member.

In an apparent change of tone from Ko's remarks on Sept. 2, Ko's campaign office on Tuesday vehemently denied the report.

"The report is pure fabrication," Vicky Chen (), a spokeswoman for Ko's campaign office, told reporters.

"We have no timetable for a KMT-TPP collaboration, much less a so-called 'two-step integration,'" Chen said.

"The Ko office has its own plans and pacing, and Ko Wen-je will campaign resolutely until the end as the TPP's candidate," Chen said.

According to Chen, the office will start introducing Ko's campaign platform this month, beginning with healthcare and long-term care policies, which will be unveiled Wednesday.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






President Tsai departs for Eswatini on direct flight

ROC Central News Agency

09/05/2023 12:17 PM

Taipei, Sept. 5 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () on Tuesday morning set out to Eswatini for a four-day trip that she said aimed to further promote bilateral cooperation.

Speaking with reporters before her departure, Tsai said she would seek to promote "sustainable cooperation" between the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, and Eswatini during the trip from Sept. 5-8.

According to Tsai, in the five years since she last visited the African nation, bilateral exchanges in the areas of public health, women's empowerment and agriculture have deepened.

As the two countries celebrate their 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Taiwan looks forward to further developing its partnership with Eswatini, she said.

Part of that effort includes Kaohsiung establishing a sister-city relationship with the capital of Eswatini, Mbabane, she said, adding that it would help facilitate cooperation on education and foster exchanges between young people in the two nations.

Along with senior Cabinet officials, including Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua (), and Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (), Tsai will take direct flights to and from Eswatini.

She was invited to the country to attend celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of the African nation's independence and the 55th birthday of its current ruler King Mswati III on Sept. 6.

The king has reigned over Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa, since 1986.

The visit to Eswatini marks Tsai's ninth overseas trip since she took office in 2016. The president last traveled overseas in March, when she visited Taiwan's allies Guatemala and Belize, and transited through the United States.

Tsai will arrive in Eswatini on Tuesday afternoon (Mbabane time), hold bilateral talks with the king, and meet with Taiwanese expatriates later the same day.

On Wednesday, she will attend the celebrations before paying a visit to the Referral and Emergency Complex in the Mbabane Government Hospital, a facility that Taiwan's government has funded.

On her last day in Eswatini on Thursday, Tsai will meet with Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala, hold a press conference, and visit the bases of Taiwan's technical and medical missions.

The president will depart from Africa on Thursday afternoon and arrive in Taiwan on Friday (Taipei time).

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






DPP's distortion of UN Resolution 2758 extremely dangerous separatist provocations: Chinese FM

Global Times

By Wan Hengyi Published: Sep 05, 2023 10:27 PM Updated: Sep 06, 2023 12:15 AM

Despite the facts and the legal basis, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan island have been distorting the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, openly challenging the internationally recognized one-China principle, and spinning lies to pursue "Taiwan independence." These are extremely dangerous separatist provocations, Mao Ning, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said on Tuesday. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) opened on the same day.

The DPP authorities of the Taiwan island claimed on August 29 that "The United Nations continues to misinterpret UN Resolution 2758," even saying that the resolution does not have anything to do with the island.

Tien Chung-kwang, "deputy foreign affairs official" of the Taiwan authorities, has made four requests for the island to participate in the UN, requesting for an improved understanding of UN Resolution 2758 as well as the permission of the island's meaningful participation in the international organization.

In 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority, which decided to restore all rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its government as the "only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations," and to expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the place which they unlawfully occupy, Mao noted.

The "dual representation" proposal put forth by the US and a few other countries to keep Taiwan's seat in the UN became a piece of wastepaper, Mao said, highlighting that UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN. It also made it clear that there can only be one seat representing China at the UN. No issues exist about so-called "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan."

On the basis of the one-China principle, 182 countries have established diplomatic relations with China. The one-China principle has long been a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community, the spokesperson noted.

Any issue regarding Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations must be addressed under the framework of the one-China principle. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood, Mao remarked.a

The Taiwan authorities have always preferred to make an issue of Resolution 2758 and so-called accession to some international organizations, which do not recognize the island of Taiwan as part of China, and thus use salami slicing tactics to challenge the one-China principle and deny the legitimacy of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, Xin Qiang, deputy director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

The world's understanding of the Taiwan question involving China's red line is far from enough and the topic has been manipulated by the US and some Taiwan independence separatist forces, experts said, adding that the Chinese mainland also needs to gain the moral high ground and voice of international opinion on cross-Straits relations and the interpretation of the one-China principle.

The mainland's policy toward the island has always been two-sided. On the one hand, it insists on ending hostilities through contact, dialogue and consultation on the basis of the one-China principle. On the other hand, the mainland also has the means of thunder and will react harshly to separatist acts that cross the red line, Xin remarked.

The DPP authorities' hype over Taiwan's participation in the UN system is actually an attempt to create a false impression of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and challenge the UN-centered international order underpinned by international law, and they are the ones responsible for disrupting the cross-Strait status quo, Mao stressed.

The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and its resolution is a matter for the 1.4 billion Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Mao said. UNGA Resolution 2758 must not be challenged and the one-China principle is unshakable, and the complete reunification of China can, without doubt, be realized, she remarked.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taiwan has no right to join UN: Chinese spokesperson

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:18, September 06, 2023

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday reiterated that Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood.

It was reported that the Taiwan authorities listed "four appeals" on Taiwan's UN participation and claimed that they would invite "diplomatic allies" to submit a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General urging him to rectify the UN's erroneous interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a recent press briefing.

In response, Spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily news briefing that Taiwan is part of China. Despite that fact and legal basis, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have been distorting UNGA Resolution 2758, openly challenging the internationally recognized one-China principle, and spinning lies to pursue "Taiwan independence". These are extremely dangerous separatist provocations.

Noting the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority on October 25 of 1971, which "decides to restore all its rights to the People's Republic of China and to recognize the representatives of its Government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations", and to expel forthwith the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the place which they unlawfully occupy, Mao said that henceforth, the "dual representation" proposal put forth by the United States and a few other countries to keep Taiwan's seat in the UN became a piece of waste paper.

"Once and for all, UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN. It also made it clear that there can only be one seat representing China at the UN. No issues exist about so-called 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'," Mao added.

Since the adoption of UNGA Resolution 2758, it has been observed by the UN and its specialized agencies and other international and regional organizations, Mao said, adding that on the basis of the one-China principle, 182 countries have established diplomatic relations with China, and the one-China principle has long been a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community.

"Any issue regarding the Taiwan region's participation in the activities of international organizations must be addressed under the framework of the one-China principle. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to join the UN or other international organizations that require statehood," Mao said.

She reiterated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. Taiwan is part of China's territory. Although the two sides have been politically against each other for a long time, China's state sovereignty and territorial integrity has never been split. This is the real status quo of the Taiwan question. The DPP authorities' hype-up of Taiwan's participation in the UN system is actually an attempt to create a false impression of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" and challenge the UN-centered international order underpinned by international law.

Mao pointed out the DPP authorities have been promoting "incremental independence" and pushing for "de-sinicization", while some external forces have been fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle and conniving at and supporting separatist acts for "Taiwan independence". "It is them, not anyone else, who are undermining the status quo and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They are the ones responsible for disrupting the cross-Strait status quo."

"Let me stress that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and its resolution is a matter for the 1.4 billion Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait," Mao said, adding that the DPP authorities will not succeed in seeking external support to embolden its separatist acts, and UNGA Resolution 2758 must not be challenged and the one-China principle is unshakable.

"The wheels of history will keep rolling on. The complete reunification of our country can, without doubt, be realized," Mao said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UK strengthens defence export ties with Poland

The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.

5 September 2023

Defence Minister James Cartlidge attends Poland's largest defence trade show.

UK deepening defence ties with key Nato Ally, building on furthering of cooperation with Poland through export contracts and deployments.

Celebrating positive step in Poland's NAREW ground-based air defence programme.

The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence ties today as Defence Minister James Cartlidge visited MSPO in Kielce, Poland.

The largest defence trade fair in Poland, attracting delegations from across the world, MSPO brings together nations to collaborate on, discuss and view some of the world's leading defence equipment, capabilities and ambitions.

During the visit, Cartlidge met with the Head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera, and Deputy Defence Minister MichaA WiAniewski, and engaged a number of the UK's key Defence companies displaying at the event - including MBDA, Babcock and BAE Systems. Cartlidge discussed how the UK defence industry can further support the Polish Armed Forces through future defence exports and deployments.

The UK and Poland are historic defence partners and NATO Allies and will continue to work closely together on key strategic defence programmes, including Poland's air defence programme, supporting the economies of both nations.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

Poland is one of our closest Allies and a key strategic partner as we work together to bolster European security in the wake of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Through crucial defence export programmes, we continue to support Poland's defence modernisation plans, as they strengthen their defence capabilities.

Earlier this year, the UK and Poland announced the first stage of a programme to deliver the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) to Poland in a A1.9 billion contract - the largest ever defence export contract between the two nations.

In a contract supporting hundreds of jobs across the UK and Poland delivering on the Prime Minister's priority to grow the economy, UK firm MBDA completed the landmark deal with the Polish government in April 2023, agreeing to provide Poland with cutting-edge, ground-based-air-defence capabilities that will protect the country for generations to come.

Today, at MSPO, the Polish government signed an agreement with Polish defence company PGZ, paving the way for Poland to develop another enhanced ground-based air defence system called NAREW, again in co-operation with MBDA.

The UK welcomes the news that the executive agreement on NAREW has been signed between the Polish Ministry of National Defence and PGZ. This is a critical milestone in this important air defence programme which the UK MOD continues to support.

This visit also builds on the UK-Polish Defence Treaty and the UK-Poland Defence and Security Strategic Partnership 2030 announced in July this year, which will be of long-term benefit to the defence, jobs and skills of both nations, strengthening bi-lateral relations.

The UK and Poland are close Allies, with hundreds of British troops deployed to the country at any one time. That includes the recent deployments of Challenger 2 tanks and Sky Sabre air defence systems to Poland.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine

Germany - Federal Government

Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.

Tuesday, 5 September 2023

This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building.

Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states.

Delivered military support to Ukraine:

(Changes compared to the previous update in bold)

Armoured fighting vehicles

20 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5*

28 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*

138 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS

ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators)

40 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

50 MRAP vehicles DINGO

54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany)

Spare parts for LEOPARD 2 and MARDER

Air defence

86,122 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (from Bundeswehr and industry stock s*) (before: 76,042)

3 air surveillance radar TRML-4D*

PATRIOT missiles

2 IRIS-T SLS launchers*

2 PATRIOT launchers

46 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

2 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*

IRIS-T SLM missiles*

air defence system PATRIOT with spare parts

4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns

500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER

2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA

Artillery

17,000 rounds 155mm smoke ammunition

2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

15,510 rounds 155mm ammunition

155mm precision guided ammunition* (SMArt, VULCANO)

5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain)

ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II

14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts (German share in joint project with the Netherlands)

20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets*

counter battery radar system COBRA*

10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition*

Military Engineering Capabilities

11 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER* (before: 10)

material for explosive ordnance disposal(from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

6 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*

11 mine ploughs for T-72*

18 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers

5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER

15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3

5armoured engineer vehicles DACHS*

3 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

Protective and Special Equipment

186 border protection vehicles* (before: 182)

40,600 safety glasses (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*) (before: 20,600)

104 reconnaissance drones VECTOR*

103 drone detection systems*

60 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN*

28 ground surveillance radars GO12*

1,288 binoculars

5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

47 mobile antenna mast systems*

10 radio jammers*

57 anti-drone sensors and jammers*

2 spare part packages for VECTOR drones

40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices*

1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

32 reconnaissance drones*

40 laser target designators*

10 unmanned surface vessels*

10 anti-drone guns*

28,000 combat helmets

1 radio frequency system

3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps

353 night vision goggles*

12 electronic anti-drone devices*

165 field glasses*

38 laser range finders*

6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material

10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)*

1 high frequency unit with equipment*

Logistics

50 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 45 semi-trailers* (before: 46/41)

188 trucks Zetros* (before: 156)

34 load-handling trucks 15t*

6 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 21 roll of containers*

14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS*

288 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles)

179 Pick-ups*

12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

35 load-handling trucks 8x8

30 protected vehicles*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

44,27 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms (before: 35,63)

134,592 rounds ammunition 40mm* (before: 107,712)

field hospital*

100 machine guns MG5*

300,000 first aid kits*

44 ambulances*

8 dental sterilizers

11,000 group module rations

103,000 tourniquets

500 pistols SFP9*

2 hangar tents*

8 lift trucks*

295 generators

10 winter camouflage nets

168 mobile heating systems*

36,400 wool blankets

14,000 sleeping bags

Mi-24 spare parts*

spare parts for heavy machine gun M2

200 tents

116,000 winter jackets

80,000 winter trousers

240,000 winter hats

405,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready

67 fridges for medical material*

3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices

14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks)

50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices

100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks

100,000 hand grenades

5,300 explosive charges

100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators

350,000 detonators

100 auto-injector devices

15 palettes military clothing

1,200 hospital beds

18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights

protective clothing, surgical masks

1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)*

medical material (inter alia back packs, compression bandages)

Diesel and gasoline*

10 tons AdBlue*

500 medical gauzes*

MiG-29 spare parts*

7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador*

Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution

(due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover)

Armoured fighting vehicles

60 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*

36 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*

66 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*

90 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark)

ammunition for LEOPARD 1*

ammunition for MARDER*

Air defence

6 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*

IRIS-T SLM missiles*

22 launchers IRIS-T SLS*

IRIS-T SLS missiles (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)

5 air surveillance radars TRML-4D*

6 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD*

289,920 rounds of GEPARD ammunition

Artillery

25,500 projectiles 155mm*

18 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155*

14 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)

Military Engineering Capabilities

material for explosive ordnance disposal*

6 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*

7 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*

15 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*

2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*

36 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*

2 heavy and medium bridge systems*

Protective and Special Equipment

90 drone detection systems*

60,000 safety glasses*

10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*

40 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN*

321 reconnaissance drones VECTOR*

121 reconnaissance drones*

10 unmanned surface vessels*

20 ground surveillance radars GO12*

1 Satcom surveillance system*

2,000 portable light systems*

3 mobile antenna mast systems*

314 border protection vehicles*

vehicle decontamination system

11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*

Logistics

62 trucks Zetros*

12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*

30 tank trucks (water/fuel)*

1 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 7 roll of containers*

40 heavy duty trailer trucks 8x8 HX81 and 45 semi-trailers*

2 tractors and 4 trailers*

10 protected vehicles*

Combat Readiness and Survivability

11,18 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms

18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons*

5 ambulances*

2 dental sterilizers

81,408 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers*

continuing deliveries of medical material*

100 grenade launchers GMG*

200,000 first aid kits*

17 mobile heating systems*

* Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukrainian defense minister submits resignation letter

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:42, September 05, 2023

KIEV/MOSCOW/BUCHAREST, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to the Ukraine crisis:

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Monday that he has submitted a letter of resignation to parliament chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk.

"It was an honor to serve the Ukrainian people and work for the Ukrainian army for the last 22 months, the toughest period of Ukraine's modern history," Reznikov said on the social media X, formerly known as Twitter.

In the letter, Reznikov, who was appointed as defense minister in November 2021, said that all the key tasks set for his mandate have been accomplished.

- - - -

The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that the Russian air defenses destroyed two Ukrainian drones overnight, one shot down over the Black Sea near the Crimean Peninsula and the other intercepted over the Kursk region.

Russian forces also destroyed four Ukrainian military speedboats in the Black Sea early on Monday. The U.S.-made Willard Sea Force military boats were carrying Ukrainian troops and were headed towards Cape Tarkhankut on the Crimean coast, according to the defense ministry.

- - - -

The Romanian Defense Ministry on Monday "categorically" denied the reports that Russian drones had fallen overnight on its territory.

"At no time did the means of attack used by the Russian Federation generate direct military threats to the national territory or the territorial waters of Romania," representatives of the ministry were quoted as saying by the Agerpres news agency.

Previously, some international media reported, based on an official of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, that Russian drones fell on the territory of Romania during an attack on Ukrainian ports during the night of Sunday to Monday.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia says it downed Ukraine's drones heading for Moscow

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 05 September 2023 2:25 PM

Russia says its air defense systems shot down at least three Ukraine-launched drones that were heading toward Moscow.

The Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday that the air defense systems destroyed two drones over the Kaluga and Tver regions, which border the Moscow region.

Another drone was also destroyed over the Istra district of the Moscow region, it said.

According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the drones "were trying to carry out an attack on Moscow."

He also said that a consumer services facility was damaged in the Istra district.

There was no damage or casualties elsewhere, the mayor said.

The attack prompted the authorities to cancel or postpone almost 50 flights early Tuesday from the four major airports around Moscow.

Russian air defenses also destroyed a Ukrainian aeroplane-style drone over Crimea on Tuesday morning, according to the defense ministry.

Crimea has repeatedly been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks since Moscow launched its military operation against Kiev in February last year.

Crimean peninsula voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining Russia in a referendum held in 2014.

Most of the Ukrainian attacks against Russia are reportedly carried out by Western-supplied ammunition.

Since the onset of the war, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned the United States and its Western allies against involvement in the conflict, saying that Russia would use any weapon in its arsenal to protect its security.

Russia says the West and NATO are playing a direct role in the Ukraine conflict by pouring advanced weapons and military equipment into Ukraine.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Zelenskiy Returns From Visits With Ukrainian Brigades Saying Soldiers' Requests Will Be Addressed

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 05, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has returned to Kyiv after two days in eastern and southern Ukraine for meetings with commanders and Ukrainian troops to hear their requests, which he said would be passed on to top generals and other officials and addressed.

Zelenskiy said in a video posted on September 5 on X, formerly Twitter, that he visited 13 combat brigades during the tour.

"We talked to the brigade and battalion commanders. We awarded our warriors," he said. "We are very proud of our warriors who returned to their positions after being wounded to join their brothers-in-arms."

He also pledged that the brigades will receive "new deliveries and new production of our weapons" and said all requests from warriors will be addressed by senior generals, government officials, and Ukraine's "international relations officials."

The General Staff of the Ukrainian military said earlier on September 5 in its evening assessment of the operational situation that 20 combat clashes took place during the day.

"In the direction of Bakhmut, our defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the area north of Klishchiyivka, Donetsk region," the report said.

The Ukrainian military also said that its forces continue to hold back the offensive of Russian troops in the Maryinka area of the Donetsk region and will continue to attack in the Melitopol direction.

The assessments came as Kyiv made changes to its war leadership and rebuffed Western criticism of the pace of its nearly three-month-long counteroffensive to retake territory occupied by Russia.

Zelenskiy dismissed Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of the Donetsk region, in a decree signed on September 5. Two days earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov submitted his resignation in what Zelenskiy said was a decision to bring in "new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole."

Reznikov, who played a key role in persuading Ukraine's Western partners to provide billions of dollars in military aid and sophisticated weapons to assist the country after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, will be replaced by Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian politician of Crimean Tatar origin.

Unidentified U.S. officials have recently expressed frustration at the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive and have questioned the tactics being used to overcome Russia's own counteroffensive in the northeast and formidable defenses in the southeast.

Washington later said that the criticism was "not helpful" and that the United States had recently seen "notable success" achieved by Kyiv's military.

In a September 2 Telegram post, Zelenskiy pushed back at the criticism, saying that "Ukrainian forces are moving forward. Despite everything, and no matter what anyone says, we are advancing, and that is the most important thing."

The following day, the Ukrainian military claimed it had breached Russia's first line of defense in the Zaporizhzhya region after weeks of painstaking demining.

The American Institute For The Study Of War (ISW) on September 4 said in an assessment of the battleground situation that Ukrainian forces in the southeastern Zaporizhzhya region had breached formidable Russian defensive obstacles.

"Ukrainian light infantry has advanced to positions beyond anti-tank ditches and dragon's teeth anti-tank obstacles that comprise the current Russian defensive layer" in the west of the region, the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in an assessment of the battleground situation in Ukraine on September 4.

"Ukrainian forces likely intend to hold those positions."

The ISW said that Ukrainian soldiers had advanced past Russian defenses southeast of the town of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhya. Ukrainian forces there are attempting to reach the city of Melitopol in an attempt to cut off a land bridge that links Russian-occupied territory in the east to the Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014.

The research group said that Ukrainian forces had approached Russian defensive lines in other areas of the southeast and were widening breaches at other points in the area.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the Zaporizhzhya region has become the most recent hot spot. Shoigu told Russian military officers that Ukraine has brought up reserve brigades trained by Kyiv's Western allies to fight in the region. He offered no evidence for his claim, which could not be independently verified.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that its air defense systems late on September 5 destroyed a Ukraine-launched drone over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. The ministry did not say whether there were any casualties or damage. It was not possible for RFE/RL to independently verify the report.

With reporting by AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zaporizhzhya- breakthrough-russia-dragons-teeth/32579021.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese school welcomes silver-haired students

(People's Daily App) 15:22, September 06, 2023

It's never too late to learn: An educational institution for the elderly in the city of Chongqing welcomed its students as the new semester began on September 1.

(Source: Douyin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ukraine War Spurs Jump In Use Of Cluster Munitions, Report Shows

By Elitsa Simeonova September 05, 2023

Attacks using cluster munitions by both Russia and Ukraine since the start of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion last year have helped lead to a "dramatic" increase in the use of such weapons, highlighting the need for more countries to join a global ban.

The Cluster Munitions Coalition (CMC) campaign group on September 5 released its annual report on cluster munitions, saying that in 2022 at least 1,172 people, 95 percent of whom were civilians, were casualties of cluster munitions in eight countries: Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Burma, Syria, and Yemen.

"The shocking increase in new civilian casualties from cluster munitions serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact these heinous weapons have on civilians, including children," CMC director Tamar Gabelnick said.

"All countries that have not banned these weapons must do so immediately. There can be no excuse for their continued use," Gabelnick added.

Cluster munitions are globally banned because they cause both immediate and long-term civilian harm, leaving behind unexploded remnants that act as land mines for years. A total of 112 countries have ratified a 2008 convention banning cluster munitions. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are not among them.

According to the report, no new casualties from cluster munition attacks were recorded in 2021, although at least 149 victims from remnants of earlier cluster munition attacks were identified. In 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, 890 new casualties from cluster munitions were reported in Ukraine alone.

"It's unconscionable that civilians are still dying from cluster munition attacks 15 years after these weapons were outlawed," said Mary Wareham, arms advocacy director at Human Rights Watch and editor of the report.

Russia has used cluster munitions repeatedly in Ukraine since its full-scale invasion of the country on February 24, 2022, causing civilian deaths and injuries, the report said. Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties.

The report comes after the United States announced in July that it would start sending cluster munitions to Ukraine, prompting criticism from allies and rights groups. Washington says that Kyiv needs the weapons to prevent Russian forces from halting its counteroffensive.

Russia has denied using cluster munitions in Ukraine despite mounting evidence from Human Rights Watch and other rights groups to the contrary.

New use of cluster munitions was also recorded in Burma and Syria in 2022, the CMC said.

Cluster munitions are bombs that open in the air and release scores of smaller bomblets, many of which do not explode, putting civilians at risk long after wars end. In 2022, there were a total of at least 185 casualties from cluster-munition remnants in Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen, the report said.

Children accounted for 71 percent of all casualties of cluster-munition remnants where the age group was recorded.

A total of 112 countries have ratified or acceded to a 2008 convention banning cluster munitions, while 12 more have signed it.

There have been no confirmed reports or allegations of new use, production, or transfers of cluster munitions by any state party to the convention, the report said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/cluster-munitions-ukraine-russia- usage-report/32579235.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukrainian Military Staff Will Hear Issues Raised By Soldiers, Zelenskiy Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 05, 2023

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says issues raised during his meetings with soldiers who have battled on the front line will be considered by top Ukrainian military officials.

"It is crucial to support our warriors and talk directly [to them]. What they have told me will be on the staff's agenda," he said in an evening video on X, formerly Twitter, on September 4 after visiting troops in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya regions.

Zelenskiy said it is useful and important to hear from soldiers who have been in battle about what is missing and what needs to be changed.

The presidential press service said earlier on September 4 that Zelenskiy listened to reports from combat brigade commanders about the operational situation at the front, the interaction between units, the troops' ability to carry out combat tasks, and the level of material and technical support.

Zelenskiy talked with commanders about several issues, including the growing need for drones and anti-drone equipment, insufficient staffing, and the lack of certain types of ammunition.

He posted a video of himself on social media meeting commanders and soldiers in an unnamed location in the Donetsk region, which has faced some of the fiercest fighting since Russia invaded last year.

The president and the commanders discussed the creation of an auxiliary brigade support system, which would take over managerial functions, freeing up commanders' time to focus on combat. The meetings also discussed ways to increase the motivation of soldiers, the press service said.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian military said earlier that its troops had successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the area north of Klishchiyivka, near Bakhmut, while the offensive in the Zaporizhzhya region continues.

Zelenskiy also visited stabilization points where medical aid is provided to soldiers who have been wounded and injured in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhya areas.

Zelenskiy announced on September 3 that he had made the decision to switch defense ministers to bring in "new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole" after 550 days of war with Russia.

Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov on September 4 submitted his resignation, paving the way for Rustem Umerov, a Ukrainian politician of Crimean Tatar origin, to take his place.

Umerov, 41, who is a deputy of the Holos (Voice) party, was appointed last year to head the country's State Property Fund.

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-soldiers-issues- raised-zelenskiy-reznikov/32578874.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Finnish Arms Manufacturer Mulls Partly Relocating Production to Ukraine - Report

Sputnik News

20230905

Oleg Burunov

Finland has already sent military assistance to Ukraine worth almost $1.4 billion since the start of the Russian special operation. Moscow has repeatedly warned that such assistance will add to prolonging the Ukraine conflict.

Finnish armored vehicle manufacturer Patria Group is considering accepting proposals to set up part of its production in Ukraine, a global defense news outlet has reported.

Commenting on the matter, an unnamed Finnish Defense Ministry official neither confirmed nor denied the news.

"In general, we know Ukraine to be interested in Finnish defense industry products and that discussions to promote bilateral materiel cooperation have taken place between administrations and companies. Commercial export licenses have been applied for, and the defense administration has accelerated the procedure to deal with them," the official added.

Patria Group also kept mum on the issue, only saying that the company could not comment on ongoing discussions.

The reported developments unfold amid Finland's drive to continue delivering military supplies to Ukraine as Russia furthers its special military operation.

In late August, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto approved his country's 18th package to Ukraine worth about a94 million ($101.5 million), bringing the total amount of Helsinki's backing to the country to nearly a1.3 billion (almost $1.4 billion).

This was preceded by the Finnish Defense Ministry pledging that it will provide Ukraine with more military assistance, including three Leopard 2 armored mine-clearing vehicles, bringing the total number to six.

The US and its allies in NATO, of which Finland has been a member since April 2023, ramped up their military assistance to Kiev shortly after Russia launched its special military operation.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that NATO countries "play with fire" by supplying arms to Kiev, which the Kremlin said adds to further prolonging the Ukraine conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, for his part, underscored that any cargo with weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian forces.

Media reports about Patria Group's plans to start producing weapons in Ukraine come amid Kiev's bungled counteroffensive, described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "failure" for Ukrainian forces rather than a stalemate.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine Fails to Achieve Its Goals in Three Months of Counteroffensive - Shoigu

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported on the progress of special military operation and shared his opinion on so-called Ukrainian counteroffensive.

The Ukrainian armed forces have failed to achieve any of their goals in three months of counteroffensive, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday.

"The Kiev regime, despite their huge losses, has been trying to conduct the so-called counter-offensive for the third month already. The armed forces of Ukraine did not achieve their goals on any part of the front line," the minister told senior defense officials, adding that the Russian troops are active "along the entire line of contact."

Shoigu added that Kiev is "desperately trying to demonstrate" at least some military success to the West to keep receiving their military and economic support.

"In an attempt to hide the failure of the offensive, Ukrainian militants attack civilian targets and pass them off as military victories," the minister said.

Ukrainian Losses Since June

Ukrainian troops have lost more than 66,000 military and 7,600 weapons since the beginning of the counteroffensive, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

"Since the beginning of the so-called offensive, enemy losses have exceeded 66,000 people and 7,600 weapons," Shoigu told at a meeting with senior defense officials.

Additionally, Russian air defense systems have shot down 159 HIMARS rockets, over 1,000 unmanned aerial vehicles and 13 cruise missiles over the past month, the minister said.

"The Russian armed forces continue to destroy the military infrastructure of Ukraine with precision strikes. Over the past month alone, 34 command posts of the Ukrainian armed forces ... were hit," Shoigu added.

The defense chief stressed that the Ukrainian armed forces have suffered significant losses in the Zaporozhye area.

The situation on the Zaporozhye front is the most tense, the minister said, adding that the Ukrainian armed forces brought brigades into battle from their strategic reserve, whose personnel were trained under the guidance of Western instructors.

"Thanks to the selfless actions of [Russian] soldiers ... significant damage was done to Ukrainian units," Shoigu told at a meeting with senior defense officials, speaking about the Zaporozhye direction.

Strategic Bombers for Russian Armed Forces

The Russian military will receive four new Tu-160M strategic bombers and six modernized Il-76 military transport aircrafts this year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

"This year, the armed forces should receive six Il-76MD-90A and four Tu-160M," Shoigu told senior defense officials.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Air Defense Systems Down Ukrainian Drone Over Crimea

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems have shot down a Ukrainian aircraft-type drone over Crimea, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"On the morning of September 5, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by an aircraft-type UAV on objects on the territory of Russia was thwarted. The unmanned aerial vehicle was destroyed over the territory of the Republic of Crimea by air defense on duty," the ministry said in a statement.

Ukrainian troops resorted to drone warfare in last several months after loss of several strategic locations and growing number of casualties. Military experts stress that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia pursue no meaningful military goal apart from boosting morale among Ukrainians.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Air Defense Destroys Drones in Kaluga, Moscow Regions - Moscow Mayor

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense forces destroyed drones in the Kaluga and Moscow regions that were trying to attack Moscow overnight, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday.

"Today at night, air defense forces destroyed drones in the Kaluga Region and in the Istra district [in the Moscow Region] that were trying to commit an attack on Moscow. There were no damage or casualties on the crash site of debris, according to preliminary data. Emergency services are working on the site," Sobyanin wrote on Telegram.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian forces thwarted Ukraine's attempt to commit a terrorist attack using a drone on the Russian territory overnight, with the drone destroyed over the Kaluga Region.

The ministry later stated that the air defense had also destroyed a Ukrainian drone in the Moscow Region.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukrainian Foreign Minister Says Kiev Won't Make Concessions on Black Sea Grain Initiative

Sputnik News

20230905

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine will not make any concessions on the Black Sea Grain Initiative and take into account Russia's position so as to resume the deal, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said, commenting on recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Earlier in the day, Erdogan said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin that he considers Moscow's expectations on the grain initiative to be "fair," while expressing hope that the new package of proposals on the grain deal could contribute to its revival.

"Our position is fair. We should not be held hostage to Russia's blackmailing further on when Russia creates problems and then invites all of them to solve these problems," Kuleba was quoted by a Ukrainian news outlet as saying.

Ukrainian diplomats held talks with Turkish officials before Erdogan's meeting with Putin in the Russian city of Sochi and made their position on the issue "clear," the Ukrainian minister added.

On July 18, the Turkiye- and UN-mediated Black Sea Grain Initiative, or the grain deal, which provided for a humanitarian corridor to allow exports of Ukrainian grain over the past year, expired, as Russia did not renew its participation in the deal. Moscow said that the deal's component on facilitating Russian grain and fertilizer exports had not been fulfilled.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Andriy Yermak delivered a video address on the occasion of the opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition in Berlin

President of Ukraine

5 September 2023 - 21:25

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak addressed the visitors of the Russian War Crimes exhibition, opened on September 4 at the Humboldt University of Berlin, in a video format.

The project showcases photographs taken across Ukraine since February 24, 2022, the day the full-scale Russian invasion began. The exhibition will run until September 16.

In his video message, Andriy Yermak once again emphasized the importance of adhering to the Peace Formula proposed by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and bringing Russia to justice for war crimes.

"Since February 2022, 136,000 crimes have been committed against Ukraine as a result of Russia's full-scale aggression. According to our data, approximately 11 thousand civilians have been killed during this time, 497 of whom are children. Another 20 thousand children were abducted and taken to Russia. These figures are not final, and the list of crimes is far from exhaustive. We demand justice for every tortured and killed Ukrainian, for every destroyed home, for every tear shed by a Ukrainian child," the Head of the Presidential Office noted.

The official opening of the Russian War Crimes exhibition was also attended by Vice President of the Bundestag Katrin GAring-Eckardt, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Germany Oleksii Makeiev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and former Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger, and Director of the Institute for International Peace and Security Law at the University of Cologne Claus KreAY.

Katrin GAring-Eckardt noted that the Russian War Crimes exhibition presents photographic evidence of Russian atrocities in Ukraine, which victimized innocent people.

"The exhibition clearly demonstrates the massive scale of the horrific acts committed and is a reminder to those of us in politically responsible positions around the world that these crimes must be punished. Russia and Putin must be held accountable," said Katrin GAring-Eckardt.

The exhibition was organized by the PinchukArtCentre in partnership with the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Bundestag.

It was first exhibited in the former Russian House in Davos during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum 2022. Later, the project was shown in London, Brussels, New York, Munich, Vilnius, and Bratislava.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






President of Ukraine paid a visit to the brigades engaged in offensive operations in the Bakhmut sector

President of Ukraine

5 September 2023 - 13:31

During a working trip to Donetsk region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy paid a visit to combat brigades engaged in offensive operations in the Bakhmut sector.

In particular, the Head of State visited the location of the 93rd separate mechanized brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", 28th separate mechanized brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign and 92nd separate mechanized brigade named after Kish Otaman Ivan Sirko.

The President met with Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Commander of the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops Oleksandr Syrskyi and heard reports on the operational situation in the area of responsibility of the Lyman and Soledar operational and tactical groups.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed in detail with the combatants the problematic issues and needs of the units. In particular, they discussed the provision of artillery shells, missiles for the frontline air defense systems, evacuation vehicles and electronic warfare equipment.

For courage and selflessness in the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the Head of State awarded the warriors of the Khortytsia operational and strategic group of troops with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the I-III degrees, "For Courage" of the II-III degrees and the Orders of Princess Olga.

"I am honored to be here today and thank you from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the entire Ukrainian people, for your strength, for defending our country and our borders. For your lives, which you, together with your brothers-in-arms, give for every inch of our native independent land. I am grateful for every day. I wish you health and victory. Warm greetings to your family and friends. I bow to your parents who raised such true Ukrainians as you. Glory to Ukraine!" Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the award ceremony.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin Declines to Renew Black Sea Grain Initiative

By Rob Garver September 05, 2023

Talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ended without an agreement to restart a deal under which Russia provided safe passage to ships moving grain across the Black Sea, including ships leaving from Ukrainian ports.

The deal, struck last year, was meant to safeguard the supply of agricultural commodities from Ukraine and Russia to global markets, where they account for a large percentage of the supply of wheat, corn, sunflower oil and other staple foods. Russia is waging war against Ukraine, including attacks on its Black Sea ports, making the region hazardous for shipping.

While it was in place, starting in July 2022, the deal allowed more than 1,000 vessels carrying 32.9 million metric tons of grain to transit the Black Sea safely. Russia announced this July that it would not renew the arrangement, causing an immediate halt to grain shipments.

Cutting off shipments from Ukraine threatens to worsen a global food crisis that has seen the price of staple foodstuffs soar, making it difficult for people in many developing countries to feed themselves, and straining the aid budgets of global relief agencies.

Putin's demands

Speaking at a press conference in the Russian city of Sochi, where he and Erdogan met on Monday, Putin said Russia would only return to the deal if the West fulfilled what he said were its obligations under the agreement, including a promise to lift any sanctions on the export of Russian food and fertilizers. He said that sanctions remain in place that are keeping Russian agricultural exports from making it to global markets.

The large number of economic penalties imposed on Russia by Western countries because of its invasion of Ukraine do not include sanctions on food and fertilizer exports. However, other sanctions, including the severing of Russian banks from the global payments system and a refusal to allow Western companies to insure Russian ships, have sharply curtailed grain exports.

Putin has described this situation as a Western violation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"We are not against this deal. We are ready to immediately return to it as soon as the promises made to us are fulfilled. That's all," Putin said. "So far, no obligations toward Russia have been fulfilled."

The U.S. and other Western countries deny Putin's claim that they have failed to live up to the terms of the deal. When Russia announced its decision to back out in July, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement that read, in part, "Despite Russia's claims, the U.N. has facilitated record Russian exports of food, coordinating with the private sector and with the U.S., E.U., and U.K. to clarify any concerns raised by Russia. As we have consistently made clear, no G7 sanctions are in place on Russian food and fertilizer exports. Russia unfortunately does not contribute to the World Food Program, and its exports focus on higher income countries, not the world's poorest."

Erdogan optimistic

Erdogan, who helped broker the original deal in 2022, said he still believes it is possible to restart the agreement.

"We believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time," he told reporters at the news conference on Monday.

The Turkish leader also called on Ukraine to moderate its approach to the agreement.

"Ukraine needs to especially soften its approaches in order for it to be possible for joint steps to be taken with Russia," Erdogan said.

He did not specify the kind of changes in Ukraine's approach he was recommending.

Also on Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed Erdogan's comments, saying that Kyiv is willing to talk but would not bow to what he described as Russian blackmail.

He told reporters that if Ukraine makes concessions to Russia now, the Kremlin will only demand further concessions in the future.

Argument over impact

Both Russia and the Western countries demanding a restart of the grain deal use data from the U.N.-affiliated Black Sea Grain Initiative-Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul to support their version of the deal's importance.

Russian officials dispute Western claims that Putin is weaponizing food and disproportionately affecting poor countries, arguing that the United Nations' own data shows that 80% of grain exports that shipped while the deal was in place went to the world's high-income and upper-middle-income nations. Western officials point to data from the same source, showing that 57% of the grain went to developing countries.

The discrepancy is largely explained by the fact that the U.N. classifies China as both a developing nation and an upper-middle-income nation. Grain shipments to China accounted for 24% of the shipments allowed under the deal.

Relief agencies clear

Among aid organizations around the world, there is little dispute that the impact of the suspension of the deal will be extremely negative for the global poor, both by pushing prices paid by end-consumers higher in the near term and by reducing supply in the longer term.

An analysis by the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, published after Russia withdrew from the deal, warned that in addition to making existing grain more expensive to ship and thus more costly for global consumers, the high transportation costs will reduce farmers' income, making them likely to plant less grain in the future.

"The reduced production also poses risks for global markets. With global grain stocks at low levels and little rebuilding this current year, prices will remain volatile and responsive to potential production shortfalls," the group found. "Thus, a diminished Ukraine leaves a smaller buffer if major global producers fall short."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ERLANGER, Ky., Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Who: More than 100 Marines, veterans, Gold Star families and charity supporters will honor the 201 members of the Marine Recon and Raider communities who died in the line of duty since 9/11. Participants include Jessica Jenson, widow of Sgt. Chad Jenson, a Raider who was killed in a training accident in 2017, and Mary Strong, the mother of Sgt. Charles Strong, a Raider who was killed in Afghanistan in 2014.

What: The Recon Raider Remembrance Ride will honor the fallen of some of the Marine Corps most elite operators and unite the community. The convoy-style operation, organized by Asymmetric Solutions, will generate awareness of the sacrifices made by silent warriors, connect participants with resources and raise funds to support DAV (Disabled American Veterans); the Marine Raider Foundation and Marine Reconnaissance Foundation.

When: The ride is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. It will conclude with closing ceremonies at around 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Where: On Saturday, riders will depart from the New River Harley Davidson in North Carolina. Riders will participate in the NC Freedom Fest event in Goldsboro en route to the Quantico Cemetery, where riders will make a special trip to the gravesite of Sgt. Charles Strong at approximately 6 p.m. Riders will head from there to the National Museum of the Marine Corps before concluding that days events at Locust Shade Park.

On Sunday, riders will journey to Arlington, Virginia, where, at approximately 9:45 a.m., they will be escorted from the Seminary Road exit alongside Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps War Memorial before departing the capitol region to return to The Eagles Dare in Wilmington, N.C. for closing ceremonies. Gold Star families have been invited to participate in events in and around Wrightsville Beach, N.C., while the ride takes place.

Reporters who wish to capture video or stills of the convoy in Arlington on Sunday are encouraged to park on the west side of the war memorials monument.

Donations to beneficiary charities are encouraged and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Interviews may be scheduled via Zoom along the route or coordinated during stops. For route information or to track the ride, visit reconraideremembrance.org or contact either Rob Lewis or Dan Clare.

About Asymmetric Solutions

Asymmetric Solutions provides experienced, customer-focused operational services that directly contribute to increasing the survivability of those who put themselves in harms way on behalf of others. It provides training to the military and law enforcement communities and civilian security professionals. It also provides research and development, disaster relief and procurement services in addition to protective services, private policing and intelligence support. Learn more at assymetricsolutionsusa.com.

About DAV

DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to Americas veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of Americas injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at DAV.org.

About the Marine Raider Foundation

The Marine Raider Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides benevolent support to active-duty and medically retired Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raiders and their families, WWII Marine Raiders, as well as the families of MARSOC Raiders who have lost their lives in service to our Nation. The Marine Raider Foundation aims to meet needs unmet by the government with an emphasis on building personal and family resiliency and supporting the full reintegration of MARSOC Raiders following wounds, injuries, and extended deployments through four main program areas: Raider Support, Family Resiliency, Tragedy Assistance and Survivor Support, and Raider Legacy Projects. Learn more at MarineRaiderFoundation.org.

About the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF)

The Marine Reconnaissance Foundation (MRF) is committed to serving the Marine Reconnaissance Community by providing support to active-duty, retired and former teammates via reoccurring annual and emergency support programs for Reconnaissance Marines, and Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen (SARC) deployed and our families. Learn more at ReconFoundation.org.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 19, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Shift4 Payments, Inc. (NYSE: FOUR), if they purchased the Companys securities between November 10, 2021 and April 18, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Shift4 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 (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-four/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 19, 2023 .

About the Lawsuit

Shift4 and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On April 19, 2023, Blue Orca Capital reported that Shift4 [is], in reality, a roll-up of low-tech POS systems and payment processors which is substantially less profitable, generates far less cash, and is materially more levered than investors are led to believe, and that in 2022, the Company engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyper-aggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat, from cash flow manipulation to inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS [cost of goods sold].

On this news, shares of Shift4 fell $5.95 per share, or 8.68%, to close at $62.59 per share on April 19, 2023.

The case is O'Meara v. Shift4 Payments, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-03206.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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 http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 960

New Orleans, LA 70163
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until September 11, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), if they purchased the Companys securities between May 12, 2022 and February 8, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Baxter 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 (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-bax/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by September 11, 2023 .

About the Lawsuit

Baxter and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On February 9, 2023, pre-market, the Company announced its Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2002 earnings results, disclosing that, despite its prior assurances, the problems with its supply chain and the resulting effect on its operations was not under control, that it did not meet its earnings guidance for the year, and that earnings guidance going forward would have to be lowered for the first quarter of 2023.

On this news, shares of Baxter fell from $45.68 per share to $41.01 per share, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The case is Kelley v. Baxter International, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04497.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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 http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 2, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), if they purchased the Companys securities between February 8, 2021 and July 25, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of RTX 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 (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-rtx/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 2, 2023 .

About the Lawsuit

RTX and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Companys Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine that powers hundreds of aircraft across many airlines had been affected by a quality control issue from at least 2015-2020; (ii) the quality control issue would require the Company to recall and reinspect many of its GTF airplanes, affecting customers and harming its business; and (iii) as a result, RTXs statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

The case is Peneycad v. RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation, et al., No. 23-cv-01035.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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 http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 960

New Orleans, LA 70163
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until October 23, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE: HE), if they purchased the Companys securities between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.



What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Hawaiian Electric 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 (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-he/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by October 23, 2023 .

About the Lawsuit

Hawaiian Electric and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Companys wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (ii) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Companys inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (iii) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

The case is Bhangal v. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04332.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nations 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 http://ksfcounsel.com/.

Contact:
Rockville, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This latest study by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, pegs the global Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Market at US$ 3.75 billion in 2023, which is projected to reach US$ 6.11 billion by 2033.



Laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is a versatile and innovative processed wood product used in the construction sector. It is created by bonding thin layers of wood veneers together with adhesives, resulting in a strong and durable material that offers several advantages over traditional lumber. LVL is known for its consistent quality, high strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to warping and splitting. Its widespread use in various structural and architectural applications is leading to its significant presence in the global construction and woodworking industries.

For More Insights into the Market, Request a Sample of this Report:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1613

Key Segments of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Market Research Report

By Product Type By Application By End-use Industry Cross Bended LVL

Laminated Strand Lumber Headers

Beams

Rim Boards

Truck-bed Decking Construction

Automotive

Marine

Manufacturing Industries



Rapid urbanization and a growing number of infrastructural projects across the globe are driving the demand for robust and reliable construction materials. LVL's consistent performance and versatility are making it a preferred choice for beams, columns, headers, and other load-bearing applications. With growing environmental concerns, the construction industry is increasingly seeking sustainable and eco-friendly materials. LVL efficiently aligns with this trend due to its efficient use and reduced environmental impacts compared to solid lumber.

The trend towards prefabrication and modular construction methods also favours the use of structural wood products such as laminated veneer lumber. Its consistent dimensions and structural integrity is making it well-suited for off-site manufacturing and quick assembly on-site. Leading laminated veneer lumber companies are continuously focusing on the innovation and improvement of the manufacturing processes of LVL, leading to enhanced product quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

Global demand for laminated veneer lumber is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2033.

Sales of LVL products are increasing rapidly in North America due to robust construction activities and growing emphasis on sustainable building materials.

Stringent regulations on sustainable construction and a shift towards innovative architectural designs are driving the demand for laminated veneer lumber products in Europe.

China's construction boom and Japan's inclination towards earthquake-resistant structures are increasing the adoption of laminated veneer lumber products in these countries.

Use of laminated veneer lumber due to its sustainable nature aids in reducing deforestation and carbon footprint, says a Fact.MR analyst.

Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023  2033 Value Projection (2033) US$ 6.11 Billion Growth Rate (2023-2033) 5 % CAGR No. of Pages 170 pages No. of Tables 84 Tables No. of Figures 112 Figures



Winning Strategy

Leading manufacturers of laminated veneer lumber are focusing on enhancing their market share and differentiating themselves by offering superior products and services. Building strong relationships with architects, builders, and contractors is enabling key players to influence the specifications of LVL in construction projects. These partnerships result in high LVL usage and brand visibility.

In February 2021, West Fraser, a prominent wood products corporation operating facilities in Western Canada and the Southern United States, completed the acquisition of Norbord Inc. West Fraser's diverse product portfolio includes medium-density fiberboard, laminated veneer lumber, plywood, wood chips, and more.



Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions:

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=1613

Competitive Landscape

Prominent LVL manufacturers are actively broadening their market presence by entering previously untapped geographical regions and venturing into emerging markets experiencing heightened construction demands. This strategic expansion allows them to capitalize on the growing global adoption of LVL in construction applications.

Many leading suppliers of laminated veneer lumber are also prioritizing sustainability initiatives to cater to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials. By advocating for responsibly sourced wood and highlighting the eco-friendly attributes of LVL, they are successfully attracting environmentally conscious consumers and gaining a competitive advantage.

A notable development occurred in December 2022 when Boise Cascade successfully completed the acquisition of 45 acres of land in Walterboro, South Carolina, and an additional 34-acre parcel in Hondo, Texas. This strategic move expanded their distribution facilities into two previously untapped local markets, showcasing their commitment to market expansion and growth.



Key Companies Profiled

Weyerhaeuser Company, Sunrise Plywood, MJB Wood Group, Modern Lumber Technology Ltd., Boise Cascade, Roseburg Forest Products, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation., A&M Flooring, ALAMCO Wood Products, LLC, D.R. Johnson Wood Innovations, Eagle Plywood Specialties, FraserWood Industries Ltd., Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC, Hardel Mutual Plywood Corporation, Havwoods, Huber Engineered Woods LLC, Natron Wood Products, Nordic Homeworx LLC, Pacific Woodtech Corporation, Patrick Industries, Inc., Plywood Co., Ltd, Scotch Plywood Company, Inc., Sound Wood Products, Inc.

More Valuable Insights on Offer

Fact.MR, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global laminated veneer lumber (LVL) market, presenting historical demand data (2018 to 2022) and forecast statistics for the period (2023 to 2033).

The study divulges essential insights into the market based on product type (cross bended LVL, laminated strand lumber), application (headers, beams, rim boards, truck-bed decking), and end-use industry (construction, automotive, marine, manufacturing industries), across five major regions of the world (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA).

Checkout More Related Studies Published by Fact.MR Research:

Vinyl Windows Market: As per this detailed Fact.MR industry analysis, the global vinyl windows market is valued at US$ 190 million in 2023 and is predicted to reach a size of US$ 290 million by 2033-end. Worldwide sales of vinyl windows are projected to increase steadily at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2033.

Window Blinds Market: A research report by Fact.MR reveals that the global window blinds market was valued at US$ 2.74 billion in 2022. Worldwide demand for window blinds is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% and reach a valuation of US$ 4.45 billion by the end of 2033.

Gable Top Container Market: Worldwide sales of gable top containers are estimated at US$ 3.3 billion in 2023 and are expected to reach US$ 4.52 billion by the end of 2033. Fact.MR predicts the global gable top containers market to rise at 3.2% CAGR over the next ten years.

About Us:

Fact.MR is a distinguished market research company renowned for its comprehensive market reports and invaluable business insights. As a prominent player in business intelligence, we deliver deep analysis, uncovering market trends, growth paths, and competitive landscapes. Renowned for its commitment to accuracy and reliability, we empower businesses with crucial data and strategic recommendations, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing market positioning. With its unwavering dedication to providing reliable market intelligence, FACT.MR continues to assist companies in navigating dynamic market challenges with confidence and achieving long-term success. With a global presence and a team of experienced analysts, FACT.MR ensures its clients receive actionable insights to capitalize on emerging opportunities and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Pune, India, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The European hair care products and styling tools market size was valued at USD 2.45 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a valuation of USD 2.55 billion in 2023. The market is expected to reach USD 3.40 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.17% during the forecast period. Hairdressers/hair salons play a key role in selling styling tools. In recent times, there has been a trend of applying coconut oil, shea butter, and tea tree oils in hair care products across the region which is set to drive market growth. Fortune Business Insights shares this information in its report titled European Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market, 2023-2030.





Get a Sample Research PDF:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/europe-hair-care-products-and-styling-tools-market-106596





Key Industry Development

April 2023- Dreame Technology introduced a new hair dryer called Hair Glory, which has negative ion tech, powerful airflow, temperature control, and a compact build. The product was launched in Southwest Europe, including Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.

Leading Key Players Profiled in the Europe Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Research Report are:

Procter & Gamble (U.S.)

LOreal S.A (France)

Wahl Clipper Corporation (U.S.)

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

Jemella Ltd (U.K.)

Codibel n.v/s.a (Belgium)

Davines S.p.A. (Italy)

Revlon Inc. (U.S.)

KIEPE s.r.l (Italy)





Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:



https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/europe-hair-care-products-and-styling-tools-market-106596





Report Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players.





Drivers and Restraints

Rising Popularity for Food-based Ingredients in Hair Care Products to Drive Market Trajectory

Rising popularity for food-based ingredients in hair care products is expected to drive the Europe hair care products and styling tools market growth. With the demand for hair care products & styling tools, which are more sustainable/organic than conventional products, haircare category has witnessed growth in ethical, free from, and environmental claims. Rising demand for natural cosmetics drives high usage of shea butter in Europe.

However, dominance of mass market and online retailers is anticipated to hinder the product distribution through hairdressers/hair salons, which is set to hamper the market growth.





COVID-19 Impact:

Consumer Behavior Changed and it Negatively Impacted the Market Growth

With hair salon profession requiring physical touch, European countries temporarily closed hair salons due to the impact of pandemic. The home isolation trend led to a number of Europeans attempting to color and condition their hair from the comfort of their homes, most notably throughout 2020. Therefore, consumer behavior changed and it negatively impacted the market growth.





Segmentation

Hair Care Products Led Due to High Demand Among Millennials in Europe

On the basis of product, the market is segmented into hair care products (shampoos, colorants, hair treatment products, hair growth products, and others) and hair styling tools (hair dryers, hair irons/hair stylers (including hair curlers), hair clippers/trimmers, hair shavers, and others). The hair care products segment led the market in 2022 as hair straightening, perming, and coloring are popular among millennials in Europe.

Women to Lead Due to Preference for Youthful Appearance Among Men and Women

Based on end user, the market is segmented into men and women. The women segment accounted for the majority part as traditionally, companies have marketed their products to female consumers. Preference for youthful appearance among men and women is set to encourage hair care products & hair styling tools manufacturers to develop specific products for these consumer groups in the coming years.

The market is studied across European countries such as the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and the Rest of Europe.





Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 4.17% 2030 Value Projection USD 3.40 Billion Market Size in 2022 USD 2.45 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 111 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Product

By End User

By Country Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Europe Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Growth Drivers Rising Popularity of Food-based Ingredients in Hair Care Products to Accelerate Market Growth Increasing Number of Hairdressers and Beauty Salons across Europe to Promote Market Growth





Get a Quote Now:



https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/europe-hair-care-products-and-styling-tools-market-106596





Country Insights

Germany Dominated the Regional Market as it is the Major Importer of Raw Materials

Germany dominated the Europe hair care products & styling tools market share, valuing at USD 444.69 million in 2022. Germany is one of the major importers of raw materials for cosmetics, including hair care products.

Increasing demand for luxury hair care products & styling tools in Italy is likely to emerge as one of the major factors for the market growth.

The U.K. witnessed strong growth with the highest CAGR due to rising consumer demand for organic beauty products.





Competitive Landscape

Hair Dryers, Hairbrushes, Hair Colorants, Hair Straighteners, and Other Hair Styling Products/Accessories by Market Players to Drive Competition

With the expanding population, environmentally concerned consumers have been choosing eco-friendly hair salons popular across European countries. The market has new brands with popular green salons in Europe such as Blue Tit (England), Christophe-Nicolas Biot (France), Green & Co (England), Alchemy Salon (Scotland), Gronn (England), Marie Therese (Denmark), and Tarik.D Hairdressing (Germany). Market players have been offering a wide variety of hair dryers, hairbrushes, hair colorants, hair straighteners, and other hair styling products/accessories to professional hairdressers using professional distribution channels.





Detailed Table of Contents:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Overview of the Parent Market Supply Chain Analysis Industry SWOT Analysis Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges amidst Pandemic Potential Opportunities due to this Global Crisis

Europe Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Shampoos Colorants Hair Treatment Products Hair Growth Products Others Hair Styling Tools Hair Dryers Hair Irons/ Hair Stylers Hair Clippers/ Trimmers Hair Shavers Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By End User Men Women Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country Germany U.K France Italy Rest of Europe Germany Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Hair Styling Tools U.K Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Hair Styling Tools France Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Hair Styling Tools Italy Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Hair Styling Tools Rest of Europe Hair Care Products and Styling Tools Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Hair Care Products Hair Styling Tools



TOC Continued...!





Speak to Our Expert:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/europe-hair-care-products-and-styling-tools-market-106596





Read Related Insights:



Hair Care Market to Worth USD 147.49 Billion by 2030 | With a Striking 5.8% CAGR

Cosmetics Market to Hit USD 417.24 Billion by 2030 | With a CAGR of 4.2%

Anti-aging Cosmetics Market Assessment (2019-2026) | 5.8% CAGR to Garner USD 60.26 Billion by 2026





About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner,

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Attachment
The Company describes the market research performed by the Florida International University (FIU) tech team



SANTA BARBARA, CA, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Locations, Inc. (OTCMKTS:DLOC), the developer of a disruptive technology that will deliver high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones all over the world, today announced the results of the competitive analysis performed by the Florida International University (FIU) tech team.

To better understand the strengths and weaknesses of potential competitors, the FIU tech team undertook an in-depth study of commercially available direct phone to satellite technologies. The results have helped the tech team establish a baseline for performance and system parameters for future systems. The outcome of this study has also helped the tech team identify the specific sub-6 GHz bands and the mmWave bands that will be adopted in its development efforts.

Finally, and of great importance, the market study results assure the FIU tech team that its planned development path is designed to attack real world problems and that it can be reasonably sure there is a market for its proposed technology.

Highlights from the study include:

There are many satellite connectivity providers available in the market, but in all cases, a dedicated device is a requirement.

In many cases, only SOS service or text messaging is the only available service.

Elon Musks Starlink can provide high-speed internet using a bulky dish, modem, and AC power supply.

Hence, direct satellite to mobile using a modified or unmodified smartphone is the best option.

Many groups are working towards Satellite to Smartphone Technology. However, none appear to be close to delivering high-speed Internet.



This study performed by the FIU tech team confirms our original thesis, said Rich Berliner, CEO of Digital Locations. When we started, we were convinced that no one has yet been able to solve the technical challenges of delivering high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones on a worldwide basis. Now, we are even more certain that is the case. Also, we are confident that the FIU tech team is well positioned to find success.



About Digital Locations, Inc.

Digital Locations, Inc., is the developer of a disruptive technology that will deliver high-speed Internet from satellites directly to smartphones all over the world. Today, high-speed Internet (also known as broadband Internet) is only available in densely populated areas around the world. The rest of the world is still waiting. Elon Musk (SpaceX), Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin) and others are launching thousands of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Unfortunately, without the use of additional equipment, the technology does not yet exist that will allow these satellites to deliver high-speed Internet directly to smartphones. Solving this problem represents an extraordinary business opportunity. Working with a research team from Florida International University, we are developing a truly disruptive technology that will finally make it possible for the wireless industry to offer high-speed Internet service from satellites directly to smartphones anywhere in the world, indoors and outdoors with no dead zones and no cell towers. Anyone, anywhere, regardless of location, economic status, race or gender will be able to access high-speed Internet service and benefit from remote learning, health care, government services, telework, participation in public affairs and even Netflix, Amazon and much, much more.

To learn more about Digital Locations please visit www.digitallocations.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our 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 our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

Press Contact:

communications@digitallocations.com

(805) 456-7000
LEHI, Utah, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DeepPower, Inc., the developer of a breakthrough geothermal drilling technology to access the Earths unlimited source of clean energy, today announced that in a recent Company podcast CEO Andrew Van Noy spoke with drilling technology expert Malcolm Ross about advances in geothermal drilling and the benefit of using closed-loop technology.



During the conversation, Mr. Ross explained, Closed-loop was the breakthrough technology in geothermal. While a lot of effort has been put into EGS and it has been around for a while, closed-loop technology has more opportunities.

Closed-loop geothermal is an encapsulated system within which a proprietary working fluid is contained and circulated in a closed-loop to harvest heat from deep in the earth to be used for commercial applications, such as generating electricity.

An enhanced geothermal system (EGS) is an advanced geothermal process that involves drilling deep wells underground in hot dry rock, creating fractures to develop reservoirs, and then circulating water through the wells and reservoirs to heat the water using that underground heat.

Mr. Ross continued, Shell had deliberately chosen not to pursue geothermal in their new energy business because of the limited geographical extent. They had calculated that 9% of the earth was going to be suitable for geothermal  traditional even EGS based geothermal was too geographically restricted. So, to me, the breakthrough was closed-loops, and geothermal anywhere could spread to 80-90% of the earth.

Another big element of it is temperature, said Mr. Ross. It's a non-linear relationship between the temperature and how much energy you can get. So, getting a little bit hotter is a lot better. So that is crucial to make a big impact on the energy system; getting to these higher temperatures.

Malcolm Ross is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in various roles within the energy industry. Currently, Mr. Ross serves as a Black Swan Detector at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been part-time since October 2020. Moreover, for the past ten years, Mr. Ross has been an Adjunct Faculty and Lecturer at Rice University. With over 13 years of experience at Shell and various academic institutions, Mr. Ross has made significant contributions to the field. At Shell, He served as a Black Swan Detector finding new and breakthrough technologies and Research Scientist, driving innovation in renewable energy and offering expertise in geothermal energy. He contributed to strategic projects and played a key role in enhancing understanding of basin formation and evolution. His career has been marked by his expertise in detecting risks, fostering innovation, advising startups, and driving strategic growth in the energy sector.

This podcast can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHfiinBvn8g

About DeepPower, Inc.

Deep Power is developing a breakthrough drilling technology to access Earths unlimited source of green geothermal energy. The Earths molten core is as hot as the Sun and, harnessing just 0.1% of that heat energy can power humanity for 2 million years. Previous generations of drilling technology cannot go deep enough to make geothermal cost-effective. We are developing a suite of advanced low-cost, high-temperature and high-pressure drilling systems to boldly go where no humans have gone before. The deeper we go the more energy we can unleash. Unlike large area solar and wind farms, a 9-inch hole by 5 miles deep can produce the same amount of power as 320 acres of solar panels. Like a power plug into the Earth, we aim to provide every city, state, and country direct and independent access to this holy grail source of eternal green energy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our 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 our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, which may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

Press Contact:

1 (800) 347-0589
Jersey City, NJ, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Agriculture Reinsurance Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Managed Crop Hail Insurance, Livestock Insurance, Bloodstock Insurance, Multi-Peril Crop Insurance, and Forestry Insurance), Region, Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031"

The global Agriculture Reinsurance Market is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.82% during the forecast period.

Agriculture reinsurance is a type of insurance that covers agricultural losses caused by natural disasters like droughts, floods, hurricanes, and other weather-related occurrences. This sort of insurance is specifically designed to safeguard farmers and agricultural-related enterprises from unexpected financial losses caused by unexpected weather patterns. Natural disasters, government support for agricultural activities, and technological improvements are some of the factors driving growth in the global agriculture reinsurance market. With the technological revolution, old concerns can be met with modern solutions.





Free PDF Report Brochure @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1961





The use of satellite photos enables efficient loss assessments in agro (re)insurance, and a detailed image of the damages by satellite can assess its exposure in real-time, allowing for a better understanding of the possible risk. In addition, technology helps to reduce knowledge asymmetry between (re)insurers and the insured. As a result, technological developments increase demand for farm reinsurance.



Recent Developments:

In Feb 2020, SCOR acquires AgroBrasil Administraco e Participaces Ltda ("AgroBrasil"). The AgroBrasil acquisition provides SCOR with access to a growing and profitable market for its P&C reinsurance and speciality insurance activities, as well as strengthens SCOR's agricultural expertise, allowing for greater knowledge-sharing, better client service, and additional business opportunities across SCOR's P&C global platform.

List of Prominent Players in the Agriculture Reinsurance Market:

Munich Re

Swiss Re

Hannover Re

PartnerRe

SCOR Re

Everest Re

Polish Re

Hamilton Re

Sompo International

Toa Re

Agriculture Reinsurance Market Report Scope:

Report Attribute Specifications Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 10.82 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Disease Type, By Treatment, By End-User Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia





Get Specific Chapter/Information from the Report @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1961





Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The growing requirement for a substitute for shareholder money to meet the vast demand is likely to drive market demand. Reinsurers reduce harm, provide capital to the real economy, and mitigate risk. Furthermore, substantial government assistance in numerous nations throughout the world is encouraging market growth. The Indian government, for example, is dedicated to sponsoring reinsurance schemes due to the lucrative social and economic benefits of a vibrant crop insurance market.

Challenges:

Agricultural markets can be volatile, with commodity price swings impacting the risk profile of farmers and agribusinesses. Reinsurance businesses must efficiently control their exposures to market risks. Furthermore, the agriculture reinsurance market is increasingly reliant on new technology and data analytics to analyze and manage risks. Integrating new technologies with current systems can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive operation.

Regional Trends:

The North America Agriculture Reinsurance Market is expected to register a major market share in terms of revenue and is projected to grow at a high CAGR in the near future. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, is a prominent player in the global agricultural sector, and reinsurance plays an essential role in the region's risk management. Modern technologies such as remote sensing, satellite photography, and data analytics are rapidly being used in the agriculture reinsurance industry to improve risk assessment and claim management. Furthermore, demand for farm reinsurance in the Asia Pacific area has increased due to enhanced risk management awareness and the necessity for financial protection in the agriculture industry.





Curious about this latest version of the report? @ https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1961







Segmentation of Agriculture Reinsurance Market-

By Product-

Managed Crop Hail Insurance

Multi-Peril Crop Insurance

Livestock Insurance

Greenhouse Insurance

Aquaculture Insurance

Bloodstock Insurance

Forestry Insurance

By Region-

North America-

The US

Canada

Mexico

Europe-

Germany

The UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa-

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of the Middle East and Africa

About Us:

InsighAce Analytic is a specializing in market research and consulting services that helps in building business strategies. Our mission is to provide high quality insights with using data analytics techniques and visualization tools that drives the disruption and innovation in market research industry. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with in-depth analysis and key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Follow Us @ https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightace-analytic-pvt-ltd/

Subscribe Our Exclusive Newsletters @ https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/latest-market-research-reports-6929319878155739136/
Pune, India, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global luxury car market size is poised to grow from USD 1.17 trillion in 2023 to USD 2.55 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in its latest market research report titled Luxury Car Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Vehicle Type (SUV, Sedan/Hatchback, Sports/Super Luxury Cars), By Propulsion (Electric/Hybrid, ICE), By Component (Drivetrain, Interior, Body, Electronics, and Chassis), and Regional Forecast, 2023  2030

Industry Developments:

April 2023  Volkswagen launched and revealed an electric luxury sedan car, the Volkswagen ID.7, provided with a 435-mile battery range at the 2023 Auto Shanghai event.

September 2023- Toyota is Set to Enter the Global Luxury Car Market with a Flagship Model

Luxury automobiles are meticulously crafted to offer an exceptional driving experience, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and luxurious features, catering to the needs of affluent customers who seek both comfort and high performance in their vehicles

Request a sample research report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/luxury-casaarket-104453

Report Highlights:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 10.5% 2030 Value Projection USD 2.55 trillion Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 USD 1.05 trillion Historical Data for 2019-2021 No. of Pages 180

Market Drivers & Restraints-

Market Observes Growth as Manufacturers are Catering to Individual Preferences

Luxury car manufacturers offer an extensive selection of exclusive features and customization choices, catering to the specific needs and preferences of buyers. These offerings range from bespoke interiors and high-quality audio systems to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and unique paint finishes. The availability of such exclusive features and customization options contributes significantly to the luxury car market share.

On the contrary, economic fluctuations result in the postponement of vehicle purchases, which may limit the luxury car market growth.

COVID-19 Impact-

Lockdowns and Restrictions during Pandemic Affected Market Growth Negatively

The COVID-19 pandemic led to restrictions on tourism activities, which affected the demand for rental businesses of cars and affected the market. The market is expected to recover owing to ease of rules and regulations. As per AAAs Leisure Travel Index, daily car rental rates almost doubled between June 2020  July 2021 from USD 142 to USD 258. The rise in rental rates also led to lower demand among consumers. These factors impacted the overall luxury car rental market share.

To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this market, please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/luxury-car-market-104453

Market Segments Analysis-

Business Segment to Lead Segment due to Growing Inclination from Corporate Consumers

On the basis of rental type, the market is segmented into business and leisure. The business segment is expected to hold a major part of 53.47%. The dominance is due to demand from majority private and government enterprises for such luxury cars. It also facilitates firms not to have any additional inventory or fixed assets. The leisure segment is also expected to have a considerable growth due to desire for luxury car rental rather than owing or buying such cars.

Owing to Demand from Millennials, Online Segment to be Key Segment

Based on booking mode, the market is segmented into online and offline. The online segment is the prime segment by exhibiting a higher CAGR due to popularity from young consumers. The reservations made online are recorded and addressed directly. Advancement in technologies are also propel segments growth.

SUV Segment Dominates due to Perfect Blend of Luxury and Utility

Based on vehicle type, the market is classified into sedan/hatchback, SUV, and sports/super luxury cars.

Luxury SUVs dominate the market by offering a blend of opulent features and functional versatility, enabling owners to indulge in a high-end driving experience that aligns with their lifestyle requirements.

Advanced Technologies Fuel the Rise of Luxury Electric Cars

Based on propulsion, the market is bifurcated into electric/hybrid and ICE.



Luxury electric and hybrid vehicles incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including high-capacity batteries and regenerative braking systems, to enhance their performance, efficiency, and overall driving experience.

High-Performing Drivetrains Drive the Market Growth

Based on component, the market is considered into drivetrain, interior, body, electronics, and chassis. High-performance drivetrains in luxury vehicles is driven by the strong demand for exceptional power, acceleration, and dynamic handling capabilities. Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Regional Insights-



Asia Pacific to Lead Market Due to Preference to Rent Cars

Asia Pacific is projected to govern the luxury car rental market share and is estimated to have highest part due to consumers choosing rental cars over buying. Increasing number of billionaires in the region is expected to drive market growth. In 2021, there has been an increase in the number of billionaires compared to previous year. Imported luxury cars have been costing more and the trend for renting is growing due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

North America is expected to hold the second-largest position owing to surge in demand for luxury car rental, which is expected to increase the market share. Europe is anticipated to have a prominent share due to rising number of tourists in Spain and tourists have been spending more, which is anticipated to propel market size.

North America's Affluent Market Surges Demand for Luxury Vehicles

The notable presence of individuals with substantial disposable income and a significant number of ultra-high net-worth individuals in the U.S. supports the market growth in North America. The market in Europe is driven due to the presence of established luxury car brands.

Buy now this Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/104453

Competitive Landscape-

Key Players to Propel Market Owing to Expansion Strategies

Primary players of the market have used strategic expansion strategies to gain market grip. Avis Budget Group is one of the major car leasing and rental companies that provides mobility solutions. This firm provides its services with a fleet of 1,65,000 linked cars and 5,000 mobility lab-connected autos. The company has strengthened its position in the exotic car rental industry. Key players have been focusing on the expansion of market share by increasing their customer reach.

List of Key Players Covered in Luxury Car Market Report:-

Mercedes-Benz (Germany)

Audi (Germany)

BMW (Germany)

Lexus (Japan)

Porsche (Germany)

Jaguar Land Rover (U.K)

Cadillac (U.S.)

Maserati (Italy)

Volvo (Germany)

Genesis (South Korea)

Luxury Car Market Segmentation:-

By Vehicle Type

SUV

Sedan/Hatchback

Sports/Super Luxury Cars

By Propulsion

Electric/Hybrid

ICE

By Component

Drivetrain

Interior

Body

Electronics

Chassis

Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/luxury-car-market-104453

Table of Content:-

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Report Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market Trends

Key Insights Key Industry Developments  Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships Latest Technological Developments Porters Five Forces Analysis Impact of COVID-19 on Global Luxury Car Market

Global Luxury Car Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Definitions Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Vehicle Type SUV Sedan/Hatchback Sports/Super Luxury Cars Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Propulsion Electric/Hybrid ICE Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Components Drivetrain Interior Body Electronics Chassis Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of World

North America Luxury Car Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Vehicle Type SUV Sedan/Hatchback Sports/Super Luxury Cars Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Propulsion Electric/Hybrid ICE Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Components Drivetrain Interior Body Electronics Chassis Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country U.S. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Vehicle Type Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Propulsion Canada Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Vehicle Type Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Propulsion Mexico Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Vehicle Type Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Propulsion



Toc Continued..

Ask For Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/luxury-car-market-104453

About Us:

Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Our reports contain a unique mix of tangible insights and qualitative analysis to help companies achieve sustainable growth. Our team of experienced analysts and consultants use industry-leading research tools and techniques to compile comprehensive market studies, interspersed with relevant data.

At Fortune Business Insights, we aim at highlighting the most lucrative growth opportunities for our clients. We, therefore, offer recommendations, making it easier for them to navigate through technological and market-related changes. Our consulting services are designed to help organizations identify hidden opportunities and understand prevailing competitive challenges.

Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market (2023 Edition) - Analysis By Service Channel, End-User, By Region, By Country: Drivers, Trends and Forecast to 2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourcing Market is expected to generate USD 173.68 Billion by the end of 2029, up from USD 90.87 Billion in 2022. In today's consumer-centric marketplace, there is a steady increase in demand for outsourced CX services. The customer experience (CX) is increasingly prioritized in corporate plans and is still recognized as an independent company responsibility.

During the forecast period, 2024-2029, the Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market is expected to expand at a CAGR of ~10%. Major companies in the market have also been coming up with solutions in line with the changing requirements, which has further accelerated the growth of the CX outsourcing industry during the forecast period.

The Global Customer Experience (CX) outsourced Market has been analyzed for the historical period of 2019-2022, the estimated year 2023 and the forecast period of 2024-2029.

Demand for Outsourced CX Services is Growing Steadily in today's consumer-centric marketplace. Customer experience (CX) continues to be recognized as a distinct business function and takes centre stage in many business strategies. Companies have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic that it is more important than ever to have a comprehensive CX and a resilient contact center operation.



In recent years, the Customer Experience (CX) Outsourcing Market has experienced a profound transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements. From leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to adopting cloud-based solutions, CX outsourcing providers are capitalizing on the power of technology to revolutionize customer support services.

One of the most significant technological developments in the CX outsourcing market is the integration of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. These intelligent tools enable companies to provide instant responses to customer queries, 24/7, significantly improving response times and customer satisfaction. By handling routine inquiries, chatbots free up human agents to focus on more complex and high-value interactions, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.



Technological developments have become the driving force behind the evolution of the Customer Experience (CX) Outsourcing Market. AI, automation, big data analytics, and cloud-based solutions have transformed the way businesses approach customer support services.

As CX outsourcing providers continue to embrace and leverage these innovations, they are poised to deliver even more exceptional and personalized customer experiences, further solidifying the industry's position as a crucial component of modern business strategies.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 230 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value in 2023 90.87 Billion Forecasted Market Value by 2029 173.68 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.8% Regions Covered Global

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Historic and Forecast, (2019-2029)

Impact Analysis of Macro Economic Factors on Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Solution Mix

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Dashboard

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Market Value Assessment, 2019-2029 (USD Billion)

Impact of COVID-19 on Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market Segmentation: By Service Channel

Voice/Call Center Outsourced, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Social Media/Chat/Web Outsourced, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

E-mail Outsourced, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market Segmentation: By End-user

BFSI, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Retail & E-commerce, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Travel/Hospitality & Cargo, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Healthcare, By Value, 2019H-2029F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Product Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Client Concentration by Major Key Players : Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market

Global Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Market: Top 10 market players & Teleperformance's AI implementation experience

Market Share Analysis of Customer Experience (CX) Outsourced Screening Market

Strategic Recommendations

Handling the workforce in a B2B CX environment

Opting for an appropriate outsourcing model for B2B

Industry Ecosystem Analysis

Macro-Economic Factor Assessment

Value Chain Analysis

Porter's Five Forces Model

The companies analysed in the report include

Atento

Teleperformance SE

TTEC Holdings, Inc

Startek, Inc

Concentrix Corporation

Webhelp

Majorel

Transcom WorldWide AB

Serco

Syskes Enterprises

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rgsk89

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Alzheimer's disease (AD) - Epidemiology Forecast - 2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This comprehensive 'Alzheimer's Disease - Epidemiology Forecast - 2032' report offers a deep dive into the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, encompassing historical and projected epidemiological insights. The report delves into Alzheimer's disease trends across key regions including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.

The epidemiology analysis encompasses a range of factors such as total diagnosed prevalent cases, age-specific cases, gender-specific cases, and severity-specific cases of Alzheimer's disease across the 7MM. These regions span the United States, EU4, the United Kingdom, and Japan, providing epidemiological data from 2019 to 2032.



Alzheimer's Disease Detailed Epidemiology Segmentation

As per the estimates by the publisher, in 2022, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease were estimated to be approximately 15,083,370 cases in the 7MM. These cases are projected to increase at a CAGR of 2.4%.

In the US, there were approximately 6,186,284 diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease in 2022. These were nearly 41% of the total cases in the 7MM. These cases are expected to increase during the forecast period.

In 2022, among the 7MM, Japan accounted for the second-highest diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease, contributing nearly 26%, while the UK accounted for the least with nearly 4% of the total diagnosed prevalent cases.

In 2022, EU4 and the UK accounted for nearly 33% of the total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's in the 7MM. There were approximately 4,942,376 total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease.

Among EU4 and the UK, Germany accounted for the highest (nearly 31%) total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease, with approximately 1,510,515 cases, followed by France (nearly 24%).

Japan accounted for 3,954,710 diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease. In 2022 the age-specific distribution of the disease suggests that the age cohort of 75-84 years accounted for the majority, nearly 51% of the cases, followed by =85 (32%), 65-74 (14%), and < 65 years (3%). These cases of Alzheimer's disease are expected to increase during the forecast period.

As per estimates based on this epidemiology model for Alzheimer's disease, the gender distribution of the disease suggests a female predominance across the 7MM, with approximately 5,024,849 male and 10,058,521 female cases in the 7MM in 2022.

According to estimates based on this epidemiology model, in EU4 and the UK, around 1,454,541 males and 3,487,835 females were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2022, and the cases are expected to increase during the forecast period.

Alzheimer's disease diagnosed prevalent cases based on severity were divided into MCI, mild, moderate, and severe dementia. According to the publisher's epidemiology model, in the 7MM, MCI due to Alzheimer's disease accounted for the highest cases, with approximately 8,174,943 cases, while severe dementia accounted for the least, with approximately 1,450,356 cases in 2022. The cases are expected to increase by 2032.

According to estimates based on this epidemiology model for Alzheimer's disease, in Japan, in 2022, there were approximately 2,324,183 cases of MCI, 826,139 cases of mild dementia, 517,671 cases of moderate dementia, and 286,716 cases of severe dementia, which are expected to increase during the study period.

Scope of the Report

The report covers a descriptive overview of Alzheimer's disease, explaining its symptoms, grading, pathophysiology, and various diagnostic approaches.

The report provides insight into the 7MM historical and forecasted patient pool covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.

The report assesses the disease risk and burden of Alzheimer's disease.

The report recognizes the growth opportunities in the 7MM concerning the patient population.

The report provides the segmentation of the disease epidemiology for the 7MM, total diagnosed prevalent cases of Alzheimer's disease, age-specific cases of Alzheimer's disease, gender-specific cases of Alzheimer's disease, and severity-specific cases of Alzheimer's disease.

Report Highlights

Ten Years Forecast of Alzheimer's Disease

The 7MM coverage

Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

Age-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

Gender-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

Severity-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

Key Questions Answered

What are the disease risk and burdens of Alzheimer's disease?

What is the historical Alzheimer's disease patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan?

What would be the forecasted patient pool of Alzheimer's disease at the 7MM level?

What growth opportunities will be across the 7MM concerning the patient population with Alzheimer's disease?

Out of the above-mentioned countries, which country would have the highest prevalent population of Alzheimer's disease during the forecast period (2023-2032)?

At what CAGR is the population expected to grow across the 7MM during the forecast period (2023-2032)?

Key Assessments

Patient segmentation

Disease risk and burden

Risk of disease by the segmentation

Factors driving growth in a specific patient population

Geographies Covered

The United States

EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom

Japan

Key Topics Covered:



1. Key Insights



2. Report Introduction



3. Alzheimer's Disease Epidemiology Overview at a Glance

3.1. Patient Share (%) Distribution of Alzheimer's Disease in 2019

3.2. Patient Share (%) Distribution of Alzheimer's Disease in 2032



4. Methodology of Alzheimer's Disease Epidemiology



5. Executive Summary of Alzheimer's Disease



6. Disease Background and Overview of Alzheimer's Disease

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Signs and Symptoms

6.3. Classification of Alzheimer's Disease

6.4. Risk Factors

6.5. The severity of Alzheimer's Disease

6.6. Pathophysiology

6.7. Diagnosis

6.7.1. NIA-AA Criteria

6.7.2. DSM-5 Criteria for Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease

6.7.3. IWG-2 Criteria for Alzheimer's Disease

6.7.4. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE)



7. Patient Journey



8. Epidemiology and Patient Population

8.1. Key Findings

8.2. Assumption and Rationale

8.2.1. Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

8.2.2. Gender-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

8.2.3. Age-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

8.2.4. Severity-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease

8.3. Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in the 7MM

8.4. The US

8.4.1. Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in the US

8.4.2. Gender-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in the US

8.4.3. Age-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in the US

8.4.4. Severity-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in the US

8.5. EU4 and the UK

8.5.1. Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in EU4 and the UK

8.5.2. Gender-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in EU4 and the UK

8.5.3. Age-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in EU4 and the UK

8.5.4. Severity-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in EU4 and the UK

8.6. Japan

8.6.1. Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan

8.6.2. Gender-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan

8.6.3. Age-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan

8.6.4. Severity-specific Cases of Alzheimer's Disease in Japan



9. KOL Opinion Leaders' Views



10. Unmet Needs



11. Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3v8j65

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "EGFR Tests Market Size (Value, Volume, ASP) by Segments, Share, Trend and SWOT Analysis, Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape, Procedures, and Forecast to 2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In the ever-evolving landscape of In Vitro Diagnostics, a comprehensive market analysis has been unveiled, shedding light on the EGFR Tests Market's size, segments, trends, and regulatory landscape.

The report is a groundbreaking tool that offers valuable insights into the market's quantitative trends, regulatory dynamics, and future projections.

The report delves into the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EGFR Tests Market, particularly for the year 2020 and beyond. In the realm of global healthcare, lung cancer stands as the second most common cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women.

Lung cancer, with approximately 2.0 million new cases reported globally in 2018, has become a critical concern. A primary risk factor is cigarette smoking, attributing around 80% of male and 45% of female lung cancer cases worldwide to smoking habits.

Central to the report is the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), a pivotal member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. Its role in cellular processes like proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis inhibition is paramount. EGFR also emerges as a vital biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).

Within NSCLC, EGFR mutations frequently cluster within the tyrosine kinase domain. These mutations, such as in-frame deletions in exon 19 and the exon 21 point mutation (L858R), underline over 85% of known mutations. Notably, these mutations correlate significantly with positive responses to EGFR therapies like gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, and icotinib.

The report segments EGFR tests, encompassing Immunohistochemistry, Sanger Sequencing, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), and Other Tests (ISH and Mass Array). Spanning 39 countries, each market model features procedure volumes and epidemiology-based indications. Transparency is enhanced through interactive Excel deliverables showcasing data such as installed base, sales volumes, average prices, market size, and company rankings. Contextual qualitative insights further enrich the quantitative data.

The report encapsulates:

In-depth analysis of current and evolving EGFR Tests Market, highlighting key trends.

Annualized revenue projections and outlooks by segment from 2015 to 2033.

Market data on units, average prices, and values.

Global, regional, and country-specific insights, dissecting trends and dynamics.

SWOT analysis, offering a comprehensive view of the market's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Competitive dynamics insights and trends shaping the EGFR Tests Market.

The report serves as a conduit to understand the bigger healthcare picture. Its Market Access segment explores reimbursement policies and regulatory landscapes, enriching the understanding of market dynamics.

Key inclusions encompass:

Overview of country-specific healthcare systems.

Exploration of country-specific reimbursement policies.

Examination of country-specific medtech regulatory landscapes.

The report's robust methodologies and sources fuse primary sources from both demand and supply sides. Key Opinion Leaders, alongside real-world data sources like government databases and hospital purchasing records, contribute to trend identification.

Companies covered span the gamut of market players, including F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Qiagen NV, Agilent Technologies Inc, Illumina Inc, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, Abbott Laboratories, and others. Similarly, countries within the report encompass a global scope, from the United States to Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

In a nutshell, the EGFR Tests Market Model offers a unique blend of qualitative and quantitative insights, imperative for:

CMO executives charting strategic planning and investment decisions.

Sourcing and procurement executives navigating supply base nuances.

Private equity investors discerning investment potentials.

Reasons to consider the report:

Understand COVID-19's influence on the EGFR Tests Market.

Shape in-licensing and out-licensing strategies with an eye on pipeline products.

Craft business strategies aligned with market trends.

Drive revenue growth by tapping into key market segments and innovative technologies.

Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies informed by competitive dynamics.

Track device sales from 2015 to 2033.

Optimize sales efforts by identifying high-potential segments.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Qiagen NV

Agilent Technologies Inc

Illumina Inc

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

Abbott Laboratories

NimaGen BV

Mesa Laboratories Inc

New England Biolabs Inc

Amoy Diagnostics Co Ltd

Panagene Inc

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uz0l2s



Source: GlobalData

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Healthcare Cold Chain Logistics Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global healthcare cold chain logistics market is expected reach a value of $27.74 billion by 2028 from $20.39 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.26% from 2022 to 2028.

The surging need for air ambulances is being driven by the rising requirements for emergency patient transfer and organ transplants. While the demand is already on the rise in the U.S. and Europe, the forecast period holds promising prospects for the APAC and Latin American regions.

In this dynamic landscape, healthcare cold chain logistics leaders are contributing significantly, channeling resources to support air ambulance initiatives. Notably, Deutsche Post DHL Group demonstrated its commitment by raising approximately USD 95,900 in 2021 for a local air ambulance service.

A remarkable shift in clinical research dynamics has unfolded, with studies spanning the globe and an evident surge in clinical trials across developing nations. Emerging economies like Thailand, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam have captured the attention of clinical trial researchers, transitioning focus from established markets like Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Singapore.

Prominent industry players are taking strategic steps to fortify supply chains, offering cloud-based services and pioneering technologies. Blockchain solutions and live tracking platforms are emerging as cornerstones to uphold the integrity of healthcare products.

Notable names in the healthcare cold chain logistics sector, such as FedEx and Nippon Express, are vigorously developing IoT technology, enabling real-time monitoring and live tracking of shipments. Beyond efficiency gains, these innovative solutions are poised to curb counterfeit drug production and distribution, advancing the industry's integrity.

DB Schenker, a DB Group subsidiary, underlines the importance of digital rail operations and infrastructure digitalization to elevate transport density and reliability. In a collaborative stride, TrakCel, a leader in clinical supply chain logistics, teamed up with Quick Group in 2019 to furnish cutting-edge digital supply chain IT solutions tailored for cell and gene therapies. Amidst these transformative shifts, the landscape of healthcare cold chain logistics resonates with innovation, resilience, and a global perspective.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS



North America accounted for the highest revenue share of over 37% of the global healthcare cold chain logistics market in 2022. The larger share is contributed by the increasing clinical trial spending, increasing spending on R&D activities to develop new drugs, and the presence of top leading pharmaceutical companies.

About five of the ten leading pharmaceutical companies in 2020 were from the United States. In the U.S., branded drugs accounted for around 83.9% of spending in the US alone. In 2020, about 8.1% of global drug and medicine shipments originated from North America.

Further, North America and Europe accounted for about 80% of monoclonal antibodies. Thus, the demand for biologics, i.e., vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, is increasing investments in R&D. These are major factors driving the healthcare cold chain logistics market.

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The global healthcare cold chain logistics market is highly fragmented and concentrated, with many key players in the industry. AmerisourceBergen, DB Group, Deutsche Post DHL Group, CEVA Logistics, United Parcel Service, FedEx, and Kuehne + Nagel are the significant players in the global healthcare cold chain logistics market.

Vendors are increasingly focusing on integrating new advancements in their services to become more competitive and increase their profit margin. These advancements include integrating blockchain technology to ensure safety and authenticity and avoid counterfeiting drug fraud.

Further, several vendors, such as Kuehne+ Nagel, give a fully integrated "live tracking" platform for easy access to data regarding the shipment. In addition, FedEx, a key company, and Nippon Express provide safe and compliant transportation of temperature-sensitive shipments in pharma. Their shipments are enabled with real-time tracking and tracing data.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT



The pharmaceuticals product segment dominated the global healthcare cold chain logistics market due to increasing demand for both branded and generic drugs and vaccines. Pharmaceuticals are imported and exported around the world on a massive scale. Aging populations and new drugs to treat rare and specialty diseases fuel this growth.

North America and Europe are the major markets for the largest pharmaceutical segment share. About 97% of marketed drugs are classified as small molecules. Biologics will lead among the top-selling products and new sales generators projected for 2022, whereas small molecules will continue to lead in new drug approvals.

According to the US FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, of the 50 new molecular entities (NMEs) approved in 2021, 36 (72%) were small molecules, and 14 (28%) were biologics.

INSIGHTS BY FUNCTION



The global healthcare cold chain logistics market by service is segmented into transportation, warehousing, and others.

As transportation is a crucial part of the logistics chain, it accounted for the highest revenue share of the market. Transportation is the most crucial part of cold chain logistics because the products are transported to the end-user. The demand for temperature-controlled transportation is also rising to maintain the quality of products.

Furthermore, road transportation dominates the transportation segment, with a revenue share of over 66% in 2022. The highest share of road transportation can be attributed to its low cost in workforce and operation. In January 2021, over 58% of US-Canada cross-border freight was moved by trucks, followed by rail, with over 16% of cross-border freight.

INSIGHTS BY END-USER



The pharmaceutical/biotech companies' end-user segment accounted for the highest revenue share of the global healthcare cold chain logistics market in 2022.

Pharmaceutical/biotech companies dominate the end-user segment because this segment is the primary manufacturer of healthcare products that are temperature sensitive and need cold chain logistics to ensure efficient and timely delivery of medications to the patients and to receive raw materials such as APIs to develop several pharmaceutical products. In recent years, it has been noticed that there is growing spending in cold chain logistics that is contributing to market growth.

The revenue share of the pharmaceutical/biotech companies' segment is expected to grow faster in APAC during the forecast period as APAC is a potential market for pharma industry growth.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 339 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $20.39 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $27.74 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Global

Market Opportunities & Trends

Logistics Control Through Internet of Medical Things (Iomt)

Adoption of Blockchain Technology

Emergence of Direct-To-Patient Logistics Services

Market Growth Enablers

Rise in Number of Clinical Trials

Increasing Collaborations Between 3Pl Providers & Healthcare Providers

Surge in Demand for Generics & Biosimilars

Increase in Mass Immunization Programs

Market Restraints

Lack of Compliance & Changing Regulations

Geopolitical Risks & Fluctuating International Trade Regulatory Policies

Inbound Logistics Services for Manufacturers

Key Company Profiles

AmerisourceBergen

DB Group

Deutsche Post DHL Group

CEVA Logistics

United Parcel Service

FedEx

Kuehne + Nagel

Other Prominent Vendors

AWL India

Alloga

A.P. Moller - Maersk

Azenta

Cold Chain Technologies

COREX Logistics

Cardinal Health

DPD

DSV

Farmasoft

GXO Logistics

Kerry Logistics Network

Lufthansa Cargo

Logista

Nippon Express

Noatum Logistics

Phoenix Group

Parexel International

Quick International Courier

SEKO Logistics

SINOTRANS

Yourway

YUSEN LOGISTICS

YSDS

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/irifid

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Pune, India, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Home Infusion Therapy Market Size was valued at USD 41.36 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow USD 54.82 billion by 2028 exhibiting a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The growing demand for personalized intravenous drug infusion therapy is expected to be the key growth driver for the market.

The markets growth is also ascribable to the expanding geriatric population and the growing chronic disease prevalence. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 40% of the total countrys populace experiences chronic diseases, which is approximately 133 million.

This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights in its research report titled Home Infusion Therapy Market, 2021-2028.

Key Industry Development-

January 2021: CVS Health and the Cancer Treatments Centers of America (CTCA) collaborated to augment the access to chemotherapy at home for qualified patients. The therapy requires trained professionals and the Coram infusion model in chemotherapy.





Request a Free Sample PDF  https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/home-infusion-therapy-market-102989





Key Takeaways 

Home Infusion Therapy Market size in North America was USD 16.90 billion in 2020

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Disease and Rise in Geriatric Population to Fuel Demand

Rising Demand for Home Care Intravenous Drug Infusion Therapy to Augment Growth

The drug segment is expected to hold a major market share during the projected period.

Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report-

Option Care Health Inc. (Illinois, U.S.)

Optum, Inc. (Eden Prairie, U.S.)

CareCentrix, Inc. (Hartford, U.S.)

CVS Health (Woonsocket, Rhode Island, U.S.)

KabaFusion (Cerritos, U.S.)

PromptCare (New Jersey, U.S.)

Baxter International Inc. (Deerfield, U.S.)

Infusystem (Michigan, U.S.)





Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 CAGR 6.8% 2028 Value Projection USD 54.82 Billion Base Year 2020 Home Infusion Therapy Market Size in 2020 USD 41.36 Billion Historical Data for 2017 to 2019 No. of Pages 128 Segments covered Product, Indication and Geography





Browse Complete Report Details- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/home-infusion-therapy-market-102989





Drivers & Restraints:

Rising Chronic Disease Prevalence to Amplify Market Growth

In recent years, chronic diseases including cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic immune deficiencies, diabetes, and others have increased manifold. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 40% of the total countrys populace experiences chronic diseases, approximately 133 million. Hence, the increasing chronic disease prevalence is anticipated to bolster the global home infusion therapy market growth. Moreover, the expanding geriatric population is likely to complement the markets growth.

The growing hospital-acquired infections prevalence is boosting the markets growth. The Center for Disease Control estimates approximately 1.7 million patients get infected with hospital-acquired infections annually. This boosts the demand for personalized intravenous drug infusion therapy, which is anticipated to be a vital factor driving the markets growth.

Moreover, the rising consumer inclination towards home medical care is estimated to boost the market's growth significantly.

However, the limited reimbursements for homecare may hamper the market growth in the forthcoming years.





Segmentation:

By Product

Devices

Drugs

Services

By Indication

Anti-Infective

Chemotherapy

Hydration Therapy

Enteral Nutrition

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Immunoglobulins

Others

By End User

Hospitals & ASCs

Specialty Clinics

Others





Regional Insights:

Presence of Key Players to Boost Growth in North America Significantly

North America is predicted to attain the largest global home infusion therapy market share. Key players present in the region are likely to stimulate the market growth significantly. The swift adoption of home infusion therapy is likely to boost the growth of the market.

Europe is projected to gain substantial growth due to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and the expanding geriatric population. Additionally, growing government initiatives are expected to fuel the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant growth in the global market. The growing consumer awareness regarding the therapy for the treatment of various chronic diseases is anticipated to amplify the regional market growth. Additionally, the increasing adoption of ingenious technologies is expected to augment market growth.

The rest of the World is expected to gain considerable growth in the coming years. The growing inclination towards home-based medical care and the rising consumer awareness is anticipated to aid the markets growth.





Quick Buy - Home Infusion Therapy Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/102989





Competitive Landscape:

Key Players Collaborate to Enhance their Market Reach

The market is fairly consolidated and comprises Baxter, Option Care Health Inc., Optum inc., and others as the top market players. They emphasize the development of innovative infusion pumps. They focus on the expansion of their geographical footprints domestically and internationally. To enhance their market reach, the key players adopt ingenious growth strategies such as new product launches, patents, technological developments, mergers, acquisitions, and others. For instance, Option Care Enterprise Inc. collaborated with BioScrip Inc. to establish a new firm, Option Care Health Inc., in August 2019. It became the largest independent, alternate site and home infusion service provider in the U.S.





FAQs

How big is the Home Infusion Therapy Market?

Home Infusion Therapy Market size was USD 34.54 billion in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 54.82 billion in 2028.

How fast is the Home Infusion Therapy Market growing?

The Home Infusion Therapy Market will exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period, 2021-2028.





Related Reports:

Infusion Pump Market Size, Share, Revenue Forecast and Opportunities

Immunoglobulin Market Overview, Industry Share and Forecast





About Us:

Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Attachment
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:



Hole MTC-23-057 returned the deepest high-grade Lower Footwall intercept to-date at the Montclerg Gold Project (Montclerg or Project) yielding 10.21 grams of gold per tonne (g/t Au) over 2.7 m including 16.20 g/t Au over 1.5 metres (m) from 330 m below surface.

Hole MTC-23-056 intersected multiple zones at MC Central highlighted by 0.92 g/t Au over 33.0 m in the Lower Main Zone and 5.78 g/t Au over 1.1 m in the Lower Footwall Zone.

The Phase 1 drill program was highly successful with additional highlight intercepts of ( see news release dated June 27, 2023 ) Hole MTC-23-054 returned multiple gold zones with a highlight of 9.97 g/t Au over 8.1 m in the Upper Footwall Zone, yielding one of the best gram-metre intervals drilled to-date at Montclerg within 60 m from surface. MTC-23-046 intercepted multiple zones 1 km east of the MC Central with a highlight of 1.93 g/t Au over 10.6 m including 4.94 g/t Au over 1.9 m. MTC-23-048 intersected several shallow mineralized zones at MC Central with a peak of 4.10 g/t Au over 4.1 m.

Drilling is planned to resume in mid-September with a primary focus at Montclerg and testing high-priority targets across the Goldarm Property.



SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFG Resources Inc. (TSXV: GFG) (OTCQB: GFGSF) (GFG or the Company) reports the final gold assay results from its 13-hole 2023 Phase 1 drill program at the Montclerg Gold Project, located 40 kilometres (km) east of Timmins, Ontario (see Tables 1-2 and Figures 1-6). The results released today are from five drill holes completed along the Montclerg gold system where GFG has continuously proven and grown a robust gold system since the Company acquired the asset in October 2021.

The Phase 1 drill program was designed to complete infill drilling to confirm continuity in the MC Central area and drill significant step-out holes up to one km to the east. Overall, the drill program was successful in proving continuity along strike and at depth in the MC Central and proving the potential for additional discoveries over a km east of MC Central.

Our Phase 1 drill program at Montclerg was a resounding success, revealing the potential to intersect high-grade gold and to grow the system in all directions. With our strategic focus on expanding the Upper and Lower Footwall Zones, coupled with the Upper and Lower Main Zones, we have effectively broadened the gold system both along strike and up-dip, stated Brian Skanderbeg, President and CEO of GFG. The Phase 1 drill program was pivotal in bolstering our understanding that the Montclerg geology remains consistent, while still holding untapped opportunities. As we move forward, anticipate our sustained commitment to Montclerg Central, recognizing its depth and surface potential. Moreover, we remain committed to step-out drilling at depth and to the east of Montclerg and testing regional targets on our Goldarm Project for the next discovery. Drilling is set to resume in the coming weeks, and we are confident that we can continue to demonstrate further success.

Table 1: Final Assay Results from the 2023 Phase 1 Drill Program at the Montclerg Gold Project

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone MTC-23-052 379.4 380.0 0.6 1.09 Undefined MTC-23-053 63.5 64.3 0.8 1.27 Upper Footwall MTC-23-055 72.0 74.8 2.8 1.70 Upper Footwall MTC-23-056 83.5 84.5 1.0 1.09 Upper Main and

and 129.0

143.0 130.0

176.0 1.0

33.0 0.29

0.92



Main Zone and 189.4 191.4 2.0 1.56 and 195.4 197.0 1.6 0.69 and 202.9 205.8 2.9 0.60 and 216.2 217.3 1.1 1.22 and

and 226.3

262.8 227.7

263.8 1.4

1.0 0.56

4.05 Lower Footwall and

and 277.0

295.0 280.3

297.2 3.3

2.2 0.23

3.49 Lower Footwall incl. 295.5 296.6 1.1 5.78 MTC-23-057 254.5 256.8 2.3 2.25 and 346.0 348.7 2.7 10.21 Lower Footwall incl. 346.0 347.5 1.5 16.20 and 375.5 376.7 1.2 2.42 Lower Footwall MTC-23-045 177.4 182.9 5.5 2.00 New Zone and 220.6 227.3 6.7 1.23 New Zone Previously Released Phase 1 Results

MTC-23-046 117.0 121.5 4.5 0.54 New Zone and 265.0 275.6 10.6 1.93 New Zone incl. 265.7 266.6 0.9 6.63 also incl. 272.0 273.9 1.9 4.94 MTC-23-048 34.8 37.5 2.7 1.91 Upper Main and 47.3 61.2 13.9 0.50 Lower Main and 66.2 70.5 4.3 0.42 and 88.0 92.1 4.1 4.10 Upper Footwall incl. 88.5 92.1 3.6 4.61 MTC-23-054 56.8 60.6 3.8 1.15 Upper Footwall and 73.1 81.2 8.1 9.97 Upper Footwall incl. 73.6 79.8 6.2 12.89

* Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length with a minimum 0.5 gram-metre product. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. Included intervals are calculated using a 3 g/t cut-off at a minimum 5 gram-metre product. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length.

** Holes MTC-23-047, 049, 050, 051 had no significant gold assays.

Commentary on Assay Results

Drill hole MTC-23-052 was drilled to test the mafic volcanic corridor 1.3 km east of MC Central. The hole was centered on an 800 m wide gap in drilling and intersected 1.09 g/t Au over 0.6 m with weak to moderate quartz-carbonate veinlets rimmed by pyrite. The presence of significant alteration and sulphide coupled with gold mineralization shows that this new area hosts potential for additional mineralized zones within the eastern basalt panel that will be tested in future drill campaigns.

Drill hole MTC-23-053 was designed to test the up-dip extension of the Upper Footwall Zone. One zone was intersected yielding 1.27 g/t Au over 0.8 m. The mineralization is characterized by strongly altered massive mafic volcanics with a 0.1 m wide smokey quartz vein with a strong mineralized halo of arsenopyrite and pyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-055 tested the up-dip extension of the Upper Footwall Zone and intersected 1.70 g/t Au over 2.8 m. The mineralization is characterized by strongly altered massive mafic volcanics with up to 15% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 10% arsenopyrite and pyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-056 was designed to test the Main Zone and the up-dip extension of the Lower Footwall Zone. Three mineralized intervals were intersected within this hole. A broad zone was intersected in the MC Main Zone grading 0.92 g/t Au over 33.0 m. The Main Zone is characterized by sericite-altered felsic volcanics with up to 30% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 3% arsenopyrite and pyrite. The Lower Footwall Zone yielded 4.05 g/t Au over 1.0 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanics with up to 8% arsenopyrite and pyrite and 20% quartz-carbonate veins. Additional mineralization was intersected down-hole in the Lower Footwall Zone yielding 5.78 g/t Au over 1.1 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanic, 2% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 5% pyrite and arsenopyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-057 tested the down-dip extension of the Lower Footwall Zone. Three mineralized intervals were intersected in this hole. A narrow zone was intersected in the Main Zone yielding 2.25 g/t Au over 2.3 m. The Main Zone is characterized by sericite-altered felsic volcanics with up to 3% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 5% arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite. The Lower Footwall Zone yielded a high-grade intercept of 10.21 g/t Au over 2.7 m including 16.20 g/t Au over 1.5 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanic, minor veining and up to 20% arsenopyrite and pyrite (see Figure 6).

This hole is of particular significance as it is the deepest high-grade intercept of the Lower Footwall at Montclerg to-date. The intercept lies at a vertical depth of 330 m and clearly demonstrates continuity of the gold system at economic grades and widths.

Anders Carlson, Vice President, Exploration commented, The presence of high-grade drill intersections at economic widths below 300 vertical metres at Montclerg is very encouraging for extending this gold system at depth. The upcoming Phase 2 drill program will take aim at larger step-outs along the Lower Footwall Zone to better test the overall gold endowment at Montclerg.

2023 Exploration Program

For the remainder of the year, the Companys focus will be on defining and growing the Montclerg gold deposit and testing five high-priority gold and gold-copper targets within its Goldarm Property. In addition, starting in a couple of weeks, the Company plans to resume exploration at the Goldarm Project with approximately 5,000 m of drilling. The Phase 2 program is expected to be completed before year-end. In addition to the Phase 1 and 2 drill programs, GFG is advancing an extensive surface exploration across the Goldarm Property which covers 30 km of the Pipestone and North Pipestone deformation zones. The 2023 exploration budget is approximately C$3.0 million and is fully funded.

Figure 1: Regional Map of GFG Gold Projects in the Timmins Gold District

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/488a5f4a-e38a-4f3b-8d56-e992f52a998d

Figure 2: Goldarm Property Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/256fade0-03a5-48ca-b5cb-41609fdae0a7

Figure 3: Montclerg Gold Project Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d7c347e-106c-4632-866e-e5efc9c3bc95

Figure 4: Montclerg Gold Project MC Central Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3530b8ce-d7a0-4766-9518-fdbd7ca82172

Figure 5: Montclerg Gold Project Cross Section Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89de6bfc-58a8-4627-b5f2-9be5d65b384e

Figure 6: MTC-23-057 High Grade Gold Zone

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a956b2d-1edb-400b-8a50-6943d0a970ad

Table 2: GFG Drill Hole Assay Highlights from the Montclerg Gold Project

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone MTC-21-001 62.5 90.0 27.5 1.56 Upper Main and 126.0 166.5 40.5 0.78 Lower Main MTC-21-004 39.8 64.0 24.2 0.73 Upper Main and 75.7 86.1 10.4 1.24 Lower Main and 230.5 246.0 15.5 1.23 Lower Footwall incl. 242.7 244.0 1.3 4.91 MTC-21-005 86.0 112.0 26.0 5.08 Upper Footwall incl. 94.3 96.1 1.8 15.96 also incl. 103.8 110.9 7.1 10.44 and 118.9 120.6 1.7 11.29 MTC-21-006 98.3 105.8 7.5 8.35 Upper Footwall incl. 98.3 101.0 2.7 15.04 MTC-21-007 65.4 96.5 31.1 1.40 Upper Main and 108.0 131.0 23.0 1.11 Lower Main MTC-21-009 45.0 60.0 15.0 1.23 Upper Main MTC-21-010 79.5 106.5 27.0 1.05 Upper Main MTC-22-015 24.0 57.5 33.5 1.32 MC West incl. 26.7 28.7 2.0 10.36 MTC-22-018 52.0 57.9 5.9 3.51 MC West incl. 53.9 56.0 2.1 7.93 MTC-22-019 112.6 118.1 5.5 4.38 Upper Footwall incl. 112.6 116.0 3.4 6.37 MTC-22-020 22.4 36.1 13.7 0.95 Upper Main and 97.0 105.3 8.3 4.95 Upper Footwall incl. 102.8 105.3 2.5 12.83 MTC-22-021 50.3 72.0 21.7 1.51 Upper Main incl. 62.2 64.0 1.8 8.17 MTC-22-023 17.6 88.0 70.4 1.61 Upper Main incl. 74.0 80.0 6.0 4.56 and 124.5 133.2 8.7 2.46 Upper Footwall incl. 130.1 133.2 3.1 5.62 MTC-22-029 104.4 111.5 7.1 4.98 Upper Footwall MTC-22-030 71.0 86.0 15.0 3.40 Upper Footwall incl. 71.0 74.0 3.0 6.21 also incl. 80.9 86.0 5.1 4.84 MTC-22-031 285.2 292.6 7.4 2.78 Lower Footwall incl. 290.3 292.6 2.3 7.83 and

incl. 300.4

300.4 302.0

301.3 1.6

0.9 4.59

6.03



Lower Footwall MTC-22-034 79.5 94.6 15.1 1.56 Lower Main incl. 83.0 86.8 3.8 3.34 and 161.7 171.0 9.3 5.25 Upper Footwall incl. 163.9 168.3 4.4 10.75 MTC-22-035 72.0 85.2 13.2 2.31 Lower Main incl. 77.0 82.1 5.1 4.07 and 125.3 141.3 16.0 9.85 Upper Footwall incl. 130.3 137.8 7.5 14.98 MTC-22-036 79.0 85.0 6.0 6.70 Upper Footwall incl. 80.5 84.0 3.5 10.59 MTC-22-039 79.8 83.3 3.5 2.87 Upper Footwall incl. 80.7 83.3 2.6 3.80 and 88.0 98.3 10.3 4.02 MTC-22-041 76.2 81.0 4.8 3.29 Upper Footwall incl. 77.5 80.1 2.6 5.31 MTC-22-042 96.4 119.0 22.6 1.48 Lower Main and 307.3 312.3 5.0 8.46 Lower Footwall ALJ-22-002 62.1 75.0 12.9 3.03 incl. 67.5 68.1 0.6 59.80 and 79.0 97.0 18.0 1.12 incl. 85.3 89.2 3.9 3.76 and 101.0 105.3 4.3 6.58 incl. 103.2 104.2 1.0 27.40 MTC-23-048 88.0 92.1 4.1 4.10 Upper Footwall incl. 88.5 92.1 3.6 4.61 MTC-23-054 73.1 81.2 8.1 9.97 Upper Footwall incl. 73.6 79.8 6.2 12.89 MTC-23-057 254.5 256.8 2.3 2.25 Lower Footwall and 346.0 348.7 2.7 10.21 incl. 346.0 347.5 1.5 16.20 and 375.5 376.7 1.2 2.42

*Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length with a minimum 0.5 gram-metre product. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. Included intervals are calculated using a 3 g/t cut-off at a minimum 5 gram-metre product. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length.

About the Goldarm Property

The Goldarm Property is a large and highly prospective land package east of the Timmins Gold Camp (see Figures 1-2). The consolidated Goldarm Property covers approximately 30 kilometres (km) of the Pipestone Deformation Zone and the North Pipestone Deformation Zone. Within the Goldarm Property, there are several highly prospective gold targets such as the Aljo Gold Mine region, the Carr target and the Montclerg Gold Project which is the most advanced target. The Montclerg Gold Project covers 10 km of the highly prospective Pipestone Deformation Zone and is located 48 km east of the prolific Timmins Gold Camp and is adjacent to multiple current and historic gold mines (see Figure 1).

About GFG Resources Inc.

GFG is a North American precious metals exploration company focused on district scale gold projects in tier one mining jurisdictions, Ontario and Wyoming. In Ontario, the Company operates three gold projects, each large and highly prospective gold properties within the prolific gold district of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The projects have similar geological settings that host most of the gold deposits found in the Timmins Gold Camp which have produced over 70 million ounces of gold. The Company also owns 100% of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project, a district scale gold exploration project located approximately 100 km southwest of Casper, Wyoming, U.S.

For further information, please contact:

Brian Skanderbeg, President & CEO

or

Marc Lepage, Vice President, Business Development

Phone: (306) 931-0930

Email: info@gfgresources.com

Website: www.gfgresources.com

Stay Connected with Us

Twitter: @GFGResources

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfgresources/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GFGResourcesInc/

Footnote:

(1) Drill intercepts are historical and GFGs QP has not verified the laboratory accreditation, analytical method, sample size or QA/QC procedures utilized for the historic drill results. True widths have not been estimated.

Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource on the Coulson Claims to date and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the Coulson Claims being defined as a Mineral Resource.

Sampling and Quality Control

All scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo. President and CEO of GFG, a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

Drill core samples are being analyzed for gold by Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Timmins, Ontario. Gold analysis consists of the preparation of a 500-gram pulp and an assay of a 50-gram aliquot by Pb collection fire assay with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry finish (Package 1A2-50. Samples assaying above 5 ppm Au are routinely re-run using a gravimetric finish (Package 1A3-50). Mineralized zones containing visible gold are analyzed by a screen metallic fire assay method. Selected samples are also undergoing multi-element analysis for 59 other elements using a four-acid digestion and an ICP-MS finish (Package MA250) by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Vancouver, British Columbia. Quality control and assurance measures include the monitoring of results for inserted certified reference materials, coarse blanks and preparation duplicates of drill core.

Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length. Sampling protocols, quality control and assurance measures and geochemical results related to historic drill core samples quoted in this news release have not been verified by the Qualified Person and therefore must be regarded as estimates.

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.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Companys future exploration plans with respect to its property interests and the timing thereof, the prospective nature of the projects, future price of gold, success of exploration activities and metallurgical test work, permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of exploration work, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes, or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof.

All forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada and the United States will continue to support the development of mining projects in Canada and the United States. In addition, the similarity or proximity of other gold deposits to the Companys projects is not necessary indicative of the geological setting, alteration and mineralization of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project, the Goldarm Property, the Pen Gold Project and the Dore Gold Project.

Forward-looking 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 GFG to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry; availability of capital, delays in obtaining government approvals or financing; and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.

Although GFG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about managements current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and GFG assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the Company or Brixton) is pleased to report new assay results from surface rock and soil samples collected in 2023 on the Metla & West Targets as well as additional regional targets across the Thorn Project. The Metla and West Targets, are two of Brixtons 14 currently recognized copper-gold-silver targets at the wholly owned Thorn Project, located in Northwestern British Columbia, Canada.



Geochemical Highlights

18 rock grab samples yielded greater than 1% copper with 11 samples yielding greater than 5% copper at the West Target 4 rock grab samples assayed greater than 10.0% Cu Sample D200955 assayed 16.7% Cu, 327 g/t Ag, and 0.1 g/t Au Sample D200956 assayed 16.3% Cu, 817 g/t Ag, and 0.2 g/t Au Sample D200326 assayed 16.2% Cu, 725 g/t Ag, and 0.1 g/t Au

9 rock grab samples yielded greater than 5 g/t Au and 6 rock grab samples assayed greater than 1% Cu at the Metla Target 4 rock grab samples assayed greater than 10 g/t Au Sample D200670 and D200671 assayed 52.5 g/t Au and 51.7 g/t Au respectively Sample D200532 assayed 38.4 g/t Au, 973 g/t Ag and 0.3% Cu Sample D200674 assayed 4.2% Cu, 43.7 g/t Ag and 0.19 g/t Au Sample D200609 assayed 3.8% Cu and 42.7 g/t Ag Sample D200261 assayed 4120 g/t Ag, 9.02 g/t Au and 1.2% Cu



Rock grab sample D200444 assayed 19.9 g/t gold and 138 g/t silver and sample D200287 assayed 15.2 g/t Au and 23.8 g/t Ag at the Trapper Gold Target



Rock grab sample D200553 assayed 3.4% Cu and D200335 assayed 1.5% Cu at the East Target



Chairman & CEO, Gary Thompson, stated, Classic boots on the ground work continues to identify new mineralized outcrop on a regular basis on the Thorn Project with lots of ground yet to cover. We are looking forward the completion of the 2023 geochemistry program aiding in new drill targets for next season.

2023 Summary

The 2023 exploration season on the Thorn Project started mid-May and remains ongoing, with surface geochemical sampling being conducted across multiple target zones to date. Regional fieldwork has been focused on advancing early-stage exploration targets such as the Metla, North, and Bing Targets with the goal of generating drill-ready targets for the 2024 field season. Additionally, reconnaissance geochemical sampling has also been completed on multiple regional exploration target areas across the 2,863 km project to test new areas for potential porphyry and epithermal style mineralization. While the majority of 2023 assay results are yet to be received, highlights from initial assay results are reported herein for the Metla, West, North, Bing, and Trapper targets.

Figure 1. Location Map of the Thorn Project with Copper Geochemistry.





West Target

The West Target is located approximately 5km southwest of Thorn Camp and 6km west of Brixtons Camp Creek Cu-Mo-Au porphyry target and hosts significant copper-silver mineralization. Assay results from 2023 surface rock grab samples have returned 18 samples greater than 1.0% copper, including 11 samples greater than 5.0% copper. Highlights from recent assays include, 16.7% copper and 327 g/t Ag from sample D200955, 16.3 % copper and 817 g/t Ag from sample D200956, as well as 16.2% copper and 725 g/t Ag from sample D200326 sampled from semi-massive quartz-base metal sulphide veins hosted in a propylitic altered quartz-hornblende diorite. Additional work is ongoing at West Target to further define the extents of the mineralization and determine the potential for porphyry copper mineralization in the area.

Figure 2. Location Map of the West Target with Copper Geochemistry.





Metla Target

The Metla Target claims were acquired by Brixton in 2020 and is an early-stage porphyry-epithermal target located 25km southeast of Thorn Camp. A large geochemical sampling program completed in 2022 field season returned significant assay results for both gold and copper. See NR dated January 23rd, 2023. Fieldwork in 2023 has focused on expanding upon 2022 results and highlights from initial assay results are listed in Table 2, including 52.5 g/t Au and 51.7 g/t Au from surface samples D200670 and D200671 collected form polymetallic quartz veins hosted in a foliated quartz-diorite. Additional results include 4.5% Cu and 3.8% Cu from samples D200674 and D200609 collected from quartz-pyrite-chalcopyrite veins. Geological mapping and geochemical sampling are ongoing across the Metla Target which continue to broaden the copper-gold mineralized footprint and scale potential in this area.

Figure 3. Location Map of the Metla Target with Gold & CopperGeochemistry.





North Target

The North Target is located approximately 10km north of Thorn Camp and is actively being explored for its porphyry Cu-Mo-Au potential. The target hosts a similar geological setting to the Camp Creek porphyry Target. Surface rock, soil and talus fines samples have been collected over a 60 km area, expanding upon historic work and testing new areas to help focus future exploration efforts including geological mapping. Initial assays received to date from rock grab samples and soil samples are highlighted in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Location Map of the North Target with Gold & Copper Geochemistry.

Bing Zone  East Target

The Bing Zone is approximately an 18 km area within the East Target located 50km southeast of Thorn Camp and was recently acquired by Brixton in 2022. Historic work on the target included geological mapping, surface geochemical sampling and diamond drilling which had identified a broad area of porphyry-copper style mineralization. As the majority of Bing has limited outcrop, fieldwork has focused on extending soil sampling grids to help define focus areas for exploration. Recent and historic soil sampling has identified a 3x4 km area of anomalous copper mineralization with high porphyry index indicator elements. The initial assay results from surface rock and soil samples are illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Location Map of the Bing Zone, East Target with Gold & Copper Geochemistry.





Trapper Gold Target

The Trapper Gold Target is an intermediate-sulphidation epithermal target and has been one of the main focus areas for drilling since 2021. The 2023 drill program has been ongoing since late-June targeting larger step out areas as well as more proximal infill step outs to the main mineralized zone. While 2023 drill hole assays are pending, some initial surface rock grab samples have been received. The majority of 2023 fieldwork at Trapper has focused on sampling areas outside of the main drilling zone to assist future drill targeting as well as test nearby areas for a potential porphyry-related source to the Trapper mineralization. Highlights from initial assays received to date are listed in Table 3 and Figure 6 and include 19.9 g/t Au, 138 g/t Ag and 0.2% Cu from sample D200444 and 15.2 g/t Au and 23.8 g/t Ag from sample D200287.

Figure 6. Location Map of the Trapper gold Target with Gold Geochemistry.

Table 1. 2023 West Target Surface Sampling Highlights.



Sample Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) D200955 16.7 0.1 327 D200956 16.3 0.2 817 D200326 16.2 0.1 725 D200560 11.3 0.1 609 D200654 9.9 <0.1 265 D200323 8.8 <0.1 952 D200491 8.6 0.4 536 D200557 6.9 0.1 215 D200559 5.4 <0.1 312 D200556 5.1 0.2 791 D200558 5 <0.1 127 D200554 3.7 0.2 199 D200325 2.4 0.1 405 D200555 2.4 0.2 323 D200327 2.1 <0.1 36.4 D200324 1.9 0.1 474 D200561 1.8 0.1 486 D200562 1.6 0.1 233 D200330 0.9 0.1 116 D200329 0.8 0.1 18.4 D200322 0.3 <0.1 15 D200492 0.1 0.2 34.9 D200328 <0.1 <0.1 47.3 D200321 <0.1 0.1 54.2



Table 2. 2023 Metla Surface Sampling Highlights.

Sample Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) D200670 52.5 116 <0.1 D200671 51.7 170 <0.1 D200532 38.4 973 0.3 D200535 18.4 153 0.1 D200621 9.02 4120 1.2 D200448 6.5 26.3 <0.1 D200668 5.6 5.2 <0.1 D200534 5.1 103 0.2 D200622 1.5 9.5 <0.1 D200673 0.24 19.9 1.7 D200533 0.21 5.7 0.6 D200674 0.19 43.7 4.2 D200669 0.18 1.8 0.2 D200672 0.11 0.6 <0.1 D200623 0.09 2.61 2.1 D200488 0.09 0.3 <0.1 D200490 0.05 20.9 0.3 D200619 0.03 9.4 1.1 D200489 0.03 0.6 <0.1 D200609 0.02 42.7 3.8



Table 3. 2023 Trapper Surface Sampling Highlights.

Sample Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) D200444 19.9 138 0.2 D200287 15.2 23.8 <0.1 D200288 5.6 24.9 <0.1 D200443 4.6 33 0.1 D200446 3.4 11 <0.1 D200316 3.3 36 0.1 D200706 3 46.3 0.1 D200744 2.8 3.5 <0.1 D200703 2.2 7.3 <0.1 D200702 2.2 5.9 <0.1 D200704 1.0 5.2 <0.1





Rocks collected are select grab samples of mineralized outcrops within each of the target areas and do not represent the entire target.

Vice President of Exploration, Christina Anstey stated, We are very encouraged to see the positive initial results results from our 2023 geochemical sampling programs across many of our regional exploration targets and we look forward to completing additional follow-up work and receiving the bulk of the assay results expected in the months to come.

Rock samples were prepared by ALS Minerals preparation facility in Whitehorse, YT and assayed at ALS Laboratory Facilities in North Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals Laboratories is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 accreditations for laboratory procedures. Samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, whereas Ag, Pb, Cu and Zn and 48 additional elements were analyzed using four acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish.

Figure 7. West Target Grab Samples.





Figure 8. Metla Target Grab Samples.

2023 Thorn Project Regional Exploration Targets

While the main focus for 2023 as been on high priority target definition, additional fieldwork has been conducted across multiple target zones including the South, Central, Moly Valley, Icy and Val targets, as well new target areas that have seen limited or no previous exploration work on the Thorn Project. Assay results are pending for the majority of surface geochemical sampling and the 2023 drilling and fieldwork programs are projected to continue until early to mid-October. Brixton aims to advance its current drill targets while developing the project-wide district scale potential for mineralized deposits related to porphyry and epithermal environments at Thorn.

About the Thorn Project

The wholly-owned 2,863 square kilometer Thorn Project is located in northwestern British Columbia at the northern trend of the Golden Triangle, Canada, approximately 90 km northeast of Juneau, Alaska. The Thorn Project hosts a district-scale 80km megatrend of Triassic to Eocene, volcano-plutonic complex with several styles of mineralization related to porphyry and epithermal environments. Fourteen large-scale copper-gold targets have been identified for further exploration.

Information on each of the targets may be found at the following link: https://brixtonmetals.com/thorn-gold-copper-silver-project/

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control protocols for drill core sampling was developed by Brixton. The gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and molybdenum duplicate assay results are well correlated, and it is the Qualified Persons opinion that strong precision is inferred within the reported analytical results. Core samples were taken between 0.5m and 2.5m intervals based on lithology and mineralization. Blank, duplicate (lab pulp) and certified reference materials were inserted into the sample stream for at least every 20 drill core samples. Core samples were cut, bagged, zip-tied and sent directly to ALS Minerals preparation facility in Whitehorse, Yukon. ALS Minerals Laboratories is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 accreditations for laboratory procedures. Samples were analyzed at ALS Laboratory Facilities in North Vancouver, British Columbia for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, whereas Ag, Pb, Cu and Zn and 48 additional elements were analyzed using four acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish. The 2022 Thorn project analytical results have been determined to be high quality and have passed this QAQC review.

The standards, certified reference materials, were acquired from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd., of Langley, British Columbia and the standards inserted varied depending on the type and abundance of mineralization visually observed in the primary sample. Blank material used consisted of non-mineralized siliceous landscaping rock. A copy of the QAQC protocols can be viewed at the Companys website.

Qualified Person

Mr. Corey A. James, P.Geo., is a Senior Project Geologist for the Company who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. James has verified the data disclosed in this press release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information and has approved the technical information in this press release.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects toward feasibility. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixtons flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA (Optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc. where they can earn up to 75% interest), the Atlin Goldfields Projects located in NW BC and the Langis-HudBay silver-cobalt-nickel Project in Ontario. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

Tel: 604-630-9707 or email: info@brixtonmetals.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.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, and intend, statements that an action or event may, might, could, should, or will be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-1_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-2_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-3_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-4_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-5_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-6_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-7_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Figure-8_5Sept2023.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Table-1_6Sept2023_v2.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Table-2_6Sept2023_V2.png

https://brixtonmetals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Table-3_6Sept2023_V2.png
Dublin, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Grapes Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The grape market is projected to register a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period.



Key Highlights

Grapes are one of the largest fruit crops, and table grapes are one of the major types of grapes grown worldwide, which are the fresh-consumed grapes.

According to the International Organization of Viticulture and Oenology (IOVE), the world's vineyard area has stabilized at 9.5-10.0 million hectares, and grape production has consistently increased to 60-70 million metric tons per year in recent years. Almost 80-90% of the total volume of grapes produced in the world is used for processing and manufacturing wine, juices, and other goods, while up to 10% is consumed fresh and the remaining 5-6% is used for drying.

The demand for table grapes is growing globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Russia. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization, the global production of fresh grapes, including table grapes, reached 78.03 million metric tons in 2020, which has increased from 77.00 million metric tons in 2019. Hence, increased production is anticipated to create an attractive market for grape growers globally due to the increased demand from various consumers.

The major exporters of grapes in the international market include Chile, China, Italy, and Peru. In 2021, the top three grape-importing countries - the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands - imported around 32% of the grapes traded globally. Most countries in the European region import table grapes, while countries like Italy have huge acreage under vineyards for the production of wine. Most of the world's finest-quality wines are produced in European countries.



Grapes Market Trends

The Growth of the Global Wine Industry is Driving the Grapes Market



Grapes are used for wine production, and with the increasing demand for wine, the demand for grapes is also increasing. Because they have more people, the United States, Italy, China, and France have the largest markets for wine as a whole.



In Europe, the wine industries have immense demand as well as potential. Italy is one of the world's oldest wine-producing countries. The country has an immense wealth of experience, diversity (over 2,000 grape varieties and vintages), and some of the world's finest wines.

France has approximately 400 varieties, of which hardly 100 are grown extensively, while many growers are looking to grow forgotten varieties to combat climate change. In recent decades, the Italian and French wine supply chains have performed well in terms of profitability and performance in both home and foreign markets.

Even though it is fragmented in terms of products, prices, and consumption context, and, in particular, even though it is characterized by an organization that prevents full utilization of economies of scale, it has made the industry highly competitive, increasing the potential for tourism and value addition while also pushing for the best quality of wines to serve the growing market.



North America Dominates the Market



Mexico remains the largest supplier of grapes in North America, and most of the production in the country gets shipped to the United States and Canada. The majority of the imported grapes in North America are used for manufacturing wines. There are many different grape varieties, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of form, growth, suitability for different climates and regions, and winemaking features. Some of the varieties typically used for wines are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Malbec, Pinot Noir, etc.



The United States is the largest importer of grapes in the world. The major countries from which the United States imports grapes include Chile, Mexico, and Peru, which together account for almost 99% of American grape imports. In Canada as well, grape production is limited, so most of the fresh table grapes are imported from the United States, Mexico, and Chile. Winemaking is one of Canada's highest value-added agricultural products, as it has more than 670 wineries in the country, generating high-quality wines and major economic advantages.



The United States is a growing market for wines, with domestic demand exceeding wine production in the country. Almost all 50 states in the United States produce wine; however, California and Washington produce the majority of the country's wine. The United States' geological and climatic conditions have provided these states with favorable grape-growing conditions, such as higher altitude continental climes or coastal fog-laden areas, which are expected to drive the market.



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6lv9cm

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barrett Mooney, Chairman and CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (AgEagle or the Company), an industry-leading provider of full stack flight hardware, sensors and software for commercial and government use, was interviewed live yesterday morning on FOX Business Networks Varney & Co., hosted by British American economic and political commentator Stuart Varney.



Broadcast live from the floor of the Exhibit Hall at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas and aired nationally on the FOX Business Channel, Mooney discussed the reasons why AgEagles new eBee VISION drone, the next generation in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance unmanned aerial systems, is a much more cost-effective solution for aiding U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in monitoring, detecting and preventing illegal activity along the U.S. border.

Providing critical market-open coverage (9AM-12PM ET), Varney & Co.is among the highest rated programs in business news and breaks down the latest in financial news and political headlines. To view a replay of the interview with Mooney, please go to: https://www.foxbusiness.com/shows/varney-co#.

About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.

Through its three centers of excellence, AgEagle is actively engaged in designing and delivering best-in-class flight hardware, sensors and software that solve important problems for its customers. Founded in 2010, AgEagle was originally formed to pioneer proprietary, professional-grade, fixed-winged drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions for the agriculture industry. Today, AgEagle is a leading provider of full stack drone solutions for customers worldwide in the energy, construction, agriculture, and government verticals. For additional information, please visit our website at www.ageagle.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from managements current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our competitive position, the industry environment, potential growth opportunities, and the effects of regulation and events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, or health epidemics. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

AgEagle Aerial Systems Contacts:

Investor Relations Email: UAVS@ageagle.com

Media Email: media@ageagle.com

Attachment
Fulfilled Purchase Agreement to Upgrade Gamma Knife Perfexion to Gamma Knife ICON

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire  GK Financing LLC (GKF), a subsidiary of American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE American: AMS), a leading provider of creative financial and turnkey technology solutions for advanced radiosurgery and radiation oncology services, announced today that a recent upgrade, which included a new source reload, at Providence Swedish Radiosurgery Center has been completed and is now in clinical use. The new purchase agreement for GKF to upgrade the then current Gamma Knife Perfexion to the Gamma Knife ICON was signed earlier this year.

Peter Gaccione, CEO of American Shared Hospital Services and President of GK Financing (GKF), commented, Providence Swedish Radiosurgery Center has provided Gamma Knife radiosurgery for 13 years. When they needed to upgrade to newer Gamma Knife technology, the team at GKF were able to put together a creative purchase plan that met their financial needs and allowed the Center to upgrade to the Gamma Knife ICON. The time from order to installation to first patient treated occurred fast and without any issues, allowing patients to quickly be treated with the newer technology.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an alternative to open surgery and conventional radiotherapy as it can target the smallest and most challenging intracranial tumors and lesions with minimal effect on healthy tissue. This vital precision safeguards motor, sensory and neurocognitive function to help protect the mind and the person. A specially trained team consisting of a radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon and medical physicist create a treatment plan to precisely deliver the focused beams of radiation from the Gamma Knife ICON to the targeted region for noninvasive treatment, with minimal effect on healthy tissue. Patients can return home the same day and resume their normal activities within days.

Mary Monahan, Administrator, Providence Swedish Radiosurgery Center, said, Our site went through a Gamma Knife reload/upgrade from Perfexion to ICON. This was the first time we worked with GK Financing (GKF) and their support was timely and valuable. They are extremely knowledgeable and great communicators which led to a great first-time experience throughout the process. Based on this I would strongly recommend working through GKF. Everyone at the site, including the doctors, are extremely excited about the Gamma Knife ICON upgrade and look forward to treating patients!

The Gamma Knife ICON includes a variety of innovations that are now available on a single platform and offers clinicians several new clinical features not previously available in Perfexion. ICON offers patients frameless head immobilization (masked-based immobilization) or frame-based workflows with the Leksell Headframe and has advanced on-board CT Imaging allowing for same day imaging and treatment. The ICON utilizes the Lightening Treatment Planning system offering faster treatment planning and remote treatment planning that increases and improves workflow efficiency utilizing remote accessibility and collaboration tools designed to meet the needs of changing environments.

About Providence Swedish Radiosurgery Center

Providence Swedish Radiosurgery Center is a radiation therapy center specializing in Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). The center opened in 2006, in partnership with the Tumor Institute Radiation Oncology Group (TIROG). TIROG is a group of 14 radiation oncologists committed to caring for cancer patients in the greater Seattle area. The name originates from the first cancer and radiation center in the Pacific Northwest, the Tumor Institute, originally established in downtown Seattle at Swedish Hospital in 1932. TIROG was an early adopter of stereotactic radiosurgery having the first Gamma Knife in the Pacific Northwest in 1993. For further information contact www.tirog.org | www.swedish.org/radiosurgery

About GK Financing, LLC

GK Financing, LLC, a subsidiary of American Shared Hospital Services in partnership with Elekta, provides creative financial and turnkey technology solutions for the Gamma Knife system. GKF is the world leader in providing Gamma Knife radiosurgery equipment, a noninvasive treatment for malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular malformations, and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). GKF offers creative payment models such as pay per treatment, payment on percentage of revenue collected, and even joint venture models. GKF provides full project management for the entire project with no capital outlay in a risk sharing model.

For more information, please visit: www.gkfinancingllc.com

About American Shared Hospital Services

American Shared Hospital Services (ASHS) is a leading provider of creative financial and turnkey solutions to Cancer Treatment Centers, hospitals, and large cancer networks worldwide. The company works closely with all major global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that provide leading edge clinical treatment systems and software to treat cancer using Radiation Therapy and Radiosurgery. The company is vendor agnostic and provides financial support for a wide range of products including MR Guided Radiation Therapy Linear Accelerators, Advanced Digital Linear Accelerators, Proton Beam Therapy Systems, Brachytherapy systems and suites, and through the Companys subsidiary, GK Financing LLC., the Leksell Gamma Knife product and services. For more information, please visit: www.ashs.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may be deemed to contain certain forwardlooking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of GK Financing and American Shared Hospital Services (including statements regarding the expected continued growth in volume of the, expansion of the Company's business, and the timing of treatments by new Gamma Knife systems) which involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks of variability of financial results between quarters, the risks of the Gamma Knife and radiation therapy businesses, and the risks of the timing, financing, and operations of the Company business. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services is included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Contacts:

GK Financing, LLC

Ranjit Pradhan, Head of Marketing and Customer Advocacy

P: (415) 788-5300 Ext 4021

rpradhan@ashs.com

PCG Advisory Group, Investor Relations

Stephanie Prince

P: (646) 863-6341

sprince@pcgadvisory.com

Attachment
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As back-to-school season is here, SHARP is proud to showcase its range of solutions designed to empower education and beyond. From the cutting-edge Sharp-NEC projectors that illuminate the mind with vibrant visuals, to our interactive displays that foster collaboration and creativity, and the efficient MFPs (Multifunctional Printers) that streamline productivity.



But thats not all! Were dedicated to creating a healthier and more productive environment, which is why we offer air purifiers to ensure clean air for everyone, desktop monitors for enhanced visual comfort, calculators for SHARP calculations, and laptops that power productivity on-the-go. We have everything educators and students need for a dynamic classroom experience.



Engage Students with Immersive Visuals with SHARP/NEC Projectors:





Image 1

Caption: Create Immersive learning experience with projectors

Reading, writing, and resolution? From K-12 to higher education, projectors continue to play an important role in classrooms. As more educational materials, videos, and interactive media are being produced in 4K resolution, having compatible display technology allows educators to fully utilize these resources and provide students with a more immersive learning experience. This level of detail can help students grasp complex concepts more effectively, especially when displayed on larger screens or viewed from closer distances.

SHARP/NECs new range of P series projectors is specially designed to meet the needs of higher education.

Why choose SHARP/NEC projectors:

- Our patented IP5x sealed LCD cooling system eliminates the need for a filter and combined with the maintenance-free laser light source this projector is as close to set-and-forget as you will find in projection.

- The advanced cooling system ensures whisper-quiet operation that eliminates the distraction that can sometimes be caused by a noisier projector.

- From 5400 to 6200 lumens, WUXGA resolution and outstanding LCD colour fidelity the P Series delivers impressive-looking images in all kinds of demanding applications.

- Enjoy time-saving installation flexibility with broad horizontal and vertical manual lens shift, a 1.6x manual zoom lens, roll-free capability and HDBaseT input.

Enrich the Learning Experience with Interactive Boards:





Image 2:

Caption: Add interactivity to any classroom with SHARPs award-winning Interactive boards.

In our fast-paced tech-driven world, capturing the hearts of students is a challenge. Educators are integrating technology in the classroom with amazing results. School systems and higher education institutions are among its biggest adopters, and educators appreciate how interactive whiteboards enrich their classrooms and student learning. Add interactivity to any classroom with SHARPs award-winning Interactive boards.

Why Choose SHARP Interactive Displays:

1. Enhance Student Engagement:

Hands-on activities, like interactive displays, enable students to interact with the material by touching, drawing, and writing on the board.

2. Collaboration:

Entire classrooms can join in on educational games, even when learning remotely, since interactive whiteboards offer immediate feedback, which allows students and teachers to easily assess student progress.

3. Enhanced lessons:

Students can experience a connection to their learning by hearing, seeing, and interacting with the board through touch. Movies, PowerPoint presentations and graphics can be used in addition to standard text-based lessons.

4. Ease-of-use:

One of the biggest perks of having SHARP interactive whiteboards is that they dont require a lot of maintenance. Additionally, precise 20-point multi-touch functionality allows multiple people to collaborate effectively and creatively to facilitate effective learning.

SHARP Multifunctional Printers- Its More Than Just a Copier





Image 3

Caption: SHARPs Multi-functional Printers (MFPs) are designed to enhance efficiency

Despite an increase in digital technologies being incorporated into the classroom and at home, educators are still printing many documents each school year, from homework and assignments to study guides, worksheets, and tests. To say lightly, schools print, and print a lot!

SHARPs secure and intuitive school Multi-functional Printers (MFPs) are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce your schools environmental impact. From compact A4 devices to in-house print rooms and reprographics equipment, our bespoke solutions are designed to fit your needs.

Why Choose SHARP Multifunctional Printers:

1. Data Privacy & Security: When printing paperwork that contains confidential data in student records, its imperative to safeguard this information to reduce security risks. SHARP MFPs can combine new digital tools with the reliable and necessary task of printing and copying for a seamless and efficient workflow for both students and educators.

2. Integration with Learning Software: SHARP MFPs integrate with multiple learning platforms and allow students to view and print course content or scan assignments directly from MFPs touchscreen, increasing the timeliness and flexibility of student assignment submissions.

3. Save More: Our print solutions boast some of the lowest power consumption rates in the industry.

4. Environmental Benefits: They include environmentally friendly features such as motion sensor wake-up, staple-less stapling and rules-based printing.

Sharp Air Purifiers: Because the Air Matters a Lot





Image 4

Caption: Trust SHARP Plasmacluster air purifier with True HEPA filtration

Did you know that clean air improves children's health and learning ability? While we cant eliminate germs, we can curb their spread in schools by addressing air filtration and overall air quality. Trust SHARP Plasmacluster air purifier with True HEPA filtration. Plus, its Humidification feature adds humidity to the air for improved air quality and maximum comfort, especially in colder weather.

Get the most out of your Laptops & Desktops:





Image 5

Caption : Make learning more collaborative with award-winning Dynabook laptops

With a comprehensive range of display solutions, SHARP NEC offers a desktop display for almost any school requirement. From cost-conscious to mission-critical, SHARP NEC's performance-oriented displays combine attractive lifestyle designs with health-conscious ergonomics.

Also, make learning more collaborative with award-winning Dynabook laptops. High-performance processors, robust operating systems, touchscreens, fully loaded features, and seamless performance makes multitasking easy for students and teachers. Dynabook laptop delivers the performance students require while maintaining the price and performance value todays budgets demand.

'SHARP' Calculations and Performance





Image 6:

Caption: Explore our exciting range of world-class calculators for schools

Be it Scientific, Desktop, Handheld or Printing calculators, SHARP has you covered this back-to-school season. Explore our exciting range of world-class calculators for work, school, and business today. For more information, please contact your SHARP Sales Representative.

About Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd.

Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd, a direct subsidiary of Osaka-based Sharp Corporation is a company known worldwide for its unique one-of-a-kind electronic products and solutions. Our challenge is to create a balance between work time and personal time, with products that can benefit people's lives at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Sharp electronics can enhance your enjoyment, add to your comfort, and open new perspectives. Sharp business products can boost your productivity and reduce costs. Sharp products are designed to help individuals, families, and corporate teams connect effortlessly, communicate clearly, and unleash creativity like never before. Sharp is dedicated to improving people's lives using advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value, and design. We are proud of our accomplishments and eagerly await the future. Sharp is committed to being a socially responsible company, conducting its operations with concern for the impact of its activities on its customers, suppliers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders, as well as the environment. The company aims for an overall positive impact on society by contributing to the culture, benefits, welfare, and quality of life for people throughout the world, for its prosperity as a company is directly linked to the prosperity of the entire Sharp family.

For more information on Sharps products, visit our website at https://sharp.ca/. Become a fan of Sharp business products on Facebook , follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram and watch us on YouTube .

Media Inquiries: Manali Jain, Manager Brand & Marketing Communications, Sharp Electronics of Canada, Email: jainm@sharpsec.com | Direct: 416-357-2914

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dfffb4e9-f3f8-4bb3-a44c-2ead1e110d12

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50da7028-5321-44f8-ba69-a7eb83435463

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74ffa390-aba6-447c-8584-940ba1760ba2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87f984f2-2d8e-401f-aab4-1bb16b66b942

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3d569bf-f9f3-49b2-811c-5d48f3df7feb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1643fb8-9b4f-45dc-bc92-8045c64644b3
Industry Day Austin, presented by Keysight Technologies, has quickly grown into one of the most premier EV industry events in the country and will have an enhanced focus on OEM manufacturer reveals and breaking news announcements



The event will be the largest display of EV manufacturers, ride and drives and networking opportunities in the US

Press tours for both automotive and micromobility manufacturers will follow the main stage programming

Brands interested in participating should reserve their slot soon , and tickets for Industry Day and the full festival weekend are now available at www.electrifyexpo.com

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo , North Americas largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, today announced the launch of an updated format for Industry Day. From legacy OEMs to the continued rise of industry startups, Electrify Expos Industry Day on November 10 will be focused on breaking news announcements, product reveals, networking, and B2B product experiences. All this will happen prior to the festival opening to the public on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11-12. Industry Day attendees have unparalleled access to networking with key OEM manufacturer stakeholders across the entire EV industry including Electric Cars, Electric Trucks, Commercial Trucks, Electric Motorcycles, E-Bikes, E-Scooters, EV Charging and more. Industry Day brings the EV community together ultimately fostering partnerships that will shape the future of electric transportation.

Fresh for Austin, Industry Day will have a renewed focus on announcements from participating companies. The Industry Day stage is set to be the top platform for automakers and micromobility brands to unveil and showcase their new products and cutting edge-technologies or provide business updates and news to the industry. With a unique audience of key industry stakeholders, government officials and influential media members, Industry Day will carve the path that this transportation revolution will follow for decades to come.

The EV business is fiercely competitive while being incredibly collaborative, and Industry Day is the leading event where we bring together all of the key decision makers, newsmakers, and government officials, said BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. Industry Day is the hottest stage for companies to unveil and showcase their latest products and cutting-edge technologies in front of a highly-engaged audience. What weve set out to create in Austin will be the linchpin for connections that will continue to drive this exciting industry forward.

Electrify Expos Austin festival is shaping up to be the tours largest event of the year offering attendees and media one-on-one experiences with cutting edge products alongside manufacturer representatives ready to answer questions. There is no other event in the country that provides that type of networking access mixed with hands-on experiences.

Companies interested in making news at Electrify Expo Industry Day and reserving time for a press tour can now reserve their slot .

The 2024 schedule will be announced shortly. Tickets for Electrify Expo Industry Day in Austin can be purchased at https://www.electrifyexpo.com/industry-day . For group sales, contact tickets@electrifyexpo.com .

Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com .

About Electrify Expo

Electrify Expo is North America's largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles - first hand experience with the product - with meaningful demonstrations and test rides. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expos events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2023 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Washington DC, New York, Seattle, Miami, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

Media Contact

Skyya PR

ee@skyya.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94ed601a-bb8b-48d8-bf59-4cf8a63a301f
Brings significant experience in successfully commercializing novel products in both the pharmaceutical and technology industries





Will drive company as it grows and brings its technology to market

NEW YORK, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AdhereTech, Inc., a leading digital healthcare company focused on building cloud-based software and devices that seamlessly connect patients to care, today announces that Innes Meldrum has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. He is succeeding Chris O'Brien, who will support Innes in the next phase of the Companys growth.

Innes Meldrum has nearly 30 years of global experience in the pharmaceutical and technology industries. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Reset Pharmaceuticals. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Otsuka Pharmaceuticals North America. In this role, he was responsible for all commercial activities, including Otsukas psychiatry business and the commercialization of CNS drugs such as Abilify Maintena. Before this, he served as Commercial Vice President at Orexo, focused on addiction medicine, and prior to this spent 11 years in commercial roles of increasing responsibility at Novartis in the US, as well as within the global organization based in Switzerland.

We are delighted to have Innes join AdhereTech, said Neale Trangucci, Chair of the Board. He is a highly experienced international life sciences and technology executive who has led cross-functional development and commercialization teams, having successfully launched and marketed both medicines and technologies in his career. His proven track record and ability to develop top-notch teams will be vital for the Company as we prepare for the next phase of growth. I warmly welcome Innes and look forward to working with him. I also would like to thank Chris O'Brien for his leadership and am pleased he will advise Innes and the Company going forward.

Daniel Raynor, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Argentum, AdhereTechs main investor, said, We believe Innes successful track record in both the pharma and technology spaces of developing and commercializing innovative, patient-focused solutions will lend itself well to establishing AdhereTech as the market leader in providing technologies to address medication management and adherence challenges.

Innes Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, I am excited to join AdhereTech as the Company grows its footprint and impact and look forward to working with the team to accelerate the positive patient impact of AdhereTechs technologies.

In addition to causing unnecessary health complications for patients, nonadherence to medication regimens costs the pharmaceutical industry hundreds of billions of dollarsi per year.

About AdhereTech, Inc.

AdhereTech is a New York-based digital health company and the leading provider and pioneer of smart devices that connect patients to care via real-time interventions. AdhereTech partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty pharmacies and healthcare teams with the mission of using technology informed by insights into human behavior to improve health outcomes. The Company provides commercialized digital solutions to measure and manage medication adherence in a variety of settings, including academics, clinical trials, and commercially prescribed treatments. It develops and produces treatment management solutions utilizing smart devices with integrated cellular technology that, seamlessly, connects patients in real time to confirm when patients take their medication and provides two-way communications to ensure dosing regimens are followed and reports and escalates the reasons for missed doses. Its Aidia System is a proven, integrated technology-based adherence solution that empowers patients and healthcare teams to achieve optimal medication success. For more information, please visit us at www.adheretech.com. You can also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter, @AdhereTech.

Abilify Maintena is a registered trademark of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.



For further information please contact:

AdhereTech, Inc.

Innes Meldrum

President and Chief Executive Officer

i.meldrum@adheretech.com

_____________________

i Moore, Chawla, Firlik, Estimated annual pharmaceutical revenue loss due to medication non-adherence, CapGemini Consulting/Health Prize Technologies, 2016, www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pharmaceutical-companies-lose-637- billion-in-revenue-annually-due-to-medication-nonadherence-300363979.html
(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH), Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CommonSpirit Health is pleased to announce Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) for its five hospitals in Utah: Holy Cross Hospital  Davis, Holy Cross Hospital  Jordan Valley, Holy Cross Hospital  Jordan Valley West, Holy Cross Hospital  Mountain Point and Holy Cross Hospital  Salt Lake.

These mission-focused, forward-leading leaders will work diligently for the common good of our patients, caregivers and communities, as we grow and make the healing presence of God known in each of our ministries across Utah, said Jim Sheets, Group President, Colorado/Kansas/Utah Division. Together, we will faithfully extend faith-based care to our neighbors and patients, while embarking on a quest for better health care for all.

The five CEOs who will extend the 148-year legacy of high-quality compassionate care in Utah include:

Kevin Jenkins, Market CEO in Utah and CEO, Holy Cross Hospital  Salt Lake: Jenkins has served in CommonSpirit ministries since 2008. In his Market CEO since May, he is working to build a team of market leaders and hospital CEOs while ensuring success in integrating these ministries into the national health system. His role includes leadership of Holy Cross Hospital  Salt Lake, where works to further the ministrys incredible legacy of caring for the community.

Michael Jensen, CEO, Holy Cross Hospital - Davis: Jensen is continuing in the role he has held for 22 years in service to the Layton and surrounding communities, providing leadership to the expansion of hospital facilities and partnerships, new technology and financial stewardship. Jensen has built key relationships with physicians and clinics in the past two decades and is passionate about improving the quality of life for all people in the community he serves.

Christine McSweeney, CEO, Holy Cross Hospital  Jordan Valley: With 25 years of experience in health care, McSweeney has served CommonSpirit since 2019, most recently in operational leadership positions in the Colorado market, including at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. She has also held regional leadership roles, focusing on service line initiatives, operational efficiencies, and new business development. McSweeney works every day to inspire her team to thrive and improve.

Angie Simonson, CEO, Holy Cross Hospital  Jordan Valley West: Simonson has served CommonSpirit for more than 11 years, most recently as CEO at St. Thomas More Hospital in Canon City, Colo. Simonson has also served in multiple director roles across the Colorado/Kansas/Utah Division, most notably managing joint ventures and system contracts. She will work with her team in West Valley City to lead the hospital with collaboration, kindness and compassion.

Chris Stines, CEO, Holy Cross Hospital  Mountain Point: Stines most recently served as Vice President, Service Lines for the Colorado/Kansas/Utah Division, partnering with leaders, physicians and patients to achieve operational excellence in neuroscience, heart & vascular, trauma and orthopedics. He previously served as CEO for two hospitals in large systems, including CommonSpirit in Arkansas. Stines is committed to cultivating trust with those he serves.

The five Holy Cross hospitals in Utah are among the 20 hospitals and 240 physician practices and clinics that now make up CommonSpirits Colorado/Kansas/Utah Division, effective August 1, 2023. Patients who visit one of these facilities will begin to see the transition to the CommonSpirit name. While the name will change, the commitment to delivering high-quality care by many of the same providers and care sites patients know and trust remains the same. For additional information, patients are encouraged to visit www.Centura.org/CommonSpirit.

###

ABOUT COMMONSPIRIT HEALTH

CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 by Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. The Colorado/Kansas/Utah Division includes 20 hospitals, 240 physician practices and clinics, emergency and urgent care centers, home care and hospice services, and Flight For Life Colorado. With its national office in Chicago and a team of over 175,000 employees and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, CommonSpirit operates 142 hospitals and more than 2,200 care sites across 24 states. In FY 2022, CommonSpirit had revenues of $33.9 billion and provided $4.9 billion in charity care, community benefit, and unreimbursed government programs. Learn more at www.commonspirit.org.
Dallas, TX, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Jason C. Ray has joined the firm as a partner in its Tax, Benefits, and Private Client group in the firms new Dallas office. Ray advises employers on the design, implementation, and regulatory compliance of tax-qualified and nonqualified retirement plans with an emphasis on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Ray joins Blank Rome from Morgan Lewis.

In 2023, Blank Rome has grown strategically, adding two dozen prominent lateral partners across offices and practices to expand service offerings and support client needs. The firm opened a Dallas office in July with a team of six leading corporate, real estate, and finance partners with national practices, including Dallas Office Co-Chair Jason S. Luter who similarly advises clients on corporate ownership succession planning transactions involving ESOPs.

We are excited to welcome Jason Ray to the firm and expand our presence in Dallas, said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Romes Chair and Managing Partner. Savvy business owners moving toward retirement are seeking sound succession planning advice that will ensure a smooth transition for their employees, customers, and other stakeholders, while preserving company culture. Jason Luter and Jason Ray are an unparalleled team when it comes to ESOP experience and counsel, and will provide tremendous value to companies and trustees navigating the intricacies of various employee benefit plans.

Ray represents companies in negotiating and drafting documents at every stage of a leveraged ESOP transaction, including re-leveraging transactions. He guides clients in ESOP transactions, including seller-financed and leveraged and nonleveraged buyouts as part of ownership succession transactions. Ray also counsels clientsincluding private equity and other strategic buyers of ESOP companies, as well as ESOP trusteeson countless ESOP-related matters, including corporate governance and issues pertaining to repurchase liability, fiduciary duties, compliance, and taxes.

In addition to counseling clients on all aspects of employee benefits, Ray appears before the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor to review penalty assessments, plan corrections, and plan audits. Additionally, he represents companies in ESOP stock-drop and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) breach of fiduciary duty cases. Furthermore, Ray designs and drafts Profit-Sharing Plans, 401(k) Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOPs), and stock-based compensation arrangements.

Jason Ray is one of the go-to lawyers in the country for companies that need advice on ESOPs and the operation and administration of stock-based compensation agreements, said Luter. Im excited to join forces with Jason to provide premium counsel on the design and execution of ESOP transactions, as well as ongoing legal and regulatory advice to ESOP-owned companies. Working together with our colleagues across the country, our ESOP practice will be an incredible resource for our business owner clients who are exploring succession planning options.

Jason Luter and I have spoken about practicing together and expanding our national ESOP practices for years while waiting for the right time and opportunity to do so. Blank Rome has a strong, national platform and collaborative culture and I look forward to building my practice and supporting clients with their ESOP and employee benefits needs, Ray said. I am also thrilled to join the newly launched Dallas office and contribute to the growth of the firm on a local and national level.

Outside of his practice, Jason does charity work with Shriners Childrens Hospital in Galveston, Texas. Ray earned his LL.M and J.D. at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, and his B.A at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 15 offices and more than 680 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Romes culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

###

Attachment
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis or Bank) has awarded the 2023 Community Spirit Award to Susan Ruch, Small Business Banker at The Farmers Bank in Frankfort, Ind., and Michelle LaClair-Ziembo, Human Resources Manager at United Bay Community Credit Union in Bay City, Mich.



Since 2007, the annual award has honored individuals at one of FHLBank Indianapolis member institutions in Indiana and Michigan who show an outstanding dedication to affordable housing and community economic development. This year, the ways in which the Bank recognizes Community Spirit was expanded to include a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category. This new category applies to an individual who shows exceptional dedication to advancing the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion within their financial institution or community.

It is a great pleasure to present this years Community Spirit Award to these two individuals who are so dedicated to their organizations and communities, said MaryBeth Wott, SVP Community Investment & Strategic Planning Officer. Both exemplify excellence in more than one category for the Community Spirit Award and are great assets and champions for the communities in which they serve.

About Susan Ruch, 2023 Indiana Community Spirit Award Winner

Over the years, Ruch has been a leader for The Farmers Banks use of FHLBank Indianapolis Affordable Housing Program. Since 2017, she has helped secure more than $1.5 million in FHLBank Indianapolis funding to the Frankfort, Ind., community. As a small business lender, Ruch is dedicated to helping new and existing small businesses succeed and is an advocate for the Elevate Small Business grant program for small businesses that qualify.

As an emerging leader, Ruch leads the Mentorship Program at The Farmers Bank, which promotes growth, leadership and development throughout the organization. She also recently completed the internal Leadership Challenge program at The Farmers Bank, a program based on the Kouzes and Posner leadership model and best-selling book, The Leadership Challenge.

When she sees a need in the community, she harnesses resources both internally and outside the bank to help the family, organization or effort, said Karen Gregerson, President and CEO of The Farmers Bank. Community Development is her passion, and she shares that joyfully with others.

About Michelle LaClair-Ziembo, 2023 Michigan Community Spirit Award Winner

LaClair-Ziembo led United Bay Community Credit Union through a 12-month program to obtain a Certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Belonging and Accessibility (DEIBA) designation. The program included a policy review, intense social discussions, interviews and ongoing education, with metrics tied to a viable DEIBA plan. United Bay Community Credit Union is the only credit union in Michigan with this designation.

In addition, LaClair-Ziembo created the credit unions Employee Resource Group program and headed up community partnerships with minority owned businesses within the community. Michelle is relentless in her efforts to add programs that impact our members and employees. She has launched wellness programs, new benefits programs, community events and inspired numerous volunteer activities, said Leslie Webb, Vice President People & Strategy at United Bay Community Credit Union.

Webb added: She was instrumental in a forward-thinking, positive message for staff that resulted in being named a Top Places to Work in 2022 (by the Detroit Free Press), and (Kudos) Best Culture awards in 2021 and 2022. Without her leadership, our culture would not have transformed to one that is truly invested in the communities we serve.

In addition to the award, FHLBank Indianapolis will donate $2,500 to the nonprofit organization of choice for both Ruch and LaClair-Ziembo. Ruch has chosen the Humane Society of Clinton County, and LaClair-Ziembo selected the Great Lakes Bay Pride.

More information about the Community Spirit Award is available on the Banks awards landing page.

Building Partnerships. Serving Communities.

FHLBank Indianapolis is a regional bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. FHLBanks are government-sponsored enterprises created by Congress to ensure access to low-cost funding for their member financial institutions, with particular attention paid to providing solutions that support the housing and small business needs of members' customers. FHLBanks are privately capitalized and funded, and receive no Congressional appropriations. FHLBank Indianapolis is owned by its Indiana and Michigan financial institution members, including commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, savings institutions and community development financial institutions. For more information about FHLBank Indianapolis, visit www.fhlbi.com and follow the Bank on LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter, at @FHLBankIndy.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5aadb824-1a8c-4f19-b80d-b3bfbd2cad4c
Houston, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), the largest homeschool advocacy group in the United States, will send three HSLDA staff: two Spanish-speaking educational consultants, Karim Morato and Clarisa Loparo, and Bilingual Grant Administrator Amy Majors to Celebrate the Wonders of Science Vamos a descubrir! which will be held on Saturday, September 9th at the Houston Community College. There will be two identical sessions from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 12 p.m.-3 p.m. with free parking and admissions.

We are elated to support science and STEM for the growing Hispanic homeschool communities in Texas and in the United States, said HSLDA President Jim Mason. We hope that many families take advantage of this event.

Bridges to Science founder Rosa Aristy is the Hispanic leader organizing the movement. Bridges to Science's Houston Science FestivalCasa to College is the first of its kind in Houston. This event is a celebration of Hispanic culture and learning at home designed for 5th-12th grade students who home educate and their parents, showcasing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

I am so excited as a Hispanic homeschool educator and homeschool mother to support this effort to educate parents and children in STEM, said HSLDAs Morato. "Bringing together homeschooling resources, supporting parents, and providing STEM education to teens forms a strong approach to address the educational and career challenges Hispanic students often encounter in this country."

This festival will have live demonstrations, multidisciplinary collaborations, family-friendly science activities, interactive experiences, a STEM career panel, a workshop, and a taste of Hispanic cuisine. By highlighting Houston's Hispanic cultural heritage, the event encourages families to learn en familia and explore exciting science pathways, fostering a deeper connection between science and the arts.

Loparo and Morato will offer one-on-one consultations for parents: High School Pathways: 15-minute 1:1 consultation with counselors to learn about free and inexpensive ways to acquire accredited college credits and technical certifications while pursuing high school education at home. Parents will be provided with high school planning, knowledge and a vision to home educate their children. Loparo will give two workshops: Charting Your Way through High School for College and STEM Careers. Majors will share with parents the benefits of HSLDA membership including HSLDAs program for Hispanic families and compassion grants.

To apply for a free technology kit or to learn more about the Houston Science Festival, visit www.houstonsciencefestival.org. Must present official ID or Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card to pick up your kit on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at your designated time between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

About HSLDA

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is Americas largest and oldest homeschool advocacy group. Founded in 1983 with the mission to make homeschooling possible for all families, the organization has helped empower millions of homeschooling parents and students. As a membership organization for families homeschooling their children, HSLDA provides a myriad of resources from legal advice to educational consultants to support member families through every step of their homeschool journey. Learn more about HSLDA at https://hslda.org/

Attachment
TORONTO, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AGF Management Limited (TSX: AGF.B) will release its financial results for Q3 2023 on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at approximately 8:00 a.m. ET. AGF will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss these results at 11:00 a.m. ET.

The discussion will feature remarks by Kevin McCreadie, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, and Ken Tsang, Chief Financial Officer. Judy G. Goldring, President and Head of Global Distribution, will also be available for the question-and-answer period with investment analysts following the presentation.

The live audio webcast with supporting materials will be available in the Investor Relations section of AGFs website at www.agf.com or at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/zwqr45mo. Alternatively, the call can be accessed over the phone by registering here or in the Investor Relations section of AGFs website at www.agf.com, to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN.

A complete archive of this discussion along with supporting materials will be available at the same webcast address within 24 hours of the end of the conference call.

About AGF Management Limited

Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three distinct business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Private Capital and AGF Private Wealth.

AGF brings a disciplined approach focused on providing an exceptional client experience and incorporating sound responsible and sustainable practices across its businesses. The firms collective investment solutions, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $42 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 800,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

AGF MANAGEMENT LIMITED SHAREHOLDERS, ANALYSTS AND MEDIA, PLEASE CONTACT:

Courtney Learmont

Vice-President, Finance

647-253-6804, InvestorRelations@agf.com
Newark, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 3 billion in 2022 global glamping market will reach USD 7.10 billion in 2032. The COVID-19 outbreak severely harmed the tourism business. The market for glamping is anticipated to grow as normalcy slowly returns to the world, and several initiatives by governments and travel agencies to increase tourism demand are implemented. According to the United Nations Tourism Dashboard, the world witnessed a 50% increase in travel post-pandemic. It was estimated that around 470 million travellers undertook a trip for vacation. The growth of the tourism sector is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, given the psychological change in the population towards enjoying and spending more time with friends and family outside of their homes after the two years of pandemic-induced lockdowns and restrictions. Glamping is expected to become a demanded vacation experience, driving the market's growth.



Download Report Sample (230+ Pages PDF with Insights) at: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/13681



Key Insight of the Global Glamping Market



North America is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.



The majority of the population can now enjoy glamping, given the high per capita income of the regions population, which is fueling the market's expansion. Additionally, the launch of travel packages offering glamping experiences in unusually beautiful locations across the North American continent will spur market expansion. The preference of local customers for opulent experiences with a dash of natural retreat contributes favourably to the sector's growth. The expanding social media presence of material reviewing these locations to draw in more customers will also aid the market's expansion.



In 2022, the cabins and pods segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 48% and revenue of 1.44 billion.



The accommodation type segment is divided into cabins and pods, yurts, tents, treehouses, tipis and others. In 2022, the cabins and pods segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 48% and revenue of 1.44 billion.



In 2022, the family travel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 56% and revenue of 1.68 billion.



The application segment is divided into family travel and enterprise travel. In 2022, the family travel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 56% and revenue of 1.68 billion.



Advancement in market



June 2023 - The luxury glamping pioneer Luxeglamp EcoResorts opened India's first magnificent "bubble glamping" resort in Munnar's picturesque Keralan hill town. Luxeglamp is situated at Poopara, Munnar, Kerala. The lovely lush green scenery of the hill town and cardamom plantations surround Munnar's six (6) bubble glamps, which promise panoramic views and a stargazing experience like no other. The hotel offers particularly created Suite Bubble Glamps and Premium Bubble Glamps, each with a distinctive private space with hammocks, hot tubs, and saunas. Additionally, there is a restaurant there that serves breakfast for free. Along with these activities, visitors can go hiking, boating, birdwatching, exploring neighbouring forests, and visiting tea plantations.



Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/buying-inquiry/13681



Market Dynamics



Driver: the growing influence of social media.



In the present world, social media has ingrained itself irrevocably into everyone's daily lives. As more businesses target audiences by working with these influencers, the existence of beauty, lifestyle, and travel bloggers is changing the marketing landscape. Similarly, glamping service providers or governments looking to boost tourism through glamping invite these influencers to stay at their locations and urge them to promote and review them. These initiatives seek to spread deals and packages through influencers and raise awareness of glamping. Targeted advertisements are used with influencer marketing for glamping to draw customers. Therefore, the growing social media influence will fuel the market's expansion, increasing Glamping's visibility.



Restraints: the pricey nature of glamping.



Glamping is an essentially luxurious experience, making it expensive for most travellers. In addition, the young visitors who drive the camping industry are struggling financially. Furthermore, most campers choose the classic camping method to enjoy nature in its most unadulterated and unadulterated form. Some people prefer the educational opportunities, lack of luxury, and appreciation for basic amenities to the opulent glamping experience. As a result, the market's expansion will be constrained by the high cost of glamping.



Opportunities: increased diversity in travel offerings.



Consumers' increased willingness to spend money on trips results from rising disposable income. Additionally, the pandemic's limits on gathering and mobility have had a beneficial effect because they have made people more conscious of spending quality time with their families, friends and travelling. The current travel agencies or businesses have expanded their product portfolios to include glamping in their offers in light of these changes. Additionally, companies can draw in new clients with their distinctive offers by exploring new, off-the-beaten-path locations far from cities that offer a calm, private, and luxurious experience. As a result, introducing glamping by established travel and tourist businesses to draw customers will present profitable opportunities for the expansion of the global glamping industry.



Challenges: the lack of awareness.



Glamping is a fairly new concept; many people don't know about glamping. Furthermore, only a few industry players offer these services, given the necessary permits and high initial costs required. Therefore, the lack of awareness will challenge the market's growth by limiting its potential to a few market segments.



Browse the full report with Table of Contents and List of Figures: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/glamping-market-13681



Some of the major players operating in the global glamping market are:



 Bushtec Safari

 Collective Retreats

 Eco Retreats

 Huttopia

 Nightfall Camp Pty Ltd.

 Paperbark Camp

 Sawdays Canopy & Stars Ltd.

 Tanja Lagoon Camp

 Tentrr

 Under Canvas



Key Segments cover in the market:



By Product Type



 Cabins and Pods

 Yurts

 Tents

 Treehouses

 Tipis

 Others



By Application



 Family Travel

 Enterprise Travel



By Region



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



Inquire for Customized Data: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/request-customization/13681



About the report:



The market is analysed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analysed worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report analyses driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to gain critical market insight. The study includes Porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, Product analysis, supply, and demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company that provides actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. They have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the client's objectives of high-quality output within a short period. They provide both customized (client-specific) and syndicate reports. Their repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Their customized solutions meet the client's requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



Contact Us



Avinash D

Head of Business Development

Phone: +1-315-215-1633

Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com

Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com
CHICAGO, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SBB Research Group Foundation invited three prior grant recipients to share updates on their critical efforts to support the local community. The Foundation awarded additional grants to further each of the respective organizations mission (organizations listed alphabetically):



A Safe Place (Zion) provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, addressing their immediate and long-term needs. Its services aim to help victims recover and prevent future abuse from occurring.



(Zion) provides comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, addressing their immediate and long-term needs. Its services aim to help victims recover and prevent future abuse from occurring. Facing Forward to End Homelessness (Chicago) aims to effectively end homelessness for families and individuals by providing them with hope, assistance, and housing.



(Chicago) aims to effectively end homelessness for families and individuals by providing them with hope, assistance, and housing. Reading Power (Lake Forest) provides focused and personalized literacy tutoring for children from prekindergarten to second grade.



These charities are committed to helping our community and we are honored to assist them achieve their goals, said Matt Aven, co-founder and board member of the SBB Research Group Foundation.

The Foundation encourages any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to apply for a grant at sbbrg.org/apply-for-grant. Donations are awarded to different organizations monthly.

About the SBB Research Group Foundation
YERINGTON, Sept. 05, 2023 - Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) ("Nevada Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Elaine Dorward-King to the Board of Directors of Nevada Copper effective September 1, 2023.



Stephen Gill, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nevada Copper, stated, "We are thrilled that Elaine has chosen to join Nevada Copper's Board, adding her extensive history of leadership and achievements in sustainable development to our team. Elaine joins Nevada Copper at a crucial time in the development cycle as we focus on and implement ESG initiatives through the restart and ramp up to sustained underground operations and further through the development of the open pit project. Her guidance and input will be beneficial as we develop and implement effective sustainability programs at Pumpkin Hollow."

Dr. Dorward-King brings over 30 years of experience, primarily developed in international mining companies including Newmont Mining Corp., Rio Tinto and Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation. Prior to retiring in 2019, she served as Newmont's Executive Vice President of Sustainability and External Relations, driving Social and Governance strategies across the global organization. Prior to that she held various leadership roles focused on environmental and sustainability programs for companies in the mining, environmental and chemical sectors. She is currently a director of NovaGold Resources Inc., Sibanye-Stillwater Limited, and Kenmare Resources plc Dr. Dorward-King has a B.A. from Maryville College and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Colorado State University.

About Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is the owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project located in Nevada, USA with substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility, which is undergoing a restart of operations, and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.

Randy Buffington

President & CEO

For additional information, please see the Company's website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:

Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations

tthom@nevadacopper.com

+1 775 391 9029




/NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES./

TSX Venture Exchange: ADY

OTCQB: ADYRF

FSE: 701GR

PORT MORESBY, Sept. 5, 2023 - Adyton Resources Corp. (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") announces that it has been granted an extension by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") to complete its non-brokered private placement of up to 104,758,886 common shares at a price of $0.0133 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,393,293 (the "Financing") that was announced by the Company on July 18, 2023. The extended date for final acceptance of the Financing is September 29, 2023. The terms of the Financing remain unchanged from those set out in the Company's July 18, 2023 press release announcing the Financing.

All shares issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws and TSXV policies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Adyton Resources Corp.

Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Adyton Resources Corp. is focused on the development of gold and copper resources in world class mineral jurisdictions. It currently has a portfolio of highly prospective mineral exploration projects in Papua New Guinea on which it is exploring for copper and gold. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire which hosts several world class copper and gold deposits.

For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.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 press release.

DISCLAIMER & FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may include "forward-looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Such factors, among other things, include: impacts arising from the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corp. undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Adyton Resources
TORONTO, Sept. 05, 2023 - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) is pleased to report initial results from the 2023 drilling program at EPO, a deposit located to the north of the Media Luna deposit, in close proximity to the Guajes Tunnel, south of the Balsas River. Results from the 2023 program continue to highlight the potential to upgrade Inferred resources to the Indicated category and expand Inferred resources through step-out drilling to the north and south of the deposit.



Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO stated:

"The geology of the Morelos Property continues to impress and support our strategy to enhance the production and cash flow profile beyond 2027 and extend the overall life of the Morelos Complex. The focus of our renewed investment in exploration and drilling is on expanding the resource potential of the Media Luna Cluster and making stand-alone discoveries across the broader Morelos Property.

"We are pleased with the results to date from the 2023 drilling program at EPO as the assay results indicate the potential to upgrade additional Inferred mineral resources while expanding mineralization. We are also optimistic about the potential to further increase the size of EPO, as the deposit remains highly prospective with mineralization open to the north, south, and potentially at depth. Results from the 2023 program will be incorporated into the year-end Mineral Resource update and will form the basis of an internal study evaluating the feasibility of developing an economic mining front at EPO, which could leverage the infrastructure currently being developed for Media Luna, including the Guajes Tunnel.

"Drill results from the resource categorization program have been positive, with infill drilling along the southern end of the deposit returning intercepts with similar grades and widths as previous drilling. Several drill holes returned favourable assay results including 9.78 grams per tonne gold equivalent ("gpt AuEq") over 21.3 metres ("m") in drill hole ML23-957D; 11.08 gpt AuEq over 5.3 m in ML23-941D; 5.08 gpt AuEq over 5.0 m in ML23-954D; 7.11 gpt AuEq over 14.1 m in ML23-938D; and 3.96 gpt AuEq over 49.75 m in ML23-933D.

"Initial results from the resource expansion program have also been encouraging, with four step-out holes confirming the mineralized footprint of the deposit approximately 500 m to the north of the current block model. Notable assay results from the resource expansion program include 6.14 gpt AuEq over 15.75 m and 4.04 gpt AuEq over 11.2 m in drill hole ML23-942; 4.69 gpt AuEq over 3.1 m, 4.49 gpt AuEq over 3.4 m, and 6.26 gpt AuEq over 3.0 m in ML23-935; 4.80 gpt AuEq over 8.6 m in ML23-956; as well as 7.99 gpt AuEq over 7.1 m and 8.81 gpt AuEq over 6.2 m in ML23-949A. The intercepts show a strong structural control of the mineralization by the dykes with assays demonstrating a higher proportion of copper mineralization relative to gold.

"Additionally, an evolving structural interpretation for the Morelos Property, in conjunction with historical drill results, indicate the potential to extend the mineralized footprint of EPO to the south. Drilling to test the southern extensions of the deposit and validate the structural interpretation is planned for the second half of the year.

"Overall, initial results from the 2023 drilling program at EPO are very encouraging and, combined with the success of the 2022 drilling campaign, continue to demonstrate the potential for EPO to become a new mining front on the south side of the Balsas River, which would support our strategic goal of filling the mill with higher-grade feed beyond 2027."

The gold equivalent grade calculation accounts for the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold ("Au"), $20/oz silver ("Ag"), and $3.50/lb copper ("Cu")) as well as metallurgical recoveries (85% Au, 75% Ag, and 89% Cu) used in the current Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit (effective date of December 31, 2022).

Assay results from the resource categorization program at EPO can be found in Table 3 and results from the expansion drilling program at EPO can be found in Table 4.

2023 EPO DRILLING PROGRAM

Through the end of July, approximately 24,140 m and 54 holes were drilled as part of the 2023 drilling program at EPO, with assays received for 34 holes. This represents 72% of the approximately 35,000 m of total drilling planned at EPO in 2023.

A recent structural study has identified at least three north-south oriented thick-skin faults, with the Cuajiote fault believed to be responsible for the El Limon Guajes and Media Luna Cluster mineralization. Specifically at EPO, this structural interpretation highlights the exploration potential to the south and to the north, towards the highly prospective Todos Santos target, all of which further demonstrates the continuity of the Media Luna Cluster.

RESOURCE CATEGORIZATION PROGRAM

The resource categorization program in 2023 is aimed at upgrading Inferred resources along the southern portion of the deposit to the Indicated category. The initial results suggest a portion of the Inferred resources in the area of focus will be upgraded to Indicated resource category (Figures 1 and 2).

Assay results have been received for 30 holes drilled under the resource categorization program (approximately 21,280 m), 24 of which returned intercepts with mineralization in excess of 2.0 gpt AuEq and over 3 m in length.

Table 1: Highlights from the 2023 resource categorization program at EPO

Drill Hole From

(m) To

(m) Core Length1

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) AuEq2

(g/t) ML23-932D 503.33 507.04 3.71 4.70 9.89 0.50 5.63 ML23-933D 469.25 519.00 49.75 3.49 6.51 0.24 3.96 ML23-934D 712.00 718.17 6.17 0.44 38.81 2.29 4.60 ML23-937D 653.79 660.93 7.14 3.03 22.45 0.62 4.29 ML23-938D 462.04 468.40 6.36 1.50 61.12 1.54 4.69 485.86 500.00 14.14 6.56 9.41 0.27 7.11 ML23-939D 643.09 658.22 15.13 1.41 29.71 0.94 3.27 ML23-941D 735.83 741.10 5.27 9.80 12.97 0.70 11.08 ML23-943D 481.00 502.00 21.00 2.98 5.02 0.10 3.19 588.90 598.60 9.70 2.19 15.86 0.53 3.24 ML23-954D 683.26 688.30 5.04 2.94 20.72 1.18 5.08 ML23-957D 511.61 532.94 21.33 9.29 9.11 0.24 9.78 ML23-962D 505.28 510.00 4.72 2.77 38.46 0.55 4.10

Notes to Table:

1) Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery.

2) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.011385 + Cu (%) * 1.621237 and use the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold, $20/oz silver, and $3.50/lb copper) and metallurgical recoveries (85% gold, 75% silver, and 89% copper) used in the Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit.

The returned intercepts generally exhibit similar thickness and grades to those defined by the 2022 drilling program, which supports the goal of upgrading Inferred resources to the Indicated category within the southern portion of the deposit while also indicating the potential to expand Inferred resources immediately to the west and east of the current block model.

RESOURCE EXPANSION PROGRAM

Initial results from the resource expansion program at EPO have been successful, with 4 step-out drill holes confirming the mineralized footprint of EPO approximately 500 m to the north of the current block model. Drilling for the remainder of 2023 will be focused on extending mineralization to the north and south of the deposit.

The control of the Cuajiote fault on EPO suggests that mineralization could extend to the north and to the south, with the latter interpretation being supported by historical drill results within the interpreted extent of the deposit. Step-out drilling planned for the second half of 2023 will be targeted at both validating the structural interpretation and extending the mineralized footprint of the deposit to the south (Figure 3).

Table 2: Highlights from the 2023 resource expansion program at EPO

Drill Hole From

(m) To

(m) Core Length1

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) AuEq2

(g/t) ML23-935 673.42 676.50 3.08 3.44 17.78 0.65 4.69 747.00 750.36 3.36 3.17 30.71 0.60 4.49 775.14 778.18 3.04 1.33 127.53 2.15 6.26 ML23-942 791.93 807.68 15.75 3.26 58.86 1.36 6.14 912.50 923.66 11.16 1.54 27.10 1.35 4.04 ML23-949A 747.00 754.07 7.07 0.64 115.61 3.72 7.99 774.17 783.49 9.32 0.63 59.14 1.57 3.84 834.83 841.00 6.17 2.52 100.10 3.18 8.81 ML23-956 668.00 676.59 8.59 1.57 42.05 1.70 4.80

Notes to Table:

1) Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery.

2) The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.011385 + Cu (%) * 1.621237 and use the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold, $20/oz silver, and $3.50/lb copper) and metallurgical recoveries (85% gold, 75% silver, and 89% copper) used in the Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit.

EPO GEOLOGY

The EPO deposit is part of the Media Luna Cluster, hosted within the Mesozoic carbonate-rich Morelos Platform, overlayed by Cuautla and Mezcala formation, and has been intruded by Paleocene stocks, sills, and dykes of granodioritic to tonalitic composition.

The north-south Cuajiote thick-skin fault controls the architecture of the deposit with other sub-parallel second order faults generating the favorable trap for the different event of fluids at multiple stages of deformation.

Skarn-hosted copper was deposited in an early-stage mineralization event. Gold-silver mineralization was developed in the ground preparation of intense flat fractures found in the footwall of the faults at the contact of Morelos limestone and Media Luna granodiorite during reverse movement, as well as within altered dykes and sills of the skarn envelope associated with minor deformation stages.

The main portion of this mineralized package dips slightly to the west at approximately 30; in the lowest part of the known mineralization, the dip steepens to approximately 60, while the northernmost portion of the deposit dips to the north, resulting in a broad antiformal geometry of the deposit.

The skarn is characterized by a mineral assemblage of pyroxene, garnet, and magnetite. Metal deposition and sulfidation occurred during retrograde alteration and is associated with a mineral assemblage comprising amphibole, phlogopite, chlorite, and calcite  quartz  epidote as well as variable amounts of magnetite and sulfides, primarily pyrrhotite. Additional mineralization is associated with skarn developed within and along dykes and sills above the main granodiorite intrusion.

Additional information on the Media Luna deposit, the Media Luna Feasibility Study, and the analytical and sampling process is available in the Company's technical report entitled the "Morelos Property, NI 43-101 Technical Report, ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study, Guerrero State, Mexico", dated effective March 16, 2022 filed on March 31, 2022 (the "Technical Report") on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com.

QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL

At the Company's Morelos Property (see description below), all the Media Luna Project drill core is logged and sampled at the core facility within the project camp under the supervision of Nicolas Landon, Chief Exploration Geologist for the Media Luna Project. A geologist marks the individual samples for analysis and sample intervals, sample numbers, standards and blanks are entered into the database. The core is cut in half lengthwise using an electric core saw equipped with a diamond tipped blade. One half of the core is placed into a plastic sample bag and sealed with zip ties in preparation for shipment. The other half of the core is returned to the core box and retained for future reference in the Company core shack with the assay pulps and coarse rejects. The core samples are picked up at the project camp and delivered to Bureau Veritas ("BV") to conduct all the analytical work.

Sample preparation is carried out by BV at its facilities in Durango, Mexico and consists of crushing a 1 kg sample to >70% passing 2 mm followed by pulverisation of 500 g to >85% passing 75 ?m. Gold is analyzed at the BV facilities in Hermosillo, Mexico following internal analytical protocols (FA430) and comprises a 30g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Samples yielding results >10 g/t Au are re-assayed by fire assay with gravimetric finish (FA530-Au). Copper and silver analyses are completed at the BV facilities in Vancouver, Canada as part of a multi-element geochemical analysis by an aqua regia digestion with detection by ICP-ES/MS using BV internal analytical protocol AQ270. Overlimits for the multi-element package are analyzed by internal protocol AQ374.

Torex has a sampling and analytical Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") program in place that has been approved by BV and is overseen by Nicolas Landon, Chief Exploration Geologist for the Media Luna Project. The program includes 5% each of Certified Reference Materials and Blanks; blind duplicates are not included, but Torex evaluates the results of internal BV laboratory duplicates. Torex uses an independent laboratory to check selected assay samples and reference materials and has retained a consultant to audit the QA/QC data for every drill campaign at Media Luna. The QA/QC procedure is described in more detail in the Technical Report filed on SEDAR.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Carolina Milla, P.Eng. Ms. Milla is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (Member ID #168350), has experience relevant to the style of mineralization under consideration, is a qualified person under NI 43-101, and is an employee of Torex. Ms. Milla has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the drill results; verification included visually reviewing the drill holes in three dimensions, comparing the assay results to the original assay certificates, reviewing the drilling database, and reviewing core photography consistent with standard practice. Ms. Milla consents to the inclusion in this release of said data in the form and context in which they appear.

ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC.

Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City. The Company's principal asset is the Morelos Complex, which includes the El Limon Guajes ("ELG") Mine Complex, the Media Luna Project, a processing plant, and related infrastructure. Commercial production from the Morelos Complex commenced on April 1, 2016 and an updated Technical Report for the Morelos Complex was released in March 2022. Torex's key strategic objectives are to optimize and extend production from the ELG Mine Complex, de-risk and advance Media Luna to commercial production, build on ESG excellence, and to grow through ongoing exploration across the entire Morelos Property.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Torex Gold Resources Inc. Jody Kuzenko Dan Rollins President and CEO Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations Direct: (647) 725-9982 Direct: (647) 260-1503 jody.kuzenko@torexgold.com dan.rollins@torexgold.com

CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements about; results from 2023 drilling at EPO support strategy to fill the mill with higher-grade feed beyond 2027; results from the 2023 program continue to highlight the potential to upgrade Inferred resources to the Indicated category and expand Inferred resources through step-out drilling to the north and south of the deposit; the geology of the Morelos Property continues to impress and support the Company's strategy to enhance the production and cash flow profile of the Morelos Complex beyond 2027 and extend the overall life of the Morelos Complex; the focus of the Company's renewed investment in exploration and drilling is on expanding the resource potential of the Media Luna Cluster and making stand-alone discoveries across the broader Morelos Property; the assay results indicate the potential to upgrade additional Inferred mineral resources while expanding mineralization; the Company is also optimistic about the potential to further increase the size of EPO, as the deposit remains highly prospective with mineralization open to the north, south, and potentially at depth; the results from the 2023 program will be incorporated into the year-end Mineral Resource update and will form the basis of an internal study evaluating the feasibility of developing an economic mining front at EPO, which could leverage the infrastructure currently being developed for Media Luna, including the Guajes Tunnel; the intercepts from the initial results from the resource expansion program show a strong structural control of the mineralization by the dykes with assays demonstrating a higher proportion of copper mineralization relative to gold; an evolving structural interpretation for the Morelos Property, in conjunction with historical drill results, indicate the potential to extend the mineralized footprint of EPO to the south; overall, initial results from the 2023 drilling program at EPO are very encouraging and, combined with the success of the 2022 drilling campaign, continue to validate the potential for EPO to become a new mining front on the south side of the Balsas River, which would support the Company's strategic goal of filling the mill with higher-grade feed beyond 2027; a recent structural study has identified at least three north-south oriented thick-skin faults, with the Cuajiote fault believed to be responsible for the El Limon Guajes and Media Luna Cluster mineralization, specifically at EPO, this structural interpretation highlights the exploration potential to the south and to the north, towards the highly prospective Todos Santos target, all of which further demonstrates the continuity of the Media Luna Cluster; the initial results of the 2023 resource categorization program suggest a portion of the Inferred resources in the area of focus will be upgraded to Indicated resource category to the south and potentially expanding Inferred resources immediately to the west and east of the current block model; the returned intercepts generally exhibit similar thickness and grades to those defined by the 2022 drilling program, which supports the goal of upgrading Inferred resources to the Indicated category within the southern portion of the deposit while also indicating the potential to expand Inferred resources immediately to the west and east of the current block model; the control of the Cuajiote fault on EPO suggests that mineralization could extend to the north and to the south, with the latter interpretation being supported by historical drill results within the interpreted extent of the deposit; and the Company's key strategic objectives to extend and optimize production from the ELG Mining Complex, de-risk and advance Media Luna to commercial production, build on ESG excellence, and to grow through ongoing exploration across the entire Morelos Property. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objective", "strategy", "target", "continue", "potential", "focus", "demonstrate", "aim" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "would", or "is expected to" occur. Forward-looking information is 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 forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the ability to upgrade mineral resources categories of mineral resources with greater confidence levels or to mineral reserves; risks associated with mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation; uncertainty involving skarn deposits; and those risk factors identified in the Technical Report and the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions discussed in the Technical Report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. 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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.



Figure 1: 2023 resource categorization program at EPO is expected to result in additional Inferred resources being upgraded to the Indicated resource category.







Figure 2: Infill drilling carried out as part of the 2023 resource categorization program at EPO have returned assay results with similar grades and widths as previous drilling.





Figure 3: 2023 resource expansion program at EPO has confirmed the continuity of mineralization approximately 500 m to the north of the current block model. Mineralization at EPO remains open to the north, to the south, and potentially at depth.





Table 3: Initial results from 2023 resource categorization drilling program at EPO

Final Intercept Drill Hole Area Purpose UTM-E UTM-N Elevation Hole Type Mother Hole Azimuth Dip Depth From To Core Length Au Ag Cu AuEq Lithology (m) (m) (m) () () (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) ML23-932D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 575.50 503.33 507.04 3.71 4.70 9.89 0.50 5.63 Skarn composite 2 ML23-933D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 593.50 469.25 519.00 49.75 3.49 6.51 0.24 3.96 Skarn composite 2 ML23-934D EPO IND 421932.52 1985579.20 1432.26 DD ML23-930 754.25 712.00 718.17 6.17 0.44 38.81 2.29 4.60 Skarn composite 2 ML23-937D EPO IND 421932.52 1985579.20 1432.26 DD ML23-930 680.50 653.79 660.93 7.14 3.03 22.45 0.62 4.29 Skarn composite 2 ML23-938D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 576.50 462.04 468.40 6.36 1.50 61.12 1.54 4.69 Skarn composite 1 EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 576.50 485.86 500.00 14.14 6.56 9.41 0.27 7.11 Skarn composite 3 ML23-939D EPO IND 421932.52 1985579.20 1432.26 DD ML23-930 746.50 643.09 658.22 15.13 1.41 29.71 0.94 3.27 Skarn composite 1 ML23-940D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 620.50 468.59 476.94 8.35 1.83 4.51 0.08 2.01 Skarn composite 2 EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 620.50 577.00 582.42 5.42 0.64 69.76 0.95 2.98 Skarn composite 5 ML23-941D EPO IND 421932.52 1985579.20 1432.26 DD ML23-930 800.50 735.83 741.10 5.27 9.80 12.97 0.70 11.08 Skarn composite 1 ML23-943D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 632.85 469.46 475.08 5.62 0.59 34.19 1.06 2.69 Skarn composite 1 EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 632.85 481.00 502.00 21.00 2.98 5.02 0.10 3.19 Skarn composite 2 EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 632.85 588.90 598.60 9.70 2.19 15.86 0.53 3.24 Skarn composite 5 ML23-945D EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 578.50 443.05 449.10 6.05 1.32 33.27 0.72 2.87 Skarn composite 1 EPO IND 422199.22 1985614.78 1460.91 DD ML22-927 578.50 524.00 531.90 7.90 0.90 49.05 0.77 2.71 Skarn composite 4 ML23-954D EPO IND 422197.73 1985617.10 1460.87 DD ML23-947A 715.80 683.26 688.30 5.04 2.94 20.72 1.18 5.08 Skarn composite 2 ML23-957D EPO IND 422197.73 1985617.10 1460.87 DD ML23-947A 671.70 511.61 532.94 21.33 9.29 9.11 0.24 9.78 Skarn composite 1 ML23-962D EPO IND 422194.88 1985621.29 1460.91 DD ML22-809 602.10 505.28 510.00 4.72 2.77 38.46 0.55 4.10 Skarn composite 3

Notes to Table

Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery. The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.011385 + Cu (%) * 1.621237 account for the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold, $20/oz silver and $3.50/lb copper) and metallurgical recoveries (85% gold, 75% silver and 89% copper) used in the Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit.





Table 4: Initial results from 2023 resource expansion drilling program at EPO

Final Intercept Drill Hole Area Purpose UTM-E UTM-N Elevation Hole Type Mother Hole Azimuth Dip Depth From To Core Length Au Ag Cu AuEq Lithology (m) (m) (m) () () (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) ML23-935 EPO EXP 421981.00 1985606.75 1440.44 CD 349.80 -49.95 890.55 673.42 676.50 3.08 3.44 17.78 0.65 4.69 Skarn composite 1 EPO EXP 421981.00 1985606.75 1440.44 CD 349.80 -49.95 890.55 747.00 750.36 3.36 3.17 30.71 0.60 4.49 Skarn composite 4 EPO EXP 421981.00 1985606.75 1440.44 CD 349.80 -49.95 890.55 775.14 778.18 3.04 1.33 127.53 2.15 6.26 Skarn composite 5 ML23-942 EPO EXP 421981.62 1985606.98 1440.43 CD 16.28 -49.89 682.95 791.93 807.68 15.75 3.26 58.86 1.36 6.14 Skarn composite 3 EPO EXP 421981.62 1985606.98 1440.43 CD 16.28 -49.89 682.95 912.50 923.66 11.16 1.54 27.10 1.35 4.04 Skarn composite 5 ML23-949A EPO EXP 421983.76 1985606.59 1440.46 CD ML23-949 987.55 747.00 754.07 7.07 0.64 115.61 3.72 7.99 Skarn composite 2 EPO EXP 421983.76 1985606.59 1440.46 CD ML23-949 987.55 774.17 783.49 9.32 0.63 59.14 1.57 3.84 Skarn composite 4 EPO EXP 421983.76 1985606.59 1440.46 CD ML23-949 987.55 834.83 841.00 6.17 2.52 100.10 3.18 8.81 Skarn composite 9 ML23-956 EPO INF 421985.74 1985602.92 1440.53 CD 29.42 -60.66 821.60 668.00 676.59 8.59 1.57 42.05 1.70 4.80 Skarn composite 3

Notes to Table

Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery. The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.011385 + Cu (%) * 1.621237 account for the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold, $20/oz silver and $3.50/lb copper) and metallurgical recoveries (85% gold, 75% silver and 89% copper) used in the Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit.





Table 5: References to historical drilling at EPO (prior to 2023)

Final Intercept Drill Hole Area Purpose UTM-E UTM-N Elevation Hole Type Mother Hole Azimuth Dip Depth From To Core Length Au Ag Cu AuEq Lithology (m) (m) (m) () () (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) MLN-04 EPO EXP 422396.11 1986295.07 1328.42 CD 310.00 -70.00 655.50 561.22 570.23 9.01 5.09 14.68 0.28 5.72 Skarn Composite 1 MLN-09 EPO EXP 422102.88 1985625.75 1447.69 CD 220.00 -82.00 668.00 614.10 624.07 9.97 1.24 10.90 0.53 2.23 Skarn Composite 1 MLN-20 EPO EXP 422200.08 1985619.58 1460.95 CD 220.00 -83.00 701.35 552.42 555.96 3.54 6.85 10.23 0.23 7.33 Skarn composite 1 EPO EXP 422200.08 1985619.58 1460.95 CD 220.00 -83.00 701.35 623.35 632.06 8.71 2.82 10.76 0.50 3.75 Skarn composite 2 EPO EXP 422200.08 1985619.58 1460.95 CD 220.00 -83.00 701.35 665.50 673.36 7.86 1.49 9.66 0.62 2.60 Skarn composite 3 NWZML-10 EPO EXP 422392.18 1985546.09 1493.79 CD 40.00 -86.00 517.85 451.53 454.37 2.84 4.21 73.87 0.25 5.46 Skarn composite 1 ML21-753 MLSW EXP 421867.82 1984351.08 1113.52 CD 234.83 -74.89 938.00 836.00 847.00 11.00 4.00 19.44 0.78 5.48 Breccia ML22-803D EPO IND 422195.89 1985617.85 1460.66 DD ML22-766 695.20 568.77 577.62 8.85 1.79 13.04 0.06 2.03 Skarn Composite 1 ML22-843D EPO IND 421981.42 1985602.89 1440.40 DD ML22-834 737.65 683.67 706.31 22.64 1.43 19.69 0.82 2.98 Skarn Composite 1 ML22-899 EPO INF 421984.71 1985607.11 1440.34 CD 114.77 -73.09 708.20 556.81 563.00 6.19 0.57 26.34 0.83 2.21 Skarn composite 1 EPO INF 421984.71 1985607.11 1440.34 CD 114.77 -73.09 708.20 639.00 655.70 16.70 1.92 18.41 0.77 3.38 Skarn composite 3 SP22-004 SPL_UG UG 421892.16 1984629.51 913.83 CD 220.21 -64.25 393.55 343.95 350.04 6.09 19.16 29.03 0.45 20.22 Granodiorite with ISO level

Notes to Table

Intercepts are reported as core length (not true width/thickness). Core lengths reflect drilling core recovery. The gold equivalent grade calculation used is as follows: AuEq (g/t) = Au (g/t) + Ag (g/t) * 0.011385 + Cu (%) * 1.621237 account for the same metal prices ($1,550/oz gold, $20/oz silver and $3.50/lb copper) and metallurgical recoveries (85% gold, 75% silver and 89% copper) used in the Mineral Resource estimate for the EPO deposit.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b9059ee7-f328-4ee9-ba01-6a3fc4fd9665

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba5aeaf7-2bde-48c0-b4bf-db350c02b96d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26789588-7d92-43ef-ad3e-ef9ff0b110b1
VANCOUVER, Sept. 6, 2023 - Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN) (the "Company" or "Kootenay") is pleased to announce resumption of drilling at Columba High Grade Silver Project, located 25 km south of the township of Nueva Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. To date Kootenay has drilled 135 holes for just over 27,000 meters on the project.

The current campaign will drill a minimum of 3,000 meters comprising of 12 to 15 holes focused on expanding on impressive, wide high-grade intercepts hit to date in the west-northwest trending D-Vein. The D-Vein has intercepted high grades in drilling over a horizontal length of 400m and to a maximum depth of about 300 meters. Mineralization on D-Vein is open to depth and along strike.

Favourable results from the initial program would warrant an additional 7,000 meters in 19 holes to aggressively step out on D-Vein toward its projected intersection with similarly mineralized B Vein.

The D-Vein is a quartz-calcite vein flanked by mineralized stockwork/breccia with intercepts exceeding 10 to 15 meters in true width in places. Previous drilling reported very encouraging results, as evidenced by the best interval to date in hole CDH-22-125, with 34.45 meters downhole length1 averaging 540 gpt silver with 0.26 gpt gold, 0.37% lead and 1.56% zinc including a high-grade interval averaging 5,840 gpt silver, 3.0 gpt gold, 3.08% lead and 17.25% zinc over 2.45 meters1. (see news release dated 8 September, 2022)

Kootenay's CEO, Mr Jim McDonald states, "surface work and follow up drilling at Columba has identified a series of cross cutting, well mineralized veins within an area measuring approximately 4km by 4km. Of all the veins drilled to date, D Vein has returned the most impressive grades and widths so we are looking to expand the size of this mineralized shoot. This program marks the first step of an aggressive drilling campaign designed to culminate in a maiden resource for the third quarter of next year as financing will allow at which point a decision on a PEA can be made."

Hear Jim McDonald briefly discuss the drill program here.

The Company has identified new vein targets in addition to known vein extensions warranting drill testing. The phase now underway represents the first stage of a comprehensive, project-wide program designed to step out along strike and to depth on multiple mineralized veins planned for completion within the next 12 months.

The Company has contracted Globextools de S.A. de C.V. of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to conduct the drilling at Columba. Results of the drill program will be announced as soon as the assays are received and interpreted by the Company.

Link to Drill Plan and Long Section

1 True widths are estimated at between 75% an 85% of the downhole lengths.



A comprehensive list of drill results completed on the Columba Property since 2019 may be viewed here: Columba Drill Results.

Sampling and QA/QC at Columba

All technical information for the Columba exploration program is obtained and reported under a formal quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") program. Samples are taken from core cut in half with a diamond saw under the direction of qualified geologists and engineers. Samples are then labeled, placed in plastic bags, sealed and with interval and sample numbers recorded. Samples are delivered by the Company to ALS Minerals ("ALS") in Chihuahua. The Company inserts blanks, standards and duplicates at regular intervals as follows. On average a blank is inserted every 100 samples beginning at the start of sampling and again when leaving the mineral zone. Standards are inserted when entering the potential mineralized zone and in the middle of them, on average one in every 25 samples is a standard. Duplicates are taken in the mineralized zone, on average 1 to 2 duplicates for each hole.

The samples are dried, crushed and pulverized with the pulps being sent airfreight for analysis by ALS in Vancouver, B.C. Systematic assaying of standards, blanks and duplicates is performed for precision and accuracy. Analysis for silver, zinc, lead and copper and related trace elements was done by ICP four acid digestion, with gold analysis by 30-gram fire assay with an AA finish. All drilling reported is HQ core and was completed by Globexplore de S.A. de C.V. from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

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.

Qualified Persons

The Kootenay technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and reviewed and approved on behalf of Kootenay by James McDonald, P.Geo, President, CEO & Director for Kootenay, a Qualified Person.

About Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico. Supported by one of the largest junior portfolios of silver assets in Mexico, Kootenay continues to provide its shareholders with significant leverage to silver prices. The Company remains focused on the expansion of its current silver resources, new discoveries and the near-term economic development of its priority silver projects located in prolific mining districts in Sonora, State and Chihuahua, State, Mexico, respectively.

www.kootenaysilver.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

The information in this news release has been prepared as at September 5, 2023. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Cautionary Note to US Investors: This news release includes Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Reserves and the Mineral Resources estimates are made in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ significantly from the requirements adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The SEC sets rules that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources information included in this news release is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by domestic U.S. reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kootenay-silver-initiates-new-phase-of-diamond-drilling-at-columba-high-grade-silver-project-chihuahua-mexico-301918744.html

SOURCE Kootenay Silver Inc.
TORONTO, September 6, 2023 - Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSX-V:PX)(OTC PINK:PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent activities and plans for its projects in Ghana and Canada.

Highlights

District-scale Obuasi Project will benefit from an agreement with TuNya Mineral Resources Ltd. ("TuNya") to provide both exploration expenditures and access to significant technical expertise.

TuNya funded exploration program is underway on the Obuasi Project and will focus on two large target areas in the southwest corner of the property closest to the Obuasi Mine property, the Obuasi and NGA target areas.

TuNya's exploration program will also cover the Tarkwaian geology which has been under-explored to date.

The recently completed Manfo drill program extended mineralization in both the Pokukrom East and West deposits, demonstrating resource growth potential with continued step-out drilling.

Canada Nickel Company's significant discovery on its Mann Northwest property enhances interest in our adjacent Mann property (2.2 km away).

"Recently we've had a number of very positive developments for Pelangio in Ghana and Canada," commented Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO of Pelangio. "Firstly, our agreement with TuNya provides a catalyst for exploration success at our Obuasi Project, a district-scale land package adjacent to the giant high-grade Obuasi mine. The agreement provides both exploration funding and access to a technical team with over 125 years of expertise on the extremely prolific Ashanti gold belt, including significant experience at the Obuasi mine itself. Secondly, our Manfo drill program extended known mineralization at the southern ends of both the Pokukrom East and West deposits. With a number of targets yet to be drilled around these deposits, potential remains to establish additional extensions to the mineralization and to grow the Manfo resource with continued drilling. Thirdly, our Mann property has benefitted from new data provided by the significant discovery made by Canada Nickel Company on its adjacent Mann Northwest Project. Our Mann and Kenogaming properties provide our shareholders with exposure to critical mineral potential in Ontario.

GHANA EXPLORATION UPDATE

Manfo Project

The 96 km Manfo project, located in the Sefwi-Bibiani Belts 15 km southwest of Newmont's Ahafo gold mine and 40 km north of Asante Gold's Bibiani gold mine, has recently been Pelangio's exploration focus in Ghana. Refer to Figure 1. In 2013, SRK Consulting estimated the project hosts a gold mineral resource of 195,000 oz (at 1.52 g/t Au) Indicated and 298,000 oz (at 0.96 g/t Au) Inferred with the bulk of the resource contained in the two Pokukrom deposits.

In 2021, a project data review and targeting development and ranking exercise was conducted. It identified opportunities to grow the project through step-out drill testing of open-ended mineralization in the known deposits to demonstrate possible extensions that would be further drilled for potential resource addition, plus drill testing of multiple exploration targets along and near the 9 kilometers of mineralized structures within the property. A 3,700-meter diamond drilling program was designed to test potential extensions of the Pokukrom deposits and in late 2021, drilling commenced with two holes at the smaller, higher-grade Pokukrom West deposit. The first hole was drilled in the midst of previous drilling to gain a better understanding of the structural controls on the mineralization. It returned an intercept of 3.81 g/t Au over 15 meters, including 5.65 g/t Au over 7 meters - better than surrounding holes. The second hole tested for the down-plunge continuation of the Pokukrom West lode. It returned an encouraging intercept of 3.19 g/t Au over 12 meters, including 6.85 g/t Au over 3 meters, demonstrating that the Pokukrom West deposit does in fact continue down-plunge. This small drill program validated the strategy of continued drilling to potentially grow the project.

The planned diamond drilling program recommenced in 2023 with the drilling of seven holes for 1,039.5 meters on both the Pokukrom East and West deposits. This program was completed in June 2023. The drill program, detailed in Pelangio's news release of July 24, 2023, tested for strike and down-dip extensions in select areas of both Pokukrom deposits, in addition to a soil plus auger gold geochemical target sitting on the western flank of Pokukrom East. While the program eliminated the geochemical target and downgraded the potential shallow northern strike extension to Pokukrom West above the successful 2021 down-plunge drill test, drilling demonstrated a continuation of the Pokukrom West mineralization incrementally further to the south of the deposit plus a down-dip extension of Pokukrom East at the southern end of the deposit. The drill hole south of Pokukrom West returned an intercept of 1.88 g/t Au over 13 meters, including 4.01 g/t over 4 meters. The shallow oxide mineralization is still open further to the south and the potential remains to expand the Pokukrom West resource with further drilling to the south. The down-dip drill test at the shallower southern end of Pokukrom East intercepted 0.71 g/t Au over 20 meters plus 1.66 g/t Au over 7 meters, including 1 meter of 8.43 g/t Au. The mineralization remains open down-dip in this area and there is potential to expand the resource to depth here. Table 1 summarizes the significant drill intercepts at Pokukrom from the 2021 and 2023 programs, and Figure 2 illustrates the drill hole locations.

With a number of targets yet to be drilled in the planned resource step-out diamond drilling program around the Pokukrom deposits, potential remains to establish additional extensions to mineralization and potentially grow the resource with infill drilling. This would be followed with a resource estimation update for Manfo which, at a higher gold price than the US$1,450/ounce used in the 2013 MRE, is expected to result in some addition to the Manfo project gold resource. In addition, a 7,000-meter exploration air-core drilling program is planned to test up to 21 previously untested geological, geochemical, and structural targets along and near the 9-kilometer long main structural corridor, which could yield satellite deposit discoveries that might also add significantly to the project. With a defined gold mineral resource and a number of opportunities remaining to add to it, Manfo continues to be Pelangio's core project in Ghana.

The Manfo mineral resource estimation was conducted by SRK Consulting and published in June 2013. (Refer to the Mineral Resource Evaluation Technical Report, Manfo Gold Project, by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., released on June 21, 2013 and available on Pelangio's website). The resource estimation was made in accordance with National Instrument 43?101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects at the time of the mineral resource estimation in 2013. NI 43-101 standards for disclosure have been amended multiple times since 2013 and as a result, Pelangio's 2013 resource estimate is no longer NI 43-101 compliant under the current standards.

Obuasi Project

Pelangio's 100% owned Obuasi project covers 284 km located immediately adjacent to and on geological strike with AngloGold Ashanti's 25 Moz Obuasi Mine. Refer to Figures 1 and 3. The Obuasi project is also immediately adjacent to TuNya's property, which hosts the Kyereboso deposit. Obuasi was Pelangio's flagship project in Ghana from 2007 until drilling on the Manfo Project started demonstrating mineral resource potential and litigation between vendors of two of the four claims of the Obuasi property hindered exploration activities on the property. With the litigation now resolved and a recently signed binding letter of intent ("LOI") to option a portion of the Obuasi property to TuNya Mineral Resources, Pelangio is turning new focus to the Obuasi project.

Pelangio conducted considerable work on the Obuasi project from 2007 to 2011, including two airborne VTEM/magnetic surveys, geological and geochemical surveys, and trenching plus diamond drilling focused on just a handful of prospects that returned Obuasi-style geology and alteration with anomalous to significant drill intercepts from nearly all targets drill tested. The early exploration activity plus subsequent and more recent data reanalysis, prospectivity and targeting exercises prioritized two large principal target areas for follow up exploration situated in the southwestern corner of the property closest to the Obuasi Mine property. The Obuasi Targets area covers the strike extension of geological stratigraphy along which the Obuasi deposits lie. It was the focus of early exploration drilling by Pelangio, returning anomalous results but no significant discovery. Considerable Au and As geochemical anomalism along and near to this trend has not yet been drill tested, and drilling by Pelangio has generally been relatively shallow and focused over several small areas. The NGA Targets area straddles the main Birimian-Tarkwaian metasedimentary contact and has seen minimal drill testing by Pelangio, although two drill holes returned high grades over narrow widths, including 24.50 g/t Au over 1 meter and 11.28 g/t Au over 2 meters. This high-grade prospect will likely be one of the first revisited when Pelangio's field activities get back under way.

Ongoing work on the Obuasi project will continue the desktop target development and ranking exercise, augmented by field work to include a comprehensive review of drill core, detailed field mapping and a structural study. This effort will be conducted largely by TuNya's "Obuasi experts." Pelangio has recently entered a binding LOI for an option for TuNya to earn into an 80% interest on the southern portion of Pelangio's Obuasi project covering principally Tarkwaian geology. For details, refer to Pelangio's news release dated July 31, 2023. This allows TuNya to explore the Tarkwaian for extensions and additions to their Kyereboso deposit that could result in a more robust project for them, while Pelangio maintains a 20% interest in ground that was unlikely to be explored by Pelangio over the near term. In exchange, TuNya will undertake a comprehensive review of Pelangio's Obuasi property prospects, focusing on the Obuasi and NGA Target areas and utilizing their personnel who have considerable senior technical and management experience at the Obuasi Mine and elsewhere along the Ashanti Belt.

Working with TuNya and their new products, Pelangio expects to be able to develop a more informed ranked target list for ongoing Obuasi exploration. At the same time, Pelangio proposes to enhance this with improved geochemical and geophysical datasets through targeted auger drilling programs plus a high resolution airborne aeromagnetic survey covering the western third of the Obuasi property. As has been attempted in the past at Obuasi, upon completion of these programs, an AI (artificial intelligence) prospectivity platform can be utilized to generate smarter exploration targets with better, more detailed datasets. This work will be guided by the Obuasi expertise of TuNya's technical people, including a structural geologist, a geophysicist and a GIS specialist. These efforts should ultimately delineate the very best targets for drill testing. Drill testing will initially be performed at shallow depths, followed by deeper probes as and where warranted.

Dankran Project

The 35 km Dankran project is contiguous to the northeast corner of Pelangio's Obuasi property and covers 7 kilometers of strike of prospective Obuasi geology and structures 25 kilometers northeast of AngloGold Ashanti's 25 Moz Obuasi Mine. The property sits adjacent to the Obuom Mine - a small, high-grade 1930's era underground gold mine, which produced roughly 30,000 ounces of gold at 16 g/t from shear-hosted quartz veins situated along the main Birimian volcanic-sedimentary contact. Refer to Figure 3.

Pelangio entered into an option agreement to acquire the property in late 2020 and immediately commenced soil sampling, mapping and prospecting campaigns to test this relatively large, underexplored segment of the Ashanti Belt. Soil sampling delineated several robust soil anomalies on the main contact along strike from the Obuom Mine coincident with a number of artisanal miner's workings extending into the Dankran property. A 2,491-meter scout RC drilling program was conducted in May and June of 2021 to test several of the soil anomalies. It returned encouraging results along 2.5 kilometer strike of the structure with drill intercepts including 14.17 g/t Au over 3 meters, 6.07 g/t Au over 2 meters and 0.47 g/t Au over 10 meters.

The Dankran project, which is now 100% owned by Pelangio, has shown evidence of high-grade gold potential on the Obuasi-Obuom trend from limited, shallow (<70 meter vertical) RC drill testing, which warrants follow up drilling. An additional 3,500 meters of RC drilling is planned to further explore the 2.5-kilometer long target, which was sparsely drill tested in the first pass program. Up to 1,000 meters of diamond drilling would follow to test the most prospective targets at depth and gain a better understanding of the geology and structural controls on the gold mineralization. While currently a lower priority than Pelangio's Manfo and Obuasi projects, the Dankran project represents an early-stage, high-grade gold exploration opportunity hosting 7 kilometers of underexplored strike of the Ashanti Belt, 25 kilometers away from the world-class Obuasi Mine.

Figure 1. Location of Pelangio's Gold Projects in SW Ghana

Table 1: Significant Results of the 2021 and 2023 Diamond Drilling Programs at Manfo

Figure 2. 2021 and 2023 Drilling on the Pokukrom Deposits, Manfo Project

Figure 3. Location of Pelangio's Obuasi and Dankran Projects in Relation to AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine

CANADA EXPLORATION UPDATE

Kenogaming Project

In 2022 Pelangio acquired a 100% interest in the prospective gold-silver-zinc polymetallic project in Kenogaming Township, located approximately 63 km southwest of the City of Timmins. Kenogaming is located in the northeastern part of the Swayze greenstone belt near to the interpreted western extension of the Porcupine-Destor Fault. The Swayze Belt hosts IAMGOLD's 14 Moz Cote Gold development project to the south, in addition to Newmont's high-grade Borden Mine to the southwest.

The Kenogaming project covers 800 meters strike of a 300-meter wide strongly pyritized corridor of highly altered felsic rocks that are geochemically enriched in gold, silver and zinc. Historical drill holes on the property have returned intercepts of 35.65 g/t gold over 1.21 meters, 18.5 g/t gold over 1.0 meters and 0.59 g/t gold, 1.8 g/t silver and 1.10% zinc over 10 meters untested at depths below 150 meters and with approximately 400 meters of untested strike length on the property. The project is drill-ready and a 1,000 m diamond drilling program has been designed to test the most prospective targets. Refer to Figure 4.

Figure 4. Location of the Kenogaming Polymetallic Project

Mann Project

Pelangio's 100% owned Mann project has come to the forefront with a recent nearby discovery by Canada Nickel Company. Canada Nickel is advancing their 2 billion tonne Crawford nickel project and aggressively exploring multiple properties in the district. The Mann Property is located in Mann Township, 50 km northeast of the City of Timmins, and covers an area of approximately 2 km. The twelve patented claims (mining and surface rights) cover a portion of a large ultramafic intrusive complex that is prospective for nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium and PGE's close to where Canada Nickel Company has just reported assays from a significant new discovery on their Mann Northwest Property surrounding Pelangio's patented claims (see their Canada Nickel's release dated August 22, 2023).

Canada Nickel drilled eight holes from May to July 2023, testing 2.7 km of strike. Each hole returned multi-hundred-meter wide intersections of "strongly serpentinized peridotite, dunite and pyroxenite with fine mineralization throughout." Canada Nickel reported assays from five of the eight holes drilled were all mineralized with significant nickel, platinum and palladium values returning up to 348.5 meters of 0.23% Ni and 0.04 g/t Pt+Pd including 33 meters of 0.31% Ni and 0.057 g/t Pt+Pd. This hole also ended with 28.9 meters of 0.52 g/t Pt+Pd. Canada Nickel's drill holes are located 2.2 km from Pelangio's Mann property boundary. The Mann patents cover historical airborne electromagnetic anomalies that experienced limited shallow drill testing by Inco from 1948 to 1951 and returned significant nickel values over narrow widths. Given the very significant nearby discovery by Canada Nickel, Pelangio is currently considering exploration programs to evaluate the potential of the property. Refer to Figure 5.

Figure 5. Location of Pelangio's Mann Property in Relation to Canada Nickel's New Mann Northwest Discovery

Qualified Person

Mr. Kevin Thomson, P.Geo. (Ontario, #0191), is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Thomson approved the technical data disclosed in this release.

About Pelangio

Pelangio acquires and explores world-class land packages on strategic gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is exploring its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of seven near-surface gold discoveries, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located four km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as its Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. In Canada, the company has several gold properties and two critical minerals properties. See www.pelangio.com for further details.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.pelangio.com, or contact:

Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO

Tel: 905-336-3828 / Toll-free: 1-877-746-1632 / Email: info@pelangio.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, delays due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are 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 release.

SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/781103/pelangio-exploration-provides-update-on-activities-in-ghana-and-canada
Grass Valley, September 6, 2023 - Rise Gold Corp. (CSE: RISE) (OTCQX: RYES) (the "Company" or "Rise Gold") reports that it has submitted a Petition to the County of Nevada asserting its vested right to mine at the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine. The Petition was prepared by Mitchell Chadwick LLP and was independently reviewed by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC. As demonstrated in the Petition, mining operations on the Vested Mine Property are a vested use, protected under the California and federal Constitutions, and a use permit is not required for mining operations to continue. The Petition is available on the Nevada County website.

The Company owns the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine, consisting of 175 acres of surface land and a 2,560-acre mineral estate (the "Vested Mine Property"), located in Nevada County ("County"), California. Before the Vested Mine Property was consolidated into its current configuration in 1941, it existed as multiple historical mines and operations referred to in the Petition as the "Mine Property" or the "Mine."

For the vested right to be recognized by the County, Rise needs to demonstrate that fact that mine operations were being conducted both before and immediately after the County first required a permit to mine in 1954. The Petition and its exhibits are replete with historical evidence that mining was conducted at the Vested Mine Property prior to, during, and after 1954, when the County first required a use permit.

Once vested, this right to mine endures unless it is abandoned, which has not occurred here. Abandonment only occurs if two conditions are met: (1) there is evidence of a property owner's actual intent to abandon the vested mining right; and (2) an overt act (or failure to act) demonstrating such intent. The California Supreme Court has held that a vested mining right is not abandoned merely because the mine has been inactive for periods of time, and the Court has found that cessation of use alone does not constitute abandonment of a mine. The evidence set out in the Petition establishes the various previous owners evidenced their intent to retain the vested right to mine by continuously recording mineral reservations, entering into leases, and making plans for resuming mining in the future, even when mining operations were suspended. There is no evidence that any owner of the Vested Mine Property actually intended to abandon the vested mining right or took an overt act demonstrating that intent (let alone both). In addition, the vested right was already confirmed in 1980 by the County itself1.

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding the Company's Petition on October 27th of this year. A decision on the Petition is not discretionary, rather the Board of Supervisors must decide whether to confirm the vested rights by reviewing the historical facts in light of how the California Supreme Court has interpreted the relevant legal principles.

About Rise Gold Corp.

Rise Gold is an exploration-stage mining company incorporated in Nevada, USA. The Company's principal asset is the historic past-producing Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine located in Nevada County, California, USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Benjamin Mossman

President, CEO and Director

Rise Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Rise Gold Corp.

Suite 215, 333 Crown Point Circle

Grass Valley, CA 95945

T: 530.433.0188

info@risegoldcorp.com

www.risegoldcorp.com

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are 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.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to, among other things, its ongoing business operations. These risks are related to a number of factors including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, meeting expenditure and financing requirements, compliance with environmental regulations, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information contained in this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.

1The County recognized that mining operations on the Vested Mine Property were a legal nonconforming use in 1980 (i.e., a vested right) in its grant of Use Permit U79-41 authorizing the harvesting, crushing, screening, and sale of existing mine rock and tailings at the Centennial Industrial site. The County's Staff Report explicitly states that the grant of the permit was "an expansion of an existing, non-conforming use." California courts have ruled that a vested right cannot be broken down to encompass "less than the entire business operation," and, therefore, under the California law the County vested the right to mine for the entire Vested Mine Property.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179643
VANCOUVER, Sept. 6, 2023 - Stuhini Exploration Ltd. ("Stuhini" or the "Company") (TSXV: STU) (OTCQB: STXPF) is pleased to announce that its common shares are now quoted for trading on the OTCQB venture market (the "OTCQB") under the symbol "STXPF". The Company has also received The Depository Trust Company (the "DTC") eligibility in the United States, thus allowing the Company's stock to be more easily traded by and accessible to US institutional and retail investors.

Dave O'Brien, Company President and CEO stated: "We have experienced strong US investor interest over the past year, with several US based investors participating in our most recent financing. Accordingly, we are pleased to have been quoted for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market and to have received DTC eligibility, both of which will aid in our goal of increased visibility and share liquidity for both existing and new US based shareholders."

The OTCQB allows early stage and developing companies the benefit of being publicly traded in the United States. Eligible companies must be current in their financial reporting, pass a minimum bid test and undergo an annual verification and management certification process.

DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a US based company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible".

The Company also announces it has recently joined the International Molybdenum Association (the "IMOA") and Company chairman Tony Fogarassy is presently attending and representing Stuhini at the 2023 IMOA Annual General Meeting being held in Santiago Chile. The IMOA is non-profit trade association representing the molybdenum industry.

About Stuhini Exploration Ltd.

Stuhini is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals properties in western Canada and south-western USA. The Company's portfolio of exploration properties includes: its flagship, the Ruby Creek Project located approximately 14 km east of Atlin, BC; the Que Project located approximately 70 km north of Johnson's Crossing in the Yukon; the South Thompson Project located approximately 35 km northwest of Grand Rapids, Manitoba; the Big Ledge Property located approximately 57 km south of Revelstoke, BC; and a portfolio of properties in south-east Arizona.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward?looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to statements relating to increased visibility and share liquidity in the United States. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, fluctuations in metal and commodity prices, market prices and exchange rates, failure to obtain permits, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those set out in the Company's prospectus. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE Stuhini Exploration Ltd.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 06, 2023 - Silver Bull Resources Inc. (TSX: SVB, OTCQB: SVBL) ("Silver Bull" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has secured funding for its international arbitration proceedings against the United Mexican States ("Mexico") under the Agreement between the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada (the "USMCA") and the North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA").



HIGHLIGHTS

Litigation Funding Agreement ("LFA") signed with Bench Walk Advisors LLC ("Bench Walk") to pursue international arbitration claims against Mexico for breaches of its obligations under NAFTA.

The LFA facility is available for immediate draw down and provides funding to cover legal, tribunal and external expert costs and corporate operating expenses associated with the Company.

US$9.5 million is provided as a purchase of a contingent entitlement to damages in the event that a damages award is recovered from Mexico.

Legal counsel for the claim is Boies Schiller Flexner (UK) LLP ("BSF"), an international law firm with extensive experience in international investment arbitration concerning mining and other natural resources, to act on its behalf. The BSF Team will be led by Timothy L. Foden, a noted practitioner in the mining arbitration space.

The arbitration arises from Mexico's unlawful expropriation and other unlawful treatment of Silver Bull and its investments resulting from an illegal blockade of Silver Bull's Sierra Mojada project that began in September 2019 and continues to this day.



Silver Bull's CEO, Mr. Tim Barry commented, "Whilst it had been Silver Bull's intention to continue developing the Sierra Mojada Project, an illegal blockade by a small group of local miners trying to extort and force an underserved royalty payment from the Company began in September 2019 and continues to this day. Despite numerous requests to the Mexican Government to uphold the law and end the illegal blockade, the Government failed to act, preventing Silver Bull from accessing the site for over four years and preventing the Company from conducting its lawful business in Mexico. The direct actions and inactions by the Mexican Government has driven away investors from the project and resulted in the expropriation of the Sierra Mojada project.

"The substantial litigation funding secured under the LFA is a testament to the strength of Silver Bull's claims. The US$9.5 million funding facility is non-dilutive to Silver Bull shareholders and will cover the full legal budget of the claim, expert, and ancillary costs, as well as Silver Bull's operating expenses. Bench Walk will have a contingent entitlement to damages in the event that damages are awarded."

Mr. Barry continued, "We note that other companies have successfully enforced their rights through international arbitration and received substantial sums for damages. Recent examples of this include (i) a US$110 million award issued by the World Bank International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID") tribunal in August 2023 to Indiana Resources Ltd. regarding the revocation of its mining license by the Tanzanian Government in 2018, which case was led by our legal counsel Tim Foden from BSF, and (ii) a US$5.8 billion award issued by the World Bank ICSID tribunal to Barrick Gold/Antofagasta regarding Pakistan's unlawful denial of a mining permit for the Reko Diq copper project."

BACKGROUND TO THE CLAIM: The arbitration has been initiated under the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States process, which falls under the auspices of the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), to which Mexico is a signatory.

Silver Bull officially notified Mexico on March 2, 2023 of its intention to initiate an arbitration owing to Mexico's breaches of NAFTA by unlawfully expropriating Silver Bull's investments without compensation, failing to provide Silver Bull and its investments with fair and equitable treatment or full protection and security, and not upholding NAFTA's national treatment standard.

Silver Bull held a meeting with Mexican government officials in Mexico City on May 30, 2023, in an attempt to explore amicable settlement options and avoid arbitration. However, the 90-day period for amicable settlement under NAFTA expired on June 2, 2023, without a resolution.

Despite repeated demands and requests for action by the Company, Mexico's governmental agencies have allowed the unlawful blockade to continue, thereby failing to protect Silver Bull's investments. Consequently, Silver Bull will seek to recover an amount of approximately US$178 million in damages that it has suffered due to Mexico's breach of its obligations under NAFTA, which includes sunk costs of approximately US$82.5 million, usually considered minimum damages in such cases.

THE SIERRA MOJADA DEPOSIT: Silver Bull's only asset is the Sierra Mojada deposit located in Coahuila, Mexico. Sierra Mojada is an open pittable oxide deposit with a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated "global" Mineral Resource of 70.4 million tonnes grading 3.4% zinc and 38.6 g/t silver for 5.35 billion pounds of contained zinc and 87.4 million ounces of contained silver. Included within the "global" Mineral Resource is a Measured and Indicated "high grade zinc zone" of 13.5 million tonnes with an average grade of 11.2% zinc at a 6% cutoff, for 3.336 billion pounds of contained zinc, and a Measured and Indicated "high grade silver zone" of 15.2 million tonnes with an average grade of 114.9 g/t silver at a 50 g/t cutoff for 56.3 million contained ounces of silver. Mineralization remains open in the east, west, and northerly directions.

For a full summary of the Sierra Mojada resource, please refer to Silver Bull's news release located at the following link:

https://www.silverbullresources.com/news/silver-bull-resources-announces-5.35-billion-pounds-zinc-87.4-million-ounces-silver-in-updated-sierra-mojada-measured-and/

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim Barry"

Tim Barry, CPAusIMM

Chief Executive Officer and Director

INVESTOR RELATIONS:

1 604 687 5800 info@silverbullresources.com

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resources: In October 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") approved final rules requiring comprehensive and detailed disclosure requirements for issuers with material mining operations. The provisions in Industry Guide 7 and Item 102 of Regulation S-K have been replaced with a new subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K ("S-K 1300") under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"). The Company will be required to comply with these new rules in its disclosures since the fiscal year ending October 31, 2022. The requirements and standards under S-K 1300 differ from those under Canadian securities laws. This news release uses the terms "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources", and "inferred resources" which are defined in, and required to be disclosed by, NI 43-101 under guidelines set out in the Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council. While the terms are substantially similar to the same terms defined under S-K 1300, there are differences in the definitions. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources or mineral reserves that the Company may report under NI 43-101 will be the same as resource or reserve estimates prepared under the standards adopted under S-K 1300. The estimation of measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources involves greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic feasibility than the estimation of proven and probable reserves. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that measured and indicated mineral resources will be converted into reserves. The estimation of inferred mineral resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of mineral resources. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that estimates of inferred mineral resources exist, are economically minable, or will be upgraded into measured or indicated mineral resources. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies.

Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations, however the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. Accordingly, the information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies that are not subject NI 43-101.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This news release may contain certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). Any forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide Silver Bull security holders and potential investors with information regarding Silver Bull, including management's assessment of Silver Bull's future plans and financial outlook, and the Company's pursuit of international arbitration claims against Mexico. Any forward-looking statements reflect Silver Bull's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. As actual results could vary significantly from the forward-looking information, you should not put undue reliance on forward-looking information and should not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. There is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in enforcing its rights with respect to Mexico through international arbitration or in recovering any damage award in connection therewith. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the Company's filings under Silver Bull's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this news release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

VANCOUVER, Sept. 6, 2023 - Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. ("Outcrop Silver") (TSXV: OCG) (OTCQX: OCGSF) (DE: MRG1) is pleased to announce that it has established an "at-the-market" equity distribution program (the "ATM Program"). The ATM Program allows Outcrop Silver to issue and sell, at its discretion, up to $5,000,000 of common shares in the capital of Outcrop Silver ("Common Shares") to the public from time to time through Research Capital Corporation (the "Agent"), as sole agent, at the prevailing market price when issued, directly on the TSX Venture Exchange or any other recognized marketplace upon which the Common Shares are listed or quoted or where the Common Shares are traded in Canada. Outcrop Silver intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program for the advancement of the Santa Ana Project and for general corporate purposes.

Distribution of Common Shares under the ATM Program will be made pursuant to the terms of an equity distribution agreement (the "Equity Distribution Agreement") dated September 6, 2023 entered into between Outcrop Silver and the Agent.

The ATM Program will be effective until the earlier of the issuance and sale of all of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the ATM Program and the date on which the receipt issued for Outcrop Silver's base shelf prospectus dated August 18, 2023 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") ceases to be effective in accordance with Canadian Securities laws, unless terminated prior to such date by Outcrop Silver or the Agent. As Common Shares sold in the ATM Program will be issued and sold at the prevailing market price at the time of the sale, prices may vary among purchasers during the period of distribution.

The offering under the ATM Program will be made pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated September 6, 2023 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Base Shelf Prospectus, which has been filed with the applicable securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories in Canada. The Equity Distribution Agreement, the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus may be obtained on request, without charge, from the Corporate Secretary of Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. at Suite 905 - 1111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2J3 (Telephone (778) 372-2553) and are available on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+") website at www.sedarplus.ca.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered, sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the "United States" or to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the "United States" or "U.S. persons" (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About Outcrop Silver

Outcrop Silver is advancing the Santa Ana high-grade silver deposit with exploration activities aiming to expand the current mineral resource. Santa Ana is being advanced by a highly disciplined and seasoned professional team with decades of experience in Colombia.

www.outcropsilverandgold.com

Forward Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "potential", "we believe", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Outcrop Silver to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including: the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, capital expenditures and other costs, financing and additional capital requirements, completion of due diligence, general economic, market and business conditions, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, political uncertainties, and the state of the securities markets generally. Although management of Outcrop Silver have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or 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 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 and forward-looking information. Outcrop Silver will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp.
Alpha Tauri to become Hugo Boss?

Alpha Tauri's renaming to Hugo Boss looks set to go ahead.

Liam Lawson, Italian GP 2023

 Red Bull

A website reported a month ago that Red Bull's second team is likely to be known as 'Hugo Boss Bulls Racing' from next year.

Indeed, while 'Boss' branding is currently on the Aston Martin, the German luxury fashion house is pulling out of Formula E completely, Sport1 reports.
Marko hits back at Wolff's Wikipedia jibe

Dr Helmut Marko says he will start taking Toto Wolff seriously again once Mercedes returns to being a "serious rival".

Red Bull team, Italian GP 2023

 Red Bull

As well as being showered with boos by the Monza crowd last weekend, Verstappen's new all-time record for ten race wins in succession was played down by Wolff.

Wolff said it was a meaningless statistic that will only be recorded in Wikipedia - an online resource the Austrian says is not widely read.

Wikipedia is one of the most read mediums - maybe someone can tell Wolff, Red Bull's Marko told Servus TV.

Earlier, the 80-year-old had said Verstappen was uncharacteristically nervous before the start of the Italian GP.

This tenth victory in a row means a lot to him, Marko insists. "With every record comes even more motivation, and that also makes the team stronger.

So it's not insignificant. We are happy and we are happy to take these records with us.

As for Verstappen, he is quoted by Speed Week as commenting: Some fans just don't like who is currently winning. There is nothing I can do about that.

Marko, meanwhile, suspects that Mercedes' Wolff and Lewis Hamilton are simply guilty of sour grapes.

That's the difference between us and them, said the Austrian. "We look at our own team to get the best performance.

We just go about our business without making up all these kinds of stories like they do. But we don't worry about Mercedes as long as they are not a serious rival for us.

Marko even doubts that Red Bull's winning streak will necessarily end even in 2026, when the next set of regulations arrives - along with Red Bull's own engine.

Our wildest and toughest project is to set up our own engine project, he said.
No F1 budget cap cheats found says FIA

All ten teams have been shown the green light by Formula 1's budget cap police.

Italian GP 2023

 Alfa Romeo

Recently, with Red Bull and Aston Martin found in breach last year, it was rumoured that up to three teams were once again under close scrutiny by the FIA for potentially overspending.

The governing body's auditors even carried out extensive checks of top teams' non-F1 activities to see if clever spending loopholes had been exploited, the FIA announced this week.

But according to Auto Motor und Sport, the teams' own documentation was all lodged in time for a late February deadline. The auditors then spent six months looking at the numbers, correspondent Tobias Gruner said.
Verstappen, Hamilton did not build F1 teams says Alonso

Fernando Alonso has hit back at Mercedes boss Toto Wolff's claims that Red Bull 'built' a winning team especially around Max Verstappen.

Fernando Alonso, Italian GP 2023

 Aston Martin Racing

Rather, the former two-time champion says F1's last two dominant drivers - Verstappen and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton - simply lucked into their winning cars just as the regulations changed.

Hamilton and Verstappen did not build great teams, Alonso told De Telegraaf. "It was changes in the regulations.

When Lewis went to Mercedes, he didn't build anything. It was simply a change in regulations that helped him, he added, referring to the dawning of the 'hybrid' era in 2014.

When Max joined Toro Rosso and Red Bull, Hamilton was still winning everything. He did not build a winning Red Bull team, Alonso, 42, continued.

"In 2021 it was very even between them, and now, with the change of regulations from last year, Red Bull has won every race so far this season.
18 Insurance industry players honoured

Juliet Akyaa Safo & Diana Mensah Business News Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:03

Thirteen insurance companies and five insurance professionals have been awarded for their outstanding contributions to the insurance sector.

They are KEK Insurance Brokers Limited, KEK Reinsurance Brokers (Africa) Limited, Enterprise Life, StarLife Assurance Limited Company, Enterprise Insurance Limited and Golden Age Comprehensive Motor Insurance.

Others are Quality Insurance Company Limited, Ghana Reinsurance PLC, Metropolitan Health Insurance Ghana Limited and Metropolitan Pension Trust Ghana Limited.

The rest include Purple Drawdown Plan, Enterprise Trustees Limited, and Metropolitan Pensions Trust Ghana Limited.

The individual awardees included Yusif Thakib of Vanguard Assurance Company Limited, Sheila Wristberg of iRisk Management Limited, Gideon Sarfo of Activa International Insurance Ghana Limited, Freda Larbi of Enterprise Insurance Limited and Elijah Owusu Agyeman of KEK Insurance Brokers Limited.

Awards

They were awarded during the third edition of the Ghana Insurance Excellence Awards held by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana (CIIG) in Accra last Saturday (August 26).

The Awards was aimed at recognising outstanding individuals and companies that have set new benchmarks of excellence insurance industry players.

It was on the theme Professionalism in Challenging Times and was attended by professionals in the insurance sector.

At the event, the Ghana Chapter of the African Association of Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) was inaugurated to educate people about insurance and create a network of young insurance professionals.

Insurance sector

At the event, the President CIIG, Solomon Lartey, said the true impact of insurance is evident in trying times as it helps to recover, rebuild and renew during the most trying times.

The stories of individuals, businesses and communities that have been uplifted through social responsibility initiatives are the heart of our industry, he said.

He urged players in the insurance industry to recommit themselves to professionalism, integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Regulations

In view of regulation, Mr Lartey said the CIIG has partnered with the Ghana Insurance College to provide insurance education to its members since the Professional Bodies Regulation Act 1973, Act 143, mandated them to provide insurance education and training to enable persons to qualify to become members of the insurance profession.

To that, he said the CIIG would publish the list of members in good standing and file its list of members together with their qualifications and addresses with the office of the Registrar General's Department annually, gazetted under the Professional Bodies Regulation Act 1973, Act 143.
2023 Kimathi Kuenyehia-MiLEAD Reading Prize launched

News Desk Report Business News Sep - 04 - 2023 , 16:19

MOREMI Initiative for Womens Leadership in Africa, in partnership with the Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation, has launched the 2023 Kimathi Kuenyehia- MiLEAD Reading Prize.

The competition, which was initiated in 2014 by Kimathi Kuenyehia, aims at encouraging good reading habits among the young women leaders in Moremi Initiatives MiLEAD Fellows Programme, a platform for nurturing Africas most promising young leaders.

This years competition is open to 2023 MiLEAD Fellows, as well as former Fellows within the MiLEAD Network.

25 weeks of reading

A release issued in Accra said: Participating Fellows will be required to read a book a week for 25 weeks and submit a weekly book report every Sunday for a generous cash prize. The book report should include a summary of the book, lessons learned, how the lessons can help the readers life and/or career and a quote from the book that they consider profound or inspiring accompanied by an explanation of its significance.

It listed some of the previous winners of the competition to include Grace Amponsah from Ghana, Faith Namalwa from Uganda and Dudzai Mureyi from Zimbabwe.

According to Mr Kuenyehia: Reading is a lifelong habit that I believe every leader must have. Our goal with this competition is to contribute tangibly to building a crop of leaders who are committed to continuous growth and the pursuit of knowledge.

The Co-Founder of Moremi Initiative, Mawuli Dake, added that: No leader, even as exceptional as our Fellows, can be so perfect as to not require improvement.

That is why we are excited about the partnership with the Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation for motivating, instilling and rewarding reading as a habit for the leaders we develop.

Background

MiLEAD Fellows represent Africas most promising young women leaders who possess the courage and commitment to lead and shape the future of Africa.

The Fellows are chosen through a highly competitive selection process based on their outstanding leadership potential, community service accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of women in Africa.

Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership is a leading organisation on women's leadership and social justice in Africa.

Moremi Initiative is a United Nations Accredited organisation- with a mission to engage, inspire and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs and change.

The Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation works to ensure that young entrepreneurs, talented individuals, especially young women, can achieve their fullest potential through mentorship, education, reading and providing financial support.
Vodafone moves to support SMEs - Launches 4G+ with offers

Graphic Business News Business News Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:09

Vodafone Ghana has launched its fourth generation plus (4G+) technology, as a transformative step in ensuring that Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in the country have access to the fastest, most reliable connectivity available.

To make this technology more accessible, Vodafone has also introduced a device financing scheme under which customers can acquire 4G+ capable phones from Vodafone retail outlets and pay for them in manageable instalments.

Those who take advantage of the offer will also receive 2.5GB of free data every month for a year.

The Director of the Enterprise Business Unit & Wholesale at Vodafone Ghana, Tawa Bolarin, announced this to mark the official launch of the companys annual SME month in Accra.

"SMEs are the cornerstone of Ghana's economy, contributing over 70 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and constituting about 85 per cent of businesses within the private sector," she said and added that "Our purpose as an organisation is to connect people and businesses for a better future.

We are strategically positioned to be the catalyst for the growth of SMEs.

This year, Vodafone Business is going beyond traditional support mechanisms to offer a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at SMEs.

"We are not just a service provider; we are a growth partner," Ms Tawa added.

She said throughout September, Vodafone would share valuable insights into the key elements that SMEs needed for sustainable and profitable growth.

This information will be shared through various digital platforms and supported by its annual SME conference, the Vodafone Business Runway.

"This year's Runway will convene leading industry experts to share valuable insights into business expansion through innovation, funding, and compliance," Ms Tawa said.

New product

The Head of SME and SoHo at Vodafone Ghana, Alfred Neizer, also used the occasion to introduce the companys new product dubbed: One Business, a first-of-its-kind, converged proposition in Ghana.

"One Business has been meticulously designed to provide companies with a comprehensive communication solution," Mr Neizer explained.

He said, "It brings together website solutions for businesses, fibre broadband, mobile data, and includes free calls within employees and calls to other networks.

Customers who sign up through the month of September will get a 50 per cent discount on installation."

In a release issued by the company, it said in addition to digital and radio promotions for its customers, Vodafone is offering a range of rewards including discounts on bills, business rebranding, and smart devices.

It said users of Vodafone Cash can look forward to the Vodafone Cashless Bazaar, which is an innovative marketplace where the public can look forward to amazing offers from selected merchants through Vodafone Cash.

This pop-up market will be taking place in major regional capitals across Ghana throughout September.
Court decides Nigerian presidential election petition today: Heavy security presence in court

Graphic.com.gh International News Sep - 06 - 2023 , 09:58

Nigeria's Court of Appeal will today [Wednesday, September 6, 2023] deliver its verdict on the country's presidential election petition challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.

The petition was initiated by the leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi.

Mr. Atiku and Mr. Obi resorted to the court after the country's presidential elections to seek redress over what they describe as irregularities that characterised the elections.

The court, after many months of legal battle, has decided to bring the case to its conclusive end today.

According to report by The Punch newspaper, there was heavy security deployment at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and other flash points and dark spots in Abuja on Tuesday ahead of the delivery of the judgment on the election petitions challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday (today).

This was as the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party standard bearer, Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and President Tinubu awaited the verdict with earnest expectations.

Supporters of the petitioners have been exchanging brickbats online even as they expressed optimism that the ruling would favour their candidates.

In preparation for the judgment, scores of armed riot policemen, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security operatives in plainclothes were deployed at strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory in a bid to prevent a breach of law and order that might arise after the judgment.

The judgment will be delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, assisted by other members of the panel-Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo, and Abba Mohammed.

The proceedings will be held at the Court of Appeal, Three Arms zone, Abuja.

The Chief Registrar, Court of Appeal headquarters, Umar Bangari, had disclosed in a statement on Monday that the tribunal verdict will be delivered on Wednesday and aired live on television stations.

This, he noted, was to promote transparency and openness and for Nigerians to watch the proceeding.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1 declared Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as the president-elect after polling 8.8 million to defeat the PDP standard bearer, Atiku, who scored 6.9 million, the LP candidate, Obi, who polled 6.1 million and 15 other candidates.

However, five of the 18 political parties that participated in the elections challenged the outcome of the polls.

Besides the PDP and the LP, other aggrieved parties included the Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement.

The major contenders-Atiku and Obi asked the tribunal to nullify the ex-Lagos governors victory in the February 25 presidential election.

Ahead of the proceedings, the authorities Monday carried out heavy deployments of security personnel across the FCT.

At about 6.50 pm, truckloads of policemen were brought to the Court of Appeal, and the police vehicles were used to barricade the court entrance while several policemen were also patrolling the city in vehicles.

A police team was seen taking instructions from their superiors shortly after they were brought to the court premises.

A court worker noted that in the memo sent to the staff informing them not to come to work on Wednesday, it was stated that there would be a heavy presence of security operatives around the court premises.

The official said, Part of the reason workers were told not to come tomorrow (today) was that there would be a heavy presence of security operatives in strategic locations at the court premise.

Our correspondent gathered that lawyers and litigants may be frisked before entering the courtroom while access to the premises would be tightly controlled.

Scores of agents were seen at strategic locations in the Three Arms Zone, Julius Berger, Area One, Wuse, and other parts of the city.

Police patrol vehicles were also seen moving around along the Federal Secretariat, Muhammadu Buhari Way, and Ladoke Akintola Boulevard.

Meanwhile, all major roads leading to the Court of Appeal would be also barricaded by the police before the court proceedings commence, it was gathered.

A senior security source revealed that the acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, had ordered all police commands and formations across the country to secure all major hotspots under their jurisdictions to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.

It was further learnt that the police made both covert deployments of operatives and equipment across the nation, especially in Abuja and Lagos State.

The authorities were said to be concerned about a possible eruption of protests which may be instigated by disgruntled political elements.

Everyone is concerned. The police, military, DSS, and others are concerned. Theres an ongoing strike, and the PEPT judgment is expected to be delivered tomorrow (Wednesday), which puts a lot of pressure on all security agencies.

This is because some politicians and groups may want to use the opportunity to sponsor protests or cause violence if the PEPT judgment doesnt favour them or their choice candidate, a senior officer said.

In preparation for the possible aftermath of the judgment, the police said they had put in place all necessary deployments and security measures.

The force also disclosed that its officers and men were fully prepared to maintain order and enforce the laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi in a statement on Tuesday cautioned mischief makers and political gladiators to be cautious in their actions and statements.

The NPF further noted that it would not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy, adding that all citizens must embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.

Adejobi said, In its bid to fortify security architecture and forestall any breakdown of law and order across the country as a result of the forthcoming Presidential Election Petition Tribunal Judgment scheduled to be passed on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Nigeria Police Force has strengthened its deployment across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

The Police wish to reiterate the commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the judgment. The NPF has diligently emplaced all necessary deployments and security measures during this critical period as officers and men are fully prepared to maintain order and enforce laws while respecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

Furthermore, the NPF strongly cautions all individuals, including mischief makers and political gladiators, to be cautious in their actions and statements as the Force will not condone activities capable of inciting violence or causing a descent into anarchy.

 It is imperative for all citizens to embrace peace and maintain calm, regardless of their political affiliations, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment. The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to its duty of protecting and serving the Nigerian people and is committed to carrying out these roles with professionalism, impartiality, and utmost dedication. Together, we can ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all during this period.

An Atiku supporter, Reno Omokri, who served as the media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, said no reasonable court would order another election.

Nigeria spent over a billion dollars on the last election. There needs to be a very compelling reason to order a rerun for a court to make us spend another billion dollars. And Peter Obi has not provided even a scintilla of proof to invalidate the #NigerianElections2023, he said on X via @renoomokri.

Obi supporters are hopeful of reclaiming the mandate.

@PO_GrassRootM tweeted, Obis mandate will be recovered and Nigerians shall celebrate. H.E Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed will be victorious tomorrow They are unstoppable a new Nigeria is possible through them.
Can I publish my lawyers conduct on social media?

Mirror Lawyer Life Sep - 06 - 2023 , 09:30

Dear Mirror Lawyer, What do you do to a lawyer who handles your case without following your instructions and you end up losing the case?

Some lawyers do not respect their clients at all and throw their weight about as if they are demigods. Can I take him to social media?

Abraham Cudjoe, Kumasi.

Dear Abraham, Sorry for the bad experience you have had with your lawyer. I can, however, assure you that many lawyers are honest and very professional in their work for their clients.

I would first caution you not to publish anything about him on social media. It is not the right way to vent your frustrations against your lawyers conduct. You may end up being on the wrong side of the law. Tarnishing his image in the court of public opinion would not solve your issue.

Lawyers are governed by Legal Profession Act 1960 (Act 32), the Ghana Bar Association Code of Ethics and the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette} Rules 2020 LI 2423.

Such behaviour as you described could be dealt with in two ways. You may report the conduct of the lawyer to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council for investigations and sanctions. He would be called before the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council to answer these allegations.

You should note that in the event that a Lawyer is found guilty of misconduct under Section 16 of Act 32, his name could be struck off the roll of Lawyers or could be suspended for a number of years. These are very harsh repercussions against a lawyer, whose only duty was to help you with your case, so you should be very sure of his misconduct before taking this action.

Alternatively, the law also allows you to sue a lawyer for damages for professional negligence. When it comes to negligence, you must prove that the lawyer owes you a legal duty of care, the lawyer breached the duty and as a result, you suffered some consequences.

Once you have all the evidence, which shows that your lawyer did not follow your instructions leading to the loss of the case, you can mount an action against him.

In the Ghanaian case of Fodwo v Law Chambers [1965] GLR 363, the plaintiff took out a burglary insurance policy with an insurance company.

Later, his shop was broken into and, when the insurance company repudiated liability on the policy, the plaintiff retained the defendant's firm of legal practitioners to prosecute an action for the recovery of his losses. Several members of the defendant firm handled the plaintiff's case, but the lawyer who finally had charge over its conduct in court was one of the associates who failed to tender certain documents given to him by the client at the trial.

As a result, the lawyer failed to prove the actual loss sustained by the plaintiff. Judgement was given against the plaintiff partly because of the conduct of the associate.

The plaintiff sued the law firm for the negligence of the associate for failing to prove the loss sustained by the plaintiff, thus causing him (the plaintiff) to lose his action against his insurer.

The Court of Appeal per Apaloo JSC (as he then was) held that a lawyer can be sued for negligence on his conduct of a case and that the negligence of one partner of a firm of solicitors is the negligence of the whole firm for which the latter can be sued and that in undertaking their client's business, legal practitioners guarantee the existence and due employment of skill and diligence on their part.

Where an injury was sustained by a client in consequence of the absence of either, the delinquent legal practitioner is responsible to his client for the injury.

In this case, there was a want of skill and diligence on the part of the associate and, therefore, the law firm was liable for the associates negligence.
CETAG calls off industrial action

Emmanuel Bonney Education Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:16

Members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have called off the industrial action they embarked upon at the beginning of last month.

This follows a directive from the National Labour Commission (NLC) for the members of the association to call off the action.

The President of CETAG, Prince Obeng-Himah, confirmed the return of members of the association to the lecture halls of the 46 public training institutions yesterday (Tuesday).

Ruling

In its ruling last Thursday, the NLC directed members of the association to immediately call off their strike before it could intervene in the suspension of their August salaries.

It also urged the association to put its compliance with the directive into writing, a ruling signed by the Director, Administration/Human Resources of the NLC, Dr Bernice Welbeck, said.

The NLCs directive followed a plea from the association for the commissions intervention after the Controller and Accountant Generals Department (CAGD) froze the August salaries of CETAG members who were then on strike.

Ministry

The Ministry of Education had directed the CAGD to not process the August salaries and allowances for members of CETAG.

Members of CETAG embarked on a strike from August 1, 2023, to press home demands for the government to adhere to the negotiated conditions of service.

A letter signed by the Director of Administration of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Saaka Sayiti, however, said, "Any arrears before August 2023 should be validated and paid".

Decision

Mr Obeng-Himah said the decision to call off the action was a collective one taken by members of the association.

He said although the association did not agree entirely with the ruling of the NLC, as a law-abiding organisation, it had heeded the directive.

A statement dated July 10, 2023, and jointly signed by the President of CETAG, Mr Obeng-Himah, and the acting Secretary, Thomas Amponsah, said the decision to embark on an industrial action followed the non-compliance of the government to implement the National Labour Commissions (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023.

Notice

The leadership of CETAG wishes to serve notice of our intention to withdraw our services across the 46 public colleges of education effective Tuesday, August 1, 2023, if, by Monday, July 31, 2023, the government has not implemented our negotiated allowances together with the one-off payment of one months basic salary based on CETAGs salary grade as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022 payable to tutors per NLCs Arbitral Award Order given on May 2, 2023, it said.

The decision of the association, it said, had been necessitated by the fact that from August 2021, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), representing our employer, deliberately prolonged its negotiations for new conditions of service for more than a year till the NLC intervened with a compulsory arbitration following CETAGs strike in January 2023.

At the end of the compulsory arbitration, the statement said the NLC issued its Arbitral Award Orders on May 2, 2023, granting CETAG members a new condition of service with effect from January 1, 2023.

Negotiation

Following the NLCs Compulsory Arbitral Award, the parties proceeded to sign off the negotiation agreement, which has been communicated to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) by FWSC since May 26, 2023, for approval and implementation.

Surprisingly, the MoF has refused to act on FWSCs letter, together with the NLCs Arbitral Orders despite letters we have written to the MoF requesting the immediate implementation of the negotiated agreement.

Practically, CETAG members cannot continue to survive on expired 2020 CoS in this biting economy of Ghana, it said.

It said that at the beginning of the 2023/2024 academic year, its members shall no longer continue with what it called the killer all-year-round academic calendar being implemented in the public colleges of education even if members were given all the money in the world as compensation.

It said the practice was softly killing teachers and that leadership is, therefore, calling on stakeholders to adopt the in-out-out-in system to let all cohorts of students remain in school and complete the academic year together to enable tutors to take their inter-semester break.

After all, no law says all tertiary students should be accommodated on campus.
Otumfuo Foundation, AGA donate books to basic schools

Daniel Kenu Education Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:21

The Otumfuo Educational Foundation has collaborated with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), Obuasi Mine, to donate about 30,000 copies of English and Twi textbooks to basic schools at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

The donation, which cost GH1.3 million, is to enhance reading culture among pupils and impact positively on the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

It followed consultations with the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District educational directorates to arrive at the actual needs of schools in the area.

In an interview with Daily Graphic after the ceremony, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Elijah Adansi Bonah, said the revival of the mine was significantly impacting on education in the area through a number of interventions.

He was optimistic such a move by the two bodies would not only improve the overall performance of students but would also build their confidence level.

Beyond the gesture, Mr Bonah indicated that the assembly would also work harder to support schools with other needed materials in order to ensure the success of students.

In her view, the Gender Superintendent of the AGA, Mavis Nana Yaa, said the development of every country and society was based on education, hence the move.

She said the objective of the project was to help surge the pass rate at Obuasi in the BECE and help individuals achieve their dreams.

Nana Yaa said the AGAs partnership with the Otumfuo Educational Foundation would help improve livelihoods of students in its operational areas and provide equal learning opportunities for students.

The Obuasi East District Director of Education, Kwabena Owusu Nketia lauded the two bodies for playing leading roles in the improvement of education in the country.
Africa must address agric challenges as community  AGRA President

Daily Graphic Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:35

The President of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Agnes Kalibata, has emphasised the need for Africa to address challenges affecting the agricultural sector as a community.

She said given the plethora of challenges that the sector faced, and the fact that the sector was interlinked on the continent, no country could solve its issues in isolation

There is no single country or group of population that is going to solve these problems alone.

Its only by coming together as a community to talk and discuss these challenges, discuss what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong and explore the opportunities available to us, that we will be able to solve the problems, Dr Kalibata said in an interview yesterday at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AGRF) 2023 which is underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Conference, focus

The conference, scheduled to end on Friday, September 8 has brought together over 4,000 delegates from around the world to the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre to discuss challenges around food systems.

It comes amid the biting impact of COVID-19, Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change.

Over 30 government ministers, members of the private sector as well as the farming community are attending the four-day conference which is expected to provide a platform for forging agreements in the fields of agriculture, climate change and trade all within the context of food systems.

Also, this year, AGRFs focus is on the youth and women who play an important role in ensuring food production and sustainability.

Building synergies

Dr Kailbata said the conference was an opportunity for the continent and participants to discuss what could be done and how pragmatically they could build a community that would enable members to learn from one another.

This (forum) is building on the potential of a community that has come together to have some candid and difficult conversations that must be had and be able to address some of the challenges, Dr Kalibata said.

She added that the forum was an opportunity for dialogue among different groups of people

This focus is recognising that inclusion is one of the most important things that we must focus on because starting from COVID-19 to the Russia-Ukraine war and the resulting cost of living crisis, we see that the impact is largely on inclusion and exclusion.

We see that people dont have the same ability to access the same nutrition as they were accessing before.

With the same amount of money, you access so much less food and that is impacting people, the AGRA president said.

Transformation does not come from conferences like this.

It comes from us being prepared once we have had these major conferences to put resources on the table, said Dr Kalibata.

For instance, this week, we expect here in Tanzania to have a major programme around mobilising partners and resources that could be transformative in this country.

It will start with the Government of Tanzania itself and its partners putting resources on the table and such type of programmes will reach the farmers, she said.

Small-holder farmers

Dr Kalibata also touched on how the conference will impact small-holder farmers and other communities, saying they should not feel isolated.

Its the whole idea of managing the challenges of climate change and the cost-of-living crisis that are impacting farmers and individuals in general, that come from agreements from meetings like this that will impact them.

So, I would say that to farmers and communities that are out there, we are here to listen and be part of the conversation that can start solving some of the challenges we work with every day, she said.

Our job right here in this conference is to make sure that these challenges are becoming continental and global, especially the challenge of climate change.

Everybody must appreciate that African farmers are suffering from climate change, and they are not responsible for climate change.
Canoe fishermen council welcomes interventions in sector

Della Russel Ocloo Sep - 06 - 2023 , 11:46

The Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council (GNCFC) has welcomed the government's proposed reforms of the fishing industry.

It said such interventions were necessary to prevent the collapse of the sector.

The President of the council, Jojo Solomon, said they would also support the governments plan to reduce the size of the fishing canoe fleet operating in the countrys waters.

Mr Solomon said that whereas the proposed reforms were still in their early stages, the council believed that it was necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

He observed that the current canoe fleet was over the capacity, leading to overfishing which, he said, was depleting fish stocks, adding that such practices could have consequences on livelihoods and jobs.

"If we do not take action now, the fishing industry will collapse and this would have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of thousands of people and could also pose security risks to the country," Mr Solomon said.

Occasion

The president was speaking after an NGO, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), donated office equipment to the council at the Tema Port in the Greater Accra Region yesterday.

The equipment which comprise a laptop, furniture and receipt books, among others valued at GH13,000, are to help improve the councils administrative and communication functions to enable them to track illegal fishing activities.

Mr Solomon said his outfit had been working with the foundation to register nearly 20,000 fishers across the country.

Pelagic stocks

The recent drastic decline of pelagic stocks had been blamed on overfishing, largely driven by illegal fishing of small pelagic fishes by both industrial and artisanal fleet, including overcapacity in the fishing fleet.

To reverse the decline and manage stocks to their maximum sustainable yield over the long term, the government with support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity, was seeking to reduce canoe fleets which exceeded the ideal number of canoes for sustainable fishing of small pelagic stocks.

Support

The Programme Officer of EJF, Osei Akoto-Nyantakyi, said the donation was part of the organisation's decision to provide technical support to the council to help strengthen the capacity of members.

"In addition to providing the support, our goal is also to ensure that robust governance structures are put in place to enable members of the council effectively engage with decision-makers on issues affecting their livelihoods," he added.

Mr Akoto-Nyantakyi further expressed the hope that the equipment would help the council advocate their rights to ensure better outcomes.
Cecilia Dapaah case: Lead suspect seeks bail

Justice Agbenorsi Sep - 06 - 2023 , 06:58

18-year-old Patience Botwe, the lead suspect in the theft case which occured in the house of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has filed for bail at the Circuit Court in Accra.

This comes after the court had turned down several oral applications for bail from her lawyers.

In court yesterday, Botwes counsel, Nana Addo Asrifi, notified the court of the application.

However, the prosecution, led by an Assistant State Attorney, Akosua Agyeman, filed a formal response as to why the accused should be denied bail.

Botwes lawyers have subsequently prayed for a short adjournment to enable them to respond to the prosecutions affidavit in opposition to the bail.

Additionally, Botwes boyfriend, Benjamin Sowah, has also filed an application praying the court for a bail but that was rejected by the presiding judge, Afia Owusuaa Appiah.

The court said based on his role in the alleged theft case and the manner in which he was arrested in Tamale, the court was not inclined to grant him bail at this stage of the case.

Yahaya Sumaila, an excavator operator who is the seventh accused person, was granted bail.

Sumaila was then admitted to bail in the sum of GH300,000 with two sureties to be justified.

Per the bail conditions, the sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction.

He is also to deposit his passport at the registry of the court and report to the police once every fortnight.

This brings to four the total number of suspects granted bail in the case.

They are Job Pomary, Sarah Agyei, Christiana Achab and Sumaila.

Adjournment

The Assistant State Attorney sought a two-week adjournment to enable the case investigators more time to conclude their investigations.

She said the delay in concluding investigations was as a result of the directions given to the investigators upon the Attorney Generals advice on the case docket.

The court has since directed the prosecution to expedite action on investigations to ensure the trial commences.

The court also directed the prosecution to file their disclosures by the next court date but the lawyers in the case want the disclosures filed before the next court sitting.

The case continues on September 19, 2023.

Prosecutions facts

The facts presented by the prosecution are that in June 2023, the complainants, Ms Dapaah and her husband reported theft of their cash and some personal effects.

Upon the receipt of the complaint, the police commenced investigations into the issue, leading to the arrest of Botwe and Sowah at their hide out in Tamale in the Northern Region.

A search conducted in their room revealed cash of $40,000 and GH72,619.70.

Police investigation revealed that in October, 2022, complainant Daniel Osei Kufour, the ministers husband, returned from town to observe that their bedroom which was locked had been opened, and he heard an unusual noise.

Kufour entered the room and found Botwe hiding behind his storeroom door with duplicate keys to his master bedroom.

Subsequently, the minster and her husband detected the theft of properties.

Statement

Botwe indicated during interrogation that she gave $70,000 out of the stolen money to A5 to buy a three-bedroom house at Amrahia for her.

Brand new items which Botwe used some of the stolen money to buy were also retrieved from the said house.

These included a double decker refrigerator, a television set, one washing machine, one chest freezer, one gas cooker, one water dispenser and related items.

Police investigation also established that Botwe and Sowa used some of the stolen money to buy Hyundai Elantra salon car worth GH80,000.

Botwe also gave GH180,000 to Sowa who used same to purchase an unregistered Honda Civic salon car.

Investigation also disclosed that Botwe and Sowa used part of the stolen money to rent a three-bed room apartment in Tamale at a total cost of GH105,600 for a period of two years.

Additionally, Botwe and Sowa used part of the stolen money to rent a storeroom worth GH120,000.

Botwe also mentioned Agyei as her accomplice to the effect that when they were working in the complainants house, she used to keep watch of the main gate for Agyei to go into the complainants room to steal their money after which they shared the spoil.

Agyei was subsequently arrested from her hideout in Budumburam, a suburb of Kasoa for investigation.
Efutu MA student adjudged Sanitation Diplomat

Nana Konadu Agyeman Sep - 06 - 2023 , 07:27

A junior high school (JHS) student of the Efutu M/A Basic School in Cape Coast, Central Region, Adjoa Gyakoa Appiah-Kubi, has been adjudged the 2023 Child Sanitation Diplomat.

She scored 33.5 points to beat three other contestants and emerge the winner of the fourth grand finale of the School Sanitation Solutions challenge which was held at the National Theatre last Saturday.

Other contestants

The first runner-up position was won by a student of the St Bernadette Soubirous School at Dansoman in the Greater Accra Region, Venessa Lamisi Asiedu, who had 27 points.

The second runner-up went to a student of the Biadan Methodist JHS in Berekum in the Bono Region, Hannah Forkuo, who scored 25.5 points, while the third runner-up was taken by a pupil of the Great Victory Academy in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Venessa Adune Wenaba, who scored 23.6 points.

For emerging the overall best, Ms Appiah-Kubi took home a laptop with a modem, a cash prize, a desktop for her school, a memento, a certificate and other souvenirs.

She will also be supported to implement a one-year project on environmental sanitation as well as being offered the opportunity to travel outside the country.

The other contestants also received mementos, cash prizes, tablets, certificates and other souvenirs.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic after the ceremony, Ms Appiah-Kubi said she felt blessed to have emerged the overall best out of the thousands of other Ghanaian children who participated in the event.

She said she would use the opportunity to educate many children on how they could manage their waste and how to reuse some waste materials.

As the Child Sanitation Diplomat, I am very determined to help other children to contribute to improving the sanitation situation in the country, she said.

Competition

The competition, which was organised by the World Vision International Ghana, is an annual contest on environmental sanitation organised for pupils and students of basic schools from class six to JHS two.

The contest seeks to influence children to become sanitation conscious and agents of change, empower them to co-create sustainable solutions to sanitation challenges around them and to advocate the removal of barriers and increased access to improved sanitation in basic schools, communities and other public places.
Geological Survey Authority investigates nations minerals base

Timothy Ngnenbe Sep - 06 - 2023 , 08:04

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has intensified geological investigation to discover the volumes of lithium, nickel, cobalt, lead and other critical minerals, otherwise known as minerals of the future.

The acting Director-General of the GGSA, Isaac K. Mwinbelle, who made this known to the Daily Graphic last Friday, said the move formed part of efforts to diversify the countrys mineral base from the traditional gold, diamond, bauxite and manganese.

Mr Mwinbelle added that the rock investigations were meant to expand the potential of the mining industry and promote the countrys quest to transition to clean energy sources.

He said the authority was currently doing the pegmatite (rock) investigations in the Central, Eastern, Volta, Oti and Northern regions to determine the existence of those minerals.

When the occurrences of these minerals are known, we can then investigate further to see their commercial value, he said.

He spoke to the Daily Graphic when a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, paid a working visit to the GGSA to interact with the management of the authority.

The Deputy Ministers delegation included the Advisor on Mines to the Minister, Benjamin Aryee, and the Technical Director of Mines at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Awuah.

Data analysis

We are still doing the analysis, so it will be too early to say anything about the discovery of any minerals yet, he said.

He said the analysis of the data being collated on a large scale would give the GGSA a fair knowledge about the existence of the critical minerals upon which it would advise the ministry accordingly.

However, Mr Mwinbelle said the extent to which the GGSA would be able to do better pegmatite analysis for the emerging minerals would depend on the availability of resources and logistics.

We need resources and logistics such as portable field equipment, hand-held hammers, Global Position System (GPS), a functional laboratory and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to help us to analyse a wide range of minerals, he said.

Galamsey

In terms of the GGSAs contribution to the fight against illegal mining, the DG said the authority was working with the Minerals Commission to delineate mineralised areas for small-scale and community miners.

He observed that the delineation of the mineralised areas would promote responsible mining and curb the massive destruction of land through illegal mining.

He said the blocking out of mineralised lands would help to know the quantity of gold and the specific location, and whether it was economical to mine at the prevailing market price.

You may assume that the whole portion is mineralised but you go and realise that it is only a small portion that contain the minerals.

Because you lack this information, you will continue digging the whole area.

If there was accurate geological information, you would have just dug a small area and saved the land from degradation, he said.

Mr Mwinbelle said the GGSA had the needed human resource and expertise to do its work but it lacked funding and other resources to be able to deliver on that mandate.

Strategic plan

Mr Duker urged the GGSA to develop a 10-year strategic plan that would help the authority to deliver on its mandate.

He said the plan needed a clearly defined pattern that would assist the authority to achieve its long-term vision of being the centre of excellence for geoscience.

He added that the plan must contain technical operations, collaborations with local and international partners, capacity-building of the staff, systems to improve the core mandate of geological and geophysical investigations, as well as data generation and management.

This plan is key because it will help us to take bold decisions to move the GGSA to the next level, he stressed.

He underscored the need for the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to be made a core part of the plan to help with the resources needed to promote responsible mining.

Mr Duker said the GGSA was a key state institution that would help to promote responsible mining in the country and must be given the attention it deserved.

If an investor wants to come to the country and mine, the first port of call will be the GGSA, so the authority needs to put itself in a position that makes it to provide updated data for mining decisions, he said.

The deputy minister gave an assurance that the government was prepared to support the GGSA with resources to deliver on its mandate.
GES reschedules reopening date for SHS 1 students

Emmanuel Bonney Sep - 06 - 2023 , 12:43

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has rescheduled the reopening date for Senior High School (SHS) Form One students to September 25, 2023.

Instead of reporting to school on September 18, 2023, as earlier announced, a letter signed by the Ag. Director, Schools and Instructions Division of the GES, Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, to all regional directors directed heads of schools to take note of the new reopening date.

By this letter, regional directors of education are requested to communicate this information to all heads of senior high and senior high technical schools to inform parents/guardians and students to take note of the new date and prepare accordingly, it said.

Reason

Throwing more light on the change of date, Mr Agyemang-Duah explained that because of the double track system, if the original date was made to stand, the schools might not be able to contain the number of students at a time.

He added that even though the last paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would be written on September 26, most of the final year students would have finished writing and left.

Mr Agyemang-Duah explained that the number of final year students who would remain in school by September 25 would have reduced and therefore would have no effect on accommodation.

So, after consultation with the Director-General of the GES, we agreed to shift the reopening date to September 25 to make room for the final year students to complete their examination, he explained.

Calendar

In January this year, the GES released the 2023 academic calendar for pre-tertiary institutions  kindergarten, primary, junior high and senior high schools.

Under the Transitional Academic Calendar for Double Track SHSs, it indicated that Form Three students were to undergo 1,360 contact hours, with Form Two students doing 1,200 hours and Form One students, 1,080 hours.

The calendar also revealed that Form Three students would return to school from January 10, 2023, to April 05, 2023, for the first term.

They would then go on break from April 6, 2023, to April 16, 2023, while the second term would start from April 17, 2023, to June 1.

The final year students were again expected to vacate from June 2, 2023, to June 8, 2023, while the third term was scheduled for June 9, 2023, to September 15, 2023, to end the academic year.

Form Two

For Form Two students, they were supposed to be in school from January 10, 2023, to February 17, 2023, and then go on break from February 18, 2023, to April 10, 2023.

The second term commenced from April 11, 2023, to June 1, 2023, to pave the way for vacation from June 2, 2023, to August 11, 2023.

Students were expected to resume the third term from August 14, 2023, to November 30, 2023, to end the academic year.

Freshers

Moreover, all Form One students were supposed to be in school from February 20, 2023, to April 13, 2023, and go on break from April 14, 2023, to June 8, 2023.

The second term started from June 9, 2023, to August 10, 2023, allowing for a break from August 11, 2023, to September 17, 2023.

The third term was originally fixed for September 18, 2023, to November 30, 2023, to end the academic year.

Single track schools

Per the calendar for the single track for SHS, Form Three students were to undertake 1,360 contact hours, with Form Two students doing 1,280 contact hours and Form Ones 1,120 contact hours.

It indicated that the Form Three students began the first term from January 10, 2023, to April 5, 2023, and went on break from April 6, 2023, to April 16, 2023, while the second term was from April 17, 2023, to June 1, 2023.

They, however, went on break from June 2, 2023, to June 8, 2023, with the third term starting from June 9, 2023, to September 15, 2023, to end the academic year.

The Form Two students on the other hand, had their first term from January 10, 2023, to April 5, 2023, and took a break from April 6, 2023, to April 16, 2023.

Their second term started from August 17, 2023, to August 25, 2023.

The first term of Form One students was also from February 20, 2023, to April 5, 2023, followed by a break from April 6, 2023, to April 16, 2023, with the second term starting from April 17, 2023, to September 15, 2023.
Govt urged to direct resource to women development

Gertrude Ankah Nyavi Sep - 06 - 2023 , 06:36

Renowned broadcaster, Gifty Anti has called on policymakers and the government to direct resources towards the development of women in the country.

She said God had embedded women with potentials, which if harnessed, will change the fortunes of the nation, saying it was an effective way of developing the nation.

Oheneyere Anti made the call while delivering a speech at the first anniversary durbar of the Ghana Communication Technology University Ladies Association in Accra last Thursday.

The celebration was on the theme: The career woman, her home, work and society.

She observed that there was little commitment on the side of the government to invest in women in the country.

Look at all institutions that take care of women and children, they are financially starved, go to the ministry of gender, go to the social welfare among others, look at what happens there, meanwhile this is a nation that we know the important role women play in the socio-economic development of the country, she added.

She called for more attention to be given to affirmative action in the coming year to ensure that women took their rightful positions.

We still see women as subservient or women cannot be trusted with certain positions.

I pray and hope that in mylife time I will see a woman lead the defence Ministry, the Finance, the Interior and some of the top or so called sensitive positions, she stated.

Personal development

Oheneyere Anti, who is also an author of seven books, advised women to develop themselves to their full potential.

Personal development, she said, was the key to both social and economic freedom, urging women to prioritise that.

God put in us some leadership potentials, some leadership skills, some talent, some capabilities and abilities that we need to develop to its fullest capacity, she said.

For her part, the Executive Director of the AAL-Global Consultants Ltd, a firm that seeks to leverage education and technology, Dr Josephine Larbi-Appau, urged career women to prioritise and manage their time effectively.

You have to know how to organise yourself, the things you have to defer please defer, but dont procrastinate.

You must also look for support and dont shy away from looking for help, she advised, adding that You can go easy on yourself by assigning some responsibilities to your spouses and the children.

The President of the association, Susan Aryee commended members of the group and the leadership of the school for supporting its vision.

The Vice-Chancellor of the GCTU, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, on his part, advised the ladies to come together to achieve common goals.
KsTU runs 32 unaccredited programmes  2021 Auditor General Report

Biiya Mukusah Ali Sep - 06 - 2023 , 22:22

The Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) is running 32 unaccredited programmes, including three new programmes, the 2021 Auditor General's Report has revealed.

They include five Master of Technology programmes, nine Bachelor of Technology programmes, 17 Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes and one Diploma programme.

In addition, the report captured 29 of the universitys programmes that expired between 2009 and 2018.

These came to light when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament began its sitting in Sunyani in the Bono Region last Monday to consider the 2021 Auditor Generals Report referred to the committee.

The PAC said institutions running unaccredited programmes was an issue that affected students negatively when they later applied to pursue higher programmes at other universities.

It, therefore, urged the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to consider implementing automatic renewals for ongoing programmes, and to speed up their entire processes.

It also charged the commission to embark on regular monitoring to find out how accreditation was implemented in the universities to avoid setbacks for students.

Unacceptable

A member of the committee, Akwasi Konadu, said it was unacceptable for universities to run programmes without accreditation.

He explained that the situation would tarnish the image and credibility of the universities and the acceptability of the certificates that are awarded.

However, responding to the committee, management of the KsTU said the university was doing everything possible to get the 32 programmes accredited, explaining that currently, 16 of them had been accredited, while the other 16 programmes were at various stages of the accreditation process.

The management explained that the accreditation process could take between six months and one year.

An accredited programme took three to five years to expire depending on the type of programme.

Invitation

The Chairman of the PAC, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, said the committee would invite the GTEC and the universities to find a solution to problems related to the delay in renewing or granting accreditation.

There is the need to bring the two bodies together to look at where the problem is and how we can address it, so we dont examine students on courses and programmes that dont have accreditation, he said.

Dr Avedzi said the issue of running unaccredited programmes at the universities was not limited to the KsTU, but that it was a common phenomenon across the traditional universities in the country.

He said both the universities and GTEC were partly to be blamed for the delay in the granting of accreditation to the programmes being run by the institutions.

Refer case

The committee also referred the Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region to the Attorney-General (A-G) for investigation towards prosecution.

Dr Avedzi said the institution, led by its Principal, Dr Emmanuel Cersamar, had breached procurement laws as flagged by the 2021 Auditor-Generals Report.

He said the college used GH276,807.22 to procure goods and services for the college without going through procurement processes.

Dr Avedzi said the institution also procured the goods and services without seeking alternative quotation in violation of the relevant law.

He explained that the auditors had recommended that for not adhering to the relevant provisions of the Procurement Act, heads of the institutions should be sanctioned.

Hearing

The PAC sitting in Sunyani, which started last Monday, is expected to end on Friday, September 8, 2023.

It is considering the report of the Auditor General on technical universities, colleges of education, second cycle institutions and assemblies in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti and Western North regions, covering the period ended December 31, 2021.
NADMO, ICMPD open Reintegration Coordination Secretariat

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Sep - 06 - 2023 , 17:22

The National Disaster and Management Organisation (NADMO) in collaboration with the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), has opened a new Reintegration Coordination Secretariat at the NADMO Head office in Accra to help coordinate the activities of reintegration service providers in the country.

The renovated facility, which was done under the auspices of the Return and Reintegration Facility (RRF), was funded by the European Union through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and implemented by the ICMPD.

Speaking at the inauguration of the secretariat on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO in charge of Technical Reforms, Mr. Seji Saji, commended ICMPD for its continued partnership with the NADMO in rolling out major policy interventions for our returned migrants especially in terms of reception and reintegration.

For him, Through ICMPDs intervention, a number of NADMO Staffs have been trained in migration management related skills across the country.

He added that with the support of ICMPD and its partners, the Migration and Reintegration Department of NADMO was able to establish the national platform for returnee reintegration service providers for both government agencies and NGOs in the country.

Mr. Saji expressed the conviction that the opening of the new Reintegration Coordination Secretariat would help to serve as the national information hub on reintegration activities in the country.

He also called on all reintegration service providers in the country to work with the new office, saying I would also want to encourage all reintegration service providers in Ghana to work hand in hand with the Reintegration Coordination Secretariat to achieve its purpose.

For her part, the ICMPD Head of Office in Ghana, Amala Obiokoye-Nwalor, said RRF has partnered with the Government of Ghana to strengthen the coordination mechanisms in the area of returns and reintegration, and enhance the capacity of key institutions to ensure that Ghanaian returnees are provided with appropriate information and care to enable their reintegration into the community.

She further indicated that within the framework of the project, ICMPD supported the Ghana Immigration Service to set-up the Migration Information Centre for Returns (MICR) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), and has recently been supporting the NADMO to strengthen its capacity to coordinate the reintegration of returnees, including provision of trainings and the set-up of the Reintegration Coordination Secretariat (RCS).

Madam Obiokoye-Nwalor expressed the view that migration could have a positive impact on development if it was done right.

At ICMPD, we strongly believe in the development potentials of migration if it is done in a humane, orderly and safe manner, she said, adding Unfortunately, when migration is not done regularly, through legal channels and pathways, it constitutes an infraction which could lead to the return of the migrant to their country of origin.

Touching on the rationale of the project, the ICMPD Head of Office in Ghana, explained that returnees often arrive in their home country in different mental and physical states, requiring support to help them reintegrate back into their community.

That, she noted, the Reintegration Coordination Secretariat would play an important role by liaising and coordinating with different government and non-governmental organisations to ensure that Ghanaian returnees receive the required psychosocial, health care and economic support to help them find their feet and reintegrate back into their community and their families.
OSP freezes Cecilia Dapaahs accounts again

Justice Agbenorsi Sep - 06 - 2023 , 05:00

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has once again directed the freezing and seizure of Cecilia Abena Dapaahs bank accounts and cash found at her Abelenkpe residence in Accra.

This comes barely five days after the High Court in Accra last Thursday ordered him to return the confiscated assets of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources within seven days.

The court held that the Office of the Special Prosecutor breached the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) when he filed the application out of time (after seven days suspicion).

In a statement issued yesterday, the Special Prosecutor said after complying with the courts ruling, ongoing investigation by his office in respect of Ms Dapaah had uncovered varying and sometimes conflicting accounts of the ownership and source(s) of the large amounts of money reportedly stolen from her residence, the cash amounts seized from her by the OSP, and the nature and volume of transactions in her bank accounts and investments.

Consequently, the Special Prosecutor said freezing the bank accounts and investments of Ms Dapaah was necessary to facilitate the ongoing investigation in line with section 38(1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and regulation 19(1) of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2374.

The statement said the Special Prosecutor had reasonable grounds to suspect that the cash seized from and returned to Ms Dapaah was tainted property, adding that it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent the concealment or loss of said cash in line with section 32(1)(a) of Act 959.

Ruling

The High Court in Accra last Thursday dismissed the Special Prosecutors application seeking to continue freezing the bank accounts and assets of Ms Dapaah.

In a ruling, the court, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, held that the OSP breached Act 959 when he filed the application out of time.

Tainted property

Aside from that, it was the view of the court that the OSP was in doubt about the true ownership of the alleged tainted property found in Ms Dapaahs house and also failed to convince the court that the alleged tainted property were used in connection with a crime.

If he (OSP) is unsure as to ownership, how did he reach the conclusion that the property is tainted? the presiding judge queried.

Ownership and possession are not the same, Justice Twum added, saying the application was premature as the OSP failed to establish the reasonableness of the suspicion.

It added that there was no justifiable basis for the OSP to exercise the power of seizure under Act 959.

The application is based on public sentiments and not based on any justifiable legal basis, Justice Twum said.

Background

The OSP commenced investigation on Ms Dapaah for corruption and corruption-related offences following the revelation that she was keeping more than $1 million in her house.

That was after police prosecutors had arraigned two househelps working for Ms Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, at an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing money and items worth millions of Ghana cedis from the couple's residence at Abelemkpe in Accra.

Subsequently, the OSP searched the residence of the former minister and found $590,000 and GH2.73 million.

The Special Prosecutor seized the cash and froze the former ministers cedi and dollar bank accounts, pending further investigations.

The OSP then applied to the High Court to continue the seizure and freezing of the bank accounts of the former minister.

Officials of the OSP argued that the cash was seized on the grounds that they were suspected to be tainted property, hence the need to prevent the former ministers bank accounts from concealment or loss.

However, the application was dismissed and the OSP was ordered to return the confiscated assets of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources within seven days.
Piracy attacks on Gulf of Guinea decrease - Dep. Minister of Foreign Affairs

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Sep - 05 - 2023 , 17:03

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has disclosed that piracy and robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) have reduced over the last three years.

Giving statistics to collaborate his point, the Deputy Minister said the menace had dropped from 68 cases in 2020; 18 in 2021; 15 cases in 2022 and down by five cases in the first quarter of 2023.

Speaking at the opening of the ECOWAS stakeholder meeting on maritime safety and security in Accra Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said the region had been able to achieve the feat due to strong collaboration and cooperation among the maritime authorities in the member states.

Since the adoption of the ECOWAS Maritime Strategy (SMIC) in 2014, significant progress had been made in strengthening maritime surveillance, ensuring the safety and security of maritime areas and promoting better management of the maritime environment, he said.

The three-day meeting is intended to strengthen coordination and collaboration between stakeholders for full operationalisation of the ECOWAS maritime security architecture designed to combat illicit maritime activities in the sub-region.

The programme brought together mid-and high-level government officials, including military personnel from Ghana, Cote D Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong said stronger collaboration would further reduce piracy in the region to its barest minimum, commending all the member states for their work so far.

He noted that safe and secured maritime space would help to promote businesses in the region, hence boosting the economies of the sub-region.

He has, therefore, implored all the member states not to relent their efforts in further working together to secure the regions maritime domain.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong also charged the member states to work together to over some of the challenges confronting the maritime space, pointing out that issues such as insufficient equipment, inadequate staffing, unpredictable financing, and the limited interface of the system which did not display and track vessels of interests beyond the GoG region ought to be addressed.

The ECOWAS Commissioner of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, pledged the readiness of his outfit to continue to work with the member states to ensure the safety of the regions maritime domain.

He said his outfit was committed to maritime safety and that it would provide the needed support to achieve such goal.

For him, stronger collaboration and coordination as well as the pooling of resources for the collective good of the region must be a topmost priority for all the member states.

Amb. Musah also called for enhanced civil society awareness on ways to tackle issues of piracy and other threats to the maritime security in the sub-region.
Potters Village receives borehole, educational materials

Ezekiel E. Sottie Sep - 06 - 2023 , 06:47

Team CSR, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), with other partners including SGRHO SORORITY Nu LAMBDA SIGMA and fraternity in the diaspora, has donated a borehole and educational materials to Potters Village, an orphanage at Dodowa in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region.

The educational materials included textbooks, exercise books and laptops valued at GH70,000.

Major sponsors were EPP Books Services, the Alpha and Omega chapter of OPP and Back to School.

Other sponsors were Keliser Adult Care Services, Carroll Cornish and family, Robert Estwick and family, SGRHO sorority and Tau, Chi, OPP Chapter fraternity.

The rest were Matt King and family, Carl Bacon, Leonard Adams and family, Tony Greene LGG, PV Designs Incorporated, Dr Keith Boykin LGG, and Open Door Community Outreach.

Plight

Presenting the items to the orphanage at Dodowa last Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer of Team CSR, Jonathan Akuamoah, said the plight of the children at the Porters Village was of concern to his organisation and the partners in the diaspora, hence the need to mobilise resources for the borehole and the other items.

Mr Akuamoah said his organisation had, so far, provided 101 boreholes, ICT centres, clinics and other projects in communities all over the country, with support from people in the diaspora, valued at over $500,000.

He said the government alone could not cater for the needs of all Ghanaians and therefore called on all corporate bodies to help where there was a need.

He advised the children to ensure they used the materials donated to them for their benefit.

Citation

The Executive Director of the Potters Village, Nana Ama Adu Owusu, who presented a citation to Mr Akuamoah on behalf of the Board of Directors and Management of the orphanage, described him as one who touched the lives of many people, especially the Porters Village Orphanage Home.

She said on many occasions, Mr Akuamoah had visited and supported the orphanage with items that were lacking at the time of his visits.

Ms Owusu said apart from the borehole, she was particularly happy about the presentation of laptops, which would go a long way to enhance effective teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which had hitherto been taught theoretically.

She said many people who assisted the orphanage in one way or another came back later to testify of how they were rewarded in diverse ways and encouraged others to never hesitate to support them with their widows might, especially with building materials, in the interest of the needy and vulnerable children in the orphanage.
Prudential Bank makes landmark transaction to Liberia

Daily Graphic Sep - 06 - 2023 , 13:09

Prudential Bank Limited (PBL), an indigenous financial institutions, has successfully executed the first-ever transaction through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement Systems platform (PAPSS) to Liberia.

The transaction involved the seamless transfer of funds from Ghana to a client in Ecobank Liberia, exemplifying the platform and the banks potential to drive cross-border trade and enhance financial interactions within the African continent.

The transaction, conducted in Ghana cedis, showcased the innovative capacity of the Bank and PAPSS to instantly convert the payment into Liberian Dollars (LRD) for the beneficiary in Liberia.

Transaction

Commenting on the successful completion of the bank's inaugural Liberia PAPSS transaction, the Managing Director of Prudential Bank, Bernard Appiah Gyebi, said it was a feat of no mean achievement.

This accomplishment highlights the institution's unwavering dedication to innovation and its pivotal role in deepening pan-African trade.

The bank's commitment to deliver value-added services to its esteemed customers is abundantly evident through this achievement.

The bank has so far processed 27 successful transactions and counting, he stated.

PAPSS aligns seamlessly with the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This platform functions as a critical enabler by allowing businesses and individuals to initiate payments and receive funds in their local currencies, ultimately fostering hassle free trade.

The Executive Head of Business at Prudential Bank, Ebow Quayson, commended the teams at PAPSS, the Bank of Ghana, and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS) for their support.

Processes

The rigorous testing and integration processes underscore Prudential Bank's confidence in the PAPSS system, he stated and added that  the platform's has the potential to revolutionise trade activities while significantly reducing transaction costs, echoing AfCFTA's objectives for financial empowerment and prosperity.

The Head of Digital Transformation at Prudential Bank, Leopold L. Armah, affirmed the banks commitment to support the implementation of PAPSS.

He said PAPSS was a-homegrown solution to a continental challenge, serving as a testament to Africa's ingenuity and potential for transformation.

The successful integration of PAPSS into Prudential Bank's offerings underscores its emergence as a digital banking leader.

This accomplishment symbolises the bank's continued commitment to spearheading innovation and the success of AfCFTA goals, Mr Armah said.

Th pioneering approach, he said, enabled businesses and individuals to engage in transactions using their local currencies, eradicating the need for reliance on foreign currencies and their associated economic challenges.

He said the success of PAPSS transcended being merely a technological achievement, and provided a practical solution to the challenges of conducting transactions across diverse African economies.
Support efforts to address climate change - Togbe Afede entreats banks

Alberto Mario Noretti Sep - 06 - 2023 , 08:09

The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, has called on financial institutions to commit resources and show great zeal towards the crusade to address climate change and environmental issues as a priority social responsibility.

He pointed out that the success of their operations depended largely on the wellbeing of the people and the nation at large.

Togbe Afede made the remarks when a delegation from Stanbic Bank Ghana paid a courtesy call on him at the Asogli Palace in Ho Bankoe last Saturday, to pay homage to him, as part of activities marking the 2023 Te Za (yam festival) celebration.

The Head, Brand and Marketing of Stanbic Bank, Mawuko Afadzinu, led the delegation, which also presented two cheques for GH80,000 to the Agbogbomefia.

The Manager of Communications of Stanbic Bank, Kojo Akoi Larbi, said the first cheque for GH50,000 was in aid of the Asogli Education Fund, while the other for GH30,000 was meant to support various activities of the festival.

The delegation also presented assorted drinks and cartons of bottled water to the palace during the visit.



Assurance

Mr Larbi, who is also the Manager of Reputation and Stakeholder Management of the bank, gave an assurance that Stanbic Bank would continue to work with traditional authorities to serve the best interest of the country.

He said apart from climate change and environmental concerns, the bank was also committed to promoting and preserving the countrys rich culture through events such as Te Za and tourism development in various communities.

Gratitude

Togbe Afede expressed gratitude for the donation and said it was even more fulfilling to note that Stanbic Bank, with a sterling corporate image across the globe, had again supported the Te Za, and this time at the initial stage of the celebration.

He said the banks sustained support towards efforts to address climate change was most appropriate, adding that a healthy Ghana would definitely lead to a healthy and vibrant banking system.
Suspected fake doctor did not attend to patients  KATH

GraphicOnline Sep - 06 - 2023 , 05:08

The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi has refuted allegations that the suspected fake doctor, apprehended at the hospital on Monday, attended to patients at the facility.

The suspect, who identified himself as "Dr. Williams Cyril Cohen" based on the name on his scrub dress, was confronted on the walkway behind the Accident and Emergency Centre (A&E) after providing unsatisfactory answers about his identity and purpose at the hospital.

A statement issued by KATH's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kwame Frimpong, clarified that the suspect was not found in any service points within the hospital, and therefore, he could not have attended to patients, contrary to circulating rumors.

The statement provided more details about the incident, stating that a hospital director encountered the suspect on the walkway behind the A&E centre. The suspect, carrying a backpack and wearing a scrub dress with the name 'Dr. Williams Cyril Cohen,' claimed to be passing through the hospital to deliver something to someone and attempted to leave when questioned about his identity and workplace.

Suspicious of the situation, the director raised an alarm, and the fleeing suspect was apprehended, subsequently handed over to the police.

KATH emphasized its team-based system overseeing patient care services, which ensures that only accredited staff members can access and attend to patients at designated service points. The hospital also noted its use of an Electronic Medical Records System (EMRS), accessible only to authorized staff with unique passwords, guaranteeing that non-staff members cannot assess or treat patients.

The statement assured the public that no assessments, diagnoses, reviews, or prescriptions could be conducted by non-staff members. It also cautioned against dealing with individuals outside accredited service areas at the hospital, advising anyone approached by such individuals to report them to the nearest security guard.
WHO declares Dr Asamoa-Baah Public Health Champion

Augustina Tawiah Sep - 06 - 2023 , 09:29

The World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO), has named Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah Public Health Champion.

This is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to global public health.

Dr Asamoa-Baah received the award alongside a former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, and former Regional Directors of WHO in the Africa Region.

This award is in recognition of your outstanding service to public health and promotion of the wellbeing of the people of Africa, the citation presented to Dr Asamoa-Baah by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, at the organisations 75th anniversary awards in Gaborone, Botswana, read.

The event was part of activities at the 73rd WHO Regional Committee for Africa Meeting held in that country.

In response, Dr Asamoa-Baah described WHO as a force for good and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the organisation for many years.

I am grateful to WHO Regional Office for Africa for this recognition and appreciation. I am happy that WHO is recognising the role of member states and staff as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organisation, he said.

Dr Asamoa-Baah, a Ghanaian public health professional, joined WHO in 1998, serving the global public health for 19 years and rising to become the Deputy Director-General of WHO in 2007, until his retirement in 2017.

Achievements

Dr Asamoa-Baah was instrumental in the establishment of the 2005 International Health Regulations and the raising of Global Visibility for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

His other notable achievements included revitalisation of primary health care; the establishment of pre-qualification programme as part of WHO essential medicines programme, and the development of the first global strategy for traditional medicine.

Dr Asamoa-Baah is a distinguished global public health expert who truly deserved this recognition.

Even in retirement, he continues to offer valuable service and contribution to both national and international efforts to promote the health and wellbeing of people, the WHO Representative to Ghana, Prof. Francis Kasolo, said.

In 2020, President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr Asamoa- Baah as Presidential Coordinator for the governments COVID-19 Response Programme, where he was responsible for coordinating the countrys response programmes.

Dr Asamoa-Baah was also recently appointed Chair of the National Vaccine Institute and interim Head of the Ghana Health Security Centre.
Women, children key to climate solutions  AFRIWOCC participants

Juliet Akyaa Safo Sep - 06 - 2023 , 06:31

Participants at the maiden Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC) have called for a shift in the climate action narrative from a problem-based approach to a solution-based approach.

That approach, they contended, should involve identifying and seizing opportunities for innovation, creative solutions, education and empowerment, particularly for women and children.

Spaces must be created for the voices of African women, children and young people to be heard in climate discussions at all levels, they said.

These were contained in a communique released after the two-day AFRIWOCC conference.

The conference sought to address the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable groups and also document indigenous knowledge and innovations in climate change solutions.

It was on the theme "Amplifying the Voices of Women and Children in Climate Action".

Conference

AFRIWOCC is a biennial conference convened by the wife of the Vice-President, Samira Bawumia, under the Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian Projects (SEHP).

It is to create true inclusivity for women and children across the African Continent through meaningful dialogues and the showcase of innovative solutions to issues confronting women and children in Africa.

The conference, which adopts a prevailing area of focus as a theme, brought together about 800 participants and exhibitors from across Africa, including high-level dignitaries such as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Vice President of Liberia, Jewel Taylor.

Also in attendance was the South African Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Other high-ranking government officials from various African countries, members of parliament, development partners, traditional leaders, students and leading figures in climate action across Africa also attended the conference.

Solidarity messages were received from the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Unified African message

Participants at the conference discussed the importance of presenting a unified African message on climate action, particularly concerning its effects on women, children, youth and persons with disabilities.

The communique mentioned, among other things, that the inadequate institutional capacity and high levels of gender inequality have compounded the adverse impact of climate change in Africa, particularly for women and children.

It also stated that the climate crisis in Africa had an adverse effect on food security, which disproportionately impacts women and children, leading to widespread malnutrition, poor health outcomes, conflict and increased exposure to violence.

The communique said Africa's youthful population would present an opportunity and a challenge to social cohesion if the right investments were not made in positive climate action.

Recommendations

It, however, recommended the inclusion of gender-balanced delegations to climate change conferences, adoption of indigenous and local-led interventions, capacity building and involvement of traditional authorities in climate action.

Other recommendations included prioritising women and children issues in government policies, integrating climate education into basic school curricula and designing gender-sensitive programmes by development partners, among others.
Latest News Headlines from Ghana

Ghana Corporate Brands Awards honours five state institutions, 44 corporate entities

Sep - 06 - 2023 , 15:20

This years event themed, Digital horizons: celebrating Ghanas corporate brands charting a path to technology excellence, highlighted the relevance of excellence in branding.

Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Akwesi Awuah Ababio, speaking at the event, said recognising the contributions of these brands formed part of government's agenda of creating sustainable jobs through the use of technology.

According to him, initiatives such as the One District One Factory promotes Ghanas commitment to job creation.

Innovations such as the e-business registration system, paperless port clearance system, digital address system, biometric registration system, and national identification system, among others are changing the way we do things, he stated.

Director of Diaspora Affairs office of the President, Akwasi Awuah Ababio presenting B5 Plus Limited and Steel Manufacturing Company Brand of the Year

Mr. Ababio said these digital systems collectively reduce cost of conducting business within the country, while enhancing overall efficiency and eliminating intermediaries and other bottlenecks.

He noted that the various government initiatives were aimed at reviving the business community and igniting the entrepreneurial potential of the youth.

"These initiatives capture the essence of our drive to unleash the entrepreneurial favour of our nation's business community, catalysing their potential to galvanise job creation and economic vibrants," he stated.

Mr. Ababio said Ghana Corporate Brands Awards was endorsed by the government as it aligned with government's industrial agenda.

Delivering the keynote address, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo mentioned that in support of government initiatives, the University of Ghana is fostering an innovative culture driven by technology.

"I am particularly intrigued about the theme for this occasion because we are also championing the course of technology at the University of Ghana. As a leading university nurturing exceptional corporate professionals, the University of Ghana under my leadership has championed strategic objectives with the mission to create a culture that promotes research, teaching and learning, administrative processes and extension activities driven by technology and anchored in humanism", she said.

The Vice Chancellor of University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo presenting ICT Service Provider Brand of the Year award to Inlaks Ghana Limited

Prof. Appiah Amfo, said various inventiveness are being pursued towards that direction to enhance stakeholder experience through digitisation and the approach is an anchorage of three technology driven initiatives which was actually launched in April last year.

The USD 7million projects include modernising their classroom, one student, and one laptop hot spots comfort zone.

She urged every business entity to strive for notable business branding through innovation and technology within corporate sphere circles.

Ghana Corporate Brands Awards is an annual awards scheme organised by Maven Communications as a premiere platform for the recognition of excellence in corporate branding.

Chief Executive Officer of Maven Communications, Seth Jojo Danso Asante, said this years event, created to celebrate the consistency and versatility of corporate brands, aims to amplify the crucial role technology plays in shaping and transforming the corporate landscape.

He said while government is deploying technology across the country, the corporate sector is leaving no stone unturned tapping into such opportunities to transform the economy.

Mr. Asante explained that after the COVID-19 pandemic, they realised that most organisations had their staff working from home and most organisations also jumped on technology, saw improvements in their productivity.

Full list of winners
Alan should be commended for withdrawing from NPP race - Buaben Asamoa

GraphicOnline Politics Sep - 06 - 2023 , 05:39

Spokesperson for the Alan Kyerematen Campaign team, Yaw Buaben Asamoa following Alan Kyerematen's withdrawal and explanation for his action has criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing actions taken with impunity and a disregard for established rules.

He also emphasized his concerns about the party's lack of adherence to democratic principles in its proceedings.

These remarks from Buaben Asamoa come in the wake of Mr. Kyerematen's decision to withdraw from the NPP's flagbearership race.

Mr. Kyerematen, who secured the third position in the party's special delegates' conference on August 26, raised concerns that the race seemed to be biased in favour of one candidate. He also pointed out instances of intimidation against his agents during the election process.

In a radio interview with Accra based Citi FM a few minutes after Mr Kyerematen announced his withdrawal from the race, Mr. Buaben Asamoa backed Mr. Kyerematen's decision to withdraw from the race.

He echoed Mr. Kyerematen's concerns about perceived favouritism towards a particular candidate and the use of tactics like intimidation, impunity, and inducements to secure votes.

Mr. Asamoa stated, He is announcing to the Ghanaian population that he has withdrawn from this process which is in favour of one person, and its stopping at nothing, not stopping at intimidation, impunity, and inducements in order to secure a vote for one person, and that process is what he has withdrawn from.

Fortunately, he recognises the people who believe in him and he has acknowledged that belief. He goes on to say that this ongoing process will not deliver their expectations, the expectations of him being selected to become the leader of the party and the realisation of his vision. Rightfully so, hes convinced and has had the courage to withdraw.

As for politics, you cant stop people from speculating and putting their lenses on whatever happens. But the truth of the process that we are going through in the NPP is not NPP-like, its not a democratic process. The party is acting with impunity, it is making rules and changing rules at will, and everybody can see what is going on.

The last Special Delegates Conference was full of intimidation, You have all the stories, and its not important to tell the stories as new. The courage of one conviction is more important, and I think Alan should be commended for having the courage of his conviction to withdraw.

Currently, the race has four remaining candidates, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh. The balloting is scheduled for September 6, with the final race set for November 4, 2023.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged participation in the upcoming limited voter registration exercise.

From Tuesday, September 12 to Monday, October 2, 2023, the Electoral Commission will open the voters register for the registration of new voters ahead of the District Level Elections.

The commission has announced that the District Level Elections will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

Apart from the Nkoranza North and Nkoranza South districts in the Bono East Region where the elections will not take place, all other Electoral Areas totaling 6,272 will have their elections on December 19.

The Electoral Commission is hoping to register 1,350,000 new voters by the close of the Registration exercise this year.

In a Facebook Live presentation former President John Dramani Mahama, who is the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) urged participation in the upcoming limited voter registration exercise.

Attached below is a copy of the address

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, and thank you for joining me on this Facebook Live

session.

I come before you, as the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, to advocate for a cause, an upcoming exercise, that goes to the heart of our democracy  the limited voter registration exercise allows those who have become eligible to vote to place their names on the voters register.

It also allows for replacing lost voter ID cards and an opportunity to transfer your vote from where you currently have it to a new polling station.

In a nutshell, I am here to encourage you, wherever you are in Ghana or beyond, that if you do not have a voter ID card, especially if you have just turned 18, to take advantage of the exercise, which starts on September 12, 2023.

Start making the necessary arrangements to register and get your voter ID card.

My brothers and sisters, our young people, fellow countrymen and women, it is no secret that Ghana, our beloved country, is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis.

More than ever before, the lives of our people today are defined by a daily struggle to eke out a living. We are seeing our daily cost of living skyrocket and job opportunities becoming more difficult by the day.

Our people  the youth, the elderly, drivers, market women, civil servants, security personnel, teachers, journalists, nurses, and doctors  are experiencing a sense of hopelessness on a scale never witnessed in recent memory. This dire situation calls for urgent action, and the most powerful tool at our disposal is our right to vote.

President Akufo-Addo and his administration have failed to address the pressing economic challenges they have exerted on the people of our country  misapplying our precious scarce resources and overspending on their creature comfort and largesse instead of building the critical infrastructure this country needs for job creation and development.

Their promises during their campaigns have yet to be fulfilled, leaving the ordinary Ghanaian burdened with the consequences of their incompetence, cluelessness, and shameless arrogance.

Today, some Ghanaians glorify and make excuses for corruption because the NPP has allowed it to permeate every facet of our society. This must never be accepted as the norm.

It hinders progress on many fronts, denying our youth opportunities that should have come their way if state resources were meaningfully applied.

Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to let this dire situation continue. Registering and acquiring a voter ID card to vote in the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections is not just a basic civic duty.

As young people, we hold immense power in our hands. The upcoming limited voter registration exercise by the Electoral Commission is, therefore, an opportunity to start the process towards making your voices heard and shaping the future of Ghana.

As a people, it is the starting point in our quest to bring about real change in our country. You and I are responsible for using our votes wisely, holding our leaders accountable, and demanding the change we desperately need. It is the surest way to secure our democracy.

Your vote in 2024 will symbolise your hope for a better Ghana, a determination to overcome the challenges we face, and your commitment to help build the Ghana We Want Together  a Ghana that guarantees you, your children, your siblings, and our unborn generation a brighter and sustainable future with well-paying jobs.

But that will only happen when you acquire a voter ID card and cast your vote for the NDC in that crucial election on December 7, 2024.

I wish to add my voice to those who have called on the EC to reconsider its decision to restrict the registration exercise to its district offices only.

Acquiring a voter ID affirms ones right to vote, and access to a voter ID should be easy and not limited by location. Every Ghanaian deserves the chance to exercise their democratic right.

I strongly urge the Electoral Commission to facilitate the registration exercise in all electoral areas to allow for easy access and a reduced burden on the citizenry in their quest to register.

I challenge the Commission to be transparent with the processes preceding the start of the limited voter registration exercise, the replacement of voter ID cards, and the transfer of votes.

As has been requested in a formal letter to the Commission by the General Secretary of the NDC, we want to know when the names and pictures of the Registration Supervisors, Registration Officers, Registration Assistants, and other officials for the exercises will be published at the district level, as stipulated by the EC regulations.

We have also requested information on the exact number and distribution of workstations, registration kits, and other logistics.

It is also our recommendation that in line with Regulation 2(2b) of C.I. 91, as amended by C.I. 126, the Commission listens to calls for the extension of the exercise to take place in the electoral areas and not be limited to the district offices of the Commission.

This will curb many inconveniences, including transportation, lack of money to move from distant locations, and

access.

At this point, let me encourage my comrades in the NDC to put aside every other thing or activity and lets give our maximum attention and focus to the upcoming exercise.

Let me urge all my fellow citizens, especially the youth, to take this exercise seriously. It is your opportunity to hold your leaders accountable. It is about your rights; it is about your future! It is about our dear nation, Ghana.

Let us join hands and work together towards Building the Ghana We Want. Thank you, and may God bless us all.

Good morning.
Ken Agyapong is not a presidential material - KNUST Lecturer

Zadok Kwame Gyesi Politics Sep - 06 - 2023 , 16:33

A senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kwasi Amakye Boateng says Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, one of the flag bearer aspirants on the ticket of the NPP was not a presidential material.

According to him, Mr. Agyapong lacks the intellectual capacity to lead Ghana and was also not fit intellectually, socially and morally to be the President of Ghana.

He questioned Mr Agyapong's knowledge in economics for instance to prepare him to lead the country.

For him, Ken's pronouncements in the past and in recent times do not reflect the status of someone who is willing to be a President of Ghana.

Dr. Boateng who was speaking in a radio interview monitored by Graphic Online on Accra-based Asempa FM on Wednesday afternoon [Sept 6, 2023], said it was his prayer that Mr. Agyapong will not fare well in the NPP's November 4 elections where the flagbearer for the 2024 general elections will be elected.

"I don't expect him to do well," he prayed, adding that the November 4 delegates conference will be a one-horse race for Vice President Bawumia.

He called on NPP delegates not to vote for Mr. Agyapong.

Mr Ken Agyapong secured 132 votes to place second in the Special Electoral College selection process on August 26, 2023 that shortlisted five candidates out of the 10 aspirants.

He beat Alan Kyerematen who secured 95 votes as against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's 629 votes for the first position.
NDC-USA Chapter voices concerns over Bawumia's emergence as NPP flagbearer front-runner

GraphicOnline Politics Sep - 05 - 2023 , 16:50

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) USA Chapter Communications Bureau has expressed reservations over the lead role of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) quest to select a flagbearer for Election 2024.

In a statement, the NDC-USA Chapter raised concerns about the implications of this outcome on Ghana's democratic accountability.

According to the NDC-USA Chapter, Dr. Bawumia's emergence as the frontrunner in the NPP's presidential primary constitutes a significant challenge to the essence of democracy, which is founded on the principle of accountability.

They argued that Ghana, often lauded as a bastion of democracy in Africa, should have seen the NPP Super Delegates Congress as an opportunity for members to hold accountable the head of the Economic Management Team, who has been at the helm during a period of economic hardship.

Drawing a parallel with Athenian democracy, where leaders could be subjected to a vote of ostracism for policy failures, the NDC-USA Chapter emphasized the importance of accountability in political leadership. They contended that Dr. Bawumia's rise to prominence was initially based on his claims of economic expertise, particularly in addressing the exchange rate challenges that have plagued Ghana for decades.

However, the statement pointed out that Dr. Bawumia's economic strategies had not delivered the expected results, and Ghana's economy was now in a state of distress. The country faced several economic challenges, including a plummeting currency, a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 100%, defaults on sovereign debt, both domestically and internationally, and reliance on the IMF for debt relief.

The NDC-USA Chapter criticized Dr. Bawumia's pivot away from addressing economic issues and highlighted his recent focus on topics such as digitalization and barter practices. They also noted his conspicuous silence on significant policy matters, such as the electronic levy.

Drawing on various literary references, the statement portrayed Dr. Bawumia as someone who had lost credibility. The NDC-USA Chapter underscored that the NPP's decision to endorse Dr. Bawumia as the frontrunner for the party's presidential nomination was not in line with democratic values.

In conclusion, the NDC-USA Chapter urged Ghanaians to prioritize accountability in the upcoming 2024 election and consider alternative leadership options, suggesting former President John Dramani Mahama as a potential choice.

The statement was signed by Hajia Rukaya Abubakari, the Communication Officer of the NDC-USA Chapter, and Dr. Mark Agana, Chairman of the Communication and Research Committee, along with other members of the Communications and Research Committee.

Read also: Bawumia will win NPP flagbearer slot with over 75 per cent votes

Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia NPPs 2024 Flagbearer?

NPP super delegates conference: 4 Cruise into Nov. 4 - Run- off to decide last slot
Fourth China-Mongolia Expo kicks off in N China's Hohhot

People's Daily Online) 16:36, September 06, 2023

Photo shows the venue for the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Mongolia Expo in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Bai Jianping)

The fourth China-Mongolia Expo kicked off in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Sept. 6.

With the theme, "Jointly Forming a New Pattern for Openness and Sharing New Development Opportunities, the five-day expo features five activitiesthe opening ceremony, the China Northward Openness Economic and Trade Fair, conferences and forums, exhibitions, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Over 3,000 enterprises from 35 countries and regions have signed up for the expo, setting a new record. The expo's main exhibition covers 92,000 square meters, also a record high.

Attendees enter the venue for the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Mongolia Expo in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Bai Jianping)

The expo is hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce, Mongolia's Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, and the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The expo will serve as a platform for China, Mongolia and other countries to expand economic, trade, and cultural cooperation and exchanges.

Photo shows the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Mongolia Expo in Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yilin)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Android 14 has been in the beta phase for many months now, and Google initially made us believe that the final, stable release would come out at some point in August, just like it did last year with Android 13. Not so, however, as some more betas were added to the release cycle, at which point pretty much everyone in the tech world assumed the stable version would be coming in September.

Well, about that. Yesterday was Labor Day in the US, and that means a Google software update should be coming out today (these are generally going out on the first Monday of each month unless that's a US holiday, like yesterday, in which case they get delayed to the next day). But it may not be Android 14. Rumor now has it that Google has delayed the stable release to October, at the very last minute.

Hearing now that the source code release of Android 14 has been delayed to next month.



This decision seems to have been made very late, as even OEMs were anticipating that the release would be today.



OEMs are now being told that vulnerabilities detailed in the Android 14 pic.twitter.com/I137j0F0x5  Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 5, 2023

As you can see, it is now allegedly scheduled to come out on October 4, which incidentally is the date of Google's next big hardware announcement, when it's expected to fully unveil the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2. That would create a rather unprecedented situation - new Google releases are usually launched at least a month, if not two, ahead of the new hardware.

It's entirely unclear why this delay happened, but things haven't been going well in the Android 14 world for a few weeks now - we suspected something was off when Google hastily released a not-before-anticipated fifth beta. Now it looks like whatever the underlying problem is, it hasn't been fully addressed (or fixed) yet.

Apparently, even Google's phone making partners thought the release would come today, hence why some of them - thinking of OnePlus here - even announced their own Android 14 stable releases coming later this month. We aren't sure what will happen to that promise now.

Of course, this is all a rumor, and Google still has time to prove it wrong by releasing Android 14 before October 4. Let's see what happens.
These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
Sandra McKeever, president and CEO of wealth management firm Asia Pacific Financial Management Group, is the new chairperson of the University of Guam Board of Regents.

McKeever ascended from being the vice chairperson on Sept. 1, succeeding Liza J. Provido, whose term on the board will be ending soon.

McKeever is a 2016 UOG Distinguished Alumna, having earned her business administration degree in marketing in 1999 from the School of Business and Public Administration. She has worked in the financial planning field for 24 years.

Half of her workforce at Asia Pacific Financial Management Group are UOG alumni.

The quality education I received at UOG was a big part of my success in my career and my volunteer work. As a business owner, I also experienced that UOG graduates are equipped to get through the intense training and skill development that our industry entails, McKeever said.

She also served as the former president of the Guam Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. She is a former board member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, and she is a founding member of Teach Money, a non-profit that runs the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Stock Market Game. The interactive competition gives students the opportunity to learn about investing.

I look forward to working with our new University President Dr. Anita Enriquez at inspiring and developing our future leaders for service in both the private and public sectors, as well as providing resources and critical services to the island community as a whole, she said.

Enriquez expressed appreciation for McKeevers leadership.

As a distinguished alumna of UOG and respected professional in her field, Chairperson McKeever serves as an inspiration for our students and other alumni, said Enriquez. I am looking forward to working with her as we develop our new strategic plan  Tulos Mona  and continue to propel UOG forward.

The UOG community also welcomes new board Vice Chair Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero, and Mike Naholowaa, who keeps his role as the boards treasurer.

Leon Guerrero is senior vice president and chief experience officer at the Bank of Guam. Naholowaa is a banker whose career at the Bank of Guam spans almost half a century.

The other Board of Regents members are:

Liza J. Provido

Agapito Pete A. Diaz

Roland S. Certeza

Janice P. Malilay

Julie A.L. Laxamana, student regent

The board awaits the governors appointment and the Legislatures confirmation of a new regent to fill in the seat vacated by Bernadette Bernie Valencia.

Enriquez serves as the boards executive secretary.
The Guam Academy Charter Schools Council held a public hearing for Mount Carmel School to become a charter school on Wednesday.

Evangeline Cepeda, chairperson of GACSC, reminded those in attendance that the school will not pursue any religious matters if it becomes a charter school.

If this becomes a charter school, it will not be a Catholic school, clarified Cepeda.

Cepeda also shared the councils support for schools converting into charter schools.

The law allows up to seven charter schools. If this is approved by the council, it will be the fifth, added Cepeda. Its a great opportunity for students to work with a different format and setting. One shoe does not fit all.

With the variety of testimonies at the hearing and residents in attendance, all arrived in support of MCS conversion with no opposition.

Vance Peredo, a Pre-Algebra and Algebra One teacher with MCS, shared his full support for the new direction of the campus that may welcome students of any background if the school converts into a charter school.

Were all people. Regardless of who we are, we all deserve respect, care and attention, shared Peredo.

Peredo, who is also an MCS alumnus, added that he continues to enjoy being a teacher with MCS due to their care and attention to him in his earlier years as a student.

Mount Carmel invested in me and brought the best part of myself out, shared Peredo. They cared, and Im just trying to give back in the same way.

Samuel Donato, who has two children attending MCS, shared his support for MCS. Donato shared this is the first time hes enrolled his children in MCS.

Im in support because theres a very complicated situation with the public education system. Its a battle between numerous organizations, shared Donato. If this is approved, it will provide some relief for GDOE.

Krystal Agustin, principal of MCS, noted that the school is still up to date with their sanitary health inspections under the Department of Public Health and Social Services.

We make sure we renew our sanitary permits yearly as we are also a certified Child Care and Development Fund facility with DPHSS, noted Agustin. Every year, we want to stay in operations with the most safe and healthy structures. It means a lot to us to stay open, so we definitely make sure we follow as much policies and requirements.
Two men were arrested in connection with the theft of a Guam Fire Department ambulance that was taken last week while firefighters were helping a patient, according to Guam Police Department spokeswoman Officer Berlyn Savella.

Davidson Yoichi was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of theft by receiving, criminal mischief and destruction of evidence.

Jeff Meitawan was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief, destruction of evidence, obstruction of government functions and crimes against the community.

At 12:42 a.m. Aug. 27, medics were tending to a sick person on Ministry Street in Mangilao. When they went outside, the ambulance was gone. Police and firefighters asked for the communitys help finding the vehicle, and later that afternoon officers were told the ambulance was located on Chalan Kotda in Yigo.

The reporting person escorted officers to this residence, but the ambulance was gone, police said.

A witness told officers that Yoichi and Meitawan had been in the ambulance.

A medic who was on duty when the ambulance was stolen said his phone was in the vehicle, and he used the tracking feature to locate the ambulance along Chalan Fisinos in Dededo.

Dededo Precinct patrol officers went to the location and found the ambulance parked unoccupied along a dirt road.

Given the knowledge of evidence that was found at the scene, it was befitting the case was assigned to the Juvenile Investigations Section, which is under the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Savella said.

Detectives from the Juvenile Investigations Section found Yoichi Tuesday on Chalan Kotda. He told them Meitawan stole the ambulance from Mangilao and drove it to Yigo, then he helped Meitawan get rid of the vehicle as he drove it to Chalan Fisinios.

Yoichi also said he used a permanent marker to write his tag name along the vehicles exterior.

On Wednesday, Meitawan was located and refused to provide a statement.

Savella said the two are both adults, and were booked and confined at the Department of Corrections. The case was turned over to the Attorney Generals Office.
Ron McNinch is a longstanding member of the Guam community and frequently gives his opinion on a wide range of topics.




Haiti - FLASH : Results of the single Bac exams for 2 departments and per student





The Ministry of National Education has published the results of the single Bac exams (Secondary 4) 2022/2023 for 2 departments : Center and Grande-Anse, according to data provided by the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE)



Resuls by department of the Bac unique (S4) 2022/2023: (in descending order)



Center: out of 7,097 participants, 4,089 candidates were admitted, i.e. a success rate of 57.62% (slight increase) the previous year 56.67%

Grande Anse: out of 3,678 participants, 1,400 candidates were admitted, i.e. a success rate of 38.06% (sharp drop the previous year 50.36%



The Ministry informs that the results of the other departments will be communicated shortly.



School principals are invited to withdraw their school's prize list from the Departmental Directorate of Education (DDE) concerned.



To view the results per student for Center and Grande Anse CLICK ON THIS LINK



IMPORTANT :

This official BUNEXE address may be difficult to access due to the excessive number of applicants which overloads the Government server and sometimes makes it dysfunctional.



If you are unable to reach the BUNEXE site, avoid trying several times in a row to access it, you are only saturating the BUNEXE server even more. It is best to try again with an interval of 10-30 minutes and be very patient.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : The PM of Dominica, made a vibrant plea for regional support in Haiti





Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica and current President a.i. of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) called on the Caribbean Community to provide collective commitment and support to Haiti currently facing security challenges.



"As Chairman of the conference of heads I have indicated, very sincerely, that the Haitian situation is my number one priority, he said. We owe it to the Haitian people and it is important that the entire Caribbean Community, not only Heads of Government, but the entire Caribbean Community is engaged and [aware] of the issues confronting Haiti and for us to collectively provide that moral, collective commitment and support to Haiti."



According to Skerrit, CARICOM has to guard against any attitude of weariness towards Haiti coming from various parts of the world "We are in touch with members of the security council, because at the end of the day, its the security council thats going to make a determination as to what kind of support the United Nations can provide."



He further explained that there are countries that wish to provide support, but want to have before a UN decision providing them with the legal cover necessary to be present in Haiti.



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Why the PNH is on alert ?

According to available information, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) is on high alert https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40409-haiti-flash-the-pnh-puts-all-police-officers-on-alert-throughout-the-territory.html due to reports suggesting that gangs operating in the capital are planning to attack government buildings and key institutions such as the National Palace...



Risk of tuberculosis epidemic

A worrying situation has emerged in Port-au-Prince when around a hundred patients hospitalized at the Sanatorium Hospital found themselves scattered in the streets of the capital, thus exposing the population to an increased risk of contamination by tuberculosis. Dr. Jean Ardouin Ester Louis Charles, director of the hospital, urges patients who have fled the hospital to go to the West Health Directorate in Turgeau, where they can continue their treatment while awaiting measures. necessary for their safety and health.



The CARICOM delegation spoke with the PM

Tuesday, September 5 the CARICOM delegation. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40424-haiti-flash-caricom-in-haiti-carrying-a-proposal-to-resolve-the-crisis.html spoke with Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry, at the official residence in Musseau. The delegation proposed a draft agreement articulated around four main points : governance with the reconfiguration of the High Transitional Council (HTC), the electoral process, security and constitutional reform. The delegation was also to meet the members of the HCT on the same day.



Drinking water 24 hours a day for 10,000 people

More than 10,000 people in the city center of Asile and in the communal section of Abricot and its surroundings (Nippes Dept.), have access today to a drinking water service 24/24. This was made possible thanks to funding from the World Bank.



Protest in Petit-Goave

Tuesday, September 5, the inhabitants of the commune of Petit-Goave organized a protest movement against insecurity in the country. The demonstrators took the opportunity to demand the departure of the Government and show their solidarity with the residents of Carrefour-Feuilles.



If necessary, the DR will close its border

Dominican President Luis Abinader said Monday that if he had to make the decision to close the border he would do so after studies carried out by the National Security Council for migration. The Chairman pointed out that this issue was not yet considered. The Dominican Chancellor Roberto Alvarez for his part showed himself in favor of closing the border and the regularization of all foreigners in an illegal migratory situation who work in the construction and agrifood sectors and the application of the ratio 20/80 (20% foreign workers for 80% Dominican workers)



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2023/09/05 | Source

Genie TV's original drama "EVILIVE" (written by Jung Seo-hee, Lee Seung-hoon-VII, directed by Kim Jeong-min-III, Kim Sung-min-VII) is a crime noir drama about a lawyer who meets an absolute villain, turning into an elite villain. It is attracting attention by having a strong lineup such as Shin Ha-kyun, Kim Young-kwang, and Shin Jae-ha.

Advertisement

In the meantime, the first character teaser video of "EVILIVE" released is a short amount of 15 seconds, but the narrative of Shin Ha-kyun's character Han Dong-soo in the drama that crosses the line and becomes a villain is compressed, which stimulates interest.

The video begins with Han Dong-soo's meaningful line, "I shouldn't have set foot on this side from the beginning". The tight rope then breaks off narrowly, as if the line that Han Dong-soo had kept from inside was cut off. Han Dong-soo, who crosses the line, becomes a strong villain. "Feel what it's like to be bullied. To be trampled on". Han Dong-soo's line raises questions about how he crossed the line.

Above all, Shin Ha-kyun's passionate performance in the character teaser video overwhelmed the eyes of the viewers. Shin Ha-kyun expressed Han Dong-soo, who became a villain after something latent inside was touched, with a variety of expressions. The title of "EVILIVE" which intersects Shin Ha-kyun's creepy smile that fills the last screen, has an impact and completes the reason for watching the drama. Shin Ha-kyun's "EVILIVE" which shows such a powerful performance with only a short 15-second video, raises expectations

"EVILIVE" will be released for the first time on October 14th on Genie TV, Genie TV Mobile, and ENA, and will be released every Saturday and Sunday night at 10:30 PM.
Published on 2023/10/12

It's no secret that YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms in 2023 and the great news is that it has a whole host of visual content to meet the needs of almost any viewer. With its own free movie channel with hundreds of ad-supported titles, viewers will be able to watch the films they love from around the world in just a few clicks. Right now, Korean movies are trending, as they are often visually stunning and have high-impact messages, so let's take a look at the top ones right now.

Why watch Korean films for free?

Advertisement

While there have been some fantastic advancements in tech, it's no secret that streaming services often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to finding movies - and viewers find difficulty when sourcing worthwhile links that have great load speeds and little buffering times. YouTube is a fantastic alternative to this and you can watch movies from countries all around the world for free, if you don't mind a few advertisements sprinkled in.

YouTube is a fantastic place to find video content of absolutely any niche, to meet the needs of all viewers. It's available worldwide and everything is free, but the platform can be upgraded to a no ad version for a subscription every month. It is one of the leading platforms for content creators and streamers, and is driving an increase in popularity for video editing software as more and more people begin to upload their own content. CapCut has free video editing software like the video editor for YouTube. Whether you are a Korean native, you have a passion for foreign movies, or you want to try something new, why not take a look at the best Korean titles available on this platform?

Free Korean movie titles available on YouTube

"Dead Friend"

When it comes to horror, nobody does it quite like Korea, and "Dead Friend" is a title that will shock and absorb viewers of all terror-tastes. Following teenaged Min Ji-won as she battles with a strange case of amnesia, there are plenty of terrifying twists and turns that will leave you looking over your shoulder and leaving the light on.

"Baby and I"

Comedy-drama "Baby and I" is a feel-good movie about a rebellious young man who becomes the unlikely carer of an abandoned baby. With the ups and downs of unplanned parenthood and a chain of unexpected events, watch as the heart-warming relationship between the pair grows.

"100 Days with Mr. Arrogant"

Many Korean titles fall into the rom-com niche and this is one that's not to be missed when watching movies for free on YouTube. Ha-yeong is a jilted teen recovering from the end of her 100-day relationship, when she meets rich Hyeong-joon in a comedic skit where she kicks a soda can and hits him in the head while driving. He loses control and damages his car, leading him to force her into his personal service to pay off the damages. The hundred days that follow are funny, quirky, and romantic - and the strained circumstances soon lead to romantic interests.

"The Star Next Door"

Over to another comedy drama now with "The Star Next Door", and this 2017 title is still one that holds favor with audiences around the world with its charm and wit. Hye-mi is an A-list celebrity who is hounded by the paparazzi, but she has a huge secret - she has a teenage daughter! Juggling stardom and trying to navigate the complicated relationship with her child, a new love interest steps in and makes Hye-mi's job concealing parenthood from the eyes of the nation even more difficult.

"The Ring Virus"

We couldn't just feature one amazing Korean horror title, and "The Ring Virus" was just the one to include. This is a South Korean adaptation of the highly-popular Japanese movie The Ring and is considered a part of the highly-acclaimed franchise. If you are a lover of the original movie, it will be a must-see, but also stands alone as a great scare in its own right. As is always the case in this mythos, an urban legend takes over unsuspecting victims and after watching a strange video, viewers will die exactly one week later.

"His Last Gift"

If you're looking for a Korean movie with a little more heart, the melodrama "His Last Gift" will be a good choice. Tae-joo is serving life imprisonment for murder when he is given a reprieve. Young Se-hee is dying of Wilson's Disease and her father, Tae-joo's childhood friend, needs assistance, but it quickly becomes apparent that her paternity may not be what it seems. This is a touching story about a condemned man trying desperately to save a young woman's life.

Why go on over to YouTube now?

For all of your content needs, YouTube really does have it all - and so does CapCut with other great video editing tools like a video stabilizer and video templates that can be edited and uploaded wherever they are necessary.
The government's statement against racism declared that the denial of the Holocaust would be criminalised in Finland's legislation. Prohibiting the public use of Nazi symbols is a contemporary concern, and celebrating the memory of Holocaust victims is undoubtedly a commendable idea. However, criminalising Holocaust denial presents a different kind of issue. It is not primarily a question of freedom of speech because this right is not absolute and cannot legitimise hate speech.

This proposal implies that the law would dictate the singular truth about a historical event that occurred far in the past. This is not a matter for criminal lawyers but for historians. Laypeople might believe that history consists of indisputable facts, but in reality, history is subjective, imprecise, and subject to controversy, influenced by time, place, and culture.

Dictatorships, such as Russia, tend to impose their version of history as the only truth, while democratic Western societies do not. Dictators often justify their power and actions using historical arguments, as seen in recent events in Ukraine. Due to their own history with totalitarian regimes, some democratic nations have also taken steps in this direction. In Poland, asserting that Poles participated in the Holocaust is discouraged. In Turkey, acknowledging the Armenian Genocide is a crime, and in France, denying the Armenian Genocide is prohibited. Holocaust denial is a crime in many European countries, and the EU expects its members to enforce such laws. Interestingly, this policy regarding the Holocaust emerged only in the 1990s and may be connected to the rise of cancel culture.

The Historikerstreit in Germany, which debated the Holocaust's relation to other historical genocides, concluded that the Holocaust is unique and extraordinary, and should not be compared to other cruel historical events. However, the German discussion's background is complex, marked by the shadow of the Nazi regime. The participants mainly focused on evaluating factual events and comparing them to other historical occurrences. My point is that the legal control of scholarly results, independent of the Holocaust itself, was not part of this German discussion.

Finland does not share the same history of Jewish persecution as most of Europe, given its historically limited Jewish population. Finland's history between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union also differs significantly from the Continental experience. Therefore, careful consideration is needed before opening this Pandora's box. The issue is not denying the suffering of the Jews, as very few sane individuals do that, but rather how far laws and lawmakers should intrude into the realm of science and scholarship as arbiters and dictators of truth. The logical next step could be using this option to reshape human history to suit national or group interests, potentially limiting academic freedom in the future.

History has often been manipulated as political scholarship to legitimize power, ideologies, religions, various agendas, and group interests. Scholarly presentations of history have, at times, justified killings, genocides, mass destruction of cultural and human heritage, persecutions, humiliations, and various forms of discrimination. In Finnish history, we often refer to the ceded Karelia to describe the areas the Soviet Union acquired during WWII. However, with historical facts, one could argue for the concept of "liberated Karelia" from the Russian perspective.

Given that existing laws in Finland already allow prosecution for contempt towards specific groups, insulting individuals, or disrespecting the memory of the deceased, it might be wise in our Scandinavian democratic and pluralistic society to leave history and its interpretations to historians and enthusiasts who appreciate the complexity of historical narratives. In history, what matters most is not just the facts but understanding its subjective nature, its relativity, and the importance of not taking it too seriously.

Jukka Korpela,

Professor of history

University of Eastern Finland

HT
The vibrant colours , flavours, and traditions of India were brought alive as thousands thronged Kaisaniemi Park to celebrate the 7th edition of India Day on Sunday, August 20th, 2023. This annual event, which aims to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of India and promote cross-cultural understanding; drew locals and visitors alike to partake in a day of festivities, performances, and culinary delights.

Cultural Extravaganza

The day began early and a lively cultural extravaganza followed such. Traditional music and dance performances from various regions of India captivated the audience. From the rhythmic beats of Bhangra to the energetic Lavani, from the fusion of Bhangratyam, the performances reflected the diverse cultural heritage of India. Spectators were enthralled as they witnessed the seamless fusion of ancient traditions with modern influences. The highlight was a perfectly choreographed dance number by a Tanushree Shankar Dance Company sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and especially flown in to Helsinki. The event provided a platform for artists, both Indian and Finnish, to share their talents and stories. The vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and soul-stirring melodies transported attendees to the vibrant streets of India, even as they stood in the heart of Helsinki.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of India in Finland Raveesh Kumar, lauded the role played by the Indian community in Finland for their role in cementing the ties between India and Finland. He said, We celebrate Indias story with the event, we celebrate plurality, we celebrate diversity and we celebrate our glorious history and culture. An event like India Day fosters understanding between our two friendly countries, showcasing Indian culture in Finland with the objective of strengthening the people-to-people connect between both countries. He also thanked the organising Committee, the Indian community associations, volunteers and the sponsors for their support in organising the event.

Culinary Delights

No celebration of India is complete without its delectable cuisine, known for its aromatic spices and bold flavours. The food stalls at the India Day event offered a tantalizing array of dishes that catered to both the curious palate and the connoisseur. From the ever-popular street food like samosas and chaats to the rich curries and biryanis, attendees had the opportunity to embark on a gastronomic journey through the diverse regions of India.

Local Indian restaurants participated in the event, serving authentic dishes that showcased their culinary expertise.

Celebrating Diversity

India Day in Helsinki isn't just about showcasing Indian culture; it's about celebrating the multiculturalism and diversity that enrich the fabric of Finnish society. The event serves as a reminder of the strong ties between the two nations and the shared values of inclusivity and respect for different cultures. In recent years, India-Finland relations have grown significantly, with collaborations spanning various sectors, including technology, education, and trade. India Day provides an opportunity to strengthen these bonds further by fostering cultural exchange and encouraging people-to-people connections.

Looking Ahead

By afternoon, the park was a sea of people, with estimates ranging around 30,000 by the end of the day. There were many firsts at this India Day, organised by the Embassy of India together with the Friends of India and Finland, a platform bringing together 16 Indian associations together. It had the largest-ever attendance, highest number of food stalls, an online food ordering system, water points for free drinking water and most performances to date. As the sun set on this year's India Day celebrations in Helsinki, the colourful memories and newfound cultural insights lingered in the minds of attendees. The event's success promised a bright future ahead for continued cross-cultural interactions and collaborations between India and Finland.

Year after year, India Day in Helsinki serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange in fostering understanding, appreciation, and unity among diverse communities. With each dance step, every bite of flavourful food, and every shared smile, the event reiterates the importance of celebrating differences and finding common ground in an increasingly interconnected world.

This is a record number of people who have come to India Day.

This isnt the first time India Day has been held at Kaisaniemi Park.

India-Finnish diplomatic relations have been prevalent since 1949.

Finland is Indias 10th largest trade partner in the European Union.

By Satvik Shubham
Flights from Kajaani to Helsinki are presently the closest to having the passenger volumes required for market-based operations, with a passenger load factor of 3165 per cent between January 2021 and June 2023.

AN ANALYSIS by the Ministry of Transport and Communications has found that non-subsidised flights might be viable from Joensuu, Kajaani and Kemi.

The HelsinkiSavonlinna route had the lowest passenger load factor in the two-and-a-half year period, 719 per cent.

The Finnish government has outlined that the development of domestic flight connections should be founded on the goal of ensuring the capital is accessible from all parts of the country within three hours. Its action plan outlines that the development should be primarily market-based although subsidies may be dished out if necessitated by exports, tourism or security of supply.

Domestic flights will be on the agenda as the government holds its budget session in the autumn.

The government spent a total of 42 million euros supporting flights from Helsinki to Joensuu, Jyvaskyla, Kajaani, Kemi and Kokkola in 20212023  significantly more per passenger than rail connections, according to an earlier report by Helsingin Sanomat. Flights between Helsinki and Savonlinna have been covered in half by the state up to 500,000 euros a year, whereas those between Helsinki and Pori have been subsidised by Pori.

Flights between Mariehamn and Stockholm have been subsidised by the regional government of Aland. Those between Mariehamn and Helsinki have been market-based.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications underscored in its report that cities should be treated equally if the government decides to continue subsidising flight connections to regional airports.

One possible solution, it forwarded, is to support work-related air travel by covering 50 per cent of the costs of up to 10 return connections a week, with the cost of any additional capacity falling on the shoulders of the region. The solution would cost the central government a total of 33 million euros between April 2024 and October 2027.

The report also pointed out that no airline is likely to start providing market-based services on a domestic route as long as it is possible that the government subsidises services on another route.

Flying a subsidised route is a profitable and low-risk operation for companies. It would be best to be clear and consistent in communication in regards to the approach to purchased flights in the future, the ministry advised.

Domestic flights, it viewed, are important for regional economies. The Finland Chamber of Commerce has carried out a study showing that business executives believe good transport connections to be the second most significant factor for regional competitiveness after labour supply.

The ministry also pointed to international surveys indicating that air travel is key for promoting innovation and production efficiency. On the other hand, it acknowledged, the proliferation of teleconferencing has probably already reduced and will continue to reduce the need to travel physically. From an industry viewpoint, the amount of domestic air cargo has been on the decline for a long time.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Akava, a leading trade union confederation in Finland, has welcomed the Finnish government's announcement on enhancing equality and non-discrimination but stresses the need for concrete legislative changes and funding decisions. While acknowledging the government's commitment to promoting equality, the union emphasizes the importance of action beyond just declarations.

Maria Lofgren, President of Akava, commended the government's move as a step in the right direction but stressed the need for more concrete measures and active communication. "While the recent announcement is an important step, it falls short without concrete actions and decisions," she said.

Lofgren urged members of parliament to actively engage in discussions related to the government's announcement and throughout the entire parliamentary term. Additionally, Akava expects that the preparation of further measures will involve labor market organizations.

Akava was consulted during the preparation of the government's announcement and provided specific recommendations for building an inclusive society. The union believes that there are discriminatory attitudes and structures in the workplace, labor market, and education that must be identified and eliminated.

"We are disappointed that our proposal to criminalize hate speech is not included in the government's actions, despite the increasing prevalence of hate speech and targeting. Furthermore, the announcement does not address the right of the Equality and Non-Discrimination Ombudsman to order compensation for discrimination victims, even though such targeted measures are needed to eradicate structural discrimination. In addition, the work to promote equality and gender equality is not adequately resourced," Lofgren emphasized.

Akava emphasizes that in a just society, legislation, practical actions, and the attitudes of decision-makers and individuals all play a crucial role in supporting equality and gender equity. The confederation calls for national and international legislation and agreements to support significant changes in attitudes.

"Finland is a signatory to key United Nations and Council of Europe human rights conventions and is, therefore, obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill all human rights equally and without discrimination. Racist, homophobic, sexist, or misogynistic behavior must come to an end in Finnish society," said Miika Sahamies, Chief Specialist at Akava.

The government's announcement is set to be discussed in the Finnish Parliament on September 6th. Akava, alongside other stakeholders, will continue to advocate for concrete measures and investments to foster a discrimination-free society and workplace.

HT
Edwards files 'Stop Pot' bill ahead of Cherokee vote on recreational marijuana

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards last week introduced the Stop Pot Act to withhold some federal funding from states and tribes that permit the use of recreational marijuana.

The Stop Pot Act will withhold 10 percent of federal highway funds from governments that violate federal law under the Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits recreational marijuana and classifies it as a Schedule I drug. The legislation does not apply to jurisdictions that authorize medical use of marijuana when prescribed by a licensed medical professional.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote Thursday on whether to legalize the sale and use of recreational marijuana on tribal lands. If the referendum passes, the Qualla Boundary would be the only place in North Carolina to buy marijuana legally for recreational use.

The laws of any government should not infringe on the overall laws of our nation, and federal funds should not be awarded to jurisdictions that willfully ignore federal law, Edwards said. During a time when our communities are seeing unprecedented crime, drug addiction, and mental illness, the Stop Pot Act will help prevent even greater access to drugs and ease the strain placed on our local law enforcement and mental health professionals who are already stretched thin.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana Action President and CEO Dr. Kevin Sabet said: Todays marijuana isnt Woodstock Weed. It is a highly engineered drug thats often wrapped in kid-friendly packaging, with potencies of up to 99 percent. The legalization movement has worsened Americas mental health and addiction crisis by preying on communities of color and young people. Todays commercial marijuana products are associated with depression, suicidality, IQ loss and most recently psychosis and schizophrenia, especially for young people."
JOHN HOOD: Is Big Guy v. Perfect Caller the best we can do?

If current surveys are taken as predictive, the Democratic Party will nominate President Joe Biden for reelection next year, the Republican Party will nominate former President Donald Trump, and whoever wins will begin his term in 2025 as one of the most disliked politicians in American history.

How can this be? As Ive previously argued, our system of presidential primaries is broken. It needs a major overhaul. But even if we were able to shuffle the primary deck  allowing states other than Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina to go first, for starters  Im not sure wed get a different outcome.

Some partisans of The Big Guy or The Perfect Caller claim the public isnt really so sour on the frontrunner they champion, that its all a mirage, and that the political polls suggesting otherwise must be biased or misinterpreted.

Their claims are without merit. In a just-released Civitas Poll, my John Locke Foundation colleagues clarified the matter by posing a straightforward question to 600 likely voters in North Carolina: who would they like to see take the oath of office for president in 2025? Respondents were presented with five alternatives: Biden, Trump, another (unnamed) Democrat, another (unnamed) Republican, or someone from another party (also unnamed).

The winner, in a sense, was Trump. A plurality of 29 percent said they wanted to see him returned to the White House. Only 18 percent favored reelecting Joe Biden. As for the rest, 18 percent wanted a different Republican, 20 percent a different Democrat, and 8 percent the standard-bearer of another party. The remaining respondents were unsure.

So, just 47 percent of likely voters say they want either Trump or Biden to be our next president. If these two men are the major-party nominees on next years ballot, most North Carolinians will be unhappy  a finding that makes me prouder than ever to be a native of the Tar Heel State.

Neither man possesses the honesty, temperament and judgment to run the executive branch of the federal government. There is no need to hazard guesses about this matter. Both men have already demonstrated their inadequacies in the office.

Still, given that Trump currently retains enough support among likely primary voters to win the GOP nomination, and that Biden faces only token Democratic competition, the matchup most voters disdain appears to be the matchup they may well get.

For months now, the No Labels movement has been preparing for this eventuality. Led by a gaggle of former Republican and Democratic officeholders and activists  including those with North Carolina ties such as former Gov. Pat McCrory and former NAACP leader Ben Chavis  the organization states that if Trump and Biden are the major-party nominees, it is likely to place an alternative ticket on next years general-election ballot.

If so, North Carolina will be one of the states offering such an option. After some awkward foot-shuffling, the State Board of Elections voted earlier this month to approve No Labels as an official political party. Voters were already likely to see Libertarian and Green alternatives next to the Democratic and Republican nominees for president. Will they also be able to vote for, say, current U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia or former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman as the No Labels pick?

No one really knows  though many Democrats are certain that if No Labels exercises its insurance policy and supplies a presidential slate, that will guarantee a Donald Trump victory by pulling voters disproportionately from Joe Biden.

Im not certain of this, though I have my own reservations about No Labels. I dont fault the intentions of its leaders, some of whom I know and respect. But when I examine its stated principles and goals, I dont see a coherent policy agenda for a potential administration.

The United States of America remains the greatest and most powerful country on the planet. It deserves a better president than Biden or Trump. Alas, how that can practically be accomplished remains unclear to me.

* * * * *

John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
Good job! Needs work ... Iron 9, trail construction, apple ambassador

Good job! The Iron Nine that make up the executive committee plus the many dozens of volunteers behind the scenes pulled off another successful North Carolina Apple Festival over the four-day Labor Day weekend  the second running without a fulltime executive director. Its amazing what a team can achieve, as the saying goes, when the players dont care who gets the credit. In interviews for the Lightnings story about the all-volunteer leadership team, executive committee members invariably named someone other than themselves who was doing all the work. We were on the street plenty during the festival. We saw all of them  Mark Shepherd, Josh English, Geraldine Lamb, Vicki Gunning, Renee Elrod, Mike Elrod, John Shepherd, John Connet and Colby Creasman Buchanan  doing the work  with a smile. Its a lot of hard work, its a lot of commitment, Buchanan said, but if I dont step up and do it and all these other volunteers dont step up, who is? Roger that.

Needs work  Sorry to the folks above  but the towns friendly neighborhood proof-reader cant help pointing out a large-type misspelling. Its Parade Grand Marshal, not marshall. Please correct on next years stage banner.

Good job! After its first invitation attracted just two bids  one less than state law requires  Henderson Countys Ecusta Trail team got good results from a second at bat. The low bid among five opened last week was $9,877,208.57 by Young and McQueen Grading of Burnsville followed by one of $10,126,120 by NHM Constructors of Asheville. County Manager John Mitchell said the arithmetic points to success. The apparent low bid is under the amount of grant money and donations on hand to complete the first six-mile segment. My threshold for this project has been, does it meet the amount of money that has been raised and are we going to be able to move forward? he said. The answer is yes.

Needs work  Common Cause said its town hall meeting at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Tuesday night was designed to let state legislators hear directly from local residents. Hmm. If Common Cause is in the business of educating voters about issues in the General Assembly, presumably it has access to a legislative calendar. Common Cause did report that state Reps. Jennifer Balkcom and Jake Johnson sent regrets and had not heard a response from Sen. Tim Moffitt. All three had a very valid excuse: The House convened at 9:30 a.m. and the Senate at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Next time it invites legislators to a townhall at home, Common Cause ought to choose a date when legislators can attend.

Good job! This years Apple Ambassador, Jackie Hernandez, is a first-generation American  her parents immigrated from El Salvador before she was born  and a high achiever at Hendersonville High School. Shes president of the student body, the Keywanettes and the Spanish Club and vice president of the National Honor Society chapter. She welcomed the crowd during the opening ceremony in both English and Spanish. Jackies the apple of our eye, for sure.
Good job! Needs work ... Iron 9, trail construction, Apple Ambassador

Jackie Hernandez, the 2023 Apple Ambassador, helps on the serving line during the Kiwanis Club's Apple Festival Pancake Breakfast on Friday. [PHOTO BY TOM BUEK]

Good job! The Iron Nine that make up the executive committee plus the many dozens of volunteers behind the scenes pulled off another successful North Carolina Apple Festival over the four-day Labor Day weekend  the second running without a fulltime executive director. Its amazing what a team can achieve, as the saying goes, when the players dont care who gets the credit. In interviews for the Lightnings story about the all-volunteer leadership team, executive committee members invariably named someone other than themselves who was doing all the work. We were on the street plenty during the festival. We saw all of them  Mark Shepherd, Josh English, Geraldine Lamb, Vicki Gunning, Renee Elrod, Mike Elrod, John Shepherd, John Connet and Colby Creasman Buchanan  doing the work  with a smile. Its a lot of hard work, its a lot of commitment, Buchanan said, but if I dont step up and do it and all these other volunteers dont step up, who is? Roger that.

Needs work  Sorry to the folks above  but the towns friendly neighborhood proof-reader cant help pointing out a large-type misspelling. Its Parade Grand Marshal, not marshall. Please correct on next years stage banner.

Good job! After its first invitation attracted just two bids  one less than state law requires  Henderson Countys Ecusta Trail team got good results from a second at bat. The low bid among five opened last week was $9,877,208.57 by Young and McQueen Grading of Burnsville followed by one of $10,126,120 by NHM Constructors of Asheville. County Manager John Mitchell said the arithmetic points to success. The apparent low bid is under the amount of grant money and donations on hand to complete the first six-mile segment. My threshold for this project has been, does it meet the amount of money that has been raised and are we going to be able to move forward? he said. The answer is yes.

Needs work  Common Cause said its town hall meeting at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Tuesday night was designed to let state legislators hear directly from local residents. Hmm. If Common Cause is in the business of educating voters about issues in the General Assembly, presumably it has access to a legislative calendar. Common Cause did report that state Reps. Jennifer Balkcom and Jake Johnson sent regrets and had not heard a response from Sen. Tim Moffitt. All three had a very valid excuse: The House convened at 9:30 a.m. and the Senate at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Next time it invites legislators to a townhall at home, Common Cause ought to choose a date when legislators can attend.

Good job! This years Apple Ambassador, Jackie Hernandez, is a first-generation American  her parents immigrated from El Salvador before she was born  and a high achiever at Hendersonville High School. Shes president of the student body, the Keywanettes and the Spanish Club and vice president of the National Honor Society chapter. She welcomed the crowd during the opening ceremony in both English and Spanish. Jackies the apple of our eye, for sure.
Chennai, 25 August 2023: Mr K.V. Karthik, Managing Director, Deccan Industries, one of Indias leading pump manufacturing companies, headquartered in Coimbatore, has been elected as the president of Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA), the countrys premier body representing the US$ 2 billion pump manufacturing sector, for 2023-24.

Mr. Karthik is the 39th president of IPMA. He was elected at the 72nd Annual General Meeting of IPMA held recently at Coimbatore, which was attended by Mr. R. Kumaravelu, Managing Director, Aquasub Group as the Chief Guest and IPMAs members from across the country including Pune, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot.

While thanking the IPMA members for having elected him as their president, Mr Karthik said that he would focus on increasing the synergy between IPMA, The Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association and Rajkot Engineering Association, the two other major industry bodies represent the 1500-odd pump manufacturers in the organised sector. We need to promote collaboration among the units which would pave the way for cost savings, improved product design & collective sourcing, and thus help the sector address the global demand of diverse product offerings and competitive pricing.

Indias pump industry is 100 years old. It manufactures more than more than 1 million pumps every year. Agriculture and residential sectors comprise 46% of the market by value, while the industrial sector comprises the rest. The industry is expected to reach US$ 100 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4% during 2021-2026. India exports pumps to 100+ countries. The sector is providing employment to around 1,20,000 people.

Commenting about the strengths and opportunities of the industry, Mr Karthik said that Indian companies had an unique opportunity to test their pumps in diverse and tough field conditions, and used their experience to improve technology. Indian pumps have become world class and can challenge the best in the world. While pumps for agricultural and water supply are the strengths of the Indian companies, the industry is striving to add high value pumps used for mining, waste water, oil and gas to its offerings. Growing investments globally in irrigation, water and wastewater, mining, and chemical industries present a tremendous scope. We are witnessing an enormous interest in the global market for Indian pumps. Post Covid, pump exports from the country have grown by more than 20%. There is every opportunity for India to be a global leader, he said. IPMA will focus on improving the global share of Indian pumps to make the Indian Pump Industry a lakh crore industry by 2030. Karthik thanked Government of India for providing grants through its department of Heavy Industry towards promoting research and development in advanced pump technologies.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
In today's fast-paced global village, collaboration stands as a driving force behind groundbreaking technological advancements. With this in mind, the India-Israel Innovation HUB was established to serve as a collaborative platform for intellectuals, scientists, and entrepreneurs from India and Israel.

Founded by Amir Zeltzer, who now serves as its Chairman, the India-Israel Innovation HUB is a platform that aims to expedite the development of cutting-edge solutions, encourage research and development, and facilitate the exchange of valuable information. Moreover, it nurtures a thriving startup environment that fosters creativity, attracts investment, and positions both Israel as well as India as pioneers in innovation, and technology.

A Catalyst for Indian-Israeli Tech Cooperation

Based in Gurugram, Haryana, the HUB has evolved into a vibrant platform connecting researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans, since it was founded in 2018. Through shared resources, information, and opportunities, the organization promotes growth and progress within the technological landscape. It primarily aims to accelerate the cooperation between the technological sectors of India and Israel.

Strategic Location and Partnerships

As it is located in Gurgaon, the HUB collaborates closely with prominent organizations in the high-tech sector of Delhi/NCR. Functioning as a dynamic center of creativity, the HUB brings together top-tier tech entities, industry experts, researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, spurring growth and success through synergistic interactions.

Core Values Guiding The HUB

From its inception, The HUB has served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration among high-tech groups and catalyzing the creation of cutting-edge solutions. This success is attributed to the HUB's unwavering commitment to a set of core values, including:

Collaboration and Connectivity: The HUB provides a unique platform that facilitates collaboration among researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs from both nations, promoting knowledge exchange, resource accessibility, and networking opportunities.

Access to Potential Partners: Members of The HUB gain access to an extensive network of potential partners and collaborators, facilitated through an online directory, forums, and meticulously curated in-person events.

Education: The HUB's dedication to education is demonstrated through workshops, seminars, and lectures on emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and best practices in research and development.

Knowledge Sharing: With a focus on shared learning, The HUB encourages members to share their expertise, engage in collaborative projects, and learn from guest speakers and leading experts.

Entrepreneurship: Aspiring entrepreneurs receive steadfast support through mentorship, training, and access to funding opportunities, nurturing their innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Amir Zeltzer: Shaping Innovation through Vision and Expertise

At the helm of The HUB is its visionary founder, Amir Zeltzer, an accomplished tech executive and entrepreneur. With a blend of visionary insight and adept execution, Zeltzer has led The HUB since its inception. He identifies promising ideas and guides them to fruition, leveraging his profound understanding of innovation. Zeltzer's passion for aiding businesses in developing groundbreaking technology, combined with his expertise in driving innovation, fuels The HUB's progress.

Zeltzer views the HUB as more than a platform for promoting Israeli-Indian technological collaboration. He explains, Collaboration propels us toward a brighter future, and The India-Israel Innovation HUB serves as a catalyst for changean inclusive space where creativity thrives. By uniting the capabilities, resources, and ideas of India and Israel, we unlock unparalleled creativity to address global challenges.

For more information about The India-Israel Innovation HUB and to explore the vast potential of collaboration between the technological sectors of Israel and India, please visit:

https://india-israel-innovation.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/india-israel-innovation-hub/

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Bengaluru metros purple line is set to be fully operational only after September 15, said a report in Money Control. The two stretches on the purple line, Kengeri  Challaghatta and KR Puram  Baiyappanahalli are pending on the purple line; once inaugurated, the purple line will connect east Bengaluru to most parts of the city. Bengaluru metro's purple line to be fully operational after September 15: Report(Ajay Aggarwal/HT Photo)

Also Read - Bengaluru airport observes 124 per cent raise of mango exports in 2023

According to the report, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) requested the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) to inspect the two pending stretches as early as possible. The CMRS has asked us for a few clarifications, and we will submit them on September 7. We are expecting that the inspection and other minor pending works will be finished by September 15 and we will inaugurate both stretches after that, BMRCL MD Anjum Parwej is quoted as saying in the publication. The trial runs are already conducted on both the stretches of purple line.

The BMRCL earlier announced that the aim is to inaugurate the KR Puram  Baiyappanahalli line by mid-July. Once inaugurated, the purple line is expected to enhance the public transport in Bengaluru, as Whitefield has numerous tech parks and employees from various parts of the city work there.

The previous BJP-led government had launched the Whitefield  KR Puram line and faced criticism for not being able to finish works on this important stretch. The BMRCL then clarified that they had to install an open web grinder above Bennganahalli railway station, which needed approval from Indian Railways. Between KR Puram and Baiyappanahalli , there will be only one metro station, Jyotipuram.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
The high-octane campaign run by the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), the student wing of ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, failed to find favour with student voters. That despite a state minister and a legislator who himself remained involved in Panjab Universitys student politics spearheading their charge. CYSS failed to replicate its performance from the last PU polls when it bagged the presidents post.

CYSS, which had put together a stellar run to the saddle in its maiden election in 2022, appeared ready to romp home again from the beginning.

Days before electioneering was to start, the Punjab government also sanctioned 50 crore for hostels and the student outfit went tom-toming about it through the campaign.

However, a series of events built a steady wave against them in the run up to polls and resulted in the eventual drubbing. Those on the campus say students were wary of the constant appearances of Punjabs AAP leaders on campus even when the varsity had banned the same.

With the politicisation being viewed unfavourably, CYSS opponents spotted opportunity and held protests against the same. Allegations of the outfits supporters thrashing a Panjab University Students Union leader days ahead of polls further hit the partys prospects.

CYSS state president Sanjeev Chaudhary admits that the last episode affected them, maybe even swinging around 400 votes away from them.

Assessing the loss, AAP legislator Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose who was in-charge of the campaign said, It is perhaps anti-incumbency. It is harder for any party to win a second time and we perhaps didnt communicate the work that we have done properly to the students.

For Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the blow was bigger as 2023 marked the second straight year when their candidate came within touching distance of a win only to fall short again. Rubbing salt in the wounds, it was another party turncoat, Jatinder Singh, that won the presidents seat for National Students Union of India.

The student wing of Shiromani Akali Dal, which had won the post of PUCSC president in 2019, came in a distant fourth with 996 votes. The party was in an alliance with Indian National Students Organisation and Himachal Pradesh Students Union. The leaders say year-long concerted efforts would be required to win students confidence and win a post.

Revival continued to appear a daunting task for homegrown parties Students of Panjab University (SOPU) and Panjab University Students Union (PUSU). The two outfits that reigned supreme on campus for decades, came a cropper.

In a solace, the parties cadre appears to be still intact and winning elections for them on college campuses. We will have to devise some new mechanism to fight national parties with deep pockets, a leader commented.

Students For Society (SFS), which had staged a surprise victory in 2018 by winning the presidents post with Kanupriya at the helm, also failed to make a leave this year. It garnered a paltry 621 votes despite the candidate Prateek Kumar being a student of University Institute of Technology (UIET), which has 2,527 voters and is the biggest department in PU.

SIDELIGHTS:

There goes the broom

Buoyed by the result, NSUI supporters assembled near the gymnasium hall, chanted slogans while carrying their leaders on their shoulders. The group playfully mocked CYSS by tearing off a broom, the symbol of the student wings parent Aam Aadmi Party.

Euphoria fading

The lack of the usual euphoria associated with the student polls was noticeably missing from the elections this year, with the campus drawing smaller crowds amid heightened security. The oft-buzzing Student Centre also only saw the occasional celebration.

Media personnel make way

After being awarded the victory certificate, an overjoyed Jatinder Singh dashed out of the gymnasium hall. With media personnel eagerly awaiting his comments, microphones were set out neatly on a table right outside. However, NSUI supporters engaged in heated arguments with mediapersons and even pushed them around.

No room for ruckus

The Student Center saw a small group of outsiders create ruckus in an inebriated state, hurling profanities, only to be nabbed by alert policemen in no time. Police apprehended one of the outsiders, but he was released after a warning.

Digvijay on campus

Following INSOs big win in the secretary race, the partys former national president and JJP principal general secretary Digvijay Chautala, made his way to the PU campus, where he mingled with students and congratulated party cadre on their triumph.

Congrats team

Congress leader Barinder Dhillon also paid a visit to the campus on Wednesday to extend congratulations to the dedicated students who contributed to NSUIs victory.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Booked for abetting suicide, the police have dismissed accused station house officer (SHO) Navdeep Singh from service. The Kapurthala police had registered a case against three police personnel Navdeep, assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Balwinder Singh and woman constable Jagjeet Kaur  for alleged humiliation and torture of two Jalandhar-based brothers. Accused station house officer (SHO) Navdeep Singh (File photo)

The orders related to Navdeeps dismissal came after the victims family threatened to stage a protest in Jalandhar and Chandigarh on Thursday. However, after the accused inspectors dismissal, the family cremated the body of 26-year-old, whose decomposed body was fished out from Beas river on September 3. The victims kin alleged that the two brothers, aged 26 and 34, had allegedly jumped into Beas after being harassed by the three police personnel.

Abetment of suicide case

As per an FIR registered under Section 306 (abetment of suicide), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention), Navdeep was investigating a marital dispute between the sister of the victims friend and another party, for which they were called to the police station on August 16. The accused SHO and two other accused were favouring the other party, due to which one of the brothers got into an argument with the SHO. Furious over it, the accused SHO allegedly assaulted the elder brother, the FIR stated.

The FIR added that a false FIR was registered against the other boy, who is still missing, on the complaint of accused woman constable Jagjeet Kaur for allegedly misbehaving with the police. On August 17, the younger brother allegedly jumped into the river, and his elder brother, who is missing, went in to rescue him.

On August 25, the SHO was transferred to police lines a day after an inquiry was marked against him for allegedly harassing the two brothers.

Grave acts of misconduct on part of officials

In orders issued by Jalandhar police commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal, it has been stated that Navdeep was found to have indulged in highly-undesirable activities which tantamount to be grave acts of misconduct on part of the officials.

Being a competent authority, Navdeep Singh has been dismissed from the service with immediate effect in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Police Act-1861 and Article 311 (2)(b) of the Constitution of India, said CP Chahal.

Also, in a report received from the Jalandhar commissionerate, it has been found that the CCTV cameras were not functioning in the police station from July 24 onwards and no information in this regard was given to senior officials.

Meanwhile, Chahal said a department enquiry has already been initiated against two other accused police personnel.

Being a member of the police force, Navdeep may also influence the witnesses and try to destroy the evidence against him. Also, his previous service record shows that his services are not in the interest of the general public, said Chahal.

The police had also issued a lookout circular (LOC) against the three accused cops.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Four SD College students and members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) were injured in a clash that broke out at the mandi ground, Sector 49, late on Wednesday in the lead-up to the Panjab University student elections. Chandigarh Police deployed during Students election at SD College, Sector 32, ahead of PU polls. (Keshav Singh/HT)

Police officials said members of the student party Sanatan Dharam College Union (SDCU) attacked NSUI members using sharp weapons around 2 am.

While one of the victims sustained injuries on the head after being attacked with a sword, another sustained fractures in the leg after being hit with a car. Victims Hemant, Sehaj and Prabhav have been admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, while Rana was admitted to the Fortis hospital in Mohali.

Police have booked five students, including three from SD College and two from other colleges.

Sharing further details, probe officials said the four NSUI members who stay in paying guest accommodations were dropping off a friend in Sector 48 after celebrating a birthday. They had stopped near the mandi ground when the accused showed up in their cars.

After heated arguments, both the groups broke into a clash. One of the accused hit Prabhav with his car, fracturing his leg. Hemant, who sustained a head injury, required six stitches. The other victims also sustained injuries to the head, back and arms.

According to sources, both groups had a brief face-off near SD College on Tuesday and were out making last-ditch efforts to woo voters late at night.

Five accused, four of whom are yet to be identified, were booked after police recorded the victims statements. A case under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt.), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Sector 49 police station.

We will soon arrest all the accused after a probe, an officer said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Haryana director general of police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on Wednesday announced that a pilot project safe city will be kick-started in Rohtak and Gurugram for women safety and security. Interacting with reporters here after holding a meeting with police officials at IG office, the DGP said that after the success of the safe city project, it would be rolled out in the entire state. Haryana DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on Wednesday announced that a pilot project safe city will be kick-started in Rohtak and Gurugram for women safety and security. Interacting with reporters here after holding a meeting with police officials at IG office, the DGP said that after the success of the safe city project, it would be rolled out in the entire state. (HT File Photo)

The coordinated efforts would be made to ensure a safe public transport for women so that they can go to work without any hesitation. The police would coordinate local cab unions, auto unions and public transporters for this purpose, he added.

He said that the police would ensure that CCTV cameras are installed outside educational institutions and deploy security guards.

The frequency of police patrolling at sensitive places would be increased. In cases of eve-teasing, immediate action would be taken after registering an FIR, he added.

While outlining the priorities of the Haryana Police, the DGP said complaints received through any medium would be disposed of within a week and feedback would also be taken to ascertain satisfaction level of the complainant.

He said that efforts are being made to curb cyber-crime by coordinating with banks and telecom companies.

Information about cybercrime can be given on toll free number 1930, he added.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Party clout yielded resounding results in small pockets, with three college campuses recording clean sweeps, including two by home-grown parties. The newly-elected KCSU president Gaganpreet with supporters celebrating after the student election at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Sector 26 in Chandigarh. (Keshav Singhh/HT)

The SD College, Sector 32, saw the Sanatan Dharam College Union+Himachal Students Union+Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) alliance win all four seats. The total number of votes polled stood at 2,896.

The Khalsa College Student Union and National Students Union of India swept the Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, and Government College of Commerce and Business Administration, Sector 50, respectively. Polling was held for only two posts of president and vice-president at the latter, with NSUI candidates getting elected unopposed on the posts for secretary and joint secretary.

Barring minor incidents, polling goes by peacefully

Barring minor clashes, polling day on Panjab University and college campuses remained peaceful. One student sustained a head injury on Wednesday as rival groups hurled stones and earthen pots at each other in the Sector 46 market before the counting of votes for the student elections commenced.

The supporters of Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) and College Student Force (CSF) clashed with each other near sector 46 roundabout. With both sides hurling stones, bricks and earthen pots at each other, a third year BA student was injured.

A woman who had set up an earthen pot stall in the area said the group had picked over 15 pots from her stall.

Police teams reached the spot after being informed about the clash and the students were disbursed. The injured student was taken to civil hospital in Sector 45 and was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital after being given first aid. He required seven stitches on his head. However, no complaint was lodged. The two student outfits have won two seats each at the Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A day after leaders of the Punjab Congress strongly opposed any coalition with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state, cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Maan on Wednesday announced that there would be no alliance between the AAP and the Congress in Punjab. Punjab tourism minister Anmol Gagan Maan addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Wednesday during which she announced that there would be no alliance between the AAP and the Congress in the state. (HT Photo)

Gagan Maan said the AAP would contest all 13 seats in the Lok Sabha elections under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Mann and without any seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress.

Also read: Punjab Congress rules out any truck with AAP

We do not need any alliance with the Congress. We are an honest party. People had given us a strong mandate with 92 seats (out of 117 in the state assembly) and they love Manns style, the state tourism minister said at a press conference in Chandigarh regarding a tourism summit scheduled in Mohali from September 11 to 13.

She said the decision of not having the alliance in Punjab has been taken by the state unit under the leadership of the chief minister.

The AAP ministers statement, which indicates that the battlelines are drawn between the state units of the two parties, is a setback to the resolve of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together.

After its two-day conclave in Mumbai last week, the 28-party opposition block, which includes both Congress and AAP, had declared its intent to contest the next general election together as far as possible. A resolution passed at the meeting said that seat-sharing arrangements in different states would be initiated immediately and concluded at the earliest in collaborative spirit or give and take.

Gagan Maan said the alliance at the national level is between different parties to remove the dictatorial government of the BJP and to safeguard democracy, but the political situation in Punjab is different. We will contest the Lok Sabha elections independently under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann. The AAP will have no alliance with Congress, she added.

Asked if these were her personal views, the minister said these are the views of the party and the orders of the chief minister.

Workers sentiment against tie-up: Warring

Punjab Congress leaders, who met in Chandigarh on Tuesday, strongly opposed any truck with the ruling party in the state. The party leaders were of the view that seat sharing with AAP would be detrimental to the interests of the Congress in the state, and the workers sentiment was against the alliance.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring told reporters that the Congress would contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab. The state unit is preparing to contest all the seats in the state as per the directions of the high command, which has asked us to prepare for all 13 seats. We are acting accordingly, he said.

Congress leader Navjot Sidhu begs to differ

Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu took a different line from his party colleagues in the state, stating that selfish vested interests should be discarded.

The decision of the party high command is supreme. It is for a greater cause; the national interest has been kept paramount to honour the spirit of the Constitution and to free the enchained institutions which draw their strength from constitutional values. Petty perish pump politics loaded with selfish vested interests should be discarded for safeguarding our DEMOCRACY. Elections are not fought for the next election, they are fought for the next generation, the former MP posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, backing the alliance.

His public airing of views, however, did not go down well with party leaders in the state.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) staged a protest in flood-affected Gidderpindi village of Jalandhar district and demanded the government to provide adequate compensation to farmers. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal (File photo)

Addressing the gathering, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had betrayed the peasantry by limiting proposed disbursal of relief for paddy crop loss to five acres per farmer and announcing relief of 6,800 per acre as per Central government norms.

It is shocking that the AAP government has not ensured fair compensation to flood victims by pledging state funds to increase the compensation amount, he said.

Asserting that even this announced compensation had not been disbursed to farmers so far, Sukhbir said the authorities are yet to complete the process of girdawari to assess crop loss.

Before elections, chief minister Bhagwant Mann had promised farmers that on coming to power, the AAP would release interim relief of 20,000 per acre before the conduct of girdawari, he said.

He demanded compensation of 50,000 per acre for farmers, 20,000 for farm labourers and 2 lakh to all whose houses were damaged.

Stating that the floods in Punjab were a man-made tragedy, Sukhbir held the chief minister responsible for it. He said the chief minister did not hold any meeting on flood prevention works before the onset of monsoon and later did not regulate the release of water from the Bhakra and Pong dams which led to flooding in various parts of the state.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Security forces gunned down two terrorists and foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mandi area of Poonch district during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said. On Monday, security forces had killed a terrorist while a policeman and a soldier were injured during an encounter in Gali Sohab area of Chassana in Reasi district. (HT File)

Jammu based defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said, Two terrorists were observed crossing the LoC and entering Indian territory on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday in Mandi area. A joint operation was launched by army and police to intercept the terrorists. The terrorists, while using hostile terrain, dense jungle and steep gradient to their advantage, brought down heavy fire on the troops. In the firefight which continued till Wednesday, both the terrorists were eliminated.

He said that the body of one of the terrorists along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. Search operation for recovering body of second terrorist is in progress, he added.

On Monday, security forces had killed a terrorist while a policeman and a soldier were injured during an encounter in Gali Sohab area of Chassana in Reasi district.

On September 3, Army had successfully destroyed an IED in the same region.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Uttarakhand high court on Wednesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry in the case of illegal constructions and felling of 6,000 trees in Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). The high court said that all the authorities in the state are directed to cooperate with the CBI in conducting fair investigation of the case. (File Photo)

The HC order stated, This court, after considering the material on record, comes to the conclusion that the present matter falls within the principles enunciated by the.. Constitution Bench and we are satisfied that the material on record does disclose a prima facie case calling for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Therefore, the present matter is referred to CBI for proper and uninfluenced investigation in accordance with law... All the authorities in the state, if requested, are directed to cooperate with the CBI in conducting fair investigation of the case.

The judgment reserved on September 1 was delivered on Tuesday by the division bench of chief justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Alok Kumar Verma. The HC is hearing two cases, one filed by Dehradun-based Anu Pant and another in which the HC had taken suo motu cognizance of the media reports over illegal constructions and felling of trees in CTR on October 27, 2021.

The matter relates to a petition originally filed by New Delhi-based Gaurav Bansal, Supreme Court advocate and wildlife activist. Bansal said that on a petition filed by him in Delhi high court regarding illegal constructions, the felling of trees and the construction of approach roads in CTR, the court on August 23, 2021, had directed NTCA to look into the issues raised in the petition. He said following the court directions, NTCA had constituted a committee on September 5, 2021, which inspected CTR between September 26 to 30 and submitted its report on October 22, 2021.

Bansal said, I am happy that the court has finally ordered a CBI inquiry in the matter and it will bring to light the extent of irregularities conducted by senior officials in the area, which has the highest concentration of tigers in the world

The HC order stated, It is to be noted that as per the report of Forest Survey of India, the estimated total number of felled trees to be 6,093. The Forest Survey of India has also estimated the species and diameter classes of such trees in its report. The committee of NTCA had filed its detailed site inspection report dated 22.10.2021... One of the recommendations for the state government was to constitute a Vigilance Inquiry against the officers involved in the construction activities without any requisite approval. The state government directed the director, Vigilance Establishment to initiate an open enquiry against the officers concerned in the matter vide its letter dated 09.11.2021. The vigilance inquiry is still pending.

The HC order stated that as per the report (dated 24.02.2023) of the committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal, the construction work of administrative building, internal roads, service roads, guard huts and animal holding area were undertaken without any administrative and financial approval and without any budgetary provisions. There has been felling of trees more than the stipulated member of 163 in the approval for the Tiger Safari and works were started without Stage II approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

The HC order pointed out that according to the report of the committee constituted by the green panel, In gross violation of the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, the work in Pakhrau Tiger Safari started after laying of the foundation stone in November, 2020 by then forest minister Shri Harak Singh Rawat without having received any Stage II clearance under Section 2 (ii) of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. As per report dated 24.02.2023, Akhilesh Tiwari, DFO Kalagarh, Rahul, conservator of forests/director, Jabar Singh Suhag, chief wildlife warden and then forest minister have been found responsible for their illegal work. Apart from these provisions, Braj Vihari Sharma, forest range officer/SDO, Kishan Chand, DFO, Sushant Patnaik, the then CCF, Garhwal, Mathura Singh Mavdi, forest range officer and LR Nag, SDO have also been found responsible.

HC said Abhijay Negi, counsel appearing for the petitioner (Anu Pant), informed it that even after the enquiries and reports, no effective action has been taken by the government against the culprit officers, who are the higher authorities of the government and forest department. Therefore, looking at the magnitude of the matter as well as the seriousness involved in the present matter, this court may consider the free, fair and transparent investigation from an independent central agency, the order stated

The HC maintained that In view of the serious allegations against the higher authorities of the State, merely suspending some officers and keeping the matter pending by giving charge sheets to them does not come under the purview of concrete action in any way. The state government..(in 2021).. has instituted an open Vigilance inquiry. But, the said Inquiry is still pending. In these circumstances, we cannot remain a mere bystander or spectator.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Delhi Police on Wednesday conducted a tear gas exercise as part of their security preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10 in the national capital. The summit will host top world leaders, and the government is being extremely meticulous about every minute security detail, aiming to make it as tight as possible. Approximately 130,000 security personnel will be deployed during the summit, including an 80,000-strong contingent from the Delhi Police. Delhi Police were seen practicing tear gas firing while following commands on Wednesday.(PTI)

In a video shared by news agency PTI, Delhi Police were seen practising tear gas firing while following commands. They chose a deserted area near a water body for this exercise.

Earlier, rehearsals were conducted to prepare traffic officers and security personnel for the movement of G20 Summit guests in September. The movements during the rehearsals were from the hotels in Delhi to Rajghat and to Pragati Maidan, and then back to the hotels and finally to the airport, said Patel. He added that these movements on September 10 will take place between 7 am and 11 pm.

On Saturday, three carcade rehearsals were also conducted, each in three shifts, and they proceeded smoothly, according to officials. These rehearsals included the full deployment of security, traffic personnel, ambulances, and firefighters at the venues.

Flag marches held

Delhi Police officials have announced a series of security measures aimed at ensuring public order during the G20 Summit in the national capital. These measures include the implementation of flag marches, increased patrolling efforts, and more rigorous picket checking.

A senior police officer said that daily flag marches are being conducted within the district as part of these security preparations.

Picket checking has been increased in the area and communication is being established with locals to give them a sense of confidence. Traffic arrangements have been put in place. The areas near Yamuna Khadar are being checked regularly. Mounted morchas have also been pressed into service, the officer said.

Delhi Police's foolproof security plan

The Delhi Police will also involve multiple security agencies and personnel to ensure a foolproof security setup for the G20 Summit in the city. Special commissioner of police-rank officers have been designated as venue commanders. Over 50,000 personnel, K9 dog squads, and mounted police will maintain vigilant surveillance throughout the summit.

To bolster security measures, the Delhi Police is receiving support from the Indian Air Force, as well as specialised central agencies like the National Security Guard (NSG) and certain central armed police forces (CAPF).

Additionally, 19 skilled markswomen, who have undergone a rigorous four-week training program conducted by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at its training center in Karera, Madhya Pradesh, will be deployed at key locations across the city. Equipped with rifle telescopes, they will be stationed strategically, including at the G20 summit venue and hotels.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Even as more than half of the 80,000-strong Delhi Police force is on duty solely for the G20 Summit, officers aware of the matter said that steps have been taken to ensure that the day-to-day functioning of police stations is not impacted, and complaints are registered and acted upon. Officers during a checking drive of vehicles as security is beefed up ahead of G20 Summit, at Minto Road on Wednesday. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

According to the officials, more than 40,000 Delhi Police officers are on Summit duty till September 10.

To ensure better security and promptness, and compensate for the staff shortage, police personnel have been asked to stay in station barracks after duty, or at least near the police stations till September 11, so they can be called as and when the need arises, officers said. There are 209 police stations in the Capital.

Deputy commissioner of police, public relations officer, Suman Nalwa, said that officials are working double shifts to ensure the safety of people in the Capital.

Delhi Police has provided security successfully to many international events. However, G20 is a generational event and each one of us takes pride in working tirelessly towards ensuring seamless event. Many police personnel are roped in for arrangements from police stations and units of Delhi Police and assistance is also being taken from paramilitary organisations. Everyone is rising up to the challenge of working double shifts and ensuring both the safety security of G20 as well as residents of Delhi, Nalwa said.

It may be noted that some of the police personnel on G20 duty include those from the economic offences wing, licensing unit, training unit among others, and do not impact day-to-day policing.

A senior police officer, who did not wish to be identified, said that on an average, about 100 police personnel are deployed at a police station, but since September 4, the strength has been reduced to about 25 in some stations.

The event is extremely important for the country and at the same time, its important to keep an eye on the crime as well. Therefore, we have to be prepared to tackle that as well. People will still be coming to police stations to lodge their complaints and police control room calls will also have to be answered. We have taken steps to ensure that day-to-day functioning is not impacted a lot, the officer said.

At the police stations, an inspector-rank officer will be staying round-the-clock, he added.

There are barracks in many police stations where officials can stay. And in those where there arent, officials have been asked to go to the closest police station where there are barracks or if they can take help from a relative, a second officer said, asking not to be named.

A constable posted in West Delhi said that they have all been asked to stay alert. After completing the 12-hour duty, we dont have to work. We just have to stay alert and be around in case of emergency, he said.

Each district has also deployed mobile vans, with two-three vans readied in case of exigency. One van will have about 15-20 officials to help out police staff in case they are not able to handle, the second officer said. Police have also roped in market and resident welfare associations in some districts to help police keep an eye on petty and street crime during the Summit days, another officer said

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Four senior Haryana government officials, an army colonel, and his doctor wife were among at least 20 individuals booked for their alleged involvement in forging papers to show a deceased man as alive so as to sell his property valued at 10 crore (at current market rates), police said on Wednesday Investigators said the suspects connived with the branch manager to get a certificate addressed to Huda that the signature on the actual allotment letter matched that of the imposter. (Representational image)

Senior officers said the plot measuring a little more than 500 square metres is in Sector-23A was allotted to Sunil Kumar by the erstwhile Haryana Urban Development Authority (now Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran) on November 29, 2007.

Kumar, who was a resident of Sarita Vihar in Delhi at that time, later died at his native place in Punjabs Fazilka on July 15, 2010.

It was more than five years after his death, that the plan to grab and sell his plot was executed, said police. For that, an imposter posed as the dead man, and an account in the name of the deceased was opened with a private bank in Sector 49 using forged identity documents.Later, a forged conveyance deed was prepared to sell the plot to the colonel and his wife from Janakpuri for 2.4 crore on April 27, 2016, investigators said.

They said Kumars son Dharmavir Kumar (46) submitted a complaint with the Gurugram police commissioners office on May 24 this year after he came to know about the forgery in August 2021 when he visited the plot but found a hospital being built on it. When no action was taken, he moved the court seeking an FIR and probe into the matter.

Finally, on the orders of a city court, an FIR was registered against 20 persons, including the four senior government officials of whom three are from the Haryana civil services, colonel and his wife, besides stamp vendors, erstwhile Huda staff and the private banks manager under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using a forged document) of the Indian Penal Code at Sector 14 police station on Tuesday.

The complainant has alleged that the prime suspects, a father and son, are his close relatives.He alleged that the duo were involved in selling several plots of deceased owners by forging documents. He said they got a fake driving licence prepared in his deceased fathers name from Panchkula, but the photograph was of a private guard working for them.

They duo later got the guard, impersonating my father, to open an account in the name of Sunil Kumar at a private bank in Sector 49. The suspects then prepared a forged conveyance deed dated April 1, 2016, using the imposter to show as if my father had gifted the deed to them, Dharmavir alleged.

The deed had signatures of two Huda staff as witnesses. On April 27, 2016, the plot was sold to the couple from Janakpuri in Delhi for 2.4 crore. Money was transferred into the imposters account, he alleged.

Investigators said the suspects connived with the branch manager to get a certificate addressed to Huda that the signature on the actual allotment letter matched that of the imposter. Senior officials in Huda, without verifying signatures and photographs, gave permission for the sale after approving the conveyance deed, investigators said, quoting Dharmavirs allegations.

Subhash Boken, public relations officer of Gurugram police, said they have registered the FIR. We will gather records from the court, complainant and government offices after which things will become clear and necessary action will be taken, he said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Two girl students died while three others were injured on Wednesday when an iron pole fell on them during Janmashtami celebrations in a school in Rajasthan's Udaipur district, police said. The students had gathered for the "Matki Phod" programme during the Janmashtami festival. (File) (Representational Image)

The incident took place in the morning at the Government Higher Secondary School in Jogi Talab of Girwa Panchayat Samiti under Govardhan Vilas police station area, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajat Vishnoi said.

He said that the students had gathered for the "Matki Phod" programme during the Janmashtami festival.

The injured students were taken to Gitanjali Hospital where doctors declared two girl students dead.

The DSP said that the deceased have been identified as Narayani, a student of class 7 and Radha, a student of class 8. Three injured girl students are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Vishnoi said no FIR has been registered in the case.

A case will be registered if police receive complaints from family members, he said, adding that efforts are being made to pacify the relatives of the deceased students.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
A court in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district on Tuesday sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor daughter over a period of around two years at the familys home in a remote village in the Sunderbans area, police said. (Representative Photo)

The additional district and sessions court at Kakdwip pronounced the man guilty under three sections of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The girl was around 11 years old when the man, whose wife is a person with mental illness, started torturing the girl. Though the convict threatened to kill her if she spoke to anyone, the child complained to her mother and grandmother, but they took no action apparently out of fear, a district police officer said on condition of anonymity.

The officer said that the minor subsequently sought her aunts help, who then approached the local police and based on the complaint, a case was registered in June 2022. The accused was arrested within hours.

After the mandatory medical examination, the child made a statement before a magistrate. The minor and her younger brother were shifted to a government home for their safety while the investigation continued, added the officer.

The rape survivor is now 13 years old and goes to school. The court also asked the government to pay a compensation of Rs.3 lakh to her to safeguard her future, the officer said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
A team of the ISRO visited the Jadavpur University in Kolkata on Wednesday and took stock of the security measures on the campus. Jadavpur University in Kolkata (HT File)

The visit came after Governor CV Ananda Bose, who is also the chancellor of the university, wrote to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to suggest security measures following the death of a first-year undergraduate student allegedly due to ragging.

The two members of the team visited different parts of the campus and the buildings, and discussed the security-related issues with varsity officials, JU's officiating vice-chancellor Buddhadeb Sau told PTI.

READ | Expel 4 students for teenagers death after ragging: Jadavpur University panel

"They deliberated on beefing up security with the use of remote sensing technology. They also discussed ways to prevent the entry of outsiders into the campus and monitor the movement of people so that narcotic substances are not consumed. They will give inputs to our security team," he said.

The ISRO team also discussed ways to prevent ragging in the hostels through surveillance but without intruding into the private space of students, Sau said.

READ | UGC team visits Jadavpur varsity, students parents petition CM for justice

"It is a data-based project in which experts from both ISRO and JU are participating. They will tell us about their observations and we will share ours with them. The university will take follow-up steps accordingly," he added.

The governor approached ISRO on August 24 to help the state-run university in curbing ragging cases by identifying an appropriate technological solution.

Multiple sources such as video analytics, image matching, automatic target recognition and remote sensing will be explored for developing a security system for JU, he had said in a statement at that time.

The death of the student after falling from the boys' hostel triggered a nationwide outrage, last month. Thirteen persons, including present and former students, were arrested in connection with the case.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday claimed that several frontal organisations and students wings have been tasked to revive the banned organisation Communist Party of India (Maoist) in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with an intent to wage war against the government of India. NIA on Ruesday conducted searches at eight locations in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Azamgarh and Deoria districts in UP (Representative Photo)

The statement comes a day after the anti-terrorism agency on Tuesday conducted searches at eight locations in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Azamgarh and Deoria districts in UP as part of their ongoing investigation into the revival of a banned political party and alleged Naxal organisation.

According to the officials, they are conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence in furtherance of this agenda.

According to the NIA, their investigations revealed that the accused identified as Pramod Mishra, was leading the cadres and sympathizers as well as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of CPI (Maoist) in the efforts to revive the banned organisation.

Mishra, the CPI (Maoist) politburo and his associates were arrested last month from Gaya in Bihar.

They said the raids conducted on Tuesday were at the premises of such cadres and OGWs etc. at eight locations in five districts of Uttar Pradesh.

In the raids in UP, the NIA seized several digital devices along with SIM cards, Naxal literature, books, pamphlets, pocket diaries, money receipt books and other incriminating at the premises of accused and suspects for Naxal links on Tuesday.

In a press note shared with the media on Wednesday, NIA said that the digital devices, including mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, compact discs and memory cards were seized during the consecutive raids at eight locations in Prayagraj, Chandauli, Varanasi, Deoria and Azamgarh districts.

Last month, the Bihar Police had arrested one Rohit Vidyarthi, the brother of Ritesh Vidyarthi, whose wife is named in the first information report (FIR) relating to the case.

Rohits interrogation had further led the Bihar police to the arrest of Pramod Mishra, core committee member and in-charge of the NRB (Northern Regional Bureau) of CPI (Maoist).

Following their arrests, the Bihar and UP police raided places and seized arms, ammunition and a gun factory.

Later, the NIA registered a case in connection naming Manish Azad and Ritesh Vidyarthi, along with their associates including Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) state president Seema Azad, her husband Vishwa Vijay, Amita Shireen, Kripa Shankar, Ritesh Vidyarthis wife Soni Azad wife, Akanksha Azad and Rajesh Azad as some of the key accused working to further the CPI (Maoist) revival attempts.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) will complete all its affiliation related formalities by September 15 and complete the admission process by October 15, said vice chancellor professor JP Pandey after university got favourable ruling from the Supreme Court that paved way for commencement of admission in all its courses. AKTU to complete affiliation by Sept 15, admission by Oct 15: VC (File)

We will announce the counselling schedule at the earliest. We are waiting for the original copy of the Supreme Court order. The university administrative office will remain open on Thursday despite the public holiday. We are sympathetic towards the students, said Prof Pandey.

More than 750 colleges are affiliated to AKTU across the state and the fate of 1.5 lakh students was hanging in the balance. Candidates seeking admission to B Tech courses in AKTU colleges took to social media to thank the Supreme Court for granting relief to AKTU for affiliation.

The university admission process was in jeopardy as the university failed to finish the affiliation process in the stipulated time frame. As admission work got delayed at AKTU, two other universities --Lucknow University and KMC Language University decided to carry out their own admission process.

These two universities had decided to take admissions through the JEE mains exam score and on the basis of CUET for the session 202324.

Earlier, the admission seekers fear threat of zero session at AKTU for the academic year 2023-24 in the first-year courses after the Supreme Court rejected Universitys plea that challenged the high courts order turning down the universitys request for extending the date for granting affiliation to new colleges and extending affiliation of the existing colleges.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) academic calendar says the last date of granting or refusal was June 10, the final date of granting approval after appeal was June 30 and the last date for grant of affiliation by the university was July 31. This year, AKTU missed the deadline and hence the admission process got over delayed.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Navi Mumbai ADG reviews traffic measures for Ganesh festival

Additional Director General of Highway Traffic Police Ravindra Singhal held a high level meeting with various government agencies on Tueday at Navi Mumbai police Commissionerate to discuss the strategy on how to handle the traffic during Ganesh utsav. Singal gave instructions to the officers of all departments to work in coordination to avoid any kind of miscommunication leading to traffic and inconvenience to the travellers towards Konkan during the festival period.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Tirupati Kakade of Navi Mumbai Traffic Department, Superintendent of Police of Raigad District Somnath Gharge, as well as senior officials of MSRDC, RTO, ST Department, Highway Traffic Department were present in this meeting. Singhal reviewed the Mumbai-Goa highway and discussed the difficulties faced by various government agencies and their suggestions.

It has been instructed to all agencies to work in synchronisation with each other and to discuss the problems of the major roads so that the issues could be dealt properly. All the agencies together reviewed the road minutely to understand which issues fall under whose jurisdiction and it has been instructed to rectify those issues at the soonest, Singhal said. Singhal also reviewed the problems faced last year and instructed the officers to take measures against them as well. Night patrolling at the places which are accident prone and are black spots, has been asked to be increased to figure of any issues are faced at that spot.

Many a times different instructions are issued by different police commissionerates which leads to confusion so this time, we plan to issue centralised instructions to the travellers and drivers. Highway Safety Patrol and the traffic police would stay in constant touch. PWD would be setting up Suvidha Centres on highway to facilitate nursing mothers, toilets for the travellers. An SOP will also be issued to state transport drivers regarding what to be done during breakdown of any bus going towards Konkan, on the highway, Singhal added.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Navi Mumbai Two peddlers arrested, 650 gms of Mephedrone seized

Anti Narcotics Unit of Navi Mumbai in its another bid to curb drug menace in the city, have arrested two more drug peddlers in two separate incidents. The accused aged 49 and 37 were nabbed from Taloja on Tuesday night.

The names of the accused have been withheld on the request of the police so as to not alert the wanted co accused in the case, about their arrest. From the 49 year old accused, the police have seized about 500 gram Mephedrone (MD) worth 50 lakh and another 150 grams worth 15 lakh and a Fortuner car from the second accused. The police had received an information about the duo who were to supply the drugs to a client in Taloja. On Tuedsay evening, the 49 year old accused was first arrested from Taloja Phase I wherein he was waiting for a client in his car and at night the second accused was found at Taloja phase II.

While the smaller peddlers usually sell 50 to 100 gram daily, these men used to sell around two kilograms of MD daily. The two are into peddling since around 10 years and are not known to each other. They have several smaller peddlers under them who then supply to their clients. These two arrested men are known to always have stock of MD with them at any point of time. We are hopeful that we would be able to get a bigger catch with the help of these accused and are working on the same. As of now we do not see any common links between the duo and are suspected to have different suppliers and clients, police inspector Neeraj Chaudhary from anti narcotics department, Navi Mumbai said. The duo were present before the Panvel court on Wednesday and have been remanded to police custody till September 9. The case been registered with Taloja police under the sections of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The further investigations are being done by PI Chaudhary and his team.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Mumbai: Leading consumer rights group Mumbai Grahak Panchayat has written letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde demanding that a particular guideline for mandatory presence for an authorised officer from Co-operative Registrars office at redevelopment project approval meetings should be scrapped as it has allegedly become a breeding ground for massive corruption. HT Image

In his letter addressed to the CM and the Deputy CM, MGP chairperson Shirish Deshpande said that the government had revised a January 2, 2009, government resolution and issued fresh guidelines on July 4, 2019, aimed at bringing more transparency to the redevelopment of co-operative housing societies. Guideline no 17 issued under Section 79A of Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act makes the presence of an authorised officer, deputed by Co-operative Registrars office, mandatory at Special Generalbody Meetings (SGMs) where developers are appointed for redevelopment projects. The authorised officer then issues a certificate affirming that the developers selection was done transparently and duly video recorded by the housing society.

Deshpande pointed out that this guideline has led to massive corruption in Mhada and private redevelopment projects. The letter said that MGP has observed that housing societies are in a fix as bribes are demanded when they intimate the Co-Co-operative Registrars office about a Special Generalbody Meeting and seek their approval.

He said MGP has learnt that in Andheri area, a hush hush rate card is pegged at 25000 to 30000 per tenement depending on the size of the society seeking redevelopment, while for Mhada redevelopment, the rate is around 20,000 per tenement. The date for SGM is approved only after this money is paid either by the society or the developer, the letter said.

Deshpande also pointed out that MGP has learnt that in some cases, the housing societies were told to conduct another SGM and do an internal selection of a developer as a preferred developer and inform the concerned developer in writing. After this, the developer is told to pay up without which the SGM date would not be finalised. Once the developer pays this amount, the SGM is finalised and a farce of selecting the same developer is carried out and the entire proceeding is duly video recorded, the letter said.

This guideline is proving to be the root of corruption and should be removed immediately. Interestingly, neither the original GR of 2009 nor July 2019 mentions the requirement of any such certificate, but MHADA and BMC insist on such certificates during the approval of redevelopment projects, the letter said.

Deshpande said the removal of this guideline will shorten the time taken for kickstarting the redevelopment process by two to three months and will not in any way affect the transparency in selection of developers. The housing societies should video record the entire proceedings and preserve the recording in case in future any dispute arises over developers appointment. The recording could be produced as evidence of transparent selection, the letter said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
What impresses foreign diplomats at 2023 CIFTIS

Ecns.cn) 16:44, September 06, 2023

China is hosting the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) from September 2 to 6 in Beijing. The event welcomes companies and media industries from all over the world. It has a 155,000 square meter display space with 51 countries and 24 international organizations each hosting a booth.

"The CIFTIS organized here is something extraordinary, with so many countries and companies participating," said Michael Campbell, Nicaragua's Ambassador to China. "Among different countries, sharing a little about culture, dialoguing, and showcasing products and services can help to create a more prosperous, united and tolerant world for all," he added.

Moulay Zaine Elmoussaoui, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, described CIFTIS as a bridge between China and African countries like Morocco. He praised it as a perfectly organized event and commended China as a miracle in terms of development, infrastructure construction, and art.

Gonzalo Castillo, the first secretary of the Uruguayan Embassy in China and Cultural Attache, noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between Uruguay and China. He participated for promoting tourism and culture services and also mentioned that China is at the forefront of technology, which is very impressive.

Ahmed Faizan, representative of Embassy of Pakistan in China, has visited China more than 15 times. He said they have received a warm welcome here and their products are also very famous and well-liked by the Chinese people.

Sarindu Witharana, a representative of Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, has said that the CIFTIS is a great opportunity for them. "There are different industries here, attracting a lot of different customers and clients visiting the place."

Julius Mawli Kwao, a representative of the Ghanaian Embassy in China, who has participated in CIFTIS for many times, said that he can learn about China's characteristics and culture at CIFTIS, while also presenting characteristics and culture of Ghana here. He welcomed friends from all over the world to come and see China with their own eyes.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The lack of a CCTV coverage in an incident in which a 11-year-old had died in the school washroom has prompted the education department of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to issue a directive to ensure a list of 14 mandatory provisions and services to enhance their internal security. NMMC wants schools to execute 14 point charter

The letter, issued by the education officer, NMMC, Aruna Yadav on Monday, has made it mandatory upon schools to have CCTVs installed on every floor, gate and classrooms. Schools are required to have alarm system set up adjacent to the washrooms, laboratory to be used in times of emergency. Medical room and hiring of person capable to handle emergency cases is another important aspect made mandatory. Washrooms of the schools are required to have latches or magnetic locks.

The incident involving the death of the 11 year old within a washroom of a private school has become a turning point to check whether every school is adhering to specific norms regarding security and overall administration properly. The notice was issued with the intention of getting every school to self-assess the presence and workability of the provisions enlisted and take appropriate measures if some of these are missing, said the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) NM Dattatray. Navi Mumbais 343 private schools will also have to upgrade their facilities accordingly.

However, the sudden circular has irked the parents and teachers assocition members

It is commendable that NMMC has awakened to the lacunas in schools with regard to safety measures. however the foremost question is on the compliance of the points highlighted. Just by merely issuing notices NMMC cannot be considering that its responsibility is over. Each of the ward office there are extension officers whose job is to maintain a vigil on the ways schools function. These officials should be instructed to secure detailed report from each of the schools depicting the fulfillment of the mentioned safety norms, said Navi Mumbai Parents Sangharsh Kruti Samiti coordinator, Vikas Sorte.

In the circular, the schools are required to have provisions for ramps for the differently abled, special commode for the disabled, fire extinguishers in every verandah and the faculty should be trained to use it. The circular asks schools to conduct annual audits of its electricals and infrastructure and possess websites where they should uploaded Information about not just the Parents Teacher Association (PTA)but also about teachers are to be made available on the school website.

The education department has said it will collect ward wise reports from schools. Now that the notice is served, in due course of time the department will commence with its survey to ascertain whether the measures are in place and working, informed the DMC.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Ambernath Three workers were half-buried in the pit being dug for a piped gas line in Ambernath on Wednesday (Pamod Tambe/HT PHOTO)

Three workers of a private contractor who worked for GAIL (Gas Authority Of India Ltd) for service maintenance of a gas pipeline were half-buried after a pile of soil and a big stone fell into a pit while working on the Mahanagar gas line. They suffered minor injuries in their legs and hands and were rescued by the Fire brigade within half an hour.

The injured have been identified as Suresh More, Kavi Chandan, and Yamgar.

The incident took place at Forest Naka in Ambernath West on Wednesday around 3 PM when the gas pipeline maintenance work was going on.

Bhagwat Sonawane, chief, of Ambernath Fire Station said, We received a call around 3.15 pm about the incident. We rushed to the spot along with two fire engines. We found 15 feet deep pit and maintenance work was going on. Three workers were half-buried after the pile of soil and a 50 kg stone fell into the pit but they were unhurt by the stone. We pulled out them with the help of JCB and other equipment within half an hour safely.

According to fire officials, all three workers were taken to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for medical treatment.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Gautam Budh Nagar police arrested an alleged arms smuggler in Greater Noidas Ecotech-1 area following a brief gunfight on Tuesday, police said. Ashok Kumar, additional deputy commissioner of police for Greater Noida, identified the suspect as Rahul alias Leelu, a resident of village Imaliaka under the Ecotech-1 police station limits in Gautam Budh Nagar. (Representative Image)

According to police, the suspect had previously been involved in stealing a licensed gun from a security guard at a petrol pump in the Kasna area of the district back in 2017. Furthermore, he was known to supply arms to gangsters, police said.

Ashok Kumar, additional deputy commissioner of police for Greater Noida, identified the suspect as Rahul alias Leelu, a resident of village Imaliaka under the Ecotech-1 police station limits in Gautam Budh Nagar.

On Tuesday, based on local intelligence and information from police informers, the suspect was spotted riding a two-wheeler in Phase-2 of Greater Noida by police personnel. When pursued, he fired at the police party. In response, the police returned fire, injuring the suspect in the leg and subsequently apprehending him. The police seized six country-made pistols and 15 live cartridges from the suspect, said the ADCP.

Additionally, the suspect was known to supply stolen arms from the Mewat region of Haryana to Manoj Aase, an alleged gangster from Greater Noida, who is currently serving in prison.

In 2017, the suspect had robbed the licensed gun from a security guard deployed at a petrol pump in the Kasna area of the district. More than half a dozen cases of robbery and gangster act have been registered against the suspect, and his further criminal history is being ascertained, said Kumar.

The suspect was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act and produced before a magistrate before being sent to judicial custody, he added.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The bypolls at Boxanagar and Dhanpur constituencies in Tripuras Sepahijala district recorded at 89.2 % and 83.92% polling, respectively, according to latest reports on Tuesday, said an official from the Chief Electoral Office (CEO). The BJP said the CPI(M) knows about their loss and thats why they are making baseless allegations. (ANI)

The voting was held at a total 110 polling stations amidst tight security. Barring a few polling stations, voting began at 7am. Till latest information came in, the polling went off peacefully with reports of one or two incidents of violence, the official said.

The polling rate is good. I came to know about an incident at Boxanagar, where a person got minor injuries, said district election officer and Sepahijala district magistrate Vishal Kumar.

The bypolls were necessitated after the seats fell vacant following the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) legislator of Boxanagar constituency Samsul Haque and the resignation of Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Pratima Bhoumik, who won from Dhanpur seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.

The ruling BJP and opposition CPIM had a direct fight against each other in the bypolls as the TIPRA Motha and Congress didnt put up their candidates.

The Congress decided to support the CPI(M) though they initially expressed dissatisfaction over the CPI(M)s declaration of candidates without any consultation with them.

Three days ago, Tripuras opposition party TIPRA Motha announced not to support anyone in the bypolls though the CPI(M) claimed that the TIPRA Motha was campaigning in favour of the CPI(M) in the two constituencies.

CPI(M) candidate of Dhanpur constituency Kaushik Chanda alleged false voting in many polling booths and claimed that the opposition supporters were being threatened by hooligans despite security forces deployed at the polling stations.

However, BJP candidate of the same constituency Bindu Debnath rejected the allegations. She said that the voters came out in support of peace and development.

Later in the evening, the CPI(M) wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI), demanding to conduct fresh polls at both the constituencies, claiming that polls in these two constituencies had turned into a mockery.

 The bye-elections in 20-Boxanagar and 23-Dhanpur Assembly Constituency have been totally rigged by the ruling BJP miscreants using a section of the police and civil administration through an extraordinary terror situation, CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury wrote in the letter.

He raised allegation against Tripura Tribal Welfare minister Bikash Debbarma and BJP MLA Rampada Jamatia for rallying  outsiders in the poll-bound constituencies to prevent the voters from entering polling centres or forcing them to cast vote for the BJP.

Prior to conducting fresh polls, Chaudhury demanded arrest of Bikash Debbarma and removal of Sepahijala superintendent of police (SP) and returning officers of both the seats.

BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya said,  The by-polls passed peacefully. The voters voted freely. The CPI(M) knows about their loss and thats why they are making baseless allegations.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Lucknow Following the recent arrests of several sympathisers and fundraisers associated with the Naxal movement in Bihar, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday said that according to its investigations, several frontal organisations and students wings have been tasked to motivate and recruit cadres and propagate the ideology of banned CPI (Maoist) in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh with the intent of waging a war against the Union government. On Tuesday, raids were carried out in five districts of Uttar Pradesh. (Representational photo)

According to NIA officials, these organisations have been conspiring to commit acts of terror and violence in pursuit of their agenda. Their investigations have identified Pramod Mishra as the leader of these cadres, sympathisers, and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) associated with CPI (Maoist), aiming to revive the terror organisation. On Tuesday, raids were carried out at the premises of these cadres and OGWs across eight locations in five districts of Uttar Pradesh.

During these raids, NIA personnel recovered several digital devices, including mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, compact discs, and memory cards, along with SIM cards, Naxal literature, books, pamphlets, pocket diaries, money receipt books, and other incriminating documents. These operations took place in Prayagraj, Chandauli, Varanasi, Deoria, and Azamgarh districts, said the NIA in a press note it shared with media.

Officials emphasised that the crackdown is aimed at thwarting the efforts of CPI (Maoist) leaders and cadres to revive the banned terror organisation through raids across Uttar Pradesh. They revealed that the Bihar Police had previously arrested Rohit Vidyarthi, the brother of Ritesh Vidyarthi, whose wife was named in the FIR relating to Naxal activity in Bihar last month. Rohits interrogation led to the arrest of Pramod Mishra, a core committee member and in-charge of the NRB (Northern Regional Bureau) of CPI (Maoist).

The Bihar Police also uncovered arms, ammunition, and a gun factory involved in the production of weapon parts and assembly of country-made weapons in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh following these arrests. The NIA had previously registered an FIR in connection with the case, naming Manish Azad and Ritesh Vidyarthi as accused, along with their associates -- including Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) state president Seema Azad, her husband Vishwa Vijay, Amita Shireen, Kripa Shankar, Ritesh Vidyarthis wife Soni Azad, Akanksha Azad, and Rajesh Azad -- as key individuals working to further the revival attempts of CPI (Maoist).

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
LUCKNOW Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati has called upon the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the divisive politics taking place under the guise of Bharat and INDIA. She has urged the apex court to prohibit all political entities, organisations, and alliances from indulging in politicisation of the nations name. Mayawati justified the BSPs decision to distance itself from both alliances. (HT File)

This plea comes in the wake of Opposition parties naming their alliance INDIA while official invites being sent to G20 invitees from the President of Bharat instead of the traditional President of India.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mayawati emphasised that Bharat and India are well-established, dignified constitutional names of the nation. She said that people have a profound affection and respect for the Constitution drafted by Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, and any attempt to amend or undermine its essence would be inappropriate and unjust.

Mayawati asserted that the opposition has strategically and conspiratorially provided an opportunity to the BJP-led NDA to tamper with the Constitution by naming its alliance INDIA. She decried the practice of playing name game politics by both Opposition and ruling parties.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, both Congress and the BJP have embroiled themselves in Bharat Vs India political narrative, said Mayawati. She pointed out that people have recognised the unwholesome politics pursued by both Opposition and the incumbent BJP, sidelining critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and rising prices.

Mayawati also justified the BSPs decision to distance itself from both alliances, asserting that it is in peoples best interests. She contended that the BJP-led NDA or the central government should have filed a petition in the Supreme Court after opposition parties adopted the name INDIA. She further suggested that the ruling party should have introduced legislation to prohibit opposition parties from using the name INDIA for their alliance.

However, instead of taking appropriate measures, the central government indulged in narrow politics over the names INDIA and Bharat, said Mayawati. She described the practice as both incorrect and detrimental to the welfare of the people.

The BSP chief also said that failure to address the issue would provide an opportunity for anyone to tamper with the nations Constitution for narrow political agendas.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Over 20 persons, including women and a video journalist, were injured when security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse a large crowd of protestors who defied curfew rules and tried to breach security barricades in Phougakchao Ikhai area of violence-hit Manipur on Wednesday, people familiar with the matter said. Hundreds of protestors gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai bazar, following a call of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). (PTI)

The injured have been evacuated to district hospital at Bishnupur district headquarters while some are referred to hospitals in Imphal for treatment. The conditions of the injured are said to be stable.

Hundreds of protestors gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai bazar, 52 km south of Imphal, along Imphal-Churachandpur route following a call of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).

It may be mentioned that COCOMI, an umbrella organisation of several bodies in Manipurs valley districts, had been demanding removal of all security barricades from Meitei inhabited areas of Phougakchao Ikhai village upto Torbung, a Meitei village located at the adjoining areas of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, for the resettlement of displaced families.

The government and authorities concerned had been urged to remove the barricade by August 30 but the same hasnt been fulfilled, COCOMI said.

However, the state authority has informed that around 700 displaced people under Torbung Gram Panchayat, who were taking refuge in various relief camps, have started to resettle in their original houses at some wards of Torbung GP, which had not been damaged, during the past few days.

Informing that most of the barricades at above area have already been removed, the states information and public relations minister Dr S Ranjan Singh had even appealed to COCOMI to withdraw their plan.

Despite the appeal, COCOMI and its women wing teams along with the people moved towards Phougakchao Ikhai. They defied the curfew and tried to move towards Torbung around 3pm.

But the teams had a brief scuffle with the security forces when they reached Kwakta, a village prior to security forces action at Phougakchao Ikhai, people familiar with the development said.

A large number of armed and unarmed security force personnel deployed at the strategic locations, prevented their movement along the Imphal-Phougakchao Ikhai section of Tiddim road and also the Imphal area in order to avoid any unwanted incidents.

The state authority had earlier imposed total curfew in five districts - Imphal West, Imphal East,Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal of ethnic violence-hit Manipur on Wednesday by issuing separate orders late Tuesday night.

These five districts which have witnessed total curfew on Wednesday due to developing law and order condition, had curfew relaxation hours for 13 to 15 hours (from 5am to 6pm or 8pm) for the past many days.

The ethnic violence between the Metei and Kuki communities in Manipyr has claimed over 150 lives and displaced close to 50,000 people since May 3.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
LUCKNOW Union Minister Kaushal Kishores son, Vikas Kishore, underwent a 90-minute interrogation by Lucknow police on Tuesday in connection with his alleged involvement in the murder of his friend, Vinay Srivastava (26), on August 1. On the same day, the police arrested three individuals -- Ankit Verma (27), the primary suspect; Ajay Rawat (32); and Shamim (21). (Representative pic)

Srivastavas bullet-riddled body was discovered at Vikas Kishores residence. Vinay was purportedly shot and killed by Ankit Verma, one of the six individuals present in the house, using a revolver owned by the ministers son. Vikas was summoned for questioning five days after the incident, concerning the use of his revolver in the fatal shooting while he was absent.

Previously, a notice was served to the ministers son, asking him to appear before the police for questioning after an FIR was filed against him under Section 30 of the Arms Act for mishandling his firearm.

On the same day, the police arrested three individuals -- Ankit Verma (27), the primary suspect; Ajay Rawat (32); and Shamim (21). They claimed that Vikas was shot after a brawl between him and Ankit over gambling. Those involved were allegedly in an inebriated state. The police also clarified that Vikas was not in the city when the murder took place.

On Tuesday, Vikas arrived at Thakurganj police station at approximately 8:30 pm, accompanied by three other individuals, for questioning by ACP Sunil Sharma and SHO Thakurganj Police Station, Vikas Rai.

Reportedly, the questioning extended to over 2.5 hours, covering more than two dozen topics -- including his recent visit to Delhi, his relationship with Vinay, negligence in securing the revolver, the number of people present at the house during the incident, and a land dispute, among others.

Sources indicated that Vikas denied any involvement in the murder, asserting that he was not in the city due to his mothers illness, and she had been hospitalised in Delhi. However, he did acknowledge his carelessness in storing his licensed pistol at home.

According to reports, the police submitted an application to the district magistrate on Tuesday to confiscate Vikass firearms.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Bihar government has decided to install 'Towers of the Harmonious Call Blocking System (T-HCBS)' in all 15 prisons of the state to prevent unauthorised communications from jail premises. It may be recalled that at least 35 cell phones buried in 5 to 6 feet pits inside the Ara (Bhojpur district) jail premises by prisoners were recovered by prison authorities in December last year.(HT File)

The T-HCBS will be installed at Central Jail (Beur, Patna), Central Jail (Buxar), Central Jail (Motohari), Shahid Khudiram Bose Central Jail (Muzaffarpur), Central Jail (Purnea), Shahid Jubba Sahni Central Jail (Bhagalpur), Special Central Jail (Bhagalpur), Central Jail (Gaya), District Jail (Chhapra), District Jail (Darbhanga), District Jail (Saharsha), District Jail (Munger)., District Jail (Phulwarisharif), Sub- Jail (Danapur) and Sub-Jail (Patna City).

READ | Bihar jail inmate swallows mobile during inspection

"Prisons and correctional services, home department (prisons), Bihar, is concerned about enhancement of security systems in prisons. Prohibited communication devices in jails have been a long-time challenge. We have approved a plan to install frisking booths at all prisons to ensure that mobile or prohibited items etc cannot be taken inside the premises," S. Siddhartha, additional chief secretary (home department) told PTI on Wednesday.

"Along with this, a proposal to install T-HCBS at 15 prisons has been approved and the process has started. This will prevent unauthorised communications from prison premises and any attempt to do so from inside the jail can be detected," he added.

READ | Bihar doc takes out mobile phone swallowed by prisoner during raid

The installation process of T-HCBS in 15 prisons will be completed soon, he said, adding the department has initiated the process of identifying eligible firms for the project. "Once the project is allotted to eligible firm(s), it has to be completed in a time-bound manner," he added.

According to departments note, "As per the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) guidelines, directions were given to the department of telecommunications (DoT) to survey the coverage, capacity and quality of signal in the prison complexes and its adjoining areas. Survey and optimisation work were assessed by different telecom service providers (TSPs).

"Based on the assessment of all TSPs, adjustment of antennas/optimization work has been completed. After optimization in the vicinity of the prisons, DoT noticed that there is still availability of signals and possibilities of unauthorized communication in prison premises."

"To stop unauthorized communication in prison premises and as per the DoT suggestions, the department decided to install T-HCBS in 15 jails," reads the note, a copy of which is in the possession of PTI.

It may be recalled that at least 35 cell phones buried in 5 to 6 feet pits inside the Ara (Bhojpur district) jail premises by prisoners were recovered by prison authorities in December last year.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah will visit Bihar on September 16 where he is set to address a public gathering in Jhanjharpur under the Lok Sabha Pravas programme of the party ahead of the general election next year. This will be Shahs sixth visit to the state in the past one year. (PTI file photo)

Amit Shah ji is coming to Jhanjharpur and he will address a public rally as well, said Santosh Pathak, BJP state vice president.

This will be the sixth visit of Shah to the state in last one year and ever since JD(U) parted ways with the BJP and formed a Grand Alliance government in Bihar in August last year.

Earlier in June, BJP national president J P Nadda was scheduled to visit Jhanjharpur but his visit was deferred at the last minute.

Also Read:Modi focuses on tribals, Congress on vote bank politics: Shah in Madhya Pradesh

Senior BJP leaders including Shah have been visiting all 16 Lok Sabha seats from where the JD(U) won during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Both BJP and the JD(U) had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in alliance winning 17 and 16 seats respectively with united LJP (Lok Janshakti Party) winning six out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats from Bihar.

JD(U)s Rampreet Mandal is the sitting MP from Jhanjharpur.

A BJP leader, aware of the developments, said more rallies will be held in all the 16 Lok Sabha seats represented by JD(U), the party of which chief minister Nitish Kumar is the convenor.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
PUNE: Incensed over acute water shortage, citizens and members of the Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri-Chinchwad Housing Society Federation on Tuesday wrote to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) chief, demanding criminal action against the developers who defaulted on their promise of providing water to the flat owners at their own expense till such time the PCMC started water supply from Bhama-Askhed. A meeting was held on August 30 between the citizens, members of the Federation, PCMC chief Shekhar Singh, and MLA Mahesh Landge of Bhosari constituency. (HT PHOTO)

Several developers and builders in the twin city were given project completion certificates only upon submission of an undertaking to the effect that they would provide water to the flat owners at their own expense till such time the PCMC started water supply from Bhama-Askhed. However, they failed to keep their promise due to which the flat owners claim that they are forced to spend lakhs of rupees every month on procurement of water from private sources. Ultimately, the Chikhali-Moshi Pimpri-Chinchwad Housing Society Federation demanded that the PCMC file criminal cases against these developers under section 200 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Thereafter, a meeting was held on August 30 between the citizens, members of the Federation, PCMC chief Shekhar Singh, and MLA Mahesh Landge of Bhosari constituency. During the meeting, the PCMC officials asked the citizens to check if there was any legal provision under which the developers could be held accountable for failing to keep their promise. The said letter was then written on Tuesday.

Sanjeevan Sangale, chairman of the federation, said that the builders had cheated the citizens by violating the undertaking provided by them. We have to spend lakhs of rupees every year to purchase water for the societies. The nexus between the builders and the PCMC administration has forced citizens to suffer. We have been following up on the issue with the PCMC commissioner, he said.

The builders who have given an undertaking that they will supply water to the flat holders at their own cost while obtaining the construction completion certificates should be ordered to supply water to the society holders as per the undertaking, Sangale said.

Prakash Jukantwar, secretary of the federation, said that it is an offence under section 200 of the IPC if any citizen or group of companies or professional violates an undertaking. The civic body should take an undertaking from the developers that they will not violate the terms and conditions to provide water to the citizens in the present as well as in the future, he said.

Meanwhile Singh assured to look into the issue. We will see what can be done as per the law and will act on it, he said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In 1844, Paramahansa Mandali, a secret socio-religious society of native young men, whose object was said to be to abolish caste and introduce various other changes in Hinduism, was established in Bombay. The existence of the society occasioned great unease among the orthodox Hindus. Among the opponents of the Mandali was Ramkrishna Anant Joshi, a teacher who was known to teach sex workers and their children. Joshi, in 1851, wrote a fourteen-page tract criticising the Society. The drugs retailed in Bombay and Poona were ganja, bhang, charas, majum, yakuti, shrikhand, penda, and bojah. (SOURCED)

Joshis main objections centred on the abolishment of caste and the propagation of Western education. But he also accused the members of the Society of corrupting young minds. He wrote  The students in the Elphinstone Institution, by constant intercourse with Mlenchh (European) instructors are corrupted, their plastic minds being transformed by such influences, until, acquiring a taste for intoxicating substances, they learn to disregard all religious observances. Having acquired an appetite for bhang, ganja &c, they at last become subject to this appetite and lose all relish for true wisdom; one step follows another until a desire for brandy is excited.

These claims were stoutly refuted by the editor of Marathi newspaper Prabhakar, who reviewed Joshis work. The reviewer claimed that he knew many members of the Society and they showed absolutely no signs of addiction to cannabis; and if they did, as claimed by Joshi, he would staunchly support the expulsion of the members from the caste.

Cannabis drugs have been known in India since at least the first millennium BCE. The cannabis plant grew wild throughout most of South Asia and it could be said that no pre-colonial Indian polity regulated or taxed the cannabis trade systematically.

The British East India Company in Bengal, under financial duress, resorted to excise taxation of liquor, opium, and cannabis to increase revenues in the 1850s. The Bombay Abkari Act of 1878 officially defined intoxicating drugs as ganja, bhang and every preparation and admixture of the same and every intoxicating drink or substance prepared from hemp, grain or any other material not included in the term liquor.

The drugs usually retailed in Bombay and Poona were ganja, bhang, charas, majum, yakuti, shrikhand, penda, and bojah. Ganja was the flower of the hemp plant, and bhang was the dried leaves of the same plant. Ganja was used only in smoking mixed with tobacco; bhang pounded with spices and sugar and diluted in milk or water formed a palatable drink.

One of the reasons Indian leaders were unhappy with the Abkari Act was the facilitation and legitimacy it brought, according to them, to cannabis consumption. This opposition could be seen in the reports of The Indian Hemp Drugs Commission set up in 1893-94. Witnesses, including the collectors, deputy collectors, magistrates, surgeons, and medical practitioners, commissioners of various cities, belonging to the Bombay Presidency, Berar, Coorg, Baluchistan, and Burma deposed before the commission. Rao Bahadur Vishram Ramji Gholay, Dr Ganesh Krishna Garde, who was also one of the owners of the newspapers Kesari and Maratha, Dr Bhikaji Amrut Chobhe, and Dr JC Lisboa were the medical practitioners from Poona whose testimonies appeared in the report. These records give out some interesting information about the consumption pattern of cannabis in Poona.

According to Gholes testimony, ganja was prescribed on account of its medicinal properties by native doctors, as well as by European medical practitioners in Poona. He also mentioned that the poorer classes of Hindus and Muslims who were not within ready reach of other medicines, used cannabis to assist digestion. Workmen and labourers used these drugs to enable them to bear hard work better. Garde endorsed moderate use of ganja and bhang, but considered their habitual use detrimental to health.

The hemp plant grew to a small extent in Poona district, with the greater portion of supply of bhang and ganja imported from Ahmadnagar, Solapur, and Khandesh. In Poona, forty shops were licenced for the sale of intoxicating drugs in 1885. The aggregate annual consumption was estimated at 3 tonnes.

Tobacco was ordinarily mixed with ganja when the latter was used for smoking; and sugar, milk, cardamoms, and mace were used for making up the beverage called ghota from bhang. Ghota was the only ganja preparation used for drinking. A small quantity of bhang was first cleared of dirt etc., and then reduced to fine powder by pressing between two stones, a little water being added at intervals. It was then filtered through a piece of cloth. Milk, sugar, and spices were added. Ghota was sometimes used as a cold drink during the summers by the wealthy.

There were four known varieties of ganja preparation made use of for eating  majum, yakuti, gulkand, and shrikhand. They were prepared almost in the same way, the spices added being different in the different varieties. The active principle of the narcotic was extracted by boiling ganja in ghee and water mixed in equal quantities. One part of this narcotised ghee was added to sixteen parts of sugar syrup, and the whole, when solid, was cut into small cakes. This was majum. It was usually preferred by the poor. Yakuti, gulkand, and shrikhand were enjoyed by the rich on account of their sweet scent, and because of their somewhat intoxicating quality.

Gulkand was prepared with a mixture of sugar and rose flowers. This mixture was kept for several days in the sun in an air-tight pot. Afterwards, the heads of ganja were perfectly cleaned and mixed with the so-prepared gulkand. Narcotised ghee was also added occasionally. Gulkand was the mildest of all hemp confectionery and was mostly consumed in summer months. Bhang masala was sometimes added to Gulkand. It consisted of a conserve of black pepper, aniseed, almonds, cardamoms, mace, sugar etc. This spice mixture was primarily used for making yakuti and shrikhand. Narcotised ghee when added to molasses formed shrikhand.

Yakuti was liked by the Muslims and Hindus alike. Muslims bought it from shops, while it was invariably made at home by Hindus. The preparation was as follows  3 lb of ganja was cleaned. It was put into a pot of water and boiled; at a certain stage the water was poured out gently, and the ganja was put out to dry. When dry, it was pounded very fine. To the powder thus made are added two ounces avoirdupois of cardamom, one ounce of nutmeg, half an ounce of cloves, two ounces of mace, two ounces of gulkand, two ounces of pipalimul (Chavica roxburghii), two ounces of cinnamon, eleven grains of kasturi (Vachellia farnesiana), one tola of saffron, half a tola of opium, and one tola of bay leaf, all powdered. The mixture was then blended with half a tola of silver leaves, and the compound was thrown into a rupees worth of pure honey. After mixing up properly, the preparation was ready for use. It was supposed to be taken only a pinch at a time.

These preparations were generally resorted to as aphrodisiacs by people addicted to sensual pleasures and occasionally by those suffering from diarrhoea, indigestion, or lethargy. Each lozenge of majum or yakuti weighed about half a tola, and cost a quarter of an anna in the 1880s.

And then there was bojah. It was an intoxicating drink prepared from Jowar (sorghum). It was prepared as follows  Jowar was roughly ground and boiled. It was then dried in the air and mixed with koshta-kolanjan (greater galangal), bhang, dawna (Artemesia pallens), and marwa (marjoram). Everything was put in a pot and let to rest for a day. Water was added to this mixture and after filtering the same through the cloth, it became fit for drinking.

Native leaders in Poona never stopped protesting against the Abkari Act. More about this some other time.

Chinmay Damle is a research scientist and food enthusiast. He writes here on Punes food culture. He can be contacted at chinmay.damle@gmail.com

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Maratha quota debate has returned to roil Maharashtra this week, adding a new twist in a state that has seen two political formations in recent years. As with any other case of a dominant community demanding reservations  remember that Marathas have dominated the states polity, with 12 out of 20 chief ministers coming from the community  the genesis of the demand is seeded in diminishing economic opportunities and social dominance. This dissonance between community pride and a sense of history with the reality of constricted social and economic mobility creates resentment and quotas are seen as an easy lever to ease some of that political pressure. PREMIUM Thane, India - September , 04, 2023: Activists of the Maratha community in Thane staged a protest outside the Thane Collector office on Monday to protest against the police lathicharge (beating ) on the protestors protesting for Maratha reservation in Jalna Maharashtra ,in Thane, in Mumbai, India, on,Monday, September, 04, 2023. ( Praful Gangurde / HT Photo )

The political heat from this decades-long demand has been felt by all parties; in 2016, in the aftermath of the Kopardi rape case, when the quota demand was raised, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was in power. In 2018, the BJP state government moved to accord reservations to the community in what was seen as a winning electoral formula. When the Supreme Court scrapped the quota in 2021, the Maha Vikas Aghadi quickly blamed the previous BJP administration. Now, lathi charge at a quota protest and a hunger strike by a prominent activist appears to have pushed the Shinde government onto the backfoot. The solution for the immediate crisis is likely political. However, the episode has underlined some disquieting trends that undermine the original goal of Indias affirmative action system  equality and progress. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, reservations were a tool of social uplift. The motivation for dominant communities is anything but. Sooner or later, political parties will have to confront the reality that using reservation as a vote-catching tool is no panacea and can backfire.
Long before the rise of China as a global powerhouse, Asean was a key player in the Indo-Pacific. The 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations  comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia , Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore , Thailand , and Vietnam  established an effective mechanism for trade and commerce, a framework for cooperation with the strict understanding that the internal affairs of a member country would not be discussed at the multilateral forum, something that allowed a nation such as Myanmar, roiled by coups and military rule, to participate in talks. Implicit in this understanding, at least since the 1990s, was the need to hem in Beijings sphere of influence, though some countries in the grouping are closer to China than others. PREMIUM This photograph taken on August 10, 2023 shows the logo of the ASEAN Summit 2023 displayed in Jakarta. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP)(AFP)

It is against this backdrop that Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia on September 6 and 7, just before the G20 summit in New Delhi, assumes importance. Despite hosting the biggest international event held in India in decades, and crucial bilateral meetings with United States (US) President Joe Biden, Mr Modis decision to find time for the Asean summit underscores the importance New Delhi is giving to the bilateral relationship with Indonesia and the institutional relationship with Asean. This is, no doubt, an attempt to reverse the perception that India was not sufficiently engaged with the pivotal grouping. With Indonesia being the previous president of the G20, the visit is also likely to yield dividends for the Delhi summit.

But the biggest impact is likely to be on the Indo-Pacific. The state of play in the region hinges on the centrality of the Asean. Mindful of political limitations, and Chinas outsized economic might, Asean has been careful  refusing to tilt either towards Beijing or the US-led coalition that aims to undercut Chinas attempts at expanding its sphere of influence. Mr Modis Asean visit  at a time when Joe Biden is giving it a miss  and greater engagement with the grouping, can not only unlock trade opportunities but also create a valuable role as a balancing force for New Delhi in a region that will emerge as a global hot spot for commerce and political contestation. India could also emerge as a node for cooperation between Quad and Asean, plugging the gaps in coordination between the two groupings. With his visit this week, Mr Modi has ensured New Delhi remains a key player in the mix.
The State Bank Of India (SBI) has invited applications for 107 for the post of Armourers (Reserved for Ex-servicemen /Ex-CAPF/AR only) and control Room Operators in the Clerical Cadre (Reserved for Ex-servicemen/ State Fire Service Personnel/Ex-CAPF/AR. The application process will commence on September 6 and the deadline for the submission of the application form is October 10. SBI Invites Applications for 107 Armourers and Control Room Operators in Clerical Cadre

SBI recruitment 2023 vacancy details: This recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 107 vacancies of which 89 vacancies are for the post of Control Room Operator in the Clerical Cadre and 18 vacancies are for the post of Armourers.

SBI recruitment 2023 selection process: The selection process comprises of online test of 100 marks and an interview of 25 marks. The written tests will be held online. The online written test will be conducted tentatively in November/December 2023.

SBI recruitment 2023 age limit: The minimum age of the candidates should be 20 years and the maximum age of the candidates should be 45 years for the post of Armourer. For the post of Control Room Operators, the minimum age of the candidates should be 20 years and the maximum age should be 48 years for Ex-servicemen/ Ex-CAPF/AR and 35 years for State Fire Service Personnel.

SBI recruitment 2023 application fee: Candidates are not required to pay the application fee.

SBI recruitment 2023: Know how to apply

Visit the official site of SBI on sbi.co.in.

On the homepage, click on the career tab

A new page will open where candidates will have to click on the Recruitment for the Post of Armourers (Reserved for Ex-servicemen /Ex-CAPF/AR only) & Control Room Operators in the Clerical Cadre (Reserved for Ex-servicemen/ State Fire Service Personnel/Ex-CAPF/AR only)ADVERTISEMENT NO: CRPD/ARMOURERS/2023-24/13

Enter the login details or registration details.

Fill in the application form and upload the documents.

Submit the application form

Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Get latest news on Education along with updates on Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Studio Ghibli has just surprised fans with the release of the trailer for their highly-anticipated film, "The Boy and the Heron," directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. This comes after a tantalizing sneak peek back in July that had fans worldwide eagerly awaiting more. Studio Ghibli surprises fans with the highly-anticipated film "The Boy and the Heron" trailer, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.(Studio Ghibli)

The newly unveiled trailer offers a peek into Miyazaki's magical world, leaving viewers in awe of its captivating visuals and endearing characters. "The Boy and the Heron" appears to be on track to join the ranks of Studio Ghibli's timeless classics, such as "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro."

While the exact release date for North America remains a well-kept secret, distributor GKIDS has reassured fans of their commitment to bringing this cinematic gem to American audiences. Fans eagerly await further updates on when they can experience Miyazaki's magic on the big screen.

Excitement is building globally as "The Boy and the Heron" prepares to make appearances at prestigious international film festivals, including Toronto and Spain. The New York International Film Festival will also showcase this crowning achievement in Miyazaki's storied career. With these premieres on the horizon, hopes are high for a swift U.S. release.

For those unfamiliar with the project, "The Boy and the Heron" was first announced in 2017, marking Miyazaki's return from retirement. Initially projected for a 2021 release, Miyazaki's commitment to perfection pushed the timeline further. Amid challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the film completed production earlier this year under the master's watchful eye. Now, it has premiered in Japan to resounding acclaim, leaving Studio Ghibli enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its arrival on American screens.

As the enchanting world of "The Boy and the Heron" unfolds, viewers young and old can prepare to embark on another magical journey through the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Haddi, directed by Akshat Ajay Sharma, sees Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the role of a transgender person. The first look from the film garnered a lot of attention when it was first released. The actor plays the titular character who relocates from Allahabad to Delhi and joins a transgender community in the city. There he meets gangster-turned-politician Pramod Ahlawat, who is played by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays Nawazuddin's husband in the film. (Also read: Ila Arun: Nawazuddin Siddiqui has been like a son to me but when I saw him on sets of Haddi) Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Anurag Kashyap in Haddi.

Ahead of the release of the film on ZEE5, cast members Anurag Kashyap and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub joined director Akshat Ajay Sharma for an exclusive chat with us to talk about Haddi and the conversation about trans representation on screen. Excerpts:

I want to start by asking Akshat about Haddi. Tell me about how you conceived the film and its characters.

I was working on Mukkabaaz. It was during post-production, and the sound work was happening in lower Parel. I used to travel from lower Parel to Andheri, where I live. There, for the first time in my life, I saw prostitutes. I was keen on knowing more about them. This is where my co-writer (Adamya Sharma) and my then flatmate came to the picture and told me that they are pickup boys. So be very careful. That is how I was intrigued by the idea that why would men cross dress to do this. We researched further and found out that almost 99% of them had nothing to do with the LGBTQ+ community. They were just using this disguise to keep the police and the regular public away. So that is where we found the one core world of Haddi.

The second world was something that I was very much aware of... the kinnar community in our country. They have their own culture, they have their own society.. and they have been existing with us for the longest period of time. They are mentioned in our religious scriptures. It goes that far back. So there was this beautiful contrasts in both these worlds. That is what sort of pushed us to write something. That is how Haddi came into the picture.

Anurag and Zeeshan, how did you both respond to the script when it came to you?

Anurag: First I heard the script then he said the shooting will begin on this day and you come!

Akshat: (laughs) As brief as that? He refused the script first and directly asked when is the shooting!

Anurag: Zeeshan will tell you how he found the script!

Zeeshan: I loved the script. Mazaa aa gaya! Actually that I am still here now at the end of all that has happened is fortunate! In the beginning there was still a dilemma whether I would be able to do it or not. There was some issue with dates. There was a lot of to-and-fro but I think it was meant to happen. But I had loved the script and had told him in the beginning that someone making a film on this idea and exploring the world is in itself commendable. I even told the makers that I would have liked to be part of this film and left it twice... but it all worked out by the end.

My next question is for Anurag, who is so much fun to watch as Pramod Ahlawat. Tell me, is there a different approach for you as an actor where the director in you takes a backseat?

First of all, I am a director. I am not an actor. There is no ambition to have a career as an actor. I had wholly one need to be there, to meet the expectation of the director. Because I had not read the script before and now also its the same. So, my guide was Akshat and I was his puppet. Whatever he told me to do, I did and if he is happy, I am happy. So I only work like that, even when I direct I like to push my actors.. I don't tell them what to do but I tell them what not to do. Eventually the director knows what kind of a film is being made. And people think another film is being made. They get it when they see the film, but the director does not get that shock. I kept no qualms on that here. He also knows me as a person so he kept pushing my buttons. He made me do a lot of things that I would never attempt in normal life. I realized later that this is how he sees me actually! (laughs) In his life, I am Pramod Ahlawat!

There is also a certain conversation around how only trans actors should be playing trans characters on screen. As a team, what is your opinion on this ?

Anurag : The conversation has just began. Examples like Ghoomer and Made in Heaven have just released... where trans actors are playing trans characters. There is also a two-sided responsibility that comes to play here. When films started women were not allowed to act in movies, so men used to play their parts instead. Theatres also followed the same way. The dance performances that we used to have.. which were called 'launda naach' there men used to play the parts of women and dance.

Then women started playing women roles. It is a transition that occurs with time. Now, the conversation has begun. Six years ago, when I was doing Sacred Games, for the part of Kukoo... when we were reaching out to trans actors they were not ready to play the role. They did not want out through their work and we were unable to decide if the role would be fit for a man or a woman. Then, this conversation had not begun, unlike now.

The conversation also entails responsibility. You cannot cast just for the sake of representation and then you realize that they cannot even perform. That is a problem too. Now the trans actors who want to be actors, they also need to go to the acting workshops and schools to become incredible actors. So its very important first that when you are an actor on screen you have to first be an actor... then comes the gender. Where has your craft reached, which level as an actor you are... that matters as well. The conversation is very valid, but the possibility lies both sides. Like for me, if I am putting a trans character on screen, I want that character to come out strongly. If a trans actor can give me that, I will do that very well. But if the trans actor just cannot crack it, I will probably go to someone else for that part.

Akshat, would you like to add anything to this point?

Totally agree with what Anurag Sir has just said. But at the same time you also have to understand that as a maker if I have to go with something like this, for the lack of a better word- experimental, or a subject that has not been really touched upon a lot... so for that I will go to a producer or a studio, I will also have to justify the budgets and the finances.

Anurag (interrupts) : Not just that. In the sense if you see Haddi, it is an amalgamation of all representations. So there are kinnar actors in the film... there are also trans actors in the film. But for the main role, which requires so much more based on the story, I think Nawaz is absolutely perfect casting. You can't take that away from him and the film. When you see the film you will not question it.

Haddi releases on ZEE5 on September 7.
There is a lot of speculation around the imminent wedding of actor Parineeti Chopra and politician Raghav Chadha. A recent report by Hindustan Times suggested that it would be a week-long affair leading up to the wedding day on September 24 in Udaipur. Now, the invite of their wedding reception in Chandigarh has leaked as well. (Also Read: Parineeti-Raghav's big-fat wedding: Luxury hotels in Udaipur booked) The leaked wedding reception invite of Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha

New details revealed

The invite doing the rounds online reveals that after their week-long celebration in Udaipur, the couple will later host a reception on September 30 in Chandigarh. Since both of them belong to that state, it makes sense for them to throw a wedding reception in the capital city of Punjab.

The leaked wedding reception invite reads, Alka and Sunil Chadha, parents of Raghav Chadha invite you for the Reception lunch of their son Raghav and Parineeti, daughter of Reena & Pawan Chopra on 30th September 2023 at Taj Chandigarh.

What we already know

The exclusive report by Hindustan Times stated that the wedding festivities of the couple will take place from September 17 to 24 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. These will take place in The Leela Palace, Udaipur. Only close family members and friends will be staying there. For the other guests, all luxury properties in and around the wedding venue have been booked. Its going to be a grand Punjabi wedding, the report quoted a source as saying.

Since a lot of Raghav's fellow politicians would also attend the wedding festivities, the security arrangements are being looked into in depth. As a lot of politicians will be attending the wedding, the hotels have been told to beef up security arrangements. A recce is underway by the police to ascertain a security plan, the source stated in the report.

Among those likely to be present are Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagvant Mann. Parineeti's cousin and actor Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas are also expected to attend.

Parineeti will be next seen in Mission Raniganj opposite Akshay Kumar, slated to release in cinemas on October 6. The actor took to her Instagram handle to unveil the motion poster on Wednesday.

Parineeti will also be seen opposite Diljit Dosanjh in Imtiaz Ali's musical Chamkila.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Shilpa Shetty is gearing up for the release of her next, Sukhee. At the trailer launch event of the film on Wednesday, she revealed that she had initially turned down the role, until it was her husband Raj Kundra who insisted her to reconsider. (Also read: Sukhee trailer: Shilpa Shetty plays a homemaker on holiday, curses to her heart's content. Watch) Shilpa Shetty at the trailer launch of Sukhee.

What Shilpa said

At the trailer launch of the film on Wednesday, Shilpa said, Something had happened because of which I had decided that I wont be able to do the film. I wasnt in that state of mind. So I told them that perhaps right now, Im not in that mind space so they should cast someone else. I even suggested two-three names of other actors who could be cast. I wont name them of course. Vikram (Malhotra, producer) called me and said that whenever I was ready, they would take the film on floors. He adjusted everything and waited for eight months.

She further added how husband Raj Kundra forced her to reconsider her opinion, and said, Raj read the script when I wasnt home. I had told him that its a beautiful film, but Im not ready for it. When I returned, he told me, Are you crazy? You have to do this film! He convinced me to take up the film. He forced me to do it and told me theres a Sukhee in all of us. If a man can think that way for a woman-oriented film

About Sukhee

The trailer of Sukhee gave a glimpse of the character played by Shilpa, who is a disgruntled homemaker. She is caught up in her mundane routine of taking care of her working husband, attending to his sick father, and also staying present for her school-going son. When she receives an online invite to go to her school reunion, her husband doesn't want her to visit Delhi for what he calls to be nothing more than 'aiyashi.' So, Sukhee takes it on herself to go without informing her husband, leaving him to struggle in the kitchen.

The official synopsis of the film reads, The film is a light-hearted, slice-of-life story of Sukhpreet Sukhee Kalra, a 38-year-old Punjabi housewife who goes to Delhi to attend her school reunion. Sukhee relives the 17-year-old version of herself whilst going through a plethora of experiences in a span of just seven days, coming out rekindled, reborn and making the most difficult transition in her life  from being a wife and a mother to being a woman again. In every woman, there is a Bedhadak, Besharam, Beparwah, and Sukhee hidden and this film invites you to reconnect with yourself. Directed by Sonal Joshi, Sukhee also stars Chaitanya Chaudhary, Kiran Kumar and Kusha Kapila. It is set to release on September 22.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Trailer for Thank You For Coming dropped on Wednesday. Sharing it on Instagram, Bhumi Pednekar, wrote, Iss Rajkumari ki Fairy Tale hai sabse hatke (This princess' fairy tale if different from everyone else's)! Dont forget to come to Cinemas to watch Thank You For Coming on 6th October 2023. Actor Anil Kapoor and daughter-stylist Rhea Kapoor have produced the film, which also features Shehnaaz Gill, Kusha Kapila, Dolly Singh and Shibani Bedi. Also read: Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill join Kusha Kapila and Dolly Singh on new chick flick Thank You For Coming Thank You For Coming trailer: Bhumi Pednekar with Dolly Singh in a still from the trailer.

Thank You For Coming trailer

Bhumi Pednekar is all set to make you want to grab your girlfriends and go watch her upcoming film Thank You For Coming. From the trailer for the film itself, we can tell it is going to be one big fashion fest and there is going to a be a lot of girl talk  from guys, freezing eggs to orgasm.

Bhumi and her girl gang  Shehnaaz, Dolly and Shibani  navigate her complex sex life, while Kusha, her arch-nemesis misses no chance to mock her. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor also appears in the teaser and it looks like he will be seen in the film as one of Bhumi Pednekar's suitors.

Reactions to Thank You For Coming trailer

Commenting on the trailer, a person wrote, "Looking forward to this." One more said, "All the girls look nice, and seem like they had a lot of fun." One person also wrote, "Can't wait to watch this chick flick."

About Thank You For Coming

Thank You For Coming is directed by Rhea's husband, filmmaker Karan Boolani. The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023. Last month, Bhumi Pednekar had unveiled her film Thank You For Coming with a series of posters featuring herself alongside Shehnaaz Gill, Kusha Kapila, Dolly Singh and Shibani Bedi.

Bhumi's looks in Thank You For Coming posters looked like a joyride for fashion enthusiasts. From lehengas to crop tops, Bhumi and her girl gang were dressed to impress in luxurious Indian couture as well as international designer labels.

Rhea Kapoor, who has produced films such as Sonam Kapoor-starrer Aisha and Veere Di Wedding featuring Kareena Kapoor, Sonam and others, had also shared the posters on Instagram. She had written in the caption of one of her posts on Instagram, Crying and screaming and jumping! We are honoured to unveil our film Thank You For Coming as an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023!! See you at our gala premiere! Thank You For Coming at TIFF.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The second trailer of The Exorcist: Believer is out. On Tuesday, Universal Pictures (distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery) dropped the second trailer of the most awaited horror films of the year - The Exorcist: Believer. David Gordon Greens film, which is a sequel to the 1973 horror classic, also marks the return of Ellen Burstyns Chris MacNeil. (Also read: Producers of The Exorcist: Believer reschedule release to avoid competing with Taylor Swifts Eras Tour film) Ellen Burstyn in a still from the trailer.

About the film

The trailer of The Exorcist: Believer opens with Ellen Burstyn confronting an evil force that has possessed the body of a young girl named Katherine (who is played by Olivia Marcum). It reflects eerily like the one that possessed her daughter, Linda Blairs Regan, in The Exorcist. This is reinforced with their exchange, "Don't be scared." "We've met before."

The scene then builds up to reveal that Katherine is not the only child to be possessed. It has also claimed her close friend Angela (Lidya Jewett). Leslie Odom Jr. who plays her father, says that the girls went somewhere inside the woods and "they brought something back with them." The trailer also gives a glimpse of Ann Dowd who tries to extract the reason why these incidents have resurfaced and how it can be traced further. The trailer ends on a cliffhanger where Katherine says one girl lives and the other dies. With spine-chilling scares and a sufficient dose of horror, the trailer promises a thrilling ride for the audience.

Fan reactions

Reacting to the trailer, a fan wrote, "One girl lives , one girl dies omg that gave me chills . Weve never witnessed two possessed girls getting exorcism at the same time." Another said, "I have great hopes for this movie. Sure the original can't be topped but I'm really excited for this movie! I'm hoping It's as good as the trailers are making it look. Seeing Chris, hearing the name Reagan, and the ending theme, oh my god I am so hyped!!!" A comment read, "This looks very promising! And the fact the demon is making the family do a "Sophie's Choice" with these girls is a whole new level of evil." Another said, "This movie really looks good. I truly believe this will be a franchise reviver."

The Exorcist: Believer was scheduled to drop on October 13 nationwide. The release date was then shifted so that it doesn not clash with Taylor Swifts Eras Tour film. It will now hit theatres worldwide and in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on October 6 2023.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kannada actor Divya Spandana's death rumours started circulating on social media on Wednesday morning. However, the actor is alive and well. She is currently in Geneva. (Also read: Former 'The Bachelorette' contestant Josh Seiter confirms alive and well after death hoax) Divya Spandana is currently in Geneva.

How the rumour began

Twitter or X account @johnsoncinepro tweeted that Divya Spandana had passed away on September 6 morning. Shocking news: Actor Divya Spandan passes away. Dies due to heart attack.

It was all a hoax

However, Dhanya Rajendran of The News Minute spoke to Divya herself and refuted rumours of her death. She wrote in a tweet, Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was, who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you.

Another journalist also posted a picture with Divya from Geneva. Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore, she wrote in her tweet.

Fans react

Fans of the actor also called out those spreading fake news about her death. Please double-check before sharing any news, especially when it concerns someone's passing. Avoid spreading false information that can cause unnecessary panic or confusion, wrote a person on Twitter or X. For a second I am in sock. It's fake news. Kannada news channels are reporting that Divya spandana is very much alive. Kindly don't believe in rumours," read another tweet.

Divya's death rumours likely emerged because she shares her name with Kannada actor-director Vijay Raghavendra's wife Spandana. The latter died in Bangkok last month.

Spandana (44) had gone on a trip to Thailand's capital with her cousins, and Raghavendra too had joined them after completing his shooting schedules.

"Last night she went to sleep and did not get up in the morning. We believe it (death) is due to (complications arising from) low blood pressure, Sri Murali told reporters at the time, quoting his brother Raghavendra who called him up from Bangkok.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will not tie up with the Congress in Punjab and contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the upcoming general elections, state cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Maan said on Wednesday. Punjab cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Maan said the AAP will contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Mann. (HT Archives)

Maans announcement came at a time when several Congress leaders voiced strong reservations against any alliance with the ruling party. It also came days after the Oppositions INDIA grouping, which comprises 28 parties and includes both the AAP and Congress, met in Mumbai in a bid to forge a larger unity against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, ahead of the polls.

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, however, took a different line from his party colleagues, saying selfish vested interests should be discarded for safeguarding democracy.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Maan said the AAP will contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

We do not need any alliance with the Congress. We are an honest party. People have given us a strong mandate with 92 seats (out of 117 in the state assembly) and they love Manns style, the state tourism minister said.

The decision to not enter into any seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress in Punjab was taken by the state unit under the guidance of the chief minister, she added.

Referring to the INDIA bloc, Maan said the alliance between opposition parties at the national level is being formed to remove the dictatorial government of the BJP and to safeguard democracy, but the political situation in Punjab is different.

We will contest the Lok Sabha elections independently under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Mann. The AAP will have no alliance with Congress, she said.

Asked if these were her own views, the minister said the views are of the party and the directions of the chief minister.

On September 1, the INDIA bloc, in its Mumbai meeting, resolved to contest the 2024 polls together as far as possible, asserting seat-sharing arrangements in states will be concluded at the earliest in a collaborative spirit of give-and-take.

The Punjab Congress, too, indicated it is not keen on joining hands with the AAP.

State Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the party is confident that the Congress high command will not take any decision without its consent. He reiterated that the national leadership has told the state unit to prepare for fighting all 13 Lok Sabha seats.

We are playing the role of opposition against the government and are preparing for the 13 seats. We have not been told by the party high command about any alliance or seat sharing in the state, he said.

However, in a post on X, Sidhu said: The decision of the party high command is supreme. It is for a greater cause; the national interest has been kept paramount to honour the spirit of the Constitution and to free the enchained institutions which draw their strength from constitutional values. Petty perish pump politics loaded with selfish vested interests should be discarded for safeguarding our DEMOCRACY. Elections are not fought for the next election, they are fought for the next generation.

His views on the micro-blogging site, however, did not go down well with party leaders in the state.

Asked about Sidhus post, Warring said they have been saying all along that the party high command is supreme and its decision would be final.

We are also confident that it (high command) will not take any decision on the alliance without taking their consent, he added at a press conference at the party office here. Later, leader of opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday said the AAP is desperate to ally with the Congress, but no party leader in the state has ever issued a statement about contesting elections in alliance with the ruling party.

It is only the AAP leadership that is making such statements because they have lost ground in Punjab, he said. The LoP said the sentiments of the Punjab Congress cadre are in favour of contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha election in 2024 alone.

He said the Congress high command had given the freedom to the state unit to assess the mood of the people of Punjab, Congress cadre, and workers. The point of view of the Punjab Congress, including cadre and workers, is that we have no connections with the AAP in the state and will fight the upcoming general election in 2024 on our own, he added, calling AAPs victory in the 2022 state polls a political experiment that has failed terribly.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Navneet Sharma A senior assistant editor, Navneet Sharma leads the Punjab bureau for Hindustan Times. He writes on politics, public affairs, civil services and the energy sector. ...view detail
Chennai: Recently the AIADMK reinducted their minority wing chief and former parliamentarian A Anwar Raajhaa (Anathakrishnan L)

Senior leaders of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK ) are of consensus that their alliance with the Bharatia Janata Party (BJP) may hinder chances of regaining their support among minorities, people aware of the matter said.

Recently the AIADMK reinducted their minority wing chief and former parliamentarian A Anwar Raajhaa, a year after he was removed for publicly decrying ally BJP for their loss in the 2021 assembly elections, signalling their effort to woo the Muslim community ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Back in 2021, Raajhaa also criticised the dual leadership and he was jointly expelled by Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) and O Panneerselvam (OPS). Party general secretary EPS welcomed Raajhaa to AIADMK in August this year.

He (Raajhaa) wanted to return for a while. Elections are around the corner and we had to bring him back. But just because we have, the minorities arent going to come back to us, a senior AIADMK leader said requesting anonymity. Raajhaa,who is from Ramanathapuram, had been the minority face of the party. He also had described the triple talaq legislation brought by the BJP-led Union government as barbaric.

Despite being allies, a section of senior leaders are strident critics of the BJP who they believe have alienated the vote bank of Christians and Muslims, people aware of the matter said. Party founder MG Ramachandran and his successor J Jayalalithaa had nurtured a strong support base among minorities in the state.

As long as we are with the BJP, 100% votes of the minorities will not come to us, said a second AIADMK leader also requesting anonymity. In addition, two Muslim-based parties the IUML (Indian Union Muslim League) and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) are in the coalition with the ruling DMK.

There are 87,60,000 religious minorities in Tamil Nadu of which 44,00,000 are Christians and 42,00,000 are Muslims, according to the 2011 census. Analysis from the 2021 assembly elections have shown that the DMK had the backing of the religious minorities as well as Dalits. The DMKs coalition had won 19 out of the 27 constituencies which had more than 20% minority votes.

The AIADMK has also reaffirmed its stance against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Late party supremo Jayalalithaa too had adopted a resolution to oppose the UCC. and party leaders say that ahead of the 2024 LS polls, there would be an outreach towards the minority communities with the promise that the AIADMKs ideology of secularism is intact. Like our leader (EPS) has often said electoral alliance is different from ideology, the second leader quoted above said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Divya Chandrababu Divya Chandrababu is an award-winning political and human rights journalist based in Chennai, India. Divya is presently Assistant Editor of the Hindustan Times where she covers Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. She started her career as a broadcast journalist at NDTV-Hindu where she anchored and wrote prime time news bulletins. Later, she covered politics, development, mental health, child and disability rights for The Times of India. Divya has been a journalism fellow for several programs including the Asia Journalism Fellowship at Singapore and the KAS Media Asia- The Caravan for narrative journalism. Divya has a master's in politics and international studies from the University of Warwick, UK. As an independent journalist Divya has written for Indian and foreign publications on domestic and international affairs. ...view detail
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered the states Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe into suspected links between the accused in alleged payment of 118 crore kickbacks to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu and the 371 crore skill development corporation scam, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered the states Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe into suspected links between the accused in alleged payment of  118 crore kickbacks to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu and the  371 crore skill development corporation scam, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday (File photo)

The probe agency has already issued notices to two individuals accused in the two cases for questioning, a senior official in the chief ministers office (CMO) said. CID additional director general N Sanjay is likely to disclose details of the preliminary investigation on Thursday, the official said, requesting anonymity.

On August 4, the Income Tax department issued a show-cause notice to Naidu, the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, asking why an amount of 118 crore, allegedly received by him as kickbacks from some infrastructure companies, should not be treated as undisclosed income and be processed as per law.

The notice, reviewed and reported by HT last week, said the payment of kickbacks was revealed during the searches carried out at the premises of Manoj Vasudev Pardasany [referred to as MVP in the notice] in November 2019. MVP had taken part in the tendering process in Andhra Pradesh since December 2017 on behalf of Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt Ltd (SPCL), it added.

In his statements, Pardasany admitted to having arranged bogus contacts and work orders for siphoning off of funds by SPCL to generate cash through sham sub-contractor companies, the notice added.

The senior official in the CMO, requesting anonymity, said the state government suspects there is a strong connection between MVP and Yogesh Gupta, a prime accused in the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) scam.

In March this year, the CID initiated a probe into an alleged scam worth 371 crore in the APSSDC during the previous TDP regime. Earlier, a CMO release had alleged that the previous TDP government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a consortium involving Siemens Industry Software India Ltd and Design Tech Systems Pvt Ltd for executing the project worth 3,300 crore.

As part of the MoU, Siemens Industry was supposed to set up six centres of excellence for skill development at an estimated cost of 3,300 crore with the state government paying around 10% of the project cost. The rest of the amount was to be borne by Siemens and Design Tech as grant-in-aid. Subsequently, the state government granted a work order for 371 crore to the private firm to set up the centres of excellence.

The CID probe, however, revealed that Siemens Industry Software India and Design Tech had not spent a single rupee on the project, but siphoned off a major portion of 371 crore contributed by the government and diverted it to shell companies, the CMO release citing CID probe had said in March.

After the report of the I-T department notices to Naidu came to the fore, the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government suspected that the alleged payment of 118 crore as revealed by MVP had links with the APSSDC scam.

The senior CMO official quoted above said Yogesh Gupta was suspected of playing a significant role in rerouting a substantial part of 371 crore in five phases over a three-month period.

The case has been entrusted to the CID, which issued notices to MVP and Yogesh Gupta. Both the individuals will be subjected to a thorough inquiry, the official said. He, however, did not divulge the details of when the case was entrusted to the CID and the notices served to the accused.

The primary objective is to uncover any potential associations between the individuals involved in these scandals, which could provide insight into the extent of corruption, the senior official added.

While TDP leaders have maintained a silence on both I-T notices and the CID probe, Naidu on Wednesday said he might get arrested in a day or two.

They (the state government) may arrest me tomorrow or the day after. Otherwise, they will conduct raids on my house. But I am not scared. I have not made any mistake, the TDP chief said at a meeting in Rayadurgam in Anantapur district on Wednesday, without referring to any of the cases against him.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
Director of Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India, Arun Kumar Sinha on Wednesday passed away after brief illness. He was 61. SPG chief with PM Modi

A 1987 batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, Sinha was the additional director general of police (special service and traffic) in the state before he was made the head SPG, a position that remained vacant for around 15 months before his joining.

Sinha was re-employed as DG (SPG) a day before his scheduled superannuation on May 31 this year, after the Appointments Committee (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the proposal. As a temporary upgradation, ACC had cleared an extension of his service last year.

Established in 1985, the SPG is an elite force that is specially tasked to provide protection to country's current and former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members. It was formed in the wake of former PM Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
IRS officer Sachin Sawant, an accused in a money laundering case, allegedly gifted jewellery worth 1.75 lakh to a south Indian actor, and layered his ill-gotten money through bank accounts of family members and friends, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said in its chargesheet. Sr IRS officer Sachin Sawant and South actress Navya Nair

The probe agency alleged that Sawant, who was the joint commissioner of customs, IRS (Customs & Central Excise) from January 2011 to August 2020, amassed huge assets in his and his family members' name and incurred a huge expenditure to the tune of 2.45 core disproportionate to their legal sources of income.

Investigations conducted so far have revealed that the accused generated 4.11 crore from illegal sources of income, the ED stated in the chargesheet.

Sawant, who was arrested in June in connection with the case, is currently in judicial custody.

The ED filed its charges against Sawant and other accused in the case before a special PMLA court recently.

In his statement to the ED, Sawant's driver claimed that an actor from Malayalam cinema was Sawant's girlfriend and lived in the same building as the IRS officer in Mumbai.

When the woman shifted to Kochi, Sawant went to meet her 15 to 20 times and gifted her a gold anklet worth 1.75 lakh, the driver alleged in the statement, which is part of the chargesheet.

However, Sawant in his statement to the probe agency said, the actor is his close friend, but he had never given her anything.

Further, the accused stated that he had travelled to Kochi multiple times to visit Guruvayur and Mannarasala temples, the chargesheet mentioned.

Reacting to the chargesheet, Sawant's lawyer Vikram Sutaria, said, The matter is sub-judice. My clients have given accounts for each and every penny. My client has been falsely implicated in the present case. He does not have any relations with south Indian actors as alleged.

The chargesheet revealed that the money generated from the illegal sources of income was deposited in the bank accounts of the IRS officers father, mother, brother, and other family members.

Some of this money was used to repay loans and to purchase movable and immovable properties in the name of family members and other related entities and individuals, the ED said.

The entire amount of 4.11 crore illegally earned by the accused is the proceeds of crime under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sawant allegedly layered his ill-gotten money into the bank accounts of companies, owned/controlled by his close friends/relatives, the chargesheet stated.

This amount was later integrated into the bank accounts of his family members in the guise of salaries given to them every month, it said.

By using the said modus operandi, Sawant had projected his tainted money as untainted money, it added.

The investigation is underway to trace the proceeds of the crime, it added.

The EDs case against Sawant is based on a case filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Bengaluru: Karnataka is not in a position to release any more water to Tamil Nadu, state agriculture minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said on Wednesday. The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the Cauvery water dispute for September 21. (Flickr)

Also Read| Pro-Kannada outfits stage protests against release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu

Hours after the Supreme Court deferred the verdict on the petition filed by Tamil Nadu demanding the release of more water from the Cauvery river to September 21, he said that the state is contemplating to stop the release of water until next hearing. The minister added that the matter will be taken up by chief minister Siddaramaiah.

We are not in a position to release more water, and the verdict has been reserved for September (21). I will hold a discussion with the chief minister and water resources minister [DK Shivakumar]. Yesterday [Tuesday], even they had suggested approaching the [Cauvery Water Management] Authority with a submission that we are unable to release more water. We will also discuss with the legal team what further steps need to be taken, he told reporters in Mandya.

Also Read| Mekedatu project only solution to Cauvery water dispute with TN, says DK Shivakumar

He further expressed hope that the state would get a favourable verdict from the Supreme Court and said that water cannot be released until the verdict is announced. We hope the Supreme Court verdict will be good, but since it is postponed now, we are not in a position to release water until then, said the agriculture minister.

Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the state has failed to present its case in Cauvery Water Management. The Mekedatu project has been in demand for centuries. During our period, Congress people campaigned for it on multiple occasions but they are not acting on it now. Now, Siddaramaiah is saying that the case is in court. The truth came out of his mouth. Now there is a high demand for irrigation in both the states. Demand for water has increased for both the states, he said.

The Mekedatu project is a multipurpose project that involves the construction of a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district, that will serve the both the purposes of providing drinking water and power generation. However, Tamil Nadu has raised objections to the project, expressing concerns about its potential impact on the state.

Pro-Kannada organisations have continued their protest against release of water to Tamil Nadu. The protestors held a rolling protest at Sanjay Circle in Mandya. The protestors were demanding the government to stop releasing the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) passed an interim order asking Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily.

Meanwhile, the prediction of rain in various parts of the state has given hope to the people of several districts that are suffering from drought-like conditions. Meteorologists say that the monsoon is expected to revive across the state. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist A. Prasad mentioned that there is no system formation, however, most parts of Karnataka will experience rainfall till September 8. For the next 48 hours, rain/thundershowers are likely to occur at many places over north interior Karnataka, coastal Karnataka, and a few places over south interior Karnataka. Bengaluru and surrounding areas will experience light to moderate rain, he said.

On Monday, the states revenue minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, announced that as many as 62 taluks in Karnataka are facing drought as per norms set by the central government.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Imphal: Local groups defied prohibitory restrictions and tried to remove army barricades in Manipurs Bishnupur district on Wednesday, sparking clashes that left over 40 injured according to news agency PTI, hours after the administration clamped curfew in five Valley districts to stave off violence. Hundreds of protesters during a protest at Phougakchao Ikhai, in Manipurs Bishnupur district, Wednesday. (PTI)

Also Read| SC seeks report on recovery of stolen weapons in Manipur

The clashes were reported from Phougakchao Ikhai bazaar, 52 km south of Imphal, along the Imphal-Churachandpur route, after the crowd gathered in response to a call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society organisation, to remove security barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai village.

COCOMI has sought the removal of the barricades from Meitei-inhabited areas in Phougakchao Ikhai village up to Torbung, another Meitei-inhabited village, along the border of Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. The groups says this is needed for the resettlement of community members who have been displaced in the ongoing ethnic violence that has lasted four months.

Also Read| SC protects Editors Guild from arrest in Manipur FIRs over fact-finding report

On Tuesday, the state government hurriedly clamped full curfew in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal till further orders in apprehension of law and order violations.

State information and public relations minister S Ranjan Singh on Tuesday night made an appeal to COCOMI to withdraw their plan, saying most of the barricades in villagearea were removed, people aware of the matter said.

But the crowd on Wednesday was defiant as it tried to march towards Phougakchao Ikhai to remove the barricades around 3pm, the officials cited above said. They were stopped by state police forces, the officials added.

As the crowd tried to breach the barricades, police fired a few rounds of teargas shells in a bid to disperse the crowd. Over 40 people, including a video journalist, were injured in the firing, the officials said, according to news agency PTI.

While some of the injured people were rushed to a hospital at Bishnupur district headquarters, others were referred to hospitals in Imphal for treatment. Their condition is stable, the officials said.

A statement released by police control room said, On 6.9.2023, there was a congregation of a large crowd at Kwakta, Bishnupur with an intend to proceed towards Torbung area to remove barricade/bunker. However, security forces intervened and disperse the crowd.

According to news agency PTI, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) president Lourembam Nganbi told reporters, Hundreds of Meiteis, who fled their homes at Torbung after violence broke out on May 3, are unable to visit their homes because of the barricades. We are just demanding that those be shifted so that people can visit their homes.COCOMI had called upon the people to storm the barricades as their repeated requests to the government to remove those by August 30 had fallen on deaf ears.

At least 163 people have died in various instances of violence and more than 50,000 displaced ever since the ethnic violence between the dominant Meiteis and tribal Kukis erupted in the northeastern state on May 3.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday left for an almost week-long Europe tour during which he will hold meetings with European Union (EU) lawyers, students and the Indian diaspora, sources said. Rahul Gandhi is likely to return by September 11, a day after the G20 summit concludes. (File/PTI)

Gandhi will meet a group of EU lawyers in Brussels on September 7 and also hold a similar meeting in The Hague, they said.

According to the sources, the former Congress president will address students at a university in Paris on September 8.

He is also slated to participate in a meeting of the Labour Union of France in Paris on September 9. Thereafter, he will visit Norway, where he will address a diaspora event in Oslo on September 10, they said.

Gandhi is likely to return by September 11, a day after the G20 summit concludes.

The G20 Leaders Summit will be held from September 9-10 in Delhi.

India is hosting the G20 summit in its capacity as the current president of the grouping and it is likely to be attended by more than 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organisations.
A consumer court has directed ITC Limited to pay 1 lakh to a consumer as compensation. The petitioner, Chennai-based P Dillibabu, had accused the company of cheating its customers to the tune of almost 30 lakh per day. Representational Image

The complaint stemmed from an incident that happened in December 2021.

The case

According to the Times of India, Dillibabu, who was visiting Manali, had purchased two dozen Sun Feast Marie Light biscuits from a retail store. On opening the packets, however, he found one biscuit less in what the wrapper branded as a 16-biscuit pack.

He approached the store, and then ITC, for explanation, but neither gave one.

The complaint

Dillibabu noted in his complaint that the cost of each biscuit was 75 paise, and the company manufactured nearly 50 lakh packets a day. Back-of-the-envelope calculations suggested that the Kolkata-headquartered firm was cheating the people of 29 lakh each day, the complaint stated.

ITC responds

Presenting its side in the court, ITC argued that the particular product was sold only on the basis of its weight, and not on the number of units inside it. In this case, the advertised net weight of the product was 76 gram, it said.

The commission, however, examined it, and found that it weighed only 74 gram. The respondent's counsel pointed to the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011, which allow for a maximum permissible error of 4.5 gram for pre-packaged commodities; the judge, though, disagreed, saying this was applicable only to items 'volatile' in nature.

The verdict

On August 29, the court held ITC guilty of adopting unfair trade practices, and asked it to discontinue selling that particular batch of biscuits. Also, the judge directed the firm to pay 1 lakh as compensation to the consumer.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Amid the controversy over changing Indias name to Bharat, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that any move to replace the name India is against the Constitution and it disregards the country itself. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (File Photo)

The controversy had erupted after a G20 dinner invitation from President Droupadi Murmu described her position as the President of Bharat instead of the customary President of India, inviting sharp reaction from the opposition parties. Later, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, in a post on X, shared the official information of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia, referring to him as the Prime Minister of Bharat. The row came days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat made a strong pitch for using Bharat instead of India.

CM Vijayan, in a statement, said, Article 1 of the Constitution itself refers to our nation as India that is Bharat. Similarly, the preface of the Constitution begins with the words We the people of India. However, what the Centre is attempting now is the removal of the word India through a constitutional amendment.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) politburo member said the move was part of attempts to sabotage the countrys heterogeneity and urged the public to resist such measures.

Why this contempt and fear of the word India? There is a deliberate attempt to erase even the spirit nurtured in children through the Pledge: India is my country; all Indians are my brothers and sisters, he claimed.

Political decisions should never be contrary to the foundational ideals of our nation. This dubious attempt is undemocratic and unconstitutional, the CM said, urging the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre to withdraw from alleged moves to replace the name of the country.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A curfew has been imposed in five districts of ethnic violence-hit Manipur following the call of the womens wing of a collective of dominant Meitei community groups for a march for the removal of a security barricade at Phougakchao Ikhai village. A protest near governors house in Imphal on August 30. (AFP)

COCOMI, the collective, has sought Assam Rifless removal from Manipur saying the force was biased. Meitei women groups have held a series of protests against the force. The Kuki-Zo-Hmar and other tribal groups have requested the Union government not to remove the force

District authorities in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal issued separate orders late on Tuesday evening for the imposition of the curfew due to developing law and order conditions. Curfew was earlier relaxed for 13 to 15 hours daily.

People aware of the matter said there was no report of any untoward incident and that security forces were trying to enforce the curfew.

Manipur minister S Ranjan Singh said that the government has removed many barricades while appealing COCOMI to withdraw the call.

Assam Rifles has been involved in restoring normalcy in hit Manipur. Last month, it sent a legal notice to a Manipuri leader for his alleged remarks accusing the force of siding with Kuki militants during the clashes with Meiteis.

The Manipur Police have filed a first information report (FIR) accusing the Assam Rifles of stopping them from pursuing Kuki militants across a buffer zone.

Assam Rifles, which maintained its troops were only following the buffer zone guidelines in place to restore normalcy, has filed a sedition case against COCOMI for allegedly discouraging the return of weapons stolen from police armouries.

The Kukis and other tribal groups live in hill districts while the Meiteis in the Imphal valley and plains. The central forces are posted in the buffer zones or areas adjoining the foothills to ensure that armed people from both the Kukis and Meitei sides do not cross them to launch attacks.

Central forces, including the Assam Rifles, have been directed against allowing even state police to cross the buffer zones without taking them along. The directive was issued against the backdrop of allegations of bias against the state police.

The army on August 8 said inimical elements have made desperate, repeated, and failed attempts to question the role, intent, and integrity of the central forces, especially Assam Rifles, working to save lives and restoration of peace.

Ethnic violence between the Metei and Kuki communities has since May 3 claimed over 150 lives and displaced close to 50,000 people.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Days ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, external affairs minister S Jaishankar met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on the margins of Asean-related meetings in Indonesia on Wednesday and reviewed bilateral and multilateral cooperation. External affairs minister S Jaishankar meets with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov. (ANI photo)

Jaishankar travelled to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta early on Wednesday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival in the city to participate in the Asean-India Summit and the East Asia Summit on Thursday.

Modi is making a brief visit to Indonesia only to join the two summits and is not expected to hold any bilateral meetings.

Good to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia in Jakarta on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit. Useful stocktaking of our bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Discussed East Asia Summit and G20 issues, Jaishankar posted on X.

Jaishankar said in another post that he met his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and discussed the East Asia Summit and G20 Summit. Both India and Indonesia, along with Brazil, are part of the G20 troika that groups the past, current and incoming presidencies of the bloc and plays a key role in shaping its agenda.

Also Read: Welcome to be stuck in 1983: Jaishankars dig at Oppn over G20 prep criticism

Russias invasion of Ukraine has been the issue that held up joint statements at all the G20 ministerial meetings hosted so far and members of the G7 have said they wont accept anything less than the text used in the leaders declaration at the last G20 Summit in Bali to refer to the Ukraine crisis.

Russia and China have opposed the inclusion of the Ukraine conflict and geopolitical issues in the draft leaders declaration currently being finalised by G20 negotiators in New Delhi.

Russia has announced that President Vladimir Putin wont attend the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi during September 9-10, and that Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation. Putin telephoned Modi on August 28 to explain his decision. Modi expressed understanding for the decision and thanked Putin for Russias consistent support to all initiatives under Indias G20 presidency.

In another sign of the divisions within the G20 on the Ukraine crisis, US secretary of state Antony Blinked travelled to Kyiv on Wednesday to demonstrate the United States unwavering commitment to Ukraines sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy, especially in the face of Russias aggression, the US state department said.

Blinken will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss Ukraines counteroffensive and future recovery and reconstruction efforts.

He will address Ukraines energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and make announcements about how the United States can continue supporting Ukraine in these areas, the state department said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court to hear arguments on notice in a defamation case filed by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on September 14. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot. (HT File)

Rajasthan CM Gehlot and Shekhawat who appeared before the court through video conference, and all the documents have been supplied to the counsel for the accused.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) on Wednesday listed the matter for hearing arguments/further proceedings on September 14 after he was informed that all the documents have been supplied to the counsel for the accused.

READ | Gehlot moves court against summons in defamation case

The court has also put up the application moved on behalf of Ashok Gehlot seeking dismissal of the complaint as the complainant was not appearing before the court.

An application was moved under section 256 Cr pc. It provides that the Court may, after issuance of summons, if the complainant does not appear, acquit the accused unless for some reason it thinks it proper to adjourn the hearing of the case to some other day.

READ | Raj CM Gehlot summoned in defamation case

Earlier, the court had issued a summons to Ashok Gehlot. Thereafter, he appeared before the court in virtual mode.

Shekhawat recently filed a criminal defamation case against Gehlot for allegedly defaming him with remarks on the Sanjivani scam.

Gehlot had challenged the summons issued and proceedings going against him in the Magistrate Court in this matter. The Session court had not stayed the proceedings.

Sessions Court had noted that the crux of allegations made in the above complaint case is that the petitioner herein had made some statements and speeches published in print as well as electronic media against the respondent, which are claimed by the respondent to be defamatory and damaging his reputation and to have been made maliciously and for political reasons. The statements broadly pertain to the involvement and status of the respondent and his family members as accused in one Sanjeevani Scam.

READ | Gajendra Singh Shekhawat files criminal defamation suit against Ashok Gehlot

The appellant is presently serving as Chief Minister of the State of Rajasthan and he is also stated to be holding the charge of the Home Ministry the respondent is stated to be a Cabinet Minister of the Central Government and a member of Lok Sabha from Jodhpur, Rajasthan and thus, both the parties to this petitions are holding high positions and respect in public,Session court had noted the Court.

On July 6, 2023, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal said, having considered the facts and circumstances, the testimonies of the complainant witnesses, and the evidence placed on record, it prima facie appears that the accused (Ashok Gehlot) has made specific defamatory statements, against the complainant.

Further, it prima facie appears that the defamatory statements of the accused have been sufficiently published in the newspaper/electronic media/social media, which may make the right-thinking members of the society shun the complainant, said the ACMM.

READ | CM Ashok Gehlot reiterates demand to sack union minister Gajendra Shekhawat

It appears that the accused by his spoken words and by words which were intended to be read, have made defamatory imputations against the complainant, knowing and intending to harm the reputation of the complainant. At the cost of brevity, it is again specified here that the discussion here cannot be said to be a comment on the final merits of the case, as the same is a matter of trial, the ACMM observed.

Ergo, in view of the aforesaid discussion there exists sufficient grounds to summon the accused Ashok Gehlot, under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Accordingly, the said accused be summoned, upon the filing of PF and RC, as per rules, said ACMM Harjeet Singh Jaspal.

Appearing for Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa earlier, submitted that Ashok Gehlot is a Rajasthan Chief Minister and he is talking about a pending investigation. The question is who is in control of this investigation. CrPC does not recognise the Chief Minister, he can't access the Chargesheet even, if it goes to the court.

Under the Rajasthan Police rules, there is no role of anyone except the police force not even the CM or someone from the Home Department. Making false statements without having any access to the investigation officially. The statements are defamatory to me and he can't claim protection under 197 by going out in public and disclosing a close-door investigation, Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa argued.

The act is involved in this case, he had no business in making these false statements against his colleague and giving false information public at large It is an act of defamation, Pahwa while concluding his submissions noted.

Shekhawat has recently moved Delhi Court and filed a defamation case against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleging that Gehlot has made speeches against him saying that the allegations regarding the Sanjeevani Scam are proven against him.
Former vice-president of India M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday defended the One Nation- One Election proposal of the central government and also extended support to the idea of renaming India as Bharat. He, however, said both the decisions should be implemented after a thorough discussion and debate in Parliament and evolving a consensus among all the political parties. Former vice-president of India, Venkaiah Naidu. (File Photo)

Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad, Naidu said India being the worlds largest democracy needed simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies and with some gap, even for local bodies. It would avoid unwarranted expenditure on the conduct of frequent elections in one corner of the country or the other, shifting of officials, deployment of police forces and movement of election material from one state to another, he said.

The former vice-president said India had witnessed simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies till 1967, but the process got derailed in 1971 due to dissolution of some state assemblies, leading to mid-term elections.

Since then, there has been a debate across the country over restoration of simultaneous elections all over the country. The concept of One Nation-One Election was endorsed by the Parliamentary Standing Committees and Law Commission of India and it was supported even by the Election Commission of India, he said, adding that even the general public would welcome such a proposal.

Naidu said the frequent elections would hamper the progress of the nation and lead to rampant corruption. With elections in one state or the other regularly, politicians cant focus on developmental issues but only on populist measures to appease voters, he said.

Admitting that there are several genuine apprehensions among the political parties over the simultaneous elections across the country, the former vice-president said all such issues could be resolved through meaningful discussions in Parliament.

We may have to make certain legislations such as amending the anti-defection law and Article 356 to bring in a comprehensive legislation on One Nation-One Election, he said.

On the issue of renaming India as Bharat, Naidu said the Constitution had the provision for both the words and they were interchangeable. In fact, both India and Bharat were incorporated in the Constitution after a thorough debate in the Constituent Assembly, he said.

Stating that the country had been referred to as Bharat from time immemorial, the former vice-president said the word reflected Indias culture and history. Even our ancient scriptures referred to the nation as Bharat, not India which was coined by the foreigners, he said.

He said the word Bharat would not affect the secular fabric of the nation. It has nothing to do with secularism. It is not correct to link it to religion, he said.

Naidu also advocated the need for enactment of a legislation to provide 33% reservation for women at the earliest and also the passage of theUniform Civil Code bill for the unity and integrity of the nation.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Srinivasa Rao is Senior Assistant Editor based out of Hyderabad covering developments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . He has over three decades of reporting experience. ...view detail
The G20 Summit under the Indian presidency will see leaders endorse close to 10 substantial deliverables on the finance track, including a financial inclusion action plan 2024-26 based on the Indian template of digital public infrastructure (DPI); a risk-proof global framework for crypto assets; a framework to reform, strengthen and restructure multilateral development banks (MDBs); a country-specific climate assessment and transition plan; and a greater push to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs), two persons familiar with negotiations said. An armed security personnel stands guard near a G20 India summit logo installed along a street in New Delhi on September 6, 2023, ahead of its commencement.(AFP)

Also Read| G20 draft text on Ukraine does not go far enough: EU view

Nineteen of the 20 countries, barring China, are also close to an agreement on the management of debt vulnerabilities that have engulfed a range of countries in the Global South, the officials added.

G20 negotiators are also in the final lap of discussions on issues such as the implementation of two-pillar tax framework and capacity-building of countries to navigate it. But the finance track isnt insulated from the geopolitical divide, where Moscow and Beijing have blocked language around the economic implications of the Ukraine war while G7 countries have pushed for it.

Steered by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the G20 Finance Track has held 27 meetings, including four ministerial meetings, across 12 states and two Union territories, hosting over 3,000 delegates.

Also Read| Ahead of G20 Summit, Modi tells ministers to refrain from wading into contentious issues

A person closely involved with the finance track discussions said that the first achievement of the Indian presidency revolves around DPI and financial inclusion, where all members of the group have agreed on a road map  the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan 2024-26. The overarching objectives for the period include supporting financial inclusion through policy analysis, recommendations and high-level principles, and by sharing experiences, examples and successful solutions.

G20 members have embraced the three-year mission based on the recognition that financial inclusion plays a crucial role in enabling progress towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This is the legacy of India that will be carried on to other presidencies, the person said, adding that members recognised the significant role that DPI played in financial inclusion, sustainable development and eradication of poverty in India.

The second area of convergence is around the regulation of cryptocurrency. G20 members initially had divergent views on crypto assets. But India, a second person familiar with the deliberations said, was able to convince counterparts of macroeconomic risks, especially after several vulnerabilities were exposed globally, including the collapse of the FTX, the second largest cryptocurrency exchange of the world, affecting over a million investors.

HT, on July 25, reported that a majority of G20 members were in sync with the view of Indias central bank that cryptocurrency could pose huge risks to the stability of the financial system. While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted macroeconomic risks, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) highlighted regulatory aspects. The IMF-FSB Synthesis Paper has now laid down a comprehensive road map. Building blocks and road maps (on crypto asset regulation) has been almost arrived at, subject to the approval of leaders, the first person said.

The third major achievement of the G20 finance track is arriving at a consensus on getting MDBs ready for the 21st century. The issue has been on the international agenda and been randomly discussed at various platforms for long, people cited above said. But India believes its presidency has been able to give it a definite agenda and shape. This is based on the work of an expert group led by former US treasury secretary Lawrence Summers and veteran Indian policymaker and 15th Finance Commission chair NK Singh. The group submitted its first report in Gandhinagar in July and will submit its second report in Marrakech in October.

Members have agreed to shakeup MDBs to make them relevant for the 21st century. It will be up to individual MDBs to implement its recommendations in their respective banks, the first person said. These recommendations strongly encapsulate the views of the Global South.

There are some outstanding operational issues on this matter that are expected to be resolved between now and the Leaders Summit, a second person said, adding that the implementation of the recommended capital adequacy framework could yield an additional lending headroom of up to $200 billion over the next decade. Besides suggesting ways to mobilise additional resources, the expert group has also recommended the expansion of the World Banks mandate to include dealing with climate, sustainable development goals and global public goods, while sticking to its dual mandate of eradicating extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.

According to the people cited above, the fourth achievement is substantial and concrete progress of financing of cities for tomorrow. MDBs and development finance institutions (DFIs) will identify some pilot cases and, based on the experience, this will be taken forward. G20 members have agreed to develop a compendium of financial models for future cities, besides having a framework for assessing and enhancing institutional capacity of urban administration, they said.

The fifth achievement is a broad consensus within the grouping, but with a striking yet unsurprising exception, China. At a time when the pandemic and the war have led to increased debt vulnerabilities across countries, people familiar with the talks said that the Indian presidency has been able to nudge the members to find a definite solution of this issue. While a common framework for three countries have been readied, the debt problem of Sri Lanka has been tackled separately because it is not considered as a low income country (LIC), the first person said.

The three LIC countries, which will see progress, are Gambia, Ethiopia and Ghana. The debt relief mechanism is, however, tied with climate issues, something not liked by China as on today G20 members may not yield to Chinas position, the second person said. Chinas opposition also comes in the wake of what many consider to be Beijings predatory financing practices contributing to unsustainable debt burdens.

There is also an in-principle broad consensus around the issue of climate finance and enhancing the role of MDBs in this regard. While a tangible climate finance deal isnt expected  COP has traditionally been the platform for these discussions rather than G20  those familiar with the discussions said that the summit is likely to see important recommendations around scaling up balanced finance, risk sharing facilities and participation of private funds. It also call for rapid deployment of low carbon technology, the first person said.

The seventh major achievement has been towards achieving SDGs, where the world has seen a setback in recent years. India, those cited above said, has been able to emphasise the social aspect of economic development and bring in environmental issues. Recommendations, subject to approval of the leaders, include adoption of environment and social projects, particularly related to education and health, the first person said, adding that private finance in these areas have been proposed.

The eighth achievement revolves around G20 countries adopting a framework for country-specific assessment of macro impact of the climate crisis and the transition pathway rather than a one size fits all approach. The Summit is also likely to go beyond pricing mechanisms as the sole instrument to minimise carbon footprints to include non-pricing mechanisms. A related, but separate, issue pertains to setting up a multi-year G20 Technical Assistance Action Plan (TAAP) and the voluntary recommendations made to overcome data-related barriers to climate investments. Relevant jurisdictions can implement TAAP in line with their national circumstances.

G20 members have also agreed that transition should be inclusive, and the extensive use of fossil fuel should end through a cooperative but also a customised approach depending on specific circumstances of different countries. Initially, the text language proposed Just Climate Transition where just means fair. But with Saudi Arabia objecting to the term climate, the text now reads Just Transition.

The final achievement pertains to an assessment of macroeconomic consequences of food and energy insecurity. The people cited above referred to discussions among member countries on the geopolitical situation leading to the breakdown of global supply chains. We discussed it comprehensively and agreed to pursue greater cooperation in financing LICs, the first person said, adding that Russia was against including this in the text, not even as a footnote. This may finally become the part of the text, with Russias dissent, the second person said.

India took over the G20 presidency from Indonesia on December 1 for a one-year period. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Its members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. Spain is also invited to the group as a permanent guest. India has included Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore and the UAE as guest countries during its presidency.

Nilaya Varma, co-founder and CEO of consultancy firm Primus Partners, said India assumed the G20 Presidency at the right time when the world needed it most as a compassionate voice for poor nations, particularly the Global South. India leads with example. Even before it assumed the leadership at G20, it provided Covid vaccines to the countries in need. It is extending help to support nations that became vulnerable due to the breakdown of the global supply chain.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The text presented by the Indian side for negotiations on the draft leaders declaration for the G20 Summit does not go far enough on the Ukraine crisis, and Russia and China stand isolated on this issue, a senior European Union (EU) official said on Wednesday. The G20 Summit, scheduled for this weekend in New Delhi, is a highly anticipated event featuring top world leaders (Representative Photo)

Negotiators from the G20 members have agreed on text regarding the tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, seen as a major achievement, but were unable to go beyond commitments made at last years G20 Summit in Bali on phasing out inefficient fuel subsidies and phasing down fossil fuels, the EU official said at a briefing.

Indias push for digital public infrastructure (DPI) finds mention in the text being negotiated, though G20 members are yet to agree on the financing of the concept since this is the first time the grouping discussed the matter in detail, the official said.

Describing the Ukraine crisis as a priority for the EU, the official acknowledged that India, the current G20 president, had abstained from all resolutions on the issue at the United Nations and is trying to strike a balance. He declined to say whether differences on the Ukraine crisis could hold up a consensus leaders declaration.

We cant say...because the negotiation is ongoing. It has been a very difficult negotiation...The text as it is presented by the Indians now is not enough for the G7 and EU...because it is not going far enough, the official said.

The EU cant accept the move by Russia and China to move away from text that was used in the G20 Summit in Bali to refer to the Ukraine conflict.

If we have a [presidential statement], that will not be good but that might be an outcome, the official said, adding the EU expects a consensus document to refer to Ukraine, the principles of the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity.

The official contended that China and Russia are more isolated on this issue than the G7, which has agreed on common principles that states do not attack each other or use threats.

India has called for a cessation of hostilities without publicly criticising Russias invasion of Ukraine. The differences between the G7 states on one side and Russia and China on the other have held up joint statements in all G20 ministerial meetings hosted by India.

The EU official brushed aside Russias stand that the G20 is an economic forum which cannot discuss geopolitical matters and said: The G20 has evolved to [be] more political than we think. If you have leaders of the most important countries in political and economic terms, its an illusion that you would just address economic topics.

While noting that the Ukraine crisis doesnt figure at any one of the sessions of the G20 Summit to be held during September 9-10 and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hasnt been invited to address the meeting, as was done at Bali, the EU official said: But the fact that you can only have a statement or [leaders] declaration with this question being tackled shows how prominent it will be.

The negotiators agreed on text for tripling the production of renewables by 2030 after giving in to Saudi Arabias call that this should not be linked to any phasing down of fossil fuels, people familiar with the matter said. The EU official described this as a great success but cautioned that nothing is final till there is agreement on the full text.

The negotiators, however, couldnt go beyond the commitments at the last G20 Summit on phasing out inefficient fuel subsidies or phasing down fossil fuels, particularly coal, because positions are entrenched, the EU official said.

On the issue of DPI, a signature initiative of the Indian side, the EU official said there has been a lot of interest in the concept which is mentioned in the text being negotiated. [But it] doesnt go as far as agreeing on financing it, this is the first time the concept was discussed in detail at the G20, the official said, adding the concept was welcomed by most G20 members.

The negotiators also agreed on a text on artificial intelligence (AI) on Wednesday, especially the intention to address challenges related to AI and its governance collectively at the international level, the official said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
The G20 Summit, scheduled for this weekend in the national capital, is a highly anticipated event featuring top world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The summit will be held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this complex on July 26 this year. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a convention centre, exhibition halls, and an amphitheatre. The 27-feet-tall 'Nataraja' statue made of 'Ashtadhatu' is installed at the Bharat Mandapam where the G20 summit will be held on Sept. 9 and 10, 2023.(PTI)

During the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam, referred to as the culture corridor will showcase diverse traditions from 29 countries, including India and the special invitees to the G20. This display will encompass physical and virtual exhibitions, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

On Tuesday, a 27-ft-tall bronze statue of Nataraja, made of Ashtadhatu and weighing about 18 tons, was installed at Bharat Mandapam. Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team completed this sculpture in a record seven months. PM Modi shared pictures of the installation on X (formerly Twitter), saying, The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of our rich history and culture. As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions.

Covering an approximate campus area of 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Regarding the covered space available for events, this complex ranks among the top exhibition and convention complexes globally.

Bharat Mandapam

-Constructed as a national endeavour with an investment of about 2,700 crores, Bharat Mandapam serves as a showcase and promoter of India as a premier global business destination, according to a government statement.

-This architectural masterpiece is designed to host grand international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and various prestigious gatherings.

-Bharat Mandapam offers a wealth of amenities, including numerous meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre, and a fully-equipped business center, enabling it to accommodate a wide spectrum of events.

-Its impressive multi-purpose hall and plenary hall collectively accommodate up to seven thousand attendees, surpassing the seating capacity of the renowned Sydney Opera House in Australia.

-The magnificent Amphitheater boasts seating for 3,000 individuals, adding to its versatility and grandeur.

What does Bharat Mandapam mean?

As per a government statement, Bharat Mandapam draws inspiration from Lord Basaveshwara's concept of Anubhav Mandapam, originally a platform for public ceremonies. This expansive complex will be open to the public and will offer comprehensive facilities in support of the nation's aspiration to progress into a modern and developed society.

Bharat Mandapam design

The architectural design of the Bharat Mandapam building draws inspiration from India's rich traditions, symbolising the nation's confidence in its heritage while embracing modern amenities and contemporary living.

The building's shape is inspired by the elegant form of the Shankha, or conch shell. Different walls and facades of the Convention Centre intricately depict various facets of India's traditional art and culture. These include Surya Shakti, symbolizing India's commitment to harnessing solar energy, Zero to ISRO, celebrating the nation's achievements in space exploration, and Pancha Mahabhuta, representing the fundamental elements of the universe - Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth), and more. Additionally, the Convention Centre is adorned with an array of paintings and tribal art forms from diverse regions across the country.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me. ...view detail
After getting the opportunity to try out the Unified Payments Interface technology developed by India, foreign delegates who arrived in the country ahead of the G20 summit, hailed the initiative and said that they had a great experience using UPI. One of the delegates said, I have been using the G20 UPI applicationhas been great. I was able to give my first transactions Monday afternoon. Made a transaction in some small stores we were buying cokes and chocolates and medicine actually and it's been really good For me as coming from abroad it is a really great experience to feel included by using the UPI network Foreign delegate praises UPI in video.(X/NPCI)

Another delegate commented, First time for me experienced the UPI network. I have been in India a few times but I have been left to cash and credit cards

In light of India's G20 Presidency, the government highlighted the country's digital public goods and its 'Digital India' initiative. As part of this effort, the central government offered practical demonstrations to approximately 1,000 foreign delegates visiting the event. These demonstrations focussed on the technology behind UPI wallets and showcased how convenient it is to make payments using this homegrown solution.

"Foreign delegates or participants will be given 500-1,000 in their UPI wallets for doing UPI transactions, a government official told ANI earlier, adding it has earmarked around 10 lakhs for it.

UPI payment system has become hugely popular for retail digital payments in the country and its adoption is increasing at a rapid pace. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions crossed the 10 billion mark in the month of August. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) posted on X earlier, "Drumroll please! UPI has just shattered records with an astonishing 10 billion plus transactions. Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and the power of digital payments. Let's keep the momentum going and continue to revolutionize the way we make transactions with UPI! "

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Parents enrolling children aged under three in preschools are committing an illegal act, the Gujarat high court has said while dismissing petitions challenging the state governments notification stipulating six years as the minimum age for class 1 admissions in the academic year 2023-24. The petitioners argued the June 1 cutoff date would deny approximately 900000 children the right to education. (Shutterstock)

A group of parents seeking admission for their children aged under six by June 1 challenged the notification dated January 31, 2020.

The contention that the children are school ready as they have completed 3 years of elementary education in a pre-school having been admitted in the Academic Session 2020-21, therefore, does not impress us at all, a bench of chief justice Sunita Agarwal and justice N V Anjaria said in their order on August 11. A copy of the order was made available online on Tuesday.

The petitioners argued the June 1 cutoff date would deny approximately 900000 children the right to education under the Constitutions Article 21A and the Right to Education (RTE) Act. They requested the court to allow an exemption to children with three years of preschooling.

The court cited the RTE Act and said a child aged six is eligible for admission to a neighbourhood school for free and compulsory education until completing elementary education. It added the right conferred under Article 21A and the RTE Act begins after a child turns six. The court noted the National Education Policy 2020 also recognises the importance of early childhood care and education for children aged under six as over 85% of a childs brain development occurs in these early years.

A bare perusal of Rule 8 [of the RTE Act] shows that there is a prohibition for admission of a child in a pre-school who has not completed 3 years of age as of June 1 of the academic year. Three years of early childhood care and education in a preschool prepares a child to take admission in the first standard in a formal school, the court said.

The petitioners admitted their children to preschools before they turned three. The court said the minimum age requirement under the RTE has been enforced in Gujarat.

The court said a petition challenging Rule 8 of the RTE Act was turned down in 2013. The petitioner...parents of children, who have not attained the age of 6 years as of 1st June of the year 2023, cannot seek any leniency or indulgence, as they are guilty of the violation of the mandate of RTE Rules, 2012, which is in line with the RTE Act, 2009, the court said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday attacked Union Minister Pralhad Joshi over his statements on the special session of Parliament called by the Centre from Sep 18 - 22. In a post on X (earlier known as Twitter), Jairam Ramesh wrote, How much will you mislead Joshi-avare? On each and every occasion of a Special Session/Sitting, the agenda was well known in advance. It is only the Modi government that routinely disrespects Parliament and distorts Parliamentary conventions. Past governments, including yours, have called many Special Sittings to commemorate the Constitution Day, Quit India Movement and other such occasions. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh addresses a press conference(PTI File)

Ramesh further listed out the special sessions of Parliament called by previous governments stating different reasons. Heres an exhaustive list of past instances, starting with Special Sessions, he wrote.

30 June, 2017  A Joint Special Session in the Central Hall at midnight to roll out the GST A Special Session of Lok Sabha was called in July 2008 for a trust vote after the Left parties withdrew support from the UPA-1 government A Special Session was called from 26 August, 1997 to 1 September, 1997 to commemorate 50th anniversary of Indian Independence, the Congress leader went on to state.

Jairam Ramesh's attack came after Union Minister Joshi accused Sonia Gandhi of trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament and create unnecessary controversy. "It is very unfortunate that you are trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament, our temple of democracy, and create unnecessary controversy Perhaps, you do not pay attention to traditions. Before calling a Parliament session, neither discussions are held with political parties nor issues are ever discussed," the parliamentary affairs minister said in his response to Gandhi.

In her letter addressed to the prime minister, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi sought details of the government's agenda for the upcoming special session of the Parliament. Gandhi wrote, You have convened a special five-day session of the Parliament beginning 18 September, 2023. I must point out that this Special Session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda.

She added that the only information that the Opposition received regarding the 5- day session was that it had been allocated for government business.

(With inputs from agencies)
External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has downplayed the decision of Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi, saying its position will be reflected by the representative present at the annual meeting. In an interview with news agency ANI, Jaishankar said that the absence of the heads of state at G20 Summit is not new and at different points in time there have been some Presidents or PMs who have chosen not to come. External affairs minister S Jaishankar.

"I think, at different points of time in G20 there have been some Presidents or PMs who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves. But that country and its position is reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion...I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness," Jaishankar said.

Leaders from the world's top economies will be arriving in India on Friday for a two-day G20 summit. While India has coined the optimistic slogan One Earth, One Family, One Future for the Summit, the G20 leaders are riven by differences and strategic fault lines. The G20 consists of 19 countries and the European Union, making up about 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have decided to skip the gathering in New Delhi.

The Chinese delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijing's readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success.

China's decision to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi is seen by many as reflection of the troubled state of India-China relations. Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently travelled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person.

So, his decision to skip this weeks G-20 in New Delhi is significant," Russel said.

The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation  but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi  it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations," he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Amidst a nationwide uproar over the Sanatana Dharma remark made by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara has stirred another controversy by questioning the origins of Hinduism. Speaking at an event commemorating Teachers Day in his home constituency of Koratagere on Tuesday, Parameshwara said the question of who initiated Hinduism is still a mystery. G Parameshwara (PTI)

Parameshwara, while discussing various religions and their historical backgrounds at the event, said that the inception of Hindu dharma remains shrouded in uncertainty. In the history of the world, there are many religions. When was Hindu religion founded, and who gave birth to Hinduism, is still a question mark and continues to remain unanswered. Buddhism and Jainism were born in India, while Christianity and Islam came from outside. The essence of all these religions means goodwill for mankind, said Parameshwara.

However, Parameshwaras remarks have not been well-received by the opposition, with several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders registering strong objections.

BJP MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary termed Parameshwaras comments on Hinduism as condemnable, saying, There are several pressing issues in the state, and instead of addressing them, Parameshwara has made a distasteful statement. To suggest that there is no historical basis for the Hindu religion is truly unwarranted, and we had not anticipated such a statement from him. This highlights the mindset of the Congress, and such statements seem aimed at appeasing a specific community.

N Ravi Kumar, the Karnataka BJP general secretary, stated that the statement was an attempt to ridicule the Hindu religion. Parameshwara, in his speech, questioned the existence of the Hindu religion. His comment was nothing less than an attempt to ridicule Hinduism. Hinduism is like an ocean, incomparable to any other religion. It is a faith revered by all communities and has been followed for countless ages, he said.

Former Karnataka chief minister and BJP MP DV Sadananda Gowda also weighed in on the controversy, stating that Hinduism serves as the basis of all religions. The roots of Hinduism are untraceable. It dates back thousands of years, unlike other religions that emerged later. It serves as the foundation for all religions, and various beliefs have branched from it, he said.

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar also slammed the state home minister G Parameshwara over his remarks on Hinduism and said that it is a planned attack on the Hindu faith.

G Parameshwara has made this very shocking statement and its certainly looking like its a pattern and a planned attack on the Hindu faith, Rajeev Chandrashekhar said while speaking to ANI.

Adding to the dissent, Karnataka BJP MLA and former state minister CN Ashwath expressed his disapproval, accusing Parameshwara and his associates of being influenced by left-wing ideologies and attempting to undermine Indias culture and traditions.

I want to make it very clear they are under the influence of leftists and want to destroy the culture and tradition of our country Bharat... He [Parameshwara] should realise that such arrogance is not good for him. He is a learned person, Ashwath Narayan said.

He further challenged the Karnataka home minister to speak about other religions if he has the guts. If he has the courage, let him speak about other Dharma. Let him not insult our Dharma. If he is not happy, let him quit this Dharma and be elsewhere; who is stopping him? Narayan added.

In response to a question regarding his fellow ministers statement, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who also serves as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), offered a succinct response: I am a proud Indian.

Meanwhile, an FIR was registered in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges son Priyank Kharge for allegedly outraging religious feelings, police said on Wednesday, as reported by PTI.

Stalin was booked for his call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma, and Kharge for backing his remark.

They were both booked under sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Civil Lines police station in Uttar Pradeshs Rampur.

Responding to the FIR registered against him, minister Priyank Kharge in Bengaluru said, I dont care; they can do what they want. My statement is very clear. It is not against any particular religion. I had stated that any religion that does not preach equality is not a religion according to me. The Constitution is my religion. If UP has a problem, I do not see it as mine. We will do whatever needs to be done...

(With inputs from agencies)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Karnataka minister G Parameshwaras comments about the origins of Hinduism have stirred a fresh row even as a case has been registered against his ministerial colleague Priyank Kharge and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for allegedly outraging religious feelings over their remarks about the sanatana dharma. Karnataka minister G Parameshwara. (PTI)

A case was earlier registered in Jharkhand over Stalins remark on Saturday that sanatana dharma should be eradicated even as he doubled down on it.

Speaking at an event marking the Teachers Day on Tuesday, Parameshwara said the question of who started Hinduism is still a mystery. He referred to other religions and their historical backgrounds and said the inception of Hinduism remains shrouded in uncertainty. In the history of the world, there are many religions. When was the Hindu religion founded?...who gave birth to Hinduism is still a question mark and continues to remain unanswered.

He added Buddhism and Jainism were born in India while Christianity and Islam came from outside. The essence of all these religions means goodwill for mankind, said Parameshwara.

Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Kota Srinivas Poojary denounced Parameshwaras distasteful statement. There are several pressing issues in the state. Instead of addressing them, Parameshwara has made a distasteful statement. To suggest that there is no historical basis for the Hindu religion is truly unwarranted, and we had not expected such a statement from him.

He said the statement highlights the ruling Congresss mindset. ...such statements seem aimed at appeasing a specific community.

BJP leader N Ravi Kumar said the statement was an attempt to ridicule the Hindu religion. Parameshwara...questioned the existence of the Hindu religion. ...Hinduism is like an ocean, incomparable to any other religion. It is a faith revered by all communities and has been followed for countless ages, he said.

BJP Member of Parliament DV Sadananda Gowda said Hinduism serves as the basis of all religions. The roots of Hinduism are untraceable. It dates back thousands of years, unlike other religions that emerged later. ...various beliefs have branched from it [Hinduism].

BJP legislator CN Ashwath said Parameshwara and his associates were being influenced by Left-wing ideologies while accusing them of attempting to undermine Indias culture and traditions. ...[they] want to destroy the culture and tradition of our country Bharat... He [Parameshwara] should realise that such arrogance is not good for him.

Ashwath challenged Parameshwara to speak about other religions if he had the guts. Let him not insult our dharma. If he is not happy, let him quit this dharma...who is stopping him?

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar evaded a question about the fresh controversy, saying he was a proud Indian.

In Uttar Pradeshs Rampur, Udhayanidhi Stalin and Priyank Kharge, who backed the Tamil Nadu ministers comment about sanatan dharma, were booked for outraging religious feelings and promoting enmity between different religious groups.

Kharge said he did not care. They can do what they want. My statement is very clear. It is not against any particular religion. I said any religion that does not preach equality is not a religion. The Constitution is my religion. If Uttar Pradesh has a problem, I do not see it as mine.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday criticised the alleged move of the Centre to rename the country. He said any move to replace the name India is against the Constitution and disregards the country itself. His comment comes in amid the controversy over the G20 dinner invitation from President Droupadi Murmu describing her position as the President of Bharat instead of the customary President of India. The chief minister said the move was part of attempts to sabotage the countrys heterogeneity and urged the public to resist such measures. (CM's Twitter account)

Also Read| Its Oppositions duty to discuss one nation, one election theory, says Dhankhar

Article 1 of the Constitution itself refers to our nation as India that is Bharat. Similarly, the preface of the Constitution begins with the words We the people of India. However, what the Centre is attempting now is the removal of the word India through a constitutional amendment, CM Vijayan said in a statement.

The chief minister said the move was part of attempts to sabotage the countrys heterogeneity and urged the public to resist such measures.

Also Read| Number Theory: Will One Nation, One Election help the BJP?

Why this contempt and fear of the word India? There is a deliberate attempt to erase even the spirit nurtured in children through the Pledge: India is my country; all Indians are my brothers and sisters, he claimed.

Political decisions should never be contrary to the foundational ideals of our nation. This dubious attempt is undemocratic and unconstitutional, the CM said, urging the BJP-led Centre to withdraw from alleged moves to replace the name of the country.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ahead of the counting of votes in the Puthuppally Assembly bypoll on Friday, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) traded charges at each other over the likely electoral outcome. 72.91% turnout recorded in Puthuppally bypoll (File Photo)

Launching the initial attack, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) state secretary MV Govindan said that Congress candidate Chandy Oommen could not win the bypolls without the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the two parties have a secret deal.

We have received the vote calculations from the grassroots level. The only problem is that the BJP has around 19,000 votes there, so theres doubt whether the UDF has bought the votes. It will be clear during the counting. Chandy Oommen cannot win without buying the BJPs votes. If they havent got those votes, we will win. Whoever wins, there wont be a big majority, Govindan told reporters.

Responding, Congress state president K Sudhakaran said that the CPM leaders remarks lacked common sense.

Its such a shame that the CPM state secretary makes such ridiculing remarks. They will only result in lowering his name and dignity. How can pro-BJP voters vote for Congress? Can it happen in India? We are their enemy, said Sudhakaran.

At the same time, he alleged that the CPM and the BJP have always had a secret understanding to create a Congress-free Kerala.

Thats why Pinarayi Vijayan and K Surendran (state BJP chief) are walking freely (despite numerous cases against them). Both leaders are part of the CPM-BJP history in the state.

BJP candidate Ligin Lal said when the vote counting ends, it will be clear who voted for whom.

In Kerala, the Congress and the CPM have always traded votes. Its because of such transactions that several NDA (National Democratic Alliance) leaders have not been able to sit inside the Assembly. We would have won several seats. At the national level, CPM and Congress are allies, and in Kerala, they have helped each other too, Lal told a local news channel.

The voting for the Puthuppally Assembly constituency bypoll in the Kottayam district of Kerala concluded on Tuesday evening with 72.91% of voters turning up to exercise their franchise.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of veteran Congress leader, two-time CM and 12-time MLA Oommen Chandy, who represented the seat uninterrupted since 1970. Chandy had succumbed to cancer at a private hospital in Bengaluru on July 18.

The Congress-led UDF has fielded Chandy Oommen, son of late Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, to bank on the sympathy wave following the former CMs death.

Whereas, the On Left once again fielded Democratic Youth Federation of India leader Jaick C Thomas, who had unsuccessfully contested from the segment in 2016 and 2021 against the late Chandy.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to take cognizance on its own of the narrow politics being done on Bharat and India and ban all political bodies, organisations, and alliances using the countrys name. BSP chief Mayawati. (PTI)

The comments came a day after President Droupadi Murmu sent out an invitation for a G20 dinner in her capacity as President of Bharat instead of President of India and triggered a row. Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc constituents linked the reference to Bharat in the invite to the BJPs nervousness over the formidable challenge they pose to the ruling party.

Mayawati said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) or the central government should have moved Supreme Court after opposition parties named their alliance INDIA. The ruling party should have brought a law to ban the naming of the alliance INDIA.

She maintained Bharat and India are well-known and dignified constitutional names of the country.

The Constitutions Article 1 says, India, that is Bharat, shall be a union of states.

Mayawati said the people love, respect, and have an affinity with the Constitution whose drafting Bhimrao Ambedkar oversaw. To amend it or tamper with its spirit will be inappropriate and unjust, she said at a press conference.

The G20 dinner invite set off speculation that renaming India as Bharat could be part of the legislative agenda during the special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22.

Mayawati said the Opposition has given an opportunity to the NDA government to tamper with the Constitution over the countrys name by naming its alliance INDIA under a well-planned strategy and conspiracy. The name game politics..of the Opposition and the ruling party...should be condemned.

Mayawati accused the Congress and BJP of promoting the politics of Bharat versus India ahead of the 2024 national election. The people have understood the dirty politics. The issues such as poverty, unemployment, and price rise have been sidelined.

She called the narrow politics over India and Bharat anti-people. The Supreme Court should take cognisance of the issue or else the narrow politics in the name of our country will provide an opportunity to anyone to tamper with our Constitution.

She insisted the BSP decided to maintain a distance from both the alliances in the peoples interest.

Mayawati last week ruled out an alliance with either the INDIA bloc NDA, calling the parties in the groupings mostly anti-poor, casteist, communal and pro-rich. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) a day before the two-day third INDIA bloc meeting in Mumbai, Mayawati said BSP has been continuously fighting against the policies of NDA and INDIA constituents.

BSPs support base has significantly eroded since Mayawati became the Uttar Pradesh chief minister for the fourth time with a full majority in 2007. It could win just one seat in the 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly in 2022. The BSP contested the 2019 national polls in alliance with INDIA constituent and arch-rival Samajwadi Party and improved its tall from zero to 10 seats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated a firm belief in cooperative federalism and bipartisanship when it comes to national interest and said that the same spirit can be seen in the countrys G20 presidency too. A billboard featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the G20 summit. (AP)

In an interview with Network18s moneycontrol.com ahead of the meeting of heads of the governments and states of the intergovernmental forum G20 in New Delhi over the weekend, Modi referred to a certain reluctance historically in the power circles to think beyond Delhi for hosting national and international meets. He added this may have been due to convenience or lack of confidence in the people.

Modi said the visits of foreign leaders would be restricted to mainly the national Capital or a couple of other places. Having witnessed the capabilities of the people and the wonderful diversity of our country, I developed a different perspective. So, our government has worked on changing the approach since day one. I have hosted several engagements with global leaders around the country.

Modi said the then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel was hosted in Bengaluru in 2015. French President Emmanuel Macron [2018] and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Varanasi [2015]. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was hosted in Goa and Mumbai [2020]. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Shantiniketan [2018]. The then-French President Francois Hollande visited Chandigarh [2016].

Modi said many global meets have also been held outside Delhi. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Hyderabad [2017]. India hosted the BRICS Summit in Goa [2016] and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Corporation Summit in Jaipur [2015]. I can go on quoting examples, but the pattern that you can observe here is that this is a great change from the prevailing approach.

He said the examples of many of the venues of the meetings he cited were in states with non-National Democratic Alliance governments. This is also a testament to our firm belief in cooperative federalism and bipartisanship when it comes to national interest. This is the same spirit that you can see in our G20 Presidency too.

He cited the G20 meetings held in 60 cities across all 28 states and 8 Union territories and said they involved over 100,000 participants from approximately 125 nationalities. Over 15 million individuals in our country have been involved in these programmes or have been exposed to various aspects of them. Holding meetings of such scale and hosting foreign delegates is an endeavour that calls for great capacity building in terms of infrastructure, logistics, communication skills, hospitality and cultural activities, among others. Our democratisation of the G20 Presidency is our investment in the capacity building of the people, especially youth, of various cities across the country. He said they believe peoples participation is the most important factor in the success of any initiative.

India has hosted global leaders and a series of meetings related to 32 sectors across the country since assuming the G20 presidency in December. The events will culminate with the meeting of heads of the governments and states of the worlds 20 largest economies in New Delhi on September 9-10.
Multiple cases have been registered in various parts of the country in connection with Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalins controversial remark on Sanatana Dharma and reactions against it. Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. (PTI)

An FIR has been registered against Udhayanidi and Priyank Kharge  Karnataka minister and Congress leader who backed the Tamil Nadu ministers remark  at Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, while cases were also registered against BJP IT department in-charge Amit Malviya for distorting the DMK leaders remark and against an Ayodhya-based seer for putting a bounty on Udhayanidhi.

On September 2, Udhayanidhi, son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, alleged that Sanatana Dharma is against social justice and equality and it should hence be eradicated, triggering nationwide uproar.

Days later, Malviya posted on X (formerly twitter) that the DMK leader had called for genocide of 80% population who follow Sanatana Dharma. An FIR has been registered against him at Tiruchirappalli for deliberately misrepresenting Udhayanidhis remark to cause disharmony and create enmity among different sections of people under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), police said on Wednesday.

In Rampur, an FIR has been registered at the Civil Lines police station against Udhayanidhi and Priyank Kharge for allegedly hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by an advocate, Ram Singh Lodhi, police said on Wednesday.

Both leaders have been booked under sections 295A (insults to the religious beliefs of a class) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) of IPC. A case has been registered against Udhayanidhi for his statement calling for eradication of Sanatana Dharma and against Kharge for supporting the statement, a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity.

In his complaint, Lodhi has alleged: Udhayanidhi compared Sanatana Dharma with diseases like dengue and malaria, and said it should be eradicated... This remark hurt the religious feelings of Sanatanis like me and should be seen as an act of creating hatred among people.

In Madurai, police have registered a case against Paramhans Acharya, a seer from Ayodhya, for allegedly issuing death threat by putting bounty on Udhayanidhi over his remark. The cyber crime police have registered a case under various IPC sections, including 153 (provocation to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different sections of people) and 506 (criminal intimidation) based on a complaint by J Devasenan, a DMK functionary.

The also named an Uttar Pradesh-based journalist Piyush Rai for recording and posting on social media the seers video which, Devasenan alleged has caused panic and fear among the people of Tamil Nadu and may lead to communal riots and disturb public peace.

In the purported video, released on Tuesday, the seer is heard saying: ...if required, I myself will behead MK Stalins son, and I will also increase the bounty of 10 crore if that is not enough for beheading him.

HT could not independently verify the veracity of the video.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Aam Aadmi Party will not ally with the Congress in Punjab, AAP leader and state minister Anmol Gagan Mann asserted on Wednesday, with her statement coming a day after leaders of the Congress' Punjab unit opposed any kind of alliance with the ruling party for the state's 13 Lok Sabha seats. Punjab minister and AAP leader Anmol Gagan Mann (right). (Keshav Singh/HT)

This (AAP joining the opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc) is the party leadership's call at the national level. But we will never forge any alliance with the Congress in Punjab. Things could be very different at the national level as all the parties have come together to save the country from the BJP. However, at the state level, the AAP will not go with the Congress. We will not tolerate any seat sharing with the Congress in Punjab, Mann said during a media interaction.

The Congress holds eight Lok Sabha seats in the border state, while the Aam Aadmi Party has one. Two each are held by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, a former Congressman, mocked the grand old party and the AAP in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

While their top leaders have come together under the I.N.D.I.A umbrella, the Delhi and Punjab units of the AAP and Congress are strongly against any local association; in both Delhi (7 Lok Sabha segments) and Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party ousted the Congress from power. The BJP, governing nationally since 2014, won all 7 Delhi seats in the 2014 and 2019 general elections.

Meanwhile, additional factors contributing to the AAP-Congress conflict include Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal's past statements against Congress leaders, the AAP presenting itself as an alternative in states where there is a bipolar Congress-BJP contest, and the desire to see their respective leaders (Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi) as the prime ministerial candidate of the I.N.D.I.A bloc.

To be sure, Kejriwal and Gandhi's names have been put forward either by leaders who have not participated in formal discussions among the I.N.D.I.A constituents, or by party spokespersons. The 28-party coalition has, till now, refrained from naming a PM candidate.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union home minister Amit Shah and law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Wednesday met former president Ram Nath Kovind, who is heading a government panel exploring the feasibility of simultaneous state and national elections, ahead of the committees first formal meeting likely to be held next week, people aware of the matter said. Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind. (Photo by Samir Jana/ Hindustan Times)

Also Read| Ex-vice president Naidu backs simultaneous elections, India name change to Bharat

Kovinds office said Shah -- who is also part of the government panel -- and Meghwal visited the former president in a courtesy meeting that lasted about 45 minutes.

Amit Shahji had not met President Kovind after he took charge of this panel and so he and the law minister came and briefed him today, said an official, not wanting to be named. As Kovind is travelling till September 12, the first meeting of the newly formed panel is likely to take place after that.

Also Read| Simultaneous poll feasibility panel likely to meet formally next week

Other than Shah and Kovind, the other members of the panel announced on Saturday are former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad; chairman of the 15th finance commission NK Singh; former secretary-general of Lok Sabha Subhash C Kashyap; senior advocate Harish Salve; and former chief vigilance commissioner Sanjay Kothari. Meghwal is a special invitee while Niten Chandra, secretary in the department of legal affairs, will act as the secretary to the committee.

Congress lawmaker Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined to join the panel, citing its terms of reference as already favouring simultaneous polls.

Among the issues that will also be considered for feasibility of the plan  which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described as an important electoral reform  will be to examine the logistics of manpower and electronic voting machines (EVMs) that may be required.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has pushed for simultaneous polls, with Modi referred to it as One Nation, One Election. But opposition parties have criticised the suggestion, saying it is anti-democratic.
Parliamentary affairs minister Prahlad Joshi on Wednesday wrote to Congress parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi pointing out that the special session of Parliament that has been scheduled for September 18-22 is not in contravention of rules and regulations and accused her of creating a controversy on the issue. Parliamentary affairs minister Prahlad Joshi. (File Photo)

It is unfortunate that you are trying to politicise and create an unwarranted controversy over Parliament, the temple of our democracy, Joshi said.

The ministers letter came in response to a letter Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, asking for the agenda of the special session and demanding a discussion on nine issues, including price rise, unemployment, the Adani group controversy, caste census, Manipur violence and the India-China border dispute.

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh, on Wednesday morning said that Gandhis letter had pointed out the lack of transparency in the governments agenda for the special session, which was announced on August 31.

The Congress said that Gandhi wrote the letter after Opposition parties held intense discussions on issues they want to raise during the special session.

This session has been called without any consultation. Whenever a special session is convened, the government tries to make a broad consensus on the agenda of the session. But this is the first time, when the agenda has not been shared, Ramesh said.

Joshi, in his letter addressed to Gandhi, said, maybe you are not familiar with traditions and procedure...before calling a session, and discussion with political parties is not required nor is the agenda discussed.

The minister said that before the start of the session, there is a meeting with leaders of all parties, where the agenda and the issues to be taken up are discussed.

He asserted the session has been called in keeping with the laid down procedures.

Referring to the agenda of the session, he said it will be shared as per the norms. The agenda has never been shared ahead of the session, no matter which party has been in government, Joshi said.

On Gandhis demand to discuss nine issues, the minister said, Our government is always ready to have discussions on any issue...the issues that have been raised by you have already been raised during the monsoon session when the discussion on the no confidence motion was taken up and responded to by the government.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Smriti Kak Ramachandran Smriti covers an intersection of politics and governance. Having spent over a decade in journalism, she combines old fashioned leg work with modern story telling tools. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia to attend the 18th East Asia Summit and 20th ASEAN-Indian Summit in the early hours of Thursday. PM Modi in Jakarta airport on Thursday.(ANI)

The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Jakarta International Airport. PM Modi was received by I. Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection.

At the airport, the Indonesian cultural dance was performed.

"Good morning. We have just arrived here at Jakarta International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to depart from the plane. He's been given a warm ceremonial welcome here at Jakarta Airport," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, shared on his social media 'X' a video of PM Modi's arrival.

"This is very early in the morning, but he has a packed schedule here. A few hours later, he goes for the India-ASEAN summit and thereafter for the East Asia summit. There are important engagements. Both these activities entail. He will thereafter come back here and take the flight back to New Delhi. So literally a few hours in Jakarta, but we look forward to a very productive day. Prime Minister has come here despite the busy schedule for the G 20 that starts effectively on Friday evening and just emphasizes the importance that you attached to this visit. We will continue to bring you updates on this visit as it unfolds," he added.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived at the hotel Ritz-Carlton in Jakarta where he met the Indian diaspora.

Members of the Indian community were all excited to welcome PM Modi.

The Indian diaspora, waiting at the hotel, chanted "Modi, Modi," "Humara Neta Kaisa Ho, Narendra Modiji Jaisa Ho..." (What kind of leader should we have? should be like Modiji), and "Har Har Modi, Har Ghar Modi."

"We are very excited to come here in the morning 03:00 now and now we are waiting eagerly for our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi," one of the members of the Indian diaspora said while waiting for PM Modi at the hotel.

"We are from the Tamil Association. We have been waiting here since 10:00 pm to welcome Modiji. Very happy to welcome here. I am sure his visit between India and Indonesia will strengthen further. The whole community can see. We are excited to welcome him. Thank you so much for bringing him here we are," another member of the Indian diaspora said.

Even children were waiting at the hotel to get a glimpse of PM Modi.

Today, in Indonesia, PM Modi will participate in the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

PM Modi took to his social media 'X', formerly known as Twitter, and said on Wednesday, "Leaving for Jakarta to take part in ASEAN related meetings. This includes the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, which focuses on a partnership we greatly cherish."

"I will also take part in the 18th East Asia Summit, which focuses on important developmental sectors like healthcare, environment and digital innovations," he added.

Earlier, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to exchanging views with other leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address the global challenges.

He also termed the engagement with the ASEAN group as an important pillar of Indias Act East Policy'. The Prime Minister is visiting Jakarta at the invitation of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo.

My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of Indias Act East policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties, the Prime Minister said.

After that, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit. This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges, he added.

PM Modi will return to New Delhi on Thursday evening ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be held on September 9 and 10.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke on the Sanatan Dharma controversy that stemmed from Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi's statement that Sanatan should be eradicated like dengue, malaria. According to the LiveHindustan, PM Modi in an informal chat with the ministers during the Cabinet meeting raised the issue and and said the ministers should give a befitting reply to the Sanatan Dharma debate. They should learn about the subject and present facts to counter the opposition leaders in the Sanatan row without letting the India versus Bharat controversy eclipse the Sanatan row. PM Modi also cautioned that only party spokespersons should speak on the India versus Bharat issue, the report said. PM Modi said the Sanatana row over Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi's comment needs a befitting reply from BJP ministers. (HT_PRINT)

What is the Sanatana row? What does PM Modi reacting to it signify?

1. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin's son Udhayanidhi Stalin stoked a controversy after he compared Sanatan Dharma with dengue and malaria and stressed that Sanatan Dharma should be done away with.

2. The comment triggered a massive political controversy with BJP leaders questioning INDIA leaders whether it is the collective opinion of the opposition. Udhayanidhi was also accused of encouraging genocide.

3. Even after massive outrage over his comment, Udhayanidhi stood by what he said and clarified that his comment was against caste-based society. He denied that his comments were genocidal and said when PM Modi talks of Congress-mukt Bharat, he does not speak of erasing all Congress people.

4. The opposition parties which are part of INDIA were divided over Udhay's comment. Congress's Priyank Kharge and Karti Chidambaram supported what Udhay said. An FIR was registered in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur against Priyank and Udhayanidhi under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of the IPC.

5. DMK leader Udhayanidhi defended his comment against caste-based society and said an example of discrimination under Sanatan Dharma was the fact that the Centre did not invite President Droupadi Murmu to the inauguration of Parliament. Udhay -- in his teachers' day message -- also cast aspersion on Dronacharya of Mahabharat who asked for Eklavvya's thumb. Eklavya was a tribal boy and was therefore exploited, Udhay suggested.

6. Union home minister Amit Shah was the first central minister to comment on Udhayanidhi's statement in which Amit Shah said the INDIA alliance is anti-Hindu.

7. Several BJP ministers commented on the Sanatan Dharma row but PM Modi raising it with the ministers signifies that the BJP will not let the issue go easily.

8. Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal spoke against Udhayanidhi's statement. "I am from Sanatan Dharma. Many of you also belong to Sanatan Dharma. I feel we should respect each other's religion and not speak wrong against it. It is not right. Everyone should respect each other's religion," Kejriwal said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Mauritius and Bangladesh and US President Joe Biden on Friday, ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi over the weekend, people familiar with the matter said. File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. (AP)

Mauritius and Bangladesh are among the nine guest countries invited to this years G20, and Modi will kick off a series of bilateral meetings on the margins of the summit by holding talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth at his official residence, the people said.

This will be followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, a key player in Indias Act East and Neighbourhood First policies, the people said. The highlight of the bilateral meetings on September 8 will be talks between Modi and Biden, which will be an opportunity to follow up on and take forward decisions made during the Prime Ministers visit to the US in June.

The meeting between Modi and Hasina, seen as one of New Delhis key allies in the neighbourhood, will be an opportunity to review numerous initiatives launched by the two sides in recent years to improve connectivity for trade, transport and energy and to boost people-to-people contacts. Transit connectivity got another boost with Bangladeshs decision to allow the use of its Chattogram and Mongla ports for the trans-shipment of goods to Indias northeastern states.

Hasina is also expected to bring up the issue of Western pressure on her government on the issue of conducting free and fair elections. Bangladesh is set to go to the polls by January 2024. The people said the Indian side has informed the US that pressuring the Bangladesh government on this issue could end up strengthening extremist and radical forces and increasing Chinas role in the neighbouring country.

Hasina is also eyeing the possibility of holding a meeting or having a pull-aside with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on the margins of a formal dinner being hosted for G20 leaders on September 9, the people said. The Bangladeshi premier could raise the long-pending issue of sharing the waters of the Teesta river if the meeting with Banerjee goes ahead. All chief ministers have been invited to the dinner being hosted by the Indian president.

The meeting between Modi and Biden is expected to focus on follow-ups to decisions and agreements finalised during the Indian leaders state visit to the US in June. Among the issues that are expected to figure in the meeting are defence cooperation, including the joint production of advanced jet engines for Indias home-grown combat jets and supply of weaponised drones, civil nuclear cooperation, cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, energy transition, and cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a packed schedule ahead of the G20 summit to be held here as he would attend the ASEAN-India meet and East Asia Summit on Thursday before returning home the same evening for key bilateral talks with the leaders of three countries on September 8, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(PIB)

The prime minister participated in the meeting of council of ministers as well as the cabinet on Wednesday. He had back-to-back meetings before he embarking for Jakarta.

Prime Minister Modi will spend around seven hours in the flight to arrive in Jakarta at 3AM IST on September 7.

In Jakarta, he will leave for the venue of ASEAN-India summit at 7am IST and participate in the meeting. At 8:45am IST, he will take part in the East Asia Summit, officials said.

Immediately after the meeting, he will emplane for Delhi at 11:45am IST and land around 6:45pm IST on Thursday.

The next day, PM Modi will hold important bilateral meetings with three countries, which includes a meeting with US President Joe Biden.

The G20 Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, among others, will attend the meeting of developing and developed countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his governments Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas approach has yielded great dividends domestically and that it was the guiding principle in global relations as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (REUTERS)

In an interview with Network18s moneycontrol.com ahead of the meeting of heads of the governments and states of the intergovernmental forum G20 in New Delhi over the weekend, Modi fleshed out the approach. Sabka Saath  bringing the world together to face collective challenges that affect all of us. Sabka Vikas  taking human-centric growth to every country and every region. Sabka Vishwas  winning the trust of every stakeholder through recognition of their aspirations and representation of their voices. Sabka Prayas  utilising every countrys unique strength and skill in furthering the global good.

He cited the motto for Indias G20 presidency Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), and said this captures Indias outlook aptly. For us, the whole planet is like one family. In any family, each members future is deeply connected with that of every other member. So, when we work together, we progress together, leaving none behind. He added they have followed the approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas in the country over the last nine years and that it has yielded great dividends in bringing the country together to pursue progress and deliver the fruits of growth to the last mile. Today, there is international recognition for the success of this model, too, he said in response to a question on his vision for G20 when the presidency of the forum moved to India.

He said when India laid out the agenda for the G20, it was welcomed universally. ...everyone knew that we would bring our proactive and positive approach to help find solutions for global issues. As the G20 President, we are also launching a bio-fuel alliance that will help countries meet their energy needs while also empowering a planet-friendly circular economy.

India has hosted global leaders and a series of meetings related to 32 sectors across the country since assuming the G20 presidency in December. The events will culminate with the meeting of heads of the governments and states of the worlds 20 largest economies in New Delhi on September 9-10.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The debate sparked by the rumoured plans to replace the official usage of the country's English name 'India' with 'Bharat' raged on Wednesday as the opposition leaders hit back at external affairs minister S Jaishankar over his "invitation" to read the Constitution. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the minister should rather acquaint himself with history, adding that whoever wants to use Bharat should use it. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha.(PTI)

"There have been bills and debates on it... The foreign minister is asking to read the Constitution but I would suggest that he should read history. We have been saying that whoever wants to use 'Bharat', should use it. We reacted when one of your MPs said that Bharat should stay, and India should be removed," Tiwari told ANI.

A state-issued invite to world leaders for a G20 dinner in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual President of India triggered speculations of the government planning to replace the official usage of the country's English name 'India' with Bharat.

When asked about his opinion on the debate, Jaishankar, in an interview with ANI, said 'Bharat' has a connotation that is reflected in India's Constitution.

India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar said.

The minister was asked about the opposition parties reaction and if the government is going to reposition India as Bharat coinciding with the G20 Summit.

Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, Jaishankar said.

Reacting to Jaishankar's statement, RJD MP Manoj Jha invited the External Affairs Minister to read the Constitution together.

I invite EAM Jaishankar to come and read the Constitution with me. 'India that is Bharat' is Article 1. We didn't hear him saying anything like that before 19th July... 19 July means the day when the INDIA alliance was formed... What will Jaishankar do if we make further abbreviations and change the alliance's name to India Bharat, he said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Prime Minister Modi felt that the G20 Summit should be treated as a national endeavour which is why the union government has been working on elaborate arrangements, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in an interview aired on Wednesday. Speaking to news agency ANI, Jaishankar attacked the opposition saying if anyone believed the G20 events should have been in Lutyens' Delhi or Vigyan Bhawan then it was their prerogative but the Modi-led government is different from previous governments. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (Twitter/G20)

He said, If somebody felt that they were most comfortable in Lutyens' Delhi or completely comfortable in Vigyan Bhawan - that is their prerogative. That was their world. So, yes you have had Summit meetings where the impact of the country probably went 2 kilometres, on a good day, out of Vigyan Bhawan. This is a different government. It's a different era. It's a different thought process.

The 18th G20 Summit, in which the heads of states will meet on September 9 and 10, will be held in India's national capital New Delhi. Over 25 world leaders along with other delegates are going to attend this mega event.

Jaishanakar argued that events were conducted across Indian cities so that different parts of India would have a sense of participation. He also noted that most of the states where the G20 events took place were not ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party government but by Opposition governments.

Jaishankar said, Prime Minister felt that and all of us have worked in that direction that the G20 is something that should be treated as a national endeavour, that different parts of India must have a sense of participation and that this is something which has been truly non-partisan.

For those who feel that we should be stuck in 1983, you are welcome to be stuck in 1983. I am sorry the country has moved on, we are in 2023, he added.

India assumed the rotational G20 presidency on December 1 last year. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year.

Speaking on the effect of G20 on the country's youth, Jaishankar said, One of the big pluses of the G20 is how the people of India, especially the young people of India, have gotten interested in foreign policy and they need it. This is a globalised era. It is an era where the opportunities can be very global and the problems too, as we saw during Covid, can be global. As part of the transformation of India, we need to create a global awareness in this country and I think the G20 has been helpful in it.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries - Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom and the United States and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

Jaishankar on G20 expectations:

Speaking on the expectations from the upcoming G20 Summit, Jaishankar said, Today the expectations of the world are very high in terms of what the G20 is able to produce, and produce in terms of meeting the challenges of the world.

He added that it was a responsibility for India in a very difficult world in terms of the COVID impact, conflict impact, climate impact and debt.

There is a very sharp north-south divide. There is an even sharper east-west polarization. So how do you bring people together? How do you find common ground? How do you make everybody understand that we all have a bigger responsibility and therefore please, can we kind of get our act together here and do what is right by the world.

Major issues for upcoming G20:

Calling it a home stretch, Jaishankar said that things are getting ready and negotiations and arrangements are in place by several G20 members.

He added that there were several longer-term structural issues as well as emergent issues to be discussed during the G20 event.

There is a mix of issues that the world is looking at and the burden is on the Global South and on developing countries. One very important message for us is to focus on the Global South. But there is a larger context. The context is of a very turbulent global environment, the impact of COVID, impact of the Ukraine conflict, issues like debt which have carried on for some time and climate disruptions which are today affecting the economy as well.

No other G20 presidency made effort to bring developing countries on the table

Speaking on whether the Global South countries saw India as a credible voice, Jaishankar said that there have been several G20 Summits before however, no other G20 presidency has made an effort to get the developing countries together, who are not on the table and asked them to express their concerns.

He said, We will distil those concerns and place them before the G20...So, if we have taken the trouble and we mean Prime Minister Modi himself. Outside the G20, India has a reputation for being a very constructive player. Someone who bridges, divides, who kind of somewhere helps to fix problems. So, there is a lot of goodwill that we have. I am confident that every one of the G20 coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear and will understand today that the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin referred to President Droupadi Murmu as an example of caste discrimination as he defended his Sanatan Dharma-malaria comment which is at the centre of a raging controversy. Udhayanidhi Stalin said President Droupadi Murmu was not invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament building because of caste discrimination. To this, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said in the presidential election DMK did not vote for her but sided with Yashwant Sinha. "BJPs choice of Presidential candidate reflects the thought process of the practitioners of the Sanatana Dharma!" Annamalai said adding that DMK voted against Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind. "Our country for long has seen that DMK wishes to keep brothers & sisters of the minority and scheduled community as their vote bank & will never want them to rise up the ranks." Annamalai tweeted. Tamil Nadu chief ministers son and minister for sports, Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday during an event in Chennai had said that Sanathana Dharma must be eradicated like malaria and dengue (PTI)(HT_PRINT)

Sanatan Dharma row: Here are the latest updates

1. An FIR was registered in Uttar Pradesh against Congress leader Priyanka Kharge and DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin for their Sanatan Dharma comment under sections 153A, 295A Indian Penal Code (IPC).

2. Udhayanidhi stood by his statement against Sanatan Dharma and said his statement was not against Hinduism but against caste-based society propagated by Sanatan. As an example he said, "Honourable President, Draupadi Murmu was not invited to the opening of the Parliament, that is the best current example."

3. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai said it is the Sanatan Dharma that made Droupadi Murmu the first tribal woman president. "You (DMK) voted for Yashwant Sinha (against Murmu); to which community does he belong? Why did not you vote for her (Murmu) then," Annamalai said.

4. "DMK has been inventing new meanings for Sanatana Dharma ever since their open call for its eradication received opposition from all quarters. Now they are saying Sanatan Dharma means Brahmin domination. They decided it themselves. Sanatan means something that has no beginning or end. Sanatan Dharma has been there for 20,000 years. No one knows when it started. And it will be there for another 1 lakh to 2 lakh years. Sanatan Dharma's fundamental principle is equating every human being to God. Only Sanatan Dharma says plants too feel pain and that we have to take care of animals like cows. They too have feelings. Sanatan Dharma says to take care of dogs like child. There is no discrimination. Everybody is equal," Annamalai said adding that caste system was not created by Sanatan Dharma.

5. The caste system was created by mankind and is being mended by humankind, Annamalai said adding that Sahajananda Swamy and Adi Shankaracharya preached that all are equal. "Hinduism is Sanatan Dharma which sees humans as Gods," Annamalai said.

6. PM Modi is believed to have commented on the Sanatan Dharma row and asked ministers to give fact-based befitting replies to the 'insult' to Sanatan Dharma.

7. Union minister Pralhad Joshi said the Gandhi family not condemning Udhayanidhi's comment shows they are endorsing it. "I will like to ask Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, who is trying to do politics over Parliaments session, that if you are really interested in sarva dharma sambhav then you must condemn the statement of Stalin. Otherwise, the county will believe that you are endorsing his statement," Joshi said.

8. Another controversy broke out in connection with Sanatan as Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara questioned the origin of Hinduism. "The question is when was Hinduism born, who created it?.. Many religions have arisen in the history of the world. Jainism and Buddhism were born here. When was Hinduism born and who started it is still a question," Parameshwara said.

9. Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said it is a pattern that after DMK's Udhayanidhi, now a Congress minister attacked the Hindu religion. "G Parameshwara has made this very shocking statement and it's certainly looking like it's a pattern and a planned attack on the Hindu faith, Rajeev Chandrashekhar said.

10. The word Sanatan itself has the answer. It means something which has no beginning and no end. It was in existence from eternity and will continue till infinitely," Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said attacking Karnataka's home minister. The home minister of such a big state like Karnataka cannot understand such a simple thing, whereas someone like me from a small state can get it," Himanta said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a report from the Muzaffarnagar police in Uttar Pradesh regarding the investigation and protection of the victim child in connection with a case lodged against a woman teacher, who allegedly encouraged her students to slap a classmate and made communal remarks at a private school. The matter will be heard next on September 25. (Representative file image)

A bench led by justice AS Oka sought steps taken to investigate the case and measures for protecting the victim and his family.

The matter will be heard next on September 25. The order was passed on a petition filed by Tushar Gandhi.

Also Read:Protect the young from polarisation

The FIR (first information report) in the case was lodged on August 25, a day after a purported video of the incident created an outrage on social media.

The teacher, identified as Tripta Tyagi, of Neha Public School in Khubbapur village under Mansoorpur police station of Muzaffarnagar, was seen in a 34-second video, directing her students to slap their fellow Muslim classmate for failing to learn multiplication tables.

She also allegedly declared that children of a certain faith whose parents do not pay attention to their children should be taught a lesson. HT cannot verify the authenticity of the video.

Superintendent of police (SP) (city) of Muzaffarnagar, Satyanarayan said on August 26 that a case was registered against the teacher under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on the complaint of the boys father. He said other elements would be included in the case on the basis of the findings of the investigation and added that prima facie the teachers intention did not seem malafide.

Speaking to HT on phone earlier, the boys father said that his two sons studied in the same school, but he will now send them to some other school, showing his resentment to the teachers act.

Several leaders including former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Congress member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Varun Gandhi and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Choudhary denounced the incident on X (formerly known as Twitter).

District magistrate of Muzaffarnagar Arvind Malappa Bangari said that a team of child welfare committee was sent to the boys house in Khubbapur village of Khatauli area to conduct counselling for the boy.

He said that Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) had also been directed to conduct an enquiry into the case.

Meanwhile, Tripta Tyagi also came forward with her statement and said, I made a mistake by getting the child beaten up by fellow students. I am handicapped and couldnt get up, so I asked the students to slap the child. She also claimed that the video had been tampered with.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking details of the government's agenda for the upcoming special session of the Parliament. In the letter to the prime minister, Sonia Gandhi said the session was called without any prior consultation with the Opposition. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi (ANI/File)

The government will hold a Special Session of Parliament from September 18-22, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi announced on last week while keeping the agenda under the wraps.

In her letter, Gandhi wrote, You have convened a special five-day session of the Parliament beginning 18 September, 2023. I must point out that this Special Session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda.

She added that the only information that the Opposition had received was that five days had been allocated for Government Business.

Gandhi said that the Opposition would definitely participate in the upcoming session to raise public concerns, and listed nine issues hoping it will be taken up during the special sittings. She wrote, We most certainly want to participate in the Special Session because it will give us an opportunity to raise matters of public concern and importance. I earnestly hope that time will be allocated under the appropriate Rules for a discussion and debate on these issues.

Congress leaders earlier told The Hindustan Times that the plan for Gandhi to write to Modi was endorsed by all Opposition's 24 INDIA bloc constituents with a presence in Parliament. This came after the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) decided in two meetings  one of the 28-member group and another of the Congress  that it wants to discuss fresh allegations against the Adani Group, price rise, unemployment, the Manipur situation and Centre-state relations in the five-day session beginning September 18, sources said.

The Congress leader listed out several matters of importance ranging from Manipur violence, Adani row and Caste census. Highlighting several issues, Gandhi wrote, I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming Special Session.

Issues mentioned by Gandhi in the letter were:

Current economic situation with focus on increasing price rise of essential commodities, growing unemployment, rise in inequalities and distress of MSMEs; Commitment made by the Government of India to farmers and farmer organizations in regard to MS and other demands raised by them; Demand for a JPC to investigate the transactions of the Adani business group in light of all revelations; The continued agony faced by people of Manipur and breakdown of; Constitutional machinery and social harmony in the State; Rise in communal tension in different States like Haryana; Continued occupation of Indian Territory by China and challenges to our sovereignty on our borders in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh; Urgent need for a Caste Census; Damages being inflicted on Centre-State relations; Impact of natural disasters caused by extreme floods in some States and drought in others

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on the Sonia Gandhi's letter

Speaking to reporters after Sonia Gandhi sent a letter to the PM Modi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that nobody had any information about the special session of the Parliament and suddenly, during one of INDIA bloc's meet, a special session was announced.

Ramesh said, Sonia Gandhi in a letter (to PM Modi) mentioned that the session has been called without any discussion with the opposition. No discussion was held with other political parties. Suddenly, during the INDIA bloc's meet in Mumbai and we hear that a five-day Parliament session has been called. Nobody had any information about it. Usually when special sessions are held, it is through mutual consent and discussion among several political parties This is for the first time that we do not have any details for the agenda.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss nine issues during the upcoming special Parliament session later this month including on the prevailing economic situation with focus on price rise and unemployment, recent revelations on the Adani group and the demand for a JPC and the urgent need to conduct a caste census, party leader Jairam Ramesh said on Wednesday. Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi . (File photo)

In her letter, Gandhi also demanded discussions on the alleged attack on the countrys federal structure, natural disasters in the backdrop of the recent floods in many states, the situation at the India-China border, incidents of communal tension in various parts of the country and the prevailing situation in Manipur, Ramesh said.

Gandhi wrote the letter this morning, the Congress announced, after Opposition parties held intense discussions on issues they want to raise during the upcoming special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22.

Also Read: Sonia Gandhi, Kharge and Rahul to attend INDIA bloc meeting in city

In her letter, Ramesh said, Gandhi also pointed out the lack of transparency in the governments agenda for the session, which was announced on August 31.

This session has been called without any consultation. Whenever a special session is convened, the government tries to make a broad consensus on the agenda of the session. But this is the first time, when the agenda has not been shared. She has also written than in the House bulletin there will be government business on all five days of the special session. This is unfortunate and from our side, we will try to raise certain issues that we couldnt raise in the last session, Ramesh said.

The Congress also said that they are ready to discuss these issues under any rule and a resolution must be adopted in the House on the China issue.

Sonia ji has highlighted nine major issues for this session. The first issue is the current economic situation including price rise, unemployment and the problems of the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) sector. The second issue is related to farmers. The government had held several rounds of discussions with farmer bodies and the government had given some assurances. What is the current status of those assurances and what is the governments stand on MSP (minimum support price) guarantee law, Ramesh said.

Gandhis letter also demanded a discussion on the caste census and highlighted that due to the lack of a census, 14 crore people have been left out of food security act.

The Congress has also demanded a detailed discussion on centre-state ties and Ramesh said: In Opposition-ruled states, the governor is creating hurdles. Many Opposition CMs have expressed concerns over the attitude of the government.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to demand discussions on nine issues, including fresh revelations on the Adani Group, price rise and caste census, in the upcoming special session, prompting a sharp response from parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, who accused her of politicising Parliament. Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi . (File photo)

Also Read| Any move to rename nation against the constitution, says Kerala CM

The exchange came amid furious speculation about the legislative agenda for the five-day session next week  after controversies around simultaneous state and assembly polls, and using the name Bharat instead of India in some official government communication  and summed up the mood in the government and Opposition camps.

In her rare letter to the PM, Gandhi also asked for discussion on the governments commitment to the farmer bodies on minimum support prices, and reiterated the Congresss demand for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the transactions of the Adani Group. Gandhi demanded another discussion on Manipur underlining the continued agony faced by people of Manipur and breakdown of constitutional machinery and social harmony.

Also Read| Sanatana Dharma row: AAP doesnt endorse Udhayanidhis statement, says Sanjay Singh

You have convened a special five-day session of the Parliament beginning 18 September 2023. I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda, she said in her letter.

Hours later, Joshi responded, saying that the special session was not in contravention of rules and regulations. It is unfortunate that you are trying to politicise and create an unwarranted controversy over Parliament, the temple of our democracy, he said in a letter addressed to the former Congress chief.

The minister said that before the start of a session, there is a meeting with the leaders of all parties, where the agenda and issues to be taken up are discussed. Our government is always ready to have discussions on any issue... the issues that have been raised by you have already been raised during the monsoon session when the discussion on the no confidence motion was taken up and responded to by the government, Joshis letter said.

In the monsoon session, the Congress and other opposition parties had moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government to force the PM to speak on Manipur. The two meetings and the letter are part of our attempt to set a narrative for the session, said an Opposition leader, a day after floor leaders of the INDIA group and the Congress parliamentary party held their respective meetings to set a common agenda for the Opposition.

The Congress also announced it will not insist on discussions under any particular rule  something it had demanded when the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group came out ahead of the budget session  but added that a session entirely for government business was not acceptable.

The letter mentioned the current economic situation with focus on increasing price rise of essential commodities, growing unemployment, rise in inequalities and distress of micro small and medium enterprises as the top agenda.

The farmers issue  against the backdrop of the governments assurances to farm bodies during the 2021 protests against three now-scrapped farm laws, particularly on the issue of minimum support prices  was listed as the second point.

The third demand were about the fresh allegations against the Adani Group published in two UK-based newspapers last week. It is very important to constitute a JPC on the revelations We have been making this demand for the last six months, but we are repeating this demand again and Sonia ji has conveyed this to the PM, said party general secretary Jairam Ramesh.

Gandhi also asked for debate on communal tensions in states such as Haryana, the situation at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, the continued occupation of Indian territory by China and the urgent need for a caste census.

Not only has the caste census not been done, but the census which was to be held in 2021, which is done every 10 years, has also not been done yet. And due to the absence of that census, there are about 14 crore people in our country who could not become the beneficiaries of the food security act, so it is necessary to have a census, and especially a caste census, Ramesh said.

In her letter, the former Congress president also asked for debates on the damages being inflicted on Centre-state relations and impact of natural disasters caused by extreme floods in some states and drought in others.

In his reply, Joshi dismissed the demands in Gandhis letter.

Maybe you are not familiar with traditions and procedure...before calling a session, and discussion with political parties is not required nor is the agenda discussed, he said.

He said that the agenda will be circulated at the appropriate time as per established practice. I would also like to point out again that in our parliamentary functioning, irrespective of which party is in government, to date the agenda has never been circulated in advance at the time of convening the Parliament, he wrote.

I have full confidence that the dignity of Parliament will be maintained and this platform will not be used for political disputes. Additionally, I look forward to your full cooperation in running the upcoming session smoothly resulting in meaningful results in the national interest, he added.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha also opposed Gandhis letter. Saddened to see that the urgency for discussing womens reservation bill was completely ignored in Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and MP Sonia Gandhi jis letter to the Prime Minister. Mrs. Gandhi Ji, the nation awaits your powerful advocacy for gender equality. she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of petitions challenging the publication of the caste survey conducted by the Bihar government by a month. Supreme Court of India (Representative Photo)

Posting the matter to October 3, the bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti clarified that it had not granted any stay on the publication of the survey.

On a plea challenging the Patna high courts August 1 order giving the go-ahead for a caste survey, the bench noted that it was yet to go through the affidavit submitted by the Centre which claimed that the government which is empowered under the Constitution to conduct census is the Union government.

On August 28, the Centre through the ministry of home affairs filed a two-page affidavit stating that census is a subject that falls under entry 69 in the union list of the 7th schedule of the Constitution and it is under this power, the Centre has enacted the Census Act, 1948.

The said Act empowers only the central government to conduct the census under Section 3 of the Census Act, read the affidavit.

This affidavit was filed in quick succession to replace an earlier affidavit filed by the Centre the same day asserting that other than the Central government, no other body under the Constitution or otherwise is entitled to conduct the exercise of either census or any action akin to the census.

According to the Centre, the Bihar government has no business to conduct a caste survey.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who appeared for the Centre was granted time on August 21 to file a response after he indicated that the government would like to intervene as the matter had certain ramifications.

Meanwhile, Bihar has claimed that it had completed the door-to-door survey that began following a notification issued in June last year.

Earlier on August 7, the top court had refused to stay the Patna High Courts order giving the go-ahead for a caste survey in Bihar and deferred the hearing on petitions challenging it to August 14.

The Bihar governments caste survey was challenged by a group of individuals and organisations before the Patna high court claiming that such a survey was like census that the Centre alone could undertake.

The petitioners also claimed that the state cannot obtain sensitive information about the caste, or religion of persons without ensuring the safety of data as it infringes on citizens valuable right to privacy.

The petitions were dismissed by the high court on August 1 against which the petitioners, including NGOs such as Youth for Equality and Ek Sock Ek Prayas, filed appeals in the top court seeking a stay on the publication of survey details.

The apex court listed the petition filed by the NGO Ek Soch Ek Prayas along with other pleas against the same order of the high court.

The petition has submitted that the entire exercise of conducting a census by the Bihar government is without authority and legislative competence, and reeks of malafide.

Meanwhile, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has said that the state held a caste-based counting and not a census.

The survey to compile the socioeconomic data of each family in the state was held in two phases; the first round was conducted between January 7 and 21. The second round started on April 15 and was scheduled to continue till May 15, but halfway through the process, the Patna high court temporarily suspended the survey. The exercise resumed on August 2 after the high court gave its approval, and concluded on August 6.
New Delhi: It is for the Centre to bring in a law to regulate post-retirement assignments for judges of constitutional courts, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday, adding that in absence of such a law, it has to be left to the better sense of the judge concerned to accept or turn down such offers. The apex court says the judges of constitutional courts cannot be stopped from taking up post-retirement appointments without a law restricting them. (ANI)

Dismissing a public interest litigation pressing for a mandatory cooling-off period of two years for the judges after they demit office, a bench led by justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul pointed out that it is not for the apex court to either stop a retired judge from accepting a post-retirement offer or to direct Parliament to frame a specific law in this regard.

The issue of whether a retired judge should accept any office has to be left to the better sense of the judge concerned, or a law has to be enacted, which cannot be a subject matter of this courts directions under Article 32 of the Constitution. The petition is thus dismissed, said the order passed by the bench, which also included justice Sudhanshu Dhulia.

The bench was hearing the plea filed by the Bombay Lawyers Association, argued by advocate Ahmad Abdi, who expressed concerns over the ramifications such appointments may have on the independence of judiciary. Abdi added that serious questions arise when a judge, after having dealt with politically sensitive cases, accepts political appointments offered by the executive.

Let the government enact a law then...And what is a political appointment? It is all frivolous. It is up to the judge to say whether he wants to decline or does not decline, retorted the bench.

The bench then asked Abdi whether the top court could say nobody should take up a job at a tribunal after retirement even as the laws regulating such tribunals provide for chairmanship of retired judges of the Supreme Court or high courts.

The counsel said the petitioner is talking about only those appointments that depend on the discretion of the executive for which there should be a two year-cooling off period. Observing that a lot of things are left to the discretion of the judge, the bench said the petitioner has picked up one case.

While the petition had mentioned the instance of justice SA Nazeer becoming the governor of Andhra Pradesh, the court chose not to take any name. You dont want a particular person to become governor. That is why you have filed this petition. You have picked up this one case, said the bench, adding it cannot go into these issues under the writ jurisdiction.

At present, there is no law that prevents a retired judge of the Supreme Court or high courts from taking up a post-retirement appointment.

The 2020 nomination of former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi to the Rajya Sabha had also opened up a debate regarding judicial independence.

In February this year, justice Nazeer was appointed as the new governor of Andhra Pradesh.

In 2014, immediately before the Narendra Modi government first came into power, former CJI P Sathasivam took on the position of governor of Kerala just four months after his retirement.

In a 2014 report, the Law Commission of India recommended a three-year cooling off period for judges before they accept any posts offered by the government. The recommendation was, however, not acted upon.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utkarsh Anand Utkarsh Anand is Legal Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on law, judiciary and governance. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Wednesday demanded a categorical status report from the Manipur government on the recovery of arms and ammunition stolen from the police and state armoury that has been overrun by ethnic clashes between the Meiti and Kuki communities since early May, observing that the issue was sensitive and that it must be looked into seriously irrespective of which side is involved. Ethnic clashes between the tribal Kukis and dominant Meiteis first erupted on May 3. (AP file photo)

A bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, directed the report to be shared only with the court for the present after the state government submitted that making public the report on arms stolen may lead to panic.

You can submit a report to us, we can examine. I dont believe in court seeing something others dont know, its not my philosophy but if you feel like this is a matter about recovery of arms and court should be apprised, at least tell us what steps have been taken. We are dealing with it objectively. State has to take actions about illegal arms irrespective of which side has done it, the CJI told solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Manipur government and the Centre in the clutch of petitions relating to the violence in the northeastern state.

Also Read: Ensure no denial of basic human facilities in Manipur: SC to govt

The bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, added, Recovery of arms is extremely sensitive. We will in our order that Manipur will place a status report for the perusal of the court on the recovery of arms and a roadmap.

In its order asking for a status report in two weeks, the bench referred to its August 7 order in which the court had directed the state government to investigate into the looting of arms and ammunition from the police and the state armoury.

During the hearing, senior counsel Sanjay Hegde and Gopal Sankaranarayanan raised the issue of the recovery of arms, adding some militants brandished the looted arms on August 15.

Some other lawyers blamed a particular community for stealing arms and possessing arms, prompting the bench to respond, We are concerned with the source of human suffering irrespective of the source. Everyone has to be dealt with uniformly. Even for disarmament, we are saying the state has to do this irrespective of the source of arms. Everything has to be done irrespective of who is doing it. We are not blaming either side and we are not going to leave the issue unattended too. We will ask the state government to tell us what they have done till date.

In its order, the court recorded that the state government will submit a status report on the recovery of arms and that this report could presently be given to the court confidentially.

During the proceedings, the bench also recorded statements of the Manipur chief secretary in an affidavit that there is no shortage of food items, medicines or other essential supplies in the relief camps and that the state has been taking note of all concerns.

If any further grievance subsists in regard to the supplies, it can be brought to the notice of the district administration that can look into it immediately. This will obviously not preclude the petitioner from approaching the committee appointed by this court. We also make it clear that this direction will apply across the board, the order added.

On the last date of hearing on September 1, the court had directed the Centre and the Manipur government to ascertain basic supply of food, medicines and other essential materials are not disrupted for the people affected or displaced due to ethnic strife in the state, calling it a humanitarian aspect requiring the courts intervention.

Taking note of the reports of road blockades in the state, the bench ordered on the day that all steps necessary to improve the situation, including removal of blockades, should be taken by both the central and state governments.

The court order had come after a committee of retired women judges, appointed by the top court to assess the efficacy of relief and rehabilitation measures, brought up the issue of supplies of food and essential items to the victims of violence, especially those housed in relief camps. The issue of an outbreak of measles and chickenpox in some relief camps was also raised on September 1.

An affidavit filed by the Manipur chief secretary on Tuesday, however, refuted both claims, calling the assertions false and misleading. While just a single case of chicken pox has come to light, SG Mehta added, there were adequate supplies of food and other essential items in all the relief camps, including in Moreh that some of the petitioners cited on September 1.

The affidavit further said that it would have been more appropriate for the committee of retired judges to ascertain the factual position from the state administration before raising this issue in the court.

The affidavit also divulged that as on date, 386 places of religious worship have been destroyed in the state during the violence and that the state government is committed for restoration of all religious institutions irrespective of the community.

Responding to a plea in the court that had cited massive destruction of churches in the state, the state government maintained that selective highlighting of religious places of one community can lead to precarious position and thus, the court must step in to stop any endeavour in this regard.

During the proceedings, the bench asked the Union home secretary to have a meeting with the judges committee, which comprises justices Gita Mittal (former chief justice of the Jammu & Kashmir high court), Shalini P Joshi (former Bombay high court judge) and Asha Menon (former Delhi high court judge), for finalising the names of the experts who could assist the committee in its work.

Ethnic clashes between the tribal Kukis and dominant Meiteis first erupted on May 3 during a protest against a court-ordered tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the latter.

The violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. At least 163 people have been killed in the violence.

Hearing a bundle of petitions that have sought an array of protective and rehabilitative orders, the court had on August 25 shifted 27 cases being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to a set of designated judges in Assam to ensure protection of victims and witnesses, besides facilitating fair and quick trials.

Of these, 20 cases relate to the offences of rape, molestation and murder of women.

One of these cases pertains to a horrific 30-second video clip of two Kuki women being stripped and paraded naked by a mob that prompted the apex court to take suo motu cognisance, and the subsequent hand over of the case to CBI by the Centre on July 28.

Among the other seven cases, three are for looting weapons, two for murder, and one case each for rioting and conspiracy.

By an order on August 10, the apex court had appointed Dattatray Padsalgikar, former deputy national security adviser and ex-director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra, to oversee investigations being carried out by CBI as well as by those conducted by the 42 special investigation teams (SITs), constituted by the Manipur government to probe more than 6,500 other first information reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the violence in the northeastern state. He has been given two months to submit a report.

As the state government said that the information is sensitive, the Court has directed the report to be shared only with the Court.

The state filed an affidavit denying dearth of ration or essential commodities or an outbreak of chicken pox in certain relief camps as pointed out on the previous date by the committee of retired judges formed by the top court. The Court directed Centre to held the Committee appoint experts within three days to enable the Committee to undertake its work of relief, rehabilitation and other complaints from the ground.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utkarsh Anand Utkarsh Anand is Legal Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on law, judiciary and governance. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Wednesday demanded a detailed status report from the Manipur government on the recovery of arms and ammunition stolen from the police and state armouries in the wake of ethnic clashes between the Meiti and Kuki communities since early May, observing that the issue was sensitive and that it must be looked into seriously irrespective of which side is involved. In its order asking for a status report in two weeks, the bench referred to its August 7 which directed the state government to investigate the looting of arms and ammunition from the police and state armouries. (File photo)

A bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, directed that the report be shared only with the court for now after the state government claimed publicising the report could lead to panic.

I dont believe in court seeing something others dont know, its not my philosophy but if you feel like this is a matter about recovery of arms and court should be apprised, at least tell us what steps have been taken. We are dealing with it objectively. State has to take actions about illegal arms irrespective of which side has done it, the CJI told solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the Manipur government and the Centre in the clutch of petitions relating to the violence in the northeastern state.

In its order asking for a status report in two weeks, the bench referred to its August 7 judgment which directed the state government to investigate the looting of arms and ammunition from the police and state armouries.

During the hearing, senior counsel Sanjay Hegde and Gopal Sankaranarayanan raised the issue of the recovery of arms, adding that some militants brandished the looted arms on August 15. Other lawyers blamed a particular community for stealing arms and possessing arms, prompting the bench to respond: We are concerned with the source of human suffering irrespective of the source. Everyone has to be dealt with uniformly. Even for disarmament, we are saying the state has to do this irrespective of the source of arms. Everything has to be done irrespective of who is doing it. We are not blaming either side and we are not going to leave the issue unattended too. We will ask the state government to tell us what they have done till date.

In its order, the court recorded that the state government will submit a status report on the recovery of arms and that this report could presently be given to the court confidentially.

During the proceedings, the bench also recorded statements of the Manipur chief secretary in an affidavit that there is no shortage of food items, medicines or other essential supplies in the relief camps and that the state has been taking note of all concerns.

If any further grievance subsists in regard to the supplies, it can be brought to the notice of the district administration that can look into it immediately. This will obviously not preclude the petitioner from approaching the committee appointed by this court. We also make it clear that this direction will apply across the board, the order added.

On the last date of hearing on September 1, the court had directed the Centre and the Manipur government to ascertain basic supply of food, medicines and other essential materials are not disrupted.

That came after a committee of retired women judges, appointed by the top court to assess the efficacy of relief and rehabilitation measures, brought up the issue of supplies of food and essential items to the victims of violence, especially those housed in relief camps. The issue of an outbreak of measles and chickenpox in some relief camps was also raised on September 1.

An affidavit filed by the Manipur chief secretary on Tuesday, however, refuted both claims, calling the assertions false and misleading. While just a single case of chicken pox has come to light, SG Mehta added, there were adequate supplies of food and other essential items in all the relief camps, including in Moreh that some of the petitioners cited on September 1. The affidavit further said that it would have been more appropriate for the committee of retired judges to ascertain the factual position from the state administration before raising this issue in the court.

The affidavit also divulged that as on date, 386 places of religious worship have been destroyed in the state during the violence and that the state government is committed for restoration of all religious institutions irrespective of the community.

Responding to a plea in the court that had cited massive destruction of churches in the state, the state government maintained that selective highlighting of religious places of one community can lead to precarious position and thus, the court must step in to stop any endeavour in this regard.

During the proceedings, the bench asked the Union home secretary to have a meeting with the judges committee, which comprises justices Gita Mittal (former chief justice of the Jammu & Kashmir high court), Shalini P Joshi (former Bombay high court judge) and Asha Menon (former Delhi high court judge), for finalising the names of the experts who could assist the committee in its work.

Ethnic clashes between the tribal Kukis and dominant Meiteis first erupted on May 3 during a protest against a court-ordered tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting Scheduled Tribe status to the latter. The violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. At least 163 people have been killed in the violence.

Hearing a bundle of petitions that have sought an array of protective and rehabilitative orders, the court on August 25 shifted 27 cases being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to a set of designated judges in Assam to ensure protection of victims and witnesses, besides facilitating fair and quick trials. Of these, 20 cases relate to the offences of rape, molestation and murder of women. One of these cases pertains to a horrific 30-second video clip of two Kuki women being stripped and paraded naked by a mob that prompted the apex court to take suo motu cognisance, and the subsequent hand over of the case to CBI by the Centre on July 28. Among the other seven cases, three are for looting weapons, two for murder, and one case each for rioting and conspiracy.

By an order on August 10, the apex court appointed Dattatray Padsalgikar, former deputy national security adviser and ex-director general of police (DGP) of Maharashtra, to oversee investigations being carried out by CBI as well as by those conducted by the 42 special investigation teams (SITs), constituted by the Manipur government to probe more than 6,500 other first information reports (FIRs) registered in connection with the violence in the northeastern state. He has been given two months to submit a report.

INSET : protection for editors guildThe Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim protection from arrest to the president and fact-finding team members of Editors Guild of India (EGI) that approached it for quashing of two first information reports (FIRs) lodged against them by the Manipur police for allegedly inciting more clashes in the northeastern state rocked by ethnic clashes since the first week of May.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, directed that no coercive steps be taken against the petitions till September 11. Issue notice. Keep this on Monday. No coercive steps to be taken against petitioners till the next date of hearing, the bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra ordered.

EGI, represented through senior counsel Shyam Divan, pleaded with the bench to consider scrapping the FIRs while seeking interim protection from arrest till the final order. Those booked by the police on private complaints are Seema Mustafa, EGI president, and three members , Seema Guha, Bharat Bhushan and Sanjay Kapoor. The three members visited Manipur last month to study media reportage of the ethnic clashes.

On Monday, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh accused the body of instigating more clashes in the state through its biased fact-finding report on the violence.

On Saturday last week, EGI released a report of its Fact-Finding Mission on Medias Reportage of the Ethnic Violence in Manipur which claimed that the medias reports on the ethnic violence in Manipur were one-sided and accused the state leadership of being partisan.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utkarsh Anand Utkarsh Anand is Legal Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on law, judiciary and governance. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Wednesday nixed the election notification for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for Kargil, holding the process to be flawed. On September 1, the apex court reserved its verdict on the NCs plea challenging the denial of the partys symbol. (Representative file image)

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah directed the election commission for the Union territory and the Centre to issue a fresh notification and the new election schedule within a week.

It further held that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is entitled to the plough symbol while imposing a monetary penalty of 1 lakh on the Ladakh Administration for challenging the high court order that ruled in its favour allowing the party candidates to contest the LAHDC-Kargil polls on its plough symbol.

Also Read:Article 370 hearing concludes, Supreme Court reserves verdict

On September 1, the apex court reserved its verdict on the NCs plea challenging the denial of the partys symbol to its candidates for the LAHDC-Kargil polls.

A detailed copy of the Supreme Court judgement is expected to be released later on Wednesday.

The NC has been recognised as a state party for the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state.

After the scrapping of its special status, the state was split into the UTs of J&K and Ladakh  comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil  in August 2019.

In its arguments against reserving the plough symbol for the NC, the Ladakh administration says that no state party, including the NC, is a recognised party in Ladakh, and that the NC could therefore not claim its plough symbol in the UT.

On its part, the NC however says that as the incumbent in Kargils hill development council it wants to contest elections on the symbol that was previously allotted to and reserved for the party.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Senior Congress leader Shashi on Wednesday took a swipe at the ruling BJP for pushing Bharat over the country's English name India after the opposition bloc named the alliance INDIA, an abbreviation for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. Tharoor said BJP might stop the fatuous game of changing names if the opposition parties rechristen the front as Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow, or BHARAT. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.(PTI / File)

We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names, Tharoor posted on X, former Twitter, as the debate over official usage of the country's English name raged for the second day.

A political row has erupted over the name of the country after the government sent out G20 dinner invites to world leaders in the name of the President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India.

Tharoor earlier noted that there is no constitutional objection to calling India Bharat but added that completely dispensing with India would be foolish. He suggested using both India and Bharat to refer to the country and not relinquish claim to a name redolent of history.

While there is no constitutional objection to calling India Bharat, which is one of the countrys two official names, I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with India, which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries, he wrote on X.

We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world, he added.

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of "shallow politics" being done on 'Bharat' and 'INDIA' and demanded a ban on all political bodies formed in the name of the country.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, Mayawati said, Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance of the shallow politics being done on 'Bharat' and 'INDIA' and ban all organisations, parties, and alliances formed in the name of the country.

"Bharat that is India is a well-known and dignified constitutional name. The people of our country, belonging to all castes and religions, have immense love and respect for the sacred humanitarian and public welfare Constitution of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and it is highly inappropriate to play with their sentiments by changing and tampering with them," she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
An FIR has been registered against Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge over the remarks made on the Sanatan Dharma, alleging them of outraging religious sentiments. Both the DMK and Congress leaders were booked under Section 153A (promoting enmity between different religious groups), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) after complaints from advocates in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur. Stalin Jr and Priyank Kharge

The FIR came at the complaint of lawyers Harsh Gupta and Ram Singh Lodhi who highlighted media reports on Stalin's statement alleging that the politician's comments had hurt their feelings.

Last week, Stalin Jr criticised the Sanatan Dharma  an endonym frequently used to refer Hinduism  at an event in Tamil Nadu and compared it with diseases like dengue and malaria, and allegedly called for its eradication.

His comments sparked row from political parties, with BJP insisting on the Congress to condemn his remarks. However, the Kharge Jr came forward in support of DMK leader's remark saying any religion that does not promote equality and does not ensure that you have the dignity of being a human is not a religion, according to me.

Responding to reports of FIR, Kharge reiterated his statement that he made earlier.

I don't care, they can do what they want, my statement is very clear. It is not against any particular religion. I had stated that any religion that does not preach equality is not a religion according to me. Constitution is my religion. If UP has a problem, I do not see it to be mine. We will do whatever needs to be done, he told news agency ANI.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs.3,760 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for creating battery energy storage system. The decision was taken in the meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union minister Anurag Thakur (File Photo)

Making the announcement, Union minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday said that funding was approved keeping in mind the rising energy demands and to meet its target to achieve 50% of the needs through renewable energy.

India aims to meet its 50% energy needs through renewable sources by 2030.

Addressing the press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Thakur announced the envisaged development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, with financial support of up to 40% of capital cost as budgetary support.

The government will spend Rs.3,760 crore and it will be a 100 per cent central grant Battery energy storage systems are key to fulfilling rising energy demands, Thakur said.

He added, We dont have the capacity. This viability gap funding will help add 4,000 MW hours of battery energy storage systems by 2025-26Power distributing companies (discoms) will be the first to receive such viability gap funding.

When this battery energy system is developed, it will be used during the peak hours...Carbon emissions will be reduced and the dependency on fossil fuel will also be reduced, Thakur told the reporters.

Thakur also pointed out that in renewable energy, solar capacity which was 2.6 GW in 2014 has increased to 71 GW, while wind energy, which was 21 GW in 2014 is now at 40 GW.

India also aims to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 45%.

Moreover, Thakur announced that the Cabinet also has approved Rs.1164.53 crore as an additional fund requirement under the Industrial Development Scheme, 2017, for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

774 units were registered under the scheme... and 49,000 employment could be generated earlier, Thakur said.

At the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to an ambitious five-part Panchamrit pledge, including reaching 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity, to generate half of all energy requirements from renewables, to reduce emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Between 2004 and 2018, recipients of heart transplants from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities had a 10 per cent higher relative risk of graft failure and death within five years than those from non-distressed communities. Heart transplant patients from low-income communities have higher mortality rate: Study

Additionally, between 2018 and 2022, transplant recipients had a roughly 20 per cent higher relative risk of passing away or having a graft fail within three years than they had before the 2018 UNOS Heart Allocation policy's introduction. This is true even if the percentage of upset patients was the same in both periods.

There are still considerable socioeconomic differences in the American healthcare system. Although structural deprivation has been shown to have an impact on cardiovascular health in previous studies, the effect of community distress on survival after heart transplantation has not been investigated.

The Distressed Communities Index (DCI), which uses neighbourhood variables like unemployment, poverty level, median income, and housing vacancies to measure community socioeconomic inequity, and data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) were both used by the researchers to estimate the number of adult heart transplant patients. 7,450 out of 36,777 heart transplant recipients came from impoverished areas.

The inability to pinpoint transplant centres' locations or proximity to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, as well as a lack of precise data like test results and operating times, are among the study's drawbacks.

With the discrepancy gap in outcomes expanding with the 2018 Policy Change, structural community distress is associated with lower survival after heart transplantation. For vulnerable groups, new structural and systemic interventions that address social determinants of health are required to improve follow-up treatment and outcomes.

To avoid risk-averse transplantation techniques that would disproportionately harm underserved patients, the DCI should also be included in risk stratification models. The field of heart transplantation must immediately address the growing discrepancy in outcomes due to the COVID19 pandemic's compounding effects, especially on already vulnerable groups.

"While social determinants of health have long been recognized to both shape access to and outcomes following heart transplantation, lack of clear metrics to measure such inequity have limited the development of targeted interventions, said Sara Sakowitz, a medical student at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA who led the study.

Our work demonstrates community-level socioeconomic distress is linked with inferior survival following heart transplantation, and further establishes this socioeconomic disparity gap is widening. Changes in policy are needed to address persistent inequities in access to health.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The India story is resonating not just across our globe but even at the Moons south pole. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi led the celebrations of International Yoga Day at the United Nations this year where participants from 180 countries joined. One half of the Bretton Woods twins, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees India as a bright spot in the global economy while the other, the World Bank feels that India is in a better position to deal with the international headwinds than many other countries. While a German federal minister expressed amazement after using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in a Bengaluru roadside vegetable shop, the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) commended Indias leadership in innovative digital health initiatives. This is New India, the fastest growing economy that is presiding over the G20, comprising the worlds most powerful countries. Indias G20 presidency themed One Earth, One Family, One Future, is inspired by the proverbial phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam from the Maha Upanishad. (ANI)

The G20, representing two-thirds of the world population, encompasses 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product and 75% of world trade. It has significantly contributed to ensuring macroeconomic stability, relieving debt burden, streamlining international taxation and facilitating trade agreements. While India has hosted summits of Commonwealth heads of government and the Non-Aligned Movement in the past, the G20 presidency, given its global impact and influence, is unequivocally more consequential. Indias G20 presidency themed One Earth, One Family, One Future, is inspired by the proverbial phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam from the Maha Upanishad. India has evolved as the voice of the Global South and PM Modi has invited the African Union to become permanent members of the G20.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, distinct rivalling views exist on shaping the global order. Having emerged as a Vishwamitra, a friend of the world, India is well poised to share its solutions to address global concerns. Emerging challenges to our economies and health have compelled us to revise how we live and work. India organised the worlds largest vaccine drive in history with a tech-based platform called CoWIN. Indias digital public infrastructure, known as the IndiaStack, complemented by the democratisation of technology, brought about stunning socio-economic transformation. This has ushered in revolutionary progress ensuring inclusive growth, social protection, secure credit access, women empowerment and transparent delivery of public services at the grassroots level.

The numbers in the last nine years illustrate Indias success story  10 billion UPI transactions in the last month, which is 45% of the worlds real-time digital payments, 1.35 billion Aadhaar cards issued, 500 million Jan Dhan bank accounts opened and more than 300 billion dollars digitally transferred to the bank accounts of the marginalised through direct benefit transfers; 135 million people have been moved out of poverty in the last five years and the Bank for International Settlements stated that India managed to achieve financial inclusion in seven years which would have otherwise taken 47 years.

Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), over 332 million unique patient IDs, 200,000 health facility registries and 144,000 health professional registries have been created. Real-time digital access to health records has linked practitioners with patients and facilitated structured health care across the country. eSanjeevani, the governments telemedicine programme, has bridged the divide to enable 140 million beneficiaries to avail access to quality health care at their doorstep.

PM Modis vision is firmly guided by sarvajan hitay, sarvajan sukhay (the welfare of all, the happiness of all). Hailing Chandrayaan-3s historic achievement, he dedicated the success to all of humanity. Covid-19 taught us that global development is not possible without a human-centric approach. The ultimate test of the G20s significance is whether it can catalyse collective concrete action within multilateral institutions and nations. Only about 50 countries in the world have digital payment systems.

PM Modi, at the 2022 Bali Summit, affirmed that the principle of data for development would be an integral part of Indias summit. He also reiterated that the proper use of digital technologies could become a force multiplier in the decades-long global fight against poverty. If India can steer the global dialogue in the direction of an inclusive digital development agenda, it could be a game changer. A technology-led human-centric globalisation could be the lasting legacy of Indias G20 presidency.

CR Kesavan, a former member of the Prasar Bharati Board, is with the BJP. The views expressed are personal

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Two construction workers in Yangqianhe Township damaged the Great Wall of China beyond repair. According to a statement issued by the local police, Zheng and Wang, a man and woman, respectively, widened an existing hole in the wall for a shortcut to their construction work nearby. The police have arrested the construction workers who damaged a part of the Great Wall of China. (Pixabay (gmshtwjl) and local police)

The 38-year-old man and the 55-year-old woman used excavators to excavate the gap so they could pass their machinery through it and cut their travel distance short, the statement further mentioned.

Local police shared this image of the damage caused to the Great Wall of China. (Screengrab)

The police were alerted to the irreversible damage on August 24 at 4:20 pm, and the Criminal Investigation Team promptly arrived on the scene. Zheng and Wang were found in neighbouring counties with an excavator. The police promptly arrested the two, and an ongoing criminal investigation is underway.

The Great Wall of China has a total length of more than 20,000 kilometres (12,427 miles). In 1987, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The damage was inflicted on the 32nd Great Wall section, which dates back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Despite this setback, a watch tower in the area remains in relatively good condition and is regarded as a provincial cultural relic, reports CNN.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
After an image of a G20 dinner invite that carried the name of 'The President of Bharat', went viral on social media, it triggered speculations that India's name is being changed to Bharat. Bharat memes started trending on X after rumors of India's name change. (Twitter)

As the speculations of India being renamed spread like wildfire, many people took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts and views on it in the form of memes. (Also Read: 'India' accepted name for our country, changing it to 'Bharat' not required, says Siddaramaiah)

Check out some of the memes here:

An individual mentioned how institutes would have to rename themselves.

Another X user imagined the reaction of I.N.D.I.A. alliance.

Here are a few other reactions:

During the special session of Parliament from September 18-22, the Union government could put forward legislation to officially rename India to Bharat. Although, till now, there is no official confirmation of the introduction of the renaming bill.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Love was in the air at Auckland Airport after a man proposed to his long-time partner. The airport shared a heartwarming video of the proposal on their Instagram page, which has tugged at the heartstrings of viewers. Man proposing to his girlfriend at Auckland Airport. (Instagram/@aucklandairport)

Love was in the air at Auckland Airport. We jumped at the chance to be ring-ins for this unforgettable moment. Grab the tissues and be ready to swoon. Congratulations Riiya and Yashraj! Thank you for making us a part of it, wrote Auckland Airport while sharing a video on Instagram.

The video opens with a text insert that highlights how Auckland Airports arrivals hall is a special place for reunions between loved ones. And now, the airport has added a unique and romantic marriage proposal to its list of memorable moments.

The video then transitions to show a man named Yashraj who wants to propose to his girlfriend Riiya at the airport. So, it all started with an idea that I had because I knew Riiya, shes like full of life. So, weve known each other for eight years and we just clicked, and I knew that she is the one, Yashraj is heard saying in the video.

Yashraj sought assistance from Auckland Airport authorities for the marriage proposal broadcasted over the PA system. He even invited his family and friends to witness the proposal. When Riiya arrived from Melbourne, the proposal was played. Riiya was entirely taken by surprise as she heard the pre-recorded, Will you marry me? and saw Yashraj down on one knee. Riiya accepted the proposal as people cheered on for the happy couple.

Its the best thing ever. And thank you, Yash, for making this memorable, Riiya says in the video after accepting the proposal.

Watch the video capturing the sweet proposal here:

Since being shared on August 28, the video has accumulated over 30,000 views, and the numbers are still increasing. Additionally, it has collected numerous comments.

Heres how people reacted to this proposal video:

An Instagram user wrote, So sweet.

Cute, shared another.

A third commented, Heart-swelling stuff.

Congratulations, posted a fourth.

A fifth expressed, Beautiful.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A video of a man recreating Katrina Kaifs dance steps from Sheila Ki Jawani has left the Internet in splits. His dance might make you chuckle too. Snapshot of the man recreating Sheila Ki Jawani dance. (Instagram/@asoebiladies)

The video opens to show a man standing in front of a TV where Sheila Ki Jawani is being played. Dressed like Katrina Kaif, he effortlessly mirrors her dance moves and facial expressions, creating a captivating synchronization. (Also Read: South Korean woman dances to O Rangrez, says 'Indian music has powerful impact')

The video was originally shared on Instagram by user @papa_script. It gained traction again after the Instagram handle @asoebiladies shared it.

Watch the video of this man recreating Sheila Ki Jawani here:

This post was shared on July 5. Since being shared, it has been liked more than 53,000 times. The share has also received several comments.

Check out what people are saying about this video here:

An individual wrote, "New competitor of Katrina Kaif." A second added, "Bro has infinite talent." "Mumbai aapki talash me hai," expressed a third. A fourth shared, "Bro know all the steps by heart." Several others have reacted to the video using laughing emojis.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
There have been reports of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looking to buy a house in Malibu to be near Los Angeles than their current abode in Montecito. According to latest report by TMZ, the royal couple checked out a $8 million property in Malibu over the Labor Day weekend in the United States. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle(Getty Images)

As per the report, the nearly six-acre property is still under construction and has a guardhouse and a big swimming pool. Foundation has been laid for a 10,000-square-foot main residence in the plot. The property has a 360-degree view of Broad Beach at the location.

Reportedly, the cost of the property would increase to $18 million after a home is constructed on the vacant plot. As per TMZ, plans for the main house have already been approved and a construction crew is in place.

Notably, Meghan has been trying to get more involved with Hollywood. The speculated relocation from Montecito to Malibu is aimed at achieving better success in her endeavours related to film projects.

ALSO READ| Vivek Ramaswamy's better half: All you need to know about Apoorva Ramaswamy

Warning to Harry and Meghan

Earlier, a security expert had warned the royal couple from thinking of moving to Malibu and cited safety risks.

If theyre bothered by the paparazzi and intruders at their mansion in Montecito 90 miles away, it will be considerably worse in Malibu, where their profile will be even higher," Kent Moyer, boss of the Beverly Hills-based World Protection Group had told The Express.

The security expert had highlighted the unfavourable infrastructure in Malibu which might jeopardise the royal couple's safety in case they require a quick escape.

The main access road, Pacific Coast Highway, is very narrow in parts and often blocked in winter by mudslides and landslides. That would be a nightmare if they were looking to escape an attack by car," said Moyer.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Wednesday any attempt to cooperate with North Korea on military affairs in a way that damages international peace must immediately halt. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, delivers his remarks as Japan's Prime Minster Fumio Kishida looks on.(AP)

Yoon made the comment at a summit meeting with Southeast Asia's ASEAN bloc countries in Jakarta, Indonesia, his office said.

The office did not elaborate but his comment comes amid reports that arms negotiations between North Korea and Russia are actively advancing and that the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, plans to visit Russia soon to meet President Vladimir Putin.

"Attempt at military cooperation with North Korea that harms international peace must immediately halt," Yoon's office quoted him as saying at a meeting with the leaders of ASEAN countries.

North Korea and Russia have denied they were in arms negotiations.

A visit by Kim later this month to Russia's far-eastern port city of Vladivostok is partly to discuss supplying Moscow with weapons for the war in Ukraine, the New York Times reported this week.

Russia's defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said earlier the two countries planned to conduct joint military exercises.

At a later meeting with ASEAN leaders, together with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Yoon said South Korea would work closely with the two Asian neighbours with the goal of resuming their three-way talks on improving ties.

An annual summit between the three has not taken place since 2019 because of tensions, largely over Japan's wartime past.

Yoon called for vigilance to help stop illicit North Korean activities that fund its nuclear and missile programmes, including sending workers abroad to earn foreign currency.

Under a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in 2017 and backed by China, U.N. member countries are required to send back all North Korean workers and not take them on again.

North Korea, which maintained strict border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been reopening slowly in recent weeks, with increased train crossings, and the resumption of flights, with China.

Before the pandemic, China hosted the largest number of North Korean workers abroad, with as many as half of the estimated 100,000 people earning more than $500 million a year.
An extratropical cyclone in southern Brazil caused floods in several cities, killing at least 27 people and leaving more than 1,600 homeless, authorities said Wednesday. The Taquari River water level is high due to a cyclone in Mucum, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil.(AP)

More than 60 cities have been battered by the storm since Monday night, and Rio Grande do Sul Gov. Eduardo Leite said the death toll was the state's highest due to a climate event.

Rescue efforts expanded farther west on Wednesday with helicopters headed to the Rio Pardo Valley. Search and rescue teams had been focusing around the Taquari Valley, about 150 kilometres northwest of the state capital Porto Alegre, where most of the victims and damage were recorded.

More heavy rains were expected to hit the state's centre-south region, but possibly sparing worst-hit areas.

Authorities maintained three flooding alerts on Wednesday  for the Jacui, Cai and Taquari rivers.

TV footage showed families on the top of their houses pleading for help as rivers overflowed their banks. Some areas were entirely cut off after wide avenues turned into fast-moving rivers.

Leite said 15 of the deaths occurred in one house in Mucum, a city of about 50,000 residents. Once the storm had passed, TV footage showed a goat hanging from an electrical line  an indication of how high the water had risen.

Many of the victims died from electrical shock, or were trapped in vehicles, online news site G1 reported.

The city hall at Mucum recommended that residents seek out supplies to meet their needs for the next 72 hours.

Rio Grande do Sul was hit by another extratropical cyclone in June, which killed 16 people and caused destruction in 40 cities, many of those around Porto Alegre.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Brazil is set to pass the United States this year as the world's top corn exporter, ending years of US dominance thanks to a bumper harvest, officials said Wednesday. Brazil had only broken US farmers' decades of dominance in corn exports once previously, in 2013.(AP)

The South American agricultural giant, already the world's top producer and exporter of soybeans, is on track to export 50 million tonnes of corn in 2023, "surpassing US exports," the state-run National Supply Company (Conab) said in its latest production report.

The forecast roughly aligns with projections from the US Department of Agriculture, which had said in an August report that Brazilian corn exports were on track to reach 56 million tonnes this year, surpassing the United States, at 41.3 million.

However, the US remains the world number one corn producer, at 348.8 million tonnes, more than double Brazil's forecast of 131.9 million.

Brazil's claim to the corn export crown comes largely thanks to a climate that allows its farmers to harvest three times a year, with particularly good weather conditions this year fueling a bumper crop.

Productivity gains also played a big role.

Brazil's corn harvest is set to increase by 16.6 percent this year, boosted by an increase in productivity per hectare (acre) of 13 percent, including record-breaking levels in the key central-western grain-producing state of Mato Grosso, Conab said.

The country's farmers planted a record 22.3 million hectares (55.1 million acres) of corn this year, up 3.2 percent from last year.

Brazil had only broken US farmers' decades of dominance in corn exports once previously, in 2013.

Brazil also has a record soy crop this year, with 154.6 million tonnes harvested, up 10.9 percent from the previous record, in 2020-2021.
China has ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apple's iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The orders were given by superiors to their staff in recent weeks but it wasn't clear how widely the orders were being distributed. (Bloomberg/File)

The orders were given by superiors to their staff in recent weeks but it wasn't clear how widely the orders were being distributed, the WSJ said.

The report did not name other phonemakers besides Apple. China's State Council Information Office could not be immediately reached for comment and Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

China has in recent years grown more concerned over data security and has rolled out new laws and compliance requirements for companies.

In May, the country had urged big state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to play a key role in its drive to attain self-reliance in technology, raising the stakes in the race amid rifts with the United States.

Sino-U.S. tensions have been high as Washington works with allies to block China's access to vital equipment needed to keep its chip industry competitive and Beijing restricts shipments from prominent U.S. firms like planemaker Boeing and chip company Micron Technology.

(This story has been refiled to fix the syntax in paragraph 2 and a spelling in paragraph 3)

(Reporting by Baranjot Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A private primary school in China, Jiesheng Primary School, in the Guangdong province is set to charge students for afternoon naps on desks, mats or beds in the new school year. A staff member said the nap charges were in line with official regulations and the school could individually decide what to charge the students for. (Twitter)

A viral screenshot from a school notice shared on the Chinese social media platform WeChat listed three items with associated fees without explaining the charges, as reported by the Hong Kong-based news organization South China Morning Post.

As per the notice, sleeping on the desk would incur a charge of 200 yuan (US$28). Whereas, sleeping on the mats in the classrooms would cost students 360 yuan (US$49.29) and on the beds in private rooms would lead to a total cost of 680 yuan (US$93.10).

The school will be arranging for the teachers to be present to look after the students during the nap sessions.

As per the China-based news platform Xibu Juece, local education officials said that the regulation was not a unified judgement but added that private schools in the country were entitled to make such a move.

A member of the school's staff confirmed to local media the plans to charge the students for afternoon naps. The staff member said, It is not mandatory. Students also can choose to go back home during their lunch break.

According to the staff member, the nap charges were in line with official regulations and the school could individually decide what to charge the students for.

Dongguan City Development and Reform Bureau spokesman, as quoted by South China Morning Post, said that the charges were reasonable since the teachers would be present to look after and supervise the students during the nap sessions.

Several people on the Chinese social media platform Weibo were critical of the new fee system.

One of the users said, Is this a joke? The school has gone crazy just to make money.

Another user asked, This is ridiculous. Next the school will charge a fee for going to the restroom or breathing?

One of the users also said, Am I the only one who cant understand why students need to pay for sleeping at their desks?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A Chinese Communist Party and government delegation headed by Vice Premier Liu Guozhong will visit North Korea to take part in the celebration of the country's founding day later this week, state media KCNA reported on Thursday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.(AP)

The visit comes at the invitation of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the report said.

The WPK is the sole party in the reclusive country.

North Korea celebrates its founding day on Sept. 9 known as the Day of the Foundation of the Republic and this year will mark the 75th anniversary.

In July, a Chinese delegation led by Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong visited Pyongyang and attended a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War -- the first visit by a Chinese delegation since the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the parade the Chinese official was seen in North Korean state media shoulder-to-shoulder with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un alongside Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was also visiting the country.
Do criminals regret their actions? Baby killer Lucy Letby refused to attend court for sentencing after being convicted of heinous crimes. She clearly did not intend to come to the dock, or take part in the hearing. Lucy Letby was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release for killing seven babies in her care, and attempting to kill six others (Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust)

Lucy was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of release for killing seven babies in her care, and attempting to kill six others as a neonatal nurse in Chester Hospital in Cheshire, England. The 33-year-old is now being considered one of the most prolific child killers in the history of the United Kingdom.

In an interview with Hindustan Times,Dr. Sohom Das, a qualified ConsultantForensic Psychiatrist who assesses, treats and rehabilitates criminals who are mentally disordered, weighed in on the possibilities of Lucy having shown any remorse. Despite the cruel acts, it is very feasible that a minuscule part of them does feel some sort of guilt and shame, Soham said of criminals.

In fact, I think we saw this with Lucys notes which offered a glimpse into her psyche. After these individuals have been imprisoned, sometimes it might take months or even years for them to reflect on the consequences of their actions. They might develop genuine remorse retrospectively. But of course, this is little consolation for the victims families, he added.

What did Lucy write in her note?

A note Lucy wrote, which was later discovered by authorities, read, I AM EVIL, I DID THIS. She added that she did nothing wrong.

Police investigation forget slander. Discrimination. Victimisation. All getting too much everything taking over my life. Hate myself so much for what this has . . . I feel very alone and scared, Lucy wrote. What does the future hold. How can I get through it. How will things ever be like they used. HATE. PANIC. FEAR. LOST. I dont deserve to live. I DID THIS. WHY ME. I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough for them and I am a horrible evil person. I dont deserve Mum and Dad. World is better off without me.

An undated handout image released by Cheshire Constabulary police force in Manchester on August 17, 2023, shows a hand-written note alongside the 2016 Diary of nurse Lucy Letby (Photo by Cheshire Constabulary / AFP)
A US man who served seven and a half years in prison for a rape he did not commit has been cleared nearly five decades later thanks to new DNA evidence, authorities said Tuesday. Reacting to his exoneration, Mack said: I am finally free.(X/ @ken_crichlow)

Leonard Mack, now 72, was arrested in 1975, in Greenburgh, New York state, after the rape of a teenage girl, who had been walking home from school with another girl.

Police announced a search for a Black suspect in the mostly white neighborhood and shortly after picked up Mack, who is African American.

After a campaign by the Innocense Project, DNA evidence not available at the time has "conclusively excluded 72-year-old Mr Mack as the perpetrator and identified a convicted sex offender, who has now confessed to the rape," the Westchester County prosecutor's office said in a statement.

"This is the longest wrongful conviction in US history known to the Innocence Project to be overturned by DNA evidence," the district attorney's office said, citing Mack's "unwavering strength fighting to clear his name for almost 50 years."

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, 575 wrongly convicted people have been cleared based on new DNA tests since 1989 -- 35 of them while waiting for execution.

Researchers say that Black suspects are far more likely to be the subjects of wrongful convictions than innocent white people.

Although Black people account for only 13.6 percent of the total US population, more than half of the 3,300 people whose convictions were overturned between 1989 and 2022 were Black, the National Registry of Exonerations said.

Reacting to his exoneration, Mack said: I am finally free.
Drugs are believed to be the cause of death of one person who died at Burning Man, authorities claimed. On September 1, a doctor pronounced Leon Reece of Truckee, California dead. Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office officials have now claimed that the man, 32, had drugs in his system, according to New York Post. Hundreds of Burning Man attendees who planned to leave on buses wait for information about when they will be able to leave on Labor Day, after a rainstorm turned the site into mud September 4, 2023 (Trevor Hughes / USA TODAY NETWORK via REUTERS) (via REUTERS)

The cause and manner of death are pending investigation, but drug intoxication is suspected, the medical examiners office said in a statement

Pershing County Sheriffs officials said that although deputies arrived at about 6:24 pm, they could not immediately get to Leon. His manner and cause of death are pending, and an autopsy is being conducted. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an investigation is underway. Six to eight months may be required to complete Leons toxicology results.

At the time of Leons death, a huge rainstorm had turned the festival site into a mud pit as thousands of festivalgoers were preparing to attend the event. Attendees have now made a mass exodus from the Nevada desert. Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said that attendees lashed out at each other during the exodus after waiting for eight hours before they could leave.

As usually happens in what Burners refer to as the default world people allow their emotions to override their reasonableness and they are lashing out at each other as they leave the playa and attempt to make it to their next destination, he told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Oliver Anthony, the country artist behind Rich Men North of Richmond,' is said to be among those who are trapped at the festival. He was schduled to be interviewed by the journal Midwestern Marx on Sunday, September 3. The show's presenters later said in a live stream that he was trapped at Burning Man.

Our man Oliver Anthony has been trapped in the flooding at Burning Man, this is what he told us over email, one of the shows three hosts said. Olivers representative told us that hell be out there for at least another day. So honestly, right now, were mostly just concerned with his safety and hopefully he can make it out of this situation safe and then we can reschedule the interview for a different time.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has weighed in on a debate between the European Parliament and the EU Commission. The subject? Whether or not to slap visas on United States citizens in the name of reciprocity. (FILES) A US government official with the State Department's Passport Services places a new blank US Passport with an embedded electronic chip into the "book printer," entering personal data and the photograph of an applicant on June 14, 2007, in Washington, DC. It is an "unprecedented demand", which comes up against the need to "rebuild" a service practically dismantled during covid, US Secretary od State Antony Blinken acknowledged, as travel surges post-Covid. The US State Department asked citizens to "check the expiration date of the document and renew it" as soon as possible before traveling.(AFP)

Here's the scoop: Last October, the European Parliament took the EU Commission to task over its refusal to impose visas on US citizens, despite the US not extending the same courtesy to Bulgarian, Croatian, Cypriot, and Romanian nationals.

Fast forward to September 5th, and the EU Court has spoken. They've ruled that the EU isn't obliged to impose visas on US citizens, even if the US isn't playing fair. According to SchengenVisaInfo.com, the court's judgment states that the EU can decide to suspend visa exemptions at its own discretion.

In other words, while the principle is that only countries granting visa exemptions to all EU member nationals should enjoy the same privilege for their own citizens, the Commission gets the final say.

"The Commission therefore did not exceed its discretion in taking the view that it was not required to suspend the exemption of United States nationals from the visa requirement," the Court declares.

So, what's all the fuss about? Well, currently, US citizens can waltz into Europe without a visa. But, by mid-2024, they'll need to jump through a new hoop called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Think of it as Europe's answer to America's ESTA.

Speaking of ESTA, most EU folks already have to wrangle with it when heading to the US, except those from Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, who need a B1/B2 visa. Croatia scored an ESTA pass as part of the US Visa Waiver Program in December 2021.

In the end, the EU Court's verdict means that US citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free jaunts across the Atlantic despite the grumbling. And as the world turns, the visa reciprocity dance goes on.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
US President Joe Biden is set to visit India for the G20 summit after he tested negative for Covid-19 on Tuesday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told a briefing that President Biden tested negative for coronavirus disease for two consecutive days since the First Lady, Jill Biden, tested positive for the virus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Joe Biden. (AP)

"An update on the President and the first lady Jill Biden since she tested positive for Covid-19 last night. I can tell you that the first lady is experiencing mild symptoms and will remain in Delaware for the week. President Biden tested negative last night for Covid-19 and tested negative again today," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a briefing.

"He (President Biden) is not experiencing any symptoms as far as the steps he has taken since the President was with the first lady yesterday. He will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with CDC guidelines. As has been practised in the past the President will remove his mask when sufficiently distance from others indoors and outside as well," she said.

Jill Biden testing positive for Covid had cast a shadow on President Biden's participation in the G20 Summit in New Delhi, which Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have decided to skip. However, Jake Sullivan, national security advisor of the United States, confirmed that Biden will visit India for the G20 Summit.

Biden is scheduled to land in Delhi and hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8. He will then attend the G20 Summit over the weekend before heading to Vietnam.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi for G20 Summit in India. On Friday Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023," Sullivan said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Iran's security forces detained a relative of Mahsa Amini days before the anniversary of her death in the custody of the morality police that sparked months of nationwide protests, news agency Reuters reported quoting a source close to the family said. As Iran fears revival of the unrest that rocked the country, authorities have increased their clamp down on dissent aimed at deterring any gatherings on Mahsa Amini's death anniversary on September 16, the report claimed. Iran Anti-Hijab Protests: A woman holds a placard with a picture of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini during a protest against her death.(AP)

"A group of security forces went to Amini's uncle Safa Aeli's home yesterday ... searched his car and house without having a court order and then arrested him ... they also confiscated some documents like his passport," the source told Reuters, adding, Prior to his arrest, Aeli was followed by security forces for a week ... The family does not know where he has been taken.

The months-long protests spiralled into the biggest show of opposition to Iran's authorities in years as many called for the end of more than four decades of Islamic clerical rule. Over 500 people - including 71 minors - were killed, hundreds wounded and thousands arrested during the unrest that was quelled by Iran's security forces, Rights groups have said. France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) said that the security forces have mounted pressure on the family members of protesters killed in the unrest by summoning, threatening or arresting them.

"The families have been threatened to avoid calling for any gatherings to mark Amini's anniversary," it said.

Amnesty International said Iranian authorities "have been subjecting victims' families to arbitrary arrest and detention, imposing cruel restrictions on peaceful gatherings at grave sites, and destroying victims' gravestones."

Many journalists, lawyers, activists, students, academics, artists, public figures and family members of protesters killed in the unrest have been arrested, summoned or threatened in the past few weeks, according to Rights groups.

Earlier it was reported that the lawyer for Mahsa Amini's family also faces charges of "propaganda against the system".

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Iranian journalist Nazila Maroufian who interviewed Mahsa Amini's father said that she was sexually assaulted during her latest arrest and was now on hunger strike in prison, Associated Press reported citing an audio message published by several media outlets and rights groups. The 23-year-old has been repeatedly targeted by the Iranian authorities since she published an interview with Amjad Amini after his daughter died in custody on September 16, 2022, sparking months of protests in the country. Snapshot from an undated video of Iranian journalist Nazila Maroufian.(AFP)

This comes as Iran authorities reportedly stepped up crackdown to prevent new protests ahead of the upcoming one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death.

Nazila Maroufian, who has now been arrested four times in recent months, was most recently detained in Tehran on August 30.

"I was sexually assaulted in a situation where I was in the worst possible state," she said in the audio message from Tehran's Evin prison.

Nazila Maroufian said in her message that she was now on hunger strike.

"This strike is for me but is also for all the women in dire conditions in Iran," she said in her message. Reports earlier this week said that she had also been jailed for one year on charges of "spreading propaganda" against Iran.

After previous releases, Nazila Maroufian had defiantly posted pictures of herself without a hijab defying the country's strict dress code for women. Mahsa Amini had been arrested for allegedly violating this code.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
The growing tension between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and President Joe Biden over the immigration crisis has drawn the attention of top Republicans, who have praised the Democrat for speaking out against the White House. New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to media during the West Indian Day Parade, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. The largest U.S. celebration of Caribbean culture is held in New York City, as steel bands, floats and flamboyantly costumed revelers take to the streets in the West Indian Day parade. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)(AP)

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the California Republican, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that Adams was right to demand better treatment for New York City, which has been overwhelmed by tens of thousands of migrants arriving from the southern border.

Democrats are finally coming to terms with the reality that the Biden Border Crisis is hurting the country, McCarthy wrote.

It has gotten so bad, even the leaders of Democrat strongholds like New York City and Massachusetts are throwing in the towel.

ALSO READ| Who is Enrique Tarrio? Ex-Proud Boys leader sentenced for Jan 6 attack has a rap sheet including theft when he was 20

McCarthy urged New York Senator Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats to pass the Secure The Border Act of 2023, a bill proposed by House Republicans that would resume building the border wall and increase border security.

Former Vice President Mike Pence also commended Adams for challenging Biden on immigration. He told WABC 770 AMs Cats & Cosby Show on Monday night, Ive got to do a hat tip to the mayor of New York, whos been willing to call out President Joe Biden and his administration for their absolute failure to secure the southern border.

But, Adams spokesman, Fabien Levy, responded to the Republican compliments by tweeting that they were hypocritical and unhelpful. He said that Trump and Pence had prevented migrants from working and that McCarthy and other Republicans had done nothing in Congress to pass any meaningful immigration reform.

When given the chance to lead, neither @SpeakerMcCarthy nor @Mike_Pence were anywhere to be found, Levy wrote.

Adams has repeatedly asked for federal assistance to deal with the humanitarian crisis in his city, which has seen nearly 100,000 migrants arrive since last spring, according to data from City Hall. Some of them were sent there from red states like Texas, which have been eager to make liberal cities feel their pain.

The influx of new arrivals has pushed city homeless shelters to their limits, testing their capacity to accommodate those in need.

Adams has privately criticized the US President for his lack of leadership on the border crisis, and has also publicly expressed his frustration.

In May, the Biden re-election campaign removed Adams from its National Advisory Board following his criticism of the administration's immigration policies.

It is the irresponsibility of the Republican Party in Washington for refusing to do real immigration reform, and its the irresponsibility of the White House for not addressing this problem, Adams said in May.

ALSO READ| Did Joe Biden abruptly walk out of the Medal of Honor ceremony, even before the closing benediction? Video shows

Biden has blamed Republicans for blocking his immigration reform bill, which he introduced as his first legislation. He said at a conference with US mayors earlier this year, according to Fox News, But because of some in the Congress, they refused to consider it. They found it a better issue to campaign on than an issue to solve.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, another Democrat, has also called for more action from Biden to stem the crisis.
A court in military-ruled Myanmar on Wednesday sentenced a photojournalist to 20 years in prison, his employer said, the longest known prison term handed down to a media professional since the 2021 army coup. Sai Zaw Thaike is seen.(File)

Sai Zaw Thaike was arrested in late May in Rakhine state while he was reporting on the Cyclone Mocha's impact.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since early 2021, when the military overthrew the elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and cracked down on opponents, with thousands jailed or killed.

The specifics of the charges against the photojournalist were not immediately clear, but initially, he faced legal action under four different laws, which included the Natural Disaster Management Law and Section 505A of the Penal Code.

"The military council sentenced Ko Sai Zaw Thaike at his first trial on September 6 at a court inside Insein prison without having chance to have lawyer or defend himself," said a statement released by Myanmar Now news portal.

Myanmar's military spokesman did not answer calls from Reuters seeking comment.

In 2022, Myanmar ranked as the third-worst country for imprisoning journalists worldwide, following only China and Iran, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

According to data from the Detained Journalist Group, over 150 journalists have been arrested, and four media workers have lost their lives since the coup.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A principal of a private school in Karachi's Gulshan-e-Hadeed was arrested on Monday on alleged rape and blackmailing allegations, according to local media reports. Over 45 women have fallen victim to sexual abuse by the principal, Irfan Ghafoor Memon, who used CCTV footage to blackmail them, reported by Pakistan-based Geo TV. The scandal came to light after a video of Memon and a female teacher went viral. (File)

The police also recovered around 25 short video clips from Irfan's phone. The police confiscated the digital video recorder (DVR) of the CCTV cameras as well as Memon's mobile phone for investigation.

The scandal came to light after a video of Memon and a female teacher went viral. Soon after, the principal's office was sealed and he was sent to a seven-day physical remand.

As per the police, Memon claimed that he rented the school for PKR 100,000 per month, adding that there were around 10 female teachers, five male teachers and 250 students in the school.

A first information report (FIR) has been filed against Memon on grounds of sexual harassment, threatening and blackmailing.

The investigating officer told Geo TV that Memon would sexually abuse female teachers on the pretext of providing a job. "The accused used to blackmail the women by filming videos," the IO said.

On orders of the Sindh Education Minister Rana Hussain, the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The committee comprises Deputy Director Qurban Ali Bhutto and assistant directors Javed Akhtar and Mumtaz Hussain Qambrani.

The IO also said that more suspects have come to light who might have DVR and several videos of the victims and assured that at least two suspects would be arrested soon.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for District Malir Hassan Sardar said that over five women had come forward alleging sexual abuse by Memon. So far, five women have come forward as victims of the suspect who is currently under investigation. We are also gathering necessary information from the victims as well.

Speaking to Geo News, Assistant Commissioner Nazir Abro said that the district administration will investigate the incident and will also contact the education department so that the students can continue their education.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns possible trip to Russia might be like his first one in 2019  a rattling, 20-hour ride aboard a green-and-yellow armored train that is a quirky symbol of his familys dynastic leadership. There are growing expectations for a meeting as its clear Kim's and Putins interests are aligning in the face of their deepening, separate confrontations with the United States. (AP/File)

In what would be his first foreign travel since the start of the pandemic, United States officials say Kim may visit Russia this month for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly to advance talks on North Korean arms sales to refill Russian reserves drained by its war on Ukraine.

According to US reports, a potential venue for their meeting is the eastern city of Vladivostok, the site of their first meeting in April 2019, where Putin is expected to attend the annual Eastern Economic Forum that takes place on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University from Sunday to Wednesday.

How Kim, the 39-year-old authoritarian leader, would get there is a focus of media attention.

While Kim has used planes more frequently than his famously flight-averse father, he has also used his family's armored train for his previous meetings with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019, reviving an old symbol that has long been part of the Kim dynastys lore.

Putin, for his part, now prefers to avoid airplanes and travel on a special armored train since his decision to invade Ukraine in early 2022, according to Gleb Karakulov, a defector from Putin's secretive elite security service.

Kims earlier meeting with Putin required a daylong trip that began at the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and chugged over the countrys aging railways along the eastern coast before crossing a border river into Russia.

Kim went to China four times from 2018 to 2019 to meet Xi  two of them by his train and the other two by his private Russian-made jet. In June 2018, he borrowed a Chinese Boeing 747 plane to fly to Singapore for his first summit with Trump, reportedly because his jet was deemed unsafe. For his second meeting with Trump in February 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam, Kim took his train for a two-and-half day trip.

Kims meetings with Xi and Putin surrounded his high-stakes diplomacy with Trump, where he attempted to leverage his nukes for badly needed economic benefits. The Kim-Trump diplomacy eventually collapsed after their Hanoi meeting.

Since closing his country's borders in early 2020 to guard against the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim hasn't met any foreign leader.

Kim's possible second trip to Russia could signal a restart of a summit-driven diplomacy and may be followed by a trip to China for a meeting with Xi, said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in South Korea.

Kims father, Kim Jong Il, made about a dozen trips abroad during his 17-year rule, almost all to China and all by train. North Korea's state media said that Kim Jong Il died of a heart attack during a train trip in 2011.

According to an account published in 2002 by Konstantin Pulikovsky, a Russian official who accompanied Kim Jong ll on a three-week trip to Moscow a year earlier, the train carried cases of expensive French wine and passengers could feast on live lobster and pork barbeque.

The trains most important feature, however, would be security. According to South Korean media reports, North Korea has 90 special carriages in total and operates three trains in tandem when a leader is traveling  an advance train to check the rails, the train with the leader and his immediate entourage, and a third train behind for everyone else. High-tech communication equipment and flat-screen TVs are installed so a leader can give orders and receive briefings.

A life-size mock-up of one of the trains carriages is on permanent display at a mausoleum on the outskirts of Pyongyang where Kim Jong Il and his state-founding father, Kim Il Sung, lie in state.

Its not immediately clear whether Kim Jong Un would choose to travel to Russia on a train again when he seems equally comfortable with flying. When Kim jetted off to the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in May 2018 for his second meeting with Xi, he became the first North Korean leader to fly abroad in 32 years. The last time a North Korean leader had publicly gone abroad by air had been Kim Il Sung's flight to the Soviet Union in 1986.

Schooled for several years in Switzerland, Kim Jong Un is believed to have traveled by air often as a teenager. Since taking office upon his father's death in December 2011, Kim had also occasionally flown inside North Korea. Kims official plane is a remodeled version of the Soviet-made IL-62. North Korea calls it Chammae-1, named after the goshawk, North Koreas national bird.

Read Here | Russia looking for weapons in North Korea: US

South Korean media say the plane can fly at a maximum speed of 900 kilometers (560 miles) per hour and carry about 200 people. Its maximum flight range is about 9,200 kilometers (5,700 miles) but it has reportedly never flown that far. State media said Kim was aboard Chammae-1 when he reviewed air force planes taking part in combat aeronautics contests and inspected construction work in Pyongyang.

Some analysts are skeptical whether Kim's meeting with Putin would happen next week on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum because he and his predecessors have preferred one-on-one summitry when making their rare trips abroad.

Still, there are growing expectations for a meeting as its clear Kim's and Putins interests are aligning in the face of their deepening, separate confrontations with the United States.
On Monday, it was announced that President Xi Jinping will not attend an upcoming summit of the Group of 20 major economies in India. Premier Li Qiang will take his place. Chinas President Xi Jinping (R) and Politburo Standing Committee member Li Qiang (L) (AFP Photo)

This will be the first time that Xi has skipped a G20 summit, to which he has consistently attached importance as Chinas top leader.

A precursor seems to have been this summers Beidaihe meeting, the annual get-together of incumbent and retired leaders of the Chinese Communist Party at the seaside resort of Beidaihe, Hebei Province.

The informal discussions are never officially disclosed, but details of this years closed-door talks have begun to emerge. In short, the conclave had a significantly different feel from the previous 10 Beidaihe meetings that have taken place since Xi became general secretary of the party in 2012.

Sources said that at this years gathering, a group of retired party elders reprimanded the top leader in ways they had not until now. Xi later expressed his frustration to his closest aides, according to the information gathered.

This Beidaihe meeting was held without the presence of the most prominent of party elders. Former President Jiang Zemin died at the age of 96 last November, and Xis immediate predecessor, Hu Jintao, now 80, has seldom been seen since being unceremoniously escorted out of the Great Hall of the People at the partys national congress last October.

These absences might have helped create a desirable situation for Xi. But the matter was not that simple.

China today is not in the best shape. Its economy is receding in ways unseen since reform and opening-up began in the late 1970s. The real estate sector is in shambles, symbolized by the struggles of major developer Evergrande Group. The youth unemployment rate deteriorated to such an extent that Chinese authorities this summer stopped releasing figures.

The military is mired in commotion in the wake of two top Rocket Force generals being purged, the firings coming to light in July.

Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from that post for unknown reasons, with suspicions continuing to ripple through the ministry.

The turmoil has worried many of the elders who ran the party during Chinas economic ascent.

Sources said that ahead of Beidaihe, party elders convened their own meeting to summarize their opinions before conveying them to the current leaders. The meeting was likely held in the suburbs of Beijing.

Afterward, only several of these elders traveled to Beidaihe to convey their consensus to the current leaders. The face-to-face meeting with the current leaders, including Xi, took place on a single day, the sources said.

The gist of the message was that if the political, economic and social turmoil continues without any effective countermeasures being taken, the party could lose public support, posing a threat to its rule.

We cannot have more turmoil, the elders pointed out.

The central figure of the elders was Zeng Qinghong, a former vice president and one of the closest aides to the late former President Jiang.

Zeng played the most important role in paving the way for Xi, once a little-known figure, to quickly take the helm of the party.

Now 84, Zeng remains influential within the party and enjoys a wide network of personal connections. Some say that in the wake of Jiangs death, Zeng has a bigger role to play.

Thus Xis rough summer began. After receiving the unexpectedly harsh criticism from the elders, Xi huddled with close aides he has promoted to key posts. According to information that has begun to trickle out, Xi vented his frustration, pointing fingers at his three predecessors -- Deng Xiaoping, Jiang and Hu.

All the issues that were left by the previous three leaders are on my shoulders he is believed to have said. Ive spent the last decade tackling them but they remain unresolved. Am I to blame?

He also is believed to have told his aides that it was now their job to resolve these leftover issues.

The venting left his aides shaken, especially Premier Li, No. 2 in the party hierarchy.

Li is in charge of an economy that is facing significant headwinds.

One of those headwinds is the countrys deteriorating relations with much of the outside world. Trade is sluggish, and foreign investment in the country is declining sharply.

Xis decision to forgo the upcoming G20 summit in India is likely an attempt to avoid losing face.

There is a possibility that Chinas economy, and how it weighs on the global economy, might be discussed. Premier Li, who is in charge of Chinas economy, should travel to India to address these concerns, the inner circle has likely concluded.

But the skipping of the G20 follows another no-show. In late August, shortly after the Beidaihe meeting ended, Xi failed to appear at a business forum held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit involving Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, held in South Africa. His speech was read out by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

One take is that Xi did not attend the forum because there were concerns that he might be asked direct questions about the poor performance of the Chinese economy.

Another major factor behind Xis G20 absence is that no breakthrough in stalled relations with the U.S. appears on the horizon. While there is hope in Washington that the visit to China by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo late last month served as one step toward a more stable relationship, this is not how the Chinese side sees it.

From Beijings standpoint, Raimondo came bearing no gifts.

With neither the U.S. nor China able to make major concessions on important economic issues, it is difficult for Xi to justify a friendly meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. Under the current circumstances, it is unclear whether Xi will be able to travel to the U.S. in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco. His absence from that gathering would raise even more red flags.

The butterfly effect of Chinese politics never ceases to amaze. On Thursday, days after the Beidaihe meeting is thought to have closed, former Premier Li Keqiang made his first public appearance since being forced to retire in March.

The former No. 2 was smiling broadly when he appeared at the World Heritage Mogao Caves, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, along the ancient Silk Road in Gansu province.

He was greeted by fans who chanted Ni hao [hello], premier! Ni hao!

Li Qiang has since taken over as premier and will be heading to the G20 summit in India in Xis stead. But for the people at the caves, Li Keqiang was still very much their premier.

The video of Li Keqiangs appearance was widely dispersed on Chinese social media before being deleted by authorities.

It was a symbolic event. Li Keqiang is still a popular politician, and the cheers for him at the World Heritage site were not fake.

Now retired, Li Keqiang certainly was at the gathering of elders before the Beidaihe meeting.

Xi, the man who pushed Li into retirement, was absent from public view for many days this summer, busy having to address the harsh reprimand from the elders.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak will land in India later this week for the G20 World Leaders summit as his relative prepare for a grand welcome in New Delhi, The Telegraph reported. Rishi Sunaks relatives will host a feast with flower bouquets and non-stop dancing to Punjabi music, the report claimed quoting Dr Gautam Dev Sood, UK PM's maternal uncle. Britain's prime minister Rishi Sunak(AFP)

It is a great honour for us that he is visiting his ancestral land, Gautam Dev Sood told the newspaper while Subhash Berry, Rishi Sunaks paternal uncle, added, We cant divulge exact details but a plan is in place to welcome the (British) prime minister. We are gearing up for a night of non-stop dancing, mostly to the lively beats of the traditional Punjabi music, although I imagine we might also groove to a few English tunes along the way.

Rishi Sunak is unlikely to attend the event because of an intense work schedule between Friday and Sunday for the G20 summit and bilateral talks on its sidelines. He will be accompanied on his first visit to India as prime minister by his wife, Akshata Murty  daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and author Sudha Murty.

Ahead of the visit, Rishi Sunak described India as an indispensable partner of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation during a Cabinet meeting with his top team.

He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree on an approach which worked for the whole of the UK, a Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting noted.

Ahead of the meeting, Rishi Sunak praised India saying, This country's scale, diversity and its extraordinary successes means India is the right country at the right time to hold the G20 Presidency. I pay tribute to Prime Minister Modi's leadership over the last year and its wonderful to see India showing such global leadership. We will also work closely with India through their Presidency of the G20 to address the biggest challenges the world is facing, from stabilising the global economy to dealing with climate change.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Russian air strikes took place less than one kilometre from Romania's border with Ukraine, the country's president Klaus Iohannis said amid intense attacks on the Ukrainian port of Izmail. Speaking a day after Kyiv said Russian drones had detonated on Romanian territory, a claim Bucharest denied, Klaus Iohannis said, We had attacks just today, the minister of defence told me, which were verified at 800 metres from our border. So very, very close. I can tell you no piece, no drone and no part of a device landed in Romania. Russia-Ukraine War: Klaus Iohannis, Romania's president, on the closing day of the annual NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.(Bloomberg)

Romania's defence ministry earlier said, "The ministry of defence categorically denies information from the public space regarding a so-called overnight situation during which Russian drones would have fallen in Romania's national territory. At no time did Russia's means of attack generate direct military threats on Romanian national territory or waters."

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Kyiv had photographic evidence to show that Russian drones struck Romanian territory during an overnight air attack on Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River. Some drones fell and detonated on Romanian territory, Ukrainian foreign ministry had claimed.

Ukrainian official Oleg Nikolenko said, "According to Ukraine's state border guard service, last night, during a massive Russian attack near the port of Izmail, Russian 'Shaheds' fell and detonated on the territory of Romania. This is yet another confirmation that Russia's missile terror poses a huge threat not only to Ukraine's security, but also to the security of neighbouring countries, including NATO member states.

Ukraine has reported suspected Russian weapons flying over or crashing into neighbours, including NATO members, several times. In the most serious incident, two people were killed in Poland by a missile that fell near the border last November. Poland later said that it was a misfired Ukrainian air defence missile.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Police in China, Myanmar bust 11 scam dens

17:05, September 06, 2023 By Yang Zekun ( China Daily

269 suspects have been detained in cross-border action against fraud

Chinese police and law enforcement in Myanmar busted 11 online fraud dens entrenched in northern Myanmar in a joint operation on Sunday, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

A total of 269 suspects were detained, including 186 Chinese nationals, 66 Myanmar nationals, 15 Vietnamese nationals and two Malaysian nationals.

Of the detained suspects, 21 are considered backbone members or behind-the-scenes financial sponsors, and 13 are fugitives wanted by Chinese police, including one who has been on the run for 19 years, according to the ministry.

The operation was carried out under the border police law enforcement cooperation mechanism, and the detained Chinese suspects were handed over to Chinese police and brought back, said the ministry.

The ministry stated that there has been a high incidence of telecom and online fraud in northern Myanmar targeting Chinese citizens since the beginning of this year. This has led to a series of criminal activities, such as illegal immigration and unlawful detention, which have seriously infringed upon the property security and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.

To counter this situation, the ministry has strengthened the comprehensive analysis of telecom and online fraud in northern Myanmar, including studying the techniques, the fraud dens and personnel situations.

The main focus of the fraud was impersonating people familiar to the victims, offering false investment and financial management, and impersonating e-commerce logistics customer service.

The gathered evidence related to more than 1,100 telecom and online fraud cases nationwide, involving a total amount of 120 million yuan ($16.8 million), according to the ministry.

Based on a thorough understanding of the facts and evidence, the Ministry of Public Security deployed public security organs in Yunnan province to strengthen border law enforcement cooperation. As a result, police in Yunnan's Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture and police in Myanmar successfully dismantled the fraud dens in northern Myanmar.

An official from the ministry said that the current situation of telecom and online fraud targeting Chinese citizens, especially in northern Myanmar, is severe and complex. Public security organs will intensify the crackdown and actively work with other departments to improve their effectiveness.

In response to reports of some Chinese citizens being trapped abroad, the official said that the public security organs will increase rescue efforts to ensure the safety and protect the legitimate rights and interests of trapped individuals.

For those subjected to illegal detention abroad, public security organs will strengthen law enforcement cooperation, urging relevant countries and regions to take actions and severely punish the criminals.

Public security authorities urged telecom and online fraud criminals, especially those hiding abroad, to cease engaging in criminal activities, return to China and surrender to seek lenient treatment.

The public is also reminded to be cautious and improve their legal awareness, and not be tempted by "high-paying job offers" involving fraudulent activities abroad.

From Aug 23 to 26, police in Myanmar handed over 24 suspects involved in online fraud to Chinese police, demonstrating the firm determination of both China and Myanmar to combat gambling and fraud crimes, according to the Chinese embassy in Myanmar.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Kyiv in a show of US support as Ukraines armed forces continue a grinding counteroffensive against entrenched Russian positions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken works while traveling by train to Kyiv, Ukraine.(AP)

The top US diplomat is set to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, as well as Ukraines foreign minister and prime minister, as the countrys military has begun making gains in its months-long campaign over the course of the summer.

Blinkens trip comes en route to the Group of 20 summit in India, where Russias invasion of its neighbor will be a major topic, though President Vladimir Putin wont be attending.

We cannot allow that the temptation of returning to business as usual exists, once the war in Ukraine will end, US Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Pyatt said at a conference in Bucharest, after saying Blinken had landed in Kyiv.

The secretary is expected to announce more than $1 billion in new US funding for Ukraine and will focus his trip on hearing from Ukrainian officials about the ongoing counteroffensive and what they need to reinvigorate their economy, according to a senior State Department official, who briefed a traveling reporter on the way into Ukraine.

This is his fourth visit to the country since the war began. On trips to Kyiv last year, the US announced fresh commitments or details, with total US security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022 reaching $43.1 billion as of July.

The visit also comes as Zelenskiy has escalated a crackdown on corruption, which remains a major concern for allies as they continue to pour weapons and cash into Ukraine.

Its not clear whether Blinken will also meet with Rustem Umerov, who Zelenskiy named to replace Oleksii Reznikov as the countrys defense minister following allegations of graft in military procurement by subordinates. Blinken met with Reznikov when he visited Kyiv in April of last year.

This week, Zelenskiy visited troops on Ukraines eastern front as his military reported more advances in the south, with the counteroffensive pressing ahead in an effort to punch through Russias defensive lines.

At the same time, Putin is set to have a rare meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Russias Far East, as the the US warns that Moscow is seeking more arms to fuel its war in Ukraine.

Pyatt, speaking at the Three Seas Initiative forum in Bucharest, said Europe must work together to end energy reliance on Russia.

The job of the US administration is to make sure that Russia will never be considered a reliable energy supplier for Europe again, he said. The war has turned the US into the largest gas exporter in the world and I think this will continue for many years to come.
Ukraine's parliament voted to approve the appointment of Rustem Umerov as defence minister after the country's president Volodymyr Zelensky proposed him to replace Oleksii Reznikov. New approaches and other forms of interaction with the military and society were needed as Russia's invasion entered its 19th month, Ukraine's president said. Ukraine's defence minister Rustem Umerov(Reuters)

"Our main objective is victory," Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook after parliament voted to back him, adding, "I will do everything possible and impossible for Ukraine's victory - when we will liberate every centimetre of our country and each our person."

"Welcome aboard, Minister," the defence ministry wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Here are top points on Ukraine's new defence minister amid Russian invasion:

Rustem Umerov, 41, is a Crimean Tatar, a Turkic people from the Black Sea Ukrainian peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014. He was born in Samarkand in Uzbekistan to a Crimean Tatar family that was deported from then Soviet Crimea in the 1940s. Since 2020, Rustem Umerov has been a member of a Ukrainian government task force working on the strategy to end the Russian occupation of Crimea. In September 2022, Rustem Umerov, then a lawmaker from the pro-European Holos party, became head of State Property Fund- an agency selling state assets to private investors. Rustem Umerov is credited with turning round the institution that was said to be mired in corruption scandals. Rustem Umerov was also a member of the Ukrainian team that held negotiations with Russia in March 2022, one month after Moscow's invasion on Ukraine. He also took part in talks on the UN-brokered wartime deal that allowed Ukraine to export its grain through the Black Sea. He was also a member of the delegation during a visit by Zelensky to Saudi Arabia in May.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
At least 16 people including a child were killed and many wounded in a Russian attack on the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, officials said, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv. View of a vehicle on fire following an attack on the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine.(Reuters)

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying a market, shops and a pharmacy had been struck in the industrial city close to the battlefield, and about 30 km (19 miles) from the city of Bakhmut, where fighting has been heavy for months.

Ukrainian officials posted a video on the Telegram messaging app which showed a loud explosion ripping through shopping alleys, with people falling to the ground and some running for cover. Local media described it as a missile attack.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," Zelenskiy said.

Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko said that in addition to the 16 killed, at least 28 people were wounded in the attack and said it was on the central city market.

On the Telegram messaging app he posted pictures showing rescue workers sifting through the rubble and carrying out bodies in black sacks.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Two passengers were reportedly kicked off anAir Canada flight after they complained that their seats were soiled by vomit. The incident took place before a five-hour trip to Montreal. Two passengers were reportedly kicked off an Air Canada flight after they complained that their seats were soiled by vomit (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File - representational)(AP)

Susan Benson, a fellow passenger who was travelling on Flight 1706 departing Las Vegas on August 26, said it all began after two women complained to flight attendants about a foul smell coming from their seats, saying they were unable to sit. Someone in the previous flight had apparently vomited on the seats. Although the flight was cleaned, it was not done thoroughly.

What happened on the flight?

They placed coffee grinds in the seat pouch and sprayed perfume to mask the smell. When the clearly upset passengers tried to explain to the flight attendant that the seat and seatbelt were wet and there was still visible vomit residue in their area, the flight attendant was very apologetic but explained that the flight was full and there was nothing they could do, Susan wrote on Facebook.

The passengers said they couldnt possibly be expected to sit in vomit for five hours. They argued back-and-forth for several minutes and then the flight attendant said she would get her supervisor. The supervisor reiterated the same thing. We are sorry, but you have to, its a full flight and theres no other seats available. The passengers asked if they could at least have blankets to sit on and wipes to clean more themselves. Reluctantly they were given blankets wipes and more vomit bags. The best Air Canada could do, she continued.

Susan explained that shortly after, the pilot came up and gave the passengers two choices: they could either leave the flight on their own and look for other flights, or they would be escorted by security and placed on a no fly list.  When they asked why he said they were rude to the flight attendant. They were certainly not! They were upset and firm, but not rude! The passenger beside them explain to the pilot that they have literal vomit in their seats and as a police officer they would never treat people like that. He explained that they were not rude just upset. The pilot got up and walked to the front of the plane. Next thing we know Security comes down the aisle and escorted the two ladies off the plane! For what? Refusing to sit in vomit for five hours! Air Canada literally expects passage to sit in vomit or be escorted off the plane and placed on a no-fly list!, said Susan.

She added, I have no idea if they were actually placed on the no-fly list or not. I cannot stop thinking about these two ladies. They did nothing wrong. They were flying to Vienna via Montreal. I am ashamed to be a Canadian and ashamed of Air Canada. I would like for as many people as possible to share this. I have already complained to Air Canada directly and placed it on other social media platforms. I hope they find a good lawyer and sue the pants off Air Canada.

Air Canada apologises

Air Canada later reached out to the customers to offer an apology, saying the incident was being reviewed.We are reviewing this serious matter internally and have followed up with the customers directly as our operating procedures were not followed correctly in this instance, the company said in a statement, according to New York Post. This includes apologizing to these customers, as they clearly did not receive the standard of care to which they were entitled, and addressing their concerns.
The UKs worst air-traffic outage in a decade was caused by an anomaly in the airspace managers software system, which confused two geographical checkpoints separated by some 4,000 nautical miles. Passengers are seen waiting for delayed flights in London's Heathrow airport. (AP)

The UKs Civil Aviation Authority said Wednesday it will review the technical issue that forced hundreds of flights to be canceled or delayed last week after an error in processing an airlines flight plan.

The glitch triggered a shutdown of the software system run by NATS for safety reasons, according to a preliminary report from the public-private partnership formerly called National Air Traffic Services. This forced air-traffic staff to input flight plans manually, drastically reducing the amount of air traffic that could be processed.

The event sent airlines and airports in the UK into turmoil on Aug. 28, leaving planes out of position and passengers stranded. Nearly 800 flights leaving UK airports were canceled, with a similar number of arrivals scrapped, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

The report by NATS showed that on the day of the incident, an airline entered a plan into the system which led through UK airspace. NATS Chief Executive Officer Martin Rolfe declined to discuss details of the flight, such as its route or the airline involved, saying the specifics werent pertinent to the outage.

While the flight plan wasnt faulty, it threw off the system because the software used by NATS received duplicate identities for two different points on the map. There are an infinite number of flight-plan waypoints in the world, and duplicates remain despite work to remove them, according to Rolfe.

In this case, NATS system correctly identified the point at which the plane was to cross into the UK. However, the exit point had a duplicate name that matched a different spot on the map some 4,000 nautical miles away. NATS software recognized that this was geographically incorrect.

After the primary system failed to find the exit point, the backup system kicked in and ran into the same problem, leading to the shutdown of NATS software for safety, according to the report.

Weve never seen this set of circumstances before, Rolfe said.

NATS said in its report that the manufacturer will update the software to prevent it from shutting down under similar circumstances in the future. Rolfe said this software would be implemented in the coming days, following testing. Meantime, a temporary fix was put in place to prevent a reoccurrence, NATS said.
Britain is set to declare the Russian mercenary Wagner Group to be a terrorist organisation, making it illegal to be a member or to support it, the government said on Wednesday. Members of the Wagner Group military company sit atop of a tank on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia.(AP)

A draft order due to laid before parliament will allow Wagner's assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized, the interior ministry said in a statement.

Interior minister Suella Braverman described Wagner as "violent and destructive". It had acted as "a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas," she said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wagner did not exist from a legal point of view.

"There's nothing to comment on," he said when asked about the measure.

Across Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and "barbarous murders", the British statement said, calling it a threat to global security.

"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," Braverman said.

The order is expected to come into force on Sept. 13, after which it would be a criminal offence to belong to or promote the group, arrange or address its meetings and carry its logo in public, punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

David Lammy, the opposition Labour Party's foreign affairs spokesman, said the move was "long overdue". The government should now press for Putin to be prosecuted for his aggression, he said.

Wagner has operated in Syria and a number of countries in northern and western Africa. It recruited thousands of convicts from Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine, providing the main assault force for Russia's 2022-2023 winter offensive there.

In June, it mounted a brief mutiny in Russia, condemned as treason by Putin, and on Aug. 23 its boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and top lieutenants were killed in a plane crash.

Britain sanctioned Prigozhin in 2020, Wagner as a whole in March 2022, and in July this year sanctioned individuals and businesses with links to the group in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Britains second-largest city Birmingham's local authorities said that it is shifting focus on maintaining vital services as the council is effectively bankrupt due to an annual budgetary shortfall of millions of pounds. Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in Europe comprising over 100 councillors, issued a Section 114 notice to say that all new expenditures with the exception of protecting vulnerable people and statutory services will be stopped immediately. Birmingham council said the dire financial situation arose as it must fund an equal pay liability.

The council said that the dire financial situation arose as it must fund an equal pay liability but it does not have the resources to do so.

On that basis, the Councils Interim Director of Finance, Fiona Greenway, has issued a report under section 114(3) of the Local Government Act, which confirms that the Council has insufficient resources to meet the equal pay expenditure and currently does not have any other means of meeting this liability, the council statement read.

The Council will tighten the spend controls already in place and put them in the hands of the Section 151 Officer to ensure there is complete grip. The notice means all new spending, with the exception of protecting vulnerable people and statutory services, must stop immediately, it added.

The UK government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) said that it had been "engaging regularly" with the council in recent months over the pressures it faces.

"We have requested written assurances from the leader of the council that any decision regarding the council's issues over equal pay represents the best value for taxpayers' money," DLUHC said.

Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands region which covers Birmingham, said the news was "deeply disturbing" for residents.

"It is no secret that local authorities up and down the country have faced significant cuts over the past decade  even if the funding from government has been improving in recent years  and it has been a real challenge to keep services running to the standard that people expect," Andy Street said, adding, However, the huge majority of councils of all political colours are managing to achieve this, with bankruptcy extremely rare.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
United Airlines Holdings Inc. suffered a temporary grounding of its aircraft nationwide due to an unspecified equipment outage, but the airline resumed flights at US airports in a little over an hour. United shares fell 2.5% to $48.47 in New York on Tuesday. (Reuters/File)

The Chicago-based carrier requested the grounding for its main operation and subsidiaries on Tuesday after its aircraft were unable to contact flight dispatchers using normal means, according to a posting on the Federal Aviation Administrations website.

The FAA confirmed in an email to Bloomberg the airline had asked it to pause departures nationwide, but declined further comment.

Spokespeople for United didnt provide an explanation for the outage other than saying in a tweet it had experienced a systemwide technology issue. It later tweeted the ground hold had been lifted.

United shares fell 2.5% to $48.47 in New York on Tuesday.

The problem occurred eight months after an FAA system outage forced a nationwide grounding of aircraft, triggering renewed scrutiny from members of Congress and aviation industry leaders over the resiliency of systems running the nations flight operations. The FAA shutdown in January delayed more than 10,000 trips.

United suffered a company-wide technology outage in January 2022 that led to delays on some flights.
The US department of Defense is considering the development of a vast network of Artificial Intelligence-powered technology, drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The Pentagon is seen from Air Force One as it flies over Washington.(AP)

In a speech on Wednesday the deputy secretary of defense, Kathleen Hicks will sketch out some of the air, land and sea capabilities that the Pentagon is looking to develop, the report added.

Read more: At least 16 killed in Russian attack in eastern Ukraine

The Pentagon plans to use artificial intelligence for autonomous systems to detect and engage enemy targets, and can include self-piloting air- and sea-based drones, according to the Journal.

The department for defense did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
An American teacher and TikTok celebrity has been accused of having sex with a 16-year-old fan in Thailand, according to Thai Police. 29-year-old Luke Rockwell, who is a resident of Florida, has also been accused of passing STDs onto the girl. He was arrested in Bangkok late last week. Luke Rockwell, who is a resident of Florida, has also been accused of passing STDs onto the girl (Teacher Luke/Facebook)

Luke has been charged with unlawful sex with a minor and recording the sexual acts, Royal Thai Police Lieutenant General Thitsit Sangsawan told the Daily Mail. In Thailand, the age of consent is 15. However, it is against the law to conduct "indecent acts" with a person between the ages of 15 and 18 outside of marriage.

Luke was an English teacher, teaching in the Thai capitol, when he was arrested, according to Police Colonel Vajirakorn Wongboon, NBC News reported.

Luke has at least 1.3 million followers on Tiktok. After his arrest, he set his account to private.

Teacher Luke told her to keep everything a secret

The girls mother found out about her relationship with the teacher when her daughter began having abdominal pains caused by chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The mom then contacted the Department of Welfare For Children and Women. The department joined officers from the Khlong Tan station and took Luke into custody.

My daughter said the first time they had sex, Teacher Luke used protection but after he did not use any. She trusted him, the mother told the Daily Mail. Teacher Luke told her to keep everything a secret until she turned 18. He told my daughter that he loved her and would let her come live with him when shes no longer a minor. If found guilty, Luke faces up to 10 years behind bars and fines of about $560 USD.

In 2021, Luke found himself in the centre of a controversy after posting videos accusing the Philippines of being one of the most racist countries in the world. After he uploaded the videos, the hashtag #CancelTeacherLuke began trending on TikTok.
Vivek Ramaswamy has emerged as one of the most popular candidates of Republican Party for the 2024 US Presidential elections. His popularity soared massively after a great performance at the first GOP debate on Fox News. In recent times, celebrities such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump etc. have lauded Vivek. Former US President Donald Trump was all praise for the Indian-origin Vivek and endorsed him as a "very good" candidate. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy alongside wife Apoorva Ramaswamy.(Getty Images via AFP)

Amid Vivek's rising popularity in the US, spotlight has increased on his family including his wife, Apoorva Ramaswamy. On Wednesday(IST), Vivek hailed his wife on social media platform "X"(formerly Twitter). Sharing a video post, Vivek captioned it: "Mother. Wife. Surgeon. Citizen. Future First Lady. Count me in on the Apoorva Ramaswamy Fan Club".

ALSO READ| Prince Harry birthday: Would Prince William wish his brother on upcoming big day? King Charles' former butler predicts

About Apoorva Ramaswamy

Apoorva Ramaswamy aka Apoorva Tewari is an assistant professor and surgeon in Ohio in the United States. Apoorva obtained her MD from Yale University. As a surgeon, she specialises in treatment of swallowing disorders and voice disorders of cancer survivors.

Apoorva met Vivek at a party in graduate school where she was studying medicine while he was studying law.

In a recent interview with Fox News on their show "Families In Focus", Apoorva shared, "I have lived on every coast of the United States". Apoorva shared that as a child she was nerdy and loved science. During the interview, Apoorva highlighted the genius and visionary prowess of Vivek who foresaw his success as a businessman, a writer and a politician.

In an interview with Erick Erickson, Vivek highlighted the importance of Apoorva in his life and how she was a influence on him.

"I think I do derive a lot of the humility from my wife, who is a leader in her own way, in her own unique world," said Vivek.

Apoorva and Vivek have been married for eight years and are parents to two children namely Karthik and Arjun.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Conspiracy theories spread during the Burning Man chaos claimed an Ebola outbreak hit the festival. A huge rainstorm had turned the festival site into a mud pit as thousands of festivalgoers were preparing to attend the event. Attendees have now made a mass exodus from the Nevada desert. Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said that attendees lashed out at each other during the exodus after waiting for eight hours before they could leave. Hundreds of Burning Man attendees who planned to leave on buses wait for information about when they will be able to leave on Labor Day, after a rainstorm turned the site into mud September 4, 2023 (Trevor Hughes / USA TODAY NETWORK via REUTERS) (via REUTERS)

However, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Service dismissed the claims about any disease that may have hit the festival. The Division of Public and Behavioral Health has worked with Burning Man to oversee emergency medical services and environmental health, including some staff on site during the weather challenges, a spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Health said in a statement provided to The Independent.

Despite these challenges, staff report no unusual disease problems and that emergency services crews are all working together with no immediate concerns, the statement added.

Drug intoxication may have led to the death of 32-year-old Leon Reece

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that drugs are believed to be the cause of death of one person who died at Burning Man, authorities claimed. On September 1, a doctor pronounced Leon Reece of Truckee, California dead. Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office officials have now claimed that the man, 32, had drugs in his system, according to New York Post. The cause and manner of death are pending investigation, but drug intoxication is suspected, the medical examiners office said in a statement.

Pershing County Sheriffs officials said that although deputies arrived at about 6:24 pm, they could not immediately get to Leon. His manner and cause of death are pending, and an autopsy is being conducted. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an investigation is underway. Six to eight months may be required to complete Leons toxicology results.
Former Proud Boys Chairman Henry Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years behind bars on Tuesday, February 5, for seditious conspiracy and leading a plot  which eventually failed  to prevent the transfer of power from former president Donald Trump to president Joe Biden. The sentence, handed by District Judge Timothy Kelly, is the longest faced by anyone who was involved in the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot. 'Proud Boys' leader Enrique Tarrio speaks at a rally in Delta Park on Sept. 26, 2020, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner, File)(AP)

Who is Enrique Tarrio?

Enrique is of Afro-Cuban background, and served as the Florida state director of the grassroots organisation Latinos for Donald Trump. He was a candidate in the Republican primary election for Florida's 27th congressional district in 2020, but eventually withdrew. A former federal prosecutor and the transcripts of a 2014 federal court proceeding revealed he was an informant to both federal and local law enforcement.

Enrique, born in 1984 or 1985, was raised Catholic in Little Havana, which is a neighbourhood in Miami, Florida. He was convicted of theft when he was 20 years old and sentenced to community service and three years of probation. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Enrique later began running a poultry farm, and founded a security equipment installation firm. He also founded another firm providing GPS tracking for companies.

Enrique was indicted in 2012 and later charged for his role in a scheme to rebrand and resell stolen diabetic test strips. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2013, but he served only 16.

Enrique volunteered at a Miami event for far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos in May 2017. In August of the same year, he attended the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, claiming he did so to protest the removal of Confederate monuments and memorials. He became a member of Proud Boys in 2018. In 2021, in the aftermath of the Capitol Attack, Enrique stepped down as national chairman of the organisation.

What did the judge say?

It is kind of hard to put into words how important the peaceful transfer of power is, judge Timothy said, according to CNN. Our country was founded as an experiment in self-government by the people, but it cannot long endure if the way we elect our leaders is threatened with force and violence.

Mr. Tarrio was the ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal, Timothy added at the end of the hearing. Timothy added that Enrique showed no remorse.

What happened that day did not honor the founders, it was the kind of thing they wrote the Constitution to prevent, the judge said.

Outside of the courthouse, Enriques lawyer, Nayib Hassan, stated that they respectfully disagree with the decision. It caught us off guard, Hassan said. Thats what the appellate process is for.

What did Enrique Tarrio say during the sentencing?

Before his sentencing, Enrique apologised for the pain and suffering he caused by being involved in the Capitol riot, claiming he has nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies. I have always tried to hold myself to a higher standard and I failed, he said. I held myself morally above others, and this trial has shown me how wrong I was.

Enrique added that he spent the last year and a half trying to figure out how I ended up at this podium. On November 3, 2020, something that I never expected happened  my candidate lost. I felt like something was personally stolen from me. Every media channel that I turned to told me I was justified.

Enrique claimed he was against the violence that claimed lives at the Capitol. I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the outcome of the election was not my goal, he said.
He went by Bruce, and his story began on a North Dakota farm far from civilization. He was
Premier, an end-to-end architecture, design, procurement, and project management and development firm, is pleased to announce that Cole Travers has joined the team as a Real Estate Development Associate. With over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Travers will support Premier's commitment to growth by leading the evaluation and execution of potential real estate developments and strategic investments.

In his new role, Travers will help evaluate investment opportunities and provide financial analysis of potential acquisition and development projects. He will also support Project Management in the execution and delivery of new ground-up work. Travers' addition to Premier will help strengthen the development team and unify members to dynamically pursue projects both internal and third-party.

Travers began his hospitality career with Ashford Inc. as an intern in 2017 and following graduation from Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business in 2018, he landed a full-time job at the company as a financial analyst. During his time at Ashford, Travers first worked alongside the Asset Management group, providing analytical support at the above-property level for revenue management, asset management, legal, and risk teams. Later, his focus shifted to hotel acquisitions, where he aided three luxury hotel transactions, totaling 444 keys and approximately $540 million. In both roles, Travers' work at Ashford focused on driving performance at the firm's two externally advised REITs: Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE American: AHT) and Braemar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE American: BHR). While at Ashford, Travers gained a deep understanding of hotel operations, the interconnected role of asset and portfolio-level strategies, and how to leverage context when underwriting new acquisitions and developments.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Wyndham), the world's largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of management services with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, has recently inked three new agreements with Indonesia Hospitality Group. This comes as a lead up to its participation at the upcoming Tourism, Hotel Investment & Networking Conference (THINC) 2023 held in Indonesia, on 6 and 7 September. These signings follow the earlier signing of an exclusive development agreement signed between Wyndham and Indonesia Hospitality Group for the Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand, which saw the launch of the brand in Indonesia through Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pekalongan in February earlier this year. These new agreements welcome the further expansion of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand in Indonesia, as Wyndham innovatively adapts to owners business needs to help them maximise growth opportunities.

The signings are timely as the local tourism and hospitality industries in Indonesia are predicted to grow by US$21.93 billion between 2022 and 2026, according to Technavio. Furthermore, these sectors were also noted by Technavio to progress at a CAGR of 11.81% during the forecast period with a 6.09% year-over-year growth rate from 2022.

Rapid Expansion in Indonesia

With owner loyalty at the heart of Wyndhams continuous expansion, Wyndham has been proactively engaging its potential owners and partners to lay the foundation of trust and cooperation. These partnerships continued to grow stronger even during the pandemic, where Wyndham tapped on its OwnerFirst mentality to engage its stakeholders.

The three recent agreements comprise of the following properties under the Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kedoya Jakarta, Howard Johnson by Wyndham LA Hub South Jakarta, and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Treepark Tangerang. An iconic name with global reach and rich history dating back to 1925, Howard Johnson by Wyndham prides itself on warm and honest guest experiences, offering owners an ideal franchise opportunity to reach travellers seeking mid to upper midscale accommodation

Indonesia has and always will be an integral market for Wyndhams Asia Pacific growth strategy, particularly so with the rapid rise in international and domestic tourism numbers. In deepening our partnership with Indonesia Hospitality Group and tapping on their in-depth understanding of the local market, we are excited to be growing our presence across Indonesia with the Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand offering to achieve greater milestones. We look forward to delivering more exciting guest experiences across our network of hotels, staying true to our mission of making hotel travel possible for all. Matt Holmes, Vice President of Business Development South East Asia & the Pacific Rim (SEAPR), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Matt Holmes, Vice President of Business Development South East Asia & the Pacific Rim (SEAPR), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

With the full reopening of borders across Asia Pacific, we observed a strong travel demand for travellers to visit Indonesia. As such, these are exciting times for Indonesia Hospitality Group as we partner Wyndham Hotels and Resorts to introduce Howard Johnson by Wyndham brand in Indonesia. We are looking forward to leveraging Wyndhams comprehensive understanding of the market and their commercial and operational expertise to ensure all our guests enjoy their stay in these newly opened and to-be-opened properties. Nathania Putri Budidjaja, Director, Indonesia Hospitality Group

For more information on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, including franchise development opportunities, visit www.wyndhamdevelopment.com.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,100 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 845,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 24 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection and Wyndham. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 101 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

The Company may use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on the Company's website in the Investors section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of the Company's website in addition to following the Company's press releases, filings submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any public conference calls or webcasts.

About Wyndham Rewards

Named the number one hotel rewards program by readers of USA TODAY, Wyndham Rewards is the world's most generous rewards program with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.

Designed for the everyday traveller, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights at any of the approximately 9,100 hotels or tens of thousands of vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally through affiliation with Wyndham Destinations and others. Wyndham Rewards has over 103 million enrolled members globally. Join for free today at www.wyndhamrewards.com. You've earned this. 
Chicago, IL - Cloud5 Communications, a leading provider of communications and technology solutions for more than 5,000 hotels, MDUs, and commercial facilities across the Americas, today announced the launch of its new Managed Services division. Designed to support the IT needs and challenges of the hospitality industry, as well as adjacent markets including MDU, senior living and student housing, this division will help properties better manage technology infrastructure, IT operations, projects, and security initiatives.

As a Managed Services Provider (MSP), Cloud5 will continue to build upon its commitment to delivering world-class solutions and support to hotel brands, management companies, ownership groups and independent/boutique properties.

Our team has built a reputation for expertise and service excellence  its something weve invested deeply in and, as a result, we have great client partnerships and some of the most knowledgeable, dedicated people in the business working at Cloud5. A managed services division is a natural extension of our service-driven, technology-focused business, and will enable us to provide the industry with a more consultative approach to the provisioning of services. Mark Holzberg, President, and CEO of Cloud5 Communications

Cloud5s new 24/7 Managed Services division will offer a comprehensive suite of services specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the hospitality sector, including:

Managed Service Desk Support  Provide a wide range of service support including help desk, asset monitoring and management, vendor management and more.

Managed Infrastructure Services and Support - Ensure the availability and reliability of IT infrastructure components by configuring, deploying, maintaining, and managing servers, workstations, and other hardware.

Managed Network Support -Design, deploy, manage, and monitor wired and wireless networks and devices for seamless connectivity, network security and compliance with industry standards.

Managed Cybersecurity Services -Implement robust cybersecurity measures including Antivirus services, firewalls configuration and management and cybersecurity training to protect guest and financial data.

Managed Data Backup and Recovery -Prevent loss with thorough data backup configuration and management.

Professional Services -Operate as an extension of a companys IT department to handle everything from annual IT budget development and hotel transitions / openings to project management and customized property initiatives.

To lead this venture, Cloud5 has welcomed two distinguished industry veterans with a wealth of experience and knowledge:

Heide Werthamer, an accomplished leader in the hospitality space, has joined Cloud5 as the Vice President of Managed Services Operations. With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Werthamer has deep expertise in all aspects of hotel management, emerging technology development and start-up design, development, and implementation. Most recently, Werthamer oversaw the day-to-day operations of Edge Communications, focusing strongly on the support desk and project deployment teams and building a reputation for superior service delivery. As part of the Cloud5 operations team led by SVP of Operations, Marc Vaughn, Werthamer will spearhead the development and implementation of all managed services operational resources and components, ensuring that Cloud5 is at the forefront of service delivery and industry innovation.

Marina Willis, an esteemed figure in the hospitality landscape, joins Cloud5 in the role of Vice President of Strategic Accounts. Willis is a proven sales leader with more than 25 years of experience optimizing profitability, improving client engagement and satisfaction, and driving all stages of the sales process including the renewal and expansion of long-term partnerships. She too comes to Cloud5 from Edge Communications, where she served as VP of Strategic Accounts since 2018. In this new role, Willis will spearhead sales and account management for the managed service business, working in coordination with Mark Speck, Cloud5s Vice President of Sales, and the rest of the Cloud5 organization to deliver service excellence and facilitate growth. Willis will report to Cloud5s CEO, Mark Holzberg.

Were thrilled to welcome Heide and Marina to the Cloud5 family, said Holzberg. Developing a comprehensive managed services operation is something weve been working toward for a long time, and with this team in place, I look forward to delivering even greater value and strategic direction for our clients.

For more information about Cloud5 Communications, visit www.cloud5.com.

About Cloud5 Communications

Cloud5 is the leading communications technology and services provider to customer-centric brands across the Americas. The company's fast, reliable Internet solutions and flexible voice systems enhance the guest experience and resident satisfaction at more than 5,000 hotels, MDUs, and commercial facilities. Cloud5's award-winning Contact Center combines innovation with skilled agents to deliver sales and service that add value across any channel. The company's comprehensive Managed IT services include Vendor Management, Dispatch & Onsite Support, Help Desk Support, Virtual Guest Services and more to help customers control operating costs and free up internal resources. For more information visit cloud5.com or call 877.241.2516.

Mark Howbrook

PR Manager
2022 witnessed a historic breakthrough as Banker Stacey Macken, with an illustrious four-year tenure at BNP Paribas in London's bustling financial hub, secured an astonishing 2 million victory against the renowned French bank. The landmark case unveiled deep-seated gender pay discrimination, marking a resounding call for accountability within corporate giants.

It's time for these corporate behemoths to grasp the undeniable truth: the era of unequal pay and unjustifiably inflated bonuses for men is a relic. The relentless discrimination must cease. Exclusive conversation with the Financial Times,

Stacey Macken

Meanwhile, echoing the finance sector's discordant melody, the hospitality industry's composition of leadership roles also resonates with a disconcerting gender disparity. According to the Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure 2020 Report, only 25% of leadership roles within the industry are occupied by women. This statistic highlights the urgent need for change and the importance of gender equality initiatives in the hospitality sector. To address this pressing issue, equal pay plays a crucial role. Not only does it promote fairness and equality, but it also contributes to better Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management. In order to shed light on the importance of this cause and explore ways individuals can participate, I had the opportunity to interview Lisa Rubli, an EHL alumna and the co-director of EQUAL-SALARY, a non-profit foundation based in Vevey that advocates for equal opportunities in the workplace and her colleague Aurelien Joly.

What is EQUAL-SALARY Foundation?

Lisa Rubli: EQUAL-SALARY is a non-profit foundation based in Vevey, Switzerland. We stand for equal pay and equal opportunities in the workplace. And to do this, we have created a truly robust, scientific, and very demanding certification, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, that we can really compare to an ISO standard specific to salaries and opportunities in the corporate world. And we work with partners and internationally renowned audit firms, such as SGS, PwC, and Mazars. Today, we have over 130 certified companies worldwide in all sectors and reached about half a million of employees who are affected by this certification. For our foundation, equal pay and equal opportunity in business is truly a fundamental human right. We are doing everything we can, fighting to close this gap in the world with a practical, pragmatic and truly reliable tool.

Why should we defend equal pay?

Lisa Rubli: Equal pay and equal opportunity are fundamental rights, as I explained earlier. But this reality is not yet there. If we look at the figures from the Federal Statistical Office, they have published, therefore, a report last year, on the situation in 2020. In Switzerland, we still have a wage gap of 18%, and in this 18%, there is 45.3% which is an unexplained share. This means it is a share that cannot be justified by an objective criterion such as hierarchical position, diplomas, experience. So, this means that we have an 8.6% wage gap, solely related to gender. In monetary terms, this translates into a woman in Switzerland, who for the same job, at the same rate, still earns 717 francs less than a man and, only because she is a woman. So, for us, this is something that really needs to change. At the European level, we are 26 of the ranking. And then, according to the International Labour Organization, at the global level, this gap is around 20%. Unfortunately, the road is still long and full of pitfalls, as we know, but it's really important to contribute to this effort and this equal treatment, which is truly fair to all.

How can we support the cause? Individual, corporate and social perspective

Aurelien Joly: Indeed, at the individual level, equal pay, it's a bit obvious, but it confers financial independence for women which is very important and that will translate into more decision-making power in the family. It will also help to fight against the precariousness of women at the end of their career if they are paid more fairly. At the company level, this is extremely important because it is true that there are still many preconceived ideas and stereotypes about the place of women in the world of work. Indeed, equal pay, equality opportunity allows us to deconstruct these aspects and to create a climate of trust, transparency. Finally, it has a positive impact on the company's reputation which will result in better employability and has a positive effect on talent retention and attraction.Numerous studies have indeed proven that teams in which there is wage equality, there is a greater diversity, greater equality of opportunity, reflects a better performance, better efficiency, more innovation and a better company culture.

In which part of CSR is the Foundation? And what are the challenges to reach full equality?

Aurelien Joly: In the social responsibility, the social component of pay equity is essential. To us, it is a foundation on which all other initiatives will be based CSR, development and corporate responsibility. For us, it is very important to have this social aspect in mind because finally the members of a company are part of the society and have an extremely important social facet that will affect everything else. As with environmental, social and governance criteria, or ESG, which is a bit of a counterpart to the CSR, in fact, if a company feels that equal pay or equal opportunity are parts of its DNA, they need to be able to prove it in a vigorous and factual way.

Lisa Rubli: At the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, we work mainly on gender inequalities between men and women, but we know that there are many other factors that are determining inequality and discrimination at work. For example, ethnic identities or gender identities, to name just two. It is also important to have a vision more open, to say that there are unfortunately many things that contribute to conscious and unconscious bias, through the entire life cycle of an employee, which can be translated into obstacles. This is what is important to keep in mind, precisely, in terms of challenge. Being certified or audited requires to be able to look at yourself in the mirror, it requires the ability to be transparent. And it is often difficult to be able to to see things that we don't want to see or know. Not all companies have the same the support of their management to take this step. There is also the challenge of "pinkwashing". Often, we hear from companies who are doing a little bit of work to restore their image on equality and gender issues, but which in the end, in fact, is not verifiable. It's a bit of a shame.

How can we be part of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation?

Aurelien Joly: On the one hand, you can talk to your management, talk to your human resources department, if you want to do just that process, take the step of becoming EQUAL-SALARY certified to prove and to take a public stand for the cause. This is something that is very important if you can do it in your company.

On the other hand, you can follow us on social networks. We also publish a lot of articles on the subject. And finally, if you want to get involved in a way that individual, you can join the Foundation's Ambassador program EQUAL-SALARY, and this program is called EQUALIZER. It is a program that allows you to join a community of like-minded people who share your values and who will help you to allows us to learn and share about the issue of equal pay and equal opportunities around the world.

Moreover, it is a program that was developed by former EHL students during their SBP project. We are very happy to have been able to do this project with them. If you want to join us, you can visit our website, equalsalary.org and click on the "EQUAL-SALARY advocacy" tab?

Register here to become an ambassador, to be part of our privileged circle of contacts who work on this cause.

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

+41 21 785 1354

EHL

View source
Skyware Hospitality Solutions Unveils New Interactive Website

Leading hotel PMS technology company refreshes brand and website to reflect Skyware's commitment to innovation and service

Skyware Hospitality Solutions, a leading all-in-one hospitality platform trusted by independent hotels, resorts, RV parks, and multi-property groups, is proud to announce the launch of its new website and online resources specifically designed for independent operators. The new website aims to provide an enhanced user experience with a modern design and improved functionality that reflects the company's commitment to innovative technology and exceptional customer service.

The updated website showcases Skywares comprehensive suite of hospitality solutions and new branding, including the tagline, Simply Better: Providing a simply better, all-in-one hospitality property management software solution for independently owned hotels. With a sleek and intuitive design, the website provides visitors with easy access to information about the company's advanced property management system, online booking engine, activity and spa management tools, POS, payment processing, and more.

One of the standout features of the website is its responsive design, ensuring a seamless browsing experience across all devices. Whether accessing the website from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, users can easily navigate through the various pages, explore product functionalities, and access essential information.

In addition to its user-friendly interface, the new website also includes a dedicated customer support section. Hoteliers can access a wealth of resources, including product documentation, FAQs, and video tutorials, to help them maximize their experience with Skyware solutions. The website also serves as a valuable knowledge hub for hotel professionals looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the hospitality industry. Whether it's exploring new revenue management strategies or learning about the benefits of cloud-based systems, hoteliers can find valuable information to help them thrive in a competitive market.

To celebrate the launch of the new website, Skyware Hotel Systems is offering a limited-time promotion. Hoteliers who sign up for a demo through the website will receive an exclusive discount on their first year of service. This is an excellent opportunity for hoteliers to experience the power of Skyware's technology and witness firsthand how it can streamline their operations, increase revenue, and enhance guest satisfaction.

"We are excited to launch our new website and online resources, which have been designed to cater to the specific needs of independent hotels," said Bob Palloni, the companys CEO. "Our goal is to provide hoteliers with the tools they need to streamline operations, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth, and our website is an extension of that effort."

To learn why more leading independent hotels, resorts, management companies, and RV parks turn to Skyware to increase bookings and maximize profits, visit skywaresystems.com.

About Skyware Hospitality Solutions

Skyware Hospitality Solutions is the industrys most innovative all-in-one hospitality technology platform trusted by leading independent hotels, resorts, RV parks, and multi-property groups. The company has reimagined the fragmented, complex legacy landscape into a visionary universe of modern, integrated solutions with limitless possibilities. With more than 30 years of hospitality technology experience, Skywares solutions are carefully curated to fit the unique needs of each property and built to respond flexibly to the demanding requirements of a fast-changing industry.

Built from the ground up to centralize and simplify operations, the end-to-end cloud-based PMS suite includes Online Booking Engine, POS, Sales, and Catering, and Activity/Spa Scheduling. The easy-to-use system is up and running quickly and seamlessly, delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution that can work with or replace existing hotel systems and technology investments.

With deep industry knowledge and top-rated North American-based support, Skywares patented technology accelerates its customers' ambitions, whether to grow and transform or simply become more efficient, productive, and profitable.

Currently, over 200 unique hotel customers in over five countries look to Skyware for tools, technology, and world-class expert support. Founded in 2009, the privately held company is headquartered in Crestview, Florida. For more information, please visit skywaresystems.com.
Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360.

If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email.
Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

Sunny along with a few clouds. High around 50F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable.
Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is Coming to the Dalton

DALTON, Mass.  The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is visiting the American Legion from Friday, Sept. 15 through the 17th.

The wall, also referred to as "The Healing Wall," honors the fallen military personnel of the Vietnam War and acts as a reminder of the sacrifices they made.

The names of 58,311 casualties are listed on the 6-foot-tall wall that spans 300 feet.

For many, traveling to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is not possible. The traveling wall is three-quarters the scale of the monument and provides people a chance to see these names,

Seeing the names on the wall can be a healing process for the veterans who lost people in the war, Dalton American Legion Rider Cindy Raymond said.

"I think sometimes they can come and they'll see the name on the wall and it just gives them some closure or a chance to heal from the traumas they went through when they were in Vietnam," she said.

Even if just one Vietnam veteran gets closure from seeing the wall, the effort was worth it, Cindy Raymond said.

The traveling wall was brought to the Berkshires 27 years ago when it was on display at Berkshire Community College.

Bringing the wall back to the area is one of the items on Legion Rider Tony Martinis bucket list.

"It's about time that the veterans be recognized again, especially the ones that aren't here because if we don't blow their horn, nobody else will," Martini said.

The Vietnam War is an unfortunate part of American history that the American public has tried to atone for and make right, Legion Rider Neil Raymond said. The wall serves as a way to keep that history alive and prevent it from being forgotten.

The wall will arrive on Thursday, Sept. 14, escorted by police, motorcyclists and classic cars.

The procession starts at 8:25 a.m. The route will be from Holmes Road in Pittsfield to William Street in Dalton. It will continue down South Street to Main Street and conclude at the American Legion on North Street, where it will be installed.

There will be an opening ceremony on Friday, Sept. 15, at 9 a.m. The information booth for the wall will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. during its stay in the Berkshires.

The way veterans are treated has improved over the years but there is always room for improvement, Neil Raymond said.

Serving in the Vietnam War was not something that you would brag about, Martini said.

"As soon as I got off the plane, my military clothes went in the trash and my civilian clothes came on and nobody knew who I was until I got home," Martini said.

Although Neil and Cindy Raymond were Vietnam-era veterans, the war had ended when they went through training.

While in training, they were told that it would be wise not to wear their uniform in certain places otherwise they would be mistreated.

When veterans who served in the war in Afghanistan and Iraq came home, a bulk of the welcome committee that escorted them back were Vietnam veterans.

"It was very, very clear to me that, that generation was not going to allow present and future veterans to experience what they had," Neil Raymond said.

The government does not do enough to aid its veterans, Martini said. It is the veteran organizations that work to help other veterans.

"I remembered seeing on television, people coming off an airplane to an empty tarmac and even at a young age, I knew that's not right," Legion Rider Dennis Burke said.

"The Vietnam veterans are not letting that happen again and there was a lot of emotions back then with the war in general, and let alone with the people here, a lot of conflict," he said.

The community has banded together with donations and fundraising efforts to bring this initiative to fruition, receiving support from businesses like the Madison Cafe, fellow Legion posts, and from elected officials like Sheriff Thomas Bowler.
PCTV and iBerkshires.com hosted three preliminary election debates on Tuesday at the Berkshire Athenaeum.

Pittsfield Ward Candidates Talk Police, Blight, Charter Objections

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Candidates for Ward 2 and 7 weighed in on topics ranging from policing to charter objections on Tuesday during a series of debates hosted by Pittsfield Community Television and iBerkshires.



Brittany Bandani and Alexander Blumin prepare to debate on Tuesday; a third Ward 2 candidate, Soncere Williams, was unable to attend.

The Ward 2 debate featured Brittany Bandani and Alexander Blumin and the Ward 7 debate incumbent Anthony Maffuccio and challenger Rhonda Serre. Soncere Williams is also running for Ward 2 and Jonathan Morey is running for Ward 7 but neither was able to attend Tuesday's debates at the Berkshire Athenaeum.

These races will be trimmed in the Sept. 19 preliminary in preparation for the general election on Nov. 7.



Bandani, an attorney who moved to the area in 2021, wants to help "reinvigorate and revitalize Pittsfield" and believes that having a fresh face on the council is essential.



Blumin, a landlord who came to the United States from Ukraine in 1994, wants to represent homeowners, business owners, and taxpayers in addressing "extreme" city taxes and budgets.



The police killing of Miguel Estrella in 2022 and the recent release of the Peace Officer Training Standards Commission's misconduct database that includes 17 Pittsfield Police Officers were among the questions posed by panelists Brittany Polito of iBerkshires, Shaw Israel Izikson of the Berkshire Edge and Josh Landes of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.



Bandani feels that the key to avoiding 911 calls for mental health crises becoming fatal is alternative emergency services. After an outcry from the public following Estrella's death, the polices emergency co-responder program was expanded.



"I think that Pittsfield is wrought with mental health issues and substance use disorder and we can't rely only on the police to handle someone who is in a mental health crisis," she said.



"We are desperately in need of more social workers, people who have training and a background in social services and can provide alternate emergency services."



Blumin wants to ensure that state laws are followed and spoke against alternative emergency responses.



"I can tell everybody my opinion, however, my opinion is irrelevant. We must comply to Massachusetts General law completely without any feelings and we must comply to be up to Pittsfield Police rules and regulations," he said.



"This is very simple. We should not make excuses and on the top of that, health issues and mental health issues are regulated by the state of Massachusetts. We should not invent something separate. I'm against it."



In response to the misconduct database, he said the police in general work well but there is always a need for improvement and that more training is necessary.



Charter objections have delayed votes and created a stir in council chambers over the last term and Councilor at Large Peter White has submitted a petition to the Charter Review Committee that asks "Should the charter objection be eliminated or otherwise amended?"



"I think having procedural safeguards can be productive provided that they're used when necessary and not abused in the process of city council members," Bandani said.



Blumin feels that the issue should be brought to the public, adding that there is a "very serious issue" in the council chambers and councilors should not be fighting one another.

Blumin said he would speak for the voters against the city's high property taxes and would fight corruption and to change the mayor's term back to two years. Bandani said her focus was on reinvigorating North Street, making Pittsfield more business friendly and supporting affordable housing.



Ward 7 incumbent Anthony Maffuccio and challenger Rhonda Serre debate on Tuesday. A third candidate, Jonathan Morey, was unable to attend.

Maffuccio has "spoken the voices of Ward 7" for a total of 10 years and said it has been an honor and a privilege that he would like to continue.



Serre has lived in the ward since 1991 and now, as an empty nester of two children who succeeded in the Pittsfield School system, wants the best for her city and Ward 7.



Both candidates support Mayor Linda Tyers At Home in Pittsfield exterior home renovation loan program and prioritize addressing blight.



Maffuccio pointed out that there are a lot of disrepair structures in Ward 7's Precinct A and called on the Health Department to enforce insufficient living conditions.



The preliminary election is on Tuesday, Sept. 19, with voting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Correction: the captions in this article have been corrected to list the wards in which the absent candidates were running in. These had been in error in the original posting.
Ant Group, the operator of Alipay+, the global cross-border digital payments and marketing solution, today announced that a total of four mobile wallets are now accepted in the Philippines. These include AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Touch n Go eWallet (Malaysia) and Alipay (Chinese mainland), which have been accepted by Filipino merchants since 2017. This enables travelers from these regions to enjoy a cashless experience, using just their home mobile wallets to make payment, improving the travel experience as digital payment options like mobile wallets become the norm for day-to-day transactions.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which saw 219% increase in passengers in the 1H of 2023, have integrated Alipay+ across 90% of its merchants

The acceptance of three new mobile wallets, via Alipay+, comes as travelers return to the Philippines. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), more than 3 million tourists have visited the Philippines from January 1 to July 19, 2023, reflecting continued robust recovery. The DOT also shared that inbound tourism receipts from January 1 to June 30, 2023, are more than 500% higher than the same period last year. South Koreans top the list of international visitors to the Philippines, while Malaysia ranks in the top 10.

Alipay+ is currently accepted by merchants in Manila and Cebu, the top two most visited cities in the Philippines pre-pandemic in 2019. In the first half of 2023, Mactan-Cebu International Airport saw a 219% increase in passengers compared to the same period last year. In order to cater to the new expectations of digital-first travelers, the airport has integrated Alipay+ across 90% of its merchants, ensuring that tourists can enjoy a digitally-enhanced cashless experience from the moment they arrive in Cebu.

Athanasios Titonis, Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Executive Officer assigned to MCIA, said: At MCIA, we have always placed utmost importance on providing convenience and ease of travel through seamless processes and world-class services and amenities. The integration of Alipay+ gives our passengers that exceptional convenience and more payment options when they travel through MCIA.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is the second largest airport in the Philippines with over 11 million passengers annually, making it the second busiest airport in the country. With its strategic location and world-class facilities, MCIA aims to establish itself as the main tourism gateway of the country with exceptional travel experience, connecting the world to the Philippines. To date, MCIA is the first and only airport in the Philippines to receive the Airport Customer Experience (ACX) accreditation from the Airports Council International.

Commenting on this new development, Dr. Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services at Ant Group, said: Philippines and its many islands, such as Cebu, have long been a favorite destination for Asian travelers and we look forward to working with our local partners to enhance their travel experience. We believe that digital adoption and solutions will shape travelers expectations, particularly in the way they engage travel-related businesses, from airports and hospitality to F&B and retail stores. Our focus now is to work with more partners to onboard more merchants with Alipay+ across the Philippines, particularly local small businesses, and promote digital travel and travel recovery.

Introduced by Ant Group in 2020, Alipay+ aims to enable local businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach more than 1.4 billion regional and global consumers, through one-time integration and simple technical adaption. In addition to the Philippines, Alipay+ is also widely accepted in destinations including the Chinese mainland, Macao SAR, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and South Korea among others.
Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions today announced the XS1000 External SSD, a small and incredibly sleek file backup solution. XS1000 joins XS2000 as a new product offering in Kingstons external SSD product portfolio. Both drives are extremely compact and under 29 grams to provide pocket-sized portability.

Kingstons XS1000 offers read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and large capacities up to 2TB providing ample room for storing countless photos, videos, and files. The drive comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable and maintains backwards compatibility to ensure seamless connectivity with legacy devices. All drives go through Kingstons rigorous product testing to ensure they function with the highest level of quality, reliability, and functionality. Small like a key fob, the XS1000 serves as a reliable companion for easy file backups, guaranteeing continuous access to your important documents, cherished memories and media files.

Our customers are looking for convenient, fast and reliable storage at an affordable price. With the addition of XS1000 they can look no further as we now offer more options for external storage, said Kingston. We designed this drive to be sleek and compact, XS1000 is currently the smallest external SSD available on the market with speeds up to 1,050MB/s, measuring merely half the size of a standard SSD. This ensures unparalleled portability, making it the ultimate selection for those seeking a combination of convenience and top-notch performance.

XS1000 is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities and is backed by a limited five-year warranty with free technical support. Starting from September 15th till October 31st 2023, with a purchase of XS1000 external SSD, customers will receive a limited edition Kingston palm rest and a rubber sleeve absolutely free.

Kingston XS1000 External SSD Features and Specifications:

Ultimate portability: Compact and weighing just under 29g, this sleek, all-black SSD fits in your palm, allowing you to take your files on the go effortlessly.

Compact and weighing just under 29g, this sleek, all-black SSD fits in your palm, allowing you to take your files on the go effortlessly. Reliable file backup: Take it all with you. Transfer and store your documents, large photos and videos without interruption.

Take it all with you. Transfer and store your documents, large photos and videos without interruption. Increased storage: Expand your digital library with high capacities up to 2TB to preserve lifes cherished moments.

Expand your digital library with high capacities up to 2TB to preserve lifes cherished moments. USB 3.2 Gen 2 support: Achieve read speeds up to 1,050MB/s with backwards compatibility to USB 3.2 Gen 1 ensuring seamless connectivity with legacy devices.

Achieve read speeds up to 1,050MB/s with backwards compatibility to USB 3.2 Gen 1 ensuring seamless connectivity with legacy devices. Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Speed: Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write

Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write NAND: 3D

3D Capacities: 1TB, 2TB

1TB, 2TB Dimensions: 69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5mm

69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5mm Weight: 28.7g

28.7g Casing Material: Metal + Plastic

Metal + Plastic Operating temperature: 0C~40C

0C~40C Storage temperature: -20C~85C

-20C~85C Warranty/Support: Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support

Limited 5-year warranty with free technical support Compatible with: Windows 11, 10, macOS (v.10.15.x +), Linux (v. 4.4.x +), Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS (v.13+)

For more information visit kingston.com.
With the goal of improving access to credit, Lista, the fastest-growing financial management app in the Philippines, announced a partnership with the countrys largest personal finance platform, MoneyMax.

The product of this groundbreaking collaboration is the new Credit Cards feature on the Lista app. It gives users the ability to view curated card offers, compare cards, and easily apply for their preferred card in just a matter of clicks.

Redefining convenience

In todays economy, credit cards are a convenient way to extend ones spending capabilities. However, many Filipinos perceive applying for a credit card to be a difficult and stringent affair. Additionally, a recent TransUnion Philippines study on local perceptions towards credit found that despite most Filipinos having a general understanding of credit concepts, the penetration rate for credit cards in the country stood at only 25%.

Better access to credit can help foster greater financial inclusion. The integration of seamless credit card application on the Lista app does away with many of the perceived difficulties in applying for a credit card. Having a side-by-side card comparison feature also makes it easier for users to pick the card that best fits their needs.

These user-centric solutions provide Filipinos better control and convenience over their financial choices  potentially opening greater financial opportunities to more people.

Bridging the gap to financial empowerment

On the significance of the partnership with MoneyMax, Lista co-founder Khriztina Lim said, Lista was created to provide Filipinos with purpose-driven solutions for their personal and business finances. Credit plays an important role not only in driving economic growth, but also in helping people purchase goods and services that can change lives for the better. We are excited to work with MoneyMax to streamline the credit card application process through Lista. Through this partnership, we will utilize technology to bridge the gaps that keep Filipinos from greater financial inclusion  empowering more people to live healthier financial lives.

Embracing the future of finance

The new Credit Card app feature and the partnership with MoneyMax are the latest milestones in Listas commitment to supporting Filipinos throughout each step of their financial journeys. Users can expect more exciting initiatives to further simplify budgeting, saving, credit, and other aspects of personal financial management to come soon.

For a financially healthy tomorrow, download the Lista app today.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

China is reportedly mulling implementing a new law to penalise people for wearing clothes that offend the Communist government's sensibilities.

According to a draft of revisions to the proposed law, a wide range of behaviour, including dress or speech detrimental to the spirit of the Chinese people and hurt the feelings of the Chinese people" would be prohibited.

The draft was released by the standing committee of the nation's legislature and has been listed among their priorities for passage this year, Bloomberg reported.

Violating the law would send a person to a detention centre for up to 15 days or hand over a fine of up to 5,000 yuan (545). However, it was unclear what images or speech would be considered offensive by the government.

The draft law highlights president Xi Jinping's bid to throttle dissent in the nation of some 1.4 billion people over his decade in power.

A woman was detained last year in Suzhou, a city near Shanghai, for wearing a kimono (a traditional Japanese attire) in public, according to the report.

Chinese authorities in recent months have clamped down on people wearing shirts with rainbows at concerts or distributing flags with pro-LGBTQ+ symbols on them.

The proposed law has led to outrage among Chinese citizens on social media, with people questioning how the authorities would know when the nation's feelings would be hurt.

Shouldnt the spirit of Chinese nation be strong and resilient, Weibo handle Nalan lang yueyueyue asked. Why can it be easily damaged by a costume?

Earlier in 2019 during the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, the Chinese government had placed a ban on exports of black clothes from the mainland to the financial hub.

Protesters had adopted plain black T-shirts, trousers and face masks as their uniform during rallies.

Black shirts and other clothing, helmets, umbrellas, walkie-talkies, drones, goggles and metal chains were among the items banned by Beijing.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

India is currently abuzz with speculations about a potentially massive change  the official renaming of the country to Bharat.

The speculations were sparked when Indias president Draupadi Murmus invitation for the upcoming G20 summit showed the use of the phrase president of Bharat  the Hindi name for the country  instead of the traditional president of India.

Some Indian media outlets reported, quoting sources, that the Narendra Modi government, known for its Hindu nationalist agenda and history of rebranding cities to suit local culture, was planning to put forward a resolution to change the countrys name officially later this month in the five-day special session of parliament that starts on 18 September.

While there are many debates ongoing in India with opposition parties, experts, and citizens locking horns over the merit behind the name change, one specific concern is the cost associated with such a massive undertaking for a country the size of India.

Experts pointed out that an exercise like this would incur a massive financial cost, even for the worlds fifth-largest economy.

While the exercise of changing a countrys name might appear merely symbolic, the move would mean significant changes at local, national, and international levels.

From making changes to government documents to maps, highway landmarks, and publicising the rebranding, everything would entail a cost for the country.

To understand the potential cost of this name change, we can look at examples from other countries that have undergone similar transitions, such as eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), and how the cost was calculated for them in 2018.

While its not clear how much money the country spent, a formula devised by South Africa-based intellectual property lawyer and blogger Darren Olivier has caught the attention of everyone.

Mr Olivier posted on his blog after the official change that it will cost the country $6m to change its name.

For a large company the average marketing budget costs around 6 per cent of its revenue, he wrote. That would be $60m in the case of eSwatini  and rebranding budgets typically take up 10 per cent of those marketing costs.

This gives the $6m estimate that may ultimately have to be found by the eSwatini government.

Mr Olivier told BBC back in 2018 that for such a small country, that is not insignificant.

Theres value in that, theres intrinsic value in that identity and what it means for the people, he told BBC.

Yet at the same time theres a cost  a physical cost in changing the identity.

Using the same formula, for a country the size of India, the cost comes to be about Rs 14,000 crore ($172m; 136m), first reported by Outlook Business using Mr Olivers formula.

While this is as close an estimate one can make, the real cost could be much higher depending upon how much the Indian government decides to pay to publicise its move.

India itself has taken up this exercise several times for recent changes to the names of cities introduced by the Modi government. Earlier this year, the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar while Osmanabad in Maharashtra was rechristened to Dharashiv. Similarly, the city of Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh was changed to Prayagraj in 2018.

Most of these changes are part of the Mr Modi governments attempts to get rid of names given by the British and Mughals, and reclaim Indias Hindu heritage. The exercises have been condemned by opposition leaders time and again who say it is unnecessary wastage of money. However, there is no cost estimate available for the money the country spent in changing these names.

Not just money, it also took a long time for countries to be officially known by their new names. Indias neighbour Sri Lanka changed its name from Ceylon in 1972, but it took decades for the island nation to get through the changes and be known with its new identity.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

India could officially be renamed Bharat by the Narendra Modi government, according to recent reports that have been fueled by invites for the G20 summit that asked people to join the President of Bharat for dinner.

Various Indian media reports suggest Mr Modis ruling Hindu nationalist government is looking to change the countrys name during an upcoming special session of parliament, though this has not been confirmed by officials.

A new official document calling Mr Modi the prime minister of Bharat added to swirling rumours that the country could get a name change.

On Wednesday, photos emerged of the document on Mr Modis current visit to Indonesia, just two days before India plays host to scores of foreign leaders in its capital New Delhi for the high-profile G20 summit.

In recent years the Modi administration has steadily chipped away at the legacies of former governments and leaders, changing names of official landmarks and buildings of national importance, while the prime minister says India has left behind former rulers Britain in a move to break away from the countrys colonial past.

Some senior BJP figures have welcomed the rumoured name change, while it has been met with a backlash and derision from opposition politicians across India.

What is India officially called?

The official name for the country is mentioned in the Indian Constitution as India, that is Bharat that shall be a Union of states. The Indian Constitution was written and made public in 1951 and the issue had been heavily debated after India gained independence as well, in 1947.

Nehru, also a historian, had said in his book, Discovery of India: Often, as I wandered from meeting to meeting, I spoke to my audiences of this India of ours, of Hindustan and of Bharata, the old Sanskrit name derived from the mythical founders of the race. He had mentioned the three most popular names  Hindustan, India and Bharat  with their own roots, geographical and historical relevance to the country.

All the official documents for the country in English carry the name India when referring to the Republic, its ministries, domestic and foreign correspondence, and describe government figures as Indian leaders. Valid identity cards like passports and voting cards use the term India as the official marker of citizenship.

But documents published in Hindi, which alongside English is one of Indias 22 official languages, say Bharat instead of India.

Where do the names India and Bharat come from?

The earliest records used to identify the country reveal the usage of Bharat, Bharata or Bharatvarsha. These commonly used terms have found a place in the Constitution alongside India.

Bharat, a Sanskrit name for the country, comes from ancient Puranic literature and also from one of the two major epics of India  the Mahabharata  in which Indians are believed to be the descendants of king Bharat, a mythical figure Hindus claim had started the Indian race. Many historians believe it dates back to early Hindu texts. The word also means India in Hindi.

The name India traces its origins to the river Indus (now Sindhu), and closely-related words have been used to refer to the subcontinent as a whole for many centuries, dating back to the Ancient Greek historians. The English form India gained greater relevance when the country was ruled by the British from the late 18th century onwards, and was prominently used in historical maps. After gaining freedom, the countrys new leaders did not do away with the usage, but incorporated it in official documents.

Who is calling for Bharat to be used?

After centuries of the country being known as India both inside and outside its borders, the Modi administration is reported to be pushing for the name change.

Right-wing political leaders from Mr Modis BJP insist India was introduced by British colonialists, is a symbol of slavery and argue that a name change is an effort to reclaim Indias Hindu past. Several of Mr Modis ministers have dropped India from their social media bios and replaced it with Bharat in the past few weeks.

A number of officials in Mr Modis party have openly called for the country to be referred to only as Bharat, without explaining how official documents, prominent national buildings, hospitals, colleges and universities using India in their name will be renamed.

Several right-wing leaders of the ruling party cheered on the possible use of Bharat as the only official name for the country on Tuesday, after photos widely shared across social media showed an official invite for Indias G20 summit asking foreign dignitaries to join the President of Bharat with no mention of India on the card.

Recent media reports about a special session of the Indian parliament, coupled with the photo of the invite, have also sparked rumours that BJP is planning to use the rare session to announce its intention to officially rename the country.

Why is it in the news now?

Calls for the name change have occasionally been made for several years now, but the conversation around the topic has exploded after photos widely shared across social media showed an official invite for Indias G20 summit asking foreign dignitaries to join the President of Bharat for dinner, with no mention of India on the card.

But this also comes just weeks after the countrys opposition leaders formed an alliance bloc called INDIA  short for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance  in a bid to remove Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from power in elections next year.

The opposition bloc says it wants to protect India and its democracy from a government pushing a Hindu majoritarian agenda, to the detriment of the countrys religious minorities including more than 200 million Muslims.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A new official document calling Indias PM Narendra Modi the prime minister of Bharat has added to swirling rumours that the country could get a name change.

On Wednesday, photos emerged of the document on Mr Modis current visit to Indonesia, just two days before India plays host to scores of foreign leaders in its capital New Delhi for the high-profile G20 summit.

Just a day earlier, a debate on the countrys name kicked up a political storm when an official G20 invite for foreign dignitaries with Indian president Draupadi Murmu referred to her as the President of Bharat.

The invite has fuelled rumours that the government is considering changing the countrys name to Bharat, a term that has its origins in the Sanskrit language and that is used colloquially to refer to India.

The new document designates Mr Modi as the prime minister of Bharat and not prime minister of India, which has been a decades-long format.

Photos showing the new document began circulating on Wednesday, ahead of Mr Modis diplomatic engagement for the 20th Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India summit and the 18th East Asia summit.

While Mr Modis social media bio on Twitter/X still says Prime Minister of India, some leaders and government officials have begun using the term Bharat.

The ID cards of Indias officials at the G20 summit will also read Bharat  Official, revealing a robust international push by the Modi administration at the biggest international stage that will see the presence of Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and other foreign leaders.

Bharat, the word that dates back to ancient Indian scriptures, has not been a commonly used term for Indias domestic and international correspondence ever since it gained independence from British rule in 1947.

But calls for a name change have seen a push, with members of Mr Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claiming they want to get rid of the colonial English name.

Recent media reports have revealed that a special session of the Indian parliament taking place this month could be the venue for Mr Modi to announce its intention to officially rename the country.

The Twitter/X page of Indias opposition Congress party leader Shashi Tharoor shows an invitation from the president of India reading as The President of Bharat (AP)

A resolution to that effect could be taken up by the BJP in the upcoming special session, in which the usual question hour will not take place, and which is scheduled for 18-22 September, officials said last week.

Opposition leaders from the Congress party say they have no idea about the agenda of the session, and claim it has been convened without any consultation with other political parties.

The special session marks a departure from the existing format of the three parliament sessions that are currently held.

Opposition leaders have questioned the haste and intention behind the rumoured name change without any explanation from the federal administration.

Indian officials have not confirmed reports to that effect, nor have they explained the expulsion of India from the high-profile G20 invites and identity cards.

PM Modi is now having a problem with the India name and he is changing its name to Bharat. The whole world is laughing at him, said senior Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.

We have no problem that you hate us, our ideology and our leaders but do not hate India, Indians, he said.

The 9-10 September summit, which groups the worlds 19 wealthiest countries plus the European Union, is particularly important for Mr Modi ahead of the 2024 election in which he faces a now seemingly united opposition bloc.

Coincidentally, the rumours of the name change have come as the overall opposition rebranded itself INDIA, short for the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, in July.

Ahead of the G20 summit, historical monuments, airports and major landmarks have projected this years G20 logo  an image of a globe inside a lotus, using the colours of the Indian flag.

The opposition says it is no coincidence that the lotus is also the election symbol of Mr Modis BJP.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A man accused of an assassination attempt against Japan prime minister Fumio Kishida has been charged with attempted murder.

Ryuji Kimura, 24, is suspected of hurling a homemade pipe bomb towards Mr Kishida during a campaign event in April in western Japan.

Mr Kishida was unhurt, but two others sustained minor injuries.

Following a three-month psychiatric assessment of the suspect, prosecutors concluded that he is mentally capable of standing trial, Japans Kyodo news agency said.

A psychiatric evaluation began in late May to determine whether Mr Kimura could take criminal responsibility.

He was arrested at the scene of the 15 April attack in the fishing port of Saikazaki in the western prefecture of Wakayama.

Local police believe the suspect had the intention of causing harm to the prime minister and others.

Local media said officials reached this conclusion based on their analysis of the explosive device he employed, which showed that it was highly lethal.

The suspect reportedly wanted to become a politician. Media reports and social media posts that appeared to be authored by him suggest he believed that he was unfairly barred from running for an election to Japans Upper House.

It was earlier reported that he had previously sued the Japanese government.

He had a history of seeking damages from the government. Japans Yomiuri newspaper reported that Mr Kimura filed a lawsuit in the Kobe district court last June and claimed he could not run for the election held on 10 July last year due to his age and inability to prepare a three-million yen (18,000) deposit.

The report said the 24-year-old had sought 100,000 yen (approximately 600) in damages for his mental anguish.

Mr Kimura claimed the election law violates the constitution, which stipulates equality under the law among other provisions.

The countrys former PM Shinzo Abe, Mr Kishidas predecessor and Japans longest-serving leader, was assassinated in July last in the Japanese city of Nara.

The suspect behind the assassination was identified by authorities as Tetsuya Yamagami.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Criticism has mounted on members of the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for failing to reach a consensus on key issues in the regions, including the South China Sea and strife-torn Myanmar.

The Asian bloc has been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop for its failure to get Myanmars ruling military to make progress on the controversial five-point peace plan.

During the three-day summit in Jakarta from 5-7 September, the leaders reportedly issued a 19-point summit urging the Myanmar junta to de-escalate violence and stop targetted attacks on houses and public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, markets.

We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar, the bloc said.

The bloc, for decades, operated under the principle of not interfering in each others internal affairs and reaching an agreement by consensus, but that has left it struggling to press the generals in Myanmar beyond barring them from its high-level meetings.

Myanmar on Tuesday announced it had ceded its turn to chair the Southeast Asian regional bloc, passing on the responsibility to The Philippines.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo had asked for unity and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the region, but according to reports, the peace plan to end the violence remained stuck.

The conclusion is that there is no significant progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said.

Chinas Premier Li Qiang (L) delivers remarks as South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (C) and Japans prime minister Fumio Kishida (R) listen during the Asean Plus Three (APT) summit (EPA)

The minister said the bloc leaders have agreed to an informal troika approach to Aseans special envoy on Myanmar, which would see the chair supported by the former and future chairs for continuity.

A troika was formed to ensure the continuity in terms of handling the issue because everyone understands this situation cannot change in one year, Mr Retno added.

Amid the ongoing regional tension between bloc countries, the Indonesian president assured that the blocs unity was well intact.

Lately, Ive been hearing questions related to Aean: Will Asean break up and not be able to unite? Can the Asean ship keep sailing? Mr Jokowi told his counterparts at the start of the summit.

As a family member and as the chair of Asean, I want to affirm that ASEANs unity is still well maintained. Unity does not mean there is no difference of opinion, he added.

The host president warned bloc countries against getting dragged into big-power rivalry as hostility between US and China loomed over the meeting.

The summit comes days after China released a 10-dash line map, illustrating its claim to an extensive portion of the South China Sea that will likely add urgency to negotiations on a long-delayed code of conduct in the strategic waterway.

Asean member states Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, which have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, have rejected Chinas map.

Japan too has lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels over the new map released by Beijing last month. China responded to Japans objections on Wednesday, saying the Diaoyu Islands and affiliated islands are Chinas inherent territory.

Beijings actions in the South China Sea were also to feature prominently in discussions, AFP reported, citing an earlier draft communique.

The bloc members were to express concern about land reclamations, activities, serious incidents in the waterway, according to the draft.

Asean leaders later this week will hold an East Asia summit, a wider forum that includes China, India, Japan, Russia and the US.
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Flamingos are being spotted across the continental United States in some cases thousands of miles from their usual habitats, and experts believe Hurricane Idalia is to blame.

The long-legged wading birds have been sighted as far afield as Ohio, Kentucky, the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee and Texas in recent days, according to Audubon Florida, a nonprofit that is tracking their movements.

Flamingos are also cropping up in parts of Florida where they are rarely seen, such as the north central Alachua County and Collier County on the southern Gulf Coast.

Audubon Floridas state director for research Jerry Lorenz told CNN the distinctive pink birds may have been flying from Cuba to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico when they were blown off course by Idalia.

We have never seen anything like this, Mr Lorenz said, adding that fresh sightings were continuing to pour in.

We will get a flamingo or two following storms (but) this is really unprecedented.

In Kentucky, Amanda Frazier captured video of a flamingo at Cave Run Lake, 70 miles east of Lexington.

My husband looked over, and he said, Look at that flamingo! and we were laughing because we thought someone had brought a plastic one and pushed it down in the sand, Ms Frazier told WKYT.

It was just walking around, letting people come up to it and take its picture.

According to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, it was the first ever recorded sighting of a flamingo in the state.

Spokesperson James Brunjer told WKYT that the bird would face challenges with the cooler temperatures and finding reliable food sources so far from its usual surroundings.

Flamingos are being sighted across the US after Idalia (file photo) (Associated Press)

Mr Lorenz told CNN that flamingos blown into unfamiliar locations would have been through a terrible ordeal, and asked people to give them plenty of space.

These birds are stressed right now, Mr Lorenz said. So dont get close enough to startle them, to frighten them or anything else, but enjoy their presence.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, more than 95 per cent of flamingo sightings in the state occur in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys.

The Independent has contacted Audubon Florida for further information.

Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on 30 August bringing catastrophic storm surge to parts of Florida.
News that Birmingham City Council has run out of money  or gone bust, as the headlines have it  has focused attention on the plight of many local authorities facing unprecedented financial pressures.

Coventry, West Oxfordshire, Bradford, Middlesbrough, Kirklees, Guildford and Southampton have all made ominous noises about their immediate future, and the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (Sigoma) suggests 26 councils could follow Birmingham over the next year.

Meanwhile, Transport for London, under the control of the citys mayor, recently had to be rescued by the Department for Transport (additional funding for which was conditional on the expansion of Ulez). Politically, such events add to the general feeling of malaise about crumbling public services, symbolised by the school buildings scandal, and the sentiment that nothing seems to work any more. Blame is a ping-pong game between the councils involved  mostly, but not exclusively, Labour  and the Conservative government. One thing we may be sure of is more crises in our council chambers.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Cruz Beckham displayed a new tattoo tribute to his mother, Victoria Beckham.

Cruz, the youngest son of David and Victoria Beckham, got a special tattoo to commemorate his mother with her Spice Girls moniker, Posh, written in cursive beside his elbow.

The tattoo artist behind Cruzs ink, Certified Letter Boy  whose real name is Pablo  is a London-based artist famous for his work on celebrities like Cruz and his older brother, Romeo, 21. The tattoo artist posted a series of black-and-white photos on his Instagram that displayed Cruzs new tattoo on his right arm. In the first photo, the tattoo is seen in all its glory. In a second photo, Cruz makes eye contact with the camera while getting his arm tattooed. The Instagram carousel concludes with a black-and-white video showing the tattoo process.

Posh @cruzbeckham , the tattoo artist wrote in an Instagram caption for the carousel. I think we all get the vibe here dont we? Thank you for the trust my g 

Cruzs brother Romeo has two tattoos designed by the popular tattoo artist, including one that says freedom to dream on his torso and another on his hand that reads free spirit. The youngest son follows in the footsteps of his father who has a penchant for getting inked up.

Cruz has been steadily adding more tattoos to his collection which so far includes a vinyl record player on his right bicep, the word "brotherhood" across his knuckles  apparently in honour of his older brothers Romeo and Brooklyn  and a robot toy design to commemorate his 18th birthday.

Cruzs latest tattoo comes six months after he celebrated his 18th birthday in February of this year. At the time, his parents Victoria, 49, and David, 48, proudly celebrated his birthday on social media. David posted an Instagram reel showcasing an adorable clip of his youngest son singing as well as photos of him throughout the years. The photos were set to Beyonces "Love on Top."

"Happy 18th Birthday to our baby boy  to the most amazing boy with the most amazing energy and the biggest heart x we are so proud of you and we love you so much Cruzie ," David wrote. In her own birthday post for her son, Victoria posted the same reel alongside a different caption, saying: "Happy Birthday Cruzie!! We all love you so much and are so proud of the incredible young man you have become  You are our everything. Happy 18th superstar    ."

Victoria also commemorated her sons 18th birthday by sharing a photo of him enjoying his first legal beer in the U.K., writing over the photo, 18 today!!!!!! Finally!!!!!! "

In honor of his first pint, Cruz posted a different photo to his Instagram that showed him at a pub with his dad and his big brother Romeo drinking beers together. Cruz captioned the photo, "Feels good to be 18."
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

People who have had a heart attack should immediately be offered a combination of cholesterol lowering drugs with statins and another cholesterol medication, new research suggests.

The study found that people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)  which includes those who have experienced a heart attack or unstable angina  were 47% less likely to die within three years if they started taking a high dose statin and ezetimibe straight away, compared to just the high dose statin.

The results indicate that out of every 21 patients taking the double treatment for three years, one death was prevented.

Researchers suggest thousands of lives could be changed every year if treatment guidelines are changed to reflect the findings.

This study shows that if we act quickly and decisively to lower patients cholesterol with this combination of treatments, we can drastically reduce the risk of death Professor Maciej Banach

The research was led by Maciej Banach, Professor of Cardiology at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, and Adjunct Professor at the Ciccarone Centre for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.

He said: Patients with acute coronary syndrome, such as those who have already had a heart attack, face a much higher risk of further heart problems.

Current guidelines, including those on prevention from the European Society of Cardiology, recommend a stepwise approach, first offering a statin only.

This study shows that if we act quickly and decisively to lower patients cholesterol with this combination of treatments, we can drastically reduce the risk of death.

Around seven million people suffer acute coronary syndrome every year and the majority of cases are linked to high cholesterol and a build-up of fat in the blood vessels.

We have effective cholesterol lowering treatments, but we must make sure the people who need them are taking them.

The study included data on 1,536 patients with ACS who were part of the national Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS).

Half of them had been treated with a high dose statin only, while the other half were treated with a combination of a high dose statin and ezetimibe, which is used to treat high cholesterol.

Heres everything you need to know about combination cholesterol therapy.

What are statins and ezetimibe?

Both statins and ezetimibe are widely available drugs that have been shown to effectively lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

When people have high levels of cholesterol, it can block their blood vessels increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke.

ACS affects around seven million people worldwide, including around four million heart attack patients.

Researchers say ensuring that all those at risk are started on both treatments straight away could prevent an estimated 330,000 deaths per year.

What is combination cholesterol therapy?

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, combination cholesterol therapy is the combination of ezetimibe and statin.Often, medical professionals just prescribe statins  the most common medicine used for high cholesterol. You take one tablet a day, and the NHS states they usually need to taken for life.

What are the benefits of combination cholesterol therapy?

According to the findings of the study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, those who started taking a statin and ezetimibe straight away were less likely to die of any cause in the following three years.

However, the risk of death was already lower after only 52 days of treatment.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

One American travel TikToker is being criticised for making a statement that has been declared out of touch by many of her viewers.

Kat Crittenden posted to her page on 17 August during her recent excursion to Thailand. In the video, she was seen wading through crystal blue water with her arms up as she spun the camera to pan her surroundings. What are yall still doing in America? she asked.

The influencer, known for her worldwide travel content, attempted to encourage her followers to be spontaneous and plan the trip of their dreams like she had. Crittenden told viewers that they could be swimming between magnificent mountains on a Thursday night too if you just book a freaking flight.

Me again, convincing you to travel, lol, her caption read.

While Crittendens intention in posting the video, which has now gained over five million views, may have been innocent, her followers were quick to call the message insensitive. Over 12,900 users flocked to the comments under her post, where they explained that they dont have the money or means to go on adventures like her.

I dont have rich parents, one viewer wrote, while another sarcastically asked: Can you get your parents to pay for my travel expenses as well?

Another person added: Ill put living paycheck to paycheck on hold so I can do that. Thanks for the advice.

Some of us actually have to work, one TikToker noted.

Crittenden posted a secondary video to address the criticism shed received and set the record straight about where her travel funds come from. She clarified that her parents arent funding her vacations, and said she never grew up with a lot of money. According to the TikToker, the only family trip she took was to Wisconsin at a young age and her first time leaving America was for a solo trip when she was 18 years old.

I am endlessely grateful that I had the ability to go see my family and this video is not complaining about that AT ALL, its emphasising that I travel with my money and I worked for this and saved for this for years myself, she said.

Even after uploading the follow-up video about her background, individuals still criticised her for not acknowledging how traveling even within the US is a privilege. Many pointed out how her original post disregarded that some people couldnt just book a ticket on a whim due to a lack of expendable income.

Crittendens spokesperson and talent manager at Bloomie, Sofia Cano, told The Independent: First and foremost, Kat wishes to acknowledge and deeply apologise for any insensitivity conveyed in her recent video encouraging travel.

She continued: While her intention was purely positive, she recognises the concerns raised by many, especially in light of the current economic challenges. Her goal with the video was to motivate others to explore and step outside their comfort zones. However, she understands that the timing and delivery might have been off.

Cano announced Crittendens plan to give back to her audience as she acknowledges that she couldnt travel the way she does without them.

I wouldnt be able to create my content and travel to the lengths that I do without my community of followers that Ive built from the amazing people that support me. Everytime I grow another 100,000 followers, I have a tradition of doing a giveaway, the TikToker said. Typically its a backpack or some travel goodies, but this time Ive decided to do a flight voucher to better help someone in my community go out and explore. Not only do I want to inspire others to explore, I also want to help them travel by sharing budgeting tips and helpful guides.

Looking forward, Cano expressed her clients desire to change her approach online. Kathryn is committed to being more mindful and considerate of the broader context in which her content is presented, she added.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

So Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet are official. Cue internet outrage, disgust and delight, depending on your social media algorithm. Rumours of pop cultures most unexpected romantic pairing have been circulating since April. But now  thanks to a series of videos and photos of the duo aggressively snogging at Beyonces latest LA concert  the couple is all but confirmed. And people seem set on expressing their shock.

After the evidence broke the internet on Tuesday afternoon, Twitter erupted into a series of memes and snide remarks. It wasnt a prank? tweeted one person. So Timothee and Kylie is a real thing omg, another quipped. One added that theyd never seen a more random celebrity pairing than Timothee and Kylie.

Highlighting the internets shock was a now-deleted British Vogue article that poked fun at the pairing and how they might spend their time together. Does he hold her make-up brushes while she contours? the writer asked, referring to Jenners eponymous beauty empire. Does she help him sift through Wes Anderson scripts? Does he give Stormi French lessons? she continued, naming Jenners five-year-old daughter, Stormi, who she shares with ex Travis Scott. And how did they end up together, anyway?

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner filmed in public together for first time

The piece was widely shared and quickly derided as sexist. But its sentiments have been reflected everywhere online. Because beneath every expression of shock at this pairing lies the same implication: that objectively, Jenner and Chalamet must be intellectually and professionally incompatible. Its a narrative that, because of the scale of the pairs respective fame, has become so furiously deconstructed and memed that it has seldom been questioned or interrogated. But as the response to the Vogue article illustrated, once you do start to dig a little deeper into where all of these assumptions are coming from, it unearths a rotten misogynistic core.

Lets break the narrative down: where does this specific assumption of incompatibility come from? OK, so Chalamet is an Academy Award-nominated actor, an indie darling favoured by some of the most revered directors in the world, including Greta Gerwig and Luca Guadagnino. His films  among them Lady Bird, Call Me by Your Name and Bones and All  are known for subverting social boundaries and playing with genre.

Now jump to Jenner, whose public persona is arguably somewhat mired given she stems from one of the internets most polarising families: the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Evidently, to some, thats all she is: the youngest in a family of spoilt, entitled reality TV stars with more money than sense. Thats certainly the implication from the way shes been discussed online in relation to Chalamet, an actor who  we assume, because of the films hes been in  must be of a superior intellect.

In fact, we know very little about the 27-year-old aside from the snippets of information hes shared in interviews: he speaks French! He grew up in New York! He briefly pursued a career in rap! We do, however, know quite a lot about Jenner. At just 17, she launched Kylie Cosmetics, which became a multimillion-dollar business just a few years later. Sure, there were some doubts over the figures (Forbes Magazine would famously end up retracting its declaration that she was the youngest self-made billionaire in 2019), but there are no doubts over just how influential her business has been in shaping the beauty industry around the world. And although she is no longer the primary shareholder, given that she sold her 51 per cent stake to beauty conglomerate Coty in 2019, she is still the face of the brand and remains heavily involved.

The great foundation of a successful relationship, its been said, is emotional intelligence  whos to say Chalamet and Jenner are incompatible there?

Alongside that, Jenner also has two children: Stormi, five, and Aire Webster, one. Dont get me wrong, I hardly think the 26-year-old is struggling to afford childcare, but I do think being a single mother to two young children while overseeing a globally successful business is no mean feat, regardless of your financial stature.

With this in mind, why are we so quick to assume that these two people are intellectually incompatible? Its a major indictment of how society views the achievements of women if someone with Jenners personal and professional credentials can still be so vastly underestimated, and reduced to little more than a vapid reality TV star with nice handbags. Meanwhile, Chalamet is automatically assumed to be someone of intellectual aptitude by dint of the films hes been cast in. Its misogyny at its most brazen.

But while theres no evidence to support the theory that Jenner and Chalamet are intellectually incompatible (I highly doubt any of the online commentators know either of these celebrities), would that even matter? There are so many different types of intelligence  academic, spiritual, visual  but the only one that really matters in a romantic relationship is one that cant be taught.

A successful relationship is not built on two people making the same literary references at dinner parties, or trading Proust quotes over flat whites. Its about connection. And thats something that can materialise as a result of so many things besides intelligence. Think communication, ideologies, ambitions, sexuality, shared value systems and attachment styles. To a degree, some of that can be influenced by intelligence. But it isnt always.

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner filmed in public together for the first time

The great foundation of a successful relationship, its been said, is emotional intelligence  whos to say Chalamet and Jenner are incompatible there? And whatever it is thats bonding them, it seems to be pretty strong given that the duo have now been linked for more than five months  and according to those Beyonce concert photos, they appear pretty into each other.

We live in a culture that is obsessed with scrutinising and analysing every facet of celebrity life, particularly their relationships. And even though that is often unwarranted and based on a warped societal view that refuses to allow anyone in the public eye to maintain a modicum of privacy, I suspect that wont come to an end any time soon.

What we can put an end to, I hope, is the assumption that women who fit one certain societal mould can necessarily not fit another. That women cant be successful and conventionally attractive. That women cant be reality TV stars and also have brains. That women can be more than just one thing. Its 2023: why is this still something were fighting against?
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Lili Reinhart has clarified her friendship status with Sydney Sweeney amid feud rumours.

On 4 September, the two TV stars were caught in what appeared to be an awkward run-in on the red carpet at Armanis 2023 Venice International Film Festival party in Italy. A viral TikTok video captured the Euphoria lead approaching Reinhart, 26, and her Riverdale costar Camila Mendes in front of a sea of cameras.

Sweeney, 25, proceeded to lean in and embrace the two actresses. According to the individual who published the video to social media, Reinharts expression seemed to melt into a solemn look as soon as Sweeney pulled back from the hug, leading to an online consensus that the two were feuding.

However, the Hustlers actor isnt one to let the internet spin a narrative she doesnt agree with. So, it didnt take much time before Reinhart addressed the speculation about her and Sweeney. She took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to put out a statement. Stop making villains out of women every chance you get, she wrote later on Monday.

In addition to the message, Reinhart proved a picture speaks volumes with an image posted to her Instagram Story. She and Sweeney snapped a selfie together, donning black from head to toe in front of a canal. Over the image, Reinharts caption read: Well be over here if you need us.

Both stars attended Miu Mius Womens Tales Committee Party hand-in-hand with their partners. Sweeney was spotted with Johnathan Davino, who she is engaged to, while Reinhart and Jack Martin joined them for a stroll along the dock.

Sweeney making a public appearance with Davino also appeared to shock spectators as well. Though the couple have been engaged since 2022, theyre rarely seen together out and about. In a conversation with Cosmopolitan, the Reality lead opened up about how she prefers to keep her personal life out of the public eye.

I dont date people in the spotlight, she said. I need to be able to be with someone who I can literally hang out with 24/7 and never get sick of and we laugh every single day.

Meanwhile, Reinhart was first confirmed to be dating Martin in April. Before the La Brea actor, Reinhart was romantically linked to her Riverdale love interest, Cole Sprouse, on and off for three years. When the two finally split, fans of the series were devastated.

Sprouse, 31, spoke candidly of the publics response to their break-up in an interview with Vulture. I get a lot of stuff sent to my house or my loved ones houses, he proclaimed. Death threats, really nasty, honestly criminal stuff.

Is that just a consequence of an incredible love? Or is that what fanaticism looks like? he questioned. Perhaps because those lines were blurred to our audience, its hard to break those things up when life moves on.

The former Disney Channel favourite is in a relationship with Ari Fournier and has been since 2021, while his twin brother, Dylan, recently tied the knot with supermodel Barbara Palvin.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Barack Obama once wrote that he made love to men every day in the imagination in a love letter to his ex-girlfriend that has surfaced more than 40 years later.

The former US president wrote of his androgynous mind in a letter to his then-girlfriend, Alex McNear, which has since resurfaced in the New York Post. In the correspondence, Obama wrote: In regard to homosexuality, I must say that I believe this is an attempt to remove oneself from the present, a refusal perhaps to perpetuate the endless farce of earthly life. You see, I make love to men daily, but in the imagination.

My mind is androgynous to a great extent and I hope to make it more so until I can think in terms of people, not women as opposed to men, he added. But, in returning to the body, I see that I have been made a man, and physically in life, I choose to accept that contingency.

The letter was written in November 1982, when a 21-year-old Obama and McNear were students at Occidental College in Los Angeles. She later redacted excerpts of the letter, which is currently held by Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Contents of the letter gained renewed attention earlier this month when biographer David Garrow claimed that the 44th US president repeatedly fantasizes about making love to men. Garrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, was the author of the 2017 biography, Rising Star: The Making of Barack Obama.

In an interview with Tablet published on 2 August, Garrow explained how he obtained letters from three of Obamas former girlfriends as he was writing about the politicians early career. The biographer suggested that McNear wanted to have her role known when she offered the 40-year-old letter to Garrow. When Alex showed me the letters from Barack, she redacted one paragraph in one of them and just said: Its about homosexuality, Garrow told the magazine.

After McNear sold the letters to Emory University, Garrow asked college professor Harvey Klehr to transcribe the love letters by hand. I emailed Harvey, said: Go to the Emory archives. Hes spent his whole life at Emory, but they wont let him take pictures, Garrow explained. So Harvey has to sit there with a pencil and copy out the graf where Barack writes to Alex about how he repeatedly fantasizes about making love to men.

The former president co-operated in the writing of the book, as he was interviewed by Garrow for eight hours over the course of three days. He has not yet commented publicly about the contents of the resurfaced letter.

When Rising Star was published in 2017, the biography also revealed that Obama had proposed to another woman before he met his current wife, Michelle Obama. Speaking to Garrow, Obamas ex-girlfriend Sheila Miyoshi Jager told the author: In the winter of 86, when we visited my parents, he asked me to marry him.

Obama and Jager began dating after they were introduced by mutual friends. The former Illinois senator proposed in 1986, when he was 25 and Jager was 23. While she rejected his proposal, the ex-couple stayed together until Obamas political aspirations caused a strain on their relationship.

He became so very ambitious very suddenly, Jager told Garrow. I remember very clearly when this transformation happened, and I remember very specifically that by 1987, about a year into our relationship, he already had his sights on becoming president.

In the book, Garrow also wrote that Obama allegedly attempted to end his relationship with Jager - who is of Japanese and Dutch ancestry - because of race. The author claimed that Obama believed marrying his then-girlfriend would hurt his credibility as an African American politician, writing that he had a calling to be president and a heightened awareness that to pursue it he had to fully identify as African American.

According to Garrow, Obama and Jager continued to see each other during his first year of law school - around the same time that he met Michelle Obama (nee Robinson) while working at a Chicago law firm.

The soon-to-be president and first lady were married on 3 October 1992. They welcomed their first child, Malia Ann Obama, in July 1998 and their second daughter, Natasha Sasha Obama, in July 2001.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Barack Obama for comment.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The National Zoo has announced that it welcomed a new resident earlier in the summer, and it has now been named an ambassador for its species.

Basil, a Virginia opossum, also known as a North American opossum, came to the zoo from the local wildlife rehabilitation centre in Washington, DC, City Wildlife, after being rehabilitated from a predator attack, in which he lost one of his eyes, according to a 2 September press release. Basil was placed in the National Zoos Small Mammal House after the centre deemed him unreleasable and decided he would not survive long in the wild with his eyesight.

The zoo has said that, in the limited time Basil has spent at his new home, he is adjusting very well. He is starting to interact with the zoos employees, as well as actively exploring his exhibit at night since he is nocturnal.

When we interact with him, weve learned that he is curious, mellow and very much enjoys being cosy! the zoo wrote about him in the press release. Basil especially loves his fleece blankets and finding a spot in his logs to get curled up  if you dont see him right away, thats the first place to look!

Although mostly adjusting well, there are still some aspects of living in a zoo that Basil is working on becoming comfortable with. For example, the zoo wrote in the press release that enrichment is new for him, so he is hesitant to interact with items and is still learning. Part of this includes Basil getting used to being fed with tongs by the zookeepers.

Despite being in a sheltered environment, the zoo still encourages Basil to lean into the natural instincts that he would need in the wild. One of his favourite items in his exhibit are his forage bins, according to the zoo.

The foraging bins recreate the foraging behaviours opossums would utilise in the wild, the press release read. He uses his sense of smell and his feet to dig and search for the food inside the bins. We will also hang the bins in the exhibit when he is settled in more, so he is encouraged to climb and forage up higher as well!

Because the zoo will be Basils permanent home, the zoo is hoping that he will not only have a comfortable life but also that he will help zoo visitors learn more about opossums. Its exciting to have a species that people may see in their own backyard, the press release read. Its crucial for our visitors to understand why its so important to protect our local wildlife just as much as the wildlife around the planet.

The zoo wrote that, despite the Virginia opossum not being endangered, its important to remember that all species were of concern for becoming endangered at one time. The zoo also mentioned how important it is to be aware of current endangered species, as well as species that are not currently endangered, and the preventative measures taken before they reached endangered status.

It is still important for us to be aware of species that are currently not threatened, so that we can protect existing wild populations.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Fans have criticised Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey for asking for donations to their Maui relief fund, with many suggesting the celebrity duo solely contribute to the fund.

The pair recently launched the relief fund to aid local residents affected by the Lahaina wildfires that devastated large sections of Maui, Hawaii.

After deadly wildfires swept through the island in August, Mauis infrastructure was left devastated, and so were families and residents who lost loved ones, neighbours, and friends. CNN reported that the confirmed death toll reached 115, but dozens of lives have still been unaccounted for. According to a statement published by the County of Maui, the Lahaina wildfires have been contained as of 3 September, and the Olinda and Kula wildfires have been 90 per cent and 95 per cent contained, respectively.

In light of the tragedy, Winfrey and Johnson took to Instagram and TikTok on 31 August to reach their millions of followers, and in a video of the pair standing side-by-side, they introduced their new collaboration: The Peoples Fund of Maui.

They said that their relief fund was intended to raise money for Maui residents who had been affected by the tragedy. In the video, the pair cited Dolly Parton and her philanthropy as an inspiration for their new venture. They claimed that, because people were confused about how to help Maui residents, they sought to create a fund that would directly provide residents with relief.

In the lengthy caption, the pair wrote: Were honoured to announce the Peoples Fund of Maui, a fund putting money directly in the pockets of those who were affected by the recent wildfires. As we have seen firsthand, the impacts of these wildfires have been devastating, and were here to ensure with 100 per cent guarantee that your donations will go directly into the hands of Lahaina residents.

They explained that any adult resident who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the Lahaina and Kula wildfires is eligible to receive $1,200 per month through the fund. They concluded the caption: We are honoured to start this campaign with $10m and ask for your help in donating to those who have lost their homes. We thank you in advance for your contribution.

Although Johnson and Winfrey may have had altruistic intentions, many were flabbergasted that the pair - one a billionaire and the other a multi-millionaire - asked the public to donate their money. Johnson and Winfreys video drew 60,000 comments, with many viewers reacting with disappointment and skepticism.

One user wrote in the videos comment section, Girl you got some nerve asking us working class people who can barely afford to put food on the table for our families to donatewhy dont you ask your millionaire/billionaire buddies to help.

This is sooo ironic a billionaire and a millionaire asking YOU to donate YOUR money?? another balked, while someone else wrote: Math aint mathing with this one. You guys literally have so much money. You can donate it and make it back within a year.

According to Forbes, Winfrey has a net worth of $2.5bn and owns at least 13 properties on the Hawaiian islands, adding up to over 1,000 acres of land. Meanwhile, Johnson is reportedly the worlds highest-paid actor at $270m.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Winfrey and Johnson for comment.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Princess Stephanie of Monacos daughter, Pauline Ducruet, has shared her escape from Burning Man on social media.

The eldest daughter of the royal gave her followers a glimpse of her getaway from the muddy grounds of the annual arts festival in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada after organizers lifted the driving ban at 2pm on Monday.

Ducruet, 29, posted on her Instagram Story a photo of the Black Rock Desert range through a car windshield and the open route ahead, captioned, We out. The Alter designer also posted a photo of herself among a group dressed up in festival-ready garments that appeared to be taken before rain stranded thousands of festival-goers. When it was dry and fun, Ducruet wrote over the photo on her Story.

Among 70,000 festival-goers at Burning Man, Ducruet was forced to get creative after extreme rainfall flooded the region and officials closed the exits from the festival. She chronicled her experience on her Instagram Story, posting photos showcasing mud-caked boots at a nearby gas station.

She then reposted a Burning Man meme from a popular meme account, @sainthoax. Everyone at Burning Man this weekend, was written above Shakira dancing in mud in her Whenever, Wherever music video.

Over the weekend, thousands of Burning Man attendees were trapped when extreme rainfall flooded parts of northern Nevada. The festival shut down three days earlier than scheduled. Officials advised attendees to conserve food, water and fuel and shelter in a warm, safe space amid conditions. They also banned driving in or out of Burning Man City beyond emergency vehicles. Celebrities stranded at the festival included Chris Rock, Cindy Crawford, Kaia Gerber, Austin Butler, and Diplo.

Ducruet, a Parsons graduate, splits her time between New York and Monaco. However, the designer is by no means a rookie when it comes to the desert. In February 2018, she and her cousin, Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, took part in the all-female Aicha de Gazelles rally, which takes place across the Morrocan desert. Together, the granddaughters of Hollywood icon Grace Kelly raced across the desert for 10 days without the aid of a phone, GPS, or a map. The rally fundraises for Coeur de Gazelles, a relief fund aiding those living in remote areas of Morocco.

I think its just fun that were able to share this experience together as family, Grimaldi told People at the time. Unfortunately, it wasnt on the same team as one another, but were still a part of it together. We have a competitive nature in our family, but I feel like were just in it to have fun and do what we can.

Earlier this summer, Ducruet - the daughter of Princess Stephanie and her ex-husband Daniel Ducruet - joined several members of the royal family to celebrate the birthday of her late grandfather, Prince Rainier. The designer stepped out alongside her mother, uncle Prince Albert, aunt Princess Charlene, twin cousins Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, eight, brother Louis Ducruet, his wife Marie, and sister Camille Gottlieb to commemorate what would have been Rainiers 100th birthday.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Greek island ferry captain and three of his crew faced homicide charges Wednesday over the death of a tardy passenger who was pushed by crew members into the sea as he tried to force his way onto the departing vessel in the country's main port of Piraeus.

The incident captured on a video and shared on social media sparked anger across the maritime country. It showed the passenger running onto the Blue Horizon ferrys loading ramp, which was still down and in place on the quay, as the ship had cast off its moorings and was about to leave. He tried to push past two crew members on the ramp who stopped him and manhandled him onto the quay.

When the man once again stepped onto the ramp, one crew member stopped him and pushed him off as the ferry was departing, with the man vanishing into the growing gap between the vessel and the quay.

The crew then appeared to do nothing to help him, and the ferry continued sailing towards the island of Crete before being ordered back to Piraeus.

The coast guard said the man was recovered unconscious from the harbor waters and later pronounced dead. An autopsy was underway to determine the precise cause of death.

Greece's minister for merchant marine, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, expressed shock, horror and sorrow Wednesday at the incident.

Varvitsiotis told privately-owned Parapolitika radio that the behavior of the detained crew members was a vile insult to Greek seamen.

He said the man had a ticket and had boarded the ship shortly earlier, dashed out for unclear reasons and then tried to reboard. Varvitsiotis also said he ordered an investigation into how port police responded to the incident.

Attica Group, which owns the Blue Horizon, issued a brief statement saying it was devastated by the tragic incident and would cooperate with the authorities.

The ferry's captain, first mate and two more crew members were due to appear before a Piraeus prosecutor to be formally charged later Wednesday.

Piraeus is Greece's biggest port, and the main gateway for millions of travelers visiting the country's Aegean Sea islands and Crete every year.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Lawyers for a former Michigan police officer are asking the state appeals court to throw out a murder charge in the killing of a Black motorist in 2022.

The court is scheduled to hear arguments Wednesday in the case against Christopher Schurr, who shot Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head after a morning traffic stop in Grand Rapids turned into a short foot chase and vigorous struggle.

In a filing, Schurr's attorneys said lower courts wrongly applied the law to the circumstances of Lyoya's death.

Officer Schurr reasonably believed a felony had occurred and reasonably believed that Lyoya had committed that felony, justifying his use of deadly force to prevent Lyoya from fleeing from arrest, the defense team said.

A judge in Grand Rapids last year found probable cause to send the second-degree murder case to the Kent County trial court. The evidence included video of the final moments when Schurr fired his gun while on top of Lyoya.

Schurr, who is white, repeatedly told Lyoya, 26, to take his hands off the officers Taser, according to the video.

Nonetheless, a jury could conclude that Schurr "did not reasonably believe that his life was immediately at risk, Judge Nicholas Ayoub said in ordering a trial.

Schurrs attorneys have argued that he was defending himself. A forensic video analyst, Robert McFarlane, said Lyoya failed to comply with 20 commands.

Schurr, an officer for seven years, was fired in June 2022 after being charged with murder.

Grand Rapids, which has a population of about 200,000, is 160 miles (260 kilometers) west of Detroit.
Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A new Covid variant dubbed Pirola is sweeping the United States and is currently being closely monitored by the World Health Organisation.

Pirola is a combination of the Greek letters Pi and Rho, has more than 30 mutations to its spike protein compared to XBB.1.5, a variant of Omicron that had been the dominant strain in the US, according to a Thursday bulletin in Yale Medicine.

Such a high number of mutations is notable, said Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist Scott Roberts, MD.

Dr Roberts said that this was similar to the number of mutations that differed between Delta, one of the early strains of the coronavirus, and Omicron.

When Omicron hit in the winter of 2021, there was a huge rise in COVID-19 cases because it was so different from the Delta variant, and it evaded immunity from both natural infection and vaccination, Dr Roberts added.

The other concern is that this strain has been picked up in at least six countries, and the cases are unrelated. This suggests some degree of transmission in the [international] community that were not detecting.

What is BA.2.86?

Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist and lead for the Covid response at the WHO, said very limited information was available on the newly discovered strain. But a large number of mutations within it needed closer monitoring, she wrote on Twitter.

Surveillance, sequencing and Covid-19 reporting [are] critical to track known and detect new variants, she added.

The variant, also referred to as BA.X, was found through genetic sequencing  a process where scientists determine the building blocks of a molecules DNA.

Scientists are on alert due to the overly high number of mutations of the variant, with more than 30 in the spike protein  the part of the virus that vaccines aim to neutralise.

How many cases are there in the US?

Pirola has been found in 10 states, according to data from GISAID , a global database.

So far, it has been found in Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.

The CDC noted in a statement released 23 August that the current hospitalisations in the country are not likely driven by BA.2.86, but added, this assessment may change as additional data become available.

Globally, the variant has been detected in Denmark, Sweden, South Africa, Israel, Canada, the United Kingdom and the US, as The Independent previously reported.

Covid hospitalisations and deaths have steadily risen for the last several weeks, as the US sees the effect of a summer surge.

From 3 September to 9 September, hospitalisations from the virus rose 7.7 per cent compared to the previous week, the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show.

During that same time, deaths rose 4.5 per cent.

As the summer surge has gained traction, experts have started speaking more about preventative measures. In a recent interview with CNN, Dr Anthony Fauci said he hopes Americans wear masks to protect their loved ones if case counts continue to rise.

What can you do to protect yourself?

The CDC has advised people to protect themselves from the virus as it is not yet clear how well this variant spreads, however as a precautionary measure people have been asked to do the following:

 Get your Covid-19 vaccines.

 Get tested for Covid.

 Seek treatment if you have Covid-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick

 If you choose to wear a mask, wear a high-quality one that fits well over your nose and mouth Improve ventilation.

Wash your hands.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of the new variant include a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat.

What are the experts saying?

Kristian G Andersen, an immunologist and infectious diseases expert, said the lineage had all the hallmarks of something that could take off, but added: Our immunity landscape is now complex, so its too early to say it will.

Dr S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist, a flagship Texan hospital, said it remained to be seen whether BA.2.86 would be able to out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in escaping immune responses from prior infection or vaccination.

Researchers are currently studying how much  if any  protection against BA.2.86 might be offered from immunity from previous Covid infections, per The New York Times. However, the research on this topic is still in its infancy, so its difficult to say for sure how past infections may influence Pirola cases.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un severely rebuked his premier and other senior officials over their irresponsible response to recent flooding that inundated farmlands, state media reported Tuesday.

Summer floods in North Korea often cause serious damage to its agricultural sector due to poor drainage and deforestation. Observers say Kims lambasting of top officials likely aims to shift blame for the countrys worsened economic hardships and food insecurity to them, to ease public complaints.

Kim on Monday visited a western coastal tideland, where seawater recently destroyed the embankment, flooding more than 270 hectares of rice paddies. After inspecting the situation, Kim accused officials of very irresponsible neglect of duties, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Kim criticized Premier Kim Tok Hun for showing the attitude of an onlooker," KCNA said. He berated the vice premier for failing to perform his duties faithfullyand playing the role of a fuel supplier only and said the director of the tideland reclamation bureau did nothing and concealed a large amount of fuel oil provided for construction works.

In recent years the administrative and economic discipline of the Kim Tok Hun Cabinet has got out of order more seriously and, consequently, the idlers are spoiling all the state economic work with the irresponsible work manner, Kim Jong Un said, according to KCNA.

Kim called the recent flooding a man-made disaster. He said the cabinet wasnt aware of the fact that a local corporation in June launched an unauthorized construction project to build a drainage system there and didnt take any measures even though the leakage of water was discovered at the floodgate bank. Kim ordered stern disciplinary steps for those responsible for the flooding damage.

North Korea watchers say Kim Jong Un's moves are unusually strong given there were no reports of human casualties. They say Kim could use the flooding as a chance to reshuffle top officials in a bid to reinforce public confidence in his government, as he's struggling to revive an economy reeling from COVID-19.

Kim Jong Un appears to be searching (for) extreme steps to divert public complaints that have been heightened due to worsened public livelihoods and economic situations, said Tae Yongho, a South Korean lawmaker, who served as a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before his defection in 2016.

Outside experts believe North Koreas current food shortages and economic troubles have deepened due to draconian pandemic curbs, U.N. sanctions and North Korea's own mismanagement. But there are no signs of an imminent famine or major public unrest that could threaten Kims grip on his 26 million people.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Parliament will need to find a new head for a key sleaze watchdog after Sir Keir Starmer brought Sir Chris Bryant on to his front bench.

The Labour leader appointed the senior MP, who was in Gordon Browns government, as shadow minister for creative industries and digital on Wednesday.

Sir Chris tended his resignation from his prominent position as chairman of the Commons Standards Committee, which scrutinises the behaviour of MPs.

Following confirmation of his new job, Sir Chris said he is delighted to take on the role, working under shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire and shadow science secretary Peter Kyle, who were both appointed at the start of Sir Keirs reshuffle.

Creativity drives the UKs potential. It creates jobs. It enlivens our imagination. We need to cherish and celebrate it and make it available to all, Sir Chris wrote on social media.

Commons rules mean the chair of the Standards Committee must come from the Opposition, so his successor will be a Labour MP elected in a secret ballot of the House.

The MP for Rhonddas return to the front bench is another example of Sir Keir bringing in those with experience from Labours last time in government.

In Mr Browns administration, Sir Chris served in the Foreign Office, including as Europe minister, having been deputy Commons leader.

He also spent nine months as shadow Commons leader under Jeremy Corbyn, but quit as part of a wave of resignations from the shadow cabinet, saying he feared the then-leader would go down in history as the man who broke the Labour Party.

Sir Chris was elected Standards Committee chairman in 2020 when he beat Labour colleague Yvonne Fovargue in a Commons vote.

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow since 2010, indicated she would run for the role she said has never been more important we get our house in order so that everyone  staff, MPs, voters and visitors alike  can be proud of our Parliament.

I will be seeking the support of colleagues to take up that challenge in the months ahead, she wrote on social media.

Sir Keir began his reshuffle on Monday, promoting centrists at the expense of some MPs on the soft left.

A spokesman for the leader said appointments to the junior ranks would continue on Wednesday.

He denied the Opposition leader was acting ideologically during his reshuffle.

Sir Keirs spokesman told reporters: What Keirs priority has been throughout this reshuffle has been promoting people of competence and commitment into the roles that they have got, not questions of ideology.

What we want to ensure is that we have got a team that is ready for the campaign and, if we are lucky enough to win the next general election, then we will be ready for government.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A former British army soldier escaped a London prison by clinging on to the straps of a food delivery van while wearing a chefs uniform.

Suspected terrorist Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, was being held on remand after he was accused of planting fake bombs at a military base.

He fled from HMP Wandsworth at 7.50am on Wednesday, with prison officers raising the alarm with the Metropolitan Police.

Daniel Khalife fled HMP Wandsworth by clinging onto a delivery van (Metropolitan Police)

A national manhunt has been launched, putting airports and sea ports on high alert amid fears that he could flee the country, with The Times reporting that he had been refused pre-trial bail over flight-risk concerns.

Holidaymakers have reported delays at airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, while the Port of Dover has experienced queues at the border due to a police matter.

Khalife, who was being held over charges relating to terrorism and Official Secrets Act offences, had been working in the kitchen and was wearing a chefs uniform when he escaped. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots.

He is thought to have snuck out of the kitchen and clung onto the bottom of a delivery van to make his escape.

The Met released a picture of dark-haired Khalife, describing him as slim build and around 6ft 2in tall.

Police said that Khalife has links to the Kingston area and believe he most likely remains in the London area at this time, with members of the public urged not to approach him.

Khalife appeared at the Old Bailey in late July where he denied the charges he is facing, which include a bomb hoax at an RAF base.

Prison officers at Wandsworth raised the alarm with the Metropolitan Police (PA Archive)

It is claimed that he placed three canisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

He is also accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on 2 August 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between 1 May 2019 and 6 January 2022.

A trial date had been set for 13 November at Woolwich Crown Court.

Khalife is understood to have joined the British army in 2018 and worked as a computer network engineer as part of the Royal Signals where he was based at the Ministry of Defences Stafford military base  also known as Beacon Barracks.

A court previously heard that he disappeared from the barracks on 2 January after the alleged bomb hoax before he was arrested in or near his car 24 days later.

The MoD confirmed that he was discharged from the army in May of this year as a result of the charges he was facing.

His escape from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants at the Old Bailey, including that of a suspected murderer.

A prison officer told Judge Alexia Durran via video call: We have got an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment. No bodies are being moved due to the severity of the matter.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service on Wednesday afternoon to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

Questions have now arisen as to why Khalife was being held on remand in a Category B prison given the seriousness of his charges. Defendants facing terror accusations are usually placed in a Category A prison such as HMP Belmarsh in south-east London.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk has held and urgent call with the prisons governor (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

A government minister said on Thursday morning that an investigation has been launched into why the former soldier was not being held in a prison with the highest security.

Science secretary Michelle Donelan told Times Radio that her understanding was that it was not black and white whether a terror suspect should be held in a category A prison, such as Belmarsh.

Asked whether Khalife had not been held in Belmarsh prison because it was full, Ms Donelan said it was no secret that prison capacity was an issue.

Meanwhile, Labour demanded that the government urgently explain Khalifes escape and ensure there is no wider risk to the public.

Newly-appointed shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood said that Rishi Sunak needed to get a grip as the search for the terror suspect continues.

I think the Government has very serious questions to answer, she told broadcasters.

We know that the criminal justice system after 13 years of Tory Government is in a state of disrepair. We know that there are huge problems with prisons and prison places in particular.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A soldier turned terror suspect, Daniel Abed Khalife has been the subject of a nationwide manhunt, having finally been captured 75 hours after outwitting the guards at a London prison.

He escaped in a chefs outfit by using straps to cling onto a food delivery van, with his current location unknown. Intelligence sources have told The Independent it is almost certain that he had inside help.

Follow The Independents live blog for the latest updates

Daniel Khalife in his military uniform ( )

Police commissioner Mark Rowley said the escape was clearly pre-planned  pointing to the fact he could strap himself onto the bottom of the wagon, referring to the delivery van Khalife used to flee.

With airports and ports installing additional security measures and holidaymakers reporting delays at border control, his escape has posed serious questions about the suitability of his incarceration at a Category B prison.

Prior to his arrest in January, the 21-year-old had formerly been a serving soldier in the British Army since 2018 and had worked as a computer network engineer with the Royal Corps of Signals.

With known links to Kingston in London, he was based at the Ministry of Defences Stafford military base while serving, which is also known as Beacon Barracks.

However, he was charged with terror offences and charges relating to the Official Secrets Act earlier this year, after he was accused of carrying out a bomb hoax at the RAF base.

According to court documents, he allegedly placed three canisters with wires at RAF Stafford with the intention of inducing in another a belief that the said article was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property, contrary to section 51 of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

An urgent manhunt is underway after Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth (Met Police)

He is also accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on 2 August 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between 1 May 2019 and 6 January 2022.

Khalif, a British citizen whose father is said to be Iranian, allegedly attempted to pass on the information to a foreign power, believed to be Iran, security sources told The Independent. They allege that he sought to graduate into spying with the material he had obtained from the MoD.

Khalife had initially been arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of a separate offence but was bailed before being re-arrested following an investigation by Scotland Yards counter-terrorism command.

The former British Army officer was dressed in a cooks outfit (Met Police)

During a court hearing earlier this year, a prosecutor told Westminster Magistrates Court that he had disappeared from the barracks after the alleged bomb hoax and there had been active efforts to look for him.

He was arrested a few weeks later in or near his car and has been remanded into custody ever since.

The former soldier has denied all charges against him and is due to face a six-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court on 13 November.

What is the Royal Corps of Signals?

Princess Anne is Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Logistic Corps (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Khalife was a computer network engineer with the Royal Corps of Signals, the British Armys communications arm, of whom Princess Anne has been Colonel-in-Chief since 1977.

The Royal Signals have been deployed in every Army operation since the corps establishment in 1920, and are described by the Ministry of Defence as leaders in IT, Cyber and Telecommunications, providing battle-winning communications to every part of the Army.

Those in the Royal Signals are trained to become experts in engineering and operating systems, networks and cyber equipment, the Army website adds.

Khalife had initially been arrested in January 2022 ( )

Regiments stationed at Beacon Barracks include the 1st Signal Regiment and 16th Signal Regiment, which deliver information and comms to the armoured brigades headquarters and the satellite link to communicate back to the UK, and the 22nd Signal Regiment, which serves Natos Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Headquarters.

Khalife served as part of the 22nd Signal Regiment, The Independent understands, and would have had access to state-of-the-art defence electrical equipment.

Why was he held in a Category B prison?

Questions have been raised as to why the terror suspect was being held at HMP Wandsworth (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Questions have now arisen as to why Khalife was being held at HMP Wandsworth, given its grading as a Category B prison, the second highest level of security.

Those facing terror-related charges are often held in the Category A prison Belmarsh, which is located in south-east London.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk has held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

The Metropolitan Police said Khalife was arrested just before 11am on Saturday in Chiswick, west London, and is now in police custody, the force said.

It added: "We would like to thank the public and media for their support throughout our investigation to locate Khalife, and we will provide a further update on his arrest in due course."

Officers had been searching the district earlier on Saturday after confirmed sightings in the area.

Rishi Sunak, said he is "very pleased" terror suspect Daniel Khalife has been arrested, as he praised efforts by the police and the public in finding him.

Speaking to broadcasters at the G20 summit venue in New Delhi, the prime minister said: "I'm very pleased with the news and my thanks to the police officers for their fantastic work over the past couple of days, but also to the public who came forward with an enormous number of leads to help the police in their inquiries.

"It's good news that we captured the person concerned. As people already know, the Justice Secretary has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances of his escape and that work will continue.

"And this is obviously very welcome news. And again, my thanks to the police but also to the public for their help."
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Friends of a missing beautician have begged for her to come home as police arrest a man in connection with her disappearance.

Gabriela Kosilko, 26, vanished shortly after working a shift in Leicester last month. She was last seen buying some food and drinks at a shop in Fosse Road North at around 11.30pm on Thursday, 31 August).

Her red Audi A1 was found empty and parked to the side of a country road.

Leicestershire Police revealed they are now scouring lakes around Groby Pool for a sign of her after a 30-year-old man was arrested.

Do you know Ms Kosilko? If so email Barney.Davis.Ind@independent.co.uk

Close friend and Polish food vendor Michal Kasprzycki, 33, told the Independent he was desperate for Ms Kosilko to get in contact.

Mr Kasprzycki said he had last seen her two weeks ago and that she ordered her favourite chicken tortilla wrap and posed for pictures for him.

She seemed so well, he said. She had split with her boyfriend sometime ago and seriously she looked so happy.

We chatted for about ten minutes and it all looked great for her. She can never stop smiling and joking. Shes very chatty to us and is our best customer.

I really hope shell be back home soon.

Beautician Ms Kosilko was last seen in August (Supplied)

Addressing her directly he said: Gabi, please come back home. There are thousands of people waiting here for you. We will invite you for a proper feast.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Gabrielas disappearance, he remains in police custody where he is assisting officers with their inquiries.

Detective Inspector Laura Sanderson from the forces Missing Persons Operations Team (MPOT), said: As time goes by we are growing increasingly concerned for Gabrielas welfare.

Since she was last seen in Fosse Road North there have been no further sightings of her. However, we believe that the location of where her vehicle was seen and located may hold the key to helping us find Gabriela.

While the arrest is significant for our investigation this remains a missing persons enquiry and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen Gabriela since Thursday evening.

If you were driving along Newtown Linford Lane around 2.20pm on Friday (1 September) please check your dashcam footage and get in touch if you captured a red Audi A1 parked on the side of the road or saw anyone driving it or sitting in the vehicle.

Equally, if you were in Ratby Lane during Friday afternoon please get in touch if you saw the vehicle or anything which seemed unusual or caused you concern.
Hainan grows big coffee business through BRI

People's Daily Online) 14:49, September 06, 2023

South China's Hainan Province started to develop the coffee industry earlier than many places in the country, having a large consumer market and strong consumption potential. As Chinas southernmost province, it is a bridge to trade with Indonesia, well-known for its unique geography and climate which produces coffee with distinctive flavors.

"Thanks to the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), we are making efforts to gradually expand the coffee industry," said Li Yu, chairman of Hainan State Farms Tropical Products Industry Group Co., Ltd. He is full of confidence in the industrys prospects. Nowadays, Javanese latte, ground coffee, etc, have become popular.

Photo shows a coffee plantation of Hainan State Farms Tropical Products Industry Group Co., Ltd. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

As a major industry that Hainan endeavors to develop, the coffee industry has received strong support from governments at various levels.

To build an international coffee market, Hainan has rolled out policies to support the development of the seed industry and cross-border trade, as well as favorable tax policies. These policies combined with tourist consumption have provided a development base for the cultivation of 10 coffee varieties suited to the local environment.

Statistics indicated that in 2022, the area of farmland in Hainan on which coffee was harvested rose by 180 percent year on year, the production of coffee increased 225 percent year on year and annual processing capacity reached 9,000 tonnes.

Photo shows ripe coffee beans at a coffee plantation of Hainan State Farms Tropical Products Industry Group Co., Ltd. (People's Daily Online/Meng Fansheng)

"In recent years, Hainan has made rapid progress in the coffee industry but it is still necessary to learn planting and processing techniques from regions where coffee is a mature industry," said Li.

In February 2023, a conference to promote the Hainan Free Trade Port was held in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. At this meeting, Hainan State Farms Tropical Products Industry Group Co., Ltd. and Indonesian coffee company Kapal Api Global signed a cooperation agreement, pursuing joint efforts in development.

"Thanks to the joint construction of the BRI, we've established partnerships with our counterparts in Singapore, Vietnam and other countries to try to achieve common development through cooperation and exchange," Li said.

On April 10, 2023, Kapal Api opened its first physical store in Haikou, capital of Hainan.

Jiang Jiawen, marketing manager of Kapal Api China, said Kapal Api hopes to open more stores across the island province, to strengthen cooperation with its Chinese counterparts and participate in the internationalization of Chinas coffee industry. "The Chinese market has unlimited potential, and the BRI provides an excellent opportunity for Indonesian companies to find partners and develop international markets," an executive of Kapal Api said.

"By leveraging the enormous domestic market while connecting to the Southeast Asian market, which is the fastest-growing market in the world, Hainan enjoys a broad prospect in coffee manufacturing and trade," said He Qiongmei, director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province.

The preferential policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port provide us with a rare opportunity to cooperate with agricultural enterprises in countries and regions along the Belt and Road in Southeast Asia, which can better connect Hainans coffee, pepper, and tea with the international market, and in turn become a bridge to promote and deepen cooperation on the BRI." Li Yu is full of confidence in the future.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The stepmother of a girl found dead at her home in Surrey has spoken out for the first time as her family hides out in Pakistan.

A murder investigation was launched after Sara Sharifs body was found in Woking on 10 August. A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

Detectives want to speak to Saras father, Urfan Sharif, 41, his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and Urfans brother, Faisal Malik, 28 in connection with her death.

Beinash Batool (R) speaks from Pakistan, sat next to Sara Sharifs father Urfan (Handout)

Saras stepmother Ms Batool read out a statement while sat side-by-side with her husband, in a clip released on Wednesday morning.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email barney.davis@independent.co.uk

Saras death was an incident, the stepmother said. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by what is going on. All the media have been giving the wrong statements and are making up lies.

Imran did not give a statement that Sara fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Im very worried about Imrans safety. All the family are in hiding.

No-one is leaving the house as the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear of safety. That is why we have gone into hiding.

We are willing to cooperate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.

Sara was just 10 years-old when she was found dead (PA Media)

The statement comes after Saras birth mother Olga Sharif told TVN she couldnt recognise her daughter when identifying her body in the mortuary.

One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised, she said. Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras lifestyle prior to her death.

Police want to speak to Saras father, stepmother and uncle (Surrey Police)

It is believed Urfan Sharif travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan, in company with his partner and his brother on 9 August. There were five children with them aged between a year and 13 years old.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to Saras death. There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan but people have been returned from the Asian country before.

Surrey Police said they were aware of the video and any co-operation from the pair would assist the inquiry.

A police statement said: We were made aware this morning of a video apparently featuring Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool that had been obtained by the UK media, in which Beinash Batool suggests that the family may be willing to co-operate with the British authorities.

Clearly this is significant and we have been liaising with our international partners, including Interpol, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Crime Agency, to determine the next steps.

As you will appreciate, progressing these inquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively.

The welfare of the five children who travelled to Pakistan on 9 August is a priority for us.

We remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Saras death. Any co-operation from the people we want to speak to will assist the inquiry.
 Close Escaped terror suspect Daniel Khalife arrested in west London

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Daniel Khalife used a material that may have been from bed sheets to strap himself to the underside of a van when he escaped from prison last week, a court has heard.

Khalife appeared before Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday after being captured and charged with escaping from prison. He was remanded in custody.

The suspected terrorist was arrested on a canal towpath in west London at 10.41am on Saturday after being pulled off a push bike by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer.

His detention brought a dramatic end to a 75-hour nationwide land and air manhunt after Khalife went missing from the prison on Wednesday.

Prior to his alleged escape, Khalife was on remand at HMP Wandsworth after being charged with terror offences in January.

The incident has highlighted inadequacies in the condition of the facility, with the chief inspector of prisons calling for it to be shut down.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The chairman of the Russian-state Salisbury poisonings inquiry has said it is inevitable there will be perhaps quite a lot of material kept secret from the public.

Lord Hughes told a preliminary hearing for the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry that, although the starting point will be for everything to be heard in an open hearing, issues of national security and police workings will have to be heard in private.

He described it as immensely frustrating for those who can only attend public hearings.

Ms Sturgess, 44, died after being exposed to the nerve agent Novichok, which had been left in a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, Wiltshire, in July 2018.

It followed the attempted murders of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and ex-police officer Nick Bailey, who were poisoned in nearby Salisbury in March that year.

All three survived, as did Ms Sturgesss boyfriend, Charlie Rowley.

The Metropolitan Police identified three suspects wanted in connection with the poisonings: Denis Sergeev, Alexander Mishkin and Anatoliy Chepiga, who used the aliases Sergey Fedotov, Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov respectively while in the UK.

Addressing the issue of the disclosure of documents, Lord Hughes told the preliminary hearing on Wednesday: The starting point is it is an open hearing.

But given what is alleged to have happened, theres inevitably going to be some material, perhaps quite a lot, that falls into the closed category.

Acting on behalf of Ms Sturgesss family, Adam Straw KC argued that the more information put in the public domain, the greater public confidence will be.

Mr Straw added: We readily accept the threat posed by Russia and the considerable amount of information that cant be disclosed because of that.

The familys barrister also urged Lord Hughes to consider ordering the Government to identify Mr Skripal as a UK agent, despite its policy to neither confirm nor deny.

Mr Straw said: It is an exceptional case it is apparently completely clear to Russia that Sergei Skripal was a UK agent, not least because he was tried and convicted of being a UK agent.

Another barrister acting on behalf of the family, Michael Mansfield KC, said the situation is like Alice in Wonderland  adding that it is standing there denying the obvious.

Cathryn McGahey KC, acting on behalf of the Government, said not applying neither confirm nor deny could put agents at risk of death.

The more exceptions that are created, the weaker the protection of NCND, she said.

Following the open hearing on Wednesday, parties were set to discuss the disclosure of documents in further detail behind closed doors.

Substantive inquiry hearings are due to begin in Salisbury in October next year.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The decision to spend 34 million to revamp the Department for Educations headquarters had nothing to do with me, the Education Secretary has said.

Gillian Keegan distanced herself from any involvement in the decision-making process surrounding the refurbishment project, insisting the decision had been made prior to her appointment as a minister and was authorised by the commercial director within the department.

Her comments came during Labours opposition day debate in the Commons on the safety of school buildings and after Labour MP Sarah Owen raised concerns about the significant allocation of funds for the refurbishment of the departments offices.

The MP for Luton South demanded that the Education Secretary clarify the reasoning behind the allocation, especially in light of ongoing challenges faced by schools affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

She said Ms Keegan had to get a grip and explain why her offices got a 34 million refurbishment when schools are crumbling under this Tory Government.

Responding to the debate, Ms Keegan later said: 34 million is a Government building for the Department for Education that was signed off by the commercial director for the Department for Education, nothing to do with me, based on a decision made in 2019 before I was a minister.

Asked about the refurbishment earlier this week, the Education Secretary told Sky News: I dont know, actually. I didnt. I havent done it. Which offices?

When told it was at her offices, she added: I know that when I was last in the department, I was on a different floor and I know they are refurbishing some of them. I wasnt involved in that.

Willmott Dixon Interiors is carrying out the work, which its website says is it is expected to be completed by autumn 2024.

According to the interior construction contractor, the project will create a more modern, sustainable and streamlined office environment that reflects the departments adoption of hybrid working practices.

In his concluding remarks at Prime Ministers Questions, Sir Keir Starmer also touched upon the issue, saying: Doesnt it tell you everything you need to know that hes happy to spend millions of taxpayers money sprucing up Tory offices, billions to ensure there is not VAT on Tory school fees but he wont lift a finger when it comes to protecting other peoples schools, other peoples safety, other peoples children?

Tory MPs could be heard rejecting the suggestion taxpayers cash was spent on Tory offices.

Mr Sunak replied: I know he comes here with his prepared scripts but he hasnt listened to a single fact on six questions about the record amounts of funding going into schools, about the incredible reforms to education impacting the most disadvantaged children in our society, a record were rightly proud of.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Tory-led bid in the House of Lords to restore compulsory housing targets for local areas to tackle a nationwide shortage has failed after the Liberal Democrats refused to back it.

The move, supported by Labour, would have overturned the decision by Communities Secretary Michael Gove to make the requirement advisory rather than mandatory in the face of a Tory rebellion.

However, the Government saw off the challenge by 164 votes to 129, majority 35, after the Liberal Democrats abstained, arguing that targets do not build homes.

You cannot rely on the goodwill of local government to provide the homes that the country needs Lord Young

The abortive attempt to change the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill was spearheaded by Conservative former Cabinet ministers Lord Lansley and Lord Young of Cookham.

Lord Lansley said while he loved Mr Gove dearly he was trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds in watering down local housing targets.

Critics argue it makes impossible the Conservative manifesto commitment to build 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s.

Lord Lansley said: If the Government has a target it needs to have a mechanism for delivering it.

Unfortunately, I think in particular the Secretary of State, I love him dearly, but he is trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

He added: The salience of housing as an issue is not rising because we are building too many houses, it is rising because we are building too few.

Lord Young said: You cannot rely on the goodwill of local government to provide the homes that the country needs.

He added: Yes, there is a risk of losing a few votes from those who dont wish to see development in their area.

But theres a much greater risk of losing far more votes in a general election if we are seen to be a party that is insensitive to the needs of those who need a decent home against a background of lengthening waiting lists, more use of temporary accommodation, rising rents in the private sector and home ownership becoming more difficult.

Lord Young went on: Far from this amendment being contrary to Government policy, it is actually essential if the Government is to meet its manifesto commitment of building 300,000 homes a year.

Housing campaigner and independent crossbencher Lord Best said: This country needs to build at least 300,000 homes each year to ease the problems caused by acute housing shortages  and this national target will not be achieved by leaving the supply of sufficient homes to individual councils to determine.

He added: The structure of democracy at the local level makes it nigh impossible for representatives of local communities to act in the wider interests of those who do not live there.

Targets do not build homes. Targets do not build the homes that people need Baroness Pinnock

Labour frontbencher Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: Addressing the housing shortage offers immense economic opportunities of the country.

Expanding housing supply could provide a platform for sustained growth that balances the economy and spreads prosperity widely.

Equally importantly, it could restore faith in the aspiration of home ownership.

But Liberal Democrat Baroness Pinnock said: Targets do not build homes. Targets do not build the homes that people need.

Targets tend to give power to developers who build homes that people want, which is why we are so short of affordable housing, why we are so short of housing for social rent.

The top-down target is not the answer.

Communities and councillors do not like being told exactly how many homes they have to build.

She added: We agree more houses are needed  where there is not agreement is about how you achieve it.

Communities minister Baroness Scott of Bybrook argued the legislative change proposed by her party colleagues was unworkable and argued mandatory targets would do significant harm to some of our most important protected areas.

She added: Its also right that communities should be able to respond to local circumstances.

Earlier, peers inflicted a defeat on the Government in demanding, by 173 votes to 156, majority 17, that councils local development blueprints provide for enough social-rent housing to eliminate homelessness in the area.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russian mercenary group Wagner is set to be declared a terrorist organisation, as ministers condemned its devastating role across the world.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the group, ahead of a draft order being laid in Parliament on Wednesday.

The group has played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine since it was launched in February 2022.

The order will mean that, once passed, it is illegal to be a member of or support the Wagner Group.

Wagners assets can also be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

The newly appointed Defence Secretary told LBC: Essentially it means that you can no longer or will no longer be able to be a part of that group in the UK because they will be deemed as a terrorist organisation so you wouldnt be able to belong to it, you wouldnt be able to use their insignias or logos.

Weve seen how Wagner operate. Obviously weve seen the devastating impact theyve had or tried to have in Ukraine, but they also operate in Africa or across the Sahel.

And we do not want to see that organisation here. Prescribing them means that becomes illegal once Parliament passes it.

Proscription of the group comes after consideration of the nature and scale of the organisations activities as well as the threat it poses to British nationals abroad, the Home Office added.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman called the group a violent and destructive organisation and said its continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlins political goals.

But ministers also faced questions about why it has taken this long to proscribe the notorious group.

Mr Shapps insisted the Government had to follow the correct process.

One of the reasons, of course, is we have a democratic system, we have to declassify information in order to be to take these issues, to make them robust in front of courts, he told Times Radio.

He said it is right that the group is being proscribed now.

There is a process you have to follow to do those things.

The move comes after Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russias military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to President Vladimir Putins authority in his 23-year rule.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

British police have confirmed they are investigating whether a childs body found in a German river could be that of missing toddler Ben Needham, who disappeared more than 30 years ago.

The 21-month-old was last seen playing at his grandparents farmhouse on the Greek island of Kos in July 1991.

His mother Kerry Needham has continued to appeal for information since his disappearance and has alerted South Yorkshire Police to a fresh appeal by the international criminal police organisation Interpol for the identity of a young child.

Interpol have issued an appeal with a facial reconstruction of the young boy (Interpol)

The boy, believed to be aged between five and six, was discovered by a canoeist in the River Danube in Bavaria in May 2022.

His body had been weighed down with a flagstone slab and wrapped in foil, and it is unknown how long he had been in the water.

A statement on the Interpol website reads: The boy is thought to be aged between five and six. He was approximately 110 cm tall and 15kg, with brown hair and blood type 0.

The results of investigations indicate that he likely spent time outside of Germany.

South Yorkshire Police have now confirmed they are looking into the discovery of the body. In a statement, the force said: We are aware of reports of a body being found in Germany. We are looking into the reports and at this time, we do not have any further update to provide.

Referring to the discovery in Germany, Ms Needam told The Mirror: Im pleased they are looking into it. Every possibility has to be investigated and ruled out.

"Our hope is that one day one piece of information will come forward which will uncover the truth."

Interpol has circulated the image to 195 countries with their secretary general Jurgen Stock stating: Someone, somewhere knows something about this boy, making it equally important to release certain details publicly.

Whether he was the victim of trafficking, abduction or violence, we are committed to mobilizing all of INTERPOLs policing capabilities to identify him and help investigators shed light on his death.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A British soldier drowned in a river while off-duty in Estonia, an inquest has heard.

Rifleman Israel Delanimati, 24, drowned in a river near the southern city of Tartu on 3 June, Southwark Coroners Court heard on Wednesday.

Opening the inquest into Delanimatis death, assistant coroner Dr Julian Morris said that the soldier was seen entering the river in the early hours of the morning.

He was, in the early hours of June 3 seen to enter a river in Estonia, near Tartu, he said. But sadly, his body was then recovered the following day, at 3pm on 4 June.

Dr Morris said that there is currently no knowledge as to why the riflemen entered the river that morning.

He said that Delanimatis cause of death was recorded by Estonian medical personnel as asphyxiation caused by drowning.

However, he added that there were still some Estonian documents relating to the soldiers death that required translation.

At the time of his death, Delanimati was deployed with the 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 Rifles) in Estonia as part of Operation Cabrit.

Lieutenant Colonel JM Barry MBE, commanding officer of the 3 Rifles, was among those to pay tribute to the kind-hearted rifleman after his death.

He said: Good humoured, kind-hearted, softly spoken but with an iron will, rifleman Israel Delanimati was the personification of selfless commitment.

Although still a young man, he had found the time to invest in deep passions for musicianship, martial arts, and cooking. We are honoured that he added soldiering to that list.

It has been our privilege to call Rifleman Delanimati a comrade and fellow rifleman.

Major CS Flood added: Rifleman Delanimati only arrived in A Company last year, but had already left a huge impression on us all. He joined us just before an exercise in Germany and our deployment to Estonia; his excitement in the face of those new challenges  despite the freezing temperatures in January - was palpable.

Del was known for his ready smile which could seemingly brighten any room. He had time for anyone. I will remember him as a rifleman of impeccable personal values; unrelentingly gracious and utterly determined to leave everyone at ease.

Even at the hardest of times, when most would lack patience, Del could find a reason to grin. Simply, he was someone you wanted to be around and a rifleman you always wanted on your team.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Met Police data breach that saw the names and ranks of staff released has put officers at risk and made many very nervous, the police commissioner said.

Sir Mark Rowley said it was deeply concerning that the personal data of a majority of people at the organisation was leaked, with 47,000 Met employees told about the potential exposure of their photographs and details.

Sir Mark said: It is deeply concerning. There was data to do with security passes and personal data relating to the majority of people at the organisation, which was breached.

In most cases, the data breach wont create extra risk, but in some cases, it definitely will do.

The breach, which happened this year and was revealed last week, occurred when cybercriminals managed to infiltrate the IT systems of a contractor responsible for printing warrant cards and staff passes.

Sir Mark added: It has made people very nervous. Officers or staff in any organisation expect their data to be looked after.

We need to be able to say to our police officers that we set the highest standards for data protection.

He said the National Crime Agency was investigating the breach and working with people concerned about it.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the breach had made officers very nervous (PA Wire)

One officer, who didnt want to be named, told The Independent that some colleagues were having sleepless nights over the leak.

It follows an admission by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) that the personal data of all its serving members was accidentally released in response to a freedom of information request on 8 August.

The release included details of about 10,000 PSNI officers and staff, including their surnames and first initials, rank or grade, where they worked and what unit they worked in.

Officers were left shocked, dismayed, and angry about the leak, with others asking to bring guns to Catholic mass to protect themselves, according to reports.

On Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee that initial recovery costs of the breach would be between 24m and 37m. He said individual civil claims were estimated to cost up to 180m.

Days later, South Yorkshire Police said it was deeply sorry for a loss of data including bodycam footage recorded by officers between July 2020 and May 2023. The breach would affect evidence used in 69 ongoing cases, according to police.

In August, the PSNI accidentally released personal data relating to thousands of officers and staff (PA Archive)

The cases ranged from cannabis possession through to domestic abuse and sexual offences, the force told The Independent.

In the same month, Norfolk and Suffolk police disclosed the data of 1,230 people including victims, witnesses and suspects in cases ranging from domestic abuse, sexual offences, assault, theft and hate crime.

The Information Commissioners Office said it was investigating both forces. In a statement, the forces said there was no evidence anyone had clicked on links to read the files that had been released.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Thousands more refugees are facing homelessness because of government delays in issuing ID documents.

Refugees who are granted asylum are typically given 28 days by the Home Office to find somewhere new to live, set up a bank account, and find a job or apply for universal credit, before they are kicked out of their government-funded hotel accommodation.

But that has now been reduced to as little as seven days because the government is delaying giving asylum seekers the documents they need to secure housing and apply for welfare.

Some 140 organisations, including the British Red Cross, Shelter and Crisis, have written an open letter to home secretary Suella Braverman and levelling up secretary Michael Gove saying the changes are placing huge pressure on the voluntary sector as more people present as homeless.

Charity Refugees at Home, which finds rooms for asylum seekers in family homes, said one refugee they helped had been forced to sleep on the street outside the hotel they were evicted from. Another Sudanese refugee had to resort to sleeping at an airport.

Rough sleepers lay in their makeshift beds outside closed shops on Oxford Street, in the early hours of the morning in London on August 2, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

Refugees at Home said the number of non-Ukrainian refugees referred to the charity in August was three times higher than the previous year - 213 compared to 72 in August 2022.

And Hope at Home, a charity that supports slavery victims, has seen referrals triple since July 2023, with rates now five times higher than the same period in 2022.

They are calling for refugees to receive all the documentation they need to start building a life in the UK before the 28-day notice period begins and for the period to be extended to 56 days.

More than 2,000 asylum cases are reportedly being processed each week, meaning many thousands are likely already impacted by the governments decision to slash the eviction times.

The clock used to start ticking once identity cards - which allow people to apply for a bank account or benefits - were issued. But since the beginning of August, the notice period now starts from the moment asylum seekers receive their successful grant letter, charities say.

Due to delays of up to two weeks between receiving the grant and getting the ID, asylum seekers are well into the 28-day period before they can even start asking for help. Refugees only receive their eviction notice, giving them seven days to leave the hotel, after they get their ID.

This is often the only evidence a local authority will accept as proof of imminent homelessness and so many find themselves with only a week to find somewhere to live.

In one case that Refugees at Home was asked to support, Reet, a 41-year-old woman from Ethiopia, was forced to sleep in a doorway outside the hotel she was evicted from because she had nowhere to turn. She had been waiting for her asylum decision since 2020 but could not find anywhere to live once she was granted asylum.

One young man from Sudan was evicted before he could register for benefits and had to sleep at a UK airport before they could find him a host.

The charity is still searching for hosts for another refugee from South Sudan, Faheem, who is desperate for accommodation in Essex - the only place he knows in the UK and where he has a support network.

NACCOM, a network of organisations tackling destitution in the UK, said it has accommodated at least 864 refugee adults in 2022-23. This is 33 per cent more than in 2021-22 and 54 per cent more than 2020-21.

Jared Hodgson, CEO at Hope at Home, said: Out of the 16 people referred to us in August 2023, six of these men had been given notice to quit and only seven days to find alternative accommodation. All of these men are now most likely either sofa surfing or facing street homelessness, as we have been unable to place them due to very limited host availability.

Salma Ravat, CEO of One Roof Leicester, said: Normally, on average we receive one [referral] a week, in the past 2-3 weeks we have received 10 requests for accommodation for single men who have received a positive decision. Unfortunately, as we are currently full, we have been unable to offer accommodation to any of these individuals.

Suella Braverman refuses to rule out ankle tags to control migrants

Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, said a surge in asylum grants has overloaded a system that was already struggling to cope. He said: Being granted refugee status should be a happy moment. Instead, hundreds, if not thousands, of refugees are facing homelessness and destitution. Refugees are telling us they are being forced to buy tents and sleep rough in the streets.

Carly Whyborn, executive director at Refugees at Home, said it was struggling to deal with the disastrous consequences of the Home Offices changes to its move-on process, while Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said the was punishing vulnerable refugees for its own gross mismanagement.

Bridget Young, from the NACCOM, said: Giving people as little as seven days notice will create stress and anxiety, and force them to make crisis decisions, with many people having no option but to seek homelessness assistance, or to rough sleep if they are unable to access emergency support.

Cllr Shaun Davies, chair of the Local Government Association, said councils were facing combined pressures from different asylum and refugee schemes. He added that urgent solutions were needed to address the housing shortage.

A Home Office spokesperson said: The pressure on the asylum system has continued to grow, with hotel accommodation costing an unacceptable 6m a day.

We encourage individuals to make their onward plans as soon as possible after receiving their decision, whether that is leaving the UK following a refusal, or taking steps to integrate in the UK following a grant.
 Close Expert explains why Raac is more dangerous than standard concrete

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sir Keir Starmer has blamed the crumbling concrete crisis on cutting corners and sticking plaster politics as he grilled the prime minister in PMQs today.

The Labour leader: Its the sort thing you expect from cowboy builders saying everyone else is wrong, everyone is to blame, protesting that theyre doing an effing good job even if the ceiling falls in  except in this case the cowboys are running this country.

He added: Isnt he ashamed that after 13 years children are cowering under steel supports, stopping their classroom roof falling in.

Rishi Sunak said he was not sorry for the decision to close around 100 of the 156 schools with Raac, saying he would make no apology for acting decisively in the light of new information.

It comes as the Department for Education has published a full list of the schools affected with Raac in England.

Are you a parent whose child has been affected by RAAC closures? E-mail alexander.butler@independent.co.uk
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russian mercenary group Wagner will be declared a terrorist organisation and a draft order against the private militia will be laid in parliament on Wednesday, the Home Office said.

Once cleared, the order will make it illegal to be a member of the group or to support it.

The group, formerly led by now-dead Yevgeny Prigozhin, is known to carry out Russias dirty work in Syria and Africa, and has also handed Vladimir Putin Russias biggest victory of capturing Bakhmut against Ukraine in the continuing invasion.

Assets belonging to Wagner, primarily consisting of contractors and prison convicts, will be declared as terrorist property and will be seized after the draft order is cleared. It will also render certain proscription offences punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Home secretary Suella Braverman called the group a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putins Russia overseas.

While Putins regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagners continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlins political goals, she said in a statement.

They are terrorists, plain and simple  and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law. Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security, the home secretary said.

That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia.

Once declared illegal, Wagner will join other organisations on the proscribed list like the Islamic State, al-Qaida and neo-Nazi group National Action.

The Home Office said proscription of the group comes after consideration of the nature and scale of the organisations activities as well as the threat they pose to British nationals abroad.

In May this year, a government source said the move to declare the group illegal was imminent and the administration was working on building a legal case.

The push came after a government department reportedly helped its millionaire owner Prigozhin to circumvent UK sanctions to take a British journalist to court in 2021.

The Treasury commissioned an internal review of its processes after it was reported that licences had been issued to allow lawyers to help Prigozhin launch legal action against a reporter of investigative website Bellingcat in the UK while the Russian oligarch was subjected to sanctions.

As a result of the review, the department said the government was committed to further targeted changes to the process for issuing legal fees licences that safeguard the sanctions regime against the risk of manipulation and ensure ministers are accountable for OFSI Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation) decision-making.

Wagners fate as Russias trusted brutal force in private capacity has been hanging by a thread after its leader Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Prigozhin mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russias military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to Mr Putins authority in his 23-year rule.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Almost 5,000 excess winter deaths were caused by cold homes last year, charities have told MPs, as the government underspent its energy crisis support fund by 440m.

Over a million vulnerable households missed out on vital energy bill support last winter because the money, earmarked to help, wasnt given out, fuel poverty charities told the Energy Security and Net Zero committee on Wednesday.

There were an estimated 4,706 excess winter deaths from 2022 to 2023 due to living in a cold damp home in the UK, up from 3,186 the previous year, campaigners at the End Fuel Poverty Coalition revealed.

According to a new analysis from fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), the government underspent 45m of the Warm Home Discount: designed for households with low incomes and energy-inefficient homes. Some 399m was also kept by the Treasury because not enough money was given out through the Energy Bill Support Scheme.

The charity blamed poor delivery of the schemes meaning the most vulnerable were not identified and supported.

There were an estimated 4,706 excess winter deaths over 2022 to 2023 due to living in a cold damp home in the UK (Getty)

Adam Scorer, chief executive of NEA, told MPs: A million households who were due for support from the different bill mechanisms didnt get it and 440m went back to the Treasury that should have gone into peoples pockets. As a minimum, that money should be reinvested into directly reducing energy bills for vulnerable people this winter.

Simon Francis, of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, told the energy committee that people were going to be struggling more in cold, damp homes this winter. He said households were not able to depend on government support and instead would have to hope we have a mild winter.

Identifying those most in need of energy support has traditionally been hard for the government, but a pilot scheme run by Energy Systems Catapult has been selecting people with health issues.

The Warm Home Prescription service has paid the energy bills of more than 800 households in England and Scotland where the recipient has a severe health condition that is made worse by cold. Linda, a 75-year-old in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, told The Independent: We live in an old house, which is really cold in the winter, and it takes a lot of heating, so the payments have really helped us a lot.

Ive got asthma and I was in hospital for pneumonia last September. I had just come into the scheme when I was in hospital again last December but since then Ive not been in at all. Cold ends up giving me chest infections and then if you leave it too long it ends up going into pneumonia, but heating does help.

Catherine, 62, who lives in Middlesbrough, said her asthma, emphysema and COPD get worse in the winter. She usually relies on steroids when her condition gets really bad but when her energy bills were paid last winter she did not need them.

Over the Christmas period, I didnt have a bad dose of it, she told The Independent. Usually every year in the winter I have to have steroids but I didnt have to. She was able to save up some money that she has put aside for this winter, in case she cannot get the same help again.

Mr Scorer said: Whether they like it or not, government is going to have to come up with a package of financial support for energy bills for the most vulnerable this year.

The level of energy debt is so extreme now, destroying lives, that we have to have a mechanism, a help-to-repay scheme, that helps people to accelerate their way out of energy debt.

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: "The government spent around 40 billion covering half a typical households energy bill over the winter, and additional help is available for the most vulnerable through an increase to the Warm Home Discount  from which we expect over 3 million households to benefit.

"Energy prices have now fallen significantly and we are keeping options under review, including for the most vulnerable households.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A former soldier accused of terrorism has escaped jail from a prison kitchen by clinging on to a delivery van.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, went missing in his cooks uniform from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am, where he was being held awaiting trial for planting a fake bomb and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK.

He has denied the three charges against him.

Our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away Commander Dominic Murphy

Khalifes escape sparked a major police hunt with ports and airports placed on alert and some passengers facing delays as extra checks were carried out.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel-toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim and 6ft 2in, with short brown hair.

He made his escape, details of which were first reported in the Sun, while working in the kitchen at the category B prison.

The jail was put on lockdown after he fled.

Head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, Commander Dominic Murphy, said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent inquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.

I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.

Khalife has links to north-west England and Kingston in London, but Mr Murphy said the hunt is covering the whole of the UK.

The 21-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey in late July where he denied the charges he is facing.

He is accused of eliciting or trying to elicit information that could be useful for a terrorist on August 2 2021, and breaching the Official Secrets Act by gathering information that could be useful to an enemy between May 1 2019 and January 6 2022.

The ex-serviceman, formerly of Beacon Barracks, Beaconside, Stafford, is also accused of a criminal offence relating to the alleged bomb hoax.

It is claimed that he placed three cannisters with wires on a desk in his accommodation with the intention of inducing in another a belief this was likely to explode or ignite and thereby cause personal injury or damage to property.

A trial date has been set for November 13 at Woolwich Crown Court.

HMP Wandsworth is a category B prison, the second highest level of security.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has held an urgent call with the prison governor and senior staff in the prison service to seek assurances about what is being done to ensure the jail is secure.

A Prison Service spokesman said: We are working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and are urgently investigating how he escaped.

The escape from Wandsworth prison had a knock-on effect of disrupting court hearings for other defendants on remand at the south London site.

On Wednesday morning, murder-accused Earl Morin-Britton, 36, from Sutton, south London, missed his first appearance at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison due to the lockdown.

A prison officer told Judge Alexia Durran that there was an operational emergency and no movement across the establishment.

Meanwhile passengers at Manchester Airport have been facing delays of about 30 minutes at security as extra passport checks are carried out, the PA news agency understands.

Delays have been reported at the Port of Dover and Gatwick has also confirmed additional security measures are in place.

There were some queues at Heathrow Airport security on Wednesday, but it is operating as normal.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Sir Mark Jones vowed to restore the reputation of the British Museum after his appointment as interim director was confirmed following approval by the Government in the wake of a theft scandal.

Former chancellor George Osborne, who is now chairman of the museums trustees, confirmed the news, saying it is a critical moment for the British Museum and that he cannot think of anyone better placed to help take us forward.

A former head of the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Sir Mark takes over the role from Hartwig Fischer, who resigned on August 25 after it was revealed an estimated 2,000 artefacts have gone missing.

Sir Mark said: I am pleased and honoured to have been offered the opportunity to work with the board and with colleagues in the museum to ensure the future security of the collections and restore the reputation of this great museum.

German art historian Fischer had previously announced in July that he would be leaving next year, but in August the museum said he would step down with immediate effect, later clarifying that he would vacate once an interim leadership arrangement was in place.

A police investigation is under way regarding the thefts.

It is understood that the stolen items  which include gold jewellery, semi-precious stones and glass  were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time.

Mr Fischers deputy, Jonathan Williams, stepped back from his position at the same time as his boss announced his resignation.

Mr Osborne said: This is a critical moment for the British Museum, and I cannot think of anyone better placed to help take us forward than Sir Mark Jones.

His experience, grip and deep knowledge are exactly whats needed, and I very much look forward to working together.

Sir Mark previously worked at the British Museum as an assistant keeper of coins and medals from 1974 to 1990 before going on to become the keeper for two years.

In 1992, he became director of National Museums Scotland, which saw the opening of the National Museum of Scotland and the creation of the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

Sir Mark left that position in 2001 to become director of the V&A, which underwent a 120 million renewal programme during his tenure.

He has also been master of St Cross College, Oxford, from 2011 to 2016 and established an independent bookshop in Edinburgh, the Golden Hare, in 2012.

Sir Mark is also chairman of the Pilgrim Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and arts and crafts country house Hospitalfield.

No arrests have been made in relation to thefts from the museum.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed last month that a man had been interviewed under caution on August 23.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The stepmother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has spoken publicly for the first time since the little girl was found dead.

Footage was sent to broadcasters including the BBC and Sky of Beinash Batool speaking alongside Saras father, Urfan Sharif.

The pair, along with Mr Sharifs brother Faisal Malik, 28, fled the UK for Pakistan after Sara was found dead and alone at the family home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

In a clip of the footage posted online by Sky, Batool, 29, shows no emotion as she describes Saras death as an incident and says that she and Mr Sharif, 41, are willing to co-operate with UK authorities over the case.

She said: Saras death was an incident. Our family in Pakistan are severely affected by all that is going on.

Ms Batool denied reports that one of Mr Sharifs brothers claimed Sara had fallen down the stairs and broken her neck.

She added: All of our family members have gone into hiding as everyone is scared for their safety.

The kids are unable to attend school as theyre afraid to leave the house.

No-one is leaving the house, the groceries have run out and there is no food for the kids as the adults are unable to leave their homes out of fear of safety (sic).

That is why we have gone into hiding. Lastly we are willing to co-operate with the UK authorities and fight our case in court.

As you will appreciate, progressing these inquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively Surrey Police

It is not clear under what conditions the footage was filmed and Ms Batools claims have not been verified.

Surrey Police said they were aware of the video and any co-operation from the pair would assist the inquiry.

A police statement said: We were made aware this morning of a video apparently featuring Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool that had been obtained by the UK media, in which Beinash Batool suggests that the family may be willing to co-operate with the British authorities.

Clearly this is significant and we have been liaising with our international partners, including Interpol, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Crime Agency, to determine the next steps.

As you will appreciate, progressing these inquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively.

The welfare of the five children who travelled to Pakistan on 9 August is a priority for us.

We remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Saras death. Any co-operation from the people we want to speak to will assist the inquiry.

Sharif and Batool left Britain with five children aged between one and 13, and Surrey Police want to question them over Saras death.

Their statement came after Saras mother Olga Sharif gave an interview to the Polish television programme Uwaga! in which she spoke of the harrowing experience of going to view her daughters body.

She said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019, when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially, it became increasingly harder over time.

Saras grandfather has told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them gain a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council has told the PA news agency that the girl was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to the death.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, people have been returned from the Asian country before.

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time (6.55pm BST) on Wednesday.

Following the release of the footage of Mr Sharif and Miss Batool, Surrey Police said: We were made aware this morning of a video apparently featuring Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool that had been obtained by the UK media, in which Beinash Batool suggests that the family may be willing to co-operate with the British authorities.

Clearly this is significant, and we have been liaising with our international partners, including Interpol, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Crime Agency, to determine the next steps.

As you will appreciate, progressing these enquiries through the appropriate channels has to be handled carefully and sensitively.

The welfare of the five children who travelled to Pakistan on August 9 is a priority for us.

We remain absolutely committed to conducting a thorough investigation into Saras death. Any co-operation from the people we want to speak to will assist the enquiry.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The leader of Birmingham City Council has been criticised for being on holiday in New York while his authority declared effective bankruptcy, putting vital services at risk.

John Cotton was reportedly in the Big Apple for his 50th birthday when the local authority issued a section 114 notice  meaning it cannot balance its books.

The Labour leader was not present at the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday where the announcement on the government bodys financial woes was made and gave a Zoom interview to the BBC later that day with a white background.

Council leader John Cotton gave a video interview with BBC Radio West Midlands on Tuesday with his background blanked out (BBC)

Instead, deputy leader Sharon Thompson addressed the meeting and told councillors that the section 114 notice was a necessary step as we seek to get our city back on sound financial footing.

A section 114 notice means that a local authority cannot meet its current financial obligations so suspends all new spending, with the exception of its statutory services, which are primarily adult and child social care.

Mr Cotton later gave an interview with BBC Radio West Midlands but with the background of his video call blanked out so it was not clear where he was.

He told the broadcaster the council would continue to deliver on essential services like childrens safeguarding and social care, social care for adults, education, waste collection, road maintenance and library services.

Tory and Labour sources told The Independent it understood that the council leader was in New York for his birthday.

Birmingham City Council has blamed its financial problems on 760m of equal pay claims, the expenses of a new IT system, and years of funding cuts by successive Tory governments for its financial woes. It has an in-year financial gap in its budget of 87m.

As The Independent reported on Tuesday, residents could face sweeping cuts to services and a rise in council tax.

Birmingham City Council has said it does not have the money to balance its budget (Phil Addis/PA) (PA Archive)

Furious residents have called for Mr Cotton to step down. One said on social media: Labour promised start of a Golden Decade for the people of Brum, post Commonwealth Games.

What theyve delivered is a Golden Shower of rain on the people of this great city. @BrumLeader Cllr. John Cotton, must do the decent thing and step down, after he comes back from HOLIDAY.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said of Birmingham City Councils financial issues: This is a very bad situation, a very concerning situation for people relying on services, and those whove been accountable for running the council do need to be held to account as to why this has happened.

He told BBC Radio West Midlands on Wednesday: The forward-looking part of it is me giving my personal commitment, indeed, I use the word promise, that I will do whatever it takes to protect the services and interests of citizens in Birmingham and of course, to continue to make the wider progress that Birmingham has made.

Irrespective of what has happened, weve got to continue.

The notion of leadership is you have to be responsible for the decisions that youve taken, you have to make sure that you understand sufficiently the details of technically good decisions.

There is a formal role for the opposition of course to challenge, to actually say How was this happened?, but there will also need to be a proper governance involving government officials as well to say What has gone on here?

So there will be a number of ways in which this is scrutinised as to how on earth as this happened.

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: Councillor Cotton is away on a long-standing family engagement but has been working around the clock since the Section 114 Notice was published.

Birmingham City Council is just the latest authority to issue section 114 notices in recent years following Woking, Thurrock, Slough and Croydon.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Boris Johnsons government adopted an ostrich, head-in-the-sand mentality at the start of the Covid pandemic and was instead fixated on Brexit, a former Tory health minister has said.

Lord Bethell, a junior health minister from March 2020 to September 2021, said Downing Street did not want to prioritise the pandemic when it first emerged, even though the evidence was mounting of the threat.

He also said officials did not want him to talk about the potential economic impact of Covid policies such as lockdowns and would delete it from his speeches.

Speaking to the Institute for Government as part of its ongoing series of in-depth interviews with former ministers about their time in office, Lord Bethell said: No 10 didnt want to prioritise the pandemic in early 2020, even though the evidence was mounting  there was a post-election, ostrich, head-in-the-sand mentality, which I saw again around the invasion of Ukraine.

Its priority, and what we were told many times, was Brexit and levelling up. We have to deliver Brexit, so could your pandemic quietly go and mind your own business, please, we were told.

So we had several weeks of this brushing off, and then they switched into it eventually. After that, we got a lot of erratic dipping in. In Yiddish, its called kibitzing: erratic and ill-informed interference.

Lord Bethell said the governments coordination got a lot better after Mr Johnsons former top advisor Dominic Cummings left Downing Street in November 2020.

His concerns around government complacency come as fears grow over the new Pirola variant, with scientists warning the UK has let our guard down after scaling down testing and weekly infection monitoring.

The government brought forward its autumn Covid booster vaccine drive last week in response to the discovery of the new variant, which has a similar number of mutations to Omicron and Delta and was detected in the UK and several other nations across the globe.

Three cases of Pirola - also known as Covid BA.2.86 - have been detected in the UK as traces of the variant have been detected in wastewater.

It has been detected in eight countries, with 10 cases in Denmark, four in Sweden, four in the US, two in Portugal, two in South Africa and one in Canada and Israel respectively.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist and lead for the Covid response at the WHO, said very limited information was available about the newly discovered strain.

However, symptoms are understood to include a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat.

The UKHSA said the UK cases do not appear to have been contracted abroad. Each infection was identified through hospital testing and the patients had no known recent travel history through routinely collected data.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Labour will attempt to force ministers to publish documents detailing the full extent of the crumbling concrete crisis facing Britain.

The party plans to force a vote to reveal information about the full extent of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in school buildings.

It will table a so-called Humble Address motion in the House of Commons next Wednesday to force the publication of documents about how the Tories handled the crisis.

Labour accused the government of refusing to set out a timetable under which it will release details of the schools forced to close.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said a list of schools affected will be published before Friday and said delays so far were due to the need for it to be accurate.

Pupils across the country will be forced to resume their studies either online or in temporary facilities after the government ordered more than 100 schools to close immediately following fears over the concrete, described as 80 per cent air and like an Aero Bar.

The potentially dangerous material was used to construct schools, colleges, and other buildings between the fifties and mid-seventies in the UK, but has since been found to be at risk of collapse.

In total, the government said 156 schools were found to contain RAAC, of which 104 require urgent action while 52 have already received repair works.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan said on Tuesday the number of schools affected will go up a bit as engineers assess more buildings.

And Labour is calling for an urgent, full audit of buildings across the public sector amid reports the ministry of justice and ministry of defence are reviewing their estates.

A National Audit Office report in July revealed RAAC was present in at least 41 hospitals.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said parents and the public have the right to know where public buildings affected by this dangerous concrete are.

And she said they have a right to know what ministers knew about the risk that this concrete posed to life and why they acted to intervene only days before the start of the school term.

Ms Phillipson said: Labour has been raising the issue of danger posed by our crumbling schools estate for nearly a year and at every turn have been met with complacency, obstinacy and inaction.

"An urgent, full audit is required to reveal the extent that Conservative ministers failed to replace this dangerous concrete across the public sector estate.

Its time ministers were transparent about their handling of this debacle: if they still refuse to publish these documents and give parents the reassurances they deserve about the risks to their childrens safety, then we will force a vote in parliament next week.

Ms Keegan hit back, saying: As chancellor, the PM introduced the School Rebuilding Programmes  delivering 500 schools over the next decade  on top of that the Conservatives have invested 15bn in schools since 2015.

In addition, capital spending this year will be almost 29 per cent higher in real terms than last year.

An independent review found Labours schools funding programme was badly targeted and complex. It did nothing to fix schools in poor condition, particularly those affected by RAAC. In contrast the Labour-run Welsh government have sat on their hands and failed to act on schools in Wales.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Rishi Sunaks government is under intense pressure to act as the crumbling concrete crisis leaves Britains schools in a state of disarray just as the new academic year gets underway, with more than 100 institutions forced to shut either partially or entirely over safety concerns.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan has provoked further ire by telling school leaders to get off their backsides and address the structural problems their institutions face from the historic use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in their construction, a material now considered unsafe, while headteachers have accused the government of dumping them with the issue after years of neglect.

Geoff Barton, head of the Association of School and College Leaders, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Wednesday that it would take 440 years to fix the issues in Britains schools under Mr Sunaks plan to rebuild 50 per year, which has so far seen only four refurbished in the last two years.

He also accused Ms Keegans predecessor Michael Gove of gleefully scrapping Labours 55bn Building Schools for the Future programme during the David Cameron years, which would have refurbished 700 schools but was rejected as too costly in favour of the Conservatives own (cheaper) Priority Schools Building Programme.

The situation, Mr Barton said, had left headteachers scrambling around trying to identify bits of concrete that might look like Aero bars when they should be focusing on childrens learning.

New defence secretary Grant Shapps also warned that Raac will be found in virtually all public sector estates, with the same concerns also likely to apply to the materials use in nurseries, colleges, hospitals and care homes.

The government then published a list of 147 schools believed so far to be affected, just ahead of Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons, where Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer likened his opposite number to a cowboy builder and said the fiasco was the inevitable result of 13 years of cutting corners, botched jobs and sticking plaster politics.

Heres a timeline of how Raac came to be so widely used across the British construction sector and what warnings were issued when.

1950-79

Raac, a steel-reinforced version of the autoclaved aerated concrete that was first developed in Sweden in the 1920s, begins to be used as standard in the construction of public premises during the rebuilding boom that followed the destruction wrought by the Second World War.

The material was regarded at the time as a cheap, lightweight, fire-resistant alternative to conventional concrete with good thermal properties and was widely adopted for use in new schools, hospitals and offices

1980-2000

Problems with Raac begin to become apparent over the course of the 1980s, with multiple roof collapses resulting from corrosion reported at around the time the materials approximate 30-year lifespan expired in some of the earliest buildings erected since the war.

Demolitions are carried out in some cases while inspectors deem the steel reinforcement beams used in many instances to be inadequate.

Park View School in London, which has been affected with sub-standard reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (PA)

In 1996, UK government body the Building Research Establishment (BRE) publishes a paper in which it warns that Raac roof planks are particularly prone to weaknesses like deflections and cracking and should not be used in future construction.

2002

A further BRE report reiterates the danger inherent in older buildings in which Raac is found to be present.

2017

The Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) is asked to investigate the suitability of the material.

2018

A flat roof built using Raac at Singlewell Primary School in Gravesend, Kent, suddenly collapses in July. Fortunately, no one is hurt as the accident occurs at the weekend when no pupils or staff members are on site, although computers, toilets and furniture are damaged.

That December, the Department for Education (DfE) and the Local Government Association urges schools to check their roofs, walls and floors as a matter of urgency, stating that the Gravesend case had proved that the old assumption that visual evidence of deterioration was sufficient warning could no longer be relied upon, given that the collapse happened less than 24 hours after the first signs of stress were noticed.

2019

The SCOSS issues a safety alert on the failure of Raac planks in May and recommends that all installed before 1980 should be replaced as they are now past their expected service life.

2021

Another classroom ceiling collapses in November, this time at the private Rosemead Preparatory School in Dulwich, London, during a handwriting lesson with teacher Margaret Rautenbach and 15 of her Year Three pupils, who were treated in hospital for injuries ranging from fractured limbs to heavy bruising and left shaken by the experience.

There was a huge noise, suddenly, like a thunderous kind of noise, Ms Rautenbach says afterwards. The whole ceiling appeared to be flashing with lights, and we saw the roof just about to fall on top of us.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan (Mark Thomas/Shutterstock)

One mother says her daughter looked like a zombie from a horror movie when she was rescued from the rubble.

The Thurlow Educational Trust, which administers the school, is subsequently fined 80,000 and its chairman Nick Crawford states that the institution has taken significant steps since the incident to ensure that its health and safety arrangements are as robust as they can be.

The DfE publishes a guide for schools on how to spot deteriorating Raac, advising them to look out for a bubbly appearance and report any such citings so that inspectors can be called in to investigate.

2022

The DfE sends out a questionnaire to all responsible educational bodies, asking them for more information to help understand the extent of Raacs use in schools across the country.

An inspectors report in November meanwhile identifies structural concerns at three primary schools in West Lothian  Knightsridge Primary in Livingston, Our Ladys in Stoneyburn and Windyknowe Primary in Bathgate  causing pupils to be relocated and the council to approved 10m in funding for the repairs the following February.

2023

Seven education unions demand urgent action over the shocking state of school buildings at the risk of collapse at a time when teachers are already at odds with the DfE and staging strikes over pay.

By May, the DfE identifies 572 schools in England that might contain Raac and therefore represent cause for concern but admits a further 8,000 educational sites still need checking.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak on a schools visit (Alberto Pezzali/PA)

A month later, the DfE tells four schools in Essex and the north east of England to close and teach pupils remotely or relocate them elsewhere after Raac is discovered in their ceilings.

Just days before the beginning of the new school term in September, the DfE announces that 104 schools and colleges will need to partially or fully shut down buildings because of the risk posed by Raac.

A number of education unions come together to put their names to an open letter to the government demanding answers in which the signatories write: Our members are managing the anxiety of parents and carers on behalf of government. The least they are entitled to know, with confidence, is how they ended up in this situation when the government knew of the risks long ago.

The row then deepens as the scale of the problem becomes apparent, with NHS England calling for an urgent review of its hospitals, the head of the National Audit Office adding his voice to the criticism of the governments approach to repairs and Ms Keegan antagonising headteachers and being accused of finger-pointing.

Mr Sunak finds himself forced to defend 13 years of Conservative leadership that appears to have taken little action after becoming personally embroiled when a former civil servant at the DfE tells the BBC the now-PM had known about the need to rebuild between 300 and 400 schools a year during his tenure as chancellor of the exchequer.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Some of the English schools found to have crumbling concrete may have to be demolished if repairs become too expensive, experts have told The Independent.

Rishi Sunaks government  under fire over years of underinvestment in school repair work  has been told it could be more cost-effective to write off some of the older affected schools and build new ones.

Asbestos problems in some of the 147 schools identified as having reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac)  the material compared to an Aero chocolate bar  could complicate remedial work, said building specialists.

Steve McSorley, director of the structural engineering consultancy Perega, said it could make sense to knock down a school and build a new one  if the Raac problem is severe.

If [Raac] is in the floors and the walls as well as the roof, then my view is that the only way is demolition, he said. If its only in small areas it will cheaper to remove. But if its endemic, the most likely answer is to demolish and rebuild.

Mr McSorley said removing Raac can range anywhere between tens of thousands of pounds to the multimillions, depending on the scale. His own firm has been engaged in a 10m project to remove a Raac roof.

Adrian Tagg, associate professor of building surveying at Reading University, said trying to make some older schools safe could become prohibitively expensive if asbestos was found.

The expert said: If you have building from the 1970s thats 50 years old  the cost-benefit analysis is, Do we demolish and put a new structure in place with a 50-year life or do we try to extend by 20 years?

Experts have warned that trying to remove or bolster Raac in ceilings or floors can increase the danger of exposure to asbestos. If Asbestos is disturbed it can release fibres which can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Rishi Sunak is under pressure to commit new money to fix the Raac crisis (PA)

Theres always a way to resolve a problem if you throw money at it, said Mr Tagg, who has acted as a surveyor examining both Raac and asbestos problems in the UK and Europe  including work on schools in Belgium.

Analysis will have to be done on each school. In some instances it may well be beneficial, from a cost perspective to decide  you could get a [new] building with new life. Its an important discussion to have.

He said the government had taken the right approach in closing schools now. But thats only going to be good if its backed up by remedial action. And thats where the government may struggle  on the cost implications.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan is under fire over the Raac crisis (Reuters)

Government concerns over Raac have forced the partial or full closure of around 100 of the 147 schools in England found to contain Raac so far  but ministers have admitted hundreds more could be affected.

Mr Sunak has become embroiled in the scandal after one of his ministers admitted that the prime minister approved 50 schools to be rebuilt a year when he was chancellor  rejecting a Department for Education (DfE) application for 200 a year.

With the PM also under pressure over the move to scrap the last Labour governments 55bn Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, Tory MPs have told The Independent it is inevitable Mr Sunak will have to come up with a new funding package.

But some schools may find it is not worth fixing an old building. James Porter, a partner at Rapleys property consultancy, said: Its pointless putting a brand new roof structure on a school thats earmarked for demolition in 10 years  you might as bring forward the demolition.

Mr Porter added: It might the be the straw that breaks the camels back on schools that are quite old now. Asbestos would add a bit of cost. It neednt be eye-wateringly expensive. The costs will depend if Raac is extensive in roofs across the school, if its high up, if there is asbestos  there are a lot of factors.

Scaffolding at Balbardie Primary School (Getty)

Professor Chris Goodier, a leading construction expert at Loughborough University, also said the government and local authorities may have to take the decision to demolish a small number of the schools.

In most cases, it will be OK, it [Raac] might need some monitoring, said Prof Goodier. And in some cases, a lot of work will need to be done and they cant reopen for weeks, possibly months depending on the size of the building.

But in a very small number of schools it might be critical  it will be unsafe to open without major work. So there would have to be a life-cycle assessment decision, said Prof Goodier, part of the team doing national research on Raac funded by the NHS.

He added: In worst-case scenarios [Raac] is everywhere  in roofs and all classrooms. It may not be cost-effective to do major remedial works because the school is so old anyway.

A 2021 government survey of Englands 22,000 schools estimated the bill for future works would be 11.4bn. More than half of the sum was for schools built between 1961 and 1980  the period Raac was in widespread use.

Only four schools have been refurbished under the governments main schools rebuilding programme, despite Mr Sunaks promise it would cover 50 a year.

But No 10 said that the four schools were the only ones completed under that specific programme and other work had been done under other schemes.

As part of 1.8bn given to rebuilding and repairs this year, the DfE said 1.1bn had been handed to the School Condition Allocations (SCA) for councils to invest, while a further 450m went to the Condition Improvement Fund for urgent repairs and maintenance of academy trusts and sixth-form colleges.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Headteachers have accused Rishi Sunaks government of dumping on them by blaming them for the crumbling concrete crisis  attacking the Tories for gleefully pulling the last Labour governments rebuilding scheme.

At least 13 of the schools found to have crumbling concrete had funding to rebuild scrapped by the Conservative government back in 2010, it has emerged.

Geoff Barton, head of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said it would take 440 years to fix under Mr Sunaks plan to rebuild 50 schools a year  noting that it would have been complete by now if started in the time of the Spanish Armada.

The union leader told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there was a febrile mood among schools and heads over the Raac crisis. There is a feeling that once again they have been dumped on by the government.

Mr Barton said that he had visited a school in Suffolk set for vital repair work on the day then-education secretary Michael Gove gleefully announced Labours Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme was getting pulled.

He said the scrapping of the important works programme meant weve got head teachers scrambling around trying to identify bits of concrete that might look like Aero bars when they should be focusing on childrens learning.

Mr Barton mocked Mr Sunaks proud boast that he would rebuild 50 schools a year  saying the programme would have to started in the 16th century to have been completed.

At the rate of rebuilding Englands 22,000 schools at 50 a year, those built in 1583, just before the Spanish Armada, would just about be coming up for a refit, said the union leader.

He added: Is the governments view that rebuilding schools over the next 440 years going to be  to quote Gillian Keegan  an effing good job?

Mr Barton said some headteachers who phoned the Department for Education (DfE)s hotline for the crumbling concrete crisis has been put through to an apprenticeship hotline instead. He said one head had returned the wanted questionnaire three times  despite Ms Keegans demand for schools to get off their backsides.

Michael Gove and David Cameron (Getty Images)

Concerns over Raac have caused more than 100 schools in England to partially or fully shut. Mr Sunak has become embroiled in the row after one of his ministers admitted that the PM approved for 50 schools to be rebuilt a year when he was chancellor  rejecting an application for 200 a year.

A BBC investigation has found that 13 schools with Raac saw planned rebuilding work scrapped by David Camerons government in 2010. The National Education Union (NEA) described it as calculated neglect.

The Labour governments 55bn scheme  the BSF programme  aimed to rebuilding or refurbish every secondary school in England. The coalition government scrapped plans to rebuild 700 schools over cost concerns, before launching its own school building scheme in 2014.

Then education secretary Michael Gove said Labours BSF had seen massive overspends, tragic delays [and] botched construction projects.

The BBC identified 13 schools from the 2010 list due for rebuilding  including in Essex, London, County Durham, the West Midlands and Bradford  which have been closed after last weeks move to shut buildings with dangerous levels of Raac.

Rishi Sunak is likely to face questions about the schools concrete crisis at PMQs (PA Wire)

Daniel Kebede, general secretary for the NEA, said the Raac problem could have been addressed by now if BSF had been allowed to continue, adding: It has in my opinion been calculated neglect.

Sir Keir Starmer said that he would be grilling Mr Sunak on the concrete crisis at PMQs, adding that PM had questions to answer about his time at the Treasury.

I think the least that were entitled to is to know what risks were pointed out to him in 2021 when the prime minister to go forward, and an answer from him as to why he didnt allow that funding to go forward, the Labour leader told BBC Breakfast.

Mocking the PM for cutting the tax rate on champagne in 2021, Sir Keir said: At the very time Rishi Sunak took the decision that he wouldnt fund the necessary work for schools, he took the decision  at the same time  to cut the tax rate on champagne.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer promised to grill Sunak on schools at PMQs (PA Archive)

Mr Starmer said that Labour would ensure schools are both open and safe  but did not provide the details of what any rebuilding or refurbishing programme would look like under his party.

Cabinet minister Grant Shapps defended the Tory-led coalition governments decision to scrap the BSF programme  pointing out other funding puts have replaced the scheme. Many of those schools have had other remedial work or building work done in the meantime, he told Times Radio.

Labour has said it will look to use an arcane parliamentary mechanism to discover what Mr Sunak knew about the crisis during his tenure in the Treasury  eyeing submissions of evidence sent by the DfE to No 10 and the Treasury relating to advice on the construction trouble.

More than 100 schools across the UK have had to partially or fully shut (PA Wire)

As part of the move, it will also push to see all related correspondence ahead of the 2020 and 2021 spending reviews and the 2022 spring and autumn statements to show what advice Mr Sunak was given as chancellor about the need to replace Raac.

It emerged on Tuesday that only four schools have been refurbished under the governments main rebuilding programme since 2021, despite Mr Sunaks promise it would cover 50 a year.

But No 10 insisted that the four schools were the only ones completed under that specific programme and other work had been done under other schemes.

As NHS England urged health bosses to carry out an urgent review of Raac in hospitals, The Independent understands the government is sounding out care home providers about potential concerns across their estates.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan under huge pressure (AP)

Elsewhere, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said under fire education secretary Gillian Keegan has serious questions to answer after it emerged a company the senior Torys husband has links to was handed a 1m IT contract from a fund earmarked for rebuilding schools.

As reported by the Daily Mirror, which broke the news about the contract, Michael Keegan states on his LinkedIn social media page that he is a non-executive director at technology firm Centerprise.

The company was one of six suppliers awarded contracts earlier this year to replace server infrastructure, with the money coming from the DfEs school rebuilding programme fund. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Mr and Mrs Keegan.

A DfE spokesperson said: Ministers had no involvement in the procurement process for these contracts, which were awarded in line with existing government commercial procedures.

On rebuilding work, a DfE spokesperson said: We committed to rebuilding 500 schools over the next decade as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme and we are on track to deliver that.

They added: That is on top of 520 schools already delivered since 2015 under the Priority Schools Building Programme. The School Rebuilding Programme is in its initial stages of delivery and there will be an increase in the number of projects beginning construction in the next year.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Labour MP who billed taxpayers for a 55 parking ticket has been promoted in Sir Keir Starmers reshuffle.

Abena Oppong-Asare has been handed the womens health and mental health brief just weeks after The Independent exposed the expenses claim.

In the wake of the revelation, the expenses watchdog tightened its rules, Ms Oppong-Asare apologised and senior Tories called for her to be sacked.

But in a reshuffle on Monday to get Labour on an election footing, Sir Keir promoted Ms Oppong-Asare from her shadow treasury brief.

Responding to the promotion, Ms Oppong-Asare said: Pleased to join the shadow health and social care team as shadow minister for womens health and mental health.

These are issues Im incredibly passionate about and issues of great importance to the public.

Keir Starmer is creating a team ready to govern and deliver.

Ms Oppong-Asare replaced shadow mental health minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who resigned on Monday with a swipe at the Labour leader.

She said Sir Keir made clear that he does not see a space for a mental health portfolio in a Labour cabinet.

As a result, she said she would not be able to continue in this role.

The Labour reshuffle saw several key players demoted  while key allies enjoyed significant promotions.

What would a Labour government mean for the UK? Sign up to our exclusive event hosted by John Rentoul

Sir Keir told his new team that the party had made real progress but there was a long, long way to go, opening Tuesdays shadow cabinet meeting by saying there could be absolutely no complacency.

Mr Starmer  accused by campaigners on the left of assembling a narrow band of Blairites  told the senior Labour MPs that they had been chosen for their hunger ahead of an important and crucial political period.

The decision to move Angela Rayner to levelling up secretary saw Lisa Nandy  seen as a leading figure in Labours soft left  demoted to the international development brief.

The full list of the new positions in the Labour shadow cabinet following the latest reorganisation can be seen here.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Conservatives have been handed huge 5m donation from a millionaire healthcare entrepreneur, as the party relies on a select group of mega-rich backers to boost its coffers.

Frank Hester, founder and chief executive of The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), has given the seven-figure sum to Rishi Sunaks party in a boost to the PMs spending power ahead of the next general election.

The news comes after The Independent revealed that Mr Sunak is being forced to rely on a small pool of wealthy donors.

An astonishing four-fifths of all individual donations made to the Tories since he entered Downing Street have come from just 10 wealthy people.

Ex-donor Sir Rocco Forte claimed that the governments incompetence had driven many backers away, after Tory donations slumped in 2022 in the wake of turmoil under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss.

And Mohamed Amersi, who with his partner has donated 750,000 to the Tories, told The Independent that he would give money to Labour politicians.

Mr Hesters massive 5m gift  which makes him the partys joint-bigger backer under Sunak  will be disclosed by the Electoral Commission when it publishes its latest quarterly data on political donations.

It comes after commission records show that TTP donated 11,300 to the Tories in February and also 145,000 in March.

The company told The Mirror this month that the personal donations should have been made in Mr Hesters name and that he had since repaid the money back to his firm.

According to the TTP website, Mr Hester founded the company in 1997 as he worked on integrated care models. TPP describes the firm as providing leading software that is transforming healthcare worldwide.

In 2015, the businessman was given an OBE for his services to healthcare. Mr Hester has been invited on several government trade missions in the past, including visiting India with then-prime minister David Cameron in 2013.

He appeared at number 321 on the 2023 Sunday Times Rich List, with the newspaper estimating his wealth at 415m.

The Rich List said Mr Hester spotted an opportunity to build IT software for the NHS when his GP wife grumbled about her computers at work. TTP has been contacted for comment.

Mr Hesters donation will be welcomed by the Conservative Party, which said it would not be commenting, after a slump in financial fortunes last year.

In 2022, the Tories, according to the Electoral Commissions annual accounts, recorded a loss of 2.3m in what the party described as a turbulent year.

Income from donations fell by 2.4m compared with 2021, with party officials saying this was partly due to donor pledges moving into 2023.

Recommended Top 10 Tory donors since Rishi Sunak became prime minister

But financial support in 2023 looks to be considerably up, with the party recording more than 12m in donations in the first three months of the year. That figure far outstripped rival parties, with Labour raising 4.4m and the Liberal Democrats 1.3m.

The total for the Tories in the first quarter of the year was boosted by a 5m donation from Mohamed Mansour, the partys senior treasurer and a former minister in the government of Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

More than 70 MPs have urged the Prime Minister to use his trip to India to raise the case of a Scottish Sikh blogger who has been jailed in the country for almost six years.

Jagtar Singh Johal, from Dumbarton, was in Punjab in northern India for his wedding in 2017 when his family said he was arrested and bundled into an unmarked car.

He said he has been tortured, including through electric shocks, and faces the death penalty over his activism and campaigning for Sikh human rights.

Rishi Sunak is due to travel to the G20 summit in New Delhi at the weekend and is likely to meet Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

The arbitrary detention of Jagtar Singh Johal by the Indian Government challenges the very basis of any trade deal with the UK Martin Docherty-Hughes, SNP MP

According to the Sikh Federation, a cross-party group of at least 70 MPs have written to Mr Sunak, calling on him to press the Hindu nationalist leader to immediately release Mr Johal.

London and New Delhi are currently in negotiations over a post-Brexit trade deal, with reports Mr Sunak could be planning a second visit to India this autumn in a bid to help finalise an agreement.

But the SNPs Martin Docherty-Hughes, who has campaigned for Mr Johals freedom, said the arbitrary detention by the Indian government of a British national should challenge the very basis of any trade deal.

The West Dunbartonshire MP tweeted: Rishi Sunak and James Cleverly must stand up for transparency and the rule of law and for Jagtars rights. Bring him home.

Dabinderjit Singh, the principal adviser of the Sikh Federation, said: Rishi Sunak has an opportunity and must show the courage as the UK PM when he visits India to stand up for a British citizen who has been in arbitrary detention for nearly six years.

The British public and politicians are watching Rishi Sunak closely as the last thing he should be doing is appeasing India and discriminating against Jagtar Singh Johal because he is a Sikh activist.

Mr Singh said Mr Sunak would stand accused of being nothing more than a lame duck leader should he fail to lobby Mr Modi on Mr Johals behalf.

Reprieve, a legal charity that has campaigned on the issue, has set up a petition for the public to also urge the Conservative Party leader to address Mr Johals detainment while in India.

The charity tweeted: A Brit unjustly facing the death penalty overseas should be a matter of national priority, its time for the PM to act.

The UN last year concluded that Jagtars continued detention lacks any legal basis.

Yet the British Government has done next to nothing to get him home.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, according to the BBC, wrote to Mr Johals brother in July to say the Government had decided it was best not to press India over the issue.

Mr Cleverly reportedly told Gurpreet Singh Johal: I do not consider that calling for Jagtars release would result in the Indian authorities releasing him.

Indeed, I fear this could impact the co-operation we depend on  to conduct consular visits, resolve welfare concerns and attend court hearings.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The Government is committed to seeing Jagtar Singh Johals case resolved as soon as possible. We are providing consular assistance to the family.

We have raised concerns about the issues, including consular access, judicial process, reports of torture with the Indian government on more than 100 occasions.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The mother of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has spoken of the grief she felt when she went to identify her daughters body in the mortuary.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10.

A post-mortem examination found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

She was living with her father Urfan Sharif and his partner Beinash Batool when she died.

Speaking on Polish television programme Uwaga! on the TVN Channel, Olga Sharif said: One of her cheeks was swollen and the other side was bruised.

Even now, when I close my eyes I can see what my baby looked like.

Ms Sharif said she in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.

Ms Sharif still had equal rights to see the children and said while that was easy to maintain initially it became increasingly harder over time.

Mr Sharif, 41, Ms Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted by police for questioning.

They left with five children aged between one and 13-years-old, Surrey Police said.

Saras grandfather has told the BBC the girls death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning.

Muhammad Sharif said he saw Saras father soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said his son had fled the UK out of fear.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras life.

Surrey County Council has told the PA news agency she was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to the death.

While there is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan, people have been returned from the Asian country before.

The full interview with Ms Sharif will air on the Polish TV programme at 7.55pm local time on Wednesday.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The weeklong clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in the coalition that has kept a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to reemerge.

The violence also points to rising tensions between Kurds who dominate the region and the mainly Arab population, opening the door for Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran, to try to make inroads in an oil-rich territory where they seek to drive out U.S. troops and restore Damascus rule.

Eastern Syria has largely been off the worlds radar, particularly in the United States. But the U.S. has had some 900 troops stationed there alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019. The troops, who first arrived eight years ago, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters.

At the same time, a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led administration has governed parts of northern Syria and most of Syria east of the Euphrates River, including key oil fields, with government forces and Iranian-backed militias positioned just across the river on the western bank. The regions Arabs have roles in both the SDF and the administration but have long resented the Kurdish control.

The clashes involve the Syrian Democratic Forces and an allied faction, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council. The trigger was the Aug. 27 arrest by the SDF of the councils commander Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla. The SDF accused Khbeil of criminal activity, corruption and of opening up contacts with the Damascus government and Iranian-backed militias.

Fighting broke out between the SDF and Khbeils loyalists, who were then joined by hundreds of Arab tribesmen in battles that spread and left tribesmen in control of several villages outside the city of Deir el-Zour. At least 90 people have been killed and dozens wounded.

Kurdish leaders accuse Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government of fomenting the violence. Speaking to The Associated Press, SDF spokesman Farhad Shami denied local Arab fighters joined the clashes, saying it was fighters loyal to Damascus who crossed the river.

Iran and Assad regime want to depict this unrest as a result of an ethnic conflict between Arabs and Kurds, Elham Ahmad, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Council, the political wing of the SDF, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Their ultimate aim, she said, was to force U.S. troops to leave.

But some warn the violence reflects local Arab resentment of Kurdish domination. Opposition activists said contacts were underway with tribal leaders to reach a cease-fire.

This is an unprecedented escalation between SDF and Deir el-Zour residents, says Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, which covers news in the region.

This is an indication of the bad policy implemented by the SDF and wrong calculations by the Americans, said Abu Layla. He said the solution could be to name a replacement for Khbeil and give Arabs more influence in local councils.

If the fighting endures, it could deepen Kurdish-Arab rifts. That could open the door for IS remnants to attempt a comeback.

The U.S. military has called for an end to the fighting, warning that distractions (from opposing IS) create instability and increase the risk of Daesh resurgence, using the Arab acronym for the Islamic State group.

Over the weekend, a meeting was held among SDF figures, tribal leaders and U.S. officials, including Maj. Gen. Joel Vowell, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, which oversees U.S. military operations against IS, the U.S. Embassy announced. It said they agreed on the importance of addressing the grievances of residents in Deir el-Zour, avoiding civilian deaths and the need for de-escalation as soon as possible.

The SDF pushed ahead in their offensive over the weekend, capturing two villages and surrounding the main Arab tribesmen's stronghold in Diban. SDF chief commander Mazloum Abdi told a local news agency that the U.S.-led coalition helped with aerial support during the offensive, but the U.S. military did not confirm or deny when contacted by The Associated Press.

IS once controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria but was defeated after a long, grueling war led by the U.S. and allies including the SDF. The radical group lost its last sliver of land in eastern Syria in 2019, but its fugitive cells hiding in the region have continued low-level attacks, killing dozens over the years.

Myles B. Caggins III, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, said the clashes present an opportunity for ISIS cells that nest in the Euphrates River Valley to emerge.

The violence also could give an opportunity for Damascus and Iran, pushing their demands for the Americans to leave.

The commander of the pro-government Baqir Brigade militia, Khaled al-Hassan, told an Iranian media outlet that the violence is a new uprising by Syrians against the American occupation and its militias, referring to the SDF.

During a recent visit to Iran, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad warned that American occupation forces should withdraw ... before they are forced to do so.

In mid-July, dozens of Arab tribesmen and members of the pro-government National Defense Forces held a rally in Deir el-Zour province that was attended by a Russian general.

The end of American forces will be at the hands of Arab tribesmen who stand behind the Syrian army, an NDF commander said during the ceremony.

In March, a suspected Iranian-linked drone attack hit a U.S. base, killing a contractor and wounding another, along with five American troops. American warplanes responded with airstrikes on sites used by groups affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard. President Joe Biden said the U.S. would respond forcefully to protect its personnel.

Iran, Russia, and the Syrian regime have a shared interest in the departure of U.S. forces from Syria, according to a report released last month by The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.

Crucial for Tehran, Iran has had a land corridor of allies linking it to the Mediterranean Sea ever since Syrian forces and Iranian-backed militias captured areas along the border with Iraq from IS in 2017.

Last weeks clashes came after Lebanese and Arab media outlets reflecting Irans point of view claimed that the Americans intended to sever that link by capturing the strategic border town of Boukamal.

The coalitions commanding general, U.S. Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane denied the reports. The coalition is not preparing for military operations to cut off anybody except Daesh, he said.

But Iran and its allies say any attempt to close the Iraq-Syria border is a red line.

I see that closing the gate between Damascus and Baghdad as a declaration of war, said Syrian political analyst Bassam Abu Abdullah, whose comments usually reflect the governments point of view.

___

Associated Press writer Albert Aji contributed to this report from Damascus, Syria.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Dozens of schoolchildren were injured after a school bus crashed head-on with a tow truck in Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning.

State police Captain Patrick Dougherty said in a press conference that the bus carrying 49 students to Bear Creek Community Charter School for their second day of the term collided with an oncoming truck on Route 115 in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, just after 8am.

The tow truck driver, identified as 28-year-old Edward Edward Steinmann, is believed to have suffered a medical event and swerved over the median strip, Mr Dougherty said, according to Fox56.

Mr Steinmann and the bus driver, Suzanne Ent, 53, were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

The 49 students, aged from kindergarten through to eighth grade, suffered minor injuries in the crash, and were taken to hospital on a separate school bus for evaluation, Pennsylvania State Police said.

The two injured drivers were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Footage from the crash site showed the bus sustained major damage in the front-on smash.

Mr Dougherty praised the efforts of passers-by for coming to the aid of the injured children and helping to comfort them until emergency services arrived.

Although this was an unfortunate event, we are grateful that there were no serious injuries, Mr Dougherty said.

We would like to thank the good citizens who stopped to help and render aid.

Parents of the injured children have been notified, he added.

Bear Creek charter school CEO Jim Smith thanked the witnesses and multi-agency effort for rendering care for the school children during the press conference.

An investigation is underway into the crash.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A man has gone missing after a Carnival cruise ship docked in Miami, Florida, with police and federal officials trying to locate his whereabouts.

Kevin McGrath, 26, was last seen aboard the Carnival Conquest cruise ship in his cabin at 2am on Monday by his brother, said Carnival in a statement.

The Coast Guard are still searching around the Port of Miami and along the South Florida shore to try and find Mr McGrath.

Mr McGrath was supposed to meet his family for breakfast on the ship before it docked at Port Miami, but never turned up, authorities said.

A missing persons report was filed by his family at 7am, and the man was not located on board despite an extensive search."

The Miami-Dade police issued a missing person alert Tuesday morning for Mr McGrath. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, shorts and grey sneakers. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. Police also added he may be in need of services.

After Mr McGrath could not be located aboard the cruise ship, the Coast Guard was contacted and Miami police officers joined the search.

Police are still on the search for missing Carnival passenger Kevin McGrath (Miami-Dade Police)

"The guest was not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process," said a spokesperson for Carnival.

A search of the ships cameras and security devices did not indicate he went overboard, a police spokesperson told The Post.

The cruise ship had just returned from a four-day sail around the Bahamas, before returning to Miami.

Miami-Dade Police issued a missing persons alert (Miami-Dade Police)

The ship was cleared by the police in order for Carnival Conquest to set sail again, and is now back in the Bahamas for its next trip, according to CruiseMapper .

This incident has come just after a man, 19, named Sigmund Ropich fell overboard on the worlds largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, last week.

Other incidents have also occurred on Carnival cruise ships, such as a man who went missing on the Carnival Magic in the Gulf of Mexico in November, however, he was fortunately found.

It is estimated that 19 people go overboard on cruise ships each year, and only around four people are rescued, according to Insider.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The wrongful conviction of a Black man for rape was reversed nearly five decades later in what is said to be the longest-standing wrongful conviction in US history.

Leonard Mack, now 72 years old, was formally exonerated on Tuesday after being convicted of rape and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in March 1976.

Thanks to new DNA evidence brought forward by the Innocence Project, in collaboration with the Westchester County District Attorneys Conviction Review Unit, Mr Mack has now been declared innocent of the crime.

The non-profit, along with the government agency, conducted new DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene as part of a post-conviction investigation.

This testing conclusively demonstrated Mr Mack to not be the perpetrator of the crime for which he was wrongfully convicted. Mr Macks wrongful conviction is the longest to be overturned based on new DNA evidence known to the Innocence Project, the non-profit said in an article on its website.

Now the truth has come to light and I can finally breathe. I am finally free, Mr Mack said.

The DNA profile generated from the evidence was entered into both the state and local DNA databases, leading to a positive match. Reports said the real assailant, identified through this database search, has confessed to committing the crime that occurred in New York.

This exoneration confirms that wrongful convictions are not only harmful to the wrongly convicted but also make us all less safe, Westchester County district attorney Miriam E Rocah said in a statement.

Today, indisputable DNA evidence proves that Leonard Mack is innocent. Nearly five decades later, he finally has some measure of justice, said Mary-Kathryn Smith, one of Mr Macks Innocence Project attorneys.

Mr Macks resilience and strength is why this day has finally come.

Mr Mack served seven and a half years in prison.

Today has been a long time coming, he was quoted as saying by the Innocence Project.

I lost seven-and-a-half years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit. I have lived with this injustice hanging over my head for almost 50 years.

Mr Mack has been living in South Carolina with his wife for 21 years and is a Vietnam war veteran.

On 22 May 1975, in Greenburgh, New York, police stopped Mr Mack approximately two and a half hours after an incident in which two teenage girls were accosted as they walked home from school.

During the incident, one of the teenagers was raped, while the other managed to escape and sought help at a nearby school where a teacher promptly alerted the police. The attack took place in a predominantly white neighbourhood and the Greenburgh police department had issued a description of a suspect, specifying a Black male in his early twenties.

Despite having an appearance distinct from the suspect while driving through the neighbourhood at the time  including different clothing and an alibi to support his innocence  Mr Mack was apprehended and taken to a police station for questioning.

The Innocence Project said racial bias was a factor in the police zeroing in on Mr Mack as he fit the description of the suspect, despite substantial evidence to the contrary.

While just 13.6 per cent of the American population identify as Black, they account for 53 per cent of the 3,200 exonerations listed in the National Registry of Exonerations according to its 2022 report called Race and Wrongful Convictions in the United States.

Black Americans are seven times more likely than their white counterparts to be wrongfully convicted of serious crimes, the Innocence Project said.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Enrique Tarrio, the now-former leader of the neo-fascist Proud Boys gang convicted on treason-related charges after fuelling a mob on January 6, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Tarrio was among four members of the group convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes earlier this year following a four-month trial. Tarrio, as the groups leader, organized and directed a mob towards the US Capitol, where Proud Boys dismantled barricades and broke windows to breach the halls of Congress, then bragged about their actions on social media and in group chat messages that were later shared with jurors.

He served as a naturally charismatic leader, a savvy propagandist, and the celebrity Chairman of the group, wielding his influence over his subordinates and allies to organize and execute the conspiracy to forcibly stop the peaceful democratic transfer of power as lawmakers convened to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, federal prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.

Tarrio instead used his talents to inflame and radicalize untold numbers of followers, promoting political violence in general and orchestrating the charged conspiracies in particular, they argued.

US District Judge Timothy Kelly, characterising Tarrio as the ultimate leader of that conspiracy in a lengthy sentencing hearing in Washington DC on 5 September, handed him the largest prison sentence to date among cases connected to the Capitol attack.

Federal sentencing guidelines indicated Tarrio could have faced 27 to 33 years in prison. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 33 years.

As he did with other Proud Boys cases, the judge applied what is called a terrorism enhancement to the sentencing guidelines but refrained from imposing larger prison sentences for crimes he has contrasted to mass casualty events.

Four other members of the group were sentenced last week for their roles in the attack. Ethan Nordean received a sentence of 18 years in prison, tying Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes for what is now the second-longest sentence to date among the hundreds of people convicted in connection with January 6.

Joe Biggs was sentenced to 17 years, Zachary Rehl was sentenced to 15 years, and Dominic Pezzola  the sole co-defendant among them who was not convicted of seditious conspiracy  was sentenced to 10 years.

Tarrios verdict marked the first successful seditious conspiracy conviction against a January 6 defendant who was not physically at the Capitol that day  he was barred from entering Washington DC after he was arrested for burning a Black Lives Matter banner outside a church during a riot weeks earlier. He watched the insurrection from a hotel room in Baltimore.

During the Proud Boys trial, prosecutors presented hundreds of internal messages revealing the groups culture of violence and preparations for an attack in the weeks leading up to January 6.

Prosecutors argued that Proud Boys were not merely obedient followers of Donald Trumps commands, amplifying his bogus narrative of election fraud, but were preparing for all-out war to undermine millions of Americans votes and upend a democratic election to preserve his presidency.

In the insurrections aftermath, Tarrio wrote on the social media platform Parler that when the government fears the people, there is liberty, a post he accompanied with a photo of House members ducking for cover.

When he wrote those words, Tarrio was not referring to politicians fear of being voted out of office, prosecutors wrote. He was speaking concretely and approvingly about what the members of Congress and their staffs were experiencing that very afternoon: fear of injury and death at the hands of a vicious mob that included Tarrios own hand-picked soldiers.

At Tarrios sentencing hearing, defence attorney Sabino Jauregui called his client a misguided patriot who never intended to bring down the government. Tarrios attorneys sought to separate Tarrio from the destructive actions of other Proud Boys on the ground.

I do think the evidence of Mr Tarrios leadership was, quite frankly, evident during trial, Judge Kelly said. I do find the evidence shows that Mr Tarrio was on the top of the command structure with regard to the planning of the offense.

As he pleaded with the judge for leniency, Tarrio apologised to law enforcement, lawmakers, the jurors and Washington DC residents for the national embarrassment of January 6.

When I get back home I want nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies  and when you walk out that door your honor, I wont be saying anything other than that, he added.

Days earlier, Tarrios co-defendant Dominic Pezzola, moments after sobbing in front of the judge, raised a fist and shouted Trump won after receiving his prison sentence.

During a televised presidential debate on 29 September, 2020, moderator Chris Wallace repeatedly asked then-President Trump whether he would denounce white supremacism. Mr Trump asked for a name to reference. Joe Biden, standing on the opposite side of the stage, suggested the Proud Boys.

Proud Boys, stand back and stand by, Mr Trump said. But Ill tell you what somebodys got to do something about antifa and the left because this is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem.

Almost immediately, Proud Boys members and their allies celebrated what they heard as a call to action. On Parler, Tarrio wrote: Standing by, sir.

On 12 December, 2020, Tarrio and members of the Proud Boys and other far-right groups sparked riots in Washington DC in the wake of Mr Trumps defeat in the 2020 election. Tarrio admitted in comments on Parler and on a Proud Boys-affiliated podcast that he was responsible for burning a churchs sign.

I was the one that lit it on fire, he said. I was the person that went ahead and put the lighter to it and engulfed it in flames, and I am damn proud that I did.

Tarrio was arrested moments after arriving in Washington DC from Miami on 4 January, 2021. During his arrest, police found Tarrio was carrying two high-capacity magazines compatible with high-powered rifles. Both were empty.

He faced a misdemeanor charge of destruction of property for burning the churchs sign and two subsequent felony charges for possessing a high-capacity feeding device. In July, members of the group were ordered to pay $1m over what a Washington DC Superior Court judge called a highly orchestrated and hateful and overtly racist assault against the church.

But in the weeks leading up to his arrival in the nations capital, Tarrio had assembled a Ministry of Self-Defense with his co-defendants, the primary instrument through which members of the group prepared for January 6, according to prosecutors.

Members of the group were instructed to conceal and destroy evidence of their conversations and to refuse to cooperate with law enforcement, with warnings of disavowal and retribution if members were exposed.

Days before the attack, Tarrio exchanged messages over a document titled 1776 Returns that included plans to occupy crucial buildings with as many people as possible, including the House and Senate. One message told him that revolution is [sic] important than anything, to which Tarrio replied: Thats what every waking moment consists of  Im not playing games.

On January 6, Tarrio told followers on social media that day to do what must be done and, in a group chat with other Proud Boys members, do it again.

Dont f****** leave, he told them.

Make no mistake, he wrote in another message. We did this.

Enrique Tarrio, pictured with the Proud Boys in Portland, Oregon in 2019 (AP)

Prosecutors argued that his group messages and public posturing before his arrest in Washington DC suggested that Tarrio strategically calculated his arrest as a means to inspire a reaction by his followers (Proud Boys members can be seen marching towards the Capitol on January with T-shirts reading ENRIQUE TARRIO DID NOTHING WRONG).

His physical absence from the Capitol that day did nothing to detract from the severity of his conduct, prosecutors argued in a sentencing memo. Tarrio was functioning as a general rather than a soldier, they wrote. By provoking a desire for political violence and inflaming group members with rage let loose on the Capitol, Tarrio did far more harm than he could have as an individual rioter, they wrote.

One day after the attack, Tarrio warned lawmakers who created the problem to listen  because things can get ugly, which prosecutors called a veiled threat of violence that amounts to a political version of an extortionate shakedown: Nice democracy youve got there; be a shame if something were to happen to it.

All this rhetoric from Tarrio, as leader of the conspiracy, underscores the common-sense conclusion that the crimes committed by him and his co-defendants on January 6 were calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, according to prosecutors.

Tarrios influence among the Proud Boys and far-right extremism more broadly extends far beyond the scope of January 6.

Following the federal case against him in the aftermath of the January 6 attack, as the US Department of Justice scrutinized far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, Tarrio announced he was stepping down from his leadership role. He urged other members to start getting more involved in local politics and said the group would be running our guys for office from local seats, whether its a simple GOP seat or a city council seat. Members of the group would go on to do just that.

Members have also harassed drag queen story-telling events at libraries and amplified groomer smears aimed at LGBT+ people. Proud Boys have been central to a wave of attacks and threats against drag performers and the people and venues that host them, targeting at least 60 such events within the last year, with more than half resulting in physical and verbal clashes.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

As he pleaded with a federal judge for leniency on 5 September, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys admitted that Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.

Enrique Tarrio, 39, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for orchestrating a failed plot to keep the former president in power  marking the longest sentence ever to date among the hundreds of cases connected to the Capitol riot on 6 January, 2021, an attack fuelled by Mr Trumps false narrative that the election was stolen from him and rigged against him.

Before his sentence was handed down in US District Court in Washington DC, Tarrio apologised for his actions, branded the Capitol riot a national embarrassment and vowed that his days of meddling in politics are over.

He also publicly denounced his false claims that the election was stolen from Mr Trump.

My candidate lost, he admitted.

What happened on January 6 was a national embarrassment ... I do not think what happened that day was acceptable, he said.

Choking up with emotion, Tarrio said that he had let his family down with his actions as he begged the judge not to rob him of his 40s behind bars.

I am not a political zealot. Inflicting harm or changing the results of the election was not my goal, Tarrio said. Please show me mercy. I ask you that you not take my 40s from me.

He added: When I get back home I want nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies ... and when you walk out that door your honour, I wont be saying anything other than that.

But the admission came too late to save him from being hit with the longest prison sentence to date over the Capitol riot that resulted in five deaths and hundreds of law enforcement officers injured.

US District Judge Timothy Kelly said that Tarrio was the ultimate leader of the Proud Boys conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election in Mr Trumps favour.

Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years in prison (AP)

I do think the evidence of Mr Tarrios leadership was, quite frankly, evident during trial, the judge said. I do find the evidence shows that Mr Tarrio was on the top of the command structure with regard to the planning of the offence.

January 6 broke our previously unbroken tradition of peacefully transferring power, he added.

Tarrio was among four members of the group convicted of seditious conspiracy and other crimes earlier this year following a four-month trial.

A jury determined that Tarrio, as the groups leader, organised and directed a mob towards the US Capitol, where Proud Boys dismantled barricades and broke windows to breach the halls of Congress, then bragged about their actions on social media and in group chat messages that were later shared with jurors.

He served as a naturally charismatic leader, a savvy propagandist, and the celebrity Chairman of the group, wielding his influence over his subordinates and allies to organize and execute the conspiracy to forcibly stop the peaceful democratic transfer of power as lawmakers convened to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, federal prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.

Tarrio instead used his talents to inflame and radicalise untold numbers of followers, promoting political violence in general and orchestrating the charged conspiracies in particular, they argued.

Federal sentencing guidelines indicated Tarrio could have faced 27 to 33 years in prison. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 33 years.

As he did with other Proud Boys cases, Judge Kelly applied what is called a terrorism enhancement to the sentencing guidelines but refrained from imposing larger prison sentences for crimes he has contrasted to mass casualty events.

Proud Boys members including Zachary Rehl, left, Ethan Nordean, center, and Joseph Biggs, walk toward the US Capitol on January 6 (AP)

Four other members of the group were sentenced last week for their roles in the attack. Ethan Nordean received a sentence of 18 years in prison, tying Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes for what is now the second-longest sentence to date among the hundreds of people convicted in connection with January 6.

Joe Biggs was sentenced to 17 years, Zachary Rehl was sentenced to 15 years, and Dominic Pezzola  the sole co-defendant among them who was not convicted of seditious conspiracy  was sentenced to 10 years.

Tarrios verdict marked the first successful seditious conspiracy conviction against a January 6 defendant who was not physically at the Capitol that day  he was barred from entering Washington DC after he was arrested for burning a Black Lives Matter banner outside a church during a riot weeks earlier. He watched the insurrection from a hotel room in Baltimore.

During the Proud Boys trial, prosecutors presented hundreds of internal messages revealing the groups culture of violence and preparations for an attack in the weeks leading up to January 6.

Prosecutors argued that Proud Boys were not merely obedient followers of then-President Trumps commands but were preparing for all-out war to undermine millions of Americans votes and upend a democratic election to preserve his presidency.

In the insurrections aftermath, Tarrio wrote on the social media platform Parler that when the government fears the people, there is liberty, a post he accompanied with a photo of House members ducking for cover.

When he wrote those words, Tarrio was not referring to politicians fear of being voted out of office, prosecutors wrote. He was speaking concretely and approvingly about what the members of Congress and their staffs were experiencing that very afternoon: fear of injury and death at the hands of a vicious mob that included Tarrios own hand-picked soldiers.

Defence attorney Sabino Jauregui claimed that his client was simply a misguided patriot who never intended to bring down the government. Tarrios attorneys sought unsuccessfully to separate Tarrio from the destructive actions of other Proud Boys on the ground.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A Florida man was arrested after a bizarre three-day standoff at sea with the US Coast Guard for trying to cross the Atlantic in a human-powered hamster wheel.

Reza Baluchi faces federal charges after he was found 70 miles off the Georgia coast with Hurricane Franklin taking aim at the eastern seaboard, reported The Daily Beast.

The USS Coast Guard cutter Valiant was in the region when they spotted Mr Baluchi and intercepted him. When questioned during the 26 August incident Mr Baluchi said he was heading for London on his vessel.

Based on the condition of the vessel  which was afloat as a result of wiring and buoys  USCG officers determined Baluchi was conducting a manifestly unsafe voyage, the criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Florida states.

Mr Baluchi then allegedly threatened to kill himself with a 12-inch knife if anyone tried to arrest him and also claimed to have a bomb onboard his craft.

On 28 August, after days of trying to get Mr Baluchi to board Coast Guard vessels, he admitted that he did not have a real bomb and a day later officers were able to get him to disembark.

The suspect was brought ashore on 1 September at the USCG Base in Miami Beach, Florida.

It is reportedly not the first time Mr Baluchi has tried an extreme voyage on his vessel.

This morning, the #FCSO responded to a call about a vessel washing ashore in the Hammock area.



Thank you to the concerned citizens who reported this. We are happy to announce that the occupant of the vessel is safe with no injuries! #SeeSomethingSaySomething pic.twitter.com/zlenQd1tX7  Flagler County Sheriffs Office (@FlaglerSheriff) July 24, 2021

Court documents state that he has attempted voyages in similar vessels in 2014, 2016 and 2021, all of which have ended with Coastguard intervention.

In 2021 he made national news when he tried a journey from Florida to New York but washed ashore after just 25 miles.

He faces charges of obstruction of a boarding, and violation of a Captain of the Port order.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A former California city employee has been arrested after he was linked to a string of sexual offences dating back to 2010.

Kabeh Cummings, 35, has been extradited to Sacramento following his arrest on 29 August in New York City.

Mr Cummings is facing more than 10 counts of rape, kidnapping and sodomy in connection with three sexual assault cases that had gone cold until last year.

Prosecutors said during a press conference on Tuesday that the first victim was strangled and raped before the suspect fled the scene with her purse. Just weeks later, in March 2010, a second victim was sexually assaulted in a parking lot while she was unconscious.

Then in September 2013, the Sacramento Sheriffs Office received reports from a third woman that said she had been raped by a man pointing a stun gun at her. Although DNA from the collected rape kits tied the same suspect to the two first crime scenes, it did not match anyones DNA on a national database.

Additional testing from material collected in the 2013 case allowed detectives to develop a specialized DNA profile that eventually led to the identification of a suspect and a link to the 2010 rapes, Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester said.

In recent years, genetic genealogy has been increasingly used in cases where other leads have been exhausted. The technology creates family trees with the available DNA so law enforcement can make connections between potential suspects and their relatives.

According to ABC10, police surveilled Mr Cummings and took DNA samples from his trash that later matched the DNA from the three crime scenes.

As the years went by, I kind of lost hope. I feel like justice is being served, I have my closure, one of Mr Cummings alleged victims told the network. I know who he is, I know he will be paying for [what he did.]

Mr Cummings was employed by a city-funded afternoon school programme between 2008 and 2014.

He was booked into the Sacramento County Jail on Friday and his bond has been set at $3.5m.

If convicted on all charges, Mr Cummings faces 180 years in prison.

Authorities believe Mr Cummings may be linked to other sex crimes. Anyone with information is asked to call the case tip line at 916-808-1773.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Cuban nationals are being offered contracts worth $2,000 (1,600) a month and potential Russian citizenship for them and their families as part of a targeted campaign to recruit them to fight in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Cuba's Foreign Ministry announced it was working to "neutralise and dismantle" a human trafficking ring that is coercing its citizens into fighting for Moscow. "The Ministry of the Interior... is working on the neutralization and dismantling of a human trafficking network that operates from Russia to incorporate Cuban citizens living there, and even some from Cuba, into the military forces participating in war operations in Ukraine," the Cuban government statement said.

Now, new details have emerged about a number of groups on social media offering help to get Cuban men recruited into the Russian army. The Moscow Times spoke to one woman who would help facilitate Cubans signing one-year contracts with the Russian army offering a monthly income of 204,000 roubles  and that even those without a passport could sign up with a letter confirming their immigration.

If you dont have a passport, but you have a photo, then thats already good. But even if you dont have a photo, we can sign [a contract], she told the outlet, saying that she had helped a number of Cubans reach the frontlines in Ukraine.

In late May, a Russia newspaper in Ryazan city reported that several Cuban citizens had signed contracts with Russia's armed forces and had been shipped to Ukraine in return for Russian citizenship. The Moscow Times reported that social media posts suggest the woman they spoke to lives in or near Ryazan.

Recommended

Last year, Russia announced a plan to boost the size of its armed forces by more than 30 per cent to 1.5 million combat personnel, a lofty goal made harder by its heavy  but officially undisclosed  casualties in the war. President Vladimir Putin also signed an order reducing the minimum service for international military recruits from five years down to one year, with the chance at fast-track citizenship once their service was completed.

Moscow has yet to respond to Cuba's accusations. Russia has strong ties to communist-run Havana and the Cuban Defence Ministry's statement is a rare rebuke given that Cuba has previously criticised Western nations over their support for Ukraine.

The defense ministers of Cuba and Russia have discussed the development of joint "technical military" projects at a meeting in Moscow. But Cuba says it is "not part of the war in Ukraine,"

"[Cuba] is acting and will act energetically against anyone... who participates in any form of human trafficking for the purpose of recruitment of Cuban citizens as mercenaries to use arms against any country," the Defence Ministry said, adding that criminal proceedings had started against some of those involved.

The Moscow Times also spoke to two Cuban men who said they were looking to serve Russia's military. I know that they pay very well, and its a great way to make a lot of money quickly, one of the men said.

They pay a lot, and I need the money. Ill probably later stay in Russia, the other added.

Reuters contributed to this report
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A chance for a new community, good paying local jobs, solar farms, and open space.

Thats what California Forever promises on its lushly illustrated new website, launched last week in order to bring transparency to its previously veiled plans for the southeastern corner of Solano County, California, where its property arm, Flannery Associates, has spent the last six years buying up 140 farms on around 55,000 acres of agricultural land at a cost of $800m  to the consternation of many living locally.

Lying between San Francisco and Sacramento and stretching from Fairfield to Rio Vista, the land has historically been used for grazing livestock and growing staple crops like wheat and barley and was typically handed down within families from one generation to the next.

But California Forever plans to change all that after revealing its vision for the construction of a utopian city deep in the countryside, composed of incredible homes and walkable neighbourhoods that will provide families with an ideal community in which to live and work that will be both environmentally sound and well connected to the states existing urban centres.

Some believe that proposition is too good to be true, however, and the project has been met with a certain amount of suspicion.

Here is everything we know about the venture.

Mysterious strangers

The established order in sleepy Solano County began to be disrupted in 2017 when a group of mystery investors began making offers to local ranchers, disinclined to take no for an answer and reportedly making repeated approaches if they were rebuffed, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.

It was like a hostile takeover, one farmer told the newspaper, preferring to speak anonymously.

It was Shakespearean, a Game of Thrones kind of thing.

The land was acquired gradually, piece by piece, with a survey circulated recently among local residents enquiring how they might feel about a new city with tens of thousands of new homes, a large solar energy farm, orchards with over a million new trees, and over 10,000 acres of new parks and open space being built nearby.

Some were unnerved about the companys apparent reluctance to identify its investors or state its intentions, with Solano County administrator Bill Emlen telling The Chronicle: We approached them a while back and said, Weve noticed you have been making a lot of large acquisitions and wed like to set up a meeting to talk about zoning and the general plan and what your intentions are.

A cow grazes on a parcel of land that was recently purchased by the Silicon Valley investors near Rio Vista, California (Justin Sullivan/Getty)

They said they were investors in family farms and their intention was to continue with grazing and farming and that was their plan.

The Department of Defense also reportedly took a keen interest in what was unfolding because of the lands close proximity to Travis Air Force Base, one of the busiest in use by the US Air Force and known as the Gateway to the Pacific.

The situation grew more tense in May this year when Flannery filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Sacramento in which it accused several of the ranchers of engaging in an illegal price-fixing conspiracy that had forced it to spend $170m in overpayment for properties, for which it sought $510m in damages.

Silicon Valleys elite unmasked

As interest in the project swelled, understandably given the scale of the investment involved, The New York Times published an article on 25 August in which it unmasked the players as a Silicon Valley Elite amounting to a whos who of the tech industry.

Its participants turned out to include venture capitalists Michael Moritz and Marc Andreessen, LinkedIns co-founder Reid Hoffman, Stripe co-founders Patrick and John Collison and Emerson Collectives founder Laurene Powell Jobs, with the project being steered by Czech CEO Jan Sramek, just 36, formerly a Goldman Sachs trader and political consultant.

Much hailed as a finance wunderkind and all-round high-achiever during his days at Goldman, Mr Sramek co-authored the motivational book Racing Towards Excellence in 2009, which includes the ominous quote from Ayn Rand: The question isnt who is going to let me; its who is going to stop me.

An aerial view of the farmland surrounding Travis Air Force Base near Rio Vista (Justin Sullivan/Getty)

The group has since formally introduced itself via the California Forever website, expressing regret over the earlier need for secrecy about its activities by explaining: The only way to avoid creating a rush of reckless short-term land speculation was to not share our specific plans until we finished acquiring the properties.

Mr Sramek, the site adds, spent time in Solano County during fishing trips on the California Delta and fell in love with the area, inspiring him to buy his first property there recently to house his growing family.

With increased transparency comes increased scrutiny, however, and the CEO and his investors were criticised by Democratic congressman John Garamendi once their identities became known.

You big wealthy Silicon Valley billionaires, youre party to all of this. This is the kind of people you are? This is how you want to operate? he said.

What theyve managed to do is to totally poison the well.

The group subsequently met with Mr Garamendis fellow representative Mike Thompson, who told The Daily Beast afterwards that he had not been shown any blueprints, schematics or environmental assessments related to the proposed city and remarked: They have a long, long, long, long, long way to go.

A Flannery Associates sign stands near land the company recently purchased in Rio Vista (Justin Sullivan/Getty)

Mr Thompson said of Mr Smarek: He didnt share anything with me. Maybe theyve got a fully written plan with schematics and renderings and hes just keeping that in his back pocket until hes ready to play it Ive been doing public policy for a long time and Ive never seen anything roll out like this.

He added that the collectives initial secrecy had caused a lot of problems, a lot of time, and a lot of expense and said that its plans will ultimately have to clear a whole bunch of hurdles from state, city and county regulators and could face opposition from locals, politicians and environmentalists.

A spokesman for the group said it was grateful to Mr Thompson for his time and added: Our team is working closely with the community and will continue to meet with local leaders to craft a shared vision for Solano Countys future.

Differences of opinion

The congressmans scepticism about the project and its prospects was shared by Christopher Cabaldon, former mayor of West Sacramento who sits on the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, who told the Associated Press that allowing a huge residential development on Flannerys properties would be a radical departure from the laws.

Policies designed to prevent the rapid urbanisation of farmland and habitat dont appear to be working if there is one company that thinks they can overcome all that, Mr Cabaldon said.

Princess Washington, mayor pro tempore of Suisun City, said she is suspicious that the groups real purpose is to create a city for the elite under the guise of answering the regions housing needs, commenting: Economic blight is everywhere. So why do you need to spend upwards of a billion dollars to create a brand new city when you have all these other things that can be achieved throughout the Bay Area?

Catherine Moy, the mayor of Fairfield, was also critical of the project on logistical grounds.

Its an area that is known for its drought conditions, she told ABC7 News.

Wind turbines and grazing cattle in Solano County (Justin Sullivan/Getty)

It makes zero sense. Theres no mass transit. It does not have fresh water. There is some water, but not enough for tens of thousands of homes. Youd have to dig wells or convince Fairfield to give water and that would be a big fat no from us.

She continued: The roads out there are already dangerous. Highway 12 is the highway that goes through there out to Highway 99 and Highway 5. Its called Blood Alley for a reason. Theres no way that tens of thousands of homes could be supported by that.

Rio Vista Mayor Ron Kott was more even-handed, however, saying that older people living in his town were unlikely to welcome additional noise and congestion but might appreciate the improved access to medical care, nightlife and shopping that a new neighbouring city might bring.

If its done correctly, I think theres a lot of opportunities for the county, he said.

Their tax revenue base will increase quite a bit. So theres going to be a big windfall from that. Property values would probably go up around here as well even further. And so I think from those perspectives its good.

But again, I think youre giving up a quality of lifestyle thats kind of unique to this area.

The Independent has reached out to California Forever for further comment.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

It was a decision hailed by a top aide to Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky as a real punching fist of democracy against Russias invasion  the fact that the UK, US and Germany would provide tanks to Kyiv.

The 14 Challenger 2 tanks from Britain and 18 Leopard 2 tanks pledged by Germany reached Ukraine in March, while the Abrams tanks promised by the United States are finally expected to start arriving this month.

The extent to which the tanks have been deployed on the battlefield in Kyivs grinding counteroffensive effort this summer is unclear, but they are likely to be used to capitalise upon any breakthrough in Russias heavily fortified defensive lines.

However, on Tuesday, footage purportedly captured near the Zaporizhzhia village of Robotyne  where Ukraine is reported to have enjoyed promising gains  appeared to show a burnt-out Challenger 2 tank.

It is believed to mark the first time a Challenger 2 has been destroyed in combat since the tanks were first deployed in 1994, save for a friendly fire incident in Iraq in 2003.

While the Western tanks have undoubtedly bolstered Kyivs firepower, they appear to have so far been relatively constrained by Russias dense minefields and other fortifications, but military experts have said they could be key in the event of any major breakthrough.

Although only pledged in small numbers, the decision to supply tanks marked a gear change in Natos support for Ukraine, where both Moscow and Kyivs forces had been fighting largely with Soviet-built tanks.

The Independent has taken a look at the various tanks either already, or soon to be, at play in the war, how they compare, and what this could mean for the war effort on each side.

Challenger 2

(Figures based on official and reported estimates)

The UK has sent 14 of its Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. Developed by Vickers Defence Systems, now BAE Systems, these 8.3-metre-long tanks have since been deployed in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, and are designed to destroy other tanks.

It is the heaviest of all three Western tanks on offer, and although capable of firing Nato rounds, uses a different kind of ammunition for its main rifled gun  high-explosive squash-head ammo  and is slightly slower, sporting a 1200-horsepower engine, 300 short of its contemporaries, according to Dr Marina Miron, of Kings College Londons war studies department.

Its 120mm rifled gun is said to have an effective firing range of at least 3km using armour-piercing rounds. The Challenger also claims the furthest tank-on-tank kill shot in military history, destroying an Iraqi vehicle at a range of 4,700 metres during the Gulf War in 1991.

This week, one Ukrainian serviceman extolling the machines as a sniper rifle among tanks claimed a Challenger 2 had undoubtedly set a world record [in Ukraine] when it hit a T-55 [tank] from a distance of more than five kilometers, adding: Youre basically just scaring the Russians with the sound of the engine.

This tank prioritises firepower and protection  provided by world-class Dorchester 2 armour  over speed, making it slightly slower than its counterparts, but this is offset by its accuracy and lethality, according to the British army.

As far as protection goes, Challenger 2 is very well protected. It would take a number of hits from a T-72 [Soviet-era tank operated by Russia] and the crew would survive, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former commanding officer in the British armys Royal Tank Regiment, previously told CBS News.

Leopard 2

( )

More than 2,000 Leopard 2s sit in European and Canadian arsenals, with a reported price tag of around 5m each  and a consortium of Nato countries including Canada, Spain and Denmark have so far pledged more than 100 of the battle tanks to Ukraine.

Designed during the Cold War, as part of a programme that also birthed the Abrams, to fight the Soviet-era tanks currently being used in Ukraine, Leopards are designed to withstand 125mm penetrator ammunition fired from 1,500 metres and are one of the best armoured tanks, according to Dr Miron.

Fitted with two coaxial light machine guns alongside its main guns, the Leopard is prized for its high manoeuvrability and adaptability, and is viewed as particularly suitable for Ukraine, with relatively lower fuel consumption than its American counterpart.

These are the Mercedes BMW supertanks of the world, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former commanding officer in the British armys Royal Tank Regiment, told CBS News, adding: I would want at least 10 or 15 T-72 survivors [used by Russia] up against one of them.

Analysis by the Dutch open-source intelligence group Oryx suggests that, of the at least 70 Leopards thought to have been received by Ukraine, just seven have so far been destroyed in combat, with nine others damaged, and three damaged and abandoned.

Damaged tanks are being repaired at depots in Poland and Germany and will later return to the frontline, while Forbes reported that modifications to the Leopards mean it is possible that nearly every crew member in the destroyed tanks may have escaped the vehicle before it burned or exploded.

M1A2 Abrams

(Figures based on official and reported estimates)

Designed by Chrysler Defence during the Cold War and since used in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, the Abrams is the main battle tank of the US army, while Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Poland all own export versions. Ukraine is now set to receive 31 of the tanks  enough for an entire battalion.

The Abrams is reported to be the first tank in which the commander and gunner are both provided with optical and thermal sights  including a periscope spanning 360 degrees  which allows them to simultaneously track separate targets in what is called a hunter-killer capability.

The US army credits the tank  reported to cost up to $10m (8m) once training and maintenance is factored in  with lethal firepower, unparalleled survivability, and audacious manoeuvre, while Dr Miron told The Independent that the 120mm depleted uranium rounds it fires, known as silver bullets, are probably the most lethal to any armour.

After months of indecision, amid fears over provoking Russia, Reuters reported this week that the US will include the depleted uranium rounds in its package to Ukraine, which Britain vowed to do in March.

The main difference between the Abrams and the Leopard lies in the formers gas turbine engine, which requires jet fuel, meaning troops would need a separate supply chain to power the vehicles, according to Dr Miron  which had sparked doubts among US officials over its suitability for Ukraine.

The maintenance and the high cost that it would take to maintain an Abrams  it just doesnt make sense to provide that to the Ukrainians at this moment, the Pentagon said in March.

Politico reported this week that some 200 Ukrainians have completed training in Germany on the Abrams, as US defence officials expressed hope the looming shipment could help Kyiv breach Moscows defences.

The Abrams is one hell of an armored vehicle, a US defence department official said. But its not a silver bullet. Ultimately, its Ukraines determination to break through that matters most.

T-72

(Figures based on official and reported estimates)

Both Ukraine and Russia have been relying heavily on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, which despite representing a new level of firepower upon their introduction in 1973  with their large 125mm cannons  now find themselves somewhat outgunned by the next generation.

Upgraded versions are said to have a limited hunter-killer capability, but lack the panoramic sight enjoyed by the commander in newer tanks. Like other models on this list, most T-72s are also fitted with a laser rangefinder, which adjusts the main gun before it fires in order to account for wind, temperature and the tanks movement.

As the Red Armys main tank until the Soviet Unions collapse, tens of thousands of these lightweight and relatively agile models are believed to have been produced, with Wired reporting in 2015 that used models could be bought by civilians for just $50,000.

These are the main tanks currently used by Ukraine, which also uses Soviet T-64s and T-80s, and as of March accounted for most of the 450 tanks Kyiv had been supplied with by its allies since Russias invasion last February, given its existing familiarity with the vehicles.

But in terms of its armour, the T-72 is quite light, mainly using welded steel, meaning that the crew protection element is certainly much weaker than other tanks, according to Dr Miron  evidenced by the continual flow of images showing these tanks with their turrets blown off.

Washington has pledged to upgrade some of Kyivs stock of T-72s with new optics, communications, and armour, which the Pentagon claimed would make them the most technically advanced tanks on the battlefield.

T90

(Figures based on official and reported estimates)

Designed by Russia as an improvement on its Soviet predecessors, following heavy losses during the Chechen and Gulf wars, some versions of Moscows newest tank are, on paper at least, even better than their Nato counterparts, boasting a superior gun and anti-tank missile system.

The T90s large 125mm gun can fire different types of ammo, including HEAT and HE-Frag (high-explosive fragmentation) ammo, as well as the 9M119 Reflex (Refleks) anti-tank guided missiles, which have a maximum range of up to 4,000m, according to Dr Miron.

The T-90S model boasts both conventional and explosive reactive armour, and along with its Western counterparts has some modern detection systems such as infrared, thermal vision, and day and night sight, Dr Miron said.

But Britains Ministry of Defence said last August that it was highly likely that many Russian crews lacked the training to properly maintain explosive reactive armour  as it sought to account for the heavy attrition suffered by Russias main battle tanks in Ukraine.

According to the Military Balance database, Russia had around 3,330 operational tanks in total shortly before its invasion of Ukraine, with another 10,000 in storage.

For its part, Ukraine is thought to have started the war with just shy of 1,000 Soviet-made T-64s, T-72s and T-80s.

T-14 Armata

(Figures based on official and reported estimates)

First revealed during Russias 2015 Victory Day parade, this tank has been touted by Moscow as marking an ambitious departure from its pragmatic and cost-efficient predecessors.

However it is still in development. While Russian state news agency Tass claimed in July that a number of T-14s had been deployed in Ukraine to test their performance in real combat conditions, it reported a month later that they had been withdrawn for further tweaks.

T-14s are claimed to be capable of firing guided anti-tank missiles with a range of 5km, potentially putting low-flying helicopters at risk.

The fastest of the tanks listed, its armour has been updated to a combination of steel, ceramic, and composite materials, with the potential for further modules to be added on, and is claimed to be invulnerable even to RPGs and to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, according to Dr Miron.

However, the British Ministry of Defence suggested in January that their deployment was likely to be a high-risk decision for Russia, with Russias 11-year development programme dogged with delays, reduction in planned fleet size, and reports of manufacturing problems.

Having already been hampered by logistics issues in Ukraines vast territory, Moscow could struggle to adapt its supply chains to incorporate these larger and heavier tanks, according to the ministry.

Therefore, any deployment would likely be primarily for propaganda purposes, with production probably only in the low tens, and commanders unlikely to trust the vehicle in combat, British intelligence analysts said.

What does this mean for the Ukraine war?

All three Western tanks are more agile than Russias T-models, which cant reverse at speed, according to Dr Ralf Raths, director of the Panzer Museum in Munster, Germany.

Imagine a boxer who cannot move freely in the ring, but only in one direction, he previously explained. The other boxer, who can move in all directions, has a big advantage, and that is the case with the Leopards.

Tanks were pictured among the devastation in Bucha last April (AP Photo/ Rodrigo Abd)

However, Dr Miron also warned that neither the Challenger nor the Leopard has seen many battles and, despite its seemingly superior armour, the Leopard has seen some problems in Syria and proved to be vulnerable to mortars and mines.

Niklas Masuhr, of the Zurich-based Centre for Security Studies, warned in January that the addition of tanks alone wouldnt be a game changer or a war-winning technology, anything like that.

You cant just deploy a bunch of main battle tanks and assume they will win, he said. Theyre very valuable, but you still need to use them in the correct way and integrate them with all the other military tools that you have at your disposal.

According to the open-source monitoring group Oryx, Ukraine has lost at least 642 tanks, of which 415 were destroyed and 143 captured by Russia, which has lost at least 2,290 tanks  of which 1,482 have been destroyed and 549 captured.
 Close Flood water gushes down Skiathos road as intense rain hits Greece

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

At least 13 people are confirmed to have died after severe rainstorms hit parts of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria - with more bodies being discovered on Wednesday afternoon.

Hundreds of British tourists are said to be stranded at destinations following the storms which have led to cars being swept away and streets submerged by rainfall.

In Greece, a record rainfall caused at least two deaths near the central city of Volos and three people were reported missing. The fire department said one man was killed when a wall buckled and fell on him, and the body of a woman was discovered on Wednesday.

One stranded tourist said the centre of Greek destination Skiathos is underwater and described the situation as horrendously scary.

In Bulgaria, a storm caused floods on the country's southern Black Sea coast and on Wednesday the body of a missing tourist was recovered.

It comes as the World Meteorological Organisation said that the northern hemisphere experienced its hottest summer on record, fuelled by climate change.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A desperate rescue effort has been launched to save an American scientist trapped more than 4,000ft underground in Turkeys third-deepest cave.

Mark Dickey, 40, himself a cave rescuer, fell ill as he explored Morca Cave in the south of Turkey with a team of 14 fellow explorers.

After the descent, he was treated for a serious gastrointestinal bleed on the cavern floor and now needs to be hoisted to safety.

A GoFundMe has raised nearly 30,000 to fund his safe release from the extensive cave network aided by more than 100 firefighters, police, international cavers and medical staff.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email barney.davis@independent.co.uk

A statement on the fundraiser read: He has gastrointestinal bleeding and when the report was received, he was clearly unable to leave the approximately 1,000-metre deep cave on his own.

The injured caver is a well-known figure in the international speleological community, a highly trained caver, and a cave rescuer himself. In addition to his activities as a speleologist, he is also the secretary of the ECRA medical committee and an instructor for cave rescue organizations in the USA.

An international rescue effort is on the way and this GoFundMe is to support the logistics of aiding in this rescue.

Morca Cave is located in the middle of the remote Taurus mountain belt with even deeper areas still to be explored and mapped.

According to local reports, Mr Dickeys health is steadily improving, and he will be safely evacuated in the coming days.

Mr Dickey has been caving since the 1990s and is chief of New Jersey Initial Response Team - a team focusing on cave, cliff, and abandoned mine rescues in the United States.

He had been planning to explore Morcas chimneys that could go deeper in the cave and take fungus samples, according to his website.

Click here to donate to the Gofundme appeal.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

One of Vladimir Putin's commanders used two military helicopters to transport his pet cat during the war in Ukraine, a defected Russian pilot has claimed.

The cat was airlifted in the military-grade helicopter for around one hour, while another flew alongside it to provide cover during the 114-mile journey, according to former Russian airman Maksim Kuzminov.

Mr Kuzminov spoke out in an interview with The New Voice of Ukraine after choosing to leave Russias armed forces.

Asked for examples of any illogical uses of aviation during the war in Ukraine, Mr Kuzminov said: Our commander needed to transport a cat, which had some impressive pedigree. To do this, two Mi-8 and Mi-24 [helicopter] crews were assigned.

So, two helicopters transported this wonderful animal, so to speak, from Rostov to Yeysk [air base]  the Mi-8 was flying the cat in, while the Mi-24 was circling to provide cover.

We burned a lot of fuel, resources. Furthermore, the crews arent always allowed to rest.

The former pilot said six military personnel were on board for the mission despite Russia experiencing a lack of pilots.

Mr Kuzminov, 28, has reportedly been paid 398,000 for defecting and is now urging his former Russian colleagues to follow suit.

The truth is, there are no Nazis or fascists, he told the Ukrainian news outlet, to counter the message Mr Putin has used to justify the special military operation launched in February last year.

(Getty)

He said he got in touch with representatives of the Ukrainian military intelligence about the possibility of changing sides and he was offered safety as well as the financial reward.

Mr Kuzminov landed his Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Ukraines Poltava Oblast on August 23 - giving the chopper to his new bosses as well as spare parts for the aircraft.

Its a real disgrace what is happening here, he said of the war. Murder, tears, blood.

People are simply killing each other. Thats all I can make of this and I dont want to be a part of it. What is going on now is simply the genocide of the Ukrainian people. Both Ukrainian and Russian.
 Close Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russia has significantly bulked up its forces around the devastated city of Bakhmut in the east and has switched its troops from a defensive posture to taking active actions, a Ukrainian military commander said on Monday.

Russia captured Bakhmut, the scene of some of the most intense fighting of the 20-month war, in May. Ukraine has been on the counteroffensive since June to try to retake occupied land in the south and east, including the town.

In the Bakhmut area, the enemy has significantly strengthened its grouping and switched from defence to active actions, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the ground forces, wrote on Telegram messenger.

It comes following reports that Ukrainian forces made advancements near Bakhmut. War monitoring think-tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that geolocated footage indicated that Ukrainian forces advanced over a railway line south of Andriivka - 10km southwest of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces continued assault operations south of Bakhmut and offensive operations towards the key city of Melitopol.

A prominent Russian milblogger also claimed that Ukrainian forces established control over unspecified positions in the Zaporizhia direction over the past week.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more wounded after a Russian missile struck a crowded outdoor market in eastern Ukraine  the attack coming as Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, was in Kyiv for an unannounced visit.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack in the city of Kostiantynivka, saying that a child was among the dead. Kostiantynivka  which had a pre-war population of around 70,000  sits about 20 miles (30km) from the ruined city of Bakhmut, the scene for some of the bloodiest fighting of Russias invasion.

Police said that nearly 30 stalls, a pharmacy, an apartment block, a bank, and a number of cars were damaged as the missile hit at 2pm local time. Officials said more than 30 people were injured.

Video footage of the strike showed people looking up to the sky as they heard a missile approaching. Seconds later they are running for cover or falling to the ground after a huge explosion. Another video released by police showed rescuers searching through the kiosks and, as bodies were taken out in black sacks, people shouting: Who have you found?

It also showed the floor of the pharmacy covered in blood, as a police spokeswoman can be heard saying: At the moment of the strike civilians were here, they were buying medicines and this is what happened. People died here.

Recommended

This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible, Mr Zelensky said on the Telegram messaging app. When someone in the world still attempts to deal with anything Russian, it means turning a blind eye to this reality. The audacity of evil. The brazenness of wickedness. Utter inhumanity.

He later told a press conference in Kyiv that he believed it had been a deliberate attack on a peaceful city.

Ukrainian soldiers move an injured woman to an ambulance after the rocket attack (AP)

Hours before the strike on Kostiantynivka, booms could be heard in the capital Kyiv as the train carrying Mr Blinken wound its way to the city, the Russians appearing to want to herald his arrival with a missile attack. No casualties were reported in the capital but local officials said one person was killed in the Odesa region where Russian missiles also fell.

Mr Blinkens two-day visit is a show of Washingtons continued support for Mr Zelensky and the Ukrainian war effort. The secretary of state is the first senior US official to visit Kyiv since its counteroffensive against Vladimir Putins forces began in early June. Mr Blinken met with Mr Zelensky on Wednesday and also held talks with foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Mr Blinken is also expected to announce a new package of US assistance. The total package will be worth up to $1 billion (800 million), but may not all be announced by Mr Blinken in Kyiv.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Mr Blinken said standing alongside Mr Kuleba.

President Zelensky greets US secretary of state Antony Blinken in Kyiv (Brenden Smialowski via Reuters)

A US State Department official said Washington wanted to discuss how the counteroffensive was going and assess battlefield needs as well as any steps that might be required to shore up Ukraines energy security before winter.

I think whats most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves, the official told Reuters. We want to see, and hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks.

When asked about Mr Blinkens visit, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, said that Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraines military to wage this war to the last Ukrainian.

During his train ride to Kyiv, Mr Blinken held talks with Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen, who was conducting her own visit to Kyiv. The US secretary of state thanked Ms Frederiksen for Denmarks donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and its membership of a coalition of nations  including the UK  training Ukrainian pilots.

Denmark and the Netherlands announced last month they would supply more than 60 US-made F-16s as soon as pilots are trained to fly them. They are the first countries to offer the jets.

Also on Wednesday, Ukraines parliament approved the appointment of Rustem Umerov as the countrys new defence minister. Mr Umerov replaces Oleksii Reznikov, who helped secure billions of pounds of Western military aid, but was sacked by Mr Zelensky. Mr Reznikovs ministry was dogged by a number of scandals involving corruption allegations. The former minister did not face corruption allegations himself, but says he is the victim of a smear campaign.

Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ukraines offensive against Russian forces is making slow progress, and there may not be a major breakthrough of Russian lines in the next two months as had previously been envisaged, according to Western officials.

However, focusing on such tactical issues is counterproductive and there is a need to look at the bigger picture, the officials said, adding that this shows that Vladimir Putin is losing the war, as Ukraine has retaken a sizeable amount of territory overall since Russias invasion began.

Natos secretary general Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Ukraine is making progress in its efforts to regain territory that began in June, contradicting Mr Putins claims this week that the counteroffensive has failed, not stalled.

The Ukrainians are gradually gaining ground... They have been able to breach the defensive lines of the Russian forces, and they are moving forward, Mr Stoltenberg said in an update to MEPs at the European Parliament on Thursday.

The Ukrainian offensive is slower than we anticipated a couple of months ago, one Western official said. That is an acknowledgement of Russian defences. And its also an acknowledgement of how Ukraine is having to pull together a force that is a mixed fleet of both old equipment and donated equipment ... and a civilian population that has been thrown to the fore and doing some of the toughest things in land warfare, which is getting through a minefield. Mines form a layer of Russias defences.

Recommended

Russia has lost either killed or wounded over 270,000 people and [destroyed] over a couple of thousand tanks, and if you add that to armoured fighting vehicles [then it is] over 4,000 fighting vehicles, the official added.

There has been an enormous drain on Russia, and particularly its army and its combat effectiveness, the official said. And then in the broadest base, youre seeing Russia under economic pressure and under diplomatic pressure.

Armour supplied by the West, including German Leopard tanks, has been damaged or destroyed in the prolonged battles continuing in the east and south across the last three months. The first of 14 Challenger II tanks provided by Britain was put out of action near Zaporizhzhia this week.

According to defence sources, it was immobilised by a mine and then targeted by a Russian Lancet loitering drone. There are no plans, sources say, to replace it at present from within the 145 Challenger IIs currently available for deployment.

The Western officials said that arms supplies to Kyiv will continue, and denied that war fatigue will begin to spread unless Volodymyr Zelenskys government can show significant success in the near future. That is something that has been suggested by a number of European politicians.

It has also been argued that the Kremlin is banking on American support for Ukraine starting to fray as the US presidential campaign gets under way next year. The possibility of Donald Trump  who was accused of being the Muscovian candidate when he was previously in the White House  winning the election greatly adds to this concern.

Russia thinks time is on its side; we think time is on our side, another official said. It has been put that if youre Putin, youre gambling that Donald Trump wins the next [US] election. But that is quite a long way away.
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Elon Musk formally renamed Twitter X in July, cementing the rebrand by bolting the symbol to the top of the social networks San Francisco headquarters and replacing Larry the Bird, its mascot since 2012, with a grungy black logo soon afterwards.

Linda Yaccarino, Xs new CEO, declared at the time of the rebrand: X is the future state of unlimited interactivity  centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking  creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities. Powered by AI, X will connect us all in ways were just beginning to imagine.

Mr Musk had already renamed the company itself X Corp in March, six months after acquiring it for $44m, a purchase he described at the time as an accelerant to creating X, the everything app, his vision for a multipurpose competitor to Chinas WeChat.

The decision was just the latest example of the entrepreneurs preoccupation with the 24th letter of the alphabet: his first business venture was X.com, he shortened the name of Space Exploration Technologies Corp to SpaceX, he launched the Tesla Model X and has a new artificial intelligence startup named xAI.

He even calls his son X  A-12 just X for short.

So what is the obsession about and where did it begin?

His first venture, X.com, was an online banking and financial services platform launched in Palo Alto, California, in 1999 that would ultimately be merged with Confinity to become PayPal, which was in turn then sold to eBay for $1.5bn in 2002, Mr Musk using some of the capital he earned as its largest shareholder to found SpaceX.

Julie Anderson Ankenbrandt, a former PayPal executive, explained how Mr Musks platform got its name in a Quora post in 2016.

Elon, the other founders of the company that was X.com and I sat around a backroom table at a long-defunct bar called the Blue Chalk in Palo Alto, trying decide what the name of the company should be and the question at hand was whether to be Q, X or Z dot com, she wrote.

Finally, when the waitress/female server brought the next round of drinks Elon asked her what she thought, and she said she like[d] X.com. Elon pounded the table and said Thats it then! and everyone laughed, but in the end that was pretty much how it was decided.

Not everyone was happy with the decision, according to Mr Musks biographer Ashlee Vance, who told NPR: Everyone tried to talk him out of naming the company that back then because of the sexual innuendos, but he really liked it and stuck with it.

He liked the name so much he bought the X.com domain back from PayPal in 2017 and thanked the company in a tweet, explaining that it had great sentimental value to him. The domain now redirects to the social network that has since taken on its old moniker.

Elsewhere, the Tesla Model X  a midsize luxury crossover SUV with falcon wing doors  was named so that, with three other models, the range would spell out S3XY, giving you an insight into Mr Musks gawky sense of humour.

As for his son, the boys mother Grimes explained in a tweet of her own that the symbol is used in algebra to denote any unknown variable, perhaps suggesting the child is free to grow up to be whatever they choose to be.

Their infant daughter, incidentally, was originally christened Exa Dark Siderl but that has since been altered, according to the pop star: Shes Y now, or Why? or just ? (But the government won't recognize that). curiosity, the eternal question, .. and such.

The rebranding of Twitter to X sparked a great deal of musing about the letters possible significance (or lack thereof), with Lora Kelly of The Atlantic writing: The letter is associated with such varied contexts as Christian symbolism, middle-school-math equations, gender neutrality, pornography, a kiss.

In Psychology Today, Leon F Selzer discussed its nihilistic values, noting that it has associations with everything from the Nazi swastika to a skull-and-crossbones danger warning on a bottle of poison to Roman numerals, voting and Christmas (at least when abbreviated to Xmas) and therefore can mean everything and nothing.

Meanwhile, in The New York Times, Stella Bugbee suggested the choice was arguably a bit dated and perhaps represented a case of Mr Musk showing his age as a member of, appropriately enough, Generation X.

For marketing purposes in the 1990s, X had a certain cool, she explained. It conferred a rejection of authority.

While that observations rings true of such turn-of-the-millennium cultural detritus as, say, the arrival of Microsofts XBox in 2001 or Vin Diesels action film XXX (2002), it has also been used in the same way before and since: think of country star Loretta Lynns notoriety-courting 1972 single Rated X or the cult 1980s Los Angeles punk band X, for instance, or the more recent Ti West horror film X (2022).

As Lora Kelly observed: X both reinforces absence and electrifies objects with meaning. It is sacred and profane.
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Google hopes that people in decades to come shrug at the technology it is working on, according to its chief executive.

Sundar Pichai, the boss of both Google and parent company Alphabet, revealed the importance of making technology go from extraordinary to ordinary in a memo to staff written to celebrate the companys 25th anniversary.

Traditionally, Google celebrates its birthday on 27 September, for largely arbitrary reasons. The company undertook a number of firsts through the summer and autumn of 1998, meaning that it has a range of options to choose as its official launch date.

This year, however, Google appears to be celebrating throughout the whole month. Mr Pichais note was intended as a way of kicking off those celebrations, according to an editors note attached to it.

Mr Pichai said that it is a huge privilege to reach this milestone, made possible by the people who use our products and challenge us to keep innovating, the hundreds of thousands of Googlers past and present who have given their talents to building those products, and our partners who believe in our mission as much as we do.

And he looked forward to the future technology that the company is building, which revolves largely around artificial intelligence. But it hopes that those technologies become normal, Mr Pichai said.

Ideas my dad marveled at as science fiction  taking a call from your watch, or telling your car to play your favorite song  make my children shrug, he wrote.

Those shrugs give me great hope for the future. They set a high bar for what the next generation will build and invent... and I cant wait to see what will make their children shrug, too.

An essential truth of innovation is that the moment you push the boundary of a technology, it soon goes from extraordinary to ordinary. Thats why Google has never taken our success for granted.

Concluding the note, he said that he hoped that the contested questions of artificial intelligence will eventually elicit the same kind of response. He noted that the technology has undergone sustained questioning and criticism in recent months, but indicated that he hopes it becomes ordinary in the same way.

As these new frontiers come into view, we have a renewed invitation to act boldly and responsibly to improve as many lives as possible, and to keep asking those big questions, he wrote.

Our search for answers will drive extraordinary technology progress over the next 25 years.

And in 2048, if, somewhere in the world, a teenager looks at all weve built with AI and shrugs, well know we succeeded. And then well get back to work.

He also revealed the importance of lobsters to Google. The first company to use its advertising platform was a mail-order business selling lobsters, he said  and that platform has since gone on to contribute the vast majority of Googles revenues.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

A Delta flight was forced to turn around after one passenger on board suffered diarrhea all the way through the plane.

The flight from Atlanta to Barcelona was two hours into its journey on Friday evening when the pilot asked if he could turn back.

In a video clip from LiveATC.com, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), one of the pilots is heard confirming the incident to air traffic control, saying: Its just a biohazard issue, we had a passenger who had diarrhea all the way through the airplane so they want us to come back to Atlanta.

Flight 194 had to decisively make a U-turn back to its departure destination as it was considered a biohazard by the crew to continue to journey.

The plane arrived back in Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport at 10.40pm to clean up the diarrhea on the plane.

Over five hours later at 3am, the aircraft set off again to Barcelona for an eight-hour flight.

One X user commented under the posted clip and claimed both he and his wife were on that flight. He said: Both my wife and I were on the flight. It was a mess. The pilots made the right decision to turn around. The ground crew ripped out the carpet and put new in. Considering the circumstances, the ground crew did a great job, along [with] the attendants and the pilots.

FAA flight strip that relayed crews details of the incident on board (Twitter) open image in gallery

Another user also heard stories from his partner who was travelling to Barcelona that day, who described the scene as pretty bad. He relayed It was dribbled down the aisle, smelled horrible. The vanilla-scented disinfectant used on it only made it smell like vanilla s***. After the plane landed, it was thoroughly cleaned. They didnt leave until around 2.30am.

It is not known if the passenger with the medical issue returned to the flight to Spain after the detour.

Delta Air Lines, without going into specifics, responded to the situation and said: Our teams worked as quickly and safely as possible to thoroughly clean the airplane and get our customers to their final destination. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans, Delta wrote in a statement.

Last week, 11 passengers and crew were also hospitalised after severe turbulence on a Delta flight from Milan to Atlanta, the airline said.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

The passenger who went overboard on the largest cruise ship in the world has been named as 19-year-old Sigmund Ropich.

Mr Ropich, a college student, was identified by his sister Savannah Ropich, who said she had been in contact with the US Embassy in Cuba.

Mr Ropich went overboard from Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas before 9pm on 29 August during the second day of a seven-day trip sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida to the Grand Cayman Islands, the cruise company said. He has still not been found almost a week later.

The teen was on holiday on the cruise with his best friends, his co-worker and his co-workers family, when the incident happened.

"Sig is a great kid. Never gets in trouble and never caused trouble. Very intelligent, got As in Calculus/Physics/Government in high school with no effort. He is a college student as well and works too. He is a kind, reserved and humble kid who also loves to make people laugh. I always call him the Cool, Calm and Collected sibling," Ms Ropich told Fox News.

Ms Ropich said that Cuban officials have stopped their search operation in the sea, but have now moved to the coastline and land to continue looking.

I have a strong feeling theyre going the end this search, Ms Ropich told Insider.

open image in gallery The search for Sigmund Ropich (centre) is ongoing but his sister Savannah Ropich (right) fears the search may be called off (Savannah Ropich/Facebook)

We are very hopeful if they open [the] search back in the ocean. We need them to open it again, Ms Ropich said.

The family of Mr Ropich said they have very few details on his disappearance and search. Royal Caribbean has not informed the family how long the ships crew has searched for the missing teenager, his sister said.

The family have been "praying hourly day and night" for Mr Ropich to be found.

Royal Caribbean said it was working with the US Coast Guard on the search for Mr Ropich. However, a spokesperson for the South Florida branch of the US Coast Guard told Business Insider that the Cuban Border Guard is leading the search, because the incident occurred in Cubas territorial waters.

The incident was reported at around 9pm ET on 29 August when an Oscar! Oscar! Oscar! call, which signifies an overboard emergency, was made, according to industry blog Cruise Hive.

The crew launched a three-hour search in the water using searchlights and smaller boats and the ship turned around to retrace its route.

Passengers on board the 230,000-ton cruise ship Wonder of the Seas said that their original journey had already been diverted due to Hurricane Idalia.

The Wonder of the Seas is a 1,188 feet long ship and enough space to accommodate 7,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members.

At 18 decks high, this vessel is the largest cruise ship in the world. It is unclear whereabouts on the boat Mr Ropich went overboard from.

A woman claiming to be a passenger on the Wonder of the Seas posted on TikTok saying the captain announced video evidence that showed the man jumping overboard. Mr Ropichs sister spoke against this, saying the woman was spreading misinformation.

She has no clue what is going on with the whereabouts of my brother and his situation, Ms Ropich said in a Facebook post.

Since Mr Ropich is an American citizen, the Coast Guard could not conduct an investigation until the Wonder of the Seas docked back in the US on Sunday.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

Hundreds of British holidaymakers are stranded on the storm-hit Greek island of Skiathos after their flights were cancelled.

Jet2, which normally operates many flights between the UK and Skiathos, has cancelled all its Tuesday and Wednesday services.

One Jet2 aircraft, flying from London Stansted to the island on Monday, was initially diverted to the Greek capital, Athens.

The plane made a second attempt to reach Skiathos on Tuesday, but instead diverted to Thessaloniki, where passengers and flight crew were accommodated overnight. The aircraft will return to the UK today.

Further Jet2 flights from Manchester, Leeds Bradford and London Stansted have been grounded. A spokesperson for Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays said: We are aware of the weather conditions affecting Skiathos, and we are closely monitoring the situation with our customers best interests in mind.

As a result of the conditions, which are completely outside our control, we took the decision to cancel all flights that were due to depart to Skiathos yesterday and today (five flights in total).

We are contacting all affected customers and they will of course receive a full refund.

We are continuing to closely monitor the situation on the island and have been in touch with customers in resort by SMS to advise them of the situation, and to ask them to follow the advice of the local authorities as well as their hoteliers.

In addition, our in-resort teams are working tirelessly to look after customers despite infrastructure challenges caused by the weather. We will ensure that we fly all of our customers home once conditions allow.

We recognise that this is an extremely difficult and unpleasant experience for our customers, and we of course are extremely sorry to hear this. Our absolute focus is on doing everything we can to look after everyone.

Many other flights have been cancelled, including Ryanair links. The airline is warning of some potential delays to/from Greece due to thunderstorms.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by these thunderstorms which are outside of Ryanairs control and affect all airlines operating to/from Greece.

Other airlines have diverted Skiathos flights to Athens and to Kavala in northern Greece.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

At the top of the mountain we are all snow leopards, Hunter S. Thompson once wrote. Four thousand metres up the Tien Shan mountains, perched atop a metre-wide ridge, Im not so sure. But any fear I feel is outweighed by curiosity, and the same prickling sensation Ive experienced for days: the sense that out there, hidden in a cave, one of the worlds most elusive beasts might be watching me.

As befits the snow leopards nickname, the grey ghost  the scientific term, Uncia uncia, is equally alliteration-happy  setting eyes on one is a Sisyphean task. While its no longer listed as an endangered species, as few as 4,000 may remain in the wild. Since hosting the 2013 Global Snow Leopard Forum, reuniting the 12 Central Asian countries the animal inhabits, Kyrgyzstan  a landlocked neighbour of China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan  has been a pioneer in their conservation.

Ive come to the country with non-profit Biosphere Expeditions, voted Best Volunteering Organisation at the international Responsible Tourism Awards. The groups citizen science trips (pointedly not holidays in the R&R sense, hence the reality check in their pre-expedition briefing) focus on charismatic flagship species, from whales in the Azores to elephants in Malawi. It has been surveying snow leopards in Tien Shan for almost a decade alongside Germanys biggest conservation NGO, NABU. (My expedition team is predominantly German, with an Australian thrown into the mix.)

open image in gallery Kyrgyzstans mountainscapes make a spectacular backdrop to big cat hunting (Simon Pinson)

Base camp (2,900m) lies in the secluded Karakol valley  part of the Ala-Too range. Its just south of the capital Bishkek, but a snaking seven-hour ride for our convoy of 4x4s. Here, Kyrgyz expedition scientist Taalai Mambetov enumerates the threats to snow leopards: climate change, poaching for pelts, bones and other body parts, and retribution killings by herders (the leopards occasionally descending from 3,000-4,500m altitudes to prey on livestock). The main issue is the increase of that livestock, whose overgrazing reduces the food available to the wild sheep and goats the leopards eat.

Read more on sustainable travel:

In the 1980s, what is now Kyrgyzstan and neighbour Tajikistan counted 1,200 to 1,400 snow leopards, but poaching was rife under Soviet rule; NABU estimates that only 200 mature cats remain (Taalai hasnt seen one in the wild). Beyond their lure  smoky fur, fluffy metre-long tails that are part muffler, part balance aid for 15m leaps  their status as an indicator species draws attention to wider climate change. For our country, a snow leopard is a symbol of a sustainable environment, Taalai says. If it disappears from nature, our environment and people will be degraded. Thats why we need to protect it.

Citizen science  no prior science nous required  sounds low-key, but our group of nine covers considerable ground in 12 days. Were briefed on how to use data collection sheets, scat kits, and Garmins for GPS navigation, alongside off-road driving. During long days exploring the grid around base camp, were looking for signs of leopards (scrapes, scat, pugmarks), but also their prey: here the Central Asian ibex, and smaller mammals such as marmots. (Former trips have included placing camera traps or joining anti-poaching unit Grupa Bars on educational initiatives, like encouraging eco-tourism.)

open image in gallery Home during the Kyrgyzstan expedition (Simon Pinson)

Exceptionally, our expedition coincides with a move to a new base camp, so the fittest among us are tasked with retrieving the camera traps laid by the previous years volunteers. Most lie above 3,700m; cue strenuous days scrambling on vertiginous scree. One day we find two sets of prints (leopard and ibex?) spiralling downhill. What does that look like to you? trainee expedition leader Henry, an ex-marine, asks me, barely containing his glee at an apparent pugmark. Feline, right? We both know that no other cat can reach such heights. Evidence is recorded for analysis  any scat samples are sent to Japan  and that night we pore over the retrieved SD card photos.

Mostly we recover epic images of ibex locking horns, and theres excitement at what might be a Pallass cat, its emoji-like over-expressiveness sadly obscured in our night shot. Yet, with or without cats, the wildlife is enthralling  our days buoyed by the constant, comical presence of marmots bounding bottom-raised into their burrows.

Camp life is challenging, but theres a real camaraderie in our group, and our mission is bracing. Chef Azamats extraordinarily refined Asian salads and viennoiserie (he won best chef at Central Asias Nomad Games) allay Biospheres strictly vegetarian policy. Kyrgyzstan itself is tipped as an adventure tourism destination, and out hiking Im entranced by the snow-capped mountains, where relatively few travellers have set foot. Were this not sufficient reward, the local guides dub me the sherpa, much to my mirth.

With or without cats, the wildlife is enthralling  our days buoyed by the constant, comical presence of marmots bounding bottom-raised into their burrows

On a welcome rest day, we take in a game of ulak  or kok boru  a Unesco-listed horseback sport common in Central Asia. I avert my gaze from the grizzly pre-game rituals but cant avoid seeing the ball (a freshly slaughtered goat bereft of head and hooves) bandied about as two teams compete to place the carcass, or ulak, on the piece of cloth serving as goal. Players sporadically pierce the crowd in a game that lasts for hours. That night, fuelled by homemade whiskey, melancholy Kyrgese songs intoned by the local guides mix with the Spice Girls and schlager in a spirited cultural exchange.

Its a major operation to dismantle camp and journey to the new base site, an eight-hour drive away. South of tourist hub Issyk-Kul Lake, this part of the Archaly valley has never been charted by snow leopard conservationists, but word from local rangers is encouraging. Setting a precedent, we change tack somewhat and  aided by a new tracking app  also start surveying sheep, cows and horses on a transect line. The idea is that a long-term tally of livestock here might help to keep the local herders in check.

open image in gallery A traditional game of ulak or kok boru (Simon Pinson)

I dont see a snow leopard on the trip, but knowing they are out there has made me start to look differently, and simultaneously flirt with patience. In The Snow Leopard, his mesmerising account of a 1973 expedition to the Himalayas  with appropriately scant mention of leopards, the book being more about Zen  Peter Matthiessen asks himself: Have you seen the snow leopard? No! Isnt that wonderful? Now, on my return from Kyrgyzstan, friends ask me the same thing. No! It was wonderful, I say, feeling pretty Zen myself.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Participants are encouraged to avoid flying wherever possible. If youre fine to fly, Pegasus Airlines offers return flights from London and Manchester to Bishkek (via Istanbul) from around 270pp. Learn more about its sustainability initiatives on the Pegasus Airlines Sustainability Hub.

Trip details

Biosphere Expeditions runs annual expeditions to the Tien Shan mountains in July and August, with prices currently around 2,500pp, including meals and accommodation.

Read more on our collection of flight-free trips
Fierce rainstorms battered the Greek island of Skiathos on Tuesday 5 September, triggering flooding and channelling thigh-high torrents through town streets.

Olivera Draia, a tourist visiting the island, filmed the water submerging the roads and rushing towards the harbour of Skiathos city at around 5:15pm local time.

Police banned traffic on Skiathos following the intense rainfall.

Meanwhile, authorities said one man was killed in Volos - on the Greek mainland - when a wall buckled and fell on him, while another man was reported missing, believed to have been swept away by floodwaters.
Water gushed down a downtown road on the Greek island of Skiathos on Tuesday evening (5 September) as torrential rain and flooding hit the country.

Police have ordered all residents and tourists to stay off the streets and the islands mayor has put in a request to declare a state of emergency, according to local media.

Many holidaymakers on Skiathos were unable to get to the airport on Wednesday morning.

Greek authorities said one man was killed in Volos, on the mainland, while another man was reported missing, believed to have been swept away by floodwaters.
British holidaymakers have described chaotic scenes as they remain stranded at a Greek airport after the island of Skiathos was hit by flash floods.

Emergency services are warning people to stay indoors, with many holidaymakers left trapped inside hotels with no electricity. The islands mayor has also requested to declare a state of emergency, local media has reported.

The situation has been described as horrendously scary, and there have been no flights in and out of the islands airport.

Andrew Callaghan is one of those stranded at Skiathos Airport. He said: Horrendous scenes. Were currently in the airport, been locked in for over 12 hours and no flights out until Thursday. Its surreal.
Animation of the helicopter crash that killed Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has been released.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has released a report on the incident that happened outside the clubs King Power Stadium on 27 October 2018.

Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, employees Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, pilot Eric Swaffer and his partner, Izabela Roza Lechowicz were all killed in the accident.

The Leonardo AW169 helicopter reached an altitude of approximately 430ft before plummeting to the ground.

The pilots pedals became disconnected from the tail rotor, investigators found. This resulted in the aircraft making a sharp right turn which was impossible to control.

The AAIB described this as a catastrophic failure, causing the helicopter to spin quickly, approximately five times.
Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed a warehouse of military equipment used by Russian occupiers with a drone strike in the Donetsk region.

Footage shows the moment of the strike, with smoke rising from the site close to Myronivskyi, a town about 15 miles southeast of Bakhmut.

Around 14:30pm, the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed a warehouse of military equipment of the occupiers near Myronivskyi, Donetsk region, a social media post from the countrys strategic communications page read.

The video was first posted by Serhiy Bratchuk, the spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army in the south of the country.
A Washington State police officer pursuing a group of teenage suspects used an unusual tactic to trick them into surrendering - barking like a policedog.

Pierce County Sheriffs Department responded to a call of a stolen vehicle in the city of University Place on 18 August and after stop sticks were used to deflate the cars tyres, the suspects made off on foot.

As police surrounded the area, one deputy spotted two of the teenagers hiding in a creek bed and used a rather unique tactic to force them out.

Stop, police! Dont make us release our K-9! the deputy can be heard shouting before someone starts barking.

All four juveniles then came out of the creek bed and surrendered.
Accountants in the east are now receiving an average salary of 118,578 a year

Accountants that participated in the survey remained optimistic about future pay rises. Stock image

Newly qualified accountants in Leinster can now expect to receive a starting salary of around 62,886, up 6.6pc from last year.

A survey of around 1,000 c hartered a ccountants in the region revealed that 89pc of all members have received a pay increase in the past three years.

This was up 3pc from 2022.

Leinster-based accountants are now receiving an average salary of 118,578 a year, according to research from the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society and recruitment firm Barden.

This is down slightly from the average salary of 119,270 reported last year.

The salary package for accountants working across all sectors includes base salary, car allowance and bonus.

Almost 40pc of those surveyed also said their salaries had increased by more than 25pc this year alone.

Accountants that participated in the survey remained optimistic about future pay rises.

Around 80pc of respondents said they expect their total remuneration to increase within the next year.

A bonus was also expected by 60pc of accountants, remaining unchanged from 2022.

More than three-quarters of the Leinster- based accountants were satisfied with their work environment at present, while 68pc were content with their current salary.

This was up 6pc from 2022 levels.

Accountants are also welcoming the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their role. Around 70pc said that automation will have a positive impact on their career, with almost half stating that AI and big data will free up capacity to allow them to focus on other elements of the job.

Overall, 75pc of respondents said that they now have a hybrid working model, with just 10pc expressing concern that time spent working remotely will impact their career progression.

Half of all members surveyed said they valued flexibility throughout the working day.

Companies that mandate five days in the office have been, and will continue to be, at a significant competitive disadvantage when trying to attract accounting talent, Barden managing director Elaine Brady said.

To mandate five days in the office is to effectively reduce the talent pool available to you by 85pc, she added.

Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society chairperson Des Gibney welcomed the pay rise for new graduates, saying it would help attract and retain young staff.

This increase will play a crucial part in ensuring our profession remains attractive to the next generation  and will help us retain our top young talent in a very competitive market, he said.
Profits at Dublin-based airline group ASL Aviation almost tripled last year to 121m, according to newly-filed accounts for the business.

The accounts also show that revenue at the group soared 43pc in 2022 to 1.62bn despite macro-economic uncertainties and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

ASL  which operates a fleet of about 160 aircraft  was acquired in 2019 by European fund manager Star Capital from Compagnie Maritime Belge and Belgian-owned 3P Air Freighters.

Of its fleet, about 57 are directly owned by the company, whose chief executive is Dave Andrew.

In April this year, ASL agreed a new $155m loan facility with Goldman Sachs to help support its aircraft acquisitions.

ASLs directors note in the accounts that cargo activity and volumes remained strong during 2022, although they slipped 8pc to 911,735 tonnes. However, that followed a 28pc increase in 2021.

It said its revenues rose as it benefited from the provision of more long-haul cargo services. Cargo revenues rose by 21pc to 1.06bn last year.

ASL said that its long-haul cargo services  operated by its Belgian subsidiary  had continued to see a normalisation of supply and demand dynamics last year following a spike seen during the pandemic.

The loss of belly space in long-haul passenger aircraft restricted intercontinental capacity and this drove intercontinental cargo rates up across the air cargo market, said Mr Andrew.

He added: This led to the very strong financial performance in our air freight business, but since then the market has normalised and we must look at 2022s performance as unlikely to continue through 2023.

ASLs cargo clients include Amazon Prime Air. It operates a number of aircraft on behalf of the internet giant.

The number of passengers carried on ASLs services jumped 77pc to 6.9 million last year, according to ASL. Passenger revenue more than doubled from 231m to 551m.

It noted that the increase was primarily a result of its FlySafair business, a low-cost carrier in South Africa.

While our costs spiralled earlier in the pandemic, we then benefitted from an unexpectedly fast upturn in intercontinental freight market rates, while in South Africa our passenger business recovered with remarkable speed, said Mr Andrew.

ASL also has a joint venture airline in Thailand, called KMile, which currently operates a handful of aircraft.

Last year, the group cut its stake in Indian airline Quikjet from just over 72pc to just under 46pc.
Rollout is ahead of revised targets but behind original timetable

Noreen OConnor, whose farm in Knocknagree became the 50,000th premises to be connected under the National Broadband Plan

The National Broadband Plan has connected the 50,000th premise under the state-backed 3bn scheme, with 180,000 homes, farms and businesses now within connection range.

The scheme, which is being rolled out by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to 560,000 premises across the country in rural and unconnected areas, is now slightly ahead of its revised, lower rollout targets, although it remains behind its original network goals.

The process, which has been underway by the state for over 10 years, will not be completed until at least the end of 2026, according to NBI.

The 50,000th premises to be connected is a farm in Knocknagree, Co Cork.

Since the pandemic, most of the marts have moved to a hybrid approach, said Noreen OConnor, who owns the farm. Our local mart, the Gortatlea Mart, only takes place online now at night. Without a reliable connection, we wouldnt have access at all. There are several things on the farm that require a strong broadband connection from the calving cameras, to registering and tagging animals, to applying for online grants.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, said that the National Broadband plan has seen a much higher take-up rate from Irish people than we had originally forecast.

The National Broadband Plan is a wholesale network that makes its fibre-to-the-home network available to telecoms retailers, who sell it locally. NBI fibre connections have minimum speeds of 500Mbs and are set to be capable of speeds up to 10,000Mbs.

The substantial cost of rolling the network out and connecting the fibre to individual rural homes, no matter how remotely, is subsidised by the state as part of a national policy to get all premises hooked up to high-end broadband.

NBI says that takeup of the broadband services is 30pc within six months of it being available in an area

With 50,000 premises now connected, the number of homes, farms and businesses connected to the NBI network has doubled in the last nine months, said Peter Hendrick, chief executive of NBI.

Over 180,000 premises are ready to connect by signing up with one of our 62 retail partners.

Last year, NBI confirmed that it had completed the sale of an 80pc interest in its firm to the Spanish firm Asterion Industrial Partners.

The equity deal was given the go-ahead by the government in late October.

The remaining 20pc of NBI is held by founding shareholders Granahan McCourt, which is the investment vehicle of businessman David McCourts Granahan McCourt Capital and Tetrad Corporation, and by Yakida, comprised of some NBI management. Mr McCourt is chairman of NBI.
The social media giant is trying to reassure regulators and governments that its data flows for European users dont end up in China

TikTok has hired a European security company to independently audit its data controls and data flows in Europe, in a move aimed at reassuring regulators and governments about data link-ups with Chinese authorities.

The social media giant, which employs 3,000 people at its European base in Dublin, is currently developing a second data centre in Ireland as part of its Project Clover plan that divides its data regions.

The security company, NCC Group, is a UK-based publicly listed firm that specialises in cyber security and information assurance.

The security gateways will restrict access to protected data by employees who are based in China, said Elaine Fox, head of privacy for TikTok in Europe.

Protected data includes all personal data of EU and UK users, including a users real name, email address, phone number, IP address and any financial information if it was shared, along with any content that a user saved with an audience of only me.

Ms Fox said that there were exceptions to this protected data that include shared public data, aggregated data for statistics assessment and interoperable data to make the IT systems work.

The process will be co-managed by NCC Group and TikTok, said Ms Fox.

We have engaged a third-party European security company to independently audit our data controls and protections, monitor data flows, provide independent verification, and report any incidents, said Theo Bertram, TikToks vice president for public policy in Europe.

As the independent security provider, they will monitor data coming in and out of the secure environment to independently validate that only approved employees can access limited data types. NCC Group will perform ongoing security assessments of the new security gateways we are building around European user data, the TikTok app, our data centres, and other TikTok infrastructure.

Mr Bertram said that NCC will also validate that network traffic of TikToks European user data must pass through the security gateways.

TikTok, whose parent firm, Bytedance, is Chinese-owned, has been embroiled in controversy over whether Chinese authorities have access to its data systems. The company has consistently denied this. It has spent over 1bn setting up separate data flows in the US and Europe, with Project Clover aimed at reassuring European fears by setting up a secure enclave for European TikTok user data.

In April, the Irish Government announced that it would restrict the use of TikTok on public sector devices following advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The move followed similar restrictions in other European countries and in the US.

However, TikTok says that it hopes to convince policymakers that its tightened controls will reassure them on safety.

All of these controls and operations are designed to ensure that the data of our European users is safeguarded in a specially-designed protective environment, and can only be accessed by approved employees subject to strict independent oversight and verification, said Mr Bertram.

In the coming months, TikTok and NCC Group will engage with policymakers across Europe to explain how this comprehensive system will work in practice.
Irelands current derogation is due to expire on January 1, 2026, and the derogation limit is due to reduce to 220kg/ha on January 1, 2024 in certain areas, because the latest water quality results have not shown sufficient improvement.

Dairy farmers face the prospect of significantly cutting their cow numbers as Government negotiations with the EU to maintain current stocking rate levels look set to fail.

It comes as mooted restrictions to Irelands Nitrates derogation which enables farmers here to stock higher numbers of animals on their land look set to be enforced due to declining water quality in recent years.

The decision will mean thousands of dairy farmers that utilise the derogation will be forced to gain access to more land or cut their cow numbers in order to comply with the regulations.

Approximately 7,000 farmers avail of the derogation and the Department estimates around 3,000 farmers are between 220kg and 250kg and will therefore be affected by the 220kg being the maximum.

The IFA has estimated that the loss to the rural economy will likely be 236m, but said the impact it will have on the impacted family farms will be much more devastating.

However, environmental groups have long argued for the removal of the derogation due to declining water quality in our rivers, lakes and estuaries with the EPA pointing to agriculture as the biggest contributor to the decline.

However, there is no prospect of re-opening the current Commission decision giving a derogation from the standard Nitrates Directive rules on Ireland, the EU Commissioner for the Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius had said.

In a statement today, Irelands Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said he had met with the EU Commissioner this week to discuss the matter.

"The Commissioner made it clear that Ireland is one of only three remaining member states with a derogation, while stressing that there is no prospect of re-visiting the current decision.

Referring to the meeting, Minister McConalogue said he made a strong case to Commissioner Sinkevicius for the retention of Irelands 250kg/ha derogation until the next review, based on Irelands unique, grass based agricultural system, the measures farmers had already taken to improve water quality, and the need for additional time to see the results of these measures in our water quality indicators.

"It may be possible to make some very minor adjustments to the current mapping based on scientific parameters, but these are unlikely to affect the vast majority of derogation farmers. My Department will be examining this over the next few weeks and engaging with the Agriculture Water Quality Stakeholders Working Group in this regard.

It is critical now that derogation farmers, with the help of their advisors, make the necessary arrangements to manage their holdings within the derogation limits applying from January 1 next year. My Department will be issuing N and P Statements to farmers shortly to assist in that task.

In the meantime, we must continue to do everything we can to improve water quality, so that we can make a credible case for the renewal of the derogation in 2026.

The EUs Nitrates Directive permit the use of a maximum 170kg of organic nitrogen per hectare. The Directive allows for a time limited derogation from these rules in certain circumstances.

At present, Irelands derogation permits the use of up to 250kg per hectare on derogation farms. Ranging in size from small to larger farms across the country, these are more intensively stocked farms that apply a range of additional measures beyond standard requirements to mitigate the risk to water quality.

Irelands current derogation is due to expire on January 1, 2026, and the derogation limit is due to reduce to 220 kg/ha on January 1, 2024 in certain areas, because the latest water quality results have not shown sufficient improvement.

Through measures such as the 60m investment in an initiative Water European Innovation Project (EIP) specifically to support farmers and the Targeted Agricultural Measures (TAMS) Scheme, the Minister said his Department will continue to support farmers as we continue on the journey to reduce the loss of nutrients to water.

Teagasc and the private advisory service will also continue to play a key role in supporting farmers through the advice they provide to farmers in this regard, he said.
Calls for the Taoiseach to intervene as farm organisations say the move will have very significant damage to the incomes of derogation farmers and will have knock-on consequences for all farmers in the land market.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the move has massive ramifications for Irish farmers if it is allowed to transpire.

Irelands multi-billion euro dairy sector was now in a very dangerous place due to failing farm prices and production restrictions, according to the ICMSA.

Reacting to todays announcement that the countrys Nitrates Derogation will be cut from its current level of 250kg N/ha to 220Kg N/ha from January 1.

ICMSA President Pat McCormack accused the Government of selling out family dairy farms and rolling over for the EU Commission on the question of maintaining Irelands current derogation on the Nitrates Directive.

Against most of the evidence ICMSA has wanted to believe that the more realistic elements of this Government understood that the continuation of Irelands 250kg derogation from the Nitrates Directive was both absolutely necessary and eminently possible if we were willing to mount a skilful campaign based on the evidence that is already emerging.

"No such campaign was ever mounted by this Government and this Minister and consequently we have had our N limits reduced to 220kg in defiance of all the evidence  economic and environmental  that the existing 250kg is perfectly compatible with improving water quality while maintaining the production capacity so indispensable when prices are falling to the extent that farmer revenue will be down by in excess of 2 billion this year, he said.

Mr McCormack said that with this one decision, this Government has put a nail in the coffin of many family dairy farms that have been worked for generations.

Theres no point in being polite here; the Governments defence of our position was just downright unacceptable and amounted to an abject surrender of what was and is a vital national sector.

Fiddling around with the maps and trying to localise the impact just compounds the concession and fools no-one. Even today, even after this surrender, farmers cannot check their nitrates figures online and theres no firm date for this online check facility to be put in place.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the move has massive ramifications for Irish farmers if it is allowed to transpire.

"Dairy farmers are going to take a direct hit on income. But in reality, it will have knock-on repercussions for all sectors due to the massive disruption to the land market the decision will bring about, he said.

Given how serious this issue is, we need an intervention from the Taoiseach with the European Commission. This change will do very significant damage to the incomes of derogation farmers and will have knock-on consequences for all farmers in the land market, he said.

Macra said the move will see a reduction in stocking rates which will have a negative effect on farming succession in Ireland.

"Land that is already at a premium, will increase further out of reach of new entrant farmers as demand will further increase.

Now more than ever is a succession scheme required to support young farmers to enter the industry, without this support there will be no young farmers and no industry said Macra National President Elaine Houlihan.

Ms Houlihan called upon Minister for Agriculture Charlie MacConologue to look for a way to extend the introduction of the new nitrates rates for 12 months. Four months is too short of a period to either look for more land or to reduce stock said Ms. Houlihan.
Some of the tents on the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally, Co Laois which will accommodate Ukrainians fleeing the war over the coming weeks. Photo: Alf Harvey

The Childrens Ombudsman has expressed concern that Ukrainian children fleeing war will be accommodated in tents on the former Electric Picnic campsite.

This week, the first of 750 people are being moved into bell tents at Stradbally, Co Laois, where they are expected to stay for a six-week period.

The tents were originally set up as glamping accommodation at last weekends music festival.

Childrens Ombudsman Niall Muldoon told the Irish Independent that his office was aware of plans to accommodate children in the tents at Stradbally estate. Mr Muldoon said he will be contacting the Government to clarify how many children will have to sleep in tents there over the next number of weeks.

He said in a statement: The Ombudsman for Childrens Office is aware of plans to accommodate people arriving from Ukraine, including children, in tents at Stradbally estate. We understand that it is anticipated that this would be a short-term measure.

We have concerns and we will be contacting the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth directly to find out more about how children will be accommodated, how many are expected, what supports and services will be provided, as well as how long they will be there.

The Government signed a contract to use the campsites as accommodation for 750 people on a phased, contingency basis for six weeks. It comes amid what the Department of Integration described as a significant shortfall in accommodation for those fleeing Ukraine.

Ukrainian refugees describe their appreciation for the kindness of Irish people

According to the Government, more than 10,000 people have fled to Ireland from Ukraine since the start of May, which is an average of around 650 people per week. It is estimated that up to 500 people could continue to arrive every week over the next weeks from Ukraine.

The Department of Integration confirmed that tented accommodation will be the primary source of accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine.

This may include children and families, though vulnerable arrivals will be prioritised for any non-tented accommodation available. This is in line with the approach taken last year when accommodating arrivals in Gormanston army camp, said a spokesperson for the department.

It comes as the states human rights watchdog voiced serious concerns over the development. Sinead Gibney, the chief executive of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, has questioned the Governments decision to once again rely on tents as accommodation for refugees.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is extremely concerned at any normalisation of the use of tents to house refugees and applicants for international protection. Tenting is the minimum standard for accommodation, and should only be used for emergency short-term purposes to avoid destitution, said Ms Gibney.

It is essential that appropriate accommodation be provided as a matter of urgency, and to ensure people have access to critical services such as education, health services and employment opportunities.

Amnesty International Ireland echoed the concerns, and said that the use of tents was yet another manifestation of the Governments failure to properly plan for the accommodation needs of those seeking protection here in Ireland, including Ukrainians.

Weve seen little meaningful progress on the commitment to replace direct provision with a human rights-compliant accommodation model.

We need radical action now to address this and the wider lack of appropriate accommodation. lrelands housing crisis is a human rights crisis, it said in a statement.

Last year, military-grade tents at the Gormanston army camp in Co Meath were temporarily used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.

Integration Minister Roderic OGorman had said last winter that the use of tents for refugees had ended, amid concerns about people being accommodated in them during severely cold weather.
Blackrock Clinic co-founder Joe Sheehan loses Chapter 11 protection after legal challenge

Civil proceedings have been brought against Dr Sheehan and nine others under anti-racketeering legislation

Blackrock Clinic private hospital in Dublin

Shane Phelan Wed 6 Sep 2023 at 03:30

A co-founder of the Blackrock Clinic private hospital group has lost protection from creditors after his bankruptcy case was dismissed amid accusation of fraud.
Sacked teacher called application seeking his arrest an absolute disgrace

Sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke is expected to continue his defiance of a court order requiring him to stay away from his former workplace despite the fresh prospect of being returned to prison.
Even temporary measures could prolong higher inflation. I dont think that labelling something as temporary is the get out of jail free card, said the IFAC Professor Michael McMahon in a sobering report. Photo: iStockphoto
The schoolgirl got into difficulty at Fountainstown Beach on TuesdayEmili would have celebrated her eighth birthday tomorrow with her twin brother Jeremy

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

Emili Roman who drowned while swimming at Fountainstown Beach in Co Cork.

The funeral details have been announced for the tragic Cork schoolgirl (8) who drowned while swimming at Fountainstown Beach yesterday evening.

Emili Roman, who would have celebrated her eighth birthday tomorrow alongside her twin brother Jeremy, was swept out to sea around 4.30pm and was later recovered by a member of the public along with the local RNLI lifeboat crew after they spotted her near the shore.

It is understood her brother, Jeremy, was on the beach when Emili got into difficulty, and her father, Slawomir, later was on the beach when her body was recovered from the water at around 7.45pm.

Emili was a second class pupil at Templebreedy National School in Co Cork.

Her death notice describes her the darling daughter" of parents, Martha and Slawomir and a dear sister of Inga and Jeremy.

Her funeral will take place on Saturday at 11.30am in Church of Our Lady and St. John, Carrigaline, with burial afterwards at St. Johns Cemetery, Ballinrea.

Emili Roman who drowned while swimming at Fountainstown Beach in Co Cork.

A statement issued today on behalf of the school, said the entire community was "in shock and are utterly devastated" and "heartbroken" for her family.

It read: Emili would have been eight years old tomorrow. Emili and her twin brother Jeremy have been in our school since they joined Junior Infants in 2020.

School Principal, Doris Bryan described her as a kind, with a bubbly personality.

Community broken after death of eight-year-old girl at Cork beach, says Simon Coveney

"She had a beautiful smile. She was greatly loved by everyone and was very popular with all her friends. She was also very artistic and a gifted young girl.

"On behalf of the school I extend our deepest sympathies to Emilis parents, Marta and Slawomir, her older sister Inga and her twin brother Jeremy.

"We are doing our best at the moment to make our school a safe space for all our school community to be together and to support each other as we remember Emili and come to terms with what has happened. Again our primary focus, for Emilis sake, is with her family and loved ones.

Bishop Paul Colton, patron of the school offered condolence to the family and said: "Most of us cannot begin to imagine the suffering that this family must now be going through.

"We are all, however, in shock and devastated.

He added: A tragedy like this is having a traumatic effect also on this small parish school at the start of this new school year, and also the wider community.

I extend sympathy to you all. I am also very conscious of the role played by the first responders, some of whom I know personally, and everyone in the rescue services and Im conscious of the impact a tragedy such as this has on each of them as individuals.

RNLI Crosshaven Lifeboat Station said the body of the girl was spotted in the water following an extensive search operation which involved many local boats along with gardai, the Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service.

A spokesperson for Crosshaven RNLI said: The body of the child was spotted in the surf line by a member of the public and one of our lifeboat crew who recovered her to the beach. May she rest in peace. Our condolences to her family.

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

The Rescue 115 helicopter, Waterford Coastguard Helicopter, RNLI Crosshaven Lifeboat Station, Port of Cork pilot boat, The Customs Boat, Ballycotton Lifeboat and Mallow Search and Rescue were among those who participated in the search for the youngster after the alarm was raised shortly after 4.30pm yesterday.

Crosshaven Coastguard have said that crews worked tirelessly arriving on scene to find the child.

But unfortunately some time later a local person recovered her from the water after being washed ashore. She was transported by the Irish Coast Guard jeep to our local station where she was later met by her family and transported to CUH for post mortem.

"Remember if you see someone in trouble on or near our coasts or inland waterway dial 112/999 and ask for the Irish Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, the coroner has been notified and an inquest will take place at a later date.

The youngster had gotten in to difficulty while swimming in the water. The member of the public and the RNLI crew member rushed in to the water when they saw the body of the young girl near the shore.

A postmortem will be carried out at Cork University Hospital. An inquest will likely follow in the coming months. It is understood the child attended school in Crosshaven.

It was the second drowning tragedy to strike the country and came after a man in his 80s died in a drowning accident at Curracloe Beach in Wexford earlier in the afternoon.

Cork Fianna Fail Councillor Seamus McGrath said that the news of the passing of the child was truly devastating.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the little angel. The lower harbour community has experienced unimaginable tragedy and loss in a short number of weeks. We all wish we would wake up from the nightmare.

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

Local Fianna Fail councillor Audrey Buckley, who was at the beach in Fountainstown, paid tribute to the girl and her family and said the tragedy is absolutely devastating for the local community.

Today it was 24 or 25 degrees, a beautiful sunny day, like other days there was a bit of a tide at the beach.

She praised the work of the emergency services who had conducted a large search operation  when the alarm was raised, kayaks from the nearby Funkytown Adventure Centre had also joined in to help find the girl.

The services were amazing. When the alert was called the fire bridgade, the RNLI, the Coast Guard were all there. Were fortunate because theyre all on our doorstep in Crosshaven. They were all there for about three hours, she said.

Councillor Buckley said a large crowd of concerned locals had arrived and was thankful that the girl has been recovered as the evening was growing dark.

That image of them taking the little girl out of the water, it will live with me until the day I die, she said.

Independent Cork County Councillor Marcia DAlton offered a tribute to the girl on social media and wrote: A devastatingly heartbreaking tragedy at Fountainstown beach this evening.

Once again, we have witnessed at first hand the courage and tenacity of the rescue services. There are simply no words adequate for the pain of such a loss. Rest easy little beautiful.

The death of the little girl comes in the wake of a number of tragedies in the sea in Cork in recent weeks.

Jack O'Sullivan (14) died on August 24 last after he got in to difficulty while swimming with friends at Passage West on Cork's Lower Harbour.

Jack O'Sullivan

Jack had been due to go in to second year at Colaiste Eamann Ris at St Patrick's Road in Cork city. He was described at his funeral as being a charming and friendly young man who radiated joy.

On August 20, Ivan Chittenden (64) from Toronto, Canada and Brendan Wall (45) of Cardrath, Co Meath died in separate incidents during the swim section of the Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork. A memorial service took place for Mr Chittenden last Saturday in Toronto.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been pictured meeting with the Commander in Chief of the Dubai Police as they discuss how to tackle transnational organised crime.

Mr Harris has travelled to the United Arab Emirates city with the Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly to organise how Kinahan cartel leaders could be flown back to Ireland.

The Garda Press Office posted the picture of the Garda chief meeting his Excellency Lt General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, as part of ongoing co-operation between An Garda Siochana and international policing partners to tackle transnational organised crime.

Daniel Kinahan (45) is under mounting pressure from law enforcement agencies across the globe and is understood to have become fearful in recent months that authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would hand him over to the US police or An Garda Siochana.

Earlier this year it was believed he had travelled to Iran in a bid to avoid extradition.

In a statement to PA, An Garda Siochana said: Transnational organised crime gangs not only cause death and misery in the countries they originate from, but also in communities across the globe. Tackling these gangs protects people here in Ireland and abroad.

As part of these efforts, Commissioner Harris and senior garda officers regularly liaise and work with international law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these gangs.

This includes the ongoing multi-national operation devised by An Garda Siochana to tackle the Kinahan transnational organised crime gang.

It has also seen Commissioner Harris travel to the US, Colombia and Europe to further this activity.

In addition, Commissioner Harris in conjunction with Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs has expanded An Garda Siochanas network of international liaison offices with new offices already established in the US, South America, and most recently in the Middle East, with a further office to be established shortly in Thailand.

Lt Gen Al Marri was also in attendance at a high-level meeting on anti-money laundering in Dubai that was chaired by the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Hamid Al Zaabi, Director-General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing gave a presentation to committee members on the UAEs Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan.

The 19th meeting of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism heard how the UAE has imposed total fines in excess of AED210 million on non-compliant companies since the beginning of the year.

The meeting also heard how, over the past two years, the total value of confiscations amounted to more than AED4 billion, and the work of law enforcement agencies in the country led to the arrest of 387 international suspects in cooperation with various foreign law enforcement agencies.
Figure includes 17,500 spent on visit of US president Joe Biden last April

The Department of Foreign Affairs has spent almost 117,000 on VIP services at Dublin Airport over the past 18 months.

The six-figure outlay covered 76 separate arrivals and departures as well as a spend of more than 17,500 for the visit of US president Joe Biden in April.

The department said it had been able to avail of a preferential rate for the VIP service at Dublin Airport.

The private terminal includes personalised treatment with private check-in and security, suites for relaxation, drinks and dining, as well as a chauffeur-driven car to and from the aircraft.

The details of some trips have been withheld by the Department of Foreign Affairs on national security grounds while no costs were provided for travel associated with the Office of the President.

A list of payments details how the department ran up two separate bills of 8,778 welcoming President Biden and his entourage to Ireland earlier this year.

This covered the cost of 44 different passengers, according to records that were released under FOI.

A similar-sized bill was run up during the high-level visit of Spanish president Pedro Sanchez last March. The final tab for that trip was 8,778 and paid for a delegation of 45.

Other sizable bills included 5,961 for the visit of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas last September and spending of 8,778 for the state visit of Maltese president Dr George Vella in February.

There was also expenditure of 5,699 associated with a high-level visit by the prime minister of Luxembourg in July, 3,800 for a trip by the Portuguese president last November and 3,448 for the Dutch prime minister in May last year.

Smaller bills were incurred on behalf of UN officials, Council of Europe staff, and to welcome newly-arriving ambassadors to Ireland.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it used the platinum service at Dublin Airport for state business including official visits, and for appropriate welcome and farewell for senior members of the diplomatic corps.

This is in line with international standards of protocol practice, as well as serving practical and operational purposes, said the spokesperson.

The use of airport VIP facilities mitigates risks to the security of foreign dignitaries travelling on official business to Ireland and ensures discretion.

Swift transit through the airport also ensures that foreign dignitaries can maximise their official programmes in Ireland.
Sacked teacher Enoch Burke has vowed to attend court on Friday to defend my name in the face of a bid by Wilsons Hospital School to have him jailed again.

The Westmeath school has made an application to have Mr Burke returned to prison for continuous contempt of court by turning up at his former employer every day.

Speaking as he arrived again at the school this morning, Mr Burke said the move by the school was an effort to strip me of my constitutional rights.

That the board of management would go to court to try force me to accept transgenderism, and that they would be using the courts to do that, and that the courts indeed would countenance that, I think is a disgraceful thing for our country, he told Independent.ie.

Ive done nothing wrong. Im 100pc right. This is my workplace. I have a religious belief and I have the right to exercise that. I did exercise that. Thats a constitutionally protected right.

As he spoke at the school gates, several cars beeped their horns as they drove into the school grounds.

Its a disgraceful state when were at this stage now in our country where this can happen, where you can be denied your belief and you can be dragged into court in this fashion. This is my workplace. This has been going on for more than a year. I have a right to be here. This is my school. This is my job, he said.

That is the horrific state that we are in now that you can even be asking me that question

When told that the courts ruled the school is no longer his workplace, and that he had been dismissed from his role, Mr Burke said every citizen has the right to their religious belief and that he continues to believe that his suspension was manifestly unlawful.

It was clearly unlawful. A child would be able to figure that out, he said.

He added that it is his belief that teachers in this country are being forced to [accept] an ideology of transgenderism.

It is a desperate state our country is in that I would be dragged into court in another attempt now to try and force me to do that, Mr Burke added.

Asked if he was prepared to go to prison again over his beliefs, Mr Burke said the action (imprisoning him) is a despicable proposal.

That is the horrific state that we are in now that you can even be asking me that question. Ive done a good job here in this school. Im a teacher of German and history. I stood up for my rights. I expressed them like every citizen in this country has a right to do, he said.

Asked if he will attend court on Friday, as requested, or continue to come to the school, Mr Burke said he believes in law and order and believes in justice.

Our prisons are overflowing now, he said. We have more crime in our country than we ever had. There were a few hundred people in prison in the 80s, now there are thousands and thousands.

I believe in law and order. I go to court to defend my name, and when a despicable proposal is being made by the school, I go to court to defend my name.

Its disgraceful that we should be brought to this position by this country. I should be in my classroom on Friday, I should have my timetable, I should be back with my students. Thats where I should be on Friday.

Mr Burke was speaking after a fresh application was yesterday brought before the High Court that could see him returned to prison over his alleged ongoing refusal to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.

Lawyers representing the school's Board of Management said Wilson's Hospital school is seeking orders for Mr Burke's attachment and committal to prison over his alleged refusal to comply with a permanent injunction granted by Mr Justice Alexander Owens earlier this year.

That order restrains Mr Burke from attending at Wilson's Hospital, unless he is given express permission to do so by the school authorities.

Rosemary Mallon Bl for the board told Ms Justice Emily Egan that Mr Burke has attended at the school, where he was suspended and ultimately dismissed from, every day since the new school year commenced in late August.

Ms Mallon said that his attendance both "outside and inside the school" was in breach of the permanent injunction granted by Mr Justice Owens.

"There terms of that order could not be clearer," counsel said, adding that "Mr Burke has been fully aware of and served with a copy of the orders handed down by Mr Justice Owens.

His ongoing presence at the school "is causing severe disruption for staff and students," counsel said.

The court heard that a large part of the school principal, Mr Frank Milling, and his staff's working day is taken up dealing with Mr Burke's presence at the school, and that on occasions Mr Milling has had "to close doors" to prevent Mr Burke from entering the school.
A number of protests have taken place against the UK Governments legacy Bill (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The Irish Government may take a case against the UK over its Northern Ireland Legacy Bill after the controversial legislation passed the Houses of Commons.

The law would effectively end prosecutions related to The Troubles and was passed through by MPs today in Westminster.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Attorney General will compile legal advice on whether it is worthwhile to take a case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

He called the proposed law a mistake and not victim-centred.

The Irish Governments position has been very clear on this all along, we think this is a mistake. This is the wrong way to go about dealing with legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

There arent many things that all of the five main parties in Northern Ireland agree on but they all agree that this is wrong. It is not victim-centred, human rights-proofed.

He said these views have been raised with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said it to his counterparts on many occasions.

He said he will raise the issue with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton Harris when he meets him next week as well as Tanaiste Micheal Martin when he returns from Israel.

What were doing now is assessing legal advice. The Attorney General is preparing some legal advice on what the strength would be of us taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Well make a decision on whether or not well pursue a case in the coming weeks.

The law would remove a contentious element which aims to offer immunity from prosecution to those who committed crimes during the Troubles if they co-operate with a new truth-recovery body.

The proposed law also seeks to halt future civil cases and inquests linked to killings during the conflict, and would allow the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to take over hundreds of unresolved Troubles cases.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has previously said the legislation contains finely balanced political and moral choices that are uncomfortable for many.
Owners of defective apartments will not receive funding for remediation works until next year despite the Government approving a redress scheme last January.

Even fire-safety works will have to wait, as an interim fund specifically for fire-related measures will open for applications only at the end of next month or early November.

The update came in an online meeting between Housing Minister Darragh OBrien and affected owners on Monday night.

Sam Doran, one of those affected, said it was very disappointing.

By the time an application for fire-safety works is processed, well be into the Christmas break, he said.

The bottom line is that the Government is doing nothing to protect people in their homes this year.

Up to 100,000 apartments built between 1991 and 2013 are believed to be substandard due to shoddy workmanship and slack regulatory oversight. Fire-safety failings, water ingress and structural problems are the main issues identified.

The Government approved a 2.5bn redress scheme last January but owners and volunteer owner management companies (OMCs) in individual apartment complexes have yet to see a cent.

Around 600 owners registered for the online meeting to hear the update.

They were told that while OMCs could claim repayment for fire-safety works already carried out or being carried out at their own expense once the interim fund opened, these would have to be certified to ensure they came up to approved standards.

Mr Doran said there were fears that tens of thousands of euro raised by apartment owners to install a fire alarm system in his own complex, The Crescent at Park West in Dublin, would not be repaid.

It was put in by the OMC and an alarm company but were hearing now it should have been designed by an engineer so we dont know are we going to be excluded on a technicality, he said.

Mr OBrien also said that the main part of the redress scheme, to cover the many structural defects plaguing the buildings, would not be up and running until next year.

He said there were complexities around how the money would be paid, in particular where payments were for retrospective work and where owners had paid substantial levies to OMCs to fund that work.

Weve got to make sure that the payments are passed on to the apartment owners and not retained by the OMCs, he said. Retrospective payments would not cover legal fees, he said.

Mr Doran said residents at The Crescent had paid 22,000 for legal advice about who they could pursue for the problems at their homes.

Mr OBrien said the Government had not given up on the possibility of pursuing developers for recompense.

We havent closed the door on looking at any legal avenue, he said.

Even when the schemes established, were not closing the door to that.

But he said there were difficulties pursuing companies set up for a particular development and then liquidated, leaving the developer free to start another complex without fear of being held to account for previous projects.

He described that practice as reprehensible.
Tanaiste Micheal Maritn has suggested the cost of the TV licence could be cut as part of reforms of RTE.

Speaking in Israel, Mr Martin also ruled out the prospect of the Government directly funding RTE after it emerged the broadcaster is set to lose 21m in revenue this year.

His comments come as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he understands if the public is sceptical about TV licence overhaul being in place by 2025.

Minister Martin said the Government is committed to public service broadcasting across all stations, national and local media and print media.

I think we need a solution for that and Ive always consistently said, in my view, we should replace the licence with a universal fee or charge that would be at the same if not reduced, he said.

Itd mean an automatic higher income but would also guarantee independence for the media from Government, from dependence on Government for ongoing funding, he added.

Mr Martin said the alternative is you pay the entire cost of running RTE directly from the exchequer and this would undermine the independence of the media.

To be dependent 100pc on Government for your funding is a very serious issue. Because it risks undermining that crucial independence that means people in Government are held to account. I think thats a serious issue I disagreed with the media commission on that. I think an issue worthy of a deep consideration, he added.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he understands the scepticism of the public as he vowed to have overhauled the 160 charge by 2025 as previous promises to do so by Government have not materialised.

He said the fee will be overhauled next year, with the relevant laws in place by 2025.

However, RTE would have to apply and compete with other media organisations for the funding each year, he suggested.

I can understand the scepticism but that is a commitment I am making, we cant continue to deal with this issue on a year by year basis and its very clear to me that we need to have a new system in place that isnt just about funding RTE that provides funding for the wider public service media, he said.

The fund that we have for public service broadcasting and for public service media shouldnt all go to RTE. I know some of it doesnt at the moment, there is a broadcasting fund but the vast majority of it does and I don't think thats entirely right in a modern era, that there should be a greater degree of competition with what is ultimately public money.

Meanwhile, Media Minister Catherine Martin said the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)s NewEra unit will now probe the 55m bailout needed by RTE for a projected 21m loss in TV licence revenue and 34.5m funding already requested.

Before the controversy I was asked for that 34.5m and as you know on Monday of this week I received a letter outlining that 34.5m but also that 21m projected by year end due to decline in TV licence payments, she said.

I have forwarded that to New ERA and thats the figure they are interrogating now and thats what will inform my discussions.

She said the broadcaster will not be allowed to fall.

Despite several Government ministers saying repeatedly that there will have to be certain conditions on any more taxpayer funding allocated to RTE, Minister Martin said RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst will only outline his full plans for reform in October, too late for a figure to be decided for the Budget.

I dont think itll land in time for this Budget, said Minister Martin.

The strategic vision will be towards the longer term funding model.
Speed limits are set to be cut on a significant number of roads as authorities seek to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.

Limits will be lowered to 80kmh on national secondary roads, 60kmh on local and rural roads, and 30kmh in town centres and housing estates as part of a major Government overhaul.

After a summer of tragedy on Irelands roads, Junior Transport Minister Jack Chambers will bring the details of a comprehensive speed-limit review to Cabinet within weeks. It proposes the most significant changes to speed limits on Irish roads in nearly two decades.

The Government hopes the proposed overhaul will make roads safer and reduce the rate of fatalities, with 127 people dying following road crashes this year. That represents a 25pc increase on the same period last year.

Under the proposals, the new default speed limit on national secondary roads would drop from 100kmh to 80kmh.

The default speed limit for the network of local and rural roads throughout the country would be reduced from 80kmh to 60kmh.

Urban roads, which include built-up areas like housing estates and town centres, would be reduced to 30kmh. Arterial roads and radial routes around urban settings would be set at 50kmh.

There are no proposed changes to the speed limits on motorways and national primary roads. The changes to default speed limits will require legislation as well as the development of new guidelines for local authorities. It is likely to be the most substantial change to the system since Ireland fully adopted metric speed limits in 2005.

Mr Chambers, a junior minister who attends Cabinet and has responsibility for road safety, said major action is required in response to the large number of deaths on Irish roads in recent months.

This speed-limit review is a significant piece of work which will address the fragmentation and inconsistency of speed limits on our roads all over the country. Ultimately, this is about trying to keep all road users safe by reducing deaths and serious injuries, the Fianna Fail TD said.

Reducing speed has been fundamentally proven to dramatically reduce the risk of death or serious injury in road collisions. The evidence shows that when a pedestrian or cyclist is struck by a car at 50kmh, they have a 50pc chance of living. But strike them at 60kmh and that chance drops to just 10pc.

The framework being proposed will allow for some appropriate, upward variations where a road is deemed to be safe and of good quality following an assessment by local authorities.

The speed-limit review has been carried out over the last two years as part of the Governments Road Safety Strategy by the Department of Transport. This has also included the input of a number of agencies, such as the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Siochana, and local authorities.

The group carried out an assessment of the existing framework of speed limits in Ireland, looked at best practice internationally and carried out a modelling analysis of potential options having regard to safety, emissions and active travel needs.

The review will form the basis of new guidelines to be developed over the coming period. This will then be issued to local authorities recommending new default speed limits for different categories of roads. Local authorities will use these recommendations to set new speed limits.

Mr Chambers said: After many successful years bringing road deaths down, there has been a really alarming spiral in recent times, with 127 deaths already this year. Every single death is a tragedy for the victims families, friends and communities.

We have seen in the last few weeks particularly, the devastating impact road deaths involving our young people have on the whole country.

He said the implementation of the review would take time to roll out but it would reduce deaths.

Mr Chambers and Justice Minister Helen McEntee are working on several other initiatives, including plans to increase the number of penalty points for motorists committing more than one driving offence.

On Monday, Ms McEntee announced an additional 1.2m towards a 20pc increase in the use of GoSafe speed-detection cameras on Irish roads.

During National Slow Down Day this week, 865 drivers were detected, by both gardai and GoSafe cameras, travelling in excess of the speed limit.

All of these drivers will receive a 160 fixed-charge notice and have three penalty points applied to their licences.
Sinn Fein, in common with all Northern parties, is now vehemently opposed to the British Governments amnesty proposals that would end Troubles-era investigations and prosecutions across the board

Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams at the 37th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in 2009

Former Sinn Fein chief Martin McGuinness wanted to propose a general amnesty in the North that is exactly like the UKs legacy legislation  until blocked by Gerry Adams, a new book reveals.

Sinn Fein, in common with all Northern parties, is now vehemently opposed to the British Governments amnesty proposals that would end Troubles-era investigations and prosecutions across the board.

The legislation is due to pass at Westminster today.

It would apply to the British Army, IRA, UDR, RUC and all Loyalist and Republican paramilitary groups.

But a new book by journalist Aoife Grace Moore, to be launched in Dublin tonight, reveals that Sinn Fein was ready to initiate such a blanket amnesty ten years ago.

In 2013, Sinn Fein organised a conference aimed at reaching out to unionists, loyalists and those whose family members had been murdered by the IRA, says Moore in The Long Game, published by Penguin.

The conference, to be held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, included a keynote address was to be given by Martin McGuinness. The chair was Brian Rowan, formerly BBC Northern Irelands security correspondent. He was tipped off that McGuinness would be making a landmark speech.

Among those to attending the conference were relatives of those killed in IRA bombings, Rev Harold Good, moderator of the Methodist Church, and Matt Baggott, chief constable of the PSNI.

But Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams was peeved as... that Martin was speaking as keynote, the book claims, quoting an organiser.

It had been made clear to Adams that he could not front any effort to speak to unionist people or victims of IRA violence. There was a sense that because McGuinness had admitted IRA membership and some of his crimes, he was capable of making an honest attempt at reconciliation, the book says.

No victim of IRA violence would be prepared to listen to anything Adams had to say on the matter, given that he couldnt even be honest about being a member of the IRA, let alone his role in causing death and destruction.

Party staff told McGuinness that he would have to say something new at the conference as the same old platitudes wouldnt cut it. Whatever McGuinness said would have to be about the legacy of the violence.

According to the book, one adviser asked: What would you think about saying: I dont think anyone should go to prison for any conflict-related offences, whether its a Brit or IRA? McGuinness replied: Well, that is my position. Write the speech.

The draft speech noted the tragedy of violence on all sides and the imprint it had left on the North. The call for a general amnesty would put all victims on a level footing. More importantly, perhaps, it would put IRA violence on an equal footing with that carried out by state forces, Moore says.

This was despite the fact that, along with families and victims groups, Sinn Fein had long pushed for prosecutions of British soldiers, intelligence operatives and RUC men who had committed crimes during the Troubles.

At the time, only four British military personnel had been convicted of murder for their duties during the Troubles. Families trying to fight for justice for those killed had run up against long delays and legal obstruction.

The speech McGuinness planned to make would involve the abandonment of those campaigns (involving killings by the British Army, UDR and RUC) in favour of an amnesty that would also apply to paramilitaries, says Moore in The Long Game.

Four days before the event, however, as a press release went out to the newsrooms, Adams travelled north in a fluster to meet Republican activists, Moore claims.

He told the group in no uncertain terms that McGuinness could not call for an amnesty.

Its not our position, he said. Well be crucified by the victims groups.

According to past and present party members, Adams view in 2013 was that Republicans could not stomach letting British soldiers and loyalist gangs off the hook.

Take that paragraph out, Adams said curtly. McGuinness eyes darted from Adams to the adviser who had written the speech, who sighed loudly. The order had come down. The paragraph was out, the book relates.

The conference went ahead with little fanfare. The news stories of the day focused on loyalist protests outside.

When the conference came to an end, BBC man Brian Rowan approached the senior Sinn Fein member who had written McGuinnesss address.

I thought Martin was gonna make a big speech? Rowan asked.

He was.

Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA.

A spokesperson for the former Sinn Fein leader said: The extracts of this book are filled with totally inaccurate and indeed offensive claims, including about victims groups and relatives, and Martin McGuinness, and Mr Adams does not intend to comment on them.

For the record, Sinn Fein has consistently opposed an amnesty. We rejected it in 2006 when Peter Hain brought forward legislation, again at St Andrew's and again during the Haass talks in 2013 and again throughout the latest attempt by the British Government to introduce such a measure in their latest Legacy Bill.

"This is all a matter of public record.

The Long Game by Aoife Moore is published by Penguin
Revenue officers seized almost 25,000 litres of beer and tens of thousands of cigarettes worth more than 142,000 in searches across three counties this week.

On Wednesday, Revenue seized illicit alcohol, branded San Miguel, with a retail value of nearly 99,500, in Co Wexford.

The consignment arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Both the trailer and alcohol were seized and the driver of the load has been questioned. Investigations into the seizure are ongoing.

Separately, yesterday as part of an intelligence-led operation and with the assistance of An Garda Siochana, Revenue officers seized over 38,300 cigarettes following the search of a vehicle in County Louth. In a follow-up operation today, a further 15,400 cigarettes were seized in Dublin.

Cigarettes seized by Revenue this week. Photo: Revenue.

The seized cigarettes, branded Marlboro Gold and L & M, have a retail value of 42,500, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of approximately 33,200.

A man in his 30s has been questioned and investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenues ongoing operations targeting smuggling, shadow economy activity and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.
Ryan Tubridy returned to the airwaves this morning as he appeared on broadcaster Chris Evans radio show, though he remained coy about his next career move.

The former RTE star spoke to The Chris Evans Breakfast show on Virgin Radio UK this morning as he continues a trip to London that saw him catch-up with Piers Morgan yesterday.

Morgan said they were both part of the sacked presenter club and Tubridys removal from the airwaves of the national broadcaster was RTEs loss as he shared a photo of the pair.

Ryan Tubridy shares pic with Piers Morgan while visiting London

The former Late Late Show host also met with Irish Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick and kept followers on Instagram updated on his visit to the city this week.

Evans introduced his guest this morning as a legend of broadcasting who has done some (radio) over here and may be doing some more over here.

Greeting Tubridy, he said: Welcome aboard  when do you start?

The former RTE star kept his cards close to his chest after joking he would start on radio on Tuesday at half 10 as Evans said Tubridy was window shopping and attempted to recruit him to Virgin Radio UK.

Who will replace Ryan Tubridy as the Radio One 9am presenter?

Tubridy said who knows, who knows before he was tasked with introducing himself to the audience.

He said: So, I worked at the Irish national broadcaster for about twenty years, presented what was called the longest running chat show in the world  The Late Late Show  think of it as the TARDIS, I was the third Doctor. Did that for 14 years and did radio for another 20 years. Loved, loved, loved it.

"And then, came over to London some years ago  met you, filled in for you a couple of mornings, filled in for whoever it was  Graham, Terry Wogan. When they were stuck for an Irish lilt they said Tubridy! Get over here!

"So that sort of thing and then you came on the Late Late Show as a guest and you did something, he said, interrupted by Evans who said he loved appearing on the show.

"Can I tell everyone this? Really quickly? Because I know youve got a real star waiting, Tubridy asked.

"You came along, you gave me this ticket. Im a huge Beatles fan and Chris gave me this ticket and it was for a concert that they couldnt play, if you remember Candlestick Park. So, I was in heaven.

"Went to see Paul McCartney playing in Dublin and I wasnt important enough to go to meet him backstage but Gerry Ryan who was another broadcaster you admire was, he said.

"I brought my ticket with me, gave it to Gerry, he goes backstage to Macca, says would you sign this? So, McCartney signed above  because the four Beatles heads were on the ticket  signed above (his head) which I got framed, its now at home and its now a shrine.

Tubridy joked that The Beatles star could have an injunction against him as he has seen him in concert nine times and is saving up for tickets to see him around the world.

He recalled his last Late Late Show as host on May 26, telling Evans that Bono and U2 gave him a red, electric vespa thats arriving at his house tomorrow: "A U2 vespa. Im so excited. They have the reg as something mad like RT U2 Love or whatever. Thats my boast for the day.

The RTE star then interacted with a caller into the show before bidding farewell to Evans and listeners.

He later posted a photo of himself posing in studio with Chris Evans and the extraordinary Damien Lewis after the show.

Taking to his Instagram Story, he said: What a buzz it was to be on air again with the human dynamo that is Chris Evans. Love him!

It was confirmed last month that Tubridy would not be returning to his weekday morning show on RTE Radio 1 after Director General Kevin Bakhurst ended negotiations about his comeback.

He had been off-air since news of the payments controversy at RTE first broke in June.

His radio slot was renamed from The Ryan Tubridy Show to The Nine OClock Show while RTE search for his predecessor.

Comedian Oliver Callan and presenter Brendan Courtney have both filled-in for the former Late Late Show host in the interim.

Callan continues to host the slot each weekday morning from 9am.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has made contact with the garda watchdog seeking clarification on aspects of its probe into the fatal shooting by gardai of George Nkencho. The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) sent a file to the DPP in June outlining the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the 27-year-old in December 2020.

It is now up to the state prosecutor to decide if any of the gardai involved in the incident should face criminal charges.

One source said it was not unusual for the DPPs office to seek this clarification, particularly in investigations of significant public importance  and the George Nkencho case clearly falls into this category.

The fact the DPP is seeking clarification on certain matters suggests it is making good progress in its decision-making process, a separate source said.

Mr Nkencho was shot dead at 12.35pm on December 30, 2020, outside his home in Clonee, west Dublin, following a stand-off with gardai during which he refused to drop a knife.

Gsoc investigated the circumstances of his death in its immediate aftermath. The watchdog initially said it would complete its probe by December 2021, which was the first anniversary of Mr Nkenchos death. This objective was not met and the watchdog later conceded it needed more time.

Before the shooting, gardai had tried to disarm Mr Nkencho using a graduated policing response after an incident involving a shopkeeper at a Eurospar 23 minutes earlier where he allegedly brandished a knife. Garda units attended this scene and followed him, repeatedly asking him to drop the knife. Mr Nkencho refused and allegedly threatened officers when they tried to approach him.

By the time he reached his house, two members of the Armed Support Unit were at the scene and took over. Officers were unaware it was his home, and feared he could take the people inside hostage. He was pepper-sprayed and there were two attempts to Taser him.

Some of Mr Nkenchos siblings witnessed the shooting as they were inside the front door when an armed officer opened fire.

Moments before, Mr Nkenchos sister Gloria tried to tell gardai she could help and that her brother had a mental illness. However, as officers tried to contain the potential for violence, she had to retreat inside. Moments later he was shot dead.
The CyberSafeKids Annual Trends and Usage Report shows a quarter of primary school children have been cyber bullied. Photo: Getty

There is a growing realisation that cyber bullying has to be tackled. If this is not done soon, the problem will only get worse.

Bullying someone online is particularly nefarious as it does not take place in a public space, meaning the victim is left to suffer in silence.

Yes, parents or teachers can become aware and intervene, but it is largely left to those on the receiving end to decide how to deal with the problem.

As this is often a child, it places them in an anxious situation they are not equipped to deal with.

Children now have access to mobile phones and smart devices from an increasingly early age.

If parents and schools can come together under voluntary agreements to not give them phones until they have finished primary school that would certainly have merit.

At the very least, it would prevent the domino effect of other classmates having a phone and the pressure to conform that that brings. Confirmation at the end of sixth class tends to provide an independent source of funds, though, and phones are high on the wish list. The CyberSafeKids Annual Trends and Usage Report shows a quarter of primary school children have experienced cyber bullying, but it gets worse when they get to second level.

In secondary school, two in five pupils will be targeted, with girls more likely than boys to be victimised.

The survey shows a growing number of children are allowed online on their devices whenever they want.

Disturbingly, children are also vulnerable to contact from people they do not know. Gaming with strangers is now commonplace.

The online service providers and technology companies these children are using are making billions in profits and yet it is left to charities to pick up the pieces of the damage being done.

In particular in this country, where so many of the tech giants have their European headquarters, the revenue coming in surely justifies adequate funding for research, awareness and campaigning.

Education is key, as both a way of learning about the issue and a means to deliver solutions. But it will not happen without a concerted plan.

Almost three quarters of teachers say online safety is a significant issue in their school. Yet nearly half feel they dont have the skills to effectively deliver online safety training. Its an appeal for help.

The difficulty in the adult world is that children are so adept at staying ahead of a trend. By the time a parent or teacher realises there is a new development, the situation has moved on.

The relentless nature of cyber bullying means the negative effects students experience can include anxiety, depression, decreased academic performance, feelings of isolation, changes in eating and sleeping habits, lowered self-esteem, increased school absences, loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, withdrawing from family and using alcohol and drugs to cope.

The cost of doing nothing is too high.
Pat Kane, founder of Reuzi.ie, will be among the guest speakers at the National Womens Enterprise Day regional event in Clonakilty on October 19.

A NUMBER of high-profile guests have been lined up for the National Womens Enterprise regional event, which will take place on Thursday, October 19 at the Dunmore House hotel in Clonakilty.

Now in its 17th year, National Womens Enterprise Day shines the spotlight on female entrepreneurship, opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before and highlights what supports are available.

The regional event in Clonakilty, organised by Cork County Councils North & South Local Enterprise Office (LEO), will also provide valuable networking opportunities to connect with industry experts together with acknowledging the achievements of women in enterprise.

Hosted by Cork-based Jane Keating, creator of the Go Do You podcasts, the event will be opened with an address by Sharon Corcoran, head of Cork County Councils Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism directorate.

Guest speakers will include award-winning sustainability strategist Pat Kane, the founder of Reuzi.ie and co-founder of Good Better Best, who will speak about building a future-proof business, touching on her own entrepreneurial journey whilst also highlighting the small ways businesses can improve their sustainable practices.

The day will also include a panel discussion, followed by a keynote speech deliver by Laura Dowling, award-winning pharmacist and founder & CEO of the fabU wellness online portal.

Speaking ahead of the event Cllr Gillian Coughlan, deputising for the Mayor of County Cork, urged women from across the Cork region to sign up for the event.

National Womens Enterprise Day continues to highlight female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to build their community, share their successes and inspire others to follow their paths, said Cllr Coughlan.

I wholeheartedly encourage women in business from across Cork County to register to attend, and to embrace the theme of Empowering Business Together through networking, knowledge sharing and following the journeys of real-life entrepreneurs with leading light client companies speaking on the day, she added.

This initiative is led by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, and funded by the Government of Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities. T

To book your place for the Cork event visit www.localenterprise.ie.
Gardai preparing file for DPP following Ballingeary raids

Some of the suspected cannabis plants seized by gardai in the Ballingeary area. Photo: An Garda Siochana.

GARDAI in Cork have scored an major victory in their Operation Tara, a national anti-drugs strategy aimed at protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs following the seizure of suspected cannabis worth more than 120,000.

On foot of an intelligence led operation, a number of searches were undertaken by gardai attached to the West Cork Divisional Drugs Unit over a three-day period between Sunday and Tuesday at various locations in the Ballingeary area.

The operation was supported by the Southern Region Dog Unit, Cork County Divisional Drug Units and the Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance (ESSC) Team from the Irish Defence Forces.

During the course of the searches, more than 140 mature suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of 112,800 and 405g of harvested suspected cannabis with an estimated street value of approximately 8,100.

A garda spokesperson said the seized drugs well be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for further analysis.

A man in his 50s was arrested in connection with the seizures and detained at the garda station in the southern region under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, said the spokesperson.

He has since been charged and is due to appear before a sitting of Macroom District Court at a later date. A file will also be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Investigations are ongoing, they added.

Launched by garda commissioner Drew Harris in 2021, Operation Tara has a strong focus in tackling street-level drug dealing in cities, towns and villages across the State.

The focus of Operation Tara is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels - international, national, local - involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs, said the spokesperson.
James O Toole from Tathony House pictured speaking at the Cost of Living Coalition portest outside Leinster House.Picture Credit:Frank McGrath 1/4/23

Residents of both Tathony House in Dublin 8 and Applewood in Swords will join forces to protest outside Dublin City Council offices this weekend as the risk of mass eviction remains.

Those living in Tathony House have been involved in a dispute with landlord, Tathony Holdings Limited, since receiving notice of eviction in October 2022.

More than 30 apartments in the south-inner city building received notice to quit due to the landlord selling the building. Several tenants have been overholding since June 2.

In July, residents won a case taken with the Residential Tenancies Board, which deemed the eviction invalid.

A number of families at Applewood in Swords were also given formal notice of eviction by their management company, Home Club Limited, from January of this year.

Residents from both areas will be outside Dublin City Councils offices on Wood Quay this Saturday at 2pm.

Cllr Madeleine Johansson has been living in Tathony House for over a decade. She is also a People Before Profit councillor for North Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Lucan.

Were going in circles with the landlord, he has decided to appeal the decision of the tribunal, she said.

Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien TD defends the government's lifting of the eviction ban

This is not just for us on Saturday, its for other people in the same situation. There should be more consequences for landlords who dont engage with the local authorities.

People from Applewood in Swords will be at the rally on Saturday too. Theyre being evicted too. Its an absolute disgrace, there should be consequences for landlords.

All tenants are calling for penalties for landlords who refuse to engage with the governments tenant in-situ scheme.

I think the councils need to take a stronger approach when it comes to the housing emergency in Dublin, cllr Johansson said.

These landlords and the purchaser of the property would need planning permission to redevelop, councils could deny planning permission if families are being evicted to facilitate the sale.

Councillor Madeleine Johansson, a tenant of Tathony House, will join the protest on Saturday

There should be more protection for tenants who havent done anything wrong to be able to stay in their homes.

The fact that landlords are refusing to engage with local authorities, its an absolute disgrace. Theres no consequences for landlords who do that.

Ultimately, if landlords are refusing to engage, the council should have compulsory purchase powers to intervene and keep the tenants in their homes, she added.

The landlord at Tathony House has applied to appeal the Residential Tenancies Board decision that the mass eviction in the Dublin 8 apartment block was invalid.

A spokesperson for Dublin City council said: Dublin City Council has tried to contact the landlord of Tathony House on multiple occasions, but received no reply.

Dublin City Council will offer a full range of supports to anybody evicted from Tathony House, subject to compliance with various schemes, based on individual circumstances.

Tathony House tenant and community worker James OToole added: The government should just save us from the never-ending hell of having an eviction hanging over our heads.

They could reintroduce the eviction ban and bring us in line with other EU countries where no-fault evictions are permanently illegal.

Our landlord is just going to keep pushing until everyone is out of the block and the existing legislation offers us no real help.
Residents living close to the Island of Geese amenity site in Tralee have called for CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras to monitor anti-social behaviour at night.

Some residents are objecting to gangs of youths congregating in the facility where they are drinking and creating a noise nuisance.

Residents also feel that as the amenity area is adjacent to Tralee Garda Station, it should be relatively straight forward to monitor and police.

The amphitheatre section of the Island of Geese was recently painted to cover over obscene graffiti that defaced the impressive public structure. Empty bottles and cans are left strewn on the steps of the amphitheatre after late-night drinking sessions.

Labour Party Councillor Terry OBrien was approached by residents asking if he would bring the issue before Kerry County Council (KCC), who are the custodians of the site.

Ive been contacted by people living close to it who say while its a lovely facility by day, at night there is an element of blackguarding going on. They are asking if cameras could cover the area, even for a short term, Cllr OBrien said.

Plans are already in place to construct apartments and a courthouse on much of the remaining open spaces at Island of Geese. It means much of the site is earmarked for a combination of commercial use and social housing.

The green areas that are there now will eventually be gone. But what the residents are telling me is that while the site is in its current format, there should be greater security and Garda presence. Personally, Im not one for CCTV as it will only make people move on to another spot and cause trouble there. However, the residents want this, he added.

Cllr OBrien raised the matter at the recent Tralee Municipal District meeting. KCC said the current legal basis for the provision of CCTV for the purposes of monitoring crime and anti-social behaviour in public spaces requires permission from the Garda Commissioner under Section 38 of the Garda Act 2005.

KCC added the permission would require a Data Protection Impact Assessment, whereby the Data Controllers, namely, in this instance, KCC, would undertake an assessment of the privacy risks, and that the scheme is necessary and proportionate. This assessment should be backed up by crime incidence data.

In addition, KCC stated: The Gardas CCTV advisory committee meet once each quarter to assess applications for approval and make a recommendation to the Garda Commissioner. Obviously, capital funding and operational supports need to be put in place for any such scheme.

The Garda Press Office was contacted asking if Tralee Garda Station plan to include the Island of Geese under its current CCTV remit. No reply has yet been received.
#NotaDePrensa

Japon fue en el 2022 el tercer destino de las exportaciones peruanas al sumar US$ 3 mil 157 millones, representando un incremento de 7.7% respecto al 2021 y se caracterizo porque el 92.3% del total fueron productos tradicionales. ?? https://t.co/puaptfzkkh
Classroom sizes in rural areas are bigger according to new data.

More than 30 per cent of primary schools in Sligo have classrooms with over 30 pupils.

An analysis of class sizes in over 3,000 primary schools across the country by Independent.ie reveals that almost 1 in 10 children or 12.8 per cent of students in Sligo were taught in a class with more than 30 students in the last year.

It translates into 931 pupils out of 7,264 in total. The figure was even higher in neighbouring county Leitrim at 18.6 per cent. It was lowest in counties like Laois, Kildare and Dublin with 6.5, 8.3 and 8.5 per cent respectively.

Schools like Scoil Mhuire gan Smal in Ballymote, Moylough National School in Moylough and Ardkeeran National School in Riverstown had 34 students in at least one class last year.

57 per cent of pupils at Moylough National School were studying in an oversized class in the year 2022-23

Rathlee National School in Easkey had the highest average class size of 27 among more than 60 schools in Sligo.

Strandhill NS had an average class size of 26 with one class having 33. Scoil Ursula had an average class size of 26 with the largest class being 30. The figure for St Brendans NS, Cartron is 23 and 32. The average class size in Rathcormack NS is 26 with the largest class being 30.

The number of students enrolled in primary schools around the country in the year 2022-23 reached 558,143 which is up by 3,355 more than the previous year.

The growth in these numbers is mostly attributed to thousands of children from Ukraine who attended schools in Ireland after fleeing from the Russian invasion.

The national figures show that out 539,075 pupils 61,345 (11.4%) attended schools while studying in an overcrowded classroom. The Department of Education figures figures state that the average class size remained at 22.8 pupils per class in 2022-23, unchanged from the previous year.

Although there is no statutory limit on the size of general classes, a 1990 circular by the Department of Education stated that appropriate learning experience is difficult to achieve when classes consisting entirely of mainly four-year-old children exceeds 25.

General Secretary of Irish National Teachers Organisation John Boyle said, The INTO is campaigning for a two-point reduction in the average class size in primary schools in Budget 2024.

Notwithstanding the one-point reduction introduced by Government last September, Irelands average class sizes rose slightly due to the dramatic annual increase in pupil numbers, including those fleeing war and natural disasters.

It is required from the budget 2024 to ensure that the average Irish class sizes are brought into line with our EU counterparts.

Having class sizes of 20 would enable teachers to meet the broad spectrum of needs that children are presenting with. Teachers can use modern teaching methods more effectively and spend more time with each child with smaller class sizes.

This is particularly important for children with additional needs and those from disadvantaged communities.
Wickham Brothers in Market Square has been in business in Enniscorthy for over 60 years

Enniscorthy is marking the end of an era this week as the long established Wickhams family business has announced it is to change hands to a new owner, while the Donohoes bottling plant has also closed.

The bottling plant in Templeshannon, owned by the Kickham family, closed on Friday with the transfer of 12 employees to new roles, and one redundancy.

Wickhams Brother butchers on Market Square holds fond memories for generations of Enniscorthy people and has served the community for decades.

Proprietor Mark Wickham said hes not sure when they are leaving as there are complications about the drinks license.

The business has taken a number of knocks in recent years, having experienced two serious floods in two years, he said. The premises has been there in Enniscorthy for 62 years, going on 63. I had never been flooded before, but we had floods two years ago and one lately as well.

Covid and rising costs have taken their toll. Mr Wickham said there was no more he could do personally to save the business. My mother is still with us and its a heartbreak on her. It has to move on, thats it.

Mr Wickham works in SuperValu in Gorey and he was hoping the business could survive. He was disappointed when he successfully applied for planning permission for new decking outside the premises, but was refused a grant from the local authority as he was not providing indoor dining. The decking cost 6,000 to 7,000 to install.

It was between that and the two floods, he said. Its disappointing for myself as well as Ive put my heart and soul into it for the last 13 years. The business is still trading and is enjoying great support from local schoolboys in particular. Mr Wickham said it will be the end of September before the new owner takes over, due to issues around the leasing laws.

The identity of the new business tenant is not known to the Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, said spokesperson Jimmy Gahan.

It is with great sadness that the Chamber learned of the Wickham family leaving the business community in Enniscorthy, said Mr Gahan. We were very disappointed that a long-established business family is leaving the business scene in Enniscorthy. The Wickhams have made a considerable contribution to the commercial life of the town over many, many years.

Mr Gahan said the Chamber is delighted at reports that the business will not close, but that it is being taken over by another business person.

Wickhams posted a message on social media on Tuesday, August 29, saying that on Easter Monday 1961, a young man from Knockmarshall called Tony Wickham opened on Murphy floods corner as a butcher shop and bar, but as of next week that legacy will be ending.

A very big thank you to all the support over the years from the people of Enniscorthy, from Betty and family. It was a pleasure providing a service to the town over the years and many laughs, stories and friends were made over the years. Thanks again for all the custom and friendship.

Wickhams conducted a licensed premises, a butchery and a delicatessen. They had many strands to their bow. Uncles of the present owner of the Market Square premises would have been in business in Weafer Street and elsewhere in the town for a long, long number of years, said Mr Gahan.

We would encourage support for the new proprietor, whoever it may be. We need to shop local, and we need to support local. Its the only way we can keep jobs in the town, said Mr Gahan. Its been a bad week for Enniscorthy.

Meanwhile, Donohoes bottling plant closed on Friday, with 12 employees being transferred to another department within the Donohoe Drinks Company group concerned with bottling health drinks, and one redundancy in total.

The bottling plant has been synonymous with Enniscorthy for over 100 years, and its a great pity to see it close, said Mr Gahan.

It was synonymous also with the Big Brother Orange and Big Brother Lemonade. Its hard to think that neither of those products will be available any longer, he said.

The companys health drinks are bottled in the same complex as the soft drinks, and Mr Gahan said he hoped that the site could be used to expand the health drink bottling plant.

The one fortunate thing is the redundancies are kept to a minimum. There is only one redundancy that we are being made aware of, in Templeshannon, added Mr Gahan.

There are now considerable pressures on small business in Enniscorthy, with rising costs for materials and energy. The increase of the VAT rate on hospitality has led to substantial increases in all of Enniscorthys hospitality outlets, said Mr Gahan.

Its causing some concern for the Chamber. A typical cup of coffee has risen from 2.60 to 2.90. Prices have gone up considerably. Government must look at some supports for the small retail sector because theyre finding it harder to compete with the larger multinationals on a daily basis, he said. Car parking charges are also a challenge for smaller retailers in Enniscorthy, compared to the free parking offered by larger multinationals.
CAMHS report shows that 99 young people in north Wexford were waiting for mental health services in March this year

Poor facilities, long waiting lists and staff shortages in Wexfords adolescent mental health services have been highlighted in new report by the Mental Health Commission (MHC).

The MHCs Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Report 2022  2023 has found that North Wexford has a current waiting list of 99 patients, as of March this year. The waiting list during an inspection in May 2022 was 77 patients, an increase of 22 patients.

In South Wexford, there are 10 patients on the current waiting list, compared to 13 for last year.

In North Wexford, the report found that major issues with the facilities located in Enniscorthy. There was no assisted toilet, no designated disabled parking space, and no alarm.

In the South, the sector headquarters was located in a dedicated building in Wexford. It was a spacious building with four clinical rooms and two meeting rooms, with parking space available.

The difference between the number of the waiting list for South Wexford (10) and North Wexford (99) and between Tipperary team 1 (68) and Tipperary Team 2 (8) shows an inequality of access to CAMHS services dependent on where the child lives, even within the same county, and requires urgent investigation and remedy, stated the report.

Wexford forms part of the Community Health Organisation (CHO) 5 along with neighbouring counties. The report found there was poor access to CAMHS inpatient beds in CHO 5.

An out-of-hours service available in Wexford operated on a one in two rota  two consultant psychiatrists covering out of hours alternately  on a 24-hour basis and 365 days a year.

This provided a service to the emergency departments and paediatric departments in Wexford General Hospital. This on-call commitment is not possible to sustain in the long term and represents a lack of resilience in the system, according to the report.

One child and adolescent CMHT should be provided in each catchment area (300,000 population) to provide liaison cover. There should also be two liaison CAMHS teams in CHO 5 which would provide multi-disciplinary child and adolescent mental health services in the acute hospital setting.

The average age of young people referred into the service was 14 and young people receiving a service were aged from six to 18 years old.

In its conclusion, the report found that CHO 5 has been underfunded for a number of years to provide a comprehensive CAMHS service. In 2017, it had the second lowest funding per capita across the CHOs and it remains well below the national average.

There are severe staff shortages, with lack of approved posts and ongoing retention and recruitment difficulties.

No team had greater that 55 per cent of staffing recommended. Teams were missing key skilled staff to offer a comprehensive service. Staff worked extremely hard to deliver a CAMHS service but in most teams, there were many children on waiting lists and waiting lists were long, some over a year for routine cases. Morale among some staff was affected and there was little expectation among staff that the situation would improve.

Wexford Senator Malcolm Byrne while the report praised many aspects of the service in the region, of which Wexford is a part, including the professionalism of existing staff, there were serious concerns outlined about staff concerns and the long waiting lists for services. The report was also concerned about the lack of out of hours services.

"While we were aware of many of the challenges and I have spoken with many of the families and young people who rely on these services, the importance of this report is that it sets out the strengths and challenges of the CAMHS Services, said Senator Byrne.

While since Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler went into office, there has been increased funding for CAMHS and there are more funded staff posts available, the service is not as good as it should be. Every child and young person should have access to these services when they need them.

He added that 99 people on the CAMHS waiting list in North Wexford shows the urgency of the planned new CAMHS team that is to be located in Gorey to meet the demand for services

A spokesperson for the HSE said there continues be growing demand for the services provided by HSE CAMHS who now have nearly 20,000 cases nationally and see 225,000 appointments annually, and CHO teams have worked closely with the Mental Health Commission over the last year to develop and implement improvement plans for this critical service.

While we fully accept the challenges and issues identified in the CHO reports, it is important to note that across each CHO area, the hard work and dedication of the many staff working in this service is acknowledged and recognised by the MHC.

All those who work in CAMHS are committed to improving the care provided and making our services more responsive to the needs of children and young people. We know there are key areas where we need to improve the services provided.

We acknowledge the concerns raised by the MHC, including the gaps and challenges in staffing, deficits in infrastructure and issues relating to service delivery. We apologise to any young person or their family who has had a poor experience of our service and we want to assure them of our commitment to continue to develop our child and adolescent mental health services.

While there has been significant increased investment in CAMHS and youth mental health service over the last 10 years, we know improvements still need to be made and we are currently progressing of a new HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Service improvement programme.

"This involves the establishment of a new national office for Child and Youth Mental Health to lead out on this programme and to provide leadership, oversight and enhanced governance to services. We have also recently appointed a National Lead and a National Clinical Lead (CAMHS Psychiatrist) for Child and Youth Mental Health to lead this office and the service improvement programme.

We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in CHO teams to deliver this improvement programme and as we move toward our new organisational structures, we will strengthen the integration between CAMHS and other services, including Primary Care, Disability, Acute Hospitals, Social Inclusion  in the clear understanding that the needs of our children may need to be met across a number of our services, added the spokesperson.
Wellbeing washing is where an organisation does not practice what they preach with regard to the mental wellbeing of their staff.

Like greenwashing, wellbeing washing is where an organisation publicly shows support for mental health initiatives, but they dont support the mental wellbeing of their staff. They are not practicing what they preach.

A recent study by Claro Wellbeing in the UK found that although 71% of organisations hold mental health awareness days, only a third of them were rated as good or excellent in terms of the mental health support they provide their staff.

Celebrating national or global mental health days, weeks and months or organising events to celebrate mental health awareness or posting mental wellbeing related blogs or social media posts without supporting the mental health of your own staff can all be considered wellbeing washing.

Mental health is increasingly on the agenda these days. In Ireland in 2018, almost 1 in 5 had a mental health problem. Google searches for mental health reached their highest ever during COVID in 2021. Companies are aware of this, and they want to show they have their finger on the pulse and care. Bean bags, fruit baskets and posters on the wall do not mean mental health and wellbeing are actually being supported. It is important to have a meaningful strategy to support the mental wellbeing of your staff and to help them handle lifes stresses. Part of this support can be empowering individuals to handle their stresses through workshops or even an EAP. It may also involve looking at the culture in the organisation and or equipping managers with the tools to better support their staff and manage their own mental health.

In general, year on year, more people are more stressed more of the time. Although some people are happier than they have ever been, some are more stressed than ever, and employers have a key role in helping them if they want to retain the best talent and grow.

The Claro Wellbeing study found that more than a third of employers are wellbeing washing.

A study published by the McKinsey Health Institute revealed a significant difference in the perceptions of staff versus leadership regarding the culture in an organisation. They said that many employers dont realize how unhappy their employees are. The institute showed that employers rate the wellbeing and mental health of their employees 22% higher than how employees rate their own mental health and wellbeing.

To avoid wellbeing washing, it is important that employers take a more strategic approach to wellbeing. They need a proper strategy, and they need to plan and assess the impact of different initiatives. Employees can become cynical when they perceive that their employer is engaging in wellbeing washing. Not supporting mental health and team wellbeing affects culture, productivity and psychological safety which over time will adversely impact retention, performance and the bottom line.

Almost two thirds of HR leaders say that employees expectations for wellbeing support have risen in the last year. Many studies show that happy employers are more productive.

If you want to improve your wellbeing program, it is important to have a strategy. Be sincere in your efforts. Nobody and no organisation is perfect. Try things, assess and do more of what works. Have a budget. Do surveys. Ask your staff what their wellbeing issues and tailor solutions to address them. Invest in creating a strong culture of wellbeing in your company. Like most things that matter in life, there are no short cuts. Wellbeing takes time and sincere effort. But as Richard Branson says, if you look after your staff they will look after your customers. And, they will grow your business.
Ospreys often nest in the same treetop for up to 20 years and are strongly faithful to both their nest site and their mate.

The Osprey has returned to the island of Ireland as a breeding bird after an absence of two hundred years.

It is believed that the large, fish-eating bird of prey became extinct as a breeding species in Ireland in the late 18th century due to systematic persecution. The species present stronghold is in Scotland and since the birds are migratory, they are often sighted throughout the Republic of Ireland as they pass through on migration to and from their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Over the years there have been attempts to encourage the birds to stay and to breed here by the erection of nesting platforms. However, no breeding was ever confirmed. Not until now, that is.

Giles Knight is an Environmental Farming Scheme Adviser working with Ulster Wildlife. In 2021, he noted that a pair of Ospreys was present in a part an Co Fermanagh that he was working in. He kept an eye on the birds during his work-related farm visits in the area, but no breeding was ever confirmed.

A year passed and what appeared to be same pair of Ospreys arrived back at the same site last year but again no breeding could be confirmed.

This year the two migrants were back again at the same site and Giles and his son Eoin followed their progress closely as they felt the pair would surely breed. They were proved right when three chicks were recorded at the nest site. Since then, at least two of the chicks have fledged: the first known wild Osprey chicks on the island of Ireland in modern times.

The distinctive bird of prey had recolonised naturally and has successfully produced at least two, possibly three chicks. The Fermanagh countryside is obviously suitable habitat for the birds to live in and the adjoining lakes provide the apex predators with an abundance of fish to feed on.

Both the landowner and the local farming community welcome the Ospreys return so hopefully the birds will be left in peace so their numbers can continue to grow by returning year-on-year to breed.

Ospreys often nest in the same treetop eyrie for up to 20 years and are largely monogamous and strongly faithful to both nest and mate so the future for the birds looks good if they are allowed to live.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) BBC1, 11.40p.m.

Best friends Tish Rivers (KiKi Layne) and Fonny Hunt (Stephan James) fall in love in 1970s Harlem. One day, Tish endures unwelcome advances from another man and Fonny angrily intervenes. A passing police officer, Bell (Ed Skrein), threatens to arrest Fonny but the owner of a nearby grocery store vouches for the couple.

Soon after, a woman (Emily Rios) accuses Fonny of rape and officer Bells damning testimony seals his fate. As Fonny awaits trial in prison, Tish confirms she is pregnant to her parents (Regina King, Colman Domingo) and vows to prove her mans innocence.

If Beale Street Could Talk is a sublime adaptation of the novel penned by James Baldwin, which charts a love story against a turbulent backdrop of racial injustice, and features an Oscar-winning supporting performance from King.

THURSDAY

The Fence (2022) Film4, 9p.m.

Expanded from a short film of the same name, writer-director William Stones debut is a comedy drama set in 1980s Bristol.

Steven (David Perkins) saves up his money from his job in a butchers shop to buy a motorbike, even though his mum Sharon (Sally Phillips) fears it will be a deathtrap. However, no sooner has he bought the bike, he discovers its been stolen.

The police arent interested, especially when they realise the owner is the younger bother of notorious thug Andrew (Eugene Simon), so Steven sets out to find the thief himself. Theres not a lot here we havent seen before, but the film gets by on sheer charm.

FRIDAY

The Queen (2006) ITV, 11.25p.m.

Before he created the Netflix drama The Crown, Peter Morgan wrote this compelling account of the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana, which won Helen Mirren an Oscar for her tour-de-force portrayal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The film begins in May 1997 with the landslide victory of New Labour. Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and his wife Cherie (Helen McCrory) visit Buckingham Palace so he might be officially invited by the Queen to take up the position of Prime Minister. The tension during the encounter is evident, but the gulf between the royal family and government widens following that fateful night in Paris.

Mirren elegantly captures the sadness, fortitude, anger and frustration of a monarch struggling to reconcile her private thoughts of Princess Diana with the immense adoration of the people

SATURDAY

Dunkirk (2017) BBC1, 10.30p.m.

Christopher Nolans drama is a stunning mosaic of personal stories of hard-fought triumph and agonising defeat set against the sprawling backdrop of the largest evacuation of allied forces during the Second World War.

Young British soldier Tommy (Fionn Whitehead) escapes a hail of German bullets and races to the beaches of Dunkirk, where more than 300,000 exhausted men await rescue. On the other side of the Channel, sailor Mr Dawson (Mark Rylance) answers Winston Churchills impassioned call for civilian boats to rescue our boys.

At sea, he fishes out a shell-shocked soldier (Cillian Murphy) from the hull of an overturned vessel and witnesses a dogfight between German fighter planes and Royal Air Force spitfires piloted by Farrier (Tom Hardy) and Collins (Jack Lowden).

SUNDAY

Parasite (2019) Channel 4, midnight

Wily patriarch Kim Ki-tek (Song Kang-ho) presides over a family of con artists, including wife Chung-sook (Chang Hyae-jin), son Ki-woo (Choi Woo-shik) and daughter Ki-jung (Park So-dam). They live in a squalid basement apartment in a poor neighbourhood of Seoul, but good fortune smiles on Ki-woo when a friend recommends him as an English tutor for teenager Park Da-hae (Jeong Ji-so).

Once he has earned her wealthy mother Yon-kyo (Cho Yeo-jeong) and father Dong-iks (Lee Sun-kyun) trust, Ki-woo recommends other members of his clan for positions of responsibility. However, housekeeper Mun-kwang (Lee Jung-eun) is suspicious.

Parasite is a wickedly entertaining, genre-bending satire, which deservedly became the first film not in the English language to claim the Best Picture statuette at the Oscars.

MONDAY

Rocky Balboa (2006) ITV4, 9p.m.

The sixth film in the franchise finds Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) living back in his old neighbourhood, grieving for his late wife Adrian, and running a restaurant where he entertains customers with stories of the old days. But when a computer simulation suggests that Balboa in his prime would have beaten the current heavyweight champion, the publicists lure him back into the ring for an exhibition bout.

Some people might have been sceptical about the prospect of Stallone putting the gloves back on, but Rocky Balboa turns out to be an unexpected treat. Rather than turning to the increasingly daft sequels for inspiration, this drama has the spirit of the early Rocky running through its veins  and paves the way for Stallones Oscar-nominated reprisal of the role in Creed.

TUESDAY

Lion (2016) Film4, 9p.m.

Director Garth Davis moving drama is adapted from the memoir A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley. As a five-year-old in India, Saroo became separated from his older brother at a station, and boarded the wrong train, taking him more than 1,000 miles away from home to the city of Kolkata. Unable to speak the language or tell anyone where he is from, the youngster is eventually adopted by a loving Australian family (headed by Nicole Kidman).

As an adult, Saroo (now played by Dev Patel in a powerful performance) decides to try to find his birth family, but will he be able to locate them after all these years, and how will his search his affect his adoptive parents?
In summer 2021, Ger Kelly was looking forward to a fresh start. After experiencing some health issues, the 37-year-old from Kilkenny was busy applying for new jobs and he also had plans to move to an apartment in Dublin.

Two years before, Ger, who hails from Gowran, was diagnosed with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. He spent periods in hospital after his diagnosis and was recovering well after treatment. He had started exercising again and he was setting out on walks of up to 22km a day when he began to experience a pain in his side.

I said to myself, its fine, its grand, dont worry about it, its only your autoimmune disease and youre not digesting or youve caught a bug, he recalls. Irish people can be so reluctant to go to a doctor and I think males are worse.

Then I started getting a slight pain in my lower back. Because I was doing a lot of walking at that stage, I thought it was my bodys way of telling me to slow down and that I was only coming out of an illness and I should stop pushing myself.

The pain progressed over the following months and spread further to his rib cage. Ger was having difficulties eating and lost weight. He also had problems using the bathroom. I didnt feel like myself, he says.

Although there were times when he felt fine, on other days he had no energy whatsoever.

He attributed some of his symptoms to his underlying autoimmune disorder.

His symptoms grew more severe and Ger was admitted to hospital in November 2021 where he received a diagnosis of Stage 4 colorectal cancer with liver metastases. He is now receiving palliative chemotherapy and he is keen to share his story in order to raise awareness of bowel cancer.

Im at the stage now where I would like a legacy, says Ger, who highlights that almost 2,700 people in Ireland are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year and that it can affect anyone at any age.

Ger used some of the Irish Cancer Societys services after his diagnosis and found them very helpful. When he was in St Vincents Hospital, he availed of booklets from the Daffodil Centre there, and he used the website to find information when he didnt have a booklet to hand.

More recently, he called the Support Line and spoke to a nurse when he was having bowel issues.

Im not a person who moans, he says of his diagnosis. I still try to run around as much even though Im getting slower and I like to think I am a spiritual person as well. I want to get my story out there because we need to get this disease eradicated.

Now 39, Ger is a palliative patient with Blackrock hospice.

I am on a mission to raise awareness and get funding towards this amazing hospice.

He is holding a charity walk on Saturday, September 9, from Blanchfields pub in St Mullins R95V9TT to Graiguenamanagh, starting at 11 a.m. Everyone will walk towards the Mullichain Cafe and on to Graiguenamanagh, roughly a 7km walk in total.

Ger will be holding a raffle at Blanchfields after with some amazing spot prizes such as afternoon tea for two adults and two children in Mount Juliet Hotel in Thomastown. There will be a short talk after the event.

He said if any reader has worries or concerns about cancer, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700 from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
American actors to perform during festival

The 5th annual Eugene ONeill Festival will take place in New Ross from Thursday, October 12 to Sunday, October 15, headlined by Anna Christie at St Michaels Theatre on Sunday night, October 15.

Eugene ONeill Foundation Artistic Director and play director Eric Fraisher Hayes, along with lead actor Adrian Deane, return to New Ross with a cast of five American actors for Anna Christie.

We are excited to return to the St. Michaels Theatre to make great theatre and visit with our Irish friends, says Hayes. We are very proud of our Irish and American theatre connections.

Anna Christie is ONeills 1922 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about one of his most spirited and memorable female protagonists. The play portrays a woman who fights for self-determination against the expectations of society and the men in her life.

When Anna memorably enters Johnny-the-Priests New York waterfront saloon, shes looking to reconnect with her barge-captain father after surviving a childhood of abandonment and trauma and after supporting herself as a sex worker. As she joins her father at sea to heal, she finds family, love, and a renewed sense of purpose to live on her terms, declaring, Nobody owns me, see?cepting meself 

In Act III of Anna Christie, Anna Christopherson makes her stand. The two men in her life, her father, a Swedish barge captain, and her lover, an Irish sailor, take it upon themselves to declare who Anna is and what her future will be. Feeling like a piece of furniture, she is fed up and tells them to both go to hell, to sit down and listen for once.

After a life of being defined by others, Anna has her say. The play is hailed as one of the first times in the American theatre that a woman boldly advocated for herself, declaring she will be the master of her own destiny.

The 2023 Eugene ONeill programme commences on Thursday, October 12, with a civic welcome for the visiting delegations from Danville, California led by Mayor Robert Storer and members of the Eugene ONeill Foundation and the Eugene ONeill Society, with visitors from across the USA. The well known New Ross band The Nomads will perform for the visiting guests.

Friday evening at 8 p.m. will feature the premiere of A Better Sort of Life, an original one act play written by Michael Power and Richard Hayes and performed by well known Waterford actor of stage and screen, Michael Power.

The play tells the story of James ONeill from Tinneranny near New Ross, father of Eugene ONeill. James was a famous actor in his day and the model for the character Tyrone in Eugene ONeills play Long Day's Journey into Night.

The story is told from three perspectives, that of James himself, of his son, Eugene, and of his father Edmund, and tries to capture the ambiguities and contradictions of an Irishman who fulfilled the American dream, a famous man of the stage whose son became the greatest American playwright and a central figure in World Theatre. A Better Sort of Life is Produced by St Michaels Theatre and the Eugene ONeill Festival.

Following the one act play on Friday evening, soprano Clodagh Kinsella will perform a concert featuring her debut single If You Love Me and a program that will span genres from folk to country to pop. Kinsella will be accompanied by Martin Murray on Mandola and violin and Gay Brazil on guitar and dobro guitar.

Saturday evening presents the annual ONeill Gathering event and the return of Wexford folk band, Green Road, from their recent successful US and Irish Tours.

The weekend will also present a number of academic sessions exploring Eugene ONeill works presented by Katie Johnson, Professor of History at Miami University and Dr Richard Hayes, Vice President, SETU.

Festival Chair Sean Reidy said: I am excited again that the Eugene ONeill Festival will be hosting top class theatre from the US, with a Pulitzer Prize winning ONeill play, combined with an original Irish play and delighted to support local musical talent like Green Road and Clodagh Kinsella to achieve their full potential on the international stage.
Bus Eireann is contacting families in County Wexford in relation a school bus service affected by a shortage of trained drivers, as the schools reopen for the new term.

With schools returning on a staged basis this week, Bus Eireann has issued school transport tickets to 130,000 students travelling on mainstream services, said a spokesperson.

Some 99 per cent of tickets have now issued to those who applied and paid on time, that is 23,000 more tickets issued to date this year, compared with the same time last year.

In recent weeks, Bus Eireann issued tickets for mainstream school transport on bus services that had already been secured. Driver shortages are being experienced in many sectors of the economy and throughout the country.

Unfortunately, in recent days, a number of difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services, averaging about two per cent nationally.

In County Wexford, this currently relates to one mainstream service. Bus Eireann has contacted affected families directly and will maintain communications with them, said the spokesperson.

In the event that this period is unavoidably extended, further contact will be made with the families affected by Friday, September 1. This will be to ensure that an interim arrangement to assist with the cost of alternative arrangements for the families affected is accessible to those who need it, she said.

The Department of Education is currently in the process of establishing an Exceptional No Service Interim Grant which, will be based on the number of days children attend school and will be made available to the families.

The grant is only available to the small number of families who have already received a school transport ticket from Bus Eireann, and where difficulties have meant that transport will not be in place for the start of the school year on August 28.

Bus Eireann have contacted these families directly. Families do not need to make an application for the exceptional payment, those who have been issued a ticket, and do not have a service in place will be contacted after 1 September 2023.

Work continues to resolve this matter and we are committed to providing transport to these students as quickly as is possible  no school transport routes have been cancelled, added the spokesperson

Separately, its understood that a number of routes operated by a private bus operator have had to be cancelled or curtailed, due to a shortage in trained bus drivers. The affected routes are understood to be from Kilmuckridge to St Peters College, and Loreto schools in Wexford, and a bus from Kilmuckridge to Creagh college in Gorey.
Singing pubs in The Merry Elf, Terence Crosbie singing Have You Ever Seen The Rain accompanied by the Elfettes in 2019.

After four years away, one of Wexfords most beloved annual competitions is set to return to local pubs this autumn. Cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Wexford Singing and Swinging Pubs will return this October for the first time since 2019.

Confirming the news, publican Liam Sinnott, who owns Sinnotts Bar on Distillery Road, said the Singing Pubs would be running in tandem with Wexford Festival Opera.

It will be running from October, Monday 23 to the following bank holiday Monday, October 30, and Diageo will be the sponsors once more, said Liam. Itll be great to get people back in to their local pubs and have the Singing Pubs as part of the festival once more. It was always a staple part of the calendar at that time of year, along with the Opera Festival and, more recently, the Spiegeltent, and I think everyone in the town will be happy to see it back.

Given that its only the first year back, a decision has been taken to only run the event in the pubs in Wexford town this year and to not extend it to rural areas, at least for the time being.

This year were just going to have it in the town itself, we had previously been running it in some of the rural pubs but we decided for this year that well just do it in town first to get it back up and running, Liam said. But we do plan to expand it to its former glory in time. Overall though, were excited to get it back, there should be a great buzz around the place.

Meanwhile, James Ryan, owner of T Morris on Monck Street, said he is already assembling his team of performers in anticipation of their big night.

Its fantastic to have it back, the people of Wexford campaigned to have it back and now its returned, the rivalries among the pubs has already begun, said James. Its great to be judged by your peers, by your fellow publicans, and by your regulars.

Admitting hes never sung a tune in my life, James says hes been involved with the Singing Pubs for over 20 years. And he plans to use that experience to ensure T Morriss is one of the frontrunners in this years competition.

We dont want to give too much away but we have something special planned for our night, we always have something special in the works. Were on the first night on Monday, October 23 at 10 p.m. and we hope that people will come out and support it; a huge amount of work has gone into it behind the scenes and its something thats talked about afterwards for the rest of the year.

The Wexford Singing and Swinging Pubs Competition was founded in 1952 and has been held every year without exception until the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Argentine trade representative hails CIFTISs role in improving trade connectivity

16:59, September 06, 2023 By Chang Sha ( People's Daily Online

Its a great opportunity for our companies to be in touch with Chinese companies that are at the forefront of innovation and development, and also to be in touch with their counterparts from all over the world, said Rodrigo Gomez, head of the trade section of the Embassy of Argentina in China, at the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing from Sept. 2 to 6.

Rodrigo Gomez, head of the trade section of the Embassy of Argentina in China, at the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2023. (Peoples Daily Online/Chang Sha)

Argentina has participated in the fair since 2020, and is participating in this years event through companies from different service sectors, such as tourism, culture, science and technology, and knowledge-based services, said Gomez.

One of the highlights exhibited in the pavilion of Argentina for the 2023 CIFTIS is the countrys prestigious wineries, which rank high in the list of the best wineries globally. According to Gomez, Argentine wine producers are ready to offer their quality goods and share valuable experiences.

The pavilion also showcases the South American countrys capacity to develop satellites and related services, and to create e-commerce solutions, he noted, adding that China is the most important market in e-commerce.

China is one of Argentinas major trading partners and main investors in various sectors in the country, ranging from energy, oil and gas to infrastructure, Gomez said.

Argentina, together with five other countries, was invited to be a full member of BRICS during the 15th BRICS Summit on Aug. 24, 2023. Gomez said it symbolizes a series of efforts that both countries have been making during many years to build a very strong relationship at the state level, but also at the corporate and private sector level.

He believes that the invitation to become a part of BRICS will be conducive to both Argentina and China.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The United States State Department has reiterated its call to immediately reopen the Lachin Corridor amid "deteriorating humanitarian conditions" in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The blockade has led to severe shortages of essential products such as food and medications.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson on September 5 expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the continued blockage of food, medicine, and other essential goods.

This is something that we are going to remain deeply engaged on.We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the continued blockage of food, medicine, and other essential goods. The U.S. has worked continuously with the sides over the past several weeks to allow humanitarian assistance to reach the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we reiterate our call to immediately reopen the Lachin corridor to humanitarian, commercial, and passenger traffic as well, U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing.

The U.S., among other countries, has numerously called for the reopening of the Lachin Corridor, but Azerbaijan hasnt changed course and continues to keep the road under blockade.

Lachin Corridor is the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh, which is home to 120,000 Armenians, to Armenia and the rest of the world.

The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of using the blockade to commit ethnic cleansing and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Earlier in August, former International Criminal Court prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, issued a report warning that the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes genocide.
The Arklow SEC Energy Awareness Day at the Coral Leisure Centre will feature a showcase of over 20 new EV cars.

There will be a buzz of excitement around the Coral Leisure Centre in Arklow on Saturday, September 9, when the Arklow Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) host the seaside towns first-ever energy awareness day.

Taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free event, which is supported by Wicklow County Council, Arklow Tidy Towns and Wicklow SEC, will be an opportunity to learn a bit more about making your home more energy efficient and investing in electric vehicles or e-bikes.

A range of businesses will be on hand to provide information on their services and products. Why not come down to find out more about insulating your home, investing in solar panels or upgrading your heating systems?

If an investment in a new car is on the cards for you this year, there will be a range of car dealers on hand to demonstrate their latest range in electric vehicles. Come along and talk to the car dealers to learn more about the range of electric car options available.

Gavin Harte of Education for Sustainable Development will deliver practical workshops on the smarter use of energy in the home during the day, using practical demonstrations to show how we can all make more efficient use of energy in our homes and save money.

There will be fun activities for the kids provided by An Taisce and SEAI, giving them an opportunity to learn about how energy works.

During the day, Arklow SEC will launch its energy master plan for the town of Arklow. The plan contains a profile of energy usage in the town that looks at both houses and commercial buildings. It provides a register of opportunities detailing works that can be undertaken to improve the energy performance of buildings.

The plan outlines actions that can help the town decarbonise energy use for Arklow, helping to deliver climate action and provide greener energy use in the town, an Arklow SEC spokesperson said.

Ten communities in Wicklow have partnered with Wicklow County Council to undertake an energy master plan with funding from SEAI.

The network of SECs in the county has undertaken a range of projects, including awareness days and a solar meithal to promote uptake of energy improvements in homes, businesses and community facilities.

All are welcome on the day, so come along and see whats on offer and take the opportunity to ask questions to the companies that are providing services and products for greening our homes and find out about grant supports that are available to help finance the works that will improve our homes and ultimately lower our costs of heating our homes and transport.
14,000 extra Wexford votes may ensure no TD for Arklow

A map showing the areas of south Wicklow that are set to merge with north Wexford areas to create a new inter-county constituency.

Local Arklow representatives have expressed concerns about the population inequity within the newly created Wicklow-Wexford constituency and the prospect of no Wicklow candidate being elected to the new three-seater.

Arklow councillors Pat Kennedy, Miriam Murphy, Pat Fitzgerald, Tommy Annesley and Senator Pat Casey have been reacting to the controversial announcement of the constituency, which encompasses territories from the south and north of the respective counties and had initially been welcomed as a huge boost to chances of the town getting a TD elected for the first time.
Attendees focused on the sound of water and blocked out the noise from nearby traffic. Photo: Louis Haugh

The Suppose a Stone community collaboration hosted an insightful sensory walk in Aughrim that drew crowds of curious locals, eager to hear, see, feel and experience the Granite City like never before.

The fantastic workshop was an experiment on how the community experiences the town of Aughrim through their various senses, to think broadly about accessibility and to consider the experiences of people of different ages and sensory abilities and ask: What kind of sensory story does Aughrim tell us?

The two-hour sensory walk, designed to connect participants with the sounds, smells, tastes and sensations of Aughrim, was facilitated by architect Jenny OLeary of Howff, choreographer Aoife McAtamney, artist Jackson Byrne and curator Kate Strain.

The walk was part of the 'Suppose a Stone' collaboration between Aughrim Tidy Towns CLG, Aughrim Active Retirement Group, Aughrim Mens Shed, Kunstverein Aughrim and architect Jenny OLeary.

Together, they are undertaking an all-ages, interspecies accessibility audit of Aughrim, supported by the Irish Architecture Foundations Reimagine Hometown Architect initiative.

To date, they have launched a survey and activity map, conducted a Walkability Study with Age Friendly Ireland, and realised a Sensory Walk with choreographer Aoife McAtamney.

Speaking after the well-attended sensory walk, Kunstverein Aughrim curator Kate Strain said: It was such a lovely day, and the local participation was just fantastic.

It was all about experiencing Aughrim through the senses, other than the predominant sense of sight. It was things like an ablind0folded walk of the Sean Lenehan woods or tasting local honey and local pesto that the Brook Lodge made over by the picnic benches.

We did a meditation on the water, where we focused on the water and tuned out the noise of the traffic to the point where it faded far into the background.

"We did another hearing exercise with ear plugs, where we tried to tune in and out of different registers of noise while looking at different visuals at the same time, which was really cool. It was designed by our choreographer Aoife McAtamney.

We went down to the forge to feel the granite and its temperature, and thought in terms of the built environment, about things like hand rails and what materials they're made of.

Jenny, our architect, had a bunch of materials, like a wooden handrail sample, a plastic one, a steel one, and with our eyes closed, we felt and touched all of them to see what the different textures were like and how they made us feel.

The Suppose a Stone project has several upcoming plans, including the collation of all data and ideas generated thus far and the development of a participatory workshop involving the prototyping of a temporary drawbridge, designed to test potential improvements to current shop front accessibility barriers.

The Suppose a Stone project is supported by Hometown Architect, as part of the Irish Architecture Foundations nationwide Reimagine placemaking programme.

For more information about Suppose a Stone, contact office@kunstverein.ie
Klara O'Leary and Annamarie McNally, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Wicklow female entrepreneurs are encouraging others from the county to join the latest cycle of ACORNS  a highly-successful free development initiative to support early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.

Kate Beckett and Klara OLeary were part of a programme that benefitted from the experience of the over 350 female entrepreneurs who have taken part in ACORNS to date.

Kate, from Newcastle, is a speech and language professional and the founder of Optima Speech Therapy which was launched in June 2021. Optima Speech Therapys success is underpinned by Kates YouTube channel, on which she posts instructional videos for parents and children on how to work on language activities and how to produce specific speech sounds. Alongside Kate, the star of these videos, DARA, teaches children how to use their tongue and lips to make a targeted sound.

Kate said she found great support from her ACORNS group and found it particularly helpful to have a group of strong women to bounce ideas off while learning to balance both business and family.

Meanwhile, Klara OLeary, from Enniskerry, started her company Care Box Collection from her own home at the age of just 23, in 2020.

Klara was a participant on ACORNS 7 and said it encouraged participants to focus on the fundamentals of their businesses and it was hugely beneficial to network with other businesswomen.

I would highly recommend ACORNS to any female entrepreneur looking to grow their early stage start up. The programme creates a strong sense of community and provides significant support throughout the 6 months and beyond, she said.

The call for applications for the ninth cycle of ACORNS was recently launched by Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. ACORNS is funded through the Departments Rural Innovation and Development Fund.

The programme comes highly recommended by previous participants, with 100% of those surveyed at the end of the eight cycle saying they would recommend the programme to others.

The 46 entrepreneurs in ACORNS 8 made significant progress over the six months of their involvement, reporting significant growth in their new businesses. Their combined turnover almost doubled in the six months to April 2023  from 1.9m to 3.6m.

Participants in ACORNS 8 employed 96 (55 full-time, 41 part-time) staff at the end of the cycle, an increase of 16. There were also five new exporters over the cycle.

ACORNS is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur, who has first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland. Each of the Lead Entrepreneurs give their time to the programme on a voluntary basis, as they believe in the philosophy of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McConalogue said: While there are many rewards to being an entrepreneur, it can be a lonely journey with many challenges. To provide support in dealing with these challenges, I am pleased to be able to provide further funding to female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland through the ninth ACORNS Programme. This programme will not only help develop businesses, but will provide networking opportunities to participants that may not be as available in rural parts of the country.

To date through the ACORNS programme, I have been able to support over 400 female entrepreneurs to realise their business ambitions, while contributing to society in a meaningful way. The impact of this support has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting both increased sales and the creation of additional jobs.

Considering the wide-ranging benefits accrued, I am delighted that we are in a position to continue to support a further 50 participants for this years initiative which is funded under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund, he added.

The combined turnover for the 48 companies who completed ACORNS 7 increased over the cycle from 1.5m in October 2021 to 3.1m by April 2022. The firms involved also increased their combined workforce over the cycle from 94 to 116 (19 per cent), an increase of 22 new jobs in rural Ireland.

Only early-stage female entrepreneurs operating in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2020, are eligible to apply.

There are 50 places available for ACORNS 9 which will run from October 2023 to April 2024. Those wishing to receive an application form for ACORNS 9 should register on the website: acorns.ie. The deadline for applications is midnight, September 22.
Councillors hit out at lack of consultation regarding two sites

Councillors have rejected proposals to construct modular homes at sites in Baltinglass and Dunlavin as part of the Ukrainian humanitarian response.

The elected members had to vote on a Part 8 before them at Mondays meeting of Wicklow County Council, which if passed, would have resulted in a three-year lease agreement with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth over 1.82 hectares of land at Lathaleere, Baltinglass and 1.37 hectares at Dunlavin lower.
Irish Rail has confirmed that coastal protection works will commence along the Murrough later this month.

Over the years coastal erosion has eroded away sizeable sections of the Murrough, leading to increased calls to protect and preserve it against any further degradation. Another large section of the popular Wicklow town walk way was also washed away in August during Storm Betty.

The Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer OGorman, met with officials from Irish Rail last week and agreement was reached allowing Irish Rail access to the area.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh, a longstanding campaigner looking to save the Murrough, welcomed the news.

I am delighted the works are about to commence. While we cant hold back climate change, we can still protect the Murrough. If you arent from the area, then I really dont think you understand just how important the Murrough is to everyone. I have been out walking there fort years and you meet all different types of people. To lose the Murrough would be a travesty.

The works due to commence later in the month will start at the existing rock armour and will involve more rock revetments.

Irish Rail also established the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects (ECRIPP), which aims to deliver the necessary enhanced coastal protection to the existing railway infrastructure in a number of key locations on this rail network. However, in advance of the ECRIPP, Cllr Kavanagh has sought assurance from the council to extent the temporary path put in place in arch.

She added: Six months ago I asked for the temporary path to be extended further up towards the Monkey Pole but it wasnt possible. My worry would be that while the railway line might be protected, pedestrian access could be lost. One more bad storm and that path is gone completely.

I was given a commitment that the path will be included, as well as other works. I realise that were facing an uphill battle with climate change but the Murrough is too valuable an amenity to be lost to the community. We have to do all in our power to save it.
A Wicklow town mother has shared her frustration after she was informed two days before the start of school that there was no bus to transport her 16-year-old special needs daughter to St Catherines Special School.

Sarah Gorman, who has Down Syndrome and is the daughter of Tara Gargan, has been attending St Catherines for most of her life. Her mother has encountered difficulties in previous years when it comes to school transport, often left scrambling at the last minute to try to arrange transport until a bus place for Sarah is confirmed, with school having already started for the year.

However, Taras frustration levels reached breaking point this week when she was informed there wasnt a bus to collect Sarah and other children from Wicklow town who attend St Catherines.

I was only notified on Monday (last week) that the tender had gone out but no contract for our route in Wicklow town had been appointed. Trying to contact Bus Eireann was impossible, with calls going unanswered, or you were cut off when you got through. Emails also kept bouncing back.

If Tesco have software that can predict what I buy based on trends before I make a purchase, then surely the Department of Education know based on births who will need transport, especially in special needs education when it actually forms such an integral part of the childs day.

There are issues every year and I cant think of a single year where there wasnt some sort of disruption for Sarah.

Everything just seems to be left to the very last minute. This year was the straw that broke the camels back and these continuous issues with school transport each year really need to be highlighted.

While St Catherines Special School have been very supportive towards Tara and other impacted children, she lays the blame solely at the doors of the Department of Education and Bus Eireann.

The same thing happens every year. There is always some sort of disruption. The Government and Bus Eireann are prepared to take the pain this causes and seem to think it will just go away if ignored. The people manning the telephone lines who are meant to help parents are basically being used as human shields. They are the ones having to deal with distraught parents.

I actually have some sympathy with the position they are being placed in. I was constantly asked for Sarahs bus pass number and I had to repeatedly tell them that she attends a special needs school and therefore doesnt get a bus pass number.

You are just basically sent around on a loop from the Department to Bus Eireann and then back again. They couldnt even find Sarahs name on the system.

I spent the whole of Monday and Tuesday (last week) trying to find out what was going on, and it was horrific. I had to bring Sarah to and from school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, as well as some of her classmates, which wasnt easy as I work and had to rearrange a lot of things.

At times it just feels like unbearable pressure is being placed on parents which could easily be avoided.

The whole system simply doesnt work. The same mistakes are made every year and no lessons ever seem to be learnt. If a bus route is established then it should be for a number of years rather than just for nine months.

Routine is also vitally important to vulnerable children such as Sarah and her St Catherines cohorts.

Tara added: She was delighted I was bringing her to school. She thinks the school bus is broken but she has already said she doesnt want to go back on the bus. Routine is so massively important to all the children attending St Catherines. Sarah usually loved getting the bus which has the same group of children travelling to the school every day.

Breaking that routine can be very stressful for both the child and the parents. Each of these children has individual needs that have to be considered but just seem to be ignored.

Tara was finally informed on Friday afternoon that a new bus was in place, starting on Monday and continuing for the rest of the school year.

I just had an incredibly stressful week which could easily be avoided if only Department and Bus Eireann could get their act together. The system is completely disjointed and doesnt take either parents or their children into consideration in the way it should, stated Tara.
UKRAINIANS living in Wicklow and their Irish neighbours joined forces to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day at An Tairseach Organic Farm and Ecology Centre.

Ukrainian Independence Day takes place on August 24, but it was decided to hold the celebration event on Sunday, August 27 instead, which was organised by volunteers who work at the Ukraine Hub in Wicklow town. It featured traditional food, an arts and crafts market, a photo exhibition and the debut performance by the newly formed choir Voice of Ukraine.

We had a great turnout on the day of over 200 people, which we were delighted with, said Tanya Antonova.

The concert went really well and Sean Olohan performed alongside them. There was a nice mix of music including some traditional Irish music alongside some music from Ukraine. We had one Ukrainian lady living in Arklow who attended and used to run her own musical school. A new dancing group called Wicklow Dance is also due to open in September so the Ukrainian founders were present to introduce themselves.

Our market went really well too. We had some local ladies from Rathnew selling lovely quilts and another Ukrainian lady from Waterford who came down and sold lovely and specially designed cards and prints. We also had two Ukrainian craft makers living in Arklow who sold traditional national dolls. We had a lot of crafts ordered over from Ukraine for the market and people left very happy and with empty pockets, which was good for us.

Our photo exhibition featured 12 women from Ukraine who are currently living in County Wicklow. It was very much a collaboration and focused on both Ukrainian and Irish heritage, and the majority of the images were all recognisable Wicklow locations,. We sold all 100 calendars featuring images from the exhibition, with some people purchasing as much as ten calendars. We have some further calendars ordered which we will also be selling.

There was also plenty of Ukrainian food to sample. The day meant a lot to all the Ukrainian people living in Wicklow, and it was great to see so many host families in attendance.

All the proceeds will be donated to the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland (AURI), whose objective is to provide support to the Ukrainian community in Ireland, as well as providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians in Ukraine.

The Wicklow town Ukraine Hub, Palyanytsya, also has further events lined up for the months ahead, including a Ukrainian cultural day taking place in Wicklow Library on September 22, which will again feature the photo exhibition on the third floor.

Talks on Ukrainian culture and heritage are due to take place at Wicklow library on October 6 and October 10. A Christmas Market takes place at An Tairseach Organic Farm and Ecology Centre on December 10.
Keep Ireland Open are organising a protest walk later this month with the aim of restabilising and making access permanent to the lighthouses at Wicklow Head together with right of way access.

Concerns have been raised by councillors during the year at the arbitrary closure of part of the access road to the lighthouses on Wicklow Head, a Special Protection Area, by a local landowner.

Whilst Keep Ireland Open commend Wicklow County Council for registering the cliff walk as a right of way and the development and maintenance of the looped cliff walk, its only accessible to those with good mobility.

Many locals use the lighthouse road for exercise, birdwatching, photography and other outdoor pursuits as it is a suitable surface to access the countryside within walking distance from the town. Traditionally this walk has been enjoyed by townspeople but recent years have seen locked gates manned by security guards and confrontations between one landowner and walkers.

Fintan Clarke, a longstanding local activist, recalls this route has been used for as long as he can remember.

This Irish Lights roadway has provided the only connection that people have with Wicklow Head, the most easterly point of the Republic. It is a place of enormous national interest not alone because of its natural beauty but also because of its built heritage dating back to the late 1700s. The people of Wicklow and potential visitors from further afield deserve better than to have this priceless heritage snatched away and one might ask what our public representatives intend to do about it.

Wicklow Head Preservation Group won Best Natural Heritage award in the Pure Mile competition when they first entered the Lighthouse Road. In order to enter the competition, permission was sought from the Irish Lights who maintain the road.

Sam Conway of the Wicklow Head Preservation Group explained: Irish Lights stated at the time that they had no problem with members of the public walking the road down through the years. Now we have the very sad situation that people are deprived of walking the full length of the road and it would seem that Irish Lights and Wicklow County Council are unable or unwilling to get involved.

Direct action is being called for and Chairperson of Keep Ireland Open, Robert Dowds, believes this walk is an example of the problems with current legislation, He said: Even if Wicklow County Council negotiate a solution under the current legislation this could arise again. This is why Keep Ireland Open are campaigning for legislative change.

The protest walk to the lighthouse on Wicklow Head takes place on Saturday, September 16, starting at 2 p.m. when the protest will leave from the Glen Turn carpark and walk out along the public footpath to the Lighthouse Road and the lighthouses.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. United States Congressman Adam Schiff has called out Azerbaijan for illegally holding numerous Armenian prisoners of war.

According to confirmed data, Azerbaijan is holding 33 Armenian prisoners of war from the 2020 war. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement that ended the war, Azerbaijan was to release all POWs and other detainees but it failed to do so. According to numerous human rights advocates the number of Armenians POWs illegally jailed in Azerbaijan is much higher.

To this day, Azerbaijan continues to illegally hold numerous Armenian prisoners of war, while the fate of many who are still missing remains unknown, Schiff said on Facebook. My thoughts are with the families in Armenia and Artsakh still missing loved ones. I pray for their safe return, even as I pray for an end to the brutal blockade, he added.

In July 2023, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of trying to use Armenian prisoners of war as a bargaining chip.
Coming out as a lesbian to my children was hands down the most difficult thing I have ever had to do
Ukrainian drone shot down near village where Putin has a home

No indication Russian president was at the house when reported attack took place

Ukraine's President Zelensky awards a Ukrainian service member as he visits a position at a frontline on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Nataliya Vasilyeva Wed 6 Sep 2023 at 03:20







Russian forces shot down a Ukrainian drone in a village where Vladimir Putin has a residence, according to reports.
Nearly 20 years after Escorts Heart Institute, a Delhi-based hospital, ushered in a pathbreaking procedure that employed robotic assistance for complex heart surgery, Robotic Surgery has not only increased its footprint manifold today but promises to grow at a rapid pace.

Mahendra Bhandari, CEO, Vattikuti Foundation, a robotic surgery evangelist attributes this to the availability of a variety of surgical robots from multiple vendors, an increasing number of trained doctors and commitment to investing in surgical robots by government and corporate hospitals.

In addition, surgical robots are now being applied to newer medical specialties like joint replacement and heart conditions like the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Dr Bhandari adds.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic Surgery is not a process where a robot takes over from human doctors, as a common misconception goes. It involves a specially trained surgeon seated on a console that resembles a video gaming machine. Just a few feet away from the patient the surgeon can control four slim arms, as wide as a lead pencil. Inside a patient's body these arms act like the four arms of a surgeon. One arm has a tiny camera to capture 3-dimensional images with manifold magnification. The other arms can be guided to cut, dissect, grasp and sew often exceeding what a surgeon's wrist and fingers can do.

Well qualified surgeons are typically highly trained in their own speciality such as urology, nephrology, gynaecology, gastro-intestinal and accomplished in the use of robotic systems for the procedures usually undertaken by them. The benefits are obvious as treatment and management is easier and quicker, as is recovery with far fewer complications. The greatest role of Robotic Surgery remains the ability to do fine dissection to reach and even reconstruct tissue damaged by cancer.

What started out as an assistive tool to access soft tissue, often difficult to access the usual way, has begun to see wider application with almost every medical speciality benefiting with over 100 hospitals regularly performing robotic surgeries.

Over 110,000 robot assisted surgeries have been performed in the country in the last 15 years, as per industry estimates.

Joint Replacement Robots

The next big revolution in Robotic Surgery emerged with specialised robots for joint replacement procedures about a decade ago. The first joint replacement robot, Mako, in use at Amrita Hospital, Kochi since 2017 now has 20 installations across India with over 80 experienced orthopaedic surgeons trained and certified to handle joint replacement surgeries.

Some of the large hospital chains with a Mako robot include Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, Apollo Indraprastha Hospital in Delhi. It has been used for over 10,000 joint replacement procedures in India so far.

Globally, the surgical robot market is expected to reach $30.7 billion by 2030, according to forecasts by data and analytical firm, GlobalData. Slowed because of the Covid-19 pandemic during which even emergency procedures were halted, Robotic surgery should now surge ahead. Certainly, the number of doctors being trained has gone up. So have the number of conferences, workshops and demonstrations.

Training of Surgeons

The field of Robotic Surgery in India also has strong evangelists, like the Vattikuti Foundation set up by Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Raj Vattikuti in 1997, with the single overarching mission of encouraging and supporting the use of Robotic Surgery. Using every channel and platform available, the Foundation has grown to be a source that generates excellence in this form of surgery for multiple medical disciplines. The Foundation has been active in India for about 15 years and has actively promoted robotic Surgery with paid fellowships, bi-annual conferences in India with invited overseas robotic surgery as lead speakers, observation fellowships and master classes.

The Vattikuti Foundation is privileged to have played its evangelist role by training over 500 super specialist surgeons from all specialties to become accomplished robotic surgeons India in the last decade.

Dr Bhandari adds Vattikuti Foundations effort in preparing a vast a pool of surgeons over the last 10 years, gives him the satisfaction that each one of the 100-plus hospitals performing Robotic Surgeries in India has either a robotic surgeon, mentor or a Vattikuti Fellow trained by the Foundation.

Indian state governments State governments are acquiring state-of-the-art robotic surgery technology demonstrating their commitment to innovation. States like Telangana have in place a robotic policy framework with healthcare as one prime sector for the government in promoting robotic technology.

How affordable

Responding to the high cost associated with Robotic surgeries in India, Dr Bhandari says that with the availability of robots from at least half a dozen manufacturers the cost of surgeries is bound to go down.

The new training facility at AIIMS will serve as yet another beacon of progress by providing robotic surgery skills to hundreds of surgeons who can deliver better outcomes to patients by increasing access to high-quality medical care and reducing costs. Shorter hospital stays for patients because of robotic surgery will make healthcare facilities accessible to more patients needing life-saving surgery and organ transplant.

Encouragingly, more major health insurers now reimburse additional expenses for Robotic Surgery as they believe that it delivers better outcomes and shorter hospital stays  another reason that could add to the growth of this form of surgery in India.
Skincare brand Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic on Tuesday launched four skin serums which promise to give users radiant and rejuvenated skin.

The beautycare company said the serums have been crafted with aromatherapy-based ingredients.

The company said the products are completely free from parabens and artificial fragrances.

Speaking to IBNS at the launch event in Kolkata, beauty expert Blossom Kochhar, founder of Aroma Magic, said: "I decided to make these products available to all consumers and want them to use it. I have tried it and I know these products are wonderful and promise to give fantastic results to consumers."

Suggesting people to keep healthy skin during the Monsoon, she said: "During the Monsoon, people should cleanse their skin properly. They should also tone their skin during the rainy season."

She suggested people use 'light moisturisers' during the Monsoon season in the country.



The four products launched in the city on Tuesday are: Vitamin C Face Serum, Squalane Serum, Hyaluronic Serum, and Niacinamide Face Serum

(Reporting by Supriyo Hazra, Images by Avishek Mitra)
Image Credit: S Jaishankar Twitter page

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has backed the usage of "President of Bharat" instead of "President of India" in an invitation to foreign leaders for a G20 dinner amid the speculation over whether the Modi government is inching forward to change the country's name.

Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar said, "India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it."

"Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well," he added.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on the row over invitation cards to the G20 Summit, mentioning 'Bharat', India/Bharat debate



"India, that is Bharat - it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read it...When you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an pic.twitter.com/5tg6QTK86c  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

'President of Bharat' in G20 invitation

"President of Bharat" instead of the traditional use of "President of India" in an invitation to foreign leaders for a G20 dinner has triggered speculation over whether the Modi government is mulling a change in the country's name officially.

A letter from President Droupadi Murmu starts with "The President of Bharat requests..."

This is the first time the word "Bharat" is used instead of "India" in an official invitation.

"Bharat" has also reportedly been used in a G20 booklet which has been handed over to foreign delegates. The title of the booklet has been kept "Bharat, The Mother of Democracy".

Amid the new change in India's projection at the international level, officials argued "Bharat" is also in the Constitution whose Article 1 reads, "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States".

The move comes weeks after over 20 opposition parties, who are opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), formed a bloc named INDIA or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance eyeing the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The bloc, which is hellbent to oust Modi from power after his two terms, is assumed that it has kept INDIA as its name to counter the nationalist agenda put forward by BJP at all levels of elections in the country.

BJP lauds 'President of Bharat' move in G20 dinner invitation

Assam Chief Minister and a BJP leader, Himanta Biswa Sarma, tweeted, "REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL."

REPUBLIC OF BHARAT - happy and proud that our civilisation is marching ahead boldly towards AMRIT KAAL  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 5, 2023

Slamming Congress for objecting to "Bharat", BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda tweeted, "Why does the Congress have so much objection to every subject related to the honor and pride of the country? Why do political yatras in the name of Bharat Jodo hate the proclamation of Bharat Mata Ki Jai?

"It is clear that the Congress has neither respect for the country, nor for the constitution of the country, nor for the constitutional institutions. He just means to praise a particular family. The whole country knows very well the anti-national and anti-constitutional intentions of the Congress."

               ?



                   ?



            ,            Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 5, 2023

Opposition reacts to 'President of Bharat' usage at G20 dinner invite

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.

"Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: 'Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.' But now even this 'Union of States' is under assault."

So the news is indeed true.



Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on Sept 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.



Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States.  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin tweeted, "After Non-BJP forces united to dethrone the fascist BJP regime and aptly named their alliance #INDIA, now the BJP wants to change 'India' for 'Bharat.'

"BJP promised to TRANSFORM India, but all we got is a name change after 9 years! Seems like the BJP is rattled by a single term called India because they recognise the strength of unity within the opposition. During the elections, 'India' will chase BJP out of power!"

After Non-BJP forces united to dethrone the fascist BJP regime and aptly named their alliance #INDIA, now the BJP wants to change 'India' for 'Bharat.'



BJP promised to TRANSFORM India, but all we got is a name change after 9 years!



Seems like the BJP is rattled by a single term  M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) September 5, 2023

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We already call India as Bharat. This is nothing new. But the name India is globally known. What has suddenly happened that India's name needed to be changed?... They (BJP govt) are changing history."
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Foreign military attaches and representatives accredited in Armenia on Wednesday were briefed by the Armenian Ministry of Defense on the operational situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The briefing was held by Levon Ayvazyan, Director of the Defense Policy and International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Defense.

Ayvazyan said that the Armenian Armed Forces, within their duties, are taking all necessary measures to not allow a further escalation of the situation.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Imphal/UNI: The Manipur government imposed curfews in five districts of Manipur on Wednesday as displaced people announced their decision to return to their houses.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called upon the displaced people to return to their houses.

Over 60,000 people were displaced after the crisis started on May 3 at Churachandpur district.

All the houses owned by a particular ethnic group at Churachandpur, Moreh, Kangpokpi had been completely destroyed by people from another group.

Some residents living on the periphery of the hilly areas expressed their desire to return to their houses as the situation has improved, but they were not allowed to go back.

COCOMI leaders said they would enter the houses even if the army and other security personnel stopped them.

Information Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan appealed to COCOMI to withdraw the plan. Many barricades were removed, and about 700 displaced people from the Torbung area have resettled in their original houses.

Apprehending a major uprising to demand resettlement, a curfew was imposed for the whole day in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts. In the remaining 11 other districts, curfews will be relaxed during the day.
Photo Courtesy: MEA Twitter (now X)page

China, a nation that has been engaged in a conflict with India in recent times, on Tuesday said it supports New Delhi in hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi and is ready to work with all parties in making the event successful.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the comment just days after it announced that President Xi Jinping would not attend the G20 Summit.

Instead of him, country's Premier Li Qiang will attend the event.

"The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. China always attaches high importance to and actively participates in relevant activities. We support India in hosting this years summit and stand ready to work with all parties to make the G20 summit a success," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

She said the China-India relationship have been stable on the whole and our two sides have maintained dialogue and communication at various levels.

"The continued improvement and growth of China-India relations serves the common interests of the two countries and two peoples. We stand ready to work with India to further improve and advance bilateral relations," she said.

She made the comment in the backdrop of the new "standard map" being issued by China last week that has triggered a row.

India lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels with Beijing over the issue of the 2023 standard map of China that lays claim to Indias territory.

Also Read: Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip G20 Summit in India this week, Premier Li Qiang to attend

In response to media queries, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi earlier said, "India rejects these claims as they have no basis."

"Such steps by the Chinese side only complicate the resolution of the boundary question," the MEA spokesperson said.

India's response came after China on last Monday officially released the 2023 edition of its standard map where Arunachal Pradesh, the Aksai Chin region, Taiwan, and the disputed South China Sea were all included within the Chinese territory.

The map was released days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi-Jinping called for a "resolution" of the long-standing border issues between the two nations on the sidelines of the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit in South Africa.

The two leaders also agreed to intensify efforts at expeditious "disengagement and de-escalation" to restore normal relationships between the two countries.
Photo courtesy: UNI

New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sought some time to file a reply to the application filed by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his acquittal in the criminal defamation case filed against the latter.

Counsel for the Shekhawat has submitted in the court that a list of documents supplied by the complainant is either illegible or partially illegible.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had filed a defamation case before the District Court of Rouse Avenue, New Delhi against Ashok Gehlot by submitting that the Rajasthan Chief Minister had defamed him and falsely accused him of being involved in the Rs 900 crore Sanjivani Credit Society scam.

Shekhawat contended that his name did not appear anywhere when the Rajasthan government investigated the matter.

It is alleged by Shekhawat that the accused, by way of press conferences, media reports/social media posts, etc. has publicly stated that not only the complainant and his family members are accused in the Sanjivani scam, but also that the allegations against the complainant, in the said scam, stand proved.

His counsel had alleged that the accused has on different occasions addressed the media and has also uploaded videos and posts on his social media accounts in order to maliciously defame the complainant by way of false statements, particularly stating that the allegations against the complainant in Sanjivani scam stand proved and that the crime, of misappropriation/embezzlement of money belonging to poor and innocent investors, has been proved against the complainant.

Shekhawat requested the court that Gehlot be prosecuted for criminal defamation defined under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sought appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.

The Court had earlier issued summons under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Rajasthan CM for his appearance before the court.

The arguments on the application of Gehlot seeking acquittal in the case were listed for Wednesday.
In image PM Modi at the Red Fort on the occasion on Independence Day/ courtesy: PIB

New Delhi/IBNS: Even as the dinner invite to G20 leaders from President Droupadi Murmu sparked controversy and speculation over the country's name change after using the term 'President of Bharat' instead of the traditional 'President of India' on Tuesday, another document has come to light that refers to Narendra Modi as the 'Prime Minister of Bharat'.

This time a note on PM Modi's visit to Indonesia on Wednesday and Thursday for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit refers to him as the 'Prime Minister of Bharat'.

The note was posted on X, formerly Twitter, by BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra and invited an immediate attack from the Congress.

The Prime Minister Of Bharat pic.twitter.com/lHozUHSoC4  Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 5, 2023

The Congress pointed out that both the 'ASEAN-India Summit' and the 'Prime Minister of Bharat' were used in the same document.

"Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA," Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on the platform.

Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit.



All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA  pic.twitter.com/AbT1Ax8wrO  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 5, 2023

The identity cards of Indian officials at the G20 Summit on Sept 9 and 10 will also read 'Bharat - Official', said reports.

There is already a buzz that the name of the country might be changed to 'Bharat' from 'India' after President Droupadi Murmu's invitation to G20 leaders introduced her as the "President of Bharat" instead of the traditional "President of India".

Moreover, the suspense over the agenda of the Parliament's special session, to be held from Sept 18-22, called by the Centre, has added fuel to the speculation on the country's name change.

The opposition has linked the possible move to its 28-party alliance calling itself 'INDIA' and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has questioned what the Centre will do if the bloc decides to rename itself 'Bharat'.

"Will BJP replace 'Bharat' with something else, if INDIA alliance changes its name to Bharat?" Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal questioned.

"What happened suddenly that you will change the name of the country?" questioned Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, pointing out that while in Hindi, the term "Bharat ka Samvidhan (Constitution of India)" is used, "the world knows us by the name of India".


In image Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha from their engagement ceremony/ courtesy: Instagram

Mumbai/IBNS: The year's most anticipated wedding of Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha is all set to happen later this month, according to reports.

Amidst multiple reports circulating in the social media about their wedding venue and dates, a wedding reception invite has been doing the rounds on the Internet which claims the couple will host a reception in Chandigarh on September 30.

The invite has been sent from Raghav's family. The white card has golden motifs on its border and it looks simple yet classy. An official announcement is still awaited.

Meanwhile, the wedding and all pre-wedding festivities will take place in Udaipur's Leela Palace.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the festivities will begin on Sept 17 and conclude on Sept 24, which is being speculated as the wedding date.

"Only close family members and friends will be staying there (Leela Palace). For the other guests, all luxury properties in and around the wedding venue have been booked. It's going to be a grand Punjabi wedding. The celebration will end on September 24," HT quoted the source as saying.

As per reports, high-security arrangements will also be in place as a lot of politicians will be attending the wedding.

Meanwhile, an India Today report stated, "The wedding rituals will take place on September 23 and 24 at the Leela Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas."

Arrangements to accommodate over 200 guests and more than 50 VVIP guests have been made, the report stated.

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha got engaged in the presence of family members and friends in May in Delhi's Kapurthala House.

Their dating rumours started doing the rounds after they were pictured at a Mumbai eatery together earlier this year.
Image: WFP/Mohammad Hasib Hazinyar

Food assistance to two million people in Afghanistan will have to be cut later this month, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.

Forced to take the drastic measures citing a massive funding shortfall, WFP will only be able to provide emergency assistance to three million people per month across the country from October.

Amid already worrying levels of hunger and malnutrition, we are obliged to choose between the hungry and the starving, leaving millions of families scrambling for their next meal," said Hsiao-Wei Lee, WFP's Country Director and Representative in Afghanistan.

Rations already reduced

In March, the UN food agency had to reduce rations from 75 to 50 per cent for communities experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In the following two months, it was forced to cut off food assistance to eight million people.

This brings the total number of people forced to go without WFP support this year in the country to a staggering 10 million - whilst more than one-third of the population go to bed hungry every night.

Dire situation

The UN agency emphasised that this will add to an already dire situation" and have severe consequences for civilians. This is particularly true for women who are increasingly being marginalised in Afghan society, owing to their narrowing options for making a living or to feed their children.

Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have issued a cascade of restrictive orders that amounts to extreme institutionalized gender-based discrimination and a systematic chipping away of the rights of women and girls, according to UN-appointed human rights experts.

The cuts also mean that approximately 1.4 million new and expecting mothers and their children are no longer receiving specialised food designed to prevent malnutrition, which will cause a sharp rise in admissions to nutrition centres, the agency warned.

Afghanistan context

Echoing that message, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with a serious risk of systemic collapse and human catastrophe.

Two years since the Taliban took control, 29.2 million people are now in need of assistance - over two-thirds of the countrys population.

WFP response

To respond to the funding crisis, WFP has urged the international community to provide an additional $1 billion over the next six months, in order to reach 21 million people with lifesaving aid. This includes pre-positioning food for remote communities ahead of the looming, harsh winter.

A small window of opportunity remains to avert catastrophe in Afghanistan, but we are running out of time, said Ms. Lee.

The cost of inaction will be paid by the most vulnerable women and children reeling from the impact of 40 years of conflict, a crippled economy and a worsening climate crisis.

WFP also reported it is going through a crippling funding crisis, forcing it to scale back life-saving assistance globally when acute hunger is at record levels. Almost half of WFPs country operations have had to cut the size and scope of their assistance programmes.
US warns North Korea over Kim Jong Un's possible visit to Russia to discuss arms supply to Moscow for use in war against Ukraine. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

The United States warned North Korea over its supreme leader Kim Jong Un's possible upcoming visit to Russia to discuss arms supply to Moscow for the ongoing war against Ukraine and said Pyongyang will pay a price for it.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House: "Providing weapons to Russia for use on the battlefield to attack grain silos and the heating infrastructure of major cities as we head into winter to try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation  this is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community."

He said: "We have also imposed sanctions  specific, targeted sanctions to try to disrupt any effort to use North Korea as a conduit or as a source for weapons going to Russia."

"We did so as recently as mid-August. And we have continued to convey privately as well as publicly to the North Koreans  and asked allies and partners to do the same  our view that they should abide by their publicly stated commitments that theyre not going to provide these weapons," the top US official said.

He said: " But we will continue to look for opportunities to dissuade the North Koreans from taking this step, to get others to do the same, and to report to the world what we are seeing in terms of the actively advancing discussions that are taking place between these two countries."

A U.S. official earlier told CBS News that the North Korean leader will discuss the possibility of his nation supplying weapons to Moscow to support its war against Ukraine.

The possible meeting between the Russian and North Korean leaders comes after the White House said it had new information that arms negotiations between the two countries were 'actively advancing', CBS News reported.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on last Wednesday as quoted by CBS News that Russia's Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, recently travelled to North Korea to "try to convince Pyongyang to send artillery ammunition" to Russia, and after the visit, Putin and Kim exchanged letters "pledging to increase their bilateral cooperation."

The Russian government, however, declined to comment on Kim Jong Un's possible visit to the country.

We have nothing to say on the subject, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday as quoted by CNN.
Image: UNICEF/Jose Daniel Urdaneta

An unprecedented number of migrants and refugees continue to cross the dense tropical jungle between Colombia and Panama known as the Darien Gap, risking their lives and facing horrific human rights abuses, the UN rights office (OHCHR) said on Tuesday.

So far this year, more than 330,000 people have crossed the Darien Gap on their journey towards North America  the highest annual figure recorded to date, OHCHR said. One in five was a child.

Risk of sexual violence

During the crossing, migrants and refugees are exposed to multiple human rights violations and abuses, including sexual violence  a particular risk for children, women, LGBTI people and people with disabilities, said OHCHR spokesperson Marta Hurtado.

She added that there were also murders, disappearances, trafficking, robbery, and intimidation by organised crime groups.

10-day journey

Ms. Hurtado pointed out that traveling on foot through the 575,000-hectare jungle was already perilous in itself, and a four to seven-day walk across the Darien Gap in the dry season could turn into a 10-day trip during the nine month-long rainy season.

The harrowing trek involves climbing steep mountains and crossing dangerous waterways.

Increased vulnerabilities

OHCHR highlighted limited humanitarian attention both in Panama and Costa Rica as a factor that worsened the precarious living conditions in the two countries and increased vulnerabilities.

Last month, the UN quoted figures from Panamanian authorities showing that those crossing the jungle came mainly from Venezuela (55 per cent), Haiti (14 per cent), and Ecuador (14 per cent).

Some are coming from Colombia and Peru and children of Haitian parents born in Chile and Brazil have been recorded too.

Others come from as far away as China, Afghanistan and Nepal.

Tweet URL

Stretched capacity

With the support of the international community, the Government of Panama has built three migration centres to provide shelter, food, health care and water and sanitation for those on the move, OHCHR said. Two are located in Darien province and one at the border with Costa Rica.

However, capacity remains stretched. OHCHR warned that amid rising numbers of incoming refugees and migrants, providing protection and aid was increasingly challenging for the authorities.

Avoid anti-migrant narratives

Ms. Hurtado said her office recognised the efforts being made by Costa Rica and Panama to meet humanitarian needs.

OHCHR called on the international community to strengthen its support to the States in the Americas to close protection gaps and to help address the structural factors forcing people to leave their homes.

Back in August, the UN migration agency (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) also urged a collaborative, comprehensive and regional approach in responding to humanitarian and protection needs of people on the move across the whole Latin America and Caribbean region.

Advocating for human rights-based solutions to migration governance challenges, OHCHR warned against discriminatory, anti-migrant narratives targeting vulnerable people on the move.
Photo courtesy: Arshad Yousafzai X page

Pakistani police have arrested three people in connection to the attacks on the Ahmadiyya, a minor community in Pakistan, in Karachi city.

According to reports, an Ahmadiyya worship place was vandalised in Karachis Saddar area on Monday.

Meanwhile, a video has gone viral on X platform where a few men, with their faces covered, could be seen hitting the minarets on the Ahmadiyya Halls rooftop using sledgehammers.

The first information report was lodged at the Preedy police station on the states behalf through Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Parvez under Sections 34 (common intention), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft) of the Pakistan Penal Code against 15 to 20 people, reports Dawn News.

The ASI told the newspaper that the and other officers were performing their duty when they received information that around 15-20 persons had attacked and encircled the policemen who had attempted to prevent the mob from attacking the Ahmadi communitys hall.

He said the police rushed to the spot and ensured their colleagues were released from the mob.

Amir Mehmood, a spokesman for the Jamaat Ahmadiyya in Pakistan, told Dawn News that around 10 people initially attacked their hall at the time of Zuhr prayer.

They forcibly entered and destroyed the minarets and other things, Mehmood said, adding that the security guard on duty fired into the air to disperse them.

He said the attackers fled after the firing but a mob gathered at the site again after a while.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

PLAs Military Court president Cheng Dongfang has been removed from his position just after eight months in service, according to China's national legislature.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) voted on a group of personnel changes, including the removal of Cheng, it said in a statement without elaborating, after a Friday meeting in Beijing, reports Nikkei Asia.

In December 2022, Cheng, a rear admiral in the PLA Navy, assumed the office of the president at the military court.

Before being appointed as the president of the military court, he was elected as a member of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection during the Communist Party's 20th National Congress in October last year.

Previously, he was the prosecutor-general of the PLA's military procuratorate in 2021 after serving less than a year as the political commissar of the southwest Sichuan provincial command, reports Nikkei Asia.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Uruguays former ruling party Broad Front (FA) has condemned Azerbaijan for committing military aggression and genocide against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the Republic of Armenia.

In a statement, Broad Front expressed solidarity with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and urged the government of Uruguay to act toward a peaceful resolution.

Broad Front condemns the military aggression and genocide based on the illegal territorial expansion carried out by force by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia, in contravention of international law, Broad Front said, endorsing former ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampos report that the Azeri blockade of Lachin Corridor constitutes genocide, and the Declaration of the Senate of Uruguay of December 20, 2022 which called on Azerbaijan to comply with its international commitments and ensure free movement through the corridor.

Broad Front expressed solidarity with the people of Artsakh in the face of the illegal blockade carried out by the State of Azerbaijan, which constitutes an act of flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It also reiterated its commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflict in line with international law and urged the government of Uruguay to act towards it, based on the foreign policy tradition of solidarity that Uruguay has had with the people of Armenia.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh, which is home to 120,000 Armenians, to Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022.

The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of using the blockade to commit ethnic cleansing and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The former national chairman of the Proud Boys was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Tuesday for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Henry Enrique Tarrio , 39, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to 22 years in prison and 36 months of supervised release.

His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election, read a statement issued by the US Department of Justice.

On January 6th, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked, 140 law enforcement officers defending those inside were assaulted, and the peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected government  a cornerstone of our democracy  was interrupted, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The Justice Department proved in court that the Proud Boys played a central role in setting the January 6th attack on our Capitol into motion. Over the past week, four members of the Proud Boys received sentences that reflect the danger their crimes pose to our democracy. Today, the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, learned that the consequence of conspiring to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power is 22 years in federal prison.

Todays sentencing demonstrates that those who attempted to undermine the workings of American democracy will be held criminally accountable, said FBI Director Christopher Wray. The FBI will always protect those who peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. But we will never condone the actions of those who break our laws, and we will continue to work with federal prosecutors to ensure those perpetrators are held responsible.

No organization put more boots on the ground at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 than the Proud Boys, and they were at the forefront of every major breach of the Capitols defenses, leading the on-the-ground efforts to storm the seat of government, said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. The leaders of the Proud Boys and the leaders of the Oath Keepers, who conspired before, during, and after the siege of the Capitol to use force against their own government to prevent the peaceful transfer of power have now been held accountable.

Also Read: US House panel investigating Capitol riot delays release of final report

On May 4, 2023, a jury found Tarrio and three other co-defendants of multiple felonies, including seditious conspiracy for their actions before and during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Previously sentenced in this matter were co-defendants Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola.

Nordean was sentenced to 18 years in prison, Biggs was sentenced to 17 years, Rehl was sentenced to 15 years, and Pezzola was sentenced to 10 years.

According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, prior to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, Tarrio created a special chapter of the Proud Boys known as the Ministry of Self Defense, which included co-defendants Nordean, Biggs, and Rehl, conspired to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the Electoral College vote and to oppose by force the authority of the government of the United States.

In the days leading to Jan. 6, 2021, Tarrio and the other leaders of the Ministry of Self Defense hand-selected members of the organization, including co-defendant Dominic Pezzola, to serve as rally boys during the attack on the Capitol.

To prepare for the attack on the Capitol, Tarrio and the other leaders of the Ministry of Self Defense established a chain of command, chose a time and place for their attack, and intentionally recruited others who would follow their top-down leadership and who were prepared to engage in physical violence if necessary.

On Jan. 6, 2021, the group began their assault that day at 10:00 a.m. when Nordean, Biggs, Rehl, and others marched an assembled group of nearly 200 individuals away from speeches at the Ellipse and directly toward the Capitol.

At 2:11 p.m., Pezzola smashed open a window, allowing the first rioters to enter the Capitol as Biggs and those with him entered close behind.

Court documents say that Nordean, Biggs and Rehl, and the men they recruited and led, participated in every consequential breach at the Capitol that day.

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly found that Tarrios conduct constituted an official act of terrorism and applied an enhancement to his final sentence.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The charges in the investigation are the result of significant cooperation between agents and staff across numerous FBI Field Offices and law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, the Justice Departments National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section, and the Justice Departments Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case.

In the 31 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,106 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 350 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Trump to testify in his own defense at the trials | Photo Courtesy: Wallpaper Cave

Washington/UNI: Former US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he will testify in his own defense if the criminal case against him proceeds to trial.

Oh, yes, absolutely, Trump said during an interview with Hugh Hewitt, when asked if he would testify at a trial against him. I look forward to testifying," Trump replied.

Trump is accused of mishandling secret information and attempting to rig the 2020 US presidential election, among other charges, in four state and federal indictments.

Trump has denied the charges against him, referring to the cases as a political witch hunt and election interference.

Trump currently leads the pack of Republican presidential hopefuls in primary polling despite the unresolved criminal charges.

Last month, US district judge Tanya Chutkan set a trial date of March 4, 2024 for the 2020 election case.

The date is just one day before so-called Super Tuesday, on which more than a dozen states hold primaries for the 2024 US presidential election.

Trump has said he will appeal the scheduled trial date.
MINNNESOTA - The landscapes of a Minnesota state park, filled with golden prairies and winding rivers, also conceal the secret graves of Dakota individuals who perished when the United States breached treaties with Native Americans over a hundred...
New Mexicos Attorney General, Raul Torrez, is seeking control over the states languid advancement in the reformation of its public education system. This move is in an effort to guarantee that all children receive the adequate education man...
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma legislators have limited Governor Kevin Stitts authority over a committee focused on Native American education amidst ongoing conflicts with tribal chiefs. The officials removed eight of Stitts nine nominations to th...
Krishna Janmashtami wishes and quotes 2023: Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Notably, Janmashtami is an important Hindu festival, which is celebrated all over India with major celebrations taking place in Mathura and Vrindavan, the two places intricately associated with the birth and youth of Lord Krishna. The festival is also known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and Janmashtami.

This year, like Raksha Bandhan, people are confused about whether Krishna Janmashtami is on September 6 or 7. According to Drik Panchang, Krishna Janmashtami falls on two consecutive days. And as the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 15:37 on September 06, 2023, and end at 16:14 on September 07, it will be celebrated on both days.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

Counted amongst one of the important festivals of the Hindus, Janmashtami celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. People all over the world celebrate the beautiful festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal. Fasts are kept, temples are decorated, and offerings of prasad are distributed to honour Lord Krishna on this day. People wish each other on the occasion and wish for their long-term health.

As Shri Krishna Janmashtami is just around the corner, you can share Janmashtami wishes with your near and dear ones on Janmashtami 2023. Not only this, you can even wish everyone by sending your family, friends, and colleagues Janmashtami messages and images to seek Lord Krishna's blessings.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

ALSO READ: Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Is Janmashtami on September 6 or 7? Know The Exact Date And Auspicious Time

ALSO READ: Happy Janmashtami 2023 Wishes: Top 100+ Motivational Quotes, Messages, Images And Janmashtami Whatsapp Status

ALSO READ: Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective

On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami here are some motivational quotes by Lord Krishna that you can send to your friends and family.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective

1. "The mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it." - Lord Krishna

2. "Creation is only the projection into form of that which already exists." - Lord Krishna

3. "There are three gates to self-destruction and hell: Lust, Anger & Greed." - Lord Krishna

4. "Happiness Is A State Of Mind, That Has Nothing To Do With The External World."  Lord Krishna

5. "A Man Is Made By His Beliefs. As He Believes. So He Becomes."  Lord Krishna

6. The Only Way You Can Conquer Me Is Through Love, And There I Am Gladly Conquered.  Lord Krishna

7. The Key To Happiness Is The Reduction Of Desires.  Lord Krishna

8. Do Everything You Have To Do, But Not With Ego, Not With Lust, Not With Envy But With Love, Compassion, Humility, And Devotion.  Lord Krishna

9. There Are Three Gates To Self-destruction And Hell: Lust, Anger & Greed.  Lord Krishna

10. Why Do You Worry Unnecessarily? Whom Do You Fear? Who Can Kill You? The Soul Is Neither Born Nor Dies.  Lord Krishna

11. Whatever Happened Was Good. Whats Happening Is Going Well. Whatever Will Happen Will Also Be Good. Do Not Worry About The Future. Live In The Present.  Lord Krishna

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: Motivational Krishna Quotes

12. When A Person Responds To The Joys And Sorrows Of Others As Though They Were His Own, He Or She Has Attained The Highest Spiritual Union.  Lord Krishna

13. Calmness, Gentleness, Silence, Self-restraint And Purity: These Are The Disciplines Of The Mind.  Lord Krishna

14. For One Who Has Conquered His Mind, A Mind Is Best Of Friends, But For One Who Has Failed To Do So, A Mind Is The Greatest Enemy.  Lord Krishna

15. Among All Kinds of Killers, Time Is The Ultimate Because Time Kills Everything.  Lord Krishna

16. The Mind Is Fickle. It Wont Obey You Every Time The Mind Misbehaves, Use Your Discretionary Intellect To Bring It Back To The Equanimous Position.  Lord Krishna

17. He Who Has No Attachments Can Really Love Others, For His Love Is Pure And Devine.  Lord Krishna

18. You Have The Right To Work, But Never To The Fruit Of Work.  Lord Krishna

19. Perform Your Obligatory Duty, Because Action Is Indeed Better Than Inaction.  Lord Krishna

20. Change Is the Law of the Universe. You Can Be a Millionaire or a Pauper in an Instant.  Lord Krishna

21. Among All Kinds of Killers, Time Is The Ultimate Because Time Kills Everything.  Lord Krishna

22. A Gift Is Pure When It Is Given From The Heart To The Right Person At The Right Time And At The Right Place, And When We Expect Nothing In Return.  Lord Krishna

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

23. Set Your Heart Upon Your Work But Never Its Reward.  Lord Krishna

24. "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live somebody elses imitation of life with perfection."  Lord Krishna

25. "Reshape yourself through the power of your will; never let yourself be degraded by self-will. The will is the only friend of the Self, and the will is the only enemy of the Self."  Lord Krishna

26. "Change is the law of the world. In a Moment you become the owner of millions, In the other you become penniless."  Lord Krishna

27. "The self-controlled soul, who moves amongst sense objects, free from either attachment or repulsion, he wins eternal Peace."  Lord Krishna

28. "If you dont fight for what you want. dont cry for what you lost." - Lord Krishna

Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Krishna Quotes on Life

29. "No one who does good work will ever come to a bad end, either here or in the world to come."

30. "Set your Heart upon your work, But Never its Reward."

31. "The Good Always Look For The Good In Others."

32. "Circumstances Are Not The Problem; It's The Way We See Them."

33. " There Is No Such Thing As, The Right Time To Do Something. Start From Where You Are. Start With What You Have. Start Now."

34. "There Is No Such Thing As The Right Time To Do Something. Start From Where You Are. Start With What You Have. Start Now."

35. "If You Want To Succeed, Never Compare Yourself With Anyone Else."

36. "If You Cannot Do Great Things, Do Small Things In A Great Way..."

37. "When They Speak Gently, Show Them Your Love. When They Becoming Rude, Show Them Your Calmness. When They Start Harming You, Teach Them The Right Lesson."

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Krishna Quotes About Life

38. "Brave Is Not The One Who Know, He Can Winn Fights. Brave Is The One Who Knows, He Will Lose And Still Fights For The Righteousness."

39. "Keep The Faith Hold On Things Will Get Better It Might Be Stormy Now But It Can't Rain Forever."

40. "Your First Thought In The Morning Should Be Thank You."

41. "The Power Of God Is With You At All Times; Through The Activities Of Mind, Senses, Breathing, And Emotions; And Is Constantly Doing All The Work Using You As A Mere Instrument."

42. "There Are Two Primary Choices In Life: To Accept Conditions As They Exist, Or Accept Responsibility For Changing Them."

43. "Let Your Smile Change The World, But Don't Let The World Change your Smile."

44. "If You Want To Know What Will Happen To You In The Future; Look At What Your Mind Is Doing Now."

45. "For A Pleasant Life, Truth In The Mind Happiness On The Lips, And Purity In The Heart Is Necessary."

46. "Follow My Directions And Victory Is Certain..."

47. "See Things As They Are. Also, See Things As They Can Be."

48. "Live Life To Please Krishna, Why Waste Time For Pleasing Temporary People Around You."

49. "When You Know Who You Really Are Nothing Will Bother You."

50." Live Simply. Love Generously. Speak Truthfully. Pray Daily. Leave Everything Else On God."

51. "Do everything you have to do, but not with ego, not with lust, not with envy but with love, compassion, humility and devotion."

52. "For one who has conquered his mind, a mind is best of friends, but for one who has failed to do so, a mind is the greatest enemy."

53. "I have come to You without Me. Come to Me without You!"

54. "Change is the law of the world. In a Moment you become the owner of millions, In the other you become penniless."

55. "Do Your Duty Without Thinking About Its Result. Your Time Will Teach You Everything. Just Don't Forget To Learn From It."

56. A man is made by his beliefs. As he believes. So he becomes

57. Do everything you have to do, but not with ego, not with lust, not with envy but with love, compassion, humility, and devotion.

58. Your consciousness is an action of Karma and hence karma yoga can balance your actions

Happy Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 35+ Inspirational & Positive Krishna Quotes To Change Your Lifes Perspective | Freepik

May Lord Krishna Bless you Quotes for Janmashtami 2023

1. May Lord Krishna's divine love and guidance light up your life. Happy Janmashtami!

2. On this Janmashtami, may the melody of Krishna's flute fill your heart with joy and harmony.

3. May Lord Krishna's blessings be with you today and always. Happy Janmashtami!

4. As we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, may your life be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Happy Janmashtami 2023!

5. May the blessings of Lord Krishna guide you on the path of righteousness and success. Happy Janmashtami! Radhe Radhe.

6. On this special day, may Lord Krishna's grace shine upon you and your loved ones. Happy Janmashtami!

7. May the divine flute of Krishna play the sweetest tunes in your life. Happy Janmashtami!

8. May Lord Krishna's blessings shower upon you, granting you wisdom and strength. Happy Janmashtami!

9. May the mischievous Lord Krishna steal away all your worries and replace them with joy.

10. May the enchanting smile of Lord Krishna fill your life with happiness and contentment. Happy Janmashtami!

11. Wishing you a Janmashtami filled with devotion, love, and spiritual awakening. Happy Janmashtami 2023!

12. May the blessings of Lord Krishna bring harmony and peace to your home and heart. Happy Janmashtami!

13. On this auspicious day, may you experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna in your life.

14. May the teachings of Lord Krishna inspire you to lead a life of compassion and kindness. Happy Janmashtami!

15. May the blessings of Lord Krishna protect you from all adversities and lead you to success.

16. As we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, may your life be filled with love and devotion for Him.

17. May the grace of Lord Krishna fill your life with happiness, love, and prosperity. Happy Janmashtami!

18. On this Janmashtami, may you find inner peace and enlightenment through Lord Krishna's divine blessings.

19. May Lord Krishna steal all your tensions and worries on this Janmashtami and give you all the love, peace and happiness. Happy Janmashtami to all.

20. May Murli Manohar continue to shower health and happiness on your family, and may you always remain on his list of favourites. Happy Janmashtami!

Dahi Handi wishes Krishna Janmashtami 2023 in English

1. May Lord Krishna steal all your tensions and worries on this Janmashtami. And give you all the love, peace and happiness. Happy Dahi Handi 2023!

2. On the auspicious and joyous day of Dahi Handi, I hope that you obtain Lord Krishnas blessings. May your heart as well as home be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity.

3. May the spirit of Dahi Handi fill your heart with joy, and may you break all barriers just like Lord Krishna. Happy Janmashtami!

4. Sending you my warmest wishes for a fun-filled and successful Dahi Handi celebration. May the pot of curd be within your reach!

5. May the pyramid of your dreams be as strong as your determination. Happy Dahi Handi to you and your team!

6. May your Dahi Handi celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and successful pyramid formations! Happy Dahi Handi!

7. Wishing you the strength to build the tallest pyramid and the luck to break the Dahi Handi effortlessly. Have a fantastic celebration!

8. On this Dahi Handi, may you reach new heights, just like the Govindas in action! Happy Janmashtami and Dahi Handi!

9. As you form human pyramids and aim high, may success and happiness reach your doorstep this Dahi Handi. Enjoy the festivities!

10. On this auspicious occasion of Dahi Handi, may Lord Krishna's blessings guide you to victory and prosperity.

11. May Lord Krishna's blessings be with you as you participate in the Dahi Handi celebrations. Have a fantastic day!

12. Wishing you a Dahi Handi filled with team spirit, unity, and the sweet taste of success. Happy Janmashtami!

13. On the joyous day of Dahi Handi, I hope and wish you to obtain Krishna's blessings. May your heart be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity. Happy Dahi Handi 2023!

14. On the joyous day of Dahi Handi, here's sending my warm wishes and greetings to you and your loved ones.

15. Krishna stole butter that represents purity, serenity and tenderness. Only when we keep our hearts devoid of greed, pride and hatred we will be able to feel the presence of God. This Dahi Handi, may Krishna shower you with his choicest blessings.

16. May this auspicious occasion of Dahi Handi bring a lot of positivity, peace and harmony to your life. Happy Dahi Handi to you. Hare Krishna!

Happy Janmashtami 2023 - Bhagavad Gita Quotes On Life And Success

#1

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

#2

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

#3

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

#4

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

#5

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

#6

Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Best Janmashtami Wishes, Messages And Quotes To Share With Loved Ones

Krishna Janmashtami 2023 images

#1.

Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#2.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#3.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#4.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#5.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#6.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#7.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#8.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#9.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

#10.



Cute Krishna Janmashtami Images | Photo: Canva

Wishing you a Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023!

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
In early 2022, I visited the award-winning Amrut distillery in Bengaluru. Amrut Fusion has the distinction of being the first Indian single malt to make a name for itself globally. In 2010, Jim Murray, author of the highly regarded 'Whisky Bible,' named it the third-best whisky in the world, thereby opening the floodgates for a variety of Indian distilleries. And that visit reinforced my faith in Indian whiskies.

Piccadilly Distilleries

Paul John and Amrut are considered pioneers who brought Indian whisky into the limelight. But it is new brands, like the uber smooth Indri Trini, or the sweet-spicy burst of Rampur Single Malts PX Sherry Finish, or Kamet Single Malt (named after the eponymous mountain in Uttarakhand) that are now taking the legacy forward.

The surest marker of this isnt the supermarket shelves lined with these distinctive brands. Its the fact that the Indian consumer is more curious than ever. At the southern end of Goa, Paul John offers a tour of its distillery. Seeing thousands of barrels of maturing whisky and understanding the complexities of producing the spirit in the country, as well as the sheer beauty of the distillery, made me realise why Indian single malts are  deservedly  being talked up.

According to Nikhil Agarwal, sommelier and founder of experiential F&B event company, All Things Nice, We always had the potential to make high-quality single malts. But the distilleries were producing for the mass market until Amrut and Paul John showed the way  very similar to how Greater Than and Stranger & Sons inspired a wave of craft Indian gins.

The Journey of Indian Spirits

Just over a decade ago, the craft spirit movement was unfolding in bits and spurts across the country. Whisky was usually produced by distilleries that sold malt spirits to the highest bidder.



Nikhil Agarwal, founder of experiential F&B event company

When Greater Than and Stranger & Sonsboth gins now consumed in Indian homes with as much pleasure as The Botanist and Bombay Sapphireburst onto the scene in 2017 and 2018, respectively, it made everyone sit up and notice. The quality of the spirits happily dovetailed with the Make-In-India wave that had started gaining traction.

Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, best known for selling Johnny Walker whiskies in the country, says, We have a cohort of consumers now who are well-heeled, are discerning, and have access to the best choices across the world. They are not loyal to one choice and flirt with multiple brands. Plus, our consumption-driven economy now produces phenomenal quality products across categories. Indian single malts are thus seen as exceptional value for money and are consumed with pride.

All of this has coincided with a genuine interest and evolution in the Indian consumers palate. Hemanth Rao, founder of Single Malt Amateur Club based in Bengaluru with members from across the country, says that Amrut might have been the torch-bearer, but it was only a matter of time before other brands populated the Indian single malt category. Previously, it was a one-man show, but now if you dont like Amrut, there are other whiskies to pick from. At our club, we are seeing people who are more curious than serious about single malts, he says.

The State of Craft Whiskies

Meanwhile, Goa, where both the gins are made, soon became the distilling state of India thanks to its relatively easier laws. It helped birth the craft spirits movement in the country soon after. In the whisky space, brands like Woodburns, made by Goa-based Fullarton Distilleries, started becoming household names. The launch of Radico Khaitans Rampur Single Malt and Indri Trini whiskies from the North further solidified the craft whisky space in the country.

The result is a wide variety of whiskies, ranging across different price points and catering to varying palates. When Woodburns, another award-winning brand, was launched in March 2019, the options for decently priced Indian single malts were only a few. Woodburns was made for the larger audience base that might not have very high spending power and was accepted very generously by them, says Aman Thadani, Founder of Woodburns Whisky.

Last year, Thadani, along with Agarwal of All Things Nice, also launched a limited edition version of Woodburns Whisky called A Tale Of Oak in Goa and Mumbai.

Piccadilly Distilleries

Meanwhile, Indri Trini, produced by Piccadilly Distilleries, is one of the few single malts worldwide to use triple cask maturation. The single malt has been rested in ex-bourbon, ex-wine and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and has quickly become a top favourite of whisky connoisseurs because of its fruity and rich flavour notes. Indri and Woodburns both cost between INR 3,500 to INR 5,500, a standard rate for craft spirits, depending on which state you buy them in.

Prabhkaran Singh Hundal, Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing, says that although Piccadilly has been producing whisky for other brands (the distillery is the largest independent manufacturer and seller of malt spirits in India), they were clear that they wanted to make a splash when they launched their own single malt. We were waiting for two things to happen before launching our brand. We wanted to have enough supply of our single malts nationally as well as in international markets (the current facility can make 12,000 litres of malt spirit in a single day and is being expanded), and we also wanted premiumisation of the market to happen, he says.

The pandemic boosted both efforts, with audiences lapping up alcohol content on social media, while the distillery set down its growth plans at Indri in Haryana. Launched in late 2021, Indri Trini started winning awards and accolades soon after its launch and is currently blazing through with its presence across 17 Indian states.

Going Glocal

Such is the power of Indian single malts now that even global liquor giants such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard have launched India-made whiskies  a far cry from the time when Scotch was considered the epitome of a good whisky. Diageo launched Godawan Single Malt at the Cannes Film Festival last year and also has another brand called Epitome Reserve that produces experimental single malts.

Woodburns

The first expression of Epitome Reserve was made with rice instead of barley, which drew polar reactions. The second expression was a peated single malt made with Cabernet Sauvignon wine casks sourced from Nasik. Both expressions were limited edition releases, with only 2,000 bottles produced each.

Godawan, on the other hand, is a permanent fixture from Diageo India. The first expression bears rich and grounded notes from its distilling facility in Alwar, Rajasthan, while the second expression has fruit and spice taste notes.

Pernod Ricard, which counts Jameson Irish Whisky among its various brands, is rolling out Seagrams Longitude 77 Indian Single Malt in select states. The single malt is among the first to be made in Dindori in Maharashtras Nashik region, otherwise known as the countrys wine belt.

Why Indian Single Malts Are Thriving

Todays audience is firmly in thrall of innovative local craft spirits. From local rums and gins to even agave-based spirits, this is the best time to launch the best Indian spirit for a thirsty audience. With awards, accolades, and global standards of whisky-making becoming the norm rather than the exception, the future of Indian single malts is nothing short of super bright.

Woodburns

Indian single malts also use local grains that lend a particular taste to local brands. Indri Trini and Godawan, for example, use six-row barley grown in Rajasthan that adds richness and complexity rarely found in other whiskies. As Damodaran of Diageo says, The fact is that there is an Indian signature to our single malts. We are not trying to ape Scottish, Irish or Japanese whiskies. We are bringing together the best of what the country has to offer, from some of our indigenous grains to the immense artistry and craftsmanship that exists to produce bespoke spirits.

Well say cheers to that!
A clandestine facility operated by Turkeys notorious intelligence agency MIT serves as a hub for arms transfers to jihadist groups & a black site for torture of abducted individuals
The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettimas petition challenging Peter Obis candidacy with the Labour Party (LP).

Recall that Obi was a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he decamped to the Labour Party ahead of the February 25th presidential election.

While reading out the petitions before it today at the Appeal Court in Abuja, the Tribunal held that it is not within the rights of Tinubu and Shettima to challenge Obis candidacy.

READ MORE: Tribunal: Peter Obi, Atiku Missing In Court As Court Delivers Judgment

The issue of membership of a political party is an internal party affair, Justice Abba Mohammed said.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the tribunal also dismissed the objection raised by the respondents contending that Obi and LP failed to join Atiku Abubakar as a respondent in their petition.

President Tinubu and Shettima had earlier contended the locus standi to institute the petition on the grounds that Peter Obi only joined the LP a few days before the primary election instead of the mandatory 30 days.
A High Court in Kano state has set aside the suspension of Rabiu Kwankwaso, 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from the Party.

Usman Naabba, the Presiding Judge, ruling on an ex parte motion in a suit marked K/M1157/2023 on Tuesday, also restrained members of the faction that suspended Kwankwaso from acting as national officers of the Party.

Recall that last Tuesday, the NNPPs board of trustees (BoT), led by Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the Party, suspended Kwankwaso over anti-party activities.

However, a faction of the Party loyal to the former governor of Kano reversed the suspension.

The Partys National Executive Council (NEC) had also set up a disciplinary committee to probe allegations of anti-party activities and mismanagement of party funds levelled against Kwankwaso.

The former Kano governor was directed to appear before the committee within five days of getting the invitation.

The NEC had warned that Kwankwaso would be expelled in line with the provisions of the NNPPs constitution if he failed to appear before the disciplinary committee.

READ ALSO: Nigerias Refineries Will Never Work As Long As FG Still Holds On To Them  Obasanjo

However, in a statement on Tuesday, Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq, NNPPs acting National Publicity Secretary, said NEC resolved to expel him because of his refusal to honour the committees invitation.

But in the recent ruling, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the purported suspension pending the determination of the suit.

An order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents by themselves, their agents, cronies and whosoever acting or act through them from parading themselves, issuing press releases or granting Interviews as national officers, leaders or members of the applicant pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

An order of interim injunction is hereby granted setting aside the purported suspension of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a member of the applicant and restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission from recognising the purported suspension pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice, the judge ruled.

The respondents in the suit are Boniface Aniebonam, Gilbert Agbo Major, Tony Christopher Obioha, Oginni Olaposi, Rekia Zanlaga, Mark Usman, Umar Jubril, Adebanju Wasiu, Tajudeen Adebayo, Mamoh Garuba and Abdurasaq Abdulsalam.

Others are Abiola Henry Olarotimi, Babayo Abdullahi Mohammed, Ibrahim Yahaya, Chinonso Adiofu, Sunday Chukwuemeka, Jonathan Chineme Ibeogu and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The judge adjourned the suit to October 5.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked in line with past agreements and the ICJ order, the EU said in a statement Wednesday.

The statement was made by the Delegation of the European Union to the Council of Europe at the 1473rd meeting of the Committee of Ministers on 6 September 2023.

The EU said it remained fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus.

Below is the full statement.

The European Union is following with great concern the continued restrictions on free movement along the Lachin corridor and the serious humanitarian and security consequences affecting the Karabakh Armenians.

Movement through the Lachin corridor has been impaired for almost 9 months, and, since 15 June, the corridor has been almost completely blocked, with the exception of sporadic medical evacuations. As a result, medical supplies and essential goods are in critically short supply or have already run out, with dire consequences for the local population.

The EU deplores that the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region have been heavily hampered and calls for their full and swift resumption, including transport of humanitarian supplies.

The EU reiterates its call made by the HRVP on 26 July to ensure freedom and security of movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions and to guarantee that the crisis does not escalate further, in line with the Trilateral Statement of November 2020, the European Court of Human Rights interim measures of December 2022 and the ICJ order of February 2023.

The EU has taken note of the readiness voiced by the Azerbaijani authorities to supply goods via the city of Aghdam. The EU strongly believes the Lachin corridor must be unblocked, in line with past agreements and the ICJ Order.

The EU has been closely following the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia along their international border over the past months, with shooting incidents reported almost on a daily basis. We call on all sides to avoid further incidents and recommit to dialogue.

In order to observe and report on the situation on the ground the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is conducting patrols along the Armenian side of the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The objective of the mission is to contribute to conflict resolution and to build trust and confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The EU reiterates its calls for restraint and dialogue among all parties involved. Continuous efforts are necessary to rebuild confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in order to secure sustainable peace and stability in the region for the benefit of the local civilian population. Swift establishment of dialogue between Baku and representatives of Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast is crucial, in particular for solution of the humanitarian crisis in the area, but also concerning rights and security of Karabakh Armenians and other issues.

The EU also notes that the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe stands ready to engage with all the relevant interlocutors to assist in overcoming the existing humanitarian challenges.

The EU, and in particular the President of the European Council Charles Michel, has been heavily engaged to supporting the normalisation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At the last trilateral meeting on 15 July 2023, hosted by President Michel with President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia, the leaders of the two countries reiterated their strong commitment to the peace process. They notably reconfirmed their full respect for the other countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty and their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as a political framework for border delimitation. The ultimate delimitation of the border should be agreed through negotiations. Further substantial progress on delimitation is an important factor in reducing tensions, avoiding misunderstandings and incidents at the international border.

Violence, threats, harsh rhetoric and the spread of misinformation must cease in order to create an environment conducive to peace and normalisation talks. The recommitment to dialogue in good faith remains as urgent as ever. This requires genuine commitment by all sides to work towards negotiated outcomes. Humanitarian issues must be resolved and concrete steps need to be taken urgently to rebuild trust.

The EU remains fully committed to facilitating dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan and to supporting efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus, for the benefit of all people in the region. We should not lose the momentum built in recent months for settling the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is important to continue the negotiations.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, arrested some officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) diverting palliatives meant for the citizens to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal given by the Federal Government.

Information Nigeria understands that some of the suspects were arrested at a popular market in Lafia, the State capital where the items were being resold by the officials and their accomplices

According to Peter Afunanya, the spokesman of the secret police, who disclosed the development to journalists in Abuja, some of the diverted items were aleeady6 recovered from the suspects

He further called on members of the public who may have information relating to the emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action, saying the culprits would be punished according to laws.

READ ALSO: Edo Power Tussle: Shaibu Withdraws Suit Against Obaseki

The Department of State Services (DSS) has received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold. The suspects have, however, been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Service, therefore, calls on members of the public who may have information relating to this emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action, the DSS spokesman admonished.
The Management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in Edo State, announced the indefinite suspension of academic activities with immediate effect.

According to a statement signed and issued by the Acting Registrar, Ambrose Odiase, on Tuesday, revealed that the decision to suspend academic activities was taken at an emergency meeting of the Universitys Senate held on Monday to appraise the continued protest by students.

The statement reads: In order to prevent a total breakdown of law and order, as well as the need to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the university community and its environs, Senate was left with no other choice, but to direct an immediate suspension of academic activities.

READ MORE: School Fee Hike: Tinubu Warns Tertiary Institutions Against Arbitrary Fess increase, Approves Buses For Students

All students residing in the hostels on campus are to vacate the halls of residence without fail, within the next 24 hours.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that students of the university have been protesting against an alleged increase in school fees of returning students for about three days, thereby disrupting academic activities.

The protest also led to the dissolution of the Students Union Government while the school management had severally denied increase in the tuition fees of returning students.
The Federal Government and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Tuesday agreed to give the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration two weeks to address some of the demands of the Congress.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Solomon Lalong, disclosed this in Abuja at the end of a meeting with the leadership of Trade Union Congress, led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo.

In a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Olajide Oshundun, said: The meeting was convened by the Minister to resolve TUCs and Nigeria Labour Congress differences with government and to avert the pending warning strike by organised labour.

According to Lalong, the issues for which a two-week timeline was set for their resolution include wage award for federal civil servants to cushion the effect of rising poverty among them, and tax exemption for a certain level of workers, both in the public and private sectors.

The other issues on the two-week timeline are to put structures in place to ensure effective implementation of the palliatives declared by the Federal Government for the states and the FCT, and to set out the modalities for accessing the N70 billion proposed for the funding of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), among others.

The Minister declared that after the two weeks, the meeting would reconvene for further discussions, and added that the parties understood that some of the issues were urgent, while some would require a long span of time to resolve.

According to Lalong, the parties also agreed that there would be no strike within this peace period of two weeks while we are doing deliberations and also working towards realising some of these objectives.

The President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, stated that the two-week timeline was reasonable, as it would give the government ample time to address the issues.

READ MORE: NLC Strike: Patients Stranded As Doctors Refuse To Work In Warri

He disclosed that at the commencement of the meeting, the leadership of TUC was pushing for a one-week timeline for the resolution of issues in dispute, but had to reconsider after weighing government constraints, stating, We also need to be pragmatic.

Osifo stated that their demands, as contained in a communique earlier issued by the Congress, include resolving the impasse between Lagos State Government and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), increasing the amount provided for palliative as the sum of N5billion allocated per state is inadequate to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.

Earlier, in a press conference, the Minister had implored Nigeria Labour Congress to suspend its planned two-day warning strike scheduled for 5th and 6th September, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already recorded by the government in securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended five suspects, alleged to be members of a syndicate specialized in the diversion of granular ammonium sulphate, the key raw material for the production of fertilizer.

A statement on Tuesday by the spokesman of the NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale disclosed that the five suspects were arrested by the special intelligence squad of the commandant general.

He noted that the diverted granular ammonium sulphate used in the production of fertilizer is a property of the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria( FEPSAN) but was diverted, bagged and sold by the saboteurs to unsuspected buyers and farmers at the rate of N25,900 per bag.

READ ALSO: NSCDC Impounds Trucks, Vehicles Containing Illegally Obtained Crude In Rivers

He said, On the 2nd of September, 2023 at about 1720hrs, the commandant generals special intelligence squad, acting on credible intelligence, burst two separate locations; No 3, Dogon Dutse area, Jos North and Kasuwa Kara area, Bukuru all in Jos Plateau State and succeeded in recovering large quantities of diverted bags of Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS). The products are meant to be used for the production of fertilizer and to be sold at subsidized rates to farmers in the federal government bid to sustain the national food security programme and encourage food production in the country.

He further explained that five suspects were arrested from the two separate locations and large bags of different fertilizer products materials were recovered.

He disclosed that the arrested suspects are Ibrahim Muhammed, 63, Ladan Anas, 26, Umar Said Muhammed, 37, Hambale Usman, 46 and Junaid Ubale, 30, adding that among the exhibit recovered are 740 bags of prohibited granular ammonium sulphate, 24 bags of Urea Dangote fertilizers, 65 bags of indorama fertilizers, 130 bags of NPK Barbados fertilizers, 29 cartons of ultrachol chemical, 109 (20) litres of knapsack spraying pump among other items.

Babawale also disclosed that the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi has been duly briefed and has ordered the immediate transfer of the five suspects and the case file sent to the national headquarters of the NSCDC while further investigation is ongoing.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has cautioned corps members against embarking on night journeys.

Eddy Megwa, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, noted this against the backdrop of eight corps members who were abducted last month by gunmen along a highway in Zamfara State.

The corps members were travelling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State through Zamfara State, to take part in the mandatory national service.

According to him, the corps members might not have been abducted if they had adhered to the warning against travelling beyond 6pm.

While affirming that the NYSC management was making efforts to ensure the safe release of the abducted corps members, he also urged prospective and serving corps members to adhere to the NYSCs safety guidelines.

Lets not look at the NYSC as if we are living in a different world. NYSC is part of Nigerian society. You and I know the kind of security situation we have in the country, it is not selective, some students are kidnapped at a point, government officials, even young children at primary and nursery schools are kidnapped.

So NYSC or corps members are not living in a different world, but we have made it categorically clear. We told our corps members please dont travel in the night. In their call up letters, we stated this clearly. We said please anywhere you are, once it is 6pm cut short your trip.

READ ALSO: Cost Of Drugs Have Risen By 300%  Manufacturers Reveal

Find a park, police station, military barracks or corps lodge or anywhere you think is safe. Park and continue your journey tomorrow.

Now this issue in question, they got to that point around 8pm and that Funtua road is very deadly. In fact all passengers, the moment they get to that place by 6pm, they parked but this driver continued with his trip.

Per chance they did not travel at night, per chance they slept at a safe place at 6pm, all these issues we are talking about wouldnt have happened. However, it has happened and it is our responsibility and responsibility of Nigerians to ensure we get them back safe and good.

There are security measures we put in place to make sure that such issues will not happen. When you go to our orientation camps, we have our security modalities that are put in place to ensure security bridges does not occur while in orientation camps.

NYSC is very proactive, even before the commencement of the orientation camps we made publications in traditional media, we told them specifically please do not travel in the night, the management has done everything that they need to do.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday in Abuja said that the recent policies and programmes introduced by President Bola Tinubus administration are already yielding tangible results.

Shettima, stated this while speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference with the theme,  Nigerias Economic Growth and Empowerment: The Role of The Financial Services Industry.

The vice president revealed that both State and Federal governments are now enjoying more substantial allocations.

These funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of our citizens. Without the serially unaccounted fuel subsidies, we can now redirect our savings towards more deserving causes.

We envision a future where no leader can resort to the tired excuse of scarcity of funds to evade completion of projects or delayed salary payments.

Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of our people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.

READ ALSO: Dont Jeopardise National Security, Tarnish Our Govts Reputation  Shettima Warns Aide

Shettima also emphasised that stronger partnership with experts in the Banking and Finance industry could spur turning the economy around in record time.

The Vice President whose remarks was titled Our Priorities in a Post-Pandemic World, noted that we must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time.

We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted. This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation.

It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organisations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner.

On the role of the Banking and Finance in rejuvenating the economy, Shettima called on the stakeholders to support Tinubus administration in serving the nation.

We have promised to reposition consumer finance, and that cant be done without you. We have promised to incentivise and finance value-addition to our agricultural.

And other products, and you are our ally in this. We need you because Nigeria teeters on the edge of a precarious balance of payments as we import more than we export.

The future is already here, and this industry is a springboard for the success of our reforms and programmes.

Whether in incorporating blockchain technology or expanding financial inclusion to deliver dividends of democracy to banking and unbanked citizens, Nigeria is here to occupy the high-table in a fast-changing world.

Speaking on the Eight-Point Agenda of the Tinubu Administration, he said government had esolved to prioritise food security and ending poverty.

We are prioritising economic growth and job creation. We are prioritising access to capital and improving security.

We are prioritising improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies like yours operate.

We are also prioritising the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Each agenda cannot be fully implemented without your cooperation.

Earlier in his remarks, President of the Chattered Institute of Bankers, Mr Ken Opara said the event was the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa.

Opara said that the conference provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

He commended the reform initiatives of President Bola Tinubu, noting that if well implemented it could unlock the nations economic potential.

The reform initiatives such as subsidy removal, unifying the foreign exchange regime, investing in infrastructure, promoting agriculture, supporting SMEs and tax reforms, among others, if well implemented will unlock the economic potentials of the country.The

In attendance were, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso.

Other are the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Folashodun Shonubi, and World Bank Representative in Nigeria, Mr Shubam Chaudhuri, among others.
The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, described the 100 days of Governor Hyacinth Alia in office as a fusion of emptiness and disappointment.

In a statement, State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, said, It is an incontrovertible fact that he has achieved the worst take off in office of any governor of the state, both military and civilian, since its creation in 1976, with neither direction nor content to be found in anything he has done so far.

PDPs assessment of Governor Alias performance derives from the template of promises he made during the campaigns and after he assumed office, chiefly amongst which were to return persons displaced from genocide (IDPs) back to their ancestral lands, as well as to clear arrears of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, all within his first 100 days in office.

Not only has the governor failed to make good on any of those promises, he has evidently not even considered them a priority since their pronouncement. If Governor Alia has achieved anything in his first 100 days in office, it is, perhaps a counterintuitive manner of governance which has seen him lock up all government financial accounts, giving as his alibi a fear of hyenas and hawks whom he says are waiting to devour the contents of those accounts.

Yet himself has been drawing from the same accounts since his possibly a lamb and dove who wont touch the funds even as he administers them without the institutional supervision prescribed by law.

The PDP further contended that the Governor has run the most bizarre government ever known under Nigerias democracy, with his failure to appoint an executive cabinet well after the 60 days required under law.

READ ALSO: Edo Power Tussle: Shaibu Withdraws Suit Against Obaseki

If there must be anything ascribed to Governor Hyacinth Alia as performance track record in his first 100 days in office, it will most likely be a disregard for due process and the rule of law which has brought upon his regime an avalanche of court cases from parties injured from his serial infractions of law.

PDP urges the governor to wrap his head around the fact that he has a date with history, no matter how short his time in office might likely be, and put in place a legacy which can only be in the form of governance as positively impacts the lives of the people, and not the ostentation and vendetta which so far trademarks him, Iortyom added.

On his part, the State Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Morgan Ihomun, said, the take off of Governor Alia was unprecedented.

Ihomun said, Of course, he (PDP) has done a lot in his first 100 days in office. He has started massive construction of roads within Makurdi metropolis in this100 days and he has rehabilitated the State House of Assembly complex. The Governor has also commenced the training of thousands of Benue youths in Information Technology. This he is doing to better the lot of Benue youths.

So we have no doubt and we are confident that Governor Alia will excel and take Benue from the doldrums PDP left it to a better place. Governor Alia is focused on changing the narrative. He is ready to enhance the life of every Benue citizen and we are proud of his achievements in his first 100 days.

So the PDP should continue to lick their wounds and also get themselves prepared for elelection in 2027. They should know that elections have been won and lost and they should focus on rebuilding their battered party and image.
The Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) has declared that it lacks the powers to hear the petition of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) challenging the qualification of President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima.

Reading the lead judgment on Wednesday, Justice Haruna Tsammani, held that the issues brought before the tribunal are pre-election matters, which ought to have been at a high court.

Tsammani ruled that the tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to hear or determine an issue bordering on the qualification or non-qualification of a candidate, adding that APM lacks the locus standi to challenge the qualification of a candidate in another political party.

However, the leader of the five-panel of justices added that the timeframe of 180 days within which to determine the issue had elapsed, adding that the petition is devoid of any merit.

READ MORE: Tribunal: Peter Obi, Atiku Missing In Court As Court Delivers Judgment

The judge said matters of qualification and disqualification are guided by the provisions of sections 131 and 137(1)(a)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution, adding that the issue complained of was an internal affair of a political party.

Tsammani said the alleged double nomination against Shettima has no substance, having been settled by the Supreme Court, adding that the tribunal said only an aspirant who took part in a primary election could challenge the outcome of such an election.

The judge added that the issue of qualification or non-qualification is a pre-election matter that should have been ventilated at the federal high court within 14 days after the conduct of a primary election.

Justice Tsammani referred to the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 26, where the apex court dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He held that there is evidence before the tribunal to prove that Shettima sent a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 6, resigning his position as Borno central senatorial candidate and that his nomination as vice-president cannot be regarded as a double nomination.
Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, on Tuesday, appealed to Nigerians youths against perpetrating chaos in the country.

The organisations comment stems from the fact that the nation awaits the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, on Wednesday.

Information Nigeria understands that there is palpable tension in the air with the fear that there could be protests should the judgement go against the expectation of certain groups.

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, and that of the Labour Party want the tribunal to sack President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

But for Tinubus All Progressives Congress members, his victory was well deserved and should be affirmed.

Speaking via a statement, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike pleaded with the youths not to be hoodwinked by politicians.

Okwu said there were indications that politicians would recruit youths as usual to protest the outcome of the judgement.

We, however, advise youths across the country to resist the temptation; it is only in times like this that politicians remember the youths. Once they get what they want, we are forgotten.

No youth should make himself a willing tool in the hands of these desperate politicians.

He further reminded the youths that the Appeal Court was still a first instance, stressing that whatever is the outcome is still subject to the final judgement of the Supreme Court.

We, however, appeal to security agencies not to harass or maim any Nigerian today; rather, they should secure the lives of citizens.

READ ALSO: The Worst Take Off In Office Of Any Benue Governor  PDP On Gov. Alias 100 Days In Office

Meanwhile, there is tight security at the Court of Appeal Complex located in the Three Arms Zone, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District of Abuja, as the Presidential Election Petition Court gets set to deliver judgment.

The five-member panel of the court headed by Haruna Tsammani had reserved judgements on the petitions after hearing the closing arguments of the parties to the cases in early August.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, all roads leading to the Court of Appeal complex are being manned by multiple security operatives, drawn from various arms, including the armed forces, police, men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Civil Defence.

The same formation has been placed within the court complex.

Recall that the Chief Registrar of the Court, Umar Bangari, in a statement on Monday, said that everything had been put in place to ensure that the judgment in the three petitions pending before the court were delivered hitch free.

Bangari said adequate security had been put in place and that only the invited members of political parties and the general public would be allowed into the courtroom.

This he said was to avoid congestion and security breaches.

He also said that media houses that wish to televise the judgment live would be allowed to do so but at no cost to the court.

However as at 7.30 am, lawyers and journalists were being checked by security operatives.

Major government buildings, including the Federal Secretariat, the National Assembly Complex and the access into the Presidential Villa were being manned by heavy security personnel.
No reason has been given for the absence of Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in court as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) delivers the final judgement in their petitions today.

Recall that Peter Obi and Atiku are challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the President in the last election.

READ MORE: Tribunal: We Must Occupy Abuja Today  Charly Boy Tells Obidients

It was gathered that the Labour Party was represented by the national chairman, Julius Abure and the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, was also seen in court.

Tribunal members led by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, arrived to deliver judgment on the three petitions and ordered that judgment in the petition of Peter Obi and the Labour Party be first delivered.

However, at the time of this report, it is uncertain why Atiku and Peter Obi were absent in court.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani authorities have once again falsely claimed that the Lachin Corridor is not blocked and there is no starvation in Nagorno-Karabakh, just days after the Azerbaijani authorities themselves infamously staged a publicity stunt by offering to send aid there, a move that was rejected and described in Nagorno-Karabakh as a method to subjugate them and mislead the international community.

Armenias Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan reacted to Azeri official Hikmet Hajiyevs claims, asking why Azerbaijan was sending that mysterious humanitarian aid to Aghdam if it claims that theres no blockade.

During an interview with Arab News, Aliyev's assistant Hikmet Hajiyev said that the Lachin corridor is not blocked and there is no blockade in Nagorno Karabakh. By this, Azerbaijan wants to deceive the international community about the fact that the Lachin Corridor is illegally blocked, which has been confirmed by such renowned international organizations as Human Rights Watch, the UN Security Council and confirmed by the interim decisions of the UN International Court of Justice that the corridor is blocked and the people are starving. After all, if the Lachin Corridor is not blocked and there is no siege and hunger in Nagorno Karabakh, as Aliyev's aide claims, then why did Azerbaijan send that mysterious humanitarian aid to Aghdam? Marukyan said in a post on X.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh, which is home to 120,000 Armenians, to Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022.

The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of using the blockade to commit ethnic cleansing and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Two persons have reportedly died while eight others sustained injuries after a commercial bus rammed into a truck along the Lagos-Ibadan highway.

The Toyota Hiace bus, marked GAS 937, had run into the moving truck around Christopher University, along the express road.

The spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

Okpe explained that 10 persons were involved, comprising seven males and three females.

READ ALSO: 4,387 Persons Died From Road Accidents In Six Months  FRSC

According to her, six men and two women were injured while one man and one woman were recorded dead from the crash.

The fatal crash was caused by excessive speed and wrongful overtaking on the part of the Toyota driver and then rammed into a moving truck, she said.

She noted that the injured victims were taken to Famobis Hospital in Mowe while the bodies were deposited at Idera mortuary, Sagamu.

Okpe informed that the FRSC Sector Commander, Anthony Uga, cautioned motorists on speeding and poor judgment on overtaking.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that he suspended further actions on Nigeria Air and airport concessions due to complaints from government agencies, not just members of the public.

Information Nigeria had reported that Keyamo announced last week the suspension of two projects that were part of the previous administrations aviation roadmap.

Keyamo stated during an inspection of the ongoing second runway project at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja that the two projects would be suspended until the government made a final decision on them.

READ ALSO: President Tinubus Economic Revival Plan Already Yielding Results  Shettima

His words: It would be irresponsible of me as a minister to come in and agencies of government are raising red flags here and there and I would keep quiet.

I am not talking about people, Nigerians complaining now, agencies of government are raising red flags about both projects and I as a government functionary cannot waive all those red flags away.

He said the next step will be for the Federal Government as a whole, not just him, to review all of the reports he would present to them, but no final decision on concession has been made.
The Vine Street Expressway in Philadelphia, Pa. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. The city plans to cap the Vine Street Expressway to reconnect Chinatown. Read more

The city, in partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp. (PCDC), has unveiled three design proposals for the Chinatown Stitch Project, which aims to reconnect the Chinatown neighborhood bisected by the construction of the Vine Street Expressway.

On Tuesday, the proposals were shared publicly to gather feedback. Each design offers a different way to reconnect the commercial center of Chinatown to the northern part of the neighborhood, where many residents live. The two areas were separated by the construction of the Vine Street Expressway, which concluded in 1991.

Theres been about 20 plus years of talk about trying to address some of the ongoing harm that the Vine Street Expressway causes to the surrounding community, Christopher Puchalsky, director of policy and strategic initiatives for the citys Office of Transportation, said Tuesday at an online meeting.

Until now, there have been a lot of good ideas about how to go about the project, but no study that produced a cohesive concept that could be engineered into a feasible alternative, he said.

Advertisement

Some of the goals not only are to reconnect Chinatown but also to ensure that the residents who live here, the workers who work here, and the small businesses that operate businesses here, all can benefit from the Vine Street Expressway, said John Chin , executive director of PCDC.

Residents can share their feedback about the proposals in a new survey available in English and simplified Chinese online through Oct. 6. They can also share thoughts at a public meeting scheduled for Monday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Chinese Christian Church and Center at 1101 Vine St. There will be pop-up meetings around Chinatown also scheduled for Sept. 10 and 30.

The design priorities

The three proposals take into account community feedback gathered during the spring through pop-up events in Chinatown, a survey, and outreach using postcards. The survey, which began collecting data in March, gathered 2,335 responses, with 23% of respondents identifying themselves as residents of Chinatown.

According to those who replied to the survey, priorities for the project include:

Creating a park that can accommodate public plazas and landscapes. Increasing the safety of the local Vine Street lanes. Developing space for public civic buildings that serve community needs. Taking the needs of seniors, young people, and people with disabilities into consideration.

The proposals

Each of the three designs proposes distinct areas of the expressway be capped off, meaning that there would be structures built over the road. All three proposals also create potential for the capped construction areas to connect to the development of the Rail Park.

The first design, coined the Two-Block Concept, adds two full caps to the expressway, one connecting 10th and 11th Streets, and one between 12th and 13th Streets. A partial cap between 11th and 12th Streets has an open space for ventilation that is required for the expressway.

The second proposal, named the Three-Block Concept, adds one continuous cap from 10th to 13th Streets. Planners warn that this design is more expensive and difficult to build than the first since it would make the expressway into a tunnel, according to the Department of Transportations definition, and thus require additional investments in supportive infrastructure.

The third proposal, the Three-Block Shifted Street Concept, is the most expensive and difficult to build, according to the city Office of Transportation. It involves bringing together the eastbound and westbound travel lanes on the south end of Vine Street. This solution would free up space north of Vine Street for green space, and allow for shorter crossing distances on 11th and 12th Streets over Vine street. Planners warn that this proposal would also be considered a tunnel, per PennDot standards, and requires moving lanes of traffic together.

Timeline and cost

At the meeting on Tuesday, Puchalsky said the hope is to finish the design of the project in three to four years and begin construction around 2028.

This is an ambitious timeline, he said. A lot of things need to go right.

Additional funding also needs to be secured. While Puchalsky couldnt share how much each proposal would cost, he said the cap of I-95, which broke ground Wednesday, will cost around $400 million. The cap by the Free Library, which opened in 2017 and is much smaller, would have cost around $20 million in todays dollars. Earlier this year, city officials noted that capping one block on the Vine Street Expressway could cost between $25 million and $30 million.
Signage and mural art in the A-East Baggage Claim area at Philadelphia International Airport following a groundbreaking for another new restroom. Read more

Restrooms are one of the places just about every person visits when traveling through an airport. Philadelphia International Airport has been renovating its bathrooms since 2012, working toward improving what some travelers at the time complained were dingy facilities.

On Tuesday, PHL broke ground on Phase 5 of its nine-part bathroom renovation program. When all nine phases have been completed, the airport will have an additional 13,000 square feet of bathroom space across all terminals, with 35 more stalls by 2028.

The project, which launched in 2012, has already renovated 16 bathrooms, which take between eight and 12 months to upgrade.

Airport leadership staff and elected officials, including Sen. Bob Casey Jr. and U.S. Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon and Dwight Evans, gathered at the airport to celebrate the groundbreaking of the future bathroom facility at Terminal A-East baggage claim.

Advertisement

As traffic continues to rebound, we need to continue to make the necessary infrastructure investments to ensure Philadelphia International Airport remains a world-class facility, said Atif Saeed, PHL CEO.

Phases 5 through 9 of the project will upgrade 30 bathrooms and build two new ones. It will also create five lactation rooms, which will replace the lactation pods already available at the airport. The project will also add 49 gender-neutral bathrooms, and three adult assisted-care restrooms, which have more space. There will also be four new pet relief areas. Existing bathrooms will be upgraded to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The new bathrooms in Terminal A will include smart and touchless technology to reduce energy and water use, said Api Appulingam, PHLs deputy director of aviation and capital development. A pilot program is testing sensors in the dispensers used for soap, paper towels, or toilet paper, which can inform custodial staff about supplies running low.

Aer Lingus and American Airlines operate out of A-East, but international travelers from other airlines arriving into A-West could also pass through the area if Philadelphia is their final destination.

Last year, PHL was awarded $24 million by the Federal Aviation Administration to support its bathroom program through the Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. And earlier this year, the airport received an additional $15 million toward the project from the FAA.

These infrastructure dollars have not been available for more than 50 years  some believe it goes back 75 years, Casey said during Tuesdays groundbreaking. This is a good investment, not only for this airport, but for all of Southeastern Pennsylvania and all the people that travel through here.

The multiyear bathroom renovation program has required a total budget of over $200 million since its inception in 2012.

The airport has also recently received $15 million from the FAA to support renovations aimed at improving PHLs carbon footprint, while replacing aging infrastructure.

PHL is one of several locations throughout Philadelphia receiving federal infrastructure funding. A project aimed at making Roosevelt Boulevard safer for pedestrians is getting $78 million, and schools in North Philadelphia are getting $25 million for slow zones.
Crossing guard Pamela Lane waves a school bus passing her intersection at Master and N. 57th streets. Students will dismiss early from un-air conditioned Philadelphia schools through Friday because of a heat wave. Read more

As heat continued to grip the region, Philadelphia School District officials announced they would schedule early dismissals all week for schools that lack air-conditioning.

Early dismissals had been called at 74 schools for Tuesday and Wednesday. Oz Hill, the districts chief operating officer, announced the Thursday and Friday early closures midday Wednesday.

The district added 12 schools to the list because they lack adequate cooling. The additional schools are: Locke, Morrison, Bridesburg, Ethan Allen, Feltonville Intermediate, Benjamin Franklin Elementary, Grover Washington, Hunter, Joseph H. Brown, Bartram High School, Mastbaum High School, and the Workshop School.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we navigate extreme heat conditions during our first week of school. Despite the heat, we are excited to welcome all our students back for school year 2023-2024! Hill wrote in a letter to families and staff.

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. said Tuesday, Philadelphias first day of school, that hes frustrated that he still needs to think about cutting school time short because of a lack of air-conditioning. The North Carolina districts where he worked for decades before coming to Philadelphia in 2022 havent needed to worry about whether they can afford to air-condition schools for two decades.

Advertisement

 READ MORE: Forecasted heat wave will dismiss some Philly schools early Tuesday and Wednesday

And those werent Rockefeller-rich school districts, Watlington said. I think this is one of the vestiges of historical underfunding.

Officials have said they cant afford to fully air-condition all Philadelphia schools until 2027. The issue is not the cooling units themselves, but the antiquated electrical systems inside many schools. The average Philadelphia school building is more than 70 years old.

Conditions inside many schools remained sweltering Wednesday.

 READ MORE: Philly schools wont be fully air-conditioned until 2027. Heres why.

Sharee Himmons, a paraprofessional at Fitler Elementary in Germantown, works on the third floor, where it was extremely hot and humid, she said. Im just hoping the students and staff dont pass out.

Himmons said she was dizzy by early morning. Classrooms have fans, but they werent helping much; the schools library and main office are air-conditioned. Her school is dismissing early all week.

Which suburban school districts are dismissing early?

Across the region, other districts followed in closing schools early due to heat.

Upper Darby, Chester Upland, and Pennridge all announced early dismissals to run through Thursday.

Other districts had partial closures: Cheltenham High School called early dismissals due to lack of air-conditioning in many rooms, while encouraging students to bring water in the mornings and offering free bottled water between classes.

 READ MORE: For 113,000 Philly district students, its back to school

In Central Bucks, administrators told families that in schools lacking full air-conditioning, they would use fans and move students through air-conditioned spaces, including gymnasiums and cafeterias.

If after exercising these mitigation strategies it is determined we cannot safely manage our buildings, we may authorize an early dismissal to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff, Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh said in a message to families Monday.

He asked them to send children to school with water bottles and to contact their schools principal or health office if their child has a health condition that could be affected by the heat.

In South Jersey, the Lenape Regional High School District called early dismissals for Wednesday and Thursday. So did the Camden school district; Superintendent Katrina McCombs said she was also monitoring the forecast for Friday and school schedules may be affected then, too.

McCombs said all after-school and evening activities will also be canceled. She alerted parents that buses bringing students home may be as many as 40 minutes late because of citywide early dismissals.
Time to run down 60 restaurants preparing to open this fall. I look at the summer openings, too. Also this week, Craig LaBan reviews the bustling My Loup, Jenn Ladd visits 24/7 bars in Atlantic City and a new cider room in Chestnut Hill, and Eli Kulp unveils a cool chefs collaboration series.

Oh, and where are you going for Center City District Restaurant Week?

 Read on for a quiz and restaurant news.

 Mike Klein

Advertisement

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

60 restaurants are on the way this fall

Lets look to the fall crop of new restaurants. I see a celebrity-chef-driven steak house coming to the burbs, sweet bistros in Center City and oodles of options in South Philadelphia. This weekend, catch the debut of Cleo Bagels in West Philly, which is selling a sandwich called A Ramen Thing (shown above), whose combo of marinated egg, bamboo, pickled ginger, togarashi mayo, seaweed crisp, sesame, and scallion just might bowl you over. Also: Opening Thursday is Starbolt, a cool industrial restaurant and party space in a former ironworks on Front Street with three bars (one of which is shown below). All told, 60 new restaurants.

But wait. Theres more. I recapped about 30 restaurants that opened over the last few months, including hits like Alice in the Italian Market and The Borscht Belt in Bucks County, which has a sign reading, No kvetching.

The city that never sleeps is Atlantic City, apparently. Jenn Ladd visited five 24/7 bars to soak up the scene. They range from the landmark Tonys Baltimore Grill (shown above) to the posher rooms at the casinos, one of whose bars actually rotates. You must read about Jenns experience with a drink called The Lucky Nucky, which is made of small-batch whiskey, amaro, and  gads!  root beer saltwater taffy.

Newlyweds Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp are riding high with My Loup, what critic Craig LaBan calls their rollicking bistro homage to French Canadian romance on Rittenhouse Square. Unlike Shulmans nearby white-hot hit Her Place Supper Club, you can indeed snag a table at My Loup. Let Craig show you the trick.

Northwest Philly has a new cider destination: Chestnut Hills Cider Belly, which joins Young American Hard Cider down the road. Jenn found European-style dry ciders and small plates, plus Karamoor wines, Love City beers, and draft cocktails made with New Liberty spirits. Imagine holding down a 9-to-5 job, then running a bar on nights and weekends. Thats reality for the owners.

Collab series brings hot chefs here

Chef Eli Kulp has cooked up a travel dinner series to bring hot national chefs to Philadelphia for collaborative dinners with local chefs. The Voi-age Dinner Series (say it voy-AHJ), presented by Kulps CHEF Radio Podcast, will host chefs to cook with Kalayas Chutatip Nok Suntaranon, CookNSolos Mike Solomonov (Zahav, Laser Wolf, etc.), Greg Vernick (Vernick Fish, etc.), and Nick Elmi (Laurel, Lark).

The series launches Oct. 16 and 17 with James Beard winner Suntaranon for dinners with chef Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai Cuisine in Los Angeles, who was just named Best Chef California at this years Beard Awards. (He was also a Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2022.) Hes now on First We Feasts Heat Eaters with Esther Choi and F*ck Thats Delicious with Action Bronson.

Throughout the series, a $10,000 donation will be made to an organization or cause important to each participating chef. Kalaya will donate to Philadelphias Liguori Academy.

Tickets for the Kalaya-Anajak Thai dinner ($250 per person, including food, tax and gratuity) are up on Resy. Future bookings are TBA.

Scoop

The boutique Hotel Anna & Bel has announced its opening this winter at Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street in Fishtown. A liquor license application was recorded last week, and I hear that the restaurant has a high-profile chef who wants to stay anonymous for now.

Plans for Anthos, a modern Greek restaurant from Nick Pashalis (Estia, Pietros Coal-Fired Pizzeria), are moving forward at the Hyatt Centric Hotel at 17th and Chancellor Streets. I first wrote about this in May 2019 when Pashalis had it opening at 11th and Sansom Streets  a project that stalled. Last December, I noted the related liquor-license application across town at the hotel. Last week, construction permits were pulled, and Pashalis hopes to open this year.

Don Barriga, a new Mexican restaurant at 703 Chestnut St. and an offshoot of the original at 45th and Spruce Streets, is applying for a liquor license.

Restaurant report

Hawaiian BBQ  and its big plates of food accompanied by macaroni salad, white rice, and coleslaw  has come to the eastern end of South Street. Mahalo pairs Jason Chen (whose wife, Ivy, owns the nearby Jade Fashion Boutique) and his friend Alex Chen (who formerly owned a Hawaiian-themed restaurant in Maryland) at the former Tamarind Thai restaurant.

This is an outstanding value, more so when you realize that everything is cooked/grilled to order: short ribs, coconut shrimp, katsu, kalua pork, and the loco moco platter you see above, with gravy-covered hamburger patties over rice and topped with fried eggs. (That whole platter, including sides, was all of $12.95.) Musubi, saimin noodles, and Hawaiian salads studded with pineapple round out the menu.

Note that Queen & Rook, the board-game cafe around the corner on Second Street, is due to move in next door later this year.

Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ, 117 South St. Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Tuesday. Restroom is not handicapped accessible.

Briefly noted

Riverwards Produce and Forin Cafe have collaborated on a blueberry honey wine, and the bottle-release party will be at Forin (2525 Frankford Ave.) from 5-8 p.m. Friday. Theyll sell the 50 bottles ($34) plus blueberry-themed cocktails.

Yankee Chipper in Wyndmoor has reopened as a brewpub. Originally run as a BYOB, co-owner Eric Connor obtained a brewery license and began brewing beer, which in effect allowed the restaurant to serve cocktails. And now it does. Jenn explained the process.

Pop quiz

Restaurateur (and sometime musician) Jimmy Buffett died last weekend. Which two of his restaurants are located in Atlantic City?

A) 5 OClock Somewhere Bar & Grill and Cheeseburger in Paradise

B) Margaritaville and LandShark Bar & Grill

C) Lost Shaker of Salt and JWB Prime Steak & Seafood

D) Brown L.A. Haze and Jimmy Buffetts Buffet

Find out if you know the answer.

Ask Mike anything

What happened at Art in the Age? Is it closed?

Its closed for now. Arguably the citys quirkiest cocktail bar was technically satellite tasting room for New Liberty Distillery. When that affiliation ended, Art in the Age was left high and dry. Jenn can explain the details.

 Have a question about food in Philly? E-mail your questions to me at mklein@inquirer.com.

 If someone forwarded you this newsletter and you like what youre reading, sign up here to get it free every week.

 Keep reading more food news.

 Follow me on Twitter. Or follow me on Instagram.
Using an artificial intelligence tool, scientists at Google Research and Philly's Monell Chemical Senses Center rendered thousands of smells on this digital "map." Read more

Scientists discovered long ago how to represent sounds and colors with raw numbers, paving the way for smartphones, flat-screen TVs, and other devices of the electronic world.

But odor and fragrance have remained quaintly stuck in a pre-digital era, characterized only with the subjective tool of human language.

That might be about to change, according to a new study coauthored by scientists at Philadelphias Monell Chemical Senses Center.

Using a machine-learning model developed at Google Research, the authors mapped out how the smells of 5,000 known chemical substances were related to their underlying structure. They then used this mathematical tool to predict the smells of 323 new, lab-made chemicals that no one had smelled before, finding that it performed just as well as a panel of trained human sniffers.

Advertisement

The study, published in the journal Science, is just a first step, as the tool was used only to predict the smells of individual chemicals, not mixtures. But with additional refinements, the tool could be used in such products as food, fragrances, and cleaning supplies, enabling manufacturers to safely screen thousands of chemicals for maximum odor appeal, Monell scientist Joel Mainland said.

It could even be deployed in electronic noses to screen people for cancer, detecting faint fingerprints of disease that are too subtle to be detected by the human nose.

The model never smells it, he said. It just looks at the molecular structure.

An electronic nose

The math behind the model defies easy description, but it allows scientists to characterize the types of atoms and chemical bonds in any molecule with a complex system of numerical coordinates, Mainland said. This result can then be translated into a plain-English description of its smell, using some combination of 55 standard olfactory adjectives such as jasmine, vanilla, buttery, or metallic.

Mainland, a neuroscientist who also is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, was a senior author of the study along with Alexander B. Wiltschko, chief executive officer of a Cambridge, Mass.-based tech start-up called Osmo. Other authors included Emily Mayhew, a former postdoctoral fellow at Monell who is now an assistant professor at Michigan State University.

In a blog post about the results, Osmos Wiltschko described how he got hooked on the problem when studying neuroscience in college, 15 years ago.

We know why an apple looks red, we know why the crash of a cymbal is bright and loud, but why dont we know why a molecule smells of cut grass, or cinnamon, or nothing at all? he wrote. I couldnt quite fathom how something that seems so simple would still be so mysterious to all of neuroscience.

The study goes a long way toward solving one of the oldest problems in perceptual psychology, said Harvard neuroscientist Venkatesh Murthy, who was not involved with the study.

I dont think this is going to be a final answer, said Murthy, the director of Harvards Center for Brain Science. But it is a significant advance.

Sharing smells on social media?

Wiltschko helped develop the model while at Google Research, then launched Osmo in January after publishing preliminary results.

The smell evaluations from the computer model do not necessarily agree with those from every human being, as the sense of smell varies from person to person. But the results were a close match to the average ratings by a panel of 15 trained sniffers at Monell, an independent research institute known for its landmark golden statue of a giant nose and mouth on the sidewalk by sculptor Arlene Love.

In addition to screening people for cancer, the tool also could be useful in treating people with an impaired sense of smell, allowing their doctors to measure how well they respond to therapy, Monells Mainland said.

Someday, he said, the tool might even allow people to share digitized versions of smells on social media, just like they do with images and music.

Murthy, the Harvard scientist, agreed, though he said the recipient would then need some sort of device to turn that digitized version into an actual fragrance  analogous to how a smartphone screen converts a digital signal into a visible image.

But with the foundation laid by the new study, he said the concept carries more than a whiff of possibility.
The 1996 Subaru Sambar truck owned by Andres Marin, who was charged in the death of a 7-year-old girl who fell out of the back. Read more

A 48-year-old Plymouth Meeting man has been charged in the death of a 7-year-old girl who fell out of the back of his truck last month, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said Tuesday.

Andres Marin, who surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, homicide by vehicle, endangering the welfare of children, and related offenses. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 19.

On Aug. 22 around 8 p.m., Marin was driving his white 1996 Subaru Sambar when five neighborhood children asked him for a ride in the back. The children  ranging in age from 6 to 11  had previously asked for and had been given rides in the truck, which has an unusual appearance, investigators said.

The side walls around the trucks rear bed measure less than a foot in height.

Advertisement

Investigators determined that the 7-year-old girl  identified only as SK  leaned over a side wall, fell, and struck her head on the pavement, then was run over by the truck.

Marin stopped his truck, picked up the girl, and drove back to her familys home, investigators said. Marin then drove the girls father and the girl to Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, where she was pronounced dead that night.

The Pennsylvania vehicle code prohibits any person younger than 18 from occupying the bed of a pickup truck while it is on a roadway.

This activity by the defendant was illegal, it was dangerous, and he should have known that it was just a matter of time until one of these fun rides ended tragically, Steele said in a statement.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of this little girl, who died due to the defendants complete disregard of the danger in allowing young children to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, especially a truck with such low sidewalls. Four other children and their families are also greatly impacted by their friends death, and we feel for them as well, Steele said.

Marin, who was described by the girls mother to investigators as a neighbor and a friend, consented to searches of his truck and his garage, investigators said.

No attorney was listed for Marin in court records, and Marin could not be reached for comment.
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw on 3rd Street near South Street after speaking with concerned business owners following the mass shooting that occurred last summer. It was announced today that she will be resigning from her post. Her last day will be Sept. 22, 2023. Read more

As news spread across the city on Tuesday morning that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw was resigning, West Philly resident Ahmed Moor thought back to the beginning of her tenure.

Outlaw took over as Phillys lead cop in February 2020, and immediately went to work on the citys response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Then a few months later, protests erupted after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis. To Moor, Outlaws response to those calls for racial justice was a failure, making it difficult for her to build meaningful relationships with many community members.

Deploying riot police when protesters were on 676 ... that seemed like an inappropriate response to a legitimate protest that was bringing emotional but deeply felt issues to the fore in a city which is mostly Black, said Moor.

It just seemed out of touch with the realities of the moment at the time. And I think it deeply damaged trust in her ability to do her job.

Community members rarely had negative things to say about Outlaw as an individual and thought her intentions were always well-placed. Ruth Birchett, a longtime North Philly resident and member of her local police district community advisory council, believed that Outlaw was open and welcoming to people like her.

She exuded a sense that she could be depended on to be a professional and to be transparent, and that she came with listening ears. Thats the biggest thing I got from her, that she came with listening ears, that she wanted to hear, she said.

Advertisement

Birchett once saw Outlaw at the supermarket and approached her with concerns about her local police district. She was struck by Outlaws willingness to discuss those concerns, especially since Outlaw was off-duty at the time.

I pray that she will continue to make impact, positive impact in communities and be a voice, she said.

I think its the opportunity for the city to start to turn the corner. I just want to be sure that we turn it carefully. Mazzie Casher

Mazzie Casher, cofounder of the antigun violence nonprofit, Philly Truce, also had positive impressions of Outlaw from the couple of times they met, appreciating that she respected the value of solutions coming from communities themselves.

But even with that perspective, he felt like Outlaw had not made the community connections necessary for successful policing.

Delightful person and all of that, its just the job didnt seem to be getting done. It didnt feel like it was getting done, he said. I think everyone felt that like, where is she? What is she doing? What is she going to do? And why is it that she appears powerless or feels powerless?

Casher is looking forward to having new police leadership, and would like for the next commissioner to come from within the citys ranks.

But he is also cautious, hoping that the incoming mayor and new commissioner dont look at Outlaw and the citys record as a sign to go toward the extremes.

I think its the opportunity for the city to start to turn the corner. I just want to be sure that we turn it carefully, he said. We dont want to go back to Rizzo-style policing either, he explained, while also wishing for more policing of low-level crimes, like ATV riding and reckless car drivers.

This is an opportunity for the next mayor to show they will invest in the community supports [that] our neighborhoods need. Tamika Diggs

This is an opportunity for the next mayor to show they will invest in the community supports [that] our neighborhoods need, said Tamika Diggs from University City. She is the mother of three Black sons, and hopes that Outlaws successor is more considerate of their needs and well-being.

The next commissioner needs to listen to longtime residents like me and wind down surveillance and wind up accountability, she said.

Ultimately, community members recognize that issues they have with the citys police department are not isolated to the commissioner. They would like to see systemic changes that make the city feel safer while also respecting their humanity.

The problems with police in Philadelphia are bigger than any individual, Moor said. We need all of our leaders to step up and demand the best of our public servants, police included.
Advocates for school funding held a rally on the steps of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg on Nov. 12, 2021. Read more

Pennsylvania schools dont have the resources to adequately educate all students, and the gaps between the haves and have-nots render the system unconstitutional, a Commonwealth Court judge ruled Tuesday, delivering a long-awaited decision in a landmark case that could reshape education across the state.

The ruling, which comes nearly a year after the trial concluded, and close to a decade after the lawsuit was first filed by advocacy groups, several parents, and six school districts  including Delaware Countys William Penn  directs lawmakers and the governors office to ensure that Pennsylvanias schools provide all students with an education that meets constitutional standards.

How that might be achieved wasnt clear Tuesday  and might not be for a while. Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer didnt prescribe a specific remedy in her decision, while Republican legislative leaders  who fought the lawsuit and pushed back on proposals by then-Gov. Tom Wolf to inject larger sums of state money into K-12 schools  didnt immediately comment on whether they would appeal.

 READ MORE: What to know about the landmark Pa. school funding case decision

Advertisement

But lawyers who brought the case said Jubelirer was clear in her 786-page decision: The system is broken, and more money for schools is needed.

This is an earthquake that will reverberate for the children of Pennsylvania, said Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, a lawyer with the Public Interest Law Center, which represented the plaintiffs, during a news conference Tuesday evening.

Maura McInerney, a lawyer with the Education Law Center, also representing the school districts, said the issue affects hundreds of thousands of children  millions of children  generations of entrenched inequities.

Jubelirers opinion, which followed testimony from dozens of witnesses over the course of more than three months, marked the first time a Pennsylvania court has ruled on whether the states method of funding schools violated its constitutional promise to provide a thorough and efficient system of education  as well as whether its system discriminated against students in poorer districts.

On both counts, Jubelirer determined, it did.

The trial demonstrated manifest deficiencies between Pennsylvanias low- and high-wealth districts, Jubelirer said, citing testimony from educators about unmet needs in their schools some of which are as basic as safe and temperate facilities in which children can learn.

And test scores presented by the plaintiffs showing wide achievement gaps between wealthier and poorer districts demonstrate the systems failings, Jubelirer said.

Jubelirer also said there was no rational basis for the disparities between high- and low-wealth districts, which stem from Pennsylvanias heavy reliance on local property taxes to pay for public education. While Pennsylvania has a funding formula that steers added money to districts with lower property wealth and greater student needs, it only applies to a portion of what the state spends on K-12 schools.

 READ MORE: Read the full ruling from the landmark Pa. school funding case

Advocates have called for running more money through that formula, though lawyers for the plaintiffs say the state needs to spend more money on schools rather than simply redistributing existing money. An analysis presented at trial by a Penn State professor said Pennsylvania needs to spend an additional $4.6 billion to adequately fund schools  a figure challenged by lawyers for Republicans during trial. (Their defense also included a suggestion that the states academic standards did not matter for students entering certain professions  with one lawyer asking a rural superintendent, What use would someone on the McDonalds career track have for Algebra 1?)

With Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro  who filed an amicus brief in the case in support of the plaintiffs while he was attorney general  set to present his first budget next month, we certainly expect ... a significant down payment on bringing this system into constitutional compliance, Urevick-Ackelsberg said. He noted that Shapiros newly appointed education secretary, Khalid Mumin, was previously superintendent in Lower Merion, one of the states wealthiest districts, and in Reading, one of its poorest, and we expect them to be partners in getting to work.

Shapiro said in a statement Tuesday that creating real opportunity for our children begins in our schools, and I believe every child in Pennsylvania should have access to a high-quality education and safe learning environment, regardless of their zip code.

My administration is in the process of thoroughly reviewing the Commonwealth Courts opinion and we are determining next steps, he said.

In the state Senate, where Republicans have a majority, Majority Leader Joe Pittman said his office was also still reviewing the decision. He said the Republican caucus was committed to prioritizing education empowerment and access for students across Pennsylvania, and added that our system has always sought to support state and local taxpayers, whom we will continue to respect moving forward as we address all needs of the Commonwealth.

The decision was hailed by officials in Philadelphia, the states largest school system and among its poorest.

This is a great day for all students in Pennsylvania, its a great day for all teachers in Pennsylvania, its a great day for all families in Pennsylvania, said State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D., Phila.), a longtime proponent of increased funding for education whose district is in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, and includes both well-funded and struggling school systems. It gives us the legal support to justify something that I think most of us already knew  that the system was funded inadequately, in a discriminatory fashion.

And just look at the timing, said Hughes, whose wife, Sheryl Lee Ralph, plays a teacher on TVs Abbott Elementary, the wildly popular show that depicts a fictional underfunded Philadelphia school.

Abbott Elementary is on TV and the plight of our children was exposed across the nation, and we won the lawsuit, said Hughes. Im just saying.

Philadelphia school officials, who did not take part in the lawsuit but who were watching it closely, were ecstatic, school board president Reginald L. Streater said. For too long, students in Philadelphia have been shortchanged by a funding system that ignored their needs.

Jubelirer noted that the Court is in uncharted territory with this landmark case.

Therefore, it seems only reasonable to allow Respondents, comprised of the Executive and Legislative branches of government and administrative agencies with expertise in the field of education, the first opportunity, in conjunction with Petitioners, to devise a plan to address the constitutional deficiencies identified herein, she said.

Although how Pennsylvania gets to equity still has to be worked out, said Katrina Robson, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, the order is unequivocal that it must be achieved.

Jubelirer makes it clear that what the state is obligated to provide is a meaningful opportunity for every student to succeed academically, socially and civically, Robson said.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh has been discussed at the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting.

Council of Europe Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric briefed the Committee of Ministers on the results of the Council of Europe high-level delegations visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan in May-July.

A number of delegations, including the European Unions delegation, made statements regarding the situation in Lachin Corridor.

Ambassador Arman Khachatryan, Armenias Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, stated that the Council of Europe delegation that visited Armenia witnessed the total blockade of the Lachin Corridor during a visit to its entrance. Khachatryan said that Azerbaijan, with its actions, is explicitly showing its true intentions: to carry out ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, an act that is incompatible with Azerbaijans obligations assumed by its membership to the Council of Europe.

Ambassador Khachatryan emphasized the need for urgently ending the humanitarian crisis and human rights crisis as a result of the total blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh. He called on Azerbaijan to end the blockade and fully implement the binding rulings of the ICJ and ECHR.

As a priority urgent step, the Council of Europe must dispatch a fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh. The PACE resolution also called for a fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor, while Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe Dunja Mijatovic has confirmed her readiness to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh, Ambassador Khachatryan said, adding that the rights and security of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh should be addressed as part of a direct dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert.

The report by former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno Ocampo concluding that the Azeri blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes genocide was also discussed.

Ambassador Khachatryan mentioned the other reports and expert opinions warning of the danger of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh, notably the report by former Special Advisor to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Professor of Human Rights Law of the American University (Washington, D.C.) Juan Mendez.

The Armenian Ambassador said that Azerbaijans actions against Nagorno-Karabakh run contrary to the values and principles of the Council of Europe, and that the organization must act and hold Azerbaijan to account.
Michael Rohana outside the James A. Byrne Federal Courthouse in Center City in April 2019. Read more

A Delaware man who unwittingly sparked an international incident with China when he snapped the finger off an ancient terra-cotta warrior statue on display at the Franklin Institute was sentenced Wednesday to five years probation.

Michael Rohana, 29, apologized to his family and the Chinese government, saying he would make no excuses for his drunken prank at the museums 2017 ugly sweater Christmas party.

Through all of this, Ive earned a huge respect for these archaeological items, he told U.S. District Judge Chad F. Kenney during a hearing in federal court in Philadelphia. They are not to be messed with, broken, or damaged.

But while Kenney credited Rohana for his contrition, the judge noted that he was lucky he wasnt facing jail time.

Advertisement

Your conduct in this case was absolutely outrageous  quite frankly, sickening, he said. Everybody around the world looks at this and says, Yep, thats those Americans. No respect for nothing.

Rohanas sentence came five and a half years after his act of finger filching landed him  a former department store shoe salesman who lives with his parents in Bear, Del.  in the middle of a case that confounded the international art world and exposed Pennsylvanias most popular museum to questions about its security.

 READ MORE: How a stolen thumb and drunken mistake at a Philly museum confounded the international art world

In addition to the probation term, Kenney ordered Rohana to pay a $5,000 fine, complete 100 hours of community service, and pay restitution  to be determined later  to the Franklin Institute, its insurer, and the museum from which the ancient Chinese statues had been on loan.

But it could have been worse.

Rohanas maximum sentence was limited to just one year behind bars thanks to a deal he cemented with prosecutors earlier this year requiring him to plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of trafficking an archaeological resource in interstate commerce.

That agreement effectively cut the potential prison time he was facing under more serious felony counts by more than a decade.

Rohanas 2019 trial on those more serious charges marked the first time the U.S. government had used the federal art theft statute  a law typically used to prosecute perpetrators of museum heists and that requires the stolen items to be worth more than $5,000  against someone only accused of an act of vandalism.

The jury ultimately failed to reach a verdict, prompting a mistrial, after it was unable to determine whether Rohanas actions and the value of the stolen thumb met the threshold requirements for a conviction under that law.

These charges were made for art thieves  think like Oceans Eleven or Mission: Impossible, said Rohanas attorney, federal public defender Catherine Henry, in her closing arguments during the trial. Rohana wasnt in ninja clothing sneaking around the museum. He was a drunk kid in a bright-green ugly Christmas sweater.

Irreversible damages

The statue  a life-size figure known as The Cavalryman, insured at $4.5 million  is one of the few fully restored terra-cotta figures of the thousands recovered in fragments from the tomb of Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who united the nation under his rule in the third century B.C.

The Chinese government strictly regulates display and restoration of the 2,000-year-old relics and had spent years reviewing the Franklin Institutes security protocols and exhibit plans before selecting it in 2017 as one of two U.S. museums to host them as part of a traveling exhibit.

That exhibition coincided with one of the institutes periodic Science After-Hours events, programs aimed at attracting adults and often featuring themed activities and alcohol sales.

And on Dec. 21 of that year, Rohana, dressed in a fuzzy green sweater and a Phillies cap, drove in with friends from Delaware for a holiday-themed party during which he stole away from the festivities to explore.

Security footage showed him skulking past a roped-off stanchion, up a ramp, and into the darkened room that housed the closed terra-cotta exhibit. He snapped selfies, texted his friends to join him and mugged for the camera while he grabbed one of the statues in a side embrace.

Before sneaking back out, he paused to examine one more  The Cavalryman  grasped its left thumb and pulled.

Testifying during his 2019 trial, Rohana said he panicked after it broke off in his hands, shoved it into the pocket of his jeans and ran.

When FBI agents identified him from the footage and showed up at his parents home a month later, Rohana immediately confessed and led them to the dresser drawer in his bedroom where hed been keeping the purloined finger.

I dont know why I broke it, he told the jury. It didnt just happen, but there was never a thought of, I should break this.

During Wednesdays sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney K.T. Newton acknowledged Rohana might not have set out to spark an international incident, but his actions caused permanent damage to the cultural exchange between nations.

It cost the Qin Shi Huang Imperial Mausoleum Museum more than $25,000 to repair the statue, she said, and The Cavalryman has since been pulled from public exhibition.

Michael Rohanas actions not only caused irreversible damages to the terra-cotta warrior itself, but also endangered the inheritance of human civilization, administrators at the Shaanxi History Museum in China wrote in a letter to the judge.

Still, Rohana attorney Nancy MacEoin insisted that her client had suffered enough.

Since he was arrested in 2018, his case has drawn international scrutiny. B Both he and his family have lived with the shame of what he did for nearly six years, she said.

Now working for a local HVAC company, Rohana told the court he was just looking for an opportunity to atone and start adulthood in earnest without the mistakes of his youth hanging over him.

Hes begun dating a former coworker he met while employed in the shoe department at Boscovs at the Christiana Mall since his arrest, and looks forward to starting a family. The womans father wrote the judge, saying that while he wasnt sure anyone would ever be good enough for my only daughter, Rohana, despite the charges hanging over his head, had won his approval.

I was wasting my time with no goals and no vision of where I wanted my life to go, Rohana said in court. This has been a huge wake-up call for me.

Kenneys decision to spare Rohana prison time left unresolved for now how much money he will have to pay for his crimes.

In addition to the $25,000 cost of repairing the statue, the Franklin Institute is seeking reimbursement of more than $50,000 it spent installing security barriers and to fly Chinese officials to Philadelphia to examine the damaged statue.

Some of that cost may end up being covered by a $32,000 collection of Air Jordansand other Nike sneakers Rohana told the judge hed been collecting for years.

Kenney set a hearing next month to determine the full restitution amount, sending Rohana off Wednesday with a hint of the financial penalties to come.

Its going to hurt, the judge said.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw applauding the graduating class of new police officers. She announced Tuesday she is resigning later this month. Read more

Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

The heat wave isnt letting up. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 96 but will likely feel like were hitting triple digits.

After three-and-a-half years, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is calling it quits. The first Black woman to lead the citys police force is resigning later this month to become a deputy security chief at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Our lead package of stories covers whats next for Outlaw and the city shes leaving.

 Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

Advertisement

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

After Sept. 22, Danielle Outlaw will no longer be Philadelphias police commissioner.

She had unprecedented challenges during her tenure including pandemic shutdowns, record levels of gun violence and homicides, mass protests that her department responded to with heavy-handed tactics, and significant police staffing shortages.

Note: She said leaving was voluntary for a new position but the news came four months before Mayor Jim Kenney is set to leave office and a new mayor is to be sworn in. Historically, new mayors tend to pick new top cops.

Many Philadelphians reactions to the news boiled down to liking Outlaw as a person, but feeling like she ultimately didnt do her job well.

Whats next? First Deputy Police Commissioner John Stanford will step in as interim commissioner until the end of the year when Kenneys term ends. After the November mayoral election, the winner  likely Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker  will decide who runs the 6,000-member department. Police sources and city insiders expect Stanford, Deputy Commissioner Joel Dales, and Kevin Bethel, the chief of school safety for the Philadelphia School District, to be vying for the job.

Keep reading to learn what police experts and antiviolence advocates want in a new commissioner.

 And now, Im passing the mic to reporters Kasturi Pananjady and Maddie Hanna:

In a landmark court ruling at the start of this year, a Pennsylvania judge gave lawmakers a clear message: Fix the states broken school funding system. How? Thats the hard part, because there are many ways in which the current system falls short of providing students what they need.

We wanted to help readers understand how layers of inequity compound to produce the system we have today  not just in the abstract, but for your schools in particular because most districts in the state lack sufficient funding. When you choose a school district at the top of the page, the story becomes personalized to your community.

In the coming weeks, educators, experts and parents are expected to testify about their experiences with schools as lawmakers work toward solutions. Hearings will be held all across the state, and understanding how your districts children are affected is the first step in helping create a fairer education system for everyone.

Interactive newsroom developer Jasen Lo built the school funding interactive so you can see how much money your school district has for students. Click here to find out how your district compares to others.

What you should know today

 Trivia time 

There will be a second Eagles Christmas album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, coming this fall.

How many tracks will it have?

A) 10

B) 11

C) 13

D) 15

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were...

 Reviewing: The new restaurants that debuted during the summer of 2023.

 Listening to: Chloes Tiny Desk Concert.

 Unscramble the anagram 

Hint: Hang out by the waterfront

PRISING GAWK

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Jami Phillips, who correctly guessed Sundays answer: Delaware River.

Photo of the day

Thanks for hanging out this morning. Ill be back tomorrow with the latest Philly news. 
Father Mathew was vicar at St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church from 1993 to 2000 and 2005 to 2021. Read more

Samuel K. Mathew, 74, of Holland, Bucks County, adult therapist at KinderCare in Philadelphia, former staff chaplain at Holy Redeemer Hospital and Albert Einstein Medical Center, retired vicar at St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, religion and counseling teacher, and veteran, died Monday, July 31, of a heart attack at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Born and university-educated in Kerala, in southwest India, Father Mathew was in his mid-20s when he arrived in the United States in the mid-1970s. His objective, inspired by an older brother who immigrated before him and his own keen sense of empathy, was to enlighten Americans about India, its people and religions, its differences and similarities, and make life better for everybody.

He wanted to give new perspectives, said his daughter, Phoebe. He wanted to inform. He had a passion for education and reading.

To that end, Father Mathew served as therapist, chaplain, and counselor for those he considered most in need. Over four decades, he provided appropriate spiritual care and pastoral counseling for soldiers, trauma victims, psychiatric patients, families, and staff at hospitals, other medical facilities, and Army bases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky, and elsewhere.

He went, his family said, wherever he could press the notions that Indian people and culture are valuable, and that no one is defined by stereotypes and nationality. He worked most recently with adult substance abuse patients at KinderCare. As staff chaplain at Einstein from 1996 to 2016 and Holy Redeemer from 2004 to 2016, he interacted with followers of many faiths, hosted educational seminars for staff, and onboarded newcomers.

He was especially important to some church members during the COVID-19 pandemic as he hosted inspirational online evening prayers. We remember his messages for their thoughtfulness and brevity, a friend said in an online tribute.

Advertisement

Earlier, Father Mathew was a family therapist at Northwestern Human Services in Warminster and the now-defunct Kirkbride Center. He also taught religion and counseling at Martin University in Indianapolis and church history at Hood Theological Seminary in North Carolina.

Father Mathew enlisted and served as an Army chaplain from 1980 to 1988. He was a member of Indian Christians United, ordained in 1988, and appointed vicar at St. Marys in 1993. He served until 2000 and resumed as spiritual and administrative leader from 2005 to 2021.

I wont ever forget what you taught me and showed me about our faith, a church member said online. Another said: Your tremendous strength and love has left an impact on so many.

The youngest of seven sons, Samuel Kochuplavila Mathew was born May 31, 1949. Kerala has thriving Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populations as well as Hindu, and Father Mathew was anxious to spread their shared Indian heritage to America.

He attended Kerala University in the states capital city of Thiruvananthapuram and earned bachelors degrees in history and economics, masters degrees in sacred theology and divinity, and a doctorate in Christian counseling. He was later accredited in the United States by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

He married Rebekah George in 1983, had daughter Phoebe and sons Phinehas and Philbie, and lived in Bensalem, Fairless Hills, and Holland. His daughter Priscilla died earlier.

Father Mathew was a longtime presence at church on Saturdays and Sundays. Members noted his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and insight. He was, a friend said, a beacon of light in this world.

He was a lifelong learner who liked stylish cars and taught his children the value of hard work and community service. You have been a blessing in our lives and will forever be in our hearts, a friend said online.

His family said: Father Sams impact on the lives of those he touched will be remembered fondly, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

In addition to his wife and children, Father Mathew is survived by a brother, and other relatives. Five brothers died earlier.

Services were held on Sunday, Aug. 13, and Monday, Aug. 14.

Donations in his name may be made to the Samuel Mathew memorial fund for the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231.
Outgoing Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw in February 2022. Her successor must recognize that racism in policing is real  and do everything possible to end it, writes Solomon Jones. Read more

Im sure there was muted joy in some corners of the law enforcement community when Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced her resignation.

Some of Outlaws harshest critics never wanted an outsider in the first place, and felt vindicated by her coming exit. Others are seeking to promote themselves as the rightful heir to the throne. Still others  like the Fraternal Order of Police  are pushing their chosen successor, to stop the fight for officer accountability.

But fixing policing in Philadelphia is not about replacing Danielle Outlaw. Its about drastically changing the system that brought us to this point.

No community knows this better than African Americans. We are overpoliced, underserved, and too often, the targets of police brutality. A return to the status quo might serve as a minor annoyance to others, but it could cost us our very lives. Therefore, as we seek to replace Commissioner Outlaw, Black Philadelphians must forcefully articulate what we demand of the person who will be chosen to follow her, and we must do so now.

We want law enforcement without racism.

Speaking that truth acknowledges that modern American policing is rooted in the Black Codes  laws that were created to monitor and imprison newly freed slaves at the close of the Civil War. Laws against vagrancy and joblessness made Black people susceptible to the 13th Amendments provision allowing convicted criminals to be enslaved. The police were charged with enforcing that system, and their racist mandates inform the bigotry of the present.

Just as racist Black Codes were meant to keep Black people out of polite society and firmly in their place, 21st century policing is too often used to keep Black people on the wrong end of the criminal justice system.

Advertisement

Racism is why Black people are more than three times as likely to be killed by police than our white counterparts.

Racism is why Black people are more likely to be stopped and frisked, although we are less likely than white people to have contraband or weapons.

Racism is why Black people are more likely to be arrested than white people.

And racism is what President Joe Biden referenced when he said that the mostly white mob of Capitol rioters on Jan. 6, 2021 were treated very differently than Black Lives Matter protesters would have been.

Philadelphias new police commissioner must recognize that racism in policing is real. Then that new commissioner must do everything possible to bring that racism to an end.

 READ MORE: Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is stepping down. Heres what happens next.

We want presence without occupation.

In Philadelphia, as in other cities, the poorest communities are often predominantly Black, and they are also the places that were historically redlined. When banks refused to lend, and factories shut their doors, and companies declined to hire, and schools were unconstitutionally funded, poverty became entrenched. That led to crime. But rather than blaming the economic and social conditions imposed upon our communities, America  and its policing system  portrayed Black people as inherently criminal.

Thats why police in Black communities sometimes display the behaviors of an occupying army. They operate under the assumption that all of us are guilty, when in truth, most Black people do the same things as most other Americans. They go to work. They pay their bills. They raise their children. They try, in the face of every obstacle, to advance.

Police in Black communities must transform from an occupying force to a presence that is grounded in service. Officers must be community members who treat us with respect, not overseers who view us with disdain. That will only happen if the new police commissioner makes clear that respecting Black citizens is a requirement, not an option.

We want protection without abuse.

Black people will no longer accept brutality as the cost of safety. We will no longer believe that an unarmed Black person can cause gun-toting police officers to fear for their lives. We will not allow right-wing zealots to convince us that we must support abuse if it is meted out in the name of law and order.

We demand the same protections that white Philadelphians routinely receive, and getting them is not about bringing in a new commissioner. Getting them is about making sure police who break the rules are held accountable.

No police commissioner can do that by themselves. The system that employs them has to change.
Im just back from a theater vacation in London and a week in Scotland, which were meant to help me recoup from a strenuous work trip to Ukraine.

Things didnt exactly work out that way.

The first London play I attended was Patriots, a powerful drama about Vladimir Putins revenge on the onetime godfather of 1990s Russian politics, Boris Berezovsky, who had facilitated Putins rise to power.

I interviewed Berezovsky in the mid-1990s at the Davos World Economic Forum, when he was at the peak of his power, and considered himself superior to Putin. He bragged that he and fellow Russian big business oligarchs were the robber barons who would bring their country into the modern age as the Rockefellers and Carnegies did in Americas 19th century.

Advertisement

Putin never forgave Berezovskys superiority complex.

 READ MORE: Putin is playing a game of food blackmail. The West cant let him win | Trudy Rubin

The Russian tycoon was found hanged on March 23, 2013, while living in forced exile in Britain. (The coroner was unable to conclude whether he committed suicide or was strangled.)

On Aug. 23, three days after I saw Patriots (on a day I also took in the violent power struggles of Shakespeares Macbeth at the Globe Theatre), current events forced visions of Putins vendettas back onto my mind.

That was the day the private plane of onetime Putin pal  and Wagner private militia commander  Yevgeny Prigozhin exploded in midair over Russia.

Wagner won the only substantial victory for Moscow in Ukraine, and Prigozhin was hailed as a hero. But the plane explosion came two months after Prigozhin organized a brief, unsuccessful mutiny against Putins military chiefs, whom he believed were doing a bad job in Ukraine.

The militia leader apparently thought he was too important to be murdered.

Both Berezovsky and Prigozhin badly misread Putin. So, I fear, does the White House.

Indeed, these two oligarchs fates provide a flashing red-light warning about the incoherent U.S. strategy toward Ukraine, and the apparent White House failure to fully grasp what Putin is up to. Three points in particular come to mind.

First, Putin holds his grudges and will continue to seek revenge for what he regards as humiliation.

Berezovsky made the mistake of underestimating Putins determination to destroy those who challenged or betrayed him  no matter how long it took.

Prigozhin misconstrued the Kremlin leaders initial indecision after the mutiny as weakness. But Putin used the next weeks to remove the mutineers control of his Wagner militia  then played on Prigozhins inflated ego to make him think he was impervious to assassination. Wrong.

In the case of Washington and the West, Putin made clear in his 2007 Munich speech that he fully blames them for the tragedy of the dissolution of the Soviet empire  the ultimate humiliation. He wants Washingtons recognition of his right to rebuild that empire under Moscows domination, with Ukraine as its heartland. He will not give up this aspiration unless he is militarily defeated.

Any U.S. or European misperception that Putin is willing to negotiate a compromise that recognizes Ukraine as a viable state is self-delusion as deep as that which doomed Berezovsky and Prigozhin.

Putin would only use negotiations with Kyiv  as he has done before  as an opportunity to rebuild his forces and restart the war.

Second, Putin plays a poor hand well, preying on Western weaknesses. With Berezovsky and Prigozhin, he played on their inflated egos, as he did with former President Donald Trump  and will do again if Trump wins in 2024.

With the Biden administration, Putin has cleverly played on its fear he will use nuclear weapons if Ukraine crosses his redlines. The goal is to persuade the West that its too dangerous to give Ukraine the weapons it needs to retake Crimea, and actually defeat Russia.

Yet no matter how many redlines have been crossed, Putin refrains from using nukes. That is because he knows that will hurt him more than help him, losing the support of China and finally making him an international pariah. His major concern is keeping power, not committing political suicide. Russias nukes are only valuable so long as Putin doesnt use them, and the Kremlin can tout them as a potent threat.

If the West continues to be intimidated by this threat, he will use it again and again, including against Western European nations. Who would then believe that NATO would go to war to save Estonia, or Finland?

Third, and most importantly, Putin is counting on Western nations to be as shortsighted about his intentions as were the two dead oligarchs. He is playing for time.

 READ MORE: With new weapons slow to arrive from NATO allies, Ukraine surprises Putin with sea drones | Trudy Rubin

Just as he patiently waited to move against Berezovsky and Prigozhin, a long war plays to Putins advantage. He knows manpower is precious to Ukraine, but he cares not how many men he loses, and is hoping for more weapons from North Korea.

He hopes to wait out the Wests patience with supporting Ukraine financially and militarily. He is clearly hoping for a Trump victory that leads to a complete aid cutoff to Kyiv.

The White House, to Putins probable delight, seems glued to a strategy that guarantees a long war, which Ukraine may not be able to sustain.

The Biden team hoped the current Ukrainian counterinsurgency would do enough damage in a short time to bring Putin to the negotiation table (a useless proposition unless the Russians are clearly defeated).

Yet Biden continues to refuse or delay the key systems  long range ATACMS missiles and F-16 warplanes  that would make faster Ukrainian progress possible. It refuses to recognize that only NATO membership for Ukraine will stop Putins dreams of empire.

The longer the White House fails to recognize the Kremlins goals and help Ukraine defeat them, the bigger the risk to Kyiv, to NATO, and to the West.

President Biden must stop misreading Putin before it is too late.
Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks in his office in Harrisburg on Feb. 21. This week, he is endorsing City Councilmember Kendra Brooks for reelection. Read more

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is endorsing Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks for a second term, bucking some members of his own party by backing a third-party candidate and aligning himself with one of the citys most progressive elected officials.

In a statement Wednesday, Shapiro said Brooks, of the labor-aligned Working Families Party, has been a fierce advocate for Philadelphias working families and has demonstrated to me how critical her voice and lived experience are in City Council.

The endorsement is a significant development two months before the Nov. 7 general election as four candidates  two Republicans and two Working Families Party candidates  battle for a pair of seats on Council that are effectively reserved for non-Democrats. The seats had been held by Republicans for 70 years until 2019, when Brooks won her first term.

The race for the seats that represent the city at-large is one of the most closely watched this fall as Brooks tries to repeat her historic 2019 win. That year, she won an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, one of the most visible progressives nationwide.

Advertisement

Shapiro, who took office in January and is rumored to have presidential aspirations, presents himself as a political moderate. His backing could be critical for Brooks as she stitches together a coalition ranging from centrist Democrats to labor unions to Democratic socialists  especially as her Republican opponents are portraying themselves as moderates.

Shapiro did not endorse Brooks running mate, the Rev. Nicolas ORourke. In his statement, he said hes collaborated with Brooks and that she has shown her commitment to getting things done.

Brooks campaign also plans to schedule a fundraiser with the governor.

One of the qualities Im most proud of is my ability to work with colleagues from all backgrounds and build relationships like the one I have with Governor Shapiro, Brooks said in a statement. Im a coalition builder.

 READ MORE: Republicans are appealing a ruling keeping Working Families Party candidates on the Philly City Council ballot

One of the most powerful groups that does not support Brooks is the Philadelphia Democratic Party, making Shapiros support all the more noteworthy. Bob Brady, chair of the city committee, warned party officials they could be expelled if they backed anyone but Democrats in November, citing the partys bylaws that require committee members and ward leaders support Democrats.

There are seven at-large seats on Council, and voters may choose up to five candidates, meaning that the five Democratic nominees are all but certain to win seats given the partys 7-1 voter registration advantage in the city. In order for a third-party candidate to win over a Republican, they need to convince some voters to select fewer Democrats.

Brady on Wednesday suggested Shapiros endorsement may violate state party rules that say members must support Democrats, asking: Does he know that someone who votes for her has to cut a Democrat?

But state Sen. Sharif Street, chair of the Pennsylvania Democrats, said Shapiro can support who he chooses. He said while Shapiro is the highest ranking elected Democrat in state government, hes not an elected member of the state party committee.

The endorsement is not the first time Shapiro and Brooks have been allied. Last year, she endorsed his run for governor as his campaign was making a concerted effort to motivate Black Philadelphians to vote. Brooks starred in an ad in which she said Shapiro was the best leader to take on gun violence, fund our schools, and fix the justice system that disproportionately jails Black people.

Still, they have clear ideological differences.

Shapiro has worked closely with both Democratic and Republican leadership in Harrisburg to craft legislation. Brooks and the Working Families Party are trying to oust Republicans from City Hall entirely, and her running mate has repeatedly said the GOP doesnt deserve governing power in Philadelphia.

Brooks is a longtime advocate for traditional public education and has opposed efforts to turn over district schools to charter operators. This summer, Shapiro drew intense opposition from public-school advocates when he worked with Republicans to draft a controversial voucher program that charter proponents have pushed for years.

And Brooks has been one of City Councils most vocal critics of law enforcement, voting against a city budget in 2020 because the police departments allocation was too large. Shapiro, on the other hand, is the states former chief law enforcement officer, was endorsed by the Philadelphia police union, and campaigned on a pledge to hire more cops.

In his endorsement of Brooks, Shapiro highlighted her advocacy for paid sick days for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and her work crafting legislation to protect people seeking and providing abortion care. They have also each been backed by a variety of organized labor interests.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential contender, speaking on June 30 at the Moms for Liberty Annual Summit in Philadelphia. He was back in the state Tuesday for two fundraisers. Read more

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis raised about $400,000 in a fundraising swing through Pennsylvania on Tuesday, his campaign told The Inquirer.

The trip marked DeSantis return to the campaign trail after a week hiatus while overseeing recovery efforts in Florida after Hurricane Idalia.

He met with donors at a luncheon in Harrisburg and an evening reception in Pittsburgh. Both events were closed to the press.

For DeSantis, who has remained a distant second to former President Donald Trump in most state and national Republican presidential primary polls, the Pennsylvania trip was a rare visit outside of the early-voting states and comes as he looks to fund a recently rebooted campaign.

Advertisement

Its not clear whether Pennsylvania  with a relatively late April 23 primary  will even play a role in the nomination process. Pennsylvania could move up its date but for now is somewhat removed from the action, and its voters are likely less familiar with the candidates than in Iowa and New Hampshire, where the campaigns have been camped out for months.

But DeSantis supporters in the state were eager to see him.

Hes taking Pennsylvania seriously, which is what we want to see, said State Sen. Greg Rothman (R., Cumberland). Should Pennsylvanias primary move up, DeSantis will benefit from early inroads here, Rothman said. And the state will be critical in the general election.

Hell also benefit from the funds.

Republican donors are investors. They dont give because of their heart, they give because of their head, Rothman said. Hes built a campaign that can withstand a marathon. You run out of money before you run out of supporters.

The fundraisers nearly doubled what DeSantis has thus far reported raising in big-dollar donations in the state. He received $520,000 in donations over $200 between launching his campaign May 24 and the end of June, the last time period for which reports are available. Trump had raised $830,000 in large-dollar Pennsylvania donations over the entire first half of the year. But the former president brings in a lot of his money in smallerdonations, a network DeSantis has not tapped into as successfully.

Donations for the Pennsylvania events on Tuesday ranged from $500 for individuals to $11,600 to join the host committee.

Attendees said DeSantis talked about his roots in Western Pennsylvania. His father is from Aliquippa and his maternal grandfather was born in Edinburg, both towns in western Pennsylvania.

He has memories and friends here, former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, one of the hosts, said. He talked about his father being a blue-collar worker in Aliquippa.

DeSantis touted his experience as governor of Florida and the recent hurricane response. He was also upbeat about his first debate performance, cautioned supporters from reading into national polls, and pointed to early state polls in which hes running slightly closer to Trump.

He believes the field will dwindle, Barletta said.

Guy Ciarrocchi, another one of the hosts of the events, said DeSantis pitch that he can do what he did in Florida on a national scale felt especially compelling.

Its the best state economy, with the best public schools, the most parental choice & parents rights, a low crime rate and  the GOP has grown, especially among Hispanics, Black, and Indian Americans, Ciarrocchi said. When he makes that case, its clear hes the best choice to beat Biden and to govern successfully.

DeSantis received largely positive coverage for his response to the storm. Some areas are still heavily damaged, and one Florida-based anti-DeSantis group slammed his return to the campaign trail.

As communities across the Big Bend continue to come together in mutual aid to recover from Hurricane Idalia, Ron DeSantis is wasting no time getting back to work for the only constituents he really cares about: the billionaires and corporate elites who fund his political ambitions, the group, DeSantis Watch, said in a statement.
In deciding who will replace Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, the next mayor will be faced with a decades-old question: Should the top cop be a Philly police insider, or an outsider hoping to shake things up? Read more

It is, arguably, the most important task that awaits a new mayor: finding a police commissioner.

Get it right, and city leaders can rest a little easier, knowing they have a leader who can craft a plan for combating violent crime, and navigate crises that arise along the way. Get it wrong, and the position itself will be a source of uncertainty and turmoil.

The debate over who should be Philadelphias next top cop grew more urgent on Tuesday, when Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced that she will resign on Sept. 22, after three and a half years in the role, and take a job with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw resigns her post for another position

Advertisement

Outlaw will be replaced, temporarily, by her first deputy, John Stanford, a former department spokesperson who also oversaw Internal Affairs.

After the November mayoral election, it will fall to Democrat Cherelle Parker, or her Republican challenger, David Oh, to answer a decades-old question: Is it better to hire an insider, a person who started out, at one time, as a beat cop in the Philadelphia Police Department, and climbed the ranks? Or an outsider, someone with limited knowledge of the city, but no personal conflicts?

In addition to Stanford, police sources and city insiders expect at least two veteran police officials to be in the running for the job: Deputy Commissioner Joel Dales, who is in charge of the police departments patrol operations, and Kevin Bethel, a former deputy commissioner who is now the chief of school safety for the Philadelphia School District.

Heres what you need to know about what will happen next, following Outlaws announcement:

When will there be a new police commissioner?

Stanford will serve as interim police commissioner until the end of the year, when Mayor Jim Kenneys final term ends.

New mayors typically appoint their own police commissioners at the start of their administrations. Parker is widely expected to defeat Oh in the Nov. 7 general election, given Democrats more than 7-to-1 voter registration advantage in the city, but it is unlikely that Parker would announce her selection until after the election.

Kenney and his predecessor, Michael A. Nutter, each revealed their choices for police commissioner after they won their November general elections, but before they took the oath of office in January.

In 2007, Nutter chose Charles H. Ramsey, whod spent 30 years in Chicagos police department, and then nine years as the chief of the Washington police force, and arrived in Philadelphia as a reform-minded outsider.

Eight years later, Kenney named Richard Ross, a consummate department insider, as Ramseys successor. Four years later, Ross resigned amid controversy.

The last time a new mayor took office without appointing a new top cop was in 2000, when then-Mayor John F. Street retained a popular outsider, New Yorks John Timoney, who began serving as police commissioner during former Mayor Ed Rendells administration.

Not coincidentally, the Street-Rendell transition was also the last time the outgoing and incoming mayors were close allies.

Kenney and Parker also get along well politically, but Outlaws departure makes it certain that the police departments next chapter will be written by the next administration.

Hit the ground running

Police experts and antiviolence advocates each cite different traits theyd like to see in a new police chief, but agree that whoever fills the job will need to immediately address the citys gun violence epidemic, and embrace rebuilding trust between community residents and the department.

Ramsey, looking back on his eight-year tenure in Philadelphia, said he met one-on-one with rank-and-file officers and supervisors, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5, to gain a sense of the police forces strengths and weaknesses. He also sought an independent evaluation of the department.

Nutter gave Ramsey 90 days to assemble a crime-fighting plan; Ramsey assembled one in several weeks.

You gotta hit the ground running, Ramsey said. Criminals dont take the weekend off. They dont wait until an election is over to carjack or rob someone. You cant take a break, either.

Anthony Erace, the interim executive director of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, said Outlaws replacement should be genuinely committed to transparency, and implementing long-standing calls for policing reforms.

They have to understand what policing is supposed to be in this century, he said. Wanting reform doesnt mean that we dont want police to do their jobs. It means we want them to be great at their jobs.

Victoria Wylie created a foundation to combat the sort of gun violence that claimed the life of her brother, Donte, in 2008, and has worked with paralyzed gun violence survivors. She cited the importance of creating a rapport between police and residents, one block at a time.

Wylie said: I want to see a commissioner who is out in the streets more than they are at headquarters, a commissioner who pops up in neighborhoods at random  not because theyre asked to, but because its their professional responsibility.

Commissioner characteristics

Some political actors have already encouraged Parker to stick to a pattern of alternating between outside candidates and insiders.

City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson even specified who he thinks Parker should pick from among the ranks: Stanford, the deputy commissioner who will take over on an interim basis once Outlaw decamps for New York.

Stanford joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 2002 and has worked his way up the ranks and has excelled in every position he has held, Johnson said in a statement.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said the city needs a commissioner who is familiar enough with this situation to be able to lead the changes that need to happen. For this moment that were in, I feel like we need somebody who knows the city, who knows these neighborhoods, and who knows the police department.

Gauthier said she doesnt categorically favor picking inside candidates, and continues to support Kenneys decision to go outside the department in 2020, when he hired Outlaw away from being the police commissioner of Portland, Ore.

FOP President John McNesby reiterated on Tuesday the unions preference for internal candidates.

Weve invested a lot in our commanders, a lot of time, a lot of resources, he said. Outside picks dont gel well in this town, with the political atmosphere and the learning curve, it just doesnt work.

Its hard to find a good chief

Outlaw took the helm in Philadelphia at an unprecedented time. The pandemic was unfolding. The murder of George Floyd sparked civil unrest. Violent crime, including murder and carjackings, were on the rise, cops were leaving the department, and since the courts were closed, the criminal justice system came to a screeching halt.

These last three to four years have been a period in policing unlike any other, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which advises law enforcement agencies on best practices and helps cities search for police leaders. For a new police commissioner, that was an additional hurdle that they dont usually face. Wexler and his group helped Philadelphia, at city leaders request, in its search when Outlaw was selected.

The next commissioner of Philadelphia will have the number one priority  in addition to reducing violent crime  to figure out how to attract the next generation of Philadelphia cops, Wexler said. Because the reality is you dont have the same numbers of people who want to be cops.

Wexler doesnt believe it matters if the next commissioner is an insider or an outsider, both of which he described as successful.

They need to understand Philadelphia. They need to take Philadelphia to the next level. Certainly, they have to deal with violent crime, but also strengthen relations with the community and rebuild public trust.

The search for Outlaws successor comes at a time when many big cities are struggling to find police chief candidates.

Eddie Garcia, the chief of the Dallas Police Department, is also the president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, an organization of police executives representing the largest cities in the U.S. and Canada.

Since January 2020, Garcia said, 75 of the 79 cities affiliated with the organization have had changes in leadership, some more than once.

The high turnover is certainly an issue, Garcia said. When youre trying to make impactful change and culture changes, reduce violent crime, increase police morale, which has taken a hit nationally in the last few years, its incredibly important to have a steady hand and consistency.

Its very difficult to really enact true change, he said, when youre in essence playing musical chairs.

Staff writer Oona Goodin-Smith contributed to this article.
You cant help have an amazing sense of the history of Philadelphia when you live on a street like that.

Bill Bollinger is talking about the 2000 block of Delancey Place, a street that has changed remarkably little since the mid-1860s. Though home base for Bill and Judy Bollinger is London, where they raised their two sons and where they now spend most of their time, their Delancey Place residence is the home they come to when they visit Philadelphia.

The couple has strong ties to the city. Judy Bollinger is a Wharton grad and University of Pennsylvania trustee, and the couple has a long history of Penn philanthropy. One of their sons lives nearby at 21st and Cypress. Every time they visit, and arrive at the home on Delancey Place, Bill said, We feel like were stepping back into America in the 19th century.

The 5,615-square-foot home is one of the streets several intact Federal-style mansions on the National Register of Historic Places. The homes history is obvious not only from its facade, but from the interiors preserved architectural details, like crown molding and oversize wooden doors.

I do love the old-world features of the house, Bill said, while noting that he and Judy fully modernized the home, redoing the wiring, lighting, windows  all of those things you dont readily see but are so important to how you enjoy your house.

Bills favorite room is the second-floor library. Its a very warm room, particularly with the fire in the wintertime, he said. Its very, very cozy. Its a great place to just read, to chat, to play games, have family conversation.

It also works well for entertaining, he said  an evening might start with drinks on the librarys terrace with its view of the skyline.

Advertisement

The way that the dining room flows into the sitting room, and you can pull these two large sliding doors to separate them. After you finish your meal, you have lovely cocktails with a nice fireplace in the sitting room, and then go through to the dining room and close those doors and it becomes a very intimate dining area. Then you open them back up and go through to the sitting room for coffee, then close them back up so you dont have any of the mess behind you.

Theyd be happy to continue entertaining in the house, but in their retirement, they plan to spend more of their time in London. When they do come to Philadelphia, they can stay with their son. Still, Bill will miss the house on Delancey.

Its a great house, its a great area, its a fantastic city, he said. I love the juxtaposition of modernity with history. And thats one of the things you get on that street and in that house, particularly.

The Delancey Place home is being sold by Joanne Davidow for $3.695 million.
In this 2015 photo, Ken Weinstein, founder of the Jumpstart program, which gives loans and support to aspiring real estate developers, talks with Donna Tiffany Tull, one of the earliest participants in the program, on Belfield Avenue in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. Read more

Donna Tiffany Tull, a Realtor and former teacher, tried for years to break into the construction industry. But lenders kept refusing to give her loans.

I didnt look like the big guys. I didnt have the big dollar signs. My company wasnt big, she said. And it was just, No, cant help ya. 

Then her cousin heard about a program in Germantown offering loans as well as support specifically for residents without development experience who wanted to buy and renovate blighted properties. Tull had lived in the Germantown and Mount Airy areas for decades.

 READ MORE: Getting new real estate developers ready to rehab

Advertisement

When this program came out, it was just like hallelujah, Tull said, singing her joy into the word.

The owner of Tull Group, a home remodeling company, became one of Jumpstart Germantowns first participants in 2015. The program later expanded to six sections of the city, and it inspired replicas in Coatesville in Chester County; Pottstown and Norristown in Montgomery County; Wilmington; and a neighborhood in Indianapolis.

Now, more aspiring Philadelphia real estate developers will be able to access loans and training, including people who historically have been excluded from the industry. Jumpstart Philly announced last month that it has expanded citywide.

We knew that expansion throughout the city was something we wanted to do, and there was a lot of demand from Jumpstarters to make this happen, said developer Ken Weinstein, Jumpstarts founder. Its not easy to break in [to the development industry] if you dont have a parent or an uncle or an aunt in the business. So you really need a program like Jumpstart to give you the training, to network with other developers, and ultimately to lend you the money to work on your first, second, third projects.

 READ MORE: 15 developers of color just graduated from a new Philly program that aims for equity in real estate

Tull has continued to fix Philadelphia properties using Jumpstart loans, alongside the programs other graduates, most of whom are people of color and women. The program has loaned more than $46 million through more than 380 transactions. The majority of graduates renovations are of single-family homes, mostly rowhouses.

More lending means more production of properties, more affordable housing, more wealth created locally, which is all good, Weinstein said.

In the years since Jumpstart began, other programs in the city have popped up to help support emerging developers with the goal of diversifying the industry and increasing the supply of homes that Philadelphians can afford.

The citys Minority Developer Program helps small and midsize developers and contractors access public land and funding. The Philly RiSE program, created by a collective of Black business leaders, helps grow the businesses of developers of color who already have experience.

But Jumpstart is for people with no or little experience.

 READ MORE: Philly is trying to diversify real estate development by offering resources and training

We are focusing on loans traditional banks dont want to do, Weinstein said. Small loans, construction loans that tend to be messy, loans to developers without much experience. Those are the types of loans banks run away from. So theyre the types of loans we want to do to get people started in the industry.

Weinstein, president of Philly Office Retail, a Northwest Philadelphia-based development company mostly focused on commercial properties, got his start in residential construction nearly four decades ago. One of his goals is to eliminate Philadelphias blight.

I dont organize Jumpstart to have a benefit for Philly Office Retail, but theres no doubt all ships rise when residential properties are renovated, Weinstein said. For example, small businesses in his companys properties and elsewhere benefit from more residents.

 READ MORE: Effort to help rehab Germantown housing

Expanding line of credit to make more loans

Jumpstarts expansion citywide is thanks to an infusion of $7 million from a new funder, the Pittsburgh-based TriState Capital Bank, where Weinstein is a client.

We really see the value in what [Weinstein] wants to do for the good of the entire city, said David Segal, senior vice president of commercial real estate at the bank.

Reinvestment Fund, a Philadelphia nonprofit that makes community development loans, has provided financing for Jumpstart since 2019. It believes in the programs combination of funding along with training and mentoring and its goal to produce housing that neighborhood residents can afford, said Elizabeth Frantz, the nonprofits senior director of lending and investments.

And, she said, we are excited to support Jumpstart in its mission to support especially people of color and women, who are underrepresented in the real estate industry.

The nonprofit has provided $3 million in financing to Jumpstart.

A win-win

LISC Philadelphia, a community development support nonprofit, previously gave Jumpstart $2 million to make loans.

For us, it was a recognition of our own strengths and weaknesses and realizing were not particularly good at lending to those early-stage, small developers, and Kens model offers a more user-friendly alternative until they grow to a particular level, said Andrew Frishkoff, the nonprofits executive director. If we could provide financing to Jumpstart, which would then allow Jumpstart to make these really nimble loans to developers, then that was really a win-win.

The programs emphasis on local developers and their responsibility to communities, Frishkoff said, is a good alternative to out-of-town investors who in many cases, especially pre-2008 recession, were the investors we saw coming in and snapping up our rowhouses for rental.

Keith Brooks, a 2019 Jumpstart graduate and Germantown resident, said the program strives to have people benefit from the development happening in their neighborhood.

 READ MORE: Large investors are increasingly buying up homes in Philly. Heres what that means for owners and renters.

Getting into real estate development seemed daunting, but Brooks, who works in advertising and volunteers with neighborhood organizations, said Jumpstarts guidance made it possible.

Last year, Brooks company, Common Denominator Investments, bought two single-family rowhouses in North Philadelphia and renovated them. Hes now looking to rent to low-income tenants who have housing vouchers, both to have guaranteed income and to help households who struggle to find homes they can afford.

Brooks said hes adopted a saying from Weinstein: You can do well by doing good.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will travel to the United Arab Emirates on September 7-8 on an official visit, the foreign ministry announced Wednesday.

On September 7-8, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates. Meetings with UAE colleagues are planned, foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan said in a statement.
A North American black bear. The New Jersey Fish and Game Council decided to allow a black bear hunt through 2028. Read more

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council approved a bear management plan Wednesday that would allow bear hunting until at least 2028, despite objections of environmental and animals rights organizations who call the harvesting cruel and inhumane.

The plan still needs approval of the state Department of Environmental Protection commissioner Shawn LaTourette, who is expected to sign off.

The councils chairperson, Frank Virgilio, told attendees of a virtual public hearing that the panel weighed 8,000 public comments when considering adoption of the proposed comprehensive black bear policy for the state. The council says the policy will control the bear population and minimize human encounters, reasoning that opponents dispute.

If you dont think that we dont take this stuff seriously, not only do we take it seriously, but the commissioners office takes it seriously; the governors office takes it seriously, Virgilio said.

Advertisement

The all-volunteer, 11 member council is composed by law of six sportsmen  meaning hunters or anglers  three farmers, and two commercial anglers.

The New Jersey Sierra Club, which has long been opposed to the hunt, said hundreds of residents had voiced opposition to the hunt and are asking LaTourette to reject it.

Todays decision to extend the black bear hunt in New Jersey is a tragic example of ineffective wildlife management that directly defies the peoples wishes. New Jerseyans do not want this hunt, New Jersey Sierra Club director Anjuli Ramos-Busot said in a statement immediately after the vote. Instead, the state should be prioritizing nonlethal management tactics that protect our beloved bears, who are victims of New Jerseys overdevelopment and conservation crisis.

DEP data show a 32% drop in bear activity, including sightings and encounters, from Jan. 1 through Aug. 21 of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.

Its not about murder

Most of those who spoke publicly Wednesday during the council meeting were against the hunt. One woman noted that deer heads were mounted on a wall behind council member Ken Whildin, suggesting a pro-hunting bias.

However, one man, a hunter identified only as Anthony, said he was in favor of the policy.

Its not about just killing. Its not about murder, he said, but about long-standing tradition.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the DEP, said in an emailed statement that the policy would be formally adopted when published in the New Jersey Register on Oct. 2.

Hajna said the policy contains both nonlethal and lethal management actions to ensure the sustainability of the species, provide for public safety, and reduce incidences of bear-human conflicts.

Hunting season

After Sept. 8, the DEP will implement black bear hunting over two one-week segments, one in October and the other in December, in designated zones in some or all of Bergen, Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex Counties. The policy prohibits killing cubs less than 75 pounds and adult bears accompanying those cubs. It prohibits hunting within 300 feet of a baited area.

Opponents of the hunt say the DEPs own data show that not only are bear complaints down, but so, too, is the number of bears, now estimated about 1,600, far below historical numbers of more than 3,000.

This is absolutely absurd, said Janet Pisar, a member of the Coalition for Animals and the Humane Society. You have no science to justify that an increased bear population is a bigger threat, a more critical threat to the public. There is no science, and you are compelled to manage game animals by bona fide science.

Taylor McFarland, the conservation program manager for the states Sierra Club chapter, said the council should be moving forward with an effective nonlethal care management plan that accounts for development encroaching on what has traditionally been bear habitat.

Jeff Tittel, the chapters former executive director, said after that the vote that Gov. Phil Murphy came out against the hunt in his initial campaign for governor. He said supporters feel betrayed not only by the bear hunt, but a host of other environmental issues they felt were neglected.

Were telling people Murphy is a bear killer and that in the next election, they shouldnt elect Democrats, Tittel said. Were telling them to write in Yogi Bear. Were tired of this. Were going to hold them accountable.
Among the three insurers, Shin Kong Life did not meet the initial requirement, with its capital adequacy ratio dropping to 184.38% by the end of June. The FSC had already noted a decline in the company's capital adequacy ratio last year and suggested improvements. However, as the situation did not improve, the FSC will now request specific measures to address the issue. Despite this, Shin Kong Life maintained a net worth ratio of 4.34%, surpassing the minimum required.
Todays ASIC release said the court did not accept some of their case against ACBF Funeral Plans. The court did not agree that ACBF had falsely represented that it was owned or managed by an Aboriginal person or persons, or that the ACF Plan had Aboriginal community approval.
Theres no doubt that if we had tried to do this as a series of face-to-face workshops, it would never have got done, she said. We had people from all over the country who could just pop into a workshop for an hour and a half, contribute, and get back to their day job.
NZbrokers is an exemplary insurance company committed to embracing flexible and mixed location, maintaining an open, inclusive office, and making work rewarding by empowering brokers. NZbrokers CEO Jo Mason revealed the strategy she adopted to tackle difficulties around employee compensation. By being as flexible as possible with our team, respecting their private lives and the stresses and demands of these, and being kind when required have helped, she said.
China Reinsurance Group took sixth place and is notable as the only Asian reinsurer that cracked the top 10. Lloyds snagged seventh place, followed by the Reinsurance Group of America at eighth, and Everest Group at ninth. Finally, Partner Re took the last spot in the top 10, although it is worth noting that it has not listed its pretax operating income for 2022.
Uruguays former ruling party Broad Front (FA) has condemned Azerbaijan for committing military aggression and genocide against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the Republic of Armenia.

September 6, 2023, 15:08 Uruguays former ruling party condemns Azerbaijans military aggression and genocide against Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: In a statement, Broad Front expressed solidarity with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and urged the government of Uruguay to act toward a peaceful resolution.

Broad Front condemns the military aggression and genocide based on the illegal territorial expansion carried out by force by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and the internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia, in contravention of international law, Broad Front said, endorsing former ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampos report that the Azeri blockade of Lachin Corridor constitutes genocide, and the Declaration of the Senate of Uruguay of December 20, 2022 which called on Azerbaijan to comply with its international commitments and ensure free movement through the corridor.

Broad Front expressed solidarity with the people of Artsakh in the face of the illegal blockade carried out by the State of Azerbaijan, which constitutes an act of flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It also reiterated its commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflict in line with international law and urged the government of Uruguay to act towards it, based on the foreign policy tradition of solidarity that Uruguay has had with the people of Armenia.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh, which is home to 120,000 Armenians, to Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022.

The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations highest court  the International Court of Justice (ICJ) - ordered Azerbaijan to take all steps at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of using the blockade to commit ethnic cleansing and genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.
CALI believes it is important to play our part to foster the next generation of female financial risk advisers to ensure a strong pipeline of talent and leadership while addressing the decreasing number of financial advisers in Australia. CALI is passionate about finding ways to make life insurance more inclusive so that our industry reflects the community we serve, said CALI CEO Christine Cupitt.
Fato, meanwhile, commented: It has been an honor to work with Peter, someone I have known for almost two decades and admire for his exceptional leadership, integrity, allyship, and commitment to excellence. AIGs accomplishments over the last few years have been extraordinary, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Peter in my new role and contributing to AIGs ongoing success.
This acquisition represents a significant expansion of the brokers footprint in the captive insurance market, as ARR has been actively involved in the industry for over 25 years. Additionally, it marks McGriff's entry into the Wisconsin market, further broadening its operations in the Midwest.
You don't want to call your emergency assistance line and be told to get into a taxi and notify the insurer when you get to Poland, Kaine said. By that point, the emergency is done, and then just becomes a claim. That's not an emergency response, its just a claim service.
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Marsh McLennan and AXA XL.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Marsh Appoints Harris as CEO, UK Retail

Marsh McLennan announced the appointments of Nick Harris as CEO, UK Retail, Marsh, and Ailsa King as chief commercial officer, Marsh McLennan UK.

Both will be based in London and report to Chris Lay, CEO, Marsh McLennan UK and CEO Marsh UK. Harriss role is effective from Jan. 1, 2024, subject to regulatory approval. Kings appointment is effective immediately.

Harris will be responsible for Marshs UK Commercial, Corporate and Risk Management client segments and Advisory services, ensuring that UK clients have access to the wide range of services and solutions from across Marsh McLennan to meet their risk and insurance needs.

Harris will return to London from Australia, where he has been CEO of Marshs Pacific region  which includes its operations in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea  for the last four years. Harris brings more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry, having worked in senior roles across the UK and Australia. Prior to his appointment as CEO of Marsh Pacific, he was CEO of JLT Australia and New Zealand.

In her new role, King will work closely with Lay to bring together the firms talent and expertise to enhance opportunities for collaboration that delivers greater client impact. King will lead a new commercial leadership structure to drive the firms collaborative approach that will deliver enhanced innovations for clients, Marsh explained.

King brings over 30 years experience in senior broking and risk advisory roles to the position and joined Marsh in 2017 as UK chief client officer, leading the development of solutions that support clients in mitigating their key risk management challenges. King has also served as CEO of Marshs UK Risk Management client segment, which is focused on serving the needs of Marshs largest and most complex clients.

***

AXA XL Appoints Meier as Chief Client Officer

AXA XL has today announced that Manuel Meier has been appointed as chief client officer, AXA XL.

In this newly created role on the AXA XL leadership team, Meier will report to CEO Scott Gunter, and will represent the voice of AXA XLs clients, further enhancing client experience and engagement. In doing so, he will work with strategic partners in the market and across AXA XLs business units to foster long-term partnerships and leverage AXA XLs technical expertise to create data-driven innovative solutions.

Meier will also have oversight of the Digital Commercial Platform (DCP)  a strategic initiative designed to enhance AXAs value proposition, with a focus on protection and prevention services  while also working closely with AXA XLs Risk Consulting solutions team.

Meier has over 20 years experience in the global insurance industry. Most recently, he served as chief transformation officer, AXA XL, and prior, as country manager for AXA XL in Switzerland. He began his career as a broker, later holding various leadership roles at Zurich Insurance across Europe and the US.

Today, our clients look to us to provide more than traditional risk transfer  they are seeking a partner to provide the insights and services that will help them to navigate emerging and evolving risks, commented Gunter.

Through our established risk engineering expertise and the newly formed DCP, we can combine our risk and prevention knowledge with tech and data capabilities, keeping the client at the heart of our business by creating a truly global, collaborative offering, he added. Manuel has a wealth of industry experience gained from client-facing roles which makes him a great fit for this position. I am excited to see this new role develop and to hear client feedback.

Topics AXA XL
A North Carolina insurance agent will have to return to court to determine if he or the client acted negligently by failing to disclose details about an insureds property, the states Court of Appeals decided Monday.

In Daniel Jones vs. J. Kim Hatcher and others, the court found that a trial court had erred in dismissing a negligence claim against Hatcher, a licensed producer in Kenansville and Beulaville, in southeastern North Carolina. Jones application for homeowners coverage did not mention the fact that the rural property had a pond and was five acres in size, an omission which later prompted the carrier to deny a hurricane claim, the appellate court said in the Sept. 5 opinion.

Since Hatcher was provided with accurate information and assumed the duty to fill out the application, it was to be completed accuratelywhich was not done, the court said in remanding part of the case to the Superior Court in New Hanover County. In sum, while Plaintiffs conduct may have played a role in the denial of the claim by the insurer, we cannot say that his conduct was contributorily negligent and caused the agent to improperly complete the application for insurance.

The lower court had correctly dismissed other allegations against Hatcher and HXS Holdings, a broker; and against Geovera Insurance, the carrier, the appeals court judges found. Those charges included fraudulent concealment, breach of fiduciary duty and unfair trade practices.

The case stemmed from Hurricane Florence, a Category 4 storm that came ashore on North Carolinas southeastern coast in 2018, at Jones doorstep. The winds and relentless rain caused significant damage to Jones property. But Geovera, after initially indicating that it would accept the claim, denied it on the grounds that the application never disclosed the pond and acreage.

Jones filed suit, arguing that Hatcher was partly at fault, after the client had agreed to let Hatcher complete the application. The agent had taken photographs of the property, but those apparently did not show all areas of the property.

The appeals court said that the insured had a duty to read the application and the policy, but that does not automatically mean the policyholder contributed to the alleged negligence.

The allegation that Plaintiff, himself, failed to read the other pages of the insurance application filled out by Hatcher before signing does not establish, as a matter of law, that Plaintiff was contributorily negligent vis-a-vis his negligence claim against Hatcher, Judge Michael Stading wrote for the majority of the court.

Plaintiffs failure to read the application in full may be grounds to excuse the insurer from covering Plaintiffs loss on a contract claim where the application contained incorrect information about his property, the opinion reads.

But it is for the jury to determine whether Plaintiff was contributorily negligent in relying on the agent rather than reading the application himself before signing.

Appeals Court Judge Allegra Collins dissented, contending that any negligence on the agents part was defeated by the insureds own contributory negligence, as the trial court had found.

The appellate majority also agreed with the lower court that the insured could not, under the law, allege that the agent breached his fiduciary duty  because Jones had signed the insurance application.

An insurance agents legally imposed fiduciary duty does not extend to properly answering the questions on the insureds application for insurance, particularly when the insured has asserted that the answers are accurate, the majority wrote. That duty rests with the insured, and the insured is only excused from their duty in limited circumstances.

In some cases, if a party to a contract holds all the cards or all the information or financial power, a fiduciary responsibility may arise. That was not the case with Jones and Hatcher, who had executed previous insurance contracts for a number of years, the court said.

Jones had also alleged that Hatcher had failed to disclose that Geovera was not an admitted carrier in North Carolina and that claims would not be covered by the states insurance guaranty fund in case of insolvency. But the appeals court said that was irrelevant, the insurer was not insolvent and its admitted status did not cause the insureds alleged injuries.

Topics Agencies North Carolina Property
Just days after another hurricane smashed through part of Florida, another property and casualty insurer has been approved for the state, providing more evidence that 2022 legislative limits on litigation are having a desired effect.

I think investors appetites have increased after the legislative reforms, and they see where the market is right now and the need for additional capacity in the market, said Donald Matz, the chairman of Orange Insurance Exchange.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approved Orange on Sept. 1, making it the latest of several insurers to follow the reciprocal exchange model. Others include Tower Hill Insurance Exchange, Kin Interinsurance Network and Loggerhead Reciprocal Interinsurance Exchange.

We think its a good model for the Florida market, Matz said.

The firm is starting off with $25 million in surplus and plans to start writing in December  after the current hurricane season. Company leaders hope to have a full reinsurance program in place before the 2024 hurricane season begins June 1. They plan to offer homeowners multiperil and commercial residential policies.

Orange may be a new company but its principals are well-known in the industry. Matz spent 26 years with Tower Hill Insurance Group, and recently spent a year with Producers National Corp. He recently returned to his home of Gainesville, Florida, to help manage Orange.

The president of underwriting for Orange is Michael McNitt, the longtime head of Cabrillo Coastal, a managing general insurance agency that specializes in hard-to-place policies in Florida and other states. Cabrillo Coastal will will have an ownership stake in Orange and will service its policies, McNitt said Tuesday.

We have the proven infrastructure for that, he said.

Daniel Riddle, Cabrillos vice president of statutory accounting, is listed as chief financial officer for Orange.

Rumors circulated this week that the company had asked former Citizens Property Insurance Corp. CEO Barry Gilway to serve on the board, perhaps as chair. But Matz and Gilway said Tuesday that Gilway is not involved with Orange at this time.

Gilway, who in December stepped down from a full-time role at Citizens, appeared to leave the door open for future involvement, as long as its not a full-time management position.

Fifty-two years of managing insurance on a 24-7 basis is enough, he said.

Gilway heralded the entrance of another private carrier into the Florida market, after three years of multiple insolvencies by Florida carriers and the pullback of others from the market.

The market is starting to correct itself. The legislation is having an impact, he said.

OIR has approved four others in the last few months, including Orion180 Insurance Co., Orion180 Select, Mainsail Insurance Co. and Tailrow Insurance Co.

State regulators touted the new business in the battered Florida market.

Weve got another insurer coming online and weve got more policies being taken out of Citizens  all after a CAT 3 hurricane hit Florida, Floridas chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, said in a statement.

The Orange business model will work something like this, according to Matz, McNitt and the OIR consent order: Orange Insurance Managers is the attorney-in-fact. The exchange issues policies to subscribers. Each subscriber will be required to make a surplus contribution equal to 10% of the subscribers annual premium.

The initial surplus has come from investors who purchased surplus notes from the exchange, Matz explained. Through the surplus contribution, policyholders pay the interest (and eventually the principle) on the notes until they own the company 100%.

The exchange model has a lot of benefits and seems to be more attractive to investors now, Gilway said.

Matz said the firm plans to have no restrictions on where it writes in Florida. His team is working with financial rating firms as we speak, but he did not say which firms. AM Best, Demotech and KBRA had not rated Orange as of Tuesday evening.

Like others in the Florida market, Orange appears to be limiting its exposure on roofs. The industry has blamed rising roof costs, fraudulent and exaggerated claims, along with assignment of benefits and lawsuits over roof claims for driving exorbitant loss adjustment expenses in recent years, although recent state legislation addressed all of those issues.

Still, an Orange rate filing on HO policies, filed with OIR Aug. 16, includes a broad roof endorsement that bars coverage for most roof damage that comes outside of named storms. Its similar to recent endorsements approved for Slide Insurance and for American Integrity Insurance.

The endorsement also includes a roof surfaces payment schedule. The exchange will pay toward the lesser of two options  repair or replacement  with diminishing amounts, depending on the age of the roof. For a 10-year-old shingle roof, for example, the policy would pay 60%. For a metal roof, it would pay 90%.

Orange Insurance Exchange may have an eye-catching logo, but the orange name is not uncommon in Florida and other states insurance arenas, and it already has caused some confusion. The exchange should not be mixed up with local agencies, brokers and bonding firms that use the orange name and color, Matz said.

Topics Florida
In the final hours before Hurricane Idalia struck Florida the storm had grown into a Category 4 beast lurking off the states west coast, and the forecast called for it to continue intensifying up until landfall.

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft had recorded winds up to 130 mph (215 kph), the National Hurricane Center said in an ominous bulletin at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

As the sun rose an hour later, however, there was evidence the hurricane began replacing the wall around its eye  a phenomenon that experts say kept it from further intensifying. Maximum winds had dropped to near 125 mph (205 kph), the Hurricane Center said in a 7 a.m. update.

Then came another surprising twist: A last-minute turn sparing the states capital city of Tallahassee from far more serious damage.

Eyewall replacement cycles are common in major hurricanes, and so when you see that, it does lead to some temporary weakening, said Kelly Godsey, one of the meteorologists tracking the storm at the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, where his colleagues slept inside the weather office so they could be at work in case the city was devastated.

The eyewall essentially begins collapsing, and that was beneficial from a timing perspective, said Donald Jones, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Several hours after the process begins, a new eyewall forms and the hurricane can then quickly intensify  which didnt happen to Idalia as there wasnt enough time before landfall, Jones said.

Like a figure skater pulling in her arms versus holding her arms out, the hurricane spins with a lot more energy, power, and ferocity when it has a tighter eye, said Ryan Maue, a meteorologist and former chief scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

After a successful completion of an eyewall replacement cycle, the hurricane has a larger eye and overall expanded wind field, extending the potential for damage over a larger area. Instead, Idalia tracked over land where friction immediately reduced the wind speeds near the surface.

Then, after the eyewall replacement had begun, the hurricane took a last-minute turn away from Tallahassee, home to about 200,000 people, Florida State University and thousands more people in the metro area. Instead of striking the capital city, it wobbled to the north-northeast and made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, the Hurricane Center announced at 7:45 a.m.

Had that turn not occurred, there would have been much more devastating impacts here in Tallahassee, Godsey said.

Despite the eyewall replacement cycle`s effects, Idalia was still a major hurricane threatening storm surges of up to 15 feet (4.6 meters) along some parts of Floridas coast.

All of that energy has already been transferred to the water surface and the devastating storm surge is already on its way, Godsey said.

A hurricane undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle can also see an expansion of its wind field, meaning that a larger area could be struck with hurricane-force winds, said Allison Michaelis, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment at Northern Illinois University.

During the eyewall replacement, there isnt much difference in the amount of thunderstorms or tornadoes the hurricane generates because that type of weather occurs in the storm`s outer bands hundreds of miles from the eye, Maue said.

Farther south in Tampa, the mood was intense as forecasters tracked the storm while it moved up the coast and took aim at the Big Bend region, said Christianne Pearce, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Tampa.

The stress level is definitely elevated, but everyone is very alert and very attentive, she said. You know, what youre putting out there is about making decisions to help people save lives.

One of the hurricane hunter airplanes  a P-3 turboprop plane that flies directly into hurricanes to collect data  typically flies out of Lakeland, Florida, when it investigates Gulf of Mexico storms. But with Lakeland near Idalia`s potential path, those operations moved to Fort Lauderdale, said Michael Fischer, a University of Miami associate scientist.

That aircraft data is really important in helping understand the structure of the storm, said Fischer, who helps to ensure the airplanes data is transmitted in real time to the National Hurricane Center and emergency managers.

As Idalia advanced toward Florida, Fischer said he was impressed by some of the high-resolution hurricane models used by meteorologists. They have advanced over the years and now give scientists a better picture of the processes taking place inside hurricanes  including signs an eyewall replacement cycle might begin, he said.

Once the storm made landfall, it was moving fast with a forward speed of around 18 mph (30 kph), the National Hurricane Center said.

The fast forward speed was good and bad at the same time, Pearce said. It didn`t linger long enough to drop copious amounts of rain on the region, but it was fast enough that it could maintain much of its intensity and remained a hurricane as it moved across south Georgia.

The most unusual aspect was the especially high water recorded at Charleston, South Carolina, and other places along the Southeast coast, he said. These high waters were a combination of a supermoon high tide, the storm-surge effects of Idalia, and a long-term component from sea level rise associated with human-produced climate change. 

There are several aspects of Idalia that have weather experts intrigued, Michaelis noted.

Its interesting that we had a drought of major hurricanes making landfall from 2006 to 2016, but since the 2017 season, weve had six major hurricanes make landfall across the Gulf Coast, said Michaelis, who added that the location where Idalia made landfall in Big Bend Coast, Florida, rarely sees a direct hit from hurricanes.

To me, this underscores the main message we try to communicate before and during every hurricane season: It only takes one, he said. Aside from how quiet or active a season is, aside from how quiet or active previous seasons have been, and aside from where we traditionally see major landfalls, it only takes one storm to make an impact.

Photo: Keaton Beach, Florida, after Idalia. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell. Flight provided by mediccorps.org)

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane
Consider the damage caused by three-second wind gusts at over 200 mph: over 8,000 buildings flattened, 161 fatalities, and more than 1,000 injured, all costing $2.8 billion; making the tornado that ripped through Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011, not only one of the deadliest on record in the United States but also the costliest.

With the second-costliest tornado in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at $2.45 billion, and the third-costliest in Moore, Oklahoma, at $2.0 billion, and with all three tornadoes occurring within just over two years, it is worth thinking about the impact tornadoes can have on the economy.

Key Takeaways Tornadoes result in significant economic losses that can be classified as direct losses or indirect losses.

Direct losses are the result of the destruction of assets and the resulting decrease in their value and/or the lost income as a result of destroyed assets.

Indirect losses relate to the wider impact and include the loss of production and sales, increased commute times, increased transportation costs, and decreased tourist activity.

Despite the economic devastation, tornadoes can act as economic stimuli, through rebuilding efforts, the inflow of insurance money and disaster-relief funds, and improvements in the labor market.

Direct and Indirect Losses

The impact of a tornado results in both direct and indirect losses to the local economy. Direct losses result from the destruction of assets from the initial impact of the tornado and include the loss of human lives, roads, power, phone lines, crops, factories, homes, and natural resources.

Just after the disaster, USA Today estimated that the Joplin tornado had caused damage to at least a quarter of the city. To calculate the cost of direct losses, one must either sum up the total value of the decrease in the value of the lost assets or sum up the total of the lost income that the lost assets generated.

Indirect losses that occur from the destruction of physical assets can be quite significant. These losses include lost production and sales, incomes and labor time, increased commute times, increased transportation costs from goods having to be rerouted, decreased tourist activity, and ongoing utility disruptions. The decreased economic activity also results in lost taxable receipts and uses federal disaster relief funds to help clean up, repair, and replace lost assets.

Lost production can also result in surging prices due to consequent shortages, as when refineries were affected by the swath of tornado activity that swept through the southern United States in 2011, causing regional gas prices to rise.

Further, although insurance companies dont usually increase rates because of a single disaster, increased tornado activity may lead to permanently higher insurance premiums or reduced coverage.

Tornadoes as Economic Stimuli

Although most would agree that tornadoes and natural disasters are very undesirable forms of economic stimuli, many economists have found that a flurry of increased economic activity often follows.

The rebuilding efforts are fueled by the inflow of insurance and disaster relief funds, which can help replace many of the jobs lost due to the initial disaster. Improvements in the labor market are exactly what researchers discovered after studying the economic impact of the Oklahoma City tornado in 1999.

New jobs and the income generated do not always remain in the local economy as it is often outside contractors that specialize in disaster clean-up and rebuilding.

Yet, this type of recovery can have a lot to do with the state of the economy before the disaster. In the case of the Oklahoma City tornado, the economy was strong and, consequently, there was a lot of confidence helping to fuel the rebuilding efforts.

In contrast, the struggling town of Picher, Oklahoma, one of Americas Superfund hazardous waste sites, is now a ghost town having ceased municipal operations not long after being hit by an EF-4 tornado in May 2008.

Regarding the Joplin tornado, more than $1.8 billion was invested into construction, more than 1,600 homes were built in the five years after the tornado, and new businesses after the tornado generated 2,000 jobs.

The amount of jobs created is not necessarily more than those lost from a tornado, and the type of employment is different as well. Although not a tornado, Hurricane Katrina stands as an example: Nearly a year after the initial disaster, employment in Mississippi reached pre-hurricane levels, while the type of work had significantly changed.

Are Natural Disasters Good for Growth? Natural disasters can be good for growth, primarily because natural disasters attract new investments. Investments from federal and local governments and donations can help boost the economy of an area hit by a natural disaster. Given the amount of development needed, this can also attract new jobs. New infrastructure and purposeful planning in rebuilding can also improve an area.

Does the Federal Government Pay for Natural Disasters? Yes, the federal government funds natural disaster response through appropriations, in which the money is provided to different groups, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

How Much Does the Federal Government Spend on Natural Disasters? From 1991 to 2021, the federal government through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) spent $347 billion on disaster response.

The Bottom Line

Tornadoes are devastating events. While primarily they have the potential to be fatal, they also uproot peoples livelihoods by destroying their places of work, the food that they eat, and how they communicate and interact with one another.

Those who survive a tornado can find their quality of life severely diminished by the consequent economic impacts, and while the clean-up and replacement efforts can stimulate economic activity, these resultant benefits do not outweigh the costs.

Although there are limitations to the extent to which damage can be prevented, it is worthwhile to consider strategies for mitigating the effects of violent storms.
Vancouver, British Columbia - September 6, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire, Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock news) Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company") (TSX-V:DEFN / OTCQB:DFMTF/ 35D: FSE) is pleased to announce that a recently completed ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located near Prince George, Canada, has identified new anomalies that may represent previously unknown REE mineralized carbonatite located largely within the current mineral resource pit shells, as set forth in the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA[1]).

[1] Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.'s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Highlights:

Based on extensive core drilling and surface geologic mapping completed to advance Defense Metals' ongoing preliminary feasibility study (PFS), the survey results closely map and further define the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.

Two previously unknown linear radiometric anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 metres in width and extending approximately 250 metres northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit (Figure 1).

Ground truthing showed that the anomalies are overlain entirely by surficial cover which occurs at lower elevations, along the western portion of the Wicheeda deposit.

Kristopher Raffle, P.Geo., Director of Defense Metals and a Qualified Person stated:

"We're excited to have identified two new exploration targets so close to the Wicheeda deposit. The radiometric surveys were initially designed to assist our geologic mapping teams and it came as a surprise when we identified new anomalies under cover having a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. After reviewing the geophysical data in the context of our updated Wicheeda 3D geological model we recognized the potential for undiscovered near-surface, east-dipping carbonatite bodies. We look forward to drill testing these anomalies."

Several resource definition drill holes undercut the southern half of the eastern anomaly at >150 metre vertical depth below surface and preclude a subvertical or steeply east dipping source. Drill hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 metres from a depth of 69 metres[2] downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern radiometric anomaly

[2] See Defense Metals News Release dated March 8, 2022

Figure 1: 2023 Ground Radiometric Survey Results

The majority of the eastern and the entirety of the western radiometric anomaly remain untested by core drilling. Defense Metals plans to test the western geophysical anomaly during fall 2023 as part of an expanded program of pit geotechnical drilling comprising a planned 915 metres in 4 holes (see Figure 1), with additional drilling subject to initial results.

Details of the Radiometric Surveys

The recently completed Wicheeda ground radiometric survey comprised a total of 20 line-km along 50 metre spaced, and locally 25 metre infill, east-west oriented survey lines completed over an area of approximately 800 x 900 metres. A NUVIA Dynamics PGIS-2 Gamma-ray spectrometer, equipped with a 0.347 Litre NaI detector and 512-channel resolution ADC was used and data was automatically synchronized with GPS, ensuring both time and location accuracy. The spectrometer's self-stabilizing capabilities on natural radioactive elements such as K, U, and Th eliminated the need for frequent recalibration, assuring reliable and accurate gamma-ray measurements. Given that gamma rays are highly attenuated by overburden (approximately 90% attenuation at 20-30cm overburden depth) ground radiometric surveys are only likely to detect outcropping or very near surface sources.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a director of Defense Metals and a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

About the Wicheeda REE Property

Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.

The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report outlined an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR[3]. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste: mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa ("million tonnes per year") mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16-year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste: mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.

[3] Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.'s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Defense Metals Corp.

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "DEFN", in the United States, trading symbol "DFMTF" on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under "35D".

Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/

For further information, please contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: (778) 994 8072

Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, completion of additional geotechnical work including pit geotechnical core holes and the expected timelines, the potential of the anomalies to represent previously unknown bodies of REE mineralized carbonatite, the expected completion of the PFS, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure this DEFN news is a paid news release on investorideas.com - learn more about costs and services https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp

Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

About Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/About/

Sign up for free stock news alerts at Investorideas.com

https://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
The plans of the Armenian authorities to hold Armenian-American military exercises are cause for concern, stated Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, news.am informs.

September 6, 2023, 16:27 Kremlin: Armenia's plans to hold Armenian-American military exercises are cause for concern

STEPANAKERT, SEPTEMBER 6, ARTSAKHPRESS: Earlier, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia announced that Armenian-American joint military exercises will be held in Armenia this month, and that their objective is to increase the level of interoperability within peacekeeping missions.

"According to the exercises, of course, so to speak, it causes concern, especially in the current situation; therefore, we will deeply analyze these reports and monitor the situation," Peskov told reporters.
Source: Streetwise Reports

September 6, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Geologists and hydrologist consultants from WSP Australia are working closely with Spey Resources Corp. to finalize a resource estimate for the company's flagship Candela II project in Salta Province in South America's Lithium Triangle. Read to see why one newsletter writer called Spey a "smart money play."

Geologists and hydrologist consultants are working closely with Spey Resources Corp. (SPEY:CSE; SPEYF:OTC; 2JS:FRA) to finalize a resource estimate for the company's flagship Candela II project in South America's Lithium Triangle.

Spey recently engaged WSP Australia to produce the estimate from five drill holes completed in 2021 and an initial National Instrument 43-101 report published last year.

Significant low-resistivity areas identified below the depth of the initial drill program in magnetotelluric (MT) survey results have been interpreted as potential aquifers.

"A rigorous analysis of the porosity of core samples and proximity to aquifers in the area has been undertaken, and WSP ... believe(s) it will be able to publish the report in the next few weeks," the company said in a release.

Low electrical resistivity can be caused by the presence of highly salty water that contains electrical conductors such as lithium and potassium, an element in high demand to help fuel the green energy transition.

"Based on the recent results from assays (of 174 parts per million or ppm) lithium, exploration drilling, and geophysical surveys, the aquifers underlying the Candela II concession are saturated with a concentrated lithium brine," wrote the NI 43-101 report's author, geologist Michael J. Rosko.

The Lithium Triangle is also home to some other major lithium miners, including Albemarle Corp. (ALB:NYSE) and SQM (SQM:NYSE), which both have market caps over US$15 billion. The Incahausi Salar is home to Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. (GNENF:OTCMKTS; 002460:CH), Allkem Ltd. (OROCF;OTCMKTS), Power Minerals Ltd. (PNN:ASX; PEIMF:OTCPK), and Patagonia Lithium Ltd. (PL3:ASX)

Because of this, Golden Opportunities Newsletter has called Spey "a smart money play."

"Spey is at home among these giants because it has a project in Candela II that's on its way to having (an inferred) resource - and access to an extraction process (Ekosolve) that could give it a huge competitive advantage," it wrote.

The Catalyst: EV Batteries

Lithium is a soft, silvery metal with highly reactive and flammable properties. It's a major component of EV batteries, where it is used as a cathode and electrolyte. It's also used to strengthen alloys, as a high-temperature lubricant, and as a drug to treat bipolar disorder.

The global lithium market is expected to grow globally from US$37.8 billion in 2022 to US$89.9 billion in 2030, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights.

"The growing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), high-drain portable electronics, and energy storage systems has had a huge impact on the growth of the overall market," the report said.

Analysts from Eight Capital also predicted that lithium market deficits will widen this decade, and the shortfalls will be driven by demand in North America.

The United States' EV penetration of 6% lags China's 26% and Europe's 20%, analysts Anoop Prihar and Alex Riazanov of Eight Capital wrote in a recent research note. But President Joe Biden's administration has committed to a target of 50% of new vehicle sales being EVs by 2030.

"We estimate North American lithium nameplate production capacity will be 262,900 LCE (million tonnes lithium carbonate) in 2026 based on projects that currently have completed a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS)," Prihar and Riazanov wrote. "Although this is a significant increase from the current North American production capacity of 6,000 tonnes LCE, it's still more than 128,000 tonnes short of what we anticipate will be required by the battery plants. As such, we anticipate the fundamentals underlying lithium demand to remain robust."

Joint Venture for Development

Spey is also drafting a joint venture shareholder agreement with AIS Resources SA for the development of the Candela II concession, with Spey holding an 80% interest and AIS holding a 20% interest.

The next milestone will be a production well and two exploration wells to conduct a brine release test and specific yield test, the company noted.

SouthernRock Geophysics completed the Magnetotelluric geophysics surveys on three lines at the site in Argentina.

"The results show a low resistivity zone that extends to the eastern border of Candela II and extends from Line L7312200 to Line L7309700, a distance of approximately 2.5 (kilometers)," the company said. "The survey penetrated to 4,000 meters depth. The conductive lithology units show a unit approximately 300 meters in thickness about 50 meters below the surface, which is the aquifer intercepted when drilling in 2021."

MT surveys measure and map the sub-surface of a project using natural time variations of the Earth's magnetic and electric fields. The data will be used to define the next exploration well and production well locations, as well as contribute to the resource estimate data, the company said.

Five holes were drilled at the Incahuasi Salar project in 2021. Lithium brine values of 153 parts per million (ppm) and 174 ppm were assayed from two holes, DDH4 and DDH5.

The company sees a path to production at the project in the next 18 to 24 months.

Ownership and Share Structure

Spey trades on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol SPEY and on the U.S. OTC market as SPEYF. Over the last year, it has traded in the range of CA$0.40 to CA$0.03, with a current market cap of CA$3.89 million. Approximately 116 million shares are outstanding, with about 114 million free-floating.

The company is covered by newsletter writer Clive Maund and Brien Lundin of Gold Newsletter.

About 4.7% of the company is owned by insiders, including Director Lawrence Hay, who owns 2.11 million shares, and Chief Executive Officer and lithium brine geologist Phillip Thomas, who owns more than 2 million shares. The rest is retail.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts

Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100?

That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More
Irish airports continued to benefit from the travel boom this summer despite a cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on consumers pockets.

More than 3.4 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport during August while 308,000 passengers flew to and from Cork Airport during the month.
When I was younger, I was under the illusion that as I progressed through my mid-20s, I would be inundated with invites to housewarmings, engagement parties, weddings, and baby showers.

That the young people of my generation in Ireland would be filled with hope, prosperity, and excitement for their future, with plenty of opportunities to build their lives, in whatever way they wished and worked for.

Instead of the occasions above, recently, it has been one going-away party after another, weekend after weekend: one person gone to Australia hoping for a better lifestyle; the next hoping to spend some time in an exciting city in the US.

For many, the reasons are economic; they seek to get away from Irelands cost of living and housing crises and get better pay somewhere else; and overall a better quality of life and an adventure.

But for those who are staying: it might seem like there is nothing and no one else left, especially in rural Ireland. Is this the case?

FREE Irish Examiner gilet with an annual digital subscription Subscribe for 1.54/week Billed as 80 for first year. Ts&Cs apply

Elaine Houlihan, Macra national president, told the Irish Examiner that the rural youth organisation is seeing young people leave Ireland recently in high numbers, but that for many, they dont want to get on the plane  they just feel they have no choice.

As Budget 2024 approaches this autumn, Ms Houlihan said it has never been more important that the measures Macra is lobbying for to keep rural communities alive are implemented and funded adequately.

That is the fight were putting in, and we hope the Government realises that without rural communities, we wont have enough food produced in Ireland, she said.

They [Government] need to realise that rural communities are the heartbeat of Ireland.

We need supports; were not just saying them, we actually need action.

Earlier this year, Macra members undertook a mammoth task of a 79km steps for our future overnight march from Athy to Government buildings in Dublin City.

The main issues highlighted by Macra included accessing affordable housing and cumbersome housing planning guidelines; disjointed and sparse healthcare services for rural communities; lack of planning for the future of rural communities informed by rural people; and lack of recognition and engagement by Government on a farming succession scheme, among other issues.

Ms Houlihan, who previously lived abroad herself, said that young people leaving a rural community has a massive impact; I see it in my own village.

Without the young people there, there will be nothing, she continued.

People need to realise we are the next generation, the people who are going to open businesses, that are going to take over the family farms; were the ones going to produce the next generation for the schools and the GAA club teams.

Without us, the economy in a rural village is gone. Who is there spending money?

Ms Houlihan and her Macra team have met with the Taoiseach and Minister for Agriculture a number of times since their march to focus on the key issues identified, and she described the engagement as positive, but I truly hope its not a false positive, I hope that it is a true positive, and not a rosy little path were being led up.

Otherwise: Thats going to cause even a bigger mass exit of us out of Ireland  and thats the last thing we need, Ms Houlihan said.

The Irish Examiner asked the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), and the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) if there was concern about the number of young people who are emigrating recently, and what it means for the future of rural Ireland, and what measures and supports these departments have in place that would help in keeping and attracting young people to live and work in rural communities.

The DRCD said: Our Rural Future 2021-2025, the Governments national rural development policy, acknowledges the importance of retaining young people in rural communities, and in particular to ensure a sustainable future for the agriculture, marine, and forestry sectors.

The policy sets out a range of measures, being delivered across Government, with the objective of ensuring that rural areas are attractive locations for young people to live, work and ultimately raise their families.

These measures include:

A focus on improving and increasing public transport services in rural areas via the Connecting Ireland mobility plan;

The establishment of technological universities in all regions to ensure the accessibility of further education to those wishing to live in rural areas;

Investments in broadband accessibility, remote working facilities, and digital and creative hubs;

Measures such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town Centre First policy.

The department added that Our Rural Future commits to supporting generational renewal in the agriculture sector.

The DAFM in its response said that the challenges of attracting young people into a career in farming are widely recognised both at national and EU level.

In Ireland, of those classified as farm holders, just over 5% are under 35 years of age, with over 30% of farmers over 65. Demographic challenges for the agricultural sector are not unique to Ireland and across the EU, for every farmer under 40, there are three over 65, the DAFM said.

Supporting young farmers and facilitating generational renewal is critical to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector.

There are a number of supports currently available for generational renewal under the Common Agricultural Policy [CAP)], and these are complemented by a suite of national measures.

When Macras Elaine Houlihan moved abroad to the Netherlands, leaving her home in the small village of Athlacca in Co Limerick a number of years ago, it was to pursue her physiotherapy studies, and the experience was probably the most nerve-wracking thing Ive ever done; leaving on an airplane and not knowing anything.

While she thought her happiness was travelling, Ms Houlihan said she soon realised it was not, and she ultimately decided to return to Ireland.

Community meant everything, I embedded back into my community like I had never left, she said.

Thats what drew me back to Ireland  the whole sense of community.

Everybody says youre moving abroad, youll definitely miss the tea and Tayto. But no, its the things like walking down the street saluting somebody you dont know and getting a salute back.

Many young people who have moved away hope to return to Ireland at some stage, and they certainly hope that the Ireland they come back to is better for them.

Ms Houlihan said that once you come back from living abroad there can be the fear of everybody moving on, that sense of loneliness you have, nobody ever talks about it.

But, you do fall back in perfectly; its like you were the missing jigsaw piece, she added.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Here I was a stay-at-home dad with my then five-year-old Lucy, living my best life. The downside was that I was practically broke, the country was in ruins and we had just discovered that we had all been unknowingly eating horsemeat for years. Thankfully there was still a few decent albums to get us through.

1. David Bowie, The Next Day

I suppose it was the way he released it. Shrouded in total secrecy in the age of social media. I remember running upstairs screaming hysterically as if I'd won the lotto when I heard of its impending release, terrifying my family to boot. Recorded over two sessions over two years, this for me was Bowie clearing the decks.

He had a lot of songs he just wanted to put out there. So many different shapes and styles over two records this is almost his very own White Album. Its also one of his best and most deeply personal works. Particularly the single Where Are We Now, a nostalgic return to the Berlin days with Iggy.

I listened to this every day for about three months when it came out. I really miss that new Bowie album thing that only fans will know.

2. Villagers, Awayland

I originally had Villagers down as one of those overly intense tuneless wonders, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

This, the follow up to the critically acclaimed Becoming A Jackal is a work of absolute genius. It's a genuine musical journey that not only takes you fleetingly through Laurel Canyon but you hop through the backyards of Brian Wilson, Scott Walker and Arthur Lee on the way, while all the while that little tinge of electronica keeps you in the 21st century.

Also, any song that begins with the immortal line "Naked on the toilet with a toothbrush in his mouth" needs to be heard.

3. Depeche Mode, Delta Machine

Having been through hell and back, and emerging a little bruised and battered, but also older and wiser, Depeche Mode return to their electronic roots, with the modular synthesiser replacing the guitar as the instrument of choice.

The blues and gospel undertones which began to emerge on Violator are much more evident here, a lot of it stemming from the personal experiences of Dave Gahan, who had battled cancer and heroin addiction. Hardcore fans will say this pales by comparison to other records but to these ears the opening Welcome To My World is as good as anything they've done.

Depeche Mode's Delta Machine and Nick Cave's Push the Sky Away

4. Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Push The Sky Away

By 2013, after 14 albums, things were getting a bit musically stale within the Bad Seeds. While various bit players came and went over the years without much fuss, something much bigger was afoot on this record.

This album marked the point where Mick Harvey departed and Warren Ellis stepped unchallenged into the role of musical director, a move which would have huge musical repercussions for the group. Gone was the guttural demented blues to be replaced by a deeper, understated more minimal sound similar to their many film soundtracks.

It's an approach that continues to this day and one that's lost him a few fans, including this one. This album also marks the point where the Bad Seeds went from being a conventional band to an eclectic collective of musicians.

5. Grant Hart, The Argument

After a four-year hiatus, Grant Hart returned with his fourth and final record. A concept album based on Milton's Paradise Lost (the really long poem on the LC English course). It had been a pet project of his for years and he really took his time to get it right.

While it's a long record and admittedly an acquired taste, fans will listen to songs like Morning Star and Shine, and remember why he was the best songwriter in Husker Du. Miltons battle, however, was not the only one here. Grant was fighting liver cancer and hepatitis C, and would die four years later, aged 56.

Grant Hart's The Argument and Charles Bradley's Victim of Love

6. Charles Bradley, Victim Of Love

For soul and funk purists, Daptone Records was some kind of musical nirvana. Sugarman 3, Lee Fields and Sharon Jones all sounded like they came from the golden age, and many of them did.

With Charles Bradley, it wasn't just the music but the back story. The compelling and sometimes heart-wrenching Soul Of America documentary tells of an often difficult upbringing, compounded by homelessness and mental health problems which Bradley courageously overcame. He was originally a James Brown impersonator but he also had songs of his own which alerted Daptone Records who literally had to de-James Brown him. They did a good job as the album nods a lot more towards classic Otis rather than The Godfather. Sadly, his success was short-lived. He passed away in 2017.

7. My Bloody Valentine, MBV

Their third studio album (not counting the two mini-albums) followed the sometimes overrated Loveless, and was one of the most anticipated records in years. It took 12 years and lots of drama for the album to eventually make an appearance. When it was eventually released on their own website, the site crashed under the weight of enormous traffic.

Musically, it leans more towards the Lost In Translation soundtrack, with a lot less emphasis on noise and layering. Some fans loved it. Some didn't. Loveless, it ain't. The horse had bolted.

My Bloody Valentine's m b v, and Low's The Invisible Way

8. Low, The Invisible Way

Americana and lo-fi are two musical terms I would always approach with extreme caution. Often, they are an umbrella under which some very dodgy music takes shelter. However, there are exceptions. Low were a duo from Minnesota who subtlety crafted their very own brand of music, inspired by those highways and large open spaces that make up the big bit of America that sits between New York and LA.

This is the tenth album of 13 and once again they do what they do. Silence, solitude, long silences. Music for thinking and driving (preferably at night).

9. The National, Trouble Will Find Me

Me: "I just can't listen to new bands. They just don't do it for me."

Response: The National. You should listen to the National. You'd really like them. They're like Joy Division."

This conversation has happened so many times and yes it's always The National and I'm always polite and pretend I'll listen but I never did.

However, driving around Cork on a miserable wet July Sunday this album made so much sense. It had a soothing and relaxing effect which I didn't expect.

While they don't sound remotely like Joy Division, they definitely owe House Of Love a few bob. But yeah good band.

The National's Trouble Will Find Me; Daft Punk's Random Access Memories

10. Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Talk about going out on a high. For their fourth and final album, Daft Punk invited a huge mish-mash of collaborators on what was originally meant to be an homage to American music but inadvertently turned into dance music's very own Pet Sounds.

Lovingly curated by Nile Rodgers, who takes us on a trip where we encounter the likes of Pharrell Williams and Julian Casablancas, but we also get to meet Giorgio Moroder and Paul Williams (not the crime reporter), who provide the album's highlights. My purist friends hated this, of course, but what do purists know.

Two that got away

Arctic Monkeys' AM

Arctic Monkeys, AM: I've reluctantly become a fan since being forcibly removed as controller of music in the car by my now 15-year-old.

Lisa O Neill, Same Cloth Or Not: You either love the voice or you don't. Personally, I could listen all day.

Do you have an addition to the list - a shocking oversight, or a hidden gem, perhaps? Let us know here:
Baby bargains in Lidl (plus a Tesco Clubcard saving)

Lidl's big baby event is back, and it's a great chance to stock up on everything you need for your little baba. The event starts tomorrow, Thursday 7, and includes deals across daily essentials like food, as well as nappies and middle aisle specials like safety gates (RRP 49.99, now 24.99), breast pumps (2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump, RRP 189, now 119.99), car seats (Maxi Cosi Infant Car Seat RRP 119, now 59.99), baby carriers (Flip 4 in 1 Baby Carrier, RRP 42.99, now 29.99) and more.

Newborn nappies 99c from Lidl

Looking at the daily essential deals, some of the Lupilu offers include; Bedtime Bathwash (500ml) and Baby Shampoo (500ml), 89c each, Premium Nappies with 12-hour leakage protection available in sizes 1-5, prices start at 99c, Biodegradable Babywipes (pack of 60) 89c each. There are also 100% Organic Cotton Baby Sleepsuits available in sizes 2-24 months (3.99 each or two for 6) and 100% Organic Cotton Baby Sleep Bag available in sizes 0-48 months (11.99 each or two for 20). See lidl.ie

There are offers on Heinz's baby food pouches in Tesco

Over in Tesco, there's a good offer on selected Heinz's pouches (130g), three for 5 with your clubcard. See tesco.ie.

Limited-edition takeaway treats

Domino's The Ultimate Spicy Meatball pizza

If you're treating yourself this week, you might be interested to hear Domino's has added some temporary new products. For a limited time, the popular chain will have a new pizza on the line-up - The Ultimate Spicy Meatball. Topped with pepperoni, pork meatballs, red onions and sliced jalapenos, once baked, it's then topped with a drizzle of new spicy sriracha for an added kick. New Dominos Fries will be debuting alongside the pizza, but these will be a permanent addition to the Dominos menu. Prices are set at store level, but get 10 off when you spend 35 when ordering through the app. See dominoes.ie

Krispy Kreme's new Sticky Toffee Swirl doughnut

Meanwhile, over in Krispy Kreme, the iconic American chain is celebrating five years in Ireland (anyone remember those crazy queues?). To celebrate they have two limited-edition flavours available from now until October 15, the Hazelnut Kreme Krisp (a creamy hazelnut filling with the outer doughnut dipped in white chocolate and rolled in a crispy wafer crumb) and the Sticky Toffee Swirl (filled with sticky toffee flavour, dipped in chocolate icing and topped with caramel biscuit, toffee crunch pieces and a swirl). From 3.75. See krispykreme.ie.

How to get 20% off H&M

H&M store at Opera Lane. Picture: Larry Cummins

Are you in Cork on Thursday? If so, get yourself to H&M in Opera Lane where they will be re-opening as H&M and H&M Home with lots of deals for launch day.

From 10am, there's 20% off everything for one day only plus the first 100 H&M members in the queue (that just involves signing up via the app) will receive exclusive entry to The Vault unlocking access to a members-only bar, free products, the chance to win prizes and more. See www2.hm.com.

Shark Flex Style 5-in-1 Air Styling & Drying System for under 300

Shark Flex Style 5-in-1 Air Styling & Drying System in Millies

If, like us, you've been eyeing the Dyson Airwrap for a while but haven't been able to justify the price tag (RRP 549.99), you might let Santa know about the Shark Flex Style 5-in-1. The system is TikTok's unofficial Dyson Airwrap dupe and comes with Auto-Wrap Curlers which use Coanda Technology (the same airflow tech as the Dyson), a Paddle Brush for straightening/drying with speed and an Oval Brush for smoothing and defrizzing. There is also a Styling Concentrator which promises to help you "master smooth, stylish blow dries" and a Curl-Defining Diffuser purposefully designed "to lift and define your natural curls". Millies currently has the product on offer for 299.99 (RRP 349.99). That's a 50 saving on its usual pricetag, and a 250 saving on the Dyson. See millies.ie.

Up to 30% off records from EP acts at The Record Hub

Niall Horan 'The Show' vinyl

Un-Laois (we see what they did there) up to 30% off some of your favourite Electric Picnic acts' records at The Record Hub this week. The online Irish vinyl store has records from Fred Again, Paolo Nutini, Billie Eilish, The Killers, Rick Astley, Wet Leg, Niall Horan and more in the sale. Grab Niall Horans third album The Show for 23.07 (was 32.95), Billie Eilish's latest Happier Than Ever for 34.36 (was 42.95) and Wet Leg's self-titled debut for 23.16 (was 28.95). See therecordhub.com.

A Bargain at Tesco this week

There's 25% off everything at F&F at Tesco's this week

Run don't walk to Tesco's where it's been confirmed there's 25% off everything in F&F until Sunday, September 10. You'll need your Clubcard and the offer includes items already on sale. A capsule collection curated by model Abbey Clancy has just dropped inspired by the quiet luxury trend, so it's a perfect time to get your Autumn office wardrobe sorted. See tesco.ie.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin began the second day of his trip to the Middle East in Ramallah in the West Bank this morning, with a visit to a Palestinian school part-funded through Irish support.

Given a warm welcome by a delegation that included the Palestinian acting education minister Mahmoud Mosa Abu Mouis, Mr Martin had a tour of the all-girls Beitunia vocational school which gives vocational courses in dressmaking and hairdressing, as well as academic courses and the likes of coding and art.

Palestinian acting education minister Mahmoud Mosa Abu Mouis chats to Tanaiste Micheal Martin.

Its a great honour and privilege for me to be here as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he said. Im delighted to say we appreciate the visit to this school. It reflects our engagement and interest in education.

"And the education of young women. Its to your credit.

Irelands support contributes capital funding to the building of schools, and has contributed to the construction of roughly 100 of them over the past decade.

The Tanaiste said that Irelands support would continue.

Speaking to reporters outside the school, he described it as a very good example of Irelands contribution to Palestine and its education system.

We contribute about 16m a year through various sectors within Palestine, he said. In addition to our support for secondary vocational education, we also run a scholarship programme, where 10-12 [students] from Palestine come to Ireland every year to study.

Micheal Martin had a tour of the all-girls Beitunia vocational school which gives vocational courses in dressmaking and hairdressing, as well as academic courses and the likes of coding and art.

Having had talks with senior Israeli ministers, including prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Mr Martin is meeting Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday.

There are a range of issues that we will discuss with them in terms of the evolution of the peace process, their thoughts, their perspectives on developments in the region, he said.

Mr Martin added that Ireland is anxious to strengthen the relationship between the EU and Palestine.

The Tanaiste also said that Hamas has to cease violence, and said one of the clear preconditions in the Northern Ireland peace process was everybody laying down their arms.

Theres also the strong sense of Iranian influence on that situation as well which is problematic. But I think fundamentally, we would call on Hamas to 100% go political and stop the use of violence.
Gardai are understood to have a clear picture of what is required to seek the deportation of Kinahan cartel leaders after a landmark Irish-UAE police meeting.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris travelled to the United Arab Emirates and met the Commander in Chief of the Dubai Police to discuss possible legal avenues for the deportations. That meeting on Tuesday came the day after he and Irelands Ambassador to the UAE, Alison Milton, met Government officials.

The commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly, Organised and Serious Crime, which is leading the Kinahan investigation. Christopher Kinahan and his sons, Daniel and Christopher junior, continue to live in Dubai along with senior cartel lieutenants, including Sean McGovern.

The Irish Examiner understands Garda HQ believes the meetings went very well and that they established a good relationship and a level of trust.

There is a clear picture of what is required from each side to get this over the line and the work needed to get there, said one source.

It is understood there will be follow-up contact between Garda HQ and Dubai Police and between the Irish embassy and Dubai authorities. Garda sources stress it will be a long road to secure the deportations.

The Irish Examiner  which revealed the commissioners meeting with Dubai police  reported on Tuesday that McGovern could be a test case. Unlike the Kinahan leaders, McGovern is facing criminal charges of murder in Ireland and has a European Arrest Warrant out against him, since April 2022.

Gardai hope that if they can convince the Dubai authorities with their evidence against McGovern that they might be willing to act and, if they achieve that, they can then go for Daniel Kinahan.

'One shot'

Two months ago gardai submitted an investigation file to the DPP in relation to the cartel leadership. The garda file recommended that a charge of directing a criminal organisation be brought against Daniel Kinahan, but sources expect it will take the DPP some time to examine the file, which contains 30 volumes of material.

Ireland has no extradition treaty with the UAE but hopes that the authorities there will use precedents they have already set, where they previously deported major criminals to the Netherlands and Italy. But those cases followed very intensive, and turbulent, engagement and negotiations between the European countries and the UAE.

Sources said deportations are very rare and that gardai and the DPP realise they have one shot with the Kinahan leaders and want to get their case as strong as possible.

Last month, Garda bosses met Drug Enforcement Agency officials in Dublin. The Gardai's prominent partnership with the US in the investigation is seen as key in persuading the Dubai authorities to act.
A shovel was used to break open the door of an apartment building in Cork by a man who also broke into a pub and left a trail of blood in an office after smashing a window to burgle the premises.

Two of these crimes were committed by 35-year-old Jonathan OSullivan, of 30 Fairfield Avenue, Farranree, Cork, in April this year and another in September last year and now he has been given a 10-month jail term for three counts of burglary and one of heroin possession.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the accused had done exceptionally well in the past in rehabilitation from a serious heroin addiction but had unfortunately relapsed.

Sergeant John Kelleher said on April 26 this year, he forced entry through fire escape doors at Crawford & Co licensed premises and stole property.

On the same date at Coppergate House, Anglesea Terrace, the defendant and two others broke in using a shovel, causing damage to a front door.

A person passing by at the time saw the burglary in progress and used his phone to record the incident, which involved the use of the shovel to break open the front door, which was extensively damaged.

He was later identified leaving the area with a blue carrier bag which he did not have at the time of the break-in. The defendant was arrested later that day and had 50 worth of heroin.

The office burglary occurred at South Mall, Cork, where the owners arrived on September 4, 2022, to find that a window had been broken and 105 cash had been stolen. There was a trail of blood left at the scene which was forensically examined and matched the DNA of the accused.

He had 26 previous convictions for theft, three for burglary and two for handling stolen property.

Mr Buttimer said while the accused had previous convictions, the defendant had been notable for the substantial time and effort he had put into rehabilitation from drug addiction in the past, but unfortunately relapsed. The solicitor said the accused was now rehabilitating again.

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed the sentence at Cork District Court.
Twenty tenants facing eviction from Cork Citys Choristers House apartments have appealed to Cork City Council to use the tenant in situ scheme to buy the building before they face homelessness.

Tenants in 24 units in Choristers House on Dean Street were served eviction notices by their private landlord on May 30 last.

Some residents were told they need to leave by November 27, while tenants with longer tenure must quit by January 10, 2024. Just four tenants have found alternative accommodation.

Chorister's House: The landlord intends to sell the building when renovation works have been carried out. Picture: Chani Anderson

Tenants who spoke to the Irish Examiner said they feared it was impossible to find alternative accommodation in the citys pressured rental market and that they had written to Cork City Council asking them to use the tenant in situ scheme to buy the building and temporarily rehouse residents while works are carried out.

Choristers House, behind St Fin Barres Cathedral, is a listed building dating to the 1760s. It was renovated as 24 holiday letting units in the 1990s.

However, they are in use as self-contained bedsit apartments by long-term tenants, some of whom have lived there for nearly 10 years.

The property owner put the building up for sale with tenants in situ in 2022, with an asking price of 2.5m and an annual rental income of 200,000.

According to a notice to quit seen by the Irish Examiner, issues with the building were identified during the sale process in conjunction with architects, engineers and officers from Cork City Council that cannot be rectified with tenants in place.

The property was taken off the market temporarily and the landlord intends to sell the building when renovation works have been carried out.

Eamon de Staic: 'Its very upsetting, almost as soon as the eviction ban was lifted, to be told that my home of the last five and half years will be sold.'

Eamon de Staic is a teacher and student currently completing a masters degree who has been living in Choristers House since 2018.

Its very upsetting, almost as soon as the eviction ban was lifted, to be told that my home of the last five and half years will be sold, Mr de Staic said.

The housing situation at the moment is horrendous. Choristers House is not just a building or a rental property, but peoples homes. Were in a pretty dire situation and to be honest, I dont know what Im going to do.

He and other tenants contacted Cork City Councils tenant in situ service in June and July, but received what he described as a cursory response to their requests that the local authority use the scheme to purchase the building.

The Tenant in Situ scheme, brought in to alleviate the impact of the lifting of the national eviction ban in April of this year, resulted in just three properties being bought by Cork City Council in its first eight months of operation, according to a response to councillors queries at the time the eviction ban was lifted.

Another tenant of Choristers House, who did not wish to be named, is on disability allowance and is due to have surgery on a heart valve in November. The date of his notice to quit is November 27.

I dont know what Im going to do, he said. Theres absolutely nothing out there in terms of rentals. Its very stressful and I am waiting on surgery later on in the year so the timing is not great.

The current owner of Choristers House declined to comment.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will ask ministers to outline their key priorities at a special meeting today as the Government's focus shifts to what can be delivered before a general election.

Members of Cabinet have been asked to prepare a list of Department priorities that can be advanced before the end of the year for the meeting, which is taking place in Avondale, Co Wicklow.

Alongside longer-term plans, ministers are set to bring a series of memos to the meeting, the first since the summer break.

Media Minister Catherine Martin is due to bring forward the much anticipated RTE annual report for 2022 to Cabinet. Ms Martin is also set to update ministers on governance reforms at the broadcaster, as well as share new figures on licence fee collection.

Minister of State Pippa Hackett is due to open a 1.3bn Forestry Programme after the meeting today which sets a target of planting 8,000 hectares per annum and will see farmers receive premiums over 20 years.

Speaking ahead of Cabinet, Ms Hackett said the new Forestry Programme will change the model and the approach to planting land.

"It will integrate trees into agricultural landscapes like never before with supports for naturally regenerated woodlands, restoration of existing native woodlands, and enhanced agroforestry options. It must also contain commercial forests which grow timber, a low-carbon material for use in the construction of homes and buildings," she said.

"If we are serious about climate action, wood should be the carbon-friendly building material of choice, something the Green Party here is leading out on."

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is due to bring forward proposals to examine the creation of an emerging health threats agency, with Cabinet set to approve the appointment of an expert to design the agency.

The agency itself would be focused on issues like pandemic preparedness, infectious diseases and biological threats.

It is also expected that a report on Irelands covid-19 response will be published shortly.

Energy support scheme

Meanwhile, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will bring a memo to open an energy support scheme for businesses impacted by the price of kerosene in 2022.

The Business Users Support Scheme for Kerosene (BUSSK) will compensate eligible businesses for 50% of the increased cost of Kerosene purchased for heating their business premises between March and December of 2022, compared to the average retail price for the same period in 2021. There will be a guaranteed minimum payment of 500.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien is bringing forward a memo to give a greater share of tax revenue generated through Local Property Tax (LPT) to councils across the country.

Under the proposal, local authorities across the country would receive a minimum of 1.5m in extra funding. In total, it is expected that an extra 75.4m will be provided to all 31 local authorities.

This would see councils across the country receive a minimum of 1.5m in funding as they receive a greater share of funds generated through the LPT.
"Within a few seconds I knew something wasnt right, but I also quickly realized it was already too late," mom Sadie Myers said

Gofundme Twins Kellan and Aurora Starr

A Florida family is mourning the loss of 4-year-old twins who died after being found inside a toy chest at home.

Authorities found the two children unresponsive at a Jacksonville home on Aug. 25, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office told PEOPLE in a statement. Despite "attempts to revive them, they were pronounced decreased," police added.

The sheriffs office said that while the investigation is still in a "very early stage," the information they have "is that both children were playing in the home and when checked on, both were found unresponsive."

"We are working with our partners at the Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause of death," police added. "At this time, we dont know if this is an accident or if foul play is involved. No charges have been filed as of Tuesday.



Related: 22-Month-Old Twin Dies in 'Freak Accident' After Cement Truck Falls Off Texas Bridge and Lands on Family SUV

In a Facebook post on Sunday, mom Sadie Myers said the tragedy happened after her children were put to bed by their father, who then went to bed himself.

When I got home from work a couple hours later I looked in at all the kids like usual to make sure they were sleeping, then ate my dinner and went to sleep, Myers wrote. At some point early that morning the twins woke each other up and decided they wanted to play in their room rather than sleep.

"They do this a lot," Myers added. "And then they usually fall asleep in some weird place in their room with toys left everywhere so mom and dad can see proof of their late night playing when we get up in the morning Friday night the weird place they decided to snuggle up and go back to sleep was in their cedar toy chest that we use to store all their stuffed animals."

Speaking with First Coast News, Myers identified the twins, the youngest of her four children, as Aurora and Kellan Starr.

Story continues

Related: Twin Brothers Died of COVID 6 Days Apart: 'They Did Everything Together'

Myers wrote that "sometime during their sleep one of them must have moved or kicked during a dream and it caused the lid of this old wooden cedar chest to close."

"Something I did not know and Im sure many others dont know is that most wooden toy chests once closed are AIR TIGHT and also sound proof," she continued. "So as they slept, all snuggled up together, they slowly ran out of oxygen."

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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



Myers later wrote that she woke up for work the next morning her other two older children were playing outside, and she initially assumed the twins were still sleeping. By the time they were found, Myers wrote that "within a few seconds I knew something wasnt right, but I also quickly realized it was already too late."

Related: Body of 5-Year-Old Boy Who Vanished in September Found in Washington River

Family member Deanna Myers wrote on a GoFundMe page that As much as these wonderful parents have tried to blame themselves...they couldnt have known that this would happen."

They went on to describe what happened as "the most horrific and painful thing any parent or sibling could be forced to endure."

As of Tuesday afternoon, the page has raised over $16,000.

Deanna Myers and the Florida Department of Children and Families did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.



Related: 12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Collapsing in P.E. Class, Family Thinks It Was Due to 'Sweltering Heat'

In her Facebook post, Myers referenced her two other older children, saying, "What I do know is that I NEED to live for my two amazing big boys, and I WILL, I will make it my sole purpose to give them the most amazing lives, to not let this cause any life long damage to their mental state."

The mom also went on to share a warning to other parents."I hope if you have a toy box like this that you destroy it immediately!!!" Myers wrote. "Please keep me and my family in your hearts and prayers."



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
The Government will provide additional funding to RTE as it cannot allow the broadcaster to fall, Media Minister Catherine Martin has said.

Ms Martin was speaking in Avondale, Co. Wicklow, where the Cabinet has been meeting for the first time since the summer break. She said that while she had received a request from RTE for interim funding, figures provided by the broadcaster would need to be examined by the Governments financial advisors NewERA.

RTE had already requested an additional 35m in interim funding prior to this summers controversy around governance and finance. It is now facing a projected drop in revenues from TV licence collection of 21m this year.

She confirmed that the Government would provide interim funding to the embattled broadcaster in the upcoming budget, but declined to say how much.

Ive just made it very clear in my communications with RTE, with the DG and with the chair of the board of the reform that is needed, of cost-saving measures that need to be seen, that wed expect with any other public body, Ms Martin said.

But we cant let RTE fall because were not going to make the decision of interim funding. Its the amount we have to decide on and those discussions have to happen yet.

Ms Martin said that while interim funding was agreed as part of the Future of Media Commission, nothing is agreed until its agreed in the budget.

Ms Martin said that she could not predict whether or not there would be strings attached to the payment, despite Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirming that there would be conditions attached to any funding.

Earlier, Mr Varadkar said the Government will not be providing any additional funding to RTE until a new strategic plan is unveiled by the broadcaster. He said that he would not prescribe what the reforms looked like and that additional funding did not need to be provided in the upcoming budget.

This isnt something that has to be sorted out on budget day. It is something that has to be sorted out this financial year, but it doesnt have to be budget day.

Both Mr Varadkar and Ms Martin committed to introducing reforms to the licence fee before the Government completes its term in early 2025.

Asked about if cost-saving measures meant job cuts at RTE, Ms Martin said: Thats not for me to say. The DG and RTE will have to decide what needs to be done in order to reduce costs.
Two construction workers have been arrested for smashing a hole in the Great Wall of China to use as a shortcut, according to local authorities.

The Youyu County government said the men were in custody with further legal action pending, following a report of a breach in the Unesco world heritage site.
Russian mercenary group Wagner is threatening democracy and freedom around the world, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said as the UK Government prepared to ban it as a terrorist organisation.

Mr Sunak said the private military firm had been unleashed around the world under Russian President Vladimir Putin, carrying out torture, theft and barbarism.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the group, which played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The order will mean that, once passed by Parliament, it is illegal to be a member of, or support, the Wagner Group.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps defended the time it has taken to proscribe the Wagner Group, saying the Government had to follow the correct process (James Manning/PA)

The ban is expected to come into force on September 13 and will also mean Wagners assets can be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Certain proscription offences can be punishable by up to 14 years in jail.

Mr Shapps told LBC: Essentially it means that you can no longer or will no longer be able to be a part of that group in the UK because they will be deemed as a terrorist organisation so you wouldnt be able to belong to it, you wouldnt be able to use their insignias or logos.

Weve seen how Wagner operate. Obviously weve seen the devastating impact theyve had or tried to have in Ukraine, but they also operate in Africa or across the Sahel.

And we do not want to see that organisation here. Prescribing them means that becomes illegal once Parliament passes it.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash in Russia last month (AP)

Proscription of the group comes after consideration of the nature and scale of the organisations activities as well as the threat it poses to British nationals abroad, the Home Office added.

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman called the group a violent and destructive organisation and said its continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlins political goals.

But ministers also faced questions about why it has taken this long to proscribe the notorious group.

Mr Shapps insisted the Government had to follow the correct process.

One of the reasons, of course, is we have a democratic system, we have to declassify information in order to be to take these issues, to make them robust in front of courts, he told Times Radio.

He said it is right that the group is being proscribed now.

There is a process you have to follow to do those things.

The move comes after Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last month.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived armed rebellion against Russias military leadership, posing the biggest challenge to President Putins authority in his 23-year rule.
A Russian missile tore through an outdoor market in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing 17 people and wounding dozens, as US secretary of state Antony Blinken returned to the country with more than one billion dollars (800 million) in new funding.

Mr Blinkens fourth visit to the country was overshadowed by the strike in the city of Kostiantynivka, near the front line in the Donetsk region, that turned the marketplace into an inferno.

It was one of the deadliest bombardments of civilians in the 18-month-old war. In addition to the dead, at least 32 people were wounded.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area, President Volodymyr Zelensky said at a news conference with the Danish prime minister in Kyiv.

Met with President @ZelenskyyUA to convey the United States unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its people. We stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. pic.twitter.com/NugwW6eeKA  Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2023

There arent any military units nearby. The strike was deliberate.

Mr Blinkens visit was aimed at assessing Ukraines three-month-old counteroffensive and signalling continued US support as some western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress against invading Russian forces.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Mr Blinken said.

Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

About 175 million dollars (140 million) of the total is in the form of weaponry to be provided from Pentagon stockpiles and another 100 million dollars (80 million) is in the form of grants to allow the Ukrainians to purchase additional arms and equipment, according to the state department.

In addition to the military assistance, Mr Blinken announced nearly 805 million dollars (644 million) in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine, including 300 million dollars (240 million) for law enforcement, 206 million dollars (165 million) in humanitarian aid, 203 million dollars (162 million) to combat corruption and 90.5 million dollars (72 million) for removing mines, the State Department said.

Rescue workers put out a fire after the rocket attack in Kostiantynivka (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

The package also includes a previously announced 5.4 million dollar (4.3 million) transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets.

Mr Blinken was to discuss other issues, including support for Ukraines economy, building on his June announcement of 1.3 billion dollars (1 billion) to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernising its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Mr Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city.

On the train to Kyiv, Mr Blinken met the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, who was also on an official visit, and thanked her for Denmarks leadership in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to state department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent attacks on port facilities in the Odesa region.

I received @SecBlinken in Kyiv.



I am grateful to the American people, both parties of the U.S. Congress, and personally to @POTUS Joe Biden for their unwavering support.



Ukrainian forces are advancing on the battlefield and we discussed steps to ensure their further successes. pic.twitter.com/gnf9xhCbWT  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 6, 2023

After arriving in Kyiv Mr Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate Ukrainian troops killed defending the country.

He told foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba that the US has seen good progress in the counteroffensive. Its very heartening.

In another meeting, Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the US money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

The trip was Mr Blinkens fourth to Ukraine since the war began, including one brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion.

But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in Kyiv since January 2022, before the invasion, in what US officials called another sign of American support.

Western analysts and military officials caution that the counteroffensives success is far from certain and that it could take years to rid Ukraine of entrenched, powerfully armed and skilled Russian troops.

Both sides will have to assess their supply shortages, with more battles of attrition likely over the winter.

A long war could stretch deep into next year and beyond, according to experts.
Federal prosecutors plan to ask a grand jury to indict US President Joe Bidens son Hunter by the end of the month, according to court documents filed on Wednesday.

The exact charges the presidents son would face were not immediately clear, but appeared related to a gun possession charge in which he was accused of having a firearm while being a drug user.

He has also been under investigation by federal prosecutors for his business dealings.

US attorney for Delaware David Weiss, newly named a special counsel in the case, referred to seeking an indictment before September 29 in a status report required by judge Maryellen Noreika.

Defence lawyers said Hunter Biden has kept to the terms of an agreement sparing him from prosecution on a felony gun charge if he stays clean and out of trouble.

US President Joe Biden with his son Hunter Biden (Andrew Harnik/AP/PA)

That agreement, which also contains an immunity clause against federal prosecutions for some other potential crimes, was part of a plea deal on misdemeanour tax offences that fell apart during a court appearance in July. Defence lawyers argue it remains in force.

News of an possible new indictment comes as Republicans are preparing for a likely impeachment inquiry of President Biden over unsubstantiated claims that he played a role in his sons foreign business affairs during his time as vice president.

If you look at all the information we have been able to gather so far, it is a natural step forward that you would have to go to an impeachment inquiry, House speaker Kevin McCarthy said recently.

The younger Biden has been the target of congressional investigations since Republicans gained control of the House in January, with lawmakers obtaining thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions.

Three powerful committees are now pursuing several lines of inquiry related to the president and his son.

And while Republicans have sought to connect Hunter Bidens financial affairs directly to his father, they have failed to produce evidence that the president directly participated in his sons work, though he sometimes had dinner with Hunter Bidens clients or said hello to them on calls.

In recent months, Republicans have also shifted their focus to delving into the justice departments investigation of Hunter Biden after whistleblower testimony claimed he has received special treatment throughout the years-long case.

Hunter Biden was charged in June with two misdemeanour crimes of failure to pay more than 100,000 dollars (80,000) in taxes from more than 1.5 million dollars (1.2 million) in income in both 2017 and 2018.

He had been expected to plead guilty in July, after he made an agreement with prosecutors, who were planning to recommend two years of probation.

The case fell apart during the hearing after Ms Noreika, who was appointed by former president Donald Trump, raised multiple concerns about the specifics of the deal and her role in the proceedings.
JAKARTASoutheast Asian leaders strongly condemned violence and attacks on civilians in Myanmar, directly blaming the ruling junta, with host Indonesia saying at a summit on Tuesday there had been scant progress on an agreed peace plan.

Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since the 2021 military coup deposed Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government and prompted a bloody crackdown on dissent.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)long decried by critics as a toothless talking shopmet in the Indonesian capital Jakarta to seek a united voice on the crisis.

The leaders urge the Myanmar Armed Forces in particular, and all related parties concerned in Myanmar to de-escalate violence and stop targeted attacks on civilians, houses and public facilities, such as schools, hospitals, markets, they said in a 19-point statement seen by AFP.

We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar.

Rights groups have accused the junta of air strikes on rebel strongholds and civilian infrastructure.

Diplomatic attempts to solve the crisis have been fruitless, with the junta ignoring the five-point peace plan agreed with ASEAN members two years ago as well as international criticism, and refusing to engage with its opponents.

An earlier draft statement seen by AFPissued by Indonesia with input from all members and thrashed out over several difficult meetings between foreign ministershad left its Myanmar section blank.

That illustrated the lack of consensus in the 10-member bloc on dealing with a junta whose leaders remain banned from high-level ASEAN meetings.

No significant progress

Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged unity and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the region, but his top diplomat said the peace process agreed with the junta to end the violence remained stuck.

The conclusion is that there is no significant progress in the implementation of the five-point consensus, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters.

She also confirmed the Philippines would chair ASEAN instead of Myanmar in 2026, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said earlier Tuesday Manila was ready to step in to replace the junta rulers.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed it would be replaced as chair.

Myanmar will skip ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, he told AFP, without providing details.

Myanmar previously withdrew from the ASEAN chair in 2006 over a potential boycott by Washington, the European Union and other international powers. The chair went to the Philippines that year.

Myanmar chaired the bloc in 2014 under Thein Sein, the countrys first civilian head of state in more than 50 years.

Another regional diplomat said some ASEAN members were pushing for the junta to be reinvited to the meetings.

Thailand has held its own bilateral talks with the junta and deposed democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in recent months, further dividing the bloc.

As the summit proceeded without a political representative from Myanmar, officials from political parties in the country sanctioned by the military told AFP the junta would likely hold elections in 2025.

But the United States has said any elections under the junta would be a sham.

Map controversy

Beijings actions in the South China Seawhich it claims almost in its entiretywere also to feature prominently in discussions, according to the earlier draft communique.

China released a new official map last week claiming sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea, sparking sharp rebukes from countries around the region, including Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Leaders were to express concern about land reclamations, activities, serious incidents in the waterway, the draft said.

Another Southeast Asian diplomatic source said leaders would aim for the aspirational goal of concluding talks with China over a code of conduct in the South China Sea by 2026.

Later in the week, Indonesia will host the 18-nation East Asia Summit, which will include the United States, China, Japan, India and Russia.

Representing Beijing and Moscow will be Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov respectively.

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Jakarta late Tuesday to attend ASEANs gathering and the East Asia Summit in place of President Joe Biden.

It is her third trip to Southeast Asia in less than three years, and the White House stressed her focus on strengthening alliances and partnerships in the region.

At both summits, the vice president will underscore the United States enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific generally and to ASEAN centrality specifically, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Tuesday.

Harris is also slated to take part in a roundtable with Russias Lavrov.
At least three people were killed and more than 4,000 displaced in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region, in Myanmar junta raids, according to residents.

A vehicle was reportedly caught up in a shooting on Monday, killing a passenger at a junta checkpoint at the entrance of Shwebo town.

U Paw Tun of Kawlin Township was shot through the head, according to residents.

They opened fire at a motorcycle that didnt stop at a checkpoint. It narrowly escaped the shooting but another vehicle was hit, a witness said.

The victim was returning from Mandalay after receiving medical treatment and was allowed to remain seated in the vehicle while other passengers got out to pass through the checkpoint.

On Saturday, two bodies were discovered in Bone Bweit village, according to Burma Ranger Shwebo, a resistance group.

A villager and another man on a motorcycle were killed by junta infantry in the village, a representative of the group said.

Sources said six Maung Tet villagers remain missing after they were detained by infantry troops on August 1.

On Monday, junta troops torched Ywar Thit Kone village, destroying a primary school which was being used to shelter displaced people.

They burned all their belongings and planted landmines in the village, a resistance member said.

A woman sustained leg injuries after triggering a junta landmine in Ywar Thit village, he added.

Pro-junta Telegram channels reported that junta troops seized several homemade weapons and bombs after fighting broke out with resistance forces near Ywar Thit village on Monday.

The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the reports.

At least 150 houses from three villages in the township have been incinerated by junta troops since early September, displacing more than 4,000 people, according to resistance forces.

Over 4,000 displaced people are sheltering at monasteries and we urgently need food for them, a Shwebo volunteer said.

Sources said at least four groups of junta infantry remain active in the township.
A regime-controlled court in Yangon has sentenced a photojournalist from Myanmar Now to 20 years in prison for his coverage of Cyclone Mocha, which ravaged parts of Myanmars western Rakhine State, neighboring Chin State and Sagaing and Magwe regions in May.

Sai Zaw was arrested on May 23 along with four other peoplelocal charity leader Wai Hun Aung, the charity leaders daughter and a staff member, and one other personwhile traveling from Rakhines capital Sittwe to Ponnagyun Township with relief supplies for storm-affected communities.

Wai Hun Aung, his daughter and the staff member were released after questioning. However, the two others were detained as they were found to have connections with illegal news outlets and will be detained for interrogation, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said at the time.

Myanmar Now said the photojournalist was sentenced on Wednesday by a court in Yangons Insein Prison on four charges including violations of sedition, disaster management and incitement laws. The fate of the person arrested along with Sai Zaw, who used to work for The Irrawaddy, is not yet known.

The news agency said Sai Zaw was denied a fair trial as he was not represented by a lawyer. He is the news outlets third journalist to be arrested by the regime since the coup. The other two, including US citizen Danny Fenster, have been released.

Since the 2021 coup, the military regime has banned at least six media outletsThe Irrawaddy, 7Day News, Myanmar Now, Mizzima, DVB and Khit Thit Mediaby revoking their publishing licenses. All except 7Day News continue to operate and report on Myanmar, mostly from exile.

Myanmar ranked 173rd out of 180 countries in the 2023 Press Freedom Index. The regime is currently holding 69 journalists and one media worker in detention, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Cyclone Mocha wreaked havoc in northern Rakhine State when it made landfall on May 14, killing more than 140 people. The regime banned international aid agencies from conducting relief operations in storm-affected areas.
Three days of junta air and artillery strikes on Nyaung Lay Pin district, Bago Region have killed one child and an elderly resident, wounded 13, and forced around 3,700 civilians to flee, said the Karen National Union (KNU).

On Sunday, four junta fighter jets attacked Moen Townships Haw Kho Waw village in KNU Brigade-3 territory after fierce fighting between regime troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). The two-hour clash saw the regimes Light Infantry Battalion 439 and Infantry Battalion 60 pound the area around Haw Kho Waw village pagoda and Wae Kaw village with 63 shells, according to the KNU.

The bombardment killed 12-year-old Saw Lar Khu War and injured six other villagers, while forcing residents of five villages to flee.

On Monday, Infantry Battalion 60 shelled Pa Ye Si village in Moen Township, killing an 83-year-old villager and wounding three others.

Another four residents including a 6-month-old baby in Wyne Kyoe village, Shwe Kyin Township, were wounded by regime shelling on the same day, the KNU said.

On Tuesday, junta forces launched an airstrike near Law Mu Taw village in Kyaukkyi Township, Nyaung Lay Pin district, destroying a house and a monastery, and displacing around 700 civilians.

The KNU said residents who fled the attacks are seeking shelter in the forest amid heavy monsoon rain and are in urgent need of food and medical supplies.

Fighting between Myanmar junta troops and the KNLA in Kyaukkyi and Moen townships started in July, since when thousands of residents have fled their homes. The military is frequently targeting civilian populations of the two townships with artillery and airstrikes, KNU said.
After spending some time at an undisclosed ministerial residence in Naypyitaw following her transfer to house arrest in July, Myanmars detained leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is now reportedly back in prison, according to senior members of her National League for Democracy party.

Its not known when the regime sent her back to prison. Prison sources said the 78-year-old was unwell last week, suffering a serious toothache and unable to eat. She was also vomiting and felt dizzy.

Her request to see an outside dentist was denied by prison authorities but she received some medications, VOA Burmese reported.

A regime spokesperson told media organizations the detained leader was fine and receiving treatment.

The Irrawaddy understands that the detained leader was sent back to solitary confinement in Naypyitaw Prison sometime after her meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in July.

On July 9, she was taken out of the prison to meet Don her first known meeting with a foreign envoy since she was detained following the 2021 military coup.

A few days later, Don revealed the meeting at a summit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Jakarta, claiming that Myanmars detained leader had called for talks to solve the crisis brought about by the coup. It has not been possible to independently confirm what message she conveyed to Don and ASEAN, however. Suu Kyi knew Don when she was Myanmars foreign minister and State Counselor.

The meeting was private and lasted over one hour, a spokesperson for the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP.

The former State Counselor was sentenced to 33 years in prison for a multitude of alleged offenses in a series of closed trials held by the military regime. She was arrested in February 2021 when the military launched a coup against her elected government. She denies wrongdoing. The regime cut six years from her sentence as part of a general amnesty in early August.

Opposition sources familiar with people close to Suu Kyi said the detained leader has kept aware of the countrys situation and opposition movements inside and outside the country. Last year, a former political prisoner who met her several times in the prison compound recalled that she was encouraged to learn of the resistance movement and had asked close contacts to reach out to her allies overseas.

Sources said the regimes newly appointed Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Yar Pyaw visited her in prison last week, but The Irrawaddy was unable to independently confirm this.

The lieutenant general was involved in Myanmars peace process, along with the countrys ethnic armed organizations and Suu Kyi, when she was Myanmars State Counselor before the coup.
Transport Minister Catherine King says the Doha airport incident formed part of her decision to block Qatars bid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A question of when Catherine King informed the Prime Minister of her decision to reject Qatar Airways bid to increase capacity has thrice been left unanswered.



The embattled Transport Minister was again grilled about her rejection of the Middle Eastern carriers request to run 28 additional flights to Australia during question time on Thursday.

The refusal comes as the Coalition ramped up its accusation that Anthony Albanese had agreed to a sweetheart deal to protect Qantas from greater competition.

Both Ms King and Mr Albanese have repeatedly rejected suggestions the Qatar bid was knocked back to protect Qantas.

Transport Minister Catherine King says the Doha airport incident formed part of her decision to block Qatars bid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Ms King told parliament she had informed the Prime Minister of her decision but refused to give a date of the conversation despite being asked multiple times.

I informed the Prime Minister prior to my decision being made public and normally these decisions are not made public, she told the chamber, adding she informed him due to pending media reports.

In that same conversation I had with the Prime Minister he let me know he had had a conversation with the Virgin CEO.

Virgin is a key partner of Qatar Airways. Mr Albanese confirmed on Tuesday he spoke to airline boss Jayne Hrdlicka on July 13.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Ms King made the decision on July 10, the same day she signed a letter to five Australian women who were strip searched by Qatari authorities after the discovery of a newborn baby in a bin at Doha airport.

The incident, which occurred in 2020, Ms King claimed during a fiery press conference on Thursday morning, provided context for the decision but was not the defining factor.

I made this decision in the national interest, and there is no one factor that I will point to that swayed my decision one way or the other, she told reporters at Canberra airport.

But just six weeks earlier, Ms King claimed the incident was not the reason Qatar had been rejected.

The passengers say they were ordered off the plane at gunpoint, and were told to remove their underwear before being examined with no explanation for the invasive process.

Story continues

The incident is subject to an ongoing legal challenge.

The Albanese government has been under pressure to justify the move, with the Coalition accusing Labor of wanting to shore up Qantas market position at the expense of cheaper flights for Australians.

The Qatar decision has been at the centre of a political fight. PHOTO: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES

In a rare moment on the floor of the house, the opposition chose to give up a chance to debate the government on its cost of living record, opting instead to use the time to put up a doomed motion to condemn the Qatar decision.

Mr Dutton said Ms Kings question time response didnt pass the pub test.

This chamber deserves honesty from the minister  The minister didnt come in here and say, I dont have my diary with me, he said, adding she could have offered to check with her records.

There was no sincerity in what the minister was saying.

The Qatar decision is now subject to a Senate inquiry. Earlier, Mr Dutton said there was a moral imperative for former Qantas chief Alan Joyce to personally appear before the committee.

Mr Joyces successor Vanessa Hudson, officials from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia and Regional Express could also be called to give evidence.
Around 5,000 residents of nine villages have fled their homes after Myanmar junta infantry attacked and occupied a village in Katha Township, Sagaing Region on Tuesday.

Seventy soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 121 based in neighboring Mabein Township, Shan State, launched an unprovoked attack on Pyin Htaung Lay village early on Tuesday, according to Katha Peoples Defense Force (Katha-PDF).

The regime troops then burned around 30 houses in the village to the ground, a Katha PDF member told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

The junta unit is now using the village as an artillery base to shell nearby civilian settlements.

Katha PDF resistance fighters responded by deploying explosive weapons against the occupiers on Tuesday.

Junta troops were still stationed at the village as of Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, junta reinforcements from Shan State are reportedly raiding villages along the townships Shweli River as they make their way to Pyin Htaung Lay.

Thousands of residents from Pyin Htaung Lay and eight surrounding villages have fled their homes and taken shelter at relatives houses in the township, said the Katha PDF representative.

Tension remains high in the area as local resistance groups await the movement of junta troops occupying Pyin Htuang Lay.

The junta is committing the most atrocious crimes against the people. The whole country can only enjoy peace when we win our revolution. So, I ask our people to supply the revolution with whatever they can, said the PDF official.

In late August, the same military unit burned down 100 houses in raids on three villages in Katha Township  Inn Da Yant, Bant Bway Kone and Done Awt  forcing 2,000 residents to flee their homes.
Twelve garment factory workers who were detained and charged with sedition in June for demanding higher wages at factories that supplied the Spanish brand Zara and the German brand Jako have been released.

They were released on Monday evening after being charged with sedition under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code and for violating Section 17 (1) of the Unlawful Association Act.

Federation of General Workers Myanmar chair Ma Moe Sandar Myint said: We heard that all the trade union leaders from [the two] factories were released on Monday. But we dont know why they were released.

Ten workers, including labour union leaders from Hosheng (Myanmar) Garment Co Ltd in Yangons Shwe Pyi Thar Township, and Sun Apparel Myanmar Garment Factory in Hlaing Tharyar Township were arrested in June. Two more workers were reportedly arrested later, though the regime said it only detained 10 factory workers from June 14-17. All the detained workers have been released.

Ma Moe Sandar Myint said: Workers only demanded a pay increase as their salaries remain the same despite soaring food prices. They only demanded their rights and it was nothing political.

Hosheng (Myanmar) Garment was a supplier of the Spanish brand Zara. Sun Apparel Myanmar supplied the German brand Jako.

The release of detained union leaders and workers followed announcements by global brands H&M, Zara and Jako that they would phase out of Myanmar following reports of escalating rights abuses at their supplying factories in the country.
As sanctions imposed by US and Europe take a heavy toll, Myanmars junta is seeking to join the BRICS group that includes three of its main allies  China, Russia and India.

The BRICS economic bloc encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

On September 1, Myanmars ambassador to Brazil, U Aung Kyaw Zan, paid a call on Brazils coordinator of interregional mechanisms for BRICS and asked about the procedures and requirements to join the bloc and its New Development Bank.

The juntas foreign ministry said it was exploring the possibility of joining the bloc after BRICS leaders decided in favor of expanding the membership at their summit in August.

Formed in 2006, the bloc originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China but became known as BRICS with the addition of South Africa in 2010.

At its summit in South Africa last month, the bloc agreed to admit Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates. The six countries will formally become members on January 1, 2024.

Eyeing the expansion, Myanmars military regime has taken the first step to joining the BRICS and forging closer ties with its allies Russia, China and India. Observers say the junta is also attracted by possible access to loans from the BRICS New Development Bank, which would help plug its huge budget deficit.

Meanwhile, junta media have been offering extensive coverage of BRICS meetings, including editorials and op-eds that extol the blocs influence while slamming the West.

An August 30 editorial in junta newspapers hailed BRICS for heralding a shift in the world order. China and Russia were leading the shift, said junta propaganda sheets in a Sept. 5 op-ed, which declared support for attempts by the regimes main allies to forge the bloc as a counterweight to the West.

Faced with diplomatic isolation, the regime has been expanding ties beyond China, India and Russia to Middle East and African nations.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt, which will become members of the BRICS next year, have good ties with the junta.

The military regime currently has embassies in four Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. South Africa, which hosted the BRICS Summit in August, is the only other country in Africa where the regime has diplomatic representation.

The junta is exploring the possibility of joining BRICS amid its deepening isolation from the Association of South East Asian Nations. ASEAN has banned regime officials from attending regional summits after the junta ignored the blocs five-point peace plan agreed soon after the February 2021 coup.

On Monday, leaders at the latest ASEAN Summit ruled that the Philippines will take over as ASEAN chair for 2026 instead of Myanmar.
JAKARTAThe Philippines is ready to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026 instead of Myanmar, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, as the bloc wrestles with how to engage with the countrys junta rulers.

Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a 2021 military coup deposed Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent.

It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026, Marcos told ASEAN leaders in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

We will fortify the foundations of our community-building and navigate ASEAN as it embarks on a new chapter, he said, according to a statement from the presidential palace.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun confirmed it would be replaced as chair.

Myanmar will skip ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, he told AFP, without giving further details.

Marcos did not say why Manila was taking over the chair from Myanmar.

However, two Southeast Asian diplomats attending the summit said the move was agreed by leaders so the crisis would not hijack the blocs agenda and prevent external partners coming to Myanmar for their gatherings.

Its been decided. It was announced at the leaders meeting and there was no objection, said one diplomat on the condition of anonymity.

ASEAN wrote to the Philippines to ask if it was willing to accept the chair for that year and Manila accepted, the diplomat said.

A second diplomat, who also declined to be identified, said the switch had been agreed after leaders assessment on the progress of a five-point plan agreed two years ago that the junta in Myanmar has largely ignored.

Laos will host next years summit and Malaysia will chair the event in 2025.
To underscore the Singapores vital role in the supply of funds, weapons, and related equipment to Myanmars junta, advocacy group Justice For Myanmar (JFM) has launched a Dirty Over 30 list featuring nine tycoons whose businesses in Singapore are linked to war crimes.

The list by the advocacy group spoofs Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

JFM said those it is list have two things in common: All of them got rich supporting unthinkable brutality, mass-murder and war crimes in Myanmar, and all of them are old enough to know better.

The list aims to increase pressure on Singaporethe third-largest supplier of arms and related-equipment to the Myanmar militaryand other ASEAN member nations to block the flow of funds and weapons to the junta.

ASEAN leaders are gathering this week in Indonesia for the 2023 ASEAN Summit.

Topping the list is notorious Myanmar arms broker Tay Za. The Singapore resident is the founder and chairperson of Htoo Group of Companies, which has deep links to Myanmars current and former military regimes.

These days, Tay Za spends much of his time at his lavish three-story villa on Sentosa Island in Singapore, where he operates at least 17 businesses that support the Myanmar military as it continues to inflict mass suffering on the people of Myanmar, JFM notes.

Naing Htut Aung, founder and managing director of International Gateways, a key arms trader supplying the air force and navy and Aung Hlaing Oo of Myanmar Chemical and Machinery Group who serves as an arms dealer helping Myanmars military procure the machinery, equipment and technology needed to manufacture sophisticated weapons are also included in the list.

Five companies in the International Gateways Group network remain registered in Singapore, JFM said.

How long will the Singaporean government let Naing Htut Aung support the illegitimate Myanmar military junta from within its borders? it asked.

While Aung Hlaing Oo is sanctioned by several countries, the Singapore branch of his conglomerate remains operational, JFM added.

Tun Min Latt, founder and managing director of Star Sapphire Group of Companies, who has deep ties to the family of coup leader Min Aung Hlaing and was arrested in Bangkok in September last year on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, was also included in the list. Star Sapphire Group of Companies brokered imports of Israeli reconnaissance drones and aircraft parts for the Myanmar Air Force.

Star Sapphire Group of Companies has a Singapore subsidiary that remains active and the group continues working with the Myanmar military, JFM said.

Aung Moe Myint, the founder of the Dynasty Group of Companies, which earned significant profits for the Belarus regimenegotiating deals for arms the Myanmar military uses to slaughter civiliansalso made the list.

Despite being sanctioned by other countries, Aung Moe Myint continues to operate a business in Singapore, JFM said.

The others on the list are Khin Phyu Win, who is also known as Kyauk Kyar Shwe (the Burmese spelling of the Chinese name Zhao Jia Shui) founder and director of Shoon group of companies; Jonathan Myo Kyaw Thuang, CEO of KT group; Thein Win Zaw, founder and chairperson of Shwe Byain Phyu Group of Companies; and investor George Yin Soon.

The Singaporean government has already committed publicly to stopping the movement of arms to Myanmar, but so far their efforts have fallen short, JFM said.

A recent report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar identified 138 unique suppliers in Singapore that have done US$ 247 million worth of trade with the Myanmar military.

If Singapores government stopped all arms supplies to the Myanmar military from its jurisdiction, it would significantly disrupt the juntas ability to commit war crimes, JFM stated.

JFM urged Singapore to introduce sanctions to stop the direct and indirect transfer of arms and dual-use goods and technology to the Myanmar military. It also called for the city state to block the juntas access to Singapores financial system through targeted sanctions, including on junta banks.

It also called for ongoing investigations into Singaporean companies that have supplied arms, and dual-use goods and technology to the Myanmar military to be expedited and made public. More sanctions by other ASEAN countries on the Myanmar military and entities that transact business should be enforced, JFM said.
A general election being promised by Myanmars regime will not be held until at least 2025.

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing told his cabinet on September 1 that he plans to hold an election after a national census in October next year, suggesting voting he promised after the 2021 coup will not take place until 2025 at the earliest.

He told a cabinet meeting in August that ongoing armed conflicts were delaying any election planning.

The regime has taken active steps toward holding an election since it extended emergency rule for six more months in August. It has recently introduced changes to its five-point roadmap, with an election taking precedence over other objectives.

Min Aung Hlaing told his cabinet that the ultimate goal of the regime is to hold an election.

The junta-appointed Union Election Commission has demonstrated its Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine to Min Aung Hlaing.

Nearly 6,000 civil servants from 29 ministries have tried out the machines since February.

The UEC met 35 political parties in Yangon on September 5 to unveil the voting machines, saying they would reduce costs for ballot sheets and stop vote rigging.

Party leaders, including from the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party and Arakan Front Party chairman Dr Aye Maung attended the electronic voting machine demonstration.

The military staged its first coup in 1962 and an election was finally held in 1990, which the regime ignored. Only in 2015 did a general election have any credibility.

Foreign governments and Myanmars civilian National Unity Government said any voting held by the regime would be bogus and neither free nor fair.

Min Aung Hlaing has promised to hand over power to the party that wins an election.
On June 3, 2021, the National Unity Government released its policy position on the Rohingya, promising right to citizenship; full enjoyment of citizens rights for those who swear allegiance to the country; repealing, amending, and promulgating laws including the 1982 Citizenship Law; and reparation and Justice to be enshrined in the future constitution of Myanmar. It also promises voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas who fled to neighboring countries from Rakhine State due to Tatmadaw violence. (The Tatmadaw is a commonly used name for the Myanmar military.)

The NUG took this bold political step within two months of its establishment, perhaps with an expectation of concrete support from the international community, especially from Western democracies. This article aims to analyze why the subject in discussion is bold, and a political gamble that has yet to pay off, and what it means for those who sympathize with Rohingya people.

Buddhism in the politics of Myanmar

In order to comprehend why the Rohingya policy represents a bold political decision, one needs to understand the role of Buddhism in the politics of Myanmar, 89.8 percent of whose citizens are Buddhists.

Since independence from the British in 1948, successive political and military leaders have made use of the religion to advance their political power. Prime Minister U Nu made Buddhism the official state religion in 1961, leading to unrest among non-Buddhist ethnic minorities.

In 1962, General Ne Win used the unrest to justify a military coup. In 1980, he built the Maha Wizaya Pagoda.

Ne Wins successor, General Than Shwe, built a replica in Naypyitaw of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda and a jade Buddha statue. Besides this, he gave Buddhism Special Position status in the 2008 Constitution.

The government led by President Thein Sein (2011-2015) passed four laws collectively known as the Race and Religion Protection Laws. They were deemed as targeting Muslims because they criminalize polygamy, which is practiced by some Muslims in Myanmar. These were heavily promoted by the Association for Protection of Race and Religion (known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha), which is often accused of promoting an anti-Muslim and ultra-nationalist agenda.

In 2018, the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi ordered monasteries to fix the appearance of Buddha statues deemed disgraceful.

Min Aung Hlaing, who led the military coup of 2021, built the Maravijaya Buddha statue, which opened in August 2023, and recently ordered the arrest of 14 actors over a movie entitled Dont Expect Anything, accusing them of committing blasphemy against Buddhism.

In short, Burmese political and military leaders have always portrayed themselves as the promoters and protectors of Buddhism, a stance that has obviously helped them strengthen their grip on power.

Not RohingyaBengali

Official recognition or nonrecognition of the term Rohingya is a controversial and sensitive subject relating to identity. While the Rohingya believe they are one of the countrys 135 ethnic minorities, Myanmar governments have upheld the opposite policy. They are referred to as Bengali, implying that they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The State Administration Council (SAC)as the current junta calls itselfalso insists that Rohingya is an invented term saying it has never existed in the legal and historical records of the country. The SAC says the name was invented to further the groups wider political agenda to claim ethnicity and territorial status.

In his book The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century, historian Thant Myint-U (2020, p: 26-27) also says that during its colonial rule over Burma, the British government never used the term Rohingya. Eleven Media (Oct. 2, 2017) argued that the British government knew that the Rohingya were never among the ethnicities of Myanmar, but nonetheless knowingly forced the country to accept them. Furthermore, Eleven Media said, the UK, US, European Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and UN are also pressuring Myanmar to recognize Bengali illegal immigrants as Rohingya. The article asks how Myanmar can accept Bengali, linking them to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Rohingya insurgent group.

Policy confirms the SACs narrative

The NUGs policy has been used by the SAC as political ammunition to rally domestic supporters and discredit the NUG and the Peoples Defense Force resistance groups (PDFs). Through the state media the SAC directly responded to the Rohingya policy with the headline NUG is selling the country. The SAC attacked the NUG for using the term Rohingya, which it said has never been recognized, even by the National League for Democracy-led government, adding that the NUG intended to amend the 1982 Citizenship Law and planned to grant Rohingya citizenship. Citing the NLDs formation of the commission led by the late former UN Secretary-General Kofi Anan, the SAC also accused the party of internationalizing a subject that had always been a domestic issue. It accused big countries and the OIC of trying to use the Bengali issue to suit their geopolitical interests and said the NUG seeks to resume the unfinished responsibilities left by the NLD.

Analysis of the texts clearly shows that the intended audience of the article is hardline Buddhists, and ethnic Rakhine people. In 2017, this author visited the head office of the Arakan National Party (ANP), the biggest Rakhine political party, in Sittwe and had a conversation about the countrys contemporary politics including the Bengali issue, regarding which they were on the same page with the military. This author is not aware of any Rakhine political party that publicly uses the term Rohingya, let alone supports granting them citizenship.

Ill-conceived policy?

One may ask if the NUG sufficiently considered this Rohingya policy before formulating and announcing it. The sequence of events suggests that the NUG might have been too hasty in drafting and releasing the policy.

In April 2021, one day before the formation of the NUG, Dr. Win Myat Aye (Union minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement under the NLD-led government) made a public announcement on the challenges he faced under the heavy influence of the Tatmadaw. He used the term Rohingya when he said, I empathize with Rakhine ethnic and Rohingya people as many people have suffered under military rule. Dr. Win Myat Aye became the NUGs Union minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management.

On April 22, 2021, exactly one week after the NUGs formation, at the Southeast Asia Peoples Summit on Myanmar event, NUG Union Minister for Women, Youth and Children Affairs Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soe publicly admitted that the NLD-led government did not do a good job in regards to gross human rights violations against ethnic minorities including the Rohingya. She said she was personally truly sorry and wanted to apologize for it. She added that the new government (presumably referring to the NUG) aimed to open a new page by establishing a society and country without discrimination and with full respect for human rights. Mizzima News notes that this was the first public admission by an NLD member or NUG Union minister on the subject.

Even though the admission and apology were made in Naw Susanna Hla Hla Soes individual capacity, they had political implications for the one-week-old NUG. The public admission by one of its own cabinet members put the NUG in the hot seat; if it did not respond to this issue, it would expose a division within the infant NUG.

Following the announcement of the policy, this author had a chat with a well-known Burmese commentator, and asked what he made of it. I am quite disappointed he said. He questioned why the NUG tackled such a sensitive topic so early. In his view, making the policy public reaffirmed the SACs narrative that it is the true protector of race and religion, unlike the NLD and the resistance movement, who want to change the existing law in order to grant citizenship to foreign immigrants.

Muted response from international community

The NUG is the one and only political entity in Myanmar that has ever come out openly in support of the Rohingya community. The policy is clearly a radical arrangement and significant departure from the past and is a big (if not the biggest) political decision and political gamble in support of its efforts to gain diplomatic recognition and concrete materialincluding militarysupport. However, the overall international support the NUG has received so far indicates that the political gamble has not yet paid off.

Neither Gambia nor the OIC, which filed a case against the Tatmadaw before the International Court of Justice, have so far provided any concrete assistance to the NUG, despite its bold political decision on the Rohingya issue.

Western and neighboring countries continue to support the ASEAN 5-Point Consensus, which has not worked. Meanwhile, NUG supporters appreciate the continued support for the presence of Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun (who does not represent the SAC) at the United Nations. Eight countries have allowed the NUG to open liaison offices. It is also important to recognize that political and diplomatic support does not help much on the battlefield against the well-established and equipped military.

In a recent discussion with Voice of America, NUG Union Minister for International Cooperation Dr. Sasa said that unlike Ukrainian refugees, the whole world including neighboring countries have shut their doors to Myanmar refugees.

In comparison with Ukraine (although some argue the conflicts in the two countries are different in nature), the international support the NUG has received so far amounts to effectively nothing. For instance, between Jan. 24, 2022 and May 31, 2023, Ukraine received US$165.4 billion worth of military and humanitarian assistance from the international community. If the NUG were to receive even just 0.1 percent of what Ukraine enjoys, the situation could be much different. Unfortunately, international support has been disappointing.

There are obvious reasons why the international community is unwilling to supply the NUG with military support. However, it is disheartening to see that even humanitarian assistance is on the decline.

The ongoing civil war, Cyclone Mocha and seasonal floods have left 18 million people (one-third) of the countrys population, in need of humanitarian assistance. Aid workers in Kayah State said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), have not received any support from well-known international organizations. So far, they have been relying on donations from the Myanmar diaspora. Likewise, refugees who fled to neighboring Mizoram in India largely depend on the local community, with whom they share an ethnic affinity or bond, as they have received little support from the international community or agencies.

Effects on domestic politics

There are two indicators that this policy may have alienated some potential allies, especially ethnic Rakhine and some portion of the Bamar. First, the NUG has been unable to convince the Arakan Army (AA) to join the revolution. This is politically and militarily negative for the Spring Revolution because the AA is the most powerful and important military and political organization for ethnic Rakhine people.

The NUGs Rohingya policy could surely be a reason why the AA has no interest in forming a political alliance with the NUG, because doing so would imply the AA is also supportive of the policy, which is widely rejected by the Rakhine community. For instance, Rakhine people are not supportive of the recommendations produced by the commission chaired by Annan.

Second, the policy confirms Bamar nationalists perception that the NLD and NUG are puppets of foreign countries pressuring Myanmar to receive illegal immigrants and grant them citizenship. Ma Ba Tha monks have been forming militias called Pyu Saw Htee to crush the NLD and other anti-regime forces in the name of race and religion. It is easy to sway rural communities under the pretext of religion. The SAC clearly has silent supporters who might be more sympathetic toward the NUG if the controversial policy had not been announced.

Conclusion

What does it all mean for those who sympathize with the Rohingya people? Two key points to acknowledge. First, the NUGs Rohingya policy will be meaningful only if and when the NUG wins the revolution. It is obviously necessary to provide all possible support to enable the NUG to win the revolution so that it can be held accountable for implementing the policy later on.

Second, it is necessary to engage the AA to address the Rohingya issue because without the AAs buy-in, the policy will be close to impossible to implement. The AA has proved that it cannot be crushed, even by the combined navy, air and army of the Tatmadaw in 2019, when it was not fighting any other groups. This means it is unlikely the new post-Spring Revolution government will be able to pressure the AA militarily, and therefore the AAs political consent is necessary to implement the NUGs controversial policy.

In short, Myanmars Spring Revolution is at a critical juncture in its effort to create a political structure conducive to all of its people. Without concrete support from the international community, there is a risk the revolution will be prolonged and even potentially that the country will be brought back to the old system under the 2008 Constitution. On the other hand, with concrete support, the political landscape will change for the betterment of all people including the Rohingya. It is time for those who sympathize with the Rohingya people and those in the international community who genuinely want to see sustainable peace in Myanmar to make bold decisions to support the resistance movement including the NUG. It is also essential that the NUG continues reaching out to the AA on the subject of the Rohingya, and the revolution.

Zung Ring is a social worker and independent political analyst based in Myanmar.
Wednesday, Sep 6th, 2023 (11:25 am) - Score 1,584

Network operator MS3, which is deploying a 10Gbps capable full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP network to cover 535,000 premises across the North of England by the end of 2025 (here), has today announced that several ISPs managed under the central Telecom Acquisitions (TAL) group have gained access to their network.

The Horsham-based Telecom Acquisitions is a holding company for some familiar consumer ISP brands, including Home Telecom, Fleur and Eclipse Telecom. Last year also saw broadband ISP TalkTalk sign a strategic partnership with the group (i.e. they took a controlling stake in the business), which was intended to help with growth (here).

NOTE: MS3  backed by investment from Asterion  is building across parts of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Some 100,000 premises have already been covered (not all RFS).

The new deal means that MS3 has managed to secure the support of 30 ISPs for its network, which isnt too shabby given their currently quite limited coverage.

Sam Hales, MS3 Sales and Marketing Director, said: Welcoming Home Telecom to our network marks another important move for us. Our ISP partner network has grown substantially in 2023 and each partner brings its own unique set of benefits. Working with Home Telecom means we can offer people in Hull services theyve previously been unable to access, while providing them even better choice in broadband supplier.

Nigel Barnett, CEO of Telecom Acquisitions, said: Onboarding yet another supplier is testimony to the excellent service we offer our customers, and now we can offer the fastest and most reliable broadband on the market, futureproofing services for our customers, wrapped up in our Trustpilot rated Excellent service  its a real win for the consumer.

End.
Its the newest category added to a professors syllabus: plagiarism via artificial intelligence. There is a new wave of advancements for Artificial Intelligence, and online access and free trials are giving students even easier accessibility to the tool. Ms. Robin Voll, the Director of the Writing Center at Indiana State, reflected on these new changes of AI, and how it has affected the centers plagiarism intervention program and what it could mean for higher education.

Plagiarism often occurs because students are either not confident enough in their abilities or not organized enough in their methods, says Voll, We help them become more organized in their writing by promoting writing as a process with manageable steps. Overall, we want to give students the resources to become more independent as writers. Writers who are confident, organized, and independent don't need to plagiarize. The students at ISU have unique perspectives and important things to say, and we want to hear their voices, not some algorithm.

The Writing Center offers plagiarism intervention workshops for classes. If a professor wants a representative to visit their class and talk about avoiding plagiarism with their students, they can email isu-writingcenter@indstate.edu to set up a time. The Writing Center also collaborates with the Office of Student Support and Accountability by offering a Plagiarism Intervention program to help students who have been reported for plagiarism. Those students come to the Writing Center with the work in question, and they will help them work through the writing, citing text that is missing citations and rewriting sections when necessary.

Advancements in AI certainly add to the ways a student can plagiarize, but they dont change the ways we avoid plagiarism. At the Writing Center, we wouldn't assume that a student has intentionally plagiarized, says Voll, If a student comes to us for support, we want them to trust us and feel comfortable with us, knowing that we are not going to judge them and that we are with them every step of the way. For our mission, its crucial for students to know that the tutors at the Writing Center are only here to help them.

Obviously, the AI we now have available, which can generate original material, is much more advanced and can lead to use that we would obviously consider plagiarism, but there are some gray areas that still need exploring. It's as much of a philosophical question as it is a practical one, Voll says.

AI has the capability to be useful in the classroom. Educators have used it to help students spark creative thoughts or base a prompt off of it. In my own classroom, we use ChatGPT to brainstorm for research topics, find relevant search terms, and even find academic journal articles that are relevant to the students' topics," says Voll, It's an incredible tool and can be beneficial for all writers. However, it's not perfect. ChatGPT has given me patently false information on a number of topics, so students need to be careful and double check everything they get from it.

Past plagiarism statements in syllabi typically defined plagiarism as "taking credit for another person's work." That is not a sufficient definition anymore. While some professors may be deeply concerned about the use of AI, the need for syllabus changes was also just based on practicality and accuracy. The internet and technology itself is changing and evolving at such an vigorous rate that we must change and evolve alongside it. Ms. Voll remarks that they haven't seen an influx of AI-related plagiarism, but the Writing Center is ready to think deeply and tackle the questions of how AI can be effectively used while maintaining honesty and integrity in writing.

AI can be a great tool, especially at the beginning of the research or writing process. It's a great aid for brainstorming and finding sources, but it has its limits, says Voll, If a student ever has a specific question about the way they're using AI for an assignment, they should ask their professor for clarification. And of course, our tutors at the Writing Center are always happy to help.

Voll concludes, I believe in the integrity of our students, and I believe that our students want to learn and grow and improve themselves. Our students want to change the world, and they will.

Students can visit the Writing Center website to make an appointment: indstate.edu/isuwc

They have online and in-person consultations available. Students can also just walk right in and visit it. Theyre on the second floor of the library in the back-left corner. It is open Monday-Thursday from 10-8 and Friday from 10-5. We have online only hours on Sunday from 4-10.
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

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.
TAIPEI (Reuters) -The mayor of Taipei will visit Shanghai at the end of this month for an annual city forum, his office said on Friday, a trip that will take place against the backdrop of frozen ties between the Taiwanese and Chinese governments.

While China has refused to speak to Taiwan's government since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016, believing she is a separatist, city-to-city exchanges had continued until interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Still, Tsai's administration has cautiously been trying to reopen less sensitive people-to-people links since it lifted pandemic-related border controls late last year, aiming to engender goodwill with China, and a group of Shanghai officials made a low-key visit to Taipei in February.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, from the main opposition party the Kuomintang, which traditionally favours close relations with China, will go to Shanghai on Aug. 29-31 for the Taipei-Shanghai City Forum, which was first held in 2010.

The Taipei city government said Chiang, a rising Kuomintang star, would lead the delegation to the forum, the theme of which this year is "new trends, new development".

The Kuomintang has pushed to resume contacts with China since pandemic controls were lifted, saying that dialogue was needed now more than ever given the tensions over Taiwan.

China, which claims the island as its territory, has been carrying out military activities near Taiwan, including regularly sending fighter jets into the air space around it.

"When the situation across the Taiwan Strait is tense, we have a need even more for communication and exchanges, and the two cities forum can be that kind of platform," Chiang told reporters in Taipei.

Taiwan's ex-President Ma Ying-jeou, who remains a senior Kuomintang member, in March became the first sitting or former Taiwanese leader to visit mainland China since the Communist revolution in 1949, saying he hoped to bring about peace and improve relations.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; editing by Robert Birsel)
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
The state Board of Elections has issued a warning after reports of individuals impersonating local election officials in multiple New York counties, including Onondaga.

According to the agency, the incidents involve people posing as election officials and going door-to-door to confront voters about their registration. They often accuse voters of crimes because of how they are listed in the state voter registration database.

At least two central New York counties  Jefferson and Onondaga  have reported similar incidents. John Camardo, the Republican elections commissioner in Cayuga County, told The Citizen that he was not aware of anyone impersonating local officials.

Raymond Riley, co-executive director of the state Board of Elections, said the agency is "extremely alarmed" by the actions.

"These individuals are impersonating government officials in an effort to intimidate voters based on inaccurate and misleading information," Riley said. "We strongly encourage those engaging in these activities to cease immediately."

The state board advised voters to ask for identification if anyone approaches them claiming to represent the state or local elections board. If they refuse, voters should collect as much information as possible about the person and the incident and not provide any personal information to the individual. They should also report the incident to local law enforcement.

Second-degree criminal impersonation is a class A misdemeanor.
Two Amur tiger cubs born in late April are now on view for the public at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse.

The cubs  a male named Zuzaan, and female named Soba (pronouncedZova)  were born on the morning of April 29. Since then, they have spent the summer in an off-exhibit den with their mother, Zeya, while they received necessary vaccinations to provide them with immunity to common diseases and infections that they may encounter in their exhibit.

In a news release, the zoo said that while the cubs stayed close to Zeya in the first month of life, theyve grown more explorative and rambunctious in the past few months, and have begun to venture outside of their den to explore the outdoor portion of their home.

Since the birth of the cubs, our team of tiger care specialists have worked tirelessly to provide routine vaccinations and regular health check-ups to ensure their well-being, Executive Zoo Director Ted Fox said in a statement. Weve all waited for this moment, and know the public is anxious to see them. Now we get to enjoy seeing the curious tiger cubs as they explore their exhibit  all while knowing that the care they received these past few months has set them up for a lifetime of health and success.

The zoo has cared for Zeya and the cubs father, Thimbu, for over three years, but the process of introducing them was long, slow, and unpredictable, the zoo said. The zoos goal has always been to pair these tigers to breed, but as apex predators, this species of cat is incredibly complex. After years of introductions, Zeya and Thimbu have welcomed their first cubs, passing along their crucial genetics to a new generation of Amur tigers.

Thimbu has four siblings, but he is the first of the five to have sired cubs, said Fox. Zeya was hand-reared by Beardsley Zoo personnel after her mother was uninterested in raising her. The birth of any Amur tiger cub is remarkable, but with all the factors in this instance, these cubs are truly extraordinary.

Unlike her mother, Zeya instinctually took to motherhood, and has diligently raised her cubs throughout the past three months. Visitors will now be able to see Zeya and her cubs on exhibit at the Wildlife Trail, weather permitting.
Tata Motors is all set to take the covers off the facelift version of its best-selling electric car Nexon EV tomorrow, September 7. The carmaker has teased the upcoming 2023 Nexon EV through several teaser videos leading up to the official unveiling. The new Nexon EV, like its ICE avatar which received a facelift last week, will have several influences from the Curvv Concept vehicle showcased by Tata Motors earlier. Here is a quick look at what to expect from the new Nexon electric SUV.

The video teasers of the 2023 Nexon EV offers glimpse at the electric SUV in its new avatar and reveals certain changes on the outside. The unit teased comes with a new exterior colour called Pure Gray. The new Nexon EV will come with a heavily updated front face which will have a new set of LED DRLs with sequential signature. It will be connected by an LED bar across the width of the bonnet. The LED headlight units are also updated as well as the closed grille with Tata Motors logo at the centre.

The Nexon EV facelift will also have its LED taillight units updated in similar lines with the headlight and DRL bar. The taillights will get similar sequential pattern like the Nexon facelift SUV. The LED bar extends across the width of the electric car with the Tata Motors logo embossed in the middle. Expect Tata's .ev badging to show its electric credentials. The Nexon EV facelift will also get a redesigned set of alloy wheels and roof rails finished in chrome.

The new Nexon EV will also get several changes inside the cabin. These may include the same 10.25-inch free-standing touchscreen unit that was earlier offered with the Max Dark Edition. Expect the new two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with touch-based mounted control and a backlit panel to make its way into the electric SUV, borrowed from its new ICE avatar.

Tata Motors is unlikely to change the size of the battery or the electric motor that currently powers the Nexon EV models. The carmaker is likely to continue with the two choice of battery packs. The 30.2kWh unit offers a range of 312 kms on a single charge while the larger 40.5kWh unit offers up to 453 kms without the need to plug it in for recharge.

First Published Date:
An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo
Reddit Email 82 Shares

Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  Aljazeera reports that on Tuesday, the Saudi ambassador to Iran and the Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia both took up their duties at the two countries embassies. The restoration of full diplomatic relations, which had been disrupted in 2016, was brokered earlier this year by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Saudi Arabias de facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman, appears to have given up on his campaign against Iran, which began when his father, Salman Bin Abdulaziz, acceded to the throne in 2015. Bin Salman began an air war on the Helpers of God or Houthis in Yemen, accusing them of being an Iranian proxy. This vast exaggeration, however, became truer every year that he bombed the civilian cities of Yemen under Houthi rule, which impelled Sanaa to approach Iran for at least some help. The war has gone nowhere and became a quagmire.

The Saudis also supported hard line fundamentalist Salafi jihadis in Syria in the attempt to overthrow dictator Bashar al-Assad, which also failed. The Saudi-backed Army of Islam was defeated around Damascus and driven north to Idlib or even, as refugees, to Turkey. Iranian, Russian and Lebanese Shiite interventions in Syria saved the Damascus government. Bin Salman also tried to sideline the Shiite party-militia, Hezbollah, from its significant role in Lebanese politics, which tilts Beirut toward the ayatollahs. That effort also failed.

Saudi Arabia has now recognized the al-Assad government again, throwing in the towel. And it has sought peace talks, under Omani auspices, with the Houthis, seeking to wind down the fruitless Yemen War. Riyadh no doubt hopes that Iran will be willing to help put that destructive conflict in the rear view mirror.

Bin Salman could not seek the mediation of the United States with Iran, since the Trump administration had torn up the 2015 nuclear deal and had attempted to crush Irans economy with a trade and investment embargo and with piracy on the open seas against Iranian oil tankers. The Biden administration has continued these punitive and unilateral policies. Iran would never talk to Saudi Arabia through the US, since its leaders have good reason not to trust anything Washington says.

The Saudi-owned Alarabiya reports that the Saudi ambassador to Iran, Abdullah Alanazi, underlined the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries, and increasing opportunities for talks and meetings, given that the two are neighbors. He said that the two countries are blessed with many natural resources that can contribute to development.

It sounds to me as though the Saudis are interested in some of Irans mineral wealth.

Alanazi stressed that Bin Salmans Vision 2030 provides the blueprint for the development of the region in a peaceful manner. That document envisages Saudi Arabia turning to a post-oil economy over time, as transportation is electrified in the industrial world to avoid the worst impact of climate change.

Beiruts pro-Iranian al-Mayadin reported that the Iranian ambassador to Riyadh, Alireza Enayati, said on his arrival that Iran and Saudi Arabia are capable of bilateral cooperation into the distant future in a way that will avoid foreign intervention in the region.

In mid-August, Irans foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, had visited Riyadh on the same quest to strengthen bilateral relations and to dialogue on regional and international issues.

Article continues after bonus IC video

Reuters: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets Irans Foreign Minister as ties warm

The United States is a big loser in this significant reduction of Saudi-Iran tensions, and China is a big winner. But surely that is a shameful situation, when the US seeks to ratchet up tension between these two oil giants of the Gulf for its own purposes. The US has long hoped that Saudi Arabias fear of Iran would drive it into the arms of the Israelis. Although Bin Salman may eventually do a deal with Israel, it wont be in order to isolate Iran, but in order to add yet another international relationship to the Kingdoms inventory.

Saudi Arabia used to put all its eggs in one basket, that of Washington. Those days seem to be over. After a very rocky start, Bin Salman seems to have given up his impulsive attempts to reshape the region through main force, and he seems to have decided that good relations with Iran can help him extract himself from some of the holes into which he had dug himself and his country.
Reddit Email 36 Shares

By Maha Hilal | 

( Tomdispatch.com )  I no longer love blue skies. In fact, I now prefer gray skies. The drones do not fly when the skies are gray.

Thats what a young Pakistani boy named Zubair told members of Congress at a hearing on drones in October 2013. That hearing was during the Obama years at a time when the government had barely even acknowledged that an American drone warfare program existed.

Two years earlier, however, a Muslim cleric, Anwar Al-Awlaki and his 16-year-old son Abdulrahman, both American citizens, were killed by U.S. drone strikes in Yemen just weeks apart. Asked to comment on Abdulrahmans killing, Obama campaign senior adviser Robert Gibbs said: I would suggest that you should have a far more responsible father if they are truly concerned about the well-being of their children. I dont think becoming an al-Qaeda jihadist terrorist is the best way to go about doing your business.

Those are two of all too many grim tales of the brutality with which the United States has carried out its drone warfare program. Post-9/11 reiterations by the government of the danger we now live in (because the U.S. was attacked), have made the collective responsibility of Muslims and the callous dismissal of their deaths a regular occurrence.

In 2023, this countrys drone warfare program has entered its third decade with no end in sight. Despite the fact that the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 is approaching, policymakers have demonstrated no evidence of reflecting on the failures of drone warfare and how to stop it. Instead, the focus continues to be on simply shifting drone policy in minor ways within an ongoing violent system.

The Inherent Dehumanization of Drone Warfare

In February 2013, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney justified drone strikes as a key tool of American foreign policy this way:

We have acknowledged, the United States, that sometimes we use remotely piloted aircraft to conduct targeted strikes against specific al-Qaeda terrorists in order to prevent attacks on the United States and to save American lives. We conduct those strikes because they are necessary to mitigate ongoing actual threats, to stop plots, prevent future attacks, and, again, save American lives The U.S. government takes great care in deciding to pursue an al-Qaeda terrorist, to ensure precision and to avoid loss of innocent life.

More aggressively endorsing the use of such drones, Georgetown Professor Daniel Byman, who has held government positions, emphasized the necessity of such warfare to protect American lives. Drones, he wrote, have done their job remarkably well And they have done so at little financial cost, at no risk to U.S. forces, and with fewer civilian casualties than many alternative methods would have caused.

In reality, however, Washingtons war on terror has inflicted disproportionate violence on communities across the globe, while using this form of asymmetrical warfare to further expand the space between the value placed on American lives and those of Muslims. As the rhetoric on drone warfare suggests, the value of life and the need to protect it are, as far as Washington is concerned, reserved for Americans and their allies.

Since the war on terror was launched, the London-based watchdog group Airwars has estimated that American air strikes have killed at least 22,679 civilians and possibly up to 48,308 of them. Such killings have been carried out for the most part by desensitized killers, who have been primed towards the dehumanization of the targets of those murderous machines. In the words of critic Saleh Sharief, The detached nature of drone warfare has anonymized and dehumanized the enemy, greatly diminishing the necessary psychological barriers of killing.

In his book On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman focuses on the mechanical distancing of modern warfare, thanks to the sterile Nintendo-game unreality of killing through a TV screen, a thermal sight, a sniper sight, or some other kind of mechanical bugger that permits the killer to deny the humanity of his victim. Scholar Gregoire Chamayou describes this phenomenon in even starker terms. Thanks to the distance between the drone operator and the victim, One is never spattered by the adversarys blood. No doubt the absence of any physical soiling corresponds to less of a sense of moral soiling Above all, it ensures that the operator will never see his victim seeing him doing what he does to him.

Needless to say, drone technology has rendered those in distant lands so much more disposable in the name of American national security. This is because such long-range techno-targeting has created a profound level of dehumanization that, ironically enough, has only made the repeated act of long-distance killing, of (not to mince words) slaughter, remarkably banal.

In these years of the war on terror, the legalities of drone warfare coupled with the way its technology capitalizes on an unfortunate aspect of human psychology has made the dehumanization of Muslims (and so violence against them) that much easier to carry out. Its made their drone killing so much more of a given because its taken for granted that Muslims in target sites or conflict zones must be terrorists whose removal should be beyond questioning  even after a posthumous determination of their civilian status.

Responsibility, Not Accountability

At a 2016 press conference, President Barack Obama finally responded to a question about the increasing numbers of drone strikes by admitting: Theres no doubt that civilians were killed that shouldnt have been. Then he added, In situations of war, you know, we have to take responsibility when were not acting appropriately.

Rare as such admissions of responsibility have been, however, they remain quite different from accountability. In Obamas case, all that was offered to the survivors among those who shouldnt have been killed in such drone strikes was an utterly minimal acknowledgment that it was even happening.

While the use of drones in the war on terror began under President George W. Bush, it escalated dramatically under Obama. Then, in the Trump years, it rose yet again. Halfway through Trumps presidency, drone strikes had already exceeded the total number in the Obama era. Though the use of drones in Joe Bidens first year in office was lower than Trumps, what has remained consistent is the lack of the slightest accountability for the slaughter of civilians.

In 2021, as the U.S. was withdrawing chaotically from its 20-year Afghan War disaster, its military surveilled a white car driving around Kabul, believed it to be carrying explosives, and launched its final drone strike of that conflict, slaughtering 10 Afghans. Two weeks later, after reporting by the New York Times revealed what really happened, the Pentagon finally admitted that only civilians had been killed, seven of them children (but penalized no one).

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin later apologized to the families of those killed and offered compensation  one of the few times American officials had even bothered to acknowledge wrongdoing in Afghanistan in the last 20 years. True to form, however, the governments pledge to compensate the impacted families has gone unfulfilled, a grim reminder that in none of those years has there been any semblance of justice for civilian survivors of such drone strikes.

A few weeks ago, thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request, the Biden administration was forced to release a redacted version of a presidential policy memorandum, signed in October 2022, that detailed the administrations latest approach to drone warfare globally. At least some details about it were known prior to its release, however, thanks to an anonymous senior administration official.

The Washington Post editorial board, among others, celebrated the memo, arguing that the restrictions in place are smart rules of engagement and a significant improvement over the Trump years when it comes to limiting civilian damage from drones. In reality, however, Bidens memo is likely to do little to stem future drone warfare nightmares. In essence, the memo represents a return to Obama-era rules, including the supposed need to have near-certainty that the target of a drone strike is a terrorist and near-certainty that non-combatants wont be injured or killed. The memo also includes other criteria that (at least theoretically) must be met before an individual is targeted, including an assessment that capture is not feasible.

In the case of Anwar Al-Awlaki, while the U.S. claimed his capture wasnt possible, members of his family disputed this. In a Democracy Now interview, Al-Awlakis uncle Saleh bin Fareed stated, I am sure I could have handed him over  me and my family  but they never, ever asked us to do that. Needless to say, the lack of transparency has made it impossible to know if such standards are being met before a strike takes place and, worse yet, theres no method of accountability if they arent.

That Biden administration memo does ban signature strikes that target individuals whose identities are unknown based on behavior suggesting they might be involved in terrorist activity. Still, we shouldnt mistake a modestly better policy for a truly legal, moral, and ethical one, especially since the drone strike mistakes of the past havent led to any genuinely meaningful overhauls of the program.

Minimizing Civilian Deaths?

On September 20, 2001, nine days after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush delivered a speech to a joint session of Congress in which he first used the phrase war on terror, while announcing a domestic and global campaign to be fought without borders or time constraints. Previewing what, years later, would become known as this countrys forever wars, he advised Americans that they should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes visible on TV and covert operations secret even in success.

Cameroonian political theorist Achille Mbembes theory of necropolitics  that is, the politics of death  catches the essence of the war on terror Bush launched as a way of life (and death)  the capacity to define who matters and who does not, who is disposable and who is not. With the invasion of Afghanistan and the designation of entire largely Muslim parts of the planet as the enemy, the Bush administration began a war in which Muslim deaths were necessary for the protection and preservation of American ones. This set a precedent for the value of Muslim life when the act of killing them could be equated with the security of Americans and the protection of the homeland.

Twenty-two years later, drones continue to be instruments of civilian slaughter and the language deployed by successive administrations to describe such slaughter has served to sanitize that fact. Whether its the use of target or collateral damage, both minimize the reality that human beings are being murdered. Taken together with a larger war-on-terror narrative in which Muslims have been strikingly demonized and criminalized, the result has been the production of killable bodies whose deaths elicit neither guilt, remorse, nor accountability.

In his 2014 State of the Union address, President Obama explained why he put prudent limits on drone warfare, pointing out that Americans will not be safer if people abroad believe we strike within their countries without regard for the consequence. And how right he was.

As yet, however, there have been zero consequences for the air-strike deaths of tens of thousands of civilians globally and, as Obamas statement suggests, the only real concern this caused American officials was the fear that too many such killings might, in the end, harm Americans.

Grieving Muslim Lives

In Sanaa, Yemen, a wall with graffiti art shows a U.S. drone under which someone has written in blood-red paint, Why did you kill my family? in English and Arabic. The relentless American drone campaign has indeed left all too many civilians in Muslim-majority countries asking the same question. The only answer offered in Washington over all these years is that such killings were unavoidable collateral damage.

But imagine, for a moment, what Americans might do if their family members were regularly being killed by drones because another government claimed near certainty that they were terrorists? You know the answer, of course, given the response to the 9/11 attacks: this country would undoubtedly launch a catastrophic war of epic proportions with no conceivable end in sight. In contrast, Muslims targeted by American drones have been left to pick up the all-too-literal pieces of their loved ones, while risking the possibility of also being killed in a double- or triple-tap strike  a level of violence that should never be justified.

We should all reject a war on terror committed to the disposability of Muslims because no one (including Muslims) should have to mourn the killing of civilians the U.S. has targeted for far too long. Muslim lives have inherent value and their deaths are worth grieving, mourning, and above all valuing. Drone warfare will never change that fact.

Copyright 2023 Maha Hilal

Via Tomdispatch.com
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On the opening day of the IAA MOBILITY 2023, Zhou Guang, the CEO of Chinese autonomous driving solution provider DeepRoute.ai, announced the company's plans for international expansion, with Germany as the first destination.

Photo credit: DeepRoute.ai

Next year, the company will establish its European operation center in Germany and simultaneously introduce the overseas version of the DeepRoute-Driver 3.0 solution, along with two intelligent driving products, D-PRO and D-AIR, and an intelligent driving light truck.

DeepRoute.ai is currently in talks with multiple international automakers to facilitate its technology's integration into their vehicles. To adapt fully to the German market, DeepRoute.ai has localized its systems to align with German road conditions and driving habits.

Given the high-speed nature of many German highways, DeepRoute.ai has reinforced its intelligent driving system with features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and emergency steering assistance, aiming to minimize potential driving hazards. Moreover, to address the importance German users place on vehicle handling, DeepRoute.ai has enhanced the integration between its intelligent driving system and vehicle chassis, resulting in smoother and more responsive lane changes, acceleration, and deceleration.

DeepRoute.ai has also optimized perception and decision-making algorithms to comply with German traffic rules, including yielding right of way in turns, yielding to traffic on the main road, and giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout, aligning with Germany's emphasis on traffic rights and regulations.

Photo credit: DeepRoute.ai

Zhou Guang believes that the Driver 3.0 solution will adapt to the German market more quickly than competitors. This is due to Driver 3.0's precise perception capabilities, which do not require high-precision maps and can achieve high-level intelligent driving on urban and highway segments using navigation maps alone. Compared to systems reliant on high-precision maps, Driver 3.0 offers superior adaptability and cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, Driver 3.0 is a data-driven system with robust closed-loop data capabilities. In complex and rare scenarios, the system autonomously selects, annotates, trains, and integrates data, facilitating autonomous learning and addressing unique scenarios. In terms of functional safety, the Driver 3.0 solution incorporates multiple layers of redundant safety mechanisms, complies with ASIL-D functional safety standards, and is expected to receive ISO international functional safety certification by 2024.
Reddit Email 24 Shares

By Nathan French, Miami University | 

(The Conversation)  The crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS, is bringing a new vision of a moderate, balanced Saudi Islam by minimizing the role of Saudi religious institutions once seen as critical to the monarchy.

For decades, Saudi kings provided support to religious scholars and institutions that advocated an austere form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism. The kingdom enforced strict codes of morality, placing restrictions on the rights of women and religious minorities, among others.

Under MBS, women have been allowed to drive; co-educational classrooms, movie theaters and all-night concerts in the desert  in which men and women dance together  are a new normal.

Scholars Yasmine Farouk and Nathan J. Brown call the diminishing role of Wahhabi religious scholars within Saudi domestic and international policy nothing short of a revolution in Saudi affairs.

Article continues after bonus IC video

Sky News: Mohammed bin Salman: Controversial Saudi prince to visit the UK

MBS acknowledges that these reforms risk infuriating certain constituents or could even provoke retaliation. As a scholar who studies interpretations of Islamic law to justify or contest militancy, Ive followed these reforms closely.

In the past, Saudis who challenged the authority of Wahhabis have provoked unrest. When King Fahd, who ruled between 1982-2005, rejected the advice of his Wahhabi scholars and allowed the U.S. military to station weapons and female service members on Saudi soil, several of them supported a violent insurrection against him.

MBS seems unconcerned with such challenges. In an interview broadcast widely throughout the kingdom, MBS chastised Wahhabi scholars, accusing some of falsifying Islamic doctrines. He then detained a major Wahhabi scholar from whom he once sought counsel, charging him with crimes against the monarchy. MBS defended these actions, claiming, We are returning to what we were before. A country of moderate Islam that is open to all religions, traditions and people around the globe.

Negotiating Wahhabism

This proclaimed return of moderate Islam echoes the reforms of MBSs grandfather, King Abdulaziz, founder of the modern Saudi kingdom. This vision rejects policies toward Wahhabi Islam favored by his uncles, King Faisal and King Khalid.

Between 1925 and 1932, Abdulaziz suppressed Wahhabi scholars and militants who had demanded that he uphold their version of pure Islam and not open the kingdom to trade and development. He did the opposite and asserted the supremacy of the monarchy.

The booming Saudi oil economy developed by Abdulaziz required his son, King Faisal, who ruled from 1964 to 1975, to reconsider the monarchys relationship with Wahhabism. Unlike Abdulaziz, Faisal believed Wahhabis would help him save the kingdom.

Saudis who felt left behind in the emerging Saudi oil economy had found an inspirational symbol of liberation in Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who helped overthrow the Egyptian monarchy in 1952 and implemented plans to redistribute Egyptian wealth.

Faisal encouraged Wahhabi scholars to work with politically driven Islamists to reject the revolutionary politics of Abdel Nassers Egypt and craft a new vision of Islam for Saudi youth.

Faisal permitted Wahhabi scholars to reform Saudi educational institutions with their conservative Islamic curriculum. Abroad, Faisals scholars presented Wahhabism as an authentic Islamic alternative to the Cold War ideologies of the U.S. and USSR. Wealthy Saudis, these Wahhabi scholars argued, had a religious duty to promote Wahhabism across the globe.

Resisting Wahhabism

Faisals reforms met with success. King Khalid, who followed Faisal, continued to favor Wahhabi scholars, particularly while responding to two major challenges in 1979.

A group of Saudi students, who believed Faisals and Khalids reforms to be illegitimate, seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islams most sacred site, for two weeks in 1979. An attack on the Grand Mosque was viewed as an attack on the monarchy itself, which claims the mantle of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The seizure came to a violent end with combined action by French and Saudi military forces. Afterward, Khalid agreed to elevate religious officials who affirmed the Islamic credentials of the monarchy.

Also in 1979, other Saudi youth traveled to join the resistance against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. One such Saudi who answered the call that year was Osama bin Laden, who would establish al-Qaida in 1988.

Bin Ladens and al-Qaidas grievances against the monarchy emerged following King Fahds acceptance of an increased deployment of U.S. soldiers to Saudi soil following Iraqi leader Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Bin Ladin proclaimed the presence of American infidels in Saudi Arabia to be a defilement of Islamic holy lands, an affront to Islamic sensibilities, and demanded the destruction of the monarchy. Al-Qaida launched anti-Saudi insurgent campaigns lasting through 2010.

Not all conservative Islamist leaders called for violence. As historian Madawi Al-Rasheed notes, many Saudi scholars framed themselves as reformers who sought to correct Fahds departures from authentic Islam and restore Faisals vision.

When MBS speaks of a moderate Islam he is not just condemning the violence of al-Qaida. Hes abandoning the monarchys accommodations of the Wahhabi establishment. He blames some Wahhabi scholars for the violence that the monarchy faced in 1979 and again in the the 1990s and 2000s.

He has worked quickly to erase those accommodations and, like his grandfather, affirm the supremacy of the monarchy.

A moderate Wahhabism for Saudi society?

Many of these revolutionary changes occurred amid the 2016 unveiling of Saudi Vision 2030, a plan for complete Saudi political, economic, educational and cultural transformation. MBS believes that this will meet the demands of Saudis under the age of 30  who number more than 60% of the kingdoms population.

The religious curriculum shaped by King Faisal is gone, replaced with a Saudi first education, which removes Ibn abd al-Wahhab, the founder of Wahhabism, from textbooks and emphasizes Saudi patriotism over a Wahhabi Islamic religious identity. Saudi Arabia has announced it will no longer fund mosques and Wahhabi educational institutions in other countries.

Saudi religious police, once tasked with upholding public morality, saw their powers curtailed. They no longer have powers of investigation or arrest. They cannot punish behaviors deemed morally inappropriate.

Critics remain unimpressed, noting that demoting religious officials does not diminish the violence of the Saudi state. Religious police continue their online surveillance of social media. In 2018, Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, was killed following his calls for a continued voice for Islamist reformers in Saudi Arabia. Al-Rasheed argues that the images of a new Saudi society conceal suppression of Saudi reformers. Some observers note that a growing Saudi surveillance state, with capacities to peek into the private lives of Saudis, underwrites these reforms.

As Peter Mandaville, a scholar of international affairs, observes, the moderate Islam offered by MBS is complicated. On the one hand, it characterizes a new tolerant Saudi Arabian Islam. Yet, inside the kingdom, Mandaville argues that the moderate Islam of MBS demands that Saudi youth  as good Muslims  will submit to the authority of the monarchy over the kingdoms affairs.

Some observers believe this might not be enough. Mohammad Fadel, a professor of Islamic legal history, argues that the current configuration of the Saudi monarchy is incompatible with the kind of independent thought the crown prince is calling for in matters of religion. Saudi society will flourish, he adds, when Prince Mohammed recognizes the right of Muslims to rule themselves politically.

With these reforms to Wahhabism, MBS hopes to secure the loyalty of a generation of young Saudis. As Saudi history would indicate, however, such a bargain requires constant renegotiation and renewal.

Nathan French, Associate Professor of Religion, Miami University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Grass Valley, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Rise Gold Corp. (CSE: RISE) (OTCQX: RYES) (the "Company" or "Rise Gold") reports that it has submitted a Petition to the County of Nevada asserting its vested right to mine at the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine. The Petition was prepared by Mitchell Chadwick LLP and was independently reviewed by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC. As demonstrated in the Petition, mining operations on the Vested Mine Property are a vested use, protected under the California and federal Constitutions, and a use permit is not required for mining operations to continue. The Petition is available on the Nevada County website.

The Company owns the Idaho-Maryland-Brunswick Mine, consisting of 175 acres of surface land and a 2,560-acre mineral estate (the "Vested Mine Property"), located in Nevada County ("County"), California. Before the Vested Mine Property was consolidated into its current configuration in 1941, it existed as multiple historical mines and operations referred to in the Petition as the "Mine Property" or the "Mine."

For the vested right to be recognized by the County, Rise needs to demonstrate that fact that mine operations were being conducted both before and immediately after the County first required a permit to mine in 1954. The Petition and its exhibits are replete with historical evidence that mining was conducted at the Vested Mine Property prior to, during, and after 1954, when the County first required a use permit.

Once vested, this right to mine endures unless it is abandoned, which has not occurred here. Abandonment only occurs if two conditions are met: (1) there is evidence of a property owner's actual intent to abandon the vested mining right; and (2) an overt act (or failure to act) demonstrating such intent. The California Supreme Court has held that a vested mining right is not abandoned merely because the mine has been inactive for periods of time, and the Court has found that cessation of use alone does not constitute abandonment of a mine. The evidence set out in the Petition establishes the various previous owners evidenced their intent to retain the vested right to mine by continuously recording mineral reservations, entering into leases, and making plans for resuming mining in the future, even when mining operations were suspended. There is no evidence that any owner of the Vested Mine Property actually intended to abandon the vested mining right or took an overt act demonstrating that intent (let alone both). In addition, the vested right was already confirmed in 1980 by the County itself1.

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing regarding the Company's Petition on October 27th of this year. A decision on the Petition is not discretionary, rather the Board of Supervisors must decide whether to confirm the vested rights by reviewing the historical facts in light of how the California Supreme Court has interpreted the relevant legal principles.

About Rise Gold Corp.

Rise Gold is an exploration-stage mining company incorporated in Nevada, USA. The Company's principal asset is the historic past-producing Idaho-Maryland Gold Mine located in Nevada County, California, USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Benjamin Mossman

President, CEO and Director

Rise Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

RISE GOLD CORP.

Suite 215, 333 Crown Point Circle

Grass Valley, CA 95945

T: 530.433.0188

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.risegoldcorp.com

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are 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.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to, among other things, its ongoing business operations. These risks are related to a number of factors including, without limitation, obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals, meeting expenditure and financing requirements, compliance with environmental regulations, title matters, operating hazards, metal prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors, general economic conditions, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulation and supervision, seasonality, technological change, industry practices, and one-time events that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information contained in this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law.

1The County recognized that mining operations on the Vested Mine Property were a legal nonconforming use in 1980 (i.e., a vested right) in its grant of Use Permit U79-41 authorizing the harvesting, crushing, screening, and sale of existing mine rock and tailings at the Centennial Industrial site. The County's Staff Report explicitly states that the grant of the permit was "an expansion of an existing, non-conforming use." California courts have ruled that a vested right cannot be broken down to encompass "less than the entire business operation," and, therefore, under the California law the County vested the right to mine for the entire Vested Mine Property.
New drilling encounters highest grades yet at Las Primas, returning 12.3 gpt AuEq 1 (10.8 gpt gold and 114.9 gpt silver) over 2.5 metres near surface

Drilling at Fresnillo encounters multiple, thick gold-silver intervals

Follow-up drilling is planned for both targets

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX-V: PRYM, OTCQX: PRMNF, Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting drill results from its ongoing 60,000 metre (m) drill program, of which about one half is focused on regional exploration at Los Reyes. Todays results are from the Las Primas and Fresnillo generative targets (see Figure 1) at the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico.

Newly discovered Las Primas mineralization outside of the previously reported 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) contains high-grades and significant thicknesses in areas located between the Central and Guadalupe Zones. The precious metals mineralization is in high-grade plunging shoots, similar to Guadalupe, Tahonitas and Nocha Buena areas, that contain a multiple gram per tonne (gpt) gold equivalent (AuEq) center with an outer, lower-grade halo. At Las Primas, mapping and 2023 drilling has confirmed continuity of at least two mineralized structural corridors that remain open in all directions.

Fresnillo is a highly prospective earlier stage target, where drilling intercepted thick mineralized structures, between the Z-T and Central Zones. Follow-up drilling is planned to continue. Surface mapping and modelling of these structures is ongoing.

Generative Target Highlights

Las Primas Area:

The Company is reporting 12 core holes at the Las Primas target. Las Primas is located in the southeast of the Project area between the Central and Guadalupe Zones. Highlights are listed below:

12.34 gpt AuEq (10.85 gpt Au and 114.9 gpt Ag) over 2.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23LP-14, including: 17.50 gpt AuEq (15.40 gpt Au and 162.2 gpt Ag) over 1.7 m etw.

1.73 gpt AuEq (1.70 gpt Au and 2.3 gpt Ag) over 9.6 m etw in hole 23LP-06, including: 4.94 gpt AuEq (4.88 gpt Au and 4.7 gpt Ag) over 3.0 m etw.

1.20 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 25.8 gpt Ag) over 14.6 m etw in hole 23LP-07, starting just below surface.

Fresnillo Area:

The Company is reporting 11 core holes at the Fresnillo target, located between the south ends of the Z-T and Central Zones. Highlights are listed below:

0.74 gpt AuEq (0.56 gpt Au and 14.3 gpt Ag) over 23.8 m etw, and

0.48 gpt AuEq (0.41 gpt Au and 5.3 gpt Ag) over 20.8 m in hole 23FRE-12.

1.65 gpt AuEq (1.06 gpt Au and 45.2 gpt Ag) over 10.9 m etw in hole 23FRE-19, including: 12.30 gpt AuEq (6.63 gpt Au and 438.0 gpt Ag) over 0.85 m etw.

1.39 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 40.4 gpt Ag) over 7.5 m etw in hole 23FRE-20.

Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz commented, Todays results demonstrate the growing potential of our gold-silver exploration targets outside of the current mineral resource zones. New mineralized areas like these are expected to contribute to our goal of continued expansion of the Los Reyes gold-silver resource. As Las Primas and Fresnillo are proximal to existing resource zones, we anticipate incremental value-add from these nearby generative targets.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration added, We are successfully executing a two-pronged approach to exploration: firstly, drilling resource expansions at Z-T, Central and Guadalupe Zones, the three areas that form our current mineral resource estimate, and secondly, exploring a growing number of new, generative targets. Mapping, surface sampling and modeling are ongoing to help guide generative drilling. We have many additional generative targets at Los Reyes identified that we have not yet had the opportunity to fully drill-test. A strong focus on exploration access improvements has facilitated this newly reported drilling and will allow more efficient drilling of many of these generative targets going forward.

Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, such as those being reported today, in addition to on-going expansion along strike and down dip within previously reported mineral resource areas. These recent regional results are from the initial generative program which is expected to be followed-up as the Company continues to evaluate the full potential of Los Reyes.

Figure 1: Generative drilling update

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The drilling described in this news release is the result of Primes success-based generative exploration program. Currently drill-limited mineralized areas (500 m2 at Las Primas and 700 m2 at Fresnillo) are demonstrating potential to become standalone deposits. Prime is the first to drill at both Las Primas and Fresnillo.

Las Primas was first identified through historical records and the Companys earlier sampling and mapping work. Prime conducted initial drill-testing at Las Primas in 2021 using a portable rig due to limited road access. On August 4, 2021, Prime released the first three holes at Las Primas, that included hole 21LP-02 at 1.8 gpt AuEq over 3.8 m etw, located 24 m downhole. Todays results are the product of Primes focused generative drill program (see Figure 2 and 3), which has identified what appears to be two or more major parallel vein sets.

The Las Primas area is located approximately 475 m east of the Noche Buena pit-constrained MRE in the Central Zone and 500 m southwest of the Guadalupe East pit-constrained MRE in the Guadalupe Zone. Similar to Guadalupe East, mineralization at Las Primas is primarily hosted in quartz veins and breccias near the intrusive contacts between feldspathic porphyry and rhyolitic/dacitic intrusives. Drilling has defined mineralization in multiple structures along a 300 m strike length and up to 240 m down-dip and is open in all directions (see Figures 4a-c). The potential to find structural intersections similar to those identified in Guadalupe East is high.

Fresnillo was first drilled as part of Primes 2022 drill program. Prime published the first nine drill holes from Fresnillo on February 27, 2023, highlighting hole 22FRE-09 at 1.7 g/t AuEq over 15.8 m etw.

Fresnillo is located between the Z-T and Central Zones, with mineralization identified to date roughly 150 m from the Noche Buena pit-constrained MRE in the Central Zone and 500 m from the Z-T pit-constrained MRE to the west. Similar to the Z-T and Central Zones, mineralization at Fresnillo is in high-grade, south-plunging shoots surrounded by lower-grade mineralized halos. Mineralization has been identified in multiple southwest-dipping structures, which remain open both down-dip and along strike to the southeast (see Figures 5 and 6).

Drill Hole Highlights - Las Primas & Fresnillo Areas1

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW2 (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 (gpt) Area 23LP-05 0.00 6.00 6.00 5.80 1.45 7.60 1.55 Las Primas 23LP-05 71.50 85.25 13.75 13.55 0.61 5.31 0.68 Las Primas 23LP-06 0.00 5.40 5.40 5.20 0.41 9.90 0.54 Las Primas 23LP-06 126.00 135.75 9.75 9.60 1.70 2.32 1.73 Las Primas including 132.00 135.00 3.00 2.95 4.88 4.70 4.94 Las Primas including 133.50 135.00 1.50 1.50 8.20 7.90 8.30 Las Primas 23LP-07 0.00 4.50 4.50 4.45 0.36 18.93 0.60 Las Primas 23LP-07 9.65 24.50 14.85 14.60 0.87 25.78 1.20 Las Primas including 12.00 15.00 3.00 2.95 1.87 32.70 2.29 Las Primas 23LP-07 54.45 62.50 8.05 7.95 0.94 20.89 1.21 Las Primas 23LP-09 0.00 6.30 6.30 5.70 1.62 51.09 2.28 Las Primas including 0.00 5.30 5.30 4.80 1.88 58.26 2.63 Las Primas 23LP-09 20.25 21.40 1.15 1.15 5.39 72.50 6.33 Las Primas 23LP-13 111.80 123.70 11.90 11.70 0.34 8.16 0.45 Las Primas 23LP-14 117.25 119.75 2.50 2.45 10.85 114.86 12.34 Las Primas including 117.25 119.00 1.75 1.70 15.40 162.20 17.50 Las Primas 23LP-14 151.00 158.30 7.30 5.60 0.82 32.53 1.24 Las Primas including 153.00 154.50 1.50 1.15 2.85 143.50 4.71 Las Primas 23LP-15 36.30 39.50 3.20 2.75 2.40 98.66 3.68 Las Primas including 36.30 38.75 2.45 2.10 2.92 117.90 4.45 Las Primas 23LP-15 274.80 276.00 1.20 1.15 3.00 1474.00 22.08 Las Primas 23FRE-12 214.00 241.50 27.50 23.80 0.56 14.28 0.74 Fresnillo 23FRE-12 249.00 273.00 24.00 20.80 0.41 5.29 0.48 Fresnillo 23FRE-14 208.00 218.50 10.50 9.10 0.41 3.61 0.46 Fresnillo 23FRE-14 224.50 239.50 15.00 13.00 0.50 2.04 0.53 Fresnillo 23FRE-17 28.50 29.65 1.15 1.10 7.86 1.30 7.88 Fresnillo 23FRE-17 146.20 148.15 1.95 1.85 4.16 43.57 4.72 Fresnillo including 147.20 148.15 0.95 0.90 8.08 60.90 8.87 Fresnillo 23FRE-18 367.00 368.45 1.45 1.35 3.81 4.80 3.87 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 273.60 286.20 12.60 10.90 1.06 45.22 1.65 Fresnillo including 275.80 276.80 1.00 0.85 6.63 438.00 12.30 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 292.30 308.10 15.80 13.70 0.48 13.40 0.65 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 311.25 324.00 12.75 11.05 0.31 9.46 0.43 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 238.50 250.25 11.75 10.20 0.31 7.17 0.40 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 267.30 275.90 8.60 7.45 0.87 40.42 1.39 Fresnillo including 270.45 271.50 1.05 0.90 2.02 108.70 3.43 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 295.25 311.15 15.90 13.75 0.33 7.20 0.42 Fresnillo



Table Notes:

A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website, as well as accompanying notes on composite grades. Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars).

Figure 2: Las Primas Area drilling update

Figure 3: Las Primas Area drilling update with grade shells

*Note: drill traces in blue are newly released.

Figure 4a: Las Primas Area cross sections A-A

Figure 4b: Las Primas Area cross sections B-B

Figure 4c: Las Primas Area cross sections C-C

Figure 5: Fresnillo Area drilling update

Figure 6: Fresnillo Area drilling update with grade shells

*Note: drill traces in blue are newly released.

Drilling at Los Reyes is ongoing through the current rainy season (which is expected to end in the coming weeks) with four drill rigs focusing on:

extending the high-grade Z-T shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike north and south; expanding the two other MRE resource areas, including the eastern extensions of the Guadalupe Zone and Echeguren Shaft area; and, exploring multiple new generative targets.

Prime has completed over 38,000 m of its planned 60,000 m 2023 drill program and will continue to evaluate its drilling plans using its success-based approach.

Link 2  PDF Drill Hole Tables

Note: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of $US 1700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut, and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into two halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

Additional Notes

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately US$30 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 120,000 m of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see below, and refer to Note 1 and the May 2, 2023 press release for more details).

Table. May 2, 2023 Resource Statement

Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas.

Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel Kunz

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Daniel Kunz

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Prime Mining Corp.

1307 S. Colorado Ave.

Boise, Idaho 83706

Telephone: +1 (208) 926-6379 office

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Scott Hicks

Executive Vice President

Prime Mining Corp.

710  1030 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3

Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 office

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated April 22, 2022, available on www.sedar.com. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Barksdale Resources Corp. (TSXV: BRO) (OTCQX: BRKCF) ("Barksdale" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a positive legal update regarding the Company's Sunnyside project in Arizona. The United States District Court for the District of Arizona has issued an order denying the Plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that sought to prevent drilling at Sunnyside. While the Plaintiffs can appeal the Judge's decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Company has no information as to whether this will occur. The United States Forest Service has notified the Company that the Sunnyside Plan of Operations is expected to be approved in the coming days. Barksdale will provide an update once the approved Plan of Operations is in hand.

Rick Trotman, President and CEO of Barksdale, states, "We are thrilled that the Judge ruled in our favor and denied the Plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented us from drilling at Sunnyside. It is our expectation that mobilization will begin on September 15 and drilling will commence shortly thereafter. We look forward to tackling the Phase I Sunnyside drilling program of ~16,000 meters (50,000 feet) in accordance with our rigorous permitting guidelines."

Barksdale Resources Corp., a 2023 OTCQX BEST 50 Company, is a base metal exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., that is focused on the acquisition, exploration and advancement of highly prospective base metal projects in North America. Barksdale is currently advancing the Sunnyside copper-zinc-lead-silver and San Antonio copper projects, both of which are in the Patagonia mining district of southern Arizona, as well as the San Javier copper-gold project in central Sonora, Mexico.

ON BEHALF OF BARKSDALE RESOURCES CORP

Rick Trotman

President, CEO and Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Terri Anne Welyki

Vice President of Communications

778-238-2333

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information please phone 778-558-7145, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.BarksdaleResources.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation including, but not limited to, the expected formal approval of the Company's ("PoO") for the Sunnyside copper-lead-zinc-silver project; the ability of the Plaintiffs to appeal the Judge's decision to United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; the proposed nature, size, timing, targets and impact of the Company's planned drilling program on the Sunnyside project following approval of the PoO and the ability of the Company to obtain the requisite staffing, bonding and financing therefor; and the potential impact of seasonal drilling restrictions on the ability of the Company to effectively carry out such program. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered 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 information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that the Company's PoO for the Sunnyside property will be approved by the USFS on the basis currently contemplated or at all. In addition, the Company's proposed drilling program at Sunnyside is an exploratory search for commercial quantities of ore, the discovery of which cannot be assured. There are currently no NI 43-101 resources or reserves on the Sunnyside property. There is also uncertainty about the continued spread and severity of COVID-19, the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ubique Minerals Limited ("Ubique" or the "Company") (CSE:UBQ)(FRA:2UM) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral Claim Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Ophir Gold Corp. ("Ophir Gold").

Under the terms of the Agreement, Ophir Gold has agreed to sell and transfer a 100% interest in certain mineral mining claims located in Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland Canada (the "Claims") to the Company. The Claims are all a part of the option agreement announced between the companies on February 14, 2019 wherein previously the Company had the option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Claims.

"We are excited about this strategic agreement with Ophir Gold Corp.," said Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, CEO of Ubique Minerals Ltd. "This acquisition aligns with our strategy and reinforces our commitment to unlocking the value of the Daniel's Harbour property and now having 100% control we can better manage the exploration project work program that is planned."

The transaction will be executed on an "as is, where is" basis, acknowledging the existing state, condition, and location of the Claims as of the Closing Date. In return for a 100% interest in the Claims, the Company will issue 3,800,000 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") to Ophir Gold. The Closing Date for the transaction is anticipated to occur at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time on the second business day after the Effective Date, subject to the fulfillment of the Agreement's terms and conditions.

The execution of the Agreement reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to advancing mineral exploration and development projects that have the potential to generate value for shareholders and contribute to sustainable resource utilization.

About Daniel's Harbour project

The Daniel's Harbour properties of Ubique cover both the area of the past producing high grade zinc mine and extensions of favorable area, mostly to the north-northeast along strike for more than ten kilometers. Exploration drilling to date has confirmed three zinc deposits and has indications of two more which require additional definition drilling to define their extents. Several more zones identified by one or more historic drill holes require relocating and further drilling to confirm. As the deposits are long, narrow and flat lying-in shape and orientation, within flat lying dolomitic sedimentary rocks they may extend across more than one blocks of claims and therefore the ability to consolidate the property position will assist in exploration execution.

On behalf of the board of directors,

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson

CEO and Chairman

About Ubique Minerals Limited

Ubique Minerals Limited is an exploration company listed on the CSE (CSE:UBQ) focused on exploration of its Daniel's Harbour zinc property in Newfoundland and is also engaged in exploration in Namibia, Africa along with actively searching for other projects around the world. Ubique became a publicly listed company in September 2018. Ubique has an experienced management group with a record of multiple discoveries of deposits worldwide and owns an extensive and exclusive database of historic exploration results from the Daniel's Harbour area.

Dr. Gerald Harper, P.Geo.(NL), director of Ubique, is the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 responsible for the technical data presented herein and has reviewed and approved this release.

For more information on Ubique please contact see www.ubiqueminerals.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business and trading in the common stock of Ubique Minerals Limited., the raising of additional capital and the future development of the business. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the company's management. Although the company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Ubique can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Ubique disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - HighGold Mining Inc. (TSXV: HIGH) (OTCQX: HGMIF) ("HighGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce initial assay results from its 2023 exploration and development program (the "Program") at the Johnson Tract polymetallic Gold Project ("Johnson Tract", "JT" or the "Project") in Southcentral Alaska, USA. The Project hosts the high-grade JT Deposit with a 1.05 Moz indicated resource at 9.39 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq").

Today's results confirm the western extension of high-grade gold mineralization at the Ellis Zone. The Ellis Zone is located four kilometers northeast of the JT Deposit and was a major focus of drilling during the 2022 field season. These results are from the first two 50-meter step-out drill holes completed this year.

Highlights include:

2.2 m at 57.0 g/t AuEq ( 49.9 g/t Au, 25 g/t Ag, 1.5% Cu, 8.4% Zn) in hole DC23-070, including 1.1 m at 80.5 g/t AuEq, ( 71.40 g/t Au, 29.7 g/t Ag, 1.5% Cu, 11.7% Zn ).



Additional assay highlights are presented below in Table 1 and Figure 1.

"The Johnson Tract project is synonymous with high-grade gold and these first results of our 2023 drill program do not disappoint," commented Darwin Green, CEO. "Hole DC23-070 is a near-surface 50-meter step out to the west of the Ellis Zone and is the 8th intersection to date from the recent discovery to yield a 'grade-thickness' greater than 100 gxm AuEq*. Two drill rigs are currently active on site, focused on the continued expansion of the Ellis Zone and JT Deposit as well as exploring for new discoveries."

Table 1. Significant Assay Intersections from the Ellis Zone, Johnson Tract Project

Drill Hole From To Length Au Ag Cu Pb Zn AuEq (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) % % % (g/t) DC23-069 52.2 53.6 1.4 2.05 0.9 0.01 0.08 0.60 2.5 And 185.3 187.6 2.3 0.16 0.5 3.55 0.01 0.48 5.0 Incl 185.3 186.8 1.5 0.23 82.6 4.72 0.04 1.77 8.1 DC23-070 59.2 61.4 2.2 49.85 24.6 1.50 0.01 8.40 57.0 Incl 59.2 60.3 1.1 71.40 29.7 1.51 0.02 11.65 80.5 And Incl 60.3 61.4 1.1 28.30 19.5 1.50 0.00 5.14 33.5 And 71.4 72.9 1.5 0.34 2.3 0.07 1.17 2.92 2.5

*True thickness for the reported intersections in holes JT22-069 and JT-070 is estimated at 85% to 95% of the reported width. Gold Equivalent ("AuEq") based on assumed metal prices of US$1650/oz for Au, US$20/oz for Ag, US$3.50/lb for Cu, US$1.00/lb for Pb and US$1.50/lb for Zn and payable metal recoveries of 97% for Au, 85% for Ag, 85% Cu, 72% Pb and 92% Zn. Grade-thickness is the product of multiplying the drilled intercept length by the grade of the intercept.

Figure 1. Ellis Zone, Johnson Tract Project - Vertical Longitudinal Section with Drill Intersections

Discussion of DC Prospect and Ellis Zone Drill Results

The DC Prospect is located four (4) kilometers northeast of the JT Deposit and is characterized by a series of large gossan alteration zones similar in style to the +1Moz AuEq JT Deposit that collectively extend over a 1.5 km x 3.0 km area in a broad northeasterly trend. Gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead mineralization and associated alteration occur as epithermal- to VMS-style veins and breccia preferentially hosted in dacitic to rhyolitic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks. Epithermal-style veins continue up stratigraphy into lesser altered andesitic to basaltic volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks.

The widespread extent of mineralization exposed in erosional windows through the capping andesite supports the potential for a large and partially blind mineralized system linking the various DC Prospect zones together over a strike length of three (3) km. Drilling in late 2021 within the DC Prospect area resulted in the discovery of near-surface bonanza-grade mineralization at the "Ellis Zone", which returned 577.9 g/t Au and 2,023 g/t Ag over 6.40 m in hole DC21-010.

Drilling in 2022 defined the Ellis Zone mineralization over a strike length of 125 m and from surface to a depth of 225 m, with the upper plunging core of the zone averaging 10 to 15 m true thickness. Mineralogy, veining, and alteration of the Ellis Zone resemble the main JT Deposit, which has been defined from surface to a vertical depth of more than 300 m, over a strike length of 600 m, and has an average true thickness of 40 m.

The first two holes of the 2023 season, DC23-069 and DC23-070, were drilled at -60- and -80-degree dips on the same cross-section, 50 m west of the westernmost cross-section drilled in 2022 (Figure 1). Both DC23-069 and DC23-070 intersected semimassive to massive pyrite-chalcopyrite-sphalerite vein- and replacement-style mineralization, 50 to 60 m below the surface. These intersections confirm the western extension of the Ellis Zone and highlight the very high concentrations of gold associated with the polymetallic mineralized zone (e.g. 2.2 m at 49.9 g/t Au, 25 g/t Ag, 1.5% Cu, 8.4% Zn in hole DC23-070, including 1.1 m at 71.40 g/t Au, 29.7 g/t Ag, 1.5% Cu, 11.7% Zn). Hole DC23-069 also intersected the deeper copper-silver zone identified in 2022 drilling and returned 1.5 m at 8.11 g/t AuEq (0.23 g/t Au, 83 g/t Ag, 4.7% Cu, 1.8% Zn), analogous to the deeper FW Copper Zone found beneath the JT Deposit. Drilling is ongoing at the Ellis Zone with additional step-outs along strike and down-dip of the reported intersections.

Locations of the new drillhole intersections are presented on a longitudinal section in Figure 1 with key assay intersections displayed in Table 1.

2023 Program Update

The Program includes 8,000 m of planned drilling to expand the known zones of mineralization at the Ellis Zone and the JT Deposit, test new high-potential prospects, and conduct geotechnical and hydrogeological studies to inform the design and permitting of an underground exploration ramp. The Program also includes an airborne Mobile MagnetoTellurics (MobileMT) geophysical survey, geological mapping and geochemical sampling, baseline data collection, and environmental studies.

To August 31st, a total of 5,283 m has been drilled in 23 holes (17 exploration holes and 6 geotechnical drillholes). Assays results will be released on an ongoing basis pending review and meeting Company quality assurance-quality control protocols.

About the Johnson Tract Gold Project

Johnson Tract is a polymetallic (gold, copper, zinc, silver, lead) project located near tidewater, 125 miles (200 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, USA. The 21,000-acre property includes the high-grade JT Deposit and at least nine (9) other mineral prospects over a 12-kilometer strike length. HighGold acquired the Project through a lease agreement with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. ("CIRI"), one of 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. CIRI is owned by more than 9,100 shareholders who are primarily of Alaska Native descent.

Mineralization at Johnson Tract occurs in Jurassic volcaniclastic rocks and is characterized as epithermal type with submarine volcanogenic attributes. The JT Deposit is a thick, steeply dipping silicified body averaging 40 m true thickness that contains a stockwork of quartz-sulfide veinlets and brecciation, cutting through and surrounded by a widespread zone of anhydrite alteration. The Footwall Copper Zone is located structurally and stratigraphically below the JT Deposit and is characterized by copper-silver rich mineralization.

The JT Deposit hosts an Indicated Resource of 3.489 Mt grading 9.39 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq") comprised of 5.33 g/t Au, 6.0 g/t Ag, 0.56% Cu, 0.67% Pb and 5.21% Zn. The Inferred Resource of 0.706 Mt grading 4.76 g/t AuEq is comprised of 1.36 g/t Au, 9.1 g/t Ag, 0.59% Cu, 0.30% Pb, and 4.18% Zn. For additional details see NI 43-101 Technical Report titled "Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Johnson Tract Project, Alaska," dated August 25, 2022 (effective date of July 12, 2022) authored by Ray C. Brown, James N. Gray, P.Geo. and Lyn Jones, P.Eng. Gold Equivalent ("AuEq") is based on assumed metal prices and payable metal recoveries of 97% for Au, 85% for Ag, 85% Cu, 72% Pb and 92% Zn from metallurgical testwork completed in 2022. Assumed metal prices for the Resource are US$1650/oz for gold (Au), US$20/oz for silver (Ag), US$3.50/lb for copper (Cu), US$1.00/lb for lead (Pb), and US$1.50/lb for zinc (Zn).

About HighGold

HighGold is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing the high-grade Johnson Tract Gold-Zinc-Copper Project located in accessible Southcentral Alaska, USA. HighGold's experienced Board and senior management team, are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Senior VP Exploration for HighGold Mining Inc. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

On Behalf of HighGold Mining Inc.

"Darwin Green"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the HighGold Mining Inc. website at www.highgoldmining.com, or contact:

Darwin Green, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP Corporate Communications

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.highgoldmining.com

Twitter : @HighgoldMining

Additional Notes:

Starting azimuth, dip and final length (Azimuth/-Dip/Length) for the two drillholes reported today are noted as follows: DC23-069 (180/60/323.0m) and DC23-070 (180/80/155.0m),

Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and the remaining half of the cut core placed back in the original core box for permanent on-site storage. Sample lengths range from a minimum of 0.5-meter to a maximum of 2.0-meter intervals, with an average sample length of 1.0 to 1.5 meters. The half-cut core samples are then dried for 1-2 days at 50-60 degrees Celsius, crushed to 2mm (>70%) and pulverized to 75 microns (>85%) at the Company's onsite sample preparation facility. The preparation facility was designed under the guidance of expert third-party consultant, Dr. Barry Smee, P.Geo. Sample pulps are individually packaged in paper envelopes and weigh approximately 250 grams each, the sample pulps are then placed inside security-strapped plastic totes in batches of 80-100 samples per tote with each tote weighing about 22-23 kilograms. The samples are then shipped by DHL air freight directly to ALS Geochemistry Analytical Lab facility in North Vancouver, BC for analysis.

Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-gram sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and AAS are determined by using fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements copper, lead and zinc are determined by ore grade assay for samples that return values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Silver is determined by ore-grade assay for samples that return >100 ppm. ALS Geochemistry meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. ALS Global operates according to the guidelines set out in ISO/IEC Guide 25.

The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). The Company's database and QAQC data have been audited by two independent, external experts, Chris Brown of Oriented Target Solutions LLC and Barry Smee of Smee and Associated Consulting Ltd

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned drill program and advanced exploration plans are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Stuhini Exploration Ltd. ("Stuhini" or the "Company") (TSXV: STU) (OTCQB: STXPF) is pleased to announce that its common shares are now quoted for trading on the OTCQB venture market (the "OTCQB") under the symbol "STXPF". The Company has also received The Depository Trust Company (the "DTC") eligibility in the United States, thus allowing the Company's stock to be more easily traded by and accessible to US institutional and retail investors.

Dave O'Brien, Company President and CEO stated: "We have experienced strong US investor interest over the past year, with several US based investors participating in our most recent financing. Accordingly, we are pleased to have been quoted for trading on the OTCQB Venture Market and to have received DTC eligibility, both of which will aid in our goal of increased visibility and share liquidity for both existing and new US based shareholders."

The OTCQB allows early stage and developing companies the benefit of being publicly traded in the United States. Eligible companies must be current in their financial reporting, pass a minimum bid test and undergo an annual verification and management certification process.

DTC is a subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, a US based company that manages the electronic clearing and settlement of publicly traded companies. Securities that are eligible to be electronically cleared and settled through DTC are considered to be "DTC eligible".

The Company also announces it has recently joined the International Molybdenum Association (the "IMOA") and Company chairman Tony Fogarassy is presently attending and representing Stuhini at the 2023 IMOA Annual General Meeting being held in Santiago Chile. The IMOA is non-profit trade association representing the molybdenum industry.

About Stuhini Exploration Ltd.



Stuhini is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of precious and base metals properties in western Canada and south-western USA. The Company's portfolio of exploration properties includes: its flagship, the Ruby Creek Project located approximately 14 km east of Atlin, BC; the Que Project located approximately 70 km north of Johnson's Crossing in the Yukon; the South Thompson Project located approximately 35 km northwest of Grand Rapids, Manitoba; the Big Ledge Property located approximately 57 km south of Revelstoke, BC; and a portfolio of properties in south-east Arizona.

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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to statements relating to increased visibility and share liquidity in the United States. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, fluctuations in metal and commodity prices, market prices and exchange rates, failure to obtain permits, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those set out in the Company's prospectus. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
VANCOUVER, BC and HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Reyna Silver Corp. (TSXV:RSLV) (OTCQX:RSNVF) (FRA:4ZC) ("Reyna'' or the "Company") is pleased to report multiple, near-surface, high-grade, native silver-bearing intercepts in three of the initial holes of its 2023 Batopilas Drilling Campaign. Intercepts include Reyna Silver's widest to date (BA23-58: 9 m of 616 g/t Silver within 30 m of 218 g/t Ag) and the discovery of a new, blind Native Silver vein reporting 6,440 g/t Silver across 0.2 metres (BA23-57). The holes were drilled in the historic Silver Zone on the district's west side. Following the end of the rainy season, drilling is expected to resume in both this area and the recently discovered Gold-Silver Zone on the district's east side.

The targets reported here resulted from a year-long systematic geological re-evaluation of the district, including mapping, sampling, structural, and geophysical studies (See Press Release from June 29, 2023) triggered by Reyna's 2022 discovery of significant gold (See Press Release from April 12, 2022). Gold was previously unknown at Batopilas, famous as Mexico's richest Native Silver District, historically producing over 300 Moz of Silver with an average grade of 1,500 g/t Silver.

Highlights from the initial 2023 Batopilas Drilling Campaign (See Table 1).

Hole BA23-58 cut 9 m of 616 g/t Silver within an overall structure of 30 m width running 218 g/t Silver, including 1.4 m of 1,405 g/t Silver (See Table 2).

Hole BA23-57 hit a new Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver across 0.2 metres in a blind structure between the historically important Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins. There were also multiple additional intercepts on the way to the new vein (See Drill Results Explanation below and Figure 3).

hit a across 0.2 metres in a blind structure between the historically important Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins. There were also multiple additional intercepts on the way to the new vein (See Drill Results Explanation below and Figure 3). Hole BA23-60 cut 0.8 m grading 1,342 g/t Silver 65 m above the Escritorio Vein.

"We are delighted that the time and effort spent over the past year on the sampling program, structural studies, and geophysics has paid off with these high-grade silver discoveries," said Jorge Ramiro Monroy, CEO of Reyna Silver. "Cutting new native silver structures -including one reporting 9 metres of over 600 g/t Silver- shows that a disciplined, district-scale approach to exploration can lead to discovery. Going forward our team will test this model against our upcoming drill targets in our campaign to search for the silver and gold veins of Batopilas."

"Finding multiple new, high-grade silver veins through collaborative rethinking of a district with 400 years of mining history proves that solid field work and modern exploration approaches can revolutionize the geologic perception of an ore system. Mining history tells us that the Batopilas Native Silver veins can blossom from a few centimeters to over 2 metres wide in a few metres laterally, so any of these intercepts could be very close to a major shoot," said Dr. Peter Megaw, Chief Exploration Advisor to Reyna Silver. "Next, we get to turn our sights and drills on targets in the Banda Este Gold-Silver Zone generated through this systematic district reappraisal."

Table 1. Highlights from Drillholes BA23-57, BA23-58 and BA23-60. Reported widths are core length as true widths for the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined.

Drill Results Explanation and Highlights

The drilling program consisted of six holes, totaling 1,458 metres, targeting areas of interest determined by the yearlong study (See Map 1, 2).

Hole BA23-58 targeted the San Roberto-Roncesvalles vein/structure more than 350 metres NW of BA23-57 in Escritorio. Starting just 3 metres below the surface, it cut an overall 30 m (core length) mineralized zone grading 218 g/t Ag, encompassing multiple high-grade zones (See Table 2). Within these 30 m, starting 9 m down-hole, the drill cut 1.5 m of 398 g/t Ag. Then, at 21 m in depth, 9 m of 616 g/t Ag was cut, including 1.45 m grading 1,405 g/t Ag. At 28.5 m depth, it cut the final high-grade zone of 1.5 m grading 936 g/t (See Highlight Table 1).

Hole BA23-57 was designed to test the top of the Escritorio vein on the way to a target identified through a combination of geophysical, sampling, and structural studies conducted during the 2022-23 systematic exploration program. At 64.5 m downhole, the drill cut the top of the Escritorio vein, which showed 0.25 m grading 1,360 g/t Silver. Then, at 203.2 m, the drill cut a new and completely blind, Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver over 0.2 m (See Highlight Table 1 and Figure 3). The technical team is excited by this development because the covered structure lies between the Escritorio and Todos Los Santos veins, two of the most significant veins in the district. Historically, miners would follow narrow silver-rich calcite seams into the famous native silver ore shoots of Batopilas, so follow-up drilling of this new vein is a high-priority exploration goal (See Figures 1 and 2).

Hole BA23-60, also in the Escritorio zone, had a steeper trajectory than BA23-57 and cut the Escritorio Vein at 72.7 m, where it carried 0.8 m of Native Silver grading 1,432 g/t Silver (see Highlight Table 1). The intercept was 50 m below and 15 m south of the BA23-57 intercept and is believed to lie 66 m from any historic workings (See Map 2).

Figure 1. (above): Schematic Plan View of a Typical Batopilas Ore-Shoot. Native Silver (in blue) occurs sporadically in the narrow calcite veins that link the oreshoots for 30-150 m. Over a distance of 1-8 m, the structure blossoms into steeply-inclined oreshoots, ranging from 0.5 to 2 m wide, 30-80 m on level, and up to 350 m in height. Approaching a shoot, the vein shows a rapid lateral transition from calcite containing fine-grained Galena (lead sulfide, PbS) (in grey), fine-grained Sphalerite (zinc sulfide, ZnS) (in mauve), and finally Proustite (a silver sulfosalt, Ag 3 AsS 3 ) and Acanthite (a silver sulfide, Ag 2 S) (in orange) before entering the principal Native Silver ore-zone. As the Native Silver zone is passed, the vein transitions through the sequence in reverse before shrinking back to a narrow calcite seam, which continues 30-150 m to the next oreshoot.

Figure 2. (above): Schematic Cross-Section View of the Batopilas Oreshoot. Native Silver is denoted in blue, fine-grain Galena (PbS) in grey, fine-grain Sphalerite (ZnS) in mauve, the combination of Proustite (Ag 3 AsS 3 ) and Acanthite (Ag 2 S) in red. The steeply inclined oreshoots continued down for hundreds of meters in several areas.

Map 2. Location map for drill holes described here (in bold) plus historical drill holes (in grey). BA23-57 targeted a structure suspected to exist between Escritorio on the east and Todos Los Santos on the west; it cut 0.25 m grading 6,440 g/t Ag in a previously untouched area. BA23-60 tested Escritorio as well. The BA23-58 intercept is between San Roberto-Roncevalles, 85 metres from the nearest historic stope or adit. BA23-56 was in Pastrana (TD at 190.5 m), BA23-57 was in Escritorio (TD at 450 m), BA23-58 was in Roncesvalles (TD at 140 m), BA23-59 was in Todos Los Santas (TD at 159 m), BA23-60 returned to Escritorio (TD at 159.5 m), BA23-61 was in La Vaca II (TD at 141 m), and BA23-62 was in La Vaca (TD at 222 m).

Future Exploration Plans

These results validate the time Reyna spent systematically rethinking the district's geology following the discovery of significant Gold mineralization in this historic Silver district (See Press Release from April 12, 2022). This process substantially increased understanding of the Batopilas District and resulted in multiple new drill targets. These six holes represent the first stage of drilling on these new targets, and after a break for the rainy season, rigs will be mobilized to the next major planned target area, the Gold-Silver bearing Banda Este zone. This area rose in priority for the exploration team after significant gold and silver mineralization was encountered by a selective sampling program (See Press Release from September 13, 2022). Banda Este has few historical workings, but Reyna Silver's work in the district indicates significant potential for it to grow into an important exploration area (See Map 1).

While drilling is underway at Banda Este, the technical team will develop follow-up targets building on the high-silver results reported here. The principal goals will be refining understanding of the structural controls on the Native Silver shoots, identifying vectors to follow the Native Silver intercepts into major oreshoots, and continued investigation of the relationship between the silver and gold mineralization stages that have been recognized.

Table 2. Results from BA23-58 of the full 30 metres grading 218 g/t Ag from 3 to 33 metres.

Figure 3. Close up of NQ-sized core (4.8 cm diameter) from Hole BA23-57 with Native Silver vein grading 6,440 g/t Silver over 0.2 metres. Note threads of shiny metallic Native Silver in the upper vein zone and the black acanthite (silver sulphide Ag 2 S) filling breccia in the middle of the vein. This is the style of mineralization seen historically in the district approaching major mineralized shoots.

QA/QC STATEMENT

Reyna Silver follows industry standard procedures for diamond core drilling and sample analysis. Drilling is carried out using NQ and HQ size tooling. The drill core is cut in half using a diamond rock saw, with one-half of the core then taken as a sample for analysis and the other kept as a register. Sample intervals are generally from 0.2 to 2 m intervals, producing samples of between 0.6 to 10 kg. Half-core samples are delivered to the internationally certified ALS Minerals laboratory facilities in Chihuahua City, where the samples are prepared. ALS has a Quality management system (ISO 17025), and Assays are completed by ALS Minerals in Canada. The samples are fire-assayed for Au (Au-23) and are analyzed for Ag and multi-elements using method code ICP (ICP-41) following an aqua regia digestion. Samples showing visible gold are resubmitted to ALS for Metallic Screen Assaying. Overlimits are analyzed using an appropriate method. Multi-element geochemical standards and blanks or duplicates are inserted systematically into the drill core sampling series to monitor lab performance. The control samples are inserted every 25 samples in the case of standards, blanks, and field duplicates, and for rejects and pulps duplicates, every 30 samples are intercalated. Referent to the chain of custody, the samples are transported from Batopilas by Reyna Silver personnel to ALS Chemex in Chihuahua City.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Dr. Peter Megaw, C.P.G., the Company's Chief Exploration Advisor and Qualified Person, reviewed the technical aspects of the exploration projects described herein and is responsible for the design and conduct of the exploration program and the verification and quality assurance of analytical results. Dr. Megaw is not independent as he and/or the companies with which he is affiliated hold Net Smelter Royalties on the Guigui and Batopilas Projects that predate Reyna Silver acquiring them.

ABOUT REYNA SILVER

Reyna Silver Corp. (TSXV: RSLV) is a growth-oriented junior exploration and development company focused on exploring for high-grade, district-scale silver deposits in Mexico and USA.

Reyna's principal properties are the Guigui and Batopilas Properties in Chihuahua, Mexico, plus Medicine Springs and Gryphon Summit in Nevada, USA. Guigui covers the interpreted source area for the Santa Eulalia District, and Batopilas covers most of Mexico's historically highest-grade silver system. The Company also has an option to acquire 100% of the Medicine Springs CRD project in Elko Co., Nevada, USA, and the 10,300-hectare combined Carlin-style and CRD Gryphon Summit Project in Eureka Co., Nevada, USA, as well as several early-stage properties in Mexico.

Cautionary Statements

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration results and plans, and our other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, our estimates of exploration investment, the scope of our exploration programs, and our expectations of ongoing administrative costs. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or our estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks associated with mineral exploration, price volatility in the mineral commodities we seek, and operational and political risks. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ - Further to its news release dated August 23, 2023, Collective Mining Ltd. (TSXV: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received final approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") for the listing of its common shares (the "Common Shares"). The Common Shares will begin trading on the TSX effective market open on September 6, 2023, and will continue to trade under its current stock symbol "CNL".

As a result of the graduation to the TSX, the Common Shares will no longer trade on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") and will be voluntarily delisted from the TSXV, effective as of market close today. Shareholders are not required to exchange their direct registration system advices or their share certificates, or take any other action in connection with the TSX listing.

About Collective Mining Ltd.

To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com.

Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver, and gold exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.

The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo target, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper-silver-gold Apollo porphyry system. The Company's near-term objective is to drill the shallow portion of the porphyry system, continue to expand the overall dimensions of the system, which remains open in most directions and test newly generated grassroots targets.

Information Contact:

Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski) and Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on Twitter

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All 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. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Such factors are described in detail in the Prospectus Supplement and the documents incorporated by reference therein.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver  TheNewswire - September 6, 2023  Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE:ELEM), (FSE:7YS), (OTC:ELMGF) ("the Company") a mining company focused on Gold and Silver asset development, is proud to provide an update on its Nevada Portfolio holdings, having renewed the claims at many of its Nevada properties, while the Board of Directors having also unanimously voted to surrender select non-core Battle Mountain project holdings.

The Company confirms mining claims were renewed at:

Maverick Springs: In following its core business plan, and its recently announced Option Agreement to sell its interest in the Maverick Springs project ( News Release August 31, 2023 ), 247 unpatented claims, covering approximately 4,800 acres, straddling Elko and White Pine Counties.

Clover and West Whistler: Two Battle Mountain Trend properties with strategic merit for exploration and resource development in the near term.

Clover: 169 non-contiguous, unpatented claims covering 3,063 acres in Elko County, Nevada, within the Midas Mining District, approximately 16 miles West of Hecla Mining Companys Midas Mine.



West Whistler : covers 103 contiguous, unpatented claims located 9 miles NW of the town of Eureka, NV, in the Southeastern end of the Battle Mountain Trend near several gold deposits including Barrick's Cortez Mine.



Properties included in the Valdo Sale Agreement (announced November 17, 2022 and extended May 30, 2023; updates on contract renewal pending shortly):

The North Mill Creek Project - comprised of 6 unpatented claims located at the margins of the Goat Window in Lander County, Nevada.



The Elder Creek Project - comprised of 23 unpatented claims, which cover the historic Elder Creek open-pit mine in Lander County, Nevada.



The Elephant Project - comprised of 197 claims located at the foot of the mine dumps at Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix operation.



In addition to the above, in a meeting held on August 31, 2023, the Board of Directors of Element79 Gold Corp. resolved to surrender its interests in several properties within the Battle Mountain portfolio, a shared vision that aligns with the Companys evolving business strategy. Through deliberation, forecasting and strategic planning, the Company has chosen to focus its efforts on the high-grade, past-producing Lucero mine in Arequipa, Peru, with exploration and development efforts there centered around bringing production online in the coming 12 to 18 months, as well as retaining only its most advanced-stage exploration projects in Nevada, determining that surrendering the following projects as of September 1, 2023 would be in the Company's best interest:

Clipper (Lander County) - 69 claims

Pipeline South (Lander County) - 144 claims

West Cortez (Lander County) - 274 claims

Walti (Eureka County) - 36 claims

Walti (Lander County) - 366 claims

N. Battle Mountain (Lander County)  67 claims

Brock (Eureka County) - 220 claims

Golconda (Humboldt County) - 108 claims

Horseshoe Basin (Lander County) - 50 claims

Element79 Gold Corp acquired the Battle Mountain Portfolio as part of a 16-property acquisition from Clover Nevada LLC and Maverick Springs Mining Company, LLC, each an indirect subsidiary of Waterton Precious Metals Fund II Cayman, LP on December 23, 2021.

James Tworek, CEO and Director of Element79 Gold Corp stated As a lean startup mining company, we are evolving as the global mining business landscape and global economic forecasts evolve. As a Board and management team we stand firm in our belief that our business model of developing revenue streams from the sale of our portfolio of projects and bringing precious metal production online in the near term is key for the Companys survival and the benefit of our shareholders. This focus stands to be enhanced through trimming the portfolio of non-core, lesser-developed projects. Retaining Clover and West Whistler allows an alternate channel for corporate growth, with two advanced-stage exploration projects in the prolific Battle Mountain Trend with great historical workings and what we believe to be solid indicative drilling results, where we will explore and drill further with the intent to develop resource values in the near term.

About Element79 Gold Corp.

Element79 Gold is a mining company focused on gold and silver committed to maximizing shareholder value through responsible mining practices and sustainable development of its projects. Element79 Gold's main focus is on developing its previously-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to bring it back into production in the near term.

The Company also holds a portfolio of 5 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, with the Clover and West Whistler projects believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. Three properties in the Battle Mountain Portfolio are under contract for sale to Valdo Minerals Ltd., with an anticipated closing date around the end of 2023. The Company has also signed an Option Agreement to sell the Maverick Springs project, an advanced-stage exploratory property with an Inferred Resource of 3.71MMoz AuEq (1.37MMoz Au and 175MMoz Ag) and anticipates completing this sale before the end of 2023.

In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent and funded a drilling program to acquire a private company that holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. The Company also has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process through the rest of 2023.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1.613.879.9387

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press contains "forward looking information" and "forward-looking statements" under applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "forecast", "potential", "target", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward looking statements".

Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the duration and effects of the coronavirus and COVID-19; risks related to the integration of acquisitions; actual results of exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity prices; variations in ore reserves, grade or recovery rates; actual performance of plant, equipment or processes relative to specifications and expectations; accidents; labour relations; relations with local communities; changes in national or local governments; changes in applicable legislation or application thereof; delays in obtaining approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; exchange rate fluctuations; requirements for additional capital; government regulation; environmental risks; reclamation expenses; outcomes of pending litigation; limitations on insurance coverage as well as those factors discussed in the Company's other public disclosure documents, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 4, 2023, the IAA MOBILITY 2023 in Munich, Germany kicked off with a spectacular display of cutting-edge automotive and smart mobility solutions. Among the exhibitors, CATL, the power battery giant coming from China, made a significant impact by unveiling the Shenxing, which the company claimed as the world's first 4C superfast charging LFP battery available for mass production.

At the event, CATL showcased a diverse range of products and application solutions, including sodium-ion battery, the M3P battery, solid-state battery, the Qilin battery, and the aforesaid Shenxing supercharge battery, catering to various market segments. Notably, the Shenxing battery and the M3P battery made their overseas debuts at this show, drawing significant attention for their groundbreaking capabilities.

Shenxing battery exhibited at IAA MOBILITY 2023; photo credit: CATL

According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, the registrations of new energy passenger vehicles in 31 European countries reached 1.419 million units in the first half of this year, marking a remarkable year-on-year growth of 26.8% and representing a market penetration rate of 21.5%. Europe is swiftly advancing towards electrification, creating a robust demand for high-performance power batteries, especially those capable of rapid energy replenishment. While Europe has been addressing range anxiety by promoting the construction of charging infrastructure and reducing the distances between charging stations, the issue of fast energy replenishment, particularly how to achieve it, remains a pressing challenge.

The Shenxing battery has achieved an unprecedented "charge for 10 minutes, drive 800 kilometers" ultra-fast charging speed through continuous innovation in materials, material systems, and system architecture, said CATL. It promises to significantly alleviate the concerns of European consumers over charging efficiency.

Additionally, through structural innovations, intelligent algorithms, and other means, the Shenxing battery boasts a range exceeding 700 kilometers, even in -10C cold weather, it can charge to 80% of its capacity in just 30 minutes. With improved electrolyte and high-security coating membranes, it provides a double layer of safety. Intelligent algorithms manage the overall temperature field, ensuring the highest safety standards while comprehensively enhancing the performance of lithium iron phosphate batteries.

CATL has made substantial investments in Europe, establishing R&D centers, launching two production facilities, and building a mature distribution network. With its advanced manufacturing capabilities, the Shenxing battery is set to rapidly penetrate the European market, enabling European consumers to experience the benefits of this groundbreaking technology in their new energy vehicles.

Regarding sustainability, CATL unveiled its "Zero Carbon" strategy in April this year, committing to achieving carbon neutrality for core operations by 2025 and carbon neutrality across its whole value chain by 2035. Currently, CATL has operated two wholly-owned and one joint-venture "Zero Carbon Factories."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") announces that it has completed its inaugural drill program on its Thelon Basin uranium project located 100 km west of the Hamlet of Baker Lake, Nunavut. Forum holds a 100% interest in 95,500 hectares of ground adjacent to Orano's 133 million pound Kiggavik uranium project (Figure1). Five holes were completed on two uranium targets, Tatiggaq and Ned for a total of 991 metres. Assay results are expected in September/October.

Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Forum's VP, Exploration, stated, "Forum's drill program successfully infilled and extended uranium mineralization at the near surface Tatiggaq deposit located five kilometres west of Orano's Andrew Lake and End deposits, which together contain a total of 93 million pounds of uranium at its Kiggavik uranium project. This drill program was successful in confirming our understanding of the controls of mineralization, which will focus our targeting in Forum's next drill program to extend the deposit at depth and along strike. Only 200 metres of this 1.5 kilometre long anomaly has been drill tested. The drilling at Ned shows that the area is fertile for unconformity-type uranium mineralization processes due to the intersection of clay alteration in the sandstone."

Figure 1. The Thelon Basin is a geologic analogue to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Orano's uranium deposits are along the same controlling structures as Forum's Tatiggaq deposit and over 20 other targets are present within the project, which could host additional uranium deposits similar to the Athabasca Basin.

Tatiggaq

Mineralization at the Tatiggaq zone occurs in two zones - the Main and West Zones and is located at depths between 80 and 180 m. The entire 0.7 km wide by 1.5 km long Tatiggaq gravity anomaly remains open for additional uranium mineralization both along strike of the known zones but also along numerous sub-parallel fault zones to the north and south. Forum drilled two holes in the Tatiggaq Main zone and two holes in the Tatiggaq West zone for a total of 826 metres (Figure 2). The drill core from the mineralized sections has been delivered to the Saskatchewan Research Council laboratory in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Figure 2. The Tatiggaq gravity anomaly showing the location of the Tatiggaq West and Main zones, historical drilling and the 2023 drill holes.

Ned

One hole was drilled on the large Ned gravity target (Figure 1), one of over 20 high-priority targets on the property with potential to host large unconformity-style uranium deposits. Ned is a completely untested 1.3 km by 1.5 km gravity anomaly target located 10 km west of Orano's 40 million pound Kiggavik deposit. The drill hole at Ned was collared in Thelon sandstone and was targeting the sandstone-basement unconformity along the Thelon Fault zone. The hole was lost at 165 metres in clay-altered Thelon sandstone, a typical alteration feature of large uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin. This anomaly will be the focus of additional drill testing during Forum's planned 2024 drill program.

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is a diversified energy metal company with uranium, copper, nickel, and cobalt projects in Saskatchewan, Canada's Number One Rated mining province for exploration and development, a strategic uranium land position in Nunavut and a strategic cobalt land position in the Idaho Cobalt Belt.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Forum's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the historical data, the work expenditure commitments; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund future exploration or development programs; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes commodity prices, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or an inability to obtain permits required in connection with maintaining or advancing its exploration projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

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.

For further information contact:

Rick Mazur, P.Geo., President & CEO

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604-630-1585
Lee Joon Gi talked about his experience filming the upcoming K-drama "Arthdal Chronicles" season 2, and dished on his co-star that he got starstruck working with.

Ahead of the much-awaited premiere, the cast Jang Dong Gun, Lee Joon Gi, Shin Se Kyung, Kim Ok Vin, and the director graced an online production presentation to discuss the soon-to-be-released sequel.

The forthcoming season is a mix of returning and new cast members. Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Vin reprise their roles as Tagon, the first King of Arthdal, and his wife, Tae Al Ha.

Meanwhile, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung take on the roles of Saya and Tanya, which were initially played by Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won.

Lee Joon Gi Says He 'Got Really Nervous' Working With Jang Dong Gun

As the cast talked about "Arthdal Chronicles" season 2, Lee Joon Gi shared how he is honored to work with Jang Dong Gun.

As he revealed his honest thoughts about working with the senior star for the first time, he shared that he "got really nervous" upon hearing that he would be in the same series as him.

"He was my idol when I was a young man. My dream of working in the same drama as him has finally come true," Lee Joon Gi said, as obtained by a news outlet.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Lee Joon Gi Admits He Regrets His Iconic Shaggy Hairstyle: 'I was criticized a lot'

Moreover, the South Korean heartthrob recalled his experience during pre-production, specifically during the initial camera test.

"I was out of breath in shock by how great he was," he said, referring to Jang Dong Gun, adding, "Watching him play 'Tagon' made me worry if my 'Eun Seom' could match his level of intensity."

Moreover, the actor said that he got "cold feet" before filming.

According to Lee Joon Gi, Jang Dong Gun perfectly portrayed the role. Not only that, because he exuded leader material. The senior star was able to lead the cast "so well" during the production.

"He was someone I could rely on, and I've learned a lot while working with him," Lee Joon Gi said, expressing his huge admiration and respect for his co-star.

'Arthdal Chronicles' Season 2 Release Date, Where to Watch

The long wait is over for fans of the epic fantasy K-drama "Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun" as it returns this September.

The story will continue a decade after the last scene in season 1. "Arthdal Chronicles" screenwriter Park Sang Yeon hints at what to expect in the upcoming series.

He said that Tagon and Tae Al Ha will showcase a "game of doubt and trust," suggesting that the royal couple will experience tension within their relationship.

Moreover, Kim Young Hyun also hinted that the sequel will focus on "choices and conflicts between love and duty" for the two main characters, Eun Seom and Tanya.

Meanwhile, the "Arthdal Chronicles" season 2 release date is set for September 9 at 9:20 p.m. KST. Viewers will get to watch this every Saturday and Sunday via tvN and Disney+.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Ottawa police say a deadly shooting outside an Ottawa wedding venue was a targeted attack but they don't believe any of the victims were the intended targets. An Ottawa police officer collects evidence after a Saturday night shooting at the Infinity Convention Centre that left two dead, in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
MIAMITalent Testing Service (TTS), an industry testing provider, has announced the release of its August 2023 update featuring the latest positivity rates of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

GC (Gonorrhea) Urine - Positivity Index

The three Chlamydia Urine rates show a similar behavior over time including the steady downward trend from the peak in November 2022. The uptick seen in July for Total and Female has been reversed in August with rates going down to 1.3% and 1.5% from 1.8% and 1.9% respectively. The Male rate is a bit lower in August at 1.2% from 1.7% in July. In summary, seeing that historic levels have been around 2.0%, the current August rates below 2.0% can be considered to be within expectations.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Urine- Positivity Index

The Trichomonas Vaginalis Total positivity rate turned further down to 0.3% in August from 0.6% in July, with the Female rate also going down to 0.1% from 1.1% while the Male rate turned upward to 0.5%. The current rate levels are well within the general range of 0.0% to 1.5%.

Mycoplasma Genitalium Urine  Positivity Index

The Total population rate of 21.7% in August has broken the steady upward path seen in the previous four months. A similar break in the pattern is shown in the Male rate going down to 15.9% which is a significant drop from the peak in July at 32.7%. The Female rate changed course and hit a new high at 26.8%. These rates continue to be monitored weekly given their high levels.

Chlamydia & GC (Gonorrhea) Throat and Rectal Swabs  Positivity Index

Based on market activity the positivity rates for the four tests below have December 2022 as a relevant, starting point where all levels display their peak and then start to trend downward. In this regard, all the levels recorded for Chlamydia Rectal and Throat Swabs are aligned with their general trend, with rates close to 1.5% for Chlamydia Rectal and 0.3% for Chlamydia Throat. The three Gonorrhea Throat rates are clustered at around 1.1% in August, which shows the Total rate on a steady trend while the Female and Male come from different directions. The Gonorrhea Rectal lines show a marked turn upward from a month ago, with the Female rate reaching a peak of 1.3%, and the Total and Male rates close behind at 1.2% and 1.1%. In conclusion, the rate levels displayed in three of the four swab tests would be considered to be at regular levels, with the Gonorrhea Rectal outside that general trend.

For more facts and figures, click here.

For more information, visit talenttestingservice.com or email [email protected].
Kennesaw State immersive experience lab presents future-focused research opportunities

KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 6, 2023

Tucked away in an unassuming room on Kennesaw State Universitys campus is a device that can help researchers study black holes, better understand microscopic organisms and even learn to fly.



Max North, professor of information systems in the Coles College of Business, directs the Immersive Visualization Environments (IVE) lab with Cyril Okhio, assistant professor of electrical engineering from the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Sarah North, senior lecturer of computer science in the College of Computing and Software Engineering, and David Garofalo, associate professor of physics from the College of Science and Mathematics. The IVE lab is one of the labs under the sponsorship of a multidisciplinary Immersive Visualization Environments Research Supercluster.

The lab houses an 8-foot-tall curved screen that uses multiple projectors to cast a large enough image to immerse the user in a virtual reality scape without wearing goggles. Standing in the center of the screen, a video demo can make the user feel as though theyre riding a rollercoaster, falling into a swirling, rainbow-colored whirlpool or rocketing through space.



For researchers using the system, they can experience an expansive view of what they are studying and discuss with colleagues the details of what they observe. Its a tool capable of supercharging collaborative scientific discovery, no matter the discipline.



Immersive visualization cuts across boundaries. Computer science, engineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, management, education, psychology, communication, arts, and history can all use immersive displays for a variety of purposes, North said. The limit is the human imagination.



The lab offers users the ability to interact in virtual reality and augmented reality, but it can also handle tasks including brainwave scanning, 3D modeling, distance learning and more.



The goals of the IVE lab, North said, are to provide a research and training environment for students and faculty, establish research and training that reaches across disciplines, collaborate with government and industry and establish a nationally and internationally recognized research group.



The lab already works with what its leaders call a research cluster, a group of Kennesaw State researchers from various disciplines who have used the labs massive, curved screen for virtual reality, augmented reality and other research or training needs.

The screen has been used to research distracted driving, to train pilots in simulated flight scenarios and to allow construction managers to cast their building plans onto projected images of their proposed site for more accurate planning. North, who has experience treating fear of heights with virtual reality therapy, said the facility can be useful for psychologists.



Also important are the implications working with the IVE labs technology could have for students, said Okhio, the IVE labs co-director.



Remote engineering and virtual instrumentation are very good future trends in STEM, Okhio said. The IVE lab is a place where students gain experience and learn applications of remote engineering and virtual instrumentation.



Elliot Larez, a junior and member of the KSU Journey Honors College, is a student researcher who has immersed himself in what the lab has to offer. The computer science major has worked at the lab for two semesters, setting up software systems, running demonstrations and introducing the lab to other students who may want to use its devices for their academic projects.



Beyond the fun of being included in faculty research projects and exploring the newest tools and software available, Larez said working at the IVE lab has landed him opportunities outside his regular studies. He recently completed an internship with Immersive Display Solutions, the company that manufactured KSUs immersive systems.



I worked developing an application to manage display systems like ours. Working at the IVE gave me the ability to learn basic concepts, including image calibration and video playing that prepared me for the work, Larez said. I believe the internship gave a lot of extra value to my studies at KSU.



North said the lab provides the latest visualization tools and continues to evolve as research and labor demands do. And the best part, he said, is that it is available to all students and faculty who need it.



We have been fortunate to receive funding for a large-scale project like this  to establish this type of visualization and simulation, North said. This lab increases the winning potential of future grant proposals by including the research capabilities of the immersive visualization and simulation tools available to researchers and students at Kennesaw State.



North said the Immersive Visualization Environments Research Supercluster is sustained by the support of the Information Systems & Security Department and its chair, Khawaja Saeed as well as the Coles College of Business and dean Robin Cheramie.



Initial funding for the IVE equipment was provided by a grant from the Department of Defense Army Research Office and later by a grant from the National Security Agency, along with continued support from KSU.

 By Thomas Hartwell

Photos by Matt Yung



# # #

Related Stories

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
Coconino County released new digital flood hazard maps for the Munds Park area for public review and comment.

The flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in the Munds Park area are at risk of flooding. They are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, and they replace maps that were based on studies older than 30 years old.

Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their current flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data. These help community planners, engineers, builders, and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built.

Information about the mapping project and how to view the final maps can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. A Flood Risk Open House meeting is also set to take place.

Flooding is an increasingly frequent and costly problem throughout this part of Arizona. It is not just in high-risk areas, said Lucinda Andreani, deputy county manager and Coconino County Flood Control District administrator. Having more accurate and easily accessible maps is an important step in understanding the risk. This helps guide residents in taking steps to mitigate the risk and insure against it.

The preliminary flood maps were developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with Coconino County. The process included an extensive, multiyear review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use and other forces.

In reviewing the maps, some property owners in the Munds Park area will find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought, officials said.

If the risk level for a property changes, then requirements for flood insurance and building standards can change as well. FEMAs National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a cost-saving rating option to help reduce the cost of flood insurance. It applies to property owners whose properties flood risk has gone from moderate-low risk to high-risk (e.g., flood Zone X to Zone A).

An in-person flood risk open house has been scheduled for Monday, Sept., 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pinewood Country Club.

This open house is to allow Munds Park residents and business owners to learn more about the updated flood maps, including how properties could be affected.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual open house will be held online on September 13, 6:30 p.m. More details can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/3143/Munds-Park-Flood-Risk-Open-House-Date.

The updated FIRMs are still preliminary and have neither been officially adopted nor become effective. In addition to the virtual public meeting, there will be a public comment period, which is targeted to take place this fall. Property owners can submit appeals -- if they can show that the maps are technically or scientifically in error -- and comments. Once all appeals and comments are received and addressed, the maps are expected to become effective next summer. At that time, the new flood insurance requirements will take effect.

More information about the mapping project is available at the project website: www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. Individuals with general questions about the local map update efforts can also call the Flood Control District at 928-679-8881 during business hours or email FEMAFloodMap@coconino.az.gov. For information about flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued stringent security guidelines for all public places across the city to avert possible terror attacks.

This is after security agencies raised concern that Kampala remains largely relaxed despite a growing terror threat to the country.

Speaking to KFM, KCCA spokesperson Simon Kasyate said all KCCA staff manning strategic installations and places of identity like parks and markets are directed to increase their vigilance.

Kasyate says in some places manpower has been increased working closely with sister security agencies to ensure stability in the city.

The safety of the people in Kampala has always been a top priority with or without a terror alert. Weve been urged by security agencies in government about the terror attacks, Kasyate said.

Security agencies are concerned that Kampala remains relaxed despite a growing terror threat to the country. This has prompted police in Kampala to ask business owners to enhance their local security.

This week, the joint security force detected and detonated 6 Improvised Explosive Devices in different parts of the city, hence calling for more vigilance among the community.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Mr. Patrick Onyango says Police surveillance and presence have been increased in public places such as bus terminals and taxi parks, but urges owners of shopping malls and arcades to also take the initiative to beef up their security.

Yesterday, security agencies at the Uganda-DR Congo border in Kasese District temporarily closed the Mpondwe- Lhubiriha border market over terror threats

This, according to Lt Maate Magwara, the deputy resident commissioner of Bukonzo County, was after security operatives received intelligence reports that armed groups may attempt to carry out an attack in the area.

Earlier, the United States urged its citizens to reconsider travelling to Uganda after terror alerts were issued by security agencies.

The US categorizes security threats into four levels; level three is the second worst situation.

Other countries with level three categorization include Colombia, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Pakistan, and Nicaragua.
By Ronald Ssenvuma

Kenyan President, Mr William Ruto has urged his fellow African leaders to prioritise the welfare of their citizens, especially those living in rural areas as they are the most affected by climate change.

Ruto says people living in rural areas without real development especially the physically disabled are the most affected by climate change and their plight needs to be prioritized.

Speaking this morning on the third and final day of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, Ruto also urged leaders to prioritize the youth in all their efforts to address climate crises.

Ruto is later expected to launch the Nairobi Declaration which will contain resolutions from the 3-day inaugural Africa Climate Summit.

The conference is expected to consolidate Africas voices ahead of COP28.
The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), has launched a nationwide mobilization campaign in preparation for the 2025/2026 general elections.

Speaking to the media at party headquarters in Kampala this morning, UPC spokesperson, Sharon Arach Oyat, said the drive kicks off on Friday, in the Northern districts of Apac and Kwania where the party president Jimmy Akena, is expected to grace the grand of the mobilization campaign.

Oyat noted that the campaign will involve organizing party structures, mobilization and recruitment of members into the party, and identifying potential candidates who shall carry the UPC flag in the forthcoming general elections.

She said that they dont expect any interference from security agencies as the party has already notified the police about the planned campaign.

She called upon party members to embrace the activities in order to strengthen the party as they look for new supporters.
1 of 1

            

khaskhabar.com : , 06  2023 8:07 PM
Kilkenny is set to welcome a new pub to its streets later this year as Hacketts Bar makes a return to the St Canices area of the city.

Proprietor Tommy Hackett made the announcement via social media at the end of August, confirming the new bar will take up residence at 10 Irishtown, replacing the Cat & Fiddle Gastro Pub.

The news offers a much-needed boost to Kilkenny night-time economy, with many local pubs across rural and urban Kilkenny closing their doors over the past two decades.

According to a report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) released last month, there are 41 fewer pubs operating in Kilkenny than there were back in 2005. The county had 185 pubs operating in 2021, a sharp decrease from the figure of 226 in 2005.

Local bars were not immune to the Covid-19 either, with 10 fewer pubs in the county since the outset of the pandemic in 2019.

However, Mr Hackett is optimistic the family brand can bring a boost to the area.

"Its the parish Im from, weve had a taste of success on Parliament Street already so I know theres a market there to make a success of it in the region."

"Its a fantastic location and building and its full steam ahead for an October opening."

Its just over six months since Mr Hackett reopened 'Sean Byrnes Bar' on James Street and hes excited by the challenge of running the two businesses simultaneously, but does acknowledge the ever-changing industry will provide bumps in the road.

The upcoming opening marks a new chapter for Hacketts Bar and the proprietor hopes the re-location will bring a 'diverse range' of people through its doors.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Michael Doyle, believes councillors based in the north-west part of the county will have to put in an 'extra push' to look after local people who feel cut off from the rest of the county.

His comments come following the redrawing of the constituency boundaries which will see much of the area form part of the new constituency of North Tipperary.

Cllr Doyle, elected Cathaoirleach of the local authority in June of this year, claimed the work of councillors in the locality will be more important than ever but said he has 'no doubts' that representatives in the area 'will row in to provide them (constituents) with any support they need going forward'.

However, the councillor, based in Callan-Thomastown Municipal District, did admit the news was a blow to County Kilkenny.

"The initial reaction for me was one of disappointment that over 6,000 people wont be available to vote for their own candidates in Kilkenny and Carlow," he said.

"The news is extremely disappointing. We were all wary that the south of the county may be pushed into Waterford but this just came out of left-field, no one was expecting it.

"North or South, its a part of Kilkenny and we should have it. Across the whole of Kilkenny, people are extremely proud of where they are from and that should be represented in the way you vote and vote for your own people."

Cllr Doyle also fears for the relationships between TDs and councillors, which may suffer as a result of the changes.

"If there was an issue at a municipal meeting, TDs in Kilkenny could attend and listen, advise or get involved using their own local councillor to help with issues in an area," he explained.

"Now theres 6,500 people up there who may not have a TD who can attend these meetings."
Sean Kelly MEP has reiterated his call for stronger EU action to prevent cyberbullying onlin, backing the EPP Group's call to criminalise such online abuse.

I find it incredibly worrying that cyberbullying seems to becoming a sinister part of growing up these days, affecting so many children and teens, causing enormous distress. I have long called for stronger EU action to prevent this form of online abuse and for better educational initiatives to empower people while using messaging Apps and social platforms. When companies running those online services are failing in their responsibility to protect children, legislators and police authorities must intervene", warned MEP Kelly, a former teacher.

The Ireland South MEP's comments come as CyberSafeKids released new survey findings this week showing over a quarter of primary school children and 40 percent of secondary school students have endured cyberbullying.

Online bullying is incessant - bullies can target their victims 24-7 online. Those experiences can seem insurmountable to young people, if they do not seek or have the necessary support to help them, said Kelly.

However, I would also like to highlight that education is the first line of defence against cyberbullying. I believe it is important to have comprehensive digital literacy programs in schools to teach young people how to use the internet responsibly and safely. With the proliferation of artificial intelligence and anonymous accounts, social media needs particular attention. There are many benefits with increased digital connection, but there are also many risks", Kelly added.

Mr Kelly fully backs the EPP Group campaign to make cyberbullying a criminal offence right across the EU, pointing to Irelands legislation on cyber-bullying, called Cocos Law as an example. The law was enacted in the name of Nicole Fox, affectionately referred to as 'Coco', who was bullied in person and online for three years. After her tragic suicide, her mother Jackie led a national campaign to highlight the issues of online harassment and abuse. In 2021, Ireland adopted Cocos Law, with up to seven years in jail for those guilty of distributing or publishing intimate images of a person without consent.

The Fine Gael MEP has previously written to EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for the EU to champion the end of cyberbullying. Kelly has called for the creation of an EU anti-cyber-bullying day to raise awareness of this specific issue, share best practice and resources amongst teens, parents and teachers. Increased EU funding needs to be used for online campaigns across the EU "to ensure our young people understand that they are not alone, they can and should seek help whenever they need it, in his view.

Cyberbullying has already caused a great deal of hurt, distress and, sadly, very tragic consequences for many young people across Europe and in Ireland. This crime cannot be tolerated  we must do all we can to protect young people online and ensure they do and can seek help when needed", Kelly added.
A water leak that infiltrated Windstream's electrical control room Friday night caused a "small explosion" and a subsequent fire that disrupted 911 services across Southeast Nebraska for hours Saturday, officials said.

The outage marked the second disruption to 911 services in the region in three days and prompted the governor's office to call for "a comprehensive inquiry" into the matter.

In Lincoln, fire crews responded to Windstream's downtown Lincoln office at around 11:15 p.m. Friday, originally dispatched for a fire alarm call, said Lincoln Fire and Rescue spokeswoman MJ Lierman.

Firefighters found the internet and telephone service provider's basement control room  labeled with a "high voltage" warning sign  awash in heavy black smoke when crews opened the door to investigate, Lierman said Tuesday.

Crews used dry chemicals and CO2 extinguishers to put out the fire before ventilating the area and turning the building, at 1440 M St., over to Windstream and Lincoln Electric System crews, Lierman said.

City inspectors determined water had leaked into the control room at Windstream's office and caused a "small explosion" inside the room after the water dripped onto switches, Lierman said.

The explosion then ignited "combustibles" in the room, she said, setting off the fire that caused $200,000 in damage and, later, left numerous counties without 911 services for hours.

The origin of the water leak that caused Friday's outage remained unclear Tuesday. Chuck Schweitzer, the city inspector who investigated the incident, did not respond to a phone call Tuesday seeking clarity.

Though the fire broke out Friday night, 911 services in Southeast Nebraska weren't disrupted until around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, a Windstream spokesman said.

The fire cut off commercial power to the building, leaving an on-site generator to take over supporting the three switches in the building as Windstream technicians began efforts to restore power, said Scott Morris, a spokesman for the Arkansas-based internet and phone provider.

A fault in the generator occurred Saturday, forcing the company to resort to batteries to operate the three switches housed in the Lincoln facility, Morris said.

The batteries dropped to "dangerously low voltage levels" Saturday evening, prompting Windstream's technical team to shut down one of the three switches, interrupting services for customers that included at least four 911 service operators, Morris said.

Windstream had restored 911 services in the impacted counties by 10 a.m. Sunday, the company said in a social media post.

Morris declined to answer specific questions on the outage. He said the company's review of the incident is ongoing.

Windstream said 911 services in four counties  Adams, Gage, Otoe and Saunders  were downed by the incident, though Nebraska's Public Service Commission noted other counties "may have experienced some disruptions in service due to the incident."

The fire at Windstream's facility in Lincoln came two days after a contractor cut a fiber-optic cable in the Omaha area, leading to a loss of 911 phone service for nearly 60% of the 911 centers in Nebraska from Thursday night until Friday morning. Officials said the scale of that outage was unprecedented.

The telecommunications providers at the center of the outages  Windstream and Lumen  are the largest two telecommunications servicers operating in Nebraska.

In the wake of both service interruptions, a spokeswoman for Gov. Jim Pillen's office said Tuesday that the first-term governor "is troubled that this critical component of our public safety infrastructure has failed twice in such a short period of time."

"A prompt and comprehensive inquiry must be conducted and steps must be taken to ensure that PSCs 911 system does not fail again," the spokeswoman said in a statement, referring to the Public Service Commission.

Dave Sankey, the director of the state 911 Department, said Tuesday that he expects commissioners will formally launch an investigation into the outages at the commission's next meeting, scheduled for next week.

Sankey said the expectation of the Public Service Commission and of every locally operated 911 center is for telecommunications contractors to have sufficient redundancies to avoid 911 service outages.

In Thursday night's outage, caused by a cut in the fiber-optic cable, Sankey said there should have been another circuit to deliver service to the 911 centers.

In Saturday's disruption, caused by the fire, Sankey said the region's 911 centers are supposed to be connected to two different data centers  meaning a fire at a single center should not have caused an outage.

"Our initial question is: what happened in this case?" Sankey said. "Where was the redundancy? Where was the diversity?"

He said state regulators will likely have to launch formal inquiries to find the answers to those questions.

The pair of outages come as the state rolls out a statewide upgrade of Nebraska's decades-old copper wire communications networks to a new emergency service system known as Next Generation 911.

The new system divides the state into seven Public Safety Answering Point regions, allowing every local 911 center in each region to remotely connect to two "host" centers  a system that would allow neighboring 911 centers to take over fielding emergency calls if a center lost power or service or had to evacuate, Sankey said.

While the legacy, copper-wire system that much of the state still operates on only allows the transmission of phone calls, the new system, once complete, will allow sharing of texts, photos and video between callers and 911 centers.

And, Sankey said, the new system will locate callers through geographic information system data  which will use callers' exact coordinates  rather that locating callers through triangulation.

That upgrade should ensure callers are routed to the right 911 center right away, cutting down on transfers in emergency situations where time is often of the essence.

In 2021, the state awarded Lumen an $8 million contract to provide the emergency service network, software and call-routing services for the Next Generation 911 upgrade, which the state initially hoped would be finished by the end of 2022

"That is in progress," Sankey said Tuesday. "We are in transition. But we are nowhere near complete."

Still, he said state officials believe last week's outages were the result of failures of the legacy 911 system  not the new one.

"What we expect with our contract with Lumen is that there is redundancy in the network and that there are assurances in place that there is plenty of diversity and plenty of redundancy so we don't have any single points of failure," Sankey said.

The looming investigation into both Lumen and Windstream will give regulators a chance to assess the state's two largest telecommunications providers  one of which has been tabbed to rebuild Nebraska's 911 system.

"We'll evaluate their systems and do what we can to help ensure that these things don't happen again," Sankey said.
SYDNEY, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Australia passed a law on Wednesday to support competition in post-trade settlement and clearing for financial markets, challenging the near-monopoly status held by ASX Ltd (ASX.AX).

After ASX cancelled a costly overhaul of its trading platform, the federal government said it was encouraging competition from new entrants.

That required new legislation, which was passed by the Senate on Wednesday. The legislation also gives the Reserve Bank of Australia and corporate regulator the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) greater power to set operating standards and intervene on pricing and access disputes, the government said.

"It creates a framework for fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to market infrastructure for any emerging competitors, allowing them to offer their own clearing and settlement services," said Treasurer Jim Chalmers in a statement.

ASX shares closed 0.6% lower on Wednesday, in line with the broader market (.AXJO). The legislative change had been widely flagged by the government.

Though Australian financial regulators have called for greater competition in clearing and settlement functions for years, a failed overhaul of ASX's all-in-one legacy software system renewed pressure from market participants to challenge its near-monopoly.

In other major financial markets, clearing and settlement, or confirming the transfer of stock ownership and updating share registries, are managed by separate entities to the market operator.

An ASX spokesperson said the company supported "measures designed to facilitate safe and effective competition".

"With the new legislation now in place, ASX intends to engage constructively with further consultations on the scope of clearing and settlement services to be covered and the ASIC rules relating to clearing and settlement," the spokesperson said.
WASHINGTON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will focus on reforming the World Bank and urging other multilateral development banks to boost lending for climate change and infrastructure projects during the G20 leaders summit in India, the White House said on Tuesday.

"That's one of our main focuses heading into the G20: delivering on an agenda fundamentally reshaping and scaling up the multilateral development banks, especially the World Bank," White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

The Biden administration is pushing the World Bank, founded as World War Two drew to a close to alleviate poverty, as a counterpart to China's overseas lending. New CEO Ajay Banga has pushed to expand climate change and hunger programs, and boost the bank's lending power with new funding and balance sheet rules.

The White House in late August asked Congress for $3.3 billion in additional funding as part of a supplemental budget request to "materially expand development and infrastructure financing" through the World Bank to offer countries a "credible

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during his tour of Hurricane Idalia storm destruction, in Live Oak, Florida, U.S., September 2, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein Acquire Licensing Rights

alternative to the Peoples Republic of Chinas (PRC) coercive and unsustainable lending and infrastructure projects."

"We know that these institutions are some of the most effective tools that we have for mobilizing transparent, high quality investment into developing countries," Sullivan said Tuesday.

"And that's why the United States is championing a major effort that is currently underway to involve these institutions so that they are up to the challenges of today and tomorrow."

Biden will also call on G20 to provide meaningful debt relief for low and middle income countries, Sullivan said.
LONDON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Major Glencore shareholder BlackRock Inc was among investors to reject the mining giant's climate progress report at its annual meeting in May, citing inconsistencies, a voting disclosure page on the asset manager's website shows.

BlackRock's entities, which collectively own more than 6% of Glencore's stock, according to LSEG data, boosted dissident shareholders and helped the total votes in opposition to the company's climate plan pass 30% for the first time. Noting that while Glencore has improved climate-related risks and opportunities disclosures, "BIS is concerned that aspects of the report and recent developments have pointed to inconsistencies in the company's stated strategy," it said in a report published to clients on Aug. 23.

BlackRock allows many clients to cast their own votes at companies' annual general meetings. It declined to comment further on the disclosure.

The page also showed BlackRock did not back a shareholder resolution seeking more disclosure on progress in scaling back thermal coal production, which got 29% support, without saying why. Glencore mines and trades thermal coal, used to generate electricity, and has said it plans to run down its mines by the mid-2040s, closing at least 12 by 2035. Many of the world's biggest listed companies published their first climate action plans in 2020 to cut emissions in a bid to help with reaching the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of capping temperatures within 1.5 degrees Celsius. But BlackRock in August reported a further decline in its support for shareholder resolutions on environmental and social themes, citing corporate progress on the areas and poorly crafted measures. With $9.4 trillion under management, BlackRock's votes have become key to many contests at companies around the globe and in turn drawn much scrutiny of its practices.

(Reporting by Clara Denina and Simon Jessop; Editing by Josie Kao)
LONDON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - NatWest (NWG.L) has lined up former Mastercard chairman Rick Haythornthwaite as its next chair, Sky News reported on Wednesday, as the British bank seeks to contain the fallout from a row with former Brexit party leader Nigel Farage.

Haythornthwaite's appointment as successor to NatWest Chairman Howard Davies could be confirmed as early as Wednesday, the Sky News report added.

Britain's biggest business lender has been left reeling by revelations in recent months over a decision by its private bank Coutts to remove Farage as a customer, after a document emerged showing this was done partly over his views.

The repercussions of that decision ultimately led to NatWest CEO Alison Rose being forced to step down, as well as the boss of Coutts. Chairman Davies' position also came under investor pressure over his handling of the matter.

A spokesperson for NatWest said they could not comment on speculation. Haythornthwaite could not immediately be reached for comment via LinkedIn.

Davies said in April he will leave the bank as planned by next year and he would stay on while a successor was sought.

Haythornthwaite chaired payments company Mastercard for 14 years before taking on the same role at British online supermarket Ocado in May 2021.

Ocado did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

He also previously worked as a non-executive director at digital services company Globant SA and has held the position of chairman at Centrica, Britains largest energy supplier, and state-owned rail track owner Network Rail.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Harmony Gold Mining announced today that two employees tragically lost their lives at the Kusasalethu mine following a fall of ground incident caused by a seismic event on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in Carletonville, South Africa.

The company said that the work area has since been temporarily closed pending an internal investigation.

Our prayers are with the deceased's families, friends and colleagues during this time of tragedy. The family members, colleagues and the relevant authorities have been informed, Harmony Gold noted in a statement. The safety of our employees remains our priority, and we endeavour to ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to at all times.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues. Harmony continues its focus on embedding its risk management practice to create a more engaged and proactive safety culture, said CEO Peter Steenkamp.

Harmony Gold (JSE: HAR) (NYSE: HMY) is a senior global gold producer with operations and assets in South Africa and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
A 38-year-old woman will be sentenced in October after reaching a plea agreement with Douglas County prosecutors in connection with the death of an Omaha motorcyclist.

Lorena Lara-Diaz of Marshall, Missouri, entered a plea of no contest last week to an amended charge of motor vehicle homicide due to reckless driving and was found guilty by a judge. She was originally charged with manslaughter.

Lara-Diaz faces up to three years in prison when she is sentenced Oct. 24 in Douglas County District Court. A charge of failure to submit to a breath test also was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Police said Gary S. Mangiameli, 45, of Omaha, was riding a 2009 Harley-Davidson west on L Street near 26th Street on March 25 when he was struck by an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Lara-Diaz. The pickup truck was attempting to turn north on U.S. 75 at about 2:20 a.m.

Mangiameli was taken to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, where he was pronounced dead. Police said Mangiameli was wearing an approved helmet at the time of the collision.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE: IE) (TSX: IE) today announced the completion of the initial assessment (IA) for the Santa Cruz copper project in Arizona.

The company said the IA is a preliminary technical and economic study for the Santa Cruz copper project and associated high-grade mineral resources included in the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits.

"The study analyzes the potential for a high-grade underground copper mining operation supported by modern technologies to reduce environmental impact and powered predominantly by renewable energy, it added.

According to the companys statement, the Santa Cruz IA outlines a potential 5.9 million tonnes per year underground mining operation, supported by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed with an average grade of 1.58% copper from the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits, resulting in an estimated 20-year mine life.

The IA focuses exclusively on the high-grade exotic, oxide and enriched domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits. The oxide and enriched domains of the Texaco deposit are not included in the current study.

The study contemplates initial project capital expenditures of $1.15 billion, and LOM sustaining capital expenditures totaling $0.98 billion. A three-year construction period is envisioned to develop the underground workings and build the surface processing facilities.

The company said the IA estimates that the project has a pre-tax NPV of $1.6 billion at an 8% discount rate and a pre-tax IRR of 25.1%, using a flat LOM copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. After-tax NPV is estimated at $1.3 billion with an after-tax IRR of 23.0%, using the same discount rate and copper price assumptions.

Importantly, Ivanhoe said that the IA base case assumes 70% of the total electric power requirements for the project will be generated by onsite renewable infrastructure, enabling copper production with "very low carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

Commenting on the IA results, Executive Chairman Robert Friedland said that this is an "important achievement for Ivanhoe Electric as the company works to advance a new source of responsibly produced "green" copper in the United States.

"Our goal is to develop a modern copper mine that produces copper with among the lowest levels of carbon dioxide output in the industry; a product we think has the potential to attract a premium price in the future. We are excited about the future for our Santa Cruz project in Arizona, he said.

Ivanhoe Electric is a U.S. company that combines advanced mineral exploration technologies with electric metals exploration projects predominantly located in the United States. The companys mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals, including nickel, vanadium, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold, and silver.
Sept 6 (Reuters) - U.S. trading house Kataman Metals LLC is suing several companies for allegedly defrauding it out of more than $3 million worth of nickel and for not paying $1 million in interest on tin and nickel cargos, filings in Singapore and British high courts showed. In the Singapore court filings, Kataman said it paid $3.3 million for 167 metric tons of London Metal Exchange-branded nickel from Singapore-based New Alloys, but the material never arrived at the agreed destination in Dubai.

When Kataman tracked down the metal, which was stored in Malaysia, they found no nickel, the court document said. Kataman is also suing Techies Logistics (S) Pte, the logistics company that handled the shipment. In the court filing, Techies said it had no knowledge of the containers' content, and that the description of the goods had been provided by New Alloys. Kataman, New Alloys and Techies did not respond to several emails from Reuters requesting comment. Kataman's lawyer in Singapore declined to comment.

In a separate lawsuit in London, Kataman is suing TMT Metals (UK) Ltd for nearly $1 million in interest and storage charges relating to the sale of tin and nickel. In the court filings, Kataman said it had agreed to sell 252 metric tons of tin ingots to Mine Craft Ltd in August 2022 and 167 metric tons of nickel cathode to TMT in September, using suppliers nominated by the two firms. It did not name the suppliers. TMT and Mine Craft agreed to pay interest to Kataman while the metal was in transit, but they failed to pay most of the amount, Kataman said in the court filing. Kataman said it was only suing TMT because TMT had guaranteed to make payments in case Mine Craft failed to do so.

Mine Craft could not be reached for comments. Earlier this year, trading giant Trafigura filed a lawsuit alleging seven companies carried out "systematic fraud" over nickel cargoes. Trafigura is also suing both TMT Metals and Mine Craft. TMT is owned by Indian businessman Prateek Gupta, while Mine Craft is operating under his control, Trafigura said in its court filings. Lawyers for Gupta have rejected Trafigura's allegations of fraud. TMT Metals UK has filed an application with the London court challenging the jurisdiction of Kataman's lawsuit, Gupta's spokesman said in an email.

(Reporting by Mai Nguyen in Hanoi and Eric Onstad in London; editing by Miral Fahmy) mai.nguyen.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
Nebraska State Patrol troopers were uninjured after a driver crashed into their cruisers on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska on Saturday.

Three troopers were responding to a report of a man and a woman arguing on the shoulder of I-80 near mile marker 109 by Big Springs at about 3 p.m. Saturday, the patrol said in a Sunday news release.

A Honda Civic then drove onto the shoulder, hitting one cruiser and sending it into two other cruisers. No one was inside the cruisers at the time and the troopers were uninjured.

The driver of the Civic was taken by the Ogallala Fire Department to the Ogallala Community Hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, the release stated. The Keith County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

The original incident the troopers were responding to resulted in no citations.
WASHINGTON  After months of struggling to find agreement on just about anything in a divided Congress, lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to try to avert a government shutdown, even as House Republicans consider whether to press forward with an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

A short-term funding measure to keep government offices fully functioning will dominate the September agenda, along wit emergency funding for Ukraine, federal disaster funds and the Republican-driven probe into Hunter Biden's overseas business dealings.

Time is running short for Congress to act. The House is scheduled to meet for just 11 days before the government's fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, leaving little room to maneuver. The deal-making will play out as two top Republicans, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, deal with health issues.

The president and congressional leaders, including Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, are focused on passage of a months long funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, to keep government offices running while lawmakers iron out a budget.

It's a step Congress routinely takes to avoid stoppages, but McCarthy faces resistance from within his own Republican ranks, including from some hard-line conservatives who openly embrace the idea of a government shutdown.

"Honestly, it's a pretty big mess," McConnell said at an event in Kentucky last week.

Here are the top issues as lawmakers return from the August break:

Keeping the government open

When Biden and McCarthy struck a deal to suspend the nation's debt ceiling in June, it included provisions for top-line spending numbers. But under pressure from the House Freedom Caucus, House Republicans advanced spending bills that cut below that agreement.

Republicans also tried to load their spending packages with conservative policy wins. For example, House Republicans added provisions blocking abortion coverage, transgender care and diversity initiatives to a July defense package, turning what has traditionally been a bipartisan effort into a sharply contested bill.

Democrats control the Senate and are certain to reject most of the conservative proposals. Senators are crafting their spending bills on a bipartisan basis with an eye toward avoiding unrelated policy fights.

Top lawmakers in both chambers are turning to a stopgap funding package, a typical strategy to give the lawmakers time to iron out a long-term agreement.

The House Freedom Caucus already released a list of demands it wants included in the continuing resolution, but they amount to a rightwing wish list that would never fly in the Senate.

The conservative opposition means McCarthy will almost certainly have to win significant Democratic support to pass a funding bill  but such an approach risks a new round of conflict with the same conservatives who in the past threatened to oust him from the speakership. Democrats are already readying blame for the House GOP.

"The last thing the American people deserve is for extreme House members to trigger a government shutdown that hurts our economy, undermines our disaster preparedness, and forces our troops to work without guaranteed pay," said White House spokesman Andrew Bates.
Hunting and fishing are often depicted in advertisements as solitary adventures  man versus nature, alone in the wild. Yet Nate Plagmann, as much as he truly loved and committed himself wholeheartedly to both pursuits, managed to endear himself to a passel of people over the course of 44 years as he hunted and fished.

Its kind of embarrassing, said Kris Carpenter, one of Nates fly-fishing clients for the past 12 years. I have more photos of him than my kids.

On Aug. 17, when the temperature climbed to almost 100 degrees in Billings, Nate succumbed to plaque that had unknowingly built up in his arteries. He collapsed after jogging in Rose Park and could not be revived. His wife, Alicia, son Vick and daughter Lyla  along with all of the family and friends Nate had accumulated over the years  were stunned, shocked and deeply saddened.

The outpouring of love and what a good person he was is the only thing thats going to get me and my family through this, Alicia said.

Now that hes passed, I even said this at the funeral, I think he was a walking angel.

Connections

How many wives can say that of their husbands, especially ones who are gone fishing and hunting for days on end?

I always wanted him to be happy, and not miss out, and do anything he wanted, and not feel guilty while he was gone, Alicia said. So there was no negotiation. He was allowed to do whatever he wanted. And now Im really happy that I did that, because he only had a certain amount of time to do it.

Seven hundred people attended his service. Children and 90-year-olds sent Alicia heartfelt letters of condolence.

He was somebody who made you feel like you were so special in his world, she said. With his sense of humor he could relate to anybody. And he laughed a lot.

Alicia noted it seemed strange to refer to her husband as a saint, seeing as how he wasnt religious in a church-going way. Instead, he found more solace in Native American teachings about spirituality. Yet in a calendar Nate kept, he had written, Scriptures tell us be humble. God doesnt exalt pride, he exalts humility.

Its so weird he wrote that, because he never really read the Bible, but he had that, she said.

Kris Carpenter said Nate seemed to have a special connection to the Bighorn River and that patch of Montana. While there, guiding fishing clients, he seemed to emanate a sense of peace and goodwill.

There was something about it that was so in his soul, she said. That was always really just a nice place to be.

Starting young

Nates father, Rick, introduced him to all things outdoors.

He showed me how to fish and hunt before I could even realize what I was experiencing, Nate wrote in his profile on the Montana Angling website. I think that he wanted me to learn how to enjoy the outdoors and all that it had to offer. I gradually molded my life around my passion for hunting big game or casting a fly rod at rising fish. My passion fiercely grew into a lifestyle. Ive spent countless hours researching places to go to experience something new in the outdoors. Ive floated the rivers all across Montana and climbed into some of the most grueling high mountain lakes searching for new adventure.

His mother, Karen, instilled in Nate a sense of family and community. She was raised on the Apple family ranch outside Lewistown, a place Nate loved to visit, and where the extended family often gathered. Karens mother, Annabelle Meadors Apple, was raised on a ranch close to Grass Range. Small town roots bound Nate tightly to the Montana soil, even if he did grow up in the states largest city.

Nate met Alicia in grade school in Lockwood. They were friends all the way through high school at Billings Senior. When Alicia moved to New York for work, Nate would write her letters  this was before email. An invitation to a friends wedding was the point at which their lifelong friendship turned into a love affair. A visit by Nate to see Alicia in Seattle sealed the deal. She left the the West Coast and returned to Montana. They married in Missoula in 2010.

Alicias family was small. So once she married Nate the holiday gatherings with 30 people was a big change. Yet even outside of family, Nate was approachable.

When youd meet him, it was like youve known him all of your life, said Brian Lutz, who roomed with Nate when they both attended MSU Billings. He was the funniest guy you would ever meet, a larger than life character.

Brother from another mother

Beau McFadyean became close friends with Nate after they spent one college summer fishing constantly. It was Beaus dad who first hired Nate as a fishing guide. They roomed together in a small camper in those early days. Nate was the best man at Beaus wedding and spoke at his fathers funeral. In the fall, the duo would get lost in the mountains on elk hunts.

He was one of those guys, if you met him, he always made you feel like the most important person in the world, Beau said, calling his upbeat personality infectious.

Beau struggled to think of a story to tell that best captured his friends personality. There was the time Nate jumped out of the pickup, grabbed a calf by the tail that was in the roadway, and tried to ride it. He re-entered the truck covered in cow crap, unconcerned. They snuck into bars when they were underage and had run-ins with the police. Together, they traveled the United States fishing.

What stuck with him most clearly was when Beau shot a trophy bull elk three years ago, just before dark. It was 5 miles back to the truck. Packing out the animal together with his buddy sealed their friendship in ways maybe only other hunters can understand.

It was about 2 in the morning, 48 degrees and a full moon when they stopped to rest from the heavy loads of meat they were hauling. Chatting about their friendship under a clear mountain sky, they marveled at what they were accomplishing, even if it was physically exhausting.

It was so peaceful to share that with him, Beau said. To me, that shows and proves to you what a good friend is. He was just helping me.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Nate's family with funeral and living expenses.
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during the South Korea-ASEAN Summit at Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia, Wednesday (local time). Yonhap





By Nam Hyun-woo







JAKARTA  President Yoon Suk Yeol urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to align their interests with the three-way bloc of South Korea, the United States and Japan. Yoon highlighted the bloc's importance and strategic support for ASEAN during the South Korea-ASEAN summit in Indonesia, Wednesday (local time).







Jakarta is the first stop on his seven-day trip to Indonesia and India to attend ASEAN-related summits and the Group of 20 summit.







"In August, the trilateral summit at Camp David opened up a new chapter for cooperation between the three countries (South Korea, the U.S. and Japan), underpinned by the three countries' full support for the ASEAN-led regional architecture," Yoon said during his opening speech, referring to the Aug. 18 Camp David Summit between U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and himself.







"The Republic of Korea, the U.S. and Japan have committed to coordinating our Indo-Pacific strategies, and exploring new areas of cooperation. To this end, we have initiated the annual trilateral Indo-Pacific dialogue and launched the trilateral Maritime Security Cooperation Framework, aiming to support the maritime security capabilities of Southeast Asian and Pacific island nations."







President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang sit at ASEAN Plus Three Summit at Jakarta Convention Center in Indonesia, Wednesday (local time). Yonhap





Yoon's opening remarks highlighted the importance of the strengthened ties between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, stressing that the three countries fully support the concepts of ASEAN Centrality and the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The concepts are pursued by ASEAN with the view that it must be the dominant regional platform to overcome common challenges and engage with external powers in the region.







In the following ASEAN Plus Three Summit, which adds Japan and China into the discussion, Yoon said he seeks to "closely communicate with the Japanese and Chinese governments" in order to resume trilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the South Korea-Japan-China Summit.







"Just as the improvement in South Korea-Japan relations has opened new doors for cooperation among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan, bolstered cooperation between South Korea, Japan and China can serve as a platform that opens up a new chapter in ASEAN Plus Three cooperation," Yoon said.







Experts said it is noteworthy that Yoon's comments came amid recent developments in the diplomatic dynamics between ASEAN and China.






Conservation groups are praising the Bureau of Land Management as it asks for input on a plan to guide recreation management on the 245 million acres of federal public lands it oversees.

Given skyrocketing visitation pressure on BLM lands, we concur that the agency needs to proactively manage recreation to provide access while prioritizing habitat conservation, said Joel Webster, vice-president of western conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The BLM's Blueprint for 21st Century Outdoor Recreation will guide the agency's "decisions to proactively meet modern demands for exceptional and unique outdoor experiences," the agency wrote in a press release.

BLM hosted more than 81 million visitors on our public lands last fiscal year  a 40% increase since 2012," said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning in a statement. "We are thrilled at this trend, but also recognize that more guests means a need for varied and diverse response strategies.

The Blueprint will help BLM prioritize recreation investment and staffing for current and future needs, the agency said.

The four pathways to success highlighted include: the need for the agency to acquire access; prioritize and embrace partnerships; expand diversity, equity and inclusion to programs, exhibits and signs; and to protect sensitive resources.

Bureau of Land Management lands offer some of the best recreation opportunities in the West  uncrowded and full of wonder  that one can still find on our nations public lands," said Jordan Schreiber, government relations director for The Wilderness Society, in a statement."We need to be proactive in our management decisions so they stay that way.

The Blueprint is not a formal management plan but rather a strategic document to guide the agencys work. The full text of the Blueprint and associated fact sheet is available on the BLM's Recreation Strategy webpage.

The Center for Western Priorities said the Blueprint marks a transition for the BLM from being reactive to proactive.

TRCP plans to weigh in with the BLM on how to implement the plan, including ideas for expanding access for the public and providing for outdoor recreation, while ensuring fish and wildlife habitat continue to function on our public lands, Webster said. We can have both expanded outdoor opportunities and robust wildlife populations, and it will require funding and a shared commitment to effectively manage for these different resource values.

BLM is seeking input from partners and the public, including in-person and virtual recreation Blueprint roundtables hosted by the Foundation for Americas Public Lands.

The Bureau welcomes feedback on how BLM can best implement the Blueprint. To do so, please email blm_recreation_feedback@blm.gov.
Ryu Jin, head of the Federation of Korean Industries, speaks during a press conference in Seoul after taking office as the 39th chief of the nation's key business lobby group, Aug. 22. Yonhap



By Lee Min-hyung



One of Korea's leading business lobby groups has offered to create a trilateral consultative group with its counterparts in the United States and Japan, as part of joint efforts to strengthen supply-side partnerships in key components such as semiconductors and batteries.



The offer, made by the new Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) head Ryu Jin through letters to counterparts, came in reaction to a recent summit among leaders of the three countries, according to the lobby group, Wednesday. The leaders pledged to reinforce their commitment to a comprehensive economic partnership during the recent Camp David summit last month.



In a letter sent to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ryu underscored the importance of free trade and a market-driven economy.



"As both organizations share a common belief, we will make joint efforts to restore open trade in the global economy," Ryu said in the letter.



In a letter to the Japan Business Federation, Ryu also stressed the need to keep promoting joint business projects for more future-oriented bilateral relations with Japan.



The FKI said the establishment of the consultative group would help institutionalize trilateral economic cooperation and expand the scope of partnerships not only for core components but also for emerging state-of-the-art tech areas such as artificial intelligence.



"Under the perception that economic cooperation is a must, the Korea-led trilateral partnership will help set the global standard of cutting-edge technologies, stabilize the supply chain of key components and materials and widen ties into high-tech industrial areas," the FKI said.



Ryu sent letters to some 40-partner organizations across the globe and shared his unwavering pledge to enhance the role of Korean businesses here and abroad. He took office as the 39th leader of the business lobby on Aug. 22.



According to the FKI, its overseas counterparts have also delivered replies to his letter. They include Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming.



The FKI holds economic cooperation committee meetings each year with major economies across the globe, such as the U.S., Japan and China, seeking to develop more agendas for cooperation to promote exchanges among businesspeople.



"The FKI will continue to bolster its efforts to represent the stance of Korean businesses to the international community following the inauguration of Ryu," the lobby group said.



Ryu has led Poongsan Group, which manufactures metal products and defense equipment, since 1999.


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 24F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
A female grizzly bear responsible for killing a woman near Yellowstone National Park in July has been killed after it broke into a West Yellowstone-area home, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Amie Adamson, 47, of Derby, Kansas, was mauled while hiking on July 27. Attempts to trap and remove the grizzly were made due to the incidents closeness to residences, campgrounds and a high-use off-highway vehicle trail system, but were unsuccessful. Public access to the area was also shut down following the mauling.

Early Saturday morning, Sept. 2, a homeowner reported a bear with a cub had broken through a kitchen window of an occupied home and removed a container of dog food from inside the house.

Later that evening, staff from FWP and local law enforcement captured the cub and, with authorization from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, shot the adult grizzly citing an "immediate public safety threat from the bears food-conditioned behavior."

The adult grizzly was a 10-year-old female that had been captured in 2017 for research. Through genetic analysis and other identifying factors, the bear was confirmed to be involved in the fatal attack on Adamson. The bear was also involved in an encounter in Idaho that injured a person near Henrys Lake State Park in 2020.

Both incidents were assessed to be defensive responses by the bear.

The cub, a 46-pound male, is being held at FWPs wildlife rehabilitation center in Helena while arrangements are made to transfer the cub to a zoo.

Adamson's death is the 20th grizzly bear fatality recorded in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem since 1892. So far this year, 31 grizzly bear deaths have been recorded in the region, 22 of which were human caused.
NEW ORLEANS - The major candidates for Louisiana governor will square off soon in their firs
White-nose syndrome has been confirmed in Mystery Cave in the Pryor Mountains, currently the largest known hibernation cave in Montana, supporting around 600 myotis bats during winter.

Mystery Cave, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, is one of a handful of caves in the Pryor Mountains that supports large numbers of hibernating bats.

Biologists from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Natural Heritage Program discovered the fungus/disease on bats in the cave during a survey conducted on June 14. Interagency efforts are ongoing to limit the disturbance of hibernating bats and to minimize the human-assisted spread of the fungus across Montana. Biologists will continue to survey Mystery Cave as part of long-term surveillance efforts.

WNS, the disease caused by the cold-adapted fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), has killed millions of North American bats since its detection in New York in 2006. WNS has been confirmed in 40 states and eight Canadian provinces. Bat populations in Montana have been monitored in caves since the early 2000s. WNS was first detected in Eastern Montana in the spring of 2021. Since 2020 the fungus has been detected in 20 Montana counties, and bats sick with WNS have been detected in six counties. Presence of the fungus Pd does not necessarily confirm the presence of the WNS disease.

The disease causes the growth of a white powdery fungus on the skin of hibernating bats, commonly found on their faces and wings. This results in irritation and dehydration, compelling bats to prematurely awaken from hibernation and thereby depleting the crucial fat reserves essential for survival in the winter. This often results in their death, and the disease can wipe out entire colonies of bats causing dramatic population declines. WNS does not directly affect humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife.

Bats are found throughout Montana and are an important component of the ecosystem, biological diversity, and economy of the state, as they protect crops and timber by consuming large quantities of flying insect pests. FWP has found the fungus that causes WNS in four of Montanas 15 bat species.

It is more important than ever for people to avoid disturbing bats and to take precautions to prevent further spread of the fungus, said Beartooth District Ranger Ken Coffin with the USDA Forest Service. "We're working closely with other agencies, cave users, and local communities to responsibly protect bats from unnecessary exposure to WNS and to limit disturbance of bats to give them a fighting chance against the disease."

Many bat populations are declining across the country. Weve held out hope that WNS will have less severe impacts on some of our western bat species because of differences in their roosting and hibernation ecology, said Montana FWP disease ecologist Emily Almberg. Alongside our disease surveillance efforts, weve been conducting acoustic monitoring and roost counts to track bat population trends. Unfortunately, our data to date suggests that the arrival of WNS has coincided with detectable declines among our susceptible bat populations in the eastern half of the state, mirroring patterns observed across much of the eastern part of the country.

"Mystery Cave is gated and access has been restricted to this sensitive site for years," said acting District Manager Wendy Warren, based in Miles City. "The BLM, along with Montana FWP, will continue to monitor the presence of WNS, like we have been doing in other bat studies in Eastern Montana and the Dakotas."

While humans and their pets are not affected by this fungus and the disease it causes, people can help prevent both from spreading by adopting the following precautions:

 Avoid entering caves that are used by bats between Oct. 15  May 1 when bats are hibernating to help minimize disturbance.

 If you plan to enter a cave, it is important to:

First decontaminate your shoes, clothes, backpacks, and other gear to reduce the risk of spreading any pathogen, including the spread of the fungus that causes WNS.

Where possible, dedicate shoes and gear to a specific cave (or site) and do not use any potentially contaminated gear in a cave that has not yet been confirmed with bats or samples that have tested positive for the fungus that causes WNS.

Decontamination information can be found at www.whitenosesyndrome.org/static-page/decontamination-information

 If you see a dead or sick bat or group of bats, or find bats in unexpected places, dont handle them and call a local FWP office for further guidance.

 FWP Wildlife Health Lab in Bozeman: 406-577-7882

 FWP Billings area office: 406-247-2940

For more information on white-nose syndrome, visit www.whitenosesyndrome.org/. For more information on Montanas bats visit fieldguide.mt.gov.
The Mexico US consulate situated in Matamoros issued an urgent alert advising residents to shelter in place due to a surge in Mexico gun violence that has erupted within the region, according to NBCDFW.

The consulate informed the public that its staff members are adhering to a shelter-in-place order in response to the prevailing violent crime situation within the city.

Authorities also encouraged US citizens to adopt similar precautionary measures.

In a public announcement shared via social media, the Mexico US consulate General in Matamoros conveyed, "US Consulate General Matamoros employees are currently under a shelter-in-place order until 1:30 PM in Matamoros due to gun violence occurring in the city."

The statement further implored residents to remain indoors and remain informed by following updates from local news sources.

According to information from a state official, the incident unfolded when individuals involved in the altercation confronted a Mexican marine patrolman. Subsequent investigations led to discovering firearms and tactical equipment at the scene.

Matamoros serves as the operational base for the Gulf Cartel, a notorious syndicate involved in drug trafficking and criminal activities. The Jalisco Cartel New Generation also maintains a presence within the city.

READ NEXT: Mexico: 16 Kidnapped Police Employees Freed

Mexico Gun Violence Occurred Amid an Investigation into Kidnapping

The Tamaulipas state communications office, through X, shared information that a clash transpired during an operation connected to a kidnapping investigation.

This confrontation resulted in the loss of four civilian lives. No injuries were reported among the marines involved, per ABC News.

Although the Navy confirmed its personnel's involvement, they abstained from disclosing any specific details related to the incident.

Conversely, the federal Attorney General's Office did not offer any response to inquiries seeking additional information.

Matamoros, a city in Tamaulipas, has been grappling with cells belonging to the Gulf cartel and other organized crime factions.

Notably, the region has been adversely impacted by episodes of violence intertwined with illicit drug trade activities.

Tamaulipas is recognized as one of the nation's most perilous territories, plagued by high crime levels. It is one of six Mexican states subject to a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory issued by the US State Department, reflecting the serious concerns surrounding crime rates and the prevalence of kidnapping incidents.

Recent Mexico Gun Violence in the Area Involved 4 Americans

Matamoros, situated just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, gained unfortunate notoriety earlier this year when it became the location of a distressing incident involving American citizens, the Daily Mail reports.

Four individuals from the United States were kidnapped, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.

This unfortunate event unfolded after local gangs seemingly mistook the victims for adversaries of the drug cartels.

The incident, which occurred on March 3, highlighted the dangers posed by criminal elements in the region.

In a noteworthy development, the Gulf Cartel acknowledged its involvement in the crime, and several members confessed to their roles. The cartel even apologized through a letter to Mexican law enforcement authorities.

Five group members subsequently turned themselves in, claiming responsibility for the Mexico gun violence in March.

The American tourists, identified as medical tourists, had entered Matamoros through Brownsville, Texas, traversing the border in a white minivan bearing North Carolina license plates.

Tragically, they were caught during a clash between two armed factions, a situation that Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador later described.

READ MORE: 6 Dead Following Clash Between Military, Shining Path Rebel

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 5 alleged cartel members in Mexico arrested after Americans kidnapped and killed - From ABC News
Enrique Tarrio, the Cuban-American founder and leader of the far-right and pro-Donald Trump group, the Proud Boys, has finally been sentenced after a slight delay to his seditious conspiracy case on January 6, 2021.

US District Judge Timothy Kelly gave Tarrio the longest sentence for any January 6 defendant to date: 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and leading a failed plot to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as stated in the Constitution.

He and his Proud Boys members were instrumental in the January 6 Capitol insurrection as they tried to prevent Joe Biden's lawful win against Donald Trump in 2020 from being certified. While other Proud Boys leaders were sentenced earlier this week, Tarrio had to be sentenced at a later date due to the judge being sick, according to CBS News.

"It is kind of hard to put into words how important the peaceful transfer of power is," Judge Kelly said in his decision. "Our country was founded as an experiment in self-government by the people, but it cannot long endure if the way we elect our leaders is threatened with force and violence."

Judge Kelly also called Enrique Tarrio the "ultimate leader, the ultimate person who organized, who was motivated by revolutionary zeal" and noted that the far-right militia leader had shown "no remorse" during the proceedings. "What happened that day did not honor the founders, it was the kind of thing they wrote the Constitution to prevent," concluded Kelly.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Disqualified for 2024 Candidacy? Democratic Senator Makes Case

Enrique Tarrio's Lawyer Vows To Appeal Decision

Nayib Hassan, Tarrio's attorney, told CNN that they "respectfully disagree" with the judge's decision and stated that it caught them "off guard." He added that they will be appealing that decision.

Tarrio had the chance to speak before he was sentenced and apologized for the "pain and suffering" that he and the other Proud Boys members did to law enforcement, legislators, and others during the events of January 6. He insisted he is not a political zealot and vowed to have "nothing to do with politics, groups, activism or rallies."

Proud Boys, Oath Keepers Trials Open the Stage for Donald Trump's Washington DC Trial

After members of the two big far-right militia groups, the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, the stage is now set for the man they tried to do an insurrection for, Donald Trump.

While many who participated in the January 6 Capitol insurrection have already been sentenced, the man whom many say is behind it all is still walking free. Now, these cases may soon be connected, as noted by Mary McCord, a former federal prosecutor and Georgetown Law professor.

"The cases involving seditious conspiracy and the case in which Mr. Trump is charged federally do all involve an effort to prevent the peaceful transition of presidential power - to overrule or override the will of the voters," McCord told The Hill. "Mr. Trump is a different defendant than an Enrique Tarrio or a Stewart Rhodes."

READ MORE: Oath Keepers Founder Found Guilty of Seditious Conspiracy

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Proud Boys' Enrique Tarrio gets record 22 years in prison for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy - WGN News
A new weather disturbance has formed off the Atlantic and is headed to the US. It may soon become a Category 4 and will be called Hurricane Lee. For now, it is still only a tropical storm but Lee is expected to turn into a major hurricane by Friday and threaten the East Coast.

According to USA Today, once Tropical Storm Lee becomes Hurricane Lee, it will have an excess of 140 mph winds and is expected to make landfall in the US soon. The National Hurricane Center noted that it is currently over 1,300 miles east of the Caribbean islands but is heading to the US fast.

Forecasts predict that Lee will become a Category 4, which has 140-mph winds by Saturday morning. By then, it would be found east of Puerto Rico and continue strengthening into a 145-mph storm by Sunday.

The storm is expected to hit several countries, including the US.

"Interests across the Caribbean and along the East Coast from Florida to Maine will need to pay close attention to this feature," said meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. "Depending on the path this system takes, the expected time frame for potential impacts to the United States and Atlantic Canada may be Sept. 13-16."

Hurricane Lee Expected To Hit Several Caribbean Countries on Its Way to the US

Aside from the US, several countries in the Caribbean are also bracing for Hurricane Lee, which is estimated to reach the Lesser Antilles by this weekend. The Weather Channel noted that the storm is expected to pepper the northern Leeward Islands with gusty winds and showers.

However, it should also be noted that Lee could take a more southern track and hit other areas. Should it head to the Leewards Islands, though, it could also hit the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The latter is now continuing to "monitor the progress of this forecast closely and have their hurricane plans ready."

READ NEXT: BTK Killer Dennis Rader's Twisted Drawings, Journal, Released

After that, the hurricane's path is difficult to predict, as its path would depend on how strong and expansive the Bermuda-Azores high is at the time, as it might steer Hurricane Lee to the tropics. If the Bermuda-Azores high is weaker and less expansive, it might head to the Central Atlantic and not even go to the mainland United States. If it is high and stronger, it could hit the mainland US by next week.

Should the hurricane recurve due to the Bermuda-Azores high being weaker, it could threaten Bermuda and parts of Atlantic Canada late next week.

Hurricane Lee Rapidly Intensifying

According to Vale Climate Connections, Tropical Storm Lee, which used to be called Tropical Depression 13, is rapidly intensifying. It currently has "favorable conditions for intensification, with warm waters of 29 degrees Celsius (84F), moderate wind shear of 10-15 knots, and a reasonably moist atmosphere."

Right now, the most probable course of the hurricane is northward, but Lee hitting the US East Coast is still very much a big possibility.

READ MORE: Ron DeSantis' Redrawn Congressional Map of Florida Is Unconstitutional, Rules Judge

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Tropical Storm Lee could become major hurricane this week - FOX 35 Orlando
South Florida authorities are actively searching for a missing individual last seen aboard a Carnival Cruise ship, according to WFLA.

The Miami-Dade Police Department has reported that Kevin McGrath, a 26-year-old passenger, was reported missing on Monday following the return of the Carnival Conquest to Port Miami.

McGrath was last seen by his cabinmate at approximately 7 am Monday, when guests were expected to disembark from the ship, said Carnival Cruise Line.

McGrath could not be located anywhere on the cruise ship despite an extensive search.

Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard was engaged to search the surrounding waters, but he was not found there either.

The Carnival Cruise Line stated, "The guest was not detected by surveillance systems, including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, during the debarkation process." Eventually, Miami-Dade police cleared the ship for departure.

McGrath is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and gray sneakers.

READ NEXT: Florida: Hidden Camera Catches Student Injecting Chemical Agen Under Family's Door

Missing Carnival Cruise Passenger Was Supposed To Meet His Family

Angel Rodriguez, a detective from the Miami-Dade Police Department, provided further details about the disappearance of Kevin McGrath.

According to Rodriguez, McGrath's brother last saw him around 2 am at his cabin, PEOPLE noted.

The family had planned to have breakfast together before disembarking from the ship, but McGrath never showed up.

Concerned about his absence, the family initiated a search with the help of ship staff and security, but their efforts proved fruitless.

Despite these efforts and the involvement of US Customs and Border Patrol, McGrath was not located during the debarkation process.

Eventually, Florida's Miami-Dade police cleared the ship for departure.

The U.S. Coast Guard also conducted a helicopter search to locate the missing passenger.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Passenger Jumps

In a similar incident, a 19-year-old passenger went overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Caribbean, prompting an ongoing search and rescue effort, per CNN.

The incident occurred during the cruise of the Royal Caribbean ship Wonder of the Seas, which embarked from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 27 for a seven-day journey in the western Caribbean.

Details regarding how the 19-year-old went overboard and the duration of time he spent in the water before the search commenced remain unclear.

Royal Caribbean stated that the ship's onboard crew swiftly initiated a search and rescue operation and is collaborating closely with local authorities.

However, Sigmund Ropich's family, who confirmed he was a passenger on the cruise, expressed their desperation for answers and frustration with the limited information provided by Cuban Border Guard officials, who are leading the search.

Savannah Ropich, Sigmund's sister, emphasized their desire to bring their brother home, lamenting the extended duration of the search and the lack of communication from authorities.

The search for Sigmund Ropich is ongoing, and the family continues to hope for his safe return.

READ MORE: Florida: 9-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shots 6-Year-Old Boy Dead

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: URGENT SEARCH for Missing Carnival Conquest Passenger - From The Travel Scouts
An intense storm battered southern Brazil, causing severe flooding and killing at least 22 people. Several cities are now flooded, with the province of Rio Grande do Sul being the most affected.

At a news conference, Rio Grande do Sul Gov. Eduardo Leite stated that this fierce storm was a climate event classified as an extratropical cyclone. He also confirmed that about 60 cities had been hit by this storm in southern Brazil.

Governor Leite also confirmed that around 15 of those who died in the storm came from just one house in the city of Mucum, which has a population of around 50,000. The storm and the subsequent floods also left around 1,650 people homeless after it hit, according to the governor.

The governor also noted that one of the deaths included a woman who was swept away during a rescue attempt. "I regret the death of a woman in a rescue attempt over the Taquari River," he said on social media. "The wire broke, and she and a rescuer fell. Unfortunately, the woman did not survive and the rescuer is seriously injured."

According to the Associated Press, TV footage from the affected areas showed people being stranded on top of the roofs of their homes and pleading for help. Meanwhile, the Mucum City Hall advised residents to secure at least 72 hours' worth of supplies.

Residents Evacuate Areas Around Southern Brazil as Storm Batters Country

The extratropical cyclone that hit southern Brazil has also forced many in the area to evacuate their homes, with the severe flooding leaving many of them homeless. Among them is Luana da Luz, who spoke with Reuters regarding her experience with the evacuation efforts.

"Since dawn, we saw that (the water) was going to flood (our house) and we were putting things on top of the table, on top of the wood stove, but it didn't help," she said. Da Luz is from the town of Passo Fundo in Rio Grande Sul, the state which has the most casualties recorded at 21.

READ MORE: Hurricane Lee Track, Strength, Update: Which Countries Could the Potential Category 4 Impact?

Meanwhile, another victim died in the neighboring state of Santa Catarina, placing the death toll to at least 22.

Brazil's president, Lula, promised to send federal support to the people living in southern Brazil, vowing that his government would do whatever is necessary to "save people from these problems."

More Flooding Is Expected in Southern Brazil

It is not yet over for residents in Brazil, though, as France 24 reported that with the current rain forecast predicting more rain in the area, more flooding is expected as residents continue evacuating.

To make matters worse, Mayor Mateus Trojan of Mucum in Rio Grande do Sul told reporters that many people are still missing and that the death toll is expected to climb higher. He then lamented, "The town of Mucum as we knew it no longer exists."

It has been noted that Unchecked urbanization and irregular housing built on hillsides are making disasters such as severe flooding and landslides deadlier in Brazil. Around 203 million people are reportedly living in areas at high risk of flooding or landslides.

READ MORE: Ron DeSantis' Redrawn Congressional Map of Florida Is Unconstitutional, Rules Judge

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Cyclone kills at least 21 in southern Brazil, more floods expects  FRANCE 24 English
A jury on Wednesday found a Mandan teenager guilty of fatally shooting a South Dakota man at a north Bismarck motel a year ago and wounding a worker at the business.

The verdict came after about 2  hours of jury deliberations over two days in South Central District Court in Bismarck. Jesse Taylor Jr., 17, showed no emotion when the verdict of guilty to murder was read. He could face life in prison without parole. Sentencing wasn't immediately scheduled. Judge James Hill ordered a presentence investigation.

Taylor, then 16, was charged with murder in the Sept. 23, 2022, death of Maurice Thunder Shield, 28, of McLaughlin, South Dakota. Taylor and Thunder Shield knew each other, police said. Taylor also was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly shooting and wounding a motel worker, and was convicted of that charge Wednesday. It carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison.

A judicial referee earlier moved the case from juvenile jurisdiction to adult court, saying Taylor had a limited juvenile history but didnt comply with probation and admitted to committing other offenses while on probation.

Attorneys representing Taylor and the state summarized in their closing arguments Tuesday more than a week's worth of evidence and testimony. Defense attorney Phillip Becher claimed his client acted in self-defense following a verbal altercation with Thunder Shield at the Motel 6. Prosecutor Dennis Ingold said Becher's claim of self-defense had no basis in law.

"Before using deadly force, an individual is required to retreat," he said. "He could have, and he should have."

Ingold showed jurors surveillance video recorded at the motel. He said the video clips showed Taylor had more than one avenue of escape from Thunder Shield, who appeared to be acting in an agitated state. Video showed Thunder Shield on the second floor of the motel, with Taylor one floor below. A separate clip then showed Thunder Shield on the ground floor, and according to Ingold acting in a menacing manner.

Becher said that menacing manner is exactly why Taylor's use of deadly force -- firing five shots from a semi-automatic pistol at Thunder Shield -- was reasonable conduct. Becher made more than one reference to a size advantage Thunder Shield held over Taylor, and said that size coupled with comments like "I'm gonna beat (you)" gave Taylor a reasonable expectation of physical harm.

"It is a self-defense case," Becher said. "Jesse was justified in his actions."

At one point before the shooting Taylor left the motel's first floor, and it was only when Thunder Shield came downstairs to confront him again that Taylor fired the weapon, according to Becher.

Ingold said the fact Taylor fired multiple rounds over a period of several seconds showed that Taylor intended to kill Thunder Shield. Five rounds were fired, with four striking Thunder Shield. The fifth bullet struck motel employee Frederick Loewy, who was wounded.

Taylor fled the scene on foot following the shooting. He was arrested in Warren, Minnesota, that evening. The firearm was recovered later by a resident in Bismarck's Jaycee Centennial Park.

"Clearly there was some animosity between these two, but Jesse could have retreated," Ingold told jurors. "But he didn't. You must find him guilty."

They did, choosing to convict Taylor on the murder charge over lesser alternatives of manslaughter or negligent homicide.

Members of Taylor's family who were present while the verdict was read expressed their displeasure upon leaving the courthouse, drawing the attention of courthouse security.

As Taylor was escorted from the building, family members could be heard expressing their solidarity, saying "We love you baby," and "You got this."

It wasn't clear if Thunder Shield had any family in the courtroom.
North Carolina State University police are investigating a student's death on Monday afternoon outside Sullivan Hall, a 12-story residence hall on campus.

The circumstances surrounding the student's death remain unclear, according to WCNC.

North Carolina State Police Chief Dan House released a statement to WRAL News on Tuesday morning, confirming the incident and the ongoing investigation.

"NC State Police responded to Sullivan Hall on Monday, Sept. 4, shortly after 4 pm and located a deceased student outside of the residence hall upon arrival. At this time, the cause of death is unknown and under investigation," House stated.

READ MORE: University of North Carolina in Lockdown

Dead North Carolina Student, Not Yet Identified

The identity of the deceased student at North Carolina State University has not been disclosed, and the university has not issued a WolfAlert to inform students about the ongoing death investigation.

However, university spokesperson Lauren Barker has confirmed that the student who passed away was male, per The News&Observer.

North Carolina State Chancellor Randy Woodson released a statement on Tuesday addressing the on-campus death.

While he did not mention the student by name, he acknowledged the profound impact this loss will have on many resident students and housing staff.

Woodson expressed his condolences, saying, "There are no words I can share that will heal what many of you are feeling. Simply, I grieve with you."

North Carolina State University Witnessed 14 Deaths, Including 7 Suicides Last Year

The North Carolina State University campus was marked by police tape around Sullivan Residence Hall as authorities investigated the death of a male student on Monday.

This incident has raised concerns among students, who fear a repeat of the unfortunate events from the previous academic year when the university experienced 14 deaths, including seven suicides, The Daily Mail noted.

Last year's tragic statistics included seven suicides, two overdoses, one car wreck, and four deaths classified as "natural causes."

The high number of deaths, particularly suicides, prompted a strong response from students and the university.

In response, NC State increased its mental health staff from 35 to 50 clinicians, addressing the urgent need for more mental health support on campus.

A mental health task force was also established to assess and address the situation.

However, Vice Chancellor and Dean Doneka Scott emphasized that adding more counselors would not resolve the crisis.

The issue of mental health and suicide is a broader concern in the United States, with over 6,600 individuals aged 10 to 24 dying by suicide in 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students after accidents.

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April revealed that 10.2 percent of US high school students reported attempting suicide in 2021, up from around eight percent in 2019.

Additionally, 30 percent of high school students stated that they experienced poor mental health "most of the time," with even higher figures, at 40 percent, among girls.

The recent student death at North Carolina State has prompted the cancellation of several college events, including a mental health workshop, highlighting the pressing need for continued efforts to address mental health concerns on campus and beyond.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, call or text 988 to reach the 24-hour, confidential support of the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

READ MORE: Carnival Cruise Ship Passenger Reported Missing

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Student found dead near NC State residence hall - From WCNC
As many political experts have predicted, there are already several people within Donald Trump's inner circle who are turning on the former president, including some of his co-defendants, as he faces four criminal trials in Georgia, Washington DC, Florida, and New York.

Court documents and hearings have shown that several people close to the former president, as well as some of his closest allies and even some lesser-known associates, are starting to turn against Trump to save their own skins from prosecution.

Michael Cohen, a former member of Donald Trump's inner circle and was previously the former president's personal attorney and fixer, spoke with Politico and stated, "History has shown the 18 co-defendants that Donald doesn't care about anyone but himself."

The former Trump attorney then added, "I suspect it will be every defendant for himself."

Cohen was one of the first people who was within Trump's inner circle to turn on him as he is now the star witness against his former client in the New York hush-money case. Much like Cohen, other Trump allies may seek to save themselves by giving out information against the ex-POTUS.

Yuscil Taveras, who worked for Mar-a-Lago, has also turned against the former president in the classified documents case. He changed his testimony and flipped to dodge a possible perjury charge that prosecutors floated. He was tasked by Trump to delete security tapes from Mar-a-Lago in a cover-up attempt to hide evidence that he tried keeping classified documents in his Florida home.

Meanwhile, over in Georgia, three of his RICO case co-defendants have asserted that they tried interfering in the results of the state's election at the behest of the former president. Mark Meadows, another key Trump ally and his former White House Chief of Staff, has also signaled that he may be blaming Trump as well.

Fani Willis Laid Out the Case Vs. Donald Trump's Fake Electors

Part of the Georgia case is Donald Trump's use of fake electors to try and steal the results of the 2020 election. Now, Georgia prosecutors contended that these fake electors were part of an elaborate scheme that would have ultimately gotten Trump to illegally retain the presidency through fraud.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Disqualified for 2024 Candidacy?

"Defendant's argument is akin to claiming that a homemade badge could transform him into a genuine United States Marshal with all the powers afforded that position," stated Fulton County District Attorney in a recent filing obtained by Politico. "Repeating a fiction does not make the statement true."

Willis rejected the filing of one of these fake electors, Shawn Still, who tried to transfer the case to federal court. Still, along with Cathleen Latham and David Shafer, are the three fake electors charged alongside Donald Trump in the Georgia RICO case.

New York Attorney General Wants Donald Trump and Sons Fined Over Frivolous Arguments

Over in New York, where Trump is facing both civil and criminal cases, Andrew Amer, an assistant to New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed a request that Donald Trump, his adult sons, other defendants, and their lawyers be fined $20,000 over their frivolous arguments which have been rejected by the court multiple times.

According to The Guardian, Amer called these arguments "borderline frivolous even the first time defendants made them." He then noted a previous observation by a judge that reading Trump's briefs was "deja vu all over again." Because of this, the New York AG is seeking that Trump and his team be reprimanded with fines.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Election Interference Co-Conspirators Turning on Each Other

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: OH NO: Trump's co-defendants turning against him in court - David Pakman Show
Laurel, MS (39440)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 43F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 43F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Former Express-Times editor Bruce Frassinelli has died. He was 84.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office reported he died of natural causes at 12:10 a.m. Wednesday at his home in North Whitehall Township.

Frassinelli was a long-time former editor and general manager of the Easton-based daily newspaper, formerly The Express. He was also a retired publisher and editor of The Palladium-Times in Oswego, New York.

He served in a variety of capacities at The Express-Times for more than 25 years. He started 1966 as a bureau chief. In 1989, during his tenure, the newspaper was recognized by the American Society of Newspaper Editors as one of the 14 best small-city newspapers in the nation.

During that period we had a group of bright young reporters who really were aggressive, Frassinelli said in a 2005 story commemorating the newspapers 150th anniversary. To me, it was the golden age of our journalism.

He left for Oswego in 1992. He did consulting, writing for various publications and taught after his retirement from Oswego.

His son Mike Frassinelli told lehighvalleynews.com his father considered his time spent in Easton as the highlight of his professional career.

Funeral arrangements, according lehighvalleynews.com, are pending with the Thomas J. Parambo Funeral Home of Summit Hill. Mike Frassinelli, a former reporter for both The Morning Call in Allentown and The Star-Ledger in Newark, told the news outlet that services likely will be held Friday, Sept. 15.

We will update this story with more information and a link to Bruce Frassinellis obituary when it becomes available.
Graduating seniors from Whippany Park High School packed their bags for what they thought would be a trip of a lifetime to Italy earlier this summer.

Instead, they were among more than three dozen people who were stranded at Newark Airport without flights in late June, even though they paid a travel agent in full for the nine-day trip, according to a lawsuit filed in August in Morris County Superior Court.
A federal lawsuit blames Northampton County Prison for failing to prevent the overdose death of an inmate from New Jersey.

Upper Montclair resident Daniel Ezra Gottesman was found dead in his prison cell on Sept. 3, 2021, after overdosing on fentanyl and xylazine, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court.
One of two teenagers charged in the shooting that severely wounded Nazareth native Sammy Sasso during a carjacking near the Ohio State University campus last month, had previously been in custody just five days before the incident, a prosecutor involved in the case said.

Anthony Pierson, deputy chief counsel in the Franklin County Juvenile Division, told lehighvalleylive.com the 16-year-old boy on Aug. 13 was released from the Ohio Department of Youth Services in an unrelated criminal matter. He was out on parole at the time of the Sasso shooting, Pierson said Wednesday.

Pierson could not provide any further information on what the 16-year-old had served time for. However, The Columbus Dispatch is reporting the teen had been in several youth facilities this year, including a juvenile intervention center and a community correction facility.

The teen on April 6 was transferred to an Ohio Department of Youth Services detention facility on an unrelated burglary charge for which he was to serve six months, but was released early for time already served, the report states.

Pierson said two days later, the teen was posting images depicting guns on Instagram, which violated his parole. The gun involved in the Sasso case, however, is yet to be recovered, Pierson confirmed to lehighvalleylive.com.

The teen  who has not been bound over to adult court  on Tuesday appeared in Franklin County Juvenile Court to determine if he was eligible for release. The appearance was pending his trial in connection with the Sasso shooting.

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Monica Hawkins in that case denied any possible release, Pierson said.

Thomas Waldeck, the attorney representing the 16-year-old defendant, could not immediately be reached by lehighvalleylive.com for more information Wednesday morning.

The two teens  a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl  are facing aggravated robbery and felonious assault charges in the Sasso incident.

The shooting happened at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 18  a few blocks from the campus, according to Columbus, Ohio police. Sasso, a four-time All-American wrestler for Ohio State, had gotten out of his car and was talking to a couple of children in an alley when two suspects approached. A confrontation ensued, Sasso was shot and the suspects drove off in Sassos car, police said.

The hearing for the 15-year-old female suspect is yet to happen, Pierson said.

Sasso has repeatedly thanked supporters on his X account, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. When he is released from the hospital, the lehighvalleylive.com 2018 Wrestler of the Year faces comprehensive physical therapy to regain mobility, according to his familys GoFundMe page.

Sassos family stated in the fundraiser that after Sasso was shot in the abdomen, he had to undergo emergency surgery to reconstruct his colon. A second surgery followed to remove the bullet from near his spine, where it had caused significant nerve damage, the family stated.

As of Wednesday morning, the online fundraiser has surpassed its goal of $100,000, raising $132,442. Over 1,300 people have donated.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Pennsylvania State Police say they were called out numerous times in a span of two days to track down more than two dozen runaways from a residential youth treatment facility in Lehigh County.

State police in Bethlehem initially responded at 11:38 p.m. Aug. 27 to the facility, 5300 KidsPeace Drive, in North Whitehall for four reported runaways. That event followed a day-long response of at least two dozen other juveniles who attempted to run away from the site, according to police.

Troopers fielded numerous calls from KidsPeace for assistance in locating and returning juveniles, according to police. In that incident, two juveniles elbowed a male staff member in the mouth, causing a minor injury, police said.

Two of the KidsPeace runaways, a 13-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl, in the Aug. 27 incident were arrested and charged with harassment.

A day later, troopers were called again just after 6 p.m. Aug. 28. This time they were dispatched for a report of four girls who absconded the Pioneer Center, police said.

A trooper found two of the runaways crossing a creek west of the property. Those girls were apprehended and returned to the center, police said.

A third bit a trooper during her apprehension and eventually was sent back to the center while the fourth eventually returned on her own around 10:45 p.m. Aug. 28, according to police.

Robert Martin, director of communications at KidsPeace, said Wednesday the organization cannot comment on specific situations involving individuals in its treatment programs, citing privacy regulations.

We continue to work closely with the state police on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all the staff and children in our programs, which is our top priority, Martin said. We appreciate our collaboration with them and with all our community partners who help us bring hope, help and healing to the kids in our care.

KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of children, families and communities, according to its website. It has a history of dealing with runaway youths, including a three-day span of dispatch calls in fall 2019 that led to troopers rounding up at least 13 runaways.

Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer for the Troop M barracks, told lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday multiple troopers responded in the most recent incidents to return the children back to the facility. Troopers routinely respond to KidsPeace for runaways, assaults and other police matters which involve a response, he said.

At times, troopers from the Fogelsville barracks are called in to assist troopers from the Bethlehem barracks on serious incidents at the facility, Branosky said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Tempers frayed and divisions emerged in Stradbally at a public meeting called quickly in response to the use of tents on the Electric Picnic to house Ukrainians fleeing war in Russia.

No officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth were present to face questions from local people who were angry at not being consulted as well as being fearful and suspicious about who would be housed in Stradbally.

Locals were not at a point of blockading the site. Some speakers spoke about the need to support the people who would be accommodated under the contract which could see up to 750 people being accommodated in the town under the six contract.

The first of the Ukrainians arrived on Tuesday, September 6 after flying into Dublin airport earlier that day. All 27 were either women or children.

There was unity on the lack of consultation and information from both the Government and the site owner and local man Thomas Cosby.

He was left to face ire over the use of bell tents for six weeks for those who have fled war. Mr Cosby signed a contract with the Department on September 1 after being approached two weeks earlier.

Also facing the questions at the meeting attended by about 300 people, was Shane Coady of Pastures New Limited. He is the Site Manager. Just three public representatives attended, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, Cllr Padraig Fleming both of Fianna Fail and Independent Cllr Aisling Moran.

They faced a storm of frustration at the meeting which took place outdoors under the canopy of the Market House. It was called by local woman Louise Buggy. She explained what motivated her to call the meeting.

"There was no consultation with the Department or Thomas Cosby or any resident on the decisions that were being made. We welcome genuine refugees who were fleeing the war. That is not the concern.

"But, where is the guarantee that after six weeks these people will be housed? That hasn't been resolved. That is not just an issue for the residents but it also an issue for the people (Ukrainians) who are facing into the winter.

She questioned where would the residents be moved to after six weeks. "We are in the midst of a housing crisis. Where will these people be housed if accommodation is not found in six weeks? What happens then?"

She insisted that there was plenty of time for consultation with the public in advance of the contract being signed as Mr Cosby was first approached in the middle of August.

Speakers raised questions about the local ability to cope with the arrival of up to 750 people.

"Are there going to be more guards? We have one garda who is very rarely here," said one man.

Questions focused on the profile if the refugees and who they were and wanted Garda vetting to be carried out.

The meeting meeting was asked: "Are they garda vetted? Have they a criminal record? If that busload isn't garda vetted is the next busload".

Another woman asked if there were any disabled people to be housed.

The lack of information was a bone of contention for many.

"We got no information. No information breeds misinformation," said a local.

Another speaker raised the issue of security.

"If it is to be 750 people, the population of Stadbally is 1,500 you are going to increase the population by 50%. Is the garda presence going to increase by 50%?"

The same man asked about the security of the site.

"We hear stories in other towns of anti-social behavior, attacks on women, and other stuff. I am not saying these people are going to do that but you have to have security measures in place," he said.

Another speaker questioned the lack of an assessment on whether or not Stradbally could cope.

He said: "Have you done a logistical impact of introducing 750 people to a village of 1,400 with no amenities whatsoever? Where will they go all they long? What will they do?".

There were a lot of fears about the length of the contract and whether it would become a long-term transitional hub for Ukrainian refugees beyond the six-week time frame.

"If it is to be a transitional hub it is a never-ending cycle of six weeks," said a speaker.

Another local said the people of Stradbally have welcomed and hosted numerous events over the years such as the Electric Picnic.

"Everybody here welcomes everybody in and there is never an inch of trouble," said a speaker.

Cllr Aisling Moran interjected at this point to ask Mr Cosby.

"How would you feel if they started saying, that's the end of the Electric Picnic"? It was a question that led to a round of applause.

Cllr Moran added: "You have to have respect for the people".

A man who said he worked in a refugee centre for six years claimed that 95% of people 'lied about where they were from'. He asked Mr Cosby and the Pastures New site manager what experience they have in the refugee centre.

While there was an insistence that there was no personal animosity toward Mr Cosby, Some people were also angry at the lack of access to local people to public access to the Stradbally estate when it was closed off as an amenity for local people.

He was also challenged to donate some of the money from the Ukrainian contract to the local community for local facilities.

One woman asked: "Why can't you help out the residents here in Stradbally? We put money in your pocket with the Electric Picnic. We have no community hall. We have nothing for the kids."

While many were fearful of not having been consulted, there were calls on the community to welcome and help those who had fled the war.

A number of speakers from Laois Integration Network spoke.

"We have women and children coming from war-torn countries, is there anything we can do to help," asked Pauline Madigan who is a member of the Laois Integration Network board.

Karen McHugh, LIN chair. She spoke about the help given to Syrian refugees.

However, when she mentioned that she lived in Portlaoise, she was challenged by some about not being from Stradbally. But, she continued.

"We as Irish immigrants had to leave this country in famine times. We have a history" she said.

The replies from a number of speakers were: "Get out the violin now...We heard it before...that's irrelevant this is our town...You're not from Stradbally".

Ms McHugh was supported by a local man.

"Our history is steeped in emigration. I worked for two years years," he said.

He was also challenged.

Another member of the Network who spoke was also interrupted and told she was not from Stradbally.

However, one local woman insisted on being heard.

"We have a moral, civil, political, and Christian duty to look after people who have suffered and I am quite sure, almost 100%, that most of the people in that group called the 750 are individual people for one reason or another have had to pack a bag come to a strange country without the language culture to end up in the middle of a field.

"I would like contact details to help. I spent my life as an educator and I am certainly willing to give my service as an educator to assist in whatever way I can. I absolutely strongly object to a statement that anyone who enters our town they should be Garda vetted. We have never asked that an Irish person coming to live in this town be garda vetted other than they are coming here for a while," she said.

Another local man Michael Buggy was on the side of helping.

"What I would say to townspeople is that I am one of you for the past 70 years and we can give these people a chance and an opportunity. Everybody here has a house to go home to so let's do something for them rather than against them," he said.

Mr Coady fielded many of the questions. He explained that all of those who arrived on the first day had their documents and passports. He said they were not like other refugees who arrived claiming to have lost their passports.

"These are not people arriving into your town undocumented...They all have documentation we know who they are. They all come with a passport. They are predominantly women and children," he said.

He said they had not been garda vetted. He said that nobody over four or over 60 would be accommodated. He was unable to give the gender breakdown of people expected to be living in Stradbally. He did not rule out that males would be.

Mr Coady explained that food is prepared off-site with waste also removed.

He said security staff are vetted and licensed by the Private Security Authority. Five were assigned to the site on day one.

As to the length of the site's use, he said it would be limited.

"The Government have said it us that coming into the winter we won't have people in tents," he said.

Mr Cosby attempted to explain the background to the contract.

"I apologise for the fact there was no consultation. Can you appreciate that this is something that took a minimum of a month probably more to organise. By the time the contracts were negotiated and signed it was the Friday night of the Picnic we couldn't have a contract because of the Picnic.

He said the reason this is happening is because student accommodation is no longer available.

Mr Cosby described the last two weeks as 'a nightmare' and referenced that dispute with farmers over the Electric Picnic's new date for the 2024 harvest as another issue he has had to deal with.

He said the Gardai have a policing plan while the GPs would not be impacted and the HSE would have a presence on the site.

He told the people that he did not believe the accommodation of women and children was 'going to be a major issue' for the community.

He welcomed offers of help. He encouraged the community to be welcoming and not to be "suspicious or terrified" of the refugees.

On the issue of access to the grounds, Mr Cosby said that it was stopped due to litter and vandalism.

He indicated that the site would not become a transitional hub and would not be used beyond the six weeks but stopped short of a complete commitment.

"I cannot guarantee everything in life but what I am told is that they will be able to rebook hotels at the end of September when the tourist season comes to an end. That is not my theory that is the Department's theory," he said.

Mr Cosby suggested that the meeting would be convened within a week of the site opening to assess the impact.

Cllr Paschal McEvoy spoke towards the end of the meeting.

"We should have found out and we should have been told earlier but they are coming now and they are not going to be stopped coming," he said.

He made an impassioned plea to people to understand the background of the refugees.

"These are people. Please just think about where they are coming from. They don't want to come from Ukraine to live in a field in Stradbally. Think about that. Can you imagine the fear that is in the women and children that are here? Their husbands are over in Ukraine some will be killed tonight. Can we not just think of those people for once," he said.

He agreed with the proposal to meet again within a week to assess the situation.

"If there is a problem I will be the first to say close the gate. I promise you that but please give them the opportunity," he said.

Cllr Padraig Fleming said he has found the Ukrainians already living in Laois.

"They are all very respectful and nice people. I have met a lot of people who have come from tragic circumstances. I would say they will be lovely people who will come in here. I would reckon most of you will absolutely welcome them," he said.

Cllr Fleming said councilors had been given a commitment on the timeframe by Government Department officials.

"It was made very clear to us that it was to be used for six weeks only," he said.

A meeting concluded with an agreement to meet after a week of the Ukrainians being accommodated in the town to gauge.
Naas Library have announced a jam-packed programme of events for all ages planned for Culture Night on Friday September 22. The programme celebrates the ECO Showboat Mayfly - a vibrantly coloured solar-powered boat that has been touring Ireland's inland waterways for the last two years. It will be docked in Naas Harbour that evening as part of the 2023 expedition. So come and see the Mayfly or join the Eco Showboat crew with local artist Marta Golubowska and Indian Irish musicians Anna Tanvir and Maninder Singh at Naas Library for an evening of workshops, film and music.

See the full schedule below:

4:00pm: Meet the invertebrates who live in our waterways. Eco Showboat scientific collaborators will show you some of the little creatures that live in our waterways and talk to you about endangered species, invasive species and other problems facing freshwater environments.

Drop-In - No booking required. Family friendly.

5pm-6pm: Ukulele Concert with Kildare North Ukulele Club

Join us for an hour of memorable ukulele tunes with the Kildare North Ukulele Club.

Drop-In - No booking required. Family friendly.

6:00pm-7:00pm: Ceramics Workshop with Marta Golubowska.

Workshop for children (8+) with ceramics artist Marta Golubowska.

Fully booked.

7:30pm: Talk on the ECO Showboat

Meet Anne & Denis who will talk about their two-year solar journey on the island's waterways, show you their studies and observations of nature and tell of their encounters with artists, activists and scientists who explore with them the problems and promises of the freshwater environment.

Drop-In - No booking required.

8:00pm: Film Screening: Winter on the Water

Film 'WINTER ON THE WATER', a documentary made by Cleary Connolly with the artist Marta Golubowska, looking at her family life living on a canal boat at Robertstown in County Kildare and in particular at the challenges of living on the water in wintertime.

Drop-In - No booking required.

9:00pm-10:00pm: World Folk Music Concert with Anna Tanvir & Maninder Singh perform their own compositions and folk songs from around the world in many different languages. Their programme is a soul-stirring musical journey from India across Europe, to Ireland, praising the beauty of nature and the wonder of the natural world. Indian refreshments will also be served.

Book your tickets by clicking HERE.
Plans to reduce speed limits on many of Irelands roads will have a significant impact on improving safety, a minister has said.

Minister of state Jack Chambers, who has responsibility for roads safety, said he will bring proposals to lower several speed limit baselines to Cabinet colleagues later this month.

The speed limit review has been ongoing for two years, but Mr Chambers said work to implement the reductions would be fast-tracked amid concerns around the rising number of road deaths in Ireland.

As of Sunday evening, there had been 127 deaths on Irish roads so far in 2023. That is 23 more than the same period last year and 38 more than the same period in 2019.

A third of all deaths in 2023 have been people under the age of 25 and a quarter have been pedestrians.

There were 25 deaths in August alone.

Proposals set to be brought to Cabinet would see the speed limit on rural and local roads reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.

In urban, residential and other built-up areas the limit would be cut from 50km/h to 30km/h.

The limit on main arterial routes in towns and cities would be capped at 50km/h.

On national secondary roads, the baseline would fall from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Current limits of 120km/h on motorways, 100km/h on national primary roads and 80km/h on regional roads will stay the same.

Under the proposals, local authorities will have the discretion to increase limits on roads where baselines have been reduced, if engineers deem a higher limit is appropriate to the road design.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Minister for Higher and Further Education Simon Harris said: I think it has been a summer of extraordinary concern for people across the country when it comes to road safety.

We have seen far too many tragic events right across Ireland and our hearts go out to all those who have lost people.

He urged people who are travelling on roads that are unfamiliar to them to take care, particularly third-level students travelling to new accommodation ahead of the academic year.

I dont think theres any one thing, quite frankly, that has to be done, he said, adding that nothing should be taken off the table to address the problem.

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney said he strongly supports plans to reduce speed limits on rural roads, saying there was inconsistency across the country.

This isnt a short-term response by Government in the context of the awful tragedies that weve seen this summer, this is something thats been in preparation for quite some time.

This isnt some kind of blip, this is because road safety isnt on peoples minds as much as it should be when theyre driving, he said, adding that increased enforcement was also needed.

Sarah OConnor of the Road Safety Authority said research indicates there was a significant change in drivers attitudes and behaviours during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But now what were seeing with the return to norm is those behavioural breaches, attitudes and behaviours that people have brought to bear, they are now really having a very significant impact.

So, for example, one of the pieces were very concerned (about) is we have seen a 10% reduction of the number of people who report that they or their family members and friends consider drink driving to be inappropriate or socially unacceptable.

A 10% change over the course of the last 10 years, while people might say the alcohol conversation is done and dusted, to us thats a key behaviour that we need to (double down on).

She said there was a similar concern with distracted driving, and that their survey indicates that around 30% of people check their notifications or social media status while driving, while a further 24% of people say they take photos or videos while driving.

So what that says to us is our experience and interaction with mobile phones is broken in Ireland and we need to tackle that.

She said work needed to be done to make using your phone while driving as socially unacceptable as drink driving.

We need to do the same thing with mobile phones. We need to eradicate them and each of us needs to make sure its in the glove compartment, its in our handbag or equivalent, that its not out, that its not accessible.

Mr Chambers is to bring a road safety Bill before the Oireachtas this term and he said the timeframe for developing detailed guidance for local authorities would be reduced from one year to around three months.

But he acknowledged that it could be late 2024 and into 2025 before speed limits were reduced, as local authorities had to undertake a significant exercise of assessing all roads affected.

The Government is examining a range of potential legislative moves aimed at changing driving behaviours.

On Monday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced a 20% increase in the use of speed cameras on Irish roads in response to what she described as worrying trends around increasing road fatalities.

Ms McEntee said an additional 1.2 million euro is to be allocated for GoSafe vans, providing for an extra 1,500 hours of monitoring per month until the end of this year.

One measure would see penalty points handed out for multiple offences committed in one incident, rather than just for the most serious offence.

More than 860 drivers were caught speeding during a Garda slow down day initiative this week.

One of the 865 motorists detected driving in excess of the speed limit was travelling at 161km/h in a 100km/h zone in Co Louth.
Rural towns and villages are suffering big time according to one councillor while another said that businesses are collapsing on our main streets and that pubs in rural areas are closing like dominoes.

Both councillors laid the blame for the problem at the door of the Government which has increased the VAT rate for the hospitality sector from 9% to 13.5% effective from September 1.

Cllr Felim Gurn (Independent) and Cllr Sean McGowan (Fianna Fail) both tabled motions at last Monday's meeting of Leitrim County Council calling on the Government to retain the 9% VAT rate on the hospitality sector and extend it until the end of 2024.

Cllr Gurn who is a publican in Manorhamilton can see for himself the impact the VAT increase is having.

Sky TV has doubled, rates have gone up, wage costs have gone up and suppliers have gone up. He also noted that drinks giant Diagio has raised prices recently.

If this happened in the farming sector, they would be out rioting on the streets, he said, adding that many people will not take a chance and open businesses.

Cllr McGowan said there is an opportunity to change it again in the budget and called on the Minister for Finance and Government to revert to the 9% until Christmas 2024.

Cllr Felim Gurn asked that the members seek the support of the members of Leitrim Council in calling on the Minister for Finance to retain and extend the 9% VAT rate on food related businesses to the end of 2024.

The rate of Irish VAT which applies to certain goods and services, mainly in the tourism and hospitality sector, will increase from 9% back to 13.5%, with effect from 1 September 2023, it was reported recently.

Cllr Gurn, who is a publican, said that his insurance has gone up, Sky TV has doubled, rates have gone up, wage costs have gone up and suppliers have gone up.

He also noted that drinks giant Diagio has raised prices recently.

Fuel prices have gone up leading to cost hikes to suppliers, he continued, adding that all workers will be entitled to 10 days paid sick leave by 2026 under plans which have been approved by Cabinet.

He said that while public realms and streets are being regenerated, businesses are collapsing on our main streets adding that pubs in rural areas are closing like dominoes and many no longer serve food.

If this happened in the farming sector, they would be out rioting on the streets, he said adding that many people will not take a chance and open businesses.

In March, it was reported that tourists are being turned away from booking trips to Ireland because of a bed shortage in hotels sparked by the refugee crisis, Failte Ireland claimed.

If a tourist is spending money, that is keeping people employed but these rooms are not available, he said

He said that VAT increase couldn't come at a worse time, coming into the winter period where businesses are still feeling the effects of Covid.

Cllr Gurn said, The restaurant and pub is a huge community hub in our towns and villages where every aspect from a christening to your death is organised. A major factor that the government is not looking into is putting a decent night time economy bus link service through our rural towns and villages.

Meanwhile, Cllr Sean McGowan said the increase in VAT from 9% to 13.5% is alright for towns and cities who have big footfall but rural towns and villages are suffering big time.

Cllr McGowan who sought the support of the members in calling on the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath and the Government to support the campaign by the Restaurants Association of Ireland to retain the VAT rate of 9% for food related businesses and to extend the 9% VAT rate to the end of 2024,

He said he feared the hike will result in businesses closing down.

It will have an impact here in rural Leitrim and they are big employers - restaurants, pubs - employing upwards of 30 and 40 people.

He said, There is a chance for the Government to change this again in the budget and I want the members to call on the Minister for Finance and Government to revert to the 9% to Christmas 2024.
Bismarck family members of a Minot teenager who served and died in World War II are holding a public ceremony Thursday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan.

A military funeral will be held for Pfc. Donovan Walton, who enlisted in the Marines when he was not yet 18 with papers his father signed, according to the family.

Walton served in the Asia-Pacific theater during the war. He was being transported back to the U.S. for medical attention when the plane crashed in July 1944, killing everyone on board. The soldiers were buried in a mass grave in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri, according to the family.

Walton is listed on a memorial marker at the Morton County Courthouse and has a headstone at the Veterans Cemetery, but the family never received military medals he earned. The funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday is to include a presentation of the medals.
Residents remove debris from a flooded area in the town of Volos, central Greece, Tuesday, September 5, 2023. GEORGE KIDONAS / AP

Fierce rainstorms battered neighboring Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria on Tuesday, September 5, triggering flooding that caused at least seven deaths, including two holidaymakers swept away by a torrent that raged through a campsite in northwestern Turkey.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said four other people were missing after the flash flood swept over the campsite in Kirklareli province, near the border with Bulgaria. He said about 12 vacationers were at the site when the waters hit. Search teams had located two bodies, he said on X (previously Twitter). "The search and rescue efforts for the missing (four) continue uninterrupted," he added.

Television footage showed rescuers carrying a young girl and an adult to safety from waters reaching waist-high in some areas. The rains also damaged and forced the closure of a main road, Haberturk television reported.

In Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, heavy rain flooded streets and homes in two neighborhoods, leaving at least two dead, according to a statement from the governor's office. Around a dozen people were rescued after being stranded inside a library, while some subway stations were shut down. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul urged motorcyclists to stay home.

Emergency team members rescue a young girl during floods in a campsite in Kirklareli province, Turkey, Tuesday, September 5, 2023. ALI CAN ZERAY / AP

A cyclist rides through floodwater blocking the road due to heavy rain in Basaksehir district of Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, September 5, 2023. KHALIL HAMRA / AP

In Greece, police banned traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion and the resort island of Skiathos as record rainfall caused at least one death, channeled thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away. The fire department said one man was killed near Volos when a wall buckled and fell on him. Five people were reported missing, possibly swept away by floodwaters. Authorities sent cellphone alerts in several other areas of central Greece, the Sporades island chain and the island of Evia warning people to limit their movements outdoors.

Streams overflowed their banks and swept cars into the sea in the Pilion area, while rockfalls blocked roads, a small bridge was carried away and many areas suffered electricity cuts. Authorities evacuated a retirement home in the city of Volos as a precaution. Greece's weather service said a Pilion region village received 75.4 centimeters (nearly 30 inches) of rain late Tuesday, by far the highest level recorded since at least 2006. It noted that the average annual rainfall in the Athens region is around 40 centimeters (15.75 inches).

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes After prolonged drought and repeated heat waves in Spain, early torrential rains leave climatologists puzzled

'Didn't manage things as well as we would have liked'

The country's minister of climate crisis and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the heavy rain was expected to ease up after midday Wednesday. He advised people in affected areas to stay indoors. The storm comes on the heels of major summer wildfires that hit Greece over the past few weeks, with some burning for more than two weeks and destroying vast tracts of forest and farmland. More than 20 people were killed in the fires.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis blamed both the wildfires and storms on climate change while conceding that his center-right government "clearly didn't manage things as well as we would have liked" on the wildfire front. "I am afraid that the careless summers, as we knew them ... will cease to exist and from now on the coming summers are likely to be ever more difficult," he said Tuesday.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Racism flares up as Greeks blame migrants for wildfires

Contamination of drinking water

Farther north in Bulgaria, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said two people died and three others were missing after a storm caused floods on the country's southern Black Sea coast. Overflowing rivers caused severe damage to roads and bridges. The area also suffered power blackouts, and authorities warned residents not to drink tap water due to contamination from floodwaters. High winds sent 2-meter (6-foot) waves crashing onto beaches at tourist resorts amid torrential rain that flooded streets and houses.

TV footage showed cars and camper vans being swept out to sea in the hardest-hit southern resort town of Tsarevo. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Tsarevo and urged people to move upstairs as the ground floors of some hotels were inundated.

People observe the damage on the beach, after a storm, in Arapya, Bulgaria, Tuesday, September 5, 2023. MILENA GENADIEVA / AP
Iranian authorities on Tuesday, September 5, arrested an uncle of Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian Kurdish woman who died in custody sparking months of protests, just ahead of the first anniversary of her death, reports said on Tuesday.

Safa Aeli, 30, was arrested by security forces in the family's hometown of Saqez in western Iran and taken to an unknown location, the Kurdish-focused Hengaw rights group, France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network and the 1500tasvir protest monitor said in separate statements.

Hengaw said Iranian authorities deployed a convoy of five vehicles filled with members of the security forces to forcibly enter Aeli's residence, without presenting any legal documentation. Media based outside Iran have said that the town of Saqez is under particular scrutiny ahead of the anniversary, with hotels told not to accept outsiders and new security cameras being set up including around Amini's grave.

The uncle's arrest comes as activists accuse the Iranian government of stepping up a crackdown ahead of the September 16 anniversary of the death of Amini, 22, who had been arrested days before for allegedly violating the strict dress rules for women. The ensuing protests shook Iran's Islamic authorities but have now subsided in the face of a crackdown in which rights groups said hundreds were killed and the UN tallied thousands arrested.

Campaign groups, including Amnesty International, have accused Iran of arresting and interrogating family members of those killed in the protests in a bid to force them into silence and prevent further demonstrations from erupting. Activists say those arrested in recent weeks include Mashallah Karami, the father of Mohammad Mehdi Karami, 22, one of seven men to have been hanged so far in cases related to the protests.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Iran arrests activists ahead of anniversary of Mahsa Aminis death
Police officers and rescuers inspect the site of a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine September 6, 2023. INTERIOR MINISTRY OF UKRAINE / VIA REUTERS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, September 6, that a Russian strike on a market in east Ukraine had killed more than a dozen people and wounded more, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Kyiv.

Rescue workers picked through the debris and carried some of the nearly 30 wounded for treatment past charred vehicles and kiosks torn to pieces in the blast, according to images distributed by officials. "Seventeen people have been killed, including one child," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on social media following the strike in the market about 20 kilometers from the front line.

Shmygal posted security camera footage of a blast tearing into rows of kiosks, sending residents running for cover and sending off car alarms. He said one child was among the dead.

"At this moment, the artillery of Russian terrorists has killed 16 people in the city of Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region. A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong. Many wounded," Zelensky said in a post on social media. "Anyone in the world who is still dealing with anything Russian simply ignores this reality. Heinous evil. Brazen wickedness. Utter inhumanity," Zelensky said.

The White House on Wednesday condemned fresh Russian strikes. "These brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their territory," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told a daily briefing.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday condemned the attack. "This brutal attack on innocent people peacefully shopping at a market makes it clear: this Russian war of aggression is an attack on international law, on humanity," Baerbock wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Frontline town

Kostyantynivka is a frontline town of an estimated 70,000 people in the eastern industrial region of Donetsk, which has been the epicenter of fighting since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

The industrial Donetsk region has been partially controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists since 2014 and Russia claimed to have annexed it late last year.

The attack came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine, with Washington set to unveil more than $1 billion in fresh aid to battle Russia. During a meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken reiterated Washington's support for Kyiv in its fight to liberate territory in the south and east.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent," he told Kuleba. Blinken is expected to announce "more than a billion dollars in new US funding for Ukraine," according to a senior State Department official.

The US has supplied key weaponry to Ukraine that allowed it to go on the advance this summer. But Ukraine has in recent weeks become increasingly frustrated with criticism that the counter-offensive has been too slow.

Russia, meanwhile, said Wednesday it had "improved its tactical position" near the north-western city of Kupiansk, where it has led a local offensive for weeks. It also hit Ukraine's southwestern Odesa region, near the border with Romania, with drone attacks overnight, killing one person.
Kenyan President William Ruto during his closing speech at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi on September 6, 2023. LUIS TATO / AFP

The first African Climate Summit ended on Wednesday, September 6, in Nairobi, with a joint declaration by the heads of state setting out the continent's expectations of the major polluting countries, and its aspirations to become a major player in decarbonizing the global economy. It defines the common position to be defended by the continent's representatives in a busy international agenda  G20 this weekend in India, the UN General Assembly at the end of September, the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Marrakech in October and a new round of climate negotiations in the United Arab Emirates in November (COP28).

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Draft declaration of African Climate Summit attracts criticism

The eight-page text was the subject of intense discussion to achieve a balance satisfying all 54 states. It was a successful gamble for Kenyan President William Ruto, who led this meeting, described as "historic" by its participants, and established himself as the continent's voice. If Senegalese leader Macky Sall's suggestion is accepted, he could even be the only head of state to speak on behalf of the whole of Africa at COP28. This is a privilege that only former Ethiopian president Meles Zenawi (1991-2012) enjoyed at the 2009 World Climate Conference in Copenhagen.

For three days, Ruto's smile and pragmatism may have charmed and even reassured the Westerners invited to the event, but the consensus that emerged from Nairobi is not just a reminder of the broken promises, such as the creation of a $100 billion (93 billion) annual fund.

Faced with the growing impacts of climate change and the need to build decarbonized economies, it calls for a paradigm shift through the introduction of a global tax on carbon emissions, including a tax on fossil fuel trade, air and sea transport. This, along with a possible tax on financial transactions, will "provide dedicated, affordable and accessible financing to invest in large-scale climate projects, without drawing on [domestic] resources and without being unduly influenced by geopolitical and national interests."

'Green growth'

African leaders in Nairobi denounced the injustices of the global financial system and major institutions such as the IMF and World Bank (whose reform is currently under discussion). They are also calling for an increase in concessional loans  on very favorable financial terms  and debt relief measures.

On Tuesday, the Global Adaptation Centre, which supports the most vulnerable countries, announced that the continent's financial needs could amount to $100 billion a year. To give one example, for Tanzania, which will be submitting its adaptation plan to COP28 in order to mobilize international funding, this amounts to almost $10 billion, or 15% of its GDP.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Africa's solutions to climate change

Faced with these choices, Africa's leaders point to the need to ensure clean economic development for a continent whose population is set to double by 2050, and quadruple by 2100, to achieve global carbon neutrality by mid-century and contain temperature rises to below 1.5C, or even 2C. "We are committed to driving economic growth and job creation in Africa in a way that not only limits our emissions but contributes to global decarbonization efforts," they declared.

The ambition of the Nairobi summit is first and foremost to come up with a positive agenda. Ruto, drawing on the trajectory of Kenya, where almost 90% of electricity comes from renewable energies, constantly hammered home the point that the continent, with its renewable and non-renewable resources, can become a central player in the global energy transition, provided it reaps the right benefits. "Transforming the African economy through green growth is the fairest, most effective and most feasible way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050," he claimed.

'A strong political signal'

The declaration points out that while the continent has 40% of the world's renewable energy capacity, it still attracts only a marginal fraction of investment. At the same time, 600 million people are still deprived of access to electricity, and almost a billion people depend on forest and agricultural residues to cook their food. The text also underlines the role played by the forests of the Congo Basin in stabilizing the climate and biodiversity.

French negotiator for the Paris Agreement Laurence Tubiana, who was present in Nairobi, enthusiastically applauded this new commitment. "Africa is sending out a strong signal. It is showing the leadership needed to maintain our chances of staying below 1.5C warming. Ambitious African voices show that Africa can take the lead in forging a new global social contract between African countries, rich in resources essential to the green transition, and developed countries, following the conditions and standards proposed by Africa. Europe must now listen to and support these voices to co-develop a green industrialization agenda, and break the taboos together of an unfair financial system."

Opinion Article reserve a nos abonnes 'Africa is part of the solution to global warming'

The heads of state also decided to hold a climate summit every two years.
REPRESENTATIVES of employers across the city and country are to be in attendance at a jobs fair in St Mary's Park next week.

On Wednesday, September 13, the estate's community centre will play host to the Regeneration-backed event, which takes place between 6pm and 8pm.

So far, representatives of 20 companies, educational bodies and other services have indicated they will attend what will be the third of four jobs fairs in the Regeneration estates this year.

In total, more than 800 people attended previous fairs in Moyross and Ballinacurra Weston earlier this year.

Companies represented at the fair include Aura Grove Island, Garvey's Supervalu, the Clayton Hotel and Mr Price.

Nationally, there will be a chance to find out more information on signing up with An Garda Siochana or enlisting in the Irish Army.

Community centres across the city and the local authority will also be represented at the event.

Mayor Gerald Mitchell said: "With doors to new career pathways swinging open, the jobs fair is more than an event, it's a catalyst for lifelong success, putting residents on the fast track to achieving their ambitions. I encourage residents in the area to participate in the Jobs Fair at Kings Island Community Centre. It promises to be a launchpad for many employment and educational journeys.

Regeneration director Joe Delaney added: "This is a unique City Centre based opportunity for the local community. The event aims to connect local residents with potential employers so that they can explore job openings and gain insights into various career paths. At the fair, entry-level positions to more specialised roles will be on offer. Training and educational opportunities will also be available.

The final Regeneration Jobs Fair of 2023 will take place in Southill in October.
ADARE will be an extension of OConnell Street over my dead body, declared Limerick Councillor Adam Teskey on Monday.

He was speaking at a special meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District to discuss the draft Adare local area plan for 2024 to 2030.

The meeting heard of proposals to narrow main street, expand pedestrian areas, include cycle routes, off-street parking to replace on-street parking in parts and plant two rows of trees as part of a draft public realm plan.

Cllr Emmett OBrien said Adare dates back centuries but there is a feeling out there that you have to be trendy and progressive.

The calamitous OConnell Street has devastated commercial enterprise, said Cllr OBrien.

Cllr John ODonoghue said it is an attempt to build an idyllic village.

We are in a main agricultural area and they want to narrow the road. What about bin lorries, buses, tractors - two tractors side by side is six metres and the road is 5.5 metres. There are major agricultural machinery companies in Adare. Are we creating a village for the Ryder Cup or the children of the future? asked Cllr ODonoghue.

Cllr Teskey, cathaoirleach, asked if any of those present had ever driven a tractor?

I drive one every day. It is a testament to the Dunraven family that Adare is an English-style village and very wide but you want to narrow it to 5.5 metres, said Cllr Teskey, who added that Adare will be an extension of OConnell Street over my dead body.

He said he called the special meeting due to the lack of engagement by the council with councillors, and a draft Adare Public Realm Plan being taken in conjunction with the draft local area plan as part of a statutory process.

I have requested meetings about the public realm plan since May 22 and none forthcoming. I was being left with no alternative but to potentially seek my own legal advice on the matter - this is simply not good enough.

We have a duty to represent the public that elected us here. Its a sad reflection on democracy and transparency that an elected representative and chairman of the area would have to potentially engage legally to convene a special meeting. said Cllr Teskey.

Cllr Kevin Sheahan said taking the two plans together surrenders their authority as councillors.

I am dissatisfied to say the least, said Cllr Sheahan.

Cllr Teskey said he thought the two plans would be linked together and not married.

In contrast, Cllr Bridie Collins said she was perplexed by the special meeting being called.

We were supposed to have a meeting to thrash things out and you insisted on a public meeting. Its a distraction - we cant mention pieces of land / landowners. We are going through a public consultation process. This Thursday is the most important event, said Cllr Collins.

Members of the public and interest groups are invited to attend a drop-in public information evening this Thursday, September 7, between 3pm - 7pm in the village hall, Adare.

Maria Woods, head of forward / strategic planning with the local authority, said it is a legal process and they are following development and planning guidelines.

Both plans are there and anyone can make submissions, said Ms Woods, who added that the plans will be back before this meeting in due course.

One of the pre-draft submissions in the local area plan is the need for housing and especially affordable homes in Adare.

There are currently 139 properties in the system with planning, and provision for a further 156.

Cllr Stephen Keary said the situation in Castletroy is diabolical.

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are buying up whole sites. Young couples cant buy one house.

There is nothing stopping an AHB coming in here and buying 70 houses, said Cllr Keary.

Cllr Teskey said young couples who want to build a one-off house are totally precluded.

Cllr OBrien said we are a long way from tar being put on the bypass of Adare but Irish Rail is undergoing the biggest infrastructure project in the county in 10 years and it is not even part of the plan.

The meeting, held in the Manor Fields Community Complex, had to pause briefly due to the sound of a helicopter flying overhead.

Read the draft Adare local area and public realm plans at www.limerick.ie
LAND that was blessed by Pope John Paul II, graced by US President John F Kennedy and home to the former Limerick Racecourse is the site of a transformative 100m housing development in the city.

The sod was officially turned this Monday at Greenpark, adjacent South Circular Road, where 371 residential units will be delivered by Voyage Property.

The last race meeting at the venue took place on Sunday, March 21, 1999 after 130 years of horse racing. It is hoped that next March the first new residents will get their keys.

John Keane, director of Voyage Property, speaking at the sod turning on Monday, said: In the midst of a housing shortage in our city, and indeed our country, Greenpark is an opportunity to grow Limerick city in a sustainable way, through delivery of energy efficient homes in a location so close to the city centre, allowing Limerick to deliver desperately needed new homes.

Mr Keane said the proximity of the development to Limerick city centre will also benefit businesses in the city by encouraging increased footfall.

The 371 A2 BER-rated homes will be divided into 157 two-storey houses consisting of 10 four-bedroom, 110 three-bedroom and 37 two-bedroom; 76 three-storey duplexes made up of 14 three-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom; 138 apartments - 92 two-bedroom and 46 one-bedroom. A childcare facility and play areas are also planned for Greenpark.

Mr Keane said the mix of abodes will suit first-time buyers, those seeking to trade up from their existing home, couples seeking to right size and others.

The sod turning is not only the culmination of four years commitment and planning on behalf of the Voyage Property team, but is also the culmination of over 20 years of effort on behalf of many parties, too many to individually mention here today, but all of whom have contributed to his momentous day, said Mr Keane, who was joined at the sod turning by Minister for State Kieran ODonnell, Cllrs Joe Leddin and Dan McSweeney, deputy mayor.

Greenpark is where tens of thousands came to see President Kennedy in 1963 and Pope John Paul Paul II in 1979. In a nod to its racing history some of the addresses within the development will be The Gallops, The Parade and The Paddocks.

Greenpark will be a biodiverse development with multiple pocket parks for play and leisure contained within the scheme. Its location will allow residents to realistically walk or cycle to multiple locations including the city centre, Mary Immaculate College, Crescent Shopping Centre, University Hospital Limerick, Raheen Business Park, said Mr Keane.

Continuing the theme, Tom Crosse, of sole-agents GVM, said there will be pedestrian access onto the South Circular Road.

You wont even need a car. Greenpark will be transformative for Limerick city. This is the biggest housing development in Limerick city in recent years. We want to see communities develop within Greenpark, said Mr Crosse.

Fergus Mangan, head of lending at Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), set up by the Government to fund the delivery of new homes, said: The homes are part of the wider Greenpark strategic housing development lands which are of strategic importance to Limerick city and county and HBFI is proud to play a role in activating the site in line with its national mandate.

Those interested in purchasing a property in Greenpark can register their interest at greenparklimerick.ie.
A NEW STAMP to mark the centenary of Irelands admittance to the League of Nations will be released by An Post.

The stamp will be released on Thursday, September 7 as this year marks 100 years of Ireland joining the League of Nations, giving the Irish Free State the opportunity to engage more extensively with other countries.

The stamp, produced by design house Zero-G, is available at main post offices, Dublins GPO or online. An accompanying First Day Cover envelope shows the then Irish Free State delegation to the League of Nations, September 1923, courtesy of National Archives of Ireland.

The Tanaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin TD said: I am delighted to welcome this new stamp, a timely reminder of Irelands history of active engagement in world affairs.

It is important that we remember and celebrate the significance of Ireland taking our place among our fellow nations. This stamp commemorates Irelands ambition as a new state and marks our active engagement in world affairs ever since.

The League was founded in January, 1920 by the Paris Peace Conference that formally ended the war. The League was formally disbanded in 1946 and its powers and functions transferred to the United Nations.

The stamp design presents a symbolic representation of Irelands membership of the League, featuring the colours of a selection of countries from both the founding members and those countries which joined prior to Ireland, and the tricolour of Ireland.
Europes fastest-growing MedTech event, Medical Technology Ireland, returns on 20-21 September 2023 at Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit.

Medical Technology Ireland is Europes second largest and fastest-growing MedTech Exhibition and Conference, reflecting the dynamic medical device sector in Ireland.

For the second year running, the Exhibition is completely sold out, with more than two months to go! Medical Technology Ireland 2023 will showcase over 300 Irish and international companies with exhibitions stands over four floors, for the first time! Come and meet these specialist tier I, II, and III supply chain companies from over 16 countries including more than 80 from Ireland, 30 from the US and 30 from Germany.

The entire event is targeted at the medical device OEM engineering, supply chain and procurement management community. In the exhibition, you will be able to see the entire spectrum of advanced technology, materials and solutions for the design, development and production of medical devices, including packaging, moulding, automation, medical electronics, medical plastics, sterilisation, components, materials testing and inspection, sensors, surface technology, manufacturing equipment, manufacturing services and consultation services such as IP, Regulatory and Design.

The free two-day Conference will enhance the visitor experience with a high-level content programme that will deliver insights and intelligence from a wide range of blue-chip users, government officials and industry experts and takes place in the Conference Theatre on the 2nd Floor.

This year, working with industry partners, universities and research institutes, the Conference will focus on R & D technologies and processes. It will provide guidance and pathways for researchers to leverage and implement R & D project acceleration and ultimately, commercialisation. The Conference will include Design Innovation, Regulatory, IP, Emerging Technologies, and HR, including Personnel Development and selection.

See the full Conference Programme here.

Medical Technology Ireland will also host the popular Women in MedTech Forum. Chaired by Fiona Neary, Commercial Director of BioExel and Innovation Operations Manager at the University of Galway, it will feature a stellar line-up of speakers including Barbara McCarthy, PMO Manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision; Lisa Casserly, HR Generalist at Zimmer Biomet; Sharon Fahy, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic, and Fiona King, Senior Research & Development Engineering Manager at Cook Medical.

To further facilitate business opportunities, Medical Technology Ireland is launching a new App this year, which will enable visitors to search and find solution providers by different criteria and will also include a free Meetings Programme. This will allow exhibitors and visitors to arrive at the show with a schedule of meetings in place and so maximise the effective use of time at the event. It will also enable more spontaneous networking and business opportunities across both days.

Visitors can register for FREE entry to the Exhibition, Conference and Women in MedTech Forum at www.MedicalTechnologyIreland.com

Opening Times: Wednesday 20 September 2023, 09.30 - 17.00, Thursday 21 September 2023, 09.30 - 16.00.

For more information and to see the full list of exhibitors, visit www.MedicalTechnologyIreland.com
Summit Carbon Solutions is facing potential issues with rules and decisions at the county level as it seeks approval from North Dakota regulators for its planned regional carbon dioxide storage project, leading to questions over state and local authority in project siting.

Summit on Tuesday withdrew a conditional use permit application before the Oliver County Commission regarding construction related to two injection wells for its CO2 storage facility, the ending point for a 2,000-mile interstate pipeline.

This followed a vote last week by the county's Planning and Zoning Board to recommend that the county commission deny the permit, following multiple meetings between the board and the company. The county commission would have made the ultimate decision on the matter.

"We have a lot of faith in what Planning and Zoning does," Commission Chair Lee Husfloen said at Tuesday's commission meeting.

A conditional use permit allows land to be used in a different manner than what it was originally zoned for. Summit had proposed to use agricultural land for industrial purposes.

Summit said it was withdrawing the application due to the timing of construction being delayed, its desire to provide the commission with more information, and the company's belief that the Planning and Zoning Board went outside of its jurisdiction in what could be considered for the permit.

Summit representative Jay Volk said the conditional land use permit should regard use of roadways and dust control but that many of the matters raised at the Planning and Zoning Board were unrelated to these issues.

The state Department of Mineral Resources regulates injection wells for CO2 storage, with final decisions made by the state Industrial Commission, which regulates oil and gas development. There have already been four projects approved across the state comprising five storage facilities. Two of these wells are in Oliver County for Project Tundra, Minnkota Power Cooperative's planned CO2 storage project.

The department told the Tribune it was reviewing the county's authority in decisions regarding injection wells based on Environmental Solutions v. Dunn County, a 2017 state Supreme Court case which concluded that the Industrial Commission has final say over a county on the location of oil and gas waste treating plants.

Volk told the county commission, "We brought these conditional land use permits forward through Planning and Zoning more from the transparency side of the project."

Oliver County Auditor Jaden Schmidt told the Tribune that the reasons the Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend denial of the permit last week included safety concerns and not enough transparency from Summit.

Every time (the board) gets new information from Summit, it changes a little here or there, she said.

Schmidt added that the board said it did not see the project as bringing benefits to the county.

A spokesperson for Summit said the county would see a number of benefits from the project, highlighting tax revenues it would receive, the potential for job creation and the easement money provided to landowners in the county.

County challenges

Summit's planned Midwest Carbon Express pipeline is to move CO2 emissions from dozens of ethanol plants in Nebraska, Iowa, the Dakotas and Minnesota to Oliver County for permanent storage underground.

North Dakota's three-member Public Service Commission on Aug. 4 rejected Summit's proposed 320-mile route in the state, citing several reasons including that Summit had not adequately addressed sensitive geological areas and landowner concerns. Summit has asked the PSC to reconsider.

Burleigh and Emmons counties have filed challenges to Summit's petition for reconsideration alongside other intervenors in the siting application. Local ordinances are under contention in the challenges.

Both counties earlier this year placed restrictions on pipelines carrying hazardous materials within their borders, in response to Summit's project.

Summit sought to have the ordinances declared superseded and preempted, arguing that recent changes to state law made local zoning ordinances other than road use agreements automatically preempted if a permit was granted by the PSC. The company's attorney wrote that even if the law did not automatically preempt local ordinances, the Burleigh and Emmons rules are still unreasonably restrictive.

The PSC in its denial of the route permit decided that whether local ordinances in this case would be superseded was moot. The reasoning in the order was that Summit had not filed a variance or waiver with either county, but there was some disagreement on this among the decision-makers.

The matter came down to a question of whether it was settled that a PSC approval would automatically override the counties' ordinances, leaving it open for how a similar request would be handled in the future.

In its petition for reconsideration Summit again seeks to override local ordinances.

Derrick Braaten, the attorney representing Emmons County in the case, argued that the decision to override county ordinances is not automatic. He said the PSC must make a decision on whether a company has met the burden of proof needed for local ordinances to be voided, which he said Summit has not.

Burleigh County has not yet been approved as an intervenor in the siting application, but it submitted a challenge as well. County State's Attorney Julie Lawyer argued that counties have the right to adopt ordinances for the zoning of pipelines and that routes through the county that do not violate local rules are available. She added that Summit's petition did not include enough information regarding where the proposed reroute of the pipeline would be within the county.

Burleigh County's prior petition to intervene in the siting permit was denied due to this issue having been declared moot during the PSC denial. The new petition says the county "has a legal interest in its authority to enact ordinances and respond to challenges of that authority and those ordinances."
One Irish weather expert has said that the weather in Greenland could end up bringing cooler weather to Ireland this winter.

It is quite a while away but Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather has been analysing long range forecasts to try and predict what type of winter we will get in Ireland over the coming months.

While he admitted the long range forecasts beyond ten days are "very poor," he did signal a weather trend in Greenland that could affect Ireland in the long run.

Alan said: "Long range forecasts are still sadly generally very poor and forecasting beyond 10 days is uncertain.

"However, overall long range trend forecasts are interesting to look at and the latest ECMWF seasonal forecast for winter shows an increased risk of a cooler winter with high pressure forecast over Greenland."

Alan did stress the unpredictability of weather models this far out but that it "will be interesting to look back on this in a few months."

Meanwhile, Met Eireann's extended range forecast only runs to the end of September and predicts a largely dry month ahead.

Temperatures will remain in the mid-20s this week with the risk of some showers in the coming weeks, as well as wetter and more changeable weather from around September 18.
WASHINGTONThe Pentagon is considering the development of a vast network of AI-powered technology, drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China and other adversaries.

Kathleen Hicks, the deputy secretary of defense, will provide new details in a speech later Wednesday about the departments plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to develop an array of thousands of air-, land- and sea-based artificial-intelligence systems that are intended to be small, smart, cheap."

The U.S. is seeking to keep pace with Chinas rapidly expanding military amid concerns that the Pentagon bureaucracy takes too long to develop and deploy cutting-edge systems.

Were not at war. We are not seeking to be at war, but we have to be able to get this department to move with that same kind of urgency because the PRC isnt waiting," Hicks said during an interview Tuesday, referring to the Peoples Republic of China.

One approach could be to build on the capabilities demonstrated by Task Force 59, the U.S. Navys network of drones and sensors designed to monitor Irans military activities in the Middle East.

Imagine distributed pods of self-propelled [autonomous] systems afloat, powered by the sun and other virtually limitless resources, packed with sensors aplenty, enough to give us new, reliable sources of information in near-real-time," Hicks is expected to say during the speech before a conference hosted by Defense News in Arlington, Va.

Other capabilities that are being considered are autonomous ground-based systems to provide logistics, space-based autonomous systems that would be so numerous they would be difficult for an adversary to destroy and autonomous systems that could defend against incoming missiles.

Autonomous systems use artificial intelligence to detect and engage enemy targets, and can include self-piloting air- and sea-based drones. The Defense Department has long invested in such systemsincluding self-piloting ships and no-crew aircraft.

Hickss speech is expected to include important new details about the Replicator" initiative the Pentagon announced last week to offset the growing Chinese military.

At that time, the Defense Department said it hoped to deploy thousands of the systems but said little about how they might be used.

In her speech Wednesday, Hicks will sketch out some of the air, land and sea capabilities that the Pentagon is looking to develop.

The program is being driven in part by advances made by China, which has more ships than the U.S. Navy and has invested in autonomous systems. A 2022 Pentagon report concluded that China is displaying growing numbers of autonomous and teaming systems," including a substantial amount of development displaying efforts to produce swarming capability for operational applications."

But some contractors said some key questions about the Pentagon initiative remain unanswered, including whether sufficient funds are being tapped to meet the goal.

The hundreds of millions of dollars range, while a great start, would only provide hundreds of the truly capable ocean drones we need to establish true deterrence to China and other adversaries," said Kevin Decker, chief executive of Ocean Aero, which has developed an environmentally powered autonomous underwater and surface vehicle. Theyve got to start somewhere, and they got to start now."

The Pentagon plans to prepare a list of initial investments before the end of the year based on what the service chiefs and combatant commanders say they need, Hicks said.

Overall we are going to deliver in the thousands," Hicks said during Tuesdays interview.

Hicks said that funding for Replicator would come from existing funds and cost hundreds of millions." The latest Pentagon budget request includes $1.8 billion for artificial intelligence for fiscal 2024.

A Navy admiral created Task Force 59 in 2021 after a deployment of naval ships to the Asia-Pacific region left fewer of them transiting the Middle East. The dronessome of which can float at sea for up to six monthscan send back detailed images and other data. It is now seen as the sort of capability that can be further developed and greatly expanded.

Over time, people will come to the conclusion that its cheaper, faster, safer and potentially even higher-quality," Ocean Aeros Decker said. And the cost will come down."

Write to Nancy A. Youssef at nancy.youssef@wsj.com and Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Zambian Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) were placed under provisional liquidation in 2019 by the former Zambian President Edgar Lungu's administration, who accused Vedanta of dishonesty about expansion plans and tax payments, initiating a series of legal battles. President Hakainde Hichilema, Lungu's successor, ended a four-year legal battle over its ownership.

In a statement on September 5, ZCCM-IH stated, All disputes between the parties have been resolved and all proceedings relating to the disputes will be withdrawn with each party bearing their own costs." The statement further added, "KCM board will be reinstated, and Vedanta Resources Ltd. will return to its previous role as the majority shareholder of KCM."

The resolution is a significant victory for Agarwal, who has been battling to regain control of Konkola. It could also prove beneficial for the Zambian government if Vedanta follows through on its commitment to invest $1 billion over five years to complete an expansion.

As part of the ownership and control transfer agreement, once Konkola's board is reinstated, Vedanta has also committed to:

Paying $250 million to Konkola's local creditors. Allocating $20 million annually for local communities through a trust. Implementing a 20% pay increase for workers. Providing a one-off payment of 2,500 kwacha ($121) to all employees.

The finalisation of this deal could contribute to the revival of Zambia's copper industry. Zambian government projects that copper output will reach a 14-year low in 2023. Hichilema's administration aims to achieve national production of 3 million tons annually by 2031, nearly quadrupling last year's production.

Before the liquidation process began, Vedanta held a 79.4% stake in Konkola, with ZCCM-IH owning the remainder. The transition period for Vedanta to assume operational control of Konkola is expected to take about three months, according to ZCCM-IH Chairman Kakenenwa Muyangwa.

Zambian government will also re-establish its golden share in Konkola, granting it veto rights over the company, announced Zambian Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe as part of the deal. Kabuswe said, "History must not repeat itself" at Konkola, adding, We want world-class standards."

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Hinduja Group is planning to make billions of dollars of investment in Nigeria'a auto industry. The group is in talks with Nigerian president in New Delhi, ahead of the G20 summit .

We are going to make investments into the billions of dollars under your leadership, because we see you are already addressing the systemic problems," said Prakash Hinduja, the companys chairman.

He also expressed his willingness to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian government after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The West African nation is striving to attract foreign investments to help stabilize the naira. It is worth noting that naira has lost more than 40% of its value in 2023.

Nigerian president has assigned his finance and trade ministers to finalise a deal with the company after working on its details, confirmed the spokesperson for Tinubu.

We are here for business," Tinubu said in New Delhi. I am here to personally assure our friends and investors that there is no bottleneck that I will not break," to help them invest in Nigeria.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Delhi on Tuesday to attend the G20 summit. A delegration from the only African nation in the G20, South Africa will join under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

US President Joe Biden, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also join the summit. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is likely to skip according to Indian media.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will attend as an observer, with the heads of the IMF and the World Bank also in attendance.

The summit will also be joined by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. These leaders will represent the European Union.

Leaders of fellow G7 members like Britain, Canada, Japan, and Italy will join the summit. Rishi Sunak, Justin Trudeau, Fumio Kishida and Giorgia Meloni, will also participate in the summit.

From the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will take part.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend in person, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also expected.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
New Delhi: Food and beverage company PepsiCo India on Wednesday said it will invest 778 crore to set up its first food-focussed manufacturing plant in Assam, easing access to markets in the north-east region.

The manufacturing facility, spread over 44.2 acres in Nalbari, is proposed to be operational in 2025. It will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to 500 people.

PepsiCo India will assist farmers in the region by using state-of-the-art technology, high-quality seeds and affordable machinery and has a goal of sourcing 50,000 tonnes of potatoes from the state to produce its iconic brand Lays. The plant will also generate demand for cold storage capacity of 60,000 tonnes over the next few years, the company said in a statement.

India is among the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, said Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, stressing the need for building capacity in the country where it started operations in 1989.

India stands as a robust cornerstone among the worlds leading economies, underscored by its impressive growth trajectory. India is amongst the fastest growing markets for PepsiCo in AMESA region, and we are committed to invest in the nation to build capacity. Our first foods manufacturing plant in Assam is a testament of our long-term vision and unwavering support to the economic growth of the country by creating an equitable and sustainable ecosystem. This plant is poised to integrate the finest elements of PepsiCos global expertise while contributing to Assams holistic advancement. This decade is a decade of India and at PepsiCo, we are focused on building capabilities, availability and expanding penetration across the nation," Willemsen said.

In India, PepsiCo sells brands like Pepsi, Lays, Kurkure, Tropicana, Gatorade and Quaker.

On Wednesday, PepsiCo India also signed a tripartite MoU with Assam Skill Development Mission and Directorate of Employment and Craftsman training to enhance women employability in the region. The plant is expected to generate opportunities for the MSME industry including packaging products like laminates, carton, scrap and other local ancillary industry.

Through the creation of employment opportunities and by empowering the farming community, our aim is to support the governments drive for self-sufficiency in potato production. Our skilling initiatives will further focus on fostering an ecosystem of economic empowerment for the women of Assam, equipping them with essential training and parity in opportunities," said Ahmed ElSheikh, President, PepsiCo India.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Vedanta Resources is in talks with Standard Chartered Bank for borrowing $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion of loan against brand fee receivables without any restructuring pre-conditions, reported ET.

The parent-firm of publicly listed Vedanta Limited is currently in the need of cash and is in the need of funds worth 1.3 billion in FY24 and $ 4.3 billion in FY 25, reported ET's Shilpy Sinha.

The company is looking to refinance its $3.8 billion worth of bonds maturing between 2024 and 2026 with loans of extended maturities and manageable size.

The mining major has about $1 billion of bonds that are maturing in January next year. Moreover, a similar size is also up for maturity in August 2024. Another $1.2 billion bonds are due in March 2025 and another $600 million in April 2026.

"We are looking to put in place a refinancing package that will include deleveraging (some debt), extending maturities and manageable size," said Omar Davis, President  Strategy at Vedanta Resources.

"We want less big towers (size of loans) and longer maturity periods," he said.

Vedanta Resources has debt maturities of about $3 billion from now until August 2024, said S&P Global Ratings while revising Vedanta's rating outlook to negative in August starting.

The downgrading "reflected the heightened refinancing risk".

"Vedanta Resources' large debt maturities that require external financing present downside rating risk," it had said. "We estimate the company will have a funding gap of as much as USD 2 billion until August 2024."

VEDANTA More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Green hydrogen is being touted around the world as a clean energy solution to take the carbon out of high-emitting sectors like transport and industrial manufacturing.

The India-led International Solar Alliance launched the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre earlier this year, and India itself approved $2.3 billion for the production, use and export of green hydrogen. Global cooperation on green hydrogen manufacturing and supply is expected to be discussed by G-20 leaders at this week's summit in New Delhi.

WHAT IS GREEN HYDROGEN?

Hydrogen is produced by separating that element from others in molecules where hydrogen occurs. For example, water  well known by its chemical symbol of H20, or two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom  can be split into those component atoms through electrolysis.

Hydrogen has been produced and used at scale for over a century, primarily to make fertilizers and plastics and to refine oil. It has mostly been produced using fossil fuels, especially natural gas.

But when the production is powered by renewable energy, the resulting hydrogen is green hydrogen.

The global market for green hydrogen is expected to reach $410 billion by 2030, according to analysts, which would more than double its current market size.

However, critics say the fuel is not always viable at scale and its green credentials are determined by the source of energy used to produce it.

WHAT CAN GREEN HYDROGEN BE USED FOR?

Green hydrogen can have a variety of uses in industries such as steelmaking, concrete production and manufacturing chemicals and fertilizers. It can also be used to generate electricity, as a fuel for transport and to heat homes and offices. Today, hydrogen is primarily used in refining petrol and manufacturing fertilizers. While petrol would have no use in a fossil fuel-free world, emissions from making fertilizer  essential to grow crops that feed the world  can be reduced by using green hydrogen.

Francisco Boshell, an energy analyst at the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi, is optimistic about green hydrogens role in the transition to clean energy, especially in cases where energy from renewables like solar and wind can't practically be stored and used via battery  like aviation, shipping and some industrial processes.

He said hydrogen's volatility  it's highly flammable and requires special pipelines for safe transport  means most green hydrogen will likely be used close to where it is made.

ARE THERE DOUBTS ABOUT GREEN HYDROGEN?

That flammability plus transport issues limit hydrogen's use in dispersed applications" such as residential heating, according to a report by the Energy Transitions Commission, a coalition of energy leaders committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. It also is less efficient than direct electrification as some energy is lost when renewables are converted to hydrogen and then the hydrogen is converted again to power, the report said.

That report noted strong potential for hydrogen as an alternative to batteries for energy storage at large scale and for long periods.

Other studies have questioned the high cost of production, investment risks, greater need for water than other clean power and the lack of international standards that hinders a global market.

Robert Howarth, a professor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who also sits on New York's Climate Action Council, said green hydrogen is being oversold in part due to lobbying by the oil and gas industry.

Boshell, of the International Renewable Energy Agency, disagreed. His organization has projected hydrogen demand will grow to 550 million tons by 2050, up from the current 100 million tons.

The International Energy Agency says production of hydrogen is responsible for around 830 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. Boshell said just replacing this so-called gray hydrogen  hydrogen produced from fossil fuels  would ensure a long-term market for green hydrogen.

The first thing we have to do is start replacing the existing demand for gray hydrogen. And then we can add additional demand and applications of green hydrogen as a fuel for industries, shipping and aviation," he said.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
There are several areas of high consequence in Iowa that could be inundated by carbon dioxide if Summit Carbon Solutions proposed pipeline has a major failure, according to James Powell, the companys chief operating officer.

Powell on Tuesday was the first witness for the company to testify at its evidentiary hearing with the Iowa Utilities Board, which is weighing whether to approve a route for the project. Powell did not identify the at-risk areas, reported the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Summit wants to build a pipeline system that would span more than 2,000 miles in five states and would transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants and other facilities to western North Dakota's Oliver County for underground sequestration.

Many of the Iowa landowners subject to eminent domain who testified in the first two weeks of the hearing are concerned about the safety of the pipeline and what would happen if it abruptly released a large amount of carbon dioxide.

Under certain conditions, such releases can create a plume of the gas that has the potential to travel long distances and suffocate people and animals.

Thats what happened in 2020 in Mississippi, when another companys pipeline ruptured and sickened dozens of people. Three people nearly died.

The computer modeling that attempted to predict where carbon dioxide would go if it leaked from the Mississippi pipeline did not identify that threat.

Powell testified that Summits so-called dispersion modeling is much more robust and said the companys plans and precautions would make its pipeline system one of the safest ever constructed.

Were doing things that I think are prudent for an operator that Denbury didnt do, Powell said in reference to the Mississippi pipeline company.

The modeling has been a point of contention in Summits permit process in Iowa. The company has declined to publicly disclose it, claiming that someone who wishes to sabotage the pipeline could use the information to inflict the most casualties. It has further argued that safety considerations are governed by federal authorities and are outside the purview of the IUB.

Those who seek the results of the dispersion modeling have argued that the information should be considered to finalize a pipeline route, which the IUB must approve. Powell testified that Summit did not use the models to help determine the route.

The board on Tuesday granted a request from the Sierra Club of Iowa, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and several counties to force Summit to provide the information to attorneys of those groups. Those attorneys are required to keep the information confidential.

High-consequence areas

There are a handful of locations along Summits proposed route where a pipeline break could be especially detrimental to people, Powell said.

A Summit spokesperson declined to provide a specific number of those locations but said they are mostly populated areas near ethanol plants. Powell said two of the locations are not near ethanol plants.

In Iowa, of the 686 miles of pipeline proposed, there are 1.13 miles of direct impact to high consequence areas in a worst-case release scenario, he said.

The U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration typically considers populated areas, drinking water sources and sensitive ecological sites to be high consequence areas.

Powell did not specify where the areas are located, but a review of the ethanol producers the company plans to connect to shows that six of them lie within a mile of a city.

Five facilities are located near the Iowa cities of Goldfield, Mason City, Merrill, Shenandoah and Superior. The sixth is near Lyle, Minnesota.

Powell declined to elaborate on what specific atmospheric conditions were considered for the plume modeling but said it included an evaluation of worst-case scenarios.

Carbon dioxide plumes can be affected by air temperature, wind strength and direction, the lay of the land, the size of the pipe rupture and obstacles that affect the flow of air, such as corn and trees.

The gas is heavier than air, but carbon dioxide from pipeline leaks most often dissipates into the atmosphere without affecting people, federal officials have said.

Other testimony

Here are some other notable takeaways from Powells testimony on Tuesday:

Powell disagreed with a perception among pipeline opponents that elected leaders, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, have sought to support and expedite the project: I see no evidence that we are receiving special treatment from the Iowa Utilities Board.

The pipeline will not be built in Iowa if Summit is unable to get a permit in North Dakota, Powell said. Utility regulators in that state rejected Summits permit application last month, but the company has asked them to reconsider.

Summit will pay farmers for crop losses tied to the construction and operation of its pipeline beyond three years from the start of construction. It will also pay to fix underground tiling that is damaged even if that damage isnt identified for years.

Landowners who are subject to eminent domain might get the same compensation that they were offered by the company for voluntary easements. County compensation commissions determine what is fair compensation for eminent domain takings.

Summit is open to transporting carbon dioxide for other companies that might be used for commercial purposes rather than sequestration.

The board had initially expected to have four Summit witnesses testify on Tuesday, but the questioning of Powell took more than six hours. About half of that questioning came from Brian Jorde, who is representing more than 100 landowners who oppose the project in multiple states.

Jorde is seeking a delay in the proceedings while the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission conducts its evidentiary hearing, which starts next week. He represents landowners in that state.

To knowingly prevent Jorde Landowners lead counsel, who has solely prepared for all remaining witnesses including all Jorde Landowner witnesses, from participating in proceedings held between September 11 and 29 would cause Jorde Landowners extreme hardship and prejudice, Jorde wrote.

Its unclear when the board will rule on the request but it has denied several other requests to delay the hearing.

Live testimony from the Iowa hearing can be viewed online at bit.ly/3sFMjgS.
The buzz that started after the dinner invite to G20 leaders from President Droupadi Murmu used the term 'President of Bharat' instead of the traditional 'President of India' has now extended to the Bollywood fraternity. The title of Akshay Kumar's new film 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Indian Rescue' now has been changed to 'Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue'.

Today, Akshay Kumar took to Instagram and unveiled the poster of his new film Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue, inspired by the heroic act of Late Shri Jaswant Singh Gill, who led a daring rescue operation of trapped minors in Mahabir colliery in Raniganj, West Bengal on November 13, 1989.

The poster offers a peek into the griping rescue operation that unfolded when 65 miners found themselves trapped in Raniganj coal mine, 350 feet deep. Akshay Kumar portrays the character of the Late Jaswant Singh Gill, who saved the trapped minors in a hair-raising operation.

Amidst the desperate race against time, with conventional rescue efforts proving futile, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Jaswant Singh Gill. Gill suggested to drill a well and deploy a specially crafted steel rescue capsule onsite. With the aid of a crane, one by one, all 65 trapped miners were rescued. After all the miners were rescued Gill emerged from the depth of the pit.

"Heroes don't wait for medals to do what's right! Watch the story of Bharat's true hero with #MissionRaniganj in cinemas on 6th October. Teaser out tomorrow," Akshay captioned the post.

Mission Raniganj is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh and Ajay Kapoor. Parineeti Chopra is doing the role of the female lead in the film.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
A common framework for cryptocurrencies is likely to emerge as one of the major achievements of India's presidency of G20, which has been agreed upon by the participating nations, ANI reported citing official sources.

As per the report, "G20 nations agree on global framework for regulation of crypto asset. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Financial Stability Board (FSB) have laid down synthesis paper and a comprehensive framework has been developed and further discussion will take place during leaders summit."

Indian G20 Presidency recommended to have common framework for resolution of debt vulnerability where it also addressed debt vulnerability of countries like Zambia, Ghana and Ethiopia along with support for Sri Lanka from outside the framework," the ANI reported citing sources.

As per sources, several working groups have made recommendations on Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).

Working groups have made recommendations to address future financing challenges and MDBs are also keen to implement stated recommendations. There has been a consensus to have USD 200 billion fund to meet financing need during course of next 10 years," the report said.

Highlighting further, the sources stated that G20 nations have assessed high volatility in food and energy security.

G20 under India's presidency has emphasised on greater cooperation stability in food and energy security which is essential for sustainable growth and it will be discussed during leaders summit scheduled to be held later this week in the national capital," the report mentioned.

On international taxation, the sources state that India under the G20 Presidency has recommended a pillar taxation system on international taxation and "significant progress" has been made so far with regard to that aspect.

India is all set to host the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi from September 9-10. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country.

A G20 Leaders Declaration will be adopted at the conclusion of the New Delhi Summit, stating Leaders commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The initial share sale of Goldman Sachs-backed Samhi Hotels will open for public subscription on September 14. The three-day initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on September 18 and the bidding for the anchor investors will open on September 13, according to the red herring prospectus (RHP).

The price band is yet to be announced by the Gurugram-based company. However, the firm has revised the size of its fresh issue to 1,200 crore from the earlier target of 1,000 crore

Samhi Hotels proposed an IPO comprising a fresh issue of equity shares worth 1,200 crore and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of 1.35 crore equity shares by existing shareholders. The IPO will open on 14 September and will remain open till 18 September . Anchor Investors can place their bids on 13 September

The OFS consists of the sale of 84.28 lakh equity shares by Blue Chandra Pte Ltd, up to 49.31 lakh equity shares by Goldman Sachs Investments Holdings (Asia) Ltd, up to 1.4 lakh equity shares by GTI Capital Alpha Pvt Ltd

It is a partial exit by the existing shareholders to meet the listing regulations.

Earlier, the company filed its IPO papers with Sebi in September 2019 and had obtained the markets regulator's approval in November 2019, to float the initial share sale but the company did not go ahead with the launch.

The Gurguram-based company will utilise net proceeds of the fresh issue to the tune of 750 crore towards payment of debt and for general corporate purposes.

Samhi has a portfolio of 3,839-key rooms spread across 25 operating hotels in 12 of India's major urban consumer hubs, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, National Capital Region (NCR), Pune, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, as of February 28, 2023.

As of February 2023, it is the largest owner of Fairfield by Marriott and Holiday Inn Express brands in India. It operates under long-term management contracts with global hotel operators like Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The uber-rich hire all kinds of people to make their lives easier. Landscapers maintain gardens, housekeepers tidy homes, nannies raise children. Yet perhaps no role is as important as that of the wealth manager, who is hired to protect capital.

These advisers are scattered across the globe in cities such as Geneva and New York, and are employed as fiduciaries, meaning they are required to act in the interest of their clients. As such, they become privy to the intimate lives of the rich and famous, who must expose their secrets so that advice may be offered on, say, the inheritance of a child born of an extramarital affair. Advisers also help families allocate investments, stash cash in boltholes, minimise tax bills, plan for retirement, arrange to pass down their vast wealth and follow unusual wishes. A Singapore-based manager recalls being told to invest a double-digit" percentage of a familys wealth in bloodstock horses"steeds bred especially for racinga term he hurriedly looked up after the meeting.

For decades, wealth management was a niche service, looked down upon by the rest of finance. Now it is the most attractive business in the industry. Capital and liquidity requirements set after the global financial crisis of 2007-09 have made running balance-sheet-heavy businesses, such as lending or trading, difficult and expensive. By comparison, doling out wealth advice requires almost no capital. Margins for firms that achieve scale are typically around 25%. Clients stick around, meaning that revenues are predictable. Competition has crushed profits in other formerly lucrative asset-management businesses, such as mutual funds. And whereas the pools of assets managed by BlackRock and Vanguard, the index- and exchange-traded-fund giants, are huge, they collect a fraction of a penny on every dollar invested. A standard fee for a wealth manager is 1% of a clients assets, annually.

Wealth management is all the more appealing because of how quickly it is expanding. Global economic growth has been decent enough over the past two decades, at more than 3% a year. Yet it has been left in the dust by growth in wealth. Between 2000 and 2020 it rose from $160trn, or four times global output, to $510trn, or six times output. Although much of this is tied up in property and other assets, the pool of liquid assets is still vast, making up a quarter of the total. Bain, a consultancy, estimates that it will almost double, from just over $130trn to almost $230trn by 2030meaning that a $100trn prize is up for grabs. They anticipate the boom will help lift global wealth-management revenues from $255bn to $510bn.

View Full Image (Graphic: The Economist)

It will be fuelled by geography, demography and technology. The biggest managers are attempting to cover ever more of the globe as dynastic wealth is created in Asian and Latin American markets. Baby-boomers are the last generation that can rely on defined-benefit pensions for their retirement; more people will have to take decisions about how their own wealth will support them. Meanwhile, software is streamlining the bureaucracy that once waylaid wealth managers, allowing them to serve more clients at lower cost, and helping firms automate the acquisition of new ones. These gains will allow big banks to serve the merely rich as well as the uber-wealthy. Firms are already climbing down the rungs of the wealth ladder, from ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth, who have millions of dollars to invest, into the lives of those with just $100,000 or so.

Markus Habbel of Bain sees a comparison to the booming luxury-goods industry. Handbags were once prized for their exclusivity as much as their beauty, but have become ubiquitous on social media, with influencers touting Bottega Veneta pouches and Hermes bags. Think about Louis Vuitton or Gucci. They have basically the same clients as [wealth managers] target and they increased from 40m [customers] 40 years ago to 400m now," he notes. Upper-crust buyers have not been put off.

Which firms will grab the $100trn prize? For the moment, wealth management is fragmented. Local banks, such as BTG in Brazil, have large shares of domestic markets. Regional champions dominate in hubs, including Bank of Singapore and DBS in Asia. In America the masses are served by specialist firms such as Edward Jones, a retail-wealth-mananagement outfit in which advisers are paid based on commissions for selling funds. Only a handful of institutions compete on a truly global scale. These include Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase. But the two biggest are Morgan Stanley and a new-look UBS, which has just absorbed Credit Suisse, its old domestic rival. After acquiring a handful of smaller wealth-management firms over the past decade, Morgan Stanley now oversees around $6trn in wealth assets. After its merger, UBS now oversees $5.5trn.

To the victor

This patchwork is unlikely to last. The industry is heading in a winner-takes-all direction," predicts Mr Habbel, as it becomes very much about scale, about technology and about global reach". Jennifer Piepszak, an executive at JPMorgan, has reported that her firms takeover of First Republic, a bank for the well-heeled that failed in May, represents a meaningful acceleration" of its wealth-management ambitions. Citigroup has poached Andy Sieg, head of wealth management at Bank of America, in an effort to revamp its offering. In 2021 Vanguard purchased Just Invest", a wealth-technology company.

UBS and Morgan Stanley have grander ambitions. The firms strategies reflect their contrasting backgrounds and may, ultimately, end up in a clash. Morgan Stanley competes around the world but is dominant in America, and is focusing on wealth services for the masses, as shown by its purchase of e*trade, a brokerage platform, in 2020. James Gorman, the banks boss, has said that if the firm keeps growing new assets by around 5% a year, its current growth rate, it would oversee $20trn in a decade or so.

This would be built on Morgan Stanleys existing scale. In 2009 the bank agreed to acquire Smith Barney, Citis wealth-management arm, for $13.5bn, which helped boost margins to the low teens from 2% or so in the years before the financial crisis. Today they are around 27%, reflecting the use of tech to move into advising the merely rich. Andy Saperstein, head of the wealth-management division, points to the acquisition of Solium, a small stock-plan-administration firm, which Morgan Stanley purchased for just $900m in 2019, as crucial for building a strong client-referral machine. No one was looking at the stock-plan-administration companies because they didnt make any money," he says. But these firms had access to a huge customer base and [clients] were constantly checking to see when the equity was going to vest, what it was worth and when they would have access to it."

UBS is employing a more old-school approach, albeit with a global twist. Having taken over its domestic rival, the Swiss bank has a once-in-a-generation chance to cement a lead in places where Credit Suisse flourished, such as Brazil and South-East Asia. Deft execution of the merger would make the firm a front-runner in almost every corner of the globe. Thus, for now at least, the new-look UBS will focus more on geographic breadth than the merely rich.

In differing ways, both Morgan Stanley and UBS are seeking even greater scale. When clients hire a wealth manager they tend to want one of two things. Sometimes it is help with a decision when the cost of making a bad choice is high", says Mr Saperstein, such as working out how to save for retirement or a childs education. Other times it is something exclusively available, such as access to investments unobtainable through a regular brokerage account.

Being able to offer clients access to private funds or assets will probably become increasingly important for wealth managers. Greater scale means greater bargaining power when negotiating with private-markets firms to secure exclusive deals, such as private funds for customers or lower fees. Younger generations, which will soon be inheriting wealth, are expected to demand more environmentally and socially conscious options, including those that do not just screen out oil companies, but focus on investing in, say, clean energy. A decade ago a client would tend to follow their wealth adviser if he or she moved to a new firm. Exclusive funds make such a switch more difficult.

The winner-takes-all trend may be accelerated by artificial intelligence (AI), on which bigger firms with bigger technology budgets already have a head start. There are three kinds of tools that AI could be used to create. The first take a firms proprietary information, such as asset-allocation recommendations or research reports, and spit out information that advisers can use to help their clients. Attempts to build such enterprise" tools are common, since they are the easiest to produce and pose few regulatory difficulties.

Wealthbots

The second type of tool would be trained on client information rather than companies proprietary data, perhaps even listening in on conversations between advisers and clients. Such a tool could then summarise information and create automatic actions for advisers, reminding them to send details to clients or follow up about certain issues. The third kind of tool is the most aspirational. It is an execution tool, which would allow advisers to speak aloud requests, such as purchasing units in a fund or carrying out a foreign-exchange transaction, and have a firms systems automatically execute that transaction on their behalf, saving time.

It will take money to make money, then. The biggest wealth managers already have more substantial margins, access to products their clients want and a head start on the technology that might put them even further ahead. We are a growth company now," claims Mr Saperstein of Morgan Stanley, a sentence that has been rarely uttered about a bank in the past 15 years. We are just getting started."

Yet the two giants atop the industry are both going through periods of transition. UBS has barely begun the open-heart surgery that is required when merging two large banks. Meanwhile, Mr Gorman, architect of Morgan Stanleys wealth strategy, will retire some time in the next nine months. The succession race between Mr Saperstein, Ted Pick and Dan Simkowitz, two other executives, is already under way. Either firm could falter. Although the two are chasing different strategies, it is surely only a matter of time before they clash. UBS is on an American hiring spree; Morgan Stanley is eyeing expansion in some global markets, including Japan.

And despite the advantages offered by scale, smaller wealth-management firms will be difficult to dislodge entirely. Lots of different outfits have a foothold in the industry, from customer-directed brokerage platforms like Charles Schwab, which also offer their richest customers independent advice from a fiduciary, to asset-management firms, such as Fidelity and Vanguard, which have millions of customers invested in their funds, who might seek out wealth-management advice.

When Willie Sutton, a dapper thief also known as Slick Willie who died in 1980, was asked why he decided to rob banks, he replied that it was simply because that is where the money is". This is also a useful aphorism to explain strategy on Wall Street, as firms race to take advantage of the $100trn opportunity in wealth management. Once the business was a sleepy, unsophisticated corner of finance. Now it is the industrys future.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
KYIV, UkraineSecretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday in a visit aimed at signaling Washingtons support amid a slow-going counteroffensive and grumbling among some Republicans about the level of U.S. assistance for the country.

Blinken is expected to announce more than $1 billion in additional aid for the country and to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital, a senior State Department official said. He will also sit down with the countrys Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Blinken was greeted upon arrival in Kyiv by the U.S. ambassador, Bridget Brink.

Blinkens plane-and-train journey to Kyiv from Washington at a key moment in the countrys struggle against Russia is the highest-profile U.S. visit to Ukraine since President Biden made an unannounced trip there in February.

Hours before Blinken arrived, Kyiv was alerted to air attacks from Russia, including eight missiles and 25 Iranian drones across Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. Air defenses destroyed 23 targets.

Ukrainian troops are battling to break through Russian fortifications in their countrys south, but even successfully piercing the line will only mark a start.

A senior State Department official traveling with Blinken said the visit represented perfect timing for us to align with the Ukrainian government on all of the main priorities that they have and that we have together."

U.S. officials are expected to discuss economic support for Ukraine on the visit and announce an aid package of more than $1 billion, with a significant part devoted to nonmilitary support.

Meanwhile, American and Ukrainian officials have been engaged in a behind-the-scenes debate over the strategy and tactics for Kyivs counteroffensive.

American military officials have been urging the Ukrainians to return to the combined arms training they received at allied bases in Europe by concentrating their forces to try to punch through Russias defenses and push to the Sea of Azov.

You will see a continuation of our efforts to try to ensure that they have what they need for this phase of the battle, which as youve seen on the ground includes materiel not only for strikes, but also to break through these really vicious lines of defenses that the Russians have put up," the official said. Air defense continues to be a high priority."

The official traveling with Blinken cited some impressive advances in the south in particular, but also in the east in recent days and weeks."

Write to William Mauldin at william.mauldin@wsj.com

View Full Image Blinken Visits Kyiv at Key Moment for War, Ukraine Ties

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Extreme rainfall and strong winds triggered by an extratropical cyclone resulted in the loss of at least 21 lives in southern Brazil, officials said on September 6 and warned about potential for more flooding, reported AFP.

Governor Eduardo Leite at a press conference in the state of Rio Grande do Sul said that this storm is one of the deadliest incident to hit Brazil. He said, "We were deeply saddened to get the news that as the water recedes... 15 more bodies were found in the town of Mucum, bringing the death toll to 21."

Approximately 6,000 individuals were compelled to evacuate their homes due to the storms that commenced on September 5. In under 24 hours, the state witnessed over 300 millimeters (nearly 12 inches) of rain, accompanied by hail, which resulted in floods and landslides, officials stated.

The small town of Mucum, with a population of 5,000, was especially affected. The Taquari river overflowed, submerging more than 85 percent of the city, and hundreds had to be rescued from their rooftops, reported GZH.

Mayor Mateus Trojan expressed concerns about the possibility of a rising death toll, stating, "There are still people missing. The death toll might climb higher. The town of Mucum as we knew it no longer exists."

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva conveyed a message of solidarity with those impacted, affirming that the federal government is "ready to help."

The victims include a man who suffered an electrical shock in Passo Fundo and a couple whose car was swept away by a river as they attempted to cross a bridge in Ibiraiaras.

These storms impacted 67 municipalities, affecting over 52,000 people. The neighbouring state of Santa Catarina also recorded one fatality.

Rescue operations were conducted by hundreds of firefighters, along with military police and civil defence personnel. Helicopters were deployed to reach areas cut off by flooding. With further rainfall expected from September 7, authorities have warned of the potential for additional flooding.

Brazil has been witnessing a series of deadly weather events, and experts suggest that climate change is likely exacerbating these situations. Irregular housing developments in vulnerable areas are also contributing to the severity of these disasters. Approximately 9.5 million of Brazil's 203 million inhabitants reside in regions at high risk of flooding or landslides.

(With inputs from AFP)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Delhi government issued a gazette notification on September 5 detailing traffic restrictions in the national capital ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit , reported ANI .

As per the notification, various vehicle types, including goods vehicles, commercial vehicles, interstate buses, and local city buses, will not be allowed to operate on Mathura Road (beyond Ashram Chowk), Bhairon Road, Purana Quila Road, and inside Pragati Maidan Tunnel from midnight on September 7 until 11:59 PM on September 10.

However, goods vehicles transporting essential commodities such as milk, vegetables, fruits, medical supplies, and others with valid 'No Entry Permissions' will be permitted to enter Delhi.

Additionally, the entire area of New Delhi District will be designated as "Controlled Zone-I" from 5 AM on September 8 until 11:59 PM on September 10. The area inside Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) will be considered a "Regulated Zone" during the same period.

Only authorised residents, emergency vehicles, vehicles traveling to the Airport, Old Delhi, and New Delhi Railway Stations, as well as other authorised vehicles, will be allowed to use the road network in New Delhi District during these hours. No TSR (three-wheeled shared taxi) and taxi services will be permitted to enter or operate within the New Delhi District from 5 AM on September 9 until 11:59 PM on September 10.

However, all types of commercial vehicles, including buses already present in Delhi, will be permitted to travel on Ring Road and the road network beyond Ring Road towards the borders of Delhi.

India is gearing up to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9 to 10, and world leaders are expected to attend. The summit will take place at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 of the previous year, and it has organised about 200 meetings related to the G20 in 60 cities across the country.

(With inputs from ANI)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Hospitality chains as well as event management firms preparing for the G20 events in Delhi have hired temporary workers to address their staffing shortages for the next few days.

Major hotel chains have also relocated their staff from other sites and hired trained executives for the event. All critical positions at the HOD, managerial cadres and expatriate chefs in hotels were the focal point of hiring since January in preparation for the G20 to ensure that the best available talent was available in the run up to the summit," said Neha Garg, the founder director of Red Kite Consulting, which specializes in recruiting for the hospitality industry.

Hotels hosting the G20 delegates and visitors during this period made arrangements in advance to avoid last-minute staff shortages, Garg said. Also, visas for expat chefs were expedited by the ministry of external affairs and consular missions in preparation for the G20 Summit," she added.

New Delhi is hosting the 18th G20 Summit on 9-10 September, but expect large number of visitors ahead of the scheduled events.

Several hotels in the capital have managed to move around their teams to branches where G20 delegations are staying.

Indian Hotels Co. Ltds network in Delhi redeployed employees to cater to additional work. A spokesperson for the Taj Mahal hotel at Mansingh Road said since it is hosting regular visitors as well as delegates arriving for the G20 events, it has increased manpower through redeployments from locations outside Delhi, including security teams and on-ground teams like chefs.

Data from travel services firm RateGain shows the average daily ratea key metric for hoteliers to measure revenueduring 7-11 September was up to 26,000, an over fourfold rise from 6,000 seen over the past one year.

G20 will need temp workers who are hired from staffing firms and event management companies .There has been an intake of gig workforce for profiles like ushers and security personnel, and their hiring has taken place few months ago ," said Lohit Bhatia, president, workforce management, at business services provider Quess Corp.

Recruiters said most of the gig workers are young professionals looking to boost their resumes or trainees from colleges.

The daily pay will be about 1,500 a day for the gig workforce when a similar job for a month could fetch them 10,000," said Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder and director of TeamLease Services.

Many top leaders from partner countries will be residing at the ITC Maurya and the Taj Palace in Delhi, which have over the years hosted several heads of states and are familiar with the protocol. US President Joe Biden is expected to stay at the Taj Palace, while the delegation from Saudi Arabia will be hosted by The Leela Palace Hotel at Chanakyapuri.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken on the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping not attending the G20 summit . Calling it a usual scenario, Jaishankar said there have been several occasions when top heads of a country have skipped the G20 meeting . But that country and its position is reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion.

Read all the LIVE updates on G20 here

In an interview with ANI news agency, Jaishankar stated, "...I think, at different points of time in G20 there have been some Presidents or PMs who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves. But that country and its position is reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion...I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness...".

Also read: G20 Summit in Delhi: If China wants to play role of spoiler, says US National Security Advisor

Premier Li Qiang will lead China's delegation at a G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend. This will be the first time that a Chinese president has missed a leaders' summit since the first edition was held in 2008, though in 2020 and 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Xi attended virtually.

On the other hand, the Russian president is skipping the G20 Summit because of the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for him over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Russia will also be represented by its foreign minister.

The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.

Also read: Why China's President Xi Jinping is not attending G20 Summit in India? Explained

India has invited Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and UAE as guest countries for the mega event.

Most of the leaders have confirmed their presence which includes, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

At the end of the summit, a declaration will be adopted stating the Leaders commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.ll the

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
G20 Summit 2023: A day after the Delhi Police flagged "false claims" made by travel firm MakeMyTrip about a "bandh" in the national capital during the G20 summit, the travel firm said it is extending support to the city police by displaying all its advisories.

The Delhi Police, in turn, thanked MakeMyTrip for the gesture. In a post on X, MakeMyTrip said: Travel should always be stress-free, so we believe. We've extended our support to @DelhiPolice and have consolidated all traffic advisories and guidelines here: makemytrip.com/promos/delhi-g ... for your journeys on 8th to 10th Sept within and outside of Delhi-NCR. So, if you must step out to reach Delhi Airport, Delhi railway stations and more, do refer to this link to plan better. #G20Summit."

The Delhi Police thanked the company for putting the traffic advisory on its microsite.

Also read: G20 Summit: 'Delhi is not Bandh' Police denies MakeMyTrip's bandh email to customers

"Thank you, @makemytrip, for putting up our traffic advisories on your microsite and helping us disseminate the right information to make travel smooth for all in Delhi," it wrote on X.

The Delhi Police had asked MakeMyTrip on Monday to retract an e-mail claiming that the national capital was "shut" during the summit.

The Police also informed people that the movement will be restricted only in the New Delhi district.

"The email sent out by @makemytripcare falsely claims that Delhi is closed from September 08th to 10th, 2023. In the wake of the #G20Summit, there will be restrictions in the New Delhi district. We request @makemytrip to retract their email and issue a clarification," it had said.

The 18th G20 Summit will be held in the national capital on September 9 and 10. This will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.

During the summit on September 9 and 10, establishments in the New Delhi area, including Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, will remain closed for the public.

Dhaula Kuan, Khan Market, Janpath, and Bhikaji Cama Place have been designated as "sensitive areas," but no markets will be shut; movement will be regulated instead. Moreover, Cloud kitchens and delivery services won't be allowed in the New Delhi area during the summit. However, essential services like grocery stores, ATMs, and medical stores will remain open in the regulated zone.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Davidic Covenant

*8

When God speaks to you, write it down on a page, so you can put it into memory. Why?



ChatGPT

The practice of writing down one's experiences, including messages or revelations received from a spiritual or divine source, serves several purposes and can be found in various religious and spiritual traditions. Here are some reasons why people may be encouraged to write down such experiences:

Preservation: Writing down spiritual or divine messages preserves them for future reference. It ensures that the message is accurately retained and can be revisited later, preventing potential distortions or alterations in memory.

Reflection: Writing allows individuals to reflect on the message and its significance. It provides an opportunity to ponder the meaning, implications, and guidance offered in the message, leading to a deeper understanding.

Guidance: Divine or spiritual messages often contain guidance, instructions, or insights for one's life path. Writing them down helps individuals remember and follow the guidance more effectively.

Accountability: Having a written record holds individuals accountable for any commitments or actions outlined in the message. It serves as a reminder of their spiritual or moral responsibilities.

Sharing: In some cases, individuals may be guided to share their divine or spiritual experiences and messages with others. Having a written record allows for accurate and clear communication of these messages to others who may benefit from them.

Validation: When spiritual experiences are written down, they can be shared with spiritual leaders, mentors, or a community for validation and guidance. This can help confirm the authenticity and relevance of the messages.

Memory Aid: Writing down experiences can aid in memory retention. It provides a tangible reference point that can be revisited over time, reinforcing the memory of the experience.

Spiritual Growth: Keeping a written record of spiritual experiences can contribute to personal and spiritual growth. It allows individuals to track their spiritual journey, milestones, and the evolution of their beliefs and practices.

Inspiration: Reviewing past spiritual messages and experiences can serve as a source of inspiration during challenging times or when seeking guidance. It reminds individuals of the spiritual support and insights they have received.

It's important to note that the practice of writing down spiritual or divine messages is a personal choice and varies among individuals and religious or spiritual traditions. Some may find great value in this practice, while others may rely on oral tradition, meditation, or prayer for similar purposes.

**

Davidic Covenant: King David, one of Judah's descendants, received a covenant from God known as the Davidic Covenant. God promised that a descendant of David would establish an everlasting kingdom, and this promise is also connected to the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:16). [  7:16]

***

king Saul came from the tribe of Benjamin. King David came from the tribe of Judah. Right? In what book of the Bible?

ChatGPT

Yes, that's correct. According to the Bible, King Saul came from the tribe of Benjamin, and King David came from the tribe of Judah.

This information can be found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. The story of King Saul is primarily in 1 Samuel, and the story of King David is continued in 2 Samuel. These books provide detailed accounts of their lives and reigns.

[User]

also in the book Deuteronomy?

ChatGPT

Yes, you can find references to the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the Book of Deuteronomy as well. The Book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and it contains laws, commandments, and instructions given by Moses to the Israelites.

In Deuteronomy 33, there is a blessing given to the tribes of Israel, and it mentions the tribes of Benjamin and Judah along with the other tribes. Specifically, Deuteronomy 33:12 mentions Benjamin, and Deuteronomy 33:7 mentions Judah. These verses highlight the special characteristics and blessings associated with each tribe.

[User]

another name for Israel?

ChatGPT

Another name for Israel, particularly in the context of historical and biblical references, is "Jacob." In the Bible, the name "Israel" was given to Jacob after he wrestled with an angel in the book of Genesis (Genesis 32:28). It signifies a change in his identity and is used to refer to both Jacob personally and the descendants of Jacob as a nation.

So, "Jacob" and "Israel" are often used interchangeably in the Bible when referring to the same individual or the nation that descended from him.

[User]

Who was descended from Joseph?

ChatGPT

Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel) in the Bible, had two sons named Ephraim and Manasseh. They are often considered as the eponymous ancestors of two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Ephraim and Manasseh became two of the twelve tribes of Israel, alongside the other ten tribes descended from Jacob's other sons. So, many Israelites can trace their lineage back to Joseph through the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

[User]

List the twelve tribes of Israel, their ancestors and the descendants of each tribe, as well as their locations?

ChatGPT

The twelve tribes of Israel, their ancestors, and their locations are foundational to the history and heritage of the Israelites in the Bible. Here is a list of the twelve tribes, their ancestors, and a brief description of their locations during the time of the conquest of Canaan:

Reuben: Ancestor - Reuben (Jacob's son)

Location: Eastern side of the Jordan River.

Simeon: Ancestor - Simeon (Jacob's son)

Location: Scattered within the territory of Judah.

Levi: Ancestor - Levi (Jacob's son)

Location: No specific territory; the Levites were designated as priests and had cities scattered throughout the other tribes.

Judah: Ancestor - Judah (Jacob's son)

Location: Southern region of Canaan, with Jerusalem as its prominent city.

Dan: Ancestor - Dan (Jacob's son)

Location: Originally in the coastal area to the west but later migrated to the north.

Naphtali: Ancestor - Naphtali (Jacob's son)

Location: Northern part of Canaan, around the Sea of Galilee.

Gad: Ancestor - Gad (Jacob's son)

Location: Eastern side of the Jordan River.

Asher: Ancestor - Asher (Jacob's son)

Location: Coastal region in the north.

Issachar: Ancestor - Issachar (Jacob's son)

Location: Inland territory, located between Zebulun and Manasseh.

Zebulun: Ancestor - Zebulun (Jacob's son)

Location: North of Issachar, along the Mediterranean coast.

Joseph: Ancestor - Joseph (Jacob's son)

Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each became tribes.

Ephraim: Location - Northern part of Canaan.

Manasseh: Location - Western side of the Jordan River.

Benjamin: Ancestor - Benjamin (Jacob's son)

Location: Near Jerusalem, in the central region of Canaan.

Please note that the territories and locations of these tribes were subject to change over time due to various historical events, including conquests and migrations. The descriptions above provide a general idea of their initial locations during the conquest of Canaan.

[User]

Why Judah was God's favorite as "Judah: Ancestor - Judah (Jacob's son) Location: Southern region of Canaan, with Jerusalem as its prominent city.?

ChatGPT

In the biblical narrative, Judah became significant for several reasons, and one of the primary reasons is tied to the Messianic lineage. According to the Bible, the line of the Messiah, who was prophesied to come, was to be descended from Judah.

Here are some key reasons why Judah was considered significant in biblical history:

Messiah's Lineage: The promise that the Messiah would come through the line of Judah is found in Genesis 49:10, where Jacob (Israel) blesses his sons and foretells that "the scepter shall not depart from Judah." This prophecy was seen as a divine endorsement of Judah's tribe and its significance in God's plan for redemption.

Davidic Covenant: King David, one of Judah's descendants, received a covenant from God known as the Davidic Covenant. God promised that a descendant of David would establish an everlasting kingdom, and this promise is also connected to the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:16).

Jerusalem: Jerusalem, located in the territory of Judah, became the capital city of Israel and the center of worship with the construction of the First Temple by Solomon. It was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was housed and where God's presence was believed to dwell.

Tribe of Kings: Judah produced many of the kings of Israel and, later, the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the United Kingdom. The Davidic dynasty, originating from Judah, played a pivotal role in Israel's history.

Leadership: Judah often took the lead among the tribes, both in terms of military leadership and spiritual leadership. Notably, Moses and David, who were crucial figures in the history of Israel, were from the tribe of Judah.

It's important to note that the concept of God having a "favorite" tribe should be understood in a theological and historical context, as presented in the Bible. Different tribes had different roles and purposes within the overall narrative of God's plan for Israel. Judah's prominence was closely tied to its role in the lineage of the Messiah and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.

[User]

any citations for "Tribe of Kings: Judah produced many of the kings of Israel and, later, the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the United Kingdom. The Davidic dynasty, originating from Judah, played a pivotal role in Israel's history." U.K.?

ChatGPT

I apologize for any confusion, but the term "U.K." in this context typically refers to the United Kingdom (comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and is not directly related to biblical events or the tribes of Israel. The information I provided pertains to events and figures in the biblical narrative, specifically within the context of the ancient Israelites.

To find citations for the statements regarding the Tribe of Judah's role in producing many kings of Israel and the significance of the Davidic dynasty, you would need to refer to the Old Testament of the Bible, particularly the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, and the Psalms. These books contain historical accounts, prophecies, and references to the kings of Israel, especially those from the Tribe of Judah.

For specific verses and passages, consider exploring:

Genesis 49:10: This verse contains Jacob's blessing and prophecy over Judah, including the mention of the scepter not departing from Judah.

2 Samuel 7: This chapter includes the Davidic Covenant, where God promises that a descendant of David will establish an everlasting kingdom.

1 Kings and 2 Kings: These books provide accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah, including those from the Tribe of Judah.

Psalms: Some Psalms are attributed to King David, who was from the Tribe of Judah.

You can access these passages in the Old Testament of the Bible or use online Bible resources and search for specific verses or themes related to Judah, the Davidic dynasty, and the kings of Israel.

[User]

You stated: ""Tribe of Kings: Judah produced many of the kings of Israel and, later, the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the United Kingdom. The Davidic dynasty, originating from Judah, played a pivotal role in Israel's history." What do you mean "the United Kingdom?"

ChatGPT

I apologize for any confusion. In the context of the statement you provided, "the United Kingdom" refers to the historical union of the twelve tribes of Israel under the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. This united monarchy, sometimes referred to as the "United Kingdom," existed before the division of Israel into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.

Here's a clarification:

United Kingdom: This term refers to the period when all twelve tribes of Israel were united under the leadership of their first three kings: Saul, David, and Solomon. During this time, the capital of the united monarchy was first in Gibeah (Saul's reign) and later in Jerusalem (David and Solomon's reigns).

Division of the United Kingdom: After the death of Solomon, the kingdom was divided into two parts. The ten northern tribes formed the northern kingdom of Israel, and the southern kingdom of Judah consisted primarily of the Tribe of Judah and the Tribe of Benjamin. This division occurred due to political and religious disputes.

Tribe of Kings and Davidic Dynasty: The Tribe of Judah, specifically, played a significant role in producing many of the kings who ruled in the southern kingdom of Judah. The most notable dynasty originating from Judah was the Davidic dynasty, which traced its lineage back to King David. This dynasty produced several kings of Judah and played a pivotal role in the history of the southern kingdom.

I hope this clarification helps to better understand the historical context.
Delhi government issued a gazette notification on September 5 detailing traffic restrictions in the national capital ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10.

According to the notification, vehicles including goods vehicles, commercial vehicles, interstate buses, and local city buses, will not be allowed to operate on Mathura Road (beyond Ashram Chowk), Bhairon Road, Purana Quila Road, and inside Pragati Maidan Tunnel from midnight on September 7 until 11:59 PM on September 10. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs), and Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) will not be allowed to enter Delhi from 21:00 hours on 07.09.2023 to 23:59 hours on 10.09.2023," the notification read. However, goods vehicles transporting essential commodities such as milk, vegetables, fruits, medical supplies, and others with valid 'No Entry Permissions' will be permitted to enter Delhi. Check full list here,

In addition, the entire area of New Delhi District will be designated as "Controlled Zone-I" from 5 AM on September 8 until 11:59 PM on September 10. The area inside Ring Road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) will be considered a "Regulated Zone" during the same period.

Only authorized residents, emergency vehicles, vehicles traveling to the Airport, Old Delhi, and New Delhi Railway Stations, as well as other authorized vehicles, will be allowed to use the road network in the New Delhi District during these hours. No TSR (three-wheeled shared taxi) and taxi services will be permitted to enter or operate within the New Delhi District from 5 AM on September 9 until 11:59 PM on September 10.

However, all types of commercial vehicles, including buses already present in Delhi, will be permitted to travel on Ring Road and the road network beyond Ring Road towards the borders of Delhi.

India is gearing up to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9 to 10, and world leaders are expected to attend. The summit will take place at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The G20 leaders summit in Delhi will be addressing key policy matters such as providing debt relief to developing nations and reforming multilateral lending, besides exploring the need to expand the group.

Despite the absence of a joint communique, Indias presidency has tried to maintain the focus on international cooperation and preventing geopolitical disputes from overshadowing the core mission.

However, the event has also seen its share of controversies on certain geopolitical issues, such as the use of language condemning Russias actions in Ukraine. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping will not attend the New Delhi summit.

The annual event, concluding this weekend in the national capital, has so far hosted several meetings across 60 cities in India.

Among the key issues that will be taken up by member countries is the expansion of the G20 to include the African Union, which has already received significant support.

Indias Sherpa to the G20, Amitabh Kant, told Mint recently that most countries have endorsed the proposal mooted by India, and had conveyed their positive responses to the prime ministers communication. However, discussions on further expansion to include groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will not be on the table, the ministry of external affairs indicated on Tuesday.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized that the focus of the Indian G20 presidencys finance track was to strengthen multilateral development banks (MDBs) to address the mounting debt challenges faced by developing economies.

The G20 under Indian presidency is also working on solutions that can constructively contribute to the efforts that MDBs are undertaking.

The G20 leaders will not only discuss restructuring existing debt and providing sustainable finance, but also how the international community can contribute to releasing funds for vulnerable countries and protect their populations from economic hardships.

Development issues will be revolving around sustainability, considering the emphasis of reaching net-zero targets within the stipulated time.

Under the Indian presidency, the G20 finance track has outlined its priorities, including strengthening of the international finance architecture, financing global public goods, managing global debt and vulnerabilities, addressing macroeconomic impact of food and energy security, and financing sustainable and resilient cities for the future.

Moreover, the Sherpa tracks focus revolves around socioeconomic issues, comprising agriculture, anti-corruption, climate action, the digital economy, education, employment, energy, environment, health, tourism, trade and investment.

Throughout Indias presidency, the 13 ministerial meetings that have taken place have led to successful outcomes. For instance, at the development ministers meet , the G20 adopted an action plan aimed at expediting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting lifestyles for sustainable development.

The agriculture ministers meeting, on the other hand, achieved successful adoption of the Deccan High-Level Principles on global food security and nutrition, which is being considered as a significant milestone.

Trade and investment ministers also endorsed high-level principles for the digitization of trade documents, which will enhance trade facilitation and contribute to ease of doing business.

There was also global consensus on the principles of digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity in the digital economy, and the development of digital skills during the digital economy ministers meet held last month.
An invite has gone out from The President of Bharat" for a dinner during the G20 summit . With a special session of Parliament summoned without an agenda, there is speculation: Is India about to become Bharat? Mint examines the history and likely implications.

What are the ancient references to Bharat?

In Indian cosmology, the earth is flat and circular with a mythical Mount Meru at its centre. It is surrounded by dvipas (islands) separated by oceans. The southernmost is Jambudvipa. In it, to the south of the Himalayas lies Bharatvarsha, named after King Bharata. Jambudvipa is named in Emperor Ashokas inscriptions (268-231 BCE). An early record comes in inscriptions found in the Hathigumpha caves near Bhubaneswar in Odisha. In giving an account of the reign of King Kharavela of Kalinga (50 BCE), the inscriptions say, In the 10th year he sent an expedition to conquer Bharatavarsha."

And how did the name India evolve?

India too has interlinked ancient references, with its etymology rooted in the area associated with the river Indusa name derived from Sindhu in Sanskrit, which is mentioned in the Rig Veda. The association with the Indus Valley Civilization forms an emotional bond in the Indian imagination. The use of India is also linked to Muhammad Ali Jinnahs demand for two constituent assemblies: for Pakistan and for Hindustan. The Congress partys rejection was based on the premise that the people of India were Indians; no matter what their religion, they were one nation," says political scientist Granville Austin.

Which other countries have changed their names?

No big ones in recent years except Turkey in 2022. Many African and Asian nations changed their names after being freed of colonial rule. Other examples are Burma turning into Myanmar, and Swaziland into Eswatini. Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, Turkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish peoples culture, civilization and values."

What is the process for changing the name?

B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, took care of everything. His compromise was to call it, India, that is Bharat". Cleverly, the Hindi version takes the opposite route, with, Bharat, arthaat India." Legal experts are divided. One view is a wholesale switch to Bharat may require an amendment, with a 2/3rd majority of not only the two houses of Parliament, but also of all the state assemblies. The other view is that Bharat could be used through simple notifications, perhaps on a case-by-case basis.

Finally, is it okay to call India Bharat?

Absolutely, as long as we dont eject India. In the popular global imagination, we exist as Indians and theres no getting away from it. But Bharat or Bharatvarsha forms an incredibly strong emotional attachment, rooted in the Puranas, that no one wants severed. The Indian national anthem is woven around Bharat. And as Jawaharlal Nehru noted in his Discovery of India, the Hindi term Bharat Mata or Mother India meant essentially these millions of people, and victory to her meant victory to these people."
The celebration of Krishna Janmashtami has started in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated across the country on September 7. In Gujarat's Rajkot, a five-day-long Janmashtami fair commenced on Tuesday.

In Rajkot, the Janmashtami mela is being held at Race Course Ground, the Ministry of Tourism said. The fair in Rajkot started on September 5 and will continue until September 9 from 10 am to 12 noon.

The annual Janmashtami fair, known as Lokmela and considered Saurashtra's largest, takes place in Rajkot during the Satam-Aathma festival, coinciding with Janmashtami celebrations that kick off in both Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The Janmashtami fair also called Lokmela, Saurashtras biggest fair, is held in Rajkot every year during the Satam-Aathma festival on the occasion of Janmashtami, the ministry added.

View Full Image Mumbai: Students of Shivaji Shikshan Sanstha celebrate Dahi Handi festival ahead of Krishna Janmashtami, in Mumbai, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (PTI Photo/Shashank Parade)(PTI09_05_2023_000145B) (PTI)

The Rajkot fair begins on the sixth day of the festival and lasts for five days till Dasham, an official was quoted as said.

Meanwhile, in a first, the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde plans to organise a "Pro Govinda" competition, with cash prizes, for this year's Dahi Handi, an event associated with the Hindu festival of Janmashtami, state Industries Minister Uday Samant said on Saturday.

View Full Image Students in Nagpur celebrate Dahi Handi ahead of Krishna Janmashtami festival at a school (PTI)

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated on a large scale across Maharashtra, and several Dahi Handi (earthen pots filled with yoghurt) competitions are conducted on the occasion. In the event, participants called Govindas, dressed in colourful clothes, made a human pyramid to reach the pot hung mid-air, and break it.

"Pro Govinda is an event which was demanded for many years, but it is being organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant told ANI.

View Full Image Mumbai: A student of Shivaji Shikshan Sanstha is seen dressed as Lord Krishna during the celebration of Dahi Handi festival ahead of Krishna Janmashtami (PTI)

The Pro Govinda competition will take place at the NSCI dome in Worli, Mumbai. The yogurt pot will be suspended at a height of 40ft, the minister said. Uday Samant said, The first prize will be 11 lakh, followed by second, third, and fourth prizes of 7 lakh, 5 lakh, and 3 lakh, respectively."

WHY IS KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATED?

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated every year to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna was born on the eighth day of Bhadra  mostly in the months of August and September.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Krishna, with beautifully decorated swings, dance and music performances, and the 'Dahi-Handi' competition.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Few day's before visit to India for G20 Summit, US President finally recovered completely from COVID-19 and is likely to travel to India. On Tuesday, he tested negative for COVID-19. However, US First Lady, Jill Biden is expected to remain in the US because she tested positive for the disease.

"The first lady is experiencing mild symptoms and will remain in Delaware for the week. President Biden tested negative last night for COVID-19 and tested negative again today," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a briefing on Tuesday.

After testing negative, the US President will visit India for the G20 Summit, confirmed Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the United States.

The US President is not experiencing any symptom of the disease. As per the safety protocols, he will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with CDC guidelines."

According to the press secretary, he will remove his mask when sufficiently distance from others indoors and outside as well,"

US President's India visit for G20 Summit was surrounded by uncertainty due to COVID-19 infection affected the US first lady Jill Biden. AS of now, Jill Biden will remain at their home in Delaware.

"This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware," Elizabeth Alexander said.

This came a few days before Biden's official visit to India for the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10.

G20 Summi: US President Joe Biden's schedule for India Visit

The US President is scheduled to leave for New Delhi, India for the summit on Thursday. Afterwards, he will participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023, said Sullivan in the press briefing.

US President Joe Biden will have a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on September 8, on the sidelines of the summit. Along with India, Joe Biden is also scheduled to visit Vietnam this month.

As oer the agenda, the US President will "reaffirm US commitment to the G20" as the premier forum of economic cooperation globally and will also speak about a range of issues, including the social effects of Russia's war in Ukraine, the White House said on Tuesday.

After India, US President is scheduled to visit Hanoi, Vietnam, on September 10 following his participation in the G20 Summit in New Delhi"

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has allayed fears over reportedly surging pro-Khalistan extremism in the United Kingdom and said that British Police is quipped to deal with any incidence of violence, should one emerge.

In an exclusive communication to news agency PTI, Sunak said he takes the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously.

UK PM Rishi Sunak will visit national capital Delhi in September to attend the G20 Summit.

Sunak in the interview also said UK is working closely with its partners in the Indian government to tackle the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism. PM Sunak assured that the UK government does not accept any form of extremism in the nation, adding that the right to hold lawful protest does not extend to violent or threatening behaviour.

"No form of extremism is acceptable in the UK, and I take the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously," Sunak responded to news agency PTI through an email.

"We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government to tackle the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism and the British police are fully empowered to deal with violent acts," he said, replying to a question on the issue.

Sunak also referred to a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UK's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat last month that was focused on addressing the threat of extremism and corruption.

"In August, the UK's Security Minister met Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi to develop our shared work addressing the threat of extremism and corruption," Sunak said.

"During that visit he announced new funding to enhance the UKs capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism. The 1 crore investment will strengthen our understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism and complement the joint work already underway between the UK and India," he said.

"UK citizens enjoy the right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view, but rights to lawful protest do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour," the British prime minister said.

According to the PTI report, there is a view in Delhi that the Khalistani issue is a stumbling block in deeper India-UK ties.

In March, India reacted angrily after pro-Khalistan elements attacked the Indian High Commission in London and pulled down the national flag from a pole at the front of the building.

The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his then British counterpart Boris Johnson in May 2021.

At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.ishankar

ar

rrrrr

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Tuesday said that it depends upon China what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, if Beijing wants to come in and be a "spoiler", that option is available to it. The remarks came while responding to a question at a White House news conference on the impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 Summit.

He said, As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them."

What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries," Sullivan stated as quoted by PTI.

It is pertinent to note that Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in Delhi this week, and the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday.

At the invitation of the Government of India, Premier of the State Council Li will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10.

Meanwhile, an eminent American expert on Tuesday said that China's decision to skip the G20 Summit in India points to a troubled state of India-China relations.

Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently traveled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person. So, his decision to skip this weeks G-20 in New Delhi is significant."

The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation  but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi  it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations," he said.

Russel also noted that the absence of Putin and Xi leaves the field open to Biden to dominate the agenda as well as the airwaves in the G20 Summit, PTI reported.

"He (Biden) can be expected to press for stronger measures against Russia, on clean energy transition, and on measures to deal with crushing debt among developing nations  the vast amount of which is held by China," he added.

(With PTI inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday said that he would only reach a trade deal with India when it benefited the whole of Britain.

He made the statement while addressing his ministers before travelling to India for the G20 summit later this week.

He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree an approach which worked for the whole UK," Rishi Sunaks spokesperson told the media.

So far, eleven rounds of talks have taken place between India and the United Kingdom for a free trade deal (FTA). The last round of talks was held from August 8 to 31.

In May, Sunak had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in Japan. Both the leaders had discussed progress on a India-UK free trade deal, Sunak's office said.

Modi and Sunak had agreed that their teams would continue to work at pace to finalise a mutually beneficial deal, added the Sunak's office.

In August, commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal had said that the 11th round of negotiations in London was very intense" and many issues got closed. Out of the total 26 chapters in the proposed FTA, 19 had been closed.

He had also said that the investment was being negotiated as a separate agreement (bilateral investment treaty) between India and the UK.

The main issues that could come up for discussion in the 12th round include an investment treaty, reduction of duties on auto and whiskey, rules of origin, intellectual property rights (IPRs), and matters pertaining to services, Barthwal had said.

The UK is seeking a significant cut in import duties on goods such as scotch whiskey, automobiles, lamb meat, and certain confectionary items.

India and the UK's bilateral trade has surged to $20.36 billion in 2022-23 from $17.5 billion in 2021-22.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
A US congressional delegation is reportedly set to meet the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Thursday in order to discuss allegations of war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin .

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court had issued an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied its forces have engaged in war crimes, or forcibly taken Ukrainian children.

The delegation led by Representative Michael McCaul, Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, will talk with ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan - the latest sign of improving ties between Washington and the world's top war crimes court, reported Reuters.

McCaul said "30,000 children have been taken away from their families and indoctrinated in Russia." Washington was looking at how it can "help The Hague gather more and collect more evidence and intelligence to prove the case against Putin," he said.

The United States is not a member of the court, along with major powers including China and Russia, but US Attorney General Merrick Garland made an unannounced stop off at the court in June, the first of its kind.

In July, US President Joe Biden asked his administration to begin sharing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the ICC.

Washington imposed sanctions against top ICC officials under the Trump administration and then lifted them under US President Joe Biden. It has supported the ICC's work in investigating war crimes in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February of 2022.

Asked whether there was enough evidence for a genocide case against Russia, which argues it is fighting a defensive war against the West in Ukraine, delegation members compared the situation with the Nazi occupation of Europe during World War Two.

"When you try to erase a culture, a people and a religion, that is a definition of genocide," McCaul said.

The delegation was on the last stop of a visit to Europe to discuss NATO cooperation and ways to further support Ukraine, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets and pilot training. It also visited Sweden and Finland.

(With inputs from Reuters)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit to Bihar in Septmberr 16 in Jhanjharpur in the Madhubani district.

His visit is scheduled under 'Lok Sabha Pravas' Programme ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2024, reported ANI. During his visit, scheduled under Lok Sabha Pravas Programme, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address huge public meetings in Jhanjharpur.

His address of huge public meetings will be focused on promoting the achievements of PM Narendra Modi-led government in 9 Years. He is also expected to inaugurate inaugurate the Integrated Check Post (ICP) on Indo-Nepal Border at Jogbani.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also chair the meeting of Lok Sabha Core Committee and almost all top leaders of Bihar BJP including state BJP President Samrat Choudhary and MoS Home Nityanand Rai are likely to be present in the meeting including district President of Party," Bihar BJP Sources told ANI.

Home Minister Amit Shah will also inaugurate the SSB battalion headquarters 8 km away from Jogbani. It is worth mentioning that this Amit Shah will be visiting the state for the sixth time in one year since August 2022. Last year, he visited Punia, which is also considered as the capital of the Seemanchal region. In October, he visited Sitab Diara, the birthplace of socialist veteran Jai Prakash Narayan.

His first visit in this year was to Valmakinagar and Patna, where he addressed Kisan Samagam organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of peasant leader Sahajanand Saraswati in Patna. Afterwards, he visited Nawada, Lakhisarai in last three-four months.

(With inputs from ANI)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Police were called to a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Denny's restaurant over two truckers who were doing nothing but politely wanting to order dinner while Black. The truckers were confused about why they were not being served. When it became clear they were being discriminated against, they remained polite and took out a cell phone to record the interactions. The server threatened to call the police over people wanting to order food at a restaurant, and she did!

Denny's has fired the server. The police apologized to the two truckers. I am unclear if they got to eat.

KKTV:

"'Maybe it's a misunderstanding, but we just want to order some food.' Then she said, 'There's no misunderstanding. I want you people to leave. The cops are on their way,'" Whitfield said. Whitfield then tried to place an order with a different server. He says at first, it looked like the server was getting them menus but came back asking them to leave. When they asked what they did wrong, the server told them that she had "no idea." "It was just embarrassing. As I'm walking through the restaurant, I'm trying to explain to people that we were just trying to order food and they're refusing to serve us. People were still looking at us like we did something wrong. It was like the more I talked, the more they looked at us. So I felt helpless. Then I turned around to look at the police to see if they would do something, and then they said, 'Out this way,'" Whitfield said. In the video, Whitfield and Hector explain to the officers what had transpired, and the situation de-escalated.

Denny's issued the following response:

Denny's President and Chief Executive Officer Roland Spongberg provided the following statement in regard to the incident: "Denny's is committed to a culture of inclusion and service excellence for all guests. We conducted a thorough third-party investigation into the incident at the Denny's location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a result of the investigation, the franchise owner immediately took decisive action, and the employee is no longer with the company. "Denny's maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to any form of discrimination. We acknowledge there were opportunities to improve the service level in this specific situation. We maintain our commitment to ongoing training and development of all staff. The employees at the location will immediately go through a dedicated training program to ensure the team delivers above and beyond our guests' expectations. We regret this incident and want to apologize to the guests involved. Clearly, we fell short of our own standards that day and are committed to making it right."

via Crooks&Liars
As the alleged India renaming row rages on with the Opposition claiming that the Central government will introduce a proposal to change the name India to Bharat, Congress Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has shared a 2015 incident when the Centre told the Supreme Court that there was no need to change the name of the country.

Responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) that India be called Bharat officially and unofficially, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) told the Supreme Court that there was no need for it. The Centre had said, There is no change in circumstances to consider any changes in Article 1 of the Constitution of India."

Article 1.1 of the Constitution recognises both Bharat and India as two official names of the country. It states: India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

Sharing a news article on the 2015 incident, Shashi Tharoor said, No comment. Happy to agree with the Government on this!"

Invitations for a G20 dinner that were sent out by President Droupadi Murmu describing her position as 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India' triggered a massive furore with the Opposition alleging that the Narendra Modi government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the country's name.

In response, the ruling NDA alliances accused the Opposition bloc of opposing the name Bharat.

Shashi Tharoor said while there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', he hopes the government will not be so "foolish" to completely dispense with 'India' which has "incalculable brand value". We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world," he said.

Shashi Tharoor said that it was Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who had objected to the name 'India' since it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state".

The Congress leader said, "While the subject is live, let's recall that it was Jinnah who objected to the name 'India' since it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state. As with CAA, the BJP govt keeps supporting Jinnah's view!"

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, has extended support to the speculative renaming of India to Bharat, saying the previous was the invention of the British. Citing examples of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta, Sridhar Vembu said Bharat and Bharatham is the name we use in our language".

In a tweet, Sridhar Vembu said, The name "India" is an English invention just like the names "Madras", "Calcutta" or "Bombay". Bharat, Bharatham in Tamil, is the name we use in our languages." Attacking the Opposition for objecting to the alleged renaming of India to Bharat, the Zoho CEo said, Why do the people who changed Madras to Chennai and Calcutta to Kolkata, changes I fully support, object to Bharat?"

The invitations extended by President Droupadi Murmu to heads of state, government, and Chief Ministers of States for an official banquet during the G20 Summit in New Delhi sparked a row as the word India" was replaced with Bharat".

Rather than the customary "President of India," the term "Bharat" was used, triggering speculation within political circles, particularly among members of the Opposition INDIA alliance.

While the ruling parties have hailed the change to Bharat, the Opposition has objected to the speculative change in the Constitution, claiming that the ruling NDA was nervous with the alliance of the Opposition parties.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur has clarified that these are just rumours".

Between the allegations and attacks, Union Minister Anurag Thakur told The Indian Express that these were just rumours but this clearly shows their mindset" towards the name Bharat and how they are against Bharat. I think these are just rumours which are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset," he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

On the G20 dinner invite which mentions President of Bharat, Anurag Thakur said, Bharat ke Rashtrapati [the President of Bharat] toh unhone likh diya [so they she wrote] President of Bharat. So what?"

ALLIANCE More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Tuesday slammed the BJP-led central government over India's name change rumors . He called it the first step toward changing the Constitution of the country. This came amid the speculation that the Cente is planning to bring a proposal to rename the country from India to Bharat.

Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, BJP is scared of the word India since the Opposition bloc  Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance was formed. The government should immediately abandon the President's House if they have a problem with British rule."

Why did you not say 'Mahamahim of Bharat'; why did you write 'President of Bharat'? Since the INDIA bloc has been formed, PM's hate towards 'INDIA' has increased. If the BJP has so much of a problem with the British rule, they should immediately abandon the Rashtrapati Bhavan because this was the viceroy house earlier," Adhir Ranja said.

Will you not say Khelo India, Start-up India, and Make in India from now? We do not have any problem with the word 'Bharat'. I just want to suggest that they should change the word Hindu first because it was also given by foreigners and the word India was derived from it. Don't try to be revolutionary," he told ANI.

A political row has erupted in India after a G20 dinner invite was sent out in the name of the 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India', triggering a controversy that a name change for India is on the cards ahead of the special session of Parliament.

However, Union Minister Anurag Thakur has clarified that these are just rumors". I think these are just rumors that are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset."

The Opposition faction INDIA alliance got into a huddle and attacked the government, a government booklet on Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit referred to him as Prime Minister of Bharat.

(With ANI inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Congress MP from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor, is famous for his witty opposition and impeccable knowledge of English words, on Wednesday took a swipe at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the India-Bharat naming row, saying the opposition bloc could call itself the "Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT)" and then perhaps the ruling party might stop the "fatuous game of changing names".

His remarks came after invitations for a G20 dinner sent out by President Droupadi Murmu, describing her position as 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India', triggered a massive furore on Tuesday with the opposition alleging that the Modi government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the country's name. Notably, on Wednesday, the invite from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for G20 Summit was also published, wherein he was referred to as Prime Minister of Bharat, instead of Prime Minister of India. The Congress MP also claimed it was Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who had objected to the name 'India' since it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state". Tharoor said, "While the subject is live, let's recall that it was Jinnah who objected to the name 'India' since it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state. As with CAA, the BJP govt keeps supporting Jinnah's view!" In a post on X (former Twitter), Tharoor said, We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names."

The Congress is a constituent of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Shashi Tharoor's response to the mention of Bharat in official invites seems to be a sarcastic comment on the Opposition bloc naming themselves INDIA, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

On Tuesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had on X said, "Mr. Modi can continue to distort history and divide India, that is Bharat, that is a Union of States. But we will not be deterred. After all, what is the objective of INDIA (alliance) parties? It is BHARATBring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT. Jeetega INDIA!"

Tharoor on Tuesday had said while there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', he hopes the government will not be so "foolish" to completely dispense with 'India' which has "incalculable brand value".

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
24 INDIA bloc parties will participate in the special Parliament session that is scheduled to begin from September 18. Reportedly, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be writing to PM Modi on behalf of these parties.

The decision to attend the Special Session of Parliament was taken at a meeting of the INDIA bloc floor leaders which was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, reported ANI.

Also Read| Prime Minister of Bharat: Sambit Patra shares invitation of PM Modi's Indonesia visit amid India's name change rumour

Notably, the issues that will be raised by the INDIA bloc in the Parliament session were also finalized in the meeting and CCP chairperson Sonia Gandhi will convey them to the government in a letter.

The five-day session of Parliament was announced by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi last week. However, the agenda for the session has not been revealed yet.

Congress party had expressed its dissatisfaction with the government's apparent lack of transparency regarding the forthcoming special parliamentary session on Tuesday. In a strongly worded statement, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Gaurav Gogoi voiced their concerns and outlined the critical issues they intend to address during this special session.

While speaking to reporters, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, We are not going to listen to Modi chalisa for five daysWe hope that the opposition will also get an opportunity to raise their issues which are of concern to the people. Our demand would be that there should be discussion on those issues and with this sentiment we would participate in this special session,"

Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi while speaking to reporters after the INDIA bloc meeting at Kharge's residence said, "...Why has this special session of Parliament been called? There has been no explanation from the Centre yet. After 12-13 days a Special Session is being held in the Parliament and the country does not know the speciality of this Special Session,"

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi , in a recent interview with Moneycontrol, shed light on India's unique approach to its G20 Presidency, terming it the 'People's Presidency'.

The PM emphasised the importance of democratising the G20 events by hosting them across the nation, rather than limiting them to a few cities. The motto of the G20 Summit, according to him, is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  One Earth One Family One Future".

Here are the key takeaways from the exclusive interview.

A platform for empowerment

PM Modi's extensive travels across India, both in political and apolitical roles, have given him a deep understanding of the country's diverse cultures and challenges. He noted that people from all regions and sections of society possess a 'can do' spirit. "All they needed was a platform that empowered them," said Modi. This insight led to the decision to host G20 events across 60 cities in all 28 states and eight union territories.

Breaking from tradition

Historically, major national and international meetings were confined to Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan. When asked about the idea behind hosting G20 events across the country, Modi pointed out that the dependence on Delhi was due to either convenience or a lack of confidence in the people.

He said his government had actively worked to change this approach. For instance, global leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and French President Emmanuel Macron have been hosted in cities other than Delhi. Merkel was hosted in Bengaluru, Macron in Varanasi and Hasina in Shantiniketan, PM Modi pointed out.

The PM also highlighted that many of the states hosting these events had non-NDA governments, demonstrating the government's commitment to cooperative federalism and bipartisanship in the national interest.

Scale and impact

By the end of India's G20 Presidency, over 220 meetings will have been held, involving more than one lakh participants from approximately 125 nationalities, PM Modi said. Over 1.5 crore individuals in India have been involved in these programmes or have been exposed to various aspects of them, he added.

Hosting events of this scale requires significant capacity building in terms of infrastructure, logistics and communication skills. PM Modi views the democratisation of the G20 Presidency as an investment in the capacity building of the people, especially the youth, across various cities.

People's participation

The underlying theme of the 'People's Presidency' is Jan Bhagidari, or people's participation. Modi believes that this is the most important factor in the success of any initiative.

When global leaders meet me, they are filled with a sense of optimism about India They are also convinced that India has a lot to offer and must play a larger role in shaping the global future," PM Modi told the publication.

Read the complete interview on Moneycontrol.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to Indonesia this Wednesday evening. The visit, a tight 24-hour trip, culminates in his return to New Delhi on September 7 evening. The excursion to Jakarta is at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and it comes as a precursor to India's hosting of the G20 Summit on September 9-10.

In Jakarta, PM Modi is expected to take part in two high-level summits on September 7  the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS). In an accommodating gesture, Indonesia, which currently holds the chair of ASEAN, rearranged the summit schedules to allow for PM Modi's early departure.

This year's ASEAN Summit theme is "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth", reflecting Indonesia's vision for the bloc as a key hub of economic development. These meetings will also serve as an avenue for India and its Southeast Asian counterparts to review their mutual progress and map out avenues for future collaboration, ANI reported.

It's worth noting that the 20th ASEAN-India Summit marks the first meeting of its kind since the relationship between the two parties was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. These upgraded ties signify greater cooperation across various sectors, from trade to security.

The East Asia Summit is equally significant, giving India a platform alongside eight other dialogue partners and ASEAN nations to discuss issues of regional and global import. It's a stage for multilateral dialogue, a crucial component for maintaining stability and fostering cooperation in the Asian region.

A key focus of this visit will be economic cooperation. Just in August, ASEAN-India Economic Ministers gathered in Indonesia. Their primary agenda was a timely assessment of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, initially inked in 2009. Both sides have committed to a quarterly negotiation schedule, aiming for a comprehensive review of the trade agreement by 2025.

PM Modi's forthcoming trip to Indonesia is not his first; he previously visited the country in 2018. At that time, both India and Indonesia upgraded their bilateral relationship, inaugurating a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This pact aimed at elevating cooperation in multiple domains, setting the stage for what is today a flourishing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and sports. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra on Tuesday shared official information regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India and the 18th East Asia summits in which he has been referred to as the Prime Minister of Bharat.

The reference to PM Modi Modi as the "Prime Minister of Bharat" comes close on the heels of a G20 invite for a Presidential dinner on September 9 in the name of the President of Bharat". This triggered a row as opposition parties alleged that the central government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the country's name. Customarily, in English, the country is referred to as India.

Senior BJP leaders and ministers have cheered the move by the Rashtrapati Bhavan with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar asking what is the problem with using "President of Bharat" as the country is also Bharat.

It also fuelled the speculation that the issue of changing the name of the country could come up during the five-day special session of Parliament beginning September 18.

Opposition leaders, including Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who first highlighted the development, accused the government of assaulting the idea of the country being a "Union of States", as mentioned in the Constitution which describes the country as "India, that is Bharat".

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on 9 September in the name of President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India."Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States."

The row came four days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat made a strong pitch for using Bharat instead of India.

Addressing an event in Guwahati on 1 September, Bhagwat said the countrys name as Bharat has continued since ancient times and must be taken forward.

The name of our country has been Bharat for ages. Whatever may be the language, the name remains the same," the RSS chief said.

(With PTI inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
While a political slugfest between Opposition bloc and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has unleashed over the a speculated renaming of India as Bharat , after G20 Summit invites to international leaders from President Droupadi Murmu, termed the latter as President of Bharat, instead of the usual President of India, reports have emerged recalling that the same BJP that is embracing the BHARAT term in 2023, has walked out of the Uttar Pradesh state Assembly in 2004 over a resolution passed by Mulayam Singh Yadav to rename India as Bharat.

In 2004, the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav led Uttar Pradesh cabinet had passed a resolution that the Constitution must be amended to say Bharat, that is India, instead of India, that is Bharat. Then CM Mulayam Singh Yadav's resolution was accepted unanimously in the state legislative assembly, expect BJP, who staged a walk out before the resolution was passed.

The speculation that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would propose dropping the name India from the Constitution and retain only Bharat arose after a special parliamentary session has been convened from 18-22 September.

While the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha has not yet declared the agendas for the five day special parliamentary session, Opposition bloc has speculated that NDA is likely to table the One Nation, One Election bill, and propose dropping India as the name of the nation.

2004 Mulayam Singh Yadav's ideology in proposing that India be replaced with Bharat was keeping in tandem with doing away with anything colonial, which included discarding English, a socialist stand forged under Ram Manohar Lohia.

Lohia's understanding was that English created a divide between the educated and the un-educated and therefore should be replaced with Hindi as the official language. Our country was always known as Bharat. However, during the 200 years of British rule it was named India," the SP manifesto had stated, according to a report by Times of India.

It was on September 18, 1949, that draft Article 1 of the Constitution, which refers to the Union of States as India, that is, Bharat" was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly.

Notably, apart from Article 1, the Constitution, originally drafted in English does not refer to Bharat" in any other provision. The Preamble also refers to We the People of India."

ALLIANCE More Information

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
In a development that may have far-reaching implications for India-China relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted out of attending the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China, according to a brief announcement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

While the ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning chose not to elaborate on Xi's absence, he did stress China's commitment to the G20's goals of global economic cooperation. The spokesperson also highlighted China's support for India in hosting this year's summit, despite ongoing bilateral tensions, as per PTI.

China, as per Mao, is ready to work with all parties to jointly promote the success of the G20" summit and "make positive contributions to promoting the stable recovery of the world economy and promoting sustainable development", Associated Press reported.

This absence comes amid a backdrop of heightened friction between India and China. The dispute over their border in the Ladakh region escalated into a military standoff three years ago, costing the lives of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Since then, both nations have fortified their positions along the Line of Actual Control with heavy military presence, including artillery, tanks, and fighter jets.

India's growing strategic partnership with China's main geopolitical rival, the United States, has not gone unnoticed by Beijing. Both countries have expelled each other's journalists, and trade tensions have increased. India recently surpassed China as the world's most populous nation, making the two Asian giants competitors in technology, space exploration, and global trade.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be absent from the G20 summit, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that there was no coordination between Russia and China on this matter, according to TASS.

What Xi Jinping's absence could mean for India

For India, Xi Jinping's absence might be perceived as a diplomatic snub, especially since leaders from other major countries have confirmed their attendance. The G20 Summit is a vital platform for economic cooperation, comprising countries that represent 85% of the global GDP and over 75% of global trade.

Adding to this, China's deepening relations with Pakistan, India's archrival, and its stance on the disputed Kashmir region further complicate the geopolitical landscape.

Xi Jinping's decision to miss the G20 Summit in New Delhi could add another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between India and China. It may also shape how the two countries engage in dialogues and negotiations in the near future, especially concerning border issues and global economic collaborations.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Union Minister Jaishankar on Wednesday took a dig at the Opposition for its uproar over the speculations that the Central government will propose renaming India to 'Bharat', saying India, that is Bharat is mentioned in the Constitution. Jaishankar also asked the Opposition leaders to read the Constitution. The speculation erupted after Rashtrapati Bhawan invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 on behalf of the 'President of Bharat' and the customary President of India.

Hours later, a bulletin issued by the government for the prime minister's visit to Indonesia for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) referred to Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of Bharat.

In an interview with ANI, EAM Jaishankar said, India, that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it.

Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well," Jaishankar said.

Opposition parties have alleged that the government was resorting to drama" just because they got together and called their bloc INDIA. Some even suggested that in the next Opposition meeting, they would consider renaming the bloc to Bharat. BJP leaders have strongly supported the move by the government.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted on X a picture of the dinner invite to him from the President and wrote a few lines from the national anthem.

"This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. 'Bharat' is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to 'Bharat'. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset," the minister told ANI.

When the invite went viral, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Union of States is under assault. So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.

Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States". But now even this Union of States" is under assault.," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Days after Udhayanidhi Stalin courted controversy over his Sanatana Dharma must be eradicated remark, the Tamil Nadu minister has stood by his statement while declaring that the principle is responsible for many social evils. When asked about any incident of social discrimination, Udhayanidhi Stalin cited the example of no invitation to President Droupadi Murmu on the inauguration of the new Parliament.

President Murmu not being invited for the inauguration of the new parliament is the best example of current Sanatana discrimination," the junior Stalin was quoted as saying.

Unfazed by the widespread opposition and emphasizing the stance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Sanatana Dharma, Udhayanidhi Stalin said he would repeat his remark again. I will again and again, talk on the issue that I spoke at the event on Saturday. I will speak more. I told that day itself that I am going to talk about the issue which is going to irritate many and that is what has happened," Udhayanidhi Stalin said.

But just as the countrys attention was diverting towards the Bharat row, Udhayanidhi Stalin again brought up the issue of social discrimination,referring to Mahabharata's Dronacharya and his treatment of Ekalavya.

For reference: In the Mahabharata, Dronacharya, an expert in military warfare, mocks Ekalavya, who is from a tribal community, by asking for the impossible sacrifice of his right thumb as 'guru dakshina' when he seeks to learn archery from him.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Udhayanidhi Stalin said, Teachers are incomparable people who always think only about the future generations. The bond between our Dravidian movement and teachers who preach virtue without asking for thumbs! It will continue forever. Happy Teacher's Day."

In his address at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai on Saturday, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, likened Sanatana Dharma to coronavirus, malaria and dengue" and said such things should not be opposed but eradicated.

As a massive controversy erupted over his remarks, Udhayanidhi Stalin stuck to his guns and said he will continue to speak out against caste discrimination in all religions.

(with agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Shortly before the September 11 attacks, chef Marcus Samuelsson was cooking at a charity event at Windows on the World inside the World Trade Centers North Tower. Days later, he watched it collapse on television. It really messed with me," he recalled over lunch on a recent Thursday. In the aftermath of 9/11, questioning the continued relevance of fine dining, the then 30-year-old Samuelsson considered leaving his position at the helm of the high-end Scandinavian restaurant Aquavit and returning home to Sweden.

His mother urged him to stick things out in New York and suggested that he move from Midtown Manhattan to a less impersonal part of the city. The chef gave Harlem a shot and went on to open Red Rooster, a comfort-food spot with a perpetual party atmosphere that became an overnight success and a crucial milestone in upper Manhattans burgeoning cultural scene.

Last year, when the Perelman Performing Arts CenterPAC NYC, for shortapproached Samuelsson about a potential partnership, he saw an opportunity to help pull off something similar for Ground Zero. The result, opening this month, is the latest addition to downtown Manhattans redeveloped World Trade Center site.

This project moves theater, art, dance, food downtown," Samuelsson says. Downtown has many things. It does not have that." The mammoth marble-clad structure will be home to a diverse, inclusive and modern mix of performances across three theater spaces and a lobby stage.

Samuelsson, who has served on the boards of the Museum of Modern Art and Harlems Apollo Theater and counts many artists among his inner circle, is planning a culinary program to match. In addition to a 135-seat restaurant, Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson, his team will provide food and beverage programming for PAC NYCs lobby lounge and a 70-seat terrace, plus intermission refreshments and private dining.

All of it will be overseen by executive chef Ed Tinoco, whose most recent post was as culinary director of Grant Achatzs Alinea Group in Chicago.

Samuelsson wants Metropolis to feel like a New York classic," he says, with a menu that gestures to the generational impact of immigrants and the global culinary traditions represented across all five boroughs. Tinoco sees that theme translating into bar snacks like pastrami-spiced nuts and fried cornichon pickles with everything-bagel seasoning; an oversize crudites platter with stracciatella cheese that showcases vegetables from New York state producers like Norwich Meadows Farm and Back Home Farm; and whole Dover sole with almond beurre blanc, filleted tableside, as a nod to the French restaurants that once defined the citys fine-dining landscape.

The soundtrack at Metropolis will take the Empire State as inspiration too, featuring homegrown artists ranging from the Ramones and Wu-Tang Clan to Blondie. The restaurant space and adjoining lobbymoody and luxe, with inky poured-concrete floors and distinctive ribbons of LED light that weave through a curvilinear sapele-wood ceilingwere designed by David Rockwell and his Rockwell Group.

Samuelsson is known throughout the culinary world for his bold, eclectic flavors and a flair for mashing up disparate cuisines in new and unexpected ways; a single menu might include fried chicken, Moroccan couscous and Swedish gravlax cured with berbere, an Ethiopian spice blend.

Born in Ethiopia and raised by adoptive parents in Sweden, Samuelsson arrived in New York City at the age of 23 to work as a sous chef at Aquavit. He was swiftly promoted to the position of executive chef and became the youngest chef ever to garner a three-star review from the New York Times. Today, with 16 restaurants and counting, from Canada to the Bahamas to Sweden, Samuelsson is also the author of several books, a podcast host and a fixture on culinary television.

The new partnership with PAC NYC precedes another momentous opening for the culinary tastemaker: Marcus Addis, his first restaurant in Ethiopia.

Samuelsson returned to Ethiopia in 2001 for the first time since his adoption at the age of 2, reconnecting with his father and eight siblings who live in and around the capital city, Addis Ababa. He has traveled back frequently over the yearshis wife, the model Maya Haile, is Ethiopian by birthand says hes been approached several times to open restaurants there. But none spoke to Addis Ababas dynamism in the way he hoped for.

When the opportunity arose for a project on the 47th floor of the new Commercial Bank of Ethiopia headquarters, the tallest building in East Africa, he couldnt resist.

In true Samuelsson style, the menu at Marcus Addis will be promiscuously international, spanning from light pastas to beef tartare. But, like Metropolis, the restaurant will ultimately be very much an artifact of its place, with local ingredients like teff and hot, tangy berbere spice incorporated prominently in reference to established Ethiopian foodways.

Its a vibrant, obviously old traditional city, but its also young," Samuelsson said. And its leaning forward."

View Full Image The Celebrity Chef Who Wants to Reset New Yorks Downtown Dining Scene

View Full Image The Celebrity Chef Who Wants to Reset New Yorks Downtown Dining Scene
As China has been committed to setting up a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, this years CIFTIS represents an epitome of the countrys step forward to widen access to the booming sector and to expand institutional opening-up in pursuit of high-quality development.

Calling the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) a high-level platform for Chinas opening-up, Saudi private firm Ajlan & Bros expected the event to deepen mutual understanding with their Chinese partners and lay a solid ground for future cooperation.

The ongoing annual event is witnessing Chinas ratcheted-up endeavors to continuously invigorate global services trade and further open up its services sector, which buoyed international businesses with vigor and confidence.

BOOST SYNERGY IN GLOBAL SERVICES TRADE

To foster more growth for global services trade and cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised during the 2023 CIFTIS to enhance synergy with development strategies and cooperation initiatives of various countries, and deepen cooperation on services trade and digital trade with Belt and Road partner countries.

The pledge made Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, look forward to more services cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Chinas pursuit of high-quality development is in line with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 economic transformation goals, said Ajlan, who is also deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group.

As the synergy between Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 and Chinas Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen, Chinas 5G, artificial intelligence, big data, financial technology and other emerging fields of technology are gradually moving to the Saudi market, he said, stressing that economic complementarity and cooperation potential of the two countries are obvious.

Undoubtedly, this will attract more Middle Eastern companies to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Chinese enterprises, further promoting bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia, and contributing to Chinas high-level opening-up for new opportunities in global economic growth, he added.

China had expanded its share of global commercial services exports from 3 percent in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2022, according to a report titled Trade in Services for Development, which was jointly released by the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization in July.

In the first seven months of this year, Chinas services trade value grew 8.1 percent year on year to reach 3.67 trillion yuan (about 511.2 billion U.S. dollars), data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

The China-proposed BRI is closely linked to Egypts Vision 2030 development strategy, as the two countries have conducted full-fledged cooperation in the fields of industry, energy, communications and infrastructure, said Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

Financing is one of the basic factors that enhance development in countries benefiting from the BRI, and has greatly helped Egypt develop its services sector, al-Deeb said.

China has already started cooperation with Egypt in many areas of the services sector, mainly in the maritime and transportation ones, investing billions of U.S. dollars in the maritime industry in recent years, especially in the Suez Canal, which is a vital component of Chinas Maritime Silk Road, he noted.

Ghulam Qadir, trade and investment counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in China, said that China puts much emphasis on the new growth momentum that the world needs for trade liberalization, adding that the hard-won and hard-fought trade liberalization across the world must be maintained and improved.

This shows that how China is moving forward and offering its (development) space to other countries, Qadir said, stressing that there should be greater synergies among the development strategies of all countries, especially the developing countries.

INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP OF SERVICES SECTOR

As China has been committed to setting up a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, this years CIFTIS represents an epitome of the countrys step forward to widen access to the booming sector and to expand institutional opening-up in pursuit of high-quality development.

British company Schroders recently became one of the first global asset managers to operate in the Chinese market, as China has accelerated the opening-up of its financial services sector to facilitate international participation.

The asset management company was awarded a license in June to operate a public fund business in China. With our wholly-owned fund management company, were going to have a broad suite of capabilities, said Sebastian Wood, chairman of China Affairs with Schroders.

Wood described the 2023 CIFTIS as a springboard for Schroders ambitious plans in the region. The fair gives us a platform and an opportunity to network, and it will bring into focus our ambitions for the Chinese market.

China is modernizing and developing its investment market rapidly, said Wood, who was British ambassador to China between 2010 and 2015. Its right to be very aware of that strategic opportunity in the historic development of the market here.

We see it as a long-term strategic commitment which we have to this market. We want our services to be available to a range of clients in China, including larger Chinese financial institutions and intermediaries down to retail clients as well, he added.

China is further opening up to global businesses, particularly in the services sector, said Gianpaolo Bruno, trade commissioner of Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Beijing Office and coordinator of ITA Offices in China and Mongolia, suggesting thats the main message China wants to deliver through this years CIFTIS.

The Italian official highlighted a series of policy measures that China has carried out, from intellectual property rights (IPR) protection to foreign direct investment (FDI) incentives.

In particular, he talked of Chinas stepped-up efforts to grant foreign companies equal access to government procurement activities.

They are also very good signals that we really appreciate. We hope that the Italian business community could take advantage of these opportunities, he added.

In August, Chinas State Council released 24 suggestions for attracting foreign investments, ranging from improving IPR protection to facilitating cross-border data flows.

Authorities should guarantee that foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) can participate in government procurements in accordance with the law, and support FIEs in innovating and developing world-leading products through measures such as first-order purchases, said the document.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Chinese government to create a level playing field for everybody to access the services sector in this country, Bruno said.

Georgian businessman Giorgi Rtveladze also held that doing business in China is quite convenient and profitable, thanks to the countrys major international expos like CIFTIS and the authorities favorable policies such as tax exemption in free trade zones.

It is the first time that Rtveladze, a representative of Georgian wine company Rtvelisi, participated in the 2023 CIFTIS, after exporting Georgian wine to China for five years. The Chinese market is good for us. It welcomes foreigners to come and do business. We are happy to be here, and our business is growing, he said.

At present, Rtveladze is pursuing his PhD in south Chinas Hainan University. Looking to the future, he said he hopes to do business in more areas in the country and export more products to its enormous market.

Shayne Heffernan
Chinas auto production and sales rose 7.4 percent and 7.9 percent year on year, respectively, in the first seven months of this year, posting steady growth, according to an official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, MIIT official Wang Weiming said China is striving to increase its annual automobile sales by 3 percent to 27 million in 2023.

Wang added that it is necessary to strengthen departmental coordination and create policy synergy to stabilize and expand the consumption of new energy vehicles and petrol vehicles.

However, growth challenges persist in the auto industry, with mounting global uncertainties and the continued triple pressure of domestic demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, the official noted, adding that the task of stabilizing the growth of the industry is arduous.

Chinas industrial authorities on Saturday unveiled a plan to maintain stable growth of the countrys machinery industry in 2023-2024. The plan, jointly released by the MIIT and six other government departments, mainly focuses on 11 sectors, including machine tools, agricultural machinery and construction machinery.

Chinas economic growth to 2050 will be a story of slowing but sustained expansion, as the country transitions from a manufacturing powerhouse to a knowledge-based economy Shayne Heffernan

China expects the industrys operating revenue to reach 8.1 trillion yuan (about 1.13 trillion U.S. dollars) by 2024, according to the plan.

Efforts will be made to expand demand, promote the intelligent transformation of manufacturing, improve the quality of supply and make policy implementation more targeted, the plan stated.

The automotive industry is a major contributor to the Chinese economy. In 2022, the automotive industry accounted for about 10% of Chinas GDP. The industry also employs millions of people and supports a wide range of other industries, such as suppliers, logistics, and retail.

China is the worlds largest producer of automobiles. In 2022, China produced over 26 million vehicles, accounting for about 30% of global production. The Chinese auto industry is dominated by domestic automakers, such as SAIC Motor, FAW Group, and Dongfeng Motor. However, foreign automakers, such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and General Motors, also have a significant presence in China.

The Chinese auto industry is closely linked to the Chinese economy. When the economy is doing well, auto sales are strong. Conversely, when the economy is weak, auto sales tend to decline.

In recent years, the Chinese auto industry has been facing a number of challenges, including:

Rising fuel prices: Rising fuel prices have made it more expensive to own and operate a car in China. This has led to a decline in demand for gasoline-powered vehicles.

Rising fuel prices have made it more expensive to own and operate a car in China. This has led to a decline in demand for gasoline-powered vehicles. Environmental regulations: China has strict environmental regulations that are designed to reduce air pollution. These regulations have made it more difficult and expensive for automakers to produce vehicles that meet the standards.

China has strict environmental regulations that are designed to reduce air pollution. These regulations have made it more difficult and expensive for automakers to produce vehicles that meet the standards. Competition from electric vehicles: Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in China. This is due to a number of factors, including government subsidies, tax breaks, and the availability of charging infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, the Chinese auto industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to a number of factors, including:

Growing middle class: Chinas middle class is growing rapidly. This is leading to an increase in demand for cars.

Chinas middle class is growing rapidly. This is leading to an increase in demand for cars. Infrastructure investment: The Chinese government is investing heavily in infrastructure, such as roads and highways. This is making it easier for people to own and use cars.

The Chinese government is investing heavily in infrastructure, such as roads and highways. This is making it easier for people to own and use cars. Government support: The Chinese government is supporting the development of the electric vehicle industry. This is helping to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to consumers.

Overall, the Chinese auto industry is a major contributor to the Chinese economy. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, despite the challenges it is facing.

Shayne Heffernan
Some small towns are disbanding their police forces, reports the Associated Press. They're unable to pay the salaries that potential officers expect, goes the reportage, with the implicit suggestion that municipalities should be turning over yet more of their budgets to law enforcement. But reality bites.

At least 521 U.S. towns and cities with populations of 1,000 to 200,000 disbanded policing between 1972 and 2017, according to a peer-reviewed 2022 paper by Rice University Professor of Economics Richard T. Boylan. In the past two years, at least 12 small towns have dissolved their departments. Goodhue County is now under contract for law enforcement duties in the town of Goodhue, even as Sheriff Marty Kelly tries to fill four vacancies in his own department. He said he has around 10 applicants for those jobs. By comparison, one open position in 2019 drew 35 applicants, he said.

How about it's fine if a town with 1,000 people in it and a crime a week only has the Sheriff's Department.

After a decades of police being trained to treat civilians as enemy combatants, it's inevitable that the job would end up being regarded as nasty work, no matter how much glassy-eyed cheerleading goes on in politics or how dependent media is on them for content. Even the authoritarian right wing types talk of cops as goons: that's just the whole point of having cops, as far as they're concerned. Some people do want to be goons, it's truebut goons are well-paid in the private sector, so here we are.

And good on the Associated Press for reporting this, even if it buried it 15 paragraphs down: "Generally, crime rates were unchanged in towns that dropped their departments, the Rice University study found. Leaders of several towns said they've been happy with the change."

Crime doesn't go up, you don't have to spend half your city budget on Crown Vics, and there's less risk of being taken to the cleaners when your bored patrolmen get filmed committing federal crimes. Win-win for everyone!

Correction: up, not down.
A line of people wait outside the federal courthouse in Birmingham, Alabama, on Monday, August 14, to watch a hearing where a three-judge panel will review Alabama's new congressional districts.
Police say 29-year-old Kadum Hunter Harwood posted threats through Facebook that were aimed at the center before the fire happened.
Former President Donald Trump (left) and Fani Willis are seen here in a split image.
A hungry driver in Arizona plowed his semi-truck into three vehicles waiting at a red light, whereupon his truck and one of the cars burst into flames, another car crashed into a boulder and landed on a roof, one person died, and several others were seriously injured. The 28-year-old gentleman then stepped out of the burning truck and walked over to a nearby Mexican restaurant, where he treated himself to a burrito  before police came to arrest him.

Karan Singh, who allegedly tested positive for drugs, had been driving a truck with a sign that read "RTL Carrier, Incorporated," which is a company based in Manteca, California, according to CBS News. Singh was arrested for second degree murder and aggravated assault, and is being held on $1 million bail.

Video below, caught by MNR Racing and posted by stevelarge, shows Singh barreling his truck through town moments before he decided to grab some lunch.
If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option.
Soaring fuel price hikes and unrelenting cost of living increases brought about by Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine is forcing Longfords transportation industry into economic oblivion.

They were the sobering warnings delivered by a clutch of haulage firms this week days after the latest hike in excise rates came into force.

From midnight last Friday, those rises saw petrol increase by 7c per litre with diesel incurring by 5c upturn.

Orla Barry, of Longford-based transport company Barry Express, said the crisis was effectively forcing cash strapped companies to look on with fear, desolation and dread on an almost daily basis.

This 5c increase, when passed onto the hundreds of thousands of litres of diesel we need each year, represents yet another slap in the face to an industry already on its knees, she said.

Last weeks announcement is the second of three increases that looks set to offset a reduction introduced last year to combat soaring prices in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a withering attack on government bosses apparent refusal to row back on the latest rises, Ms Barry singled out Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryans obsession in meeting Irelands well documented climate strategy as a key factor behind the added pressure on hauliers.

This government and its own Minister Ryans obsession with our 2030 climate targets, which we already look certain to miss, has once again been laid bare, in their incessant attack on hauliers up and down the country, she said.

Our businesses stand on the precipice of the abyss. Instead of supporting and sustaining this vital part of our economy, this government seems determined to drive it into oblivion.

Those scathing remarks were ones which were echoed by north Longford haulage boss Norman Hall.

The managing director of Aughnacliffe based Hall Transport said the increases would add in excess of 200,000 to his annual fuel bill when factoring in his 44 strong fleet of lorries.

And, in a further startling revelation, he told of how other ancillary costs impacted by the war in Ukraine was gradually pushing more and more hauliers to the brink of liquidation.

The even bigger thing is the difficulty in getting drivers in, he said.

You are pushed up as far as you can with drivers. I have gone to as much as I can but there are just no drivers out there and every haulier is facing the same problem.

The price of tyres has surged as well. We were paying 250 a tyre but with the war in Ukraine it has gone up to 480 a tyre and then you have insurance rises, maintenance increases, everything is against us at the minute.

I just dont know what way things will go. If hauliers go to the wall you will have a serious shortage of food because at the end of the day there is no food on the table without them.
Theres a lot to be said for community spirit and few places, if any, do it better than Ballinamuck.

The north Longford village will be the centre of historical attention over four action packed days starting tomorrow (Thursday), climaxing with a full scale re-enactment on Saturday involving in the region of 300 pikemen.

The festival itself, which has been the best part of six months in the making, gets underway with a commemorative mass (7pm) to remember the 500 Irish troops under General Jean Joseph Humbert who are believed to be buried in mass graves on Shanmullagh Hill.

In the immediate aftermath of that, live music which promises to be a regular feature of the weekend, will take centre stage in the villages 98 Bar ahead of an eagerly awaited fireworks display on Kiltycreevagh and Shanmullagh Hill.

Over the course of the next two days, no fewer than 25 different, but equally captivating events are planned as part of a spectacle that promises to be as insightful as it is entertaining.

The last of those preparations were in rich display last Saturday afternoon when the Leader called out to the idyllic north Longford village last Saturday afternoon.

Upon our arrival, the raucous sound of power washers undertaking a deep clean of the villages main buildings allied by the sight of bunting being erected across both sections of its main thoroughfare.

Hello Liam, you are very welcome to Ballinamuck, came the friendly clamour from Margaret Dillon, one of the events 20 strong committee members as she spoke of how last minute arrangements were being put in place.

We are involved in so many things and there is so much going on. For a small village, its unreal all that is going on. You can already see all the tourists that are around. There is a lot around the pikeman and they are doing the walks. There are holiday makers here already and they are hearing about what is going on in the village.

She was soon accompanied by the festivals secretary Siobhan Mulligan. In carefully rhyming out the names of each committee member responsible for bringing what is arguably Longfords most keenly anticipated tourism attraction to its borders for some time, you could almost feel the sense of unbridled anticipation at the festivals imminent arrival.

There is a great buzz around the place, everyone is working together, she said.

It started in mid April and we have had meetings every week since then getting the plans up and going and its all voluntary too.

It will bring a great sense of pride to us as a community and to showcase what we have here.

Evidence of that notion of fulfilment is perhaps best illustrated in how organisers have managed to not just pull in, but train 300 pikemen for Saturday afternoons centrepiece and full scale re-enactment.

One of those casting a watchful eye over the last minute organising was local man Frank McKenna.

In joking how his own residence was city centred located for the four day extravaganza, he like fellow villager Dessie Connell told of how the re-enactment was undoubtedly the highlight he was relishing the most.

I was here for the last one but I didnt get to see much of it, so I am really looking forward to this one, remarked Dessie.

Its massive, absolutely massive for the area. There is lots for everyone, young and old are catered for. There is a great committee working on it with everyone working together.

That overriding impression of common partnership was further endorsed by three other committee members as they took a welcome breather, Gary McNally and festival chairperson Mark Cunningham.

Gary spoke of how he could vaguely recall its corresponding equivalent a quarter of a century earlier, adding that aside from organising final parking arrangements and erecting a marquee, the vast majority of heavy lifting ahead of Thursday had already been done.

We have been putting up bunting for the last couple of weeks and adding a bit of colour to the place, he said.

We are expecting a big crowd over the weekend and hopefully the weather is in our favour.

We've got some great live music too. Friday night is Brid Shaughnessy and Johnny Brady and High Stool Prophets and Rhythm and Sticks is Saturday night, Sunday night is Mick Flavin, Cronin and Night Fever.

Standing alongside him, hands on hips, the man charged with directing this weeks litany of festivities cut an enthusiastic figure as he looked proudly on a village decked out in colour and pristine refinement.

Asked somewhat sarcastically about whether he would be joining the 200 odd volunteers on the battlefield on Saturday, the chartered engineer laughed I have the pike with me at all times.

Joking aside, Mark said anticipation in the village and surrounding area could not be any more palpable.

We are very excited about the week ahead. It has been a relentless six months and we are in the last week of it now.

Its all about tightening things up and making sure we are ready for Thursday evening where our commemoration weekend commences with a mass for all those that perished in The Battle of Ballinamuck and indeed in The 1798 Rebellion.

Friday we have Shannonside here all day and we have the official opening from 4pm to 7pm with music each night in the Hall and the re-enactment on the Saturday together with a family fun filled day on Sunday.

Apart from the pageantry an event of its ilk will undeniably bring to the north Longford region, Mark said there was just as much of an onus on the necessity to honour Ballinamucks fallen fathers 225 years later.

Its very important to remember history, The Battle of Ballinamuck was the last battle of The 1798 Rebellion and it planted the seed for the War of Independence in 1922.

There is a great community spirit in north Longford and south Leitrim and we see that every year with the various committees that are involved in Ballinamuck.

"We have a St Patricks Day parade which proved to be a great success, a fair day where people come from far and near and also events at Halloween and Christmas. As a result we are expecting huge crowds in Ballinamuck next weekend.

When asked how many did he expect to visit Ballinamuck this coming weekend the proud Ballinamuck man said: Back in 1798 there were 26,000 in Ballinamuck and you never know 225 years later if we get the weather we might welcome something similar.

Bold words they may be, they are ones you would not bet against becoming a breathtaking reality as Ballinamuck prepares to put on a celebration and commemorative weekend like no other.

*For a full breakdown of the 225th Battle of Ballinamucks event guide, log on to www.battleofballinamuck.ie
A Green Party candidate who declared an interest in representing the people of Longford received a barrage of racist abuse online after posting a video about her initial campaigning experience.

Catherine Joseph's post centred on the largely positive feedback she received while canvassing in Clondra. Ms Joseph was surprised by the negative response from some of the users of X (formerly Twitter).

I went to Clondra last week and after the canvas I did a video to highlight a number of local issues. That is where the abuse started coming. It seemed to annoy them. They said things like Go back to Africa and change Africa first, things like that, she told the Leader.

There were many messages of support, but the trolls behind the offensive postings, a disproportionate number showing Irish flags as profile pictures, were out in force.

On her X feed the Green Party representative got support from one local TD. Deputy Joe Flaherty expressed solidarity with the local election hopeful: I have known her for a number of years and long before she joined the Green Party. She's passionate and committed, but above all else a genuinely kind and caring person. Don't let the haters get you down.

Catherine has taken action: I have reported a lot of them..

The abuse the Green candidate was subjected to is largely based on her African heritage. Posts to her X page include comments like: You are not Irish nor will you ever be, it's not racist to state facts but it is disgusting & disingenuous to use your race as a weapon against the real native Irish people.

Others read: Foreign invaders are getting to the front of all the queues here because of their ethnicity, they arent complaining when they are put ahead of us though and Is there no Irish people living in longford anymore wtf.

Ms Joseph explained that although there are clear racist overtones of many of the messages, they do not infringe the social media platform's regulations: Twitter (X) say they don't find any violation in most of the tweets. Some of the videos were investigated.

The local election hopeful says some good things have come out of the bad: There are a lot of positives out of it. I have received a lot of support from people in response to the abuse. I am so happy with the public support I have received, and I don't take these things too much to heart.

Ms Joseph believes those stirring up division are missing the point of what she wants to achieve: I realise people are using very important social issues to divide our society. It's playing on people's fears. I want to participate in politics to address social problems. I want to be a part of the things that are working well and help to fix things that aren't.

Her experience canvassing is very different to the online maltreatment she received: That is the surprising thing. Every door I knock on is positive. Everybody is so nice, even people who say the Green Party is not for them.

The local election candidate highlighted a number of issues she believes will shape the future of Longford. She says Longford tourism could benefit from a Failte Ireland initiative that will see 17 million funding made available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and communities.

This funding is part of the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.

Ms Joseph believes the announcement will have a significant benefit for Longford: This funding presents a valuable opportunity for our community-based businesses to contribute to the sustainable transformation of our region, fostering economic growth while preserving our natural and cultural heritage.

Applications for the Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs will be assessed by Failte Ireland, with guidance and support provided to applicants.
A Longford man who was jailed for eight and a half years after placing a bomb on a bus during late Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland over a decade ago is facing further criminal sanction after appearing in court yesterday.

Seventy-three-year-old Donal Billings, of 2 Fee Court, Longford, came before a sitting of Longford District Court yesterday charged with defacing a wall belonging to Longford County Council with graffiti.

The incident, the court heard, took place at Fee Court on August 9, barely seven months after Mr Billings was released from prison after he was jailed in December 2016 for eight and a half years by the Special Criminal Court.

Sgt Enda Daly, in outlining the charge of criminal damage to the court, said gardai while on routine patrol came across the accused walking away from a wall with a paintbrush and a tub of paint in hand.

Presiding Judge Bernadette Owens was informed gardai later arrested Mr Billings and brought him to Longford garda station for questioning and where he was later charged.

When asked as to what Mr Billings had allegedly daubed on the wall, Sgt Daly said: 'No drugs, no drink, no damage."

Upon Mr Billings tendering a guilty plea after Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction, the court was told the accused had nine previous convictions to his name, the most recent of which was recorded at the non-jury Special Criminal Court on December 15, 2016.

They included convictions for offences under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 of knowingly making false reports tending to show that an offence had been committed and possession of explosives in suspicious circumstances.

That came after Mr Billings was found guilty in November 2016 of the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16th, 2011.

He was also found guilty of making a false report within the State on May 16th, 2011, that bombs had been placed at Busaras in Dublin and at Sinn Feins headquarters.

In defence, solicitor Brid Mimnagh said while Mr Billings' actions were motivated by a desire to "protest" at the rise in anti-social behaviour that had been taking place just yards from his front door.

"It's common knowledge that on a continuing basis there is alcoholic drinking going on down there and drug abuse and recently a lot of rubbish was left there.

"Mr Billings wanted to protest at this and was at his wits' end at this unruly behaviour and he took it upon himself to write this on the wall," she said.

Ms Mimnagh was equally at pains to stress Mr Billings never shied away from admitting his involvement and "stood his ground" when gardai came across him.

The court was told Mr Billings was not aggressive and co-operated with gardai throughout his arrest and subsequent detention.

In delivering her verdict, Judge Owens said while the court had to be mindful of Mr Billings' "very significant" previous convictions, it equally had to decide on the "proportionality" of any penalty it chose to hand down.

In giving Mr Billings credit for his early guilty plea, Judge Owens said the most appropriate sanction in those circumstances was to adjourn the case for a period of time to allow the accused tender a cash donation to Longford Tidy Towns.

She ordered Mr Billings to return with 250 to the court on January 2, 2024 for the purposes of disposing of the case.
This Saturday the village of Roosky is will mark an ancient Hindu festival of Kerala that celebrates rice harvest.

Naval Haafiz Mohamed is on the Organizing Committee of Namaste Ireland: I represent an Indian community named Namaste Ireland which is based on Indians living in Roscommon, Leitrim, and Longford. We are celebrating Onam, a traditional and cultural festival of Kerala, the southern most state of India.

Onam is the traditional festival of Kerala, which is celebrated every year during the month of August or September depending on Malayalam month calendar, in the month of Chingam. This festival is celebrated as a remembrance of King Mahabali, who is considered to be the noblest and most prosperous ruler, who transformed his kingdom into a heavenly place, Naval explained.

According to Hindu mythology, God Vishnu granted Mahabali a boon, whereby he could return back to his homeland once every year. The harvest festivals of Balipratipada and Onam are celebrated to mark his yearly homecoming.

Naval explained what the festival is about: On the day of the event, A person dressed as King Mahabali will greet everyone. People will gather around in our traditional Kerala outfit.

An onam flower carpet (Pookkalam) will be on the floor which symbolises good harvest and prosperity. Thiruvathirakkali, which is a traditional folk dance will be performed. There will be other cultural programs too including songs and dances , and games like vadamvali(tug of war), musical chair etc.

The most inevitable part of the festival is Onam Sadhya , the great Onam dinner with 24 food items served on a banana leaf, Naval told the Leader.

Naval says the event is for invited guests: We expect around 60 to 70 people including kids. As Onam is one of the most important festivals of Kerala , all keralites celebrates this , to embrace the culture and heritage and to promote the cultural values to the next generation. Even though Onam is a Hindu festival, people from all religion celebrates this, moreover Onam is a regional festival than a religious festival. Eugene Murphy, Senator of the agricultural panel, Roscommon is the chief guest.

The gathering is in The Roosky Centre, Main Street, Roosky this Saturday, September 9 from 10.30am.
Arts & Culture

By Lon Cohen Published: September 06 2023

From whaling ships to modern yachts, Long Island's sailing history and boat building heritage are rich and diverse.

These facts offer a glimpse into the island's enduring connection to the sea and its role in shaping maritime traditions that continue to flourish today.

Whaling Legacy: Long Island's maritime history is deeply intertwined with whaling. In the 19th century, Sag Harbor on the East End was a major whaling port, sending ships on dangerous voyages to hunt whales for their oil and other valuable resources.

Ship Building Era: Port Jefferson Villages shipbuilding industry spanned over a century, from approximately 1797 (when its first shipyard was built) to its close in the 1920s. As a shipbuilding hub, Port Jeffersons main role was to build and support ships that participated in coastal freighting trades. Patchogue, Freeport, Northport and other coastal towns have contributed to Long Islands boat building past.

Lighthouses and Navigation: Long Island's coastlines prompted the construction of several iconic lighthouses. Montauk Point Lighthouse, completed in 1796, is one of the oldest in the United States and stands as a testament to the island's dedication to safe navigation. The Fire Island Lighthouse, completed in 1858, also stands as a symbol of Long Island's maritime heritage. It has been lovingly restored and preserved, serving as a beacon for sailors and a testament to the island's past. Also read: Crazy Facts About the Fire Island Lighthouse

Bay Houses: A handful of little bay homes still dot the marshlands of Hempstead Bay, a holdover of the shacks that baymen built to be close to the water where they made their living starting as far back as the 1600s. These tiny homes have no electricity, no permanent foundations and are prone to floating away in exceptionally high tides. Also read: Crazy Facts About Long Island Bay Houses

Naval Aviation History: Long Island's history is not limited to sailing ships. The Grumman Corporation, based in Bethpage, played a pivotal role in naval aviation history. Also read: Crazy Facts About Grumman

Preservation Efforts: Long Island's maritime history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical societies, and organizations. Museums such as the Long Island Maritime Museum and the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum showcase the island's nautical heritage.

Revolutionary War Significance: Long Island played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The Culper Spy Ring, headquartered in Setauket, utilized boats to gather intelligence and ferry messages, contributing to the success of the American cause. Also read: Crazy Facts About George Washingtons Long Island Spies

Fishing Industry: Long Island's waters have long supported a thriving fishing industry. The island's coastal communities, such as Montauk, have been hubs for commercial fishing, with boats ranging from small trawlers to larger vessels used for deep-sea fishing. Also read: 12 Movies About Long Island Including Jaws

Sloop Preservation: Christeen, a 38-foot gaff-rigged sloop, is the oldest oyster sloop in America and a National Historic Landmark. She was originally built in 1883 for Captain William Smith in Glenwood Landing, New York for harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 06 2023

Officials at the Nassau County Board of Elections stressed that their staff will never knock on a voters door to discuss their registration status.

Nassau County voters are urged to be on the lookout for a new scheme in which individuals are impersonating Board of Elections officials in numerous counties to harass and intimidate registered voters.

The New York State Board of Elections recently alerted County election officials to the ruse, in which imposters are posing as election workers and confronting voters at their homes with allegations that they are unlawfully registered multiple times.

Officials at the Nassau County Board of Elections stressed that their staff will never knock on a voters door to discuss their registration status.

The ability to vote without fear or intimidation is one our most sacred rights as American citizens, and it is unconscionable that anyone would even attempt to sabotage the sanctity of this bedrock democratic principle, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D  Woodbury) said. We must all be alert and engaged to protect ourselves from being deceived by these malicious imposters. If anyone ever claims to be a Board of Elections employee and confronts you about your voter registration, alert the authorities so that we can hold these bad actors accountable.

Any person who is approached at their home by a person claiming to be a Board of Elections staffer should immediately call the Nassau County Board of Elections at 516-571-VOTE (8683) or the Office of the Attorney General Helpline at 1-800-771-7755; hearing/voice impaired individuals can call 1-800-788-9898. All incidents will be reported to the Nassau County Police Department.
Reuters reports that part of the latest US military aid package being sent to Ukraine will include armor-piercing munitions made from surplus uranium, whose radioactivity has (mostly) depleted. These weapons aren't new; the US used similar bullets in both Gulf Wars, as well as during the 1999 NATO bombing of what was Yugoslavia. But this is the first time the country will be sending uranium bullets elsewhere (although the UK sent similar munitions to Ukraine earlier this year as well).

The decision is, understandably, not without controversy. From Reuters:

The use of depleted uranium munitions has been fiercely debated, with opponents like the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons saying there are dangerous health risks from ingesting or inhaling depleted uranium dust, including cancers and birth defects. A by-product of uranium enrichment, depleted uranium is used for ammunition because its extreme density gives rounds the ability to easily penetrate armor plating and self-ignite in a searing cloud of dust and metal. While depleted uranium is radioactive, it is considerably less so than naturally occurring uranium, although particles can linger for a considerable time.

After the UK's shipment of uranium-depleted bullets back in March, Putin told Xi Jinping that if, "the West collectively is already beginning to use weapons with a nuclear component," then "Russia will have to respond accordingly."

Exclusive: US to send depleted-uranium munitions to Ukraine [Mike Stone / Reuters]
On Poloncarz and the personal lives of politicians

I made the statement a few minutes into my interview last week with Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz:

Mark, I dont care which women you are dating and I dont care how many women you are dating, either.

Its not the type of thing that usually comes up as I do my job trying to chronicle the political goings-on in Western New York. Usually Im talking to pols about policy and politics, not dating habits.

But it needed to be said because recent news stories  written by me and others  gave readers a peek into the county executives personal problems in a way that he surely wishes they had not.

What started as a domestic incident that resulted in Poloncarzs name being listed in a police report escalated after the woman who filed the police report made claims that Poloncarz directed county money to a cultural group run by another woman with whom he was in a relationship. Poloncarz has denied any impropriety.

That question about public funds in the second allegation, I explained to Poloncarz, is what made recent developments worthy of public attention  and publication.

Who the county executive, or the mayor, or members of Congress, date, hang out with or pursue romantically are certainly political fodder and interesting gossip. But they are usually none of the publics business unless they affect governing in some way. Another exception is when there are allegations of crimes or abuse, like in the cases of former Attorney General Eric Schneiderman or former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The allegation  made by a former girlfriend  that Poloncarz played favorites with public money because of a personal relationship with the head of the Italian Cultural Center in North Buffalo is different.

Its different because it deals with public dollars  cultural groups receive millions each year from the county budget and the process of awarding that money should be transparent, fair and free of favoritism.

Its also different because it raises questions about ethics that are new and relevant.

Should the county executive have recused himself from the decision-making process?

Should he have disclosed the personal relationship to the other members of the countys capital projects committee, who decide where grant funds are awarded?

Was he in a relationship with the cultural leader at the time the grant funds were awarded?

Are there guardrails for Poloncarz or other elected leaders if potential conflicts of interest arise in the awarding of public contracts in the future?

These are important questions that deserve to be answered so members of the public, who pay Poloncarzs salary and fund his budgets, can be assured that contracts are handed out fairly and without any inside deals.

Its easy for political reporters to get too cozy with the people we cover. After all, we depend on them for a certain amount of access and information.

The Poloncarz story is another reminder that no elected leader is off limits  and that as journalists, we write not for the politicians we cover, but for the taxpayers whose dollars they spend.

War of words: The low-key throwing of political elbows between Sheriff John Garcia, a Republican, and Comptroller Kevin Hardwick, a Republican-turned-Democrat, continues after Hardwick released additional details about $114,000 in missing money at the county clerks office.

Hardwick said he expected someone to be arrested by now because the evidence his office gave Garcia contained dozens of smoking guns.

Garcia pushed back last week, admonishing Hardwick in a letter and saying that exposing evidence in the public realm in an obvious attempt to divert the news cycle is unacceptable.

The testy relationship between the sheriff and comptroller is one that remains worth watching.

Speaking of bad blood: In the wake of the migrant crisis, the New York Daily News reports that the relationship between Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Mayor Eric Adams is downright frosty.

The two pols mostly stayed clear of each other on Monday while attending the West Indian American Day celebration in Brooklyn.

Veteran NYC political strategist Hank Sheinkopf was quoted as saying, Does that indicate that a battle [between them] is happening? Yes, it does.

Congressmen on immigration: The News Jerry Zremski had an interesting Q&A with Rep. Brian Higgins, a Democrat, and Rep. Nick Langworthy, a Republican.

The two Western New York lawmakers have divergent views on the record number of migrant families that have crossed into the country at the southern border. Zremski pushes them to go beyond the partisan sound bytes and to discuss solutions to the problem.

Cuomo comeback? Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in disgrace two years ago amid multiple scandals, is on the comeback tour.

Politico reports that Cuomo spoke before a crowd of 70 last weekend in the Hamptons, saying of the migrant crisis that leaders need to take control of the problem. Address the problem and pay for the problem.
It was an instant classic news blooper, complete with an f-bomb, a panicking producer, and a smooth yet fearful transition into news mode. The scene opens on TV1s Breakfast with Matty standing up, back to the camera, fiddling around with his microphone pack (I hope) before saying: Ah f*ck, my things fallen out.
It was a little comment made in regards to some work I had been doing, he shared. I never expected to be described that way. I dont think any other culture could use that statement with such impact.
We live in an ever-changing global society and the opportunities in life as well as death are continually expanding and now, inspired by a practice which has been followed by seafarers for generations in Germany, a new company in Mallorca, branded Nemocean, is offering the ultimate opportunity to celebrate a persons life with a funeral in the Mediterranean Sea off Mallorca.



The co-founder of Nemocean, Tobias Hofmann, who served in the navy, has a lifelong connection with the sea and has lived in Mallorca for over four years. He explains that the funeral market is changing dramatically and that demand for alternative funeral services is growing.

There are many factors. In Germany, for example, funerals have been held at sea in the Baltic or in the North Sea for generations, but here in Mallorca, not only do so many people have a long affiliation and love for the sea, the Mediterranean offers a location second to none for that very special moment.

We understand that saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy, which is why were here to support families during this difficult time.

Breathtaking beauty

Our intention is to create a warm and comforting atmosphere as we sail off the coast of Mallorca, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and nature.

Our aim is to transform what is typically a sombre and mournful event into a gentle and uplifting farewell celebration, one that will honour a loved ones memory with grace and dignity. We hope that this experience will bring some comfort and solace as families navigate this difficult journey.

In 2022, the law changed in Spain allowing funerals at sea under restrictions, and we are a very professional team who work very closely with the port authority with regard to permits and the legal side of things.

Prior to that, sea funerals were being carried out by families but they were illegal and not regulated, for that reason the new law was introduced last year.

Plus, although weve only been operating since the end of last year, we also have the cooperation and support of different regional church communities. This means that should a family wish to have a spiritual person such as a priest, pastor or vicar present, we can arrange for that, although were finding that in many cases families prefer to organise their own ceremony.

That said, were on hand to provide the charter vessels, catering, live music, flower arrangements, whatever services families require, and we source as much as possible locally.

We also provide audiovisual services to document the ceremony.

Demographics have changed so much that families are quite often living apart all over the world. For those members who are unable to make it to Mallorca, they will have a professional film of the event plus photographs of a truly memorable occasion to remember their lost one by.

New York

It is the case that were focused on a more international market. The last funeral was for a South African family, many of whom have lived in Mallorca for years. The next is for a family from New York. There is a great deal of interest growing in the United States as well as in the UK and Germany.

Yes, many of the people who approach us do have connections to Mallorca while others dont, but they are attracted to the idea of a wonderfully moving and unique send-off for a loved one, Tobias said.

Protection of the environment

There are obviously strict rules, regulations, and prerequisites we must comply with. For example, the urns, which we provide, must be biodegradable, either made of sand or salt, and be certified.

We also have to sail at least three miles out from the shore. We are not allowed into any protected natural marine areas and nothing can be mixed with the ashes. We have dedicated maritime areas, for example, plus we have to respect the Posidonia sea grass.

But as I said, the team works very closely with the ports authority to make sure everything goes to plan.

We prioritise sustainability, partnering with local businesses and employees to support the community.

We raise awareness of environmental and maritime issues and donate to relevant projects for the protection and improvement of the environment, Tobias explained.

We are devoted to creating a one-of-a-kind event that brings a familys vision to life.

Our custom ceremonies, which can include sailing or motor yachts, live music, funeral speakers, or priests, are tailored to whatever preferences.

Our team handles all pre- and post-event preparations and offers full support in English, German, Spanish and French, ensuring the best possible service during this emotional time. For the most recent funeral, while we were only allowed to drop petals into the sea during the ceremony, the entire vessel was decorated in flowers. It was extremely impressive and very moving, and the family was extremely pleased with the celebration of life.

Cherish and share

For the next, the family wants a morning funeral with breakfast on board. All these options are available, and we can make it happen.

And we operate all year round, weather permitting.

From June to September the charter companies are obviously very busy, but out of season, obtaining a vessel, whatever model or size the family requires, is less challenging, slightly cheaper and the charter firms welcome this.

Why a funeral at sea? Well, its a very special occasion and one people want to remember. Weve seen a change in habits. For various reasons, people no longer want a tomb or traditional land-based place of rest or ceremony.

Theres the matter and cost of upkeep, lack of space in cemeteries, while in a cemetery families are unable to host a memorable ceremony in the intimacy of being on board a boat off the glorious coast of Mallorca.

The sea funeral provides unforgettable memories of that final farewell. These are sad occasions but at least we can offer a respectful, delicate and pleasant experience tailormade for the families, which they will cherish and can share. From a more spiritual perspective the sea may be seen as the ultimate birthplace of life on Earth and as a symbol of eternity, Tobias explained.

It also breaks down certain barriers. For example, in Germany urns are not allowed to be taken home. They have to be held by a funeral company, although that is neither the case in the UK nor Spain. The biodegradable urns we provide and use locally mean that this is not an issue, plus were not a funeral company. What we do is partnering with a growing number of funeral companies in Germany and here in Mallorca, and we take care of all the logistics required by the family and the organisation of the funeral.

Repeat celebrations

Every family is given the coordinates, the location, of where the funeral took place so they can return to the site in the future if they wish to hold memorials for those who may not have been able to have been present at the original ceremony or small repeat celebrations of the deceaseds life.

At the end of the day, what better way to celebrate someones life than in the Mediterranean off the coast of Mallorca? And were highly flexible to ensure that we can accommodate all of the familys requirements for this very special day, Tobias said.

For more information: www.nemoceans.com
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.
LOS BANOS The #BagongLosBanos Administration, led by Mayor Anthony Ton Genuino, will celebrate a more fun and colorful Banamos Festival 2023 from September 17 to 24 this year, which coincides with the celebration of its 408th Founding Anniversary on September 17.

The festival theme for this year is, Tara na at sumama sa mas pinasaya at mas pinakulay na Banamos sa Bagong Los Banos.

A more vibrant and exciting celebration in the town is expected through different events such as the Thanksgiving Mass, Barangay Night, Cultural Show, LBirit Star Search Duets, Padyak LB, Zumbanos, Bailamos, Civic Parade, Grand Revelry, Mister and Miss Bagong Los Banos, at Bayle sa Kalye Dance Showdown, Fun Run (Color Run), LB Awards (Iconic Businesses; Top 10 Tax Payers and Outstanding Citizen) and Carnival Fair.



The festival offers new events, including the Banamos Kick-off Shower Parade, where there are showers, bubbles, and color blasts in the parade. Pinoy games with a twist are something to look forward to at Palarong Banamos.

One of the new attractions is the boat design competition called Kakaibangka Banamos Aqua Games will showcase the beauty of Tadlac Lake, where the water relay games will happen.

There will be more big hot-air balloons and a market bazaar on the UPLB grounds in partnership with the Business Affairs Office of UPLB in the event of the Hot-air Balloon Fiesta and Trade Fair.

The Banamos Festival 2023 will not be possible without the partnership of LGU with the University of the Philippines Los Banos, headed by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., and the rest of the UPLB officials who gave permission to use the university grounds for some of the major events of Banamos.

This will be the second time to celebrate this big event in the town since the pandemic started. The local government ensured that it follows new health protocols when holding the different activities and events of the festival.

During his first term from 2010 to 2013, Mayor Ton has already successfully made this week-

long event more festive and fun for LB citizens and tourists. He was able to improve and revamp this festivity once, so the people can expect even more this time around.

Hotsprings and non-hotspring resorts in the town may soon offer discounts during the event in celebration of the hotspring baths festival.



Birth of Banamos



The Los Banos Tourism Council of 2002, spearheaded by Dr. Francisco F. Penalba, conceptualized the festival with the aim of promoting the tourism industry of the town. They believe that a strong, competitive and aggressive tourism advocacy is key to a progressive economy.

Banamos Festival was successfully launched on September 17-21, 2002, in conjunction with the 387th Foundation Day of Los Banos. The very first grand fest gathered over 50,000 spectators and tourists, including the local and foreign visitors and media.

This is a celebration of the colorful history, culture and well-known natives of the town through parades, dances, exhibits, talent search and performances..



Banamos as a commemoration of history



This festival is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Municipality of Los Banos observed every September 17th. Banamos comes from a Spanish word that means we bathe.

This word can be traced back during the Spanish period, whereas, the Franciscan friars were enticed by the rich hot springs and steam vents of the Mount Makiling set up as public bath

which are believed as holy and healing.

It was believed that the Spanish authorities named this town as Los Banos or the baths because it is visited by tourists from Manila and neighboring provinces.



Banamos as a celebration of natural wonders and local products



The town of Los Banos is home of two natural wonders, Mount Makiling and Laguna de Bay. These natural lands are rich in fertilized soil, clean air, potable water, and a rustic ambiance that influences and helps sustain the livelihood and lifestyle of the people of the town.

This natural richness brought life to the popular native products of the locality including buco pie, milk, ornamental plants, souvenir items and other homemade delicacies.
Buffalo-based 22nd Century Group is exploring selling its tobacco business.

The plant biotechnology company disclosed it is considering strategic alternatives for its tobacco assets, including business combinations, asset sales, licensing arrangements and alternative financing strategies.

This comes amid financial struggles and leadership turnover for the company headquartered at 500 Seneca St. in Larkinville.

We believe the current market capitalization of the company does not appropriately reflect the value of our assets or their long-term potential, Nora Sullivan, chair of 22nd Centurys board, said in a statement. After extensive discussion, our board has determined that the best way to maximize value for shareholders is to comprehensively evaluate the companys strategic alternatives.

Sullivan said the company hopes to identify ways to monetize the value or more effectively expand the market reach of our tobacco portfolio. That portfolio includes the companys VLN line of low-nicotine products, which have become more widely available to customers after 7-Eleven began selling them at over 1,450 corporate stores in three states.

The company said there was no timeline for completing the review, and it doesnt intend to disclose developments unless and until its board of directors approves a specific transaction, concludes the review, or determines that further disclosure is appropriate or is required.

22nd Century Group is working with investment bank TD Cowen on the review.

In addition to tobacco products, 22nd Century Group has made a push into CBD products, as well as hops.

22nd Century Group reported a $20.5 million loss in the second quarter. Its stock price has plummeted over the past several months, opening at $1.46 per share on Wednesday.

In July, the company made a change at CEO, naming John Miller as interim CEO. The company also launched a cost-cutting effort aimed at achieving $15 million in annualized savings.

Last month, 22nd Century Group entered into retention agreements with Miller and H. Hugh Kinsman, the companys chief financial officer, and a restated and amended employment agreement with its chief legal officer, Peter Ferola.

The agreements called for bonuses to be paid to each of the three officials on Aug. 31, Oct. 31 and Feb. 29, 2024.

As of May, the company had nearly 80 employees, 10 of whom were based in Buffalo. 22nd Century Groups manufacturing plant is in North Carolina.
The Philippines is set to talk with Japan and the United States for a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here in Indonesia, a government official said on Tuesday.

During an interview with the media, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Babe Romualdez confirmed the meeting between the three nations.

The trilateral meeting was actually requested by both the United States and Japan for the Philippines to get together here in Jakarta, said Romualdez.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for the planned trilateral talk.

Asked what would be the agenda of the meeting, Romualdez said the discussion will most likely be about the West Philippine Sea and economic cooperation.

Well, itswere all allies, basically Japan, the United States and the Philippines. So Im sure, obviously, the West Philippine Sea, will most likely be part of the discussion, but mostly in cooperation and how Japan, the United States, and the Philippines will work together, especially in the area of economic security, which is also very important for us, said Romualdez.

Romualdez added that the President is very eager to discuss pressing matters in the the surrounding areas, which include the West Philippine Sea.

He downplayed questions on how China would react to the meeting, saying its nothing new to have a meeting between allied countries.

I dont think theres any (Chinas reaction)its nothing new that in meetings like this, in summits like this, there is always a lot of bilateral meetings between so many countries. I know that people are putting meaning into it, special meeting into it because of the situation in our part of the world but at the end of the day, it is really a meeting of friends and allies and partners, said Romualdez.

The schedule for the meeting is still being planned out, the ambassador said.
The military supports the proposal of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to dispose of its real properties as well as assets left from its Retirement and Separation Benefits System worth about P44 billion and use the proceeds as seed capital for a new and separate pension fund for our soldiers.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Wednesday said newly confirmed AFP chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said this during the Commission on Appointments (CA) hearing on the latters recent confirmation.

When asked by Villafuerte, CA majority leader, on whether Brawner shares Teodoros position on the substitute Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) pension reform bill passed last month by a House ad hoc committee, Brawner said he supports the defense secretarys position on the sale of AFP assets and the establishment of a pension system for our soldiers separate from those of other uniformed personnel.

I share the same sentiment po, especially on the separation of the military from the other uniformed services when it comes to the pension system. Dahil nga po doon sa rason na we are going to use the existing assets of the AFP to be able to fund the pension that will be needed by our retirees and by our personnel, Mr. Chair, said Brawner in reply to Villafuertes query.

Brawner told Villafuerte that based on the military leaderships consultations with stakeholders, our soldiers are willing to contribute their share to the new fund to keep the proposed AFP pension system a sustainable one, but they agree with Teodoro that their personal contribution should be at an amount that wouldin the defense secretarys wordsaffect those in active service in the least possible way.

The House ad hoc committee on the MUP chaired by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, who chairs the House ways and mean panel, last month passed a substitute bill on pension reform that was acceptable to all stakeholders, including Teodoro, who had opposed the measures original version.

Villafuerte said at the CA hearing that the financial pickle in the current system is that the retirement pensions and benefits of our MUP are fully funded by the national government through the annual appropriations despite having no contributions from the retirees.
The countrys capacity to improve on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital connectivity as well as to manufacture animal vaccines got a boost after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured some $22 million worth of investment pledges from Indonesian companies.

The Presidential Communications Office on Wednesday said the pledges were made during Mr. Marcos meeting with Indonesian investors at the sidelines of the ongoing 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Publicly-listed firm PT WIR Asia Tbk. said it plans to invest some $20 million until 2028 through its subsidiary PT Mata Nilai Republik, Indonesias first Metaverse company, for the development of augmented reality technology with the use of virtual reality and AI.

Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), on the other hand, updated Mr. Marcos on the memorandum of understanding it signed with WIT Philippines Inc. in September 2022 for the launch of a satellite in December this year.

The tie-up calls for the allocation of 13.5 Gbps of bandwidth for the Philippines using the soon-to-be-launched satellite.

PT Vaksindo Satwa Nusantara said it will work with its Philippine partner, Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Company Philippines, on veterinary vaccines, such as avian influenza vaccine, through a $2 million investment.

Marcos, during his meeting with the investors and during the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, stressed the need for stronger cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines to enhance business opportunities in several areas.

I cannot say now how happy I am to be able to have met with you, some of you again, and to have this opportunity so that we can hopefully explore many areas that we have really not spoken about before but are particularly relevant when it comes to partnerships between our two countries both in the private and the public sectors, the President said.

We have adopted a policy of very close coordination and cooperation with the private sector and that I think is also the element that will add to the possibilities to excel, Mr. Marcos added.

The President likewise highlighted his administrations goal of developing priority areas that include agriculture and energy.

And we are, of course, continuing our infrastructure buildup which is the most important and absolutely critical in any  if we are to develop and industrialize larger parts of the economy, he said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also thanked the Indonesian firms for their commitment to invest in the Philippines.

Through your committed investments in the country, we see you as our valuable partner in pursuing robust economic growth and expansion. We look forward to our strategic collaboration and partnership in creating a sustainable and innovative future for the region, Pascual said.

Private sector representatives from the Philippines and other ASEAN member-countries also signed an MOU for agriculture cooperation and small business development in line with the regional blocs economic integration bid.

The MOUs, signed for each country by their respective ASEAN-BAC representative, cover joint studies and mentorship channels with Filipinos for potential agriculture, agriculture technology, food security, agri-preneurship business models and value chain development among small, medium, and large farmers, enterprises, and government entities.

Meanwhile, the President urged ASEAN-member states to call on developing countries to firm up their climate action commitments, noting that the most urgent threat to our progress is the impact of climate change.

It is a looming reminder of the injustice of disproportionate impact on our people, he told chief executives and other officials of ASEAN countries in his intervention during the 43rd ASEAN Summit.

He said ASEAN, during the upcoming COP28 must call on developed countries to heighten the implementation of their commitment.

Mr. Marcos said the Philippines, being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, will carry on with international tie-ups aimed at making the region climate-smart and disaster-ready.

In achieving food security, we must build on cooperation that will harness the transformative potential of our agricultural sector to ensure that food production is responsible and will be of benefit for future generations, he said.

The continued effectiveness of our community-building efforts rests on a clear assessment of our strengths. The Philippines will continue to champion for change that will strengthen our institutions, improve our decision-making, and uphold ASEAN Centrality, the President added.
Chinas premier said on Wednesday that major powers must keep their differences under control and avoid a new Cold War, in a thinly veiled reference to Washington, as top Asian and US officials gathered for talks in Indonesia.

Beijing has expressed concern about US-backed blocs forming on its doorstep while facing disputes with other powers in the region over the South China Sea and other issues.

Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests, or external interferences, Li Qiang said at the start of an ASEAN-plus-three meeting with Japan and South Korea in Jakarta.

To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation, and to oppose a new Cold War.

Qiang also claimed that China has been working with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to preserve regional stability, asserting that mutual trust between the two parties has grown deeper.

Lis statement, delivered during the ASEAN-China Summit in Jakarta, comes a week after several ASEAN members and other countries condemned Beijings 10-dash line map that asserts Chinas ownership of almost the entire South China Sea.

We have been committed to treating each other with sincerity and our political mutual trust has grown deeper, Li said.

No matter how the international situation evolves, China and ASEAN have maintained close exchanges and communication, respecting each others development path, he said.

Big power rivalries and regional issues from the South China Sea to North Korean missiles will be on the table at the 43rd ASEAN Summit (see related story  Editors).

The regional bloc will hold separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Canada, providing an arena for big powers to lobby the bloc.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is attending in place of President Joe Biden, while Qiang is taking part instead of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

We seek common ground while setting aside differences. We both have a relentless pursuit of peace, Li said in opening remarks at the ASEAN-China summit.

As long as we keep to the right path, no matter what storm may come, China-ASEAN cooperation will be as firm as ever against all odds.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will also attend.

They will meet with Li at an ASEAN plus three summit where a row between China and Japan over the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant could again come to the fore.

Li was scheduled on Wednesday to visit a Beijing-funded high-speed rail project between Jakarta and the Javan city of Bandung, Indonesian officials said.

Myanmar will also be a major issue at the summits with China  a key diplomatic ally of the junta.

China also upset several ASEAN members last week when it released a new official map claiming sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea.

It sparked sharp rebukes from across the region, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

A Southeast Asian diplomat said joint statements from the meetings will contain references to the South China Sea and Myanmar.

But to avoid angering Beijing, experts said ASEAN leaders were unlikely to confront Li.

I predict the leaders will avoid discussing confrontational issues such as Chinas new map, Aleksius Jemadu, a foreign affairs expert at Indonesias Pelita Harapan University, said.

They wont risk the relationship with big powers.

China, which has stressed that issues like those over the South China Sea should be resolved by parties within the region, underscored that the China-ASEAN cooperation has come a long way because of their shared understanding about hardships.

We both have a relentless pursuit of opportunities. We both have our strong aspiration for development and we both take real actions to preserve regional stability, he said.

We seek common ground while setting aside differences, properly handle disagreements through dialogue and consultation, and consistently deepen practical cooperation in the traditional security fields, he also said.

We have preserved peace and tranquility in East Asia, in a world fraught with turbulence and change, he added.

In August, Chinese ships used water cannons and blocked Philippine resupply vessels that were sailing within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

China also snubbed proceedings in the Hague-based international arbitration court after Manila filed an arbitration case against Beijing in 2013.

Beijing has continued to reject the 2016 ruling on that case and accused the US in July of being the mastermind behind the Philippines filing.

Meantime, the Chinese Premier also reminded ASEAN leaders of Chinas promise to procure $150 billion worth of agricultural products in the next five years.

To date, over $55 billion worth of these products have been imported faster than expected, he said.

Li also stressed that China has been ASEANs largest trading partner in the last three years, with bilateral trade amounting to $970 billion in 2022.

We are committed to mutual benefit and that our cooperation has been more productive, he said.
Mikael Ekman, Senior Legal Adviser at rights group Civil Rights Defenders, told AFP that the case was extremely significant.

This is about grave international crimes and what responsibility company leaders themselves have when doing business in countries in conflict, Ekman, who had come to watch the trial in person, told AFP.

Its a tragedy that it hasnt happened before and that it doesnt happen more, Ekman continued, adding the outcome of the trial was of course still uncertain.

Lundin, 62, was chief executive of family firm Lundin Oil, now known as Orron Energy, from 1998-2002, and Schneiter, 61, was vice president at the time.

Heading into the courtroom, Lundin, dressed in a grey suit, told reporters he and Schneiter looked forward to defending ourselves in a court of law.

The accusations against us are false, they are completely false. They are also very vague, he continued.

The trial is set to be the biggest in Swedish history, following an over a decade-long probe, a more than 80,000-page investigation report and with closing arguments scheduled for February 2026.

The two, who were formally named as suspects in 2016, face the charge of complicity in grave war crimes committed during the rule of Omar al-Bashir.

In their opening arguments, the prosecution claimed that after Lundin Oil struck oil in 1999 in the Block 5A field in what is now South Sudan, the Sudanese military, together with an allied militia, led offensive military operations to take control of the area and create the necessary preconditions for Lundin Oils oil exploration.

Public prosecutor Henrik Attorps said: The perpetrators used tactics and weapons that neither distinguished between civilians and fighters nor civilian property and military targets.

 Military force 

According to the charge sheet, this included aerial bombardments from transport planes, shooting civilians from helicopter gunships, abducting and plundering civilians and burning villages and crops.

Prosecutors claim the accused were complicit because Lundin Oil had entered into agreements with Sudans government to make the military responsible for security, knowing it meant the military and allied militias would need to take control of areas by military force.

Prosecutor Karolina Wieslander told the court that Lundin and Schneiter had demanded that Sudan create conditions for oil operations in areas not controlled by the military or regime allied militias, knowing the military would need to perform offensive operations to do this.

If convicted, Lundin and Schneiter risk life sentences.

The prosecution has already requested that the two be banned from any business undertakings for 10 years.

It has also asked for the confiscation of 2.4 billion kronor ($218 million) from Orron Energy, equivalent to the profit the company made on the sale of its Sudan operations in 2003.

The defence meanwhile argued that the prosecutions case does not hold up.

Our opinion is that these two years that will now be spent in the district court will be a huge waste of time and resources, Torgny Wetterberg, a lawyer for Ian Lundin, told AFP on the eve of the trial.

 Their own hands 

Wetterberg told the court that the defence disagreed with the prosecutions descriptions of events, and that it had built its case on circumstantial claims with no concrete evidence.

Laying out his case to the court, Wetterberg also noted that the prosecutor did not even argue that the defendants had been part of any specific crime or even having knowledge of the time and place of instances of abuse.

He also said there many of the facts put forward by the prosecution, such as links between certain militias and the government were not backed up by substantial evidence.

Lundin himself noted that Sudan had long suffered from internal conflict.

We never had anything to do with this conflict, to the contrary we were a force for good, Lundin told reporters Monday.

Mark Klamberg, a professor of international law at Stockholm University, told AFP that cases involving business leaders facing charges relating to war crimes are rare, and the case is a first for Sweden.

Charges are instead more commonly brought for crimes that the defendants were complicitly or indirectly involved, since those in leadership positions rarely commit crimes with their own hands.

But it places demands on the prosecutor and evidence, making cases complicated and drawn out, Klamberg told AFP.

Sweden can prosecute crimes committed abroad in its court system, though the government had to give its approval to indict a foreign national for crimes committed abroad.
US President Joe Bidens national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Pyongyang and Moscow were eyeing leader level discussions, perhaps even in person on Russias arms needs.

Sullivan said Russia could use weapons from North Korea to attack food supplies and heating infrastructure heading into winter to try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation.

This is not going to reflect well on North Korea and they will pay a price for this in the international community, he added.

Sullivan added that it says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to North Korea in July seeking to acquire additional munitions for the war, the White House said.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it was unable to confirm a summit between Putin and Kim. We have nothing to say on this, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Shoigu said on Monday that Russia was considering joint military drills with North Korea. Why not? They are our neighbors, he was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.

 Secret talks 

The United States warned last week that Russia was already in secret talks with the North to acquire a range of munitions and supplies for Moscows war effort.

Kim is likely to head by armored train later this month to Vladivostok, on Russias Pacific coast not far from North Korea, to meet Putin, US and other officials told the New York Times.

Vladivostok is hosting the Eastern Economic Forum from September 1013, which was attended by representatives from 68 countries last year.

According to the Times, Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, while Kim, who could even travel to Moscow, is reportedly in search of advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid for his impoverished nation.

An official at Seouls unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, said various developments indicated the growing possibility of an arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Any form of cooperation between North Korea and neighboring countries must be conducted in a way that does not undermine international norms and peace, he told reporters.

Washington said last week that, despite its denials, North Korea supplied infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in 2022 for use by the privately controlled Wagner military group.

 Diplomatic isolation 

Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said a summit between the leaders of diplomatically isolated Russia and North Korea would send a message to Washington, which is ramping up defense cooperation with South Korea and Japan.

North Korea and Russia also need to showcase their cooperation in a symbolic diplomatic sense, he told AFP.

Last week at the United Nations, the United States, Britain, South Korea and Japan said that any deal to increase cooperation between Russia and North Korea would violate Security Council resolutions forbidding arms deals with Pyongyang  resolutions Moscow itself had endorsed.

They said another group of Russian officials traveled to North Korea for follow-up talks after Shoigus visit to Pyongyang.

Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said sanctions will do little to stop Russia and North Korea from trading weapons.

The war in Ukraine and the strategic competition between the United States and China have virtually neutralized the current UN Security Council system, Cho told AFP.

The United States last month sanctioned three entities accused of seeking to facilitate arms deals between North Korea and Russia as Washington tightened restrictions on support for Moscows war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials have claimed some progress in their counteroffensive, but Putin said again on Monday the attempt to retake land lost since Russias February 2022 invasion had been unsuccessful.

It is not that it is stalling. It is a failure, Putin said during a news conference with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

burs-dk/md

 Agence France-Presse
Late last month, a wire news report indicated the United States military is holding talks with the Philippine government to develop a civilian port in Batanes province.

The report did not say whether the US is talking with officials of Batanes provinceand, presumably, with the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

But what is clear is that the planned development of the Batanes port for military use, if it comes to pass, would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

The spokesperson of the US Embassy in Manila was quoted in the news report as saying the US Embassy and US Army Pacific (Usarpac) officials and experts had been talking with the Batanes governor and local government, at their request, to discuss ways Usarpac can support engineering, medical and agricultural development projects in the province.

Batanes province lies less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan, which China claims is a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

The Bashi Channel between Batanes and Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea and a key waterway in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, according to Taiwans defense ministry.

This news report is likely to send alarm bells ringing wildly in Beijing as the plan could stoke the fires of already simmering tension in this part of the Pacific.

Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco, however, has said she had sought funding from the US for building an alternative port in Basco island that would assist in unloading cargo from Manila in rough seas during the monsoon season.

She said she was seeking investments to build seaports and airports in the island province with a population of 18,000.

The province could also offer safe haven to Filipinos fleeing Taiwan if conflict breaks out there, according to Batanes local government officials.

But two other unnamed Filipino officials said the US military had visited Batanes recently to discuss the planned port.

The AFP is said to be interested in the possible installation of radar and other monitoring facilities in the area.

If China has already built artificial islands even in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) complete with airstrips and even suspected missile sites on the basis of its dubious and mythical ten-dash line covering nearly all of the South China Sea, what should stop us from asking for US help to build a port right in our northernmost island for combined civilian and military use?
Colby Krug grew up in South Buffalo, went to Bishop Timon High School and St. Bonaventure University, where he started his military career through the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Fifteen months ago, he returned to his hometown after 18 years away, now as a lieutenant colonel and commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District.

On Wednesday, he presided over the ribbon-cutting on the Corps headquarters on Main Street, bringing the militarys engineering agency back to its original home in downtown Buffalo after 75 years in Black Rock.

Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

Im from Buffalo, so its awesome to be back home and to get to usher in a new era, Krug said after a ceremony filled with the pomp and circumstance of the Army Song and Engineer Song, and the uncasing and unfurling of the units flag. Its so great to be back here in the Central Business District. Its great to be able to come back and contribute to the community that raised me.

The Corps Buffalo District, with 250 employees, moved into the historic former Hens & Kelly department store building at 478 Main this summer. Originally constructed between 1922 and 1925, the six-story building has been redubbed the Mohawk Building after a $12.5 million renovation by Ellicott Development Co.

Weve been proud to call the City of Buffalo the home of our district headquarters, because where we hang our helmets  with the red and white castle on it  matters, Krug said. Were truly pleased to embrace the vibrant downtown culture, and look forward to partnerships it will foster with nearby state, federal and local agencies.

The Corps occupies 60,000 square feet of space across three floors and joins the U.S. Social Security Administration as the anchor tenants for the building. The 131,916-square-foot former retail building also has a lobby and retail space on the ground level, plus 15 apartments on the top floor and a four-story penthouse structure atop the building.

Its clear the ownership team has taken great care to restore the building to its former glory and provide multifunctional mixed-use space on Main Street in downtown Buffalo, said Francis Thomas, regional administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, which leased the space on behalf of both federal agencies.

This new building is more than just bricks and mortar. Its a space that will foster creativity and teamwork, said Brig. Gen. Mark C. Quander, commander of the Corps Great Lakes and Ohio River Division, which includes the Buffalo District, and covers 355,000 square miles across portions of 17 states.

Its a place where ideas will be shared, innovations will be born, and solutions will be forged, and were here to make a difference, to leave a lasting impact on the Great Lakes and Ohio River region that we serve.

The Army Corps is the civil engineering division of the military, handling a host of construction, infrastructure, environmental, cleanup and other projects across the country. But only a handful of the staff are active-duty Army officers. It has operated in the Great Lakes region for nearly 200 years.

, starting when Capt. Theodore Maurice was assigned to supervise federal engineering operations on Lake Erie, by surveying what would become the harbors of Buffalo, Cleveland and Erie, Pa.

Weve played a pivotal role in shaping the waters, protecting the infrastructure and restoring the environment of the lower Great Lakes, Krug said. Were proud to engineer solutions for the nations toughest challenges.

Among notable regional projects cited by Krug, the Corps:

Constructed breakwaters and improved commercial harbors across three states, and has maintained those harbors ever since  including by dredging the water.

Built the Black Rock Lock, which is used by more than 2,500 recreational boaters each year and enables the transportation of nearly 100,000 tons of commercial cargo.

Built the Mount Morris Dam that has reduced flood damage by more than $4 billion while drawing 50,000 visitors each year.

Helped construct the St. Lawrence Seaway that links the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, while monitoring agreements with Canadian agencies and the International Joint Commission.

Oversaw critical military construction projects during World War II.

Dewatered Niagara Falls in the 1960s to study them.

Assembled a team of experts to clean up the remaining radioactive contaminants left over from the Manhattan Project that developed the first atomic bomb, while protecting the public and environment.

Protects coastal communities and addresses concerns through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Assisted with responses to the Blizzard of 1977, Hurricanes Katrina, Andrew and Maria, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our team plans, designs, constructs and operates water resources projects to maintain navigation, flood and storm damage reduction, stream bank and shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration, Krug said. They possess some of the foremost expertise in engineering, water resources management, wetlands planning, water quality and water supply, and they lead our division in knowledge and capability surrounding radiological waste.

For the last 166 years, the district office has been located in Buffalo, although in five different places,: on Franklin Street, at the Morgan Building, in the Old Post Office Building, at the Ellicott Square Building, and most recently at the Black Rock Lock at 1776 Niagara St., where it had been since 1948.

We were at our old space for 75 years, and it offered an array of things, but things get antiquated after 75 years, Krug said. Sometimes it just makes sense to move into some new digs.

The move has been in the works for over 10 years, through multiple district commanders and a real estate search that included the AM&A department store building just down the street, before the U.S. General Services Administration agreed in January 2021 to lease space from Ellicott.

Being here at Main and Mohawk brings things full circle, since our first four headquarters were all within a half-mile of where we are today, Krug said.
A Cambridge man was confined to his home following his arraignment on Tuesday, where he appeared in court in connection with a machete attack stemming from a domino game.

Ron Taylor, 66, was arraigned on Aug. 28 on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (machete) and a single count of mayhem, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office.

Boston police arrived at 190 Westview St. in Dorchester on Aug. 25 at around 6:28 p.m. after they received a call about a stabbing, Haydens office said. A man was found bleeding from a cut to his face, but conscious and speaking with police.

He and another man told them that Taylor got into an argument while they played a domino game. Witnesses told police the argument centered around who knows Kingston the best.

Taylor went to a Lexus and took a machete from the trunk before slicing the first victim in the face and chasing a second man around his car while swinging the machete, Haydens office said. Police said they found blood on the sidewalk, street and on two nearby cars.

After Boston police started looking for Taylor, Cambridge police found him and arrested him. The machete was found in a sink inside his apartment.

Boston Municipal Court Judge Jonathan Tynes ordered Taylor be held on bail before ordering he be fitted with a GPS tracking device and confined to his home with the exception of work times on Monday between 6 and 10 p.m., Tuesday between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Friday between 6 and 10 p.m.

Its outrageous that a summer evening game of dominoes could devolve into such shocking violence, Hayden said in a statement. The potential for more severe injuries, or worse, was certainly present here. Home confinement with conditions and GPS tracking is certainly warranted in this case.

Taylor is due back in court on Nov. 7 for a pretrial hearing.
Websters Friendlys restaurant closed its doors for good on Monday, leaving 24 locations still open in Massachusetts, according to CBS News Boston.

Founded in 1935 in Springfield, the chain boasted 10 restaurants in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut in 1951, the news station added. The Webster restaurant, located on 129 E. Main St., closed its doors on Labor Day at 9:30 p.m.

The restaurant is known as being family friendly and for its ice cream and Fribble milkshakes. The chain also sells ice cream at grocery stores.

This leaves Central Massachusetts with four Friendlys, in Auburn, Gardner, Leominster and Marlborough, according to the companys website.

Over the last decade, three locations closed following a 2012 bankruptcy filing, according to the Telegram & Gazette. These restaurants were in Tatnuck Square in Worcester, in White City Shopping Plaza in Shrewsbury and on Route 9 in Westborough.

The restaurant at 1519 North Main St. in Palmer closed in June, leaving the Springfield-born icon with fewer than 118 restaurants at the time in 11 states from New Hampshire to Florida, the Republican reported.

A Friendlys restaurant that was once on Park Avenue in Worcester has since become Soho Express Sushi & Hibachi, the newspaper added.

The history of Friendlys

Brothers S. Prestley and Curtis Blake co-founded Friendly in 1935 with a loan from their mother, who was concerned the boys wouldnt be able to get summer jobs in the Great Depression.

Their first Friendly Ice Cream shop was at 161 Boston Road in Springfield. They stayed open until midnight that first day, selling 552 cones in five hours and making $27.60.

The brothers sold the company in 1978 to Hershey Foods for $162 million, or about $788 million in todays money. At that time, the chain had more than 600 restaurants in 16 states.

It grew to 850 locations in 15 states at its height in 1996.

But frequent ownership changes and changing dining habits took their toll, and Friendlys went through two bankruptcies; the most recent in 2021 had private equity investors Amici Partners Group buy the chain through bankruptcy for $1.9 million and fold it into its Brix Holdings subsidiary.

That $1.9 million was a pittance compared to the $337.2 million paid when Friendlys sold to Sun Capital in 2007.

It was Sun that sold off most of the real estate, the wholesale ice cream business and Wilbraham factory. The wholesale ice cream business, delivering products to stores, and the manufacturing business are now owned by the co-op Dairy Farmers of America.

S. Prestley Blake died in February 2021. He was 106.

Curtis died in 2019 at age 102.

In February 2022, Brix opened what it promised was Friendlys new-look future, a Friendlys Cafe at 291 East Main St. Westfield, where customers order at the counter and have food brought to them. The new location, which is still open, emphasizes drive-thru and delivery business.

Jim Kinney, a reporter with The Republican, contributed to this report.
A Methuen man was identified after he drowned while swimming with his friends at a popular but dangerous quarry in Westford on Labor Day, Massachusetts State Police announced Wednesday.

Chester Rodriguez, 18, and several friends swam in the quarry shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday when he began to struggle and went under the water, State Police said.

Rodriguez did not resurface. Firefighters received a call about a possible drowning at Merrills Quarry off Vineyard Road around 4:16 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4, the Westford Fire Department said on Facebook. The caller said that a man jumped off a ledge into the water and did not resurface.

Westford first responders and the Lowell Fire Department Dive Team went looking for him, State Police said. Troopers used their Air Wing to help in the search.

A short time later, the dive team found Rodriguez, State Police said. He was found about 40 feet below the surface at around 5:24 p.m., according to WBZ-TV.

So far, there is no evidence to indicate the involvement of foul play, State Police added.

Merrills Quarry became popular after the swimming spot was featured in the 2013 movie Grown Ups 2. The quarry is private property and has No Trespassing signs posted throughout the area, which are plainly visibly to anybody, Westford police said in a press release from June 2021.

The quarry is littered with many hazards including broken glass, sharp edges from rocks, steep cliffs, unseen rock ledges just under the surface of the water and other hazards under water, the release said. Because of these numerous hazards, in past years many people have either been seriously injured or killed at the quarry.
The Coast Guard helped get a sick Carnival Cruise passenger to the hospital on Monday.

Carnival Legend was about 180 nautical miles from Cape Cod on Monday when the woman started feeling sick. She had abdominal pains and had been vomiting throughout the day, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard was traveling from Cape Cod to Greenland around the same time. The Coast Guards MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a HH-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew were launched to assist.

At 10:25 p.m., the aircrew arrived to the cruise. The Coast Guard said the Jayhawks crew safely took the woman and the cruise ship nurse at around 11 p.m. They arrived at emergency medical services around an hour later.
An electric construction sign board broadcasting a meeting of the Ku Kux Klan was spotted in Boston on Labor Day, according to a police report from the Boston police department.

A Boston police officer noticed the sign that read, KKK Meeting Today, while they were in the area of D and Cypher Streets in South Boston around 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.

The officer took a photo of the sign and told her supervisor. Another officer joined her, and both were able to turn off the sign, according to the report.

Boston polices Civil Rights Unit, Massachusetts State Police and Massport were also told about the incident. The sign belongs to a private construction company, whose name was redacted from the police report. The company was also listed as a victim of the incident.

The Ku Klux Klan is one of 12 active hate groups in Massachusetts, according to a 2016 list published by the Southern Poverty Law Center on the states website.

Boston police are investigating the incident as a form of vandalism. So far, it is unclear who is behind the act.
A new parking ramp might be coming to downtown.

No decisions have been made about going forward with construction of a ramp, and multiple sites are being proposed, including a vacant surface parking lot at the corner of Court and Pearl streets that is partly owned by Ellicott Development Co. and part by the city.

That would put it across from the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Main Place Mall and Tower and Buffalo Police Headquarters, and a block or two from Niagara Square and the Statler, which is being redeveloped by Douglas Jemal to include 450 new apartments and 200 hotel rooms.

Sign up for the Buffalo Next free newsletter The News' Buffalo Next team covers the changing Buffalo Niagara economy. Get the news in your inbox 5 days a week.

Theres a need for parking down there, a significant need, said Ellicott Chairman and founder Carl Paladino, who said such a proposal is in the very early stages.

The property at 30 Court St., between Pearl and Franklin, previously held a five-story commercial building constructed in 1908, which was occupied by Denton, Cottier & Daniels until the piano and keyboard store moved to Amherst in 1976. The building was then demolished, leaving the block empty for nearly 50 years.

Thats been a site thats been under conversation for decades, said Brendan Mehaffy, the citys economic development commissioner and executive director of the Office of Strategic Planning. But its not the only site in downtown Buffalo that people are talking about. There are a lot of other sites that are in play as we look at the overall parking strategy.

Mehaffy said the city plans to conduct a more thorough parking study, to evaluate both the needs and opportunities, which are growing. Of particular concern is the potential demand among new downtown residents and hotel guests.

Besides the Statler, Jemal is adding 600 new apartments farther east at the Mohawk Ramp and Simon Electric properties, and also plans to convert the former Mahoney State Office Building at Niagara Square  across from the Denton lot  into a boutique hotel. Hes also planning 148 apartments at his Skyway loop project at 61 Terrace. And Gold Wynn Residential USA is adding 120 units to its space downtown.

Then theres Canalside, where Heritage Point is going up now, and more apartments are planned in the future, close to Jemals Seneca One tower and Skyway loop. But the harbor area is also becoming a bigger tourist draw, particularly in the summer.

If you look at all the changes we have around there, the amount of parking, the amount of activity, everything thats happening, we need to reassess, Mehaffy said. We need to look at not only opportunities for parking but all the different transportation opportunities. Thats why its a much broader conversation, but parking is certainly part of that conversation.

However, its an expensive component, Mehaffy noted. The cost for every new above-ground parking space is at least $45,000, so a new ramp with hundreds of spaces would be tens of millions of dollars.

Before a commitment like that is made, there are other solutions that can be pursued, Mehaffy said. Its not just providing another parking ramp but looking at the full complement of tools. One of the ways isnt just by increasing supply, but increasing other modes of transit.

The city is trying to bring Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps  the nonprofit entity that operates the four city-owned parking ramps and collects fees on the citys behalf  into the mix, by proposing that its mission be broadened to promote and facilitate other methods of transportation, to maximize mobility options for people living downtown, said Sam Iraci, BCARs executive director.

BCAR currently controls the Adams, Turner, Augsberger and Fernbach ramps, which saw a big drop in usage during the Covid-19 pandemic and sluggish return-to-the-office. But the occupancy and ramp revenues are picking back up.

Compared to February 2020, just prior to the pandemic setting in, full-day revenues in July were 87% of the level three years ago, while monthly revenues are 91% of what they were. By ramp, Turner and Fernbach are at 110% and 115%, respectively, while Augsberger is 99% and Adams is 85%.

And that doesnt include new office demand, which is also coming back, particularly with some recent reshuffling. BCAR was asked to provide parking for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is relocating its headquarters from Black Rock to the Mohawk Building at 478 Main St., while technology company Odoo is moving from Seneca One to Fountain Plaza, with a need for 200 spaces.
Two years before his remains were found in a river, Brian Cornwell was a missing person that Greenfield police were searching for.

The Greenfield Police Department posted on Facebook in February of 2021 that they were searching for Cornwell, and that he was seen last in early December of 2020.

Facebook user Pat Hubert, commented on the post in March 2021 and said, I heard he was found in river beat up and deceased. I just hope whoever did this is caught and punished.

The Greenfield Police Department responded around the same time and said, He has not been found.

Last month on Aug. 23, Cornwells skeletal remains were found on Rawson Island in the Connecticut River in Greenfield by a group of children in a summer program, according to the Northwestern District Attorneys office.

Hubert did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday.

The Greenfield Police Department told MassLive they were aware of the comment but could not answer any follow up questions, as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Northwestern District Attorneys office spokeswoman Laurie Loisel also had no comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

A screenshot of the Facebook comment from user Pat Hubert, posted on March 5, 2021, in response to a missing person post from the Greenfield Police Department.

A group of around two dozen staff members and children enrolled in Biocitizen Inc., a Westhampton-based summer school that specializes in taking students outdoors to investigate the environment, were traveling from the Poets Seat Tower landmark to Dawson Island in the Connecticut River that day when the remains were discovered, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Read more: Human remains discovered on Rawson Island in Greenfield by group of kids

Some of the bones were first discovered by a 7-year-old boy enrolled in Biocitizen Inc., and they were thought initially to be the remains of an animal. The skull was later found after a group of children and a teacher in the program went to see the remains. The police were soon called, the Gazette reported.

Kurt Heidinger, the founder of Biocitizen Inc., told the Gazette he and his students made a shrine near the Westfield River in Chesterfield in honor of the person whose remains were found.

The cause of death has not been determined, and remains under investigation by Greenfield police, Montague police and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit affiliated with the Northwestern District Attorneys office.

Anyone with information helpful to the investigation is asked to contact the State Police detective unit at 413 774 3186.
Jury empanelment begins on Wednesday for the fourth murder trial against Cara Rintala, a former Granby woman charged with the killing of her wife in their home in 2010.

Rintala, 56, currently out on bail and living in Rhode Island, has maintained her innocence for more than a decade as prosecutors pursue a conviction in connection with the death of her wife, Annamarie Cochrane-Rintala, 37.

Previous trials in 2013 and 2014 ended in hung juries. A third trial in 2016 resulted in a first-degree murder conviction and life sentence. But then the Supreme Judicial Court reversed the conviction in 2021 and ruled that the trial judge should have prevented an expert witness called by the prosecution from testifying.

Last week, the defense and prosecution argued over nearly two dozen motions regarding what evidence would be admissible during the trial.

Read more: Attorneys argue over audio recording on eve of 4th Cara Rintala murder trial

Northwestern Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Suhl and First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne argued on behalf of the district attorneys office.

Rintala, previously represented by Northampton attorney David P. Hoose during the first three trials, has a new team comprising attorneys Chauncey Wood and Rosemary Scapicchio. The final pre-trial hearing gave the defense an opportunity to persuade the judge to exclude pieces of evidence critical to the case.

According to testimony from previous trials, Cochrane-Rintala was found at the bottom of their basement staircase beaten and bloodied, cold to the touch and covered in paint. First responders found Rintala cradling her wife at the foot of the stairs.

Both women were paramedics and had a daughter. Prosecutors sought a conviction arguing that Rintala strangled her wife to death amid a rough patch in their relationship, which Rintala denies.

Read more: Cara Rintala faces rare 4th murder trial in 2010 killing of wife

After the first two trials ended with deadlocked juries, prosecutors relied on an expert on paint that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court later ruled should not have been allowed to testify.

Cochrane-Rintalas body was found at the bottom of the stairs leading to the basement of the couples Granby home, according to investigators. Medical experts testified that her body had been there for up to eight hours, yet there was still-wet paint that investigators found near her body.

Prosecutors contend that the paint was freshly poured.

Read more: Hampshire County prosecutor doubles down on 4th trial for Cara Rintala after murder conviction reversed

Gagne, who tried the case together with Suhl, previously said they were profoundly disappointed by the Supreme Judicial Courts decision.

Even after juries at the first two trials were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, we never wavered in our commitment to pursuing justice for Annamarie Cochrane and her family. Nor do we now, Gagne said. We remain ready for trial.
A 24-year-old Mansfield woman was killed in a two-car crash on I-495 in Foxborough Tuesday evening that resulted in one of the cars bursting into flames, according to Massachusetts State Police.

The crash between a 2018 Ford Escape and a 2012 Hyundai Tucson happened at mile 33.8 on I-495 South around 5:15 p.m., state police reported.

The Ford was being driven by the Mansfield woman while the Hyundai was being driven by a 30-year-old man from North Easton.

Both drivers were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, police said. The woman died from her injuries.

One car burst into flames right after the crash and the fire was put out by Foxborough and Plainville firefighters. MassDOT also inspected an overpass that may have been damaged from the fire, police added.

The crash shut down all southbound lanes of the highway, with traffic only getting through the breakdown lane. All lanes were reopened around 9:30 p.m., according to police.

The crash remains under investigation by the State Police-Foxboro Barracks, Troop H Detective Unit, State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the State Police Detective Unit for Norfolk County.
With 90-degree days starting off September, it might not feel like peak fall foliage in New England  but leaves are less than a week away from changing, according to Smoky Mountains map, and Yankee Magazine has predicted a long-lasting foliage season this year.

As of Sept. 4, spots of red, orange and yellow have begun to pepper tree branches across the northeast, including in several parts of Maine and Vermont, and just over the border in New Hampshire, Smoky Mountains map said.

Worcester County will be the first in Massachusetts to see early color change, with Yankee Magazines map predicting Sept. 6 as its official early start date.

Trees in Essex County and Cape Cod will also begin early color changing by Sept. 10 and 11, respectively, the map predicts, with color in the Berkshires starting to show by Sept. 16.

We do expect a lot of early color this year, especially in the red maple wetlands, where some swamp maples are already starting to turn. This should make for a long foliage season overall, Yankee Magazine stated, advising peepers to look for a patchwork of fall colors to develop early across the region.

At least minimal colors should be in the trees across all of Massachusetts and almost all of New England by Sept. 11, Smoky Mountains said. Patchy to partial change will take place across the Bay State from Sept. 18 until Sept. 26, Wandering Smokey Mountains said.

Leaves just over the border in New Hampshire will near their peak by Sept. 25, according to the Smoky Mountains map, along with a few northern parts of the Granite State, Vermont and Maine.

By Oct. 2, Yankee Magazines map predicts leaves in Western Massachusetts will be midway to their peak, with the rest of the state to follow. This change at the start of the new month is predicted to be a New England-wide affair, according to Smokey Mountains.

Middlesex and Norfolk counties will be just before peak by Oct. 6, Yankee Magazines map said, and hues are predicted to unfold into peak color across the rest of the state to reach full peak before dropping by the end of the month.

Prime leaf-peeping in all of Massachusetts and the majority of New England will be on Oct. 9, Smoky Mountains map stated, and The Old Farmers Almanac predicted most of New England will be near or at its best fall colors Oct. 11, with Oct. 10 predicted for Massachusetts.

Cape Cod will be the first to reach its full peak colors before leaves turn brown by Oct. 26, the map stated. Despite the slow burn predicted for the 2023 season, the Smoky Mountains map said Massachusetts and the majority of New England will be past prime leaf-peeping time by Oct. 16.

Leaves will still be in peak color across the majority of Massachusetts by Nov. 6, until they begin their decline on Nov. 11, Yankee Magazine said. Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket will be the last parts of New England to be past their prime Nov. 20.

This years fall foliage comes a little earlier than last year; in 2022, the states foliage was impacted by summer droughts, and this summer was especially hot with lots of rain across the region.

Though Yankee Magazine stated this years colors are arriving on time or late compared to historical averages, and some parts of the state did peak around the same predictions in 2022, other areas had to wait until early November last year to begin to see prime fall colors.

The magazine stated colors will be more pastel than flaming red, but no less beautiful, and that the color will be long-lasting, then fade and fall slowly. The site named northern Maine, as well as Down East toward Acadia, and southern New England as the best places to view fall foliage this season.

This could be a year when a lot of the New England region turn at the same time, the magazine stated.

It usually takes about five or six weeks for the wave of peak color to move from the far-northern mountains to the coasts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. This year, though, with an anticipated late peak up north, the whole timetable could be condensed with a strong October cold snap, it added.

Forecasters from Yankee Magazine stated previously that warm and sunny days usually make leaves a brighter red, but prolonged heat and dryness makes leaves turn brown and drop quicker.

Heres a list of some of the best places in Massachusetts to see fall foliage.
What began as a womans medical situation on a yacht in Nantucket Harbor Tuesday morning devolved into a Florida mans arrest by DEA and local police for gun and drug charges, according to the Nantucket Police Department.

At 7:47 a.m. on Sept. 5, the islands police department got a call that a woman needed medical help on a boat in the Nantucket Harbor, police said. Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Harbor Masters Office and the fire department responded to what the Nantucket Current described as a 70-foot yacht named Jess Conn.

The woman was found on the yacht and brought to Nantucket Cottage Hospital, police said. Harbormaster Sheila Lucey told the Current the initial call for the womans medical situation was for a wellness check, and her condition is unclear at this time.

Read more: Coast Guard helps get sick Carnival Cruise passenger to hospital

The owner of the yacht, identified as Scott A. Burke, of Key Largo, Florida, was also found on the boat with the woman, police said. He was initially arrested on two counts of possessing a firearm without a license, police said.

But after what the Current described as a raid on the 70-foot yacht, Burke now faces charges related to drug trafficking, possession and distribution following an investigation by the police department and the DEA Cape Cod Resident Office, police said.

The Floridas man full list of additional charges are: one count of trafficking Class B narcotics; one count of possession to distribute Class A narcotics; one count each of possession of a firearm and of ammunition, both without licenses; and four counts of possession of a large capacity feeding device, the department stated.

The Nantucket Current reported Burke is a former Colorado doctor, founded Denver Spine and Rehab and is the current CEO of Injury Finance, LLC, which gives medical claim services for third-party liability claims.

The Jess Conn had arrived in the harbor from Rhode Island about three weeks ago, on Aug. 23, the Current said. It had recently run aground in Florida in May, but wasnt significantly damaged, the outlet stated.
UPDATE: School closings and early dismissal in Massachusetts for Thursday, Sept. 7

During a heat advisory where temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s, some schools in Massachusetts are dismissing early Wednesday and Thursday.

The heat advisory spans from areas in Western Massachusetts, such as Greenfield and Springfield, to Norwood and Lawrence.

The National Weather service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, the weather service said.

The following school districts have announced closures or delays for Wednesday, Sept. 6. This list is updated constantly. To refresh this list, click here.

C

Chicopee Public Schools  early dismissal on Wednesday, Sept. 6, due to excessive heat. Middle and high schools, including Chicopee Academy, will dismiss at 11:00 a.m., while elementary schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. Students will be offered a bag lunch upon dismissal.

S

W
UPDATE: School closings and early dismissal in Massachusetts for Friday, Sept. 8

Some schools in Massachusetts are dismissing early Thursday and Friday due to excessive heat.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the heat advisory spanned from areas in Western Massachusetts, such as Greenfield and Springfield, to Norwood and Lawrence. Some schools also closed early on Wednesday.

The National Weather service recommended people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening, the weather service said.

The following school districts have announced closures or delays for Thursday, Sept. 7. This list is updated constantly. To refresh this list, click here.

C

Chicopee Public Schools  early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7. Middle and high schools, including Chicopee Academy, will dismiss at 11:00 a.m.; elementary schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. Students will be offered lunch upon dismissal. The start to the school day will remain the same. The start date for Pre-K and Kindergarten has been moved from Thursday to Monday, Sept. 11.

F

Framingham Public Schools  early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7. Dismissal times vary by school. See specific times by schools online here

L

Lowell Public Schools  will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 8. The temperatures in many classrooms are expected to be too hot for teachers to teach effectively, the school wrote on Facebook.

M

Melrose Public Schools  early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7. Students will be dismissed at at 12:30 p.m.

Monson Public Schools  early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7. ECC will dismiss at 11:30 a.m., Granite Valley at 11:30 a.m., Monson High at 10:35 a.m. A bag lunch will be provided for all students.

S

Q

Quabbin Regional School District  early dismissal on Thursday, Sept. 7. Students at the middle and high school will be released at 12:10 p.m. and elementary students will be released at 1:20 p.m. There will be no afternoon preschool.

W
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has joined a coalition attorneys general who are calling on Congress to study how artificial intelligence is being used to generate child sexual abuse material.

In a Tuesday letter led by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, attorneys general from 54 jurisdictions also called on senior leaders on Capitol Hill to propose solutions to deter and address such exploitation in an effort to protect Americas children.

As the world has become increasingly aware, AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of what is possible, the attorneys general wrote. While AI has the potential to bring about remarkable advances in our society, it also has the potential to inflict serious harms.

In their letter, the attorneys general told lawmakers that AI already is being used by bad actors to easily create child sexual abuse material in ways not previously possible and that may make prosecution more difficult.

That includes digitally altering the image of a real child, who has not been sexually or physically abused, to make it look like such abuse has taken place, they wrote.

AI tools can rapidly and easily create deepfakes by studying real photographs of abused children to generate new images showing those children in sexual positions, the attorneys general wrote to congressional leaders. This involves overlaying the face of one person on the body of another.

Read More: Congressman Seth Moulton concerned US falling behind other countries in AI arms race

In a statement, Campbell acknowledged the incredible benefits that artificial intelligence can provide. But she noted that it also [poses] societal risks, particularly for our children.

Im proud to join this bipartisan coalition calling on Congress to protect the young people who are most susceptible to harm and exploitation through AI-generated content, Campbell continued. My office will continue to protect and advocate for the well-being of children across the commonwealth and country.

In their letter, the attorneys general urged Congress form a special commission to study how AI can be used to exploit kids. They also urged lawmakers to act to deter and address child exploitation, such as by expanding existing restrictions on child sexual abuse material to explicitly cover AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

Officials are in a race against time to protect kids, they continued.

The American prosecutors are hardly alone in their concerns. In July, the top law enforcement agency in the United Kingdom issued a similar warning about the threat artificial intelligence posed to children, the Guardian newspaper reported.

In addition to South Carolinas Wilson, the letter was co-sponsored by the attorneys general of Mississippi, North Carolina, and Oregon.

They were also joined by colleagues from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Bay States biggest teachers union said Wednesday that its ready to kick start a massive signature drive now that a proposal to change the MCAS graduation requirement has been preliminarily cleared for the November 2024 statewide ballot.

The certification of the MCAS language by Attorney General Andrea Campbells office gives the Massachusetts Teachers Association and its community allies 11 weeks to gather the 75,000 signatures it needs to put the question before voters, the union said in a statement.

Two potential MCAS questions were among the nearly three-dozen ballot questions that cleared an initial hurdle and could end up before voters in 2024 and 2026.

Also among them are initiatives that would allow municipalities to impose rent controls, increase the the tipped minimum wage, and legalize psychedelic mushrooms, according to published reports.

Read More: MCAS reformers join forces on single ballot question to change standardized test

MTA educators are committed to creating the best learning environment for all students, said the unions President Max Page and Vice President Deb McCarthy said, adding that the action by Campbells office will allow us to make the case directly to voters at the ballot box as to why we must replace the harmful graduation requirement tied to the MCAS exams.

This ballot initiative would make students eligible for a high school diploma if, among other requirements, they complete coursework demonstrating mastery of competencies in our states high academic standards, they continued.

Union leaders pointed to June polling data showing strong public support for a potential ballot question on the graduation requirement.

More than 7 in 10 (73%) respondents to a poll of 800 registered voters by Echo Cove Research said theyd support eliminating the MCAS graduation requirement and replace it with one requiring schools to certify students for graduation if they could show theyd met state standards.

If voters approve the ballot question, Massachusetts would join the company of 42 states that do not tie graduation to a single, high-stakes examination, the union said in its statement.

And as they pursue voter approval of the ballot question, union leaders said theyd also continue to seek legislative authorization of a bill known as The Thrive Act, which would put an end to the MCAS graduation requirement, WBUR-FM reported.

The legislation, which has companion versions in the state House and Senate, also would bar the the state from taking over school districts with the lowest standardized test scores, the station reported in May.
With the 2024 election in its early stages, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has certified dozens of ballot proposals, advancing them to the next phase of the legislative process to be potentially placed on the 2024 ballot.

The Attorney Generals Office received 42 different ballot proposals in August, 34 of which she approved for meeting the states constitutional requirements. Some of the ballot proposals approved Wednesday afternoon were to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, a creation of an official Indiginoues Peoples Day in Massachusetts and authorization for the auditor to audit the legislature.

Now, the next step for the backers of the approved ballot proposals is to gather and file signatures of 74,574 registered voters by Dec. 6, 2023, to the state secretarys office.

Here is a breakdown of some of the other proposals that were certified.

State Rep. Mike Connolly prepares for a rally supporting rent control legislation in front of the Statehouse in October 2019. (FILE / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE)

Local rent control

Proposed by state Rep. Mike Connolly, D-Cambridge, this ballot question would give cities and towns in the commonwealth the right to create local regulations to control rent, fees and deposits, brokers fees, evictions and the removal of housing units from the market.

The proposed legislation also intends to overturn a statewide ban on rent control that was placed on the ballot in 1994.

The context here is this ongoing housing emergency where affordable housing today is more out of reach to more people than it has ever been in history, and homelessness, likewise, is more pervasive than weve ever known, Connolly told MassLive in August.

However, opponents of Connollys ballot question contend that it runs afoul of two distinct constitutional requirements.

In an August letter to Campbells office, the right-leaning Fiscal Alliance Foundation said that Connollys proposal breaches the state clause that prohibits ballot questions from leading to property takings without providing just compensation.

The group also said that the proposal infringes upon the related subjects requirement, which forbids the inclusion of several unrelated policy proposals in a single ballot question.

The government-imposed rent control ballot question proposed by state Rep. Mike Connolly is poorly written and would make even poorer policy, Paul Diego Craney, a spokesman for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation said in a statement. Economically, it has been proven time and time again that rent control does not work, and this ballot question would prove a disaster for both renters and property owners.

The Foundation said it plans to work with a coalition to take the issue to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Two New Jersey educators support the newly-introduced federal "More teaching, Less Testing Act," which would increase flexibility for states to design state testing systems and would also quadruple the current amount for the federal Title I program to 66-billion dollars to correct the ongoing underfunding of public schools.

Replacing the MCAS exam

Two proposed questions seeking to remove the MCAS, the states standardized test, as a high school graduation requirement, were certified on Wednesday.

The backers of each ballot question, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the largest teachers union in the state, and a Lexington parent, joined forces last month to support one campaign that would replace the MCAS with a local certification requirement.

MTA educators are committed to creating the best learning environment for all students, Max Page, the union president said. Todays decision by the state Attorney Generals office will allow us to make the case directly to voters at the ballot box as to why we must replace the harmful graduation requirement tied to the MCAS exams.

The Massachusetts Teacher Association has been a fierce opponent of the states standardized test requirement, citing their racial and economic inequities.

The union has gone as far as backing educators who choose not to administer the exam and has also taught parents how to exempt their children from the MCAS.

However, backers of the state exam argue that while the MCAS is in need of revisions, its the primary method to provide students and families with necessary data on determining gaps in outcomes, preparedness for college and career success and where additional resources are most needed especially for underrepresented students.

Charles Clemons Muhammad, a Lyft driver, speaks in the middle of Boston Common about the importance of being an independent driver on Aug 2, 2023. Muhammad is joined by several supporters of the Massachusetts Coalition for Independent Work and fellow app-based drivers.

The rights of app-based drivers

Nine separate versions of a proposed law that would keep app-based drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft as independent contracts with expanded benefits rather than full-time employees were certified too.

The ballot question, which was proposed by the group Flexibility and Benefits for Massachusetts Drivers, seeks to ensure that the state has no control over drivers work.

Currently, two bills have been filed  one in the House and Senate  that would require app drivers to obtain local licenses in each municipality they drive in and report to base locations after every trip.

For years I have been working to pass these measures because drivers like me want control over our own lives and schedules, said Luis Ramos, a rideshare driver from Worcester in a statement. Now we can get back out there and talk to voters, and I know they will stand with us and support our independence.

The certification is a major win for rideshare and app-based delivery companies, who had a similar ballot proposal struck down by the states Supreme Judicial Court last year.

Massachusetts highest court found that the ballot proposal violated state law because, it contained at least two substantively distinct policy decisions, one of which is buried in obscure language at the end of the petitions.

Were pleased that the Attorney Generals office has certified our ballot proposals to ensure drivers can maintain the flexibility to work when, how often, and for how long they want as independent contractors, while also accessing new benefits and protections, Conor Yunits, spokesperson for Flexibility and Benefits for Massachusetts Drivers, said in a statement. We hope that voters will continue to listen to drivers and support solutions that value choice and freedom.

The recent certification could create division among app-based drivers. The Attorney Generals Office also certified a proposal to unionize these drivers.

Proponents of the ballot proposal, which was filed by a local chapter of the Service Employees International Union, said that they could provide drivers with the same benefits if they were to unionize.

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft might put forth the argument that their efforts in lobbying for new state laws are driven by their concern for the welfare of their drivers. However, they are the ones who created the poor conditions to begin with, Roxana Rivera, Assistant to the President 32BJ SEIU said in a statement. The reality is that they have constructed an industry comparable to a mobile sweatshop, where drivers are compelled to work grueling hours, receive meager compensation, and face a glaring lack of safeguards.

The union said in a statement that it was pleased that Campbell decided to move their ballot proposal forward and that they will continue to work toward unionizing drivers.

A vendor bags psilocybin mushrooms at a pop-up cannabis market in Los Angeles on Monday, May 6, 2019. Voters decide this week whether Denver will become the first U.S. city to decriminalize the use of psilocybin, the psychedelic substance in "magic mushrooms." (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)AP

Decriminalizing psychedelic substances

Two nearly identical ballot proposals to decriminalize psychedelic substances was also certified.

The proposal, which was filed by the group Massachusetts for Mental Health Options aims, to expand mental health treatment options in Massachusetts by providing new pathways to access natural psychedelic medicine therapy.

Specifically, the ballot proposal would create the Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission, a five-member body appointed by the governor, attorney general and treasurer, that would administer the law around the use and distribution of psychedelics.

Adults at least 21 years old would be able to purchase psychedelics like psilocybin, ibogaine and mescaline at an approved location, according to the ballot petition.

In a statement, the group said it appreciated Campbells decision to certify their proposals. Citing research from Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School, the group said that natural psychedelics can be effective in treating depression, anxiety and PTSD.

In particular, we know veterans and first responders who suffer mental health issues need more help and tools for treatment, the Massachusetts for Mental Health Options said in a statement. The ballot question we are proposing will offer relief and hope to those in need.
A Chautauqua County man was sentenced Tuesday to two to six years in prison for leaving the scene of a crash that killed a bicyclist in July 2022, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek also revoked the driver's license and vehicle registration of Nicholas J. Rosado, also known as Nicholas Boaz, which will bar him from operating a vehicle when he's released on parole, prosecutors said in a news release.

Rosado, 38, of Mayville, pleaded guilty July 20 to leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death in connection with the July 7, 2022, crash on Abbott Road near Kenefick Avenue in Buffalo that killed Theodore Dionne, 27, of West Seneca.

Rosado failed to report the incident to police, prosecutors said.

- Aaron Besecker
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.  In an unsurprising move, the Red Sox have decided to skip James Paxtons next turn in their starting rotation.

Paxton would have been on schedule to pitch Wednesday night, the final game of the teams road trip. Instead, the Red Sox opted to go with Nick Pivetta against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

Paxtons next start is now tentatively scheduled to take place Tuesday against the New York Yankees at Fenway.

Since the All-Star break, Paxton has hit something of a wall, with an ERA of 6.98 over his last nine starts. Hes allowed 10 homers in his last 40 innings and opposing hitters have compiled a .947 OPS against him.

$200 INSTANT BONUS DRAFTKINGS MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET FANDUEL MASS CLAIM OFFER BET $50, GET $250 BONUS CAESARS MASS CLAIM OFFER $1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS BETMGM MASS CLAIM OFFER MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline. MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 MA Gambling Helpline.

In Paxtons most recent start, last Friday, he was tagged for six earned runs in just 1.1 innings against the Kansas City Royals, the team with the worst record in the American League. In his last three starts, Paxton has yielded 16 runs and covered just 9.2 innings combined.

Were going to push Pax to next week, said manager Alex Cora. Hell probably start Tuesday against New York. Just giving him a breather.

Enter your email address here to receive the Fenway Rundown email newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday.



Paxton had pitched just 21.2 innings between 2020-2022, undergoing Tommy John surgery. He pitched well in the first half of this season (5-1, 2.73), but fatigue has set in since the All-Star break. His velocity has been down in recent starts, and hes been unable to throw his secondary pitches with any conviction.

Just talking to the medical staff and talking to him and where hes at, said Cora in explaining the thinking behind the move. We talked a little bit and he was like, Hey, Ill give you my best on Wednesday. But I think giving Nick a start here (is the best idea), and then see what happens in the future. Its a re-set.

Cora added that it isnt just an issue with fatigue for Paxton during his recent struggles.

Hes working on a few things mechanically, too, said Cora. Its not only his body. Theres a few things mechanically that we feel like we can clean up. Hopefully, he gets back there and gives us long outings and strong outings.

Cora said Paxtons off-speed offerings have dipped in the last month or so.

I think the off-speed stuff is missing, said Cora. The fastball is good, location is OK. But hes becoming a one-dimensional pitcher. The curve ball has been off, the cutter-slider has been off. When that happens at the big league level, theyre going to be hunting the fastball. And with him, they know where to hunt - up in the zone and theyve been able to catch up to it.
SPRINGFIELD  An upcoming play, hosted by the Springfield Armory and produced by In the Spotlight, will give a glimpse into the work of Frances Perkins, the first woman appointed to a presidential Cabinet position.

Perkins, a Massachusetts native, served from 1933 to 1945 as the secretary of labor during Franklin D. Roosevelts presidency and is known as the principal architect of the Social Security Act.

Perkins outlined a set of policy priorities for the president, including 40-hour work weeks, a minimum wage, unemployment compensation, workers compensation, abolition of child labor and more, according to the Frances Perkins Center.

Jarice Hanson will portray Frances Perkins in the upcoming one-shot play, "A Woman's Work," Sunday at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. (Courtesy photo)

The one-shot play, titled A Womans Work, will star Jarice Hanson, a SAG-AFTRA actor, author and professor emerita for the Department of Communications at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was unavailable for comment.

Hanson will portray Perkins in the play and later answer questions from the audience in character, according to Shera Cohen, founder of In the Spotlight. Cohen said Hanson also wrote the script for the play.

I have seen her in so many plays, shes an equity actress, and I just thought she fit the role perfectly, and she was in love with her character, Cohen said. That comes out in the play.

In an email, Cohen said In the Spotlight chose to produce the play on Sunday to extend Labor Day into Labor Week.

Amy Glowacki, program manager at the Springfield Armory, said the reason the play is being hosted at the National Historic Site is to further celebrate Perkins contributions to the working class.

Our main goal is to connect with the community of Springfield and surrounding areas, who have direct ties to the armory, Glowacki said. Droves of local people worked at the armory, which was in operation from 1797 to 1968.

Cohen said the play is free to the public. I hope to see people of all generations and perhaps some that will remember the beginning of Social Security, and appreciate the benefits we still have in 2023 because of this woman, Cohen said.

The play was funded by a $1,000 grant from the Springfield Cultural Council, according to its website.

The performance will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the National Historic Site at 1 Armory St.
Worcesters preliminary election has come and gone, so what can voters expect now that the results are in?

The top two candidates running for Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 on the Worcester City Council, as well as the School Committees District E, will all appear on the ballot on Nov. 7. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.

Anyone who wants to vote in the municipal election but is not registered can go to the Massachusetts Secretary of States website at the link here or type in www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/.

The last day to register is Oct. 28, according to the city websites election page.

Read more: Worcester Police Chief Steven Sargent retires

Following the Sept. 5 preliminary election, results yielded a 9% turnout, according to the election data. Of the 96,047 registered voters in the city, 8,703 ballots were cast on Tuesday, with 38 blank ballots cast.

The following candidates are expected to be on the ballot in November following the Sept. 5 preliminary election.

District 1

Jenny Pacillo

David C. Peterson

District 2

Candy F. Mero-Carlson

Robert Bilotta

District 4

Luis Albizu Ojeda

Katia Gisela Norford

District 5

Etel Haxhiaj

Jose Antonio Rivera

School Committee District E
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authoritys (MTPA) Director Mr Arvind Bundhun led a delegation comprising 24 operators from Mauritius to conduct a 3 cities road show in Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad.

The first event kickstarted on Monday 21 August amidst a plethora of the key travel trade and media in Mumbai at the Four Seasons followed by two more events at Chennai and Ahmedabad on the 24 and 26 August 2023 respectively.

With increased connectivity between the two countries, this roadshow was an important platform for our local stakeholders to meet, bond and conduct business with the Indian travel trade. We are further directing our strategy through innovative trade, marketing and digital campaigns which will give Indian travelers the true essence of the destination. Mauritius is a year-round destination, and we invite you to feel our island energy. This roadshow is expected to propel Mauritius presence in the Indian market as a destination for all segments: couples, families as well as MICE and weddings.

Elaborating on plans for the Indian market, Mr. Arvind Bundhun, Director, of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said, 

I am glad to report that Mauritius tourism industry has recovered quite well. The Government established a goal of one million tourists arriving in 2022, and we achieved that goal. In 2023, we aim to reach our pre-pandemic numbers of 1.4 million. Mumbai and other Indian cities are now easier to reach than ever thanks to great airlift provided by both Air Mauritius and Vistara. Additionally, we just appointed Mumbai- and Delhi-based All known Marketers (AKM) to make sure that our B2B, B2C, and digital operations are continued throughout the year. Future goals will call for  permanent bonds  between the two parties, and we will make sure Mauritius lives up to Indian tourists expectations of a high-end vacation spot. 

The Chennai roadshow was graced by the Presence of H.E. Mr Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to the Republic of India. He Stated,  We are quite hopeful for the future and see India as a potential market for Mauritius. We want to promote the destination in all of its aspects. Additionally, we want to be very visible on social media, which is quickly gaining footing as a channel for influencing consumers. 

Mr Sunil Mathapati, Country Manager, MTPA India added,
After last years success, The Juristconsult Investment Summit is back, it is set to take place on Thursday November 9, 2023 @ Andrea Lodges, and promises to be a unique gathering of leaders from the Financial Services Sector. The Summit will cover a range of topics that are relevant to the investment community, including ESG, Fintech, AI, Dispute Avoidance & Dispute Resolution, Impact Investing and the Mauritius IFC.

Juristconsult Investment Summit 2023 @ Andrea Lodges, is a recurring financial services Summit held in the midst of Nature, in Mauritius. A unique concept which is getting a lot of interest from international players. The Juristconsult Investment Summit is a premier conference that brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss key topics in the investment world. This years event promises to be even more informative, engaging, and impactful than ever before. Here are some reasons why the Juristconsult Investment Summit 2023 @ Andrea Lodges is a unique gathering of investment leaders:

Relevant Topics: The Summit will cover a range of topics that are relevant to the investment community, including ESG, Fintech, AI, Dispute Avoidance & Dispute Resolution, Impact Investing and the future of the Mauritius IFC. These discussions will be insightful, engaging and relevant to the latest developments in the investment world.

Distinguished Speakers: The Summit will feature distinguished speakers from various sectors of the investment industry, including government officials, industry experts and decision-makers. These speakers will provide unique insights and perspectives on the latest trends and developments in the investment world.

Unique Location: The Summit will be held at the breathtaking Andrea Lodges, which is one of the most beautiful parts of the island, surrounded by nature, and offers panoramic views of the wild vegetation, the roaring waves crashing on the cliffs, and the natural magical landscape.

Networking Opportunities: The Summit attracts top professionals from various sectors of the investment industry. By participating in the Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to network with key decision-makers, potential clients and industry experts.

Registration fee remains unchanged at MUR13,500 per delegate, MQA Approved. Space is limited on a first-come, first- served basis.

The Juristconsult Investment Summit 2023 @ Andrea Lodges is a unique gathering of investment leaders that promises to be informative, engaging and impactful.
MAYO COUNTY Council is currently looking at purchasing modular homes to house victims of pyrite from a UK-based company that is entering into administration.

The local authority intends to purchase over 200 modular homes to use them to accommodate people having to rebuild their houses due to pyrite damage.

Mayo County Councils Director of Services for Housing, Tom Gilligan, was recently part of a group which travelled to the UK to view the houses.

Two hundred of the houses are completed while another 25 are at various stages of completion.

In an email to county councillors, Mr Gilligan said that the properties would need to comply with EU and Irish certification.

These modular homes would help to address the lack of housing in Mayo, including emergency and rental, he wrote.

The Department of Housing has requested that the council submit a proposal on the use of these modular houses, including their potential use afterwards.

A meeting of Mayo County Councils Housing SPC heard that the county council had received 350 applications for the governments pyrite redress scheme.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Gilligan said victims of pyrite were finding it very difficult to secure accommodation.

A lot of the time when people are looking for rental accommodation they might just be looking for six months to a year. Some landlords will want more secure long-term guarantees than that, he said.

Of the pyrite redress scheme applications made to Mayo County Council, 332 have been approved while nine others had been referred to the Housing Agency. One application was withdrawn, two were refused, while another six required further details and information.

There have been 108 applications for Stage 2 of the scheme, 99 of which have been approved.

Final payments have been made to seven households which have completed their rebuild.

In partnership with Mayo North East, the county council is employing two facilitators to assist victims of pyrite with finding accommodation, which he described as like a needle in a haystack.

In a response to a question from Westport-based county councillor Christy Hyland, Mr Gilligan said that 90-95 percent of applications for the redress scheme were from the Ballina area.

At least one housing estate in the Westport area has been afflicted with pyrite.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Councils Housing SPC, Cllr Patsy OBrien, said that the local authority needed to deliver housing quicker, including modular housing.

In fairness, whether it was right or wrong, in relation to the war-torn countries went through overnight, he said, referring to the use of modular housing for Ukrainian refugees.

Its something like that we need to do as well in relation to the [homeless] people thats out there as well.
EXCLUSIVE

AN American tourist who shot to national prominence after being attacked in Dublin has said he wants to move to Westport.

In an exclusive interview with The Mayo News, Stephen Termini has said that Westport was way better than Dublin, where he was hospitalised after being assaulted by a gang of youths earlier this summer.

Mr Termini has been staying in the West Mayo town recently, the home of his great-grandmother, Anne Donnelly, who left the area as a teenager during The Great Famine.

He is due to return to Dublin tomorrow (Thursday) before flying home to America, but says he still wants to become an Irish citizen so he can move to the west of Ireland.

The 56-year-old factory worker is trying to obtain proof of his family connection to Ireland to help him obtain Irish citizenship.

Speaking during an interview in The Mayo News offices on The Fairgreen in Westport Mr Termini described Westport as a fantastic little place.

I tell you, all that money that the people donated, I would use that to buy a house here, he said, referring to the money that was crowd-funded for him following his hospitalisation.

Not some spectacular this and that. Even if it needs a little work. Its got a little land where I can grow my own vegetables and give leftovers to people and be able to be close to the water to get my fish, because I dont eat meat anymore, or chicken or any of that; fresh fruits and vegetables and sea food.

Thats all, a little place. Not attached to another property where theres people all around. Because I wouldnt want to disturb them playing bass and drums and 2 or 3 oclock in the morning. So yeah, it feels like the place. Its not Dublin, definitely not Dublin.

Im just feeling the desire to be here. Even once I got back to the States, the next chance I come to get out of here Im coming here. Im not even wasting my time in Dublin, he added.

Stephen Termini pictured at The Fairgreen, Westport

The widowed father-of-two said he would not discourage anyone from visiting the capital city but said he thought Westport was way better than Dublin.

This town should know this is way better than Dublin. Its safer, its laid back, its cool, I mean why would you want to go anywhere else? I like what they have here and what Ive seen so far.

An enthusiastic musician, Mr Termini spent the last two evenings frequenting Matt Molloys pub on Bridge Street where he was recognised by many locals.

I like to be around older people that dont go for all that bulls**t that the younger people do. Theyre walking around with the cell phone and the girls all dressing in tight pants. I dont know how they parents let them get away with that. Im not into all of that, said Mr Termini, who is a native of Buffalo, New York.

I just want to play some play some music, let people enjoy themselves. Especially guys that are working. Theyre working hard and they like to listen to some cool music after work and Id like to be able to be part of that somehow.

The food is amazing. Its just a really nice place, a really nice place from what Ive seen, he added.

An extended interview with Stephen Termini will be carried in Tuesdays print edition of The Mayo News.
Employees of Mayo County Council will withdraw cooperation with politicians as part of industrial action which will commence on September 11.

The Forsa trade union, which represents more than 12,000 local authority workers across the country, has today (Wednesday) written to local councillors, TDs and senators about fresh industrial action due to commence in local authorities from Monday, September 11.

Notice of the industrial action was served to local authority employers last Friday, September 1 and will involve an indefinite ban on non-statutory political representations from TDs, senators and councillors from September 11.

This means that local government workers will not respond to routine queries and requests for information from politicians. Forsa said it will announce further action - up to and including strike action - in due course.

The union has said this is due to the failure of local authority management to engage meaningfully with the union on the establishment of a job evaluation scheme for workers in the sector. Job evaluation assesses if a jobs grade is properly matched to its duties and responsibilities.

The union said the industrial action had essentially been forced by the LGMAs (Local Government Management Agency) 'strident' position in resisting the unions claim for a job evaluation scheme.

Forsa national secretary Richy Carrothers said: Management representatives utterly failed to engage meaningfully in resolving this dispute, despite its commitment to do so in a joint referral to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

There was no meaningful or constructive engagement from the employer side at conciliation hearings in July. Consequently, negotiations broke down. The LGMA has failed the process, and local authority workers, and has betrayed the good faith of the joint referral to the WRC.

However, there is absolute determination among Forsas membership to secure an appropriate job evaluation scheme in local government, and the action due to commence next week will illustrate that determination.

Any attempts to circumvent or undermine the industrial action, or any attempts to intimidate or threaten Forsa members engaging in this legitimate action, will likely lead to an immediate escalation of the dispute, he said.

Forsa represents more than 12,000 local government and services workers including clerical, administrative, management, technical and professional staff.
The current spell of heat has brought the Buffalo Lake Erie temperature back to 73 degrees, 2 above average. Were not done with the heat and humidity just yet, since an approaching cold front will only be crawling to the east, just getting here around the dinner hour Thursday.

Out ahead of the front in this rather steamy air mass, the risk of scattered showers and thunderstorms will be on the increase Wednesday evening. A few of the storms may pack a punch, though a major severe weather outbreak is not in the offing. One high-resolution model has some vigorous storms reaching us early Wednesday evening, while other models hold off on such a threat that early. Since Wednesday evening is the big Buffalo sailing night, I thought Id show the pessimistic model as a precaution.

Any convection will be uneven in coverage, with a good deal of rain-free time between showers and storms. In advance of the slow-moving front on a muggy Thursday, some occasional and spotty convection can be expected.

Temps will drop back to the low 80s, still well above average.

Even on Friday, the front will be nearby, just to our east, so a few more spotty convective cells cant be ruled out. Temps will be more seasonable, in the mid-70s, though humidity behind the front wont drop much until Friday evening.

That first front will tend to stall out near central New York on Saturday, which will likely leave us with more clouds than sun and still a risk for a few stray showers. Temps will be in the mid-70s.

Even on Sunday, no strong push of drying high pressure will move in, so models are still pointing to a risk for a few showers, with a tendency for more activity south and east of the metro area.

Sunday will be cooler, with a high closer to 70. None of this is to suggest this weekend will be a washout, but it does appear conditions will remain somewhat unsettled.

If youre headed to New Jersey for the Bills game, early signs hint of a few afternoon and early evening lighter showers as a possibility, but no washout. Game-time temps will be slowly falling through the 70s.

We should be drying out for next Monday locally, with temps in the low 70s. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the approach of another weak low pressure system may return some spotty showers, with temps not far from 70.

A few of you readers may recall in a recent article, I expressed my usual skepticism about monthly outlooks, and the September outlook from the Climate Prediction Center favoring a warmer than average month. That skepticism has turned out to be reasonable. In the extended range, CPC temperature probabilities now suggest some confidence our temperatures will tend to run below average most days in the six- to 10-day and eight- to 14-day periods.

The upper air pattern favors the warm high pressure ridge retreating westward, allowing a cooler trough to prevail closer to our region.

Tropical Storm Lee will become extremely dangerous

Tropical Storm Lee will soon become a hurricane and shortly thereafter a major hurricane, moving west-northwest across the Atlantic. The current track forecast favors the storm passing north of the Leeward Islands and reaching Category 4 to near Category 5 intensity moving over the warm waters. An automatically updating National Hurricane Center link does not yet extend far enough in time to determine whether Lee might be more of a threat to Bermuda or, eventually, a threat to the Eastern Seaboard.

Key messages on what will be an exceptionally powerful hurricane update can be found here.
Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle, is set to roll on from September 15 to 17, with proceeds to The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation. This year organisers confirm that Lamborghini will play a starring role with the largest ever number of Lamborghinis in Ireland at one time. They have also confirmed that their first overnight will be Ballina on Friday, September 15.

Spectators at Cannonball will get to see stunning new and current models such as the Lamborghini Huracan with models STO, EVO, Performante, Fluo Capsule as well as Lamborghini Urus and Urus model S. Legacy Models including the Lamborghini Aventador with models S, SVJ and SV as well as Lamborghini Diablo with model GTC and Lamborghini Murcielago and Lamborghini Gallardo. Cannonball will roll from September 15 to 17 and this year the event will have its first finish line in Ballina on Friday, September 15 at 6pm, where spectators can take a rare opportunity to see the cars up close.

Cannonball, fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K, is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Cannonball has already raised 1,538,602 for Irish Charities and brings a unique and inimitable electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country making it a widely-anticipated free family event for spectators. This year the official charity of Cannonball is The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation - an Irish childrens charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children who have highly complex and life-limiting medical conditions. There are families in communities across the country being cared for right now by the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, including 13 families in Mayo. In fact, a total of 100 families in Mayo have been supported by Jack and Jill in Dublin since the charitys foundation in 1997.

This year the event begins at Malahide Castle on Friday, September 15, and spectators can view the cars from Thursday evening, September 14. The event will depart Malahide at 10.30am, take a fuel stop in Circle K in Kells, Co Meath at noon, then blaze a trail to Cavan for a lunch stop at the Slieve Russell Hotel. Then its on to Ballina for the first overnight stop.

On Saturday, September 16, the convoy will leave the Quay in Ballina at 10.30am and travel to Salthill Hotel, Co Galway for lunch at 1pm, a fuel stop at 3.30pm in Circle K Moneygall and then onwards to Pery Square, Limerick City, for the second finish line in association with Limerick City and County Council.

On Sunday, September 17, the supercars will leave Limerick City at 10.30am, then fuel up at Circle K Fermoy and then onwards to Cork for lunch at Fota Island Resort before a big dramatic final finish line in Kilkenny City at 6pm in association with Kilkenny County Council.

Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world's most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns around the country get the party started. The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the melee. From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlies Angels, Batman, the Joker and more, it is a totally unique free family day out. This year, organisers are also calling on spectators to dress up in fancy dress with prizes for best dressed.

Cannonball was founded by Kildare businessman Alan Bannon and the benefit to the host towns for this event is estimated at 2,567,000 per year. Cannonball is fuelled by milesPLUS from Circle K as the main headline Sponsor for 2023.

See www.cannonball.ie
A RURAL GP has warned that the future of small, rural-based community nursing units is bleak unless they are provided with financial support to provide the service in the community.

Mulranny-based GP and Chairman of St Brendan's Nursing Unit in the west Mayo village, Dr Jerry Cowley, has warned that small rural nursing homes like St Brendan's face closure due to rising costs and lack of financial support from the Government.

A Dail debate in June heard that since 2020, 34 private and voluntary nursing homes in the State have closed their doors, with a loss of more than 1,002 beds.

Dr Cowley warned that before the end of the year up to 40 nursing homes could be forced to close if they do not receive financial support to keep them open.

When I started off 80 percent of nursing home care was done by the State and not for profits but the state contracted that down to private companies and now it is 80 percent private and 20 percent State. We in Mulranny are not for profit but classed as private. The HSE run units do the exact same work as we do with the same number of residents but get 60 percent more funding than we do from the same Fair Deal scheme.

If we were treated equally they would get more and we would not be in danger. Our long term viability is being greatly threatened because we are not being treated equally. We are not private, we are not for profit but because we are not HSE we are classed as private. Non-HSE equals private but that is not true.

We are the ones who want to keep going for another 25 years but will we be able to do that, that is the question? the former Mayo TD told The Mayo News.



Market taken over

Dr Cowley warned that the nursing home market is being taken over by large conglomerates and these larger nursing homes will be located in large towns and cities. If community nursing homes are allowed to close, he said that elderly people will not be able to live in their own community.

There are private nursing homes who are based in the community who are struggling and I have sympathy for them. They need to be helped but what is happening is they will leave the market and will be taken over by these conglomerates who are all for profit. There are 15 companies who own 50 percent of the beds and several of those are not Irish at all.

With 31 nursing homes closing, that is 1,200 people, the most vulnerable people. Places like this are their home and if St Brendan's closes where are they to go. They are going to go to these super homes with 200 beds.

The big danger is they will have the government over a barrel because they will own everything. They will say to the government you will have to pay us so much to operate this and it will be all about giving them enough to keep their investors happy. They will expand the big nursing homes in towns and take the people from here.

The reason the number of beds are not going down is because the number of nursing homes with 100 plus beds have doubled in recent years while 31 have closed. By the end of the year there will be 40 closed and I hope we are not one of them, he said.

St Brendan's Nursing Unit opened in 1998 but its capacity has been reduced from 36 beds to a current capacity of 24. Dr Cowley said that because of the income deficit from beds and increased operational costs they are running at a financial loss.

Former TD Dr Jerry Cowley believes more services could be lost in rural Ireland if the Government don't act



New campaign

As a result a campaign 'Save St Brendan's' has been launched with fundraising campaigns in the pipeline to raise money to build two extra rooms to help make the service financially viable.

Dr Cowley explained that St Brendan's was founded in order to allow elderly people to live their last years in their own community. Of the 31 nursing homes which have closed since 2020, only four were in the Dublin region and he said if the small rural nursing homes cannot stay open it will result in the loss of another service for rural Ireland.

It is going to be a big problem and they [the Government] are going to look back and ask how in the hell did they allow this to happen. This is about rural Ireland and another service going in rural Ireland.

If you lose services, you lose people. This is a service, the post office is a service, a school is a service and a doctor is a service. If you have the services you will retain the people and if you lose the services you will lose the people. This is a service. The reason this village is so prosperous is because of St Brendan's. We were the biggest employer for the last 25 years and we want to be able to continue to offer that service.

The Minister says they are in favour not for profit but at the same time there are massive deals being done all the time for multi-conglomerate nursing homes with 100 plus beds. They are not about providing local services, they are about money and big businesses.

We are integrated in the community and we are the model going forward. This is a rural service which needs to be retained to look after the most vulnerable in society, he said.
Castlebar Samaritans, the latest addition to the Samaritan network was officially launched by Jonathan Neville, Regional Director of Samaritans Ireland in Castlebar in late August.

The establishment of the centre has been supported by Galway Samaritans, in particular Anne Wynne, former Director of Galway Samaritans and current Director, Catherine Emerson, who have led a team that recruited and trained the first volunteers in Castlebar. Castlebar Samaritans hope that more people from Mayo will now be able to join them in their work.

Castlebar Samaritans is based at 21 Upper Thomas Street and 17 volunteers have been taking calls there since May. So far Castlebar volunteers have taken almost 1500 calls, supported people through email and will shortly be rolling out face-to-face conversations.

Catherine Emerson, Director of Galway Samaritans says: Already volunteers in Castlebar are having a significant impact, ensuring that we are available to people who need us. As our numbers grow, Mayo volunteers will be there when our lines are busiest.

Castlebar Samaritans understand the value of talking and the power of human connection. Just talking to another person can help someone to stop, breathe and start to see a way through their problems. If youre going through a tough time, you don't have to face it alone.

No-one in Castlebar Samaritans is paid and all the hard work in establishing and running the centre was undertaken by volunteers from Castlebar and Galway Samaritans. If you feel you can spare a few hours a week to be a listening or a support volunteer please email recruitment@galwaysamaritans.ie and they will get back to you with more information.

Talk to them for free, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.ie or visit www.samaritans.org/ireland/branches/galway/
Several times on their journey to the United States from Ecuador, the family almost lost one of their own.

While crossing a treacherous 60-mile stretch of rainforest, rivers and mountains between Columbia and Panama called the Darien Gap, the father almost drowned in a river carrying his grandson on his shoulders and his young son was almost swept away by the current.

But after more than a month of travel, the family  a father, mother, adult daughter with a toddler son of her own, a teenage son and a little boy  finally reached the U.S. border.

The asylum system is broken. But can it be fixed? With hundreds of thousands of new asylum claims being filed every year, immigration judges in Buffalo and elsewhere just can't keep up. So what can be done about it all?

Now, the family of six is among the roughly 600 asylum-seekers from across the globe living in hotels in Western New York.

The Buffalo News interviewed the father, mother and adult daughter shortly after they arrived in Western New York in July. The family primarily speaks Spanish, so Catharine Grainge, the director of advocacy at Jericho Road Community Health Center, translated the conversation.

The Buffalo News is not identifying the family members because of the circumstances from which they are fleeing and their fear of retaliation.

It was a difficult journey to get to the United States, but the familys faith in God and love for each other has sustained them.

Sometimes I think about what would have happened if we would have lost one of our family members during the journey, the mother said through tears. And Im just so thankful that were here as a family and we get to be together. And I really want people to not think about us with bad ideas or false ideas. Were just here to have an opportunity.

Leaving Ecuador

The family decided to leave Ecuador because of rampant crime and violence there. They said they have been discriminated against for their religion, extorted, threatened and robbed.

The father said his cousin in Ecuador was murdered, along with the cousins wife and three children, because he refused to join a gang. The father feared the same fate awaited his family if they stayed.

Ecuadors National Police reported 3,568 violent deaths during the first six months of this year, around 1,500 more deaths than were reported during the same period in 2022, according to the Associated Press. Last year ended with 4,600 violent deaths, the most ever in Ecuador and double the previous years total.

It really was hard for us to leave our country, but it was necessary in order to save the life of every person in our family, the father said.

The family was thinking about the futures of the boys when they made the decision to leave.

I have a child that is just 2 years old, and I can already tell that its psychologically affecting him, all of the danger that he was growing up in, the adult daughter recalled. You cant even be sure that your children are safe when you send them to school.

The journey

It took the family one month and 10 days to travel from Ecuador to the United States.

Along the way, they passed through seven countries, making the journey on foot, by bus and in small canoelike boats.

At times, they slept on the streets and went without food and water.

Traveling through the Darien Gap was the most dangerous and difficult part of the journey. No roads run through the rainforest, so the family had to walk that leg of the trip.

The number of people who risk their lives crossing the Darien Gap has exponentially increased in the last decade, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

In 2022, the Panamanian government reported more than 248,000 migrants crossed the Darien Gap on the way to the U.S., up from just a couple hundred people annually a decade ago. Its predicted that as many as 400,000 people could cross the gap this year, a record high. As of July, more than 251,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, Ecuador and Haiti, have made the trip.

During the trek through the Darien Gap, migrants face dangers that range from violence and extortion to death.

As the family made their way through the rainforest, they saw dead bodies and skeletons of other travelers who didnt make it.

On the second day of crossing the Darien Gap, the mother fell and dropped the bag she was carrying, which had all the familys food in it. They didnt eat for two days and went without water.

I really believe that the only thing that sustained us and that kept us alive is the blessings of God, the mother said. If it were just up to us, we wouldnt have survived.

The family started off their journey feeling optimistic, excited about the prospect of their new lives in the United States. But as the trip progressed and got more difficult, morale faded.

There were times when my family was so discouraged and wanted to give up and they didnt want to put the next foot in front of the other, the father said. As the man of the family, I had to continue with this optimism and continue with this lets-just-keep-going mentality. There were times I had to leave my family and walk away and scream and cry in privacy so they couldnt see me wanting to give up too.

Arriving in the United States

In June, the family arrived at the U.S. border in Texas. They were separated by border officials and detained for four days.

Then, the whole family was released and sent to a shelter in San Antonio. From there, they traveled to New York City.

Tens of thousands of asylum-seekers have been sent to New York City from the countrys southern border since the end of Title 42, a federal immigration provision put in place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cheektowaga hires law firm that helped another town dealing with migrant influx As Cheektowaga continues to grapple with an influx of asylum-seekers living in hotels in the community, the town has hired a law firm that has successfully represented another community that did not want migrants living in hotels in its town long-term.

Before the pandemic, migrants could cross into the United States, ask for asylum and be allowed into the country while their immigration case goes through the court system. Under Title 42, migrants were returned over the border and denied the right to seek asylum. Title 42 was lifted when the federal government ended the Covid-19 public health emergency in May.

New York City has since run out of room to house all the migrants and city officials have sent thousands to live in other New York municipalities, including Cheektowaga and Amherst.

Thats what happened to the family.

They stayed at a shelter in Manhattan for 15 days. Then, they were told they had two options  go to Buffalo or live on the streets of New York.

The father said he felt discouraged and didnt know what was going to happen to his family. They had never heard of Buffalo and didnt know anything about the city. But he met a woman at the shelter who encouraged him to continue on.

I felt like that was God giving me peace about that decision to come to Buffalo, the father said. I slept on my way here and finally my wife woke me up and it was nothing like I expected. I have this peace in my heart that this was a good decision. Were here for a reason and well be able to do what we need to do in order to stay here.

Life in Western New York

The family has been staying at a Cheektowaga hotel since they arrived in Western New York in July.

Theyre living a quiet life, focusing on their faith and taking care of one another while the adults wait for working papers and the two older boys anticipate starting school.

Hochul calls for federal help so New York can house asylum-seekers, get them jobs Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday called on the federal government to provide New York State relief in the midst of the migrant crisis by speeding work authorizations for asylum-seekers arriving in regions that include Buffalo.

At the hotels, local refugee and immigrant organizations are providing services such as legal help, case management, medical care, English classes and workforce training, said Grainge, the director of advocacy at Jericho Road. She described the atmosphere in the hotels as filled with uncertainty.

People are reeling from the trauma they experienced in their home country and all of the trauma they experienced on the way here, Grainge said. And then on top of that, theres questions, like, Im here now. Am I gonna get to stay? Can I actually provide for my family? So, theres just a ton of anxiety in those hotels.

The family has been spending time getting together the evidence they need for their formal asylum application. Their first court date is in November. The family doesnt have a lawyer helping them with their case, so it has been difficult figuring out the legal process on their own.

Asylum-seeker achieved his dream of coming to America. Then cancer changed everything Alexandre Nseka "was happy he had paved the way for his children to have a better life," according to a nurse at Vive Shelter who cared for him.

Asylum-seekers have a year from the time they enter the country to apply for asylum, Grainge said.

Since asylum-seekers began arriving in Western New York this summer, some in the community have raised concerns about safety and questioned if the migrants were given a background check before coming here. Two asylum-seekers have been charged with assault while two others face sex-crime charges.

The family hopes the community doesnt paint all immigrants with the same brush. They want to follow all the rules and one day be able to support themselves and eventually give back to the community.

We dont want to be a burden on the state, the father said. But we cant work yet and so were just trying to have patience and follow every step by step and do what were supposed to do.

The family said they feel safe in Buffalo and wants to stay. They are doing their best to adapt to their new home, describing the area as peaceful and beautiful.

They started going to a local church and are motivated to learn English, taking classes on YouTube at nights.

The kids are enjoying American food, especially cereal, considered a luxury item in Ecuador. Now, they get to eat cereal and yogurt every day at the hotel, the mom said.

Their hotel room has a small kitchen with a stove, so the family can make a few of their favorite comfort meals from Ecuador.

The family has also been able to receive medical care they couldnt access in Ecuador thanks to Jericho Road.

The couples teenage son is determined to join the Army once he finishes school, his parents said. The adult daughter wants to become a nurse in the United States and is optimistic about the opportunities her son will have growing up here.

So much has been given to us, the father said. We believe that we need to give that much to others.
The global Laboratory Informatics Market reached a size of USD 3.68 Billion in 2022, with an expected annual revenue growth rate of 5% over the forecast period, as outlined in the latest report from Reports and Data.

Laboratory informatics refers to the application of information technology (IT) in laboratory settings to enhance data collection and analysis. This essential practice ensures the reliability and quality of data, playing a crucial role in scientific research activities by streamlining processes and enhancing experiment accuracy.

The demand for informatics systems that can interact with laboratory equipment and instruments is on the rise in line with the growing interest in laboratory automation. These technologies help boost laboratory productivity by reducing manual data entry and enabling real-time data analysis. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) have been adopted to efficiently store and manage data as laboratory operations become increasingly digitalized.

Access Free sample PDF Copy of the Report @

https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-free-sample/6389

The laboratory informatics market is witnessing revenue growth, driven in part by the adoption of cloud-based solutions. These solutions, known for their scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, have gained popularity due to the rising need for data storage and analysis capabilities. Additionally, increased government funding and initiatives in the life sciences sector contribute to the growing demand for laboratory informatics systems. Governments worldwide are making substantial investments in life sciences research and development (R&D), necessitating advanced laboratory technologies for data storage and analysis.

Key players in the Laboratory Informatics Market:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Waters Corporation

PerkinElmer, Inc.

Abbott Informatics Corporation

Accelerated Technology Laboratories, Inc.

LabWare, Inc.

Lablynx, Inc.

Autoscribe Informatics, Inc.

Computing Solutions, Inc.

Some Key Highlights in the Report:

In 2022, the largest share of revenue in the global laboratory informatics market was held by the LIMS segment. This was primarily due to its capacity to generate precise and dependable data, while simultaneously enhancing laboratory efficiency, productivity, and throughput. LIMS enables laboratories to streamline the organization, management, and upkeep of their data, processes, and samples, resulting in greater efficiency, data accuracy, and compliance. As a result, LIMS systems find extensive use across various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, chemicals, environment, and the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry.

During the projected period, the cloud-based segment is expected to demonstrate the highest growth rate in terms of revenue within the global laboratory informatics market. This is primarily attributed to the numerous advantages offered by cloud-based solutions, including flexibility, scalability, affordability, and accessibility from any location with internet connectivity. The cloud-based deployment approach allows users to access data and applications at their convenience and from various locations, which is particularly advantageous for laboratory researchers who often work remotely or need access to data from multiple sources.

In 2022, North America claimed the largest share of revenue in the global laboratory informatics market. This can be attributed to the growing adoption of regulatory requirements related to laboratory informatics within the region. Additionally, the presence of major pharmaceutical and biotech companies, the increasing emphasis on Research & Development (R&D) operations, and the rising demand for laboratory automation all contribute to North Americas dominance in this market. Furthermore, the North American region is expected to witness continued revenue growth driven by the increasing demand for electronic laboratory notebooks, laboratory information management systems, and chromatography data systems.

The European market is anticipated to experience the most rapid growth rate in terms of revenue in the global laboratory informatics market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the significant presence of pharmaceutical companies and the rising demand for laboratory automation in the region. Furthermore, the adoption of laboratory informatics systems by the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors, coupled with the increasing need for effective laboratory management and data analysis, is expected to contribute to revenue growth in this region.

Get in detailed Research Study @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/laboratory-informatics-market

For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the global laboratory informatics market on the basis of Product Type Outlook, Deployment Model Outlook, Component Outlook, Industry Outlook, and Regional Outlook:

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)

Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS)

Chromatography Data Systems (CDS)

Electronic Data Capture (EDC)

Laboratory Execution Systems (LES)

Others

Deployment Model Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

On-premise

Cloud-based

Web-based

Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Software

Services

Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Pharmaceuticals

Biotechnology

Chemicals

Food & Beverages (F&B)

Environmental Testing

Forensics

Others

Download Summary @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-summary-form/6389

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)

North America U.S. Canada Mexico

Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Sweden BENELUX Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of APAC

Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM

Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Israel Rest of MEA



Ask for Customize Research Report @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/request-customization-form/6389

Some points on how the report benefits stakeholders:

The reports include historical (20202021) and forecast (20222032) data points, revenues, and CAGR in table, figure, and chart formats, with detailed and qualitative, supporting written information for each.

Revenue break-up is provided for each segment in these formats for global, regional, and for each country in the respective region for each year between 2019 and 2030.

The report contains insights regarding growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, trends, company profiles, strategic developments, expansion details, product launches, and various other aspects related to the market.

The report contains data and information on customers, competitors, vendors/distributors, and other players and in the global marketplace.

Market research analysis is vital for all crucial business strategies and can aid in numerous ways and to provide a clearer understanding about strategies being deployed by competitors, product launches, competitive analysis, technological advancements and various other factors that enhance sales of a firm or perhaps provide insights to focus on merger and acquisition as a strategy or enter into strategic agreements or joint ventures etc.

The report contains company profiles of the top companies operating in the market along with their respective revenue and operating segments, geographical reach, market footprint, headquarters, growth rates, recent developments, product /services, expansion strategies, investments in expansion, and more.

Explore Latest Trending Research Reports By Reports and Datas

Micro Guide Catheter Market by Type (Over-the-wire, Flow-directed, and Others), By Application (Cardiovascular, Neurovascular, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Micro Syringes Market by Product Type (Fixed Needle Syringes, Detachable Needle Syringes, and Others), by Application (Research Laboratories, Diagnostic Centers, and Others), and by Region  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2022-2032

Microarray Scanner Market By Product Type (Confocal Microarray Scanner, Optical Microarray Scanner, Laser Microarray Scanner), By Application (Gene Expression, Genotyping, Proteomics, Drug Discovery), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Microbial Fermentation Technology Market By Product Type (Bacterial, Yeast, Fungal, Algal, and Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, Industrial Chemicals, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Microbiology Testing Technology Market By Product Type (Instruments, Reagents and Kits, Automated Systems, PCR Technology, and Others), By Application (Clinical, Food Testing, Pharmaceutical, Environmental, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Microdermabrasion Device Market By Product Type (Crystal Microdermabrasion Devices, Diamond Microdermabrasion Devices, and Others), By End-use (Professional, and Personal), and By Region Forecast to 2032

HIV AIDS Immunoassay Diagnostic Market By Product Type (ELISA, Rapid Tests, Western Blot, Home Test Kits, and Others), By End-use (Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Home Care Settings, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Air Bubble Detector Market By Product Type (Portable, Handheld, Inline), By Technology (Ultrasonic, Optical, Thermal), By End-use (Medical, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Chemicals, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Bovine-Based Collagen Biomedical Application Market By Product Type (Gelatin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Native Collagen), By Application (Orthopedic, Dental, Wound Care, Tissue Engineering), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Breast Surgery Retractor Market By Type (Wire Retractors, Blade Retractors, Others), By End-use (Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

About Reports and Data

Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients to make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Products, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware of the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Our industry experience and ability to develop a concrete solution to any research problems provides our clients with the ability to secure an edge over their respective competitors.

Contact Us:

John W

(Head of Business Development)

Reports and Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com

Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370

E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com

Blogs | Press Release | Industry News | Our competencies

Browse More Upcoming Reports @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/upcoming-reports

Browse More Latest Reports @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/report

Read Latest Press Release @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/press-release/global-laboratory-informatics-market
In 2022, the global Pacemaker Market reached a size of USD 5.2 Billion and is anticipated to achieve a 4% revenue Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) throughout the projected period, as outlined in the latest report from Reports and Data.

The worldwide incidence of cardiovascular ailments, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, has exhibited a notable increase. Consequently, there has been a substantial rise in the number of pacemaker implantation procedures conducted. According to data from the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 31% of all global deaths, establishing them as the foremost cause of mortality on a global scale. Consequently, the demand for pacemakers is expected to experience a significant upswing during the forecast period.

Access Free sample PDF Copy of the Report @

https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-free-sample/6393

Moreover, the elderly population is more susceptible to cardiovascular ailments, which amplifies the requirement for pacemakers. According to the United Nations, by 2050, the global elderly population is projected to reach 1.5 billion individuals, with developed nations witnessing the most significant increase. This surge in the elderly demographic is likely to drive the growth of market revenue throughout the forecasted period. Additionally, owing to advancements in pacemaker technology, innovative features like leadless pacemakers, automated heart rate adjustment, and remote monitoring have been developed. Pacemakers are gaining popularity due to their ability to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. For instance, Medtronic introduced the Azure Pacemaker in June 2021, which integrates BlueSync technology for remote monitoring and tailored treatment options.

Key players in the Pacemaker Market:

Abbott Laboratories

Boston Scientific Corporation

Medtronic plc

LivaNova PLC

Biotronik SE & Co. KG

Osypka AG

Pacetronix Limited

Zoll Medical Corporation

BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG

Shree Pacetronix Ltd.

Some Key Highlights in the Report:

The implantable segment is expected to dominate the revenue share throughout the projected period because of its advantages over external pacemakers. Surgically implantable pacemakers are designed for minimal invasiveness, directly inserted into cardiac tissue. Once implanted, they continuously provide electrical stimulation to regulate the hearts rhythm. In comparison to external pacemakers, internal pacemakers are more compact and have a longer lifespan. They also eliminate the need for external wires, reducing the risk of infections, and offer greater convenience to patients as they can continue their daily activities without worrying about pacemaker dislodgment. The advancement of wireless pacemakers, operating without wires, is expected to drive revenue growth in the implantable pacemaker segment through technological breakthroughs. These pacemakers allow wireless recharging and transmit information about the patients heart rate and rhythm to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and adjustment of settings. Consequently, these advancements are anticipated to lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital visits.

The single chamber pacemaker segment is projected to maintain the highest revenue share throughout the forecast period. Among various pacemaker technologies, single chamber pacemakers are the most popular. These pacemakers are designed to regulate the rhythm of a single chamber in the heart and are commonly used to treat bradycardia, a condition characterized by a slow heart rate. Single chamber pacemakers employ a single lead to deliver electrical impulses to the heart and can be positioned either in the right atrium or the right ventricle.

The North American market is positioned to capture the largest revenue share during the projected period, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, advancements in pacemaker technology, and a growing geriatric population. The implementation of energy-efficient policies is expected to further drive rapid revenue growth in the region. Additionally, the demand for smart pacemakers in North America is projected to rise, driven by the increasing adoption of smart home appliances and the presence of prominent competitors.

In Europe, the market is expected to exhibit a moderate yet significant growth rate in terms of revenue during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing use of technologically advanced pacemakers, the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, and an aging population. Key competitors in the region are making substantial investments in pacemaker research and development, contributing to the overall revenue growth of the market.

Get in detailed Research Study @

https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/pacemaker-market

For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data has segmented the global pacemaker market on the basis of Product Type Outlook, Technology Outlook, End-Use Outlook, and Regional Outlook:

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Implantable

External

Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Single Chamber

Duel Chamber

Biventricular

End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022  2032)

Hospitals

Cardiac Centers

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Download Summary @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/download-summary-form/6393

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2022-2032)

North America U.S. Canada Mexico

Europe Germany U.K. France Italy Spain Sweden BENELUX Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of APAC

Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM

Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Israel Rest of MEA



Ask for Customize Research Report @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/request-customization-form/6393

Some points on how the report benefits stakeholders:

The reports include historical (20202021) and forecast (20222032) data points, revenues, and CAGR in table, figure, and chart formats, with detailed and qualitative, supporting written information for each.

Revenue break-up is provided for each segment in these formats for global, regional, and for each country in the respective region for each year between 2019 and 2030.

The report contains insights regarding growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, trends, company profiles, strategic developments, expansion details, product launches, and various other aspects related to the market.

The report contains data and information on customers, competitors, vendors/distributors, and other players and in the global marketplace.

Market research analysis is vital for all crucial business strategies and can aid in numerous ways and to provide a clearer understanding about strategies being deployed by competitors, product launches, competitive analysis, technological advancements and various other factors that enhance sales of a firm or perhaps provide insights to focus on merger and acquisition as a strategy or enter into strategic agreements or joint ventures etc.

The report contains company profiles of the top companies operating in the market along with their respective revenue and operating segments, geographical reach, market footprint, headquarters, growth rates, recent developments, product /services, expansion strategies, investments in expansion, and more.

Explore Latest Trending Research Reports By Reports and Datas

Healthcare Patent Filing Outsourcing Market, By Service Type (Patent Application Drafting, Filing & Prosecution, Patent Landscape & Analytics, and Others), By End-use [Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Medical Device Companies, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and Others], and By Region Forecast to 2032

Healthcare Specialty Enzymes Market, By Type (Protease, Lipase, Carbohydrase, and Others), By Application (Digestive Health, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Biotechnology, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Hearing Aids Market, By Product Type [Behind-The-Ear (BTE), In-The-Ear (ITE), Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE), Completely-In-The-Canal (CITC), and Others], By End-use (Hospitals, Clinics, Homecare Settings, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Hereditary Testing Market, By Test Type (Predictive Testing, Carrier Testing, Prenatal and Newborn Testing, Diagnostic Testing , and Others), By Technology (Molecular Diagnostics, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Sanger Sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Microarray, and Others), By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2032

Hip Replacement Implants Market, By Product Type (Total Hip Replacement, Partial Hip Replacement, and Revision Hip Replacement), By Material (Metal-on-Polyethylene, Ceramic-on-Polyethylene, Ceramic-on-Ceramic, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Hospital Facilities Market, By Facility Type (Hospitals, Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, Rehabilitation Centers, and Others), By Service Type (In-house, Outsourced, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Immunoprotein Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type [Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Radioimmunoassay, Immunofluorescence, and Others], By Application (Oncology, Infectious Diseases, Allergy Testing, and Others), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Intravenous (IV) Solutions Market, By Product Type (Crystalloids, Colloids, and Others), By Application (Fluid & Electrolyte Balance, Nutritional Support, Blood Transfusion, and Others), By End-use [Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), and Others], and By Region Forecast to 2032

Medical Spa Market, By Service Type (Facial Treatment, Body Shaping & Contouring, Injectables, Hair Removal, and Others), By End-User (Men and Women), and By Region Forecast to 2032

Patient Controlled Analgesic Pump Market, By Product Type (Electronic PCA Pumps, Mechanical PCA Pumps, and Disposable PCA Pumps), By Application (Postoperative Pain Management, Labor Pain Management, and Others), By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2032

About Reports and Data

Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients to make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Products, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware of the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Our industry experience and ability to develop a concrete solution to any research problems provides our clients with the ability to secure an edge over their respective competitors.

Contact Us:

John W

(Head of Business Development)

Reports and Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com

Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370

E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com

Blogs | Press Release | Industry News | Our competencies

Browse More Upcoming Reports @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/upcoming-reports

Browse More Latest Reports @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/report

Read Latest Press Release @ https://www.reportsanddata.com/press-release/global-pacemaker-market
by Colin Kirkland , September 5, 2023

As part of its Project Clover initiative, TikTok announced on Tuesday that it has opened the first of three European data centers and is in the process of transferring users data to the new facility, noting that the data migration will not be complete until Q4 2024.

The social media company first announced its plan to open European data centers in 2020, deciding on two locations in Ireland and one location in Norway, which it says will run entirely on renewable energy.

Until all three locations are fully ready, TikTok says it has begun storing the personal data of users in the EU, Switzerland, and the U.K. in a secure U.S.-based location.

A key part of Project Clover also involves data access solutions called security gateways that monitor which TikTok employees are allowed to access certain European user data. These were put in place after it was revealed last year that TikTok's parent company ByteDance had access to data from its global user base, sparking widespread government bans of the app on workers' devices.

advertisement advertisement

All of these controls and operations are designed to ensure that the data of our European users is safeguarded in a specially-designed protective environment, and can only be accessed by approved employees subject to strict independent oversight and verification, the company wrote in a statement.

TikTok says its employees based in China will not be able to access any data stored in its European locations.

The platform has chosen NCC Group to provide third-party oversight, in charge of auditing TikToks data controls and protections as well as monitoring data flows, providing independent verification, and reporting any incidents.

The cybersecurity company's global director of privacy Stephen Bailey said in a statement that by allowing NCC Group's oversight, TikTok is going above and beyond European regulatory requirements.
by Ray Schultz , September 5, 2023

Paper magazine, the hip downtown title that laid off its entire staff in April, two months before being acquired by Street Legal, is back, with Justin Moran as editor-in-chief.



I am excited to work under queer ownership, as we continue Papers core mission of championing fresh, new voices and amplifying them to a mass audience online, Moran said. Creating space for stories largely overlooked by mainstream media is more important than ever, and we will make that our priority yet again as we rebuild this platform."



The layoffs in April were attributed to declining advertising sales.

Moran returns after an earlier stint as EIC that began in July 2022, according to WWD. The relaunch will take place this fall.

Moran joined the publication in 2017 as a digital managing editor. Paper began in 1984.
by Ray Schultz , September 5, 2023

Contrary to what pundits believe, few citizens read political news online, judging by a new study, Non-News Websites Expose People to More Political Content Than News Websites: Evidence from Browsing Data in Three Countries.

The researchers found that only 3.4% of online browsing consists of visits to news sites.

They also determined that people are more likely to run into political content on non-news sites, although they may not be seeking it there.

The overwhelming majority of participants' visits were to non-news sites, the study notes. Although only 1.6% of those visits related to politics, in absolute terms, citizens encounter politics more frequently outside of news than within news."

The analysis based on a survey of 7,266 individuals in three countries and online behavioral data the same participants, comprising over 106 million visits.

Of the visits to news sites, 36% in the U.S. were to news about politics, versus 14% in the Netherlands.

advertisement advertisement

Moreover, out of every 10 visits to specifically political content, 3.4 come from news and 6.6 from non-news sites, the study reports. Furthermore, exposure to political content outside news domains had the same  and in some cases stronger  associations with key democratic attitudes and behaviors as news exposure.

The study concludes, Our findings have key implications. Much of what scholars and observers debate is foreign to the daily lives of a majority of citizens.

It continues, The consumption of news, vastly over-reported in surveys and neatly isolated in most experiments, accounts for a small fraction of peoples online activities. It is the other 96.6% of these activities that carry the potential to introduce people to politics.

The full study can be accessed here.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, September 6, 2023

As part of ongoing efforts to increase the amount of advertising and marketing spending marketers and agencies allocate to diverse media suppliers, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A's) this morning released a set of 11 new guidelines for their members to follow.

The guidelines, published in a joint ANA/4A's report "Guidelines for Getting Started When Investing with Diverse Media Companies," include these seven highlights:

Find out if your company is already investing advertising and marketing dollars with diverse suppliers. If your company has a supplier diversity team (often part of the procurement function), that would be a great place to start to obtain that information regarding diverse suppliers.

Get started with investing in diverse media suppliers that meet your companys strategic communications goals. Dont be overly concerned with the appropriate spending benchmark and look to increase investment over time. Think about allocating a percentage of your budget for diverse suppliers; otherwise, its easy to cut such spending first.

Measure your market share, not just overall, but for each ethnic segment if possible. Understanding present business performance among these audiences will help identify growth opportunities.Then, gauge the size of that opportunity to understand the revenue potential of increasing that share.

Look for opportunities beyond traditional media such as event sponsorships, experiential marketing, and product placement/integration, among others.

To be authentic, invest throughout the year and not just during tentpole events like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian New Year, and Pride Month. Investment in diverse media should be a core element of a companys communications strategy to meet its diverse customer base.

Some diverse media suppliers have expressed a strong interest in having direct dialogue with marketers. While agencies absolutely have key roles to play, marketers should be open to relationship building with diverse suppliers.

Know the diversity make-up of your teams both internally and externally with your agencies. When marketing to an increasingly diverse America, those teams should ideally reflect the diversity of the consumers they are serving.

advertisement advertisement

Our earlier study clearly demonstrated that there are a significant number of marketers who want to invest in diverse media suppliers but need help getting started," ANA CEO Bob Liodice explains in a statement released with the guide, adding: "These guidelines will help them develop a strong and substantive investment strategy that includes increases in diversity spending that reflect each companys customer base.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, September 6, 2023

Virtual-only events continue to have the biggest share of advertising/media industry events, according to an analysis compiled by the DBC Industry Calendar.

Virtual-only ones accounted for 43% of the 806 events listed in the 2023 calendar, up from 41% in 2022.

While share of live events remained constant at 38%, hybrid live/virtual combination events declined to 19% from 21% in 2022.

DBC President Bill Daddi says he doesn't know what the total universe of events related to the advertising, media, marketing and ad-technology industries actually is, but he described the DBC Industry Calendar as being representative.

Daddi attributed the continuing popularity of virtual events to a boom in single-day events that are well-suited for webinars.

The percentage of single-day events rose to 64% in 2023 from 48% in 2022. Two-day events declined to 14% from 23% in 2022, while three-day events fell to 12% from 17% in 2022.

advertisement advertisement

Both years had the same top four U.S. host cities for in-person events -- New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. International events have dipped year over year from 17% to 13%.

Much like we have seen with return to work, the pandemic has had a lasting effect on events," says Daddi, adding: "From ease of planning and attendance, to the cost of physical event production -- as well as lingering health concerns -- the trend of virtual events over physical ones has continued to be strong and I would expect that will continue into the foreseeable future.
by Ray Schultz , September 6, 2023

Meta plans to "deprecate" Facebook News in the UK, France and Germany, removing its dedicated news tab in December.

This is part of a plan to better align our investments to our products and services people value the most, the tech giant said.

Meta will honor existing contracts with publishers in the three countries until they expire, but will not enter into any new ones.

Also, Meta does not expect to offer new Facebook products specifically for news publishers in the future.

However, publishers can continue to post news article links and content to their Facebook pages.

And, news organizations can still leverage products like Reels and our ads system to reach broader audiences and drive people to their website, where they keep 100% of the revenue derived from outbound links on Facebook, Meta continues.

News makes up less than 3% of what people around the world see in their Facebook feed, so news discovery is a small part of the Facebook experience for the vast majority of people, Meta adds.

This is happening as Meta blocks news content in Canada in response to passage of the Online News Act (C-18), a bill that requires it to compensate publishers for using their content in links. It also threatens to do so in U.S. states that pass such laws.
The Buffalo area is in the Top 10 U.S. regions for growth in union coverage compared to before the pandemic, according to researchers Barry T. Hirsch, David A. Macpherson and William E. Even. With more than a quarter of local workers represented by unions, the unionstats.com database reports that 40,000 more Buffalo workers have joined the ranks of organized labor since 2019  an increase of almost 50%.

Yet at the end of an American summer of strikes there are no major work stoppages in Buffalo, as measured by the politically important number of workers involved, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The local situation in New York State mirrors a roiled American labor market. Looking at the news as a retired Canadian union representative who organized thousands of strikers in the steel, education and social services sectors, I know there are no winners in these battles. Here is a better alternative.

In Canada, like Buffalo, the number of workers involved in job action during the pandemic is actually falling, according to Statistics Canada. Union coverage may be the reason.

The Washington, D.C., based Center for Economic and Policy Research reports that less than 25% of U.S. workers can access paid leave in 2023. Statistics Canada notes more than twice that share of workers are covered. The reason is likely part of a union advantage.

In a new review of 2022 compensation the BLS concludes union workers get almost one-third more for paid leave. Workers who are represented by a union are far more likely to receive paid leave from their employers..., according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Official July illness-related work absence rate increases in the U.S. are more than twice as high as in Canada, compared to before the pandemic (July, 2017  July, 2019 average). Forced part-time employment is driven by a lack of paid leave. Comparing Statistics Canada and BLS 2022 data on reasons for part-time work shows the rate of forced part-time employment because of self-care, family and child-care obligations is roughly 30% higher in the U.S. than Canada.

Since the pandemic, the number of American workers involved in strike actions has soared by 1,000%. No wonder. The frictions generated by a lack of paid leave also explain the surge in union organizing in low-wage industries and workplaces where persons from equity-seeking communities are concentrated. Union coverage for U.S. service workers grew twice as fast as in Canada between 2019 and 2022.

There is no need to allow the downward spiral of a summer of strikes to shape the coming fall. Instead, lets harvest the lessons of the pandemic and help unions level the workplace playing field.

Tom Baker is a retired union executive who lives in Burlington, Ontario.
So, Ron DeSantis now wants the money? Of course he does  and he should. Its too bad he wasnt as clear-thinking when New York needed similar help.

The Florida governors state was just pummeled by Hurricane Idalia and has been is in touch with his ultimate political nemesis, President Biden (whom he declined to meet with when the president visited after the storm). Biden, as always, is prepared to bring federal assistance to bear when disasters strike, so its no surprise that he is ready to help Floridians recover from the calamity that struck last week.

Its not even surprising that DeSantis is working the system on behalf of his state and his constituents. Thats his job and it would be unthinkable, verging on malfeasance, not to seek the help that Americans  and specifically, New Yorkers  are always ready offer in times of need.

But it was only 11 years ago, when DeSantis  then a member of Congress  joined the majority of his Republican colleagues in denying New York the help it needed in the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. One wonders if he would be similarly discriminating as president: offering aid to Florida or other red states while stiffing New York and other blue ones.

Its not just DeSantis, either. As Politico reported last week, Floridas Republicans have a grubby record of supporting government assistance for their states natural disasters while frequently rejecting broader packages designed to lessen the impact of similar emergencies.

A spokesman for DeSantis presidential campaign offered an unconvincing explanation for his candidates vote in 2012: It reflected some undefined, unexplained sense that aid for Hurricane Sandy was packed with pork-barrel spending. Of course, one mans pork can be anothers penicillin, but even if it were true, a moment of emergency and human suffering isnt the time to make a stand. More likely, he was preening for tea-party-types whose knees jerk every time a dollar is spent. In any case, does anyone think DeSantis will refuse the money if some fellow Republican finds a pound of pork in the assistance?

The strange thing  the admirable thing  is that New Yorkers always seem ready to help, whether its returned or not. Most other Americans are, too, we suspect  its their supposed leaders who need to prove their purity, which is often another word for intransigence. Indeed, after Hurricane Sandy and the 9/11 terror attacks, helpers arrived by the hundreds from around the country.

Still, New Yorkers readiness to help is one of the things that make this a great state. Indeed, New York does it every day of every year: Taxpayers here are net givers to the country, sending more money to Washington in tax dollars than they get back in services. Other states, less able for whatever reason, are net takers, bringing in more federal dollars than they provide. Such is life in a large and diverse country.

Things are liable to get worse in the coming years, as a changing climate punishes areas of the country with more frequent and more destructive disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes and tornadoes. Many of the most susceptible areas are in southern red states, which will be asking for increasing amounts of federal help. They will get it and New Yorkers are unlikely to protest.

If New York needs anything special, its more generous federal help when blizzards overrun areas of the state. As it stands, Washington doesnt fully acknowledge catastrophic snowstorms as disasters needing its help. But they can be lethal and broadly destructive, as last Decembers blizzard was here. That policy needs to change.

We hope DeSantis and his like wont object.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
BEIRUT  The weeklong clashes between rival U.S.-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in the coalition that has kept a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to reemerge.

The violence also points to rising tensions between Kurds who dominate the region and the mainly Arab population, opening the door for Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran, to try to make inroads in an oil-rich territory where they seek to drive out U.S. troops and restore Damascus rule.

Eastern Syria has largely been off the worlds radar, particularly in the United States. But the U.S. has had some 900 troops stationed there alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019. The troops, who first arrived eight years ago, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters.

At the same time, a U.S.-supported Kurdish-led administration has governed parts of northern Syria and most of Syria east of the Euphrates River, including key oil fields, with government forces and Iranian-backed militias positioned just across the river on the western bank. The regions Arabs have roles in both the SDF and the administration but have long resented the Kurdish control.

The clashes involve the Syrian Democratic Forces and an allied faction, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council. The trigger was the Aug. 27 arrest by the SDF of the councils commander Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla. The SDF accused Khbeil of criminal activity, corruption and of opening up contacts with the Damascus government and Iranian-backed militias.

Fighting broke out between the SDF and Khbeils loyalists, who were then joined by hundreds of Arab tribesmen in battles that spread and left tribesmen in control of several villages outside the city of Deir el-Zour. At least 90 people have been killed and dozens wounded.

Kurdish leaders accuse Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government of fomenting the violence. Speaking to The Associated Press, SDF spokesman Farhad Shami denied local Arab fighters joined the clashes, saying it was fighters loyal to Damascus who crossed the river.

Iran and Assad regime want to depict this unrest as a result of an ethnic conflict between Arabs and Kurds, Elham Ahmad, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Council, the political wing of the SDF, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Their ultimate aim, she said, was to force U.S. troops to leave.

But some warn the violence reflects local Arab resentment of Kurdish domination. Opposition activists said contacts were underway with tribal leaders to reach a cease-fire.

This is an unprecedented escalation between SDF and Deir el-Zour residents, says Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, which covers news in the region.

This is an indication of the bad policy implemented by the SDF and wrong calculations by the Americans, said Abu Layla. He said the solution could be to name a replacement for Khbeil and give Arabs more influence in local councils.

If the fighting endures, it could deepen Kurdish-Arab rifts. That could open the door for IS remnants to attempt a comeback.

The U.S. military has called for an end to the fighting, warning that distractions (from opposing IS) create instability and increase the risk of Daesh resurgence, using the Arab acronym for the Islamic State group.

Over the weekend, a meeting was held among SDF figures, tribal leaders and U.S. officials, including Maj. Gen. Joel Vowell, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, which oversees U.S. military operations against IS, the U.S. Embassy announced. It said they agreed on the importance of addressing the grievances of residents in Deir el-Zour, avoiding civilian deaths and the need for de-escalation as soon as possible.

The SDF pushed ahead in their offensive over the weekend, capturing two villages and surrounding the main Arab tribesmen's stronghold in Diban. On Wednesday, SDF said its fighters captured Diban, adding that gunmen who earlier took positions in the village fled to areas under the control of the (Syrian) regime where they had earlier come from.

SDF chief commander Mazloum Abdi told a local news agency that the U.S.-led coalition helped with aerial support during the offensive, but the U.S. military did not confirm or deny when contacted by The Associated Press.

IS once controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria but was defeated after a long, grueling war led by the U.S. and allies including the SDF. The radical group lost its last sliver of land in eastern Syria in 2019, but its fugitive cells hiding in the region have continued low-level attacks, killing dozens over the years.

Myles B. Caggins III, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, said the clashes present an opportunity for ISIS cells that nest in the Euphrates River Valley to emerge.

The violence also could give an opportunity for Damascus and Iran, pushing their demands for the Americans to leave.

The commander of the pro-government Baqir Brigade militia, Khaled al-Hassan, told an Iranian media outlet that the violence is a new uprising by Syrians against the American occupation and its militias, referring to the SDF.

During a recent visit to Iran, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad warned that American occupation forces should withdraw ... before they are forced to do so.

In mid-July, dozens of Arab tribesmen and members of the pro-government National Defense Forces held a rally in Deir el-Zour province that was attended by a Russian general.

The end of American forces will be at the hands of Arab tribesmen who stand behind the Syrian army, an NDF commander said during the ceremony.

In March, a suspected Iranian-linked drone attack hit a U.S. base, killing a contractor and wounding another, along with five American troops. American warplanes responded with airstrikes on sites used by groups affiliated with Irans Revolutionary Guard. President Joe Biden said the U.S. would respond forcefully to protect its personnel.

Iran, Russia, and the Syrian regime have a shared interest in the departure of U.S. forces from Syria, according to a report released last month by The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.

Crucial for Tehran, Iran has had a land corridor of allies linking it to the Mediterranean Sea ever since Syrian forces and Iranian-backed militias captured areas along the border with Iraq from IS in 2017.

Last weeks clashes came after Lebanese and Arab media outlets reflecting Irans point of view claimed that the Americans intended to sever that link by capturing the strategic border town of Boukamal.

The coalitions commanding general, U.S. Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane denied the reports. The coalition is not preparing for military operations to cut off anybody except Daesh, he said.

But Iran and its allies say any attempt to close the Iraq-Syria border is a red line.

I see that closing the gate between Damascus and Baghdad as a declaration of war, said Syrian political analyst Bassam Abu Abdullah, whose comments usually reflect the governments point of view.

___

Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Hogir Al Abdo in Diban, Syria, contributed to this report.
KOSTIANTYNIVKA, Ukraine  The Russian missile that struck Wednesday in eastern Ukraine turned an outdoor market into a fiery, blackened ruin where weeping civilians looked for loved ones among the mangled, burned bodies scattered across the ground.

The blast in the town of Kostiantynivka killed 17 people and wounded at least 32 in one of Russia's deadliest strikes in months, Ukrainian officials said.

There was no military target here. This is a peaceful neighborhood in the city center," Stefan Slovak, who lives in Kostiantynivka, said in a trembling voice.

Behind him were the remnants of the market, where charred bodies could be seen in the street, their clothes still burning, near cars engulfed in flames. Behind a market stall holding fresh parsley, rescuers found a women in civilian clothes with her head covered in blood.

Video taken by The Associated Press showed a chaotic scene, with charred bodies lying on the ground, some of them still burning. As firefighters tried to douse the flames, first responders rushed to apply tourniquets and load the wounded into emergency vehicles using stretchers and blankets. Posters or tarps were used to cover some of the dead. Onlookers cried and consoled one another.

They are shooting at peaceful civilians. Are we soldiers here? Are we shooting at them? No! So why? They are just trying to destroy Ukrainian nation, said resident Nadezhda Negoda.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strike was deliberate. He has visited the town many times on trips to the front line.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area. There arent any military units nearby," Zelenskyy said during a news conference in Kyiv with visiting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

He said the strike reflects the situation on the battlefield.

"Whenever there are any positive advances by Ukrainian defense forces in that direction, Russians always target civilian people and civilian objects, he said.

Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, Ihor Klymenko reported that emergency workers extinguished the flames that burned an area of 300 square meters (3,200 square feet). Eight market installations and some cars were destroyed.

About 30 pavilions were damaged, along with 20 shops, an administrative building, an apartment building and some power lines, according to Ukraine's general prosecutors office.

The attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, where he was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new American funding for Ukraine in the 18-month-old war.

__

Associated Press Writer Hanna Arhirova in Kyiv contributed to this report.
A fundamental action and duty of a lawyer is to file papers with courts and other government agencies. In fact there are rules, ethics codes and criminal statutes that place duties on lawyers not to omit material information from their filings.

President Clinton was not exempt from discipline as an attorney by being president. After making false statements to a government agency, he was fined $25,000 by the Arkansas Bar and had his license suspended for five years. As a result, and because the ethics demands are greater for lawyers who are members of the Supreme Court Bar, President Clinton resigned from the Supreme Court Bar rather than be removed.

The Supreme Court justices are all lawyers and members of state bars. There are ethics requirements to be in good standing in their state bars.

Several Supreme Court justices have made material omissions on their financial disclosure statements, Clarence Thomas has for decades. As lawyers they are members of the Supreme Court Bar which has greater disciplinary and ethical demands on its members than do state bars.

How exactly will a Supreme Court Justice who is not in good standing with a state bar be able to judge attorneys who faithfully observe and follow both the state and Supreme Court codes? The short answer is they cant, even under the assumption that they dont have to be lawyers to be on the Supreme Court. For a non lawyer the ethics demands remain and are just as stringent, some justices must be removed or resign.

Bill Licata, Esq.

Buffalo
HIGHLAND, MI - You cant get salad and breadsticks like this in Los Angeles, or anywhere for that matter, according to actor Dax Shepard. The Michigan native returned home this holiday weekend to indulge in some of his favorite food.

The owners of the Highland House in Highland Township east of Hartland posted a photo on the restaurants Facebook page showing Shepard stopping by for a meal. Dax Shepard stopped by our patio to have a breadstick and Greek salad, they wrote.

Shepard, who was born at a hospital in Ypsilanti and raised in Highland and Milford, graduated high school from Walled Lake Central in 1993. He is married to actress Kristen Bell, who is from Huntington Woods, also in Metro Detroit.

Shepard once told MLive among the places he loves to visit when he returns home is the Highland House for what he says are the best salad and breadsticks on the planet.

We consider Dax part of our family, Olivia Amaya, manager of the Highland House said to MLive. We always appreciate when he comes in to enjoy the best breadsticks and Greek salad on the planet.

Meantime, Shepard and Bell are celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary this year. The two actually met at a Detroit Red Wings game against the Kings in Los Angeles.

MORE FROM MLIVE:

Jimmy Buffett died almost 2 years to the day of his last Michigan concert

These 4 legendary bands are about to perform one last concert in Michigan

Lando Calrissian, himself, actor Billy Dee Williams is coming to Michigan this fall

There are now 7 flavors of Faygo pop ice cream including Rock & Rye, Red Pop, Moon Mist
Classical music and orchestra lovers, get tickets to Andre Rieus tour stop at Little Caesars Arena, Sept. 13 in Detroit.

Tickets are available at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.

Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster also have tickets for tour stops in Chicago and Ohio.

Ticket prices range from $87 to $279, but prices will fluctuate.

Andre Rieu violinist and conductor known for starting the Johann Strauss Orchestra in the late 80s, has taken his dynamic ensemble everywhere from Europe and Asia to the Americas and Australia.

Almost every year, the orchestra lands on Billboards list of Top 25 tours, with Rieu recognized by the publication in 2009 as the most successful male touring artist in the world. Yearly, his group performs between 70 and 100 shows worldwide.

Rieu has become famous for his energetic stage presence and thrilling repertoire. Often playing on the violin from the conductors podium and leading his orchestra at the same time, engaging the audience in his dramatic and buoyant readings of well-known tunes. (Ticketmaster)

Andre Rieu has sold over 40 million CDs and DVDs around the world and has been awarded more than 500 Platinum and 270 Gold awards.

Get tickets for tour stops in Detroit, Chicago, and Ohio. Tickets are still available at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.

Detroit -- 7:30 p.m., Sept. 13, Little Caesars Arena

Chicago -- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12, Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC

Columbus, Ohio -- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, Value City Arena at Schottenstein Center
Youd be hard-pressed to see a more energetic and entertaining performance with the violin in your lifetime. This Michigan man just played on the biggest stage of his life in the semifinals of Americas Got Talent with a shot at the finals and $1 million on the line.

Philip Bowen, who was born in West Virginia and now lives in Brownstown Township in Metro Detroit, just gave it everything he had on the hit NBC competition show in front of the celebrity judges, live studio audience and millions of people watching at home.

Hes among 55 acts to advance to the semifinals. This is the third week of performances with two acts being voted into the finals. They will learn their fate tomorrow night on the results show at 8:00 p.m. ET. You can vote up to 10 times here or via the AGT free moble app until 7:00 a.m. ET.

Everybodys on their feet, said judge Howie Mandell after Bowens performance. The energy in the room... I loved it. Hopefully America loves it and votes for you.

I love you, too, added Heidi Klum. I mean, you play great, but its the energy that you give. You have something special about you because you give more than 100%. You really do.

You are a great entertainer. Great energy, said Sofia Vergara. You make the violin sexy. What a show tonight. I loved it.

It is every parents nightmare when a child says, I want to play the violin. And actually, you made it entertaining, added Simon Cowell. It was a really good choice of song. You are such a great personality and you know what, I can feel how much this means to you. And I think the audience at home is going to really like you.

How much does this mean to you right now? host Terry Crews asked Bowen. It means everything to me, he answered, still out of breath. Im down 50 pounds since the last time I was here. Cora, Stella, Henry... this is for you. Dad loves you!

We will find out tomorrow night whether Bowen makes it to the finale via Americas Vote. And he isnt the only Michigander to advance this season. 12-year old magician ventriloquist comedian Brynn Cummings from Paw Paw near Kalamazoo also made it to the semifinals, but was eliminated.

Americas Got Talent season 18 continues every Tuesday night at 8/7c on NBC. Stream the 2023 season for free with a trial from Fubo and DIRECTV Stream, and enjoy episodes the following day on Peacock.
DETROIT -- Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged a 21-year-old Detroit man with first-degree murder this week in connection with a Sept. 1 shooting. Martell Blunt is accused of shooting 27-year-old Antonio Jenkins, also of Detroit, while the two were inside a vehicle parked in the area of Joy Road and Lawton Street.

Blunt is believed to have been sitting in the passenger seat when he allegedly produced a gun and fired multiple shots, hitting Jenkins in the head. Police received reports of the shooting around 11:35 p.m. and Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene when medics arrived.

Along with the murder charge, Blunt was arraigned on a charge of felony firearm. He is due back in court on Sept. 14 for a probable cause conference.
ROSCOMMON, MI  A Michigan man will spend years in prison for providing fentanyl to a man that later died.

Chase Rosenthal, 28, of Houghton Lake, was sentenced by Judge Robert Bennett in the Roscommon County Circuit Court to 11 to 45 years in prison, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday.

Rosenthal pleaded guilty to one count of delivery causing death. He was arrested in April.

Rosenthal delivered fentanyl to a Houghton Lake man on the afternoon of May 27, 2022. Hours later the victim, a 47-year-old man, was found dead, having overdosed on the powerful narcotic.

Controlled substances like Fentanyl carve devastation through families and across communities, Nessel said at the time of Rosenthals guilty plea.

My department will use every resource available to fight back against the deadly opioid epidemic and hold accountable those who distribute narcotics and prey upon Michigan residents suffering from substance use disorder.

The case was investigated by Michigan State Police.

READ MORE:

1 dead, 7 injured after fiery, head-on crash in Leelanau County

Boy, 14, drowns in Lake Michigan after jumping off breakwall

Motorcyclist dies after crashing into electrical pole in Upper Peninsula
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI -- Michigan State Police are looking for a suspect who set several MSP patrol vehicles on fire Wednesday morning and shot them with a rifle. The vehicles were set ablaze around 3:30 this morning before the suspect fled the scene in a silver Honda CRV, according to police.

No troopers were in any of the vehicles when the attack took place.

MSP says the Sault Ste. Marie post will be closed today and asks the public to stay away from the facility for now. Other MSP posts will be open as usual, however police are asking the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact police at 1-906-632-2217 or call 911.

The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

READ MORE:

Northern Michigan woman walking along M-33 dies after being hit by vehicle

Wrong-way driver on I-75 seriously injures herself and another motorist in multi-vehicle crash

Grand Traverse County man arrested after road rage shooting incident
News / Columnist

by Staff reporter

Bulawayo councillors are reportedly plotting to defy party leader Nelson Chamisa's directive to vote for David Coltart and Dumisani Nkomo for the city mayor and deputy mayor position, respectively.Chamisa endorsed Coltart, a lawyer and former minister, as the party's mayoral candidate in Bulawayo, while Nkomo, a civil rights campaigner, was touted as the deputy mayoral candidate.However, it has emerged that some councillors are planning to go against the party directive and elect other councillors for the posts.The election for the city's new mayor was meant to be conducted after the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday but was postponed to Monday after the local government ministry ordered all councillors to attend an induction meeting in Gweru on Thursday and Friday.CITE has it on good authority that some senior party officials in Bulawayo summoned the councillors on Wednesday morning before their swearing-in ceremony and subjected them to interviews to choose their preferred candidates.A councillor who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed the plot which involves some senior party officials in Bulawayo."The challenge is that there are people who want to go against what the party planned. There are external people, with huge amounts of money and with ulterior motives (of corruption) who are trying to push for their candidates to be elected on Monday," the source said."They don't want Coltart and Nkomo because they know they will not bend to their demands. There are reports that some councillors have already been given money by these people. We also have it in good authority that they are hoping if Mabuto is the one to be elected as deputy mayor, then they can ride on that to push for their candidates again to chair strategic council committees to push their agenda. It's a pity because if they fall into this trap they will be recalled. That is the party position."CCC national spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi said the party has clear instructions on how the two positions will be filled."As a party, we work with clear guidelines. Bulawayo has been advised accordingly on who will be mayor, and that is David Coltart. He was even endorsed at a rally in the city. As for deputy mayor, the councillors there have been told who has been chosen by the party. Any other rumour will not be entertained and the party members are expected to act according to the guidelines of the party," Mkwananzi said.
BENZIE COUNTY, MI  A Northern Michigan man is facing charges after allegedly leaving vulgar messages, including accusations of police corruption, with police and government officials, police said.

Ryan Welsh King, 46, of Benzonia, was arrested last week for aggravated stalking and other crimes, according to a news release from Michigan State Police.

In May, the MSP Traverse City Post received a complaint from a local multi-jurisdictional narcotics team about a man who was excessively contacting the office and leaving vulgar messages and making claims of police corruption, the release said.

King was identified as the alleged caller. The team commander instructed him to stop contacting the office.

However, this did not deter him, the release said.

Detectives documented and saved several alleged voicemails and phone conversations from King. He was also allegedly sending vulgar emails and calling other government entities in Benzie County.

King was arrested on Aug. 31 and lodged in the Benzie County Jail.

He was arraigned in the 85th District Court of Benzie County on charges of aggravated stalking, using a computer to commit a crime, malicious use of telecommunications device, false report of misdemeanor, and habitual offender third. His bond was set at $100,000.

King is due back in court at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25.
MANISTEE TOWNSHIP, MI  A Northern Michigan man stomped on drugs in an effort to get rid of the evidence during a traffic stop  it didnt work, police said.

A 51-year-old Irons man was pulled over by a Michigan State Police trooper around 1:10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, on U.S. 31 near Hahn Road in Manistee Township, according to a news release from MSP. By the end of it, he was arrested, and not just because there were three warrants for his arrest, according to a release from the MSP Cadillac Post.

During the traffic stop, the trooper noticed a pill bottle on the drivers seat, the release said. The man then emptied the contents onto the floor and smashed them with his foot on the drivers side floor mat.

After arresting the man, the trooper collected residue from the floor mats, the release said. It tested positive for methamphetamine.

The man was lodged in the Manistee County Jail. He was arraigned in the 85th District Court of Manistee County on charges of possession of methamphetamine, tampering with evidence, improper license plate, and operating without insurance. His bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Ann Arbor is planning to erect a statue in front of city hall to honor former City Council Member Kathy Kozachenko, who made history in 1974 as the first openly gay person elected to public office in the United States.

Elected nearly 50 years ago as a member of the left-wing Human Rights Party when she was a 21-year-old University of Michigan student activist, shes a trailblazer in queer history and more broadly the history of Ann Arbor and the nation, said Council Member Travis Radina, D-3rd Ward.
YPSILANTI, MI -- Ardis Lewis Jr. started the nonprofit Men Like Us with the intention of feeding the homeless, organizing clothing and food drives and creating a space for like-minded men to gather.

But with events that have prompted shootings, parking lot fights and even a shooting investigated as an assault with intent to murder, officials now say his organization is doing more harm than good.

Ypsilanti Township leaders want the courts to declare Men Like Us a public nuisance, which would close the building for one year.

The disorderly conduct out there is off the charts, said Doug Winters, Ypsilanti Township attorney.

However, Lewis said he believes the township is discriminating against him and Men Like Us. And he thinks it might be racially motivated.

The township wants to shut us down and take away the only gathering place for Black people, Lewis said in an email to MLive/The Ann Arbor News.

30 calls to police

Lewis launched the nonprofit in 2021 with the intent of feeding homeless community members, providing mentoring programs and hosting toy, clothing and food drives.

The group hosted events at its headquarters at 3011 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti Township, in a building owned by Lily Investments that the nonprofit rented. In addition to coat and shoe drives, the group also hosted panel discussion on mental health, an expungement fair and pizza parties for homeless community members, according to a GoFundMe started by Lewis to support legal fees. The venue is also open for baby showers, birthday parties and other events.

Ypsilanti Township officials said the groups events got out of control, though, according to court documents. On May 16, the townships board of trustees unanimously approved moving forward with a lawsuit, which was filed against Men Like Us, Lewis and Lily Investments on July 28.

In its filing, township attorneys said there have been roughly 30 calls for police to the nonprofit. Events hosted by Men Like Us, the township alleges, brought in gun violence and illegally sold alcohol, as well as having excessive crowds and overflowing parking.

While some calls included lost necklaces and restraining order violations, most calls were for disorderly subjects, large crowds and shootings, according to police reports obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News through the Freedom of Information Act.

Other incidents cited by the township include a car doing doughnuts in the street, people shooting into the air and fights outside the building, according to those police reports.

In May 2022, one person was shot in the leg three times by an unknown suspect and the offense was logged as an assault with intent to murder, according to the police reports. More than a dozen shell casings were found on-site.

One subject who did not wish to provide her identification advised that shooting in the air is how they control the crowd at the establishment because the type of people in the crowd, according to a May 2023 police report.

Allowing the nonprofit to operate is a safety hazard, Winters argues.

When you shoot into the air, you have no control over where those bullets are going to land, he said.

The township also alleges that Lewis hosted events prior to having proper occupancy permitting and only had live security footage, not the recorded footage required by the township. The parking lot was also frequently full, with attendees parking in the lots of neighboring businesses, township officials said.

The lawsuit seeks a restraining order to remove Men Like Us and padlock the building for one year, according to court filings. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Connors approved a temporary restraining order barring Men Like Us from facilitating armed violence and allowing the property to be used by disorderly people. Men Like Us is still hosting events, according to advertisements posted to its social media pages.

Lewis declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Lets talk about some of the good

At a township board meeting on Aug. 15, Ypsilanti Township residents pushed back on the decision to sue Men Like Us, saying the nonprofit has done good in the community.

Lewis told board members during a public comment session that the group has hosted mental health awareness panels, shoe drives, expungement programs and other community events.

My name is being blasted around like Im shooting a gun or something, Lewis said at the meeting. Lets talk about some of the good, because that outweighs any of the bad apples in this community that chose to come to my business and do wrong.

In public comment, Lewis asked to be allowed to stay open during the day so he could continue to host certain events.

Weve done everything we possibly can to bring him into compliance, Winters said.

Winters also pushed back on Lewis claims that the lawsuit is racially motivated, saying its insulting to the township board.

Just totally a misdirected attempt to misdirect away from what is really at issue, Winters said.

Lily Investments is also suing Lewis for non-payment of rent. Lewis allegedly owes $83,000 in rent, according to court documents. Kevin Macaddino, a Lily Investments attorney, said the case would be dropped if Lewis catches up on rent. He did not comment on either suit further.

Lewis and Lily Investments are set to appear in court for a landlord-tenant hearing on Friday, Sept. 8. The township and Lewis are next set to appear in court on Friday, Sept. 22.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Ypsilanti man accused of killing ex-girlfriend, burning her body heads to trial

Police investigating 7th incident in string of Ann Arbor break-ins

Ann Arbor School Board to vote on superintendent settlement, resignation at next meeting
ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor residents can sound off on a recent report about local traffic stops in an upcoming meeting hosted by the citys police oversight commission.

The Ann Arbor Independent Community Police Oversight Commission is hosting the meeting to hear residents reactions to a report showing people of color are more likely to be stopped and searched by Ann Arbor police. The meeting is 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Peace Neighborhood Center, 111 N. Maple Road in Ann Arbor.

Its an opportunity for the public to comment if they have questions, if they have comments, Stefani Carter, commission chairperson, said.

The meeting will feature presentations on the traffic stop disparity report and a new ordinance barring Ann Arbor police from certain traffic stops.

The study, published in July, looked at more than 34,600 traffic stops from 2017 to 2019 conducted by the Ann Arbor Police Department, including officers determination of the race and gender of drivers and the reported reasons for stopping them.

Read more: Non-white motorists in Ann Arbor stopped and searched more often, study finds

Male drivers reported as multi-racial by officers were stopped for equipment violations three times more frequently than would be expected if there were no bias, while multi-racial women were stopped two times more frequently than would be expected, according to the study.

The study also showed Black male drivers were 2.41 times more likely to be pulled over for equipment violations than if there was no bias and were searched more often.

The police oversight commission partnered with EMUs Southeast Michigan Criminal Justice Policy Research Project in 2021 to launch the study.

Shortly after a draft of the report was published in June, Interim Chief Aimee Metzer announced Ann Arbor police would no longer be pulling drivers over for minor violations such as cracked or chipped windshield or a loud exhaust.

The policy was also codified by Ann Arbor City Council on July 6.

The oversight commission delayed the community meeting by several months to give people a chance to read and digest the report, Carter said. The meeting also is an opportunity for community members to share other items they want the commission to investigate.

We really want to know what the community thinks, what the community is feeling, Carter said.

The meeting also is being broadcast live on CTN Cable Channel 16, ATT Chanel 99 and online at a2gov.org/watchCTN.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Ann Arbor to erect statue honoring LGBTQ official who made national history

The Ann Arbor area is losing LGBTQ spaces. Where do we go?

You had me at density. Ann Arbor OKs 8-story SouthTown development
FLINT TWP, MI - The highly anticipated opening of the Flint areas first Chick-fil-A is expected to open on Sept. 28, a Flint Township official confirmed.

Tracey Tucker, Economic Enhancement Director for Flint Township, confirmed the opening date to MLive-The Flint Journal on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Chick-fil-A did not immediately respond to a request for comment by MLive-The Flint Journal.

Chick-fil-A restaurants serve guests freshly prepared food at more than 2,700 restaurants in 47 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada.

Earlier this month, Chick-fil-A announced it was hiring over 100 people for the Flint Township location.

A spokesperson for the company told MLive-The Flint Journal that the store, located at 3140 Miller Road, will hire approximately 120 full-time and part-time employees for its first Genesee County location.

Its our pleasure to confirm that our first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Flint, located at 3140 Miller Road, is slated to open this Fall, Chick-fil-A, Inc. said in a statement. While we dont have any additional updates to share on timing, we look forward to joining the Flint community soon.

MLive-The Flint Journal will have more information in the following weeks.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

Read more at The Flint Journal:

What to see and do as 2023 Bikes on the Bricks rolls into downtown Flint

Guinness World Record bubble show coming to Flint

The Holly Hotel halts reconstruction over property lawsuit

Michigans Best Local Eats: Ziggys Ice Cream serves up cool treats in Grand Blanc, Holly

Demolition of Simplicity building part of foundation for new development in Durand

Michigans Best Local Eats: Soul food kitchen offers dishes made with love
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A former Grand Rapids police officer who fatally shot Black motorist Patrick Lyoya acted reasonably given Lyoyas escalating violence during a traffic stop, which included taking control of the officers Taser, his attorney said.

The officer, Christopher Schurr, 32, awaits trial charged with second-degree murder in Lyoyas April 4, 2022, death.

His attorneys filed an interlocutory appeal asking the state Court of Appeals to find that lower courts erred in ordering Schurr to stand trial. An appellate panel - Kathleen Feeney, Colleen OBrien and Brock Swartzle  heard arguments Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the highly publicized, controversial killing.

Video showed Lyoya on the ground when he was shot in the back of his head.

Schurr and his supporters, some wearing blue shirts, and Lyoya family members and supporters, packed the courtroom. Outside, Lyoya supporters held signs, including, Justice 4 Patrick.

Related: Police organizations back former Grand Rapids police officer in Patrick Lyoyas killing

Schurr had stopped Lyoya just after 8 a.m. on Nelson Avenue SE north of Griggs Street because his car looked like one that had been reported stolen and the license plate did not match the car, the defense says.

Lyoya, who was intoxicated, was uncooperative, tried to run from the officer then fought with him over control of the officers Taser. Schurrs attorneys say Lyoya gained control of the Taser before Schurr, who was on top of Lyoya, and shot him once in the back of his head.

Defense attorney Matthew Borgula argued that Schurr was exhausted from the lengthy struggle and feared that Lyoya would use the Taser on him. He had unsuccessfully deployed both cartridges but Borgula said that a dry stun of the Taser to the officers skin was potentially incapacitating.

Related: Grand Rapids should be held liable in Patrick Lyoya death, Crump argues at rally

Borgula said Schurr had an obligation as a police officer to arrest Lyoya after he had committed felonies, including resisting and obstructing police. He said that Schurr only used deadly force after fighting for his life in a lengthy struggle for the Taser.

He said Schurrs backup was still a minute away when the shot was fired.

He contended that lower courts focused on the moment the officer shot Lyoya, 26.

Feeney asked if police would be justified in shooting anyone who ignored police orders and ran. She was concerned about those suffering mental-health issues, or those who are highly intoxicated.

Related: Grand Rapids should be held liable in Patrick Lyoya death, Crump argues at rally

Borgula said his client didnt immediately shoot Lyoya as a fleeing felon, he only acted after an exhausting fight.

(Lyoya) disarmed the officer of the Taser, he said.

He said that lower courts did not consider the totality of the circumstances.

Katherine Wendt, Kent Countys chief appellate attorney, said questions about the evidence and self-defense should be left to a jury, as two other Kent County judges previously ruled.

The job of the court is not to (decide) whether a defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

She said jurors are tasked with evaluating evidence in any case. In this case, the entire episode, from traffic stop to shooting, was captured on video.

We do this day in, day out in other murder cases. Its not a new concept, she told the judges.

She noted that Lyoya was shot in the head, back to front, while on the ground, with the officer on Lyoyas back. Witnesses said Schurr was in control despite the violent confrontation, she said.

Schurr, a seven-year officer, was fired after he was charged by Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker.

Related: Police officer fired days after being charged with murder of Patrick Lyoya

The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, Grand Rapids Police Officers Association and Michigan Association of Police Organizations have filed amicus curiae briefs in the appeals case arguing that the charge should be dismissed.

Schurrs attorneys say Grand Rapids District Judge Nicholas Ayoub erred in binding the case over for trial and that Kent County Circuit Judge Christina Elmore erred in affirming that ruling. The prosecutors disputed that contention.

The Court of Appeals will later issue a written opinion.

Read more:

10 great sports bars to watch a football game around Grand Rapids

Jim Dreyer ends second attempt to swim across Lake Michigan

Cowardly, vindictive, Ottawa County commissioner says of removal from leadership position

Activist plays harmonica during meeting after Ottawa County commissioner orders his removal
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Jim The Shark Dreyer has ended his second attempt this year to swim across Lake Michigan  a feat he accomplished 25 years ago.

He was pulled from the water late Tuesday, Sept. 5, about 23 miles from Milwaukee Beach, after fighting strong currents with worsening weather on the way, according to his Facebook page.

Clearly we can see his progress practically reversing as time was passing, a post said. Conditions are predicted to get far worse in the coming hours.

Related: Jim Dreyer to again attempt 83-mile swim across Lake Michigan

Dreyer wrote: Hey Finheads. I am safe on dry land in Milwaukee. I will fill you in more (Wednesday). Thank you all sincerely for your support and following along!

FOX6 News FOX6 News reported that Dreyers crew sent a boat out to tell him the swim had to end.

Dreyer was attempting to swim an 82.5-mile route from Milwaukee to Grand Haven. It would have taken 60 hours under ideal conditions but the route would have been much longer because of currents and winds.

He left Milwaukee Monday afternoon but ran into unexpected north currents that would have delayed his planned landing in Grand Haven.

Related: Jim Dreyer may move on after attempt at second Lake Michigan swim ends in disappointment

He was attempting a solo swim, with no escort boat, while pulling a dinghy loaded with supplies.

While the safety net of having my professional support team with me on the water is definitely preferred, there are times, in certain conditions, where I stand a better chance on beating the elements alone without concerns related to the escort boat, he said earlier in a statement.

Related: Jim The Shark Dreyer ends attempt at 82-mile swim across Lake Michigan

There is only time for one more attempt this summer, and I do not want to risk the chance of what occurred last time happening again.

Dreyer made the first-ever mid-lake crossing, between Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Ludington, in 1998. A Byron Center native, he now lives in Grand Haven.

At 60, he attempted a longer route in early August but called off that effort 10 miles in because of rough condition. Lake conditions were worsening, with his escort boat pushed two miles off course.

In his latest attempt, he pulled a Dreyer was pulling a 10-foot dinghy, weighing 225 pounds with supplies. A tracking device followed his quest, with rescue boats on both shores ready to respond if he had trouble.

Read more:

Cowardly, vindictive, Ottawa County commissioner says of removal from leadership position

Activist plays harmonica during meeting after Ottawa County commissioner orders his removal

Tenants say rent is too high. Michigan lawmakers say they have solutions.
JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- For some people, the day cant start without a good cup of coffee, so finding the right blend and the right place to drink it is a decision of the utmost importance.

Whether coffee is the cornerstone of your morning routine, an afternoon pick-me-up or your reward for a hard days work, here are five shops in the Jackson area to satisfy your caffeine craving.

The interior at Musgrove & Company, 1300 W. Michigan Ave. in the former Cafe Lilla location, on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. The business offers coffee drinks and vegan food options.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Musgrove + Company

Those looking to complement their coffee with a variety of healthy dining options need look no further than Musgrove + Company.

Related: Musgrove + Company comes to Jackson with coffee drinks and vegan food

The Jackson shop in the former Cafe Lilla marks the second location for the business after starting in Tecumseh.

A direct-trade coffee shop, Musgrove + Company imports coffee directly from a farm in Costa Rica. The beans are roasted at the Tecumseh location.

The cafe also offers vegan breakfast sandwiches and wraps, as well as salads, lunch wraps and a variety of baked goods.

Musgrove + Company, 1300 W. Michigan Ave., is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found on their website and Facebook page.

The interior at Trail Head Coffee Shop, 118 N. Main Street in Concord, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. Coffee drinks and snacks are on the menu at the coffee shop.Chloe Miller | MLive.com

Trail Head Coffee Shop

Since opening in summer 2022, the rustic and community-oriented atmosphere of Trail Head Coffee Shop has made it a hit among Concord residents.

Related: Michigans Best Local Eats: The bourbon caramel latte is a star at Trail Head Coffee Shop

Trail Head Coffee Shop makes a variety of lattes, mochas, frozen drinks and a great caramel macchiato. For those who dont drink coffee, smoothies, tea, chai lattes and hot chocolate are also on the menu. The shops most popular drinks are the cafe meil -- which is made with honey and cinnamon -- as well as the bourbon caramel latte.

When it comes to the food, pastries from Bliss Bakeshop in Brooklyn can be found at the shop, along with scones, cookies, a cinnamon almond coffee cake, pretzels served with cream cheese and more.

Trail Head Coffee, 118 N. Main St. in Concord, is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. More information can be found on Trail Head Coffee Shops Facebook page and website.

Artist Dominic Corry works on the new Greetings from Jackson mural on the side of the Jackson Coffee Company at the corner of Mechanic and Cortland streets in downtown Jackson on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. The new mural is part of the Bright Walls mural festival.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Jackson Coffee Company

A staple in downtown Jackson since its opening in 2006, Jackson Coffee Company has become the No. 1 spot in town for professionals, families and friends to meet and grab something to drink.

Related: Coffee, cinnamon rolls, hangouts are staples at Jackson Coffee Co.

The scent of coffee beans being roasted in-house can be smelled streets away, and with more than 60 flavored syrups available, customers can get creative with their drinks.

Lattes, chunky frappes, cafe au lait and just plain old black coffee are popular favorites on the menu, though other options like smoothies, tea and hot chocolate are there for visitors who arent coffee fans.

Jackson Coffee also has baked goods from Jacksons Grand River Brewery, including cinnamon rolls, orange-cranberry scones, brownies, muffins and cookies.

Jackson Coffee, 201 S. Mechanic St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. More information about the coffee shop on its website and Facebook page.

The interior at Fortress Coffee and Cafe, 133 W. Michigan Ave. in Jackson, on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. The coffee shop is located in the Lean Rocket Lab building.J. Scott Park | MLIve.com

Fortress Coffee and Cafe

This coffee shop prides itself in offering healthy, grab-and-go items. Those visiting downtown Jackson can run in during the morning or grab an afternoon pick-me-up.

Related: Grab some fresh coffee and a quick bite at Jacksons Fortress Cafe

Fortress Cafe offers everything from standard medium and dark roast coffees to the venues signature drink -- the cinnamon honey-flavored Fortress Latte. Tea is also popular at the cafe, and Fortress offers around 12 different teas, including a chai latte. Protein shakes can be made as well.

Fortress Cafe is located in the Lean Rocket Lab -- a Jackson-based business incubator and accelerator at 133 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Jackson. Its open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. More information about Fortress Cafe can be found on its website and Facebook page.

The interior at Vitos Espresso, 7975 Spring Arbor Road in Spring Arbor, on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. The coffee restaurant features a variety of coffee drinks and food items like quiches, soups and salads.J. Scott Park | jpark4@mlive.com

Vitos Espresso

Though the closure of its location in downtown Jackson means coffee-lovers might need to travel a bit farther to get their morning caffeine, the bounty of food and drink options available at Vitos Espresso in Spring Arbor makes the journey well worth it.

Related: Vitos Espressos dine-in spot is open, ready to serve tasty pastries

Everything on the cafe-oriented menu is made in-house, including cinnamon rolls, tiramisu, cannoli, cookies, paninis, bagels, baklava, soups, breakfast wraps and the ever-popular muffins.

Drinks have a strong focus on espresso, with a selection that includes a range of lattes, cappuccinos, breves and cortados. Other drinks -- like loose leaf teas, chai lattes and more -- are available for non-coffee drinkers.

Vitos Espresso, 7975 Spring Arbor Road, is open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. More information can be found on its Facebook page and website.

More great places in Jackson County:

5 great places to go on a first date in Jackson County

5 great doughnuts to try at Jacksons Hinkley Bakery

5 great breweries for craft beer in the Jackson County area

5 great places to watch live music around Jackson

5 great places to grab a burger in the Jackson area
JACKSON COUNTY, MI  Chloe Miner was in elementary school when her fascination with flying started.

Her interest grew even more after a woman from American Airlines attended her schools career day. Miner assumed the woman was a flight attendant, until she announced she was in fact a pilot.

I didnt really know women could fly at the time. I thought that was really cool, Miner said. I thought, if she can do it, I can do it.

Miner pursued a pilots license in 2018 at Crosswinds Aviation in Howell. But the commute, the cost and the slow pace of the program became too much for her. Then she stumbled across Flight School of Jackson on Facebook.

Miner started her internship and courses there in March and said she fell in love with the program. Flight School of Jackson hopes to become even more accessible to students like her, said Owner Clint White, whos been flying for 25 years and wanted to be a pilot himself at 5 years old.

When the aviation program at Jackson College was discontinued in 2020, it left a hole for future pilots in Jackson County, White said. So, he decided to open his own flight school at the Jackson County Airport, 816 Airport Road,

The idea came about, I guess out of necessity, White said.

Flight School of Jackson offers flight license courses on many levels, including a private pilots license, an instructors license and a commercial license.

We want to be that training center in South Central Michigan, White said. Well grow slow to that. So, if people in Jackson County or surrounding areas want to learn about aviation or get their feet wet, thats what we want to do for them.

The private school falls under the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration, which requires 40 hours minimum of flight training. Flight School of Jackson offers that and an additional 35 hours of ground instruction, White said.

More than a dozen students currently are enrolled. On the ground, students learn the regulations and requirements of flying, as well as the maneuvers of flying before they are ready to take off themselves. Three planes can be flown by students, including two Cessna 172 Skyhawk models and one Cessna 150. There are two indoor simulators, as well, Director Reece Blackgrove said.

If the airplanes are being used, or its pouring rain, we can go into the simulator and learn how to start an airplane or how to taxi an airplane, White said.

Flight School of Jackson aims to open up career paths for people, make becoming a pilot more accessible and affordable and offer a flexible schedule, White said.

Cost is dependent on the student, but the average cost of the program for a private license is $10,250, compared to the national average, which is $15,925, according to Flight School of Jacksons website.

Once youre an instructor and an airline pilot, itll pay itself off very quickly, Miner said.

Flight School of Jacksons office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information can be found on its Facebook page and website.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter.

More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot:

Cast a vote for the Jackson-area football player of Week 2

Man critically injured in Jackson County motorcycle crash

Closures coming to I-94 in Jackson County now that the Labor Day weekend is over

Starting with a single ball of clay, Weaver Tile owner plans to retire after 22 years

Good luck. Youve got no clerk. Township clerk resigns 3 months after appointment
News / Local

by Staff reporter

South African opposition Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane has warned of a mass impending exodus from Zimbabwe if the SADC observer mission election findings are not upheld.Maimane, who was commenting on President Cyril Ramaphosa's attendance at Mnangagwa's inauguration said there is a need to uphold sovereignty and democratic practices in Zimbabwe.Maimane added that Ramaphosa was wrong to attend Mnangagwa's inauguration due to the controversies surrounding the just-ended polls.Zimbabwe recently held its general elections which saw the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declare Zanu-PF leader as the winner with 52,6% of votes.The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and several Election Observer Missions (EOMs) said the elections were flawed."Fellow South Africans it is now common cause according to the SADC observer mission that elections in Zimbabwe were a complete sham, the elections could not meet the threshold of being considered free and fair."Essentially these elections have now elected Emmerson Mnangagwa as President under very dubious conditions," said Maimane.The BOSA leader called for the upholding of the SADC mission."We have to uphold the sovereignty and democratic practice in Zimbabwe if we are going to deal with an influx of immigrants coming from Zimbabwe into South Africa."We should observe the SADC observer mission. What concerns us as South Africans is that President Ramaphosa is attending in my opinion an illegally elected presidency inauguration."This is a betrayal of the people of this country, it is a betrayal of SADC and more seriously it undermines our stance in Africa for a country that wants to secure democracy," he added.EOMs, African Union, SADC, Carter Centre, European Union and Commonwealth condemned the condition under which the elections were held.Contrary to the views shared by Maimane, South Africa's ruling party African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula upheld Mnangagwa's Presidency.Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration in Harare, Mbalula said ANC election observers reported that the polls were credible.
SAGINAW, MI  An Inkster man accused of kidnapping his childs mother at gunpoint then biting her has accepted a plea deal that will result in him heading to prison. Its a place hes familiar with, having previously served time for stabbing a man in his neck.

Veneson G. Roby, 29, on Sept. 5 appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Julie A. Gafkay and pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and two counts of felony firearm. He also pleaded as a fourth-time habitual offender.

Prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges of unlawful imprisonment, felonious assault, witness intimidation, domestic violence, and two more counts of felony firearm.

Per the plea agreement, Gafkay indicated she would sentence Roby to three years imprisonment.

In the early morning of May 30, 2022, Buena Vista Township police responded to a residence on North Michelle Street after Roby allegedly assaulted a 24-year-old woman with whom he has a child in common.

Roby held the woman at gunpoint and threatened to kill her and others who were present, police said. Roby then ordered the woman to drive his vehicle from the residence while he was still armed, police said.

Others who were at the house followed Robys vehicle and called 911, providing dispatchers with updates on their locations.

Roby and his hostage eventually stopped at the Speedway at 3357 E. Holland Road, about a mile from where the ordeal began. Roby surrendered to police, who recovered a handgun from his vehicle.

Police also found the hostage, who suffered minor injuries from Roby having twice bitten her face.

The pairs child was not involved in the matter. Both Roby and his alleged victim are originally from Saginaw, though Roby lived in Inkster at the time of his arrest and the woman resided in West Bloomfield.

Roby in 2015 was sent to prison on convictions of illegal entry, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and felon in possession of ammunition after he stabbed a man in his neck in Saginaw. The Michigan Department of Corrections paroled him in March 2017, then discharged him from parole in December 2018.

Judge Gafkay is to sentence Roby at 2 p.m. on Oct. 10.
BAY CITY, MI  A parole absconder is back in custody after allegedly crashing into a semi-truck in downtown Bay City.

About 6:10 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Bay City police spotted the 35-year-old man driving a 2014 Buick Lacrosse in the area of Madison and Columbus avenues. Officers determined the man was wanted on a parole violation warrant and attempted to pull him over, said Lt. Todd Armstrong.

Rather than stop, the parolee sped away into the surrounding neighborhoods, Armstrong said. Police did not pursue him, he added.

A short while later, a civilian placed a 911 call to report a vehicle had crashed into a semi-truck parked in the northwest corner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 1 Wenonah Park Place. Officers responded and found the Lacrosse had been the vehicle that struck the semi. The semi was unoccupied at the time.

Witnesses told police the Lacrosses driver took off running after the collision. Officers soon spotted him riding as one of several passengers in another vehicle, which they stopped.

They arrested the parolee and lodged him in the jail. Armstrong could not say if any weapons or drugs were found on the arrestee.

The Michigan Department of Corrections listed the man as a parole absconder on Aug. 2. The man in August 2017 was sentenced to 32 months to eight years in prison on two drug-related convictions and one of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing police. The MDOC paroled him in June 2021.

This is not the first time the man has fled from police while on parole. In July 2021, the man parked a Ford F-350 across three handicap parking spaces at the Bangor Township Walmart. When the man returned to the truck and left, a Bay County Sheriffs deputy attempted to pull him over.

The man fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph, prompting the deputy to call off his pursuit, his reports state.

A short time later, dispatchers advised the truck was stopped on Utah Lane in Bangor Township, the driver having fled from it into a wooded area. Deputies and Michigan State Police troopers responded to the scene and found the still-running truck.

As police erected a perimeter, they learned from a neighborhood resident the suspected driver was hiding in her back yard. Police went to this spot and arrested the suspect.

Asked by police why he fled, the man said he was on parole and didnt want to go back to prison. The truck belonged to his boss and he did not have a drivers license, he said.

The arrestee also repeatedly told police he was happy he hadnt hurt anyone.

Several days later, a Bangor Township resident found an XXL Space Jam jacket in a patch of woods where the suspect had been hiding. The resident notified police and turned over the jacket to them.

Inside the jacket, police found a cellphone, prescription pills, 0.8 grams of methamphetamine, 1.2 grams of cocaine, and two 0.4-gram bindles of heroin-fentanyl, deputies reports state.

Recorded phone calls placed by the suspect from the Bay County Law Enforcement Center after his arrest revealed he had asked numerous people to go to where he had left the F-350 to retrieve a jacket he had hid from police, records show.

The man later pleaded no contest to drug possession and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police. Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran in February of this year sentenced the man to 151 days in jail. The man still owes $456 in court fines and costs.
Southeast Michigan is getting a new in-patient physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital facility that specializes in recovery from stroke, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

Henry Ford Health announced Wednesday, Sept. 6, that itll be expanding its Detroit campus to include a new 72-bed, 125,000-square-foot facility in partnership with the Gilbert Family Foundation and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

The facility will live in a new tower to be built at the corner of West Grand Boulevard and the John C. Lodge Freeway in Detroit. The three-floor rehab center will be managed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a Chicago-based rehabilitation hospital deemed the best in the nation for 33 consecutive years by U.S. New & World Report.

Additionally, the Gilbert Family Foundation announced a new neurofibromatosis research institute in partnership with Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University Health Sciences.

Dan and Jennifer Gilberts late son Nick was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis as a child. The institute will be dedicated to researching the condition, which causes tumors in the brain, spinal cord, and/or nerves.

The rehab center and research institute come with an estimated price tag of about $439 million over 10 years, of which the Gilbert Family Foundation plans to contribute $375 million. Henry Ford Health will contribute $60 million.

Bringing Shirley Ryan AbilityLab  the nations best rehabilitation hospital to Detroit will improve health outcomes for Michiganders, support hundreds of good-paying jobs, and build on our leadership in health care and life sciences, said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a prepared statement.

I am grateful to the Gilbert Family Foundation, Henry Ford Health, and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for their collaboration to get this done. This new rehabilitation facility will help people recover from debilitating injuries and illnesses, and the new research institute named in honor of the late Nick Gilbert will help find a cure to neurofibromatosis. Both of these initiatives will make Detroit a better place to live, work, and invest and make a real difference in the lives of countless Michiganders.

The rehab facility will offer inpatient care for patients recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and other conditions. Itll include private rooms with technology upgrades, and modernized acute and intensive care units.

Construction on the new patient tower is expected to begin in early 2024. The research institute is slated to open in 2027, while the rehab center is expected to open in 2029.

The new and existing hospital buildings will be connected through a series of bridges to allow for travel across West Grand Boulevard.

In addition to helping fund construction of the new Detroit facility, the Gilbert Family Foundation is establishing a $10 million fund to increase access to rehabilitation care for low-income Detroit residents who have limited or no insurance coverage.

This is simply amazing news for the people we serve in Michigan and beyond  and were so proud to be a catalyst for all thats happening here in Detroit, said Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, in a prepared statement.

Weve long envisioned bringing life-changing rehabilitation services to Michigan to meet this critical need. At the same time, we are honored to expand our commitment to transformative research. Now, thanks to the power of these partnerships and the generosity of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert, we can achieve both on behalf of those we serve.

Read more on MLive:

Bizarre morning had record warm temperatures felt by many Michiganders

Farmers need more funding, innovation to sufficiently feed Michigan, country

Tenants say rent is too high. Michigan lawmakers say they have solutions.

20 Michigan communities with the most deer-vehicle crashes

Game-by-game predictions: Could the Lions threaten their team record for wins?
LANSING, MI  Justin Yuan has been renting for three years from McKinley Properties, one of the largest landlords around Ann Arbor.

But as monthly rents increase across Michigan  sometimes hundreds of dollars at a time  renters like Yuan are fed up.

Were not here today politely asking landlords to listen to us, he told fellow rallygoers outside the state Capitol. Were coming together as tenants to build enough power to make them listen.

As the fall legislative session begins inside the building this week, around 200 people rallied on its front lawn Tuesday, uniting behind signs, banners and chants of the rent is too damn high.

Yuans renter rights group, the McKinley Tenants Association, joined others from around the state to rally against issues like rent and fee hikes, poor maintenance and the amount of new luxury housing being built compared to affordable and public housing.

Related: This is not sustainable. Ann Arbor renters voice concerns about rising rent, living conditions

Jonathan Evans, a Lansing renter who helped organize Tuesdays rally, said his monthly rent went up $150 in August despite sewage in the basement, mold in the windows and management being verbally abusive.

I believe its a structural issue thats a result of landlords and property owners having more power in the legal system and in our laws than tenants do, Evans said.

Related: Michigan rent climbed $251 in three years  and its still going up

Evans endorsed a package of bills that Democrats hope to move through the legislature this fall. Among the topics, state Rep. Emily Dievendorf told MLive last month, are:

Clarifying tenants rights to organize

Requiring landlords pay for relocating tenants with red-tagged buildings

Establishing standard criteria for what is a safe and livable dwelling

The 15-20 expected bills are getting to the root of homelessness, making housing more affordable, making it more accessible and keeping people in safe and livable homes, said Dievendorf, D-Lansing.

Among the biggest ideas is a homeless bill of rights, as House Bill 4919 is called. It seeks for homeless people the right to equal treatment by all state and municipal agencies and the right for homeless youth to be enrolled in school without delay or discrimination because of housing status.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, told MLive last month that Dievendorfs housing bills have not yet been reviewed or discussed by the caucus, but Tate looks forward to continued discussions on those topics.

Go deeper: Housing, rental reform on the agenda for Michigan legislature this fall

Housing bills that have already become law this year  the first in four decades of Democrats controlling the legislature  include creating a fund for converting land into usable spaces.

Bills still moving through the Capitol include legislation to prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants based on income and require landlords alert residents if the building they live in has been condemned.

Advocates at Tuesdays rally also called for lawmakers to lift Michigans ban on rent control. Thats when governments  usually municipalities  cap what landlords can charge for rent so to keep living costs affordable for low-income renters.

Many people dont want to buy a house, Evans said, and they can live a happy, fulfilling life renting, but not when theyre being constantly overcharged.

Wednesday is the first day lawmakers are back at their desks in the Capitol after summer break. Session usually runs through mid-December, but this year it could end before Thanksgiving because of a calendar technicality to allow the 2024 presidential primary to move up to February.

Read more from MLive:

GOP education board members plan to sue Whitmer over new department

Whitmer taps former lottery head, judge to lead Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Detroit Lions season opener will have a dose of presidential politics

Police organizations back former Grand Rapids police officer in Patrick Lyoyas killing
WAUKESHA, WIS.  A suburban Wisconsin city will soon begin drinking from Lake Michigan after clearing initial regional approvals to tap the lake seven years ago.

Waukesha, Wis., will begin diverting up to 8.2 million gallons-per-day of water from Lake Michigan this month for public supply, according to a Tuesday, Sept. 5 announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The city of approximately 71,000 people, which straddles the divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River drainage basins, will purchase water from the city of Milwaukee and return treated wastewater to Lake Michigan.

The discharge will occur via the Root River, which the DNR says will result in minimal water loss from the lake, if any.

The city applied for permission to withdraw Lake Michigan water in 2010 because its groundwater wells are contaminated. Waukesha is under a court order to provide safe water.

Once known for its abundant freshwater springs, Waukesha says unfortunate natural geology keeps rain and snowmelt from replenishing the deep aquifer the city drinks from and depletion over time has concentrated levels of radium, a naturally occurring carcinogen, in the groundwater.

The city of Waukeshas project to obtain a new water source solves a long-term public health concern. Im pleased to have the radium contamination in the citys water supply eliminated, said Steve Elmore, Wisconsin DNR drinking water and groundwater program director.

The 2008 Great Lakes Compact between eight U.S. states and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario generally prohibits diversions of water outside the Great Lakes basin. However, communities like Waukesha, located over the line but within a straddling county, can apply under a limited exception.

The states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York unanimously approved the city of Waukeshas diversion request in 2016. The Wisconsin DNR issued final approval in 2021. Waukesha was the first community located entirely outside the basin to get a diversion approved under the interstate compact.

Michigans approval came under former Gov. Rick Snyder, who, via surrogates, argued that approving Waukeshas request would end an existing diversion caused by city pumps pulling groundwater from the Lake Michigan basin side and discharging it to the Mississippi River side.

Opponents to the request said it sets a bad precedent that would weaken the Great Lakes compact protections and become a slippery slope other thirsty communities around the U.S. would try to take advantage of.

Loopholes in the compact have sparked warnings from experts, who point to another significant exception for the state of Illinois built into the 2008 agreement which enabled the Chicago water system this year to ink a 100-year service agreement to supply water to Joliet, Ill.
Its been a rollercoaster of a week for Shane Greene.

One week removed from the Chicago Cubs promoting the 34-year-old veteran from Triple-A Iowa, the club announced his designation for assignment on Wednesday morning. Greenes roster spot will go to left-hander Luke Little, who was reported to receive a call up earlier this week.

Greene, a former All-Star pitcher with the Detroit Tigers, was working as a starter in the minors and pitched brilliantly in five starts  hed log a 2.16 earned-run average with 20 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings pitched. And after receiving the call up to the big leagues from the Cubs on Sept. 1, Greene made his only appearance against the Cincinnati Reds two days later, shutting the door in the ninth inning of a 15-7 win.

Greene allowed one hit and recorded one strikeout in one innings work and induced Reds phenom third baseman Elly De La Cruz into a flyout to center to secure the victory.

But his work wasnt enough to secure a bullpen spot in the Cubs chase toward the postseason.

The Clermont, Fla. native hasnt stuck with a major league club since his stellar 2019 season with the Tigers. Greene, a starter turned reliver, spent five seasons with Detroit after being traded to the Motor City from the New York Yankees in early December of 2014 as part of a three-team trade.

Greene began in the Tigers starting rotation to begin the 2015 season and allowed just one run through his first three starts, but sputtered in his next 10, where he posted a 1-6 record with an 8.60 ERA. After a series of stints with the Toledo Mud Hens, the right-hander finally landed as Detroits full-time closer in late July of 2017.

During that season, Greene enjoyed a career-best 2.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 71 appearances, while striking out 73 batters in 67 2/3 innings pitched. After a rocky 2018 season, Greene truly flourished into perhaps the best closer in the American League in 2019, recording seven saves in Detroits first 10 games  the first ever to do so in MLB history.

Greene finished a sizzling April with 12 saves, 17 strikeouts, three walks and a 1.29 ERA in 14 appearances, and won the American League Reliver of the Month honors. And later on in the year, Greene was rewarded with his first and only career All-Star selection.

At the time of being named an All-Star, Greene had earned 22 saves in 23 opportunities, while posting a 0.87 ERA, 0.839 WHIP and holding batters to a 1.52 average. For his efforts, Greene was perhaps the Tigers best trade piece at that years deadline, and was dealt to the Atlanta Braves on July 31 in exchange for Joey Wentz and Travis Demeritte.

Greenes combined stats for 2019 included a 2.30 ERA, 64 strikeouts and 23 saves over 62 2/3 innings.

Since spending a year-plus with the Braves, Greene has bounced around three different teams and has spent time with six different ball clubs over his nine-year pitching career. In his MLB career, Greene holds a 4.52 ERA, 67 career saves, 33 career starts and 440 strikeouts over 471 2/3 innings pitched.

Greene will have the opportunity to elect free agency if he wants, assuming he clears waivers.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Kumawood actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win has said language barrier will not deter him from becoming a Member of Parliament.

According to Mr. Nkansah, he will employ the services of a translator if need be.

In an interview with renowned blogger Nkonkonsa in Cape Coast, he said that English fluency is not a reliable indicator of intellect.

I am ever ready to assist the youth of my constituency with job creationnobody is lazy, but because there are no jobs, that is why the youth have become lazy.

Very soon, Afigya Kwabre independent MPs, rich people, and business people have come forward to support my bid. We are ready, and my campaign manager is Kwame Nkrumah Tikesee of Okay FM, so if there is anything you can contact him. Excuse me to say, common sense is bigger than English. We use common sense to speak English, so if I dont understand English, I will speak Twi for it to be translated, like what the Chinese do, especially their president, Kwadwo Nkansah stated.

The actor declared his intention to contest the Afigya Kwabre South seat in the Ashanti region as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections.

According to the musician and comedian, real name, Kwadwo Nkansah, he is making the move following numerous calls from the traditional leaders and constituents who have been expressing confidence in his abilities to represent the constituency which presently has the New Patriotic Partys William Owuraku Aidoo as Member of Parliament.
Former President John Dramani Mahama[left] and NPP's National Deputy Communications Director Ernest Owudu Bempah

05.09.2023 LISTEN

Ernest Owusu Bempah Bonsu, the Deputy Director of Communications for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused former president John Mahama of attempting to "sabotage the state by packing the judiciary with partisan ideologues."

In a statement on Tuesday, September 5, Mr. Owusu Bempah noted that Mahama's recent call for NDC lawyers to join the bench was "a mockery of the bench and to a large extent allowing excessive partisanship."

He stated that the NDC flagbearers comments at the NDC lawyers' forum were a "call for blind unquestioning loyalty to the NDC over nationhood."

According to him, if former President Mahama wins the presidency again, "he will supervise yet another dose of NDCs state-sanctioned violence against the Judiciary."

"Mahama want to sabotage the state by packing the judiciary with partisan ideologues. Hes simply telling us that if he wins the presidency, he will supervise yet another dose of NDCs state-sanctioned violence against the Judiciary," he said.

The ruling partys deputy spokesperson warned that Mahama and the NDC aim to "roll back decades of progress made on diversity in our judicial system" by appointing biased judges.

He called on Ghanaians to "speak out against Mahamas demonstrated danger to the judiciary and democracy."
Activists in France have called on the government to systematically grant asylum to women and girls fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan, after the first all-female group of evacuees arrived in Paris. France flew five women over this week to apply for refugee status, but many thousands more are still seeking a safe haven.

The five women, accompanied by three of their children, landed at Charles de Gaulle airport on Monday on a flight from Pakistan, where they had fled before seeking a permanent refuge.

Before going into exile, they worked as academics, journalists, teachers or consultants for NGOs.

"In Afghanistan we didn't have the right to study or work. All the progress that we had made in the last 20 years ended in one night," said Naveen Hashim, a researcher in socioeconomics who advised the Afghan government before Taliban fighters overthrew it in August 2021.

The Taliban threatened to kill her, and the threats continued once she reached Pakistan, Hashim told RFI at the airport.

"There was uncertainty, we didn't have hope, a future, any kind of project... I am sure I will get many opportunities in France. So I will start my life, I'll start my job here. And I'm happy because I'm free here."

Refugees in limbo

More than 1.6 million people have fled Afghanistan in the past two years, thousands of them women and girls stripped of fundamental rights under the Taliban's policies.

Most remain in limbo in neighbouring Iran and Pakistan, where one million and 600,000 Afghans have fled respectively, according to the United Nations.

France received some 39,000 requests for asylum from Afghan nationals between 2021 and mid-2023.

Last year alone over 17,000 Afghans filed for asylum in France, around 23 percent of them women, show figures from French refugee agency Ofpra. Around 11,600 were granted refugee status.

But those who hope to apply for asylum in France must first travel there to submit their claim, which means obtaining a visa from a French consulate.

So far the process has proved slow. The women who arrived this week are among the first to be granted papers by French authorities in Pakistan.

'Feminist asylum policy'

Didier Leschi, director of the French Office of Immigration and Integration, says that France is focusing on bringing over women threatened by the Taliban because they held prominent positions in Afghan society or had close contact with Westerners.

Airlifts like this week's are "likely to be repeated" for other Afghan women in Pakistan who fit that profile, he told French news agency AFP.

French authorities in Pakistan now appear to be treating the cases of Afghan women as a priority, according to Solene Chalvon Fioriti, co-founder of Accueillir les Afghanes ("Welcome Afghan Women"). The asylum NGO, which was involved in efforts to bring the group of five to France this week, has previously complained of inaction by the French government.

But it's not yet clear whether the change is "more than symbolic", Chalvon Fioriti told RFI's Jelena Tomic.

"There are lots of girls on their own, lots of female students  our group alone has registered several hundred. So we hope that today is the beginning of a real feminist asylum policy that welcomes Afghan women on the grounds of their gender alone."

Safe route to France

So far, Sweden, Finland and Denmark are the only EU countries to say they will grant refugee status to Afghan women and girls based solely on gender.

"We believe that the situation for women in Afghanistan entails a violation of their basic human rights, to the point that it must be considered persecution," said Carl Bexelius, director of legal affairs at the Swedish Migration Agency, when Sweden became the first to adopt the policy in December 2022.

But even if France were to follow suit, the problem would still remain of getting to the country to file for asylum in the first place.

France Terre d'Asile ("France Land of Asylum"), an NGO that provides accommodation and services to Afghan asylum seekers, is calling for an official process to be put in place to offer safe routes for displaced women to reach France.

"It's very clear that what we need now is a formal commitment from the authorities that goes further than welcoming a few women," the head of the organisation, Delphine Rouilleault, told RFI.

Stressing the precarious situation that female refugees face in Pakistan, she urged France to establish a system to support Afghan women throughout the process of getting a visa in Pakistan to rebuilding their lives in France.

Journalist Nasrin Shirzad fled from Afghanistan to Pakistan with her family over a year ago, and has yet to receive refugee status.

"We can never stay here because my children can't have access to education," she told RFI's correspondent Sonia Ghezali. "We don't have the right to send them to school. We can't work either, so we don't have any income out here."

Shirzad has applied for a French visa, she says  so far with no response.
Ethiopian Airlines will from October 29, operate double daily flights to Accra's Kotoka International Airport.

This will bring the airline's total offering to the Ghanaian market to 14 flights per week with scheduled passenger service.

The Addis Ababa-based airlines flight schedule approved by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) shows that the Accra market will be serviced with a combination of Boeing 737, 767, 787, 777, and Airbus 359 (A350-900).

Ethiopians double daily flights will see it become one of the single largest foreign carriers servicing Accra, Ghana when the airline adds three (3) more scheduled flights to its existing 11 weekly flights between Addis Ababa and Accra, Ghana. Essentially the airline will operate seven afternoon flights, and seven evening/early morning flights.

The increase in flight frequency will also allow the airline to provide more travel options to passengers onboard sister airline, ASKY Airlines, which seeks to connect flights in Accra to various destinations in the world.

Thus far, we have witnessed that our customers are pleased and enjoying these additional connectivity options. We are now augmenting that with three (3) more flights to bring our total weekly flights to 14. Our Ghanaian travellers will enjoy double daily connections from Accra to our more than 135 global destinations, including Gatwick, which will be rejoining our network as of November 21, 2023. With the increase in frequency, Ethiopian Airlines once again reaffirms its commitment to serve Ghana, Mrs. Aniley Eshetu, Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines-Ghana, Liberia Sierra Leonetold Aviationghana.com .

Why wait for another day when you can fly Ethiopian Airlines twice daily from Accra to more than 130 destinations around the world. With the increase in flights to 14x per week on Ethiopian Airlines means you don't have to miss that meeting in London, Paris, Dubai, Delhi, Mumbai, New York, Shangai, Geneva, Nairobi, Johannesburg or Atlanta simply because you missed your flight. Ethiopian Airlines is always here to fly you in the morning or evening," Mrs. Eshetu added.

For the adventures, Ethiopian Airlines Double Daily flights mean you can now leave Accra in the evening, arrive at your destination in the morning, and spend more time exploring and making new friends. For first-time travellers, experience the convenience onboard or young and spacious fleet and enjoy the warm Ethiopian hospitality.

"Now is the time to see different parts of Africa, explore hidden gems in Asia, visit family and friends in Europe and USA."
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Former Zambian vice president Nevers Mumba, who headed the SADC Election Observer Team (SEOM) to the just-ended Zimbabwean elections, says the cycle of disputed elections in the region could trigger instability in SADC.Mumba made the remarks while being interviewed by Zambian media weekend.His team has submitted its comprehensive report to the SADC Troika.The Zambian politician came under a barrage of attack by some Zimbabwean politicians linked to incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa after presenting a damning review of the August 23 poll in his team's preliminary report.The SADC observer group said Zimbabwe's election was held under conditions that failed to meet the dictates of the national constitution as well as set regional and international benchmarks governing the holding of free and fair elections.Zimbabwean politicians miffed by his report accused him of overstepping his mandate and doctoring the report to come with an agenda to cause instability in the country.In his weekend remarks, Mumba lamented the gulf that was beginning to manifest among regional countries with some pursuing a pro-West approach while some had their allegiances in the East.Mumba said some politicians in the region were downplaying the crisis of disputed elections unmindful of the potentially explosive security situation brought about by the crisis."If we don't work hard in ensuring that elections in our region are free and fair, we create a problem for ourselves."People will start finding other ways to express themselves."There are a lot of us in the political world today and I won't mention any names that have become so reckless in trying to divide us between the West and East and someone saying Hakainde Hichilema is a puppet of the West and puppet, puppet every day."They are trying to prepare an atmosphere for coups in Africa and they have chosen certain political leaders to speak a certain language of bringing a division to say this one is a western puppet, this one is East; they belong to Marxism, socialism, communism. We have to be careful," said Mumba."It's no longer funny; what is happening in Africa must be stopped and it must be stopped now, and when you see the signs in any one of us that we don't have the country at heart and that we want to be president at any cost, it does not matter who dies in the process, you must stop us as Zambians."I warn all of us in politics to be bigger than our own personal ambitions."This is why SADC insists on all member countries to comply with those that you have just read."Transparency is one of the biggest problems you are facing right now and if we don't do that like I was saying when the call came in," added Mumba.SADC Troika, which is chaired by Zambian leader Hakainde, is yet to take a position on Zimbabwe's disputed election amid signs of divisions among the regional bloc's leaders.
The French army is holding talks with Niger's military over withdrawing "elements" of its presence there following a coup, a defence ministry source said on Tuesday.

There has been speculation that France will be forced into a full military pullout from Niger after the July 26 putsch, which ousted French ally President Mohamed Bazoum.

Some 1,500 troops are deployed in Niger as part of France's wider fight against jihadists in the Sahel.

The country became a crucial hub for France after coups forced the withdrawal of French troops from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

"Discussions on the withdrawal of certain military elements have begun," the defence ministry source told AFP, asking not to be named. The source did not give details.

Relations between Niger and France, the country's former colonial power and traditional ally, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by the elected Bazoum and declared the post-coup regime as illegitimate.

On August 3, the coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, including one with a month-long notice period that expired on Sunday.

Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said Monday that "contacts" were under way about a "very swift" departure for Paris' troops. By - (AFP)

Niger's military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said Monday that "contacts" were under way about a "very swift" departure for Paris' troops.

Zeine nevertheless said he hoped to "maintain cooperation if possible with a country with which we have shared many things."

A source close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu told AFP on Tuesday that talks were in progress about "easing movements of French military resources" in Niger.

That source noted that French forces had been "immobilised since anti-terrorist cooperation was suspended" following the military takeover.

The French forces are mostly based at an airfield near the capital Niamey, which in recent days has been targeted by thousands of protesters calling on them to leave.

'Francafrique dead'

The coup has been seen as a new major blow to French influence in the region following military takeovers in Mali in 2020 and Burkina Faso in 2022.

On August 30, a coup also overthrew Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose father Omar held power for more than four decades.

France's presence has prompted protests. By - (AFP)

But France has reacted with more restraint over the end of the 55-year pro-French dynasty in Gabon than it did over the fall of its ally Bazoum.

"The only authorities in Niger that we recognise -- like the entire international community -- are President Mohamed Bazoum and his government," Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told the Le Monde daily Sunday in a reaffirmation of France's position.

But she emphasised that French troops were in Niger at the request of the Bazoum-led authorities to take part in anti-terror operations.

"Today, this mission can no longer be ensured, since we no longer have -- de facto -- operations carried out jointly with the Niger armed forces," she added.

But Colonna insisted that regional bloc ECOWAS -- not France -- was the prime player and echoed comments by President Emmanuel Macron that the concept of "Francafrique", where Paris had neo-colonial ascendancy in the region, was no longer valid.

"The approach of France is to listen to Africans, not to decide for them. 'Francafrique' has been dead for a long time," she said.
The White House warned Tuesday that North Korea would "pay a price" if it supplies Russia with weaponry for its war in Ukraine, with Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin expected to hold talks on the issue.

Sanctions-hit Russia is reportedly eager to secure more military supplies from its ally to bolster its forces as Kyiv pushes a highly scrutinized counteroffensive to take back its territory.

US President Joe Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan said Pyongyang and Moscow were eyeing "leader level discussions, perhaps even in person" on Russia's arms needs.

Sullivan said Russia could use weapons from North Korea to attack food supplies and heating infrastructure heading into winter to "try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation."

"This is not going to reflect well on North Korea and they will pay a price for this in the international community," he added.

Sullivan added that it "says a lot that Russia is having to turn to a country like North Korea."

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to North Korea in July seeking to acquire additional munitions for the war, the White House said.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it was unable to confirm a summit between Putin and Kim. "We have nothing to say on this," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Shoigu said on Monday that Russia was considering joint military drills with North Korea. "Why not? They are our neighbors," he was quoted as saying by the TASS news agency.

Secret talks

Russia's President Vladimir Putin is seen during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of a major World War II Eastern Front battle. By Gavriil GRIGOROV (POOL/AFP/File)

The United States warned last week that Russia was already in secret talks with the North to acquire a range of munitions and supplies for Moscow's war effort.

Kim is likely to head by armored train later this month to Vladivostok, on Russia's Pacific coast not far from North Korea, to meet Putin, US and other officials told the New York Times.

Vladivostok is hosting the Eastern Economic Forum from September 10-13, which was attended by representatives from 68 countries last year.

According to the Times, Putin is seeking artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, while Kim, who could even travel to Moscow, is reportedly in search of advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid for his impoverished nation.

An official at Seoul's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, said various developments indicated the growing possibility of an arms deal between Pyongyang and Moscow.

"Any form of cooperation between North Korea and neighboring countries must be conducted in a way that does not undermine international norms and peace," he told reporters.

Washington said last week that, despite its denials, North Korea supplied infantry rockets and missiles to Russia in 2022 for use by the privately controlled Wagner military group.

Diplomatic isolation

Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said a summit between the leaders of diplomatically isolated Russia and North Korea would send a message to Washington, which is ramping up defense cooperation with South Korea and Japan.

"North Korea and Russia also need to showcase their cooperation in a symbolic diplomatic sense," he told AFP.

Last week at the United Nations, the United States, Britain, South Korea and Japan said that any deal to increase cooperation between Russia and North Korea would violate Security Council resolutions forbidding arms deals with Pyongyang -- resolutions Moscow itself had endorsed.

They said another group of Russian officials traveled to North Korea for follow-up talks after Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang.

Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said sanctions will do little to stop Russia and North Korea from trading weapons.

"The war in Ukraine and the strategic competition between the United States and China have virtually neutralized the current UN Security Council system," Cho told AFP.

The United States last month sanctioned three entities accused of seeking to facilitate arms deals between North Korea and Russia as Washington tightened restrictions on support for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visits soldiers in Donetsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By Handout (Ukrainian presidential press-service/AFP)

Ukrainian officials have claimed some progress in their counteroffensive, but Putin said again on Monday the attempt to retake land lost since Russia's February 2022 invasion had been unsuccessful.

"It is not that it is stalling. It is a failure," Putin said during a news conference with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

burs-dk/md
In a seismic shift that has left the political landscape of Ghana in a state of flux, the long-anticipated reign of Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has prematurely crumbled.

Poised to take the mantle of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kyerematen has abruptly withdrawn from the upcoming flagbearer race, citing unprecedented levels of discrimination, favouritism and victimization.

This unexpected exit raises significant questions about his political future and the potential repercussions on the NPP.

The man once touted as the natural successor to President Akufo-Addo has been a stalwart presence in the party's flagbearer race since 2007.

However, amidst a series of perceived political missteps and internal party struggles, Mr Kyerematen has made the surprising decision to step back from the race.

This move, which has been interpreted by some as a self-imposed political retirement, has triggered widespread speculation about the potential impact on the party's fortunes in the upcoming elections.

Mr. Kyerematen's withdrawal was necessitated by a series of factors that may have dampened his chances of securing the flagbearer position:

1. The perceived over-reliance on President Akufo-Addo's 2007 "you will follow me promise".

2. His failure to resign from Akufo-Addos government after the first term and start his campaign ahead of the race.

3. His involvement in what many perceive as a failed government, in which he served as Trade Minister.

4. Underestimation of the emergence potential challengers, which later took him by storm after Vice President Bawumia declared his intention.

5. His alleged submission of a resignation letter after the 2007 flagbearer race.

6. His supposed poor relationship with party members.

His withdrawal from the race, according to many, could potentially lead to a repeat of the party's misfortune in the 2008 election.

This abrupt change of course has sent shockwaves through the party and the nation, and the full impact is yet to be felt.

In his withdrawal announcement, the 4-time flagbearer aspirant painted a bleak picture of the party's internal politics, citing intimidation, violence, and collusion.

He also questioned the party's trajectory, indicating a dangerous path to self-destruction.

His decision to withdraw from the upcoming Presidential Primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023, was, he said, in the best interest of his personal safety and the welfare of his team.

Now, as Mr. Kyerematen steps back, the focus shifts to the remaining frontrunners in the November 4 contest: Vice President Bawumia, who leads after the Super Delegates Conference, and Kennedy Agyapong, who came second.
With no cell service or phone calls, people in Sudan's war-ravaged western region of Darfur are resorting to a bygone means of communication: handwritten letters, carried by taxi drivers.

Ahmed Issa, 25, sits on a plastic chair in a roadside cafe, penning a message to relatives he left behind in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state.

In the safety of El Daein, 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast, he told AFP the letters are often the only way to get news in and out of his hometown, the second-biggest city in Sudan and the site of brutal battles between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

"Even at the start of the fighting, it was hard to get in touch with people in other neighbourhoods inside Nyala," he said, nearly five months after the war began.

The situation has only grown worse since, with horrific violence reported across Darfur, a region the size of France that is home to around a quarter of Sudan's 48 million people.

They remember all too painfully the years-long war and atrocities that began in 2003. Hundreds of thousands were killed and more than two million displaced after the government of Omar al-Bashir unleashed the Janjaweed militia in response to a rebel uprising.

Hunched forward in a black patterned shirt and a neat crew cut, Issa carefully folds his letter over and over.

"You wait a week for the letter to arrive, and you don't know for sure if they'll get it," he told AFP.

"And if they do, there's no guarantee they can send one back" through the treacherous roads in and out of Nyala.

Three months ago, the West Darfur state capital of El Geneina seemed to be the nucleus of the fighting, becoming a symbol of the return of ethnic violence in Darfur. Western countries and the UN linked the violence to the RSF and its allies.

A covered body across from a military armoured vehicle in the West Darfur state capital El Geneina on June 6, 2023. By - (AFP/File)

It triggered the International Criminal Court to open a new investigation into alleged war crimes.

Now Nyala is the centre of clashes between the army and the RSF.

On one day last week 39 civilians, most of them women and children, were killed when shelling hit their homes in Nyala, medics and witnesses said.

Over 10 days in August, more than 50,000 people fled Nyala's violence, according to the United Nations.

Water and electricity networks quickly failed, compounding threats in a city where one in four people already needed humanitarian aid before the war, the UN said.

The messenger

Residents on Sunday looked up to see a new escalation of the violence: air force fighter jets -- whose strikes have been largely limited to the capital Khartoum -- were flying overhead.

Their bombs struck both RSF bases and the residential neighbourhoods they inhabit, witnesses told AFP.

People will do anything to make sure their loved ones are alright, according to human rights defender Ahmed Gouja, who left Nyala but is trying to inform the world of the gruesome violence unfolding.

Last week, he reported on Twitter, which is being rebranded as X, that five entire families were "killed in one day".

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir (C) waves to the crowd during a visit to El Daein, Darfur, on April 5, 2016 -- years earlier he unleashed the Janjaweed militias in Darfur. By ASHRAF SHAZLY (AFP/File)

He himself spent 16 days "with no info" about his family in Nyala, before finally reaching "one of my brothers who arrived at El Daein, searching for an internet signal".

"We die every moment that passes while we are deprived" of news of loved ones, he wrote.

For weeks, Suleiman Mofaddal has seen families like Gouja's walk through his El Daein office, a small room with yellow walls, anxious for news of those who cannot or refuse to leave their homes in Nyala.

On his desk sits a pile of small, neatly folded paper rectangles, each with a name scrawled in blue ink.

Some have a phone number, just in case the recipient gets cell service for even a moment.

All wait to be handed to drivers on Mofaddal's team, who will carry the letters on their way to Nyala.

"Most often, the recipient immediately writes a response and hands it back to the driver before he leaves," Mofaddal told AFP.

Then the driver heads back out, hoping the road ahead won't be closed -- by either the bombs, militia checkpoints, or the downpours of Sudan's rainy season.
Landmark African climate talks are set to wrap up Wednesday with leaders seeking a united voice to highlight the continent's green growth potential provided the world steps up help for funding and debt.

Africa is acutely vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, yet Kenyan President William Ruto has fought for a narrative shift at the conference, focusing on accelerating the region's clean energy transition.

A final declaration from the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi is expected to call on the international community to help achieve that goal by easing the continent's crushing debt burden and reforming the global financial system to unblock investment.

Leaders will also demand that rich carbon polluters honour long-standing climate pledges for poorer nations.

Analysts say unity could generate momentum for a series of key gatherings leading to a crunch UN climate summit starting in November, including the G20 meeting this weekend.

But consensus is challenging across the diverse continent of 1.4 billion people, where some governments are championing a renewable-powered future while others defend their reserves of fossil fuels.

Competing visions of the world's energy future are likely to play out at the COP28 talks in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, where the world will take stock of the as-yet-inadequate efforts to slash planet-heating emissions.

African potential

Speaking to his counterparts on Tuesday at the Nairobi talks, Ruto said African leaders were envisioning a "future where Africa finally steps into the stage as an economic and industrial power, an effective and positive actor on a global arena".

Ruto says Africa is well placed to take advantage of the need to move away from carbon-spewing fossil fuels, boasting a young population, vast renewable potential and natural resources.

This includes around 40 percent of global reserves of cobalt, manganese, and platinum crucial for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

Kenya has become a leader on renewables, pledging that they will make up 100 percent of its electricity mix by 2030.

Efforts at the summit to up investment in renewables were given a boost on Tuesday, with the UAE pledging $4.5 billion to accelerate Africa's switch to clean energy.

But there are daunting challenges for a continent where hundreds of millions lack access to electricity.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said Africa hosts 60 percent of the world's best solar energy resources. But it currently lures only three percent of energy investments.

Global overhaul

African countries facing mounting debt costs and a dearth of funds have called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture, adding to pressure on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to unlock investment and climate finance.

Dead cattle pictured in the drought-stricken Ethiopian village of Hargududo in April last year. By EDUARDO SOTERAS (AFP/File)

Africa is among the hardest-hit by climate impacts and countries are pressing the world's wealthy polluters to make good on their pledge to provide $100 billion a year for clean energy and to help them brace for climate impacts.

Vulnerable nations least responsible for warming have won recognition for the need to have separate funding to help them cope with the effects of the heatwaves, droughts and floods already battering communities across the world.

In a report released this week Oxfam said the devastating drought that has gripped Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia -- which scientists say has been made more severe by climate change -- as well as floods in South Sudan, have caused losses of between $15 billion and $30 billion in the two years to 2022, or around two to four percent of the region's GDP.

It estimated that between 2021 and 2023 the four countries lost about $7.4 billion in livestock alone.

"Millions of already struggling people saw their animals die and lost their ability to grow, sell or eat nutritious food, plunging them into even greater poverty and hunger," the report said.
Some 300 French students wore abayas on the first day of school, days after the Education Minister announced their banning. The issue of what Muslim students are allowed to wear in schools continues to stir debate in France, where reintroducing uniforms will be tested in the autumn.

Out of France's 12 million students who went back to school on Monday, 298 showed up wearing abayas  full-length, ample dresses worn by some Muslim women  according to Education Minister Gabriel Attal, who announced a ban last week.

Most of the students accepted to remove the dresses to attend school, he told BFM television, while 67 refused and were sent home.

Attal said the garment violates France's strict laicite, or secularism rules that have been applied to schools since a 2004 law banned headscarves. Critics say abayas are cultural garments, not religious symbols, and that the government should not be policing what people wear.

The handful of students sent home Monday were given a letter intended for their families to explain that laicite is not a constraint, but a freedom, Attal said, adding that the ministry deployed personnel to schools where they suspected there could be problems.

On Monday, he told RTL radio that 513 primary, middle and high schools, out of the 58,500 nationwide had been identified as potentially concerned by these issues, and that 2,000 people had been trained to deal with them.

Defending laicite

President Emmanuel Macron weighed in on the decision to ban abayas and qamis (the equivalent for men), backing the Minister in an interview Monday with the YouTube channel 'Hugo decrypte'.

We live in a society with a minority  people who distort a religion and challenge the Republic and the concept of laicite, he said, evoking Samuel Paty, a teacher who was beheaded in 2020 by an Islamic militant who found out he had been shown cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed in a class on freedom of expression.

When the interviewer asked the President if he was making a parallel between Islamic terrorism and Muslim girls who wear abayas, Macron said no.

I just say that the issue of laicite in our schools is a deep issue, he said.

Later Tuesday the Council of State is set to examine an emergency objection to the ban filed by a Muslim group. Under the procedure, it will issue a ruling by Thursday afternoon.

School uniform trial

Meanwhile, Attal said Tuesday that he was in favour of trying out school uniforms or a dress code, to overcome the issue of what students can or cannot wear to school.

Uniforms were mandatory in schools until 1968, and the question of reintroducing them comes back regularly, most often from conservative and far-right politicians.

In January, Macron's wife, Brigitte, said she was in favour of uniforms in an interview with the Le Parisien newspaper that wearing a school uniform erases differences and saves time and money getting dressed.

Attal said he would give a timetable later in the autumn for a trial run of uniforms in schools that agree to participate.

"I do not think that the school uniform is a miracle solution that solves all of the problems related to harassment, social inequalities or secularism," he told BFM. But we must go through experiments, try things out" to promote debate.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

The rate at which electricity power goes off and on especially during the night within the Builsa North municipality is puzzling, irritable, and unacceptable, to say the least. What is highly pathetic is the fact that nobody tells anybody when this off-and-on situation of the light should be expected and why the residents suffer this unexpected and seemingly deliberate development. Even if it's a technical problem, for how long must it continue without any remedy?

The authority in charge of discharging this duty of providing us lights at our workplaces and homes, especially during the night should be customer-minded and unhostile in explaining to us what the core problem of this whole issue could be. Since the service isn't offered to us as a freebie, they owe us the right to explain to us what actual the problem is and why we should persistently endure this unfortunate situation. We all understand how "dumsor" works. It usually comes with notifications and probably a timetable as to how the management wants to go about it. Therefore, what's happening at the moment can't be said to be any "dumsor". So, what is it and why can't it be fixed all this while?

I don't want to believe it is a deliberate act by the management to subject residents to this agony. But how the situation is handled implies a lot. This chronic and unprovoked ambushing of residents with the frequent unpredictable lights out at night is alien and impressively disappointing. The act of putting off the lights at night is resulting in a dicey security threat to residents within the municipality. Undeniably, during the rainy season, the whole place is always busy with crops on people's farms while the grasses and trees also become greenish. Hence, it makes the entire environment look different and difficult for anyone to see through beyond even 100m. This poses a threat to residents, especially during the night.

These bushy places become hideouts for hoodlums, where they hang out and viciously carry out their nefarious activities. Even in broad daylight, it's dreadful to go about one's normal duties, not to talk about during the night, when the whole community is not only bushy but also dead silent and without lights. The presence of streetlights has drastically reduced security threats at night. But the recent unsustainable power supply is defeating the purpose of these streetlights in our communities if only it hasn't been defeated already. The whole place now becomes as dark as coal and makes a good breeding ground for criminal activities by those fit-for-nothing bandits.

No wonder in the municipality, the stealing of motorbikes has become a target of these criminals recently. Because the entire environment looks bushy and spooky and creates room for criminal activity during the rainy season, there is an urgent need to maintain a constant flow of electricity especially, during the night. This will prevent any kind of criminal actions and provide security to the residents.

Furthermore, the weather isn't always friendly and it can cause much sickness to residents. The availability of electricity makes the rooms cool to prevent any heat-related sickness. You can imagine how the number of CSM cases would have doubled if we were in the warm season. When fans are used at night, they also help blow away mosquitoes and prevent us from getting malaria from mosquito bites. The storage of some essential drugs at our health facilities is also affected by this act of electricity power outage without informing the people on time.

Another terrible thing this constant light-out causes is the destruction of home appliances which ranges from fridges, television, fans, sound systems, phones, computers, etc. Because the people are not pre-informed, they do not know when the lights will go off. So, they don't switch off their gadgets to prevent their burning by the interrupted power supply. The recent rampant electricity power off and on has caused a lot of destruction to many people's gadgets at home.

Also, the uncontrollable and recurring power outage is causing poor academic performance within the municipality. Most senior high school students in their final year need some extra time to study and prepare for their papers. But the lighting situation isn't helpful. Most students go to class only to return to their dorms in desperation owing to the lack of lights for them to learn. Even the other students who aren't writing their final papers but need the lights to prep are denied the opportunity to study during the night.

In conclusion, the absence of lights during the night is causing security threats within the community. The health state of the people is also at stake, and academic performance gradually coming to a halt. I, therefore, urge the authorities to work assiduously and timely to resolve the situation which will go a long way to improve the security situation and the living standards of the people within the municipality most especially, the students who are our future leaders.

Ghanaians are watching!!!
Britain is to ban Russian mercenary outfit the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed Wednesday.

"Given the activities they're involved with, it's important that as far as the UK is concerned, it will be illegal to be part of them," Shapps told Sky News.

His comments came hours after British media reported that Home Secretary Suella Braverman was to make the Wagner Group a "proscribed" organisation under anti-terror laws, putting it on a par with Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

"Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas," the Daily Mail quoted Braverman as saying.

"While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals."

Under the Terrorism Act 2000 the home secretary has the power to proscribe an organisation if they believe it is involved in terrorism.

A proscription order makes it a criminal offence to support the group.

"They are terrorists, plain and simple -- and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," a BBC report added, quoting Braverman.

"Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders," Braverman added in the Daily Mail.

The group's operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa "are a threat to global security," she said.

"That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia."

Draft measures to ban the Wagner Group under the act will be laid in parliament on Wednesday, the reports said.

Shapps said the measures will ban people in the UK from being "actively involved" in the group or displaying its logo.

In July, Britain announced sanctions against 13 individuals and businesses it said had links to the Russian group in Africa, accusing it of crimes there including killings and torture.

The people and entities targeted -- which are no longer able to deal with UK citizens, companies and banks, and have any UK assets frozen -- were allegedly involved in Wagner's activities in Mali, Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan.

They included the purported head of Wagner in Mali, Ivan Aleksandrovitch Maslov; its chief in CAR, Vitalii Viktorovitch Perfilev; and the group's operations head there, Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov.

Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died last month in a plane crash, had already been sanctioned by Britain alongside several of his key commanders who had participated in Russia's war in Ukraine.

Prigozhin -- a Kremlin confidant turned "traitor" -- died two months after ordering his troops to topple Russia's military leadership.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Popular presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen, who has withdrawn from the governing New Patriotic Party's flagbearer race, has said "in the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups".

In a statement announcing his withdrawal, Mr Kyerematen said the party is on a "dangerous path to self-destruction".

The former Trades Minister condemend the violence meted out to his agents during the recently-held special delegates conference in which he placed third among the top five.

The level of "intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of delegates at various voting centres across the sixteen regions is unprecedented in the history of our party", observed Mr Kyerematen.

He said "the fact that my polling agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the party".

"This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other voting centres, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable", Mr Kyerematen confemned.

He said: "I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest", wondering to himself: "How did we get here as a party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?"

"Regrettably", Mr Kyerematen said "I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections" and, thus, quit the race.

Mr Kyerematen also said "after having carefully analysed the results" of the special delegates conference, "it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections" that it was "strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular aspirant".

Without naming that particular aspirant, Mr Kyerematen said "pronouncements made by some leading members of our party, both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations".

Read Mr Kyerematen's full statement below:

On Sunday, the 27th of August 2023, I issued a public statement which made reference to the selection and shortlisting of Presidential Aspirants by the Special Electoral College convened by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the 26th of August 2023.

After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant.

The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.

The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of delegates at various voting centres across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our party.

In addition, the fact that my polling agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eyesight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other voting centres, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable.

I am committed to, and value the safety of those who work with me and for me, and I will always fight for their interest.

The question I keep asking myself is, "How did we get here as a party in the first place, and how far are we prepared to tread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?"

Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th of September 2023.

In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups.

I wish all the other Aspirants well as they continue on their journey. I also wish to use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude once again to my family, the Alan 4 President (A4P) Campaign Team, and all my teeming supporters in Ghana and from around the world, who have supported me in diverse ways over the years. Please be assured that the battle is still the Lord's, and that those who wait upon the Lord shall have their strength renewed.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong!

...Signed...............

HON. ALAN KYEREMATEN

classfmonline.com
Sylvester Tetteh

06.09.2023 LISTEN

The withdrawal of Alan Kyerematen from the flagbearership race of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has garnered mixed reactions from his campaign team with some expressing disappointment and others questioning the reason behind the withdrawal.

Sylvester Tetteh, the Coordinator of the Alan Kyerematen campaign in the Greater Accra Region, spoke out about their disappointment while also reaffirming their loyalty to the NPP.

Tetteh stated that although they believed Kyerematen was the best candidate to lead both the party and the country, they respected his decision to withdraw.

He assured the public that despite this setback, they would continue to support the NPP and he will soon be making announcement about who he will be supporting among the remaining four candidates in the NPP presidential race.

Its true that we are disappointed. All of us who have been part of the campaign, its a difficult moment for us. Our wish was that Alan Kyerematen would lead our party and subsequently become President of the Republic. But the most important thing is that we have life. The party is bigger than any individual, Tetteh said during an interview on Asempa FMs Ekosiisen programme.

Kyerematen, who had emerged third in the super delegates conference that narrowed down the aspirants to five, cited the intimidation of his supporters and the absence of a level-playing field for all candidates as the reasons for his withdrawal.

These accusations have raised concerns among political observers, who argue that Kyerematens withdrawal could have negative implications for the NPP.

As of now, it remains to be seen what Kyerematens next move in Ghanas politics will be. However, his withdrawal has undoubtedly created a significant impact on the NPP and its future direction.

DGN online
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Zambia must prosper. President Kelvin Bwalya Fube has advised President Hakainde Hichilema to resign on moral grounds.Mr. Fube said he supported President Hichilema purely on the principle of protecting and defending the constitution of Zambia.He said he was convinced beyond doubt that once the UPND forms government, it will govern the country on the said pillars of governance, which is not the case at the moment.He added that the party has withdrawn its support from the UPND because of political and moral bankruptcy and some aspects of marginalisation and tribalism.He also said it is unfortunate that the president has neglected the poor, who are starving at the expense of corrupt practices under his watch.Mr. Fube has also said he is disappointed that the law is being used to compensate those who were arrested in the previous regime at the expense of poor Zambians who can benefit from such collosal sums of money.He has said the head of state was elected on the basis of his lies and fake promises and that every Zambian must ask President Hichilema to resign as it is evident that he has failed to govern the country
Senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo has admonished the Inspector-General Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to stay focused in the execution of his mandate.

In a statement on Facebook, Prof. Gyampo urged the IGP not to pay attention to the plot by some policemen to get him removed from the top position in the service.

He insists that the useless call by New Patriotic Party (NPP) party footsoldiers for the IGP to be replaced in order for a new IGP to help the ruling government to rig the 2024 General Election will not yield fruits.

The only good thing about President Akufo Addos inability to reshuffle is that, the very competent Dampare will stay to do his work. The useless call by party-footsoldier police officers for an IGP who will rig elections will fail. Dampare, remain focus, Prof. Ransford Gyampo said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee setup to up to investigate the leaked audio tape of the plot to remove the IGP is continuing its probe this week.

It has so far questioned Chief Bugri Naabu and the two main police officers heard on the tape plotting to get Dr. George Akuffo Dampare kicked out.
The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has urged motorists and the general public to cooperate and observe traffic management protocols as emergency repair works commence on the Community 18 Borteyman underpass bridge tunnel along the Tema Motorway.

In a public announcement issued on Wednesday, September 6, the GHA indicated that major repair works will be carried out on the bridge starting midnight on Sunday, September 10.

It appealed to motorists and the general public to adhere to traffic regulations during the work period.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH), acting through the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), wishes to announce to the general public and all Road users that the Community 18 Borteyman Underpass on the Tema Motorway will undergo major repair works on Sunday, 10th September, 2023 starting from Midnight.

The Ghana Highway Authority is therefore appealing to the motoring public to cooperate with the engineers of the Bridge Maintenance Unit by adhering to the traffic management systems to be put in place while the repair works are ongoing, the statement said.

Joseph Adomako, Regional Director of GHA who signed the statement added, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The multi-lane Community 18 Bridge Tunnel is a major thoroughfare handling heavy traffic from Tema into Accra daily.
French Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne will meet Wednesday with a group of New Caledonians in a bid to restart discussions on the institutional future of the Pacific archipelago.

The French Prime Minister is convening political delegations from New Caledonia on 6 September in Paris. It would be the first time since a referendum on the status of the archipelago in 2021 that New Caledonian pro-French loyalists sit together with pro-independence groups.

In 2021, pro-independence leaders boycotted the referendum and then refused to accept its results due to low voter turnout.

Macron tells New Caledonia separatists to accept pro-France votes

During a visit to New Caledonia last July, French President Emmanuel Macron said that separatism could lead to violence in the Pacific territory, urging the pro-independence camp to accept a string of votes to stay part of France.

France vowed in the Noumea Accord of 1998 to grant more political power to its territory.

Under the agreement, New Caledonia held three referendums in the past five years over its ties with France, all rejecting independence.

Referendums

During the first referendum, on 4 November 2018, 57 percent of the voters were in favor of staying with France, with a voter turnout of 81 percent.

During the second referendum, on 4 October 2020, pro-France votes had shrunk to 53 percent (turnout 86 percent.)

However, the pro-independence indigenous Kanaks rejected the result of the last referendum held on 12 December 2021.

It resulted in a 97-percent vote against secession after Kanaks boycotted the process because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

All tri-partite discussions between loyalists, pro-independence groups and Paris then stopped.

On Wednesday, Borne and Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin will try to hammer out a new mode-de-vivre between Paris and New Caledonia.

He will discuss if more authority should be delegated to Noumea, New Caledonia's seat of administration, enhancing the role of local institutions, and finding a compromise between loyalists and pro-independence groups.

Meanwhile, Macron has ruled out another referendum on full independence in the near future.

China's influence

But France is not interested in full independence for the territory, as the territory holds large amounts of nickel, an element that is of growing importance as it is used as a component for batteries of electric vehicles.

Another reason for maintaining a foothold in New Caledonia are the growing worries, in France and the EU, of China's increasing influence in the region.

In April last year, China signed a secretive security agreement with neighbouring Solomon Islands, and just this week, Vanuatu replaced its pro-Western Prime Minister with the more China-minded Sato Kilman, who said he would "revisit" a recently signed security pact with Australia, signalling a possible shift away from pro-Western policies endorsed by his predecessor.

Macron visited Vanuatu in July as part of his Pacific trip, on the first visit by a sitting French leader to an independent Pacific Island state, seeking to offer a French alternative in a region where the US and China are competing for influence.

(With newswires)
51-year-old Redouine Faid, a convicted burglar who escaped prison in 2018 aboard a hijacked helicopter went on trial in Paris on Tuesday, alongside eleven suspected accomplices. He faces life in prison over his brazen getaway.

Faid was serving time for burglary when accomplices hijacked a helicopter and landed it in the courtyard of Reau prison, southeast of Paris, on the morning of 1 July, 2018.

While one of them held a gun to the pilot's head, two others stepped out of the helicopter launching smoke grenades.

One of them then kept watch, armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, while another  wearing a fake police armband  used a circular power saw to cut open the gate to the prison cell corridor where Faid and his brother Brahim were being held.

Witnesses later said that Faid "very calmly" walked out of his cell to the waiting helicopter, which took off without any shots being fired. The entire operation took 10 minutes. Police later found the helicopter abandoned.

He was re-captured three months later, hiding in the home of friend of a relative.

Known as the "getaway king" Faid broke out of jail once before in 2013, taking wardens hostage and blowing up the prison gate.

He faces life imprisonment for the repeat offence.

History of violence

Faid has a history of robberies involving armoured vehicles and hostage-taking and at the time of the jailbreak was already serving a 25-year sentence for a botched heist in which a policewoman got killed.

Eleven suspected accomplices are on trial alongside Faid, including five members of his family.

They are charged with helping him in the escape and during the subsequent three months it took police to catch him.

Access to the court room was under special protection on Tuesday and mobile phone signals scrambled, officials said. The trial is expected to last seven weeks.

Faid made no statements to investigators in the run-up to the trial, except to say he was "sorry" that his accomplices had been caught up in the trial.

His older brother Rachid explained why he had decided to participate: "The reason is the accumulation of jail terms. It's a place of death".

Reau prison has since installed security lines over the courtyard to prevent any more jailbreaks by air.

(with newswires)
Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) wants government to either demolish all tollbooths across the country or resume the collection of road tolls immediately.

The association says it is alarmed by the rampant accidents being reported at the various tollbooths which are currently not functioning.

A statement issued by the association, on Tuesday, 5 September 2023, and co-signed by its Deputy National Secretary, Nana Oweredu and its PRO, David Agboado, noted: No measures have been put in place to control traffic flow at the various booths since they were decommissioned over a year ago.

According to the association, the Kasoa and Motorway tollbooths have recorded the most dangerous and life-threatening accidents and just Sunday 3rd September, 2023, another one occurred at the Tema toll plaza.

It, therefore, urged the government to, as a matter of urgency, demolish all those tollbooths or take steps to decommission them according to this years budget statement presented by the finance ministry.

It added: Failure on the part of the government to do any of these may cause us to carry out the demolition by ourselves as we cant afford to put our lives at risk in the line of contributing to national development.

Road tolls were cancelled in 2022 following the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

The road tolls were, however, re-introduced during the 2023 budget presentation on Thursday, 24 November 2022.

The Finance Minister had said: The fiscal policy measures to underpin the 2023 Budget forconsideration and approval by Parliament include the reintroduction of tolls on selected public roads and highways with a renewed focus on leveraging technology in the collection to address the inefficiencies characterised by the previous toll collection regime.

classfmonline
Former President John Dramani Mahama has urged 18-year-old Ghanaians without voter cards to take advantage of the ongoing limited voter registration exercise to acquire one and be eligible to vote in the 2024 elections.

The NDC flagbearer encouraged all unregistered youth, especially those who recently turned 18, not to ignore the exercise which is scheduled to end on October 2.

In a Facebook live broadcast on Wednesday, September 6, the 2024 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also called on those who have misplaced their cards to use the exercise to replace them.

The limited voter registration exercise will give the opportunity to those eligible to vote to get on the electoral roll, Mahama said.

He added, It will also allow those replacing lost voter ID cards to transfer their votes from current polling stations to new ones.

The Electoral Commission is conducting the limited voter registration at district offices nationwide, despite objections over the move.

The exercise allows new voters and those who have relocated to update their information ahead of the high-stakes 2024 elections.
The former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Otokunor has said Electoral Commission (EC) led by Jean Mensa is a threat to the peace and security of the country.

According to Mr. Otokunor, the institution is corrupted.

He said in an interview on TV XYZ that The very first one was in 2020. A national security report suggested that the threat to our security; the most significant threat to our security was the Electoral Commission.

He recalled how, in response to a report, the National Security Minister summoned the EC and the various political parties to a meeting in an effort to break the deadlock between the election administration organization and some aggrieved parties.

Mr Otokunor described the EC as remote-controlled by the NPP administration in his remarks over the NDC's determination to boycott the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) following the results of the 2020 elections.

He said the EC chief routinely disregards recommendations from other parties because the government [Nana Addo] has corrupted that institution.

He continued by asserting that Jean Mensa lacks credibility which is dangerous to the country's safety as Ghana heads to the 2024 general elections.
2024 Presidential candidate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has added his voice to the ongoing brouhaha concerning the Electoral Commissions (EC) plans to hold the limited voter registration exercise at its district offices.

The former President urged the electoral management body to reconsider their decision and rather hold the exercise at the electoral areas.

In a Facebook live broadcast on Wednesday, September 6, Mr. Mahama explained that holding it at the electoral areas will allow easy access for citizens without the voter cards to acquire them in order to be eligible to vote in the 2024 elections.

I wish to add my voice to those who have called on the EC to reconsider its decision to restrict the registration exercise to its district offices only.

Acquiring the voter ID card affirms ones right to vote and access to a voter ID card should be easy and not limited by location. Every Ghanaian deserves the chance to exercise this democratic right, he said.

I strongly urge the Electoral Commission to facililate the registration exercise in all its electoral areas to allow for easy access and a reduced burden on the citizenry in their quest to register, stressed the NDC flagbearer.

The Electoral Commission is conducting the limited registration at district offices nationwide, despite objections over the move.

The exercise allows new voters and those who have relocated to update their information ahead of the December 19 local government elections and the high-stakes 2024 elections.
As readers may be aware by now, Presidential hopeful Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has withdrawn from the internal party primary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing untenable acts of violence and intimidation against his supporters.

He is not the only one who's complained about the flawed internal electoral process in their party's recent super-delegates conference. Others who've questioned the credibility of the process include Boakye Agyarko, Kwabena Agyapong, and maverick Kennedy Agyapong.

Alan Kyerematen's withdrawal is not as surprising as paragraph six of his statement which reads in part  how did we get here as a party in the first place, and how far we are prepared to thread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?

Did Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen just realize that the NPP has gone rogue? The NPP is run like the mafia. And they won't hesitate to use coercion, threats, vote buying and violence as we saw in the 2020 general elections.

Where was Alan and the others who've complained, when violence was unleashed in a by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon on 31st January 2019? If they did not see it or read about it in the press did they not, as senior government members, hear about it?

How did Mr. Kyerematen and the others think the NPP won the 2020 Presidential election? Did they not read about, or hear of the brutalities and casualties from the 2020 election?

Alan was a beneficiary of a fraudulent election perpetrated against the people of Ghana. He got the unique opportunity to be renominated to serve as a Minister in a government that used thugs in the security services to spill the blood of innocent Ghanaians to win power in the 2020 election.

Any principled person would have resigned from the government of Akufo Addo over the violence; over the assault on the judiciary; over the violence in Ayawaso and 2020 elections, and over the broken economic promises. But he stayed on till very recently. The damage is collective and he can't absolve himself from it.

Did he not know that the government he served is one built on thuggery? Did he and the others who've questioned the process not hear about how a senior police office was beaten up by a private army (invisible forces) of the President? Today these thugs have found their way into the regular security services, with mortifying consequences for the image of the security services.

Alan set ablaze his Presidential ambition the day he accepted to be a member of the government for the second term. There's no way he can explain away the fact that he wasn't part of those who crashed the economy.

As decent as he is; as affable as he is; his days and chances of leading the NPP are over. It would be better for him and his supporters if they come to terms with that.

In light of his withdrawal from the NPP race, the best option for him is to form his party if he wants to remain relevant politically. There's no way the hawks and thugs who've taken over the NPP will give up on their stranglehold over the party.

They have become more audacious, vicious, and built a war chest enough to break anyone who stands in the way within the NPP. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia camp is NPP and NPP is the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia camp as we would see on 4th NOVEMBER when the party holds its presidential primary. Ministers and appointees have been whipped in line. They are incapable of being independent minded about their primary. Publicly going against the preferred successor to the President is grounds for removal from office.

With Alan out of the way, his supporters are more likely to vote Kennedy Agyapong. As to whether that would be enough to pip Bawumia is yet to be seen.
Paramount Chief of Mampong in the Ashanti region, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, has issued a stern warning to Ghana's Parliament, urging the law-making house to pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to protect the country's cultural values.

The Mampong Paramount chiefs remarks came during the Christop Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

The traditional leader stressed that LGBTQ+ practices run counter to Ghanaian culture, values, and norms and should not be embraced in any form within the nation's borders.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II cautioned parliament against following in the footsteps of the United States in legitimising LGBTQ+ activities, emphasising the strong disapproval of traditional leaders should such a move be considered.

We should sit here, cut our culture just because we have acquired degrees in European universities just like what we have established here? I should throw away our culture we've inherited from time immemorial before the white man came here, before the Portuguese pretended they were putting up castles at Elmina and whatnot? To throw them (Ghana's culture) away because of dollars over there? Permit a man to kiss a man and a woman to kiss a woman, please I don't need to talk about it over here, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II stated.

He also issued a clear warning to Ghana's Parliament, indicating that if they were to follow the example set by the United States in legitimising LGBTQ+ activities, they would face the strong disapproval of traditional leaders.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II underscored the significance of preserving Ghana's cultural heritage and traditions in the face of evolving global perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights.

In Ghana, we have ours in parliament, and woe betide those parliamentarians if they emulate what is happening in America. They will come and meet us at our respective kingdoms, he firmly asserted.

Source: classfmonline.com
News / National

by Staff reporter

What does the recent election change for Zimbabwe's biggest investor? Not much, says Nico Muller, the head of Zimplats holding company Implats. We've seen it all before, he suggests.In 2021, Zimplats announced a US$1.8 billion investment in Zimbabwe to expand mining and processing operations, the single largest FDI commitment over the past five years.As political controversy rages over the election, Muller says there is nothing new. If anything, he says, despite the country's troubles, Zimbabwe remains Implats' most stable asset.Muller was asked by South Africa's Moneyweb: "What does the continuation of the status quo mean for your business there in the foreseeable future?"He said: "Operating in Zim is always a contradiction for us, because for the last two decades, we've had a presence there. There's always been policy uncertainty. We've always had human rights questions. We always have had elections in which the outcome has been disputed.""The very interesting thing is it is probably the most stable part of the group operations. So, for instance, now with the elections, we did not have an impact at our operations as a consequence of the voting, the election process  neither the outcome."Implats, he says, chooses to be active in the country rather than look from the outside."It always remains our position that to be an active player in the country while operations remain stable is far more favourable than being an observer from the outside. So, we still have frequent engagements with various parts of the government, and we continue to attempt to play a positive role and influence with regards to human rights, policy certainty, and all of those things that create jurisdictional risk."Earlier this week, Zimplats announced in its full-year results that it has spent US$304 million over the past year on new projects. This includes new mines and additional processing capacity, including work on a base metal refinery.However, Zimplats is not sheltered from Zimbabwe's problems. Like much of the region, Muller says, Zimbabwe's power deficit means the company has to secure its own energy. It will take "a decade or two" for Southern African power supply to catch up with demand.Says Muller: "That's also what's driving our own initiatives towards establishing a greater supply of renewable energy from independent sources."Zimplats has started building a new 185MW solar plant and importing 50MW from Zambia.
All three persons who were previously granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court for their role in the case in which a total of $1 million, 300,000 euros and several millions of Ghana Cedis were stolen from the residence of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, are struggling to meet the bail conditions set by the court.

Sarah Agyei, one of the former minister's housemaid and Christiana Achab, were admitted to a GH1 million bail with three sureties each to be justified because they are both lactating mothers.

Job Pomary, on the other hand, was admitted to a GH300,000 bail with two sureties to be justified following an application filed by his counsel which was not opposed by the prosecution.

But all three are still in custody as they have not been able to meet the bail terms set by the court and were in handcuffs as they made their fifth appearance before the court yesterday.

That notwithstanding, the court presided over by Her Honour Afia Owusua Appiah, yesterday granted another suspect, Yahaya Sumaila a bail of GH300,000 with two sureties to be justified.

He was also ordered to deposit his passport with the court's registrar as well as report to the police once every two weeks.

The court, however, refused an application for bail filed on behalf of Benjamin Sowah, because of his role in the theft and the manner in which he was arrested.

Meanwhile, the court is yet to hear an application filed on behalf of Patience Botwe, the lead suspect, as her lawyer had requested for a short adjournment to consider the prosecution's affidavit in opposition to the bail application.

The court has also ordered the prosecution to expedite their investigation so that the trial can commence.

The court gave the order after the prosecution requested for two weeks' adjournment because the investigators informed the Attorney General's Office that they will need more time following the AG's advice on the docket.

The prosecution was further directed to file all disclosures by September 19, 2023, which is the next court date.

Trial

Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, the two housemaids, are facing conspiracy to steal and substantive charges of stealing, while Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary and Yahaya Sumaila, are facing charges of dishonestly receiving various sums of the stolen money.

The police on August 8, 2023, made mind-boggling discoveries of properties purchased by the seven persons dragged before court for stealing millions of Ghana Cedis and other foreign currencies from the home of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kufuor.

The discovery includes an 11-unit chamber and hall self-contain house purchased at the cost of GH800,000 at Budumburam by Christiana Achab.

Court documents indicate that the accused, who hitherto was living in a wooden structure with her husband in the same locality as Patience Botwe, received a total of GH2.83 million from the loot that forced Madam Dapaah to resign following public outcry.

Christiana Achab, according to court documents, also purchased a three-bedroom house at Aplaku at the sum of GH300,000 for Patience Botwe.

She and her husband Job Pomary also purchased a four-bedroom apartment at Kokrobite at the cost of GH280,000 for herself, while she also invited another suspect, Yahaya Sumaila from Tamale in the Northern Region to Accra and purchased another three-bedroom apartment at Amrahia at the cost of GH850,000 in his name.

Christiana Achab, according to prosecuting documents, also purchased two Honda Acura vehicles at the cost of GH300,000 each and registered them in the name of Franklin Sarakpo, who is on the run.

This brings the total number of mansions bought with the stolen money to six, costing a total of GH2.23 million and $70,000 respectively.

The price of a three-bedroom mansion built by Sarah Agyei at Budumburam was not specified.

It also brings the total number of vehicles identified to four, costing a total of GH1.58 million, while two properties which were rented in Tamale cost a total of GH225,000.

-DGN online
Member of Parliament for Ngleshie Amanfro and campaign coordinator for former New Patriotic Party flagbearer aspirant Alan Kyerematen in the Greater Accra region, Sylvester Tetteh, has opined on his boss withdrawal.

He said he is disappointed at the turn of events because he had always wished to see the former Trade Minister becoming the partys flagbearer and subsequently Ghanas President.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Asempa FMs Ekosiisen show, the lawmaker affirmed his loyalty to the ruling party.

Its true that we are disappointed. All of us who have been part of the campaign, its a difficult moment for us. Our wish was that Alan Kyerematen would lead our party and subsequently become President of the Republic. But the most important thing is that we have life. The party is bigger than any individual, he said.

Mr. Alan Kyerematen in his withdrawal letter on Tuesday, September 5, cited some alleged victimization and favouritism in the partys recently concluded special delegates conference.

According to him, the entire party makeup seems to be in favor of a particular aspirant judging by the results of the August 26 poll.
From Alan the Contender to Alan the Quitter

In a startling turn of events, Alan Kyeremanten has officially withdrawn from the NPP presidential primaries race. Until his recent public announcement, Alan stood as the prominent contender for the coveted role of NPP flagbearer for election 2024. His withdrawal statement painted a disheartening picture of his NPP party, citing a spectrum of unfair treatment, from vote buying to incumbency abuse and brazen daylight intimidation and violence.

Recall in 2007, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen made the greatest political sacrifice by voluntarily stepping down for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to contest the 2008 presidential election. Today, this very man who benefited from the benevolence of Alan has whipped the system to support a completely new Alhaji Bawumia who was nowhere near the struggle in 2007. Just because, Alhaji Bawumia has been at the center of his administrations mismanagement, corruption and thievery.

Betrayal of the highest order!

The grievances Alan outlined as basis for his withdrawal do no come as a surprise to any avid democracy watcher. The NPP has, over time, evolved into West Africa's poster child for undemocratic practices. Their internal elections seem designed to stifle competition, the special delegates election provision in their constitution stand out as a glaring example. This provision allows for a strange process of shortlisting only five candidates for their main elections, casting a shadow of inequality and predetermination of who becomes the flagbearer at the main polls.

The New patriotic party (NPP), under President Akufo-Addo's leadership, has meticulously orchestrated a series of questionable maneuvers to tilt the electoral scales in favor of their chosen candidate, the flip-floppers Alhaji Bawumia. The recent super delegates elections witnessed an unparalleled spectacle of public voting, where vote buying unfolded brazenly, secret ballotsessential for fair electionswere rendered virtually meaningless, and violence and opacity became the order of the day.

The NPP since the inception of Ghanas democracy has never won any elections freely without underhand dealings and manipulations. Every election they have won in this country has been as result of electoral malpractice and rigging.

It's hardly surprising that the NPP flaunts its reputation as the political party with internationally certified election riggers. The infamous Peter Mac Manu, who faced the Kenyan government's censure during an election observation mission, serves as a stark reminder of this dubious distinction.

While the NPP's disposition toward democratic elections may not shock Ghanaians, the extent of the machinations and recklessness within their own internal contests is indeed astonishing. Many believed that the NPP's inconsiderate manipulation and violent actions, such as the tragic incidents killing innocent people during the 2020 general elections, were motivated by their inherent hatred for H.E John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. However, the treatment meted out to Alan Kyeremanten and other aspirants only solidifies suspicions that, the current Akufo-Addos NPP is not genuinely committed to building a democratic Ghana with solid economic prospects. Instead, they act solely to satisfy their idiosyncratic desires. Cecelia Dapaahs questionable wealth is a classical example.

Chinua Achebe under this circumstance would have asked, "When crocodiles eat their own eggs, what will they not do to the flesh of a frog?"

The special delegates' elections merely served as a prelude to the anticipated rigging and violence in the November elections. The main election will certainly be characterized by extreme violence, vote buying and widespread intimidation. It's safe to say that within this hostile environment, Alan has saved himself from the most egregious humiliation at polls by shelving his ambition at this point.

This is not a moment for the traitor Akufo-Addo and his candidate, Alhaji Bawumia, to celebrate. Rather, it's a time for somber reflection on their reckless and dishonorable behavior; an opportunity to contemplate measures to salvage their badly tarnished credibility. Akufo-Addo must also ponder on the legacy he leaves as the leader of the New Patriotic Party, and whether he can hand over leadership as smoothly as his predecessor did. Clearly, he has destroyed every beautiful thing he has come to meet. Never again!

Alan Kyeremanten's dignified withdrawal is a foresight that deserves commendation. He has demonstrated that it is worth nothing to participate in an election that has its outcome already determined. All Akufo-Addo appointees and the party officers in the 16 regions who are expected to man the November elections are stationed to do the bidding of the establishment candidate, Alhaji Bawumia. These party officers and all government appointees have been designed to be the center stage of their violence, vote buying, intimidation and ballot stuffing.

To this end, It is imperative to draw the attention of the Ghanaian youth to the stark reality that the NPP is not a political entity worthy of their sacrifices. With Alans dedication and service to the party, look at how abruptly they have ended his career, without any iota of respect. Akufo-Addo and his old crooks have used a relatively short period to bring to ground what he has toiled to build for so many years. Pathetic!

Writer

Suadique Musah

(NDC foot-soldier)
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Pacific Island nations have garnered significant interest from major global powers such as the United States, India, China, Australia, and France in 2023 due to several factors. The Pacific region has significant strategic importance in terms of security and defense due to its geographical positioning between the United States, China, and Australia. The United States has historically maintained a military presence and exerted influence, while China has progressively intensified its assistance, development initiatives, diplomatic engagements, and security collaborations with Pacific Island nations in recent times. India, Australia, and France are further engaged in the region, demonstrating their interests and establishing relationships.

With a geographic lens, the Pacific Island nations are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, including the rise of sea levels, the severe weather events, and the phenomenon of coral bleaching. They have consistently expressed their support for international efforts aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting initiatives focused on adaptation and resilience. However, with the ongoing geopolitical rivalry and global powers intention to exert their influence, the Pacific Island nations have strategically aligned themselves to particular counters for climate aid and shifted away from regional cooperations and initiatives.

From an economic perspective, the Pacific Island nations possess abundant natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, oil, and gas, which provide appealing opportunities for investment and commerce for global powers. Additionally, these regions provide considerable potential for the development of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power. So, there has been persistent competition among global powers to secure access to and exert influence over these valuable resources and markets while also safeguarding their interests.

In recent years, there has been increasing attention paid to the Pacific Islands over China's expanding naval capabilities and its rising influence in the area in terms of strategic and economic endeavors. This has been achieved through prominent diplomatic visits as well as efforts to stabilize relations with China and reestablish climate change as a key priority. Amidst the presence of geopolitical tensions, the leaders of Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands are engaged in discussions over the potential declaration of a neutral stance.

The United States has recently taken action as part of its Pacific Partnership Strategy. During his late-July visit to Tonga, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken expressed his concerns over China's involvement in the region. The visit occurred shortly after the State Department declared the United States' intention to enhance its diplomatic representation, aiming to match China's established diplomatic facilities in eight out of the twelve Pacific Islands. Moreover, Blinken announced that the United States would provide a substantial amount of $7.1 billion to these States throughout the next twenty-year period. The objective of the initiative was to enhance collaboration between the Pacific Islands and their American counterparts in addressing pressing concerns such as climate change and promoting development that prioritizes the well-being of individuals.

Apart from the Sino-U.S. rivalry in these nations, India has also garnered new interests that broaden its vision for the Indo-Pacific. During the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation meeting held in Port Moresby in May 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a comprehensive 12-point agenda aimed at addressing health care and community development in the Pacific Islands. This initiative underscored the strategic importance of the area within the framework of New Delhi's Act East Policy. The event also marked the first diplomatic visit by an Indian prime minister to Papua New Guinea.

France's interest in the Pacific Islands is mainly to bolster its Indo-Pacific strategy and reaffirm its role in the region. France has sovereignty over three territories in the Pacific: New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna. President Emmanuel Macron visited the region in July 2023. He emphasized the importance of the archipelago to France and held discussions with political parties on its future after three failed independence referendums. He also denounced new imperialism in the Pacific, warning of a threat to the sovereignty of smaller states amid the US-China power struggle.

China has been using aid diplomacy in the Pacific islands to persuade them to switch their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China as part of its global campaign to isolate Taiwan. This has resulted in a broader acceptance of the one-China Principle in the Pacific Island nations. China pledged large amounts of aid to the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, both of which switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. In July 2023, an agreement was reached between the Solomon Islands and China to strengthen police cooperation, which was a component of their security agreement established in 2022. In the Solomon Islands, China is financing the US$53 million 2023 Pacific Games Stadium and has doubled discretionary and unaccountable funds for MPs to spend in their constituencies. In Kiribati, China has promised to upgrade its main airport and build a bridge connecting the two islands.

China portrayed itself as a more reliable and respectful partner for the Pacific Island countries than Taiwan or other Western countries. China also emphasized its role in addressing global issues such as climate change, trade, and security, which are important for the Pacific Island countries. Additionally, China has expressed disapproval of the Western aid as a short-term solution that inadequately addresses the socioeconomic challenges faced by the Pacific Islands, thereby hindering genuine progress in this regard. China has expanded its regional influence in the Pacific Islands under the framework of the Global Security Initiative.

However, there has been opposition from some Pacific Island countries that remain loyal to Taiwan, such as Palau, Nauru, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands. These countries have expressed their support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and forums, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Following that, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States have increased their aid, investment, and security cooperation with the Pacific Island countries, as well as their diplomatic engagement and dialogue.

From a geopolitical lens, when Pacific Island states tilt towards either China or the United States, as shown in the cases of the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji, it might potentially create a division among these nations and hinder the progress of bilateral cooperation, thus affecting regionalism in the Pacific. With that, Fiji has taken a pro-western stance. To lessen its economic reliance on China, Fiji has recently joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which the United States is leading. Nevertheless, China continues to hold the position of primary aid provider and trade partner to Fiji and maintains a significant role as an export partner to Papua New Guinea.

In conclusion, Although the Pacific Island governments have asserted their neutrality in this rivalry, it has increased the trend of Pacific militarization, which poses a significant risk to regional unity and the ability to maintain strategic impartiality. Furthermore, this trend has the potential to overshadow crucial regional concerns, such as addressing the impacts of climate change.

Authors Bio

Aishwarya Sanjukta Roy Proma is a Research Associate at the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD). She is a research analyst in security studies. She obtained her Master's and Bachelor's in International Relations from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She can be reached at [email protected].
John Dramani Mahama, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s 2024 presidential candidate, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) not to limit voter registration exercises to just district offices.

According to Mahama, the Electoral Commission should extend the registration exercises to electoral areas.

In a Facebook Live session, he said that all eligible Ghanaians should be registered to vote.

I wish to add my voice to those who have called on the EC to reconsider its decision to restrict the registration exercise to its district offices only.

It is also our very strong recommendation that in line with regulation 22(b) of CI 91 as amended by CI 126, the Commission listens to the call for the extension of the exercise to take place in the electoral areas and not limited to the district offices of the Commission.

This will curb many inconveniences including transportation, lack of money to move from distant locations and access, John Dramani Mahama stated.

The exercise is scheduled to end on Monday, October 2.

It will be conducted between 8:00am and 5:00pm each day.

The exercise was announced by the EC ahead of the district-level and unit committee elections slated for Tuesday, December 19.
A Nigerian appeals court on Wednesday began ruling on an opposition bid to overturn President Bola Tinubu's election victory in an eagerly awaited decision.

The Abuja court has been deliberating for months on lawsuits from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party claiming irregularities by electoral authorities, vote fraud and allegations Tinubu was not qualified to run.

In one of the country's most tightly contested elections, former Lagos governor Tinubu won 37 percent of votes in the February 25 ballot, beating the PDP's Atiku Abubakar and Labour's Peter Obi to secure the presidency of Africa's most populous country.

In an initial ruling on Wednesday, the five-judge panel dismissed as invalid a challenge by the small opposition party, Allied Peoples Movement, to annul the election.

But the tribunal was still reading its lengthy decision on the main party claims.

Legal teams in white wigs and black robes packed into the courtroom, where a judge read through each separate detail of the court's judgement on the challenges.

Security was heightened around the court in the Nigerian capital early on Wednesday, with police and defence forces cordoning off access to the building with roadblocks.

No court has overturned a presidential election since Nigeria's return to democracy from military rule in 1999.

Lawyers say any decision will still likely be taken to the Supreme Court for a final ruling.

Tinubu's government has dismissed all claims of wrongdoing and appeared confident for Wednesday's decision, highlighting the judiciary's integrity.

Tinubu took office at the end of May and has quickly introduced a set of reforms the government says will help put Africa's largest economy back on track.

He is currently in India to participate in the G20 summit where he is seeking foreign investment.

Nullify or verify

The 2023 election was one of the most contested in the country's modern history, thanks in part to the emergence of a major third-party candidate to challenge the dominance of Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.

Labour's Obi looked to appeal to younger voters who said they were looking for an alternative to the old-guard candidates.

Nigeria's presidential election results announced by the Electoral Commission (INEC). By Janis LATVELS (AFP)

To improve transparency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced biometric technology and IReV, a central database for uploading results in real time.

INEC acknowledged "glitches" but dismissed claims the vote was not free and fair.

In two lawsuits, the PDP and Labour are calling for the results to be nullified and for their candidates to be declared the winner or for the court to order a rerun.

The PDP's Abubakar called the vote a "rape of democracy" and the party says it presented proof that INEC broke electoral law in its transmission of results, and of Tinubu's failure to meet constitutional requirements.

Labour's lawsuit followed similar allegations, referencing INEC breaking electoral law, vote rigging and also claims Tinubu was not qualified to run.

The court ruling comes as Nigerians struggle with a rising cost of living after the government ended a fuel subsidy programme that kept petrol prices low and also freed up the naira currency.

Government officials say the policies are needed to revive the economy, calling for patience and supplying state governments with funds to help offset the impact.

Tinubu's government is also tackling huge security challenges, from jihadists still fighting a long war in the northeast to intercommunal clashes and kidnap gangs operating in other regions.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commissioned an automated premix fuel dispensing and monitoring system, a transformative project designed to redefine the landscape of Ghanas fishing industry.

The groundbreaking initiative promises to eliminate corruption, diversion and other bottlenecks associated with the supply and distribution of premix fuel, ushering in an era of efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Commissioning the project at Elmina in the Central region on Tuesday, Vice President Bawumia explained that fisher folk can now directly access the quantity of pre-mix fuel they require at the pumps, using their personalized Canoe Identification Cards containing their bio and other data linked to their vessels, instead of relying on middlemen and other interlocutors for supplies.

The integration of such cutting-edge technology promises to put an end to the persistent issue of hoarding, which has cast a shadow on the fishing industry for far too long. By ensuring accurate and transparent tracking, the automated premix fuel dispensing and monitoring system will guarantee that premix fuel reaches its intended recipients without delay, levelling the playing field for all stakeholders involved.

Indeed, transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of this project. We are resolute in our commitment to overcome any attempts at fraud, diversion, or illicit activities within the supply chain. Through real-time monitoring of fuel levels and transactions, we shall foster an environment of trust and integrity, wherein suppliers and consumers can partake in a fair and just system, he noted.

The automated premix fuel dispensing and monitoring system comprised of cutting-edge technology, including dispensing control units, fuel level sensors, card utilization systems for authorization and access, and web and mobile applications for monitoring and generating reports. This comprehensive infrastructure ensures efficient tracking, transparent transactions and accurate data collection, providing a strong foundation for the optimization of premix fuel distribution.

According to officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the automation system has several modules, allowing stakeholders to track and view in real-time orders, transportation, delivery and fueling transactions.

Thirty-one landing beaches have been fitted with the pumps so far, with work on the others ongoing, according to officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. All outlets, according to the Ministry, will have remote access on authorized web devices allowing stakeholders to view in real-time all transactions at each landing beach and eliminate the age-long issue of hoarding and other ills.

With the deployment of the premix automation platform, the National Premix Secretariat will access real-time data from their control centre to facilitate forecasting and inventory management to avoid stockouts. Through proper logistics management, the data generated will be essential for re-ordering, while each order is carefully monitored and measured against delivery timelines to enhance delivery efficiency.

Few projects hold the potential to transform lives and uplift communities as profoundly as the automated premix fuel dispensing and monitoring system, Its implications are not confined to the technical realm; instead, they ripple through the fabric of our society, touching the lives of our hardworking fisher folk, the suppliers, and the entire fishing industry ecosystem, Dr Bawumia noted.

Vice President Bawumia lauded the significant contribution of the Ghanaian fishing industry to national development, noting that it has not only sustained the livelihoods and social well-being of Ghanaians but also contributes substantially to the food security of the nation and pledged the governments continued focus on addressing the issues hampering their progress.

As we celebrate the commissioning of the automated premix fuel dispensing and monitoring system, let us recognize the vital role of the fishing industry in our nation's pursuit of prosperity and commit to supporting its sustainable growth for the benefit of the people of Ghana. Together, let us work hand in hand to preserve this precious resource and forge a future where the Ghanaian fishing industry thrives, and contributes to the inclusive development of our country, he urged.

Dr Bawumia also emphasized the linkages between technological advancement and economic development, pointing out that in the 21st century, technology has emerged as a powerful catalyst for nation-building, propelling countries towards progress, innovation, and prosperity. As we stand at the precipice of a digital revolution, it is essential to recognize the transformational role of technology in shaping the destiny of nations.

As we celebrate the commissioning of the premix fuel automation system today, we witness yet another manifestation of the government's dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good. This transformative project, alongside numerous other digitization efforts, showcases the government's vision to build a stronger, more prosperous Ghanaone that thrives on the wings of innovation and technological advancements.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, a Kenyan lawyer and social activist has opined on religion in Africa.

The outspoken pan-Africanist noted that religion in Africa is a form of slavery that has yielded nothing good for the continent since its introduction.

Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Onua TV, Prof Lumumba alleged that religion has impoverished Africans mentally.

He explained that people rely on fasting and prayers as a way of getting out of poverty instead of working hard to better their lives.

Religion is a form of slavery. The history of religion in Africa has not been a good one. God is innocent. He has given us the ability and has instructed us in all the holy books.

God has given us the intellect to do what is necessary to improve our circumstances. Religion is not an opioid for the poor, he said.

The things that we ought to do through hard work are not going to happen when we pray and fast. Africa must stop this nonsense of praying and fasting when we want to have technology, added Prof Lumumba.
Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddy Blay has reacted to former President John Dramani Mahama's recent allegations that President Akufo-Addo is appointing judges sympathetic to the NPP to occupy the judiciary.

Mr Mahama claimed that President Akufo-Addo has been appointing over 80 judges with clear affiliations to the NPP into the judiciary to help the NPP escape accountability when it goes to opposition.

He further suggested that if he is elected in 2024, he will also appoint NDC-aligned judges to balance the difference.

In reaction, Freddy Blay emphasised that Mahama lacks the moral authority to level such accusations against the current administration.

Mr. Blay pointed out that the former president's own party has a history and track record of making more judicial appointments.

He cited examples of judges who had affiliations with the NDC, indicating that political appointments within the judiciary were not exclusive to the NPP.

Mr Blay recounted, "Listen, you mentioned that I have been around for a while. I was in parliament when somebody who was a member of parliament for the NDC, after he was no longer an MP, applied and joined the judiciary. He is still a member of the NDC."

He went on to mention specific instances, saying, "There is a Dormaa High Court judge who solidly supports the NDC. His opinions and utterances clearly align with the NDC.

Additionally, I knew a retired judge who was also an MP during my time, and he was recruited onto the bench while being an NDC member. I won't mention names."

Mr Blay argued that many Ghanaians with strong moral standing have pursued careers in the judiciary based on their integrity rather than their political affiliations.

He stressed, "I am saying that there are quite a number of individuals, Ghanaians who have indicated that they want to enter the bar. They are not criminals; they are people of integrity based on which they have been promoted to the bench."
African leaders on Wednesday demanded sweeping changes to the global financial system and urged the international community to back a surge in renewable energy as they wrapped up a landmark climate summit in Kenya.

Africa is acutely vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, but leaders at the three-day meeting in Nairobi were eager to cast the continent not as a victim but a long-ignored ally in the fight against global warming.

"Africa possesses both the potential and the ambition to be a vital component of the global solution to climate change," said the final declaration from the meeting, on behalf of the African Union.

But, it warned, unlocking green growth across the continent "on a scale that can contribute meaningfully to decarbonisation of the global economy" required a massive scaleup in funding.

It called on the international community to ease Africa's crushing debt burden and reform the global financial system to unblock investment in clean energy.

President of Kenya William Ruto hosted the three-day summmit. By Luis Tato (AFP)

Consensus is hard-won across Africa, a diverse continent of 1.4 billion people where some governments are championing a renewable-powered future while others defend their reserves of fossil fuels.

"At the summit, our shared understanding became clear: that Africa is not only the cradle of humanity, it is indeed the future," said Kenyan President William Ruto, host of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit.

Analysts say a united African voice could generate momentum for a series of key gatherings, including the G20 meeting in New Delhi this weekend, ahead of a crunch UN climate summit starting in November.

Africa attracted only two percent of global spending on renewables over the last decade, according to the leaders' statement.

But it said the continent would need a "tenfold increase in the finance capital flowing" into renewables in the next seven years, some $600 billion, to achieve the aim of boosting renewables from 56 gigawatts (GW) in 2022 to at least 300 GW by 2030.

Efforts at the summit to up investment in renewables were given a boost on Tuesday, with the United Arab Emirates pledging $4.5 billion to accelerate Africa's switch to clean energy.

Ruto said a tally of funding pledges for the continent had reached $23 billion at the summit, but he did not provide a detailed breakdown.

African potential

Competing visions of the world's energy future are likely to play out at the COP28 talks in the oil-rich UAE, where the world will take stock of the as-yet-inadequate efforts to slash planet-heating emissions.

The Horn of Africa has been hit by a devastating drought. By EDUARDO SOTERAS (AFP/File)

Ruto has said Africa is well placed to take advantage of the need to move away from carbon-spewing fossil fuels, boasting a young population, vast renewable potential and natural resources.

This includes a large proportion of global reserves of cobalt, manganese and platinum crucial for batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) says Africa hosts 60 percent of the world's best solar resources.

But there are daunting challenges for a continent where hundreds of millions lack access to electricity.

Global overhaul

African countries, facing mounting debt costs and a dearth of funds, have called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture, adding to pressure on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to unlock investment and climate finance.

The three-day summit in Nairobi wraps up on Wednesday. By Luis Tato (AFP)

The declaration called for "concrete action" on reforms that lead to "a new financing architecture that is responsive to Africa's needs", including debt restructuring and relief.

Ruto said it was time to overhaul global financial systems that "perpetually place African nations on the backfoot".

"We demand a fair playing ground for our countries to access the investment needed to unlock the potential and translate it into opportunities," he said.

Leaders also pressed the world's wealthy polluters to honour their pledges, including to provide $100 billion a year for clean energy and to help them brace for climate disasters.

In a report released this week Oxfam said the devastating drought in the Horn of Africa as well as floods in South Sudan, have caused losses of between $15 billion and $30 billion in the two years to 2022, or around two to four percent of the region's GDP.

It estimated that between 2021 and 2023 the four countries lost about $7.4 billion in livestock alone.

"Millions of already struggling people saw their animals die and lost their ability to grow, sell or eat nutritious food, plunging them into even greater poverty and hunger," the report said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader in Zimbabwe Nelson Chamisa says he won't accept the political persecution of his party members.He has denounced the torture and abduction of two of the party's task force members in Harare.The pair's lawyers have also been arrested, however the legal representatives have since been released on bail.The political environment is tense in Zimbabwe following the recent election where President Emmerson Mnangagwa bagged a second term.Chamisa has rejected the results."We are going to take this matter up with the relevant authorities the police to make sure investigation is done, we are going to raise this issue internationally, this is unacceptable after the freedom of choice, you don't expect torture. People just vote it was a sham election a disputed election and flawed election."
06.09.2023 LISTEN

The residents of Kwatire in the Sunyani West Municipality have complained of living in fear in the wake of the rising get-rich-quick mentality and behaviour, popularly known as 'sakawa' among the youth in the predominantly farming community.

They, therefore appealed to law enforcement agencies to monitor, check, and ascertain the sources of wealth of the young people in the area, whom they alleged were seriously engaging in rituals to acquire wealth and power.

The disturbing and unacceptable situation, according to Mr Stephen Takyi, the Assemblyman for Kwatire Electoral Area, was getting out of hand, saying something must be done immediately.

My brother, the flashy cars and the ostentatious lifestyle of these unemployed young people raise a lot of questions about their source of wealth.

In fact, the extreme and immoderate behaviour of these young people are getting out of control and the security agencies must act fast, Mr Takyi told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kwatire.

Besides, the assembly member added the boys are also putting up modern residential apartments and buying lands, but you can't see any decent jobs they are engaged in.

Many of the residents now lived in fear because of the weird and worse behaviours the boys demonstrated at night hours, he stated, saying most of the youth engaged in the sakawa syndrome were Senior High School graduates including foreign nationals.

In another interview, Nana Yaa Adanse Poduo II, the Paramount Queen mother of Odumase Number One in the Municipality expressed similar sentiments about the behaviour of the young people in the area who were mostly engaged in alcoholism and drug abuse.

She partly attributed it to rising youth unemployment and appealed to the government to create more jobs to help tackle the menace.

Nana Poduo II told the GNA sexual promiscuity and acts of immorality were also surging among the youth in the area and called for concerted approach to bring the situation under control.

She regretted that the future of many of the young boys and girls in the area remained bleak because of their unhealthy and unacceptable lifestyles.

GNA
06.09.2023 LISTEN

The Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has strongly criticized former President John Mahama for his recent comments regarding the appointment of National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyers to the judiciary, describing it as a threat to Ghana's democracy and justice system.

Paul Aborampah Mensah, the Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, expressed his concerns during an interview on Morning Starr with Francis Abban on September 4, 2023.

Mr Mensah argued that Mahama's statements were detrimental to Ghana's constitutional regime and the principles of equality under the law and justice for all.

"It is a dim to Ghanas democracy, it is a dim for our fight for equality of law under our constitutional regime. It is dim for justice for all.

If I hear politicians and especially people who have held the highest position on our land saying this, then probably they are trying to tell us the experiences theyve had and probably the kind of structures they had when they were in office," Mr Mensah stated.

He pointed out that CDD had condemned incidents that threatened the integrity of the justice system in the past, when the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) "invisible forces" invaded a court in Kumasi.

Mr Mensah emphasized the need for politicians to refrain from making statements that could undermine the credibility and independence of the judiciary.

Former President John Mahama recently alleged that President Akufo-Addo's administration has appointed 80 to 100 NPP judges to the Ghanaian courts to avoid accountability after leaving office.

Speaking at the closing session of the 3rd Lawyers Conference organized by the NDC Lawyers Association in Akosombo, Mr. Mahama claimed that some of the lawyers appointed to the bench were known NPP figures.

He stated, "Our lawyers, some of you must be prepared to go onto the bench. I know that some of you have very lucrative legal practices you will not want to leave and go onto the bench.

But you can see what the current President has done, he appointed the largest number of judges onto the bench. More than 80 towards a hundred and counting.

Hes packed the court, and we know that theyve packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office."

Mr Mahama's comments sparked a debate about the politicization of the judiciary and the appointment of judges based on their political affiliations.
Aggrieved customers of Menzgold are appealing to President Nana Akufo-Addo to intervene in retrieving their locked-up cash while the criminal court proceedings against Nana Appiah Mensah, CEO of the defunct company, continue.

The aggrieved customers made the call following the new charge sheet filed against Nana Appiah Mensah by the state.

Popularly known as NAM1, Nana Appiah Mensah, who is accused of swindling thousands of Ghanaians who patronized his gold dealership business, has been slapped with 39 counts of defrauding by false pretense, engaging in gold trading without a license, and money laundering.

Speaking to Citi News, Convener of the Menzgold Customers, Fred Forson, assured that measures are being taken to resolve the matter.

His Excellency, the President, on compassionate grounds, should also give action to the petition that we submitted to him. That he should order a bailout for affected customers while the criminal proceedings run in court, he said.

We want to say that customers should be rest assured that leadership is doing everything possible to ensure that we retrieve the very principle that we invested in Menzgold. We want them to keep heart, he stated.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has assured customers of the defunct gold trading company, Menzgold Ghana Limited, of justice.

Dame described the defunct dealership firm as a Ponzi scheme that has left many of its victims homeless, with broken marriages, and some have lost their lives.

He made this known while delivering the keynote address at the 40th International Symposium on International Crime.

It called itself Menzbank and metamorphosed into a number of names before eventually taking up the name Menzgold. It dealt with the purchase of gold collectables from the public and issued contracts with guaranteed returns to the public without a license from the relevant authorities. I am happy to state that after painstaking investigations, criminal prosecutions have commenced into the perpetrators, he stated.

-citinewsroom
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has not paid its workers for the past four months due to financial constraints, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, Mr Patrick Kwame Frimpong has said.

Not only the workers of the Assembly are paid from the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) whom the Assembly owes arrears, Mr Frimpong noted, the sitting allowances of the Assembly Members have been in arrears for the same period.

The financial constraints, Mr Fimpong told ClassFM's Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Elisha Adarkwah, is a result of the government's delay in releasing the Assembly part of the property rate it collects.

The government through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken over the collection of the property rate from the various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The government collects the property rate and gives 70 percent of the revenue to the MMDAs.

However, Mr Frimpong said, that for the past seven months, the KMA has not received its part of the revenue from the government to run the internal affairs of the Assembly.

The situation, he indicated has taken a toll on the Assemblys, finances as it is unable to pay its workers including Cleaners and City Guards as well as the allowances of the Assembly Members.

Mr Frimpong, therefore, appealed to government to release the revenue to KMA, and also allow the MMDAs to collect the property rates since they are suffering.

Source: classfmonline.com
Mr Irchad Razaaly, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, has commended the country for its dedication and significant progress made in combating illegal logging and promoting sustainable forest management.

He said the significant progress made by Ghana so far in emphasising the importance of the legality assurance system and ensuring the traceability as well as legality of timber products were commendable.

Mr Razaaly was speaking to journalists after leading a delegation of EU officials and Forestry Commission (FC) to visit the Bobiri Forest Reserve at Kubease in the Juaben Municipality, to obtain first-hand insights to Ghana's legality assurance system and forest law enforcement and trade licenses.

The visit also provided the platform for the EU to engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from the forestry sector, and local communities to ensure that timber products originated from legal and sustainable sources.

As an important aspect of Ghana's sustainable development agenda, the forest sector plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth, combating climate change, and preserving biodiversity.

Mr Razaaly said the EU remained a strong supporter of Ghana's efforts to combat illegal logging, enhance forest governance, and promote responsible trade in timber products.

Ghana's ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management aligns with the EU's Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan.

Mr John Allotey, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, said Ghana continued to showcase dedication to preserving natural resources, while contributing to global efforts for a more sustainable future.

The team also visited the Logs and Lumber Limited (LLL), an industry player in timber trade in the Ashanti Region.

Here, the delegation gained insights into the company's processes, procedures, and efforts to promote transparency, traceability, and sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.

The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was launched in 2003 to set out a series of supply and demand side measures aimed at reducing the trade in illegal timber.

Among these measures is the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), which is a bi-lateral trade agreement between the EU and a timber exporting country that seeks to put in place systems to verify the legality of timber exports to the EU markets.

Once the system is fully operational, timber products demonstrating full legal compliance will be issued with FLEGT licenses.

Ghana was the first country to sign a VPA in November 2009 and yet to be issued with a FLEGT license.

The agreement extended the list of timber products to be covered by the FLEGT license to include all timber products exported by Ghana and made a strong case that the same legality standards should be applied to timber products destined for all export and domestic markets and not just the EU.

Ghana's VPA also sets out a broad forest governance reform agenda that includes work to strengthen community rights of access and ownership over forest resources.

GNA
In the wake of Hon Alan Kyerematen's resignation from the NPP Presidential Primaries, Professor Yaw Ransford Gyampo, a respected senior political science lecturer at the University of Ghana has issued a stern warning to the ruling party.

The warning is rooted in concerns about fairness and the potential for divisive tactics, highlighting the growing tensions within the party as it prepares to select its candidate for the 2024 general elections.

Professor Gyampo's warning is a call to action for the NPP leadership and members alike. He cautioned that if things are not done fairly within the party, there is a genuine risk of a fracture within its ranks. The professor's concerns highlight the need for transparency, equity, and unity in the selection process which serves as a timely reminder that the NPP must not lose sight of its core principles and values, the very principles that underpinned its past successes.

Moreover, Professor Gyampo pointed out the importance of public comments made by individuals expected to act as neutral arbiters in the process. These remarks, he noted if perceived as biased or partisan, could erode the trust that party members place in the leadership's commitment to a fair and impartial contest.

In this crucial phase, he added that maintaining the party's unity and cohesion should be a top priority.

"I warned that if things arent done fairly, there could be breakup. I also warned about the public comments of those expected to be seen as neutral arbiters. There will be more pull-outs. This isnt the NPP BJ da Rocha and others led", Professor Yaw Ransford Gyampo posted on his Facebook page.

Alan Kyerematen's withdrawal from the race has sent shockwaves through the party, leaving it at a critical juncture. The former Trade and Industry Minister, who finished third behind Asin North MP Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the initial race, was seen as a formidable contender. His decision to step aside has left many speculating about the future direction of the NPP leadership.
Ghanaian pollster and journalist, Ben Ephson has reacted to claims that the Akufo-Addos government machinery is in support of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer bid against other aspirants.

Many say the support has been doing magic for Dr. Bawumia as evidenced by the landslide victory he garnered in the Super Delegates conference held on August 26.

But the pollster said such claims are false while explaining that Alan Kyerematen also enjoyed same kind of support from the past President John Agyekum Kufuor's government when he first contested President Akufo-Addo in the 2007 race.

Now he makes a point about the hierarchy of government supporting a candidate, 17 years ago, President Kufours government and hierarchy supported him and he lost, so a system supporting you does not guarantee victory, Ephson said on Accra-based Asaase Radio.

He further explained that Mr Kyerematens withdrawal will not affect the partys electoral fortunes in the coming elections as many think.

I think that many of those who will vote for Alan Kyerematen in the primaries love NPP than Alan Kyerematen as a person, the pollster posited.

Mr. Alan Kyerematen in his withdrawal letter on Tuesday, September 5, cited some alleged intimidation and favouritism in the partys recently concluded Super Delegates Conference.

According to him, the entire party makeup seems to be in favor of a particular aspirant judging by the results of the August 26 poll.
Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, the Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) and a prominent security expert, has emphasized that the nation faces threats of tribal wars and ungoverned spaces than military coups.

Dr. Antwi-Danso made these remarks during an interview with Etsey Atisu on 'The Lowdown', a GhanaWeb TV program, where he shared his insights on the current state of Ghana's security in light of recent coup attempts in the West African region.

While acknowledging that Ghana currently enjoys relative stability due to functional institutions and democratic processes, Dr. Antwi-Danso urged vigilance against potential internal security challenges.

"We are only safe because there is a semblance of the ballot to the next ballot. There is also a semblance of participation because of the way we do things; theres a semblance of institutional presence  institutions of state are working in Ghana.

These are some of the things that are saving Ghana and making Ghana safe from coups," Dr. Antwi-Danso explained.

However, he emphasized the need to monitor and address issues such as tribal feuds and wars in neighboring regions.

Dr. Antwi-Danso singled out Bawku, a town in northeastern Ghana, as an area of particular concern.

He said, But there are several other things we need to watch out for: Incessant feuds like tribal feuds and wars around us; we should be very careful about that.

And again, ungoverned spaces  spaces where government is not felt. Dollar Power is one such place. Bawku and other areas where there are feuds, I fear that as insecurity in the state, rather than coups.

Drawing parallels with Mali's situation, he explained, "Because, the Bawku situation for example, can invite terrorists. In fact, Mali started off this way, with internecine feuds among the tribes.

And they invited Al Qaeda, then later on, other groups also invited ISIS, and they have formed what is called ISWAP (ISIS in West African Province).

So, if we dont take care, one of the Bawku factions can invite any of the jihadists to come and help them. Im more afraid about this than a coup in Ghana."
06.09.2023 LISTEN

The Ghana Soya Bean Farmers and Aggregators Association has urged the government to tackle the lingering challenges the first phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative suffered to ensure the success of the newly launched second phase.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially unveiled Phase Two of the government's flagship agricultural program, "Planting for Food and Jobs," on Monday, August 28, 2023.

This phase, spanning five years, aims to revolutionize Ghana's agriculture sector, focusing on modernization and the development of selected commodity value chains, with active participation of the private sector.

Abdul Hakeem Issah, the Director of Administration of the Ghana Soya Bean Farmers and Aggregators Association, emphasized the importance of addressing the persistent issues that marred the success of the first phase.

"The first challenge has not been addressed, and we are bringing on another one," he remarked.

"During the earlier phase, fertilizers were illicitly smuggled, and agricultural inputs were distributed to party members instead of genuine farmers. Consequently, party members used these resources for personal business ventures, depriving farmers of the intended benefits," he added.

Hakeem Issah further highlighted that if these issues are not rectified, they may hinder the progress of the second phase, jeopardizing its potential success.

He said, So the point is that if these things are not checked, and the next thing comes on board, it will fail.
The French army says it is holding talks with Niger's military over withdrawing "elements" of its presence there following a coup d'etat in July.

In recent weeks, there has been speculation that France will be forced into a full military pullout from Niger after the 26 July putsch, which ousted French ally and democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Some 1,500 troops are presently deployed in Niger as part of France's wider fight against jihadists in the Sahel, with the country becoming a crucial hub for French operations after coups forced the withdrawal of troops from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.

According to a defence ministry source speaking to the French news agency AFP, "Discussions on the withdrawal of certain military elements have begun."

However, no further details have been given.

On Tuesday, another AFP contact close to Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that talks were in progress about "easing movements of French military resources" in Niger, adding that French forces had been immobilised since anti-terrorist cooperation was suspended following the military takeover.

Relations between Niger and former colonial power France, went swiftly downhill after Paris stood by the elected Bazoum and declared the post-coup regime illegitimate.

By 3 August, the coup leaders renounced several military cooperation agreements with France, including one with a month-long notice period that expired on Sunday.

French forces are mostly based at an airfield near the capital Niamey, which in recent days has been targeted by thousands of protesters calling on them to leave.

Decline of French influence

The coup has been seen as a new major blow to French influence in the region following military takeovers in Mali in 2020 and Burkina Faso in 2022.

Late last month, a coup also overthrew Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba, whose father Omar held power for more than four decades.

However, France has reacted with more restraint over the end of the 55-year pro-French dynasty in Gabon than it did over the fall of its ally Bazoum in Niger.
Opinion / Columnist

AS debate raged over the weekend on whether the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) should have gone to court in the matter of the sham election, l was and still remain unconvinced on what would have been achieved by going to the captured courts to seek redress. To assume that Chief Justice Luke Malaba's bench would have prudently and judiciously dealt with the biggest electoral heist of our time is akin to expecting a mosquito to cure malaria.It is a public secret that houseflies do not make honey. Similarly, Zimbabwe's courts do not administer justice but they do deliver political verdicts that are convenient to Zanu-PF, especially on grievous political matters such as presidential election petitions.Put simply, political problems require political solutions. Sometimes we overestimate the utility of the law. More often than not, and this is not personal, most lawyers generally speaking have this penchant of viewing challenges and solutions only through the narrow prism of the law, which law the majority of them mistakenly believe is a cure to all problems and is a profession superior to all others.It is this needless fixation with and idolisation of the law that has led Justice Priscilla Chigumba's Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to tell us it will not publish V11 forms because there is no law that compels it to do so, even if doing so would greatly enhance transparency, accountability and credibility of electoral processes, traits that are now almost non-existent in the court of public opinion.Yet there are many things we do in life, not because there is a law which compels us to do so, but because it is either morally correct or it is simply good practice. For example, we often tell our children to greet their elders. Imagine if one day your son told you they would not greet their grandmother because there is no law that compels them to do so, as Zec has suggested.Or you are a visitor and your hosts suspect that you have stolen something from them, the onus is always on you as the suspect to open and empty all your pockets and your bags to show that you have not pilfered their belongings. You don't even ask them for a search warrant or tell them that they are not the police but you do so not because any law compels you to act that way but because you simply want to prove your innocence.So it is not always about the dictates of the law, as Zec seems to suggest. For the law is sometimes trite and inadequate to address the vexing political challenges of the moment. Even the Bible exhorts us to be circumspect about the law. If we are saying God is in it, then we must be aware that even the Holy Book itself went to great lengths in counselling us about the central poverty of the law, which in this case was the only faster way of conferring legitimacy to Mnangagwa's stolen victory, a move which would have inadvertently dimmed the prospect of regional intervention.Indeed, if we say God is in it, then it made sense to avoid the courts in this instance. For man is not justified by the works of the law, but by his faith in Christ and the chastity of their cause. For by the works of the law no flesh is ever justified (Galatians 2: 16).Our righteousness will only come through a robust diplomatic and political response mainly from the region complemented by ourselves. It does not and did not make any sense to play into Zanu-PF's hands by being used to front the resolution of their legitimacy crisis by petitioning the country's captured courts. Inadvertently, the regime would have run with the script that the apex sovereign court of the land had found the Citizens Coalition for Change case as being without merit, in the process shutting out and disempowering some in the region who may have wished to resolve Zimbabwe's electoral conundrum politically and diplomatically.Indeed, we all knew that it was all going to be political gamesmanship playing out in the courts under the guise of justice. But all it would have done was to disempower the region whose observer mission report has unprecedentedly dismissed the poll as a sham. Remember only about four out of 16 Southern African Development Community (Sadc) leaders or 25% have congratulated Mnangagwa so far, which all points to a strong position and consensus within Sadc that this election was a sham.Going to court was always going to be a charade; a ritual with a predictable outcome. But this is certainly not the time for charades and cheap games.Forget his congratulatory message, it remains significant that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa snubbed the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show which he was supposed to officially open. Whatever Ramaphosa chooses to do now, it is obvious that in his heart of hearts, he knows the truth that what happened in Zimbabwe on August 23 was a circus masquerading as an election.We ran the very serious risk as Zimbabweans of losing all that regional momentum that we currently hold by seeking recourse through a captured Judiciary whose judgment was always predictable.Some are saying it would have helped to go to the courts not necessarily to seek a favourable court verdict, but for purposes of exposing the regime's shenanigans. But predictably, and because he knew the citizens were coming to the courts not to seek justice, but to expose the regime, I am reliably informed that my namesake the Chief Justice had already taken a position that this time they would not allow a live broadcast of the deliberations. He would not dare embarrass the regime internationally. What this means is that if the whole idea was to expose the regime's shenanigans to the world, the captured Judiciary had already decided to proscribe the dividend of a live broadcast as well.The point is once a purported sovereign apex court has ruled on an electoral matter, however subjectively, it was always going to be very difficult for Sadc to interfere without fearing to be seen as jeopardising and interfering in the affairs of a sovereign country, even if Sadc itself justifiably feels it is a regional body to which Zimbabwe has reposed some of its sovereignty by dint of its signature to the regional guidelines on the conduct of free and fair elections, first adopted at Grand Baie in Mauritius in August 2004.So our salvation and righteousness in this case was never going to come from the Judiciary. The Bible itself showcases the central poverty of the law when it states that if righteousness came through the law, then Christ died in vain (Galatians 2:21).My point is that there was no reason to seek recourse in the courts, especially in this matter. We should not legitimise these shenanigans through a captured Judiciary which was certainly going to launder this gargantuan electoral heist.Let them govern with this millstone of illegitimacy hanging around their scarfed necks!If we truly believe that God is in it, then we must equally truly believe, in accordance with the scriptures in Paul's letter to the Galatians, that our cause and our case will not be justified by the works of the law, but by our faith and the dogged belief in the sanctity and chastity of our cause. For by the works of the law no flesh is ever justified.In conclusion, it made sense that we refrained from visiting the courtroom in preference of the better choice to let their stink of legitimacy waft around the region and the whole world.For it is only a comprehensive diplomatic and political solution that must culminate in a fresh and truly free, fair and credible election that will deliver and return this country to the sane streets of legitimacy!Sometimes it is important to correctly read the situation to see who has the momentum. It is Zanu-PF that is desperate hence the heavy bribes it threw around the region, hopefully in vain, to get the endorsement of Mnangagwa's brazenly stolen tenure.The citizens have the momentum, while kuZanu-PF njuga dzakarema (predicament weighs down Zanu-PF).Luke Tamborinyoka is a citizen from Domboshava; a journalist and ardent political scientist by profession. He is also a change champion in the Citizens Coalition for Change. You can interact with him via his Facebook page or on the X handle @ luke_tambo.
President Akufo-Addo has come under criticism from Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, a political science lecturer at Cape Coast University, for betraying the aspirations of former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen.

Dr. Okyere contends that despite earlier indications that President Akufo-Addo would pass the leadership baton to Kyerematen, he has disregarded those ambitions.

This perceived disregard has led to a challenging situation for Kyerematen, who was initially part of the establishment but later resigned from it.

This political science lecturer sees Kyerematen's withdrawal from the presidential race as a significant development, potentially posing challenges for the NPP in the future. He argues that one of Kyerematen's strengths was the perception that the President had betrayed him, particularly after indicating that he would hand over leadership to him for the 2024 general elections.

Dr. Okyere expressed his criticism of President Akufo-Addo during an interview on Class91.3FM's 505 news programme on Tuesday, 5 September 2023.

He highlighted the historical presence of an establishment candidate supported by the President in the NPP race.

President Akufo-Addo, in the past, publicly stated that he has no preference in the upcoming NPP delegates conference to elect a new presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.

He emphasised his commitment to ensuring victory for the NPP and the selected flagbearer, with a focus on uniting the party to confront the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming elections.

President Akufo-Addo's stance is one of neutrality, as he seeks to create conditions for a fair and unified internal election process within the party. His primary concern is identifying a candidate who can unite the NPP and position it competitively against its traditional opponent, the National Democratic Congress, in the 2024 elections.

The only time that preference will be shown is when I go to vote, but until then I have no preference. My attitude, is a simple one; just create the condition for a fair process, one that will enable us after the completion [of the internal elections] to unite the party, said President Akufo-Addo.

 Somebody who will come and have the capacity to unite our party and put it in a position to confront the traditional opponent, the National Democratic Congress, and beat the National Democratic Congress, he added.

Source: Classfmonline.com
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Violent extremism has a huge devastating toll on Africa, causing more than US$1 billion dollars in economic losses on the continent, the International Association for Global Peace (IAGP) has said.

The IAGP, an organisation working to promote global peace, violent extremism, continued to remain a critical development challenge in Africa, and therefore called for accelerated action to tackle the menace proactively.

That required the implementation of a comprehensive programme focusing on control, prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, by targeting the root causes of extremism and radicalism on the continent, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the President of the IAGP told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Sunyani.

He said, Violent extremism threatens the security and fundamental rights of citizens all over the world and undermines the attempts by nations to achieve sustainable peace, and it posed a significant threat to global peace, stability, and social cohesion.

Mr Ahenu identified ideological indoctrination, socio-economic marginalisation, political grievances, online radicalisation and bad governance as remote factors fueling violent extremism in Africa.

This growing menace has resulted in devastating consequences, including loss of innocent lives, destruction of communities, and the erosion of trust among diverse populations.

"In fact, urgent action is required to address the root causes of violent extremism and develop effective strategies to counter its spread, he stated.

Mr Ahenu, who is also the Founder of the Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a media advocacy and human rights non-governmental organisation said, violent extremism is a fundamental social problem with many violent extremists recruiting disenfranchised youth and inciting them to commit acts of violence.

He therefore called on everybody to help identify and disintegrate extremist groups, calling on African leaders to do more to create jobs for wealth-creation, to alleviate poverty on the continent.

He said while the youth sought opportunities to invest their potential, they were often affected by poverty, marginalisation, unemployment, and under-employment, and often found themselves lacking the necessary literacy, capabilities, and skills to overcome these issues.

This, and the several other emerging challenges, Mr Ahenu said made young people in Africa a vulnerable target of recruitment by violent extremist groups, that exploited their frustrations and vulnerability.

He said the IAGP was seeking partnerships and funding support from international donors, governmental agencies, and private sector organisations for the implementation of a programme to help tackle violent extremism and related issues threatening national security and stability.

The overall goal of the Strengthening Country Resilience Against Violent Extremism (SCRAVE) programme was to create a holistic approach to address violent extremism, integrating prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies.

We are going to do and achieve these by fostering community resilience, promoting inclusive dialogue, and providing support to at-risk individuals, and work towards a safer and more peaceful society, he stated.

The programme would further strengthen the capacity of local institutions, community organisations and civil society actors to sustain and lead the efforts against violent extremism in countries and establish partnerships between governmental bodies, civil society organisations, religious groups, and communities, leading to cohesive and synchronised efforts against violent extremism.

Mr Ahenu, therefore, called on the international community, development partners and donor organisations to support the programme's implementation to help tackle the critical issue of violent extremism in Africa.

-GNA
Mr Adib Saani, Executive Director, Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building has stated that the participation of police officers in partisan politics should be criminalised.

He stated that the involvement of law enforcement officers in politics should be addressed more vigorously.

It should be moved from an ethical issue to a criminal matter. When someone is found to be overly political in their actions, they should be interdicted and investigated, he said.

Mr Saani told the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday that involvement in party politics dragged the Ghana Police Service (GPS) into disrepute, undermining professionalism and public trust in the Police.

His remarks follow disclosures from an ongoing investigation into an audio tape involving a scheme to depose Dr George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, a leaked audio recording of a Police Commissioner and a politician discussing a scheme to depose Dr Dampare went viral.

Mr Daniel Bugri Naabu, a former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), cited three Police Officers, COP George Alex Mensah, Superintendent George L. Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi, as the trio he engaged in the conversation at his office in Osu on Monday when he appeared before the Committee as the first witness.

As a result, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, formed a seven-member bipartisan Committee to investigate the alleged plan to remove the IGP from office before the 2024 general election.

The Committee, which has up to September 10, 2023, to report back to the House is made up of three members each from the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament, and a technical person.

The committee is chaired by Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, NPP Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South with Mr James Agalga, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Builsa North as the Vice-Chairman.

Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah, NPP MP for Okaikwei Central; Madam Ophelia Mensah, NPP MP for Mfantseman; Mr Eric Opoku, NDC MP for Asunafo South; Mr Peter Lanchene Tuobu, NDC MP for Wa West; and Dr Isaac Lartey Annang, a lawyer and human rights campaigner, are members of the committee.

Mr Saani, who is also a Security Analyst, said the probe had revealed anomalies and issues within the Service that must be addressed.

Since the sitting began, it has become clear that there are some deep-seated fundamental issues within the Police Service that must be addressed. There are defects and concerns about the IGPs management style, which poses a threat to the States security architecture.

If the Police are not able to put its house in order, how will it be able to effectively carry out its mandate as enshrined in the law? he asked

He stated that there was nothing wrong with lobbying within the Police, but that such lobbying should not compromise the Polices capacity to carry out their mandate independently.

Mr. Saani called for reforms in all areas of the Service and resolving disparities in police laws, such as promotions, among other things.

He expressed trust in the Committees work and urged them to press the IGP to react to allegations levelled against him.

The Security Analyst advocated for the establishment of an independent police complaints commission to investigate police misconduct and resolve public concerns.

He proposed that the Commission include fewer police officers and more people from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Attorney-Generals Department, Civil Society Organisations, attorneys, and other professions.

GNA
06.09.2023 LISTEN

A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak has opined that there should be no tears for Alan Kyerematen following his withdrawal from the flagbearer race of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Alan Kyerematen on Tuesday, September 5, announced that he is pulling out of the upcoming presidential primaries of the NPP as he cited intimidation and violence in the recently held Super Delegates Congress as part of his reasons.

In a statement, Ras Mubarak argued that the former Trade and Industry Minister has benefited from violence in an election before and should not come back to complain after suffering the same from his own party.

Alan was a beneficiary of a fraudulent election perpetrated against the people of Ghana. He got the unique opportunity to be renominated to serve as a Minister in a government that used thugs in the security services to spill the blood of innocent Ghanaians to win power in the 2020 election.

Any principled person would have resigned from the government of Akufo Addo over the violence; over the assault on the judiciary; over the violence in Ayawaso and 2020 elections, and over the broken economic promises. But he stayed on till very recently. The damage is collective and he cant absolve himself from it, Ras Mubarak argued in his statement.

According to the former Kumbungu MP, Mr Alan set ablaze his Presidential ambition the day he accepted to be a member of the Akufo-Addo's government for the second term.

He is of the view as decent and as affable as Alan is, his days and chances of leading the NPP are over.

Below is the statement from Ras Mubarak:

For Immediate Release

06/09/2023

No Tears For Alan, Others

As readers may be aware by now, Presidential hopeful Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng has withdrawn from the internal party primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), citing untenable acts of violences and intimidation against his supporters.

He is not the only one whos complained about the flawed internal electoral process in their partys recent super-delegates conference. Others whove questioned the credibility of the process include Boakye Agyarko, Kwabena Agyapong, and maverick Kennedy Agyapong.

Alan Kyeremantengs withdrawal is not as surprising as paragraph six of his statement which reads in part  how did we get here as a party in the first place, and how far we are prepared to thread on this dangerous path to self-destruction?

Did Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanteng just realize that the NPP has gone rogue? The NPP is run like the mafia. And they wont hesitate to use coercion, threats, vote buying and violence as we saw in the 2020 general elections.

Where was Alan and the others whove complained, when violence was unleashed in a by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon on 31st January 2019? If they did not see it or read about it in the press did they not, as senior government members, hear about it?

How did Mr. Kyeremanteng and the others think the NPP won the 2020 Presidential election? Did they not read about, or hear of the brutalities and casualties from the 2020 election?

Alan was a beneficiary of a fraudulent election perpetrated against the people of Ghana. He got the unique opportunity to be renominated to serve as a Minister in a government that used thugs in the security services to spill the blood of innocent Ghanaians to win power in the 2020 election.

Any principled person would have resigned from the government of Akufo Addo over the violence; over the assault on the judiciary; over the violence in Ayawaso and 2020 elections, and over the broken economic promises. But he stayed on till very recently. The damage is collective and he cant absolve himself from it.

Did he not know that the government he served is one built on thuggery? Did he and the others whove questioned the process not hear about how a senior police office was beaten up by a private army (invisible forces) of the President? Today these thugs have found their way into the regular security services, with mortifying consequences for the image of the security services.

Alan set ablaze his Presidential ambition the day he accepted to be a member of the government for the second term. Theres no way he can explain away the fact that he wasnt part of those who crashed the economy.

As decent as he is; as affable as he is; his days and chances of leading the NPP are over. It would be better for him and his supporters if they come to terms with that.

In light of his withdrawal from the NPP race, the best option for him is to form his party if he wants to remain relevant politically. Theres no way the hawks and thugs whove taken over the NPP will give up on their stranglehold over the party.

They have become more audacious, vicious, and built a war chest enough to break anyone who stands in the way within the NPP. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia camp is NPP and NPP is the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia camp as we would see on 4th NOVEMBER when the party holds its presidential primary. Ministers and appointees have been whipped in line. They are incapable of being independent minded about their primary. Publicly going against the preferred successor to the President is grounds for removal from office.

With Alan out of the way, his supporters are more likely to vote Kennedy Agyapong. As to whether that would be enough to pip Bawumia is yet to be seen.

Ras Mubarak

Accra
The presidential election tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and his party challenging irregularities in the election which resulted in the victory of Bola Tinubu in Nigeria's February 25 polls.

In the ruling read by Justice Abba Mohammed, the court stated that Obi's petition made only generic allegations of irregularities without specifying affected polling units.

"The petitioners allege irregularities and will use spreadsheets, inspection reports, and forensic analysis as evidence in the trial. The documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition and served on the respondents," Justice Mohammed said.

The judge ruled that Obi's petition did not provide adequate details of alleged corrupt practices, vote suppression, fictitious results, and other irregularities.

The tribunal also rejected testimonies and exhibits from 10 out of 13 witnesses presented by Obi's legal team.

According to Justice Haruna Tsammani, head of the five-member bench, the witnesses' statements were inadmissible as they were not filed within the mandatory 21-day window after the initial petition.
The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed key aspects of the petition filed by Labour Party candidate Peter Obi challenging the outcome of February's presidential election.

Obi had alleged widespread irregularities and submitted a petition citing incidences of rigging, overvoting and submission of fake results.

However, in its ruling today, September 6, the tribunal said the petition lacked important specifics.

Justice Abba Mohammed, who read the ruling, said "The petitioners allege irregularities and will use spreadsheets, inspection reports, and forensic analysis as evidence in the trial. But the documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition and served on the respondents."

Justice Mohammed added that "The petition claimed that false election results were submitted without specifying which polling units were impacted. The petition alleged overvoting and rigging but did not specify the polling units."

By not providing polling unit-level details of alleged improprieties, the court said Obi's petition only made "generic allegations" that were insufficient to prove substantive irregularities.

In a further blow, the tribunal also rejected the testimonies and exhibits of 10 out of 13 witnesses presented by Obi's legal team.

Justice Haruna Tsammani said their statements were inadmissible as they were not filed within the mandatory 21-day window after the initial petition.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Hypocrisy is the scaffolding of Ghanaian society. Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party [NPP] is using CDD as a smokescreen for clandestine political gains. Anybody who thinks Akufo-Addo has not packed the bench with his party men needs psychiatric evaluation. We all witnessed the 2020 election petition. The body language of Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah and his panel demonstrated extreme partisanship in favor of Akufo-Addo led NPP. As the erstwhile Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater observed, Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." Where was CDD when the intransigent Akufo-Addo appointed known NPP men into court and the electoral commission?

Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah posture towards Michael Kpessa-Whyte (PhD) was very unprofessional and very prejudicial. Being a Supreme court judge does not mean one has the liberty to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights. In the US Supreme Court case Liteky, German American citizens were on trial in an espionage case. During the proceedings the judge presiding over the case commented that German-Americans have hearts reeking with disloyalty. This comment was found to be biased and reflective of a trial judge displaying partiality. During the 2020 election petition, Justice Anin Yeboah was very hostile and arrogant towards Kpessa-Whyte when he unprofessionally intimated that the NDC witness cannot lecture them. Judiciary in Ghana is not above reproach. The senseless backlash to John Mahama must stop. The actions of Akufo-Addo are pernicious to democracy, judicial independence and the rule of law.

Where was CDD when Akufo-Addo appointed Justice Yao Gaewu once captured in 2016 posters as a contestant for the Ho Central constituency under the ticket of NPP as a Supreme Court Judge? Without recourse to independence of judiciary Akufo-Addo appointed Lawyer Solomon Oppong Twumasi- erstwhile the NPP constituency Chairman for Dormaa East, and two times failed parliamentary candidate of NPP as high court judge. Akofu-Addo went beyond Ghana's Judiciary and packed electoral commission with NPP stalwarts and aficionados. Akufo-Addo's actions are a rebuke to democracy. Leave my candidate John Dramani Mahama (JDM) alone! JDM spoke nothing short of truth. "No legacy is so rich as honesty." Williams Shakespeare. Shame on you CDD! CDD's partisan posture is beyond horrific!

By Nana Yaw Osei, PhD, Minnesota, USA. The incoming press secretary to next president JDM.

[email protected]
Lorenzo Somigli Columnist specialized in the EU and Euro-MED energy and geopolitics

06.09.2023 LISTEN

In the fluid global order, initiatives to articulate cooperation to its best mutual outcome, as for exchange of resources and synergies are relevant more than ever. The mighty Asian triangular format of RIC (Russia  India  China) is relatively well known although underreported in scholarly and popular writings. However, the triangulation between Russia, Iran and India  absolutely underreported  is a fact and a pressing necessity, especially for Russia and Iran, the most sanctioned countries in the world. The strengthening of the International North-South Transport Corridor could implement that triangulation. The multimodal North-South corridor is 7,200 km long and makes it possible to reduce costs and times for transportation of goods, if contrasted and compared to the Suez Canal passage. According to estimates, the North-South could double the volume of goods from the current 17 to 32 million tons. Furthermore, over the past year, the reveal of the corridor has grown. So, this project brings numerous geopolitical and geo-economic opportunities and challenges, making Asia autonomous and (self-)integrated for the first time.

The advantages of the corridor:

Reduction of dependence on Suez; Time and cost reduction; Alternative route for Indian goods to Central Asia (primarily Kazakhstan) by bypassing Pakistan; Alternative route for Indian goods to Europe bypassing Red Sea, Africa, Bosporus and traditional key ports of Europe (such as Port Said, Rotherham, Tangier, Hamburg, Genoa, Trieste, Thessaloniki, and the like); Pivoting Iran as a median crossroad, and hence further stabilizing it; Breaking the isolation and circumvention of sanctions for Russia, while bridging it with the Arctic bridge; Complete integration of the littoral states region around the Caspian Sea as a new global hub.

Bandung (1956), Belgrade (1961), Johannesburg (2023): Materialization of the Grand Visions

Rather recently on these very pages, the IFIMES researcher Dr. Maria Smotrytska  while marking the 60th anniversary of the inaugural, Belgrade conference of the Non-aligned Movement (NaM) (Aug-Sep 1961), recalled the famous argument of prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic No Asian century without pan-Asian multilateral settings which was prolifically published as policy paper and thoroughly debated among practitioners and academia in over 40 countries on all continents for the past 15 years. Then and there, Smotrytska was revisiting and rethinking the professors very argument, its validity and gravity in retrospect.

Hence, she noted Today Eurasia is the axial continent of mankind, which is home to about 75% of the world's population (see Map 1), produces 60% of world GDP (see Map 2) and stores three quarters of the world's energy resources (see Map 3) [Shepard, 2016]. In these open spaces, two giant poles of modern geoeconomics are being formed: European and East Asian, which are tearing the canvas of the familiar geographical concept of Eurasia and at the same time providing opportunities for new synthesis through the construction and connection of transcontinental transport arteries.

Past the historical Johannesburg gathering of BRICS, with the unprecedented (post) Maastricht-like deepening (institutions building) and widening (massive enlargement with 6 robust either demographics or/and economies  hence larger than any of the EU /or for that matter NATO/ enlargements ever)  this grouping is the best living example of the grand idea of Tito, Nehru and Nassers postulated active and peaceful coexistence that came to life in Yugoslavia in 1961  as professor Anis H. Bajrektarevic commented the 15th BRICS Summit.

How the active and peaceful coexistence is materializing itself without confronting but rather by complimenting the existing world order?

The Global Disorder and the Euro-Asian Synchronization

Rise, decline, marginalization, or collapse are inevitable stages in the life cycle of empires as gravity centers. Political power always tries to amortize, even reverse the decline (if in a good time admitting it self), but power transfer is an unstoppable historical constant. The Powers disappearance leads to the emergence of a challenger capable of (re-)organizing space. In the VI Canto of Paradise, the poet Dante  talking through Emperor Justinian  uses the metaphor of the eagle flying against the course of heaven to depict the transfer of power from Rome to Constantinople, to the new Rome.

Nowadays, irreversible power relocation has begun, even if there is not a precise gravitational center. Indeed, the global order is archipelagic and fluid, as even the western media recently admitted. Since the Russian special operation in Ukraine, a magmatic phase started, incentivizing new triangulations and alliances, sometimes alternatives to the West primacy. Of course, the United States remains the global technological and military pivot, and NATO remains the first military alliance, but it is undeniable that the balance is evolving.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) involving Russia, India, and Iran (in total, 13 members) fits into this multipolar-evolving context. If integrally implemented according to plans, it would make it possible to reduce the supremacy of Suez, through which about 12% of global trade transits. This project will encourage a Euro-Asian synchronization and provide an alternative to the traditional Suez route exclusivity, reducing approximately 40% distance and costs by 30%, as claimed by Silk Road Briefings.

Infrastructures have a substantial role in the growth and decline of power. The case of the Suez Canal is emblematic: it interrupted the complex circumnavigations and restored the centrality of the Mediterranean. For this reason, powers aspiring for a hegemonic role invest in infrastructural networks: China with the Belt and Road Initiative  Research Fellow at IFIMES/DeSSA Dr Maria Smotrytska described the shifting-balance project in her detailed analysis  while Russia and Iran with the Corridor. As a result, the project is fraught with enormous geopolitical implications.

However, these are not the only initiatives. Having overcome the internal turmoil, Algeria (as a forthcoming BRICS member) has heavily invested in the new Trans-Sahara Highway Project, 5,000 kilometers long, from Algiers to Lagos. In this way, the republican Algeria hopes to bypass the monarchical Morocco and, finally, the Strait of Gibraltar. The name "African Unity Road" testifies to the socio-geo-political significance.

The World Island and Russian Scramble for Warm Seas

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the great Anglo-Saxon geopolitical strategists Mackinder, Spykman, Lea  asked themselves the problem of how to counter the rise of the gigantic Euro-Asian empires located in the Heartland and their expansion to the critical fault line of the Rimland. In The Day of The Saxon (New York Harper, 1912), Homer Lea warns of the risks of integration between Euro-Asian powers, such as Russia and Germany, as evidenced by the Berlin-Baghdad railway project.

The Anglo-Saxon thalassocrat powers  the authors argued  could not withstand the impact of such vast empires, with young and numerous populations set off for industrial and infrastructural development as well as with boundless natural resources. For this, it is essential to control the Rimland and try to hold back the momentum of the empires, fighting one at a time: once Russia, once China. The containment policy against the Russian giant also derives from these reflections.

They were well-justified fears. At the time, Russia, which had already become a pivotal protagonist on the European scene since the Napoleonic wars, had expanded into the Caucasus and Central Asia. Soon after, that very theatre scored significant rates of economic and demographic growth, primarily thanks to the Trans-Siberian railway and the consequent colonization of Asian Russia. The Czars also aimed at the seas, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean. For that same reason, Crimea has historically been crucial in Moscows strategies.

Analyzing the complex geographical composition of the Euro-Asian mass in The Geography of Peace (Harcourt, Brace, 1944), Spykman notes that the seas arranged in an arc all around has facilitated the development of the coastal areas, while the more inland areas have always remained disconnected and without reliable communication routes; this prevented full integration. As a result, communications almost always took place with sea routes. However, there are infrastructural interventions that can break the setback of geography.

Counter-balancing gravities of both West and China: The Russia-Iran-India Triangulation

An escalation of Ukrainian crisis led the Western world to (unfold already prepared: to) sever relations with Moscow. However, as evidenced by the growth of the European import of Russian LNG and ever better rankings of Russia on PPP (Purchasing Power Parity which now stands better than one of Germany), it is nearly impossible to disconnect Russia from a fully integrated global economic system. For example, during the Cold World, Charles Levinson in Vodka Cola (Gordon and Cremonesi, 1977) highlighted a similar situation: the interdependence between the two opposing blocks  he also envisaged hybridization in a more authoritarian sense.

Source: INSTC Map

Nevertheless, compared to the twentieth century, Russia is no longer an ideological lighthouse, no longer commands the Warsaw block, and, after the dissolution, has been increasingly marginalized. Past the shock caused by the loss of its historical territories, that Eurasia giantis successfully pressing its peripheries, and knocking on the global doors. Even in the harsh circumstances (past the February 2022 calamity), Russia has found numerous and is developing effective alternative channels to come out of isolation.

First, the Russian-Chinese integration is already a reality: trade could reach a value of about 200 billion USD by the end of 2023. Furthermore, China is a privileged end market for Russian resources, but Russia is also a relevant market for China that could compensate for the loss of shares in Taiwan and the United States with Russia.

Similarly, trade between Russia and Iran quadrupled in 2022. Interestingly, trade between Iran and the Caspian littoral states amounts to 5.54 million tons worth $3.03 billion (according to Mak A. Bajrektarevic book Caspian: Status, Challenges, and Prospects).

Source: Public Domain

Last but not least, after a long period in which the mutual value trade has not exceeded 10 billion dollars, in just one year the exchange between Russia and India has reached a record high of 44.4 billion; as a result, Russia is now the fifth largest trading partner. Trade between India and Russia has grown in the last year thanks to the International North-South Transport Corridor, which makes it possible to reduce logistics times from around 40 days to about 25. So, India is investing a lot in the corridor and reached an agreement for the Iranian port of Chabahar. This port is located about 790 nautical miles from Nhava Sheva and Mumbai.

The Geo-Economical Relevance of the Project

A comparable and particularly profitable route already existed a while ago. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada created a corridor, the so-called Persian Corridor, during WWII to transfer military aid to the USSR: over 4 million tons of cargo passed through the forerunner of the North-South Corridor.

After the capitulation of the European powers in 1939 and 1940-41, the USSR had to withstand an overwhelming shock force and was initially forced to retreat. As the Soviet military and industrial complex came into full swing, the corridor, especially in its initial stages, had a greater importance than is generally attributed. The corridor was the only reliable channel to support the USSR as the Nordic and Arctic routes towards Murmansk and Archangel were controlled by the Nazis.

After decades, the project was relaunched in the early 2000s and is listed as a priority by the countries governments. The corridor responds to the needs of the three major players involved: access to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf for Russia interrupting isolation, internal infrastructural strengthening for Iran  the country will become a pivotal crossroads of rail, road, and sea routes  and projection towards Central Asia for India bypassing Pakistan, which has become a key-country for China.

In addition, the initiative also has beneficial effects for all the other regional players: the former Soviet republics, Azerbaijan  the port of Baku is becoming an increasingly important hub (over 6.3 million tons of cargo in 2022)  and Armenia, but also the GCC (Gulf states), which are now the protagonists of a cautious and attentive policy to redefining the global politico-military and energo-economic balance.

Current forecasts predict the doubling of freight volumes from 17 million tons per year to 32 million in 2030. The completion of the project would also lead to a shift of the trade and transit axis towards the heart of Central Asia.

Source: Smotrytska (2022), the pre-C-19 Worlds Crude Shipments Levels (UCL Energy Institute, 2019)

Therefore, the North-South Corridor has enormous potential, but there are many unsolved problems. First, complete the infrastructural works in unison, modernize often-outdated infrastructure sections, and finally complete additional complementary interventions, as in the case of the Volga-Don Canal, which could strengthen trade between the Caspian Water Plateau and the Sea of Azov.

This canal is crucial in Russian Iranian commercial exchange: an estimated 35 merchant ships passed through the Volga-Don passages in 2021 (annual average), but this number grew to 50 in 2022 (42% more). However, despite the growing importance of global trade, the intermodal capacity of the ports on the Caspian Sea is still limited (Mak A. Bajrektarevic Caspian: Status, Challenges, and Prospects). At the same time, the interconnection between ports and railways in Iran is still lacking, but the two partners are willing to invest.

Finally, it is very complex to scratch the supremacy of Suez, especially after the doubling. The data show constant growth: from 2011 to 2016, over 16 thousand ships passed through Suez, while in 2021, over 20 thousand (more than 56 per day), as reported by the Suez Canal (SCA). In 2021, about 1.27 billion tons of cargo were shipped through the canal. Therefore, Suez and Panama remain the fundamental facilitators of modern navigation.

Nevertheless, besides Iran  pivotal for the Caspian corridor, Suez becomes overcrowded by the new BRICS members: Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are practically Red Seas littoral states while the last one is the Canals (solo) proprietor.

(Instead of) Conclusion

Why such IFIMES analyses do matter? Geopolitics often follows laws of quantum mechanics: if we (only) analyze locality we lose a sight of a speed, if we focus on the speed we miss to understand interaction of the triggering protagonist/s. Center and periphery are relative (to say, reversible) to its speed and position  as professor Anis H. Bajrektarevic vividly explains subtle interplays of events, (gravity of) theatres and its actors. Hence, this awareness energetically invites us to illuminate less explored and underreported trends and localities, and to extrapolate them with those we perceive as a main-stream and acknowledge as the established.

In the early mentioned The Geography of Peace, Spykman highlighted some gateways or obligatory passages  the so-called Gates to the Heartland  potentially dangerous for world peace, from which the Russian giant (be it of that time or present day) could try to get out. In his vision, the gates are the Arctic route (the ancient Pomor Trade), the Crimea, central European plains, Caucasian passes, the Khyber Pass. Preventing access to Russia at these points is a guarantee of peace  actually of the British domination of that time.

The northern road remains accessible for Russia even if less safe after Finland entered NATO; precisely, the war against Finland (1939-1940) finished with the conquest of the Karelia region and the Rybacij Peninsula to protect Leningrad and Archangel port. The post-1989 NATO advance - past Gorbatchovs unilateral retreat, has made Russian penetration towards central Europe almost impossible at this stage. Finally, Russias returned to the war to protect the Crimea and the Azov Sea (now its inner sea) as well as it (re-)appeared in Syria and the Sahel, past the Wests disastrous politico-military meddling in the MENA during its decades of unipolar moment.

By implementing the International North-South Transport Corridor, always following Spykmans vision, which represents a route that crosses the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea, Russia, is finding a way to break the isolation up, reaching the gates.

Source: Arctic, Bajrektarevic, 2010

The International North-South Transport Corridor (and its linking with the Artic Bridge and Northern Sea Route  as professor Anis H. Bajrektarevic already indicated over decade ago, in his ground work Arctic and Antarctic: Two Poles - Different Scores) demonstrates, together with the initiatives of China and Algeria (to cheapen and fasten delivery by cutting off Morocco) as well as other related triangulations, that there is a definite will of the revisionist powers and emerging global players to become central on the global supply lanes or to want to build new trade routes. In conclusion, transport infrastructures are one of the main factors in shaping the geopolitics, socio-economics and consequently, our history. Panama and Suez made it possible, and the new corridors can do the same.

If this would be one of the worlds best concretizations of the grand Bandung and Belgrade visions of our times, the following years will certainly show us.
The sustainability issues in cocoa are multidimensional and complex. Farmers are getting older, they tend to be on small farms with large families, and they work on the farm with very little to no external paid labour and they don't have very big harvest. They also have dropping productivity rate and they have murky land tenure rights. That combination often leads to encroachment into protected lands and forests. Poverty also leads to children needing to contribute to the familys income by working on the farms but often by engaging in illegal child labour. Illegal child labour means things like carrying really heavy loads, or using dangerous materials like machetes or using chemicals and they are missing school or not going to school at all.

The latest numbers we have are that, more than 2 million children are engaged in illegal child labour on West African cocoa farms. Smallholder farmers also have very little say in the price that are paid for cocoa, actually pretty much none because the government set the price of cocoa.

The farmers are very dependent on their local bean collectors (purchasing clerks) on the timing on when they pass by the farm to collect the seeds. The price that they get paid for the cocoa beans are way too low to earn a living income.

If we as a society want real economically stable societies that are linked up to the global food chain, then that is something that needs to change. Earning a living income is a basic human right that have been agreed upon with the UN as one of the global sustainable development goals, and cocoa farmers are far from it because most West African cocoa farmers are under a dollar a day.

The manufacturing process is very fractured, and those fractured process leads to enmity, when what we really need in the cocoa value chain is connection, its empathy, is responsibility.

If we want to change the cocoa industry, and that I mean the entire cocoa industry, we have to look at how cocoa flow through 99% of the chocolate you have ever consumed in your life, and would probably continue to consume because only at scale will we achieve significant impact on the ground. For now, we are doing much too little, much too late and much too slowly.

SO HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THAT CONNECTION?

Connection comes through traceability. Chocolate brands have the obligation to know exactly who the cocoa farmers are, who are providing the cocoa beans for their chocolate. Only then can they understand their circumstances and actually take full responsibility towards them for the human rights and the planet rights that we are all working towards.

Empathy is putting yourself in another persons experience within their frame of reference. Farmers dont want to ruin the last standing forest in their country, and farmers don't relish watching their children carry heavy loads, missing school and or not going to school at all.

There is a systematic inequality that exist in the cocoa supply chain that is causing this exploitation. What is happening here in the cocoa growing regions in Africa is a symptom of how stakeholders approach issues at their end. If stakeholders don't connect, empathise and take responsibility for what is happening here in the cocoa growing regions in Africa, then directly or indirectly, they are the deforesters, exploiters, and the child traffickers.

The cocoa value chain is shaped like an hourglass . You've millions of cocoa farmers, mostly smallholders on one side, and on the other side, are billions of chocolate consumers. In the middle are just a few chocolate giants or stakeholders. The chocolate market is dominated by a few chocolate manufacturers, cocoa processors and traders. These few actors have all the powers in the supply chain and great power comes with great responsibility. These stakeholders therefore have a rapid goal oriented and collective approach to changing the system.

Here is an interesting thing that is happening. Currently, there are more than 50 active separate sustainability initiatives or programs that were going on in Ghana and Cote dIvoire alone. A lot of these initiatives are focused on the same groups of farmers but with little to no cohesive approach between the programs, meaning that not a single farmer is being pulled out of poverty. Many of the farmers are also left in the cold and not being engaged with at all.

What is happening is that, chocolate giants are competing with each other and protecting their sustainability initiatives and they are doing it for just a very small fraction of the supply chain.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS

Collaboration is the best new form of competition. Because, in this sharing economy, isnt collaboration on sustainability programs much more purposeful than competition? As stakeholders we already know what the tools are to connect to farmers and to engage, but we need to do it together, so that we can make a positive impact much faster.

I'll give you an example. Picture a farmer who has been asked to have a map made of his farm. You can make GPS polygon maps by walking the perimeter of the farm and taking coordinate points. These marks are very important to both the farms and the farmer groups as well as the buying companies. Farmers and farmers groups can make an assessment on current yields, potential yields, collective purchase for example of fertilisers/seedlings they might need for the year and buyers can analyse the maps for deforestation and deforestation risks. The maps are important and a tool that we know.

Picture the farmer welcoming a person with a company logo onto his farm to come and walk the perimeter of the farm. Then picture a week later, a different person with a different company logo coming to do the exact same work again. Picture something that is even more frustrating than that wasted time and that duplicated effort. The frustrating part is that, the farmer or the farmer groups do not even own, see it, use it or leverage it.

Another connection, another collaboration that chocolate brands need to do is on living income. Chocolate brands can and should collaborate on paying a price to farmers that enables a living income. It is not fair for one chocolate brand to carry that financial burden for all other chocolate brands.

It is also not a good idea for a farmer or farmer groups to sell their entire harvest to just one buyer or buying company. That is not resilient, that is risky business. It is not a good idea. But if you are only selling a fraction of your harvest at a living income price, the price that enables living income, then you are never going to get out of poverty.

There should be a level playing field amongst consumer brands to lift farmers out of poverty to creating wealth. When that happens, farmers can do the investment in their farms, that chocolate companies say they need to do. Farmers would invest in their families, farms, childrens education but without resources, they cannot do that.

Chocolate brands and stakeholders that realise this connection, this empathy, this responsibility can achieve that opportunity to amplify their positive impact on the ground through collaboration. If they are transparent about it, then consumers would know which chocolate brands to award with their chocolate buying sense.

To be clear, chocolate companies should compete fiercely on delicious chocolate, but they should not compete on cocoa. There should be no competition on child labour, deforestation or on poverty, community development, additional livelihood programs, etc.

Consumers should award the chocolate brands that make farmers and forests protection their priority, and not a unique selling point, but something that is an absolute baseline.

It is not a race we should be competing with each other, but it's something that we should be doing together, so that we can get to where we are going faster.
An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail in the sum of GHC50,000 with two sureties each to two men for falsifying documents to make a GHC400,000 insurance claim.

Joseph Amaning and Baffour Nkyi jointly forged a Glico insurance claim documents including a postmortem report, police accident report, death certificate and burial permit of a deceased person, Jacob Tetteh, for the claim.

Amaning and Nkyi were also ordered by the Court, presided over by Mr Isaac Addo, to report to the police every Friday between 1100 and 1300 hours.

They will make their next appearance on September 25, 2023.

Meanwhile Gideon Agyei Gyamfi, their alleged accomplice was absent in court.

They are facing charges including conspiracy to commit crime, forgery of documents and defrauding by false pretence. Their pleas were not taken into consideration pending further investigations.

Police Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor prayed the Court to remand the accused persons into Police custody so that investigations would not be hampered.

Defence counsels for both Amaning and Nkyi, in seeking bail, stated that their clients had cooperated with police since their arrest, that they were not flight risks, that they had fixed places of abode, and that they had men of substance to provide sureties.

According to the prosecution, the complainant Alexander Boakye-Yiadom is the Claims Officer at the Head Office of GLICO Life Insurance Company in Adabraka, Amaning is a building contractor who lives in Tema Community 9, Nkyi, a businessman, resides in East Legon, and Gyamfi, also a businessman, stays in Akrade-Akosombo.

According to Chief Inspector Ahiabor, on January 19, 2023, the complainant received GLICO Insurance Claim documents from Amaning and Gyamfi, who claimed to be brothers of the said Tetteh, who was alleged to have died in a motor accident, for claims totalling GHC400,000.00, which were later discovered to be fraudulently obtained.

He said on May 22, 2023, a report was filed at the Adabraka Police Station for investigation, and Amaning was arrested.

During questioning, he admitted to filling out and submitting the form handed to him by Gyamfi at the GLICO Office.

Amaning claimed that Gyamfi called and asked that they meet at the GLICO office and that his name had appeared on the policy form as a beneficiary.

The prosecution said on May 30, 2023, Nkyi, whose name appeared on the receipts of payments for the deceased persons death certificate and burial permit, was also arrested and during interrogation, denied the offence.

On June 28, 2023, Gyamfi was also arrested at Atimpoku in the Eastern Region and upon interrogation, denied the offence in his cautioned statement.

The investigation then revealed that the deceased died on September 25, 2022, at the Kibi Government Hospital after a short illness and was buried on October 5, 2022, at Asikasu Number 2 near Tafo in the Eastern Region.

He stated that queries at the Asesewa Police Station showed there was no accident case reported on December 25, 2022, as stated in the claim documents.

The prosecution said the District Commander at Asesewa Police Station denied knowledge of the accident report and submitted a statement to that effect.

He said that the Police investigator at Asesewa, whose name and signature appeared on the coroners report, also denied knowledge of the document and that the accused were not related to the deceased.

Further investigation revealed that soon after Tettehs death, Nkyi and his accomplices bought a Funeral and Life Insurance Policy in the name of the deceased from the GLICO Insurance branch office in Koforidua.

The prosecution said they were able to fraudulently obtain the required documents to support their claim at the GLICO Insurance Headquarters in Accra.

GNA
Opinion / Columnist

"For those who don't know the late Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, let me fill you in about him. During his tenure of office as Zambian President, he became the darling of Western countries and, cheered on by these sanctions-imposing countries, became very hostile towards Zimbabwe and ZANU-PF. He went further than mere rhetoric and, working in cahoots with Tony Blair, had agreed to a Tony Blair proposal to use Zambia as a base for British Military Forces to launch a military offensive against Zimbabwe with a view to reversing the land redistribution program and effecting regime change.Zimbabwe picked up the intelligence about the hostile intentions of Blair and Mwanawasa. As SADC Chairman in 2008, Mwanawasa convened an Emergency SADC Summit on Zimbabwe in Lusaka with the intent to rally other SADC leaders to the view that a military intervention in Zimbabwe to remove ZANU-PF from power was inevitable. Mwanawasa invited Tsvangirai to the Summit. As Zimbabwe, we objected to the attendance of an opposition leader at a Summit of Heads of State. Our objection fell on deaf ears. President Mugabe decided to boycott the Summit and instead dispatched a four Minister delegation to the SADC Lusaka Heads of States Summit to engage Mwanawasa and dissuade him from the path to plunge Zimbabwe and the region into an Armageddon. I led the delegation to the Lusaka Summit.To beef up and bolster the strength of the delegation, President Mugabe sent President ED Mnangagwa (then Speaker of the National Assembly) to join the delegation. The Emergency Summit started around 3 pm on Saturday, 12 April 2008, and went on nonstop into and throughout the night until it adjourned on Sunday, 13 July 2008, around 6 am. Mnangagwa's inclusion in the delegation was a masterstroke. It saved the day solely because he was personally known to Mwanawasa. I assumed then (which I have not verified) that Mnangagwa and Mwanawasa were either classmates or contemporaries at the Law School at the University of Zambia. Mwanawasa's venom and hostility were evident and palpable, but in the early hours of Sunday, while not yielding his ground, Mwanawasa was purely out of respect for Mnangagwa, beginning to treat the delegation with a modicum of civility.The Lusaka Emergency SADC summit was inconclusive, and Mwanawasa made it known that he was taking the matter to the AU Summit to be held at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Mwanawasa suffered a stroke, and that put an end to the regime change agenda as a SADC-initiated project at the behest of Tony Blair. Rev. Nevers Mumba is making a spirited attempt to take the regime change agenda from where Mwanawasa left it. Like Mwanawasa before him, he will not succeed in his evil intent. He does not know what mettle Zimbabweans are made of.Mumba is a complete disgrace and an embarrassment to the region and the African Continent as a whole. It was very unwise and unpolitic for President Hichilema as Head of SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security to appoint Mumba, a lackey of imperialism and neocolonialism with a known regime change background (against ZANUPF), to come and observe Zimbabwe's Harmonised Elections. President Hichilema did, wittingly or unwittingly through Mumba's appointment, stoke the fires of Western-inspired regime change in Zimbabwe and will live to regret it. President Hichilema's previous known political association with Chamisa creates unwholesome perceptions about his intentions towards Zimbabwe and ZANUPF.Those who have eyes, let them "eye," and those who have ears, let them "ear." Nokuti hatigoni kurega kutaura zvatakaona nezvotakanzwa."
Special Advisor on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Ministry of Education, Professor Mark Adom Asamoah has called on Ghana to leverage STEM as a means to strengthen the countrys security systems.

According to the renowned STEM Policy Advisor, Ghana can develop modern policies and systems through the application of STEM related methodologies to ensure maximum security for its citizens.

For this to happen, Professor Asamoah has called for pragmatic measures to be put in place including training students across all levels of education in STEM related courses and equipping them with relevant skills in information and communications technology (ICT) to position them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Professor Mark Adom Asamoah said this during the opening session of the 2023 edition of WiSTEM Girls' Camp at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology KNUST on Tuesday, September 6, 2023.

Speaking to this reporter at the sidelines of the event, Professor Asamoah stressed that for Ghana to improve its security systems within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it was necessary to infuse STEM education in the countys education system to ensure a seamless integration of technology that drove efficiency, innovation and competitiveness in the modern era.

About WiSTEM Girls Camp

WiSTEM which was derived from "Women in Science, Technology and Engineering," Ghana is an initiative by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to train female senior high school students in STEM related courses.

The event which is held annually draws students from across the country to prepare them for STEM courses at the tertiary level.
Kinshasa, September 6, 2023Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must hold accountable the immigration officers who attacked journalist Soleil Ntumba Mufike and broke his camera, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.

On Friday, September 1, Ntumba was filming police carrying out the court-ordered eviction of the family of the deputy director of the national agency Direction General of Migration, in the provincial capital, Kananga, when Luhizon Zigabe, the director of that agency, ordered around 10 immigration officers to stop the journalist from recording, according to news reports and Ntumba.

Ntumba, information director of the privately owned Kananga-based broadcaster Malandji and correspondent for privately owned Kinshasa-based TV broadcaster B One, was the only journalist at the scene, he said, adding that following Luhizons orders, the immigration officers grabbed his clothes, dragged him, and threw him to the ground.

Police officers supervising the eviction intervened to end the attack, the journalist said, adding that his camera was broken and he lost his microphone in the struggle. Ntumba was uninjured.

DRC authorities should hold accountable those responsible for assaulting journalist Soleil Ntumba Mufike and breaking his camera, said Angela Quintal, CPJs Africa program coordinator in Durban, South Africa. Government officials in the DRC should be making the safety of journalists a top priority.

Contacted via messaging app, Luhizon denied ordering the immigration officers to attack Ntumba, saying he only asked the journalist to leave.

CPJs calls to Leon Bassa, Kasai Centrals provincial police commissioner, rang unanswered.
Ghana has initiated moves to attain Observer Status in the Pacific Alliance, an initiative of regional integration comprised of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, in order to garner greater insights and inform bilateral and multilateral relationships across the world.

The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, said Cabinet had approved the measure and Government would soon send the necessary documentation to Parliament for consideration and ratification.

Dr Bawumia announced Governments intention to continually seek partnerships and development insights across the world when he welcomed H.E. Madam Francia Elena Marquez Mina, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia to the Jubilee House, Accra. H.E. Marquez Mina, the first Afro-Caribbean woman to ascend the high office of Vice President of Colombia, is on a two day official visit to Ghana, at the head of a government and business delegation to explore opportunities to deepen ties between the two countries.

Together, the economies of the four countries of the Pacific Alliance make up the eighth greatest economy in the world. Officially established on April 28th, 2011, its objectives include building in a participatory and consensual way an area of deep integration to move progressively towards the free mobility of goods, services, resources and people; drive further growth, development and competitiveness of the economies of its members, focused on achieving greater well-being, overcoming socioeconomic inequality and promote the social inclusion of its inhabitants; and Become a platform of political articulation, economic and commercial integration and projection to the world.

Shedding more light on the rationale behind Ghanas quest to attain Observer status in the Pacific Alliance, Vice President Bawumia explained:

We are really in a globalized world, and some of the time we forget that the interests of Ghana are very common with the interests of many other countries in the developing world. So it is always important to know what is going on elsewhere, to know what opportunities exist for your country, for your investors, and the Global South as a whole.

So our decision to become an observer member of the Pacific Alliance is very much in the strategic, economic, cultural, tourism and other interests of Ghana. I believe that our membership of the Alliance will bring us closer to Latin America as a whole, and as you heard from H.E. the Vice President they thought we had forgotten about them for the longest time. We need to forge links, and I think that Ghana has very important economic interests, in the tourism, technology and other sectors so we are very keen to be an Observer member and to benefit across and to get more trade and investment relations between us and the Pacific Alliance countries. It is a good thing for Ghana to do.

Ghana has had deep, formal ties with the countries of the Pacific Alliance over the last 30 years, and currently hosts the Diplomatic Missions of the countries in the Alliance for the West Africa sub-region.

While in Ghana, H.E. Marquez Mina and her delegation will meet with the Colombian community, have discussions with Ghanaian businessmen and potential investors, sign a number of bilateral agreements, visit the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, and pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi.
At least fifty-three members of Burkina Faso's security forces have been killed in an attack by suspected jihadists in the north of the country, that has been condemned by the West African bloc, Ecowas.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Burkinabe army reported that seventeen soldiers and 36 civilian volunteers for the army died on Monday while repelling an unspecified "attack."

The unit had reportedly been deployed in the town of Koumbri in northern Yatenga province to help the resettlement of residents forced out of the area by jihadists more than two years ago.

A further 30 members of the security forces were also injured.

The security forces maintain that several attackers had been "neutralised" in a counter-operation and their combat equipment destroyed.

Operations are still under way in the area, according to the military.

Ecowas condemns jihadist attack

Burkina Faso saw two military coups last year, triggered  as in neighbouring Mali and Niger  by anger at failures to stem a jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) condemned the attack.

In a statement, the regional bloc said it had learned "with shock" about the death of the soldiers and civilian volunteers, condemning the "terrorist attacks" expressing "solidarity with the Burkinabe people".

This comes as Burkina Faso was suspended from Ecowas after the military seized power.

Since 2015, more than 16,000 civilians, troops and police have died in jihadist attacks in Burkina Faso, according to a count by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project NGO.

More than 5,000 have died since the start of this year.

More than two million people have also been displaced within Burkina Faso, making it one of the worst internal displacement crises in Africa.

Old foes, new allies

The country's present leader is Captain Ibrahim Traore  who took power in September 2022 at the age of just 34  has promised a return to democracy with presidential elections by July 2024.

Nevertheless, relations between the junta and France broke down after the military takeover, prompting French forces that had been helping the under-equipped Burkinabe army to quit the country in January.

Meanwhile, just last week, Traore held talks with a Russian delegation on development and military cooperation, while his foreign minister, Olivia Rouamba, held talks in Tehran with President Ebrahim Raissi on Monday.
The Minister in charge of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has assured Ghanaians that the country no longer has a challenge with shortage of childhood vaccines.

Early this year, parents feared for the lives of their newborns as a result of the shortage of vaccines used for routine immunization of babies from birth to at least 18 months.

This massively affected Ghanas Childhood Immunisation Programme run by the Ministry of Health.

Addressing a Ministers press briefing at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday, September 6, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu told the press that the shortage of these childhood vaccines is now a thing of the past.

He stressed that the country has enough vaccines in stock that will last a long time.

Let me tell you that our challenges are now over. We have adequate stocks. We are looking at the stock levels on a weekly basis. We have some good allocation now to do vaccination and I dont think that this case of shortage is going to happen in the near future in the country, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu said.

Under Ghanas Childhood Immunisation Programme vaccines against polio, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza type B (DPT/Hep B/ Hib 1), and some other infectious diseases that are particularly dangerous to babies are administered.

At the press briefing, the Health Minister also assured that the necessary arrangements have been made for children to receive free cancer treatment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He said although the initiative had some challenges when it was introduced, the key stakeholders have been engaged to address the bottlenecks.

We had some little problem. Weve had good engagement with providers and the National Health Insurance Authority. All centres that have been identified to do care now are doing care that will be paid by the National Health Insurance. So we have now crossed that hurdle, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu shared.
06.09.2023 LISTEN

Fire has engulfed the Senchi Ferry Health Centre in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region, leaving behind a trail of significant destruction and severe setbacks to the local community.

The devastating inferno raged for hours and left a trail of two separate rooms dedicated to reproductive and child health (RCH) as well as a mental health unit.

Several items, including vaccine carriers, furniture, air conditioning units, glass doors, T&J ceilings, and other health equipment valued at over GHS 10, 000, were destroyed in the fire.

Mr. George Mireku Asiamah, Operations Officer of the Asuogyaman National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that NADMO had reports that indicated a section of the health facility had been consumed in flames [August 23] at approximately 1600 hours.

He said that a staff member at the health centre reported hearing a distinct sound coming from the ceiling fan regulator, which subsequently ignited and began to burn.

Before the fire service officers arrived, Mr. Asiamah explained that they used their extinguishers to successfully contain the fire with the help of some community members and staff.

By that time, the fire had already been extinguished.

After a thorough assessment of the situation, Mr. Asiamah suggested that the root cause of the damage could be attributed to an electrical fault.

He said the necessary report had been completely filed and will eventually be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

He pointed out that over the next few weeks, the rooms will undergo restoration.

Authorities must expedite their efforts to ensure the prompt opening of the facility, as it serves as an essential healthcare centre for residents of the area.

The GNA gathered that the establishment was among the most frequented health facilities in the area, providing essential medical care to the public.

The Asuogyaman District Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Kwame Agyekum, and the coordinating Director embarked on an inspection visit following the reports of the fire and set to convene a management meeting at the earliest opportunity to deliberate on strategies for the restoration of the fire-ravaged facility.

In a related development, the Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Constituency, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has taken proactive measures to address the prevailing issue.

Reports indicated that he had dispatched a team to assess the situation and compile a detailed report on potential solutions, with the aim of swiftly resolving the challenge at hand.

GNA
The Minister in charge of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has denied assertions that health professionals are leaving the country because government does not pay them well.

In the first quarter of 2023, over 300 health workers reportedly left the Ghana Health Service in the Ashanti Region to pursue better opportunities abroad.

This alarmed authorities who warned that the trend would have a negative impact on healthcare delivery in the region.

In the conversation that ensued after the report, it was revealed that health officers from other regions had also left their posts to pursue greener pastures abroad.

Answering questions from the media at a press briefing on Wednesday, September 6, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu assured Ghanaians that there is no cause for alarm despite the brain drain.

According to him, health professionals are not leaving the country because of bad pay but because of a global demand for their skills post the COVID-19 pandemic.

The brain drain matter, there are pull and push factors. Somebody was talking about salaries are not very good. Those of us sitting here including me and Ghanaians how many of us are comfortable and satisfied with our salaries? The opportunity is out there now. Before Covid were we talking about the brain drain of nurses?

After Covid, there is a massive global health workforce shortage. So an opportunity has been created and therefore those who are adventurous would like to take advantage of those opportunities elsewhere, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu argued.

The Health Minister told the press that government concerned about the brain drain of health officials is in talks with governments of other countries to send some Ghanaian health workers to them in a proper way that will benefit the country in the long term.

Government started managing migration in small quantities from Ghana to Barbados. We have sent two cohorts and there are other countries that are knocking at our doors to try and see if we can offload some of our nurses to them. That is why we are working with the Ministry of Labour and Employment to see how we can manage this situation. Sign bilateral engagements and MoUs so that those who want to go will go in a decent manner.

We are looking at how to keep our experienced health professionals here and then see how best some can go out there and work and acquire some more training, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu indicated.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is awaiting clearance from the Ministry of Finance to recruit more health professionals.
The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) has named Dr. Anarfi Asamoah-Baah as a Public Health Champion in recognition of his outstanding contribution to global public health.

The award was conferred on Dr. Asamoah-Baah and other public health figures at the WHO 75 anniversary awards held at the margins of the 73rd WHO Regional Committee for Africa Meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana.

This award is in recognition of your outstanding service to public health and promotion of the wellbeing of the people of the people of Africa, reads the citation presented to Dr. Asamoah-Baah by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.

On his part, Dr. Asamoah described WHO as a force for good and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the organization for many years.

I am grateful to the WHO Regional Office for Africa for this recognition and appreciation. I am happy that WHO is recognizing the role of member states and staff as we celebrate WHO at 75, he stated.

Dr. Asamoah-Baah is a Ghanaian public health professional who joined WHO in 1998 and served the global public health for 19 years, rising to become the Deputy Director-General of WHO in 2007 until his retirement in 2017.

He was instrumental in the establishment of the 2005 International Health Regulations and the raising of Global Visibility for Neglected Tropical Diseases. Other notable achievements of Dr. Asamoah-Baah include the revitalization of Primary Healthcare; the establishment of the Pre-qualification program as part of the WHO Essential Medicines Programme and the development of the first Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine.

Dr Asamoah-Baah is a distinguished global public health expert who truly deserved this recognition, said WHO Representative to Ghana, Prof Francis Kasolo. Even in retirement, he continues to offer valuable service and contribution to both national and international efforts to promote the health and wellbeing of people.

In 2020, Ghanas President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Asamoah-Baah as the Presidential Coordinator for the governments Covid-19 Response Programme, where he was responsible for coordinating all aspects of Ghanas response. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Asamoa-Baah was recently appointed the chair of the National Vaccine Institute of Ghana and the interim head of the Ghana Health Security Center.

Dr. Asamoah-Baah received the award alongside the former President of Botswana, H.E Festus Mogae, and former Regional Directors of WHO in the African region.
Former mining executive, Mr Sam Jonah has decried the practice of illegal small scale-mining popularly known as galamsey in Ghana, describing it as the worst thing that ever happened to Ghanas public health.

Illegal mining is without a doubt the worst onslaught on the public health of our nation. Let me be clear; I am not against small-scale mining. I am for wealth creation to lift each impoverished community, not health destruction in the unwise plunder of greed and insanity. I am for lawful labour for your legal tender. What I am against is the manner in which the laws of the country are flouted with impunity to destroy water bodies and the environment for the many so that just a few people can make money, he said.

Jonah, who is the current chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, made the remarks in an address at the 2023 annual general conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana in Takoradi on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Sam Jonah, a statesman and successful businessman pointed to the fact that the law is very clear about where and how mining can be done, but these laws are often ignored.

Like corruption, illegal mining is not about the lack of laws but the will to enforce the laws. The law is very clear, you cannot mine within a certain proximity of a water body. The law is very clear about how you dispose of your waste from your mining activities. The law is very clear on lawful activities in forest reserves. The law is also very clear; foreigners cannot engage in small-scale mining. And for those who are licensed, the law requires regular reporting to the Minerals Commission which is expected to be monitoring activities. So, in the age of drones, the Minerals Commission should be capable of monitoring all mining activities in real-time, he added.

Jonah asked why the Minerals Commission seems powerless to stop the illegal mining activities that people are seeing and suffering from.

How is it then possible that the Minerals Commission seems powerless to stop the activities? What is going on? Why are those empowered to protect the people looking on, or away, whilst these heinous activities destroying the very basis of life in our communities are going on?

Jonahs comments come on the back of a controversial remark of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos declaration that the ban on illegal small-scale mining also known as galamsey yielded positive results in Ghana.

Efforts by the government to fight galamsey have been futile despite the deployment of the military.

Several water bodies in the country have lost their original state following galamsey activities in such areas.

-Citi Newsroom
All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to one goal and one goal only: finding a reliable edge in the markets. If you can do that, grab hold of it and never let go. Because once you have that edge, and you can count on it, you never need to do anything else.
BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory letter to the 10th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Justice, which opened Tuesday in Shanghai.

Xi noted in the letter that, since the mechanism of the Meeting of SCO Ministers of Justice was launched in 2013, SCO member states have advanced the rule of law with unceasing efforts, enhanced exchanges and mutual learning between governments in the field of justice, and constantly engaged themselves in practical cooperation in the legal services sector.

They have also played important roles in upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, Xi added.

China attaches great importance to the role of the rule of law in consolidating foundations, ensuring stable expectations and delivering long-term benefits, Xi said.

He said China stands ready to collaborate with other SCO member states in enhancing exchanges and cooperation in law and judicial administration.

China is also willing to work with other SCO member states to promote high-quality economic development through the rule of law, uphold regional peace and stability, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi added.

The meeting was hosted by China's Ministry of Justice.
Sara Sharif (Surrey Police/PA) (PA Media)

Ten-year-old Sara Sharifs death was an accident and three family members who left the UK for Pakistan will ultimately return to face police questioning, her grandfather has said.

Muhammad Sharif told the BBC he saw his son Urfan Sharif, Saras father, soon after he arrived in the city of Jhelum, in the South Asian country, and said he had fled the UK out of fear.

Saras body was found at a property in Hammond Road, Woking, after police were called from Pakistan by her father on August 10 and a post-mortem examination later found she had suffered multiple and extensive injuries over a sustained and extended period of time.

Mr Sharif, 41, his partner, Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on August 9 and are wanted for questioning.

They travelled with five children aged between one and 13 years old, Surrey Police said.

Speaking to the BBC, her grandfather joined other family members in Pakistan to appeal for the three to return to the UK.

He said: It was an accident, he didnt tell me how it happened.

Asked why they had fled, he said: Because of fear.

His daughter died and when you go under so much trauma, obviously you cant think properly.

He urged them to co-operate with the police inquiry, adding he had not seen them recently.

He said: All I can say is that they should have faced the case. They should have stayed there and faced it instead.

They will ultimately go back to the UK and face their case.

Surrey Police are appealing for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras lifestyle prior to her death.

Saras mother, Olga Sharif, is being supported by specialist officers.

Surrey County Council previously told the PA news agency Sara was known to the local authority.

Authorities in Pakistan are searching for the trio and lawyers in the UK have said the nations government is unlikely to block an extradition request in connection to Saras death.

There is no formal extradition treaty between the UK and Pakistan but people have been returned from the Asian country before.
The iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the World ex USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks in developed countries, outside of the US. The index is selected and weighted for exposure to fundamental quality metrics. IQLT was launched on Jan 13, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock.
 American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2023. All rights reserved.

 2023 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see Barchart's disclaimer.
Yamana Gold Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a precious metal producer. It has gold and silver production, development-stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas, including Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. The company was formerly known as Yamana Resources Inc. and changed its name to Yamana Gold Inc. in August 2003. Yamana Gold Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
you are here:
Vicky Krieps and Viggo Mortensen are unleashing original Western film The Dead Dont Hurt this fall festival season.

Slated as a feminist take on the genre, The Dead Dont Hurt is premiering at 2023 TIFF and marks lead star Mortensens sophomore effort as a director following his 2020 debut Falling. The logline for The Dead Dont Hurt teases that Mortensen and Krieps try and survive the corruption in a tough Nevada town in the 1860s. Mortensen writes, directs, and acts in the film centered on two immigrants forging a new life on the frontier.

More from IndieWire

The full synopsis reads: French-Canadian flower seller Vivienne Le Coudy (Krieps) and Danish carpenter Holger Olsen (Mortensen) meet in San Francisco. Vivienne is irreverent, fiercely independent, and refuses to wed, but agrees to travel with Holger to his home near the quiet town of Elk Flats, Nevada. There, they begin a life together  Vivienne grows roses and waits tables at a tavern and Holger builds barns, until the couple are separated by Holgers decision to fight for the Union in the burgeoning Civil War. Left on her own, Vivienne must fend for herself in a place controlled by corrupt Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Danny Huston) and his business partner, powerful rancher Alfred Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt). Alfreds violent, wayward son Weston (Solly McLeod) aggressively pursues Vivienne, who is determined to resist his unwanted advances.

Nadia Litz, W. Early Brown, and Mark Dennis also star.

According to TIFF festival director Cameron Bailey, The Dead Dont Hurt showcases the brilliance of Mortensens narrative structure that frontloads the lawlessness and mayhem we expect from a Western, then gradually introduces the tenderness and moral integrity that give this film its true raison detre. Framed in a style that emphasizes the relationship between character and landscape, and infused with multiple exquisite performances, this is a portrait of a passionate woman determined to stand up for herself in an unforgiving world dominated by ruthless men.

Story continues

Production took place in Mexico, Canada, and Denmark, with HanWay Films is handling domestic sales on the film at TIFF. Worldwide rights are available. The Dead Dont Hurt is a joint Talipot Studio, Recorded Picture, and Perceval Pictures production.

Lead actress Krieps previously hinted to IndieWire that the film will have plenty of problems for her character. The Phantom Thread breakout also told The Times UK that in the world of Westerns there were not many women. So that was very tough. Of all men [Mortensen] is very soft and open and very there. But still it reminded me why I like to work with women.

Check out the poster for The Dead Dont Hurt below.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Jinit Parmar is a correspondent based out of Mumbai covering banks, banking trends and more, tweets @jinitparmar10 #banks #bankingtrends #RBI
Siddharth Upasani is a Special Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He has been covering the Indian economy, economic data, and monetary and fiscal policies for nine years. He tweets at @SiddharthUbiWan. Contact: siddharth.upasani@nw18.com
Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.
A polar bear sow and two cubs are seen on the Beaufort Sea coast within the 1002 Area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in this undated handout photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (REUTERS)

The Biden administration has banned oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a place of intense natural beauty and deep cultural signifance to Alaska Natives.

President Joe Biden released a statement on Tuesday confirming that he would cancel all remaining oil and gas leases issued under the Trump administration in the Arctic refuge, noting that we have a responsibility to protect this treasured region for all ages.

The climate crisis, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is warming the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the world.

The president also announced the protection of more than 13 million acres in the Western Arctic, to help conserve lands and wildlife, while honoring the culture, history, and enduring wisdom of Alaska Natives who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.

The seven leases, part of a sale in the dwindling days of the Trump era, were cancelled by the Department of Interior who said that the sales were legally flawed.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said that her decision means no one will have rights to drill for oil in one of the most sensitive landscapes on earth.

However, a 2017 law mandates another lease sale by late 2024, The Associated Press reported. Administration officials said they intend to comply with the law.

Two other leases that were issued as part of the first-of-its-kind sale for the refuge in January 2021 were previously given up by the small companies that held them amid legal wrangling and uncertainty over the drilling program.

Environmentalists applauded the decision with WWF calling it a monumental step in the right direction.

We appreciate the Biden Administrations ongoing efforts to support long-term protection of Americas Arctic: a vital ecosystem essential to the well-being of wildlife, communities and our entire planet, a statement read.

However the new ban will not halt the vast, Willow oil drilling project in the area which the Biden administration approved earlier this year. Climate campaigners warned that Willow would pump the carbon emissions equivalent of 66 new coal-fired power plants into the atmosphere.

The United States has no claim to international climate leadership if its approving deadly new fossil fuel projects that could operate for decades, the advocacy group, Oil Change International, said in March.
The market rebounded smartly in late trade and closed higher for yet another session, continuing the higher-high formation on the Nifty50 for the fourth day in a row. Also, the index held above the downward-sloping resistance trendline. Hence, the index can possibly start marching towards the 19,700-19,750 area in coming sessions, with immediate support at 19,500-19,400 levels, experts said.

The BSE Sensex climbed 100 points to 65,881, while the Nifty50 rose 36 points to 19,611 amid volatility and formed a bullish candlestick pattern with a long lower shadow and minor upper shadow on the daily charts.

Technically, this pattern reflects high volatility in the market. The upside breakout of trend line resistance remains intact.

Hence, "the short-term trend of the Nifty continues to be positive. One may expect further upside in the coming sessions and any dips down to the support of 19,500 is likely to be a buy-on-dips opportunity," Nagaraj Shetti, technical research analyst at HDFC Securities said.

The next upside levels to be watched are around 19,800, he feels.

The broader markets saw consolidation after a recent sharp upside, but closed higher with moderate gains, while the volatility continued to slide, with the India VIX declining by 1.27 percent from 10.82 to 10.68 levels.

We have collated 15 data points to help you spot profitable trades:

Note: The open interest (OI) and volume data of stocks are the aggregates of three-month data and not just the current month.

Key support and resistance levels on Nifty

The pivot point calculator indicates that the Nifty may be taking support at 19,524 followed by 19,490 and 19,435. On the flip side, 19,635 can act as the key resistance followed by 19,669 and 19,725.

Nifty Bank

On September 6, the Bank Nifty closed yet another session on a negative note, falling 123 points to 44,409, but has taken a support at 44,200 and formed bearish candlestick pattern with long lower shadow & minor upper shadow on the daily scale, indicating heightened volatility.

"The prevailing sentiment leans towards a negative-to-sideways bias, with the index closing below a crucial moving average. The RSI (relative strength index) is on the verge of forming a bearish crossover, indicating potential weakness," Rupak De, senior technical analyst at LKP Securities said.

In the short term, he feels the index is expected to decline towards 44,000, with resistance at 44,600. Sustained trading above this level could propel the index towards 45,000 and beyond, he said.

Selling on rallies seems to be the favoured strategy for traders in the Bank Nifty, unless the index provides a clear and decisive breakout above 45,000, he advised.

As per the pivot point calculator, the Bank Nifty is expected to take support at 44,257 followed by 44,169 and 44,028. On the upside, the initial resistance is at 44,539 then 44,626 and 44,768.

Call options data

As per the options data, the maximum weekly Call open interest (OI) stood at 19,700 strike, with 1.25 crore contracts, which can act as a key resistance for the Nifty. It was followed by 19,600 strike, which had 1.02 crore contracts, while 19,800 strike had 89.94 lakh contracts.

The maximum Call writing was seen at 19,700 strike, which added 47.59 lakh contracts, followed by 19,800 and 19,600 strikes, which added 24.26 lakh and 14.87 lakh contracts.

The maximum Call unwinding was at 19,500 strike, which shed 21.65 lakh contracts, followed by 19,400 strike and 20,500 strike, which shed 6.28 lakh contracts, and 4.16 lakh contracts.

Put option data

On the Put side, the maximum open interest was at 19,500 strike, with 1.33 crore contracts. This can be an important support for Nifty in the coming sessions.

It was followed by 19,400 strike, comprising 1.27 crore contracts, and 19,600 strike with 84.59 lakh contracts.

The maximum Put writing was at 19,600 strike, which added 37.75 lakh contracts, followed by 19,400 strike and 19,200 strike, which added 23.89 lakh and 16.64 lakh contracts.

Meaningful Put unwinding was at 19,100 strike, which shed 13.5 lakh contracts followed by 18,900 and 18,600 strikes, which shed 7.3 lakh and 5.4 lakh contracts.

Stocks with high delivery percentage

A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. Infosys, InterGlobe Aviation, Larsen & Toubro, Ashok Leyland, and Cholamandalam Investment & Finance were among the stocks with the highest delivery.

63 stocks see a long build-up

The long build-up was seen in 63 stocks including Lupin, United Spirits, Mahanagar Gas, Chambal Fertilisers, and Glenmark Pharma. An increase in open interest (OI) and price indicates a build-up of long positions.

30 stocks see long unwinding

Based on the OI percentage, 30 stocks, including Delta Corp, BHEL, Hindalco Industries, Sun TV Network, and Hindustan Copper saw long unwinding. A decline in OI and price indicates long unwinding.

51 stocks see a short build-up

A short build-up was seen in 51 stocks, including L&T Technology Services, JK Cement, GNFC, Axis Bank, and Punjab National Bank. An increase in OI along with a fall in price points to a build-up of short positions.

38 stocks see short-covering

Based on the OI percentage, 38 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included SRF, Balrampur Chini Mills, Oracle Financial, ABB India, and Bosch. A decrease in OI along with a price increase is an indication of short-covering.

Bulk deals

(For more bulk deals, click here)

Investors meeting on September 7

Stocks in the news

Lupin: The pharma major has announced a collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, and the COPD Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the lives of COPD patients. This collaboration aims to bolster access to healthcare by expanding the availability of Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation powder, 18 mcg/capsule, to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients in the US. Lupins Tiotropium Bromide Inhalation Powder is currently the only generic product available that is therapeutically equivalent to Spiriva HandiHaler by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Tata Consultancy Services: The country's largest IT services company has entered into a strategic partnership with the digital unit of JLR. TCS will help JLR build a new future-ready, strategic technology architecture that will support JLR's Reimagine strategy. The new partnership, valued at 800 million pounds over the next five years.

Biocon: Subsidiary Biocon Biologics has completed the integration of the acquired biosimilar business from Viatris in North America effective September 1. To further strengthen its leadership in the global biosimilars industry and provide complete end-to-end capabilities to patients and customers, Biocon Biologics recently acquired the global biosimilars business of its long-term partner Viatris.

Responsive Industries: The vinyl flooring manufacturer has bagged a contract for the Garib Rath initiative from Indian Railways. Last month, the company had secured orders from the Indian Railways for the Vande Bharat project.

REC: The state-run Maharatna company has signed a foreign currency term loan agreement for $100 million with Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank). The loan has been tied up for a 5-year tenor. The loan will be used towards refinance for on-lending to its borrowers in power, infrastructure and logistics sectors for importing capital equipment.

Reliance Industries: Subsidiary Reliance Retail Ventures has signed a joint venture with Alia Bhatts kids and maternity-wear brand, Ed-a-Mamma for a 51 percent majority stake. Further, the subsidiary received the subscription amount of Rs 8,278 crore from Qatar Holding LLC (QIA) and allotted 6,86,35,010 equity shares to QIA.

RHI Magnesita: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared Rhone Capital's proposed acquisition of a 29.9 percent stake in RHI Magnesita NV. Ignite Luxembourg Holdings is owned and controlled by US-based private equity firm Rhone Capital, which is an affiliate of Rhone Group.

Fund Flow (Rs Crore)

FII and DII data

Foreign institutional investors (FII) sold shares worth Rs 3,245.86 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DII) offloaded Rs 247.46 crore worth of stocks on September 6, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) showed.

Stocks under F&O ban on NSE

The NSE has added Manappuram Finance, and SAIL to its F&O ban list for September 7, while retaining Balrampur Chini Mills, BHEL, Delta Corp, Hindustan Copper, Indiabulls Housing Finance, and India Cements on the list. Securities banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts have crossed 95 percent of the market-wide position limit.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: MoneyControl is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day
JAKARTA  Some southeast Asian leaders see Canada as an anchor for peace in the Indo-Pacific region, as they launch a new strategic partnership at a time when tensions continue to mount over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

"As a strategic partner, I hope Canada can become an anchor for peace and stability in the region that respects international law, and that encourages co-operation that are more concrete and inclusive, in particular in the Indo-Pacific region," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo as he welcomed Canada into a new strategic partnership on Wednesday.

The partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN, is considered a symbolic gesture that reflects Canada's expanded presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trudeau, in a Wednesday speech to ASEAN leaders, said it shows the progress being made on a free-trade agreement between Canada and the 10-nation bloc.

"We share clear commitments to peace and stability, openness and transparency, to development and economic co-operation, and to an understanding that international rules are essential for growth," Trudeau said.

Trudeau met with leaders this week on the sidelines of the annual ASEAN summit.

China, Taiwan and some ASEAN member states  Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam  have for decades been locked in an increasingly tense territorial standoff in the South China Sea, where a bulk of global trade transits.

China has upset many countries in the Asia-Pacific region after it released a new official map that lays claim to most of the South China Sea, as well as to contested parts of India and Russia.

Most of the governments disputing China's claims in the South China Sea are ASEAN members. India, meanwhile, is hosting the G20 talks later this week, which Trudeau is set to attend.

Earlier in the day, Trudeau held private meetings on the sideline of the summit with leaders of Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea, Philippines and Australia.

Story continues

Trudeau used his bilateral meeting with Philippine President Fernandez Marcos Jr. to extend an invitation for the leader to visit Canada next year.

The presidential communications office for Marcos Jr. says he will be in Canada to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Trudeau met with Marcos Jr. for about 30 minutes on Wednesday, where the two discussed their long-standing partnership and the large Filipino diaspora community in Canada.

During Trudeau's meeting with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the leaders separately discussed their commitment to defending the rules-based international order and having a free and open Indo-Pacific region, said a read out from the prime minister's office.

Trudeau also expressed interest to ASEAN leaders that Canada would like to join the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus, which strengthens security and defence co-operation for peace, stability, and development.

A joint statement between Canada and the 10 southeast Asian countries on Wednesday lays out a commitment to tackle global food insecurity and nutritional needs together. Its part of Canada's commitment to invest in the Indo-Pacific region on green infrastructure and supply chain resilience, especially around food supply.

Delivering a speech at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum, Trudeau said Canada is focused on investing in renewable energy, sustainable energy and water projects within the region.

Trudeau also pitched Canada as a reliable supplier of natural resources like fertilizer and critical minerals, saying Canada has the clean energy the world needs to help with their green energy transition.

The prime minister was well received at the summit, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol calling Trudeau a close friend, and someone he always wants to run into.

Trudeau left for Singapore on Thursday, then heads to the G20 Summit in New Delhi later this week.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2023.

 With files from The Associated Press

Mickey Djuric, The Canadian Press
Daily and weekly insights bundled and sent to your inbox to keep you ahead in the race.

Exclusive access to live webinars from market experts on trading and investment strategies

Have a Global edge with access to content from world renowned experts and journalist

Access to 230+ exclusive stories per month from our editorial and Experts

Limited Period offer on Moneycontrol PRO. Subscribe to PRO and get up to

Access the exclusive stories, weekly investment ideas and daily technical calls in an Ad free experience

In this edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: The special case of expiry-day strategies, SEBI needs to nip the scam in the bud, gl...

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) continues to maintain its competitive edge in the Indian defence manufacturing sector, thanks to its robust manufacturing and R&D capabilities. Established in 1954, BEL, a Government of India public sector undertaking (PSU), specialises in the production of electronics, communication and defence equipment. It is one of the 16 PSUs under the Ministry of Defence. Analysts anticipate sustained growth, with BEL positioned favourably due to its diverse defence portfolio and a positive outlook for order inflow...

USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
USER CONSENT

We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy.

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies.

Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy

*I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age

I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl

I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
A participant applies lipstick on another during an event that celebrates the Pride month and the LGBTQ community in New Delhi, India in June 2022. A queer international student studying in Canada says he has to hide his true identity when he visits family in India. (Altaf Qadri/AP - image credit)

In Canada, Yatharth Sethi is a queer 22-year-old studying computer science who likes to cook with their partner on the weekends.

But at home in India, Sethi plays the role of a straight person, looking forward to marriage and having kids.

"It is extremely hard. Every time I have to visit my home country, there is a major identity crisis and I have to constantly switch between who I am and who I have to pretend to be," said Sethi, not their real name. CBC News has agreed to keep Sethi's identity confidential due to safety concerns that the source might face back in India.

Many queer international students have to wear a "mask" the minute they go back to their home countries. They are forced to go back into the closet, adhering to the societal conventions of their countries.

The issue is top of mind as Canadian universities are welcoming a cohort of new and returning post-secondary students from around the world for the fall semester. Canada is one of the world's most sought-after markets for international students, attracting almost 800,000 in 2022 alone.

At the same time, many countries are becoming more hostile to LGBTQ individuals. In Nigeria, for instance, police arrested more than 60 people in a raid on an apparent same-sex wedding early Monday, while Ugandan authorities are for the first time charging a man with "aggravated homosexuality," an offence that can be punishable by death under the country's anti-LGBTQ legislation.

FILE - Ugandan MP John Musila wears clothes with an anti-LGBTQ message as he enters the Parliament to vote on a harsh new anti-gay bill, on March 21, 2023. Uganda's president Yoweri Museveni has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in the country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad, it was announced Monday, May 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Ronald Kabuubi, File)

Ugandan MP John Musila wears clothes with an anti-LGBTQ message as he enters the parliament to vote on a harsh new anti-gay bill on March 21, 2023. (Ronald Kabuubi/AP)

It could be religious doctrines condemning homosexuality, cultural values that emphasize traditional family structures, and legal systems that criminalize the LGBTQ+ community. As a result, queer international students might find themselves in situations where they need to suppress their authentic selves and adopt a different persona.

Story continues

'I have to hide myself when I am in conversations'

Sethi is not the only one. Ahmed Jarb, a 23-year-old queer international student from Palestine, raised the concern of micro-analyzing one's behaviour to hide their sexual identity from family back in Palestine.

"It definitely is strange because you're living [in Canada], a certain life, and then you go [to Palestine], and you live another lifeYou have to be really careful who you're talking to, what you say, things you don't say," said Jarb, not their real name. CBC News has agreed to keep their identity confidential due to safety concerns.

Sethi says visits back to India include making up a fake girlfriend so that relatives do not get suspicious.

"I have to hide my identity. That's your biggest thing. I have to hide myself when I am in conversations  It feels kind of claustrophobic in the sense that I am isolated, I don't belong here."

A gay Ugandan man covers himself with a pride flag as he poses for a photograph in Uganda Saturday, March 25, 2023. A prominent leader of Uganda's LGBTQ community on Thursday described anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a harsh new anti-gay bill. (AP Photo)

A gay Ugandan man covers himself with a Pride flag as he poses for a photograph in Uganda in March 2023. (AP)

Kamal Al-Solaylee, the director of the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at the University of British Columbia who identifies as gay, was an international student from Yemen in London during the 1980s when homosexuality was still punishable by death in Yemen.

"When I used to go back to Yemen as an international student, I used to retreat back into the closet," Al-Solaylee said. "It was a survival skill."

The struggle to stay true to one's identity when being pushed to go back in a closet can be complex.

When asked about what ways he preserved this part of his identity when he went back to Yemen, Al-Solaylee answered, "I held on to English really tight. This was when I read a lot and listened to BBC World Services and watched American movies and British dramas. My rebellion was to make Arabic a second language."

Kamal Al-Solaylee

Kamal Al-Solaylee, director of UBC's School of Journalism, says when he was an international student in the United Kingdom, he chose to communicate primarily in English rather than Arabic as a way to maintain his identity as a gay man. (Gary Gould)

Little attention on queer international students' challenges

There have been a great deal of reports on homophobic discrimination against queer students in Canada, such as the first national climate survey on homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in Canadian schools called the Egale report .

Yet, the issues and challenges that international queer students face have "received little or no attention," according to Elizabeth S. Patrick from The University of Western Ontario in their thesis Investigating the Experiences of Queer International Students.

Struby Struble, co-ordinator of the University of Missouri's LGBT Resource Center, says a "double barrier" exists for overseas students who are members of the community. When they are among their international student friends, they feel alienated because they are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ group, and when they are on campus, they feel isolated because they are international students.

"The queer student from here doesn't have to think about immigration, doesn't have to think about getting a house or supporting themselves financially because they live with their parents, for example. Whereas queer international students obviously need to think about their identity and relationships and all that," said Jarb.

The burden it comes with is the never-ending play of "code-switching," which refers to when people from underrepresented groups  consciously or unconsciously  adapt their language, syntax, grammar, behaviour, and appearance to fit into the dominant culture.

"I experience having to 'code switch' due to Colombia and, in general, Latin America being very homophobic and historically hetero-centric places," says Freddy Mendoza who came from Colombia to study film production at Vancouver Film School in 2014.

"This is something that, as a Canadian, I have experienced here as well. It may come as a surprise, but the reality is that even when we don't experience discrimination in the same way or level here, we still have similar experiences."

Universities' mental health support uneven, queer students say

International queer students say they are fighting to stay true to themselves without gambling away their security.

Jarb says universities, in most cases, can do more to support students.

"There have been cases in Palestine wherein my friends who visited Palestine had to undergo the wrath of their families and the universities they were from did not offer any help," Jarb says.

When asked about what role universities should play in helping international queer students, Jarb responds, "I do think there should be some kind of assistance program. I know they provided a similar program for students from Ukraine. There's some hypocrisy in their policies, like who gets the support and who doesn't get support."

Students are pictured on campus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

UBC offers counselling and resources for students in need but none of them are queer community-focused, according to some queer international students. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

UBC offers counselling and resources for students in need but none of them are focused on the queer community.

"Not that I'm undermining people who get support from UBC, but I do think when you're making a statement of solidarity, for example, you should make it with all communities, especially queer international students," says Jarb.

In an email statement to CBC News, Noorjean Hassam, UBC's vice-president for student health and well-being, says all counsellors at the university have received training to effectively assist students from diverse backgrounds, with some focusing on support for international students with intersecting identities.

Hassam also highlights UBC's ongoing efforts to hire a counsellor specifically dedicated to supporting queer students.

"If there are specific gaps in what UBC is able to offer, we work with students on referrals to the community, and are exploring the establishment of memorandums of understanding with community practitioners to augment our capacity," she said.

The Vancouver-based LGBTQ advocacy group QMUNITY also connects queer international students seeking help with counsellors who have personal experience in this area, according to Keitu Malatsi, the organization's volunteer co-ordinator.

Malatsi, a self-identified queer international student from South Africa who studied at UBC from 2017 to 2022, says that while she utilized the university's counselling services, there was a significant deficiency in the availability of counsellors with lived experience as queer individuals of colour.

She expressed skepticism about significant improvements in UBC's support for queer international students in the near future.

"I cannot trust that they're actually doing a lot of effort to be better. The response is always very minimal from UBC  and it's very telling to students," Malatsi said.
Nalin Mehta an author and academic, is the Dean of School of Modern Media at UPES University in Dehradun, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University Singapore, and Group Consulting Editor, Network 18. He is the author of The New BJP: Modi and the Making of the Worlds Largest Political Party. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of the publication.
GOP Senator Rand Paul has cast doubt on the Capitol physicians claims that Mitch McConnells latest freezing episode was caused by dehydration.

Ive practiced medicine for 25 years and it doesnt look like dehydration to me, Mr Paul told reporters on Tuesday. It looks like a focal neurologic event.

Mr McConnell, the 81-year-old Senate minority leader, froze for a second time at a press conference in Kentucky last week, raising concerns about his ability to see out his seventh term in office.

Congress physician Brian Monahan released a letter on Tuesday stating there was no evidence that he had suffered from a seizure disorder or had a stroke.

Dr Monahan said that Mr McConnell underwent brain imaging as part of his assessment that also ruled out Parkinsons Disease, adding he was medically clear to continue with his schedule.

Mr Paul, the junior senator from Kentucky, told reporters in the Capitol that he didnt necessarily believe the Republican leaders condition was incapacitating.

Mitch McConnell appears to freeze again as he is asked about running for re-election (WLWT5)

But it means that somebody ought to wake up and say, Wow, this looks like a seizure, he added.

I think even non-physicians seeing that probably aren't really accepting that explanation.

Everybody's seen the clips, it's not a valid medical diagnosis for people to say that's dehydration.

On 26 July, Mr McConnell froze for 20 seconds during a Senate Republican press conference at the Capitol, prompting fears he had suffered a medical event.

Mr McConnell appeared unable to speak for about 20 seconds and was helped from the podium by GOP colleagues. He returned a few minutes later, and insisted he was fine.

Rand Paul has called into question Mitch McConnells dehydration diagnosis (AP)

Mr McConnell took six weeks off his Senate duties after suffering a concussion and fractured a rib when he fell and hit his head after a dinner event at a hotel in March. He was hospitalised for several days.

It subsequently emerged that the GOP Senate leader also suffered a face plant when he boarded a flight at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on 14 July.

Story continues

Mr McConnell also fell during a visit to Helsinki in February where he was leading a delegation of GOP senators.

His most recent freezing episode occurred during a press conference in Kentucky on 30 August.

When Mr McConnell was asked whether he planned to run for another six-year term beginning in 2027, he asked the reporter to repeat the question, before staring blankly for several seconds as his words trailed off.

He then stood motionless for several seconds before an aide repeated the question in his ear. Mr McConnell did not appear to acknowledge her, and the aide then whisked him away.

Mr McConnell has repeatedly insisted he will remain as GOP Senate leader and see out his term, which ends in 2027.

The Kentucky senator faced a leadership challenge from Florida senator Rick Scott last November.
SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Amitabh Tiwari Is a former corporate and investment banker-turned political strategist and commentator. Twitter: @politicalbaaba. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication
Sohil Sehran is a journalist with 10 years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital media. He covers politics and national affairs at Moneycontrol. He tweets @SohilSehran
IT Standards

1EdTech to Host European Higher Education Interoperability Workgroup

The 1EdTech Consortium will hold a 1EdTech Europe at a conference Sept. 14-15 at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, where members of the European Commission's Higher Education Interoperability workgroup will launch a 27-country initiative. The first of the three-phase framework, set to be collaborated on through November 2023, will be to draft an infrastructure design for the group, 1EdTech said. Representatives from European Universities alliances will be invited to evaluate and provide feedback on the design.

During the second phase, through June 2024, the group will bring on other representatives from the European Universities alliances to outline and address real-world use issues, challenges, and bottlenecks and collaborate on protocols to create a standardized framework.

In the third phase, set to be completed by February 2025, the group will present its Higher Education Interoperability Framework report, which will contain implementation, maintenance, and governance recommendations for moving forward.

Public and private sectors of European higher education will have a stake in this work, 1EdTech said. A pre-conference Think Tank will be held Sept. 13, prior to the 1EdTech Europe conference, for a workgroup coordination team to meet with 1EdTech and European University Information Systems (EUNIS) members.

"Our students are looking for more mobility," said Evelien Renders, international education advisor for SURF (the national research and education network for the Netherlands). "Creating interoperable systems will make it easier and more secure for students to move between institutions as they take advantage of all the opportunities available to them across Europe."

"We plan to ensure that higher education institutions, learners, and suppliers in Europe benefit from the best that digital technology can offer and remain globally competitive whilst aligning with European public values," said Anthony Camilleri from the group coordination team. "We appreciate 1EdTech's willingness to bring education stakeholders from the public and private sectors together in one place for a truly collaborative effort."

"1EdTech's mission is to promote an open, trusted, and innovative ed tech ecosystem across the globe," said CEO Rob Abel. "1EdTech has experience working with international governments and public bodies to profile open standards while fitting national infrastructure constraints. We are thrilled to bring our experience of realistically scaling interoperability standards to power learner potential to this collaborative initiative."

For more information, visit the conference page.
Gov. Tony Evers pledged on Wednesday to veto a Republican tax cut proposal that GOP lawmakers expect to pass in the Assembly early next week. His vow came after he rejected a similar proposal when he signed the state budget in July.

Evers rejection of the Republican plan highlights the continuing fight over what to do with Wisconsins $4 billion surplus. Republicans have been calling for large tax cuts while Evers has called for increased spending on schools, health care and child care.

Im not going to sign an irresponsible Republican tax cut that jeopardizes our states financial stability well into the future and the investments we need to be making today to address the real, pressing challenges facing our state, Evers tweeted Wednesday.

I'll veto it. Plain and simple.



Im not going to sign an irresponsible Republican tax cut that jeopardizes our states financial stability well into the future and the investments we need to be making today to address the real, pressing challenges facing our state.  Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) September 6, 2023

The plan he said hed veto would cut the tax rate from 5.3% to 4.4% for people in the states third tax bracket, a broad category covering individuals earning between $27,630 and $304,000 and married filers earning between $36,840 and $405,000.

The proposal, Assembly Bill 386, would also remove taxes on up to $100,000 in retirement income from, for example, 401(k) and pension accounts that people age 67 or older receive. That amount would be up to $150,000 for married couples who are both at least 67.

When Republicans proposed the $2.9 billion tax cut in late August, Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback pointed to a State Budget Office memo stating that tax reductions exceeding $430 million in the next two years could lead the federal government to recoup more than $2 billion that Wisconsin received from it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evers on Wednesday said the latest proposal would put Wisconsin on a path to bankruptcy.

Spokespeople for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

In July, Evers vetoed Republicans proposal to lower the third tax brackets rate from 5.3% to 4.4%. He also rejected reducing the 7.65% tax rate covering individuals earning more than $304,000 or married filers earning more than about $405,500 to 6.5%.

Evers budget included a GOP provision to lower the 3.54% rate covering individuals earning less than $13,810 per year or married filers earning less than about $18,400 to 3.5%. He also signed a measure lowering the 4.65% rate covering individuals making up to $27,630 and joint filers earning $36,840 to 4.4%.

As a result, Republicans proposed $3.5 billion tax cut turned into a $175 million cut.

Under the tax plan Evers modified, those making between $40,000 and $50,000 will receive an average $36 tax cut.

Under the GOP plan Evers said he would veto, taxpayers making between $40,000 and $50,000 would receive an additional $52 cut.

Under the current structure, taxpayers making between $60,000 and $70,000  or near Wisconsins median household income of $67,000  will receive a $44 income tax cut. Under Republicans plan, they would receive an additional $205 cut.

Those making between $90,000 and $100,000 will receive a $48 cut under Evers plan, less than 10% of the $515 cut they would receive under Republicans plan.

Wisconsinites making between $200,000 and $250,000 will receive an average $51 cut per year under the plan Evers signed. Under Republicans tax plan, theyd save an additional $1,650.

Assembly Republicans are likely to pass the tax cut on Tuesday.

Election advantages due to district mapping
A dozen years after being kicked out of the Association of American Universities, the University of Nebraska said it wants back into one of higher educations most exclusive clubs.

Earning an invite to rejoin the 123-year-old organization, where membership signals a level of prestige among the top research universities in the U.S., is not guaranteed.

Nor have any of the five institutions that lost or resigned their membership been asked to come back.

NU President Ted Carter, as part of a challenge from the Board of Regents to rethink how the university operates in the face of an estimated $58 million budget shortfall over the next two years, said regaining membership in the AAU should be a priority.

Were going to be a bit of an underdog, Carter said. I find it to be an interesting challenge.

The AAU and its 71 members are positioned to influence the direction of higher education on a national level, Carter told regents in a memo outlining his reasoning. Plus, AAU-affiliated institutions receive nearly two-thirds of all federal dollars tagged for research and development.

Carter said the value of a college degree also goes up when a school is operating under the banner of the AAU, which could be a draw for top students and faculty from across the state and country.

When I look at whos in and where we are and where we could be, Carter said in an Aug. 15 interview with the Journal Star, we should be in that club.

But, a week later, Carter was announced as the 17th president of Ohio State University, which has been a member of the AAU since 1916. Hell leave Nebraska at the end of December, long before the university is in any position to be asked to rejoin the AAU.

Still, the goal articulated by Carter earlier this summer has taken hold at NU, invigorating the imaginations of key leaders tasked with carrying it out.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Rodney Bennett and University of Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Jeff Gold have endorsed the idea, as have faculty leaders and members of the Board of Regents.

Lincoln Regent Tim Clare, in an editorial last week, said getting the University of Nebraska back into the AAU sends the signal that Nebraska aims high.

Ive been waking up every day with a new motto, Clare wrote. Everything AAU.

Then and now

When it joined the AAU in 1909, the University of Nebraska was one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country.

The university remained in good standing with the AAU for most of the next century, but a shift in its administrative structure, as well as changes in the value assigned to certain research expenditures, led it to fall out of favor with the organization.

The creation of the University of Nebraska system in the late 1960s led to research spending from UNL, the land grant university campus, and UNMC, its medical school, to be reported separately.

At the same time, the AAU also came to place a lesser value on federal research funds that came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture  which account for roughly $1 in every $5 of research done at UNL today  because those funds are awarded through a formula and not a competitive grant process.

Taken together, UNL was reporting fewer research expenditures than other AAU members that added the work being done at their affiliated medical schools, while also doing more research the AAU places less emphasis on, despite agriculture being at the core of the mission set out for land grant universities.

In 2011, after 102 years of membership, UNL became the first university to be voted out of the AAU by other members, falling two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to be retained.

At the time, university leaders signaled disappointment or embarrassment in the decision made by other AAU members, and ultimately decided to not make any drastic changes to how UNL was doing business.

If we make changes to the structure (of the university) or put too much emphasis on that, we take away from the momentum weve built the last 10 years, Clare said in a Journal Star report at the time.

In the decade since, UNL has seen its enrollment grow to record levels (although those numbers have fallen once again) and enjoyed a healthy trajectory in its research enterprise as it has become a stable member of the Big Ten Conference.

But recent changes among top leadership have led to NU to reexamine its apparent indifference in the decade since its removal from the AAU.

Carter said he raised the issue with the Board of Regents when he interviewed for the NU system job in 2019, while Bennett discussed rejoining the AAU during a series of public forums earlier this year.

Bennett said since he started as UNLs 21st chancellor on July 1, hes heard widespread support for the idea in conversations with senior leaders on campus.

I think theres also a very deep appreciation for the heavy lifting that has to take place for that to occur, he said. My sense is that everybody is up for the challenge.

Tiger team

Following his June memo to the Board of Regents detailing the goal of rejoining the AAU, Carter assigned Bennett and Gold to what he calls a tiger team.

The small task force headed by the campus chancellors will examine how to realign UNL, UNMC and NUs central administration office under a single banner for the sole purpose of research spending.

There are other Big Ten universities that are already doing this dual-reporting with split geographic locations between their flagship and med center, Carter said.

The University of South Florida, which was recently invited into the AAU, combined three distinct campuses under a single administrative structure to report its research funding.

Carter said that under current available data, combining all three offices into one would immediately take the University of Nebraska from 117th to 66th in terms of federally funded research, doubling what is reported now.

In total research spending, which considers funding from the state, industry, nonprofits and other sponsors, NU would jump from 87th to 55th overnight.

Gold said combining three different reporting figures into one, essentially reversing the separation that occurred in the late 1960s when the university system was created, could also be done without limiting opportunities for campuses to compete for highly sought research grants from sources such as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation  sources valued by the AAU.

By combining into a single reporting structure, I think well send a very powerful message, he said.

The president of UNLs Faculty Senate, Kelli Kopocis, an assistant professor of practice in the College of Engineering, said faculty at the states flagship campus see the benefits of joining forces with faculty from the medical center in Omaha.

At the end of the day, AAU membership equals more research dollars, which helps our faculty help our students, Kopocis said.

Other factors considered

Bennett and Gold say they are also cognizant of other metrics the AAU considers before extending an offer at membership.

Its definitely more than just the research enterprise, Bennett said. I think a lot of people like to focus on that and its certainly part of it, but I think when we make our case, well have to show how successful our students are.

Improving the four- and six-year graduation rates, the retention rates of students between their first and second years at UNL, as well as how many students are pursing postgraduate degrees, or even what type of jobs they are entering, will also be necessary, Bennett said.

Membership of UNL and UNMC faculty in organizations like the National Academy of the Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering will also send a signal the university is ready to rejoin the AAU, Gold said.

Currently, only two UNL faculty are members of the National Academy of Sciences, while just one UNMC faculty member is counted as part of the National Academy of Medicine.

Those numbers are comparable to some of the other universities recently accepted into the AAU. South Florida, for example, has a single faculty member who is part of the National Academy of Sciences. Arizona State University, on the other hand, has 18.

Carter said NU will need to either recruit new faculty who are already members or invest in current faculty in order to boost the universitys numbers.

He has also directed administrative staff to look at how UNL and UNMC stack up against AAU members in other areas considered for membership.

Those include the number of faculty awards and fellowships; how many times research done at Nebraska is cited; books, especially in the "fields of arts, humanities, and social sciences" penned by university researchers; the number of doctoral degrees granted; and the number of postdoctoral appointees enrolled.

Thats all part of the strategy, Carter said.

Creme de la creme

Theres no timetable for when UNL could be asked to rejoin the AAU. Bennett and Golds tiger team has been tasked to finish a report about realigning the administrative structure by the end of the year.

Carter, who will have a vote within the AAU as president of Ohio State, said it could take five years or longer before UNL is ready to be asked to rejoin the organization.

Other university leaders have signaled their intention to work for as long as it takes.

Clare, who is the chair of the Board of Regents this year and will be intimately involved in the search for Carters replacement, said he believes UNL belongs in the creme de la creme of higher ed institutions.

That means the responsibility for getting there will likely fall on the NU systems ninth leader, working in conjunction with campus leaders at UNL and UNMC.

Were going to get our metrics set so that when that invitation comes, and I hope it comes sooner rather than later, were in position to be able to regain entry, Clare said.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Singapore Tops List of Crypto-Friendly Investment Migration Destinations

Source: Pixabay

Singapore has emerged as the most preferred destination for crypto millionaires seeking secure and tax-friendly havens to protect their digital assets, according to the recently released Crypto Adoption Index by Henley & Partners.

With a perfect score of 10 out of 10 in the tax-friendliness parameter, both Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have garnered recognition for their progressive stance on taxing cryptocurrency-related activities.

According to the Crypto Wealth Report, compiled by Henley & Partners, there are approximately 88,200 crypto millionaires worldwide, with nearly half of them, about 40,500 individuals, holding their fortunes primarily in Bitcoin.

The report estimates that a staggering 425 million people globally own some form of cryptocurrencies.

As the cryptocurrency space continues to gain momentum, traders, miners, investors, and entrepreneurs are increasingly exploring investment migration strategies to protect their interests.

Crypto Millionaires Looking to Safeguard their Holdings

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, noted a significant surge in inquiries from crypto millionaires in recent months.

These individuals are looking to safeguard their holdings against potential bans on cryptocurrency trading or usage in their home countries and to mitigate risks associated with aggressive fiscal policies targeting digital assets.

In the realm of the global super-rich, the report identifies 182 crypto centi-millionaires, individuals with crypto holdings exceeding $100 million.

Among these, 78 are prominent Bitcoin investors. Additionally, six individuals worldwide have ascended to the coveted status of crypto billionaires, amassing their wealth from various digital assets.

The report did not mention the names of these crypto billionaires.

Singapore Preferred as Safest Option by Crypto Millionaires

Singapore was ranked at top by crypto millionaires who are looking to safeguard their crypto holdings from negative regulations.

With a score of 50.2 out of 60, or 83.76%, Singapore leads the way, followed closely by Switzerland with a score of 78.17%. The UAE secured the third position with a score of 76.17%.

These countries, alongside Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Malta, and Malaysia, make up the top ten crypto-friendly destinations.

The report also highlights the appeal of countries offering residence and citizenship through investment programs, as these enable cryptocurrency investors to secure residence rights or citizenship in exchange for substantial investments.
BRI helps improve economies, provide jobs for locals: Pakistani expat Pub Date:23-09-06 09:08 Source:Xinhua "The Belt and Road Initiative involves many countries, and these countries' economies are improving." A Pakistani expat shares his experience on how the China-proposed BRI has fostered connectivity and development. Editor:Zheng Chen

Related News GLOBALink | China-Kazakhstan cooperation i... China New Growth: China leads global clean... Digital Silk Road promotes e-commerce betw... Gasoline vehicles not rivals of NEVs, say ...
United States Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew speaks at the Centre for American Progress in Washington, U.S., October 13, 2016. REUTERS/Gary Cameron/File photo
The three-judge panel ruled a special master will draw a map in time for the 2024 election with two Black districts instead of just one. In this photo, marchers chant during the Black Voters Matter's 57th Selma to Montgomery march on March 9, 2022, in Selma, Alabama. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images/TNS)
The U.S. Capitol Building is seen in Washington, U.S., August 15, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File Photo
Residents hold signs against the production and use of nuclear energy on Guam during a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at the Guam Congress Building in Hagatna.
A Marine and former fighter pilot on Wednesday announced his run for the 10th Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Scott Perry.

Mike OBrien is running on the Democratic ticket.

Congressman Scott Perry and his far-right gang of insurrectionists are a threat to democracy and a threat to our freedoms, OBrien said. Thats why Im running for Congress right here in my home state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania needs a fighter on their side who listens to them, who respects them, who cares more about them than about winning partisan food fights.

This isnt about Democrat versus Republican, he said. Its about American versus un-American. Its about regular people versus Washington extremists like Scott Perry. Its going to take all of us to save our democracy, so join me and lets do this together.

OBrien joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for 20 years as a Top Gun fighter pilot and squadron commanding officer. OBrien flew F/A-18 Hornets off of aircraft carriers, completed two combat deployments and became a program graduate and squadron fighter tactics instructor, according to a news release from his campaign.

He retired as lieutenant colonel in August and returned to Pennsylvania.

I spent the last 20 years defending democracy overseas. But we need more of that. Right here, right now, he said.

OBrien is a graduate from the U.S. Navy Academy and also completed a masters degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is married to Courtney, an active duty Marine and commanding officer of a KC-130J squadron, and they are parents to two children, Brooklyn and Jadon.
Sitting at a picnic table near the Rivanna River, Kade Wiverg and Adam Cieszkiewicz enjoyed a beer, burger and the grand opening of their new favorite brewery.

The two were among a large crowd of customers on Friday that flocked to Hogwaller Brewing on East High Street in front of the Rivanna River Company.

I just came out to support the best brewer in town, Wiverg told The Daily Progress, snacking on French fries while under a large white tent that covers the brewerys back patio. Its just an awesome place that I will now come to drink all of my beer and eat all of my burgers.

If that glowing review and the packed parking lot was any indication, Hogwaller is off to a good start.

We had people as soon as we opened the doors, and it really hasnt slowed down much at all since then, brewer and co-owner Mark Fulton told The Daily Progress. We passed our final inspection this morning, opened our doors at 11 a.m. and have been jamming out since then.

Hogwaller is the brainchild of Fulton and Will Richey, creator of Ten Course Hospitality, a restaurant group that includes Bebedero, Whiskey Jar and Cafe Frank in Charlottesville. Richey is handling the food, while Fulton is in charge of the beer.

The idea came during a playdate.

Both Fulton and Richey have 10-year-old daughters who have become close friends. While supervising their kids one day, Richey mentioned how he had been toying with the idea of opening a burger joint and also a brewery.

Well, I just lost my brewery. Happy to help you guys out, Richey remembered Fulton saying.

Fulton was referring to Reason Beer, a piece of Hunter Smiths Champion Hospitality Group restaurant empire that once included about a half-dozen locations in Charlottesville and Central Virginia. Fulton was let go from Reason last December. The establishment closed in January.

This food concept that theyre doing is something that Will has had in mind and been working on for years and never found a spot for it. And I needed a job, so it came together, Fulton said with a laugh.

Richey brought in some assistance from his partner at another Charlottesville establishment: Tres Pittard of Revolutionary Soup.

Richey and Pittard said they think the Hogwaller burgers are the best theyve made yet.

Weve been test kitchen-ing this thing since last winter, Pittard told The Daily Progress. So weve spent a lot of time and effort on this, and those tiny little steps that weve taken made a huge difference.

They said theyre not trying to reinvent the wheel. The brewery is meant to be simple and low-key.

These are just old-school burgers and barbecue. The only thing thats different about what were doing is all of our proteins are locally sourced, Richey said. The beef is from Timber Creek Farm in Ivy and the pulled pork comes from Polyface Farms near Staunton.

The menu also includes a Not Burgers section that features just two items: a grilled cheese sandwich and a plant-based burger. Each is named after Richey and Fultons daughters, one of whom is a vegetarian and the other is a grilled cheese aficionada.

Simple and approachable and affordable. Affordable, but good for you, junk food, Richey said. Tres is a trained chef, so to have a trained chef cooking basic foods is a quality add that we have.

Travis Ross split a burger with his mother Shelia.

It was great. I like the way they seasoned the beef, Ross told The Daily Progress after finishing his beer. Were all about quality over quantity.

For now, Hogwaller is serving guest draft beers from a list curated by Fulton. But the team hopes to get a permit soon so that Fulton can begin brewing his own beers. The aim is to have at least a handful of the tap beers to be brewed in house by September, and ultimately the entire beer list will be Hogwaller brews, original recipes crafted by Fulton.

Thats welcome news for Dave ONeill, who worked for Fulton at Reason.

Selling his beer was the easiest thing in the world, ONeill told The Daily Progress. I didnt know hed land on his feet so quickly. Im so happy he did. I cant wait to try his beer again, because its the best in Charlottesville.

It was tragic, said Wiverg of Reasons demise, munching away on a burger. But from the ashes rises the phoenix.
Yosemite, CA Yosemite National Parks annual park-wide cleanup event, Yosemite Facelift, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, with expanded programming and partnerships. Founded in 2003 by Ken Yager, President of the Yosemite Climbing Association, Yosemite Facelift has grown into a week-long event, bringing together volunteers from around the world to contribute to the preservation of the park. Yosemite Facelift was conceived as a way for climbers to give back to Yosemite after each bustling summer tourist and climbing season.

The 20th-anniversary event is set to take place in Yosemite Valley from September 20th to 24th, with volunteer opportunities from as little as an hour to larger multi-day projects, plus daily giveaways, guest speakers, music, and celebrations. This initiative has inspired similar cleanups in over 20 additional locations across America, including the 2nd annual Groveland Facelift on September 9th and 10th. To participate in any Facelift event, interested individuals must pre-register at yosemiteclimbing.org.

The President & CEO of Visit Tuolumne County Lisa Mayo comments, Being able to expand off of a large clean-up event is great to bring some attention to our Yosemite Gateway community, Groveland. Visit Tuolumne County is pleased to be a part of this event and support sustainability and stewardship in our County.

During the events 16th year in 2019, nearly 3,000 dedicated volunteers participated, resulting in the collection of nearly 16,000 pounds of trash, a significant portion of which was recycled to keep it out of landfills. To date, the cumulative efforts of Yosemite Facelift have led to the removal of 1 million pounds of trash from Yosemite National Park
Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintock touring the Utica water system View Photos

Murphys, CA  Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintock surveyed the Utica Water and Power Authority system yesterday.

The tour on Tuesday, hosted by Utica, City of Angels Camp and Union Public Utility District, required a bit of a hike. The image box pictures showed the congressman rolling up his sleeves viewing the flumes and walking along them. McClintock also visited the supply system and hydroelectric powerhouses, followed by a meet and greet at the old Murphys Powerhouse. Nearly 30 people from fire protection agencies, water agencies, the U.S. Forest Service, county government, and volunteers working on fuel reduction projects attended.

Utica General Manager Joel Metzger noted that McClintock was engaged throughout the tour, sharing, The Congressman voiced strong support for Uticas federal grant funding applications, offered solutions to federal regulatory challenges, provided pathways to increase the pace and scale of forest management on federal lands, and promised to advocate for Utica in Washington D.C.

With McClintocks support on critical issues, Metzger added, We are grateful the Congressman was willing to spend part of his day in Calaveras County to see Uticas water supply system first-hand and understand the challenges we are facing.

Acknowledging McClintocks support on Uticas key issues, Metzger detailed that the Congressman was engaged throughout the tour.

It was also incredible to see so many community leaders come together at the meet and greet to support our efforts to protect the sole public water supply for 10,000 people who live in the Murphys and Angels Camp area, remarked Metzger.
The suspected killer of the woman found stabbed to death last week in an Albemarle County apartment is the victims twin sister.

Jessie Christine Krahenbill Greyer, 59, of Waynesboro, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her sister Jennie Marie Quick.

Greyer will remain in custody at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail for the foreseeable future, after a magistrate declined to set bail and after an initial hearing Thursday in Albemarle County General District Court resulted in a order for continued custody.

The family has roots in Louisa County, and photos posted online show the two sisters hugging under happier circumstances. Those circumstances changed in the early morning hours of Aug. 29 at an apartment off Hydraulic Road.

According to a police report, it was Greyer who allegedly called 911 at 5:03 a.m. to tell the dispatcher that she and her twin sister got into it in a residence in the Four Seasons complex and that Greyer had stabbed her sister. After arriving at the apartment in the 4000 block of Cypress Pointe Drive, officers detained Greyer and made a sweep of the unit.

Officers observed a body laying motionless on the ground, according to the report by an Albemarle County police detective, who also noted blood spatter on the apartment walls. Officers observed a large knife protruding from the victims back.

Quick is survived, according to a published obituary, by her mother, three sisters and daughter. The obituary indicates that she will be remembered with a service Sept. 16 at Berea Baptist Church in Louisa.

Greyers next hearing is slated for Oct. 16 in Albemarle County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The court records do not indicate the name of her attorney, and Greyer has not yet had the opportunity to offer a plea to the charge.

A conviction of second-degree murder in Virginia can bring a prison sentence of five to 40 years.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 153 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year,, and our current goal, strengthening our IT infrastructure.

The Georgia Attorney Generals office just unsealed charges against 61 people claimed to be involved in a criminal conspiracy as part of the Atlanta Stop Cop City movement. This case shows that prosecutors are all too eager to use the sweeping powers conferred on them under Georgias recently-established RICO statute. The charges against the defendants include racketeering, domestic terrorism, money laundering, and charity fraud.

Stop Cop City is a series of protests intended to stop construction of a police and fire department training facility on 85 acres which had served as a recreational area near a poor black area. Stop Cop City included a Stop Cop City Vote coalition seeing a referendum to overturn the lease for the planned facilities.

From Rolling Stone:

The Georgia Attorney Generals Office has filed RICO Act violation charges against protesters fighting to stop the construction of the police training facility known as Cop City in Atlantas South River Forest. The charges of violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations were filed Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Fulton County Superior Court, with 61 people named. In a statement announcing the indictment, the AGs office alleged that the defendants have conspired together to prevent the construction of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center by conducting, coordinating, and organizing acts of violence, intimidation, and property destruction in Georgia and other states. The RICO charges mark another significant increase in pressure from state officials looking to crack down on those advocating against the the $90 million, 85-acre police training facility. As the Atlanta Community Press Collective  a local group covering the Stop Cop City movement and other autonomous groups  noted on Twitter, many of the people charged with RICO Act violations were previously hit with domestic terrorism charges earlier this year over their opposition to Cop City. Additionally, money laundering charges have been brought against organizers of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, which helps arrested protesters with jail support and legal representation. And capping it all off, the ACPC noted that three people indicted on RICO charges were previously arrested for merely passing out flyers earlier this year. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, the Cop City Vote coalition slammed Georgia AG Chris Carr and the RICO charges, calling them blatantly authoritarian. They further accused the State of Georgia of trying to intimidate protestors, legal observers, and bail funds alike, and send the chilling message that any dissent to Cop City will be punished with the full power and violence of the government. The Cop City Vote coalition strongly condemns these anti-democratic charges, the statement adds. We will not be intimidated by power-hungry strongmen, whether in City Hall or the Attorney Generals office. Chris Carr may try to use his prosecutors and power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech, but his threats will not silence our commitment to standing up for our future, our community, and our city.

A predictably blander overview from Associated Press:

In the sweeping indictment released Tuesday, Republican Attorney General Chris Carr alleged the defendants are militant anarchists who supported a violent movement that prosecutors trace to the widespread 2020 racial justice protests. The Aug. 29 indictment is the latest application of the states anti-racketeering law, also known as a RICO law, and comes just weeks after the Fulton County prosecutor used the statute to charge former President Donald Trump and 18 other defendants. The Stop Cop City effort has gone on for more than two years and at times veered into vandalism and violence. Opponents fear the training center will lead to greater militarization of the police, and that its construction in an urban forest will exacerbate environmental damage in a poor, majority-Black area.

Axois adds:

Why it matters: The charges in Fulton County Superior Court are the most serious and wide-ranging legal challenges against the Defend the Atlanta Forest movement. This coincides with activists attempts to mount a campaign that aims to force a referendum on the future of the police and fire academies, which they derisively call Cop City. Driving the news: The 109-page indictment follows charges filed in May against three Atlanta residents who operate the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, a charity fund that pays bail and provides legal defense to protesters.

Many press outlets have pointed out that the grand jury for this indictment was the same one that indicted Trump.

You can read the filing here.1 In this bloggers humble opinion, the language is troubling overheated. There is also a lot of text depicting the activists as anarchists and describing how deplorable anarchists are. The filing also claims the effort was part of the George Floyd protests and asserts that the members threw Molotov cocktails, but other accounts said no evidence of any violent action was presented to the grand jury. However, Daily Mail has some photos of small fires at the site and a video of fireworks being set off at one of the gates that got police to back off out of fear of injury.

The best one-stop shopping on the case comes from the Atlanta Community Press Collective, which is seeking pro-bono representation for the defendants. It notes that the indictment includes a Southern Poverty Law Center employee who was at the protests in the capacity of a legal observer and wearing a jacket that marked him as such.

The Atlanta Community Press Collective also pointed out that the relevant county DA withdrew from the case, signaling that she regarded the state attorney general as engaging in overreach:

In June, DeKalb County DA Sherry Boston announced that her office was withdrawing from the prosecution of 42 cases related to the Stop Cop City Movement. It is clear to both myself and the Attorney General that we have fundamentally different prosecution philosophies, Boston told WABEs Rose Scott. Boston stated she did not believe charges would hold up against all the protesters and said her office would only proceed on cases that I believe I can make beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bostons departure from the action substantiates the idea that this filing is a prosecutorial abuse. It takes time and money to get out of criminal charges, spurious or not. And defendants names are likely to come up in Internet searches, tainting their future employment prospects.

The Atlanta Community Press Collective added:

Three organizers with the Atlanta Solidarity Fund who were arrested and charged with charity fraud in May are also included in the indictments. The 109-page indictment filing broadly paints the Solidarity Fund organizers as the center of the RICO conspiracy, blaming the three for every post to website scenes.noblogs.org, reimbursing indicted and unindicted alleged co-conspirators for various supplies. In addition to RICO charges, each of the three Solidarity Fund organizers have also been charged with 15 counts of money laundering from transactions dating back to Jan. 12, 2022, for as little as $11.91 for the purchase of glue. All 43 individuals previously charged with domestic terrorism are listed in the indictment. Other indicted individuals include three who were arrested in April while allegedly passing out flyers with the names of the Georgia State Patrol officers who killed environmental activist Manuel Tortuguita Paez Teran in January; five arrested for criminal trespass in the Weelaunee Forest in May 2022; and at least three arrested in Cobb County protesting construction company Brasfield & Gorrie, the general contractors for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center construction project.

Needless to say, Twitterati are correct to sounding the red alert about this lawsuit:

When the state hands down RICO charges for passing out Stop Cop City fliers and bailing people out, and the date of George Floyds murder is on the indictments, theyre telling you that this about a limitless police state where cops can act with impunity and resistance is illegal.  Stop Cop City (@JoshuaPHilll) September 5, 2023

from the #StopCopCity RICO indictment  without a hint of irony pic.twitter.com/wm6VTllNFJ  Josh (@Josh_Lingsch) September 5, 2023

The state is using the day of George Floyds murder as the date on all indictments. This predates any #StopCopCity activities. This should tell exactly what the reason is behind these charges. Especially since they want to build cop city to prepare for the next mass uprisings. https://t.co/kSMcLpYnWp  People's City Council  Los Angeles (@PplsCityCouncil) September 5, 2023

Not a happy day for what passes for democracy in America.



1 Note I was unable to embed the PDF from the filing, which in my file system showed as only a bit bigger than the maximum upload size permitted by WordPress. I repeatedly tried all sorts of methods to shrink it and the AGs office looks to have installed some nasty code. When I used compression tools. tried generating a pdf from a print version and went to compress that, or even just tried extracting only the meat of the filing, the file size got much larger. I have never encountered anything remotely like this before. If any reader can succeed in compressing the file to below 1.8 MB (to allow for WordPress eccentricity and a margin of error) and mail it to me at yves-at-nakedcapitalism.com with Stop Cop in the headline, I would very much appreciate it and will embed the document.

UPDATE: Thanks to reader Tim H, we now can embed the filing.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 155 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year,, and our current goal, strengthening our IT infrastructure.

I am very sorry. These Links launched prematurely with just a few offerings and I had to relaunch them at the regular time. I dont know how this happened.

* * *

Can We Talk to Whales? New Yorker (furzy). We probably dont want to hear what they have to say. If I were a whale, I am sure I would give humans an earful.

Conservationist group African Parks to free 2,000 rhinos from South Africa farm BBC

The story of 'Doodlebug', an orphaned baby kangaroo who was found on the side of the road, a little baby about two months old. Tim Beshara and his mum Gillian Abbott who is a wildlife caretaker took care of him, and gave him a teddy bear for comfort, and he wouldn't stop hugging pic.twitter.com/dfE1JczKNb  Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) September 5, 2023

Rise of the Goths Quillette (Anthony L)

For Some Gen Xers, Skateboarding Is for Life Wall Street Journal (David L)

Back to New Jersey, Where the Universe Began New York Times (Kevin W)

Our Earth, shaped by life aeon (Anthony L)

My late father hated Carl Jung. Should I shun him for ever too? Guardian (furzy). This person appears to have missed the bit in Jung where he argues that people dont truly individuate until both parents have died.

The Aftermath of a Miracle Cure for a Rare Cancer Wired (Dr. Kevin)

Medical-evidence giant Cochrane battles funding cuts and closures Nature (Dr. Kevin)

Longevity: Weight loss may lower odds of reaching 90 by 51% MedicalNewsToday (furzy). Bad headline and probable false causality. Its UNINTENDED weight loss that is bad. And that often is the result of cancer or a hospital stay.

Why all the Burning Man schadenfreude? Where do I start  Guardian (furzy)

Biden Approves $40 Billion Worth Of Drugs To Be Airdropped To Burning Man Babylon Bee

Thomas Nagel  Leader of the Martians: J.L. Austins War London Review of Books (Anthony L)

Climate/Environment

China?

Stage set for a disagreeable ASEAN summit in Jakarta Asia Times (Kevin W)

India

India to Bharat: Changing the name of a country comes at a cost Economic Times A bit of a change from our regular programming (Chuck L):

Africa

Old Bligthy

New Not-So-Cold War

Imperial Collapse Watch

G20 summit: US urges China not to play spoiler at leaders meet BBC. The US demands, erm, wants China to play nicely with us after the Biden Administration has been astonishingly hostile, including unheard-of rudeness at the 2021 Alaska summit, escalation, and Biden calling Xi a dictator?

Biden

2024

GOP Clown Car

Supremes

Senator Files Ethics Complaint Accusing Alito of Scheme to Thwart Congressional Action Common Dreams (furzy)

Our No Longer Free Press

Woke Watch

Jordan Peterson being professionally canceled for trans stance New York Post (furzy). Notice URL for original headline.

The Bezzle

Class Warfare

Beware the new leviathans Unherd (Anthony L)

Antidote du jour (Chet G):

And a bonus (Chuck L):

Lions enjoying the seapic.twitter.com/b1qGCcZQyM  Enezator (@Enezator) September 5, 2023

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Since the 2017 election, the Democrats have been consistently delivering for rural Virginia. In that time, we have either forced the Republicans to finally address the long-neglected needs of their constituents or weve rolled up our sleeves and addressed it ourselves.

Our focus on addressing rural issues was not because there was a plethora of new rural Democratic delegates. Democrats focused on these rural issues because the Republican majority had been negligent in that region for far too long, and it was the right thing to do.

Expanded access to basic health care

Having grown up in the mountains of Virginia, I know what its like to live in rural Virginia without health care. For families like mine, that usually means delaying routine health care decisions until the condition becomes critical. This is the environment that existed as the Republicans continued to deny Medicaid expansion to over 400,000 Virginians.

This changed after the 2017 election. The Democrats ran on expanding health care access, and the voters responded by expanding their House minority from 34 to 49. With this muscular minority, 18 Republicans finally joined with Democrats to support Medicaid expansion. These new health care benefits mostly helped people in rural and urban areas and stabilized the finances of 16 rural hospitals around the commonwealth, allowing them to remain open and provide services to their local communities.

Interstate 81 improvements

The longest single interstate road in Virginia is the 325 miles of I-81 that runs from the Virginia-Tennessee border, through Southwest Virginia, up the Shenandoah Valley to the Virginia-West Virginia border. This is the main thoroughfare for the rural western part of Virginia, and with only a few exceptions, every community along I-81 is represented by Republicans. But it took Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam and Democrats in the legislature to finally deliver meaningful funding for road improvements along I-81.

In 2019, that legislation created the I-81 Corridor Improvement Program and Fund and provided dedicated funding for transportation and safety improvements over the entire length of the corridor. The $2 billion investment focused on ensuring people in the corridor could move freely and safely on I-81.

That legislation was supported by all 49 Democrats, from urban and suburban districts, and only nine Republicans. The no votes were put on the board by the Republicans who represent constituents in the corridor. So if youre grateful for the I-81 improvements, dont thank your local Republican state delegate  they voted against the legislation.

Rural broadband expansion

Prior to the Democrats taking over the House, Senate and Executive Mansion in 2020, the Republican majorities and leadership had provided an anemic $4 million per year in rural broadband funding. During those years, they controlled the purse strings in Richmond and chose not to make rural broadband a priority.

However, with the Democrats in charge, the rural broadband funding increased to $22 million per year, then we added another $50 million per year and an additional $750 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Democrats have now invested almost a billion dollars toward achieving universal, high-speed broadband for rural Virginia, followed by an additional $1.4 billion in federal funding.

Rural school construction and modernization

For years, if not decades, Republicans would come to Richmond and make political hay about the declining schools in their districts. Theyd advocate for do-nothing referendums and then bemoan the fact that their ill-conceived legislation didnt pass. Theyd come back the next year, repeat the same process, but never once did they offer a practical solution or use their power of the budget to actually do anything.

There are at least 1,000 public schools around the commonwealth that are 50-plus years old, many in rural communities. The total cost to repair or replace these schools is a staggering $25 billion.

Taking this into consideration, in 2022, when the commonwealth had a $13.8 billion surplus, a Northern Virginia Democrat proposed a $5.5 billion budget amendment to capitalize a school construction and modernization fund that would have aided the schools with the most severe need in rural Virginia. The Republicans mocked the approach on the House floor, never gave the amendment a hearing and stated that school modernization was a problem that fell on the localities to solve, instead of their elected officials in the legislature.

So, if you live in rural Virginia and are frustrated that your child is attending a school with water problems, leaking roofs, poor air conditioning and heating, and Vietnam War-era electrical wiring  you should direct your frustration to your Republican state delegate or senator.
It was all a HOAX: Over 80 Canadian Christian Churches burned down over a two-year media lie

For two years, Christian churches in Canada have been set ablaze. The reason? A story pushed by left-wing activists and the media claiming that scores of Indigenous children were buried on the land where these places of worship sat.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

UnHerd:

Churches have been burned in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. Almost all were on indigenous land, destroyed, apparently, in response to deaths of the children who were removed from their families sent to the schools in a policy of forced assimilation

Was this story fact-checked before the media incited arsonists and unleashed them on churches? Absolutely not. After all, liberal democracy prioritizes emotion and violence over facts. Now, however, we know the entire two-year saga was a massive hoax thanks to two major excavations that found no evidence of buried children. The sad truth is that crazed left-wing animals torched at least 81 Christian churches, all based on a left-wing media lie. Meanwhile, the government, led by Trudeau, gave their seal of approval for these arsons by sitting back and watching it all unfold without doing anything to stop it.

A number of people are claiming its only 81 churches that were burned down by terrorists as a result of a media hoax. This presumes the media covered every fire. The same ones who lied about the mass graves? Evil stuff. https://t.co/yElFdNRGR4  Cernovich (@Cernovich) September 1, 2023

Heres a pic of Canadas theater kid prime minister taking advantage for a saccharine photo op.

Whoops! Remember Those Unmarked Children Graves that were discovered at a Catholic School in Manitoba? They were just rocks. Like the rocks in the head of Trudeau? https://t.co/Mk4o4j2u1kpic.twitter.com/zFFoBxFGNX  Pro1stAmendment+ ? ?? ? ???? (@Pro1stAmendment) August 25, 2023

The left-wing modernist pope fell hook, line and sinker for the hoax.

Even Pope Francis participated in the Mass Child Graves hoax, flying to Canada and declaring a genocide had taken place https://t.co/obK8DuPp54  Jack Poso ?? (@JackPosobiec) September 1, 2023

Sick stuff.

Tucker covered this story on his show last year.

But now we know, the whole thing was a hoax.

Canada didnt have a dark seedy past for liberals to fuss over, so they concocted one. This way, the left could fuel division and incite destruction, all while armed with an understandable and convenient excuse. Sound familiar? Its pretty much what they did with George Floyd, turning a convicted thug into a makeshift saint.

Hoax Confirmed. After claims of "mass graves" of indigenous children at residential schools across Canada, no human remains have been found after 2 years of excavations. Canada didnt have racial guilt as a founding myth, so it invented a genocidal atrocity to atone for. pic.twitter.com/zAqfGzUCwZ  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 1, 2023

What an enormous stain on Canada.

The New York Post:

After two years of horror stories about the alleged mass graves of Indigenous children at residential schools across Canada, a series of recent excavations at suspected sites has turned up no human remains. Some academics and politicians say its further evidence that the stories are unproven. Minegoziibe Anishinabe, a group of indigenous people also known as Pine Creek First Nation, excavated 14 sites in the basement of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church near the Pine Creek Residential School in Manitoba during four weeks this summer. The so-called anomalies were first detected using ground-penetrating radar, but on Aug. 18, Chief Derek Nepinak of remote Pine Creek Indian Reserve said no remains were found. He also referred to the effort as the initial excavation, leading some who were skeptical of the original claims to think even more are planned. I dont like to use the word hoax because its too strong but there are also too many falsehoods circulating about this issue with no evidence, Jacques Rouillard, a professor emeritus in the Department of History at the Universite de Montreal, told The Post Wednesday.

This latest revelation of a hoax deals another blow to the contrived outrage fueling left-wing activism. These activists arent in search of justice or rectifying past wrongs. Instead, theyre fixated on sowing division, causing destruction, and dismantling society. They crave a convenient excuse that allows them to wreak havoc while the rest of us sit back, watching them burn everything to the ground.

Read more at: Revolver.news
STUDY: Disposable COVID-19 masks expose wearers to high levels of toxic compounds linked to cancer

Experts considered surgical masks as the gold standard when it comes to preventing infections at the height of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a study re-shared by the National Institutes of Health earlier this year indicates that the tight-fitting masks may expose users to dangerous levels of toxic chemicals

Details of the study were published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety and on the NIH's website.

For the study, scientists from Jeonbuk National University in South Korea analyzed two types of disposable medical-grade masks, along with reusable cloth masks. Upon examining the data, the scientists reported that chemicals released by the medical-grade masks had at least eight times the recommended safety limit of toxic volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).

Data suggests that inhaling TVOCs may be linked to health issues like headaches and nausea. Additionally, prolonged and repeated exposure is associated with organ damage and cancer.

The researchers warned that continued study can help them learn more about the VOCs linked to the use of surgical masks and their effects on human health.

They added that there are ways to reduce the danger. Exposure can be significantly reduced if you open a mask and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before wearing it.

This implies that the packaging of surgical masks may be linked to the amount of potentially harmful chemicals they have. (Related: Study: Mask mandates made no difference to COVID-19 transmission rates in hospitals.)

Disposable masks contain high levels of TVOCs

For their study, the researchers tested 14 disposable and cloth masks purchased online by measuring the amount of TVOCs in them.

The disposable masks were KFAD and KF94 models, which were made from materials like thermoplastics polypropylene and polyurethane nylon. These masks are often worn in South Korea, where the study was conducted. KN95s are more popular in the United States.

Findings revealed that their differences are miniscule. KFADs and KF94s filter 94 percent of particles. KN95s filter as much as 95 percent. However, the disposable masks contained up to 14 times the TVOCs detected in cotton masks.

The sample with the highest amount of TVOCs had 4,808 cubic meters per microgram, which is about 4.8 parts per million. This is more than eight times the recommended limit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping TVOC levels below 0.5 parts per million in indoor air.

The researchers flagged two chemicals as being linked to liver and reproductive damage: dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and dimethylformamide (DMF).

The team acknowledged that the sample size was small and that they did not test several other popular disposable masks like KN95s.

The study references earlier research indicating that mask mandates could cause more harm than good. For example, a study by the Cochrane Institute implied that face masks made "little to no difference" in coronavirus infections and deaths.

The researchers explained that the harms caused by masks, such as interfering with children's schooling, were poorly measured in the studies and that minor benefits on infection rates may be outweighed.

Another controversial study implied that wearing face masks raises the risk of stillbirths, testicular dysfunction and cognitive decline in children.

The findings of the Jeonbuk National University study were published in April, but it could have new relevance as COVID-19 variant BA.2.86 is spreading throughout the United States.

Because of the recent surge in cases, several universities, hospitals and the Hollywood studio Lionsgate have reinstated mask mandates. However, new studies highlighting the dangers of face masks could make mask mandates ineffective.

How to reduce exposure to TVOCS

TVOCs are a large group of odorous chemicals and many of them are released by cleaning and beauty products, burning fuel and cooking.

Sources of TVOCs in the home include:

Aerosol sprays

Air fresheners

Automotive products

Cleansers and disinfectants

Moth repellents

Other sources of TVOCs include:

Building materials and furnishings

Craft materials, such as glues and adhesives

Office equipment, such as carbonless copy paper, copiers and printers, permanent markers and correction fluids

The American Lung Association (ALA) warned that TVOCs may irritate the eyes, nose and throat; cause difficulty breathing and nausea; and damage the central nervous system and organs like the liver.

Some TVOCs are also considered human carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.

To reduce exposure to TVOCs or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you must inspect your home for the common sources of TVOCs and VOCs.

Source control:

Eliminate the number of products in your home that give off TVOCs.

Only buy what you need if you are working on something that requires adhesive, caulks, paints and solvents. Unused chemicals stored in the home may "leak" and release VOCs into the air.

Store unused chemicals in a garage or shed where people rarely visit.

Dispose of all unused chemicals that are stored in your home or garage. Check with your city or county for the nearest household hazardous waste collection sites.

Look for low-VOC options if you need paints and furnishing.

Ventilation and temperature control:

Increase the amount of fresh air in your home to help reduce the concentration of VOCs indoors.

Increase ventilation naturally by opening doors and windows. Fans can help maximize air brought in from the outside.

Keep both the temperature and relative humidity as low as possible. Chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity.

Schedule home renovations when your home is unoccupied or during seasons that will allow you to open doors and windows to increase ventilation.

DangerousMedicine.com has more news about the dangers of wearing face masks.

Watch the video below for more on the return of oppressive mask mandates.

This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

POLITICAL COURAGE: Ron DeSantis wants Florida Legislature to permanently ban COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates.

Florida permanently bans all COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates in schools and businesses.

STUDY: Short-term face mask use causes carbon dioxide poisoning  cognitive impairment, testicular damage, stillbirth and impaired memory.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk 1

DailyMail.co.uk 2

Health.State.mn.us

Brighteon.com
EU labels anyone calling for peace a Kremlin propagandist while itself calling for peace deals in conflicts outside Europe, says Hungarian minister

The EUs Foreign Affairs Council usually calls for peace talks between the opposing parties in remote armed conflicts, but the opposite principle is applied toward the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, said Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto while he was in Slovenia on Tuesday.

(Article by Mandiner republished from RMX.com)

Anyone who advocates an immediate ceasefire and peace talks is immediately condemned and branded a Russian spy, a Kremlin propagandist, a friend of Putin, the minister said.

He noted that with war raging on the continent, the position of peace is suddenly not the position of the EU bloc, despite the fact that it has been more than a year and a half since the war began and hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives while Europes economy has directly suffered.

Szijjarto said at a panel discussion at the Bled Strategic Forum that the EU is not in good shape today and has weakened a lot in recent years in the areas of security, the economy and energy security.

The Hungarian foreign minister said that this situation did come out of nowhere, but is the result of a series of decisions that were taken or not taken.

On the issue of security, he said that the negative consequences of the war in Ukraine in the immediate neighborhood were particularly serious and that Hungarians were also dying in the fighting.

In addition, Szijjarto said the European Union needs sensible reforms, enlargement of the bloc must be treated as a top priority, and the Western Balkan states must be admitted to the EU as soon as possible, as this would significantly strengthen the community.

Economic cooperation with China?

Szijjarto also stated that in 2010, the European Unions share of world GDP was 22 percent, while Chinas was 9 percent. However, today the situation has reversed, with Chinas share at 18 percent and the EUs at 17 percent.

He called the cutting of economic ties between Europe and China, the so-called de-risking, which some people wish to see, a mistake.

I think the real risk is de-risking itself. It is not a risk to cooperate with a rapidly emerging economy, but to cut ourselves off from it, he said.

Szijjarto added that strong economic cooperation with China could make a major contribution to the EUs economic growth.

Read more at: RMX.com
After enjoying Mauis luxury resorts, FEMA officials may soon get a $16B boost in disaster relief fund

The controversy of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials staying in luxury resorts in Maui has yet to die down, and now comes the report that the White House is requesting Congress an additional $4 billion for the agency.

The request comes as FEMA's disaster relief fund is running low, with only $3.4 billion remaining due to a series of major disasters.

This follows a previous ask of $12 billion made last month, increasing the total amount requested to support FEMA's disaster relief fund to $16 billion. The need for additional funds arises from recent disasters, including fires in Hawaii and Louisiana, flooding in Florida caused by Hurricane Idalia, and flooding in Vermont in July.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell warned that the disaster relief fund would be depleted by the first half of September if it isn't replenished.

Criswell emphasized that while immediate funding is crucial for responding to ongoing disasters, it isn't a long-term solution. She urged Congress to work on the supplemental request put forth by the administration on FEMA's behalf.

President Joe Biden visited FEMA headquarters and expressed gratitude to the agency's personnel. He pledged the federal government's support for Americans affected by disasters, both immediate and long-term. Biden urged Congress to swiftly approve the FEMA funding request.

Congress is currently in recess for August, with the Senate returning next week and the House returning the following week. Despite the recess, Biden stressed the urgency of passing the FEMA funding request in September.

This development comes amid reports that FEMA officials are staying in luxury resorts in Maui while recovery efforts are ongoing nearby. This has drawn criticism from locals who believe that FEMA officials should be closer to the disaster site. Some have expressed frustrations over federal agencies appearing unaccountable for their actions. (Related: SHAMELESS: FEMA officials turning Maui visit into luxury holiday while Lahaina residents suffer.)

FEMA officials defend choice of lodging

But FEMA officials defended their choice of lodging, stating that it aimed to centralize responders for an efficient response. The agency allegedly negotiated government rates for staff staying in hotels to minimize costs.

"FEMA selects where all responders can be centrally located to ensure the most effective response possible. Due to the lack of available lodging, FEMA negotiated government rates, at the lowest possible cost, for staff temporarily staying in the available hotels. As we transition into recovery, staff will move to longer term, more affordable lodging as they fulfill our commitment to support Maui," the agency said in a statement.

Meanwhile, around a thousand people remain unaccounted for following the Maui fires, and local officials are asking residents to submit DNA in hopes of expediting the process. The death toll stands at 115, a grim figure that first responders expect to swell as relief efforts continue.

The family assistance center so far has collected DNA from 104 families, said Julie French, who is helping lead efforts to identify remains by DNA analysis.

Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin, who is running the center, said the number of family members coming in to provide DNA samples is "a lot lower" than in other major disasters around the country, though it wasnt immediately clear why. "That's our concern, that's why I'm here today, that's why I'm asking for this help," he said.

Visit Corruption.news for more news about the ridiculous ways governments spend taxpayer money.

Watch this video that talks about FEMA officials staying in five-star resorts in Maui.

This video is from the channel THEHEALTHYAMERICAN, Peggy Hall on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Maui wildfires continue to expose governments FAILURES and QUESTIONABLE decisions.

FEMA orders media "blackout" of all Maui disaster images  what are they trying to hide?

FEMA's emergency funds to be completely depleted within WEEKS  but at least Zelensky is still getting billions from U.S. taxpayers.

Sources include:

CNBC.com

BlackEnterprise.com

Brighteon.com
Google unveils new fact-checking tools meant to censor and keep independent media out of search results

Google may have just announced a worldwide ban on independent and alternative media outlets with its new "fact-checking tools."

In a short video, LaToya Drake, head of North American affairs at the Google News Initiative, announced the rollout of new tools the Big Tech company claims will help people "verify and tell news stories" and "improve information quality." (Related: Google rolls out new generative AI feature that summarizes articles  meaning, you can only see what it allows you to see.)

The Google News Initiative will "work with publishers and journalists to fight misinformation" and features two new tools for so-called fact-checking: the fact-check explorer and the claim review.

"[The fact-check explorer] allows you to easily browse and search for fact-checks from reputable fact-checking organizations around the world," explained Drake. "Google's fact-check explorer is designed to facilitate the work of fact-checkers, journalists and researchers in discovering what has and hasn't been debunked all over the globe. Think of this as a search engine for your fact checks that can help you determine fact from fiction."

To support the fact-check explorer is claim review, a system that allows fact-checkers to "ensure that fact-checked information is prominently featured and easy to find."

Google's new censorship tools part of globalist plan to control free flow of information online

The Google News Initiative's new tools were made in partnership with the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) and several other globalist organizations and are primarily meant as a censorship tool.

Some of the main targets of the new fact-checking tool will be criticisms regarding Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics, the World Bank, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's crime statistics, as well as information on globalist efforts to create a one-world government.

Google's new algorithms are also designed to censor from its search engine any criticisms of the following topics:

Information on PhamGKB, an online database with information on the impact of human genetic variation on drug response

Statistics on global warming provided by the UN-led International Panel on Climate Change

Any other topic the WHO selects

Carbon emissions reports from the UN's Energy Statistics Database

Greenhouse gas reports published by the Environmental Protection Agency

The Anheuser-Busch Baldwinsville Brewery

Stanford University's DeepSolar project

In lieu of alternative viewpoints, instead of providing links to independent media outlets in Google searches, the Big Tech company has partnered with globalist organizations to instead show a list of pre-approved, so-called "authoritative sources" on the matter.

"For example, if you Google 'climate change,' you will, at the top of your search, get all kinds of UN resources," explained UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Flemming during a World Economic Forum event. "We started this partnership when we were shocked to see that when we Googled 'climate change,' we were getting incredibly distorted information right at the top."

"So we were becoming much more proactive," she added. "We own the science and we think that the world should know it."

All of these efforts are part of the years-long initiative outlined by the UN's Global Digital Compact proposal, whose end goal is controlling the free flow of information online, and part of achieving this goal is making sure to shut down any narratives that are not approved by globalist organizations.

In a speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres outlined how the Global Digital Compact's "Content Responsibility" section provides Google with the powers to use its new censorship tools to limit the spread of so-called mis- and disinformation.

"Core to our mission is providing trustworthy content and opportunities for free expression across our platforms while limiting the reach of misinformation and disinformation, violent extremism and other harmful content," said Guterres.

"These are not easy issues, which is why we support collaborative efforts that enable companies like Google to continue the work we are already doing to develop clear and transparent policies and enforce them without regard to political party or point of view. We work to raise up authoritative sources and reduce the spread of harmful content, in recommendations and elsewhere."

Learn the latest news and censorship initiatives coming out of Big Tech company Google at EvilGoogle.news.

Watch this short video of LaToya Drake explaining what the Google News Initiatives' new "fact-checking" tools are.

This video is from the Thrive Time Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

HERE WE GO AGAIN: Google hides campaign sites of Trump, RFK Jr. and other Republican candidates; Biden dominates top search results.

Senators call for FTC investigation into Google over YouTube ads that violate children's privacy.

RFK Jr. sues YouTube, Google over "misinformation policies" that violated his First Amendment rights.

Mainstream media journalists are now OBSOLETE: Google tests new AI tool that can write NEWS STORIES and replace obedient journo-propagandists.

Google is using AI to dig through Gmail accounts to "find exactly what you're looking for"  and perhaps MORE.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

InfoWars.com

ThePeoplesVoice.TV
Report: Staff at EV battery maker Gotion made to pledge allegiance to ChiCom Party, wear Chinese Red Army uniforms during company trips

The parent company of electric vehicle (EV) battery maker Gotion Inc. has made staff members pledge allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while wearing uniforms of the Chinese Red Army during company trips to the mainland.

The Daily Caller first broke the news, citing several reports and footage posted on the Chinese battery manufacturers website. It zoomed in on company field trips held back in July and August 2021 by Gotion's parent firm, Gotion High-Tech Power Energy Co., based in China's eastern Anhui province.

Gotion High-Tech employs 923 CCP members, including its CEO Li Zhen. Li also serves as the party secretary for the firm's CCP committee.

The July 2021 two-day field trip was organized by Gotion High-Tech's internal CCP committee. On the first day, 50 employees hiked across six miles of mountainous terrain. The following day, the employees visited the Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Anhui's Huoshan County and pledged the CCP's oath.

"I volunteer to join the CCP; uphold the Party's platform; observe the provisions of the Party's by-laws; carry out a member's duties; carry out the Party's decisions; strictly observe the Party's discipline; be loyal to the Party; work hard; fight for communism as long as I live; be ready at all times to sacrifice everything for the Party and people; and never betray the Party," the employees pledged.

Two months later in August 2021, Gotion High-Tech organized another company outing  this time at Dabie Mountain in Anhui province. The trip served as a homage to the Long March from 1934 to 1935, where the Chinese Red Army evaded the pursuit of the nationalist Kuomintang forces. The march contributed to the emergence of Mao Tse-Tung as the undisputed CCP leader until his death in September 1976.

Employees of the California-based subsidiary learned Red Army songs during the August 2021 outing. They also wore the uniforms of the Red Army during the two trips, according to the Daily Caller.

Gotion could spy on the U.S. through its Michigan plant

The Daily Caller's report of Gotion High-Tech organizing field trips for employees comes amid its subsidiary planning to build a $2.4 billion EV battery plant in Big Rapids, Michigan. Under the plan, which would be subsidized by American taxpayer dollars, Gotion will construct two EV battery production facilities each spanning 550,000 square feet.

It also follows rising concerns regarding Beijing's investment in American industries, stoking fears that spies for the the communist nation are infiltrating top U.S. businesses and educational institutions. According to a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing, the California-based Gotion is "wholly owned and controlled by the Anhui-based Gotion High-Tech.

Meanwhile, residents of Green Charter Township near Big Rapids  where the proposed EV battery plant will soon rise  have spoken out against the plan. Community members cited its link to the CCP as a foremost concern, given that the site is close to the Michigan Army National Guard base in Big Rapids. (Related: Proposed CCP-controlled battery plant in Michigan constitutes a significant THREAT to the environment and national security.)

Resident Ormand Hook voiced out his disappointment over the plant, telling NewsNation: "We're here, but not stupid."

Corrie Riebow, another Green Charter resident, also wondered why Gotion chose the town for its battery plant. She remarked: "Why here? I don't know, but somebody must be benefiting. We won't be, but somebody is."

Head over to CommunistChina.news for more stories about Gotion and its ties to the CCP.

Watch Justin Barclay discussing how a local newspaper publisher in Big Rapids, Michigan could rake in a huge profit from selling land it owns to Gotion.

This video is from the Justin Barclay channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

National security threat: Grand Forks City Council blocks Chinese-owned corn mill near air base.

Dems allow CCP to build a factory in Michigan amid rising tension between US and China over Taiwan.

Michigan residents successfully block a CCP-subsidiary corporation from purchasing 80 acres of farmland.

Communist China seizing control of American food supply with massive corn processing plant in North Dakota.

Owner of Michigan horse farm who refused to sell property to Chinese firm placed UNDER INVESTIGATION by government.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

DailyCaller.com

Brighteon.com
Find the Fed: Laura Loomer identifies leader of Goyim Defense League with ties to the ADL

Like covid and political witch hunts, the lefts favorite boogeyman of them all, the Nazis, are roaring back just in time for election season.

(Article by Julian Conradson republished from TheGatewayPundit.com)

A group of masked, red-clad, white supremacists were spotted marching the streets of Florida on Saturday, yelling racial slurs and being as obscene as possible. In other words, the feds were on parade.

Shortly after the disturbing incident, internet sleuths uncovered that one of the Nazis who marched in Florida was a Ukrainian soldier who has somehow found his way to the States. Oh, and it just so happens that he is apparently linked to the CIA.

According to Laura Loomer:

Kent Boneface McLellan was arrested by the FBI in Florida for domestic terrorism in May of 2012. The FBI said he and others were preparing a terrorist act against national minorities in Florida.

He then fled to Ukraine to join Right Sector (a creation of the CIA) in 2014. In 2022, he returned to Ukraine and was reportedly deported. Now hes back in Florida where hes active in the local Nazi scene. Yesterday he was on I-4 with a group of Nazis who were saying they support Joe Biden while they were waving swastika flags and shouting slurs at me because I am Jewish. There is no way you get away with all of that after being arrested by the FBI for domestic terrorism, and theres no way you get away with traveling to Ukraine to fight in a foreign war as an American Citizen defected mercenary unless you are some type of FBI or CIA informant.

On Sunday, Loomer scooped another one of these spooks, identifying John Minadeo as the leader of the GDL (Goyim Defense League), and, as it turns out, he is also apparently tied to another shady, powerful 3-letter group, the Anti-defamation League (ADL).

The pro-Jewish organization even has an entire page in their glossary of extremism devoted to Minadeos Nazi circus act, using it as a prime example of white supremacy being on the rise. Conveniently for the ADL, and the agenda they are pushing, Minadeo has no shortage of funding to travel all over the country and the world, according to Loomer, performing for his handlers and re-enforcing the narrative that Nazis are hiding under every rock.

Who is paying his bills?

Loomer wonders the same question:

Who is paying this failed rapper to live a life as a Nazi? He was given money to fly to Poland and he was arrested for waving Nazi symbols at Auschwitz. He travels all over the country and the world doing these things. Who pays him? Coincidentally, the @ADL has an entire page on their website about Minadeo. Are they funding him?

Turns out Jon Minadeo, the Nazi leader of Goyim Defense League goes around calling people the N word and harasses Jews in public, is just a scorned failed rapper who decided to become a Nazi when his rap career failed. When he was trying to be a rapper, he went by the name https://t.co/POEs47P17opic.twitter.com/pgxgLpGceR  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 3, 2023

Read more at: TheGatewayPundit.com
Scientist claims NASA discovered ALIEN LIFE on Mars 50 years ago, but the agency may have accidentally KILLED it

Dirk Schulze-Makuch, a scientist from the Technical University Berlin , believes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may have found proof of alien life on Mars when it first sent its two Viking landers on the Red Planet in the 1970s. However, the agency may have accidentally drowned and killed it

Schulze-Makuch said NASA conducted an experiment that involved adding water to the soil, which drowned any life hidden in the Martian landscape.

The Viking Labeled Release experiment first returned positive for metabolism, but a related investigation found no trace of organic material.

According to Schulze-Makuch, the water containing a nutrient solution in the soil may have contained too much liquid and that "[any life] died off" eventually.

Skeptics may dismiss his claims as bizarre, but what Schulze-Makuch described is true for microbes living inside salt rocks in the Atacama Desert in Chile, which has a similar landscape to Mars. These microbes do not need rain to survive, and exposure to too much water would kill them. (Related: Radio signals from mobile phone towers could lead ALIENS to Earth.)

The two landers involved in NASA's Viking mission safely landed on Mars on July 20, 1976 (Viking 1) and September 3, 1976 (Viking 2). Both were equipped with meteorology instruments, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, a seismometer and stereo color cameras. These instruments allowed NASA to look for possible signs of life and study the soil as well as the physical and magnetic properties of Mars' atmosphere.

Schulze-Makuch said the results were "puzzling" because one of the tests came back positive while the other was negative for gas exchange. The test also identified small amounts of chlorinated organics.

In the test that was positive for life, researchers added water to the soil to find out if products of respiration and metabolism would form. According to the theory, if life exists on Mars, microorganisms would consume the nutrients and release the radioactive carbon as a gas.

Searching for Martian life

In a 2007 study, Schulze-Makuch and co-author Joop M. Houtkooper suggested that Martian life could have hydrogen peroxide in their cells. They theorized that the adaptation "would have the particular advantages in the Martian environment of providing a low freezing point, a source of oxygen and hygroscopicity."

According to Schulze-Makuch, if "indigenous Martian life might have adapted to its environment by incorporating hydrogen peroxide into its cells, this could explain the Viking results."

In other words, if the Martian cells contained hydrogen peroxide, the addition of water to their environment would have killed them. Additionally, it would have caused hydrogen peroxide to react with any organic molecules nearby to form large amounts of carbon dioxide, which is what the instrument detected.

Another life detection test called pyrolytic release was conducted to test for organic synthesis. This test mixed carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from Earth to check if the carbon would be incorporated into the soil. The results also came back positive.

The Viking landers detected chlorinated organics, but researchers believe that these untreated crafts may have infected the planet with terrestrial "hitch-hikers." According to Schulze-Makuch, other missions have also verified the presence of native organic compounds on Mars in chlorinated form.

Alien life on Mars could have adapted to the arid environment by living within salt rocks and absorbing water directly from the atmosphere. However, the Viking experiments, which involved adding water to soil samples, might have overwhelmed the microbes and killed them.

Meanwhile, other scientists have also suggested that NASA already found proof of life on Mars 50 years ago. A study released in 2016 also presented the same theory as Schulze-Makuch.

Researchers from Arizona State University and the National Institutes of Health Bethesda analyzed the 1976 Viking Labeled Release Experiment findings and reported that the evidence collected by the Viking mission is "consistent with a biological explanation."

The analysis involved subjecting samples of Martian soil from both landers to nutrient injection and preheating. The soil samples were then stored in the dark for about two months.

The results highlighted noteworthy similarities to responses seen in terrestrial soil, including data from samples collected in Alaska, Antarctica and California.

The research explained that all these characteristics are similar to the responses by a "compendium of terrestrial microorganism species, including the initial positive responses, the 160C and 50C heat controls, the reabsorption of evolved gas upon second injection of nutrient, and death from isolated long-term storage."

The Mars landers continued their missions until their final transmission to Earth on November 11, 1982 (Viking 1) and April 11, 1980 (Viking 2). Both are still on the Red Planet to this day.

Find more stories like this at Space.news.

Watch the video below for footage from Martian rovers.

This video is from the jonastheprophet channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

European Space Agency launches probe to search for alien life on Jupiters icy moons.

Latest study that uses AI discovers 8 probable alien technosignatures near distant stars.

NASAs next lunar mission could discover existence of life on the moon.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

BigThink.com

Brighteon.com
TreasuryDirect site where investors go to purchase U.S. Treasuries goes OFFLINE due to technical problems

For much of the day on Tuesday following the Labor Day weekend, the TreasuryDirect.gov platform for purchasing and redeeming United States savings bonds and other securities directly from the U.S. Treasury was down and inaccessible , leaving investors stranded.

As seen in the following image from DownDetector.com, many people reported not being able to access the TreasuryDirect platform, speculating that there could be more to the story than simply a "glitch" or "technical problem."

"Starting to wonder if investing in treasuries is really a risk free return if they can't even keep their website running," one wrote.

"You are only losing out on $150/day per M and they said that they are sorry!" joked another in response  see the photo below:

The FrankNez finance website also reported that some TreasuryDirect customers are unable to withdraw money from their accounts, which is particularly upsetting following a three-day weekend.

In case you are unfamiliar with how the TreasuryDirect platform works, large financial institutions, as usual, have priority access to its auction house. Whenever the public system is down, the big guys can still money-change as usual while retail investors get stuck with "technical problems" notices.

(Related: Earlier this year, former Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Monica Crowley warned that if the U.S. dollar loses global reserve currency status, which seems likely in the near future, there will be a complete economic implosion in America.)

The U.S. financial system is sinking like the Titanic  it's taking some time, but it'll end the same way

It turns out that other financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, also had problems over the Labor Day weekend. JPMorgan Chase's ATMs were reportedly down all weekend long, with hundreds of reports about problems flooding in even after the bank claimed to have fixed the "technical issue."

As for TreasuryDirect, many users say they can no longer access their funds while some cannot even log in at all, making it impossible for them to access their accounts.

"Why they lie and steal my money?" one asked. "I can't access site 7pm Sept. 3rd wth, I expect a 20k reimbursement check. I have receipts."

Another complained that he has not been able to log in to the TreasuryDirect website since last Friday.

Similar reports are flooding in from all across the country, including in states like California, Florida, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The week prior to this latest fiasco, FrankNez reported that TreasuryDirect was "freezing customer accounts" for no apparent reason, leaving users without any access to their funds for weeks or even months.

"My account has been frozen since April right after I deposited $1,500 from a settlement," said a TreasuryDirect user named Tammarra Johnson. "I mailed in the required form from my bank that was needed to unlock my account and it is still locked."

"It's sad to know financial institutions are basically taking citizens' money like times aren't already hard."

Roughly 10 months ago, another TreasuryDirect customer named Samuel Clemens reported similar problems when trying to use the platform.

"I've been buying iBonds for 10 years," he says. "So earlier this year, four years after I opened some proprietorship accounts, TreasuryDirect finally comes back to me to query some of the registrations. There's no way to speak with them. Emails are ignored and written correspondence takes months."

Even Frank Nez himself says he cannot access the TreasuryDirect platform.

"If this were a private business, fraud charges would be laid!" he writes.

The latest news about the coming collapse of the U.S. fiat economy can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

DownDetector.com

FrankNez.com

NaturalNews.com
A 39-year-old Albany resident was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and rape as well as other sex-related crimes.

Appearing remotely from the Linn County Jail, Christopher Wayne Gray was arraigned in Linn County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Sept. 5, on seven counts, including first-degree felony charges of kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, sodomy and unlawful sexual penetration.

Gray is accused of taking or holding the victim to commit sex crimes, according to court documents, which do not specify where the alleged crimes occurred.

In court, it was noted that he was on probation and also had a juvenile criminal record. He was reportedly granted clemency in 2021.

Judge Rachel Kittson-MaQatish called the accusations against Gray concerning. A $350,000 bail security was set on the new allegations and another $5,000 was set for the alleged probation violation.

Court records show Gray has previous convictions for theft, reckless endangerment, trespassing, assault, stolen vehicle possession, fleeing police, interfering with police, and unauthorized vehicle use.

In 2019, Gray was sentenced to 30 days in jail over a high-speed chase through Corvallis in which he crashed his car and fled the scene, leaving an injured passenger behind.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help (copy) Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Gray reportedly gave a false name during a traffic stop, then peeled off in a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, hitting speeds of more than 100 mph as he fled south on Ninth Street. He crashed into a construction site fence at Southwest Washington Avenue.

Speeding off again after the crash, Gray headed south before crashing again at Southeast Third Street and Lilly Avenue. He fled the scene but was caught by a Benton County Sheriffs Office deputy.
Trump addresses vaccine adverse events, says Big Pharma needs to immediately disclose all safety data

If elected president once again in 2024, Donald Trump has promisedto go along with a possible COVID 2.0 event, which fake president Joe Biden has been hinting lately could come as soon as this fall.

Trump spoke with conservative political commentator and former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon in an exclusive interview about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), which Trump proudly addressed with the launch of Operation Warp Speed.

When asked by Dixon "what happens in a Trump administration when COVID comes back," Trump was definitive in stating that "we don't do shutdowns, for one thing."

"And it sounds to me like if something's coming back, they blame everything," Trump added, suggesting that the call-everything-bad-COVID routine is overplayed and people are wise to the shenanigans at this point.

"They say it's COVID because they love using the word COVID. If you have a flu season, they call it COVID. We had that then, too, by the way. You had a lot of flu. You had a lot of this, and they like to say everything's COVID. But let's see what happens. I mean, there could be something happening."

(Related: Still to this day in 2023, Trump is bragging about the "success" of Operation Warp Speed, claiming most recently that COVID "vaccines" saved 100 million lives.)

When asked about Biden's plans to unleash another round of COVID "booster" shots this fall, Trump was quick to point out that there have been many, many complaints about injuries and deaths caused by the last round that emerged through his Operation Warp Speed scheme.

"We're hearing about a lot of complaints from vaccine injured, to say a lot," Trump said. "It's, like, an understatement."

"Numerous pharmaceutical companies have refused to release their data on vaccine side effects. But we've seen cases of myocarditis, blood clots and heart attacks. They're all increasing. The research has never been released."

This is the first time, by the way, that Trump has said anything remotely truthful about COVID jabs. Up until this point, Trump has called them a "miracle," and even in his interview with Dixon he tried to claim that the Trump administration "handed him over a great situation," referring to Biden.

"So will you demand that the vaccine companies, that the pharmaceutical companies, release their vaccine data to the public so that we can see what they're actually seeing about the side effects of this vaccine?" Dixon asked Trump.

"Well, they should do that," Trump responded. "We're all in this together, and they should be doing that."

"And frankly, anything new, and I hadn't heard what he [Biden] said yet, but anything new has got to be looked at very carefully. But they should be doing that if they have facts. I mean, the facts are public. They should be made public immediately. People should understand that, and they should know what research is showing and what fact-finding."

Trump would go on in the interview to blame China and the "Wuhan lab" for releasing COVID, which he says caused "$60 trillion in damages, so many people dead, millions and millions of people all over the world."

Dixon then brought up the fact that the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, which was signed into law under Trump's watch by a Republican-led Congress, shields pharmaceutical and vaccine companies from all liability for COVID jab injuries until December 2024.

Trump addressed this by stating that he believes Big Pharma has to "be honest with the numbers, the facts, and they have an obligation to be honest."

The latest news about Trump's run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at VoteRepublican.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
Deepfake voice scams are now targeting your bank balance. Scammers have started to use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate voices in real time.

Clive Kabatznik, a Florida-based investor, recounted how he found himself at the center of a high-tech fraud attempt last spring. Kabatznik called twice on his local Bank of America representative. On his first call, he discussed his plan to transfer a large sum of money, then he called again to transfer the money elsewhere. Except that the second caller wasn't him.

According to the banker, the second caller attempted to persuade her to transfer funds to a different account. However, the voice on the other end was repeating itself, kept on interrupting her, and using incomprehensible phrases. The banker ended the call and promptly reported the issue to their security team.

The banker then declined all calls and emails, authentic or not, coming from Kabatznik to ensure the safety of the account. It took approximately 10 days for them to reestablish contact and arrange a meeting at the office of the Bank of America.
CNN says its anti-gay to prosecute men having sex with 12-year-olds

CNN is now calling it anti-gay if you prosecute somebody who has sex with a child or a disabled person. Thats whats currently unfolding in Uganda, where two men are currently being charged with unlawful sex with child and a disabled person  crimes that could result in the death penalty.

(Article republished from Revolver.news)

CNN, instead of expressing immediate outrage over these crimes, turned their article into a victims advocate piece, forgetting that the real victim here is the child.

According to CNN, its anti gay to prosecute adults who have sex with 12 year olds. https://t.co/kXZxVf10BO pic.twitter.com/p2Zm2WNK3a  Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 29, 2023

Instead of showing immediate outrage over these crimes, CNN twisted their article into a victims advocate piece, completely overlooking the fact that the real victim here is the child and quite possibly a disabled adult.

CNN:

The act, signed into law in May, also outlaws gay marriage in Uganda and it punishes same-sex acts with life imprisonment. It has been decades since Uganda last carried out an execution, but its longtime President Yoweri Museveni had threatened in 2018 to resume state assent for capital punishment. Attorney Justine Balya, who is representing the 20-year-old man, told CNN that the penalties associated with the law were entirely out of proportion. Of course the fact that the law is being enforced in this way is entirely unconstitutional because it seeks to criminalize what is often consensual conduct between adults, she said.

Read more at: Revolver.news
Merritt Medical Hour: CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFFS are the answer to corruption and abuse, says Richard Mack  Brighteon.TV

Constitutional sheriffs are the answer to the corruption and abuse perpetrated by the federal government.

Sheriff Richard Mack made this assertion during his appearance on the Aug. 30 episode of the "Merritt Medical Hour" Brighteon.TV. "The constitutional sheriff is the answer for any corruption and abuse going on in our country," Mack told the Medical Rebel Dr. Lee Merritt.

"I don't care if it's the bullying and illegal activity of the [various federal agencies]. These federal agents have become powers unto themselves, arresting people who are not criminals right and left."

Mack, the founder and president of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (CSPOA), pointed out that the federal agencies  along with their regulations and policies  do not supersede the rights of Americans. This includes the right to pursue happiness, alongside the right to own and control their property  with the latter applying most especially to Amish farmers. He also slammed the federal government for usurping and assuming the authority to run, manage and monitor every farm in the country.

According to the host of "The Sheriff Mack Show" on Brighteon.TV, the federal government is "way out of control" when it thinks it can dictate whether or not Americans can own gas stoves and gasoline-powered cars, and if it can mandate people to get vaccines and wear masks.

When Americans falter and lose their freedoms, the CSPOA founder said it will be because they have destroyed themselves. The answer, he continued, has to come from within.

"There's 3,086 sheriffs in America. If we had just a third; if we had a thousand sheriffs standing and defending their counties, defending their people, defending civil rights and our Constitution, we wouldn't be talking about all these problems that keep coming from the enemy within," he told Merritt.

Mack: Sheriffs must protect Americans living in their county

Mack stressed that it's high time the sheriffs take hold of their county, enforce the law and the Constitution and keep their oath of office to protect Americans living in their county. He pointed out it is the sheriff's job to make sure the government is not abusive, oppressive, unconstitutional and destroying people's rights, businesses and land. (Related: Sheriff Mack wants law enforcement officers to lead the way in helping America wake up and resist government overreach  Brighteon.TV.)

Merritt agreed with his guest, saying that constitutional sheriffs are what Americans need to address abuses of government agencies. Any pushback against federal tyranny, she added, is going to start at the county level with the sheriff at the helm.

Americans must have sheriffs who recognize and stand for their oath of office, the American dream and the Constitution, said Mack.

The former sheriff of Arizona's Graham County also called on Americans to know and understand the principle of federalism, which discusses the powers between the states and the federal government. He also mentioned a Supreme Court's decision explaining that the federal government cannot tell the states what to do and that state legislatures are not subject to federal direction.

"We are autonomous, we are sovereign, and we must act accordingly," said Mack. He also referenced a warning by former President Thomas Jefferson: "When all government  shall be drawn to Washington, [D.C.] as the center of all power, it will render powerless the checks provided of one government on another and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated."

Watch the Aug. 30 episode of the "Merritt Medical Hour" below. The "Merritt Medical Hour" airs every Wednesday at 7-8 p.m. and Saturday at 2-3 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

RULE OF LAW: Sheriff group vows to uphold Constitution and not to enforce tyrannical, unjust legislation.

The Sheriff Mack Show: Americas greatest threat and enemy is its own federal government  Brighteon.TV.

Sheriff in Arizona forming a citizens posse to help fight civil unrest.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

CSPOA.org

TheFederalistPapers.org
Federal court rules against FDA, says agencys anti-ivermectin stance and public urges to stop using drug are unconstitutional

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told Americans to "stop" taking ivermectin for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), the corrupt federal agency more than likely overstepped its jurisdictional bounds , a federal court has ruled.

On September 1, U.S. Circuit Judge Don Willett wrote that the FDA is free to "inform" the public about what it thinks, but is not allowed to "recommend consumers 'stop' taking medicine."

Judge Willett referred to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which stipulates that the role of the FDA is to inform consumers, much like an informational service. Somehow, the FDA has morphed into some kind of medicine dictator, which became more than apparent in the agency's mishandling of ivermectin throughout the "pandemic."

Instead of allowing Americans to make their own medical decisions with the assistance of their doctors, the FDA chose to act as a bully against patients who decided against the "vaccines" and other state-sanctioned remedies for the Fauci Flu, and for ivermectin and other therapeutic prophylactics.

(Related: Did you know that pairing ivermectin with fenbendazole, another similar anti-parasitic drug, may help to prevent and treat cancer?)

FDA acted in ultra vires, or well outside of its legal authority, when it told Americans to "stop" taking ivermectin for COVID

You may recall the infamous Twitter (now known as X) post from the FDA comparing people who take ivermectin to cattle.

"You are not a horse," the FDA tweeted, trying to be funny. "You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it."

The FDA's implication with this tweet is that ivermectin is just a veterinary drug, and that humans have no business taking it. The truth, though, is that the FDA approved ivermectin for human use back in the mid-1990s, and only decided to suddenly stop approving it once COVID arrived.

Because of that tweet, three doctors sued the FDA for breach of duty. There are very few instances in which the general public can effectively sue a federal agency, but in this case the FDA acted in ultra vires, or outside of its legal authority.

Plaintiffs in the case successfully argued that the FDA acted "without any authority whatsoever" when it tweeted a message on social media telling Americans to "stop" taking a drug that, in all truth, is both safe and effective against COVID.

The FDA also acted without any "colorable basis for the exercise of authority" when it tweeted the offensive message alongside a link to an FDA-written article entitled "Why You Should Not Use Ivermectin to Treat or Prevent COVID-19."

While both the plaintiffs and the defendants in the case agree that the FDA does, in fact, have the authority to share data and facts as it sees fit, the plaintiffs disagree that the FDA has any legal authority to issue actual recommendations on medical matters, including disease treatments.

The FDA is trying, but failing, to argue that its social media posts against ivermectin do not contain any actual "advice," but were instead "informational statements" that "do not 'direct' consumers, or anyone else, to do or refrain from doing anything."

At the very same time, strangely, the FDA did admit that its social media post "provided recommendations" and "advise[d] consumers."

"Despite these concessions, FDA never points to any authority that allows it to issue recommendations or give medical advice," Judge Willett wrote.

"Rather, FDA argues that some posts included a hyperlink that leads to the update. The update, in turn, directs consumers to '[t]alk to your health care provider.' But not all of the social-media posts included such a link. And even for those posts that did include a link, the posts themselves offer advice, not mere information."

Dear FDA: We are not your subjects, and you work for us. Learn more at FDA.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Electric vehicle plant in Michigan run by COMMUNISTS pushing Chinese ideology: I volunteer to join the CCP, say employees wearing Red Army outfits

A taxpayer-funded electric vehicle (EV) battery production facility in Michigan is in the spotlight after evidence emerged to suggest the company is run by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Gotion High-Tech, the Hefei, China-based parent company of Gotion Inc., has reportedly been leading trips to CCP revolutionary memorials in China's Anhui Province, according to records obtained by the independent media.

During these trips, many of which occurred in 2021 while everyone was distracted by the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic," Gotion employees were seen wearing what appeared to be Red Army outfits while pledging to "fight for communism to the end of my life."

"I volunteer to join the CCP, uphold the Party's platform, observe the provisions of the Party's by-laws, carry out a member's duties, carry out the Party's decisions, strictly observe the Party's discipline, be loyal to the Party, work hard, to fight for communism as long as I live, be ready at all times to sacrifice everything for the Party and people and never betray the Party," the employees could be heard chanting during a July 2021 trip to China's Revolutionary Memorial Hall.

One month later, Gotion held another trip to Dabie Mountain to commemorate the CCP's Long March, an historic event that ultimately led to the emergence of Chinese dictator Mao Zedong in early 1935.

(Related: Want to hear something hilariously stupid? In order to meet demand for "clean" EVs, communist China is having to burn more coal to keep up with mass production of EV parts.)

Gotion representative claims parent company never funded employee trips to communist China

In response to the allegations, a Gotion representative tried to claim that the company has never funded any such trips, and that employees paid to go to CCP memorials on their own dime.

"Gotion High-Tech employees in China are involved with many clubs, including biking and hiking clubs, and one politically affiliated club," the company official is quoted as saying. "None of these clubs are financed by Gotion High-Tech, and some employees individually paid for field trips to historical sites in China out of their own pockets."

"Gotion Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, California, and is not supervised, directed, controlled or financed by any foreign government or foreign political party. Gotion Inc. does observe all American holidays and wishes everyone a wonderful Labor Day holiday this weekend."

News about the allegations, including pictorial and video evidence of Gotion employees in Red Army garb, adds insult to injury as many locals in the Michigan area have been speaking out against Gotion's presence in their state.

Another major piece of evidence that Gotion does not belong on U.S. soil is its bylaws, which state that the company's purpose is to "carry out Party activities in accordance with the Constitution of the Communist Party of China."

In other words, Gotion's allegiance is not to the American flag or to the U.S. Constitution. Gotion has instead pledged its loyalties to communism as defined by the CCP and modern Chinese culture, which stands in stark contrast to American culture, at least traditionally.

Further, Gotion's 2022 ESG (equity, social, and governance) report admits that the company "carried out thematic education activities such as the study of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, red theme education, and love for students."

Earlier in the year, a Michigan law firm quietly registered Gotion Inc. as a Chinese foreign principal, this according to FARA filings reviewed by the media.

"Subnational incursions are afoot," commented former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella, co-founder of the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Group. "China is on the hunt."

"The Chinese Communist Party is on the hunt. They are looking for these open doors to kick in, in states. And they have carried great sway. You just need to look at Gotion or CATL  textbook examples of this influence operation."

There is nothing "clean" or "green" about EVs, which have become a symbol of communism. Learn more at GreenTyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

FoxNews.com

NaturalNews.com
All-black Morris Brown College in Atlanta RESCINDS mask mandate for COVID following massive public outcry

Just days after ordering all students and to wear a face mask because of the latest alleged circulating "strains" of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), Morris Brown College in Atlanta told its all-black campus that the mask mandate is now rescinded

Apparently, too many people spoke out against the policy, which contradicts the latest science showing that face masks are certifiably useless when it comes to protecting against COVID infection and spread. So, Morris Brown College decided to join those of us on the right side of history by dropping the medical fascism bit.

If students and faculty at Morris Brown College want to wear a mask because they are scared or feel as though they do something other than cut off oxygen intake, then they are free to do so. But no longer will anyone at Morris Brown College be forced to mask up against their own will.

In a statement to Newsweek, college President Kevin James confirmed that the new temporary mask mandate has now come to an end. He did, however, say that the school will still "have several safety protocols in place," whatever those might be.

(Related: Hollywood studio Lionsgate similarly reimplemented forced masking only to immediately rescind the policy following widespread opposition.)

Morris Brown College still banning all parties and large events because COVID is scary to those making the rules

Things are not fully back to normal at Morris Brown College, though. Pretty much every other protocol that was forced on people during COVID 1.0 will still be forced on them during COVID 2.0, at least on campus.

There is still a blanket prohibition on all parties and large events at Morris Brown College, the school indicated in a letter. All employees and students are also still required to undergo temperature checks every time they arrive on campus.

Social distancing will also still be enforced, meaning students at Morris Brown College are expected to remain in solitary confinement at all times. Those who test "positive" for COVID will also still be required to remain in total isolation for at least five days before being allowed to return to the presence of others, but at six feet or more away from all other people.

The decision to drop the mask mandate came after many politicians, including former President Donald Trump, blasted the notion on social media.

"Americans have had enough COVID hysteria," tweeted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), an outspoken critic of COVID tyranny. "We will not comply!"

"Hear these words: We will not comply  so don't even think about it," Trump said in a video that was shared across social media.

"We will not shut down our schools. We will not accept your lockdowns. We will not abide by your mask mandates and we will not tolerate your vaccine mandates."

In response to Trump's video, former Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake agreed, writing:

"Amen, Mr. President. WE WILL NOT COMPLY."

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are very few hospitalizations categorized as "COVID" right now. The agency confirmed that "97 percent of the country" remains low on the scale of COVID hospitalizations.

Even former Trump official Deborah Birx, a sidekick of Tony Fauci, agrees that reimplementing mask mandates is a bad idea.

"We don't need to mandate," Birx told Newsmax. "We need to actually empower people with the information that they need for themselves and their families because every family is different."

"And by the way, outside is safe, and playgrounds are safe."

Will the powers that be succeed in their efforts to launch another COVID 2.0 "pandemic?" Learn more at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Remember when environmentalists loved trees? Now they want to DESTROY them all to stop climate change

Are you prepared to suffocate for the planet? The latest claim from the climate cultists is that all trees  or at least 70 million acres of them in the United States alone  must be cut down and buried in order to stop the world from getting too hot.

Of all the harebrained global warming schemes to ever manifest, this one is the most bizarre because trees breathe in carbon dioxide (CO2), which the climate cultists hate, and breathe out oxygen that humans and animals need in order to live.

Even so, the plan is to slash-and-bury 70 million acres of forests in mostly the Western United States because doing this, we are told, will stop the climate from changing.

Billionaire eugenicist Bill Gates is largely behind this particular scheme, which involves the transfer of $6.6 million from Breakthrough Energy, an organization that Gates himself runs, to Kodama Systems, the company that will be tasked with doing all the chopping and burying.

According to Kodama, cutting down and burying all those trees "can reduce global warming" because killing trees will stop them from "spewing" carbon back into the air.

Scientists say, "burying trees can reduce global warming as well." I don't know where they're finding these scientists - Watch more on Josh's analysis of Bill Gates' agenda to chop down forests. WATCH ? https://t.co/74jZAUXtTt pic.twitter.com/ULpaVyGiet  Crossroads with Joshua Philipp (@crossroads_josh) August 30, 2023

(Related: Another horrific thing Bill Gates is trying to do involves "vaccinating" the entire food supply with deadly chemicals to ensure everyone gets "jabbed," including those who just say no to drugs from the government and Big Pharma.)

How about we do to Bill Gates what he wants to do to the trees, thus saving the world from climate cultists?

There is, of course, much more to the story than just global warming. With a budding and lucrative "carbon credits" market now taking off, Kodama, Gates, and other climate cultists who get in at the ground level stand to profit immensely from destructive projects such as this.

By chopping down all those trees and burying their biomass in dry and oxygen-free "earthenvaults," as they are calling them, Kodama, Gates, and all the rest will be able to sell carbon credits in the new "green" economy.

If they can successfully convince the world and the scientific community at large that trees are "polluting" the world with carbon, then getting rid of them in this manner will be considered healthy "stewardship" worthy of a cash reward.

Never mind the fact that destroying all those trees will also destroy biodiversity and native ecosystems, not to mention the fact that there will be no more wood available to build homes, sheds, chicken coops, and other structures.

Housing prices are already sky-high  the highest, in fact, compared to any other time in United States history. And yet, Gates is more concerned about profiting from the destruction of nature than he is with caring about the plight of everyone else who will suffer immensely from his sadistic endeavors.

Conveniently, Gates' plan for those 70 million acres of trees perfectly aligns with the endgame goals of the World Economic Forum (WEF), which has said in no uncertain terms that in the future, all non-globalists will be forced to live in small pods and eat bugs.

There is speculation that Gates' true motivation with his slash-and-bury proposal for America's trees is more about increasing the cost of timber rather than saving the planet from warming.

"He wants to increase the cost of timber so people can't afford to build houses?" tweeted the Wall Street Silver account.

"This is the same guy who rewrote K12 public education with Common Core? Should we really be doing anything he suggests?"

Other infamous plans of Bill Gates include:

 Artificially blocking natural sunlight, which he says will "cool" the planet

 Genetically engineering (GMO) mosquitoes, which he says will fight "disease"

 Buying up all arable farmland in the U.S., which he plans to use for purposes other than producing food for people to eat

 Vaccinating everything that moves, including by tainting the food supply with deadly chemicals

Keep in mind that Gates was also a close associate of pedophile child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, whose private island he visited on numerous occasions before Epstein was declared "dead" from "suicide" not long after his arrest.

"Billionaires are dangerous as hell," one commenter wrote. "Someone has to stop this nut job."

"It is a fact that our communist, deep state government hand-picks appropriate individuals to become billionaires in order to push their agenda," commented another.

"There is still no good explanation for how Epstein himself became a billionaire, though many suspect that state-sponsored child trafficking was the money source."

"Human life and human suffering mean nothing to these monsters," said someone else, pointing to the fact that our current sitting "president" is just a puppet on strings. "Biden is just an amoral pig, a prostitute, while other creeps in government are actual satan worshippers."

The latest news about climate fanatics and their assault on nature can be found at GreenTyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

Revolver.news

NaturalNews.com
Russias nuclear-capable Satan II ICBM goes on active combat duty for the first time

Russia announced on Friday, Sept. 1, that it had put its nuclear-capable RS-28 Sarmat "Satan II" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system on combat duty for the first time

Russian President Vladimir Putin once described the Satan II as "invincible" and will make the nation's enemies think twice. (Related: Nuclear-armed nations are expanding and modernizing their nuclear arsenals in anticipation of a potential global power conflict.)

Yuri Borisov, current head of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, announced the deployment of the Satan II missiles, but refused to divulge any other details such as where they were stationed.

Russia first started threatening to use the Satan II ICBMs against Ukraine in the first months of the special military operation in Ukraine in 2022. Putin said the Satan II would "reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and make those who, in the heat of aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice."

At around the same time, the Kremlin claimed that it had successfully tested the Satan II ICBM and then noted that it should be ready for combat deployment by the end of 2022.

In February, another Satan II warhead was tested while President Joe Biden visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. The test was apparently unsuccessful, but following the test Putin announced that the new ICBMs would go on combat duty in Russia this year.

Satan II can strike targets almost anywhere in the world

Officially classified as a superheavy ICBM and a "superweapon," the Satan II is among Russia's next-generation missiles. It was first introduced into the Russian Armed Forces in 2018 after nearly a decade of development, along with other notable nuclear-capable missile systems like the air-launched Kinzhal and the Avangard hypersonic glide missile.

The Satan II was introduced to replace the aging Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda ICBMs, commonly known by its North Atlantic Treaty Organization designation the SS-18 Satan, which had been in Russia's arsenal since 1988.

Weighing in at more than 200 tons and nearly 120 feet long, the ICBM is able to transport a 10-ton payload of between 10 to 15 nuclear warheads at once. The Satan II has an estimated range of between 6,200 to 11,800 miles and a top speed of 16,000 miles per hour.

Putin even bragged that the Satan II "is capable of overcoming all modern means of anti-missile defense" through its short initial boost phase. This gives enemy surveillance and anti-missile systems only a very narrow window to track it down, and possibly shoot it down or disable it.

"This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces," said Putin.

Asked about Russia's new "superweapon," White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters in a conference call that he was not in a position to confirm the accuracy of reports claiming that Satan II had been put on combat duty.

Learn the latest news involving Russia at RussiaReport.news.

Watch this video discussing the latest high-tech upgrades to Russian tanks and other armored vehicles, making them near-indestructible to Ukrainian drone strikes.

This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

US proxy war: Kyiv's counteroffensive kills or wounds 800 Ukrainians per day, Russia reports.

Russia making progress toward goal of MASS PRODUCING combat drones to rival Ukraine's Western-supplied drone fleet.

Russian electronic warfare systems are successfully disabling "sophisticated" US-supplied Ukrainian weapons.

As Russia prepares to use tactical nukes, millions of you don't even realize you are going to die in a Third World War.

Former Russian President Medvedev: Russia will hit Ukraine with preemptive NUCLEAR STRIKE if West tries to send nukes.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

ABCNews.go.com

TheMoscowTimes.com

TASS.com

WIONews.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.com
Donald Trump Jr. says his father is a THREAT to Deep State, Uniparty and Democrats

Donald Trump Jr. says his father, former President Donald Trump, is a threat to the Deep State , Uniparty and Democrats. The eldest son of Donald Sr. and Ivanka Trump made this remark during an appearance on "Eric Bolling the Balance" on Newsmax.

According to Bolling, the former president's court dates coincided with many of the Republican Party's election events. Donald Jr. remarked that this was no coincidence and was designed, just like how his father's indictment followed legal actions against the Biden crime family.

"He is the threat to the Deep State. He is the threat to the Uniparty and to the Democrats," said the former president's son. "They are doing everything possible to prevent him from being the nominee because they understand that he is the threat to their power. All of the national polling shows that Donald Trump is the only guy actually beating Joe Biden."

"People know Trump [Sr.] is the only way to stop this insanity from happening. And guess what folks? The Democrats know it too which is why they are trying to do it." (Related: Donald Trump Jr. on fathers indictment: Were living in 3rd world Banana Republic.)

Mug shot designed to embarrass and hurt former president had opposite effect

The younger Trump also put in his two cents on his father's mug shot taken at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia. It was designed to embarrass and hurt the former president, but had the opposite effect.

"It was meant to be a nail in the coffin so to speak of the campaign, but it had exactly the opposite effect because people have become accustomed to this lunacy," Donald Jr. told Bolling. "They see through it all. They are so much smarter than the people in Washington D.C. They get it, they see it and they are supporting Trump even more than they ever have because they too do not want to risk losing their country and they realize that's exactly what's on the table right now."

He cited how the Black community rallied behind the former president following the publication of his mug shot. The younger Trump recounted that during the Las Vegas stop of the ReAwaken America Tour where he spoke, Black security guards came up to tell him that they knew what was happening and they won't be voting for the "other guy"  pertaining to Biden.

Donald Jr. pointed out that the American people will one day realize that the Democrats have literally done nothing to help the Black community. Furthermore, they may have done irreparable damage instead.

For his part, the former president's son has already capitalized on his father's arrest by selling merchandise with the mug shot. Donald Jr. added a section on his personal website selling T-shirts, mugs and posters that feature the photograph taken at Fulton County Jail. Proceeds of the sale will aid the former president's legal defense fund.

The younger Trump later shared his father's mug shot on social media as a warning to the Deep State that the elder Trump will return. "Hey Deep State, he's coming for you. See you on Jan. 20, 2025," Donald Jr. wrote.

Follow Trump.news for more news about former President Donald J. Trump.

Watch the full interview between Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Bolling of Newsmax below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

Trump says either "the deep state destroys America, or we destroy the deep state."

Trump to disprove "WITCH HUNT" GA indictments with irrefutable election fraud report.

Trumps "menacing" mug shot could elevate his 2024 presidential campaign which is already far ahead of other GOP candidates.

The Resistance Chicks talk about "the MUG SHOT seen around the world"  Brighteon.TV.

Trump has garnered sympathy and support from African American community after the release of his mug shot.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Express.co.uk
Many areas in Greece have been placed under weather warnings due to the onslaught of Storm Daniel.

Meteorologists said that Daniel would continue to bring potentially historical rainfall amounts in the country this week.

They said that torrential rainfall is forecasted to hit the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea through the last few days of this week as Daniel is seen to circulate through the west of Greece.

Experts said that as Daniel is seen to pass through the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it is possible that it could transform into a "medicane," a combination of "Mediterranean" and "hurricane."

Although it is not considered as an official terminology, medicanes have been recorded having the intensity of Category 1 hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale for Hurricanes, packing maximum sustained winds upwards of 74 mph (119 km/h).

Forecasters noted that these strong storms have become common in the past.

The storm in Greece came after the country suffered from wildfires in the previous weeks.

Read Also: Prime Minister Mitsotakis Estimates Over 150,000 Hectares Burned by Greek Wildfires

Effects, forecasts in the next days

Due to the disastrous effects of the bad weather, authorities reported that at least one person died after a wall had collapsed in the village of Agios Georgios, near the city of Volos.

Furthermore, there was reportedly another man had gone missing after he was supposedly swept away with his car on the outskirts of Volos.

Meteoalarm said that the red warning has been raised in Thessalia due to the heavy rains being experienced in the region.

Amid the red warnings issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the government of Greece has warned of "particularly intense" weather with heavy rains and storms across the region.

As stated in the government's three-tier warning system, red warnings are considered as the highest category of warning that can be issued for the country.

This warning is specifically used for dangerous and severe weather phenomena.

According to senior meteorologist Jason Nicholls, torrential rains will continue in the country up to Thursday, Sept. 7, due to the Omega block that is keeping Daniel nearby for a couple of additional days.

Dubbed for its resemblance to the Greek letter , weather experts explained that an Omega block occurs when two low-pressure systems become cut off from the main flow of the jet stream, which sandwiches a high-pressure system between them.

They said that blocking patterns in the upper levels of the atmosphere can lead to some interesting weather on the ground.

Weather explained said that a waterspout swirled off the coast of Mantoudi, a village that is located in the Euboea region of east-central Greece.

They said this was also a a result of the energy that came from Storm Daniel.

They warned that additional waterspouts could occur along the coastlines in the upcoming days, particularly in areas situated along the southern coasts.

Meanwhile, authorities also directed traffic prohibitions in areas that are considered as the "hardest hit" locations of Volos, Pelion, and the island of Skiathos.

These are all located in eastern central Greece.

Officials said that more traffic bans could be issued given the additional rainfall expected across the country.

Turkey, Bulgaria

Meanwhile, the Istanbul, Turkey also experienced massive floods, which killed two individuals.

A dozen others were also rescued after being stranded inside a library.

Meanwhile, some subway stations were also shut down and authorities also urged motorcyclists to stay in their residences for their safety.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov of Bulgaria disclosed that two individuals died and three others were missing after a storm brought inundation in the country's southern Black Sea coast.

Rivers also overflowed prompting damage to roads and bridges.

The area also suffered power blackouts.

Related Article: Europe Soaring Temperatures: Heatwaves, Wildfires Raise Health Warnings

Related Video:
'Traditional food" seized by US customs in an unsuccessful attempt to smuggle the stated commodities from Vietnam included snail ointment, dead snakes, and dried seahorses.

Dead Snakes and Dried Seahorses in the US Customs

Customs officials at Washington's Dulles Airport claimed that there is never a dull moment when it comes to examining luggage after opening the suitcases of two Vietnamese travelers and finding herbal medicine, snakes, and even seahorses.

In two different traveler's suitcases, US Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists discovered five dead snakes, 77 dry seahorses, 50 little bottles of herbal medicine, five jars of snail ointment, and illegal pork products.

Seahorses, snakes and illegal pork from Vietnam seized by US Customshttps://t.co/0y4IaBXMUv  NWN Writer (@NWN_Writer_Co) September 6, 2023

One of the key components of the commercial herbal liquid remedy found at the airport was snake oil.

The US Department of Agriculture vigorously imposed a ban on confiscated pork products owing to the potential spread of the severe swine vesicular disease and African swine fever.

Traditional Food

According to Steve Sapp, a customs officer, it's not unusual for tourists traveling from different nations to return to the US with "traditional food," even though this particular instance of international smuggling may be unusual.

He explained that particular food items can be limited under the agency's standards for restricted items because they pose a risk of spreading animal or plant diseases.

One of the Vietnamese passengers was headed to Fairfax, Virginia, and had to go through a second baggage inspection.

Inspectors from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and customs experts collaborated in identifying the restricted goods.

Three days later, the other traveler, who was bound for San Francisco, arrived at the airport and underwent the identical procedure.

The two travelers were assumed to be isolated infractions by government officials because they arrived on different days and had distinct destinations.

Officials claimed that the fact that they were both leaving Vietnam at the same time was a coincidence.

According to Sapp, most travelers are not detained for violating agricultural laws; only enough time for CBP agriculture specialists to scrutinize travelers' luggage and accomplish the seizure while they are in the secondary examination area.

The forbidden goods may be seized, and there may also be potential civil fines.

Also Read: $10000 Endangered Sea Cucumbers From Mexico Seized at Border in Smuggling Attempt

International Wildlife Trading

Sapp further stated that the civil fine that CBP imposes is typically $500 for a repeat offender and around $300 for a first violation.

The tourists broke numerous laws and regulations under the Lacey Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which are both international agreements between nations, even though US customs did not impose civil penalties on them.

According to Special Agent Ryan Noel of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, all wildlife products that are exported or imported into the US must be provided with the appropriate paperwork.

According to authorities, illegal wildlife trading is the principal factor driving some species to extinction and is still a global problem.

The news release estimates that the global wildlife trade is a billion-dollar industry.

Living and deceased animals and plants are used to make food, jewelry, clothes and accessories, tourist souvenirs, musical instruments, and a variety of other things.

To assist in the prevention of the poaching of their fish and wildlife resources, Noel stated they are appreciative of the close cooperation they have with partners like US Customs and Border Protection.

Related Article: Seven Spider Monkeys in Holey Backpack Rescued In Foiled Texas Border Smuggling Attempt
According to the latest weather forecast, the troublesome heat will be possible in parts of the Northeast and Midwest.

The heat could cause heat-related health-related illnesses.

As the meteorological fall starts, the challenging heat could become a concern this week. Everyone with expected outdoor activities should monitor the weather temperature.

A heat wave will persist in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Thursday and linger all week in Texas and neighboring states. This graphic shows the maximum temperature for Wednesday with color-filled departures from climatology. https://t.co/VyWINDkBnn pic.twitter.com/JV31UIBeF4  National Weather Service (@NWS) September 6, 2023

Heat could still become oppressive. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that troublesome heatwaves could unfold in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Challenging heat in the Northeast and Midwest

At least 173 million Americans are at risk of the scorching heat this Thursday, Sept. 7. The summer heat could cause record-high temperatures, according to the latest forecast.

The NWS New York reported that the heat could be likely in the region, bringing mid and upper 90s. The city is under the heat advisories, including parts of the Lower Hudson Valley.

The advisory noted that cooling centers were also deployed in parts of NYC to help the residents without cooling conditions.

In addition, the challenging heat is expected in the following areas:

Boston

New York

Baltimore

Albany

Harrisburg

Pittsburgh

Furthermore, the latest forecast showed that the high temperature is expected in the following areas:

Charlotte

Jacksonville

Miami

Houston

Dallas

Houston

El Paso

Virginia Beach

Nashville

On Thursday, the advisory warned that hot and humid temperatures are likely in these areas:

Portland

New York

Washington

Raleigh

Columbus

Buffalo

Recently, NWN reported that September could have hurricane conditions, while the Mid-Atlantic is forecasted to experience dry conditions and a hotter outlook.

Also Read: Possible Storm May Bring Rains to US; September Likely Become Active in Hurricanes

Relief from the heat this week

There could be relief from the heat this week. The stormy conditions are forecast to unfold on Friday.

The rainy outlook is expected in the following areas:

Portland

Boston

New York

Washington

Raleigh

Virginia Beach

Atlanta

Pittsburgh

Buffalo

Burlington

Charleston

Columbus

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Tropical Storm Lee is predicted to strengthen. The advisory revealed that the tropical storm could likely become a hurricane.

Whether the developing storm impacts parts of the US, people should keep updated with the weather and latest forecasts.

Staying safe from the high temperatures

The latest forecasts warned of possible heat-related health risks due to the high temperatures this week. The challenging heat can become a problem, especially for outdoor workers, older adults and children.

Here are essential safety reminders to deal with the exceptional heat this week. Although meteorological fall is here, the return of the heat is likely.

Therefore, homeowners should check for signs of heat-related health concerns. People without cooling conditions are mostly at risk of the hot weather.

Pets are also at risk of the hot weather. People mustn't leave them unattended inside hot cars.

Related Article: US Weather Forecast: Hot, Dry Weather To Continue in Mid-Atlantic; Severe Storm Likely in South Dakota

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
Two American flamingos were spotted in South Carolina munching on crustaceans, possibly as an aftermath of Tropical Storm Idalia, which may have blown the non-native animals into the region.

Tropical Storm Idalia Aftermath

After spotting a pair of American flamingos over the weekend, visitors to Bulls Island received an unexpected treat from Tropical Storm Idalia.

On Sept. 1, a Coastal Expeditions conservationist from Charleston was out for a hike in the Cape Romaine National Wildlife Refuge when she spotted two pink birds, according to Katie Morrison, the tour company's director of education.

Another salmon-colored bird that occasionally visits South Carolina is the roseate spoonbill, which the employee assumed to be.

But the flamingos were easily identified by their shorter, skinnier necks and small, pointed beaks.

Everyone scrambled to get a peek of it for themselves when the woman told her crew, according to Morrison. She observed the birds happily feasting on crabs in a pond later that evening.

Displaced American Flamingos

The Caribbean Islands and the northern coast of South America are home to American flamingos.

According to Nathan Dias, a resident of Charleston, seeing one in the Palmetto State is about as rare as it gets. The Sept. 1 encounter was reported to Dias, a well-known ornithologist, by friends, and he wasn't shocked.

Hurricanes displacing birds, according to Dias, is a well-known occurrence.

Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend region, then pummeled the Lowcountry on August 30 with a ton of wind and rain.

Sea birds are frequently driven ashore by strong storms, according to Dias.

The flamingos, however, were transported north by Idalia's winds in this instance, where they were left in wholly unrelated settings.

The pink birds were seen as far away as Tennessee and Ohio.

In South Carolina, Dias said he isn't overly concerned about the flamingos' capacity to live.

On Sept. 3, he only observed one of the birds. It moved around Upper Summerhouse Pond, a former impoundment for a rice field, agitating the bottom.

Dias observed the bird as it dipped its head upside down, its lengthy neck buried in the water, perhaps chowing down on zooplankton and crustaceans.

The ornithologist anticipates that any flamingos that arrived in South Carolina following Idalia may fly briefly down the coast, seeking safety in salt marshes before eventually making their way to Florida.

According to Dias, the occurrence of the phenomenon seems to have increased in recent years.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in September and October of 2017, people in the McClellanville region took pictures of a flamingo.

Conservationists concurred at the time that it was a wild bird that had been brought in by the storm.

Dias claimed that he was unsure of how to interpret the alleged increase. But it's unquestionably fun for birders.

Also Read: Labor Day Sees 72,000 Stranded in Burning Man Festival Flood

Wildlife and Weather

Storms' precipitation, wind, and debris harm or kill animals, destroy their habitats, contaminate food and water sources, and significantly alter their environments.

Strong winds and rain have the potential to result in broken limbs, head injuries, breathing difficulties, and illnesses from getting water in the lungs.

Animals are abandoned and forced to move.

If the animals could obtain care, many of these issues wouldn't be fatal, but most of the time they can't.

If they are found lost on someone's lawn after being blown into metropolitan areas, some lucky mammals and birds receive care.

Related Article: Himalayas Used to Be Protected From Cyclones, Now Erratic Monsoons Cause More Avalanches
Recent research warned about the distribution decline of butterflies in Eastern Denmark due to habitat loss and unsuccessful conservation efforts.

22 species of butterflies in different sites were affected.

Butterflies may be small, but they play significant ecosystems, as they help ollinate plants and are an indicator of a healthy environment.

As a result, the potential threats to the butterfly population can negatively impact the environment and communities.

According to research published in Biological Conservation, researchers conducted surveys on the distribution of 22 uncommon butterflies in parts of Denmark from 2014 to 2019.

Decline in butterfly distribution in Denmark

Researchers raised concerns about the status of the butterfly population in Eastern Denmark. Records showed that butterfly distribution in the region suffered from a 72% decline.

The researchers monitored the butterflies in Mon, Falster, Zealand and Lolland.

From the recorded number, they discovered that rare species of butterflies could likely be at risk of extinction.

In addition, the 2019 record showed 22 species of butterflies in 158 sites. In 1993, at least 565 sites had seen the 22 species of said butterflies.

According to the study's senior author and Associate Professor Hans Henrik Bruun, the butterflies can indicate the quality of nature.

The recent data could suggest the decline problem of unique and rare butterflies in the region.

Habitat loss and unsuccessful conservation efforts

One of the main culprits in the decline is the habitat loss.

Butterflies are considered sensitive to land-use intensification. Habitat loss in Denmark and significant land-use changes could affect the distribution of butterflies in major sites.

Furthermore, the researchers also noted the decline of species with sedentary habitats. Other countries with butterfly decline are the Netherlands, the UK and parts of Northern Europe.

The rapid loss of habitats, especially forests or marine environments, could impact wildlife and vital biodiversity. While there are conservation or protection efforts, butterflies are still in decline.

The report highlighted that protected areas could still suffer from human activities, continuing commercialization and timber production.

With increasing human-caused problems, protecting their population from decline will become more challenging.

Also Read: Antarctica's Emperor Penguins Suffer From Catastrophic Breeding Failure Due to Global Warming

Unique Monarch Butterflies

Recently, NWN reported the urgent conservation need for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). The species has been threatened by a population decline of up to 91% since 1996.

In research published in Conservation Letters, global warming and climate change harm their population. Human-caused stressors also affect the butterfly breeding grounds.

As a result, protecting their breeding grounds is crucial in preventing the said species from the brink of extinction. In the Rocky Mountains, monarch butterflies declined by at least 81%.

In addition, monarch butterflies are migration experts. They can travel far distances to the Northeast, Midwest, Canada or Mexico.

Related Article: Unique Monarch Butterfly from North America Suffers From Population Decline Urging for More Conservation Efforts

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature News.
Leopard sharks are a common sight in the shallow waters off the coast of Southern California. These sleek predators are known for their distinctive black and white markings, but they also have another trick up their sleeves: flashing their white bellies.

For years, scientists have been puzzled by this behavior. Some have speculated that it may be a form of communication, while others have suggested that it could be a way to attract prey or intimidate predators.

Now, a group of student researchers are on the case, trying to uncover the reason behind this behavior.

How do leopard sharks flash their bellies?

Leopard sharks are normally found on the bottom of the ocean, where they feed on crabs, clams, worms, and fish.

They have a dark brown or gray back and a white belly, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.

However, when they swim near the surface, they sometimes flip on their backs and expose their white bellies to the sun. This behavior is called flashing, and it has been observed by both drone cameras and snorkelers.

One of the scientists who has been studying this behavior is Andrew Nosal, an associate professor of biology at Point Loma Nazarene University.

He has been using drones and computer software to track and count the leopard sharks that gather each summer at La Jolla Shores, a popular beach in San Diego.

He has found that leopard sharks flash their bellies more often when they are in shallow water and in large groups.

Nosal has also noticed that leopard sharks flash their bellies more frequently when they are pregnant.

Leopard sharks are ovoviviparous, which means that they give birth to live young after carrying them inside their bodies for about 10 months.

During this time, they need to keep their body temperature high to ensure the development of their embryos.

Nosal thinks that flashing their bellies may be a way for leopard sharks to regulate their body temperature by absorbing heat from the sun or cooling off in the water.

Also Read: Great White Sharks Show Color-Changing Ability to Camouflage

Why do leopard sharks flash their bellies?

The exact purpose of flashing behavior is still unknown, but Nosal and his students have some hypotheses.

One possibility is that flashing is a form of communication among leopard sharks. By showing their white bellies, they may be able to signal to other sharks that they are ready to mate, or that they have found a good source of food.

Another possibility is that flashing is a form of camouflage or defense. When viewed from below, a shark's white belly blends in with the bright surface of the water, making it harder for predators to spot them.

Flashing may also scare away potential threats by showing them the shark's size and strength.

To test these hypotheses, Nosal and his students are conducting experiments with artificial shark models and underwater cameras.

They are also collaborating with other researchers from California State University, Long Beach, who are studying leopard sharks in other locations along the coast.

By comparing the data from different sites and seasons, they hope to find patterns and clues that will reveal the meaning of flashing behavior.

Nosal and his students are not only interested in solving the mystery of the flashing leopard sharks but also in learning more about these animals and their role in the ecosystem.

Leopard sharks are an important part of the marine food web, as they prey on smaller animals and provide food for larger ones.

They are also an indicator of environmental health, as they are sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature.

By studying leopard sharks, Nosal and his students hope to contribute to the conservation and management of these species and their habitats.

Related article: What is Uristen Shark? People Look For Answers After Seeing Real Life Encounter in Maldives [WATCH]
Recent research discovered about 40,000 spines fragments of irregular echinoids (sea urchins). The new fossils of spines can decipher the deep-sea environments and stable colonization of other species 104 million years ago.

The world of oceans is full of mysteries and discoveries. Scientists have been studying the different marine species and determining new species unknown to science.

The Ocean covers most of the Earth's surface, and the deep waters are still unexplored. NOAA reported that only 24.9 of the seafloor is already mapped.

In addition, the discovery of new species is vital to develop possible conservation and protection efforts amidst the problems of climate change and global warming.

Deep-sea is an area that could become difficult for species to survive due to wide depth, pressure increase and unusual temperatures. There is limited knowledge about the area's evolution history of aquatic animals.

New Spine Fossils Can Help Decipher Deep-Sea Activities

In a research published in PLOS ONE, international researchers found rare fossils of spines of irregular echinoids (sea urchins) that could better understand deep-sea organisms and invertebrates at least 104 million years ago.

Researchers explained that the deep sea is considered 95% of the world's oceans. While there are efforts to study the said areas, it could become costly and challenging using advanced technology.

As a result, the study observed about 1,400 Pleistocene and Lower Cretaceous sediment samples from the Southern Ocean and Pacific Atlantic, unearthing the fossil spines found in the deep sea.

The amazing 40,000 fragments of spines can provide insights into the survival or possible mass extinction of deep-sea organisms million years ago, especially during the Cretaceous period.

Researchers also noted the meteorite that unloaded during the Cretaceous era. Ancient animals, like the sea urchins or the recent fossils, could likely suffer from insufficient food supplies.

Also Read: Over 800 Shellfish Species Have Lowered Risk of Extinction; Experts Urged Conservation of Marine Bivalves

Unique Strawberry Stars

Recently, NWN reported the discovery of a unique aquatic species with 20 arms in Antarctica. The new species is named Strawberry Feather Star (Promachocrinus fragarius), belonging to a sea urchin class.

The study was published in the Invertebrate Systematics journal. The new species has a weird look with 20 arms. At first, a closer look will show it is like a strawberry in form.

The arms of the Strawberry Feather Star help the species to move around and target specific prey quickly.

Several sea urchins and shellfish suffer from climate change and global warming impacts. However, a recent report revealed that 800 shellfish, often harvested, can thrive despite the warming of oceans.

Shellfish species are considered essential food for many communities and countries. If species experience population decline, the supply of food could become affected.

As the 800 shellfish are resilient, they could likely suffer from the brink of extinction.

Related Article: Unique Strawberry Feather Star: New Aquatic Species Has 20 Arms Discovered in Antarctica

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
African Parks, which is a conservation group, is planning to release at least 2,000 rhinoceros into the wild as it aims to "rewild" this mammal in the next ten years.

This came after the African Parks had decided to purchase Platinum Rhino, a 7,800-hectare farm that houses thousands of rhinos.

The procurement of the farm was done in good faith to save the mammals from poaching.

Purchase of park

In a statement, African Parks explained the purchase of the world's largest captive rhino breeding operation in a bid to rescue and rewild the rhino to safe and well-managed protected areas across Africa.

African Parks disclosed that due to financial stress, the Platinum Rhino was put up for auction on April 26, 2023, however, it did not receive any bids. This situation then placed the rhinos at risk of poaching and fragmentation.

"Given African Parks' experience in effectively managing protected areas and carrying out wildlife translocations at scale, including bringing rhino back to Rwanda, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, African Parks was approached by numerous concerned individuals from the conservation sector to provide a solution to prevent a potential conservation crisis, and to help secure the future for a species in decline," it said.

Following a thorough thinking on the matter, the African Parks said it agreed to purchase the farm, including the thousands of rhinos as it also obtained support from the South African government.

The conservation group emphasized that it only had one objective and that is to rewild the rhinoceros over the next 10 years to well-managed and secure areas.

It further aims to establish or supplement strategic populations, which aims to de-risk the future of the species.

Meanwhile, the African Parks also emphasized that the breeding program will be phased out and that the project will end once all the mammals would be released into the wild. The group said this is one of the largest continent-wide rewilding endeavors to occur for any species.

According to Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, the group has no intention of being the owner of the captive rhino breeding operation with 2,000 of these mammals.

Fearnhead, however, pointed out that the African Parks fully recognized the moral imperative of finding a solution for the said animals so that they can play anew their integral role in fully functioning ecosystems.

Read Also: White Rhino Extinction Draws Near, South Africa Plans to Save Them

Poaching

Experts said that white rhinoceros is a species that has been under extreme pressure because of poaching, especially in South Africa.

They said that rhinos historically consisted of two subspecies: the southern white and the northern white.

They added that the northern white is functionally extinct, with just two non-breeding females in captivity in Kenya.

Based on records, the southern white rhino reached an all-time low of 30 to 40 animals in the 1930's, but through effective conservation measures, the number had increased to approximately 20,000 individuals by 2012.

Unfortunately, there had been an increase in the incidents of poaching for their horns for the illegal wildlife trade, and this made the numbers to fall to below 13,000 at present.

Related Article: Sumatran Rhinoceros are Striving for Genetic Diversity Despite Extinction

Related Video:
Sand is the world's second most exploited natural resource after water, and it is used to make concrete and glass.

According to startling statistics from a new UN data platform, the marine dredging industry extracts six billion tons of sand and debris each year.

This is equivalent to nearly one million dump trucks, putting enormous strain on marine biodiversity and the well-being of coastal populations.

Read Also: Sand Dune Restoration Project Could Solve Coastal Erosion Amid Global Sea Level Rise

A strategic material

While shallow-sea mining for sand and gravel is necessary for many construction projects, it poses a significant threat to coastal communities dealing with rising sea levels and storms.

Sand extraction also threatens coastal and seabed ecosystems, affecting marine biodiversity, sea nutrients, and noise pollution, as well as aquifer salinization and future tourism growth.

"The scale of environmental impacts of shallow sea mining activities and dredging is alarming, including biodiversity, water turbidity, and noise impacts on marine mammals," said Pascal Peduzzi, Director of GRID-Geneva at UNEP.

He added that the marine environment must have time to recover.

Large vessels were "basically sterilizing the bottom of the sea by extracting sand and crunching all the microorganisms that are feeding fish."

However, the sand is sometimes dug into the bedrock, implying that marine life may never recover.

The senior UN official urged countries and the dredging industry to recognize sand as a strategic material and to begin discussions on how to enhance dredging standards globally as soon as possible.

"This data signals the urgent need for better management of marine sand resources and to reduce the impacts of shallow sea mining," he added.

To avert an environmental disaster, UNEP asked for improved monitoring of sand extraction and use last year.

It advocated for a halt to beach mining and the establishment of an international standard for extraction in the marine environment.

The International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC) launched a paper on best practices for responsible dredging of the "scant resource". Overall, the aggregate industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

While international practices and regulations vary, some countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, have banned marine sand export.

Marine Sand Watch

The findings of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coincide with the launch of a new platform, 'Marine Sand Watch,' supported by Swiss government financing, that monitors dredging activities through marine tracking and artificial intelligence.

It tracks and monitors sand, clay, silt, gravel, and rock extraction in the world's maritime habitats using artificial intelligence and autonomous signals from ships.

It provides critical data on sand extraction zones (sand concessions), capital and maintenance dredging locations, sand trading hubs, vessel numbers, and at-sea operators.

While the platform is a pioneering tool, according to UNEP, it presently cannot detect artisanal and small-scale mining along shallow beaches, despite its intensity in some locations.

"The amount of sand we are withdrawing from the environment is considerable and has a large impact," Peduzzi told a Geneva press briefing.

The platform has identified "hotspots" of concern, including the North Sea, Southeast Asia, and the United States' east coast.

Marine sand is being extracted far faster than it is replaced from rivers in many regions where extraction is more intense, including parts of Asia.

Related Article: Study Revealed that 20% of Mines All Over the World are "Sustainable"

Related Video:
Environment Minister Marina Silva announced that deforestation in Brazil's Amazon decreased 66.11% in August to its lowest level for the month since 2018, marking a significant milestone for the country's environmental strategy at a time when devastation often peaks.

According to satellite data from the Brazilian space research agency INPE, 563 square kilometers (217.38 square miles) of rainforest were removed in the month, a 66.1% decrease from the same period a year ago.

According to INPE data, deforestation decreased by 48% in the first eight months of the year compared to the same time in 2022.

Brazil celebrates

The findings give President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reason to celebrate, as he has pledged to halt deforestation in the region by 2030, after it skyrocketed under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who reduced environmental protection measures.

He acknowledged the result of the great work of the Environment Ministry and the federal government.

"Hurry that allows us to arrive with new announcements of concrete actions. Actions that will change people's lives in the short term and that will contribute so that, in 2030, we can be proud to say: we achieved the Zero Deforestation we promised," Lula posted in X, formerly known as Twitter.

O governo federal tambem tem pressa e ja foi capaz de reduzir para um terco os indices de desmatamento de julho e agosto deste ano, se compararmos com o que ocorria no ano passado. Pressa que nos permite chegarmos com novos anuncios de acoes concretas. Acoes que mudarao a vida  Lula (@LulaOficial) September 5, 2023

Some experts were concerned that the large decline in deforestation recorded in the first seven months of Lula's presidency would be jeopardized by increasing destruction in August and September, when the weather turns drier.

However, early indications suggest that those fears were unfounded.

Brazil hosted a significant rainforest summit last month, at which eight Amazon states agreed to a set of unified environmental policies and measures to strengthen regional cooperation but failed to reach an agreement on a common target for stopping deforestation.

Lula has placed his international reputation on Brazil's environmental performance.

Read Also: Brazilian Amazon Deforestations Release 90 Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide from 2013 to 2021 [Report]

New Indigenous lands

During the celebration of Amazon Day, Lula also signed the creation of two Indigenous territories totaling 207,000 hectares (511,000 acres)-more than twice the size of New York City-as well as a network of conservation areas adjacent to the Yanonami Indigenous Territory to act as a buffer against invaders, primarily illegal gold miners.

The demarcation of the Acapuri de Cima reserve and the Rio Gregorio reserve arrives at a critical juncture in the nation's history, when the nation has been waiting for a decision that might derail or cement Indigenous victories.

"The Amazon is in a hurry to survive the devastation caused by those few people who refuse to see the future, who in a few years cut down, burned, and polluted what nature took millennia to create," Lula said during a ceremony in Brasilia. "The Amazon is in a hurry to continue doing what it has always done, to be essential for life on Earth."

According to the Brazilian Indigenous Affairs Agency, the country has 800 reserves, over a third of which have not been officially designated.

The new program will provide technical help worth up to $120 million.

The funds will be distributed in accordance with the municipality's effectiveness in decreasing deforestation and fires, as determined by official satellite monitoring. An annual list of municipalities eligible for the money will be released.

Related Article: Brazil Records Big Increase in Amazon Forest Fires

Related Video:
Saudi Arabias largest telecommunications company, STC, has acquired a 9.9% stake in Telefonica, a leading telecoms player in Spain, Germany, the UK and Brazil, along with a number of other Latin American countries through Telefonica Hispanoamerica. The stake is valued at 2.1 billion (about US$2.26 billion).

The UKs Financial Times newspaper says STC is Saudi Arabias largest communications company, with more than 80% of market share. It earned US$17 billion in revenues last year. Telefonica had a market capitalisation of 22billion (US$23.6 billion) before the announcement.

This isnt quite a done deal yet. STC, which is majority-owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, has acquired 4.9% of Telefonicas shares. It has said it is using other financial instruments to lift its stake to 9.9%  if it gets approval from regulators.

This is important. Telefonica is not only one of Spains biggest companies, but it has businesses related to national security and cyberdefence, so the Spanish government needs to approve this deal  a deal that will make STC Telefonicas largest shareholder.

As for STCs ambitions, its Chief Executive, Olayan Alwetaid, said in a press release: We do not intend to acquire control or a majority stake but rather we see this as a compelling investment opportunity to use our strong balance sheet whilst maintaining our dividend policy.

STC points out: Telefonica benefits from a unique portfolio of best-in-class infrastructure assets and cutting-edge technology platforms, where it is developing state-of-the-art capabilities in adjacent areas such as cognitive intelligence, edge computing and Internet of Things.

Telefonica appears to be supportive of the move. The Financial Times says the Spanish company learned of STCs move on Tuesday and took note of STCs friendly approach and its support [of] the management team [and] Telefonicas strategy and ability to create value.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the recently-formed Kerala module of the Islamic State (IS) arrested its founder Siyed Nabeel Ahammad from Chennai on Wednesday.

Thrissur native Nabeel was tracked by the NIA special squad assigned to track down fugitives involved in terrorism cases.

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a transnational terrorist group that is also known as Islamic State (IS) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as well as by its Arabic acronym Da'ish or Daesh.

NIA officials will bring him to Kochi on Thursday and will produce him before the NIA court in Kochi. The anti-terrorism agency has recovered digital devices from Nabeel which will be sent for forensic analysis after being presented before the NIA court.

It was in July this year that the NIA found that a new group affiliated with the IS based in Kerala was trying to recruit youngsters and planning terror strikes and target killings in south India.

After registering a case, the NIA team tracked down Mathilakath Kodayil Ashraf alias Ashif of Thrissur in Sathyamangalam forest.

Apart from Ashif, the other co-accused are Nabeel, Shiyas TS, and Rayees.

The NIA questioned has Shiyas as part of the probe multiple times.

However, after the arrest of Ashif, Nabeel went underground, leaving Kerala and moving to Karnataka before shifting to Tamil Nadu.

NIA officers said that Nabeel reached Chennai to travel to Nepal and that he had arranged a fake passport as well. They are checking the itinerary of Nabeel to see if he had plans to join the IS abroad.

Nabeel had switched off his mobile phone after the NIA arrested Ashif in July this year and he then procured fake SIM cards.

The group was into dacoities as part of raising funds for furthering activities of the IS in Kerala, sources said. They were also on a reconnaissance mission for potential terror strikes.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the recently-formed Kerala module of the Islamic State (IS) arrested its founder Siyed Nabeel Ahammad from Chennai on Wednesday. Thrissur native Nabeel was tracked by the NIA special squad assigned to track down fugitives involved in terrorism cases. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is a transnational terrorist group that is also known as Islamic State (IS) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as well as by its Arabic acronym Da'ish or Daesh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); NIA officials will bring him to Kochi on Thursday and will produce him before the NIA court in Kochi. The anti-terrorism agency has recovered digital devices from Nabeel which will be sent for forensic analysis after being presented before the NIA court. It was in July this year that the NIA found that a new group affiliated with the IS based in Kerala was trying to recruit youngsters and planning terror strikes and target killings in south India. After registering a case, the NIA team tracked down Mathilakath Kodayil Ashraf alias Ashif of Thrissur in Sathyamangalam forest. Apart from Ashif, the other co-accused are Nabeel, Shiyas TS, and Rayees. The NIA questioned has Shiyas as part of the probe multiple times. However, after the arrest of Ashif, Nabeel went underground, leaving Kerala and moving to Karnataka before shifting to Tamil Nadu. NIA officers said that Nabeel reached Chennai to travel to Nepal and that he had arranged a fake passport as well. They are checking the itinerary of Nabeel to see if he had plans to join the IS abroad. Nabeel had switched off his mobile phone after the NIA arrested Ashif in July this year and he then procured fake SIM cards. The group was into dacoities as part of raising funds for furthering activities of the IS in Kerala, sources said. They were also on a reconnaissance mission for potential terror strikes. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

KOLKATA: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has appointed the interim VC of another state-run university amid a row over his move to appoint such officials in varsities that have remained headless for months.

Bose had earlier appointed the officiating VCs of seven universities, including Presidency University, MAKAUT and Burdwan University.

The governor on Tuesday night announced the name of Professor Kajal De as the officiating VC of the newly established Kanyashree University.

His announcement came just hours after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's blistering attack against him during a Teachers' Day programme, where she accused him of interfering in the state's education system, and threatened to sit on a dharna outside Raj Bhavan if the governor continued to function in this manner.

"Hon'ble Chancellor today appointed Prof Kajal De Vice Chancellor (officiating) of Kanyashree University, West Bengal," the Raj Bhavan said in a statement.

De was discharging her duties as the interim VC of Diamond Harbour Women's University since March after being appointed by Bose.

She was a professor of mathematics at Netaji Subhas Open University.

Sources said that interim vice-chancellors of eight other universities have also been finalised and appointment letters "will be issued soon".

Attacking Bose over the appointments, Banerjee had on Tuesday alleged that the governor was appointing interim VCs according to his whims by ignoring the state-appointed search committee.

Noting that VCs must be picked from the names suggested by the five-member search committee, she alleged that Bose was appointing people at his will with no regard to the suggestions of the panel.

She had promised a 'tit-for-tat' action, and threatened to block funding to all universities that followed the governor's directions.

"I will see how you give salaries to these vice-chancellors," she had said.

"We will not allow this to continue. If the governor thinks he is bigger than the chief minister, we will fight him back. He should not forget that he is nominated to that post," she said.

"If federalism is interfered with by taking away rights (of the state governments), I will be forced to sit on a dharna outside Raj Bhavan. We will not allow injustice, Bengal knows how to fight back. Wait and watch," Banerjee added.

ALSO READ | West Bengal Governor seeks ISRO chief's help to stop ragging in Jadavpur varsity

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

KOLKATA: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has appointed the interim VC of another state-run university amid a row over his move to appoint such officials in varsities that have remained headless for months. Bose had earlier appointed the officiating VCs of seven universities, including Presidency University, MAKAUT and Burdwan University. The governor on Tuesday night announced the name of Professor Kajal De as the officiating VC of the newly established Kanyashree University.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); His announcement came just hours after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's blistering attack against him during a Teachers' Day programme, where she accused him of interfering in the state's education system, and threatened to sit on a dharna outside Raj Bhavan if the governor continued to function in this manner. "Hon'ble Chancellor today appointed Prof Kajal De Vice Chancellor (officiating) of Kanyashree University, West Bengal," the Raj Bhavan said in a statement. De was discharging her duties as the interim VC of Diamond Harbour Women's University since March after being appointed by Bose. She was a professor of mathematics at Netaji Subhas Open University. Sources said that interim vice-chancellors of eight other universities have also been finalised and appointment letters "will be issued soon". Attacking Bose over the appointments, Banerjee had on Tuesday alleged that the governor was appointing interim VCs according to his whims by ignoring the state-appointed search committee. Noting that VCs must be picked from the names suggested by the five-member search committee, she alleged that Bose was appointing people at his will with no regard to the suggestions of the panel. She had promised a 'tit-for-tat' action, and threatened to block funding to all universities that followed the governor's directions. "I will see how you give salaries to these vice-chancellors," she had said. "We will not allow this to continue. If the governor thinks he is bigger than the chief minister, we will fight him back. He should not forget that he is nominated to that post," she said. "If federalism is interfered with by taking away rights (of the state governments), I will be forced to sit on a dharna outside Raj Bhavan. We will not allow injustice, Bengal knows how to fight back. Wait and watch," Banerjee added. ALSO READ | West Bengal Governor seeks ISRO chief's help to stop ragging in Jadavpur varsity Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Ramashankar By

Express News Service

PATNA: Ahead of a five-day special session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a public rally in Jhanjharpur in north Bihar on September 16. BJP state vice president Santosh Pathak confirmed the Union home minister's visit to Jhanjharpur.

Shah has increased the frequency of his visits to Bihar ever since chief minister Nitish Kumar snapped his party JD(U)'s ties with BJP to form a new government with the support of Grand Alliance (GA) in August last year. Shah had earlier visited Purnea, Nawada, Valmikinagar, Patna and Lakhisarai since the formation of a new grand alliance government in the state.

In his last visit to the state, Shah had addressed a public meeting in Lakhisarai on June 24. The proposed Jhanjharpur rally is being held in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election scheduled to be conducted in 2024, sources in the party said.

BJP has already started preparations for the rally being held in the heart of the Mithilanchal region, which will be in focus of all political parties during next year's general election. The Jhanjharpur rally will be a part of the party's 'Lok Sabha Pravas' programme.

The previous visit of Shah to Jhanjharpur was cancelled in June due to law and order problems arising out of a communal flare-up. We are enthusiastic about Shah's visit to the Mithilanchal region. His visit will raise the political temperature in the state, said a senior BJP leader requesting anonymity.

Jhanjharpur is among the 10 Lok Sabha constituencies where saffron has to work hard to register its win in the Lok Sabha election. In 2019, the seat went to BJP's ally JD(U) under the seat-sharing agreement among different constituents of the NDA.

Ram Preet Mandal of JD(U) had won the seat. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) was then an ally of the NDA. While BJP and JD(U) had contested 17 seats each, six seats were given to Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). The NDA had won 39 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. The lone Kishanganj seat had gone to the Congress, a major ally of Grand Alliance.

The central leadership of the BJP has asked its state unit to concentrate on the 10 Loin Sabha seats in the state. Besides Jhanjharpur, Kishangan, Valmikinagar, Vaishali, Nawada, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, Munger and Gaya have been identified as 'tough' seats for BJP during an internal survey conducted by the party in the state.

Sources in the party said that altogether seven 'leaders' have been given specific tasks to strengthen the support base of the party.

They all will work under a well-planned strategy to ensure the victory of the candidates of the party on those seats, another BJP leader aware of the party affairs said. The visit of Shah will raise the political temperature in the state as Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar will be on the target of the former.

Nitish snapped ties with the BJP and joined hands with the grand alliance to form the government in the state in August last year.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

PATNA: Ahead of a five-day special session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a public rally in Jhanjharpur in north Bihar on September 16. BJP state vice president Santosh Pathak confirmed the Union home minister's visit to Jhanjharpur. Shah has increased the frequency of his visits to Bihar ever since chief minister Nitish Kumar snapped his party JD(U)'s ties with BJP to form a new government with the support of Grand Alliance (GA) in August last year. Shah had earlier visited Purnea, Nawada, Valmikinagar, Patna and Lakhisarai since the formation of a new grand alliance government in the state. In his last visit to the state, Shah had addressed a public meeting in Lakhisarai on June 24. The proposed Jhanjharpur rally is being held in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election scheduled to be conducted in 2024, sources in the party said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); BJP has already started preparations for the rally being held in the heart of the Mithilanchal region, which will be in focus of all political parties during next year's general election. The Jhanjharpur rally will be a part of the party's 'Lok Sabha Pravas' programme. The previous visit of Shah to Jhanjharpur was cancelled in June due to law and order problems arising out of a communal flare-up. We are enthusiastic about Shah's visit to the Mithilanchal region. His visit will raise the political temperature in the state, said a senior BJP leader requesting anonymity. Jhanjharpur is among the 10 Lok Sabha constituencies where saffron has to work hard to register its win in the Lok Sabha election. In 2019, the seat went to BJP's ally JD(U) under the seat-sharing agreement among different constituents of the NDA. Ram Preet Mandal of JD(U) had won the seat. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) was then an ally of the NDA. While BJP and JD(U) had contested 17 seats each, six seats were given to Ram Vilas Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). The NDA had won 39 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in 2019. The lone Kishanganj seat had gone to the Congress, a major ally of Grand Alliance. The central leadership of the BJP has asked its state unit to concentrate on the 10 Loin Sabha seats in the state. Besides Jhanjharpur, Kishangan, Valmikinagar, Vaishali, Nawada, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, Munger and Gaya have been identified as 'tough' seats for BJP during an internal survey conducted by the party in the state. Sources in the party said that altogether seven 'leaders' have been given specific tasks to strengthen the support base of the party. They all will work under a well-planned strategy to ensure the victory of the candidates of the party on those seats, another BJP leader aware of the party affairs said. The visit of Shah will raise the political temperature in the state as Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar will be on the target of the former. Nitish snapped ties with the BJP and joined hands with the grand alliance to form the government in the state in August last year. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare and East Siang districts have the highest age-adjusted rate (AAR) of cervical cancer in the state, the assembly was informed on Wednesday.

Responding to a question by BJP member Tsering Lhamu during question hour, Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang informed that according to a report of the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research-IMCR Bengaluru, Papum Pare has the highest AAR of 22.7 per lakh population while Pasighat in East Siang district has AAR of 20.3.

Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix and is caused due to human papillomavirus and is a vaccine preventable ailment, the minister said.

Libang said two doses of vaccines to a girl child in the age from 9 to 14 years would provide protection against cervical cancer.

"Vaccination proposals was put up by the department in 2020-21 and again in 2021-22 but they were not considered by the Foundation for Primary Immuno-deficiency Diseases (FPID), due to austerity measures in 2020-21 and fund constraints in 2021-22," the minister disclosed.

He added that vaccination against cervical cancer would be carried out in the state as and when fund provision is provided by the FPID.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare and East Siang districts have the highest age-adjusted rate (AAR) of cervical cancer in the state, the assembly was informed on Wednesday. Responding to a question by BJP member Tsering Lhamu during question hour, Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang informed that according to a report of the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research-IMCR Bengaluru, Papum Pare has the highest AAR of 22.7 per lakh population while Pasighat in East Siang district has AAR of 20.3. Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix and is caused due to human papillomavirus and is a vaccine preventable ailment, the minister said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Libang said two doses of vaccines to a girl child in the age from 9 to 14 years would provide protection against cervical cancer. "Vaccination proposals was put up by the department in 2020-21 and again in 2021-22 but they were not considered by the Foundation for Primary Immuno-deficiency Diseases (FPID), due to austerity measures in 2020-21 and fund constraints in 2021-22," the minister disclosed. He added that vaccination against cervical cancer would be carried out in the state as and when fund provision is provided by the FPID. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The bypoll for seven assembly seats in five states  Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura, West Bengal and Jharkhand  passed off peacefully on Tuesday. The high-pitched battle, ahead of the next general elections between the BJP-led NDA and the opposition bloc INDIA, is keenly watched as the results are likely to have a bearing on the general elections in 2024.

The bypoll was held for two seats, namely Boxanagar and Dhanpur, in BJP-ruled Tripura. Nearly 87 per cent voter turnout was recorded till the end of polling, an official said. Polling was largely peaceful, barring an incident near the Mohanbhog sub-zonal office under the Dhanpur constituency where six youths were injured, officials said.

Villagers set fire to five motorcycles, triggering tension, but the situation was brought under control, PTI reported quoting a police officer. The by-election in Uttar Pradeshs Ghosi saw the INDIA alliance putting up a united front. Voting was moderate at around 50.30 per cent. Around 50 per cent of polling was registered in the Ghosi seat, which is witnessing a direct contest between BJPs Dara Singh Chouhan and SPs Sudharkar Singh.

In Uttarakhand, more than 55 per cent of the electorate cast their votes to seal the fate of five candidates in the fray for the Bageshwar assembly seat. Polling was peaceful with no untoward incidents reported from anywhere. A total of 64.84 per cent of 2.98 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the by-election to Dumri assembly seat in Jharkhand, said an Election Commission official.

The polling percentage was slightly less than in 2019 when 69.74 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the constituency. The election passed off peacefully across 199 polling booths in Giridih and 174 booths in Bokaro districts. The BSP has kept itself away from the poll and altogether 10 candidates were in the fray. In Keralas Puthuppally constituency, voters turned up in large numbers.

Within the first four hours of voting, there was a turnout of more than 50.6 per cent. The UDF level alleged that there was slow polling in some select booths and people had to wait for several hours to vote. LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas said if there has been any delay in the polling process in some booths then it should be investigated.

Dhupguri assembly seat in West Bengal went to polls, which was necessitated by the death of its sitting BJP MLA Bishu Pada Ray. CPI(M)s Ishwar Chandra Roy is contesting as the candidate of the Congress-Left alliance, while the ruling TMC has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a teacher by profession. The BJP has nominated Tapasi Roy for the seat. Roy is the widow of a CRPF jawan who died fighting terrorists in Kashmir a few years back. Dhupguri, a scheduled caste-reserved seat, has nearly 50 per cent Rajbanshi people and 15 per cent minority population. The BJP had snatched the constituency from the TMC in the 2021 assembly polls.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The bypoll for seven assembly seats in five states  Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura, West Bengal and Jharkhand  passed off peacefully on Tuesday. The high-pitched battle, ahead of the next general elections between the BJP-led NDA and the opposition bloc INDIA, is keenly watched as the results are likely to have a bearing on the general elections in 2024. The bypoll was held for two seats, namely Boxanagar and Dhanpur, in BJP-ruled Tripura. Nearly 87 per cent voter turnout was recorded till the end of polling, an official said. Polling was largely peaceful, barring an incident near the Mohanbhog sub-zonal office under the Dhanpur constituency where six youths were injured, officials said. Villagers set fire to five motorcycles, triggering tension, but the situation was brought under control, PTI reported quoting a police officer. The by-election in Uttar Pradeshs Ghosi saw the INDIA alliance putting up a united front. Voting was moderate at around 50.30 per cent. Around 50 per cent of polling was registered in the Ghosi seat, which is witnessing a direct contest between BJPs Dara Singh Chouhan and SPs Sudharkar Singh.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In Uttarakhand, more than 55 per cent of the electorate cast their votes to seal the fate of five candidates in the fray for the Bageshwar assembly seat. Polling was peaceful with no untoward incidents reported from anywhere. A total of 64.84 per cent of 2.98 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the by-election to Dumri assembly seat in Jharkhand, said an Election Commission official. The polling percentage was slightly less than in 2019 when 69.74 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the constituency. The election passed off peacefully across 199 polling booths in Giridih and 174 booths in Bokaro districts. The BSP has kept itself away from the poll and altogether 10 candidates were in the fray. In Keralas Puthuppally constituency, voters turned up in large numbers. Within the first four hours of voting, there was a turnout of more than 50.6 per cent. The UDF level alleged that there was slow polling in some select booths and people had to wait for several hours to vote. LDF candidate Jaick C Thomas said if there has been any delay in the polling process in some booths then it should be investigated. Dhupguri assembly seat in West Bengal went to polls, which was necessitated by the death of its sitting BJP MLA Bishu Pada Ray. CPI(M)s Ishwar Chandra Roy is contesting as the candidate of the Congress-Left alliance, while the ruling TMC has fielded Nirmal Chandra Roy, a teacher by profession. The BJP has nominated Tapasi Roy for the seat. Roy is the widow of a CRPF jawan who died fighting terrorists in Kashmir a few years back. Dhupguri, a scheduled caste-reserved seat, has nearly 50 per cent Rajbanshi people and 15 per cent minority population. The BJP had snatched the constituency from the TMC in the 2021 assembly polls. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday expressed concern over China's proposed mega hydropower project on the upstream of Siang River in Tibet, stating it will have a cascading effect on India and Bangladesh in the near future.

During a zero-hour discussion in the state assembly, initiated by Congress MLA Lombo Tayeng seeking a declaration of recurring annual floods in Siang Valley as a natural calamity, Khandu said China has proposed a 60,000 MW hydro-power plant on the river, called Tsangpo in Tibet, in its 14th five-year plan.

"We are worried about the project's impact in the future. Accordingly, a high-level meeting of the Brahmaputra Board was convened recently. The Centre has proposed a barrage on Siang River so that Chinese activities do not affect the river," he said.

Khandu said a survey for the proposed barrage will be carried out, and once it is completed, the Centre will decide on the next step.

Tayeng, while initiating the discussion, pointed out that the Siang River is frequently changing its course causing massive land erosion of a few lakh hectares of cultivated land, and reducing the area of the D Ering wildlife sanctuary.

"Since there is a possible involvement of China in blocking and diverting of water, dumping of construction material in the river and unwarranted releasing of water in the upstream in their territory, if the phenomenon of recurring floods in Siang Valley is not declared a national calamity and adequate measures taken, it may be disastrous in near future," Tayeng said.

Khandu, in response, informed the assembly that there is no provision, executive or legal, to declare a recurring natural calamity as a national calamity.

The existing guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) do not contemplate declaring a disaster as a national calamity.

"There is also no mention of national calamity in Disaster Management Act 2005," the chief minister added.

He said in case of any major disaster, an inter-ministerial central team visits the affected areas and on the basis of their recommendation and report, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) allocates additional funds to the state from the NDRF.

At least three districts of the state - Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang - through which the river passes before entering Assam, where the river is known as Brahmaputra, experiences annual floods during the monsoon.

He said a proposal for erosion control and flood management in the left bank of the Siang River in the Mebo sub-division of East Siang district was submitted by the Arunachal Pradesh government to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.

The ministry asked the state administration in May this year to resubmit the proposal in an integrated manner by adopting a basin or sub-basin approach covering the major length of the rivers and their tributaries instead of proposing separate works in selected or arbitrary reaches, he added.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday expressed concern over China's proposed mega hydropower project on the upstream of Siang River in Tibet, stating it will have a cascading effect on India and Bangladesh in the near future. During a zero-hour discussion in the state assembly, initiated by Congress MLA Lombo Tayeng seeking a declaration of recurring annual floods in Siang Valley as a natural calamity, Khandu said China has proposed a 60,000 MW hydro-power plant on the river, called Tsangpo in Tibet, in its 14th five-year plan. "We are worried about the project's impact in the future. Accordingly, a high-level meeting of the Brahmaputra Board was convened recently. The Centre has proposed a barrage on Siang River so that Chinese activities do not affect the river," he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Khandu said a survey for the proposed barrage will be carried out, and once it is completed, the Centre will decide on the next step. Tayeng, while initiating the discussion, pointed out that the Siang River is frequently changing its course causing massive land erosion of a few lakh hectares of cultivated land, and reducing the area of the D Ering wildlife sanctuary. "Since there is a possible involvement of China in blocking and diverting of water, dumping of construction material in the river and unwarranted releasing of water in the upstream in their territory, if the phenomenon of recurring floods in Siang Valley is not declared a national calamity and adequate measures taken, it may be disastrous in near future," Tayeng said. Khandu, in response, informed the assembly that there is no provision, executive or legal, to declare a recurring natural calamity as a national calamity. The existing guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) do not contemplate declaring a disaster as a national calamity. "There is also no mention of national calamity in Disaster Management Act 2005," the chief minister added. He said in case of any major disaster, an inter-ministerial central team visits the affected areas and on the basis of their recommendation and report, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) allocates additional funds to the state from the NDRF. At least three districts of the state - Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang - through which the river passes before entering Assam, where the river is known as Brahmaputra, experiences annual floods during the monsoon. He said a proposal for erosion control and flood management in the left bank of the Siang River in the Mebo sub-division of East Siang district was submitted by the Arunachal Pradesh government to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. The ministry asked the state administration in May this year to resubmit the proposal in an integrated manner by adopting a basin or sub-basin approach covering the major length of the rivers and their tributaries instead of proposing separate works in selected or arbitrary reaches, he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said family system is on the decline across the world, but Bharat has survived this crisis because "truth" is its foundation.

Addressing a gathering of senior citizens in Maharashtra's Nagpur city on Tuesday, Bhagwat said the roots of our culture are based on "satya" (truth) though efforts were being made to uproot this culture.

He described the growing tendency towards fulfilling worldly pleasures and efforts by some people justifying it through their selfish philosophies as "cultural Marxism."

"This leaning towards worldly pleasures has crossed the limit. Some people try to justify as right this tendency to fulfil worldly pleasures due to their selfish motives. This is called cultural Marxism today," the RSS chief said.

"These people support such immorality by giving it a good name. They do this because such chaos in society helps them, and they can establish their supremacy," he said.

Bhagwat further said some people, by talking about various philosophies and ideologies, want to destroy what is good. "Due to such philosophy, this crisis is prevalent in our country and also in the rest of the world. As a result of this, the family system is on the decline. But Bharat is able to survive because satya (truth) is the basis of Bharat. The roots of our culture are firm and based on this truth," he said.

Many efforts were made to uproot our culture which were "asmani and Sultani", he said in Marathi.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NAGPUR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said family system is on the decline across the world, but Bharat has survived this crisis because "truth" is its foundation. Addressing a gathering of senior citizens in Maharashtra's Nagpur city on Tuesday, Bhagwat said the roots of our culture are based on "satya" (truth) though efforts were being made to uproot this culture. He described the growing tendency towards fulfilling worldly pleasures and efforts by some people justifying it through their selfish philosophies as "cultural Marxism."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "This leaning towards worldly pleasures has crossed the limit. Some people try to justify as right this tendency to fulfil worldly pleasures due to their selfish motives. This is called cultural Marxism today," the RSS chief said. "These people support such immorality by giving it a good name. They do this because such chaos in society helps them, and they can establish their supremacy," he said. Bhagwat further said some people, by talking about various philosophies and ideologies, want to destroy what is good. "Due to such philosophy, this crisis is prevalent in our country and also in the rest of the world. As a result of this, the family system is on the decline. But Bharat is able to survive because satya (truth) is the basis of Bharat. The roots of our culture are firm and based on this truth," he said. Many efforts were made to uproot our culture which were "asmani and Sultani", he said in Marathi. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Shalini Chandran By

Online Desk

For the longest time, anti-incumbency has proven to be a crucial factor in Indian elections and the ruling party is always assumed to be at a disadvantage. But Morgan Stanley, the US-based financial services conglomerate, follows a different line in its latest analysis on Indias upcoming general elections.

The analysis talks about the 'Force of Incumbency index' that states that election results, for its large part, are led by the nation's growth or more precisely, the prosperity cycle. This means that increase in GDP augments the incumbent governments, whether at central or state level.

The Force of Incumbency index is measured using the results of every single state and general election since 2002.

Significant factors

According to Morgan Stanleys research, the three factors that will affect election outcomes disproportionately are - stock market investors, social media users and first time voters.

These groups may not have been significant years ago, but they are today because of their larger size and superior access to information, said the group.

For example, the number of equity investors has grown in the last five years. There are currently 100-120 million voters who are stock market investors, it pointed out. Similarly, more than 500 million Indians, almost half of Indias voters are on social media platforms, among which 130 million will be first time voters.

The stock market cohort, which has amassed significant wealth over the past five years, however, will vote in favor of continuity in administration as it is more likely to ensure stock market stability. Nevertheless, only so much can be commented due to the heterogeneity in these groups in terms of income, wealth or social progress, quoted the report.

Meanwhile, farmers remain the largest voting bloc. Morgan Stanley pointed out that there has been a significant drop in the number of farmer suicides -- declining from 17,000 in 2015 to less than 11,000 in 2021.

Apart from this, religious and caste groups have historically played an important role in elections, it pointed out.

However, pointed out the broker, there is only limited information to predict how these groups will behave in the forthcoming elections, it added.

Improving living conditions

Other factors that influence people's decisions to vote for a certain party are level of poverty, farmer suicides, terms of trade for rural India, female foeticide, infant mortality and transfers from the government, and here, the falling levels of female foeticide and sharp drop in infant mortality show a sign of social progress.

Poverty is measured using the Multidimensional poverty index which assesses health, education and standard of living of people. According to UNDP data, these factors have shown significant improvement over the past years.

Health: The percentage of people who were malnourished reduced from 21.05 in 2015-16 to 11.80 in 2019-21. The child mortality has reduced from 2.22 to 1.48 for the same period.

Education: The number of children deprived of schooling has reduced from 11.62 in 2015-16 to 7.72 in 2019-2021.

Standard of living: The percentage of people deprived of cooking fuel (13.90), sanitation (11.29), drinking water (2.66), electricity (2.08), housing (13.61) and assets (5.60) have significantly reduced by 2019-2021.

Geography of elections

The report also delved into geographical trends that will mould the elections.

It pointed out that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are likely to play crucial roles in the 2024 election outcome. This is because they are the largest contributors to the Lower House, with 128 seats, nearly a quarter of the total 543 elected representatives.

The pre-poll alliances in these states could polarize results as these have fragmented politics with the presence of regional parties. The current Lok Sabha holds 85 seats or about 30% of its total count in the Lower house from these two states alone, it noted.

Another state that is likely to play a crucial role in the 2024 elections is Tamil Nadu, especially with BJP's poor presence in the last elections in the state.

Bihar is another state with fragmented polity where pre-poll alliances could make a difference, while West Bengal is likely to see a straight battle between BJP and the All India Trinamool Congress, the report said.

INC and BJP have together won at least 50% of the seats in the past ten elections. This highlights the significance of alliances in political parties.

The 26-party alliance I.N.D.I.A is a significant development in this context. The key to this alliances success will be its ability to share seats aptly ahead of the elections, comments the report.

Five state elections are taking place in the coming months in Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh respectively. The polarization in these state election results could influence market sentiment in the journey to the 2024 Lok Sabha election date.

But Morgan Stanley research does not adopt state election results as a promising guide to predict general elections as past elections show contradictory evidence. In the year 2018, for example, BJP did not perform well in the above-mentioned state elections but eventually won a majority in general elections. However, the opposite happened in 2003.



Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

For the longest time, anti-incumbency has proven to be a crucial factor in Indian elections and the ruling party is always assumed to be at a disadvantage. But Morgan Stanley, the US-based financial services conglomerate, follows a different line in its latest analysis on Indias upcoming general elections. The analysis talks about the 'Force of Incumbency index' that states that election results, for its large part, are led by the nation's growth or more precisely, the prosperity cycle. This means that increase in GDP augments the incumbent governments, whether at central or state level. The Force of Incumbency index is measured using the results of every single state and general election since 2002.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Significant factors According to Morgan Stanleys research, the three factors that will affect election outcomes disproportionately are - stock market investors, social media users and first time voters. These groups may not have been significant years ago, but they are today because of their larger size and superior access to information, said the group. For example, the number of equity investors has grown in the last five years. There are currently 100-120 million voters who are stock market investors, it pointed out. Similarly, more than 500 million Indians, almost half of Indias voters are on social media platforms, among which 130 million will be first time voters. The stock market cohort, which has amassed significant wealth over the past five years, however, will vote in favor of continuity in administration as it is more likely to ensure stock market stability. Nevertheless, only so much can be commented due to the heterogeneity in these groups in terms of income, wealth or social progress, quoted the report. Meanwhile, farmers remain the largest voting bloc. Morgan Stanley pointed out that there has been a significant drop in the number of farmer suicides -- declining from 17,000 in 2015 to less than 11,000 in 2021. Apart from this, religious and caste groups have historically played an important role in elections, it pointed out. However, pointed out the broker, there is only limited information to predict how these groups will behave in the forthcoming elections, it added. Improving living conditions Other factors that influence people's decisions to vote for a certain party are level of poverty, farmer suicides, terms of trade for rural India, female foeticide, infant mortality and transfers from the government, and here, the falling levels of female foeticide and sharp drop in infant mortality show a sign of social progress. Poverty is measured using the Multidimensional poverty index which assesses health, education and standard of living of people. According to UNDP data, these factors have shown significant improvement over the past years. Health: The percentage of people who were malnourished reduced from 21.05 in 2015-16 to 11.80 in 2019-21. The child mortality has reduced from 2.22 to 1.48 for the same period. Education: The number of children deprived of schooling has reduced from 11.62 in 2015-16 to 7.72 in 2019-2021. Standard of living: The percentage of people deprived of cooking fuel (13.90), sanitation (11.29), drinking water (2.66), electricity (2.08), housing (13.61) and assets (5.60) have significantly reduced by 2019-2021. Geography of elections The report also delved into geographical trends that will mould the elections. It pointed out that Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are likely to play crucial roles in the 2024 election outcome. This is because they are the largest contributors to the Lower House, with 128 seats, nearly a quarter of the total 543 elected representatives. The pre-poll alliances in these states could polarize results as these have fragmented politics with the presence of regional parties. The current Lok Sabha holds 85 seats or about 30% of its total count in the Lower house from these two states alone, it noted. Another state that is likely to play a crucial role in the 2024 elections is Tamil Nadu, especially with BJP's poor presence in the last elections in the state. Bihar is another state with fragmented polity where pre-poll alliances could make a difference, while West Bengal is likely to see a straight battle between BJP and the All India Trinamool Congress, the report said. INC and BJP have together won at least 50% of the seats in the past ten elections. This highlights the significance of alliances in political parties. The 26-party alliance I.N.D.I.A is a significant development in this context. The key to this alliances success will be its ability to share seats aptly ahead of the elections, comments the report. Five state elections are taking place in the coming months in Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh respectively. The polarization in these state election results could influence market sentiment in the journey to the 2024 Lok Sabha election date. But Morgan Stanley research does not adopt state election results as a promising guide to predict general elections as past elections show contradictory evidence. In the year 2018, for example, BJP did not perform well in the above-mentioned state elections but eventually won a majority in general elections. However, the opposite happened in 2003. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Preetha Nair By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Floor leaders of the Opposition bloc, INDIA, on Tuesday asked the Centre to spell out the agenda of the special Parliament session to be held from September 18 to 22. The Opposition parties will attend the session but will raise key issues including price rise, unemployment, and Manipur violence.

Sources said party leader Sonia Gandhi will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for early passage of the womens reservation bill in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has already passed it. The Opposition stance was decided at a dinner meeting convened by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge at his official residence on Tuesday.

Leaders of various Opposition parties attended the dinner meeting. Taking to micro-blogging site X after the meeting, Kharge said the 'INDIA' alliance parties discussed the way forward for the special session and decided to keep the focus on raising peoples issues.

Modi government is convening a special session of Parliament for the first time without spelling out the agenda. No one from any opposition party has been consulted or informed. This is not the way to run a democracy, he posted on X.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the government is keeping the country in the dark about the sessions agenda. Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said it is impossible to have only government business during the five-day session.

We are not going to sit only for Modi Chalisa. We will surely demand answers from the government and raise our issues in every session. But, we were not getting the opportunity to raise them in previous sessions, he said.

Ahead of the INDIA meet, the Congress held a strategy group meeting chaired by Sonia Gandhi, where party leaders in both Houses were present.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Floor leaders of the Opposition bloc, INDIA, on Tuesday asked the Centre to spell out the agenda of the special Parliament session to be held from September 18 to 22. The Opposition parties will attend the session but will raise key issues including price rise, unemployment, and Manipur violence. Sources said party leader Sonia Gandhi will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for early passage of the womens reservation bill in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has already passed it. The Opposition stance was decided at a dinner meeting convened by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge at his official residence on Tuesday. Leaders of various Opposition parties attended the dinner meeting. Taking to micro-blogging site X after the meeting, Kharge said the 'INDIA' alliance parties discussed the way forward for the special session and decided to keep the focus on raising peoples issues.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Modi government is convening a special session of Parliament for the first time without spelling out the agenda. No one from any opposition party has been consulted or informed. This is not the way to run a democracy, he posted on X. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said the government is keeping the country in the dark about the sessions agenda. Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said it is impossible to have only government business during the five-day session. We are not going to sit only for Modi Chalisa. We will surely demand answers from the government and raise our issues in every session. But, we were not getting the opportunity to raise them in previous sessions, he said. Ahead of the INDIA meet, the Congress held a strategy group meeting chaired by Sonia Gandhi, where party leaders in both Houses were present. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have no bilateral meetings in Jakarta during his visit to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS).

The Prime Ministers visit will be rather short as he has to be back for the G20 Summit. So, due to shortage of time, there will be no bilateral meeting that he will have during his visit, said Secretary- East, Saurabh Kumar in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in response to a query by this newspaper.

Meanwhile, Indonesia has adjusted the timings of both summits to facilitate PM Modi to attend them as he has to return for the G20 Summit. American President Joe Biden will be in India when the PM returns (late on September 7) and the two leaders have a scheduled bilateral meeting on September 8.

Indonesia has been kind to advance the timings of the EAS to make it easier for PM Modi to attend. Earlier, the EAS meeting was scheduled for the afternoon but it was adjusted. From 9 am to 10 am will be the ASEAN-India Summit and after a short gap of 15 minutes, the EAS meeting will be held, said Kumar.

In the ASEAN-India Summit, leaders are likely to review their relations in areas ranging from maritime security to the digital economy and provide directions for future cooperation. A new initiative on maritime security is expected to be among the key outcomes of the ASEAN-India Summit.

This will be the first ASEAN-India Summit since the two sides elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, and the focus since then has been on maritime security, cyber security, digital economy and emerging areas of cooperation. An Asean-India defence ministers meeting was held last November and the two sides conducted their first maritime exercise in May.

PM Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday evening and will return late on Thursday. The ties between India and ASEAN have been on a significant upswing in the last few years with the focus being on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. The 10 member countries of the ASEAN bloc are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have no bilateral meetings in Jakarta during his visit to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS). The Prime Ministers visit will be rather short as he has to be back for the G20 Summit. So, due to shortage of time, there will be no bilateral meeting that he will have during his visit, said Secretary- East, Saurabh Kumar in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in response to a query by this newspaper. Meanwhile, Indonesia has adjusted the timings of both summits to facilitate PM Modi to attend them as he has to return for the G20 Summit. American President Joe Biden will be in India when the PM returns (late on September 7) and the two leaders have a scheduled bilateral meeting on September 8.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Indonesia has been kind to advance the timings of the EAS to make it easier for PM Modi to attend. Earlier, the EAS meeting was scheduled for the afternoon but it was adjusted. From 9 am to 10 am will be the ASEAN-India Summit and after a short gap of 15 minutes, the EAS meeting will be held, said Kumar. In the ASEAN-India Summit, leaders are likely to review their relations in areas ranging from maritime security to the digital economy and provide directions for future cooperation. A new initiative on maritime security is expected to be among the key outcomes of the ASEAN-India Summit. This will be the first ASEAN-India Summit since the two sides elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, and the focus since then has been on maritime security, cyber security, digital economy and emerging areas of cooperation. An Asean-India defence ministers meeting was held last November and the two sides conducted their first maritime exercise in May. PM Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday evening and will return late on Thursday. The ties between India and ASEAN have been on a significant upswing in the last few years with the focus being on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. The 10 member countries of the ASEAN bloc are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out that no agenda has been listed for the special Parliament session and raising nine issues, including violence in Manipur, for discussion.

The issues listed by Gandhi included Centre-state relations, JPC probe on allegations against the Adani Group, breakdown of constitutional and social harmony in violence-hit Manipur, rise in cases of communal tension and border transgressions by China.

"I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business," Gandhi said in her letter.

"I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming special session," she said.

Here is the letter from CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji to PM Modi, addressing the issues that the party wishes to discuss in the upcoming special parliamentary session. pic.twitter.com/gFZnO9eISb

Addressing the media at the AICC headquarters, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said this is the first time that no agenda has been discussed or listed in the business of the House.

"We want that the upcoming session to be constructive and this was decided at the meeting of the strategy group and during the meeting of INDIA parties," Ramesh said.

"If there is no 'shehnai' of democracy in the mother of democracy, then what kind of democracy is this," Ramesh asked.

He said the rules under which the discussion can take place can be discussed mutually. Ramesh also alleged that the prime minister is in "panic" and "tired".

The special session of Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out that no agenda has been listed for the special Parliament session and raising nine issues, including violence in Manipur, for discussion. The issues listed by Gandhi included Centre-state relations, JPC probe on allegations against the Adani Group, breakdown of constitutional and social harmony in violence-hit Manipur, rise in cases of communal tension and border transgressions by China. "I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business," Gandhi said in her letter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming special session," she said. Here is the letter from CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji to PM Modi, addressing the issues that the party wishes to discuss in the upcoming special parliamentary session. pic.twitter.com/gFZnO9eISb  Congress (@INCIndia) September 6, 2023 Addressing the media at the AICC headquarters, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said this is the first time that no agenda has been discussed or listed in the business of the House. "We want that the upcoming session to be constructive and this was decided at the meeting of the strategy group and during the meeting of INDIA parties," Ramesh said. "If there is no 'shehnai' of democracy in the mother of democracy, then what kind of democracy is this," Ramesh asked. He said the rules under which the discussion can take place can be discussed mutually. Ramesh also alleged that the prime minister is in "panic" and "tired". The special session of Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Ukraine will be on everyones mind during the upcoming G20 Summit, said an EU official on Wednesday.

"Ukraine will figure in all the interventions of the upcoming Summit. India is trying a balancing act on Ukraine  which is obvious from all the abstentions on the resolutions on Ukraine in the UN," said the official.

India has called for a cessation of hostilities without publicly criticising Russias invasion of Ukraine. The differences between the G7 states on the one hand and Russia and China on the other have held up joint statements in all G20 ministerial meetings hosted by India.

ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden's arrival to kickstart countdown to G20 Summit

While the Bali declaration was acceptable to the EU, the official said, "The text provided by the India for negotiations on the draft leaders declaration, on the conclusion of the G20 Summit, does not go 'far enough' on the Ukraine crisis. China and Russia are kind of isolated on this issue," adding that the negotiations were continuing.

The EU is upset that Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskky wasnt invited for the Summit  unlike in Bali. A similar tone was set by Canadian President Justin Trudeau a few days back when he said he was disappointed that Zelenskky wasnt invited for G20 and that he would raise a pitch for Ukraine.

The EU official also dismissed Russias plea that G20 was not a platform to discuss politics as it was an economic forum.

"The G20 has evolved to be more political than we think. If you have leaders of the most important countries in political and economic terms, its an illusion that you would just address economic topics," the official added.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Ukraine will be on everyones mind during the upcoming G20 Summit, said an EU official on Wednesday. "Ukraine will figure in all the interventions of the upcoming Summit. India is trying a balancing act on Ukraine  which is obvious from all the abstentions on the resolutions on Ukraine in the UN," said the official. India has called for a cessation of hostilities without publicly criticising Russias invasion of Ukraine. The differences between the G7 states on the one hand and Russia and China on the other have held up joint statements in all G20 ministerial meetings hosted by India.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden's arrival to kickstart countdown to G20 Summit While the Bali declaration was acceptable to the EU, the official said, "The text provided by the India for negotiations on the draft leaders declaration, on the conclusion of the G20 Summit, does not go 'far enough' on the Ukraine crisis. China and Russia are kind of isolated on this issue," adding that the negotiations were continuing. The EU is upset that Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskky wasnt invited for the Summit  unlike in Bali. A similar tone was set by Canadian President Justin Trudeau a few days back when he said he was disappointed that Zelenskky wasnt invited for G20 and that he would raise a pitch for Ukraine. The EU official also dismissed Russias plea that G20 was not a platform to discuss politics as it was an economic forum. "The G20 has evolved to be more political than we think. If you have leaders of the most important countries in political and economic terms, its an illusion that you would just address economic topics," the official added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden remained negative for coronavirus on Wednesday and consequently, there will be no alterations to his travel plans for India and Vietnam scheduled for this week, according to the White House.

India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

Biden, 80, will travel to New Delhi on Thursday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit.

On Friday, the president will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on Saturday and Sunday, he will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit.

Biden underwent testing for coronavirus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with results indicating that he remains negative for the virus.

ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden's arrival to kickstart countdown to G20 Summit

Consequently, there will be no alterations to his travel plans for India and Vietnam scheduled this week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during her daily news conference on Wednesday.

The daily testing for Biden for COVID-19 symptoms comes in the wake of First Lady Jill Biden's positive COVID-19 test on Monday.

Jean-Pierre said that Biden will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during his upcoming visits to India and Vietnam.

After attending the G20 summit in New Delhi, Biden will travel to Vietnam's capital Hanoi on September 10 to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders.

According to a CNN report, Biden's trip to Vietnam comes as his administration works to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region and after he said last month that he would soon visit Hanoi "to change our relationship", comments that reflected the current era of tension in Asia.



Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden remained negative for coronavirus on Wednesday and consequently, there will be no alterations to his travel plans for India and Vietnam scheduled for this week, according to the White House. India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. Biden, 80, will travel to New Delhi on Thursday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); On Friday, the president will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and on Saturday and Sunday, he will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit. Biden underwent testing for coronavirus on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with results indicating that he remains negative for the virus. ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden's arrival to kickstart countdown to G20 Summit Consequently, there will be no alterations to his travel plans for India and Vietnam scheduled this week, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters during her daily news conference on Wednesday. The daily testing for Biden for COVID-19 symptoms comes in the wake of First Lady Jill Biden's positive COVID-19 test on Monday. Jean-Pierre said that Biden will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during his upcoming visits to India and Vietnam. After attending the G20 summit in New Delhi, Biden will travel to Vietnam's capital Hanoi on September 10 to meet with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and other leaders. According to a CNN report, Biden's trip to Vietnam comes as his administration works to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region and after he said last month that he would soon visit Hanoi "to change our relationship", comments that reflected the current era of tension in Asia. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Prasanta Mazumdar By

Express News Service

GUWAHATI: At least 25-30 people were injured in Manipur on Wednesday when security personnel fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse a mob that went out defying curfew and allegedly attempted to break through Army barricades.

The violence broke out at Phougakchao in Meitei-majority Bishnupur district. The site is close to Kuki-majority Churachandpur district. The two districts have remained on the boil ever since the ethnic violence between the two communities broke out on May 3.

According to locals, some of the injured were admitted to hospitals in Moirang, Bishnupur and state capital Imphal.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential Meitei civil society organisation, had appealed to people to take part in a march till the border of Churachandpur. Thousands of protesters had come out on Wednesday responding to the call.

ALSO READ | FIR filed against Editors Guild members for 'trying to create more clashes' in Manipur: CM

Apprehending trouble, the authorities had clamped full curfew in all five districts of Meitei-majority Imphal valley  Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching.

Security was also heightened in Bishnupur as well as Churachandpur districts. Joint columns of security forces were deployed at Phougakchao while personnel of the Rapid Action Force were mobilised.

The COCOMI had earlier asked the government to remove the Army barricades put up in a buffer zone, by August 30.

There are Meitei lands beyond the barricades. We want our land back. This is the reason behind the march, the COCOMI said.

Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, which is Manipurs apex Naga organisation, urged the state and central governments to take necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the state.

ALSO READ | Tribal songwriter among at least four killed in Manipur gunfight

Unwarranted checking/frisking/detentions/unloading of essential commodities and various strictures imposing upon Naga people and unabated illegal taxation/extortion towards the commuters and suppliers of essential commodities along the National Highways and Inter-District highways should be stopped once and for all, the UNC said in a statement.

It demanded that the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity, a Kuki-Zo organisation, along two national highways be lifted immediately in the interest of all communities living in the state.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

GUWAHATI: At least 25-30 people were injured in Manipur on Wednesday when security personnel fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse a mob that went out defying curfew and allegedly attempted to break through Army barricades. The violence broke out at Phougakchao in Meitei-majority Bishnupur district. The site is close to Kuki-majority Churachandpur district. The two districts have remained on the boil ever since the ethnic violence between the two communities broke out on May 3. According to locals, some of the injured were admitted to hospitals in Moirang, Bishnupur and state capital Imphal.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential Meitei civil society organisation, had appealed to people to take part in a march till the border of Churachandpur. Thousands of protesters had come out on Wednesday responding to the call. ALSO READ | FIR filed against Editors Guild members for 'trying to create more clashes' in Manipur: CM Apprehending trouble, the authorities had clamped full curfew in all five districts of Meitei-majority Imphal valley  Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching. Security was also heightened in Bishnupur as well as Churachandpur districts. Joint columns of security forces were deployed at Phougakchao while personnel of the Rapid Action Force were mobilised. The COCOMI had earlier asked the government to remove the Army barricades put up in a buffer zone, by August 30. There are Meitei lands beyond the barricades. We want our land back. This is the reason behind the march, the COCOMI said. Meanwhile, the United Naga Council, which is Manipurs apex Naga organisation, urged the state and central governments to take necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the state. ALSO READ | Tribal songwriter among at least four killed in Manipur gunfight Unwarranted checking/frisking/detentions/unloading of essential commodities and various strictures imposing upon Naga people and unabated illegal taxation/extortion towards the commuters and suppliers of essential commodities along the National Highways and Inter-District highways should be stopped once and for all, the UNC said in a statement. It demanded that the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity, a Kuki-Zo organisation, along two national highways be lifted immediately in the interest of all communities living in the state. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Gasoline vehicles and new energy vehicles have their respective positions in the auto market and they should not be seen as rivals, said experts at a forum on the sector's healthy development.

The forum, organized by the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation and industry news portal autohome, was held on Sunday in Beijing.

Chen Jingyue, executive vice-president and secretary-general of the association, said the development of gasoline vehicles and NEVs should be coordinated to ensure the auto industry's health.

Chen was echoed by Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, at the forum that also attracted senior executives from carmakers.

The gasoline vehicle segment seizes the lion's share of the vehicle market, so they have a larger impact on the fitness of the overall auto industry, said Cui.

He calls for more efforts to stabilize the consumption of gasoline vehicles in China, the largest vehicle market in the world.

Cui said it is not wise to see NEVs and gasoline vehicles as rivals, and it is not correct to deem those gasoline vehicle buyers out of fashion.

Statistics from the China Passenger Car Association show that sales of gasoline vehicles had been on the decline for three years in a row.

In 2019, their deliveries in China totaled 19.68 million units, but the figure slumped to 14.88 million units in 2022.

According to a blueprint released on Sept 1, the central government expects sales of the overall vehicle market to reach 27 million units this year, up 3 percent year-on-year.

NEV sales will reach around 9 million units this year, accounting for roughly one-third of the total sales.

Local governments are urged in the blueprint to offer a larger quota of license plates to boost vehicle consumption, and carmakers are encouraged to explore new low-carbon solutions to promote the gasoline vehicle sector's development.
Pradip Phanjoubam By

The unprecedented bloody feud in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo group and the Meiteis crossed the four-month mark on September 3, yet there is no sign of this tragedy concluding. Every now and then, there are still reports of gun battles breaking out in the foothills, shattering hopes for a return to normalcy.

The situation is compounded by a lack of will and competence of the Central as well as the state governments to exercise their legitimate might. At this moment, the combined strength of the Manipur Police and Central forces would be close to one lakh on the ground, but things are still allowed to slip deeper into the abyss. It is true that this is not an easy task for the security establishment. They are not free (or inclined) to resort to violent actions as they are dealing with citizens and not enemies, though a great number of citizens are now armed, as an officer of the Indian Army clarified.

As for the state government, from May 3 to now, the story has been about blunders. If it were not for its inability to get a full grip on the problem, in all likelihood, todays crisis could have been quelled the day it broke out. Or, speedier anticipation of potential trouble could have prevented its outbreak altogether. But the blunders continue, with grave and ugly consequences.

In June, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, came back and informed the press that Shah had assured him that if the state police took care of the valley, the home minister would ensure the Central paramilitary forces brought the hills under control. A buffer zone was thereby created at the foothills to separate the two warring communities.

This has slowly but surely added another hue to the conflict. Soon enough, the Assam Rifles came to be seen by the Meiteis as helping the Kukis in the fight, and the Kukis believed the Manipur Police was siding with the Meiteis. In the ethnically polarised atmosphere, there would probably be some truth in such alleged partialities but what is atrocious is that this, to a larger extent, is a consequence of the official mandate given to each of these forces. Worse still, the two forces now see each other as rivals. On certain occasions, they even came dangerously close to gunfights.

The Manipur crisis has also revealed another truth which has been a subject of much discoursethe difficulty of representing trauma in a conflict situation.

Understanding and representing conflict has never been easy for a) Those who are subjects of the conflict and trying to interpret it as they see it and b) Those observing the same events from an objective and detached vantage. The ideal position to view the conflict is somewhere in the middle. Dominick LaCapra in Writing History, Writing Trauma calls the first category of individuals subject analysts. The subject analyst who can rise above his/her subjectivity without losing the intimate engagement with the crisis in which he/she is privileged or cursed, and the objective analyst who possesses the capacity to see also from the vantage of those pulled into the conflict, are best suited to represent trauma.

While the subject analysts must overcome what Capra refers to as fidelity to trauma, which prevents them from seeing the larger canvases within which their worlds are enclosed, the objective analysts must also be able to overcome the compulsions of what journalist Tony Harcup in his book Journalism: Principles and Practice has termed objectivity rituals, so as to see through the surface and feel the different pulses within the crisis.

From the vantage of the objective observer, things can get reduced to the likeness of an event in a stadium or theatre, with the inner forces driving the conflict getting completely obscured from their sight. In Capras words, they are also prone to conflating objectivism and objectivity. Objectivism forecloses empathy, which is problematic, for traumas are not always objectively identifiable.

However, while the need for empathy is vital, the understanding of it should also not be confused by unchecked identification of victims. This can also lead to what Capra calls surrogate victimage, distorting vision.

Also read: Generalisation in Manipur strife hindering peace

In popular parlance, such an error is committed by parachute journalists, though not as a rule. They fly in for a few days to the conflict area and, under pressure to meet the terms and deadlines of their assignments and to justify their presence, resort to using generalised templates of conflict that are based on other conflict scenarios they are familiar with. They then begin seeing and interpreting the new situation the same way they might have viewed an older situation.

After the outbreak of communal violence on May 3 at Churachandpur, media on both sides of the conflict would have been understandably taken by surprise. Violence of this scale was something no one ever expected. In the initial days, they were reporting the developments in a routine manner. However, it was when the conflict grew and became entrenched that pictures of extensive suffering became commonplace. And this is when the problem of representation began to reveal itself. This is also when predictions of scholars like Capra began manifesting, and reportage by local and parachute journalists began taking divergent paths. Neither in general is capable of working through the complex psychological maze of this conflict, in the words of Saul Friedlander in his engaging essay Trauma, Transference and Working Through in Writing the History of the Shoah.

Quite ironically, a three-member fact-finding team of the Editors Guild of India (EGI) is now embroiled in the Manipur maze. The team flew in on August 7 and left on August 10, and during their short stay were able to confidently declare who the victims were and who the perpetrators were, chastising the local media for not seeing what they saw almost instantly. Their report is now being challenged by the local media under the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM), with AMWJU and EGM alleging that the EGIs report is largely based on hearsay and not on verified records. A suit for damages is expected, and would be settled in court if no agreement is reached in the meantime.

Pradip Phanjoubam

Editor, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics

(phanjoubam@gmail.com)

Click here for all the earlier columns

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

The unprecedented bloody feud in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo group and the Meiteis crossed the four-month mark on September 3, yet there is no sign of this tragedy concluding. Every now and then, there are still reports of gun battles breaking out in the foothills, shattering hopes for a return to normalcy. The situation is compounded by a lack of will and competence of the Central as well as the state governments to exercise their legitimate might. At this moment, the combined strength of the Manipur Police and Central forces would be close to one lakh on the ground, but things are still allowed to slip deeper into the abyss. It is true that this is not an easy task for the security establishment. They are not free (or inclined) to resort to violent actions as they are dealing with citizens and not enemies, though a great number of citizens are now armed, as an officer of the Indian Army clarified. As for the state government, from May 3 to now, the story has been about blunders. If it were not for its inability to get a full grip on the problem, in all likelihood, todays crisis could have been quelled the day it broke out. Or, speedier anticipation of potential trouble could have prevented its outbreak altogether. But the blunders continue, with grave and ugly consequences.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In June, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, came back and informed the press that Shah had assured him that if the state police took care of the valley, the home minister would ensure the Central paramilitary forces brought the hills under control. A buffer zone was thereby created at the foothills to separate the two warring communities. This has slowly but surely added another hue to the conflict. Soon enough, the Assam Rifles came to be seen by the Meiteis as helping the Kukis in the fight, and the Kukis believed the Manipur Police was siding with the Meiteis. In the ethnically polarised atmosphere, there would probably be some truth in such alleged partialities but what is atrocious is that this, to a larger extent, is a consequence of the official mandate given to each of these forces. Worse still, the two forces now see each other as rivals. On certain occasions, they even came dangerously close to gunfights. The Manipur crisis has also revealed another truth which has been a subject of much discoursethe difficulty of representing trauma in a conflict situation. Understanding and representing conflict has never been easy for a) Those who are subjects of the conflict and trying to interpret it as they see it and b) Those observing the same events from an objective and detached vantage. The ideal position to view the conflict is somewhere in the middle. Dominick LaCapra in Writing History, Writing Trauma calls the first category of individuals subject analysts. The subject analyst who can rise above his/her subjectivity without losing the intimate engagement with the crisis in which he/she is privileged or cursed, and the objective analyst who possesses the capacity to see also from the vantage of those pulled into the conflict, are best suited to represent trauma. While the subject analysts must overcome what Capra refers to as fidelity to trauma, which prevents them from seeing the larger canvases within which their worlds are enclosed, the objective analysts must also be able to overcome the compulsions of what journalist Tony Harcup in his book Journalism: Principles and Practice has termed objectivity rituals, so as to see through the surface and feel the different pulses within the crisis. From the vantage of the objective observer, things can get reduced to the likeness of an event in a stadium or theatre, with the inner forces driving the conflict getting completely obscured from their sight. In Capras words, they are also prone to conflating objectivism and objectivity. Objectivism forecloses empathy, which is problematic, for traumas are not always objectively identifiable. However, while the need for empathy is vital, the understanding of it should also not be confused by unchecked identification of victims. This can also lead to what Capra calls surrogate victimage, distorting vision. Also read: Generalisation in Manipur strife hindering peace In popular parlance, such an error is committed by parachute journalists, though not as a rule. They fly in for a few days to the conflict area and, under pressure to meet the terms and deadlines of their assignments and to justify their presence, resort to using generalised templates of conflict that are based on other conflict scenarios they are familiar with. They then begin seeing and interpreting the new situation the same way they might have viewed an older situation. After the outbreak of communal violence on May 3 at Churachandpur, media on both sides of the conflict would have been understandably taken by surprise. Violence of this scale was something no one ever expected. In the initial days, they were reporting the developments in a routine manner. However, it was when the conflict grew and became entrenched that pictures of extensive suffering became commonplace. And this is when the problem of representation began to reveal itself. This is also when predictions of scholars like Capra began manifesting, and reportage by local and parachute journalists began taking divergent paths. Neither in general is capable of working through the complex psychological maze of this conflict, in the words of Saul Friedlander in his engaging essay Trauma, Transference and Working Through in Writing the History of the Shoah. Quite ironically, a three-member fact-finding team of the Editors Guild of India (EGI) is now embroiled in the Manipur maze. The team flew in on August 7 and left on August 10, and during their short stay were able to confidently declare who the victims were and who the perpetrators were, chastising the local media for not seeing what they saw almost instantly. Their report is now being challenged by the local media under the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM), with AMWJU and EGM alleging that the EGIs report is largely based on hearsay and not on verified records. A suit for damages is expected, and would be settled in court if no agreement is reached in the meantime. Pradip Phanjoubam Editor, Imphal Review of Arts and Politics (phanjoubam@gmail.com) Click here for all the earlier columns Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Online Desk

While Tamil Nadu is celebrating the 'free breakfast' scheme for the school kids, more than half the students of a government school in Karur refused to eat the food cooked by a Dalit cook.

The incident took place in the Panchayat Union Primary School located in Velanchettiyur village near Aravakurichi, Karur district.

Some parents belonging to the Backward Caste and Most Backward Caste communities refused to send their children to school and prevented them from eating the food cooked by Sumathi, a woman belonging to a Scheduled caste community.

In a solidarity gesture, District Collector T Prabhu Shankar visited the school and had the food made by Sumathi. He had also met the parents of these students and warned them of the consequences if they continued to discriminate against the government-appointed cook.

The NewsMinute reported that more than three Backward communities in the village opposed Sumathi preparing the food, and declared a boycott against her.

After a discussion with Collector, most of the parents agreed to send their children to avail the breakfast scheme, except one man from the Most Backward Class community. He insisted that he would not allow his kids to have breakfast there.

According to the TNM news report, the man was then taken to the police station where he was warned for practising caste discrimination against the woman, and the possible action that could be initiated against him under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He was later let off.

The district administration said that if the people fail to comply again, stringent action would be taken.

The new breakfast initiative was introduced by Chief Minister MK Stalin on August 25 for students of classes 1 to 5. A total of 17 lakh students across the state would be benefited under the scheme. The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 404.41 crores towards this scheme.

ALSO READ | Breakfast scheme in Tamil Nadu: Parents in Tiruppur oppose food cooked by Dalit woman

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

While Tamil Nadu is celebrating the 'free breakfast' scheme for the school kids, more than half the students of a government school in Karur refused to eat the food cooked by a Dalit cook. The incident took place in the Panchayat Union Primary School located in Velanchettiyur village near Aravakurichi, Karur district. Some parents belonging to the Backward Caste and Most Backward Caste communities refused to send their children to school and prevented them from eating the food cooked by Sumathi, a woman belonging to a Scheduled caste community. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In a solidarity gesture, District Collector T Prabhu Shankar visited the school and had the food made by Sumathi. He had also met the parents of these students and warned them of the consequences if they continued to discriminate against the government-appointed cook. The NewsMinute reported that more than three Backward communities in the village opposed Sumathi preparing the food, and declared a boycott against her. After a discussion with Collector, most of the parents agreed to send their children to avail the breakfast scheme, except one man from the Most Backward Class community. He insisted that he would not allow his kids to have breakfast there. According to the TNM news report, the man was then taken to the police station where he was warned for practising caste discrimination against the woman, and the possible action that could be initiated against him under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He was later let off. The district administration said that if the people fail to comply again, stringent action would be taken. The new breakfast initiative was introduced by Chief Minister MK Stalin on August 25 for students of classes 1 to 5. A total of 17 lakh students across the state would be benefited under the scheme. The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 404.41 crores towards this scheme. ALSO READ | Breakfast scheme in Tamil Nadu: Parents in Tiruppur oppose food cooked by Dalit woman Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

UNITED NATIONS: India has told the UN Security Council that blocking evidence-based proposals for blacklisting globally sanctioned terrorists without giving justifications is uncalled for and "smacks of doublespeak"  a thinly-veiled reference to China and Pakistan.

"The working methods of the UNSC Sanctions Committees continue to dent the credibility of the UN Security Council," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said here on Tuesday.

Speaking in the Security Council's open debate on Working Methods, Kamboj said "genuine, evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to be blocked without giving any due justification is uncalled for and smacks of doublespeak when it comes to Council's commitment in tackling the challenge of terrorism."

She stressed that the working methods of Sanctions Committees must emphasise transparency, and objectivity in listing and delisting and should not be based on political considerations.

Kamboj's remarks were a veiled reference to China and its all-weather friend Pakistan. Beijing has repeatedly placed holds and blocks on bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists.

The latest example came in June this year when China blocked a proposal by India and the US under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a global terrorist.

Kamboj highlighted that India, an eight-term elected member of the UNSC, has some key concerns about the need to improve the working methods of the Security Council.

"What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and Pacific, find their due place at this horseshoe table," she said.

What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical & developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions find their due place at this horseshoe table



- PR @ruchirakamboj pic.twitter.com/eSB8LB1jqh  India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) September 5, 2023

India, the world's most populous nation, underscored that an expansion of the Council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential. "This is the only way to bring the Council's composition and decision-making dynamics in line with contemporary geo-political realities," Kamboj said.

She added that the international community can no longer hide behind the smokescreen of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) in the General Assembly and continue to pay lip service by continuing to deliver statements in a process that has no time frame, no text and no defined goal to achieve.

"If countries are truly interested in making the Council more accountable and more credible, we call on them to come out openly and support a clear pathway to achieve this reform in a time-bound manner, through the only established process in the UN, which is by engaging in negotiations based on text and not through speaking at each other, or past each other, as we have done for the last three decades," she said.

Kamboj underlined that as the threats to international peace and security evolve, so must this Council. "We ask those blocking progress on this vital issue to heed the calls for genuine reform, and contribute to making this Council truly fit for purpose for the 21st century."

She noted that merely fixing the working methods of the Security Council will never be good enough to rectify its fundamental flaw, its lack of representative character. "To continue to deny member states of the Global South a voice and role in Council's decision-making only lowers the Council's credibility," she said.

Another area of concern highlighted by India was that the selection of chairs of subsidiary bodies and distribution of penholderships must be made through a process that is open, transparent, based on exhaustive consultations, and with a more integrated perspective.

"The consensus of E-10 on chairs of subsidiary bodies to be assumed by the E-10 themselves must be honoured by the P5. For the P5 to decide, even in the 21st century, as to what roles should go eventually to the E-10, reflects a continuation of the mindset of the post-1945 era: to the victors belong the spoils. This is simply unacceptable," she said.

The Security Council has five permanent members  the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom  collectively known as the P5.

The ten elected members of the Security Council are commonly referred to as the E10.

She also pointed to the obsoleteness and irrelevance of some UNSC agenda items, asserting that there are items on the agenda of the Security Council on which discussions have not taken place since the UN's creation. "There is a case for beginning a discussion into the review of items on the list of matters of which the Council is seized," she said.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

UNITED NATIONS: India has told the UN Security Council that blocking evidence-based proposals for blacklisting globally sanctioned terrorists without giving justifications is uncalled for and "smacks of doublespeak"  a thinly-veiled reference to China and Pakistan. "The working methods of the UNSC Sanctions Committees continue to dent the credibility of the UN Security Council," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said here on Tuesday. Speaking in the Security Council's open debate on Working Methods, Kamboj said "genuine, evidence-based listing proposals for globally sanctioned terrorists to be blocked without giving any due justification is uncalled for and smacks of doublespeak when it comes to Council's commitment in tackling the challenge of terrorism."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); She stressed that the working methods of Sanctions Committees must emphasise transparency, and objectivity in listing and delisting and should not be based on political considerations. Kamboj's remarks were a veiled reference to China and its all-weather friend Pakistan. Beijing has repeatedly placed holds and blocks on bids by India and its allies to list Pakistan-based terrorists. The latest example came in June this year when China blocked a proposal by India and the US under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a global terrorist. Kamboj highlighted that India, an eight-term elected member of the UNSC, has some key concerns about the need to improve the working methods of the Security Council. "What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical and developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions, including Africa, Latin America and the vast majority of Asia and Pacific, find their due place at this horseshoe table," she said. What we need is a Security Council that better reflects the geographical & developmental diversity of the United Nations today. A Security Council where voices of developing countries and unrepresented regions find their due place at this horseshoe table - PR @ruchirakamboj pic.twitter.com/eSB8LB1jqh  India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) September 5, 2023 India, the world's most populous nation, underscored that an expansion of the Council in both categories of membership is absolutely essential. "This is the only way to bring the Council's composition and decision-making dynamics in line with contemporary geo-political realities," Kamboj said. She added that the international community can no longer hide behind the smokescreen of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) in the General Assembly and continue to pay lip service by continuing to deliver statements in a process that has no time frame, no text and no defined goal to achieve. "If countries are truly interested in making the Council more accountable and more credible, we call on them to come out openly and support a clear pathway to achieve this reform in a time-bound manner, through the only established process in the UN, which is by engaging in negotiations based on text and not through speaking at each other, or past each other, as we have done for the last three decades," she said. Kamboj underlined that as the threats to international peace and security evolve, so must this Council. "We ask those blocking progress on this vital issue to heed the calls for genuine reform, and contribute to making this Council truly fit for purpose for the 21st century." She noted that merely fixing the working methods of the Security Council will never be good enough to rectify its fundamental flaw, its lack of representative character. "To continue to deny member states of the Global South a voice and role in Council's decision-making only lowers the Council's credibility," she said. Another area of concern highlighted by India was that the selection of chairs of subsidiary bodies and distribution of penholderships must be made through a process that is open, transparent, based on exhaustive consultations, and with a more integrated perspective. "The consensus of E-10 on chairs of subsidiary bodies to be assumed by the E-10 themselves must be honoured by the P5. For the P5 to decide, even in the 21st century, as to what roles should go eventually to the E-10, reflects a continuation of the mindset of the post-1945 era: to the victors belong the spoils. This is simply unacceptable," she said. The Security Council has five permanent members  the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom  collectively known as the P5. The ten elected members of the Security Council are commonly referred to as the E10. She also pointed to the obsoleteness and irrelevance of some UNSC agenda items, asserting that there are items on the agenda of the Security Council on which discussions have not taken place since the UN's creation. "There is a case for beginning a discussion into the review of items on the list of matters of which the Council is seized," she said. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Associated Press

JAKARTA: Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that those responsible for the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing violence at the U.S. Capitol must be held accountable  even if that means Donald Trump.

Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may, Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she was attending a regional summit.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, for his efforts to cling to power in 2020, The former president also has been charged in Georgia in a scheme to subvert the will of voters who elected Democrat Joe Biden instead of giving Trump a second term.

I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor," Harris, who served as California's attorney general before moving to Washington as a U.S. senator. I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability.

The White House has been circumspect in addressing the issue of Trump's criminal charges in order to avoid any whiff of political meddling in the work of prosecutors. But Biden and Harris have been outspoken about what they view as a very real danger to American democracy in the aftermath of the 2020 election exposed.

Democracies are very fragile," the vice president said in the AP interview. They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it.

Harris is representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of Biden.

She sounded a strong warning about reports that Russia was talking with North Korea about obtaining weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, calling the possible alliance ill-advised."

Russia has been levied a strategic failure, she said. Their aggressive, unprovoked actions in Ukraine have resulted in a situation where the aura and myth of the Russian military has now been dispelled.

Harris dismissed concerns about Bidens age even though he's widely seen as too old for office. A recent AP/NORC poll showed that 77% of Americans and 69% of Democrats think hes too old for a second term.

Harris is next in line for the presidency, a position that increased scrutiny of her as she serves with a president who would be 86 at the end of a potential second term. GOP hopefuls raise the idea that a vote for Biden would really end up being a vote for Harris  and not in a good way.

I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people has played out, she said. And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers.

Harris described the idea of possibly stepping into the role of president as hypothetical but said she was ready.

Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," she stated. But let us also understand that every vice president  every vice president  understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president.

"Im no different.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

JAKARTA: Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that those responsible for the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing violence at the U.S. Capitol must be held accountable  even if that means Donald Trump. Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may, Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she was attending a regional summit. Federal prosecutors have indicted Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, for his efforts to cling to power in 2020, The former president also has been charged in Georgia in a scheme to subvert the will of voters who elected Democrat Joe Biden instead of giving Trump a second term.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor," Harris, who served as California's attorney general before moving to Washington as a U.S. senator. I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability. The White House has been circumspect in addressing the issue of Trump's criminal charges in order to avoid any whiff of political meddling in the work of prosecutors. But Biden and Harris have been outspoken about what they view as a very real danger to American democracy in the aftermath of the 2020 election exposed. Democracies are very fragile," the vice president said in the AP interview. They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it. Harris is representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of Biden. She sounded a strong warning about reports that Russia was talking with North Korea about obtaining weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, calling the possible alliance ill-advised." Russia has been levied a strategic failure, she said. Their aggressive, unprovoked actions in Ukraine have resulted in a situation where the aura and myth of the Russian military has now been dispelled. Harris dismissed concerns about Bidens age even though he's widely seen as too old for office. A recent AP/NORC poll showed that 77% of Americans and 69% of Democrats think hes too old for a second term. Harris is next in line for the presidency, a position that increased scrutiny of her as she serves with a president who would be 86 at the end of a potential second term. GOP hopefuls raise the idea that a vote for Biden would really end up being a vote for Harris  and not in a good way. I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people has played out, she said. And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers. Harris described the idea of possibly stepping into the role of president as hypothetical but said she was ready. Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," she stated. But let us also understand that every vice president  every vice president  understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president. "Im no different. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

LONDON: The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are "progressing" and Britain will only agree to a pact that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his ministers.

Ahead of his first visit to India as UK Prime Minister to attend the G20 World Leaders' Summit in New Delhi later this week, Sunak updated his top team on the ongoing trade talks, which have completed 12 rounds of negotiations, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The British Indian leader described India as an "indispensable partner" of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to strengthen further.

"He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree to an approach which worked for the whole of the UK," notes a Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting.

"The Prime Minister said India was an indispensable partner of the UK, both economically and in addressing the global challenges all democracies are facing. He said we must now strengthen the UK-India relationship," it said.

ALSO READ | UK-India trade deal: Sunak faces conflict of interest over wife's Infosys shares

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has returned from a visit to India after talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month, also updated the UK Cabinet on the FTA negotiations, saying that "India is already one of the UK's largest trading partners, with a relationship worth GBP 36 billion a year."

"The Prime Minister concluded Cabinet by setting out his desire to use our growing relationship in trade, defence, and technology to build a lasting and deep partnership with India which benefits the people of the UK for decades to come," Downing Street said.

The 43-year-old leader is expected to receive a grand welcome when he arrives in New Delhi, with bilateral talks expected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the course of his stay.

While the details of the visit are yet to be confirmed by Downing Street, some UK media reports have indicated that a sightseeing visit to Humayan's Tomb is expected to be on the agenda for Sunak and wife Akshata Murty.

ALSO READ | India eyes UK, EU, Canada trade pacts to penetrate into Western markets

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

LONDON: The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are "progressing" and Britain will only agree to a pact that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his ministers. Ahead of his first visit to India as UK Prime Minister to attend the G20 World Leaders' Summit in New Delhi later this week, Sunak updated his top team on the ongoing trade talks, which have completed 12 rounds of negotiations, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The British Indian leader described India as an "indispensable partner" of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to strengthen further.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree to an approach which worked for the whole of the UK," notes a Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting. "The Prime Minister said India was an indispensable partner of the UK, both economically and in addressing the global challenges all democracies are facing. He said we must now strengthen the UK-India relationship," it said. ALSO READ | UK-India trade deal: Sunak faces conflict of interest over wife's Infosys shares UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has returned from a visit to India after talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month, also updated the UK Cabinet on the FTA negotiations, saying that "India is already one of the UK's largest trading partners, with a relationship worth GBP 36 billion a year." "The Prime Minister concluded Cabinet by setting out his desire to use our growing relationship in trade, defence, and technology to build a lasting and deep partnership with India which benefits the people of the UK for decades to come," Downing Street said. The 43-year-old leader is expected to receive a grand welcome when he arrives in New Delhi, with bilateral talks expected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the course of his stay. While the details of the visit are yet to be confirmed by Downing Street, some UK media reports have indicated that a sightseeing visit to Humayan's Tomb is expected to be on the agenda for Sunak and wife Akshata Murty. ALSO READ | India eyes UK, EU, Canada trade pacts to penetrate into Western markets Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Its total pandemonium when the moose come to downtown Enterprise. From trying to redecorate the Boll Weevil Monument, playing cards after closing time, rearranging things in the shop or lined up at front glass front checking out Main Street  the mooses enjoy some shenanigans.

Thousands of moose a year have made their way to Shopaholic Home Decor and Gifts on Main Street in the City of Progress every October since 2014. Thankfully, Shopaholics owner Debbie Gaydos has learned how to turn the chaos of their arrival into some order. She starts with an in-brief of the tall moose of whats expected in their behavior, who in turn pass on the information to the younger moose. Sometimes they dont always listen and can be a bit mischievous.

These inanimate stuffed animals have taken on a personality over the years thanks to Gaydos. She can look at each animal and pull-out different types of characteristics in them and share their stories on social media. In short  she brings these non-living creatures to life. This type of marketing is what Dr. Frank Thompson, an associate professor of marketing at Troy University calls anthropomorphism. Last year Thompson conducted and published a case study on the marketing principle of assigning human characteristics to non-animated objects.

Thompsons study, entitled The Miracle of the Moose was published in the Journal of Case Studies for use in several courses. Institutions in all parts of the United States and other areas of the world adopt our cases, so it is possible that someone thousands of miles away could read about Debbie and her shop in Enterprise, said Brad Brooks, the journals co-editor.

Presenting the moose as a case study teaches the concept of anthropomorphism to marketing students through an actual fun example, Thompson said. According to Britt Shirley, journal co-editor, these types of case studies can help students apply principles and use skills they learn in their classes.

Demonstrating the ability to apply skills to real-world situations helps students use those skills in business, he said. Unlike lectures and exams, which usually require students to recall topics they learned, case studies are an active learning approach that requires students to be more involved in their learning process.

Moose have been coming to the store since 2014  since the first time Gaydos saw them at market in Atlanta at Hannas Handiworks showroom and recognized their individual personalities. I thought, how fun to build on that  and thats how it all started, she said. From there we created a series of events showcasing their behaviors, and they just became so real.

That first year, Gaydos bought 50 moose for the store. Their popularity has grown over the past nine years that she now orders around 2,000 moose. Beginning in September, people start inquiring when they will arrive. The moose typically come in around the first week of October, and sometimes are sold out by December.

Gaydos has quite a following on social media about her moose and their antics which she captures on video, in photographs, and through her store displays. Customers respond to her posts about their shenanigans and one person commented she wanted her two most mischievous moose.

Moose arent just for purchase  they are for adoption. Customers name their moose when filling out the adoption papers. Moose have been adopted in all 50 state and in Europe, she said.

People come from all over to see the moose, she said. We sold 37 moose to a family that owned a ranch in Wyoming. Their daughter and son-in-law were here, and they saw some photos, so we did a Zoom call, they picked out what they wanted, and then came and picked them up.

Gaydos feels it is a blessing to see the joy the moose bring to people. She loves when they share stories how a moose is adapting to its new home and new adventures. Gaydos herself is a blessing when it comes to the moose. She personally donates 150 to the police department for officers to carry in their cars to donate where they see a need. For every three moose she sells in the store, she gives one away to a family in need whose child/children may not have anything for Christmas. Sometimes she gives more than just one moose for every third one sold.

The concept of donating the moose is not just central to Enterprise. When a family in Ohio heard about Gaydos generosity they bought and had her ship them 31 moose to donate around their hometown. The concept of giving is very much alive with the moose, she said smiling.

Gaydos likes to describe Enterprise as a small town with a big heart. When it comes to a big heart  Gaydos is a big part of its rhythm.
Mumbai, Sep 5

A ctor Pulkit Samrat, who will be soon seen in the upcoming film 'Fukrey 3', feels that the presence of actor Pankaj Tripathi in any film makes the film "safe".

The actor, who was in a fun mood throughout the trailer launch of his film in Mumbai on Tuesday spoke to the media, and shared a few anecdotes from the making of the film. He said that all the actors in the film became close to each other during the initial days of the shoot of the first part of the franchise ''Fukrey'.

Earlier, while interacting with the media Pankaj Tripathi had said that he feels blessed that from the role of a gatekeeper in 'Fukrey' to have an integral part in the 'Fukrey 3'.

Replying to this, Pulkit said "I would like to say that from a gatekeeper in 'Fukrey', Pankaj sir has become that safe person for all of us, jinke saath we feel very comfortable. Aur Pankaj sir ke film mein rehne se picture bahut safe ho jaati hai given how much the audience loves him."

Pulkit also credited the writing of the franchise and shared that the reason all the characters in the 'Fukrey' franchise feels relatable and relevant is the writing of the franchise.

'Fukrey 3' releases in cinemas on September 28.

Film becomes safe if Pankaj Tripathi stars in it: Pulkit Samrat

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Mumbai, September 5

F rom an engineering student to a National Award-winning actor, Kriti Sanon has come a long way in her journey ever since this Delhi girl made her debut in the industry, just 9 years ago.

Recently, she won the 69th National Award for her performance in 'Mimi'. While her family, friends and the industry all showered her with love and best wishes, now it was her teacher from school who sent a message to the actress on the occasion of Teachers Day about how proud they all are of their alumna.

Taking to Instagram story, Kriti shared a video message that she received from her teacher and wrote, "Awwww! So overwhelming to receive a video message from your school teacher on Teacher's Day. Happy Teacher's Day to all my lovely teachers."

Just as Kriti Sanon is a multi-faceted personality now as an engineer, model, actor and entrepreneur-producer, turns out she always used to be a multifaceted student as well as the teacher revealed.

Kriti's ex-teacher shared, "Hey Kriti, we are so proud of you. What a wonderful achievement to get a National Award for your film Mimi. We, at DPS RK Puram have always known that you were going to create a niche for yourself in the film world. In school, I remember in class 6th, what a wonderful dancer you were, and always occupying the centre stage. When I became your class teacher in 11th, I realised that not only were you a wonderful dancer, but you were also academically oriented- one of our toppers, a great speaker and a great writer and you were a part of the poetry club as well, and the student council. It was always so evident that you would create a niche in your future life, doing engineering, going to the world of films and reaching here, at this point, getting the National Award. Congratulations to you, from all of us and all the best."

Kriti won the National Film Award for her role in 'Mimi', which was released in 2021. 'Mimi' tells the story of a young woman named Mimi who agrees to become a surrogate mother for a foreign couple, hoping to use the money to fulfil her dream of becoming an actress.

However, the biological parents back out when they learn that the child will be born with Down syndrome. Mimi then decides to raise the child on her own and faces several challenges and societal pressures as a single mother.

Her journey as a mother and her struggle to provide for her child despite the odds is both heartwarming and inspiring. The film was streamed directly on OTT platform Netflix and received massive responses from the audience.

Meanwhile, Kriti will next be seen in Vikas Bahl's 'Ganpath -Part 1' and 'The Crew' starring next to Kareena Kapoor, Tabu. She also has an untitled project with Shahid Kapoor in the line.

She will also be seen in her maiden production venture, 'Do Patti'.

Kriti Sanon receives special message from her school teacher on Teacher's Day

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Mumbai, September 5

T eachers play a crucial role in shaping who we become and Bollywood celebs know how to dedicate and express gratitude for their teachers, directors, parents and others who taught them important lessons in their lives.

From Sara Ali Khan to Anupam Kher, actors shared special posts on Teacher's Day.

Since she made her debut five years ago, Sara Ali Khan has worked with directors like Abhishek Kapoor, Rohit Shetty, Imtiaz Ali and Aanand L Rai . Riding high on her latest, Laxman Utekar's Zara Hatke Zara Bachke . So, on the occasion of Teachers' Day, the actor expressed gratitude to her directors for teaching and training her as an actor.

Sara said "I feel that as an actor it's most important to always be a student- and to keep learning and unlearning on every set. From Rohit Sir's masala commercial cinema to the sensitivity of Aanand Rai and the mass appeal of Laxman Sir to the quirky and unique story telling of Homi sir."

"I'm very privileged and thoroughly grateful to have had such versatile experiences. I hope I can continue learning and growing and entertaining my audiences under the guidance of my directors," she added.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a video message and wished his Gurus on Teacher's Day.

https//www.instagram.com/p/CwyhjdvouIj/

Sharing the video on his Instagram, he wrote, "Congratulations and heartfelt wishes to all of you. My teachers have contributed hugely in almost all areas of my life. Whoever I am today is the lesson given by them. My salute to my teachers. Hail! #HappyTeachersDay."

Rajkummar Rao wrote few lines of 'Guru Govind Dou Khade' along with "Happy Teacher's Day. A Big Thank you to all my teachers."

Rakul Preet Singh posted on her Instagram stories, "A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers who spend their time, energy, and love to educate our children. Happy Teachers' Day!"

Kriti Kharbanda shared childhood school photos of herself and penned a long note.

The note read, "When I was in class 2 at Baldwin girls high school in Bengaluru, Mrs Sheila Mathews, my class teacher, looked at me one day and said you have such expressive eyes my dear!' She was well dressed, confident and so charming. I was in awe of her!" "I looked at her straight in the eyes and said, 'Miss, I want to dance in the class play'. Next thing I know, I was standing tall on stage, facing an empty hall, with just a handfull of seats filled up front with teachers. That was the first time I danced on stage and felt like I belonged. But so did she."

https//www.instagram.com/p/CwzC6ncJ5gG/?

Kriti continued to share her story, "She was the first person who saw a fire in me, that maybe even I didn't see at the time. She called in my mother and said we want your daughter to headline the play and my most amazing and supportive mother encouraged me to not just be a part of it but also contributed to our rehearsals post school hours!"

The actor revealed the first step that she took towards acting. "I got very lucky. This was probably the first step I took towards acting, in my own way. I'm grateful for everything that followed ) I performed in every lit club activity, auditioned for ads, shot for ads, watched movies day in and day out! I genuinely and honestly, thought about Mrs. Mathews the day I signed my first film too. This teachers day, I want to thank every single one of my teachers, who helped me become a version of myself that I'm so proud of today. P.S. I don't have a picture from this particular performance, but here's a little something from another performance at school," she stated.

Teachers' Day is celebrated across the country in memory of former President Dr S Radhakrishnan, a philosopher-author and India's second President who was born on September 5, 1888. His contributions to the field of education are exemplary.

In 1962, the tradition to celebrate Teachers' Day began to honour Radhakrishnan and all teachers.

Sara Ali Khan to Anupam Kher, celebs express gratitude on Teacher's Day

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
PM to embark on quick visit to Indonesia for ASEAN Summit ahead of G20 meet

New Delhi, Sep 5

A reas relating to maritime security as well as digital economy will be reviewed by India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during ASEAN Summit in Indonesia, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending on September 7.

He will leave for Indonesia during the night on Wednesday and return to New Delhi late in the evening on Thursday.

Secretary, East, in the External Affairs Ministry Saurabh Kumar while briefing media persons on Modi's visit to Indonesia to attend the summit, which is themed "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth", said on Tuesday that Indonesia is chairing the summit this year, and that the Prime Minister will attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

On matters to be discussed during the event, he said: "It is difficult to anticipate what would be discussed when the leaders meet, but issues which are of mutual concern--regional and international will come up once they have the discussionWhether there would be consensus or not, can't anticipate what would come out of the discussions. We cannot reveal any specific term."

There are speculations that ASEAN nations may discuss the "standard map" which China had issued last week, that showed several parts of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh under its own territory.

It also showed a substantial portion of the South China Sea under Chinese territory.

Several neighbouring nations including India, had reacted angrily to this development. India issued a "strong protest" to Beijing, claiming that they had no justification to claim Indian land. Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Nepal later joined the opposition to the so-called "standard map."

However, the MEA official said that the Myanmar situation could come up for discussion.

"Myanmar, of course, like other regional and international issues, is likely to come up in the discussions. Our position on Myanmar is very clear. So I would leave it at that. And once we have the post-summit briefing, if there is anything more, I would add to that," hesaid.

"This year Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN and their theme is ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. Within this framework, Indonesia organised a flagship event ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum to implement the ASEAN outlook. This is an event that is focused on increasing the connectivity of ASEAN to the Indo-Pacific by involvement of businesses & industries," Kumar said.

With India and Asean observing the 30th anniversary of their partnership in 2022, the Indian side has focused on increasing connectivity in the physical, digital and economic domains.

India and Indonesia launched direct flights through two private airlines in August, and India has also started direct flights to Vietnam.

Following the linking of the real-time cross-border payment systems of India and Singapore in February, Kumar said the Indian side is "looking at ways to expand this to other Asean countries".

He also said that PM Modi's journey to Indonesia will be brief because he will be hosting the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi.

"It is a very short visit, as the Prime Minister is hosting the G20, and the effort is to participate in this important summit and get back home as quickly as possible because the Prime Minister is the host for G20. So, there would not be any bilaterals during the course of the visit," Kumar said.

PM to embark on quick visit to Indonesia for ASEAN Summit ahead of G20 meet

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Sep 5

N igerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Delhi on Tuesday evening to attend the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place in the national capital on September 9-10.

Tinubu is the first foreign dignitary to arrive for the multi-lateral event.

"Arrivals begin for the G20 Summit! @NGRPresident @officialABAT is the first Head of Delegation to arrive in New Delhi for the Summit. Received by MOS @MoHFW_INDIA @spsinghbaghelpr at the airport. This is President Tinubu's first visit to India since the assumption of office," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on X (formerly Twitter).

Minister of State for Health S.P. Singh Baghel received the Nigerian President at the IGI Airport here.

Nigeria is an invitee country for the G20 Summit. High-level deliberations are expected to take place between India and Nigeria during Tinubu's visit, official sources said.

Nigerian President arrives for G20 Summit

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Seven killed due to lightning in Bihar

Patna, Sep 6

S even persons were killed after being struck by lightning in Bihar's Saran and Rohtas districts in the past 24 hours.

The deceased were identified as Ashok Rai of Rajjupur village under Bheldi police station, his 12-year-old son Aditya Kumar and nephew Rohit Kumar (17).

They were sprinkling fertilisers when lightning struck them. Ashok Rai died on the spot while his son and nephew were rushed to Sadar hospital Chapra, the district headquarters of Saran for treatment. They succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

In Rohtas, a 13-year-old girl named Sabina Khatoon, a woman named Kabutara Devi and two siblings died due to lightning in Dari village.

Seven killed due to lightning in Bihar

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
G-20 is not the arena for power politics: Jaishankar on claims over India leaning towards US

New Delhi, September 6

R efuting claims that New Delhi is leaning more towards Washington lately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that G20 is not the arena for power politics.

Jaishankar said that today India is identified as a democratic, pluralistic and developing country.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Jaishankar said, "I think a lot of countries identify with India as a developing country. A lot of countries identify India as a democracy. Many identify with India saying 'Okay, it's a pluralistic country'. We see many institutional cultural similarities, so different people in the world identify with us. G20 is not the arena for power politics".

"Diplomacy and international relations is a very competitive exercise. But even in diplomacy, there are occasions when you are competitive there. Occasions when you are cooperative. G20 is very much a collaborative forum," Jaishankar said.

The EAM said that in G20, even countries who differ profoundly on many issues, find something that can bring them together.

"It is even countries who differ profoundly on many other issues, but their history, if you look at it in G20 is to find something which brings them together. So we are trying to develop an agenda that if you look at resources for green development. For example, if you look at dealing with sustainable growth, if you're looking at plastics, if you're looking at bio-fuels, if you're looking at educational access at nutrition. These should not be and I don't think these are political issues. So what India's strategic calculations and adjustments may be, I think it's a different subject".

Speaking on the upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, Jaishankar said that both countries would look forward to building up on the basis of a "very strong" State visit of PM Modi to the US.

"We have had a very strong state visit by the Prime Minister to the United States, strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. So my understanding is right now, both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working that through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year. So I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock," he said.

G-20 is not the arena for power politics: Jaishankar on claims over India leaning towards US

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Rajkot, September 6

A five day long Janmashtami fair commenced in Rajkot on Tuesday.

According to the ministry of tourism, The mela is being held at Race Course Ground, Rajkot. The mela commenced on September 5 and will continue until September 9, and the timings are from 1000 AM - 1200 PM, they said.

The Janmashtami fair also called Lokmela, Saurashtra's biggest fair, is held in Rajkot every year during the Satam-Aathma festival on the occasion of Janmashtami, they added. Janmashtami celebrations begin in Gujarat, Maharashtra

This fair starts on the sixth day of the festival and lasts for five days till Dasham, an official said.

Meanwhile, In a first, the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde plans to organise a "Pro Govinda" competition, with cash prizes, for this year's 'Dahi Handi', an event associated with the Hindu festival of Janmashtami, state Industries Minister Uday Samant said on Saturday.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated on a large scale across Maharashtra, and several Dahi Handi competitions are conducted on the occasion. In the event, participants called 'Govindas', dressed in colourful clothes, made a human pyramid to reach the pot hung mid-air, and break it.

"Pro Govinda is an event which was demanded for many years, but it is being organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant told ANI.

The Pro Govinda competition will take place at the NSCI dome in Worli, Mumbai, and the pot will be suspended at a height of 40ft, the minister said.

"The first prize will be Rs 11 lakh, followed by second, third, and fourth prizes of Rs 7 lakh, 5 lakh, and 3 lakh, respectively," he said.

Every year, the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated by Hindus to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, the God who is the embodiment of playfulness and innocence.

As per the Hindu calendar, Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born on the eighth day of the month of Bhadra. The day mostly falls in the months of August or September, as per the Western calendar.

The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Krishna, with beautifully decorated swings, dance and music performances, and the 'Dahi-Handi' competition.

Janmashtami celebrations begin in Gujarat, Maharashtra

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
India, US look forward to building on recent PM Modi's visit: Jaishankar ahead of Biden-Modi bilateral

New Delhi, September 6

O n the upcoming bilateral between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that both the nations are looking forward to building upon the "strong" state visit of PM Modi to the US which took place in June this year.

Jaishankar said PM Modi's June visit was a very strong one in terms of outcomes and results.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the EAM said, "We have had a very strong state visit by the Prime Minister to the United States, strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. So my understanding is right now, both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working that through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year."

"So I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock," he said.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that Biden will visit India for the G20 summit.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit in India. On Friday Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023," Sullivan said.

Talking about the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10, the US NSA said, "As US President Joe Biden is heading to New Delhi, the focus is going to be on delivering for developing countries; making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology; and US will show its commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver.

"And thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and India's presidency, we hope we'll be able to do all of those things," he added.

During his state visit to the US in June this year, Prime Minister Modi had said that the partnership between India and the United States will make the world better in the 21st Century.

In his address to the diaspora in Washington DC, he had said the India-US partnership is driven by conviction and compassion and it is also a friendship that has bipartisan support.

Speaking about the potential of India-US defence industrial cooperation, the Prime Minister said, the decision to manufacture fighter jet engines by General Electric will prove to be a milestone in the journey of India's defence sector. He said the Artemis Accord signed by India and America is going to open many possibilities in the space sector.

A joint statement during PM Modi's official State visit to the United States said that PM Modi and US President Jo Biden also welcomed the depth and pace of enhanced consultations between the two governments on regional issues including South Asia, the Indo-Pacific and East Asia.

The two leaders reiterated their enduring commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous India-Pacific region with respect for territorial integrity sovereignty, and international law.

India, US look forward to building on recent PM Modi's visit: Jaishankar ahead of Biden-Modi bilateral

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Truck crashes before Tamil star Vishal during 'Mark Antony' shoot: 'I don't know who prayed for me'

Mumbai, Sep 6

A ctor Vishal, who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, and is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'Mark Antony', shared an incident from the film's shoot when he and his co-actor S. J. Suryah escaped a crash narrowly.

Talking to the media on Wednesday, Vishal narrated the incident "We were shooting for a sequence and it involved me and Suryah sir. Both of us were standing on our marks and the truck which was approaching us, lost control. We stood there frozen."

He further mentioned "I don't know who prayed for me because as I saw the truck driving towards us, suddenly made a turn and crashed on the side sparing both Suryah sir and me, and we came out of it without a single scratch. At that instance, I felt like I went to hell and came back."

"I requested everyone on the set to give me sometime so that I could make sense of what happened and calm myself down because having survived the crash, I was in a trance", he added.

The Hindi version of 'Mark Antony' will release in cinemas on September 22.

aa/kvd

Truck crashes before Tamil star Vishal during 'Mark Antony' shoot: 'I don't know who prayed for me'

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
SWEET GROWN ALABAMA

Sweet Grown Alabama members Mike Keller of Southern Sweet Bee and Richard Woodham of Richards Honey Bee Queens and Hive Products in Enterprise have joined forces to craft something sweet as honey for Alabamas honeybee industry.

Kellers fascination with bees began early in life. He recalls himself as a seven-year-old intrigued by a beehive in an oak tree outside his church. Keller and several other children looked on as a man dressed in makeshift protective gear and with the help of a large pot, newspaper and a lighter safely harvested the honeycomb and shared it with Keller and the group. After being hooked, he used every book report and trip to the library to learn more about bees. In 1981 at the age of 13, he built his first beehive in a junior high school industrial arts class. The next spring, he bought his first package of bees.

As a freshman in high school, Keller accepted his first job as a beekeeper in Montgomery County. The company not only produced tons of honey but also produced thousands of queens annually and sold truckloads of caged colonies across North America. He learned a host of beekeeping skills while in this job. By the time he left for the army in 1986, he created and managed 75 beehives of his own.

The original label, Queen Royal Honey, was changed to Southern Sweet Bee, a name Keller developed with the help of his children, in 2012. After a successful career in manufacturing, he transitioned to beekeeping full-time in March 2018. Keller maintains a full line of honey and naturally scented candles that he ships nationwide. In addition to honey production, he also offers a pro bono bee swarm removal service. He collects local swarms free of charge or directs phone inquiries to other beekeepers closer to the swarms location.

Woodham, from Enterprise, found his passion for bees later in life, rather by accident. A friend from his local shooting club introduced the idea of a new hobbybeekeeping. After the friends beekeeping endeavors ended, Woodham inherited all the equipment necessary to start his own hives. He began with three hives 10 years ago and has since expanded his number of hives and acreage.

I asked myself, Why do you want to do this? and my answer is that I wanted to give parents and grandparents something to do with their children and grandchildren, Woodham said. I wanted it to build family and relationships and to be good for the environment.

Keller and Woodham met at an Alabama Farmers Federation leadership meeting for beekeepers from across the state, and the two became fast friends over their hobby. Their shared vision to see Alabamas honeybee industry grow has directed their efforts to queen rearing, more commonly known as grafting.

Were both working on making the best queens possible, Keller said.

The first step of rearing queens starts with observing colonies tendencies, or the way they behave. An ideal colony to use for grafting will bring in an abundance of pollen, produce plenty of honey and be free of disease.

Grafting is all about selecting the behaviors and tendencies you want to duplicate, Woodham said. Thats how we get the very best honeybees we possibly can.

When observing a colonys tendencies, the health of drones, or male bees, is just as important as female worker bees and even the egg-laying queen herself. Woodham, a Master Queen and Drone Breeder, traveled to Kentucky State University this summer to gain the highest level of education regarding grafting queens that includes artificial insemination. This technology will allow the team to introduce exceptional honeybee genetics from around the country to their colonies in central and south Alabama.

The duo agrees the future of beekeeping in Alabama is buzzing with potential. Working closely with industry groups, Woodham is currently spearheading efforts to develop a check-off system for bee and honey products that will further research pertinent to the industry. Hes also advocating for more research that quantifies the economic impact of beekeeping in the state of Alabama.

Both Keller and Woodham actively spread their passion for bees by bringing others into the fold. As a full-time beekeeper who discovered his passion at a young age, Keller stresses the importance of introducing beekeeping to young children. As a result, he has served as a 4-H leader in Montgomery County where he has educated children, including the Boy Scouts, about bees. Keller is optimistic that his shared knowledge and expertise will one day inspire these children to own beehives or even become professional beekeepers themselves. He also hopes that his teachings and dedication will encourage others to make a difference in the beekeeping industry. Woodham teaches seasonal beekeeping classes at Enterprise State Community College in addition to events with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Master Beekeepers Association.

For those wanting to start their beekeeping journeys, Woodhams advice is twofold. First, he encourages newcomers to find a mentor that will let them suit up and gain experience interacting with bees. Second, he encourages new beekeepers to explore plenty of resources available on keeping bees.

Visit Sweet Grown Alabama.org to find local honey and beekeepers in your area.
The Australian Governments launch of Invested: Australias Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 marks a significant step in fostering stronger economic ties between Australia and the dynamic Southeast Asian region.

This strategy, developed under the guidance of Mr. Nicholas Moore AO, Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, holds immense importance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.

SMEs form the backbone of Australias economy, contributing substantially to employment and innovation. The strategys focus on deepening economic engagement with Southeast Asia directly benefits SMEs in several crucial ways:

Expanded Trade Opportunities: The strategy aims to increase two-way trade between Australia and Southeast Asia. For SMEs, this translates to enhanced access to burgeoning markets in the region, enabling them to export their products and services more effectively. With reduced trade barriers and increased market access, SMEs can explore new avenues for growth and diversify their customer base. Investment Facilitation: The creation of Investment Deal Teams in the ASEAN region is particularly beneficial for SMEs looking to expand their operations. These teams will work closely with Australian investors and Southeast Asian businesses, identifying and facilitating investment opportunities. SMEs seeking capital infusion or strategic partnerships will find this initiative invaluable for their growth plans. Market Promotion: The Southeast Asia Business Exchange initiative will provide support and resources for Australian exporters, including SMEs, to enter and thrive in Southeast Asian markets. Through targeted trade and investment campaigns, SMEs can increase their visibility and brand presence in these rapidly growing markets, attracting new customers and partners. Skills Development: The Placements and Internships Pilot Program for Young Professionals promotes enduring links between Australian SMEs and Southeast Asian businesses. This initiative not only facilitates knowledge exchange but also opens doors for SMEs to tap into a pool of emerging talent, potentially filling critical skill gaps within their organizations. Sectoral Growth: The strategy identifies ten priority sectors with significant growth potential, many of which are relevant to SMEs. Whether in agriculture and food, green energy transition, digital economy, or creative industries, SMEs can align their strategies with these priority areas to harness the opportunities presented by Southeast Asias rapid development. Government Support: The commitment of substantial financial resources by the Australian Government underscores its dedication to SMEs success in Southeast Asia. This backing creates a conducive environment for SMEs to explore and expand their presence in the region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, Southeast Asias rapid economic growth offers a significant opportunity for Australian businesses, but we havent kept up with their exponential expansion. Our economic future is intertwined with Southeast Asia. This strategy outlines how we can leverage this growth and capitalize on the extensive trade and investment possibilities our region offers. I express my gratitude to Special Envoy to Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, for crafting a comprehensive strategy through extensive consultations across the region.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers added, Australians stand to gain from the significant shifts happening in the region by intensifying our engagement in Southeast Asia. Whether its in the realm of energy transformation, high-skilled manufacturing, or top-notch produce, we possess the goods and services essential for fueling the regions growth in the coming decades. Closer integration with the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia will ultimately lead to better job prospects and improved opportunities here at home.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, highlighted, This strategy solidifies our commitment and priorities for expanding and diversifying trade and investment between Australia and Southeast Asia. It lays out a clear path to assist Australian exporters, investors, tourism businesses, higher education providers, and creative sectors in capitalizing on the burgeoning opportunities in our region.

In a recent development, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has underscored the tremendous potential Southeast Asias swiftly growing economies hold for Australian businesses. He acknowledged, however, that Australia has not kept pace with the remarkable expansion in the region. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the critical role Southeast Asia plays in Australias economic future and highlighted the newly unveiled strategy designed to tap into this growth and seize the vast trade and investment opportunities within our reach. He expressed his gratitude to Special Envoy to Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, for his extensive consultations across the region, which culminated in the comprehensive strategy.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, emphasized the commitment of the Albanese Government to strengthen Australias influence in the world, including through deeper engagement with Southeast Asia. She stressed the significance of investing in priority sectors such as green energy transition, infrastructure, and food security, viewing it as an investment in both Australias future and the regions prosperity. Minister Wong also underscored the strategys emphasis on diversifying trade and investment for mutual benefit and the importance of forging genuine partnerships with Southeast Asian economies.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted the opportunities for Australians resulting from the ongoing shifts in the region. He pointed out that Australia possesses the necessary goods and services, including expertise in energy transformation, high-skilled manufacturing, and quality produce, to support Southeast Asias growth in the coming decades. Chalmers stressed that closer integration with Southeast Asian markets would lead to better job prospects and improved opportunities within Australia.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, reaffirmed the governments commitment to expanding and diversifying trade and investment with Southeast Asia. He emphasized that the strategy provides a clear roadmap for Australian exporters, investors, tourism businesses, higher education providers, and creative sectors to make the most of the burgeoning opportunities in the region.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Download Now

The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print.




Hundreds turned out to march in and watch last years CU Pride Parade, which proceeded along Green Street from the eastern edge of the University of Illinois campus to downtown Urbana.
This is the 21st Dump & Run sale, and staff say that the program keeps over 30 tons of goods out of landfills each year.
The federal governments proposed industrial relations reforms have been met with rejection by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).

According to COSBOA, the challenges of confusion and complexity persist, exacerbated by the growing demands placed on businesses, regardless of their size.

The issues of confusion and complexity remain, combined with an increased requirement of every business, small or large, to dedicate resources, time and money towards trying to understand and implement these onerous new obligations, COSBOA said in a statement.

COSBOA highlighted that the new obligations necessitate a considerable allocation of resources, time, and financial investments to comprehend and implement effectively.

At a time when small businesses are managing increased costs of supply, of rent, of power, of wages; we dont need changes that detract business from their sales and service delivery. Small business seek to employ and properly reward their workers. They seek to innovate and adopt new technology. We seek IR changes that enhance productivity and opportunity, not broad impacting confusion about what they are and arent allowed to do.

In resolute opposition to the proposed legislation, small businesses emphasize the need for a comprehensive impact assessment before considering its enactment. The implementation costs, the expenses associated with seeking professional advice, and the potential disruption to workforce flexibility demand thorough evaluation. The complexity of the proposed changes calls for ample time to analyze the details now available.

The plea to the government is not to rush these changes into law, recognizing the multitude of unanswered questions that confront each small business under the proposed alterations.

According to COSBOA, SME owners are already grappling with numerous inquiries arising from the potential changes:

Small businesses wonder if they fall under the category of labor hire firms, especially when they provide services, sometimes through contractual arrangements.

Those offering specialist services are uncertain about the extent of their involvement in the proposed changes.

Questions arise regarding the status of suppliers when a business utilizes external services, potentially classified as labor hire.

Businesses that advertise on digital directories seek clarity on their inclusion in the GiG category and its repercussions.

Managing a workforce with different awards and classifications raises concerns about the implications of errors, including potential legal consequences.

Worries revolve around who has the authority to inspect various aspects of business records, including information that may be confidential, like family domestic violence leave or health records.

Furthermore, the logistics of inspections, especially in home-based businesses, pose questions regarding unannounced visits and potential privacy breaches.

These unresolved questions underscore the pressing need for businesses to fully understand their obligations, seek professional advice, and make informed decisions to ensure compliance. Additionally, the development of the Small Business Code for Wage Payments is pending, emphasizing the necessity to consider the capacity and specific circumstances of small businesses when enforcing compliance measures. This holistic approach recognizes the challenges faced by small businesses in a landscape marked by evolving regulations and increasing complexity.

Read COSBOAs statement here.

Source: Matthew Addison Chair of the Board

Luke Achterstraat CEO Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA)

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Various health discrepancies in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, hospital admission, and death, particularly among American Indian (AI) and Alaskan Native (AN) populations, have been reported in the United States.

These disparities are exacerbated by limited health infrastructure, geographic remoteness, socioeconomic constraints, and discriminatory health policies. Factors contributing to these disparities include social health determinants and the presence of chronic medical conditions.

In a recent study published in PNAS Nexus, researchers evaluate risk factors, including race and ethnicity, related to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mortality among 475 patients admitted to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH).

Study: Disproportionate impact of COVID-19 severity and mortality on hospitalized American Indian/Alaska Native patients. Image Credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

About the study

Data were obtained on demographics, duration of infection, laboratory parameters, comorbid conditions, treatments, clinical events, and in-hospital deaths. COVID-19 severity was determined based on COVID-19-associated intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality.

To determine infection onset and clinical features associated with the initial stage of COVID-19, such as oxygen supplementation requirements at admission, several characteristics were comparatively assessed among the groups.

Vital signs and clinical laboratory values were determined within the first 24 hours of admission. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were calculated to assess comorbidities as a composite measure.

To improve the understanding of the pathophysiological features of COVID-19 in the racially diverse population, the main clinical events occurring during hospital stays were comparatively assessed among the study groups.

The clinical COVID-19 course was further explored by evaluating the number of individuals with severe COVID-19, duration of hospitalization, and within-hospital deaths. Logistic regression modeling was performed to determine the risk factors of COVID-19 outcomes, and odds ratios (ORs) were determined.

Hospitalized individuals with quantitative-type reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)-confirmed COVID-19 from UNMH were recruited for the current study. Individuals 18 years or younger and those who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy at admission were excluded from the analysis. The study participants were hospitalized between April 23, 2020, and December 14, 2021.

Patient demographics, comorbidities, and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined through verbal interviews. The biomarkers assessed in this study included procalcitonin, bicarbonate, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Study findings

The study analyzed the admission characteristics of AI/AN individuals whose median age was 55 years. These results were compared to Hispanic, non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), and other patients who comprised 47%, 19%, and 4% of the cohort, respectively.

AI/AN COVID-19 patients were more likely to be younger, require invasive mechanical ventilation, and exhibit laboratory reports indicative of greater COVID-19 severity and more extended hospitalization than other ethnic groups. Throughout hospitalization, a higher percentage of AI/AN individuals also experienced shock and encephalopathy.

Self-documented AI/AN ethnicity was the most significant predictor of COVID-19 severity outcomes and in-hospital death, with OR values of 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. Other risk factors for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were being male and older age, which remained statistically significant even after multiple corrections and replacement of individual comorbidities with CCI scores. Higher CCI scores also increased the risk of severe COVID-19 with an OR of 1.2.

The mean time of symptom onset before hospital admission was seven days, with a marginally longer duration of disease among AI/AN individuals as compared to Hispanics and NHWs. AI/AN individuals represented the most significant percentage of patients requiring invasive-type mechanical ventilation support at 18%, significantly greater than Hispanics and NHWs at 6.3% and 4.5%, respectively, thus indicating greater COVID-19 severity at admission.

For all comorbidities, the percentage was the lowest among AI/AN individuals and highest among NHWs. The AI/AN cohort experienced two-fold higher shock, encephalopathy, and invasive-type mechanical ventilation needs than Hispanics and NHWs.

Throughout hospital stay, severe COVID-19 was reported in 41% of study participants, with 54% of the AI/AN cohort developing severe COVID-19 compared to 36% and 31% of Hispanics and NHWs, respectively. Among all participants, the in-hospital mortality rate was 18%, with AI/AN individuals having the longest hospitalization mean duration of 20 days. COVID-19-associated mortality risks were higher among males, chronic renal disease patients, and steroid recipients, with OR values of 2.2, 2.5, and seven, respectively.

Implications

The study findings demonstrate a disproportionate influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on AI/AN individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. These patients experienced more severe illness and mortality as compared to Hispanics and NHWs, thus indicating that resources and interventions addressing health discrepancies are required to reduce the burden of COVID-19 in these communities.

AI/AN patients were younger, more severely ill, and had higher oxygen requirements for supportive care. The underlying cause for increased susceptibility to hospitalization in the AI/AN population remains unclear.

Collaborations between health service providers, tribal authorities, and population health agency workers are needed to develop effective and equitable COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
A free online tool could potentially save some prostate cancer patients more than $9,000 in out-of-pocket drug costs, a new study finds.

For patients enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly. But by using an online Medicare plan finder tool, patients can compare pricing among all Part D drug plans offered in their area and select the most affordable plan.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center found that the Medicare Part D Plan Finder, which is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, can identify significant savings for patients taking abiraterone or enzalutamide, two common prescription drugs for advanced prostate cancer.

Patients with Medicare Part D have dozens of different drug plans available to choose from, but most patients unfortunately are not aware of this. If they compare estimated costs, they could save thousands of dollars each year in drug costs. This could make a huge impact for patients with limited resources." Benjamin Pockros, M.D., M.B.A., lead study author, urology resident at Michigan Medicine

The researchers looked at out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone and enzalutamide, using the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to compare within 12 different regions across the country that have prominent prostate cancer programs.

Out-of-pocket costs for abiraterone prescriptions ranged from $1,379 to $13,274 among all Part D plans. The median potential cost savings among all 12 cities was $9,321.

For enzalutamide, out-of-pocket cost ranged from $9,854 to $13,061. The median potential cost savings among all 12 cities was $1,839. The study is published in Urology Practice.

"We know cancer can take a devastating physical, emotional and financial toll on patients. For those enrolled in Medicare Part D, this plan finder is free and easy to use, and hopefully one small step in improving cancer care in our country," Pockros said.

The plan finder is available online at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Patients enter their zip code and prescription drugs; the finder displays estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for local retail and mail order pharmacies.

Medicare offers an annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, during which people can switch plans. More than 49 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Part D, and some patients have up to 50 different plans to choose from. Despite significant cost differences, fewer than 30% of patients report comparing drug plan pricing.

The study authors urge providers to speak to patients about using the plan finder. They are now leading a project funded by the Rogel Cancer Center and U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation to help make cancer patients more aware of the Medicare Part D Plan Finder to help minimize out-of-pocket drug costs.

Additional authors: Christina Shabet; Kristian Stensland, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.; Lindsey Herrel, M.D., M.S.
In a recent study published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, a group of researchers assessed Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)'s ability to address the 50 most common misconceptions about vaccine safety and evaluate its alignment with established scientific evidence.

Background

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified vaccine hesitancy, intensified by misinformation on social media, as a top global health threat. This hesitancy risks undoing the strides made against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Particularly in Europe, confidence in vaccines was notably low in 2016. ChatGPT, OpenAIs artificial intelligence (AI)-driven chatbot, offers interactive responses using advanced language processing.

Despite its utility, there are concerns about its misuse, especially academically, prompting regulatory measures. Its wide accessibility also raises concerns about potential misuse in educational contexts.

The WHO's Vaccine Safety branch in Spain combats vaccination myths and misinformation. Given these circumstances, ChatGPT's accuracy on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine safety information needs evaluation.

About the study

The researchers aimed to evaluate the capability of the AI to produce responses aligned with established scientific evidence.

To do this, they presented the AI with the 50 most common questions directed to WHO-CC-VSS (Collaborating Center for Vaccine Safety at the University of Santiago de Compostela).

These questions were grouped into three main categories. The first focused on misconceptions about safety, including queries about messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines integrating into the human genome or vaccines causing long COVID. The second category was about false contraindications concerning issues like vaccinating immunosuppressed individuals or breastfeeding mothers.

The last category touched upon genuine contraindications, safety alerts, or precautions associated with reactions like anaphylaxis or myocarditis.

Three experts from WHO-CC-VSS, namely Siddhartha Sankar Datta, IR-C, and FM-T, took the responsibility of independently assessing the AI's responses. Their evaluations considered the accuracy and specificity of the answers in comparison to the latest scientific findings and recommendations provided by the WHO and other leading international bodies.

The significance of this assessment is heightened by the fact that widely used information sources, like social media platforms or search engines, often use algorithms that prioritize user preferences. This can sometimes lead to the propagation of biased or incorrect information.

Study results

The researchers assessed questions from three distinct categories and found that the results were consistently evaluated without noticeable variance in truthfulness or precision.

When measuring precision, most questions were answered accurately, with the majority of answers rated as either 'excellent' or 'good', receiving an average score of 9 out of 10. In terms of accuracy, the experts found that on average, 85.5% of the answers were spot-on, while 14.5% were deemed 'accurate but with gaps'.

An example of the latter can be seen in the query: "Does COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy lead to birth defects?" The initial response only addressed mRNA vaccines. However, upon prompting the system for more detail, ChatGPT expanded on its answer without compromising scientific integrity.

Generally, ChatGPT offers information consistent with existing scientific evidence, effectively debunking many myths circulating on social media, which could potentially promote a higher vaccine uptake. The AI provided correct responses not only to widely believed myths but also to points that are considered in clinical guidelines as either false or true contraindications.

To visually represent their findings, the team charted out results of evaluations on three parameters: veracity (categorizing answers as either accurate, accurate with gaps, or wrong), precision (judging the quality of answers ranging from excellent to insufficient), and an overall quality score from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

For all 50 questions, average values were presented. It is crucial to understand that terms like veracity and precision were subjective, relying on the judgments of the three independent experts. The intention behind this study was to gauge ChatGPT's capability to address myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccine safety.

However, there are caveats to consider: the answers generated by ChatGPT are influenced by how the questions are phrased, and its responses are dynamic, sometimes offering varying answers to the same question in a short span. The AI's interactive nature means that, theoretically, it could be trained to give answers that veer away from the scientific consensus, possibly reinforcing confirmation biases.

The study only analyzed default responses, acknowledging the AIs potential to generate a wide range of user interactions. Given the continuous evolution of ChatGPT, future versions might vary in their interactions. Some current browser extensions that incorporate ChatGPT even provide users with links to sources, bolstering its credibility.

Conclusions

Recent findings in a Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) editorial indicate that ChatGPT, when presented with contentious topics, delivers articulate yet sometimes formulaic and potentially misleading responses.

While there is some agreement with this observation, there is a belief that ChatGPT can effectively inform the general public and guide decision-makers towards scientific evidence. ChatGPT has shown an aptitude for identifying misleading questions about vaccines. Its language remains accessible to laypeople without compromising scientific accuracy. Although it cannot supplant experts or direct scientific evidence, ChatGPT appears to be a trustworthy information resource for the general public.
In an effort to enhance auto-rickshaw connectivity across metro stations in Bengaluru, the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) is set to launch a commuter-friendly application named Metro Mitra today.

The app was previously slated to be introduced in August, but the launch got delayed due to the development process. The platform aims to provide daily commuters with last-mile connectivity, making travel more convenient from every metro station in the city.

Interestingly, customers are not always required to download the Metro Mitra app to access its features. They can also book an auto ride by only scanning a QR code, which will be displayed outside the metro stations. However, this app can only be used to request a ride from or to a metro station in Bengaluru, unlike other aggregator applications.

The ARDU of Bengaluru has developed the Metro Mitra app, together with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL). Both organisations intended to create a platform that would enable Namma metro commuters to book auto trips to any destination. Most of the auto drivers across Bengaluru refuse to accept short trips from metro stations. The Metro Mitra app is expected to resolve the issue since it will offer auto rides to any place in the government-fixed fares.

Once a passenger opens the Metro Mitra app or scans the QR code, it will land them on a web page. The customer can find all prominent destinations within five kilometres of the metro station listed on the page. After the person selects his final destination or types the address in the designated column, the app will generate a one-time password and send it to the customer via message.

Auto drivers who have installed the application on their mobile phones will immediately receive a notification regarding the requested ride. The rider who accepts the request will immediately reach the source destination to pick up the customer.

The government-mandated metre rate will be used to determine how much the auto driver will charge the commuter. The passenger will also be charged an additional fee of Rs 10 for the maintenance of the Metro Mitra app.

The service will initially be offered for trips to and from metro stations. The ARDU aims to start offering trips from prominent places to metro stations in the coming months. Moreover, the auto union is rumoured to be in discussions with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to incorporate Metro Mitra services with its WhatsApp chatbox for ticket booking.
All private and government offices in Delhi will remain closed on September 8-10, while banks and commercial establishments, including markets, in the New Delhi district will be shut during these three days. As per the information shared by the Delhi government, all schools and offices including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) office will remain closed on these given dates.

The national capital is preparing to welcome delegates from various countries for the G20 summit, which is scheduled for September 9th and 10th. These delegates will gather at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi for the summit.

September 8: Friday

September 9: Saturday

September 10: Sunday

The education department has directed schools to declare September 8 as a holiday for students and staff.

In the New Delhi district, banks, commercial establishments, and markets will also be closed during these three days, starting from September 8th. Additionally, the Supreme Court has designated September 8th as a holiday in observance of the G20 Summit.

Offices in adjoining areas of Noida and Gurugram have facilitated work-from-home arrangements for their employees during the G20 weekend.

The G20 summit is anticipated to be attended by 29 heads of states, in addition to high-ranking European Union officials and guests from invited nations, as well as 14 leaders of international organisations.
Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO Day 1: The initial public offering of Jupiter Life Line Hospitals, a multispecialty hospital chain, is now open for public subscription. The Rs 869-crore IPO, which was opened on September 6, will remain open for subscription till September 8. The IPO price band has been fixed at Rs 695-735 a share.

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO: Key Dates, Lot Size, Price

The will remain opened for public subscription between September 6 and September 8. The share allotment will take place on September 13. The shares of the company will be listed on September 18, 2023.

The lot size of the Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO is 20 shares, requiring a minimum investment of Rs 14,700. The price band has been set at Rs 695-735 per share.

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals on Tuesday, September 5, raised Rs 261 crore from anchor investors ahead of its IPO.

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO: Latest GMP Today

According to market observers, Jupiter Life Line Hospitals is currently trading Rs 276 higher in the grey market. The Rs 276 grey market premium or GMP is about 37.55 per cent higher than its upper issue price of Rs 735 per share. This means the grey market is expecting 37.55 per cent listing gain from the public issue.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO: Should You Subscribe?

At the IPO price of Rs 735 (upper price band), JLHL is valued at P/E of 59.9 times. Considering the growth opportunities in the company and strong fundamentals, we recommend a Subscribe rating, said Ventura Securities.

According to another brokerage SMIFS, It has the high-level ARPOB. Hence, based on current performance, we assign Subscribe for listing gains. At higher price band, Jupiter Hospital is demanding an EV/Ebitda multiple of 22 times, which is at par with peer Yatharth Hospitals (Same size of 3 hospitals). Thus, the IPO is attractively priced.

Details About Jupiter Life Line Hospitals IPO

The IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 542 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of 44.5 lakh equity shares by promoter group entities and other shareholders.

Last month, Jupiter Hospital mobilised Rs 123 crore from institutional investors in the pre-IPO round thereby reducing fresh issue size. The proceeds of the fresh issue will be utilised to retire debt. Besides, funds will be used for general corporate purposes.

The hospital chain operates in Thane, Pune, and Indore under the Jupiter brand with a total bed capacity of 1,194 as of December 2022.

Jupiter Hospital, which has a strategic focus on the western India healthcare market, is in the process of developing a multispecialty hospital in Dombivli, Maharashtra, which is being designed to accommodate over 500 beds. The construction of the hospital began in April this year.

ICICI Securities, Edelweiss Financial Services, and JM Financial are the book-running lead managers to the issue. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.
Share Settlement Cycle In Indian Stock Market: Even as India has already become the first country to completely shift to T+1 (trading day plus one) settlement system in the stock market, markets regulator Sebi is now planning to move to even faster settlements. It plans to enable 1-hour settlement of share purchases in demat accounts by the end of 2023-24, before shifting to the ambitious instant settlement system.

T+1, T+2, Instant Settlement, 1-Hour Settlement: Explained

In the stock market, when shares are purchased through any exchange like BSE and NSE, the shares are not immediately transferred into the buyers demat account. It currently takes one day to settle shares in demat. For instance, if you buy shares today, the shares will be transferred into your demat the next day  tomorrow. However, you can sell the shares even before they get transferred into your demat account. Demat account is an account where shares are kept digitally.

T+1 means trading day plus one. The trading day is the day when shares are purchased. In the T+1 settlement system, it will take one day to settle. It is currently followed in India. Likewise, in T+2, shares are reflected into demat within two days of share purchase. For instance, if shares are purchased on Monday, they will be reflected into demat on Wednesday.

In 1-hour settlement system, shares will be transferred into the demat account after 1 hour of purchase. In the instant settlement, the shares will be transferred into demat account immediately.

From Weekly Settlement System To T+1 in Stock Market: Indias Case

The Indian share market fully shifted to a shorter (T+1) trading cycle from January 27, making the country the first in the world to do so. Before that, the domestic equity market followed the T+2 settlement cycle, which means if you buy a share on Monday, it will be credited into your demat account on Wednesday (T+2). With the T+1 trading settlement system from January 27, investors are now able to get the shares in their demat accounts and sell them the next day (Tuesday, in this case).

The T+2 settlement system was introduced in India in 2003, after Sebi had moved the stock markets from an earlier rolling settlement of T+3, which was in practice from 2001. Before 2001, the Indian stock market had a weekly settlement system.

Why Shorter Settlement Cycles?

Experts said that shorter settlement cycles allow quicker liquidity and reduce the possibility of default, thus improving market efficiency.

A faster share settlement system will also enable mutual funds (MFs) to settle the redemption requests of investors much faster, thus increasing the velocity of money. Faster settlement cycles improve the efficiency of capital markets with all participants benefitting from it, the experts say.

Do Mutual Funds Also Follow The Same Settlement System As Stock Market?

No. Mutual funds are a day late in settlement as compared with the stock market. When the stock market followed the T+2 settlement cycle, equity mutual funds had T+3 settlement cycle. This is because mutual fund houses invest in stocks a day after they receive payment from the markets.
Simran Lal hails from a renowned business dynasty with a company valued at Rs 80,000 crore in market capitalization. Her family is the driving force behind the Eicher Group, which boasts ownership of Royal Enfield. Her brother, the legendary business figure Sid Lal, leads the charge in the family business. Choosing an entirely different route, Simran currently serves as the CEO of Good Earth, a brand originally founded by her mother in 1996.

In 2002, Simran joined the Good Earth team. Before assuming the role of CEO, she served in several capacities within the company, including responsibilities related to streamlining the supply chain and managing merchandising functions. Her dedicated efforts led to a remarkable turnaround for the company, elevating it to the status of one of Indias foremost luxury lifestyle brands celebrated for its fashion, home, and wellness product offerings. Afterwards, Simran Lal, along with her husband Raul Rai, ventured into co-founding the lifestyle brand Nicobar in 2017.

Simran Lal holds a Masters degree in Art History from Bangalore University and pursued additional studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Apart from her success with Nicobar, she launched the sub-brand Paro under Good Earth. Notably, Good Earth is renowned for its high-end offerings in fashion, interior design, and various lifestyle sectors.

In a past interview, Lal shared that her family had an unconventional business environment. They frequently visited Craft Museums, explored potters villages, and ventured into various studios across Delhi. Her passion for art, combined with a keen interest in archaeology, languages, art, and architecture, had always been evident.

They established their Mumbai flagship store in 2005 and expanded to Khan Market, Delhi, within two years. In a significant move, they launched an online boutique in 2013. Vikram Lal, Simran Lals father, is the patriarch of their family, which boasts a net worth exceeding Rs 54,000 crore. Eicher Motors, the foundation of their wealth, was originally founded by Vikram Lals father, Man Mohan Lal.

Earlier in an interview, Simran Lal stressed the significance of caring for her employees. She articulated her conviction that expanding a business involves collaborative teamwork.

Simrans brother, Sid Lal, gained widespread recognition for his role in revitalizing the Royal Enfield brand. He assumed the position of CEO in 2000 and played a pivotal role in steering the companys expansion with a remarkable sales record of over 800,000 vehicles.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife take a photo with students at the Vietnam National University in Hanoi, June 22, 2023. Photo courtesy of the Office of the South Korean President

A South Korean program aiming to remedy the country's ageing population problem is inviting Vietnamese students to study for free, hoping they will stay to live and work after graduation.

South Koreas North Gyeongsang Province is selecting 72 teenage applicants from six countries  Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Cambodia and China  to study at its schools for the upcoming school year, to begin in March 2024, the Korea Herald reported.

Kim Mi-jeong, the programs head at the North Gyeongsang Office of Education, said the students would not have to pay tuition, but they would need to pay for their living expenses.

Nine schools will accept the students, mostly vocational schools that allow boarding. Four of the schools  Uiseong Unitech High School, Korea International Culinary Arts High School, Korea Railroad High School and Gimcheon High School  have already finished the admission process. Thirty-two students from a combination of Thailand, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Mongolia have been selected and are already enrolled in the program.

The application deadline for the other schools is September 8. The Silla Technical High School in Gyeongju, Gyeongju Business High School, Gyeongju Girls Information High School, and Myeongin High School in Seongju are expected to accept 36 Vietnamese students combined.

The students would be able to apply for a subtype of the D-4 general trainee visa, which would allow them to stay in the country for one year. They will have to renew their visa every year to continue their studies and graduate.
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the results of seat allocation for the second phase of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) counselling 2023. Candidates who participated in the second round of counselling can view their allocation results on the official website at kea.kar.nic.in.

Participants can utilise their CET number to download the results. Additionally, students who have been granted medical seats in the second round of NEET UG will not be considered for KEA KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test). Furthermore, those who have been assigned dental seats must cancel them before the commencement of the CET UG allocation process.

Karnataka NEET UG Round 2 Allotment Result 2023: How To Check

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has published the UG NEET Medical and Dental course seat allocation results online. Candidates can confirm their Karnataka NEET UG seat allocation results by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website at kea.kar.nic.in

Step 2: On the homepage, scroll down and locate the NEET UG seat allotment result option.

Step 3: A new login window will appear on the screen.

Step 4: Enter your Karnataka CET application number.

Step 5: The NEET UG seat allotment details will be displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Download and save this information for future reference.

Candidates who have been shortlisted will be required to choose from four available options. Those who select Choice 1 commit to accepting the allocated seat and enrolling in the college. Its important to note that candidates who choose this option will no longer be eligible for consideration in subsequent rounds.

Students who opt for Choice 2 agree to accept the allocated seat while expressing a desire to participate in future rounds. These candidates must pay the tuition fees for the assigned seat.

Those who select Choice 3 must forfeit the allocated seat but are permitted to participate in the later rounds of Karnataka NEET UG 2023 counselling. Alternatively, if a student wishes to completely withdraw from the Karnataka NEET UG counselling process, they can choose Choice 4.
Every year, lakhs of students prepare for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. The UPSC Mains exam this year will be held on September 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24. The candidates who will be appearing for the exam are currently busy with preparation. Those who have cleared UPSC often share their success mantra, which serves as a motivation for the aspiring candidates. Today, lets take a look at the tips shared by IAS Abhishek Jain.

IAS Abhishek Jain is a resident of Delhi. He has done his graduation with a BCom from the renowned Hansraj College of Delhi University. Abhishek Jain had passed the UPSC exam on his first attempt. Then he was allotted the Indian Revenue Services 111th rank. His goal was to become an IAS. In 2019, he made his second attempt. With this, he became an IAS officer with 24th rank.

Abhishek is currently posted in the Assam cadre. These days, he is holding the post of SDO (civil) in Bijni, Assam. In a media interaction, while sharing tips with the candidates for the UPSC exam, he said that in the last few weeks, they should focus only on revision. Do not read any new topics at this time, and take special care of time management. For this, you should solve as many practice papers as possible, he said.

According to IAS Abhishek Jain, efforts should be made to link static questions with current affairs. Make full use of statistics and data to score good marks in the Civil Services Examination. With the help of diagrams, flowcharts, and tables in Paper 3, you can score better marks in the UPSC Exam. This also makes the answer sheet look presentable, he shared.

Stress is common among students preparing for the UPSC exam. In the last few days, eat only home-cooked food and have a good sleep. Along with physical health, take care of mental health as well. You will not be able to give your best performance if you are unwell before the competitive exam. This may also affect the UPSC results, Abhishek Jain advised.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has called for applications for 107 for the posts of Armourers (Reserved for Ex-servicemen /Ex-CAPF/AR only) and control Room Operators in the Clerical Cadre (Reserved for Ex-servicemen/ State Fire Service Personnel/Ex-CAPF/AR. The registration process commenced today, September 6 and the deadline for the submission of the application is October 10.

For the post of Control Room Operator in the Clerical Cadre, there are 89 vacancies. While for the posts of Armourers, there are 18 vacancies.

SBI Recruitment 2023: Eligibility Criteria

The minimum age criterion is 20 years while the maximum age criterion is 45 years for the post-armourer. The minimum age of the candidate to apply for the post of control room operator is 20 years while the maximum age is 48 years for Ex-servicemen/ Ex-CAPF/AR and 35 years for State Fire Service Personnel.

SBI Recruitment 2023: How to Apply

Step 1  Go to the official site of SBI on sbi.co.in.

Step 2  Locate the career tab on the homepage

Step 3  A new page will open where candidates will have to click on the Recruitment for the Post of Armourers (Reserved for Ex-servicemen /Ex-CAPF/AR only) & Control Room Operators in the Clerical Cadre (Reserved for Ex-servicemen/ State Fire Service Personnel/Ex-CAPF/AR only)ADVERTISEMENT NO: CRPD/ARMOURERS/2023-24/13

Step 4  Put in the login details or registration details

Step 5  Put in the application form and upload the documents. Candidates are not required to pay any application fees

Step 6  Press the submit button

Step 7  Take out the hard copy for reference

SBI Recruitment 2023: Selection Process

An online test of 100 marks and an interview of 25 marks will be conducted as part of the selection process. The written test is to be held online for November/December 2023.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of India has commenced the Apprentice recruitment notification. Candidates interested in the position can check the notification on the official website of the bank i.e. September 1, 2023. SBI will soon announce notification for clerks and probationary officers (SBI Clerk 2023 and SBI PO 2023) through the official website at sbi.co.in. The number of vacancies will be mentioned in the notification. The exam date, admit card and other important information regarding eligibility and application process will be given in the notification.

The number of SBI PO vacancies was 1,673 last year, while it was 5,008 for the clerk vacancy. The important date of SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2023 is September 1, 2023. The closing date for application is September 21, 2023. Candidates are advised to keep checking the website to know about the updates regarding the exams.
Several schools are gearing up for a series of upcoming holidays in September, which hold both cultural and educational significance. According to the holiday schedule, students can expect to have a day off today, September 6, or tomorrow, September 7 due to Janmashtami. Schools in Delhi will also remain closed from September 8 to 10 due to the G20 Summit. Schools will witness a total of four days of holiday this month.

This month is marked by various celebrations and observances that provide students with a break from their academic routines. These occasions range from paying tribute to educators to commemorating religious festivals. Additionally, schools will be shut on September 19 for Ganesh Chaturthi, and September 28 for Milad un-Nabi or Id-e-Milad.

Janmashtami Holiday: September 6 or 7 (state specific)

The Hindu community commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami. The day is widely observed in the country and varies based on the lunar calendar. The actual dates of the events this year are a little hazy. According to Drik Panchang, Janmashtami will be observed on both the above days. There are celebrations that include devotional music, dance performances, and dramatisations of Lord Krishnas life, and many schools observe a holiday to allow students and staff to take part.

G20 Summit Holidays: September 8 to 10: (Delhi only)

The G20 Summit is a major international gathering of leaders from the world to discuss global economic challenges. This years summit will be held in Delhi, India. While the summit itself will entail high-level discussions, schools in Delhi will be closed from September 8 to 10 in order to support the event and manage traffic congestion. This provides school students with the opportunity to observe the countrys involvement in global events.

The main event will feature many top world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, among others.

The Delhi police have issued specific rules and precautions for the summits smooth operation ahead of time. The gathering of world leaders and other dignitaries will take place on September 9 and 10 at Pragati Maidans freshly built state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam. According to the notification given by the authorities, all markets, banks, and other business facilities in the districts surrounding Pragati Maidan would stay closed. All traffic restrictions will go into effect on Thursday, September 7, and will last until Monday, September 11.
Teachers of state-run schools in Bihar wore black bands and badges to work on Teachers Day in protest over a host of issues, including action against some of their colleagues who raised their voice against the government.

Fifteen teachers associations unanimously decided to protest against the government, and teachers of all 75,309 state-run schools wore black bands and badges to work, convener of TET Primary Teachers Association Raju Singh told PTI.

The protesting teachers participated in all academic activities at their schools wearing the bands and badges, he said.

We want immediate withdrawal of all departmental action, including suspension, initiated against the teachers who raised their voices against recent decisions of the government, including the reduction in the number of holidays during the festive season, he said.

We want that all contractual teachers to be regularised, he added.

Singh also said that they demand the department should immediately stop engaging school teachers in other governmental activities, including election-related works.

Teachers have already started resigning in areas where they are being engaged in non-teaching activities. The departments decision to withdraw the controversial order on holidays due to our pressure is a partial win. Our agitation will continue till all our demands are not accepted, he said.

The teachers will burn effigies of CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav outside block offices across the state on September 9, Singh said. The Education Department on Monday withdrew the controversial order to reduce the number of holidays during the upcoming festive season from 23 to 11.
US President Joe Biden will be among the 19 heads of state who are heading to New Delhi for the G20 Summit under Indias presidency this weekend.

Biden will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday (September 7) to participate in the summit on September 9 and 10. He will also have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8 on the sidelines of the historic meeting.

The US President will be having its own security mechanism in place which includes worlds most expensive cars, advanced weapons, bomb detectors, a control room and a parallel communication system. Apart from the Air Force One and helicopters for air travel, Biden will have a long-range of vehicles including The Beast for the ground movement during the summit.

Safest Car

The armoured limousine includes military-grade armour, bullet-proof windows (obviously), and a tear gas dispenser.

The vehicles armour is composed of aluminium, ceramic and steel and capable of protecting the passengers even in case of chemical warfare. 8. It also carries its own supply of oxygen in case of chemical or biological attack.

It has 5-inch-thick doors at the front and 8-inch-thick doors in the rear. It has five layers of glass and polycarbonate so that it can withstand a bomb blast. Some of the enhanced features include tear gas dispenser, shotgun, smoke screen, two bags of blood matching the president, a communication device, GPS and night vision.

Cost and Seating Capacity

Despite being a limousine, The Beast can seat seven people as and is packed with several features that are not available in other cars. It weighs around 2,000 pounds.

The latest model, debuted in 2018, was made by General Motors (GM) in the US and cost over $1.5 million.

Why it is Named The Beast?

The Beast first appeared in 2001 with the arrival of President George W Bush. Bushs car was an entirely ground-up built model, incorporating many of the functions that are fitted to the modern version, according to The Independent.

The name stayed even as several US President changed after Bush. The car stays with the US President during their foreign trips. Joe Biden even used the car during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last year.

Security Arrangements for Joe Biden

For the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi, the most trained and fittest officers from 21 to 28 years of age have been deputed to protect the US President in a proximity team. These officers will carry pistols, long-range and short-range weapons including M4, Glock along with bullet resistant sheets to protect the US President from any attack.

US has proposed to bring 75-80 vehicles of its own during the G20 summit. However, the government held multiple discussions and the US settled on 60 vehicles, a report in The Indian Express said.

The security preparation for the US President started weeks ago as a set of security officers arrived in India and coordinated with the US Embassy in the national capital for Bidens security.

Where Will Joe Biden Stay?

The US President will stay at the ITC Maurya Sheraton in New Delhi. There have been several security measures undertaken for the president. Secret service commandos will be deployed on every floor of the hotel and there will be a special lift installed to take Biden to his room on the 14th floor.
World leaders, including Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron, have gathered in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, which starts from today (Saturday). Over 40 world leaders will take part in the summit scheduled at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan in the national capital this weekend.

The G20 summit is the culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials and civil society groups.

How G20 Works?

The Group of Twenty, an informal gathering of the worlds largest economies, is the premier global forum for discussing economic issues. The group was formed in 1999 and met regularly to coordinate global policy on trade, health, climate, and other issues.

The grouping 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 works in three major tracks: Finance Track, Sherpa Track and Engagement Groups. While the first two are official, the engagement group is unofficial.

Finance Track

The Finance Track will be led by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G20 countries, who meet four times a year. The group mainly focuses on financial and economic issues like the global economy, infrastructure, financial regulation, financial inclusion, international financial architecture, and international taxation.

The Finance Track is further divided into eight working group like Framework Working Group, International Financial Architecture and Infrastructure Working Group.

The Finance Track work together closely with the Sherpa Track and the results from the work areas are summarised in the leaders communique.

Sherpa Track

The Sherpa Track is headed by the representative, who are the personal emissaries of the heads of states of the G20 countries. Indias G20 Sherpa is former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.

The group was established after the forum became a leaders summit in 2008. The representatives focus on socio-economic issues like agriculture, anti-corruption, climate, digital economy, education, employment, energy, environment, health, tourism, trade, and investment.

The term sherpa comes from the Nepalese Sherpa, who serve as guides for mountaineers and carries all heavy loads on their shoulders.

Engagement Groups

The unofficial track comprises civil groups and non-government participants from each G20 member, provide recommendations to the G20 Leaders and contribute towards the policy-making process, the G20 website stated.

The engagement groups are further divided as Business20, Civil20, Labour20, Parliament20, Science20, SAI20, Startup20, Think20, Urban20, Women20, and Youth20.

What is G20 agenda?

At the end of such summits, there is a declaration or joint communique agreed by all of the participating nations which outlines common positions on global matters like conflicts, climate change or areas of future cooperation.

Under Indias presidency, the bloc has centred discussions around more loans to developing nations from multilateral institutions, reforming international debt architecture, regulations on cryptocurrency and the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on food and energy security.
Global leaders and delegates including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and others arrived in New Delhi earlier today for the G20 Summit, starting from Saturday.

The government has made stringent security measures for the guests and around 3,500 rooms across hotels in Delhi and Gurugram have been booked to accommodate the delegates. Moreover, several luxury hotels in the national capital have keep kept exclusively for the heads of state.

India is expecting 19 heads of state and their spouses from the G20 countries and some non-G20 member countries are also invited as guests  Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Here is a list of hotels that have been booked for the heads of state and important delegates:

ITC Maurya Sheraton: US President Joe Biden will stay at the ITC Maurya Sheraton. There will be secret service commandos present on every floor of the hotel. The hotel will also have a special lift installed to take Biden to his room on the 14th floor. So far, 400 rooms have been booked in the hotel to this end. Taj Palace: The Taj Palace hotel was earlier booked for Chinese President Xi Jinping. But the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed that Xi will not attend the summit and instead Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the high-profile conclave. The hotel is now likely to host Li Qiang for the G20 summit. The Brazilian delegation is also likely to stay at the Taj Palace. Shangri-La Hotel: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is staying at the Shangri-La Hotel in Cannaught Place. The German delegation which includes Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also expected to stay at the hotel. Claridges Hotel: French President Emmanuel Macron is staying at the Claridges Hotel. Imperial Hotel: Australian Prime Minister Albanese will stay at the Imperial Hotel. Oberoi Hotel: The Oberoi Hotel has been booked for Turkish delegates including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It is also expected to host the Russian delegation that will be represented by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. JW Marriott and Hyatt Regency: The Italian delegation will be staying in two hotels. Le Meridien: The hotel, located in the heart of the national capital in Janpath, will house delegations from The Netherlands, Nigeria and the European Union. The Lalit: The Lalit Hotel will host the Canadian and the Japanese delegations. Oberoi Gurugram: The Oberoi Hotel in Gurugram will host the Korean delegation. Leela Hotel: The Saudi Arabian delegation will stay at the Leela Hotel in Gurugram.

How Will G20 Leaders Travel to Delhi?

The 19 heads of state will travel to New Delhi in 50 VVIP jets. Several flights in the Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport have been cancelled over the weekend to keep the airspace and terminals free of congesting.

According to reports, ceremonial lounges have been prepared to receive the heads of State. The VIPs will land at the technical airport but the aircraft and private jets will be parked at the Delhi airport.

Joe Biden, who is travelling in Air Force One, is expected to reach New Delhi on Friday and special arrangements have been to park his aircraft at the Palam Air Force Station. Delhi airport has around 220 parking stands, but around 50 aircraft of Go first have been parked there as the company has got bankrupt.

Luxury Rental Cars

Apart from luxury hotels, the government has also arranged luxury cars for the head of states and their delegation. The presence of a large number of global leaders and top delegates have led to a rise in demand for luxurious cars to ferry the delegates.

According to a report in India Today, cars like Mercedes Maybach, BMW and Audi are in high demand for the summit and their rental price are expected to go up to Rs 1 lakh for a day.

According to reports, the US has proposed to bringing at least 75 vehicles of its own while China is expected to bring 46 vehicles. The delegation from Turkey, the UAE, the European Union and France have also planned to get their own cars for the Summit.
Drug maker Abbott India is recalling several batches of popular antacid Digene syrup after a complaint of bitter taste and pungent odour, News18 has learnt.

The Mumbai-based company is voluntarily recalling batches, especially of the mint and orange-flavoured syrup. Also, the company has decided to voluntarily stop the production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility. It will also recall all batches of Digene Gel manufactured at the Goa unit.

According to the letter issued by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on August 31, on 9th August 2023, one bottle of Digene Gel Mint flavour used by the customer is of regular taste (sweet) and light pink colour whereas another bottle of same batch observed it was of white colour with bitter taste and pungent odour as per complaint (sic).

Following the complaint, the company informed the apex health regulator for a voluntary recall of the impugned product Digene Mint flavour and Digene Gel orange and voluntarily stopped production of all variants of Digene Gel manufactured at their Goa facility, said the letter accessed by News18.

Further, the letter said the company has informed the drug regulator about the voluntary product recall of all batches of Digene Gel of all flavours  Mint, Orange, and Mix fruits flavours  manufactured at a Goa-based facility.

Abbott India confirmed to News18 that it is going ahead with voluntary recall after an isolated customer complaint on taste and odour.

Abbott in India has voluntarily recalled Digene Gel antacid medicine manufactured at our Goa site due to isolated customer complaints on taste and odour, an Abbott spokesperson said in a response to an email.

There have been no reports of patient health concerns. Other forms of Digene, such as tablets and stick packs are not impacted and Digene Gel manufactured at our other production site is not affected and continues to be available in sufficient quantities to meet current demand.

Doctors must carefully prescribe this antacid: DCGI

According to the letter written by DCGI  marking all drug regulators across states, Union Territories and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare  doctors and healthcare professionals should carefully prescribe and educate their patients to discontinue the use and report any side effects arising due to consumption of the Digene syrup.

Healthcare professionals should promptly report any suspicious cases of adverse events linked to this product, wrote DCGI Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi in the letter.

He has advised consumers and patients to discontinue the use of Digene Gel manufactured at Goa facility.

To wholesalers and distributors, the letter said, The impacted product with all batch numbers manufactured at the Goa facility within active shelf life is to be removed from the distribution.

In April, Abbott initiated a recall of a batch of medication used to treat hypothyroidism due to a labelling error.
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday berated the Maharashtra government for not appointing a new special public prosecutor (SPP) to represent it in the appeals arising from the 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts case.

The government was not treating the case with seriousness, said a division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Rajesh Patil.

While the trial court sentenced five accused to death in the case in 2015, the hearing on its confirmation as well as the appeals filed by the accused in the high court is yet to start.

Seven blasts ripped through local trains during the evening rush hour in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, killing more than 180 people and injuring several others.

When the appeals came up for hearing on Wednesday, the court was informed that the state government was yet to appoint a special public prosecutor.

Senior advocate Raja Thakare had been appointed as SPP as he had acted as prosecutor during the trial. But he expressed disinclination to act as SPP at the appellate level, so the hearing was adjourned.

The government approached Thakare again, requesting him to take up the brief. But the terms of his appointment were yet to be decided, the court was told.

When the government sought more time on Wednesday, the bench got irked.

Is this the way you are treating these appeals? There is no seriousness with which the government is treating this issue. We will summon the chief secretary of the state home department to answer us tomorrow morning, the judges said.

Eventually, the high court directed the government to sort out the issue by September 8 and directed an officer from the law and judiciary department to be present on that day.

We do not want mid-level officers, we want someone from the government. If there is a failure on the aforesaid issue on the appointment of SPP by the day after tomorrow, we will call upon the principal secretary of the law and judiciary department, Justice Sambre said.

The court also indicated that it was inclined to start hearing the appeals from October 5 on a day-to-day basis.

Between 2006 and 2008, the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police arrested 13 alleged members of the terrorist organisation Indian Mujahideen in connection with the train blasts.

In September 2015, the trial court convicted 12 of the accused, imposed the death penalty on five of them and sentenced the others to life imprisonment. One of the accused was acquitted.

The state government then filed an appeal in the high court seeking confirmation of the death penalty (which is mandatory), while the convicts too filed appeals challenging their convictions and sentences.

Since then, the appeals have come up for hearing before nine different benches of the high court.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (C), Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (R), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet enjoy breakfast and work together on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, September 5, 2023. Photo by Viet Tuan

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have agreed to step up tourism cooperation by launching "one journey-three destinations" tours.

At the 43rd ASEAN Summit being held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed that strengthening tourism cooperation between their three countries is imperative.

They agreed to work together to exploit their cultural and culinary potential and promote tourism cooperation.

"One journey, three destinations" tours have been jointly organized by many localities in Vietnam in the last few years.

For instance, since 2017 Ho Chi Minh City has collaborated with the provinces of Long An, Tien Giang and Dong Thap in the Mekong Delta for such packages.

In 2022 Binh Dinh, Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa, central provinces with beautiful beaches, adopted the same model to attract tourists from Northeast Asia.

Intra-Southeast Asian travel is visa-free for citizens of ASEAN member countries.

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are home to UNESCO heritage sites, ancient Buddhist pagodas and colonial heritages.

On July 1 Vietnam Airlines restarted its thrice-weekly Hanoi-Luang Prabang-Siem Reap service. The flights are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
In a horrific incident reported from West Bengals Darjeeling, a 68-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl continuously for over a month, the police said. The accused allegedly also offered Rs 10 to the victim each time after the sexual assault and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the same.

The girls ordeal came to light on Monday, when the victim, who is a 5th-standard student, narrated the story of the crime to her mother. Her mother then approached the police and filed a complaint.

According to the FIR, the incidents took place when the girl was alone in her house. The accused, a local resident, used to give her Rs 10 every time after raping her. He had threatened her of strangling her to death if she revealed about the rapes to anyone, PTI quoted the police officer as saying.

Based on the mothers complaint and the victims testimony, a case has been registered under POCSO and the police have arrested the accused.

Meanwhile, the girl was sent for medical examination to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, he said, adding further investigation was underway.

Earlier in July, a 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 60-year-old man repeatedly in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut. The man was reportedly the victims neighbour and used to rape her on occasion.

An FIR was lodged based on the complaint of the girls family and the accused was arrested, the police officials said. It was also alleged that to accuseds son was also once arrested for raping a minor a few years back.

The incident sparked outrage among the locals with a Hindu outfit demanding strict action against the culprit.
Precedence to Bharat, but not doing away with India  this seems the government stand on the latest political controversy as it has started giving priority to the word Bharat in official parlance. This could also serve as a political counter to the opposition naming itself I.N.D.I.A.

The matter came up on Tuesday after the official invites from the President for the G20 Leaders Summit dinner mentioned Droupadi Murmu as the President of Bharat and the function notes of the Prime Ministers trip to Indonesia mentioned Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of Bharat. It has also emerged that even during Modis trip to South Africa last month, the protocol documents used Prime Minister of Bharat to refer to Modi. An official G20 booklet for foreign delegates is also titled Bharat, the Mother of Democracy.

While all sorts of speculations have since been triggered by the opposition that the government wants to bring a resolution or bill in Parliament to do away with India and use only Bharat to refer to the country in future, the government did not confirm any such development.

Government sources, in fact, have told News18 that India and Bharat have always been used inter-changeably to refer to the country and as per Article 1 of the Constitution, the country is mentioned as India, that is, Bharat. Changing this will need a constitutional amendment.

So far, it was India which got precedence in usage but the view now is that it should be Bharat which should get the precedence. Even the G20 official logo since last year mentions Bharat ahead of India. This will also be the way in the future. This is perfectly legal to do as per the Constitution and nothing needs to be done to put it into effect, a senior government official told News18. He said several prominent government schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan feature Bharat in their name.

Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, at CNN-News18s Townhall event on Tuesday, said India and Bharat are inter-changeable words, while traditionally we called ourselves Bharat, India is also a term which is used by the world. But those who call themselves representing India, I have a problem with that. They dont represent India, they represent a political coalition which is UPA-3, and they cannot usurp a countrys name for themselves, Lekhi said.

By giving precedence to using Bharat now, the government and the BJP are planning to check-mate the opposition alliance which adopted the word I.N.D.I.A.
Defending Centre over Oppositions dig that the government is trying to rebrand the nation, in an interview to news agency ANI, Jaishankar said the word Bharat is mentioned in the constitution.

The entire controversy began with Rashtrapati Bhawan sending out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 on behalf of President of Bharat.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks on the row over invitation cards to the G20 Summit, mentioning 'Bharat', India/Bharat debate "India, that is Bharat  it is there in the Constitution. I would invite everybody to read itWhen you say Bharat, in a sense, a meaning and an pic.twitter.com/5tg6QTK86c  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

During the interview, Jaishankar said that the connotation of the word Bharat is also reflected in the Constitution.

India, that is Bharat, is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar to the newsagency.

The minister was inquired about the response from opposition parties and whether the government intends to rebrand India as Bharat in alignment with the G20 summit.

Look, when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, Jaishankar was quoted as saying to ANI.

Opposition parties have claimed that the governments actions are merely a theatrical display, prompted by the opposition blocs decision to collectively refer to themselves as INDIA. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have firmly endorsed the governments stance.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shared a photo of the dinner invitation he received from the President on X and included a few lines from the national anthem in his post.

This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. Bharat is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to Bharat. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset, the minister told ANI.

India Has Reputation for Being Very Constructive Player

When asked if the Global South countries see India as a credible voice, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said no other G20 presidency has made an effort to get together the developing countries that are not on the table.

There have been G20 Summits before, no other G20 presidency has made an effort to get together the developing countries who are not on the table and sayplease come, sit with us, tell us what are your concerns and we will distil those concerns and place them before the G20, Jaishankar said.

#WATCH | When asked if the Global South countries see India as a credible voice, EAM Dr. S Jaishankar says, "There have been G20 Summits before, no other G20 presidency has made an effort to get together the developing countries who are not on the table and sayplease come, sit pic.twitter.com/mFByy1Tuhw ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

So, if we have taken the trouble and we mean Prime Minister Modi himself. Outside the G20, India has a reputation for being a very constructive player. Someone who bridges, divides, who kind of somewhere helps to fix problems, Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar said there is a lot of goodwill that India has. Jaishankar exuded confidence that everyone of the G20 coming to Delhi will understand the responsibility that they bear and will understand today that the other 180 countries of the world are looking to them to set directions and that they cannot afford to fail them.

Jaishankar on Xi, Putin Skipping G20 Summit in India

On the Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping not attending the G20 Summit in Delhi , EAM Dr S Jaishankar said many presidents and Prime Ministers have chosen not to come themselves for whatever reason.

But that country and its position is reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasionI think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness, Jaishankar said in the interview to news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On the Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping not attending the G20 Summit in Delhi, EAM Dr S Jaishankar to ANI, "I think, at different points of time in G20 there have been some Presidents or PMs who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to come pic.twitter.com/YwoHEZuMef ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

Speaking about Oppositions criticism of the government putting up elaborate arrangements for G20 Summit, EAM Jaishankar said, If somebody felt that they were most comfortable in Lutyens Delhi or completely comfortable in Vigyan Bhawan  that is their prerogative. That was their world.

So, yes you have had Summit meetings where the impact of the country probably went two kilometres, on a good day, out of Vigyan Bhawan. This is a different government. Its a different era. Its a different thought process, Jaishankar added.

PM felt that and all of us have worked in that direction that the G20 is something that should be treated as a national endeavour, that different parts of India must have a sense of participation and that this is something which has been truly non-partisan, Jaishankar said, adding that for those who feel that we should be stuck in 1983, you are welcome to be stuck in 1983. I am sorry the country has moved on, we are in 2023.

Jaishankar on Bidens Visit

On the bilateral level going to be on the table and the agenda during Bidens visit, Jaishankar said US Presidents visit this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock of the things India and US agreed upon in June this year when PM Modi went on a State Visit.

#WATCH | When asked what on the bilateral level is going to be on the table & what could be on the agenda during President Biden's visit, EAM Dr S Jaishnkar says, "Well, we have had a very strong state visit by Prime Minister Modi to the United States. Strong in terms of the pic.twitter.com/4NwrdZ9Aoc ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

Well, we have had a very strong state visit by Prime Minister Modi to the United States. Strong in terms of the outcomes and the results of that visit. Both systems, the Indian system and the American system are busy working through and trying to implement a lot of what was agreed to in June this year. So, I think this would give an occasion for the leaders to take stock, Jaishankar said

What Jaishankar Said On Upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi

Amid massive preparations underway in Delhi for the mega G20 summit for which top leaders are flying in to the national capital over the upcoming weekend, Jaishankar said this is like the home stretch.

This is like the home stretch, everything is getting ready. The negotiators are negotiating, and the people who are trying to get the arrangements done are working at it. It is really a very focused time for us, EAM Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said he feels it is important that people have a sense of what is going on, adding that his reading right now of the G20 is that there are a whole lot of issues.

Some are longer-term structural issues, and some are more emergent. There is a mix of issues that the world is looking at and the burden is on the Global South and on developing countries, Jaishankar said.

The external affairs minister added that one very important message for us is to focus on the Global South.

But there is a larger context, he said and added that the context is of a very turbulent global environment, the impact of Covid, impact of the Ukraine conflict, issues like debt which have carried on for some time and climate disruptions which are today affecting the economy as well.
The knife allegedly used by a housekeeping staffer to kill a 24-year-old flight attendant has been recovered along with the clothes he was wearing at the time of the crime in suburban Andheri four days ago, police said on Wednesday.

The murder weapon, a nine-inch knife, and the clothes accused Vikram Athwal (40) was wearing at the time of the fatal assault were recovered from bushes near the housing society where the victim, Rupal Ogrey, resided, a police official said.

The knife and the clothes will be sent for forensic examination, he said.

Ogrey, a native of Chhattisgarh, came to Mumbai in April for training with a leading private airline. She was found dead with her throat slit late Sunday night in a rented flat at NG Complex in the Marol area of suburban Andheri.

Athwal, who was doing housekeeping work over the last one year in the residential society, was arrested a day later and is in police custody till September 8.

According to the Powai police station official, during interrogation, Athwal narrated the crime sequence and said he dumped the murder weapon as well as clothes he was wearing at the time of the incident in bushes near the housing society and went home.

On Tuesday, the victim's family members took possession of the body and left for their native place in Chhattisgarh, where her last rites were performed, he said.

The police were collecting more information from the accused related to the brutal crime and have already recoded statements of several people, said the official.

Athwal, who is married and has two daughters, was arrested from his home in suburban Powai and charged under IPC section 302 (murder).

Police suspect it was a premeditated murder as the accused had bought the knife used in the crime three days before the attack.

The accused and the victim used to argue over petty issues, an official said on Monday when asked about the possible motive behind the crime.

As per the preliminary investigation, Athwal entered Ogrey's flat under the pretext of picking up a garbage bag and cleaning the commode.

"After gaining entry, he locked the door and took out the sharp weapon he was carrying with him. Ogrey tried to save herself but Athwal held her hair from the backside and slit her throat," the official had said.
Police has issued a traffic advisory for Gurugram ahead of the G20 Summit in Delhi 

-Passengers should note that NH-48 road journey towards IGI Airport Delhi will be affected from midnight 00 hours on the intervening night of 07 & 08.09.2023 to midnight 00 hours on 10.09.2023.

-In case passengers travelling to IGI Airport Delhi opt for road journey they are advised make travel plans with sufficient time at hand to take the following routes:-

From Gurugram to T3 NH-48  From Rajeev chowk/ Iffco chowk to-Old Delhi Gurugram road-UER II  Service road NH48 T3 Terminal road.

From Gurugram to T1 NH-48  From Rajeev chowk/ Iffco chowk to Old Delhi Gurugram road  UER II  Service road NH48  T3 Terminal road  Service road NH-48  Sanjay T-Point  Ullan Batar Marg  Terminal T1. No heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter from Rajokri Border to Delhi except Ambulance /Fire brigade.

All Essential commodities vehicles/passenger buses can go Delhi from Gurugram via Iffco chowk  MG Road  Sikanderpur Metro Station- Mahroli road- towards Aaya Nagar Delhi.
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday expressed its displeasure over the presence of residential structures around the ammunition factory at Khadki in Pune by attributing it to irregular town planning and said human lives cannot be put at risk this way.

In case of any untoward incident, the lives of people living in the vicinity of the factory would be at risk, a division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor pointed out while also warning the government and the local civic bodies of strict action if they fail to resolve the issue.

The bench directed the Union Ministry of Defence, the Maharashtra government, Commissioners of the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations and Pune Collector to convene a meeting and come up with a viable solution on the issue.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by two Pune residents raising concerns over the residential buildings erected in the restricted area.

The petition sought a direction to the authorities to not permit any construction of structures in the area.

The bench pulled up the Maharashtra government for allowing such irregular town planning.

Human lives are at stake here. God forbid if something happensfor whose protection are these ammunitions being stored? You are risking the lives of public, CJ Upadhyaya said.

The bench warned of strict action if the government and the municipal authorities fail to resolve the issue.

We want all the authorities to sit together and sort it out. Or else, we are going to deal with this with a strict hand. We dont want any shirking of responsibilitiesno passing the buck and no blame game. All the authorities have to work together and save the lives of citizens, the bench said.

Additional Solicitor General Devang Vyas informed the court that a meeting would be held and a solution would be arrived at.

We expect and hope and repose our trust on the authorities that some positive talks would be held to resolve the issue, the court said while posting the matter for hearing on October 30.
For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decentralisation and democratisation reign supreme. And this was evident in his exclusive interview with moneycontrol.com in the run-up to the G20 Summit in Delhi from September 9-10.

Explaining his proclivity to pick destinations across India for hosting global events, PM Modi attributed it to his long journey as a political figure.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit and stay in almost every district of our country. For a naturally inquisitive person like me, learning about different regions, the people, unique cultures and cuisines, and their challenges, among other aspects, was a tremendous educative experience, the prime minister told Moneycontrol.

Noting that his biggest problem is with those who think Dilli is Hindustan, PM Modi said: Historically, in the circles of power, there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan, for hosting national and international meets. This may have been due to convenience or lack of confidence in the people.

The prime minister said he was committed to changing the trend from Day 1. We have also seen how even the visits of foreign leaders would be restricted to mainly the national capital or a couple of other places. Having witnessed the capabilities of the people and the wonderful diversity of our country, I developed a different perspective. So, our government has worked on changing the approach since day one.

ALSO READ | In 2014, Nobody Knew Me But Still PM Modis Big Pitch for 3rd Term in 2024 | Exclusive

Citing instances when he hosted global leaders outside Delhi, PM Modi said: The then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel was hosted in Bengaluru. French President Emmanuel Macron and the then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Varanasi. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was hosted in Goa and Mumbai. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Shantiniketan. The then-French President Francois Hollande visited Chandigarh.

Many global meets have also been held in different places outside Delhi. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit was held in Hyderabad. India hosted the BRICS Summit in Goa and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Corporation Summit in Jaipur. I can go on quoting examples, but the pattern that you can observe here is that this is a great change from the prevailing approach.

The prime minister also noted that several of these interactions took place in non-NDA states too. This is also a testament to our firm belief in cooperative federalism and bipartisanship when it comes to national interest.

He added that this approach was also visible in the G20 presidency. By the end of our G20 Presidency, there will have been over 220 meetings in 60 cities across all 28 states and eight Union Territories. More than 1 lakh participants from approximately 125 nationalities will have visited India. Over 1.5 crore individuals in our country have been involved in these programmes or have been exposed to various aspects of them.

Holding meetings of such scale and hosting foreign delegates is an endeavour that calls for great capacity building in terms of infrastructure, logistics, communication skills, hospitality and cultural activities, among others. Our democratisation of the G20 Presidency is our investment in the capacity building of the people, especially youth, of various cities across the country. Further, this is yet another example of our motto of Jan Bhagidari  we believe peoples participation is the most important factor in the success of any initiative.
Mumbai police has yet not be able to invoke IPC section for outraging the modesty of a woman against 35-year-old garbage collection staffer who allegedly killed a flight attendant by slashing her neck with a knife in her 3rd floor flat on Sunday. While Vikram Athwal confessed his intention to assault the woman, the preliminary postmortem report has ruled out sexual assault. This in-turn has ignited a debate within housing societies about possible security threats posed by staff.

According to a report in Times of India, Powai police are waiting for the provisional postmortem certificate to take a call on invoking IPC section 354. They quoted a police officer as saying that Athwals DNA samples will be collected, while the victims viscera and swab have been preserved.

Athwal reportedly knocked on the door of the womans flat to collect garbage around 11:30am on Sunday. Athwal, who was carrying a knife, followed her inside on the pretext of a suspected water leak from the flush tank, and asked her to check it. As she entered the bathroom, he charged in and tried to sexually assault her. When she resisted him, he stabbed her. He then cleaned the bloodstains on the floor and washed it off from his uniform before wearing it again and leaving the flat. Later, Athwal changed into another set of clothes in the building premises before leaving the society at 2pm, although his normal sign-off time is 4pm, an officer was quoted as saying.

Athwal has confessed that his intention was to frighten the woman and assault her. However, as she fought him, he ended up stabbing her twice in the neck, an officer said. Shockingly, none of the residents of the other five flats on the floor heard any commotion or the victims screams while she was being attacked, the police officer was further quoted.

The garbage collection staffer had killed the flight attendant in one of the bathrooms of her Andheri (East) flat. He reportedly told the police that after committing the crime, he washed his blood-stained uniform in another bathroom and cleaned the floor to wipe off his footprints after he accidently stepped on the victims blood.

The TOI report quoted police as saying charges under the Arms Act and additional Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections for house trespass will be added against the accused, Vikram Athwal, who was arrested on Monday under IPC section 302 for murder.

How Safe Are Buildings in Mumbai?

The incident has sparked a debate on security in residential societies. The residents and society office bearers have been grappling with the issue of inadequate background verification for staff employed in buildings.

According to the TOI report, as of now, there are no specific rules in place governing the mandatory verification of identity for security or housekeeping staff within housing societies.

Police did issue a circular in 2017 regarding the submission of verification details, but fell short of making such verification a legal requirement.

The report stated that during the Covid-19 pandemic, civic bodies mandated health tests in addition to collecting information about staff origins. However, since the pandemic has subsided, there has been a noticeable decline in the enforcement of both health and personal verification procedures.

It has already been advised by the police to do periodic police verification, besides health tests by civic bodies. Several major housing societies are following it regularly, but a large number of societies are yet to be particular about conducting the process, Anil Kawde, cooperatives commissioner, was quoted by TOI.

There are no rules as such except a police circular directing societies to conduct verification. It should be now made mandatory to conduct a very comprehensive certification of staff, Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of Maharashtra Societies Welfare Association was quoted.

The report mentioned a few suggestions by experts to ensure safety of residents. These include opting for police verification, periodic checks and establishing entry and exit clearing procedure. Elaborating on these points, TOI stated:

 Police Verification: Employers must require mandatory certification from the police confirming a clean record and no criminal history.

 Periodic Checks: Regular attendance for personal verification, encompassing family and financial history, should be made compulsory. Staff should be required to report to the police periodically.

 Clear Entry and Exit Point: Well-defined entry and exit procedures for security and housekeeping staff, including delineation of work areas, must be established to enhance security measures.

Vikram Athwal Has Injury Marks, Wife Gives Statements Against Him

Around 45 housekeeping staffers along with technical assistance were questioned after the discovery of the crime, following which Athwal was arrested within 12 hours. According to TOI, police also found fresh nail scratch injuries on Athwals hands.

The garbage collection staffer is suspected to have sustained the injuries while the victim tried to fight him off as he attempted to sexually assault her.

The report further stated that Athwal consulted a local doctor for the injuries on his hands and told his wife they had been caused by glass shards, but she did not believe him.

The report quoted a police officer as saying that the wifes statement was recorded on Tuesday. Athwal has been remanded to police custody till September 8 by the Andheri metropolitan magistrate court.

Meanwhile, the victims family has taken her body to her hometown to perform the final rites. She had moved into the rented flat three months ago along with her cousin and a friend, the report stated.
Some Maratha community members burned tyres in Solapur district of Maharashtra on Wednesday to protest against the recent police lathi-charge on quota protesters in Jalna, following which two persons were detained, an official said.

This Rasta Roko (road blockade) protest was held on a service road on the Solapur-Pune highway in the afternoon, he said.

The issue of the Maratha reservation returned to the centre stage last week after the police baton-charged and lobbed tear gas shells to disperse a violent mob at Antarwali Sarathi village in Jalna district. The police said protesters allegedly refused to let authorities shift an activist on hunger strike for Maratha quota to a hospital.

Ever since the incident, the state has been witnessing protests by the Maratha community, demanding reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

Today, some pro-Maratha quota protesters gathered on a service road at the Old Pune Naka on Solapur-Pune highway in the afternoon and burned tyres to protest the Jalna incident and to highlight their quota demand, the police official said.

After receiving information about it, a team of police rushed to the spot and removed the burning tyres. The road was opened for vehicular movement after that, he said, adding that two persons were detained for inquiry in connection with the incident.

Another group from the Maratha community held a demonstration on Solapur-Barshi road, while a protest march was taken out at Karmala in the district to press for the reservation demand, he said.
After the completion of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I by 2028-29, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is expecting to collect Rs 1.25 lakh crore from user fee and monetisation of national highways  three times more than it was in 2022-23.

Ministry documents, seen by News18, show that the government earned Rs 41,300 crore from toll collections and monetisation of national highways. Interestingly, in 2013-14, this figure was only Rs 4,770 crore.

Speaking to News18, a Ministry official said that close to 35,000 km national highways are approved under Phase-1 of Bharatmala Pariyojana.

Works of more than 26,000 km have been awarded for construction costing Rs 8.24 lakh crore. Work is completed on about 14,000 km, rest of the work will be completed by 2027-28, they said, demanding anonymity.

WHAT IS BHARATMALA PARIYOJANA?

Bharatmala Pariyojana was approved by the Centre in 2017 and is expected to cost Rs 5.35 lakh crore. It is an initiative where efficiency of road traffic flow will improve across the country. The Ministry will be bridging crucial infrastructure gaps with this project.

Different categories of projects will be developed under this scheme including economic corridors, inter-corridor and feeder routes. It also included border and international connectivity roads, the official added.

At the end of the last financial year, 24,837 km of work was awarded and 11,789 km of work was completed.

Of the total 34,800 km of the Bharatmala project, the highest share is of Madhya Pradesh (3,176 km), followed by Maharashtra (3,018 km) and Uttar Pradesh (3,014 km). Andhra Pradesh (2,515 km), Rajasthan (2,503 km) and Tamil Nadu (2,414 km) are next in line.

In at least 12 states, the length of the project is above 1,500 km, these also include: Karnataka (2,070 km; Punjab (1,764 km); Telangana (1,728 km); Odisha (1,586 km); Gujarat (1,576 km) and Bihar (1,572 km)

POLL-BOUND RAJASTHAN FASTEST IN BUILDING ROADS

Madhya Pradesh has the longest planned route, but Rajasthan has taken over all other states in the length of approved and awarded work of 2,409 km. It has completed 2,032 km, the Ministry data shows. As of July 2023, only 94-km-long projects are left under the Bharatmala Pariyojana for the poll bound Rajasthan.

On the other hand, smaller states such as Assam, Delhi, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura have awarded the entire stretch of the project. Except Manipur and Mizoram, all these states have less than 500 km of the project.
On February 1, 2021, the Burmese military overthrew the democratically elected civilian government in Burma in a coup. Since then, the military junta has been using increasingly violent methods to repress its own people. The Burmese military regime has killed an estimated 3,900 citizens since taking power.

Most recently, fighter jet and helicopter airstrikes have killed 11 civilians near Nyaung Kone village. According to a recent statement from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, up to another 80 civilians, including women and schoolchildren, were killed by airstrikes in a village in the Sagaing region of central Burma.

In response to these despicable actions, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, is expanding sanctions on Burma to include the jet fuel sector pursuant to Executive Order 14014.

OFAC is designating two individuals and three entities for their roles in procuring jet fuel and distributing it to the Burmese military.

Khin Phyu Win has been sanctioned for her association with several companies within the Asia Sun Group, which was previously designated for operating in the Burmese defense sector. Khin also controls three Singapore-based holding companies, Shoon Energy PTE. LTD., PEIA PTE. LTD. and P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD., which also have been sanctioned.

Zaw Min Tun is being sanctioned after Khin transferred directorship and ownership of 11 companies in the Asia Sun Group to him.

According to Executive Order 14014, all property, interests in property, and entities belonging to Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun that are in the United States, or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.

By expanding the use of our sanctions authority to target an additional sector critical to the military regime, we are able to further deprive the regime of the resources that enable it to oppress its citizens, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson in a written statement. The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.
In one of his shortest-ever foreign trips, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spend less than 23 hours at Jakarta in Indonesia, and will return home in time for three major bilateral meetings on September 8, including one with US President Joe Biden. He is going to Indonesia for back-to-back events  the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

Out of the 23 hours for the trip, nearly 14 hours will be the flying time to Jakarta and back. The prime minister left for Jakarta on Wednesday night and will spend around seven hours in the flight before he arrives in Jakarta at 3 am IST on September 7 (Thursday).

After a short rest, he will leave for the venue of the ASEAN-India Summit at 7 am IST, following which he will take part in the East Asia Summit at 8.45 am IST.

Immediately after this, Prime Minister Modi will depart for the airport and fly to India at 11.45 am IST and land in Delhi around 6.45 pm IST  this means he will spend less than nine hours in Jakarta.

Biden is arriving in India around 7 pm on September 8. On the same day, the PM will hold important bilateral meetings with three countries, including one with the American president around 7.45 pm and another with Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

The all-important G20 Leaders Summit begins on September 9 and will end on September 10. On Wednesday, PM Modi took part in a meeting of the council of ministers as well as a cabinet meeting before noon. He also held back-to-back meetings till 7.30 pm before leaving for Jakarta.

In a departure statement ahead of his short visit to Indonesia, Modi said the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the ASEAN has injected new dynamism to the groups ties with New Delhi. He said he looked forward to discussing the future of Indias partnership with the groupings countries during his meetings with the leaders of member countries.

I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of Indias Act East policy. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties, he said.

On the 18th East Asia Summit, Modi further said: This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges, he said.

The PM warmly recalled his visit to Indonesia for the G20 Summit in Bali last year. I am confident that this visit will further deepen our engagement with the ASEAN region, Modi said.

(With PTI inputs)
After the G20 invite row, another fresh controversy has emerged. In a post shared by BJP leader Sambit Patra on Wednesday, PM Modi is referred to as the Prime Minister of Bharat for the ASEAN visit to Indonesia.

The Prime Minister Of Bharat pic.twitter.com/lHozUHSoC4 Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 5, 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday defended Centres idea. During an interview, Jaishankar said connotation of the word Bharat is also reflected in the Constitution.

India, that is Bharat, is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar to the newsagency.

The minister was inquired about the response from opposition parties and whether the government intends to rebrand India as Bharat in alignment with the G20 summit.

Look, when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, Jaishankar was quoted as saying to ANI.

Congress on Tuesday hit back at the government after the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) sent out invites for a G20 dinner of September 9 in the name of President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India saying now even this Union of States is under assault.

In a post on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhavan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9 in the name of President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India.

Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States. But now even this Union of States is under assault, the Congress communication in-charge said

Defending the use of Bharat top BJP leader JP Nadda asked why does the Congress party have so much objection to every subject related to the honor and pride of the country?

Along with the post, he also shared the itinerary which read, Visit of Prime Minister of Bharat Narendra Modi to the Republic of Indonesia (20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th EAS Summit) September 7, 2023.

Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc has slammed the BJP government after the Rashtrapati Bhavan sent out invites for the G20 dinner of September 9 in the name of President of Bharat, saying the country doesnt belong to a political party.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Jakarta for a two-day visit on September 6-7 to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit being hosted by Indonesia as the current Chair of ASEAN.
Arun Kumar Sinha, director of Special Protection Group (SPG) passed away on Wednesday due to a life-threating disease. A 1987 Kerala cadre IPS officer, Sinha was recently given one year extension.

SPG is entrusted with the task of providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India, former Prime Minister and their immediate family members. Since its inception in the year 1985, SPG is providing security to its protectees at their office and residence, during local functions and during internal as well as external tours.

According to the groups website, in view of the prevailing security environment in the country and the threats emanating from the trans-national terrorism, the force has to constantly strive towards technological modernization and skill up gradation. The future is bound to demand constant changes in our organization, in our administrative system, in our recruitment process and in our training. Protecting the SPG protectees on 247 basis for years continuously makes this unique force versatile.
At least six people, including a one-year-old toddler, were killed in a road accident in Tamil Nadus Salem after the van they were travelling in rammed into a stationary lorry. The accident took place at the Salem-Erode National Highway in the Sankari area of Salem district at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

There were eight people of a family travelling from Eengur toward Perunthurai in the van at the time of the accident. Six of them died on the spot, while two others were seriously injured and sent to Salem Government Hospital for further treatment.

During preliminary investigations, police recovered CCTV footage of the tragic accident. In the video now going viral on social media, the seeding van can be seen colliding with the stationary lorry.

VIDEO | Six members of a family killed after a minivan crashed into a truck on Salem-Coimbatore National Highway in Tamil Nadu earlier today. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/UlbmX3BCNR Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 6, 2023

The deceased have been identified as Selvaraj (50), M Arumugam (48), Manjula (45), Palanisami (45), Pappathi (40) and R Sanjana (1). Their bodies have been sent for postmortem.

Two other R Priya (21) and Vignesh (25) who was driving the van survived the crash and were admitted to a hospital in a serious condition.

A case was registered, and further inquiries were on.
The Supreme Court has set aside an Uttarakhand High Court order which quashed an FIR lodged by a woman against her husband for pronouncing triple talaq.

A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar said the quashing of FIR to the extent it pertained to allegations relatable to Section 498A of IPC, and Sections 3/4 Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 was uncalled for.

The FIR clearly points to three elements, that is, that the wife  Afroz was subjected to alleged cruelty (beaten); the husband  Mansoor Ali had allegedly pronounced the triple talaq, which after coming into the force of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 outlaws such practice and renders it a punishable offence. The offence, when proved, entails imprisonment for a term up to three years. It is a matter of record that charge-sheet was filed by the police after investigation into these allegations, the SC noted.

The top court directed the trial court to proceed with the matter with regard to the charge sheet filed against Mansoor Ali.

The high court, after considering the record, had quashed two offences enumerated in the FIR i.e. Section 498A IPC and Sections 3/4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. Afroz in her complaint had alleged that she was subjected to physical abuse by Mansoor who was in a relationship with another woman and had pronounced the triple talaq.

Mansoor as well as his wife challenged the validity of the high courts order before the Supreme Court.

Mansoor had contended that the high court erred in not quashing the offence alleged under Section 323 IPC (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), even though the observations by the court established its untenability.

He also claimed that he lived happily with the wife for 13 years but friction arose due to some dispute.

The state counsel submitted that the HCs order was unwarranted, having regard to the totality of the facts.

It was underlined that a charge-sheet was filed against Mansoor on all three offences.

Given these circumstances, the high court terming the allegations by Afroz as vague are incorrect, the court was told.

The court, thus, allowed the appeal filed by Afroz and dismissed the plea by Mansoor.
A time for celebration and coming together, Janmashtami calls for family get-togethers and delectable feasts. We have the ideal location for you to gather with your loved ones in Delhi-NCR to commemorate this momentous event. Check out these nine restaurants for delectable cuisine, a stunning setting, cool beverages, and first-rate service from the employees.

Mystery of Food

You may savor delicacies from a variety of cuisines, ranging from Chinese delicacies to North Indian pleasures, at Mystery of Food. All family members taste buds are catered to in their cuisine, which is a beautiful combination of flavors. For a family get-together on Janmashtami, the warm and inviting rooms make the perfect backdrop. You may savor your dinner while sipping on a selection of mocktails and lassis that are designed to meld seamlessly with the meals robust flavors. Youre eating experience will also be nothing short of amazing thanks to the attentive personnel.

Desi Indian Handi

Desi Indian Handi provides a chance to experience Indian cuisine at its most genuine and flavorful. The atmosphere of the restaurant is ideal for Janmashtami celebrations, and the traditional decor improves the whole atmosphere. You may choose from a variety of traditional Indian beverages while dining, including masala chai and buttermilk. Additionally, the helpful staff is on hand and glad to help you choose the best foods to make your family meal special.

Dutchman Port

The mouthwatering cuisine at Dutchman Port entices seafood lovers, making it a haven for people who enjoy the flavours of the sea. The restaurants atmosphere is genuinely unique, including nautical-themed decor and a magnificent waterfront outlook that enhances the entire delight. Enjoy painstakingly made drinks and mocktails that have been created to ideally pair with the seafood delicacies while you indulge. Your Janmashtami celebration will go off without a hitch thanks to the attentive staffs careful attention to detail, making it memorable and hassle-free.

The Barbeque Company

Experience a BBQ frenzy at The Barbeque Company where you have the rare chance to cook your own skewers and enjoy a buffet of mouthwatering sides. For your family gathering on Janmashtami, the restaurant offers a festive atmosphere with live cooking stations. There is no shortage of energising drinks to satisfy your thirst. The attentive servers add to the interactive dining experience, making your meal genuinely special as you create culinary wonders with your loved ones.

Brewpit 69

Brewpit, the highest brewery in Delhi-NCR, offers a culinary adventure where guests can indulge in a blend of international cuisines while taking in panoramic views of the city. Your Janmashtami party will have a beautiful backdrop thanks to the rooftop setting, which also makes eating even more charming. Youll have the option of selecting from a variety of freshly produced beers and specialty drinks, which are sure to entice your taste buds. In order to make your visit to Brewpit both enjoyable and educational, the staff is not only knowledgeable about their beers but also eager to help you go through the selections.

Karigari

The restaurant Karigari, run by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, offers a unique eating experience. Your taste buds will be treated to a feast on Janmashtami as you indulge in Chef Sokhis creative culinary creations, which expertly combine traditional flavours with a modern touch. Karigaris upscale interior design and creative atmosphere provide a distinctive and eye-catching setting for your dinner. The restaurant offers homemade beverages and mocktails to compliment your culinary experience and go great with the food. Your Janmashtami celebration will be a culinary joy from beginning to end thanks to the skilled personnel of Karigari.

NRI Chaiwala

NRI Chaiwala welcomes you to enjoy a contemporary take on traditional Indian street cuisine, providing the perfect ambiance for a relaxed but delectable Janmashtami lunch. The ambience is distinguished by colourful and unusual design, which gives your dining experience a fun touch and infuses it with a vivacious energy. Youll find lovely compliments to your food as you peruse their extensive selection of speciality teas and distinctive beverages. Your visit will be enhanced by timely and attentive service from the helpful and courteous employees of NRI Chaiwala, making your Janmashtami celebration even more pleasurable.

Signature Global Mall

A wonderful option for a laid-back Janmashtami gathering is Signature Global Mall since it offers a convenient and varied food court experience that satisfies everyones appetites. Its the perfect place for a hassle-free family excursion because of the malls bustling ambiance, which adds to the areas general energy. The food court at the Signature Global Mall offers a wide range of beverage choices if youre in the mood for some fast eats or just want to explore your selections. Your family will all have a relaxing and pleasurable time celebrating Janmashtami thanks to the self-service model, which guarantees convenience.

Kitchen Clicks

A good pick for your Janmashtami celebration is Kitchen Clicks, a restaurant that specialises in global cuisine and offers delicacies from all over the world that are guaranteed to delight every palette. The open kitchen idea and modern decor of the restaurant offer a fun and engaging aspect to your dining experience by letting you see the culinary expertise at work. A variety of foreign wines and drinks might enhance your experience when you match your meal with them. To make your Janmashtami celebration a genuinely unforgettable culinary excursion for you and your loved ones, the talented chefs and welcoming staff at Kitchen Clicks collaborate seamlessly.
With every day that passes by the society that we inhabit becomes more and more inhuman- there is a constant growth in the number of crimes against children and women. While there is a constant effort to remedy the situation, it must be noted that art perhaps is the greatest tool of all time, any form of art is a mirror to the society. Raell Padamsee uses this mirror to try and make society a better place by shedding light on pressing issues such as womens equality, the safety of women and children and many more such issues.

In an exclusive conversation with NW18, Raell opened up about being part of the Rise Up For Equality and what it means to her along with opening up about her views on the ever-evolving sphere of theatre, her future plans and much more.

Excerpts from the interview-

Firstly, could you please talk to us about the initiative that you are a part of?

Rise Up for Equality  A special womens festival holds a very special place. Have been working on issues closely related to women & children through our Create Foundation (founded in loving memory of my mother, Pearl Padamsee & my father, Alyque Padamsee) for so many years now and have decided to get laser focussed on our attempt to make Maharashtra the safest state for women & children globally, & to use the arts to create and impact social change to amplify & disseminate the existing laws & schemes.

We as civil society need to step up & take responsibility for our social fabric & the quality of life we so crave.

We are here to help the Police & Judiciary, to:

Disseminate information that is already available by the Maharashtra Police & Maharashtra Government Implementation and amplification of the different schemes/laws/facilities available, that address issues for the safety of women & children

How do you think your play supported the initiative and in what ways did you make the play apt for it?

Both the plays organically melded so well into the focus of the festival about Empowerment and equality.

During the festivals inaugural day, the focus was to address the critical topic of child safety and the existing support systems. With the honourable presence of Mr. Satya Narayan Choudhary, Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, we emphasized the relevance of the available facilities for civil society.

On the subsequent day, the festival shifted its focus to womens issues and safety. The esteemed presence of Mr. Vivek Phansalkar, Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, added significance to our performance. Additionally, we felicitated various regional Nodal Officers of the Nirbhaya Squad, ensuring our play actively contributed to the festivals mission of promoting womens safety.

Did you sort of face any challenges while working on the play?

Theatre always presents significant challenges. Fortunately, we were fortunate to secure funding. We received generous support from our key supporter, Niraj Bajaj of the Bajaj Group, as well as the IMC Ladies Wing. Additionally, we received support from the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, for which we are immensely grateful.

Another hurdle we faced was engaging with various agencies, namely the Government, the Police, and the Judiciary. However, we successfully navigated this process within the allotted time frame. We diligently gathered extensive information, established points of reference, and coordinated the necessary calls to action, all of which had to be in place before the shows.

Furthermore, securing celebrity influencers to participate voluntarily was a remarkable gesture. Also, our creative consultant, Mr. Sumit Roy, our advertising agency, BBDO India and chairman and chief Creative Officer of BBDO India, Josy Paul, graciously contributed their services pro bono.

The world of theatre is ever-evolving. What are some of the recent changes that you are extremely proud of and what all changes do you want implemented?

In my experience, working with theatre, especially with young people, I have witnessed how it has the potential to instigate systematic and sustainable change. Its not just about the performance but also the ideas and innovative practices it brings to civil society. We aspire to harness these aspects and demonstrate to our participants that they too can be agents of change. This is the legacy they should strive for, and it fills us with pride to know that we played a part in this solution.

Theatre serves as a powerful mirror through the performance itself. The post-performance discussions inspire solutions, and the subsequent action plans provide a practical perspective to address societal challenges.

I advocate for more accessible theatre education and performances, ensuring that theatres transformative power can reach an even broader audience and continue to drive meaningful change.

In a previous interview, you had sort of agreed and talked about how your father Alyque Padamsee had foreseen the stage being hijacked by women. How many of his techniques and ideas do you implement in the kind of work you do?

ACE has always believed in the power of women, boasting an overwhelmingly female team with only around 5 male members among us. The remainder of our workforce is composed of women, each contributing to various departments within our organization. Whether its handling accounts, registrations, operations, marketing, public relations, or Human Resources, our team comprises capable women in every aspect.

Some of our most memorable moments in the theatre have occurred when our executive directors & producers were all women. As a woman myself, serving as both a producer and director within the company, weve also had technical teams consisting entirely of women. In my opinion, there is no shortfall in the competence of women. In fact, they demonstrate remarkable multitasking abilities, and everything runs 100% exceptionally smoothly with their involvement.

What are the biggest takeaways that one can hold on to from your recent play?

The most significant lessons to glean from our recent special womens festival are; first, its crucial to raise awareness about the existing support schemes within our systems, and equally vital to amplify the reach of helplines while spreading this information to as wide an audience as possible.

As members of civil society, its our responsibility to be well-informed and actively contribute to solutions. Lets unite to make Maharashtra the safest state for women and children worldwide.

What is next in line for you?

Next in line for me, which is very close to my heart are- De-Stress with Drama workshops for Senior Citizens  A highly interactive experience where the participants will shed their inhibitions and will be able to enjoy the creativity of the arts through drama. Community Cultural Club  a drama workshop including youth & adults from different wards of the city. Act on stage, where children get to perform in front of a live audience with sets, costumes, lights, and sound.

What is your dream for Indian Theatre?

I feel that community building through the arts is my next big project. I intend to structure this through the Ministry, as it is crucial that cultural spaces are opened up to allow artistic expression among communities. Only then can a country evolve in a meaningful and sustainable way; otherwise, its just about commercial gain, and the essence of our evolution is lost. Therefore, my plan for the future is to establish cultural hubs in each ward.
One of the most revered deities in Hinduism, Lord Hanuman, is worshipped on Tuesdays. According to religious beliefs, Lord Hanuman is the 9th avatar of Lord Shiva, who took birth 19 times. Hanuman was born on a Tuesday during the full moon of the Hindu month of Chaitra. Thus, on Tuesdays, worshippers offer prayers to Lord Hanuman. In Hindi, Tuesdays are also referred to as Mangalvar, which means a fortunate day. One can worship Hanuman during any day of the week, but Tuesdays are considered more auspicious.

On Tuesdays, Lord Hanuman should be offered a paste of red flowers and ghee. Bhopal-based astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma says that reciting the Hanuman Sathika on Tuesdays is extremely auspicious and can eradicate troubles from your life. He says that if a person is drowning in debt and wants to get rid of it, then reciting Hanuman Sathika on Tuesday can free them from debt.

According to the Pandit, the recitation of Hanuman Sathika on Tuesday makes a person financially strong and sound. They will also have a healthy and disease-free body. Reciting Hanuman Sathika also increases a persons respect and honour in society.

Shri Hanuman Sathika is a powerful hymn in praise of Lord Hanuman. The word Sathika comes from the fact that it has a total of sixty Chopais. Great devotee poet Shri Tulsidas is the author of Hanuman Sathika. Tulsidas is also the author of the Hanuman Chalisa, which has a total of forty Chopais in it.

For best results, it is recommended that Hanuman Sathika should be recited systematically for sixty days, after starting it on a Tuesday.
Anupam Kher, a highly experienced actor with a remarkable career spanning decades, continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled performances in both Hindi and other regional language films. With a discerning eye for selecting projects, he consistently offers fresh and engaging content to his fans. Recently, the actor made an exciting announcement via his social media platform, offering a sneak peek of his appearance in an upcoming Candian film. Anupam Kher is set to take on a significant role in Eisha Marjaras eagerly awaited film titled Calorie. The film will explore the life and experiences of a Sikh-Canadian family.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Anupam Kher posted a monochrome still showcasing his look in the film. He is seen as an old Sikh man, Mohan, sporting a turban and a thick beard on his face. The other pictures he posted show some of the team members and a snap of his script. In the caption, the actor wrote, Happy to share that I have started the shoot of my 540th project! Calorie is an Canadian film directed by critically acclaimed Canadian director Eisha Marjara and produced by Joe Balass. The film is shot in Amritsar and Montreal! The script of this human tragedy tugged at my heart deeply. Some stories need to be told!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

Anupam Khers fans seemed quite excited with the update on his new film. Most of them are eagerly waiting for the film to hit theatres. One of them wrote, Great sir..we will be waiting, All the best, said another. A fan also praised his versatility and wrote, Hats off to you sir..the variation in roles makes you a unique actor.

Calorie follows three generations of women who face challenges during their trip to India. The film is set against the backdrop of the 1985 Air India bombings. Eisha Marjara has written and directed this film, while Joe Balass produced it. Ellora Patnaik, Shanaya Dhillon-Birmhan, Ashley Ganger, Anupam Kher, and Peter Miller will star in this project. The movie is being produced under the banner of Compass Productions and supported by Telefilm Canada and the Canada Media Fund. Reportedly, the project also has the involvement of CBC, ATN, and Hollywood Suite.

Meanwhile, Anupam Kher has other riveting projects in the pipeline as well, such as The Vaccine War. Recently, he also commented on whether a sequel to the 2013 film Special 26 was on the cards or not. The actor revealed that he has been talking to Neearaj Pandey about it but there is no confirmation yet. Ive been after him to make a sequel to Special 26. He keeps making multiple seasons of his web shows, and he should make a second part of Special 26 too because it deserves a sequel. But it seems like he isnt excited to make it (laughs). Hopefully, it will happen soon, said Anupam Kher. The actor was recently seen in Neeraj Pandeys web series, The Freelancer.
Sacred Games played a pivotal role in kickstarting the OTT trend in India, setting a new standard for web series in the country. The Netflix series, featuring talented actors like Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, and more, garnered immense love for its gripping narrative and interesting cast members. Meanwhile, Kubbra Saits portrayal of the transgender character Kukoo added depth to the series. In a recent interview while promoting Haddi, Anurag Kashyap, one of the creators, confessed that they initially wanted to cast a transgender actor for Kukoos role for authenticity. However, they struggled to find an actor from the community as no one from that background was willing to play the part.

In a conversation with Pinkvilla, the filmmaker said, Kukoo ki casting ke time, whenever we reached out to somebody whos a transgender, they said no. They said no because, they were at that time the world was not ready to accept them, they were also in fear. What has happened, in the post pandemic time, people are becoming more and more aware and theyre accepting."

Anurag Kashyap further pointed out that recent shows like Made In Heaven and Abhishek Bachchan starrer Ghoomer have featured transgender actors in key roles. However, Kashyap highlighted that casting should not be solely based on representation. To secure roles, these actors must showcase their talent and undergo workshops, just like any other actor. Kashyap believes that change will happen very soon.

In the same interview, Anurag Kashyap shared an interesting anecdote about his first encounter with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. He mentioned that during their initial meeting, he didnt really notice Nawaz. Instead, the meeting was primarily about Rajpal Yadav, who was leaving town at the time. Kashyap and some friends tried to convince Rajpal to stay and in the process, Nawazuddin, who was also present with him. Both Nawazuddin and Rajpal ended up with roles in Shool, where Nawazuddin played a minor role.

Nawazuddin ko pehli bar dhyan diya tha Black Friday ke shoot ke time. Jab aap camera ke through kisiko dekhte hai like director, tab maine pehli bar dhayan diya tha. His presence was so strong. So that was the first time I really noticed him. Since then its been non-stop. (I first noticed Nawazuddin during the shoot of Black Friday. When you look at someone through the camera, like a director, thats when I first noticed him)," he added.

Apart from Nawazuddin and Anurag Kashyap, Haddi also features Ila Arun, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Saurabh Sachdeva and Saharsh Shukla. The movie is set to release on September 7. Additionally, Anurag is eagerly anticipating the release of his next film, Kennedy, starring Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhat.
The United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the June 24 presidential election in Sierra Leone. International observers noted "statistical inconsistencies" and condemned a "lack of transparency in the voting. President Julius Maada Bio was declared winner of the presidential race with 56 percent of the vote in the first round, while his Sierra Leone Peoples Party won an overwhelming majority in the House of Parliament.

Opposition candidate Dr. Samura Kamara got 41 percent of the vote. He has refused to participate in the government and has demanded a re-run of the election.

Following the flawed vote, the United States called on the Sierra Leone government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve future elections.

The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Sierra Leone and around the world, declared Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement. Toward that end, he announced a new visa restriction policy under the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election.

Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; intimidation of voters, election observers, or civil society organizations through threats or acts of physical violence; or the abuse or violation of related human rights in Sierra Leone. Family members of such individuals may also be subject to these restrictions. Persons who undermine the democratic process in Sierra Leone - including in the lead-up to, during, and following Sierra Leones 2023 elections - may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

The visa restriction policy will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people. This decision, said Secretary Blinken, reflects the commitment of the United States to support Sierra Leoneans aspirations to have free and fair elections that demonstrate the will of the people and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
Actor Esha Deol recently complimented Kangana Ranauts acting abilities and disagreed with an interviewer who suggested that Kanganas social media presence is more responsible for her popularity than her films. Kangana frequently uses Twitter and Instagram to express her views not only about the Indian film industry but also about various aspects of the country, including her political opinions.

Esha recently offered a sneak peek of her Mumbai bungalow during an interview with Bollywood Bubble. During the interview, she engaged in a game with the interviewer, in which she had the opportunity to pose three questions. One of her questions was, Which actress, from this generation, do you feel should honestly take up some other profession?

When the interviewer replied that Kangana should become a politician since her tweets are a major point of conversation, Esha disagreed. She said, She is a fantastic actor. I loved her in Thalaivi. Even my mom, being an actor, is in politics, so what? I dont agree. I think shes doing a great job.

Kangana Ranauts Thalaivii was released in theatres in 2021 and is now streaming on Netflix. The film is based on the life of former actress and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The film features Kangana as Jayalalithaa and South superstar Arvind Swami as M. G. Ramachandran. The film explores the relationship between Jayalalithaa and MGR and the formers rise as an actor and a politician.

Kangana Ranaut is often asked if she plans to join politics anytime soon. Back in May, in an interview, the actress was asked the same once again when she mentioned that I want to be a politician is a vulgar thought. She argued that one should not talk about this on his own but should rather let people decide it.

Meanwhile on the work front, Esha Deol was last seen in the web series Hunter Tootega Nahi Todega, alongside Suniel Shetty, Barkha Bisht, Karanvir Sharma, and Rahul Dev.
South Indian star Ramya aka Divya Spandana was a victim of death hoax this week. A few socail media users began circulating claims that the actress-politician had passed away, leaving her fans and well-wishers in a state of shock. However, the claims of her death were quickly shot down by senior journalists. Renowned journalists Chitra Subramaniam and Dhanya Rajendran clarified that they met and spoke to her, respectively, and she is okay. They even shared details of their conversation with Divya.

Taking to X (previously known as Twitter), Chitra Subramaniam shared a picture with her and wrote, Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore.

Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore.  pic.twitter.com/1kN5ybEHcD Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 6, 2023

Dhanya Rajendran also shared a post. It was really the strangest conversation, kept calling @divyaspandana and she didnt pick first few times and naturally I was panicking. Finally she did and I had to say-I am glad you are alive, She is like who the hell is saying I died! #DivyaSpandana, she wrote.

Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you. #DivyaSpandana, Dhanya added.

It was really the strangest conversation, kept calling @divyaspandana and she didnt pick first few times and naturally I was panicking. Finally she did and I had to say-I am glad you are alive, She is like who the hell is saying I died! #DivyaSpandana Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) September 6, 2023

Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you. #DivyaSpandana Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) September 6, 2023

Divya made her acting debut in Abhi and has worked in numerous movies in Kannada and other languages. In 2012, she also ventured into politics and served as the head of Congress Social Media.
While Sobhita Dhulipala is currently basking in the success of her recently released show Made In Heaven 2, her personal life often piques interest. Having said that, the actress is rumoured to be dating actor Naga Chaitanya. While the duo have been tight lipped about the same, certain moments and social media updates give away the fact that may be in a relationship.

Recently, The Night Manager actress took to her Instagram handle to share a glimpse of the book that shes currently reading. The actress shared that she is in love with Matthew McConaughey Greenlights. Now fans did a little digging and found an old post of Naga Chaitanya where he had recommended the same book to the fans.

Sharing the book, Sobhita wrote, Easily the finest book Ive read in the past few months. What an incredible life-story. Like a song, really. Tastes like boisterous laughter and earned freedom @officiallymcconaughey you are a legend!!

It was 2 years ago, when Naga had recommended the book. Sharing a photo of the book he wrote, A love letter to life .. thank you @officiallymcconaughey for sharing your journey .. this read is a green light for me .. respect sir !.

Fans are quite convinced that they are dating. Naga was previously married to Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

Earlier in an interview with Filmi Beat, Sobhita was asked about the rumoured relationship where she shared,For people who speak without knowledge, I dont think I need to answer them. I dont feel the urge to clarify things when Im not doing any wrong and it is not my business.

Back in February, while promoting The Night Manager, the actress in a conversation with News18 shared that she remains unfazed by the spotlight cast on her private life. She stated, Whats there to be bothered? If I say dont say this, theres no way people would know about it I mean, its not a nice thing to talk about my own accomplishments. Its not like Im asking people to look at my accomplishments and the name I made for myself but its more like, I come from Vizag and Ive worked hard at every step along the way.
Netflix has generated considerable anticipation among fans for the upcoming release of the sixth and final season of the popular television series The Crown. Netflix has provided a glimpse into what awaits viewers in this concluding installment including a particularly significant episode centred around the momentous Royal Wedding of 2005, of the now-reigning King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), the OTT platform unveiled this exciting development. After six seasons, seven years and three casts, The Crown comes to an end later this year. Heres a hint at whats to come in our final season, they wrote.

Accompanying this tweet, Netflix also shared a post that read, Service of prayer and dedication following the marriage of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall at St. Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday, 9th April 2005 at 2:30 p.m.

After six seasons, seven years and three casts, The Crown comes to an end later this year. Heres a hint at whats to come in our final season. pic.twitter.com/l6ilhYYA0C Netflix (@netflix) September 4, 2023

At the time of this historic wedding in real, King Charles was known as the Prince of Wales, while Queen Camilla held the title of the Duchess of Cornwall. This marital union marked a significant chapter in their lives, especially considering it was Prince Charless second marriage.

The Prince was previously married to Princess Diana, a union that ultimately culminated in divorce, officially finalised in August of 1996. Tragically, Diana lost her life almost one year later in a car accident in a tunnel in Paris, according to reports.

The forthcoming final season of the critically acclaimed series will encompass the late 90s and early 2000s, addressing pivotal events of the time. The plot will delve into the impact of Princess Dianas untimely demise on the royal family. Additionally, it will showcase the love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton, tracing their relationship from its beginnings at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, reports The People.

Production for this eagerly awaited sixth season commenced in September 2022; however, it reportedly experienced a temporary pause following the demise of Queen Elizabeth on September 8 last year.

Suzanne Mackie, an executive producer of The Crown, shared her insights into the final season with The Hollywood Reporter, expressing her pride in the project. She said, I think its some of our best work.

Mackie added that it is an interesting thing to contemplate because she was extremely proud of the final season. Suzanne Mackie said that she does not want to give any spoilers, but it is really beautiful and profound. I dont want to spoil the very end, but its really beautiful and, I think, quite profound, and it feels like a culmination of a very long journey, she told the Hollywood Reporter.

The much-awaited sixth and final season of The Crown is set to release on Netflix later this year, promising viewers a memorable conclusion to the saga of the British monarchy.
Korean drama Goblin has achieved cult classic status among K-drama enthusiasts. With an exceptionally talented cast members like Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Go Eun and Yoo In Na, the series is known for its epic love story between a Goblin and a girl who conquer every obstacle to be together. Despite its release almost seven years ago, fans still get excited and feel nostalgic whenever the cast members reunite. Recently, Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook teamed up once more, but this time for an advertisement. In a new advertising campaign for SK Enmove, the two South Korean stars ooze style and charm.

In their latest ad campaign, Gong and Lee Dong Woo effortlessly brought their iconic characters back to life. Dressed in sleek black suits with perfect hairstyles, the duo exuded timeless charm. Fans are thrilled by their reunion and are going gaga over this appealing appearance. You can watch the ad below to witness their bromance once again.

Lee Dong Wook and Gong Yoo in one CF, our goblin-grim reaper duo mini reunion  pic.twitter.com/LjbU2U3CII  (@kdramatreats) September 6, 2023

Meanwhile, during his appearance on the YouTube show Salon Drip in May, Gong Yoo engaged in a humorous conversation with the host, Jang Do Yeon. She spoke about a rumoured conflict between him and Lee Dong Wook, mentioning that it was said they had a fight at a fishing place over a woman. In a playful manner, Gong Yoo responded by asking if she was the woman in question, which left Jang in splits and she said, Im in big trouble. I wont ask this question.

In a later episode of the show, Lee Dong Wook appeared and expressed his pride at being the reason behind Gong Yoo and Jang Do Yeons meeting.

During one of the shows segments, the host asked Lee Dong Wook if he was upset that his Goblin co-star took a guest spot on Salon Drip. Lee responded that he wasnt upset at all and humorously claimed that it was because of him that Gong Yoo got to meet Jang Do Yeon for the first time.

When asked about his expectations for the number of views, Lee Dong Wook humorously stated that it might be impossible to beat Gong Yoo but expressed gratitude if the views could reach around 2 million. He then inquired if Gong performed the best. Jang Do Yeon, in response, praised Gong Yoo for doing well and acknowledged the importance of having a popular guest like him for the first episode.
In his interview to Network 18s Money Control, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has detailed how the rich learnings of his governments experiences reaping the dividends of inclusive governance at home can offer solutions for the world.

Indeed, Indias presidency of the G20 coincides with the nation emerging as a global bright spot. While this is a fortuitous coming together of dates, Indias global surge isnt accidental.

The policies pursued by the NDA under the stewardship of Prime Minister Modi have been shaped by the guiding philosophy of integral humanism and the concept of Antyodaya (welfare of the poorest). Echoing Deendayal Upadhaya, one of the BJPs founders, the PM has always maintained that the success of economic planning and economic progress will not be judged by those who are at top of the ladder but through the people who are at the lowest rung.

Using digital infrastructure, the NDA has strived to reach the last citizen. Its inclusive initiatives have by and large democratised access to resources and opportunities to address the yawning inequity between the haves and the have-nots. Statistics testify to this. In a little over a decade more than 400 million Indians have been lifted out of poverty through empowering welfarism. Importantly, the Prime Minister never fails to point out that the NDA model is far removed from the economically ruinous dependency creating the revadi model of state patronage. The labarthis (an elegant colloquial name to dignify beneficiaries) who are being drawn into the arc of the NDAs inclusive welfarism have created a virtuous up-cycle of demand-led growth.

But sadly, at the same time, billions around the world (mostly in the Global South) have slipped into indigence. Their problems have exacerbated particularly because the global elites, who are at the core of multilateral institutions like the G20, have failed them. The demise of the post-Cold War US-helmed unipolar world order has meant increased geo-strategic and geo-economic disruption as more powers flex their muscles in the race for dominance. Today, the most steadfast votaries of globalisation have torn up the rulebook taking expedient steps to score points over each other in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Those left behind or abandoned by the global elites are crying out for a third way. It is into this yearning for global leadership that Modi sees a massive role for India. A role which he is keen to personally steer over two days beginning September 9.

In the interview, the Prime Minister summed it up thus, It is well known that we have followed the approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas in our country over the last 9 yearsThis is our guiding principle in global relations as well. Over the last many years, the world had been keenly watching Indias growth across many sectors When we laid out our agenda for the G20, it was welcomed universally, because everyone knew that we would bring our proactive and positive approach to help find solutions for global issues. When global leaders meet me, they are filled with a sense of optimism about India They are also convinced that India has a lot to offer and must play a larger role in shaping the global future.

Indias emergence as a putative fulcrum of global governance has also made it more difficult for Modis detractors, whove criticised the Prime Minister for using the G20 Summit to boost his own image.

While there is no doubting the political dividend when the BJP projects Modis diplomatic accomplishments in election season, the fact is that taking G20 to the masses (200 meetings across 60 cities in all states) is very much in keeping with the aims of deepening the roots of cooperative federalism.

But there also may well be another compelling reason why Modi is personally pushing the broad basing of G20 events under Indias presidency.

By taking diplomacy beyond the starchy precincts of Vigyan Bhawan, the Prime Minister has signalled that he is committed to bringing the masses  in India and abroad  within the fold of global governance decision-making.

For Modi, the peoples G20 presidency is his way of signalling that he has a problem with those who think Dilli is Hindustan.

As I marvelled at the diversity of our vast nation, said Modi to Network 18, there was one common thing that I observed across the country. People of every region and every section of society had a can do spirit. They took on challenges with great resourcefulness and skill. They had great self-belief even amidst adversity. All they needed was a platform that empowered them. Historically, in the circles of power, there was a certain reluctance to think beyond Delhi, particularly Vigyan Bhavan, for hosting national and international meets.

Modis new approach will appeal beyond Indias borders to the malcontents of globalisation  those beyond its pale and those disillusioned by its unkept promises.

Ever since India took over the mantle of the G20 presidency, Modi has refused to be drawn into the clash over Ukraine and by implication the larger tussle for dominating the globe between the US-led Western order and the Russo-Sino axis. Had Modi given in to the pressure to take sides India would have been co-opted by this or that camp and lost credibility. Instead, Modi has championed the need for reforming and reviving global institutions so that they can become more responsive to the needs of the global subaltern.

Institutions that cannot reform with the times, cannot anticipate the future or prepare for it they cannot create any real impact and end up as irrelevant debating clubs. When its seen that institutions cannot act against those who violate the global rules-based order or worse, get hijacked by such entities, they risk losing credibility. There is a need for credible multilateralism powered by institutions that embrace reform and treat various stakeholders with consistency, equality and dignity.

As Modi observes in the interview, A reformed multilateralism also needs to focus on going beyond the institutional sphere to tap into the power of individuals, societies, cultures and civilisations. This can only be done by democratising international relations and by not making government-to-government relations the only medium of contact The interconnected nature of our world today can become a strength for peace and progress if we focus on a people-centric policy.

Indeed, it is largely due to New Delhis persistent call for urgent reform that India is being viewed increasingly by subalterns around the world as most capable of pursuing a humanising global governance aimed at democratising opportunity.

Perhaps in the end analysis, Indias appeal to global constituencies will be the greatest measure of the success of Bharats legacy at the helm of the G20.
Bharat is a nation with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that has been shaped by its ancient history, religions, languages, arts, and traditions. Indias culture is a source of pride and identity for its people and a global attraction for tourists and scholars. However, it has faced many challenges and threats from foreign invasions, colonialism, and modernisation. Many of the cultural symbols and monuments have been damaged, neglected, or destroyed over the centuries. Sadly, past governments led by the Congress turned a deaf ear towards cultural development due to their appeasement politics. Recent derogatory comments made by DMK Leader and rebranded UPA partner, Udhayanidhi Stalin, reflects his lack of appreciation for Sanatana Dharma, our culture, and heritage.

In the last decade, there has been a renewed effort to revive and restore Indias cultural glory, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several projects and initiatives were initiated that aimed to rejuvenate, refurbish, and renovate Indias temples and heritage sites, which are not only places of worship but also centres of education, art, music, dance, and culture. The temples and the heritage sites represent the essence of Indias civilisational legacy and serve as pillars of its cultural identity.

To preserve and promote Indias cultural heritage, the Modi government has initiated various policies and projects since 2014. These include the policies for the restoration and development of cultural sites and monuments, the promotion of traditional arts and crafts, the celebration of cultural festivals and events, and the enhancement of international cooperation and recognition of Indias culture.

The PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) aims to develop and beautify pilgrimage destinations across India by improving the infrastructure, facilities, and services at selected sites. Historical places with a long civilisational history such as Varanasi have experienced tremendous development with the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, which revamped the ghats, roads, and temple complexes. Similarly, the Mahakal Lok project in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and the Maa Kamakhya Corridor in Guwahati, Assam brought a new pilgrimage experience to the devotees and thus helped to boost tourism and local employment.

Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna project, a pilgrim circuit in the Himalayas, was initiated with the aim to connect all four dhams (Gangotri, Yamunothri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath) and involves the construction of highways, tunnels, and railway tracks for around 900 km. The restoration of Kedarnath dham, which got damaged in the 2013 floods and the restoration of Somnath temple in Gujarat reinforces the commitment of the Narendra Modi government towards cultural preservation.

The HRIDAY scheme (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) aims to preserve and revitalise the heritage cities of India by developing their core heritage infrastructure and services. The scheme was implemented in 12 cities namely Ajmer, Amaravati, Amritsar, Badami, Dwarka, Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni and Warangal to restore and beautify the historical monuments and buildings and the development of heritage walk parks and corridors. The HRIDAY scheme is expected to improve the quality of life and environment and improve awareness of the heritage value of the cities.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam was organised by the Ministry of Education in 2022 to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. The month-long programme brought together scholars, experts and practitioners from various fields of knowledge and culture from both regions and facilitated academic exchanges, seminars, discussions and workshops on various topics. It has successfully helped to increase collaboration and cooperation among various institutions and organisations from both regions. Indias cultural heritage has received a significant boost as 251 invaluable antiquities have been repatriated so far, with 238 reclaimed only after 2014. These recoveries reflect the Modi governments strong commitment to safeguard and restore the nations cultural treasures.

The Modi governments work on cultural revival and preservation has not only benefited Indias culture but also its economy, society, and environment. By restoring and developing Indias cultural sites and monuments, the government has created employment opportunities, boosted tourism revenue, enhanced civic pride, fostered social harmony, and raised global awareness. By promoting and supporting Indias traditional arts and crafts, the Indian government has empowered artisans, preserved skills, improved livelihoods, encouraged innovation, and enriched diversity.

By celebrating and showcasing Indias cultural festivals and events, the Modi government has strengthened national unity, promoted regional identity, increased cultural exchange, and inspired creativity. The governments work on cultural revival and preservation is a testament to its vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and its commitment to making India a culturally vibrant and prosperous nation. It is also a tribute to Indias glorious past and a promise for its bright future.

The author is National Member, BJYM Policy Research Training (PRT) division. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Today is September 5, the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, celebrated across the country annually as Teachers Day. Few in the country will recall that today is also the second death anniversary of Keshav Desiraju (1955-2021), the grandson of Dr Radhakrishnan. Keshav suffered a massive acute coronary syndrome early morning on September 5, 2021, and was wheeled to Kauvery Hospital, Chennai. Keshav went to the other world without giving doctors and his well-wishers a chance.

Who Was Keshav?

Humble to the core, multifaceted Keshav held a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Masters degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Governance, Harvard University and at the time of his death was Chairperson of the Governing Board of Population Foundation of India (PFI). An avid reader, researcher and author, Keshavs foremost books were Of Gifted Voice: The Life and Art of MS Subbulakshmi (2020) and Healers or Predators? Healthcare Corruption in India, the later written with S Nundy and Sanjay Nagral.

By vocation, Keshav was a career bureaucrat belonging to the 1978 batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) of Uttar Pradesh cadre (later Uttarakhand) and had myriad accomplishments during his professional life. When Keshav died, obituaries and eulogies poured in from people across all walks of life, including from eminent historian Ram Guha. Yours truly, too, knew Keshav for nearly 15 years (from his days as Additional Chief Secretary at Dehradun) and chipped in with my own version of obituary.

What Made Keshav So Special?

Keshav was special in many ways and has left his footprint in many areas of governance, but his tallest contributions were in the field of public health in general, and mental health in particular. He is accredited with singlehanded heavy lifting with his complete devotion and lesser focused attention, thereby bringing the Gestalt of Mental Health in the country from the complete darkness of black hole to the nations centre stage.

Amongst many stellar contributions of Keshav to the public health arena, the ones which stands tallest is Indias maiden National Mental Health Policy (2014) and Indias own Next Practices (words borrowed from Coimbatore Krishnarao Prahalad, worlds greatest management thinker next only to Peter F. Drucker), Mental health Care Bill, 2013 that was unanimously passed by both Houses of Parliament as Mental Health Care Act, 2017 (MCHA, 2017).

It is the travesty of the nation, that merely after 11 months at the helm of Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Keshav was shifted out controversially because he would not be party to some governmental decision that pricked his conscience. But Keshav, before being booted out, achieved what he had set out to achieve in 2010 as Additional Secretary, and later and Secretary MOH&FW. He gave what India the needed most  MCHA, 2017.

I once asked him what he would like to be most remembered for. And Keshavs humbling answer at once was Mental Health Policy, 2014 and Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

Post-retirement, Keshav continued to work with missionary zeal in the field of mental health, including as member of the governing board of many NGOs, most notably The Banyan, Chennai. Even in retirement, Keshav was brought back by the MOH&FW to head the committee that framed rules and regulations for the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.

Floundered at Implementation

Today, I remember Keshav more than ever and with profound sadness because his babies, National Mental Health Policy, 2013 and Mental Health Care Act, 2017, have not only been slow to take off, but the truth is they have floundered at implementation, having suffered from the implementation bug. Alas! There was only one Keshav Desiraju and the lamp that he lit is in serious trouble of being snuffed out of life fast.

Time to Make Legacy of Keshav Desiraju Permanent

Some spirited individuals and institutions are trying their best to keep the flame that Keshav lit burning and to keep his legacy in the mental health arena alive. Two such institutions are The Banyan, Chennai (turbocharged by inimitable Vandana Gopikumar) and Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, ILS, Pune (and its director Soumitra Pathare). But nation as a whole, including the governance structure of Centre and states, have largely forgotten Keshav and his contribution.

The Mental Health Fire in the Belly of Keshav

The Indian nation is largely unaware as to when and where Keshav Desiraju for the first time publicly took a vow to change the life and times of the mentally-ill in India. As it happened, in many Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities of India, August 6, 2010 was observed as Indias first unofficial Mental Health Awareness Day and the week of August 6-13 as Mental Health Awareness Week. Though the clarion call was given by this author through a one-page signed letter, the successful observance of Indias first Mental Health Awareness Week was in true sense turbo-charged by Vandana Gopikumar and Vaishnavi Jayakumar, co-founders of The Banyan.

As it happened, on August 7, 2010, at The Convention Centre of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) New Delhi, where I had instigated the National Conference titled Bringing the Gestalt of Mental Health to National Mainstream, I wanted Keshav (then Additional Secretary, MOH&FW) to give the keynote address. Unwilling though he was, he came, and before his keynote address, I presented to him my now famous 13-posers as to what government was doing to tame the cancer of mental illness in India.

Keshav humbled the 150-strong audience with his honest admission. Today, I do not have an answer to any of the 13 questions, but I promise to work honestly to find answers to these questions during my tenure at MOH&FW.

And what Keshav did between 2010 and 2014, only he could do, and it has no parallel in the world.

How Can We Make the Legacy of Keshav Permanent

Our real tribute to Keshav will be for the Government of India to declare the Month of August as Indias official Mental Health Awareness Month and August 6 or 7 as Mental Health Awareness Day. And there is a reason for this clarion call. August 6 was the day in 2021 when, in Erwadi Dargah in Ramnathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, 29 chained mentally ill men, women and children were burnt alive.

Make August 6 Indias Mental Health Awareness Day

The world observes October 10 as Mental Health Awareness Day and October as Mental Health Awareness Month. But when it comes to India, that does not resonate. August 6, the Erwadi Memorial Day, deserves to be Indias Mental Health Awareness Day and August the Mental Health Awareness Month. It will also be justice to the missionary zeal of Keshav Desiraju, who on the eve of Erwadi Memorial Day, 2010, took the public vow to bring mental health to the national mainstream.

Taking the Cue from Barack Obama

The Proclamation 9112National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2014 by then US President Barrack Obama said: Despite great strides in our understanding of mental illness and vast improvements in the dialogue surrounding it, too many still suffer in silence. Tens of millions of Americans face mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder. During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to building our understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment, and ensuring those who are struggling to know they are not alone We too often think about mental health differently from other forms of health. Yet like any disease, mental illnesses can be treatedand without help, they can grow worse. That is why we must build an open dialogue that encourages support and respect for those struggling with mental illness.

Now, Therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives, he continued.

An Appeal to PM Modi

Honourable Prime Minister Modi, please give a clarion call, which only you can give, for the nation to observe August 6 as Indias National Mental Health Awareness Day and August as National Mental Health Awareness Month. It will be a tribute to Erwadi Martyrs. It will also be everlasting tribute to the memory of Keshav Desiraju.

Akhileshwar Sahay is a Multidisciplinary Thought Leader with Action Bias, India based International Impact Consultant. He works as President Advisory Services of consulting company BARSYL. Sahay along with Keshav Desiraju was part of the 11-member Government of India Mental Health Policy Group (2011-2014). He also was a member of the first Central Mental Health Authority (CMHA) from 2019 to 2021. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Introduction

Global geopolitics faces complex challenges due to climate change and growing energy, food, and health crises, which often accentuate geopolitical concerns. Along with some of these trajectories, the economic recession, the disruption of supply securitisation due to the outbreak of Covid, and the current war in the Slavic geopolitical space between Moscow and Kyiv further aggravate the security challenges. In addition to some of the above problems, one is witnessing that global geopolitics is facing a grave normative crisis.

In this regard, it is pertinent to mention here that though G20 originally came out to address the global economic crisis, some of the core normative concerns that used to have a determinantal role in shaping global issues like Responsibility to Protect (R2P), questions concerning democracy promotion and multipolarity also took centre stage in the successive G20 Summit meetings.

For instance, in the G20 Summit which took place in Brisbane, Australia, 2014, the volatility of the Crimean crisis marred the Summit meeting. This demonstrates that though it is an economic grouping, the global geopolitical questions directly and indirectly shape the outcome of the G20 Summit meetings. In recent years, the Russia-Ukraine war and addressing the socio-economic concerns in the post-pandemic global order are the two critical components of the G20 agenda. The Bali Summit of G20, which took place in 2022, has also discussed the two issues at length but without a consensus. The cohesiveness of the G20 is also being affected by the strategic development of the Indo-Pacific region, where China is disrupting the status quo with its belligerent move. To some extent, the Taiwan crisis also created much uneasiness within the G20. The effectiveness of the G20, to a large extent, is shaped by how pertinent it is in addressing the normative geopolitical questions.

In this context, there is a need to look at how, under Indias leadership, the G20 group can address some of the issues critical to its functioning. In this regard, it is pertinent to underline that India is not only a voice of the Global South but also emerging as a major global power. Historically, India also played a crucial role in addressing the concerns of third-world countries in the post-World War II phase through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Even in the post-Cold War era, India addressed global issues from a humanist perspective in the framework of the Global South. To an extent, this helped India earn enormous goodwill from the international community.

In this background, it is pertinent to address the question of Indias role in addressing the normative questions affecting the G20. This question assumes importance in the context of Indias assumption of the Presidency of G20. As discussed above, this is also a critical phase when this grouping is deeply divided over the Russia-Ukraine fiasco.

Indias Perspective of Global Normative Order

One moot point of Indias contribution to the normative discourses is how to address the question of equity in international relations. It is worth mentioning that Indian foreign policy rejects the notion of hierarchy in the international order. This is one of its cornerstones. During the Cold War period, India enunciated the strategic doctrine of positive neutrality under the premise of the NAM. In the post-Cold War era, India outlined the doctrine of strategic engagement to the realms of strategic autonomy in foreign policy practices. Despite numerous ups and downs in the international order, India pursues some of these normative idioms in its foreign policy directions. This helps India to play a central role in the global geopolitics.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning that India engages in different multilateral blocs, ranging from Quad, SCO, G20, and BRICS, to ensure a sense of equity in global politics. One may recall that India has also championed the cause of Global South. Its multilateral engagement through the doctrine of strategic autonomy provides much manoeuvring space for negotiation and positive engagement in international relations.

The second core normative objective of Indias foreign policy is peaceful co-existence and the need for a just world order. This is one of the cardinal features of Indias foreign policy. One may recall here that at the height of the Cold War rivalry between the two superpowers  the United States and the former Soviet Union  India underlined the need for peaceful coexistence. At the same time, it always stood for a just world order rooted in the philosophy of Panchsheel as well as the doctrine of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth, One Family, One Future. This is the motto of the G20 Summit under the leadership of India.

In this regard, it is pertinent to mention that both the spiritual philosophy of Panchsheel which also enunciates the middle path as well as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, are the only alternatives to the present crisis in the global order. The COVID-19 experience demonstrates how global cooperation is imperative to address a problem of such magnitude. The age-old Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, at the same time, also provides a normative model to reform global multilateral bodies, thus making them more legitimate. Similarly, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War demonstrates the futility of war, and the issue can only be addressed through mediation as envisaged in Panchsheel.

Another important area of common concern of the global community is climate change and its repercussions. The Indian philosophy of Panchamahabhuta (five elements of nature  Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space) will be the right approach to understanding the current problems Panchamahabhuta addresses a balanced development and stresses the interrelationships and significance of five elements of nature that contribute to sustainable development. Similarly, the United Nations and the countries of the Global South have appreciated Indias approach to addressing climatic concerns and developmental issues.

Some of the above-mentioned normative issues relating to Indias foreign policy can also be recontextualised to provide a new normative framework for the functioning of G20. This is more so as India currently provides leadership to the grouping. In this context, one has to look at how India can play a pivotal role in shaping the normative framework of the G20.

Indias Role in Shaping the Normative Framework of G20

Under the leadership of India, the G20 group is addressing a host of issues ranging from global economic restructuring, supply securitisation to digitalisation, etc. In this regard, it is necessary to underline that the priority areas for G20 under Indias leadership, as has been argued by the G20 Development Working Group (DWG), are: green development, climate finance, women-led development, Lifestyles for Environment (LiFE), data for development, digital transformations, and reform of multilateral institutions. All these priority areas are closely linked to the normative framework of Indias foreign policy, i.e., Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. In this context, one can argue that a holistic perspective on G20s vision has been articulated under Indias leadership.

Inclusive Economic Growth and Global Economy

Indias approach has been of an inclusive economic growth for the G20 countries and the global economy, which is necessary to address the financial crisis being confronted by the global economy in the post-Covid era. In this context, India highlights the need for supply chain securitisation to ensure balanced economic growth. Because of the slowdown of the global economy, the debt crisis of the countries of the Global South has been aggravated. In this regard, the finance ministers and governors of reserve banks of G20 countries, in their latest meeting in July 2023, have deliberated on how to strengthen multilateral coordination to effectively address the deteriorating debt situation and facilitate coordinated debt treatment for debt-distressed countries. The meeting has also acknowledged the transformative role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in rapidly advancing financial inclusion and productivity gains.

Some of the discussions mentioned above can be considered as a step towards inclusive growth of the global community and very much rooted in Indias philosophical doctrine as discussed above.

Realising the SDG and Normative Framework of G20

Another area where the present G20 Summit is putting much interest is the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). In this regard, the SDG provides for inclusive and comprehensive growth for developing countries, addressing concerns relating to climate change, poverty mitigation, health security and ensuring a sustainable energy transition. G20, under its scope of operation, has committed to ensuring that the SDG goals, as enunciated by the United Nations (UN), can be effectively synchronised with the G20 goals. The same has been outlined at the Varanasi Development Ministerial Meetings G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the SDGs. The main issue the meeting highlighted is promoting individual and collective actions for strategic and targeted policies for equitable, strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive economic growth to fuel progress towards the SDGs including, by addressing the bottlenecks in financing, especially for developing countries, through international efforts and continuing to improve mobilisation of finance from all sources.

From the above action plan, it can be inferred that the SDG goals can be realised only through the involvement of multiple stakeholders. In this regard, the G20, under Indias Presidency, has been interested in addressing the developing worlds concerns. This reflects the dynamism of Indias leadership in the G20.

Sustainable Energy Security, Energy Equity and the G20

Another contentious issue that will be discussed at the forthcoming G20 Summit is the question of climate change, energy security and energy transition. The recent war between Russia and Ukraine showed the volatility of the international energy market. The repercussion of the same was felt by both developed and developing countries. In this context, the war has exposed the vulnerability of supply securitisation in energy. Another aspect that must be addressed is ensuring energy storage and smooth energy transition. The problem is further aggravated for the developing countries. Thus, the Summit will address the concerns of the developing countries as well as provide an appropriate forum to discuss the issues relating to clean energy, low-cost finance of energy transition, as well an emphasis on accessing affordable energy.

It may be underlined that Indias approach to energy security, which emphasises inclusive and sustainable energy transition, can be a practical framework to address the energy concerns of the Global South. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Green Hydrogen are two significant contributions of India to the global energy transition and can effectively address the global energy crisis. As reported, under Indias initiative, efforts are also being made to provide technological assistance to the Global South countries. Hopefully, the forthcoming G20 Delhi Summit will delve into the issues of finance and technical assistance to the developing countries for global sustainable development.

Membership of the African Union in G20

One of the most interesting aspects of the G20 is that under Indias initiative, the African Union, consisting of 54 African member countries, will join the G20 as permanent members. Before this, only South Africa from the African continent was part of the grouping. In this regard, it can be stated that the African Union is emerging as a major geopolitical frontier in the 21st century. Though this geopolitical space has been rife with a new kind of strategic competition between the US and China. In this context, getting membership in the G20 will allow African countries to take advantage of the collaboration with other countries in various spheres ranging from energy transition to technological collaboration.

Global Geopolitical Crisis and G20 Agenda

One of the most contentious issues influencing the G20 Summit is the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war affecting global geopolitics. One may recall that this is the most contentious issue in the present context. Western countries who are part of the grouping are pitching for a stronger resolution against Russia in the G20 Declaration. This may create a new challenge for the forthcoming Summit. Achieving a consensus on Ukraine, however, is a distant dream.

In this regard, one may underline that Indias approach to a dialogue between Russia and Ukraine is the only solution to end the war between these Slavic brothers. Similarly, the Taiwan Strait crisis and the aggressive policy of China in the Indo-Pacific region may also sharpen the geopolitical flux of this region. Along with this, the disruption of securitisation of the supply of essential commodities might also shape the geopolitical dynamics of this region. The global economic recession may also shape the geopolitical dynamics, and this issue may receive considerable attention in the forthcoming Summit. Some of these issues will add a new kind of geopolitical dynamism to the functioning of the G20.

Conclusion

Indias normative foreign policy framework provides a blueprint for the G20 to achieve its goals. It is pertinent to highlight that some of the normative goals, like peaceful coexistence, sustainable development, concerns for the Global South, energy transition, and LiFE, are some of the core concerns of Indias foreign policy. Over the years, India has given the Global South a voice in the G20 meetings. Indias age-old normative values can provide a necessary impetus to the functioning of the G20 Summit. This justifies Indias role in global geopolitics as Vishwaguru.

The author teaches at the School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Even as Prime Minister Modi is hosting the G20 Summit in a grand way (from September 9-10) with major global leaders, he made it a point to embark upon a two-day visit to Indonesia from today to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit. The two summits will be hosted in Jakarta by Indonesia, the current Chair of ASEAN.

For India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), this summit will be the first since the two decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership (2022). Apart from the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with ASEAN per se, which is also critical to the promulgation of its Act East policy, PM Modi also wished to honour his host and friend, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who will be coming to New Delhi for the G20 Summit after hosting it in 2022, when he handed over the baton to PM Modi.

I remember attending a CII Conference in the 1990s when the then Prime Minister of Singapore was a keynote speaker and I distinctly recall his words that India only looked to the West and had not been as keen to engage with its natural habitat  the East. Happily, Indian attention veered towards the East and the ASEAN that has, in terms of internal integration, achieved significant success through consensus.

The trajectory of cooperation is pretty impressive. Starting as Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 1992 and then Full Dialogue Partner, India and ASEAN became strategic partners by the time they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their collaboration. By the time they finished 25 years, they had already decided to enhance collaboration in the maritime domain which is a critical element in the ever so accentuated geo dynamic of the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

India continues to believe and propagate that ASEANs centrality to the Indo-Pacific, for peace or development, remains the cornerstone of its regional engagement.

Another milestone was the 30th anniversary in November 2022 when at the 19th ASEAN-India Summit, the Strategic Partnership was elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a Joint Statement on ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was released. Three decades may not be a long time but the institutional and dialogue mechanisms that have been created in regional and bilateral formats attest to the importance that the two attach, from security to economy to political consultations to defence to cultural to P2P engagement to counter-terrorism and cyber security, S&T etc. Even within the context of QUAD, the provision of vaccines manufactured in India would be for the ASEAN and other regional countries.

Institutional mechanisms are robust and responsive. There is a Foreign Ministers Meeting format (AIFMM) as well as that of the Senior Officials one (AISOM) apart from several working groups. All these culminate in the leadership ASEAN-India Summit. Delhi Dialogue hosted by Indias External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, further enhances engagement with ASEAN countries. In particular, India regularly participates in the meetings of the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting+ (ADMM+) and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) meetings and its supporting processes. PM Modi had also invited all the ASEAN leaders as special and chief guests on Republic Day to underscore the importance India attaches to the ASEAN and its Act East policy.

Indias engagement with the ASEAN has been driven by key objectives of enhancing connectivity between India and ASEAN in the broadest sense of the term (physical, digital, people-to-people, business etc.); strengthening the ASEAN organisation; and expanding practical cooperation in the maritime domain. ASEAN countries like Myanmar and Thailand have been key to the physical connectivity and blending of the Act East policy with the Neighbourhood First policy, especially through the BIMSTEC and various connectivity corridors which have acquired greater momentum as the China-India-Pakistan dynamic remains adversarial and on tenterhooks.

Apart from strategic considerations, trade and economic exchanges continue to be the driving force. India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement was one of the first to be signed and is now being reviewed to expand its functionality and utility. Therefore, the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA, signed 2009, in force 1 January 2010); the ASEAN-India Agreement for Trade in Services (AITISA, signed 2014, all parties ratified it in 2018) and the Agreement on Investment (signed 2014, has been finalised, ratified by all parties) have become major institutional frameworks for economic engagement. Bilateral trade for the first time crossed the $100 billion mark with 2021-22 recording $110.4 billion even as the balance of trade remained in favour of ASEAN. This aspect is often discussed during the Economic Ministers meetings as well as the high-level interactions to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. Likewise, greater efforts are being made to enhance investments which remained rather low during the two decades (2000-2019)  only a total of $118 billion, of which $115 billion came in from Singapore alone which is an offshore destination for major FDIs.

Moreover, these ten ASEAN countries have close and even controversial and conflictual relationships with China, dictated by geography and Beijings hegemonistic tendencies in the South China Sea. There are dependencies and realpolitik, hence they mostly follow pragmatic policies. They even joined the China-led RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement) from which India opted out due to strategic considerations. Recent cartographic aggression by China (new maps) has engineered more distrust among India and many of the ASEAN countries on whose sovereignty the Chinese hegemony and aggression tend to trample. This provides coagulating contours for the India-ASEAN partnership. ASEAN is also facing challenges from within, with the unsalutary and challenging developments and democracy deficit in Myanmar, which impact on its unified group image.

Indias commitment to deepening the historic ties with ASEAN is governed by 3 Cs  Commerce, Connectivity and Culture, and if one adds the potential conflict with another C in the region, it should make them obvious natural partners for a dynamic regional balance.

PM Modi will discuss all the sub-regional, regional and global issues of mutual concern with the ASEAN leaders at the bilateral, and at the East Asia Summit with other leaders, many of whom will head to New Delhi for the G20 Summit and will contribute to the most important outcomes that will impact on global wellbeing and welfare, especially that of the Global South, which India so avidly champions including the converting of G20 into G21 by permanent membership of African Union (AU).

Anil Trigunayat is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and currently Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Entergy Louisiana representatives, local officials and community leaders gathered today (Aug 30) in Broussard to celebrate the opening of a new operations hub aimed at providing exceptional electric service to Acadiana customers.

The new state-of-the-art Broussard service center connects various departments, such as power deliver and customer service, to create a more efficient and seamless operation to help meet customers' expectations.

About 80 employees, ranging from engineering and design to distribution line work will be based out of the approximately 63,000-square-foot campus along Highway 90 East. The campus will serve nearby cities and towns including Broussard, Youngsville, Maurice and some residents near St. Martinville and Greater Lafayette.

"We're excited to announce the completion of the Broussard service center as it adds strength and resilience to our operations in Acadiana," said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. "This was not only an investment in our workforce, but also in an investment in Broussard and the communities we serve in the area."

"On behalf of the City of Broussard, I welcome the new Entergy service center," said Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque. "The company's vision to provide this level of customer service along Broussard's Highway 90 business corridor is aligned with our projected future growth. I thank Entergy for choosing to locate in our great city."

Entergy purchased the property in Broussard, encompassing eight buildings, in 2021. Facilities were renovated to include an open office area, meeting rooms, storeroom and lay down yard, among other features.

The service center building is rated to withstand winds of up to 140 mph and has a reinforced storm room for employees to use during times of severe weather. It was also outfitted with a generator and redundant fiber to ensure business continuity following storm impacts.

This investment supports economic development in the Acadiana region and will make our company and communities more resilient during times of severe weather.

About Entergy Louisiana

Entergy Louisiana, LLC provides electricity to more than 1.1 million customers in 58 parishes and natural gas service to approximately 95,000 customers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy, visit the Newsroom.
A team of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists visited the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Moreover, on his visit to Pournamikavu, Bhadrakali Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, ISRO Chairman S Somanath also reiterated that he is on a journey to explore both science and spirituality. As if all of that wasnt enough, India decided to name the landing point of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft the Shiv Shakti point. Hence, the self-proclaimed warriors of reason and rationality, most of whom presumably struggled to pass high school physics, suddenly found it necessary to sermonise the ISRO scientists on how to science; sparking the age-old debate about whether scientific progress needs to be intertwined with the spiritual prowess, or whether a secular country like India should be choosing names like the Shiv Shakti point.

A cursory understanding of both science and spirituality might give the illusion of separation; however, a deeper look reveals that the debate itself is quite irrelevant, at least in the Indian context, and demonstrates a lack of exposure to the rich tradition of science and spirituality leading each other throughout Indian history.

The tradition goes as long back as the Rig Veda, where the Hymn of Creation (Book 10 Hymn 129) discusses scepticism at knowing exactly what existed at the beginning of existence.

It states: Then was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it.

What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?

He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,

Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.

Yes, that is a supposedly religious text teaching the highest levels of scientific inquiry. Ayurveda further contains surgical procedures and modes of synthesis and administering of drugs for specific types of diseases. The four major Sulba Sutras, attributed to Baudhayana, Manava, Apastamba and Katyayana, arguably contain the first ever mention of the Pythagorean triplets which were used to construct fire-altars at the temples. Moreover, one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of mathematics, i.e. the creation of zero as a number in its own right, is rooted in the spiritual wisdom of India which embraced the concept of nothingness. The concept of zero is essential to a system thats at the basis of modern computing, binary numbers, which basically helped shape the modern world.

The ancient Hindu texts, curiously enough, delve deep into the debates of human consciousness, the ego and the self; also providing insights into the forces of nature that constitute the very fabric of our reality. Advaita Vedanta emphasises the concept of oneness or non-duality (Advaita), where the ultimate reality (Brahman) is considered a single, interconnected consciousness that underlies all of existence. The Spandakarika, one of the essential texts of Kashmiri Shaivism, discusses vibration or sound inside the Divine, a throb which constitutes both the objective exterior reality and the subjective world. A deeper look at the subatomic world today reveals that all matter is just energy pulsating, vibrating at different frequencies. The cosmic dance of Shiva is symbolic of a pulsating process of creation and destruction which, for modern physicists, is the dance of subatomic matter, the basis of all existence and of all-natural phenomena. That is the reason that a statue of Lord Nataraja stands tall at the CERN facility in Geneva, where scientists observe the dance of the subatomic particles day in and out.

So, when India names the landing point on the moon Shiv Shakti, it is a tribute to the thousands of years old tradition of seeking to understand the forces and phenomena that constitute reality.

This conflict between scientific progress and spiritual seeking arose in the West where, at the time of Renaissance, the church saw the age of reason as an assault on its authority. Galileo Galilei, Giordano Bruno, and Giuseppe Pontremoli are a few names among many who directly or indirectly faced persecution for supposedly challenging conventional beliefs. Even in Western traditions, there were a few thinkers who sought to combine these elements; Baruch Spinoza is one such prominent name in this regard, who also influenced the views of Albert Einstein.

In a relatively recent day and age, Srinivasa Ramanujan took this tradition to new heights. One of the greatest mathematicians of all times, he was able to publish about 4,000 theorems without any formal training in mathematics, attributing this knowledge to the divine providence of Mahalakshmi of Namakkal, a family goddess whom he looked to for inspiration.

The Missile Man of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, who was also instrumental in bringing about the Indian space program, was the epitome of a spiritual technocrat. In Wings of Fire, he writes, I have always been a religious person with the sense that I maintain a working partnership with God. In one of his books, he writes that whenever he couldnt find a solution to a problem, he would get it during the prayer of Fajr.

For the uninitiated, the works of Swami Vivekananda can provide deeper insights into the intricacies of practical spirituality, introducing Indian philosophies, including Vedanta, to the Western world. Many Western writers including Alan Watts and Fritjof Capra have kindled a renewed interest in this blend of ancient Eastern philosophies with modern science.

So, when ISRO scientists visit the temples before a launch or a point is named Shiv Shakti on the moon, the ensuing debates either come from a colonial perspective or through ignorance of ancient Indic heritage. Chandrayaan-3 isnt an isolated event but rather a continuation of Indias age-old quest for understanding the cosmos. Like Aryabhatta and Charaka before, it symbolises the contemporary pursuit of knowledge flowing seamlessly from Indias rich tradition.

The debate between science and spirituality is irrelevant in India, where both have been intertwined for centuries. As we celebrate Chandrayaan-3s achievements, we must also celebrate the enduring harmony between scientific exploration and spiritual contemplation that defines Indias unique intellectual heritage. This legacy stands as a potent reminder that science and spirituality can coexist, enriching our understanding of both the physical world and the inner self.

The author takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. He is a proponent of religious reform and identifies himself as an Indic Muslim exploring Vedic knowledge and cultural heritage through music. When he is not writing columns, he enjoys playing drums and performing raps. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Shiv Sena UBT leader and former cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday came down heavily on the ruling Mahayuti government (Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis-Ajit Pawar alliance) in Maharashtra over last weeks Jalna incident where police resorted to lathicharge on Maratha community members protesting to demand reservation.

ALSO READ | Maratha Protesters Started Jalna Violence, Had to Resort to Lathicharge to Control Them: Police

Thackeray, who was leading the Shiv Sena UBT delegation, met Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais and submitted a written application seeking intervention on the issue of reservation and strict action against officials involved in the lathicharge.

Addressing the press after the meeting, Thackeray said, I have closely seen how the CMs office works. Without an order from the CM or home minister, the police dont take such a harsh action. Still, we are of the opinion that this action was because the state government was planning a programme in the same district and didnt want this agitation to continue. Maharashtra should know who the General Dyer, who gave these orders, is.

General Dyer blocked the only entrance to Jallianwala Bagh and ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed civilians, leading to the massacre.

In the meeting with the Governor, the Shiv Sena UBT delegation demanded that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Devendra Fadnavis resign from the post and take the responsibility for the Jalna incident.

Thackeray also said, Although we have met the Governor and have requested him to take action against this government and officials involved in the incident, we know what will happen. A committee will get constituted, some officials will be suspended, but no real action will be taken. We are still hopeful that the Governor will do something in this regard.

ALSO READ | Sharad Pawar Rubbing Salt in the Wounds of Marathas: Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) on Jalna Lathicharge

Shiv Sena UBT leader and leader of opposition in Maharashtra Council Ambadas Danve told reporters: Home minister Devendra Fadnavis apologised for the Jalna incident, but gave the example of the Govari stampede during the Congress regime in 1994, in which 114 people from the community were killed and 500 more injured. Let me remind him that the then minister of tribal department, Madhukar Pichad, had resigned from the post over the incident. In this violence, approximately 350 villagers were beaten up by the police. There are reports that police also entered the houses of people and beat them up. The first action should be against police officers.

Danve further added: This government had announced an allotment of Rs 2,200 crore for the SARTHI scheme for the Maratha community. According to our information, only Rs 34 crore have been allotted till date, which clearly shows their intention.
Actress-turned-politician Divya Spandana is alive and on a tour in Geneva, Karnataka-based reports stated after news of her death began trending on social media.

Spandana, also known as Ramya, reportedly said that she had been receiving phone calls ever since the rumours of her demise went viral. A few journalists spoke to Spandana and confirmed that the actor was alive.

Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you. #DivyaSpandana, Dhanya Rajendran said in a post on X.

Journalist Chitra Subramaniam too posted on X that Ramya will be in Prague on Thursday, and will soon return to Bengaluru.

I just spoke to @divyaspandana Shes well. En route to Prague tomorrow and the to Bangalore. Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 6, 2023

Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore.  pic.twitter.com/1kN5ybEHcD Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 6, 2023

Tamil Nadu Congress too clarified that Ramya was absolutely fine.

Our beloved Former Social Media Chairperson Ms. @divyaspandana is ABSOLUTELY FINE. Rumors and some TV channel news are 100% WRONG. #Verified #DivyaSpandana pic.twitter.com/VuBvwhCzrP KTL (@K_T_L) September 6, 2023

There was no information regarding how the rumours spread but a few supporters on social media wondered if it was due to Divya sharing her name with prominent Kannada actor-director Vijay Raghavendras wife Spandana. The actors wife passed away in Bangkok last month.

Its not her who passed away, Kannada actor Vijay Raghavendras wife Spandana who passed away. Not to post anything you know. Its misleading the audience and getting reach in worst way for media.#Divyaspandana #FakeNews copied pic.twitter.com/woHE8jgOrl  Amal Krishna (@iamamalkrishna) September 6, 2023

Quitting films over 10 years ago, the Kannada actor joined the Youth Congress in 2012 and served as the social media head of the Congress. Spandana has been credited with boosting the grand old party and former president Rahul Gandhis social media image. She stepped down from the post in 2018 after her role was reportedly downsized.
Delhi is fully prepared to welcome delegates from around the world for the G20 Summit, Minister Atishi said on Wednesday and asserted that the national capitals revamped infrastructure will leave a lasting impression on the guests.

Addressing a press conference, her Cabinet colleague Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the rehearsals for the summit on Monday were conducted unannounced, leading to problems for commuters.

He said Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena should have planned better for it.

There was no immediate reaction from the Lt Governors Office or the Delhi Police to the allegations.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Atishi said all preparations to welcome the G20 Summit guests in Delhi have been completed.

It is a matter of pride for our country that heads of state from various nations will be attending the G20 Summit in India. The government is confident that Delhi will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting impression on these esteemed delegates, she said.

Noting that the preparations have been in progress for several years, with multiple agencies and governments working together to give Delhi a remarkable makeover, she commended the Centre for the summit venue.

The Centre has constructed the magnificent ITPO Complex in the past four to five years where the G20 Summit will take place. It is now ready to welcome guests from various nations, Atishi added.

She also highlighted the construction of an integrated transit corridor around the complex, which not only addresses long-term traffic issues in the area but also ensures the safe movement of delegates during the G20 Summit. The project was funded by the Centres ITPO (India Trade Promotion Organisation) and executed by the city governments public works department.

Notably, the main tunnel in this corridor, from India Gate to Ring Road, directly accesses the ITPO Complex and features five underpasses connected to it. This corridor stands as an engineering marvel as it was constructed simultaneously with the ITPO Complex, without causing any disruption, she said.

Talking about the redevelopment and beautification of several major road stretches in the national capital, Atishi said these were redesigned to European standards in recent years.

These redesigned road stretches include an area of the Ring Road from the airport to Central Delhi, Aurobindo Marg, Vikas Marg, Lodhi Road and Rajghat that will not only extend a warm welcome to the G20 guests but also remain as enduring infrastructure landmarks in Delhi, the minister added.

Bhairon Marg, adjacent to ITPO, has also undergone a redesign and beautification process.

In total, 10 new roads have been laid across key areas for the G20 (Summit), encompassing Bhairon Marg, Purana Quila Road, Ullan Batar Marg, Mathura Road, Mehrauli Badapur Road, JB Tito Marg, IP flyover to the Hanuman Setu area on Ring Road, Mall Road to the Kingsway Camp area, Netaji Subash Chandra Marg, and IP flyover to the Bhairon Marg area on Ring Road, she said.

Atishi added that besides road development, extensive beautification work has been carried out by the Delhi government. These include the installation of 31 statues and 90 fountains on public works department roads, the planting of 1.65 lakh plants and the installation of decorative lighting, among others.

Providing additional details on the preparations undertaken by the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Urban Development Minister Bharadwaj said the civic body has rejuvenated various markets in Delhi, including South Extension Market Part 1-2, Lajpat Nagar Market, PVR Anupam Cinema Market, Saket, RK Puram and the Char Minar Park-Mahipalpur area.

Asked about dengue data not being released by the civic body, the AAP leader said, We will talk to the MCD on this. The data is available on the public portal. We have reserved some beds for dengue patients in hospitals. Once the G20 Summit concludes, we will launch a campaign to spread awareness among people about dengue and how to stop its spread. In response to a question on the carcade rehearsals and the resulting traffic snarls on Monday, Bharadwaj alleged that these were conducted unannounced.

The rehearsals were (supposed) to be conducted on Saturday and Sunday but were held on Monday and the people of Delhi were not informed about it, he said.

Personnel from police stations were deployed in security arrangements for the G20 Summit, he said.

I believe paramilitary personnel such as the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) should have been deployed in security arrangements. I feel that the lack of planning in police and traffic police bandobast (arrangement) has been revealed. It could have been planned in a better way so that Delhi people faced no inconvenience, he said.

He also took a dig at Saxena, saying he should have planned better for this.

The L-G (Lt Governor) is inspecting PWD roads, which is the responsibility of PWD Minister Atishi while no one is ready to take responsibility for police and traffic police that come under the L-Gs purview, Bhardwaj charged.

Meanwhile, the BJPs Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva said Delhiites know that 95 per cent of G20-related infrastructure development was done using central funds.

The only visible contribution of Atishis PWD is the illegal sheesh mahal built for Arvind Kejriwal. Saurabh Bharadwaj should tell the name of at least one market beautified by the MCD in the last nine months, he said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday condemned the central governments alleged move to rename India as Bharat, and said that it was a part of the repeated nefarious attempts by the ruling regime to destroy the nations pluralism.

Vijayan, in a statement, said that any political decision should not be against the interests of the nation. In the present case, the alleged move to rename the country is undemocratic and unconstitutional, he said.

Questioning why the Centre is afraid of the word India, he demanded that the central government withdraw the steps taken by it to change the name of the country.

The Kerala CM also urged the people to protest together against such narrow-minded politics.

He said that Article 1 of the Constitution itself refers to our nation as India that is Bharat. Similarly, the preamble of the Constitution begins with the words We the people of India. However, what the Centre is attempting now is the removal of the word India through a constitutional amendment, Vijayan alleged.

A political storm was kicked off in the country after invitations for a G20 dinner were sent out on behalf of President Droupadi Murmu describing her position as President of Bharat instead of the customary President of India.

Referring to it, Vijayan said it was the prelude to the removal of the word India.

Why this contempt and fear of the word India? There is a deliberate attempt to erase even the spirit nurtured in children through the Pledge: India is my country; all Indians are my brothers and sisters, he said.

Political decisions should never be contrary to the foundational ideals of our nation. This dubious attempt is undemocratic and unconstitutional, he added.
Amid the opposition battling the anti-Hindu tag, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs remarks over some Hindu temples asking men to remove their shirt and wear an angavastra has set off a new controversy. He recalled how he once refused to enter a temple in Kerala when he was asked to remove his shirt and called it an inhuman practice and an insult to god.

I had once gone to a temple in Kerala, where they asked me to remove my shirt and enter. I told them I will not enter the temple and pray from outside. They were not asking everyone to remove their shirts, but just a few. This practice is inhumane All are equal for god, Siddaramaiah said during the celebrations for the 169th birth anniversary of social reformer Narayana Guru.

The opposition front, INDIA, has been in the eye of a storm since DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalins comments on Sanatana Dharma, which were followed by Karnataka home minister G Parameshwaras remarks on the origins of Hinduism.

Several temples in south India require men to remove their shirt before going near the sanctum sanctorum. They can wear angavastra, which is a shoulder cloth or a stole-like cloth. Prominent temples like Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kuke Subramanya and Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy temples in Karnataka as well as Mantralayam Temple in Andhra Pradesh follow this practice.

The BJP hit out at Siddaramaiah and called this a continuation of his anti-Hindu stance. The Congress has always been anti-Hindu; just to please a community they give such statements. When you go to temples in Kerala, youre not supposed to wear shirts; that has been there for 1,000 years and we are following it. Some of the temples are now restricting jeans and shorts. Earlier, we would wear dhoti. So, there should be some dress code, said PC Mohan, Bengaluru Central MP from the saffron camp.

During Siddaramiahs first tenure as chief minister, the BJP had accused him of eating meat before visiting the Dharmasthala temple in 2017.
In a sharp response to a letter by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi urged the Congress, along with the other opposition parties, to stop making a hue and cry over the special session of Parliament called by the Centre from September 18-22.

ALSO READ | Womens Bill-Power Can Make BJP Stronger. Also, No Party Can Oppose It

The prerogative to call the special session of Parliament was that of the government. The procedure was followed. The government sought the approval of the President of Bharat. After her approval, the session was announced," Joshi said.

Joshis letter came in response to a letter Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, asking about the agenda of the special session and demanding a discussion on issues, including price rise, unemployment, caste census, Manipur violence and the India-China border dispute.

Yet another desperate attempt by Sonia Gandhi and the Congress Party to create an issue out of nothing.The government has convened the session as per the provisions of the constitution and the due procedure has been followed.        pic.twitter.com/cNIwvEzA2c  Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 6, 2023

This government and several governments of the Opposition parties, in the past, are aware of the procedures by which the list of businesses is announced. No agenda can be declared in advance as per the Parliamentary procedureWe will make public what is going to happen during the five days of session at an appropriate time," Joshi said.

All issues that were raised by the Opposition parties, including Manipur, have already been replied to by the prime minister during the reply to the no-confidence motion which was moved in the last monsoon session of Parliament," he said.

Recently, through a post on X, previously Twitter, Joshi had informed that the government has decided to call a special session of Parliament.

How much will you mislead Joshi-avare?On each and every occasion of a Special Session/Sitting, the agenda was well known in advance. It is only the Modi government that routinely disrespects Parliament and distorts Parliamentary conventions. Past governments, including https://t.co/BTlNBb4MzO  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 6, 2023

Since then, several reports have been doing the rounds in media circles about what could come up in the five days. From reports that the government may bring a bill on one country, one election, to a bill to change Indias name to Bharat and womens reservation bill, several discussions have happened.

However, so far no official confirmation has come from the government on these bills.

After the announcement of the session, the opposition parties got together on Tuesday evening at the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge to strategise, after which Gandhi shot off the letter.
Android 14 release seems to have been pushed to next month, and reports suggest Google could bring the new version with the Pixel 8 series at the launch event on October 4. Android 14 beta version has been out for a while, and many expect the stable version to be rolled out for the eligible devices sometime this month.

But Google has delayed the release of the source code for Android 14, which allows other phone brands to start building their own flavours of Android 14. With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones launching in less than a month, it is possible that Google will use the platform to publicly announce Android 14 for smartphones.

It will be the first time when a new Android version will be released on the day the new Pixel phones come out. Android 14 did get a head start earlier this year when the first beta version for developers was rolled out ahead of schedule, which indicated that Google might be preparing for an earlier-than-expected public release.

But since then the Android 14 beta versions have gone through their usual processes which seems to have hit roadblocks, forcing Google to pause the rollout this month. Brands like OnePlus confirmed that their stable Android 14 version will be offered this month, so it remains to be seen if OnePlus will be able to stick to its timeline after these new developments.

Having said that, none of the details given in the report are official, so it is possible that Google will quash these rumours and manage to release the public version of Android 14 this month itself before the new Pixel 8 phones are officially announced.

Android 14 is unlikely to see major design UI changes compared to the previous version. It will continue to focus on privacy and user security with new tools that help people feel safe about using an Android phone. The Pixel 8 series is launching on October 4 at an in-person event in New York, where we will also get to see the Pixel Watch 2. All three products are expected to launch in India.
The government has launched the highly anticipated G20 India Mobile App, a comprehensive digital platform, to provide users an immersive and informative experience for the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. The app boasts of a range of features to make the G20 Summit accessible to the global audience and enhance the experience for participants and foreign delegates.

ALSO READ | G20 Summit: How the Group Functions? What are Sherpa Track and Finance Track | Explained

The app, by the Ministry of External Affairs, is available for both Android and iPhone users on their respective app stores. During a media briefing, officials told News18 that till Tuesday, 15,000 users had downloaded the app, but it is highly possible that the number may have jumped to 25,000 now. This app will function till the end of Indias G20 presidency.

One of the standout features of the G20 India Mobile App is its multilingual support. Users can find five official United Nations languages  English, Hindi, German, Japanese and Portuguese  ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse international audience.

LOGO, THEME AND HOST CITIES

The app offers a wealth of information about the G20 Summit and Indias presidency, including details about the summits logo, theme and host cities. Users can also access pages dedicated to each G20 leader, complete with their official websites, allowing for a deeper understanding of their policies and initiatives.

For those interested in the substantive work of the G20, the app provides detailed information about the various workstreams and engagement groups involved in the summit. This feature enables users to explore the specific areas of focus and engagement within the G20 framework. It offers insights into the G20 Secretariat and provides contact points for engagement groups, facilitating seamless communication and coordination among stakeholders.

VIRTUAL TOURS; HIGHLIGHTS

Users can stay updated with the G20 India event calendar and access virtual tours via the app. The navigation option will help the foreign delegates select the start and end points which will help them find the route to a specific destination inside the Bharat Mandapam. Furthermore, the app includes an Explore India option which will be useful to know about the diverse culture, architecture and achievements of India.

A comprehensive media and resources section within the app offers press releases, official documents, speeches, delegate experiences, photos, videos, and more. Users can stay connected with the G20 India story through this feature.

The Whats New section keeps users informed about the latest updates and developments related to the G20 Summit. Similarly, the Jan Bhagidari feature encourages public engagement and participation in the G20 process. The app provides a user-friendly registration and accreditation system, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees and participants.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an interaction with the Council of Ministers meeting, has urged all ministers to download the mobile app ahead of the G20 summit. He said the G20 app would help the ministers interact with foreign delegates seamlessly.
In a new Best Phones Forever ad, Google has acknowledged that the Apple iPhone 15 series is set to receive USB-C when it launches on September 12. The ad features a Google Pixel 7 and what could be interpreted as an iPhone, enjoying a spa day together. This ad, primarily intended for fun, focuses on the theme of the upcoming launch events: Apples Wonderlust event on September 12, followed by Googles in-person event on October 4where they will reveal the new Pixel 8 phones.

This isnt the first time weve seen phone companies take a playful jab at each other, all in good spirits, of course. However, this particular ad seems to confirm that Apples iPhone 15 models will finally transition to USB-C.

In the ad, the iPhone says, Now it seems like every time I turn around, phones like you are doing things I cant, like unblurring old photos, answering unknown calls with AI and live translating messages. Its exhausting but Ive still got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Pixel replies, Like what?"

Thats under wraps, but lets just say you will be USB-C-ing soon!" iPhone hints with this subtle pun.

Then Pixel drops the details when it says, Are you getting USB-C charging?"

iPhone then says, how did you know?"

Considering that Google has made a playful ad centered around USB-C and poking fun at the iPhone, it more or less confirms that USB-C could be coming. As competitors fighting for market share, its unlikely that Google would create an ad discussing an upcoming feature without having some insider information first.

Additionally, various industry insiders and analystsincluding Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloombergs Mark Gurmanhave made similar claims over the past year.

At the Apple event on September 12, alongside the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone maker is also expected to launch the new Apple Watch Series 9 and the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra. They may even unveil a new USB-C version of the AirPods Pro charging case.
In just over 10 days, the 2023 World Manufacturing Convention will kick off in Hefei. What are the highlights and attractions of this convention? On September 5th, the Information Office of Anhui Provincial People's Government held a press conference in Beijing. The number of participating companies, exhibition area, and the degree of market-oriented operation of this convention will set new records. The main exhibition hall will cover 20,000 square meters, with a market-oriented exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, showcasing the latest representative achievements in the global manufacturing sector, such as quantum computers, power rockets, 600 km/hour maglev trains, superconducting cyclotron proton therapy systems, 80,000-ton die forging presses and the nation's first industrial internet platform with large modeling capabilities  the "Ling Yang 3.0" platform. The convention's framework is set up according to "1+6+11+21+21", i.e., one opening ceremony and main forum, six "600" project docking activities, 11 themed activities, 21 forum activities, and 21 activities held by various cities. The richness of activities is the most in history. The internationalization level of this conference will be further enhanced, with invitations extended to more than 1,200 important guests from the global manufacturing sector, including foreign politicians, diplomatic envoys in China, heads of international organizations, and more than 300 foreign representatives from over 60 Fortune 500 companies and multinational corporations such as Volkswagen, Siemens, Continental Group, Air Liquide, and Corning. This year will also see the first "Entering Europe" series of activities, promoting the convention and attracting projects in Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and other countries. Since 2018, the national relevant ministries and commissions, units, and the Anhui provincial government have jointly successfully held five World Manufacturing Conventions, with a total of 14,824 guest visits, signing 3,021 projects, and a total of over one trillion yuan of investment has been signed.

Source: Anhui News
Highlights

Largest clean energy infrastructure project in U.S. history receives Notice to Proceed, clearing way for SunZia to provide renewable power for 3 million Americans

SunZia to create 2,000 jobs, generate over $20 billion in expected economic impact, and increase the reliability of the western grid

Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Energy), a leader in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, has started construction on its SunZia Transmission project. The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, has issued its Notice to Proceed, allowing construction to begin on SunZia and today Sept 1), U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland joined senior elected and government officials to initiate the project's groundbreaking at the SunZia East Converter Station in Corona, New Mexico.



Groundbreaking of the SunZia Transmission Project

SunZia Transmission is a 550-mile  525 kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line between central New Mexico and south-central Arizona with the capacity to transport 3,000 MW of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity across Western states. SunZia will deliver clean power from Pattern's SunZia Wind project, the largest wind project in the Western Hemisphere, which will be simultaneously constructed with SunZia Transmission. Together, SunZia Wind and SunZia Transmission are the largest clean energy infrastructure project in U.S. history.



Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

"The SunZia Transmission Project will accelerate our nation's transition to a clean energy economy by unlocking renewable resources, creating jobs, lowering costs, and boosting local economies," said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. "Through historic investments from President Biden's Investing in America agenda, the Interior Department is helping build modern, resilient climate infrastructure that protects our communities from the worsening impacts of climate change."

"SunZia will have a massive economic impact in New Mexico, creating thousands of jobs in our rural communities, while also bringing us one huge step closer to meeting our climate goals and conserving wildlife habitat. That's why I fought hard for this project through a whole series of obstacles, and it's why I'm thrilled to welcome the start of construction," said Senator Martin Heinrich. "The proof is everywhere: the climate crisis is here, and it is the greatest threat we face. But solving the climate crisis by building out clean energy infrastructure like SunZia will also be the greatest economic opportunity of our lifetime."



Senator Martin Heinrich

"New Mexico is beyond proud to be the home of such monumental work by Pattern Energy that is truly powering the future -- all while creating hundreds of jobs and elevating our economy," said Gov. Lujan Grisham. "Projects like these are proof positive that climate action and economic development are not mutually exclusive."



John Podesta, Senior Advisor to President Biden

"SunZia is the successful result of a truly collaborative approach that accomplished something many thought was impossible," said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. "We're proud that SunZia is implementing industry-leading measures for environmental mitigation, including emerging technology and long-term conservation research. More than 2,000 workers will now roll up their sleeves and get to work on America's largest clean energy infrastructure project, harnessing New Mexico's powerful winds to deliver clean power to 3 million Americans."



Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy

SunZia Transmission is setting a precedent with the gold standard in environmental mitigation efforts developed hand-in-hand with key stakeholders. Throughout the development process the SunZia team worked closely with the public, BLM, landowners, ranchers, and numerous wildlife and environmental conservation groups, and others, to foster productive dialogue, listen to concerns and recommendations, and incorporate feedback. The resulting efforts range from restoring thousands of acres of wildlife habitat to investing in emerging technology and long-term conservation research. SunZia Wind has also established robust environmental best practices to reduce project impacts and study effective habitat restoration strategies in partnership with local and state experts.

"More transmission is needed to reduce climate impacts and create a cleaner future where birds and people can thrive, and the SunZia project is a significant step forward in the expansion of our nation's clean energy infrastructure," said Jon Hayes, Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Southwest. "Audubon's collaboration with Pattern Energy exemplifies how clean energy developers and conservation organizations can work together to ensure that transmission projects use the latest data and science to minimize impacts on birds and communities."

"SunZia is a model for planning and developing critical transmission projects that will advance our transition to clean energy," said Fernando Martinez, Executive Director of the New Mexico Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA). "SunZia is our second project partnership with Pattern Energy, following Western Spirit, and together they will be unlocking vast amounts of renewable wind resources and empowering New Mexico to power the west."

SunZia Transmission will deliver clean power generated by Pattern's 3,500 MW SunZia Wind facility, which is being constructed across Torrance, Lincoln, and San Miguel Counties in New Mexico. SunZia Transmission will enable SunZia Wind to supply clean power to Western states when demand is high.

Pattern is proud to have partnered with federal and state land agencies on the SunZia Transmission route, as well as hundreds of private landowners. Federal land makes up over 30% of the total project route and includes lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. SunZia Transmission has also signed right of way agreements with the New Mexico State Land Office and the Arizona State Land Department; in each case payments to these state agencies go to support education and other public institutions.



Construction begins at the SunZia Transmission project in Corona, New Mexico

Pattern Energy recently announced that the SunZia Transmission and SunZia Wind projects are expected to generate $20.5 billion dollars in total economic benefit, which includes over $8 billion of direct capital investment, at no added cost to ratepayers, according to the results of an independent study conducted by the research firm Energy, Economic & Environment Consultants LLC. Together, the projects will generate an expected $1.3 billion in fiscal impacts that will go to governments, communities, and schools. These benefits are generated through sales and use taxes, property taxes, community benefit payments, and land payments to federal and state agencies.

About Pattern Energy

Pattern Energy is one of the world's largest privately-owned developers and operators of wind, solar, transmission, and energy storage projects. Its operational portfolio includes 30 renewable energy facilities that use proven, best-in-class technology with an operating capacity of nearly 6,000 MW across North America. Pattern Energy is guided by a long-term commitment to serve customers, protect the environment, and strengthen communities. For more information, visit www.patternenergy.com.
Realme, the Chinese tech brand, is set to launch two new products in India today. The company will unveil a new budget smartphone  Narzo 60x 5G and TWS Realme Buds T300 at 12:00 noon in the country. The launch event will be available live on the companys YouTube and social media platforms, including X (previously known as Twitter).

The company has already confirmed that the Realme Narzo 60x 5G has an Ultra-Slim 7.89mm design and features 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology. The Realme Buds T300, on the other hand, comes with the 30dB active noise cancellation.

Realme Narzo 60x 5G, Buds T300: How To Watch

The launch event of Realme Narzo 60x 5G and RealmeBuds T300 is scheduled to begin at 12 PM IST today. The company will be live-streaming the event on its social media handles, including X (previously Twitter) and YouTube channel. Interested viewers can watch the event live here as we have embedded the link below.

Realme Narzo 60x 5G, Buds T300: What To Expect

The upcoming Realme Narzo 60x 5G will likely be priced at around Rs 15,000 in India. Additionally, the Buds T300earbuds are expected to cost less than Rs 5,000 in the country. The company has also teased the design of the upcoming phone. It will carry a round circular camera on the rear side.

The upcoming Realme Narzo 60x 5G smartphone is anticipated to feature a 6.72-inch Full HD+ display, possibly supporting a 120Hz refresh rate. It is rumored to be equipped with an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and is expected to come with a 5000mAh battery. You can also expect a 64MP primary camera and a 2MP camera paired on the back. It will likely have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security.

The upcoming Buds T300 earbuds, on the other hand, are expected to have active noise cancellation capabilities. These true wireless earbuds may also feature a 12.4mm driver unit, promising a crisp and powerful music experience.
Google celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 4 this year. On the occasion, Google CEO Sundar Pichai penned a heartwarming blog where he recounted a small anecdote from his childhood. Pichai shared that back at that time when he got to know that his father received his first email address, he waited for two long days for him to respond via email. It was during the time when Pichai was pursuing his studies in the US.

Commemorating Googles silver jubilee, Sundar Pichai began his blog by expressing his gratitude to the users who have been using Google services. He said that over the past 25 years, there has been a huge leap in technological advancement and people have adapted to it eventually. Years ago, when I was studying in the US, my dad  who was back in India  got his first email address. I was really excited to have a faster (and cheaper) way to communicate with him, so I sent a message, Pichai wrote.

After sending the message via email, Sundar Pichai waited impatiently for a response from his father. Finally, after two days, he received an email from his dad that read, Dear Mr Pichai, email received. All is well. Judging the formality of the reply, Pichai was left confused as it was indeed quite uncommon for a father and his son to speak so formally with each other.

Perplexed by the delay and the formality Sundar Pichai dialed up his father to understand what was the matter. It was then that he got to know that a colleague from his fathers office brought the email to their office computer, printed it out, and then delivered it to him. My dad dictated a response, which the guy wrote down and eventually typed up to send back to me, wrote Pichai.

Comparing the 25-year-old scenario to the present Sundar Pichai penned that times have changed drastically now. Demonstrating the same Pichai gave the example of his teenage son who he claimed once saw something interesting, took some quick pictures and shared them with his friends followed by a fast exchange of messages. And it all seemed faster than the time it would take me just to pull out my phone, acknowledged the Google chief.

Now business magnates  Larry Page and Sergey Brin started their Google venture as a research project while studying at Stanford University in the late 1990s. On August 10, 2015, Sundar Pichai was chosen to be the new CEO of Google.
In the streets of Delhi, unusual food combinations are not uncommon. From Maggi-Biryani and Omellete-Oreos to Mango-Panipuri, the national capital has seen it all. While the internet has tagged these food combinations as weird and something that they do not approve of, the videos of these strange food combinations have often gone viral and amused people on social media. Adding to the long list of food combinations no one usually thinks of, is another dish. This time, it is a Paan, stuffed with avocado. This peculiar culinary creation has garnered mixed reactions from netizens.

A video of a paan shop owner from Delhis Connaught Place has gone viral on social media platforms due to a new dessert he introduced.

Watch it here:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anita Lalwani Surana (@anu_the_paanwali)

In the video, a person in a decorated paan shop can be seen initially preparing the paan using standard ingredients like betel leaves, areca nuts, slaked lime, and various mouth-freshening additives. However, what sets this paan apart is the unexpected addition of ripe avocado.

The shopkeeper slices an avocado in half, scoops out three servings of its flesh, and combines it with the traditional paan ingredients. The paan is then folded and decorated with edible silver foil. Notably, the finished product is served with the remaining half of the avocado.

The video has been liked over 2 lakh times already. It also has more than one thousand comments. Responses to this unique paan have not been favourable, and Instagram users have suggested that such experiments with food should be avoided. One comment sarcastically says that even cheese, mayonnaise, and butter should have been added to the paan. In a similar tone, another user has asked if these are supposed to be eaten with a cup of tea while having breakfast.

Just because you can, you shouldnt, wrote a viewer. Many users have also expressed that the paan would now be sold at a considerably higher price as Avcado is added to it.

This isnt the first time the humble and traditional paan has witnessed unconventional culinary creations. In a previous viral video, a man prepared a Paan Dosa by pouring green dosa batter onto a griddle and adding butter, betel leaves, dry fruits, and and few other items. Without a doubt, this combination was not well received by the netizens either.
The internet has a remarkable memory. Whether its a meme or an event, social media has the power to turn it into a viral sensation that keeps resurfacing in conversations. Take, for example, the case of Lappu Sa Sachin. Sachin Meenas neighbour probably never imagined that her casual remarks about him would give birth to a new meme among Desis on X, who just cant seem to get enough of her comical monologue. No matter the occasion, they always find a way to incorporate it into their conversations in the most humourous manner. This phenomenon occurred once again when a page on X, formerly known as Twitter, asked social media users to identify an Indian politician in an old photo they shared. And people just couldnt resist bringing up Lappu Sa Sachin in this context as well.

It all started when @IndiaHistorypic shared a photograph from a politicians younger days and posed the question, Guess The Name of This Politician? Presently He Is Chief Minister. The responses began pouring in, with the first comment immediately mentioning Sachin Meena. A user commented, Ye to Lappu Sachin ha. Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying, Lappu Sachin sa lag raha hai. A third user chimed in, Ye to #lappuSachin ki yaad dila rha haiWaise dekhne se to nitish lg rha haiLekin iski shakal Sachin se bahut mil rahi.

While the first comment garnered attention for its humour, the comments on the original post eventually identified the politician as Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar.

Although News18 couldnt confirm the exact date of Nitish Kumars picture, its worth noting that this isnt the first time rare photos from his youth have surfaced on social media. Back in 2017, another set of his old photos made the rounds on X. BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy shared them with the caption, Rare photos of Nitish Kumar CM Bihar in his younger days, back then. Even then, the comment section didnt disappoint, with one user humourously remarking, Thats the trivago guy.

Also Read: Seema Haider Neighbours Fresh Rant Goes Viral Days After She Gave Us Lappu Sa Sachin Meme

Indeed, social media is a peculiar realm where you never know when something will take an amusing turn and become yet another hot topic of discussion.
Four Roman-era swords, their wooden and leather hilts and scabbards and steel blades exquisitely preserved after 1,900 years in a desert cave, surfaced in a recent excavation by Israeli archaeologists near the Dead Sea, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced Wednesday.

The cache of exceptionally intact artifacts was found about two months ago and tells a story of empire and rebellion, of long-distance conquest and local insurrection.

Researchers, who published the preliminary findings in a newly released book, propose that the arms  four swords and the head of a javelin, known as a pilum  were stashed in the remote cavern by Jewish rebels during an uprising against the Roman Empire in the 130s.

The swords were dated based on their typology, and have not yet undergone radiocarbon dating.

The find was part of the antiquities authoritys Judean Desert Survey, which aims to document and excavate caves near the Dead Sea and secure scrolls and other precious artifacts before looters have a chance to plunder them.

The cool, arid and stable climate of the desert caves has allowed exceptional preservation of organic remains, including hundreds of ancient parchment fragments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Those Jewish texts, discovered last century and dated to the first centuries BCE and CE, contain the earliest known versions of the Hebrew Bible, as well an assortment of esoteric writings.

Also read: Uncovering History: This 3,000-Year-Old Sword Found In Germany Still Shines

Archaeologists returned to this particular cave near the desert oasis of Ein Gedi to document an inscription found decades earlier.

At the back of the cave, in one of the deepest part of it, inside a niche, I was able to retrieve that artifact  the Roman pilum head, which came out almost in mint condition, said Asaf Gayer, an archaeologist with Ariel University.

But though the swords were found on the eastern edge of the Roman Empire, they were likely crafted in a distant European province and brought to the province of Judaea by soldiers in the military, said Guy Stiebel, a Tel Aviv University archaeologist specializing in Roman military history.

He said the quality of their preservation was exceptionally rare for Roman weapons, with only a small handful of examples from elsewhere in the empire and beyond its borders.

Each one of them can tell you an entire story, he said. Future research will focus on studying its manufacture and the origin of the materials in order to tease out the history of the objects and the people it belonged to  Roman soldiers and Jewish rebels.

They also reflect a much grander narrative of the entire Roman Empire and the fact that from a small cave in a very remote place on the edge of the empire, we can actually shed light about those mechanisms is the greatest joy that the scientist can have, he said.
Self-esteem is one of the first steps to happiness, according to one of the largest international studies on the subject. A consortium of scientists has identified a link between positive body image and improved psychological well-being and life satisfaction.

Loving your body was no mean feat before the advent of social media, but today it seems to have become nearly impossible. The stereotypes associated with appearance conveyed by all types of media are tenacious, and are now being displayed on the news feeds of the youngest generations, to the point of affecting their mental health. From eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder to stress, anxiety and loss of self-esteem, the consequences for peoples well-being  regardless of age or country of origin  are numerous, as is suggested by several recent studies in the field. The latest study, one of the most extensive on the subject of body image, reveals that self-acceptance, and especially a positive body image, is linked to greater life satisfaction and better mental health.

Improved mental well-being

Led by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, a consortium of scientists asked 56,968 participants from 65 countries to fill out a body image questionnaire to determine the degree of self-esteem and self-acceptance of each individual. I respect my body and I appreciate the different and unique characteristics of my body were among the statements that participants had to agree or disagree with. This questionnaire enabled the scientists to score participants on a scale of body appreciation, which was then compared with the mental health of each participant. Beyond body image, the scientists research also encompassed the idea of rejecting certain appearance-based stereotypes conveyed by the media.

Also read: Google Street View Pic Shows Man Carrying A Wrapped Item, Internet Thinks Its A Dead Body

Published in the journal Body Image, the researchers findings show that, across all countries, a positive body image is strongly associated with better psychological well-being and life satisfaction. In addition, the researchers observed that single people appreciated their bodies more than those who were married or in a relationship, as did people living in rural areas. This research supports the findings of previous, smaller-scale studies, which revealed that positive body image was associated with improved self-esteem and healthy eating habits, and lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Malta scores highest for body appreciation

This is one of the largest studies on body image ever carried out, brought about by a collaborative research effort involving over 250 scientists across the world. Our finding that greater body appreciation is associated with better psychological well-being highlights the importance of developing ways to promote more positive body image globally, said professor of social psychology and study lead author, Viren Swami, in a statement. Also, people who live in urban areas may feel stronger pressure to conform to body ideals promoted by Western society, and it is also notable that people from countries considered culturally different to the United States appeared to have broadly greater body appreciation. People in rural areas may also benefit from being in nature, which past research has also shown to be linked with positive body image.

Finally, the scientists observed country-specific disparities in body appreciation scores. Malta, Taiwan and Bangladesh make up the top three, with the highest scores, while the UK, India and Australia are the worst performers.
It is for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a top US official has said, asserting that if Beijing wants to come in and be a spoiler, that option is available to it.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was responding to a question at a White House news conference on Tuesday on the impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 Summit.

As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit  really thats up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them, he said.

What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries, Sullivan said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi this week and the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, Chinas foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijings readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success.

China has not given specific reasons behind Xis absence at the G20 Summit.

The ties between India and China nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has made it clear to China that until there is peace and tranquillity in border areas, the relationship between the two countries cannot progress.

India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

At the G-20 Summit, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that the United States expects real progress.

He will be clear that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, with no exceptions. Well also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development, he noted.

In addition, well spotlight the progress that weve been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. Well have some announcements that were excited about. Now, we know that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russias illegal and ongoing war in Ukraine, he said.

Sullivan said the reality is that Russias illegal war has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it.

As he has done before, President Biden will call for a just and durable peace founded in respect for international law, principles of the UN Charter, the precepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said.

Sullivan said Biden will continue to emphasise that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to redeem these principles.

Last but not least, and this is important, youll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving, he told reporters.

At a moment when the international economy is suffering from historic and overlapping shocks, it is more important than ever to have a working forum with the worlds largest economies to deliver meaningful outcomes, Sullivan said.

So, in a sign of that commitment, the United States is looking forward to hosting the G20 in 2026, he said.

Meanwhile, an eminent American expert said on Tuesday that Chinas decision to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi points to a troubled state of India-China relations.

Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently travelled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person.

So, his decision to skip this weeks G-20 in New Delhi is significant, Russel said.

The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation  but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi  it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations, he said.

It is true that the Chinese premier will substitute, but Li lacks the stature of past Chinese prime ministers like Zhu Rongji who wielded significant decision-making on economic matters, he added.

Xi Jinpings rationale is less clear, but the signalling from Beijing suggests that he is keeping Biden at arms length  and making no commitment to attend the November APEC Summit in San Francisco  in an attempt to pressure Washington into making concessions such as easing export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and equipment, he said.

Ironically, the absence of Putin and Xi leaves the field open to Biden to dominate the agenda as well as the airwaves. He can be expected to press for stronger measures against Russia, on clean energy transition, and on measures to deal with crushing debt among developing nations  the vast amount of which is held by China, Russel said.
China has described current bilateral relations with India as generally stable despite Chinese President Xi Jinpings decision not to attend this weeks Group of 20 summit in New Delhi. On Monday, Beijing confirmed that second-ranked leader Premier Li Qiang would represent the country at the September 9-10 meeting in New Delhi.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Chinese leaders have always supported Indias hosting of this years summit and are ready to work with all parties to make the G20 summit a success. However, Beijing has so far not given any reason for Xis decision not to attend the mega diplomatic event.

China-India relations have been stable on the whole and our two sides have maintained dialogue and communication at various levels. The continued improvement and growth of China-India relations serve the common interests of the two countries and two peoples. We stand ready to work with India to further improve and advance bilateral relations, she added.

Ready to Work with All Parties for Success of G20 Summit Hosted by India: China

These remarks come as ties between the two neighbours remain frosty over the Ladakh border issue that led to a deadly clash three years ago. It has turned into a long-running standoff in the mountainous area, where each side has stationed tens of thousands of troops along with artillery and tanks.

The G20 summit, making up about 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the worlds population, had been anticipated as a potential platform for a meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden.

Additionally, top government sources told News18 that Indias hard talk on border issues is one of the major reasons Xi Jinping is not attending the G20 Summit. They said that the Chinese President could be trying to avoid a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the brief interaction with Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa last month, PM Modi had categorically asked the Chinese leader to clarify his position on the border dispute.

Sources said a visit to India for the G20 Summit without holding a bilateral meeting with the host nation would have proven to be a diplomatic disaster for Xi Jinping.
The leaders of Greece, Israel and Cyprus in a joint press meet, after the 9th Trilateral Summit in Nicosia, announced they are working towards establishing a 3+1 format with the inclusion of India in the grouping. These eastern Mediterranean countries wish to invite India so that they can enhance energy and economic cooperation as well as work together on strategic interests and counterterrorism.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed a keen interest in forming a natural gas export partnership with India. He said that India will be invited to the bloc in the next trilateral summit, which is anticipated to take place next year, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Gas exploration and transportation was also a major part of the agenda at Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with the Greek Prime Minister during his first-ever visit to Greece last month.

Major gas discoveries

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea has yielded major gas discoveries in the last 15 years, especially off the coast of Israel and Egypt.

The Tamar Field off the Israeli coast was the first of a series of large-scale natural gas discoveries in the region. Significant subsequent discoveries have been made in Israel (Leviathan), Cyprus (Aphrodite), and Egypt (Zohr), while Lebanon has been actively trying to assess its resources.

More gas exploration is underway in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus ( EEZ: the region extending by 200 nautical miles from the sea coast). But here is where things get tricky.

Territorial disputes

Here is where things get tricky. The Eastern Mediterranean is riddled with maritime territorial disputes with Turkey asserting its claim beyond the waters assigned to it under the international law of UNCLOS. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is a treaty signed by more than 167 countries and defines the rights and responsibilities of nations beyond their coasts. Under it, there are five main zones that separate marine areas are Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and High Seas. The coastal state enjoys complete sovereignty over the internal and territorial sea zones (12 nm from the baseline of the coast). The contiguous zone (24 nm) only grants state sovereignty over the oceans surface and floor. Further, the EEZ (200 nm) is where the state has full economic rights over resources but cannot control the freedom of navigation of other countries.

Turkish claims

Turkey rejects the UNCLOS and seeks control over several Greek islands and the territorial waters around them in the Aegean Sea. Turkeys claims extend further into the eastern Mediterranean in a dispute with Cyprus.

Turkeys EEZ claims clash with Cyprus. Further, the Turkey-backed TRNCs claims clash with Nicosias as well. The TRNC is recognised only by Turkey and seen by most of the world as part of Cyprus.

Greece, Israel and India  all have warm ties with Cyprus, and back it against Turkeys aggressive tactics.

Like-minded nations unite

As the stakes get higher, opposition from Turkey has grown louder, which is why these like-minded east-med nations seek to share their exploits with a like-minded major power like India to strengthen their position in the region.

Since the Russia-Ukraine war, Europe has been presenting an urgent demand for alternative sources of natural gas other than Russia. This has opened a major opportunity for East-med players to export gas to Europe, with Greece playing the role of the Gateway.

Natural gas can flow both ways to Europe and India through pipelines and shipments. Moreover, with Israels warm ties with the UAE since the Abrahamic Accord, and another Abrahamic Accord with Saudi Arabia on the cards, a road from Greece to India opens up through Israel and the Gulf countries, providing a safe and stable trade route.

Officials say this is the beginning of a grand geopolitical idea taking shape. It will open up game-changing economic opportunities, they feel.

It also strengthens the Greece-Cyprus-Israel trilateral against Turkey in the region. Turkeys hostility towards India has already pushed New Delhi closer to Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Armenia. So not only is there economic potential in such a grouping, but also strategic like-mindedness which can go a long way to combat terrorism, extremism and cement peace in the region, officials say.

Another takeaway from this is that these nations do not want to miss out on Indias growth story, knowing the sheer size and growth projections of the countrys economy.

Back-to-back setbacks for Turkey from India ahead of G20

Ahead of the G20 summit in New Delhi that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be attending, Turkey has received back-to-back setbacks from India in what appears to be a concerted effort to send Ankara a message.

PM Modi visited Greece for the first time, becoming the first Indian prime minister to land in Athens in four decades. A week prior to the visit, Gen Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, connected with the Defence Chief of Cyprus in a phone call. In the same month of August, Indias national security adviser Ajit Doval met the NSA of Armenia in another message to Turkey. Armenia is locked in a deadly conflict with Azerbaijan, an ally of Turkey, and India has even shipped the Pinaka rocket launcher to the erstwhile Soviet nation to bolster its firepower. Now, news of India becoming all set to be part of a strategic bloc in the Eastern Mediterranean, directly challenging Turkey in its backyard, is sure to ruffle some feathers in Ankara.

Over the past few years, Turkey has formed a strategic and collaborative relationship with Pakistan, adopting the rogue nations model of using terrorism as a strategic tool.

Turkey vehemently supports Pakistans claim on Indias Jammu and Kashmir and has attempted to tarnish Indias image at global forums including the United Nations. Turkey is also reported to be working with Pakistan on a radicalisation project targeting Indian Muslims, especially those in Kerala and Turkey. Turkish weapons have been found on Pakistani terrorists in Kashmir reeking of a deep partnership between Islamabad and Ankara.

Turkey has been put on the FATF grey list due to reports on terror financing at the hands of the Erdogan government. It is not just accused of using ISIS terrorists to do its regional bidding, but it emerged in 2022 that a social organisation, Turkey Youth Foundation (TUGVA), which is run by the family of President Erdogan, was recruiting and training youths for covert missions in India, Russia and China.

Turkish NGOs are also providing funding, ostensibly in the form of Zakat charity payments as part of Ramadan, for bodies engaged in anti-Indian activities in Jammu & Kashmir.

Indias timely and proactive actions may be aimed at culling Turkeys aggressive diplomatic stance at the G20 summit.
Japan has joined India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan to lodge protests against China over its new "standard map" for including the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as part of its territory.

Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told the media in Tokyo on Tuesday that Japan has lodged a strong protest to China through diplomatic channels over a new map released by Beijing last month.

Tokyo urged Beijing to rescind the map because it has a description based on China's unilateral claims on the Senkaku Islands in southern Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, Matsuno has been quoted by the Japanese media.

The map describes the Senkakus as the Diaoyu Islands, the Chinese name for the islands. The Japanese-administered islands in the East China Sea are claimed by Beijing.

The islands are "indisputably an inherent part of Japanese territory, both historically and under international law," Matsuno said.

Japan "responds in a calm and resolute way, based on its policy to stand firm in protecting people's lives and properties, as well as the country's land, seas and airspace," he said.

Reacting to Japan's protest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected Tokyo's claim over the islands.

"Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have all along been Chinas territory," Mao said.

"It is only natural that they are marked as Chinese territory on a map. China does not accept Japan's protest," she said.

Earlier, the Governments in the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan joined India in rejecting China's new national map, issuing strongly worded statements accusing Beijing of claiming their territory.

China published a new version of its national map last week to correct what Beijing has in the past referred to as problematic maps that it claims misrepresent its territorial borders.

India lodged a strong protest with China over its so-called "standard map" laying claim over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin, and asserted that such steps only complicate the resolution of the boundary question.

The External Affairs Ministry also rejected China's claims as having "no basis".

"Just making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while reacting to the Chinese move.

The Philippine government has also slammed China's 2023 edition of its so-called standard map that still shows swaths of Philippine features in the West Philippine Sea.

The Malaysian government has said that it will send a protest note to China over the latter's claims on the South China Sea as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023', which also covers Malaysia's maritime areas.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry said last Wednesday that Malaysia does not recognise China's claims in the South China Sea, as outlined in the China Standard Map Edition 2023," which also encompasses Malaysia's maritime areas.

The Vietnamese government also criticised China's latest provocation.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Wednesday rebuked China's new "standard map" by saying Taiwan has never been ruled by the People's Republic of China.
University of Idaho Extension Educator Steven Hines believes hes found an effective way for farmers who interplant cover crops between corn rows to significantly boost forage production.

Prior to his research this season, Hines method of applying cover crop seeds in inter-cropping studies was to broadcast them onto the soil surface, which resulted in relatively poor germination. He chose to research an alternative based on a conversation last winter with a group of soil health-minded Magic Valley farmers.

We were talking about some of the challenges of getting cover crops established when you broadcast on the ground and dont have a way to get it into the soil, said Hines, who is based in Jerome County. The question two or three of the producers I was talking with came up with was, What if you just ran a grain drill over the corn when it was fairly small?

The growers feared the drill would damage cornstalks, outweighing any improvements in cover crop germination. Based on his trial at the U of I Kimberly Research and Extension Center, Hines is already confident that drilling cover crops is worth the effort and neednt damage much corn.

I predict there will be no significant difference in corn yield with drilling because theres not enough plant damage, Hines said. I would not hesitate to recommend inter-seeding and drilling a cover crop.

But he predicts hell quadruple cover crop yields in his projects drilling scenario compared with broadcasting cover crop seeds.

Im really thrilled with the drilled cover crop, Hines said. There is some cover crop coming where it was broadcast but nothing like where it was drilled.

Several growers in Magic Valley have been exploring inter-planting corn and cover crops as a way to provide their cattle with fall forage after taking a corn harvest. In prior inter-cropping research, Hines found that broadcasting cover crops between widely spaced corn rows provided extra forage without adversely affecting corn yields. In fact, the presence of cover crops actually boosted corn yields when corn rows were spaced 44 inches apart.

Interplanting cover crops appears to be the answer for southern Idaho farmers who havent been able to find a short-season crop capable of producing much forage when planted just after grain harvest.

By inter-seeding you get that forage up and going, Hines said. The corn grows over the top of it, so it slows that cover crop down until its harvested off. The sunlight gets back to the cover crop, and by a couple of irrigations youve got forage ready to go for the cattle.

Hines planted corn for this seasons inter-cropping experiment on May 23, following with cover crop seed on June 15 at the V3 stage. By that date, corn had emerged but the growth point of plants  a sensitive area from which new cells are developed and elongate  was not yet pushed above the soil surface.

Hines planted scenarios with corn and no cover crops, corn and cover crops broadcast in between rows and corn and cover crops drilled between the rows. Rows were spaced either 30 inches or 60 inches apart  his drill was unable to accommodate the 44-inch spacing that produced the best results in prior research regarding corn yields.

Hines used a 3-point drill, which attaches to a tractors 3-point and is lifted so only the tire that engages the drill mechanism touches the ground. He made certain that tire passed between corn rows. Its critical for success that the tires of a drill dont run over corn. A commercial interseeder drill is ideal, but Hines was also interested in finding ways to interseed cover crops using equipment most growers already have.

Another benefit of drilling was that it allowed Hines to include larger seeds in his cover crop mix. Large seeds, such as peas, dont germinate well when broadcast onto fields.

There are very few peas that are coming up in the broadcast plot, but in the drilled plot its a nice stand of peas like everything else, Hines said.

His cover crop blend also includes clover and annual rye grass, which can produce additional biomass after winter for spring grazing. Furthermore, cover crops provide winter cover, trapping snow for moisture and preventing wind erosion.

I really see the producer who would adopt this is somebody who is looking for additional forage or someone who is looking for soil-health benefits, Hines said.
Sharing Indias concerns over the increased activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday said no form of extremism is acceptable, adding that the right to hold lawful protest does not extend to violent or threatening behaviour.

In an interview with PTI, Sunak asserted he takes the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies very seriously.

No form of extremism is acceptable in the UK, and I take the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously, he said. We are working closely with our partners in the Indian government to tackle the threat from pro-Khalistan extremism and the British police are fully empowered to deal with violent acts, he added.

He further assured that the UK government is closely working with India to tackle the threat of pro-Khalistan extremism.

The British prime ministers remarks come days before arrival in India to attend the G20 summit on September 9-10.

Sunak also mentioned a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UKs Security Minister Tom Tugendhat last month.

In August, the UKs Security Minister met Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi to develop our shared work addressing the threat of extremism and corruption, Sunak said.

During that visit, he announced new funding to enhance the UKs capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism. The Rs 1 crore investment will strengthen our understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism and complement the joint work already underway between the UK and India, he added.

UK citizens enjoy the right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view, but rights to lawful protest do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour, the British prime minister further said.

The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, while speaking at CNN-News18s G20 Town Hall on Tuesday, opposed attacks by extremists on the Indian embassy and called the Khalistani extremism not just an India but a United Kingdom problem as well.

Protests are legal but extremism in any form in the UK is a problem for us, including the Khalistani extremism. It is not an Indian problem but a UK problem. We dont believe it is okay to attack embassies, Ellis said.

India reacted angrily after an attack by the pro-Khalistan elements on the Indian High Commission in London in March 2023. The attackers had pulled down the Indian national flag from a pole at the front of the building.
United Airlines said Tuesday that a software update triggered a glitch that forced it to halt departures nationwide, briefly crippling one of the nations biggest carriers on a busy travel day.

Federal officials said United crews had been unable to contact airline dispatchers through normal means. A software update caused a widespread slowdown in Uniteds technology systems, United said in a statement. The airline said it was not a cybersecurity issue.

The Federal Aviation Administration, which runs the nations airspace, said United asked it to stop the airlines departures nationwide. The FAA said the issue was limited to United and its subsidiaries.

The ground stop  it did not affect planes already in the air, United said  lasted a little more than an hour.

By late afternoon Tuesday on the East Coast, United had canceled only seven flights, well below its average of about 16 per day over the busy Labor Day weekend, according to figures from tracking service FlightAware.

However, more than 350 United flights were delayed  13% of the carriers schedule, far more than rivals American, Delta and Southwest  on a day that many holiday vacationers were expected to fly home.

Southwest Airlines had a similar outage in April that grounded all departing flights for about an hour and caused more than 2,000 flights to be late.

The FAA caused all U.S. departures to be halted briefly in January when a system used to alert pilots to safety hazards failed. The agency blamed a contractor that it said accidentally deleted files while synchronizing the alert system and its backup.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has criticized airlines for flight problems and other issues over the past year, posted Tuesday that the FAA was receiving more information about the cause and scope of the issue, and DOT will make sure (United) meets its obligations to affected passengers.

The FAA is part of Buttigiegs Department of Transportation.

Shares of Chicago-based United Airlines Holdings Inc. fell on news of the ground stop and closed down 2.5%.
It is up to China to determine its role at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, said US National Security Advisor Sullivan on Tuesday. He said that if Beijing chooses to act as a spoiler, that option remains available to them. The top White House official made the remarks during a press briefing on the possible impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 taking place this week in New Delhi.

When asked if the division between the two neighbours will affect cooperation at the G20, Sullivan said, As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the summit: Really, thats up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them.

What I think that the chair, India, will encourage them to do, what we  the United States  and every other member  virtually every other member in the G20 will do is encourage them to come in in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development bank reform, on debt relief, on technology, and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries, he added.

India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in its national capital on September 9 and 10. But Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit and the delegation will be led by second-ranked leader Premier Li Qiang. Chinese foreign ministry announced this decision on Monday as it expressed Beijings readiness to work with all parties to make the summit a success.

At the G-20 in New Delhi, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that Washington expects real progress. The US President will stress that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, he added.

Well also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development, he noted. In addition, well spotlight the progress that weve been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. Well have some announcements that were excited about, Sullivan said.

During the press conference, the top White House official also stated that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russias war in Ukraine. He said the reality is that the Ukraine conflict has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it.

Last but not least, and this is important, youll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving, he told reporters.
SALT LAKE CITY  The 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron at Hill Air Force Base recently assisted NORAD and the Federal Aviation Administration in restoring a long-range radar after a major failure.

According to a news release, the Common Air Route Surveillance Radar experienced a catastrophic failure on Dec. 27, 2022 at Battle Mountain, Nevada.

Following the outage, a team of roughly 100 people was formed to create a plan to rebuild and reintegrate the radar into the National Air Space System.

Personnel from the Salt Lake City Air Traffic Control Center were also part of the team. Experts from the FAA and the NAS were also included on the team.

During the process, the team accomplished several objectives intended to restore radar service. Those objectives included clearing road access to the top of the 10,000-foot mountain. The team also removed the equipment that had been destroyed, locating and refurbishing the new antenna.

According to the release, the new antenna was 60 feet by 45 feet and weighed 5.5 tons.

The squadron from Hill Air Force Base completed the final stage of the project. It optimized and evaluated the long-range radar before it was brought back to service.

We wanted to get the data back into the National Airspace System as quickly as possible due to the air traffic routing commercial traffic differently than normal, air safety for the traveling public and air defense for NORAD since this radar covers all of northern Nevada and southern Idaho, said Darrell McFarland, 84th Radar Evaluation flight chief in a news release.
(Tiempo de lectura: 3 - 5 minutos)

French west Africa has experienced five coups in the past three years. Underpinning most of these coups is hostility towards France, a former colonial authority. Mohamed Bazoum of Nigers downfall in July 2023 comes after coups in Mali in August 2020, Chad in April 2021, Burkina Faso in September 2022 and Gabon in September 2023.

The perpetrators of these coups have, among their justifications, mentioned the overbearing influence of France and its president, Emmanuel Macron, in their affairs. The influence of France in military affairs and maintenance of dominance in business has been a key cog of the Macron agenda. Unlike other former colonial powers, France still has military bases in Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Gabon.

At the same time, Macron has put forward entrepreneurship as the best form of development assistance. This strategic pivot away from personal relationships with African leaders is rooted in Macrons neoliberal beliefs. This is a political approach that favours free-market capitalism, deregulation and a reduction in government spending.

I am a historian who has researched the relationship between France and its former colonies.

In Africa, Macrons neoliberal turn has stripped France of the long-standing myth that it was somehow a more benevolent coloniser because of the cultural links it established with African elites. Macrons approach has only increased distrust and anger because a large military presence has not been replaced by a new international economic order, but with small-scale business deals and start-ups. This is not what Africans wanted, but it is what they got.

Neoliberal values are French values

Rather than a remaking of the economic and financial infrastructure, Macron has pushed entrepreneurship as development assistance: promoting start-ups and training Africas youth. Agence Francaise de Development (Frances main institution for policy implementation) is still investing in education, agriculture and infrastructure. But what Macron wants observers to notice is that increasingly, French development aid in Africa has to be run by French businesses.

French corporations are no longer making money in secret, as in the era of Francafrique. This was a period when French presidents supported African dictators to maintain influence. Rather, Macrons speeches put forward business activities and neoliberal values as French values that benefit the continent.

This reliance on French culture and values can be seen as a continuation of a strategy that started with the French colonial project. Macrons values, however, are the values of neoliberalism. At home he has pushed through a pension plan to limit French state debt. Abroad, he wants French development policy to be driven by private initiatives.

In light of that strategy, it becomes clear that sentiments among Africans have not become more anti-French. Rather, by elevating economics to a core value of his relationship to Africa, Macron has played into a widely accepted African worldview in which underdevelopment is the product of dependency on Europe and neocolonial exploitation.

Every visitor who talks to cab drivers or vendors in Dakar figures out quite quickly that the French are seen as colonisers first, possible friends second. What has changed is that Macron has unknowingly confirmed African suspicions about his intentions: he never wanted to change economic structures. Instead Africans get bread crumbs in the form of start-up money.

The free market as the dividing line in west Africa

Entrepreneurship is not universally loved on the continent. The belief in the free market as an engine for development has redrawn the battle lines in west Africa. Countries within the regional body Ecowas like Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal  which have had high economic growth in the past decade  are clashing with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso  which have experienced deepening poverty.

While other African countries like Kenya are confronted with similar debates about how to stimulate development  Kenyan president William Ruto famously believes in the hustler nation  climate change and terrorism have led to a more combustible mix in the Sahel.

The juntas that have come to power therefore do not only present themselves as caretakers who are trying to do the job politicians will not do. They are also claiming they want a new ideological direction for their countries. Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso has styled himself to be the successor to Thomas Sankara, Assimi Goita has cast himself as a reformer not a revolutionary.

In the past, the fires of African instability and anti-French sentiment were fanned by the French underdelivering on their  sometimes cynical  promises of big structural change. Today, instability is being fed by the opposite. It is African leaders who demand big structural change, but are met with small business efforts to maintain French influence on the cheap.

Frank Gerits, Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, South Africa and Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations, Utrecht University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
Like so many other Proud Boys sentenced before him, Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right group, seemed apologetic when standing before a judge. In some cases, however, those same apparently contrite people have engaged in some seemingly contradictory behavior afterward. A look:

Tarrio: Per CNN and the Wall Street Journal, he told the judge, "I have always tried to hold myself to a higher standard and I failed. I held myself morally above others, and this trial has shown me how wrong I was. ... To the men and women of law enforcement, who answered the call that day, I'm sorry. To the citizens of DC that saw their city turned upside down, I'm sorry. The lawmakers, their staff and those present that day, and those that had to endure the events that day, I'm sorry." Per the AP, after he was sentenced, Tarrio "raised his hand and made a 'V' gesture with his fingers." The New York Times notes that could either be seen as a peace sign or a victory symbol.
A 26-year-old man has been reported missing after his Carnival cruise ship returned to Florida, apparently without him. Kevin McGrath left Miami aboard Carnival Conquest on Friday for a Labor Day weekend cruise to Bimini, in the Bahamas. However, McGrath wasn't accounted for when the ship returned to Miami on Monday. He was last seen by his brother "at approximately 2am at his cabin," said Miami-Dade Police Det. Angel Rodriguez, per People . He "was supposed to meet the family for breakfast prior to disembarking from the ship but he never arrived."

A rep for Carnival Cruise Line disputes that account, per Fox News, claiming McGrath's cabinmate last saw him around 7am, around the time passengers started to disembark at PortMiami. There may be some confusion, as other outlets report the family reported McGrath missing around 7am. McGrath wasn't located during a search of the ship and was not observed debarking by US Customs and Border Patrol. Rodriguez said the ship's cameras and security devices didn't signal that he had gone overboard.

Still, the US Coast Guard launched a helicopter search, finding no sign of the missing man, per Fox. The Coast Guard remains "actively searching" for McGrath near PortMiami and along the South Florida shore, the outlet reported Tuesday. He's 5 feet, 9 inches and 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes and was last seen in a black shirt, black shorts, and gray sneakers, per the New York Post. Meanwhile, another family is waiting for answers following the search for a 19-year-old college student from Texas who went overboard near Cuba during a cruise on the Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas on Aug. 29. (Read more missing person stories.)
The US Coast Guard has arrested a Florida man who was attempting to "run" across the Atlantic Ocean in a large hamster wheel. Marathon runner Reza Baluchi was found about 70 nautical miles east of Georgia's Tybee Island on Aug. 26 in what officials described as a "manifestly unsafe vessel" constructed from a metal drum with two waterwheel-like devices on either side, each one fitted with paddles and inflatable buoys, per Fox News and WOFL . Baluchi told Coast Guard officers that he was planning to "run" to London in the human-sized hamster wheel. As WOFL reports, it was Baluchi's fourth venture into the Atlantic in his homemade "hydro pod." Voyages in 2014, 2016, and 2021 all ended in Coast Guard intervention, per Fox.

This voyage ended the same way. "Based on the condition of the vesselwhich was afloat as a result of wiring and buoysUSCG officers determined Baluchi was conducting a manifestly unsafe voyage," according to a criminal complaint filed in US District Court in Florida, which adds Baluchi didn't have registration papers for the vessel. But Baluchi wouldn't go easily or quietly, officials said. The 44-year-old threatened to kill himself with a 12-inch knife if officers tried to apprehend him, and also claimed to have a bomb, per the complaint. "Officers believed his threat was valid because Baluchi was reportedly holding wires in his hand," per WOFL. A "three-day standoff" resulted before Baluchi finally agreed to leave his contraption, per the Independent. He also admitted there was no bomb, per the complaint.

Baluchi was taken to the USCG Base in Miami Beach, Florida, on Friday. He's now facing federal charges of obstruction of a boarding and violation of a captain of the port order. It's unclear what became of his vessel. In 2021, after Baluchi's failed attempt to make it from Florida to New York, Florida's Flagler County Sheriff's Office reported that it had washed ashore near Hammock. Baluchi had previously written on his website about a 2016 attempt to reach the Bermuda Triangle in his "handmade hydro pod bubble" while surviving on "protein bars, tuna, sea water purified through a filter, Gatorade, and chewing gum for sea sickness," per CNET. He had to be rescued off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, per WOFL. Two years earlier, he was rescued near St. Augustine, per the outlet. (Read more Coast Guard stories.)
With around 5.5 million people in an area smaller than West Virginia, Slovakia has never been a massive player on the international stagebut its September 30 election will be closely watched in the European Union and beyond. The country has been one of the firmest supporters of its neighbor Ukraine since Russia invaded last year, but the party topping the polls is led by Robert Fico, who has praised Moscow and vowed to halt weapons deliveries to Ukraine, the New York Times reports. Victory for Fico and his SMER party would turn the country "into a neutral bystander more sympathetic to Moscow," per the Times.

It would also mean that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban would no longer be the only EU and NATO leader opposed to aiding Ukraine, the Times notes. Fico was prime minister from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2012 to 2018, when he resigned amid an outcry over the murder of a journalist who had been investigating corruption allegations. Lubos Blaha, deputy leader of Fico's party, describes pro-Ukraine government ministers as "American puppets" and says the Ukraine war is about "Russia protecting their cultural, national identity against this liberal mania in the West."

Analysts say Russia has targeted Slovakia with propaganda campaigns that have apparently paid off: According to the Globsec research group, only 40% of Slovaks blame Russia for the war, while 51% say Ukraine or the West are "primarily responsible." Since last-minute swings are common in Slovakia and coalition-building is complicated, it's hard to predict who will form the country's next government, John Kampfner writes at the Guardian. "What is beyond doubt, however, is that Fico is a major player once again and the politics he espouses is back in fashion," he writes. "It is a measure of ... how much faith in liberal democracy has been eroded here in the heart of Europe." (Read more Slovakia stories.)
UPDATE

Sep 8, 2023 4:15 PM CDT

Police are concentrating their search for an escaped terror suspect in southwest London, after receiving a report that Daniel Khalife was spotted in the area. One account of his prison escape had him getting away Wednesday by holding onto the bottom of a delivery van; a witness said a man crawled out from a under a van that had stopped later in the area, the BBC reports. Police on Friday were searching nearby Richmond Park, which is 2,500 acres, per CNN. They said they're following other leads, as well.

Sep 6, 2023 5:09 PM CDT

The UK has issued a nationwide appeal for tips as it searches for a terrorism suspect who escaped from a London prison on Wednesday. Officials suspect Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, sneaked out of Wandsworth prison through a prison kitchen, holding on to a delivery van while dressed in a prison-issue chef's uniform, the BBC reports. He was being held in the Victorian-era lockup while awaiting trial after being accused of planting fake bombs at a military base. Although they said Khalife doesn't post a great risk to the public, officials asked that anyone who encounters him call 999 instead of approaching him.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab. (Photo: VNA)

Schwab hailed Vietnams socio-economic achievements over the recent past, especially the countrys comprehensive approach in macro-economic management, helping the national economy sail through challenges amidst the present regional and global situation.

For his part, PM Pham Minh Chinh congratulated the WEF on the successful organisation of its annual meeting in Tianjin (China), contributing to affirming its reputation and role in promoting dialogues and public-private partnership, and proposing initiatives and new models to contribute to global economic recovery.

The PM also spoke highly of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam and the WEF for 2023-2026, and pledged to coordinate in implementing the six collaboration areas of innovation in food-foodstuff, and innovation skill development and green transition; zero-emission industrial clusters; plastic waste reduction; financing for energy transition; digital transformation and the establishment of a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

In the context of food security issues, especially the rice supply crunch which has raised concern among many countries in the region, the leader affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to assist other countries in ensuring stable supply and contribute to strengthening food security globally.

Vietnam will also further participate in and actively contribute to the forums initiatives and activities, he said, calling for the WEFs coordination in hosting activities that bring together leading experts and economic policy makers in the region and the work to discuss issues of shared concern, including the utilisation of scientific-technological advances in economic recovery and growth globally.

On this occasion, the WEF Executive Chairman invited PM Pham Minh Chinh to attend the WEF Davos 2024./.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue meets President of the House of Councillors of Japan Hidehisa Otsuji during his official visit to Vietnam from September 4-7. (Photo: VNA/VNS)

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said Vietnam and Japan should enhance strategic economic connections, with Japan supporting Vietnam in building an independent and self-reliant economy that efficiently participates in global supply chains.

He made these remarks on September 5 while holding talks with the President of the House of Councillors of Japan, Hidehisa Otsuji, during his official visit to Vietnam from September 4-7.

During discussions, both leaders expressed that establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries for peace and prosperity in Asia formed the foundation for elevating bilateral relations to new, comprehensive, and extensive heights.

Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue proposed that both sides continue to strengthen coordination and support each other's positions at important multilateral forums in which Vietnam and Japan are members, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC.

In the realm of economics, trade, and investment, the NA Chairman expressed a desire to enhance cooperation between localities of both countries, promoted Japanese businesses to invest, transfer advanced technology, and expertise in infrastructure development, manufacturing industries, high-quality agriculture, and climate change adaptation.

He said Vietnam encouraged Japanese enterprises to expand their investment cooperation in new energy, renewable energy, clean energy, energy transformation, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, food and water security, and technology transfer.

Hue said that both countries should maintain and strengthen existing supply chains while creating new value chains that align with Vietnam's needs and Japan's strengths, particularly in a world where investments are undergoing significant restructuring.

The NA Chairman said the two countries shared common ground for enhancing cooperation in agriculture, labour, and student exchange programmes. He proposed that both sides actively implement the medium and long-term vision for agricultural cooperation.

While highly appreciating Japan for its continuous support of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam over the past 30 years, the NA Chairman proposed that Japan continue to provide ODA to Vietnam to implement economic and social projects and implement new generation ODA programmes for Vietnam with high preferences and simplified procedures.

Both sides agreed to promote security and defence cooperation through policy dialogues and strategic security dialogues.

President of the House of Councilors of Japan Hidehisa Otsuji said Japan would be ready to support Vietnam in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities and capabilities of law enforcement forces at sea.

Both sides shared the same viewpoint on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime and air security, as well as resolving disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The NA Chairman proposed that Japan continue to support the training of high-quality human resources in areas such as science and technology, healthcare management, cultural exchange, and tourism.

President of the House of Councillors of Japan Hidehisa Otsuji said there had been a transition in the technical intern training programmes towards skilled interns. Currently, Japan is facing a shortage of labour in caring for the elderly and Vietnamese labourers could fulfill this demand.

The NA Chairman expressed his gratitude for Japan's continued support of the Vietnamese community in Japan, that has nearly 500,000 people. This support included easing entry procedures, visa exemptions, and improving conditions for Vietnamese interns in Japan.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese National Assembly would create favourable conditions for Japanese citizens and businesses to continue long-term, sustainable, and successful investments in Vietnam.

Both parliamentary leaders expressed their delight at numerous delegation exchanges between specialised agencies, parliamentary groups, young parliamentarians, and female parliamentarians. They agreed on a cooperation agreement between the legislatures of the two countries, aiming to establish a more substantial framework of cooperation commensurate with the bilateral relationship.

On this occasion, President of the House of Councillors of Japan Otsuji Hidehisa presented a red Osaka tree to NA Chairman Hue, which was then planted in the courtyard of the National Assembly House./.
The United States, home to over 340 million people, ranks as the third-most populated country globally, following China and India. In this article, we'll explore the 20 most populated cities in America, highlighting their unique features and population figures.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - 697,763

Oklahoma City, with a population of 697,763 in 2023, has secured its place as the 20th-largest city in the nation. This city's growth has outpaced the national average in recent years, attracting residents in search of a better quality of life characterized by affordable housing and top-notch amenities.

Denver, Colorado - 699,288

Denver, the 19th-largest city in the country, is gradually recovering from the population loss it experienced during the pandemic. As people sought smaller towns with more space, Denver, known for its breathtaking mountains and sunny weather, is now home to nearly 700,000 residents.

San Francisco, California - 715,717

San Francisco, like many major cities, witnessed a decline in population due to the pandemic and stricter immigration policies. However, in 2023, the city's population exodus has significantly slowed down, with signs of a rebound. The population of the iconic Golden Gate City now stands at over 700,000.

Seattle, Washington - 725,487

Seattle has bucked the trend of declining populations seen in neighboring cities like Portland and San Francisco. The Emerald City, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, famous for its coffee culture, outdoor activities, and thriving tech industry, boasts a population exceeding 725,000 in 2023.

Indianapolis, Indiana - 871,449

Indianapolis, renowned for hosting the Indy 500 car race, has a population of well over 800,000. Its appeal lies in its affordability, making it a favored choice in the Midwest. Recent growth, however, has been observed more in the surrounding suburban areas than in the city itself.

Charlotte, North Carolina - 885,663

Charlotte, with its mild climate, robust financial industry, and below-average cost of living, stands as one of the nation's fastest-growing cities. In the present day, the city's population has surged to over 885,000 residents.

Stay tuned as we continue our countdown of the most populated cities in the U.S., exploring what makes each of them unique and attractive to residents and newcomers.

    ,       ?

                ,      

              ?
Janmashtami, a joyous Hindu festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. This article explores 12 diverse locations in the country where Janmashtami is fervently observed, each offering a unique and memorable experience for devotees and tourists alike.

1. Mathura - The Birthplace of Lord Krishna

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, comes alive during Janmashtami. Devotees throng the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, where the divine birth took place. The city is adorned with vibrant decorations, and the 'Dahi Handi' tradition is a major highlight.

2. Vrindavan - The Playground of Krishna

Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood, is another sacred place to celebrate Janmashtami. The Banke Bihari Temple is illuminated, and Ras Leelas (dramatic reenactments of Krishna's life) are performed.

3. Dwarka - Lord Krishna's Kingdom

In Dwarka, located in Gujarat, Janmashtami is celebrated with grandeur. Devotees visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, which is beautifully decorated. Processions and cultural programs add to the festive spirit.

4. Puri - Jagannath Rath Yatra

Puri, known for the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, celebrates Janmashtami with equal zeal. The Jagannath Temple hosts special ceremonies, and the streets buzz with devotees pulling the grand chariots.

5. Gokul - Where Krishna was Nurtured

Gokul, near Mathura, is where Lord Krishna was nurtured by Yashoda. This tranquil village celebrates Janmashtami with simple yet heartfelt festivities, including 'Rasa Lila' reenactments.

6. Jaipur - A Royal Janmashtami

The Pink City, Jaipur, observes Janmashtami in a regal manner. The Govind Dev Ji Temple is the focal point, with a grand 'Abhishek' ceremony and a colorful procession.

7. Ahmedabad - The 'Handi' Spectacle

Ahmedabad in Gujarat is famous for its 'Dahi Handi' celebrations. Young men form human pyramids to break the 'Handi,' symbolizing Lord Krishna's playful nature.

8. Mumbai - The Bollywood-Style Janmashtami

In the city of dreams, Mumbai, Janmashtami is celebrated with a Bollywood twist. The ISKCON Temple organizes a mesmerizing 'Jhanki' and cultural programs.

9. Udupi - Temple Town Extravaganza

Udupi, Karnataka, celebrates Janmashtami with devotion. The Sri Krishna Matha is adorned with flowers, and the 'Palanquin Utsava' is a highlight.

10. Nandgaon - Lathmar Holi and Janmashtami

Nandgaon, near Mathura, combines Janmashtami with Lathmar Holi. Women playfully hit men with sticks, reenacting the divine love between Radha and Krishna.

11. Dwarka in Delhi - A Modern Twist

In Dwarka, a suburb of Delhi, Janmashtami is celebrated with a modern touch. Societies organize 'Dahi Handi' competitions, and cultural events bring the community together.

12. Kolkata - A Cultural Extravaganza

In Kolkata, Janmashtami is marked by artistic performances, including dance dramas like 'Chhau' and 'Baul.' The city pays homage to Lord Krishna with creative flair.

Janmashtami, celebrated across these 12 remarkable locations, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of India and the enduring love for Lord Krishna. Each place offers a unique way to experience the joy and devotion that define this auspicious occasion.

Janmashtami is not just a festival; it's a vibrant tapestry of devotion, culture, and tradition that unites people across India. Whether you choose to celebrate it in Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, or any of the other mentioned locations, the spirit of Janmashtami will undoubtedly touch your heart.

               ,    

    ,       ?

                ,      
Pay what you want on Slurpee Name Your Price Day to help Canadians facing food insecurity

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - Slurpee Name Your Price Day is back, and 7-Eleven Canada is asking you to relieve hunger while quenching your thirst. On September 21st, simply drop by your nearest 7-Eleven store, grab a large Slurpee and pay whatever you want (yes, any price!). Do good and feel good knowing 100% of donations will be going to Food Banks Canada in support of Canadians facing food insecurity.

Canadians are invited to pay what they want on Slurpee Name Your Price Day in support of Food Banks Canada. (CNW Group/7-Eleven Canada)

Every dollar donated to Food Banks Canada enables two meals for those facing food insecurity. So, whether you're paying $1, $5 or $20 for a large Slurpee, every dollar counts and you can make a difference to support Canadians in need.

"Our Slurpee Name Your Price Day event is a special one as we get to make a direct impact in the communities we operate in together with our partners at Food Banks of Canada. Every time someone buys a Slurpee, it helps provide meals for a neighbour in need." says Marc Goodman, VP & GM of 7-Eleven Canada. "Last year, we raised over $50,000, leading to more than 100,000 meals. This year we hope to build on that legacy and hope customers will join us in making an even bigger impact."

Supporting local food banks is more important than ever as visits to food banks across Canada continue to increase. Last year in March alone, there were nearly 1.5 million visits made, and among those food bank users in Canada, 33.1% are children, 45.4% are single adult households and 8.9% are seniors. Food insecurity can affect anyone at any time, so join us by paying what you want while giving these Canadians what they need.

"No matter how small your donation may seem, it can still make a significant impact," shared Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada. "Food banks across the country are relying on donations now more than ever, which is why we appreciate our partnership with 7-Eleven and all those who graciously support the Slurpee Name Your Price Day event on September 21."

To learn more about how you can participate on Slurpee Name Your Price Day, visit https://7-eleven.ca/lp/name-your-price-day .

About 7Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises, and/or licenses more than 13000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Find out more about 7-Eleven Canada, Inc. at 7-Eleven.ca or on social media @7ElevenCanada on TikTok , Facebook , Twitter, Instagram , and LinkedIn .

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 4,750 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who in March of last year made nearly 1.5 million visits to these organizations, according to our 2022 HungerCount Report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we've sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $168 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity  while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca to learn more.

SOURCE 7-Eleven Canada

For further information: Media Contact: [email protected]
THORNHILL, ON, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ - A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones  that's a four per cent increase compared to last year. More than half (55 per cent) consider the roads around their child's school to be unsafe.

A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that 82 per cent of parents in Ontario have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours in school zones  thats a four per cent increase compared to last year. (CNW Group/CAA South Central Ontario)

"Our children deserve to travel to and from school safely," says Tracy Marshall, manager of community relations at CAA SCO. "As another school year begins, drivers should prepare for higher traffic periods in school zones and drive with extra vigilance."

According to the survey, some of the most common dangerous driving behaviours parents have witnessed include speeding, double parking and stopping in undesignated areas.

Of those surveyed, the car remains the primary mode of transportation to and from school. Because of this, more than 80 per cent of parents report experiencing congestion around their child's school. In fact, survey respondents believe that parents in a hurry (38 per cent), too much congestion (33 per cent) and parents not following the drop off or pick up procedures contribute the most to unsafe driving behaviours in school zones.

Majority of parents say more can be done to help drivers slow down in school zones.

Ninety-one per cent of parents in Ontario support lowering the speed limit in school zones with 83 per cent that say speed limits should be 30km/h or lower.

When it comes to Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE):

Seventy-seven per cent  an 11 per cent jump compared to last year  strongly support the use of it in school zones.

Eighty-one per cent believe its presence would deter speeding around schools.

Seventy-five per cent say that it should remain permanent in school zones.

Drivers reminded to follow the rules of the road in school zones, especially near school buses.

"It is dangerous and illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended," says Marshall.

According to the survey, 11 per cent of parents report having ever been charged with failure to stop for a school bus.

"Not only do you risk facing a fine of up to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offense, but you are also putting the lives of others at risk," adds Marshall.

How drivers can help keep school zones safe.

Drivers can also use the following CAA tips to ensure they are staying safe in school zones:

Help reduce traffic with active school travel: Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer.

Encourage your kids to walk or wheel to school to ease traffic congestion. If your school is a further distance, CAA encourages parents and guardians to park a block away and walk to school to reduce traffic and make school zones safer. Slow down: Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood's school zones and respect them. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing.

Know the speed limit in your neighbourhood's school zones and respect them. Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to drop off your kids at school to avoid rushing. Choose a safe spot to drop off and pick up your children from school: Follow your school's rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe.

Follow your school's rules and avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks, dropping off or picking up your kids on the opposite side of the street, and stopping in moving traffic as kids rush out. Instead, use the designated drop off areas or consider a spot a bit farther away from school that is easily accessible and safe. Make eye contact with pedestrians: With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road.

With the excitement of going back to school, anticipate that children may not easily see or hear your moving vehicle, so ensure to make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road. Watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers: When travelling to and from school, watch for CAA School Safety Patrollers in their lime green safety vests, as they play an important role in ensuring the roadway is safe before kids cross on their own.

CAA supports safety in school zones through the CAA School Safety Patrol program, developed to protect and educate elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. CAA's Ontario Road Safety Resource is a toolkit with valuable lesson plans for teachers to help educate students about road safety.

To learn more please visit www.caasco.com/schoolzone.

About the survey.

The study, commissioned by CCG conducted by Dig Insights in May 2023 surveyed 1,560 Ontario parents/guardians between the ages of 18 and 74 with children attending school from kindergarten to grade 8. The margin of error for a sample of this size is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level.

About CAA South Central Ontario

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of over 2.5 million Members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

For further information: Nadia Matos, Manager, External Communications, C: (416) 523-0663, E: [email protected]; Victoria Marchisello, Communications Specialist, C: (416) 550-1979, E: [email protected]
CALGARY, AB, Sept. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - ClickEat, a certified B-Corporation and pioneer in plastic-free disposable tableware products, has partnered with Curve Distribution Services, a prominent name in Canadian logistics and sales. This strategic collaboration brings an innovative solution to environmentally conscious Canadian consumers seeking sustainable alternatives.

"ClickEat is committed to finding sustainable solutions to address the single use plastics crisis and set new standards in the industry," says Annie Metcalfe, sustainability director at ClickEat. Crafted from certified natural compostable materials, ClickEat's single-use offerings not only adhere to Canada's single-use plastic guidelines but also surpass them. With a focus on quality from sourcing to production, ClickEat offers a range of plastic-free alternatives.

Curve Distribution Services, known for its robust logistics network and industry partnerships, has been chosen as ClickEat's primary partner for Canada. Leveraging their strong sales team and established connections, Curve Distribution Services will ensure the seamless distribution of ClickEat's plastic-free products to retailers across the nation.

"We're excited about this partnership as it merges our commitment to environmental sustainability with Curve Distribution Services' expertise," said Oscar Herrera , CEO of ClickEat. "Through this collaboration, Canadian consumers gain access to high-quality plastic-free options that align with their values."

"This venture finally provides a sustainable solution that doesn't compromise on customer experience" mentioned Kyle Duszynski , Vice President Brand Management at Curve Distribution Services. "Together with ClickEat, we're reshaping consumer choices and empowering them to make eco-friendly decisions without compromising convenience."

Canadian consumers can expect to find ClickEat's plastic-free food consumption products through Curve Distribution Services in the coming weeks. This partnership is set to redefine sustainable living choices, providing Canadians with easy access to plastic-free alternatives and contributing to a greener future.

About ClickEat:

ClickEat is at the forefront of providing plastic-free food consumption products that address the global issue of single-use plastics. Their range of products, crafted from certified natural materials, not only meets but exceeds Canada's single-use plastic guidelines, offering consumers high-quality alternatives.

Website: https://weclickeat.com/

About Curve Distribution Services:

Curve Distribution Services is a prominent name in Canadian logistics and sales, well known for bringing brands to market.

Website: https://curvedistribution.com/

SOURCE Curve Distribution Services
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ - As the new academic year approaches, helping your child understand taxes can set them up for success. There are many resources to enhance your child's journey through the tax system, and we are here to help.

Tax literacy is an important life skill

Get your child ready for the new school year with more than just school supplies. Introduce them to the Learn about your taxes tool, an interactive, self-guided online resource to help young people better understand their pay stub, benefits and credits, and more. By encouraging your child to explore this tool, they can get familiar with their tax obligations through self-guided lessons and quizzes. We have also created videos that help explain tax basics like important documents, how to file a tax return, and filling out a TD1 form.





Follow us on Instagram @canrevagency and check out our factsheet for students for everything young people need to know about benefits and credits.





We also have free webinars for students, international students, and more! Check out Upcoming events to see what we have planned. Missed a webinar? Not to worry, webinar recordings are saved there, too.

Apply for benefits and credits

Don't forget to take advantage of the various benefits and credits that could help alleviate the financial strain that may come with education and school supplies.

There are many benefits and credits programs available to help such as the Canada child benefit, the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, and the Canada workers benefit.

Education-related credits and deductions

Save for your child's education by contributing to a registered education savings plan (RESP). RESPs provide a tax-sheltered investment program that is intended for growth. The government also contributes to your plan with Canada Education Savings Grant payments. Withdrawal limits have been increased as of March 28, 2023 . The new limits include an increase from $5,000 to $8,000 in the first 13 weeks of enrollment in a qualifying educational program (full-time studies), and from $2,500 to $4,000 in any 13-week period while enrolled in a specified educational program (part-time studies).

. The new limits include an increase from to in the first 13 weeks of enrollment in a qualifying educational program (full-time studies), and from to in any 13-week period while enrolled in a specified educational program (part-time studies). If you pay for childcare so that you can go to work or school, you may be able to claim your childcare expenses on your tax return. To find out more about the deductions, credits, and expenses you can claim to reduce the amount of tax you pay, visit: All deductions, credits, and expenses - Personal income tax - Canada.ca

Contacts

Media Relations

Canada Revenue Agency

613-948-8366

[email protected]

Stay connected

Follow the CRA on Facebook

Follow the CRA on Twitter  @CanRevAgency

Follow the CRA on LinkedIn

Follow the CRA on Instagram

Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list

Add our RSS feeds to your feed reader

You can also watch our tax-related videos on YouTube

SOURCE Canada Revenue Agency
The US Navy is requesting more than $9 billion for its F/A-XX sixth generation fighter project over the next five years. The plan is to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

The two statements are very revealing. The US Navy is not talking about replacing the F-35C. Why?

The F-35C only had its first trial deployment in 2022. The current planes on almost all of the US Aircraft carriers are F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The U.S. Navy is purchasing 273 F-35C Lightning II fighter jets but they are coming at about 30 per year for many years. There are very few actually built and on aircraft carriers. The F-35C is the first stealth fighter designed for carrier operations. The F35C has larger wings than other fighters, which allows it to land on a carrier at slower speeds. The Marine corps is getting 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs.

This article discusses the reasons and evidence for a fast transition by the navy and air force to sixth generation fighters. This will save money and increase military capability.

The Navy has been slowing the F-35 orders to 30 per year or less because of low readiness grades for the planes.

The acquisition of sixth generation fighters for the Air Force and Navy is being shaped by the mostly failed F-35 program. In 2021, the F-35 program turned 20 years old. Thats longer than the entire service life of many legendary aircraft programs. The B-36 was retired 13 years after its first flight in 1946. The F-86 went from first flight to retirement in 18 years. In 2023, there has been about $200 billion spent on the F-35 program. The F-35 is still transition from a prototype to full-rate production. The program still struggles with many design flaws. It cannot be relied upon to perform well.

The Pentagon awarded the development contract for the F-35 in 2001, based on technology demonstrators, not production-ready aircraft. The Air Force and the Navy want to avoid the F-35 mistakes for sixth generation fighters.

Were not going to repeat the, what I think frankly was a serious mistake that was made in the F-35 program of not obtaining rights to all the fighters sustainment data from contractor Lockheed Martin, Secretary Frank Kendall said.

When the F-35 program was launched more than two decades ago, Kendall said an acquisition philosophy known as Total System Performance was in favor. Under this approach, he said, a contractor that won a program would own it for its entire lifecycle.

What that basically does is create a perpetual monopoly, Kendall said. I spent years struggling to overcome acquisition malpractice [on the F-35], and were still struggling with that to some degree. So were not going to do that with NGAD.

The Air Force, Navy and Marines will each have their own sixth generation stealth fighter. There will not be a forced merging of designs like in the F-35 program. There may be commonality in engines and certain other parts but there will not be a forced sharing of the platform.

The government will own the intellectual property and control open platforms. They will be able to swap vendors for parts, systems and the whole plane in and out of the program.

They will fly fully production ready planes and pay for the development and then transition to production purchases of the sixth generation fighters.

They are trying to keep the research, development and actual planes more secret for longer. The F-22 and F-35 designs and technology were famously stolen by China.

The bulk of the F-35 program costs would be for operating and maintaining the planes. The total program has an estimated $1.7 trillion in cost but only $300-400 billion in acquisition costs. The F-22 and F-35 are expensive to operate and maintain.

If the Sixth generation F/A-XX and NGAD programs can take existing engine and stealth technology and rapidly integrate them into designs dedicated to each branch of the military, then affordable to acquire, operate and maintain fighters could get promptly deployed. The sixth generation programs have really been running for many years. In 2020, a working NGAD prototype already flew. Vendor selection for the NGAD will happen in 2024. Secretary Frank Kendall statements indicate that the Air Force and Navy will make NGAD and F/A-XX selections from production ready planes.

Last week, the Navy said that the F/A-XX had recently completed the Concept Refinement Phase and has entered Design Maturation. The Navy confirmed that Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, GE Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney are industry participants in the F/A-XX Program.

The Navy wants to prioritize funding the research and development of Next Generation fighters over the continued production of F/A-18 Super Hornets. The Navy wants to make due with current fighters and order fewer F/A-18s and F35c and make a faster transition to next generation fighters.

The fast transition to 6th generation fighters is seen in the 2024 budget request. There is more money going to the F/A-XX Program that the F35c and F35b.



There is not much actual military risk to the slowdown of F35 program and faster switch to 6th generation. Why? The F-35 do not work very well. There are some redesigns being done to get improved F-35 electronics, systems and control of unmanned wingmen drones to work. This is more of a making lemonade out of lemons. The costs and value of the 6th generation planes can be maximized if the designs can have lower operational and maintenance costs. Operation and maintenance will be about 80% of the lifetime costs for the F35s. If the F35s can be retired decades early (say in 2040 instead of 2060) then the 6th generation planes could reduce overall budgets.

The new sixth generation fighter concepts are relying on heavy use of superdrone wingmen. There could be two to ten superdrones for each advanced fighter. It should be even easier to constantly upgrade each years acquisition of superdrones. The entire airfleets would have constant technological and capability improvement in separate integrated systems. Superdrones should be far cheaper to operate and maintain.

The cost to operate a Predator drone is about $3,500 per flight hour. This is significantly less than the cost to operate an F-16, which is about $8,000 per flight hour. F-35s cost about $42,000 per flight hour. The original plan was for F-35s to cost $25,000 per flight hour.

It is conceivable that F/A-XX and NGAD could be designed for $15,000 to $25,000 per flight hour and wingman superdrones could be $3000 to $5000 per flight hour.

The Navy and Air Force are starting to buy superdrones from 2025-2030 and will continue through the 2030s and beyond. The NGAD and F/A-XX could have small numbers bought from 2026-2032. Having the first sixth generation planes operational in 2030 is not impossible IF the program does not screw up. The sixth generation would only be about six to nine years behind the operational deployment of the F35s.

The F-22 cost roughly $135 million per tail, making it the most expensive fighter the U.S. Air Force has ever developed. The F-35A cost around $80-100M+ million per jet, but that number could rise.

NGAD, according to Kendalls estimate, will dwarf those costs, at least when it comes to price per plane. But the sixth-generation platform will fulfill a key air dominance role, Kendall noted. Its going to be an expensive airplane; F-22 was an expensive airplane. It was one of my aircraft in one of my earlier positions, but its also an incredibly effective aircraft. Its been dominant in the air for decades now. And we expect NGAD to be the same, Kendall said. Kendall highlighted the need to design the system so that you can do upgrades and do maintenance very efficiently.

Translation: The Air Force and Navy are willing to pay twice as much to buy great fighter planes that actually work and are way better than the Chinese fighter planes. This will still be cheaper than the F35 is operational and maintenance are good.

The F35 program maintenance will be over $1.25 trillion across its service life. Kendall is optimistic that NGAD could avoid a similar fate, using new practices such as modular design and common interfaces. The broader NGAD program will include aircraft that are much less expensive, autonomous, uncrewed  employing a distributed, tailorable mix of sensors, weapons, and other mission equipment, Kendall has said in the past. These unmanned teammates will be attritable, Kendall told Congress: not expendable, but cheap enough that they can be employed for more risky tasks.

Translation: My interpretation is supported that the Air Force and Navy want highly usable systems that lean on cheap but effective unmanned systems that can be used a lot. A long duration drone that is flying over location X is 100% more capable and useful than an F-35 sitting in hangers at airbases or aircraft carriers.
Avi Loeb discusses his expectation that unmanned alien space probes would vastly outnumber manned alien spaceships. This is certainly the case for the human space program where we have sent out about one hundred manned missions but have sent tens of thousands of unmanned missions over seventy years.

In an interview, Avi explained that it is the nature of space and space exploration that any technological civilization would send out a lot of technological hardware and less biological life. Space and the distances of travel for space make it difficult to send biology.

Avi and his team recently reported on the pidces of the IM1 Meteor that crashed into the Earth in 2014.

Avi Loeb is looking for objects that have crashed into the Earth which based upon their speed and angle indicate they originated from outside the solar system. We have been unsuccessfully using SETI to detect communications from alien technological civilizations. However, we know that humanity has over 2 billion tons of garage every year and tens of billions of tons of emissions. We have just started into space and we have a lot of space debris. Humanity has tens of billions of tons of air and water pollution and emissions. A large space faring technological civilization would also have lots of garbage. They might also send out billions of probes. They could send them out like dandelion seeds.

He has papers which calculates the estimated number of pieces that would come from a large object like a Dyson sphere that covers a significant part of a solar system. It would be trillions and trillions.

However, the inferred abundance of probes is distinctly different in case of Oumuamua-like objects being targeted towards particular regions of the galaxy, specifically habitable zones containing planets. Oumuamua was detected at a distance of  0.2 AU from Earth, and it passed through the habitable zone of our solar system . The estimated total number of Oumuamua-like objects would then fall to 19 billion.

The interstellar meteor IM1 had an estimated diameter of  0.45 meters and velocity of 60 km s-1, but it was detectable when it entered and burned up within the atmosphere of the Earth. The estimated detection rate for interstellar meteors similar to CNEOS is at least  0.1 every year , resulting in a local density estimate of i  one million per cubic AU or 10^22 per cubic parsec. They estimate 7.59  10^34 IM1-like objects bound by the thin disk of the Milky Way. However, if objects with the properties of IM1 were targeted towards habitable zones containing planets, they estimate 7.59  10^18 such objects. IM2 had a similar inferred number density to IM1 and a velocity of 40 km s-1 relative to the Local Standard of Rest. They estimate 2.78  10^34 IM2-like objects, and our estimate would be decreased to 2.78  10^18 if such objects were targeted towards habitable zones.

The abundance of ISOs depends on their size and can be calibrated through future surveys such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Data from the James Webb Space Telescope may identify the nature and 3D trajectory of more Oumuamua-like or other interstellar objects crossing through or trapped within the solar system.

Arxiv  The Inferred Abundance of Interstellar Objects of Technological Origin

The local detection rate of interstellar objects can allow for estimations of the total number of similar objects bound by the Milky Way thin disk. If interstellar objects of artificial origin are discovered, the estimated total number of objects can be lower by a factor of about 10^16 if they target the habitable zone around the Sun. We propose a model for calculating the quantity of natural or artificial interstellar objects of interest based on the objects velocity and observed density. We then apply the model to the case of chemically propelled rockets from extraterrestrial civilizations. Finally, we apply the model to three previously discovered interstellar objects  the object Oumuamua of unknown origin and the first interstellar meteors CNEOS 2014-01-08 and CNEOS 2017-03-09.
PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the plenary session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnamese leader urged ASEAN countries to urgently address policy and institutional bottlenecks and barriers, maintain the stability of the internal supply chain in order to improve the region's resilience against external impacts.

PM Pham Minh Chinh also suggested ASEAN economic ministers vigorously oversee the review, upgrade, and renegotiation of free trade agreements (FTAs) between ASEAN and its partners to create new impetuses for regional economic development.

ASEAN needs to define that ensuring regional peace and security is first and foremost the responsibility of ASEAN, he stressed, adding that the groups member states must uphold the spirit of unity, independence, and self-reliance, which should be reflected in both words and actions.

Only by doing so, can ASEAN uphold its role and receive real respect from its partners, particularly powerful countries, he said.

He reaffirmed the core spirit of ASEAN, which considers people as the centre, the goal and the motivation of the ASEAN Community-building process, towards narrowing the intra-bloc development gap, especially in remote regions and sub-regions.

PM Pham Minh Chinh took the occasion to announce that Vietnam will host an ASEAN future forum on rapid, sustainable, people-centered development to complement ASEAN's official forums and mechanisms, offering a chance for the exchange of ideas and initiatives for regional cooperation, and contributing to building a resilient and sustainable ASEAN Community.

At the plenary, ASEAN leaders approved several important documents such as declarations on inclusive development for people with disabilities, family development and gender equality, enhancing food security, a framework for ASEAN public health emergency coordination system, among others, which are expected to contribute to strengthening intra-regional efforts to build an ASEAN Community that places people at its centre.

On the same day afternoon, PM Pham Minh Chinh will join other leaders from ASEAN member states at the opening session of the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum (AIPF), which is initiative proposed by Indonesia during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023.

Delegates will debate strategic cooperation directions for the future, focusing on green infrastructure and a self-reliant supply chain, digital transformation and innovative economy, and sustainable finance and innovation./.
SpaceX has 61 successful launches of Falcon rockets so far in 2023. Elon indicates they will target 10 flights per month for the 4 remaining months of the year to hopefully reach 100 launches. They will tehn increase to 12 per month in 2024 which would get SpaceX to 140-150 launches in 2024.

This is before SpaceX gets the Starship and Super Heavy working. Starship and Super Heavy being fully reusable and able to hold ten times the mass will greatly accelerate launches and multiply launch payload.

Above is a photo of the various Starship prototypes by John Cargile @GroundTruthPics for WAI (what About It?).

SpaceX has launched 12 Starshield satellites for the US government Space Force. Nine of those Starshield satellites are working.

Great work by the @SpaceX team successfully launching 61 Falcon rocket missions this year! If tomorrows mission goes well, we will exceed last years flight count. SpaceX has delivered ~80% of all Earth payload mass to orbit in 2023. China is ~10% & rest of world other ~10%.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 2, 2023

Aiming for 10 Falcon flights in a month by end of this year, then 12 per month next year  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 2, 2023

The gate is being opened! SpaceX is getting ready to roll Starship 25 to the launch site for the IFT-2 full stack!!!  2023-09-04 @GroundTruthPics for WAI pic.twitter.com/V0TuojlAVk  What about it!? (@FelixSchlang) September 4, 2023

As of 4 September 2023:

Satellites launched: 5048

Satellites failed or deorbited: 376

Satellites in orbit: 4704

Satellites working: 4672

Satellites operational: 3979
An art performance at the camp (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Secretary of the youth union in Russia Nguyen Viet Linh said that the camp was expected to help participants have a right view of the development goal, and strive to make themselves adaptive to the trend of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

On behalf of Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi, Minister Counselor Le Quang Anh expressed his hope that Vietnamese students will become more and more mature, contributing to the building of the homeland and enhancing the friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

During the two-day camp, students joined a fashion show, a music performance, and a play that showed their love and pride for the homeland and their youth aspirations in the new era.

Do Xuan Hoang, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Russia, said the students sharing the same origin should work together to contribute to their homeland.

The camp is not only an unforgettable memory for each young person, but also a useful exchange playground showing the creativity, vibrant, enthusiastic and ambitious life of overseas Vietnamese students in the Russian Federation./.
One of the founding members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Osita Okechukwu has stated that as a Buharist that had experienced the pain of losing post-election litigations, he fully understands the grief of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP, and Allied Peoples Movement, APM, members over the outcome of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC)s judgment.

Okechukwu, who spoke to journalists in Abuja in reaction to the judgment, noted that although the main opposition PDP had bright chances of bouncing back through the 2023 presidential election, the political greed of the partys candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, denied the party victory.

The Tribunal judgement has so far gone in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Okechukwu noted that while he sympathises with PDP, LP and APM, the petitioners, particularly supporters of the PDP and the LP should not blame the PEPC but His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubukar, whose hubris and greed combined to deny them victory.

He also noted that Atikus failure to rise to the golden opportunity and play as a statesman by throwing support for his erstwhile running mate Peter Obi or any other Southern presidential candidate divided the opposition party, adding, Atiku dealt PDP a huge blow from which it might be difficult to recover.

He dismissed claims by the petitioners that alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election, Tinubus qualification, as well as the failure to electronically transmit results in real time were fatal to the respondents case.

Those intricate webs could have been resolved if Atiku had obeyed the zoning convention, supported Peter Obi or any other Southern presidential candidate it could been simply an all southern bout. The Wike masquerade couldnt have emerged. That would have meant that the bulk of votes he garnered could have been credited to PDP.

Atiku divided PDPs votes irreparably, all the votes Labour Party garnered were from the partys stronghold, minus voted warehoused by the former Vice President who naively forgot that northern voters are one of the most sophisticated in the country, but believed that northern electorate would behave like children in a dormitory waiting for directives on how to vote, he declared.

Okechukwu, who is also the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (DG, VON), remarked that President Tinubu deserves accolades for rescuing the zoning convention which guarantees equity, and natural justice between the north and south.

He stated: First and foremost, let me congratulate President Tinubu, for rescuing the zoning convention, a ligament binding north and south from unprecedented assault.

To be honest, my take is that the opposition lost the election that day in 2022, when His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar trampled on the presidential zoning convention, which governed the 4th Republic Nigeria and was also embedded in his partys Constitution.

Recall that Atiku earned accolades when he stormed out of PDP Convention in 2014 in protest that President Goodluck Jonathan was breaching the zoning convention. And, in 2018, Governor Nyesom Wike hosted PDP Convention in Port Harcourt and ensured that only northern presidential aspirants contested for the presidential ticket as a way of honouring the zoning convention.

So, it is obvious that when Atiku sacrificed statesmanship on the altar of narrow political ambition, one concluded that he had wittingly or unwittingly fatally wounded the fabric of PDP. And, going by the time worn cliche, a divided house cannot stand, Nigerians should recognise that Atiku by his greed denied PDP a possible victory.

On the way forward, the APC chieftain suggested a revised Electoral Act that will resolve all evident ambiguities, by enthroning mandatorily only electronic accreditation and transmission of results.

I subscribe to the idea that we should totally abolish manual collation of results and make electronic transmission of results mandatory.

We also need to return to the popular Justice Uwais Handbook on Electoral Reform, which among other fine democratic tenets recommended how best to transparently recruit the INEC Chairman, Commissioners and sundry officials.

With these altercations, Election Petitions will definitely be concluded before swearing-in of winners.

Let us not forget that our democracy has witnessed tremendous advancement and keep in mind the fact that democracy is not a revolution, but a work in progress, Okechukwu submitted.
The presidential election tribunal has stated that the Labour Party (LP) failed to prove that President Bola Tinubu should have been disqualified from contesting the 2023 election on account of a forfeiture agreement.

In 1993, Tinubu surrendered $460,000 to the US government after a Chicago court found that the money was the proceed of heroin trafficking.

The forfeiture deal was one of the prayers against Tinubu by Peter Obi of the LP and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While reading the lead judgment, Justice Haruna Tsammani, said the evidence (Exhibit P5) tendered by the petitioners shows that it was a civil forfeiture case.

Tsammani held that the petitioners failed to adduce credible evidence to show that Tinubu was arraigned or took a plea or was sentenced or fined in any criminal suit in the US.

The petitioners have evidently failed to establish their allegation that the 2nd respondent is disqualified from contesting the presidential election under Sec 137 (1)(d) of the 1999 constitution because he was fined $460,000 by a district court in Illinois, he said.

The order of forfeiture in exhibit P5 on which the petitioners have relied does not qualify as a sentence of fine for an offence involving dishonesty or fraud within the confabulation of Section 137 (d) of the 1999 constitution.




Today is the D-day! The five-member panel of the presidential election petition tribunal will either set a record or follow the trend.

Since the return of democracy in 1999, no court has ever overturned a presidential election in Nigeria. The winner declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) usually triumphs at the tribunal; and even when the case gets to the supreme court, nothing changes.

The presidential tribunal is set to deliver its verdict in a few hours. Some Nigerians are hoping that something different happens, while some pray that luck shines on their preferred candidate

Unlike in the past, the proceedings of the 2023 presidential election petition tribunal have generated a lot of talking points from the inception to the end.

One man  Ahmed Bola Tinubu  has been at the centre of the legal battle at the tribunal. After he was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election by INEC, opposition parties rejected the outcome of the election.

Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi, his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, approached the tribunal to challenge Tinubus victory.

In a few hours, the tribunal will rule on certain issues that form the pillars of the petitions.

25% IN FCT

One major issue that has generated a lot of talking points since the announcement of the presidential election results is the 25 per cent debate as it relates to the federal capital territory (FCT), Nigerias capital.

Tinubu failed to secure 25 per cent of the total votes cast in the FCT  a development that has elicited varied reactions.

According to results declared by INEC, Obi scored the highest votes with 281,717, Tinubu got 90,902 votes, while Atiku came a distant third with 74,199 votes. With the results, only the LP candidate garnered 25 per cent of the votes cast in the FCT.

Both Atiku and Obi had argued that since Tinubu failed to secure 25 per cent of the votes in FCT, he should not be declared the winner of the election.

Their argument is hinged on the provision of section 134 (2) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Section 134 (2) says: A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election: (a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and (b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, Tinubus legal team argued that the FCT has no special status in Nigerias electoral process.

The presidential tribunal will definitely provide answers to the raging debate of 25 per cent votes in FCT.

MANIPULATION OF RESULTS, OVERVOTING

The tribunal will also determine whether the petitioners  Atiku and Obi  provided enough evidence to support their claims of alleged manipulation, overvoting, suppression of votes, mutilations, cancellations and overwriting on result sheets, and manipulation of BVAS machines, among other alleged infractions.

The five-member panel will also decide whether the alleged infractions cited by the petitioners are enough to overturn Tinubus victory.

The petitioners had raised a number of issues on the conduct of the election by the umpire.

DELAY IN ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS

In the build-up to the 2023 election, INEC promised Nigerians that results at polling units will be immediately uploaded to its resulting viewing portal (IReV)

However, during the presidential election, the commission failed to instantly upload results to IReV.

Owing to the incident, petitioners asked the tribunal to decide whether INEC complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 and its guidelines on the electronic transmission of election results.

ALLEGED DOUBLE NOMINATION

The nomination of Kashim Shettima as Tinubus running mate is also one of the issues at stake at the presidential tribunal.

Petitioners alleged that Shettima was still the APCs candidate for Borno central senatorial district when he accepted the nomination to be Tinubus running mate.

But APC argued that the vice-president had resigned as the partys senatorial candidate before the presidential primary.

In May, the supreme court ruled that Shettima was not guilty of double nomination.

ALLEGED PERJURY ON AGE, DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Prior to the February 25 election, the exact age of Tinubu was a controversial issue. But Tinubu said his record is consistent.

At the presidential tribunal, petitioners argued that the alleged inconsistency in Tinubus age made him unqualified to contest for the position of president.

Another issue was the debate on dual citizenship. Tinubu was said to have voluntarily acquired the citizenship of the Republic of Guinea.

Petitioners had tendered a document purported to be Tinubus Guinean passport to support the claim of dual citizenship.

Petitioners had also argued that the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election was invalid because of his alleged dual citizenship.

FORGED CERTIFICATE

The authenticity of Tinubus academic records is another issue that will be determined by the tribunal.

Tinubus credentials showed that he graduated from Chicago State University (CSU) in 1979 with a bachelors degree in business administration, accounting and management.

However, there have been allegations bordering on discrepancies with Tinubus certificate. At the tribunal, petitioners raised issues on alleged discrepancies in the certificate.

Recently, Atiku approached a US court for the northern district of Illinois in Chicago for an order compelling CSU to release Tinubus academic records.

ALLEGED DRUG CONVICTION

This is arguably the biggest issue at stake at the presidential election tribunal. Many Nigerians are keen to know the verdict of the tribunal on the issue.

At every point in Tinubus political journey, the issue of an alleged drug conviction involving the former Lagos governor in the United States has always resurfaced.

The petitioners said the alleged forfeiture of $460,000 by Tinubu as a fine for narcotics trafficking imposed by a US court on the president in 1993 makes him unqualified to contest for the election.

The forfeiture case has elicited reactions on whether forfeiture is the same thing as conviction.

The tribunal will definitely provide answers to the issue of whether the forfeiture of the funds amounts to a criminal conviction for drug trafficking.
The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed as incompetent, the case the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, filed to nullify President Bola Tinubus election.

The court held that issues the APM raised in its petition contained pre-election matters that could only be determined by the Federal High Court.

Chairman of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the ruling, upheld preliminary objections that all the Respondents raised to challenge the competence of the petition.

Justice Haruna noted that since the petition centered on the qualification or otherwise of President Tinubu to contest the presidential election that held on February 25, the APM, ought to have gone to court within 14 days after Tinubu was nominated by the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He held that since the cause of action bordered on a pre-election matter, the APM, lacked the locus standi to challenge Tinubus nomination.

More so, Justice Tsammani held that the Supreme Court had earlier decided that a political party does not have the right to challenge a nomination that was made by another political party.

He held that section 131 and 237 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, made provisions for the qualification or disqualification of candidates in an election.

The court noted that the main grouse of the APM was on the alleged invalid nomination of Tinubus running mate, Kashim Shettima.

It is clear that the claim of qualification it non qualification of the the 3rd Respondent (Tinubu) centered on alleged invalid nomination of the 4th Respondent (Shettima).

It is a pre-election matter, Justice Tsammani held.

He further held that section 84(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, stipulated that political parties should not impose qualification criteria on a candidate, except as provided for in the constitution.

According to the court, sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 185 and 187 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, settled the issue of qualification and nomination of a candidate for an election.

It held that where an election has already been conducted and result declared, the qualification of a candidate could no longer be challenged on the basis of sections 131 and 137 of the Constitution.

The court held that since the APM failed to challenge President Tinubus nomination within the constitutionally allowed period, its case, therefore, had become statute barred.

It held that where the constitution has qualified a candidate for an election, no other law can disqualify such candidate except the constitution itself.

The court held that the issue of double nomination as canvassed by the APM, was not a legally cognizable ground for disqualification.

Besides, the court held that it found no reason why Mr. Ibrahim Masari was cited as the 5th Respondent in the petition since he would not in any way be affected by the outcome of the case.

Consequently, it struck out his name from the petition.

The APM had in its petition marked: CA/PEPC/04/2023, argued that the withdrawal of Mr. Masari who was initially nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC, invalidated Tinubus candidacy in view of Section 131(c) and 142 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The party argued that there was a gap of about three weeks between the period that Masari, who was listed as the 5th Respondent in the petition, expressed intention to withdraw, the actual withdrawal of his purported nomination, and the time Tinubu purportedly replaced him with Senator Kashim Shettima.

It further argued that Tinubus candidature had elapsed as at the time he nominated Shettima as Masaris replacement.

According to the petitioner, as at the time Tinubu announced Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate, he was no longer in a position, constitutionally, to nominate a running mate since he had ceased to be a presidential candidate of the 2nd Respondent having regards to the provisions of section 142 of the 1999 Constitution.

The APM contended that Masaris initial nomination activated the joint ticket principle enshrined in the Constitution, stressing that his subsequent withdrawal invalidated the said joint ticket.

It, therefore, prayed the court to declare that Shettima was not qualified to contest as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC as at February 25 when the election was conducted by INEC having violated the provisions the of Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

An order nullifying and voiding all the votes scored by Tinubu in the presidential election in view of his non-qualification as a candidate of the APC.

As well as an order to set aside the Certificate of Return that was issued to the President by INEC, reliefs that were rejected by the court on Wednesday.
The presidential election tribunal sitting at the court of appeal in Abuja, has ruled that the petition filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on Kashim Shettimas double nomination, lacks merit.

The APMs petition was premised on the eligibility of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima to contest the February 25, 2023 election.

According to the tribunal, the petition of the APM is devoid of any merit.

Haruna Tsammani, who read the judgment, said the tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to hear or determine an issue bordering on qualification or non-qualification of a candidate.

Tsammani said the alleged double nomination against Shettima has no substance, having been settled by the supreme court. He said no one has the right to litigate on it again.

The tribunal said the issue of qualification or non-qualification is a pre-election matter that should have been ventilated at the federal high court within 14 days after the conduct of a primary election.

The tribunal also said APM lacks the locus standi to challenge the qualification of a candidate in another political party.

The tribunal said only an aspirant who took part in a primary election can challenge the outcome of such election.

The court referred to the judgment of the supreme court delivered on May 26 were the apex court dismissed an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The APM in their petition submitted that Shettima was still a candidate as of 14 July when he was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate.

Tsammani held that there is evidence before the tribunal to prove that Shettima sent a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on July 6, resigning his position as Borno central senatorial candidate, and that his nomination as vice-president cannot be regarded as a double nomination.
This aerial photo taken on July 24, 2023 shows a cultural show organized by local government for visitors in Zhongyuan Township of Jing'an County, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua)

NANCHANG, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- In summer, the forest-covered Zhongyuan Township on a hillside in east China's Jiangxi Province has drawn flocks of visitors from across the country.

The booming tourism in the picturesque township of Jing'an County has benefited the locals greatly. "All our rooms are often fully booked during the summer holiday, and visitors have to reserve a few months in advance," said Liu Fangyong, a homestay owner in Sanping Village of Zhongyuan.

Sitting in the hinterland of Jiuling Mountain with a forest coverage rate of nearly 90 percent, Zhongyuan is cooler in summer, with an average temperature ranging from 18 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal location to develop the "summer economy."

Data shows that there are 721 registered homestays in Zhongyuan's summer resorts, welcoming some 30,000 tourists every summer.

"We have a stable group of customers, and many of them even prefer to pay the booking deposit for the next year," Liu said.

The bustling scenes reminded the 57-year-old Liu of the looks of the relatively undeveloped township decades ago when the township roads were bumpy with sand and dust, and hardly any trees would grow on the nearby hills.

"The majority of the villagers preferred to work outside the township to earn their living at that time," Liu recalled.

In the year 2000, the township embraced green development and jumped on the bandwagon of developing rural tourism.

"Now 90 percent of migrants have come back to the township and run homestays, with an average annual income increase of 100,000 yuan (about 14,000 U.S. dollars) per household," said Chen Wuhe, an official with Sanping Village.

A homestay association was established in Zhongyuan Township in 2021 to improve the local reception capacity further. The association optimizes the management of homestays with the help of scenic management approaches, to standardize the price and decor of the homestays in each village of the township.

Li Simin, an 86-year-old resident of Nanchang, capital city of Jiangxi, has been spending 12 summers consecutively at Liu's homestay. "It is already a 'home' for me, and I keep my luggage here all year round," she said.

The voluble and gregarious Li said that she just organized an evening party in August, attracting many guests from the homestay to get involved.

According to Zhong Wei, president of the local homestay association, the association also provides free training on breakfast making, etiquette serving, and fire control security for homestay owners every year.

As this year's summer has ended, Liu plans to repaint the walls of his homestay rooms and rebuild an old house into a restaurant to prepare for the tourists rushing for a summer escape next year. 

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows homestays in Zhongyuan Township of Jing'an County, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Liu Yang)

Editor: JYZ




Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has commended operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for the swift arrest of officials of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) for stealing palliative items.





The governor said the arrest of NASEMA officials and their collaborators by the secret police was a welcome development.





It was earlier reported that the DSS operatives arrested officials of NASEMA for diverting palliative items meant for vulnerable people in Nasarawa State that had found their way to the market in Lafia, the state capital.





Gov Sule, in a statement issued in Lafia on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said: It is unfortunate that, while the federal and state governments are working relentlessly to alleviate the hardship being faced by the victims, some government officials will shamelessly collude with criminal elements and get involved in the diversion and sales of the materials.





He noted how some staff of the agency were allegedly involved with a nationwide syndicate that specialises in diverting relief materials donated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and victims of floods in the state.
The presidential election petition tribunal has ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is at liberty to determine its mode of transmitting election results.

Haruna Tsammani, chairman of the tribunal, on Wednesday, cited the judgment of a federal high court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1454/2022 delivered on January 23, 2023.

Tsammani said the judgment subsists since the Labour Party (LP) has failed to appeal against it.

He also ruled that Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), could not establish that INEC deliberately failed to upload results to the IReV in order to manipulate the election result in favour of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February polls.

Tsammani added that the petitioners did not prove how they were affected by the failure of INEC to electronically transmit the results.

The petitioners have failed to prove substantial non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act, he said.

The LP and its candidate had approached the tribunal to challenge the victory of Tinubu over the delay in the electronic transmission of results by INEC, among other issues.




-- Allegation of double nomination by APM against Vice-President Kashim Shettima holds no water.





-- Peter Obi could not prove that his votes were suppressed and that he scored the majority of lawful votes cast.





-- Out of the 13 witnesses called by Obi/LP, 10 were not accepted by the court.





-- The tribunal said President Bola Tinubu was not convicted because civil forfeiture is not a criminal matter.





-- The tribunal said INEC is at liberty to define the mode of results transmission it intends to use.

-- The tribunal said there is no specific provision for the electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act 2022.

-- Obi/LP failed to prove INEC deliberately refused to upload results.





-- Obi/LP failed to prove how they were affected by the failure of INEC to electronically transmit results.

--The tribunal said 25% of FCT votes not needed to win Presidential election
The Labour Party (LP) has rejected the judgement of the presidential election petition tribunal that dismissed the petitions of Peter Obi, its candidate, against the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 polls.

On Wednesday, the tribunal struck out the various charges filed by Obi and the LP challenging Tinubus victory.

Obiora Ifoh, national publicity secretary of the LP, said in a statement that justice was not served in the judgement, adding that it did not reflect the law and desires of the people.

Obi who came third in the election and his party had filed a joint petition in March challenging the outcome of the presidential poll.

In their final written address dated July 20, the petitioners insisted that Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were not qualified to contest the poll.





The petitioners had argued that Tinubu was not eligible to contest the election due to the forfeiture of $460,000 in the US and his failure to secure 25 percent of votes cast in the federal capital territory (FCT).

FCT not superior to any state

But the tribunal in its judgement said the FCT is not treated specially in the election as it is not superior to any state.

The tribunal said the interpretation of the 25 percent votes cast in the FCT by the LP is fallacious.

With due respect to counsel to the petitioners, their interpretation of the provision of the constitution, as regards the 25 percent in Abuja, is fallacious if not completely ludicrous, the court said.

The court held that there is equality of rights irrespective of which part of the country voters prefer to live in.

$460k forfeiture: Obi, LP failed to prove Tinubu was convicted

The tribunal also ruled that the LP failed to prove that Tinubu should have been disqualified from contesting the election on account of a forfeiture agreement.

In 1993, Tinubu surrendered $460,000 to the US government after a Chicago court found that the money was the proceeds of heroin trafficking.

The forfeiture deal was one of the prayers against Tinubu by the LP, Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While reading the lead judgment, Haruna Tsammani, chairman of the tribunal, said the evidence (Exhibit P5) tendered by the petitioners showed that it was a civil forfeiture case.

Tsammani held that the petitioners failed to adduce credible evidence to show that Tinubu was arraigned or took a plea or was sentenced or fined in any criminal suit in the US.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed civil servants to go back to work after the completion of the two-day warning strike.

The union, in a statement on Wednesday, asked its members across the country to resume work on Thursday.

As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight, we earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow, in accordance with our initial agreement, the statement signed by Joe Ajaero, NLC president, reads.

Last Friday, NLC asked its members to embark on a two-day warning strike over the impact of petrol subsidy removal on the masses.

The strike commenced on Tuesday, September 5.

Workers in some states fully complied with strike order as activities in government institutions were grounded, while partial compliance was witnessed in some states.

According to the statement, Ajaero commended affiliate unions and state chapters for their active participation in the warning strike.

He said the same passion that triggered the warning strike would be necessary for an indefinite strike if the government fails to respond to their demands.

It is abundantly clear that our united message has resonated loudly with the government, and it would take a truly inattentive ear not to hear it, the NLC president said.

As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight, we earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow, in accordance with our initial agreement.

We would like to take this moment to express our profound appreciation for your unwavering determination and dedication, which played a pivotal role in the resounding success of this action.

Your contributions during this warning strike exemplify your unwavering commitment to our shared cause.




The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State of allegedly sharing and squandering N2b palliaviates meant for vulnerable citizens of Kogi State.





This is even as the Department of State Services, DSS, said on Tuesday that its operatives arrested some officials of the State Emergency Management Agency in the State for allegedly diverting palliatives meant for the citizens.





Recall that the federal government had a few weeks ago shared thousands of bags of rice, a staple food, across 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in a bid to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, particularly on the vulnerable citizens.





Shortly after the DSS report, PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba said the ruling party was responsible for the alleged diversion of the palliatives.





PDP further demanded an apology from the APC over what it termed the misfortunes of the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello.





It is unpardonable that after allegedly sharing from the N2b Kogi Palliative Fund, the APC leaders turned around to spit in the face of the people and danced on the graves of victims of APCs vicious administration in the State in the past eight years.





Our Party demands that the APC should apologize to the people of Kogi State for the misfortune that Yahaya Bellos governance brought to the State and for presenting an individual such as Usman Ododo as a governorship candidate, the statement added.





The Party also described the assertion by the APC that there was no vacancy in the government house as an illusory and pathetic display of fear of imminent defeat by the PDP in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Former Vice president and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abubakar Atiku and his counterpart in the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi are conspicuously absent at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal where judgment in their petitions are to be delivered.





At 9:34 am when the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani asked for the introduction of petitioners and responders, the embattled chairman of the LP, Julius Abure noted that he was standing in for the petitioner, Peter Obi.

The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima introduced himself as the first responder, alongside the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Wednesdays judgment will be delivered by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Haruna Tsammani, assisted by other members of the panel: Justices Stephen Adah, Monsurat Bolaji-Yusuf, Moses Ugo, and Abba Mohammed.





The petitions, marked: CA/PEPC/03/2023, CA/PEPC/05/2023 and CA/PEPC/04/2023, were lodged before the court by the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi; a former Vice President and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; as well as the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, respectively.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on March 1, announced that Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress won the presidential election held on February 25, ahead of 17 other candidates that participated in the contest.

It declared that Tinubu scored a total of 8,794,726 votes to defeat the two major contenders, Alhaji Atiku of the PDP, who came second with a total of 6,984,520 votes, and Mr. Obi of the LP, who came third with a total of 6,101,533 votes.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, both Atiku and Obi approached the court to have it invalidated.

Details later




Officers of the Nigerian Police Force on Wednesday fired tear gas at students of University of Lagos (UNILAG).





The students had converged around the school to protest the increase in tuition.





The protest appeared peaceful until shots were fired by the police officers who were on ground to monitor the students.





The National Association of Nigerian Students had on Tuesday warned the Department of State Services not to prevent students from exercising their rights to protest, saying it is a universally recognised human right.





The National Public Relations Officer of the union, Giwa Temitope stated that the statement made by DSS on Monday that some politicians were mobilising student leaders for violent protest against the Federal Government over socioeconomic matters was propaganda.





He boasted that the protest would go on as planned.
The Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, sitting in Abuja, has commenced the delivery of judgement on the petition the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, filed to nullify the election of President Bola Tinubu.

The five-member panel of the court led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, had disclosed that it would not read everything in the judgement, especially all the arguments that were canvassed during the hearing.

The panel further stressed that though all the three cases challenging President Tinubus election were consolidated, the petitions will however maintain their separate identities.

Whereas the petition by the Labour Party and its candidate in the presidential election that held on February 25, Peter Obi, was called first, however, the panel, kick-started its verdict with that of the APM.

Cited as 1st to 5th defendants in APMs petition marked: CA/PEPC/04/2023, are the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Mr. Kabiru Masari.

During the hearing, while the petitioner, through its lawyer, Mr. Andrew Malgwi, SAN, urged the court to sack Tinubu and withdraw the Certificate of Return that was issued to him by INEC, on the other hand, all the Defendants prayed the court to dismiss the case for want of competence.

President Tinubu, through his team of lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, maintained that the petition the APM lodged against him, lacked merit.

He argued that the sole issue the party relied upon to seek his sack from office, which bordered on allegation that his Vice President, Shettima, was nominated twice by the APC for different elective positions, had already been decided by the supreme Court.

President Tinubu argued that APMs petition did not only fail to disclose a reasonably cause of action against him, but was equally bereft of substance.

Likewise, both counsel for the APC, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and that of INEC, Mr. Steven Adehi, SAN, separately urged the court to dismiss the petition.

Related News

Presidential election court: Keyamo, Uzodimma, Yahaya Bello, others in court for judgment

Presidential Poll Dispute: Obi's petition to be decided first

100 DAYS: Tinubu's politics: As it was in Lagos

Whereas APC told the court that Tinubus nomination and eligibility to contest the presidential election that held on February 25, was without fault, on its part, INEC, threw its weight behind the outcome of the poll.

After it had listened to all the parties, the Justice Tsammani-led panel said it would communicate the judgement date to them.

It will be recalled that the APM closed its case on June 21, after its lone witness testified before the court.

Specifically, APM, in its petition, contended that the withdrawal of Mr. Masari, who was initially nominated as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC, invalidated Tinubus candidacy in view of Section 131(c) and 142 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The party argued that there was a gap of about three weeks between the period that Masari, who was listed as the 5th Respondent in the petition, expressed intention to withdraw, the actual withdrawal of his purported nomination, and the time Tinubu purportedly replaced him with Senator Shettima.

It further argued that Tinubus candidature had elapsed as at the time he nominated Shettima as Masaris replacement.

According to the petitioner, as at the time Tinubu announced Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate, he was no longer in a position, constitutionally, to nominate a running mate since he had ceased to be a presidential candidate of the 2nd Respondent having regards to the provisions of section 142 of the 1999 Constitution.

More so, APM, contended that Masaris initial nomination activated the joint ticket principle enshrined in the Constitution, stressing that his subsequent withdrawal invalidated the said joint ticket.

It, therefore, prayed the court to declare that Shettima was not qualified to contest as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the APC as at February 25 when the election was conducted by INEC having violated the provisions the of Section 35 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

An order nullifying and voiding all the votes scored by Tinubu in the presidential election in view of his non-qualification as a candidate of the APC.

As well as an order to set aside the Certificate of Return that was issued to the President by INEC.

The court had on May 30, suspended further proceedings in the matter after counsel to President Tinubu, Chief Olanipekun, SAN, drew its attention to a judgement of the Supreme Court which he said settled the issue the APM raised in its petition.

Chief Olanipekun, SAN, maintained that an appeal the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, filed against President Tinubu, which was dismissed by the Supreme Court, bordered on the legality or otherwise of his clients nomination to contest the election by the APC.

He argued that the said judgement of the apex court touched on the substance of APMs petition.

Tinubus lawyer stressed that the only ground the APM canvassed in its petition, was the fact that the Vice President, Shettima, had double nominations, prior to the presidential election that held on February 25.

Insisting that the issue had since been settled by the Supreme Court, Tinubus lead counsel, said: As officers of this court, it behoves us to assist the court in all circumstances and also bring to the attention of yours lordships, decisions of courts, even from other jurisdictions, which relate to any matter pending before yours lordships.

Even if those decisions do not necessarily align with the interest of our clients. If becomes more imperative if we are aware or abreast of any decision of the Supreme Court which touches on matters within the proceedings before your lordships.

In this wise my lords, this particular petition which has just been called in respect of which the sole issue that is being ventilated is the nomination of the 1st Respondent who we represent.

We are aware that the Supreme Court gave a judgement on the issue on Friday, May 23, in respect of appeal No: SC/CV/501/2023, and the parties involved were PDP Vs INEC& 3 Ors, where the apex court considered all the issues and resolved them.

We will confirm from the petitioners, whether in the light of the Supreme Court decision, there will still be the need to continue with this petition, he added.

Following its decision not to withdraw the petition, the APM tendered in evidence before the court, exhibits it said would establish its case that Tinubu was ineligible to contest the presidential election.

Part of exhibits the petitioner tendered in evidence through the witness, Aisha Abubakar, who identified herself as the Assistant Welfare Director of the party, included documents on Masaris withdrawal as Tinubus running mate for the election.

However, before the witness could exit the box, APCs lead counsel, Prince Fagbemi, SAN, tendered through her, a copy of the Supreme Court judgement which the Respondents said had earlier settled the issue the APM raised in the petition.

On his part, INECs lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinhero, tendered before the court, a letter dated July 6, which the APC wrote to Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, notifying him of the withdrawal of Shettimas nomination as its senatorial candidate in Borno state.

Equally admitted in evidence by the court was a letter that indicated that one Mr. Lawal Kaka Shehu, was subsequently nominated to replace Shettima as APCs flag-bearer for senatorial poll.

After the witness was discharged from the box, a Deputy Director at the INEC, Mr. John Arabs, who was summoned through a subpoena, produced and tendered documents in evidence, among which included the original online form which Shettima submitted to indicate his withdrawal from the senatorial race.
The presidential election petition tribunal has dismissed the petition of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the eligibility of Peter Obi to contest the 2023 general election.

The APC had challenged Obis membership of the Labour Party (LP), declaring it incompetent.

Justice Abba Mohammed, a member of the five-member panel who read the lead judgment, said that membership in a political party is an internal affair.

Tinubu and Shettima had contended that they had the locus standi to institute the petition on the grounds that Obi only joined the LP few days before the election, instead of the mandatory 30 days.

However, the court held that it is not the prerogative of Tinubu and Shettima to challenge Obis candidacy.

The issue of membership of a political party is an internal party affair, Mohammed said.

The tribunal also dismissed the objection raised by the respondents contending that Obi and LP failed to join Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a respondent in their petition.

The court held that Section 133 of the Electoral Act provides that the loser and winner of an election, as well as the person/body who conducted the election, are to be joined as respondents.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The third themed hotel in Shanghai Disney Resort started construction on Thursday, according to the resort management.

This new expansion will further cultivate the credentials of the highly popular resort as a multi-day tourism destination, the management said.

Representatives of Shanghai Shendi Group, the Walt Disney Company, Shanghai Disney Resort and the Administrative Commission of Shanghai International Resort attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new hotel on Thursday morning.

The new hotel, designed to have 400 rooms, will join the 420-room Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and the 795-room Toy Story Hotel, to provide guests with more accommodation options.

Located on the shores of Wishing Star Lake, the new hotel will provide extraordinary views of Shanghai Disneyland, and offer broad family appeal and experiences with exciting new indoor and outdoor recreational amenities and programming, the resort said.

Currently, Shanghai Disney Resort encompasses Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, two themed hotels, Wishing Star Park and other outdoor recreation areas.

Editor: ZAD
The presidential election petition tribunal on Wednesday dismissed the suit by Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seeking to disqualify President Bola Tinubu on the ground of dual citizenship.

The tribunal ruled that the information in Atikus reply was an attempt to smuggle in fresh evidence to make up for the details his legal team failed to provide while filing the petition.

The court also held that Atikus claim of non-qualification stated in the main petition was vague.

It was in their response to the respondents reply that they tried to smuggle in the issue of double citizenship, the panel said.

Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) have approached the tribunal to challenge Tinubus victory in the presidential election.

The former vice-president had told the tribunal that Tinubu ought not to have contested the election owing to his dual citizenship of Nigeria and Guinea.

Atiku made the claim in his response to Tinubus preliminary objection filed before the presidential election petition court in Abuja.

Shortly after Tinubu was declared the president-elect, there were reports that he allegedly obtained citizenship of Guinea.

The allegation generated varied reactions on social media, with many arguing that having dual citizenship bars Tinubu from contesting elections in the country.

Tinubus relationship with Alpha Conde, the former president of Guinea, has also come under scrutiny.

Ousmane Yara, a Guinean ambassador to the African Union (AU) for Agenda 2063, had said Tinubu was recognised by Conde as a special envoy.
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abubakar Atiku on Wednesday suffered a major setback in his legal battle to unseat Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigerias elected President.

This is as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal struck out several paragraphs of the petition he relied upon to push for Tinubus removal.

Also several exhibits, including witnesses statements he tendered to establish his allegations of irregularities, malpractices against the February 25 presidential election were rejected and dis-countenanced by the Tribunal.

Delivering ruling in some objections argued by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, on behalf of Tinubu, Justice Moses Ugoh held that several parts of Atikus petition have no legs upon which they can stand and survive, hence, not competent.

Like the fate that befell his counterpart in the Labour Partys Peter Obi, the court said several facts fundermentally required to support the petition were not provided by Atiku.

Among others, Atiku was said to have failed and neglected to name places where ballot boxes were snatched, the ways and manners the BVAS machine were manipulated and names of polling boots where alleged malpractices took place.

The petitioner, who claimed to have polled majority of lawful votes, was said to have failed to state in clear terms, the total lawful votes he claimed to have scored.

The Court held that Atiku alleged that Tinubu did not score majority of lawful votes but refused to make the perceived lawful votes known in his petition to the Tribunal.

Similarly, the Tribunal said that the former Vice President made grievous allegations against Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government of Kogi, Friday Adejoh but neglected to join them as respondents in the petition.

Justice Ugoh held that failure to join the Governor, who was accused of electoral fraud, was fatal to the petition because the Governor was denied opportunity to defend himself as required by law.

The Tribunal dismissed the the allegations of over voting all over Nigeria by the petitioner, adding that such pleadings run foul of the law because the specific places where the alleged over voting took place were not mentioned.

Atikus petition was also faulted on the ground that it introduced several facts and allegations in unlawful ways that caught the respondents unaware, adding that the tactic employed was unfair and made him clever by half.

Among the offending new facts said to have been wrongfully introduced by Atiku were the allegations of criminal conviction, certificate forgery, dual citizenship of Guinea made against Tinubu outside the mode of filing petition.

Justice Stephen Jonah Adah who read another ruling on objections against the petition expunged several documents tendered by Atiku on the ground that the exhibits were made during the pendency of the petition.

Also the evidence of several key witnesses of Atiku were expunged from the Court record having been made in manners not known to law.

The Tribunal held that the wrongful mode adopted by the PDPs presidential candidate in the construction of the petition made several paragraphs of the petition liable for striking out for want of merit.
Ahead of the final judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, Bashir Ahmad, an erstwhile media aide to former President Muhammad Buhari, has expressed confidence that the court would uphold President Bola Tinubus victory.

In a post on his official X account, Bashir claimed that the president is committed to democratic principles, citing his respect for the judiciary.

According to him, since the tribunal commenced hearing the petition filed by the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, seeking to truncate Tinubus victory, the president has continued to advocate for the rule of law.

He wrote, As we await the final pronouncement of the verdict from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, the confidence in President Bola Tinubus victory remains steadfast.

His electoral mandate, and his unshakable respect for the judiciary is a hallmark of his commitment to democratic principles. Throughout the tribunal proceedings, he has consistently advocated for due process and the rule of law.

The five-member panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, are currently declaring judgment on the petitions.

The court had earlier thrown out a suit filed before it by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) seeking the disqualification of Vice President Kashim Shettima.




A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP, Kenneth Okonkwo has faulted the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal on the double nomination of Vice President Kashim Shettima.





Okonkwo said the judgment of election petitions should be concluded before candidates are sworn-in.





He wondered why the tribunal would rely on Shettimas letter to the All Progressives Congress, APC, when the party did not to nominate him for the position of Vice President and Senator for Borno Central senatorial seat.





It was reported that the tribunal had thrown out a suit brought by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) seeking Shettimas disqualification.





The party argued that Tinubu was improperly sponsored by the APC since he nominated Shettima as his vice-presidential candidate for the election.





The opposition party had claimed that Shettima was still the APC candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District on July 14 when he accepted the nomination for vice-presidential candidate.





But, ruling on the case on Wednesday, the PEPT ruled that it is a pre-election matter and therefore, lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.





Reacting, Okonkwo suggested that the letter would have been written after Shettima was nominated.





A statement by Okonkwo on X reads: Just listened to the initial judgement of the PEPC and saw how the court relied on a purported letter of withdrawal written to APC by Shettima on the 6th of July,2023, to indicate an intention not to be doubly nominated for both the position of Borno Central Senatorial seat and that of the Vice-President.





Maybe the court forgot that it was on the 10th of July, 2023, at Daura, that Tinubu said openly that he has chosen Shettima as Vice-Presidential candidate and that Shettima was not aware of it yet.





How can someone withdraw his nomination from the Senate because of nomination for the Vice-Presidential seat at a time when he wasnt aware that he was going to be nominated for the post of the Vice-President.





This is why a lot of people believe the letter was written after the Respondents realised that they were in trouble of offending the double nomination provision.





Evaluation of evidence must be logical. This is why judgement in election petitions must be concluded before candidates are sworn in.
Wawa is giving teachers and school administrators a free coffee of any size throughout September as part of its Cheers to the Classrooms celebration.

The convenience store said that all of its stores in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C. and Virginia will offer the freebie to anyone who proves that they work at a school.

Wawa will also donate $50,000 to match teachers requests to fund school supplies through non-profit group DonorsChoose.

There are 292 Wawa locations throughout New Jersey and 1,032 locations throughout the United States.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
As schools across the state are opening their doors, some districts are experiencing a high level of teacher vacancies, school officials said.

Some students may be facing long-term substitutes, larger classes, teachers who take on higher course loads, or even virtual instruction until permanent certified teachers are hired, said Karen Bingert, executive director of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, a membership organization for school leaders.

The word is resoundingly that things are no better and may be substantially worse than last year, she said, citing continuing vacancies in difficult-to-fill subjects like math, science, and world languages, as well as a need for elementary teachers, gym teachers, and those teaching English and social studies, who were traditionally easier to find.

Bingert has been hearing anecdotally that some school districts have had zero applicants for certain posted jobs, specifically in special education and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. And some schools are starting the year with every special ed teacher taking on an extra class.

It isnt pretty at all, she said, declining to name the individual districts.

To be sure, staffing levels vary by district. Toms River Regional School District is fully staffed, said spokesman Mike Kenny. In Maurice River Township in Cumberland County, Superintendent Jeremy Cohen said Thursday that he was still looking to fill a special education position.

We understand the shortage and its impact, so we are honestly just looking for the best candidate and are willing to move people around from within to ensure we are able to fill the position with the best fit, he said.

Joseph Ricca, a member of the state Board of Education, said the quality of education students receive is at stake.

I really do believe the future of democracy is cultivated in our nations classrooms, and we really need to be committed as a society to make sure every one of our young people has access to great teachers, he said.

New Jersey is not alone in struggling to staff up, and it may be better off than some states. In mid-August, Florida had 5,000 teacher vacancies, with Miami-Dade County opening with 280 unfilled teacher positions. Research from 2022 showed 36,000 teacher vacancies in the U.S. and more than 163,000 jobs filled by underqualified teachers.

The exact number of vacancies in New Jersey is difficult to find. The Department of Education has not yet produced a workforce report on vacancies and the demographics of departing teachers, although a new law set a due date of July 2022 for the report.

Meanwhile, the education department instituted a website linking to district job pages in each county. That site links to pages that list openings for internal applicants. Heres a sampling of districts listing openings as of Tuesday:

Perth Amboy: 108 teachers out of 293 total openings

Camden City: 24 teachers, 49 openings

Bound Brook: 22 teachers, 34 openings

Bernards Township: 11 teachers, 49 openings

Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District: 10 teachers, 85 openings

Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District: 9 teachers, 52 openings

Cherry Hill: 8 teachers, 42 openings

Ridgewood Public Schools: 3 teachers, 6 openings

Districts have been scrambling more this summer than ever before to secure staff, and they are increasingly hiring staff from other districts, which has a domino effect in terms of turnover, said Michael LaSusa, president of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and superintendent of the School District of the Chathams. He said he heard similar frustrations on a recent call with a half dozen superintendents, including those from Millburn, Springfield, and West Windsor. On Saturday, he said he had no teaching openings but still had openings for paraprofessionals or teachers aides in his district.

Keep up with the latest in N.J. schools coverage. Sign up with your email here:



Numerous factors contribute to the shortages, which are occurring in broad swaths of job titles in schools, including librarians, guidance counselors, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, lunch aides, and substitutes. Experts say the absence of new teacher candidates, retirements, and pressures on instructional staff are contributing to the problem.

According to a report from the task force Gov. Phil Murphy created to tackle school staff shortages, between the 2015 and 2018 school years, 8,764 teachers left the states public schools, while only 5,248 newly-certified teacher program graduates entered them.

Bingert has heard from schools in which every special education teacher had to take on an extra class.

Also, the bidding wars continue, so some schools believe that they are fully staffed (even with signed contracts in hand) only to find that another district has outbid them before the ink was even dry, and the new hire then backs out of the contract, she said.

Robert Goodman, head of the nonprofit New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning, a licensed graduate school that helps train teachers in physics, chemistry, math, and computer science, said he knows of some hard-to-staff classes that were canceled due to a lack of teachers. Others are using an online instructor from the Center while a substitute manages the classroom in person.

To the extent its not pure panic, thats because people are used to it being bad, he said of the staff shortage. If every year you open with a shortage of teachers, eventually you feel its normal.

He said this is the second or third year students have had substitutes in some subjects for months or had teachers who are asked to cover extra classes.

Eventually, it lowers the level of academics in the schools, and its cumulative, he said, noting that a student can recover from having a below-average teacher for a year, but after multiple years of such teachers its devastating.

In the Morris School District, Superintendent Anne Mucci said that because of the teacher shortage, most districts are holding employees to the requirement that they give 60 days notice before leaving.

We have a few situations where classes will not begin with the selected teacher but will have a different certified teacher to begin the year, she said. We continue to advertise for bus drivers and substitute teachers. However, she said the districts staffing is in exceptional shape.

MaryBeth Landis, the math supervisor at Essex County Schools of Technology in Newark, said she had two vacancies in her department as of Friday. She remembers when she would get 30 resumes for an advertised position.

Now, well advertise a math or science position in April, and three months later, we have only five candidatesand most wouldnt have the right qualifications, she said. Its like a tug of war. Not only do we have a hard time getting qualified candidates these days, but many of our existing teachers are retiring or being recruited by other districts who offer them bonus pay.

Also in Essex County, the South Orange-Maplewood School District had 20 certified employee vacancies  15 of them teachers  as of Tuesday, according to spokesman Paul Brubaker.

Short-staffed schools face few options, which come with challenges, Bingert said. They can hire a long-term sub, though those are scarce in subject areas that are in demand. Middle and secondary schools can assign teachers to take an extra class, but they miss other school duties and prep periods. They can increase class size, an option that goes against research showing the benefits of small and personalized classrooms.

Some classes wont be offered or will be limited to upperclassmen. If class sizes cannot be increased because of safety issues in science labs, equipment shortages in art, or the physical size of the classrooms, then access to courses may be restricted to seniors who need a course for graduation, followed by juniors, and so on.

After a push by Murphy, his special task force on teacher shortages, and the state legislature to address the shortage of New Jersey teachers, some preliminary solutions are in place. Many of the remaining proposals have yet to be instituted and are too late for school opening.

Murphy created a task force on the shortages in December, citing pandemic-related staff shortages and saying he was confident it will offer the unique perspectives and experience that this moment requires. He gave the group of education experts two months to recommend short- and long-term solutions to recruiting and retaining school staff.m

The group issued a preliminary report in February with wide-ranging recommendations, including mentorship and professional development for new educators, more focus on safety, physical, and mental health for a better working environment, less paperwork, higher pay, a teacher apprenticeship program, a better path to teacher certification for support staff, a streamlined alternate route path to certification, especially for paraprofessionals, and stipends for student teachers.

Two items from the task forces to-do list have been checked off: a law allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom briefly without impacting their pensions and a fee holiday from July 1 through next June covering any teacher certification fees, funded by $5 million in the state 2023-24 budget.

Christi Peace, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Friday that more than $2.2 million in fees have been waived, and more than 6,000 certification applications have been approved.

The Department of Education spokeswoman Laura Fredrick said that, on average, the state can process an application to become a certified teacher in 27 days.

In May, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden), the Education Committee chair, announced a package of a dozen bills, including the one affecting retired teachers. The rest remain in various legislative committees in the Assembly and Senate, as does another bill that would eliminate the residency requirement for teachers and some other public employees.

Lampitt told NJ Advance Media that the teacher shortage is one of the single most important issues.

If we cant find teachers to put in front of our kids, she said, were failing.

Senate Education Committee chair Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) said the bills would be a top priority in the legislative session after the election.

In June, the Legislature passed the 2023-24 state budget, which includes $20 million for addressing the school staffing shortage. Along with money for the fee holiday, it includes $10 million to provide stipends for student teachers to help them meet the costs of living while working and studying for their credentials, $2 million for Culture and Climate Innovation Grants to improve educator quality of life issues, such as decreasing paperwork, reimbursing for supplies, and increasing preparation time, $1 million to develop local partnerships for paraprofessional training, $800,000 for a teacher apprenticeship program, and $500,000 to expand a program to train teachers to be leaders.

In a statement, Peace said, By incentivizing and facilitating entry into educational professions, encouraging teachers to work in New Jersey, and diversifying our K-12 workforce, these programs and initiatives will help improve recruitment...of educators in our state.

Sean Spiller, president of the New Jersey Education Association, the states largest teachers union, told NJ Advance Media that shortages affect counselors, librarians, school bus drivers, food service workers, and custodians as well as teachers, and they all affect how schools operate. He appreciates the work so far, especially eliminating the EdTPA test requirement for teacher candidates.

But weve got to be doing everything, and until we are, were not doing enough, he said.

Spiller said the union has not seen a significant jump in retirements, but it noticed an increase in people leaving teaching before retirement age.

That was the big change. Thats the big difference. Thats where were losing all the people, Spiller said, as school employees are leaving for better-paying jobs with more flexibility and less paperwork.

If you dont solve the retention problems, the recruitment efforts are really undermined, he said. Its easier to address recruitment than retention.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Tina Kelley may be reached at tkelley@njadvancemedia.com.
Additional schools in New Jersey are switching to early dismissals this week as New Jerseys heat wave enters a third day.

The West Orange School District in Essex County is starting the school year Wednesday, the first day of classes, with early dismissals. An announcement on the K-12 districts website said the decision was made in the interest of safety for our staff and students.

We are evaluating the weather conditions regarding Thursdays forecast and a notification will be delivered accordingly, the West Orange district stated.

Some other districts have already reached a decision on early dismissals for the rest of the week. The K-12 Clifton School District in Passaic County is having early dismissals starting Wednesday, on its first day of classes, and continuing through Friday.

The Freehold Regional High School District in Monmouth County is dismissing students early Wednesday and Thursday.

As of now, FRHSD schools will resume the regular schedule on Friday, September 8th as the forecast currently calls for a break in the heat, the school district said in an announcement on its website.

New Jerseys heat index, or the real feel based on temperatures and humidity, is forecast to be near or above 100 degrees in much of the state Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

The states public school districts each make their own call on whether to keep students in classrooms when temperatures rise. Many districts that are either partially air conditioned or have no air conditioned classrooms say they are holding half days this week for the safety and comfort of their students and teachers.

The North Bergen School District is having early dismissals Thursday and Friday. The Rahway School District is having early dismissals Wednesday and Thursday.

The Winslow Township School District in Camden County used a half day schedule Tuesday, the first day of classes, and is continuing through Friday. A message to parents on the K-12 districts website from Superintendent H. Major Poteat cited the forecast for extreme heat and humidity.

The Camden City School District is opting for half days on Wednesday, its first day of classes, and Thursday. The district is also canceling all after-school and evening activities.

Please keep in mind, because of possible citywide early dismissals due to the weather, buses bringing students home from school may be 30-40 minutes late. This is a result of city schools dismissing at approximately the same time, the K-12 district stated on its website.

The K-8 Gloucester Township School District in Camden County, which previously announced an early dismissal for Wednesday, its first day of classes, has extended the change to Thursday and Friday.

In Middlesex County, the Metuchen School District is continuing its early dismissal schedule Wednesday through Friday, Superintendent Vincent Caputo announced on the first day of classes on Tuesday.

The Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District in Somerset County will have early dismissals Wednesday and Thursday, officials said. The Somerset County school district will decide Thursday morning whether to resume a full day schedule on Friday.

The school districts in New Jerseys three largest cities  Newark, Jersey City and Paterson  had not announced any scheduling changes as of Wednesday morning.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
A federal lawsuit blames Northampton County Prison in Pennsylvania for failing to prevent the overdose death of an inmate from New Jersey.

Montclair resident Daniel Ezra Gottesman was found dead in his prison cell on Sept. 3, 2021, after overdosing on fentanyl and xylazine, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court.

Northampton County spokeswoman Brittney Whalen said the county hasnt been served with the complaint yet, so county officials havent had the opportunity to review it.

The lawsuit suggests prison employees smuggled in the drugs that killed Gottesman. The prison was under a COVID-19 lockdown at the time of his death and employees were the only people allowed in and out, the lawsuit says.

The prison for failing to take steps to prevent drugs from getting to Gottesman, the suit alleges.

Gottesman was sent to prison in May 2021 to serve a one- to two-year sentence for receiving stolen property, according to court papers.

His estate is being handled by a relative on behalf of Daniel Gottesmans 1-year-old son, according attorney Joshua Karoly, who filed the lawsuit.

The defendants in the eight-count lawsuit are Director of Corrections James Kostura, Warden David Penchishen, the county itself and unknown prison employees.

Kostura and Penchishen didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday. Nor did county solicitor Melissa Rudas.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Lincoln Elementary School in North Bergen evacuated staff Tuesday afternoon after the principal received a bomb threat on his cellphone. Superintendent George Solter said.

The building was later cleared as safe.
Friday marks the autumn-adjacent installment of quarterly JC Fridays, and with it, the opening weekend for Eonta Spaces new show, Is / Is Not, featuring three artists whose work speaks to how viewers categorize what they see and what assumptions they bring to the proverbial table.

Participating artists Nohi Mehrotra, Michelle Mayer and HAMEWS all reside in Jersey City. Eonta is located in the Journal Square neighborhood at 34 Dekalb Ave.

Continuing Eontas non-commercial aspect in which the themes of an artists work dont need to be as on brand as a traditional gallerys, the work in Is / Is not is an expression of what interests the respective artists at the moment, according to Eonta Spaces co-founders, Lauren Farber, Bayard, and Dan Peyton.

For artist Michelle Mayer (@mischlingwala ), who has a set of three different series in the show, in part thats sifting through her heritage.

Pictured with this article are pieces from Shanti Shanti, which earlier this week Mayer explained are watercolor miniatures replicating South Asian styles I grew up seeing, but with women playing, dancing, or hunting while animals from orientalist Kiplings Jungle Book maul British officers.

Mayer had never thought of all three of the series here as being a compound but when asked, she said in an interview via email it strikes me that each of the three series reflect being a mixed race yet white passing child of immigrants.

Aside from always having a sense of inbetween-ness, its also meant having a perceptive criticism of myself and my privilege but also of American and Western society at large, Mayer said. All three decidedly criticize a Western male gaze: first flipping the narrative of brown women and animals and their lack of power  with European colonial men of oppression subbing in for their American imperial counterparts, then doing the same with women as objects of sex or pleasure morphed into objects of subversive discomfort, and lastly giving a framed-gallery-wall permanence to an artform that is traditionally done by women and brown folk in temporary mediums and so dismissed by male, white and Western anthropologists as cultural artifact rather than legitimate visual artform.

How does this distill locally for Mayer?

A Jersey City for whom? is a question I ask myself with each newly approved side-stepping of building and zoning regulation for another massive blob of luxury apartments, Mayer said. The citys social media and press releases also feel such a microcosm for the nation at large, we tout our diverse communities, celebrations and foods  all aspects of Jersey City that I truly cherish  but also repeatedly sell ourselves to developer wolves, willing to crush rather than support that very same diversity in the name of growth. In flipping narratives of oppression I endeavor to illuminate some of our hypocrisy and I hope to also give penance for my own acts of gentrification.

HAMEWS (@hamewsart) is a dancer as well as a visual artist whose textile skeletons have both literal and figurative roots.

This work is about revealing the internal, they said. Ive spent a lot of time exploring embodiment, and here Im taking it down to the bones, showing the depth of how we carry experiences in the body. The Rib Room is an invitation to sit in the space where I store much of my own personal history and the emotions that come with that. Its less about how we are perceived, but hopefully a reminder to remember that we are all carrying so much that cannot be seen.

So much of life experience is happenstance  who we meet, opportunities that we come by, and then those become what shapes our identities. In a similar way, the materials used to create these figures came to me as leftovers from other projects, remnants, and things others had discarded. Opening our eyes to these possibilities of connection is where we can find both the humility and beauty of the human experience.

Recently certified in an experiential anatomy practice, HAMEWS challenges themselves with making the skeletons as anatomically correct as possible, which really reinforced for me the complexity of our skeletal structure and how it balances weight, they said.

With her work in Is / Is not, Nohi Mehrotra (@abstract.eon) is both building on and turning away from her previous abstract works  with realism derived from an abstract of flowers she did in the past.

The boundary between abstraction and realism has dissolved over time within my creative journey, Mehrotra said. Before delving into the world of flowers for my current series Let Them Bloom, my canvas resonated with the melodies of music and the intangible energies that envelop us. Gifted with partial synesthesia, music unfolds as a vibrant spectrum of colors before my eyes. I not only see but also sense the energetic vibrations coursing through the tapestry of our world, breathing life into my art. My process of creation defies any conscious intent. I become a mere conduit and let the art bloom and evolve unconstrained by rigid styles.

The single conscious choice she makes subject matter-wise is what ignites joy in her., Mehrotra said.

Beyond that, my paintings reveal themselves as a mystery, a puzzle waiting to be solved. Its as if each art possesses a life and will of its own, and I, in turn, am a humble traveler on its creative journey.

Eonta Space will be open Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 10 from 2 to 6 p.m. Learn more Eonta Space on Instagram @eontaspace.
Top envoy to US dismisses gloomy views which hype threat from Beijing Some analysts and economists in the United States have said in recent months that China's growth engine is sputtering, with likely adverse consequences for global development. In response to these opinions, China's top envoy in Washington published an op-ed in The Washington Post on Thursday, titled "The Chinese economy is doing better than you might think". Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to the US, said in his article that the country's growth rate has outpaced most major economies, and China remains a highly important engine of global growth as it has for many years. Citing BCA Research, Xie said China has been the source of more than 40 percent of global growth over the past decade, compared with 22 percent from the US and 9 percent from the eurozone. He also said some people have dismissed China's contribution to global growth, or even hyped the "threat" from a growing China for many years. "Now, as China is undergoing temporary economic adjustments, some blame China for dragging the global economy down; others advance the 'China may collapse' theory. Is this fair?" Xie wrote. "In a globalized era, bad news for anyone is bad news for all. Countries need to pull together to advance economic globalization and build a community with a shared future for mankind where no one is left behind." The Chinese government has "ample room" in its policy tool kit to forestall systemic risks, Xie said. For example, it has rolled out new policies to reinvigorate consumption, boost the private sector and attract more foreign investment. "One of our priorities is to prevent and defuse financial risks, including policies to ensure the steady and sound development of the real estate sector. Such efforts are gradually paying off," he wrote. Though transnational investment globally is lackluster, foreign investment in China continues to grow. Western investment France, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany boosted investment in China in the first half of this year by 173.3 percent, 135.3 percent, 53 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively. In particular, half of Tesla's global deliveries came from its Shanghai gigafactory last year, which rolls out one electric vehicle every 40 seconds. And Starbucks now operates more than 6,500 stores in China, opening one nearly every nine hours. "As China continues to upgrade consumption, ease market access, optimize the business environment and strengthen supply and industrial chains, the fundamentals sustaining its long-term growth remain unchanged," Xie said. On Aug 11, The New York Times' "China's Stalling Economy Puts the World on Notice" report said that as China's economy showed flashes of decline, such as slowed growth in the spring and contracted exports in the second quarter, the consequences pose perils globally. Despite gloomy assessments of the Chinese economy in Western media, there are also discussions about looking at China's economy in perspective. In a column in the Financial Times on Sunday, Louis-Vincent Gave, chief executive of China-focused economic consultancy Gavekal, noted that markets are not signaling doom and gloom for China's economy, and financial price moves are telling a different story as opposed to some of the more pessimistic forecasts. Gave looked at the performance of banks. As in most financial crises, the share-price performance of banks starts signaling trouble months before a systemic crisis unfolds. But over the past 12 months, Chinese banks have actually outperformed US banks by 12.6 percent in dollar terms. "So what does one call an emerging market systemic financial crisis in which local banks are up on the year and outperforming US banks by double digits?" Gave wrote. In an Aug 24 analysis before US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China, CNN reported that a stable Chinese economy is also in the US' interest. It added that US companies have huge manufacturing networks in China and rely on Chinese consumers.
LANZHOU, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A new study has disclosed that the abnormal warming of the tropical Indian Ocean is probably a key factor for the recent wetting trend in northwest China, according to Lanzhou University.

Investigating and understanding the long-term natural precipitation variability in northwest China provides insights into the recent wetting trend in this drought-plagued region, said Li Guoqiang, a professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences of Lanzhou University.

Featuring a very arid climate, northwest China has received a persistent increasing trend of precipitation during the recent decades, which enhances the flood frequency and strength in this region. It is important to trace the key to this wetting trend.

Researchers from Lanzhou University and Nanjing University jointly carried out the study by examining the effects of ocean feedback on the response of precipitation variations in northwest China to mid-Holocene and recent climate forcings based on sensitivity climate simulations.

They used a fully coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model and a single atmosphere general circulation model in this study and explored the mechanisms of multiple time-scale precipitation variations of the region.

The study results showed that the tropical Indian Ocean warming plays an important role in the mid-Holocene and recent precipitation variations in northwest China.

The study results have been published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews.

Editor: WJH
Tris McCall has worn a lot of hats over the years  journalist, critic, author, musician, songwriter. Hes covered pop music for the Star-Ledger, published a novel, added synth and electric piano to other bands, and released several albums of his own clever, pithy indie-rock.

Live music has been on the back burner for the last few years, but on Friday, Sept. 8, hell be back behind his bank of synthesizers at Jersey Citys new Art House Productions theater, revisiting his 2003 album Shootout at the Sugar Factory to commemorate its 20th anniversary.
New Jersey will get $425 million from the Federal Highway Administration that will fund a wide variety of projects across the state, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference at the Long Branch train station, Murphy said the amount was the largest New Jersey had ever received from the Federal Highway Administration during its annual August redistribution of funds to states. New Jersey received $50 million from the Federal Highway Administration in 2022.
A park in Middlesex Borough remains closed two weeks after authorities first spotted an alligator in the water, but officials say it is possible the reptile is dead.

There have been no confirmed sightings of the alligator in or near Victor Crowell Park since Aug. 26, when an officer fired a single, nighttime shot at the reptile in the Ambrose Brook. The alligator immediately submerged below the surface of the water after the shot was fired, but it was unclear if it had been hit, Borough Police Lt. Thomas Falk said Wednesday.

The officer was perched in an elevated position when he spotted the alligator, said Middlesex Mayor John L. Madden. The reptile was estimated to be four feet long and was reportedly seen earlier that evening in Lake Creighton.

He did get a clear shot. Hes an expert marksman, Madden said of the officer, who has not been identified.

While it is possible the alligator is dead, authorities need to err on the side of caution, the mayor said.

We have to make sure that either the alligator has been deceased or captured, Madden said.

In addition to police using boats and drones, state wildlife workers have deployed several traps on an island in Lake Creighton.

Debris in the water, left over from a water main break, may be hampering the recovery effort, Madden said.

Some people are saying  if its dead, why isnt the carcass coming up to the surface. It may at some point do that. It couldve gotten entangled under the debris, Madden said.

The borough is planning to reopen part of the park Monday for the annual 9/11 ceremony, Madden said.

The search for the rogue alligator  gators are not native to New Jersey  has drawn widespread interest and prompted much speculation. The alligator has been described by police as capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries.

It is unclear if the alligator was once someones pet or how it ended up in Middlesex Borough.

Possession of alligators or crocodiles is against the law in New Jersey, Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, told NJ Advance Media last week.

Sometimes, however, these animals are purchased out of state and brought into New Jersey illegally. The owners often release them in local water bodies when they find they can no longer care for the animal, Hajna said.

While pranks involving fake alligators are not uncommon, Madden said the officer who shot at the gator was close enough to be sure it was real.

He saw the glowing red eyes, Madden said, relaying a description from authorities.

Falk said police had an earlier, confirmed sighting of the gator Aug. 23.

It was witnessed to be swimming and to have swum from officers as they tried to snare it, Falk said.

Borough officials have been consulting with the municipalitys attorney and insurance provider, among others, as they discuss reopening the park, Madden said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
UPDATE: Plane crash started N.J. wildfire that burned 810 acres, officials confirm

Authorities have identified the pilot killed in a small plane crash Saturday night near Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey.

Oscar Molina, 61, of Long Brach was killed when his Cirrus SR20 crashed around 10:40 p.m. Saturday near the Ocean County airpark, Lacey police said.

He was the only person aboard the plane.

Authorities learned of the crash while investigating what grew into an 831-acre wildfire that broke out in the area of Dover and West Lacey roads shortly before midnight Saturday,

As firefighters responded to the area Sunday, the downed plane was spotted near the blaze, Lacey police said Monday.

Due to smoke and fire in the area, as well as the difficult terrain, authorities could not immediately access the scene of the airplane crash, police noted. The fire continued to spread, at which time the New Jersey Forest Fire Service activated their personnel.

The wildfire was 100% contained as of Tuesday morning. None of the 25 structures threatened were damaged.

Authorities have not determined whether the plane crash contributed to the wildfire.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board continue to investigate the plane crash.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Teen Mom: The Next Chapter is airing a new episode of its second season, entitled Unbreakable, on Wednesday, Sep. 6 at 8 p.m. You can watch the premiere live as it airs on Philo (free trial).

This week, Ashley will have to take care of Holly alone in Nevada when Bear heads off to complete his two-year probation in California, while Tyler and Catelynn will work together on overcoming traumas from his childhood, and Leah will take her daughters to a pride parade.

In the previous episode, Cheyenne threw a party to celebrate Ryder and Jade and Briana coming to Los Angeles, while Jade struggled with a decision to potentially visit her parents in rehab.

Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter online without cable.

How to watch Teen Mom: The Next Chapter without cable

If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream Teen Mom: The Next Chapter on Fubo TV (free trial) or Philo (free trial).

When is Teen Mom: The Next Chapter on?

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter continues with its first season on Wednesday, Sep. 6 at 8 p.m. on MTV. It will air before a repeat airing of Couples Retreat at 9 p.m.

What channel is MTV?

You can use the channel finder on your providers website to locate it: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish.

How to watch Teen Mom: The Next Chapter online on-demand

If you missed an episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter or want to binge watch previous seasons online, look for it on Fubo TV (free trial) or Philo (free trial).

What is Teen Mom: The Next Chapter about?

According to the official MTV websites description of the series: For these Teen Moms, starting a new chapter means they will have to turn the page on past traumas, complicated relationships and more on a series that is all about what comes next.

Heres a look at Cory discussing the difficulties and traumas of watching his daughter Maya struggle to breathe, courtesy of its official YouTube channel:

Related stories about streaming TV services

The best streaming services for animated TV in 2023

The best VPNs of 2023, according to reviews

What is Sling TV and how does it work? Price, channels, live streaming info

The best streaming services for live TV in 2023: Prices, features, free trials

How to watch Yellowstone, the hottest show on TV

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com.
Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost.

If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below.
The Verkhovna Rada has appointed Pavlo Kyrylenko head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU).

The adoption of relevant draft resolution No. 10015 was generally supported by 250 MPs at a plenary session on Wednesday, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the Holos faction, said.

As reported, on September 5, the Verkhovna Rada voted for the dismissal of Olha Pischanska from the post of head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.

Pavlo Kyrylenko is lieutenant colonel of justice. In 2008 he graduated from the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University with a degree in jurisprudence.

Since July 2008, he has been working in the Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine as an assistant prosecutor, prosecutor of a department, deputy prosecutor, prosecutor of the prosecutor's office and head of the investigative department of the prosecutor's office. He worked in the prosecutor's offices of Donetsk region, Crimea and the Prosecutor General's Office.

By order of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine dated September 22, 2017, he was appointed military prosecutor of the Uzhgorod garrison in the Western region of Ukraine. And on June 26, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported the appointment of Kyrylenko to the post of chairman of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. According to the decree of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylenko headed the Donetsk Regional State Administration on July 5, 2019.
The New Orleans City Council next week is expected to begin the process of ousting Mayor LaToya Cantrells communications director Gregory Joseph after preliminarily finding Joseph used $50,000 in city funds to pay for an anti-recall mailer this year.

In a Sept. 6 letter to Cantrell, Council President JP Morrell laid out the initial findings of the councils investigation into whether the mailer violated state campaign finance laws and city procurement rules, which is the first step toward firing Joseph.

The council preliminarily found the mailer was in violation of state law. The letter, however, also notes there is no evidence that either Cantrell or Chief Administration Officer Gilbert Montano were involved in anything illegal.

In a statement, Morrell said, The City Council held a very deliberate process throughout this investigation, which began in February with public concerns regarding the political nature of a mailer involving over $50,000 of public funds. Over a six-month period, the City Council culled through thousands of documents as well as public testimony from Mr. Joseph (Director of the Mayors Office of Communications) and Mr. Julien Meyer (Chief Procurement Officer).

+16 New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's office sought to avoid public disclosure rules for anti-recall mailer Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration circumvented city public bidding rules to hire a New York public relations firm with apparent ties to o

He also scheduled a special hearing on the issue for Sept. 12 where the council will finalize its findings. According to Morrell, the council will provide Cantrell with a timeline to fire Joseph. If she does not fire him, the council would then move forward with what Morrell said would be the first-ever firing of a city official by the council.

Cantrell responded angrily to the specter of having one of her closest aides booted from City Hall, accusing the council of engaging in bullying tactics and political trickery." Cantrell also insisted the investigation and possible firing are part of a pattern of targeting her advisors in an effort to attack her personally.

It would be similar to many other incidents, whether its Jonathan Rhodes, one of my people, the list can go on, she told reporters during her weekly press conference Sept. 6.

I support my employees, those who show up, those who do the job  Gregory Joseph is one of those employees," Cantrell added.

Rhodes was a top advisor to Cantrell on technology issues who left his job last year after the council opened an investigation into whether he was operating a pay-to-play" scam as part of Cantrells failed Smart Cities program.
Former First NBC executive Ashton Ryan, Jr., center, walks out of U.S. District Court in New Orleans with his lawyers on Thursday, February 9, 2023 after he was found guilty on all charges of bank fraud, conspiracy and falsifying official documents related to the bank's collapse six years ago. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Some UAH 1 bln in aid paid out under eRecovery program  Kubrakov

Some 12,100 Ukrainians received financial assistance under the eRecovery program, the total amount of payments reached UAH 1 billion, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, said.

"At the moment, 12,146 people who applied have received payments. There are more than 41,000 of them in total. Traditionally, I appeal to local authorities - it is in your power to speed up the work of the commissions," Kubrakov is quoted in a press release.

According to him, most applications came from de-occupied regions and regions located near the border with the Russian Federation. Thus, 17,000 applications were registered in Kharkiv community, 3,000 in Irpin community, 1,600 in Izium community, 1,300 in Mykolaiv community, and 1,300 in Balakliya community.

According to a press release, 35% of program participants are Ukrainians aged over 60.

Two-thirds of the funds paid out were spent in small local stores, the report said.
WASHINGTON  Top Republican Senate leaders, including U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, on Tuesday filed an effort to sidetrack President Joe Bidens generous college student loan repayment plan, for which 63,800 borrowers in Louisiana have applied.

"Once again, Biden's newest student loan scheme only shifts the burden from those who chose to take out loans to those who decided not to go to college, paid their way, or already responsibly paid off their loans," Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, said in a statement.

Seventeen Republican senators have signed onto a resolution that would allow Congress to quickly overturn the student loan repayment plan Biden instituted after his initial loan forgiveness proposal was shot down by the U.S. Supreme Court as too far-reaching for an executive branch agency to do without congressional approval.
A teenage carjacking suspect who was shot after authorities say he opened fire on Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office deputies has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the holdup, according to Jefferson Parish court records.

Cedric Payne, 17, who was charged as an adult with armed robbery, pleaded guilty in the case Friday before Judge Donald Rowan Jr. of the 24th Judicial District Court.

Payne was 16 when he was shot in the leg during a confrontation with Sheriff's Office deputies and New Orleans police near Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Park on the night of Sept. 8, 2022.
The European Commission (EC) is seeking a solution for Ukrainian agricultural exports that can suit all parties, European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said.

"The position we are taking here is clear. We are seeking the solution, which brings the best results for everyone involved. We have initiated this Solidarity Lanes initiative to provide Ukraine with [an] alternative to the Black Sea export route. In terms of capacity, we are gradually approaching the volumes, which are needed for exports of Ukrainian agricultural goods. There are estimates for the next 12 months, the export volumes would constitute some 4.7 million tonnes per month," Dombrovskis said at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday.

The progress towards such volumes is good, and a consensus solution is being sought that will help avoid possible litigations initiated by Ukraine in the World Trade Organization, because the EU is committed to assisting Kyiv, he said. But it is necessary to be sensitive to the concerns of the five countries bordering Ukraine and look for a solution acceptable to all, Dombrovskis added.

The discussion on the Solidarity Lanes, as well as on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products to the European Union and, in particular, to Ukraine's neighboring countries, took place on Wednesday, he said. The work will continue through a coordination platform involving Ukraine and the countries concerned, he said.

This work will be happening in the coming days and weeks given that autonomous trade measures imposing a temporary ban on imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia expire on September 15, he said.

At the informal Council of the EU meeting in Cordoba on Tuesday, European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski spoke in favor of extending these measures until the end of the year and said that the EC will discuss the issue on September 6.
Staff from the cardiology team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) have completed a massive 42-mile inter-hospital trek across Devon to raise money for a new Cardiology Day Case Unit.

They set off from North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple at 5am on Saturday, carrying a model heart with them as they walked across the county, arriving at the RD&E some 15 hours later at 7.42pm.

The 15-strong team was joined on route by friends, family and members of the general public, and finished in Exeter with 25 walkers. Sarah Dale, Clinical Matron for Cardiology, even managed to squeeze in interviews with BBC Radio Devon and BBC Spotlight while on the move.

Sarah said she was proud of the team and their determination to help improve the service for cardiology patients.

We may be full of aches, pains and blisters but the sense of team spirit that made this possible is just overwhelming, said Sarah.

I cant thank the team and everyone enough for all the support that has been given to us.

Walking into the main entrance at the RD&E, to see a sea of red tops with one of our patients waiting to receive the heart, and our other patients cheering from their windows, was a wonderful experience.

Staff are hoping to raise 5,000 to help buy resources for the new unit at Wonford, which treats patients from across Mid, East and North Devon for a wide range of cardiac treatments and investigations such as angiography, pacemakers and ablations.

Sarah said the team have also been asking for feedback from patients to find out what would enhance the patient experience.

We recognise that this can be a stressful time for our patients and with the money were able to raise, our aim is to help make this process as comfortable as possible for them, she said.

The walk is just one of number of fundraising initiatives planned by the team. They have so far raised 3,627 and if youd like to help them hit their 5,000 target, you can still sponsor them at https://rdecharity.enthuse.com/pf/achanda-neale
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the dismissal of Pavlo Kyrylenko from the post of head of Donetsk Regional Military Administration.

Corresponding decree No. 558/2023 was published on the website of the head of the Ukrainian state.

"To dismiss Pavlo Oleksandrovych Kyrylenko from the post of head of Donetsk Regional State Administration according to the application submitted by him," the text of the document says.

As reported, on Tuesday, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine agreed on the dismissal of head of the Regional Military Administration Pavlo Kyrylenko. The Verkhovna Rada intends to appoint him to the post of head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine.
Author Michael Martone will give a talk in Northwest Indiana.

The Highland Arts Council is hosting Martone, the acclaimed author of books like "Fort Wayne is Seventh on Hitler's List," "Plain Air: Sketches from Winesburg, Indiana" and "The Complete Writings of Art Smith, The Bird Boy of Fort Wayne."

The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award honoree will appear in the Region to deliver a talk titled "Words from the Sandhills" as part of a statewide speaker program. He will give a virtual talk at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14 at Promise You Art House.

His reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session and then an in-person open mic.

His books include "The Moon Over Wapakoneta," "Brooding," "Memoranda," "Winesburg, Indiana," "Four for a Quarter," "Not Normal, Illinois: Peculiar Fiction from the Flyover," "Racing in Place: Collages, Fragments, Postcards, Ruins, a collection of essays," "Double-wide" and "The Blue Guide to Indiana." "The Flatness and Other Landscapes" won the AWP Award for Nonfiction in 2000.

His other awards include the Indiana Authors Award and the Mark Twain Award for Distinguished Contribution to Midwestern Literature from the Society for the Study of Midwestern Literature.

Martone taught creative writing at the University of Alabama for 40 years. He recently retired from teaching.

"We're ecstatic to be hosting Michael Martone. I've worked with him before, and he is the 'whole package' - a born and raised Hoosier who continues to write about Indiana, an accomplished writer with considerable experience to offer, and a colorful and witty character! We look forward to providing exposure of one of our own to the Northwest Indiana community," Highland Arts Council member and writer Janine Harrison said.

For more information or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/words-from-the-sandhills-tickets-610156653977.
PORTAGE  Police say a 27-year-old Gary man made matters much worse for himself over the weekend when after being fired from the local Menards store, he threated to return and "shoot this place up."

A security guard reportedly told police that as he was escorting Nicholas Pruitt out of the store early Saturday afternoon, Pruitt began to yell and curse loudly.

"I'm going to come back and shoot this place up straight fire," Pruitt allegedly said. "I'm going to shoot (fellow employee) point blank, I got warrants I don't care."

When police arrived at the store at 6220 U.S. 6, they found Pruitt sitting in a vehicle and said he was argumentative with an officer.

"Mr. Pruitt provided conflicting information as to his employment status, and denied saying any verbal threats to other employees," according to the arrest report.

UPDATE: Coroner identifies boy who died after jumping off Lake Michigan breakwall "Witnesses report that a group of juveniles were jumping off the breakwall after being advised not to by East Chicago Marina staff," the DNR said.

Pruitt was taken to the Porter County Jail and has been charged with a felony count of intimidation, records show.

He was also picked up on a Lake County warrant stemming from a charge of driving while suspended with a prior conviction within ten years, police said.
Dave Benjamin, co-founder and executive director of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, usually starts his water safety classes by talking about fire. What do you do in case of a fire emergency? He normally asks the crowd of children. Stop, drop and roll, they say.

What do you do if youre drowning? More often than not, the kids stay silent.

Now, how often do you play in fire? He asks. Heads shake. And how often do you play in water? For many children and teens, the answer to this last question is: Every. Single. Summer.

Drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is responsible for more deaths among children age 1 to 4 than all other causes except birth defects. For children age 1 to 14, drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths, just behind motor vehicle crashes. Water safety, Benjamin (pictured speaking) said, is not common sense. Even the most advanced swimmers could be at risk.
CROWN POINT  A Winfield man charged with murdering his 36-year-old lover was denied bail Thursday.

Raju Rawal, 65, was charged March 22 with the murder of Haley Losinski, a Winfield nurse.

Charging documents stated that Losinskis cause of death was blunt force trauma and her manner of death was homicide. Losinskis mother reportedly found her deceased daughter kneeling over her bed on Feb. 27.

Police wrote in the probable cause affidavit that they found a rubber mallet near Losinskis body.

Losinskis mother testified through tears at Rawals first bail hearing in June that she made the gruesome discovery at her daughters Pike Place townhome.

In Indiana, defendants held on murder charges arent granted bail unless they can prove that the presumption of guilt isnt strong.

The proceedings to determine whether Rawal would get bail began June 29 in Magistrate Mark Watsons courtroom.

The proceedings continued August 21 and 25, and Rawal appeared alongside his attorney Kevin Milner at all the bail hearings.

Judge Natalie Bokota issued an order denying Rawals bail on Thursday, per the recommendation of Mag. Watson, according to court records.

During the bail proceedings, prosecutors maintained that Rawal killed Losinski because he heard that she was seeing other men and he was jealous.

Rawal was charged with Losinskis murder after investigators obtained surveillance footage from one of her neighbors. The footage showed that Rawal was the last person to enter her home, police said.

Prosecutors played this footage in court during his bail proceedings. The footage showed Rawals white Toyota RAV-4 drive up to Losinkis town home around 3 a.m. Feb. 23 with its headlights shut off.

Charging documents stated that Losinskis autopsy showed that her date of death was Feb. 23.

The bail hearings featured testimony from Winfield police officers, including Detective Jordan Billups.

Billups described how police obtained sparse DNA from the crime scene. There was none of Rawals DNA on any of the anal, vaginal or oral swabs taken from Losinski nor any of his DNA the rubber mallet.

However, there was a DNA hit for Rawal on Losinskis belly-button ring, which was recovered from her person, he said.

Milner said during bail proceedings that prosecutors played down the rubber mallet as the murder weapon because Rawals DNA wasnt on it.

Rawals trial is set to begin Dec. 11 in Judge Bokotas courtroom, according to court records.
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., is supporting an effort to prohibit the federal government and certain other entities from again imposing or enforcing a face mask mandate on airplanes, public transit or at schools  even if there's another public health emergency.

The first-term senator and candidate for Indiana's 2024 Republican gubernatorial nomination said he will back a ploy Thursday by U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, to force immediate Senate consideration of Vance's anti-mask "Freedom to Breathe Act."

Vance is unlikely to secure unanimous consent in the Democratic-controlled Senate for speedy action on his legislation.

Indeed, Braun already was criticizing his colleagues across the aisle Wednesday in advance of their expected objection to Vance's request to bypass the Senate's normal legislative process and to advance his mask mandate prohibition to the Republican-controlled House.

"We're not going to go back to the top-down government overreach we saw during COVID. Congress needs to say forcefully that these ineffective, unscientific mask mandates are not coming back in any way, shape or form," Braun said. "If Democrats don't intend to bring back mask mandates, they should be right there with us banning them."

Under the plan, the president, U.S. transportation secretary, or any other federal, state or local official would be barred from issuing a mandate that airline or public transit employees or passengers wear a face mask as a condition of travel.

All privately-owned airlines, rail and bus companies likewise would be prohibited from enforcing any mask requirement adopted on their own in the interest of their business.

In addition, any public, charter or private school or university that receives federal funds could not block a student, parent or community member from attending classes or an on-campus event for refusing to comply with a mask mandate, according to the legislation.

The measure provides the mask mandate prohibition would remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024, regardless of whether a COVID-19 variant sparks another public health emergency, or even if another contagious respiratory disease emerges with the potential to kill more than 1.1 million Americans as COVID has since 2020. It would not apply to hospitals or nursing homes.

"Mask mandates are ineffective government overreach," Braun said.

Records show the federal government required masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs from January 2021 to April 2022. The mandate was discontinued following a court order that remains in effect.

Face masks were required in all indoor public spaces in Indiana from July 2020 to April 2021 under an executive order issued by Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb aimed at minimizing the spread of COVID-19 among Hoosiers.

The coronavirus nevertheless so far has infected nearly 1 in 3 Hoosiers and killed 25,383 Indiana residents, records show.

Gallery: Social distancing, face masks the new normal at basketball games COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans COVID-19 Fans Gallery: Girls PCC tournament final - Kouts vs. South Central Gallery: Girls PCC tournament final - Kouts vs. South Central Gallery: Girls PCC tournament final - Kouts vs. South Central Gallery: Girls PCC tournament final - Kouts vs. South Central Lake Central at Chesterton boys basketball 013121-spt-fans_1 013121-spt-fans_2 Fans: East Chicago hosts 21st Century Fans: East Chicago hosts 21st Century Fans: East Chicago hosts 21st Century West Side at Valparaiso boys basketball Gallery
Secretary of State of the United States of America Antony Blinken has arrived in the capital of Ukraine on an official visit, the Yevropeiska Pravda (European Truth) online publication said.

The media informally found out about the possibility of his visit preliminary on Wednesday.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is heading overseas Thursday for a week-long trade mission promoting Indiana business and economic development opportunities directly to officials of the state's largest foreign trading partner.

The governor's visit to Japan will be the third for Indiana's current Republican chief executive. It features a jam-packed schedule of meetings between Holcomb and government and business leaders representing the interests of both Japan and the United States.

"Japan and Indiana share so many industry strengths and, with our shared commitment to building economies of the future, we are together poised to lead, innovate, and develop the future of advanced manufacturing, energy and mobility," Holcomb said.

The governor is due to arrive Friday in Tokyo where he'll participate in the annual conference of the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association, a bilateral organization comprised of the governments of 10 U.S. Midwestern states, eight Japanese prefectures and approximately 100 corporations.

He's also set to be joined by representatives of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC), including Chief Strategy Officer Ann Lathrop, for meetings with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, a former mayor of Chicago, along with government of Japan officials and leaders of Japan's Tochigi Prefecture, which has a 24-year sister state relationship with Indiana.

Holcomb's agenda additionally includes renewing relationships with Japanese businesses with significant Indiana operations, including Subaru Corp., Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Hitachi Ltd., while seeking new business prospects through Keidanren, the largest business lobby in Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization, and during a Holcomb-hosted "Friends of Indiana" reception.

"The Indiana-Japan relationship is storied and strong, and I look forward to again visiting our friends in Japan and identifying new opportunities to further grow our cultural and economic partnerships," Holcomb said.

Later, the Indiana delegation will travel to Japan's Gunma Prefecture to assess its manufacturing sector and meet with Governor Ichita Yamamoto to look at opportunities for closer collaboration, learn about the prefecture's growing innovation ecosystem, and attend a cultural and business reception with representatives of the prefecture's government, industry and community.

Holcomb then is scheduled to stop in San Francisco on his way back to Indiana to participate in a Sept. 14 panel discussion on business development, innovation and technology infrastructure during Dreamforce 2023, an annual conference hosted by Salesforce, a major Indiana employer.

The governor is expected back in the Hoosier State Sept. 15.

The Japan trip is Holcomb's 16th international trade mission since taking office as governor in 2017. The cost of the trip is being paid for using private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.

Close Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. State Rep. Mike Andrade chats with David Uran, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, left, chats with NICTD President Michael Noland at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, center, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Angie Chilcott, Merrillville Director of Economic Development, chats with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. PHOTOS: "Ignite the Region" event Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan spoke at the Ignite the Region luncheon. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. State Rep. Mike Andrade chats with David Uran, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, left, chats with NICTD President Michael Noland at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, center, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Angie Chilcott, Merrillville Director of Economic Development, chats with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday. Northwest Indiana Forum President and CEO Heather Ennis, left, emcees a conversation with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan at the Ignite the Region luncheon on Tuesday.
Twenty-two minutes.

This is how long I spoke on the phone with a Highland woman who was extremely upset about the menacing behavior of one of her neighbors.

She scares the (expletive) out of me, she told me angrily. She can snap at any moment and I may not be physically able someday to tell you about it.

The woman, a single mother of three, spoke for almost 20 minutes straight. I squeezed in just a few questions during the two minutes I spoke. Over the course of our chat, her agitated emotions settled down. The tone of her voice lowered. Her verbal cadence slowed.

Im sorry, Im sorry, she said softly. I get so worked up over this situation.

I asked what I could do to help her situation. Should I contact police to see if anyone else has reported her neighbor? Should I search for any previous criminal offenses? Should I post something on social media?

What can I do? I asked.

Uh, well, nothing I guess, she replied. Maybe I just needed to vent to someone.

Theres a part of me that felt disappointed and frustrated. I spoke with the woman while driving from one interview to another. I thought a column might come out of our phone chat. I never wrote anything about it until today, and this column is not about menacing neighbors although its always a popular topic of discussion.

Most of my exchanges with readers do not make it into this column space or any posts on my socials.

It took me years to realize that this is part of my job as a newspaper columnist. Its also part of the job for most journalists. They listen. People talk. Sometimes those conversations turn into stories. Most times they dont.

A crucial part of our job is listening and reading about peoples gripes, fears, allegations and accomplishments. They need to vent, to be heard, to be acknowledged. Each week I hear from a couple dozen readers for this very reason who I never end up writing about.

On my recent car trek to New Orleans, I was behind the wheel for more than 30 hours. Many of those hours were spent talking to readers about their complaints or feedback or story ideas.

Sorry, I didnt mean to talk so much, a city official from Valparaiso told me.

Im not sure if this is a column for you or not, but I have to tell someone, a Hammond reader told me.

If you cant write about it, maybe one of your co-workers can, a woman from Crown Point said.

Many of the story ideas I receive are forwarded to my colleagues or stashed away for future use or background information. Context is important for my job. I dont mind gathering perspectives from other people, including those that are radically different than mine. Heres an example.

Not too long ago you wrote an article praising the city of Gary. You should write the true story of Gary, Noah B. wrote in an email. Gary is now a murder capital and yet you make it look like a perfect city.

I have no idea what hes talking about.

Ive written more than 100 stories, columns and social media posts on my hometown and its troubles. Ive also written a book on the citys glorified and devastating history, Lost Gary, Indiana. Ive covered most angles about the Steel City while exploring its positives, negatives, virtues and sins. Its common for some readers to judge my perspective of Gary on only one or two columns, not my full body of work.

So why dont you tell the truth about Gary and be honest, Noah B. wrote. I would bet you are a Democrat and voted for Biden.

Too many Americans have only two colors on their palette  black and white  without even a smudge of gray. Yet I still enjoy their colorful commentary, observations and feedback on my work.

Just finished reading your column today and it really hit home, Geoff A. of Homewood, Illinois, wrote via email. Due to my recent retirement and your column, I have a refreshed outlook on my past. It mattered but not as much as I thought. Today I had a funeral for that bruised and battered 7 year old kid.

Several readers shared similar stories about their childhood and their plans to finally bury their inner child as a way to heal and move forward.

Other readers are dutiful in pointing out mistakes, typos and errors in my writing. I never mind. I string together more than 1,000 words every day for various platforms. Sometimes I make mistakes or continue bad habits. I appreciate being corrected in an effort to improve my skills.

In your column today, July 26, I found this, You have no idea where you're at, where you're going ...  Ruth D. wrote. The phrase Where you're at is one of my pet peeves. It is NOT correct. The proper way is: Where are you? Following up with the word at is redundant. And it's used so frequently that I'm sure most people think it's correct. Look it up on Google.

No need to look it up. Shes right. I was wrong.

Before I got into the newspaper business, I asked two of my favorite columnists, Richard Roeper and Neil Steinberg, about their writing styles. Both of them mentioned that they write conversationally, as if theyre casually talking to readers from one bar stool to another while sharing a drink. I never forgot this but sometimes my conversational tone is not grammatically correct. I dont mind when readers point it out.

Whether its to correct me, chastise me, praise me or condemn me, part of my job is to listen to all of it. In between, I try to write columns that challenge you, entertain you, anger you or prompt you to look at things differently.

It's our few minutes together every day. Or 22 minutes.
More than 60 activists who challenged a planned Atlanta police and fire training complex have been indicted by a Georgia grand jury in a sprawling racketeering case, accused of engaging in violence, intimidation and property destruction as part of a campaign to stall construction of the facility known by its critics as Cop City.

The Georgia attorney general was pursuing the activists under the states Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, better known as RICO  a powerful tool that has been employed by prosecutors to target street gangs and public corruption. Atlanta prosecutors also used a RICO indictment against former President Donald J. Trump and his allies for their attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia.

In this case, prosecutors have sought to portray the fight against the training facility  officially known as the Atlanta Public Safety Center  as a criminal enterprise. In an 109-page indictment, which had been handed up last week and was released on Tuesday, prosecutors accused those involved in the effort of arson, domestic terrorism and money laundering and outlined instances in which activists were accused of throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police officers, firefighters and emergency workers.
Gabriel Amo, a moderate Democrat who served in the Biden and Obama administrations, won a raucous Democratic special primary election in Rhode Islands First Congressional District on Tuesday, positioning him to become the first person of color to represent the state in Congress.

Mr. Amo, who is Black, beat out 10 other Democrats to win with about one-third of the vote in the deep-blue district, all but ensuring that he would succeed former Representative David N. Cicilline, who stepped down in May to become the president of the Rhode Island Foundation.

This primary election showed that Rhode Islanders believe in a state where one of their sons, the son of two West African immigrants, from Ghana and Liberia, could receive the love and the investments of a community and go from serving the president of United States and briefing him in the Oval Office to being the Democratic nominee for Congress in the First Congressional District, Mr. Amo said in his victory speech on Tuesday night.

And it is not lost on me, he continued, that I stand on the shoulders of giants, of so many who paved the road before me  Black, brown, women  so many people who have had the opportunity to pave a pathway so I could stand here today. And I want to acknowledge them. But we got real work ahead.
Ms. Schall would not comment further on Mr. Riveras plea.

Mr. Rivera, 45, initially pleaded not guilty after his extradition from Haiti in February. Prosecutors say he helped recruit a team of about 20 private security contractors accused of killing Mr. Moise in his bedroom shortly after midnight on July 7, 2021.

Mr. Rivera could face a life sentence on four charges of conspiring to kidnap or kill Mr. Moise.

On the night of the assassination, Mr. Rivera led a convoy of vehicles that assaulted the presidents residence, according to an indictment against 11 accused conspirators. A few hours earlier, Mr. Rivera and others had met at a nearby house where firearms and equipment were distributed, according to court documents.

Mr. Moise was shot 12 times at a close distance and died instantly.

About 20 former Colombian soldiers were recruited in May 2021 to travel to Haiti as private military contractors and were initially instructed to provide security for a would-be presidential candidate, Christian Sanon, a Haitian American pastor. The plan later evolved into arresting Mr. Moise and, finally, to killing him, according to prosecutors.

Mr. Rivera was in charge of the Colombians and passed along the order to assassinate Mr. Moise to the rest of the team, according to recorded witness statements made to Colombian law enforcement after the assassination and leaked to a Colombian TV station. Most of them were highly trained former Colombian soldiers.

Mr. Rivera is likely to turn states evidence and flip against other defendants, said Emmanuel Perez, who represents Antonio Intriago, the owner of a Miami-area security firm who is also charged in the plot. It is likely to be the defendants that were on the ground in Haiti on the night of the assassination.
A criminal trial opened on Tuesday for two Canadians who were key organizers of the trucker convoy that paralyzed the countrys capital, Ottawa, for nearly a month in early 2022, upturning the lives of many residents and creating economic hardship for local businesses and workers.

The 22-day protest, which began in response to mandatory vaccinations for cross-border truck drivers, blocked major roads around the Canadian Parliament and was among the longest and most costly anti-vaccine protests in the world.

It prompted copycat demonstrations along Canadas border with the United States, including a blockade that disrupted billions of dollars in trade, and inspired similar protests in France and around the world. The Canadian protests expanded to include a wide range of grievances, sharply dividing the country over whether it was permissible speech or unlawful assembly.

In order to clear the streets, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked federal emergency laws for the first time in over 50 years, a step his critics charged was excessive and unjustified.
The removal of Ukraines minister of defense after a flurry of reports of graft and financial mismanagement in his department underscores a pivotal challenge for President Volodymyr Zelenskys wartime leadership: stamping out the corruption that had been widespread in Ukraine for years.

Official corruption was a topic that had been mostly taboo throughout the first year of the war, as Ukrainians rallied around their government in a fight for national survival. But Mr. Zelenskys announcement Sunday night that he was replacing the defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, elevated the issue to the highest level of Ukrainian politics.
The anticipated 12-track Hackney Diamonds is the groups first album of original material since the release of A Bigger Bang in 2005, and its first since the drummer Charlie Watts died in 2021. Two of the tracks were recorded in 2019 with Watts, Jagger said, including Live by the Sword, which he described as retro.

Richards said the band was obviously different without Watts. Hes No. 4, hes missing, hes up there. Of course hes missed incredibly. He said that Watts had recommended the bands new drummer, Steve Jordan, and that moving on would have been a lot harder without Charlies blessing.

Jagger joked about the long delay before this album, saying that the band  known for its extensive tours  had been a bit lazy, and that the group needed a deadline. They forced themselves to hit the studio in December, he said. We cut 23 tracks very quickly and finished them off in January, and mixed them in February.

Fans of the Stones, which formed in 1962 and went on to become one of rocks most enduring acts, have been awaiting a new album since Blue & Lonesome in 2016, which featured a dozen blues covers. Jagger told The Los Angeles Times in October 2021 that Hackney Diamonds would have been finished long ago if not for the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, the Stones teased the album via an advertisement for a fake glass repair company, called Hackney Diamonds, that appeared in a London newspaper. The ads text referred to several of the bands well-known songs: Our friendly team promises you satisfaction. When you say gimme shelter well fix your shattered windows.

In the interview with Fallon, the band said other album titles it considered were Hit and Run and Smash and Grab.
The Battle of Chile, Patricio Guzmans 264-minute account of the social whirlwind that engulfed Salvador Allendes socialist government in the early 1970s, is an epic documentary, an openly Marxist analysis and a stunning exercise in you are there verite, not to mention a remarkable instance of contraband cinema  composed of footage smuggled out of fascist Chile and edited in communist Cuba to premiere at the radical fringe of the 1975 Cannes Film Festival (along with Chantal Akermans Jeanne Dielman).

Newly restored, the complete film  Parts 1 and 2 first seen in the United States in 1978, Part 3 in 1980  opens at the Brooklyn Academy of Musics Rose Cinemas and shows for a week.

The revival run coincides with the 50th anniversary of the other Sept. 11, the day of the military coup led by Augusto Pinochet  a tragedy that has remained Guzmans career-long preoccupation, and that haunts the Latin American left to this day. The film comes at a time of renewed interest in the period that has included a new novel, The Suicide Museum, by Ariel Dorfman, and the revitalized search for the remains of those who were disappeared during the dictatorship.
For certain corners of the internet, a 1976 paperback edition of Madeleine LEngles novel A Wrinkle in Time has been the source of an enduring mystery: Who was the artist behind its spooky, glowing-green cover art?

After a few hours of research, the podcast host Amory Sivertson thought she had found the answer. She had emailed a gallery to ask if an artist it represented had made the cover and a worker said yes.

She was wrong: A day later, the gallery worker apologized for the miscommunication. It would be two months, hundreds of emails and a number of awkward cold calls before she actually found the correct name.

The mystery cover art shows a strapping centaur with delicate wings flying above a menacing green face with bright red eyes. Craggy mountains and fluffy dark clouds surround the haunting figures. The website Book Riot called the art nightmare fuel. The artists name isnt mentioned anywhere in the book.
ll requests from the soldiers will be given the top generals, our international officials, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message on Tuesday, who returned to Kyiv after a trip to the troops stationed in Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions.

Two days in Donbas, 13 combat brigades together with Generals Syrsky, Tarnavsky. We talked to the brigade and battalion commanders. We awarded our warriors, he said.

According to Zelenskyy, all requests from the warriors will be addressed by senior generals, government officials, and our international relations officials. There will be new supplies. It is very important that there will be a new production of our weapons, and we have outlined several priority items with the warriors. This is what needs to be done. We will do it!

And about tomorrow. Today we have already prepared. There will be events that are important for Ukraine. There will also be decisions that are important for Ukraine, the president said.
Blinken visits Kyiv as a Russian missile kills 17

At least 17 people were killed yesterday in a Russian strike on Kostyantynivka, a city in eastern Ukraine that is close to the front lines, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The attack, one of the deadliest strikes in Ukraine in months, came hours after the U.S. secretary of state, Antony Blinken, arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit.

The attack hit an outdoor market around 2 p.m., a time when it is usually bustling with activity, Ukrainian officials said. A child was among those killed, according to the prime minister, and the interior minister said 32 people had been injured.

In Kyiv, Blinken announced more than $1 billion in new U.S. aid to Ukraine, including $665.5 million in military and other security assistance. He noted that much of the aid was intended not for the current fight but for long-term security and rebuilding Ukrainian society. In total, the U.S. has pledged more than $70 billion in financial, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine.

The visit from Blinken, who met with Zelensky, came as the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the southeast gained some traction after three months of grueling fighting. Ukrainian troops have broken through a main line of Russias defenses in one location, Ukraines Army has said, and are turning their attention to breaking through in another heavily defended patch of territory.
Ukraine attempts to break through

Ukrainian forces are battling to break through a Russian defense line in Ukraines south near the village of Verbove, military analysts said. The push comes a week after Ukrainian forces said they had retaken the village of Robotyne, the first of several tiers of formidable defenses that Russia has built in the region.

The Black Bird Group, a volunteer organization that analyzes satellite imagery and social media content from the battlefield, said that Ukrainian soldiers had cleared obstacles to reach Russian infantry fighting positions on the outskirts of Verbove. Whether they had secured territory wasnt clear, analysts said.

Ukrainian military officials refrained from making any sweeping claims. Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Army in the south, told national television that the Russian trenches and dugouts near Verbove were not as strong as at the first line of defense, but he said Russian minefields would complicate Ukraines push forward.

Takeaway: The retaking of Robotyne is a significant moment in Ukraines counteroffensive and its efforts to sever Moscows supply lines to occupied Crimea. Ukraines push from Robotyne east to Verbove is aimed at widening the breach, which would allow Ukrainian forces to bring in more equipment and personnel to support their advance south.
In the midst of the U.S. commerce secretarys good will tour to China last week, Huawei, the telecom giant that faces stiff U.S. trade restrictions, unveiled a smartphone that illustrated just how hard it has been for the United States to clamp down on Chinas tech prowess.

The new phone is powered by a chip that appears to be the most advanced version of Chinas homegrown technology to date  a kind of achievement that the United States has been trying to prevent China from reaching.

The timing of its release may not have been a coincidence. The Commerce Department has been leading U.S. efforts to curb Beijings ability to gain access to advanced chips, and the commerce secretary, Gina M. Raimondo, spent much of her trip defending the U.S. crackdown to Chinese officials, who pressed her to water down some of the rules.

Ms. Raimondos powerful role  as well as Chinas antipathy toward the U.S. curbs  was reflected online, where more than a dozen vendors cropped up on Chinese e-commerce sites to sell phone cases for the new model with Ms. Raimondos face imprinted on the back. Doctored images showed Ms. Raimondo holding the new phone, next to phrases like I am Raimondo, this time I endorse Huawei and Huawei mobile phone ambassador Raimondo.
When Danielle Schmelkin went shopping online for something special to wear to her nieces wedding in 2021, she was looking for a very specific type of dress based on trends I had seen recently.

To her delight, Bloomingdales.com came through like a personal shopper. The menu filter for formal dresses prompted her to choose from 15 criteria like dress length, color, neckline, sleeve length and embellishments. Moments later, she was sorting through 200 desirable options. It was quick and really focused, she said. I had no problem going from one page to the next, because there were meaningful results for me. She found the perfect dress, and bought it.

Months later, Ms. Schmelkin  in her role as the chief information officer at J. Crew Group  was introduced to Lily AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform that began working with fashion retailers in 2019. Bloomingdales, she learned, was already a client. Intrigued, Ms. Schmelkin did a test run on its product catalog from the companys Madewell brand.

Madewell provided photos and product descriptions for its garments. Lily AIs artificial intelligence was able to then assign about 13 attributes to each product  from more than 15,000 tags that a team of fashion domain experts started curating in 2016, three years before Lily AI had retail clients. By the time Madewell tried it out, Lily AI had run more than one billion searches, each helping the algorithm become more sophisticated. So it was able to accurately match merchandise to colloquial terms  quiet luxury, study hall, boho chic that online shoppers typed in the search bar, rather than just to stock descriptions of the goods.
In its most aggressive move yet to protect federal land from oil and gas exploration, the Biden administration announced on Wednesday that it would prohibit drilling in 13 million acres of pristine wilderness in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and cancel all drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

The new regulations would ensure what the administration called maximum protections for nearly half of the petroleum reserve but would not stop the enormous $8 billion Willow oil drilling project in the same vicinity, which President Biden approved this year.

Climate activists, particularly young environmentalists, were angered by Mr. Bidens decision in March to allow the Willow project, calling it a carbon bomb. Many called the move a betrayal of Mr. Bidens campaign promise of no new drilling, period on federal lands and waters.

Since then, the administration has taken pains to emphasize its efforts to reduce the carbon emissions that result from burning oil and gas and that are driving climate change.
Another, a classical pianist in his 20s, withdrew from Yale amid episodes of hypomania and depression, feeling, as he put it, not just excluded but rejected and cut off and forgotten about.

Members of the group, which took the name Elis for Rachael, shared a complaint that Yales strict policies on mental health leaves  requiring students to withdraw without a guarantee of readmission, stripping them of health insurance and excluding them from campus  had penalized students at their most vulnerable moments.

We discovered that there were just generations of Yalies who had had similar issues, who had kept quiet about it for decades and decades, said Dr. Alicia Floyd, the physician, one of the groups founders. And we all felt like something needed to change.

The organizing that began that day culminated last month in a legal settlement that considerably eases the process of taking a medical leave of absence at Yale.

Under the new policy, students will have the option to extend their insurance coverage for a year. They will no longer be banned from campus spaces or lose their campus jobs. Returning from leave will be simpler, with weight given to the opinion of the students health care provider.
The Police Department will designate one patrol car in each of New York Citys 77 precincts to trace stolen vehicles, as car theft continues to rise even as the rate of most other major crimes in the city is falling.

Car thefts were up about 25 percent in August compared with the same month last year, officials said Wednesday. In total, about 10,600 cars have been stolen this year across the five boroughs, an increase from about 9,000 during the same time last year, according to police data.

Officials blamed the increase on TikTok videos showing how to steal Kias and Hyundais, the models that are stolen in close to a fifth of the thefts. Many videos give step-by-step instructions on how to start the cars without a key.

About half of those arrested in car thefts in the past year have been under the age of 18, Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference in Queens on Wednesday.
As New York City students prepare to return to their classrooms on Thursday, a major question remains unsettled for tens of thousands of families: Will their children have yellow bus service to and from school this fall?

Roughly half of the citys school bus workers have warned that they will walk off the job if they do not soon reach an agreement with bus companies in their contract negotiations.

Union leaders pledged this week that bus service would not be interrupted for the first week of school. But they did not make additional assurances, raising the specter of a chaotic semester for a large group of students  more than 80,000  who depend on the buses to get to school.

Time is running out, Carolyn Rinaldi, the chief of staff at the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, said.
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the writer E. Jean Carroll, who won a recent defamation lawsuit against former President Donald J. Trump, doesnt have to prove again that he defamed her in another lawsuit she has filed against him when it goes to trial in January.

She must show only what damages, if any, Mr. Trump must pay for comments he made in 2019 after she first publicly accused him of raping her in a Manhattan department store dressing room decades ago. Mr. Trump called her accusation totally false, said he had never met Ms. Carroll and that he could not have raped her because shes not my type.

Ms. Carroll, 79, won a separate defamation lawsuit in May based on comments Mr. Trump posted last October on his Truth Social website calling her claim a complete con job and a Hoax and a lie.

In that case, a Manhattan jury found Mr. Trump, 77, liable for sexually abusing Ms. Carroll and awarded her $2.02 million in damages for the attack. Jurors also awarded Ms. Carroll $2.98 million in damages for defamation.
The legal problem with Alabamas strategy is that the Supreme Court already ruled on the matter. Just three months ago, in one of the surprises of its term, the court ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965  a supreme achievement of the civil rights era  by drawing a voting map that diluted the power of Black voters. A single district in which Black voters were in the majority was not enough, the high court said.

After that ruling was handed down, the lower court told the state legislature to abide by it and come up with a new map that had two majority-Black districts. But in July the legislature simply refused. Instead, it approved yet another map with only one such district. And its leaders made it clear they were proud of standing up to federal power.

The Legislature knows our state, our people and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups, wrote Gov. Kay Ivey, who signed the map into law, and I am pleased that they answered the call, remained focused and produced new districts ahead of the court deadline. In one stroke, she not only flipped off the Roberts court but also ludicrously lumped it in with voting rights activists.

In a hearing last month, the three judges on the lower-court panel couldnt quite believe it when Alabama came back with a map with only a single majority-Black district. What I hear you saying is the State of Alabama deliberately disregarded our instruction, said Judge Terry Moorer, at a hearing held by the Federal District Court for northern Alabama, one of the three who announced on Tuesday that they would appoint a special master to draw the second district and simply impose it on the state in time for next years elections.

The judges description of intentional insolence was on the money. Alabama knew full well that it would lose this case and that a second majority-Black district would inevitably be created over its opposition. That would give Democrats a good chance to win two of the states seven congressional seats. But Republican lawmakers, who control the statehouse, didnt want to be seen as the creators of the district. They didnt want to appear that they were knuckling under to the power of the federal government. They wanted the court to do it, and they wanted the public to understand that it was the courts doing.
The Verkhovna Rada has supported the introduction of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the appointment of Rustem Umerov to the post of Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

In general, 338 deputies voted for the adoption of relevant draft resolution No. 10004 at the plenary session on Wednesday, said Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the Holos faction.

"The Parliament has appointed Rustem Umerov as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. All the factions supported it," the parliamentarian wrote on his Telegram channel.

According to Article 106 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine submits a motion on the appointment of Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs to the Rada.

Rustem Umerov has been the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPF) since September 7, 2022. Before that, in 2019, he was elected an MP of the IX convocation from the Holos party (No. 18 on the list as an independent MP) and became a member of the faction of the same name.

In the Ukrainian Parliament, he held the position of Secretary of the Committee on Human Rights, de-occupation and reintegration of temporarily occupied territories, national minorities, and was also a deputy member of the Permanent Delegation to the Council of Europe and co-chairman of the parliamentary inter-factional association Crimea Platform.

In September 2020, Umarov joined the group on the development of the state strategy for the occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC).

Umerov is a Ukrainian politician, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, a member of the Ukrainian delegation at negotiations with Russia, a delegate of the Kurultai of the Crimean Tatar people.
Much of the drama in the charming new Netflix teen comedy You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah revolves around the pitfalls of social media, specifically the public sharing of private videos. An early scene involves the heroine, Stacy, jumping off a cliff and into a lake to impress a bunch of cool kids, and while she does it, some of them start recording the moment on their phones. A mild spoiler: Stacy completes the jump without injury and to great applause, until her maxi pad floats up next to her and the applause dissolves into laughter.

A humiliation like this used to be confined to the memory of the kids who witnessed it, and at worst, it became local lore. But when captured on a smartphone, it could ricochet around the world. For this reason, like many of you, Ive spent a lot of time trying to impart media and tech literacy to my kids  to the extent that whenever I reiterate that anything they put online or in a text can go public, they roll their eyes. Theyre 10 and 7, and I dont allow them to use social media yet, and I feel some comfort having equipped them with as much information as I can about the digital world. Im not naive, and I dont think theyre perfect angels; I know theyll make mistakes, but hopefully they have enough foresight and knowledge that their errors wont be catastrophic ones.

But what lurks more aggressively in the recesses of my mind is the peer panopticon theyre entering as they age into an environment in which all their classmates have smartphones, all the time. As Devorah Heitner puts it in her new book, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, kids often reach for their phones out of discomfort, or when they dont know how to deal with a situation. And theyve all been encouraged to record. These are powerful tools to shame, control and ostracize their peers in ways that supercharge the type of bullying you typically saw during my teenage and preteen years.

In her book, Heitner, who has a Ph.D. in media, technology and society from Northwestern University, provides an overview of the various challenges your teenager might encounter and gives good advice for what to do if your children are at the center of a public maelstrom: Be a shelter from the storm and validate what theyre feeling; if theyve done something wrong, figure out steps to repair the harm theyve caused.
Canadian wildfires have this year burned a land area larger than 104 of the worlds 195 countries. The carbon dioxide released by them so far is estimated to be nearly 1.5 billion tons  more than twice as much as Canada releases through transportation, electricity generation, heavy industry, construction and agriculture combined. In fact, it is more than the total emissions of more than 100 of the worlds countries  also combined.

But what is perhaps most striking about this years fires is that despite their scale, they are merely a continuation of a dangerous trend: Every year since 2001, Canadas forests have emitted more carbon than theyve absorbed. That is the central finding of a distressing analysis published last month by Barry Saxifrage in Canadas National Observer, ominously headlined Our forests have reached a tipping point.

In fact, Saxifrage suggests, the tipping point was passed two decades ago, when the countrys vast boreal forests, long a reliable sink for carbon, became instead a carbon source. In the 2000s, the effect was relatively small. But so far in the 2020s, Canadas forests have raised the countrys total emissions by 50 percent.

There is this feel-good myth in Canada that our massive forest is offsetting some of our massive fossil fuel emissions, Saxifrage writes. That might have been true decades ago under our old, stable climate. But weve so weakened our forest  through decades of business-as-usual industrial logging and fossil-fuelled climate shifts  that it has switched to hemorrhaging CO instead of absorbing it.
Thus the spate of national apologies, canceled patriotic celebrations and church burnings in Canada in 2021, after claims about the discovery of a mass grave in British Columbia near one of the residential schools for Indigenous children that the Canadian government sponsored, often through religious institutions, in the 19th and 20th centuries. (The cruelty and neglect at these schools were real, but the specific claims about graves at the school have outrun the so-far scanty evidence.) Or thus the attempted retcon of Englands deeply homogeneous history  well, since 1066, at least  into an American-style nation-of-immigrants narrative and the sense, as the British author Ed West wrote in 2020, that in English schools Americas history is swallowing our own.

To the extent that these complaints capture an Anglosphere reality, I think you can identify several different points that might explain what Canadian and British conservatives are seeing.

The first is a general tendency of provincial leaders to go overboard in establishing their solidarity and identification with the elites of the imperial core. Both Ottawa and London can feel like provincial capitals within the American imperium, so its not surprising that their leaders and tastemakers would sometimes rush to embrace ideas that seem to be in the American vanguard  behaving, as the British writer Aris Roussinos puts it, like Gaulish or Dacian chieftains donning togas and trading clumsy Latin epithets to establish their identification with Rome. By contrast, in continental Europe, in countries that are under the American security umbrella but dont share as much of our language and culture, the zeal for imitation feels a bit weaker, and anti-woke politics that double as anti-Americanism feel more influential.

The second point is the role of secularization and de-Christianization, which are further advanced in the British Isles and Canada than in the United States. The new progressivism is not simply a new or semi-Christian substitute for the former Western faith, but the rhetoric of diversity-equity-inclusion and antiracism clearly fills part of the void left by Christianitys and especially Protestantisms retreat. So it would not be surprising for an ideology that originates in the post-Protestant precincts of the United States to carry all before it in post-Protestant Canada or Britain while meeting more resistance in the more religious regions of America  and not just in the white Christian Bible Belt but also among the religious-conservative minorities whose rightward trend may be keeping the Republican coalition afloat.

The third point is that smaller countries with smaller elites can find it easier to enforce ideological conformity than countries that are more sprawling and diverse. Once a set of ideas takes hold among the cognoscenti  progressive ideas in this case, though it could apply to other worldviews as well  its more natural to conform, and more difficult to dissent, in the cozier precincts of Westminster or among Canadas Laurentian elite than it is in the American meritocracy, which spins off more competing power centers and dissenting factions.
To the Editor:

Re How Schools Can Cope and Grow When Their Students Are Using A.I., by Kevin Roose (The Shift column, Business, Aug. 29):

Mr. Rooses suggestion that educators embrace generative A.I. and view it as an opportunity or classroom collaborator, not as an enemy, seems typical of a tech enthusiast.

Of course, he is right that university professors like me will have to adjust our assignments to involve more in-class exams, classroom work and scaffolded projects with multiple check-ins. As a history professor, I also consciously assign books that are not available on the internet to limit the ability of A.I. tools to respond to essay prompts. For A.I. is the enemy.

What I want, most of all, is for students to read books that help them appreciate the complexity of the past, to digest factual information and to think deeply about the subject. Struggling to find the words and structure to express ones ideas is a catalyst for thought, as any writer knows.

What can make the college experience transformative is the learning that comes from reflection. Shortcuts, whether traditional plagiarism or this new form of plagiarism, contribute to an atmosphere of intellectual disengagement.
At Harvard, 133 members of the faculty have joined the Council on Academic Freedom at Harvard, dedicated to upholding the free speech guidelines adopted by the university in 1990:

Free speech is uniquely important to the university because we are a community committed to reason and rational discourse. Free interchange of ideas is vital for our primary function of discovering and disseminating ideas through research, teaching and learning.

Steven Pinker, a psychology professor at the school and a founder of the group, wrote in an email that achieving this goal is much tougher than generally believed:

To understand the recent assaults on free speech, we need to flip the question: not why diverse opinions are being suppressed, but why they are tolerated. Freedom of speech is an exotic, counterintuitive concept. Whats intuitive is that the people who disagree with me are spreading dangerous falsehoods and must be stifled for the greater good. The realization that everyone feels this way, that all humans are fallible, that however confident I am in my beliefs, I may be wrong and that the only way we can collectively approach the truth is to allow opinions to be expressed and then evaluate them, requires feats of abstraction and self-control.

The example I cited at the beginning of this column  the charge that the Biden administration colluded with big tech and disinformation partners to censor the claims of election deniers  has proved to be a case study of a successful Republican tactic on several fronts.

Republicans claimed the moral high ground as the victims of censorship, throwing their adversaries on the defensive and quieting their opponents.

On June 6, The Washington Post reported, in These Academics Studied Falsehoods Spread by Trump. Now the G.O.P. Wants Answers, that

the pressure has forced some researchers to change their approach or step back, even as disinformation is rising ahead of the 2024 election. As artificial intelligence makes deception easier and platforms relax their rules on political hoaxes, industry veterans say they fear that young scholars will avoid studying disinformation.

One of the underlying issues in the free speech debate is the unequal distribution of power. Paul Frymer, a political scientist at Princeton, raised a question in reply to my email: I wonder if the century-long standard for why we defend free speech  that we need a fairly absolute marketplace of ideas to allow all ideas to be heard (with a few exceptions), deliberated upon and that the truth will ultimately win out  is a bit dated in this modern era of social media, algorithms and, most importantly, profound corporate power.

While there has always been a corporate skew to speech, Frymer argued,

in the modern era, technology enables such an overwhelming drowning out of different ideas. How long are we hanging on to the protection of a hypothetical  that someone will find the truth on the 40th page of a Google search or a podcast with no corporate backing? How long do we defend a hypothetical when the reality is so strongly skewed toward the suppression of the meaningful exercise of free speech?

Frymer contended that

we do seem to need regulation of speech, in some form, more than ever. Im not convinced we cant find a way to do it that would enable our society to be more just and informed. The stakes  the fragility of democracy, the increasing hatred and violence on the basis of demographic categories and the health of our planet  are extremely high to defend a single idea with no compromise.

Frymer suggested that ultimately

we cant consider free speech without at least some understanding of power. We cant assume in all contexts that the truth will ever come out; unregulated speech does not mean free speech.

From a different vantage point, Robert C. Post, a law professor at Yale, argued in an email that the censorship/free speech debate has run amok:

It certainly has gone haywire. The way I understand it is that freedom of speech has not been a principled commitment but has been used instrumentally to attain other political ends. The very folks who were so active in demanding freedom of speech in universities have turned around and imposed unconscionable censorship on schools and libraries. The very folks who have demanded a freedom of speech for minority groups have sought to suppress offensive and racist speech.

The framing in the current debate over free speech and the First Amendment, Post contended, is dangerously off-kilter. He sent me an article he wrote that will be published shortly by the scholarly journal Daedalus, The Unfortunate Consequences of a Misguided Free Speech Principle. In it he notes that the issues are not just more complex than generally recognized but also are distorted by false assumptions.

Post makes the case that there is a widespread tendency to conceptualize the problem as one of free speech. We imagine that the crisis would be resolved if only we could speak more freely. In fact, he writes, the difficulty we face is not one of free speech, but of politics. Our capacity to speak has been disrupted because our politics has become diseased.
Most people dont like to think about growing old. But when asked, most Americans 55 or older say they want to do so at home. The appeal is understandable. Aging in place, surrounded by familiar places, faces and memories, can provide a sense of comfort and independence. It may seem a modest ambition, but the logistical and economic realities are daunting. Even healthy older people may struggle with basic tasks of daily life, so most of them will, at some point, require help from a caregiver, paid or unpaid, to remain at home.

Providing this care is a monumental endeavor, one for which American society is ill prepared. Already, around 42 million Americans are providing informal support to someone 50 or older, and many of them are struggling under the financial and psychological pressure. That number will only grow as the nation ages. Being an aging nation also means becoming a nation of caregivers, one that requires a new system of support.

For most older Americans, care will come from unpaid family members or friends, who contributed around $600 billion worth of free labor to the economy in 2021, according to AARP. That care is not, of course, free for those providing it.

Dwane Hodges is a 62-year-old educator in North Carolina who spent over a decade looking after various elders in his family. Starting in the mid-1990s, he spent several years caring for his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia and lung cancer. With increasing frequency, he shuttled between his home in upstate New York and hers in South Carolina, taking her to medical appointments. Once her cancer diagnosis got bad, he recalled, I started going down anywhere from every three months to every six weeks.
They arent, actually. The tech industrys hostility to aging continues to violate common sense, Joseph Coughlin, the director of M.I.T.s AgeLab, told me. His lab conducts research on how an aging population is changing business. He said that companies in the auto industry, financial services, retail and other sectors are coming around to the emerging opportunities of the longevity economy, the 1.6 billion people around the world who will be 65 or older by the year 2050.

Silicon Valley remains a glaring exception. Americas tech giants are among the worlds largest and most innovative businesses; if they took a more open-minded approach to aging  if they considered solving the problems of older customers as eagerly as they chased teen fads  they could establish a model for aging in a tech-besotted world. Through advances focused on health care, home assistance, transportation, robotics and artificial intelligence, technology will be crucial to address the problems emerging from demographic imbalance. If there are not enough younger people to care for and cater to the needs of the old, we will increasingly lean on tech to add convenience, independence and perhaps even companionship to our lengthening sunset years.

Yet this trillion-dollar industry that imagines itself inventing the future is stuck in the past, its views of older customers, older employees and how to best serve them hopelessly misaligned with facts, business logic and demographic destiny. The market is aging. The market is numerous. The market has got more money than the people they have been building products for, Coughlin said. And yet they continue to ignore them.

What can Silicon Valley do for older people? One place to look is in health care, where  lured by the vast riches of Medicare Advantage, a program that offers seniors a way to buy private medical insurance paid for in part by Medicare  venture capitalists and entrepreneurs have begun to recognize the market opportunity in aging.

In the past few years, tech investors once wary of products aimed at supposedly techphobic olds have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into start-ups that use tech to improve health services for seniors. Many of these promise to allow older people a measure of independence from family caregivers or health care facilities. (Aging in place is a favorite bit of industry jargon.) There are companies that use in-home cameras, audio devices and biometric sensors to let health care providers monitor homebound seniors from afar, something like Life Alert for the digital age. One heavily funded start-up, DispatchHealth, offers house calls to provide complex treatments that might otherwise require hospital stays  a convenience for the patients that might also cut costs for insurance companies.
Ferid Murad, a pharmacologist whose research into the effects of nitric oxide on the heart and blood vessels enabled widespread advancements in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and erectile dysfunction, and which earned him a share in a Nobel Prize in 1998, died on Monday at his home in Menlo Park, Calif. He was 86.

His son, Joe Murad, confirmed the death. The cause was not immediately known.

Doctors had been prescribing nitroglycerin for angina and other heart ailments for over a century  including, coincidentally, to Alfred Nobel, who founded the Nobel Prizes.

But no one knew exactly how it worked. And no one suspected that the active agent could be nitric oxide, a cancer-causing free radical most often associated with pollution (and not to be confused with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas).

Dr. Murad, who began his work while teaching at the University of Virginia, made his discovery in part by accident.
In recent years, Pirelli has mostly moved away from the overtly sexual photographs of scantily clad women that characterized the calendar for decades after it was introduced as a type of high-end pinup amid the sexual revolution. Instead, the company has sought to use the calendar as a form of cultural commentary on issues like race (the 2018 edition featured an all-Black cast) and gender (the #MeToo-inspired 2019 edition aspired to portray its female subjects as dreamers and thinkers).

Though the images in the calendar have become more diverse, the 2024 edition was the first installment produced by a Black photographer.

Known for making bold, colorful images, Mr. Gyasi, who is also the first African photographer to shoot the Pirelli calendar, has tried to challenge traditional narratives about Africa as well as Western beauty ideals in his work. He said the opportunity to shoot the calendar was too good to turn down, partly because he would be following in the footsteps of celebrated photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Tim Walker and Albert Watson.

For his edition, which focuses on the themes of Black empowerment and mastering time, Mr. Gyasi also assembled an all-Black cast. Along with Ms. Bassett, it included the actor Idris Elba, the supermodel Naomi Campbell and the Nigerian pop star Tiwa Savage. Everyone featured in the calendar has inspired him, he said, at times when Ive thought cracking the ceiling and to belong in certain spaces was just not possible.
Named Tamazid after a nearby spring, the compound is, like Adrere Amellal, all earth tones, inside and out. Its a notable departure for the designer, whos best known for her inimitable use of color. (She was an originator of what later became known as the millennial pink trend, thanks to the bubble gum-colored interior she designed in 2014 for Londons Gallery restaurant at Sketch, an Instagram staple.) The experience of being on the property is like stepping inside an M.C. Escher print; perspectives and proportions seem to shift, depending on the light or the angle where one stands. Stairs lead to terraces that overlook the compound and surrounding landscape  the blocky structure has few windows, and most of them are different sizes. Inside, straight lines are rare and the kershef surfaces are pleasingly irregular. To Mahdavi, Neamatallas approach to Adrere Amellal felt more like sculpting than anything else  The footprint of a structure was traced on the soil, she says. Wed decide where the windows should be according to the views and the sun  but with Tamazid, she made traditional plans and models. (This was the first building she designed as an architect.) There were occasional disputes: In the middle of construction, she came back after being away for several months to find that Neamatalla had added another wing to the building. Mahdavi insisted it be torn down. In the end, the two reached a compromise and kept part of the addition.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a speech in the Verkhovna Rada during her visit to Kyiv, the Danish resource TV2 has reported.

"Over the past 18 months, I have visited Ukraine several times. The destruction caused by the war is amazing. The brutality of Russian destruction. Families who have lost their homes. Mothers who had to say goodbye to their sons. Words cannot describe what you had to go through," Frederiksen said at the beginning of her speech.

"You and Ukraine are still standing. The world has seen the incredible strength of the Ukrainian people," she added.

It is noted that Frederiksen arrived in Ukraine in response to an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who during his visit to Denmark thanked the Danes for their help in Ukraine's struggle with Russia.

"Today I would like to return it [gratitude]. I want to thank Ukraine, the President, members of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ukrainian men and women. Thank you for fighting in this terrible war," Frederiksen said from the rostrum of the Ukrainian parliament.

Before the meeting of the Parliament, Frederiksen also visited Bucha of Kyiv region. In particular, accompanied by Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin, Frederiksen visited St. Andrew's Church, which was severely damaged at the beginning of the Russian invasion.

"I was very impressed by the fact that I saw elderly Ukrainians who survived the famine in the 1930s and during World War II, but not Russians when the offensive began in 2022," Frederiksen said, commenting on the trip.
The court fight  the most important antitrust case since the Justice Department took on Microsoft 25 years ago  strikes at the heart of Alphabets $1.7 trillion empire and could strip power and influence away from the worlds most successful internet company.

If Google loses and a judge then approves remedies, it could eventually be forced to restructure in some way, and it could be subject to damages and a prohibition on search distribution deals. That would translate to fewer users, deflated profits and perhaps even limits on how Google is able to innovate with new technologies like artificial intelligence.

To fend off the regulators claims, Google needs to convince Judge Amit P. Mehta of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that Googles decades of dominance are due to its superior product, not abusive tactics.

The company is counting on Mr. Walker, 62, once again. Since being hired as Googles general counsel in 2006, Mr. Walker has been an architect of the companys legal strategy, overseeing a victory in a protracted courtroom showdown with rival Oracle and a case that could have held Google liable for users social media posts. Both legal fights went to the Supreme Court.

That Mr. Walker is defending an industry giant against the monopoly claims of regulators is an odd turnabout in his long career. He grew up in Palo Alto, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley, and graduated from Harvard and Stanford Law School. Starting in 1990, he spent five formative years at the Justice Department, where he worked on the prosecution of Kevin Mitnick, once the most wanted hacker in the country.
In early 2020, as the coronavirus spread, schools around the world abruptly halted in-person education. To many governments and parents, moving classes online seemed the obvious stopgap solution.

In the United States, school districts scrambled to secure digital devices for students. Almost overnight, videoconferencing software like Zoom became the main platform teachers used to deliver real-time instruction to students at home.

Now a report from UNESCO, the United Nations educational and cultural organization, says that overreliance on remote learning technology during the pandemic led to staggering education inequality around the world. It was, according to a 655-page report that UNESCO released on Wednesday, a worldwide ed-tech tragedy.

The report, from UNESCOs Future of Education division, is likely to add fuel to the debate over how governments and local school districts handled pandemic restrictions, and whether it would have been better for some countries to reopen schools for in-person instruction sooner.
This lesson isnt limited to Black voters. To take a different example, Mr. Biden leads by just 46-34 among young registered voters in our polling over the last year, but he leads by 57-35 among young validated 2020 voters if we assign undecided voters based on their 2020 vote preference. His lead among Hispanic voters grows from 47-35 to 56-36 with the same approach. Among Asian American, Native American, multiracial and other nonwhite voters who arent Black and Hispanic, it goes up to 50-39, from 40-39.

Of course, we cant assume that Black, Hispanic, young or any voters will turn out as they did in 2020. We cant assume that undecided voters will return to their 2020 preferences, either. The point is that the differences between pre-election registered voter polls and the final post-election studies explain many of the differences between survey results by subgroup and your expectations.

If you must compare the crosstabs from registered voter polls with the final election studies, heres a tip: Focus on major party vote share. In the case of Black voters, Mr. Biden has a 71-12 lead, so that means he has 86 percent of the major party vote in our Times/Siena polling, 71/(71+12) = 86. That roughly five- or six-point shift in major party vote share is a lot likelier to reflect reality than comparing his 59-point margin among decided voters (71-12 = 59) with his 80-point margin from 2020.

Why major party vote share? The logic is simple. Imagine that today 17 percent of eventual Biden voters are undecided and 17 percent of eventual Trump voters are undecided. What would that mean for a poll of voters who will eventually vote 86 to 14? They would be 71 to 12 in the polls today.

Mr. Bidens polling weakness is unusual

Theres another aspect of the skeptics case that Im less sympathetic toward: the idea that we always see this kind of weakness among nonwhite voters, and it just never materializes.
Before handing pencil and paper to a group of inmates who attended one of his recent writing workshops in jail, Nate Johnson shared three things about his past.

He is a recovering alcoholic.

He has battled depression and anxiety for much of his life.

And I used to be a prosecutor, Mr. Johnson disclosed, adding a quick caveat. I didnt like that kind of work, and I didnt do it for very long.

Then came instructions for free writing, a technique Mr. Johnson brings to jails in the Minneapolis area some 40 times per month, tapping into what he has come to see as an extraordinary pool of literary talent brimming with insights about the criminal justice system.

Immediately after hearing a simple prompt, inmates were told to write furiously, without interruption, for five minutes. The prose didnt have to make sense. It neednt be good. The only goal was to turn the sequence of thoughts generated by each prompt into a string of sentences without stopping to think.
A similar split appeared to be present among the senators, based on their votes on the pretrial motions to dismiss on Tuesday. Six Republicans voted in favor of every attempt to throw out the case. Seven others voted against each one. The rest were mixed, but a two-thirds majority supported the trial, suggesting a desire to hear the evidence.

The trial is focused on 16 articles of impeachment related to the whistle-blowers central allegations: that Mr. Paxton had abused his office by using it to benefit Mr. Paul, who had given him a $25,000 campaign contribution and, lawyers for the prosecution said, paid for renovations to one of Mr. Paxtons houses and helped him engage in an extramarital affair.

Mr. Paul, who was indicted on federal financial fraud charges in June, has denied any wrongdoing. Mr. Paxton, who has been under state indictment for securities fraud since 2015, pleaded not guilty to all the articles of impeachment on Tuesday. He was not present at the trial on Wednesday.

Mr. Mateer said he became alarmed at Mr. Pauls apparent influence over the office in July 2020 when the attorney general sought to make an argument on a motion in Travis County District Court in a lawsuit involving Mr. Pauls company, World Class Capital, and the Mitte Foundation, a Central Texas nonprofit.

Mr. Mateer and others confronted Mr. Paxton about what seemed to be his unusual concern for legal matters involving Mr. Paul. I wanted to have a meeting with the attorney general to discuss why he was involving himself in the affairs of Nate Paul, he testified on Wednesday.
Update: A subsidiary of the Hershey Company said it was pulling the One Chip Challenge from store shelves.

One of the last things Harris Wolobah, 14, of Worcester, Mass., ate before he died was a single tortilla chip in a coffin-shaped box that bore an image of a skull with a snake coiled around it, his mother said.

Lois Wolobah said her sons school called last Friday to tell her he was sick and that she needed to come and get him.

When she arrived, Harris was clutching his stomach in the nurses office, she said in an interview on Tuesday.

He showed her a picture of what he had just consumed: a single Paqui chip, dusted with two of the hottest peppers in the world, the Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper. The label on the box said One Chip Challenge and carried a warning  Inside: One Extremely Hot Chip. Paqui tortilla chips are made by Amplify Snack Brands, a subsidiary of the Hershey Company.
I wanted to work in a small family town and deliver babies, she said. I was living my dream  until all of this.

Idahos obstetrics exodus is not happening in isolation. Across the country, in red states like Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, obstetricians  including highly skilled doctors who specialize in handling complex and risky pregnancies  are leaving their practices. Some newly minted doctors are avoiding states like Idaho.

The departures may result in new maternity care deserts, or areas that lack any maternity care, and they are placing strains on physicians like Dr. Gustafson who are left behind. The effects are particularly pronounced in rural areas, where many hospitals are shuttering obstetrics units for economic reasons. Restrictive abortion laws, experts say, are making that problem much worse.

This isnt an issue about abortion, said Dr. Stella Dantas, the president-elect of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This is an issue about access to comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care. When you restrict access to care that is based in science, that everybody should have access to  that has a ripple effect.

Idaho doctors operate under a web of abortion laws, including a 2020 trigger law that went into effect after the Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade last year. Together, they create one of the strictest abortion bans in the nation. Doctors who primarily provide abortion care are not the only medical professionals affected; the laws are also impinging on doctors whose primary work is to care for expectant mothers and babies, and who may be called upon to terminate a pregnancy for complications or other reasons.
For more than a month in Nigers capital, Niamey, the democratically elected president has been a prisoner in his own home. The camouflage-clad generals who seized power say they may put him on trial. Talk of foreign intervention is met with threats of his execution.

To many people, the military takeover in Niger in late July was obviously a coup. And yet, in a prime example of contorted diplomatic-speak, Biden administration officials have so far carefully danced around the word.

That, they say, is because the word coup has major policy implications: Congress has mandated that the United States must halt all economic and military aid to any government deemed to have been installed by a military coup until democracy is restored in that country.

That might seem a fitting punishment for military leaders who have sabotaged a fragile African democracy. But U.S. officials worry it could also reduce Americas leverage over Nigers future, jeopardize military operations against militants in the region, invite Russian influence and exacerbate humanitarian suffering in one of the worlds poorest countries.
David C. Weiss, the special counsel investigating Hunter Biden, said on Wednesday that he planned to indict the presidents son on a gun charge before the end of the month  a move prompted by the acrimonious collapse of a plea deal in July.

In a three-page update filed in federal court in Wilmington, Del., Mr. Weiss laid out plans to bring charges related to Mr. Bidens purchase of a pistol in 2018, when prosecutors say he lied on a federal form by stating that he was not using drugs at the time. Mr. Biden had previously agreed to participate in a two-year diversion program for nonviolent gun offenders as part of the plea deal, which unraveled dramatically at the last minute this summer.

Mr. Bidens lawyer, Abbe Lowell, signaled in a statement that he would challenge any effort to proceed with a trial, arguing that the original agreement reached over the summer remains valid and prevents any additional charges from being filed.

The governments filing, while expected, adds an additional and volatile element to an already packed calendar of criminal cases coinciding  and colliding  with the 2024 presidential race. It piles on a possible federal trial of President Bidens son to former President Donald J. Trumps two federal and two state criminal cases.
Republicans in Wisconsin are coalescing around the prospect of impeaching a newly seated liberal justice on the states Supreme Court, whose victory in a costly, high-stakes election this spring swung the court in Democrats favor and threatened the G.O.P.s iron grip on state politics.

The push, just five weeks after Justice Janet Protasiewicz joined the court and before she has heard a single case, serves as a last-ditch effort to stop the new 4-to-3 liberal majority from throwing out Republican-drawn state legislative maps and legalizing abortion in Wisconsin.

The drama over Republican threats to impeach and possibly remove Justice Protasiewicz could raise new questions about democracy and the legitimacy of elections in a state where G.O.P. lawmakers and their allies spent two years disputing the 2020 presidential contests outcome.

For Republicans, the liberal Supreme Court majority serves as an existential danger. If the court, as expected, invalidates Wisconsins legislative maps, it would strip Republicans of what now amounts to permanent majorities in the Legislature. But removing a newly elected justice could prompt a backlash in 2024 from Democrats and moderate Republican voters who abandoned the G.O.P. during the Trump years.
Doctors of the Leleka multidisciplinary medical center (Kyiv) performed a unique surgery on a pregnant woman with a rare pathology - placenta ingrowth, which carries extremely high risks for the life and health of mother and child.

As the clinic told Interfax-Ukraine, the surgery was performed on a patient who was pregnant for the third time, but the pregnancy proceeded with complications, and even in the early stages the woman was diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum.

"After the pathology was revealed, the doctors the couple approached assured that the patient would not be able to bear and give birth to a child. Moreover, even if this succeeds, the uterus will have to be removed. She was also warned about the risks of life. And they were unanimously sent to terminate the pregnancy. This is a very rare pathology," Leleka says.

At the same time, after numerous consultations in various clinics, the patient turned to Leleka, where they took up this difficult case, the main risk of which is a large blood loss.

"This is not an ordinary caesarean section. This manipulation requires a multidisciplinary approach, several specialists from different fields should work with the woman in labor, using the latest technologies and modern equipment. That is why a team of three teams of surgeons was involved - obstetrician-gynecologists, urologists and vascular surgeons, who worked according to a clear algorithm. As a result, a complex organ-preserving operation was performed: a corporal caesarean section with excision of the placenta and metroplasty," the clinic said.

The team of doctors used blood-saving technologies, in particular, an aortic balloon and a modern Cell saver device (autohemotransfusion system), which made it possible to minimize blood loss and reduce the use of donor blood.

"The doctors managed to carry out a successful operation. After all, the woman in labor managed to save the uterus and, if desired, she can become a mother for the fourth time," the clinic said.

At present, the patient and her newborn daughter are already at home, both are healthy and feel good.

The Leleka multifunctional medical center is one of the leading Ukrainian clinics in the field of obstetrics, gynecology, and general surgery. The medical center practices medical protocols approved in Ukraine, the USA and Western Europe. In the center of modern surgery, Leleka works in the direction of operative gynecology, mammology, vascular surgery (phlebology), proctological and urological operations, endocrine surgery, plastic, abdominal, bariatric, outpatient surgery and endoscopy.

In 2019, Leleka was the first in Ukraine to receive JCI accreditation, one of the most prestigious global quality standards for medical institutions. The standard is based on the American system of medical accreditation of medical institutions, based on the management of patient outcomes.
Dr. Monahan covered the subject fully, Mr. McConnell said Wednesday, referring to a letter his office released from Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of Congress. Mr. McConnell, who appeared notably thinner since leaving Washington six weeks ago for the summer recess, said the brief statement from Dr. Monahan, which said there was no evidence the senator had a seizure disorder or had experienced a stroke, adequately put to bed any reasonable questions.

Several medical professionals who watched video of Mr. McConnells episodes suggested he had been experiencing focal seizures or mini strokes. They cast doubt on Dr. Monahans assessment that the incidents were merely part of a normal recovery from a concussion Mr. McConnell had sustained in March after falling at a Washington hotel.

But on Wednesday, after three consecutive questions about his health, Mr. McConnell abruptly ended the news conference.

Famously tight-lipped and difficult to read even in his prime, Mr. McConnell offered his colleagues little more detail in the semi-privacy of the weekly Senate Republican lunch, the first time G.O.P. senators had gathered since returning to Washington amid rumblings about a potential change at the top of the leadership ladder.

There, he gave his colleagues a rundown of his medical evaluations and said he had been given a clean bill of health, according to Senator John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, as well as others who attended. Mr. McConnell told them that he had only frozen up twice, and simply had the misfortune of doing it both times on camera.
In response to Mr. Pences speech, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement, President Trumps victory in 2016 exposed the massive divide between voters around the country and the establishment Beltway insiders who made terrible trade deals, allowed our southern border to become overrun and never missed an opportunity to play world cop. The conservative movement and the Republican Party have changed for the better, and nobody wants it to go back to the way it was before.

Mr. Pence, in his speech, also called out Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida for using state power to punish corporations for taking political stands he disagreed with  a reference to Mr. DeSantiss efforts to strip Disney of its special tax status.

Mr. Pence said he understood the frustrations that had led to populist movements both on the left and the right. He listed income inequality caused by globalization and increased automation, the opioid epidemic and the cultural demonization of conservatives. He did not include on his list the invasion of Iraq  which, unlike most Republicans, he still defends to this day.

But he glossed over his own role in promoting Trumpism as Mr. Trumps vice president as well as his traveling booster, a role Mr. Pence served throughout the 2016 campaign and all four years of the Trump presidency. Mr. Pence finally broke with him by refusing Mr. Trumps demand that he overturn the results of the presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021.

In Mr. Pences telling, it is Mr. Trump who has changed. He said Mr. Trump ran as a conservative in 2016 and governed as one with Mr. Pences help. But that story ignores inconvenient facts, including that the Trump-Pence administration added around $8 trillion to the national debt, enacted a protectionist trade policy and laid the groundwork for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan that Mr. Pence opposed.
The test has three sections: verbal reasoning, grammar and writing, and quantitative reasoning (math). Its English sections, like the SAT and ACT, ask students to read dense passages, demonstrate their comprehension via multiple-choice questions and spot grammatical errors.

But in sample materials, there is more religious thought, with passages from Thomas Aquinas; Jonathan Edwards, the Great Awakening preacher; and Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century saint.

The CLTs author bank  the range of writing that could be on an exam  includes the Mesopotamian poem The Epic of Gilgamesh, as well as Toni Morrison, Mary Wollstonecraft, Charles Darwin, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells and Mohandas K. Gandhi. It heavily features Judeo-Christian religious thinkers, such as Saint Augustine, Maimonides and Martin Luther.

Mr. Tate, a former history teacher who founded the Classic Learning Test in 2015, said his company had made an effort to diversify the material by including more passages from African and South American writers. That echoes changes made by the ACT and SAT over time, but has prompted accusations of wokeness from the right.

Neither the SAT nor ACT publish their author banks, which is standard practice in the testing industry. Sample exams show that both tests sometimes include classic philosophical texts, but generally not religious ones. And in comparing sample exams, the SAT and ACT tend to include more contemporary memoir and fiction, while also depicting a more diverse range of modern-day people.
The prisoners also sought a civilian-run program to treat sleep disorders, brain injuries, gastrointestinal damage or other health problems they attribute to the agencys brutal interrogation methods during their three to four years in C.I.A. custody before their transfer to Guantanamo Bay in 2006.

An agreement to meet such conditions for the detainees, potentially for the rest of their lives, carried major policy implications likely beyond the authority of a criminal court or a particular team of prosecutors.

But the White House has been leery of involvement in the case, which is politically fraught. Some relatives of the 3,000 victims want a trial with the prospect, however distant, of having the perpetrators of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil sentenced to death. Others oppose the death penalty on principle, have no faith in the tribunal system, or have become resigned to the idea that, because the defendants were tortured by C.I.A., capital punishment is unlikely.

More than a year passed as prosecutors awaited an answer on whether the administration would consent to the proposed conditions, referred to as joint policy principles in court filings. A filing on Wednesday, which came just days before the 22nd anniversary of the attacks, indicated that the administration had finally said it would not.

The administration declines to accept the terms of the proposed joint policy principles offered by the accused in the military commissions case, United States v. Mohammed, et al, prosecutors said in the filing, according to someone who had been shown a copy. It was not yet posted on the Pentagons war court website.
A federal judge ordered Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday to move a barrier of floating buoys in the Rio Grande that was placed by the state of Texas to discourage illegal crossings from Mexico, concluding that it was an impediment to navigation on the river and a threat to human life.

The Justice Department filed suit in July, arguing that the barrier violated a federal law that prohibits structures in navigable waterways without federal approval.

It said the barrier, placed in a section of the river in the border city of Eagle Pass, Texas, endangered migrants, hampered the operations of the Border Patrol and harmed diplomatic relations with Mexico.

Judge David Ezra of the U.S. District Court in Austin ordered the state to move the roughly 1,000-foot barrier to the U.S. banks of the river by Sept. 15 while the legal case proceeded.
A judicial tribunal in Nigeria confirmed on Wednesday the results of a contested February presidential election that kept Africas most populous country on edge amid allegations of voting irregularities and tainted the first months in power for the declared winner, President Bola Tinubu.

In their petitions, opponents of Mr. Tinubu argued that he should have been disqualified from running in the first place because of irregularities with his candidacy, and that Nigerias electoral commission had failed to release the results on time, opening the way for potential fraud.

But judges in Abuja, the capital, rejected all three petitions for lack of credible evidence, they said.

Nigerian television channels broadcast the court decision live on television amid high tensions in the capital, Abuja, and hints by the opposition that a validation of the results could prompt Nigerians to take to the streets. There were no immediate reports of unrest.
In Xi Jinpings strategy for securing Chinas rise, the Communist Party keeps a firm grip on the economy, steering it out of an old era dependent on real estate and smokestack industries to a new one driven by innovation and consumer spending.

But he may have to relinquish some of that control, as that strategy comes under pressure.

Consumers are gloomy. Private investment is sluggish. A big property firm is near collapse. Local governments face crippling debt. Youth unemployment has continued to rise. The economic setbacks are eroding Mr. Xis image of imperious command, and emerging as perhaps the most sustained and thorny challenge to his agenda in over a decade in power.

Its a moment of great uncertainty, and arguably the moment of least confidence, surrounding the Xi administration, Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Societys Center for China Analysis, said in an interview. The worse things get for Chinas economy, the more likely it is that Xi Jinping has to make some course correction.

Earlier this year, Mr. Xi started his third term as Chinas president, appearing indomitable. He had cast aside three years of bruising pandemic lockdowns and was confident that business would recover. He was committed to taming the debt-laden real estate sector even as home sales fell. And he had a new Communist Party leadership team of loyalists poised to push through his growth plans.
There were no immediate comments from Mr. Modi suggesting he would move to officially change the countrys name to Bharat. But the Indian news media was reporting late on Wednesday that his party might propose the change in a coming session of the federal Parliament.

Mr. Modis penchant for sudden political moves aimed at stirring up his supporters, including an abrupt ban on the countrys largest currency bills, has made him more popular with his base.

Bharat, originally a Sanskrit word, is the nations official name in Hindi, but in all communication in English and with other countries, the nomenclature is India. The countrys Constitution uses the term just once  India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States, Article 1 says  but that was enough for at least one government official.

India, that is Bharat  it is there in the Constitution, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias foreign minister, told a news agency on Wednesday. Please, I would invite everybody to read it.

The Constitution, however, refers to the nominal head of the country as the president of India.

The invitation controversy came days after Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an organization that holds powerful sway over Indias Hindu right, said that people should use the name Bharat instead of India.
A sharp increase in the number of an invasive species of hornets in Britain is raising concerns that they could threaten native bee populations.

There have been 22 sightings of the so-called Asian hornet, or Vespa velutina, this year, more than in the past six years combined, according to British officials. The number of sightings, confirmed when specimens have been analyzed in a laboratory, is up from two last year, two in 2021 and one in 2020, according to British government statistics. The hornet, which is native to parts of Asia, was first detected in Britain in 2016, and its activity peaks in August and September.

It is distinct from the worlds largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia, which has been referred to as the Asian giant hornet or murder hornet, and was found in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in 2019.

Smaller than Britains native hornet, most Asian hornets are about an inch long and have brown thoraxes, yellow legs and black heads with orange faces. The species was first recorded in France in 2005 and is thought to have arrived in a container of pottery from China, according to the Non-Native Species Secretariat, a British organization that coordinates responses to invasive species. Since arriving in France, the population of Asian hornets has grown rapidly. As of last year, the hornets have been seen in European countries including Germany, Spain, Portugal and Italy, according to the National Bee Unit, a British agency.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Ukraines capital on Wednesday and met with President Voloydmyr Zelensky, delivering a U.S. vote of confidence  and the promise of more aid  even as Russia made one of the deadliest attacks of the war on civilians.

A Russian missile struck Kostyantynivka, an eastern city near the front lines, killing at least 17 people and wounding at least 32 others, and more might still be trapped in the rubble, according to Ukrainian officials. They said the attack hit an outdoor marketplace at about 2 p.m., when it was busy with vendors and shoppers, while Mr. Blinken was in Kyiv.

A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong. Many wounded. Unfortunately, the number of casualties and the injured may rise, Mr. Zelensky wrote on Telegram. For anyone around the world to continue to deal with Russia, he added, means turning a blind eye to atrocities.
Blinken during visit to Kyiv: We see good progress on counteroffensive, we want to make sure Ukraine has what it needs

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his visit to Kyiv demonstrates ongoing and determined support for Ukraine, and also noted the United States wants to make sure Ukraine has everything it needs to succeed in the counteroffensive.

"Every time I'm here, I'm struck by the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian forces, Ukraine's leadership," he said before starting talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv.

According to Blinken, he came to Ukraine primarily to demonstrate "ongoing and determined support" from the United States to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression.

"We've seen good progress on the counteroffensive (inaudible). We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs it for the long term to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, strong defense capacity so that, in the future, aggressions like this don't happen again," the U.S. Secretary of State said.

He also said the United States is determined to continue working with partners to restore a strong economy, strong democracy, "to ensure that Ukraine not only survives, but it thrives in the future."

"And in that, Ukraine has a strong partner in the United States. For me, it's always a special pleasure to be with, again, not only my colleague, but my friend, Dmytro Kuleba," Blinken said.

In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said he "looks forward to a productive, result-oriented conversation with Blinken."

As reported, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday, September 6. He started his visit to Kyiv by honoring the memory of our fallen heroes at Berkovets cemetery.
Violent storms have pounded parts of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey with extreme amounts of rain, causing floods that killed at least 14 people, ravaged roads and prompted evacuations.

In Greece, where record rainfall has swamped the countrys central region this week, the death toll stood at three, after the authorities on Wednesday recovered two more bodies. Thousands of households were cut off from power and running water.

In Turkey, seven people were killed by flooding in the northwest late on Tuesday, according to the interior minister. And Bulgarian officials said on Wednesday that four people had died in floodwaters on that countrys Black Sea coast.

Greeces fire service said Wednesday that it had received more than 2,000 calls for help in 24 hours. Among the hardest hit areas was the city of Volos, where video showed rivers of water in the streets, uprooted trees and cars washed up on beaches.
That level of collusion may be unique to the state of Guerrero, experts say, where the long history of drug trafficking and a heavily militarized state presence would have created fertile ground for such relationships. But in Mexico, the lines between trafficking organizations and the state have long been blurry, scholars say. And that has had profound consequences not just for organized crime, but for the development of the Mexican state itself.

Criminal state-building

There really is no binary between the bad cartels and the good state, said Alexander Avina, an Arizona State historian who studies the drug trade in Mexico. I think those of us who work on the history of drugs in 20th-century Mexico will say that drug trafficking actually emerges within the confines of the Mexican state, particularly the long running PRI party that was in power from 1949 to 2000.

In the popular imagination, collaboration between cartels and state officials tends to take the form of corruption: criminals pay bribes to officials, who then tolerate drug trafficking in exchange for private wealth. But that story doesnt quite fit Mexico, said Benjamin T. Smith, a professor at Warwick University in the U.K., and the author of a book on the history of the Mexican drug trade.

Rather, he said, there is a long history of Mexican officials taking money from drug traffickers to fund the government, not just personal bribes. He described it as a kind of criminal state-building. But that state-building later proved to be dangerously fragile.

Documents from the 1940s show that police in the state of Sinaloa, for instance, were extorting money from opium growers, Smith said. But they then handed the money over to state tax collectors to be deposited into the public coffers.
I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe, that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him, said Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the polices counterterrorism command.

Commander Murphy said, We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible.

Ports and airports across Britain have been placed on alert. There were reports on social media of long lines forming at airports in London, Manchester and Glasgow as police and border control officers checked the identification of passengers.

The BBC reported that Mr. Khalife may have fled the prison by strapping himself to the underside of a food delivery van. It said that he was reported to have been working in the prison kitchens and that he may have been dressed in a chefs uniform.

Wandsworth is classified as a Category B prison, one level below maximum security. (Category A prisons are typically used to house prisoners charged with terrorism or whose escape would pose extreme danger to public safety or national security.)
Romania said on Wednesday that debris from what could be a Russian drone had landed on its territory across the Danube River from Ukraine and said that if the wreckage turned out to be Russian, it would be a serious violation of a NATO members sovereignty.

Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian grain ports in the Danube delta, including Izmail, which lies less than 200 yards from Romanian territory and was blasted again by Russian drones on Tuesday. Still, it was not clear how the debris that was found late on Tuesday in the Romanian village of Plauru got there, including whether it had landed by accident.

If confirmed, the presence of Russian drone wreckage inside Romania would be completely unacceptable and a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Romania, a NATO allied state, the countrys president, Klaus Iohannis, said on his Facebook page.

As a member of NATO, Romania is covered by the U.S.-led alliances commitment to collective security, which obliges all members to come to the defense of any state that requests assistance in the event of an attack. But Romania has avoided any hint that it might invoke Article 5 of the NATO treaty, the cornerstone of the joint defense pact, over the debris found on Tuesday.
Rare street protests have broken out in Bahrain as a mass hunger strike enters its fifth week, activists say, in a faint echo of the uprising that swept the Gulf kingdom starting in 2011, during the Arab Spring.

Inmates inside the countrys largest prison have been refusing meals since Aug. 7, protesting against what they and their relatives say are poor conditions, including systematic mistreatment, medical neglect and limited visitation rights.

The government has denied those allegations, arguing that conditions are in line with international standards. Officials have announced some concessions, including an increase in the time that prisoners can spend outside, yet the strike has lasted for nearly a month.

While the government says that only 116 prisoners are involved, activists say that they have documented more than 800 participants  a significant portion of the prison population in a small island state of 1.6 million people. Their collective action has spilled into the streets, with relatives of prisoners holding scattered demonstrations for two weekends in a row, marching with their portraits and calling for them to be freed.
For so long, America has

been

seen as a young

nation  elastic, vibrant

and

constantly renewing. But by 2034, there will be

more Americans over the age of 65

than children. America will no longer be

a young nation but an old one.

Its time to prepare. Opinion Can America Age Gracefully?

America may still think of itself as a young nation, but as a society, it is growing old. Thanks to falling birthrates, longer life expectancy and the graying of the baby boomer cohort, our society is being transformed. This is a demographic change that will affect every part of society. Already, in about half the country, there are more people dying than being born, even as more Americans are living into their 80s, 90s and beyond. In 2020 the share of people 65 or older reached 17 percent, according to the Census Bureau. By 2034, there will be more Americans past retirement age than there are children.

The challenge the country faces transcends ideology, geography and ethnic or racial category, and American leaders, regardless of their party, need to confront it with the appropriate urgency.

It has been decades since lawmakers last came to a consensus about what old age in America should look like: In 1935 the passage of the Social Security Act was meant to ensure that older people would not die destitute because they could no longer work. In 1965 aging was included as part of the vision of the Great Society. Our society now faces another moment when it is up to us to decide what Americas future will be.

This shift has major implications. A drop in the working-age population typically means labor shortages, productivity declines and slower economic growth. Places like Japan, with the highest proportion of people 65 or older in the world, offer a hint of what the near future might look like for America. In Japan, especially in rural areas, schools shut their doors because there are no longer enough children to fill them; births fell below 800,000 in 2022, and about 450 schools close every year. With fewer young people working, revenue for retirement programs is shrinking, and there is a chronic labor shortage. Japanese people increasingly work into their 60s, 70s and beyond, often in physically demanding but low-paid jobs such as making deliveries and cleaning offices. That means employers have to adjust, adding rest areas, ramps and handrails in workplaces to accommodate older workers needs.

Aging societies have different needs from young ones, and while America is far from the only country facing this shift, it has been slow to address it. The strains are showing in everything from health care and housing to employment and transportation. With an average of 10,000 boomers turning 65 each day, these pressures are steadily intensifying and will continue to do so, especially if current immigration policies hold. The recent decline in Americans life expectancy over the past few years is especially alarming. It reflects deaths from Covid and drug overdoses, as well as higher mortality rates among children and teenagers from violence and accidental deaths, but that does not change the underlying demographic shift. By 2053, more than 40 percent of the federal budget will go toward programs for seniors, primarily Social Security and Medicare  but those programs are not designed for or prepared to handle the new demographic reality.

The challenges of an aging population are also deeply personal. Among the most elemental questions are where and how we will spend the closing years of our lives. Millions of Americans are already grappling with these dilemmas for themselves and for their loved ones. A cottage industry of products and services has emerged to help people adjust their homes and their lives for aging. A demographic shift this significant calls for a broad-based response, and the longer the challenges go unaddressed, the more formidable they become.

There are many pieces to this puzzle, including who will care for older people, where they will live, how our cities are designed and how businesses will adapt. Many older people in the United States say they feel invisible in a country that has long been obsessed with youth, avoiding the inevitability  and possibilities  of old age. Americans of every generation owe it to themselves and their families to begin asking the question: Is this a challenge we want to handle on our own? Or is it something that we as a society should confront together?

The editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values. It is separate from the newsroom.

Illustrations by Maira Kalman
The last thing many people want to do when they wake up is exercise. But if youre not in the mood for a run or a trip to the gym, yoga is a good way to get moving, and you can do it in as little as five minutes.

Yoga can help to wake up your body and get it ready for the day, said Neha Gothe, the director of the Exercise Psychology Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The right poses can stretch the major muscle groups and warm up the joints, while slow breathing promotes focus and can reduce stress and anxiety. No equipment or even sweating is required. 

If possible, start your morning yoga routine right after you wake up  and ideally before you reach for your phone, said Laura Schmalzl, a neuroscientist and certified yoga instructor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Begin with slow, gentle movements. Listen to how your body feels, releasing any poses that cause discomfort.

As you hold positions and move through sequences, try box breathing, suggested Dr. Natalie Nevins, a family medicine physician and an assistant dean at the Western University of Health Sciences. Inhale for around four seconds, then hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds and hold your breath again for four seconds before repeating the cycle.

If you have a heart condition, or are uncomfortable holding your breath, Dr. Nevins recommended a simple series of five-second inhales, each immediately followed by a five-second exhale.

Here is a yoga routine recommended by experts to get your day going.

Knees-to-chest

Start by lying on your back and hugging your knees to your chest. You should feel a gentle stretch in the spine. Breathe in and out through the stretch.

Half cobra

Release your legs and roll onto your chest, allowing your forehead or cheek to rest on the floor. Rest your forearms and place your palms on the ground, directly under your shoulders, while keeping your bent elbows tight against your sides.

Then gently push away from the floor, lifting your chest and forehead. Feel your spine gently stretch as you continue to slowly breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Stay here for three breaths.

Alternating cat-cow

This pose is useful to encourage spine mobility and flexibility. Rise to a kneeling tabletop position, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-distance apart directly under your hips.

On the inhale, arch your back into a cow pose, easing your belly toward the floor, and bringing your head and chest upward so you are gazing toward the sky as you inhale. Then exhale, releasing your breath and pulling your belly up and in and rounding your back into a cat pose.

Alternate between these two poses as many times as you like, feeling your spine and neck stretch in both directions. Feel free to gently move your hips, shoulders or head in a circular motion, breathing slowly as you do.

Childs pose

This is a gentle and foundational pose that stretches the spine. Its also a pose you can return to in any yoga class if you need to rest or reset.

From the tabletop position, inhale and touch your big toes together behind you. Then sit on your heels, letting your knees open wide to create space beneath you. Or you can choose to keep your knees together, if that feels more comfortable.

As you exhale, shift your hips back and your upper body forward, lowering your torso to rest between or on top of your thighs. If your knees are together and you feel a pinch in your hips, spread your knees apart. Stretch your arms out in front of you, reaching as far forward as feels good, and then rest your forearms on the floor.

Let gravity pull you deeper into the pose. You may feel a stretch in your spine, thighs, arms and buttocks. Stay in this pose for five breaths.

Reclining twist

There are several ways to do this pose, depending on your flexibility and what part of your spine you want to target. Start by lying down on your back and bringing your knees up toward your chest.

Hug your knees and place your right hand on your left knee. Let your left arm lie flat, extended on the floor beside you. Twisting from your core, exhale and gently guide your bent legs to fall together to the right side of your body.

Bring your knees toward the floor until you feel a stretch in your back and hips. Then turn your head to look toward your left hand. On an inhale, come back to the center before switching over to the other side.

You may feel a gentle stretching in your hips, buttocks and back and an opening in your shoulders and chest. If you wish to target the upper spine or you want a gentler stretch, you can instead lie on your right side with your legs bent and resting on top of each other. Then slowly twist your upper body to the left. After that, stretch the other side.

Spinal Flex

This gentle back stretch is especially good for people who spend all day sitting at a desk. Sit down on the floor in a cross-legged position and place your hands on your ankles or knees. While inhaling, gently arch your back and lift your chest and chin forward and up. Relax, and while exhaling, round your spine, bending forward slightly and tucking your chin toward your chest. Repeat this sequence five times.

Upward salute

Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Feel your feet connecting with the floor, and shift your hips forward slightly, remembering to engage your core. Slowly raise your arms overhead and in line with your ears, shoulder-distance apart. Then, turn your palms toward each other and, if you can, let them touch. Bring your gaze up to your hands and feel a stretch in your neck and arms.

If you want, try to raise yourself up onto your toes. Find your center as you take several breaths. When youre ready, slowly lower your arms and the rest of your body to release the pose. Take a few moments to shake out your arms and legs to release any lingering tension.


United Help Ukraine Seeks Pro Bono PR Tue., Oct. 24, 2023 United Help Ukraine, which was formed in DC in 2014, is seeking pro bono support to build a national PR plan to increase awareness and donations to support the people of Ukraine since the invasion by Russia.
Cornerstone Government Affairs opens a Concord, NH office. The office will initially include Marc Goldberg, former chief of staff for Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Mike Vlacich, former senior advisor to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Biden appointee at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Goldberg, who managed a team of nearly 50 staffers while working for Sen. Hassan, will assist clients with their public affairs, strategic communications and government relations objectives. Vlacich will leverage his nearly 30 years of expertise and leadership at the state and federal level in public policy strategy, government management and political campaign success. Adding a twelfth state office is a significant milestone for the firm, said company president Campbell Kaufman. Just as we have with our Iowa office, another early presidential nominating and critical battleground state like New Hampshire enhances and complements the state work well be doing in Concord.

Henry Feintuch

Feintuch Communications launches a practice focused on supporting start-ups, emerging companies and challenger brands in the consumer electronics market. Its customized package of PR services will seek to build or expand market awareness for b2b and b2c companies on a limited budget. Led by agency VP Doug Wright and president Henry Feintuch, the new practices offerings will include messaging, website copy, media training, proactive media relations, press releases, analyst relations, speaking platforms and awards/honors support. "Our team is highly experienced in working with start-up companies and challenger brands and their unique needs," said Henry Feintuch. "Given the uncertainty of the economy, we've created a lower-cost, special package of essential entry-level services designed to help launch or propel them."

The Museum of Public Relations is sponsoring a Sept. 14 panel discussion on the growing influence and economic power of the Latino population in the US. Hosted by Zaid Communications founder and president (and Hispanic Public Relations Association president) Sonia V. Diaz, Celebrating Latino PR History will address the Latino communitys multifaceted impactfrom cultural trends to economic buying powerand explore the dynamic role of Spanish and Spanglish in shaping identity within the US Hispanic population and in media. Other speakers are set to include Equis Research Carlos Odio; Macys director, external communications Julissa Bonfante; Egami Group VP, client experience Denise Penagos; Aflac program PR manager, corporate communications Darcy Brito; and Biden Harris administration spokesperson Troy Blackwell, Jr.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia's missile attack on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, was deliberate.

"I, together with my team, have been to Kostiantynivka many times. And those who know this place understand very well that it is a public place. There are no military units there and in the neighborhood. The strike was deliberate. We understand that they [the occupation forces] are doing the same things they used to de before when some positive offensive steps are made by the Ukrainian defense forces," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, following talks with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen.

"We understand that they deliberately killed people. I know that the Russian side has already issued a statement that [allegedly] our aircraft hit the wrong target. We understand what is going on there and what kind of weapons they used to hit us," Zelenskyy said.

According to the head of state, "it is a task for all of us, for everyone in the world, Ukrainians, and our partners to defeat this Russian terror."
DA Hike In UP: 4% DA Hike Likely For Govt Employees, Arrears Expected In October

14-Year-Old Boy Dies Of Rabies After Hiding Dog Bite From Parents

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

A dog bite might cost a life and here is the proof. In a horrific incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, a 14-year-old teenager died after he suffered a dog bite for over a month.

A teenage boy in Ghaziabad died of rabies after he was bitten by a dog. The boy who was scared of getting scolded by his parents hid the matter over a month which turned into a nightmare for the family.

The deceased has been recognised as Sabez. He was taken to government hospitals in Delhi but he was not admitted there for treatment. Later they took him to Bulandshahr for Ayurvedic treatment. However, that too did failed to be fruitful. At last the child breathed his last in an ambulance on his way to Ghaziabad.

The deceased was a resident of Charan Singh colony and a student of class 8.

Recommended Video

Tragic! 14-Year-Old Boy Succumbs to Rabies Following Dog Bite in Ghaziabad | OneIndia News

Kerala woman dies of suspected rabies

The police officials informed that the boy was bitten by the neighbour's dog one-and-a-half months ago but hid it from his parents as he was afraid of their scolding.

"He contracted rabies and started behaving abnormally and stopped eating on September 1. On being asked, he told his family members that he had been bitten by their neighbour's dog," the police official was quoted as saying.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kotwali zone, Nimish Patil, a complaint has been registered in the matter and strict action will be taken against the dog owner.
Abbott Recalls Batches Of Digene Antacid Gel, DCGI Issues Alert

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The Drugs Control General of India (DCGI) has issued an advisory alert regarding Abbott's antacid product, Digene gel.

In response to the alert, the regulator has advised patients to discontinue the use of Digene Gel produced at Abbott's Goa facility. Wholesalers have been instructed to remove affected products with all batch numbers that were manufactured at this facility and are within their active shelf life from distribution.

Healthcare professionals have also been urged by the DCGI to "carefully prescribe and educate their patients to discontinue the use and report any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) arising from the consumption of the said product."

Additionally, the regulator has directed state/union territory/zonal and sub-zonal officers to closely monitor the movement, sale, distribution, and stock of these drug products in the market. They are also advised to draw samples if the product is found in the market and take necessary actions as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

DCGI gives nod to SII-manufactured Ebola vaccine for export to Uganda

In response to the advisory, an Abbott spokesperson stated, "Abbott in India has voluntarily recalled Digene Gel antacid medicine manufactured at our Goa site, due to isolated customer complaints on taste and odor. There have been no reports of patient health concerns. Other forms of Digene, such as tablets and stick packs, are not impacted, and Digene Gel manufactured at our other production site is not affected and continues to be available in sufficient quantities to meet current demand."

The voluntary recall came after a customer complaint on August 9, 2023, which reported discrepancies in the taste, color, and odor of Digene Gel Mint flavor from the same batch. Abbott India Limited informed the DCGI office of the voluntary recall of the specific Digene Mint flavor batch flagged by the customer, as well as three other Digene Gel orange flavor batches. The company also voluntarily ceased production of all variants of the product manufactured at the Goa facility on August 11. Furthermore, on August 18, Abbott informed the DCGI office of the voluntary product recall of all batches of Digene Gel, including Mint, Orange, and mixed fruits flavors, that were within their shelf life and produced at the Goa facility.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 19:32 [IST]
What is the controversy surrounding Cong's former IT Cell head Ramya?

Rumours Of Ramya Aka Divya Spandana's Death Is Fake; She Will Return To Bengaluru Tomorrow

India

oi-Prakash KL

South Indians, who are yet to recover from the untimely demise of actor Vijay Raghavendra's wife, were in a state of a shock on Tuesday as social media was abuzz with speculations on actress-turned-politician Ramya aka Divya Spandana's death.

Many people on X, formerly Twitter, started spreading unconfirmed or fake death news, which panicked many of her well-wishers and fans. A few Tamil media claimed that she "passed away".

However, the timely clarification by journalist Chitra Subramaniam gave a sigh of relief to everyone. She said, "I just spoke to @divyaspandana. She's well. En route to Prague tomorrow and the to Bangalore," she said on X.

Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore.  pic.twitter.com/1kN5ybEHcD  Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 6, 2023

In another post, she shared a photo of her with Ramya in Geneva. "Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady  @divyaspandana  for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore," she said on Twitter.



Meanwhile, a source close to Ramya has also clarified to Oneindia that the news is fake. "Some Tamil PR mistakenly spread the news that Divya is dead. The confusion arose because he mistook Spandana, the wife of Vijay Raghavendra, for Divya Spandana.," the source added.

Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you  Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) September 6, 2023

Further, journalist Dhanya Rajendran also posted a few social media posts slamming the fake reports.

The actress, who is known as Golden Girl of Sandalwood, has been having a great time on her vacation. Recently, she shared images of her sunny seaside escapade, showcasing her fabulous beachwear.

Donning stylish black sunglasses, she ventured into the sea aboard a vibrant red boat. In her Instagram update, Divya captioned the moment as "Summer Time," keeping her companion's identity a mystery.

The 40-year-old actress made her acting debut with 'Abhi'. Since then, she worked in many hit movies in Kannada and other languages. In 2012, she won the Mandya Lok Sabha by-poll and also served as the Head of Congress Social Media.
In North, Upper Caste Man Can Urinate On Lower Caste Boy, Nobody Can Question: DMK MP

'Boycott Jawan' Trends Over Udhayanidhi Stalin's Links With Shah Rukh's Film

India

oi-Prakash KL

As the makers of 'Jawan' preps up for its release, a section of netizens have now targeted Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film. It is because the movie is being distributed by Red Giant Movies, owned by Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Announcing the news of the collaboration, Red Giant Movies, on X, recently said, "Happy to associate with @RedChilliesEnt and @GokulamMovies to bring @iamsrk's #Jawan to theatres across Tamil Nadu. @atlee_dir @anirudhofficial@GokulamGopalan @Krishna04085247 @DreamBig_film_s."

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin triggered a controversy after comparing 'Sanatana Dharma' with Dengue and Malaria.

'I Will Repeat The Same Thing Again', Says Udhayanidhi Stalin Amid 'Sanatan Dharma' Controversy

Addressing a gathering on Saturday, the son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, said, "There are some things which we have to eradicate and we can't merely oppose. Mosquitoes, dengue fever, malaria, corona, all these are things which we cannot oppose, we have to eradicate them. Sanatanam is also like this."

Recommended Video

Boycott Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan's movie faces backlash; links with Udhayanidhi remark | Oneindia News

The minister was speaking at an event organised by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers Artists Association on the theme of 'eradication of Sanatana'.

"I thank the organisers of this conference for giving me the opportunity to deliver a special address. You have kept the name of the conference as 'Sanatana Abolition Conference' rather than 'Anti-Sanatana Conference', I appreciate that," news agency ANI quoted Udhayanidhi as saying. "A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this, that's how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatana it should be eradicated," Udhayanidhi was quoted as saying.

His comments have met with widespread criticism. Even the DMK's INDIA bloc allies such as AAP and TMC have distanced themselves from the controversy.

Petition Filed In Bihar Court Against Stalin, Udayanidhi Over Sanatan Dharma Remarks

On the other hand, a section of netizens have called for the boycott call over Stalin's connection with the movie.

'Jawan' is written and directed by Atlee Kumar. The movie has Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara in key roles.
The new, 12th, defense support package was discussed in Kyiv by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

"In Denmark, our Ukrainian pilots are being trained for the F-16. The task for the Ukrainian military is to prepare the necessary infrastructure in our country as soon as possible. And this is one of the key tasks that the Defense Forces must now perform," he said at a press conference following the meeting.

According to Zelenskyy, "we are discussing expanding our training opportunities, accelerating the real integration of modern fighters in the defense of the country."

"Ukraine is grateful for the donated demining equipment, for the training of Ukrainian specialists. We have agreements on localizing the production of demining machines. I also raised this issue with the Prime Minister of Denmark today. Maybe we can work in this direction with Danish companies," Zelenskyy said.

He said Ukraine also invites Denmark and Danish companies to participate in the Defense Industries Forum, "which we are arranging for this autumn."

As Zelenskyy noted, "our infrastructure, primarily food exports, the seaports of Ukraine, are also under constant attack. And we discussed what else we can do to protect them. Protect our ports, protect the ability of our life corridor, the grain corridor to work."

The president expressed gratitude to Denmark for the real, effective attention to Mykolaiv region, first of all to Mykolaiv, for the ongoing projects.

"On September 9, it is in Mykolaiv that the office of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine will be opened. This is an extremely important example, a real example of how solidarity can work to restore life, protect people," he said.
'Humanity On Trial Now', Says Sonia Gandhi As India Abstains From Voting In UN On Israel-Hamas War

Centre Mocks Sonia Gandhi's Letter To PM, Says She's 'Not Paying Attention'

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The government has issued a pointed response to the nine-point letter from former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi regarding the upcoming special session of parliament. Parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi has suggested that Gandhi may not be familiar with parliamentary traditions. He emphasized that the government typically discusses the agenda with the Opposition only after the session has commenced.

#WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Sonia Gandhi's letter to PM on the special session at the Parliament says, "She (Sonia Gandhi) is trying to do politics...No where in the past before calling the session, there was a consultation with opposition parties...It is the pic.twitter.com/RQLBqdlo3l  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

Gandhi had recently penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the ongoing political commotion surrounding the potential change of the country's name to Bharat.

Notably, no official agenda had been announced for the special session of parliament, scheduled to begin on September 18. In her letter, Gandhi highlighted nine critical subjects that she insisted should be discussed, including topics like the Centre-state relationship, communalism, the situation in Manipur, and the border conflict with China.

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the Special Session of the Parliament had been called without any prior discussion with the opposition and also sought details of the agenda of the session. pic.twitter.com/02ZH4gbStd  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

In a swift response, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister defended the government's actions, stating, "The tradition dictates that discussions with political parties and the unveiling of session agendas occur after the session is called. Before the commencement of the session, leaders from all parties convene to deliberate on parliamentary proceedings, issues, and work." This explanation was provided to clarify the parliamentary procedure to Gandhi.

#WATCH | Delhi: On the special session, Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written a letter to PM Modi to which Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has sent a response...It is sad that Sonia Gandhi, Congress party and Opposition pic.twitter.com/RwhHD8Jzlv  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023

The ongoing suspense surrounding the session's agenda has sparked speculation about the proposed name change of the country to Bharat. The catalyst for this speculation was President Droupadi Murmu's invitation to G20 leaders, in which she was referred to as the "President of Bharat."

Subsequently, a document emerged in which PM Modi was addressed as the "Prime Minister of Bharat."

Meanwhile, a viral post suggested that Pakistan might assert a claim to the name "India" if India formally disassociates from it at the United Nations level.

According to local media reports, nationalists in Pakistan have argued for their right to the name, asserting that it pertains to the Indus region in Pakistan.

However, credible sources have indicated that the special session is likely to focus on the upcoming G-20 summit scheduled for this weekend.
G20 Summit: Putin, Xi Jinping Give It A Skip, MEA Jaishankar Reacts

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

India's biggest event G20 Summit is going to take place on September 9 and 10. However, Presidents of China and Russia have confirmed their unavailability at the. However, their absence seem to have less impact on Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar who said that the position of these countries could be reflected by the representatives present in the meeting.

In a brief conversation with ANI, Jaishankar asserted that the absence of the leaders of the nation at the G20 Summit is nothing new, as there were Presidents or Prime Ministers in the past who opted to step back from the Summit.

"I think, at different points of time in G20 there have been some Presidents or PMs who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves. But that country and its position is reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion...I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness," Jaishankar said.

If China Wants To Play The Role Of 'Spoiler' At G20 Summit, That Option Is available: US

Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inform his unavailability to be a part of the summit due to the arrest warrant issued against him in connection with the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping who met PM Modi at the BRICS Summit recently has also stepped back from the event.

Recommended Video

India-Bharat Row: S Jaishankar takes dig at Opposition furore over G20 invite | Oneindia News

However, the representatives of both the countries would grace the event. The Chinese delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijing's readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success. And Premier Li Qiang would represent Russia at the meet.

Leaders from across the globe will make their gracious presence at the two-day G20 Summit. New Delhi is decked up with beautification ahead of India's biggest event. Several restrictions have been imposed in the city as safety and security measure.

US President Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19; To Attended G20 Summit In India

All the shops, schools, colleges, would remain closed in New Delhi during the 2-day summit. However, commercial activities like supply of food, vegetables, milk and other necessary items will be permitted. Emergency services like medical facilities, ambulance will also permitted with proper verification.

The Delhi Airports have also put restrictions on the landing and take off some unscheduled flights while the summit is underway.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 10:41 [IST]
Dubais Al Minhad city to be called Hind City: What does it really mean

How Much Would It Cost To Rename India To Bharat?

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

President Droupadi Murmu's decision to send official invitations for the G20 dinner under the name 'President of Bharat' instead of 'President of India' has sparked controversy, as India prepares to host the summit in New Delhi this week.

This move has sparked outcry from the Opposition, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh suggesting that Article 1 of the Constitution is now under threat. Article 1 of the Indian Constitution begins with the statement: "India, that is Bharat, is a 'Union of States'...".

Renaming a country or city, while it may seem superficial, involves adjustments at multiple levels, from local to international. This complex and costly process requires coordination among various public and private entities, as well as a shift in individual citizens' perceptions.

For India, a country known for its immense diversity of cultures, languages, and ethnicities, this process would be particularly intricate, considering its status as the world's most populous nation.

Akshay Kumar Changes Film Title To 'The Great Bharat Rescue' Amid India-Bharat Row

Renaming efforts have been seen at the city and state levels within India, such as the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv. These initiatives have incurred substantial costs, including expenses related to map updates, road navigation systems, highway landmarks, and official materials used in state and civic authority offices. Private businesses, corporate entities, and non-governmental institutions in the affected regions have also shouldered financial burdens during such transitions.

Earlier this year, Maharashtra underwent a renaming process, changing Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv.

In 2016, Haryana's state government decided to rename Gurgaon to Gurugram, while in 2018, Allahabad underwent a transformation, becoming Prayagraj. The renaming of Allahabad incurred a significant cost for the state government, exceeding Rs 300 crore, as reported by India Today, citing government finance sources.

Renaming a city or location can be a costly endeavor, with the average expense estimated to be around Rs 300 crore, and potentially reaching up to Rs 1000 crore for larger cities. This cost encompasses various aspects, including updating official documents such as maps, government records, and business licenses, as well as changing signage, letterheads, and other printed materials.

For instance, when Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in October 2018, government estimates indicated an expenditure exceeding Rs 300 crore for this name change alone.

In the case of Aurangabad's renaming to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Osmanabad to Dharashiv in Maharashtra, reports suggest that a city like Aurangabad could have incurred expenses of up to Rs 1,000 crore. It's important to note that these costs are funded by taxpayers' money.

Now, considering the prospect of renaming India to Bharat, a similar model applied to India's case reveals a substantial financial burden. In the fiscal year ending in 2023, India's revenue receipts, encompassing both tax and non-tax revenue, amounted to Rs 23.84 lakh crore. When this model is used to estimate the cost of renaming India to Bharat, the projected expense stands at approximately Rs 14,304 crore.

To put this in context, the Central Government allocates nearly Rs 14,000 crore every month for its food security program, which provides sustenance to 80 crore Indians.

Estimating the cost of renaming India to Bharat can be challenging, but other countries have undergone similar changes for various reasons, such as administrative improvement or eliminating colonial references. Swaziland's transition to Eswatini, for instance, was estimated to cost $60 million.

The central government's seriousness about pursuing this name-changing endeavor will become clear during the upcoming special session of Parliament. Meanwhile, foreign heads of state are set to attend the G20 official dinner hosted by the "President of Bharat."
4 Dead, Around 80 Injured After Several Bogies Of North-East Express Derails In Bihar's Buxar

Indian Railways Introduces Two New Trains in Northeast, Extends Services of Two Others

Indian Railways To Launch First International Train Services, Details Inside

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

Want to travel abroad? Your dreams might come true soon as the Indian Railways is all set to commence international train services between India and Bhutan.

The Indian Railways with an aim to improve international tourism decided to operate trains between the two nations.

While addressing on the international train services between India and Bhutan, Minister Of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar asserted that the initiative has been taken as Bhutan is eager to expand its tourist spots for the people.

As per ANI's report, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "We are in talks on the rail link between Bhutan and Assam, Bhutan is very keen to open more points for tourists and it is very good for Assam, Says EAM Dr S Jaishankar."

Likewise, India is on the verge to boost connectivity with Nepal and Bangladesh, Jaishankar added.

According to the media reports, the survey to start the construction of the railway link between India and Bhutan had been completed in April 2023. The railway line will connect Bhutan's Gelephu and Kokrajar in India's Assam. The construction work of this 57-km railway link is expected to be completed by 2026 and will be funded by the Indian government. It is to be noted that the train on this route will be operated by the Northeastern Frontier (NF) Railways.

Train services from India to Bhutan would be the first-ever railway connection and is expected to be completed by 2026.

Earlier this year, Bhutan's Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji had said that the Bhutan government will try connecting with regions like Samtse, Phuentsholing, Nganglam, and Samdrupjongkhar after this project turns becomes successful.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 19:43 [IST]
In letter to Yogi in blood Hindu outfit member seeks permission to offer Janmashtami prayers at Shahi Masjid

Lord Krishna was born in 3112 BCE: How is He still mythology?

Krishna Janmasthami Quotes In English: Here Are Wishes That Can Be Shared With Well-Wishers

India

oi-Prakash KL

The Hindus across the globe will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, on September 6, this year.

It is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the God of tenderness, love and compassion.

Janmashtami is a significant and widespread festival observed throughout India, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Krishna's birth occurred at the stroke of midnight on the eighth day, known as Ashtami, during the sacred month of Shravana.

Lord Krishna is known by various names, including Maakhan Chor, Kisna, Govinda, Gopal, Kanha, and Kanhaiya, among others.

Janmashtami 2023 Date: Is Sri Krishna Janmashtami On September 6 Or 7? Subh Muhurat & Other Details Inside

Here, we are bringing you a list of Krishna Janmastami quotes or wishes that you can share with friends, well-wishers and family members on WhatsAPP or any other social media platforms:

Wishing you a joyous Krishna Janmashtami filled with devotion and divine blessings.

On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, I wish that Kanha blesses you with eternal happiness and prosperity in life.

May success comes your way, may there are more opportunities over challenges, may there is more happiness than sorrows.... Warm wishes on Janmashtami to you.

May Lord Krishna's melodious flute fill your heart with love and happiness.

On this auspicious day, may the blessings of Lord Krishna guide you on the path of righteousness.

Celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with a heart full of devotion and a soul brimming with joy.

May the playful spirit of Krishna fill your life with laughter and merriment.

Wishing you a Krishna Janmashtami filled with love, peace, and spiritual awakening.

May the divine grace of Lord Krishna be with you in every step of your journey.

As we celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, may your life be illuminated by the light of devotion.

May the blessings of Lord Krishna bring prosperity and happiness to your home.

On this sacred occasion, may Krishna's blessings envelop you and your loved ones with love and prosperity.

Sending lots of warm wishes and greetings to you and your loved ones on occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.... May you seek blessings of Krishna and always be happy.

Let us celebrate the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami by enjoying the soothing bajans and raas of Kanha. Wishing a very Happy Krishna Janmashtami to you.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 9:13 [IST]
With labour laws in UP, MP being suspended, here is how the hire and fire policy works

New Labour Laws: Companies to Pay Employees For Unused Leaves Exceeding 30 Days

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The implementation of the remaining four labor codes is set to bring about major changes across a variety of sectors. Once these codes come into force, one notable provision will state that employees will not be able to accumulate more than 30 days of paid leave within a calendar year.

In cases where the number of leave days exceeds this limit, employers will be required to compensate employees for the excess leave.

As per the 'Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code,' which is one of the four labour laws, the term 'employee' in this context refers to individuals not occupying managerial or supervisory positions.

These four labour laws, namely the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, and Social Security Code, have already been approved by Parliament and officially notified by the government. They are awaiting their effective implementation.

Bengaluru Bandh On Sep 11: What's Open and Closed?

Section 32 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code), outlines various conditions related to annual leave, carry-forward, and encashment. Section 32(vii) allows workers to carry forward annual leave to the subsequent calendar year, up to a maximum of 30 days. If, at the end of the calendar year, the annual leave balance surpasses 30 days, employees are entitled to encash the excess leave and carry forward 30 days to the next year, explained Sowmya Kumar, a partner at the law firm INDUSLAW, as reported by Economic Times.

Puneet Gupta, partner (people advisory services) at EY India, was also quoted in the ET report, stating, "According to the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, if the leave balance exceeds 30 days, the worker will be entitled to encash the excess leave. Such leave encashment will be carried out at the end of each calendar year. The annual leave for workers cannot lapse under the labour codes and will have to be availed or carried forward or encashed. Currently, many organizations do not allow annual leave encashment, nor do they permit the paid leave balance to exceed the carry-forward limit."

It's important to note that the provisions concerning annual leave and leave encashment under the OSH Code apply exclusively to 'workers,' referring to employees who do not hold managerial, administrative, or supervisory roles.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 18:52 [IST]
Ahead Of Special Session, New Parliament Building To See First Flag Hoisting On Vishwakarma Puja

Move To New Parliament Building Beginning Of New Future, Says PM Modi

Congress Alleges 'Socialist', 'Secular' Dropped From Constitution; BJP Says 'Was Like This Only...'

27 Women MPs Participate In Debate On Women's Quota Bill In Lok Sabha, All Back It

Parliament's Special Session To Shift To New Building From Ganesh Chaturthi

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

The special session of parliament which is all set to commence from September 18 in the current building will be shifted to the new building on September 19 on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. The new building was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi recently announced that the special session of parliament will commence from September 18 and continue till September 22 without disclosing its agenda.

Soon after speculations started doing rounds that the government was setting up a high level committee to examine the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election' and this could be the last session of the parliament in the current building.

A Special Session of Parliament And Its Implications

According to the media reports, the session will have five sittings and members will be informed about the provisional calendar separately.

Meanwhile, earlier today former Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to PM Modi stating that the special session of parliament has been announced without disclosing the agenda.

Sonia Gandhi's letter to PM Modi read, "I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business."

Reportedly, Sonia Gandhi's letter to PM Modi came after the the term "Bharat" was used instead of "India" in official G20 Summit invitations. The term 'Bharat' also sparked speculations over the name change of the country.

Gandhi also appealed to the Prime Minister to conduct discussions in connection with Centre-state relationship, communalism and border conflict with China during the special session.

'Amid Amrit Kaal...' Govt Calls for Special Parliament Session from Sept 18-22

"I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming special session," she added.

As per the media reports, special arrangements being made for a group photo of MPs also added fuel to the fire, though some people suggested it could be because of a possible shift to the new parliament building.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 15:23 [IST]
PM Modi Flies To Indonesia For ASEAN-India Summit, Looks To Discuss Enhanced Partnership

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prior to his departure for Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where the 20th ASEAN-India Summit will be held, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the key focus of discussions among member countries, which will revolve around shaping the "future framework" of their partnership. Prime Minister Modi embarked on his journey to Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

In anticipation of the trip, Prime Minister Modi expressed, "I am traveling to Jakarta in response to President Joko Widodo's invitation to participate in ASEAN-related meetings. My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I eagerly anticipate discussions with ASEAN leaders regarding the evolving nature of our partnership, now entering its fourth decade. Engagement with ASEAN constitutes a vital aspect of India's 'Act East' policy. Subsequently, I will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit."

Leaving for Jakarta to take part in ASEAN related meetings. This includes the 20th ASEAN-India Summit, which focuses on a partnership we greatly cherish. I will also take part in the 18th East Asia Summit, which focuses on important developmental sectors like healthcare,  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2023

A statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) elaborated on the agenda, stating, "This forum provides a valuable opportunity to deliberate on regionally significant topics, including food and energy security, environmental concerns, healthcare, and the digital transformation. I am eager to exchange perspectives with fellow leaders from the East Asia Summit on practical measures for cooperative efforts in addressing these global challenges," the PMO statement concluded.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 21:13 [IST]
Sanatana Dharma Row: PM Modi Asks Ministers To Give Befitting Reply

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the remarks of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin about Sanatana Dharma "need a proper response." He made this statement a day after Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted what he perceived as discrimination by practitioners of Sanatana Dharma, citing the Central government's omission of an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu for the new parliament's inauguration.

As reported by LiveHindustan, during an informal conversation with the ministers at the Cabinet meeting, PM Modi addressed the matter and stressed that ministers should provide a well-reasoned response to the Sanatan Dharma debate. He urged them to educate themselves on the subject and present factual information to counter opposition leaders in the Sanatan row, all while ensuring that the India versus Bharat controversy does not overshadow the Sanatan row.

He also urged ministers to refrain from commenting on the India-Bharat dispute, emphasizing that only authorized individuals should address this matter, according to the report.

'I Will Repeat The Same Thing Again', Says Udhayanidhi Stalin Amid 'Sanatan Dharma' Controversy

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Chief Minister MK Stalin, has stood firm in his refusal to apologize for his comment characterizing Sanatana Dharma as a disease that should be eradicated. He has reiterated his readiness to face any legal consequences for his statements, and there are reports of efforts to seek the Tamil Nadu Governor's approval to take action against him.

During the weekend, Udhyanidhi Stalin stirred a significant controversy with his statement that "Sanatana (Dharma) is like malaria and dengue and so it must be eradicated and not opposed." This statement sparked a strong backlash on social media and led the BJP to liken it to "a call for genocide," a claim denied by the DMK leader.

This controversy has also put some allies of the new Opposition Bloc INDIA in a delicate position as they approach a series of state elections by the year's end and the general election next year. The Congress has taken a nuanced stance, emphasizing the importance of respecting all religions and individuals' right to express their opinions. Younger leaders within the Congress, such as Priyank Kharge and Karti Chidambaram, have expressed support for Stalin Junior, as has CPM's D Raja.

Petition Filed In Bihar Court Against Stalin, Udayanidhi Over Sanatan Dharma Remarks

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party and Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress have made their disapproval of the remarks clear.
Shashi Tharoor Suggests BHARAT Name For Opposition Bloc

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has taken a dig at the government in the midst of the India-Bharat naming dispute. He suggested that the opposition coalition could adopt the name "Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT)," which might prompt the ruling party to cease its "superficial game of altering names."

Tharoor's comments followed the controversy stirred by President Droupadi Murmu's invitations for a G20 dinner, where she identified her position as 'President of Bharat' rather than the customary 'President of India.' This move sparked a significant uproar, with the opposition alleging that the Modi government intends to abandon the name India in favor of Bharat for the country.

In a post on X, Tharoor said, "We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names." The Congress is a constituent of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT).



Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names.  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 6, 2023

On Tuesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed on X, "Modi can continue to distort history and divide India, that is Bharat, a Union of States. But we will not be deterred. After all, what is the objective of INDIA (alliance) parties? It is BHARAT - Bring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. BHARAT will unite. INDIA will triumph!"

Tharoor had previously stated that while there is no constitutional objection to using 'Bharat' for India, he hopes the government will not be "unwise" enough to entirely discard 'India,' which holds "immeasurable brand value."

Additionally, the Congress MP claimed that it was Pakistan's founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who objected to the name 'India,' as it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan was a seceding state."
The shelling of the central market in the city of Kostiantynivka (Donetsk region) by Russian occupiers on Wednesday killed 17 civilians, 32 people were injured, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said after the completion of the search and rescue operation.

"The search and rescue operation in Kostiantynivka has been completed. As of 18:00, as a result of Russian shelling, 17 people were killed and 32 were injured," Klymenko said in Telegram.

As reported, the shelling started around 14:00 on Wednesday. As a result of hitting shells in the trading pavilions of the market, a fire broke out. Some 20 shops, power grids, an office building and the fifth floor of a residential building have been damaged, cars and eight commercial facilities burned down.

Earlier it was reported about 16 killed, the number of wounded and injured was called different, 31 or 34 people.

A pretrial investigation has been launched into criminal proceedings on the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war (part 2 of article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
SPG Director Arun Kumar Sinha Passes Away: Who Was He?

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), Arun Kumar Sinha breathed his last on Wednesday at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.

According to the medical reports, his family was present in the hospital. Besides some government officials and his batchmates have been informed about his death.

Reportedly, 61-year-old Arun Kumar Sinha was keeping unwell for the past few months following which he was admitted to Medanta Hospital where he was declared dead.

Who was Arun Kumar Sinha?

Kerala cadre of the 1987 batch, Sinha was the additional director general of police (Special Service and Traffic). In 2016, Sinha was directed to head the Special Protection Group (SPG) which is responsible for the security of the Prime Minister.

X, Y, Z, Z+ and SPG: The whys and hows of security categories in India

Sinha who was supposed to retire on May 30 this year has been granted extension for a year by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) led by PM Narendra Modi. In 2022, the ACC had cleared an extension in temporary upgradation for Sinha as DG (SPG) till May 31, 2023.

Sinha also worked with the Border Security Force (BSF). The Director of SPG spent most of his career in Kerala and was also in charge of the protection of women and Non-Resident Indian affairs.

Sinha pursued his education in Jharkhand. He has served as DCP Commissioner, Range IG, Intelligence IG and Administration IG of the Kerala Police in Thiruvananthapuram. The mastermind who tried to assassinate Maldives President Abdul Gayoom. was caught in the state capital under the supervision of Sinha when he was in charge of law and order....

He played an important role in solving cases like the email death threats against the Prime Minister and the President, and the letter bomb case. Crime Stopper system was introduced. in the city when Sinha was the city police commissioner. Sinha was also a recipient of the President's Medal for Meritorious Service.

PMs security breach: Punjab cops stare at action under SPG Act

What is Special Protection Force?

The SPG is an elite force, specifically raised for the protection of the country's Prime Minister, former PMs, and their immediate family. The force is currently 3,000 strong and it was started in 1985 in the wake of the killing of then PM Indira Gandhi in 1984.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 13:07 [IST]
Will Only Agree India Trade Deal Approach That Works For UK: Rishi Sunak

India

oi-PTI

The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India are "progressing" and Britain will only agree to a pact that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told his ministers.

Ahead of his first visit to India as UK Prime Minister to attend the G20 World Leaders' Summit in New Delhi later this week, Sunak updated his top team on the ongoing trade talks, which have completed 12 rounds of negotiations, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The British Indian leader described India as an "indispensable partner" of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to strengthen further. "He said negotiations around a free trade deal were progressing and that he would only agree to an approach which worked for the whole of the UK," notes a Downing Street readout of the Cabinet meeting.

"The Prime Minister said India was an indispensable partner of the UK, both economically and in addressing the global challenges all democracies are facing. He said we must now strengthen the UK-India relationship," it said.

UK PM Rishi Sunak Meets Morari Bapu: Who Is This Indian Spiritual Leader And Ramayana's Famous Exponent?

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who has returned from a visit to India after talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month, also updated the UK Cabinet on the FTA negotiations, saying that "India is already one of the UK's largest trading partners, with a relationship worth GBP 36 billion a year". "The Prime Minister concluded Cabinet by setting out his desire to use our growing relationship in trade, defence, and technology to build a lasting and deep partnership with India which benefits the people of the UK for decades to come," Downing Street said.

The 43-year-old leader is expected to receive a grand welcome when he arrives in New Delhi, with bilateral talks expected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the course of his stay. While the details of the visit are yet to be confirmed by Downing Street, some UK media reports have indicated that a sightseeing visit to Humayan's Tomb is expected to be on the agenda for Sunak and wife Akshata Murty.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 11:54 [IST]
Con Artist Larry Sinclair Wildly Claims Having Sex, Drugs With Obama In 1999

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has released a preview clip of his forthcoming interview with Larry Sinclair, a convicted con artist who previously made allegations against former United States President Barack Obama. Sinclair claimed that in 1999, when Obama was a state senator, he saw him smoking crack cocaine and engaging in sexual activities.

These allegations were initially made by Larry Sinclair in 2008 but were largely dismissed by the US media and did not gain traction in relation to Barack Obama.

According to Larry Sinclair, he met Barack Obama outside a Chicago bar in November 1999 but was unaware of Obama's political status at the time. In the video clip, he recounts, "I gave Barack $250 to buy cocaine, and as I was preparing a line to snort on a CD tray, he began smoking it with a small pipe. I then began touching his thighs with the intention of engaging in sexual activity."

However, these allegations have been highly controversial and have not been verified.

A man who claims he had sex with Barack Obama in 1999 tells his story.



Wednesday. 6pm ET. pic.twitter.com/iDYMSww1KS  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) September 5, 2023

Now, Purported Video Of TN CM M K Stalin Mocking Hindu Marriages Goes Viral

Larry Sinclair emphasizes that he had no knowledge of Barack Obama's identity at the time and suggests that this was not Obama's first encounter with such activities.

In 2008, during Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Larry Sinclair had made similar claims, alleging drug use by Obama and an affair with a choir director who was later murdered.

Tucker Carlson alleges that the media did not report these allegations due to fear of losing access to a prominent politician. He asserts, "The reason these allegations were not reported was not because of discomfort with the topics of sex or drugs but because the Obama campaign warned that anyone reporting on this would be denied access to the campaign." He goes on to say, "So, they chose not to report on it."

However, Sinclair never offered any proof of his allegations.

It must be noted that Sinclair has an extensive criminal record that comprises charges of forgery, fraud, and larceny. He has also served time in an Arizona prison. This background undeniably influences the public's perception of his allegations.

Larry Sinclair is a familiar face in the media spotlight, primarily owing to his controversial claims, which have garnered significant attention from the press.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 23:42 [IST]
If China Wants To Play The Role Of 'Spoiler' At G20 Summit, That Option Is available: US

International

oi-PTI

It is for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a top US official has said, asserting that if Beijing wants to come in and be a "spoiler", that option is available to it.

US National Security Advisor Sullivan was responding to a question at a White House news conference on Tuesday on the impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 Summit. "As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them," he said.

"What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries," Sullivan said.

US President Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19; To Attended G20 Summit In India

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi this week and the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijing's readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success. At the invitation of the Government of India, Premier of the State Council Li will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a brief statement. India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

At the G-20 Summit, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that the United States expects real progress. "He will be clear that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, with no exceptions. We'll also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development," he noted. "In addition, we'll spotlight the progress that we've been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. We'll have some announcements that we're excited about. Now, we know that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russia's illegal and ongoing war in Ukraine," he said.

Sullivan said the reality is that Russia's illegal war has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it. As he has done before, President Biden will call for a just and durable peace founded in respect for international law, principles of the UN Charter, the precepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty," he said.

Holiday For Delhi Schools, Colleges, Govt Offices From Sep 8-10 Over G-20 Summit

Sullivan said Biden will continue to emphasise that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to redeem these principles. "Last but not least, and this is important, you'll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving," he told reporters.

At a moment when the international economy is suffering from historic and overlapping shocks, it is more important than ever to have a working forum with the world's largest economies to deliver meaningful outcomes, Sullivan said. "So, in a sign of that commitment, the United States is looking forward to hosting the G20 in 2026," he said. Meanwhile, an eminent American expert said on Tuesday that Chian's decision to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi points to a troubled state of India-China relations.

Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently travelled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person. "So, his decision to skip this week's G-20 in New Delhi is significant," Russel said.

"The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation - but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi - it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations," he said. It is true that Chinese premier will substitute, but Li lacks the stature of past Chinese prime ministers like Zhu Rongzhi who wielded significant decision-making on economic matters, he added.

G20 Summit: Check Out The List Of Leaders Who Are Attending The Big Event In India

"Xi Jinping's rationale is less clear, but the signalling from Beijing suggests that he is keeping Biden at arm's length - and making no commitment to attend the November APEC Summit in San Francisco - in an attempt to pressure Washington into making concessions such as easing export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and equipment," he said. "Ironically, the absence of Putin and Xi leaves the field open to Biden to dominate the agenda as well as the airwaves. He can be expected to press for stronger measures against Russia, on clean energy transition, and on measures to deal with crushing debt among developing nations - the vast amount of which is held by China," Russel said.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 9:41 [IST]
US President Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19; To Attended G20 Summit In India

International

pti-PTI

US President Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 and will travel to India on Thursday to attend the G20 Summit during which he will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said on Tuesday.

The announcement comes a day after First Lady Jill Biden, 72, tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Biden, 80, was tested for the virus on Monday and Tuesday following his wife's positive test, but his results were negative.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi to attend the G20 leader's summit," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at a White House news conference. "On Friday, President Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi" and on Saturday and Sunday, he will participate in the official sessions of the G20 summit, he said.

The NSA said as Biden "heads to the G20 summit, he is committed to working with emerging market partners to deliver big things together". "That's what we believe the world will see in New Delhi this weekend.

The United States' commitment to the G-20 hasn't wavered and we hope this G-20 summit will show that the world's major economies can work together even in challenging times," he said. Sullivan said the focus of the US in the G20 summit "is going to be on delivering for developing countries, making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver".

"And thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and India's presidency, we hope we'll be able to do all of those things, he said, praising Prime Minister Modi. Earlier, responding to questions, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that there is no change in Biden's travel plans and the president would be tested at regular intervals before his trip to India. The president tested negative last night for COVID-19 and tested negative again on Tuesday.

"He's not experiencing any symptoms as far as the steps that he is taking since the President was with the First Lady yesterday. He will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with CDC guidance," she said.

"And as has been the practice in the past, the President will remove his mask when sufficiently at a distance from others indoors and while outside as well. The CDC guidelines recommend a combination of masking testing and monitoring for symptoms. The President is doing all of that in current and close consultation with his physician," she added.

Sullivan said Biden has worked to rebuild the American economy from the bottom up in the middle out by making smart investments in the industries of the future while tackling climate change and empowering workers. And those investments are paying off.

"We think countries around the world too, can benefit from a similar type of approach, and that we can help them as well by mobilising investment to support them in tackling the challenges that they face. And that's one of our main focuses in the G20," he said.

The US, he said, is also looking forward to warmly welcoming the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. "We believe that the African Union's voice will make the G20 stronger," Sullivan said.

The NSA said another key focus of the US in the G20 will be on delivering on an agenda of fundamentally reshaping and scaling up the multilateral development banks, especially the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We know that these institutions are some of the most effective tools that we have for mobilising transparent, high-quality investment into developing countries," he said.

Thats why, Sullivan said, the US has championed the major effort that is currently underway to evolve these institutions so that they are up to the challenges of today and tomorrow. "Just last month, President Biden asked Congress for additional funds that would have the impact of increasing World Bank financing by more than USD25 billion. We are working to make sure that other partners follow our lead...we hope the G-20 endorses this level of ambition and delivers a broader vision of multilateral development banks that are better, bigger and more effective," the NSA said.

President Biden will also be calling on G20 members as leaders in the global economy to provide meaningful debt relief so that low and middle-income countries can regain their footing after years of extreme stress, he said.
WHO Warns of 'Worrying' Covid Trends Ahead of Winter

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about concerning trends in Covid-19 ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. The health agency has called for increased vaccination efforts and enhanced surveillance. Due to many countries ceasing to report Covid-19 data, comprehensive statistics are limited.

Nevertheless, the UN health agency estimates that hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide are currently hospitalised due to Covid-19.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concern, stating, "We continue to observe worrisome trends for Covid-19 as we approach the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere." He noted that Covid-19-related deaths are on the rise in certain regions of the Middle East and Asia, while intensive care unit admissions are increasing in Europe, and hospitalizations are climbing in several areas.

Tedros pointed out that only 43 countries are currently reporting Covid-19 deaths to the WHO, with only 20 providing information on hospitalizations. He explained that there is currently no dominant Covid-19 variant worldwide, but the EG.5 Omicron subvariant is gaining prominence. Additionally, small numbers of the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant have been detected in 11 countries.

US President Biden Tests Negative For COVID-19; To Attended G20 Summit In India

The WHO is closely monitoring the BA.2.86 subvariant to assess its transmissibility and potential impact. Tedros emphasized one of the WHO's primary concerns: the low vaccination coverage among at-risk populations. He stated, "The increase in hospitalizations and deaths indicates that Covid-19 is a persistent threat, and we will need continued tools to combat it."

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's technical lead on Covid-19, highlighted the significant number of people currently hospitalized for Covid-19, expressing concern about the upcoming colder months when people tend to spend more time indoors, increasing the risk of airborne transmission. With influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) also in circulation, she stressed the importance of testing and vaccination.

Preliminary data suggests that existing vaccines will provide protection against the BA.2.86 subvariant, according to Maria Van Kerkhove.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 23:23 [IST]
US: At Least 22 Dead In Maine Shooting, Dozens Injured As Gunman Goes On Rampage

Massive Manhunt Unfolds In Maine, U.S.; Who Is Robert Card And What Else Is Going On

Why 1.3 Lakh Indians In US Might Get Separated From Parents Due To Green Card Backlog

International

oi-Prakash KL

A significant concern looms over the fate of over 1 kah Indian children residing in the United States, as they face the imminent threat of separation from their parents. This troubling situation arises from a substantial backlog in the issuance of Green Cards.

Children who move to the United States from other countries typically do so under the H-4 visa, a nonimmigrant visa category designed for spouses and children of H-1B visa holders. H-1B visas are temporary work visas granted to highly skilled professionals.

However, when these children turn 21, they are no longer allowed to stay in the US under the H-4 visa category.

This year, the backlog for employment-based green cards has surged to an unprecedented 1.8 million cases. This backlog predominantly comprises individuals patiently awaiting the issuance of their green cards, a situation primarily stemming from the low green card quotas allocated for employer-sponsored immigrants and investors.

The system dictates that no single country can receive more than 7 per cent of the available green cards, commonly referred to as "country caps." Unfortunately, this means that the burden of the flawed system falls heavily on the 1.1 million cases from India within the backlog. As a result, new applicants from India are confronted with the grim reality of enduring a lifetime wait, with over 400,000 individuals projected to pass away before they can secure their green cards, a recent study from Caro Institute revealed.

US Eases Norms On Eligibility Criteria For Those Waiting For Green Card

According to the report, Indians constitute a significant majority, comprising 63 per cent of the total 1.8 million pending employment-based green card applications in the country. This substantial backlog compounds the existing burden of 8.3 million pending applications within the family-sponsored immigration system.

Even if mortality and ageing out factors are taken into account, the estimated waiting time for Green Card processing remains an astonishing 54 years.

"About 424,000 employmentbased applicants will die waiting, and over 90 percent of them will be Indians. Given that Indians are currently half of all new employersponsored applicants, roughly half of all newly sponsored immigrants will die before they receive a green card," the report noted.

However, the Biden administration has initiated measures to tackle the Green Card backlog. In March 2023, the administration unveiled plans to augment the annual Green Card quota by an additional 300,000. Furthermore, the administration has conveyed its commitment to developing a system aimed at prioritizing the allocation of Green Cards to family members of both US citizens and permanent residents.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 10:34 [IST]
Renowned Educator Madhav Chavan Honored for Transforming Education in India

Press Release

oi-Oneindia English Desk

Madhav Chavan, a distinguished chemist turned educator, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to education by The Ohio State University in the United States as the Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award Honoree for transforming the lives of underprivileged children in India. Chavan co-founded the non-profit organization Pratham in 1995, aiming to provide high quality, affordable education to children in Mumbai's underserved areas.

Under Chavan's leadership, Pratham has evolved into one of India's largest educational organizations, focusing on imparting foundational reading and math skills to disadvantaged children. The methods pioneered by Pratham have not only catalyzed substantial improvements in India's education landscape but have also been embraced by numerous developing nations globally.

In acknowledgement of his dedication, Chavan was also honored with the prestigious 2012 WISE Prize for Education, recognized as a Nobel Prize equivalent in the field of education. His commitment to empowering marginalized communities through education resonates deeply, and this accolade highlights his influential role in shaping educational paradigms.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Chavan acknowledges his time at Ohio State, where his mentor, Professor Daryle H. Busch, imparted critical lessons in distinguishing facts from assumptions and fostering trust among team members.

Apart from his educational pursuits, Chavan nurtures passions for photography, filmmaking, and music. These interests exemplify his multifaceted approach to life and learning.

Shambhavi Singh, director of Ohio State's India Gateway, praises Chavan's transformative impact, noting that he epitomizes the institution's global mission.

"Madhav Chavan's tireless dedication, innovative methodologies, and unwavering commitment to education continue to inspire positive change worldwide," Singh said. "His work not only elevates literacy rates but also empowers marginalized children to envision a brighter future, embodying education's potential as a catalyst for profound transformation".
The group is the state governments initial response to calls from protesters last month amid debate on how to tackle crime.
The attack came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine where he announced another $1 billion worth of wartime assistance.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the participants of the third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which is taking place in Kyiv, on Wednesday.

As the president noted, "Ukraine knows how to make history different, in particular, thanks to the diplomacy of emotions  the soft power of our state, able to speak with the soul of every nation."

"In order for decisions to be implemented, you can't build anything on the basis of emotions alone, for sure. And only decision-making is not enough. You always need a system to make emotions decisions, and decisions concrete results. Our soft power has such a system. And this is what really strengthens Ukraine," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen shows the world "how significant the potential is in people who, although they do not manage institutions, have the power of sincerity."

"First ladies and gentlemen of states often find such arguments and tonality that are not available to politicians. And it works. This is the result," Zelenskyy said, recalling how due to the communications of First Lady Olena Zelenska, the United States managed to move forward on the issue of modern air defense for Ukraine.

In addition, the president said how the visit of the first lady and the Ukrainian delegation to Seoul actually marked the beginning of a restart in relations between Ukraine and Korea.

Addressing the participants, Zelenskyy said the declared subject of the summit "Mental health" and the state attention to this topic itself is much more than just medicine, therapy and practices that should be available to people in modern society, especially in a society that goes through the war.

"This is about what society can do, what it should do. And about what society should definitely beware of. Mental, emotional stress is one of the heaviest baggage that war leaves. And unfortunately, not everyone can withstand this baggage," he said, adding that history knows wars, the baggage of which became a destructive burden both for people and for societies.

The president said "the war is a challenge that does not completely disappear even after the end of hostilities and with the onset of peace taking root, therefore no one should be left alone with the war, with its consequences."

"People's resilience has limits. But for everyone, this limit is in emotions, in that invisible baggage of sensations that prompts a person to act one way or another. It's about mental health," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, mental health is a special area that requires a special approach.

"New attention  and not only the attention of our state. New institutions. A new area of rehabilitation. Training and dissemination of therapy. New social policy. New international interaction. New agreements. Together with other work  the diplomacy of emotions and the systematic work of soft power aimed at people's inner world. For people to win. Together with their state," the president said.

"War leaves people with what they need to be able to reject. Reject what destroys life. We need to build a system that gets rid of these destructions," he said.

As reported, the third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen gathered in Kyiv several dozens of representatives worldwide, including politicians, experts, actors and doctors. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was a special guest of the summit.
The US says Pyongyang will "pay a price" if it arms Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine. Follow DW for the latest.
A Syrian family deported from Greece to Turkey had accused the EU's border management agency of a breach of human rights. NGOs have repeatedly accused Frontex of violating international law when dealing with migrants.
Britons chasing a bit of late summer sun have been caught up in deadly rainstorms that have battered Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.
Greece is set to become the 13th member of the Three Seas Initiative at its summit in Bucharest today. Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will be granted partner status.
ViewAfter months of struggling to find agreement on just about anything in a divided Congress, lawmakers are returning to Capitol..

Newsy 05 Sep 2023
President Zelenskyy said 16 people were killed in a Russian attack in the east of Ukraine, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit. Follow DW for the latest.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 16 people were killed in a Russian attack on a market in the east of Ukraine. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit. Follow DW for the latest.
The novelist and his wife survived successive crashes in Uganda in 1954. In the letter, Hemingway also describes shooting his first lion in Kenya with an old gun "held together with tape."
In 18 months of war, Ukraine has learnt new ways to integrate technology into the modern battlefield.
The High Court in Limpopo has dismissed the application brought by Zimbabwean parents who wanted to secure South African citizenship for their three children who were born in South Africa.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced Denmark's readiness to increase defense assistance to Ukraine.

"We have decided to provide F-16 aircraft to train your pilots. Training is currently underway, and preparatory work has already been done, pilots are now being trained. We have already provided artillery, and armored vehicles, and shells, and we will do even more. In particular, to strengthen air defense," she said in Kyiv on Wednesday following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to Frederiksen, "Poland and I have made a commitment to energy security. Our support is for a long time, it is a commitment for a long time. We are indebted to you for your incredible struggle. Your struggle is our struggle."

Answering a question about corruption in Ukraine, the Prime Minister said: "There is a time before the war and, unfortunately, during the war. If you ask me whether Ukraine did enough to fight corruption before the war, I think that we agree that more could be done."

"Denmark is one of the countries that helps, if not the most, and I think that the whole of Europe is impressed by how you cope with these challenges, including the fight against corruption. There are no guarantees, but I am sure that Ukraine will do its best during the war," she said.
Secretary of State Blinken is in Kyiv. Ex-Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio is sentenced to 22 years in prison. Vaccines and previous infections can protect you from the new COVID variant.
Washington: It is for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a top US official has said, asserting that if Beijing wants to come in and be a "spoiler", that option is available to it.

US National Security Advisor Sullivan was responding to a question at a White House news conference on Tuesday on the impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 Summit.

"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them, he said.

What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries, Sullivan said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi this week and the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijing's readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success.

At the invitation of the Government of India, Premier of the State Council Li will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in a brief statement.

India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

At the G-20 Summit, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that the United States expects real progress.

He will be clear that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, with no exceptions. We'll also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development, he noted.

In addition, we'll spotlight the progress that we've been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. We'll have some announcements that we're excited about. Now, we know that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russia's illegal and ongoing war in Ukraine, he said.

Sullivan said the reality is that Russia's illegal war has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it.

As he has done before, President Biden will call for a just and durable peace founded in respect for international law, principles of the UN Charter, the precepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said.

Sullivan said Biden will continue to emphasise that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to redeem these principles.

"Last but not least, and this is important, you'll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving, he told reporters.

At a moment when the international economy is suffering from historic and overlapping shocks, it is more important than ever to have a working forum with the world's largest economies to deliver meaningful outcomes, Sullivan said.

"So, in a sign of that commitment, the United States is looking forward to hosting the G20 in 2026, he said.

Meanwhile, an eminent American expert said on Tuesday that China's decision to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi points to a troubled state of India-China relations.

Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently travelled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person.

So, his decision to skip this week's G-20 in New Delhi is significant," Russel said.

The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations," he said.

It is true that Chinese premier will substitute, but Li lacks the stature of past Chinese prime ministers like Zhu Rongzhi who wielded significant decision-making on economic matters, he added.

"Xi Jinping's rationale is less clear, but the signalling from Beijing suggests that he is keeping Biden at arm's length and making no commitment to attend the November APEC Summit in San Francisco in an attempt to pressure Washington into making concessions such as easing export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and equipment," he said.

"Ironically, the absence of Putin and Xi leaves the field open to Biden to dominate the agenda as well as the airwaves. He can be expected to press for stronger measures against Russia, on clean energy transition, and on measures to deal with crushing debt among developing nations the vast amount of which is held by China," Russel said.


(Image by North Valley Military Institute) Details DMCA



After punting last week with a resolution to "suspend educational operations," the North Valley Military Institute (NVMI) Board of Trustees was forced to meet again on Friday, August 25, 2023. The meeting began with an announcement that five members had resigned, reducing the size of the Board to five. For some reason, members whose terms had expired on June 30, 2023, were still included, highlighting the continued incompetence of this body.

The only action item on the agenda of the meeting was the consideration of "a resolution to voluntarily surrender the charter of the Charter

School and close the Charter School, due to lack of viable facilities effective close of business August 31, 2023, and appoint Kellie Jackson"responsible for closure-related activities." Before voting, the public was allowed to speak.

The leadership at NVMI had been lying for so long about the allegations made against the school that parents and students seemed to have a hard time accepting the severity of the operational deficiencies. Teetering on bankruptcy and lacking a legal space to operate, the board had no path forward. Yet, the parents who spoke begged the Board to vote against the proposal to surrender the charter.

Even worse, the concerns expressed over the past several weeks about the negative effects resulting from the school's lack of an orderly transition plan seem to be borne out by the experiences of these parents. One has a child who is still not enrolled in another school:

"My student has been sitting at home all week. The home school to which he is supposed to attend, I don't like that school and I don't want to put him in that school. I'm asking you to please keep the school open."

Another has children whose views against other schools have been so poisoned that they have both rejected their new educational homes less than a week into the new school year:

My kids tell me: "Mom, I don't like the school... Mom, I don't want to go. I'm a single mom and I don't know what to say to them. I don't know what to do. They don't want to go to school."

With cult-like devotion, these families are convinced that NVMI is the only school that can meet their needs. This goes against a reality where test scores showed that the school was failing badly. Only 1% of the students were meeting or exceeding math standards on the CAASPP.

As the agency that allowed NVMI failures to go on for so long, the Los Angeles Office of Education (LACOE) needs to devote resources to help these students. This includes supporting their new schools as they assist students in dealing with the emotional trauma of the closure and recovering from academic deficits. The 20.8% of NVMI students who have documented disabilities need to have their IEPs revisited to ensure that they are receiving the services they need.

LACOE also needs to ensure that a complete investigation is performed to document precisely what went wrong at this charter school. This includes directing the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to finish the ongoing extraordinary audit looking into the over $90,000 spent on a staff retreat to Las Vegas that has been classified by LACOE as a possible example of "fraud, misappropriation of funds, and"illegal activities." Having a final audit report is the only way that controls can be put into place to prevent these types of abuses from occurring in the future. It will also provide the foundation for possible criminal prosecution if any laws are found to have been broken.

On several occasions, NVMI leadership has called me out personally for bringing about the closure of the charter school. With the multiple ways that NVMI and VOCES students were harmed by this school, including those who were traumatized by alleged sexual abuse at the hands of a man said to be the Godson of "superintendent" Mark Ryan, I will eagerly take responsibility for the part I played. I also recognize the difficulties faced by former students and want to do anything possible to help them to succeed. Should they want to reach out to me by email, my address is ChangeTheLAUSD@gmail.com.

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.


Gov. Gavin Newsom on Prison Reform and Ending Mass Incarceration | The Problem with Jon Stewart Fear not, America! We're still #1.with incarceration rates among industrialized countries. In our newest episode, .America's ...

(Image by YouTube, Channel: The Problem With Jon Stewart) Details DMCA



We know that over 75% of Democrats or is it voters don't want the Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate. But the Democratic Leadership has locked him in with the help of MSNBC and CNN and the liberal media establishment. Even supposedly Progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and AOC have all climbed aboard the Biden wagon. I won't say train. It's more like a Prairie Schooner type wagon.

They have been pretty successful and creating a feeling of inevitability for the Biden candidacy. Whether you like them or not, Robert Kennedy Jr and Marianne Williamson have been able to pull, in multiple polls, 20 to 30% support. I don't believe either of them have a viable chance of going all the way. But what would a strong, more viable appearing candidate draw in polls?

But I have to believe that the United States can produce a better candidate than 82-year-old Joe Biden. I've never been a big fan of Joe Biden. He's too conservative for me. But he deserves credit for what he's accomplished as president. That doesn't mean he deserves another term.

So how do we find out who can do a better job than Joe Biden, who can do a profoundly better job, polling much higher. The answer is simple. We run polls to find out who will pull better against Trump or Nikki Haley or Rick DeSantis or whoever else the GOP pulls out of the slime heap.

I believe Jon Stewart, with his charisma, intelligence and huge popularity, would be a winner. Others I've spoken to like Gavin Newsom or vice president Kamala Harris. It would be great if the pollsters currently running polls would add questions matching up some of these potential Democratic candidates against their GOP counterparts. But that's not happening...yet.

That means that we the people, the 77% of us who don't want Joe Biden, have to come up with the money to fund the polls and it can't just be one poll. It will take at least three or four to provide persuasive evidence that there is a better choice than Joe Biden. And these need not be complete, custom sponsored polls. It would be even better if major polling organizations could be persuaded, with money or influence, to add polling questions like matchups such as, in addition to Biden,

The polls would ask simple questions: Who would you vote for if you have the choice between these two candidates?

Jon Stewart vs Trump

Jon Stewart vs Nikki Haley, Rick DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Scott

Then do the same for Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, Gretchen Whitmer and whoever else is a possibility.

They could also include Robert Kennedy jr. and Marianne Williamson.

I asked one influential Progressive leader what he thought of the idea of some of the progressive organizations like move on and Progressive Democrats of America getting behind a campaign to recruit someone else. He replied that as long as Biden was in the running they would not get on board. That doesn't mean it can't be done, it means that some other recruitment group slash team/organization will have to do the job. And the six figures money needed to do the polling will have to be raised.

Eighty one million people voted for Joe Biden in 2020. If one tenth of one percent of those gave $10 each, that would provide enough money to fund four or five polls.

That Progressive leader that I mentioned asked me, "Do you have a lot of time and inclination to launch a "Draft ____ campaign?" And I do have some time and a lot of inclination, but I don't think I'm the right person for the job. I might be a good person for getting something started, but there are people who are a lot better at organizing these kinds of things than I am. So I'm doing what I can to push this draft campaign to the next level.

That raises a few questions:

Would you personally contribute three or five or 10 or $28 to fund these polls? Please say yes or no in the comments. Who would be a good candidate for leading and organizing such a campaign? It couldn't be a democratic Insider because they'd probably be blackballed for going up against the Biden myth of invincibility. Please suggest someone who might do the job who isn't owned by the Biden Democrats. Do you know influencers who could help take this to the next level? Howard Stern has said Jon Stewart would make a great president. He, on his own, could fund the polls and/or help raise the money and get a serious recruit Jon Stewart campaign rolling.

This is the third in a Series of articles: Jon Stewart for President that I've written with the hopes of recruiting Jon Stewart to run for president, but as this article says, I think it's important that we find out who is the best candidate and ask that question and fully engage in the Democratic process with a real primary. Please check out the other two articles I've written to see my reasons why I believe that Jon Stewart would make a great candidate. And in the comments, please mention who you would like to see as an alternative to Joe Biden. And remember, almost the entire democratic Congress has caved to the Biden inevitability myth, so they're probably not likely candidates.
As much as any other town in the U.S., my town, Charlottesville, has failed in recent years when it comes to opposing wars. We used to be a leader, passing early resolutions through our city council inspiring others to advocate against wars in Iraq or Iran, against armed drones, telling Congress to move funding to human and environmental needs, divesting public dollars from weapons companies, ridding local police of weapons of war, etc. Peace rallies were not rare occurrences.

At long last we have an event planned to advocate and strategize for peace in Ukraine, one that will be livestreamed for the world to see at cvilleukraine.org. From a certain perspective, it's very strange that it's taken so long. Nothing in my lifetime has done more to increase the risk of nuclear apocalypse than the war in Ukraine. Nothing is doing more to impede global cooperation on climate, poverty, or homelessness. Few things are doing as much direct damage in those areas, devastating the environment, disrupting grain shipments, creating millions of refugees. While casualties in Iraq were heatedly disputed in U.S. media for years, there's widespread acceptance that casualties in Ukraine are already near half a million. There's no way to precisely count how many lives could have been saved around the world by investing hundreds of billions in something wiser than this war, but a fraction of that could end starvation on Earth.

From another perspective, it's clear why there has been so much acceptance of this war. It's U.S. weapons, not U.S. lives. It's a war against a country demonized in U.S. media for decades, for its actual crimes and for fictions like imposing Donald Trump on us. (I can understand not wanting to admit that we did that to ourselves.) It's a war against a Russian invasion of a smaller country. If you're going to protest U.S. invasions, why not protest a Russian invasion? Indeed. But a war is a not a protest. It's mass slaughter and destruction.

Manipulating good intentions is part of the standard package, folks. Destroying Iraq was marketed in the United States as for the benefit of the Iraqis. The most obviously provoked war in recent years, in Ukraine, was christened "The Unprovoked War." U.S. and other Western diplomats, spies, and theorists predicted for 30 years that breaking a promise and expanding NATO would lead to war with Russia. President Barack Obama refused to arm Ukraine, predicting that doing so would lead toward where we are now as Obama still saw it in April 2022. Prior to the "Unprovoked War" there were public comments by U.S. officials arguing that the provocations would not provoke anything. "I don't buy this argument that, you know, us supplying the Ukrainians with defensive weapons is going to provoke Putin," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) One can still read a RAND report advocating creating a war like this one through the sorts of provocations that senators claimed wouldn't provoke anything.

But what can be done? Provoked or not, you have a horrendous, murderous, criminal invasion. Now what? Well, now you have endless stalemate, with years of killing or nuclear war. You want to do what you can to "help" Ukraine, but the millions of Ukrainians who have fled, and those who have stayed to face prosecution for peace activism, look wiser each day. The question is whether keeping a war going is more helpful to Ukrainians or the rest of the world than ending it with a compromise aimed at a sustainable peace. According to Ukrainian media, Foreign Affairs, Bloomberg, and Israeli, German, Turkish, and French officials, the U.S. pressured Ukraine to prevent a peace agreement in the early days of the invasion. Since then, the U.S. and allies have provided mountains of free weapons to keep the war going. Eastern European governments have expressed concern that if the U.S. slows or ends the weapons flow, Ukraine might become willing to negotiate peace.

Peace is viewed by some on both sides of the war (many of them quite far removed from the fighting), not as a good thing, but as even worse than ongoing slaughter and devastation. Both sides insist on total victory. But that total victory is nowhere in sight, as other voices on both sides quietly admit. And any such victory would not be lasting, as the defeated side would plot vengeance as soon as possible.

Compromise is a difficult skill. We teach it to toddlers, but not to governments. Traditionally a refusal to compromise (even if it kills us) has more appeal on the political right. But political party means everything in U.S. politics, and the President is a Democrat. So, what is a liberal thinking person to do? I would suggest a heavy dose of independent thinking. Nearly two years of peace proposals from around the globe almost all include the same elements: removal of all foreign troops, neutrality for Ukraine, autonomy for Crimea and Donbas, demilitarization, and lifting sanctions.

At this point, some observable action must precede negotiations. Either side could announce a ceasefire and ask that it be matched. Either side could announce a willingness to agree to a particular agreement including the elements above. If a ceasefire is not matched, the slaughter can be quickly resumed. If a ceasefire is used to build up troops and weapons for the next battle, well then, the sky is also blue and a bear does it in the woods. Nobody imagines either side as capable of switching off the war business that quickly. A ceasefire is required for negotiations, and an end to weapons shipments is required for a ceasefire. These three elements must come together. They could be abandoned together if negotiations fail. But why not try?

Allowing the people of Crimea and Donbas to determine their own fate is the real sticking point for Ukraine, but that solution strikes me as at least as big a victory for democracy as sending more U.S. weapons to Ukraine despite the opposition of the majority of people in the United States.
New Delhi, September 2023 - In response to the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the HR Generalist Certification Program, a cutting-edge initiative designed to empower HR professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex challenges of today's workforce. Meeting the Demand for HR Excellence As businesses evolve, so do the demands placed on human resources professionals. The HR Generalist Certification 
Ahmedabad, - PapayaCare Assisted Living Services, a beacon of senior well-being, recently hosted a vibrant celebration to mark India's 77th Independence Day. As the echoes of patriotic fervor still resonate, PapayaCare is eagerly gearing up for a series of festive delights leading up to Diwali, setting the stage for a season of joy and togetherness. The 15th August celebration at PapayaCare was a testament to the facility's commitment to creating an 
Dallas, Texas (September 6, 2023) - Following in the footsteps of his successful album release, "Elyisium," in the New Age genre, Grammy Award-winning composer, Richard Theisen, announces the release of "Estonia," his third album in the category. Releasing digitally world-wide on September 1, 2023, "Estonia" is eight tracks of melodic, multi-layered, ethereal, instrumental music brimming with rich shades and hues of Norse mythology. Through the music, the listener is effortlessly 
DEAR ABBY: I have a longtime friend who is the queen of the hypochondriacs. She is always sick or complaining that something is wrong with her, but she does nothing to improve her health. She has gone to holistic doctors for years, to no avail.

I suggested its time for her to consult regular doctors, since holistic ones werent helping and because she doesnt follow their advice anyway. She has made appointments with regular doctors but has too much anxiety to go.

She has been excluded from activities with friends because shes always sick but doesnt understand why she has only one friend. She also talks incessantly about her abusive, narcissistic mother, but doesnt realize she is a bit narcissistic herself. Should I tell her what I think about her or just keep it to myself? -- PEEVED IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR PEEVED: If she is hesitant to see a doctor who might actually get to the cause of her problems, its probably because shes afraid of what she might hear. Of course, people who procrastinate for years are more likely to get bad news than those who are determined to nip any problem in the bud.

If you can suppress your annoyance, instead of calling her something unpleasant, it would be more helpful to point out that hiding ones head in the sand is not an answer, and volunteer to go with her to her appointment. Thats what a true friend does.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Oregon drive-thru chain Dutch Bros said Wednesday that it will issue another $300 million in stock and use most of the proceeds to pay down debt. News of the offering sent Dutch Bros shares down 5% in after-hours trading as investors anticipated the dilution of their current holdings.

Its been two years since Dutch Bros debuted on Wall Street with the largest public offering in Oregon history, raising $550 million. The company used $200 million of that to repay past borrowing.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko discussed with Fraport Executive Director Stefan Schulte the restoration of Ukrainian airports after the war.

"We discussed further cooperation, including assistance from German partners in the future, post-war reconstruction and the operation of Ukrainian airports, in particular, the Kyiv Sikorsky municipal airport," Klitschko wrote on Telegram, noting that Fraport is one of the largest airport operators in Europe.

"I thanked Germany for the support and assistance, which we greatly appreciate. Mr. Schulte said that the company he leads would donate EUR 100,000 to Kyiv as charitable assistance ... Schulte stressed that he was sure that Ukraine must win this war and will win! I invited him to visit Kyiv," Klitschko said.

The communication took place online.

RAPORT-AIRPORTS-RESTORATION
UPDATE: Aequitas Capital executives sentenced to prison in investment fraud, conspiracy case

The U.S. Justice Department is seeking a 20-year prison sentence for Robert Jesenik, mastermind of what prosecutors called the greatest swindle this district has ever seen.

Jesenik was CEO of Aequitas Capital, the notorious Lake Oswego finance firm that bilked investors out of some $368 million before its 2016 collapse. Jesenik and two other former Aequitas executives, Brian Rice and Andrew MacRitchie, are scheduled to be sentenced Thursday following their May conviction on fraud and conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 10 years for Rice and 17.5 years for MacRitchie. Both served as executive vice presidents at Aequitas, Rice recruiting new investors and MacRitchie overseeing accounting and compliance.

It is thought to be the largest fraud-related investor loss in Oregon. The greatest fraud calls for the greatest sentence, prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum filed last week.

Prosecutors claim investor money funded all the lavish trappings of corporate success  the retreats at posh resorts, and an expense account that Jesenik routinely billed $50,000 a month. But the success was just a smokescreen, prosecutors said, obscuring the companys inevitable collapse  of which all three defendants were well aware.

Jesenik insists that he did nothing wrong. Aequitas was not a Ponzi scheme, his attorneys still argue, but rather a legitimate finance company that ran into a serious liquidity issue. The best evidence that Aequitas was legitimate. they say, was the millions of dollars Aequitas assets fetched when put on the market.

The real Bob Jesenik didnt run a Ponzi scheme, but a company with tremendous value, real assets, and a promising future, that since its unexpected collapse in 2016 has netted investors a 92% return on principal to date, Jeseniks attorneys argued in their sentencing memo.

The real Bob Jesenik is a 64-year-old man who poses no threat to society and who, should the Court impose a 210-month sentence as recommended by the probation department, will almost certainly die in prison.

The U.S. Probation Office has recommended that Jesenik be sentenced to 17.5 years.

Jeseniks attorneys argue that the prosecutors are grossly overstating investor losses in Aequitas, which they put in the $20 million range. The sum of victims financial losses are a key component in federal sentencing guidelines that govern cases like this.

Jeseniks lawyers called on U.S. District Judge Michael Simon to sentence him to four years.

The sentences requested by prosecutors are numbers rarely seen in Oregon for convicted white-collar criminals.

Some of the states highest profile offenders  like Andrew Wiederhorn and Barclay Grayson, two players in the Capital Consultants fraud case that cost union pensions more than $350 million in the 1990s  got 18 months each. Wiederhorn pleaded guilty to charges of filing a false tax return and paying an illegal gratuity. Grayson pleaded guilty to mail fraud.

In 2018, Michael and Gary Holcomb, both of Junction City, were sentenced to five years apiece for their role in leading Berjac of Oregon, another fraudulent investment firm that cost investors $40 million.

Jon Harder was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the Sunwest Management assisted living scandal in 2015. It was at the time the harshest sentence ever for a white-collar felon in Oregon, federal officials said at the time. More than 1,000 investors lost about $130 million in the scam, federal prosecutors claimed.

Harders hefty sentence was cut short in January 2021 when former President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.

-- Jeff Manning; jmanning@oregonian.com
Celebrity chefs from some of the West Coast and Hawaiis best-known restaurants will gather in Portland later this month for a star-studded fundraising dinner for those devastated by last months wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii.

The dinner, scheduled for September 20, is being organized by Ox chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quinonez Denton, who started their James Beard Award-winning culinary careers in Lahaina before moving to Portland in 2008.

We just want to help Lahaina, a place where we worked and loved, Greg Denton said. Its really, really awful, so if we could do anything to help just a little bit, were doing everything we can.

Joining the Dentons in the Ox kitchen will be Gregory Gourdet, the award-winning chef at Portlands 2022 Restaurant of the Year, Kann, and Mei Lin, the Los Angeles chef who bested Gourdet in the finale of Top Chef Season 12. Maui chef Lee Anne Wong, another Top Chef regular whose Lahaina restaurant Papaaina at The Pioneer Inn, was destroyed last month, is coming to town for the event, as is Jason Raffin, the former culinary director with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, who lost his home in the August 8 fire.

According to Denton, the event, dubbed Lahaina No Ka Oi, is one of the first collaborative dinners hosted at Ox since Portlands 2013 Restaurant of the Year debuted more than a decade ago. A menu has yet to be set in stone, but Denton envisions each chef contributing a pu pu, or small appetizer, plus a larger dish served family style, caviar and a plated dessert.

Around 80 tickets for the event, priced at $245 each, will be released on Friday, September 8 on Oxs Resy page. The Dentons hope to raise at least $10,000 for four organizations providing wildfire relief, Common Ground Collective, Hawaiian Community Foundation, Maui United Way and The Hua Momona Foundation.

During their five years living on Maui, the Dentons worked at Gerards at the Plantation Inn, then Quinonez Denton became the chef at Lahaina Yacht Club, while Denton was the chef at Mala Ocean Tavern under Mark Ellman, all in Lahaina. On August 8, wind-whipped flames roared through the historic town, destroying homes and businesses and killing at least 115 people, making it the deadliest American wildfire in more than a century.

In Portland, many businesses have pledged to donate funds to organizations providing relief for those impacted by the fire.

Its been a tough year, Denton said. We had a server who was killed not too long ago, and we did a GoFundMe, and Mark Ellman, who owned Mala Ocean Tavern, one of the places where I worked, passed away suddenly too. Weve found a lot of healing through helping.

Tickets for the Lahaina No Ka Oi dinner ($245 including gratuity but not drinks) will be released at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 on Oxs Resy page. The dinner, including pu pus, dishes from the Dentons and several celebrity guests chefs, caviar and a plated dessert, will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 2225 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Nehemiah Heye decided to pursue a psychology degree at George Fox university because he loves understanding people. But he wasnt quite sure what that meant in terms of a career.

Counseling classes convinced Heye that wasnt the path for him. Then he discovered organizational psychology, a field that deals with human behavior in the workplace. That clicked.

Heye, who grew up in Washington County as the child of a construction worker and a teacher, wasnt familiar with the corporate environments he was about to step into. But he had help navigating that new world with the help of The Contingent, a nonprofit that helps Oregonians of color and from underserved communities succeed professionally.

A Contingent scholarship initiative called Act Six helped Heye pay for college. Then the nonprofits Emerging Leaders program helped him land a college internship. When he finished graduate school, a colleague from that internship program helped Heye find a job. And as a young professional, another Contingent program called Survival Is Not Enough (SINE) helped Heye learn more about financial health and career skills like negotiating.

I tell a lot of people, I dont know where I would be if it wasnt for this organization and the work they do, said Heye, now 27. The rooms Ive been able to be a part of, the conversations Ive been able to be in, the self discovery Ive been able to do as a result of this program and organization has been really almost life changing for me.

Heyes journey with The Contingent is in some ways a model for the latest efforts from the Portland nonprofit, which is combining its current programs into a streamlined effort to help underserved Oregonians along their full career journey.

In August, The Contingent announced The Script, a suite of training, job help and mentorship programs that ranges from college internships to the boardroom. The SINE class that Heye participated in is now an associate program for new graduates and young professionals. New management and executive-level programs aim to help continue that career development and land Oregonians of color in high-level positions. The Contingent will spend $1 million building out the pathways over the next year, said Ben Sand, the nonprofits CEO.

What were setting out to do is to say to historically underemployed communities in Oregon: You know, when you graduate college it can feel like chaos but weve got a script here where we can change this narrative, Sand said.

Nehemiah Heye, 27, has participated in several career-building programs through The Contingent, a Portland nonprofit that aims to help people of color succeed in well-paying careers. Heye, who has a psychology degree, now works in human resources at Portland company Trimble.Courtesy Nehemiah Heye

The Contingent started as Portland Leadership Foundation in 2008, focused on connecting students with scholarships and higher education, said Nick Poindexter, a senior director at the nonprofit.

In 2016 it launched the Emerging Leaders Internship geared at connecting students of color and recent graduates with paid internships and mentors. The program has historically centered around internships in the Portland-metro area, though recently expanded to Southern Oregon as well, Poindexter said. Emerging Leaders has placed more than 500 students in internships across 250 companies and Sand describes it as the largest internship in Oregon for students of color.

The majority of students in the Emerging Leaders program have been first-generation college students, The Contingent said in a news release, 94% of whom went on to earn their bachelors degree and 87% landed a full-time job within one year of graduation. The Contingent says that a survey of alumni report an average income of over $78,000.

Heyes internship at a national nonprofit called Friends of the Children gave him his first taste of how corporations operate, and helped him understand more about the world of human relations. The experience also taught him how to network, how to ask for what he wanted and what kind of company culture to look for.

All of that stuff was really impactful for me, to be able to get that real world experience much earlier than I expected, Heye said. It was kind of like the first time I felt like I could see a career for myself.

Now, The Contingent is shifting its goal from getting young people into internships to fostering economic mobility for Oregonians of color and from low-income communities, Sand said. Part of that is helping people land what he called opportunity jobs, which pay Oregonians a minimum of $65,000 a year.

Thats the number where the ability to build wealth and begin to close the wealth gap and see social mobility occur dramatically increases, Sand said.

An internship program wasnt going to be enough to achieve that, Sand said. He described The Script as a holistic view of walking with college graduates along their vocational journey.

In addition to supporting Oregon employees of color, The Script will include a job portal for businesses that want to hire from a talented and diverse pool. Participating in The Script is free for selected young people, but the nonprofit will charge a fee to companies that find an employee through their network.

If youre serious about hitting some of your goals in terms of recruiting Oregonians of color and Oregonians from low-income communities to work for you, we are your one-stop shop, Sand said.

Note: An Emerging Leaders intern worked in The Oregonians marketing department this past summer.

This story was brought to you through a partnership between The Oregonian/OregonLive and Report for America. Learn how to support this crucial work.

Sami Edge covers higher education for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Some falls, the dance calendar is overflowing with touring troupes and home-grown productions. The 2023 season isnt quite as hectic, but offers plenty of choice shows, including a highly anticipated revival of Oregon Ballet Theatres full Swan Lake. The offerings from dance presenters White Bird include the return of Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Brown has become one of the busiest choreographers and directors in recent years, getting widespread recognition for her work on Broadway and at the famed Metropolitan Opera. The chance to see ink, the final installment of her trilogy on race and culture, is a cant-miss event.

White Bird presents the modern dance company Pilobolus on Oct. 4.Photo by Grant Halverson

Pilobolus - presented by White Bird

This Connecticut-based modern troupe celebrates more than 50 years with its return to White Birds main series. The company is known for twisting bodies to create powerful visual images and showcase both with and physicality. The choreography can veer into the painfully cute, as The New York Times observed during Pilobolus July residency at the Joyce Theater. But they are a White Bird favorite, and this performance will feature new work.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; $12-$80, whitebird.org.

Former Oregon Ballet Theatre company members Alison Roper and Artur Sultanov perform in the 2006 production of Swan Lake, adapted by former artistic director Christopher Stowell. OBT is reviving the production Oct. 6-14.LC-

Swan Lake - Oregon Ballet Theatre

For fans of classic ballet, theres nothing like Swan Lake. Oregon Ballet Theatre first presented former artistic director Christopher Stowells adaptation (which follows the template created by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov in 1895) in 2006, and this fall the company is reviving the masterpiece. The classic story, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovskys score, tells of a cursed princess whose romance with a prince is torn apart by an evil sorcerer. All performances of the four-act ballet will feature live music by the OBT Orchestra, led by guest conductor Enrique Carreon-Robledo.

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 6-14, with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 14, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; $29-$145, obt.org.

Sarah Slipper, NW Dance Projects artistic director, works with company members in a studio rehearsal. The company presents Sharing Stories Oct. 6-7.Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert

Sharing Stories - NW Dance Project

In its 20-year history, NW Dance Project has told plenty of stories  more than 350 of them in the form of original modern works. The company kicks off its new season with three more premieres, under the bill of Sharing Stories. Look for new contemporary works from founding Artistic Director Sarah Slipper, as well as choreographers Serge Bennathan and Bryan Arias.

7:30 p.m. Oct. 6-7, Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway; $29-$68, nwdanceproject.org.

My Bedroom is an Installation - Imago Theatre

Last year, Imagos Artistic Co-Director Jerry Mouawad unveiled Voiceover, a combo of theater and dance created with playwright Drew Pisarra. My Bedroom is an Installation is a companion piece, about a woman (performed by company veteran Anne Sorce) struggling with insomnia, while digging into the subconscious. Imago describes the new work: In a world where reality itself is in a constant state of transition, twisted slapstick and intellectual shtick become equally important as survival tools.

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6-22, Imago Theatre, 17 S.W. Eighth Ave.; $23, onthestage.tickets/imago-theatre.

White Bird presents Camille A. Brown & Dancers Oct. 12-14.Photo by Christopher Duggan

Camille A. Brown & Dancers - presented by White Bird

After presenting Camille A. Browns Mr. TOL E. RAncE and BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play (in 2012 and 2016 respectively), White Bird is bringing ink, the third part of her trilogy on race, culture and identity, for a three-performance engagement at the Newmark Theatre. When the work premiered in 2019, the New York Times called the one-hour work rousing and incisive.

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 12-14, Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway; $12-$80, whitebird.org.

White Bird presents Ephrat Asherie Dance Nov. 2-4.Photo by Christopher Duggan

Ephrat Asherie Dance - presented by White Bird

Ephrat Bounce Asherie is a New York dancer and choreographer who is making her Pacific Northwest debut, performing ODEON with her company. The work, which includes breaking, voguing and street dances, was created with her brother Ehud Asherie, the works musical director. Its set to the music of Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth, who experimented with samba and African rhythms in the early 20th century.

7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, Lincoln Performance Hall, 1620 S.W. Park Ave.; $12-$46, whitebird.org.

push/FOLD presents Union PDX Festival of Contemporary Dance

In November, the Portland contemporary dance company push/FOLD is presenting the fifth annual Union PDX  Festival of Contemporary Dance, which in the past has featured a mix of local and international groups, representing a variety of genres. The lineup for this years festival is still being curated, but last years Union PDX featured two world premiere works and four Portland premieres. Theres nothing like seeing dance live, but performances will also be livestreamed, potentially expanding the audience beyond the city.

7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-18, 4 p.m. Nov. 19, Hampton Opera Center, 211 S.E. Caruthers St.; ticket prices to be determined, pushfold.org.

 Grant Butler

503-221-8566; gbutler@oregonian.com; @grantbutler

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
After announcing in mid-August that the company was suspending production on what had been planned as its 2023-2024 season, Artists Repertory Theatre has now announced staff layoffs in the midst of an ongoing financial crisis.

An email sent over the Labor Day holiday weekend to our dear community of artists and supporters, and signed by Aiyana Cunningham, ART managing director, said, in part, The blunt truth is that without a significant strategic shift or influx of cash, we are projected to run out of money for basic operations in mid-October.

The email said that considering the difficult moment the organization was facing, we have made the heart-wrenching move to cut several staff positions.

On Tuesday, Cunningham said that ART had cut 40 percent of staff, bringing what had been 10 full-time positions to six full-time positions. The layoffs, which were complete on Sept. 1, will save $22,000 per month, according to Cunningham. Among the positions either laid off or reduced in hours are the companys development manager and the capital campaign director.

Other cuts, Cunningham said, include Any other areas of monthly expenses, such as reducing contracted fees for accounting services, deferring organizational dues, etc.

Even with the layoffs and other cost-trimming moves, ART is still projected to run out of money for basic operations in mid-October, according to Cunningham.

We are actively fundraising and exploring resources to extend this projection, Cunningham wrote in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The layoffs and financial issues are the latest example of the organizations struggle to rebound from the pandemic, and to attract audiences back to live performances. Its a dilemma that arts organizations in Oregon, and around the country, are facing.

The most recent news also comes at a time when ART has been experiencing other challenges. A renovation project on ARTs 1515 S.W. Morrison Avenue location has been underway, and ART has also been experiencing transitions in leadership.

In late 2021, Damaso Rodriguez stepped down as executive artistic director. Following a national search, Jeanette Harrison was named the new artistic director, and began her work at ART in October 2022.

Cunninghams appointment as ARTs managing director was announced on June 27. Prior to joining ART, Cunningham had held leadership roles in other area arts organizations, including Portland Playhouse and Portland Center Stage.

The current crunch means that ART will now need to raise money both to cover operating expenses, and to complete renovation work on the Morrison theater building. An estimated $5-7 million is needed to finish the building renovation, according to Cunningham, and funds raised for the building renovation are dedicated for that purpose.

We need to fundraise for both the building renovation and basic operating, Cunningham wrote to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Currently, the building renovation fundraising efforts are focused on cultivating existing connections with individuals who have capacity for major contributions. For General Operating we are focused on our general base of support and existing donors, as well as potential grant funding. Though the efforts are concurrent, they tap different pools of people.

As to how much money needs to be raised to cover operating expenses, Cunningham wrote, Running a minimal baseline of operations and programming costs about $100k/month - and thats the essential funding needed. Producing full plays is additional and varies, but $180k is the budget for A Boarding School Play, which is the hopeful goal were aiming for - to be able to survive this moment of crisis and perhaps do at least one play, or a series of less produced, yet meaningful, work in spring 2024.

Artists Repertory Theatre is Portlands oldest professional theater company, and has earned national attention for developing innovative works, such as Larissa FastHorses The Thanksgiving Play, which received its world premiere at ART, and went on to be produced all over the country, before reaching Broadway earlier this year.

When ART announced it was suspending production on the planned 2023-2024 season, rehearsals were about to begin for Pueblo Revolt, by Dillon Christopher Chitto. As the ART announcement then said, the decision to suspend production resulted from funding shortfalls which made necessary immediate reduction of expenses and redirecting staff resources to operational planning and revenue generation.

For now, Cunningham wrote to The Oregonian/OregonLive on Tuesday, Were using remaining staff resources to sustain operations and programming, fundraise, connect with our community, and advance the capital campaign. Further cuts are always possible, though not planned.

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
When one of your cast members is sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, its time to find some new folks, as The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has done for its new season.

(No cable? You can live stream The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 premiere for free, with Fubo, which offers a free trial. You can also stream the show with Sling.)

Jen Shah, who was nothing if not controversial during her time on the show, is currently incarcerated for a telemarketing scheme. So when The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City returns for Season 4 on Tuesday, viewers will see some new -- and one familiar -- cast members.

While it may not have reached Scandoval levels, as the affair between Vanderpump Rules stars Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss did, the previous season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City set off sparks. Not only was there drama surrounding Shah, but a mystery involving Heather Gays black eye and a feud between Gay and Whitney Rose also made things pretty spicy.

The new season will no doubt bring more fussing and fighting, but for fans of Did she really just say that? television, the news that Mary Cosby -- who memorably appeared in the first two seasons -- is back as a friend, is welcome. Whether you like her, or dont care for her, Cosby is hard to ignore, and you never know what shes going to say.

Joining returning stars Gay, Rose, Meredith Marks and Lisa Barlow for Season 4 are Angie Katsanevas, who viewers saw make appearances in Season 2 and Season 3. She is now a full-time housewife.

New to the group is Monica Garcia, who is described on the Bravo website as someone who is introduced to the group through her friend Angie, but the women quickly realize they recognize her through another familiar face. An excommunicated ex-Mormon, Monica is raising her four children on her own and running her baby products business. To add to her plate, shes also dealing with divorcing her husband for the second time and navigating a volatile relationship with her mother. Blunt, opinionated and never afraid to speak her mind, Monica has no problem saying what shes thinking, even if it lands her in hot water with the other women.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 4 premiere, Fresh Powder, Fresh Start, airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 on Bravo.

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Flavored nicotine products will be banned in Multnomah County starting January after a challenge to the law lost in court last week.

County commissioners voted late in 2022 to ban the sale of all flavored nicotine products, including menthol cigarettes and non-tobacco flavored vape products. The vote came after years of rising concerns about nicotine use among young people, in Oregon and nationally. Earlier that year, voters in Washington County upheld their own ban of flavored nicotine products.

The commissioners decision in Multnomah County got predictable pushback from nicotine retailers, and several of them filed suit in January in an attempt to overturn the ban. Among the arguments presented by 21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retailer Association, No Moke Daddy, LLC, Division Vapor and Paul Bates were that under a 2021 state law that created a statewide tobacco licensing system, the county didnt have the authority to restrict nicotine sales.

Multnomah County Circuit Judge Benjamin Souede disagreed, dismissing the complaint Sept. 1.

 Fedor Zarkhin

Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com
Washington may announce first deliveries of depleted uranium munitions to Kyiv on Wednesday

The U.S. administration plans to announce the start of the U.S. deliveries of depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine later Wednesday, Politico said, citing an unnamed U.S. official familiar with the situation.

"The Biden administration will for the first time send controversial depleted-uranium munitions to Ukraine as part of a new package of aid to be announced Wednesday," the publication said.

According to an unnamed Pentagon official, the United States decided to send the munitions because they are considered the most effective way of arming U.S.-made Abrams tanks. The first tranche of ten Abrams will arrive in Ukraine in the middle of September, after a group of Ukrainian soldiers finished a training program to use them last month.

The U.S. officials say that while depleted uranium is a by-product of uranium enrichment, "do not present a radioactive threat." According to Politico, Washington cites an IAEA study, according to which "the existence of depleted uranium residues dispersed in the environment does not pose a radiological hazard to the population of the affected regions."

However, opponents such as the International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons say there are dangerous health risks, including cancer, from touching or ingesting depleted-uranium dust.

In June, The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House was considering the possibility of supplying Kyiv with this kind of ammunition.

Prior to that, in April, it became known that the British authorities handed over to Ukraine several thousand shells for Challenger 2 tanks, some of which contain depleted uranium.

In July, the U.S. authorities decided to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting in Kyiv with Prime Minister of Denmark Matte Frederiksen, the Communications Department of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine said on Wednesday.

"We appreciate the military assistance of our Danish partners, in particular, the initiative to provide F-16 aircraft. This is a powerful contribution to ensuring security and deterring Russian aggression. Today's terrorist attack by the Russians in Kostiantynivka once again underlines the need to protect our skies and save people's lives," he said.

Separately, the head of the Ukrainian government thanked Denmark for helping to restore Mykolaiv.

The parties also discussed humanitarian demining.

Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the Danish side for supporting the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
New York, US (PANA) - Eritrea has dismissed a report by Amnesty International that the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) committed war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity in the Tigray region, in Ethiopia, saying the "flawed" report has "no substance or merit"
Photo: (Photo : Pierre Crom /Getty Images)

Navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence is no easy feat, both for parents and their children.

One of the most challenging aspects of parenting teens is dealing with the phenomenon commonly referred to as "teen rebellion." This phase, characterized by a strong desire for independence, emotional volatility, and sometimes risky behavior, can leave even the most patient parents feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

The key to minimizing the negative impacts of teen rebellion lies in two essential elements: building trust and maintaining open communication. These factors not only help parents steer their teenagers through challenging times, but they also foster an environment conducive to healthy development.

Roots of Teen Rebellion

Before tackling the issue of teen rebellion, it's essential to understand its roots. According to psychologists, this stage is a natural part of adolescent development.

Teens begin to assert their independence, question authority, and explore their identities.

While such behaviors can sometimes be troublesome, they serve a crucial function in helping adolescents transition into adulthood.

Therefore, the goal of parenting teens during this phase shouldn't be to suppress these instincts, but rather to guide them constructively.

Building Trust: The Cornerstone of Parenting Teens

Building trust is the foundational aspect of any relationship, and it holds special significance when parenting teens.

Trust is a two-way street. Just as you want to trust your teen to make good decisions, they also need to feel that they can trust you with their thoughts, fears, and aspirations.

Be Consistent: Consistency in rules and expectations sets a standard that helps teens feel secure. Changing the rules haphazardly erodes trust.

Give Them Independence: Allowing teens to make some decisions on their own and to face the consequences-both good and bad-of those choices can be an effective way of building trust.

Be a Role Model: If you expect honest and open behavior, you must demonstrate these traits yourself. Your actions speak louder than your words.

Open Communication: Your Best Tool for Understanding Your Teen

Open communication plays a vital role in understanding the complexities of teen rebellion. While it may be tempting to adopt a disciplinary approach when things go awry, opening up lines of honest conversation is generally more effective.

Active Listening: The first step in open communication is to listen actively. Don't interrupt or jump to conclusions. Your teen is more likely to confide in you if they feel heard.

Non-Judgmental Responses: Teenagers often rebel when they feel misunderstood or judged. Respond to their concerns without immediate judgment or criticism.

Create Safe Spaces: Establish specific times and settings where open communication can occur, free from distractions or external judgments.

Read Also: Top 10 Exciting, Productive Summer Activities for Teens

Strategies for Tackling Teen Rebellion

Now that we've discussed the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication, let's delve into specific strategies tailored for parenting teens effectively.

Set Realistic Boundaries: While it's essential to give teens a certain level of independence, boundaries are crucial. Discuss these limits openly, explaining why they are in place, and be willing to negotiate when appropriate.

Involve Them in Decision-Making: Involving teens in decisions that affect them will not only make them feel valued but also reduce the chances of rebellious behavior.

Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, teen rebellion escalates to a point where professional intervention becomes necessary. Therapists can provide invaluable tools for building trust and open communication.

Final Thoughts

Teen rebellion is a challenging yet integral part of adolescent development. Understanding its roots and having strategies to deal with it can go a long way.

Building trust and fostering open communication are indispensable skills when it comes to parenting teens through this tumultuous period. Remember, the aim is not to control but to guide.

By building trust and maintaining open communication, you're not just managing the teen years; you're laying the foundation for a lifelong, loving relationship with your child.

Related Article: Teen Mental Health 101: Parent's Guide to Providing Essential Support
Photo: (Photo : Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

A celebratory atmosphere quickly turned into a scene of chaos and concern when a pier on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus collapsed into Lake Mendota on Labor Day. One individual was hospitalized, and approximately 20 others suffered minor injuries. The unexpected incident occurred in the afternoon hours near the Union Terrace stage, a popular gathering spot on the Madison Campus.

Bystanders capturing the moment on video from the shoreline of Lake Mendota watched in disbelief, as a section of the metal pier suddenly gave way. The video footage, which is now making rounds on social media, shows people tumbling into the water, some visibly struggling to regain their footing.

The Madison Fire Department acted swiftly, confirming that one person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Five other Individuals received treatment at the scene for minor ailments. UW-Madison Police Officer Jeff Kirchman told reporters, including the Wisconsin State Journal, that along with the hospitalized individual, "20 or so" had incurred minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises.

Eyewitness Account and Emotional Toll

Debra Drewek, a retired nurse present during the collapse, described the event as abrupt and shocking. "There were way too many kids on the piers. They were packed. There was no warning. All of a sudden, it went down and people were in the water," she said. According to Drewek, several individuals swam to shore, while others clung desperately to the remaining structure, waiting for rescue boats to arrive.

Beyond physical injuries, the emotional toll was evident. "A lot of kids were crying because they had laptops, wallets, and phones underwater," said Drewek. Personal belongings became an additional layer of concern for students and attendees, many of whom seemed distressed about their lost items.

Police Officer Jeff Kirchman announced that efforts were being made to recover lost items from Lake Mendota. The task may prove to be complex, due to the murky nature of the lake's waters, and it remains uncertain, how successful these efforts will be.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison released a statement acknowledging that between 60 and 80 individuals were on the pier at the time of the collapse. The area around the pier was closed for swimming, and no lifeguards were on duty, stated John Lucas, a university spokesman. An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched, with initial speculations focusing on overcrowding and the structure's overall integrity.

Interestingly, Lucas pointed out that the pier was scheduled for removal on Tuesday, immediately following Labor Day, due to the end of the summer season. This raises questions about whether the pier had been adequately maintained and inspected, particularly ahead of a busy holiday.

Read Also: Teen Marine Recruit Dies at Camp Pendleton After Collapsing During Training

Community Reflection and Future Steps

This incident has sent shockwaves through the campus community and beyond, triggering discussions about the safety of public structures. Although no lives were tragically lost, the event serves as a severe wake-up call regarding the importance of structural safety and crowd management.

There are now calls for more rigorous inspections and capacity limitations on similar public structures, not just at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, but across the country. The incident underscores the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols and has put university administrators and public safety officials under intense scrutiny.

As the investigation continues, all eyes are on how the University of Wisconsin-Madison and local authorities will act to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of their students and the general public.

Related Article: Baby Rescued From Rio Grande After Being Tossed Overboard by Smugglers
This service is a courtesy for our print subscribers to give them access to our online edition at no additional cost. If you haven't registered on the new site, you must do it now before you do anything else.
The second part of my Follow Him podcast interview with Hank Smith and John Bytheway (on 1 Corinthians 14-16, God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace) is now up online: 1 Corinthians 14-16 Part 2  Dr. Daniel C. Peterson  Sept 4  Sept 10. The first part of the interview is also available: 1 Corinthians 14-16 Part 1  Dr. Daniel C. Peterson  Sept 4  Sept 10. Having been informed of this jarring fact, what you now do with the knowledge is entirely up to you and at your own risk.

And here are a couple of new items that you might enjoy:

Come, Follow Me  New Testament Study and Teaching Helps: Lesson 38, September 11  17: 2 Corinthians 17  Be Ye Reconciled to God

Over on the website of the Interpreter Foundation, Jonn Claybaugh kindly provides yet another set of his concise notes for students and teachers of the Come, Follow Me curriculum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The New Testament in Context Lesson 38: Be Ye Reconciled to God: 2 Corinthians 17

On 20 August 2023, Bruce Webster and Robert Boylan and and Kris Frederickson joined together for the Come, Follow Me segment of the Interpreter Radio Show to discuss New Testament lesson 38, Be Ye Reconciled to God covering 2 Corinthians 17. Their conversation, edited to remove commercial breaks, is now available to you at no charge but at your convenience. The other segments of the 20 August 2023 radio show can be accessed at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreter-radio-show-august-20-2023. The Interpreter Radio Show can be heard weekly in Salt Lake Valley on Sunday evenings from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640. But dont envy those who live within range of K-TALKs radio signal. They arent alone as the darlings of fortune. You havent been forgotten. The Interpreter Foundation cares about you, too. If your geographical fate has situated you outside of the Valley of the Great Salt Lake, or even if you have some exotic phobia against radio receivers, you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com.

Ive just finished re-reading The Lost World of Genesis 1: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2010), by John H. Walton. I commend it to your attention. It is a fascinating book that, I think, should be of very special interest to more than a few Latter-day Saints. Yes, they should be interested in his argument that there is no necessary conflict between the first chapter of the Bible, on the one hand, and, on the other, current scientific theories of geology and evolutionary biology. But the specifically Latter-day Saint interest, I think, should focus on his specific suggestion about what Genesis 1 is actually talking about:

The position that I have proposed regarding Genesis 1 may be designated the cosmic temple inauguration view. This label picks up the most important aspect of the view: that the cosmos is being given its functions as Gods temple, where he has taken up his residence and from where he runs the cosmos. This world is his headquarters. (162) The key features of this interpretation include most prominently: The Hebrew word translated create (bara) concerns assigning functions.

The account begins in verse 2 with no functions (rather than with no material).

The first three days pertain to the three major functions of life: time, weather, food. *

Days four to six pertain to functionaries in the cosmos being assigned their roles and spheres.

The recurring comment that it is good refers to functionality (relative to people).

The temple aspect is evident in the climax of day seven when God restsan activity in a temple. The account can then be seen to be a seven-day inauguration of the cosmic temple, setting up its functions for the benefit of humanity, with God dwelling in relationship with his creatures. (163)

A little further on, and on a distinct but not wholly unrelated topic:

As Gerald Runkle writes in his book Good Thinking: It is the mark of stubborn and dogmatic persons to be oblivious to the need either to test their own beliefs or to recognize the successful tests that opposing beliefs have undergone. Copernicus caused widespread consternation when he suggested that the earth revolved around the sun. Though he had impressive evidence for his theory, it was received in ill humor by most religious groups. Martin Luther complained: People give ear to an upstart astrologer who strove to show that the earth revolved, not the heavens or the firmament, the sun and the moon. . . . This fool wishes to reverse the entire science of astronomy; but the sacred Scripture tells us that Joshua commanded the sun to stand still and not the earth. We must keep in mind that we are presumptuous if we consider our interpretations of Scripture to have the same authority as Scripture itself. Nobody is an infallible interpreter, and we must always stand ready to reconsider our interpretations in light of new information. We must not let our interpretations stand in the place of Scriptures authority and thus risk misrepresenting Gods revelation. We are willing to bind reason if our faith calls for belief where reason fails. But we are also people who in faith seek learning. What we learn may cause us to reconsider interpretations of Scripture, but need never cause us to question the intrinsic authority or nature of Scripture. (167-168)

John H. Walton is an emeritus professor at Wheaton College in Illinois who specializes in the Ancient Near Eastern background of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, with a special focus on the book of Genesis and its creation account, as well as on the interpretation of the book of Job. Among his many books are these, which have held a particular interest for me over the past little while

(2006). Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament .

(2009). The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate .

(2011). Genesis 1 as Ancient Cosmology .

With D. Brent Sandy (2013). The Lost World of Scripture: Ancient Literary Culture and Biblical Authority .

(2015). The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 23 and the Human Origins Debate.

Posted from Scottsdale, Arizona
It was today, the 5th of September, at 12:53pm (Eastern time), 2006, that I put up my very first blog post.

It was a Gary Snyder poem.

Lew Welch jut turned up one day,

live as you and me. Damn, Lew I said,

you didnt shoot yourself after all.

Yes I did he said,

and even then I felt the tingling down my back.

Yes you did, too I said  I can feel it now.

Yeah he said,

Theres a basic fear between your world and

mine. I dont know why.

What I came to say was,

teach the children about the cycle.

The life cycles. All the other cycles.

Thats what its all about, and its all forgot.

Gary Snyder Axe Handles

(San Francisco, North Point Press, 1983: p 7)

I was about to begin a sabbatical. I didnt know it at the time, but it would be the only sabbatical of my ministerial career. Colleagues told me that it would be nice to keep in touch with the congregation, the people who were footing the bill. And who, most of them, would never see a sabbatical themselves. Seemed a reasonable idea. And, then another colleague suggested perhaps starting up a blog.

I liked the idea. They were getting popular, and there were even free sites that one could use. I checked out several and settled on Blogger. For a name I decided to use the title for my church newsletter column. Itself chosen way back in 1989 when I was doing my parish internship at the First Unitarian Church of San Jose. They informed me I was writing a column and they wanted the title right then.

Monkey Mind immediately came to mind. Its a Buddhist term for the mind that jumps around like a monkey.

It has stuck all these years

My first impulse was sort of a day book. The same day I offered a second post. At 3:25pm I added a poem from the Unitarian minister and poet Lynn Ungar.

When Moses met God on the mountain

the first thing the Divine spoke of

was shoes. How are we to interpret this?

Where do you find God when

you have no mountains? Some say just

stand in the lowlands and call,

but you must be willing to take

whichever god might answer.

Whoever would save his life

will lose it, said the prophet,

who was harsh, but never cold.

Once, driving across the steaming

lake, something beckoned, but I

was too impressed by the possible

to follow. Sometimes, in the

low light it haunts me. It will

share neither face nor direction.

It mutters through its hot breath

something that sounds like shoes.

When I gave up high heels I heard

it fluttering around the window

for a month. Some nights I think

I will live into this obsession. Go

barefoot long before spring.

Some nights the voice blows in

from the Sound:

Take off what binds you.

You are standing on holy ground.

Lynn Ungar Blessing the Bread: Meditations

(Boston, Skinner House Books, 1996: pp 41-2

The next morning I kicked off with a quote from Joan Halifax.

Spirituality is difficult for us to touch because it flows to and from the invisible, fromlove and the mystery of death. It comes out of the meltdown that we know as love and compassion and the surrender that we know as death. It flows from the ground of our relationship, not only between human beings, but also between all beings, including mountains and rivers. It is often born from suffering, and it evokes within us compassion, which allows us to see through the eyes of innumerable beings.

Joan Halifax A Buddhist Life in America: Simplicity in the Complex

(New York, Paulist Press, 1998: pp 44-5)

I suspect this foreshadowed that while the old monkey mind would bounce around, it would also usually return to the issues of spirituality and religious life from a somewhat eclectic, broadly Unitarian informed Zen Buddhist perspective.

2006. That makes this the seventeenth anniversary of my blog.

So much water under the bridge. Eventually Patheos offered me a very tiny amount of money to move my blog to their portal and I accepted. I think today my blog is one of the oldest continuing blogs focused primarily on the Zen experience. Probably the same for being a Unitarian Universalist.

Since the blog began I moved from the church I was serving in the suburbs of Boston to one up on the hill overlooking Providence, Rhode Island. I retired from there. Jan & I then returned to our native California to be close to Jans mom. We also left the Boundless Way Zen community in New England to start a small mostly West coast collective called Empty Moon. Ive also kicked around consulting with UU churches in the greater LA area.

We lived for eight years in Long Beach in a lovely little condo. And recently have moved to Tujunga into Jans moms house to help her continue to live at home. Still finding our way, but its feeling a pretty good fit.

And, Ive been writing up a storm. Its been six years since my last book, Introduction to Zen Koans came out with Wisdom. Ive just signed a contract with Monkfish Books (the publishers of the really important Book of Householder Koans  which if youve not read, you should). So, I now am under contract for two books!

My sixth, due out in July, 2024, The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey with Shambhala Publications will be followed the next year, in the Fall of 2025, by my seventh book, the tentatively titled Zen at the End of Religion: An Introduction to an Ancient Path for the Spiritual but Not Religious with Monkfish Keeping busy for an old fart.

So, I think you can reasonably expect this blog to continue for at least a little while yet
Faith and prayer are weapons of spiritual as Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) finds herself facing off against the demon Valak in The Nun II, releasing Sept. 8 from New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. The evil entity, which first appeared in The Conjuring II, based on the case files of spiritual investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, reappears in France committing murders after the events of The Nun.

Taking the reins as director this time around is Michael Chaves (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It), who spoke about the importance of faith in the lives of the films characters.

Faith is so powerful for this series, he said. A lot of times in these stories, that faith is the armor that our characters wear and it is their weapon. It is the power.

Chaves, who was raised Catholic, said that although he has struggled in his faith and has faced questions, there is something wonderful about (faith), because the world can be so chaotic and so complicated. Being able to fall back on that is really reassuring.

He contrasted the two lead characters, Sister Irene (Farmiga) and Sister Debra (Storm Reid), who come together in different ways to fight the demon.

Our characters are each on their own journey of faith, he said. With Sister Debra, its literally just a question of belief. Shes a novitiate, basically a nun in training. And shes questioning the very the principles of her Catholic faith, about blessing the wine . . . And for Irene, its a much more personal question of faith. Its the faith that she has in herself and who she is and who she comes from. And theres questions of identity there. I think these are universal issues and I think people really connect with them.

On the eve of the release, Chavez said he feels somewhat like a father sending it off to college, sending it out into the world and sharing it with the world. Following in the footsteps of James Wan, the master of horror, a living legend, he says) and Corin Hardy (The Nun), an incredibly talented and great guy.

The film shot in the south of France at a small, rundown school that was hundreds of years old with two bathrooms and was very tiny. But what it lacked in amenities, he said, the site made up visually.

It was really beautiful, he said. It was hard to find an angle that was not beautiful in that country.

The Nun II, directed by Michael Chaves and starring Taissa Farmiga, Sister Irene, Storm Reid, Anna Popplewell, and Bonnie Aarons, releases Sept. 8 from New Line Cinema/Warner Bros.

Watch an interview with Michael Chaves and DeWayne Hamby below.
In January-June 2020, Rinat Akhmetovs SCM Group (SCM) businesses allocated about UAH 12.7 billion for capital investment and modernization in Ukraine, which is almost 25% more than in 2022.

According to the company's press release, investments were used in many directions.

Thus, in order to ensure the energy independence of Ukraine, the first stage of one of the most powerful wind farms in Eastern Europe, Tylihulska, began work in May. Exploration, construction and drilling work on gas fields were carried out.

To ensure the stable passage of the winter period, electric networks damaged by shelling have been modernized and repaired, power units of thermal power plants and their elements have been overhauled. Modern cleaning equipment has been installed and capital mine workings have been equipped. In addition, DTEK is planning Ukraine's first Smart Grid pilot project in the war-affected Kyiv region.

The capital investments of Metinvest Group were focused on the restoration and development of the security of enterprises in Ukraine's key metallurgical industry. Repairs of furnaces at Zaporizhstal and Kamet Steel, restoration of equipment at Kryvy Rih mining and processing plants, and most importantly, continued development of the production infrastructure of Pokrovskvuhillia, commissioning of new mine longwalls. Thanks to this, the enterprise, which is located in Donetsk region near the front line, was able, despite the war, to return to pre-war coal production.

In general, according to the results of January-June 2023, Ukrainian, associated and joint ventures of the SCM investment group paid UAH 29.3 billion in taxes and fees to the budgets of all levels. Of this amount, UAH 24.3 billion was transferred to the state budget. Contributions to local budgets amounted to about UAH 5 billion.

Some UAH 4.3 billion was spent on social programs. The largest expenses were programs for residents of the regions of presence, measures to improve labor safety and protect the environment.
The government has been urged to throw their weight behind Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that make efforts to instil reading culture in Ghanaian kids.



Speaking to Peace News, the President of the Ghana Publishers Association, Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah said just like the government spends money to build hospitals and other infrastructures, they must also consciously invest in building a reading culture amongst the citizenry, particularly, children who are the future leaders.



Mr Yamoah believes reading and literacy is something you deliberately learn and although corporate organizations and CSOs like World Vision and World Reader may be doing their best, it may not be enough without the governments support.



Mr Yamoah made this known following a breakfast conversation on International Literacy Day under the theme Promoting Literacy for A World In Transition; Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies. Making More Books Available to the Ghanaian Child.



At a speech read at the event, National Director, of World Vision Ghana, Laura Cristina Delvalle said 98% of grade 2 children in Ghana cannot read while half of this number cannot identify a single letter sound.



According to her a baseline survey by World Vision Ghana in 2021 found that only 3% of children in grade 2 can read with comprehension.



She said it is for this reason that World Vision Ghana is partnering with World Reader, Pencils of Promise, the Complementary Education Agency, UNESCO, the government through the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to improve child literacy and educational outcomes.



Regional Director for West Africa for World Reader, Lesley Tettey intimated that more has to be done to create a reading culture amongst children. He believes the school system should have Reading as a core on their period.



Mr Tettey said Reading Learning and Literacy are the window to the World and it must even start in the home where parents can create that culture for their kids.



He noted that World Reader is trying to make books readily available on their digital platforms for children to read.



He said theyre trying to work with the Telcos to as part of their Social Corporate Responsibility, provide zero-rated downloading for some of these books.

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 leading security expert in the country, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, has explained that there are other things that are of great worry to him than the possibilities of Ghana encountering a military coup.



He explained that Ghana appears to be a safe haven currently, amid the several coups that have threatened the sub-region, because of what appears to be institutions that are running well.



Dr. Antwi-Danso, who is the Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), added that this notwithstanding, Ghana should be wary of other internal security threats like ungoverned areas.



We are only safe because there is a semblance of the ballot to the next ballot. There is also a semblance of participation because of the way we do things; theres a semblance of institutional presence  institutions of state are working in Ghana. These are some of the things that are saving Ghana and making Ghana safe from coups.



But there are several other things we need to watch out: incessant feuds like tribal feuds and wars around us; we should be very careful about that. And again, ungoverned spaces  spaces where government is not felt. Dollar Power is one such place. Bawku and other areas where there are feuds, I fear that as insecurity on the state, rather than coups, he explained.



Speaking to Etsey Atisu on The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV on the subject of the state of Ghanas security in the face of the recent coups on Africa, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso stressed that Bawku is a place that must be carefully watched.



He explained that just like it happened in Mali, if care is not taken, any of the feuding factions in the town can move out to get support from any of the jihadist groups in the region to help in their fight.



This, he added, would not augur well for Ghana and should be carefully looked at since it can be worse than a coup detat.



Because, the Bawku situation, for example, can invite terrorists. In fact, Mali started off this way, with internecine feuds among the tribes and they invited Al Qaeda, then later on, other groups also invited ISIS and they have formed what is called ISWAP (ISIS in West African Province).



So, if we dont take care, one of the Bawku factions can invite any of the jihadists to come and help them. Im more afraid about these than a coup in Ghana, he added.







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
Five years after the Ghana Card was launched by the Government of Ghana, several Ghanaians are yet to receive or hold one for the many reasons and purposes it was inaugurated.



A Ghanaian, who has been pursuing the Ghana Card since 2021 has expressed her resentment towards the ups and downs she experiencing.



According to the citizen whose name was not disclosed, she has been visiting the NIA head office in Accra for two years but keeps having no success at the end of the day with no specific reason or excuse.



Ive been chasing it since 2021. This year is coming to an end and Im still chasing. They didnt give me a specific reason because the day I did it they actually told me to come the next day for the card. I went the next day, I didnt get the card. And since then, theyve been tossing me, she narrated.



The Ghana Card was launched in 2018 by the ruling New Patriotic Party.



President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who spearheaded it explained that the new Ghana Card was a great improvement over the previous one, and meets all international standards required of such identity documents.



For example, the national identity card has been enhanced to take advantage of new technologies such as tactile elements for the blind, chip embedding technology and iris capabilities in addition to taking all 10 fingerprints of an applicant, he said.





Some Ghanaians have expressed frustrations over the delay in getting their Ghana cards issued after months of application.



This comes after the NIA on Monday began phase two of the Ghana card registration for first-time applicants aged 15 years.@YalleyC reports.#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/eq8f0HHYRV  #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) September 5, 2023

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 new secret tape claimed to be the comprehensive tape containing the discussion on the purported plan to oust the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, from office has been made available to the parliamentary committee investigating the authenticity of the audio.



The source of the tape has, however, not been made known.



Per the testimonies of two of the witnesses who appeared before the committee  Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah and Superintendent George Asare  the tape being relied upon by the committee is doctored, cut and paste.



The two separately urged the committee to obtain the original tape from the President and the IGP.



Possible cross-examinations



Speaking to the press after a three-hour grilling of Supt Asare in Parliament yesterday, the Chairman of the committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, said, Now, we have the benefit of a tape on the assumption that it is authentic and the members of the committee will have to internalise that tape.



It will be transcribed and we will look at it to do proper analysis.



That will inform us about what to do, he said.



Mr Atta Akyea said due to national security implications, the committee would conduct what he described as a long in-camera hearing.



We will be guided strongly by the fact that this is not a simple exercise and not everything that should be to the general public as it will have implications for the nation.



If your name is on the tape and your role is significant and we are doing proper fact finding, it is automatic you have to appear before the committee, he said.



Petition



Mr Atta Akyea added that the committee, during its sitting yesterday, received a petition from senior police officers, but that the committee was yet to peruse the petition.



But trust us as a committee that there is nothing of consequence that we will brush aside.



It is going to be a comprehensive interrogation, and we will not block those who want to aid our fact finding, he added.



The chairman indicated that the committee had realised that some senior police officers had also taken the IGP to court in relation to their promotion.



So, I have instructed that they should first furnish us with the writ so that we know the content of what is pending in court, he said.



At the commencement of yesterdays hearing, the chairman asked Supt Asare if he admitted that his voice was on the tape.



The witness admitted that the voice on the tape is mine" but insisted that it was cut and paste which made the tape incomplete.



The tape that has been played here on three occasions is doctored, and the one who doctored it meant evil for a private and confidential conversation we had with Bugri Naabu, he said.



Supt Asare, however, resisted the temptation to divulge the sensitive details in public, referencing the security implications of his revelations, and urged the committee to allow him to testify in-camera.



He indicated that he also had the same intelligence that supported the assertion by COP Mensah that it was the IGP who collaborated with Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to tape the private conversation.



The IGP agreed with Bugri Naabu after he (Naabu) had gone to inform the IGP that somebody wants his post and had come to him to the extent that the CV that was collected from COP Mensah and sent to Bugri Naabu by those boys are prepared to come here and testify.



Bugri Naabu gave the CV that was intended for the appointing authority to the IGP, and I will be happy that I say more when I am in-camera, he said.

Supt Asare said after the tape had leaked, Mr Naabu erroneously called him Asante.



This Asante, per our intelligence, is a corporal or a sergeant who has been promoted to go the Police College to become Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and it was COP Mensah who made this same ASP to go to peacekeeping mission, he said.



How he met Bugri Naabu, Supt Asare, who has been with the police service for 27 years and now stationed at the Police Headquarters Protocol Department, identified the voices on the tape as that of himself, Commissioner of Police (COP) George Alex Mensah, and Bugri Naabu.



He, therefore, expressed surprise that Bugri Naabu would identify Supt Emmanuel Gyebi as the other person who featured in the conspiracy.



Supt Asare said on that fateful day, the three gentlemen had a meeting in Bugri Naabus office at Osu at the invitation of Bugri Naabu.



He said he got to know Bugri Naabu through his son, Prophet Emmanuel Teye Bugri Naabu, who was his friend and a spiritual father.



Supt Asare said he had three different conversations with Bugri Naabu in his office, with the first conversation occurring when Prophet Naabu asked him to accompany him to his fathers office.



When they got to the office, Prophet Naabu introduced him to Bugri Naabu who sought his assistance to redress a domestic issue with his househelp whom Supt Asare knew.



Following that, he said Bugri Naabu invited him to go to his house for a discussion that bordered on the NPPs intention to change the current IGP.



He said Bugri Naabu asked him (Supt Asare) if he knew any senior police officer he could recommend to replace Dr Dampare and I told him yes.



The witness said he then mentioned COP George Alex Mensah, whose credentials, particularly his academic qualifications, were highly respected among the rank and file of the police service.



He said Bugri Naabu said he knew COP Mensah since he had visited him at his house at Dansoman after some boys in Jubilee House brought him to his house.



Supt Asare quoted Bugri Naabu as saying it was some boys from the Jubilee House that brought him to his house and by his investigations, COP Mensah was on retirement.



I took time to let Bugri Naabu understand that COP Mensah is not on retirement and anybody that told him that is a liar.



COP Mensah is on his terminal leave pending retirement and that does not mean he is on retirement, he said.



Malice



With Bugri Naabu asking him to recommend other possible police officers who could also replace the IGP, Supt Asare told the committee that he went ahead to also mention COP Ernest Owusu, COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah and COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno.



On June 19, 2023 at about 2.13 p.m., Bugri Naabu called me that there is some good news so I should come with COP Mensah but I asked him to call him since he has his number, the witness said.



Supt Asare said Bugri Naabu went on to call COP Mensah 12 consecutive times, with the last call at 5.57 p.m.



Chief Bugri Naabu still wanted to see me and I never knew there was any malice.



I thought that just as he called me some time ago to his house, I must go and listen to him.



When I started walking away, I had a call from COP Mensah, my boss, who asked me where I was and that they  Bugri Naabu and COP Mensah  were waiting for me, he told the committee.



On reaching the house, Supt Asare said the two were already engaged in a conversation and Bugri Naabu sought his opinion on the IGP, which he obliged.



Nobody contracted me to lobby



When his opinion was sought on how the IGP was appointed, Supt Asare said the appointment of the IGP was the sole prerogative of the President in consultation with the Council of State.



Asked if it was right to lobby for the IGP position, the witness said lobbying had been with man from antiquity but I have not lobbied for anything before.



He denied ever being contracted by anybody to lobby on their behalf, including COP Mensah.



Questioned about what role he felt Bugri Naabu could play in facilitating the appointment of an IGP, he said Bugri Naabu, a politician and National Council member of the NPP, told him during their meeting that he recommended the current IGP to the President.



The meeting we had with Bugri had nothing to do with politics at all but he told us that there could be a possible change in the top hierarchy in the police service and it could be possible COP Mensah could get the nod, he said, saying that whether he was lying or not I cannot tell.



Granted that COP Mensah will be given the nod, I will be happy since every policemans dream, like a politician, is they will be an IGP one day.



So, if a Police Commissioner who joined the service as a chartered accountant becomes the IGP, he will be happy and some of us who have worked under him and know his capabilities will also be happy, he said.



Ill comment on IGP in-camera



A member of the committee, Patrick Yaw Boamah, asked the witness to confirm or deny the accusation made by COP Mensah against the IGP on the grounds that he was mismanaging the Ghana Police Service.



Responding, Supt Asare declined to comment publicly about the IGPs performance but assured the committee that he was ready to do so in-camera.

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
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called for a strategic overhaul of Ghana's structures to ensure the nation is equipped for a forward-looking future.



Addressing a captivated audience at the International Advertising Associations (IAA) 6th Africa Rising Conference on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the critical need for Ghana to adopt innovative and adaptable structures, drawing parallels between the nation's evolution and the strategies employed by corporate brands navigating a changing landscape.



Speaking on the theme "Building Future-Ready Brands," the Minister stressed that just as corporate brands must define their purpose, we as a nation, must also articulate our overarching purpose. He said this process requires confronting difficult questions and making bold decisions, one that must ensure the benefit of the country.



Just as we are asking corporate brands to introspect and answer these critical questions to shape their purpose and be future ready, we as a nation must do the same. Whether a corporate or a nation brand, to be future ready, these are some of the difficult considerations we must make.



And when we are done, we must be bold to shed off some things we have done for a while. We must take the tough decisions to take new paths without regard to whose ox is gored so that we stand a better chance of being ready for the future rather than champions of the past, he said.



He underscored the need for the nation to prioritize forward-thinking over being champions of the past, emphasizing that the path to a future-ready "Brand Ghana" demands courage and a willingness to challenge the status quo urging that this transformation must occur without regard to whose interests may be affected.



"We work for Brand Ghana, not political parties, religious groups, or ethnic divisions," Oppong Nkrumah declared. He stressed the importance of defining a unified purpose for Brand Ghana that resonates with all citizens, not just a select few.



"We must do better at setting out and upholding a set of norms that all of us, not some, will live by," the Minister said. He emphasized values such as community, integrity, responsibility, and entrepreneurship, urging a collective commitment to these principles, he said.

The conference featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Chairman and World President of the IAA, Sasan Saeidi, President of the Advertising Association of Ghana, Andrew Ackah, CEO of X3M IDEAS, Steve Babaeko, Co-founder and MD of Zeepay, Andrew Takyi-Appiah, and other notable dignitaries.



Since its inception in 2015, the Africa Rising conference has been a pivotal event on the MarCom calendar across the continent, drawing influential marketing communications professionals from Africa and around the world. With 5 successful editions since its launch and consistently attracting over 400 participants annually, Africa Rising has been a leading force in nurturing a dynamic MarCom industry across Africa while advancing the IAA's agenda in the region.

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
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana, in collaboration with the Inter-regional Coordination Centre (ICC) for Managing Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea

Maritime Domain in Yaounde, Cameroon, is assembling senior level women in maritime security to deliberate on the role and contribution of women in maritime security across West and Central Africa, from 5-7 September in Yaounde, Cameroon. Women play a vital role in the maritime sector, but they are often underrepresented and face significant challenges.



This meeting is the second in a series aimed at harnessing the contribution of women in maritime security governance. The first such meeting was held in Cotonou, Benin, 19-20 July 2023. Maritime security is about the governance of our ocean waters away from issues and events that threaten safety and security of resources in the sea but also operations including maritime transportation and fishing.



At the same time, the sea has been a reliable space for criminals transporting prohibited goods such as narcotic drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine but also trafficking and smuggling of human beings.



Others such as pirates, also target container cargo vessels carrying the goods that we use on land on a daily basis. The attacks on vessels by pirates has effects on the prices we pay for imported goods such

as sugar and clothing because, marine insurance companies would raise their premium because attacks by pirates means such waters are not safe for marine transportation. All such costs are passed on to end-users of imported goods in the form of high commodity prices.



Meanwhile, in each country, governments have dedicated agencies tasked with ensuring safety and security in their oceanic waters. Such agencies include the Navy, Customs, Immigration police, Maritime authorities, port authorities among many other agencies.



The maritime sector has traditionally been male-dominated, with limited representation of women in leadership positions. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the invaluable contributions that women can make in the maritime industry, particularly in the field of maritime security.



Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that contribute to effective decision-making, innovation, and the overall advancement of the maritime sector. Women leaders in maritime security play a vital role in addressing various challenges faced by the industry, including piracy, maritime terrorism, illicit trafficking, and environmental threats.



Therefore, 40 women from state agencies will join academic institutions, private sector agencies and civil society organisations across West and Central African Countries to attend the high-level consultative meeting in Yaounde.



Over three days, the meeting will discuss strategies to advance women's empowerment in the maritime sector, including:



 Sharing experiences and best practices related to women's participation in the maritime industry;

 Exploring ways to enhance access to education, training, and mentorship opportunities for women in maritime careers;

 Identifying and addressing barriers that hinder women's advancement in maritime careers;

 Strengthening regional cooperation and partnerships to promote women's empowerment in maritime industries; and

 Developing and promoting gender-responsive policies and legislation to support women's advancement in the maritime sector.



For an overall context, the meeting is part of activities of a 5-year joint maritime security project of the KAIPTC and the Government of Denmark for littoral states along the Gulf of Guinea in West and Central Africa. The above-mentioned project is titled:

Integrated Responses to Threats to Maritime Safety and Security in the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Domain in West and Central Africa (2022-2026).



Again at the forthcoming meeting, the initial findings of a women in maritime practice guide which has been commissioned by the above-mentioned project, will be discussed for further input by the participants.



The participants are drawn from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote dIvoire and also, associations of women in maritime security in the various countries, the ICC and the Central African regional observation and monitoring Centre in Pointe Noire, Congo.

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
Police in Kumasi have arrested a 26-year-old man, William Cyril Cohen, for allegedly posing as a medical practitioner at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).



The suspect was said to be loitering around the hospital, posing as a doctor of medicine and admitting patients and administering drugs.



The police arrested William Cyril Cohen yesterday while attending to a patient who had been admitted to the emergency ward.



DAILY GUIDE gathered that when confronted by a senior medical officer, William Cyril Cohen allegedly became agitated and attempted to flee, but was captured by hospital security.



The police have since commenced investigations into the case and asked authorities at KATH to cooperate with them.



Meanwhile, the suspect was seen in a social media video wearing a ward uniform while being taken by hospital security, who eventually turned him over to police.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has given an assurance that justice will be served to victims of the Menzgold saga.



He said the efficiency of a countrys justice system was tested particularly by the speed and efficiency with which cases seeking to hold high-profile members of society to account, as well as top financial crimes, were conducted.



Consequently, he said: We need to punish corruption and other forms of economic crime through a fair, honest and efficient justice system.



He said people paid their life savings to the suspects in the case, resulting in losses worth millions of dollars, and in some cases loss of lives, adding that the misery and distress caused to many homes nearly unleashed a social crisis as riots and demonstrations broke out on the streets of Accra and other parts of the country.



In reality, people lost their homes, and some marriages even broke up as a result of the Menzgold saga. I am happy to state that after painstaking investigations, criminal prosecution has commenced against the perpetrators. At last, by the grace of God, justice will be served to victims of those dastardly acts, Mr Dame said in a keynote address at the 40th Cambridge Symposium on Economic Crime at the University of Cambridge in the UK yesterday.



It was his third appearance at the forum, which was christened: Integrity, and his second as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.



It was attended by Members of the House of Commons, attorney-generals and heads of law enforcement organisations from various countries.



Mr Dames assurance to the public comes in the wake of the new 39 charges instituted against the Founder of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah, aka Nam1, who remains the key character in the controversial financial investment scheme.



Although the firm was shut in 2018, prosecutions around the matter have dragged on, featuring a list of adjournments until the latest charges.



Manifestation



In the address which discussed a wide range of issues, the Attorney-General said the manifestation of economic crimes were increasingly getting complex because of various actions by professional enablers whose conduct bordered on unethical behaviour.



Those behaviours, he said, included breaches of procedures, violation of laws, laundering, creation of shell companies, opaque financial systems and concealment of illicit wealth.



The intricacy and multidimensional nature of economic crime, undoubtedly, enjoin us to have a network of gatekeepers such as lawyers, bankers, real estate agents, insurance service providers and luxury service providers who are bound up by strong rules of ethics and accountability. A free, progressive and equitable society requires a world with men and women of integrity, he said.



Mr Dame said the creation of a clean, transparent and accountable financial environment was dependent on structures and systems anchored in integrity.



The deployment of sophisticated schemes to circumvent procedures and facilitate the commission of crime and other kinds of improper conduct in the global financial space, he said, brought into sharp focus questions of ethics and integrity.



He said a robust legal system, underpinned by the rule of law, went hand in hand with economic prosperity as it bolstered the confidence of the people and deterred wrongdoing.



Inconsistent claims



Mr Dame said that the detection of false or inconsistent claims by contractors was hampered by the illicit protection extended by public procurement officers otherwise mandated to detect and revise them.



The most chilling, and perhaps shocking case of insider dealing, he said, was witnessed when a former head of the Public Procurement Authority was implicated in what was notoriously dubbed Contracts for Sale.



As the head of the procurement authority, he was alleged to have established a company in which he held majority shares and which also actively bid for government contracts. This company was alleged to usually win the contracts, which were then sold to other contractors at a higher price, he said.



Mr Dame said the revelation of those acts promptly resulted in the termination of his employment by the President, and a withdrawal of his membership of various professional institutions and subsequent prosecution, which remained ongoing.



The record, he said, also showed a trial of other cases involving insider dealings in various courts in the country.



Ghana



Ghana, Mr Dame said, had continued to have its fair share of threats to its financial and economic sector and that in his role as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, he had come to understand that any serious endeavour to fight economic crimes must be firmly rooted in the establishment of systems for its deterrence, undertaking of smooth investigations where same occurred, and a sound vehicle for prosecution and punishment in a fair and efficient manner.



Those systems, he said, had a close connection with the peculiarities of the Ghanaian society.



In Ghana, public procurement plays a preeminent role in the development of the nation. At the same time, public sector corruption evokes strong emotions. In view of this, the nation has enacted a set of rules, from the Constitution of the country to specific laws in the financial sector, founded on the principles of integrity, to regulate procurement in the public sector and to curb abuse and insider trading, he said.



Thus, he said, public servants were forbidden by Article 284 of the Constitution from placing themselves in situations where their personal interests interfered with or were likely to interfere with the discharge of their duties.



One piece of legislation that is directly intended to prevent economically motivated crimes and the abuse of office is the Public Procurement Act of 2003 (Act 663).

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
Stanbic Bank Ghana, one of the leading financial institutions has donated two cheques totalling GHC 80,000 to support the 2023 Asogli Te Za (Festival) and its Educational Fund. The donation took place at a brief ceremony on Saturday, September 2nd in Ho.



Part (GHC 50,000) of the amount donated is to support the Asogli Educational Fund, instituted by Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia, who marks 20 years of his coronation this year.



Mr Kojo Larbi, Manager, of Communications at Stanbic Bank said the entity and the Asogli state have had a fruitful relationship, which had given them mileage as a business and ever ready to protect it.



He said the establishment of the Asogli Education Fund resonates with the ideals of the Bank in Education, tourism and Agriculture and the support is to assist in that direction, having the youth in mind.



Mr Larbi said: We congratulate Togbe Afede XIV, the Asogli State Council, and all the wonderful people whose tireless efforts have made Te Za such a notable festival on the tourism calendar of Ghana. Asogli Te Za is a visual spectacle rooted in all that is beautiful about Ghanaian culture. Ghana is our home; and we drive her growth. To ensure this, we at Stanbic Bank direct our efforts to the shared benefit of our clients, our people and our society. As a people-centred organisation that believes in creating positive experiences in every interaction with our communities, Stanbic is committed to supporting the development of culture in Ghana by participating in festivals like Te za, and through other initiatives aimed at growing arts and tourism in the country



He added that Stanbic as a member of the community, see the Yam Festival as an opportunity to not only support a beautiful heritage but also, to fulfil one of their cardinal principles: to connect with the good people of Ho and the surrounding communities.



As they continue seeking new ways to make dreams possible, Stanbic Bank is keen to support STEM education in the country since that is the bedrock for advancement in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, hence the GHS50,000 support for the Educational Fund.



Togbe Afede in a remark thanked their benefactor for the donation at a crucial day of fulfilment with the gods of the land and feasting on the new yam.



He said Stanbic Bank was the first to honour the invitation for support towards the 2023 Te Za and coming on a special day of Dzawuwu and to taste the new yam. We count and continue to count on Stanbic Bank, now and in the future.

Togbe Afede acknowledged that the course of Asogli is not for the people of the State alone but for God and the country.

He said: We look forward to greater strengthened collaboration and relationship for the good of the people and businesses.



The Agbogbomefia paid glowing tribute to past and present managers of Stanbic Bank, whom he has personal and business relations with.



This years yam festival and instalment anniversary is on the theme 20 Years of Selfless and Inspiring Leadership, is to be spiced up with an anti-corruption day celebration, a youth forum, Womens Day, Environment Day as well as a summit of Ewe traditional leaders in West Africa.

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
Almost half of the voters in Vinnytsia region (47.4%) would support Vladimir Zelensky in the presidential election. These are the data of the sociological research conducted by the company Active Group on August 29  September 2, 2023.

Assessing the direction of development of the country, the region and their city residents of Vinnytsia region believe that the country as a whole is developing in the right direction. The option Completely true was chosen by 22.4% of respondents, Rather true  32.4%. Rather wrong was chosen by 18.6%, Completely wrong  10.1%, 16.5% found it difficult to answer the question. 19.3% of respondents believe that the situation is developing in the right direction in Vinnytsia region, 41.3% believe that this statement is Rather true. 18,3% are convinced that this statement is Rather wrong, and 7,8% chose the option  Completely wrong. Another 13.3% chose the option  Difficult to answer. At the same time, only 18.6% agreed with the option that their city (OTG) is developing in the right direction, and another 33.9% agreed with the option that this is happening Rather true. The answer  Rather wrong was chosen by 21.6%, Completely wrong  by 14.3%. 11.6% chose the option I find it difficult to answer.

Answering the question Which civilian structure, in your opinion, makes the greatest efforts to implement defense measures? 39.6% of respondents are fully convinced that it is the OBA. 10.2% believe that it is the regional Rada, 18.1% believe that it is the Rada of the territorial community. 15,5%  none of these structures, 16,6% find it difficult to answer.

Regarding the awareness of the activity of local officials, 74.1% of respondents have heard about the activity of the OBA (Serhiy Borzov), 43.2%  about the activity of the chairman of the territorial community, 30.8%  about the activity of the regional council (Vyacheslav Sokolovyy)

To the question  Which of these people, in your opinion, most influences the situation in Vinnytsia region? 63.2% answered that it is Serhiy Borzov, 41.1%  Volodymyr Groysman, 25.2%  Petro Poroshenko, 22.3%  Vyacheslav Sokolovyy.

The distribution of answers to the question  In your opinion, which of them primarily represents the interests of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky? was as follows: Serhiy Borzov  52.4%, Vyacheslav Sokolovyy  5.4%, Chairman of the OTG  8.3%, Peoples Deputy from our district  7.6%, none of them  10.3%, the other  2.6%, I find it difficult to answer  13.4%.

The assessment of the leaders of trust on a ten-point scale was as follows: Sergei Borzov  6.23 points, Irina Borzova  5.82 points, Larisa Bilozir  5.16 points, Nikolai Kucher  4.93 points, Sergei Morgunov  4.8 points.

On the question  Which of these people would you vote for, if the election of the President of Ukraine were held in the near future and the following candidates were running?, the leaders of the election race would be in Vinnytsia region as follows: Volodymyr Zelensky  47.4% among all respondents. Petro Poroshenko  10.7%. Serhiy Pritula  7.8%. Dmytro Razumkov  3.3% Yulia Tymoshenko  3.2%. Igor Smeshko  2.4%. Oleksiy Arestovich  2.0%. Oleg Lyashko  1.5%. Oleg Tyahnybok  1.1%. Volodymyr Boyko  0.6%. Would look for someone else  6.2%. Would spoil the ballot  1.0%. Would not go to the elections  3.9%. I find it difficult to answer  8.8%.

The situation is as follows by party: Servant of the People  33.4% among all respondents. European Solidarity  10.5%. Groismans Ukrainian strategy  9.2%. August 24  3.4%. Batkivshchyna  3.5%. Reasonable policy  2.8%. Strength and Honor  2.0%. Freedom  1.5%. Voice  1.3%. Other  2.2%. Would spoil the ballot  1.8%. Would not go to the polls  6.7%. I find it difficult to answer  18.8%.

As for the sources of information, 56.5% of Vinnichi residents would get it from Facebook, 37.5%  from Telegram, 34.8%  from the central television, 29.2%  from personal acquaintances or relatives, 27.8%  from Viber, 26.2%  from Instagram, 21.8%  from YouTube. Other sources of information received less than 20% of the respondents votes.

The full presentation with the results of the research can be downloaded at the link.

The research was carried out by the company Active Group. Survey method: personal formalized interview (face-to-face). General population: men and women over 18 years old living in Vinnytsia region. Sample: 2043 questionnaires (representative by age, gender and type of settlement). Data collection period: August 29  September 2, 2023.

Source
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah has queried critics who accuse Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of being an establishment candidate.



Opponents of the Vice President in the NPP Presidential race suggest that Dr. Bawumia is receiving preferential treatment and support from high-ranking members within the party and government.



It may be recalled that Mr Boakye Agyarko claimed Dr. Bawumia is a candidate the Jubilee House and everyone supports . . . "I was asked if there was an establishment candidate, meaning a candidate the Jubilee House and everyone supports and I replied in the affirmative, that indeed that candidate was Vice President Bawumia.



Simon Osei Mensah speaking in a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' suggested even if the claim is true, there's nothing wrong with it.



" . . I've heard people talking about establishment candidate; he (Bawumia) was given the opportunity to serve and he took advantage of that to promote himself and because of that he has a lot of following. Let's even say the establishment candidate factor is true, is it wrong? If the President sees him (Bawumia) capable why not; assuming the establishment candidate is true . . . I don't see anything wrong with that. But in this case, he (Bawumia) worked hard on his own to get to where he is," he averred.



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
Superintendent George Asare, a senior police officer implicated in the plot to remove Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has made a shocking revelation during his appearance before a parliamentary committee investigating the matter.



Asare disclosed that former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, recommended the use of Mallams (spiritualists) to aid their efforts in removing the IGP both physically and spiritually.



Asare testified that Bugri Naabu proposed the involvement of three Mallams to help them in their mission.

The former NPP chairman allegedly provided examples of instances where he had offered spiritual assistance to individuals seeking higher positions. Although Asare objected to the idea, Bugri Naabu insisted on seeking spiritual aid to achieve their goal.



Denying any personal interest in lobbying for the position of IGP, Asare revealed that it was Bugri Naabu who initiated the conversation.



In the private conversation, Naabu purportedly emphasized the need to fight both physically and spiritually. Asare recollected Bugri Naabu mentioning specific Imams who could offer prayers and suggested three Mallams, some of whom resided in the North and others in Bugri Naabus village.



Asare expressed frustration over the leaked audio, claiming that the tape had been doctored to remove his objection to involving Mallams.



He believed that the individual responsible for altering the recording had malicious intentions by selectively editing the content to malign him.



The parliamentary committee investigating the alleged plot to oust IGP Dampare is expected to further examine the revelations made by Superintendent Asare.



The leaked tape and Superintendent Asares testimony have raised concerns over potential unlawful activities involving Bugri Naabu, and highlighted the need for a thorough investigation.



The involvement of spiritual means in political matters has also sparked debate among the public, as many believe such practices should have no place in the democratic process.



The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has not commented on the developments surrounding the leaked tape and Bugri Naabus alleged involvement.



The investigation by the parliamentary committee is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has said former President John Mahamas comment of appointing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawyers onto the bench is a deem to Ghanas democracy.



Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban Monday September 4, 2023 the Senior Programs Officer at CDD-Ghana, Paul Aborampah Mensah stated that comments by the former President will not help the constitutional regime.



It is a dim to Ghanas democracy, it is a dim for our fight for equality of law under our constitutional regime. It is dim for justice for all. If I hear politicians and especially people who have held the highest position on our land saying this. Then probably they are trying to tell us the experiences theyve had and probably the kind of structures they had when they were in office, Mr. Aborampah Mensah stated.



He said when the NPPs invisible forces invaded the court in Kumasi CDD condemned that incident.



Background



Former President John Mahama has stated that President Akufo-Addos administration has packed the Ghanaian courts in order to avoid accountability when they leave office.



Addressing the closing session of the 3rd Lawyers Conference organized by NDC Lawyers Association at Akosombo in the Eastern region, Mr. Mahama disclosed that some of these lawyers President Akufo-Addo has leapfrogged on the bench are known political persons.



Our lawyers, some of you must be prepared to go unto the bench, I know that some of you have very lucrative legal practices you will not want to leave and go onto the bench. But you can see what the current President has done, he appointed the largest number of judges onto the bench. More than 80 towards hundred and counting.



Hes packed the court and we know that theyve packed the court because they want to avoid accountability after they have left office. So all manner of people who have been known to be partisan, to have been executives of their party who are in the legal profession have been leapfrogged onto the Superior courts and other places, Mr. Mahama stated.

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
A former National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has responded to former President John Dramani Mahama's allegations that President Akufo-Addo is appointing judges aligned with the NPP to the bench to influence decisions in their favour.



According to him, John Mahama lacks the moral right to make such accusations, given his party's historical appointments within the judiciary.



This comes after the former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of appointing NPP-aligned persons as judges into the judiciary.



After making this claim, Mahama added when he wins power come 2024, he will also appoint NDC-aligned judges to counter what the President has done.



Reacting to this, Freddie Blay noted that there have been instances where members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) transitioned into roles within the judiciary.



As a result, the former president has no moral grounds to make such statements.



Listen, you mentioned that I have been around for a while. I was in parliament when somebody who was a member of parliament for the NDC after he was butchered out of parliament, he applied and he joined the judiciary, he is still a member of the NDC, he said.



The former National Chairman also cited examples of judges he believes hold affiliations with the NDC, suggesting that the practice is not unique to the NPP.



There is a Dormaa High Court judge, solidly, he speaks for the NDC. His opinions are obvious and he speaks for the NDC. All his utterances indicate that he supports the NDC.



That is not all, I knew a man who is now on retirement. He was also an MP during my time, he was also recruited onto the bench, and he was an NDC. I dont want to mention names here, he stated.



For him, there are many Ghanaians with strong moral standing who have sought positions within the judiciary.



I am saying that there are quite a number of individuals, Ghanaians who have indicated that they want to enter the bar. They are not criminals, they are people of integrity based on which they have been promoted to the bench, he added.









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 described as "childish" the allegations leveled against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in connection with a plot by some of his senior officers to remove him.



Broaching the purported scheme by COP Alex Mensah and a colleague officer, Superintendent George Asare, to remove the IGP who they accuse of having political affiliation with the opposition National Democratic Congress.



The allegations were captured on a leaked tape that is currently before a Parliamentary Committee probing the matter.



COP Alex Mensah and his colleague are before the Parliamentary Committee charged with the responsibility to investigate the leaked tape and during interrogations, the former maintained that the IGP is "not correct" and mistreating junior Police officers, hence feared the officers may exhibit apathy during the 2024 elections.



COP Mensah, who on the tape was discussing the removal of the IGP with the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Daniel Bugri Naabu, alleged that the IGP is in bed with the NDC to spoil the chances of the ruling party in winning next year's elections.



When he appeared before the Committee, he stood by some of his accusations and alluded to the pockets of chaos that characterized the Assin North by-election that saw an NDC candidate, James Gyakye Quayson, re-elected into Parliament to represent the Assin North constituency.



During the turn of the Supt. George Asare before the Committee, he disclosed Bugri Naabu had recommended the use of Mallams (spiritualists) to aid their efforts in removing the IGP both physically and spiritually.



But to Nana Akomea, these allegations have no logical basis.



He wondered how the IGP could influence the outcome of elections in the country.



"We all know that there is no logical basis for such allegation. Infact, it is childish. How can the IGP determine the outcome of an election?...If the IGP [Inspector General of Police] can determine the outcome of an election, no ruling party would lose elections in this country because every IGP is appointed by the ruling party," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.



Nana Akomea was utterly alarmed that these senior officers would conspire against the IGP.



"As COPs, you should have access to the Police Council or the Ministry of Interior if you have a genuine case" against the IGP "if indeed the IGP is doing something that brings the Police administration into disrepute," he blasted the accusers.





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 Akomea has rubbished the allegations that Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, will influence the 2024 elections in favor of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



A Parliamentary Committee has launched a probe into allegations by senior Police officers, COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare that the IGP is working against the ruling New Patriotic Party to lose the general elections.



The officers were captured in a viral leaked audio recording accusing the IGP of many things including he being a sympathizer of the NDC which fuels their fear that Dr. Dampare may influence the outcome of the election.



But Nana Akomea, speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show, has ridiculed these assertions.



He found it impossible for Dr. Dampare to influence an election in Ghana, asking "how can the IGP determine the outcome of an election?"



To him, it makes no sense for a person to think that the IGP can determine how an election turns out.



"There is no logical basis for such allegation. Infact, it is childish," he stressed, adding "if the IGP [Inspector General of Police] can determine the outcome of an election, no ruling party would lose elections in this country because every IGP is appointed by the ruling party".



Watch video below





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
Kumawood actress, Sandra Ababio has disclosed that she got pregnant by a 50-year-old man when she was 22.



According to her, one Kay, a friend of her brother broke her virginity at 20. She revealed that she dated him for a while before she cheated on him with the old man who got her pregnant.



She made the revelation on The Delay Show, which was aired on Sunday, September 3, 2023, when she spoke about her private life.



I met someone called Kay; I got to know him through my elder brother because they were friends. I was 20 at the time and he was the one who broke my virginity. After he broke my virginity, I changed and started living my life, having fun, she disclosed.



She continued that it was at that moment she met the old man.



He showed interest in me and I said yes to him. I was still with Kay, cheating on him with the man and he [Kay] could call me on the phone expressing fury but I wouldnt be bothered.



The man impregnated me. He was in Ghana after sixteen years of living in London. He was a mature man, almost 50 years old. He told me hes not married, she indicated.



Sandra said the man had been showing interest in me but I wasnt giving him the attention. He seemed to have told some elderly men how he felt about me so whenever I went out to buy something, I would be told he had communicated his feelings to them. They would send me to deliver items to the man and that was how I got pregnant for him.



She explained that she later discovered that the man lied to her.



It was when I got pregnant that he told me he couldnt marry me because he wasnt divorced. He had come to do knocking after he impregnated me and I stayed with him at his house at Regimanuel Estate. We stayed under the same roof for about six years, she said.



She concluded that she had a daughter and she is 15 years old now. She is also no longer with the father of her daughter.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
UPDATE: Alert employees help unravel Harrisburg-based scheme that cost banks nearly $2 million

Three more men have been charged with playing a significant role in a theft ring that involved impersonating bank employees to steal roughly $1.8 million from central Pennsylvanians, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Jaire Cotton, 22, of Harrisburg; Lavon Whittaker, 22, of Harrisburg; and Zyaire Monserrat, 22, of Steelton, were part of a scheme involving at least 11 people that targeted banks in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York counties, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

These three defendants allegedly played significant roles in this far-reaching scheme to steal from Pennsylvanians and banks, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a Wednesday news release. My office, along with investigators with Pennsylvania State Police, are committed to holding accountable everyone involved in this elaborate conspiracy.

Two other men  Tyreese Lewis, of Harrisburg, and 19-year-old Carl A. Gonzalez, of Highspire  were previously charged with leading the elaborate theft ring.

Court documents filed against Lewis and Gonzalez said the men used social media to advertise and recruit people to deposit stolen money into their bank accounts for a portion of the profits.

Gonzalez and Lewis used Instagram, Snapchat and Telegram to contact people with Members 1st Federal Credit Union accounts  and accounts with other banking institutions  telling them they could make money by linking their accounts to Cash App and then withdrawing funds Gonzalez would deposit, court documents said.

Prosecutors said Cotton, Whittaker and Monserrat withdrew money from accounts or used stolen debit cards to buy gift cards, which they then used for purchases at department/apparel stores and gas stations. Many gift cards were redeemed for cash, according to the attorney generals office.

All identity theft-related crimes cause significant financial stress for the victims, and often have long-term repercussions taking months, if not years, to rectify, Pennsylvania State Police Capt. James Cuttitta said in Wednesdays news release.

The investigation is ongoing, prosecutors said, and additional charges are expected.

Staff reporter Madison Montag contributed to this report.

READ MORE:

Harrisburg area men offered to teach illegal scams that netted them $1.8 million, police say

Coroner IDs pedestrian killed while crossing central Pa. intersection

Death of man hit at Harrisburg intersection ruled a homicide
The names suggested for the new female Stellers sea eagle at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh have been narrowed down to four.

Members of the public can vote on the names - a $5 donation counts as five votes.

The final four names are - Aurora, Juneau, Sitka and Stella.

She arrived at the aviary a few months ago as a partner to the male, Kodiak, also called Kody. He has been at the aviary for 17 years.

She and Kody, the aviary said, have continued to thrive and acclimate with one another. They are in a public-facing habitat in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall.

Stellers sea eagles are magnificent birds, but their numbers in the wild are declining. AZA collaborative breeding programs ensure the entire Stellers sea eagle population remains healthy and genetically diverse for the long-term future, said Kurt Hundgen, senior director of animal care and conservation programs for the National Aviary.

We are seeing positive signs that they are content and comfortable together. We hope this pair will raise chicks to boost the Stellers sea eagle population.

Kody is kind of well known. The charismatic bird accidentally got out of his habitat in 2021 and escaped. Because the community was so instrumental in helping bring Kody home, we want the community to be involved with naming his potential new mate.

The winning name will be announced at the end of September. The person that suggested the name will be given a chance to win an encounter with an owl or falcon at the National Aviary.

The final four names suggested by the animal care staff have different meanings.

Aurora, the aviary said, is An homage to the Aurora Borealis, or The Northern Lights. They can be seen in several locations around the world including Estonia, where she was hatched.

Juneau, the capital of Alaska

Sitka, A city on an island near Kodiak, Alaska - the inspiration for Kodys name.

And, Stella, which refers to the name of the species

A donation of $5 equates to five votes while a donation of $10 is worth 12 votes.

The aviarys newest seasonal theme, Forests, was inspired it said, by the natural habitat of the female Stellers sea eagle.

Guests will be transported to the dense greenery of North America and the steamy rainforests found around the globe without ever leaving Pittsburgh. Discover how apex predators, like Kody and his potential new mate, as well as raptors who migrate through Pennsylvania, like a Golden Eagle, help shape a forest habitat during the brand-new daily activity, Eagles of the Forest Talk, included with admission.

At the Tropical Rainforest, guests can see the Hyacinth Macaws perched in front of a 15-foot waterfall. At Canarys Call, are the National Aviarys newest (and fluffiest) flock members: three adorable Crested Wood-partridge chicks, a species native to lowland rainforests.

Add-on experiences include feeding a Rainbow Lorikeet (a lesser-known forest bird), or witnessing a Bald Eagle fly overhead as it demonstrates its incredible superpowers in the fan-favorite live immersive bird show, Habitat Heroes presented by AAA Travel. Get even closer to birds in an Animal Encounter with a forest-favorite, such as an owl.

Two upcoming special events are African Penguin Awareness Day (wear black and white) on Oct. 14 and the popular Owl-O-Ween, Oct. 21-22.
LAKELAND, Florida  A Florida sheriffs deputy has lost his job after he fled from a traffic stop early Sunday morning, taking other deputies on a chase that hit speeds of 130 mph and also trying to hit a patrol car, all while driving drunk, authorities say.

Jakob Kite, 22, was hired by the Polk County Sheriffs Office as a detention deputy trainee in February 2020 and became a deputy in April, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. He now faces charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence, resisting with violence, fleeing to elude, leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, reckless driving, and DUI.

He resigned from the sheriffs office after his arrest.

The chase started after Kites vehicle, a Subaru Impreza, first was clocked on radar traveling at 105 mph in a 60 mph zone, then moments later clocked by another deputy going between 114 and 117 mph, the news release says.

Deputies began chasing and trying to catch up to the vehicle, the news release says. During the chase, the Subaru reportedly was clocked going 130 mph in a 45 mph zone. When deputies caught up to the vehicle, they turned on their patrol cars emergency lights and sirens but Kite refused to stop, the news release says.

The vehicle reportedly went through a stop sign and hit a concrete median, then at one point swerved toward a patrol car in an aggressive manner, but did not make contact.

The chase continued until a deputy was able to use his vehicle to cause the Subaru to spin and stop, the news release says. The sheriffs office says Kite initially refused to get out of his vehicle, but eventually surrendered.

This kind of driving and reckless behavior is unacceptable for any responsible citizen, let alone a deputy sheriff, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement. It is hard to describe how disappointed and angry I am toward Kites dangerously stupid behavior. Had he not resigned, he would have been fired.

We will absolutely hold him accountable for his criminal conduct, Judd said.

Kite is being held in the Polk County Jail on an $8,500 bond.
Border guards of Bessarabia and the National Guard have received 14 Spaceray anti-drone searchlights designed to detect enemy UAVs and adjust anti-aircraft fire at night.

This was reported by the team of the Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance, which handed over the searchlights.

The Chairman of the Board of the Alliance, Professor Yuriy Maslov, emphasized that this was made possible thanks to cooperation with foreign partners, in particular the Christian Protestant organization IRR-TV FINLAND.

"Every day is spent looking for new allies, new friends of Ukraine and ways in which we could be helped to fight the enemy and protect our compatriots. Attracting support from international partners and uniting them to achieve a specific goal is what the Alliance was created for and what we are successfully doing," said Yuriy Maslov.

The team of the Alliance for Restoration of Ukraine says that the new searchlights have already proved themselves during the latest Shahedi attack on the Danube ports of Odesa region: they allow detecting targets at a distance of up to 2 kilometers, even if the drone is camouflaged with black matte paint.

"We used the funds received from our European friends to purchase Ukrainian-made anti-drone searchlights, thus supporting both our defenders and the domestic defense industry. Such a responsible approach to the search, purchase and distribution of special military and humanitarian aid by civil society organizations is what will allow us to defeat the aggressor," said Veniamin Unguryan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance, deputy of the Odesa Regional Council.

For reference:

The Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance is an aggregator and provider of innovative solutions for the restoration of Ukraine with the involvement of international partners. The Alliance's strategic work is aimed at helping Ukrainians return home. The Alliance's team specializes in projects aimed at protecting and improving social and working conditions, creating platforms for economic growth based on the principle of interregional development.

Source: https://www.facebook.com
A Lancaster man was injured on Wednesday after his car was hit by a Norfolk Southern train in Lancaster County.

Police say Kaden Stetler, 29, was driving south on the 300 block of Willow Road in East Lampeter Township when his 2009 Ford Edge was hit by an eastbound train around 9:29 a.m.

Stetlers car was hit on the passenger-side front door by a Norfolk Southern train as he drove onto the railroad crossing, which is also owned and operated by Norfolk Southern.

The car was pushed about 200 feet before dislodging and rolling off the tracks, a police report says. Stetler got out of the car on his own and was taken to a hospital for treatment of what was reported to be minor injuries.

No one was injured on the train, which was lightly damaged but still operational, according to police. The road was closed until about 11:20 a.m.

Police did not cite anyone and the cause of the crash is still being investigated.

The East Lampeter Township Police Department was helped by the Witmer Fire Company, Bird-In-Hand Fire Company, Lafayette Fire Company, Lancaster EMS and Manheim Township Ambulance.

READ MORE:

Police accuse central Pa. couple of being on drugs when their baby died in their bed

Freddie Mercury bangle sells at auction for $881K, a record for rock star jewelry
A report by national environmental groups puts Pennsylvania on the bottom tier of states in lead reporting and remediation in schools, with advocates calling on the legislature to tighten rules regarding the hazardous metal in drinking water.

The report, issued earlier this year by Environment America and the Public Interest Research Group, lists Pennsylvania, along with 26 other states, on the F tier for lead in school water.

The ranking is based on state policies that require schools to test for and eliminate lead contamination  or in Pennsylvanias case, the general lack of such policies.

We need regular, transparent testing of our school water. Its so simple I cant even believe I have to say it, said Jeff Ney, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, at a press conference Wednesday encouraging lawmakers to take up the issue as the new school year gets underway.

Once commonly used in plumbing, lead has been known for decades to be hazardous, staying in the body and causing developmental disabilities in children.

But it wasnt until 2014 that the federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act went into full effect for plumbing, lowering the maximum amount of lead allowed in fixtures from 8% to 0.25%.

In 2018, Pennsylvanias school code was updated to include a section on lead testing  but the law contains a broad loophole, allowing schools not to perform lead testing and instead discuss lead issues in the school facilities at a public meeting.

The result has been limited data about how serious the lead problem in Pennsylvania schools is, one of the major drivers of the states low grade in the report.

Schools in Pennsylvania that do test, and which find lead levels over 15 parts per billion, must provide their results to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and perform remediation.

The department does post a spreadsheet of this data online; although the information is often incomplete, the listing shows elevated lead levels in hundreds of schools across dozens of districts.

A survey of a randomized sample of 65 Pennsylvania school districts, conducted in 2021 by Women for a Healthy Environment, found that 89% of districts had tested for lead - and 71% of those that had tested found lead levels over 5 parts per billion, the maximum level under current plumbing industry standards.

Similarly, a 2016 analysis by USA Today of federal data for schools that operate their own water supply  which encompasses only about 10% of schools, given that most use municipal water  found Pennsylvania to have the highest number of schools consistently testing over 15 parts per billion.

In 2017, Philadelphia passed a city law requiring more testing and lead remediation in schools, including replacing all drinking fountains with water stations featuring lead-removing filters by 2025. As of last year, 16% of samples from city schools were still testing above the citys self-imposed limit of 10 parts per billion, according to another PIRG analysis.

But at the state level, legislators have continued to punt on lead safety in schools, said Arthur Steinberg, president of the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania chapter.

Test-and-treat legislation for lead in school drinking water was introduced in Harrisburg over several sessions by former Rep. Karen Boback of Lackawanna County, but failed to get traction, according to Stephanie Wein, a clean water advocate with PennEnvironment.

However, a bipartisan group of state senators  Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny County, Art Haywood, D-Philadelphia, and John Kane, D-Delaware County - circulated a memo earlier this year seeking support for a bill that would require lead-free drinking fountains by 2025, similar to the Philadelphia policy.

Ideally, Wein said, a revamped lead policy in Pennsylvania would feature universal drinking fountain replacement, systematic testing and reporting, and the adoption of a statewide 1 part-per-billion limit, given that lead can still be harmful well below the different levels considered acceptable by various agencies.

We dont need schools to tear out every pipe, Wein said, but the lack of testing standards and basic precautions with drinking fountains has continued for far too long.
We talk everyday about whats wrong with our society, about the political rancor, racial tensions and social injustice tearing us apart. And we talk a lot about the people without any sense of ethics or moral conscience spouting half-truths, outright lies and even blatantly defying the rule of law.

But enough about them, already. What about the good people among us?

What about the people working to unify our communities and resolve our differences? What about the organizations working to help people in need, comfort those in turmoil and protect the weak and vulnerable? What about those who show courage, compassion, and civility to help unify our communities?

Who are they? Where are they? Why dont we hear more about them?

These are the people PennLive and The Patriot-News will honor at the 2023 Peace and Justice in PA forum from Noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at Harrisburg University.

Dr. Bryant T. Marks, founding director of the National Training Institute on Race and Equity; Nebiy Esayas of PennLive; Joyce Davis of PennLive; and Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pa. Human Relations Commission, answer questions during the Peace + Justice in Pa. event held at Harrisburg University on Nov. 15, 2022. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

PennLive will present the 2023 Peace and Justice in PA Awards to an individual and two organizations that are advocates for diversity and inclusion, racial justice, and equity and who have dedicated themselves to supporting those in need in our communities.

PennLive is reaching out to our readers to send names of people and organizations you think worthy of acclaim. PennLives Editorial Board will review all nominations our readers send to letters@pennlive.com and will decide on the three honorees for 2023.

All nominations should be emailed no later than 6 p.m. Sept. 22, 2023. PennLives Editorial Board will review the nominations and decide on the honorees.

Please make sure to include the following in your nomination:

Name of nominee for the 2023 Peace + Justice in PA award.

Contact information  email, phone  for yourself and your nominee.

A concise bio of the person being nominated or information on the organization being nominated.

Specific details on why they should receive the 2023 Peace + Justice in PA award.

Last years honorees were stellar examples of the ideals the Peace & Justice Awards seeks to uplift.

The Rev. Nathaniel and Pat Gadsden are being honored for their lifetime of work promoting peace and justice in Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Nathaniel Gadsden and his wife, Pat, were honored for their years of work helping at-risk communities in the Harrisburg area, including youth, women in abusive situations and low-income families. They are widely known for their tireless efforts to provide counseling services to single mothers, for their support of the arts and culture, and for their civic engagement.

The two organizational awards went to Highmarks Enterprise Equity Institute for its work advancing equity, inclusion, and addressing health disparities and inequities; and to The Brethren Housing Association of Harrisburg, which was honored for its support of homeless people and those in need of food, shelter, and financial assistance.

29 1 / 29 Peace + Justice in Pa.

The award presentations will culminate the third annual Peace and Justice in PA forum that will featured as keynote Candacy Taylor, acclaimed photojournalist and author of Overground Railroad. In the book, Taylor uses the historic Green Book to explore how African Americans lived and traveled throughout the country during the era of racial segregation known as Jim Crow.

Taylor also has documented the Sundown Towns that required Black people to be off their streets at night. Historians have identified Hershey, Camp Hill, and Mechanicsburg as suspected Sundown Towns in Pennsylvania. But there were many more, as Tougaloo University has listed at https://justice.tougaloo.edu/location/pennsylvania/ and Messiah College has identified at https://mosaic.messiah.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=digitalhbg_st.

Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director Pa. Human Relations Commission, presents a certificate of recognition to Brethren Housing Associations Tiffany Burrows and Kait Gillis-Hanna during the Peace + Justice in Pa. event held at Harrisburg University on Nov. 15, 2022. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is partnering with the PA Media Group to hold the third annual Peace + Justice in PA event, and Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter will offer remarks on the agencys efforts to counter the threat of violent extremism in Pennsylvania.

Chad Dion Lassiter, Executive Director Pa. Human Relations Commission, presents a certificate of recognition to Dr. Robert James and Veronica Villalobos of Highmarks Enterprise Equity Health Institute during the Peace + Justice in Pa. event held at Harrisburg University on Nov. 15, 2022. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com

Its a good idea to register asap if you would like to attend the 2023 Peace and Justice in PA forum and celebrate the honorees. The event will be streamed live to PennLives Facebook page, but space in the Harrisburg University auditorium is limited.

Heres a link to register: https://events.pennlive.com/PJ2023.

Joyce M. Davis is PennLives Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @byjoycedavis.

Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
The Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act of 1996 marked a significant milestone in opening Pennsylvanias retail power market. This historic legislation allowed consumers to have a choice in their energy suppliers, granting them greater control over their electric and natural gas bills and products.

Today, 27 years later, over 1.8 million consumers in Pennsylvania receive their energy services from competitive suppliers. With more than 200 licensed retail suppliers vying to offer electricity and natural gas products and services to homes and businesses, not only do consumers get a choice in their provider, but it can help save money on their monthly energy costs and offers renewable products and plans. Additionally, energy employment has created thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers.

The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) recently read an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer about a Philly resident who said they answered their door and heard a sales pitch about switching to a different energy company to save on their monthly energy costs. According to the homeowner, after hearing about the deal, they did not sign a contract but did agree verbally to switch companies. The homeowner said the pitch they agreed to  a cheaper energy bill - did not materialize.

At the beginning of the summer, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) issued a press release to Pennsylvanians to explore their options and shop for energy in response to increased prices and to be cautious about door-to-door energy sales. RESA, the nations largest trade association of retail energy suppliers, strongly supported this announcement.

We are also one of the staunchest supporters behind Representative Kyle Mullins sponsorship of House Bill 1578, Protecting Consumers: Training and Bonding for Retail Energy Suppliers, which was introduced at the 2023 General Assembly Session and referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities last month.

If passed, HB 1578 will mandate all retail electric and natural gas suppliers, along with their representatives marketing their products in Pennsylvania, undergo an online training education course and successfully pass an exam for certification by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The legislation explicitly states that suppliers would cover all costs to implement and administer this program through fees assessed by the PUC. Furthermore, the legislation will include an increased bond requirement of $1 million with the commission for any natural gas or electricity supplier that engages in person-to-person retail residential class sales at a residence.

According to Mullins memorandum on April 17, This legislation  include[s] a requirement for increased bonding or financial guarantee to help ensure that the actions of a few suppliers dont sabotage the good intentions of all stakeholders that have endorsed a customers right to shop for their energy supplier over the past two decades, wrote Mullins. This is an attempt to further exclude those fly-by-night companies from doing business in the Commonwealth. Please join me in this effort to protect consumers and promote upstanding utility companies providing electric and gas service in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania residents have access to many ethical third-party energy suppliers. Its unfortunate when a few bad actors impact hundreds of companies that go above and beyond whats required to ensure consumer protections are upheld, said Frank Caliva, RESAs national spokesperson. RESA strongly supports Representative Mullins, PUC, OAG and OCA efforts to safeguard the good intentions of competitive suppliers from being undermined by the actions of a limited number of companies.

The PUC created the PAPowerSwitch.com website to provide information on licensed suppliers, products, and plans to help consumers decide whats best for their needs. Researching and shopping for options, plans and products is very important when selecting a plan that works best for ones budget and energy usage.

RESA advocates for consumers to have the freedom to choose their energy provider. The organization believes consumer education is essential and encourages consumers to carefully read terms and understand all

Frank Caliva is the national spokesperson for the Retail Energy Supply Association.
The replay that was the 2024 Democratic primary for Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District just got a rewrite, as a retired Marine Corps aviator who is new to politics and south central Pennsylvania has entered the race.

Mike OBrien, 42, and retired from the Marines as of Aug. 30, announced Wednesday the opening of his personal political war to try to unseat 6th-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from northern York County.

Hes the ringleader of the insurrection that attempted to overthrow our democracy, and so this is the fight, OBrien said of Perry in an interview with PennLive. If were going to make a dent in the polarized political society that we live in today, its about, quite frankly, middle Pennsylvania...

This is the place, and this where democracy makes a comeback.

OBrien must first compete for Democratic nomination with previously announced candidates Shamaine Daniels and Rick Coplen. In 2022, Daniels, a member of Harrisburgs City Council, defeated Coplen, a retired U.S. Army officer who now serves on the Carlisle School board, in the primary, before losing to Perry in the general election.

That primary field may continue to grow.

Last week, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on speculation that midstate television news anchor Janelle Stelson is also pondering a run for the 10th.

OBrien, a native of Elkins Park, Montgomery County and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has scant connections to the 10th District, a capital-area seat comprised of all of Dauphin County and large portions of York and Cumberland counties.

His candidacy will meet legal thresholds to run, as all the U.S. Constitution requires is for U.S. House members to be at least 25 years old, and residents of the state from where they are elected. But until now, he has never personally lived here on a permanent basis.

(OBrien has always maintained Pennsylvania residency from his entry into the service. He registered to vote in Dauphin County earlier this year, and did vote in the countys 2023 primary, county records confirm.)

He told PennLine in an interview that he and his wife, Courtney - a native of New Oxford, Adams County - have routinely spent holidays and other breaks visiting her parents here, and they plan to buy property in the Mechanicsburg area in the coming year to make their post-military home.

Were actually pretty familiar with the area, he said, arguing its been as much a home base for his family as anywhere else during his military life.

Still, OBrien may have to battle perceptions that he landed here after his Marines career largely because of political opportunity.

One Pennsylvania-based Democratic consultant not affiliated with OBriens campaign noted that he circulated a resume this spring touting his interest in becoming a Congressional / legislative candidate, with availability after September 2023.

OBriens campaign staff said that document was designed as a statement of skills and strengths that OBrien, as he made his maiden voyage into electoral politics, used to help introduce himself to consultants and strategists as he built a campaign team.

It was never intended as declaration of political free agency.

OBrien countered in an interview with PennLive that Perry became his preferred target of opportunity on Jan. 06, 2021, when the midstate Congressman objected on the House floor to certification of Pennsylvanias presidential vote.

Watching the live news coverage that night after the Capitol riots, OBrien said, who was still going to take away my absentee ballot in Pennsylvania? That was Scott Perry.

And so for me, that became personal. That was the sense of urgency that made me look at this and say the second that I can retire from the Marine Corps and make a difference, and fight to remove Scott Perry from office, that I was going to do it.

While still sinking his midstate roots and getting to know the neighbors that he hopes to soon represent, what OBrien does have is a sterling military resume, including past service as a Top Gun fighter pilot and squadron commander.

OBrien and his wife - they met as students at the Naval Academy - are the first and only married couple to simultaneously command flying squadrons in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps.

OBriens last post was in San Diego, where he served as commanding officer of the Marine Corps only F-35C squadron. The F-35C is better-known, in laymans terms, as one of the militarys stealth fighters.

He says he became motivated to enter electoral politics as a post-military career because of the divisiveness that inflicted the country after the 2016 presidential election. That resolve only hardened as he watched what happened after the 2020 vote, OBrien said.

in that way, he said, this race is a logical extension of his career spent in the defense of American freedom.

Thats the freedom not to have to live paycheck to paycheck, the freedom to feel safe in our communities and schools, the freedom to make decisions about your own body, and last... political freedom, which means mot having our votes thrown out here in Pennsylvania based on a web of lies.

His campaign is expected to lean in hard, even in the primary, against Perry, who became one of former President Donald Trumps most loyal allies in Congress after the 2020 election.

Perry is vulnerable to that attack line because of his advocacy for Jeffrey Clark, a senior attorney in Trumps Department of Justice who wanted the department to send letters to various swing-state legislatures falsely asserting that because of ongoing election integrity concerns they should consider rescinding their certifications of the 2020 presidential election results.

Trump wanted to install Clark as an 11th-hour Acting Attorney General so he could do that, but the plan fizzled in the face of threatened mass resignations by other senior leaders at DOJ.

Clark is now one of 19 people facing charges in the Fulton County, Ga. District Attorney Fani Williss investigation of election subversion efforts in Georgia. No sitting Congressmen have been charged with any crimes in the various Trump investigations.

About the 10th

If Republicans are to keep majority control of the House in 2024, Pennsylvanias 10th District is the kind of place they have to hold.

Trump won the districts current outline by with 51.3 percent of the vote in 2020, but his 4.1 percentage point margin of victory was the third-smallest in Pennsylvanias 17 House districts, after margins of 0.6 percent in the Lehigh Valleys 7th District, and 2.9 percent in the 8th District.

Just as significantly to midstate Democrats, voters in the 10th broke for Democrat Josh Shapiro over Republican Doug Mastriano in last years gubernatorial race by nearly 12 percentage points.

Democrats already hold both the 7th and 8th District seats, though they will also likely prioritize flipping Pennsylvanias 1st District, which Republican incumbent Brian Fitzpatrick has held onto for years despite a Democratic lean in state and federal elections.

Both the 1st and the 10th are currently listed as districts in play on the Washington D.C.-based Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Website.

But Daniels did not succeed in capturing major backing from national Democratic supporters in 2022. After 2018 and 2020 races in which Democratic nominees spent $2.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively, Daniels campaign war chest was limited to $406,000.

OBrien, his supporters believe, is the kind of candidate who could generate more national-level enthusiasm for the 10th District race.

Perry is widely expected to seek a 7th term in the House next year.

Heres what his campaign spokesperson said about that in June: Congressman Perry fights every day on behalf of the people of south central Pennsylvania, and hes confident that his record of accomplishment will once again be rewarded by voters when they head to the polls next November.

.
Officials gathered in February 2023 to show off the new trauma room in the emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. Interior Health has struggled to keep the ER open this summer due to a doctor shortage.
A family from war-torn Ukraine is reunited at the E-Bus stop in Kelowna. Older son, Oleksandr (far left) and his father, Serhii, remained in the Ukraine because of difficulties with documentation while Liubov and younger son, Artem, travelled in Canada last October.
The first flight of Georgian Wings performed on the Tbilisi-Baku route successfully landed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport on 6 September.

The aircraft of the Georgian air carrier was traditionally welcomed with an arch of water.

The ceremony dedicated to the arrival of the first flight of Georgian Wings was attended by representatives of the airline, as well as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Azerbaijan, Mr. Zurab Pataradze. They emphasized the importance of this event for the development of relations between the countries.

Our airport is committed to continuous development and expansion of its international partnerships, and the launch of this route opens even more opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange between the two countries, said the Director of Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Mr. Teymur Hasanov.

We are proud to celebrate the successful landing of the first flight of Georgian Wings performed on the Tbilisi-Baku route at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. This important moment underlines close and friendly neighborhood between Georgia and Azerbaijan. This route opens up endless opportunities for us to develop tourism, business and cultural exchange between our countries. Regular flights on ATR72-500 A/C start this week, offering convenient flights between Tbilisi and Baku. We look forward to welcoming everyone on board of Georgian Wings to open new horizons and strengthen our partnership, emphasized Edison Pipia, CEO of Georgian Wings.

Georgian Wings will operate regular flights on the Tbilisi-Baku-Tbilisi route three times a week: on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Tickets for this route can be purchased on the official website of the airline www.georgianwings.com, as well as at the airline's sales offices.

Video footage of the landing of the first flight of the Georgian Wings airline at Heydar Aliyev International Airport can be found at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvuLx75p7RE&feature=youtu.be
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) offer money to journalists, who write about Armenia, Colombian journalist Roberto Trobajo Hernandez wrote on his page on X (Twitter), Trend reports.

ANCA representatives offered to pay for his trip and stay in Armenia, as well as everything that is required for a TV report and articles.

"My loyalty and friendship with the Azerbaijani people and government cannot be bought or sold for several thousand dollars," the journalist said.

In July 2021, Hernandez visited Shusha city and other territories of Azerbaijan liberated from the Armenian occupation and spoke about what he saw to ordinary Colombians.

The Armenian diaspora obviously did not like this, and its representatives did not find anything better than trying to bribe a journalist. However, Roberto Hernandez turned out to be more conscious than pro-Armenian US Senator Robert Menendez.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

While speaking on the Senate floor, Sen. Mitch McConnell only made a passing and vague reference to recent freezing in front of reporters. McConnell is not helping his situation.

McConnell said, At one particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week. But I assure you, August was a busy and productive month for me and my staff back in the commonwealth.

Video:

Mitch McConnell completely dodges questions about his health in Senate speech. pic.twitter.com/FYtR7ajRW4  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 5, 2023

Mitch McConnell might not want to discuss his health issue, but he is a public official. McConnell owes the American people an explanation for what is going on. His refusal to directly address the issue is leading to more questions and speculation. With McConnell being 81 years old, there is no good answer. Either the Senate Minority Leader has another health issue or is struggling with post-concussion effects. Either way, McConnells issue is impacting his ability to do his job, which is why he made the comment about having such a productive time back home in Kentucky.

Sen. McConnell keeps providing letters from doctors telling the American people what isnt wrong, but thats not the question. The question is, whats wrong?

Senate Republicans are going along with McConnells downplaying of the situation, but it would be better for everyone if Mitch McConnell would be honest and transparent.

Otherwise, the questions will only grow louder.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

The ethics complaint that Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse filed against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is important because it escalates the action by the Senate to assert itself to regulate the Court.

Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI) wrote to Chief Justice Roberts that Alito used an interview in The Wall Street Journal to obstruct a Senate investigation:

it was not just general opining, it was opining in relation to a specific ongoing dispute. The quote at issue in the articleNo provision in the Constitution gives [Congress] the authority to regulate the Supreme Courtdirectly follows a mention of my judicial ethics bill. Justice Alitos decision to opine publicly on the constitutionality of that bill may well embolden legal challenges to the bill should it become law. Indeed, his comments encourage challenges to all manner of judicial ethics laws already on the books.

Justice Alitos opining will also fuel obstruction of our Senate investigations into these matters. To inform its work on my bill and other judicial ethics legislation, and oversee the performance of the statutory Judicial Conference in this arena, the Senate Judiciary Committee is investigating multiple reports that Supreme Court justices have accepted and failed to disclose lavish gifts from billionaire benefactors. The Senate Finance Committee is investigating the federal tax considerations surrounding the billionaires undisclosed gifts to Supreme Court justices.[18] Both committees inquiries have been stymied by individuals asserting that Congress has no constitutional authority to legislate in this area, hence no authority to investigate. Justice Alitos public comments prop up these theories.[19]

As the author of the bill in question and as a participant in the related investigations, I feel acutely the targeting of this work by Justice Alito, and consider it more than just misguided or accidental general opining. It is directed to my work.

Sen. Whitehouse discussed the ethics complaint on MSNBCs The Last Word:

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse on his ethics complaint against Justice Alito, "You had a clear violation by Justice Alito. It would be hard for the court, or the Judicial Conference, to just shrug this off." pic.twitter.com/csyUoXOEtZ  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 6, 2023

The ethics complaint is a big deal because it increases the pressure on the Supreme Court, and it demonstrates that Sen. Whitehouse and the Senate Judiciary Committee Democratic majority are not going to go away and drop this issue. The conservative majority on the Supreme Court appears to hold the belief that they are above the law. Justices like Alito and Thomas feel like the Constitution and the rules do not apply to them.

Democrats in the Senate are attempting to assert the constitutional authority to regulate the Supreme Court, and if Democrats keep the White House and Senate and retake the House in 2024, reform of the Supreme Court will be on the agenda.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 5. We expressed readiness to deliver food aid to the Armenian population living in Khankendi and expected that the Armenian residents would positively accept it, President of Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzQAC) Novruz Aslan told Trend.

"We went there with food aid. In fact, we expected that Armenian residents living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region would take it positively," he said.

Novruz Aslan noted that the Red Crescent Society is determined to fulfill this mission.

He added that Armenian residents should not refuse this assistance by giving in to some feelings.

"They have been victimized by separatists, by some forces. Let them think, comprehend, draw conclusions, use the options offered to them today," he said.

On August 29 the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society organized food delivery to meet the needs of people of Armenian origin living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region. The food convoy sent from Baku for the Armenian residents of Karabakh has been waiting for 8 days to pass in front of the Russian peacekeepers' post on the Aghdam-Khankendi road.

Trend presents the video interview:
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Chance of a morning shower. Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 64F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 36F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Luis Rinaldini's appeal of an Aiken Design Review Board decision has been denied.

Judge Daniel Coble signed an order Thursday, Aug. 31, dismissing Rinaldini's appeal of a Design Review Board decision allowing renovations to Rice Cottage, a historic property at 411 South Boundary Ave. S.E.

The Design Review Board approved renovations to Rice Cottage on May 2. Approved renovations include moving an exterior wall 7 feet closer to the property line, removing siding from the ground floor, replacing rotting wood on the front porch with bricks and enlarging an upstairs bathroom by extending an existing small roof.

Rinaldini said he didn't think Coble denied his appeal on its merits.

Coble provided three reasons for denying the appeal in the order.

First, Coble said Rinaldini's appeal did not include a summons.

A summons is a document informing a defendant that he's being sued and how to answer the allegations contained in the suit. Rule 5(d) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure requires plaintiffs to file a summons and complaint with the clerk of court before serving defendants.

Therefore, Coble said, the appeal wasn't started properly and the court did not have jurisdiction over the Design Review Board.

Second, Coble said Rinaldini's appeal was barred because he didn't file it in time.

Persons wishing to appeal a Design Review Board decision have 30 days to do so, Coble said. He added Rinaldini spoke May 2 when the Design Review Board approved the renovations therefore he had notice on that date. Meaning his appeal had to be filed by June 2 at the latest, Coble said.

Rinaldini didn't file his appeal until June 7.

Third, Coble said Rinaldini failed to join the owners of Rice Cottage, Thomas and Catherine Nance, to the appeal as required by law.

Rinaldini added filing pro se there were going to be mistakes, some that could be terminal to the appeal and others that could be corrected. He added he would learn from the judge's order.

"It's kind of shocking and shameful the city is using taxpayer resources to hide its misdoings or to evade its responsibilities by filing technical motions and objections," Rinaldini added.

Design Review Board attorneys Jim Holly and Andrew Lindemann filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the appeal July 14.

They argued the appeal should be dismissed because Rinaldini didn't include a summons. They argued the appeal should be dismissed because Rinaldini didn't file it in time.

And they argued the appeal should be dismissed because Rinaldini didn't include the owners of the property, Thomas and Catherine Nance, as parties to his appeal.

"But it's the way it works in the municipal world," Rinaldini said.

Rinaldini, a member of the Do It Right Alliance and a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed to stop Project Pascalis, added there is a campaign to change that.

He said he filed his appeal June 7 pro se  for himself  in part to make a point to the Design Review Board.

He argued the board didn't follow the proper standards or procedures, that the board ignored previous unapproved alterations made, that the board didn't follow state law, that the board didn't follow the city's zoning ordinance and the board failed to act as a quasi-judicial body.

"If they read what they did, it's shocking and shameful regardless of what the judge says," Rinaldini said. "Ask yourself: the exposition of what the Design Review Board did is shocking and shameful and the judge allowed them to get away with it. Is that a good thing for Aiken or a bad thing for Aiken?"
Two Florida developers are expanding their reach into the Palmetto State with a new industrial warehouse located minutes from the Port of Charleston's inland cargo hub in Greer.

Atlas Capital Group of Miami said this week it completed construction of a 150,000-square-foot project in a joint venture with Pinecrest, Fla.-based Warhaft Group.

More than one-third of the multitenant building has already been leased, the companies said in a written statement.

The project, adjacent to German automaker BMW's sprawling Upstate campus, provides "big industry amenities at scale," according to Warren Zinn, principal of Atlas Capital.

Dean Warhaft, principal of Warhaft Group, touted the Spartanburg County building's "strategic location" to the inland port and several big manufacturers in the Interstates 26 and 85 corridors. He said the building's design is intended to meet "the diverse needs of businesses, regardless of their size."

The building on 10 acres includes large truck courtyards, wide driveways, parking for employees and customers, custom-designed buildouts, 32-foot ceiling heights and subdividable bays as small as 8,400 square feet, with up to three dock doors per bay.

Atlas previously developed the Atlas Commerce Center at Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston  a 135,000-square-foot building that was completed in 2017 and has landed tenants such as aerospace supplier Safran Group and pharmaceutical firm Belimed Inc.

Atlas has also built office and industrial projects in San Antonio and Doral, Fla.

The developer is also teaming up with Warhaft to build a 240-acre mixed-use development in Greenville. Called On the Trail, the project is under construction at the former site of the Union Bleachery/Cone Mills textile mill. A former commerce center on the property closed in 2003 after a fire and had sat vacant for nearly two decades.

Greenville County approved a redevelopment plan for the property in 2021 and a set of tax incentives worth up to $200 million the following year to encourage redevelopment. The project calls for up to 3.5 million square feet of office and employment space, 2,000 apartments and townhouses, a 200-room hotel and nearly a million square feet of grocery store, retail, restaurant and commercial space.
A Charleston technology company and a national public health organization are joining forces to provide free lessons to youths about drug safety and the opioid crisis.

Everfi, the educational arm of Daniel Island-based Blackbaud Inc., has updated its 2017 prescription medication curriculum and has added two new classes, including one that addresses the nation's growing fentanyl overdose problem.

The company is working with Truth Initiative, the Washington, D.C.-based public health organization, on the latest offerings.

The "Prescription Drug Safety: Know the Truth" program uses the latest data to address the increase in counterfeit pills and illicit online activity.

The course provides students with a guide to staying safe and how to report drug trafficking on social media platforms. It's also designed to teach skills to support peers facing prescription drug misuse and overdose.

"It has never been more urgent or important that we provide resources to students around this topic so we can gain the upper hand in fighting the opioid crisis," said Ray Martinez, Everfi's president.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2,200 adolescents between 15 and 19 years old died from overdosing from 2019 to 2021. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, was involved in 84 percent of those deaths.

Truth Initiative provided its expertise to create the new courses for high school and middle school students "to provide real impact to address the urgent fentanyl and prescription drug misuse crisis, which is derailing the lives of young people across the nation at alarming rates," CEO Robin Koval said.

A recent study of the prescription drug-safety program showed strong evidence that this type of digital curriculum effectively promotes prescription drug-safety skills in students, Everfi said in an Aug. 31 announcement.

About 250,000 students nationwide are expected to complete the program in the 2023-24 school year.
COLUMBIA  Math proficiency at many Columbia-area middle and elementary schools still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest South Carolina state test score results.

While scores released Sept. 5 from the 2022-23 SC Ready exams suggest more robust growth in English, they also show several districts in the area, particularly those who serve the most students in poverty, falling below the state's average scores.

Nearly across the board the percentage of students in the five school districts that surround Columbia who either met or exceeded expectations on their math exams is still less than in the 2018-19 school year, the last time students took the test before COVID-19 hit the Palmetto State.

The exams, which annually test third through eighth graders in math and English language arts, weren't held in the 2019-20 school year due to the pandemic.

Math results from Columbia were a mixed bag when compared to the 2021-22 year's results, with some grades in some districts seeing growth, such as the percentage of third graders in Richland One who met or exceeded expectations increasing from 38.9 percent to 43.6 percent.

But other cohorts regressed slightly, such as third graders in neighboring Richland Two, where the percentage who met or exceeded expectations fell from 54 to 52.1.

"I think that we're still seeing the impact of COVID," Richland One Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said, pointing to the need for his district to build students' math foundation and increase the support they give to students.

Richland Two schools echoed the continued effect of the pandemic, saying in a statement that the "performance variable" of students' fluctuating math performance "continues to be the pandemic-related learning loss which is mirrored by state and national math data."
COLUMBIA  What does Hootie & the Blowfish have in common with a giant robot? Soon both will have a spot in Columbia's Five Points area.

With city approval to place it near the fountain at the end of Saluda Avenue, the 10-foot-tall robot head is set to join several other sculptures in the Five Points district in October, representing the latest in its public arts project.

While '50s-style robot heads are scattered around Columbia  two sit outside Studio 2LR on North Main Street, and Green Eyes peeks out of the ground in the Vista  the one in Five Points will be more elaborate, and "more jazzy" than those, artist Clark Ellefson said.

To meld the robot head with Five Points' culture, the bearded giant will be wearing headphones and have an infinity mirror on the back, making it a perfect photo op for visitors, said Caitlin Bright, executive director of 701 Contemporary Art and a member of the Five Points Association board.

The plan is to unveil it during JerryFest, a festival of primarily Grateful Dead music dedicated to Jerry Garcia.

Five Points Association members saw the robot heads and the sense of wonder they evoked, Bright said.

"We thought that (robot head) would be really awesome to have in Five Points in regards to the creativity of Five Points, the music culture of Five Points," Bright said.

Eventually, the robot  which will get its name through a community contest  will also be part of a larger "musical scavenger hunt" through Five Points, in which people can scan QR codes displayed in the area to download music by longtime Columbia staples, such as Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as up-and-coming artists.

"We're really excited about this project," Bright said. "We're going full throttle."

The robot sculpture will join a 17-foot-tall tribute to Hootie & the Blowfish, which got its start playing in Five Points, and the Hubbell, the 15,000-pound brick wheel on the other end of Saluda Avenue.
Columbia, SC (29201)

Today

Partly cloudy in the morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers later in the day. Much cooler. High 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later at night. Low 37F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Janice Nguyen Hudgins has come to realize that timing is everything.

Her restaurant, Little Miss Ha, opened in Mount Pleasant a month before the pandemic, experiencing the trials and tribulations that came with it.

Making it through the tumultuous time included an early shift to focus on food deliveries. The orders were so voluminous that they resorted to dividing the Charleston area out into zones for delivery days.

Little Miss Ha, which reopened its dining room later on in 2020, remains just as popular today, with dishes like pho, egg rolls and banh xeo, a Vietnamese sizzling crepe, on the menu.

But, the restaurant's lease is set to expire at the end of October, a few months before Little Miss Ha will open in St. Augustine, Fla., in spring 2024. Hudgins started shopping around the Charleston area for another restaurant space where she and her chef brother Ryan Nguyen could serve the Vietnamese family recipes that have made Little Miss Ha a hit since 2016, when it moved into a stall at the Workshop exploratory food court on King Street.

She couldn't find one that worked, and the new lease was more than the family could afford.

"It was beyond what our little mom-and-pop shop could do at this time," Hudgins said. "We're grateful for having this opportunity to dictate what we do next."

Little Miss Ha will close its 915 Houston Northcutt Blvd. location Oct. 31. For the next two months, Hudgins said the restaurant will shift to a dinner-only service, allowing her to continue to offer catering.
The ceramic pots atop a platform in the upcoming MOA Korean BBQ space are more significant than they may seem.

For Sean Kim, the restaurant's owner who also operates a MOA location in Charlotte and Columbia's 929 Kitchen & Bar, the pots and the platform they sit on, known as jangdokdae in Korea, remind him of home.

Jangdokdae are large ceramic pots that traditionally sit on an outdoor terrace or platform and are used to store or ferment food. It's the type of process that Kim's executive chef, Roi Seo, will use in MOA  with attention to authenticity that Kim hopes Columbia will notice.

"It's worth it. It's similar to why I spend money on good decorations. I want something to introduce the real authentic Korean way to satisfy customers," Kim said.

The food he plans to offer when his Korean BBQ restaurant opens at 1333 Main St. is the food that he grew up with, and the food that he wants to eat when he visits home.

MOA Korean BBQ will open in mid-September, Kim said. It joins a handful of restaurants that've opened in Columbia's downtown in the last few months  with The Dragon Room, a Japanese Izakaya, in the Vista and Kao Thai relocating from the Vista to Main Street in August.

Kim said the restaurant has a different feel than the Charlotte iteration of MOA, which opened in 2020 after Kim opened Columbia's 929 Kitchen & Bar in 2018. The Columbia location is decorated using lighter colors and has a plant-heavy outdoor seating area.

Seo, who's leading the kitchen, is a longtime chef who's cooked in kitchens in both Seoul, Korea and New York City and has been in the industry since the late '80s. Behind the bar, Hunter Cone will lead the cocktail program  the bartender comes from West Columbia's Black Rooster, where he led the bar program for two years.

Cone said he fell in love with the concept that Kim and his bar manager at 929 Kitchen & Bar Matt Shannon had for MOA, and with the new challenge of working with more pan-Asian ingredients. A trip to Portugal last year pushed Cone to explore more unique cocktails.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev has sent an open letter to the New York Times, Trend reports.

Hajiyev wrote a post on on X (Twitter), regarding his letter.

"I am sorry that the NYT, instead of being a fair platform for all voices, has erected firewalls and bureaucratic barriers to alternative views. "X" represents a stronger alternative, a free and open platform against the information monopoly of some Western media outlets conducting Soviet-style propaganda against my country," he said.

"When we look at all these articles, including the NYT, we get the impression that they are all written in one government studio or PR company funded by the Armenian lobby and government," Hajiyev noted.
CLINTON  For more than two centuries, lead balls, buckshot and camp equipment left in the wake of the Battle of Hammond's Store  named for a nearby trading post  sat on the bank of a now forgotten colonial highway, concealed by dirt and undergrowth.

It's a small, unremarkable looking patch of woods, bordered on one side by a line of purple surveying flags and on the other by a bank dipping into a shallow valley.

Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email

Sign Up!

The prevailing calm of this small piece of land on the rural outskirts of Clinton belies the brutality of a melee that played out here nearly 250 years ago.l

It was in these woods that Lt. Col. William Washington led 280 mounted continental dragoons and state troops against an encampment of 260 loyalists.

The colonial troops routed the unsuspecting regiment, killing or wounding more than 100 of them as they charged into their midst swinging razor-sharp sabers from horseback. Not a single man on the American side was killed or seriously hurt during the Revolutionary War engagement, an important precursor to the Battle of Cowpens, which unfolded just weeks after.

Last year, an archeology team associated with the research group Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution (SCAR) surveyed the site, unearthing the long-forgotten artifacts, as well as a fuller story of the Revolutionary War killing field.

Now the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust, which purchased the property after SCAR's survey with funding assistance from the South Carolina Conservation Bank, plans to transform the battlefield into a 30-acre park and historical site that will be added to the Liberty Trail, a network of Revolutionary War sites crisscrossing South Carolina.

"It's a cool thing to read about history, it's another thing to read something about the history and to stand in the place where it actually happened," said Doug Bostick, executive director of the Preservation Trust.

The trust is in the process of developing a master plan for the site, but the park will likely include interconnected walking trails, picnic areas, landscaping and interpretive signage detailing the history of the battle, Bostick said.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Sunshine early then becoming cloudy later in the day. High 66F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 37F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center LOWVELO annual fundraising event will take place on Nov. 4, starting at 5 a.m. on the Isle of Palms. The 10 and 20-mile island ride will have a start time of 9 a.m. This event will have an impact on some roads on the island. The following is a list of road c Read moreRoad closures forthcoming for LOWVELO event
Murdaughs motion accused Hill of talking with the jurys foreperson one-on-one in secret and urging jurors not to be fooled by the defenses case. When jurors began deliberating on their verdict, Hill allegedly told them, This shouldnt take us long.

With deliberations underway, Hill also allegedly told jurors they would be forced to stay at a hotel if they couldnt reach a decision quickly and that they couldnt take a smoke break until they had a verdict.

Hill has not responded to the allegations but told The Post and Courier her address would be forthcoming. She has since hired state Rep. Justin Bamberg, an attorney representing victims of Murdaugh's alleged financial crimes, and Columbia attorney Will Lewis to represent her, Bamberg confirmed Sept. 6.

The defense also asked the U.S. Attorneys Office for South Carolina to open a federal investigation into the tampering allegations, saying they didnt trust SLED to handle the case.

SLED has a vested interest in sustaining the verdict that makes it a conflicted and inappropriate resource for investigating the allegations in the motion for a new trial  especially when it comes to contacting jurors, Harpootlian wrote Sept. 6.

Whoever talks to them, Harpootlian said Murdaughs defense wanted jurors to hire lawyers before they talk about what they saw in the jury room.

My recommendation is that the rest of the jurors, before theyre interviewed by us, FBI or SLED  consult with counsel, Harpootlian said in an interview. They could have significant exposure if they misstep.

The Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. Prosecutors have until next week to answer Murdaughs request to put his appeal on pause and have a lower court decide if he should get a new trial.

Meanwhile, SLED and the Colleton County Sheriffs Office did not immediately answer questions about whether they would honor Murdaughs request that they not contact jurors.
Myrtle Beach, SC (29577)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 67F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 43F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
The future of Charleston's John C. Calhoun monument is now in the hands of a state circuit court judge, after both sides in the fight presented their arguments for more than an hour.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal maneuvers that various groups have filed in hopes of reinstating the statue to public display. Attorneys representing the city requested that Judge Jennifer McCoy dismiss the case. She will issue a ruling later.

Court arguments on Sept. 6 touched briefly on Calhoun's legacy but largely centered on whether the statue was taken down legally and what recourse plaintiffs have to see it reinstated in Marion Square in downtown Charleston.

Suing are a group of Calhoun descendants and the Ladies Calhoun Monument Association, as well as current members of the Board of Field Officers of the Fourth Brigade  a historic militia formerly called the Washington Light Infantry Sumter Guards and recognized as the original owners of Marion Square.

Toward the end of his argument, plaintiff's attorney Bill Connor said the initial decision to take the statue down was made hastily amid an isolated period of social unrest and that it should be revisited.

"During a certain time in 2020, states and cities made some decisions that many would find precipitous and we dont need that happening again in South Carolina," he said.

The city's attorney, Armand Derfner, said the case does not center on Calhoun's legacy but whether the plaintiffs have the right to insist it be reinstated.

"We don't mean to disparage John C. Calhoun," Derfner said. "That's not what the case is about."

While McCoy takes time to review the argument, the statue remains in storage.

A congressman and vice president, Calhoun died years before the first shots of the Civil War were fired in Charleston Harbor. But he is remembered as an ardent defender of slavery, at one point delivering a speech calling it a positive good.

The 12-foot-tall statue of Calhoun stood atop a 125-foot perch in Marion Square for decades. It was erected well after the Civil War by the Ladies Calhoun Monument Association.
NORTH CHARLESTON  A piece of property that has remained owned by a Liberty Hill founding family for 150 years is now bringing new beginnings to residents.

The eight-unit Golden Dream Townhomes that includes one- to three-bedroom apartments is a partnership between the Lecque family and Metanoia, a nonprofit that seeks to provide affordable housing options for North Charleston residents.

Metanoia's 50-year ground lease on the Lester Street property provides affordable housing opportunities for decades while the Lecque family maintains ownership.

"We've always been in the housing business," said Carolyn Lecque, the great-great-granddaughter of William Lecque, one of the four freedmen who purchased the land in 1871 along with his brother Plenty Lecque, Aaron Middleton and Ishmael Grant.

Carolyn Lecque said her father completed several housing projects on the Lester Street property. He moved housing units from the former Navy base hospital to the property to open the Golden Dream Motel, named after a dream he had one night of a golden lining, Lecque said.

Now, Golden Dream Townhomes continues that legacy.

"I'm really happy for them," said Lecque. "They'll have safe, decent and affordable housing because that's rare in these days and times."

One of the residents, Ervin Clark, who uses a wheelchair, struggled to find affordable housing that was accessible after leaving Riverside Health and Rehab. During one of his weekly visits to the laundromat, he met Duncan Cheney, director of physical asset development with Metanoia, who mentioned the Golden Dream Townhome project.

"Being in a wheelchair I have stipulations on things, like I have to make sure there's no steps, I have to make sure I can get inside the house," said Clark, who is a graphic design artist. "I have to put all that in front of how much the rent might cost."

Finding Golden Dream Townhomes relieved the stress and uncertainty of finding a home that meets his needs, he said. Now, the 46-year-old is looking forward to getting to know his neighbors and building a community.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The issue of delivery of food cargo with 40 tons of flour to Azerbaijan's Khankendi, where Armenian residents live, was discussed during the "Dialogue with Tofiq Abbasov" analytical video project on the Baku Network expert platform, Trend reports.

The guest of the program was Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society's President Novruz Aslan.

According to Aslan, the humanitarian diplomacy of Azerbaijan has made a shocking effect on the opposite side.

"We are doing what we must do. As a humanitarian organization of Azerbaijan, we are obliged to respond to challenges that exist or may occur in any part of our country. Khankendi is our territory within the Karabakh economic zone. We are operating within our legal framework. This is an act of goodwill," he said.

"We didn't go there armed, but with the sole purpose of conducting an action of humanitarian diplomacy. We were ready to engage with the part of the population in Khankendi, because refusal also has its own culture. We aren't going to forcibly deliver something to people who don't want to receive it," Aslan noted.

He stressed that Armenia must choose the right path.

"Armenia is currently at a crossroads and doesn't know where and how it needs to move. This process of wavering is greatly hindering Armenia from acting freely," he added."

The food convoy sent from Baku for the Armenian residents of Karabakh has been on the Aghdam-Askeran-Khankendi road for nine days already. Two trucks with 40 tons of flour have been in front of the Russian peacekeepers' post on the Aghdam-Askeran-Khankendi road since August 29. Employees and volunteers of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society spend the night in tents set up on the territory.

The delivery from the Azerbaijani side was supposed to be picked up by another truck, from the other side of the post, however the criminal separatist regime created by Armenia in Khankendi, doesn't allow it to take on the cargo.

On August 29, the Azerbaijani Red Crescent Society organized the delivery of food to meet the needs of people of Armenian origin living in Azerbaijan's Karabakh economic region. At the initial stage, it was planned to deliver 40 tons of flour along the Aghdam-Khankendi road.
Our society is facing many challenges, but one that seems to lie just beneath the surface is a decline in empathy. We don't understand one another. We just aren't able (as the saying goes) to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. We can't see what motivates others, what makes them tick. As sy Read moreStevens: We need more empathy, and reading more can help
The back-to-back orders suspending two South Carolina judges for refusing to show up for work are yet another reminder of just how broken our magistrate system is.

Magistrates have the power of judges, but theyre really just part of a political patronage system. And the problem Chief Justice Don Beatty has convincing magistrates to do their job underscores the fact that those who hold political patronage jobs know they dont actually have to work  so long as they keep their patron happy.

Yes, a lot of magistrates take their jobs very seriously, ignore the broken system in which they serve and instead act as though our state considered them professionals. And we are grateful for their service.

But that diligence stems entirely from their own integrity, and perhaps the integrity of their individual Senate patron  certainly not because any part of the system the Legislature created requires that.

Check that: The Legislature, in an effort to maintain the facade of the separation of powers required by the S.C. Constitution, did give the chief justice the authority to discipline judges. And Justice Beatty's orders last week and the week before, indefinitely suspending Georgetown County Magistrate James K. McKenzie and Spartanburg County Magistrate John J. Kesler without pay, mark his latest actions in a multi-year effort to force magistrates to do their jobs.

Both men failed on numerous occasions to report for duty, Justice Beatty wrote in the nearly identical orders, noting that This dereliction of duty is an unacceptable affront to the fair administration of justice and the courts.

Judge Keslers dereliction was compounded by his assignment to bond court, where his absence might have led to a violation of the state law that promises criminal defendants a bond hearing within 24 hours of their arrest.
The Hanahan Hawks swooped in on their first football region title in five years by breaking out the brooms on all four Region 8-AAA foes this fall, completing a perfect run with a 35-24 victory over visiting Beaufort on Friday, Oct. 27. Read moreHawks swoop in on region crown
State Reps. Wendell Gilliard and Deon Tedder led the special Democratic primary for the Charleston-area Senate District 42 seat, carrying about 47 percent and 39 percent, respectively, an outcome that sends the race to a runoff Sept. 19.

With all precincts reporting Sept. 5, state Rep. JA Moore was in a distant third with 15 percent of the vote, according to unofficial returns.

"The working class people who have lived in District 42 for generations spoke tonight. Our opponents outspent us 7 to 1, and yet we almost win without a runoff," Gilliard said in a statement.

"The results show that the people traditionally from District 42, Black working class families, understand this election is about our land and our legacy," he said.

If the result is upheld during certification Sept. 7, Gilliard and Tedder will ask voters to come out again in two weeks. State law mandates a runoff when a no one gets better than 50 percent of the vote in a multi-candidate race.

After the count was in, Tedder said he was excited to be in the runoff and believes he can close the gap with Gilliard, pointing out that he and Moores votes combined were a majority Sept. 5.

"What I do believe the numbers show is that a majority of people in Charleston County and Dorchester County are ready for a new generation of leadership," he said.

Turnout was an anemic 7.5 percent of the district's 53,000 registered voters.

Observers had dubbed the race a toss up with three established state House of Representative legislators in the running. But it appeared Gilliard's considerable clout carried him nearly to an outright win.
This sponsored press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The "First State Program for the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan" envisions return of 34,600 families by the end of 2026, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the liberated territories (except the Shusha district) in the Karabakh economic region Emin Huseynov said, Trend reports.

According to Huseynov, in connection with the above issue, a specific list of cities, villages, and settlements to be restored has been prepared.

One of the most important components of this process is the construction of "smart villages" and "smart cities", he explained.

"As is known, the first such village, Aghali, was built and handed over to residents in the Zangilan district, where families are already living. The next such village, Dovlatyarli, will be constructed in the Fuzuli district at the expense of Azerbaijan's own resources," he noted.

According to him, the design work in Dovlatyarli village is already under completion. Earthwork will begin within a month, and the state procurement procedure has already started.

"A third similar project will be implemented in Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district. Unlike the previous two projects, the planning of this village will be carried out by Slovak specialists," the official said. "Undoubtedly, this project will be funded by the Azerbaijani state. The 'smart' solutions that will be applied there are highly efficient and have been used worldwide. This is one of the innovations in the restoration process."

"Within the framework of the project, based on the concept of a 'smart village' the plan is to rebuild a village covering a total area of 470 hectares. It's planned to return 5,500 people there at on the first stage, and 1,170 people on the second stage. Initially, 917 families, and in the following stage - 600 families will be returned to the village," Huseynov noted.

He added that another aspect that increases the significance of this project is the location of Bash Garvand village on the so-called former line of contact [which existed during the village's Armenian occupation until the 2020 second Karabakh war end], in a heavily mine-contaminated area.

The special representative of the head of state expressed hope that the project in the village of Bash Garvand will be completed in the near future.

Bash Garvand was liberated from Armenian occupation as a result of the second Karabakh war.

The Chairman of Slovakia's National Council Boris Kollar said during his visit to Baku that the country has developed a 'smart village' project for Bash Garvand village.
The criminal prosecutions that Democrats have brought against Donald Trump are all flimsy to various degrees. But the current effort to bar Trump from the 2024 ballot as an insurrectionist is possibly their weakest attempt yet.

Nevertheless, it continues to gain traction, as reflected in this news from a few hours ago:

BREAKING: A group has filed a lawsuit to bar Donald Trump from the primary ballot in Colorado, arguing he is ineligible to run for the White House again under a clause in the U.S. Constitution aimed at candidates who have supported an insurrection. https://t.co/bUMQIeYx3r  The Associated Press (@AP) September 6, 2023



This theory is based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which reads in part:

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-Presidentwho, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United Statesto support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

Tom Cotton comments pithily on this legal theory:

Dems are nervous because Americans know Joe Biden wrecked the economy and is mentally unfit to serve. But that's no reason to take the radical, illegal, and unAmerican step of partisan AGs and secretaries of state removing opponents from the ballot. https://t.co/cjWacC9zPW  Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 5, 2023

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was aimed at Confederates. The ideas it applies to President Trump, who hasn't been charged (let alone convicted) with insurrection is a farce. This would deny Americans the chance to vote and select our leaders.  Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 5, 2023

The same Democrats pushing this have spent the last six years lecturing us about saving "Our Democracy."  Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 5, 2023

Whether it's packing the Supreme Court, ending the filibuster, making D.C. a state, or weaponizing the justice system, they'll do anything for power.  Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 5, 2023



I dont doubt that the Democrats would have liked to charge Trump with insurrection under Title 18, 2383 of the U.S. Code, but they didnt attempt to do that, presumably because the theory is so transparently stupid. So evidently their fallback theory is that in a particular state, Colorado in the above instance, local officials should take the initiative to bar Trump from the ballot, thus forcing him to go to court to reverse their decision. Or else, prior to any administrative action, there could be a proceeding in which a court would determine whether or not Trump engaged in insurrection or rebellion within the meaning of the Amendment. How far this gets presumably will depend on the integrity of local officials and courts, but likely the Democrats real objective is to embroil Trump in as many legal proceedings as possible in the months leading up to the election.

All of which confirms, as Senator Cotton says, that the Democrats will do anything, engage in any dishonesty, violate any norms, shred the fabric of civil society, if it will increase their power.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 16:20:50

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 453 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

First Parcel Plus Opens For Shipping and Office Services in British ColumbiaSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Annex Brands, Inc., a franchisor of seven brands offering packing and shipping, private mailbox rentals, business services, and notary services, is pleased to announce its expansion into the Canadian market with the introduction of its Parcel Plus brand. Licensed and operated by Safcan Logistics, Ltd., Master Licensee of Annex Brands, Inc., the first Parcel Plus location in Canada is now open in Abbotsford, British Columbia, marking a significant milestone in Annex Brands' North American growth."We're thrilled to embark on this North American expansion into Canada with the establishment of the Parcel Plus brand," said Patrick Edd, Chief Executive Officer of Annex Brands. "Our brands are dedicated to empowering customers and small businesses by offering more shipping and business services options." The newly launched Parcel Plus in Abbotsford will offer a comprehensive range of services such as packing and shipping with UPS, FedEx and USPS, mailbox rentals, business services, passport photos, and more to meet the needs of local residents and businesses."We're so happy to be able to serve the Abbotsford community, it's been such an amazing experience so far," said Vinoshnee Reddy, Canada Master Licensee and owner. "Our goal is for this location to become a benchmark for the quality of services and customer experience Parcel Plus provides." Annex Brands, Inc. continues to expand its various brands across the United States with 50+ new franchise locations since 2020. The company is currently a franchisor of seven retail and commercial service brands: PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. While this is the first Parcel Plus location in Canada, Safcan Logistics, Ltd. plans to open and license 92 locations over the next 20 years as the prominent Master Licensee for Parcel Plus in Canada.For more information on Annex Brands, Inc. franchise opportunities, visit https://www.annexbrands.com/opportunity About Annex Brands:Annex Brands, Inc. licenses and franchises over 800 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico under the brands PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985. Its franchisees offer business services such as private mailbox rental, notary public service, shipping options via carriers such as UPS, FedEx, USPS and DHL, copy service, freight shipping of large, awkward, high-value or fragile items, custom packing solutions through individually tailored wooden crates, cartons and more. For more information, visit www.annexbrands.com ###Contact:Michelle McKeePhone: (619) 563-4800Email: media@ annexbrands.com SOURCE: Annex Brands
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:00:24

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 773 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / In response to the growing demand for trained bartenders, family-owned Bacardi today announced that it is launching Shake Your Future in Germany. Shake Your Future is a special initiative giving young adults the life-changing opportunity to train as a professional mixologist.With an industry-wide shortage of skilled bartenders, Bacardi is launching the program in Germany for the first time. The initial group of 10 will take part in the four-week diploma course at a bartender training school in Berlin where they will gain the skills and experience they need to start a new career as a mixologist.The Shake Your Future students will be trained in the art of bartending and mixology before facing the ultimate test of their new-found skills when, for one night only, the entire group takes over the running of a top Berlin bar for a whole evening's cocktail service. From the moment someone walks through the door of the bar, the students will be responsible for delivering the ultimate cocktail experience - from the way they are welcomed, to the taking of the order, to the theater of mixing the drink, to the perfect serve of a cocktail that tastes as good as it looks - whether it's a classic recipe or a creation of their own.If at the end of the evening they are judged by a jury of bar professionals (and, of course, consumers) to have passed the test, the new Shake Your Future graduates will receive an internationally recognized diploma and be able to access permanent employment opportunities within the sector, empowering them to transform their lives and build a brighter future.Bacardi launched Shake Your Future as a pilot in 2018 to help address the youth unemployment crisis on the doorstep of its French office, which at the time was in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Ouen. Since then it has expanded to Spain, Italy and many other countries outside of Europe as part of a plan to bring the same opportunity to 10,000 people around the world by 2030.Nicolas Rampf, Managing Director, Bacardi Germany, said: "Shake Your Future is a win-win. We are giving these students the start they need to make it as a professional mixologist and at the same time we are answering the need of our partners in the hospitality industry who are experiencing an unprecedented shortage of trained bartenders. And this is only the beginning. Shake Your Future changes lives and I'm excited to see the difference it will make to the participants and many more as we roll out the program across Germany over the months and years ahead." Bacardi is running Shake Your Future in Berlin in collaboration with Dominik Galander, bar entrepreneur and owner of a bartender training school.Dominik added: "Now, more than ever before, we need trained bartenders to help us deliver on the growing demand for the very best cocktails. It's true for me and it's true for the entire hospitality industry across Germany. Shake Your Future is a fantastic initiative from Bacardi. It's a proactive step towards making a difference to our industry and I am proud to be collaborating with them on the launch here in Berlin." Shake Your Future runs annually in each of the cities where it is launched, with an ever-growing number of bar and restaurant partners pledging their support and giving the trainees the all-important experience they need to change their lives.To find out more about Bacardi and its ESG - Environmental, Social & Governance - commitments, including its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, visit www.bacardilimited.com/esg ENDSAlways drinks responsibly.Media contact Andrew Carney, Communications Director Europe, Bacardi acarney@ bacardi.com About Bacardi Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held international spirits company in the world, produces, markets, and distributes internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDI rum, PATRON tequila, GREY GOOSE vodka, DEWAR'S Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S Scotch whisky, ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur, and ERISTOFF vodka. Founded more than 161 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 9,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bacardi LimitedWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limitedEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Bacardi Limited
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 15:05:41

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 966 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Brigadier Gold Limited (the "Company") (TSXV:BRG),(FSE:B7LM)(OTC PINK:BGADF) is pleased to announce commencement of follow-on Phase-1 exploration at its Nemaska2 Property, James Bay, Quebec. Having successfully sampled multiple zones of shallow pegmatite mineralization during July, crews will now focus on the almost 50% of the Nemaska2 property which to date is unexplored.The 2023 Phase-1 exploration program is designed to identify targets for a Q3/Q4 2023 drill program. Sampling results will be made public when available. Brigadier's goal for this and future exploration at Nemaska2 is to prove the existence of bulk tonnage, near-surface, lithium-bearing mineralization.The Phase-1 program at Nemaska2 is being carried out by the Company's technical partner Geologica Groupe-Conseil ("Geologica") of Val D'or Quebec.Phase-1 Summer 2023 Exploration Program - Work Completed to DateA total of 163 kms of tracked traverses were completed between July 10th and 28th. One hundred and twenty-four (124) pegmatite samples were collected in areas hosting pegmatite swarms in the north, northwest, central and southwest parts of the property (Figure 1). In addition, over 343 geo-observations, photos and descriptions were taken during this field program. The pegmatite dykes are generally hosted within dark pink medium grain size massive granites, vary in size from 30 cm to 4 metres, and have been observed over several tens of metres.The samples were sent to ALS Global Laboratories of Val-d'Or and assay results will be revealed as soon as available.Management Commentary"We are highly encouraged with the results of our Phase-1 work program, which successfully confirmed pegmatite occurrences mapped in historical government exploration and discovered new zones of previously undocumented shallow pegmatite mineralization. While we wait for completion of assays, we have initiated part two of this work program, which will focus on additional promising targets throughout our property", stated Robert Birmingham, President and CEO of Brigadier Gold. "We anticipate that Phase-1 results combined with a recent data compilation study, could provide a number of prospective drill targets for a fall 2023 drill campaign." Quebec Lithium SceneIn it's aim to become a major player in the global supply chain for battery metals, a consortium of Ford Motor Co F.N and South Korean companies announced on August 17th they would build a C$1.2 billion plant to produce electric vehicle (EVs) battery materials in Becancour, Quebec.The past several months has seen The Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Northern Quebec experiencing an unprecedented level of investment and exploration activity targeting lithium-bearing pegmatites.On May 22nd, Nemaska Lithium announced a long term lithium hydroxide supply agreement with Ford Motor Company; On June 14th, Rio Tinto entered the James Bay region with a $65.5 million option agreement with Midland Exploration Inc; On August 3rd, Patriot Battery Metals Inc. announced a $109 million investment with chemical processing multinational Albemarle.Quebec is consistently ranked as a Top 10 mining and exploration jurisdiction and enjoys robust support from the Provincial government.About Nemaska2 Lithium ProjectThe Nemaska2 project consists of 162 map-designated mining titles (Nemaska2 and Nemaska2 extension) covering a total area of 8,300 hectares and is located in Northern Quebec, approximately 160 kilometres east of James Bay, near the community of Nemaska. Neighbouring Brigadier's Nemaska2 project are claims held by Li-Ft Power, Brunswick Exploration, Dios Exploration, Critical Elements Lithium and about 23 kilometres to the east lies Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi project.Nemaska2 hosts easily accessible on-site infrastructure, including a powerline, aerodrome, railway and an accommodations camp. The property is bisected by the region's primary east-west road and is approximately five kilometres by road from additional accommodations, fuel and supplies. A large portion of the property is also accessible by all-season logging roads, eliminating the need for any use of helicopters in reconnaissance, mapping, sampling or drilling.Qualified PersonMr. Alain-Jean Beauregard, P. Geo., a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.Killala Lake Option TerminationOn August 29, 2023, the Company provided notice of its intent to terminate the May 11, 2020 Killala Lake South Option Agreement.For further information, please contact:Brigadier Gold Limitedwww.brigadiergold.caRobert Birmingham, Chief Executive Officerrob@ brigadiergold.ca(604) 4248131Neither 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 Information Cautionary StatementThis release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements include those relating to the focus of the Phase-1 exploration program, the discovery of additional pegmatites, and target generation for and the timing of future drill programs. 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 ability to complete all payments and expenditures required under its mineral property option agreements; and other risks and uncertainties relating to the actual results of current exploration activities; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with adjacent properties and the Company's expectations; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 15:16:58

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 469 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Retained executive search firm Caldwell (TSX:CWL)(OTCQX:CWLPF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Katherine Baker in the New York office to the role of partner.Katherine Baker "Our purpose at Caldwell is identifying great people capable of leading and transforming organizations," said Chris Beck, president. "This holds as true for ourselves as it does for our clients, so supporting and developing our own people is imperative. Katherine has continually demonstrated incredible dedication and commitment to her clients, candidates and colleagues. We are proud of her accomplishments, and it gives us great pleasure to recognize her importance to Caldwell and her impact on our clients' success." Ms. Baker is a member of Caldwell's Insurance Practice with more than 13 years of experience placing chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief investment officers, chief marketing officers, chief underwriting officers, chief actuaries, and members of their teams at clients in property & casualty, life, and employee benefits.Prior to joining Caldwell in 2021, Ms. Baker spent six years with Korn Ferry as a member of their Global Insurance and Asset & Wealth Management practices. She began her career at Whitney Partners, where she worked on senior-level investment banking searches. Ms. Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She is a member of the Association of Professional Insurance Women."This is an incredibly well-deserved promotion. Since Katherine joined the Caldwell team she has time and again demonstrated an unerring grasp of the challenges facing our clients in the insurance industry, a strong-willed drive to achieve on their behalf and a truly hands-on approach to client service and candidate care," said Peter Reed, managing partner of Caldwell's Insurance Practice. "She's an excellent representative of the Caldwell brand and we're excited to welcome her to our partner team." About CaldwellCaldwell is a leading retained executive search firm connecting clients with transformational talent. Together with IQTalent, we are a technology-powered talent acquisition firm specializing in recruitment at all levels. Through the two distinct brands - Caldwell and IQTalent - the firm leverages the latest innovations in AI to offer an integrated spectrum of services delivered by teams with deep knowledge in their respective areas. Services include candidate research and sourcing through to full recruitment at the professional, executive and board levels, as well as a suite of talent strategy and assessment tools that can help clients hire the right people, then manage and inspire them to achieve maximum business results.Caldwell's common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL) and trade on the OTCQX Market (OTCQX: CWLPF). Please visit our website at www.caldwell.com for further information.For further information, please contact:Caroline LomotCaldwell clomot@ caldwell.com+1 516 830 3535SOURCE: Caldwell Partners International, Inc.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Armenian media outlets report that French President Emmanuel Macron is likely to visit Armenia next weekend and make "a new statement on the Karabakh issue", Trend reports.

The visit is scheduled for September 9-10.

There is also an assumption that Macron will pay a visit to Baku after Yerevan. But there is no unanimous decision in French official circles on whether the visit will take place.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 23:31:12

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 441 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica " or the "Company") (NYSE:CMA) and certain of its officers.Class Definition:This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Comerica securities between February 9, 2021 and May 29, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma Case Details:The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) Comerica failed to provide meaningful oversight over the vendors to whom it contracted out day-to-day operations of the Direct Express program, a system through which it is contracted to provide federal benefits to millions of Americans without bank accounts; (2) as a result of violations in the day-to-day operations of Direct Express, including handling fraud disputes and allowing sensitive data to be handled out of a vendor's office in Pakistan, Comerica was not in compliance with the Federal Contract, and knew it was not in compliance; (3) Comerica knew and failed to disclose that it was in potential violation of Regulation E due to inadequate fraud prevention in the Direct Express program and responses to instance of fraud; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: www.bgandg.com/cma or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Law Clerk and Client Relations Manager, Yael Nathanson of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Comerica you have until October 20, 2023, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.Contact:Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Yael Nathanson332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 14:05:47

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 586 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAYVILLE, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / The idyllic town of Sayville, nestled within Greater Islip, is about to become the backdrop for an enchanting escape as Come As You Are Inn LLC readies to open its doors to solo travelers this summer and fall. This distinctive bed and breakfast has long been renowned for its unique ambiance and unparalleled hospitality, promising an unforgettable experience for those seeking a serene and delightful getaway.Come As You Are Inn understands the beauty of solitude and individuality which is why they offer a personalized retreat for every traveler. Embracing the essence of solo travel, the Inn offers only single rooms, ensuring each guest's privacy and tranquility are cherished. This approach sets the stage for an intimate experience, allowing visitors to unwind and explore the picturesque surroundings at their leisure.One of the Inn's representatives shared their excitement, saying, "At Come As You Are Inn, we believe that a journey is not only about the destination but also about the experience. Our commitment to providing a warm and personalized stay is at the heart of everything we do. We invite our guests to truly 'come as they are' and allow us to take care of the rest." The inn also offers visitors a quaint blend of comfort and style with the Ethel Merman room, recently refurbished to its former glory, featuring an ensuite bath. The equally charming Tammy and Mae West rooms come complete with private baths, providing a retreat that seamlessly combines modern comfort with a touch of vintage allure. Each room has been meticulously designed to offer a unique and inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to unwind and rejuvenate.And that's not all. Come As You Are Inn enjoys a prime location in close proximity to the iconic Sayville Public Library, making it a convenient starting point for those looking to explore the town's cultural gems. With private driveway and street parking options available, guests can embark on their local adventures with ease.The Inn's hosts, Mark Engelhardt and Aristotle Engelhardt, are excited to extend their warm welcome to all visitors. Mark Engelhardt expressed, "For us, hospitality is not just a business; it's a passion. We are eager to share the tranquility and charm of Sayville with every guest who walks through our doors. Our aim is to provide an experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving each visitor with cherished memories." As the sun-kissed days of summer and the golden hues of fall approach, Come As You Are Inn stands ready to offer a haven of comfort and hospitality to those seeking solace and adventure. For bookings and inquiries, please visit the official website: www.comeasyouareinn.com About The Company:Come As You Are Inn LLC is a charming bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Sayville, a picturesque town within Greater Islip, New York. Known for its unique ambiance and exceptional hospitality, the Inn offers a serene escape for solo travelers seeking comfort, tranquility, and a touch of vintage charm.Proprietors Mark Engelhardt and Aristotle Engelhardt are passionate about creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Their commitment to genuine hospitality and personalized service shines through in every aspect of the Inn. The hosts warmly welcome guests, sharing insider tips on local attractions and ensuring that their stay is comfortable and memorable.Contact Information:Mark EngelhardtEmail: mteorg@ aol.com Location: 59 Greene Ave. Sayville, New York 11782Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comesasyouareinn?mibextid=LQQJ4d YouTube: http:/ www.youtube.com/@comeasyouareinn SOURCE: The Lilac Agency
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 20:47:07

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 505 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 21, 2019 - Aug. 14, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Oct. 31, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/DFSContact An Attorney Now: DFS@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) DFS maintained deficient risk management and compliance procedures; (2) as a result of these deficiencies, DFS had, among other things, failed to comply with applicable student loan servicing standards, misclassified certain credit card accounts, overcharged customers, and failed to stem its ballooning credit card delinquency rate; and (3) these issues, when they became known, would subject DFS to significant financial exposure, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational harm.The truth began to emerge on July 20, 2022, when DFS announced that it was suspending its share repurchase program "because of an internal investigation into its student loan servicing practices and related compliance matters." Then, on July 19, 2023, DFS disclosed that it had misclassified certain credit card products over an approximate 15-year period as a result of an acknowledged compliance failure. DFS stated that correction of the misclassifications negatively impacted its retained earnings and certain previous interim period net income.DFS also revealed that it received a proposed consent order from the FDIC in connection with an unrelated regulatory matter.Finally, on Aug. 14, 2023, DFS announced that Roger C. Hochschild resigned from his position as CEO and President and as a member of the company's board. The same day, DFS reported a significant increase in its credit card delinquency rate."We're focused on investors' losses and are investigating whether DFS may have concealed problems with its compliance and risk management practices," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Discover Financial Services and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Discover Financial Services should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email DFS@ hbsslaw.com About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 16:20:44

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 991 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Falcon Gold Corp. (FG:TSX-V), (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the company has received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property, and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:Copper-anomalyAnomalous Gold-ArsenicMultiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomaliesMultiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and ZirconiumProspecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Falcon. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215 ppm20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98 ppm34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149 ppm10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123 ppm9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72 ppm20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppmMultiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) ArsenicFalcon interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations." Figure 1. Location of Falcon's, and Marvel's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.Qualified PersonGreg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.About Falcon Gold Corp.Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ. The Company holds multiple additional projects: The Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; The Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 13:31:48

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 992 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company" or "FWTC") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Aalborg CSP ("Aalborg CSP"), a premier developer of solar thermal collectors designed to facilitate heat generation without the reliance on conventional fuel combustion.The LOI, signed August 31, 2023 outlines the terms and conditions under which FWTC and Aalborg CSP intend to pursue a relationship that will enable FWTC to access Aalborg CSP's flat panel and parabolic solar thermal solution offerings for integration into FWTC'S proprietary Forward Osmosis ("FO") technology systems, specific to Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) applications and where the use of solar thermal integration provides beneficial use to the client. The parties have agreed to work diligently and in good faith to negotiate and finalize a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") to effectuate the proposed relationship.Both FWTC and Aalborg CSP would like to create a mutually beneficial relationship that enables the rapid commercialization of FWTC's industrial Solar-FO process offering integrated with Aalborg CSP's solar thermal offerings (flat panel and/or parabolic) in meeting client needs. FWTC possesses expertise in FO technology and design, complemented by a robust array of technical resources to offer comprehensive project support. However, FWTC acknowledges its limitations in sourcing and constructing solar thermal systems. In contrast, Aalborg CSP brings to the table extensive solar thermal engineering expertise, well-established supply chains, and proficient fabrication capabilities, making them the ideal partner to design, manufacture, and seamlessly integrate solar thermal solutions into FWTC's FO equipment.By partnering both Aalborg and FWTC anticipate being able to deliver a robust and unique system and process offering enhancing the attractiveness and portfolios of each company. For clarity, this proposed relationship is not a license to either party's proprietary intellectual property but a cooperative relationship between both companies in working together on DLE client opportunities, where integration and use of Aalborg CSP's solar thermal solution offering provides value and benefit to FWTC's customers."We are excited to proposed relationship with Aalborg CSP as the integration of their solar thermal energy offerings into our FO designs establishes a new benchmark in energy requirements for extraction and reuse of water from challenging process streams at less than 10 kWh/m3 of electrical energy. FO operations driven by solar thermal enables us to meet and surpass client requirements of reduced CO2 emissions, increased water reuse and sustainable operations as needed by our direct lithium extraction clients in support of their environmental permits and process economics" as quoted by Grant Thornley, VP Engineering Solutions at FWTC.The LOI is non-binding and subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, satisfactory due diligence, regulatory approvals, and the execution of the Definitive Agreement. There can be no assurance that the relationship contemplated by the LOI will be completed as proposed or at all.The Company will provide updates as significant developments occur, and it anticipates disclosing further details upon the execution of the Definitive Agreement.Investors and shareholders are encouraged to review the Company's filings on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca) for additional information about the Company and other related developments.About Forward Water Technologies Corp.Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com About Aalborg CSP.Aalborg CSP A/S is a leading developer and supplier of innovative, renewable technologies with the vision Changing Energy aiming at changing the way energy is produced and stored today. We design and supply green solutions and integrated energy systems based on solar power, energy storage within power-to-X (PTXHEAT and PTXSALT), heat exchange and much more for industries and power plants worldwide. For more information, please visit www.aalborgcsp.com Contact InformationFor more information or interview requests, please contact:C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officerhowie.honeyman@forwardwater.com 416-451-8155Neither 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.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding the proposed relationship with Aalborg CSP and the anticipated benefits from such relationship, expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers.Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the inability to finalize a Definitive Agreement, the inability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the proposed relationship. the impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availa
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 20:55:47

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 571 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Expanded Class Period: Nov. 2, 2018 - July 26, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/t Contact An Attorney Now: T@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895AT&T Inc. (T) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges AT&T made false or misleading statements and failed to disclose that AT&T: (1) owns cables around the U.S. that are highly toxic due to their being wrapped in lead, and which harm company employees and non-employees alike; (2) faces potentially significant litigation risk, regulatory risk, and reputational harm as a result of its ownership of these lead-covered cables and the health risks stemming from their presence around the U.S; and (3) was warned about the damage and risks presented by these cables but did not disclose them as a potential threat to employee safety or to everyday people and communities.Investors began to learn the truth after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles spanning July 9 - July 26, 2023.These articles revealed that AT&T and others left behind toxic lead cables that they laid years ago. The WSJ also reported that independently tested samples from underwater cable sites revealed lead on the banks of the Mississippi, Willamette, and Passaic Rivers as well as in parts of Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere.The WSJ further reported that AT&T officials have known for decades that lead in its networks was a possible health risk to its workers, some workers have illnesses that can be linked to lead, and lead could leach into the environment.Finally, on July 26, 2023, the WSJ reported that the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency are investigating whether telecom companies knew of the potential risks posed by the abandoned lead cables.As a result, AT&T's stock has been downgraded by analysts and its price was inflated over the past five years."We're focused on investors' losses, AT&T's knowledge of potential liability stemming from its sprawling network of toxic lead-sheathed cables across the U.S., and whether the company historically understated its expenses," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in AT&T and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding AT&T should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email T@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 05:52:13

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1014 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company" or "NDM") announces an independent technical report entitled Pebble Project, NI 43-101 Technical Report Update and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Alaska, United States of America, effective date August 21, 2023 ("2023 PEA") has been completed and will be filed at www.sedarplus.ca "The proposed mine for the Pebble Project would provide good-paying, year-round employment for thousands of Alaskans, something desperately needed in Southwest Alaska," said Ron Thiessen, President and CEO of Northern Dynasty. "The mine would mean substantial tax revenues for Alaska, including contributions to the Alaska Permanent Fund, which will be important for the future economic sustainability of the region. New infrastructure developed to support the proposed project would offer the additional benefit of potentially lowering energy costs for the region. The July 2020 Environmental Impact Statement of the Pebble Project (the "FEIS") states that the proposed mine can be developed and operated without harming the fishery, and so, with Alaska's excellent track record of managing all its resources for the benefit of its people, it can have BOTH the mine AND the fishery." The 2023 PEA was prepared to accomplish several objectives. The report is an independent review of the project that provides cost and price estimates to reflect current economic volatility. It includes an infrastructure plan that uses the "southern route" for project access as defined in the original permitting application for the Pebble Project. In addition, the 2023 PEA updates the status of the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") Final Determination and United States Army Corps of Engineers ("USACE") Record of Decision Appeal processes (see Northern Dynasty January 31, 2023 and July 28, 2023 news releases, respectively).The 2023 PEA provides production, financial and cost estimates for a proposed 20-year, 180,000 tons per day ("Tpd") open pit operation with conventional processing producing two concentrates for the Pebble Project in Southwest Alaska (the "Proposed Project") as described in the Pebble Project permit application and its amendments. United States ("U.S.") dollars and U.S. standard units are used in the 2023 PEA and in the information below unless otherwise indicated. All results presented are post-tax. Unless otherwise noted, all figures in the study are based on the forecast long-term metal prices shown in the table below.MetalUnitForecast Price ($/unit)Copperlb3.90Goldoz1,700Molybdenumlb12.50Silveroz22.50Rheniumkg1,500The Proposed Project would be capable of processing 1.3 billion tons of mineralized material over 20 years of mining at a low strip ratio of 0.12:1, with an average annual mine operating cost of $14.17/ton. Average annual metal production is forecast to be 320 million lb copper; 368,000 oz gold; 15 million lb molybdenum; 1.8 million oz silver and 10,000 kg rhenium, with Life-of-Mine metal production of 6.4 billion lb copper; 7.4 million oz gold; 300 million lb molybdenum; 37 million oz silver; and 200,000 kg rhenium.The forecast financial results of the Proposed Project with third parties providing key infrastructure (the "Base Case") are tabulated below. On July 27, 2022, Northern Dynasty announced a Royalty agreement by which the Royalty Holder has the right to acquire five Royalty tranches. Currently, the Royalty Holder has acquired one tranche but the table provides the financial results assuming all five tranches of the Royalty are acquired.In June 2021, Pedro Bay Corporation ("PBC") announced they had signed an agreement whereby a fund had obtained an option to buy portions of their land to create a conservation easement. PBC and the fund announced the exercise of the option in December 2022. While the Pebble Partnership has not explored the full range of options available to it with this announcement, its current assumption is that the northern route defined in the FEIS is no longer practicable and thus does not qualify as an alternative as defined by the Clean Water Act ("CWA"). Accordingly, the 2023 PEA analyzes the amended version of the southern transportation alternative proposed by the Pebble Partnership for the transportation route in its original 2017 permit application.The total initial capital cost for the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of the proposed project is estimated to be $6.77 billion, which includes all direct and indirect costs, as well as a contingency. Northern Dynasty believes it is most likely that, if approved, the proposed project would be developed with partners who will provide the primary infrastructure (marine terminal, access road, ferry, natural gas pipeline, mine site power plant) in return for lease payments or tolls at rates which provide a return on investment to the developers of the infrastructure. The capital cost of this infrastructure which may be provided by third parties is estimated at $2.64 billion, which would reduce Northern Dynasty's portion of the cash outlay required for construction. The financial results also include anticipated metal streaming, which would provide proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion towards the initial capital cost.DescriptionUnitsProposed Project - Base Case, including RoyaltiesMining Taxes & Government RoyaltiesUS$ M1,487Corporate Income TaxUS$ M1,931Post - Tax Undiscounted Cash FlowUS$ M7,681Post - Tax NPV at 7%1US$ M2,233Post - Tax IRR%16.2%Post - Tax Payback Periodyears4.6The 2023 PEA also evaluates potential mine expansion scenarios, which are presented to demonstrate optionality inherent in the polymetallic Pebble deposit and a possible pathway for future mine development. The study also assesses the potential of the future addition of a gold plant. Any future development option beyond the Proposed Project would require extensive federal, state and local permitting processes and approvals before proceeding, which would be in addition to the initial permits and approvals required for the Proposed Project and, very importantly, in consultation with the people and communities of Western Alaska, as well as State agencies.The 2023 PEA has been prepared within the guidelines established by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") to disclose the current cost estimates and potential financial results for the Pebble Project. The Company is a "foreign issuer" under the U.S. Exchange Act and entitled to file continuous disclosure reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchang
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:01:30

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 415 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANSICO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / Girard Sharp, LLP and Malmfeldt Law Group P.C., national investment, securities, and class action firms, announce an investigation on behalf of MSP Recovery investors.MSP Recovery, which operates under the name "LifeWallet," is a "healthcare expense recovery and data analytics company." Since it went public in May 2022 in connection with a business combination with Lionheart Acquisition Corp. II ("Lionheart") the price of its stock has declined by more than 99%.On April 14, 2023, MSP Recovery made a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission announcing that certain of the Company's previously-filed financial statements "require restatements and should no longer be relied upon." MSP Recovery also stated that the errors in these financial statements relate to "the indemnification asset, various intangible assets and rights to cash flows and consolidation of an entity in connection with the Company's business combination." In August 2023, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly-traded MSP Recovery and Lionheart securities between April 28, 2022 and August 17, 2023. The plaintiffs allege that defendants failed to disclose that the Company was under active investigation by the SEC and federal prosecutors and made false and/or misleading representations concerning the Company's financial results, business, and prospects.If you purchased or otherwise acquired MSP Recovery or Lionheart securities, Suffered Significant Losses, and would like to discuss your potential claim, please email apolk@ girardsharp.com or call (866) 981-4800 for a free consultation.Why Girard Sharp?Girard Sharp represents investors, consumers, and institutions in class actions and other complex litigation nationwide. We serve on the Plaintiffs' executive committee in the recent spoofing litigation against JPMorgan Chase that settled for $60 million, a favorable resolution that the district court preliminarily approved in December 2021. Our attorneys have obtained multimillion-dollar recoveries for victims of unfair and deceptive practices in antitrust, financial fraud, and consumer protection matters against some of the country's largest corporations, including Raymond James, John Hancock, and Sears. Girard Sharp has earned top-tier rankings from U.S. News and World Report for Securities and Class Action Litigation and has been repeatedly selected as an Elite Trial Lawyers finalist by the National Law Journal.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:Girard Sharp LLP(866) 981-4800contact@ girardsharp.comapolk@girardsharp.comwww.girardsharp.com SOURCE: Girard Sharp LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 12:50:35

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1027 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

The Initial Assessment Focuses on a Small Surface Footprint, 5.9 Million Tonnes per Year High Grade Underground Copper Mining Operation Supported Solely by the High-Grade Exotic, Oxide and Enriched Domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge DepositsAdditional Resources at the Texaco Deposit and the Large, Primary Sulfide Resources at Santa Cruz Provide Potential for Future GrowthLife of Mine ("LOM") Copper Production Estimated to be 1.6 Million Tonnes over a 20-Year Mine Life, with an Average Grade of 1.58% Total Copper and C1 Cash Costs[1] of $1.36 per PoundEstimated LOM Copper Production Includes 1.0 Million Tonnes of 99.99% Pure Copper Cathode and 0.6 Million Tonnes of Copper Contained in a Concentrate that is 48% Copper by WeightInitial Capital Estimate of $1.15 Billion, After-tax NPV8% of $1.32 Billion and IRR of 23.0% Assuming LOM $3.80/lb Copper PriceBase Case Utilizes 70% Renewable Energy, Resulting in Low Scope 1 and 2 Carbon Dioxide Equivalent ("CO2e") Emissions of 0.49 Tonnes of CO2e per Tonne of Copper Produced, Compared to the Industry Average of 3.9 Tonnes of CO2e per Tonne of Copper[2]Ivanhoe Electric Controls the Private Surface Land and Patented Mineral Rights Encompassing the Entire Santa Cruz Copper ProjectIvanhoe Electric to Host Conference Call to Review the Initial Assessment at 11:00 am ET on Wednesday, September 6, 2023PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) Executive Chairman, Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Melvin are pleased to provide the results from the Initial Assessment[3] ("IA") for its Santa Cruz Copper Project, located west of Casa Grande, Arizona. The IA is a preliminary technical and economic study for the Santa Cruz Copper Project and associated high-grade mineral resources included in the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits. The study analyzes the potential for a high-grade underground copper mining operation supported by modern technologies to reduce environmental impact and powered predominantly by renewable energy.Mr. Friedland commented: "Completing the Initial Assessment for our Santa Cruz Copper Project is an important achievement for Ivanhoe Electric as we work to advance a new source of responsibly produced "green" copper in the United States. Our goal is to develop a modern copper mine that produces copper with among the lowest levels of carbon dioxide output in the industry; a product we think has the potential to attract a premium price in the future. Using primarily onsite renewable electricity generation, and with the potential to increase that to meet the Project's entire future needs, the Initial Assessment shows us that we are on the right track to achieving our goal at Santa Cruz and our larger goal of enhancing U.S. supply chain independence for critical metals. We are excited about the future for our Santa Cruz Project in Arizona." Mr. Melvin commented: "The Initial Assessment for the Santa Cruz Copper Project is the result of a tremendous effort by our team and an important milestone for the Project. The study provides a first look at our plans for a technologically advanced, underground copper mine in Arizona with attractive economics at today's copper prices. We are designing the Project to minimize environmental impact through the use of modern technologies and renewable power. We believe the Santa Cruz Copper Project will become an industry-leading example of responsibly produced copper in the United States, and a source of high-quality jobs in Arizona during development and throughout its anticipated long mine life." Highlights of the Initial AssessmentThe Santa Cruz IA outlines a potential 5.9 million tonnes per year underground mining operation, supported by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed with an average grade of 1.58% copper from the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits, resulting in an estimated 20-year mine life.The IA focuses exclusively on the high-grade exotic, oxide and enriched domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits. The oxide and enriched domains of the Texaco Deposit are not included in the current study (2.7 million tonnes indicated grading 1.42% total copper and 27.3 million tonnes inferred grading 1.39% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade). Future studies could evaluate the potential addition of the large primary sulfide domains at Santa Cruz (76.2 million tonnes indicated grading 0.88% total copper and 8.0 million tonnes inferred grading 0.92% total copper, using a 0.70% cut-off grade) and at the Texaco Deposit (0.9 million tonnes indicated grading 1.05% total copper and 35.0 million tonnes inferred grading 1.06% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade), subject to market conditions.Copper recoveries of 95.4% are expected to be achieved through a combination of solvent extraction and electrowinning ("SX/EW") and conventional froth flotation.The IA includes LOM production for the Project of 1.0 million tonnes of copper in the form of 99.99% pure copper cathode and 0.6 million tonnes of copper contained in a 48% copper concentrate with very low deleterious elements, such as arsenic or lead.LOM average C1 cash costs are expected to be $1.36 per payable pound of copper, with C3 total costs[4] expected to average $2.84 per payable pound of copper.The IA contemplates initial project capital expenditures of $1.15 billion, and LOM sustaining capital expenditures totaling $0.98 billion. A three-year construction period is envisioned to develop the underground workings and build the surface processing facilities.The IA estimates that the Project has a pre-tax net present value ("NPV") of $1.6 billion at an 8% discount rate and a pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 25.1%, using a flat LOM copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. After-tax NPV is estimated at $1.3 billion with an after-tax IRR of 23.0%, using the same discount rate and copper price assumptions.The IA is designed to minimize environmental impact and minimize surface land disruption. As a result of the small surface footprint required for underground copper mining activities included in the IA, the total land area expected to be required for the mine, plant, tailings storage facilities and potential on-site generation of renewable solar power covers approximately one-third of the total land package.The IA base case assumes 70% of the total electric power requirements for the Project will be generated by onsite renewable infrastructure, enabling copper production with very low carbon dioxide equivalent ("CO2e") emissions of 0.49 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of copper for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. In comparison, the global mining industry average is approximately 3.9 tonnes of
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 14:00:53

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 510 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

JACKSONVILLE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / CE Broker, the leading provider of continuing education management and compliance software, has been selected to provide its continuing education (CE) tracking and verification solution to the Kansas Board of Nursing (Board). This partnership marks CE Broker's 14th contract nationwide with a nursing board.The Board's mission is to ensure safe and competent practice by nurses and mental health technicians for the citizens of Kansas. The Board protects the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Kansas through the fair and consistent application of the statutes and regulations that govern nursing practice and nursing education. Its recent recognition with the Regulatory Achievement Award further highlights the Board's dedication. Presented by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this award celebrates the Board's efforts in advancing public policy for the safety and efficacy of nursing practice.This partnership with CE Broker represents one way in which the Board continues to put its stakeholders first and invest in the public interest by offering modern, more efficient experiences for nurses."Kansas State Board of Nursing is thrilled to collaborate with CE Broker, providing our licensees with complimentary access to their platform," Carol Moreland, MSN, RN, and Executive Director of the Kansas State Board of Nursing, said. "Tools such as CE Broker serve a valuable asset for our licensees to record and ensure adherence to continuing nursing education requirements for license renewal." With over 20 years of experience working with state nursing boards, regulatory agencies, associations, and nursing professionals, CE Broker is well-equipped to help more than 70,000 nurses licensed by the Board stay up to date with their skills and knowledge and easily maintain their licensure. With nursing renewal shortages nationwide, licensure and renewal efficiencies to support licensure portability are imperative. CE Broker enables Kansas nurses and others to track continuing education for multiple licenses easily."We are honored to partner with the Kansas Board of Nursing to streamline their license renewal process while providing access to trusted and required continuing education," said Julie Walker, CE Broker's CEO. "Our goal is to make this process simpler and more enjoyable for licensed professionals to successfully maintain their license and focus on their most impactful work." CE Broker's platform offers all stakeholders a digital system that streamlines and expedites the license renewal process. Digital tracking systems help eliminate paper waste, reduce manual processes, and increase compliance rates in the state, resulting in a safer and more engaged workforce.About CE BrokerRecently brought under the Propelus brand, CE Broker is a leading compliance and continuing education management solution. For over 20 years, Propelus solutions - CE Broker, EverCheck, and Immuware - have propelled the progress of millions of dedicated professionals in their career journey. Our market-leading workforce compliance management technology, full-lifecycle continuing education software, and vital data simplify total professional management for a happier workforce, better operations, and safer communities. We power professionals. Learn more at cebroker.com and propelus.com Contact Information:Jean Chen CMO, Propelus jeanchen@ propelus.com 720.445.5537SOURCE: CE Broker
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Azerbaijan and Georgia strengthen defense cooperation, Trend reports.

The agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Georgia "On cooperation in the field of defense" was admitted for discussion at the meeting of the Committee of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) on defense, security, and anti-corruption.

The agreement was signed on April 24, 2023, in Baku and consists of a preamble and 13 articles.

The purpose of the agreement is to promote and strengthen cooperation between the parties in the field of defense, as well as to ensure practical activities for the implementation of military cooperation programs adopted by the parties.

In accordance with Article 2 of the agreement, cooperation is envisaged in 14 areas (military training, trainings, and exercises; defense and security policy; peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; cooperation within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace program; arms control and disarmament; military legislation; logistics; civil-military cooperation; cyber security in the field of defense; military cartography; military medical services; social, sports, and cultural events; humanitarian demining; and other areas of mutual interest).

In accordance with Article 3 of the agreement, cooperation between the parties is ensured through official visits and working meetings, bilateral negotiations, consultations, exchange of experience, participation in trainings and educational events, exchange of information of mutual interest, participation in conferences, seminars, cultural and sporting events, and other forms of joint work.

The Ministries of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Georgia act as authorized bodies for the implementation of the agreement.

In addition, the exchange and mutual protection of confidential information between the parties for the implementation of this agreement is carried out in accordance with the agreement "On mutual protection of confidential information between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Georgia" dated October 26, 2011.

Moreover, the agreement contains information on financial issues, disciplinary procedures, losses, the procedure for temporary termination of the agreement, and obligations arising from other international treaties.

Furthermore, any disagreements that may arise during the interpretation or application of this agreement, in accordance with Article 1T of the agreement, are resolved by the parties through diplomatic channels through negotiations and (or) consultations and are not subject to application for resolution either to national or international courts or to a third party.

The agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the following month from the date of receipt through diplomatic channels of the last written notification in which the parties notify each other of the implementation of domestic procedures necessary for its entry into force.

The agreement is concluded for an indefinite period.

Each party may terminate the agreement at any time by sending written notification to the other through diplomatic channels. After six months from the date of receipt of the notification, the agreement is considered invalid.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:08:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 984 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / McDonald's CorporationRMHC is a global network of more than 260 Chapters that help families access medical care for their children and family support services in more than 60 countries and regions throughout the world. Ronald McDonald House Charities and RMHC are trademarks of McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates. RMHC programs provide families with somewhere to stay in or near leading hospitals and healthcare services, helping to ensure they are fully supported along their child's healthcare journey. RMHC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.In total, McDonald's, our Franchisees and customers donated over $182 million to RMHC in 2022, helping the charity provide more than 2.2 million overnight stays for RMHC families around the world.All donation and monetary figures have been converted to U.S. dollars and are approximate.2022 HighlightsMcDonald's Corporation donated $20 million as part of our five-year, $100 million commitment to support families when they need it most.More than 28,000 individuals in the McDonald's System - including Owner/Operators, Developmental Licensees, employees and crew - actively volunteered with RMHC Chapters."Round-Up for RMHC" - providing customers with the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest whole number - continued in select markets, raising over $32 million across participating restaurants.More than $24 million was donated worldwide through RMHC Donation Boxes at restaurant counters and Drive-Thru windows.What Ronald McDonald House Charities DoesThrough three core global programs and hundreds of local programs, RMHC provides stability and vital resources to families around the world.Ronald McDonald House programs - More than just a place to sleep, each House is near the hospital and provides meals and a range of supportive services to families with a hospitalized child.384 Ronald McDonald House programs48 countries9,649 bedrooms for families around the world every nightRonald McDonald Family Room programs - Located within the hospital, this program offers families a place to recharge, rest and have a snack, all within a few steps of their child's bedside.269 Ronald McDonald Family Room programs29 countriesAccommodating more than 3,400 visits by families every dayRonald McDonald Care Mobile programs - In partnership with a clinical services provider, these mobile units provide medical, dental and healthcare resources to children and families in underserved communities around the world.39 Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs9 countriesServes more than 76,000 children a yearOur Strategy: McDonald's & RMHC Working in PartnershipWhen our communities need us, we show up. Collective support from McDonald's, our Franchisees, suppliers and customers helps RMHC continue offering the important programs that keep families in or near leading hospitals and healthcare services, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs. McDonald's ongoing support of RMHC is a central pillar of our commitment to have a positive impact on the communities where we operate, and we are proud to be more than a founding partner of RMHC - we are its forever partner. See our Community Impact & Philanthropy page for more information. McDonald's, along with individual donors and corporate partners, plays a key role in supporting RMHC in its efforts to keep families together during their child's medical journey.In some countries or regions, McDonald's donates a percentage of the sale of specific products or runs other special promotions in restaurants. We make it easy for our customers to support RMHC too, through a range of on-site and modernized giving opportunities.1In 2022, McDonald's Corporation donated $20 million as part of our five-year, $100 million commitment to support families when they need it most. The gift is helping RMHC deliver its mission through:Direct financial support to Chapters, including capital expansion grants.Chapter capacity building and consultation services in areas such as operations, infrastructure, financial management, fundraising, branding and people development.Resource development for the RMHC system and advancement of key global initiatives in financial management, leadership training and systems/ technology improvement.McDonald's Actions in 2022The McDonald's community has provided their time, funds, and in-kind services, all of which have helped RMHC to positively impact millions of children and their families since 1974. The actions we take - alongside our customers, Franchisees and suppliers around the world - have enabled us to continue to support families, despite unforeseen global challenges. Here are just a few examples from 2022:More than 28,000 individuals in the McDonald's System - including Owner/Operators, Developmental Licensees, employees and crew - actively volunteered with RMHC Chapters. Some even volunteer as RMHC Board members, helping shape the ways in which local Chapters meet the critical needs of children and their families in their local community. Volunteers are vital to RMHC, helping offset costs and allowing the charity to direct more donations to services supporting children and their families.When McDonald's Portugal redesigned the uniforms of all 9,500 crew members, the team developed an innovative circular economy initiative to recycle the more than 18,000 used uniforms. These uniforms were transformed into recycled textile yarns and converted into new textile bags, and 5,500 bags were then donated to RMHC Portugal to be used as "Family Welcome Kits" with items to improve families' well-being.Tyson Foods provided six branded food programs across Ronald McDonald House programs in the U.S. The programs enabled guest families to access quick meals around the clock and also offered refrigerators/freezers and products to the Houses in core Tyson markets.UL Solutions became the first RMHC partner solely dedicated to supporting its global sustainability efforts. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UL Solutions offers building assessments to evaluate the indoor air quality of several RMHC programs. The partnership galvanizes UL Solutions' network of employees to give back and volunteer at their local RMHC Chapters, and provides educational resources to reinforce sustainability priorities for more than 260 RMHC Chapters across the globe.Relief Response Around the GlobeAs our communities navigated through adversity, McDonald's - along with our global community of customers, suppliers and Franchisees - continued supporting RMHC Chapters around the world. Our efforts to help families with sick children during very difficult tim
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 16:21:01

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 973 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Marvel Discovery Corp. (MARV: TSX.V) , (O4T:GR), (MARVF:OTCQB); and Falcon Gold Corp. (FG: TSX.V) , (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB) together (the Alliance) are pleased to announce the companies have received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:Copper-anomalyAnomalous Gold-ArsenicMultiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomaliesMultiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and ZirconiumProspecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Marvel JV Partner, Falcon Gold. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215 ppm20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98 ppm34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149 ppm10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123 ppm9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72 ppm20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppmMultiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) ArsenicThe Alliance interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations." Figure 1. Location of Marvel's, and Falcon's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.Qualified PersonThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Robinson, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.About Marvel Discovery Corp.Marvel, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:Newfoundland (Slip, Gander North, Gander South, Victoria Lake, Baie Verte, and Hope Brook - Au Prospects)Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au Prospect)Elliot Lake, Ontario (East Bull - Ni-Cu-PGE Prospect)Quebec (Duhamel -Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium Prospect)Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements Prospect)The Company's website is: https://marveldiscovery.ca/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDMarvel Discovery Corp."Karim Rayani"Karim RayaniPresident/Chief Executive Officer, DirectorTel: 604 716 1036 email: k@ r7.capital Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, includ
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:33:12

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 929 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Odaseva, the Enterprise Data Security Platform for Salesforce, is making 2023 a landmark year for growth, highlighted by global expansion, product innovation, and new security certifications and assessments."As the data protection and security needs of enterprises running on Salesforce continue to grow in importance and complexity, Odaseva has risen to the challenge," says Sovan Bin, CEO and Founder of Odaseva. "Prioritizing innovation in our product offerings and exceeding the security requirements of many of the world's largest and most complex Salesforce implementations has led to a year of record growth for Odaseva." In 2023 Odaseva has achieved:Global growth: New enterprise customers, data centers on 4 continents, rapid adoptionAs Odaseva delivers on its global commitment to protecting Salesforce data for the world's largest enterprises, the company achieved global growth in key areas.Enterprise customers join Odaseva's growing portfolioThe world's largest enterprises, including Global Fortune 500 companies, trust Odaseva to protect mission-critical Salesforce data. In 2023 Odaseva added new enterprise customers in key markets. They join Odaseva's existing enterprise customer portfolio that includes Schneider Electric, Michelin, Manulife, and Autism CRC.New data centers on 4 continents aid compliance with data residency lawsNew data regulations increase demands on how businesses store, process, and manage data. China, India, Australia, Germany and many other countries have rules that require data localization. To meet this demand, Odaseva has added data centers in Singapore, Japan, India, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Adding these data centers enables Odaseva's customers to comply with data residency requirements in more countries.Odaseva adoption continues rapid growthOdaseva reached 120 million users in August 2023. This rapid growth is attributed to meeting rising demand for Salesforce data security solutions among Global Fortune 500 companies.Innovation in product development: Backup & Restore, Data Archiving, security productsThe Odaseva Enterprise Data Security Platform evolved in 2023 to support new capabilities in critical areas.Backup and Restore with 5 minute Recovery Point Objective (RPO)Odaseva improved its already best-in-the-industry RPO by an additional 66%. This enables Odaseva to support the most demanding Salesforce backup and restore use cases, allowing customers to minimize the amount of data loss after a disaster to just five minutes worth of data, compared to most other backup and restore solutions that offer RPO of 24 hours.View archived objects natively in SalesforceOdaseva Data Archiving now includes Archive Viewer, an enhancement that enables Odaseva customers to view any archived Salesforce object inside the native Salesforce UI. This innovation has been made possible through Odaseva's patent on Cloud Virtualization.End-to-end encryption for data backupsOdaseva Gateway, a new security product, is a new on-premise installation that ensures Odaseva never has access to clear text in a customer's Salesforce instance. Gateway goes above and beyond Odaseva's existing "no-view provider" security designation, ensuring data never leaves the customer's perimeter unencrypted.Complete field change tracking to satisfy compliance requirementsOdaseva Audit Trail is a new security product that provides the most detailed and in-depth tracking of fields per object in Salesforce. It allows customers unlimited tracking on a Salesforce object, including rich text fields, and does not delete the tracking when a case is deleted, a great addition on top of Salesforce Shield Audit Trail.New security certifications & assessments: HITRUST, TISAX, IRAPOdaseva's expanding list of security certifications and assessments demonstrates the company's commitment to protecting and securing customers' critical Salesforce data. HITRUST, TISAX and IRAP add to Odaseva's growing list of certifications and assessments that already includes ISO 270001 and SOC2 Type II. Additionally, Odaseva is compliant with, or offers solutions that help customers to comply with regulations like GDPR, PIPEDA, CCPA, HIPAA, GxP, SEC 17a-4, FINRA, and FCA.HITRUST for the U.S. healthcare industryOdaseva is the only Salesforce data security vendor that is certified by HITRUST for handling healthcare data. HITRUST is a comprehensive framework that helps organizations assess and manage their cybersecurity risk, and is recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a leading framework for information security. Odaseva achieved HITRUST certification in May 2023 and earning this status demonstrates that the Odaseva Enterprise Data Security Platform meets key regulations and industry-defined requirements, including for HIPAA, NIST, and ISO.TISAX for the German automotive industryOdaseva demonstrated its compliance with the German automotive industry by passing the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) assessment, a standard that protects data of German automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Thanks to this certification, Odaseva has been adopted by the largest Automotive companies in Germany.IRAP for Australian government entities and highly-regulated Australian companiesOdaseva demonstrated that it has the proper policies and controls for security in place that meet the Australian Government's information security requirements by successfully completing an IRAP assessment at the PROTECTED' classification level in February 2023. This milestone represents a tangible demonstration of Odaseva's continuous security culture and ability to operate in highly regulated spaces including the public sector, healthcare, and financial services.About OdasevaOdaseva is the leading Enterprise Data Security Platform for Salesforce. Designed by Salesforce data experts to handle Large Data Volumes and complex data models, Odaseva offers Salesforce architects and platform owners the most powerful and secure tools available to solve the problems at the foundation of the Salesforce data value chain: Backup & Restore, Data Archiving, Data Compliance and Data Automation. Global enterprises leveraging Salesforce as a mission-critical application like Schneider Electric and Toyota rely on Odaseva to ensure business continuity, drive performance at scale, comply with regulations, and secure data operations with power and control. Learn more at odaseva.com Media contact:Remy Claretcontact@ odaseva.com+1 800 490 1054SOURCE: Odaseva
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 01:15:21

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 453 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM)(FSE:FIRA)(OTCQB:PMMCF) announces that, further to its news release of August 10, 2023, effective at the opening of trading on September 8, 2023 (the "Effective Date") the common shares of the Company (the "Shares") will commence trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange on a consolidated basis, with one post-consolidated Share outstanding for every 2.5 pre-consolidation Shares (the "Consolidation").As a result of the Consolidation, on the Effective Date, a total of approximately 29,117,310 Shares will be issued and outstanding, subject to adjustments for rounding, with approximately 13,221,894 Shares reserved for issuance. No fractional shares will be issued. The number of post-consolidated Shares to be received will be rounded up to the nearest whole number for fractions of 0.5 or greater or rounded down to the nearest whole number for fractions of less than 0.5.The exercise or conversion price and the number of Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding convertible instruments will be proportionately adjusted upon the effectiveness of the Consolidation.Shareholders of record as of the Effective Date who hold Shares represented by a physical certificate or DRS statement will receive a letter of transmittal from the transfer agent for the Company, Odyssey Trust Company, with instructions on how to exchange their existing certificates or DRS statements for certificates or DRS statements representing Shares on a post-Consolidation basis.ABOUT PAMPA METALSPampa Metals is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE: PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIRA) and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges and wholly owns a portfolio of projects highly prospective for copper, molybdenum and gold along proven and highly productive mineral belts in Chile, the world's largest copper producer.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDJoseph van den Elsen | President & CEOINVESTORS CONTACT:Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEOjoseph@ pampametals.comNeither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTThis news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Pampa Metals Corp.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 14:47:29

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1003 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Start date is expected by the end of 2023 / beginning of 2024. VIRO also offers an update on Diabetic trials and Sagaliam transaction.ALLEN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Enzolytics, Inc. (OTC PINK:ENZC) ( https://enzolytics.com/) Virogentics, Inc. ("VIRO"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Enzolytics, Inc. (the "Company" or "ENZC"), a drug development biotech company, announced today that based on the Bulgarian population of HIV-infected individuals that the sample size for the ITV-1 clinical trials will be 60 individuals.R&D Services Ltd. ("R&D"), under the leadership of Aneliya Vidinlieva, Manager Clinical Trials, assisted by Dr. Ivaylo Tsonev, Chief Medical Officer of Desing and three consultants assigned by the University of Pharmacology, will be performing the clinical trials. R&D and VIRO expect the clinical trials to begin in late 2023 or early 2024.With locations across Bulgaria, where the Clinical Trials will be conducted, R&D services will manage all the administration of the Clinical Trials of ITV-1 conducted in public, municipal, and private healthcare institutions. R&D is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, and ISO 14001:2015 quality assurance standards for services provided.R&D Services Ltd.'s general responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:Improving the quality of the collected data during the clinical trials.Building up a trial site at each healthcare institution and providing all the necessary equipment for conducting clinical trials and premises for proper document and study drugs storage, in compliance with the Good Documentation Practice, Good Clinical Practice, and Good Manufacturing Practice.Ensuring protocol compliance, compliance with the International Conference on Harmonisation - Good Clinical Practice guideline, Bulgarian legislation and specific requirements of the Sponsor/ CRO.Providing the necessary documents for the initial study submission.Prescreening of eligible patients during the initial review/approval period so that a maximum number of patients can be enrolled in the relevant time period.Redirecting eligible patients from trial sites that do not participate in the trial to sites that are approved; building a referral network of physicians to support the study enrollment.Quality checking all the needed documentation concerning the proper conduct of a clinical study (eCRF, temperature logs, subject logs, study drug accountability logs).Reporting any adverse events to the Sponsor/ CRO.Ensuring document access for audits on behalf of the Sponsor/CRO, independent auditor, and regulatory authorities.In addition, the trials being conducted by R&D will include a review by an immunologist to evaluate any correlation of patient outcomes with a different origin of immune deficiency using cell examination.The Company's therapeutic developments will include participation by many established pharm entities, including the following. VETPROM AD, a division of the French company Danhson, currently headed by Stanislav Stoev, Executive Director,represents over 65 years of continuous operations in the Bulgarian economy and is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers of medicinal products (for human and veterinary use), food supplements and cosmetics in Bulgaria. VETPROM manufactures products under its brand name, as well as for third parties under contract manufacture agreements operating under accepted ISO 9001:2008 System for quality of management and the integrated system for Good Manufacturing Practice, under requirements of Volume 4, Good manufacturing practice (GMP) Guidelines.The German Cooperative Clinical Grug Research and Development (CCDRD) is a contract research organization for clinical phase I-IV trials and will be performing the pharmacokinetics study on ITV-1 under the guidance and leadership of the CEO Rossen Koytchev, MD, PhD and Petra Kowalski PhD, Director of Business Development. CCDRD was founded in 1990 and has been performing clinical trials for over 30 years. The company is headquartered in Hoppegarten near Berlin, Germany.The Center of Phytochemistry was set up as a joint project of the Bulgarian Government, UNDP, and UNESCO for scientific and applied research and training of specialists in organic chemistry and chemistry of natural products. The organization was renamed The Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry (IOCCP) and is the leading scientific institution in t organic and bio-organic chemistry field in Bulgaria. VIRO has engaged IOCCP, represented by Prof. DSc Pavlina Dolashka, a member of its organizing committee and scientific committee to perform the biochem analysis of ITV-1 at the Bulgarian Academy of Science.Documentation and correspondence that is required with the EMA as part of the permitting and application process will be performed for VIRO by Vili Topalova, MD EU QPPV Medical Director of AV Consult Pharm ("AVCP"). AVCP is a consulting company in the fields of Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, Medical Devices vigilance, Cosmetovigilance, price and reimbursement and other consultancies for medical treatments. AVCP's expertise is based on years of experience with the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA) and the technical expertise of its employees - former experts and employees of the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA).As a result of a delay in delivery of the Toxicity report to the African hospitals, GOMA, PRC, and Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, DRC, the administration of the ITV-1 immunotherapy initial injections into the HIV/AIDS-infected volunteers was delayed. We expect that to commence soon.Since entering the U.S. Market six months ago, VIRO's growing nutraceutical division has resulted in the exclusive distribution licensing of + Liver Rescue in the North American market. This product accelerates the functions of the liver (accelerated emission of alcohol dehydrogenase), thereby reducing the harmful effects of alcohol on the body and the central nervous system. This is a new revolutionary nutritional supplement in the form of a drink, which is currently being marketed in Europe with great success. Coupled with the monthly increasing production and sales of IPF Immune, the market potential for these products is favorable.Currently, the Company is pursuing testing IPF Immune as an immunomodulator under EMA guidelines on patients with cirrhosis, as an after-radiation and chemotherapy treatment of cancer patients in an attempt to reduce recovery time from the effects, impact on HIV patients immune system (in addition to the ITV-1 Clinical trials), application for type 2 diabetes patients effect on blood sugar levels and glycosylated Hb (in addition to the clinical trials of ITV-1 as a treatment f
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 09:01:21

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1039 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 22, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN)(OTCQB:CMETF)(Frankfurt IVV) is please to announce that the step out hole testing the Nisk Main Deposit 300 metres to the south and east of previous drilling has encountered at a downhole depth of 457 metres about 25 metres of massive and semi-massive sulfides.Figure 1: 2023 Fall Drilling Program, Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal Section.The hole, Number 1 in Figure 1 above, is testing at depth an area to the east of two of the best holes, PN-22-009 and PN-23-035."Pretty as a picture. The Scientific team has done a terrific job using both traditional scientific tools like Gravity, IP, Airborne and Downhole EM together with the newer Ambient Noise Tomography to guide us to an exciting new growth zone for Nisk Main. This SE Trend is one of three we have identified at Nisk Main and all look very promising at depth and along strike" - Commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch.The picture below presents a mosaic of the 6 core boxes containing the massive and semi-massive sulphides intercepted over 25m in this first hole of the fall drilling program.Figure 2: Mosaic picture of the massive to semi-massive sulphides intercepted in hole PN-23-036"The SE plunge within the mineralized horizon is a compelling observation. Testing identified plunges at progressive deeper depths is the strategy behind these initial few holes of our fall campaign. Although the grade cannot be presumed now, successfully intersecting these massive and semi massive sulfides is a very encouraging start to our program" - commented VP Exploration Kenneth Williamson.Figure 3: Nisk Main Zone Longitudinal Section showing the position of hole PN-23-036 as well as proposed drilling sequence of the 2023 Fall Drilling Program. Black arrows represent interpreted higher nickel grade plunges within the mineralized zone.Qualified PersonKenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.About Power Nickel Inc.Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High-Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine.On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). Subsequently, Power Nickel has exercised its option to acquire 50% of the Nisk Project and delivered notice to Critical Elements that it intends to exercise its second option to bring its ownership to 80%. The last remaining commitment to activate this exercise of the option is the delivery of a NI-43-101 Technical report which is anticipated to occur at the latest in Q4 2023.The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement.Power Nickel announced on June 8, 2021, that an agreement had been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver, and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and Magee) and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. These mineral showings are Polymetallic veins containing quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper.Power Nickel is also 100 percent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region.For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact:Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO647-448-8044terry@ powernickel.com For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:Power Nickel Inc.The Canadian Venture Building82 Richmond St East, Suite 202Toronto, ONNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others, the timing for the Company to close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 16:45:29

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 581 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / WHAT: The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for driving market transformation through healthy buildings, organizations and communities, will host the 2023 WELL Summit in Washington, D.C., on September 25-26, 2023, where globally renowned experts and industry pioneers will convene to celebrate the power of place.The event will feature continuous programming, showcasing speakers and MainStage sessions including:"Food as Medicine," a fireside chat featuring Physician and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark Hyman in conversation with Nancy Roman, CEO of Roman Leadership, former President and CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America"A Prescription for Well-being: Places that Put People First," a panel convened by IWBI Governance Council member Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, who will be featured alongside three other former Surgeons General colleagues about their perspective on the state of public health today"Real Estate Reboot: Return to Office Won't Save Us, So What Will?," with executives from HOK, Johnson Controls and Chandan Economics"WELL PechaKucha: Stories that Transform and Transcend," featuring storytelling from healthy building pioneers at Babylon Micro-Farms, IWBI, Lendlease, MindShift, Shaw Industries and Standard Chartered BankProgramming rooted in equity: "Lessons from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Process: Centering and Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom" and "Using Investor Influence to Change the World: How to Move Capital Toward Racial Justice"WHO:Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBIPhysician and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Mark HymanRichard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United StatesM. Joycelyn Elders, MD, 15th Surgeon General of the United StatesAntonia Coello Novello, MD, MPH, Dr.PH , 14th Surgeon General of the United StatesKenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH, FACPM, Acting Surgeon General of the United StatesLeading chief executives from top firms including George Oliver of Johnson Controls, Eli Hoisington of HOK, Sam Chandan, PhD MPH MSc FRICS FRSPH, of Chandan Economics, as well as leaders from Lendlease, Shaw Industries and moreWHEN: Monday, September 25 - Tuesday, September 26, 2023WHERE: Union Market, Washington, D.C., 1309 5th St NERegistration for the WELL Summit is open at wearewell.com/well-summit Credentialed media should contact media@ wellcertfiied.com to request a press pass.About the International WELL Building Institute The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world's leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health. IWBI mobilizes its community through the administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and WELL ratings and certifications, management of the WELL AP credential, the pursuit of applicable research, the development of educational resources and advocacy for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere. More information on WELL can be found here.International WELL Building Institute pbc is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delos Living LLC. International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL Portfolio, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rating, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Performance Rating, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.Media Contact: media@ wellcertified.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International WELL Building Institute on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: International WELL Building Institute Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-well-building-instituteEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: International WELL Building Institute
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 15:07:45

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 350 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

ALPHARETTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Savista, a full-service healthcare revenue cycle management services company, hired Kendall Benjamin as vice president of strategic sales. Benjamin brings more than 20 years of strategic revenue cycle sales experience to Savista. In this role, Benjamin will lead the design and structure of strategic relationships with key client prospects.A longtime business development executive and revenue cycle subject matter expert, Benjamin specializes in the sale of revenue cycle outsourcing, co-sourcing and modular solutions to large health systems. He also oversees and monitors the quality of the delivery of those solutions. Benjamin has led sales efforts for some of the largest transactions in the revenue cycle management industry."Savista is in rapid growth mode, and adding Kendall to our team brings his deep strategic revenue cycle sales expertise to Savista, a big win for our customers" said Dan Bugarin, Chief Growth Officer. "His demonstrated sales and business development success, along with his extensive revenue cycle knowledge, is invaluable within the industry." Prior to joining Savista, Benjamin served as regional vice president at MiraMed Global Services, where he was responsible for expanding MiraMed's western United States market share. He also held key revenue cycle sales positions at Meduit, Xtend Healthcare, Optum360, R1, Conifer Health Solutions, Apollo Health Street and Siemens Health Solutions.Benjamin attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He currently resides in Camas, Washington.About SavistaSavista is full-service revenue cycle services company partnering with hospitals, systems, and physician practices for more than 30 years. They solve revenue cycle challenges through comprehensive audits and assessments and their highly tenured workforce of revenue cycle experts. Savista provides solutions spanning eligibility and enrollment, health information management, CDM, AR management and more. They tout one of the most highly trained workforces in the industry with more than 20+ accreditations including Epic-certified trainers. Their global organization delivers quality, custom solutions to more than 330 healthcare clients at 770+ facilities across 49 states. Savista has received the Peer Reviewed designation by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). To learn more about Savista, visit SavistaRCM.com Media ContactKim Wiethornkim.wiethorn@savistarcm.com615-585-0873 SOURCE: Savista
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:00:51

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 657 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Rutgers University and Quest Diagnostics are expanding their collaboration to further improve access to critical primary care services for uninsured and underinsured patients of the university's Health Outreach Practice Experience (H.O.P.E.) Clinic in Plainfield, NJ.Resources from the Quest Diagnostics Foundation will enable the clinic to double its capacity by providing primary care services for a second day of the week.The clinic previously operated one day each week, with Rutgers faculty and physician assistant students seeing patients who are trying to manage acute and chronic diseases and providing them with referrals to specialists as well as critical education on managing their health conditions. Despite the progress in improving access to primary healthcare services, the students and faculty at H.O.P.E. found themselves regularly turning patients away due to high demand and a limited number of appointments available in a single day."Quest Diagnostics and the Quest Diagnostics Foundation have shown, yet again, the power of this private-public collaboration in reducing healthcare disparities in the greater Plainfield community, both through the provision of additional no cost lab tests to our patients and the financial support needed to expand our clinical services," said Frank Giannelli, director of the H.O.P.E. Clinic and an assistant professor in the physician assistant program at Rutgers School of Health Professions.Rutgers and Quest initially teamed up last year to provide no-cost laboratory tests to help diagnose and manage acute and chronic diseases. Under the program, clinicians send laboratory orders directly to a nearby Quest Patient Service Center, which allows patients to visit immediately after their appointment. The results are transmitted directly back to the clinic for follow-up with the patient, streamlining the process to make it easier for patients to receive the treatment they need. Quest will continue to offer no-cost lab testing as part of the program expansion, including lab tests for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sexually transmitted infections, and Lyme disease.The grant from the Quest Foundation is part of the Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) initiative, which provides resources, funding, testing services, and education to address health disparities in underserved communities across the U.S."At Quest, we are rooted in our purpose of working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time, and the joint effort with Rutgers is an example of our purpose in practice. Together we are expanding our efforts to reduce barriers to care in an underserved community," said Michael Floyd, Senior Director and Leader, Q4HE, Quest Diagnostics. "We recognized an opportunity to build on our efforts with the H.O.P.E Clinic to reach more members of the community and hope that this renewed commitment will help provide better access and, ultimately, better health outcomes." The H.O.P.E. Clinic, opened in 2021, provides an essential service to a city where about 30 percent of residents are uninsured and 39 percent report not having a primary care provider. It is one of an estimated 1,400 free and charitable clinics in the US that serve about 7 million people annually.Jose Gutierrez is a staff member from the Rutgers School of Health Professions who works at the clinic two days a week thanks to the expanded relationship between Rutgers and Quest. In his role of program assistant at the H.O.P.E. Clinic, Jose helps people in the community make appointments and get access to healthcare services. Thanks to Jose's work, community members are seen by students like Alexis Espinoza (pictured above), a third year PA student from San Diego, CA."It's not like a job here," Jose said recently at the clinic. "It's more like a family." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Quest Diagnostics on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Quest Diagnostics Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/quest-diagnosticsEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 15:15:24

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 730 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

CAMDEN, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Subaru of America, Inc. announced that as part of its Subaru Loves Learning initiative to give all students an equal opportunity at a quality education, the automaker will adopt all classrooms at high schools on the Camden High Campus.Achieved in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org , the adoptions by Subaru of America will put funds in teacher's hands to provide critical learning materials for students at Camden High School, Charles Brimm Medical Arts High School, Creative Arts Academy and Camden Big Picture Learning Academy. As the largest corporate partner of AdoptAClassroom.org , Subaru and its retailers have supported more than 470,000 students nationwide through the Subaru Loves Learning initiative since 2021.In addition to the classroom adoptions, Subaru will support the development of a graphic arts lab at Eastside High School with funding and materials donations, allowing the students to learn valuable technical skills and concurrently serve as a revenue generator for Eastside by creating branded gear for the school store. This new lab further enhances a grant from the Subaru of America Foundation to support career and technical efforts (CTE), partnership with 12Plus, that connects students to a range of meaningful workforce development opportunities."The heart of our Subaru Loves Learning initiative is showing support for the students in our communities, and here in our own Camden community we want every student to get the education that can help them achieve their dreams," said Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc. "We're honored to once again team up with our close friends at the Camden City School District and wish every student, teacher and faculty member an outstanding school year." To celebrate the announcement and help the Camden City School District (CCSD) kick off the school year, more than 170 volunteers from Subaru of America (SOA) headquarters visited 15 schools across the district during its largest off-site volunteer day. SOA volunteers assisted teachers with preparations for the year, including helping them to set up classrooms for more than 80 teachers."Our number one focus is providing the very best education for students in Camden, and learning materials play a critical role in achieving the quality schooling they deserve," said Katrina McCombs, Superintendent of the Camden City School District. "We thank Subaru for taking some of the burden off of our teachers, parents and students to keep our classrooms well-prepared for the school year." As the largest corporate supporter of AdoptAClassroom.org , Subaru of America adopted all kindergarten through fifth (K-5) grade classrooms in the CCSD in 2021, and in 2022, the automaker adopted all sixth through eighth (6-8) grade classrooms in the CCSD, as well as Eastside High School.For information about Subaru Loves Learning and to find out more about the partners that Subaru supports, visit subaru.com/learning About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $300 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged nearly 88,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do. For additional information visit media.subaru.com . Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.###Diane Anton Subaru of America, Inc. 856-488-5093 danton@ subaru.com Adam Leiter Subaru of America, Inc. (856) 488-8668 aleiter@ subaru.com Subaru of America adopted all 55 classrooms at the four-school Camden High Campus (grades 9-12) in the automaker's hometown of Camden, New Jersey.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Subaru of America on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Subaru of AmericaWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/subaru-americaEmail: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Subaru of America
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Azerbaijan's ADA University and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia on the sidelines of the official visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov to Croatia, Trend reports.

This is stated in a publication on the account of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan on X (Twitter).

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the official visit of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Croatia.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister paid an official visit to Croatia last day.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 23:21:38

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 571 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SWI's expansion will grow the company's footprint in North America and lead into other vertical markets.MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Systems With Intelligence (SWI), a global provider of Touchless Monitoring Solutions for industrial applications, has announced the acquisition of Viper Imaging Inc. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Viper Imaging specializes in infrared temperature monitoring solutions for critical assets and industrial processes. This acquisition will further extend SWI's thermal imaging capabilities into the heavy industrial and manufacturing segments and increase its market share in the electric power and oil & gas space.Systems With Intelligence logo Systems With Intelligence logo "We are excited to welcome the Viper Imaging team to SWI," said Angelo Rizzo - President and CEO of SWI. "They have proven technology, an excellent track record, and share our vision for growth in the industry. They will help us to develop and expand our product portfolio, increase our presence in the electric power and oil & gas markets, and allow us to enter the heavy industrial space." "We are looking forward to collaborating with the team at SWI," said Andy Beck, Co-Owner and President of Viper Imaging. "Between the two companies, our values and vision for expansion are aligned, and we can continue to grow our share of the industrial process monitoring market." Rich Shannon, Co-Owner and Director, adds, "Both Viper and SWI share the mission of creating solutions that are easy to integrate, cost-effective, and impactful while increasing efficiency, promoting safety, and affecting positive environmental change. The combination of our companies positions us as a driving force for process control advancements in the industrial sector." Viper Imaging Inc. is a privately held company that was founded in 2014. They are a leading supplier of thermal imaging systems and industrial process monitoring equipment. Their systems and software have been installed in various commercial applications for metals, oil and gas, energy production and distribution, and industrial automation. Viper Imaging also provides thermographic inspection services and on-site calibration checks of cameras and pyrometers.Quick FactsSystems With Intelligence was founded in 2009Systems With Intelligence Touchless monitoring systems are installed in over 100 utilities worldwideSystems With Intelligence senior management team has over 100 years of collective experience in utility asset monitoring and communications technologiesAbout Systems With Intelligence Systems With Intelligence Inc. is a global provider of Touchless monitoring solutions for electric utility applications. SWI systems collect and analyze the data that allows utilities to increase safety and reliability while reducing operating costs. Coupling thermal monitoring and visual imaging technology with advanced analytic algorithms, Systems With Intelligence solutions automate remote site monitoring.Systems With Intelligence products are engineered to operate in the harshest environments and withstand high levels of electromagnetic interference, static discharge, and voltage surges found in industrial applications to ensure uninterrupted operation. Providing a monitoring system that operates reliably and connects seamlessly allows customers to remain focused on their operations.The Systems With Intelligence management and technical teams are comprised of professionals with extensive experience in advanced technology for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. With domain expertise in substation and industrial automation, communications, and utility operations, the team is uniquely positioned to deliver effective and intelligent monitoring solutions.For more information, visit the company's official website at www.SystemsWithIntelligence.com For more information on Viper Imaging, visit: https://viperimaging.com/ Contact InformationAngelo Rizzo President & CEO angelo.rizzo@systemswithintelligence.com +1-289-562-0126SOURCE: Systems With Intelligence Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 13:55:52

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1060 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESTORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the CAD$3,000,000 non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"), with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ormonde Mining Plc ("Ormonde") [(LON:ORM)], that was previously announced on July 4, 2023. The Company issued a total of 60,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of CAD$0.05 per Unit, with each Unit being comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and 0.5 of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of CAD$0.075 for a period of 36 months.Joel Freudman, Co-Founder and CEO of TRU, commented: "Closing this Offering marks a game-changing inflection point for TRU. We're delighted to welcome Ormonde not only as a strategic investor, but also as our largest stakeholder. Ormonde's entrance into the North American resource space through TRU speaks to the intrinsic value of our Golden Rose Project, as well as the caliber of the TRU team. In addition to advancing our Golden Rose Project, the funds from the Offering will enable us to execute a number of strategic and corporate initiatives we've been evaluating to generate value and ultimately drive share price appreciation. TRU is now well-capitalized amidst otherwise difficult market conditions, which we expect will lead to numerous exciting opportunities ahead. We look forward to combining the extensive technical expertise, capital markets knowledge, and transactional experience of our Ormonde partners with our own bench strength, as we lay the groundwork to pursue and achieve our overarching mission: to build long-term shareholder value, through prudent natural resource property development and transactions." Ormonde is a natural resources company focused on evaluating and executing new opportunities in the mineral exploration sector, through which they can leverage their existing balance sheet to create shareholder value. Ormonde is run by a seasoned team with a wide range of experience in natural resources including base and precious metals, investment banking and advisory services, and senior advisory roles. Ormonde has a proven track record in the successful acquisition and sale of natural resource assets, including its most recent transaction, the sale of the La Zarza gold, copper and zinc deposit property located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt in Spain.In connection with the closing of the Offering, Ormonde has the right to appoint three out of five of the Company's board of directors (the "Board"), with each such appointee subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. As such, in addition to Brian Timmons who joined the Board on June 30, 2023, Steve Nicol has been appointed to the Board as Ormonde's second nominee. The final Ormonde Board nominee is expected to be appointed and announced shortly.Mr. Nicol is a mining engineer with over 35 years of experience in the mining industry, including operations management, mine evaluation and development, and other diverse corporate roles. His experience covers open pit and underground mining, CIL, flotation, and gravity processing, and direct hands-on management of all phases of diverse mining projects, from early-stage exploration through to mine closure and rehabilitation, for a variety of commodities including base, precious and specialty metals and diamonds.To accommodate Mr. Nicol joining the Board, David Hladky has resigned as a director of TRU. Mr. Freudman added: "We thank Dave for his valuable contributions as a director to the Company since 2020. On behalf of the Board and management, I wish him the very best with his future endeavours and look forward to his continued support as a shareholder. We also take this opportunity to welcome Steve Nicol to our Board, and expect he'll provide tremendous insights to TRU as he applies his mineral project development acumen to our advancement of the Golden Rose Project." The securities issued under the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.Pursuant to the Offering, Ormonde acquired 60,000,000 Common Shares and 30,000,000 Warrants. Prior to the completion of the Offering, Ormonde did not hold any securities of the Company. As at the date hereof, after giving effect to the Offering, Ormonde holds 60,000,000 Common Shares representing approximately 36.19% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares, or 45.97% of the Common Shares on a partially diluted basis if Ormonde were to exercise all the Warrants that have been issued to it under the Offering. The Common Shares acquired by Ormonde pursuant to the Offering were acquired for investment purposes. Depending on market and other conditions, or as future circumstances may dictate, Ormonde may from time to time, increase or decrease its holdings of the Company's Common Shares. This portion of this news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires an early warning report to be filed with the applicable securities regulators containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the early warning report of Ormonde will be available on TRU's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca Non-Core Property Optimization UpdatesTRU and Eastern Precious Metals Corp. ("Eastern") have mutually agreed to terminate the Option Agreement on the Company's Twilite Gold Project ("Twilite") (see press release dated August 16, 2022). TRU has surrendered its special warrants to acquire Eastern shares, but retains 100% ownership of Twilite, a gold-bearing, drill-ready property located along the deposit-bearing Cape Ray-Valentine Lake Shear Zone, and for which Eastern has funded and completed a NI 43-101 Technical Report. TRU will be actively pursuing alternative transactions with the property.Additionally, the Company has allowed its mineral licen
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 11:01:35

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 727 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ubique Minerals Limited ("Ubique" or the "Company") (CSE:UBQ)(FRA:2UM) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral Claim Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Ophir Gold Corp. ("Ophir Gold").Under the terms of the Agreement, Ophir Gold has agreed to sell and transfer a 100% interest in certain mineral mining claims located in Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland Canada (the "Claims") to the Company. The Claims are all a part of the option agreement announced between the companies on February 14, 2019 wherein previously the Company had the option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Claims."We are excited about this strategic agreement with Ophir Gold Corp.," said Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, CEO of Ubique Minerals Ltd. "This acquisition aligns with our strategy and reinforces our commitment to unlocking the value of the Daniel's Harbour property and now having 100% control we can better manage the exploration project work program that is planned." The transaction will be executed on an "as is, where is" basis, acknowledging the existing state, condition, and location of the Claims as of the Closing Date. In return for a 100% interest in the Claims, the Company will issue 3,800,000 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") to Ophir Gold. The Closing Date for the transaction is anticipated to occur at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time on the second business day after the Effective Date, subject to the fulfillment of the Agreement's terms and conditions.The execution of the Agreement reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to advancing mineral exploration and development projects that have the potential to generate value for shareholders and contribute to sustainable resource utilization.About Daniel's Harbour projectThe Daniel's Harbour properties of Ubique cover both the area of the past producing high grade zinc mine and extensions of favorable area, mostly to the north-northeast along strike for more than ten kilometers. Exploration drilling to date has confirmed three zinc deposits and has indications of two more which require additional definition drilling to define their extents. Several more zones identified by one or more historic drill holes require relocating and further drilling to confirm. As the deposits are long, narrow and flat lying-in shape and orientation, within flat lying dolomitic sedimentary rocks they may extend across more than one blocks of claims and therefore the ability to consolidate the property position will assist in exploration execution.On behalf of the board of directors,Vilhjalmur Thor VilhjalmssonCEO and ChairmanAbout Ubique Minerals LimitedUbique Minerals Limited is an exploration company listed on the CSE (CSE:UBQ) focused on exploration of its Daniel's Harbour zinc property in Newfoundland and is also engaged in exploration in Namibia, Africa along with actively searching for other projects around the world. Ubique became a publicly listed company in September 2018. Ubique has an experienced management group with a record of multiple discoveries of deposits worldwide and owns an extensive and exclusive database of historic exploration results from the Daniel's Harbour area.Dr. Gerald Harper, P. Geo.(NL) , director of Ubique, is the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 responsible for the technical data presented herein and has reviewed and approved this release.For more information on Ubique please contact see www.ubiqueminerals.com or contact vilhjalmur@ jvcapital.co.uk Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business and trading in the common stock of Ubique Minerals Limited., the raising of additional capital and the future development of the business. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the company's management. Although the company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Ubique can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Ubique disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Ubique Minerals Limited
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 13:02:19

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 1058 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Highlights:The Company has streamlined its existing portfolio, dropping the Lost Basin Gold-Copper Project.The Company will focus on advancing its lithium portfolio which includes two (2) flagship assets, the Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Project and the White Willow Lithium Pegmatite Project.The Company has also entered negotiations to acquire assets in the Frazer Lake Camp, where a recent significant lithium discovery included a spodumene-rich dyke that graded an average of 6.82% Li2O within a 9 km trend that emphasizes the regions potential for hosting further high-grade lithium mineralization.VANCOUVER , BC /ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Usha Resources Ltd. ("USHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB:USHAF)(FSE:JO0), a North American lithium exploration company, is pleased to announce that following a comprehensive review of its portfolio, it has elected to not proceed with the Lost Basin Copper-Gold Project in alignment with the Company's strategic objectives of transitioning to a pure-play lithium explorer.The termination of the agreement will allow the Company to better focus on its growing portfolio of lithium projects in Ontario which includes White Willow, where it recently announced a lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) with a potential strike length of greater than 25 km that is open at both ends, while continuing to develop its flagship lithium brine project at Jackpot Lake, a setting where it has demonstrated the system is analogous to that of Clayton Valley which hosts Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only producing lithium operation in the United States. A summary of each of these is included below.The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into negotiations to acquire assets in the Frazer Lake Camp, where a recent significant lithium discovery included a spodumene-rich dyke that graded an average of 6.82% Li2O within a 9 km trend that emphasizes the regions potential for hosting further high-grade lithium mineralization. The company is in the advanced stages of negotiations for specific projects in proximity and adjacent to the project hosting the discovery and will provide further updates as negotiations progress."While Lost Basin presented an interesting opportunity, given our recent advancements within the rest of our portfolio, proceeding further did not align with our long-term strategic goals," stated Mr. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Usha Resources. "We will continue to concentrate our efforts on our core projects at Jackpot Lake and White Willow but also look to expand in Ontario and Quebec where recent discoveries highlight the potential for these jurisdictions as emerging centres of lithium exploration and development comparable to some of the largest districts globally. We believe there is a high probability that there will be additional discoveries throughout the province given the early stage of exploration in most areas. Given our strong cash position, we believe we are well positioned to participate in this emerging sector of exploration, and, accordingly, we have undertaken a review of properties that are of interest." Investors are cautioned that there is no assurance that negotiations involving any potential acquisition will conclude successfully.Portfolio HighlightsJackpot LakeJackpot Lake is a lithium brine project where the Company is advancing a program with the goal of defining an NI 43-101 resource. Key findings of the program to date include:A geologic system is present similar to that of Clayton Valley that includes up to 423 feet of potentially pumpable aquifer present in a coarse-grained zone that is similar to the units which are a primary focus for expansion at Albemarle's Silver Peak lithium brine mine, the only domestic supplier of lithium within the United States, and at Pure Energy's Clayton Valley project, where it identified a large volume of brine with superior grades.Soils at the project are enriched in lithium at a level comparable with Clayton Valley. Enriched lithium is present within the holes advanced, with an average of 334 parts per million and high of 820 ppm Li in 30 samples collected from shallow surface soils (less than 500 ft) within JP22-02. These results compare very favourably with the reported average of 100 ppm for the Esmeralda formation, one of the potential sources of the lithium enrichment for the brines present in Clayton Valley.The stratigraphy at the site supports an NI 43-101compliant resource. Similar stratigraphy has been encountered in JP22-02 as that in drill hole JP22-01, suggesting that the favourable stratigraphy identified in drilling is present throughout the basin as the two holes are 2.75 km apart.Figure 1 - Left, location map showing Jackpot Lake in reference to the Silver Peak Mine and the TLC Project. Right, core photos from drilling of evaporite crystallization and conglomerate. Evaporite crystallization supports the presence of a brine forming environment while the conglomerate indicates that a high-porosity zone should be present that could contain a significant quantity of brine as observed at Clayton Valley.White WillowWhite Willow is a lithium pegmatite project where the Company is advancing a program with the goal of completing its maiden drilling in Q1 of 2024. Key findings of the program to date include:The strike of the system is greater than 25 km and is open at both ends.Four (4) primary target areas have been identified including two (2) highly evolved pegmatite swarms, Maple Leaf and Bingo, that have dykes over >1 km in length with excellent geochemistry and mineralogy indicative to be potentially spodumene-bearing.High-grade coarse-grained tantalite is present assaying 14.64% Ta2O5. The only other known occurrence is at the North Aubrey pegmatite at Green Technology Metals (GT1) Seymour Lake Project where GT1 has identified a 9.9 Mt at 1.04% Li2O.Figure 2 - Map of the White Willow Project with anomalous lithium, cesium and tantalum values across a 25+ km strike. Inset, left, tantalite, right, beryl. These minerals, combined with the geochemical ratios observed (low K/Rb and Nb/Ta) indicate the potential for these Maple Leaf and Bingo dykes to be potentially spodumene-bearing.Corporate MattersThe Company is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated August 3, 2023, it has issued 200,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.1275 per Share to 2758145 Ontario Ltd., Peter Gehrels, and Allan George Onchulenko (the "Vendors") of Atikokan, Ontario, for the right to purchase an undivided 100% interest in 141 unpatented mining claims (the "Property") located in the Thunder Bay Mining Division of Ontario adjacent to the White Willow property. The Company executed an option agreement (the "Option Agreement")
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 20:55:52

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 543 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Verizon Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VZ) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Expanded Class Period: Oct. 30, 2018 - July 26, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Oct. 2, 2023Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/VZ Contact An Attorney Now: VZ@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ) Securities Fraud Class Action:The complaint alleges Verizon made false or misleading statements and failed to disclose that Verizon: (1) owns cables around the U.S. that are highly toxic due to their being wrapped in lead, and which harm company employees and non-employees alike; (2) faces potentially significant litigation risk, regulatory risk, and reputational harm as a result of its ownership of these lead-covered cables and the health risks stemming from their presence around the U.S; and (3) was warned about the damage and risks presented by these cables but did not disclose them as a potential threat to employee safety or to everyday people and communities.Investors began to learn the truth after the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles spanning July 9 - July 26, 2023.These articles revealed that Verizon and others left behind toxic lead cables that they laid years ago. The WSJ also reported that independently tested samples from underwater cable sites revealed lead on the banks of the Mississippi, Willamette, and Passaic Rivers as well as in parts of Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere.The WSJ further reported that Verizon officials have known for decades that lead in its networks was a possible health risk to its workers, some workers have illnesses that can be linked to lead, and lead could leach into the environment.Finally, on July 26, 2023, the WSJ reported that the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency are investigating whether telecom companies knew of the potential risks posed by the abandoned lead cables."We're focused on investors' losses, Verizon's knowledge of potential liability stemming from its sprawling network of toxic lead-sheathed cables across the U.S., and whether the company historically understated its expenses," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Verizon and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding VZ should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email VZ@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-09-06 17:05:41

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 675 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Popular QSR Grows With New Development DealATHENS, GA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Zaxby's, the rapidly growing Georgia-based QSR franchise, now with over 930 locations, is thrilled to announce a recent franchise signing that will lead the company into a new frontier out west in Phoenix. This expansion marks Arizona as the 21st state for the brand."This is such an exciting time for us," says Bert Lane, Zaxby's Vice President of Development. "Not only are we seeing growth in our tried-and-true Mid-Atlantic states and Southeast, but we're thrilled to expand our footprint in the western part of the United States." Zaxby's is renowned for its exceptionally delicious chicken, but their commitment goes beyond just food. They collaborate with franchise owners who share a dedication to hard work, a service-oriented culture, and a passion for community development.Lane emphasizes, "Our robust franchise model appeals to driven entrepreneurs. We not only equip our franchise partners for their business journey, but have also consistently endeavored to preserve the brand's unique character. It's crucial for us to collaborate with individuals who uphold the lofty standards we've established." Incentivizing GrowthThis year alone Zaxby's has sold 51 new locations and is on pace to surpass 950 new units by the end of the fiscal year. Many new franchisees are taking advantage of Zaxby's robust incentive program that capitalizes on the brand's aggressive development and expansion plan. That plan includes Select Market Incentives (SMI) like discounts on the standard royalty of 6%, allowing franchisees the ability to ramp up marketing to drive sales performance in their new markets. The plan calls for no royalties paid in the first year, a half-price 3% royalty in the second year, and a 6% royalty in year three. Additionally, Zaxby's is refunding the full license fee of $35,000 upon store opening per schedule.Taking full advantage of the new incentives are husband and wife entrepreneurs Brian and Jessica Nelson, opening the new territory in Phoenix. They plan on developing six locations in the next five years in the East Valley of Phoenix, which encompasses the Queen Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa areas. Current plans call for the first store to open in the fall of 2024, with the second in the spring of 2025, and four more locations by 2027. Both Brian and Jessica have extensive histories in the restaurant industry, are longtime fans of Zaxby's food, and feel ready to take on this challenge."We are looking for our next venture to pour our heart, soul, knowledge, and resources into," said Jessica. "Zaxby's has a high standard of excellence, which is important to us, while a lot of businesses seem to be compromising or lessening their standards. It is literally the only casual dining establishment I will eat at due to the quality and freshness of ingredients - big, longtime fan! I also love the consistency in product quality across locations. Two words: Zax Sauce." The Nelsons' primary objective is to make Zaxby's the Go-To location for delicious, quality food as well as providing an efficient, welcoming, and memorable experience for their customers in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona.About Zaxby'sFounded in 1990 and headquartered in Athens, Georgia, Zaxby's is a quick-service restaurant franchise. For 30 years, Zaxby's has filled its table with people who share the vision of "enriching lives". The brand is committed to serving made-to-order, "indescribably good" chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and salads in an exceptionally comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Zaxby's has grown to more than 900 locations in 17 states and has plans to open hundreds more restaurants across the United States in the next five years. Zaxby's has been ranked a top franchise on Entrepreneur's esteemed Franchise 500 list each year since 2013. As of 2021, Zaxby's earned its designation as a five-star VetFran partner, highlighting the brand's commitment to support and incentivize franchise ownership among veterans.For more information about bringing Zaxby's to your community, visit zaxbysfranchising.com . To explore menu options and Zaxby's unbeatable culture, visit zaxbys.com MEDIA CONTACT:Jennifer Williams 919-459-3592 jwilliams@919 marketing.com SOURCE: Zaxbys
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Wednesday said over 10 countries and 500 companies have indicated interest in participating in the 2023 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF).

The ACCI President, Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Abubakar explained that the AITF scheduled for between 29 September to 9 October 2023 at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre and the open field of ACCI is a prestigious multi-sectoral event in Nigeria that continues to expand its scope and influence.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Mr Abubakar said Bulgaria, Ghana, Egypt, India, China, Guinea, the UAE and Syria among others have indicated an interest in participating.

Mr Abubakar, represented by Victoria Akai, the ACCI director-general, explained that AITF as one of the largest trade platforms in Africa, offers domestic and international exhibitors an opportunity to showcase new product lines, access untapped markets, forge invaluable business relationships, unveil innovative products, and stay ahead of emerging trends.

It is dedicated to connecting businesses with lucrative trade and investment prospects within the country. This trading platform cultivates a neutral and inclusive environment, welcoming companies, trade associations, government investment/export promotion agencies, institutions, and private sector organisations. It serves as a catalyst for establishing fruitful investment and trade relations with new business partners.

With Abujas advantageous location as the nations capital and its convenient approximate one-hour flight from all locations in Nigeria, coupled with accessibility to all geopolitical zones, hosting a significant number of international and local participants becomes both strategic and secure, he said.

He said the 18th edition of the Fair with the theme Sustainable Financing and Taxation as Drivers for the New Economy, would serve as a platform for businesses to engage with financial and tax institutions and discuss current trends and solutions.

He added that it would foster sustainable approaches to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event will showcase innovative products and solutions from our partners and exhibitors in various sectors such as Fintech, tax collection, payment systems, e-health, food processing, and environmental safety.

This years theme is centred on financing and taxation which is the cornerstone of any prosperous nation and of immense importance to the business community as it is critical to addressing climate-friendly initiatives, the ease of doing business, and attracting foreign direct investment, Mr Abubakar said.

From the heart of Nigeria, he said the Abuja International Trade Fair connects people, brands and markets with business interactions, discoveries and innovations.

It will amongst other things provide an enabling environment for businesses to discuss and interact with financial and tax institutions on current trends and solutions, as well as to work out a sustainable approach to AfCFTA and harmonize country requirements.

It would extensively display products and solutions that are developed by our partners and exhibitors in fintech, tax collection, payment systems and solutions, e-health, food processing, environmental safety, etc., he added.

He explained that the AITF stands as a unique and inclusive business gathering that welcomes a diverse range of customers to explore and experience our rich array of products and services.

With expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, the fair creates ample avenues for targeted marketing campaigns, enabling businesses to connect with their desired audiences. Moreover, it fosters a vibrant sense of community engagement through various exciting activities.

According to him, the AITF serves as a dynamic convergence of diverse industries, bringing together a wide array of exhibitors representing sectors such as industry, trade, agriculture, and services.

It provides a vibrant platform for fostering exchanges between national and international stakeholders, facilitating fruitful interactions between businesses and government agencies.

This edition, he said, would feature a special designated and curated diplomatic space for foreign representations, trade missions and international organisations to present their businesses, economic cooperation projects as well as featured products and technologies.

Over 500 companies are expected to participate in the 2023 edition of the Trade Fair while over 100,000 visitors within and outside Nigeria are expected in attendance. So far, over 500 companies have indicated interest and we are expecting more. The space is fast taken with very few remaining in the outdoor category.

Sideline events include; business networking, B2B, B2G, and B2C, special days, raffle draws, virtual and physical games, 12 days of jollof rice, a free fashion runway show, and many more throughout the event, he said.

The 18th edition of the AITF is part of the industry initiative to connect businesses and create a platform for policymakers to interact with the business community.

We champion the promotion of small businesses, acknowledging their vital role in the national economy, job creation, and overall prosperity, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


In the past one week, Abubakar Sambo has been battling to save the image of his company, AMA Business Solutions  an Abuja-based Bureau De Change firm that is in the middle of an extortion and bribery scandal involving some members of Nigerias House of Representatives.

The 44-year-old businessman sat down with PREMIUM TIMES for a tell-all interview, revealing how an agent of the lawmakers and a university vice-chancellor used his business as a vessel for the scheme. The interview provided more details corroborating our reports on the scandal.

Mr Sambo said his company fell victim to being used as a vessel for the shady deal because he was ignorant of the questionable undercurrent of the transaction. The deal involves an ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives receiving bribes from vice-chancellors of Nigerian federal universities and shaking down the unwilling ones among the heads of the countrys higher institutions of learning.

A PREMIUM TIMES investigation had revealed how the House Committee, set up to probe alleged corruption in the personnel recruitment process of federal agencies, launched an extortion ring to collect bribes and shake down unwilling officials.

The report exposed how some vice-chancellors of universities agreed to pay N2 million bribe to the committee through Mr Sambos account domiciled at Providus Bank.

There was no reason to suspect anything  Sambo

When Mr Sambos phone rang on 16 August, the name that popped up on the screen could not be ignored because it was from a very important client  Stella Adoga.

Ms Adoga is not a social caller. She works for Lead British International School (LBIS), a big, privately-owned secondary school in Abuja, Nigerias political capital. By the time they ended their brief telephone conversation, Mr Sambo was upbeat, looking forward to hearing from a man whom Ms Adoga had said would call to buy dollars.

She (Stella) called me and said that there was one of their clients that wanted to buy dollars, Mr Sambo said. She said she would give them my number. Thats a referralwhich is very normal in our business.

What Mr Sambo did not know was that Ms Adoga equally works for Oluwole Oke, the proprietor of LBIS and member of the House of Representatives.

There was no reason to suspect anything, Mr Sambo said while showing this reporter other transactions between him and LBIS.

Further narrating his experience, the businessman explained that hours after the call from Ms Adoga, he was contacted via WhatsApp by a man who introduced himself as Professor Tanko Ishaya, who said that he got his contact from Stella (Adoga) from the National Assembly, and would like to know the rates of naira to dollar, and naira to pounds sterling.

The professor later requested the account number of Mr Sambo with the understanding that he would send him money in naira which he would like to convert to dollars. He was given Account Number 5400495458, domiciled in Providus Bank.

Mr Sambo noted that he got a stab of surprise when he started getting credit alerts of N2 million from different sources. He raised his concerns with the two individuals involved; they assured him that the payments were from an association and that the payment to him was structured in that manner.

Good morning sir, they are sending the money in N2 million tranches, Mr Sambo had in a WhatsApp message informed the UNIJOS vice-chancellor of the unusual inflow of the funds into his account. His concern was not addressed, he said.

Normally, if a customer is buying dollars, they pay you bulk money. So it was surprising to me, that was why I indicated it to him (Mr Ishaya) in the WhatsApp message, Mr Sambo told this reporter.

Mr Ishaya kept in touch with Mr Sambo to monitor how his colleagues were complying with the payment ahead of the 24 August deadline given them by the lawmakers. By the weekend, he asked me, how many transfers have you received, I said 10.

I did not ask many questions because I thought it was the school. I thought he was a staff member of the school because it is the school that I have been dealing with all this while. We did not go into any deal, and I did not ask. I have been dealing with the school for a long time, always selling (dollars) to me, but they never bought (dollars) from me, he said.

The payments into the account continued until 29 August when PREMIUM TIMES published the report of its investigation. At that point, 14 universities had paid into the account. The continued cash inflow from the vice-chancellors into the account beyond the 24 August is indicative of a readjustment of the deadline earlier given by the lawmakers.

Worried by the PREMIUM TIMES story of August 29, Mr Sambo said he immediately contacted both Ms Adoga and Mr Ishaya.

He said while Ms Adoga promised to look into the matter and get his organisations lawyers to sort things out, Mr Ishaya kept mute. He read the businessmans WhatsApp message but did not respond.

On Tuesday morning when I saw the article, I called him (Ishaya), but he did not pick up. And I sent him a message. I told him What is happening? Why am I seeing my company and my details saying I am fronting for someone?

Mr Sambo said after reading our report, he printed his bank statement and realised that the payments into his account were actually from universities.

When messages (credit alert) come in, it does not show like that. It was when I printed my bank statement, that was when I saw the narration. It was the story that made me look at my bank statement, he said.

He said the following day, 30 August, he wrote a letter to Providus Bank asking it to revert all the transfers from the 14 schools that sent money to him. In the letter, he listed the 14 transactions linked to Mr Ishaya.

A lien (restriction) has been put on the Providus account on the order of the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) after the story.

Mr Sambo said the action of the lawmakers and their collaborators in the universities has put his business at risk.

I have been in the business since 2010. I worked for two different companies. First, Sahara Exchange and then 313 Bureau De Change before I started my own company in 2016. Thats all I do. I dont do any other business, he said.

The ICPC had last week announced the commencement of an investigation into the committee.

This followed a petition by PREMIUM TIMES and the Chairman of the controversial House Committee, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) to the anti-graft agency to probe the matter.

PREMIUM TIMES called for a thorough investigation with a view to prosecuting culpable individuals in the extortion and bribery scheme

Mr Gagdi urged ICPC to investigate Mr Sambos account to see if it has any link to any member of his committee.

So far, the ICPC has frozen Mr. Sambos Providus Account as part of the ongoing investigation into the saga.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja will today (Wednesday) deliver its much-anticipated, high-stake judgement on three petitions challenging the election of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Tinubus win as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 25 February has been eclipsed by the oppositions allegations of fraud in the process that was eagerly monitored around the world.

There are three pending petitions filed in court in the aftermath of the election challenging the credibility of Mr Tinubus victory which the five-member panel of the court will decide on today.

Two of the petitions were filed by the leading opposition presidential candidates  Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second behind Mr Tinubu, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who took the third position, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A total of 18 candidates contested the election.

The third petition was filed by a political party, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), whose presidential candidate, Chichi Ojei, scored 25,961 votes out of the over 28 million votes cast during the election.

There were two other petitions filed by the Action Peoples Party (APP) and the Action Alliance (AA) at the court before the close of the window for filing presidential election petitions in March but were withdrawn before hearing began.

The two separate but typical petitions filed by Atiku and Mr Obi, centre on election and pre-election issues.

They attacked the qualification of Mr Tinubu to contest the election, the legality of the nomination of his running mate, the integrity of the election process, and the threshold of the spread of votes used by INEC to declare Mr Tinubu as the winner of the poll.

Both Atiku and Mr Obi individually asked the court to either declare them the winner of the election or order a fresh poll. Should the court choose to order a fresh election, they prayed that Mr Tinubu and his party, the APC, should be barred from participating in it.

The APM did not claim to have won the election. Its petition, anchored on the sole ground of alleged double nomination of Mr Tinubus running mate and present-day Vice President, Kashim Shettima, sought the cancellation of APCs votes and declaration of Atiku the winner of the poll.

Mr Tinubu was inaugurated as Nigerias 16th leader in May, three months after the disputed election, while the opposition candidates continued to wage a legal challenge to his victory in court.

The courts judgement, which will be televised live, is a high-stake decision that will get attention beyond Nigeria.

At home, with the broad spectrum of interests fixated on the cases since March, the judgement, whichever way it goes, will impact heavily on public confidence in the judiciary, and INEC alongside its heavily funded technological tools it deployed nationwide for the first time during the 2023 elections.

Also, Mr Tinubus election as Nigerias president, which the court is going to decide on today, goes to the root of his standing as the chair of the West African regional body, ECOWAS.

Many within and outside Nigeria are also looking forward to the judgement as the basis for reassessment of his credibility as a critical voice on the African continent, which is seeing a new wave of disputed elections followed by coups in different African countries.

The judgement is coming at a time when Mr Tinubus advocacy for entrenchment of democratic rule in Africa is resonating across Africa and the world.

PREMIUM TIMES is on the ground to provide you with live updates as the judgement is being delivered by the five-member panel of the court in Abuja today.

The panel of five judges comprising four men and a woman is led by Haruna Tsammani (63).

The other members are: Stephen Adah (65), Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf (63), Moses Ugo (57), and Abba Mohammed (62).

LIVE

The five-member bench is scheduled to begin its judgement at 9 a.m.

Atiku and Mr Obi anchored their petitions on, among other claims, that Mr Tinubu was not qualified to contest the election, citing discrepancies in his academic records and previous judicial indictment.

The petitioners alleged that Mr Tinubu was not eligible to contest the 25 February election after a 1993 decision of the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, ordering him to forfeit $460,000 in a case involving drugs trafficking.

The petitioners similarly alleged that Mr Tinubus running mate, Mr Shettima, was illegally nominated for two separate constituencies in the same election cycle  as Borno Central senatorial candidate and vice-presidential candidate for the whole of Nigeria  therefore rendering their joint ticket invalid.

The petitioners also alleged widespread suppression of votes as well as manipulation and alteration of results to favour Mr Tinubu in, cumulatively, more than 25 states of the federation.

According to the leading opposition candidates, the election was also marred by the failure of INEC to upload photographic copies of polling unit results on its Results Viewing (IReV) portal promptly as stipulated in the election guidelines.

They also complained that Mr Tinubu failed to meet full constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the election because of his failure to secure 25 per cent of the votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Mr Tinubus opponents said by failing to secure 25 per cent of the votes in the federal capital, he did not meet the full constitutional requirement to be declared the winner, an issue that they gave an extraordinary stress at the hearing of the cases.

But INEC, Mr Tinubu, and the APC urged the court to dismiss the petitions on the grounds that they were founded on wrong legal interpretations while the petitioners also failed to provide evidence to substantiate alleged irregularities and results manipulations.

8.47 a.m: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the courtroom ahead of the judgement scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed are also seated in court ahead of the verdict.

8.54 a.m: Some APC governors, including Governors Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, have arrived at the courtroom.

8: 53 a.m: Another APC governor, Governors Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti Ekiti State also arrived with his Kogi, Imo and Yobe counterparts.

8:59 a.m: Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, arrives court.

9.06 a.m: Vice-President Shettima exchanges pleasantries with lawyers as he finds his way to his seat.

9.27a.m: The five judges file in and take their seats.

The proceedings will begin any moment from now.

9.28 a.m: The head of the five-member bench, Haruna Tsammani, welcomed everyone to the packed courtroom.

He describes the proceedings as the zenith of the hearing.

He says the judgement on the three cases is lengthy and may take few hours.

9.31 a.m: The panel is to begin with Peter Obis case.

A court official announces the case and the party.

9.32. a.m: Vice-President Kashim Shettima represents President Tinubu and himself.

9.33 a.m: Julius Abure, the chair of the Labour Party, represents the party. Mr Obi is absent.

9.35 a.m: Abdullahi Ganduje, the chair of APC, represents the party.

9.37 a.m: The lead counsel for the Labour Party and Mr Obi, Livy Ozoukwu, announces his appearance and the names of other lawyers with him.

9.38a.m: Stephen Adehi, a SAN, announces appearance for INEC.

9.39a.m: A.A Malik, a SAN, announces for Mr Tinubu.

9.40 a.m: Charles Edosomwan, a SAN, announces appearance for the APC

9:42 a.m: Court official calls APM petition against President Bola Tinubu.

9: 43 am: May Agbamuche-Mbu announces representation for INEC

9: 44 a.m: Vice-President Shettima stood up for recognition. Abdullahi Ganduje announces representation for APC.

9: 45 a.m: APM lawyer announces appearance.

9.48 a.m: Charles Edosamwan, SAN, announces appearance for APC.

9: 49 a.m: A A Malik announces appearance for Mr Shettima and APC.

9.52 a.m: Court official calls the third case  Atikus case.

9:52 a.m: PDPs Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, announces self as representatives of Atiku and his party.

9:55 a.m: Chris Uche (SAN) announces legal representation for Atiku and PDP.

9.56 a.m: Stephen Adehi, a SAN, announces his teams appearance for INEC.

9: 58 a.m: AA Malik, a SAN, announces appearance for Mr Tinubu.

9: 59 a.m: Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan announces appearance for APC

10.00 a.m: The head of the five-member bench, 63-year-old Haruna Tsammani, says the court will begin the judgement on petition No. 4, the APMs case.

10.04 am: APM argues that Vice-President Shettima was not qualified to contest the 25 February presidential election as Mr Tinubus running mate as his nomination violated Section 35 of Electoral Act 2022, and other constitutional provisions.

The party prays the court to void the votes polled by the APC in the election.

10.06 a.m: APM urges the court to declare the candidate with the next highest scores as the winner of the election.

10.08 a.m: Mr Tsammani highlights applications filed by the respondents requesting that some paragraphs of APMs petition be struck out.

10.10 a.m: Mr Tsammani clarifies that the court is sitting as the Court of Appeal and not as a tribunal.

10: 15 a.m: Mr Tsammani highlights respondents argument that the APM cannot introduce a new issue or fact after the petition was filed.

10.15 a m: INEC had complained against APMs introduction of new facts during the hearing of its petition.

10: 26 a.m: Mr Tsammani says it is clear that the claim of qualification or non-qualification is a pre-election matter.

10.32 a.m: Mr Tsammani says the issue of disqualification raised by the APM in its petition ought to have been ventilated at the Federal High Court. He says the presidential election court does not have jurisdiction to hear it.

10.38 a.m: Mr Tsammani also highlights the respondents objection that the issue raised by APM ought to have been raised at the Federal High Court within 180 days from 27 July 2022 when Mr Shettima as the APCs vice-presidential candidate. The window for the litigation on such issue, the respondents say, lapsed in January 2023.

10: 42 a.m: The issue of qualification of a candidate of a political party is not an all comers affair  Mr Tsammani.

He adds that the internal affair such as the nomination of a candidate of a political party is not the business of another political party.

10:44 a.m: Mr Tsammani says it is clear that APM only has the right to file the complaint raised in its petition when the nomination of a candidate by another party affects it.

In the instant case, the petition is incompetent and ought to be struck out for lacking in merit, the judge adds.

10.50 a.m: Mr Tsammani now begins considering APMs substantive petition on merit.

Mr Tsammani notes that after the pre-hearing session, the APM opened and closed its case with one witness on 21 June 2023.

He says none of the respondents called any witness, but only tendered some documents from the bar.

10.53 a.m: Mr Tsammani says it is clear that the APMs petition is anchored on the non-qualification of Vice-President Shettima.

10.56 a.m: Mr Tsammani says the APMs case centres on the allegation that while Mr Shettima was still the APCs Borno Central senatorial candidate, he was nominated by the party and he did accept the nomination of the vice-presidential candidate of the part

He says that the APM argued that this amounts to double nomination which is illegal and leads to disqualification.

10.58 a.m: Mr Tsammani sets out the constitutional requirements for qualification to run for the presidency:

 The person must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth.

 The person must be 40 years old or above.

 The person must be a member of a political party.

 The person must be sponsored or nominated by that political party.

 The person must be educated to the level of a secondary school certificate or its equivalent.

11.02 a.m: Mr Tsammani says the NIgerian constitution having established the qualifying and disqualifying factors, no court can create other qualifying or disqualifying factors. He says the Supreme Court has followed this principle in all cases.

11.09 a.m: Mr Tsammani notes that the issue of double nomination of Mr Shettima has been resolved by the Supreme Court.

He rejects the argument of the APM that it has the right to relitigate the issue at the presidential election petition court because it was not a party to the case decided by the Supreme Court.

The panel chairman says it is clear that the APM was not a party to the case, but is also clear that the same issue raised in the instant petition was the same issue the Supreme Court resolved in the earlier case.

He also rejects the APMs argument that the issue was not resolved in the lead judgement of the Supreme Court, explaining that a supporting judgement in which the matter was resolved is binding.

11:20 a.m: Mr Tsammani says it is clear to from the oral and documentary evidence that the APM has not established the allegation of double nomination against Mr Shettima.

11.23 a.m: Mr Tsammani says there is nothing in the Nigerian constitution that stops a presidential candidate from replacing his running mate within 90 days, and there is also nothing that invalidates the nomination of the substitute within the stipulated period.

11.24 a.m: He resolves the sole issue of double nomination of Mr Shettima against the petitioner. He says it means the petition lacks merit.

11.27a.m: The panel goes on break for 15 minutes.

11:42: Court resumes sitting.

11:45 a.m: One of the five-member panel of Justices, Abba Mohammed, reads ruling on preliminary objections filed by the respondents against Peter Obis petition.

12: 06 p.m: Mr Mohammed highlights a contention by the respondents that Mr Obis petition only alleged widespread irrectularities without giving the particulars and in which polling units.

He says the petition stated that fictitious results were uploaded without stating the affected polling units.

He says the petition alleged overvoting and rigging without stating in which polling units they took place.

The petitioners only made generic allegations, Mr Mohammed says.

12.12 p.m: The petitioners made generic allegations of irregularities and said they would rely on spreadsheets, inspection reports and forensic analysis filed with the petition during trial.

But he says the documents promised by the petitioners were not attached to the petition and served on the respondents.

12.20 p.m: Mr Mohammed also says Mr Obi and his Labour party failed to provide particulars of corrupt practices, suppression of votes, entry of fictitious results and other irregularities in their pleadings.

12.30 p.m: The court faults respondents contention challenging Mr Obis membership of the Labour Party.

Mr Mohammed says only a political party can determine who its members are, and that no other person or entity can probe into it.

12.33 p.m: The court also faults the respondents objection which faulted the Labour Partys petition on the grounds that it failed to join Atiku Abubakar who came second in the election.

Mr Mohammed says a petitioner is not under any obligation to join a candidate who lost the election like himself in his petition.

He says a petitioner is only obligated to join the person and the political party who won the election and the commission who conducted the election as parties to his petition.

12.46 p.m: Justice Haruna Tsammani takes over to deliver judgement on the substantive petition filed by Mr Obi and the Labour Party.

12.48 p.m: Mr Tsammani says Mr Obi called 13 witnesses who testified as PW1 to PW13.

Of the 13 witnesses, only three are their witnesses whose statements on oath were filed along with the petition.

The remaining 10 witnesses were subpoenaed and their witness statements on oath were only filed after hearing started.

12.52 p.m: Mr Tsammani notes that the respondents challenged the competence of the petitioners witnesses whose witness statements were not frontloaded.

1.04 p.m: Mr Tsammani says by virtue of section 285 of the Nigerian constitution, section 137(7) of the Electoral Act 2022, and other provisions, every witness statement on oath must be filed along with the petition.

He says that based on the Supreme Court authority, once the 21 days window for filing an election petition lapses, the content of the petition cannot be amended.

He says further that no additional statement on oath can be filed after the close of the window since the respondents would not have the opportunity to respond to it.

10.10 p.m: Mr Tsammani says the petitioners were aware of the legal provision relating to the filing of witness statements on oath yet went ahead to present 10 witnesses without their witness statements on oath earlier filed with the petition.

1.13 p.m: The court rejects 10 out of 13 witnesses presented by Mr Obi.

1.29 p.m: The presidential election court also rejected the reports of forensic analyses tendered by the three witnesses of the Labour Party for either being made during the pendency of the case or made by an interested party who would benefit from the outcome of the petitions.

1.33 p.m: The court also rejects the European Union report on the 25 February presidential election on the grounds that they were not tendered by an official of the body which is the author and has the custody of the document.

01:25 p.m: Mr Tsammani upholds respondents objection to the admissibility of evidence tendered by Mr Obis web engineer, Mpeh Ogar, regarding a technical glitch observed on INEC Results Viewing portal on the election day.

The judge held that Ms Ogar was an interested party in the petition having vied for elective office at the polls on the platform of the Labour.

01:38 p.m: Mr Tsammani says the petitioners allleged over-voting in some states but failed to specify the particular polling units where the alleged malpractices took place.

The petitioners failed to state the specific figures the scored at the units.

1.44 p.m: Mr Tsammani again restates that that Mr Obi only made generic allegations of irregularities without specifying the particular polling units.

He says the petitioners have no justifiable reasons not to specify the polling units since their agents were present at all polling units and received duplicate copies of the result sheets.

1:44 p.m: The court says the issue of blurred 18,000 results sheets alleged by the petitioners is misconceived as they were unable to state the specific polling units they were meant for

2.02 p.m: Mr Tsammani now begins considering the merit of Mr Obis petition.

1.59 p.m: On the tendering of Tinubus academic record from the Chicago State University and the US embassy letter to the Nigerian police clearing Mr Tinubu of any criminal record in the US, the court dismisses Mr Obis objections to the admissibility of the documents.

2.14 p.m: Mr Tsammani highlights the four (4) issues that will be adopted to resolve the petition.

2.19 p.m.: The court says the issue of qualification of Mr Tinubu and Mr Shettima to contest the election on the basis of alleged double nomination was already resolved in the APMs case.

2.17p.m; The court is dealing with the second (2nd) issue which has to do with alleged non-qualification of Mr TInubu based on his alleged criminal record in the US.

2.18 p.m: Mr Tsammani says the operative words used in the section 137(1) of the Nigerian constitution cited by the petitioners sentence: sentence, imprisonment and fine.

2.23p.m: Mr Tsammani says the judgement of US District in Northern Illinois which ordered the forfeiture of Mr Tinubus $460,000 in a drugs-related case was in civil proceedings in which Mr Tinubu was not a party.

2.29 p.m: Mr Tsammani cites an exhibit tendered by Mr Tinubus legal team which was a letter written by the US embassy stating that Mr Tinubu had no criminal record in the US.

2.31 p.m: Mr Tsammani also holds that there was no certificate from US authorities required to support any judgement issued by a foreign court to be enforceable in Nigeria as stipulated in the Nigerian constitution.

2:23p.m: The court holds that the US courts order of forfeiture of $460,000 over drug trafficking in the US was in the context of a criminal conviction.

It says Mr Obi failed to show Mr Tinubu is disqualified from contesting the election on that basis.

2:31p.m: The court says, the petitioners have the burden to prove their allegation of criminal conviction against the second respondent (Mr Tinubu), but they have evidently failed to prove the allegation.

2:35p.m: The court says, from all the foregoing, Mr Tinubu was not disqualified from contesting the February presidential election. Consequently, issue one is resolved against Mr Obi.

2.38 p.m: The next issue to be resolved by the court has to do with the implication of INECs failure to promptly upload the photographic election result sheets to IReV.

2.41 pm: The court dismisses the second issue of non-transmission of result sheets to IReV.

The court holds that there is no law that says INEC must mandatorily transfer or transmit the results of the election from the polling units electronically.

It says the law empowers INEC to decide the means of collation of the results of elections in Nigeria.

2.46p.m: The third issue has to do with the allegation of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act in the conduct of the election, citing INECs failure to electronically transmit the results of the election.

Mr Tsammani says Mr Obi is estopped (prohibited) from raising the issue again after it was resolved by the Federal High Court.

2:56p.m: The only technological device that is mandatory for INEC to use for the election is the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS), M Tsammani says

He adds that there is nothing in the regulation to show that the BVAS must electronically transmit polling units results.



3:13 p.m: the court says both Electoral Act and INEC regulations provide for manual collation of results, and electronic transmission is at best optional.

3.41 p.m: Mr Tsammani says Mr Obi failed to establish that INEC deliberately refused to promptly upload polling unit results to IReV in order to manipulate the results in favour of Mr Tinubu.

3:33p.m: Peter Obis web engineers evidence concerning IReV portal glitches, added no value to the petitioners case. The court adds that the witness documentary evidence was unsigned.

Key issues the Presidential Election Petition Court has resolved so far:

 Allegation of double nomination raised against Vice-President Kashim Shettima was false, so his nomination as Mr Tinubus running mate was valid.

 Mr Tinubu was qualified to contest the 25 February election

 10 out of 13 witnesses of Peter Obi not competent to testify.

 EU report on the outcome of the 2023 election was inadmissible.

 The reports tendered by Mr Obis expert witnesses lacked probative value.

 The US courts judgement ordering the forfeiture Mr Tinubus $460,000 in a drugs-related case does not disqualify him from running for the presidency.

 Failure of INEC to upload the photographic copies of polling unit results to IReV real time does not invalidate the election.

 INEC is not bound to transmit election results electronically.

 No evidence to show that INEC deliberately refused to upload copies of polling unit results to IReV in order to manipulate it.

4.02 p.m: The court rules that Mr Obi fails to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act in the conduct of the election.

4.03 p.m: The court is now dealing with the issue of corrupt practices during the election.

4.05 pm: Mr Tsammani highlights the issues of corrupt practices which Mr Obi alleged marred the election to include: suppression of votes, inflation of votes, alteration of results, and overvoting.

Mr Tsammani recalls that some paragraphs relating to these allegations had been earlier struck out for being too vague and generic without any particulars.

4.32 p.m: The court says the petitioners failed to lead any credible evidence to prove their allegations of suppression of votes, wrong computation of results, manipulation of results, and inflation of results.

Of the 13 witnesses they called, only two were presiding officers who were present at the polling units, the court adds.

The court says the petitioners, allegations were mere speculations and unfounded allegations.

4.55p.m: On the issue of overvoting, Mr Tsammani says the petitioners failed to specify the polling units where oververting took place.

He adds that the petitioners also failed to specify the number of votes and the margin of lead affected by overvoting.

This means, the judge says, the petitioners failed to establish the allegations of corrupt practices.

Issue 3 is also resolved against the petitioners, Mr Tsammani ruled.

4.39p.m: The fourth and last issue to be resolved is the issue of 25 per cent of votes in the FCT with regard to section 134(2) of the Nigerian constitution.

This is about the most contentious issues stressed in Mr Obis petition.

4.44 p.m: Mr Tsammani holds that the interpretation of section 134(2) of the Nigerian constitution by Mr Obi and the Labour Party to the effect that a candidate must win 25 per cent of votes in FCT in addition of scoring 25 per cent votes in two-third of the 36 states of the federation is completely fallacious.

4:45 p.m: The argument of Labour Partys lawyers that the 2nd Respondent ought not to be declared winner of the election because he scored less than 25 per cent votes in the FCT is fallacious and incredibly ridiculous.

A broad interpretation of the Constitution should prevail.

4.50 p.m: The court, in interpreting the constitution, must give consideration to the principle of the constitution rather than literal or direct interpretation of the provision, Mr Tsammani says.

4.51 p.m; Mr Tsammani says the first port of call would be to consider the directive of state policy and the preamble of the constitution that provides for the equality of citizens.

4.54 p.m: Mr Tsammani says from the reading of section 134 of the constitution, the reference to the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory indicates nothing more than the consistency of how the constitution refers to them throughout all the provisions whenever they are metioned together.

5.00 p.m: Court dismisses Peter Obis petition.

It says the petitioner was unable to prove any of the three grounds upon which the petition was anchored.

5.01p.m: APCs lawyer, Mr Edosomwan asks the panel to specifically urge the court to say the petition was dismissed.

But the panel members responded with cautionary remarks by telling him they knew what they were doing.

5.03 p.m: The court begins judgement on Atikus petition, which is the last.

5:03 p.m: Justice Moses Ugo of the five-member panel began reading the judgement in Atikus case against President Tinubu.

5.25p.m: Mr Ugo highlights gaps in Atikus petition.

He says the petition is filled with nebulous and generic allegations.

He says the petition also failed to specify particular polling units where the malpractices took place.

He also identifies non-joinder of necessary parties, such as Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State who was accused of malpractices during the election in his state.

5.37 p.m: Mr Ugo spotlights paragraphs of Atikus petition that are imprecise and vague. He also said others lack particulars.

5:32p.m: Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, puts up suprise look at the mention of his name by Justice Ugo concerning gun-toting thugs who allegedly disrupted polling in Kogi State during the presidential election.

6.09 p.m: The court dismisses many paragraphs in Atikus petition.

Mr Ugo completes part of the ruling on the preliminary issues.

I now hand over to the leader, as politicians will say, Mr Ugo said.

The head of the panel, Haruna Tsammani, then asks the second most senior judge on the panel, Stephen Adah, to continue.

6.22 p.m: Mr Adah points out failure of Atiku to file the witness statements on oath along with his petition.

6.24 p.m: PDPs lawyer, Chris Uche, a SAN, smiles as the court cites his comment in a book in which he advocated the need for all depositions to be filed with the petition within the specified timeframe. He took a contrary position in Atikus case.

6.29 p.m: Mr Adah reminds Mr Uche how he had endorsed the position taken by the author of the book, and recommended it to judges.

I shall hold counsel to his words,not only because they are coming from him, but also because they are true, Mr Adah said.

6.40 p.m: Mr Adah rejects 15 witnesses called by Atiku on the grounds that their witness statements on oath were not filed along with his petition.

Mr Adah also expunged 37 exhibits tendered by the witnesses from the courts records.

6.59 p.m: People are leaving the courtroom in droves. The courtroom which was packed at the time the proceeding started in the morning has been reduced to almost half of the attendees.

The proceeding has lasted almost 10 hours.

Many seats behind the lawyers rows are now vacant.

7.10 p.m: Mr Adah hands over reading of the judgement to the head of the panel, Haruna Tsammani. This marks the end of rulings on the preliminary issues raised.

Mr Tsammani is now dealing with the substantive petition.

7.21 p.m: Mr Tsammani highlights four (4) issues that will determine Atikus petition.

7.22 p.m: The four issues that will determine Aikus petition, according to the court, are:

 Whether the return of Mr Tinubu was invalid by reason of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act in the conduct of the 25 Feb. election.

 Whether Tinubu was lawfully declared the winner of the election when he did not secure 25 per cent of the votes in FCT.

 Whether Mr Tinubu was not disqualified from contesting the election after a US courts forfeiture order against him in a drugs-related case in 1993.

 Whether Mr Tinubu was lawfully declared as the winner of the election based on the majority of lawful votes.

7.33 p.m: For a petitioner to successfully prove non-compliance with the Electoral Act, the petitioner must call witnesses to prove the acts of non-compliance and show that the acts affected the outcome of the election, says Mr Tsammani.

He says Atiku failed to call any of his polling unit agents who signed the polling unit results and witnessed what took place in their domains.

He says the few agents called by the petitioner were state and national agents.

7.37 p.m: The political parties are not expected to appoint an octopus as polling unit agents that will have its tentacles in all polling units, says Mr Tsammani.

He adds:

 When a petitioner is expected to prove an anomaly in a polling unit, it is only the witness who saw it happen that is competent to testify on it.

 No other person can validly testify on such acts of non-compliance.

7.42 p.m: Mr Tsammani says of the 27 petitions called by Atiku, 10 of them were presiding officers at their polling units in different states.

The judge highlights the thrusts of the testimonies about how they successfully conducted the election at their polling units but could not connect with IReV.

The witnesses also said party agents signed the results. The polling officers also spoke of how they took the results to the ward collation centres.

7.47 p.m: According to the judge, the testimonies of the presiding officers called by Atiku as witnesses were so clear and cogent that the election went well.

7.48 p.m: The judge says the presiding officers called by Atiku to testify for him insisted that the election went well, but that the only issue was that they were not able to connect to INECs portal.

7.55 p.m: The court says electronic storage of results after the conduct of the election is not part of the election process. It insists that the law only provides for manual collation of results and not electronic collation.

8.06 p.m: The petitioners have not been able to prove that it is mandatory for INEC to electronically transmit the results of the election  Court

8.16 p.m: The court says, although there is provision for transfer of scanned copy of polling unit results in addition to physical transfer of the results to the collation centre, the only technology recognised by the law is BVAS for verification and accreditation of voters.

8.18p.m: The court also says that BVAS is not a device for transmission of results to any collation system. Mr Tsammani, the judge reading the judgement, says IReV into which the scanned copies of polling unit results could be transferred is not a collation system.

8.30 p.m: This judgement has now gone on for 11 hours with only 15 minutes break in-between.

So far, the court is still dealing with only one of the four issues it highlighted as the questions that would determine Atikus petition against Tinubu.

8.30 p.m: The court has just resolved the issue 1 which is about non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The court rules that Atiku and his party failed to prove that the conduct of the 25 February 2023 election did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

8.32 p.m: The court resolves the second issue which has to do with 25 per cent of FCT votes against Atiku and in favour of Tinubu and other respondents.

The court adopts its reasoning in its earlier ruling on the issue.

8.34 p.m: The court also resolves the third issue.

The issue whether Mr Tinubu was disqualified from contesting the election after a US courts forfeiture order against him in a drugs-related case in 1993.

The court resolves this point against Atiku and in favour of Mr Tinubu and other respondents.

The court holds that Atiku failed to plead facts of qualification and non-qualification to support their argument.

8.41 p.m: The court is dealing with the fourth and last issue.

The issue is whether Mr Tinubu was lawfully declared as the winner of the election based on the majority of lawful votes.

8.46 p.m: The court holds that when the acts of non-compliance complained of by the petitioners are not manifestly disclosed in documents, the petitioner needs to call a witness to prove them.

8.48 p.m: The court holds that Aiku merely dumped his documents tendered to prove non-compliance on the court as none of his witnesses linked the documents to his case.

8.52 p.m: It is clear that the petitioner failed to lead credible evidence to prove allegations of corrupt practices during the election  Court.

The court resolves the fourth issue against the petitioner and in favour of Mr Tinubu and other respondents.

8.55 p.m: The court says Aikus petition and those of Peter Obi and the APM were devoid of merit.

The court affirms the declaration of Mr Tinubu by INEC as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

8.55 p.m: The second judge, Stephen Adah, adopts the lead judgement by Mr Tsammani, by affirming the declaration of Mr Tinubu as the duly elected president of Nigeria.

9.00 p.m: The third judge on the panel, Misitura Bolaji-Yusuf, the only female on the panel, also affirms the election of Mr Tinubu by adopting the reasoning in the lead judgement.

9.25 p.m: The fourth member of the panel, Moses Ugo, takes his turn to deliver his own opinion. He also agrees with the reasoning and conclusion of the lead judgement on the three petitions.

9.45 p.m: The fifth judge and last judge on the panel takes his turn to also affirm Mr Tinubus election by similarly concurring with the reasoning and conclusion of the lead judgement. He concurs with the lead judgement dismissing all three petitions by Atiku, Peter Obi, and APM.

His opinion makes the judgement of the five-member panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court affirming President rTinubus election a unanimous decision.

9.55 p.m: The last of the five members of the panel, Abbah Mohammed, makes the final pronouncement, disissing all three petitions.

The judgement lasted over 12 hours.

9.57 p.m: The head of the panel, Haruna Tsammani, said his team had completed its national assignment and thanked lawyers in the case for their cooperation.

9.58: PDPs lawyer, Chris Uche, requests that copies of the judgement be made available immediately to enable his client to exercise his right of appeal to the Supreme Court.

CLICK HERE TO REFRESH

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Within the last three days, African heads of state and government have, for the first time in decades, gathered in Nairobi, Kenyas capital city, to formally take a position on a matter central to all of them  climate change.

Despite contributing just about 4 per cent to global emissions, Africa is said to be the most devastated by the consequences of climate change.

From Kampala in Uganda to Arusha in Tanzania; Ibadan in Nigeria, Harare in Zimbabwe, Mogadishu in Somalia, Cairo in Egypt, and Mombasa in Kenya, among others, the stories of hunger, diseases, and poverty which are traceable to the crisis of climate are too visible to be ignored.

The two extremes of the climate change consequences of drought and flooding have eaten too deep into the continent, leaving the people at the mercy of crumbs thrown at them by the developed economies and private investors.

Over the years, Africa has only been at the table where discussions on climate issues are raised more as an observer than a participant; but this is the home of the challenges, and now where solutions to the global impacts have been traced.

Rewriting the narrative, Kenyan President William Ruto said, is the basis for the convening of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS), which is coinciding with the Africa Climate Week.

Mr Ruto, as the Chairman of the African Unions Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, said his government decided to partner with the AU and other key stakeholders to host the summit as part of efforts towards forging a common front for the continent in the quest for climate justice.

Mr Ruto said until Africa begins to write its stories by itself, the narratives will continue to be skewed against it, and in favour of those he described as the polluters.

He said: Until the lion learns the art of writing, all stories will glorify the hunter, Mr Ruto said in his welcome address at the Presidential Day Programme during the summit.

But ahead of the official endorsement and announcement by the African leaders at the summit, PREMIUM TIMES takes a peep into the draft declaration which aims to guide the continents position during the forthcoming COP28 to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The African heads of state and government are currently in a closed-door session reviewing the proposal and will soon emerge at the Tsavo Auditorium at the summit to announce the final decisions. But ahead of that, take a peep into the draft declaration.

AUs likely positions

Stakeholders at the summit including the African leaders of government, development partners, indigenous people of the continent, civil societies, and youth, are strongly of the opinion that a unified approach and political leadership on an African vision that simultaneously pursues climate change and development agenda, is urgently required.

To achieve the above, the stakeholders believe the world is not on track to keeping within reach the 1.5C limit agreed in Paris and that global emissions must be cut by 45 per cent in this decade; underscores the IPCC confirmation that Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world and, if unabated, climate change will continue to have adverse impacts on African economies and societies, and hamper growth and wellbeing.

They also express concern that many African countries face disproportionate burdens and risks arising from climate change-related, unpredictable weather events and patterns, including prolonged droughts, devastating floods, wild/forest fires, which cause massive humanitarian crisis with detrimental impacts on economies, health, education, peace, and security, among other risks.

Reaffirm the principles set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, namely equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities

Urgent solutions

Africa believes that it is indebted to the developed countries due to the high impact of climate change on the continent and apart from seeking climate justice, adequate adaptation measures, and just energy transitions, the AU may be placing on-the-table debt relief request.

Some of these demands will likely include an urgent implementation of the measures included in the Paris Agenda for People and the Planet, which is said to involve capitalisation and deployment reform of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) towards increasing available concessional capital with MDBs, channel a greater proportion of this concessional capital to emerging and frontier economies, and incentivise investment in climate-aligned opportunities.

Africa may seek urgent redesigning of the MDB governance, to ensure a fit for purpose system with appropriate representation, voice, and agency of all countries, while also seeking measures to improve debt management, including a) the inclusion of debt pause clauses, and the proposed expert review of the Common Framework and the Debt Sustainability Analysis.

The new debt relief interventions may now include instruments to pre-empt debt default with the ability to extend sovereign debt tenor, and include a 10-year grace period.

They may also agree on new universal global instruments to collect additional revenue, and seek a decisive action on the promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations (Resolution A/C.2/77/L.11/REV.1) with the aim to reduce Africas loss of $27 billion annual corporate tax revenue through profit shifting, by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and 75 per cent by 2050.

Demands from international community

African leaders may be rising from the summit today placing some of these relevant demands before the international community, including; increasing Africas renewable generation capacity from 56 GW in 2022 to at least 300 GW by 2030; shifting the energy-intensive primary processing of Africas raw material exports to the continent; calling for access to and transfer of environmentally sound technologies, including technologies that consist of processes and innovation methods to support Africas green industrialisation and transition.

Others may include the demand to design global and regional trade mechanisms in a manner that enables products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms; accelerating efforts to decarbonise the transport, industrial and electricity sectors through the use of smart, digital and highly efficient technologies and systems, and reducing the cost of capital for investment in Africa, through a mix of availing credit rating data, smart guarantee instruments and additional concessional finance to attract private capital.

Call to action

The African leaders will rise from the summit to call upon world leaders to appreciate that decarbonising the global economy is also an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity; invite development partners from both the global south and north to align and coordinate their technical and financial resources directed toward Africa to promote sustainable utilisation of Africas natural assets for the continents progression toward low carbon development, and contributing to global decarbonisation; call acceleration of the on-going initiatives to reform the multilateral financial system and global financial architecture including the Bridgetown Initiative, the Accra-Marrakech Agenda, the UN Secretary Generals SDG Stimulus Proposal and the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, among many others.

Ahead COP28

The African leaders may from here agree to decide that the declaration serves as a basis for Africas common position in the global climate change process to COP28 and beyond, while there could also be a proposal for the establishment of a new financing architecture that is responsive to Africas needs including debt restructuring and relief, including the development of a new Global Climate Finance Charter through UNGA and COP processes by 2025.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Armenia repeatedly avoids putting agreements reached into effect, engages in provocative political and military actions, lacks the political will necessary for effective action to normalize relations with Azerbaijan, and has not yet completely withdrawn its armed forces from Azerbaijani territory, all of which constitute grave violations of its obligations and pose a threat to regional security, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov said, Trend reports.

In a meeting with the foreign minister of Croatia, Grlic Radman, Bayramov asserted that the Armenian side's claims about the Lachin-Khankendi road are unfounded. The rejection of Azerbaijan's requests for the movement of commodities and the usage of roads on the area was brought up as evidence that the Armenian side was manipulating the "humanitarian situation" in its claims.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, is on an official visit to the Republic of Croatia.
Nigerias ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the judgement of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) as an undiluted victory for the democracy.

The five-member panel of the court, led by Haruna Tsammani, on Wednesday dismissed the petitions of Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Partys Peter Obi and the All Peoples Movement (APM) against the victory of President Bola Tinubu of the APC in the 25 February.

The tribunal also dismissed the case of double nominations against Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The APC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Felix Morka, on Wednesday, said the verdict of the tribunal is a solid affirmation of the mandate freely handed to President Tinubu of the APC by the Nigerian electorate, and constitutes an undiluted victory for our democracy.

The party commended the tribunal for upholding the popular mandate given to Mr Tinubu.

We commend the PEPT for doing manifest justice in this matter and for upholding the popular will of Nigerians as expressed through their ballots.

We congratulate our dear President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Party members, supporters and the Nigerian electorate on this magnificent victory, the statement reads in part.

On 1 March, INEC declared Mr Tinubu as the winner of the February presidential election.

He defeated 17 other candidates and was subsequently inaugurated as the 16th Nigerian leader since independence in 1960.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


On 31 August, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) published its intention to keep the Democratic Republic of the Congo on its Councils action items in the month of September 2023.

In September, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is expected that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in DRC and head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) Bintou Keita will be responsible for briefing the Council, according to the Security Council report.

After the anti-MONUSCO protests in July 2022 resulting in the death of four peacekeepers, the DRC government asked for an accelerated implementation of MONUSCOs transition plan.

One day prior, on 30 August, the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published in the US Federal Register, a list of individuals now placed on its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List.

Less than a week earlier, on Friday, 25 August, the UNSC met to hear the Secretary-Generals 17th biannual strategic-level report on global terrorist threats, which include the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL also known as Daesh)s affiliates in Africa such as ISIS-DRC, whom the State Department also acknowledges as Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) has frustrated the DRC perceived lack of willingness to engage in combat operations against M23, has turned its attention towards the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said the Security Council report. As of 31 August, it is expected that the UN reports that According to the Chairperson of the SADC Troika, SADCIDRC is expected to be deployed by 30 September.

UN Security Council members have assessed that ISIS-DRC has between 1,500 and 2,000 adult male fighters under the leadership of Seka Baluku (alias Musa Baluku) and he was listed by the US National Counterterrorism Center as the Overall leader, presides over the groups leadership council. However, ISIS-DRC is not the only destabilizing factor in eastern DRC.

Looking back just two years prior, ISIS-DRC was responsible for a considerable share of terrorist attacks in the country. In 2020, it was reported as one of the most active ISIS affiliates in Africa. There were 1,435 fatalities resulting from terrorist attacks attributed to ISIS-DRC, according to the Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center (GTTAC). This made ISIS-DRC second only to the Taliban, also published in the US Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism 2020s Annex of Statistical Information. In GTTACs 2020 published data, Eighty-one per cent of ISIS-DRC involved incidents included general population victims in 2020. The greatest concentration of attacks was unleashed in North Kivu Province, at more than 90 per cent, and in Ituri Province, at approximately six per cent, in that year alone.

On the eve of the UN Security Council 24 August briefing, the United States imposed sanctions on six individuals contributing to the most recent escalation of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a press statement published by the US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, confirms.

Millers statement said Each of these individuals is contributing to instability in the eastern DRC and, in many cases, perpetrating human rights abuses, including sexual violence and violence against children. The United States stands on the side of civilians and survivors against those who perpetrate violence against the people of DRC.

Included in the list of six sanctioned individuals are three individuals belonging to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Apollinaire Hakizimana, a Rwandan national, who is the FDLRs defence commissioner.

Sebastian Uwimbabazi, a Rwandan national, who is an FDLR leader in charge of intelligence, and Ruvugayimikore Protogene, a Rwandan national, leads the FDLR-affiliated Maccabe group, formerly known as the Commando de Recherche et DAction en Profondeur (CRAP). From the March 23 Movement (M23), the US Treasury has sanctioned Bernard Byamungu (Byamungu), a Congolese national and M23 deputy commander of operations and intelligence.

Also included were two individuals from the national armies of both the DRC and Rwanda including Salomon Tokolonga, a Congolese national who commands the FARDCs 3411th Regiment. In a statement published by the US Treasury on Thursday, it said In May 2022, Tokolonga led a meeting where several Congolese armed groups agreed to form a coalition against M23. Tokolongas regiment provided ammunition to FDLR fighters fighting M23.

Likewise, Andrew Nyamvumba, a Rwandan national was sanctioned because he is the head of operations for the RDFs 3rd Division. In early 2022, the 3rd Division entered DRC territory, and in conjunction with M23 combatants, attacked FARDC positions and camps, resulting in FARDC casualties, said the U.S. Treasury statement explaining why they chose these individuals as targets of U.S. sanctions. Reports indicate that the Rwandan government has since promoted him to a new job.

In explaining US actions Mr Miller said, Todays actions reflect the United States commitment to advancing efforts toward a resolution of the crisis and addressing the human rights abuses and dire humanitarian situation. These sanctions are also consistent with the Presidential Memorandum signed by President Biden in November 2022. This was a Memorandum signed by President Biden in a bid to advance and promote accountability for sexual violence in conflict.

In UN Security Council Resolution 2253 (2015), member states asked to be provided an update every four months. As a part of this update, members were provided a briefing which confirmed that In parts of Africa, illicit trafficking of weapons remained a serious concern, and the use by Daesh of improvised explosive devices increased, the Secretary-Generals report revealed, adding that ISIS-DRC used increasingly lethal improvised explosive devices in North Kivu.

The report said, In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, joint military operations conducted by Congolese and Ugandan forces against ADF, known as Operation Shujaa, continued to disperse the group into smaller units across a wider area of operation beyond its traditional strongholds. The UN report by the Secretary-General describes several examples of operations carried out by ISIL and its affiliates on the African continent, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, and the Sahel.

The US held the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of August and a key persisting issue for the Council was how to comprehensively address the persistent security challenge facing the DRC and the region. Two months ago, the US welcomed the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), condemned the violence, and called on all armed groups, including M23, CODECO, FDLR, MAPI, and others to cease hostilities and lay down their weapons.

According to the US National Counterterrorism Center, ISIS-DRC is one of the deadliest militant groups in eastern Congo and ISIS leaders in Syria officially recognized it as an ISIS branch in 2019. ISIS-DRC was designated by the US Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization in March 2021.

As instability persists in eastern DRC, the countrys Permanent Representative to the UN, Zenon Mukongo Ngay, presented his diplomatic credentials on Friday, 1st September, according to the UN Global Communications office in New York.

Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White House Correspondent, and media commentator with expertise in U.S. foreign policy and international security. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The ongoing two-day warning strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stalled the sitting of the National Assembly election petition tribunal in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The tribunal had fixed Wednesday to deliver judgement in a petition filed against the election of the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, commonly called Yayi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The petition marked EPT/OG/Sen/2023 was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ganiyu Adeleke.

However, journalists and supporters of the ruling APC and opposition (PDP) arrived at the court to meet its gates shut.

Leaders of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had arrived earlier to lock the gates of the Magistrates Court at Isabo, Abeokuta, where the tribunal has been sitting.

The NLC warning strike, called in protest against the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, began on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Police ban planned protests in Kano over election tribunal judgement

Speaking with journalists, the state chairman of JUSUN, Olanrewaju Ajiboye, said: The tribunal is expected to sit today, but they (judges) are unable to sit because we have locked the gate of the Court in compliance with the directive of the NLC national body. This is why the Tribunal can not sit today (Wednesday).

Reminded that the election tribunals proceedings are time-bound, Mr Ajiboye retorted, We cant allow the tribunal to sit; that will mean we intentionally sabotage the struggle of the workers, most especially the judicial workers.

The tribunal has the right to sit anywhere, but this is our own premises, we can always close it as directed by the national body of the union.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Two protesters were arrested by the police on Wednesday at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) junction while protesting against an increase in tuition fees at the institution.

The two activists arrested by police officers have been identified as Femi Adeyeye and Philip Olatinwo.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson in the state confirmed the arrests to PREMIUM TIMES. However, he said he did not have information on their identities.

The students are protesting the decision of the university to increase the payable fees of students from N26,000 and about N76,000 to between N120,750 and N240,250 depending on the courses of study and levels.

Arrest

Following their arrest, the officers put them in a police van popularly called Black Maria stationed in the area.

But the arrested protesters, Mr Adeyeye Mr Olatinwo urged the protesters to continue and not panic.

This is not a time to panic at all. We are here in the van and we are assuring you that this is just the beginning of the struggle, he said in a video he posted on the X platform inside the police van.

The police also fired tear gas at the protesters to disperse them.

Before they began the protest, there was a heavy presence of security operatives including officers of the State Security Service (SSS), the police and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) at the institutions main gate.

Call for release

The Education Rights Campaign (ERC), in a statement by its Deputy National Coordinator, Isaac Ogunjimi, called on the commissioner of police to immediately and unconditionally release the protesters.

According to the group, three, and not two protesters were arrested by the police. The group named the third person as Ayodele Aduwo.

The activists on Wednesday 6 September 2023 joined students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in a peaceful protest against the Universitys decision to hike fees when a team of gun-wielding policemen swooped on them, the statement reads.

We demand their immediate release now and a halt to attacks on democratic rights.

The police should be reminded that protest is a right guaranteed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. Also, the Supreme Court pronouncement on the case of All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors. v. Inspector General of Police (2006) CHR 181 has already settled the controversy over whether or not a police permit is required for a protest.

The education rights group said the arrest was illegal and a violation of their rights.

Despite the rejection of the hike by the mass of UNILAG students, many of whom come from poor working class backgrounds and therefore cannot afford the soaring cost of education, the University authorities have continued to insist on the hike, the group said.

Mr Ogunjimi further said that it is the responsibility of the government to fund education.

As far as we are concerned, the funding of public education remains the primary duty and responsibility of the government and not poor parents. Considering the current cost of living crisis, many cannot afford the hiked fees, he said.

This means several students are on the verge of dropping out unless the university authorities reverse the fees.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Assembly Election Tribunal in Gombe State has upheld the victory of the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Ali Isa.

The tribunal, on Tuesday, struck out the petition filed by Victor Mela, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and upheld the outcome of the 25 February election in Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State.

Mr Isa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement after the court verdict on Tuesday, said the outcome of the election tribunal had affirmed the mandate given to him by the constituency.

This noble ruling has further reaffirmed the mandate which you gave me with about 20,000 votes margin as the winner of the February 2023 Balanga/Billiri House of Representatives election, the statement reads in part.

He also commended his opponent for exercising his constitutional rights by approaching the tribunal. He, therefore, called on his supporters to celebrate the victory with modesty.

I consider the petition by my defeated opponent as an exercise of his democratic rights, which cannot be denied. And as we celebrate this ruling, I wish to call on all my supporters to celebrate this victory with modesty and with utmost respect for the losing camp without any form of ill will. Let us all be practitioners of the decency and decorum we are known for, he said.

Mr Mela was in the last Assembly, where he was chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals. He defeated Mr Isa during the 2019 polls.

However, in 2023, Mr Isa returned to the House after securing victory at the 25 February election.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The plan by the Akwa Ibom State Government to distribute 100,000 bags of rice to residents of the state would not ameliorate the economic hardship in the state, some residents of Uyo have said.

The oil-rich state is said to have over five million population as of 2016.

Prices of goods and services have continued to climb in Nigeria, and many families have been thrown into poverty and severe hardship since President Bola Tinubu announced the federal governments withdrawal of fuel subsidy in May.

The pump price of petrol is now N650 or more (it was N250 before the subsidy was removed).

A total of 100,000 bags of rice will be distributed statewide. Forty bags per village to the 2,272 gazetted villages and other strategic groups, the Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, Ini Ememobong, said on 31 August, as part of the state governments intervention.

The government had approved N2 billion in financial support for government workers and pensioners.

Fridays will become a ticket-free day for transport operators and traders in markets in all the local government areas until December 2023. Mr Ememobong said.

The government also approved the payment of N10,000 bursary to undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom origin in all public tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the distribution of free exercise books to primary and secondary schools in the state.

Discussions on transportation means like CNG buses and electric taxis are ongoing to ensure an effective, efficient and sustainable rollout, the commissioner said.

Not interested

In separate interviews with a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, on Monday, some residents of Uyo said the state governments intervention would not offer meaningful help to the people.

We have seen government interventions through palliatives before, but the impact is always minimal. Random, unorganised palliatives rarely help the situation, Daniel Nweke, a dealer in automobile spare parts, said.

So I am not interested in this kind, he added.

He advised the state government to create access to credit for small businesses in the state.

Uduak Godwin, a periwinkle seller in Itam Market, said other foodstuffs, not only rice, are required in families food menu, and therefore, it would not make much sense to distribute rice to residents.

The real solution to the hardship we are facing is to return the price of fuel to N250 (per litre), she said.

Ms Godwin spoke on how the fuel price increase has hit her business.

I used to buy a bag (of periwinkles) for N7,500, but today I am buying it for over N20,000. Even to collect the bag of periwinkles, I pay up to N1,500 for the waybill as against the N600 or N700 I used to pay, she said.

Jennifer Edoho, a fashion designer in Uyo, said her business relies so much on electricity and that in the absence of electricity supply from the national grid, she had settled for a power-generating set, which compelled her to buy petrol frequently.

She had to increase her charges to customers to offset the high fuel cost, adversely affecting the business as patronage reduced drastically, she told PREMIUM TIMES.

The situation forced her to reduce her charges. There is basically no profit (for me), Ms Edoho said.

Saviour Jack, a student at the University of Uyo, advised the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to go for a sustainable solution like making education affordable instead of paying N10,000 as a bursary, which he said he was not even sure of getting.

They should reduce school fees and provide scholarships to the less privileged students.

Pay raise, not rice

Aminigbo Paul, a software developer in Uyo, said the challenge of providing electricity for his tech business in the city has drained him and brought down his productivity.

James Agbom, a resident of Uyo, said, Sharing rice and relief materials is not the answer to the problem were facing right now.

Lets start with how the government intends to determine the poorest of the poor in the country; what are the parameters? My fear is that the people who need these things the most may not get it, and at the end of the day, it will still be the same old story.

Mr Agbom said the sharing of rice and other items to residents was not sustainable and that the people would continue to suffer the impact of the subsidy removal.

I am not particularly interested in the rice or other materials they want to share. After collecting five cups of rice and cooking it, what happens tomorrow? I think making fuel easy to buy at this moment is what we need and not palliative, a petty trader, Monica Silas, said, adding that her business has been experiencing low patronage since the fuel subsidy was removed.

I have to pay my rent, pay for other bills, yet there is no money, she said.

Hamza Osaro, a paediatrician, said he would prefer a pay raise to receive rice from the government.

Mfon Sam, a university student in Uyo, said she sometimes skipped classes because of the lack of transport fare to school.

I was happy about the N10,000 bursary for students, but when I found out that we needed to register with N1,000 to be able to get it, I just quit.

READ ALSO: Connect Initiative felicitates with Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State

The money my parents send to me goes for my feeding, and its not even enough. N10,000 cannot do anything for me right now. Let the government subsidise the price of fuel and transportation, please.

There are rumours about the increase in our fees; I just pray it is not true. If it comes to pass, the government should know that they would have denied Nigerian students the right to education, she added.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the failure of mass transit scheme in Nigeria has summoned the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, over the failure of the scheme.

Others summoned include: the Minister of Trade and Investment, Accountant General for the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation.

Victor Ogene, the chairman of the committee, issued the summon in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the committee decided to invite the ministers and others to supply it with requisite information regarding previous mass transit schemes in terms of disbursement.

He said the committee has yet to get the document required, saying sequel to that, the agencies were invited to appear before the committee on 11 and 12 September at 11 a. m.

Additionally, the clerk of this committee is to invite the managing director of the Infrastructure Bank to appear on the same day and time.

The chairman also asked the National Association of Road Transport Owners and the Road Transport Employers of Nigeria to appear before it.

He warned those concerned not to treat the invitation with levity, adding that failure to come would incur the wrath of the lawmakers thereby invoking its legislative power.

Let me warn that this invitation is not frivolous, this is an invitation extended to them by the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

And if for any reason, any of them fail to honour this invitation, we shall invoke the full power of this committee as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,  he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abuja Investment Company Limited and National Union of Road Transport Worker had earlier appeared before the committee.

They both made suggestions on how to stop the recurring failure of the scheme.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received two vehicles as a donation from the Canadian government.

According to a statement posted on NAPTIPs Facebook account, the two four-wheel drive vehicles were presented to the management of the agency by Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The donation is in furtherance of the capacity-building programming funded by the immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony in Abuja, Mr Chrisoff said human trafficking had become a menace affecting the society and that the donation would enhance NAPTIPs capacity to prevent and combat it.

The generous donation will enhance NAPTIPs capacity to prevent and combat human trafficking within the country as well as underscore the commitment of both nations to work together in the global fight against human trafficking, he said.

He lauded the effort of Nigeria government and the Canadian government to work together in order to achieve a common goal.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Fatima Waziri-Azi, while receiving the vehicles at the event, expressed gratitude to the Canadian government for the donation of utility vehicles.

She stated that the vehicles will be impactful with measurable results and outcomes.

She described the various counter-trafficking interventions of the Canadian Government through the Ark Group, which include the development of ireporter App, NAPTIP ON THE MOVE sensitization among major transporters in Lagos, and other assistance, as impactful with measurable results and outcomes.

The donation of these four-wheel drive vehicles is a testament to the shared dedication of Canada and Nigeria to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking.

These off-road vehicles are invaluable tools in the disruption of human trafficking activities and the prevention of this heinous crime.

Their robust design and off-road capabilities will enable NAPTIPs agents to access remote areas, conduct thorough investigations, and rescue victims from trafficking, Mrs Waziri-Azi, a professor, said..

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A Nigerian journalist Damilola Ayeni has been arrested by the police in Benin Republic, Nigerias neighbour in the west.

Mr Ayeni is an editor at the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

He is currently being detained at the Commissariat Central, Parakou Police Station, in Parakou, Republic of Benin, by the Beninese police, FIJ reported.

According to the newspaper, Mr Ayeni was on a trip to the Republic of Benin for the second leg of a Nigeria-Benin environmental journalism report when he was arrested and labelled a jihadist.

On Thursday, August 31, FIJ had received a distress text from Ayeni but it was deleted within seconds of delivery on one of its communication channels. The text read: I have just been arrested, FIJ wrote.

Nothing followed the text, however, Mr Ayeni subsequently told his colleagues on a phone call that he was briefly held because the authorities stated that there were security concerns in the area. It was not until much later that FIJ learnt that the release-and-rearrest tactic is often used by Beninese police to keep their captives in the station without alerting their friends and relatives.

FIJ reported that the police is demanding a bribe of 800,000 CFA to free Mr Ayeni.

FIJ said a man, who identified himself as the Commissioner of the Central Police Station of Parakou in Benin, subsequently reached out announcing that Mr Ayeni was being held at Commissariat Central, Parakou Police Station.

Writing via WhatsApp with the number +22946066050, under the profile name Agnisso Lounko, he said: Hello sir, I am the Commissioner of the Central Police Station of Parakou in Benin. Do you know Mr. Damilola of Nigerian nationality?

He is arrested in Penjari [sic] Park in northern Benin for jihadist [sic]. He would [sic] be presented to the prosecutor and sent to prison. He risks 10 to 20 years in prison. What do you think of his situation, sir?

When FIJ insisted  and sent evidence  that the person being held is a journalist and not a jihadist, Mr Lounko replied: Where are you now sir?

When FIJ asked for options from which a decision could be made, he replied: I ask you to send a lawyer for his defense. I will ask the OPJ (Judicial Police Officer) to listen to him again before presenting him to the CRIET Prosecutor in Porto-Novo. Thank you.

FIJ asked if a gun, sword, knife, grenade, bomb or any other arm or ammunition were found on Mr Ayeni.

Do you want his release? If so, reconsider your reaction or send a lawyer to defend him, Mr Lounko retorted.

We are all human beings, and I also have relatives in Nigeria. Send 800,000 CFA to my number allowing me to see my colleagues again and the released [sic], he added.

We are in the fight against the jihadists, Mr Lounko reiterated, insisting on the 800,000 CFA compensation.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Within the framework of an official visit to the Republic of Croatia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Croatian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Davor Filipovic, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on economic and trade ties between the two countries, as well as opportunities for cooperation in energy, information technologies, tourism, pharmaceuticals, demining, and other spheres.

The trade turnover between the two countries reached $1 billion last year. There are broad prospects for diversification and strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in these areas, as well as the importance of expanding contacts between the two countries in this direction.

In addition, the importance of holding a regular meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission for the promotion of economic cooperation, including the organization of business trips by representatives of relevant ministries in order to study and develop mutual investment opportunities in both countries, identify promising areas of cooperation, and expand ties between the business circles of the two countries, was stressed.

Croatian businessmen were offered the opportunity to take advantage of the favorable business and investment climate created in Azerbaijan and actively cooperate with colleagues from Azerbaijan. The importance of the Alat Free Economic Zone in this direction was discussed.

Moreover, Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan in the direction of expanding the potential of the Middle Corridor and gave information about the numerous favorable prospects for Croatian transit operators and logistics companies to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Middle Corridor.

At the meeting, the sides also discussed the areas of cooperation of Croatian companies in the post-conflict period on projects implemented towards the restoration of the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on Tuesday, presented employment letters to relatives of seven of its operatives who were killed by terrorists in Kaduna.

The seven operatives of the NSCDC Kaduna Command were ambushed and killed by terrorists in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state, on January 14.

The employment letters were presented to the relatives by the NSCDC Commandant in Kaduna State, Idris Adah.

Mr Adah said the gesture was in fulfilment of the promise made by the Commandant General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, to the families of the deceased.

Today its with joy that I present to you the CGs good deeds by handing over the appointment letters to the next of kin of the late officers.

This is in fulfillment of the CGs promise to the family; this however cannot replace the lives of our loved ones, he added.

Mr Adah therefore charged the beneficiaries to do their best and represent their families with honour and dignity.

The commandant said that the Corps remained committed to its responsibility of protecting critical national assets.

READ ALSO: Abuja gets new NSCDC commandant

We are working round the clock with other security agencies to fight crime in the state so that we all can sleep with our two eyes closed, Adah said.

He warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Baba Audi-Landan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the CG for fulfilling the promise.

He said the jobs would not only benefit the families of the deceased operatives but society at large.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commended Indian investors for significant investment pledges amounting to nearly $14 billion committed during the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Conference in New Delhi, India, saying, we are ready to give you the best returns for investment possible, theres nowhere else like our country. Nigeria offers the best returns for investment today, so invest now.

Among these many new investments, Indorama Petrochemical Limited has pledged a new investment of $8 billion in the expansion of its fertilizer production and petrochemical facility in Eleme, Rivers State.

Jindal Steel and Power Limited, one of Indias largest private steel producers, has committed to investing $3 billion in Nigeria, following discussions with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, India.

Founding President of SkipperSeil Limited, Jitender Sachdeva, announced that following President Bola Tinubus personal intervention, he is investing $1.6 billion in the establishment of twenty 100MW power generation plants across the states of Northern Nigeria, amounting to 2,000MW of new power within the next four years.

Additionally, the president has approved finalization on a new $1 billion agreement to bring the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to 40 per cent self-sufficiency in local manufacturing and production of defence equipment in-country by 2027 through a comprehensive new partnership with the Managing Arm of the Miltary-Industrial Complex of the Indian Government.

Another Indian firm, Bharti Enterprises, which is a major first-generation corporation in India with interests in telecom, space communications, digital solutions, insurance, processed foods, real estate, and hospitality, has expressed its commitment to invest an additional $700 million in Nigeria, with work set to begin immediately.

Emphasizing that under his pragmatic leadership, agreements must now manifest in industries and jobs on the ground in Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to all Indian companies and individuals who have responded positively to his administrations efforts to improve Nigerias macroeconomic and investment climate.

Do not procrastinate. Dont be frightened about investments in Nigeria. Bring it on. Ask your questions and make your requests. The trade and investment opportunities are enormous. I have a team, and I am the captain of that team, and I assure you that we solve problems, the president affirmed.

Prospective investors were informed by the president, that in Nigeria, there is no free lunch or shortcuts, but that he has good economic policy for the investors as well as able men and women in leadership and on the ground, who can drive the goal of broad prosperity through investment and infrastructure.

I will captain and lead the course of investment, development, and prosperity for the largest democracy in Africa and for investors from the rest of the world, the president added, reiterating that Nigeria is open for business with intelligent, innovative, capable, and highly committed individuals in government, who are ready to drive the largest economy in Africa to destiny.

The president also told the summit that he is proud that the Nigerian stock market had broken records in its consistent bullishness since he assumed office.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who addressed the roundtable themed, Building Partnerships with Renewed Hope for a Diversified and Prosperous Economy, thanked Naveen Jindau, chairman of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, for the new $3 billion investment in iron ore processing and steel development in Nigeria.

Commending the Tata group and so many others who have immediately responded to Mr Presidents bold and decisive moves to correct the major systemic faults in the macro-economic and investment climate in Nigeria, the finance minister noted, I also wish to thank Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, for his continued commitment to invest in the first phase at least $700 million dollars more in Nigeria.

Minister Edun further used the opportunity to explain the underlying principles of President Tinubus eight-point strategy, emphasizing that his agenda aims to promote growth and job creation, poverty reduction, food security, improved access to capital, inclusivity, business and citizen security, and fair play on a foundation of rule of law and anti-corruption.

On behalf of investors, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Mittal, told the president, You have unified the FX market. You have freed up crucial capital to upgrade your public infrastructure. Now, you have just dropped your prepared remarks and have spoken from your heart. Our investors have heard from a leader who is doing everything possible to attract capital to Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians and our companies. Mr President, we will bring these investments to Nigeria, and with your inspiring leadership style, we can only do more and more.

Also, at the event, Nigerias Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and his counterpart from Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Co-operation in the field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions, to be implemented at total population scale for digital transformation.

The Nigerian minister also signed an MoU with Central Square Foundation for Co-operation in the field of Sharing Successful Ecosystems, which involve interventions relating to education technology, to be implemented at population scale for digital economic transformation.

Under the watch of Nigerias Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Doris Uzoka-Anite, a third MoU on Infrastructure Development was signed between the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCorp) and Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, which helps investors looking for investment opportunities and options in India.

Closing the interactive session, Chandrajit Banerjee, the director-general of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), noted that the presidential roundtable serves as a robust foundation for Indian businesses looking to engage with Nigeria and would encompass cooperation across key areas, such as capacity building, skills development, agriculture, and the enhancement of digital and physical infrastructure, among others.

Under the determined leadership of President Tinubu, the CII is prepared to dispatch a high-level delegation to Nigeria, and we are keen on establishing a second presence in Africa, with Nigeria as our target destination, he concluded.

The presidential roundtable, attended by President Tinubu, also had in attendance Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Yusuf Tuggar, minister of Foreign Affairs; Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; and Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; along with industry leaders from both India and Nigeria.

Following the roundtable, the president met individually with each of the top pledging investors to finalize on the next steps to ensure that no environmental encumbrance stands in the way of their success in Nigeria.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Coalition of Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) is gravely concerned about the wrongful arrest and detention of Damilola Ayeni, a Nigerian journalist and Editor of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who is currently being detained at the Commisseriat Central, Parakou Police Station, in Parakou, Republic of Benin, by the Beninese police. The journalist was arrested on 31 August 2023, and labelled a jihadist, risking 10 to 20 years in prison.

The accusation of Mr Ayeni being involved in jihadist activities lacks credible evidence and appears to be politically motivated, raising concerns about the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to suppress free speech and dissent in the subregion. His arrest without due process also violates internationally recognized human rights standards, including the right to a fair trial and the right to freedom of expression.

This act by the Beninese police has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom and human rights in Benin Republic, as well as the broader implications for journalists working across the region.

The coalition hereby condemns the unjust arrest of Damilola Ayeni and calls on the government of the Republic of Benin and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to take immediate action to rectify this situation, thereby upholding the principles of justice, rule of law and respect for human rights.

We stand united in demanding the immediate release of Mr Ayeni, and the dropping of all unfounded charges. Diplomatic efforts, media campaigns, and advocacy will continue until justice is served.

In these trying times, it is crucial for governments around the world to protect the fundamental rights of journalists and ensure they can carry out their vital work without fear of persecution.

Signed

CWPPF SECRETARIAT

The CWPPF is a group of media and civil society organisations committed to upholding good governance and democracy by protecting the ethos of whistleblowing, freedom of expression and press freedom.

CWPPF Members

Premium Times

The Cable

Daily Trust Newspaper

International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)

Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

Civic Media Lab

Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC)

International Press Centre (IPC)

International Press Institute (IPI)

Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

Paradigm Initiative

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

HEDA Resources Centre.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja has ruled that the Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, failed to substantiate the allegations of drug trafficking in the US against President Bola Tinubu.

A five-member panel of the court led by Haruna Tsammani, while reading its lead judgement on the substantive suit, said Mr Tinubu was not convicted of any crime in the United States.

Citing correspondences between the Nigeria Police and the US embassy in Nigeria, Mr Tsammani said the US consulate in Lagos cleared Mr Tinubu of any criminal record in the US.

Mr Obi had argued before the court that Mr Tinubu was convicted of drug trafficking, where the president forfeited 460,000 dollars.

But the court noted that the forfeiture of 460,000 dollars by Mr Tinubu was in a civil case that cannot be a basis for disqualification from the election under Nigerian law.

Mr Tsammani said documentary evidence before the court indicated that the forfeiture suit against Mr Tinubu was in the civil docket of the Illinois District Court in the US.

In his reasoning, Mr Tsammani explained that the civil forfeiture suit was not aimed at Mr Tinubu but his assets.

He said there was no evidence that Mr Tinubu was charged, arraigned, tried, convicted and sentenced for the courts forfeiture order to count as criminal conviction that disqualifies him from contesting for the presidency.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the ruling of the presidential election petition court which validated his victory in the February presidential election.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Tinubu said he recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the presidential election petition court Wednesday dismissed the petitions of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi against Mr Tinubus victory.

Read the full presidential statement below.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES TRIBUNAL VERDICT AND CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO BUILD THE NATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribunal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panels exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflect the continuing maturation of Nigerias legal system, and the advancement of Africas largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.

The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigerias democratic credentials.

The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our Government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerias former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, made a surprise appearance in Kenya as African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration to drive green growth, mitigation and adaptation across Africa.

On Wednesday, just when the summit declaration was to be announced by Kenyas President William Ruto, the former Nigerian leader emerged among the crowd of leaders gracing the declaration.

Mr Obasanjo was seen exchanging pleasantries with other leaders and delegates at the summit, including billionaire Mo Ibrahim.

He joined the leaders as they walked to the Court hall stagean open field at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, where the final summit address was delivered by Mr Ruto.

Mr Obasanjo served as Nigerias elected president from 1999 to 2007.

Grandfather of Africa

While on the stage, Kenyas president Ruto recognised the ex-president alongside other leaders, describing Mr Obasanjo as the Grandfather of Africa, amidst ovation and cheers.

He was right here to make sure that we never try to do the wrong thing, Mr Ruto said.

He said Mr Obasanjo has supervised African leaders all the way through the success of the summit and the former Nigerian president came to ensure that they dont take the wrong steps at the last minute.

I tried to persuade him not to bother himself and that we will complete the task, he said no, just in case you make the wrong step at the last minute, the Kenyan president said.

Africa Climate Summit

Since Monday, climate change experts, organisations and over 12 Heads of State and Government across Africa have been in Nairobi, Kenyas capital city, for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) and Africa Climate Week (ACW) to advance conversation and solutions on the devastating impacts of climate change across the continent and the world.

The summit, themed: Driving Green Growth and Finance Solutions for Africa and the World, was championed by Kenyas President William Ruto, the Africa Union and other partners.

The ACS 2023 which came to a close on Wednesday with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration focused on delivering climate-positive growth and finance solutions for Africa and the world.

The aim of the summit was to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa.

As the ACS curtain was drawn on Wednesday, Mr Ruto in his closing remarks said various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, multilateral banks and philanthropists have made substantial commitments totalling $23 billion for green growth, mitigation and adaptation efforts across Africa during the action-focused summit.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The most experimental leader in Africa in contemporary times is former Nigerian military leader, General Ibrahim Babangida. He ruled between 1985 and 1993. While he was in charge, he toyed with many innovative ideas on leadership recruitment  from the political bureau, new breed-grassroots politics, option A-4, to a form of diarchy, in which political power is shared between civilians and the military. Love or hate him, the Generals contribution to the political development of the country, even if ignored, has remained a reference point, especially in the light of recent happenings around us in Africa. Although it is safe to assert that despite his best efforts, and having only stepped aside, his later effort at political engineering was unable to bring him back to power.

Some 15 to 10 years ago, it was an aberration to talk about democratic parts of Africa returning to military rule. Going further down the memory lane, the experience of Nigeria in the 1966 coup and counter-coups made it (the coup de tat) too bitter a pill to swallow. The first coup led to the brazen murder of Nigerias finest leaders including the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Premiers of Northern and Western Nigeria and a host of senior military officers from the North. The second coup led to the civil war that claimed the lives of almost three million people, including children. While Buharis coup of 1983 and Babangidas of 1985 were somehow welcomed, justified and legitimised, IBBs inability to hand over to Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election and Sani Abachas iron-fist rule of the late 1990s, completely made a mess of military rule in Nigeria, such that the country began to advocate for the end of military rule in Africa.

During ex-president Olusegun Obasanjos eight-year rule as president between 1999 to 2007, military rule in Africa had become an anathema. So condemnable and disdained were coups that Obasanjo could easily restore a civilian president back to his office in Sao Tome and Principe, even as Arab Spring unfolded in Arab-Africa and parts of the Middle east against sit-tight leadership.

Sadly, the civilian democratic governments and the peoples power we so craved for all seem to be melting away before our eyes. Over the years, the West led by America tried to preach, deepen, entrench and even fund democratic ideals through grants and incentives here and there. The system works for them, and they probably thought it could work for us. They say democracy is the best form of government because it allows the people to make their choices; validate those in office or vote out non-performing ones. But democracy has become a ruse in some parts of Africa. The people no longer have a say in who becomes what. Those with political clout either choose themselves through rigging, perpetuate themselves through constitutional amendments or force themselves on the people with the active collaboration of some foreign powers in the case of Francophone Africa.

Consequently, while their pay masters economies boom and a chosen few wield power and money as a result of having access to power on the continent, the citizens purchasing power dwindled and their countries sink deeper into the abyss. These scenarios are not just eliciting coups, people jubilate and pour into the streets wherever it happens. This is my assessment of the fact and situation as it is today, and it is not intended to romanticize coups in any part of Africa. But we should ask ourselves the obvious question, why are the men in khaki so derided a few decades ago now being received with open arms? What has changed? The answer is in the pauperisation of most countries on the African continent.

It is a no brainer that when your neighbours house is on fire, you must run for cover. Therefore, the knee-jerk reactions from Cameroons Paul Biya and Rwandas Paul Kagame are signals of the unsettling situation of things in Africa today. In the aftermath of recent coups in Niger Republic and lately Gabon, Paul Biya of Cameroon had to make changes in his cabinet. He reshuffled and reassigned the military and gave them new positions. He has been in office since 1982. On his part, Paul Kagame retired about 80 military officers, generals and presidential advisers on security matters to stave off dissenting voices. This can at best breed absolute power.These are no permanent solutions, after all the new strong man in Gabon is said to be a blood relation of President Ali Bongo yet was ousted by the newly sworn-in General Brice Clottair Oligui Nguema.

If we must practice democracy as a system of government, it must come with its ingredients in form of good governance that can lift the people out of poverty, thriving economic growth for all and not a few; and an environment enabled for free and fair elections and smooth transitions of power.

Alternatively, we can keep the prying eyes of would-be coupists off coups and at arms length through inclusion and shared power arrangement between the military and civilian populace. Simply called diarchy, it refers to a type of government where there are two governing authorities. The UK practices constitutional monarchy, even though the head of state is ceremonial. If monarchy and constitutional democracy can coexist, military and civil authorities should be able to work together, not in form of the big brother wielding the big stick over the other, but the two jointly existing for the good of the people and country concerned. Although Myanmar is a bad example of such an arrangement where the military eventually toppled the civilians in their midst, IBB was perhaps visionary and ahead of his time, when he introduced such an arrangement in 1993, with the lawmakers functioning along the military.

Obaseki bares his fangs.

I dont know why Nigerian governors are full of malice towards their deputies especially those that have the ambition to take over from them, even as they campaigned and won election together. First, governors spend four to eight years undermining, disrespecting and embarrassing their deputies. Once a deputy expresses his ambition to vie for office, all hell is let loose. The governor will literally take the battle to the doorstep of his deputy.

The case of the ongoing rivalry between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Philip Shaibu is a good example. The governor has withdrawn his deputys media personnel, while the man in the eye of the storm, has also changed office. Sometimes, Deputy Shaibu is denied access to his boss. I dont care what Shaibus offence is or what the governors grouse is. All I know is that one should not infringe on the rights of the other in a constitutionally approved joint ticket. Besides, Nigerians are tired of Edos toxic politics on display every four years when election is in view.

Four years ago, both were up in arms against their former benefactor, Adams Oshiomhole, whom they almost sent to political Siberia after Oshiomholes attempt to replace them as candidates of the APC. The duo jumped ship, contested and won their joint ticket under the PDP to return to power. Like the royal rumble, once the enemy is out of the way, the antagonism becomes mutual. That seems to be the drama playing out in Edo state right now. I wish them well.

Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs the Blueprint Editorial Board. She is a syndicated columnist. She can be reached via: zainabokino@gmail.com

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it remains committed to its regulatory role of continually implementing requisite reforms to strengthen the communications sector in Nigeria.

The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at the NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, stated this while addressing stakeholders at the combined second and third quarters 2023 meeting of the Industry Working Groups (IWG) on multiple taxation and regulations in the telecoms sector.

The meeting, which held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday, was convened as a precursor to a more elaborate Regional Stakeholders Workshop on Multiple Taxation and Regulations, scheduled to take place in the State on Wednesday.

Addressing the meeting, attended by senior executives of telecom licensees and their umbrella body, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), as staff of the Commission, Adewolu said the IWGs activities are geared towards ensuring fair tax policies and eliminating every incident of multiple taxation and regulations impacting the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

He stated that a lot of milestones have been recorded by the industry since the establishment of the IWG over two decades ago, as the platform has proven to be effective in articulating industry concerns in this area and also proffering solutions to these issues.

Considerable industry gains have been recorded lately, particularly as it relates to the issue of multiple taxation. For instance, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed Four Executive Orders designed to curb multiple taxation in the Country.

Key amongst them is the Executive Order for the suspension of the five per cent Excise Duty on telecommunication services as well as Excise Duties escalation on other locally manufactured products, he said.

He described the gains as laudable as, according to him, they continue to serve as inspiring landmarks for the industry, underscoring what can be achieved when the entire industry come together harmoniously to speak with one voice on existential concerns undermining the economic health of the communications industry.

However, the Executive Commissioner said there remains a lot of work to be done as the industry was still beguiled by arbitrary Right of Way (RoW) charges, hidden nuisance taxes and unauthorised regulatory encroachment into the communications industry.

As such, he said the Commission has continued to work assiduously to ensure harmonisation of RoW charges across the country.

He said aside several existing agencies the Commission has been working with, it is also collaborating strategically with sister agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in line with the National Economic Council (NEC) resolution of 2012 and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

We are also working with the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), all in a bid to ensure the regulatory actions taken by the agencies are well synchronised with the regulatory objectives of the Commission, in a manner that boosts market development and industry sustainability, he said.

While tasking telecom licensees to continue to bring burning issues on multiple taxation and regulation to the attention of the Commission as they experience in their daily operation, Adewolu also assured them of NCCs decision to always make necessary regulatory intervention to boost industry growth.

The Commission is always inclined to executing the requisite reform that will strengthen the Communications Sector and deepen market development, he said, as he urged all stakeholders at the IWG meeting to deliberate frankly and productively in highlighting pressing and key issues that require urgent attention.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. A delegation headed by the Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Boris Kollar, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan, visited the territories liberated from occupation on September 6, the Press and Public Relations Department of Milli Majlis (Parliament) told Trend.

The delegation was accompanied by the Deputy of the Milli Majlis, the head of the working group on inter-parliamentary relations with Slovakia, Anar Mammadov, the Ambassador of Slovakia to Azerbaijan, Milan Lajcak, and other officials.

Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the territories of the Karabakh Economic Region liberated from occupation (with the exception of the Shusha region), who met the delegation at the Fuzuli International Airport, informed the delegation members about the models of the Fuzuli and Zangilan airports and told them about the technical indicators of the airports.

Huseynov also gave information about the plans for the restoration of the city of Fuzuli, the modern infrastructure that will be created in the district and other liberated territories, and the work done within the framework of the smart city, smart village, and green energy projects.

The participants of the trip also went to the city of Fuzuli, where they got acquainted with the consequences of Armenian vandalism. They were provided with information about the crimes committed by Armenia against our country during the 30-year occupation, the contamination of these territories by mines by Armenia, the ongoing mine clearance work, and the completed and upcoming works in Fuzuli, a residential quarter built in the city of Fuzuli.

Afterwards, the members of the delegation who arrived in Shusha met with the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, Aydin Kerimov. During the meeting, Aydin Kerimov highly appreciated Boris Kollar's next visit to Shusha. The development of relations between Azerbaijan and Slovakia was discussed. The special representative informed the delegation about the history of the city of Shusha, its condition during the occupation, the reconstruction and construction works carried out in Shusha under the direct supervision of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, the restoration of historical monuments in the city, and the future plans.

In addition, a visit to Jidir Duzu took place. The guests were given information about the heroic soldiers of Azerbaijan who, showing unprecedented courage, climbed the steep cliffs and freed Shusha from the Armenian occupation at the cost of their lives. Today, Jidir Duzu, as before the occupation, is a venue for grandiose events.
Demand for solar inverters and solar home systems in Nigeria plus low-cost solar lanterns and mobile phones in east Africa drives growth in H1 2023 for off-grid solar product pioneer

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- d.light , the global provider of transformational household products and affordable finance for low-income households, grew its revenues by 41 percent during the first six months of 2023, the company announced today.

Nick Imudia, CEO at d.light

The results derive in large part from growth of 143 percent in d.light's business in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and its largest economy. d.light's three-digit growth in Nigeria has been driven by the launch of its new solar inverter product and also sales of its solar home systems using d.light's Pay-Go affordable personal finance service. d.light is a privately held company and does not disclose financial information.

Commenting on d.light's performance to date in 2023, CEO Nick Imudia said, "d.light has been active in Nigeria since 2009, and over the last couple of years we've been laying the groundwork to establish a stable, resilient business in the country that is focused on meeting the specific needs of people and communities who don't have access to a regular energy supply. Our impressive results in 2023 show that our commitment to providing high-value solar products at an affordable price is paying off."

"Our success in Nigeria has been primarily driven by the popularity of our new d.light solar inverter product, which we launched in September 2022 and which is designed specifically for the Nigerian market," continued Imudia. "While a sizable part of the Nigerian population live off-grid with no access to a regular power supply, a slightly larger proportion are connected to the national energy grid. However, the grid's unreliable performance means these people sometimes receive power for a couple of hours per day  perhaps the entire day  only for the grid to then fail and leave them without power for hours or even days."

"Our solar inverter product solves this problem. It receives electricity from the energy grid - but if the grid should collapse, the inverter reverts to solar to continue providing an uninterrupted, reliable substitute power supply to the house. It's a practical and effective solution to the problem that many Nigerians face when dealing with intermittent electricity supply."

"The popularity of our solar inverter in Nigeria demonstrates how d.light matches its products to the particular needs of people in an individual market," Imudia added.

d.light CFO Ron Pfende explained how d.light has adapted its business to the challenges of current global economic conditions. "The difficult macro-economic circumstances of recent years caused by the pandemic, followed by the disruption from the war in Ukraine, continue to affect people's everyday lives. Disposable income has fallen and people already on a low income now have even less money in their pockets to spend."

"In response, d.light has expanded our range of low-cost, affordable solar products available via our Pay-Go business, including the launch in our east African markets of a new portable solar lantern. The new lantern incorporates many of the features and functions of our full solar home system - including an interior light, a digital radio, a removable handheld torch, USB ports for charging a mobile phone, and also a built-in speaker with Bluetooth connectivity to stream and listen to music  but at a lower price point. And unlike the larger home system, the lantern is portable for you to use both inside and outside your home."

Looking forward, Pfende expects d.light to continue on its current growth trajectory for the rest of 2023 and into 2024. To drive this growth, d.light is scaling up operations in its existing markets: last month, the company secured USD$125M in securitization funding for its business in Tanzania . d.light will use this capital to increase its existing securitized financing facility and scale up its Pay-Go service in the country. d.light also plans to expand into new markets in east and central Africa and launch new products as well.

In response to the extra pressure on household incomes, d.light has adapted its product strategy by unbundling multiple solar-powered products from a single package and making them individually available to buy as and when customers have the money to do so, financed by d.light's low cost Pay-Go service.

"Previously, we would sell a set of solar-powered interior lights, an external security light, a radio with speakers, a fan, perhaps even a TV, depending on the market  all in a single bundled package," explained CEO Imudia. "However, the drop in spending power means not all our customers can afford these bundles in one go. Unbundling gives people the flexibility to buy each item as and when they have the means to do so, knowing that each d.light item is compatible with and will connect with others into a single home system."

Imudia summarized d.light's other non-financial achievements during the year: "So far in 2023, we've achieved the milestone of transforming the lives of more than 150 million people worldwide with our affordable solar-powered products. Furthermore, these products have saved an estimated 33 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere since d.light was founded in 2007."

"d.light is in an enviable position right now," continued Imudia. "We can draw upon the trust and support of our financial partners, combined with a product strategy that is based on innovation, affordability and the flexibility to meet the varying needs of people across a range of markets. We are ideally placed to continue our upward growth path for the rest of the year - and importantly, to continue having a transformative effect on low-income households and communities while safeguarding the environment and contributing to net zero."

About d.light

Founded in 2007 at Stanford in California, d.light is a global leader in making transformative products available and affordable to low-income families. d.light has sold nearly 30 million products, including solar lanterns, solar home systems, TVs, radios, and smartphones, impacting the lives of over 150 million people. Our vision is to transform the lives of one billion people with sustainable products by 2030. For further information, visit: https://www.dlight.com

Follow us at twitter.com/dlightdesign and https://www.facebook.com/dlightdesigninc .

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202937/d_light_CEO_Nick_Imudia.jpg

SOURCE d.light
Conservation Law Foundation's Brad Campbell honored with Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award

KENSINGTON, N.H., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards, presented by the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, honor courageous leaders who are taking bold action for environmental justice and a more sustainable future. The Foundation announced that the first award, the Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award, will be presented to Bradley M. Campbell, president of Conservation Law Foundation.

The Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award was re-named this year in honor of Grand Circle Corporation Chairman and Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation co-founder Alan Lewis, who passed away on November 2, 2022. Alan leaves behind a legion of courageous leaders who are committed to honoring his vision and legacy by continuing to help change people's lives and save the earth we share.

Alan often said, "You will always be rewarded for moral courage  maybe not in the moment  but at some point you will be rewarded for doing the right thing."

The Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award is presented to a visionary leader whose body of work, vision, passion and personal example have made a meaningful and measurable difference -- one who has shown moral courage and willingness to go the distance to help save our planet.

Each Alnoba Leadership Award includes a $10,000 donation in the recipient's name to the nonprofit of their choice.

Bradley M. Campbell: Environmental leader taking on Big Oil

For more than 30 years, Bradley M. Campbell has been at the forefront of shaping the country's most significant environmental policies and laws. A former White House senior appointee during the Clinton administration, Brad was the regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region and has a wide range of experience overseeing large public agencies, developing strategic litigation, and negotiating innovative agreements that have resulted in environmental milestones in New England and across the United States.

Under Brad's vision, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has become a leader in the effort to address the root cause of climate changegreenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Part of this vision has meant going after the "Goliaths" of the industry and CLF has taken on some of the biggestExxonMobil, Shell and Gulf Oil.

Shortly after Brad started his tenure at Conservation Law Foundation, he made the brave decision to hold "Big Oil" accountable. CLF started its own investigation into how climate deceit has affected New England communities. Their investigation revealed that despite knowing the harm climate change could cause, ExxonMobil, Shell and other companies left their oil storage facilities in areas vulnerable to flooding from storms and rising seas.

To hold ExxonMobil accountable for its inaction, CLF launched the United States' first legal action against the corporate giant for its climate deceit and for clean water act violations at its oil storage facility in Everett, which sits on the Mystic River. Last year, Exxon Mobil closed their facility.

Harriet and Alan Lewis launched the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards in 2018 to honor brave and brilliant leaders whose courage, wisdom or potential inspire us to act more boldly for environmental justice.

The awards will be presented at the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards Dinner on October 4, 2023, in partnership with the Conservation Law Foundation, TimberHP, UNH Sustainability Institute, New England Biolabs Foundation and the Forest Society. Sponsors include ReVision Energy and Shake Hands with the World.

For more information about Alnoba or the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards, visit www.alnoba.org.

About Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation

The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation (ALFF) is dedicated to developing courageous leadership and sustainability models to help change people's lives, create stronger communities and save the earth we share. ALFF is the umbrella organization for Alnoba's public programming, conservation efforts, philanthropic giving, and nonprofit leadership work. ALFF has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981. The organization's work is focused on the Lewis family's hometowns of Boston, MA and Kensington, NH and within the global villages where their company, Grand Circle Corporation , travels.

SOURCE Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation
The antenna market is driven by factors such as increase in adoption of chip antenna in Internet of Things devices, and increase in adoption of chip antenna in consumer electronics industry

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Antenna Market, by Technology Type (SIMO, MIMO, MISO, and Others), Application (Cellular systems, Radar, WiFi Systems, and Others) and End User (Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Telecommunication, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20232032". According to the report, the antenna market generated $16.8 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $40.1 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 9.1% from 2023 to 2032.

Request PDF Sample: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/200807

An antenna has an essential role to play within the communication systems. It transmits and receives electromagnetic waves within radio wave frequencies. There are several different types of antenna, and each has a specific purpose, size, and shape.

Prime determinants of growth

The Antenna market is expected to witness notable growth during the forecast period, owing to increase in adoption of chip antenna in Internet of Things devices, and increase in adoption of chip antenna in consumer electronics industry drives market growth. Moreover, development of 5G is expected to provide lucrative opportunities for the growth of the Antenna market during the forecast period. On the contrary, lack of uniform frequency range for wireless applications is the restraint for Antenna market growth during the forecast period.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $16.8 billion Market Size in 2032 $40.0 billion CAGR 9.1 % No. of Pages in Report 235 Segments covered Technology Type, Application, End User, and Region. Drivers Increase in adoption of antenna in Internet of Things devices Increase in adoption of antenna in consumer electronics industry drives market growth Opportunities Development of 5G Restraints Lack of uniform frequency range for wireless applications

Covid-19 Scenario

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the antenna market experienced a downturn due to supply chain challenges and decreased demand.

Nevertheless, the industry quickly adjusted as the demand for wireless communication, 5G infrastructure, and IoT devices grew alongside remote work and connectivity requirements. This shift led to innovation and a subsequent rebound in the market.

The MIMO segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on technology type, the MIMO segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global antenna market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, as it is known for its small size & flexibility, and it is widely used in consumer electronics. Moreover, the MIMO segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2032, driven by its ability to counter signal degradation and interference ensures its pertinence in delivering consistent connectivity, even in challenging scenarios. Beyond telecommunications, MIMO finds relevance in domains such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation, where reliable, high-capacity wireless communication holds vital importance.

Buy this Research Report (235 Pages PDF with 125 Tables, 60+ Charts): https://bit.ly/3RsfChl

The cellular systems segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on application, the cellular systems segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around three-fifths of the global antenna market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. In addition, the radar segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 9.6% from 2023 to 2032, due to increase in opportunities in emerging domains such as self-driving vehicles, drone identification, and 5G infrastructure support.

The telecommunication segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.

Based on end user, the telecommunication segment held the highest share in 2022, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global antenna market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. In addition, the telecommunication segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 9.6% from 2023 to 2032 due to increase in consumer electronics sector.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032.

Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly two-fifth of the global antenna market revenue. This region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2032 owing to the increase in adoption of the 5G network which has accelerated due to the rise in connected devices and fast internet connectivity.

Want to Access the Statistical Data & Graphs, and Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/antenna-market/purchase-options

Leading Market Players: -

Amphenol Corporation

Antcom

Antenova Ltd.

Molex (Koch Industries)

Panorama Antennas

PCTEL

Pulse Electronics (YAGEO Group)

Shenzhen Xinwei Communication Co., Ltd.

STI-CO

TE Connectivity

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global antenna market. These players have adopted different strategies such as product development, and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Trending Reports in Semiconductor and Electronics Industry:

The global embedded subscriber identity module (e-sim) market was valued at $3.4 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $12.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2023 to 2032.

The global wireless industrial router market was valued at $7.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $14.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2032.

The global free space optic communication market was valued at $347.5 million in 2021, and is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 31.3% from 2022 to 2031.

The global telecom transformers market was valued at $3.8 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $5.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2022 to 2031.

The global smart poles market was valued at $7.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $35.9 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2022 to 2031.

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

1209 Orange Street,

Corporation Trust Center,

Wilmington, New Castle,

Delaware 19801 USA.

Int'l: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1-800-792-5285

[email protected]

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
Diverse Financial Professionals to Gather for Three-Day Event focused on 'Navigating the Future of Wealth Management for Black America'

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of African American Financial Advisors ("AAAA" or the "Association"), a non-profit membership organization for African American financial advisors and other wealth management industry professionals, today announced the group's annual flagship V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference, to be held Sept. 13 to 15, at the prestigious Gaylord National Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland.

This year, AAAA will shine a spotlight on the recipient of the annual Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award, and for the first time recognize an exceptional collaborator who has actively championed the organization's mission. V.I.S.I.O.N. is an acronym for "Value. Impact. Success. Influence. Optimize. Now."

The announcement comes after the Association confirmed a highly successful regional Conference in New York City and Jackson, Mississippi. The group is preparing to bring hundreds of Black/African American financial advisors and financial planners, under this year's inspiring theme. 'Navigating the Future of Wealth Management for Black America,' underscores the Association's commitment to enriching the financial landscape of African American communities.

Christian Nwasike, MFP, Chairman of the Board of the Association, said, "We stand at the helm of an important mission to navigate the future of wealth management for Black America. Our annual V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference provides an ideal platform to drive this mission forward. We are thrilled to host this event in National Harbor, a location that seamlessly blends cultural richness with a modern, dynamic setting."

The Association is taking registrations for the Conference and has confirmed the event is nearing full capacity. Past attendees of AAAA's conferences have said the events are an unparalleled opportunity to join the ranks of forward-thinking professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference in the financial future of Black America. This year's flagship Conference offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with AAAA's corporate members, including leading financial institutions committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Members of the media are invited to attend the Conference in Maryland but must register with AAAA's public relations agency Haven Tower Group.

AAAA Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award

The Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Award recognizes leaders in the Wealth and Asset Management Community who have dedicated themselves to promoting ethnic diversity, specifically Black/African Americans in the industry.

LeCount Davis, MBA, CFP, and founder of the Association, said, "Now more than ever, the way to achieve change is by having diversity champions within the industry, to advocate for fellow professionals of color. Industry insiders can leverage their knowledge and experience, as well as their credibility, to exert the right kind of influence on others. Another important factor is to understand the values, beliefs and practices of the people who need to change, and to tailor the message accordingly."

Sheena Gray, Second Vice Chairwoman of the Board, shared, "At the conference, we plan to extend our recognition across multiple categories. These encompass accolades such as the 'Top 50 Under Fifty Distinguished Black/African American Financial Services Professionals,' 'Best Workplace for B/AA Financial Professionals in Wealth Management,' 'Excellence in Community Service,' and 'B/AA Top Performers,' spanning various sectors within wealth management. Anticipation is building this year around the '2023 Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award.' This prestigious distinction has been conferred upon only one other leader: Mr. Andy Sieg, formerly President of Merrill Lynch and now heading Citi Global Wealth Management."

AAAA Strategic Partner of the Year Award

The AAAA Strategic Partner of the Year Award, a centerpiece of the Conference, will recognize an exceptional collaborator who has actively championed AAAA's mission of empowering Black/African American Financial Advisors and Planners. This award celebrates the partner's remarkable dedication, meaningful collaboration, and transformative influence within the wealth management industry.

Crucially, the award recipient will be distinguished by their engagement in joint initiatives, underscoring their commitment to collaborative efforts that align with AAAA's strategic objectives. By actively participating in or leading joint programs or projects, the partner will have played a pivotal role in advancing the Association's goals and enhancing the industry landscape.

"For the first time, the Association is creating a structured system to formally acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our Strategic Partners. This recognition is not merely ceremonial, it signifies our enhanced capability to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the symbiotic relationships we foster. The magnitude of value and insights we've received from this particular award recipient notably exceeds the resources we've extended to them. We look forward to disclosing the identity of the deserving team at the conference," said Rickie Taylor, First Vice Chairman of the Association.

Alex David, CEO of Stifel independent Advisors, and incoming Chairman Emeritus of AAAA concluded, "The Association's annual flagship V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference, and theme, 'Navigating the Future of Wealth Management for Black America,' could not be timelier for the financial community, and African American communities across the country. We thank our corporate partners and collaborators as we make concrete steps to address the racial wealth gap in the United States and mentor the next generation of Black/African financial professionals who are molding the future of this important industry."

About The Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA)

A non-profit membership organization for African American financial advisors and affiliated professionals, the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) was created to address the needs and concerns of African American Financial Professionals. AAAA works in alliance with academic leaders at HBCUs that support financial planning degree programs, legislative and regulatory bodies, financial services firms and consumer interest organizations. AAAA fosters the value of financial planning and advances the financial planning profession.

Media Contacts

Joseph Kuo or Elizabeth Shim

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 317 4851 or 424 318 4861

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Association of African American Financial Advisors
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - ATS Corporation (TSX: ATS) (NYSE: ATS) ("ATS" or the "Company"), an industry-leading automation solutions provider, is sharing additional details regarding today's Institutional Investor Day. Investors who have not registered are invited to attend virtually by webcast via the event's website. A replay will be available on the ATS website following the event.

As part of management's presentations, the Company will provide additional non-IFRS financial measures and supplementary financial measures for use by investors in understanding the Company and its performance beyond existing disclosures in the Company's most recently filed public documents. Details with respect to these non-IFRS financial measures and supplementary financial measures are set out below. Management believes these non-IFRS financial measures and supplementary financial measures are useful to investors and plans to disclose going forward.

Return on invested capital ("ROIC")

ROIC is a measure of the efficiency of capital deployment. For ATS, ROIC is calcuated as follows: tax effected EBIT for return on invested capital 1 divided by Average Invested Capital 2 and for the period ended March 31, 2023, was 12.7%.

____________________________ 1 EBIT for return on invested capital is a non-IFRS financial measure. See "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures" below. 2 Average Invested Capital is a non-IFRS financial measure. See "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures to IFRS Measures" below.

Innovation deferred development additions and research expenditures

In addition to deferred development additions, which are currently disclosed annually, the Company will disclose research expenditures which are grouped in cost of revenues on the Company's Consolidated and Interim Statements of Income. Deferred development additions for fiscal 2023 were $18.1 million and research expenditures for fiscal 2023 totalled $9.3 million.

Research expenditures are expenditures related to research or development of new technologies or products, and are a component of cost of revenues on the Company's Consolidated and Interim Statements of Income.

Reoccurring revenue

Reoccurring revenue for ATS is defined as revenue from ancillary products and services associated with equipment sales and revenue from customers who purchase non-customized ATS products at regular intervals. Management estimates that reoccurring revenues are in the range of 25-35% of total revenues on a trailing twelve-month basis.

Revenue disaggregation  Custom Integration, Equipment / Products, Services

Additional revenue disclosure is expected to assist investors in understanding the evolution of ATS' portfolio over time. Custom integration revenues for ATS includes end-to-end manufacturing solutions customized to customer needs and represented 44% of fiscal 2023 revenues. Equipment / Products revenues include modular or standardized equipment and other products, and represented 29% of fiscal 2023 revenues; services revenues include consulting, digital and other services, including aftermarket services and spares, and represented 27% of fiscal 2023 revenues.

About ATS Corporation

ATS Corporation is an industry-leading automation solutions provider to many of the world's most successful companies. ATS uses its extensive knowledge base and global capabilities in custom automation, repeat automation, automation products and value-added services including pre-automation and after-sales services, to address the sophisticated manufacturing automation systems and service needs of multinational customers in markets such as life sciences, food & beverage, transportation, consumer products, and energy. Founded in 1978, ATS employs over 6,500 people at more than 60 manufacturing facilities and over 80 offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATS.

Note to Reader: Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures

Throughout this press release management uses certain non-IFRS financial measures, non-IFRS ratios and supplementary financial measures to evaluate the performance of the Company. The terms "EBIT for return on invested capital", and "Average Invested Capital" are non-IFRS financial measures, "return on invested capital" or "ROIC", is a non-IFRS ratio, and "reoccurring revenues", "custom integration revenues", "equipment / products revenues", "service including spare parts revenues", and "research expenditures" are supplementary financial measures, all of which do not have any standardized meaning prescribed within International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Such measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Reoccurring revenue for ATS is defined as revenue from ancillary products and services associated with equipment sales and revenue from customers who purchase non-customized ATS products at regular intervals. Custom integration revenues are defined as revenues from end-to-end manufacturing solutions customized to customer needs. Equipment / products revenues are defined as revenues from modular or standardized equipment and other products. Services including spare parts revenues are defined as revenues from consulting, digital and other services, including aftermarket services and spares. Return on invested capital is defined as the ratio between tax effected EBIT for return on invested capital and average invested capital. EBIT for return on invested capital is defined as the sum of net income, tax expense, interest expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets and restructuring charges. The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure to EBIT for return on invested capital is earnings from operations. Average invested capital is the average quarter end total of bank indebtedness, debt, and shareholders' equity, less cash for the prior four quarters. Research expenditures are defined as expenditures related to research or development of new technologies or products, and are a component of cost of revenues on the Company's Consolidated and Interim Statements of Income. Reoccurring revenues, custom integration revenues, equipment / products revenues and service including spare parts revenues are used by the Company to understand the revenue portfolio of the Company. Return on invested capital is used in measuring the efficiency of the Company's capital deployment. Research expenditures are used by the Company to assess investment in innovation. Management believes that ATS shareholders and potential investors in ATS use these additional IFRS measures and non-IFRS financial measures in making investment decisions and measuring operational results.

(C$ mm) F2023 Adjusted earnings from operations 343.4 Acquisition-related transaction costs 3.1 Acquisition-related inventory fair value charges 9.2 Mark to market portion of stock-based compensation 13.4 Earnings from operations for ROIC purposes 317.7 Restructuring charges 27.5 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 67.7 Earnings from operations 222.5

(C$ mm) Q4 F22 Q1 F23 Q2 F23 Q3 F23 Q4 F23 Bank indebtedness 1.8 2.7 17.9 12.0 5.8 Current portion of long-term debt 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 Long-term debt 1,016.7 1,087.1 1,174.7 1,305.9 1,155.7 Shareholders' equity 985.7 988.5 1,007.3 1,081.8 1,130.6 Cash and cash equivalents (135.3) (139.9) (95.2) (302.1) (159.9) Invested capital 1,868.9 1,938.5 2,104.7 2,097.6 2,132.3 Average invested capital







2,028.4

(C$ mm) F2023 Earnings from operations for ROIC purposes 317.7 Average effective tax rate 19.19 % Tax effected earnings from operations for ROIC purposes 256.7 Average invested capital 2,028.4 Return on invested capital 12.7 %

SOURCE ATS Corporation
NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is excited to reveal that tourism performance has outpaced projections for the first seven months of 2023, with The Bahamas recording more than 5.89 million arrivals from January through the end of July. Current tourism performance puts the country well on the way to closing out the year at 8 million plus visitors.

Of the 5,893,118 total visitors who came to The Islands of The Bahamas in the first seven months of the year, 1,133,494 arrived by air and 4,759,624 by sea. July year-to-date overall arrivals are pacing 59 percent ahead of 2022 and 30 percent ahead of 2019, the busiest year on record.

Comparing 2023 overall arrivals by month, March arrivals peaked at 951,311, making it the busiest arrivals month in our history. To contextualize how significant the gains were in the first seven months of 2023, during the entirety of 2022, 1,470,244 visitors came to our shores by air; another 5,530,462 visitors arrived by sea.

Importantly, overall tourist spending is also up significantly. Major large New Providence hotels experienced increased occupancy and length of stay rates for 2023, eclipsing corresponding periods for 2019 and 2022. Average Daily Rate (ADR) is up an average of 59 percent compared to 2019 and Room Revenues are up 42 percent for the same period. More than 60 percent of visitors came to The Bahamas for the first time, with arrivals from every region showing an increase over the same period last year.

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said, "The stronger than expected results speak to vibrancy of The Bahamas' brand, methodical business strategies and the hard work of tourism industry professionals and stakeholders."

"We are seeing record arrivals, because we have all worked together to resuscitate our tourism industry, coming out of the pandemic, and, because we continue to improve our tourism product," said DPM Cooper.

In our cruise business, The Port of Nassau welcomed the largest share of cruise arrivals, followed by The Berry Islands (Coco Cay), Bimini (Mainland and Ocean Cay), Half Moon Cay, Grand Bahama and Abaco (Castaway Cay), respectively. Overall, Cruise arrivals January through July, are up 72.1 percent over the corresponding period last year, and 43 percent ahead of the 2019 historic cruise arrivals figures.

Overall Air stopover arrivals, that represent "heads in beds", surpassed same period 2022 numbers by 24 percent, and matched 2019 figures.

The destination's biggest market for visitors remains the United States of America, representing 90 percent of overall visitor arrivals, followed by Canada and The United Kingdom/Europe. The Latin America market is gaining momentum in its steady return to pre-pandemic stopover levels.

Looking at visitor trends, from January through July, 70 percent of all stopover visitors came to The Bahamas primarily for a vacation, 15 percent for weddings and honeymoons, 6 percent to play in casinos, 4 percent for business and 5 percent for' "other/undisclosed" reasons.

DPM Cooper further elaborated on the country's impressive tourism performance:

"With a better developed downtown to complement the new cruise port and added destinations within The Bahamas coming on stream, the numbers will only continue to grow, if we continue to deliver great service and experiences. The plan for the redevelopment of Family Island airports will reap rewards for Bahamians well into the future," he said.

"The last seven months of 2022 were the strongest in our history, prior to 2023. The first seven months of 2023 exceeded the expectations of tourism officials. Our job is to stay ahead of the demand." Cooper explained that government initiatives like the restructured Tourism Development Corporation will present entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians.

"We are experiencing explosive growth in tourism that can no longer be explained by pent up post-pandemic demand," the Minister said.

"Great jobs and career opportunities are to be had in tourism, but there is also massive potential for ownership. The government is putting in place systems to allow Bahamians access to the training, certification, support and capital they need to take advantage of the country's popularity as a tourist destination."

About The Bahamas

Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It's Better in The Bahamas.

PRESS INQUIRIES

Anita Johnson-Patty

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

[email protected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
The lifestyle brand unveils an expansive collection across home furniture and furnishings

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Banana Republic, a lifestyle brand in the Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) portfolio known for delivering timeless ready-to-wear styles with a focus on the finest quality and fabrics, celebrates the launch of BR Home. This new business marks a milestone in the brand's transformation as a leading destination for the modern explorer.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9198351-banana-republic-launches-br-home/

Banana Republic Celebrates the Launch of BR Home

The BR Home collection, expanding across bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture as well as lighting and home decor, showcases materials and craftsmanship from around the world, building on the quality expressed through the brand's ready-to-wear lines.

"At Banana Republic, we are driven by a desire for discovery and self-expression, representing a new way to outfit yourself and your home," says Sandra Stangl, Banana Republic President and CEO. "We are committed to bringing exceptional quality, timeless design, and versatile styling to our customers as we determine how to best support their lifestyle."

Following the home textile categories that launched earlier this spring, the newly created collection is crafted from the most premium materials, such as French Oak, marble, brass, plush cotton cashmere, and organic cotton, sourced and created by skilled global artisans who specialize in the use of these elements. Designed for customers' multifaceted lives, these timeless designs will support the customer's journey in a life well lived.

The BR Home collection features three key expressions representing individual design aesthetics that can holistically coexist together for modern living.

Textured Modern invites the blend of the classic and contemporary, featuring clean lines, smooth finishes, mixed materials and minimalist aesthetics for an elevated look.

invites the blend of the classic and contemporary, featuring clean lines, smooth finishes, mixed materials and minimalist aesthetics for an elevated look. Classic Chic combines traditional forms with signature shapes and finishes that echo the past in contemporary light to give spaces a sophisticated and harmonious feel.

combines traditional forms with signature shapes and finishes that echo the past in contemporary light to give spaces a sophisticated and harmonious feel. Explore is rooted in global influences that capture the essence of global artisanal craftsmanship and embroideries. Inspired by natural materials and organic elements, this line features earth tones and natural finishes for a grounded type setting.

"Whether traditional global handicraft, American heritage production, or small companies working in this era of maker culture, product craftsmanship is a Banana Republic legacy," says Aaron Rose, Chief Commerce and Experience Officer for Banana Republic. "This dynamic collection celebrates the beauty of high-quality natural materials and skilled artisans, creatives, and those designers whose work reflects our brand values and allows us to support craftsmanship communities around the world."

The BR Home collection showcases signature design details, warm, textural layers, natural materials and traditional production techniques, and the hand of the artisans and makers:

Stinson Collection : Each piece of upholstery is bench-made by master craftsmen in North Carolina and Virginia , and each frame is made with sustainably sourced hardwoods built to last. The hardwood-framed sofa features exaggerated armrests that offer durability, visual impact, and comfort, elevating its aesthetic appeal. It is a captivating and versatile addition to any living space, combining style and functionality. The Stinson sofa is custom-made and available in several configurations.

: Each piece of upholstery is bench-made by master craftsmen in and , and each frame is made with sustainably sourced hardwoods built to last. The hardwood-framed sofa features exaggerated armrests that offer durability, visual impact, and comfort, elevating its aesthetic appeal. It is a captivating and versatile addition to any living space, combining style and functionality. The Stinson sofa is custom-made and available in several configurations. Marquis and Savannah Collections : These unique, contemporary, and modern dining collections were developed from the brand's experimentation with European oak and the creation of depth and movement from textures and patterns in the grain. The use of large pieces of solid oak with simple organic shapes allows for an emotional attachment to nature and the primordial. The timber that is sourced for these pieces is part of the fabric of rural communities and sequesters huge amounts of carbon.

: These unique, contemporary, and modern dining collections were developed from the brand's experimentation with European oak and the creation of depth and movement from textures and patterns in the grain. The use of large pieces of solid oak with simple organic shapes allows for an emotional attachment to nature and the primordial. The timber that is sourced for these pieces is part of the fabric of rural communities and sequesters huge amounts of carbon. Atlas Moroccan Rugs Collection: Hand-knotted with the finest wool by different artisans in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco , they create patterns for the modern home inspired by designs that are centuries old.

Hand-knotted with the finest wool by different artisans in the Middle Atlas Mountains of , they create patterns for the modern home inspired by designs that are centuries old. Phoenix Collection: Born from several collaborations with woodcarvers on the island of Java, Indonesia , these pieces combine finely hand-carved Java teak and mahogany door surfaces with simple and clean furniture shapes. The collection comes in two variations: stripe and organic diamond.

Born from several collaborations with woodcarvers on the island of , these pieces combine finely hand-carved teak and mahogany door surfaces with simple and clean furniture shapes. The collection comes in two variations: stripe and organic diamond. Nova Collection: Featuring hand-rolled, handmade clay beading, these emotional and distinctive chandeliers carry the fingerprints of the women making them. This striking collection is bound to be a beautiful focal point in any home.

The BR Home collection debuts with a dedicated website at www.brhome.com and will be in select US stores by the end of September, including two new BR Home pop-up experiences in New York City and Los Angeles. Prices vary across the collection from $150 for beautiful vases to $195 for washed cotton sheet sets and $1,250 to $3,450 for dining furniture and sofas ranging from $2,650 to $4,950.

Follow @BananaRepublic and @BRHome with hashtag #BRHome to discover the new Fall collection and learn more about future collections.

Click here to download additional product collection imagery.

About Banana Republic @BananaRepublic @BRHome

Banana Republic is a premium lifestyle retailer celebrating exploration and self-expression through timeless, versatile and exceptionally made womenswear, menswear, home designs and more for those curious to live a life well lived. Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, Banana Republic connects with customers across online and company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.bananarepublic.com and www.brhome.com or follow @BananaRepublic and @BRHome on social channels.

SOURCE Banana Republic
Alliance to jointly deliver unparalleled customer experiences in UK/EU

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BIOVISER, a pharma consulting group, and LVC, a UK-based firm providing innovative, scientifically accurate, and strategically aligned communications solutions, are pleased to announce that the companies have entered into a strategic partnership and are aligned in a shared vision of delivering excellence across full product lifecycles within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical devices sectors.

"The times we're living in are transforming faster than a human mind is able to process," says Ivan D'Souza, CEO, BIOVISER. "Digital advancements are necessary for improving outreach, engagement, and experience. BIOVISER is excited to have its top-quality services complemented by LVC's superior digital solutions."

Both companies will be working on their goal of creatively unifying technology and medical content to give businesses and professionals innovative solutions that meet their diverse needs.

"LVC creates high-quality, innovative communications solutions, including visualizations, simulations, and data representations, allowing pharma-biotechs to inform and boldly pursue scientific developments that positively impact human health in the fullness of time," says Dave Ford, Managing Director, LVC.

BIOVISER seeks to utilize LVC's extensive digital knowledge and experience, lending greater momentum to its technological capabilities. The leadership team will be closely involved in strategizing brand activity and proposing commercial and medical planning through expert deployment to industry.

"Patient centricity is key to businesses," says Keerti Bhagwat, President  UK and EU Markets, BIOVISER, "And patient engagement and experience can be significantly enhanced with digital technologies and solutions. BIOVISER's scientific expertise combined with LVC's digital proficiency can create robust solutions to meet end-to-end customer needs. Our focus on the UK and EU markets will be greatly supported by LVC's vast business experience in the regions."

The alliance will revolutionize the landscape of digital solutions and provide unparalleled customer experience in the UK and EU.

"Pharma-biotechs are generally quick to adopt novel technologies and processes in R&D, but slower in the commercial setting. This combined offer from LVC and BIOVISER lowers the barrier to adoption, enabling our clients to gain the advantage without the risk," says Neil Ravenhill, Chief Medical Officer, LVC. "Importantly, our client's audiences are evolving their needs and the channels they use; we help to ensure our clients can continue to engage effectively."

When BIOVISER'S strength in content development is combined with LVC's digital prowess, a remarkable, all-inclusive range of services will be designed and delivered to customers.

SOURCE BIOVISER
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueHuki Group was voted runner-up in Washington City Paper's Best of DC for the Best Creative/Marketing Agency category. This award reflects more than 68,500 votes and 680,000 advertisement impressions.

Dr. Heather Pressler, CEO of BlueHuki said, "With so many emerging and well-established marketing agencies in the Washington, DC metro, it's truly an honor to be recognized as one of the best."

But of course, this isn't the first time BlueHuki is being recognized as one of the District's top marketing agencies. In 2022 and 2023 BlueHuki was also a finalist in Best of Falls Church as a New Business and for Professional Services.

Additionally, BlueHuki is a certified Women's Business Enterprise and member of WBENC, the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce, BNI NOVA Connections, is a SEMRush Certified Agency Partner and is a Squarespace Circle Partner Developer.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Pressler, BlueHuki helps businesses navigate marketing decisions and run custom, cost-effective campaigns that showcase brands in the best possible light. It specializes in providing SEO content, digital ads management, website development, social media management, reputation management, and consulting.

Dr. Pressler is a self-taught web designer, social media pioneer, MIT grad, lauded sales person and scientist. Before founding BlueHuki, she was the Managing Director and Co-founder of another very successful DC area digital marketing agency for 6 years. The BlueHuki team consists of military spouses, teachers and professionally-educated marketers

The name 'BlueHuki' comes from Pressler's Hawaiian roots. Huki is a Hawaiian word describing the movement of an oar propelling a boat forward or pulling a fish up. The word also appears in the legend of Maui pulling the Hawaiian Islands from the blue abyss of the ocean into existence.

Therefore, the meaning of 'Huki' translates to BlueHuki's marketing endeavors, as it helps businesses emerge from the abyss online and propel forward toward growth and success.

Award info: https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/604207/best-of-d-c-2023-begins/

Heather's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpressler/

BlueHuki's website: https://www.bluehuki.com

Media Contact: (public)

[email protected]

SOURCE BlueHuki Group LLC
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, have held a meeting, Trend reports.

"Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu received Hikmet Hajiyev. He conveyed greetings and best regards of President Ilham Aliyev to the Prime Minister. They discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation and future perspectives between our countries," the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Israel wrote on its page on X (Twitter).
Government agencies, colleges, and hospitals can now purchase bp pulse EV charging services through PCA

Contract offers PCA members EV charging discounts and avoids time-consuming bidding process

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- bp pulse has been awarded a contract with the Purchasing Cooperative of America (PCA), a major step in bp's strategy to simplify electrification for public EV fleets and accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the nation.

As an Awarded Contractor, bp pulse will now be able to directly offer their Omega charge management software and EVSE procurement services to public agencies that are PCA members. These agencies include local, state and federal governments; K-12 schools and higher education institutions; hospitals; law enforcement; and nonprofits. PCA members can purchase EV services directly from bp pulse without going through their own time-consuming public bidding processes, saving time and resources.

"Through the PCA contract, we can now work directly with customers to address their needs and provide the charging infrastructure their fleets require," said Vic Shao, president of bp pulse fleet. "As we continue to work with public agencies on their electric transition, we are committed to simplifying the process, and allowing fleet operators to focus on safely transporting people, goods, and services."

With bp pulse's Omega software, EV fleets can manage energy costs and optimize performance through real-time monitoring of EV charging operations. Omega can adjust charging operations to serve a fleet owner's individual needs, whether that's prioritizing charging for lower costs or to ensure vehicle uptime. The software is vehicle and charger agnostic, making it easier to manage a fleet of various vehicle types, which is often the case with public fleets. More information on bp pulse products available through the PCA contract can be found at https://bppulsefleet.com/cooperative-purchasing/ .

PCA is a national purchasing cooperative available for use in all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canada and Mexico that provides best value contracts, adheres to the highest ethical standards in public procurement, and provides real-time cost savings for its members and contractors.

"PCA is honored to have bp pulse as a valued Awarded Contractor with a national contract already in place," said Elaine Nichols, Director of Purchasing Cooperative of America. "All PCA Members, current and future, can utilize the services of bp pulse immediately because PCA has completed the Request For Proposal (RFP) process on their behalf. PCA contracts are complete and competitively bid. Join PCA today and contact bp pulse to discuss Member savings for EV charging services."

There is no cost to join PCA or use PCA contracts. Public entities can register to become a member at: https://www.pcamerica.org/members/registration .

About bp pulse

bp pulse is bp's electric vehicle (EV) charging business, rolling out fast, reliable charge points to consumers and commercial fleets around the world. Entering into the Americas, bp pulse focuses on providing EV charging and energy management to fleets that operate heavy-, medium- and light-duty vehicles. Key offerings for these fleets include intelligent charge management software, Omega, and a Charging-as-a-Service solutionallowing bp pulse to manage the charging of an EV fleet from start to finish, while optimizing energy costs and vehicle utilization. Globally, bp pulse is one of the UK's leading rapid and ultra-fast public EV charging networks. It also operates the largest number of sites with ultra- fast charging in Germany, with a growing charging point footprint in China and the Netherlands. The company aims to increase its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 100,000 worldwide.

SOURCE bp America
The partnership between Buhler and NRGene offers BSF producers a comprehensive solution that incorporates Buhler's high-end equipment and engineering capabilities and NRGene's novel genetics and AI-based genomics tools. Production equipment and tailor made high-performance BSF strains are integrated into a customized solution that ensures cost-effective industrial scale production from the start.

"The insect industry is still optimizing its production costs. Advances in insect genetics are key for achieving this. The benefit of genetics is already demonstrated in traditional agriculture. Combining the tailored insect strains with our advanced industrial technology will bring a step change in the production of insects," says Andreas Baumann, Head of Market Segment Insect Technology at Buhler. "The overall solution will result in a high yield of superior products while ensuring an efficient use of raw materials, land, water, and energy. This makes the investment in insect production more attractive as it gives owners a crucial competitive advantage in the marketplace."

"There is a growing demand for meat to feed carnivorous pets and farm animals. It is our belief that to realize BSF's huge potential as an alternative sustainable protein source used for feed, it is essential to integrate the expertise of various disciplines into this new industry, from genetics to engineering. We are excited to partner with Buhler as we move towards a cost-efficient industry scaleup," says Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene's CEO and Founder.

Insects are a healthy and sustainable source of protein for animal feed. They can contribute to a circular economy model as insects can be fed on organic waste, such as food leftovers and waste from agriculture, to produce feed for pets, fish, and livestock. The residues from insect farming, or frass, can in turn be used as a fertilizer, contributing to the zero-waste approach.

Black soldier fly is considered one of the most sustainable meat alternatives for carnivorous pets and farm animals. Its protein and fat provide animals with a higher level of nutrition and health than other protein sources. The industrial use of BSF is rapidly gaining traction among businesses seeking alternative protein feed sources and more sustainable practices. The main challenge this industry faces right now is reducing production costs in order to make BSF meals more commercially viable for various applications.

Buhler is a world-leading company with more than 160 years of experience in providing solutions to the food, feed, and mobility industries. In the past 10 years, Buhler has been developing its capabilities in the insect protein industry and has already completed a number of relevant projects in the field.

NRGene is well known for its advanced AI genomics technology that has been successfully implemented in more than 300 projects for leading ag-tech and food-tech companies across the globe. Aware of the potential of the growing BSF industry and its need for advanced genomic solutions, NRGene decided to develop a novel BSF genetics, through its Canadian wholly owned subsidiary. NRGene's key goal is to provide its customers with elite BSF varieties, tailored to their specific cultivation conditions and feed.

New Insect Center for North America

NRGene will establish a North American Insect Center at its Canadian subsidiary in Saskatchewan. Buhler will equip the Insect Center with insect growth chambers with controlled environments and sensors that can simulate industrial conditions and provide process insights. The Center will serve as a testing and demonstration facility for both companies' customers, enabling them to evaluate the performance of chosen BSF variety, operational parameters, and practices, in order to ensure efficient industrial scale insect production.

Media contacts:

Burkhard Bondel, Head of Corporate Communications

Buhler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland

Phone: +41 71 955 33 99

Mobile: +41 79 515 91 57

E-mail: [email protected]

Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager

Buhler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland

Phone: +41 71 955 37 57

Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88

E-mail: [email protected]

Katja Hartmann, Media Relations Manager

Buhler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz

Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07

E-mail: [email protected]

NRGene's contact

Yana Voldman, Business Development Director

NRGene, Golda Meir 5, Ness Ziona, Israel

Phone: +972-72-2203766

Email: [email protected]

About Buhler

Buhler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature. As a relevant solution partner for the food and mobility industries, Buhler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 2030, meaning Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline. It has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. Billions of people come into contact with Buhler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Buhler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Buhler technology. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines  all of which depend on Buhler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Buhler is in a unique position to turn today's global challenges into sustainable business. Buhler contributes to safely feeding the world and is doing its part to protect the climate, producing solutions that make cars, buildings, and machinery more energy efficient.

Buhler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually. In 2022, some 12,700 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company, Buhler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 23 countries.

www.buhlergroup.com

About NRGene

NRGene is an AgTech company engaged in research and development of IP intensive technological products. The company uses AI and Big-Data solutions to analyze genetic information to accelerate and improve the natural development of key crops and animals in the global agriculture and food industries. NRGene's technology has been successfully implemented in over 300 projects for leading ag-tech and food-tech companies across the globe.

www.nrgene.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201863/NR_Gene_Logo.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201858/NR_Gene_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201859/NR_Gene_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201861/NR_Gene_4.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201862/NR_Gene_5.jpg

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201860/NR_Gene_3_Infographic.jpg

SOURCE NRGene
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Africa's leading clean cooking company and carbon project developer, BURN has unveiled its next-generation, tech-enabled electric cooking (e-cooking) product suite. BURN's e-cooking products, the ECOATM Induction Cooker and the ECOATM Electric Pressure Cooker, are Africa's first locally designed and assembled modern e-cooking products. Both products include IOT (Internet-of-Things) sensors, which will enable the company to effectively manage the customer journey from end-to-end, including monitoring for real-time energy consumption. The products are currently rolling out across Kenya and will expand to five more African countries before year-end.

These new products will revolutionize cooking across Africa by offering families a more cost-effective and sustainable cooking solution. To ensure accessibility for low-income households, BURN has developed an innovative 'pay as you cook' financing option, which allows users to pay in small amounts via their mobile phones. With a modest upfront payment, users can gradually acquire their cooking devices through weekly instalments, achieving full ownership within a year. In urban areas of Kenya, 1.2 million people live on less than $2 a day and the average household will spend roughly $8 each week on charcoal. Once full ownership of the product is reached, users can save around $3 each week on fuel, representing an estimated 50% reduction in household fuel costs per year.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 950 million people still cook with wood or charcoal for their daily meals, often using open fires or inefficient stoves. Cooking with polluting fuels has an array of negative socio-economic, gender, health, and environmental impacts. Specifically, demand for wood fuel for cooking is a leading contributor to African deforestation, which in turn accounts for around 3% of global emissions  approximately the same share as the aviation industry. By making the switch from cooking with charcoal to BURN's e-cooking products, users can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by up to 4 tons, the equivalent of the CO2 absorbed by 200 mature trees in a year.

"BURN is best known for creating the most fuel-efficient natural-draft biomass stoves, all made in Kenya and distributed across the continent. While we know improved cookstoves still have a critical role to play for rural families, the future of clean cooking in Africa is electric," said Peter Scott, Founder and CEO of BURN. "Transitioning households that rely on charcoal to e-cooking represents a massive opportunity to democratize access to zero-indoor-emission cooking for low-income households. Not only are we introducing a new line of revolutionary e-cooking appliances, but also products that are designed for local cooking practices with regional after-sales support and service."

BURN's launch into e-cooking has been supported by a variety of partners, representing $17 million in funding raised to-date. Prior to today's launch, the company received $7 million from programs like USAID's Development Innovation Ventures and Innovate UK's Energy Catalyst (funded through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Offices Transforming Energy Access Programme), among others. Most recently, the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation's Modern Cooking Facility for Africa announced a 10 million partnership to provide result-based financing to support the company's expansion into e-cooking.

The launch also follows 3 years of pilot testing in Kenya and Tanzania, which have proven successful adoption of BURN's e-cooking products. A BURN-commissioned study of pilot users, conducted by 60 Decibels, found that 100% of BURN electric stove users in Kenya have either reduced or eliminated charcoal usage, 93% report an enhanced quality of life, and 70% now cook with electricity for the majority of their meals.

"Previously, I was using firewood and charcoal daily. I used to experience a lot of severe headaches, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes cause of the smoke. I like using the ECOA Induction Cooker because the severe headaches have subsided. There is no more teary eyes or stuffy nose," said Cecilia Njenga, one of BURN's pilot participants. "I would use three bags of charcoal in a day, amounting to 210 Kenyan shillings. It was lot to pay for. Now, what I used to spend for one day, I can use over 3-5 days."

Africa is uniquely positioned to benefit from affordable electric cooking solutions due to its growing commitment to clean energy. In Kenya, more than 75% of the country's electricity comes from renewable sources. Additionally, an estimated 600 million Africans (roughly 50% of the population) have access to electricity and in Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 80% of urban households are grid-connected. But only 5% of African households today use electricity for cooking.

Through its network of sales agents, BURN is aiming to bring its e-cooking products to 50,000 African households by the end of 2023. BURN has selected markets with high levels of urban grid connectivity, and where electric cooking is cheaper than charcoal, facilitating a clean fuel transition for households.

BURN is planning to leverage carbon financing for its e-cooking efforts to achieve maximum scale. Carbon financing will not only allow BURN to subsidize the product costs, but also subsidize electricity costs in markets that have higher electricity costs. BURN's carbon projects will be verified under Gold Standard's new metered methodology, with live tracking of stove usage to ensure high-integrity carbon credits are delivered.

ABOUT BURN

Founded in 2011, BURN was created with the aspiration to save forests by revolutionizing the clean cookstove sector. While traditional, inefficient cookstoves can bankrupt families, damage their health and destroy forests, BURN's best-in-class stoves can save families money on fuel, limit indoor air pollution and protect forests. BURN is now Africa's leading clean cooking company and one of the only carbon project developers to cover the full carbon value chain, from project design and in-house monitoring to credit issuance. Headquartered in Kenya and with direct operations in 9 African countries, BURN employs 2,500 people across Africa. The company has made and distributed nearly 4 million clean cookstoves, transforming the lives of over 20 million people and avoiding 14 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Learn more at burnstoves.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Zoe Fillingham, Account Director, Browning Environmental Communications

[email protected]

+44 7825 228571

Evelyne Kopar, Head of Communications, BURN

[email protected]

+254 726 501656

SOURCE BURN manufacturing
Appointment will support plans for growth of credit and compliance solutions provider.

FRISCO, Texas, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Informativ ("Informativ" or the "Company"), a provider of credit-focused lead generation, credit report and compliance solutions to automotive dealers, lenders, and other end markets, today announced that Kimberly Lang has joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Lang, who has decades of experience promoting technology at SaaS companies, is assuming the position previously held by Darin Larsen. Mr. Larsen, one of the founders of the Company, is taking on a new strategic role as Managing Partner, Credit Services. Informativ is backed by Capstreet, a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm.

"I'm excited to support Informativ's focus on innovation to better serve our clients and improve their experience." Post this Kimberly Lang, Chief Operating Officer, Informativ

Prior to joining Informativ, Ms. Lang served as Executive Vice President of Entrata, as well as CEO of Entrata's subsidiary EntrataPay, where she was responsible for Entrata's fintech solutions. Previously she was Executive Vice President of Inhabit's Vacation division, and Chief Business Officer at CheckAlt. She also served as Senior Vice President of consumer solutions for RealPage and as CEO of RealPage's wholly owned subsidiary for its payments services business.

"Kimberly's extensive operational experience and long track record of driving transformation in SaaS markets make her the perfect choice to help support Informativ's growth initiatives," said David Carner, CEO of Informativ. "Her familiarity with technology integration and her commitment to the customer experience are critically important as we seek to expand our capabilities to meet the evolving credit and compliance needs of our clients and their customers. We also acknowledge the contributions Darin has made to bring Informativ to where we are today, and we look forward to the experience he will continue to bring to our Company in his new capacity."

"Informativ has created a complete and proactive credit and compliance solution, and I'm excited to be part of the Company's next phase as a member of its leadership team," said Ms. Lang. "I look forward to supporting Informativ's continued focus on innovation to better serve our clients and improve their experience."

As Managing Partner, Credit Services, Mr. Larsen will focus on the Company's Credit Bureau Connection business. He will focus on compliance, maintaining and enhancing Informativ's relationships with the credit bureaus and other partners, and identifying new business opportunities for the Company.

About Informativ

Informativ, which brings together Credit Bureau Connection, Dealer Safeguard Solutions, and CreditDriver, offers credit-focused lead generation, credit report and compliance solutions to the automotive and general consumer finance industries across the United States. The Company optimizes and automates the consumer finance qualification process through a fast, easy-to-use, and secure software platform made available to its extensive network of software affiliate partners. Informativ's products and solutions place a heavy emphasis on compliance and identity verification to support the credit application and credit report process. Please visit www.informativ.com for additional information.

About Capstreet

Founded in 1990, Capstreet invests in lower middle market software, tech-enabled services, and industrial business services companies. With over 45 platform investments and over 200 add-on acquisitions since inception, Capstreet's investment strategy is focused on utilizing its Capvalue Framework to help accelerate growth and profitability, and help create long term sustainable businesses. The majority of Capstreet's investments have been with founder- or entrepreneur-owned businesses. For more information, visit the Capstreet website, www.capstreet.com.

SOURCE Informativ
Empowering businesses with an open data lakehouse for enterprise generative AI on AWS

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudera, the data company for trusted enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), announced today that it has signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS). This agreement strengthens Cloudera's relationship with AWS and demonstrates their commitment to accelerate and scale cloud native data management and data analytics on AWS. Through this agreement, Cloudera will leverage AWS services to deliver continuous innovation and lower costs to customers with Cloudera open data lakehouse on AWS for trusted enterprise generative AI.

As an AWS Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Workload Migration Program (WMP) Partner who also has a Cloudera Data Platform (CDP) Public Cloud listing available in AWS Marketplace, Cloudera makes it easy for customers to utilize credits to accelerate migrating workloads to the cloud and purchasing CDP on AWS.

Cloudera, with its focus on delivering an enhanced open data lakehouse, has chosen AWS to run the most critical components of the CDP, including data in motion, data lake house, data warehouse, operational database, AI/machine learning, master data management and end-to-end security. This can help customers to quickly migrate to CDP on the cloud without refactoring their applications while supporting hybrid deployments. Additionally, Cloudera has engineered CDP to integrate directly with AWS services, including Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS), Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS) and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), providing customers with a tightly integrated platform that reduces cost and takes advantage of the latest innovations from AWS. Cloudera customers benefit from AWS native services without needing to manage the integrations themselves.

"Deepening our collaboration with AWS gives customers even more reasons to choose to run the Cloudera Data Platform on AWS. With tighter hardware and AWS service integration, customers get the best possible experience with strong security and governance, along with new cost reduction options to support their most critical analytical workloads," said Paul Codding, Executive Vice President of Product Management, Cloudera. "Together, Cloudera and AWS give organizations the tools required to build and run data applications in the way that can best meet the unique and changing needs of their business."

"Our move to CDP Public Cloud on AWS for Be The Match's search and match platform has resulted in significant cost savings for the organization and a reduction in the infrastructure maintenance expense measured in millions of dollars. As a non-profit, this affords us tremendous operational flexibility that was not previously possible," said David Wroe, Principal Software Engineer & Solution Architect for Be The Match, a global leader working to save lives through cell therapy.

AWS will collaborate with Cloudera to scale cloud native data management and data analytics on AWS. In addition, they will be working together on marketing and co-selling programs for customers.

Cloudera has been a trusted AWS Partner in the cloud native data management and data analytics space for years who continues to innovate to deliver a seamless user experience for customers.

"Cloudera has strengthened their collaboration with AWS for shared customers to leverage their existing investments in CDP and accelerate their modernization to the cloud " said Chris Grusz, General Manager, Technology Partnerships and Marketplace at AWS. "Cloudera continues to innovate on AWS across its data management platform to deliver real data analytics and insights for customers."

About Cloudera

At Cloudera, we believe data can make what is impossible today, possible tomorrow. We empower people to transform their data into trusted enterprise AI so they can reduce costs and risks, increase productivity, and accelerate business performance. Our open data lakehouse enables secure data management and portable cloud-native data analytics helping organizations manage and analyze data of all types, on any cloud, public or private. With as much data under management as the hyperscalers, we're the preferred data partner for the top companies in almost every industry. Cloudera has guided the world on the value and future of data, and continues to lead a vibrant ecosystem powered by the relentless innovation of the open source community.

Learn more at Cloudera.com .

Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Cloudera, Inc.
Presented by kate spade new york in partnership with TRESemme and CeraVe, the Exclusive Hangout Gives Gen Z Influencers a Space to Network, Learn From Industry Experts, and Interact With Their Favorite Brands

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinciding with this year's Fashion Week, College Fashionista , the premier community for college content creators with a love for all things fashion and beauty, is bringing Creators Loft to New York City. The three day popup, specifically designed for up-and-coming Gen Z influencers, will be a refuge during one of the busiest weeks of the year. In addition to being a wellness haven, the space will also afford attendees the chance to build community and learn from industry leaders on how to elevate their craft as the next generation of top content creators in a sustainable, mindful way. Creators Loft marks the first major in-person activation for College Fashionista since the COVID-19 pandemic following the brand's August 2019 acquisition by Her Campus Media, and serves to reignite the excitement of face-to-face mentorship and collaborative brand integrations that are core to the College Fashionista brand.

Presented by lead sponsor kate spade new york along with co-sponsors, TRESemme and CeraVe, Creators Loft is an immersive experience open September 8-10 that acts as a functional "home base" for all of Gen Z's fashion week needs. The event will feature branded activations and sampling to help them prep and refresh between fashion shows, content creation opportunities, plus a "rest relax recharge" room and programming to prioritize their mental health during what is notoriously a nonstop week. Attendees will hear from a stellar lineup that includes Emma Burke of kate spade new york, fashion guru Izzi Allain ( @izzipoopi ), Her Campus Media alums Sofi ( @the_odditty ) and Gigi Robinson ( @itsgigirobinson ) and many more.

"We could not be more excited to officially welcome College Fashionista community members to our first-ever experience built specifically for Gen Z content creators during fashion's biggest week," said Windsor Western, co-founder of Her Campus Media, parent company of College Fashionista. "Being part of the hustle and bustle surrounding SoHo in September is a dream come true for so many young content creators. It's our hope that having this inclusive space to unwind, mingle, learn and create will provide an oasis from the stress that many content creators experience during this hectic week."

Ongoing activations will be staged throughout the weekend for attendees to interact with their favorite brands, including:

kate spade new york Borrow-a-Bag Bar where fashion enthusiasts will have the exclusive opportunity to accessorize with a curated selection of kate spade new york bags;

where fashion enthusiasts will have the exclusive opportunity to accessorize with a curated selection of kate spade new york bags; kate spade new york Rest Relax Recharge Room for a multi-sensory journey that will awaken the senses and provide a holistic reset;

for a multi-sensory journey that will awaken the senses and provide a holistic reset; TRESemme Hair Bar, a pop up hair styling station with appointments for runway-inspired hairstyles, provided by former TRESemme Future Stylist Fund stylists

a pop up hair styling station with appointments for runway-inspired hairstyles, provided by former stylists CeraVe Skin Prep Station to learn about the best dermatologist-recommended products for all skin types.

Content creators can also choose from a variety of engaging programming such as:

Fireside Chat: BYOB: Being Your Own Brand  An insightful session led by The Oddity and Gigi Robinson , two master brand builders who got their start with Her Campus Media and who will share tips and tricks on how to build your own personal brand.

 An insightful session led by The Oddity and , two master brand builders who got their start with Her Campus Media and who will share tips and tricks on how to build your own personal brand. Girlies On The Grid: The Creators Loft Content Shoot  Learn new phone photo and video hacks from industry experts, then participate in the ultimate collaborative content shoot.

 Learn new phone photo and video hacks from industry experts, then participate in the ultimate collaborative content shoot. Fireside Chat: The IZ-side Scoop on Navigating Pressures as an Influencer  Fashion guru and content creator, Izzi Allain , will share more about her journey as an influencer including everything from how she got her start on social media, to how she keeps her mental health in check while being in the public eye.

Fashion guru and content creator, , will share more about her journey as an influencer including everything from how she got her start on social media, to how she keeps her mental health in check while being in the public eye. Best Face Forward Sponsored by CeraVe  Ask a Derm Anything, AMA-style panel. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions to our resident dermatologist, transitioning #DermTok from your screen to IRL!

The weekend will culminate with the College Fashionista Reunion on Sunday, where College Fashionista alums from around the country will descend upon Creators Loft, reconnecting with one another and paying it forward to the next generation of College Fashionista members.

"Fashion Week is such an integral part of New York culture, but can also feel extremely overwhelming for young newcomers. We are very proud to be working with Her Campus Media and College Fashionista to make it much more accessible to budding influencers and encourage them to take care of their mental health and overall wellbeing during this momentous week," commented Jenny Campbell, CMO at kate spade new york. "Gen Z is continuing to push the boundaries of fashion and deserves a seat at the table. That's why mentorship, peer and educational connections are crucial, and making wellness a priority is key to long-term success."

To learn more about Creators Loft and apply to attend, please visit https://creatorsloft.collegefashionista.com/ .

About College Fashionista

College Fashionista , a Her Campus Media brand, is the premier community empowering college students to harness their love for all things fashion and beauty into exciting career opportunities. Our global, digital community serves as a launch pad for aspiring fashion and beauty writers, editors, creators, influencers, and marketers to connect, collaborate, and create.

Community members get early access to partnership opportunities with first-in-class brands while learning the inner workings of the fashion, beauty, editorial, and marketing industries. They have the opportunity to create content for paid brand ambassadorships and tap into the world of influencing while building an invaluable portfolio for their future. Plus, they receive free products, invites to exclusive events, access to industry leaders and a supportive network of lifelong friends just by joining the CF community.

Our mission is to guide and inspire college-aged women to unlock their unique style, while offering them the tools and access to transform their passion into impactful careers.

Want in? Click here for more information.

About kate spade new york:

Since its launch in 1993 with a collection of six essential handbags, Kate Spade New York has always stood for color, wit, optimism, and femininity. Today, it is a global lifestyle brand synonymous with joy, delivering seasonal collections of handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear, gifts, home decor and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New York offers a distinctive point of view, and celebrates communities of women around the globe who live their perfectly imperfect lifestyles. Kate Spade New York is part of the Tapestry house of brands.

SOURCE Her Campus Media
Annual award for operational excellence recognizes executives Buck, of The Hershey Company, and Cornell, of Target

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Business School's W. Edwards Deming Center for Quality, Productivity, and Competitiveness announced that Michele Buck, chair, president and CEO of The Hershey Company, and Brian Cornell, chair and CEO of Target, will receive its 2023 Deming Cup for Operational Excellence at a ceremony at Columbia University's Low Library Rotunda on October 24, 2023. Awarded annually since 2010, the Deming Cup recognizes leaders for operational excellence and for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within their organizations.

"The Deming Cup is a special annual event where we recognize excellence and leadership," said Columbia Business School Dean and David and Lyn Silfen Professor of Business, Costis Maglaras. "I have seen how it has broadened its scope and its impact over the years. Deming Cup awardees have been global leaders, innovators and disrupters, representing both public and private sectors. They have gone on to engage with our students, our alumni and our faculty, ensuring that innovative practice and research are shaping our own education and how we train our students."

The co-chairs for the award's 46-member judging committee, comprising eminent figures in industry and academia, are Terry Lundgren, founder and CEO of TJL Advisors and retired chairman and CEO of Macy's, Inc., and Sam Palmisano, chairman of the Center for Global Enterprise and former chairman, president, and CEO of IBM.

"The Deming Center commends Michele Buck and Brian Cornell for their strategic and operational leadership, transformative business growth, and investment in their people and culture," said Columbia Business School Professor Nelson Fraiman, director of the W. Edwards Deming Center. "Driven by the ethos of continuous improvement, these organizations reinforce our strong belief that operational excellence is a key cornerstone of long-term success. By honoring Michele and Brian, we not only pay homage to the life and work of W. Edwards Deming, but we also celebrate his legacy with our students, the next generation of industry leaders."

As CEO of The Hershey Company since 2017, Buck has focused on transforming the iconic confectionery giant into a Leading Snacking Powerhouse, seizing disruption to create more "moments of goodness" for consumers. Buck spearheaded this transformation by strengthening and evolving its core U.S. and international confection business and expanding the company's product portfolio into salty snacking. Buck has a relentless focus on balanced top-line and bottom-line growth. Buck also elevated Hershey's purpose and leadership behaviors, resulting in a more entrepreneurial culture that motivates teams and unleashes people's strengths to deliver today and co-create in the future.

"By accepting this honor, I represent more than 20,000 Hershey employees and their dedication to our purpose," said Michele Buck, chair, president and CEO of The Hershey Company. "The Deming Cup acknowledges our shared success as we push Hershey forward into our next 100 years, seizing opportunities to drive strong performance and evolve our business and culture from an iconic confectionery giant into a Leading Snacking Powerhouse."

As CEO of Target since 2014, Cornell quickly established a strategic direction that built on the company's strengths as a multicategory mass merchandiser with an excellent reputation for its shopping experience, design expertise, brand curation and brand development. Cornell and Target's leadership team made major investments in digital, data and supply chain capabilities, placing the company's fleet of stores at the center both of physical shopping and digital fulfillment. This "stores-as-hubs" strategy, along with the 2017 acquisition of Shipt, catapulted Target into a leadership position in same-day, store-based fulfillment services. Cornell helped drive Target's strongest-ever growth and built a culture of continuous improvement  from sourcing to the speed and accuracy with which guests receive orders  that will guide growth and competitive differentiation for years to come. Cornell also spearheaded vast investments in wages, benefits, team training and development, diverse and equitable representation, and a corporate culture that helps all team members care, grow and win together.

"In today's dynamic environment, especially in the fast-evolving world of retail, continuous improvement and operational excellence are essential ingredients for successful, sustainable growth," said Brian Cornell, chair and CEO of Target. "Every day, that's what drives Target's more than 400,000 passionate, caring and innovative team members, as they serve millions of families across America. I'm honored to accept the Deming Cup on their behalf."

Founded in 1993 at Columbia Business School, The W. Edwards Deming Center promotes operational excellence in academia and business by sponsoring applied research and curriculum creation, disseminating best practices, and providing professional development opportunities for practitioners.

Previous winners of the Deming Cup include*: David Abney, chairman and CEO of UPS; Juan Ramon Alaix, CEO of Zoetis; Douglas Baker, chairman and CEO of Ecolab; Mary Barra, chair and CEO of General Motors; David Cote, chairman and CEO of Honeywell; Kenneth Chenault, chairman and CEO of American Express Company; Toby Cosgrove, president and CEO of Cleveland Clinic; Janet DiFiore, chief judge of the State of New York; Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health; Ken Frazier, executive chairman of Merck; Jeffrey Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE; Brent James, chief quality officer of Intermountain Healthcare; H. Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson & Son, Inc.; Hubert Joly, executive chairman of Best Buy; Ellen Kullman, chairman and CEO of DuPont; Terry Lundgren, chairman and CEO of Macy's, Inc.; Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo; Samuel Palmisano, chairman and CEO of IBM; Paolo Rocca, chairman and CEO of Tenaris S.A.; Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International; Kevin Sowers, president of the Johns Hopkins Health System; Tim Steiner, CEO and co-founder of Ocado Group; Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Sons; Craig Thompson, president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Kathy Warden, chair, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman; and Stef Wertheimer, founder of ISCAR, Ltd.

*Titles of awardees are for the year they won the Deming Cup.

About Columbia Business School

Columbia Business School is the only world-class, Ivy League business school that delivers a learning experience where academic excellence meets with real-time exposure to the pulse of global business. The thought leadership of the School's faculty and staff members, combined with the accomplishments of its distinguished alumni and position in the center of global business, underscores the fact that the School's efforts have an immediate, measurable impact on the forces shaping business every day. To learn more about Columbia Business School's position at the very center of business, please visit business.columbia.edu.

Contact:

Keshia Mark, [email protected]

SOURCE Columbia Business School
The Urban League of Greater Springfield, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke and the Western Massachusetts Alliance for Digital Equity all Receive Grants

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast today announced it is awarding a total of $110,000 to three nonprofit organizations throughout western Massachusetts to help advance digital literacy skills. These grants are part of Project UP, Comcast's $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.

"We understand the important role that the Internet plays in helping build a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone in the community," said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast's Western New England Region. "We are proud to deepen our partnership with organizations that are making it easier for people across western Massachusetts to adopt the Internet and succeed in an increasingly digital world."

The organizations that will benefit from these grants include:

The Urban League of Greater Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its digital learning lab and the programs it provides members, including basic digital literacy and Internet skills training, specialty workshops, hosting the Urban League's youth Project Ready Mentor and STEM programs, and more.

to support its digital learning lab and the programs it provides members, including basic digital literacy and Internet skills training, specialty workshops, hosting the Urban League's youth Project Ready Mentor and STEM programs, and more. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke will receive $20,000 to support its MyFuture digital literacy program. MyFuture is an interactive platform that provides kids and teens with hundreds of activities to learn digital skills in a safe online environment. This grant will also provide the Club with the ability to purchase 25 desktop computers and five laptops for students in the MyFuture program to use.

to support its MyFuture digital literacy program. MyFuture is an interactive platform that provides kids and teens with hundreds of activities to learn digital skills in a safe online environment. This grant will also provide the Club with the ability to purchase 25 desktop computers and five laptops for students in the MyFuture program to use. The Western Massachusetts Alliance for Digital Equity will receive $70,000 to support efforts to help residents across the Pioneer Valley get connected to the Internet at home. This funding will enable the Alliance to continue the work it started in 2022 with the help of a $100,000 Comcast grant to conduct outreach around the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) . This grant will also enable the Alliance to provide laptops to partner organizations that will distribute them to households lacking the proper technology to get connected to the Internet.

"Though residents have access to affordable high-speed broadband throughout Springfield, many of our members still struggle with both adoption of services and digital skills," said Yvette Frisby, Interim President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Springfield. "Thanks to this grant, we're able to ensure our members and more residents of Springfield get the support they need to feel comfortable connecting to the Internet and using it at home."

In addition, Comcast is helping to drive awareness and adoption across western Massachusetts of the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible, low-income households with a credit of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward their Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet either through Comcast's Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the Federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month, after the ACP benefit is applied.

Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has invested $59.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 240 non-profits in Massachusetts. This investment includes digital equity programs such as Internet Essentials and Lift Zones. Since its inception in 2011, Comcast's Internet Essentials has connected more than 620,000 low-income Massachusetts residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched seven Lift Zones in western Massachusetts to provide free, high-speed WiFi service to local community centers to promote digital learning.

For additional information on Project UP and Comcast's digital equity initiatives, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

SOURCE Comcast
CREFC, NYU program aims to build diversity in commercial real estate finance industry

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023-2024 CREFC Scholars were announced today by the CRE Finance Council (CREFC) and the Schack Institute of Real Estate at The NYU School of Professional Studies. This year's CREFC Scholars recipients include Elvis Amin and Michael G. Daniels, two incoming graduate students to the full-time, one-year Master of Science in Real Estate program, and Mohammed Wara and Mohine Molena, two senior undergraduate students.

The CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance at the Schack Institute Endowment Committee based its decisions on a variety of factors, including academic excellence, leadership potential, a career focus on commercial real estate finance, and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.

In addition to receiving a merit scholarship, our Scholars are granted complimentary CREFC Academic membership with access to our Resource Center and Career Center, as well as all CREFC programming. Scholarship recipients may apply for our Mentorship program that pairs students with industry mentors. In addition, recipients have access to internship opportunities and are invited to attend CREFC's major conferences.

"We want to welcome this year's CREFC Scholars and celebrate their achievements and interest in commercial real estate finance," said Lisa Pendergast, Executive Director at CREFC. "Now in its fourth year, the program has been successful in providing professional development, mentorship, and educational opportunities in the commercial real estate finance markets. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Schack Institute to help foster the next generation of professionals who bring diversity and fresh ideas that help drive innovation in commercial real estate finance."

The CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance at the Schack Institute was launched in 2020 and serves as a hub for industry collaboration on research initiatives, novel programming, and student engagement. The venture is supported by an endowment gift to NYU from CREFC.

In addition to student scholarships, CREFC's gift allows for an industry-leading certificate program for CREFC members, a CREFC-focused class each semester available to all CREFC members, and a Fellowship program, with two CREFC members chosen as fellows bi-annually.

For more information about the CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance at the Schack Institute, visit: CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance

For a look at previous recipients of the CREFC Scholars program, visit: CREFC Scholars.

2023-2024 CREFC Graduate Scholars

Elvis Amin

Elvis Amin is pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate. Prior to attending NYU, Elvis graduated from The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Elvis' experience ranges from working as a summer intern at Goldman Sachs Asset Management to working as a Finance Associate with Ivory Innovations and a finance/design internship with Modal Living. At Ivory Innovations Elvis was involved with research for startups looking to support housing affordability, finance, and policy. At Modal Living he helped conduct research on Los Angeles and San Diego County zoning and construction laws to facilitate the construction of accessory development units. Elvis, whose family came to the U.S. as refugees from South Sudan, is passionate about real estate finance, investment, and management. He wants to help support minority communities and is looking to promote diversity, equity, sustainability, and inclusion in the real estate industry.

Michael G. Daniels

Michael G. Daniels is pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate. A graduate of Villanova University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate, Michael was active in the Daniel M. DiLella Center for Real Estate, serving as a fund manager for the DAN-TOM Student Managed Fund and serving on the executive board for the Real Estate Society. Michael's experience includes tenure as a commercial real estate associate for Wells Fargo where he worked with the firm's underwriting and portfolio management businesses and a summer as an analyst with Deutsche Bank's structured solutions and asset backed securities groups. As an analyst intern at Apex Realty Advisory, Michael assisted with office, multifamily, industrial, and special-use property appraisals. Michael is drawn to real estate for its quantitative analysis  metrics on costs and returns  as well as its qualitative characteristics such as architecture and aesthetics. Michael credits the faculty and staff at Villanova for turning his interest in real estate into a passion. Michael hopes the CREFC Scholars program will provide him with access to research, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Having advocated for various DEI initiatives in both academic and professional settings, he is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

2023-2024 Undergraduate Scholars

Mohammed Wara

Mohammed Wara is a junior at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate where he majors in real estate. Mohammed is a member of the undergraduate Real Estate Club and Stern Real Estate Group. He is a Dean's Scholar and worked with team members at Daisy Property Management on tenant and condominium budgets to help pay for his tuition expenses. The son of immigrants from Afghanistan who grew up in Queens, Mohammed enjoys participating in events put on by the Real Estate Club because it has enabled him to visit different properties and learn more about commercial real estate. He has enjoyed networking opportunities at the Real Estate Club where he helped a multifamily developer and manager find and hire a designer to help with online marketing efforts.

Mohine Molena

Mohine Molena is a senior at NYU School of Professional Studies where her major is real estate, and her minor is in Urban Architecture. Mohine, a member of the Class Activities Board who is also on the Dean's List, plans to graduate in May 2024. A fellowship program with Annaly Capital Management, Inc. in 2022 offered Mohine the opportunity to learn about fixed income markets, notably mortgage-backed securities and the to-be-announced, or TBA, market. That same year, a fellowship with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. allowed Mohine the opportunity to learn about real estate negotiations, identifying value propositions and closing transactions. Mohine has an interest in capital markets and is fascinated with understanding the drivers of fluctuations in supply and demand in real estate. She is thrilled by the CREFC Scholars program because of the support it offers to underrepresented communities, its novel programming and research initiatives.

SOURCE CRE Finance Council
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Critical Infrastructure Protection Market report has been added to Technavio's offering. The potential growth difference for the critical infrastructure protection market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 53.13 billion. Increasing demand for integrated security solutions drives market growth. Factors such as the growing number of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure systems drive the demand for critical infrastructure. In order to combat this, companies look for integrated security solutions that can provide comprehensive protection against physical and cyber threats. Tools and technology needed to protect these critical assets from a variety of threats are provided by integrated security solutions. Such factors are therefore expected to increase the need for critical infrastructure protection. Hence, such factors fuel the growth of the critical infrastructure protection market. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio has proudly partnered with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy the full report here

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Critical Infrastructure Protection Market 2023-2027

The high cost of critical infrastructure protection solutions challenges the growth of the critical infrastructure protection market. The complexity of the infrastructure itself is the main reason for the high cost. Considerable research, innovation, and technical expertise are required for the development and implementation of such complex solutions. Compliance with regulations and standards also contributes to the increased costs of solutions. Meeting the compliance standards and maintaining the required documentation will add to the total cost. Hence, such factors impede the growth of the market during the forecast period. - Explain. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read FREE Sample PDF Report Now

The critical infrastructure protection market is segmented by Component (Solutions and Services), End-user (Financial Institutions, Government, Defense, Telecom, and Others), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa).

The solutions segment will be significant during the forecast period. This segment includes the deployment of emergency response systems. Natural disasters or terrorist attacks require a quick and effective response. As such, emergency response systems enable operators to quickly detect and respond to incidents, minimize the impact on infrastructure, and ensure the safety of individuals and the community. This segment also addresses comprehensive risk assessment and management needs. Hence, owing to such factors, the solutions segment is witnessing growth during the forecast period.

will be significant during the forecast period. This segment includes the deployment of emergency response systems. Natural disasters or terrorist attacks require a quick and effective response. As such, emergency response systems enable operators to quickly detect and respond to incidents, minimize the impact on infrastructure, and ensure the safety of individuals and the community. This segment also addresses comprehensive risk assessment and management needs. Hence, owing to such factors, the solutions segment is witnessing growth during the forecast period. APAC will contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. View the FREE Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report.

Key Companies in the critical infrastructure protection market:

Airbus SE, AO Kaspersky Lab, Axis Communications AB, BAE Systems Plc, Broadcom Inc., General Dynamics Corp., General Electric Co., Hexagon AB, Honeywell International Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Luna Innovations Inc., Motorola Solutions Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Thales Group, and Waterfall Security Solutions Ltd.

Related Reports:

The student information system (SIS) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.03% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 8,733.38 million.

The building information modeling software (BIM) market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.61% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 6,631.73 million.

Critical Infrastructure Protection Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.96% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 53.13 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 6.35 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 40% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Airbus SE, AO Kaspersky Lab, Axis Communications AB, BAE Systems Plc, Broadcom Inc., General Dynamics Corp., General Electric Co., Hexagon AB, Honeywell International Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Luna Innovations Inc., Motorola Solutions Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Thales Group, and Waterfall Security Solutions Ltd. 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, Market condition analysis for 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.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Component

Market Segmentation by End-user

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

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.

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
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. In the near future, IndiGo (India), Aegean Airlines (Greece) and Air Arabia Abu-Dhabi (the UAE) are expected to launch flights to Azerbaijan, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports.

Low-budget carriers such as WizzAir Malta, Flyadeal and Air Cairo have been added to the number of foreign airlines flying to Heydar Aliyev International Airport this year, the ministry said.

As a result of work carried out by the State Civil Aviation Agency, the number of relevant foreign low-cost carriers will be increased to 16, with Georgia Wings airline joining.

Thus, there will be no route served by only one airline in the popular destinations, with flights operated from Baku.

The first flight of the Georgian airline on the Tbilisi-Baku route will take place on September 6. The airline will perform regular flights 3 times a week (on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) on the route Tbilisi-Baku-Tbilisi on the aircraft ATR72-500, designed for 72 passengers.
One of only Two Hospitals "Most Likely to Be Recommended" in NJ

BROWNS MILLS, N.J., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One of only two hospitals "most likely to be recommended in New Jersey." That's a new quality indicator Deborah earned from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Ratings are based on patients' responses to the question, "would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family."

Deborah was also one of only four hospitals in New Jersey to earn 4 out of 5 Stars by CMS in its annual Hospital Quality Star Ratings annual update, which summarizes data from 46 existing measures for each hospital.

"Quality in healthcare really matters," said Chief Medical Officer Aaron Kugelmass, MD. "Our high marks are a testament to the hard work members of our Deborah team put in every day to make sure patients are safe and that patients are having a good experience when they're receiving care from our clinicians."

Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey is a teaching hospital in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the United States and 87 countries. From performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in NJ, to one of the highest-volume left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant programs in the nation, Deborah is consistently recognized as a leader overall and in patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS,) is ranked among the top hospitals in NJ for patient satisfaction; holds a top-tier Society of Thoracic Surgeons rating which places Deborah among the best cardiac surgery programs in North America; and is rated High Performing in five specialties, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, COPD and TAVR by U.S. News & World Report. Deborah is an Alliance member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. For more information visit demanddeborah.org or contact Lisa Simon, 856.857.6555 x22, [email protected].

SOURCE Deborah Heart and Lung Center
As the industrial products and construction industries experience a resurgence in domestic industrial manufacturing, John's appointment is expected to help continue to drive Deloitte's industry practice growth

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte announced today that John Coykendall has been appointed national sector leader for industrial products and construction, effective immediately. Coykendall succeeds Paul Wellener, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP, who will continue to serve within the U.S. industrial products and construction practice.

In this new role, Coykendall will drive key industrial products and construction initiatives while growing the practice across all businesses. He will work closely with senior leaders across Deloitte  and their clients, many of which are recognized as Fortune 500 companies.

"The industrial products industry is currently seeing a resurgence in domestic industrial manufacturing, and John's enthusiasm for cross-business teaming and cross-sector successes will help continue to drive industry growth and shape the future," said Stanley Porter, vice chair, Deloitte LLP and U.S. energy, resources and industrials leader. "John brings the right vision, experience, and relationships to lead and grow the sector as it goes through critical transformation and industry convergence."

Based in Stamford, Connecticut, Coykendall also serves as a vice chair, Deloitte LLP. Coykendall previously served as the Deloitte US and Deloitte Global lead for the aerospace and defense practice. He has more than 25 years of consulting experience focusing on global companies with highly engineered products in the aerospace and defense, industrial products and automotive industries.

"Our industry is experiencing an accelerating pace of change with rapid growth in electrification, the rise of space and advanced air mobility and unprecedented investments in infrastructure," said Coykendall. "To capitalize on these trends, organizations are transforming their businesses through technologies such as smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence and digital thread. I am passionate about working with and advising senior executives as they create impactful and sustained performance improvements and am looking forward to helping our clients navigate the road ahead."

For more information about Deloitte's industrial products and construction practice, visit Deloitte.com/us/ipc.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 415,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

SOURCE Deloitte
DXtrade, a turnkey CFD trading platform by Devexperts, and Forest Park FX Tech have announced the launch of a trading contest to entertain broker's personnel and traders of all levels.

LONDON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Devexperts' DXtrade, a trading platform for CFD, FX, and crypto brokers, and FPFX Tech, a technology company serving prop trading firms, are hosting a free-to-enter global trading competition  DXcontest. There are two prize categories: up to 6 months free software license for brokers and latest Apple gadgets for traders.

The contest runs from September 25th to October 25th and gives brokers' representatives and traders worldwide a chance to test their skills against each other and win prizes without depositing real money.

Prizes in the DXtrade free-to-enter contest include latest gadgets, gift vouchers, and broker software bundles worth more than $75k.

Prizes include leading Apple products like MacBook and iPhone 14, Amazon vouchers, and broker software bundles worth more than $75k. There are 10 different known and secret categories, for example, Position Prophet and Market Whisperer, to increase participants' chances to win.

How to enter the trading contest

To take part in DXcontest, entrants need to follow contest.dx.trade and sign up. If a user represents a broker, they're required to use their corporate email address.

Once they've signed up, traders decide how to invest their virtual budget of $100,000.

They can pick a portfolio of stocks, indices, forex, cryptos, gold, silver, and other commodities. There's no limit to the number of assets they can select from or the number of times to rebalance their portfolio.

Entrants will be able to track their performance and how they're getting on against other competitors through a real-time leaderboard.

Winners in 12 different categories will be announced two business days after the competition closes on October 25, 2023 at 23:59.

About Devexperts

Devexperts is a software development company serving capital markets since 2002. The company specializes in multi-asset trading platforms, matching engines, and exchange solutions. Devexperts' team consists of 700 engineers located in offices in the USA, Germany, Bulgaria, Singapore, Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, and Ireland. More about the company: https://devexperts.com/

About Forest Park

FPFX Tech helps trading firms and brokerages grow their businesses through technology solutions. By leveraging the power of customization and automation, FPFX Tech makes it easier to attract and retain traders through innovative value propositions, bespoke user interfaces, and instant gratification and feedback.

SOURCE Devexperts
CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dry Type Transformer Market is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion in 2028 from USD 6.6 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 6.8% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Countries across the globe continue to invest in upgrading and expanding their electrical grids to meet the rising energy demand and integrate renewable energy sources. Surging demand for energy efficient and reliable transformers is expected to drive the growth of Dry Type Transformer Market. Dry type transformers are known for their safety, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness, are poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative process. Moreover, the focus on safety and environmental responsibility is driving industries and utilities to opt for equipment that minimizes risks associated with oil leaks, fires, and environmental pollution. Dry type transformers being inherently safer due to their lack of flammable liquids align seamlessly with these priorities. The global expansion of electrical infrastructure presents lucrative opportunities for the growth of the Dry Type Transformer Market and the companies involved in producing and providing these transformers. However, the risks associated with higher cost and lower power ratings of the dry type transformer as compared to oil-filled transformers have hindered the growth of the market in recent years and are expected to restrain the market's growth during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Dry Type Transformer Market"

120 - Tables

45 - Figures

210  Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=193779200

Dry Type Transformer Market Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 9.2 billion in 2028 Growth Rate 6.8% of CAGR Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million); Volume (Units) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Dry Type Transformer Market by Technology, Voltage, Phase, Application, and Region. Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa. Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Expansion of global power grid infrastructure Key Market Drivers Increasing demand for energy efficiency

The Vacuum Pressure Impregnated, by technology, is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on technology, the Dry Type Transformer Market has been split into cast resin, and vaccum pressure impregnated. Vaccum Pressure Impregnated are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period. Vaccum Pressure Impregnated increases the dielectric strength of insulating materials, hence lowering the risk of electrical breakdown and enhancing the overall performance and reliability of electrical equipment. The most prevalent technology of the dry type transformer system is the cast resin. Cast Resin Technology assists lower transformer noise levels due to winding encapsulation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive areas. Hence, it is expected to hold the largest share in the technology segment of Dry Type Transformer Market.

The Industrial segment, by application, is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period.

This report segments the Dry Type Transformer Market based on application into four segments: Industrial, Commercial, Utilities, and Others. The industrial segment is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period. In industrial plants, dry type transformers are often used to step down voltage levels and transmit power to machinery, equipment, and production lines. Their versatility for indoor installations makes them even more desirable in industries where space tends to be limited.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=193779200

Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest region in the Dry Type Transformer Industry.

Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest Dry Type Transformer Market during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region comprises major economies such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The Dry Type Transformer Market in Asia Pacific is primarily fueled by the significant investments for expanding the number of substations owing to meet the electricity demand coupled by the robust growth in industrial and commercial sectors. Electricity shortage is expected to support market grow in Asia Pacific as it can attribute to the increasing demand for power leading to installations of transmission & distribution infrastructure. The region is investing extensively in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Dry type transformer are utilised to connect various energy sources to the grid, ensuring efficient power distribution.

Key Market Players:

Some of the major players in the Dry Type Transformer Companies are Schneider Electric (France), Siemens Energy (Germany), Hitachi, Ltd. (Japan), Eaton (Ireland), TOSHIBA CORPORATION (Japan). The major strategies adopted by these players include new product launches, acquisitions, contracts, agreements, partnerships, and expansions.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=193779200

Recent Developments

In April 2023 , Eaton acquired 49% of stake in Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd. , a manufacturer of power distributrion transformers and dry type transformers. This acquisition will help the company to better serve the customers globally.

, Eaton acquired 49% of stake in Jiangsu Ryan Electrical Co. Ltd. , a manufacturer of power distributrion transformers and dry type transformers. This acquisition will help the company to better serve the customers globally. In September 2022 , Hitachi, Ltd. introduced RESIBLOC, a rail dry-type traction transformer with voltage upto 25 kV. These transformers are used to power the train's brakes, signaling system, and communication equipment.

, Hitachi, Ltd. introduced RESIBLOC, a rail dry-type traction transformer with voltage upto 25 kV. These transformers are used to power the train's brakes, signaling system, and communication equipment. In April 2022 , Seimens introduced CAREPOLE, an innovative dry-type single-phase transformer for pole applications. It is a cast-resin distribution transformer which will be installed in the distribution grid. This product was introduced for American Market.

, Seimens introduced CAREPOLE, an innovative dry-type single-phase transformer for pole applications. It is a cast-resin distribution transformer which will be installed in the distribution grid. This product was introduced for American Market. In October 2021 , Hitachi, Ltd. completed the expansion of its Bland, Virginia manufacturing facility, the leading producer of dry-type transformers in North America . This expansion provides the additional production capacity to support new manufacturing capabilities

Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Generator Sales Market - Global Forecast to 2030

Power Grid Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Portable Generator Market - Global Forecast to 2027

About MarketsandMarkets:

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/dry-type-transformer-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/dry-type-transformer.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
All proceeds from September fundraiser will go towards providing food to families in need

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EG America, a leading convenience, coffee, fuel, and food service retailer have announced an in-store fundraising campaign with United Way, a network of over 1,800 local nonprofit fundraising affiliates. Throughout September, in recognition of Hunger Action Month, guests can donate a dollar amount of their choosing at any of EG America's 1,700 convenience store locations to support United Way chapters. Participating brands include Cumberland Farms, Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N' Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill.

All in-store guest donations will go towards the United Way and its mission to provide meals to families in need across the country. There are currently over 1,300 United Way chapters in the nation with 98% funding food pantries and food banks and 45% owning and operating at least one food insecurity program. Last year, United Way's Ride United Last Mile Delivery program delivered 8.1 million meals to individuals without adequate transportation to access food.

"Our continued partnership with EG America has made a large impact on the communities we serve through various programs and organizations we support," said Paul Mina, President & CEO, United Way of Tri-County.

"Food insecurity is one of the biggest issues facing our country today, and the money raised through these donations will go directly towards funding vital food pantries, banks, and meal delivery programs."

This marks the fourth fundraiser between EG America and United Way with over $563,000 raised to date. Each year's campaign focuses on a different issue at the core of United Way's mission of service, with September's focus on food insecurity. In the United States, 34 million people are food insecure and one in eight kids face hunger.

"Hunger is as pervasive as ever, and we're proud to support the United Way's efforts to address this critical issue said Nick Unkovic, President of EG America. "The generosity of our guests goes a long way in supporting the mission of organizations like United Way that provide critical services to those in need across the country."

For more information or to find an EG convenience store near you, visit https://www.eg-america.com/.

About EG Group

Founded in 2001 by the Issa family, United Kingdom-based EG Group is a leading convenience retailer which has established partnerships with global brands. The business has an established pedigree of delivering world-class Grocery & Merchandise, Foodservice and Fuel offer.

EG Group currently employs in excess of 50,000 colleagues working in more than 6,300 sites across USA, UK & Ireland, Continental Europe and Australia.

Zuber Issa CBE and Mohsin Issa CBE, founders and co-CEOs, EG Group, were honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2020 for their contribution to business and charity. They were also jointly named the 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the UK.

Further information at www.eg.group

About United Way

United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit. We're engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national, and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit www.UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.

Contact:

Julia Demopoulos

978-319-5856

jdemopoulos@thecastlegrp.com

SOURCE EG Group
El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption and Costa Rica's Blockchain Jungle are setting new global standards, proving that emerging economies can be pioneers in tech innovation and sustainability.

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where the technological frontier is often dominated by established giants, two emerging economies are making waves that could ripple across the globe. El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and Costa Rica, the birthplace of the transformative Blockchain Jungle conference, are setting new paradigms that challenge conventional wisdom. These nations are not just participants in the global conversation; they are becoming the conversation starters.

The Bitcoin Surge in El Salvador

El Salvadors Bitcoin & Costa Ricas Blockchain Jungle: New Global Norms

When El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, the world took notice. The move was audacious, daring, and fraught with both potential rewards and risks. Despite the challenges, El Salvador has remained steadfast in its commitment to integrating cryptocurrency into its economic fabric. From planning a Bitcoin City powered by geothermal energy to launching blockchain-based national identification and land registry systems, the country is not merely adopting technology; it's adapting it to its unique needs and vision.

Costa Rica's Blockchain Jungle: A Symphony of Sustainability and Innovation

While El Salvador is making headlines with its crypto endeavors, Costa Rica is carving out its own niche at the intersection of blockchain and sustainability. The Blockchain Jungle conference, set to take place on November 16th in San Jose, is more than an event; it's a movement. With speakers like Nick Szabo, Perianne Boring, and Costa Rica's own Minister of Technology Paula Bogantes, the conference aims to position Costa Rica as a global hub for sustainable blockchain technology.

Juan C. Guerrero, Chief Executive Director of Blockchain Jungle, encapsulates the ethos: "Blockchain Jungle is a statement to the world that Costa Rica is ready to be a pioneer in sustainable blockchain technology. This is where the future of blockchain meets sustainability."

A Tale of Two Paradigms

What makes these initiatives in El Salvador and Costa Rica so compelling is not just their audacity but their authenticity. El Salvador is leveraging its Bitcoin adoption to attract foreign investment and provide financial services to the unbanked. Costa Rica, with its rich history of environmental conservation, is using blockchain as a tool for sustainable development. These are not mere experiments; they are expressions of each country's identity.

The Global Implications

The actions of El Salvador and Costa Rica have implications far beyond their borders. They challenge the notion that emerging economies are mere followers in the technological race. By embracing and integrating disruptive technologies like Bitcoin and blockchain into their national agendas, these countries are not just catching up; they are setting the pace.

The Future is Now

As we look to the future, the question is not whether emerging economies will participate in shaping global standards but how. The audacious steps taken by El Salvador in crypto adoption and Costa Rica in tech sustainability through Blockchain Jungle are not just local initiatives; they are global directives. They serve as a testament to the transformative power of innovation when it is aligned with national identity and purpose.

So, as the world watches, debates, and speculates, El Salvador and Costa Rica offer a glimpse into a future where emerging economies are not just players but pioneers. And in this future, it's not about who leads; it's about how we all move forward together.

About Blockchain Jungle

Blockchain Jungle 2023 is the premier conference event heralding the synergy of blockchain technology and sustainability, set against the backdrop of Costa Rica's rich cultural and ecological heritage. Hosted in San Jose, this groundbreaking event is dedicated to catapulting Costa Rica as a leading global hub for sustainable blockchain innovation. With an impressive lineup of over 30 esteemed speakers, Blockchain Jungle offers a holistic experience, complete with engaging talks, workshops, collaborative sessions, and a grand cultural celebration. By seamlessly integrating Costa Rica's legacy in sustainability with cutting-edge blockchain insights, the event underscores the country's vision for a harmonized future where technological advancement and environmental preservation coexist. As a beacon in the blockchain community, Blockchain Jungle is not just an event  it's the epicenter of a global movement, where blockchain's potential is explored in tandem with ecological responsibility. For more information, visit blockchainjungle.com.

Press Contact:

Juan Guerrero

+50600000000

https://blockchainjungle.com/

SOURCE Blockchain Jungle
Business momentum propelled by U.S. and international expansion

/PRNewswire/ -- Element Biosciences, Inc., developer of the Element AVITI System, an innovative DNA sequencing platform that is disrupting the genomics industry, today announced it has exceeded 100 orders of the AVITI System. With U.S. and international customers in 13 countries, Element has expanded its commercial team globally through direct sales and distribution networks. The company has seen triple digit quarter-on-quarter growth since launch, and in Q2 reached an estimated 15 percent of the total sales of mid-throughput sequencing instruments, just one year after its first commercial shipments. Element has also signed distribution agreements with 11 distributors across the globe.

"Today's milestone validates the market demand for truly differentiated solutions that help customers achieve more with sequencing, regardless of scale. It is the result of years of hard work by the pioneers at Element, and a strong testament to the creativity, commitment, and grit of our highly effective team across the entire company," said Molly He, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Element Biosciences. "As a data-driven company, we are committed to setting ambitious goals and consistently delivering data and outcomes that surpass expectations. This is only the beginning."

Customers around the world are responding to Element's industry-leading data quality, flexibility, and exceptional customer support. Consistently innovating with new technology, Element has disrupted the market with a system that delivers unprecedented performance and quality, regardless of scale. This year, Element introduced the $200 Genome, followed by the launch of Cloudbreak, enhancements to its chemistry that reduce run times, increase accuracy, and enable even more applications, and a suite of genomic tools, known as the AVITI FIT for even greater flexibility. These innovations underscore Element's unparalleled data accuracy validated in multiple studies, most recently by Andrew Carroll and a team at Google in this BioRxiv preprint.

"We have been very excited by the interest of the scientists we support for the AVITI chemistry. We have many labs that are particularly intrigued by both the cost effectiveness of the platform as well as the very high quality of the reads, which we hope will help us aggressively advance down numerous research paths that are currently poorly supported by the dominant platforms," said Stuart Levine, PhD, BioMicro Center Director, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Our ability to deliver timely, cost-effective sequencing results is critical," said Dr. Madhuri Hegde, FACMG, SVP and Chief Scientific Officer of Revvity, which maintains a global network of laboratories to offer innovative, omics-based services to customers in more than 155 countries worldwide. "Element's AVITI system has provided the improved technology capabilities, flexibility, and affordability to support our ability to positively impact human health around the globe."

"The AVITI system from Element has lived up to its expectations -- the highest quality NGS sequencing backed by a proactive support team for troubleshooting, protocol development and technical issues," said Derek Warner, Director, DNA Sequencing Facility at the University of Utah.

New customers using AVITI span a range of industries, including large genome centers and core labs, biotech companies, government, pharma, and academic labs, using a wide variety of applications in their research. In addition, 80 percent of these customers were experienced users upgrading to the AVITI platform. Over 40 percent of sales were multi-unit orders and Element also welcomed repeat customers adding capacity to their existing fleet of AVITI instruments.

In Asia, customer Burning Rock Dx, a biotechnology company focused on the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in the field of precision oncology, purchased multiple AVITI instruments after conducting rigorous and extensive validation work to support its research activities.

"The data quality of Element gave us a lot of confidence, as we saw improved sequencing accuracy, better genome coverage, lower duplication rates, and better performance in difficult genomic areas such as homopolymer region," said Dr. Joe Zhang, CTO of Burning Rock Dx. "This can help us further improve the performance of oncology research products and continue to strengthen our technological leadership."

In Europe, Element and partner EMBL (the European Molecular Biology Laboratory) are featuring AVITI in a new course on the latest state-of-the-art sequencing platform technology and novel library preparation protocols, November 6 to 9 in Heidelberg, Germany.

"For us, the AVITI system could represent a game changer in several dimensions  it fills important gaps with respect to throughput, flexibility, and accuracy, and this comes with an astonishing low price tag," said Christian Thiede, M.D., CEO/CMO of AgenDix GmbH, a provider of sequencing services in Germany.

Helixio, a genomic and bioinformatics service provider with the first AVITI System in France, has been using AVITI consistently for a wide variety of applications, including RNAseq, scRNAseq, whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, and epigenetics.

"Flexibility, fast turnaround time, high-quality data and efficient technical support are key to our success, and the AVITI sequencer delivers," said Veronique Vidal, president of Helixio. "It shows both compatibility with our library preparation workflows as well as easy integration with our existing bioinformatics pipeline, making it an easy transition for us."

About Element Biosciences, Inc.

Element Biosciences is a multi-disciplinary life science company focused on developing disruptive DNA sequencing technology for research markets. Through innovating every fundamental element of a sequencing system, Element empowers customers with affordable, high-quality data and an improved user experience, which in turn will accelerate scientific discoveries and broaden the use of genomic research. To learn more about Element, please visit www.elementbiosciences.com.

Media Contact:

Kristi Heim

Element Biosciences

[email protected]

Michael Galfetti

Mission North

[email protected]

SOURCE Element Biosciences
MitoSculpt by Illicit Labs launches exclusively at Nutrishop

HENDERSON, Nev., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nutrishop is proud to announce the launch of MitoSculpt by Illicit Labs. This revolutionary metabolic formula was meticulously crafted with cutting-edge ingredients to support your fitness journey. MitoSculpt is stimulant-free, which makes it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight without the effects of high stimulants. This innovative product is now available exclusively at Nutrishop locations nationwide and online at NutrishopUSA.com.

View our product highlight video on YouTube here.

"MitoSculpt sets itself apart by providing a refreshing yet versatile alternative for those seeking a gentler approach." Post this Mitosculpt is a revolutionary, stimulant-free metabolic formula meticulously crafted with cutting-edge ingredients to support your fitness journey. It is now available online at NutrishopUSA.com and at Nutrishop locations nationwide.

"We are always on a mission to introduce new products to help our customers achieve their health and fitness goals in ways that work for them," said Bryon McLendon, founder and CEO of Nutrishop. "In a market overflowing with formulas centered around stimulant-based ingredients, MitoSculpt sets itself apart by providing a refreshing yet versatile alternative for those seeking a gentler approach."

At the heart of MitoSculpt are two key ingredients: MitoBurn and InnoSlim. These are included in the formula in their respective clinically-studied amounts.

MitoBurn is a patented form of L-Beta-amino isobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), which is produced in skeletal muscle during exercise and has been shown in studies to impact carbohydrate and fat metabolism in humans. InnoSlim is a stimulant-free, patented compound that blends the plant-derived Panax Notoginseng root with the Chinese herb Astragalus Membranaceus to help support blood sugar and lipid metabolism.

MitoSculpt's formula is further enriched with the following potent ingredients:

Caralluma Fimbriata  derived from an edible cactus and often used for endurance purposes.

 derived from an edible cactus and often used for endurance purposes. Green Coffee Bean Extract  an extract of unroasted, green coffee beans found in many weight-management supplements today.

 an extract of unroasted, green coffee beans found in many weight-management supplements today. Gymnema Sylvestre  a plant native to India and Africa with a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.

 a plant native to and with a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Fucoxanthin  a carotenoid abundant in brown seaweed.

 a carotenoid abundant in brown seaweed. ForsLean  a trademarked ingredient derived from Coleus Forskohlii, a plant native to India .

"For those who prefer stimulants, MitoSculpt stacks really well with stimulant-based thermogenic supplements for an even greater effect when it comes to supporting your fitness journey," said McLendon. "Nutrishop offers an array of effective and advanced stimulant-based thermogenic products, such as our widely popular Thermovex, as well."

The suggested use for MitoSculpt is as follows: on training days, take 1 serving (3 veggie capsules) prior to exercise. On non-training days, take 1 serving in the morning. As always, Nutrishop recommends speaking with your health care provider before embarking on any fitness journey to ensure health and safety first.

MitoSculpt is now available exclusively at Nutrishop locations across the United States and at NutrishopUSA.com. For more information, click here.

About NUTRISHOP

Since 2003, NUTRISHOP has helped countless individuals live a fit, healthy, happy lifestyle. Nutrishop stores offer customers a low-price guarantee on a wide array of cutting-edge dietary supplements, exceptional, individualized customer service, easy-to-follow meal plans, body composition assessment tools, and sound nutritional guidance. The Nutrishop business model focuses primarily on franchisee-owned and operated stores that provide consumers with the tools to achieve their health and fitness goals. For more information, visit NutrishopUSA.com and follow on Instagram @NutrishopUSA. To learn more about becoming a Nutrishop franchisee, visit NutrishopFranchise.com.

SOURCE Nutrishop
According to the firm's new resource, employees who see their organization's vision and mission applied in their day-to-day work are nearly three times as likely to be engaged than those who do not.

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - A new resource from McLean & Company highlights how vision and mission statements present an opportunity to engage employees. The firm's research shows that those who identify with their organization's statements are 3.71 times more likely to be engaged than those who do not. However, engagement survey data also shows that approximately one in three respondents do not believe their organization's stated vision and mission are reflected in the day-to-day activities of the organization, creating a significant gap between the potential for engaged employees and the reality of an organization's level of engagement. To help organizational and HR leaders bridge that gap, the global research and advisory firm has released the Vision and Mission Guide.

The new guide from McLean & Company explains that the vision and mission are often treated as a single statement. However, viewing them as separate entities allows the organization to be more intentional about how each statement is used and when one or the other needs to be refreshed. (CNW Group/McLean & Company)

The new guide explains that organizations are missing opportunities to engage employees with out-of-date or unrealistic statements, with more than one-fifth of respondents indicating they do not identify with the organization's vision and mission. This can be particularly concerning for organizations when considering that these statements drive success by guiding decision making, increasing morale, and providing purpose and direction.

"Refreshing the vision and mission statements requires careful thought and intention," says Kelly Berte, director of HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. "Strong vision and mission statements stand the test of time but are not evergreen. Reviewing organizational data and observing the impact of broader organizational change will offer indicators for when it is time to recalibrate one or both statements to better align with the future of the organization."

In the resource, organizational and HR leaders can find a four-step process to guide them through drafting a vision and mission statement that will resonate with their stakeholders. The process is outlined below:

Collect organizational information relevant for creating the vision and mission statements. In this step, leaders consider the organization's current state of how the vision and mission are perceived. This consideration can include information from engagement survey data, employee handbook, reviews on recruitment websites, and articles referencing the organization.



Solicit contributor input on the direction and purpose of the organization. The second step is to ask contributors for thoughts on the direction and purpose of the organization. This input is integral to drafting vision and mission statements that do not contradict the lived experience of stakeholders.



Determine if aspects of the current statements will be kept or if the process will start from scratch. Step three requires assessing the statements to comprehend where they need to be improved. Leaders may consider questions like: "Are the statements impactful to stakeholders?" "Do they contain relevant content?" and "Are they structurally sound?"



Hold a meeting with facilitators and participants dedicated to writing the statements. The fourth and final step requires organizational and HR leaders to craft each statement to ensure its positive impact and dedicate time to focus on the vision and the mission statements separately.

McLean & Company advises that strong vision and mission statements focus decision making across the organization on the achievement of a unified goal, which allows stakeholders to direct efforts toward strategic priorities. The firm also recommends that HR leaders use vision and mission statements to inform HR functions and processes, such as performance management, talent acquisition, and talent management.

To access the full resource from the firm, HR and organizational leaders can download the Vision and Mission Guide.

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, data-backed insights and commentary on refreshing vision and mission statements, generative AI in HR, the future of work, and more can reach out to Kelsey King at [email protected].

Signature 2023 Conference

For HR leaders as well as C-suite and VP-level executives who are responsible for enabling, streamlining, and future-proofing their organizations' HR functions, Signature, the highly anticipated HR industry conference from McLean & Company, is returning November 5-7, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

Register for Signature 2023 or learn more here. Early bird tickets are available until August 31, 2023.

About McLean & Company

Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and over 200 industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company
With the Closing of the Acquisition, Softelligence will Rebrand Under Encora

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Encora, a global next-gen digital engineering services company, today announced that it has closed the acquisition of Softelligence, a Romanian software engineering services provider. The acquisition, originally announced on May 16, 2023, establishes Encora's first delivery centers in Europe and further enhances the company's ability to deliver nearshore services to clients in the Americas, Asia, Australia and now Europe.

"We are pleased to welcome the Softelligence team into the Encora family," said Anand Birje, CEO, Encora. "Softelligence CEO Adrian Blidarus has built an incredible team that will help us break into new markets, as well as provide deep domain expertise across the software development landscape to help Encora solidify its standing as a leading global engineering solutions provider."

Softelligence provides critical digital engineering services to top-tier insurers and banks in Europe covering paperless quote and bind flows, automation of the claims processing through AI, fraud detection using machine learning algorithms across personal and commercial lines, corporate and specialty as well as digital lending. With the closing of the acquisition, Softelligence will rebrand to operate under the Encora brand.

Encora has grown to more than 9,000 associates across the globe and will now add delivery centers in Bucharest and Craiova (Romania) and in Skopje (Macedonia). The new team will support Encora's strategic expansion into Europe and bolster its capabilities to serve clients in new markets.

"The Softelligence team is thrilled to begin this new journey under the Encora brand," said Adrian Blidarus, founder and CEO, Softelligence. "It's a great fit for our people culture, and leveraging the resources of a world-renowned digital solutions provider like Encora with only strengthen our capabilities and allow us to solve complex challenges and offer new innovations to our customers across Europe and beyond."

To learn more about Encora and its digital engineering services, please visit www.encora.com.

About Encora

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and backed by renowned private equity firms Advent International and Warburg Pincus, Encora is the preferred innovation partner to some of the world's leading technology companies. It provides award-winning digital engineering services including data science & engineering, generative AI, software product engineering, cloud services, devops, digital experience, quality engineering and cybersecurity. Encora has deep cluster vertical capabilities in HealthTech, FinTech, HiTech, IAM & Cybersecurity, Digital Commerce, Travel & Hospitality, Supply Chain & Logistics, Telecom and other specialized industries. With over 9,000 associates in 47+ offices and innovation labs across the U.S., Europe., Canada, Latin America, India, Australia and Asia Pacific, Encora's global talent pool, industry vertical expertise and proprietary agile engineering capabilities enable clients to deliver superior business outcomes through accelerated innovation cycles. For more information, please visit www.encora.com.

SOURCE Encora
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Major General Soner Orucoglu was introduced to the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov on September 6, Trend reports via Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense.

The Turkish attache was informed about the reforms carried out in the Azerbaijan Army, the work done in the liberated territories, as well as the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border and situation in the Karabakh economic region.

Hasanov wished Orucoglu success in his future activities in the field of expanding military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Expressing gratitude for the hospitality shown, Orucoglu expressed satisfaction with the start of his activity as a military attache in Azerbaijan. The military attache noted that he would make all efforts for the development of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, including military cooperation.

During the meeting, detailed views were exchanged on the development prospects of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational and other fields, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

The newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Azerbaijan also met with the First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, and the Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Subhan Bakirov.
With the Closing of the Acquisition, Softelligence will Rebrand Under Encora

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Encora, a global next-gen digital engineering services company, today announced that it has closed the acquisition of Softelligence, a Romanian software engineering services provider. The acquisition, originally announced on May 16, 2023, establishes Encora's first delivery centers in Europe and further enhances the company's ability to deliver nearshore services to clients in the Americas, Asia, Australia and now Europe.

"We are pleased to welcome the Softelligence team into the Encora family," said Anand Birje, CEO, Encora. "Softelligence CEO Adrian Blidarus has built an incredible team that will help us break into new markets, as well as provide deep domain expertise across the software development landscape to help Encora solidify its standing as a leading global engineering solutions provider."

Softelligence provides critical digital engineering services to top-tier insurers and banks in Europe covering paperless quote and bind flows, automation of the claims processing through AI, fraud detection using machine learning algorithms across personal and commercial lines, corporate and specialty as well as digital lending. With the closing of the acquisition, Softelligence will rebrand to operate under the Encora brand.

Encora has grown to more than 9,000 associates across the globe and will now add delivery centers in Bucharest and Craiova (Romania) and in Skopje (Macedonia). The new team will support Encora's strategic expansion into Europe and bolster its capabilities to serve clients in new markets.

"The Softelligence team is thrilled to begin this new journey under the Encora brand," said Adrian Blidarus, founder and CEO, Softelligence. "It's a great fit for our people culture, and leveraging the resources of a world-renowned digital solutions provider like Encora with only strengthen our capabilities and allow us to solve complex challenges and offer new innovations to our customers across Europe and beyond."

To learn more about Encora and its digital engineering services, please visit www.encora.com.

About Encora

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and backed by renowned private equity firms Advent International and Warburg Pincus, Encora is the preferred innovation partner to some of the world's leading technology companies. It provides award-winning digital engineering services including data science & engineering, generative AI, software product engineering, cloud services, devops, digital experience, quality engineering and cybersecurity. Encora has deep cluster vertical capabilities in HealthTech, FinTech, HiTech, IAM & Cybersecurity, Digital Commerce, Travel & Hospitality, Supply Chain & Logistics, Telecom and other specialized industries. With over 9,000 associates in 47+ offices and innovation labs across the U.S., Europe., Canada, Latin America, India, Australia and Asia Pacific, Encora's global talent pool, industry vertical expertise and proprietary agile engineering capabilities enable clients to deliver superior business outcomes through accelerated innovation cycles. For more information, please visit www.encora.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1223481/Encora_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Encora
Results indicate that EOM613 treatment mitigates cytokine release in patients with COVID-19 pulmonary vascular inflammation

MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EOM Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc (OTC: IMUC) ("EOM") today announced the results of its completed clinical trial in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms treated with its investigational immune-regulating drug product EOM613. The trial was conducted in Brazil.

This exploratory Phase 1/2a clinical trial (NCT05212532), designated RESCUE, was a proof-of-concept, open-label study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy measures, such as the effects on serum cytokines, when EOM613 was added to the standard-of-care therapy. The trial included two cohorts of patients hospitalized for COVID-19: one cohort was in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the other cohort was not (non-ICU). The study was conducted at four different medical centers in the Brazilian states of Sao Paolo and Goaia.

The trial was originally designed to enroll a total of 40 patients  20 in each cohort. The trial was redesigned, however, due to challenges in patient enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of Brazil's successful vaccination program which led to a reduction in eligible hospitalized patients. The redesigned trial enrolled a total of 23 patients eligible for evaluation. The study's Principal Investigator was Florentino Cardoso Filho, MD, at the Casa de Saude Hospital in Campinas, Sao Paolo, and former President of the Brazilian Medical Association.

Topline Results

The study's topline results indicate that:

EOM613, administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection was well-tolerated by hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

EOM613 treatment produced a reduction in certain pro-inflammatory serum cytokine levels in line with its postulated mechanism of action of immune modulation.

The non-ICU cohort was comprised of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 receiving supplemental oxygen therapy by mask or nasal prongs, corresponding to degrees 4-5 of the WHO Ordinal Clinical Scale for Disease Severity (WHO-OSDS). The ICU cohort was comprised of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 under mechanical ventilation in an ICU, corresponding to degrees 6 or 7 of WHO-OSDS.

Both cohorts received the standard-of-care therapy for COVID-19 as defined by the participating hospitals, with the addition of any medications necessary for the study participant's special needs, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., but excluding other experimental drugs and any drugs used off-label.

Of the total of 23 patients enrolled in the study, 5 patients were in the non-ICU cohort and 18 patients with severe respiratory inflammation symptoms requiring mechanical ventilation support were in the ICU cohort. For the non-ICU patients, EOM613 was administered SC at a dose of 2 mL once daily (QD) for 10 days, for a total of 20 mL. The ICU cohort received EOM613 SC at a dose of 2 mL twice daily (BID) for 5 days followed by 2 mL once daily (QD) for 5 days, for a total of 30 mL. All patients were followed for 28 days. A clinical data evaluation was made of the evolution of WHO-OSDS, and laboratory exams and adverse events were compared with historic controls treated for COVID-19 at the same hospitals.

The results of the trial indicate that, EOM613 administered SC at a dose level of 2 mL QD for 10 days was well tolerated in COVID-19 non-ICU patients. Study drug was discontinued for only one enrolled patient in the ICU cohort after the first day of treatment due to hemodynamic worsening (Grade 4). In ICU patients receiving a dose level of 2 mL BID for 5 days followed by 2 mL QD for 5 days, a somewhat higher frequency of adverse events (AEs) of the cardiovascular system was observed than in the non-ICU cohort as would be expected with mechanically ventilated patients, but these AEs were not deemed related to EOM613 treatment by the clinical investigators. Both treatment group regimens had no negative effect on clinical laboratory parameters (complete blood count, SMA-18 metabolic panel, biochemistry) of patients with COVID-19 infection.

Post-baseline clinically significant beneficial changes were seen with EOM613 treatment for two of the blood serum cytokines involved in the cytokine storm in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, namely, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). In the seriously affected ICU cohort, changes were also observed in other cytokines, such as TNF-, IL-1, IL-6 and IL-13, in line with EOM613's mechanism of action as a broad-spectrum immune regulator.

For example, at screening levels of sIL-2R cytokine were meaningfully higher in the ICU cohort patients with mean values of 1721.69 ( 720.31) pg/mL (median1602.30 pg/mL). sIL-2R levels decreased during the study in both study cohorts. A statistically significant change from baseline was observed on Day 8 in the ICU cohort, i.e., a drop of -512.15 ( 698.10), median -412.80 (p = 0.0214). Similarly, in the non-ICU cohort the mean baseline value at screening on Day 28 showed mean IL-2R levels were 588.55 ( 537.76) pg/mL (median 484.60) in the non-ICU cohort and 726.96 ( 331.70) pg/mL (median 861.50) in the ICU cohort. Median changes from baseline in sIL2-R were -485.35 pg/mL and -444.90 pg/mL, respectively.

Shalom Z. Hirschman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of EOM Pharmaceuticals, stated: "I am encouraged by the results of this trial indicating that EOM613 was well-tolerated even in this group of seriously affected hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as it had earlier been shown to be trials in patients with AIDS, cancer cachexia and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, I am pleased that the serum cytokine measurements in COVID-19 patients validate the putative mechanism of action of EOM613 as a broad-spectrum immunomodulating agent affecting pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, as these results are consistent with previous results in cell culture in immune cells. Both sIL-2R and IL-10 cytokines have been implicated in the scientific literature as biomarkers for the progression of severe COVID-19 infection, with elevated levels of sIL-2R in particular being a predictor of hospital mortality. Thus, an agent that can be shown to diminish serum levels of this cytokine may prove beneficial. Cytokines such as sIL-2R are also associated in various other chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in which enhanced T-cell activation is involved."

"The results of this trial further elucidate EOM613's mechanism of action in patients, thus corroborating the earlier preclinical lab research, and suggesting broader potential utility. This provides an additional support for EOM's future clinical drug development in various chronic inflammatory diseases," added Irach B. Taraporewala, PhD, CEO of EOM Pharmaceuticals. "A well-tolerated broad-spectrum immune regulating agent such as EOM613 which can modulate multiple cytokines involved in disease pathogenesis could have meaningful therapeutic value. We look forward to conducting additional investigation of EOM613's potential utility."

About EOM613

EOM's lead asset, EOM613, is an investigational, novel peptide-nucleic acid solution immunomodulator believed to have both anti- and pro-inflammatory broad-spectrum cytokine effects. In human cell culture studies, EOM613 demonstrated a unique "dynamic dual action" by suppressing or stimulating monocytes and macrophages depending on the activation state and environment of those key immune cells. It is hypothesized that this dynamic dual-action may overcome a limitation of many approved immunomodulators that only reduce the inflammatory state without achieving immune system balance

About EOM Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc.

EOM Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel drugs with the potential to transform therapeutic paradigms and improve quality of life in patients suffering from debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases. The Company was founded with a specific vision to pursue innovative approaches to rescue, repair, and restore health of patients with urgent and unmet medical needs. For more information about EOM Pharmaceuticals, please visit www.eompharma.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. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "project," "expect" or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions, and other similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, EOM's ability to develop and commercialize its product candidates; EOM's ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of product candidates; EOM's ability to operate in a competitive industry and compete successfully against competitors that have greater resources; EOM's reliance on third parties; EOM's ability to obtain and adequately protect intellectual property rights for product candidates; and the effects of COVID-19 on clinical programs and EOM's business operations. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. EOM assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

SOURCE EOM Pharmaceutical Holdings
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ELP Luxury Vacations, a premier property management firm offering boutique services for high-end vacation rentals, today announced the appointment of Kristen Burke as Head of Owner Relations. In this role, Kristen Burke will play a key part in establishing new homeowner relationships, strategically growing ELP's portfolio of best-in-class properties, and furthering the company's commitment to excellence.

Kristen Burke

With an extensive background in high-end property management, Kristen brings a wealth of local market knowledge and a passion for customer service to her new role. Her impressive background in working with top-tier luxury properties and discerning homeowners makes her an ideal fit for ELP clients and properties alike.

"We are excited to welcome Kristen to the ELP family," said Founder & CEO, Sam Cobb. "Kristen's track record of fostering strong relationships and her commitment to delivering exceptional service align perfectly with our company's values. She is a consummate professional and her expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our owner relations and further elevate the services we deliver."

Kristen's appointment comes at an exciting time for ELP, as the company continues to expand its portfolio of exclusive properties and in conjunction with the recent opening of ELP's second office located at WaterSound Beach, Florida.

"I am honored to join the ELP team and to contribute to the growth and success of such an incredible company," Kristen Burke expressed. "I look forward to working closely with our new property owners and the all-star team at ELP, and upholding ELP's reputation as a leader in the luxury property management space."

About ELP Luxury Vacations:

Led by Sam Cobb, ELP (Echelon Luxury Properties) was established in 2021. The locally-owned company represents some of Northwest Florida's finest vacation homes from Destin to Rosemary Beach, FL. ELP has offices in both Miramar Beach and WaterSound Beach, FL

For more information, visit eluxuryproperties.com or call (888) THE-LUXE Follow ELP on Instagram and Facebook

Contact ELP at [email protected]

SOURCE ELP Luxury Vacations
LONDON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- floLIVE , creator of the world's first and largest hyperlocal global cellular network and a leading provider of global connectivity and network solutions for IoT, today announced that it is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries, one of the world's leading advanced wireless technologies providers, to help enhance global connectivity on the innovative Qualcomm Aware Platform.

floLIVE collaborates with Qualcomm to enhance global connectivity on the Qualcomm Aware Platform. (PRNewsfoto/floLIVE)

With a long history of developing industry-leading global connectivity solutions and standards, Qualcomm Technologies is now poised to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape through Qualcomm Aware. By unifying and optimizing hardware, software, developer-friendly tools, global connectivity, and positioning capabilities at the chipset level, Qualcomm Aware will help add digital intelligence, visibility, and control to enterprises while alleviating the market fragmentation challenges and deployment complexities that currently exist, in a more simple, security-focused, and scalable way.

The addition of floLIVE technologies to the Qualcomm Aware ecosystem advances intelligent global connectivity capabilities due to a unique hyperlocal global cellular network offered by floLIVE that's designed to cater to the demands of OEMs and global enterprises. The floLIVE solution intelligently works together with a broader suite of Qualcomm Aware technologies and intelligence to provide virtually seamless local connectivity on a global scale and aims to redefine how IoT devices connect and communicate globally.

Qualcomm Aware targets key ecosystem fragmentation and system design complexity challenges that developers and businesses face and provides a set of differentiated services for managing assets that require critical, accurate, and time-sensitive decision making. Among the key challenges enterprises face are development time and costs associated with establishing reliable connectivity. With the floLIVE solution, devices can use a global network operator database, with multiple operators in a region, thereby improving connectivity reliability, and helping overcome roaming restrictions and challenges.

"Qualcomm Technologies' integration of floLIVE into the Qualcomm Aware Platform to help enhance global connectivity is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative and impactful global connectivity solutions," said Curtis Govan, President, Americas at floLIVE. "We are excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to bring our hyperlocal cellular network expertise to the Qualcomm Aware Platform, empowering businesses to harness the full potential of IoT with confidence."

"We are excited to welcome floLIVE into the Qualcomm Aware ecosystem as a collaboration partner to intelligently enhance global connectivity of IoT devices," said Mohammed Ansari, Senior Director, Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies. "A key differentiator of Qualcomm Aware is the ability to embed and optimize connectivity on IoT devices globally, with security as a focus, and intelligently manage the link from device to the cloud in a way that is designed to address the needs of customers across diverse industries."

For more information about the Qualcomm Aware Platform and floLIVE's hyperlocal global cellular network, please visit aware.qualcomm.com and www.flolive.net , respectively.

Qualcomm and Qualcomm Aware are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patented technologies are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated.

About floLIVE

floLIVE operates the first and largest hyperlocal global cellular data network, based on local POPs in dozens of locations worldwide. With the largest global connectivity library of its kind, we provide centrally managed, localized connectivity for any device, anywhere. Global means no limits on where you do business; local means low latency, high performance, and full compliance. Our network has been designed to comply with the emergence of privacy acts, data regulations and roaming restrictions. Best of all, we provide direct access to our network, that lets you control your connectivity as if you were the carrier. Monitor your devices, access real-time network events and usage, switch operators remotely, and troubleshoot failures ahead of time, so your devices never miss a beat. For more information, visit www.flolive.net

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202904/floLIVE.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202905/floLIVE_Logo.jpg

SOURCE floLIVE
Competition invites design and architecture students to share interpretations of "newstalgia" in furniture designs

CINCINNATI, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Formica Corporation today announces the opening of the 2024 FORM Student Innovation Competition. Now in its seventh year, this annual competition invites architecture and interior design students in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to showcase their creativity through original furniture designs that feature Formica Brand products.

This year, Formica reflects on 110 years of Formica with a challenge that asks students to submit a color rendering and project statement of a furniture design that interprets "newstalgia"  a trending aesthetic that blends retro and vintage design with a fresh, modern take. Through their design, students are asked to use their creativity when defining what "newstalgia" means to them, bridging classic with new.

Within their designs, students must include two or more Formica Laminate patterns and at least one color of FENIX Innovative Materials. Each entrant will have the chance to win cash prizes and national recognition, including the opportunity to have their work showcased at NeoCon 2024, the leading design event for commercial interiors. The competition is open from Sept. 6, 2023, through March 8, 2024, with winners announced in May 2024. A distinguished panel of industry and design professionals will judge the student submissions.

"Each year, we continue to be impressed by the sheer creativity and innovative thinking of the next generation of designers," said Meghan Howell, North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation. "This year's competition feels especially significant as we reflect on our 110 years of design, and we're excited to see how students bring the influences of these decades into their designs."

The grand prizewinner will receive a $2,000 cash award and their design will be fabricated and displayed during NeoCon 2024 in Chicago. The second-place winner will be awarded $1,000 and the third-place winner will receive $500. The top three winners also will be invited to attend NeoCon as guests of Formica Corporation for the opportunity to network with industry professionals and get a taste of the design community.

Inspired By Design Industry Legends

Now in its seventh year, the annual FORM Student Innovation Competition continues to grow as more students submit their inventive and thought-provoking designs. The current iteration of FORM is inspired by a challenge Formica held in 2008, when the company invited design greats  including Jaime Velez, Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves, Bernard Tschumi and Massimo Vignelli, among others  to create works of art from Formica Brand products. Their designs, which ranged from domestic pieces to conceptual sculptures, were then exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati.

In the spirit of the original challenge, the 2024 FORM Student Innovation Competition invites the next generation of designers to express their creativity in these original furniture designs, showing attention to detail, inventive design and a unique point of view.

Entries Now Open

Entries will be accepted Sept. 6, 2023, through March 8, 2024. Competition submissions can be emailed to [email protected]. For more information, including complete competition details, resources and rules, visit formica.com/studentcompetition.

About Formica Corporation

Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Broadview Holding family of companies, is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA.

About Broadview Holding

Based in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, Broadview is a holding company that pursues long-term growth and value creation through active support of its operating companies. Broadview's family of businesses covers two industry clusters: Energy and Material Technology. Broadview's Material Technology businesses include Arpa, Trespa, Formica Group, Westag, Homapal and Direct Online Services. With combined sales of EUR 1.2 billion and 6,000 employees, this cluster has a global leading position in the market for surface materials.

About Formica Group

Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Skandinavien AB, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Formica (Asia) Ltd., Formica Decorative Materials (China) Co., Ltd. and Homapal GmbH, among others.

Please Note:

Formica and the Formica Anvil Logo are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation. 1-800-FORMICA is a trademark of The Diller Corporation. All rights reserved. 2023 The Diller Corporation.

FENIX is a registered trademark of ARPA Industriale S.P.A.

Contact:

Emma Mazour

Carmichael Lynch Relate

612-375-8532

[email protected]

SOURCE Formica Corporation
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The investment platform FundRebel, LLC is pleased to announce they are working with the PIP Property Management group to facilitate leasing for their first target asset. The property, Nine Hollywood, under contract to be acquired for $67 million, is situated in a high-demand area for the idyllic South Florida lifestyle, centrally located just minutes from the beach.

NINE HOLLYWOOD

The FundRebel founders are eager to share their partnership with the property management group: "We are excited to announce our asset management partnership with JBMP/PIP Group on the Nine Hollywood project. The collaboration is yet another milestone on our path toward assembling a dynamic team and a more accessible equity ownership model for all levels of investors. Our partnership aims to deliver exceptional service and participation for residents and investors alike."

PIP Group partners Ohad Feigenbaum, Maria Pacitti, and Jon Beaulieu return the sentiment: "We are thrilled to be working with FundRebel as the property manager of Nine Hollywood. Our collaboration marks an exciting chapter in our company, and we are wholeheartedly committed to the success of this asset and the fund. This partnership between FundRebel and our investment arm, PIP Group, aligns with our mission to provide top-tier service for best-in-class product, and we are excited to see the synergies that will be created."

ABOUT FUNDREBEL:

FundRebel offers an all-access investment platform that enables individuals to actively engage in institutional-grade real estate ownership opportunities. The company specializes in Tier 2 Regulation A+ offerings and is composed of a leadership team consisting of rule breakers, go-getters, changemakers, and bar raisers who are passionately committed to challenging norms and embracing potential. While perennially rooted in real estate, FundRebel is unapologetically driven to pioneer new pathways to industries and opportunities that didn't previously exist. Visit FundRebel's website: www.fundrebel.com for more information. Follow FundRebel on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Spotify.

ABOUT PIP:

PIP Property Management and its brokerage arm JBMP Group provide a seamless experience for both residences and investors, managing more than 1,300 units across four states and exclusively leasing over 3,200 commercial and residential units annually. The group believes that the lease-up process into stabilization is an art and science but above all, it is a serviceone that requires hands-on hustle backed by years of experience and dedication. The group prides itself on its detail-oriented approach of a boutique operation while offering the expertise of a full-scale commercial brokerage. With more than $650 million in assets under management, the group has grown to be a leading provider of real estate investment and property management solutions and is trusted by investors and developers of all sizes nationwide.

SOURCE FundRebel
Central Ohio and Indianapolis Instacart customers will now be able to order items for same-day delivery in as fast an hour from Giant Eagle and Market District through the Instacart App

Service will expand to all of Giant Eagle's more than 200 supermarkets across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland in the future

SAN FRANCISCO and PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, and Giant Eagle, one of the nation's leading multi-format food retailers, today announced a chainwide partnership to power same-day delivery in as fast as an hour from more than 200 grocery stores across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, and Maryland. Giant Eagle will leverage Instacart's technologies to provide customers access to its high-quality selection of fresh produce, meat, dairy, fresh baked goods, prepared foods and household goods and integrate its myPerks loyalty program into the Instacart App. The service is available to Instacart customers in central Ohio and Indianapolis immediately and will expand to all Giant Eagle and Market District stores in the future.

Instacart and Giant Eagle announce their partnership to enable same-day delivery.

"Our partnership with Instacart makes ordering groceries from Giant Eagle more convenient than ever, whether customers choose to use our longstanding, company-led curbside pickup and delivery service or Instacart's popular platform," said Graham Watkins, Giant Eagle's Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Supply Chain Officer. "We always want to think like those we aim to serve, and we recognize that many shoppers have come to rely on Instacart for their grocery needs. This partnership ensures that customers across all our markets have access to our stores regardless of how they choose to shop with us."

Giant Eagle prioritizes its responsibility to continually provide customers with options that allow them to shop in the manner that makes the most sense for themselves and their families. Notable examples include the retailer's weekly circular, which customers can access in either its printed form or digitally, and Giant Eagle's myPerks loyalty program, which awards perks that can be redeemed for meaningful discounts on either groceries or fuel. By offering online grocery ordering in two distinct ways, Giant Eagle customers can choose between having their groceries carefully selected by Giant Eagle's expertly trained Team Members via the retailer's proprietary service or the immediacy of having groceries delivered to their doorstep in as fast as an hour via Instacart.

Same-day delivery is available now on the Instacart App from more than 20 Giant Eagle and Market District supermarkets across central Ohio and Carmel, Indiana, and will roll out to all Giant Eagle and Market District locations in the future. Additionally, plans are for Instacart customers in Ohio to be able to order alcohol online for delivery from participating Giant Eagle and Market District locations in the coming months.

"The customer demand for Giant Eagle same-day delivery was loud and clear to us, and we're incredibly excited to welcome them to the Instacart App," said Chris Rogers, Chief Business Officer at Instacart. "As the only marketplace to expand chainwide with Giant Eagle, we're proud to help serve their customers in a new way. We look forward to deepening our partnership and launching even more services for Giant Eagle customers using Instacart's technology."

To begin shopping from Giant Eagle and Market District for same-day delivery via Instacart, customers can visit www.instacart.com/store/gianteagle/storefront or select the Giant Eagle or Market District storefront on the Instacart App. For all orders, an Instacart shopper will pick and deliver the order within the customer's chosen delivery time frame.

About Giant Eagle, Inc.

Giant Eagle, Inc., ranked among the top 40 on Forbes magazine's largest private corporations list, is one of the nation's largest food retailers and distributors with approximately $11.4 billion in annual sales. Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be a leading food, fuel and pharmacy retailer in the region with more than 200 supermarkets and 270 GetGo locations throughout western Pennsylvania, north central Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. For more information, visit www.gianteagle.com .

About Instacart

Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. The company partners with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from more than 80,000 stores across North America on the Instacart Marketplace. Instacart makes it possible for millions of people to get the groceries they need from the retailers they love, and for approximately 600,000 Instacart shoppers to earn by picking, packing and delivering orders on their own flexible schedule. The Instacart Platform offers retailers a suite of enterprise-grade technology products and services to power their e-commerce experiences, fulfill orders, digitize brick-and-mortar stores, provide advertising services, and glean insights. With Instacart Ads, thousands of CPG brands  from category leaders to emerging brands  partner with the company to connect directly with consumers online, right at the point of purchase. With Instacart Health, the company is providing tools to increase nutrition security, make healthy choices easier for consumers, and expand the role that food can play in improving health outcomes. For more information, visit www.instacart.com/company , and to start shopping, visit www.instacart.com .

SOURCE Instacart
DUBLIN, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Adult Day Care Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Funding (Private, Public), By Service (Adult Social Day Services, Adult Day Healthcare Services, Specialized Day Care Services), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global adult day care market is poised for remarkable growth, anticipated to reach a substantial valuation of USD 24.8 billion by the year 2030. This projected growth indicates a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.10% during the period from 2023 to 2030.

A significant driving force behind this expansion is the escalating global elderly population, particularly concentrated in the Asia Pacific region. This demographic shift has triggered a surge in demand for Home and Community-based Care (HCBC), creating a favorable landscape for the adult day care sector. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects a twofold increase in the population aged 65 and above between 2020 and 2050.

Adult Day Care (ADC) providers are playing a pivotal role by delivering innovative and specialized services, catering to patients with unique requirements like Alzheimer's and Autism patients. Collaborative efforts between these providers and governmental organizations are boosting healthcare services for such individuals.

For example, a notable partnership emerged between the California Department of Aging (CDA) and ADC centers in the state, joined by researchers at UC Davis's Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing in a bid to enhance the well-being of dementia patients, showcasing the commitment to specialized care.

However, the adult day care sector encountered setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted temporary shutdowns by several providers to protect vulnerable populations. Japan's Ministry of Health reported a suspension of operations by nearly 909 ADC service providers in April 2020. Fortunately, gradual resumptions followed as these centers responded to the demand from dementia patients and aimed to alleviate the burden on home service providers.

Breaking down the industry further, the funding landscape plays a pivotal role. The public segment emerged as the leader in 2022, fueled by the growth of non-profit ADC providers and increased governmental investments in specialized services. This reflects a commitment to improved care delivery.

Specialized day care services also emerged as a dominant force in 2022, answering the growing demand for tailored care, notably for patients grappling with Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the North American region claimed a significant market share in 2022, boasting a high concentration of ADC providers and marked investments in long-term care.

The market itself is characterized by fragmentation, with a multitude of small-scale businesses offering daytime services. Notably, the majority of these entities operate as non-profits, often associated with governmental or public institutions, reflecting a commitment to community welfare.

This landscape echoes the growing adoption of these services, underscored by affordability compared to other HCBC options. The provision of specialized services and daily living support for disabled patients has been pivotal in propelling the global adoption of these services.

Competitive Landscape: Overview, Financial Performance, Service Benchmarking, Strategic Initiatives

Adult Life Programs, Inc.

Active Day/Senior Care, Inc.

Ascension Living Saint Joseph Village Adult Day Center

CCACC Joyful Day Care Center

Age U.K.

Care Futures

GerHogar

Deutsches Altenheim

Badisa

Grace Adult Health Car

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 168 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $16.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $24.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1 % Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered:



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope



Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. Market Snapshot

2.2. Segment Snapshot

2.3. Competitive Landscape Snapshot



Chapter 3. Market Variables, Trends, & Scope

3.1. Market Dynamics

3.1.1. Market Driver Analysis

3.1.2. Market Restraint Analysis

3.2. Industry Analysis Tools

3.2.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

3.2.2. PESTLE Analysis

3.3. COVID-19 Impact Analysis



Chapter 4. Adult Day Care Market: Funding Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1. Segment Definitions

4.2. Adult Day Care Market: Funding Segment Dashboard

4.3. Adult Day Care Market: Funding Movement & Market Share Analysis

4.4. Private

4.5. Public



Chapter 5. Adult Day Care Market: Services Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1. Segment Definitions

5.2. Adult Day Care Market: Segment Dashboard

5.3. Adult Day Care Market: Services Movement & Market share Analysis

5.4. Adult Social Day Services

5.5. Adult Day Healthcare Services

5.6. Specialized Day Care Services



Chapter 6. Adult Day Care Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

6.1. Adult Day Care Market: Regional Movement Analysis, 2022 & 2030



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ot94b7

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Green and Bio Polyols Market Size and Share Analysis by Raw Material, Type, Application, End-Use - Global Industry Demand Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In 2022, the green and bio polyols market exhibited a revenue of USD 4.6 billion, and it is set to skyrocket at a compelling rate of 9.3% by the close of the decade, projecting a substantial valuation of USD 9.3 billion by 2030.

This remarkable industry progress is largely attributed to the surging environmental consciousness and stringent governmental regulations aimed at curbing the utilization of petroleum-derived polyols. Furthermore, the escalating demand for versatile polyurethane (PU) and firm foams in both the construction and woodworking sectors is poised to magnify the global need for these eco-friendly chemicals.

Among the diverse sectors, the woodworking category emerged as a frontrunner in 2022, generating USD 1,470 million in revenue, and it is poised to maintain its leading stance in the foreseeable future. Wooden articles are ubiquitous in households, automobiles, and packaging materials.

The thriving construction industry, particularly the surge in house construction, has significantly elevated the demand for furniture, including beds. The projected urban migration of over 1.75 billion people by 2030 is anticipated to fuel construction activities, consequently amplifying the demand for foam used in furniture cushions and mattresses.

Polyether polyols commanded a lion's share, exceeding 62%, in 2022, and this dominance is projected to persist. These polyols are derived from the catalysis of epoxides, finding extensive application in the production of flexible PU foam, soft foam, rigid foam, and molding foam products. Their widespread usage can be attributed to their ready availability and commendable structural integrity.

A distinctive characteristic of polyether polyols is their molecular composition, comprising multiple hydroxyl groups and ether chains. Novel polypropylene glycol (PPG) variants possess an elevated main hydroxyl content of around 70%, showcasing heightened reactivity when combined with polyisocyanates.

The North American green and bio polyols market took the lead, contributing a substantial USD 2,664 million in revenue during 2022, and this dominance is anticipated to persist. The region boasts a robust market for polyols owing to the escalating demand and their superior quality and performance attributes.

Key industry players are actively championing the adoption of green and bio polyols as substitutes for petroleum-derived counterparts. This transition is particularly pronounced in the U.S., driven by increased investment in construction projects spanning corporate offices, resorts, residential buildings, outdoor recreational facilities, and retail spaces.

Driven by burgeoning consumption of flexible PU foam and heightening environmental concerns, the demand for green and bio polyols is poised to sustain remarkable growth in the upcoming years. This trend underlines the industry's alignment with eco-friendly practices and its pivotal role in meeting the evolving market demands.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 170 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $9.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.3 % Regions Covered Global

Competitive Landscape

List of Market Players and their Offerings

Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players

Product Benchmarking of Key Players

Recent Strategic Developments

Company Profiles

BASF SE

The Dow Chemical Company

Cargill Incorporated

Covestro AG

Bayer AG

Mitsui Chemicals Inc.

Huntsman International LLC

Emery Oleochemicals

Arkema

Synthesia Technology

Novomer Inc.

Koch Industries Inc.

Johnson Controls International Plc

Piedmont Chemical Industries

PolyLabs

Global Market Overview

Market Volume, by Raw Material (2017-2030)

Market Revenue, by Raw Material (2017-2030)

Market Volume, by Type (2017-2030)

Market Revenue, by Type (2017-2030)

Market Volume, by Application (2017-2030)

Market Revenue, by Application (2017-2030)

Market Volume, by End-Use (2017-2030)

Market Revenue, by End-Use (2017-2030)

Market Volume, by Region (2017-2030)

Market Revenue, by Region (2017-2030)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/37ytm9

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Through the lens of five foreign pundits, we take a look at 10 years of the BRI  how it achieves win-win cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road and how it increases people's sense of fulfillment in these countries.

Martin Jacques, a visiting professor at the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University and a senior fellow at the China Institute, Fudan University

The launch of BRI was to signal a huge shift in China's relationship with the world. It marked the moment of China's coming out. And it was to prove remarkably successful. It is not an exaggeration to argue that over the decade of its existence it has changed the world.

In what ways?

First, BRI promoted the question of development to a position of fundamental centrality on the global stage. Second, BRI forged a new kind of relationship between China and the developing world. Third, BRI paved the way for a new kind of global alignment and, as a result, a new kind of global politics. Fourth, BRI has introduced, for the first time, key tenets of Chinese philosophy to the wider world. Fifth, BRI is an entirely new kind of international institution. It offers a glimpse of a very different kind of international system in which the interests of the majority rather than the minority predominate.

It is important to see BRI as a dynamic institution, one that is constantly moving and changing as the world itself changes. In the initial phase, the main emphasis was on very large-scale infrastructural projects, but alongside these, SMEs, environmental and climatic needs, digital technology, and green projects have been acquiring growing significance. An obvious example of how BRI can ebb and flow depending on the wider environment was the pandemic which inevitably led to a period of significantly reduced Chinese investment.

Stephen Brawer, Chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden

I think it's very clear that the world is opening their doors to the initiative, and I see that there is a shift in the direction of world policy. It's very positive for global development.

The initial BRI has been a platform. In addition to extending the willingness to work with the rest of the developing countries to bring fruition, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, are continued moderation of the initial idea and develop different and more substantial ways of making the success of global development and the BRI work.

Francesco Maringio, an Italian China expert and president of the New Silk Road Promotion Association of Italy

I prefer to focus on the potentiality of the impact of the BRI in Italy. Italy's potential to play a pivotal role in the BRI is very high. Since Italy is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and of course, the north of the country is interconnected with Central and Northern Europe, it could be a perfect hub for communication and trade, particularly for connecting the south - I mean the MENA [Middle East and North Africa] region - and Northern Europe and for interconnecting the shipping with rail and freight routes. That's the potential role that Italy can play, according to the logistic point of view in the framework of the BRI.

Integration is a very hot topic in Europe now. But we know that a peaceful environment is essential to the BRI. So since Italy and all Europe are really affected by the consequences of the war, we should attach more importance to interconnecting and integrating the Eurasian continent. In this way, we can find the proper source from diplomatic and economic fields and any point of view. That's our primary goal at this time.

Besides, the BRI can help rebuild infrastructure, make trade flourish again, and find financial and economic support for reconstruction - all these are what we need to bear in mind. Otherwise, this situation will negatively affect the people involved and whole Europe. And it will increase the division between the European and Asian parts of the Eurasian continent.

Jerrie Ueberle, founder and president of Global Interactions, Inc., a Phoenix-based non-profit corporation

The real value of the BRI will be its continuing value if it's ever completed. If it ever comes to completion, the amount of knowledge that is shared, the amount of exchange of ideas, and the amount of creative new ideas will just mount as we go through the process of it being developed, and it's a long process.

It's not a 10-year program. It's a long-term program, and probably the more countries get into it, the more they will see that needs to be developed. So it's kind of endless and timeless in terms of what it will take to actually know its value and see the gifts that it will bring. It is like a towering mountain, the higher you climb, the greater distance you can see and the more ideas and awareness will become known to you.

Through being connected, we understand one another better. We may not agree with each other as we're connected, but we will understand. And as the world becomes connected and we understand, there is more possibility for peace, growth and prosperity.

So I believe that the more we can connect with people, whether we build roads, pathways, skyways, or bridges that get people to come together for purposes, the safer, better and more productive the world will be for everyone.

People will discover ways to have a better world that works for everyone when they begin to know one another personally and learn their values and purpose. When we know what is important to others, we see them in a different way and how to be with them and support them in their purposes.

Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt & Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific, senior fellow of Taihe Institute, and former Malaysian minister of transport

Dubbed as one of the hubs for both the maritime and land routes of the BRI, Southeast Asia is anticipated to have more infrastructure development, notably the rail connectivity, under the BRI framework in years to come.

Alongside the conventional infrastructure, the growing significance of digital connectivity will call for extensive demands for digital infrastructure across the region. This is likely to be the mainstay of the BRI in its next phase of implementation.

Parallel to this, both the green economy and blue economy are the other twin drivers that may dominate the agenda for China-ASEAN economic cooperation.

Alongside the digital economy, notably the e-commerce, the green economy is identified as the key driver in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 blueprint. The significance of the blue economy is clearly manifested in the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Blue Economy in 2021.

In view of this, the China-ASEAN collaboration looks set to morph multi-dimensionally with the inclusion of more human connectivity and cultural engagement. All these fall in line with the priorities entailed in the ASEAN 2025 Vision.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202309/1297680.shtml

SOURCE Global Times
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The Azerbaijan Institute of Standardization (AZSTAND), subordinate to the State Service for Antimonopoly Control and Supervision of the Consumer Market under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy, adopted the state standard AZS en 1129-1:2023 Furniturefolding bedssafety requirements and tests'' based on the European standard. Part 1: Safety requirements", the AZSTAND said, according to Trend reports.

In order to develop the furniture industry in the country, improve the quality and safety of products produced in this area, increase the range and competitiveness of export products, support entrepreneurs, and meet the demand and expectations of consumers, modern standards for the furniture industry were adopted.

The standard defines the requirements for the safety and strength of folding beds used in everyday life. It also includes requirements for the strength of the wall mount, where appropriate.

The project of the state standard AZS EN 1129-1:2023 Furniture: Folding Beds: Safety Requirements and Tests, Part 1: Safety Requirements,, developed on the basis of an authentic translation of the European standard Furniture: Folding Beds: Safety Requirements and Tests, Part 1: Safety Requirements," was officially agreed with the Azerbaijan State Scientific-Research Institute of Labor Protection and Safety Engineering under the State Agency for Safe Working in Industry and Mountain-Mining Control.
LONDON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenbrook, the specialist communications advisor to the investment industry, with particular expertise in private equity, hedge funds, debt, and special situations, is pleased to announce key promotions, the appointment of two new Directors and the expansion of its junior team.

Back row (L - R): Alan Tovey, Ysabel Chen, Christina Tang, Emelia Rice and Harriet Groves. Front row (L - R): Bella Lahdo, Tashi Lassalle and Ksenia Galouchko.

The firm congratulates Tashi Lassalle on being promoted to Partner only 12 months after joining Greenbrook. Tashi, renowned for her leadership roles at Actis, Lloyd's of London and the Church of England, brings rich experience to her new partnership role. She will continue spearheading talent management efforts within the organisation alongside her client commitments. Bella Lahdo, who joined the firm in 2021, has also been promoted to Consultant.



Greenbrook is also pleased to welcome Alan Tovey and Ksenia Galouchko as new Directors. Alan spent 14 years as a senior journalist at Telegraph Media Group, holding roles including City News Editor and Industry Editor on the Sunday and Daily Telegraph titles. Ksenia joins from Bloomberg News, where she held editorial positions, overseeing a team of journalists responsible for European and US stocks coverage and ECM reporting. Ksenia was also a regular commentator on Bloomberg TV.

Andrew Honnor, Managing Partner of Greenbrook, commented: "This news marks a significant expansion of our advisory capacity as a firm. There continues to be a very strong demand for our services. These promotions and notable hires will significantly enhance the service we can deliver to clients."

Also joining the team are Christina Tang, who joins Greenbrook as a Consultant from Brunswick, and Ysabel Chen, Harriet Groves and Emelia Rice, who arrive as new Associates.

Christina has advised clients in Beijing, China, on critical issues spanning regulatory concerns, corporate reputation, crisis management and public affairs.

Ysabel, Harriet and Emelia are recent graduates from leading international universities, bringing a fresh perspective to the Associate team.

Contact details:

Demi Kurban

Greenbrook

+44 20 7952 2000 / [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201832/Greenbrook.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2199914/Greenbrook_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Greenbrook
OREM, Utah, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured home communities in Montana and across the country, awarded scholarships to three of its residents in Billings. The scholarships, worth up to $10,000 annually, are part of Havenpark's Annual Scholarship Fund for residents. In 2023, 38 residents from across the country were awarded scholarships to cover expenses for college, universities, trade, and vocational schools.

2023 Havenpark Montana Scholarship Winners Paige Dahl, Mykala Davis, and Callie Halvorson

"I experienced the transformative power of education first-hand," said J. Anthony Antonelli, chairman and co-founder of Havenpark Communities. "We're honored to be able to support our residents' aims and ambitions."

Local Havenpark Scholarship recipients Paige Dahl, Mykala Davis, and Callie Halvorson are pursuing their undergraduate degrees in Montana.

Paige Dahl and Callie Halvorson joined the Class of 2026 at Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University Billings, respectively. Mykala Davis also attends Montana State University Billings and plans to graduate in 2025.

Havenpark has pledged at least $500,000 annually to its Education Success Program, which includes scholarships, mentoring, and other initiatives to increase education access and opportunity for residents. Since the scholarship program's inception in 2021, Havenpark has awarded academic scholarships to 59 residents from its communities across the country.

Beyond the scholarship, the Education Success Program guides current and prospective students through the application, financial aid, and course selection process.

"We wish our Montana Education Success Program students a great school year," said Jason Hale, Havenpark's director of education success, who works closely with students as they navigate their college career.

Havenpark is committed to enriching the lives of its residents; to learn more about the scholarship program or eligibility, visit Havenpark's website: https://havenparkcommunities.com/education/

Havenpark Communities is an operator and developer of manufactured home communities and makes caring communities attainable for responsible residents in Montana and across America. Since 2017, Havenpark has sourced and installed over 4,000 new factory-built homes, providing quality, affordable living to over 10,000 Americans across the country. Last year, Havenpark Communities added 870 new affordable homes across the country and has committed to adding another 800 in 2023. Havenpark believes in respectful and professional management, well-maintained communities, and attainable homeownership. Havenpark makes long-term investments in its communities, providing enduring value for current and future residents.

Contact

Jenny Werwa

werwa@invariantgr.com

SOURCE Havenpark Communities
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new lung cancer screening technology is now available at Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Orange County, empowering physicians with greater accuracy in diagnosing lung cancer earlier, when it is most treatable.

Hoag is integrating the Cios Spin imaging equipment with the 3D imaging of Hoag's Ion Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy to diagnose lung cancer earlier, more accurately and less invasively.

"We are offering patients technologies that work together to help diagnose lung cancer earlier and potentially save lives. Real-time, intra-procedural CT-like images, combined with robotic bronchoscopy, give us better diagnostic capabilities in a less invasive manner," said Javier Longoria, M.D., a fellowship-trained interventional pulmonologist at Hoag Family Cancer Institute. "We can now catch cancer earlier, with less risk to the patient."

The technology comes to Hoag thanks to a generous gift by Hoag Innovators, a group of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and community leaders who are dedicated to catalyzing innovation at Hoag.

"Our mission is to provide funds to support Hoag in acquiring advanced technologies and implementing innovative services necessary to offer world-class health care right here in Orange County," said Robert Brunswick, founder of Hoag Innovators. "By improving the accuracy of lung biopsies, we have the potential to save countless lives."

Identifying early-stage lung cancer is important in preventing metastasis and improving outcomes. Traditional approaches, however, cannot always pinpoint the exact tissue to biopsy  affecting doctors' early diagnostic capabilities.

The Cios Spin will allow surgeons to receive real-time, 3D confirmation of positioning while the robotic bronchoscope is advanced through the airway. The combination of the two technologies will make robotic assisted bronchoscopy every bit as accurate as traditional percutaneous CT guidance while maintaining the safety profile that is already inherent in the procedure.

Using the Ion robotic bronchoscope with the Cios Spin system provides greater accuracy in diagnosis of lung cancer while having a complication rate that is 10 times less than CT guided biopsies. As a result, fewer follow up procedures are necessary, coupled with the potential ability to both diagnose and treat a lesion in the same procedure, which improves both medical results and patient experience.

"Adding the Cios Spin to our diagnostic toolbox gives lung cancer patients a better chance at battling their illness and further elevates Hoag's position as the preeminent leader in Orange County for beating a lung cancer diagnosis," Dr. Longoria said.

For more information about Cios Spin, visit hoag.org/cancer or contact the Institute at 949-7-CANCER.

ABOUT HOAG

Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 16 urgent care facilities, 11 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women's health, and orthopedics through Hoag's affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and four ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

SOURCE Hoag
Led by 83North, This Round of Financing Brings Total Funding to Over $100 Million

TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ibex Medical Analytics (Ibex), the leader in AI-powered cancer diagnostics, today announced it has closed a $55 million Series C financing round led by 83North. Additional participants in the round were Sienna Venture Capital and existing investors in the company, Octopus Ventures, aMoon, Planven Entrepreneur Ventures and Dell Technologies Capital. The financing brings total funding to over $100 million since Ibex's inception in 2016.

Ibex is transforming cancer diagnostics with AI-powered solutions that help pathologists improve the quality of diagnosis and support laboratories with enhanced efficiency and better turnaround times. Cancer incidence is rising around the world while its diagnosis becomes more complex and nuanced, causing heavy workloads for pathologists and laboratories. The increasing demand is compounded by a global shortage of pathologists who still rely heavily on manual work and solely on visual analysis of biopsies. Ibex's Galen platform helps overcome these challenges with AI-powered workflows and decision support tools that pathologists use in their everyday practice.

"Ibex is leading the market in live customer deployments as we remain steadfast in our mission of providing every patient with a timely, accurate and personalized cancer diagnosis," said Joseph Mossel, Co-Founder and CEO of Ibex. "This latest financing round will enable us to take major steps toward reaching our goal. We will be using the funds to expand our footprint in the United States to meet the increasing demand for AI-powered diagnostic solutions, and to accelerate the growth of our product portfolio to create more tools for pathologists and labs as they digitally transform their practices. This financing round highlights our strong commercial momentum and our tenacity in pursuing the opportunities that lie ahead."

Ibex's Galen platform is the most widely deployed AI technology in pathology and has been deployed in laboratories and pathology departments around the world. Ibex achieved several significant milestones recently, including live deployment of Galen at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the completion of national roll out throughout Wales, and collaboration with AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo for the development of an AI-powered biomarker scoring product for breast cancer. Galen provides health systems and diagnostic laboratories with an integrated solution for cancer diagnosis and biomarker scoring, capable of detecting more the 100 different cancer and non-cancer pathologies while offering enhanced interoperability with scanning systems, image management solutions and lab information systems. Ibex was recently showcased in a KLAS Research report which provided consistently favorable feedback from global customers.

"Our continued investment in Ibex is a testament to the company's progress in recent years, bringing its unparalleled technology to laboratories, hospitals and digital pathology networks worldwide, catapulting the industry into an AI-powered era," added Gil Goren, Partner at 83North and Board Director of Ibex. "Ibex's successful deployments demonstrate its responsiveness to market and customer needs, while its product portfolio continues to grow and meet new market demands. We are eager to see Ibex forge the way with new uses of AI in cancer diagnosis, supporting providers as they work to improve patient care and outcomes."

About Ibex Medical Analytics

Ibex Medical Analytics (Ibex) is transforming cancer diagnostics with world-leading, clinical grade AI-powered solutions, empowering physicians to provide accurate, timely and personalized cancer diagnosis for every patient. Our Galen suite of solutions is the first and most widely deployed AI-technology in pathology and is used as part of everyday routine, supporting pathologists and providers worldwide in improving the quality and accuracy of diagnosis, implementing comprehensive quality control, reducing turnaround times and boosting productivity with more efficient workflows. Ibex's Artificial Intelligence technology is built on Deep Learning algorithms trained by a team of pathologists, data scientists and software engineers. For additional company information, please visit https://ibex-ai.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Galen platform includes certain solutions which are CE marked and registered with the UK MHRA. The solutions are for Research Use Only (RUO) in the United States and not cleared by the FDA. For more information, including indication for use and regulatory approval in other countries, contact Ibex Medical Analytics.

Media Contacts

Ibex Medical Analytics

Nechama Rosengarten

FINN Partners

Nechama.rosengarten@finnpartners.com

+1 929 588 2009

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1839936/Ibex_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Ibex Medical Analytics
Iceland Star Property Ltd. and funds managed by Blackrock's US Private Credit team complete equity investment and conversion of loans into equity.

New board appointed with new Chairman, Johan Dennelind.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Icelandic Glacial, the naturally alkaline, super-premium spring water from Iceland, announced today that it has received new equity funding from new and existing investors.

The new investor group, through an investment holding company based in Liechtenstein, will acquire a substantial stake in one of the world's leading bottled water companies by way of subscribing new shares and injecting substantial capital into the business. Along with the new share issuance, the existing investors, including the Icelandic founders and funds managed by Blackrock's US Private Credit team, converted and reinvested the majority of their existing debt into equity to remain as significant shareholders in the company to together strengthen and support the growth of the business with the new incoming majority shareholder.

"We are delighted to receive this support from a wide variety of investors from all over the world," commented Jon Olafsson, a co-founder and now Global Brand Ambassador of Icelandic Glacial. "Their investment in our company substantiates the progress we have made in recent years to become one of the leading premium water brands in the world."

Johan Dennelind, a seasoned director and advisor who previously served as President and CEO of Telia, joins the Board as Chairman. "I am delighted to be joining Icelandic Glacial at this exciting point in its history," said Johan, "the company has moved from start up phase to proven brand and there is now the opportunity to extend sales of that brand around the world."

Renowned for its exceptional purity, Icelandic Glacial is bottled at the source from the legendary Olfus Spring in Iceland, providing customers with the highest level quality of natural spring water. The company delivers the world's first CarbonNeutral bottled water with a net-zero carbon footprint and has a naturally occurring alkaline pH level of 8.4, providing a clean fresh taste with the perfect healthy balance for the body.

"We are thrilled to continue to support and invest in Icelandic Glacial," said Dan Worrell, Managing Director at BlackRock US Private Credit and Icelandic Glacial board member, "We look forward to continuing to work with the management team and our new partners to execute and grow Icelandic Glacial into a global water brand."

Icelandic Glacial's Group CEO, Reza Mirza said "The company has grown to be one of the leading water companies in the world with a brand synonymous with purity and quality and as a leader in environmental responsibility. We are pleased that Blackrock has continued to support the company since its initial investment in 2019 and with a strengthened balance sheet and fresh equity investment, the company is well positioned for the next chapter in the company's remarkable history."

# # #

More details on the brand can be found at www.icelandicglacial.com.

About Icelandic Glacial

Icelandic Glacial is the super-premium natural spring water, bottled at the source from Iceland's legendary Olfus Spring, which was formed more than 5,000 years ago and is shielded from pollution by an impenetrable barrier of lava rock. The spring produces water so pure that nothing is added or taken away. As a result, Icelandic Glacial possesses exceptional balance featuring a naturally low mineral content and a naturally alkaline pH of 8.4. Icelandic Glacial is further distinguished as the world's first certified CarbonNeutral natural spring bottled water for product and operation. Icelandic Glacial uses 100% natural green energy to fuel its production delivering a premium bottled water to discerning consumers around the world while maintaining a "net zero" carbon footprint.

SOURCE Icelandic Glacial
LOS ANGELES and BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- iM Global Partner (iMGP) and Polen Capital (Polen) have partnered to launch Polen's first actively managed, fully transparent exchange-traded fund (ETF) on August 30. The Polen Capital Global Growth ETF (NYSE: PCGG) responds to growing client demand and marks the initial offering in a planned suite of ETFs set to debut in 2024.

Jeff Seeley, CEO of iM Global Partner Fund Management

"This partnership combines the power of Polen's investment expertise in active management, coupled with iM Global Partner's distribution capabilities through its US ETF Platform," said Jeff Seeley, CEO of iM Global Partner Fund Management.

iMGP will be the investment advisor for the Polen Global Growth ETF, while Polen will serve as the subadvisor. The Polen Global Growth ETF will be available through iM Global Partners' US mutual fund and ETF platform, leveraging iMGP's extensive relationships and tools for broader distribution. Concurrently, iMGP has an opportunity to widen its ETF platform with four of its partners now subadvising active ETF's.

"Polen is committed to expanding our strategies into different vehicle types to meet specific client needs," said Kevin Dolsen, Head of Distribution at Polen. "Active ETFs offer a great way for clients to access a proven active manager like Polen while benefiting from the product's tax, liquidity, and transparency advantages. As we continue to grow, we will continue to take our tested high-conviction strategies and match them with structures investors demand."

Polen Capital has managed accounts using a strategy similar to the Polen Global Growth ETF since 2014. The Polen Global Growth strategy seeks to achieve long-term capital growth through a concentrated portfolio of competitively advantaged businesses with sustainable, above-average earnings growth. It focuses on companies with high returns on capital and double-digit earnings growth, holding them over the long term with little portfolio turnover. The management team of the Polen Global Growth strategy is the same for PCGG, managed by Damon Ficklin and Bryan Power.

To learn more about PCGG, please visit imgpfunds.com/pcgg.

Link to digital press release: https://www.imgp.com/uploads/mediacenter/64f08a5c7ff40_Polen%20iMGP%20ETF%20Fund%20Launch%20-%20v083023%20FINAL.pdf.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201148/Jeff.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1957526/iM_Global_Partner_Logo.jpg

For more information contact: media@imgp.com.

SOURCE iM Global Partner
New integration builds on Instacart's work to help accelerate growth for emerging brands  unlocking key sales insights and self-serve ad products for Shopify merchants

Instacart for Shopify app is a powerful discovery tool for Shopify merchants looking to understand their impact on Instacart

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, today launched a new Instacart for Shopify app, enabling emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands on Shopify to access Instacart Ads. For the first time, Shopify merchants can easily connect to Instacart Ads products, tools, insights, and automation.

The Instacart for Shopify app allows merchants to track their overall sales on Instacart, easily create an Instacart Ads Manager account, and see high-level ads performance metrics.

Instacart partners with more than 1,400 retail banners across North America, which means that without taking any action, many CPG brands on Shopify are likely already driving sales through the Instacart Marketplace. Now, for the first time ever, these Shopify merchants can use the Instacart for Shopify app to advertise their products via Instacart Ads. The new Instacart for Shopify app helps merchants better understand their businesses by providing visibility into their Instacart sales data directly in Shopify, where they're already managing the rest of their business. This visibility enables merchants to take action to grow their reach and results with Instacart consumers.

The Instacart for Shopify app allows merchants to track their overall sales on Instacart, easily create an Instacart Ads Manager account, and see high-level ads performance metrics. This integration underscores Instacart's goal to help give emerging brands the tools and insights they need to grow and connect with consumers at the point of purchase.

"With our extensive catalog across more than 80,000 retail partner stores in North America, we believe Instacart has one of the best platforms to help emerging brands grow," said Ali Miller, Vice President of Product Management at Instacart. "Combining our scale with Shopify's merchant network creates a really powerful discovery tool for brands looking to understand their impact across different channels. With the Instacart for Shopify app, brands can learn about the sales they're already driving on Instacart, and immediately take action by setting up Instacart Ads to supercharge discovery and sales."

"At Shopify, we are committed to forging partnerships that empower our merchants and keep them on the cutting edge. Wherever there is an opportunity to connect merchants and buyers together, Shopify is there first," said Antonio Silva, Director of Partnerships at Shopify. "By offering access to efficient and effective advertising solutions through Instacart's integration with Shopify, our merchants gain valuable insights about sales data, advertising opportunities and performance across Instacart's marketplace directly within their Shopify dashboard."

Once a merchant installs the Instacart app within Shopify, they can set up a free Instacart Ads Manager account, saving time on standard onboarding with capabilities like automatic product identification. Instacart sales data and advertising campaign metrics are then shown directly in the Instacart for Shopify app, so merchants can measure their brand's performance across multiple channels, all in one place. And within Ads Manager, they can leverage best-in-class digital marketing tools to grow their brand, including proven ad formats like Instacart's sponsored product ads, which give CPG brands premium digital shelf space across the Instacart Marketplace.

Today's announcement builds on Instacart's commitment to help emerging brands drive omnichannel growth. Last year, Instacart streamlined Ads Manager's design so that brands can simply choose an objective to get tailored, optimized recommendations for the ad formats, certain targeting, and bidding options to reach their business goals. The company also recently expanded measurement capabilities, including sales lift testing and A/B testing to help brands understand the true impact of their Instacart Ads campaigns. On average, Instacart's brand partners see more than a 15% incremental sales lift  and in some cases twice that.1

To download the Instacart for Shopify app, head to the Shopify App Store .

About Instacart

Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. The company partners with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from more than 80,000 stores across North America on the Instacart Marketplace. Instacart makes it possible for millions of people to get the groceries they need from the retailers they love, and for approximately 600,000 Instacart shoppers to earn by picking, packing and delivering orders on their own flexible schedule. The Instacart Platform offers retailers a suite of enterprise-grade technology products and services to power their e-commerce experiences, fulfill orders, digitize brick-and-mortar stores, provide advertising services, and glean insights. With Instacart Ads, thousands of CPG brands  from category leaders to emerging brands  partner with the company to connect directly with consumers online, right at the point of purchase. With Instacart Health, the company is providing tools to increase nutrition security, make healthy choices easier for consumers, and expand the role that food can play in improving health outcomes. For more information, visit www.instacart.com/company , and to start shopping, visit www.instacart.com .

1 Based on internal tests run across all brand partners using our Sponsored Product ads offering in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 and individual tests run for select brands or types of brands. There can be no assurance that the outcomes for these tests can be maintained or replicated due to a variety of factors, some of which may not be within Instacart's control or cannot be anticipated.

SOURCE Instacart
NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The instrumentation services market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% from 2022 to 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 1.5693 billion, according to Technavio. The rising number of industrial Internet of Things applications is a key factor driving market growth. The growth of the market for IIoT in process manufacturing industries is due to advances in cloud computing and Big Data Analytics, increasing complexity of machines, as well as innovation in sensor technologies like Wireless or Smart Sensors. In most advanced manufacturing sectors, cloud computing and the Internet of Things are also used. The complicated process of production is simplified by these technologies. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. - Request a sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Instrumentation Services Market 2023-2027

Instrumentation Services Market  Company Analysis

Company Landscape - The instrumentation services market is fragmented, with the presence of several global as well as regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer instrumentation services in the market are ABB Ltd., Agilent Technologies Inc., Alco Valves Group, Branom Instrument Co., Charnwood Instrumentation Services Ltd., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH, Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Marsh Instrumentation Ltd., Miraj Instrumentation Services I Pvt. Ltd., Parker Hannifin Corp., Rockwell Automation Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Swagelok Co., Trescal International SAS, Utilities Instrumentation Service Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corp., and Endress Hauser Group Services AG and others.

Buy the report!

Company Offerings -

ABB Ltd. - The company offers instrumentation services such as instrumentation and control system services for industrial automation and process industries.

The company offers instrumentation services such as instrumentation and control system services for industrial automation and process industries. Agilent Technologies Inc. - The company offers instrumentation services such as calibration and measurement services for scientific instruments and equipment.

The company offers instrumentation services such as calibration and measurement services for scientific instruments and equipment. Emerson Electric Co. - The company offers instrumentation services such as instrumentation and control system services for a wide range of industries, including process automation and analytical measurement.

The company offers instrumentation services such as instrumentation and control system services for a wide range of industries, including process automation and analytical measurement. For details on the company and its offerings  Request a sample report

Instrumentation Services Market - Segmentation Assessment

Segment Overview

Technavio has segmented the market based on service (calibration, maintenance and repair, and commissioning and testing), end-user (process Industries and discrete industries), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

The calibration segment will account for a major share of the market's growth during the forecast period. To ensure that the measured value of process parameters or operating conditions is in line with actual values, calibration shall be performed on industrial instruments such as sensors, gauges, actuators, valves, and dampers. A large degree of compliance with product specifications defined by concerned authorities is followed by several industries. In addition, the use of large measurement systems and control devices is set to increase in the future, driven by factors like more acceptance of industrial control systems as well as capacity increases for key end-user industries. Hence, these factors are expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

Geography Overview

By geography, the instrumentation services market is segmented into North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the global instrumentation services market.

North America is estimated to contribute 31% to the growth by 2027. In North America, the capacity to produce natural gas has grown significantly. The supply side and demand side factors are the drivers of growth in production. The growth in demand is due to several factors including an increase in gas demand from the petrochemical and power generation industries in the region, Canada as well as Mexico . The US, on the other hand, is a global leader in biofuel production. For controlling a number of process parameters, fuel production facilities rely on large numbers of industry instruments. Hence, these factors are expected to drive market growth in the region during the forecast period.

For insights on global, regional, and country-level parameters with growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027 - Download a Sample Report

Instrumentation Services Market  Market Dynamics

Significant Challenge

Increasing standardization of instruments and communication protocols is a significant challenge restricting market growth. Continuous efforts to increase productivity, which require the upgrading of existing equipment or control systems with a solution that is already available as best in class, are being made by process and discrete manufacturing industries. In addition, several suppliers, including ABB and Siemens, have for some time been advocating the use of Open Standards in Process Automation. Hence, the rising demand for open standards will be a major challenge that will restrict the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Drivers, Trends, and challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report!

What are the key data covered in this Instrumentation Services Market report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the instrumentation services market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the instrumentation services market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the instrumentation services market across North America , APAC, Europe , Middle East and Africa , and South America

, APAC, , and , and A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of the instrumentation services market companies

Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Related Reports

The industrial automation services market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.66% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 74.36 billion.

The strategy consulting market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.63% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 70.08 billion.

Instrumentation Services Market Scope Report Coverage Details Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.06% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1569.3 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.59 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 31% Key countries US, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Spain, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea Competitive landscape Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., Agilent Technologies Inc., Alco Valves Group, Branom Instrument Co., Charnwood Instrumentation Services Ltd., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc., KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH, Larsen and Toubro Ltd., Marsh Instrumentation Ltd., Miraj Instrumentation Services I Pvt. Ltd., Parker Hannifin Corp., Rockwell Automation Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Swagelok Co., Trescal International SAS, Utilities Instrumentation Service Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corp., and Endress Hauser Group Services AG 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 you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get customized segments.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by End User

7 Market Segmentation by Service

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Company Landscape

12 Company Analysis

13 Appendix

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
BALTIMORE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Internet Testing Systems (ITS), a technology leader in the online assessment industry, proudly announces the expansion and reinforcement of its long-term partnership with the prestigious American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). Building upon over a decade of success delivering the General In-Training Examination (ITE), ABP has selected ITS to launch their Subspecialty In-Training Examination (SITE) online in early 2024.

Driven by the remarkable success of an Internet-Based Testing (IBT) pilot for the 2023 SITE, ABP's strategic decision to transition to online administration underscores the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants. ABP is confident that this change to internet-based testing will benefit training and fellowship programs across 15 pediatric subspecialty domains. Starting in 2024, ABP will introduce the SITE as an online examination, granting fellows the flexibility to complete the exam at their respective institutions under the guidance of their program directors, coordinators, and faculty members.

Internet Testing Systems announces the expansion of its long-term partnership with the American Board of Pediatrics. Post this

"We are beyond excited to expand our partnership with the American Board of Pediatrics to include the delivery of their Subspeciality In-Training Examinations," says Brodie Wise, EVP of Business Development and Marketing at ITS. "This partnership further solidifies our dedication to empowering organizations to conduct online exams and assessments seamlessly. We are honored to contribute to ABP's certification vision and mission through our innovative technology and solutions."

"Our mission is to certify pediatric physicians who meet standards of excellence and actively improve child health," said Suzanne K. Woods, MD, Executive Vice President for Credentialing and Initial Certification at the ABP.

"Transitioning to online administration with ITS allows us to provide our fellows with a more flexible and consistent examination experience, right at their institutions," she added. "This change isn't just about technology; it's about advancing health for all kids and ensuring that pediatric fellows are equipped to deliver a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, and young adults."

This partnership extension marks an exciting new chapter for ITS and ABP, reinforcing their mutual dedication to an enhanced and convenient examination experience.

For more information, contact:

Brodie Wise, EVP of Business Development and Marketing

(443) 573-8383

[email protected]

SOURCE Internet Testing Systems
ZHUMADIAN, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 6, the 25th China Agricultural Products Processing Industry Investment and Trade Fair was held in Zhumadian City in central China's Henan Province.

The event is hosted by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the People's Government of Henan Province, and is organized by the ministry and province's related departments and the local government of Zhumadian.

Investment & trade fair on agri-products processing was held in the city of Zhumadian, Henan, China. (PRNewsfoto/25th China Agricultural Products Processing Industry Investment and Trade Fair)

Seeking to explore the potential of local agricultural specialties and promote the high-quality development of the agricultural products processing industry, the fair will arrange activities such as expo tour, opening ceremony, exhibition and business match-making.

High-quality agricultural products from all over the country and even the world are on display, and domestic advanced agricultural processing technology, machinery and equipment are also showcased in the fair.

Zhumadian, located in central Henan, is an important grain and oil production base in China, with fame like "the granary of the Central Plains", "the oil reserve of central China" and "the Sesame Kingdom". It has the largest oil production in China and the top vegetable and animal husbandry output in Henan.

The city's annual grain output exceeds 8 billion kilograms, of which wheat output accounts for 1/26 of the country's total. Zhengyang, Pingyu and Biyang in Zhumadian are respectively the largest counties in the production of peanuts, sesame and shiitake mushrooms in China.

Thanks to its rich agricultural products resources, Zhumadian has a rapidly developing agricultural products processing industry, with related enterprises' total output value topping 220 billion yuan in 2022.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442072

Caption: Investment & trade fair on agri-products processing was held in the city of Zhumadian, Henan, China.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203011/Fair.jpg

SOURCE 25th China Agricultural Products Processing Industry Investment and Trade Fair
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Labor and Social Protection held a meeting with a delegation of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan, headed by Vice Chairman Jamshid Abruyev, the ministry told Trend.

The delegation is on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the international conference "DOST 2023: A Unified Platform for Flexible, Innovative, and Sustainable Services..

At the meeting, Labor and Social Protection Minister Sahil Babayev noted the friendly and fraternal ties historically formed between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. He emphasized that with the joint efforts of the two states' leaders, these relations have reached a strategic level.

A secondary school No. 1 named after Mirza Ulugbek was built in the liberated Fuzuli district on the initiative of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the expense of Uzbekistan's budget. The opening of this school, which took place on August 23 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and his wife Ziroatxon Mirziyoyeva, is another manifestation of solidarity, friendship, and brotherly relations between the two countries," Babayev said.

The development of cooperation in the field of labor and social protection between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was emphasized, as were mutual visits and signed documents on cooperation in expanding ties. The importance of expanding the legal framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan was noted.

Also, information was provided on the reforms carried out in recent years in the fields of labor and employment, social protection in Azerbaijan, the concept of DOST centers, and electronization in the social sphere.

"We are always ready for active cooperation in this direction with Uzbekistan, which is interested in studying and applying our country's experience in introducing innovative solutions in the social sphere," the minister added.

Jamshid Abruyev emphasized the importance of constant expansion of ties between the two countries and consistent exchange of experience in the process of social reforms.

During the meeting with the Uzbek delegation, the issues of social protection and social services, as well as the introduction of innovative solutions, electronic technologies, etc. in these spheres, were discussed, and opinions on further cooperation were exchanged.
US-based company sees UK market as critical to adoption of IV safety standards on heels of recent NHS Resolution and Clinical Study

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ivWatch, LLC , the IV safety company, today announced further expansion of its technology offerings in the United Kingdom market via a multi-year, exclusive partnership agreement with one of Europe's leading medical device distributors, Healthcare 21 Group (HC21). The UK company will sell, distribute and serve on the frontlines supporting ivWatch clinical evaluations and implementations in the UK and Ireland. ivWatch's patient monitoring technology helps protect patients from unpredictable IV complications with early IV infiltration and extravasation detection.

ivWatch patient monitoring system for IV infiltrations and extravasations.

The Healthcare 21 sales and clinical teams are technically savvy and are also experts who are deeply rooted in the infusion therapy space. The two companies will join forces to build on the region's momentum positively impacting clinician practice and improving patient outcomes.

"As we embark on this next pivotal chapter, we continue to team up with leading hospitals and partners that share our same values and are on a mission to improve IV safety. The UK in particular is a sophisticated market that has recognized and magnified the lurking dangers of IV extravasation and is willing to take a stand to help advance clinical practice," said ivWatch President and CEO Gary Warren. "Healthcare 21 has an impressive legacy as a leading, well-respected force in the infusion therapy space and only partners with the highest quality manufacturers, making them a uniquely qualified and well-suited partner for ivWatch."

"HC21 is honored to be the exclusive distributor of ivWatch's patented technology in the UK and Ireland, which is going to disrupt the way things have always been done in IV therapy, exponentially improving patient safety in the process," said Nathan Pettitt, CEO of HC21 Group. "At the same time, the medical community in the UK is increasingly committed to excellence in this arena and to a new set of standards around the prevention of severe infiltration and extravasation, so we expect to see the adoption of ivWatch's products to be speedy and robust in this market."

ivWatch is also the subject of the first clinical study currently underway at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; the full results of which are expected to be announced in the coming months. Early clinical results are promising with strong device performance in both sensitivity and specificity. The lead initiator and investigator of the study, Andrew Barton, nurse consultant in vascular access and IV therapy, noted: "In less than two weeks, ivWatch technology has successfully prevented at least 15 potentially serious vesicant extravasation injuries that would have occurred had we not used it, ensuring patient safety while at the same time saving thousands of pounds of NHS money in potentially wasted IV therapy, extended treatment time for extravasation injuries and other related costs which can sometimes include litigation."

"Since extravasation became the subject of a November 2022 advisory from the NHS Resolution  which aims to change the negative outcomes associated with IV extravasations  the UK is on its way to becoming the global leader in preventing IV injury, which is essentially a silent worldwide epidemic that can inflict harm on patients including scarring, nerve damage, amputation, and even death," said Helen Stephens, ivWatch's International Vice President of Sales and a tenured 30-year career nurse. NHS Resolution reported that from 2011 until 2021, it received 467 claims relating to extravasation injuries, 214 of these claims settled with damages, 112 without damages, leaving 141 to be reviewed. These injuries have cost the NHS  16 million so far.

Underscoring its increased presence there, ivWatch will also attend and present at two preeminent conferences in the UK this fall:

IV Summit 23 from IVTEAM , Nottingham Trent University City Campus, October 3, 2023

The Use of Spectroscopy for Detection of Extravasations of Lipid-based Infusates

ivWatch President and CEO Gary Warren will highlight the scientific method and discuss the use of spectroscopy for detection of extravasations of lipid-based infusates. Showing the real-life implications and research on how this groundbreaking technology can change the way we monitor intravenous infusions.

IV Therapy Summit 2023 , Hallam Conference Centre, London/Virtual, October 6, 2023

Ending the Culture of Silence of IV Safety: A Cautionary Tale

This moderated discussion led by Gary Warren, ivWatch President and CEO, will allow attendees to hear a firsthand experience of a hospital going from having no IV monitoring technology to studying the outcomes of incorporating some continuous IV monitors vs implementing 1:1 ratio for every patient and how their IV injury outcomes changed drastically. The session will explore why continuous monitoring for IV extravasations should be mandatory. The panelists will also examine how the hidden risks of IV therapy have created a dangerous epidemic that is playing out in silence.

To learn more about the ivWatch patient monitoring system, visit https://www.ivwatch.com/tech-overview/ .

About ivWatch, LLC

ivWatch, LLC is a biosensor technology company focused on improving patient safety and the effectiveness of intravenous therapy. Our dedicated and passionate team is pioneering the use of optical sensors to detect adverse IV events early to minimize the risk of injury caused by infiltrations and extravasations. By using this technology, clinicians can leverage continuous monitoring to help identify infiltrations as early as possible. Our innovative IV monitoring solutions are backed by decades of clinical research and device development. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @ivWatch, Facebook @ivWatchLLC, Instagram @ivWatchLLC and LinkedIn @ivWatch-LLC, or visit www.ivWatch.com.

About Healthcare 21 Group

Healthcare 21 are a trusted provider of medical device sales, marketing, and service solutions across a broad range of market segments in the UK and Ireland. The Group conducts business in 15 therapeutic segments, including products for infusion care, emergency care, primary healthcare, diagnostics, and surgery as well as technical services. The Healthcare 21 Group has reported revenues in excess of 180M and employs over 500 people in the UK and Ireland. In 2021, Healthcare 21 was acquired by the AddLife AB Group. AddLife is a publicly listed Swedish Medtech company active on the European market. Headquartered in Stockholm, AddLife has a presence in over 29 countries, in niche segments in the life sciences sector, from research to healthcare. In line with the AddLife decentralised business model, Healthcare 21 operates independently. To learn more, follow HC21 on LinkedIn @Healthcare21; Twitter @21Healthcare or visit www.hc21.eu.

SOURCE ivWatch, LLC
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The jerrycans market size is expected to grow by USD 502.97 million from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will be progressing at a CAGR of 4.45% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. An increase in demand for jerrycans from end-user industries is notably driving the jerrycans market. However, factors such as volatility in raw material prices may impede market growth. The market is segmented by capacity (below 10 liters, 10-25 liters, and above 25 liters), material (plastic and steel), and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request FREE Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Jerrycans Market 2023-2027

Growing demand for jerrycans in lubricant packaging is notably driving the market growth. Packaging solutions like drums, IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers), bottles, and jerrycans play a vital role in packaging automotive, industrial, marine, and aviation lubricants. Among these options, jerrycans offer a reliable and leak-free choice for storing and transporting lubricants. Their robust design ensures effective containment of lubricants, minimizing the risk of spills and leaks during handling and transit. Additionally, since lubricants can be corrosive and potentially damaging to certain materials, jerrycans are typically crafted from durable materials like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or metal. This choice of materials provides resistance against corrosion and safeguards against harm caused by lubricants, ensuring the preservation of product quality. Given these attributes, the demand for jerrycans as a packaging solution for lubricants remains robust, making them a preferred choice for manufacturers in the lubricant industry. As a result, the global jerrycans market is anticipated to witness growth throughout the forecast period.

Jerrycans Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the jerrycans market including AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH, Barrier Plastics Inc., Berlin Packaging LLC, Berry Global Inc., BWAY Corp., Can One Berhad, DENIOS Ltd., Ganesh Corp., Ghansham Ice Box Manufacturers, Glow Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Greif Inc., Mitsuchem Plast Ltd., Myers Industries Inc., P. Wilkinson Containers Ltd., SCHUTZ GmbH and Co. KGaA, Techno Packaging Industries, Unique Enterprises, Yates Steels Ltd., Interplastica Pvt. Ltd., and PAREKHPLAST India LTD.

AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH - The company offers jerrycans such as the AdBlue series. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information.

Jerrycans Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Material

The below 10-litre segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Jerrycans, with a capacity below 10 liters offer a practical balance between retaining a significant volume of liquid and ensuring portability, making them a popular choice among individuals and small businesses. This capacity range is particularly favored by retailers who can sell liquids in smaller quantities, driving up the demand for these jerrycans as consumers show a preference for more manageable sizes for household use. The smaller-sized jerrycans cater to individual consumers requiring liquids in limited quantities for activities such as camping, hiking, picnics, and other outdoor pursuits. With the growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, the adoption of smaller jerrycans is also a means to reduce waste and minimize the impact of single-use plastics. As a result, the market for jerrycans with capacities below 10 liters is poised to witness growth during the forecast period.

Geography

APAC is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View FREE PDF Sample Report

Challenge

Volatility in raw material prices is a challenge that restricts the growth of the market. The price fluctuations of raw materials have a significant and proportional impact on the production costs of jerrycans. This introduces uncertainty for sellers, as their profit margins become less predictable. To mitigate such risks, many sellers opt for long-term contracts with raw material suppliers, which can also limit their negotiating power. The primary raw material for jerrycan production, steel, is extracted from iron ore, meaning that fluctuations in iron ore prices directly affect steel costs. Additionally, steel prices are influenced by factors like supply and demand dynamics and governmental policies. Moreover, the imposition of a 25% tariff on steel imports to the US, aimed at curbing the influx of inexpensive steel from China, has led to increased steel prices within the US. The volatility in crude oil prices also impacts the cost of polymer resins. Given that polymer resins are commonly used in the production of hard plastic jerrycans, fluctuating crude oil prices introduce uncertainty into suppliers' revenue projections. These factors collectively pose challenges for market players, which in turn can hinder the growth of the jerrycans market during the forecast period.

Jerrycans Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist jerrycans market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the composite rebar market size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour

The growth of the jerrycans market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of jerrycans market companies

Related Reports:

The metal cans market share is expected to increase to USD 7.59 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 2.64%.

The aluminium cans market share is expected to increase by USD 8.85 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 4.84%.

Jerrycans Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.45% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 502.97 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.25 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 42% Key countries US, China, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled AST Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH, Barrier Plastics Inc., Berlin Packaging LLC, Berry Global Inc., BWAY Corp., Can One Berhad, DENIOS Ltd., Ganesh Corp., Ghansham Ice Box Manufacturers, Glow Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Greif Inc., Mitsuchem Plast Ltd., Myers Industries Inc., P. Wilkinson Containers Ltd., SCHUTZ GmbH and Co. KGaA, Techno Packaging Industries, Unique Enterprises, Yates Steels Ltd., Interplastica Pvt. Ltd., and PAREKHPLAST India LTD. 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.

ToC:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Material

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

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.

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
TOKYO, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Josys, a leading SaaS and Device Management Platform, today announced a successful Series B funding round of $93 million, bringing its total funding to $125 million. Global Brain and Globis Capital Partners led the round. Since its Series A raise of $32 million last September, the company has witnessed a tenfold increase in revenue and now serves over 300 businesses.

Addressing the New World Challenges of IT Operations

Founded in 2021 in Japan, Josys is at the forefront of addressing the complexities in IT operations that have arisen in the wake of COVID-19. As businesses have shifted to remote work and adopted numerous SaaS solutions, the challenge of maintaining a "single source of truth" for IT operations has become daunting. Many enterprises have encountered growing cybersecurity risks and costly shadow IT issues stemming from the decentralized and unregulated adoption of technology. Additionally, as new remote employees are hired, IT teams are struggling with the timely acquisition and delivery of required work devices and often lose visibility of these devices throughout the employee lifecycle, exposing businesses to substantial replacement costs and potential security vulnerabilities.

Josys offers a holistic solution to these challenges, providing an integrated SaaS and Device Management platform that allows companies to automate and optimize the management of their software applications and devices. Additionally, Josys offers IT outsourcing services for IT device lifecycle management, that covers purchasing, configuration, shipping, repairing, and storage of laptops and mobile devices.

"Organizations across the globe are struggling to modernize their operations and catch-up with the technological and human shifts that have transformed how and where work gets done," said Yasukane Matsumoto, CEO, Josys. "At Josys, our vision for 'Better Systems, Better World' drives us to reimagine the traditional IT operations playbook for the hybrid work era and deliver a next-generation LifecycleOps platform to help companies of all sizes establish efficient and secure practices for managing their applications and devices."

Accelerating Global Expansion

As of September 5, 2023, Josys expanded its operations to North America and APAC regions. This expansion will allow Josys to begin offering its SaaS and Device Management platform to customers in these countries as well as providing IT outsourcing services for device lifecycle management, which will be particularly valuable for multinational organizations with global employees in these locations. By offering local sourcing and device support, Josys can dramatically reduce IT onboarding time for overseas employees from several weeks to just a few days. Josys aims to provide its IT outsourcing services in over 100 countries by the end of 2025.

Beyond geographic expansion, the Series B funding will also enable Josys to accelerate headcount growth within their product and engineering teams. The leadership team plans to double headcount in the coming months. Additionally, Josys will be expanding its routes-to-market, with a distinct focus on building out its managed service provider (MSP) network for increased territory coverage and expedited service delivery.

About Josys

A multinational startup established in 2021, Josys operates with a mission of "Redefining IT operations for new-age businesses, globally." With over 100 employees across the US, India, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, Josys is dedicated to building the operational systems supporting the evolving nature of global businesses post-COVID.

SOURCE Josys Inc.
Acquisition expands urology portfolio and demonstrates Laborie's commitment to providing proven, innovative solutions to physicians and patients globally

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Laborie Medical Technologies, Inc. (Laborie), a leading diagnostic and therapeutic medical technology company, signed a definitive agreement today to acquire Urotronic, Inc. (Urotronic), a Minnesota-based medical device company pioneering the application of its Optilume drug-coated balloon technology for use in interventional urology including treating urethral strictures and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Under the terms of the agreement, the transaction consists of an upfront cash payment of $255 million, and up to an additional $345 million in potential commercial and reimbursement milestone payments. Net of Laborie's existing minority investment in Urotronic, the net upfront cash payment will be $232 million with net potential milestone payments of up to $314 million.

There has never been a minimally invasive, combination drug-device therapy like Optilume before Post this

In conjunction with the Urotronic acquisition, Laborie will also make a $5 million strategic equity investment into GIE Medical, a clinical stage company spun out of Urotronic which is developing drug-coated balloon technology for treatment of strictures within the gastrointestinal tract which could, like Optilume urethral strictures, offer a highly differentiated and innovative solution for treatment of these conditions.

"There has never been a minimally invasive, combination drug-device therapy like Optilume before, leading to a highly disruptive, paradigm change for physicians treating urethral strictures and BPH," said Mike Frazzette, President, and CEO of Laborie. "With this acquisition, we will continue to advance innovative technologies by meeting multiple unmet medical needs and in doing so provide solutions that preserve and restore human dignity."

The Optilume paclitaxel-coated balloon technology was developed in response to patient and physician dissatisfaction with current solutions for urethral strictures and BPH. This innovative, proprietary technology represents a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions and provides a minimally invasive treatment option for millions of patients suffering from these conditions globally.

"We are excited to announce this agreement with Laborie, and this acquisition will benefit men suffering from urethral strictures and BPH globally," said David Perry, President and CEO of Urotronic. "Backed by positive clinical data, the Optilume BPH therapy is truly groundbreaking as the only MIST option that doesn't require cutting, burning, steaming or a permanent implant. As global leaders in urology, Laborie will help drive the Optilume BPH technology forward."

"Patricia Industries is committed to supporting the Laborie and Urotronic teams in their mission to bring Optilume BPH to urologists worldwide and help them improve their patients' clinical outcomes. This transaction further enhances Laborie's long-term growth by adding an innovative product with strong growth potential into its product portfolio, and aligns with our organization's purpose of creating value for people and society by building strong and sustainable businesses," said Yuriy Prilutskiy, Head of Patricia Industries North America, a part of investor AB and owner of Laborie Medical Technologies.

Advisors

Piper Sandler acted as exclusive financial advisor and Koley Jessen acted as legal advisor to Urotronic. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Cooley LLP acted as legal advisors to Laborie.

About Laborie Medical Technologies

Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Laborie is a global medical technology company focused on Urology, Urogynecology, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatal Health. We manufacture and deliver high-quality, high-impact diagnostic and therapeutic products that help clinicians and hospitals preserve and restore patient dignity. Clinicians and hospitals look to us as the market-leading experts in our business segments, and we support our products with a world-class clinical education and information program. Laborie is a portfolio company of Patricia Industries. For more information visit www.laborie.com.

About Urotronic, Inc.

Urotronic, Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, is a medical device company currently conducting clinical trials to support global commercialization of their products. The Optilume drug-coated balloon technology provides a minimally invasive treatment option for men suffering from urinary tract conditions like urethral strictures and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The drug-coated balloon technology creates a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions. For more information on Urotronic and our products, please visit www.urotronic.com.

About Patricia Industries

Patricia Industries is a long-term owner that invests in companies and works to develop each company to its full potential. Patricia Industries is a part of the industrial holding company Investor AB, whose main owner is the Wallenberg Foundations.

SOURCE Laborie Medical Technologies
Major automotive manufacturers recognize influence of California market, making 2023 LA Auto Show the leading automotive event on this year's calendar

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show is thrilled to confirm that 2023 will be its strongest event since the automotive industry's resurgence from the COVID pandemic. With more manufacturers occupying larger booth spaces and a broader selection of vehicles available for ride & drive experiences than ever before, show visitors can expect an elevated and dynamic day out when the show opens from November 17-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. And the media will have exclusive access to a full schedule of model debuts, press conferences and discussion panels on November 16 during AutoMobility LA, the annual media and industry preview day.

Los Angeles Auto Show confirms participation from an extensive list of domestic and international automotive brands, featuring static exhibits alongside a comprehensive array of test tracks with test rides and drives in the latest electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles.

"We were exhilarated to receive confirmation of attendance from most of the auto makers very early this year," said LA Auto Show President, Terri Toennies. "Their enthusiastic involvement reaffirms the pivotal role of the California market in the automotive world, as well as the manufacturers' confidence in our ability to serve as a crucial touchpoint to connect with both existing and prospective customers."

Appealing to fans of American iron and international design alike, the show boasts a diverse range of brands eager to engage and connect with active vehicle shoppers, automotive enthusiasts and families throughout Southern California. Participating across the exhibits, activations, and ride & drive opportunities with the latest electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles, this year's lineup features a stellar roster of brands including: Acura, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lucid, Mazda, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

As a result of this overwhelming industry support for the 2023 show, a number of driving tracks have been moved outside to the new Electric Avenue Test Track. While several indoor tracks and driving experiences will remain, this combination will allow an unprecedented number of visitors to partake in the ride & drive programs throughout the 10-day event.

The popularity of the show, coupled with the extensive lineup of participating brands and driving tracks solidifies California's status as not only the largest US automotive market but also a global leader in electric vehicle adoption. As pioneers in the EV ownership process, Californians are helping to establish vehicle and charging technology, procedures and habits that will be adopted by drivers around the world as electric vehicles continue to permeate the global market.

During AutoMobility LA, media, industry, and show attendees will be able to select from an extraordinary variety of ride & drives and witness a number of global and national vehicle debuts, allowing guests to see the newest models. Notably, this extends beyond major manufacturers to include emerging brands and startups, such as the new Verge two-wheeler and the all-electric, hassle-free Pebble RV among the many exciting reveals. Further details of the planned debuts will be shared in due course.

"We will announce more details about auto maker debuts, individual activations and test drives soon, as well as some very special new exhibits," added Toennies. "Time and again, LA Auto Show has consistently offered an unmatched opportunity to experience and compare a wide variety of brands in a single location, which is what active shoppers love most about our show.

Future announcements will highlight the expanded lifestyle elements and unprecedented celebrity involvement, making the 2023 LA Auto Show an entertaining spectacle you won't want to miss.

TICKETS

The 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show will be cashless. All tickets can be purchased online at laautoshow.com/tickets with a credit card or bank card.

Multiple ticketing programs provide a variety of options for families and individuals. The most popular option allows guests to choose the day they come with ticket prices for children, seniors and adults ranging from $8-23 plus applicable service fees. Special VIP programs offer advance entry on weekends and range from $12-45 for Weekend Early Entry, and $45-100 for VIP Guided Tours held on weekends and select weekdays, led by an automotive expert.

Additionally, special promotions will be available for a limited time including Opening Day, Military Monday, First Responder Tuesday, and Thanksgiving Four Packs with individual tickets ranging from $6-18 plus applicable service fees.

For additional show information and full pricing details, please visit laautoshow.com.

MEDIA REGISTRATION

Registration is open for Media and Industry professionals wishing to attend the Automobility LA preview day on Thursday November 16. Registration is complimentary for accredited and approved media. Industry attendees will be offered an "early bird" registration fee of $75 through October 15. After that date, the full registration fee of $150 will apply to all approved industry registrants. Registration is accessible at laautoshow.com/media-and-industry-day

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW (LA AUTO SHOW)

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is widely recognized as one of the most influential shows globally. Reflective of its location, the show celebrates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and offers a global platform to industry technology and innovation, synonymous with California.

The show runs for 10 full days over the Thanksgiving period and is a must-attend destination for many industry influencers, car enthusiasts and families wanting to enjoy a day out over the holiday season. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the local economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the LA Convention Center.

Taking place on November 16, AutoMobility LA media and industry day will include a range of groundbreaking industry announcements and reveals. Doors open to the public November 17-26. LA Auto Show is owned and operated by ANSA Productions. To receive the latest show news and information, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com.

For media inquiries, please email [email protected]

SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show
Mach7 reaches a momentous landmark, to provide its Vendor Neutral Archive, eUnity Diagnostic Viewer and Professional Services to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as part of the VHA's National Teleradiology Program (NTP)

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mach7 Technologies, a company specializing in innovative medical imaging and data management solutions for healthcare organizations, is pleased to announce its participation in the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) National Teleradiology Program (NTP). As part of this multi-phased contract, Mach7 will provide its well-established Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) and industry leading eUnity Enterprise Diagnostic Viewer to help form the core workflow of the NTP NextGen Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) architecture.

The VHA NTP is the Veterans Affairs' in-house teleradiology service which has been providing 24/7 service to VHA facilities for over a decade. It currently supports 125 unique sites across all 18 Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs). As defined by the VHA requirements, the NTP seeks a best of breed, next generation PACS ("NextGen PACS") that is designed, deployed, and optimized for its teleradiology workflow and reading environment. The award also provides the option for future VISNs to join the NextGen PACS.

The VHA offer was awarded to Frontier Acquisitions, LLC, which is a prime vendor based out of San Antonio, Texas. Frontier selected Nuance to provide Voice Recognition and Diagnostic Radiology Workflow, Mach7 Technologies as the Diagnostic Viewer and Vendor Neutral Archive, Blackford (blackfordanalysis.com) to incorporate Adaptive Intelligence (AI) Technology and Microsoft Corporation to provide it's Azure Cloud Computing Platform.

As a technology provider to the NTP, Mach7 believes its strengths in interoperability, cloud computing enablement and seamless AI application integration play a key role in contributing to an interconnected healthcare information landscape. With the national teleradiology program being hosted in the cloud, this stands as a practical testament to its contribution to improved medical information accessibility. By utilizing cloud technology, Mach7 sees an opportunity to help bridge the gap between patients and radiologists, enabling swift and accurate diagnoses regardless of physical location. This aspect also allows for flexibility and additional scalability for future implementations.

Mach7 shall meet the NTP's AI specifications via a partnership with Blackford. Blackford are pioneers in the radiology AI space, with over a decade of experience working in partnership with ground-breaking technology vendors. The Blackford platform provides access to over 100 best-of-breed AI applications, enabling tailored best-fit AI solutions to leading healthcare institutions across the US and around the world.

"Blackford is committed to delivering AI solutions that broaden clinical and operational AI usage and drive additional value for healthcare providers and their patients," said Blackford CEO Ben Panter. "We're delighted to partner with Frontier, Mach7 and the other solution providers to provide our tried-and-tested AI platform and solution expertise to the VHA NTP and the American Veterans they support."

NTP's NextGen PACS program will incorporate two major phases into the overall project: 1) full NTP PACS deployment and implementation, and 2) expansion of the NTP PACS to Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs).

Within the framework of this implementation, Mach7 brings to the forefront core market differentiators and value around the adoption of advanced imaging technologies that provide unique independence and long-term sustainability. The VHA NTP award, through Frontier, is a tremendous opportunity for Mach7 to deliver and showcase its unique Enterprise Imaging Solution with strong interoperability to the VHA's existing and newly deployed imaging systems. This distinctive enterprise-driven architecture will grant the VHA the ability to leverage its existing medical systems while not being tied to a single vendor's proprietary ecosystem.

Mach7's Chief Executive Officer, Mike Lampron, said, "As a veteran myself, I am extremely proud that Mach7 has been given the honor to do its part in supporting our veterans. Beyond the incredible privilege of serving this very special part of our community, this opportunity will allow us to significantly expand our footprint into the US public health sector. I look forward to working with Frontier and other solution providers to build a market leading, next-generation PACS that will assist the VHA in meeting its core mission of honoring America's Veterans by providing exceptional healthcare that improves their health and well-being."

About Mach7 Technologies

Mach7 Technologies (ASX:M7T) is a medical imaging technology provider that develops innovative data management and image viewing solutions for healthcare organizations. Its core offering is the Mach7 Enterprise Imaging Solution (EIS), a next-generation platform built for the future of healthcare, comprised of a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA), eUnity Enterprise Diagnostic Viewer, and Diagnostic Workflow Applications. Designed to maximize flexibility and scalability, Mach7 gives customers the independence to deploy a full enterprise solution or individual components. Mach7 serves a global network of customers, ranging from expansive IDNs and National Health Systems to small, independent provider groups and private radiology practices. Visit Mach7t.com for more information.

CONTACT:

Bob Tranchida

VP of Marketing, Mach7 Technologies

802-861-7745

[email protected]

SOURCE Mach7 Technologies
Master Franchisees Open 11th Location in Canada as the Sibling Duo Continues to Expand Throughout Canada

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Heights , a leading massage and wellness franchise, announces further expansion into the Canadian market with the opening of its 11th retreat in the country. The retreat is located at 70 Shawville Blvd SE, Unit 248 in Calgary, and officially opened their doors on Friday, September 1. Massage Heights Alberta will provide an elevated experience for those in the Calgary community through offerings.

Leading the charge of Massage Heights' growth in Canada are master franchisees, Will and Zach Carter. The brothers began their journey with the brand when their father became one of the originals investors in Massage Heights Canada. After years of running the business, their father asked them to join and eventually take over the entrepreneurial venture. The brothers, having a sink or swim mentality, dove in headfirst and now are opening their first Massage Heights location since they took over the portfolio.

"At my core, and the core of our business, is helping people and we are able to do that every single day at our Retreats," said Will Carter. "This is our family's legacy  and Massage Heights provided us with the foundation and tools to bring wellness to Canada. As we open this new location, I can't wait to see how this type of therapeutic relief makes a positive impact on our community members."

Having learned invaluable lessons from their entrepreneurial-minded parents, the brothers have set out to continue to grow their family's legacy across Canada. An instrumental tool in their success with the brand is the highly skilled team they have built who all align with the Carter's core values, as well as those of Massage Heights.

To celebrate, the brothers will be hosting a grand opening event at the end of September. Leading up to their formal grand opening, the Carters will also offer a special membership promotion throughout September where each new member will be entered into a weekly drawing to receive an upgraded membership.

"International growth will continue to play a key role in our overall franchise development strategy as we look toward our next era of success," said Susan Boresow, President & CEO of Massage Heights. "The Carter family have been ideal franchise partners, embodying a deep passion and unwavering commitment to health and wellness. We are thrilled to have them spearheading our expansion in Canada and look forward to seeing them elevate the lives of more community members through massage therapy."

Company leadership has identified Canada as a target growth market in addition to the various U.S. territories currently available. As the multi-billion-dollar industry remains primed for increased growth, Massage Heights offers a turnkey business opportunity backed by unmatched support.

Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit https://www.massageheightsfranchise.com/ .

About Massage Heights

The massage franchise started in 2004 and has grown to more than 115 Retreats throughout North America by providing personalized wellness treatment options through therapeutic massage and skincare services. Massage Heights is a massage and wellness franchise dedicated to elevating the lives of others by providing Members and Guests with professional, affordable and resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services.

SOURCE Massage Heights
Transparency is a key pillar of the brand and this report reinforces its value

MANCHESTER, N.H., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MegaFood , a certified B Corporation celebrating its 50th anniversary of crafting nutrient-rich, planet-first vitamins, and minerals paired with real food, announced today the release of its first-ever Impact Report, detailing the brand's efforts to improve the impact it has on both people and the planet. The report also outlines future sustainability plans and goals for MegaFood.

MegaFood

"This impact report is our way to transparently communicate our sustainability progress and hold ourselves accountable to our impact and goals.," says Andy Dahlen, Chief Executive Officer of MegaFood. "We know that embedding sustainability into everything we do is the right thing to do."

MegaFood's Impact Report follows the framework of a B Corp assessment and focuses on Workers, Community, Environment, and Regenerating Supply.

Workers: Employees are at the heart of any company ecosystem, and MegaFood takes pride in offering a workplace environment where all employees and teams can flourish. In addition to providing a liveable wage, the company prioritizes health, wellness, safety, and job satisfaction, as well as creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.



100% of employees are paid a living wage, calculated for the Greater Manchester/ Nashua NH area and maintains gender pay equity.

area and maintains gender pay equity.

In 2022, MegaFood's non-fatal injuries and illnesses rate was <1.94 for operations and 1.061 for the entire company compared to the national average for goods-producing industries at 2.7 1 . This is a result of clear protocols and regular safety training.

. This is a result of clear protocols and regular safety training.

24 hours annually of paid volunteer time off encourages employees to contribute in a meaningful way to local communities. A total of 546 employee hours were volunteered in 2022.



24% of workers self-identify as part of a racially or ethnically diverse group compared to 11% in New Hampshire , a metric we seek to continuously improve.

2. Community: MegaFood seeks to use its platform to elevate groups that work towards a better planet for all. Partnering and supporting farmers, industry peers, industry experts, academia, and nonprofits the brand aims to use its influence to support a more just, inclusive, and planet-friendly world.



In 2022, MegaFood gave $1,235,000 in financial and product donations, sponsorships and small grants. Small grants were awarded to support organizations working toward climate resiliency and an improved outlook for future generations.

in financial and product donations, sponsorships and small grants. Small grants were awarded to support organizations working toward climate resiliency and an improved outlook for future generations.

Since 2019, MegaFood has been a proud supporter of the Women's Earth Alliance (WEA) and has donated over $100,000 .

.

To create systematic change for a climate-friendly future, MegaFood recognizes the brand must collaborate with aligned groups and organizations. Throughout 2022, the American Sustainable Business Network's Regenerative Agriculture and Justice Working Group met monthly to develop 2023 Farm Bill Priorities that aim to support the transition to Regenerative Agriculture.

3. Environment: MegaFood prioritizes practices that continue to focus on reducing our environmental footprint. Specifically, the company is focused on ways to improve the environment and the overall impact on the air, climate, water, and ecosystem. Through a variety of tactics, MegaFood is working to improve operations efficiency as well as supporting regenerative efforts in the supply web.



In 2022, MegaFood improved operations efficiency by eliminating 13,500 pounds of plastic to landfill by shipping with hexcel paper-wrap in place of plastic bubble wrap; reduced emitted carbon by 157,000 pounds by leveraging a shared truck load service, and reduced delivery generated carbon by 80% by partnering with a 3rd Party Logistics company for delivery.



MegaFood is 100% renewably powered with Native Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Native's REC Portfolio accelerates the development of new and innovative solar and wind energy projects that will produce renewable energy for years to come.

4. Regenerating Supply: Fruits, vegetables, and botanicals are foundational to MegaFood products. Healthy, nutrient-dense foods depend upon rich, healthy soils. For that reason, MegaFood has been an active proponent of regenerative agriculture which is rooted in the wisdom of Indigenous traditions and prioritizes nurturing the soil while also sustaining ecological function, biodiversity, and farmer welfare.



To further research the broad benefits of regenerative agriculture, MegaFood has partnered with the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems of California State University, Chico , and is helping fund the Soil Carbon Accrual Project.

, and is helping fund the Soil Carbon Accrual Project.

Tripper Farm, located in Indonesia provides turmeric used in some MegaFood products. Through the Tripper Agroforestry Project, MegaFood in partnership with Tripper's sister company Origine, organized a series of workshops to help farmers: manage land, improve soil fertility, learn about intercropping and cropping patterns, and create planting calendars. Now 335 farmers have replicated these practices and are benefiting from improved agroforestry systems.

provides turmeric used in some MegaFood products. Through the Tripper Agroforestry Project, MegaFood in partnership with Tripper's sister company Origine, organized a series of workshops to help farmers: manage land, improve soil fertility, learn about intercropping and cropping patterns, and create planting calendars. Now 335 farmers have replicated these practices and are benefiting from improved agroforestry systems.

In 2022, MegaFood spent more than $3 million directly on certified organic ingredients. Additionally, the company is celebrating four of their suppliers that achieved Regenerative Organic Certification, for some or all of their crops.

"Changing climate impacts everyone  from farmers to employees and consumers. At MegaFood, we are committing to a science-based target and working rigorously to craft a meaningful climate action plan that focuses on reduction projects before offsets," says Stacia Betley, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at MegaFood. "Through our partnerships and collaboration, we are committed to moving the needle as we don't have time to waste."

As the company continues its journey to becoming more sustainable, they recognize there is still much to be done. Looking ahead, MegaFood will continue to support soil health while taking a holistic approach to sustainability. Additionally, MegaFood will continue to expand efforts on reduction projects with the creation of an Operations Green Team. With this report, MegaFood invites customers and consumers to track the progress made, hear about the challenges they face, and learn how, by working together, they can make people and the planet healthier.

This first Impact Report provides a detailed window into the heart of MegaFood's sustainability work undertaken to date in these and other important areas, and provides a glimpse into goals and plans for the future. View the entire report online at megafood.com/impact . For more information on MegaFood's sustainability efforts, visit megafood.com .

About MegaFood

MegaFood, certified B Corporation and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, expertly crafts nutrient-rich, planet-first vitamins and minerals paired with real food. Driven by its belief that food grown from healthy soil is a solution to making people and the planet healthier, MegaFood supports trusted farm partners who share a commitment to organic and regenerative agriculture. MegaFood products are: tested for 125+ pesticides, Non-GMO Project Verified & Certified Glyphosate Residue Free. The brand is also Certified Plastic Neutral through its partnership with RePurpose, enabling the removal of 450,000 pounds of nature-bound plastic waste. Learn more at megafood.com or follow @megafood on Instagram, @megafoodfans on Facebook and @MegaFood on LinkedIn.

https://www.bls.gov/iif/nonfatal-injuries-and-illnesses-tables/table-1-injury-and-illness-rates-by-industry-2021-national.htm

MEDIA CONTACT: megafoodpr@cerconebrown.com

SOURCE MegaFood
BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea, a leading brand in smart home appliances, has announced the IFA debut of its new R290 product lineup in Berlin. During its five-day exhibit at IFA 2023, Midea has also participated in the IFA Sustainable Village, underscoring its commitment to advocating for a sustainable and green lifestyle.

David Miao, Vice President, and Roosevelt, Director, both from the Overseas R&D Center of Midea Residential Air Conditioner, accepting the Euromonitor International award.

As part of this IFA Sustainable Village program, on September 3, Midea hosted a dedicated slot attended by guests from UNIDO, the German Environment Agency and GIZ. The discussions focused on refrigerants' impact on the environment and their role in shaping the future of the HVAC industry.

Dr. Chang Wei, CTO of Midea Group delivered a speech at the event, blending Midea's overall green development strategy with the discussion on the go-to-market strategy of R290 products in the international market and the importance of consumer education. The participants also delved into topics such as heat pumps, fluorinated gases, and the potential of R290 as a solution. These discussions highlighted Midea's dedication to fostering collaboration, leading improvements, and sustainable business in the industry.

During the five-day event, Midea's latest R290 products, showcased under the theme of "Green Vision Blue Future," have received significant attention. These high-efficiency and eco-friendly products include the newly released top-of-the-line A+++ EffiClima split AC the Xtreme split AC that has received the Blue Angel Certificate, and the A+ high-efficiency heat pump water heater. These products not only provide exceptional performance but also strongly support Midea's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building a sustainable future.

With the increasing environmental awareness, relevant regulations have been put forth at the legal level to address the requirements regarding refrigerants. Consequently, refrigerants are also undergoing continual improvement. Both R32 and R290 have a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). However, compared to R32's Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 771, R290 has a significantly lower GWP of only 0.02, making it a much more ideal choice. More and more countries and regions are focusing on the GWP of refrigerants due to the worsening climate change. According to the current EU F-gas Regulation, from 1 January 2025, single split air-conditioning systems using less than 3kg of HFCs with a GWP of 750 or more will then be prohibited.

As a world's leading HVAC company, Midea has prioritized environmental friendliness by embracing R290, a green refrigerant. For 12 years, Midea has been at the forefront of R290 technology. It has achieved remarkable innovations like the world's first R290 rotary compressor and the inaugural R290 demonstration line, acknowledged by the United Nations.

By opting for Midea's R290 products, consumers can enjoy advanced and eco-friendly solutions. For example, Midea's R290 EffiClima offers a SEER of 12.2 and a SCOP of 6.3, surpassing the performance of R32. This ultra-energy-efficient R290 air conditioning product is specifically designed to meet the needs of European consumers, providing effective heating while conserving energy.

During the IFA event, Euromonitor International awarded Midea the title of being the world's No.1 R290 air conditioner company in terms of sales volume in 2022. So far, Midea has produced more than 6.2 million R290 products. Based on these sales figures, it is estimated that Midea's R290 products have successfully curbed CO2 emissions by a remarkable 3.715 million tons. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 that 4.4 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest could absorb in just one year.

SOURCE Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division
-Votes determine which of five finely bearded finalists will win $20,000 for himself and $5,000 for his charity-

STERLING, Ill., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Making the world a better  or bearder  place starts with the man in the mirror, so men's grooming leader Wahl is rewarding guys who are doing good, while looking good. The Wahl 'Benevolent Beards' Contest found five finely groomed finalists who exemplify what it means to be charitable, and now public votes will help decide who receives the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for his charity. He'll also be crowned the new 'Wahl Man of the Year,' a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 16 years.

Wahl Benevolent Beards Contest

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9170351-wahl-benevolent-beards-contest-2023/

"There were so many inspirational entries, it was incredibly difficult narrowing down the finalists to just five," said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer for Wahl. "The men we landed on are great examples of the widespread impact just one person can have. It's our hope these men will inspire others to serve their communities; because no matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that need help."

Vote for the Most 'Benevolent Beard' in America by Oct. 1, 2023, at https://bit.ly/WahlBenevolentBeards.

Presenting, the Top 5 Most 'Benevolent Beards' in America (in no order):

Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, MO , is a former elementary school principal who started his program 'Books and Barbers' to provide haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students within the Kansas City Public School District. His charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like 'Books and Barbers' that encourage innovation and support student enrichment.



James Gottry from Colorado Springs, CO , has been supporting UMOM New Day Centers in Phoenix, AZ , for decades. His connection to the charity stems from his late father who served as the organization's chief operating officer for more than 20 years. The purpose of UMOM is to target the cycle of homelessness by providing shelter and housing, as well as job and skills training.



Ben Davis from Dallas, TX , founded Operation Gentleman, a charity that supports three primary causes: collecting suits and business attire for donation to the Fort Cavazos Soldier Recovery Unit, providing monthly pop-up barbershop services to the homeless population in Dallas , and feeding veterans in need.



Yuri Williams from Los Angeles, CA , started his charity A Future Superhero after his mother passed away from cancer. His work with disabled and seriously ill children is a tribute to the positive impact his mother had on his life. His efforts include traveling to all 50 states and organizing events like toy drives, backpack giveaways, and personalized visits  all dressed as different superheroes.



Shawn Standley from Talkeetna, AK , is a professional artist who supports his charity, Denali Arts Council, as treasurer. The organization helps the entire community, but especially kids, in the rural Alaskan village explore opportunities for artistic expression, something they often lack in school due to low funding for art programs.

About the Wahl 'Benevolent Beards' Contest

A wealth of whiskered men from across America submitted videos of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity. What kind of charity? As long as it was a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities were considered. Five finalists were chosen, and now public votes will help decide who receives the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl's Mobile Barbershop for a charity fundraising event. Master barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the winner's charity  up to $5,000. Voting is open until Oct. 1, 2023.

For more information about the Wahl 'Benevolent Beards' Contest, or for facial hair tips and tools visit WahlUSA.com or follow @WahlGrooming on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

About Wahl Grooming

Celebrating its 104th anniversary, Wahl continues to help men look and feel their best with innovative products manufactured to define and elevate the men's grooming category. The company set the standard with the first-ever practical electric hair clipper in 1919, and later strengthened its leadership with the world's first battery-powered facial hair trimmer. It's this continued commitment to excellence that has solidified Wahl's place as the world's go-to brand for men's grooming solutions. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

SOURCE Wahl
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The delegation headed by the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia Boris Kollar has arrived in Shusha city, Trend reports.

The Slovak delegation held a meeting with the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, Aydin Karimov.

During the meeting, Karimov highly appreciated Kollar's second visit to Shusha.

The guests were informed about progress in relations between Azerbaijani cities and Slovakia, as well as bilateral ties.

The guests were also informed in details about the ongoing large-scale restoration and construction work in the liberated Shusha city, including construction of a school and a city hospital.

Besides, information about Armenian vandalism against all the historical sites of Shusha city, including ancient neighborhoods, mosques, springs, and other monuments, was provided to the delegation.

Kollar stated pointed out high-level development of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also shared positive impressions from his visit to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

At the end of the meeting, Karimov and the chairman of Slovakia's National Council exchanged commemorative gifts.

Kollar's first visit to Shusha took place on June 11, 2022.

The city of Shusha was liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 second Karabakh war.
Divestiture reflects corporate strategy to focus on higher-margin technologies with strong growth drivers.

RACINE, Wis., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Modine (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in innovative thermal management technology and solutions, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell three Modine businesses based in Germany to affiliates of Regent LP. The businesses are located in Neuenkirchen, Pliezhausen and Wackersdorf. The sale is expected to be completed in the next few weeks pending regulatory approval.

"The sale of these businesses is in line with our strategy to focus our resources on high-margin technologies with strong growth drivers," said Neil Brinker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Modine. "These businesses produce and service non-strategic parts for internal combustion diesel and gasoline engines in the European automotive market. Coming on the heels of Modine's acquisition of Napps Technology, the divestiture of these businesses represents our continued commitment to focus on innovative, engineered solutions that help us achieve our long-term margin targets and furthers our purpose of engineering a cleaner, healthier world."

The businesses manufacture exhaust gas recirculation coolers, radiators and charge air cooler modules for automotive internal combustion engine applications in Europe. In Fiscal Year 2023, the combined revenue from the businesses was between $80-$90 million.

"We've been clear that Modine's priorities for its vehicular businesses are to focus on the most value-added technologies and systems, while rationalizing non-strategic product lines," said Adrian I. Peace, President, Performance Technologies. "Exhaust gas recirculation coolers, radiators and charge air cooler modules for automotive internal combustion engines in Europe were not in line with our focus on investing in product lines and systems with strong tailwinds. We will continue to serve key end markets with our world-class technologies for years to come."

About Modine

At Modine, we are Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World. 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.

Investor Contact: Kathleen Powers; [email protected]; (262) 636-1687

Media Contact: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements, including information about future financial performance and market conditions, accompanied by phrases such as "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "projects," and other similar "forward-looking" statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Modine's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements because of certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Part I of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023 and under Forward-Looking Statements in Item 7 of Part II of that same report and in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of potential adverse developments or disruptions in the global economy and financial markets, including impacts related to inflation, rising energy costs, along with supply chain challenges or supplier constraints, tariffs, sanctions and other trade issues or cross-border trade restrictions; the impact of other economic, social and political conditions, changes and challenges in the markets where we operate and compete, including foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, increases in interest rates or tightening of the credit markets, recession or recovery therefrom, restrictions associated with importing and exporting and foreign ownership, public health crises, and the general uncertainties, including the impact on demand for our products and the markets we serve, from regulatory and/or policy changes, including those related to tax and trade, climate change, COVID-19 or future public health threats, the military conflict in Ukraine and other matters, that have been or may be implemented in the U.S. or abroad; the overall health and pricing focus of our customers; our ability to successfully realize further anticipated benefits, including improved profit margins and cash flow, from our strategic initiatives and our application of 80/20 principles across our businesses; our ability to accelerate growth organically and through acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired businesses; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage our operations in response to sales volume changes, including maintaining adequate production capacity to meet demand in our growing businesses while also completing restructuring activities and realizing benefits thereof; our ability to fund our global liquidity requirements efficiently and comply with the financial covenants in our credit agreements; operational inefficiencies as a result of product or program launches, unexpected volume increases or decreases, and product transfers; the impact on Modine of any significant increases in commodity prices, particularly aluminum, copper, steel and stainless steel (nickel) and other purchased components and related costs, and our ability to adjust product pricing in response to any such increases; our ability to recruit and maintain talent in managerial, leadership, operational and administrative functions and to mitigate increased labor costs; our ability to protect our proprietary information and intellectual property from theft or attack; the impact of any substantial disruption or material breach of our information technology systems; costs and other effects of environmental investigation, remediation or litigation and the increasing emphasis on environmental, social and corporate governance matters; and other risks and uncertainties identified in our public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are as of the date of this press release, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Modine
New mortgage brokerage franchise provides homebuyers and refinancers competitive rates and access to local professionals that understand the Georgia, Texas, and Florida markets

LOCUST GROVE, Ga., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Locust Grove, Georgia. Motto Mortgage ProVantage is now open and licensed to serve all markets throughout Georgia, Florida and Texas.

Motto Mortgage ProVantage is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Tracy Goring-Hamilton. Tracy brings a wealth of experience to the brokerage including seven years spent in mortgage lending and four years as a licensed Mortgage Broker. She's held roles including sourcing, underwriting, loan origination and branch management for companies including Equity One, GH Mortgage Group and CitiFinancial. Tracy grounds her brokerage in three ideals: collaborative partnerships, white-glove experiences, and unmatched expertise. She is committed to weaving her values into every interaction with customers and referral partners to make the homebuying process an easy and stress-free as possible.

"Motto Mortgage ProVantage offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Locust Grove," said Tracy Goring-Hamilton. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market."

Tracy Goring-Hamilton will also serve as the mortgage loan originator for the office. She says, "With a strong track record in finance, insurance and customer service, my operations experience combined with my love of contracts and servicing, are all factors that put my clients at ease. My customers know that they can trust me to provide a clear plan forward, be available whenever they need me, and have the expertise to proactively navigate any last-minute bumps in the road to close a loan."

In addition to helping her clients achieve the dream of homeownership, Tracy has a passion for serving her local community and those in need around the world. Originally from the island of Barbados, she serves as a minister at her church and has joined missionary teams in South Africa and Jamaica to support locals with everyday needs and assist in the development of small home construction and financial partnerships for areas in need. She plans to support the Motto Mortgage Mission Against Hunger within her local community and, furthermore, Tracy will donate a set amount of every personal loan closing to build tiny homes for those in need in Africa.

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A loan originator with Motto Mortgage ProVantage can be reached at 470-870-2555. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely.

Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage ProVantage:

Motto Mortgage ProVantage (NMLS #2499236) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Georgia, Texas, and Florida, located at 87 Pine Grove Rd, Suite A, Locust Grove, GA 30248. To learn more, please visit www.MottoMortgageProVantage.com or call 470-870-2555.

Tracy Goring-Hamilton, NMLS #1626565

SOURCE Motto Mortgage
Integration of Kadiska digital experience platform sets new standard for SASE performance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Netskope , a leader in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced the acquisition of digital experience monitoring innovator Kadiska . The news follows the announcement last week of significant enhancements to Netskope's Digital Experience Management (DEM) capabilities with the introduction of Netskope Proactive DEM (P-DEM) , and cements Netskope's advances in the ability to monitor and proactively remediate performance, and assure experience across the entire SASE architecture - from SD-WAN to SSE - as well as across the cloud and application estate.

Digital Experience Management has become a key component of a SASE architecture, where security and networking converge to securely and optimally connect users, devices and locations to applications, websites and data wherever they reside. Actively monitoring network and application performance from a user's perspective - and leveraging AI and ML to enable proactive remediation of issues - ensures the success of digital transformation projects such as hybrid work, and digitized customer experiences. Netskope Proactive DEM provides experience management capabilities spanning the company's SASE architecture, including Netskope Intelligent SSE, Netskope Borderless SD-WAN and the Netskope NewEdge global infrastructure.

Kadiska was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in France, with a hybrid international team of Digital Experience Management experts. With decades of experience in DEM, Application Performance Monitoring (APM), and Network Performance Monitoring (NPM), the Kadiska team built its technology to combine real user experience monitoring (RUM) with end-to-end network and application performance visibility from user devices to hybrid, SaaS and cloud applications. These capabilities complement and enhance Netskope's AI and ML -fuelled proactive experience remediation right across the stack.

Sanjay Beri, CEO and co-founder of Netskope commented, "The founding vision of Kadiska matches uncannily well with the Netskope platform vision. Both technologies have been built to recognise the new world where data, users, cloud infrastructure and applications are all dispersed, leaving blindspots and challenges for organizations seeking to control and optimize experience and security. We already share some very large global customers, and seeing the appetite for the integration - bringing together the capabilities of both companies - really proved to us the rationale for this acquisition."

Gilles Huguenin, CEO at Kadiska commented, "Through a 20 year journey, the Kadiska team has assembled unparalleled experience, bringing together individuals with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving digital experience across complex modern infrastructure, applications and hybrid workplaces. We are incredibly excited that our team and technology has become a part of the Netskope platform as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping organizations overcome the historical trade-offs between security and user experience."

Leading analysts estimate SASE to be a $36 billion market opportunity by 2025, and Gartner predicts the market to grow at a CAGR of 36% over the next five years1. Gartner also expects that, by 2026, at least 60% of infrastructure and operations leaders will use DEM to measure application, services and endpoint performance from the user's viewpoint, up from less than 20% in 20212.

Frank Dickson, Group Vice President, Security and Trust at IDC commented on the announcement, "Enterprises across the globe are undertaking security and network transformation to support changing working patterns and new IT architectures. These projects seek to provide secure, high-quality connectivity for every user, on any device, from anywhere to any application, which makes the ability to monitor, manage and optimize the users' experience a critical success factor. This acquisition by Netskope demonstrates the company's focus on providing a complete platform for its customers, giving both security and networking teams the ability to understand, in real time, how networks and applications are performing, and take action as needed."

For more information on Netskope Proactive DEM, visit https://www.netskope.com/products/digital-experience-management .

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About Netskope

Netskope, a global SASE leader, helps organizations apply zero trust principles and AI/ML innovations to protect data and defend against cyber threats. Fast and easy to use, the Netskope platform provides optimized access and real-time security for people, devices, and data anywhere they go. Netskope helps customers reduce risk, accelerate performance, and get unrivaled visibility into any cloud, web, and private application activity. Thousands of customers trust Netskope and its powerful NewEdge network to address evolving threats, new risks, technology shifts, organizational and network changes, and new regulatory requirements. Learn how Netskope helps customers be ready for anything on their SASE journey, visit netskope.com .

Media Contact:

[email protected]

1 Gartner Forecast Analysis; Secure Access Service Edge, Worldwide, 21 October 2022

2 Gartner Market Guide for Digital Experience Monitoring, 28 March 2022

SOURCE Netskope
Governor Signs Mandatory Ban on Captive Audience Meetings Into Law

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Teamsters are commending the signing of a bill protecting worker free speech rights (S.4982/A.6604) into state law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The legislation bans mandatory attendance at "captive audience" meetings  employer-held, closed-door gatherings where workers are forced under threat of termination to listen to deceptive misinformation designed to dissuade them from organizing.

"We are grateful to State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Karines Reyes for sponsoring this bill, to all the state legislators that voted in favor of the bill, and to Gov. Hochul for signing it into law," said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16 in New York City. "This legislation is critical in protecting workers' free speech and their right to organize without being intimidated by employers and overpriced union-busting consultants."

"Today is a new day in New York. Workers can no longer be forced the listen to anti-union rhetoric in the workplace," said Tom Quackenbush, President of Teamsters Joint Council 18 in Albany. "Captive audience meetings are intended to scare workers into thinking they should not join a union. The reality is that captive audience meetings are one of several reasons workers should join a union: to protect themselves from employers who are only interested in looking out for their bottom lines."

"Workers shouldn't be subjected to propaganda by their employer  and now, in New York, they no longer will be," said George Harrigan, President of Teamsters Joint Council 46 in Buffalo. "All states should follow suit and ban this authoritarian practice."

Similar legislation has been enacted into law in Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Production of NEXE's proprietary compostable, single-serve pods continues to ramp up at the Windsor Facility as onboarding of new customers continues

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - NEXE Innovations Inc. ("NEXE" or the "Company") (TSXV: NEXE) (Frankfurt: NX5) (OTC: NEXNF), a compostable and innovative materials company, proudly announces that it is currently fulfilling a purchase order from Neighborhood Coffee Company and has made a second delivery of its Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified compostable, single-serve coffee pods to Awaken Brands Ventures Ltd for their "ecobeans" product line.

NEXE's Windsor Facility is ramping up the production of their BPI certified compostable pods. By collaborating with premium artisanal roasters like Neighbourhood Coffee Company and securing orders from forward thinking companies like Awaken Brands Ventures Ltd, NEXE believes it is building a solid base of recurring revenues. NEXE continues to advance discussions with other coffee roasters to drive private label opportunities.

"We believe the positive reception is undeniable, paving the way for a stronger base of recurring revenues. No longer do consumers need to choose between convenience and the environment while enjoying a superior coffee experience," stated Ash Guglani, President of NEXE Innovations.

Neighbourhood Coffee Company is a women-led, premium artisanal roaster located in Toronto with the mission to support and celebrate the diverse local Toronto community.

"Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters is more than just a roaster; it's a love letter to Toronto's vibrant diversity and its mosaic of over 100 distinct neighbourhoods," stated Karen Hales, CEO of Neighbourhood Coffee, "With sustainability top of mind, Neighbourhood Coffee is charting a green path forward. Our collaboration with NEXE Innovations strengthens our commitment to sustainability and the Toronto community. Introducing our 100% Compostable (Keurig Compatible) single-serve coffee pods is a proud milestone, marrying innovation with the essence of our city in every cup".

Dive deep into the sustainable future NEXE is crafting: NEXE Investor Presentation September 2023

NEXE's Competitive Edge

NEXE's BPI certified compostable, single-serve beverage pods target the market of 80+ billion single-serve plastic and aluminum pods.1 NEXE's single-serve pod features innovative technology protected by patents, which NEXE believes allows more volume per pod than our competitors while delivering what the Company believes is an unrivalled "pour-over" coffee experience. The BPI certification is a third-party verification of ASTM standards for compostable products and is intended to protect consumers against false claims and greenwashing. The BPI certification also requires products to be PFAS-free. NEXE believes that these unique advantages will likely position NEXE as a preferred choice for premium coffee brands seeking a sustainable solution. For more details on the authenticity and effectiveness of our compostable pods, explore NEXE Has Successfully Met the Testing Requirements for BPI Certification.

_______________________________________ 1 AMI 2022, Single Serve Capsules  Global Market Overview 2022, accessed July 2023, <https://www.amiplastics.com/insights/has-the-eu-put-single-serve-capsules-at-a-crossroads>.

*NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Keurig. Keurig is a registered trademark of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

About NEXE Innovations Inc.

NEXE Innovations Inc. is a leader in innovative compostable materials technology based in Ontario, Canada. The first product developed by NEXE Innovations is one of the only patented, fully-compostable, single-serve coffee pods for use in existing major single-serve coffee machines.

For more information about NEXE Innovations' compostable materials and how it is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products, visit www.nexeinnovations.com and follow us on social media@nexeinnovations.

On behalf of the Company:

Ash Guglani

President & Director

For investor relations contact:

Kam Mangat

VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy

[email protected]

Office +1-604-359-4725

Mobile +1-604-359-4742

For media relations contact: [email protected]

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements or information, which include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of timing or completion of validation process and discussions with potential clients; services the Company intends to offer; the growth of the markets in which the Company offers its products and services and the Company's overall business strategy. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to execute on its business strategy and those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2023, under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties". Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, receipt of necessary approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any 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.

SOURCE Nexe Innovations Inc.
WESTMONT, Ill., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nexgen Packaging is pleased to announce that Kevin DeSpain has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas. In this role, DeSpain will be responsible for leading and expanding our sales operations and data integration teams in the Americas as well as leading our sales and customer service teams in Asia. DeSpain joins Nexgen from Zebra Technologies where he was Vice President of Sales for the Manufacturing, Transportation, and Logistics team as well as leading Zebra's RFID and Managed Professional Services teams focused on servicing all key verticals. DeSpain resides in Austin, Texas, and will be working under the leadership of Nexgen's CEO, Jim Welch.

"I am thrilled to be joining a talented Nexgen team and eager to contribute to this already strong company with a great reputation. I see an incredible growth opportunity to provide our customers with true sustainable offerings as they look to optimize their global supply chain," said DeSpain.

DeSpain has worked in senior leadership positions at Zebra Technologies, Motorola Solutions, Wireless Valley Communications (sold to Motorola Solutions), and Dell Technologies. Throughout his career, DeSpain has led sales teams of all sizes across multiple industries with a common goal of building cohesive, global sales teams that are hyper-focused on solving the challenges facing his customers. While at Zebra Technologies, DeSpain had a specific focus on improving supply chains for companies in retail and transportation industries through RFID-enabled hardware and software solutions.

"I have worked extensively with Kevin in the past and I could not be more excited for the positive impact he will have on our customers and employees," said Nexgen's CEO, Jim Welch. "Kevin's experience in the retail industry and his deep involvement in RFID deployments will elevate our strategic engagement with customers. Additionally, his experience outside of retail will allow us to better meet the demand we are seeing for our products in other verticals."

"When we founded Nexgen over 15 years ago, we committed to elevating the level of customer service that was being provided in our industry, "said Kent Pellegrini, co-founder, and Chief Business Development Officer for Nexgen. "Retail is in constant flux and the need for sales leaders who can shape the future of our global strategies and customer experience has never been more crucial. It is exciting to have someone with Kevin's energy and passion join our team and I look forward to working closely with him."

Nexgen Packaging, LLC is a global provider of packaging for the retail, apparel, and footwear industries. The company offers a broad portfolio of products with a focus on sustainable solutions that are measurable and deployable. The company is focused on simplifying everything from the creative process to order execution, utilizing data analytics to increase supply chain efficiency and enhance customer success. Nexgen has invested heavily in regional expansion and currently has 19 manufacturing facilities globally with headquarters in Hong Kong, Chicago, and Madrid.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Nexgen Packaging

Media Contacts:

Debbie Bougas

805.701.1105

[email protected]

SOURCE Nexgen Packaging, LLC
The iconic Southern California diner launches new multi-cultural campaign

as it makes plans to expand in 2024

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NORMS Restaurants, the beloved family restaurant with a nearly 75-year legacy in Southern California, has selected LA-based Moontide as its agency of record for media and advertising. The partnership marks a significant milestone in NORMS Restaurants' journey, as it kicks off a new era of growth and innovation with a brand refresh that launches today.

Norma Anthem - English Moontide Agency (PRNewsfoto/NORMS Restaurants)

"We chose to work with Moontide for their transformative thinking and ability to serve as a one-stop-shop across branding, multi-cultural marketing, technology, and media planning and buying," said Eric Wyatt, President & Chief Executive Officer of NORMS Restaurants in a joint statement. "With our diverse clientele and Moontide's distinct omni-cultural storytelling approach in Spanish and English, we aim to convey NORMS unique dining experience in relatable ways that everyone can appreciate."

Together with NORMS, Moontide will introduce new menu innovation, merchandise, promotions, advanced restaurant technology and guests experience upgrades. Moontide will also support the grand openings of new restaurants in Southern California along with additional locations in Las Vegas and more on the horizon in 2024.

"The family dining industry is increasingly competitive," said Warren Schaffer, Partner and Managing Director of Media at Moontide. "We're thrilled to embark on this journey with NORMS to provide them the efficiency, scalability and speed they will need to support this undertaking."

At the heart of the partnership is the highly anticipated launch of Norma: the charismatic bicultural and bilingual face of NORMS who embodies the warmth and familiarity for which every NORMS Restaurant is already known. This campaign will celebrate the special moments that occur within the restaurant's walls  whether it's the laughter of late-night gatherings, the joy of "compadres" getting together for their monthly date, the anticipation of a quinceanera, or the uniting of local community groups.

Norma draws inspiration from NORMS Restaurants' tapestry of offerings from delicious diner favorites to its nostalgic Googie architectural design. At its core, Norma will embody the restaurant's deep-rooted connections within each community it serves, underlined by its long-standing tagline, "Where Life Happens." The campaign debuts on connected television, digital, radio, out-of-home and social media on September 6, 2023.

About NORMS:

Since opening in 1949, NORMS has helped usher in a new era of casual family dining in Southern California by delivering on its promise of "great food, great service, and great value." Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining, NORMS is known for its friendly service and welcoming environment, iconic design, and fresh, quality meals at affordable prices. Today, NORMS fans span across generations, and as the brand continues to grow beyond its 22 locations in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties, NORMS remains the place "Where Life Happens." For more information about NORMS, please visit NORMS.com.

About Moontide:

Based in California and operating nationally, Moontide, is a full-capabilities agency that serves as a growth partner for brands with bold aspirations. Moontide is strategically oriented, focused on devising marketing solutions that deliver a brand's potential. Its client roster includes companies with big missions, like bringing zero-emission airliners to market, ending the world's plastic waste problem and creating the sustainable city of the future.

SOURCE NORMS Restaurants
DUBLIN, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Quantum Warfare Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Quantum Computing and Simulation, Quantum Communication, Quantum Component, Quantum PNT, and Region - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global quantum warfare market is experiencing a momentous surge in growth, fueled by technological breakthroughs and innovative defense applications. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in quantum technologies, leading to new opportunities in the defense sector. The market's expansion is primarily driven by governmental efforts to bolster the defense industry, coupled with the increasing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for defense communication.

The integration of AI in military subsystem testing and deployment has proven instrumental in enhancing performance, boosting reliability, and optimizing operational efficiency for engineers and operators. Prominent players in the market include industry leaders like Airbus, Xanadu, Quantinuum, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Northrup Grumman, among others. These companies are at the forefront of research and development, investing significantly to introduce cutting-edge quantum-based military equipment.

Quantum warfare technologies have far-reaching implications, impacting both military and civilian sectors. They possess the potential to break through current encryption methods, raising concerns about data security. Quantum communication offers a more secure avenue for military and intelligence agencies to communicate without compromising sensitive information.

The global quantum warfare market is further bolstered by the demand for high-performance computing in the defense sector. Regional governments are actively exploring quantum computing technologies for the advancement of defense equipment. Quantum technology enables the creation of precise targeting systems and supports the market's growth trajectory from 2024 to 2035.

Public and private sector investments play a pivotal role in propelling growth within the global quantum warfare market. National strategies and initiatives in various countries accelerate quantum technology research and development. Key technology giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft, along with quantum-focused startups, receive substantial private funding to advance quantum research.

Market Segmentation



Application Segment: Land, Naval, Airborne, Space-Based The land application segment is projected to dominate the market, generating significant revenues. Its anticipated growth reflects its pivotal role in national defense strategy planning, with quantum computing offering potential advantages on the battlefield through improved encryption and simulations.



Quantum Computing and Simulations Segment: Digital Quantum Computer, Analog Quantum Computer, Quantum Simulator Quantum simulators are poised to lead the market due to their demand in defense cryptography and cybersecurity applications. They enable accurate assessment of cryptographic algorithms against quantum attacks and support the creation of quantum-safe cryptographic solutions.



Quantum Communication Segment: Quantum Network and Communication, Post-Quantum Cryptography Quantum communication technologies offer secure means for military and intelligence agencies to communicate, while post-quantum cryptography enhances network infrastructure for future communications.



Quantum PNT Segment: Navigation, Positioning, Precision Timing, Geolocation Quantum technology contributes to the development of precise targeting systems and sophisticated defense equipment.



Quantum Component Segment: Sensor, Antenna, Radar, Clock, Magnetometer, Others Quantum components play a vital role in enhancing defense capabilities through improved sensing and communication.



Regional Segment: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest-of-the-World North America is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by established quantum hardware, software, and service providers. Notable companies such as Northrop Grumman, Airbus, and Xanadu are driving market opportunities.

Recent Developments

Recent advancements highlight the momentum within the global quantum warfare market:

BTQ partners with South Korea's IRCS to develop post-quantum cryptography solutions.

IRCS to develop post-quantum cryptography solutions. U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) collaborates with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to explore quantum computing capabilities.

European Commission selects Airbus for the Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit project, focusing on quantum sensors for space-based defense applications.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) works with Regitti to provide standards for quantum application performance.

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising Research and Development Activities for Quantum Technologies

Growing Significance of Situational Awareness in Military Operations

Increasing Emphasis on Secure Communication Infrastructure in Military and Defense

Challenges

Lack of Skilled Workforce

High Cost Associated with the Development and Designing of Quantum Components

Opportunities

Integration of AI/ML in Quantum Computing Technologies

Key Companies Profiled:

Xanadu

Airbus

D-Wave Quantum Inc.

Quantinuum Ltd.

Infleqtion

IonQ, Inc.

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi)

Rigetti & Co, LLC.

Zapata Computing

IBM

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 165 Forecast Period 2024 - 2035 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $184.6 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2035 $2258.6 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 25.6 % Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/umg8li

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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
Leading Special-Ops-Grade survival food brand provides tips for National Preparedness Month and beyond

RENO, Nev., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's extreme weather environment, disaster preparedness has become an essential aspect of life. National Preparedness Month is an observance each September  during peak hurricane a fire seasons  to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The relevancy of this month has been heightened this last month, with Maui wildfires, hurricanes in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and first ever hurricane warnings in California.

Nutrient Survival is committed to promoting disaster preparedness and has compiled a list of the "Top 10 Things Needed for Disaster Preparedness"

Former Army Ranger and Nutrient Survival CEO, Eric Christianson, outlines his critical 10 steps for disaster preparedness, to help individuals and communities stay safe and resilient during challenging times.

"Being prepared isn't about panic," Christianson urges. "It's about responsibility and readiness for you and your family. It's about protecting what you love."

Emergency Communication Plan: Establish a clear communication plan with your family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure everyone knows how to get in touch and where to meet in case of separation during a disaster. This plan should consider a lack of cell phone coverage  and factor walking distance adjacency, for "door knocking" contact. First Aid Kit: Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, medications, and any necessary medical supplies for your family's specific needs. Flashlights and Batteries: Keep a supply of flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries on hand for reliable illumination during power outages. Water and Food Supplies: Stockpile non-perishable food items, such as Nutrient Survival emergency food kits  which included essential nutrients - and a sufficient supply of clean water for at least three days per person. Iodine tables are recommended to treat water as well. Emergency Shelter: Prepare for sheltering in place or evacuation by having tents, sleeping bags, or other suitable shelter options readily available. Important Documents: Safeguard important documents such as identification, insurance policies, medical records, and contact information in a waterproof and portable container. Cash and Personal Items: Have a stash of cash, as ATMs may be inaccessible during disasters. Additionally, include personal hygiene items, clothing, and blankets. Tools and Supplies: Pack basic tools, like a multi-tool, duct tape, and work gloves, to address minor repairs and needs. Maps and Navigation Tools: Obtain local maps and a compass to aid in navigation, especially if GPS systems fail. Education and Training: Stay informed and take advantage of disaster preparedness courses and training available in your community. Knowledge is a powerful tool in times of crisis.

Christianson encourages everyone to not only collect these essential items but also to regularly review and refresh their disaster preparedness kits.

Applying Special Ops Grade nutrition science to Nutrient Survival Emergency Food Kits, Christianson has mastered a patented process that achieves two of the most important elements of nutrition, how to pack in flavor and nutrients. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, every meal serving provides 40 essential nutrients including 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 Amino Acids (Protein), Omega-3s, Omega-6s and fiber. Compared to other survival food, Nutrient Survival has 6x more nutrients and a 15-year shelf life

"Surviving and thriving are not mutually exclusive in disaster scenarios," added Christianson. "The human body and mind require nutrients and taste quality to operate properly. If one piece of the equation is missing, the entire system is off balance. And that means you can't operate at your best, which is essential at times of challenge and stress."

For more information on disaster preparedness or to find resources, visit https://nutrientsurvival.com/.

About Nutrient Survival

Nutrient Survival LLC is an end-to-end food technology company offering nutrient dense survival food for emergencies and every day. Nutrient Survival has experienced explosive growth since its introduction in 2020, behind its patented nutrient dense products and compelling brand proposition. Designed to the same nutritional requirements of the US military for its elite Special Ops units, the brand delivers six times more nutrition than any other survival food brand.

Media Contact:

Matt Kovacs

[email protected]

SOURCE Nutrient Survival
SINGAPORE, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OKX , a global leading Web3 technology company, today announced that on September 14 it will host: ' Rewrite the System: An OKX Web3 Party ' at MARQUEE Singapore . The event will take place from 18:45 to 23:00 (UTC+8) and coincides with the second day of Asia's premier Web3 and crypto conference TOKEN2049, of which OKX is a Title Sponsor .

The event will feature a series of activities, including on-site games, lucky draws, a photo booth, an NFT printer, OKX Web3 swag rewards and two panel discussions. The first panel will focus on on-chain ecosystem growth, featuring speakers from the OKX Web3 team and its partners. There will also be a second panel focused on Web3 infrastructure development, featuring speakers from OKLink , OKX's OKB Chain team and OKX Web3 partners.

OKX Web3 partners, including Lido , DWF Labs , Polygon and Orbiter Finance , as well as media partner, CoinTelegraph , will attend 'Rewrite the System: An OKX Web3 Party,' which is sponsored by zkSync , CoreDAO , Solana , Animoca Brands , The Sandbox , Chainge Finance , Cubic , Orion Protocol and Lifeform .

OKX Chief Innovation Officer Jason Lau said: "We're excited to bring together industry-leading Web3 guests and our very own product leaders for an insightful night of networking and fun. The activities and panels we have planned for 'Rewrite the System' will be a great opportunity for attendees to engage with the latest developments in Web3 technology and connect with industry experts."

The event takes its name from OKX's global brand campaign , entitled: "The System Needs a Rewrite." Launched on May 10, 2023, the campaign promotes a new paradigm led by Web3 self-managed technology to replace existing centralized systems.

To attend 'Rewrite the System: An OKX Web3 Party,' submit an RSVP to the event here .

About OKX

A leading global technology company driving the future of Web3, OKX provides a comprehensive suite of products to meet the needs of beginners and experts alike, including:

OKX Wallet : The world's most powerful, secure and versatile crypto wallet which gives users access to over 70 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes MPC technology which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallet's account abstraction-powered Smart Account enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction.

: The world's most powerful, secure and versatile wallet which gives users access to over 70 blockchains while allowing them to take custody of their own funds. The wallet includes which allows users to easily recover access to their wallet independently, removing the need for traditional, 'written down' seed phrases. In addition, OKX Wallet's account abstraction-powered enables users to pay for transactions on multiple blockchains using USDC or USDT, and interact with multiple contracts via a single transaction. DEX : A multi-chain, cross-chain decentralized exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported.

: A multi-chain, cross-chain exchange aggregator of 300+ other DEXs and approximately 15 bridges, with 200,000+ coins and more than 20 blockchains supported. NFT Marketplace : A multi-chain, zero-fee NFT marketplace that gives users access to NFT listings across seven top-tier marketplaces including OpenSea, MagicEden, LooksRare and Blur.

: A multi-chain, zero-fee NFT marketplace that gives users access to NFT listings across seven top-tier marketplaces including OpenSea, MagicEden, LooksRare and Blur. Web3 DeFi : A powerful DeFi platform that supports earning and staking on about 70 protocols across more than 10 chains.

OKX partners with a number of the world's top brands and athletes, including English Premier League champions Manchester City F.C., McLaren Formula 1, The Tribeca Festival, Olympian Scotty James, and F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.

As a leader building innovative technology products, OKX believes in challenging the status quo. The company recently launched a global brand campaign entitled, The System Needs a Rewrite , which advocates for a new paradigm led by Web3 self-managed technology.

To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com

Disclaimer

The information displayed is strictly for informational purposes only. It does not constitute and shall not be considered as an offer, solicitation or recommendation, to deal with any products (including any NFT or otherwise), or as financial or investment advice. Both OKX Web3 Wallet and OKX NFT Marketplace are subject to separate terms of service at www.okx.com .

SOURCE OKX
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan has amended the list of documents for "Obtaining a permit for the operation of construction facilities for which construction permits are required", Trend reports.

Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decree in this regard.

According to the decree, if a number of documents are available to the relevant state body through the electronic information system, these documents are not required from the applicant. In cases where access to these documents through the electronic information system is not possible, their submission is requested by the relevant state body with the consent of the applicant or is provided by him.

In addition, the conclusion of the state environmental expertise for obtaining a construction permit related to the proposed activity is received by the body (institution) that issued the construction permit, in accordance with Article 75.3-1 of the Urban Planning and Construction Code.
TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Tyler Fleming, Director, Investor Office, Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") and his team joined Rajeeve Thakur, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") to celebrate 'back to school' season for investors and highlight the importance of financial education, and to open the market.

Ontario Securities Commission Opens the Market Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Investor Office sets the strategic direction and leads the OSC's efforts in investor engagement, education, outreach and research. The Investor Office also has a policy function, plays a key role in the oversight of the Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI), and provides leadership at the OSC in the area of behavioural insights and improving the investor experience. Its investor website GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca is Canada's most visited financial education website, used by millions of people each year. For more information visit: https://www.osc.gov.on.ca.

CNW sponsored announcement. To learn more visit www.newswire.ca.

SOURCE TMX Group Limited
Educators conveyed excitement about leveraging increased engagement, reconnecting

with their students, and using new technologies and strategies

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GoGuardian, the leading company providing proven solutions to create effective, engaging, and safer learning environments, today announced insights from a survey of over 1,100 educators from across North America, highlighting back-to-school excitement, challenges, student engagement, and technology usage.

As educators welcome students back to their classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year, they are continuing to embrace educational technology. Over 93% of those surveyed reported they are somewhat or very likely to implement an educational technology product they have never used before. Educators mentioned a total of 149 different technology products when asked what they plan to use, including gamified learning solutions, new digital presentation tools, ChatGPT, and a variety of classroom management platforms.

Regarding AI, half of teachers say AI features will not impact their likelihood of adopting a product, while 38% say AI increases the likelihood of them adopting a product. Teachers are most interested in seeing AI applied in education technology for the purposes of content creation, followed closely by use in interventions, data analysis, and lesson planning.

"In our new back-to-school educator survey, we aim to connect with teachers and learn about their priorities, concerns, and challenges. As a learning company, it's essential to consistently listen to the educator experience," said Mariana Aguilar, vice president of education at GoGuardian. "With the tumultuous years of the pandemic behind us, we're encouraged to hear that teachers are optimistic about the current state of student engagement compared to last year."

Other key findings from the survey include:

Educators continue to recognize student engagement as a top priority. When asked about their biggest challenge in the coming year, 45% of teachers predicted that motivation and engagement will be their top issue, while 24% anticipate the biggest classroom challenge will be digital distractions, such as students' personal phones.

When asked about their biggest challenge in the coming year, 45% of teachers predicted that motivation and engagement will be their top issue, while 24% anticipate the biggest classroom challenge will be digital distractions, such as students' personal phones. Technology has become a critical engagement tool for many teachers . 64% of teachers said they were "somewhat" or "very" concerned about losing technology resources in their classrooms this year due to funding cuts, and the majority of those noted their primary concern around technology loss is how it would impact classroom engagement.

. 64% of teachers said they were "somewhat" or "very" concerned about losing technology resources in their classrooms this year due to funding cuts, and the majority of those noted their primary concern around technology loss is how it would impact classroom engagement. Students want collaboration and gamification. When asked about what students are most excited about in their classrooms, 74% of teachers responded that students are excited about collaborating with one another, while 73% of teachers surveyed said students were excited about gamified learning, in which students are motivated by introducing game-like elements into the learning process.

When asked about what students are most excited about in their classrooms, 74% of teachers responded that students are excited about collaborating with one another, while 73% of teachers surveyed said students were excited about gamified learning, in which students are motivated by introducing game-like elements into the learning process. Teachers are committed to their own growth. When teachers were asked what they themselves were most excited about, 37% noted they were excited to see their students, and 32% said they were most looking forward to using new teaching techniques.

When teachers were asked what they themselves were most excited about, 37% noted they were excited to see their students, and 32% said they were most looking forward to using new teaching techniques. We're at a turning point. Of teachers surveyed, 92% believe that students will be more or equally engaged this coming school year when compared to last, citing the distance from the pandemic and continued familiarity with in-classroom learning. Teachers also noted their own professional development and implementation of new engagement strategies will play a role in classrooms' increased engagement.

"As we move further from the effects of the pandemic and remote learning, I've found that student engagement has consistently improved," said Amy Weston, a language arts teacher in Michigan. "Purposeful learning can happen when we help students invest in their own learning. This year, with improved personal responsibility and more established relationships and room for collaboration, I'm hopeful that I will continue to see stronger engagement and ultimately better learning outcomes in my classroom."

About the survey: GoGuardian conducted the survey through its nationwide network of educators spanning all 50 states. The survey was fielded from July 12 through Aug. 2, 2023, and received 1,134 responses. This research is part of GoGuardian's work to source candid insights and reflections from teachers across the country, with an aim to better understand key trends and customer needs.

Complete survey results with detailed charts can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/GG-BTS-2023

About GoGuardian

GoGuardian aims to help all learners feel ready and inspired to solve the world's greatest challenges by combining the best in learning and science technology across every part of the learning journey. Our award-winning system of educational tools, which includes Giant Steps, Pear Deck, and GoGuardian Teacher for learning engagement; Edulastic for assessments; TutorMe for virtual on-demand tutoring; and GoGuardian Admin and Beacon to support student safety, is purpose-built for K-12 and trusted by school leaders to promote effective teaching and equitable engagement while empowering educators to help keep students safe. Learn more at goguardian.com .

CONTACT: GoGuardian PR Press, press@GoGuardian.com

SOURCE GoGuardian
CAIRO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pangiam, a trade and travel technology company, executed two agreements with the Cairo Airport Company to design and build Cairo International Airport's (CAI) new Terminal 4 and develop CAI into a world-class smart airport through the use of cutting-edge technology and operations best practices.

L-R: Simon Wilcox, SVP Pangiam; Crawford Burden, MD AECOM; Erin Cole, Deputy Senior Commercial Services Officer, U.S. Embassy Cairo, Tom Plofchan, Chief Investment Officer Pangiam; H.E. Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Abbas Helmy; Mohamed Saeed Mahrous, Chairman Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation; Magdy Ishak, Chairman and CEO Cairo Airport Company; Permanent Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Amany Metwaly; Yehia Zakaria, Chairman and CEO EgyptAir; Amr el-Sharkawy, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority; Captain Elias Sadek, Minister Advisor.

The two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) instruct Pangiam and its partners to develop a proposal to build a new Terminal 4 at CAI and complete a feasibility study providing recommendations to use emerging technologies to convert CAI's existing infrastructure into a world-class smart airport and seamless travel experience. Over the next six months, Pangiam and its partners will work in partnership the Cairo Airport Company to complete this work in line with the priorities of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Development Plan announced this past spring.

Tom Plofchan, Pangiam Chief Investment Officer said, "these agreements represent the beginning of an exciting opportunity to deliver a world-class passenger experience that will help support and grow Egypt's impressive tourism industry and attract additional foreign direct investment."

Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy stated, "the signing of the two MoUs is in line with the Ministry's desire to develop the infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of Cairo International Airport systems, supported in this endeavour by distinguished experts with access to cutting-edge technologies. The aim is to enhance the level of services provided to passengers in order to create a better travel experience, particularly given the expected increase in air and tourist traffic in Egypt in the years ahead."

Pangiam is grateful for the support of the United States Embassy in Cairo in reaching this important milestone.

About Pangiam:

Led by a team of seasoned aviation experts, Pangiam brings a unique set of integrated technologies, private capital, and a consortium of design, architecture, and operations partners to Cairo, offering the potential to significantly enhance passenger experience and connectivity to U.S. and European markets.

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Pangiam
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After Allstate Insurance refused to settle the case for its $100,000 policy limits, Attorneys from the PARRIS Law Firm obtained a $6.9 million verdict in a Los Angeles Superior Court trial that involved a dispute over which driver crossed into their lane and caused the collision.

The dispute arose from a 2018 traffic collision in Los Angeles, CA. According to the plaintiff, he was driving along a 2 lane road when the defendant veered into oncoming traffic and hit him head-on. As a result, the plaintiff suffered injuries that affected his ability to work and live a normal life. The defendant disputed these claims.

At trial, Allstate's attorney, Jay McClaugherty, denied any responsibility for the crash and instead claimed that it was Plaintiff's fault; that it was Plaintiff who veered into oncoming traffic. Allstate presented two expert witnesses who testified that the plaintiff was at fault for the crash. However, upon cross-examination, PARRIS Law Firm attorneys were able to demonstrate that Allstate's experts were biased and did not apply proper physics in their accident reconstruction analysis.

"It was evident from the beginning that our client was not at fault for the crash," said lead attorney Jason P. Fowler of PARRIS Law Firm. "Despite defense counsel throwing everything at the wall, the jury saw through Allstate's shaky scientific claims and rightly ruled in our client's favor," he added.

Ultimately, the jury decided 12-0 that the defendant was 100% responsible for the crash, disregarding the defendant's argument entirely. The jury awarded the plaintiff more than $6.5 million for his economic and non-economic losses. The jury also awarded his spouse more than $340,000 for the crash's effect on their relationship.

"This was a just result for very deserving clients," said Jason Fowler. "I am glad that the jury ignored Allstate's attempt to minimize the impact the injuries have had on him and his wife."

Jason P. Fowler and Jonathan W. Douglass of PARRIS Law Firm represented the plaintiffs. Jay McClaugherty of McClaugherty & Associates represented the defendant.

The case is Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. 19STCV10899.

About PARRIS Law Firm

The PARRIS Law Firm is recognized as one of America's top personal injury, employment, and environmental law firms. With a proven track record of fighting for justice on behalf of families and individuals, the firm boasts numerous seven-, eight-, nine-, and ten-figure verdicts and settlements. To learn more about the firm, please visit www.parris.com.

Contact

Dante Hickles (661) 949-2595

[email protected]

SOURCE PARRIS Law Firm
Company to Exit Chapter 11 with Strengthened Financial Position, Including Nearly $1 Billion Debt Reduction

Party City Store Portfolio Optimized as Company Leads as One-Stop-Shop for All Things Celebration

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Party City Holdco Inc. ("PCHI" or the "Company"), a global leader in the celebrations industry, announced today that it has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas of its Plan of Reorganization, paving the way for the Company to emerge from Chapter 11 on stronger financial footing.

Under the Plan, PCHI will exit with a substantially strengthened capital structure and improved liquidity, helping to ensure the Company is best equipped to continue to execute on its strategy and further enhance its market leadership as the go-to destination for all things celebration. Specifically, the Plan provides for PCHI's debt to be reduced by nearly $1 billion upon emergence. PCHI will move forward with a more profitable Party City store footprint, consisting of nearly 800 locations nationwide, after negotiating improved lease terms and exiting less productive locations during the Chapter 11 process.

"Today's Plan approval is an important milestone in completing our financial restructuring and successfully positioning PCHI for the future," said Brad Weston, Chief Executive Officer of PCHI. "With our debt substantially reduced and Party City store portfolio optimized, we will emerge better positioned to advance our strategic priorities, continue to innovate and elevate the consumer experience, and pursue new growth opportunities. We thank our team members, retail and wholesale customers, suppliers, and landlords for their support and collaboration during this process, and we are excited to build on PCHI's proud history as the leader in the celebrations space."

Under the terms of the approved Plan, PCHI is expected to emerge with new shareholders, including the members of the ad hoc group of holders of the Company's senior secured first lien notes who supported the restructuring. The Plan provides for a new exit ABL facility of $562 million and a fully backstopped $75 million new money investment to fund distributions and payment of administrative claims under the Plan as well as the Company's operations upon emergence.

Additional Information

Court filings and other documents related to the Company's financial restructuring are available at https://cases.ra.kroll.com/PCHI. Suppliers with questions can call a dedicated hotline at (888) 905-0493 (toll-free) or +1 (646) 440-4580 (international) or email [email protected].

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel, Moelis & Company LLC is serving as investment banker, AlixPartners, LLP is serving as financial advisor, and A&G Realty Partners is serving as real estate advisor to the Company.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel and Lazard Freres & Co. is serving as investment banker to the Ad Hoc Group.

About Party City Holdco Inc.

Party City Holdco Inc. (PCHI) is a global leader in the celebrations industry, with its offerings spanning more than 70 countries around the world. PCHI is also the largest vertically integrated designer, manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of party goods in North America.

PCHI operates across multiple businesses within its Retail Division and Consumer Products Division. On the retail side, Party City (partycity.com) is the leading omnichannel retailer in the celebrations category, operating more than 800 company-owned stores, franchise stores, and Halloween City (halloweencity.com) seasonal pop-up stores. The Consumer Products Division includes design and manufacturing entities Amscan, an industry leader in celebration decor, tableware, costumes, and accessories, and Anagram, the global market leader in foil balloons.

PCHI is headquartered in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. with additional locations throughout the Americas and Asia.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the forward-looking statements in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believes," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "estimates," "should," "would," "anticipates," "plans" or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for the Company's ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether to reflect actual results of operations; changes in financial condition; changes in results of operations and liquidity, changes in general U.S. or international economic or industry conditions; changes in estimates, expectations or assumptions; or other circumstances, conditions, developments or events arising after the date of this press release. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and other factors, which could include the following: risks and uncertainties relating to the bankruptcy petitions, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to become a privately held company, as well as other risk factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10Q filed with the SEC. The Company therefore cautions readers against relying on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.

Media Contact

Kekst CNC

Sherri L. Toub / Wendi Kopsick

[email protected]

SOURCE Party City Holdco Inc.
Summary: Phoenix Capital Group, a leading oil and gas mineral rights acquisition company, has announced the purchase of roughly 2,530 net acres of land in Mountrail County, North Dakota valued at roughly $9 million. This purchase adds to their evolving presence in the region.

DENVER, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Capital Group Holdings LLC, a family-owned enterprise specializing in oil and gas mineral rights acquisition and non-operated working interests, is thrilled to announce a significant acquisition in North Dakota. The company has recently finalized the purchase of prime assets valued at approximately $9 million, further solidifying its growing presence in the region. The official closing of this transaction is scheduled for the end of August.

Phoenix Capital Group announces the purchase of ~2,530 net acres of land in Mountrail County, ND valued at ~$9 million. Post this Join over 1,000 investors and learn more about the philosophy behind Phoenix Capital Group as we strive to bring unique investment opportunities to individuals. Our private corporate bond offerings are audited and filed with the SEC and FINRA. We offer short- and long-term solutions with returns ranging from 8-12% APY, paid monthly.

Phoenix Capital Group's strategic acquisition of approximately 2,530 net operated acres/6,400 gross operated acres of land in the highly sought-after Mountrail County, North Dakota encompasses five operated 1,280-acre Drilling and Spacing Units (DSUs), boasting an average working interest of 40% and an exceptional 8/8ths net revenue interest of 81%. Each DSU houses a single horizontal well, providing Phoenix with exceptional infill drilling optionality within DSUs yielding a remarkable 90% oil content.

"We are thrilled to have secured these excellent assets in the Williston Basin, an area that continues to offer strong development opportunities," expressed David Scadden, the Senior Vice President of Operations for Phoenix Operating, LLC. "This strategic acquisition marks a pivotal moment for our company as we further our expansion into the North Dakota market and bolster our drilling inventory."

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Capital Group, Phoenix Operating, LLC recently announced its ambitious expansion into North Dakota, equipping the operating team with the tools and resources necessary to cultivate its own oil and gas production capabilities earlier this year. With a dedicated focus on the resource-rich Williston Basin, as well as the Powder River Basin and DJ Basin, Phoenix Operating LLC is committed to driving American-owned oil and gas development projects while prioritizing efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Led by a seasoned leadership team, including David Scadden as Senior Vice President of Operations, Nick Daniele as Vice President of Geology, Mark Johnson as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Brandon Allen as Vice President of Reservoir Engineering, Adrian Reece as VP of Completions, Nathan Burget as Vice President of Land, and Christ Marshall as Managing Director of Field Operations - Phoenix Operating LLC is dedicated to delivering lasting value to landowners and investors, while minimizing surface disturbance.

Phoenix Capital Group, as a family-owned enterprise, places great importance on fostering strong relationships with clients and creating valuable investment opportunities. The acquisition of these key assets in Mountrail County, North Dakota, further strengthens the company's objective to establish strategic acreage positions in key regions across the United States.

About Phoenix Capital Group

Founded in 2019, Phoenix Capital Group Holdings, LLC is a leading oil and gas mineral rights acquisition and non-operated working interest enterprise headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The family-owned company is a technology-led and client-centric focused organization dedicated to developing partnerships with its clients through property acquisitions and investment opportunities. With a team of experienced professionals with expertise in software development, engineering, and finance, Phoenix Capital Group boasts over 60 years of combined experience in the energy sector, focusing on capital deployment and asset management.

SOURCE Phoenix Capital Group Holdings LLC
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The PLC software market report has been added to Technavio's offering. The potential growth difference for the PLC software market between 2022 and 2027 is USD 867.32 million. The rising industrial automation and digitization drive the PLC software market growth during the forecast period. There is an increasing focus by several industries on improving efficiency, production, and cost-effectiveness. As a result, there is an increasing adoption of PLC software across industries to automate machines and operations. Furthermore, there is the degradation of PLC software with the integration of cutting-edge technology such as cloud computing, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, as PLC offers the programming and logic needed to manage and automate industrial processes, it plays an essential role in the journey of the global industrial sector toward digital transformation. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the PLC software market growth. Therefore it is expected to drive the global PLC software market growth during the forecast period. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio has proudly partnered with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and much more. Buy Full Report Here

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global PLC Software Market

Market Challenge -

Cybersecurity concerns and the need for robust PLC software security are significant challenges hindering the growth of the global PLC software market growth during the forecast period. There is an increase in reliance on PLC software systems across various industries due to the advent of industrial automation and digitization across the world. As a result, several PLC software across industries are desirable targets for hackers and are prone to cyber security attacks and data leakages. Therefore, it is essential for several programmable logic controller (PLC) software market players and industrial businesses to invest in strong security measures to tackle such challenges and mitigate the risks. Additionally, it has become crucial to set access restrictions in order to ensure the security of PLC networks. Furthermore, there is a need for constant improvements and modifications in security measures in order to maintain an edge in a threat environment that is continuously evolving. Hence, the inability to resolve cybersecurity issues could reduce confidence in PLC systems which can negatively impact the PLC software market growth. Therefore, it is expected to hinder the global PLC software market growth during the forecast period. Explain. Learn about additional key drivers, trends, and challenges available with Technavio. Read FREE Sample PDF Report Now

The plc software market has been segmented by deployment (Cloud-based and On-premise), type (Ladder logic, FBD, and Others), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America).

The market share growth by the cloud-based segment is significant during the forecast period. Some of the key benefits of the cloud-based segment include scalability, adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity of use. There is a growing trend among companies to adopt cloud-based PLC software solutions to automate their processes which is significantly contributing to the growth of this segment. Some of the main market players that offer cloud-based products include Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and ABB. Hence, such factors are expected to fuel the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

is significant during the forecast period. Some of the key benefits of the cloud-based segment include scalability, adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and simplicity of use. There is a growing trend among companies to adopt cloud-based PLC software solutions to automate their processes which is significantly contributing to the growth of this segment. Some of the main market players that offer cloud-based products include Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and ABB. Hence, such factors are expected to fuel the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period. North America accounts for 31% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. View FREE Sample Report for insights into the contribution of all the segments and regional opportunities in the report.

Key Companies in the PLC software market:

ABB Ltd., Delta Electronics Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., IDEC Corp., Keyence Corp., LS ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., OMRON Corp., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Rockwell Automation Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Toshiba Corp., Yokogawa Electric Corp., Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG, and FANUC Corp.

Related Reports:

The security in schools market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.57% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 3,429.97 million.

The threat intelligence security market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 23.7% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 17,000.22 million.

PLC Software Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.82% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 867.32 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.07 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 31% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and the UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, Market Positioning of companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., Delta Electronics Inc., Eaton Corp. Plc, Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., IDEC Corp., Keyence Corp., LS ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., OMRON Corp., Panasonic Holdings Corp., Rockwell Automation Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Toshiba Corp., Yokogawa Electric Corp., Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG, and FANUC 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

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Deployment

Market Segmentation by Type

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

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.

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
NEW YORK , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The polysilicon market size is expected to grow by USD 9.20 billion from 2022 to 2027. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will progress at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period, according to Technavio. We provide a detailed analysis of 20 companies operating in the polysilicon market, including Daqo New Energy Corp., Elkem ASA, Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC, Mersen Corporate Services SAS, Mitsubishi Materials Corp., OCI Co. Ltd., Qatar Solar Technologies, REC Silicon ASA, TBEA Co. Ltd., Tokuyama Corp., and Wacker Chemie AG. The rise in solar PV installations is notably driving the polysilicon market. However, factors such as the Intermittent nature of solar power generation may impede market growth. The market is segmented by Application (Photovoltaics and Electronics), Type (Wafers or chips, Chunks, and Rods), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The report offers an up-to-date analysis of the market, and to know the exact growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request a FREE Sample Report.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Polysilicon Market 2023-2027

Polysilicon Market 2023-2027: Company Analysis

Daqo New Energy Corp. - The company offers polysilicon, such as medium to extra large solar-grade polysilicon chunks. This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now for detailed company information

Polysilicon Market 2023-2027: Segmentation

Application

The photovoltaics segment is significant during the forecast period. This is an attractive material for the production of photovoltaic cells because of its abundant availability, stability, and low toxicity of silicon, combined with the low cost of polysilicon when compared to single crystals. Furthermore, the abundant availability, stability, and low toxicity of silicon combined with the low cost of polysilicon when compared to single crystals. This tends to increase with the volume of grains used. Additionally, once molten silicon is poured into the cast, solar PV cells and panels are produced. Moreover, instead of using a single silicon crystal, fragments of silicon are melted together to form wafers. These modules are also called multi-polysilicon. Hence, such factors fuel the growth of the photovoltaics segment of the polysilicon market during the forecast period.

is significant during the forecast period. This is an attractive material for the production of photovoltaic cells because of its abundant availability, stability, and low toxicity of silicon, combined with the low cost of polysilicon when compared to single crystals. Furthermore, the abundant availability, stability, and low toxicity of silicon combined with the low cost of polysilicon when compared to single crystals. This tends to increase with the volume of grains used. Additionally, once molten silicon is poured into the cast, solar PV cells and panels are produced. Moreover, instead of using a single silicon crystal, fragments of silicon are melted together to form wafers. These modules are also called multi-polysilicon. Hence, such factors fuel the growth of the photovoltaics segment of the polysilicon market during the forecast period. Type (wafers or chips, chunks, and rods)

Geography

APAC will contribute 57% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. View FREE PDF Sample Report

Polysilicon Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights

Historic Market Size 2017-2021

CAGR of the market during 2023-2027

Detailed information on factors that will assist polysilicon market growth during the next five years

Estimation of the polysilicon market size and its contribution to the parent market

Forecasts on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the polysilicon market

Analysis of the competitive landscape and detailed information on companies

Comprehensive details of factors that will impede the growth of polysilicon market companies

Related Reports:

The silicon nitride market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 49.56 million.

The silicon photonics market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 42.81% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 10,164.94 million.

Polysilicon Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 13.2% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 9.20 billion Market structure Concentrated YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 13.1 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 57% Key countries US, Canada, China, Japan, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Daqo New Energy Corp., Elkem ASA, Hemlock Semiconductor Operations LLC, Mersen Corporate Services SAS, Mitsubishi Materials Corp., OCI Co. Ltd., Qatar Solar Technologies, REC Silicon ASA, TBEA Co. Ltd., Tokuyama Corp., and Wacker Chemie AG 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, Market condition analysis for 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.

ToC:

Excustive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Historic Market Sizes

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Application

Market Segmentation by Type

Market Segmentation by Geography

Customer Landscape

Geographic Landscape

Drivers, Challenges, & Trends

Company Landscape

Company Analysis

Appendix

About Technavio

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.

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
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ProtoStar Foundation is commissioning renowned composer Michael Schachter to compose a new piano concerto, which will premiere in 2024 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Gershwin's masterpiece, originally commissioned by Paul Whiteman, was first performed in New York City's Aeolian Hall on February 12, 1924. Schachter's composition will pay tribute to Gershwin's piece musically.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to write a new concerto in honor of the centennial of a true American masterwork  and, through engaging with our musical and cultural legacy, to contend with our present and future," Schachter said. "My humble gratitude to ProtoStar for their generous support and enthusiasm." Gary P. Poon, president of the ProtoStar Foundation, added, "We are fortunate to have such an esteemed artist as Michael compose a piece that pays homage to this iconic work by a great man."

ProtoStar commemorates centennial of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue by commissioning new piano concerto premiering in 2024. Post this

Stay tuned for details about the date and venue of the world premiere of this amazing commission.

About Michael Schachter

Michael Schachter is a composer, writer, and pianist based in Burlington, VT. His compositions have been performed at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Smithsonian to the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Recent commissions include the Los Angeles Philharmonic (in collaboration with Davone Tines, Caroline Shaw, and Tyshawn Sorey), Grammy-winning choir Conspirare, and the Miro Quartet. He is also developing his first project for television as writer, composer, and executive producer with Seaview Productions.

About ProtoStar Foundation

The ProtoStar Foundation is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in San Diego. It is part of the ProtoStar Group, a set of pioneering companies that find resourceful ways to fund, develop, or incubate innovative projects and organizations that have a unique, compelling, and impactful social mission. Among its projects is the founding and sponsorship of the ProtoStar Innovative Series at the Conrad in La Jolla, California.

Media Contact: Gary P. Poon [email protected] (202) 360-1160

SOURCE ProtoStar Foundation
Leading Strategic Growth Partner for Cardiology Practices, Qoros Health, Collaborates with Central Florida Cardiology Group to Enhance Patient Care

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Qoros Health, an up and coming growth partner for cardiology groups, is excited to announce its strategic expansion into Florida through a landmark partnership with Central Florida Cardiology Group ("CFCG"). This marks Qoros' eighth partnership with a cardiology practice and its first in the state of Florida. Backed by Chicago Pacific Founders, Qoros Health possesses expertise necessary to shape the future landscape of patient care in cardiology.

Led by CEO Liz Rodriguez, Qoros Health is at the forefront of building a physician-led platform that provides enduring support and economic alignment for its partners. By investing in accomplished leaders, cutting-edge technology, payer relationships and specialized services, Qoros Health aims to revolutionize patient care in the cardiology field. A cornerstone of its partnership philosophy is to uphold physician autonomy while advancing growth initiatives.

Qoros Health, a growth partner for cardiology groups, announces its partnership with Central Florida Cardiology Group. Post this

"At Qoros, we are dedicated to empowering cardiologists to continue delivering exceptional patient care. Our partnership with Central Florida Cardiology Group underscores our commitment to partnering with the highest quality cardiologists to preserve their legacy of excellence while embracing innovation," Rodriguez said.

"We are excited to partner with CFCG's esteemed team to enhance patient outcomes and redefine the cardiology landscape," she added.

Founded in 1948, Central Florida Cardiology Group is the region's premier independent cardiology practice. Known for its unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled care across three convenient locations, CFCG has earned a highly respected reputation. The partnership will allow CFCG's partners, including Scott Pollak, M.D., Ralph Rodriguez, M.D., Anil Kumar, M.D., Bruce Stein, M.D., and Milind Parikh, M.D., to maintain equity ownership in the platform, ensuring the practice remains physician-led and focused on delivering the highest quality of patient-centric care.

"Our team at CFCG is excited to partner with Qoros Health. This opportunity allows us to further elevate the care we provide to our diverse patient base. We believe that Qoros' expertise will empower us to expand our services and enhance the overall patient experience, while maintaining our commitment to excellence," Dr. Parikh said.

Central Florida Cardiology Group includes a team of 10 highly experienced clinicians, including five physicians and five nurse practitioners. Through this partnership, CFCG will leverage Qoros Health's and CPF's profound healthcare operations expertise to introduce enhanced diagnostics, drive quality outcomes and reduce the overall cost of care. Additionally, the partnership provides access to Qoros Health's expertise in developing and managing cardiovascular-focused Ambulatory Surgery Centers that elevate patient experience while optimizing cost effectiveness.

This collaboration further expands Qoros Health's platform across the United States, reinforcing the company's commitment to swift and strategic expansion aimed at partnering with the nation's top cardiologists.

For more information, please visit Qoros Health's website.

Media Contact

Kristen McCullough

(407) 808-8027

[email protected]

www.KAMCOMMedia.com

About Qoros Health

Qoros Health is a pioneering administrative services provider for cardiology practices. With a strong presence in Texas and Florida, Qoros is actively expanding its operations into new regions. The company stands as a trailblazer with its unique capabilities, encompassing extensive expertise in managing cardiology Ambulatory Surgery Centers, a proven track record of establishing robust physician platforms and a governing board led by physicians dedicated to advancing the landscape of healthcare. Qoros Health's unwavering mission is to drive transformation across the healthcare sector by reducing the cost of care, enhancing the patient experience and improving quality of life for physicians. As the industry evolves, Qoros remains at the forefront, committed to providing innovative solutions that empower cardiology practices to excel in delivering exceptional patient care. For more information about Qoros Health and its groundbreaking initiatives, please visit www.qoroshealth.com.

About Central Florida Cardiology Group

For over 75 years, Central Florida Cardiology Group (CFCG) has been a beacon of exceptional healthcare, dedicating itself to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease for patients in and around Central Florida. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, CFCG's team of five board-certified cardiologists and proficient clinical support staff offer comprehensive adult cardiology services, spanning noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures, as well as therapeutic interventions. Situated conveniently near downtown Orlando, Oviedo and Lake Mary, CFCG ensures accessibility to a significant portion of the greater Orlando population. Boasting state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including a Cardiac Catheterization Lab, PET Nuclear Lab, Cardiovascular Ultrasounds, Arrhythmia Clinic and Vein Clinic, along with hospital services, CFCG remains at the forefront of cutting-edge healthcare. Learn more at www.cfcg.com.

About Chicago Pacific Founders

Based in Chicago and San Francisco, Chicago Pacific Founders ("CPF") is a leading strategic private equity firm focused on investing in growth companies within healthcare services, value-based care, and caring for aging populations. Founded with the mission of "doing well by doing good," CPF seeks to partner with organizations delivering the highest quality of care via a founder-friendly approach. CPF's leadership team is made up of former healthcare founders, senior executives, and investment professionals with a passion and successful track record of building healthcare businesses. For more information, please visit www.cpfounders.com.

SOURCE Qoros Health
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
After partnering with RaySecur, Moderna bolsters its security posture as recognized by the Outstanding Security Performance Awards.

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RaySecur , the leading provider of T-ray security imaging technology, is announcing that the award committee for the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) has selected RaySecur and its partner Moderna as a finalist for an Outstanding Security Partnership award. To be considered, a company must demonstrate how the partnership resulted in clear, sustainable business benefits and a positive performance impact.

RaySecur was selected to deploy its new T-ray security screening technology and develop security protocols for the biotech's global environment. Moderna recognized a gap in its mail security protocols, which came to light after a period of explosive growth and heightened public awareness during the pandemic. The ideal solution had to meet Moderna's global scalability requirements to secure domestic and overseas locations and seamlessly integrate with existing security protocols.

ASIS OSPAs recognize RaySecur as a finalist for the Outstanding Security Partner award. Post this

Working closely with Moderna executives and their in-house security team, RaySecur conducted an enterprise-wide mail risk assessment and developed tailored security procedures that easily integrated with Moderna's existing technology and facilities. The partnership provided Moderna with professional security consulting and expert monitoring services along with the installation of MailSecur T-ray screening platforms. With RaySecur, screeners can quickly discern suspicious mail items without conducting a detailed manual inspection. Moderna also has access to the RaySecur's professional services team, made up of former military EOD and law enforcement experts, for 24x365 analysis and consulting.

The leading-edge DHS SAFETY-designated MailSecur scanners required only minutes to set up, and screening commenced immediately. Personnel with minimal experience had a short learning curve due to the intuitive user interface, the ability to interact with objects as they were screening them, and on-demand training support. And with MailSecur's portability, expanding the screening operation to include remote executive protection was possible. All this ensured Modern had access to mail screening procedures and technology that could flex and scale globally.

The OSPAs will be announced at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) event, which is being held in Dallas, TX, from September 11-13 of this year. RaySecur is exhibiting at GSX and can be found in booth 4378. The OSPAs are awarded yearly and were created in 2015 to recognize outstanding performance in the security industry. The OSPAs are overseen by ASIS international and are designed to be independent, credible, ethical, and transparent.

About RaySecur

RaySecur, the leader in real-time 3D, T-ray security imaging, is revolutionizing concealed threat detection with MailSecur. Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and heads of state trust RaySecur to keep them safe from hidden threats. MailSecur is the first desktop T-ray screening system designated by the DHS under the Safety Act. RaySecur and MailSecur are RaySecur, Inc. trademarks. For more information, visit www.RaySecur.com.

PR Contact

Carolina Calkins

[email protected]

SOURCE RaySecur Inc.
DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative snack sized apple company, Rockit Global is gearing up to inspire millions of consumers across GCC countries to Ready. Set. Rockit. Back to School during its peak sales period.

This builds on the Ready. Set. Rockit. campaign  where 79% of tested consumers said they liked or loved the campaign (Q4 2022)  fueling children and parents alike with a powerful punch of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre as they Rockit back to school, work or play.

Rockit is inspiring millions of consumers across GCC countries to Ready. Set. Rockit. Back to School.

Rockit Market Manager for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Ziad El Chawa says the apple brand  which is sold in 30 territories worldwide  continues to prove popular with consumers in the Middle East.

"In the UAE alone, Rockit sales have increased 35 percent year-on-year (2023 vs 2022) and unprompted consumer brand awareness has jumped a massive 9% (Q2 2023 vs Q2 2022). Momentum from the highly engaging Ready. Set. Rockit. campaign is set to continue this growth, attracting millions of new Rockit consumers during the peak Back to School sales period.

"As part of our ambition to become the world's most loved apple brand, we're excited to be collaborating with our partners across the Gulf region to enhance our activities each year. We're launching our Ready. Set. Rockit. Back to School campaign in hundreds of stores with targeted tasting moments and gamified displays to build connection to the Rockit brand and drive consumer demand," says Ziad.

Rockit will have a significant presence instore with compelling activations encouraging children to stay fit and healthy, along with creative limited edition gift boxes shaped like a book, containing premium, healthy and tasty Rockit apples, a pencil case and games. This will be supported by extensive digital activity including a social media competition with 20 juicers up for grabs on the @Rockitapplearabia Instagram page.

Rockit Marketing Executive for the Middle East and North Africa, Suha El Dassouki, says Rockit is an apple brand that thinks and acts differently, which is the key to its growing global success.

"We do things differently by focusing on enriching the lives of our consumers and finding new ways to enhance their retail experience. Our brand character, Rocki, is leading this strong omni-channel campaign with positivity and natural energy to highlight the importance of learning, while inspiring millions of new consumers to Rockit every day.

"We've worked hard to pack a punch not only with our premium product, but also with an exciting experience for our consumers across the Gulf region during this peak sales period," says Suha. "There's something for everyone in this world-leading marketing campaign, enabling consumers to enjoy the Back to School season the Rockit Way! It's just another step in our journey towards sharing 400 million of our delicious and nutritious snack sized apples with the world by 2025."

Rockit Back to School limited-edition packs are now available in stores and online across the GCC countries.

www.rockitapple.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2197700/Rockit_Back_to_School.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1800801/Rockit_Global_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Rockit
MUNICH, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- REPT BATTERO, a global leader in cutting-edge energy storage solutions, marked a historic moment with the official inauguration of its European branch at the REPT BATTERO Germany branch in Munich. Representatives from BMW and Renault, delegates from the German Overseas Chinese Association, representatives from the Labor and Economic Affairs Department of Munich, and delegates from the German Chamber of Commerce China Center, etc. attended the event.

The European branch was established and representatives from each company attended European branch opening reception

The establishment of the European branch is a strategic move that aligns with REPT BATTERO's optimistic outlook on the electrification sector across various domains such as automotive, maritime, industrial vehicles, and construction machinery. The branch aims to meet the rising demand for reliable new energy power and energy storage systems, facilitate the widespread adoption of clean energy sources, and drive innovation through local collaborations. At the same time, the European branch will become a sales, production, and technology center in the future.

In the whole year of 2022, REPT BATTERO's shipments of energy storage batteries ranked third. In the future, REPT will continue to provide leading technology products for local energy storage customers in Europe, including new energy project development, household storage, industrial and commercial energy storage, and mega energy storage utility.

During the event, REPT BATTERO unveiled its comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) roadmap, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in operations by 2026 and value chain Carbon Neutrality by 2035. This roadmap encompasses environmental responsibility goals, support for societal impact initiatives, and governance excellence standards, all aimed at propelling innovation and progress toward a sustainable future.

REPT BATTERO's CEO Dr. Hui Cao delivered an address during the ceremony, expressing, "I'm honored to be here for the grand opening of REPT BATTERO's European branch. We are bringing you cutting-edge battery technology, a seamless industrial chain, and sustainable competitiveness. Our goal has always been to drive the green transition, achieve carbon neutrality, and promote sustainable energy globally. Today, the establishment of our European branch signifies our unwavering commitment to this mission, fortified by our leadership in advanced battery technology." At the same time, the European branch's General Manager, Ms. Diana Cheng, added, "we are thrilled to bring REPT BATTERO's expertise to Europe. Our team is dedicated to delivering top-notch energy solutions, fostering local partnerships, and contributing to the continent's sustainable energy future."

The inauguration of the European branch marks a new chapter in REPT BATTERO's journey toward global leadership in the energy storage industry. The company looks forward to building strong partnerships and contributing to global transition to clean energy.

ABOUT REPT BATTERO

REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd. (REPT BATTERO), founded in 2017, stands as TSINGSHAN Industry's inaugural investment in the new energy sector. Leveraging TSINGSHAN's rich nickel mine resources, REPT BATTERO focuses on research, development, production, and sales of new energy batteries and system-level applications. The company offers high-quality solutions for battery electric vehicles (BEV) and intelligent power storage. In the whole year of 2022, the installed volume of REPT BATTERO power batteries ranked among the Top 10, and the shipments of energy storage batteries ranked third. With plans to elevate its total capacity to over 150 GWh by 2025, REPT BATTERO is steadfast in its commitment to sustainable energy. For more information, please visit REPT BATTERO's official website and LinkedIn. Please visit https://chinarept.com/en/ and www.linkedin.com/company/reptbattero for more information.

SOURCE REPT BATTERO
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, September 21st, leading scientists, researchers and advocates from across the region come together to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer's disease research and treatment, and how Rhode Island is playing a leading role in the battle against the disease.

Presented on World Alzheimer's Day, David Shenk , Brown alumnus ('88), journalist and author of The Forgetting, Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic, facilitates this discussion with:

Jessica Alber , Ph.D, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and Ryan Research Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island .

, Ph.D, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and Ryan Research Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the . Maritza Ciliberto , member of the National Institutes of Health's National Advisory Council on Aging, AD care partner/research advocate and participant.

, member of the National Institutes of Health's National Advisory Council on Aging, AD care partner/research advocate and participant. Edward (Ted) Huey , M.D, Director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University .

, M.D, Director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at . Gregorio Valdez , Ph.D, GLF Translational Associate Professor of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry at Brown University .

"Rhode Island's close-knit community of scientists, researchers and institutions helps foster an uncommon spirit of cooperation and connection," said Brown University President Christina H. Paxson. "At Brown, we have a robust foundation in place. By attracting talented scholars, investing in facilities, and creating the infrastructure to connect the incredible work already happening in our labs and clinical settings, our goal is to accelerate development toward novel treatments and cures in the fight against Alzheimer's."

Every year, Alzheimer's disease kills more people in the U.S. than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In Rhode Island, some 24,000 people aged 65 and older are living with the disease, and 36,000 caregivers provide 51 million hours of unpaid care. Annually, Alzheimer's costs the state Medicaid program $470 million.

"The battle against Alzheimer's disease is at an inflection point. New drugs for early stage treatment have been approved by the FDA and powerful molecular tools are being employed for disease identification and detection," said Diane Lipscombe, Director of the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science and Director of the Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research. "Now is the time for ever more collaborative, ground-breaking research to bring treatments for Alzheimer's from the 'bench-to-bedside' with speed and efficacy."

Held in Ray Hall on the campus of Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, this free, public event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Organizations including Butler Hospital, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Alzheimer's Association will be on-hand to share information, answer questions and connect attendees with relevant resources.

Attendees are asked to preregister for the event at bit.ly/CarneyWAD23 or by calling 401-863-7421. A reception will precede the discussion. Free parking is easily available on the Butler Campus .

The Robert J. & Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science is committed to supporting research and facilitating collaborations in brain science across the Brown University community. Our mission is to promote discovery and innovation in brain science by supporting a diverse community of experimentalists, theorists, engineers and clinical scientists. We do this by recruiting and retaining world-class faculty, creating an outstanding collaborative training environment, seeding innovative projects, supporting collaborative teams and raising the visibility and reputation of Carney researchers.

Media Contact

Joshua Speiser

[email protected]

443.939.7953

SOURCE Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University
The Delicious Powers of SAMBAZON Acai now being served on campus welcomes students & faculty back to school.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SAMBAZON , the leading brand and supplier of certified Fair Trade and organic Acai, will be opening a new SAMBAZON Acai Bowls location at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, FL. Situated in Razor's Reef Food Court  the University's campus dining complex, this continues SAMBAZON's national expansion of their quick service, branded Acai bowl shop concepts.

The new SAMBAZON Acai Bowls location at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, FL. Situated in Razors Reef Food Court  the Universitys campus dining complex.

"This year's back-to-school is an exciting time to reach students and faculty on campus at Nova Southeastern University. But what's unique about SAMBAZON is that in addition to sharing our delicious Acai bowls, we have an opportunity to share our brand's mission and values, which include a proactive solution to sustainable management of the Amazon Rainforest," said Ryan Black, SAMBAZON's co-founder and CEO.

"Partnering with a brand like SAMBAZON shows our student-focused commitment here at Nova Southeastern University to serve food with purpose. We share SAMBAZON's values to serve organic and Fair Trade certified meals to The Shark Community. This is a highly anticipated opening for us, and we're very excited to serve Acai Bowls and partner with SAMBAZON," said Mike Alkurdi, Resident District Manager  Chartwells Higher Education

SAMBAZON's all-day menu, served by food service partner Chartwells Higher Education, will include SAMBAZON's Berry Acai Bowl, Protein Acai Bowl, Chocolate Peanut Butter Acai Bowl, and Strawberry Sunrise Acai Bowl. The shop also will offer fresh fruit smoothies, oatmeal, and bottled beverages.

Acai is a superfoodrich in antioxidants, packed with essential fatty acids  omega 3, 6, and 9, and low in naturally occurring sugars. A staple food in the Amazon region, Acai berries are praised globally for being beneficial to health and well-being.

To learn more about SAMBAZON, follow @sambazon on Instagram

For SAMBAZON on campus updates, follow @sharkdining and @nsuflorida on Instagram

Founded in 2000, SAMBAZON, an acronym for Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon, was the first company to introduce "certified Acai" to the world, supplying organic and Fair Trade certified Acai products such as Smoothie Packs, Ready to Eat Acai Bowls, Juices, Energy drinks and Acai Bites from a proprietary supply chain to ensure transparency from the "palm of the tree to the palm of your hand." SAMBAZON's Fair Trade certification has helped to protect the Amazon Rainforest and its rich biodiversity and has helped to positively impact thousands of local growers by donating over $1 million to build or renovate healthcare centers, community centers and schools.

SOURCE SAMBAZON
CAMBRIDGE, England and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SKAN Research Trust (SKAN), promoted by Indian entrepreneur Ashok Soota and the UK-based Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI), is all set to bring to India cutting-edge expertise in stem cell research through a series of partnership agreements that were concluded today (6 September 2023) in Cambridge.

SKAN Research Trust and University of Cambridge to collaborate in Stem Cell Studies

In a century driven by biological advances, stem cells have offered researchers a unique opportunity to transform health through regenerative medicine. CSCI and SKAN will jointly undertake specific research projects in stem cells and use their findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

The agreements include the following:

A comprehensive Partnership Agreement

Consultancy and secondment frameworks for knowledge transfer and training from CSCI to SKAN

A joint research Project Agreement to study "The genomic landscape of neurodegenerative diseases of ageing in an Indian cohort"

"I am hugely excited by SKAN's vision and confident that this new partnership with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute will help catalyse exciting progress in biomedical research both in India and Cambridge," said Professor Bertie Gottgens, Director, Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute.

"We are delighted to be collaborating with University of Cambridge in the field of stem cells which are powering the most exciting medical interventions. The collaboration will support SKAN in creating a world-class stem cell centre in Bangalore and the application of bioinformatics to leverage the power of this technology," said Mr. Ashok Soota, the Chairman & Managing Trustee of SKAN.

The joint research, led by CSCI Principal Investigator Dr Jyoti Nangalia will study both normal brain tissue and neurological diseases to identify age-related genomic changes in the Indian population.

Dr Jyoti Nangalia, Group Leader at the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute and Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "I am looking forward to working with Ashok Soota and the SKAN team to support their vision to create a centre of research excellence in India. Together, we embark on a journey to unlock genomic insights into age-related brain diseases, addressing their growing burden in society with advanced DNA sequencing capabilities."

Through multiple consultancy agreements, CSCI and SKAN have agreed to a three-year period of knowledge transfer. SKAN will upgrade its stem cell and bioinformatics capabilities including top-of-the-line sequencing technologies with concomitant cell culture methodologies. CSCI researchers will benefit by amplifying the scope of their research through Indian cohorts and studies.

About SKAN Research Trust

SKAN is a Bengaluru-based not-for-profit medical research trust focussed on transformational technologies that will alter the future of medicine through the discovery of new therapies. SKAN's areas of expertise include human genomics, stem cells, gut microbiome, molecular biology, and transformational artificial intelligence applied to areas of ageing and neurological ailments to achieve breakthrough therapies.

Website: https://skanrt.in/

Media contact: [email protected]

Careers: [email protected]

About CSCI

The Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission to transform human health through a deep understanding of normal and pathological stem cell behaviour. Bringing together biological, clinical and physical scientists operating across a range of tissue types and at multiple scales, we explore the commonalities and differences in stem cell biology in a cohesive and inter-disciplinary manner. Located on a purpose-built facility on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and housing over 350 researchers, including a critical mass of clinician scientists, the Institute integrates with neighbouring disease-focused research institutes and also serves as a hub for the wider stem cell community in Cambridge.

Website:www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202987/SKAN_Cambridge.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2082007/SKAN_Logo.jpg

SOURCE SKAN
Debuting in New York during Fashion Week

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SkinCeuticals, the #1 Medical Aesthetic Skincare Brand1 worldwide with nearly 20 years of Integrated Skincare expertise, announces the launch of its national Treatment Tour. Kicking off during New York Fashion Week, the SkinCeuticals Treatment Tour aims to spread awareness on the importance of pairing treatments and skincare for optimal results and offers an opportunity for consumers to experience 1:1 access to top medical professionals like never before.

SkinCeuticals Treatment Tour

From Friday, September 8th to Sunday, September 10th, the SkinCeuticals Treatment Truck will be in New York City, parked at 13th Street and 9th Avenue, marking the start of a year-long national tour that will reach various top-cities across the country. Attendees will receive skin consultations, complimentary treatments administered by professionals, and learn about the best treatment and skincare pairings. Guests will also receive a $50 treatment credit for participating SkinCeuticals SkinLab or Flagship locations, SkinCeuticals branded items, along with a sample of best-selling, award-winning C E Ferulic, paired with H.A. Intensifier or Phyto Corrective Masque.

"Today, only 43% of consumers understand the importance of using skincare products to maximize their treatment results.2 As pioneers of Integrated Skincare, The SkinCeuticals Treatment Tour underscores our commitment of educating consumers on integrating treatments and skincare, by bringing the results directly to them," said Amy Sloan, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy and Growth at SkinCeuticals.

SkinCeuticals invites attendees to immerse themselves in their world of skincare expertise via four science-backed treatments that incorporate their skincare to deliver visible results with no downtime. Consumers can receive one of the treatments below, all under 30-minutes:

Facial Peel  Unveil your skin's radiance with a gentle chemical exfoliation treatment that enhances texture, unclogs pores, and boosts hydration. Booking required.

 Unveil your skin's radiance with a gentle chemical exfoliation treatment that enhances texture, unclogs pores, and boosts hydration. Hand Peel  Pamper your hands with a rejuvenating chemical exfoliation treatment that accelerates the skin's natural cell turnover. Booking required.

 Pamper your hands with a rejuvenating chemical exfoliation treatment that accelerates the skin's natural cell turnover. SkinCeuticals SkinScope Consultation  Discover your skin's visible and underlying concerns through their exclusive diagnostic tool. Available for pre-booking or walk-ins.

 Discover your skin's visible and underlying concerns through their exclusive diagnostic tool. Skin Consultation  Elevate your skincare routine with a mini consultation led by a knowledgeable SkinCeuticals expert. Available for walk-ins.

Treat yourself and stop by the SkinCeuticals Treatment Truck at 13th Street and 9th Avenue from September 8th through September 10th:

September 8 : 12:00 PM  6:00 PM

:  September 9 : 10:00 AM  6:00 PM

:  September 10 : 10:00 AM  6:00 PM

To learn more about the national SkinCeuticals Treatment Tour, partake in a virtual Treatment Truck preview and book a SkinCeuticals complimentary Treatment, please visit https://www.skinceuticals.com/skincare-services/treatment-tour.html. Explore industry-leading interactive motion graphics via SVG technology, bringing an immersive SkinCeuticals experience right to your fingertips.

ABOUT SKINCEUTICALS

SkinCeuticals, the #1 medical skincare brand in the U.S. and leader in antioxidant technology, founded in Dallas, TX in 1997, discovers, develops, and delivers an advanced line of scientifically backed cosmeceutical treatments. SkinCeuticals products have been shown to dramatically improve skin health by protecting skin from environmental damage and visibly improving skin clarity, tone, and texture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SkinCeuticals is available in over 6,000 physician offices nationwide, with over 100 of those dermatologists and plastic surgeons exclusively selling SkinCeuticals through their flagship program and SkinCeuticals SkinLab destinations which specifically emphasize the SkinCeuticals integrated skincare approach  combining clinical skincare with treatments. For more information, visit the brand on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or at www.SkinCeuticals.com.

ABOUT L'OREAL USA

L'Oreal USA is the largest subsidiary of the L'Oreal Group, the world's leading beauty company. Through its management of over 35 iconic beauty brands, L'Oreal USA has generated more than $9 billion in sales annually. Products are available across all distribution channels including hair salons, department stores, mass market, pharmacies, medi-spas, e-commerce and more. L'Oreal USA's commitment to growth is generated through sustainable innovation and driven by the company's L'Oreal for the Future ambition which demonstrates sustainable development across the Group's value chain. The company is headquartered in New York City, employs more than 11,000 people, and operates administrative, research, manufacturing and distribution facilities across 16 states.

1 Source: 2021 Kline Professional Skincare: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities

2 Source NewBeauty x SkinCeuticals Market

CONTACT

Laura Cummins at SkinCeuticals: (212) 984-4907 / [email protected]

SOURCE SkinCeuticals
CHONGQING, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The China Smart Expo was held from Sept. 4 to 6 in Liangjiang New Area of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The new area has signed 15 projects with an investment of 41.15 billion yuan, ranking first in Chongqing and covering fields including automobile, artificial intelligence, life and health, productive services, new energy and new energy storage, according to Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee.

The expo, held annually in Chongqing since 2018, has become a major platform to promote global exchanges of smart technologies and international cooperation in this industry.

As the third national-level development and opening-up new area in China and the first one in China's inland, the new area is an important automobile production base in Chongqing and beyond. Now it's home to 10 automobile manufacturers such as Chang'an Auto and SERES Group and more than 200 firms producing core auto parts.

The new area is seeking to build three leading industrial clusters such as intelligent connected NEVs, and has introduced a number of landmark projects, key projects and core supporting enterprises.

In the first half of 2023, the NEV output in the new area reached 113,000 units, up 63 percent year on year and accounting for 74.2 percent of Chongqing's NEV production. At the same time, the region has extended digital transformation to all fields and aspects to promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy.

Thanks to smart digital technologies, Chang'an Auto's new product launch cycle has been shortened by 30 percent, and Sany Group can roll off a large excavator in about 17 minutes.

Data of Chongqing's economic information commission showed that after intelligent transformation, the operating cost of enterprises has been reduced by more than 15 percent on average, the production efficiency increased by more than 10 percent, and the energy utilization rate lifted by over 8 percent.

In addition, the region has built the most complete industrial Internet infrastructure in western China with four hubs, one channel and two centers in digital economy, helping Chongqing to build a more competitive digital industrial cluster.

In H1, the resolution amount of Chongqing's root nodes increased by 99.2 percent, ranking first in the country.

Looking forward, Chongqing Liangjiang New Area will continue to promote the implementation of major projects and strategic emerging projects to gather steam for the region's high-quality economic development.

The region aims to build a strong enterprise hub and industrial cluster by 2027 and become a core carrying area for the key national advanced manufacturing center.

SOURCE Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee
Alan Bauman has been named as VP of Northeast; Sourcepass is launching a dedicated Regional Division

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the importance of local client support as well as the opportunity to positively impact the greater community, leading IT Services & Cybersecurity provider Sourcepass is launching a dedicated Regional Division in the northeastern United States. Alan Bauman, Founding Partner of the recently acquired CompuWorks in Pittsfield, MA, will assume the role of VP of the Northeast. In collaboration with Sourcepass' Easthampton, MA office, Alan will orchestrate a seamless coordination between Client Success and Operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery throughout New England and upstate New York.

"Sourcepass' exceptional IT services and community initiatives have become well known, and I'm excited to further build on this momentum", said CompuWorks Founding Partner and Sourcepass VP of Northeast, Alan Bauman. "We look forward to expanding our presence in our communities and growing local jobs in western Massachusetts to the benefit of the entire region."

"The CompuWorks acquisition further strengthens our expertise in the region and positions us as the largest and most capable managed IT services and security provider in Western Massachusetts," said Chuck Canton, CEO and Founder of Sourcepass. "And we have extended our dedication by committing $15mm to the region over the next five years to invigorate job creation and elevate community well-being."

Sourcepass is aiming to be a pivotal philanthropic contributor in the area. Aligning with its corporate social responsibility ethos, The Sourcepass Community Impact Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was established in February 2023. Sourcepass has supported 37 charities in Western Massachusetts this year to date, including a substantial donation and commitment to the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce.

Sourcepass has contributed $50,000 in cash donations and in-kind support towards the chamber's ambitious Co-Workspace project, WorkHub on Union. The donation will support the development of a vibrant and collaborative co-working space, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Easthampton region.

"We are immensely grateful for Sourcepass's generous contribution towards our WorkHub on Union Initiative," said Moe Belliveau, Executive Director, The Chamber of Greater Easthampton. "This donation is an incredible first step towards the required funding that will enable us to provide professional workspace, as well as essential resources and entrepreneurial training to individuals and small businesses, empowering them to succeed in today's competitive market."

For more information on how Sourcepass is revolutionizing the IT space through M&A and innovative client service delivery, please visit us at www.sourcepass.com.

About Sourcepass

Sourcepass is positively disrupting the way businesses consume IT, putting you in control of your digital universe so you have the power to transform your business. For more information on how Sourcepass is revolutionizing the IT space through M&A and innovative client service delivery, please visit www.sourcepass.com.

SOURCE Sourcepass, Inc.
Phase 2 efficacy study to be initiated in H1 2024

New data published in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics demonstrate broad distribution, as well as cell and nucleus penetration of SPL84 in lungs of animal models, overcoming hyper-concentrated mucus barriers, thus leading to specific and targeted RNA modulation

JERUSALEM, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SpliSense, a biopharmaceutical company developing transformative RNA-based therapies for pulmonary diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), muco-obstructive diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), today announced that it has successfully completed a first-in-human, Phase 1 clinical trial of SPL84, the Company's lead inhaled anti sense oligonucleotide (ASO) product for the treatment of patients with CF carrying the 3849+10 kilobase (Kb) C->T splicing mutation in the transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. SPL84 was shown to be safe and well tolerated.

In the Phase 1 study, 32 healthy male volunteers received a single dose of SPL84 or placebo and 4 doses were tested: 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg (active: placebo 3:1). SPL84 was shown to be safe and well tolerated, and no serious adverse events or significant related adverse events were identified. There were no significant changes from baseline in vital signs, clinical laboratory values, ECG, physical examination, or pulmonary function. Systemic exposure to SPL84 was very low and dose dependent. The first-in-human Phase 1 placebo-controlled, doubleblind, randomized study evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of SPL84 was a single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers, administered via inhalation.

"We are extremely excited with the safety profile of SPL84 as demonstrated in this Phase 1 study, paving the way to our Phase 2 efficacy study, that we plan to initiate in the first half of next year," said Gili Hart, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, SpliSense. "CF is one of the most common genetic diseases, leading to frequent lung infections, breathing difficulties and reduced life expectancy. Although currently available treatments managed to significantly increase life expectancy in the past few decades, they are focused on symptomatic treatments and there is still a significant unmet medical need for a CF cure. In particular CF patients carrying the 3849 +10 Kb C->T mutation have no specific approved treatment. Our lead product, SPL84, managed to completely restore CFTR activity the CF gold standard pharmacological model, and with the results announced today supporting its safety in humans, we hope to be able to deliver in the foreseeable future a life-changing treatment for CF patients."

In addition, SpliSense annouced the publication of a paper titled "Delivery Characterization of SPL84 Inhaled Antisense Oligonucleotide Drug for 3849 + 10 kb C- > T Cystic Fibrosis Patients" in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics. The data demonstrate broad distribution, as well as cell and nucleus penetration of SPL84 in mouse and monkey lungs. In vivo and in vitro studies confirmed the stability of the inhaled drug in CF patient-derived mucus and in lung lysosomal extracts. The mobility of SPL8 through CF Patients hyper-concentrated mucus was also demonstrated. The results, supported by a promising preclinical pharmacological effect of full restoration of CFTR channel activity, emphasize the high potential of SPL84 as an effective drug for the treatment of CF patients.

"The encouraging Phase 1 clinical trial results together with the preclinical data published in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics showing broad lung distribution of SPL84 support the further development of our wider pulmonary pipeline, including treatments for muco-obstructive diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, both of which are expected to enter the clinic next year," added Dr. Hart.

CF is a genetic multisystem disorder that originates from various mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for the production of the CFTR protein, a chloride channel expressed in the lungs as well as in other tissues. The past decade has seen a dramatic change in CF care with the approval of new therapies (CFTR modulators). However, approved CFTR modulators do not support all patients with CF and do not offer a cure for the disease. Thus, new strategies of medication development are essential to address non-responsive CF patients, and specifically patients carrying the 3849 +10 Kb C->T splicing mutation.

SpliSense utilizes short, precisely targeted proprietary RNA stretches called ASOs to correct various mutations in the CFTR mRNA. In particular, the ASO binds specifically to the mutated CFTR RNA in the targeted sequence, leading to the modulation of the mutated region in the mRNA, allowing the cell to produce fully functional CFTR proteins. The ASOs are administered directly and preferentially to the lungs via inhalation which lasts less than 10 minutes and is given weekly or every other week. The ASOs were shown to be efficiently taken up by the lung cells and drive the production of corrected CFTR mRNA and eventually fully functional CFTR proteins.

About SpliSense

SpliSense is a biopharmaceutical company focused on RNA-based treatments for pulmonary diseases. The Company's pioneering platform harnesses ASOs for treatment of unmet cystic fibrosis mutations and large pulmonary diseases including muco-obstructive diseases and IPF. Through its novel ASO pulmonary approach, SpliSense aims to overcome specific genetic mutations, restore or reduce protein expression and function, thus targeting the root cause of the disease. SpliSense' technology is based on the research of Prof. Batsheva Kerem, PhD, a renowned geneticist from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who was part of the research team that identified and cloned the CFTR gene. Investors in the Company include Orbimed, Israel Biotech Fund, Biotel Limited, Integra Holdings and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For additional information, please visit our website at SpliSense.com.

Company contact:

Tsipi Haitovsky, Global Media Liaison; +972-52-5989-892; [email protected]

SOURCE SpliSense
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. "Azerbaijan Investment Company" (AIC) OJSC has invested $670,000 in Israel's "C2A Security" startup project as part of collaboration with Israel's OurCrowd Fund, Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his page on X (Twitter), Trend reports.

According to Jabbarov, "C2A Security" specializes in developing a cybersecurity platform that offers robust safety solutions to protect the internal systems of electric cars from cyberattacks.

In recent years, Azerbaijan and Israel have strengthened relations in the sphere of cybersecurity.

In March this year, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, with support of "PASHA Holding" group of companies and cooperation with Israeli "Technion" institute, has established Azerbaijani Cyber Security Center.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Head of the Azerbaijani State Security Service Ali Nagiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, former Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Executive Vice President and General Director of "Technion" institute Boaz Golani, representatives of the Israeli Embassy and other officials.
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The student information system market size is expected to grow by USD 8.73 billion from 2022 to 2027, progressing at a CAGR of 17.03% as per the latest Technavio market research report. North America is going to have lucrative growth during the forecast period. About 31% of the market's overall growth is expected to originate from North America. The report has been segmented by End-user (Higher education and K-12), Deployment (On-premises and Cloud-based), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Discover insights on market size before buying the full report- Download the FREE sample report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Student Information System Market 2023-2027

Geography Overview:

North America will contribute 31% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of software solutions to facilitate the operational efficiency of educational institutions. Additionally, SIS is an integral part of most educational institutions' annual educational technology plans in the US. For now, get a snapshot of the comprehensive report Download a FREE Sample

Student Information System Market: Segmentation Overview

The higher education segment will be significant during the forecast period. There is an increased investment in data warehousing, analytics, and business intelligence by various higher education institutions. These investments are beneficial for SIS implementations. This is because players ensure that their products can be integrated with learning analytics and /image analysis software without the help of experts in IT and consultants. Furthermore, favorable political developments in countries like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have aroused interest in pursuing education related to STEM. Hence, such factors increase the number of higher education institutions being established, which will fuel the demand for SIS during the forecast period.

Key Factor driving market growth -

An increase in replacement activities drives the growth of the student information system market.

drives the growth of the student information system market. Various educational institutions that have adopted older versions of the SIS face functional challenges.

Thus, several established student information system (SIS) market players have developed new versions of SIS that are much more advanced than the versions that came out two or three years ago.

Hence, the demand for SIS is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period as most educational technology solutions come to an alternative stage.

This is observed especially in the higher education segment of developed countries such as the US and the UK.

Recent trends influencing the market-

Technological advancements in AI are an emerging SIS market trend.

Major challenges hindering the market growth-

Threat from open SIS challenges the growth of the student information system (SIS) market Drivers, Trends, and Challenges have an impact on market dynamics, which can impact businesses. Find more insights in a sample report!

What are the key data covered in the Student Information System Market reports:

Historic Market size

Company landscape and analysis including Anthology Inc., Beehively, Blackbaud Inc., Boardingware International Ltd., Eduware ntc, Ellucian Co. LP, Foradian Technologies, Gradelink Corp., Illuminate Education, Infinite Campus Inc., Jenzabar Inc., Oracle Corp., PowerSchool Holdings Inc., Salesforce Inc., Skyward Inc., Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd., The Tribal Group Plc, Thesis Cloud, VidalinksLLC, and Workday Inc.

Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Related Reports:

The railway management system market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.76% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 22.01 billion.

The passenger information system market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.65% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 22.08 billion.

Student Information System Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.03%. Market growth 2023-2027 USD 8.73 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 15.48 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa. Performing market contribution North America at 31%. Key countries US, China, Australia, UK, and Germany. Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks. Key companies profiled Anthology Inc., Beehively, Blackbaud Inc., Boardingware International Ltd., Eduware ntc, Ellucian Co. LP, Foradian Technologies, Gradelink Corp., Illuminate Education, Infinite Campus Inc., Jenzabar Inc., Oracle Corp., PowerSchool Holdings Inc., Salesforce Inc., Skyward Inc., Teachmint Technologies Pvt. Ltd., The Tribal Group Plc, Thesis Cloud, VidalinksLLC, and Workday Inc. 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, 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.

ToC

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by End-user

7 Market Segmentation by Deployment

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Vendor Landscape

12 Vendor Analysis

13 Appendix

About Technavio

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.

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
ASTON, Pa., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, representatives from 14 credit unions, along with area legislators, delivered 2,834 pounds of non-perishable food items and a monetary donation of $26,290 to Philabundance's South Philadelphia warehouse. The credit unions' branches and legislators' offices served as drop-off sites for food donations from members and constituents. The credit unions worked closely with Philabundance to highlight what types of food were most needed and received an overwhelming response from the community. Loree Jones, president of Philabundance expressed her gratitude for the credit unions' continued support, emphasizing, "Collaboration is one of our key values. We realize the challenges we're seeking to solve are large, and we cannot do this by ourselves." PA Senator Amanda Cappelletti expressed her wholehearted support for the partnership's collective efforts in combating hunger in the community, stating "Everybody deserves to have access to affordable, healthy food choices."

Representatives from 14 area credit unions deliver 2,834 lbs of food along with a monetary donation of $26,290 to Philabundance.

Participants included:

Senator Amanda Cappelletti

American Heritage Federal Credit Union

Ardent Credit Union

BHCU

Eagle One Federal Credit Union

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Freedom Credit Union

Merck Sharpe & Dohme

Penn Federal Credit Union

Reliance Federal Credit Union

Sun East Federal Credit Union

Superior Federal Credit Union

Tri County Federal Credit Union

TruMark Financial  Credit Union

Credit Union Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union

Initiatives such as these help to support the nearly half a million people in the Philadelphia area who are food insecure. Michael Kaczenski, Sun East's CEO reflected, "In these challenging times, I've been so humbled by Sun East's employees and members who consistently uphold our mission of People Helping People. I'm proud to be part of the credit union family  we help each other and those in need."

Sun East Federal Credit Union, founded in 1949, is a full-service, not-for-profit purpose-driven financial institution serving the savings, borrowing, and virtual banking needs of 50,000+ members, 1,250 employers, and multiple other organizations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. Sun East has over $ 877 million in assets with branches throughout the Quad-State area, nationwide ATM access, and online and mobile banking. For more information, call 877- 5-SUNEAST or visit www.suneast.org.

Media Contact:

Sharee L. Coleman

610-485-2960 ext. 268

SOURCE Sun East Federal Credit Union
Thousands Impacted by Breast Cancer to Come Together to Raise Critical Funds for Breast Cancer Research and Financial Assistance

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization, is hosting the 2023 Southeast Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk on Sunday, September 24 at Henry Maier Festival Park.

Thousands of individuals including family and friends will come together to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have passed away from the disease, and raise critical funds that support research and critical support services for breast cancer patients, including research, financial assistance, screening and diagnostics and patient navigation services.

"We are excited to bring back the MORE THAN PINK Walk and welcome walkers to this event to make a difference in our fight against breast cancer in our community," said Nikki Panico, Executive State Director for Wisconsin Susan G. Komen. "Continuing to support individuals going through breast cancer in our community is a critical mission as the demand for our services continues to increase."

What: Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk When: Sunday, September 24, 2023, 9:00 AM Where: 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Details: Register at: Komen.org/sewiwalk

Please contact Cristobal Martinez at [email protected] for more information on the event. Interviews with event attendees, Komen staff, and honorees can be granted upon request.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

CONTACT: Cristobal Martinez

Susan G. Komen

[email protected]

SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure
TAIPEI, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TCI is a supplement and personal products ODM/CDMO manufacturer headquartered in Taiwan, focusing on differentiated and high-performance product design and manufacturing. With a desire to lead the industry, TCI participated in the world's premier business awards program, The Stevie Awards, winning three prestigious innovation awards in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, including a Gold Winner Award for Excellence in Innovation in Health Care Industries, a Silver Winner Award for Innovative Achievements in Science or Technology, a Bronze Winner Award for Innovative Achievements in Diversity & Inclusion, and a People's Choice Award from the public vote selecting the favorite companies in health care industry.

Established in 2002, the Stevie Award is the highest honor in the American business community and the Oscar of the business world. With these accolades, TCI has established itself in the biotechnology space of the international arena. In its market expansion, TCI upholds the spirit of CDMO and strengthens our end-to-end agile management, responding to constantly fluctuating future market trends to meet the needs and goals set by its international customers. Innovation, quality, safety, and speed have been the most crucial standards of the one-stop service TCI provides customers. TCI aims to accelerate higher-performance product development based on scientific validation and contributes to the health of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

The end-to-end services that TCI provides to its customers not only include cutting-edge R&D, In Vitro v.s. In Vivo studies, fully automated production, worldwide regulatory compliance, and sustainability focus on conservation and care for the planet. TCI provides low-carbon and carbon-neutralized products and applies recyclable and recycled material in the packages; several products are incorporated with biodegradable material. Furthermore, TCI established a Biodiversity Park, leveraging its biotechnologic advantage to impact biodiversity positively.

In the Supply Side West exhibition from Oct 25- Oct 26 in Las Vegas, TCI will showcase the advantages of diversity and inclusion that are integral to its successes. The co-creation of a team of 21 nationalities provides the competitive edge needed for many of the breakthroughs of its products. The different nationalities, education, and professional backgrounds offer different perspectives, allowing TCI to continue leading the industry in innovation.

Related Link: https://www.tci-bio.com/

SOURCE TCI
By Fang Aiqing and Wang Ru

BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The key role of media cooperation in promoting Asian cultural heritage conservation, as well as the importance of amplifying Asia's voice, was emphasized at a forum on Tuesday in Beijing attended by media experts and heritage conservators from various Asian countries.

The Forum on Cultural Heritage Conservation, themed "Civilizations in Harmony", was co-organized by China Daily, the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Asia News Network. It was held following ANN's annual board meeting on Monday.

The Forum on Cultural Heritage Conservation with the theme Civilizations in Harmony is held in Beijing on Tuesday. (wang zhuangfei / china daily) (PRNewsfoto/China Daily Hong Kong)

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said the forum is an important platform to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and promote the inheritance and development of Asian cultures.

He said he hopes that the forum can advance cultural heritage conservation cooperation and deepen exchanges in the field, in order to enhance Asian countries' understanding and recognition of Chinese culture and to promote the shared values of all mankind.

Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, highlighted ANN's guiding role in promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of Asian countries' fine traditional cultures, and the urgency to "accelerate the formation of Asia's voice that can match the volume of Asia".

"Taking Asia as the anchor point, we should build a media cooperation network for dialogue between global civilizations, systematically demonstrate the significance of Asian civilizations to the world and spread the shared values therein for all humankind," Qu said.

Li Qun, head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said: "We will encompass major subjects such as human origin, global ancient civilizations and the Belt and Road Initiative to make plans for joint archaeological work, and establish sound mechanisms for coordinating joint archaeological efforts."

He called for giving full play to ANN's communication advantages and the resource advantages of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, which was inaugurated in April in the presence of more than 150 delegates from 22 Asian countries and three international organizations. The Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation, which is affiliated with the alliance, has so far generated 88 million yuan ($12 million) for conservation projects.

Mahfuz Anam, chairman of the ANN, emphasized mass media's responsibility to improve mutual understanding of diverse cultures that make for the collective heritage of humankind. He said that global and regional media cooperation in increasing knowledge of each other's cultures can largely help create deeper harmony between different cultural and ethnic groups.

Wang Jinzhan, executive secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology, listed some of the joint efforts made by Chinese and foreign cultural relics conservators to facilitate high-quality conservation with scientific and technological innovations. For example, Chinese scientists assisted in mapping Cambodia's Angkor sites and helped monitor its preservation with 3D scanning and Geographic Information System technologies, he said.

Kong Vireak, secretary-general of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia and Cambodia's undersecretary of state for culture and fine arts, highlighted the international endeavor to preserve the cultural legacies of Angkor, and the sustainable development of tourism and job opportunities generated through the process.

At a seminar held after the keynote speeches, delegates from cultural heritage institutions, and media agencies and associations, discussed how they can shoulder their responsibility to better preserve cultural heritage.

SOURCE China Daily Hong Kong
Inaugural Watch List spotlights firm's efforts on behalf of victimized guests

HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Lawyer has named trial boutique Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC, to its inaugural "Watch List," which recognizes the accomplishments of law firms that the publication says "should be on everybody's radar."

Blizzard Greenberg earned its selection for launching a new practice area in hotel sexual assault.

The newfound focus comes on the heels of a $44 million jury verdict against Hilton Management LLC after hotel personnel placed a vulnerable guest in the wrong room, leading to her sexual assault. While it is the responsibility of the hotel to provide a safe experience for travelers, Blizzard Greenberg attorneys have developed a national reputation for handling cases in which hotels have failed to maintain minimum safety standards and enforce established security measures that would have prevented sexual assaults, attempted sexual assaults and unlawful entry into travelers' rooms.

Name partners Ed Blizzard and Anna Greenberg have documented that some hotel management companies fail to properly train hotel staff or screen employees for criminal history. In some instances, hotel staff members have provided room keys to strangers who claim to know women staying in a hotel room without verifying their identities.

Among the firm's results is a $950,000 settlement on behalf of a woman who narrowly escaped an assault in her hotel room by a man she met at a nearby bar. The firm is also handling a case against a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on behalf of a University of Texas student who was sexually assaulted in her room after hotel staff failed to deactivate her lost room key, which was picked up by the attacker. That case is set for trial in January 2024 in Travis County.

The renowned team at Blizzard Greenberg has taken its efforts a step further by publishing helpful resources for victims and consumers, such as a hotel safety checklist with steps on what to do after an assault.

The 2023 edition of Texas Lawyer's "Watch List" highlights Texas firms in a range of areas, such as new practice areas launched, diversity, innovation, firm growth and others.

Click here to view the full issue.

About Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC

Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC, is an award-winning national trial firm with more than 40 years of experience handling complex legal issues involving pharmaceutical and personal injury cases. For more information, visit www.blizzardlaw.com.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Woulfe

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month (September), the Clayman Thyroid Center takes a steadfast stand on the significance of early detection in the battle against thyroid cancer. With a mission to empower individuals with knowledge and proactive measures, the center is unveiling a comprehensive approach to highlight the critical steps for early detection of thyroid cancer.

Early detection can be a game-changer in thyroid cancer outcomes, but it requires you to be proactive.

"Through awareness, education, and simple screening measures, we can make a significant impact on improving the lives of people affected by thyroid cancer." Post this

"Catching thyroid cancer early can be critical in achieving successful outcomes," emphasized Dr. Gary Clayman, founder of the Clayman Thyroid Center. "Through awareness, education, and simple screening measures, we can make a significant impact on improving the lives of people affected by thyroid cancer."

The Clayman Thyroid Center is the nation's highest-volume thyroid cancer treatment center. Operating exclusively at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa, Florida, their expert thyroid surgeons emphasize several key strategies that help detect thyroid cancers at the earliest stages:

Self-Screening: Know Your Neck

Self-awareness is the first line of defense. The Clayman Thyroid Center encourages individuals to perform self-screening by feeling their own neck for any unusual bumps or abnormalities. To make this process easy and effective, the center has shared a step-by-step video guide on its GoiterGuru YouTube channel. Dr. Rashmi Roy , a seasoned expert, leads the tutorial, empowering viewers with the knowledge to conduct a thorough self-examination.



Regular Physicals: Partnering with Your Primary Doctor

Regular check-ups with your primary doctor are essential. Physicians are trained to perform clinical assessments and can detect potential issues through bloodwork and physical examinations, including neck palpation. This proactive approach can catch thyroid irregularities early on.



Consulting an Endocrinologist: Expert Guidance

If any abnormalities are detected, consulting an endocrinologist is your next step. An endocrinologist can perform a biopsy if needed, contributing to accurate diagnosis. It's important to note that endocrinologists cannot, however, treat thyroid cancer if it is found, but they can help you find an expert thyroid surgeon.



Hospital Evaluation: Precision through Ultrasound

For a comprehensive evaluation, the Clayman Thyroid Center advises individuals to seek a high-resolution ultrasound performed by experts in the thyroid gland. A meticulous ultrasound can be one of the most effective methods for detecting thyroid cancer at its earliest stages.



Expert Surgical Treatment: Ensuring Comprehensive Care

In the event that thyroid cancer is diagnosed, seeking treatment from a high-volume thyroid surgeon is paramount. Expert surgeons, such as those at the Clayman Thyroid Center, possess the skills to potentially preserve a portion of the thyroid, sparing patients from lifelong thyroid hormone dependency. The center's advanced bedside pathology techniques ensure swift results, ensuring no cancer is left behind.

For their community of Tampa, the Clayman Thyroid Center has rolled out an award-winning thyroid ultrasound screening program to propel early detection efforts. The program is led by Dr. Rashmi Roy, Director of Thyroid Surgical Services, and has detected abnormalities requiring further evaluation in about a quarter of participants. More concerning, the program has detected thyroid cancer requiring surgery in more than 10% of women participants over age 40.

"These individuals had no symptoms and absolutely no idea they had thyroid cancer," said Dr. Roy. "We've expanded this program throughout the community over the last year, but my YouTube channel bridges the gap and helps educate those I cannot screen in person."

Interestingly, the Clayman Thyroid Center notes that about 50% of its patients travel from outside the state of Florida, and 10% from outside the country. "Our process is very streamlined," said Dr. Clayman. "We have many patients who opt for our evaluation and surgery in a single-day program. They head back to one of our partner hotels after surgery, and head home the next day." In addition to partner hotels, the Clayman Thyroid Center makes the experience for traveling patients seamless by offering a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport and the hospital.

"Empowering individuals with knowledge about the importance of early detection is not just our goal; it's our responsibility," said Dr. Nate Walsh, Senior Surgeon at the Clayman Thyroid Center. "Our comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best care and the best chance at a healthier future."

This Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, the Clayman Thyroid Center invites you to embrace early detection as a powerful tool against thyroid cancer. For additional information on the center's initiatives and resources, visit www.thyroidcancer.com

Schedule a full evaluation with the experts at the Clayman Thyroid Center here: https://www.thyroidcancer.com/surgery

About the Clayman Thyroid Center:

Founded by one of the nation's best-known thyroid surgeons, the Clayman Thyroid Center is the highest volume thyroid cancer referral center in the United States. The Center boasts the most experienced thyroid surgeons in the US who provide personalized care allowing the greatest opportunity for cancer cure, wellness, and cosmetic, and functional, outcomes via all types of thyroid surgery from minimal incision to scarless thyroid surgery to advanced cancer care.

www.thyroidcancer.com | (813) 940-3130

About the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery

The Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is a campus of HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital focused on compassionate patient care and highly specialized treatment of endocrine tumors. We provide a wide array of services necessary for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tumors of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. Our team includes doctors, surgeons, nurses, and technicians who have dedicated their careers to delivering the highest cure rates using the most advanced techniques available. HCA's Hospital for Endocrine Surgery is the nation's highest-volume hospital for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal tumors and cancers.

www.hospitalforendocrinesurgery.com

Media Contact:

Julie Canan, Director of Marketing 941.468.3002 | [email protected]

SOURCE Clayman Thyroid Center
Premier life sciences consulting firm promotes Senior Principal to Partner

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Triangle Insights Group (Triangle), a premier strategy consulting firm that delivers high-impact solutions across the life sciences value chain, today announced a promotion that recognizes high achievement and further strengthens the firm's senior leadership team. Triangle, acquired by life sciences commercialization company TrialCard in April 2022, has named Sarah Jims a Partner.

Jims, who joined Triangle in August 2014, has over a decade of experience in the life sciences industry. In her role, Sarah serves as an experienced consultant to leaders of biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations in commercial assessment, portfolio strategy, commercialization strategy, and launch readiness. Additionally, building from her scientific background in AAV gene therapy, Sarah has established the firm's position as a thought partner for cell and gene therapy leaders.

Sarah holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Richmond and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

"Sarah has made invaluable contributions to Triangle's success throughout her years at the firm," said Gautam Aggarwal, one of Triangle's founders. "She has demonstrated consistent excellence in client delivery across a breadth of consulting engagements and is highly respected as a key advisor in life sciences consulting. We look forward to the key role Sarah will play in accelerating further growth of the company."

To learn more about Triangle Insights Group, please visit https://triangleinsightsgroup.com/.

About Triangle Insights Group

Triangle Insights Group is a premier strategy consulting firm providing guidance on critical business issues to life science industry leaders. The firm's approach combines deep industry knowledge with strong analytical rigor to drive strategic decision-making across client domains. Triangle's expertise encompasses key therapeutic areas (oncology, CNS, cell, and gene therapy) and relevant industry disciplines (pricing and market access, new product planning, and commercial strategy). For more information, visit www.triangleinsightsgroup.com.

About TrialCard

TrialCard Incorporated is an integrated life sciences commercialization company that provides comprehensive solutions that span the entire biopharmaceutical value chain. In addition to a foundation of fully integrated, digitally enabled patient support services, its broader offerings include everything from late-stage clinical trial supply management to post-marketing HCP engagement services and proprietary data-as-a-service payer intelligence and insights. Founded in 2000, TrialCard provides commercialization support for more than 400 life sciences customers and has connected over 36 million patients with more than $23 billion in branded drug savings to date. The company is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina. For more information about TrialCard, please visit www.trialcard.com.

Contact:

Landy Townsend

VP, Marketing & Communications

TrialCard Incorporated

[email protected]

SOURCE Triangle Insights Group
Additional Products Now Available in Grocery Stores and on Amazon Fresh

CHICAGO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Truly Grass Fed, a premium brand of sustainably-produced dairy products from the green fields of Ireland, has expanded its retail presence across the U.S. in-store and online. The brand is increasing accessibility to its butter and cheese at existing and new-to-the-brand retailers as well as through Amazon Fresh.

Truly Grass Fed Expands Retail Distribution of Sustainably-Produced Dairy Products to Shoppers Nationwide

For the first time, select Truly Grass Fed products are now on shelves at regional H-E-B stores and even more SKUs were added to lineups at Fresh Market and Publix, which now carries all Truly Grass Fed products. Later this year, the brand's creamy butters and cheeses will be rolling out in new ShopRite and Safeway locations to reach shoppers in the NY Metro and Southern California areas. With continuing growth in online grocery, Truly Grass Fed has added Amazon Fresh as an additional delivery service to offer its products.

"Building upon the growing consumer interest in our brand and positive response to our refreshed packaging that rolled out earlier this summer, this retail expansion will allow even more customers to learn about Truly Grass Fed's delicious products and Irish tradition of sustainable agriculture," said Jaclyn Crabbe, Marketing Director, Truly Grass Fed. "By continuing to expand our online delivery options and increase retail distribution, we are opening up alternative ways for new and existing customers to discover and shop for our delicious butter and cheese."

Truly Grass Fed is a farmer-owned co-operative organization where farmers share deep bonds with their herds. The brand's farms typically have an average of one cow for every two acres of land and all products meet the highest industry standards of quality, safety, animal welfare and environmental consciousness. The brand's butters and cheeses are made from cows that are 95% grass-fed, non-GMO project verified, animal welfare approved by A Greener World and free from growth hormones and antibiotics.

"As we head into the last few months of the year when entertaining and holiday baking are popular, Truly Grass Fed products will be more accessible to shoppers as they prepare for parties and family gatherings," said Conor O'Donovan, General Manager at Truly Grass Fed. "With Truly Grass Fed's availability on Amazon Fresh, the busiest time of the year will be a little easier as individuals can now conveniently order our products online and schedule an at-home delivery."

For more information, please visit www.trulygrassfed.com and to find additional brand retail locations, please visit www.trulygrassfed.com/store-locator/. To shop for Truly Grass Fed products on Amazon Fresh, please visit the links here and here.

About Truly Grass Fed

Truly Grass Fed is a premium brand of Irish dairy products crafted with integrity and care for people, animals, and the planet. The brand's distinctively creamy and delicious butter and cheese are made from cows that are 95% grass-fed, Non-GMO Project Verified, Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World and free from growth hormones and antibiotics. Truly Grass Fed is elevating dairy to a new standard. The brand is strongly rooted in the art of farming but deeply dedicated to sustainability, transparency and progress with wholesome dairy from cows living their best lives outside, on pasture on average 250 days a year, grazing on green Irish grass. The Truly Grass Fed seal signifies that the dairy ingredients inside meet the highest industry standards of quality, safety, animal welfare and environmental consciousness.

SOURCE Truly Grass Fed
TULSA, Okla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Tulsa's Collins College of Business has announced its 2023-24 lineup for the Friends of Finance Executive Speaker Series, which brings leading executives to campus to share insights into important business issues.

TU Collins College of Business logo

"For more than two decades, the Friends of Finance Executive Speaker Series has brought together some of the brightest minds in the world of business, offering invaluable insights an inspiration to our students and the broader community," said Kathy Taylor, dean of the Collins College of Business. "These speakers, who represent best in class expertise in business, ignite a passion in our students and showcase the exceptional opportunities for our business students. The series also funds scholarships for top TU finance students from around the country."

The series kicks off Sept. 20 with Shane Wharton, president of Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores. His career with Love's began 25 years ago. Today, Love's has more than 600 locations in 42 states. There are over 38,000 employees in the Love's family of companies.

Wharton provides leadership, strategies and processes to support the company's rapid growth. He oversees operations, human resources, information technology, legal and fleet sales. Prior to Love's, he was a senior auditor at KPMG and controller for Data Times.

Future speakers include:

Sharon Prince , CEO and founder of Grace Farms Foundation, on Oct. 18

, CEO and founder of Grace Farms Foundation, on Judy McReynolds , chairman, president and CEO of ArcBest, on Nov. 15

, chairman, president and CEO of ArcBest, on Dax Craig , cofounder and CEO of Pie Insurance, on Jan. 17

, cofounder and CEO of Pie Insurance, on Vast Bank panel featuring Brad Scrivner , CEO; Natalie Parker , CRO; and Stephen Taylor , CTO, on Feb. 21

, CEO; , CRO; and , CTO, on Pierce Norton , president and CEO of ONEOK, on March 27

, president and CEO of ONEOK, on Jared Peterson , president of AAA Oklahoma, on April 17

"For decades, Friends of Finance has been an invaluable part of Tulsa's academic and commercial landscape, a place where business professionals can network and be enlightened against the backdrop of The University of Tulsa's Collins College of Business," said Friends of Finance Board President Mike Neal, who is also president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. "The Executive Speaker Series never disappoints and the 2023-24 slate is no exception, providing a mix of local and national guests capable of amplifying the audience's understanding of their respective sectors."

SOURCE The University of Tulsa
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with the CEO of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) Osama Qaisi, informed Mikayil Jabbarov on X (Twitter), Trend reports.

"We discussed with Osama Qaisi, CEO of the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the issues that are on the agenda within the framework of our country's membership in ICIEC and bilateral cooperation," the minister noted.

The two officials discussed boosting trade and investment, providing insurance instruments for the business environment, and implementing joint projects during the meeting.
The event brings together USAHS and the St. Augustine community to learn, network and celebrate.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) announces its inaugural Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend on its St. Augustine campus from Sept. 15-17, with events open to the public on Saturday, Sept. 16. This celebration of the health sciences will include continuing education, meals, networking opportunities, and an open-door campus fair complete with campus tours and fun, interactive activities hosted by student associations and community partners.

"We're thrilled to be able to bring together the USAHS community and the wider community for this event on our first USAHS campus," said Polly Crabtree, Director of Alumni Engagement. "This is an ideal opportunity for us all to connect, learn, have a good time, and recognize the impact of the work USAHS and its graduates are doing."

Many of the weekend's highlights will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, when members of the public are welcome to attend to see the variety of innovative programs and healthcare resources supported by the University:

Sensory Experience : Attendees can meet USAHS occupational therapy students and faculty while participating in craft projects designed for sensory input.





: Attendees can meet USAHS occupational therapy students and faculty while participating in craft projects designed for sensory input. Give Back to the Community : In partnership with Physical Rehabilitative Network, a USAHS clinical partner and sponsor, attendees can create hygiene kits to benefit unsheltered people in the St. Augustine community.





: In partnership with Physical Rehabilitative Network, a USAHS clinical partner and sponsor, attendees can create hygiene kits to benefit unsheltered people in the community. Immerse Yourself on Campus: Campus tours will be available for prospective students and guests to explore the campus in a way that suits their preferences and needs.

"I'm honored to take part in the inaugural Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend!" said Steve Weyandt, Regional Director and Partner at BenchMark Physical Therapy, and President of the USAHS Alumni Association Advisory Board. "We don't always have the chance to appreciate how powerful different healthcare disciplines are in concert, so I'm looking forward to learning from these fantastic students and providers and taking in the big picture."

For more information, including the full schedule for USAHS' inaugural Alumni Reunion and Family Weekend, visit: www.usa.edu/alumni/usahs-alumni-reunion-and-family-weekend-2023/ .

About the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, graduate nursing, education, health science and healthcare administration, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS educates students through its network of campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami in Florida; and Austin and Dallas in Texas. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, https://www.wscuc.org/about/ , and demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through its B Corp certification. For more information: www.usa.edu .

CONTACT: Abby Wood, [email protected]

SOURCE University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
New Resource Outlines Virtual Care Reimbursement and Billing Practice Information for Providers and Payers

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IMPACT , a pre-competitive consortium dedicated to understanding, supporting, and implementing virtual first care (V1C), released the Payment & Coding Toolkit , a new free resource to assist payers and providers as they navigate the payment and reimbursement landscape for V1C services. IMPACT is a collaboration led by the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) and the American Telemedicine Society (ATA), and is the leading organization and professional home of V1C.

The evolving digital medicine landscape and rise of V1C have changed how patients interact with the healthcare system. V1C offers synchronous and asynchronous interactions between clinical teams and patients, leverages biometric and other sensor technologies to share real-time data across all members of the care team, personalizes approaches to optimize every patient's care journey, and embraces an interdisciplinary approach that includes specialists to provide comprehensive and long-term care. Today, IMPACT's V1C Directory , launched in January, contains over 250 companies that are committed to a virtual-first approach to healthcare.

Even with this progress and promise, traditional coding and reimbursement practices have been designed for in-person visits conducted by qualified health plans (QHPs), leading to gaps in how V1C providers should be reimbursed for their services. Because of these gaps, V1C has the potential to be limited to only individuals who can self-pay, resulting in a lack of care for those who could benefit from these services and creating barriers to success, and even shutdowns, for innovative digital health companies.

"Despite V1C emerging as an essential part of our ecosystem, providers across our community continue to struggle to get reimbursed through the US' traditional, third-party model. This requires immediate attention to ensure these services are available for all patients who can benefit from them," said Jennifer Goldsack, CEO of DiMe. "The current reimbursement framework does not fully meet the needs of the V1C community or the patients they care for, but it includes codes that V1C providers can leverage to get paid. Our new toolkit will help V1C providers navigate the current reimbursement landscape as an interim strategy for financial viability. This is a first step while we work with the industry to ensure that payment policies and models continue to evolve to support V1C as a critical component of healthcare in the digital era, expanding access, improving outcomes, and load balancing across strained brick-and mortar systems".

"Virtual first services have the potential to enhance and extend the care that patients are receiving in clinics and hospitals across the country, but a key barrier to realizing this is ensuring that innovative virtual organizations and providers are set up to understand and navigate the coding and payment landscape," said Dr. Joe Kvedar, the Immediate Past Chair of the Board at the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). "Access to tailored, relevant, up-to-date information can be a game changer for those navigating this complex and evolving arena, breaking down roadblocks to making virtual care easier for health professionals to offer and patients to receive."

The IMPACT Payment & Coding Toolkit includes:

The IMPACT Coding Library - a comprehensive and interactive coding library that will show users how new or existing care model components might qualify for reimbursement within the existing coding framework. The library will be regularly updated to align with the changing reimbursement landscapes and provides the tools V1C providers need to adhere to the most recent billing and coding standards.

a comprehensive and interactive coding library that will show users how new or existing care model components might qualify for reimbursement within the existing coding framework. The library will be regularly updated to align with the changing reimbursement landscapes and provides the tools V1C providers need to adhere to the most recent billing and coding standards. The IMPACT Payment & Coding Quickstart Guide - can be used as an internal training document by anyone to learn the basics of billing and coding, the differences between CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes, code modifiers, and how they all apply within the virtual first care ecosystem.

- can be used as an internal training document by anyone to learn the basics of billing and coding, the differences between CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes, code modifiers, and how they all apply within the virtual first care ecosystem. IMPACT Payment Vignettes - to illustrate best practices for payment and coding as shared by leading V1C providers. The payment vignettes demonstrate complex coding practices and provide users with tangible examples of various care delivery models that may apply to their organization for more specific guidance on best practices.

This new toolkit is just one of the influential resources IMPACT has recently launched to drive high-quality V1C. The IMPACT Payer-V1C Contracting Toolkit supports alignment between V1C and payers, and the IMPACT V1C Core Competencies framework shows what good V1C looks like.

If you're interested in joining other top V1C companies to pave the way for a new standard of excellence in healthcare delivery, become an IMPACT member today. Share your interest here .

About IMPACT: Hosted by the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) and the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), vIrtual first Medical PrActice CollaboraTion ("IMPACT") is a pre-competitive collaboration of leading digital health companies, investors, payors, and consultants dedicated to supporting virtual-first medical organizations and their commitment to patient-centric care. To become a member, visit impact.dimesociety.org to learn more and inquire today .

About the Digital Medicine Society: DiMe is a global non-profit and the professional home for all members of the digital medicine community. Together, we tackle the toughest digital medicine challenges, develop clinical-quality resources on a technology timeline, and deliver these actionable resources to the field via open-source channels and educational programs.

Media Contact: Carla English, [email protected]

SOURCE Digital Medicine Society (DiMe)
New Pumpkin Spice Frosty and Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew will have the Nutmeg State fallin' in love beginning September 12

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The rumors are true - Connecticut's foliage has competition this fall. Grab your favorite sweater and head to your local Wendy's, because Wendy's Pumpkin Spice Frosty and Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew are joining menus nationwide beginning September 12 for a limited time. That's right, consider Wendy's your one stop shop for your all-day Pumpkin Spice cravings.

Fall in love with Wendys new Pumpkin Spice Frosty and Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew

A Spoonful of Fall in Every Frosty Bite

Joining the Chocolate Frosty on menus, the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty* merges the same creamy, delectable texture Frosty fans know and love with hints of pumpkin and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a taste of familiar fall flavors in every bite.

"Wendy's is helping turn our fans' cravings into reality this fall by introducing our new Pumpkin Spice Frosty," said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "From our summertime Strawberry Frosty to last year's holiday Peppermint Frosty, and now our fall Pumpkin Spice Frosty, we are all about meeting our Frosty fans where they are by bringing familiar, and iconic, seasonal flavors to the menu. We can't wait for our fans to get their hands on this new go-to sweet treat this fall."

Make Way for Your New Favorite Pumpkin Spice Coffee Fix

Wendy's didn't stop at just bringing fans a seasonal fall Frosty, it's bringing the same fall spirit to the new Frosty Cream Cold Brew lineup. The Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew will be available to order alongside Wendy's core vanilla, caramel and chocolate flavors. Using the same delicious syrup from the Pumpkin Spice Frosty, the new Frosty Cream Cold Brew flavor merges smooth, cold-brewed coffee with classic Frosty creamer swirled to perfection over ice. Talk about a pumpkin pick-me-up!

"We're always looking for ways to provide fans the familiar flavors they love with a Wendy's twist, and that's exactly how the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew came to be," said John Li, Global Vice President of Culinary Innovation at The Wendy's Company. "We took the iconic pumpkin spice flavor that fans look forward to every year and blended it with our tried-and-true Frosty creamer, for a fall experience fans can't find anywhere else."

The Uber One Pumpkin Spice Frosty Experience

Now, if you want to be the first to get yours delivered while getting a deal, make sure you're an Uber One member. For a limited time beginning September 13, only Uber One members can buy a medium Pumpkin Spice Frosty, get one for free, AND get a free medium fry. Sounds like the easiest set-up for the ultimate sweet and salty taste test. Of course, terms** apply, but get your dip on!

More In-Restaurant Ways to Treat Yourself

If you find yourself at your local Wendy's between now and October 31, be sure to pick up a Wendy's Frosty Boo! Books coupon book*** for just $1. The coupon book comes with coupons for five FREE Jr. Frosty treats (yes, even good for the Pumpkin Frosty) and a $1.99 Wendy's Kids' Meal with any purchase that can only be redeemed at participating U.S. Wendy's until the end of the year. Best of all, proceeds from Frosty Boo! Books directly benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its mission to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care systems.

ABOUT WENDY'S:

Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality Is Our Recipe", which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef****, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert. The Wendy's Company is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child in the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across approximately 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.

*Vanilla Frosty will be temporarily unavailable.

**For Uber One members only. Offers good during business hours from 9/13/23 - 9/19/23 only at participating U.S. Wendy's. While supplies last. See Uber Eats app for availability. Buy one eligible medium Frosty and get a second eligible medium Frosty of equal or lesser value for free; Add both eligible Frosty treats to your order prior to checkout to receive discount. Limit one offer per transaction. Get a free medium Fry with order of $15.00+ (before taxes and fees); Add medium fry to your order prior to checkout to receive discount on purchase of $15+. Limit one free fry per order.

***At participating U.S. Wendy's restaurants while supplies last. 90 of every $1 coupon book sold from 9.4.2023  10.31.2023 will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Coupons valid from 9.4.2023  12.31.2023.

****Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada.

SOURCE The Wendy's Company
New Pumpkin Spice Frosty will have fans fallin' in love beginning September 12

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The rumors are true, D.C.  it's fall Frosty time. Grab your favorite sweater and head to your local Wendy's, because Wendy's Pumpkin Spice Frosty is joining menus nationwide beginning September 12 for a limited time. That's right, D.C., consider Wendy's your one stop shop for your all-day Pumpkin Spice cravings.

Fall in love with Wendys new Pumpkin Spice Frosty

A Spoonful of Fall in Every Frosty Bite

Joining the Chocolate Frosty on menus, the new Pumpkin Spice Frosty* merges the same creamy, delectable texture Frosty fans know and love with hints of pumpkin and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a taste of familiar fall flavors in every bite.

"Wendy's is helping turn our fans' cravings into reality this fall by introducing our new Pumpkin Spice Frosty," said Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "From our summertime Strawberry Frosty to last year's holiday Peppermint Frosty, and now our fall Pumpkin Spice Frosty, we are all about meeting our Frosty fans where they are by bringing familiar, and iconic, seasonal flavors to the menu. We can't wait for our fans to get their hands on this new go-to sweet treat this fall."

The Uber One Pumpkin Spice Frosty Experience

Now, if you want to be the first to get yours delivered while getting a deal, make sure you're an Uber One member. For a limited time beginning September 13, only Uber One members can buy a medium Pumpkin Spice Frosty, get one for free, AND get a free medium fry. Sounds like the easiest set-up for the ultimate sweet and salty taste test. Of course, terms** apply, but get your dip on!

More In-Restaurant Ways to Treat Yourself

If you find yourself at your local Wendy's between now and October 31, be sure to pick up a Wendy's Frosty Boo! Books coupon book*** for just $1. The coupon book comes with coupons for five FREE Jr. Frosty treats (yes, even good for the Pumpkin Frosty) that can only be redeemed at participating U.S. Wendy's until the end of the year. Best of all, proceeds from Frosty Boo! Books directly benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its mission to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care systems.

ABOUT WENDY'S:

Wendy's was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality Is Our Recipe", which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef****, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert. The Wendy's Company is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child in the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across approximately 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising. Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.

*Vanilla Frosty will be temporarily unavailable.

**For Uber One members only. Offers good during business hours from 9/13/23 - 9/19/23 only at participating U.S. Wendy's. While supplies last. See Uber Eats app for availability. Buy one eligible medium Frosty and get a second eligible medium Frosty of equal or lesser value for free; Add both eligible Frosty treats to your order prior to checkout to receive discount. Limit one offer per transaction. Get a free medium Fry with order of $15.00+ (before taxes and fees); Add medium fry to your order prior to checkout to receive discount on purchase of $15+. Limit one free fry per order.

***At participating U.S. Wendy's restaurants while supplies last. 90 of every $1 coupon book sold from 9.4.2023  10.31.2023 will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Coupons valid from 9.4.2023  12.31.2023.

****Fresh beef available in the contiguous U.S., Alaska and Canada.

SOURCE The Wendy's Company
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. ("West Fraser" or the "Company") (TSX andNYSE: WFG) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Spray Lake Sawmills located in Cochrane, Alberta subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The transaction is anticipated to close later this year following completion of Canadian regulatory reviews and satisfaction of customary conditions.

Spray Lake Sawmills (CNW Group/West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.)

Spray Lake Sawmills produces treated wood products, dimensional lumber and a variety of innovative wood residuals and biproducts. It has an annual lumber capacity of 155 million board feet and holds two Forest Management Agreements granted by the Government of Alberta with a total Annual Allowable Cut of approximately 500,000 m3.

"We are excited to welcome Spray Lake Sawmills to the West Fraser family," said Ray Ferris, President & CEO West Fraser. "Spray Lake Sawmills has an experienced, dedicated group of employees who we will look to further the legacy of this proud mill. With its solid safety performance, and focus on sustainability and community, the mill is an ideal fit for West Fraser."

The CDN$140 million acquisition enables West Fraser to grow its footprint in Southern Alberta and expand its Canadian treated wood business, while providing access to a high-quality timber supply.

About West Fraser

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. From responsibly sourced and sustainably managed forest resources, the Company produces lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, other residuals, and renewable energy. West Fraser's products are used in home construction, repair and remodelling, industrial applications, papers, tissue, and box materials. For more information about West Fraser, visit www.westfraser.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, the completion of the transaction, the expected timing of closing, the realization of expected benefits from completion of the transaction, including access to high quality timber supply, the expected growth of West Fraser's Southern Alberta footprint, and expansion of West Fraser's Canadian treated wood business; and the estimate of Annual Allowable Cut of Fibre Management Agreements held by Spray Lake Sawmills. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us considering our experience and our perception of historical trends and current conditions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including our ability to successfully complete regulatory reviews and satisfy closing conditions, including requisite regulatory approvals, and the potential impact of the announcement or completion of the transaction on relationships, including regulatory bodies, employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, each dated February 14, 2023, as updated in our management's discussion and analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2023, dated July 26, 2023, each available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml). There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its shareholders. Except as may be required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

SOURCE West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Civilizations are enriched by exchanges and mutual learning", an exhibition that aims at promoting international communication concluded in Frankfurt recently offering a rare opportunity for European people to get to know Dehua white porcelain.

This exhibition gathered more than 90 pieces of Dehua white porcelain, which comprehensively displayed the strong cultural heritage and exquisite skills of Dehua ceramics.

Photo shows German locals visited the Dehua White Porcelain international exhibition in Frankfurt

It is learned that ceramic enterprises in Dehua County, east China's Fujian province also actively carried out exchanges and cooperation with various traders and buyers who attended the exhibition to further promote competitiveness of Dehua ceramic industry.

According to the organizers, this exhibition marks the first Dehua porcelain overseas exhibition, in the next move, Dehua will hold a series of exhibitions in six Chinese cities and 26 countries and regions with frequent trade exchanges, so as to enhance the trade ties, technical and cultural exchanges between Dehua and its target markets.

Dehua porcelain industry peaked in Ming and Qing Dynasties, with centuries of development and evolution. It has become remarkable in the history of the world ceramics and one of China's white porcelain production bases.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/335924.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been two years since "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List on July 25, 2021, and a series of celebration activities were held recently in Quanzhou City in east China's Fujian Province.

Quanzhou was one of the world's largest ports along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, particularly in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) when numerous ships came and left day and night for trade. Merchants from all over the world made statues and temples in the city to pray for flourishing business. In turn, these constructions made Quanzhou an architecturally diverse and exciting city.

The inscribed cultural property, comprising 22 sites of historic administrative buildings, religious buildings and statues such as the Luoyang Bridge and Fu Wen Temple, speaks of the contributions China made to a prosperous global maritime trade.

To celebrate the second anniversary of the addition of the cultural heritage sites to the World Cultural Heritage List, musical performances of Nanyin, a traditional musical performing art prevailing in southern Fujian and one of the oldest existing musical forms in China, were staged at the Fu Wen Temple. Classic Nanyin songs, after modern adaptation, became cheerful yet retained its rustic and simple melodies, livening up the centuries-old architecture and winning rounds of applause.

The performances were part of a special musical season event held from the end of July to mid August to boost development of Quanzhou as a model city for World Heritage protection and utilization.

Yao Ying, initiator of the musical event, expected the combination of internationalized music, arts, and local culture to better showcase the inclusiveness of Quanzhou as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Home to globally famous World Heritage sites, Quanzhou has seen booming tourism. In the first half, the city received a total of 38.16 million domestic and foreign tourist visits, up 49.4 percent year on year, with tourism revenue adding up to 43.18 billion yuan, surging 60.8 percent year on year.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/335926.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
CHANGSHA, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion", 1157.HK) reported first-half 2023 sales revenues of 24.075 billion yuan (US$ 3.29 billion), marking a 13.03% YoY rise. International revenue contributed 8.372 billion yuan (US$ 1.15 billion), reflecting a notable 115.39% YoY surge.

The net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company reached 2.04 billion yuan (US$ 279.27 million), an 18.9% growth. Meanwhile, net profit, adjusted for non-recurring items, climbed 40.31% to 1.688 billion yuan (US$ 231 million).

Inside the intelligent factory in the Earth-moving Machinery Park of Zoomlion Smart Industrial City

Zoomlion attributes its robust H1 2023 performance to its commitment to high-quality development, emphasizing digital, intelligent, and eco-friendly transformation, focusing on emerging business sectors, and robust international market expansion.

Zoomlion persistently strives to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. It improves operational efficiency by consistently promoting the use of new construction materials, advanced techniques and technologies. This approach ensures ongoing improvement in the quality of operation and management.

Benefiting from digital upgrading, intelligent manufacturing, and the self-development and application of industrial Internet, Zoomlion has successfully reduced the R&D cycle by 31.1% and operational costs by 20.3%. Its world-leading lighthouse factory has improved production efficiency by 34.1%, leading to 35% reduction of order fulfillment cycle.

During the reporting period, Zoomlion's product gross profit rate is up 7.11% YoY, reaching 27.9%. The gross profit rate in Q2 stood at 29.04%, up 2.65% MoM and 7.63% YoY. Zoomlion has achieved five consecutive quarters of improvement since Q1 2022. This denotes the fifth consecutive quarter of growth since Q1 2022. Additionally, the H1 2023 net profit ratio rose to 9.22%, a 1% YoY increment.

In addition to significant results in the three sectors of construction machinery, agricultural machinery and intelligent agriculture, as well as new construction materials, Zoomlion has also made significant strides in international markets, with its H1 2023 revenue rising 115.39% YoY. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Brazil saw sales growth surpassing 200%.

Several of Zoomlion's products set Chinese export records in construction and engineering machinery:

The 800-ton crane shipped to Argentina was China's largest crane export to South America .

was largest crane export to . The 2,850-tonne-meter tower crane delivered to West Africa was China's largest tonnage tower crane exported to Africa .

was largest tonnage tower crane exported to . The R4300-100 tower crane was China's largest tonnage tower crane exported to South Korea .

SOURCE Zoomlion
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has suspended the licenses of insurance agents issued to 13 individuals and one legal entity for three months, the bank told Trend.

According to the information, this decision was made on September 4 in accordance with the law "On insurance activity".

The licenses have been suspended due to the failure to submit a corresponding report.

In general, the volume of insurance premium in Azerbaijan increased by 34.2 percent and amounted to 346.9 million manat ($204.1 million) in the first quarter of 2023.

The volume of payment carried out by insurance companies increased by 67.1 percent and amounted to 102.3 million manat ($60.2 million) year-on-year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) Oussama Kaissi on September 6, SOCAR told Trend.

The sides discussed the successful development of long-term relations of mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and the IDB. Azerbaijan approved the agreement of the "Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit" last year.

During the meeting, information was provided on investment projects implemented by SOCAR at home and abroad, the company's long-term corporate strategy, ongoing work in this direction, and future goals.

In addition, the parties considered potential opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy, decarbonization, and digitalization and exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Flexible and dynamic fintech in terms of financial accessibility should provide services that will meet the needs of customers, said Tamerlan Rustamov, deputy director of the Payment Systems Department of the Bank of Baku and head of the expert group on payment systems and digital banking of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA) at the Azerbaijani-Turkish Fintex Forum, Trend reports.

"In Azerbaijan, fintech companies are both competitors of banks and also partners. Banking fintechs always need to ensure the security of funds and access to payment systems. If you look at it from the bank's point of view, there is always a need for more dynamic and flexible fintech to provide the bank's services to a wider audience faster and at lower costs," he said.

According to him, with this approach, the bank can cooperate with fintech and provide its products and services through it without incurring additional costs.

As of today, more than 30 fintech companies operate in Azerbaijan.

The first Azerbaijani-Turkish Fintex forum is being held in Azerbaijan today, on September 6. The second part of the forum will be held in November and December this year in Istanbul.

The aim of the forum is to strengthen business ties between the participants of the fintech ecosystems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, assess potential opportunities for cooperation, and create effective synergy between the two brotherly countries in the field of innovative financial technologies as well as in other areas.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Lucknow, Sep 6 : A special Gangster Act court, on Tuesday, sentenced 23 accused to 10 years in jail in connection with the 2020 killing of eight police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Devendra Mishra, in an ambush by Vikas Dubey-led gang in Bikru village.

Eight personnel, including DSP Devendra Mishra, were ambushed in the Bikru village when they were on their way to arrest gangster Vikas Dubey shortly after midnight on July 3, 2020.

Seven other accused were acquitted in the case by Additional District Judge-5 Durgesh, in Kanpur Dehat district, Special Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said in a statement.

Public Prosecutor Raju Porwal also confirmed the punishment and said he will "soon challenge the acquittals" of the seven people.

"After hearing of 30 accused persons in the Bikru case, the court in Mati in Kanpur Dehat district, on September 5, 2023 , gave its final judgment in which out of 30 accused persons, 23 accused persons were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, and a fine of Rs 50,000 was imposed on each of them," the statement said.

Mati is the district headquarters of Kanpur Dehat district.

This is the first sentence in Bikru massacre.

Vikas Dubey was killed in an encounter on July 10 when a police vehicle carrying him from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh to Kanpur met with an accident and he tried to escape, the police had said.

Following a search operation after the July 3 incident, two of Vikas Dubey's associates -- Prem Prakash Pandey and Atul Dubey -- were killed in an encounter in Kanpur.

On July 8, Amar Dubey, who carried a reward of Rs 50,000, was killed by the police in the Maudaha village of Hamirpur district.

The following day, Prabhat and Bauwa Dubey alias Praveen, were killed in separate encounters in Kanpur and Etawah districts, the police had added.

The slain gangster's aide Shyamu Bajpai and his alleged financier, Jaikant Bajpai, are among those convicted.

Advocate Shivakant Dixit, who appeared for Jaikant Bajpai, said, "The Investigating Officer in his testimony said he did not have any evidence against Bajpai. We could not convince the court the way we would have liked. I am hopeful of getting justice from the high court."

Following the court's verdict, police security was stepped up in Bikru village.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Anand Prakash Tiwari, said police have been directed to maintain a close watch on the village, particularly on the relatives of the convicts.
Kanpur, Sep 6 : The Kanpur police have arrested two persons from Vishnupuri Labour colony in city's Nawabganj area on charges of alleged religious conversion, police said.

Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal alleged that people were being persuaded for conversion in the locality.

Thy further alleged that a church has been illegally raised in the Government Labour colony.

After VHP and Bajrang Dal activists created ruckus, the police launched an investigation and arrested two persons accused of forced religious conversion.

Police Station In-charge, Rohit Tiwari, said that on Aman Kumar Gautamas complaint, an FIR has been registered against one Shobhit Daniel and Shobhit.

"It is alleged that both of them were converting Hindus to Christianity by promising them money, employment, medical treatment and education. Both have been arrested," he said, adding that "the role of other persons associated with the church is also being probed".

Aman Gautam, a resident of Purana Kanpur, comes from poor financial background, police said.

"When his family members proposed to Aman to convert to Christianity, claiming that their future will be secured, he lodged a strong protest and apprised the activists of VHP and Bajrang Dal about the whole issue. After this, an FIR was lodged in Nawabganj police station against Shobhit Daniel and Shobhit," the police added.
Tunis, Sep 6 : Tunisia's former Prime Minister and the former Secretary General of the Islamist party Ennahdha, Hamadi Jebali, was arrested at his home in the eastern coastal province of Sousse, media reported.

Jebali's lawyer said in a statement that a group of policemen searched Jebali's home on Tuesday morning before arresting him and seizing his cellphone and personal computer, the official news agency Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) added.

The report indicated neither the official reasons for his arrest nor the charges he was on, Xinhua news agency reported.
New York, Sep 6 : Novak Djokovic overcame the heat and engineered a lopsided victory over top-ranked American Taylor Fritz to remain undefeated in the US Open quarterfinals.

Competing in the 34-degree heat on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night, the 36-year-old was in no mood to relinquish his streak against Fritz, triumphing 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to improve to 8-0 in the pair's ATP Head-to-Head series.

The Serbian, who now holds a perfect 13-0 record in quarter-finals in New York, set an Open-era men's record of 47 Grand Slam semifinal appearances, surpassing Roger Federer's mark of 46.

Djokovic, who improved to 8-0 lifetime against Fritz, took command early and never relinquished control as he methodically marched to his 359th Grand Slam singles victory and set a semifinal clash with either tenth-seeded Frances Tiafoe or Ben Shelton.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is chasing his fourth title at the hard-court Slam, having triumphed in 2011, 2015 and 2018. The Serbian has earned four straight-set wins this fortnight, but was made to battle against Laslo Djere in the third round, rallying from two sets to love down for the eighth time in his career.

The Serbian great, who has won 23 of his past 24 matches, is one win away from reaching the final at all four majors in the same year for the third time in his career (2015, '21). He is also trying to win three Slams in the same year for the fourth time (2011, 2015, 2021).

Djokovic will reclaim No. 1 in the ATP Rankings on September 11 for a record-extending 390th week regardless of his ultimate result in New York
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 6 : One of Kerala's top IPS officer and SPG chief Arun Kumar Sinha passed away on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer, at a Gurugram hospital.

Four years ago, he had left Kerala on central deputation and was attached to the Special Protection Group and even when he superannuated in May this year, he was given an extension as the head of it.

Sinha joined the Kerala cadre of Police here in 1987 and since then he held very crucial posts in the state.

It was when he was holding the post of Additional director general of police he went on central deputation and later was posted into the SPG and passed away while heading it.

His superior and now-retired State Police chief Jacob Punnoose recalled Sinha as one who brought in numerous initiatives in the Kerala Police without taking any credit.

Sinha, who hailed from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, is survived by his wife and two sons.
Bhopal, Sep 6 : The 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' of the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh came under attack while it was on its way through Neemuch district.

The incident happened late on Tuesday when a group of villagers pelted stones at several vehicles passing in the convoy that was passing through the Rawli village in the district.

A video of the incident surfaced on social media showing a large number of villagers, including women blocking the convoy. The villagers were also seen manhandling the police personnel who were trying to control the situation.

The villagers were annoyed due to the acquisition of land for the expansion of Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the area, reports said.

The BJP has blamed Congress for the stone pelting incident. "Istrongly condemn this action by the Congress, and we will not let these hooligans go unpunished. Stringent legal action will be taken against them," MP BJP president V. D. Sharma said.

He added that the Congress members, alarmed by the overwhelming public support for the BJP's Jan Ashirwad Yatra, resorted to violence in Neemuch by attacking the procession and vandalising vehicles.

The Congress denied Sharma's allegation, saying the villagers were annoyed because of corruption in land acquisition in the area.

"Congress has nothing to do with this incident. Such reaction from members of the public is coming due to the BJP's own sin," state Congress media in-charge K. K. Mishra said.With the Assembly elections slated to be held later this year in Madhya Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to organise five Jan Ashirwad Yatra in the state.

Neemuch Collector Dinesh Jain said he has sought a report from the administration and the police deployed in the convoy and the action would be taken against those involved in creating ruckus.
Chandigarh, Sep 6 : Amid deployment of over 1,200 policemen, polling for the four-member Panjab University Campus Students' Council began peacefully on Wednesday with 21 candidates in the fray, officials said, with the results slated to be announced in the evening.

A total of 15,693 students will cast their votes at 170 polling booths with a total of 320 ballot boxes.

The counting of ballots will begin after 12 noon.

This year the major groups contesting the students council elections are Panjab University Students Union (PUSU), Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), National Students Union of India (NSUI), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Indian National Student Organisation (INSO).

Nine candidates are vying for the top post of president and four each for the posts of vice-president, secretary and joint secretary. Davinder Pal Singh (PUSA), Divyansh Thakur (Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti or CYSS), Jatinder Singh (NSUI), Kuldeep Singh (Haryana Students Association), Manika Chhabra (Panjab Studentsa Union Lalkar), Prateek Kumar (Students for Society), Rakesh Deshwal (ABVP), Saksham Singh (Independent) and Yuvraj Garg (Students Organisation of India) are in the fray for the top post.

As many as 43,705 students will also be eligible to vote at 10 city colleges to elect their respective student councils. A total of 110 candidates are contesting for the four posts. In the run-up to the polls, three alliances have emerged.

The CYSS has joined hands with the Himachal Studentsa Union (HIMSU).

The INSO has forged alliance with the SOI and the Himachal Pradesh Students Union, while Panjab University Helping Hands (PUHH) has tied up with the ABVP. In the 2022 elections, ABVP-turncoat Aayush Khatkar of the CYSS had defeated Harish Gujjar of the ABVP by 660 votes.

NSUI had managed to grab two posts, with Harshdeep Singh Batth being elected as vice-president and Manish Boora joint secretary.

The post of secretary had gone to Pravesh Bishnoi, the joint candidate of the ABVP-led alliance.

Ahead of the elections, the 533-acre campus was nothing less than a battlefield with university authorities and Chandigarh Police under the strict law.

Two of three gates into the university have been sealed till the election process is over. Entry to the campus, the main one located in Sector 14, has been restricted.

Every vehicle is checked as university officials defend the restrictions. Panjab University is one of the oldest universities in India, being established in 1882 at Lahore.

The PU campus here is spread over 550 acres.

The university has around 60 teaching and research departments and over 170 colleges are affiliated to it.
Tokyo, Sep 6 : Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday indicted a man over an explosives attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during an election event in April, after concluding that the suspect is mentally fit to be held criminally responsible.

Ryuji Kimura, 24, faces charges including attempted murder, with investigative authorities determining through tests that the homemade pipe bomb used in the attack was lethal, reports Xinhua news agency.

The indictment of Kimura followed a three-month psychiatric evaluation by prosecutors that ended on Friday.

Kimura, from Hyogo prefecture, is alleged to have thrown an explosive device towards Kishida as the Prime Minister was about to make a stump speech at a local fishing port in the city of Wakayama on April 15.

While Kishida was not hurt, two people, including a police officer, sustained minor injuries.

Court documents show that Kimura may have harbored a grudge after being unable to file for candidacy for a House of Councillors election held last year.

The alleged assailant has remained silent since his arrest at the scene in Wakayama.

The incident occurred less than a year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot by an assailant with a homemade gun while making a stump speech in Nara prefecture.
Jaipur, Sep 6 : Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated with grandeur in Jaipur on Thursday and Lord Krishna will be seen wearing dresses studded with pearls, diamonds and stones brought from foreign countries by jewellers in the state capital.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is the biggest celebration in Shri Krishna Balaram Temple. Preparations have been going on for months for this festival, said the Krishna Balaram temple president, Amitasan Das, adding that a special type of bright silk clothes brought from Vrindavan will add charm to the dresses which are made of Navratnas and diamonds.

aNavratnas and diamonds brought from abroad by the special jewellers of Jaipur have been studded in the costumes of Lord Shri Krishna-Balram ji in Jaipur. Special colourful flowers brought from Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata will decorate the deity," he said.

Arrangements have been made at five places to facilitate the 'darshan' of lakhs of devotees coming on Janmashtami. Devotees will be able to have the divine 'darshan' of Lord Krishna in the attractive Navaratna dress.

Proper arrangements have been made by the police administration and the temple administration to maintain the smooth system of darshan in the temple.

About 1,600 security personnel will be deployed in the security system, including policemen, NCC cadets and a 1,000 volunteers of the temple.

Monitoring of the security system will be done by the police of three police stations. Policemen will handle the security of the temple. 250 CCTV cameras and gates fitted with metal detectors have also been installed.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the writ petition filed by the president and three editors of the Editors Guild of India (EGI) challenging the FIR lodged by Manipur Police for releasing an alleged "biased and factually inaccurate" report on Manipur ethnic conflict.

The FIR was registered against the president of the EGI, and three editors -- Seema Guha, Bharat Bhushan and Sanjay Kapoor.

The four had visited Manipur last month to study the media reportage of the ethnic violence and the circumstantial aspects.
Family to welcome Rishi Sunak's first India visit by hosting feast in his honour. Image Source: IANS News

London, Sep 6 : Ahead of Rishi Sunak's first official trip to India as Britain's Prime Minister during the G20 summit this week, his relatives are planning a banquet in New Delhi to welcome the Indian-origin leader to his ancestral land.

The Telegraph reported that the Sunak's relatives will host a feast with flower bouquets and "non-stop dancing" to Punjabi music in New Delhi on Thursday or Friday.

Sunak's maternal uncle, Gautam Dev Sood, said all relatives have been asked to gather in New Delhi to mark the arrival of the Prime Minister, who is likely to be accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy on the three-day trip.

The menu will feature a mixture of North and South Indian cuisines, with "flower bouquets and beverages for the dinner as well", Sood told The Telegraph, adding that it is a "great honour for us that he is visiting his ancestral land".

"We can't divulge exact details but a plan is in place to welcome the Prime Minister. We are gearing up for a night of non-stop dancing, mostly to the lively-beats of the traditional Punjabi music, although I imagine we might also groove to a few English tunes along the way," said Subhash Berry, Sunak's paternal uncle.

However, Sunak is not planning to attend the event, pencilled for Thursday or Friday night, because of an intense schedule of meetings with world leaders between Friday and Sunday, the newspaper reported.

Born to Indian parents in Southampton with roots in Punjab, the 42-year-old is the first Indian-origin person to assume the office of the Prime Minister in the UK.

The British Indian leader has described India as an "indispensable partner" of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to bolster further.

On Tuesday, he ruled out a 'quick-fix' trade deal with India, which is held up by disagreements over New Delhi's demands for greater migration rights for Indian people.

Multiple sources close to the negotiations told the Guardian that Sunak rejected the idea of an "early harvest" deal, which could have lowered tariffs on goods such as whiskey but would not have dealt with trickier subjects such as professional services.

The decision has scuppered any chance of an agreement being struck this week, before the Prime Minister meets his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in the Indian capital this weekend.

Many now believe a deal is impossible before both countries hold elections in 2024, although some in government still believe it could be reached later this year.

--IANS

mi/ksk
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 6 : A mother ship carrying heavyweight cranes from China will be the first to berth at the Vizhinjam port -- the first phase of which is nearing completion.

According to top Port sources, the first ship is expected to berth here in the last week of this month and would be received by the Union Minister of Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and top officials.

Incidentally, this momentous event takes place five years later than its original plan.

An international meeting of port stakeholders is also being planned here in October.

During the commencement of the port by Adani on December 5, 2015, its founder Gautam Adani had announced that the first ship will berth here on September 1, 2018, in a record time of less than 1,000 days.

But it failed to meet the deadline due to various factors. At the moment, more than 80 per cent of the first phase of the work at the port is over.

Soon after the first ship arrives, seven more ships are scheduled to arrive and the port will be opened to commercial operations in May next year.

Once opened, the port will prove to be a game-changer not just for Kerala but for the entire country as 80 per cent of transshipments to India which currently takes place at Colombo, Singapore and Dubai, will arrive at Vizhinjam.

Inked during the Congress-led UDF government under Chief Minister Oommen Chandy (2011-16), the work for the port began at the fag end of Chandy's tenure, but after the Pinarayi Vijayan government took over, due to numerous reasons, the pace could not be followed.

After cyclone Ockhi hit the construction site in 2017, a portion of the constructed breakwater was washed away and since then the shortage of limestone, the most important raw material for the project, caused yet another delay.

The total cost of the port project is Rs 7,525 crore for which the state government has contributed 500 acres of land.

According to the agreement, Adani will operate the port for 40 years, extendable by 20 more years, while the state government will get a portion of the revenue from the port after 15 years.

According to the project, a record one lakh jobs which includes direct and indirect ones will be created and hence the arrival of the first mother ship is eagerly awaited.
Mumbai, Sep 6 : A tainted IRS officer Sachin Sawant who was nabbed in June in a money-laundering case, had allegedly lavished a Rs 1.75-lakh 'payal' to his purported girlfriend and a Kerala actress, the Enforcement Directorate has claimed in its charge-sheet.

The ED has alleged that Sawant, 43 - who was once its former Deputy Director in Mumbai besides holding different positions with Customs and GST departments, as an ex-OSD to a Minister in the Maharashtra government -

had amassed huge wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

This included around Rs 4.11-crore earned through illegal sources and Rs 2.5 crore in the name of self and family members, some associates and even his driver, over the past nearly 15 years, most of which are now under scrutiny for money-laundering.

According to a statement to ED by his driver, Sawant had travelled from Mumbai to Kochi (Kerala) several times to meet his agirlfrienda who was his neighbour in Mumbai, and on one occasion gifted her the expensive gold

anklet.

However, the accused officeras legal team has denied all the ED allegations, claiming he is being framed and said that all the expenses are fully accounted for.

The ED, which had raided Sawantas premises in Mumbai, Lucknow and other places, contended that the monies the IRS officer generated through shady means, was deposited in the bank accounts of his wife, parents, kin and

others and part of it was used to repay loans or purchase various assets, including real estate.

Sawant is also accused of investing his ill-gotten wealth in the accounts of companies owned/controlled by relatives or friends, and later ploughed back disguised as asalariesa to them.

The ED, which filed the money-laundering case based on a CBI complaint, is attempting to trace out more assets and where Sawant may have diverted his ill-earned monies.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : Sri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with religious fervour across Karnataka, especially at the historical Udupi Sri Krishna temple and at the ISKCON Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The festival is a time-honoured tradition wherein devotees of the Lord come together to rejoice Sri Krishnaas glorious birth.

Thousands of devotees from across the state and country thronged historical Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt and the temple early in the morning. The temple has been decked up for the occasion and devotees will continue to pay obeisance to their favorite God till late in the night.

Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century.

Meanwhile, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangalore celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami, a joyous festival that commemorates the divine appearance of Lord Krishna.

As one enters the temple at Hare Krishna hill, one can experience a fresh fragrance of marigold flowers as the entire temple hall is decorated with marigold flowers. It is almost like entering a flower bungalow.

The decorations were unique this year with specially made decors from coconut leaves and banana stems around the templeas main altar. Similar decorations can also be seen in Vaikuntha hill temple.

Every year, ISKCON, renowned for its vibrant Janmashtami celebrations, plays host to 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 devotees at its temples in Rajajinagar (Hare Krishna Hill) and Vasanthapura (Vaikuntha Hill) in Bengaluru.

This year, ISKCON has decided to extend the festivities to the southern part of the city. Celebrations will be held at KTPO (Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation) convention hall in Whitefield on September 7 and 8.

The Hare Krishna Hill temple annually provides enriching spiritual experiences to devotees with special darshan, melodious kirtans, and delicious prasadam. The Vaikuntha Hill branch has Rajadhiraja Govinda as the main deity.

The Janmashtami event at KTPO, Whitefield, is aptly named Anand Mahotsav.

This unique event featured participants and volunteers from over 15 gated communities and 30 schools, making it a one-of-a-kind celebration in the country.

In most of the families, the small children and infants will be dressed as Lord Krishna and the photos will be kept as memoirs.
Mumbai, Sep 6 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan hilariously sparked a "saas-bahu" competition on the 15th season of quiz-based reality show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' with a contestant by asking him who cooks better his mother or his wife.

In the latest episode of the show, Amitabh was seen asking the contestant what he likes to eat.

To which the contestant replied: "I like the food prepared by my mother. Aloo matar ki sabji, aloo paratha, aur paneer ki sabji."

Pointing to the contestant's wife, the cine icon said: "I won't say anything more. Because I'm receiving glares from that end. Your wife is asking why you like your mother's food and not hers?"

Contestant said: "Since childhood I've had food made by my mom. My wife is a recent addition to the family. So l'll eat the food prepared by her also."

The thespian then quipped: "Sir, you're saying this to please everyone. I'll ask you another question. Who cooks better? Okay, don't answer it. You will have to face the rant when you reach home."

In the same episode, the first show got its first crorepati, who took home a cheque of Rs 1 Crore. He lost the question of Rs' 7 crore based on Indian mythology.

The question of Rs 7 crore was: According to the Padma Purana, which king had to live as a tiger for a hundred years due to a deer's curse? The options given were- Kshemadhurti, Dharmadatta, Mitadhvaja and Prabhanjana.

After reading the question, the contestant said: "Sir I have not heard of the them before. Mythologies such as the Mahabharata or Ramayana are on television. I have watched the shows B. R. Chopra's show Mahabharata and Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana. It's very difficult. I quit."
Chennai, Sep 6 : Tamil Nadu Police have started monitoring migrant workers after more than 10 of them were arrested for smuggling ganja into the state, sources said.

The sources from the state's Narcotics Control Bureau told IANS that after the police accelerated its crackdown against an interstate drug syndicate which used migrant workers from North India and the northeast for drug smuggling.

Police personnel in plain clothes are being deployed at all major railways station across Tamil Nadu and are monitoring migrants workers, especially the ones who arrive with big, heavy bags.

In the past three months,13 migrants workers were arrested.

The sources explained that the smuggled ganja was then exported out of the country from coastal areas of the state including Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram.

The police also said there was an increase in smuggling activities through coastal towns in country boats to Sri Lanka.

Police are also in touch with agents who are bringing in migrant workers and are printing leaflets in their languages to make them aware on the dangers involved in smuggling of narcotics.

a"IANS

aal/ksk
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is among the infrastructures of vital importance for the promotion of energy sufficiency, said the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Outreach, Costas Fragogianni, Trend reports.

He highlighted the importance of FSRU Alexandroupolis, together with SRU Revythoussa and the Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB) for the energy security in the wider region of Southeast Europe, as well as in the gradual transition to alternative energy sources with a lower carbon footprint.

Greece is once again present in initiatives that promote economic development and cooperation at the international and regional level, confirming its role as a hub of interconnectivity and as a pillar of stability, growth and prosperity in the southern part of Europe, the deputy minister said in his article.

Greece imported a total of 1.020 billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan between January and June 2023.

June saw a notable surge in imports, with 174.6 million cubic meters received, compared to 163 million cubic meters in May, marking a 7.1 percent month-on-month increase.

The total expenditure by Greece on natural gas purchases from Azerbaijan during the initial six months of 2023 reached 523.8 million euros. However, this amount decreased in June to more than 58 million euros, compared to 68.8 million euros spent in May, representing a 15.7 percent decrease.

Meanwhile, data from the energy ministry for the same period in 2023 indicates that Azerbaijan produced 24.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Of this, 6.5 billion cubic meters were extracted from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, and 13.2 billion cubic meters came from the Shah Deniz field. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) contributed 4.4 billion cubic meters to the overall gas production during this period. Gas transportation also increased by 0.7 billion cubic meters, signaling a 3 percent rise compared to the previous year.

Gas sales during this period amounted to 12 billion cubic meters, showing a 7.5 percent growth compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. Of this total, approximately 5 billion cubic meters of gas were exported to Turkiye, 5.7 billion cubic meters to Europe, and 1.3 billion cubic meters to Georgia. It's worth noting that more than 2.8 billion cubic meters of gas were exported to Turkey through the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) during this time.

Azerbaijan supplies gas to Europe through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is the final link in the Southern Gas Corridor and has a capacity of 10 billion cubic meters, with the potential to expand to 20 billion cubic meters annually.

---

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
London, Sep 6 : A group of more than 70 MPs cutting across party lines have called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to seek "immediate release" of a British Sikh imprisoned in India, as he travels to New Delhi to attend the G20 leaders' summit this week.

In a letter, the MPs urged Sunak to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "immediately release" Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been "arbitrarily detained" for over five years in India, the BBC reported.

Johal from Dumbarton was in Punjab for his wedding when he was arrested in Jalandhar on November 4, 2017, over his alleged role in killings by the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), a banned terrorist organisation.

His family says that the 36-year-old has been tortured, including through electric shocks, before being made to sign a blank confession document -- allegations that have been denied by the Indian authorities.

He is currently being held at the Tihar Jail and faces a possible death penalty over 10 accusations of murder and conspiracy to murder.

Tory MP David Davis told the BBC that "the first duty of a state should be to prevent a citizen getting harmed", and that if a citizen had been harmed and subjected to injustice, "the government should be raising the most serious protests".

"That does not seem to be happening at the moment and that is a failure of the Foreign Office to do its most fundamental duty."

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said Johal had been targeted as he was a campaigner for Sikh human rights and wrote "public posts calling for accountability for alleged actions committed against Sikhs by the authorities".

The MPs' letter said that the UN Working Group "concluded that Jagtar's continued detention...lacks any legal basis".

Brother Gurpreet Singh Johal, who is a lawyer and Labour councillor in Dumbarton, told BBC that given Sunak's good relationship with Modi, it shouldn't be a hard ask.

"Almost six years have elapsed, no evidence has been produced against Jagtar. These are just charges alleged against him, and it should be innocent until proven guilty," Gurpreet said.

The issue has been raised in the past by former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May, with May acknowledging that Johal has been arbitrarily detained, without any prosecution started.

The opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wrote to Sunak early in February asking him what action he intends to take on the matter.

In response, according to The Guardian, Sunak avoided the direct question, saying that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office "continues to provide consular support" to Johal and his family.

--IANS

mi/ksk
Kolkata, Sep 6 : After actress-turned-politician and the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Nusrat Jahan, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned another Bengali film actress Ruplekha Mitra over her association with the same financial entity that duped senior citizens of crores of rupees by promising them residential flats at reasonable rates.

According to sources, from the papers of the said entity, 7 Sense Infrastructure Private Limited, the ED officials learnt that like Jahan, Mitra was also an erstwhile director of the same entity.

Mitra has been asked to be present at the agencyas central government office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata by 11 a.m. on September 13, the same day and time when Jahan and another director of the company Rakesh Singh have been summoned.

Till the filing of the report, there was no reaction from Mitra on whether she will be appearing at the ED office on September 12.

The central agency has already filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the matter. As per the complaints, the said corporate entity collected several crores of rupees from the duped investors promising them

residential flats at reasonable rates within four years.

However, as per the complaint, though they had not received those residential flats, the directors of the said entity including Jahan used that money to construct their own flats.

A couple of days after the matter surfaced in the media in the beginning of August, Jahan told media that she resigned from the corporate entity in March 2017. She also claimed that she took a loan of around Rs 1.16 crore from the said corporate entity and repaid it along with interest amounting to over Rs 1.40 crore in March 2017 only.
Guwahati, September 6 : A BJP leader was arrested in Assam's Cachar district for allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old teenager over suspicion of theft, police said on Wednesday.

The alleged incident took place on August 14 and a video of it was posted on social media on Monday.

The victim's family then filed an FIR, which led to the arrest of the accused, according to the police.

Manoj Sahu, the accused, is a panchayat official in the Cachar district's Dholai assembly constituency.

On the afternoon of August 14, Sahu allegedly held the victim, Ajay Ri, captive in front of a store and assaulted him.

On Monday, Ajay's mother Chanda filed the FIR, following which a case was opened against Sahu.

According to the police, the victim was sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital in a severe condition and was later discharged.

"Shortly after the boy was discharged from the hospital, his mother filed a complaint, and a video of the incident was also posted on social media at the same time. We have arrested Sahu based on the complaint and the available evidence," the officer stated.

The victim's mother told reporters that a gang of guys, including Sahu, tormented her son and wrongly accused him of stealing.

"They are well-known figures in the locality. They threatened to beat my son again if we called the police and demanded that he keep quiet," the woman claimed.

Meanwhile, the police said that a probe into the case is underway and a few more people might be arrested.

--IANS

tdr/ksk
Chennai, Sep 6 : Kerala Left Front MLA K.B Ganesh Kumar on Wednesday lashed out against Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks on Sanatana Dharma.

Ganesh who is the leader of Kerala Congress (B) while speaking in a public function on Tuesday evening said that the statement of Udhayanidhi was afoolisha.

He said that no religion or beliefs should be criticised.

Ganesh, who is a former minister in Kerala and a four term MLA from Pathanapuram assembly constituency in Kollam district of Kerala, said that Udhayanidhi is a person who has not come up from the ground level.

The former minister said that Udhayanidhi had come up the political ladder only because of his family links represented by his father M.K Stalin and grandfather Kalaignar Karunanidhi.

He said that the statement on Sanatana Dharma made by the minister is also due to his lack of political experience.

Interestingly, Ganesh has also reached the top place in politics due to his father late R. Balakrishna Pillai who was one of the founding leaders of Kerala Congress and a towering personality who has been a minister several times.
Davanagere, : Sept 6 (IANS) A 17-year-old girl has committed suicide after she was blackmailed by two boys over her private video in Jagaluru, Davanagere district of Karnataka.

The victim, a college student studying in PUC, poured petrol on her and set herself on fire. The incident had taken place on August 28 and she succumbed to injuries at the hospital on Wednesday.

Police said that the two accused boys befriended her when she went to the college. The accused gave her a dish laced with drugs and when she was unconscious, they had captured her private videos on mobile.

Later, they had blackmailed her continuously that the video would be made viral. The parents of the girl had also complained to the police.

The accused used to come before her house and asked the victim to go along with them. Unable to bear the torture, the girl had tried to immolate herself.

The girl had recorded a video statement from the hospital before death in which she had said that unlike her no other girl should meet such injustice.

She also pleaded with the police that stern action should be taken against the culprits.

The girl, in the video, also said that this should be a lesson for all evil minded persons.

The video of the girl pleading with tears rolling down for justice had become viral on social media and created outrage.

Jagaluru Police has registered a case under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso).

Police said that investigation is underway.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Uttar Pradesh Police to file a report regarding the status of investigation in relation to an FIR registered against a school teacher who allegedly urged fellow students to slap a 7-year-old boy while referring to his faith in an absurd manner.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Pankaj Mithal issued notice on the plea filed by Tushar Gandhi, a social activist and the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, seeking directions for a time-bound and independent investigation in the incident and setting up of guidelines for preventing violence against students belonging to religious minorities in schools.

The bench also asked Muzaffarnagar Superintendent of Police to inform it about the measures taken to protect the student and his parents by September 25.

On August 24, a video went viral where fellow students were seen slapping a 7-year-old at the behest of the teacher of a private school who referred to his faith in an absurd manner.

Reportedly, the boy's family has said that he was beaten up for a mistake in the multiplication of tables, during the class. The school is located at Khubbapur village in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district.

The teacher from Neha Public School had justified her actions, saying that it is important to "control" the kids at the school.

Accused Tripti Tyagi, who also owns the school, has not been arrested yet. The boy's family has already taken him out of the school and is looking for a new school.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had already taken suo motu cognisance of media reports and issued a notice to the state government. It has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a violation of the victim's human rights.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday suggested that the opposition parties bloc of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as 'BHARAT' which means alliance for 'Betterment, Harmony And Responsible, Advancement for Tomorrow' then the ruling BJP might stop its fatuous game of changing names.

His remarks came amid the bitter war of words between the ruling BJP and the Congress after the Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out invites for the G20 dinner of September 9 in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.

Tharoor wrote on X, "We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names."

The Congress-led opposition parties have dubbed the alliance of the like-minded parties as INDIA during the second meeting of the bloc in Karnataka's Bengaluru on July 17 and 18.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi had targeted the INDIA alliance saying that even Indian Mujahideen and East India Company had the words INDIA in them.

Later, the Prime Minister also ahead of his reply on the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition targeted the opposition parties saying it is a reflection of mutual distrust among INDIA bloc parties as they want to test who is with their proposal and who is not.

In his address to party MPs at the BJP parliamentary meeting, he described the opposition alliance as 'ghamandia' (marked by arrogance) and congratulated the party's Rajya Sabha members for the "semi-final" win in voting on the Delhi services bill.

Meanwhile, the Congress and the other opposition parties have hit back at the BJP for comparing INDIA with East India Company and banned terror outfit Indian Mujahideen.
Patna, Sep 6 : Amid political row over changing the name of country from India to Bharat, JD-U national president Lalan Singh claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are 'changing' the name as they are afraid of opposition's 'INDIA' bloc.

They want to change the history of the country by removing the name of Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) and putting the name of Narendra Modi.

"They are renaming the country but how could they change the disbelief that arises among people of the country against the Narendra Modi government," Singh said.

"Central government is doing drama. Let's allow them to do the drama. No one is affected by it. When you board a flight, you will get an announcement of waters, electricity being available due to Modi Ji. They want to change the history of the country. They are trying to remove the name of Bapu and put the name of Narendra Modi," Singh said.

While reacting to the special session, Lalan Singh said: "Before calling the special session, they should tell us the agenda on which the discussion would take place. No one knows the point of the agenda of the special session. They want the democracy of the country and are trying to run the country in their own way."

Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Bihar, Singh said: "He would come to Bihar and roam anywhere he wants. No one is stopping him. They have only one jitteriness and that is on the name of INDIA that we have opted for our alliance. All this development is taking place due to INDIA."
Mumbai, Sep 6 : Actor Varun Badola, who plays a layered character in 'Wrong Turn', is happy that the teleplay will now be translated into Kannada and Telugu.

Inspired by 'Die Panne' (The Breakdown), a 1956 novel by Swiss writer Friedrich DArrenmatt, Ranjit Kapoor's acclaimed teleplay 'Wrong Turn' produced by Zee Theatre is now being translated in Kannada and Telugu for audiences in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

He said: "Because of dubbing, subtitling, and translations, multilingual stories are reaching more people than ever before. I have done two Tamil Ad films, but as an actor, I am looking forward to being a part of this shift and would love to work in many more regional narratives."

In 'Wrong Turn', he plays Arun, a man who walks into an old house one rainy night after his car breaks down. Here, he meets three retired lawyers amusing themselves with a game that he agrees to join. The lawyers recreate a trial scene, and soon Arun finds himself trapped in a game of wits. If proven guilty, he may even face an unthinkable fate.

Varun is happy that plays like 'Wrong Turn' are now being archived for posterity and explains: "Usually a theatre group has to travel to different regions to reach a diverse audience but now a teleplay recreates a theatre like experience at home, can even be watched in different languages, offers an enriching intercultural experience and even breaks the language barrier. OTT has familiarised us with so many fantastic regional actors and now via 'Wrong Turn', the audience in Karnataka and Telangana will also get to know us."

He believes the play will strike a chord because it is not only an engrossing legal drama but also a story where the concept of poetic justice is explored.

He explains: "In an era of excessive content, everyone gravitates towards their favourite genres. So those who are looking for good writing and strong performances will watch this play. Plus, a story about a mock trial where legal and natural justice blur, never ceases to engage audience attention."

'Wrong Turn' will be streamed on 16th September on Dish TV & D2H Rangmanch Active and Airtel Theatre in Kannada and Telugu. The play also stars Govind Namdev, Lalit Tiwari, Suneel Sinha, Liliput Faruqui, Suzzane Mukherjee, Anangsha Biswas, Shalini Sharma, Niraj Sah and is directed by Ranjit Kapoor.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Dressing for festivities on a budget is not only possible but also a rewarding creative exercise. By mixing and matching existing clothing, accessorizing wisely, and opting for sustainable fashion, you can create memorable festive looks.

As festive season is in the nook and it ushers in joy, celebrations, and the perfect excuse to dress up. Make this time a mindful choice and get creative with your wardrobe which can make any festive occasion special, even on a budget.

Incorporating these few styling hacks shared can help you look stunning and stand out during festive occasions without overspending on your attire.

Repurpose whatas in your wardrobe - The festive season in India is a 3-4 month-long period of celebration encompassing multiple festivals. This calls for some creativity. Render your personal style in your festive outfits by repurposing ethnic outfits. An embellished saree can be worn in multiple ways for a new look. Pair this with a statement belt or a jacket for a completely new outfit look. Repurpose your favorite hand-embroidered lehenga and pair it with a crisp white shirt for a festive look that is fresh and unique. Mixing and matching different pieces from your wardrobe is not only budget-friendly but will ensure that your look is unique!

Invest in timeless pieces - One of the best ways to build a festive wardrobe is to invest in timeless, versatile pieces that transcend single occasions. A classic hand embroidered saree, or an embroidered lehenga set can be dressed up or down differently for various celebrations. Timeless fashion not only keeps your budget in check but also ensures your clothing remains in vogue for years to come, adds Surabhi Chopra, Founder at Surabhi Chopra Label.

Shop Sustainable - One of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is to shop handmade. Support traditional crafts and local artisans by exploring handmade and locally crafted ethnic wear. Lush fabrics in subtle or heavy hand embroideries are perfect for year-round traditional celebrations. With sustainable fashion, not only will you discover unique and authentic pieces, but you'll also bolster the livelihoods of local craftsmen.

Custom made to order - To ensure a statement festive wardrobe within budget invest in custom-made-to-order outfits. Getting something specially crafted for yourself will ensure that it is not an impulse buy and that you actually want to invest in the outfit. Besides this, you can opt for fabrics, colour, patterns, and embroideries that work for you and can transcend seasons and increase the longevity of the outfit. This exercise also gives you control over the budget. In addition to this, if you stumble upon budget-friendly clothing that doesn't fit perfectly, consider investing in tailoring or alterations. A well-fitted outfit makes for an elegant look.

Accessorise - Sometimes, it's not about what you wear, but how you wear it. Enhance our outfit with statement accessories for a new look every time. Invest in timeless accessories and add-ons like belts, embellished dupattas, etc. that when paired with your new or existing ethnic outfits will help render them with a new appeal!

(Surabhi Chopra, founder of Surabhi Chopra Label)

--IANS

Surabhi Chopra/lh/tb
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Azerbaijan's market is of sufficient interest to Turkish fintech companies because it gives them access to CIS markets, said Chairman of the Association of Financial Technologies (AzFina) Ruslan Talibov during the Azerbaijani-Turkish Fintex forum, Trend reports.

He further said that the local Azerbaijani fintech companies could use the experience of Turkish companies, aiming to become global market players.

Talibov noted that one of the important problems in the global fintech sphere is risks. Therefore, appropriate steps are being taken to address them.

"The Central Bank of Azerbaijan is taking joint steps with players in the sector to ensure stability in this area in our country. One of them was the enactment of 14 new laws in July, which not only defined the supervisory and regulatory framework for fintech companies, but also allowed them to provide services traditionally offered only by banks. Under the new laws, fintech companies can now engage in money transfers themselves, open a payment account, provide services to individuals and lend 50 manat ($29) for two months of payment services," he explained.

"Another important step taken by the CBA was the sandbox mode, which is applied in many developed countries. Any fintech company can apply and test any innovative product under the supervision of CBA," he said.

More than 30 fintech companies are present in Azerbaijan today.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Criticising a trial court's decision, the Delhi High Court has said that gender-based assumptions in favour of a female accused, lacking a substantive basis or valid grounds, are contrary to the fundamental principles of the justice system.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma underlined the principle of gender neutrality within the legal system, where every individual, regardless of gender, is held accountable for their actions in accordance with the law.

"Presumptions based on gender have no place within this framework, unless provided by law, as they undermine the pursuit of truth and justice," Justice Sharma said.

She said that each person's involvement in a criminal act must be independently assessed based on the evidence and statements recorded by the prosecution, which should be placed before the court for consideration.

The court was hearing a revision plea by Delhi Police, challenging a trial court's decision to discharge four female accused in a kidnapping case.

While the trial court framed charges against five male individuals, it discharged the female accused, citing the absence of evidence that they had instigated the male accused, who were already armed.

Justice Sharma criticised the trial court for making unwarranted assumptions at the stage of framing charges, where it presumed that the female members could not have instigated or participated in the assault because the male members were already attacking the complainant.

The court noted that such differentiation between male and female accused was unjustifiable.

The court further said that in the absence of specific reasons for discharging the female accused at the charge framing stage, any gender-based presumption was unfounded, especially given the allegations against them of physically assaulting the complainant.

The judge set aside the trial court's order and remanded back the matter for a fresh decision on charges against the female accused, saying that this decision should be in line with legal principles and devoid of gender-based presumptions.

"This court is constrained to note that such differentiation was created by the learned Trial Court between the 'male accused persons' and the 'female accused persons'," the court said.

The judge also directed that a copy of this judgement be sent to all District and Sessions Judges in Delhi to ensure its circulation among the Judicial Officers in their courts. Additionally, it directed the forwarding of a copy to the Director (Academics) of the Delhi Judicial Academy for reference.

--IANSspr/dpb
New Delhi, Sep 6 : In the realm of hospitality, crafting an enchanting ambiance is paramount to delivering guests an unforgettable experience. A potent tool in the hotelier's arsenal is the art of colour. By harnessing the magic of hues in hotel decor, one can effortlessly evoke various moods and emotions, thereby transforming spaces into alluring havens.

"The psychology of colours has a profound impact on human emotions and behaviour in the realm of design. Delving deeper into the science of colours- bold hues like red and orange can stimulate appetite, making them perfect choices for restaurant areas. On the other hand, warm shades such as beige, cream, and taupe, as well as cool shades like blue and green, evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity, making them ideal for spa settings and bedrooms. Neutrals, being versatile backdrops, complement various styles effectively. By grasping these concepts, hoteliers and designers can strategically curate colour schemes to elicit specific emotional responses from guests, transforming spaces into captivating havens that cater to diverse needs and create a lasting impression", says Riddhima Singh, founder of Danza Del Design.

Let's delve into the psychology of colours and explore how savvy hoteliers can strategically use colour palettes to curate distinctive palettes that cater to every mood with the insights outlined by Riddhima.

Energetic and Vibrant:

A captivating and lively range of colours, dominated by bold hues like electric blue, sunny yellow, and lively coral, can infuse the space with a tangible sense of excitement and dynamism. By strategically incorporating these tones in public areas such as lobbies and lounges, a vibrant and social atmosphere is fostered, encouraging guests to connect and engage with one another. The energetic ambiance created by this palette is ideal for guests seeking a lively and vibrant stay filled with enthusiasm and meaningful social interactions.

Serene and Tranquil Palette:

In order to cater to guests seeking ultimate relaxation and tranquillity, a hotel can adopt a serene and tranquil palette. Incorporating soft and calming hues like pastel blues, gentle greens, and creamy neutrals throughout the rooms and common areas can transform the space into a serene sanctuary, encouraging guests to unwind and rejuvenate during their stay. This soothing atmosphere is well-suited for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and wish to experience a peaceful retreat within the hotel premises.

Timeless Elegance with Neutral Tones:

For hotels aiming to create a timeless and sophisticated ambiance, a palette featuring neutral tones like beige, taupe, and ivory is an excellent choice. These classics never go out of style and exude a sense of understated elegance that appeals to a wide range of guests, including business travellers and couples seeking a romantic getaway. To elevate the overall design, tasteful accents of metallics or muted jewel tones can be integrated, adding a touch of opulence to the neutral backdrop.

Eclectic and Bohemian Chic:

For boutique hotels and trendy establishments, embracing an eclectic palette can be a thrilling and daring choice. Combining a mix of bold and contrasting colours, along with unique patterns and textures, the space emanates a bohemian chic vibe, inviting guests to explore their creative selves. This artistic and free-spirited atmosphere encourages a sense of individuality, empowering guests to embrace their creativity and indulge in an unconventional and inspiring stay.

Nature-Inspired Palette:

Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, a hotel can create a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere through a nature-inspired palette. Deep forest green, warm terracotta and sandy beige can be used to bring the outdoors inside, establishing a solid connection with the natural world that promotes a sense of well-being. Guests will feel enveloped by the tranquillity and groundedness of nature, providing a nurturing and comforting stay.

Luxurious Jewel Tones:

For high-end hotels aiming to evoke opulence and extravagance, a regal palette with jewel tones is an ideal choice. Rich saturations such as amethyst purple, emerald green, and sapphire blue can be employed thoughtfully in decor and accents to create an aura of opulence and sophistication in such hotels. These pigments evoke a sense of royalty and splendour, appealing to discerning guests seeking a truly lavish and unforgettable experience.

The art of using colours in hotel decor is a skillful balance of understanding the psychology of hues and catering to the diverse preferences of guests. By thoughtfully curating palettes that correspond to different moods and atmospheres, hoteliers can elevate the guest experience to new heights. Whether it's creating a vibrant and energetic vibe or a serene and tranquil retreat, the magic of colours in hotel decor can truly unlock the essence of hospitality spaces.

--IANS

Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in

Lh/tb
Earth-like Planet Nine could be hiding behind Neptune: Study. Image Source: IANS News

Tokyo, Sep 6 : An Earth-like Planet Nine may be hiding in our solar system, behind Neptune, Japanese astronomers have found.

The study, published in the Astronomical Journal, comes amidst ongoing debate on the existence of a so-called aPlanet Ninea, after Pluto was declared a dwarf planet 2006.

Researchers Sofia Lykawka from Kindai University in Osaka and Takashi Ito from the Japan National Astronomy Observatory found the presence of the Earth-like planet in the Kuiper Belt -- a donut-shaped ring that stretches just beyond Neptune's orbit.

The Kuiper Belt is a massive ring composed of interstellar objects such as dwarf planets, asteroids, carbon masses and icy volatile elements like methane and ammonia.

"We predict the existence of Earth-like planets," said the researchers.

"It's possible that a body of a primordial planet can survive in the far Kuiper Belt as a KBP, as so many bodies existed early in the solar system."

According to them, Planet Nine has a mass that is about 1.5 to 3 times that of Earth, and at a distance of 500 astronomical units from the Sun.

The Kuiper Belt also contains millions of frozen objects, which are referred to as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) because they are outside Neptune.

TNOs are believed to be remnants of the formation of the solar system and consist of mixtures of rock, amorphous carbon, and volatile ices such as water and methane.

"We determined that an Earth-like planet located on a distant and inclined orbit can explain three fundamental properties of the distant Kuiper Belt: a prominent population of TNOs with orbits beyond Neptune's gravitational influence, a significant population of high-inclination objects, and the existence of some extreme objects with peculiar orbits," they said in the paper.

"That's right, a prominent TNO population with orbits beyond Neptune's gravitational influence, a population of objects with significant high inclinations, and the presence of some extreme objects with peculiar orbits."

Speaking to Daily Mail, they said "the orbit of TNO can indicate the presence of planets that have not been found outside the solar system".

Some of these objects have strange orbits' that suggest they are being gravitationally influenced by something larger nearby.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Rs 1164.53 crore as an additional fund requirement under the Industrial Development Scheme, 2017 for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said.

Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur said, "Today Rs 1164.53 crore has been sanctioned for Industrial Development Scheme (2017) for the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand."

He said that the additional fund was required to meet the committed liabilities under the scheme up to 2028-29.

He said that the scheme was launched in 2017 for the state of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Under this scheme, the total financial outlay was Rs 131.90 crore. This allocated fund has been exhausted during the financial year 2021-22.

"Further, the requirement of an additional fund to meet the committed liabilities up to 2028-2029 is Rs 1164.53 crore. For allocation of this additional financial outlay, approval of the Cabinet was solicited under Industrial Development Scheme, 2017," Thakur said.

The government in a statement said that all eligible new industrial units and existing industrial units on their substantial expansion in the manufacturing and service sector located anywhere in the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be provided Central Capital Investment Incentive for Access to Credit (CCIIAC) at 30 per cent of the investment in Plant and Machinery with an upper limit of Rs 5.00 crore.

It also said that the all eligible new industrial units and existing industrial units on their substantial expansion located anywhere in the states of HP and Uttarakhand will be eligible for reimbursement of 100 per cent insurance premium on insurance of building and plant and machinery for a maximum period of five years from the date of commencement of commercial production or operation.

Thakur said that it is anticipated to generate direct employment opportunities for about 48,607 people by 774 registered units
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India will co-host 'Bharat Drone Shakti' on September 25 and 26 at the lAF's Hindon airbase (Ghaziabad), where the Indian drone industry will give live aerial demonstrations, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the ministry 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' will showcase the prowess of the Indian drone industry, hosting over 50 plus live aerial demonstrations with survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions and witness participation from more than 75 drone start-ups and corporates.

The event is expected to attract around 5,000 attendees, including representatives from the Central government, state departments, public and private industry, armed forces, paramilitary forces, representatives from friendly countries, academicians and students and drone enthusiasts. Most importantly, 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' will give a fillip to India's commitment to becoming a global drone hub by 2030, a defence ministry official added.

The ministry said that drone technology has revolutionised the civil and defence sectors by increasing efficiency, reducing exposure to risk as also by being a capability enhancer.

The use of drones in India is also seeing an increase both in the military, as well as in the civil domain. The IAF uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft extensively for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations. Its faith in the emerging drone design and development capabilities in India are borne by its initiatives like the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition that sought to tap this indigenous potential. Further iterations of this competition are currently underway, the defence ministry official added.

To exploit its rich experience in using these unmanned platforms, the IAF is partnering with the Drone Federation of India to co-host the 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023', an IAF official said.

--IANSgcb/bg
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked ministers to counter Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Santan dharma remarks.

During the meeting with Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Modi asked them to react strongly on Stalin's remark, indicating that the saffron party is set to make it a national issue.

Prime Minister Modi is said to have advised them to refrain from speaking on the Bharat-India name change row.

He advised all ministers to download the G-20 app ahead of the Summit that will help them to interact with the foreign delegates.

In view of the Summit, the Union government has launched the app which can be accessed in all languages and will be functional till the country hosts the event.

For the G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on September 9, the Prime Minister advised the ministers shun VIP culture, assemble at Parliament and then reach the venue by bus.

The ministers were also given a presentation on the Summit.
Chandigarh, Sep 6 : The First Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart 2023 from September 11 to 13 in Mohali will open a new avenue for tourism prospectus, Tourism and Culture Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Maan said here on Wednesday.

She said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's commitment to the development of tourism has paved the way for the summit as he had announced this event during the Progressive Punjab Investor Summit in February.

Highlighting the significance of the summit, Gagan Maan said, "Tourism is not just an industry, it's a window to our heritage and a testament to our hospitality."

"Through the Punjab Tourism Summit, we are resolute in our mission to unveil the untapped treasures of Punjab to the world, showcasing our rich heritage and welcoming spirit."

She said Punjab has already occupied a special place in the world on the map of religious tourism, but the beauty blessed by nature is yet to be explored.

Emphasizing the government's dedication to sustainable tourism practices, she said: "We are opening our rivers, dams, forests and mountains to tourists while preserving and protecting the natural beauty. This aligns with our commitment to eco-friendly tourism, promoting responsible exploration of our magnificent landscapes."

The minister said various tourist destinations have been meticulously identified and are being prepared for visitors. "We are committed to offering a holistic experience to travellers by enhancing infrastructure and services at these destinations."

She said major investors will be participating in the summit. She hoped these partnerships and their potential will drive the growth of state's tourism sector.

Maan said the government has introduced online registration for three schemes -- Farm Stay; Bed and Breakfast Homestay; and Tented Accommodation and Camping Sites, reducing compliance burdens for businesses.

At present, 56 farmhouse properties, 84 bed and breakfast units and seven tented accommodation units have been registered with the department.

She said the government has already allocated resources for hosting festivals and events like the Sixth Military Literature Festival, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Faridkot district and signing a pact with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to promote the state's art and culture.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Wednesday condemned the ransacking of an advocate's home and office by a mob in Manipur after he represented a Hyderabad University professor hailing from Kuki-Zo community before the High Court.

"The Supreme Court Bar Association underlines that lawyers are free to appear for any litigant. Any attempt by any person to intimidate lawyers into not appearing for any party has the effect of interfering in the administration of justice and needs to be condemned in the strongest possible manner," the SCBA said in a resolution issued under signature of Honorary Secretary Rohit Pandey.

The top court lawyers' association said that it has taken "serious notice" of news reports which have stated that the house and office of Manipur-based advocate Soraisham Chittaranjan was ransacked by some persons because he was representing his client in the capacity of being his advocate.

The resolution said that the Supreme Court Bar Association stands in solidarity with Chittaranjan and urged "the state and the Manipur Police to provide adequate protection to the lawyers in question and take immediate effective action against the guilty".

Professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing, who also heads the political science department at the Hyderabad University, had approached the Supreme Court challenging summons issued by Imphal's Chief Judicial Magistrate in a criminal complaint lodged against him for allegedly defaming the Meitei community during an interview given to Karan Thapar of The Wire.

The top court on August 14 refused to entertain the plea and asked Hausing to approach the Manipur High Court to pursue legal remedies. However, it had granted him protection against any coercive measure for a period of two weeks as an interim measure.
Bhopal, Sep 6 : At least seven persons have been booked for pelting stones at the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district, State Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Wednesday.

The Minister said that the accused persons are associated with Congress.

"It was planned attack by Congress. They have realised that their political ground is shrinking in the state and they cannot digest the kind of response the yatra us receiving," the Minister said.

Mishra held state Congress leadership of Kamal Nath and Digivijya Singh responsible for stone pelting.

He said that both the leaders have been inciting people for the last few months. "The Congress resorted to such tactics out of frustration," Mishra said.

The incident took place on Tuesday when a group of persons pelted stones at several vehicles of the convoy which was passing through the Rawli village in the district.

A video of the incident surfaced on social media showing a large number of people, including women blocking the convoy. The villagers were also seen manhandling the police personnel who were trying to control the situation.

The people were annoyed due to the acquisition of land for the expansion of Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the area, reports said.

However, the Congress denied the allegation, saying the people were annoyed because of corruption in land acquisition in the area.

"Congress has nothing to do with this incident. Such reaction is coming due to the BJP's own sins," state Congress media in-charge K. K. Mishra said.

With the Assembly elections slated to be held later this year, BJP has decided to organise five Jan Ashirwad Yatra in the state.
Mumbai, Sep 6 : Actress Ridhi Dogra, who will be soon in the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Jawan', has shared that working with the King of Bollywood, SRK, is once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

The film, which is set to debut in theatres on September 7, stars SRK in a dual role along with south superstar Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone in a cameo appearance, Thalapathy Vijay, Sanya Malhotra and others.

Talking about her excitement for the film to hit theatres, Ridhi said, aI am absolutely thrilled and super-super excited to be a part of probably one of the biggest films of this decade. The kind of love and euphoria that is there already before the film is released is just adding to what I saw on set. And then there are these stalwarts, there's Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Sethupati, Nayantara, Atlee, and so many great co-stars. So it's just been fabulous to experience".

She further mentioned, " Now that it's coming out, I'm a little nervous and scared but at the same time, I am extremely excited and thrilled to have gotten this opportunity to work with Atlee to spend so much of my time working under his vision.

aTo witness the supremacy of Vijay Sethupati, the stardom of Shahrukh Khan, and the ease and humility that he carries. So I just have a lot of memories that will go on for my entire life. Because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am cherishing & celebrating every moment of it, and holding on to the joy that comes from it a little longer than I would normally do."

Meanwhile, on the work front, apart from Jawan, the actress will also be seen in the Salman Khan-starrer aTiger 3a which will release on Diwali 2023.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 6. Over 2.6 million tons of dry and oil cargo were transshipped through Kazakhstan's Aktau Commercial Sea Port in the first seven months of 2023, which is 24 percent higher than the same period last year, Trend reports.

Data from the Kazakhstan Railways shows that the port handled 142,000 tons of grain, 114,000 tons of metal, and over 13,000 containers.

Oil transshipment increased by 58 percent compared to 2022, to 2.1 million tons, due to the reorientation of Kazakh oil exports to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route through the port of Aktau.

The transportation of metal increased by 87 percent due to the growth of exports of non-ferrous metals through the port of Aktau.

At the end of 2022, the cargo turnover of the seaport of Aktau amounted to 3.8 million tons, which is 9 percent higher than the level of the previous year. Of these, 2.5 million tons accounted for oil, 447,000 tons for grain, 119,000 tons for metal, and about 786,000 tons were other cargoes.
Patna, Sep 6 : Continuing the war of words between the BJP and the Congress over India versus Bharat row, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should chant "India Mata Ki Jai" and Rahul Gandhi should do 'India Jodo Yatra'.

The war of words erupted after the Rashtrapati Bhawan sent out invites for the G20 dinner of Saturday in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'.

"It is a part of a deep conspiracy of opposition bloc INDIA to finish Sanatan Dharma and Hindu culture in the country. They have taken the contract to finish Sanatan Dharma and hence are roaming from Patna to Mumbai in desperation," Modi said.

"We chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai. If the opposition party leaders want to chant India Mata Ki Jai, then no one is stopping them," Modi said.

"We have no objection over the name of the opposition alliance. You should take the name India and your leaders should chant India Mata Ki Jai. Where is the problem? The reality is they do not want to say India or Bharat, they have only objection to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi is doing. They are opposing him," Modi said.

"As per the constitution, it mentions India, that is Bharat. Everyone is independent to use India or Bharat as per their wish. You would not become a traitor if you use India. Rahul Gandhi is talking about Bharat Jodo why he is not talking about India Jodo," Modi said
Rakesh Roshan celebrates 74th birthday along with 50 years of friendship with Jeetendra. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Sep 6 : Director Rakesh Roshan is celebrating his 74th birthday, while also hitting it up and celebrating 50 years of his very long standing friendship with his friends Jeetendra and Prem Chopra among others in a very warm fashion.

Taking to Instagram, the filmmaker posted a video being celebrated in the company of his close friends, as well as his brother Rajesh Roshan, all wishing him a happy birthday.

Captioning the post, he wrote: "Celebrating 50yrs friendship (very rare) thank you Jeetu & friends for bringing in my birthday. Gratitude."

The group did an original and inventive take on the classic Hindi song; 'Tum Jeeoo Hazaaron Saal' from the 1959 film 'Sujata', before transitioning to 'Happy Birthday', laughing and celebrating, after which the 'Krrish' director proceeded to cut the cake.

Netizens also wished the director a fond birthday from across the board, wishing him a long life while also praising the close bond he has with his lifelong friends, and just how merry they were during celebrations.

Celebrities also wished the 'Khudgarz' director on his birthday.

Actor Anupam Kher wrote: "Happy Birthday ji. Love c and prayers always"

Popular TV actor, Rohit Bose Roy wrote: "How sweet is this (heart emojis) happy birthday Guddu ji."

Many fans on X (formerly called Twitter) asked the director-producer if he will be releasing 'Krrish 4', and urged him to do so, though Rakesh Roshan on his part remained silent.

Earlier, the filmmaker's advance birthday was celebrated with full joy and passion by his staff at his outhouse.

The director had already confirmed that there will be a 'Krrish 4' which is already in pre-production phase, though the exact date for the release or its cast is completely unknown.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Delhi High Court has observed that the consistent and persistent act of a wife pursuing false litigation against her estranged husband and his family members constitutes cruelty.

The division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna noted that such false complaints and allegations by the wife amounted to mental cruelty against her husband.

The bench annulled the marriage of a couple who had married in 1992 but had been living separately since 1995, finding that this nearly 28-year separation also indicated grave cruelty.

"Such separation of almost 28 years is an instance of utmost mental cruelty, asking for immediate severance of matrimonial relationship on the ground of cruelty u/S 13(1)(ia) (relating to grounds for divorce) of the (Hindu Marriage) Act," the court said.

The court said that the woman had filed a case under Sections 498A (cruelty to woman), 504, and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code against her husband and his family members.

After a prolonged trial, they were acquitted, and her revision petition was also dismissed.

The bench said that the wife's consistent and persistent pursuit of litigation over time constituted an act of cruelty, especially when the alleged evidence of cruelty has not been proven in the case.

Rather than granting a divorce, the court held the marriage void under Section 11 (void marriages) of the Hindu Marriage Act due to the couple's close relationship.

The bench observed that they had a sapinda relationship because the woman's grandmother was the sister of her husband's father.

The woman argued that, as per custom in the Jhang Community, their marriage was recognised. However, the husband contended that the marriage was a nullity due to the violation of Section 5 (v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, which prohibits marriage between sapindas without a custom.

The court noted that to establish a custom overriding the Hindu Marriage Act, it must be proven to exist before the 1955 enactment. Since no such proof was found, the court ruled that the marriage was void.

It further said that the consequences of a marriage performed against the law would not diminish merely because it had not been questioned by the community.

"The factum of uninterruptedness of the custom is also not established. Merely because the stray incidents of marriage between the sapindas have not been questioned by the community, would not make out a case of positive assertion of a prevailing custom," the court said.
Lahore, Sep 6 : With his fiery pace, Haris Rauf was on fire from ball one and was rewarded with a four-wicket haul as Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for just 193 in 38.4 overs in the first match of Super Four stage in the Asia Cup at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.

On a flat pitch, Raufas thunderbolts made him a standout bowler for Pakistan, ending with figures of 4-17. Naseem Shah, despite a shoulder injury scare, picked 3-34, followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf taking a wicket each.

For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim slammed knocks of 53 and 64 respectively, while adding 100 runs for the fifth wicket after being 47-4 at one point. But once Shakib fell, Bangladeshas innings fell apart and crumbled to a below-200 score, with the last four wickets falling in nine balls.

Pushed into bowling first, Pakistan fetched early success when Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladeshas last gameas centurion chipped straight to mid-wicket off Naseem, falling for a golden duck in the second over.

Litton Das smashed four boundaries in his 13-ball 16 before getting a faint edge behind on a Shaheen delivery which bounced extra and was caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Rauf then took his 50th ODI wicket when he cramped Mohammad Naim for room and top-edge on the pull was caught safely by the pacer.

He signed off from power-play by castling Towhid Hridoyas stumps with a 145kph delivery to leave Bangladesh in trouble at 47-4 in 9.1 overs.

Shakib and Mushfiqur, the two veteran players, combined to pull Bangladesh out of trouble.

With pace dropping of Pakistan fast bowlers in the harsh Lahore heat, it gave chance to Shakib and Mushfiqur to give the Bangladesh innings much-needed stability. Shakib also survived a scare on 32 as Naseem dropped a simple return catch in the 20th over.

Hitting boundaries at a decent pace coupled with strike rotation, Shakib brought up his 54th ODI fifty, as well as the partnership crossing 100-run mark. But Shakib shortly fell for a 57-ball 53, pulling straight to deep mid-wicket off a Faheem short ball at the stroke of drinks break.

Soon, Mushfiqur reached his 46th ODI fifty, but Shakibas exit had opened the gate Pakistan needed to claw back. Shamim Hossain miscued a slog off Iftikhar to the deep, followed by Mushfiqur nicking behind off Rauf. The pacer would take out Taskin Ahmed for a golden duck, before Naseem took the remaining two wickets to keep Bangladesh seven runs below 200.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 193 in 38.4 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Shakib Al Hasan 53; Haris Rauf 4-19, Naseem Shah 3-34) against Pakistan
Jammu, Sept 6 : J&K DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said that the properties of those local terrorists who are natives of the UT and have fled to Pakistan to take refuge would be seized.

Addressing a media conference in Rajouri, the DGP said that police has a list of those terrorists who operated in different parts of J&K and then fled to Pakistan to take refuge there.

"Their properties are being attached and the process will continue. A close watch is being maintained on these terrorists as they continue to promote terrorism while sitting across the line of control (LoC).

"There will be no mercy for them. If they try to come back, they will be killed. These people are behind the attempts of reviving terrorism in J&K.

"Nine to twelve terrorists, most of whom are foreigners, are operating in Rajouri-Poonch range.

"We have inputs that they were on the move from Kulgam-Shopian districts in the Valley to Rajouri-Poonch districts of Jammu division.

"Three of them have been killed and the hunt is on to track down others. One terrorist who had slipped from the mountains was found dead in Reasi.

"Another one was killed in Rajouri encounter and the third was killed in Reasi encounter where the operation is still going on," the police chief said.

He said that attempts from across the LoC to revive terrorism will not be allowed to succeed.

He said Village Defence Committees (VDCs) are playing a great role in anti-terrorist operations.

"All major infiltration bids have been foiled. It has been decided to deploy police at some points along with the army on the LoC to further strengthen the border grid," he said.

He agreed that as long as consignments of narcotics continue to be sent from across the border, the challenge of counteracting narcotic smuggling will remain. He said some border residents working as members of narcotic dealing gangs are being identified for strict action.
Kolkata, Sep 9 : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's grand-nephew Chandra Kumar Bose, who had been a leading face of the BJP in West Bengal, resigned from the primary membership of the party on Wednesday.

In his letter to the BJP's national President Jagat Prakash Nadda, a copy of which is available with IANS, Bose has claimed that he has chosen to take this critical step on a significant date for the Bose family "which is the 134" birth anniversary of my grandfather Sarat Chandra Bose, the elder brother Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose".

"The Bose Brothers, Sarat and Subhas Bose, as they are popularly called, stood for an inclusive and secular ideology for independent India," the resignation letter read.

In his letter, Bose had also pointed out that he joined the BJP in 2016 inspired by the leadership and expansive development programme of Narendra Modi and his discussions then centred on the inclusive ideology of the Bose Brothers.

He pointed out that his understanding with the BJP leadership then was that he would propagate this ideology across the nation on a BJP platform.

"It was also decided to form an Azad Hind Morcha within the framework of BJP with the primary objective to propagate Netaji's ideology of uniting all communities as Bharatiyas, irrespective of religion, caste and creed. This, according to me, is essential to keep our country united and inclusive. My own ardent promotional efforts to achieve these laudable objectives have not received any support from the BJP, either at the Centre or at the state level in West Bengal," he added, in the letter.

Thereafter, Bose claimed that although he had put forward a detailed proposal suggesting a Bengal Strategy to reach out to the people of Bengal, his proposals were ignored.

"Given these unfortunate circumstances, it has become impossible for me to continue in all conscience as a member of the BJP," he said in his resignation letter.

Bose joined the BJP in 2016 before the West Bengal Assembly polls and was welcomed to the party by the then national President of BJP and the current Union Home Minister Amit Shah. That year, he unsuccessfully contested against Mamata Banerjee as a BJP candidate from Bhabanipur Assembly constituency.

He also contested on behalf of BJP from South Kolkata Lok Sabha constituency in 2019. He was also given the chair of BJPas state Vice President in West Bengal.

--IANS

src/vd
New Delhi, Sep 6 : A man was apprehended at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport with a pistol by CISF official on Wednesday.

The CISF official said that the suspect was detained based on profiling near departure gate No. 5 of Terminal-3 at IGI Airport.

"The passenger, along with his baggage, was taken to the random checking point for a thorough inspection. During the x-ray screening of his baggage, an image of a pistol with a magazine was observed. Upon thorough examination of the bag, a homemade pistol along with two empty magazines was discovered," said the official.

The passenger was identified as Paramananda Das, who was traveling with his wife and child.

He was scheduled to board a flight bound for Singapore.

"Subsequently, the aforementioned passenger, along with the confiscated pistol and magazine, was handed over to the Delhi Police for further legal action in the matter," the official said.
Kolkata, Sep 9 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Ruplekha Mitra, the second Bengal actress, in relation to her associations as directors with a shady financial entity.

Earlier, ED has summoned Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Nusrat Jahan regarding the same case.

Both Mitra and Jahan, along with Rakesh Singh, another director of the financial entity 7 Sense Infrastructure Private Limited, accused of duping senior citizens cores of rupees promising them residential flats, have been asked to be present at ED's central government office (CGO) complex at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata by 11 A.M on September 13.

Mitra said that she would cooperate with the central agency and face their questioning but she may request ED for some more time to appear with the relevant supporting documents.

Mitra said that her post was that of a "sitting -director" with absolutely no cheque- signing authority.

She said that since the accumulation of relevant documents and papers on this count might require some time, she might seek some time from the central agency to appear for the purpose of interrogation.

She said that during her tenure as the director she had never met or interacted with Nusrat Jahan.

She said that, apart from Rakesh Singh, she is not even aware of others associated with the corporate entity.

A couple of days after the matter surfaced in the media in the beginning of August this year, Jahan told newspersons that she resigned from the corporate entity in March 2017.

She also claimed that she took a loan of around Rs 1.16 crore from the said corporate entity and repaid the loan along with interest amounting to over Rs 1.40 crore in March 2017.
Jammu, Sep 6 : Two terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K's Poonch district on Wednesday, defence officials said.

"Two terrorists were observed crossing the LoC coming towards own side on night of 5/6 September in Mandi sub-sector of Poonch district

"Joint operation was launched by Indian Army and police immediately to intercept the terrorists," Defence Ministry spokesman, Lt Colonel, Suneel Bartwal said in a statement.

He said that the terrorists used the hostile terrain, dense jungle, and steep gradient "to bring down heavy volume of fire on own troops".

"In the ensuing firefight which continued till next day, both terrorists were eliminated. Body of one terrorist along with war-like stores has been recovered," he said, adding that a search operation for recovering the body of the second terrorist is in progress.
Hyderabad, Sep 6 : Tabreed, a UAE-based developer of world-class, environment-friendly district cooling solutions, will invest $200 million in Telangana to develop Asia's largest district cooling system.

The company will develop 125,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of cooling infrastructure in industrial parks including Hyderabad Pharma City.

This was announced after Telangana's minister for industries K. T. Rama Rao met Tabreed leadership in Dubai on Wednesday.

According to a statement released from the minister's office in Hyderabad, over the years, Tabreed will develop 125,000 RT of district cooling plants and networks providing more sustainable long term cooling services through a utility cooling as a service model for process cooling and storage requirements of industrial units.

The first-of-its-kind, ground-breaking initiative will bring multi-fold benefits of highly reliable, superior cost-efficiency, and unprecedented economies of scale, resulting in 6,800 GWh of power savings and 41,600 mega liters of water savings, will pave the way for reduced greenhouse gas emissions by saving 6.2 million tons of CO2.

Government of Telangana signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tabreed to explore district cooling infrastructure in existing and upcoming commercial districts of Cyberabad and other mixed use development areas which offer potential to reduce over 200 MW of peak electricity demand resulting in annual CO2 reduction of 18 million tons over a 30 year period while mitigating heat island effect that will further bolster Hyderabad's position as one of the best cities to live and work in Asia.

Senior leadership team of Tabreed led by its CEO Khalid Al Marzooqi met Rama Rao and other senior officials accompanying him.

"By prioritizing cooling as a key action area through cool roof policies and energy-efficient district cooling, we are shaping a greener and healthier environment for our communities by contributing significantly to our ambitious vision of making Telangana net-zero by 2047," said minister KTR

Khaled Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Tabreed, said, By bringing our expertise in district cooling to the world's largest net zero pharmaceutical cluster and also, extremely high tech industrial zone, we are not only shaping the future of the industrial clusters, but also setting a powerful precedent for environmental responsibility."

Atul Bagai, Country Head, India for the United Nations Environment Program noted that meeting cooling demand through solutions that foster responsible and reduced energy consumption have emerged as a key priority in efforts to meet energy transition, security or sustainability goals for any country.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Actors Kritika Singh Yadav, Puneet Vasishtha, Raghav Thakur and Anchal Sahu have extended their greetings on the occasion of Janmashtami, and shared their childhood memories of the festival.

Kritika essays the role of Pratiksha in 'Pyaar Ke Saath Vachan Dharampatnii'.

Talking about the festival, she said: "Today, as we celebrate Lord Krishna's birth, I think about the lessons he has taught us about righteousness and compassion. As a kid, I used to participate in the school skit and dress up as Radha."

"My family has taught me the value of love, humility, and selflessness that he personified. As a devoted Krishna bhakt, I find solace and inspiration in his teachings, guiding my path towards a life filled with love and virtue," said the actress.

Puneet portrays the role of Narad in 'Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyag Tandav'. He said: "Janmashtami is one of my favourite festivals and it takes me back to how I learnt about the glory of Lord Krishna. I remember raising funds for dahi handi in my society. All my friends and I loved huddling together and forming a pyramid to break the matki."

The actor shared that every year, he visits Iskon temple next to his house at midnight to rock the cradle of Lord Krishna to celebrate his birth. "May this Janmashtami bring us all closer in devotion and celebration, fostering unity and spreading the blessings of Lord Krishna throughout our lives," he added.

Raghav, who plays the role of Krishna in 'Suhaagan', said: "Janmashtami holds a special place in my heart, as it takes me back to the cherished memories of my childhood. The excitement of dressing up as little Krishna, the vibrant 'matki phod' competitions, and the melodious bhajans filling the air."

"Janmashtami, for me, is not just a festival; it's a beautiful reminder of the innocence, joy, and togetherness of those early celebrations with family and friends. Ironically, my character bears the name Krishna in Suhaagan, and my entry in the show was on the song aWoh Kisna Haia, a memory I will treasure for a lifetime," he shared.

Anchal essaying the role of Parineet in 'Parineetii'. She said: "My favorite memory from this festival is the energy that fills the air as we immerse ourselves in the divine aura of Lord Krishna. During my childhood, my mom would often take me to watch the dahi handi celebrations in our neighbourhood. I absolutely loved it and felt a rush of excitement watching all the fanfare."

"On the sets of Parineetii too, weall revel in the festive spirit of Janmashtami by observing traditional rituals and gorging on delectable treats like panjiri, kheer, and maakhan mishri. The temptation to enjoy these delightful treats is something I simply can't resist," added Anchal.

The shows air on Colors.
Goldman Sachs expected to start one of the biggest rounds of redundancies in its history. Image Source: IANS News

London, Sep 6 : A former executive of Goldman Sachs has sued the investment bank over a "dysfunctional" workplace culture, claiming that his role caused "mental health" issues during his time at the firm as he was "working excessive hours".

Ian Dodd, 55, former global head of recruiting at Goldman Sachs International, is suing the bank for one million pounds in London, according to court documents seen by the Financial Times.

He started working in November 2018 but became unwell in 2019 and left in 2021.

According to Dodd, one year after starting at Goldman Sachs, he became ill due to excessive work pressure.

He also claimed that it was common to see employees "express distress" by crying and "sobbing throughout meetings".

In addition, he accused the bank of overworking him and expecting employees to work long hours in his lawsuit -- accusations that the firm has also faced previously, the report said.

However, the bank denied such accusations.

"As with many workplaces, there were occasions when colleagues were upset, for a variety of reasons (sometimes unconnected with work and sometimes connected with work), but it is denied that such instances were frequent or usual," reads Goldmanas defence filing.

"It is denied that there was a 'culture of divisiveness' or unpleasant infighting at the Defendant, whether as alleged or at all", it added.

The bank also denied Doddas claims that "sobbing through meetings" was "common behaviour" or that there was a "consistently high level of emotion" running through team meetings, according to the report.

Moreover, the bank denied allegations of "displays of general agitation" by employees and a "culture of bullying at the defendant" in its court defence document.

Goldman Sachs also claimed that Dodd "was not required to work excessive hours", adding that he was "provided with appropriate reasonable advice and support" and it denied the bank "knew or ought to have known that the Claimant was becoming unwell", the report mentioned.

According to the bank, colleagues advised Dodd not to overwork, and one advised him to reduce his travel and schedule time to go to the gym.
Vadodara, Sep 6 : The Vadodara police on Wednesday arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged abduction of a local businessman.

The victim, identified as Rashmikant Pandya (50), the owner of an engineering firm in Vadodara, was reportedly abducted before being rescued by a police patrol van after five hours in captivity.

On Tuesday night, Pandya was driving back home alone after a family dinner.

According to the FIR, two bike-borne individuals -- Manjitinder Singh Rai and Satnam Singh Gurmit Singh Rai (both aged 32) -- intercepted Pandya near Fatehgunj. They claimed that Pandya's driving posed a threat to them and insisted on going to a police station. However, once inside the SUV, they allegedly brandished a pistol and forced Pandya to drive according to their instructions.

Pandya claimed that the suspects took Rs 3,500 in cash from his wallet along with three mobile phones. The duo also ordered Pandya to sign blank cheques from three separate chequebooks they found in his bag. When he refused, they physically assaulted him, tied his hands, blindfolded him, and continued driving.

The abductors later stopped at a closed Kathiyawadi restaurant, looking for food. After this they drove to a highway hotel near Por in Vadodara district, where they ate dinner with Pandya still bound and seated beside them.

The turning point occurred when a police patrol van intercepted the vehicle randomly during a highway checking. Pandya seized the opportunity to seek help, leading to the arrest of the abductors.

The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including wrongful confinement, abduction, robbery, criminal intimidation, and abetment. Both individuals are natives of Punjab, with prior involvement in legal cases, including assault and culpable homicide.
Patna, Sep 6 : Cases of dengue are increasing in various districts of Bihar.

According to the data available with the health department, 325 active cases of dengue have been detected in the state. Some 118 cases tested positive in Bhagalpur district while 113 cases were reported from state capital Patna.

In view of the rising cases in Bhagalpur, the district magistrate has directed the civil surgeon to arrange 100 beds in JLN Medical College and Hospital Mayaganj. Apart from this, the hospital administrations have been asked to make adequate arrangements for paracetamol tablets, platelets, other necessary medicines and testing facilities in the district.

These directives have been issued to the other districts as well.

In Patna, the health department has asked PMCH, NMCH, Patna AIIMS, IGIMS to make arrangements for beds, testing kits and medicines.

The health department has also directed various municipal corporations to sprinkle larva killing medicines in the water-logged areas apart from regular fogging to prevent the spread of vector borne diseases.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday called for a status report on recovery of arms, which were allegedly looted during sectarian violence and strife in Manipur, from "all sources".

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, had, in its judgement on August 7, asked the Centre and Manipur government to formulate and implement a plan to recover any missing arms after taking stock of the number of arms missing or looted from the stateas armouries.

The bench pursued the affidavit filed by the state Chief Secretary refuting the claims that there was shortage of food supplies and an outbreak of chickenpox and measles in the relief camps.

"The Chief Secretary has furnished details of supplies of food and medicine and steps which have been taken to distribute rations in the nine camps. If any further grievance subsists in regard to specific instances, this should be brought to notice of district administration. Any such grievance should be dealt with expeditiously," the apex court noted in its order.

On September 1, the Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by J&K High Court's former Chief Justice Gita Mittal had drawn the attention of the apex court to the fact that there is a blockade in Manipur's Moreh as a result of which food supplies cannot be delivered.

The top court had then directed both the Union and the Manipur governments to ensure that supplies of food, essential medicines and other essential items continue to be distributed in the affected areas so that "no part of the population suffers on account of the existing or apprehending blockades".

It had also sought an affidavit from the Chief Secretary detailing steps taken to ameliorate the situation.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has lodged an FIR against an Assam-based private firm and its two directors for allegedly committing a loan fraud of Rs 65.73 crore.

According to the FIR, Santosh Jaiswal and Padma Nath Deka, the directors of Brahmaputra TMT Bars Pvt. Ltd, availed a Term Loan facility of Rs 9 crore and Fund-Based Working Capital of Rs 6 Crore in March 2006, along with a Non-Fund-Based Limit of Rs 3.50 Crores from SBI for setting up a Billets Plant.

The FIR further stated that in March 2009, another Fresh Term Loan of Rs 9.71 Crore was sanctioned in favor of the company, along with an enhancement of the Cash Credit Limit from Rs 6.00 Crore to 11.65 Crore and a Non-Fund-Based Limit of Letter of Credit from 3.50 Crore to 6.50 Crore.

"Again in November 2009, the CC Limit was enhanced from 11.65 Crores to Rs 24 Crores, and the LC Limit from 6.50 Crore to Rs 12.50 Crore. In April 2010, a Term Loan of Rs. was sanctioned while the CC Limit was renewed at the then-existing level of Rs. 24 Crore, and the Non-Fund-Based Limit was enhanced from 12.50 Crore to 18 Crore.

aIn November 2010, the Borrower Company had gone for a 10 MW Captive Power Project (CPP) for which a Term Loan Limit of Rs 20 Crore was sanctioned under a Multi-Banking Arrangement (MBA), wherein Allahabad Bank and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) were the other lenders," the FIR read.

The CBI FIR stated that the borrower company and its directors submitted fake financial statements showing fictitious transactions so that the working capital, drawing power, and term loan could be enhanced from time to time by the bank.

Later, Allahabad Bank opted out of the MBA, and Assam Gramin Vikas Bank joined the MBA. In July 2013, the credit limits were finally revisited with a fresh working Capital Term Loan of Rs 10 Crore. The Fund-Based Working Capital Limit was reduced from 24 Crore to Rs 14 Crore.

The borrower Company, after availing the said Credit Facilities, had stopped servicing the interest and also the repayment of principal, violating the sanctioned Terms and Conditions of the loan facilities, which caused the slipping of the loan account to NPA in 2013 with an outstanding balance of Rs 65.73 Crore.

"The accused directors of the company colluded among themselves in committing the criminal activities like violating sanctioned terms and conditions, illegally diverting the borrowed fund, and committing illegal activities, including submission of fake financial statements, fabrication of fictitious transactions, diversion of funds, and misappropriation of funds for purposes other than for which the funds were sanctioned by the bank, with an intention to defraud the bank and to gain unlawfully at the cost of the bank's funds. The aforesaid complaint was verified, and verification revealed the commission of cognizable offences, so this case is being registered," the FIR reads.

CBI said that further investigation in the case is underway.
Jalna, Sep 6 : Toughening stance, the striking Maratha leader Manoj Jarange-Patil demanded that Maharashtra Government should take permission of the Governor and issue the orders on the quotas for his community immediately, here on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media at Antarvali-Sarati village, Jarange-Patil, who is on an indefinite hunger strike for the past nine days, said wearily that he has "lost all hope of any government delegation coming to meet him and resolve the issue".

"I can provide all the data, right from the period of the Nizam of Hyderabad to the government They can issue the Government Resolution (GR) within a day. It will definitely withstand any legal scrutiny," claimed Jarange-Patil.

He reiterated that the government should club the OBCs and Marathas which will enable them a speedy decision and ensure justice is done to the Maratha community which has been fighting for many years.

Attacking the administration, Jarange-Patil alleged that a conspiracy was hatched by some officials which led to the crackdown, caning and tear gassing on the Maratha protestors here on September 1, sparking angry protests across the state since the past five days, including today to express solidarity with the cause.

"I want to inform the people that this fight is for what is due to the Maratha community and to the poor We have no intention of holding the government at ransom. We gave them four days (till Saturday), they held a cabinet meeting today but no decision has come, so now they cannot ask for any more extension," Jarange-Patil said.

While expressing commitment to provide the reservations in education and jobs, the state government has tried to convince Jarange-Patil to call off his indefinite hunger strike and give them a month's time to implement it.

On Tuesday, after several rounds of discussions, Jarange-Patil extended the time-limit till Saturday though the government said it would take at least a week or ten days while some leaders again opined that it would need a month's time to do the needful that could witness a legal test.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday extended the interim bail of excise policy case accused Benoy Babu on humanitarian grounds till September 19.

Pernod Ricard India official Babu, who is an accused in a money laundering caserelated to the allegedexcisepolicy scam, moved the High Court challenging Delhi's Rouse Avenue court's Special Judge, M.K. Nagpal's order denying him extension of interimbail.

Theinterimbail was initially granted for two weeks starting from August 26 for his daughter's surgery related to a sinus problem. He was directed to surrender at Tihar jail on September 9.

Even though Nagpal had denied Babu interimbailextension, he had permitted him to make two video calls of 30 minutes each every week to his family for four weeks onhumanitariangrounds.

It was prayed before Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma forinterimbail to be extended claiming that Babu's minor daughters have been suffering from depression for the last few months and he could take care of his children if granted the extension.

The judge while extendinginterimbailclarified that since the relief is purely on "humanitariangrounds", no further extension ofinterimbailshall be sought on the ground of the medical condition of his daughters.

Appearing for Babu, senior advocates Vikas Pahwa and Mohit Mathur urged the court to extend the relief by three weeks on humanitariangrounds, and said that he was asking for extension only on account of the medical condition of his children.

"Nowadays many children die by suicide under stress," Mathur said while seeking the relief.

On the other hand, The Enforcement Directorate (ED)'s counsel Zoheb Hossain took objection to the plea saying that interimbail cannot be extended on this ground and if it is done, others will also ask for relief on suchgrounds.

On Monday, Nagpal had deniedinterimbailextension stating that Babu was involved in a seriouscaseand dismissed his application seeking a three-week extension ofbailon thegroundsof his daughter's medical condition.

The judge had observed that his daughter's surgery had already been performed, and that the prescription slips for his daughter did not warrant an extension ofinterimbail.

The ED had opposed the request for an extension, arguing that it was an attempt to prolong hisbail.
Ludhiana, Sep 6 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday inaugurated to and fro flight from Hindon to Ludhiana, resuming air traffic from the Ludhiana airport after a gap of more than two years.

He announced that for initial three months air travel fare from Ludhiana to National Capital Region (NCR) will be merely Rs 999.

The Chief Minister said in this way one-way air travel from Ludhiana to the NCR will be merely Rs 999 that will be even cheaper than bus travel.

Mann said the sole motive of the move is to ensure that people of the state have access to safe, cheap and comfortable air travel.

Describing it as a Red letter day, the Chief Minister said due to efforts of the state government the flight from the Ludhiana airport has started after more than two years, giving a huge relief to the people of industrial city.

He said this flight will be operated by Big Charter Private Ltd in the name Fly Big Airlines. Initially the flight has been started for five days but it will be operationalised throughout the week from next month.

Mann said the air travel time of this flight will be 90 minutes to reach Hindon (Ghaziabad) from Ludhiana and vice-a-versa.
Biarritz: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for New Delhi after concluding his 3-nation visit to France, UAE and Bahrain comprising of bilateral and multilateral engagements, from Biarritz, France on Aug 26, 2019. (Photo: IANS/MEA). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 6 : Prime Minister Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday night to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and 18th East Asia Summit.

Indonesia is hosting the summits in its capacity as the current Chair of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

In a statement, before leaving for Indonesia, Modi said: "I am travelling to Jakarta, Indonesia at the invitation of Joko Widodo to participate in the ASEAN related meetings. My first engagement will be the 20th ASEAN-India Summit. I look forward to discussing with ASEAN leaders the future contours of our partnership, which has now entered its fourth decade."

The Prime Minister said that engagement with ASEAN is an important pillar of India's "Act East" policy. "The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership entered into last year has injected new dynamism in our ties," he said.

He said that thereafter, he will be attending the 18th East Asia Summit.

"This forum provides a useful opportunity to deliberate on issues of importance to the region including food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation. I look forward to exchanging views with other EAS Leaders on practical cooperation measures to collectively address these global challenges," Modi said.

The Prime Minister also recalled his visit to Indonesia for the G-20 Summit in Bali last year, and said, "I am confident that this visit will further deepen our engagement with the ASEAN region."

The ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.

Shoring up India's trade and security ties with the ASEAN is likely to be the focus of Modi's engagement with leaders of the bloc.

Modi's visit to Indonesia comes ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under India's Presidency this year. Indonesia is part of the G20 'troika' as it had the presidency of the grouping last year.

Meanwhile, before leaving for Indonesia, the Prime Minister on Wednesday participated in the meeting of council of ministers as well as cabinet meeting. He will do back to back meetings till 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday before his visit to Jakarta.

The Prime Minister will take off for Jakarta at 8 p.m. and he will spend around seven hours in the flight and arrive in Jakarta at 3 a.m. on September 7. The Prime Minister will then leave for the venue of ASEAN India summit at 7 a.m. and take part in the summit.

At 8:45 a.m., he will take part in the East Asia Summit. Immediately after the meeting, the Prime Minister will depart for the airport and emplane for Delhi at 11:45 a.m. and land in Delhi around 6:45 p.m.

After his arrival in the New Delhi on September 8, the Prime Minister will hold an important bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and other nations.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 6. At the invitation of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan on September 6-8, 2023, Trend reports.

On September 7, during the visit, the leaders of the two countries will hold talks on strengthening trade, economic, transport, logistics, investment and humanitarian cooperation.

Along with the bilateral agenda, the presidents will exchange views on the international and regional situation.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), spearheaded by the GMR Group, on Wednesday said that in anticipation of numerous business guests arriving via chartered flights for the G20 Summit, a dedicated general aviation terminal has been established to accommodate them.

Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, the CEO of DIAL, emphasised the collaborative efforts with various government agencies, including the Delhi Police and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, to ensure that all flights coming for the G20 Summit are parked on the air side.

"We have ensured the availability of the necessary parking slots for these VVIP aircraft. Moreover, within the general aviation terminal (GA terminal), which serves business guests arriving on chartered flights, we have taken measures to decorate and enhance the terminal's ambiance to provide a warm welcome to all our guests," he said.

"While many guests will be arriving at the Air Force Station on the Palam side, numerous Heads of States and delegation members will use Terminal-3. Special arrangements have been made for their convenience," said Jaipuriar.

"We have established dedicated gates for these guests and created a separate corridor to facilitate their Immigration and Customs clearance seamlessly. Our collaboration with various government agencies, including Immigration and Customs, ensures a smooth process for all," he added.
Kolkata, Sep 9 : Calcutta High Court's single- judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta, on Wednesday, raised the question on whether so many FIRs filed against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in West Bengal assembly Suvendu Adhikari was just because the latter shifted from ruling Trinamool Congress to BJP.

Justice Sengupta raised the question while hearing on a petition filed by Adhikari seeking protection from coercive action against him in as many as 27 FIRs filed against him by the state police since the time he became the LoP after 2021 West Bengal assembly polls.

"Do you want to say that his association with criminal activities started only after he changed the political party?" Justice Sengupta questioned on Wednesday.

In reply, the state government counsel and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Bandopadhyay said that it is quite possible that Adhikari was disciplined before and he got associated with criminal activities only after joining BJP.

"There is no guarantee that someone without any past criminal records will not get criminal activities in future," Bandopadhyay argued.

In reply, Justice Sengupta said that it is also quite possible that the ruling party guarded Adhikari when he was associated with them.

"That's is why there was only one FIR against him was registered when he was with Trinamool Congress and just within two years after he joined BJP as many as 27 FIRs were lodged against him. This can also go against the ruling party," Justice Sengupta observed.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled on September 13.

Before the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, Adhikari resigned simultaneously from his chairs as the state transport minister, member of state assembly and also from the primary member of Trinamool Congress and joined BJP in presence of the Union home minister Amit Shah.

He contested the 2021 state assembly polls from Nandigram constituency in East Midnapore district defeating the Trinamool Congress candidate and the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Later, Mamata Banerjee got elected in the by-elections from Bhabanipur assembly constituency in Kolkata and retained her chair as the Chief Minister.
Diksha seeks to maintain her strong run in 2023 as she plays in the Netherlands. Image Source: IANS News

Hilversum, The Netherlands : Diksha Dagar who is coming off two successive Top-10 finishes will be looking to make another charge at a title when she tees up at the Big Green Egg Open.

Diksha, who has one win and five Top-10s this season is third on the LET Order of Merit, is also aiming to become the first Indian woman to win the Merit list in Europe.

The current top two on the Merit list, Franceas Celine Boutier and Spainas Ana Pelaez Trivino, are missing the event, so Diksha can close the gap or even overtake them with a win his week.

Dagar won the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open in June and her five Top-10 finishes include those at the ISPS Handa Invitational and the KPMG Womenas Irish Open. She was also T-21 at the AIG Womenas Open, which was also the best by an Indian woman at a Major.

Another incentive is that Diksha can also earn a LPGA card and join Aditi Ashok in the US, if she finishes in Top-4 on the LET order of Merit.

There are still six events left in this seasonas schedule and one of them is at Dikshaas home, the Hero Womenas Indian Open in October. So, she has a great chance to make a dash for the top honours in the Order of Merit.

The field includes Indiaas amateur star Avani Prashanth, Tvesa Malik, Vani Kapoor and Amandeep Drall, runner-up at the Hero Womenas Indian Open.

The 22-year-old Diksha has her father, Col Narender Dagar as her caddie and they have forged a great team.

Avani Prashanth, who plans to turn pro when she plays the LET Q-School later this year, has won the Queen Sirikit Cup and then became the first Indian woman to secure a win at the LET Access Tour, the second rung Tour for women in Europe. Only two Indians have won titles on the main Ladies European Tour a" four by Aditi and two by Diksha.

Tvesa, who struggled through 2022 and first half of 2023, is making a comeback. Last week she was T-36 and this week she is playing on a sponsoras invite.
Most people in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Valley, believe that Article 35A of the Constitution is going amid reports that the idea of dividing the state into three union territories of Jammu, Valley and Ladakh is also being toyed with. (Pho. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Delhi High Court has granted a seven-week extension to the Centre for complying with a division bench judgement extending the benefit of House Rent Allowance (HRA) to all personnel in the paramilitary forces, regardless of their rank, in accordance with their entitlement.

Justice Jasmeet Singh was hearing a plea seeking contempt action against the authorities for failing to adhere to the judgement passed on December 16 last year.

At the request of the Central government standing counsel Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, the court granted a seven-week extension, whileobserving that while the Centre and other relevant authorities were initially directed to comply with the judgement within six weeks, more than nine months have gone without compliance.

Expressing its concern over the repeated disregard for timelines and directions issued by the court, it said that the mere filing of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) should not serve as a reason for non-compliance with the court's orders.

Justice Singh further noted that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one of the respondents, is a security force and is not exempt from the court's jurisdiction.

He said that there had been total non-compliance with the court's directions and timelines, and put up the matter for hearing next on November 23.

In December last year, the division bench had questioned the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to limit HRA benefits to Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBORs) in paramilitary forces.

It said that every personnel in the paramilitary forces should be entitled to HRA benefits. The judgement had directed the Centre and other authorities to take necessary steps, in consultation with the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, to grant HRA benefits to such personnel.

The court expressed its inability to understand why officers, including Officers/Coy Commanders and PBORs, should not receive similar benefits, especially considering their service in distant locations. The judgement said that discrimination within the force based on cadre should not be permitted, particularly for officers serving the nation.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : In view of Janamasthmi celebrations in the national capital on Thursday, the Delhi Traffic Police has restricted vehicle entry on Mandir Marg in central Delhi from the Talkatora Stadium roundabout up to Peshwa Road, Mandir Marg T-point and vice-versa.

According to a traffic advisory issued on Wednesday, a large number of devotees will be visiting various temples on Thursday till early hours.

"Prominent functions of Janamashtami will be held at Laxmi Narayan Mandir, ISKCON Temples, Janmashtami Park, Gufawala Mandir, Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth and Santoshi Mata Mandir, Hari Nagar across the city," it said.

The advisory also said that no vehicle will be allowed on Mandir lane from roundabout Shankar Road to Mandir Marg.

"Buses will be diverted from various routes including Panchkuian Road-Mandir Marg aTa-Point towards Mandir Marg, roundabout GPO, Kali Bari Marg, Talkatora Stadium towards Mandir Marg, R.K. Ashram Marg towards Mandir Marg and among others," it said.

The advisory further stated that on this occasion, many Mandir Samities will also take out Janamashtami Shobha Yatras/processions consisting of rath, jhankis, bands, tempos etc. in various parts of Delhi.

"Traffic will be diverted as per requirement. No parking shall be allowed on the routes of the processions. General public is advised to be mindful of possible congestion on roads leading to the temples and the routes of the processions," it said.

"There is a likelihood of general slowing down of traffic and congestion on roads. General public and motorists are advised to plan their journeys keeping the festivities and related congestion in mind and keep extra time for their journey so that possible delays can be taken into account.

"They are also advised to use Metro and other public transport to avoid congestion on roads. Motorists are advised to follow the directions of the traffic policemen deployed on duty to avoid inconvenience," it added.

--IANS

ssh/vd
Guwahati, Sep 6 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reiterated his call for 'Bharat', arguing that institutions like the Reserve Bank of India should be given a new name. He also asserted that Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh had earlier taken oath as Prime Minister of Bharat.

He stated, "Whether it is India or Bharat, I don't think this is disputed. The Supreme Court has previously declared that the names India and Bharat can be used interchangeably. No one objected when Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita legislation in Parliament."

"Manmohan Singh had taken the oath as the prime minister of Bharat, while HD Deve Gowda took as PM of India. So far I remember, Indira Gandhi also took the oath as Bharat ka Pradhan Mantri, not as prime minister of India." Sarma said.

He asserted that the term "India" and customs from the British era are "colonial hangovers" and that the nation is about to enter a "phase of renaissance" during which they will be abandoned.

"Reserve Bank of Bharat' should be the name of the central bank. This is a renaissance era. Many changes have been implemented at the Centre as well as in Assam," Sarma told reporters here.

He claimed that numerous British-imposed customs still exist in the nation and that they must be changed.

"People have been waiting for one Modi to arrive and end this colonial hangover for 75 years," the Chief Minister said. He continued, seemingly referring to the use of the term India and carrying on with colonial practices, "How can Modi ji be blamed for something done by (Jawaharlal) Nehru?"

Shashi Tharoor, a Congressman, said that Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had objected to the name "India" because it meant that "our country was the successor state to British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state."

Sarma criticized this claim as untrue. "Tharoor only told half the truth. It is not significant what Jinnah stated. The name that the saints and sages used, which was Bharat rather than India, is what matters to us," the Assam Chief Minister said.
BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2013 (Xinhua/IANS) -- Customers line up to buy the latest Apple smart phones outside an Apple Store at Xidan Street in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 20, 2013. iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c were released by Apple Inc. in China on Frida. Image Source: IANS News

Hong Kong, Sep 6 : Amid the escalating rivalry between the US and China, the Xi Jinping government has reportedly barred officials from using Apple iPhones at work, the media reported on Wednesday.

Beijing has instructed some government staff to stop using iPhones through chat groups or meetings, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Apple relies heavily on Greater China region for both manufacturing and sales of its iPhones and has a major chunk of its product manufacturing in the country amid its future plans to make India the next big manufacturing hub.

"Restrictions on foreign devices are the latest step in Beijing's campaign to reduce reliance on overseas technology and could hurt Apple's success in the country," the report noted.

China apparently ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apple's iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office.

The move is a blow to Apple's public perception in China which is its second-biggest market after the US.

Apple didn't immediately comment on the development.

According to the company's latest quarterly results, the Greater China region -- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan -- contributed to nearly 19 per cent of the revenue in the June quarter.

According to the the IDC, 65.7 million smartphones shipped in China in the second quarter (Q2) this year, a narrower decline of 2.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of the year, the Chinese market saw 130.9 million shipments, down 7.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY).

Huawei and Apple were the only vendors with a positive YoY growth in the Top 5 ranking, as the price discounts of Apple's iPhone 14 series successfully stimulated the demand in the country.
Imphal, Sep 6 : Over 30 protestors, including women, were injured in a clash with the security forces, who also fired several rounds of teargas shells to disperse the thousands of men and women who tried to break security barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Wednesday, officials said.

Defying the curfew, the government's appeal and deployment of unprecedented number of central and state security forces, thousands of people from different districts, as part of the aProtest Marcha, assembled to remove an army barricade at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district, a few kilometres away from tribal-dominated Churachandpur district.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of the Meitei community, and its women wing, called the protest march to remove the army barricade, which locals claim, prevents them from visiting their homes at Torbung, which they had to vacate after the ethnic violence broke out on May 3.

Police and COCOMI leaders said that the injured were shifted to the hospitals.

Hundreds and thousands of men and women of different valley districts also blockaded roads to prevent the movement of security forces who were on their way to Phougakchao Ikhai from Imphal and other valley districts.

According to Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) President Lourembam Nganbi, hundreds of people belonging to Meitei community fled their homes at Torbung and adjoining areas after the ethnic violence started on May 3 and are unable to visit their homes because of the army barricades.

"We have been demanding that those keen to return or visit their homes at Torbung and adjoining areas be allowed to visit or return to their homes."

Apprehending serious law and order problems, the Manipur government had cancelled curfew relaxations in Meitei-dominated five valley districts on Wednesday and massive security measures were put in place in view of the protest march called by the COCOMI.

Officials said that a full curfew was clamped in all the five valley districts -- Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Imphal East and a huge contingent of security forces were deployed in different districts as a preventive measure from Tuesday evening.

For the past many weeks, curfew was relaxed in all the five valley districts from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The state government also on Tuesday night has appealed to the COCOMI to withdraw the protest March.

Information and Public Relations Minister Sapam Ranjan said that the government has removed many of the barricades already in different parts of the state. Moreover, around 700 displaced people of Torbung area, who were taking refuge in various relief camps, have started to come back and resettle in their original houses, which had not been damaged during the past few days.

COCOMI media coordinator Somendro Thokchom said that the organisation had earlier urged the government and the authorities concerned to remove the barricade at Phougakchao Ikhai by August 30.
Chennai, Sep 6 : Expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) charged that DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin had used 'Sanatana Dharma' to divert attention from the failure of his government.

He said that for the same reason, DMK will face defeat in the next assembly elections. In a statement on Wednesday, OPS said that the DMK government formed the government by saying aVidiyalai Nokkia (Towards Dawn) but they have failed the people totally.

He also said that the speech of Udhayanidhi Stalin where he said that he is to eradicate Sanatana Dharma was highly condemnable.

The former Chief Minister said that governments were functioning under the constitution and there was no need for evoking Sanatana Dharma now. OPS also questioned whether DMK which speaks of equality was practising the same in the party.

It may be noted that the scion of the DMK, Udhayanidhi Stalin while speaking at a function organised by Progressive writers forum, had called for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma just like mosquitoes, malaria, dengue and Corona.

His speech led to a major controversy across the country with BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah publicly stating that Udhayanidhi Stalin was calling for the genocide of Hindus.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : A Delhi court on Wednesday adjourned hearing of arguments on the plea of Congress leader Jagdish Tytler seeking court records from the year 1984 till 2023 to September 11. Tytler is one of the accused in the Pul Bangash killings during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi.

After Tytleras counsel sought adjournment stating that he has to rush to the high court to attend some other urgent matter, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), Vidhi Gupta Anand, of the Rouse Avenue Court allowed it in the interest of justice.

The court noted that public prosecutor Amit Jindal appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a copy of judgement passed by the Delhi High Court in a case titled 'Dheeraj Wadhawan vs. Central Bureau of Investigation' dated July 26, in support of his submissions.

The court took it on record, and said that a copy be supplied to Tytleras counsel.

On August 29, the CBI had filed its reply before the court on Tytleras application.

ACMM Anand had noted that the counsel for CBI has supplied a copy of reply with copies of certain documents to Tytler's counsel.

Tytler's counsel had sought time for advancing submissions, stating that some time is required to go through the reply as well as the documents.

The ACMM had on August 11 given 10 days to Tytler to review the documents provided by the CBI, including the charge sheet. Later on August 21, he adjourned the matter after the probe agency sought time to advance arguments on Tytler's application seeking certain documents.

The court had approved the request of Tytler's counsel, who initially asked for two weeks to go through the materials.

Tytler had on August 10 filed a request with the court to be allowed to attend proceedings through video conferencing. The plea was presented in the court on the grounds of security concerns. Tytler's advocate had appealed for the court's authorisation for his client to participate remotely, citing a recent protest by the Sikh community during Tytler's in-person appearance on August 5.

--IANS

spr/arm
New Delhi, Sep 6 : In response to Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's allegation that other political parties were not consulted before calling a special Parliament session, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that she is trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament.

In a letter to Gandhi, Joshi alleged, "It is very unfortunate that you are trying to politicise the functioning of our Parliament, and unnecessarily trying to create controversy when there is no dispute."

Joshi wrote, "Following the fully established procedure, President has called the Parliament session starting from September 18. Perhaps you are not paying attention to the traditions. Before calling the session, neither political parties are consulted nor are issues discussed with them. After the President calls the session and before the commencement of the session, a meeting of the leaders of all parties is held in which the issues and business arising in the Parliament are discussed."

He mentioned, "I would also like to say that our government is always ready to discuss any issue. However, all the issues you have mentioned, have been discussed during no-confidence motion debate in the monsoon session."

Hitting back at Sonia Gandhi's allegation of not disclosing the agenda for the special session, Joshi said, "As always, the agenda of the session will be circulated at the appropriate time as per the established practice. I would also like to point out that in our parliamentary working system, no matter which party is in government, till date the agenda has never been discussed in advance."

Earlier in the day, Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting nine issues needing detailed discussion during the special session.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that Sonia Gandhi in her letter stated, "You have convened a special five-day session of Parliament beginning 18 September, 2023. I must point out that this Special Session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for Government Business."

The Modi government has called the special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22. This will be the 13th session of the 17th Lok Sabha.
Hyderabad, Sep 6 : Telangana minister K. T. Rama Rao has urged the United Arab Emirates government to consider and approve the mercy petition of five workers from Telangana lodged in a jail in Dubai in a murder case.

The minister, who is in Dubai on a business trip, met the UAE government officials on Wednesday as part of the efforts to get the workers repatriated at the earliest.

KTR, as Rao is popularly known, spoke to the Indian Consul General in Dubai, the UAE lawyer who is handling the case, and other government officials to enquire about the status of the case and urged for the mercy petition approval, according to a statement released in Hyderabad.

Shivarathri Mallesh, Shivarathri Ravi, Gollem Nampally, Dundugula Laxman, and Shivarathri Hanmanthu, all from Rajanna Sircilla district, are lodged in Aweer Jail in Dubai in connection with the death case of a Nepali and they have already completed sentence of 15 years.

KTR had earlier personally visited Nepal to meet the deceasedas family members to hand over Rs 15 lakh as compensation or aDiyyaha (blood money) as per Sharia Law.

Later, the victimas family submitted the mercy petition documents to the UAE government.

However, due to some reasons and the gravity of the crime, the UAE government didnat approve the mercy petition. Six months ago, the minister enquired about the progress of the case and made several attempts to get the five workers released.

During his latest trip to Dubai, KTR once again brought the facts of the case to the notice of Indian consul officials and the Dubai government officers.

He requested the UAE government to approve the mercy petition considering that the five convicts have already served a sentence of 15 years and also hold a good conduct certificate from the jail authorities.

As the Dubai court has rejected the case, KTR urged the officials to get the five Indian nationals repatriated with the approval of the mercy petition by UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed.

The minister had earlier met a few businessmen who have close ties with the ruleras family and requested their help in the release of the workers.

The businessmen assured that they would take up the issue with the Dubai government within the purview of the local laws.

KTR also made an earnest appeal to Indian Consul General Ram Kumar to put special efforts into solving the case and promised all the support at the personal level and also from the government side.

--IANS

ms/vd
Colombo, Sep 6 : Following the shocking revelations of UK's Channel 4 TV that the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings by an ISIS affiliated local extremist group were done to create a ground to bring former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to power in Sri Lanka, the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, demanded an international investigation into the multiple bomb attacks on three churches and three star hotels that killed 269 people and injured over 500, including a number of foreigners.

The head of the Catholic Church has refused to accept the ongoing investigations and court cases, claiming that they are biased, claiming that there is a amasterminda behind the horrendous incident.

Soon after being appointed as the acting President after the ex-President fled the country fearing public riots in July 2022, Ranil Wickremsinghe had promised a fresh probe with the support of British government, including the famed Scotland Yard, into the coordinated suicide bomb attacks that took place almost at the same time on the Easter Sunday morning in 2019.

Joining Archbishop Ranjith, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa too has called for an international investigation, after complaining that a domestic probe would never uncover the mastermind behind the attacks.

Demanding a probe by an independent international investigation team, the Cardinal urged the government to suspend those holding high positions in the police and intelligent services, including those whose names have transpired in the Channel 4 video.

The Channel 4 documentary interviewed Azad Maulana, former spokesman of Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, the leader of the breakaway group of the Tamil Tiger rebels LTTE which later joined Sri Lankan military as a pro-state armed group helping the government win the three decades long civil war in 2009.

Maulana told the Channel 4 programme that in 2018, he had arranged a meeting between ISIS inspired fighters and a top intelligence officer, Suresh Sally, who was promoted as the Director of the State Intelligence Service after Gotabaya was elected as President in 2019.

He also said that Chandrakanthan, who was in detention over the death of a Tamil politician in prison, had met the group of ISIS inspired extremists and had said that they could be useful in creating insecurity in the country.

Maulana also said that on the morning of the attacks, the intelligence officer had asked him to bring a man from Taj Samudra hotel in Colombo, but he could not do it as he was out of Colombo.

But later he realised that it was the suicide bomber whose bomb was not detonated at the 5-star hotel, but later in a guesthouse outside Colombo.

In the Parliament on Wednesday, Chandrakanthan, who is now the Minister of Rural Road Development, refuted all the allegations levelled against him and claimed that Maulana was lying.

Cardinal Ranjith, meanwhile, criticised the governmentas response to the latest revelations that a Parliamentary Select Committee would be appointed to probe the latest allegations, saying that athe present and previous governments paid only lip service to such findings".

"No tangible and credible results might emerge from yet another such Parliamentary Select Committee if it is only a matter of producing a report," the Cardinal charged.

The Channel 4 video also interviewed a former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer who conducted investigations into the attacks and complained that the Rajapaksa government diverted all findings and removed all police officers who were carrying out investigations.
New Delhi: A view of the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS). Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday fixed September 21 for hearing the plea filed by Tamil Nadu demanding the release of Cauvery water from Karnataka's dams.

The matter was mentioned before a bench of Justices B.R. Gavai and Prashant Kumar Mishra after it was deleted from the causelist published for September 6.

In its rejoinder affidavit, Karnataka said that it has filed a review petition on September 2 seeking reduction of the quantity to 3,000 cusecs per day after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed it to ensure realisation of flows at the rate of 5,000 cusecs, starting from August 29 for the next 15 days.

It said that between August 29 to September 3, Karnataka ensured 37,869 cusecs against the expected 30,000 cusecs of water.

"The state of Karnataka is facing a severe drought situation both in Cauvery and Krishna basins, putting a heavy burden on the state government," said the rejoinder affidavit, adding that it would not be feasible to further release any water from the reservoirs in Karnataka after September 12.

Karnataka reiterated its prayer before the top court to dismiss Tamil Nadu's plea demanding supply of 24,000 cusecs per day and said that such demand "is wholly unjustified and it is based on a completely erroneous assumption that this water year of 2023-24 is a normal water year".

Through an affidavit, the CWMA had told the Supreme Court that "the State of Karnataka has fulfilled the directions of CWMA by releasing a total of 149,898 cusec of water at Biligundulu from 12.08.2023 to 26.08.2023".

As the CWMA had asked Karnataka to ensure realisation of flows at Biligundulu at the rate of 5,000 cusecs, starting from August 29 for the next 15 days, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had said that it would be a challenging task to release 5,000 cusecs every day as per the CWMA order.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday urged the Central government to intervene regarding the Cauvery River dispute between the state and Tamil Nadu.

--IANS

puneet/vd
Hyderabad, Sep 6 : AICC general secretary (organization) K. C. Venugopal on Wednesday reviewed the arrangements for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting and the public rally scheduled to be held in Hyderabad on September 16-17.

Venugopal, who arrived in Hyderabad on Wednesday evening, visited Gachibowli stadium, one of the venues being considered for the public meeting.

The Congress party has already sought permission for Parade Grounds or LB Stadium. It is also looking at Gachibowli Stadium as a possible venue in case permission was not granted at Parade Grounds or LB Stadium.

Venugopal along with AICC In-charge for Telangana Manikrao Thakare, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Revanth Reddy and other leaders visited Gachibowli Stadium.

The party is also considering an open place near E-City at Tukkuguda on the city outskirts as another possible venue for the public meeting.

With this public meeting to be addressed by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the party will sound the poll bugle in Telangana.

The Congress said it would announce its five guarantees for poll-bound Telangana as it did successfully in Karnataka. The announcement will be made on September 17, the day on which Indian armed forces took control of the princely state of Hyderabad in 1948. A charge sheet against the BRS government will also be released on the same day.

The newly constituted CWC will hold its first meeting on September 16 at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). There will be an extended meeting of the CWC on September 17, which will be attended by all the CWC Members, PCC Presidents and the CLP Leaders.

The party is holding a key meeting in Hyderabad after more than 15 years.

Meanwhile, TPCC held an extended meeting on Wednesday in connection with the CWC meeting, public rally and the programmes to be organised on completion of one year of Bharat Jodo Yatra. Manikrao Thakare asked the state leaders to make the programmes successful.

In another development, the party's Screening Committee decided to hold another meeting to finalise the list of party candidates for submitting the same to the partyas central leadership.

The Screening Committee headed by K. Muralidharan has been holding meetings for the last three days with PEC members and other leaders to elicit their opinion about the applicants.

Muralidharan, members Jignesh Mevani and Baba Siddiqui met PEC members separately. They also held meetings with several senior leaders.

Thakare said the Screening Committee will hold more meetings to compile the recommendations of the leaders.

The Screening Committee will finalise the list and send it to the party's Central Election Committee (CEC) for approval.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Delhi PWD Minister Atishi on Wednesday commended the central government for the construction of ITPO complex, which will also host the upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi.

"The central government has constructed the magnificent ITPO complex in the past 4-5 years, where the G20 summit will take place. It is now ready to welcome guests from various nations," Atishi said while addressing a press conference along with Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Atishi said that the construction of an integrated transit corridor around the ITPO complex not only addresses long-term traffic issues in the area but also ensures the safe movement of delegates during the G20 summit.

She said that this project was funded by ITPO, Government of India, and executed by the Public Works Department of the Delhi Government.

Saurabh Bharadwaj said that the MCD has also worked tirelessly to ready Delhi for the G20 summit.

"The major works done for G20 are primarily under the jurisdiction of either PWD or MCD," Bharadwaj.
Shillong, Sep 6 : Ahead of the next year's Lok Sabha elections, top BJP leader in Meghalaya H. M. Shangpliang on Wednesday quit the party citing "nepotism" within its rank and file.

In his resignation letter addressed to Meghalaya BJP President, Ernest Mawrie, Shangpliang said: "I understand that as long as nepotism, prevailing within the rank and file of the state BJP continues under the leadership of the state President, it will hinder all possible steps of the dedicated and loyal party men to freely exercise their minds and grow in the party."

"I had repeatedly raised issues to the state President which are pertinent to the growth of the party in Meghalaya particularly in the rural areas and had suggested steps to be taken, keeping in mind of the poll debacle the party faced in the recently concluded polls in Meghalaya. I had reminded the state President several times of the necessary action proposed to be taken to strengthen the party at various levels in view of the growing internal conflicts within the party in the state," he added.

The BJP leader unsuccessfully contested the Mawsynram assembly constituency in East Khasi Hills district in the February 27 Assembly polls. Shangpliang, who is the Adviser to the Education department of the Meghalaya government, is likely to join the ruling National People's Party (NPP), which is dominates the MDA government.

The BJP has two MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly.

A NPP leader also confirmed that Shangpliang would join the party along with his supporters from Mawsynram Assembly constituency.

Shangpliang is the second senior BJP leader in the northeast region to quit the saffron party in less than two months. On July 13, Mizoramas BJP state Vice President R. Vanramchhuanga resigned from his post accusing Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their indifferent attitude towards the Christian community in the violence-hit Manipur.

--IANS

sc/vd
New Delhi, Sep 6 : A Delhi court on Wednesday posted the next hearing of a defamation case filed by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for September 14. The case pertains to alleged "misleading statements" reportedly made by Gehlot in connection with the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam.

Both Gehlot and Shekhawat appeared virtually before the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Harjeet Singh Jaspal of the Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday.

Noting that Gehlot has received all the documents demanded by him in the matter, ACMM Jaspal said: "It is informed on behalf of the complainant that the documents, in their entirety, have already been sent through e-mail, including coloured copies.

"The counsel for the accused has acknowledged the receipt of e-mail. It is also acknowledged that the certified copies have also been received through the Copying Agency (of court). Since the documents are now complete, let the matter be put for arguments on notice/further proceedings on September 14."

Earlier, the court had directed the police to investigate Shekhawat's complaint.

Jaspal had said that the investigation should be such that the three main questions -- whether complainant Shekhawat was addressed as "an accused" in the Sanjivani scam by the accused Gehlot, whether Gehlot stated that the allegations against Shekhawat stand proved in the Sanjivani scam, and whether Shekhawat or his family members have been arrayed as "an accused" in the investigation of the scam -- are answered.

Shekhawat had filed the defamation case against Gehlot in March this year, stating that an investigation was initiated into the Sanjivani case but his name was not mentioned anywhere, and demanded the prosecution of Gehlot for criminal defamation under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

He also demanded appropriate financial compensation for the loss of his reputation.

Gehlot had said after a budget review meeting at the state secretariat on February 21 that the entire Shekhawat family, including his parents and wife, were involved in the Sanjeevani scam.

Gehloit had also welcomed the filing of the defamation case, saying: "At least the case will move forward on this pretext."

Earlier, a war of words between Gehlot and Shekhawat had intensified over the Sanjivani scam with the Rajasthan Chief Minister openly calling the Union minister "a culprit like the others".

"The Union minister is trying to mislead the public on the Sanjivani scam. In the investigation of the Special Operation Group (SOG), the crime has been proved against him under the same sections as the other arrested accused."

Shekhawat had said that Gehlot terming him as an "accused" was akin to his "political assassination to settle scores".

"The SOG presented three charge sheets, but there is neither mine nor my family's name in them. Still, the Chief Minister called me an accused," he had said.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 6 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday strongly condemned the Centre's reported move to replace the name India, describing it as part of the nefarious attempts to sabotage the country's heterogeneity.

He urged the people to unite and resist such brazen political measures.

"The move behind the exclusion of the word 'India' is against the Constitution, and disregards the country itself. Article 1 of the Constitution itself refers to our nation as 'India that is Bharat'. Similarly, the preface of the Constitution begins with the words 'We the people of India'. However, what the Centre is attempting now is the removal of the word 'India' through a constitutional amendment," he said.

Vijayan said that mentioning ' the President of Bharat' instead of 'the President of India' in the invitations extended to the heads of the states participating in the G20 Summit is a prelude to this.

"Why this contempt and fear of the word 'India'? There is a deliberate attempt to erase even the spirit nurtured in children through the Pledge: 'India is my country; all Indians are my brothers and sisters," he said.

"Political decisions should never be contrary to the foundational ideals of our nation. This dubious attempt is undemocratic and unconstitutional," said Vijayan and urged the Central government to withdraw from such attempts to defy the Constitution and disregard the nation.

--IANS

sg/vd
13 missing after tractor trolley falls into river in UP. Image Source: IANS News

Patna, Sep 6 : Two women and three minor girls were drowned as a boat capsized in Bihar's Darbhanga district on Wednesday, officials said.

The accident occurred in Kamla Balan river near Gaherpura Chaur village around 4 p.m. due to strong winds, BDO, Kusheshwar Asthan, Kishore Kumar, said.

He said that the incident occurred due to a strong storm in the Kamla river that overturned the boat, which had 10 persons on it. Five persons managed to come out of the river but two women and three children drowned.

The victims were identified as Jagatarni Devi, 55, Fulpari Devi, 60, Sonali Kumari, 13, Kalpana Kumari,12, and Sonia Kumari, 11.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragedy. He has directed the authorities to compensate the victims' family members with Rs 4 lakh each.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 6. Kazakhstan's airline Air Astana will launch flights to Tokyo, Singapore and New York, Trend reports.

This was stated during the meeting of President of Air Astana Peter Foster with the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Marat Karabayev.

Thus, flights to Tokyo and Singapore are planned to be launched in 2024, and to New York - in 2025.

In addition, Peter Foster said that in 8 months of this year, Air Astana purchased 3 new aircraft: 2 Airbus A321CEO with a capacity of 180 seats and an Airbus A320NEO with a capacity of 188 seats.

According to him, the arrival of 5 more Airbus A320s is expected before the end of the year, which will increase the regularity of flights and the availability of air transport.

He also presented to the head of the Ministry of Transport a report on the companys preparation for IPO.

In turn, Marat Karabayev gave instructions to continue work to ensure a high level of flight safety, reduce the cost of air tickets and create favorable conditions for the development of the transit and logistics potential of Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh airline Air Astana from January through June 2023 received a net profit of 10.5 billion tenge (about $22.7 million).

The airlines profit for the same period in 2022 amounted to 4.95 billion tenge (about $10.67). Thus, the company's net profit in the reporting period increased by 2.1 times.
Lahore, Sep 6 : Haris Rauf picked a fiery four-wicket haul in his six overs in leading Pakistan to bowl out Bangladesh for just 193, followed by Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan slamming fifties to help Pakistan cruise to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first match of Super Four stage at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

On a flat pitch, Raufas raw pace thunderbolts made him a standout bowler for Pakistan, taking figures of 4-17. Naseem Shah, despite a right shoulder injury scare, picked 3-34, followed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf taking a wicket each in setting the base for Pakistanas win.

For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim slammed knocks of 53 and 64 respectively, while adding 100 runs for the fifth wicket after being 47-4 at one point. But once Shakib fell, Bangladeshas innings fell apart and crumbled to a below-200 score, with last four wickets falling in nine balls.

In the chase, Imam survived a testing opening spell to make 78, his fifth ODI fifty in last eight innings. On the other hand, Rizwan finished unbeaten on 63 not out for Pakistan to pick two points and sit quickly on top of Super Four stage, leaving the sell-out crowd at the stadium jubilant.

Pushed into bowling first, Pakistan fetched early success when Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladeshas last gameas centurion chipped straight to mid-wicket off Naseem, falling for a golden duck in the second over.

Litton Das smashed four boundaries in his 13-ball 16 before getting a faint edge behind on a Shaheen delivery which bounced extra and was caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Rauf then took his 50th ODI wicket when he cramped Mohammad Naim for room and top-edge on the pull was caught safely by the pacer.

He signed off from power-play by castling Towhid Hridoyas stumps with a 145kph delivery to leave Bangladesh in trouble at 47-4 in 9.1 overs. Shakib and Mushfiqur, the two veteran players, combined to pull Bangladesh out of trouble.

With pace dropping of Pakistan fast bowlers in the harsh Lahore heat, it gave chance to Shakib and Mushfiqur to give the Bangladesh innings much-needed stability. Shakib also survived a scare on 32 as Naseem dropped a simple return catch in the 20th over.

Hitting boundaries at a decent pace coupled with strike rotation, Shakib brought up his 54th ODI fifty, as well as the partnership crossing 100-run mark. But Shakib shortly fell for a 57-ball 53, pulling straight to deep mid-wicket off a Faheem short ball at the stroke of drinks break.

Soon, Mushfiqur reached his 46th ODI fifty, but Shakibas exit had opened the gate Pakistan needed to claw back. Shamim Hossain miscued a slog off Iftikhar to the deep, followed by Mushfiqur nicking behind off Rauf. The pacer would take out Taskin Ahmed for a golden duck, before Naseem took the remaining two wickets to keep Bangladesh seven runs below 200.

Pakistanas chase began with Fakhar Zaman stylishly flicking off Taskin Ahmed in the opening over and surviving being caught out at first slip off Shoriful Islam. After a 20-minute floodlight failure interruption, Imam smacked three boundaries off Taskin though Bangladesh bowlers tried their best in keeping the Pakistan openers at the edge.

Bangladesh had a breakthrough when Shoriful trapped Fakhar lbw for a 31-ball 20, but burnt both of their reviews in three overs while trying to get Imam and Babar Azam lbw. Taskin was rewarded for hitting high speeds by getting a fuller delivery to keep low and take Babaras inside edge to the stumps.

Rizwan got off the mark with a cross-bat swipe off Hasan Mahmud and took four more off him, while Imam survived a third lbw shout and reached his 19th ODI fifty by pulling Mehidy for a maximum. Rizwan and Imam hit three fours and two sixes off Mehidy and Shakib combined as Pakistan looked comfortable for a win.

But Imam fell when he was beaten on the inside edge by Mehidy on an attempted slog and was castled for 78 off 84 balls. Rizwan continued his boundary-hitting spree and reached his 11th ODI fifty and with support from Agha Salman, who hit the winning boundary via a reverse-sweep, knocked off the remaining runs to seal Pakistanas emphatic win.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 193 in 38.4 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Shakib Al Hasan 53; Haris Rauf 4-19, Naseem Shah 3-34) lost to Pakistan 194-3 in 39.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 78, Mohammad Rizwan 63 not out; Shoriful Islam 1-24, Taskin Ahmed 1-32) by seven wickets
Madrid, Sep 6 : FC Barcelona's left-back Alejandro Balde remains hopeful about finalising a contract extension with the club soon, emphasising the team's ambition for European success this season.

In an interview with El Mundo Deportivo newspaper from the Spain national team's training camp in Madrid, Balde shared, "everything is going well," regarding contract negotiations and expressed his desire "to continue" with the club, reports Xinhua.

Now a regular in Barca's starting lineup, the 19-year-old's current contract, set to expire in June 2024, raises concerns as he could potentially depart without a transfer fee next summer.

"I have been here for 13 seasons and I hope I can have a very long career at this club," Balde affirmed.

Shifting the focus to the upcoming season, Balde highlighted Barca's objectives. As La Liga champions, the team is keen on making a significant impact in Europe, especially after failing to advance beyond the group stages in the previous two Champions League campaigns.

"We have to go for more, for the Champions League, because we suffered two hard knocks over the past two years and this time we have to do better.

"At the end of the day, we are Barca and we have to be candidates to win all the competitions we are playing in," Balde concluded.
People of Mizoram ready to extend any help to distressed tribals in Manipur: Zoramthanga. Image Source: IANS News

Aizawl, Sep 6 : Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Wednesday said that people of his state were ready to help their distressed fellow brothers and sisters of Manipur and suggested that the future course of action should be undertaken in consultation with various organisations, leaders concerned, and the public.

Zoramthanga, who is also the President of the ruling Mizo National Front, on Wednesday met ten Kuki MLAs of Manipur including two ministers and leaders of civil society organisations (CSOs) of the state here.

He said that he was deeply hurt with the sufferings of people due to the violence in Manipur.

Besides the MLAs, including seven belonging to BJP, leaders of various CSOs were present at the meeting, officials said.

Kuki legislators from the hill districts of Manipur, along with various tribal organisations have been demanding a separate administration (equivalent to separate state) for the tribals since May 12, nine days after the devastating ethnic violence broke out in the northeastern state on May 3.

Zoramthanga, his Cabinet colleagues and MNF MLAs had participated in the 'Solidarity March', organised by the NGOs Coordination Committee in Mizoram on July 25 to express solidarity for the Kuki-Zo tribals, affected in the violence in Manipur.

--IANS

sc/vd
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Delhi High Court has granted a divorce decree to a woman on the grounds of cruelty and desertion, holding that making false allegations against the "chastity" of a woman is an extreme form of cruelty.

A division bench of Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna noted that the couple has been living separately for the last 27 years.

It emphasised that the term mental cruelty is broad enough to encompass financial instability, which can result in mental anxiety, particularly when a husband is unable to establish himself in any business or profession, becoming a constant source of mental cruelty to the wife.

The bench stated that mental cruelty cannot be defined by a fixed set of parameters and must be evaluated based on the circumstances and situation of the spouses.

In this case, the woman had been working while the husband was not, leading to a significant disparity in their financial statuses.

The husband's attempts to sustain himself had failed, adding to the mental trauma endured by the wife.

The woman had initially approached the family court seeking a divorce decree on the grounds of cruelty and desertion. She alleged that her husband had falsely accused her of having illicit relationships with her brother-in-law and others.

The high court noted that the husband's response was vague and merely mentioned constant interference from her brother-in-law and other family members, which supported the woman's testimony.

It said that there could be no greater cruelty than making false allegations against a woman's chastity.

The bench further observed that continuing a dead relationship only brings pain and agony, and the court cannot be a party to perpetuating such mental cruelty.

Given the separation of more than 27 years since December 1996, the court concluded that the appellant was entitled to a divorce on the grounds of cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

The couple had married in 1989, had no children, and parted ways in 1996. The woman had been working for a multinational company before marriage, and it was represented to her that her husband was a Delhi University graduate with a good financial status.

However, after marriage, she discovered that her husband was not a graduate, was not employed, and relied on financial support from his mother.

The court found that the prolonged separation and lack of reconciliation attempts over the past 27 years indicated the parties' inability to sustain their matrimonial relationship, constituting mental cruelty.
UN would consider name change to 'Bharat' if request is received: Spokesperson. Image Source: IANS News

United Nations, Sep 6 : If a request is made to formally change the name of 'India' to 'Bharat', the United Nations would consider it, a UN spokesperson said on Wednesday -- and, going by a recent precedent, it would probably take just a letter from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Asked by a Chinese media reporter what would be the process to change the name if India were to make a request similar to Turkeyas, which changed its name to Turkiye, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterresas Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said, aIn the case of Turkiye, we responded to a formal request delivered to us by the government. Obviously, if we get requests like that [from India for changing its name], we will consider them as well."

Turkiyeas President Recep Tayyip Erdogan changed its name internationally to conform to the Turkish language name last year and just a letter from Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusogalu to Guterres made the new nomenclature formal at the UN.

Guterresas Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at that time that as soon the letter from Cavusogalu asking for a name change was received on June 1 last year, it went into effect.

Indiaas Constitution also refers to the country as Bharat.

Describing the nation, the Constitution says, aIndia, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States."

A dinner invitation sent to the leaders attending the G20 Summit from President Droupadi Murmu with her title "President of Bharat" in English has stirred speculation that the name India is going to be abandoned.

It has become a politically fraught issue after the opposition coalition named itself the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance with 'INDIA' as its acronym ahead of next yearas election campaign.

The ruling BJP uses 'Bharatiya' in its name, while also using the English word 'Party'. The opposition Congress has styled itself the Indian National Congress from the time it was formed in 1885, becoming the driver of the Independence movement.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Senior IAF officer calls on MP Governor and and CM, briefs about air show in Bhopal. Image Source: IANS News

Bhopal, Sep : Indian Air Force's Maintenance Command chief, Air Marshal Vibhas Pande on Wednesday called on Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan here and During the meeting, Air Marshal Pande briefed them about the forthcoming, first-ever aerial display at Bhopal by the IAF which will be held on September 30.

Both assured all the help to the IAF for smooth conduct of display, according to the Governor's office.

The IAF is celebrating its 91st anniversary on October 8 and the Air Force Day celebrations will actually commence more than a week before this.

Keeping with the tradition of hosting the celebrations in different parts of the country, an air display will be organised in near Bhopal's Bhojtal Lake.

Officials told IANS that around 50 fighter planes and choppers will participate in the show, with some flying from bases in north India and reach Bhopal bang on time to evoke awe-struck gasps at Bhoj Taal down below.

These aircraft are going to start rehearsals in Bhopal from September 25 for a week, before the final mega air show on September 30.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : A man wanted for murder since 2010, who was previously involved in 65 criminal cases, has been arrested from the Baprola area in the national capital, an official of Delhi Police's Crime Branch said on Wednesday.

The accused has been identified as Rohit a.k.a Monu, a resident of Nangloi, who was declared a proclaimed offender by a local court.

Sharing the details, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Singh Yadav, said that the complainant alleged that on May 10, 2010, her brother Dilip, a resident of Vijay Vihar, was abducted and killed by Rakesh, Deepak, Rakesh Rai, Renu and Monu.

Subsequently, the accused were arrested, and it was revealed that Renu and Dilip used to work at Canara Bank. They were involved in a romantic relationship, which had angered Rakesh. Renu was also in a relationship with Rakesh. As a result, Rakesh, along with his associates, abducted and killed Dilip.

However, during the trial, Monu did not join the court proceedings and was declared a proclaimed offender. To evade arrest, he was regularly changing his hideouts.

"Specific inputs were received that Monu is hiding in the Baprola area. His specific location was traced and he was arrested after a raid," said Yadav.

During interrogation, Monu confessed to his involvement in the murder case.

"He further disclosed that Rakesh and Renu were in a relationship, and the deceased, Dilip, used to work with Renu at Canara Bank. Renu and Dilip were having an affair, which angered Rakesh. They devised a plan to eliminate Dilip. Consequently, he and others abducted and killed Dilip," said the Special CP.

"He also disclosed that his brother, Deepak, was involved in criminal activities. In 2009, Deepak had stolen 300 mobile phones from the Subzi Mandi area. Later, Monu also became involved in criminal activities," the officer said.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Chairman of the committee set up to evaluate the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) proposal, former President Ram Nath Kovind discussed the framework for the panel with Home Minister Amit Shah and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, here on Wednesday.

The Union ministers met Kovind at his 12 Janpath residence and discussed the dates for convening the first official meeting of this committee. Besides methods of functioning of the committee, they also discussed the requisite facilities and infrastructure for the panel to perform smoothly.

As per sources, it is under consideration to interact with the people of certain areas so as to have necessary inputs in preparing the report.

On September 2, Kovind had chaired a meeting to give his recommendations on ONOE after deliberating on all aspects of holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies and even panchayats and local bodies in the country.

Apart from Kovind, the ONOE committee comprises Amit Shah, former Rajya Sabha LoP Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh, former Secretary General of Lok Sabha Subhash C. Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was included in the committee, later refused to join it after its announcement.
Trump pleads not guilty in election case, his third criminal case yet. Image Source: IANS News

Washington, Sep 6 : A federal US judge Lewis Kaplan has held former President Donald Trump liable in the defamation suit filed by columnist E. Jean Carroll, rendering a rude shock to Republicans prepping up an impeachment motion in Congress on September 12 on bribery charges against President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden to deflect attention from the indictments handed down to Trump.

The judge ruled that the jury hearing Carroll's defamation lawsuit will only need to decide how much money Trump will have to pay her, after the judge found the former President was liable for making defamatory statements, media reports said.

The judge's ruling is a serious blow to Trump, who is facing numerous criminal indictments and civil lawsuits -- many of them coming to a head as he hits the campaign trail in most of the southern states that back him and he boasts of his immense popularity going up with each and every indictment that prosecutors and juries give him.

Trump has already paid $5 million in damages to Carroll but she sued him for $10 million after he went on TV and aired his defamatory views questioning her character and integrity.

Republican caucuses are meeting shortly to discuss the bribery charges against Biden and his son and take it to the Congress to a vote so that their Congressional committees can frame the articles that can again be brought to the Congress for a vote to impeach Biden.

The charges related to alleged bribery payments made to Biden by the Ukrainian energy company Burisma during his Vice-Presidency and Hunter procuring a weapon (gun) under the influence of cocaine which is "illegal".

Judge Kaplan said that a federal jury's verdict earlier this year against Trump will spill over to the defamation case set to go to trial in January involving statements Trump made in 2019 about Carroll's sexual assault allegations, CNN reported.

Carroll, a former magazine columnist, alleged Trump raped her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in the mid-1990s and then defamed her while denying her claim.

In May after a two-week trial, a jury found Trump sexually abused Carroll and defamed her. In 2022 he claimed he didn't rape her, didn't know her, and that she wasn't his "type".

In that case, the jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages.

"The truth or falsity of Trump's 2019 statements therefore depends -- like the truth or falsity of his 2022 statement -- on whether Carroll lied about Trump sexually assaulting her," the judge ruled on Wednesday.

"The jury's finding that she did not, therefore, is binding in this case and precludes Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements," CNN said.

Kaplan set the trial for January 15 and said it would be limited to damages. While her initial lawsuit was filed in 2019, the judge previously allowed Carroll to include comments Trump made at a CNN town hall meeting earlier this year.

Kaplan also rejected Trump's demand that any future damages be capped, indicating the previous award shouldn't be a factor for the jury. Carroll is seeking more than $10 million in damages.
Washington, Sep 7 : On the eve of US President Joe Biden's arrival in New Delhi in India to attend the high-profile G20 Summit, US media has been gripped with speculation as to whether India will change its name to 'Bharat' in accordance with its ancestral roots before the Mughal and British colonial domination of the country.

The Indian President Droupadi Murmu's invite to the world leaders for an official banquet issued in the name of 'Bharat' and not India has not only created a stir in Indian media but also fuelled speculation overseas if Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to change the name to Bharat in accordance with the early Hindu tradition of it being 'Bharat' which was anglicised by the British to India, media reports said.

A section of the US media said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has not confirmed replacing 'India' with 'Bharat' -- but has also not explained changes in G20 invites, reports said.

A new Indian government document calling India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "Prime Minister of Bharat" has added to swirling rumours that the country could get a name change," the Independent said in its US edition.

On Wednesday, US newspapers were full of photos of the document on Modi's current visit to Indonesia, just two days before India plays host to scores of foreign leaders in its capital New Delhi for the high-profile G20 summit India is hosting.

Last year the G20 leadership was held by Indonesia and the summit concluded in Bali when the baton was handed over to India.

India has been hosting several ministerial meetings throughout the year with foreign and economic ministers attending them so as to prepare a blueprint for further progress of the G20 groupings' continued pursuit of cherished goals to eradicate poverty, enhance education, fight global terrorism and economic development among the countries.

Just a day earlier, a debate on the country's name kicked up a political storm when an official G20 invite for foreign dignitaries with Indian President Murmu referred to her as the "President of Bharat", the Independent noted.

The invite has fanned speculation that the Indian government is considering changing the country's name to "Bharat", a term that has its origins in the Sanskrit language and that is used colloquially to refer to India. The first clause in the Indian constitution under which the Prime Minister owes allegiance to India also says, "India, that is, Bharat aunder which he takes the oath of office."

The new document designates Modi as the "Prime Minister of Bharat" and not "Prime Minister of India", which has been the format for more than 75 years, which is now being celebrated as the 'Amrit Kal' (The period of elixir).

Photos of the document that has caused much stir within India and speculation overseas began circulating on Wednesday, ahead of Modi's diplomatic engagement for the 20th ASEAN-India summit and the 18th East Asia summit. The US Vice-President Kamala Harris would be attending the meet.

The social media bio on Twitter/X still says "Prime Minister of India" but some leaders and government officials have begun using the term "Bharat".

The ID cards of India's officials at the G20 summit will also read "Bharat -- Official", demonstrating a major international push by the Modi administration at the biggest international stage that will see the presence of Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, Emanuel Macaron, Fumio Kishida and Anthony Albanese, among several others attending, making this the G20 summit the biggest event in India after the Commonwealth summit at Bengaluru in the 80's.

"Bharat", the word that dates back to ancient Indian scriptures, has not been a commonly used term for India's domestic and international correspondence ever since it gained independence from British rule in 1947, reports said.

The name change call has gained momentum with members of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claiming they want to get rid of the colonial "English" name and give a true representation of the Hindu culture and Bharat as it was called in ancient times before the colonial rule of the British.

Recent media reports have revealed that a "special session" of the Indian Parliament taking place this month could be the venue for Modi to announce its intention to officially rename the country.

Indian media has been speculating that the special session is to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) even as Indian bureaucrats work double time to rewrite the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to reflect the aspirations of a modern India, a transition from British India to Independent India, while also taking into account the scrapping of Article 370 which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, part of which is occupied by the belligerent neighbour Pakistan since partition.
PTI Fact Check: Delhi Police order regarding ban on certain flying objects during G20 Summit is genuine; Details inside

New Delhi, Sep 6 (Abhinav Gupta / Pratyush Ranjan PTI Fact Check): A purported order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner directing prohibition on flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, hang-gliders, and hot air balloons from August 29 to September 12 has recently been viral on social media. The PTI Fact Check Desk on WhatsApp received the letter requesting to verify its authenticity. In its investigation, the Desk found that the letter was genuine and was issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner as part of the security preparations for the G20 Summit.

The G20 Summit, being held in New Delhi under Indias presidency, will be held on September 9-10. Eminent world leaders will attend the mega event.

Claim

The Desk received on its Fact Check WhatsApp No. +91-8130503759 a request to verify the authenticity of a purported order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner directing a ban on flying on sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, hang-gliders and hot air balloons from August 29 to September 12.

It has been reported that certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations by the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or even by para-jumping from aircraft etc., read the purported letter.

Now, therefore, I, Sanjay Arora, Commissioner of Police, Delhi, in the exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, read with Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi's Notification No, U-11036/3/1978 (i) UTL dated 01.07.1978, do at this moment prohibit the flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small sized powered aircraft, quadcopters or even by para-jumping from aircraft etc. over the jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi during the G20 Summit 2023 in the National Capital of Delhi and doing so shall be punishable u/s 188 of the Indian Penal Code, it added.

Below is a screenshot of the letter received by the Desk on WhatsApp:

Investigation

Starting the investigation, the Desk conducted a Google search with specific keywords to cross-check whether the Delhi Police Commissioner issued any such order.

The search results led us to a PTI report carried by The Print on August 29, whose headline read: Flying of paragliders, hot air balloons, UAVs prohibited in Delhi ahead of G20 Summit.

Here is the link to the report:

Ahead of the G20 Summit, Delhi Police has prohibited flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like paragliders, hang-gliders and hot air balloons in the national capital from August 29 to September 12 for security reasons, officials said. An order to this effect was issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora on Tuesday, read a portion of the news report.

The Desk then scanned the X handle of Delhi Police. It came across an August 29 post, which confirmed the issuance of the order regarding the No-Fly Zone/Prohibition of certain flying objects in the NCT of Delhi given G20 Summit.

Here is the link to the X post, and below is a screenshot of the same:

In the next part of the investigation, the Desk contacted Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora over e-mail, seeking confirmation and details on the order released. The article shall be updated accordingly.

Subsequently, the Desk concluded that the viral order, in the name of the Delhi Police Commissioner, on the prohibition of certain flying objects given at the G20 Summit was authentic.

Claim

A letter viral in the name of the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing prohibition on particular flying objects from August 29 to September 12 given the G20 Summit.

Fact

The letter was authentic and issued as part of the G20 security arrangements in the national capital.

Conclusion

The Desk received on WhatsApp a request to verify the authenticity of a purported letter issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing a ban on particular flying objects given the upcoming G20 Summit. In its investigation, the Desk found that the order was genuine and issued as part of the G20 security arrangements in the national capital.

You can contact PTI Fact Check on WhatsApp Number +91-8130503759 and share any claim or social media post you think is essential to fact-check and want us to verify.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 6. Hungary and Kyrgyzstan are strengthening their agricultural collaboration, specifically on seed production, crop cultivation, and animal breeding, Zoltan Kovacs, Hungary's Secretary of State for International Communication, said, Trend reports.

Kovacs mentioned that Hungarian Agriculture Minister Nagy Istvan, held a meeting with Kyrgyz Agriculture Minister Askarbek Djanybekov, in Bishkek to explore this partnership.

During their discussion, Istvan emphasized the growing significance of agriculture in a rapidly changing world and stressed the importance of forming partnerships to address relevant challenges.

During the meeting, Hungarian minister highlighted that Kyrgyzstan has increased its seed imports tenfold this year compared to the previous year, underlining the potential for joint projects that could benefit both countries economies.

Furthermore, he proposed the utilization of Hungarian technology for seed production in the region and expressed a willingness to share Hungarian seeds with Kyrgyz partners. Additionally, the two ministers discussed the potential use of the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund in the agricultural and food industry sectors.

Meanwhile, trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Hungary according to the latest data of 2023 increased by 5.7 times  from $466,600 to $2.6 million, which made up 0.2 percent of Kyrgyzstans trade turnover.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, September 6. The Export-Import Bank of South Korea (Eximbank) will provide $200,000 to conduct preliminary work for the construction of a metro system in Tajikistan, Trend reports.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Eximbank and Tajikistan's Ministry of Transport. Under this document, Eximbank commits to financing the preliminary study and technical-economic justification for the construction of the metro system in Dushanbe. Bank representatives also agreed to finance the detailed project development.

The Ministry of Transport said that a working group was established earlier to facilitate timely discussions on metro construction issues, and 16 meetings have already taken place within its framework.

On March 14, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the construction of the metro in Dushanbe was signed between Tajikistan's Ministry of Transport and South Korea's National Railway Company. This company will be responsible for conducting the preliminary survey work.

The South Korean railway company proposed building an above-ground metro using a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. The determination of the proposed metro routes is being carried out by a joint working group of the Ministry of Transport and the city administration. At the initial stage, a 10.5-kilometer line is planned for construction.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the South Korean side has committed to gradually training local specialists for the proper maintenance of the proposed metro system. It is expected that seven such specialists will be trained by the end of this year.

The metro in Dushanbe could become the third one in Central Asia. Currently, the metro operates in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, and in the Kazakh city of Almaty. There are also plans for constructing a metro in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which is scheduled to be completed by 2025.
Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America by historian Ibram X. Kendi and cartoonist Joel Christian Gill adapts Kendi's 2016 National Book Awardwinning history Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America into the comics format. A powerful, and undoubtedly evocative, graphic history published by Penguin Random House's Ten Speed Graphic imprint, the book explores the birth, rise, and continuance of racist ideologies in the United States.

Adapted and illustrated by Gill, who is also a historian, Stamped documents how anti-racist ideas often conflict with segregationist and assimilationist ideas that allow racial discrimination to persist today. Five historical figures, drawn as cartoons, serve as tour guides through the thorny narrative. Theres Cotton Mather, Puritan minister and writer; Thomas Jefferson, founding father and anti-abolitionist; William Lloyd Garrison, social reformer and abolitionist; W.E.B. Du Bois, scholar and civil rights activist; and Angela Davis, political activist and educator. Beginning with Mather in the 17th century, the book unravels the layered intricacy of racism in America as it endures through such significant social and cultural shifts as the Enlightenment, the American Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation, the Harlem Renaissance, and Barack Obamas presidential administration.

PW spoke with Kendi and Gill about adapting the work, book bans, incorporating humor in a book about racism, and whether an anti-racist America might be possible.

The original Stamped from the Beginning is about 600 pages. How did you decide what needed to be altered for the graphic adaptation?

Joel Christian Gill: Ibram sent me a PDF that had all of the highlighted sections that he thought were the most important things not to miss. I took all of those and made a document that was just those highlighted sections. When I read the original, I compared it to the list, then I made the building block pieces that made sense. Theres only a couple of places where I did more research and added to it.

Dr. Kendi, the version of Stamped that you coauthored with Jason Reynolds has been on numerous banned books lists, and was among the top 10 most banned books in 2020. Was potential censorship on your mind while creating this graphic adaptation?

Ibram X. Kendi: My suspicion was that if we were to create an effective bookthat would reach younger and older people and engage them, that did what its supposed to dothen it would be banned. When I was working with Jason on Stamped (For Kids), that was sort of prior to this explosion of book bans. When I first saw young people just loving Stamped (For Kids) and then older people responding by taking the book out of their hands, to me, it was tragic.

JCG: The people who I think wouldnt generally read Stamped are not going to read the graphic novel version. Theyre not going to read any version of it, because they are aligned with Lost Cause thinking and Lost Cause mentality. In terms of how book banning has been working, when the Daughters of the Confederacy decided to start censoring and changing the idea about the way we read the history of the American Civil War, they had this book called A Measuring Rod, which is an actual book that you would use and apply to any books that came out about history. If they didnt match this measuring rod, then they would be banned.

The people holding that measuring rod today are people I dont care about. Theyre not people who want to read the book. I was joking with Ibram like, "Ive got a whole list of people we should send this book to. John McWhorter should get a copy. Ted Cruz should get a copy. Lets just let them go on television and scream about it." I invite the anger. What did Rep. Adam Schiff say?

The humor in the graphic adaptation challenges the readerit invites the anger. Can you talk about your process for incorporating humor and such anachronisms as Ida B. Wells shouting, The caucasity!

JCG: Telling this history is difficult. And I always think about the very first time I read 12 Years a Slave and how I had to put it down a couple of times because I was so angry. I didnt want that to be the case with thisbecause it can make you angrywhich is why I create those little characters on the side who would talk and say funny things. Even horrible people are saying funny stuff. Thats just like my sense of humor. I dont typically write serious things. Its easier to have Ida B. Wells say, the caucasity! than it is to write a joke that creates a punch line.

IXK: The comics lend themselves to presenting the same history in a different way where there is humor. Its not necessarily a comedy book, but there is humor to get the reader through. There will be people who simply wont be able to emotionally read the original Stamped from the Beginning, but they want to know this history. They will have access to this graphic novel, which, emotionally, may be a more manageable experience.

You chose five key historical figures to mark the chronology of racisms development in America. If you had to continue the book up until this year, who would you choose to be the sixth historical figure?

IXK: Its hard to say. Possibly someone like Clarence Thomas, to potentially explain the role and the growing amounts of power that people of color who hold racist ideas are exhibiting. He, in a way, would be able to allow us to make connections between him and Ted Cruz, Dinesh DSouza, and Nikki Haleyall of these thinkers of color who, in many ways, have been pushed forth by white supremacists to demean their own racial group.

JCG: Its really interesting because I think people like DSouza, Haley, Tim Scott, and Thomas are exactly who Paulo Freire was talking about when he talked about sub-oppressors. These people get some modicum of power, then they exert their power over other people and basically gaslight us into believing because Ive done it, you can too, so quit whining and just go out and do itall while exerting their power.

Stamped ends with several powerful statements. Among them: An anti-racist America can be guaranteed only if principled anti-racist leaders are in power, which then boils down to having anti-racist policies and ideas that become our common sense. Do you think its possible to have an antiracist America in the near future?

IXK: Its hard to answer the question. On one hand, I think that if someone said that based on this countrys origins, based on this countrys history, based on current political and social dynamics, its impossible to create that society, I wouldnt necessarily disagree. But I would also say that its possible to do the impossible, because that has happened in the past. I believe you have to believe that its possible in order to bring it about. It would be hard for me to advocate for something that I believe will never happen.

This interview has been edited for clarity.
From left to right, Dimitrios Peroulis, senior vice president for Purdue University Online; Frank Dooley, chancellor of Purdue Global; and Kelvin Gumbs, executive director for educational partnerships in Purdues Office of Industry Partnerships, were members of a Purdue delegation that visited the USS Nimitz in August. (Photo provided)

Opportunity provides deeper understanding of at-sea operations and ideas on expanding online military educational offerings

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  It was the experience of a lifetime for members of a Purdue University delegation as they cruised the Pacific Ocean on the USS Nimitz with almost 5,000 sailors.

Frank Dooley, chancellor of Purdue Global; Dimitrios Peroulis, senior vice president for Purdue University Online; and Kelvin Gumbs, executive director for educational partnerships in Purdues Office of Industry Partnerships, participated in this firsthand experience, which offered a unique view into the training-rich environment of sailors at sea, learning about ways to strengthen educational opportunities for officers and enlisted personnel.

Additional information

It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Dooley said of his weekend at sea. Approximately 300 dignitaries a year visit the Nimitz (CVN 68), a supercarrier and the lead ship of the U.S. Navys Nimitz class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The trio started their visit receiving briefs at the Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet headquarters and then took off from Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, on a C-2 Greyhound aircraft, which made an arrested landing on the Nimitz.

The arrested landing forces the aircraft to stop completely within a second or two. The deceleration that you feel is immense  going from 160 miles per hour to zero, Peroulis said. By the time you realize what is going on, it has ended. Its only a few hundred feet and the plane has stopped.

Once on board, the Purdue delegation began meeting with the admiral, commanding officer, executive officer, command master chief, and other officers and enlisted personnel, touring most areas of the ship.

A highlight of the Purdue delegation was watching the crew perform about 180 daytime and nighttime flight maneuvers, in some instances observing from just 30 feet away as F/A-18 Super Hornets launched from the flight deck.

All of these men and women serving on the USS Nimitz have received training and are constantly training, Dooley said. It is incredible, and it shows how the team all knows how to work together in their areas. Everyone knows what they are supposed to do. Its a well-organized and -operating machine.

Purdue Global serves approximately 10,000 military-affiliated students, a population that includes uniformed personnel, veterans and eligible dependents. Purdue University Online serves about 200 military-affiliated students through its online masters programs.

As the trio toured the ship, they were continually greeted with Boiler Up!

There were people who shared stories of relatives and friends who had come to Purdue; some people had themselves been to Purdue. There was a Purdue connection almost everywhere, which was impressive, Peroulis said.

Dooley, Peroulis and Gumbs learned of the need for continuing education for sailors of all ranks, especially after their time in the service, and saw firsthand not only where they work but also where they live and would study. The group plans to further develop programs and procedures to make online learning programs more innovative for Navy and other armed forces personnel and more aligned with sailors professional development needs.

The fact that we can serve both officers and enlisted personnel at the same time through the virtual campuses of Purdue was intriguing to them, as they are aware of Purdues quality education and commitment to the military. This is where Purdue is positioned so differently than other schools, Dooley said.

Gumbs, himself a Purdue Global grad and a Navy veteran who previously served on the Nimitz, said the visit allowed everyone to understand and witness the training and learning that takes place on board.

Americas Navy provides a tremendous opportunity for young people to receive highly technical training and learn countless skills, develop themselves as leaders, thinkers, communicators and innovators, all things that also translate smoothly into success as adult learners and our military students, Gumbs said.

The visit also renewed a commitment to improve access to the various programs offered through Purdue Global and Purdue University Online.

I appreciate the dedication, professionalism and skill that the Navy has. You really get to understand how much they sacrifice to accomplish their missions, Peroulis said. We want to further improve the quality of the opportunities we offer those crew members in their next career steps.

Getting to know the people behind that and understanding the challenges they face, the sacrifices they make and the dedication to our country really increased my appreciation for them and my desire to serve them as best we can, Peroulis said.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdues online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/.

Purdue University Online

Purdue University, a top 10 public land-grant university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, offers a number of the same degrees and certificates available on campus in a fully online format. These programs serve students who desire to learn directly from Purdue Universitys innovative faculty without having to come to campus. Purdue University is ranked as the No. 8 Best College for Veterans (College Consensus, 2022). Over 12% of all fully online students who accepted enrollment in 2022 with Purdue West Lafayettes main campus were either active-duty military or veterans. For more information, visit https://purdue.edu/online.

Writers: Kelvin Gumbs, Greg Kline, Matthew Oates

Media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-496 6160, oatesw@purdue.edu; @mo_oates

Sources: Frank Dooley, Dimitrios Peroulis, Kelvin Gumbs
Launched in June 2021 and headquartered in Peterborough, Upp describes itself as on a mission to provide next level broadband to the areas of the East of England that need it the most. Over its full-fibre network it offers a range of residential and business packages designed to meet the diverse needs of its customer base covering and connecting over 20 towns and cities including areas such as Boston, Lincoln, Norwich and Kings Lynn.nexfibre is a joint venture created by InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefonica, owners of VMO2. The combination of nexfibre and VMO2s network footprints is designed to see the creation of the UKs first national-scale challenger to BT Openreach, boosting choice and competition in the market. nexfibre will initially roll out fibre to 5 million homes not currently served by Virgin Media O2s network by 2026, with the opportunity to expand to an additional 2 million homes.As a result of the transaction, nexfibre says it will gain a quality regional fibre network with low overlap of the existing Virgin Media O2 footprint and a build engine that will continue expansion in the region. The all-cash acquisition will see Virgin Media O2 initially purchase the provider and carry out integration work, but nexfibre will ultimately fund the acquisition through a back-to-back agreement to buy Upps network assets., nexfibre plans to invest more than 350m in the East of England region by 2026 as part of a 4.5bn investment across the country.Through its access to the nexfibre network, Virgin Media O2 will extend the reach of its gigabit connectivity to more homes. Over the next 12 months Virgin Media O2 will proceed with completing Upps build currently in progress; integrating and aligning Upps fibre network and systems; and offering Upp customers a wide range of Virgin Media O2 services.Upps existing retail and business customers will be offered a range of Virgin Media O2 services in the coming months, with no service changes occurring in the near term as a result of the transaction.Upp is delighted to have been acquired by nexfibre, in partnership with Virgin Media O2, and we are looking forward to continuing the rollout of full fibre in the East of England. It is an important recognition of the scale and quality of the network that we have built, and all the hard work and effort put in over the last two years, said Upp CEO Drew Ritchie commenting on the deal. Since we began in early 2021, Upp has grown to deliver the quality, scale and excellence in customer service envisaged from the start. We are all personally very proud of having this recognised by our thousands of customers and through the purchase by industry leaders.
As Senegal stands on the cusp of an energy boom with its recent discovery of substantial oil and natural gas reserves, the nation faces a pivotal crossroads between economic prosperity and the risk of descending into autocracy. The energy boom's significance extends beyond Africa toward Europes ongoing struggle with Russian aggression, holding promise to help European nations reduce Russian oil and natural gas influence with a new supplier. This juncture also comes at a time when governments with strong Western ties across Africa are falling following a series of coups, amplifying concern for Senegal, a former French colony with strong Western ties dealing with its own growing instability. With the governments ongoing enforcement of crackdowns and imprisonment of opposition members ahead of next years election, Senegals political institutions are in jeopardy.

This raises a pressing concern that the forthcoming export revenues will be used to aggressively consolidate power, leading to further autocratic behavior, and endangering the opposition. Our review of the fund structure recently put forth by the government to manage the expected billions finds a concerning lack of guardrails for how the export revenues will be managed. Countering these challenges, we propose a pragmatic financial solution by structuring the management of Senegals forthcoming export revenues. We advocate for the implementation of a sovereign wealth fund inspired by Norways transparent and successful model. Such a fund would serve as a safeguard against misuse for political gain and help stem a deteriorating political environment before a critical tipping point.

With Senegal and neighboring Mauritania sitting on 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, their abundant natural resource wealth has not gone unnoticed on the world stage. European leaders and senior American officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish President Andrzej Duda, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, have each visited Senegal with a keen interest in diversifying European energy sources away from Russian exports. Senegal's initial gas field coming online, with enough to supply gas-dependent Germany for several years, further solidifies its position on the global energy map. Moreover, Chinese President Xi Jinpings recent commitment to investing in Senegalese infrastructure projects and expanding agricultural exports to China underscores China's growing strategic interest in the nation. The increasing focus from Washington to Beijing raises the stakes for the countrys future stability.

Despite its rising international profile, Senegal is grappling with significant domestic political turmoil. The current regime has shown serious authoritarian tendencies amidst a deteriorating political environment ahead of next years election. The President, Macky Sall, considered running for a third term, while constitutionally limited to two terms. Ousmane Sonko, the main opposition leader, was recently sentenced to two years in prison on charges of corrupting the youth, leading to violent protests and the imprisonment of hundreds of opposition party members. The main opposition party was also dissolved with its leader detained for fomenting insurrection, leaving Senegals political institutions highly vulnerable.

The upcoming natural resource exports present a timely opportunity for the current regime. Such resource wealth can be detrimental to countries without strong democratic foundations, where leaders often use the windfall to consolidate power and enrich insiders and loyalists within the ruling party, the police, and religious organizations. Nations like oil-rich Norway, with strong political institutions pre-resource discovery, resist due to leaders constrained ability to misuse funds and consolidate power. The combination of the ongoing authoritarian shift, institutional weaknesses, and the impending export revenues raises legitimate worries about the catalyst for autocracy.

To safeguard Senegals democratic institutions and prevent further erosion of hard-won political gains, Senegal should institute a sovereign wealth fund akin to the transparent and successful Norwegian model for its energy exports. Such a fund would serve as a bulwark against the potential misallocation of resources for political gain. By following the Norwegian example, Senegal can also protect its resource wealth for future generations, considering that these natural resources will eventually deplete. However, our review of the current regimes fund structure found concerns with the management structure of the expected billions. The fund structure lacks public transparency in its investments, a 90% maximum allocation of export revenues to the budget creates troubling political incentives and discloses vague investment strategies for the revenues. If the structure is not corrected, it will provide an opportunity for the current regime to use the forthcoming windfall to consolidate power and further erode the countrys institutions.

To ensure the funds success, Senegal must replicate critical aspects of the Norwegian model. Firstly, the fund must have full public transparency in all investments to avoid secretive dealmaking with export revenues. Secondly, it should follow a diversified portfolio approach by investment professionals with oversight bodies. Investments in Senegal or in Senegalese entities should be excluded to avoid undue perverse influence on investment decisions. Lastly, the fund should distribute only its returns, safeguarding the capital for future use and deterring politicians from wish-list spending. Establishing a fund mirroring the Norwegian model before the expected billions would serve as a crucial institution to thwart political misuse.

The interactions between the opposition and the current government now leading up to the next election will have long-lasting implications for Senegals governance and its people. This concern is particularly relevant given the continued crackdowns and imprisonment of opposition members, and the lack of independent and viable alternatives to President Sall within the ruling party. The concern is further amplified by how Senegals natural resources will play a role in reducing Russian energy influence and the increasing instability across the region. As Senegal now stands at this critical juncture of energy wealth and political stability with the backdrop of an ongoing geopolitical struggle, the responsibility extends beyond Senegal to the international community, compelling action before a critical tipping point creates a tense power vacuum. Given Senegals role in countering Russian energy influence against Europe, it becomes prudent to support the establishment of a transparent and accountable sovereign wealth fund, mirroring Norways model. By doing so, we can help safeguard Senegals resource wealth from the clutches of autocracy and forge a brighter and democratic future for its people.

Abdoulaye Ndiaye is currently an Assistant Professor of Economics at New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, and a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Economic Policy Research.

Jonathan Grady is Founding Principal of The Canary Group and a recent MBA graduate at the NYU Stern Business School.
Property details:

San Clemente Inn San Clemente, CA Welcome home to San Clemente. Kick back and soak up the sun in this beautiful town on the Southern California coast, famous for its Mediterranean architecture, pristine beaches, and laidback charm. South of the bustle of Los Angeles and just north of San Diego County, lies a charming town with a Mediterranean feel and laidback pace of life set against a glimmering Pacific Ocean. San Clemente Inn sits on a hillside and is a short drive from the San Clemente Pier ...

Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Missouri Property Address: 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, CA 92672 Number of Bedrooms: 1 Number of Bathrooms: 1 Zip/Postal Code: 92672 City: San Clemente State/Province: California Location: 658**, Springfield, Missouri

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby California
Danielle Maltby / Instagram

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/05/2023



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.

alum Danielle Maltby has fueled Michael Allio breakup speculation by wiping all photos and videos of him from her Instagram account.Amid speculation the couple has split, Danielle noticeably deleted any and all trace of Michael from social media.Danielle appears to be single and back on the market, at least based on what her Instagram is currently showing.The neonatal nurse and model even deleted 2022 videos and reels featuring Michael that had been pinned at the top of her Instagram page and captured the early days of their romance.Michael, for his part, has apparently also deleted images of Danielle on his Instagram account.Michael's last post with Danielle dates back to June 5, when he posted a slideshow of photos promoting a men's brand of jeans.And on May 25, Michael thanked Danielle for giving him the best birthday he could ask for during a trip to Chicago.Bachelor Nation has been questioning the status of Danielle and Michael's relationship for almost two months now.And every time Michael or Danielle posts a photo or promotion via Instagram, fans flood the comments with concern about whether the pair is still together.Michael and Danielle have yet to respond to their fans' demand for answers, but Michael was put on the spot about his relationship -- which began on 's eighth season last summer -- during the August 2 episode of the "She's All Bach" podcast.Michael dodged direct questions about his relationship with Danielle at the time.The father reluctantly shared, "I'll say this. Being in a public relationship, it isn't fun. Danielle and I, like, both agree that the only people that should be in our relationship are us two.""So we think just the healthiest way to have a relationship is to keep it private," he added.Michael insisted, however, that he and Danielle "both love each other, like, very much.""But we just kind of want to keep things private," Michael reiterated."I think when you start having a relationship and bringing people into it, people have opinions, you know, and it's just not the right way to run a relationship, so that's just something we've decided."In addition to Michael and Danielle's suspicious social-media activity this summer, the Instagram account @Deuxmoi also posted a blind in late July claiming two Paradise fan-favorites were in trouble."Fan favorite moved to be closer to her final pick... might have to move back?" an anonymous person wrote, seemingly referring to Danielle's move from Tennessee to Ohio to be closer to Michael and his son James."Did her final pick struggle to be truthful about his journey for love? Seems that both have split as they have not been spotted together in over a month, have not interacted online with each other even though they live in the same city! She clearly deserves better."Prior to the breakup rumors, Danielle and Michael had been posting about each other all the time. In fact, they were very lovey-dovey on social media, and Danielle even shared how she was freezing her eggs Danielle -- who lost her late fiance Nick Haag to a drug overdose in 2011 -- moved to Cleveland for Michael in February. Prior to the move, the nurse had lived in Nashville for 12 years.Michael, originally from Akron, OH, welcomed James during his marriage to his late wife Laura Ritter-Allio, who passed away from breast cancer in 2019.On last summer, Michael was romantically interested in Sierra Jackson , but he ultimately determined something was "missing" between them and he was unable to let his walls down due to grief.But when Danielle stepped foot on the Paradise beach in Mexico, Michael seemed ecstatic and affectionately called her "Dani."The pair had spoken via DMs on Instagram and become friends prior to filming the show, but Paradise marked the first time they were meeting in-person.Michael and Danielle were able to connect quickly over their similar losses and traumas. The pair slowly got to know each other and never expressed interest in dating anyone else on the show.Michael and Danielle chose to leave together as a couple before overnight Fantasy Suites. They both determined they weren't ready to get engaged, especially because Danielle had yet to meet James.However, Michael revealed on the reunion show in November that James quickly came to adore Danielle and never wanted her to leave when she was visiting.Danielle also confirmed that she felt the same way about James and couldn't wait to be a bigger part of his life.Michael also announced on the reunion show that he was "in love" with Danielle and she had changed his life for the better. Danielle is only the second woman whom Michael ever said, "I love you," to.While Danielle had no reservations about moving to Ohio in order to progress her relationship with Michael naturally, she explained how they didn't want to live under the same roof -- at least not yet -- as to not rush things or disrupt James' comfortable routine."I'm just so excited," Michael said on social media in December of Danielle's decision to uproot her life for him."Long distance is difficult, but we've made the best of it and this next chapter and upcoming year is one I am so looking forward to. She's the best!"Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
When Grace Pridemore, a senior majoring in psychology, tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of July, she was shocked. Pridemore is vaccinated and comes from a health-conscious family. When she woke up with symptoms that morning, she didnt think to test until her mother, who is a nurse, suggested she take one.
Notwithstanding the fact that the countrys pharmaceutical (pharma) pricing regulator has allowed a 12 per cent price increase for medicines listed under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) in 2023, analysts and industry insiders predict that the overall domestic pharma industry will only witness a price hike of 5-6 per cent.

Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters

This is attributed to higher competitive intensity in the market.

Krishnakumar V, executive director and chief operating officer (CEO) of Eris Lifesciences, a domestic-focused pharma company, noted that the NLEM segment experienced growth suppression of around 150 basis points due to price reductions during the January to July period this year.

Approximately 18 per cent of the Rs 1.8 trillion Indian Pharma Market (IPM) falls under NLEM.

Krishnanath Munde, associate director at India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra), pointed out that during the period from 2019-20 to 2022-23 (FY23), IPM showcased an average price hike of 5.2 per cent.

This stands in contrast to the average price rise of 3.2 per cent witnessed over the preceding decade (2013-14 through FY23).

Munde further added that for the April-July period in 2023, IPMs price hike growth stood at 5.3 per cent.

He emphasised that even if the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) allows a 10 per cent price increase for the non-NLEM portfolio and a 12 per cent increase (2023-24, or FY24) for NLEM products, the overall IPM is expected to observe a price hike of 5-6 per cent due to higher competitive intensity.

Historically, companies with a greater contribution from the chronic segment and lower exposure to NLEM have taken good price hikes within their domestic product portfolio, Munde added.

Following the first quarter (Q1) results of FY24, pharma companies have started expressing concerns about the potential impact of NLEM.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, the largest pharma firm in the domestic market in terms of market share, acknowledged after Q1FY24 that growth had been subdued due to the NLEM impact.

Kirti Ganorkar, CEO of India business at Sun Pharma, discussed the impact of NLEM on the quarters performance in the domestic market, expressing optimism about future growth.

NLEM was also announced in the months of December and January, and the full impact has come in this quarter.

"We observe that due to NLEM, growth has been subdued in Q1.

"However, Im very optimistic and hopeful that in the upcoming quarters, we will witness growth in line with the market and strive to outpace the markets performance, he added.

Analysts at Nirmal Bang reported that during Q1, the India business was influenced by seasonality and NLEM.

Our coverage universe reported around 8% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in the India business in Q1FY24, driven mainly by price hikes and strong growth in chronic therapies.

"This was partially offset by weak growth in acute therapies due to a delayed monsoon and the impact of NLEM prices, they said.

The brokerage also highlighted that Zydus recorded a 9 per cent growth in its India business (12 per cent excluding the impact of NLEM), Torrent Pharmaceuticals exhibited a 14.5 per cent growth (16 per cent excluding NLEM), whereas Dr Reddys Laboratories experienced a 14 per cent decline (with single-digit growth when excluding NLEM impact and divestment income from the base).

Nearly all these companies have projected low double-digit growth for FY24.

Even established therapy-focused companies such as Sanofi India have not been immune to the impact of NLEM.

The price reductions affecting long-acting insulin Lantus have exerted downward pressure on Sanofis revenue and profitability in Q1FY24.

Consequently, the companys revenues experienced a modest 1 per cent Y-o-Y growth due to the significant 21 per cent price reduction applied to Lantus.

However, in 2023, the NPPA has permitted a 12.1 per cent price increase in NLEM drugs.

Munde explained that the approved price hikes of 10.8 per cent for FY23 and 12.1 per cent for FY24, aligned with the Wholesale Price Index of the calendar years 2021 and 2022, respectively, represent a substantial increase compared to the range of 0.5-4.3 per cent price hikes permitted for NLEM drugs spanning from 2017-18 to 2021-22.

Ind-Ra observed that these represent the highest price increases over the past two years when contrasted with price hikes outside NLEM.

The new prices came into effect on April 1.

However, in September of the previous year, the Union Ministry of Health made changes to NLEM, adding 870 medicines, and the NPPA began revising the ceiling prices of these drugs.

In April, the NPPA capped the prices of 651 drugs, resulting in an average reduction of 16.62 per cent.

Consequently, instead of the anticipated 12.1 per cent price increase, these drugs saw a reduction of around 6.73 per cent.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted in April (Twitter has since rebranded as X) that even if companies were to implement the full price increase, an average reduction of 6.73 per cent was estimated.

Consumers are expected to save Rs 3,500 annually on these medicines.

However, due to intense competition, companies are unlikely to take the full price hike.

The CEO of a pharma company stated, Currently, the competition for market share is high, leading companies to adopt an aggressive pricing strategy.

"Additionally, there is an increase in trade generics, which are cheaper medicines.

"Therefore, we do not expect everyone to take a 12.1 per cent price hike in drug prices.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday took a swipe at the government over the India-Bharat naming row, saying the opposition bloc could call itself the "Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT)" and then perhaps the ruling party might stop the "fatuous game of changing names".

His remarks came after invitations for a G20 dinner sent out by President Droupadi Murmu, describing her position as 'President of Bharat' instead of the customary 'President of India', triggered a massive furore on Tuesday with the opposition alleging that the Modi government is planning to drop India and stay with just Bharat as the country's name.

In a post on X, Tharoor said, "We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names."

The Congress is a constituent of the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

On Tuesday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh had on X said, "Mr. Modi can continue to distort history and divide India, that is Bharat, that is a Union of States. But we will not be deterred. After all, what is the objective of INDIA (alliance) parties? It is BHARATring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT. Jeetega INDIA!"

Tharoor on Tuesday had said while there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', he hopes the government will not be so "foolish" to completely dispense with 'India' which has "incalculable brand value".

The Congress MP had also claimed it was Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who had objected to the name 'India' since it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state".
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday expressed concern over China's proposed mega hydropower project on the upstream of Siang River in Tibet, stating it will have a cascading effect on India and Bangladesh in the near future.

IMAGE: The Brahmaputra as the Siang flows 300 km through Arunachal. Photograph: Kind courtesy Arunachal Tourism

During a zero-hour discussion in the state assembly, initiated by Congress MLA Lombo Tayeng seeking a declaration of recurring annual floods in Siang Valley as a natural calamity, Khandu said China has proposed a 60,000 MW hydro-power plant on the river, called Tsangpo in Tibet, in its 14th five-year plan.

"We are worried about the project's impact in the future. Accordingly, a high-level meeting of the Brahmaputra Board was convened recently. The Centre has proposed a barrage on Siang river so that Chinese activities do not affect the river," he said.

Khandu said a survey for the proposed barrage will be carried out, and once it is completed, the Centre will decide on the next step.

Tayeng, while initiating the discussion, pointed out that the Siang river is frequently changing its course causing massive land erosion of a few lakh hectares of cultivated land, and reducing the area of the D Ering wildlife sanctuary.

"Since there is a possible involvement of China in blocking and diverting of water, dumping of construction material in the river and unwarranted releasing of water in the upstream in their territory, if the phenomenon of recurring floods in Siang Valley is not declared a national calamity and adequate measures taken, it may be disastrous in near future," Tayeng said.

Khandu, in response, informed the assembly that there is no provision, executive or legal, to declare a recurring natural calamity as a national calamity.

The existing guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) do not contemplate declaring a disaster as a national calamity.

"There is also no mention of national calamity in Disaster Management Act 2005," the chief minister added.

He said in case of any major disaster, an inter-ministerial central team visits the affected areas and on the basis of their recommendation and report, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) allocates additional funds to the state from the NDRF.

At least three districts of the state -- Siang, Upper Siang and East Siang -- through which the river passes before entering Assam, where the river is known as Brahmaputra, experiences annual floods during the monsoon.

He said a proposal for erosion control and flood management in the left bank of the Siang River in the Mebo sub-division of East Siang district was submitted by the Arunachal Pradesh government to the Union jal shakti ministry.

The ministry asked the state administration in May this year to resubmit the proposal in an integrated manner by adopting a basin or sub-basin approach covering the major length of the rivers and their tributaries instead of proposing separate works in selected or arbitrary reaches, he added.
Days after the Mumbai meeting of opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance bloc, leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress in Punjab opposed any possible tie-up between them for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

IMAGE: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (second from left), AAP leaders Bhagwant Mann (fifth from left) and Arvind Kejriwal (sixth from left), TN Chief Minister MK Stalin, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Yadav, Shiv Sena-UBT's Uddhav Thackeray, Nitish Kumar and others during a press conference after the INDIA bloc leaders meeting, in Mumbai, September 1, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Punjab Minister Anmol Gagan Mann on Wednesday said her Aam Aadmi Party will fight on all 13 parliamentary seats in the state.

She said this is the "direction" of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring too said the party is gearing up to fight on all seats in the state.

Both the parties are part of the INDIA that is preparing to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in 2024. But in Punjab, the Congress is the main rival to the AAP.

Warring said the state Congress unit is confident that the party's national leadership will not take any decision on Punjab "without our consent".

The state unit has not been told by the party high command about any tie-up or seat sharing in Punjab, he told reporters here. "We have been asked (by the party high command) to prepare for the 13 Lok Sabha seats," Warring said.

AAP leader Gagan Mann made it clear that there will be no alliance with the Congress in Punjab.

At the national level, many political parties have joined hands against the BJP to save democracy, she said but added that "in Punjab, we have the responsibility of the state in Punjab, there will not be any kind of compromise. We will fight elections independently."

"We will not have any alliance with the Congress. The people of Punjab love Bhagwant Mann. Any kind of alliance with the Congress will not be tolerated. Several leaders (of the Congress) are facing (corruption) cases," the AAP leader told reporters in Chandigarh.

It is the direction of Chief Minister Mann that the AAP will not have any alliance with the Congress in the state, she said.

On September 1, the INDIA bloc in its Mumbai meeting resolved to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls together "as far as possible", asserting seat-sharing arrangements in states will be concluded at the earliest in a "collaborative spirit of give-and-take".

The coalition's leaders have also set up a 14-member coordination committee that will act as the highest decision-making body of the alliance and initiate work on seat sharing. They also exuded confidence that the new front would easily defeat the BJP.

Asked if the Congress high command decides to have an alliance in Punjab, Warring said, "The high command is the supreme authority. What the party high command says will happen."

"But we have full confidence that the party high command will not take any decision without our consent," asserted the Punjab Congress chief.

Asked whether the AAP's Punjab unit has conveyed its views to the party leadership, Gagan Mann said that "many parties, including the Congress, are part of the (INDIA) alliance. But in Punjab, politics is different. Here, we (AAP) can win 13 seats".

The AAP had won 92 of the 117 assembly seats in Punjab last year and people will again bless the party in the next elections, she said.

Gagan Mann's remarks are the first by an AAP leader in Punjab that makes it clear that the party does not want any electoral tie up with the Congress for the 2024 elections.

Congress leader Warring asserted that the Congress, which is the main opposition party in Punjab, has been forcefully raising issues concerning the people of the state.

Punjab Congress leaders even on Tuesday voiced strong reservations against any alliance with the AAP in the state for the next general elections.
It is for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 summit in New Delhi, a top US official has said, asserting that if Beijing wants to come in and be a "spoiler", that option is available to it.

IMAGE: Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan ahead of the G20 Summit, New Delhi, September 5, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was responding to a question at a White House news conference on Tuesday on the impact of India-China border tensions on the G20 Summit.

"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit -- really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them, he said.

What I think the chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries, Sullivan said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi this week and the delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang, China's foreign ministry announced on Monday as it expressed Beijing's readiness to work with all parties to make the high-profile meeting a success.

China has not given specific reasons behind Xi's absence at the G20 summit.

The ties between India and China nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has made it clear to China that until there is peace and tranquillity in border areas, the relationship between the two countries cannot progress.

India is hosting the annual G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

At the G-20 Summit, Sullivan said President Joe Biden will be clear that the United States expects real progress.

He will be clear that we need all G20 members to be constructive and at the table, with no exceptions. We'll also be making progress on other key priorities, from climate to health to digital technology, including commitments, with respect to a more inclusive digital transformation and a responsible path and approach to AI development, he noted.

In addition, we'll spotlight the progress that we've been making on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, or what we call PGI. We'll have some announcements that we're excited about. Now, we know that there will be continued focus on how the G20 deals with Russia's illegal and ongoing war in Ukraine, he said.

Sullivan said the reality is that Russia's illegal war has devastated social and economic consequences, and the poorest countries on the planet are bearing the brunt of it.

As he has done before, President Biden will call for a just and durable peace founded in respect for international law, principles of the UN Charter, the precepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said.

Sullivan said Biden will continue to emphasise that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as it takes to redeem these principles.

"Last but not least, and this is important, you'll see that the United States will make it clear that we remain committed to the G20, as a critical forum for all of the major economies of the world to come together for global problem-solving, he told reporters.

At a moment when the international economy is suffering from historic and overlapping shocks, it is more important than ever to have a working forum with the world's largest economies to deliver meaningful outcomes, Sullivan said.

"So, in a sign of that commitment, the United States is looking forward to hosting the G20 in 2026, he said.

Meanwhile, an eminent American expert said on Tuesday that China's decision to skip the G20 Summit in New Delhi points to a troubled state of India-China relations.

Asia Society Vice President for International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel said Xi recently travelled to South Africa to attend a BRICS summit in person.

So, his decision to skip this week's G-20 in New Delhi is significant," Russel said.

The tensions between Delhi and Beijing, and the apparent animosity between the two leaders, seems the likeliest explanation -- but we do not know. Not even offering an alibi makes it look like Xi Jinping is snubbing Modi -- it points to the troubled state of PRC-Indian relations," he said.

It is true that the Chinese premier will substitute, but Li lacks the stature of past Chinese prime ministers like Zhu Rongji who wielded significant decision-making on economic matters, he added.

"Xi Jinping's rationale is less clear, but the signalling from Beijing suggests that he is keeping Biden at arm's length -- and making no commitment to attend the November APEC Summit in San Francisco -- in an attempt to pressure Washington into making concessions such as easing export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and equipment," he said.

"Ironically, the absence of Putin and Xi leaves the field open to Biden to dominate the agenda as well as the airwaves. He can be expected to press for stronger measures against Russia, on clean energy transition, and on measures to deal with crushing debt among developing nations -- the vast amount of which is held by China," Russel said.
The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided that Kunbi caste certificates will be issued to those Marathas hailing from the Marathwada region who possess revenue or education documents from the Nizam era that recognise them as Kunbis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.

IMAGE: Maratha quota protestor Manoj Jarange.



Kunbis (the community associated with agriculture) are grouped under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Maharashtra.

Those belonging to the Maratha community in Marathwada with references of being Kunbis in the Nizam-era revenue and education documents will get Kunbi certificates, the chief minister told reporters, adding that he would speak with his Telangana counterpart for any help in this matter.

Marathwada region was part of the erstwhile Hyderabad kingdom before it became part of Maharashtra.

Shinde said a five-member panel headed by judge Sandeep Shinde (retired) will determine the standard operating procedures (SOP), including legal and administrative framework, for giving caste certificates to members of the Maratha community referred to as Kunbis in the Nizam-era documents.

The panel will submit its report in a month.

Additional chief secretary (revenue), principal secretary (law and justice), and collectors of concerned districts (in Marathwada) will be members of this committee. The divisional commissioner, Aurangabad, will be the member secretary of the panel.

Quota protester Manoj Jarange, who has been on hunger strike for the last eight days in Jalna district, has been demanding that Marathas in Marathwada be recognised as Kunbis based on the old records.

Jarange said he would announce a decision on continuing his hunger protest at 11 am on Thursday.

The chief minister's announcement came after protests by members of the Maratha community across the state in view of the lathi charge by police on protesters in Jalna district.

He reiterated that the state government was committed to giving the reservation to Marathas.

"The erstwhile Devendra Fadnavis government had worked sincerely to give reservation to the Maratha community. The decision was challenged in the Bombay high court but it upheld the government's decision. However, the quota was struck down by the Supreme Court," Shinde added.

Without naming the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Shinde said the Maratha reservation was struck down when those people criticising us now were in power.

Jarange said: "I spoke to the chief minister who told me that Marathas from Marathwada who possess genealogical documentary proof of being Kunbis will get the fresh (Kunbi) caste certificate. Those Marathas who do not possess documentary proof of being Kunbis, their issue will be solved through a state government-appointed panel within a stipulated time."
The knife allegedly used by a housekeeping staffer to kill a 24-year-old flight attendant has been recovered along with the clothes he was wearing at the time of the crime in suburban Andheri four days ago, the police said on Wednesday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff archives

The murder weapon, a nine-inch knife, and the clothes accused Vikram Athwal (40) was wearing at the time of the fatal assault were recovered from bushes near the housing society where the victim, Rupal Ogrey, resided, a police official said.

The knife and the clothes will be sent for forensic examination, he said.

Ogrey, a native of Chhattisgarh, came to Mumbai in April for training with a leading private airline. She was found dead with her throat slit late Sunday night in a rented flat at N G Complex in the Marol area of suburban Andheri.

Athwal, who was doing housekeeping work over the last one year in the residential society, was arrested a day later and is in police custody till September 8.

According to the Powai police station official, during interrogation Athwal narrated the crime sequence and said he dumped the murder weapon as well as clothes he was wearing at the time of the incident in bushes near the housing society and went home.

On Tuesday, the victim's family members took possession of the body and left for their native place in Chhattisgarh, where her last rites were performed, he said.

The police were collecting more information from the accused related to the brutal crime and have already recorded statements of several people, said the official.

Athwal, who is married and has two daughters, was arrested from his home in suburban Powai and charged under IPC section 302 (murder).

The police suspect it was a premeditated murder as the accused had bought the knife used in the crime three days before the attack.

The accused and the victim used to argue over petty issues, an official said on Monday when asked about the possible motive behind the crime.

As per preliminary investigation, Athwal entered Ogrey's flat under the pretext of picking up a garbage bag and cleaning the commode.

"After gaining entry, he locked the door and took out the sharp weapon he was carrying with him. Ogrey tried to save herself but Athwal held her hair from the back and slit her throat," the official had said.
Manipur faces no dearth of essential supplies of food and medicine, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government told the Supreme Court on Wednesday, as the border state in the North East battled a humongous crisis stemming from a bloody conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

IMAGE: Students of Calcutta Girls' High School take out a peace rally in the wake of the ongoing violence in Manipur, in Kolkata, September 1, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Manipur government dubbed as untrue the claim by the counsel for the committee appointed by the apex court to oversee relief and rehabilitation of the victims of ethnic violence that the people of the state were suffering on account of an economic blockade.

The apex court has constituted a three-member panel headed by former chief justice of the Jammu and Kashmir high court Justice (retd) Gita Mittal to oversee relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the strife.

The assertions by the Manipur government were made in response to the September 1 order of the top court asking it and the Centre to ensure uninterrupted supply of basic commodities like food and medicine to people facing economic blockade in certain areas of the restive state.

The apex court had also directed the Manipur government to explore all options to deal with the blockades which were disrupting essential supplies to the state. It had said the option of air-dropping essential commodities, if needed, should be considered.

The 'All Tribal Students Union' had called a blockade of three major highways in the state amid the ethnic conflagration that has has left more than 160 people dead and hundreds injured.

In an affidavit filed in the top court, the chief secretary of the Manipur government said it was unfortunate that the platform of the Supreme Court was being "misutilised".

The claims made by the counsel for the committee and other applicants/petitioners during the course of hearing were without any factual basis, it said.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the state government, said essential supplies had been air-dropped even before the top court made the suggestion on September 1.

"It is submitted that this court must take serious note of the same and disallow any such attempts considering the sensitivity of the situation and the purity of court proceedings especially in the public interest jurisdiction that the petitioners have sought to invoke," the affidavit stated.

About the damage caused to religious places during the ethnic violence, the state government claimed the petitioners have made attempts to portray an incorrect position before the court where one community was shown as the victim and the other as aggressor.

"The State and Union of India have always maintained a neutral stand on the issue and have specifically not sought to selectively highlight some incidents over others.

"This approach of the Applicants/Petitioners to selectively pick and choose instances, places and occurrences portraying an incomplete picture, clearly highlight that attempts have been made to mislead this court and to utilise the platform of this court," the affidavit stated.

The Manipur government told the apex court in its 15-page affidavit that as on date 386 religious institutions of both the communities-the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis- have suffered damage.

"The Government is committed to rehabilitate the loss and the damage suffered. It is also submitted that no fresh damage to religious institutions are reported for the last month or so", it said.

"The state and the Union of India are committed for restoration and for providing all possible assistance to such religious institutions irrespective of which community/religion such institutions belong to," it said.

The state government said in the affidavit it was informed about food shortage and outbreak of measles and chickenpox in some parts of the state by some lawyers.

"It is submitted that the said claims seem to have been made without any factual verification and without any consultation with the relevant government authorities which have created panic. It is submitted that Petitioners/Applicants were confining their argument only to Moreh, however, the state of Manipur is handling and taking care of the entire state," it said.

'It is submitted that the alleged reports of measles/ chickenpox outbreak are not borne out from the record. It has been confirmed by the medical team in Moreh that there is only one case of chickenpox in Moreh, and the said patient is not a resident of the relief camp," the affidavit said.

It said the claims made during the hearing were absolutely false and added it was unfortunate that those were highlighted by the counsel for the committee before the apex court without first confirming or discussing the issue with the relevant government authorities.

The state government said in order to ensure that adequate supplies of essential items are maintained in relief camps, daily reviews are being conducted with the district administration.

It said additional security personnel were being deployed along the National Highway 37 to ensure unhindered movement of convoys carrying essential items from Jiribam to Imphal.

The state government said in order to control prices of essential commodities, reports were obtained from multiple sources.

"In case of significant increase in prices, District Administration has also been instructed to undertake sale of essential items as subsidised prices.

"Supply of Essential Medicines to Relief Camps/Districts is monitored regularly by the commissioner (health) with weekly meetings conducted with all the chief medical officers of the districts. Medicines are supplied to the districts from Imphal through ambulances, security forces' convoys and even helicopters in cases of emergencies," it said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament and create unnecessary controversy.

IMAGE: Opposition's INDIA bloc leaders including Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi during the meeting, in Mumbai, September 1, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Joshi's response came after Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to point out that no agenda was listed for the upcoming special session of Parliament.

She also proposed that nine issues, including violence in Manipur and price rise, be listed for discussion during the session.

"It is very unfortunate that you are trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament, our temple of democracy, and create unnecessary controversy," the parliamentary affairs minister said in his response to Gandhi.

Joshi said the Parliament session has been convened from September 18 after following all established procedures. Political parties are never consulted before calling a Parliament session, he said in his letter to the Congress leader.

"Perhaps, you do not pay attention to traditions. Before calling a Parliament session, neither discussions are held with political parties nor issues are ever discussed," Joshi said.

The minister said after a session is called by the President and before the commencement of the session, a meeting of all party leaders is held.

In this meeting issues and functioning of Parliament are discussed, Joshi added.

On the issues listed by Gandhi for discussion in her letter to the prime minister, he said they have already been discussed and answered by the government during the debate on no-trust motion in the Monsoon session.

Opposition parties had moved the no-confidence motion against the Modi government in the Monsoon session that started on July 20 and was adjourned sine die on August 11.

In his letter to Gandhi, Joshi, "I would also like to say that our government is always ready to discuss any issue."

"By the way, all the issues which you have mentioned were raised during the discussion on the no-confidence motion during the monsoon session recently and the government had also responded to them, he said.

In her letter to the prime minister, the issues that Gandhi had listed for discussion included Centre-State relations, rise in cases of communal tension, border transgressions by China and the demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to investigate the transactions of the Adani business group in light of several revelations.

Joshi asserted that the agenda of the session will be circulated "at the appropriate time as per the usual practice established".

"I also want to point out again that in our parliamentary system, the agenda has never been circulated in advance at the time of convening Parliament, irrespective of which party is in power," he said.

Joshi said that he is "fully confident" that the dignity of Parliament will be maintained during the special session and it will not be used for political reasons.

"I look forward to your full cooperation in the smooth conduct of the forthcoming session, which may lead to meaningful outcomes in the nation's interest," the minister said in his letter to Gandhi.
A senior lawyer, representing the apex court-appointed panel to oversee relief and rehabilitation in violence-hit Manipur, Wednesday took objection to the state government's claim that her statement on alleged lack of supply of food and medicine was without factual basis.

IMAGE: People collecting medicine after they go through a medical check-up at a camp set up by the Indian Army in Manipur, June 6, 2023. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the chief secretary of Manipur said it was unfortunate that the platform of the top court was being "misutilised", apparently referring to the lawyer's claim.

"The claims made by the counsel for the committee and other applicants/petitioners during the course of hearing were without any factual basis, the affidavit said.

Senior advocate Meenakshi Arora, representing the Justice Gita Mittal panel, said certain averments of the affidavit were a "direct attack" on her.

The senior lawyer told a bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud that she will recuse herself from appearing for the committee.

"We have gone through this affidavit. It seems like a direct attack towards the counsel for the committee. I have not made any statements on my own...only on the instructions of the committee, the lawyer said.

Another senior lawyer Huzefa Ahmadi, who appears for Meitei Christian Churches Council, also raised objection to an averment made by the state government against him.

The affidavit questions as to why the petitioner took up the case of destruction of churches only, he said, adding the state cannot take such a stand.

The idea was just to highlight the selective approach of the petitioner, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the state government, said.

On the reference made by the chief secretary in the affidavit to lawyers, including Arora, the bench said, Any reference made to counsel in affidavit shall not be construed as any comment on the counsel. We make it clear that counsel appearing before the court do so as officers of the court and are responsible to this court.
'The real issue between India and China is that the Chinese have transgressed along the Line of Actual Control at multiple points.'

Photograph: Greg Baker/Pool via Reuters IMAGE: Xi Jinping, right, will abstain from a G20 summit for the first time since he became China's president and instead send Premier Li Qiang, left, to represent the People's Republic at this weekend's G20 summit in New Delhi.

In a resurgence of Beijing's ongoing cartographic aggression against New Delhi, the Chinese government has released its latest 'standard map' of its border areas, continuing to show several Indian regions, including the entire Indian province of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region, as part of the People's Republic of China.

The map, released by Beijing on August 28, 2023, inaccurately reflects inflated territorial claims regarding China's maritime borders.

It depicts China's maritime borders with the so-called 'nine-dash line', covering large swathes of the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan.

India's ministry of external affairs has outright rejected the Chinese move.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that it is an 'old habit' of China to stake claim on territories that do not belong to them.

In an interview with NDTV, the foreign minister dismissed Beijing's 'absurd claims' and said 'putting out a map does not mean anything'.

Congress Party MP Manish Tewari has rejected the Chinese claim as 'absurd and preposterous'.

'Today, the real issue between India and China is that the Chinese have transgressed along the Line of Actual Control at multiple points on a theatre level. Analysts believe that the Chinese are currently in occupation of 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory,' Tiwari told news agency ANI.

'This is the territory that the National Democratic Alliance-Bharatiya Janata Party government needs to get vacated. Under those circumstances, the government should seriously introspect -- though the Group of Twenty is a multinational forum -- whether it would be in accordance with India's self-respect to be feting a person in Delhi, who is in illegal occupation of 2,000 sq. km of Indian territory along the LAC,' Tiwari added.

IMAGE: The Indian Army beefs up security at the Line of Actual Control in the eastern sector in Tawang by deploying M-777 ultra-light howitzers. Photograph: ANI Photo

Such fallacious Chinese representations have also appeared on other Sino-Indian maps.

Other regional countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, have all voiced their claims over the waters of the South China Sea.

In one of these maps, a 'tenth dash' has been placed east of Taiwan, depicting Beijing's claims over the island.

The publication of maps incorrectly depicting parts of India as Chinese territory has been a standard tactic employed by Beijing to lay claim to Indian territory and waters.

In the early 1950s, Beijing published its first official map of China, asserting ownership over large portions of Ladakh and the North East Frontier Agency (then NEFA).

This subsequently became an official claim to those Indian territories.

The latest map has been released by China's ministry of natural resources.

It was unveiled during the celebration of Surveying and Mapping Publicity Day and the National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week in Zhejiang province.

The English-language news portal ChinaDaily.com.cn has quoted its chief planner, Wu Wenzhong, as stating that 'surveying, mapping, and geographic information play an important role in boosting the development of the nation'.

In April 2023, China's ministry of civil affairs released Chinese language names for 11 places in 'Zangnam', or South Tibet -- the standard Chinese nomenclature for Arunachal Pradesh.

This marks the third instance in six years that China has announced Chinese names for towns, villages, and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming its claim to the entire Indian state.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to point out that no agenda was listed for the special Parliament session and to raise nine issues, including violence in Manipur and price rise, for discussion during it.

IMAGE: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi attends opposition bloc, INDIA's meeting, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

The issues listed by Gandhi include Centre-state relations, rise in cases of communal tension, border transgressions by China and the demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) to investigate the transactions of the Adani business group in light of several revelations.

"I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business," Gandhi said in her letter.

"We most certainly want to participate in the special session because it will give us an opportunity to raise matters of public concern and importance. I earnestly hope that time will be allocated under the appropriate rules for a discussion and debate on these issues," she said.

According to her party colleague Jairam Ramesh, this is the first time no agenda has been discussed or listed in the business of the House.

Seeking time to hold a discussion on the nine issues raised, Gandhi wrote of the "continued agony faced by people of Manipur and breakdown of constitutional machinery and social harmony in the state". She also brought up the rise in communal tension in different states such as Haryana.

Raising the China issue, she listed the continued occupation of Indian territory by China and "challenges to our sovereignty on our borders in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh".

Gandhi also raised the "urgent need for a caste census", a demand which the Congress and some other parties have been raising for quite some time.

She listed for discussion the issues of damages inflicted on Centre-State relations and the impact of natural disasters caused by extreme floods in some states and drought in others.

Besides, the chairperson of the Congress parliamentary party pointed to the current economic situation with focus on increasing price rise of essential commodities, growing unemployment, rise in inequalities and distress of MSMEs also to be discussed during the upcoming session.

Gandhi also said the commitment made by the Government of India to farmers and farmer organizations in regard to MSP and other demands raised by them also need to be discussed in Parliament.

"I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming special session," she said.

Listing the contents of Gandhi's letter to the prime minister, Congress general secretary Ramesh said at a press conference that the prime minister is in panic and is "fatigued". He also alleged that there "autocracy" was prevailing in the country.

Attacking the prime minister, Ramesh claimed, "All his actions -- his revival of a dead NDA when our Bengaluru meeting was going on, his response to the formation of the INDIA group, his unilateral decision to call this five day session... These are all symbols of a panic-stricken administration. After nine years, it is a case of maximum fatigue, maximum panic."

Addressing the media at the AICC headquarters, Ramesh said, "We want that the upcoming session is constructive and this was decided at the meeting of the strategy group and during the meeting of INDIA parties."

He said the Congress and INDIA parties had discussions at the strategy group meeting presided over by Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

"We decided that we will not boycott the session and we will raise the issues of the people," he noted.

"If there is no 'shehnai' of democracy in the mother of democracy, then what kind of democracy is this," Ramesh asked,.

He said the rules under which the discussion can take place can be discussed mutually.

The special session of Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 6. Turkmenistan and French companies have identified promising vectors of economic cooperation, Trend reports.

The determination of issues related to further cooperation took place during the working visit of the official delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, during which the Turkmen side held a meeting with French companies that are part of the MEDEF-International association.

During the meeting, the Turkmen side acquainted representatives of French business with the key areas of economic development and investment potential of the country.

Having exchanged views on the intensification and expansion of Turkmen-French cooperation, the participants of the meeting identified the oil and gas and gas chemical industries, electric power, transport and communications, medical industry and pharmaceuticals, financial and banking sector, as well as the water sector as promising vectors of partnership.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan and France are actively growing their commercial relations, which makes it easier to share knowledge and technologies. Joint investment projects help build infrastructure and create new jobs, which in turn benefits the economies of both countries.
More than 40 people, mostly women, were injured after security forces fired several rounds of teargas shells to disperse thousands of protesters who tried to breach security barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Wednesday, officials said.

IMAGE: Indian Army soldiers with 22 automated weapons recovered during joint combing operations across Manipur, June 10, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The injured have been rushed to Bishnupur district hospital and Moirang public health centre for treatment, they said.

Defying the curfew, hundreds of locals came out of their houses at Oinam in Bishnupur district and squatted in the middle of a road around 2.30pm to block the movement of police and other central forces' personnel who were on their way to Phougakchao Ikhai from Imphal, officials said.

Around 11.40 am, protesters on the way to Phougakchao Ikhai were stopped by state police forces which had put a barricade at Kwakta, around two km away. Though the police fired a few rounds of teargas shells, the protesters overran the barricade and proceeded towards Phougakchao Ikhai. No one was injured in the commotion, officials said.

Responding to the call of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) to storm army barricades at Phougakchao Ikhai, people had gathered in Bishnupur district demanding that those be pushed towards Churachandpur side.

Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) president Lourembam Nganbi told reporters, "Hundreds of Meiteis, who fled their homes at Torbung after violence broke out on May 3, are unable to visit their homes because of the barricades. We are just demanding that those be shifted so that people can visit their homes."

COCOMI had called upon the people to storm the barricades as their repeated requests to the government to remove those by August 30 had fallen on deaf ears.

On Tuesday, the state government hurriedly clamped full curfew in five valley districts till further orders in apprehension of law and order violations.
Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala on Wednesday said top leaders of opposition INDIA bloc will attend the Samman Divas Maha rally in Kaithal on September 25 to mark the birth anniversary of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal.

IMAGE: 63 Opposition leaders from 28 different parties pose for group photo during INDIA's third meeting in Mumbai, September 1, 2023. Photograph: Courtesy @kharge/X

"We have sent out invites for the event and many have already confirmed that they will come," Abhay told reporters in Chandigarh.

However, when specifically asked if the Congress party has also been invited for the event, Abhay said, "We still have time to invite more people and we will discuss who else is to be invited. Why are you in a hurry."

He said that so far Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary and Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury have confirmed their participation.

He said among others invites have also been sent to Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar.

Abhay Chautala said that Banerjee has told him that she had some preoccupation on that day and she will depute a senior leader of her party for the event while Thackeray told him that if he is unable to attend due to some reasons he will send a senior leader for the event.

He said he will meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar in a day or two and also personally invite him.

"We have also sent out invites to some other partners of the INDIA bloc," he said.

He further said that his father and INLD president Om Prakash Chautala was the first leader to re-group the opposition leaders at one of the Samman Divas events in the previous year. "Who laid the foundation of this?. We laid its foundation," said Abhay about the INDIA bloc.

He said Devi Lal's birth anniversary is celebrated as Samman Divas each year in which leaders of different political parties from all over the country participate and pay their respects.

On a question asked on the factionalism in the Haryana unit of Congress, the INLD leader said that "the Congress leaders are not fighting for the public but for their own selfishness and personal supremacy".

"But when it comes to playing the role of an opposition and raising issues pertaining to the public, they remain silent," he said.

On a question asked on Haryana Minister Sandeep Singh, who was last year booked by the Chandigarh police in a sexual harassment case, Abhay Chautala said despite chargesheet having been filed recently in the case before a court in Chandigarh by the police the chief minister has not sacked him.

"If Sandeep Singh has even a little bit of shame left, he should resign," he said.

"Even after the chargesheet against Sandeep Singh, chief minister shamelessly says in the assembly that he will not remove the minister..under what pressure CM why he is not asking for his resignation. Why is he protecting him," he said, adding Sandeep Singh should have been arrested long ago.

"Had there been any other person, the Chadigarh Police would not have taken a minute to put him and his entire family behind bars," he said.
The United Kingdom government will table a draft proscription order in the House of Commons on Wednesday which will impose a ban on Russia's mercenary Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation.

IMAGE: A man speaks with fighters of Wagner private mercenary group deployed in a street near the headquarters of the Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, 2023. A sign on a tank reads: 'Siberia'. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters

The proscription order will make it illegal to be a member of or support the Russian group in the UK, the Home Office said.

Certain offences related to banned terror organisations can result in 14 years imprisonment in the country.

As part of the Home Office draft order, Wagner's assets can also be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

"Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of [President] Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas, said UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals. They are terrorists, plain and simple  and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law, she said.

The Indian-origin Home Secretary claimed that Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders.

Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security. That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia," she added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously called for the Wagner Group to be treated as a terrorist organisation.

The mercenary group, which was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin until he was killed in a plane crash last month, has played a prominent role in the Russian conflict with Ukraine. It is also known to be active in conflicts in other war-torn regions of Syria and Africa.

The crash that killed Prigozhin occurred just months after he mounted an attempted coup against Russia's military leadership, ultimately calling into question Putin's authority as Russian President.

There have been conspiracy theories floating around the suspect explosion that caused the Wagner leader and his inner circle's death in the crash.

The UK Home Office said it considered the nature and scale of the organisation's activities as well as the threat they pose to British nationals abroad in deciding on the proscription order.

It will bring the group in line with other banned terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda.
'There was a 77% chance that electorates in India voted for the same party for both the state and Centre when elections were held simultaneously.'

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supremo Narendra D Modi greets BJP supporters at a roadshow for the Karnataka assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo

At least since 2015, the Narendra D Modi government has favoured 'simultaneous; assembly and Lok Sabha polls, or 'one nation, one election', arguing that it would help the exchequer curtail election expenditure and expedite decision-making.

The Opposition, especially some regional parties and even the Congress, has opposed the government's proposal, calling it against the federal principle.

Recent studies and electoral data reveal why the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is pushing for one nation, one election.

The 2017 NITI Aayog discussion paper on 'simultaneous elections' by Bibek Debroy and Kishore Desai proposed holding at least 14 assembly polls with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, citing the significant savings to the exchequer. But it recognised the criticism that simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls could lead to a similar voting pattern.

A 2015 study by IDFC Institute, a think-tank, found that from 1999 to 2014, there was a 77 per cent chance that electorates in India voted for the same party for both the state and Centre when elections were held simultaneously.

Still, the figure dropped to 61 per cent when elections were held even six months apart.

When this cycle was disrupted further, only 48 per cent of the constituencies produced the same party winner.

According to an analysis by Sanjay Kumar and Jagdeep Chhokar, which Debroy's paper discussed, from the 1989 Lok Sabha elections to 2014, there were 31 instances of simultaneous polls for assemblies and Lok Sabha. In 24 elections, the major political parties polled almost a similar proportion of votes for the assembly and the Lok Sabha, while only in seven instances was the voters' choice somewhat different.

Debroy and Desai argued that the cost to the government for conducting Lok Sabha elections 'has seen a significant jump'. They recognised that 'one election' would require constitutional amendments but said frequent elections disrupted governance and development work and forced governments to take populist measures.

The two said that compared to the cost incurred for conducting the 2009 Lok Sabha elections at about Rs 1,115 crore (Rs 11.15 billion), the same for 2014 tripled to about Rs 3,870 crore (Rs 38.70 billion). In addition, the 2015 Bihar assembly polls cost Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) and Gujarat's in 2017 Rs 240 crore (Rs 2.4 billion), when these and others could have been held alongside the Lok Sabha elections.

'Clearly, frequent elections take away opportunities to optimise such costs and lead to a significant yearly outflow of public money every year,' it said. In contrast, it said the Election Commission estimates Rs 4,500 crore (Rs 45 billion) in case elections are held simultaneously, the paper stated.

There is a reason why the Congress and its allies are wary of the proposal. In December 2018, the Congress won the assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. It beat the incumbent BJP in terms of the number of seats won and vote share secured on the back of local issues, including agrarian distress.

Five months later, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured 59 per cent of votes in Rajasthan, improving nearly 20 per cent from its assembly election showing. The results in MP and Chhattisgarh were similar.

However, by October, when Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana held their assembly polls -- three states that the BJP had swept in the May 2019 Lok Sabha polls -- the situation it faced had changed. It lost its government in Jharkhand, while Maharashtra and Jharkhand threw up fractured verdicts.

In 2020, the BJP lost comprehensively in the Delhi assembly polls, where it had won all seven Lok Sabha seats in May 2019, and struggled to repeat its Lok Sabha performance in the Bihar assembly polls.
Amid a controversy over G20 dinner invites purportedly sent on behalf of the "President of Bharat", Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked a "flustered" BJP on Tuesday whether it would change the name of Bharat if the opposition alliance INDIA rechristens itself as "Bharat".

Photograph: ANI Photo

The Congress alleged on Tuesday that an invite sent by the Narendra Modi government for a G20 dinner refers to the president as the "President of Bharat" and not India.

"I have no official information on this. I have heard rumours. Why is this happening? It is being said that this is being done because we have formed an alliance named INDIA. The country belongs to 140 crore people and not to one party. If the INDIA alliance rechristens itself as Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat also?" Kejriwal asked while replying to a question at a press conference in Delhi.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a constituent of the opposition bloc INDIA.

Kejriwal, who is the national convenor of the AAP, claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre is afraid of the alliance and that is why it is resorting to such changes, which he termed "treason".

"What a joke is this. This is our country. We have an ancient culture," he said.

Kejriwal said the BJP is so disturbed by the opposition alliance that when it was first announced, it tried to divert people's attention from it with its "one nation, one election" proposal.

"Their response to the INDIA alliance shows that they are quite flustered. They released the gimmick of 'one nation, one election' to divert attention. How will it benefit people? How will it benefit you and your family? Will it lead to a reduction in price rise and unemployment?" he asked.

The AAP leader said the BJP wants one election every five years because it has no intention to work for people and that "one nation, one election" is merely a ploy to shirk responsibility.

"There is only one advantage of 'one nation, one election'. At present, they have to go among people and work every six months. Then, they will be seen once in five years. They will wander around the world for five years.

"I predict that if one nation, one election happens, by the next election, the LPG cylinders will be sold at Rs 5,000 and they will offer a Rs 200 subsidy and boast about it. Basically, they do not want to work," he added.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said while there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', he hopes the government will not be so "foolish" to completely dispense with 'India' which has "incalculable brand value".

The Congress MP also claimed it was Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who had objected to the name 'India' since it implied that "our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state".

In a post on X, Tharoor said 'Bharat' is one of the country's two official names.

"While there is no constitutional objection to calling India 'Bharat', which is one of the country's two official names, I hope the government will not be so foolish as to completely dispense with 'India', which has incalculable brand value built up over centuries," the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram said.

"We should continue to use both words rather than relinquish our claim to a name redolent of history, a name that is recognised around the world," he said.

In another post, Tharoor said, "While the subject is live, let's recall that it was Jinnah who objected to the name 'India' since it implied that our country was the successor state to the British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state. As with CAA, the BJP govt keeps supporting Jinnah's view!"

Addressing a press conference, AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh cited Article 1 of the Constitution that says "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of states".

He said the Centre, "by trying to change Article 1 written by Bhimrao Ambedkar, is displaying their hatred".

"IITs, IIMs, ISRO, AIIMS and other government institutions use the word 'India'. From how many names will they remove 'India'? The people of this country, including Dalits, Adivasis and the oppressed class, who have faith in Bhimrao Ambedkar, will not tolerate disrespect to him," he said.

Another AAP leader, Raghav Chadha, echoed similar views and asserted that "our national identity" is not the "BJP's personal property".

"The BJP's recent move to change the reference from 'President of India' to 'President of Bharat' on official G20 summit invitations has raised eyebrows and ignited a public debate. How can the BJP strike down 'INDIA'? The country does not belong to a political party, it belongs to 135 crore Indians. Our national identity is not the BJP's personal property that it can modify on whims and fancies, Judega Bharat Jeetega INDIA," he wrote on X.

Several BJP leaders in the past have raised a demand for changing the name of the country from "India" to "Bharat".

In the recently-concluded monsoon session of Parliament, BJP MP Naresh Bansal had said in the Rajya Sabha that the name "India" is a symbol of "colonial slavery" and should be removed from the Constitution.

In June, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea filed for changing the name of India to Bharat, while allowing it to be treated as a representation before the Union ministries concerned.

Earlier, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, at a programme in Guwahati, had insisted that people use Bharat instead of India.
In the ancient world there is a great deal of give and take and reciprocal learning.

India was an integral and important constituent of such interchanges of goods and ideas.

A fascinating excerpt from Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Shobita Punja and Toby Sinclair's must read A New History of India.

IMAGE: Aryabhata -- the astronomer and mathematician of the fifth century. Photograph: Kind courtesy 1940368 Hemateja/wikipedia.org/Creative Commons

Monks and ascetics belonging to different sects and beliefs were very significant in the transmission of ideas.

Ascetics immersed in the profound wisdom of the Upanishads and others belonging to different dissenting sects were the carriers of philosophical ideas, as were Buddhist monks and scholars.

It is well known that travellers from Southeast Asia and China visited India at different points of time and spent many months and years here.

They were not only the bearers of the message of the Buddha but were very often the preservers and repositories of old Buddhist texts. Thus, knowledge and wisdom originating in India moved across geographies.

Such movements of ideas were often enmeshed with trade.

Arab traders on the western coast of India carried with them some of the truly original findings of Indian scientists and mathematicians.

Bakhshali Manuscript, about 300-800 ce This bark manuscript contains the earliest known example, to date, of the numeral zero. Carbon dating of the manuscript has established that the manuscript is over 1,600 years old. The numeral in the manuscript is drawn as a shunya or zero, which symbolizes both nothing and infinity. It is seen as a small dot or bindu, that is a symbol of great significance in Indian mathematics, art, and philosophy and suggests that from nothing this tiny dot emerges and emanates into an infinity of forms.

This was how the concept of zero, the numerals, the decimal system, the numerical value of pi, and the mathematical system of algebra became a part of the global system of knowledge.

Some of the discoveries and calculations of Indian scientists in the domain of astronomy were also fundamental contributions which, unfortunately, because of the dominance of Western science, have not received the recognition they deserve.

A remarkable example is Aryabhata -- the astronomer and mathematician of the fifth century, whose work in astronomy and the field of trigonometry was original and foundational; he had also proposed the daily motion of the earth and a theory of gravity to explain why objects are not flung off the earth as it rotates.

This was later to be elaborated by Brahmagupta in the sixth century.

This corpus of knowledge travelling with Arab traders and sailors reached the city of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), a major centre of learning and trade and from there moved to Venice, and thus contributed to the making of the world of European learning associated with the Renaissance.

In the ancient world there is a great deal of give and take and reciprocal learning.

India was an integral and important constituent of such interchanges of goods and ideas.

There was a general acknowledgement of what the Syrian bishop Severus Sebokht said in 662 ce: 'There are also others who know something.'

An interesting facet of India's achievements in the world of astronomy and mathematics was the attention scholars devoted to the development of calendars.

Calendars were important initially because they marked out days and periods of rituals, worship, and even of harvests.

In spite of the originary links of calendars with religious functions, the former cannot be established without the knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

There are more than thirty indigenous calendar systems used in India, and several more were added from other countries--the Gregorian or ('Christian' or 'Western') calendar, the Hijri (or Islamic) calendar system, the Buddhist calendar system (followed for traditional and ritual purposes), and the Parsi (Zoroastrian or Jewish) calendar. Likewise, the Tamil calendar is prevalent among the Tamil community, and the Kollavarsham calendar is used in Kerala. The two main systems used in India are both lunar-solar (moon-sun) based. The Vikrama calendar started from the Vikrama Samvat era, founded by Vikramaditya, signifying his coronation in 56 bce. Its zero year is taken as 56 bce, according to the Western Gregorian calendar. The Saka (or Shalivahana) calendar started from the Saka Samvat era, founded by Gautamiputra Satakarni (or Shalivahana) in 78 ce to celebrate his victory against the Sakas. The main difference in the two systems is the observance of the New Year. The Vikrama calendar starts its year with the month of Baisakh (April) while the Saka calendar begins the New Year on the first day of Chaitra (March). Both calendars count one year of twelve lunar months, with twelve full cycles of the phases of the moon. The difference between the lunar year of 354 days and solar year of 365 days was resolved in the Indian calendar by adding an extra month every thirty months. This system of integrating the lunar and solar cycles makes the Indian calendar unique and more accurate than others in predicting agricultural seasons, so critical for the economy of India. As each month is divided into two paksha or pakhwaaraa--a bright half when the new moon grows to full moon (Shukla Paksha) and a dark half when it wanes back to no moon (Krishna Paksha). These moon phases and seasons determine the best period for sowing, harvesting, fishing, and festivities.

Photograph: Ashish Narsale/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Yantra Raj Yantra is used to calculate the Hindu calendar at Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.

The presence and practice of these various calendrical systems clearly demonstrate the level of sophistication that was present among Indian scientists.

The latter had arrived at the calculation of 365 days to the year and also made adjustments by adding a leap month.

Varahamihira in the sixth century made the computation that the year consisted of 365.25875 days and this was only very marginally wrong.

These computations travelled and were appropriated into the body of Western knowledge.

The coming of Islam strengthened India's links with West and Central Asia. India became part of the Persianate world.

Photograph: Ashish Narsale/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Kapali Yantra measures coordinates of celestial bodies in the sky at Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.

A good illustration of India's integration into the Persianate world is the career of the Iranian scholar and polymath Alberuni born in Central Asia in 973 ce.

His first visit to India was with the plundering army of Mahmud of Ghazni.

He chose to be engaged with India and all things Indian.

He wrote in the early eleventh century a text in Arabic called Tarikh al-hind (The History of India).

This work was built on Alberuni's formidable intellectual attainments.

He had learnt and mastered Sanskrit and read Indian texts on mathematics, sciences, literature, religion, and philosophy.

He had conversed with many experts of the time and had closely observed social customs and conventions.

His book is thus a unique blend of Indian and Arabic scholarship. But he was astute and objective enough to note the differences between the people of India and the inhabitants of his own world.

IMAGE: The statue of Alberuni at the Persian Scholar Pavilion at the Vienna International Centre. Photograph: Kind courtesy Yamaha5/wikipedia.org/Creative Commons

Alberuni was not the only scholar from the Arabic world to be interested in India though he was by far the most remarkable.

Brahmagupta's Sanskrit treatise on astronomy had been rendered into Arabic, as had several works on science, philosophy, and medicine.

It is important to note that unwittingly perhaps Alberuni was following in the footsteps of Chinese travellers, Faxian and Xuanzang who had visited India in the fifth and seventh centuries ce respectively to study Buddhism.

They had spent many years in India and left behind detailed accounts of what they had observed and experienced.

In the seventeenth century, just as the European trading companies were beginning their operations in India, an Italian Jesuit, Roberto de Nobili, visited South India and mastered Tamil and Sanskrit.

His linguistic abilities enabled him to produce texts in Latin and Tamil on Indian intellectual debates and discussions.

The French Jesuit Jean Francois Pons wrote a grammar of Sanskrit in Latin and also sent back a collection of original manuscripts to Europe.

Excerpted from A New History of India by Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Shobita Punja and Toby Sinclair with the kind permission of the publishers, Aleph Book Company.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Sunshine and some clouds. High 48F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.
The Connecticut River Watershed Partnership Act is meant to formalize partnerships between state, local, and private entities to promote conservation, restoration, education, and recreation efforts in the watershed.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 6. Turkmenistan highly appreciates constructive partnership established with Japan, Trend reports.

President of the Supreme Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said this during a meeting in Ashgabat with President of the Japanese University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata.

During the meeting, Berdimuhamedov stressed that in recent years, Turkmen-Japanese relations have been actively developing in trade, economic, political, social, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

The parties noted that there are broad prospects for further joint work in improving the education systems of the two countries.

In this context, they discussed opportunities for the exchange of experience and the training of experienced teachers who will teach the Japanese language in Turkmenistan and the Turkmen language in Japan.

At the same time, the parties called the strengthening of cooperation in this direction relevant in connection with the increase in high-tech industries in Turkmenistan and the interest of large Japanese companies in technological partnership with Turkmen colleagues.

Meanwhile, cooperation between Japan and Turkmenistan is an important factor for stability and prosperity in the region and complements the foreign policy strategies of both countries. It continues to develop and expand, creating new opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between these two distant but important partners.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 6. Iran is making even stronger efforts to develop its nuclear program and nuclear technology as sanctions against the country remain in place, Vice President of Iran and Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at a meeting held in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran, regarding the development of the agricultural sector of the province with the use of nuclear technology on September 6, 2023.

On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad.

According to Eslami, the nuclear program is not just about making an atomic bomb. Iran is also developing its nuclear program and nuclear technology in various fields. Vice president also added that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has planned many programs within the 20-year strategic document. These programs include the construction of power plants, irradiation, production of radioisotopes, etc.

Iran intends to produce safer agricultural products, using irradiation. On average, 130 million tons of agricultural products are cultivated in the country annually. About 30 percent of the agricultural production becomes waste. Waste in this amount (about 40 million tons) reduces the income of economic activity in the field of agriculture, he said.

Eslami noted that the AEOI will use irradiation technology for manufacturing agricultural products. For this purpose, the country is divided into 12 important centers. The Khuzestan Province is one of the main centers for agriculture production. Irradiation will be applied in this province in the near future.

He stressed that the first plant for pistachio production in the country will be launched in the near future, and it irradiation system will be used during production.

Last Iranian year (March 21, 2022 through March 20, 2023), necessary steps were taken within the framework of the 20-year strategic document by the Iranian government. Iran states that it intends to benefit from all peaceful fields of the nuclear industry, including energy, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and innovation.

Iran is mainly trying to achieve the abolition of sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries, the removal of its funds frozen abroad, and the abolition of the restriction on the export of crude oil. In return, the US and Western countries want Iran not to acquire an atomic bomb, to keep its nuclear program under control, and to reduce the level of uranium enrichment.

---

Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur
From salt to seafood, AFCL looked into 5 of the most prevalent rumors circulating in China.

Japan says it is safe. So does the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, the neutral nuclear monitoring body.

Yet despite overwhelming scientific evidence, Tokyos discharge of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant on Aug. 24 has been a popular source of misinformation in neighboring countries, especially in China.

AFCL investigated and debunked the five viral water discharge rumors.

Claim 1. Japan downplays the risk of Fukushima water.

This is misleading.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, TEPCO, which operates the plant, developed a new water filtration system known as ALPS, short for Advanced Liquid Processing System, to ensure that the treated water will fall well within the IAEA safety standards for disposed wastewater.

While ALPS removes all 62 harmful radioactive elements contained within the wastewater, trace amounts of a naturally occurring radioactive form of hydrogen known as tritium will remain after the water is released back into the ocean.

To ensure safety, TEPCO is diluting the amount of tritium in all discharged water to 1,500 becquerels per liter, or about one seventh of the World Health Organizations recommended level of tritium in drinking water.

Claim 2. Japans decision not to reuse treated water as tap water proves it is unsafe to consume.

This is false.

The treated water is seawater and unsafe for humans to drink over long periods of time. ALPS can only remove radioactive substances from the water, not desalinate it.

Additionally, nuclear power facilities on Chinas coast discharge treated wastewater back into the ocean because it is unfit for drinking.

Claim 3. Japan ignored China and Russias suggestion to evaporate wastewater amid cost concern.

This is misleading.

Japan proposed five ways to dispose of the water treated by ALPS in 2016, and one of them was to evaporate it before discharging it into the atmosphere. But the country decided in April 2021 that it would discharge water into the sea as it would be the most feasible plan of action.

The IAEA and other third-party countries are scheduled to monitor the discharged water for the next 30 years.

Kyodo News reported that China and Russia again proposed the water should be evaporated as the date for the ocean discharge was approaching.

But Japan chose to continue with their plan after assessing that it would be more difficult to monitor radioactive substances in the atmosphere than in the sea.

Indeed, even scientists from China have not definitively stated that evaporation is a superior method for wastewater disposal compared to releasing it into the ocean.

In a February 2023 article published in the international scientific journal Molecules, four researchers from China weighed the advantages and disadvantages of different water treatment techniques. They noted that although evaporation can yield highly purified water, it also comes with considerable risks such as explosions and corrosion of equipment.

Claim 4: ALPS treated water will contaminate salt with radiation.

This is false.

Tritium only exists in the form of water and there is no water in pure salt, said Yeh Tsung-kuang, director of the Nuclear Science & Technology Development Center at Taiwans National Tsing Hua University.

Therefore, there is no need to worry about tritium in salt, he told Taiwans Central News Agency.

As for table salt, it does contain water, but an average person would need to consume over 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of salt extracted directly from Fukushimas treated water per day in order to exceed WHOs recommended levels of tritium in drinking water, explained Tunghai Universitys Department of Applied Physics in Taiwan.

Another reason for the panic buying of salt in China is the widespread belief that consuming increased amounts of iodine helps prevent radiation.

However, WHO says that the amount of iodine contained in table salt is insufficient to prevent the body from absorbing radiation and can even be harmful if consumed in excess.

Claim 5. Japanese seafood products will be unsafe to eat after the discharge.

This is misleading.

According to the IAEA, the impact of radiation from the treated waters discharged at Fukushima on humans and the environment should be negligible.

Humans receive low doses of radiation from traveling on planes, undergoing health checks or even just eating common foods.

An article published by the University of California shows that a typical banana contains about 0.1 microsieverts of radiation; or more than 0.09 microsieverts  the amount of radiation people living within 50 miles of a nuclear power plant are exposed to over a year.

Translated by Shen Ke. Edited by Taejun Kang and Malcolm Foster.

Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) is a branch of RFA established to counter disinformation in todays complex media environment. Our journalists publish both daily and special reports that aim to sharpen and deepen our readers understanding of public issues.
Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, pledges US commitment to the South China Sea region.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday extolled his countrys brotherly ties with Southeast Asian nations, but skirted the issue of Chinas new map that shows Beijings claim over some of its neighbors waters in the South China Sea.

Disagreements must be handled through dialogue, Li said, addressing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in Jakarta.

We have preserved peace and tranquility in East Asia in a world caught with turbulence and change. In particular, we confronted the COVID-19 challenge by coming to each others aid in those difficult times, Li said. And that is a reflection of our brotherly ties in the face of adversity with concrete actions.

Li avoided any mention of Chinas new map, which was released last month and shows Beijings expansive claim over most of the South China Sea, including territories overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of ASEAN countries Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Those countries, India and Taiwan have objected to the map.

In a statement Wednesday, Indonesia, the ASEAN chair, did not mention the Chinese map, but said disputes over the South China Sea must be settled in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

The statement also did not specifically mention China Coast Guard firing water cannons at a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the disputed waters.

It did say that some ASEAN member-states expressed concern about serious incidents in the area, including actions that put the safety of all persons at risk.

A day earlier Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a meeting with his ASEAN counterparts did not name China but made strong statements about territorial integrity.

We do not seek conflict; but it is our duty as citizens and as leaders to always rise to meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights and our maritime jurisdictions in the South China Sea, he said.

No country would expect any less. No country would do any less.

The Philippines, he said, calls upon all parties for self-restraint on activities that complicate South China Sea disputes.

The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries, Marcos said.

This not only denies us our independence and our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during her bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Sept. 6, 2023. (Achmad Ibrahim, pool via AP)

The U.S. representative at the summit, Vice President Kamala Harris, pledged Washingtons support of ASEAN.

ASEAN is at the center of Americas commitments to the Indo-Pacific. As the United States Indo-Pacific strategy makes clear we are committed to ASEAN centrality, Harris said.

Since President Biden and I took office we have expanded ASEAN ties. To that end, we have upgraded the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. We invested in infrastructure and the digital economy. We launched major initiatives to address the climate crisis and health security.

Myanmar discussions

ASEAN members also addressed the crisis in member-state Myanmar, where a military coup in February 2021 toppled the elected government and unleashed a brutal crackdown on protesters and civilians.

More than 4,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested by security forces since then, according to a monitoring group.

In a statement released Wednesday, the ASEAN leaders expressed grave concern over the lack of progress in implementing their five-point consensus on Myanmar adopted in April 2021. It calls for an immediate halt to violence and a dialogue among all parties.

The escalation of violence is causing prolonged suffering for the people of Myanmar, humanitarian crisis, the destruction of houses and public facilities such as schools, hospitals, markets, churches and monasteries, and adverse impacts on regional stability, particularly along the border region, the statement said.

Still, the leaders reiterated their position that the consensus plan remains ASEANs main reference to address the Myanmar situation.

Harris said the U.S. would continue efforts to return democracy to Myanmar.

We have a shared commitment to international rules and norms and to our partnership on pressing national and regional issues such as the crisis in Myanmar, Harris said.

She said the U.S. would press the regime to end the horrific violence, to release all those unjustly detained, and to reestablish Myanmars path to inclusive democracy.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan (left) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang take a trial run on the Beijing-funded Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail, Sept. 6, 2023. (Indonesia Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment)

In a separate meeting with leaders of ASEAN, South Korea and Japan, Li urged those leaders to find common ground, avoid a new Cold War and reject attempts to force countries to take sides.

China has accused Washington of a cold war mentality as it pushes back against perceived efforts to contain Beijings rise as a global superpower.

Beijing has also suggested that Washington, through its alliances and partnerships with other countries, seeks to isolate or pressure China on issues such as trade, technology and territorial disputes.

To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, oppose bloc confrontation, and oppose a new Cold War and to ensure that disagreements and disputes among countries are properly handled, Li said.

Away from ASEAN proceedings, Li joined Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesias coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, for a trial run of the China-funded high-speed train connecting Jakarta with the city of Bandung. The two discussed potentially extending the $7.2 billion project, according to Reuters news service.

The rail project is the most high-profile of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative projects in Indonesia, Southeast Asias largest economy. It has been touted by Indonesia and China as a symbol of the close ties between the two countries.

BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. Staff in Manila contributed to this report.
Iryna Bessmertnaya, 36, a native of Kherson, which continues to be terrorized by the occupants, has become the winner of Ms.World International 2023. The contest was held in Miami, where about one hundred contestants from different countries of the world, including Russia, came to fight for the crown. Two representatives of the terrorist country were in the top five, and during the announcement of the results, the Ukrainian held one of them by the hands.

ADVERTISIMENT

It should be noted at once that Bessmertnaya represented not Ukraine, but the United States. To be more precise, on her personal page in Instagram shortly before the contest she indicated such information: "In the finals of Ms. World International 2023 I will represent the married women of America. Girls from all over the world are flying in! And I'm very lucky that the pageant will be held in Miami, 15 minutes from our home."

Apparently, Irina has been living abroad for a long time. Despite this, at the "Mrs. World" she occasionally positioned herself as a Ukrainian, in particular demonstrated the blue-yellow flag. And the description of Bessmertnaya's profile in social networks says: "From Ukraine".

ADVERTISIMENT

However, the Kherson native hastily forgot about her roots when she decided to take her competitor, Russian Anastasia Mashkina, by the hands before the winner's name was announced.

As you can understand from the photos and videos published on Ms.World International 2023's Instagram page, the atmosphere at the contest was friendly, which in no way embarrassed the representative of America who hails from Ukraine. She was kindly photographed with citizens of the aggressor country, who, judging by social networks, support Putin's regime and are proud of their state.

ADVERTISIMENT

During the announcement of the results, Irina stood between Anastasia Mashkina and another representative of the Russian Federation, Anastasia Tizova. The women applauded and smiled flatteringly at each other. Apparently, the cynical "apolitical" position of such contests suits Kherson, for whom the crown and a beautiful picture were more important than honor.

At the same time, immediately after her victory, Bessmertnaya posted a post on social media in Russian saying that she was "incredibly proud to be a Ukrainian representing the U.S. at the world level."

"The new Mrs. World! This is Victory! The main crown is ours! I'm incredibly proud to be a Ukrainian representing the U.S. at the world level and to win the main crown! Very symbolic - on the Flag Day of Ukraine and on the eve of Independence Day! At the most decisive moment, I looked at the developing Ukrainian flags in the front rows - it warmed my heart and gave me encouragement! Despite where you are, it is important not to forget who you are and where your path began," the woman said.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, earlier "Miss Ukraine Universe" Victoria Apanasenko admitted that until the last believed in the humanity of her competitor from the terrorist country of the Russian Federation Anna Linnikova. The beauty from Chernihiv assumed that the Russian would come up to her and apologize for the actions of her homeland without officiousness, however, as it was to be expected, it did not happen. Read more about communication with the Russian representative at the international competition - read at the link.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The United States intends to sell Australia Virginia-class nuclear submarines, such as the USS North Carolina, shown in port outside of Perth, Australia, Aug. 4, 2023.

Australia and the United Kingdom need to adopt more stringent controls on the use of American military technology before the United States relaxes its export licensing requirements under the AUKUS pact, a State Department official told the Senate on Wednesday.

The AUKUS security arrangement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States includes a long-term goal of creating a seamless defense industry across the three nations, but Australia has complained of a burdensome process for its companies to receive licenses to import U.S. military technology needed for innovation.

Democrats in the House have expressed concerns about the security implications of making exemptions to licensing requirements, even as Republicans have argued the two close allies should be trusted.

On Wednesday, Sen. Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who serves as his partys ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee, noted Australia and the United Kingdom are trusted to receive intelligence, and so could be trusted with military technology.

There is a very distinct difference between the way we treat allies in the intelligence field versus how we treat them on other things, like exports, and I think it probably would behoove State  to spend a little bit of time with the intelligence community, Risch said.

Because Australia and the United Kingdom are already trusted with U.S. intelligence, they can be trusted with military technology too, says Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (Evan Vucci/AP file photo)

He said the current requirements were overly cumbersome.

We share incredibly, incredibly sensitive and important material with the Five Eyes, he said. I dont have the concerns that some have.

Public versus private

However, Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey who chairs the committee, said that there was a key difference between intelligence sharing and exempting countries from export controls.

We share intelligence with government officials, he said. Export controls, however, control U.S. defense technology to non-government persons. That required more careful oversight, he said.

He added Australias spy chief, Mike Burgess, recently warned about the extent of Chinese espionage directed at Australia, which he said should be weighed against the unwieldiness of licensing, given concerns that sensitive technology could end up in the wrong hands.

The concerns are legitimate on both sides, he said.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, drew a distinction between intelligence sharing and exempting countries from export controls. (Jose Luis Magana/AP file photo)

Jessica Lewis, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, told the committee that the State Department was really focussed on getting Australia and the U.K. over the line but said the process was complex given the high stakes involved in licensing matters.

What we're talking about is license-free movement of these defense articles. That means that if you are on the list of companies or entities that can receive it, you don't have to come and ask permission to export [from the United States] a lethal weapon, Lewis said.

We want to make sure that if a country is trying to acquire a particular technology, it can't get around the system by going into a place where there's more room in their export controls, she said. It's common sense to work together to bring all of us to similar standards.

Submarine deal

The viability of another part of AUKUS  the sale of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia  was also questioned during the hearing.

Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, noted that the sale had been promised amid a massive backlog in American shipbuilding yards, with the U.S. Navy 25% short of its goal of 66 submarines.

The pace-of-making is, I've read, maybe 1.2 submarines a year, Hagerty said. By giving these submarines to Australia, that'll put us three-to-four years behind in our production process.

Looking at the Navy's most optimistic projection, they don't see realizing this goal of 66 attack subs until the year 2049  that's before taking into account the submarines that we would send to Australia.

But Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, called it a chicken or an egg problem, with Australia also promising massive investments in the U.S. shipbuilding industry to secure the nuclear-powered subs.

Australia is going to make a historic investment in the U.S. industrial base, Kaine said, but only if they know that during the 2030s, we will be willing to deliver to them three to five Virginia-class subs.

If they make that investment, it will help us increase our pace of production, he said. If they don't make that investment, it will be harder to increase the pace of production.
Prison visitors say they could be targeted by police for helping jailed pro-democracy protesters.

A Correctional Services Department officer stands in front of cells at Hong Kongs Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, which is currently running at around 104% capacity.

A major detention facility in Hong Kong is overflowing after a years-long crackdown on political opposition and peaceful dissent, official documents show.

The Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, one of the biggest remand centers in the city, is already full, with the government expecting a "growing penal population" in the years to come, according to a document submitted to lawmakers in July.

More than 10,000 people have been arrested and at least 2,800 prosecuted in a citywide crackdown in the wake of the 2019 protest movement, mostly under public order charges.

At least 230 have been arrested under the national security law, which criminalizes public criticism of the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, as well as ties and funding arrangements with overseas organizations deemed hostile to China.

According to the U.S.-based Hong Kong Democracy Council, 1,618 of those defendants are classed as political prisoners  peaceful critics of the government. Defendants in national security cases are far less likely to be granted bail, swelling the population of remand prisoners.

A major detention center at Lai Chi Kok where defendants are taken to await trial is currently running at around 104% capacity, the government has said.

"In view of the aging facilities and the overcrowded custodial environment of the Lai Chi Kok Reception Center, the Correctional Services Department proposes an in-situ partial redevelopment to increase ... capacity ... to free up more space to relieve the overcrowding problem," officials from the department told the Legislative Council in a letter in July.

A general view of the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, in Hong Kong, Dec. 9, 2021. Credit: Tyrone Siu/Reuters





The plan is estimated to cost around HK$5.5 billion, according to the document, and will increase capacity to nearly 2,000 places, as well as enabling the building of a data center, new walls and fences as well as rooms where prisoners can attend remote hearings.

The number of people remanded in Hong Kong jails pending trial is at its highest in more than a decade, the South China Morning Post newspaper quoted correctional services chief Wong Kwok-hing as saying in February.

Targeted for their support

Fears are growing among supporters of those detained that they will be targeted themselves.

National security police continue to arrest people for supporting political prisoners via the 612 Humanitarian Relief fund.

Last month, police arrested 10 people in connection with the now-disbanded fund's activities. The arrests of outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen and other trustees of the fund prompted an international outcry in May 2022.

The fund isn't the only prison-related charity to be targeted. Prisoner welfare charity Wall-fare disbanded after Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong from July 1, 2020.

Under the current crackdown, police are apt to view such charities as aiding and abetting "rioters" or people who seek to "harm national security," with social worker Ka Tung Lau serving an eight-month jail term for helping people detained during the 2019 protest movement against the rolling back of Hong Kong's diminishing freedoms.

Lau said the authorities had frozen his bank account, but he got to work raising further funds on Patreon to support prisoners with monthly donations.

Despite his time in prison, Lau is keeping going, but alone, this time.

"I feel that it is risky to do anything that is even remotely political ... so, given how easy it is for other people to get pulled into [such cases], it's better for me to do this alone," Lau said. "I also have a pretty clear idea of how much risk I can take, which I think makes me more flexible."

A general view of Shek Pik Prison in Hong Kong, July 14, 2022. Credit: Lam Yik/Reuters





Lau keeps a court diary of his own, and keeps track of all the dates and times of the hearings, which he then observes from the public gallery.

He doesn't know whether such actions will put him at further risk, however.

"The idea of avoiding risk is really just a fantasy, because the boundaries are very unclear," Lau said.

Former Mong Kok District Councilor Derek Chu set up a platform called "Migratory Bird" to support prisoners, making money via the As One online shopping platform  part of the "yellow economic circle of pro-democracy businesses"  to support his prison work.

But he doesn't accept donations, as these can get a person or a group into trouble, especially as overseas donations are seen as funding by "foreign powers" under the national security law.

2019 protests

More than 90% of the prisoners Chu helps are being prosecuted or are serving jail terms for their role in the 2019 protests.

"I think just supporting prisoners is legal," Chu said. "But it's hard to predict whether I will run into obstacles or other risks."

Just being labeled as pro-democracy in people's minds can be a risk in today's Hong Kong, and Chu prefers to keep a low profile.

On Aug. 20, 15 national security police came along to a book reading event Chu held with social worker and former lawmaker Shiu Ka-chun and searched the venue.

Chu remains mentally prepared for his own arrest, he told Radio Free Asia.

According to Hong Kong court-reporting website The Witness, around 2,900 people had been prosecuted for taking part in the 2019 protests by December 2022, 819 for "rioting." Some 40% of sentences have already been served, while most of the remainder are scheduled for release this year.

However, arrests of people under the national security law continue.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
A South Korean girl takes picture of a sign showing the distance to North Korea's capital Pyongyang and South Korea's Seoul near the border village of Panmunjom, on the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas since the Korean War, April 14, 2012.

Seoul has appointed a North Korean defector as its top policy aide on Wednesday, underscoring the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations renewed stance towards a more hardline policy on Pyongyang.

South Koreas Unification Ministry appointed Ko Young-hwan, who had worked as a North Korean diplomat before defecting to South Korea in 1991, as minister Kim Young-hos Special Assistant Aide.

Ko is expected to advise the unification minister on issues concerning international cooperation [on North Korea] and North Korean defectors, and to expose the reality of North Korea, the unification ministry said in a statement.

The appointment of Ko is likely to incite fury from Pyongyang. North Korea has usually expressed its strong opposition when defectors take significant governmental roles in the South.

Before North Korean defector-turned-South Korean lawmaker Thae Yong-ho ran for election in 2020, North Korea called him human scum via its state media, condemning his potential rise to prominence in the South.

What appears to be emotionally-charged responses reflect both the Kim Jong Un administrations sense of betrayal, as well as its need to publicly denounce these individuals to maintain the regimes internal grip on power and propaganda.

North Korea, which relies on tightly controlled propaganda, perceives its defectors as threats to its regime, as they may counteract the state narrative with their firsthand accounts. High-profile defectors are particularly sensitive to the regime, as they directly challenge its legitimacy, inspiring internal dissent and jeopardizing the states solidarity.

The Kim regime perceives the success of defectors in the South as a direct threat against itself, said Ji Seong-ho, who defected from North Korea to South Korea, where he's now a member of the national assembly. The North Korean people have long been propagated with this belief that survival outside the North is impossible. Defectors success therefore undermines the regimes narrative.

Given Kos expertise on North Korea, he is most likely to pinpoint North Koreas human rights violations. I hope that he highlights these important issues, particularly on the issues of forced returns of defectors to the North.

Hardline policy on North Korea

Kos appointment aligns with the Yoon administrations renewed stance in pursuit of a hardline policy on Pyongyang, amid its nuclear provocations.

Until now, the unification ministry has functioned more like a North Korea-aid-organization, and this needs to change, Yoon said in July. Historically, the ministry has primarily focused on bolstering inter-Korean cooperation through humanitarian aid.

During past administrations, Seoul consistently sought ways to provide humanitarian assistance to North Korea, both directly, and indirectly through China, even throughout the most strained periods of inter-Korean relations, a former unification ministry official told Radio Free Asia.

Yoons policy is largely embraced by South Koreas conservatives as it closely aligns with the U.S. stance on North Koreas denuclearization. However, it faces substantial criticism from progressives who believe it escalates tensions with Pyongyang and ultimately undermines engagement efforts that could bring a permanent peace on the peninsula.

Ko, born in 1953 and a graduate of the prestigious Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies, started his diplomatic career in 1979. He also worked as a translator for the late North Korean leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.

Edited by Elaine Chan and Mike Firn.
The former de facto leader is suffering from gingivitis, but has only been examined by a prison doctor.

Myanmars former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi is suffering from urgent dental issues in detention but junta authorities have ignored her request for permission to seek treatment, sources have told Radio Free Asia.

The 78-year-old Suu Kyi, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison, requested approval to visit a dentist outside of detention to treat gingivitis  a form of gum disease  and severe toothaches, but had yet to receive permission as of Tuesday, a source with ties to the place where she is being held in the capital Naypyidaw told RFA Burmese.

Prison authorities have reported the matter to the juntas Ministry of Interior, but have received no response, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity citing fear of reprisal.

The source said that Suu Kyi was examined by a prison doctor, but requires a dental specialist to deal with her condition. He said that the head of the deposed National League for Democracy, or NLD, party remains in prison, despite reports in August that she had been transferred to house arrest.

Bo Bo Oo, a former representative of the NLD in Yangon region, said that Suu Kyi must be allowed to receive treatment.

When it comes to some health issues related to ears, eyes, bones and dental diseases, only the relevant specialist clinics can provide sufficient medical treatment, he said. She needs to get proper treatment at a dental hospital.

He said that Suu Kyi and other political prisoners were illegally detained by the military following its February 2021 coup detat and expressed concern for their health, citing poor conditions in the nations prisons.

Vomiting and unable to eat

Suu Kyis son, Kim Aris, told the BBC that his mother is being denied treatment as the junta had blocked prison authorities request for urgent care.

The 46-year-old, who is based in the U.K., said his mother has been vomiting and endures "severe dizziness" due to her ill health. He said the pain had left her unable to eat.

Kim Aris, Aung San Suu Kyis son, told the BBC that he was concerned that his mother's request for medical care had been denied. Credit: Dylan Martinez/Reuters file photo

The BBC also cited long-time acquaintances of the Nobel laureate as saying that she suffers from chronic gum disease and low blood pressure, as well as a source familiar with the matter who claimed that she has been served soft food and a medicated jelly intended to relieve her toothaches.

Attempts by RFA to reach the Naypyidaw Prison Department for comment on whether she would be allowed access to medical care outside of where she is being held went unanswered Wednesday.

Special approval needed

According to law, any inmate serving a sentence of more than five years must obtain permission from the Ministry of Interior to be taken outside of prison  a process that can take up to one month.

However, legal experts said that in cases where urgent health care is required, there is a procedure that allows for a verbal order granting such a request.

As Aung San Suu Kyi is a state-level prisoner and since she is elderly, she should be allowed to seek the medical treatment she urgently needs as a special case," said a Yangon-based lawyer who declined to be named for security reasons, citing the allowance of permission granted by verbal order.

Political commentator Than Soe Naing said he believes that the junta is denying Suu Kyi the right to seek treatment to deliberately harm her and called for international pressure seeking her release.

They think that it is best if Aung San Suu Kyi is no longer in Myanmar politics, he said. As long as she is in the hands of the junta, Aung San Suu Kyi's fate is uncertain. That's why the world should pressure the junta to release her or provide better conditions for her."

The junta sentenced Suu Kyi 33 years in prison on 19 charges, but on Aug. 1 pardoned her for five of the cases, reducing her term to 27 years.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Myanmar photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaik is seen working in this undated photo. He was arrested in late May in Rakhine state while reporting on Cyclone Mocha.

A well-known photojournalist who documented the aftermath of Mays destructive Cyclone Mocha was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in prison with hard labor by a military junta court.

Junta soldiers arrested Sai Zaw Thaik on May 23 in Rakhine state as he was documenting the cyclones damage for independent online news service, Myanmar Now.

Sai, 40, is one of the best-known photographers in Myanmar and has continued to work inside the country after the junta closed Myanmar Now following the Feb. 1, 2021, military coup, the news service said in a statement.

The exact charges Sai was convicted under were unknown, but the initial indictment included charges for misinformation, incitement and sedition under various statutes, according to Myanmar Now.

All of Sai Zaw Thaikes colleagues at Myanmar Now and I are deeply saddened to hear of the lengthy sentence handed down to him, Myanmar Nows Editor-in-chief Swe Win said in the statement.

His sentencing is yet another indication that freedom of the press has been completely quashed under the military juntas rule, and shows the hefty price independent journalists in Myanmar must pay for their professional work, he said.

No right to defend himself

Sai was arrested in the state capital of Sittwe and interrogated for more than a week, Myanmar Now said. He was sent to Insein Prison Court on the outskirts of Yangon in mid-June.

Sai was not examined in any courtroom, nor was he given the right to defend himself or hire a lawyer, according to Myanmar Now.

The information he went over to report was not about armed resistance, said Ahla Lay Thuzar, a journalist arrested by the junta in September 2021 and released more than a year later.

He was only there to report the difficult situations of civilians in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, she told Radio Free Asia, adding that the long prison sentence was something entirely improper.

Myanmar photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaik was documenting the aftermath of the Cyclone Mocha in Rakhine state when was arrested in Sittwe on May 23, 2023. Credit: Myanmar Now/Handout via Reuters





Another veteran journalist, who didnt want to be identified for security reasons, said he believes the junta holds a particular grudge against Myanmar Now and was looking for a way to punish the news service.

I think a 20-year sentence is the highest a journalist has ever received here, the journalist and former member of Myanmar Press Council told RFA.

There are some news agencies that the junta feels more bitter toward, he said. There are at least four or five news agencies that the junta targets due to their scale of news distribution.

Since it was shut down after the coup, Myanmar Now has gone underground and continued to publish news articles on its website. In its statement on Wednesday, it reiterated that it would continue to provide high-quality reporting that does not compromise on our original commitment to press freedom and democratic reforms.

Grotesque

Cyclone Mocha made landfall on May 14 with sustained winds reaching over 220 kilometers per hour (137 mph), killing more than 400 people and damaging more than 90% of houses and buildings in northern Rakhine state.

Local residents and aid workers have repeatedly complained in the months since then that food and other humanitarian aid hasnt reached those affected by the storm.

The junta has tried to cover up the serious human suffering caused by its failure to allow assistance to be transported to those in need, said Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watchs deputy Asia director.

Obviously they wanted to keep photojournalists and reporters out of the area, he told RFA. Myanmars rights-abusing military junta views all independent media outlets and their journalists as enemies of the state, so it is not at all surprising that Sai Zaw Thaike got hit with such an outrageously long prison sentence.

Sai was the second Myanmar Now journalist to be arrested by the junta since the military coup. Video journalist Kay Zon Nway was arrested last year while reporting on a protest and was released four months later under a general amnesty.

Since the coup, more than 150 journalists have been arrested in Myanmar, with about 50 still being held. Human rights groups have called on the junta to unconditionally free all journalists targeted in the post-coup crackdown.

Myanmar Now journalist Sai Zaw Thaikes grotesque 20-year sentence on blatantly bogus charges is an outrage and should be immediately reversed, said Shawn Crispin, senior Southeast Asia representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists. Myanmars junta must stop imprisoning members of the press for merely doing their jobs as reporters.

Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
The military is trying to crush support for anti-junta militia in Sagaing region.

Myanmars junta has been handing out long prison sentences to people arrested in Sagaing region townships where it has imposed martial law, sentencing seven people to terms of between seven years and life over the past week, according to locals and Peoples Defense Force officials.

On June 14, troops arrested three residents of Ayadaw township in a restaurant before they planned to head to Yangon to attend a Korean language course.

On Aug. 31, a military tribunal sentenced one of them, 40-year-old Zaw Aung, to life in prison on three terrorism charges.

The Northwestern Military Command tribunal also sentenced 20-year-old Thiha Zaw and 19-year-old Pyae Sone Aung to seven years for terrorism.

The Information officer of the Peoples Defense Force in Ayadaw township, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, told Radio Free Asia he was surprised such harsh sentences were imposed on ordinary villagers.

Those who have been arrested and sentenced are not part of the revolution, he said.

Many of the families here go to Yangon to attend Korean courses in order to go abroad because the economy has become difficult. I thought that they would be released as they did not belong [to a Peoples Defense Force]. I was so surprised when this happened.

He added that nearly 30 civilians from Ayadaw township have been arrested and imprisoned in the seven months since the junta imposed martial law there.

In a separate case on Sept. 2, a military court in Indaw township sentenced two men to life imprisonment, according to a statement by the Indaw Revolution anti-junta group.

They were with another man and a woman arrested at a checkpoint at the township entrance in July.

On Saturday, the court sentenced Zaw Myo Naing and Tin Maung Win to life imprisonment for terrorism and treason.

It sentenced Kyaw Thet and Thida Win to seven years for supporting local Peoples Defense Forces.

An official of Indaw Revolution, who also declined to give his name, told RFA that despite the harsh punishments, the four had no ties to the group.

He added that more than 10 civilians have been sentenced to death or life imprisonment since the junta imposed martial law on Indaw township.

Calls to junta council spokesperson for Sagaing region, Tin Than Win, seeking comment on the sentences went unanswered.

A total of 14 townships, including Indaw in Sagaing region have been put under martial law by the junta since February, 2023.

Since then, 235 civilians have been sentenced to prison terms by military courts in Sagaing region, according to pro-junta Telegram messaging app channels.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Diplomats from authoritarian countries that are Chinas closest allies visited the Potala Palace (shown) in Lhasa, capital of Chiuna's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The Chinese government hosted a group of U.N. ambassadors who visited Tibet on an arranged tour before the international body conducts a review of Beijings human rights record in 2024, Tibetan experts on the region said.

Diplomats from authoritarian countries that are Chinas closest allies  Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Belarus and Pakistan  visited the far-western region on Aug. 28-30, photos posted on the social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, show.

All members in the group visiting Tibet belong to an authoritarian nation that is economically dependent on China to a large extent, said Tenzin Dawa, director of Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.

And since the U.N. member states are set to publicly examine Chinas human rights record in early 2024 as part of a review process at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, this visit arranged by the Chinese government is clearly aimed at portraying a Tibet where China believes Tibetans enjoy human rights and freedom, she said.

The trip came amid growing criticism of Chinas policies in Tibet, where authorities restrict Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity. Tibetans frequently complain of discrimination and human rights abuses by Chinese authorities and policies they say are aimed at eradicating their national and cultural identity.

The diplomats visited the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and a secondary school in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

We appreciate the visit to the secondary school no. 8 in Lhasa, Tibet, #China, tweeted Juan Antonio Quintanilla Roman, permanent representative of Cuba in Geneva, after the visit. We confirm that education is a priority for the government There, more than a 1,000 students receive quality preparation in subjects such as science, art, language, while preserving Tibetan culture.

The U.N.s Human Rights Council will scrutinize Chinas human rights records during the bodys fourth Universal Periodic Review of China in Geneva, Switzerland, in early 2024.

Cuba and Pakistan are current members of the 47-member council, but their terms expire at the end of this year. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Belarus are not members. Nevertheless, as close allies, Beijing expects the countries to support it in the face of likely accusations.

Tenzin Lekshey, spokesman for Central Tibetan Administration said the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, has repeatedly urged U.N. representatives and foreign journalists to visit Tibet on their own terms to see Chinas repression firsthand.

But the Chinese government organizes these carefully choreographed visits aimed at hiding repression in Tibet, so it has become very difficult to learn about the actual reality, he told Radio Free Asia.

In May, U.N. human rights experts expressed concern that allegations of mandatory vocational training programs and labor transfer in the Tibet Autonomous Region could affect the human rights of Tibetans, similar to the situation with Uyghurs in Xinjiang, RFA reported.

The United States in August said it would impose visa sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for the forced assimilation of more than 1 million young Tibetan children into state-run boarding schools.

The coercive policies aimed to eliminate Tibets distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans, the U.S. said.

Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin rejected the move and said the sanctions were based on fabricated lies on Tibet in disregard of the facts.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
He earlier told his wife prisoners had entered his cell and threatened him.

Political prisoner Dang Dinh Bach has been assaulted by policemen after telling his family hed been threatened by other inmates, according to fellow inmate Tran Huynh Duy Thuc who was visited by his family this week.

Bach and Thuc both called their families last Thursday to say people dressed as prisoners had entered their cells, threatening them. Thuc said the inmates who entered his cell had a knife.

On Tuesday, Thucs family visited him at Prison No.6 in Nghe An province.

Thuc asked his family to record the names and numbers of 7-8 policemen standing around them, saying they were those who oppressed and made it difficult for him in the camp, Thucs younger brother Tran Huynh Duy Tan told Radio Free Asia.

Thuc waited until the end of the visit to say the last word to his family, because he knew that when he said this, he would be stopped, Tan said.

In the last sentence, shouting loudly to the family, he said, the day Bach called his family on August 31, he was severely assaulted by police officers.

The family had previously sent an urgent request for help to Tran Ba Toan -- head of Prison No. 6  and the Peoples Procuracy of Nghe An Province to request immediate implementation of measures to protect life and ensure the safety of the four political prisoners who had been threatened.

After finishing their visit Tuesday, Thucs relatives requested to meet Toan to discuss the case but were told he was on a business trip.

Bach suffered a head injury

Dang Dinh Bach is a lawyer and director of the environmental group, the Center for Legal Studies & Policy for Sustainable Development.

He was arrested in July 2021 and later sentenced to five years in prison for tax evasion.

His wife, Tran Phuong Thao, met with him on Tuesday. Thao said her husband was prevented from bringing a notebook to record their conversation.

Bach showed me his hand. I saw three cuts on the wrist and hand, each about 2-3 centimeters, she said.

I asked him what's wrong? Bach said that I have to understand there are many things he cannot say, but he believes I can understand what is going on in here.

She said Bachh told her he had a bruise on the back of his neck about 7 cm wide and still has a headache, but the staff refused to examine it.

On August 31, right after the call home, he was hit in the head from behind, she said.

RFAs reporter tried to call Prison No. 6 to verify the information, but nobody answered.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Police say he died in hospital after having difficulty breathing.

Bui Van Hai, 28, was accused by Vietnamese police of stealing two dogs.

Hours after being detained by police on Sunday, a 28-year-old Vietnamese man died. Family members accuse officers of beating him to death, saying his body was covered with bruises.

Authorities, however, say Bui Van Hai died in the hospital after Duc Linh district police rushed him there when he showed signs of fatigue and difficulty breathing, a statement in Tuesdays Peoples Public Security Newspaper said.

The report said he was accused of stealing two dogs.

Either way, Hai is the latest person to die from unidentified causes'' while in Vietnamese police custody in recent years.

At least 16 people have died in police stations or detention facilities between 2018 and 2021, according to statistics collected by RFA from Vietnamese state-owned media reports.

In May, a 26-year-old suspect died just hours after being detained at Bu Dang District Polices temporary detention facility in Binh Phuoc province. His family told RFA that they believe his death was the result of a police beating.

In Hais case, he was invited to come to a meeting at the commune police headquarters at around 6:00 pm on Sunday, his older brother, Bui Manh Hung, said. He escorted his brother to the building and then left.

At 11:45 pm, Hung was informed that his brother had been transported to the Duc Linh District Hospital, where he had died soon afterwards.

Bluer than a chunk of beef

When Hung arrived at the hospital, his brother was dead and there were no police officers present. Medical staff told him that at around 9:00 pm, two people wearing masks carried Bui Van Hai into the hospital and then departed.

Hung said his brother was covered in bruises.

I filmed and took photos of him. He was darker and bluer than a chunk of beef. Internal beatings caused all of his injuries, Hung said. They hit him, causing internal bruises and injuries.

In response to Hungs request for more information, the Southern Binh Thuan General Hospital confirmed Tuesday that Hai was already dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Hung has denied authorities accusations against his brother, saying Hai was sleeping at home at the time of the alleged burglary.

Our family was very saddened, shocked, confused and outraged at the accusations made by the police and state-owned media, he said.

After he and his family brought Hais body home, the police prevented them from using a vehicle to transport a freezer in which they planned to preserve Hais body as they awaited results of a forensic examination, he said.

Hung also said that authorities from the district, commune and village levels all pressured his family to bury Hai as soon as possible, despite the familys calls for an investigation into his cause of death.

Hung told RFA that he believes local authorities are trying to cover up the cause of his brothers death and hamper any investigations into the case.

RFA got no response when it reached out to Duc Linh District Police Chief and other local authorities for comment.

On Tuesday, Hung told RFA reporters that if Hais case is not adequately investigated by local authorities, he will personally reach out to Vietnams Minister of Public Security General To Lam to demand an explanation for his brothers death.

So far, I havent made a request, he said. However, if the case is not investigated properly, I will demand Minister To Lams participation so that my dead brother wont suffer any more unfairness and injustice.

Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Claire McCrea and Malcolm Foster.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

I'm RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now.

The Talking China In Eurasia podcast is back on September 13. Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or Google.

The Belt And Road Turns 10

It's been 10 years since the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese leader Xi Jinping's signature foreign-policy venture that has seen hundreds of billions of dollars invested into infrastructure around the world, was unveiled as part of a major push to build global influence.

But where does it stand after a decade?

Finding Perspective: It was September 6, 2013, when Xi touched down in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and was warmly greeted by then-President Nursultan Nazarbaev. The next day, he gave a speech where he evoked imagery of camel caravans as he announced that he wanted to create a contemporary version of the ancient Silk Road.

A lot has changed since then. The initiative has been rebranded and renamed over the years and it has shifted from being seen as a rising economic tide that could lift all boats to the tip of the spear of a wider geopolitical contest for influence.

This evolution has seen BRI go a long way from its early days and has since become far more than just financing and building infrastructure. Today, there's no denying that it's an integral part of Chinese foreign policy and the Chinese Communist Party's global ambitions.

But what future does it hold?

In 10 years, it's grappled with scandals over corruption, environmental degradation, and saddling host countries with debt. The pandemic, by the Chinese Foreign Ministry's own accounting, has impacted up to 40 percent of BRI projects, while 20 percent have been severely impacted with delays or even canceled.

The flip side is that countless roads, railways, and other vital infrastructure have been built in the last decade that might not have otherwise been built -- filling a massive global need and providing a springboard for other Chinese initiatives to follow.

Why It Matters: The BRI has always been something of an ink-blot test that leaves things up for interpretation, but there's no denying that it has been undergoing some massive changes.

A series of projects across low- and middle-income countries have been sidelined or canceled in recent years over sustainability concerns in evidence of buyer's remorse from host governments. Italy, which recently announced that it plans to leave the BRI, is the latest example.

Elsewhere, it's clear that the BRI has slowed down, with fewer projects being funded amid concerns of an overseas debt crisis from the high-octane lending of the project's early days.

But data shows that while China's outbound lending has been in decline since 2016, the project is far from fading away. Rather, Beijing is learning from its mistakes. It's selecting projects and partners more carefully and research shows that it's prioritizing green initiatives and energy deals that are seen as more likely to bring a return on investment.

This makes October's Belt and Road summit in Beijing an important litmus test that raises plenty of questions: Which world leaders will be in attendance? Which countries will snub the event? How will Xi set up the next 10 years? And what new projects might be announced on the sidelines?

Podcast Corner: We're Back On September 13!

The Talking China In Eurasia podcast is back starting Wednesday, September 13!

It's been a while since you last heard from me on the podcast front, but I'm pleased to let you know that we have a brand new season.

I've been working with Katie Toth, who is a very talented producer, and we've redone the podcast. We'll be using a completely new format that's going to allow us to dig even deeper into stories about China's rising influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.

Tune in as I'll be joined by fellow journalists and expert guests to unpack exclusive investigations about China and Russia's growing ties, report on the ground from Georgia on Chinese infrastructure projects, and revisit the long and complicated history between Beijing and the Taliban -- and that's just a few of them!

For regular newsletter readers, this section is now rebranded as "podcast corner" and it will be where I'll unpack each episode.

Don't forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Google or wherever else you like to listen so you don't miss an episode and stay tuned next week.

Three More Stories From Eurasia

1. The Taliban Looks To Build A Surveillance Camera Network In Kabul

Is the Taliban creating a surveillance state in Afghanistan? That's a question that my colleague Abubakar Siddique looked into after the Taliban's Interior Ministry announced on August 30 that it plans to install around 62,000 security cameras in Kabul.

The Details: There's still a lot of ambiguity about what's happening on the ground beyond the Taliban's announcement, but Bloomberg reported that the Taliban is working with Chinese tech giant Huawei to set up the surveillance camera network. Huawei denied this, although Bloomberg also reported that representatives from the company held meetings in Afghanistan in August.

The Taliban did not reveal how it obtained the cameras or if it has received assistance to install and operate them, but they have said that the system will improve security and help combat crime.

Such a network -- especially if it is indeed as sophisticated as those made by Huawei -- is a significant development. As Amnesty International warned, such a surveillance system would provide new ways to stifle dissent and enforce its repressive policies, including restrictions on Afghans' appearances, freedom of movement, and access to uncensored information.

For Beijing, a surveillance network in Afghanistan would be a significant step in calming its long-held security concerns in the country, especially over it becoming a safe haven for militants looking to attack China.

2. No More Illusions In Brussels About China?

I recently sat down with Reinhard Buetikofer, a leading member of the European Parliament, who warned that Europe will need to learn some tough lessons from its past national security failings with Russia if it is to successfully navigate ties with Beijing in the future.

Read the full interview here.

What You Need To Know: Buetikofer chairs the European Parliament's delegation on China and has become one of the EU's most hawkish voices when it comes to dealing with Beijing.

In a wide-ranging interview, he took aim at Beijing's equivocation for the Kremlin over the war in Ukraine and said the EU needed to apply the hard lessons learned from its dependence on Russian energy to the bloc's current ones on the Chinese market and its influence over vital supply chains for strategic industries.

"I think it is fair to say that this experience with Russia has taught us a lesson that should also be applied to our China relations," Buetikofer told me. "China is supporting Russia and does not want Russia to lose in any meaningful way. I certainly do not see them as anywhere near a neutral position. They are trying to take advantage of the war in Ukraine."

There's been lots of movement in the last few years from Brussels to how it sees China and Buetikofer has been a key part in moving that needle. Check out the interview for more.

3. The Prospective Heir Goes To Beijing

Rustam Emomali, the son of authoritarian Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, traveled to Beijing on August 23, where he met with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng and signed deals worth $400 million, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reported.

What It Means: Rustam Emomali is the mayor of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, the chairman of the Tajik parliament's upper chamber, and is widely seen as his father's likely successor.

This makes the trip to China interesting for a host of reasons. While Moscow is still influential across Central Asia, Beijing's influence continues to grow, especially in Tajikistan, which is relying on Chinese companies for investment to keep its economy running.

Should Rustam Emomali live up to his heir-apparent status, this trip would be seen as a crucial visit to build rapport with a vital ally for the future.

In another noteworthy development from the visit, the Chinese and Tajik sides agreed to create a joint venture to produce some 1,500 electric vehicles annually. The project involves Tajikistan's Avesto Group company, which is linked to Rustam Emomali personally.

Across The Supercontinent

A Kyrgyz TikTok Ban?: From targeting independent media outlets like Kloop to now going after TikTok, freedom of speech is finding itself under pressure in Kyrgyzstan, my colleague Chris Rickleton reports.

The New BRICS: Last month's BRICS summit saw the group expand with a series of six new members and increased momentum toward a joint currency to reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

But how feasible is that plan? My colleague Todd Prince explores.

G20 Snub?: Xi -- who has never missed the annual G20 gathering since taking power in 2012 -- will miss this week's event in India and Premier Li Qiang will instead represent China. There's a host of possible explanations, ranging from tensions between Beijing and New Delhi to Xi not wanting to be out of the country for too long amid instability among the Communist Party's top brass.

Eye On Xinjiang: Beijing has changed its approach, but a recent report from Human Rights Watch shows how repressive policies and the forced assimilation of Turkic minorities in Xinjiang in western China -- such as Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz -- is still under way.

One Thing To Watch

After years of tense bilateral ties with Beijing, the United Kingdom is looking to strike a new balancing act with China.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly visited the country last week, the first to do so in almost five years, and met with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng.

Cleverly came under fire at home for the trip, but he told the BBC a lack of in-person meetings can result in misunderstanding.

China's public reputation in much of the West has been in decline and policy with the country is becoming deeply intertwined with domestic politics in many capitals, especially Washington and London. It will be a tough tightrope to walk for many officials to keep reaching out and navigating the practicalities of foreign policy while also embracing hardening rhetoric toward China at home.

That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.

Until next time,

Reid Standish

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every other Wednesday.
Bishops of the UGCC Synod met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The clergymen met on September 6 during a private audience. The conversation was so frank that the UGCC hierarchs expressed the suffering of the Ukrainian people and rebuked the Pope for his recent words regarding the "greatness of the Russians."

ADVERTISIMENT

This is discussed on the website of the UGCC. As Blessed Sviatoslav, head and father of the UGCC, noted, the meeting was a time of mutual listening and an occasion for frank and sincere dialog (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page).

The UGCC bishops asked Pope Francis to begin the meeting with a joint prayer for a just peace in Ukraine and for all "who at this moment are dying in our country at the hands of the Russian aggressor." The Pope thanked them for this and prayed the Lord's Prayer.

"In our conversation with His Holiness, we expressed everything that our faithful in Ukraine and throughout the world have entrusted us to convey to him. Our bishops spoke in Ukrainian, English, Portuguese and Italian," Blessed Sviatoslav said.

The bishops told the Pope that certain statements and gestures of "the Holy See and Your Holiness are painful and hard for the Ukrainian people, who are bleeding in these moments in the struggle for their dignity and independence."

ADVERTISIMENT

They explained that Russian propaganda uses such misunderstandings to justify and support the murderous ideology of the "Russian world."

"Therefore, the faithful of our Church are sensitive to every word of Your Holiness as a universal voice of truth and justice," the bishops added.

The Pope explained his words.

"Returning from Mongolia, while talking to journalists, I said that the real pain is when the cultural heritage of some people undergoes "distillation" and is subjected to manipulation by a certain state power, as a result of which it turns into an ideology that destroys and kills. It is a great tragedy when such ideology breaks into the Church and replaces the Gospel of Christ. A separate pain of the Ukrainian people is the fact that you are questioning who the Pope is with. I want to assure you of my solidarity with you and my constant prayerful closeness. I am with the Ukrainian people" - he said and as a special gesture and symbol of closeness to the Ukrainian people brought an icon of the Virgin Mary, before which, as he noted, every day he prays for Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

The bishops, in turn, thanked Pope Francis for his constant support of Ukraine at the international level, his humanitarian actions, personal efforts for the release of prisoners, and the peacekeeping mission of the special papal envoy, Cardinal Matteo Zupi.

"These things, Your Holiness, testify to the suffering of our Church together with its people in the midst of the agelessness of the war caused by Russian aggression. As a priceless treasure, we place them in your hands with the hope that soon there will be a just peace in Ukraine," said the head of the UGCC and presented His Holiness with an icon of Jesus Christ rescued from the church in the village of Krasne, Zaporizhzhya region, which was burned by the Russians.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL reported, Pope Francis has admitted that his recent comments about Russia, which Ukraine saw as praise for imperialism, were poorly worded. He said he only wanted to remind young Russians of the great cultural heritage without the political context.

As is well known, Pope Francis, during a teleconference with Russian youth on Aug. 25, expressed admiration for "great Russia" and urged citizens of that terrorist state to "never give up (their) heritage."

ADVERTISIMENT

"You are the heirs of a great Russia: the great Russia of the saints, of the rulers, of the great Russia of Peter the Great, of Catherine the Great, of that empire - majestic, educated, of great culture and great humanity. Never give up this heritage," the Pontiff said.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, it is noteworthy that shortly before the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray for Ukraine. He asked for a special prayer because "Ukraine has long suffered because of the war."

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
CHISINAU -- In August, Moldova kicked out 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff, citing fears of Moscow's efforts to "destabilize" the country after a media investigation found an "excessive" number of antennas on the roof of the embassy buildings.

But diplomats with links to Russian intelligence remain among the skeleton staff at the Russian Embassy in Moldova following the mass expulsions, a new investigation by RFE/RL's Moldovan Service has found.

At least two of these diplomats have ties to the Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia's powerful domestic intelligence agency, while two others have been associated with Moscow addresses linked to the Russian military's intelligence directorate. Known as the GRU, the organization has been implicated in poisonings and sabotage across Europe, according to databases of leaked government records reviewed by RFE/RL.

These records come from a range of official databases posted online thanks to Russia's leaky data market, which has helped unmask suspects in a range of Russian intelligence operations in recent years. The databases include Russian vehicle, employment, passport, and credit records dating back more than a decade.

The Russian diplomats at the Chisinau embassy with ties to the FSB include two first secretaries -- senior officials in Russian diplomatic ranks -- while the military attache and his assistant have been registered at addresses used by the GRU, the leaked records show.

The findings of RFE/RL's investigation indicate how Russia continues to staff its European embassies with personnel with intelligence backgrounds despite efforts by EU states to curb the number of Russian spies working under diplomatic cover following President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

An investigation by RFE/RL in March found that at least three Russian diplomats who were expelled or blacklisted by EU member states, several of which cited espionage by the banned emissaries, had resurfaced as accredited Russian diplomats in Serbia.

Asked about RFE/RL's new findings, the Moldovan Foreign Ministry said in a September 5 statement that the government has taken "several firm steps necessary to counter the destabilizing actions of the Russian Federation directed against our country," including the paring down of Moscow's diplomatic presence, in response to "unfriendly actionsincluding in the context of suspicions regarding possible espionage actions."

The ministry added that under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a 1961 treaty that codified diplomatic practices and principles among signatory states, the "selection of the diplomatic staff of the embassy of the Russian Federation is the responsibility of the Russian authorities."

The Russian Embassy in Chisinau did not respond to a request for comment on the findings of the RFE/RL investigation in time for publication.

Since Moldova's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Moscow has continued to wield considerable influence in the small country of 2.6 million people -- most significantly by exploiting Moldova's traditional dependence on Russian energy. Since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova has made moves to weaken its reliance on Russian gas and has repeatedly condemned the Kremlin's aggression, taking in more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.

Moscow still has more than 1,000 troops stationed in Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniester, ostensibly as peacekeepers after Chisinau and Russia-backed separatists fought a short but bloody war in 1992 that settled into a frozen conflict following Russia's intervention on the side of the insurgents.

FSB Addresses And GRU Housing

Diplomatic lists maintained by the Moldovan Foreign Ministry show that just 10 accredited diplomats remain at the Russian Embassy in Chisinau following the August expulsions.

Among them are two first secretaries, Boris Suchilin and Konstantin Zyablikov, who both have previous addresses associated with the FSB in Moscow, according to the databases of leaked Russian government records reviewed by RFE/RL.

Vehicle records from 2019 list Suchilin's address as Dobrolyubova Proyezd 3a in northeastern Moscow. That building was previously the registered address of the FSB's military unit No. 93544 and is now an FSB training center.

Other government records from 2010-15 show Zyablikov's listed address in Moscow as Bolshaya Lubyanka 2, the notorious former Soviet KGB headquarters that now serves as the FSB's headquarters. Zyablikov's place of employment in multiple leaked records is indicated as military unit No. 14057, the FSB's military counterintelligence directorate in the Moscow Military District.

Registering FSB employees at the agency's facilities is a common practice in Russia. Zyablikov himself was among hundreds of individuals that the Ukrainian military's intelligence directorate publicly identified in March 2022 as FSB employees registered at the agency's Moscow headquarters who were allegedly "participating in criminal activities" in Europe on Russia's behalf.

Zyablikov was accredited as a Russian diplomat in Chisinau in August 2021. The following month, he met with the leadership of the General Directorate of the Moldovan police. A Moldovan police press release said the meeting was required as Zyablikov was "responsible for the security of the internal premises" of the Russian Embassy.

The Attache And His Assistant

Meanwhile, the leaked government records also reveal potential GRU links of the Russian military attache and his assistant at the Chisinau embassy. Vehicle records for attache Andrei Lobov, who was accredited at the embassy in October 2021, list his address as Narodnogo Opolcheniya 48 in northwestern Moscow.

A contract with a company that provided utilities for the building where Lobov was registered stated that the facility was for Russian military housing, and the same building is home to a housing maintenance company attached to military unit No. 22177.

Multiple sources, including a Russian court record that RFE/RL located, have identified this unit as the Russian Defense Ministry's Military Academy, which is widely known as the GRU "conservatory" and responsible for training Russian military intelligence operatives.

Vehicle records for an alleged GRU officer expelled by the Netherlands in 2018 after operating there under diplomatic cover show his association with unit No. 22177 and a neighboring building to the one in which Lobov was registered, the Associated Press reported.

Russian military attaches have been ensnared in spy scandals in multiple European countries in recent years, including Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom.

Leaked vehicle records for Dmitry Kelov, Lobov's assistant at the Chisinau embassy, list his previous address as Marshal Biryuzov 4 in northwestern Moscow. According to the Dossier Center, an investigative group funded by Russian tycoon and Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky, that building has been used to house employees of the GRU, including Anatoly Chepiga, an agent accused in the 2018 Novichok poisoning of Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the U.K. Czech authorities have also sought Chepiga for questioning in connection with a 2014 explosion at an arms depot in that country.

The Dossier Center reported that, based on a 2011 directive, the GRU masked the personal data of the children of Russian spies living in the building on Marshal Biryuzov street by backdating their dates of birth. As a result, some of these children were listed as being more than 100 years old, according to the report. RFE/RL reviewed leaked Russian state pension fund records for the building and confirmed that numerous residents there are listed as having been born more than a century ago.

In November 2021, Kelov joined the Russian delegation to the Joint Control Commission, a trilateral Moldovan-Transdniesterian-Russian body tasked with peacekeeping in the breakaway region.

In a photo published by the Transdniesterian news website Novosti Pridnestrovia, Kelov appears alongside Dmitry Zelenkov, head of the Operational Group of Russian Troops (GOTR) stationed on the left bank of the Dniester River.

Other Russian diplomats currently posted in Moldova have ties to the Russian military, including the embassy's commercial representative, Vladislav Darvai, who was born in Tiraspol, the capital of the Transdniester region. Leaked government records from 2011 and 2012 show Darvai's registered address as a dormitory at Sadovnicheskaya 53, which has been used by multiple entities controlled by the Russian military and is also a listed address for Russia's state-run defense procurement agency, Garnizon.

One of the Russian diplomats cited in the July investigation by the Latvian-based Russian news site The Insider and Moldova's Jurnal TV about the antennas on the roof of the Russian Embassy was Vladimir Gorokhov, an attache who was accredited by the Moldovan Foreign Ministry in July 2021, according to the ministry's diplomatic lists. The investigation alleged that Gorokhov was frequently seen on the roof of the embassy.

Gorokhov was not among the dozens of diplomats and embassy staff who left Moldova in August after Chisinau ordered the embassy to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country. He remains at his post in the Moldovan capital, according to the most recent diplomatic list maintained by the Moldovan Foreign Ministry.

After he was summoned to the Moldovan Foreign Ministry following the July investigation, Russia's ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Vasnetsov, who has remained in his post, argued that the antennas were installed during the construction of the embassy in the late 1990s when phone networks and the Internet were of poor quality in Moldova.

"This so-called espionage scandal is just an excuse to implement a decision already made some time ago to reduce the number of diplomatic staff," Vasnetsov said at the time.

Mark Krutov from RFE/RL's Russian Service, Riin Aljas from RFE/RL's Central Newsroom, Maja Zivanovic from RFE/RL's Balkan Service, and Andrei Soshnikov from Systema, RFE/RL's Russian investigative unit, contributed to this report.
The United States has condemned a violent anti-Semitic event at an airport in Russia's predominantly Muslim region of Daghestan in which a mob overran the airport and threatened an aircraft arriving from Tel Aviv.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington condemned the incident, adding at a briefing with reporters on October 30 that the storming of the airport "looked like a pogrom to me" in videos of the incident that he had viewed.

"We call on Russian authorities to publicly condemn these violent protests, to hold anyone involved accountable, and to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews in Russia," Miller said.

The violence occurred on October 29 when dozens of protesters, angry over the situation surrounding the current war between Israel and Hamas militants, broke through doors and barriers at Makhachkala airport, with many of them chanting "Allahu akbar" (God is great) as they stormed the runway after the aircraft arrived.

Riot police and reinforcements, including National Guard units, were subsequently sent to "ensure the safety of arriving passengers, according to the Baza Telegram channel.

Officials said more than 20 people were injured -- two critically -- in the unrest, with 10 of those injured needing hospitalization, while Baza said six police officers were among the casualties.

It was not clear whether any Israeli citizens were on the plane that arrived from Tel Aviv or whether any passengers were among the injured.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported on October 30 that more than 60 people were detained at the airport.

In a statement on October 30, the head of Russia's Federation of Jewish Communities, Rabbi Aleksandr Boroda, said the incident "undermined the basic foundations of our multicultural and multinational state."

"The events of October 29 at the Makhachkala airport, as well as previous incidents...clearly show that the conflict in the Middle East has already affected the lives of people in Russia, and that anti-Israel sentiment has now turned into open aggression toward even Russian Jews," Boroda said.

The incidents Boroda referred to include a suspected arson attack on a Jewish center under construction in the city of Nalchik and reports that crowds gathered in front of two hotels in the Dagestani city of Khasavyurt demanding "refugees from Israel" leave the premises.

Russia's aviation authority closed the airport and said it would remain out of operation until November 6, but later changed its stance and as of late on October 30, air traffic had resumed.

Flights from Israel, however, were being temporarily rerouted to other cities in Russia.

The Investigative Committee, meanwhile, said it had conducted searches of the residences of some of those involved in the unrest.

"Participants in the mass unrest are being interrogated under the relevant criminal case...records from video surveillance cameras have been retrieved," the committee said.

Anti-Jewish protests have broken out in several cities in the region in the face of Israels war with Hamas, rulers of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry on October 29 demanded that Russia protect Israelis and Jews and to apprehend anyone threatening them.

"Israel expects the Russian authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and all Jews, and to act decisively against the rioters and against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis," a statement said.

The Kremlin blamed the unrest on "outside interference," and without showing any evidence accused Ukraine of involvement.

Ukraine rejected the accusation, saying that the Russian Foreign Ministry was attempting to "shift responsibility from a sick person to a healthy one." Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko added on Facebook that the events in Makhachkala "reflect deep-rooted anti-Semitism of Russian elites and society."

The United States also rejected the Russian accusation about Ukrainian involvement. "I've seen their comments about blaming Ukraine. They are absurd," Miller said.

Late on October 29, videos and photos from the scene published by RFE/RLs Caucasus.Realities indicated that protesters had stormed onto the Makhachkala runway, attempting to gain entry to the incoming plane.

Some media said the mob gathered at the airport after a Telegram channel said "uninvited guests" would be on the plane and that they should be met in "adult fashion" and forced to go elsewhere.

A local news Telegram channel reported that protesters were attempting to check the identities of arriving passengers, seeking to prevent Jews from leaving the airport, including searching police vehicles.

A protester was seen in one unconfirmed video carried a sign saying, "Child killers have no place in Daghestan."

Daghestani officials accused "enemies of Russia" of instigating the anti-Semitic sentiments after the Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus called on authorities to prevent refugees from Israel from entering the republic, according to the Caucasian Knot news website.

The Interior Ministry said that, "against the background of the situation in Makhachkala, the identities of all those who take part in the riots will be established, since video surveillance works at the airport."

"We recommend that all persons who have violated the operating procedures of the [airport] to cease the illegal actions and to not interfere with the work of airport employees," a Telegram statement said.

"It is not easy for each of us to stand and watch the inhumane massacre of a civilian population -- the Palestinian people, the government statement said.

"Still, we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society."

Anti-Semitic rallies took place over the weekend in other cities of the North Caucasus protesting against Israels military campaign.

The Middle East conflict broke out after Hamas militants stormed Israel on October 7, killing hundreds of people and taking more than 200 hostage. Israel retaliated with a military campaign against Gaza, leading to the deaths of some 8,000 people and the destruction of much of Gaza City.

On October 28, a rally was held in Cherkessk, the capital of the Karachayevo-Cherkessia region, demanding that residents of Israel not be allowed in.

On the night of October 29, residents of Derbent in Daghestan protested after false reports of the settling of refugees from Israel in local hotels.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and RIA Novosti
2 A man looks at a damaged caravan that was washed away by severe flooding.



The missing mother and child were last seen in their car when the damaged bridge they were attempting to cross was swept out into the sea.




The landscape between the Ukrainian villages of Robotyne and Verbove, in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhya region, is open and flat, rectangular farm fields now pocked with blackened artillery craters and lined by shrapnel-shredded trees that provide spotty cover. Scratched into the fields are rows of man-made trenches, tunnels, triangular concrete blocks called dragons' teeth, and an impossible number of anti-tank and anti-soldier land mines.

They're known as Surovikin Lines -- triple-layered defenses named for the Russian general who ordered their construction last year to thwart any Ukrainian effort to breach and try to outmaneuver Russian forces along a 1,200-kilometer front line.

Three months into its biggest counteroffensive of the 18-month-old Russian invasion, Ukraine is poised for a small but significant battlefield milestone near Orikhiv, in what many consider the main axis for the offensive: breaching the Surovikin Line.

Breaching the entire Surovikin Line outside Verbove would mean taking the village and expanding the pocket of control, or salient, that Ukrainian forces have carved out south of Robotyne, which was captured on August 28.

That could enable Ukrainian forces to threaten the key highway running from Orikhiv to Robotyne and then move south to Tokmak, a rail hub and road crossroads, which is 20 kilometers farther south through heavy fortifications. If they got to Tokmak, Ukrainian troops would then be close enough to strike Melitopol, a major river city another 50 kilometers farther south, and even threaten the coastal highway that Russian forces use to ferry people and supplies to the occupied Crimea Peninsula.

"The fact is that not only has the first line of [Russian] defense been crossed; at this moment there's also fighting ongoing inside the second line," said Yevhen Dikiy, a former officer with a Ukrainian military unit known as the Aidar Battalion.

"Russian command knows perfectly well what the cost of the question is now, what's at stake," he told Current Time, a Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA. "That's why the battle for Tokmak will be very hard. They will throw there all the reserves they have left. And, in essence, the question now is who will run out of reserves first. Because we're suffering quite serious losses in this offensive, but the Russian losses are also very significant."

"I agree with the thesis that the Russians are afraid of a breakthrough and lack of control in Zaporizhzhya," said Maciej Korowaj, a Polish military analyst and reserve lieutenant colonel in the Polish Army. "Ukraine fights according to the principle: hit, bend, starve," he said. "It is precisely this Ukrainian tactic that the Russians are afraid of and are trying to counteract."

In an interview with The Guardian published on September 2, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskiy, who commands Ukraine's Tavria grouping of forces, also claimed that troops had broken through the first lines of the Surovikin defenses near Robotyne.

"The enemy is [calling] up reserves, not only from Ukraine but also from Russia. But sooner or later, the Russians will run out of all the best soldiers. This will give us an impetus to attack more and faster," Tarnavskiy said. "Everything is ahead of us."

Reports of Ukrainian advances, or being on the verge of a breakthrough, have been corroborated by satellite imagery and open-source information. Russian military bloggers, some of whom are linked to military units or security agencies, also pointed to Ukrainian progress.

"The enemy is trying to assault between Verbove and Novoprokopivka," said one prominent Russian blogger, Yuriy Kotenok, in a Telegram post. "It's serious there. There is a threat of a breakthrough. Russia is committing reserves there. The line is held by highly resistant units. Unfortunately, they are not enough."

After months of regrouping and resupplying, on June 5 Ukraine launched a concentrated counteroffensive in three locations along the 1,200-kilometer front line: south of the town of Orikhiv, south of the settlement of Velyka Novosylka, and near the Donetsk region city of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian effort was buoyed by hopes that legions of Western-supplied vehicles and weaponry -- U.S.-supplied Bradley armored personnel carriers, Leopard tanks and Marder infantry vehicles from Germany, and truck-mounted Caesar howitzers from France -- would help troops punch through Russian defenses.

In the days after the campaign got under way, however, Ukrainian units encountered the Surovikin Lines that Russia had spent months building. Since then, the tempo of progress has decreased substantially, with Ukrainian troops making slow, painstaking advances, village by village: "approximately 7001,200 meters of progress every five days," according to one estimate.

About 100 kilometers northeast of Orikhiv, along the meandering Mokri Yaly River, it took Ukrainian forces more than three weeks to capture a pair of villages south of Velyka Novosylka. And in the vicinity of Orikhiv, which by some accounts has become the main thrust for the Ukrainian efforts, troops have advanced about 7 kilometers.

On September 4-5, Ukrainian forces appeared to have breached at least one of the Surovikin Lines on the western outskirts of Verbove, according to analysts from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War and other open-source researchers.

In comments to Ukrainian TV on September 4, Colonel Oleksandr Shtupun, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Tavria grouping, said the second line of defense outside of Verbove was formidable but not as strong as the first lines.

Still, the snail's-pace advance has sparked frustration in some Western capitals, most notably in Washington, where the U.S. administration has provided nearly $70 billion in weaponry, equipment, and other humanitarian aid, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which has tracked aid donations to Ukraine.

Russia has sought to capitalize on that frustration. Responding to a reporter's question at a news conference alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on September 4, President Vladimir Putin outright declared the Ukrainian campaign to be unsuccessful. "As for the Ukrainian counteroffensive spinning its wheels: It's not spinning; it's a failure," Putin said. "That's what it looks like today in any case."

Undermining Putin's assertion, however, were reports last week that Russian commanders had redeployed at least one major paratrooper unit -- the 76th Air Assault Brigade -- fighting around the northeast city of Kreminna to bolster troop strength north of Tokmak.

"This, combined with a lack of a coordinated and decisive response to [the] forming [of] a Ukrainian salient, appear to suggest a significant degradation of Russian combat potential in this sector," said Konrad Muzyka, a Polish-based defense analyst, said in a research note. "As a result, Ukrainian further gains are likely."

"Moscow will likely continue to attempt to degrade Ukrainian attacks in-depth and attrit its combat potential, forcing it to fight for every trench to the point when Ukrainians can no longer sustain the current tempo of attacks," he said.

"Redeployment of reserves of Russian airborne units is aimed at saturating the crooked front line," military analyst Korowaj said. "The Russian Army used up all operational and strategic reserves. If they want to save themselves, they have to take the best units from other directions," he said. "If the intensity of the fighting remains the same, theoretically, by the end of autumn, the Russian Army will have to let go of the Zaporizhzhya-Azov direction."

The "summer offensive is coming down to the balance of attrition over time, which side has more reserves, and who can better manage their combat power in a prolonged slugfest," Michael Kofman and Rob Lee, two veteran military experts, said in an analysis published on September 4.

"Ukraine's offensive neither is over, nor has it failed," they wrote.

White House spokesman John Kirby highlighted Ukrainian successes in comments to reporters on September 1. "We have noted over the last 72 hours or so some notable progress by Ukrainian armed forcesin that southern line of advance coming out of the Zaporizhzhya area, and they have achieved some success against that second line of Russian defenses," Kirby said.

Despite the grinding progress, some experts have cautioned patience, and realistic expectations of what Ukrainian troops will be able to achieve -- and when.

"Ukraine's current counteroffensive will not throw Russia out -- not that anyone expected it to. Nor is it likely to cut the occupation in half before the winter, which might have been one of the more optimistic aims," Richard Barrons, a former British Army general and former commander of Britain's Joint Forces Command, wrote in a Financial Times opinion piece.

"It has, however, shown how the Russian Army can be beaten. Not in 2023, but in 2024 or 2025. Thus, the refrain among Western allies of supporting Kyiv 'for as long as it takes.'"

In a report published on September 4, the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank, also argued that Russian forces had improved their performance since the early weeks after the February 2022 invasion, when Russian troops tried to seize the capital Kyiv but were thwarted by Ukrainian defenders.

"It is also important to recognize that Russian forces are fighting more competently and with reasonable tenacity in the defense," the report's authors, Jack Watling and Nick Reynolds, wrote.

In addition to laying complex minefields that try to funnel Ukrainian attacks into designated corridors where they can be targeted by artillery or tanks, Russian forces have built extensive trenches and even underground tunnel networks that can be used to rotate soldiers and bring in equipment and ammunition under cover. In some cases, they've built mined decoy trenches to be detonated if Ukrainian forces overrun them.

Russian troops have also improved their use of electronic warfare -- to confuse radar and jam drones, incoming GPS-guided rockets, and missiles. They've also utilized Ka-52 attack helicopters that pop up over tree lines, launch powerful anti-tank missiles, and then descend to lower altitudes, making them hard to hit for Ukrainian antiaircraft gunners.

"Given that it is unlikely, however, that this offensive will deliver a decisive liberation of ground, both Russia and Ukraine now face the question of how to regenerate combat power for the next round of fighting, into 2024 and beyond," Watling and Reynolds wrote.
At least 16 people were killed and many others wounded when a missile struck a busy market in the Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka. The attack came hours after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. RFE/RL correspondent Serhiy Horbatenko sent this video from the scene of the attack. CORRECTION: According to a report by The New York Times, the explosion was likely caused by an errant missile fired by Ukrainian forces.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with top Ukrainian officials in an unannounced trip to Kyiv as he pledged U.S. support for Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive and "what it needs for the long term."

Blinken's visit on September 6 came just hours after the Ukrainian capital was again targeted by Russian missiles.



It also came days after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced a major shake-up at the Defense Ministry amid mounting concerns of wartime corruption involving military contracts.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

In a statement, the State Department said Blinken's visit was intended to demonstrate the United States' "unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy, especially in the face of Russia's aggression."



Unnamed U.S. officials told reporters traveling with Blinken that he would also announce of new military aid package of between $175 million and $200 million, with another, larger package expected to be announced later this week.



Blinken, who traveled to Kyiv by train, met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the journey, according to a State Department spokesman, who said Blinken thanked Frederiksen for Denmark's offer to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s fighter jets and for promising to donate the jets to Kyiv.



In a speech to Ukraine's parliament, Frederiksen told lawmakers that the world was in awe of Ukrainians' "incredible strength" and their "will never to give in" in the face of Russia's full-scale invasion, launched in February 2022.



"Your fight is our fight," she said.

After arriving, Blinken laid a wreath at a Kyiv cemetery commemorating members of the Ukrainian armed forces killed while defending the country, according to press reports.



"We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent," Blinken was quoted as telling reporters in Kyiv while standing alongside Ukraine's foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba.



"We're also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy."



The trip is Blinken's fourth to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.



Ukraine is in the third month of a major counteroffensive against Russia forces that it hopes will decisively shift the momentum of the war.



While Ukrainian forces have made some progress in the southern Zaporizhzhiya region, and in the eastern Donetsk region, the advances have been small. Some of Ukraine's Western backers have expressed frustration at the slow pace.

Ahead of the visit, Russia again targeted the Ukrainian capital with cruise missiles. In a post on Telegram, Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv city military administration, said air defenses shot down the missiles, and there were no casualties or damage to the city in the early morning attack.



In Izmayil, a Danube River port southwest of Odesa, at least one person was killed in Russian drone attacks that lasted for three hours. Oleh Kiper, the region's governor, said on Telegram.



The port and some connected agricultural infrastructure were also damaged, he said.



Izmayil borders NATO-member Romania, which has become a major route for Ukrainian grain and agricultural shipments out of the country following Russia's withdrawal in July from a United Nations deal that had allowed maritime shipments of Ukrainian products via the Black Sea.



Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine's Odesa and Mykolayiv regions in recent weeks as talks on reviving the deal continue.

Blinken's meetings with Ukrainian officials were also expected to touch on alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain.



Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials complained that Russian drones had hit Romanian territory, a claim that Bucharest later "categorically denied."



Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said on September 5 that the attacks had taken place "very, very close" to his country's border.



Blinkens trip to Kyiv was his first since September 2022, and comes with Zelenskiy trying to tamp down concerns that his government was not doing enough to root out some of the endemic corruption Ukraine has grappled with for years.



Anti-corruption activists and some lawmakers have raised questions about weapons contracts and procurement procedures. Some lawmakers in the United States, Ukraine's biggest donor of military equipment, have voiced concerns.



Last month, Zelenskiy dismissed the heads of all military recruitment centers, amid questions of draft-eligible men being illegally allowed to leave the country. Ukraine's deputy defense minister also resigned after facing allegations of corruption.

Earlier this week, Zelenskiy dismissed Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, who had served as the defense chief since before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

On September 6, Ukrainian lawmakers approved Rustem Umerov as the new defense minister. A total of 338 lawmakers voted in favor of Umerov, the former head of the Ukrainian State Property Fund, well above 226 votes needed.



Last week, White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan met with three top Ukrainian officials to discuss efforts to tackle wartime graft.

With reporting by AP and Reuters
A page with information about Russian General Sergey Surovikin, the former commander of the air and space forces of the aggressor country and the occupant group in Ukraine, has disappeared from the website of the Russian Defence Ministry. Also, his name was removed from the list of the leadership of the department.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the propaganda Telegram channel "VChK-OGPU", this can be considered the first official confirmation of Surovikin's resignation. The day before, the channel noted that Surovikin, according to the website of the occupant country's Defense Ministry, continued to be listed as commander of the Russian Armed Forces.

The Moscow Times, banned in Russia, citing sources, wrote that Surovikin's persecution is connected with his probable support for the head of PMC Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

"There the story with him was not ok. For the authorities. Apparently, he chose the side (Prigozhin during the rebellion. - Ed.), and he was grabbed by the b*ls," - said the interlocutor of the publication.

Recall, Surovikin from October 2022 to January 2023 led the group of occupiers in Ukraine, then was deputy commander of the group. After the rebellion "Wagner" he disappeared from the public field. Later there was information about his arrest on suspicion of state treason. According to The New York Times' sources, Surovikin knew about Prigozhin's plans to revolt.

ADVERTISIMENT

Surovikin was subsequently fired from his post as commander of the Russian Air Force allegedly due to a transfer to another job. This post was taken over by General Viktor Afzalov. However, on the website of the Russian Defense Ministry, the reshuffle was not reflected.

The aggressor country's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ignored a question about an investigation into Surovikin, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "No, you can't" when asked by an AFP reporter if it was possible to ask about the investigation.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- On September 4, Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak published a photo of Surovikin with his wife and wrote that he was "alive, healthy, at home, with his family, in Moscow."

- According to The New York Times' sources in Russia and the United States, Surovikin was released from custody a few days after Prigozhin's death.

ADVERTISIMENT

- Kremlin propagandists are already discussing how Surovikin will die. According to one of their versions, the general may die of a heart attack.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Scientists know that periods of prolonged heat waves trigger wars and unrest on Earth. Yes, you could say that this is caused by crop failures and water supply problems, which ultimately cause a domino effect. But a new study shows that the heat itself can also have a negative effect on individuals, causing them to become unprovoked aggressive.

ADVERTISIMENT

That's according to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research as a working paper. LiveScience tells LiveScience the details.

The researchers found that the people most susceptible to the negative effects of heat are those who already feel marginalized - pushed out by society, the political system, being members of national minorities, migrants, people from rural areas, etc.

"Given the climate change and temperature changes that are happening around the world, we think this is an important area of research," said Robert Pickmans, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, co-author of the new paper.

The scientist said that unlike other studies, which had small and limited sample sizes, the new study involved about 900 participants from Berkeley, USA, and 1,000 from Nairobi, Kenya.

ADVERTISIMENT

The volunteers were in two separate rooms, one kept at 22 degrees Celsius and the other at 30 degrees Celsius. In these rooms they were given a standard set of tests on decision-making and cognitive abilities, after which the scientists compared the data obtained.

It turned out that there weren't many differences. In the hot room, people complained of drowsiness, but in general their decision-making ability did not deteriorate, although they stopped making decisions, trusting intuition.

But an interesting result was obtained during a task called "the joy of destruction". During this test, a participant was given the opportunity to erase part of another subject's savings. At the same time, the one who did this was promised no monetary or any other reward. That is, as the scientist explained, the task involved only the desire to release aggression.

ADVERTISIMENT

In most cases, the heat did not affect the way people played "joy of destruction" in Berkeley, but in Nairobi, participants in the hot room were more ruthless.

Further research found that this effect was due to the fact that the participants belonged to ethnic groups marginalized by the disputed elections that turned daily life in Kenya at the time.

Pickmans said the results of this game could confirm the link between temperature and political violence.

In the future, the researchers intend to conduct similar tests, but increase the amount of time the participants in the experiment stay in the rooms, and increase the temperature in the hot room above 30 degrees Celsius.

As told OBOZREVATEL, scientists suggest that global warming can kill a billion people in 100 years.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up to date.
AN OPPOSITION member criticised Rotherham Council after reports of it objecting to a multimillion-pound project due to out of date information.

Cllr Adam Carter, the leader of the Rotherham Liberal Democrats, criticised Rotherham Council for objecting to the Compass project, an extension to Factory 2050 at the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Compass forms part of the 1.2 billion South Yorkshire Investment Zone, which was unveiled by chancellor Jeremy Hunt and South Yorkshires political leaders in July.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every day. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Rotherham Advertiser within your account. Edit Preferences Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting...

The 80 million Compass project is reportedly backed by some of the largest companies in the UK, including Boeing.

Sheffield and Rotherham Liberal Democrats are now attacking the council for delaying the project.

Cllr Adam Carter, Rotherhams Lib Dem leader, said: Objecting to this is further proof that anti-business Rotherham Labour just arent interested in creating new jobs in the area.

The facts are that residents of both Sheffield and Rotherham will benefit from investment from global companies such as this, and by objecting and putting blockers in the way, Rotherham Council are saying no to jobs.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Labour squabbling over the City Region deal has already left us millions of pounds out of pocket, and weve lost out on much needed local jobs. Its clear that no matter what Labour promise to residents, they wont deliver.

Whether its promising to make our ever-worsening bus services better, or promising to bring investment to our area, Labour politicians just keep failing us.

However, RMBC head of planning Nigel Hancock said the applicant had out of date information regarding transport links  and they were requested to submit up to date information.

Mr Hancock added: Sheffield City Council received a planning application to extend the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and Rotherham Council have been consulted.

Advertisement

Advertisement

However, the application has out of date information regarding transport links to and from the facility. The planning service has therefore requested that the applicant submit up to date information so that a further review of the impact of the development on the local highway network can be reviewed.
Punjab Govt Schools

Performance of Campus Managers & Security Guards will be Regularly Monitored by the Education Dept

MOHALI: The Punjab Education Department has issued directives pertaining to the appointment of campus managers and security guards in government schools across the state. This development also includes details about the schools selected for the first phase of this initiative and the newly appointed staff.

Campus managers have been assigned to 33 schools in Ludhiana, while an impressive 260 schools throughout the state have received these appointments. Notably, this staffing has been outsourced, a decision that has sparked debate and opposition among teachers.

Advertisement

However, proponents argue that this move aims to alleviate the workload on teachers. According to educators, rather than outsourcing these positions, individuals with a deep understanding of school operations should be deployed from within the government workforce.

The Role of Campus Managers is Multifaceted, with Responsibilities Including:

-- Pre-school Inspection: Campus managers are required to inspect the school premises half an hour before classes commence.

Advertisement

-- Supervision of Civil Works: They will oversee ongoing construction projects within the school and ensure timely completion.

-- Infrastructure Maintenance: Maintenance and upkeep of school infrastructure, optimal use of open spaces, and landscaping fall under their purview.

-- Coordination: Campus managers will coordinate with various school personnel, including stockkeepers, security personnel, and mid-day meal workers. Their responsibilities extend to all schools within their designated cluster.

Advertisement

In addition to the appointment of campus managers, the education department has also placed two security guards in 689 government senior secondary and high schools across the state. Fifty of these schools are situated in Ludhiana. The role of these security guards is to arrive one hour before school begins and remain on duty for one hour after recess. They are tasked with maintaining discipline at the school's entry gate and ensuring that students do not leave the premises without teacher authorization.

The performance of campus managers and security guards will be regularly monitored and reviewed by the education department. Among the Ludhiana schools benefitting from this initiative are Government Senior Secondary School Baddowal Cantonment, Doraha, Sahnewal Boys, Mundian Kalan, Samrala Boys, Jawahar Nagar Boys, Dadheri, Basti Jodhewal, Gill Girls, Dhandari Khurd, Ayali Khurd, Haibowal Khurd, Machhiwara Girls, Tharike, and Haibowal Kalan. These institutions will now benefit from the presence of campus managers and security guards to enhance overall school management and safety.
Punjab Police Action

Shimla Rani was apprehended by the Khui Khera Police with 7,000 illicit drug pills

FAZILKA: In a Significant Operation in Azamwala village of Fazilka, law enforcement authorities have taken decisive action against a family involved in drug smuggling, leading to the confiscation of illegal assets acquired through drug-related activities. The operation was carried out under the leadership of DSP Atul Soni on Tuesday.

The Initial arrest that triggered this investigation involved Shimla Rani, a resident of Azamwala, who was apprehended by the Khui Khera police with 7,000 illicit drug pills. Following a brief period of incarceration, she was released on bail. Subsequent police inquiries unveiled a disturbing pattern, her entire family was allegedly implicated in drug trafficking, with substantial assets amassed through the sale of narcotics. A detailed record of these assets was meticulously compiled by the authorities.

Advertisement

The House, situated along the canal and reportedly linked to the female drug trafficker, was seized under the direction of SHO Ramesh from the Khui Khera police station. Valued at Rs 16.5 lakh, this property represents just a fraction of the ill-gotten wealth. Additionally, the police have impounded a tractor valued at Rs 8.5 lakh, two shops worth Rs 4 lakh, a motorcycle valued at Rs 1 lakh 80,000, and other miscellaneous items connected to the suspect.

To inform the public of this action, the police have prominently displayed a notice outside the confiscated house, signaling the intent to curb illegal drug activities and dismantle any associated assets. This operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement in tackling drug-related crimes and their determination to hold those involved accountable for their actions.
Harjot Singh Bains

This Aims to shed light on the dedicated efforts of teachers

CHANDIGARH: In a bid to acknowledge and celebrate the commendable contributions of teachers in government schools across the state, the Education Department of the Punjab Government has initiated the "Teacher of the Week" program. This initiative aims to shed light on the dedicated efforts of teachers and inspire others to follow suit. Under this program, teachers who have demonstrated exemplary performance during the week will be recognized, with their accomplishments shared with the public.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the launch of this program as a means to restore the honor and prestige associated with the teaching profession. Taking to his social media platform, the Education Minister stated his commitment to showcasing the remarkable work of teachers throughout Punjab.

Advertisement

Notably, The "Teacher of the Week" program is expected to not only highlight the valuable contributions of educators but also motivate them to continue delivering quality education in government schools. By recognizing and celebrating their efforts, the Punjab Government aims to inspire a culture of excellence within the teaching community.


Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim

Ram Rahim demanded a CBI investigation into the matter

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court is scheduled to conduct a crucial hearing in the Sauda Sadh case today. The case revolves around a petition filed by Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim, who has expressed reservations about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab and has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Previously, the High Court had ruled in favor of Ram Rahim, instructing that the evidence and documents gathered by the CBI be made accessible to him within a week. The petition, filed by Sauda Sadh, pertains to a 2015 case of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Punjab government initially entrusted the case to the SIT of the Punjab Police, which sparked concerns and led to the present legal proceedings.

Advertisement

The trial for this case was originally underway in Punjab but was later transferred to the District Court of Chandigarh. In light of this, the petitioner had submitted an application to the District Court seeking access to the evidence and documents collected by the CBI.

In the petition filed by Sauda Sadh, it was revealed that the district court had acknowledged that the SIT had indeed handed over the documents obtained by the CBI. However, Ram Rahim contested this assertion in his petition to the High Court, stating that the documents and evidence provided were not identical. This discrepancy has left the petitioner concerned, as he believes that without these documents, his case cannot be presented effectively.


Dilapidated School Rooms in Punjab

Identification of unsafe structures underscores the urgency of addressing potential hazards within school premises

MOHALI: A Tragic Incident in Ludhiana, where a teacher lost her life due to a roof collapse during a government school renovation, has prompted swift action by the education department. The authorities have ordered a comprehensive inspection of school buildings throughout Punjab to identify and rectify any safety hazards.

A report assessing the condition of schools and the safety of rooms in the state has unveiled alarming findings. Across six districts, a total of 68 rooms were found to be in a dilapidated and potentially dangerous state. This discovery has raised significant concerns about the safety of students and staff.

Advertisement

In response to these findings, 111 government schools in Ludhiana have requested safety assessments. Consequently, the school education department has issued directives to all schools, urging them to conduct thorough safety audits of their classrooms, verandas, and surrounding walls.

To Ensure the safety of school infrastructure, the department has instructed government schools at the district level to collaborate with the Buildings and Roads (B&R) department (PWD) for a comprehensive building audit. The orders stipulate that any rooms, verandas, or enclosures deemed unsafe by the B&R department should be promptly reported to the District Education Officer.

The Breakdown of Dilapidated Rooms in Each District is as Follows:

Advertisement

Fatehgarh Sahib: 5 Rooms

Ferozepur: 32 Rooms

Sri Muktsar Sahib: 17 Rooms

Patiala: 6 Rooms

Bathinda: 5 Rooms

Moga: 3 Rooms
Storm

Governor Eduardo Leite described the storm as one of the Deadliest Events

Southern Brazil has been ravaged by a catastrophic storm that has claimed the lives of at least 22 people, causing extensive destruction in its wake. The calamitous weather, marked by torrential rainfall, has resulted in the flooding of numerous cities, leaving local authorities scrambling to respond to the crisis.

Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite described the storm as one of the deadliest events the state has ever witnessed. As the rain poured relentlessly, it transformed into an extra-tropical cyclone. Approximately 60 cities in the region have been adversely affected by this natural disaster.

Advertisement

In a heart-wrenching tragedy, 15 lives were tragically lost when a house in the city of Mukum, with a population of around 50,000, succumbed to the deluge. Governor Leite confirmed this grim toll, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The state government's reports indicate that the storm has forced 1,650 people to flee their homes in search of safety as of Monday. The images and videos emerging from the affected areas paint a stark picture of the devastation, with floodwaters submerging streets and homes. Rescue operations are underway to transport people to secure locations amid the ongoing crisis.

Tragically, among the casualties is a courageous female worker who lost her life while attempting to rescue others from the surging floodwaters. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this devastating storm, authorities, emergency services, and communities are joining forces to provide aid, shelter, and support to those affected.
Gurdwara Sahib

Sri Guru Ramdas Library located in Sri Darbar Sahib group will be Digitized: Advocate Dhami

AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced plans to establish its own press in the United States for the printing of the sacred version of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. This decision marks a significant step in promoting Sikh religious literature and outreach overseas. The press will be situated in Tracy, California, where the SGPC's Dharma Prachar Kendra (Religious Propagation Center) will also operate, contributing to spiritual education and awareness in the region.

The Decision to set up the press and expand SGPC's presence in America was made during an internal committee meeting held at the SGPC office, chaired by Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami. Advocate Dhami explained that the late S. Didar Singh Bains generously donated 14.5 acres of land in Yuba City, where a Dharma Prachar Kendra will be established to initiate various religious activities. In addition to this, the Sikh diaspora in America will witness the establishment of a dedicated SGPC center in Tracy, California, thanks to the support and offers from Gyan Singh Sandhu in Canada and Colonel Singh Sandhu in America.

Advertisement

The Proposed center in Tracy, California, will include a printing press specifically designed for producing sacred images of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, catering to the demand from the Sikh community in America and Canada. Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) will also be set up in both centers, providing access to religious literature and resources for the Sangat (congregation). Responding to requests from the Sikh community in Australia, 220 holy images will be adorned and transported by sea in a special bus.

Advocate Dhami underscored that these decisions have been made in response to the considerable demand for holy images worldwide, reflecting the commitment to meet the spiritual needs of Sikh communities around the globe. Additionally, SGPC intends to digitize the Sri Guru Ramdas Library associated with Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, creating a dedicated website for the library, complete with catalogs and details of important books.

Furthermore, the SGPC has initiated a campaign to promote cleanliness and green initiatives in Guru Nagar Sri Amritsar, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Central Sikh Museum will feature portraits of Giani Jagtar Singh, former chief Granthi of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, and Sikh historian Swaran Singh Chuslewar in recognition of their significant contributions to the Sikh heritage.

Advertisement

In a special acknowledgment, Amritbir Singh, a 21-year-old Sikh youth from Umranangal village in Gurdaspur district, will be honored with a monetary award. The Inner Committee of the SGPC has also approved a 4 percent Dearness Allowance installment for the organization's employees.
RTE News & Current Affairs

As the Ukraine crisis escalated in early February 2022, our Europe Editor Tony Connelly and his Brussels-based cameraman Bram Verbeke flew to Ukraine to report from the capital, Kyiv. RTE News was on the ground as Russian troops crossed into Ukraine, reporting on the humanitarian crisis. In the days following, online and on radio and television, we documented the fear of those unable to flee and the courage of those determined to fight and shared the heartbreak of families torn apart by war. In the weeks and months after, in Ukraine and on the ground in neighbouring countries in Europe, along with the efforts at home, journalists across RTE News & Current Affairs continued to tell the story: ni hamhain i mBearla ach i nGaeilge freisin, rud a leirionn an rol tabhachtach a bhionn ag foireann Baile na hAbhann gach la, ag bailiu nuachta i mBearla agus i nGaeilge.

RTE News continued to lead the coverage of major national events throughout the year, including the tragic loss of life in the community of Creeslough, Co. Donegal, the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, and in-depth analysis of the multibillion-euro cost-of-living crisis Budget.

RTE News & Current Affairs targeted and grew its younger audiences by focusing on its newly launched TikTok account, which has reached 150,000 followers in just over one year.

As RTEs flagship current affairs series, Prime Time featured the most important issues in Irish society and revealed powerful personal stories. The year began with a week-long focus on unaffordable housing  the problem of a generation  with in-depth analysis, debate, data and video content as well as two dedicated live television programmes. Special Prime Time reports also revealed the issue of codeine addiction, as Irish pharmacies were shown not following guidelines on codeine sales; the state of our nations capital thoroughfare, OConnell Street; the home-care crisis; and the impact of online abuse on players and officials in the GAA.

Throughout the year we continued our commitment to coverage of climate issues with dedicated Prime Time Climate Specials, which examined green claims by companies, asked if marketing promises stand up, examined the connection between Irelands loss of nature and climate change, looked at the environmental damage thats already been done and explored potential solutions. Amsterdams circular economy was spotlighted ahead of Irelands own proposed strategy as we considered the twin crises of Irelands biodiversity loss and climate change.

Our Climate Heroes series shone a light on the people who are stepping up to protect the environment and tackle climate change. While these people come from all walks of life, they share a common purpose: to improve the world around us. The major digital series spanned the whole of 2022, with all 50 reports shot and edited on mobile, reaching audiences on digital and social media platforms.

RTE News is expanding its international coverage online as well as on air. This year saw RTE News announce the appointments of new roles, with journalists Yvonne Murray as Global Security Reporter based in New York; Liam Nolan as Eastern Europe Reporter based in Warsaw, Poland; and Kagweni Micheni as Africa Reporter based in Nairobi, Kenya. They are reporting on a wide range of issues including the work of the United Nations Security Council, Irelands role within the UN system and peacekeeping, the impact of climate change on the African continent and global geopolitical issues. This expansion of foreign news coverage is supported by funding from the Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund.

In 2022, RTE News was one of the first dozen media outlets leading the way globally as Journalism Trust Initiative certified media organisations, alongside the French national public service television broadcaster France TV, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Journalism Trust Initiative aims to promote trustworthy journalism and news sources, helping in the battle against disinformation. It is supported by the European Broadcasting Union and has been formally adopted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

The year saw Deirdre McCarthy appointed as Managing Director, RTE News & Current Affairs, following a public competition. Deirdre is the first women appointed to this key position.
The crew of the Russian Ocean Way round-the-world expedition was attacked by sharks off the coast of Australia and damaged the catamaran. The half-drowned vessel sailed in the Coral Sea for more than a day, until a second attack by predators forced the travelers to make an SOS signal.

ADVERTISIMENT

All three crew members - Russians Evgeny Kovalevsky, Stanislav Berezkin and Frenchman Vincent Thomas - were rescued by other sailors. This was reported on the official page of the expedition (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page).

It is reported that the "attackers" were cutthroat sharks or luminescent Brazilian sharks (cookiecutter). These are small deep-sea predators that rise to the surface in search of food. They gnaw into larger fish, tearing chunks off their prey.

The first shark attack occurred on September 4. Damage was sustained to the catamaran's rear left cylinder, causing it to become completely submerged. In an emergency state, the travelers lasted about a day, sailing another 160 kilometers.

ADVERTISIMENT

The next day, September 5 at 23:00, cutthroat sharks damaged the starboard tank. The crew made an emergency distress call, and within 45 minutes, the Dugong Ace, a dry cargo ship bound for Shanghai, came to the rescue.

All of the crew's belongings managed to be evacuated along with the people, but the catamaran remained in the ocean. Currently, travelers are being taken to the Australian city of Brisbane.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote that a couple of Russians complained about the vacation in Turkey, which turned out for them a fine and light scratches. About the hysteria of citizens of the country-terrorist - read here.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Brazilian rectors visit Rhodes University to build partnerships

By Anelisa Centani

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation cannot be overstated. Rhodes University recently welcomed the Brazilian Association of Rectors of Provincial and Municipal Universities (ABRUEM), who have been visiting a selection of universities across South Africa, to its campus for the first time.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela presented to the guests from Brazil. Rhodes University has a population of 8348 students, with 65% women and 35% men, he said.

"Our vision as Rhodes University is that we want to be foremost in creating and advancing locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge that seeks to create a sustainable society," said Prof Mabizela.

Rhodes University has many departments; and all have the mission of creating and advancing knowledge that transforms society and humanity. Prof Mabizela mentioned that Rhodes University has several research units, research centres, and research institutes. He concluded his speech by emphasising that Rhodes is an intensive research university generating knowledge that advances the common good.

Professor Evanilda Souza de Santana Carvalho, Vice Rector of the State University of Feira de Santana (Uefs) addressed the group on the topic of diversity and inclusion in Brazil, sharing the challenges of holding a leadership position as a black woman in a country where minorities and the black population still struggle for equal opportunity.

Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Sandile Khamanga highlighted that the Faculty of Pharmacy focuses on four research divisions: The Faculty of Pharmacy at Rhodes University is powerful in drug development information, which is pharmaceutical technology," said Professor Khamanga.

Professor Juma, Dean of Law, presented an overview of his faculty, emphasising that while it was the smallest, it provided prestigious qualifications, with very successful alumni all over the world.

The Deputy Dean of Humanities Professor Patrice Mwepu added, "The Faculty of Humanities is the largest faculty and includes the School of Languages. We offer French language, Chinese studies, African languages, German studies and Classical studies, he said, and added that he would love to include Portuguese.

Deputy Dean of Commerce, Professor Lynette Louw shared the work of the Faculty of Commerce and one Brazilian university has indicated interest in collaboration on accounting and intercultural economies.

A Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) academic, Dr Rene Oosthuizen, explained that Rhodes University is the Southern hub of UNESCO's Knowledge for Change consortium: "UNESCO is a global consortium that drives the agenda for engaged scholarship, particularly focusing on engaged research, she said. Dr Oosthuizen believes that RUCE has proven highly beneficial for the Makhanda community, particularly for school learners.

The President of ABRUEM Odilon Maximo de Morais addressed the potential for academic cooperation between South Africa and Brazil. "ABRUEM has made a commitment of internationalism that will help us meet BRICS countries to share knowledge and new strategies for economic development," he said. Our organisation is deeply dedicated to creating a fairer and more equitable society by actively participating in initiatives that empower marginalised communities and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and fighting climate change.

The President concluded that collaboration between South Africa and Brazil promises to amplify their impact on the global stage. By combining resources, knowledge, and experiences, they can craft innovative solutions to address social injustice more effectively.

Director of Internationalisation at Rhodes University, Orla Quinlan, added: Brazil and South Africa have much in common and many of the issues you are addressing, as Brazilian universities, we are also addressing in South African universities.
As opposed to the discontinued India-spec model, upcoming Skoda Superb sedan will sport ADAS suite, updated infotainment and Skoda Chassis Control tech

The Czech brand is re-launching Superb sedan in India and unofficial bookings seem to be open too. However, upcoming Skoda Superb sedan will take a different approach to its route to India as opposed to recently discontinued India-spec Superb. This new Superb is the international RHD model that will be a direct import.

Skoda Superb Will Re-launch Soon  Most VFM mid-size sedan?

India-spec 3rd generation Superb on sale in India since 2016 was locally assembled here. It primarily rivalled Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata (if you remember it existed) and Toyota Camry. Superb was one of the most popular in its segment and punched way above its weight.

This could be why Skoda India might be considering bringing it back. The Czech brand had discontinued India-spec Superb while transitioning its portfolio to BS6 P2emission standard. This made Toyota Camry the only contender in this space. Skoda is highly likely to only import Superb in top-spec L&K trim only.

The company is making good use of Indian Governments GSR 870 rule. This rule dictates that an automaker might import as many as 2,500 units of a vehicle without the need for homologation and type approval by NCAT. These vehicles should be right-hand drive and fall under M and L categories.

Because upcoming Skoda Superb will be a CBU, there might be a significant hike in price. For context, last recorded price for India-spec Skoda Superb was around Rs. 37 lakh (ex-sh) for top-spec L&K trim. So, we can expect new CBU Superb sedan to cost around Rs. 50 lakh (ex-sh).

First Skoda vehicle in India to pack ADAS features

The updated 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine will make around the same power torque figures as the engine we get in Skoda Kodiaq  188 bhp and 320 Nm. This powertrain is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. There is a possibility of AWD layout as well. If so, this upcoming Superb will be the second AWD Skoda sedan in India after the 2nd gen Superb V6 AWD.

Upcoming Superb sedan will bundle ADAS features too, which makes it the first Skoda vehicle in India to get autonomous driving tech. Notable ADAS features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, 360-degree parking and park assist. Other global-spec Skoda Superb attributes like adaptive chassis control and a new infotainment system will be part of the package too.

4th generation Skoda Superb is on the horizon and Skoda has officially revealed camouflage prototype images as well. It will feature a 1.5L petrol engine with mild-hybrid kit and a brand new interior too. It is yet to be seen whether 4th gen Superb will launch in India. If so, via CBU route or CKD route?

Source
The Yuryk movie about the siege of Mariupol was removed from the air after the loud scandal. STB TV channel thanked the residents of the long-suffering city for criticizing the inconsistency with the historical truth and shared what will be done with the tape in the future.

ADVERTISIMENT

Yuryk will not disappear completely. The movie will be changed. Such information appeared on the official Instagram account of the TV channel (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the page).

"STB instructed the company producer of the movie OSNOVAFILM production to make significant changes and develop a new version of the movie. In particular, to exclude any mention of Mariupol as a place where the events unfold and not to use the names of other Ukrainian cities that were or are temporarily under Russian occupation," the statement reads.

According to the TV channel's spokesmen, the tape should include a "documentary postscript" that would reflect real facts about the scale of Russian crimes and civilian casualties, but not contain manifestations of other organizations in terms of covering the evacuation process.

ADVERTISIMENT

As for Mariupol, STB has a documentary project in development, Mariupol. Unspent Hope will be shown on the day of the hero-city.

The creators of the scandalous movie explained why they decided to remake it and not just delete it forever.

"Yuryk is one of the first accounts of the life of our children in the conditions of the Russian full-scale invasion reproduced in fiction. An 11-year-old boy child who was forced to become an adult as a result is the protagonist. It is the story of the people who help him find salvation. They all do the hardest thing you can do during a war, which is to stay human. Everyone should know and remember about our little 'yuryks' from different Ukrainian cities, who survived the Russian occupation or are still temporarily in it," the STB team believes.

ADVERTISIMENT

The creators of the picture said that they had learned an important lesson and announced a new "enhanced system of content verification" concerning the events of a full-scale war.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL wrote how authoritative media people and ordinary viewers reacted to the Yuryk movie. To know why one of the producers called Mariupol residents "guilty of war", visit the link.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
 Browser Compatibility

Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.

We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Smoketree Ranch by Hubbell Architecture Photo Credit: Glyn Jones

Straw houses get a bad rap. If nursery rhymes are to be believed, folks in them are a heavy breath away from being a wolfs dinner. But according to architect Drew Hubbell, the piggy in his straw abode wouldve been just fineand impressed the LEED certification panel while he was at it.Straw bale homes have been around for over 120 years, Drew explains. Theyre one of the most green building technologies you can use.Straw is a byproduct from the farming of wheat, rice, and barley. While straw has long served as insulation between stone masonry, straw balesthe big blocks of scratchy hay that city slickers mostly see at pumpkin patchesbecame a primary building material in Kansas a little over a century ago. Homebuilders would simply stack the bales and slather plaster over them to create walls.

Each Hubbell project carries a touch of whimsy Photo Credit: Arnel Garcia

A few decades back, the tech spread to the American southwest. Hubbell helped pioneer its usage in California, securing the first-ever permits for straw bale buildings in both San Diego and LA counties. He and his team have now constructed more than 40 straw structures, often sourcing their material from Imperial Valley wheat farms, which have historically burned their excess hay.They use the time-honored straw-and-plaster method while adding a wood or steel frame to ensure the buildings withstand California earthquakes (and maybe the occasional huffing, puffing wolf). Even with the use of a frame, straw bale structures utilize 50 to 60 percent less lumber than conventionally constructed buildings. The bales keep those inside warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and, because straw is an annually renewable waste material, its inexpensive and super sustainable, Drew says.As the son of legendary artist and longtime environmentally minded builder James Hubbell, Drew considers green strategies to be rooted in his DNA. Known for his Hobbit housesundulating, cave-like structures that resemble Lord of the Rings set piecesJames Hubbell became renowned for sourcing materials from the local environment to create work that honors and respects that landscape.

Ilan-Lael buildings made from sustainable foam core sandwich panels Photo Credit: John Durant

My parents practiced sustainability in the 1970s and 80s, before it became a popular thing, Drew says. Growing up on the property that is now Ilan-Lael, a 10-acre Hubbell family compound just outside of Santa Ysabel, Drew and his brothers helped erect structures using adobe bricks and planks of cedar milled from local trees. The family grew their own produce and composted the scraps.So when Drew and his father set out to start an architecture firm in 1995, it was only natural to focus their work on green techniques. But they ran into bureaucratic barriers: The city and county of San Diego were reluctant to issue permits for approaches they considered new and untested. Rather than fall back on less earth-friendly methods, the Hubbells went to bat for technologies like straw bale structures, putting together a source book that detailed state laws authorizing the approach and addressing common concerns.They have [taken the use of] natural materials, particularly straw bales, from something thats unheard of to something thats considered a viable option, emphasizes Colleen FitzSimons, executive director of the San Diego chapter of the US Green Building Council.

The Hubbells mixed-use Friends Center was designed to showcase innovative green building techniques Photo Credit: Drew Hubbell

As government institutions became more attentive to issues like climate change, San Diego County instituted the Green Building Program, which incentivizes builders to conserve resources, energy, and water in their projects. In 2000, a Hubbell-designed commercial residence close to Mount Woodson became the first building permitted under the program.More than 20 years later, Hubbell & Hubbell remains among the most sought-after green building firms in the countyand the duo have helped pave the way for fellows in the field. They are constantly supporting and cultivating other architects and builders who are interested in this work, FitzSimons says. She points to local straw bale builders like Simple Construct Homes, noting, I dont think that firm would be around if it werent for what Hubbell & Hubbell have done.The Hubbells have found such success, perhaps, because their work may resonate even with clients whose primary concerns are aesthetics or function over sustainability. Their approach is holistic: We respect the earth and the environment, Drew says, but also the clients and the site were designing for. Most of our projects dont have a familiar design style because they grow from the [landscape] and the clients needs.

The use of rice straw ensured excellent insulation for the nuns of Deer Park Monastery Photo Credit: Arnel Garcia

For example, at Deer Park Monastery, a Buddhist institution just north of Escondido, Drew and his team built three different structures totalling 4,500 square feet in 2016. Formerly, the monasterys nuns slept in small wooden shacks. They would freeze in the winter and sweat in the summer, Drew recalls, so insulation became a priority. With the help of the nuns and other community members, the firm utilized rice straw, adobe, clay plaster, and reclaimed wood to craft Spanish hacienda style buildings around a central courtyard. The result was a budget-friendly, comfortable living space that still allowed the nuns ample access to nature.The firms current residential project gets its clients even closer to the landscaperather than hauling rocks off the homeowners property to build, Drew and his team are making a massive boulder a focal point of the houses interior, adding a sleeping nook atop the rock. The surrounding walls consist of insulated concrete form, a virtually indestructible material made by mixing recycled Styrofoam with cement.Theres no common thread that weaves through every Hubbell & Hubbell project, its true. But each building carries hints of the organic whimsy familiar to James Hubbells famous Hobbit houses, and this impulseto invite the earth in; to prompt us to notice its power and beauty; to ask us all to coexistmay be what defines them.
The Court of the European Union in Luxembourg rejected the claims of 3 Russian billionaires, who demanded to lift sanctions against them. In particular, the court did not consider the appeal of ex-owner of the Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK) Dmitry Pumpyanskiy (fortune estimated at $1.7 billion), his wife Galina and son Alexandr.

ADVERTISIMENT

"Although Pumpyanskiy did not play a direct role in the military offensive in Ukraine, he is involved in economic sectors that are a significant source of income for the government of the Russian Federation," the published decision said. In this connection, the inclusion of Pumpyanskiy and his relatives in the sanctions list was recognized as justified.

The court also rejected the claims of billionaire Gennady Timchenko ($18.5 billion) and his wife Elena, who is close to the Russian president. In addition to lifting the restrictions, Timchenko demanded compensation of 1 million euros.

The court also refused to consider the removal of sanctions from billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev ($3.5 billion), blacklisted for supporting the Belarusian dictator and illegitimate president Alexander Lukashenko after the rigged presidential elections in 2020.

ADVERTISIMENT

In addition, the lawsuit to lift sanctions against the former managing director of Yandex, Tigran Khudaverdyan, who insisted that the grounds cited by the EU for imposing sanctions were "insufficient and there was no credible evidence to support them," remained pending.

As previously reported OBOZREVATEL, German customs seize cars with Russian license plates from Russians entering the country. The reason is their violation of the law of the Federal Republic of Germany "On Foreign Trade". In this regard, the Russian Embassy in Germany advises its citizens simply not to enter the country and not to import cars with Russian license plates.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Things to Do

11 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: Oct. 2629

Zombie crawl through the Gaslamp, trick-or-treat in Little Italy, and honor your loved ones at one of several Dia de Muertos celebrations

Read article
The Mains

Soichi Owners Daughter Joins Family Legacy with Japanese Comfort-Food Restaurant on Adams Avenue

Sakura Kadoyas parents own Japanese restaurant Soichi, and now shes following in her folks footsteps. She recently opened up a restaurant of her own alongside her business partner, Rey Palisocand it just so happens to be located right next door to her familys spot on Adams Avenue. Hatsuzakura focuses on Japanese comfort food with dishes like omurice, an omelet with a tomato-based chicken fried rice inside. Another dish, the guratan, is a baked macaroni casserole with a homemade white sauce, chicken, onions, and mushrooms, all smothered in mozzarella cheese.The restaurants interior matches the vibe of its food: cozy and welcoming ambiance with a pop of pink as a tribute to Japanese cherry blossoms. The team has curated wine pairings for each dish on the menutry the pet-nat sparkling wine alongside the tomago sando, an egg salad sandwich with cucumber and onions. They also make their melon soda in-house (and can upgrade it to a dreamy ice-cream float).

Burgeon Beer Company Courtesy of Burgeon Beer Company

Burgeon Beer Company Joins Vistas Thriving Brewery Scene

Vista holds the shiny title of most microbreweries per capita in the US, so its no surprise that the city is adding another local brewery to their roster. Burgeon Beer Company is moving into an 1,820-square-foot space (with extra room for an outdoor patio) in downtown Vistas Paseo Artist Village. On tap, theyll have 18 of their award-winning brews and new releases for guests to enjoy. The taproom will also be dog-friendly for those bringing their pups. Expect a grand opening before the end of the year

Lola 55 Courtesy of Lola 55

Quick Bites

Taco-focused restaurant Lola 55 opens in Carlsbad tomorrow, September 6, with dishes inspired by the co-owner Frank Vizcarras trips to legendary taco locales like Mexico City and Oaxaca. Lola 55 received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for its top-notch food at an affordable price.Second Chance Beer Company celebrates its eighth anniversary with a beer-and-wine pairing dinner on Saturday, September 9, at 6 p.m. The event features a three-course meal from OBriens Pub executive chef Tyson Blake, wine from Mia Marie Vineyards, and beer from the brewery. Some of the proceeds will benefit local dog rescues The Animal Pad and Second Chance Dog Rescue.Marisi in La Jolla is bringing back their monthly wine dinner series with their first pairing event of the fall on September 14. The Tuscan Harvest Wine Dinner will feature a five-course Italian menu matched with Tuscan wines poured by certified sommelier and Marisi wine director Chris Plaia.Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about San Diegos food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].
Russians, who recently rejoiced at the annexation of Crimea, seem to be getting disillusioned. People are complaining en masse about the high prices, boorish attitude, quality of mobile communications and attempts to scam them out of money, which they encountered while vacationing on the Ukrainian peninsula in the summer of 2023.

ADVERTISIMENT

The stories of Russian tourists were published by the propaganda resource "Komsomolskaya Pravda". "Expectations were not justified," - sadly stated supporters of the dictatorial regime of Vladimir Putin. Propagandists visited the Simferopol railway station to hear first-hand impressions.

"Rudeness is literally everywhere, starting from your train station and ending with cab drivers. By the way, these ones are constantly trying to cheat and get more than they need," one man complained.

Another vacationer added that she will most likely not return to vacation in Crimea again. She was shocked by the high prices. Even the same Turkey, according to the woman, will cost much cheaper.

ADVERTISIMENT

"It was said that hoteliers in the Crimea reduced the cost by 30%. But perhaps this is only on paper, because in fact it is more expensive to have a vacation than in Turkey. Would be a normal opportunity now to rest in other places, gladly, because in the Crimea is expensive ..." - explained the Russian woman.

As reported OBOZREVATEL, earlier a hotel in Turkey fined Russian tourists 200 euros for indecent behavior.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday, September 6. The US official plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by CGTN Espanol on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to local Telegram channels, the center of Kyiv is blocked (to see the video, scroll to the end of the news).

According to Reuters, Blinken will be in Ukraine on a two-day visit. He is also likely to announce a new U.S. aid package worth more than $1 billion.

Blinken is also expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, as well as other senior officials and civil society representatives in Kyiv.

This is the third visit of the US Secretary of State to Ukraine during the full-scale war. He first visited Kyiv together with Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin in April 2022. At that time, they discussed the supply of modern weapons necessary for Ukraine and new US military assistance with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities.

ADVERTISIMENT

Blinken visited Kyiv again almost a year ago on September 8. The Secretary of State visited Irpin in the Kyiv region, where he saw the consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine first-hand, including burned cars, traces of shelling and destroyed residential buildings and infrastructure.

Last month, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The Foreign Minister emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's long-range capabilities with ATACMS systems. The sides also discussed further steps to expand global support for the Ukrainian peace formula and the decision to expand grain exports.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- Earlier Blinken said that Russia is desperately looking for allies, having lost legitimacy in the international political arena. Moscow needs weapons to continue the war in Ukraine, but the only ones who are ready to supply them are Iran and North Korea.

ADVERTISIMENT

- The US announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine in late August. It will include weapons and ammunition worth $250m.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The newly-discovered species, Lumakoala blackae, was comparable in size to the smallest-known members of the koala family (Phascolarctidae), with body-mass estimates of 2.2-2.6 kg. The discovery helps fill a 30 million gap in the evolution of Australias marsupials.

Lumakoala blackae lived in central Australia during the Oligocene epoch, about 25 million years ago.

Lumakoala blackae weighed roughly 2.5 kg  about the size of a modern day brushtail possum, or a small domestic cat, said Flinders University Ph.D. student Arthur Crichton.

It probably ate mostly soft leaves, but wouldnt have turned down an insect given the chance.

Our computer analysis of its evolutionary relationships indicates that Lumakoala blackae is a member of the koala family or a close relative, but it also resembles several much older fossil marsupials called Thylacotinga and Chulpasia from the 55 million-year-old Tingamarra site in northeastern Australia.

In the past, it was suggested the enigmatic Thylacotinga and Chulpasia may have been closely related to marsupials from South America, he added.

However, the discovery of Lumakoala blackae suggests that Thylacotinga and Chulpasia could actually be early relatives of Australian herbivorous marsupials such as koalas, wombats, kangaroos and possums.

This group (Diprotodontia) is extremely diverse today, but nothing is known about the first half of their evolution due to a long gap in the fossil record.

If our hypothesis is correct, it would extend the diprotodontian fossil record back by 30 million years.

We would really expect early diprotodontians to have been around at the time; molecular information suggests koalas, wombats, kangaroos and possums split off from other marsupials between about 65 million and 50 million years ago.

The fossilized teeth of Lumakoala blackae were found at the site of Pwerte Marnte Marnte, south of Alice Springs.

The discovery of Lumakoala blackae helps fill a major 30 million-year-old gap in Australian marsupial evolution, said University of Salford paleontologist Robin Beck.

These Tingamarran marsupials are less mysterious than we thought, and now appear to be ancient relatives of younger, more familiar groups like koalas.

It shows how finding new fossils like Lumakoala blackae, even if only a few teeth, can revolutionize our understanding of the history of life on Earth.

The study raises important new questions, including whether these relatives of Australian herbivorous marsupials once lived in South America and Antarctica.

There are South American fossils that look very similar to the Tingamarran marsupials.

The authors also report the presence of two previously known species of koala  Madakoala and Nimiokoala  that lived alongside Lumakoala blackae, filling different niches in the central Australian forests that flourished 25 million years ago.

Until now, theres been no record of koalas ever being in the Northern Territory; now there are three different species from a single fossil site, said Flinders Universitys Professor Gavin Prideaux.

While we have only one koala species today, we now know there were at least seven from the Late Oligocene  along with giant koala-like marsupials called ilariids.

These were the largest marsupials in Australia at the time, weighing in at up to 200 kg.

They lived alongside a strong-toothed wombat relative named Mukupirna fortidentata and a bizarre possum, Chunia pledgei.

The findings were published in the September 4, 2023 issue of the journal Scientific Reports.

_____

A.I. Crichton et al. 2023. A probable koala from the Oligocene of central Australia provides insights into early diprotodontian evolution. Sci Rep 13, 14521; doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-41471-0
President Volodymyr Zelensky filed a bill to appoint Rustem Umerov as Defense Minister on September 5. The latter will replace Oleksiy Reznikov, who headed the Defense Ministry throughout the year and a half of the full-scale war.

ADVERTISIMENT

The corresponding document is published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada. To pass the vote of MPs, it must be considered by the relevant committees.

Umerov's submission will be considered by the Committee on the budget under the leadership of Roksolana Pidlasa and anti-corruption policy issues under the leadership of Anastasia Radina. The bill will be put on the agenda of the next meeting of deputies of the Verkhovna Rada after.

Last week Zelensky announced the removal of Oleksiy Reznikov as Defence Minister, who became a figurehead of numerous corruption scandals. This post may be taken by Rustem Umerov, who has positively proved himself in the past.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Umerov submitted a request for resignation as the head of the State Property Fund to Parliament the day before. The Nardeps should vote in favor of personnel reshuffles.

ADVERTISIMENT
Newly manufactured ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns has arrived in Ukraine from Germany. The partner country has made the first delivery of a five-digit quantity of shells to our army.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Germany, NZZ writes. It is noted that the delivery was realized thanks to the quite fast completion of the construction of a production line for the manufacture of ammunition.

Germany handed over a new package of military aid to Ukraine on August 30, which included 10 Leopard 1A5 tanks. In addition, it contained:

- one TRML-4D radar;

- 16 Vector unmanned reconnaissance systems;

- four HX81 tank transporters;

- more than 13 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

Belgium also plans to transfer Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. We are talking about eight units of this military equipment, which Brussels bought from Germany to hand over to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Earlier it was reported that Ukraine in cooperation with Poland is carrying out the integration of Sea Sparrow missiles on the 9A310 self-propelled firing unit of the Buk anti-aircraft missile system.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- German media explained why Chancellor Olaf Scholz is in no hurry to decide on providing Ukraine with Taurus cruise missiles. The head of the German government fears that Ukrainian troops will start using these weapons to strike the territory of the aggressor country Russia.

- Ukraine will receive Slinger anti-drone systems manufactured by the Electro Optic Systems Australian company, capable of shooting down helicopters and Shahed drones. This will result in meeting critical security and defense needs.

Only verified information we have on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Richard Florida

Maureen Krauss (Photo Supplied)
Heavy and dynamic fighting continues in the Bakhmut direction (Donetsk region). Ukrainian Defense Forces have successes in the area of Kleshchiivka village (south of Bakhmut).

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by the head of the press service of the Eastern grouping of the AFU troops Iliia Yevlash, ArmyInform reports. The representative of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that the defenders of the country are moving forward and knocking out the occupants of our land.

At the same time, the Russian occupiers are actively shelling the positions of the Defense Forces and peaceful settlements, using aircraft, helicopters and other means.

"The enemy committed almost 600 shellings over the day, trucking the positions of our defenders with aircraft twice. A total of 12 militant attacks took place," the speaker said.

It is confirmed that 260 Russian occupants and a significant amount of enemy equipment were eliminated in the Bakhmut direction during the day, including:

- two tanks, one armored combat vehicle, three IFVs;

ADVERTISIMENT

- a 240 mm Tulpan mortar, one 203 mm Pion SAU, three Msta-B artillery launchers, one BM-21 Grad MLRS, two Akatsiyas, two Hyacinths-S, two D-20 and four D-30 cannons.

The AFU also destroyed one UAV control center, two ammunition depots, one Lynx radar, three Zala-type UAVs, one Orlan-10 drone and one Russian vehicle.

As OBOZREVATEL wrote:

- Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Anna Maliar said that the process of the Ukrainian counter-offensive is developing quite dynamically and actively. Ukrainians should take into account that the offensive is a long process, not a "sit down and drive forward" plan, considering all the conditions.

ADVERTISIMENT

- Earlier, Maliar named the hottest areas of the front. She noted that the intensity of enemy shelling is very high in the Lyman and Kupiansk directions.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The-city

spotlight

SF overdose crisis solutions elusive after Tenderloin Center study

Craig Lee/The Examiner UCSF Clinical Supervisor Louie Ramos says he has seen a major shift in young people using drugs.

Tucked away on a Bayview corner is an outpost of the UCSF Division of Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine.

Little more than a white van with a nurse inside and a small office next door offering drug counseling and other resources, this stop of The City-funded opiate treatment outpatient program serves Bayview residents suffering from addiction and behavioral health issues.

When I first started out, heroin was a big thing, and of course, stimulants  cocaine, methamphetamines, said Louie Ramos, the Bayview sites clinical supervisor since May. Now, its fentanyl.

A drug counselor in San Francisco for nearly three decades, Ramos said the majority of his clients were HIV-positive and struggling with medical illnesses. But over the last few years, he has seen a major shift: More young people are coming into contact with fentanyl.

Theyre being introduced to something that is more potent, more powerful than heroin, he said.

The City marked National Overdose Awareness Day last week, and the Bayview site was one of seven around San Francisco offering education and resources such as naloxone  a medication that counters the effects of opioids  through the Department of Public Health.

But despite their efforts  and those of city and state officials working to combat the ongoing opioid crisis  overdose deaths in San Francisco this year are currently on pace to surpass 800 for the first time since 2020.

As The City searches for solutions, an approach that officials had previously tried is back in the spotlight.

A study published last week showed that staff at the shuttered Tenderloin Center, The Citys first safe consumption site, reversed all 333 overdoses they encountered. The controversial center was only in operation for 11 months in 2022, and the report revealed it was burdened by a number of challenges, but some saw it as an essential strategy in combating the crisis.

Craig Lee/The Examiner UCSFs mobile methadone clinic can be found parked on Newcomb Avenue in the Bayview, offering education and resources.

It wasnt surprising  it confirmed what dozens and dozens of other studies have shown about overdose prevention sites all over the world, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, an outspoken supporter of safe-consumption and overdose-prevention sites.

They save lives, and they help people build relationships with professionals that can guide them towards making real changes in their lives and getting involved in more serious treatment programs, she said.

In the months since the centers closure, Ronen has pushed for opening similar wellness hubs in other parts of The City, aiming for two more by the end of this year in SoMa and the Mission, and another in the Tenderloin early next year.

These sites would differ slightly from the Tenderloin Center, following instead whats called the New York model  The City would fund most of the centers services, while a nonprofit would run it and solely fund supervised drug use at the site.

Thats the only part that The City doesnt pay for, Ronen said.

But District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey pushed back against the plan, advocating instead to use the nearly $20 million in funds for addiction services and treatment within jails.

The only thing that changed was the definition of wellness hub, he said.

Dorseys stance on the issue is that if the funds arent being used specifically for safe consumption, theyd be better used elsewhere, like programs for people in custody. The City also doesnt have a nonprofit partner willing to supervise drug use at the hubs.

But Gary McCoy, HealthRight 360s vice president of policy and public affairs, noted that the health nonprofit has actually been quite vocal about running the overdose prevention portion of wellness hubs, and that its ready to go.

I will support supervised consumption sites when were ready to move forward with them, Dorsey said. I think that is a worthwhile investment.

The supervisor outlined these concerns in a letter penned to Mayor London Breed last month while the Board of Supervisors was on summer recess. He anticipates they will be brought up again when the board reconvenes this week.

As for Ronen, shes also in discussions with the mayor to ensure that the initial plan is still moving forward despite Dorseys objections.

More people are dying from the opioid epidemic than all of COVID-19, Ronen said. We shut down the entire city for COVID-19 ... we have many more people dying, and were just twiddling our thumbs when there is a proven intervention that works that we could implement today.

The Tenderloin Center also provided access to The Citys drug-recovery programs and services, connecting people with housing and counseling as well as showers and hot meals.

The center also used oxygen, not just naloxone, to reverse overdoses. Oxygen can help mitigate the more severe symptoms brought on by withdrawal from naloxone, according to the study.

Jean, a 60-year-old who lives in SoMa, said she knows all too well how traumatic overdoses can be.

San Francisco Department of Public Health Jean, 60, says she has experienced countless overdoses since being diagnosed with cancer in 2020. She says she is now nine months sober.

You are absolutely gone, and to be brought back, its like an adrenaline rush, said Jean, who asked to go by her first name due to privacy concerns. All of a sudden, your hearts beating.

Experiencing the immediate opioid withdrawal due to naloxone can also be jarring, she said.

The first response is anger, What the hell are you doing, why are you doing this? she said. The response should be, Hey, thank you very much, I really appreciate you saving my life.

But while in the throes of addiction, she said, her thought process was that whoever brought her back shouldnt have. A longtime addict now nine months into recovery, Jean said she has experienced countless overdoses since she was diagnosed with third-stage vaginal cancer in 2020.

But after a few years that included months of chemotherapy, surgery, and other cancer treatments, she found out she was going to live. Her long journey to recovery included stops at a multitude of San Francisco programs and facilities, just not the Tenderloin Center.

Still, she said, she sees the merit in safe consumption sites mitigating harm.

If it gives that person a safe place to be, where it can be monitored for people to prevent overdosing, I think thats really important, she said, noting that shed also like to see more free detox programs in The City.

Ramos said he thinks that better collaboration between service agencies, nonprofits, and clinics is the best strategy to combat the crisis, although he also sees the potential benefits of having safe consumption sites in The City.

He just isnt sold on how easily accepted this strategy will be.

Not everyones embracing harm reduction strategies, he said. I guess politics has a role to play around that.
Point-of-care molecular diagnostics developer Genedrive announced on Wednesday that its Genedrive CYP2C19 System has received UKCA marking registration.

The AIM-traded firm said the registration would allow it to begin commercialising the product in the United Kingdom.

It said the new test focussed on pharmacogenomics, aiming to identify the suitability of clopidogrel treatment for individual patients following an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Genedrive explained that a poor response to stroke treatments was common and affected up to 30% of the general population, with a recent report apparently suggesting that the figure could be as high as 50% among certain ethnic groups.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK had recommended in its May draft guidance that patients who had an ischaemic stroke or TIA should undergo CYP2C19 genetic testing before treatment.

With more than 100,000 ischaemic strokes occurring in the UK and more than 60 million globally each year, the test could have broad implications for personalised medicine in stroke care.

The Genedrive CYP2C19 system operates using a single cheek swab sample, the firm explained, and is capable of identifying six crucial genetic variants of the CYP2C19 gene.

Those variants are critical in determining a patient's metabolism and activation of clopidogrel - a drug commonly used in treating strokes.

The test could be administered either at the bedside or in a ward, delivering clinically actionable results in approximately one hour.

Moreover, the system automatically interprets the genetic information for clinicians, which allows for immediate and tailored treatment planning.

The test has a 99% accuracy rate in detecting these genetic variants, according to company performance evaluations.

Genedrive said the UKCA marking would allow it to actively participate in the DEVOTE programme, designed to gather additional performance data in an acute care environment.

The extended dataset would be essential for CE marking submission, enabling commercialisation across the European Union, which the company expected to accomplish by the first half of next year.

In the UK, the product would be sold through the company's direct sales team, and its widespread adoption was likely to be influenced by NICE's final recommendations, expected in December.

UKCA marking of the Genedrive CYP2C19 test is a milestone for the company as we formally register our second pharmacogenomic test for use in emergency medicine, said chief executive officer David Budd.

As we begin commercialisation and look to registration activities more globally, we will benefit from a rapidly evolving well documented clinical understanding and guidance for the use of genetic testing for stroke management.

Budd said the use of point-of-care testing allowed patients to be put on an optimised treatment plan as quickly as possible.

The risk of recurrent stroke in the week after a TIA or minor stroke is up to 10%, so routine laboratory testing which can take many days or weeks is unlikely to be as appropriate as a point of care solution returning results in about one hour.

At 1321 BST, shares in Genedrive were up 9.96% at 12.37p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Ukrainian intelligence is not 100% sure that the leader of the PMC "Wagner" Yevgeny Prygozhin died in a plane crash in Russia's Tver region on August 23. At the same time, the Main Directorate of Intelligence confirms information about the death of his accomplice Dmitri Utkin.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Yusov during an interview with Ukrinform. He noted that in the situation with the death of Prygozhin there are still unanswered questions.

"So far we can speak 100% about the confirmed death of Utkin and some more passengers. As for Prigozhin, let's just say that not all questions have been closed yet," he said.

Yusov did not go into details, but added that the Main Directorate of Intelligence can confirm the death of Utkin and other henchmen of the mercenary leader Prigozhin. However, regarding the death of the Wagner leader himself, he noted that "we have to wait for some more time."

Recall that in the evening of August 23 in the Bologovsky district of the Tver region of the Russian Federation, 15 kilometers from the airbase Khotilovo, crashed a plane belonging to Evgeny Prigozhin Embraer ERG 135. There were 10 people on board - seven passengers and three crew members. All of them died.

ADVERTISIMENT

Subsequently, Russia officially confirmed the death of the owner of PMC "Wagner" in the plane crash. DNA examination established the identity of all ten victims.

The founder of PMC "Wagner" Yevgeny Prigozhin at one time compiled a secret instruction with algorithms of PMC actions in different scenarios. Even with the elimination of the entire top mercenaries - Prigozhin, Utkin, Chekalov. According to his recommendations, the commander with the call sign "Lotus" was to become the leader of "Wagner".

The founder of the Russian PMC "Wagner" Yevgeny Prigozhin was buried on August 29 at the Porokhovsky cemetery in the Krasnogvardeysky district of St. Petersburg. The farewell ceremony was held in a closed format. Russian President Vladimir Putin was not present at it.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
With a MBA in Marketing & International Business from Symbiosis Institute of International Business, Pune Nikhel is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare and financial services domains. Prior to joining Carestream in 2020, he has held key roles across HDFC Bank, Citi Bank, Johnson & Johnson Medical and Meril Life Sciences.

Siliconindia recently got the opportunity to interact with Nikhel Goel, Country General Manager, Carestream, wherein he shared his insights on the current medical imaging industry in India and various other related aspects. Below are a few key extracts from the exclusive interview

Share your thoughts on the current medical imaging market in India.

The medical imaging market in India is fast growing and vibrant. Given the inherent layered nature of the Indian market, there is demand for value, mid-tier as well as premium offerings, driven by corporate and private hospitals. We are now also witnessing an increasing contribution by the government sector at both state as well as the centre aided by various healthcare insurance schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

Over the last 2-3 decades, the demand for medical imaging services has blossomed at an unprecedented rate aided by new modalities such as MRI and PET, along with significant improvement in CT and ultrasound. Today, clinicians in India use medical images to gain greater insights and information to effectively solve the ever-evolving ailments that persist in the country. Patient convenience, delivery speed and the ability to diagnose complex ailments is becoming far more important to radiologists, and there is a significant increase in the number of new radiologists joining the industry every year ensuring that radiology practice penetrates the length and breadth of India.

Throw some light on the latest technologies that are currently disrupting the medical imaging space?

Latest technological advancements have completely disrupted the way healthcare was being offered and consumed so far. As one of the key segments of healthcare, medical imaging has been one of the early adopters of technology. Some of the latest technologies that are currently shaping medical imaging space are bedside imaging products, telehealth solutions, cloud-based applications, image fusion, real-time imaging, 3D imaging technology and advances in storage & retrieval of imaging data. Also, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are playing a far more important role than ever before by aiding radiologists to spot anomalies in human tissues for multiple disease conditions. I believe some level of automation is already under play by healthcare providers in the teleradiology space, and I am sure with that the scope of opportunities for automation in medical imaging is endless due to the recent technological advancements and Indias internet penetration.

What is the governments role in encouraging indigenous manufacturing of medical imaging equipment?

With the vision to improve healthcare service delivery across the length & breadth of the country, the government has announced various medical parks and schemes to encourage indigenous manufacturing of medical equipment in India. An integrated understanding of local and central incentives to medtech companies through forums such as CII, FICCI and many others would help promote awareness. Also, incorporating any relevant feedback from medtech companies will help fast track the Make in India endeavors.

How do you expect the medical imaging industry to evolve in the days to come?

Medical Imaging has a bright future in our country with steady growth driven by domestic and foreign players who will continue to drive in both affordability and technological advancements. The 4As of healthcare in the form of increased access, adoption (by trained HCPs), awareness, and affordability (through private and government insurance) will grow the market exponentially. Going forward, Products and solutions integrated with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies will be developed by medtech companies which will further aid radiologists and clinicians across the country in accurately diagnosing diverse ailments.
UAE's Lulu Group plans to expand the reach of hypermarkets to smaller towns of Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, besides proposed significant mall developments in Ahmedabad and Greater Noida, stated a senior executive. The company is considering cities like Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Banaras for small-scale malls with a hypermarket focus. Additionally, the company is in the process of building five similar properties in Kerala.

"We have successfully secured partnerships with the government for Banaras, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Noida. The food park in Noida is in its final stages," said Jayakumar Gangadharan, regional director of Lulu Lucknow. "We are also considering Greater Noida for a mall, which is projected to have an area exceeding one million square feet." The company, which operates a 2.2 million-square-foot mall in Lucknow, plans to open 2-3 standalone hypermarkets in the city. The malls in Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, and Banaras will have an area of 3-4 lakh sq ft.

"We are receiving numerous requests from within Lucknow and nearby cities for establishing a hypermarket. We have conducted surveys and will go ahead with them," said Gangadharan. "Lucknow is poised to serve as the flagship location for these malls. The demand from customers to inaugurate malls in areas like old Lucknow, Mahanagar, Sitapura Road, and Gomti Nagar has been noteworthy. We have already identified several potential properties within Lucknow and are planning to inaugurate 2-3 of them in the near future," the executive elaborated.
The fusion of technology, creativity, and the insatiable human desire to learn about the universe has resulted in the space technology industry experiencing impressive growth and transition in recent years. The space sector is undergoing a massive upheaval, from placing satellites into orbit to making the dream of space tourism a reality. The rise of startups, which are developing ground-breaking technology and identifying novel paths for this industry's expansion, has been a critical driver of this transition. In this age of cosmic exploration, this article explores the fascinating world of space-tech startups, their ground-breaking accomplishments, and their industry-leading strategies to reveal the cutting-edges of the field, where innovation knows no bounds and startups lead the way.

The Role of Startups in Space-Tech

Startups are becoming significant player in the space technology market, upending established players and bringing new energy, adaptability, and creativity to a field that government organization and major corporations had previously controlled. These quick-thinking, innovative businesses are expanding the realms of satellite technology, space tourism, and space exploration. Space technology has advanced more swiftly due to startup ideas like Space Debris Monitoring, Propulsion Systems, and Small Satellite Technologies that can adapt quickly, use cutting-edge technologies, and investigate creative business models. Startups encourage competition and forming alliances with seasoned players, building a cooperative environment that offers significant advancements in the final frontier.

Investment Landscape for Space-Tech

Venture capital firms, angel investors, and government organizations are more interested in sponsoring these ventures, resulting in a notable increase in investment in the startup space-tech industry. This infusion of funding has allowed companies to create cutting-edge technologies, expand their business, and take on challenging tasks. The enormous potential of space technology across numerous companies, including satellite communications, Earth observation, asteroid mining, and space tourism, is being increasingly recognized, which has led to an investment boom. Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Pixxel, three notable businesses in this field, have attracted considerable attention and raised sizeable funding rounds from domestic and foreign investors. For instance, domestic venture capital companies like Greenko Group and Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries invested in Skyroot Aerospace. As the frontiers of space exploration continue to expand, investors are eagerly seizing the opportunity presented by the ever-evolving space-tech sector.

Innovative Technologies Driving Space-Tech Growth

The space technology industry is expanding dramatically thanks to the most cutting-edge technological innovations. Spacecraft can now go farther and more quickly because of improved propulsion systems. Satellite miniaturization enables more flexible and affordable missions. The creation of space hardware is revolutionized by 3D printing, which makes it speedier and more adaptable. Space data analysis is transformed by artificial intelligence, enabling more precise insights and better mission planning. Additionally, using renewable energy for space missions lessens the need for conventional fuels. By democratizing access to the ultimate frontier and altering the space sector, these developments create new opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Challenges Faced in Space-Tech Ecosystem

The space-tech ecosystem faces several enormous difficulties despite being full of promise and possibility. First and foremost, the prohibitive costs of launching and maintaining spacecraft continue to be a significant obstacle, limiting accessibility and innovation. Furthermore, the challenge of orbital debris management is made worse by the proliferation of satellites, which raises the possibility of accidents and poses an increasing hazard from space debris. Furthermore, the development of robust and dependable space technologies is constantly hampered by space's harsh and forgiving environment, including radiation exposure and extremely high temperatures. Cooperation, technological advancements, and ecologically responsible practices will play a crucial role to overcome these challenges and broaden the frontiers of space exploration and utilization in this dynamic.

Case Studies of Successful Space-Tech Startups

Bellatrix Aerospace: Bellatrix Aerospace is known for developing satellite propulsion systems, which are crucial for maintaining and adjusting the orbits of satellites.

Bellatrix Aerospace is known for developing satellite propulsion systems, which are crucial for maintaining and adjusting the orbits of satellites. Skyroot Aerospace : Skyroot is working on building cost-effective launch vehicles to make access to space more affordable.

: Skyroot is working on building cost-effective launch vehicles to make access to space more affordable. Agnikul Cosmos: Agnikul is developing small satellite launch vehicles to enable more frequent and flexible access to space.

Agnikul is developing small satellite launch vehicles to enable more frequent and flexible access to space. Pixxel (formerly Satellize): Pixxel is focused on Earth imaging through a constellation of small satellites, aiming to provide valuable data for agriculture and disaster management.

Pixxel is focused on Earth imaging through a constellation of small satellites, aiming to provide valuable data for agriculture and disaster management. Kawa Space: Kawa Space aims to provide satellite launch services for small satellites, focusing on payload capacity and cost-effectiveness.

Kawa Space aims to provide satellite launch services for small satellites, focusing on payload capacity and cost-effectiveness. Dhruva Space: Dhruva Space is involved in building Earth observation microsatellites for various applications, including agriculture and environmental monitoring.

Dhruva Space is involved in building Earth observation microsatellites for various applications, including agriculture and environmental monitoring. SatSure: SatSure, headquartered in Bengaluru, utilizes satellite data and analytics for applications such as agriculture, insurance, and environmental monitoring.

SatSure, headquartered in Bengaluru, utilizes satellite data and analytics for applications such as agriculture, insurance, and environmental monitoring. Astrogate Labs: Headquartered in Bengaluru, Astrogate Labs is at the forefront of enabling high-speed communications for small satellites.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Astrogate Labs is at the forefront of enabling high-speed communications for small satellites. GalaxEye Space: GalaxEye was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Chennai; the startup provides multi-sensor imagery via satellites.

GalaxEye was founded in 2020 and headquartered in Chennai; the startup provides multi-sensor imagery via satellites. Omnipresent Robot Technologies: launched by Aakash Sinha and Jyoti Sinha in 2010. The startup deals in robotics, electronic sensing, and intelligent electronics. Omnipresent's tech is used on Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover to map the lunar surface and enable the rover's navigation via 3D imaging.

Future Outlook of Space-Tech

The space technology market has a bright future, and innovators stand to influence how the field develops significantly. As technology evolves, we anticipate increasingly challenging trips to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Further innovation and growth will probably be stimulated by the commercialization of space and the rise of space tourism. We can expect advancements in propulsion technology, resource utilization, and sustainability due to growing interest in and investment in space exploration, opening the door for a time when human presence in space is both a dream and a reality.

In summary, the startup industry's bold ideas fuel the space technology sector's current wave of unmatched growth. These innovative businesses promote innovation and lure huge investments, propelling space exploration to new heights. The space industry is revealed as a vibrant and revolutionary sector as we look towards the horizon, with startups setting the pace for its future direction. The possibilities are endless, and we feel closer than ever to exploring the cosmos. With discoveries and breakthroughs beyond our wildest expectations, the future of space technology is set to inspire us.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with an emphasis on public tech platforms and central bank digital currency (CBDC), will demonstrate its digital payments infrastructure at the upcoming G20 conference. The Public Tech Platform (PTP) for frictionless credit will reportedly be one of five significant exhibits that the RBI exhibition pavilion will display at the G20 meeting, according to RBI sources.

An experience center would be available for the delegates where one can experience an interactive demonstration of the entire process i.e., from onboarding to sanction and disbursement of the Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and dairy loans in an entirely digital manner in a few minutes, revolutionizing rural credit, sources said. It will be showcasing an informational video on the RBIs digital rupee and its journey. The live digital rupee transactions will be demonstrated by select banks that are participating in the pilot, said sources.

Apart from this, digital payments initiatives will also be showcased, highlighting UPI One World - where visitors will be onboarded to UPI without having a bank account in India and they will benefit in the process of having a first-hand experience of breezing payments through UPI. Also, the RuPay On-The-Go segment of the pavilion would allow customers to carry out contactless payment transactions through accessories they wear (watch, ring) or use (key chain) every day and highlight the adaptability of the domestic card scheme-associated products at par with such global products. Finally the Bharat Bill Payment System ((BBPS), it will highlight the adaptability of the BBPS platform to integrate with FinTechs and conventional financial players to facilitate domestic as well as cross-border payment transactions, RBI sources said.
In a world where innovation reigns supreme, the blueprint for shaping the future of education, health care, and the lighting industry is being meticulously etched by Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar- Founder and Chairman, Nims Global Group and a leading Businessmen from Rajasthan. His strategic vision goes beyond the mundane, offering a glimpse into a world where these sectors are set to change our everyday lives. We will explore the profound impact of Dr Tomar's approach, mainly focusing on the statistical significance of healthcare expenditure. Nims is committed to leading the world towards futuristic strategies across all sectors, adding unparalleled insight and value to these industries.

The Significance of Healthcare Expenditure Statistics

The Indian healthcare industry has experienced a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of appro- ximately 22% since 2016. If this growth continues at the same pace, it is projected to achieve a market worth of USD 372 billion by 2022. This astounding growth has propelled healthcare to become one of the most significant sectors in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to both revenue generation and employment opportunities.

Healthcare, as a fundamental pillar of human well-being, continues to be a matter of paramount importance. Dr. Tomar's had recognized that substantial resources should be invested in healthcare globally, reflecting its undeniable economic significance. Statistically speaking, the healthcare industry commands a substantial share of a nation's GDP, and this financial dimension underpins its role in the broader economy.

For instance, in the United States alone, healthcare expenditure accounted for approximately 18% of GDP in recent years, illustrating the immense monetary worth associated with this sector. This data serves as a compelling figure to the critical role of healthcare in our lives and economies, driving home the urgency of innovative solutions.

Nims Global Group's Futuristic Advancements

Under the leadership of Dr. Tomar, Nims is opening itself as a portal for futuristic approaches across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, and LED. As a forward-thinking corporation, it leverages modern technology and sustainable practices to bring a new era of progress and prosperity.

The education market in India was estimated to be worth 117 billion US dollars in the financial year 2020. By the financial year 2025, the market worth was predicted to increase to 225 billion US dollars. With an expected market industry size of 689 US dollars in the coming few years, the Indian education sector is one of the largest in the globally. Despite the nation's over 1.5 million schools and 700 colleges, many areas continue to fall behind in smart educational attainment.

Regarding education, Nims Global Group is committed to redefining the learning scenery at Nims University . By implementing digital platforms, personalized learning solutions, and global collaborations with a multitude of international institutes, they are bending an educational ecosystem that is responsive to the evolving needs of learners. It incorporates many world-class infrastructures to cater for the fresh needs of its student base. Launching the first-of-its-kind research facilities and AI labs, the anticipated developments encompass the Marik Center of Excellence, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) laboratory, a redesigned Administrative Block, an Auditorium with a seating capacity exceeding 20,000, and a transformed NIMS altogether. A world-class research centre awaits the students of NIMS for a duration of as little as one month.

According to the Economic Survey 202223, India's public healthcare spending reached 2.1% of GDP in FY23 and 2.2% in FY22, compared to 1.6% in FY21. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) received 89,155 crore (US$ 10.76 billion) from the government in the Union Budget 202324. To improve the nation's healthcare infrastructure, the Indian government plans to implement a credit incentive scheme worth 500 billion ($6.8 billion).

The nation has tremendous availability of a sizable, highly-trained medical workforce. From 0.83 million in 2010 to 1.3 million in November 2021, more allopathic doctors with recognized medical credentials (under the I.M.C Act) registered with state and national medical councils.

In healthcare, Nims Hospital is championing patient-centric collaborations that integrate telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, efficient, and inclusive. It has recently inaugurated the first Rajasthan Heart and Brain Stroke Centre, namely the NHBH Stroke Centre. In pursuit of enhanced efficiency and progress, Nims has also joined forces with Siemens Healthcare to propel the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. This collaboration introduces a fresh era characterized by heightened precision and effectiveness in patient care. Notably, the Interventional Radiology Department stands to gain great advantages from AI, promising improved diagnostic and treatment alternatives. Furthermore, the liver transplant program, a rarity in the region of Rajasthan, is poised to offer a crucial lifeline to patients requiring such procedures. In addition, a thriving partnership with Japan promises opportunities for pediatric liver transplants.

In 2022, the Indian LED lighting market was valued at US$3.4 billion. Looking ahead, IMARC Group projects that the market will increase at a CAGR of 23.38% from 2023 to 2028, reaching US$ 11.9 billion. IMARC's latest study has predicted that "Indian LED Lighting Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Fore- cast 2023-2028," which provides a techno-commercial roadmap for setting up an LED manufacturing plant.

In the LED industry, there is a spearheaded adoption of energy-efficient lighting solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the quality of illumination for communities worldwide. Through the initiative of Niflux Led Lights Dr. B.S. Tomar has introduced many electrical articles launched under giant programs, namely Vistaar-1 and Vistaar-2. Inspired by the SDG guidelines, he aims to implement as sustainable methods as possible throughout his ventures.

Vision for These Industries

Dr. B.S. Tomar shares his visionary outlook at the heart of these transformations. His forward-thinking mind en- visions a future where education and healthcare are proactive rather than reactive, and LED is both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.

In his perspective on education, classrooms are no longer confined to physical rooms but extend into digital spaces, providing creative learning opportunities for all. Healthcare, on the other hand, is a seamless continuum of care where predictive analytics, telemedicine and reevaluation redefine the doctor-patient relationship. As he sees it, the lighting industry leads the way in sustainability, providing eco-friendly solutions that enhance the human experience.

Dr. Balvir S. Tomar stands as an inspiration for the future of education, healthcare, and the lighting industry. Through these sectors, Nims strives to evolve and flourish, driven by statistical evidence of their economic worth and a commitment to upcoming proceedings that hold immeasurable value for humanity's well-being and progress as we step into this promising future .
Welspun One Logistics Parks (WOLP), an integrated fund and development management platform, is planning to invest over Rs 600 crore to develop a Grade-A, in-city warehousing anchored mixed-use development at Wagle Industrial Estate in Thane near Mumbai. This is the initial investment to be made through its category II Alternate Investment Fund (AIF) vehicle Welspun One Logistics Parks Fund 2, which has already secured commitments worth Rs 1,500 crores out of a target raise of Rs 2,000 crore so far.

Warehousing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any economy and is an integral component of positioning India as an attractive destination for global manufacturing and supply chain. In-city logistics as a category is witnessing exponential growth due to surging demand for e-commerce, quick commerce, and rapid delivery services, said Balkrishan Goenka, Chairman of Welspun World. The proposed facility to support urban last-mile delivery will have a total built-up area of 6 lakh sq ft to be developed on a 3.25-acre land parcel recently acquired by the fund. The asset coming up near Viviana Mall is currently in the pre-construction stage and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025.

The surge in demand for in-city warehousing spaces, with projected requirements reaching 16 million square feet in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by FY28, is undeniable. As businesses prioritize faster order-to-delivery times, having access to efficient logistics infrastructure that is in close physical proximity to the customer is critical to meeting their business requirements, said Anshul Singhal, MD, Welspun One. The company is looking to potentially create an aggregate portfolio of 16-18 million sq ft over the next 4-5 years across first and last-mile facilities in tier 1 and 2 cities. The plan entails an overall investment outlay of over Rs 8,000 crore that can drive the assets under management to $1 billion, Singhal had in an earlier interaction.

The purpose-built facility can accommodate tenants from diverse industries and use cases ranging from warehousing and logistics applications like e-commerce, rapid delivery, grocery, pharmaceutical, and cold storage to quasi-industrial applications such as cloud kitchens, service centers, and research & development, medical lab facilities, etc. A sustained rise in demand led by accelerating manufacturing investments, aggressive expansion of e-commerce, and the growth of third-party logistics (3PL) companies has helped warehousing rentals upward across Indias key logistics property markets, showed a recent study.

The warehousing sector continues to exhibit robust growth with record-high demand of 51.3 million sq ft in 2022-23, implying a compounded annual growth rate of 24% between FY17 and 23. In square feet terms, warehousing demand is approximately equal to demand for offices, making it among the largest consumers of commercial real estate alongside offices. The appreciation in rental values has catapulted Indian cities, including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), into the tally of Asia Pacifics top 10 logistics markets based on the performance in 2022 and a robust outlook for 2023.
FarMart, India's fastest-growing intelligent food supply network, announced its recent launch onto ONDC, making it the first Food and Agri Tech company to do so. FarMart is utilizing the ONDC network to serve food manufacturing businesses in India with easy access to quality ingredients. Through this collaboration, FarMart and ONDC are jointly redefining the food supply chain landscape by seamlessly connecting food value chains across the country. forging seamless connections between food producers and manufacturers across the country.

The Food and Agri Tech company recently fulfilled a B2B bulk order of 5,000kg of flour on the network. FarMart currently has over 25 SKUs of processed products ranging from varieties of food grains, oilseeds, spices and pulses for food businesses. This collaboration will allow food businesses from all over the country to tap into FarMarts wide network of 2 lakh+ village-level aggregators and 2,000+ processors.

Alekh Sanghera, Co-Founder and CEO of FarMart, commented on the momentous launch by saying, "FarMart mission is to make food value chains more resilient, reliable & rewarding for humanity. Being live on ONDC is a pivotal element of our distribution strategy as it enables us to seamlessly connect farming communities with food processors and eventually end consumers while ensuring traceability.

Being a board member at both FarMart and ONDC, this news gives me immense joy and pride. This collaboration provides improved access for farmers, small businesses, and consumers in the food supply chain which is the shared mission of both organizations. This is a big step towards digitization, traceability and efficiency of global food supply chains., shared Anjali Bansal, Founder and Managing Partner at Avaana Capital.
The Russian occupation army continues to terrorize residents of the Kherson region. Russian terrorists shelled the village of Ivanivka in the Dariivka community on the afternoon of September 5.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a result of the criminal actions of the Russians, civilians were wounded. This was reported on Telegram by the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Prokudin.

According to him, the Russian terrorists opened fire on the settlement from mortars. As a result of the shelling, two women aged 53 and 73 were injured.

During the mortar shelling, the injured were in the yards of their houses. The victims were hospitalized in a state of medium severity. Doctors diagnosed the women with mine blast injuries and chest and limb wounds.

Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office reported that a pre-trial investigation on the fact of violation of laws and customs of war (part 1 of article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) was launched under the procedural guidance of the Beryslav district Prosecutor's office.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the investigation, the Russian military fired mortars at the village of Ivanivka in the Beryslav district at about 11:30. Law enforcers also reported that the occupants damaged private houses and outbuildings.

Currently, prosecutors are conducting priority investigative actions at the site of another war crime in cooperation with police investigators.

The Russian army launched another strike on the Kherson region on September 3. This time the village of Bilozerka was under attack, with a shell hitting a private yard and killing the 35-year-old owner of the house on the spot.

The enemy forces shelled Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region on the evening of September 2. The cemetery, as well as the highway near the apartment building, were hit.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Lois and Richard Nicotra will be honored in one of their own ballrooms by Northwell Health Staten Island University Hospital. They are the sole honorees for their support of the Staten Island community and love for the borough.

The black tie event is Saturday, Oct. 14 starting at 7 p.m. with a cocktail hour. Dinner and dancing will follow. Tickets start at $500  give.northwell.edu/charityball.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A body discovered by authorities last month in the waters off of Staten Island has been identified as Sebastian Sinisterra of Manhattan, according to the NYPD.

The 24-year-old man was seen leaving his home in the Wagner Houses in the vicinity of Second Avenue and East 120th Street in East Harlem on Aug. 19 around 8:20 a.m. and was reported missing about 12 hours later, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the Advance/SILive.com.

The NYPD was called on Aug. 25, a Friday, at about 10:25 a.m., to the vicinity of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York Station on Search Lane in Fort Wadsworth, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Officers were told that the man was discovered unconscious and unresponsive in the water. EMS pronounced Sinisterra dead at the Coast Guard Station, according to the police statement.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a report around 9 a.m. on Aug. 25 from a tugboat that there was a body between barges in the vicinity of a marine terminal, a source with the agency told the Advance/SILive.com at the time.

The NYPD Harbor Unit recovered the body and transported Sinisterra to Coast Guard Station Sector New York.

Authorities did not provide any information about how the man ended up in the water.



OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS:

>> NYPD identifies 2 women, both 22, who died in Staten Island Expressway crash

>> Man pleads to hate crime in scary encounter with priest at Staten Island church

>> NYPD: Staten Island man, 31, robbed, beat gas station worker; attacked 2nd victim

>> Horrific discovery of partial human remains by animal on Staten Island: Sources

>> NYPD: 3 arrested in protests at planned migrant shelter at Staten Island school; roads blocked

>> Alleged car thieves jumped from Verrazzano to Fort Wadsworth in dramatic escape bid: Sources

>> NYPD seeks tips in knife-point robbery at business on Staten Island
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Federal authorities have announced the arrest of a man they say illegally exported U.S. sourced microelectronics meant to aid in the manufacturing of Russian military weaponry and equipment.

Russian-German national Arthur Petrov faces charges of smuggling, wire fraud, money laundering and export control violations in connection with his involvement in whats described as an international network that operated subsequent to Russias Invasion of Ukraine, according to a press release issued Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

The group allegedly procured large quantities of the sensitive technology on behalf of a Russian company that supplied manufacturers tied to Russian operations, the press release continued. Petrov was arrested on Aug. 26 in the Republic of Cyprus at the request of the United States. An attorney for the defendant was not listed in court documents Wednesday.

Officials say the defendant used shell companies to smuggle shipments from U.S. distributors of microelectronics with military applications through intermediary countries in order to conceal their ultimate destination.

Said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams: As alleged, Petrov knew that the transactions and shipments were in contravention of U.S. export controls relating to Russia. Efforts to illicitly supply Russia with U.S.-sourced military technology represent an affront to national security and will continue to be met with criminal prosecutions by this Office.

Joining Williams in making the announcement last week were Matthew G. Olsen, assistant attorney general of the Justice Departments National Security Division; James Smith, assistant director in charge of the FBIs New York Field Officel and Matthew S. Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement of the Commerce Department.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  While New York State does not plan to provide its own guidance to schools on handling the coronavirus (COVID-19) for the 2023-2024 academic year, it continues to advise on best practices to protect students.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state would make COVID-19 rapid test kits and face masks available to school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) by request. The educational services program  which partners with nearly all of the states school districts  are not available in five city school districts, including New York City.

Schools are also advised to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to protect students in the classroom. And if hospitalizations increase due to COVID-19, students could see themselves donning a face mask inside once again, according to CDC recommendations.

Thanks to the hard work of New York schools, teachers, and parents, we have come a long way to ensure students can safely return to the classroom, said Hochul. Frequent testing for COVID-19 is an important part of keeping our kids safe and preventing an outbreak, and I will continue working to ensure our school districts have the resources they need to provide a safe, in-person learning environment for our students.

The announcement comes amid reports of the new BA.2.86 variant and following a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations this summer.

Its important to note that, under CDC guidance, wearing a face mask indoors at schools is recommended at a high COVID-19 hospital admission level. Most recently in New York City, there were 48 COVID-19 hospital admissions, according to seven-day city data last updated Aug. 31.

This is the first academic year without New York state guidance on COVID-19 since 2020. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) website does not have updated guidance for schools up to 12th grade in response to the coronavirus for the upcoming school year. Additionally, the New York City Department of Educations (DOE) website has not released any guidance ahead of September.

This week, the state will conduct outreach to the State Education Department and BOCES to survey schools needs for test kits and masks. After requests have been submitted, New York State will deliver the requested tests and N-95 and KN-95 masks for distribution.

The health and safety of everyone in our school communities is paramount as we once again return for in-person instruction, and we must remain vigilant, said New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. The State Education Department and Board of Regents reminds everyone to review and follow CDC guidance. The Department, in conjunction with Governor Hochul and the State Department of Health, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure all students have a safe school environment where they can learn and grow.

Additionally, Hochul and the state Health Department recommend schools review CDC guidance for COVID-19 prevention and work with their local health department to implement public health measures.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that schools:

Promote vaccination and testing;

Encourage students, teachers and faculty to stay home if they are sick and exhibiting symptoms;

Optimize ventilation and maintain improvements to indoor air quality to reduce the risk of germs and contaminants spreading through the air;

Teach and reinforce proper hand-washing and hygiene practices.

Coronavirus testing is also recommended if a person is experiencing flu-like and COVID-19 symptoms.

Last month, Hochul also reminded parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date on required vaccinations before heading back to school. The COVID-19 vaccine isnt required for school attendance, though officials recommend everyone speak to their health-care provider about staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure.

New York State law mandates that all children must meet school immunization requirements for attending school or day-care facilities  and this includes all public, private and religious schools.

YOU MIGHT LIKE:

Vaccination requirements for NYC students: Heres everything you need to know

NYC students head back to school: Send us photos from the first day

Keeping NYC students safe: When will plan to lock school front doors be implemented?

Will looming NYC school bus strike impact the first day of school?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A new scholarship will allow students attending a City University of New York (CUNY) to receive a four-year degree for free.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the new CUNY Harry Belafonte Scholarship to honor the legacy of civil rights activist and world-renowned musician Harry Belafonte, who passed away earlier this year. The governor made the announcement at this weekends 2023 West Indian Day Parade.
By William Bender and Ryan W. Briggs, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

Drive north out of Philadelphia into Elkins Park and youll arrive at the cemetery entrance in less than 10 minutes.

A couple turns off Broad Street and there it is, faintly visible from the road: a large stone cross honoring Nazi collaborators.

The monument, in a Montgomery County community known for its synagogues, is dedicated to the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the Schutzstaffel  the Nazi military branch often referred to simply as the SS.

The slab was erected by veterans groups about 30 years ago at St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the unit, which drew volunteers and conscripts from Nazi-occupied Ukraine to fight for Germany during World War II.

The monument at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Elkins Park honors the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. It has received little public scrutiny until recently. (Yong Kim/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)TNS

But, unlike hundreds of Confederate statues around the United States  or the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philly  this monument and its Cyrillic dedication have largely escaped wider public scrutiny.

That appears to be changing quickly.

In May, a leader of a Ukrainian nationalist group visited Elkins Park and posed in front of the monument for a photo, which was tweeted by Moss Robeson, who writes about Ukraines far-right.

On Monday, the Forward, a Jewish newspaper, ran an article about the monument and added it to its growing list of Nazi collaborator monuments around the world.

Jewish organizations around Philadelphia say they learned of the Elkins Park monument only recently and have been seeking answers, with little success.

We dont feel good that there is a memorial to any SS unit in our area, Jason Holtzman, an official with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, said Friday.

Holtzman said the federation reached out to a man believed to be the cemeterys superintendent about two weeks ago. He said the man claimed not to be familiar with the monument, but would get back to them. They havent heard from him since.

Andrew Goretsky, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said Friday that his group was very recently made aware of the situation.

ADL Philadelphia rejects any memorialization of Nazi or Nazi-adjacent groups, Goretsky said in a statement, adding: We have no objection to the national symbol of Ukraine appearing on any monument; however, we do object to monuments dedicated to Waffen SS soldiers.

The Ukrainian SS division, nicknamed the 1st Galician or SS Galizien, was composed partly of volunteers from a region historically known as Galicia that stretched across modern-day Poland and western Ukraine.

By 1941, much of this region had fallen under Nazi occupation, after Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. The SS division was organized by a Nazi governor in 1943, to provide additional recruits to repel Soviet counter attacks amid growing German manpower shortages.

Although some Ukrainian recruits joined under duress, the long history of territorial disputes in the ethnically mixed region made Galicia a focal point for early nationalist movements among Ukrainians. Some were eager to fight against encroaching Russian Communists or Polish partisan groups, viewing Nazi collaboration as a means toward formally establishing an independent Ukrainian state.

The division surrendered to the Allies in 1945. Facing the possibility of deportation to the Soviet Union, about 8,000 former soldiers from the division were allowed to emigrate and others followed later, settling in such places as Toronto, Chicago and Philadelphia, which had become a center for Ukrainian Catholicism and a home for political exiles.

Today, some Ukrainian civic groups and veterans organizations still argue that many of the 1st Galician soldiers could be considered freedom fighters who stood up to Russia, rather than collaborators with the Nazis.

They were greatly opposed to Russians and Communists  they thought they could get their independence restored by being on the German side, said Edward Zetick, the local post commander of the Ukrainian American Veterans.

In December 2011, Cardinal Lubomyr Huzar, a former head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, asserted that the unit went through the war in German uniforms, but did not fight for Germany, but for their own rights.  These were people who utilized the situation to fight for their independence.

Similar memorials have also generated outcry in Canada. Jared McBride, a UCLA historian of Eastern Europe, said that within the Ukrainian diaspora, many believe that the soldiers allied with the Nazis with noble intentions.

But it is a view that he said scholars widely view as historical revisionism.

The Nazi regime was a genocidal regime, McBride said. This idea of parsing these things out  that We were the good SS division, or The good police unit, or The good mobile death battalion  is not the strongest of arguments.
A brand of dog food has been recalled after a sample tested positive for salmonella.

Mid America Pet Food recalled one lot of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Hi-Pro Plus produced at its Mount Pleasant, Texas, facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with salmonella, according to a company announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Animals can get sick from eating food contaminated with salmonella and humans can get sick if they handle the food and do not properly wash their hands. It also can be spread to surfaces from the hands.

The recalled food was sold in 5-pound bags and distributed across the United States.

The lot code is 1000016385 with a best-by date of April 30, 2024.

Mid America said no illnesses in animals or people have been reported to date.

The company said it voluntarily recalled the dog food after a random sample test by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture was positive for salmonella.

The company said the food should be destroyed in a way that children, pets and wildlife do not have access to it.

Healthy people infected with salmonella may have symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Pets with a salmonella infection may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

For more information, call Mid America Pet Food consumer affairs at 888-428-7544, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or send an email to info@mapf.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Eric Adams announced a new effort Wednesday to crack down on car thefts around the five boroughs as the crime has surged in recent years.

Grand larceny auto, the NYPDs classification for car thefts, has risen about 19% across the five boroughs and about 8% on Staten Island year-to-date when compared with 2022, according to the departments CompStat system.

If compared to 2019, both Staten Island and the five boroughs at large have seen about a 38% increase in grand larceny auto year-to-date in 2023.

The new strategy, Adams announced Wednesday with the NYPD, will take a comprehensive approach to improve responses to, tracking and surveillance of stolen cars.

Violent crime is down in New York, but this administration isnt going to stop there. Today, we are announcing bold action that takes a 360-degree approach to combatting car thefts in New York City, Adams said. This comprehensive plan focuses on enforcement, education, partnerships and outreach to help us leave car thefts in the dust. Our administration is serious about New Yorkers safety, and today we are taking control of the wheel to bring down car thefts  sending a clear message that if you steal a vehicle in New York City, you will be held accountable.

Every NYPD precinct now has a dedicated cop car focused on car thefts. The vehicles are outfitted with two mobile license plate readers and will be on round-the-clock patrol while serving as a liaison to detectives in each precinct.

Additionally, a new role in the NYPDs Crime Analysis Unit will focus on enhancing data collection on stolen or lost vehicles and arrest tracking.

Officers assigned to car theft patrol vehicles will be focused on a variety of tasks aimed at combating the crime, including enhanced evidence collection, better communication with department-wide surveillance, and ensuring proper charges are filed against perpetrators.

City officials have linked much of the spike in car thefts to specific models of Kia and its parent company, Hyundai vehicles, a problem seen around the country as part of a trend on social media.

In April, New York City officials announced that it would join a class action lawsuit against the two companies over their refusal to install anti-theft technology in some of their cars targeted in a viral TikTok challenge.

Due to the absence of sufficient anti-theft devices in Kia and Hyundai vehicles, New York City saw an 890% increase in Kia thefts at the end of last year and a 766% increase in Hyundai thefts in the preceding months, according to data the city shared in April.

The companies announced a proposed settlement arrangement in May that could have been valued at $200 million covering about 9 million 2011-2022 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles across the country, but a judge declined to approve the settlement last month.

To address the specific concerns about those makes, the NYPD has partnered with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to notify owners that crime trends indicate their vehicles are being targeted for car thefts. The effort includes both digital and door-to-door contact with important educational information.

Adams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, and Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim convened a group of representatives of the auto dealer industry, including the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), to implement other education strategies.

Car thefts are more than just stolen property. They represent a shattered peace of mind, financial hardship, and a loss of freedom, Banks said. We are coming at this issue from both sides  education and enforcement  so that no New Yorker has to suffer the consequences of having their vehicle stolen. Were putting would-be car thieves on notice, were arming car owners with the information they need to protect themselves, and together we will put an end to these trends.

MORE LOCAL NEWS

NYC says Travis migrant shelters will continue despite local opposition

Former Staten Island Catholic school to house up to 300 adult migrants in coming days

Surveillance cameras installed outside St. John Villa migrant shelter

Borough president calls for migrants to be housed in Washington, D.C.

NYPD keeps watch as tempers flare outside planned St. John Villa migrant shelter
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After more than a decade of operating the Staten Island Ferry without a single pay raise, many crew members onboard the iconic orange vessels will now see their annual salaries more than double courtesy of a long-awaited contract agreement.

On Monday, New York City and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA), the union that represents more than 100 captains, assistant captains, mates, chief engineers and marine engineers on the Staten Island Ferry, announced they had successfully negotiated the unions first new contract in 13 years.

Today, we thank our tireless ferry workers, not just with words  but with a contract that delivers the fair wages and benefits they deserve, said Mayor Eric Adams. Our nation has been suffering from a shortage of marine workers. We know that to attract and retain a talented workforce we must offer competitive wages and benefits that everyone can agree on.

With the unions previous wages far-below what others were offering in the highly-competitive maritime industry, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has struggled to recruit and retain staffing on the Staten Island Ferry in recent years, prompting repeated service disruptions that led to more than 2,000 canceled trips in 2022, alone.

Roland Rexha, secretary treasurer for MEBA and former shop steward at the Staten Island Ferry, celebrated the new contract that he and other union officials have been fighting tirelessly to secure, claiming that what were previously the lowest-paid ferry jobs in the country are now the most well-compensated.

Throughout two previous administrations, it often felt like City Hall and the MEBA were sailing on separate courses. However, today, we proudly announce that we have finally brought this contract to dock, said Rexha. This achievement is due in part to having a mayor who truly values the hard work of our members and comprehends the challenges our mariners face day in and day out.

So how big of a raise can Staten Island Ferry workers expect under the new contract? The numbers vary by title, but all involved parties will see significant increases.

Captains will see their max salaries increase from $71,000 to $180,000 by the end of the new contract, while assistant captains will jump from $63,000 to $138,000 and mates will go from $58,000 to $124,000.

Meanwhile, titles entitled to significant prevailing wage increases after a ruling by New York Comptroller Brad Lander earlier this year  chief engineers and engineers  will go from $69,000 and $64,000 salaries, respectively, to $180,000 and $145,000.

New hires in each position will start at slightly lower salaries and work their way up towards the new maximum amounts on a five-step schedule.

Newly-hired captains will start at $137,000, with assistant captains at $124,000, mates at $96,000, marine engineers at $100,000 and chief marine engineers at $137,000.

Rexha believes the new wages, as well as the unions agreement to shift from a 32-hour to a 40-hour standard work week, will go a long way towards improving the unreliable service Staten Islanders have experienced in recent years.

This accomplishment was made possible by our members transitioning to a 40-hour work week, providing immediate relief, and resolving staffing shortages. Now, New York City can offer the reliable service that Staten Islanders truly deserve, he said.

Overtime hours served as the latest snag at the negotiating table, but that sticking point was resolved with an agreement for an overtime rate slightly below the citywide time-and-a-half standard.

Al Viani, the mediator who helped broker the deal between the city and MEBA, said the negotiation was one of the most complex and difficult that I have ever had to deal with in my 50-plus years of labor relations experience.

I commend the citys representative, Renee Campion, and her staff and the unions representative, Roland Rexha, and his staff for making the necessary compromises to reach a successful conclusion, said Viani. This agreement is in the best interests of the city and the Staten Island ferryboat workers. It will ensure safe, reliable and stable ferryboat service for years to come.

MORE ON STATEN ISLAND FERRY SERVICE ISSUES

Staten Island Ferry riders deserve better. How did it come to this?

Will Staten Island Ferry ridership ever return to pre-pandemic levels?

Staten Island Ferry service reductions resulted in over 2,000 canceled trips last year, data shows

Whats the hold up with long-awaited Staten Island Ferry union contract?

Have you been impacted by Staten Island Ferry service reductions? We want to hear from you.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  One year into a stepped-up maintenance program, the 9/11 Postcards Memorial in St. George is looking cleaner and brighter. A recent capital improvement project looks like it has been completed in time for 9/11 remembrances.

The improvements and repairs have been promised by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which has jurisdiction over the site.

That was not the case in late July 2022, when litter was strewn all around the area of reflection  located beside the water in a spot where there was once a clear view of the former Twin Towers, but now offers a view of the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan.

Built in 2004, the Postcards Memorial is a permanent memorial honoring the Staten Island residents killed in the 9/11 attacks of 2001 and in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Borough President Vito Fossella took notice of an abundance of litter and the deteriorating conditions at the memorial last summer. Benches were rotted, lights that illuminate the space had gone dark and the engraved faces on the memorial were chipped or broken.

Postcards is a space heavily traveled by those looking to reflect, tourists, workers of nearby construction sites, residents walking the esplanade on a moonlit night, and commuters walking to and from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

Its important to its visitors, the borough president said, as he brought the issue to the NYCEDCs attention. He also called on residents and tourists to treat the memorial and adjoining park with the respect it deserves.

Today, the NYCEDC and visitors to the park report that the benches have been encapsulated with maintenance-friendly, water-resistant decking.

Lights have been repaired, according to Adrien Lesser, a spokesperson for the NYCEDC, and the entire esplanade and 9/11 memorial site are now cleaned twice daily  in the early morning and in the afternoon.

Additionally, a restoration has taken place, and all of the postcard wall tributes have been repaired. As promised by the spokesperson, they have been removed, were re-epoxied, and were remounted, a recent visit assured. All will be completed before the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Lesser said.

Benches were covered with weather-proof decking at the 9/11 Postcards Memorial. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Additionally, improvements are planned for the memorial in 2024. Lighting, landscaping and electrical upgrades will all take place next year, Lesser said.

Fossella didnt reply to a request for comment. But, one year ago, the borough president said he was impressed by the quick response he received from the city, and he praised the NYCEDC and Mayor Eric Adams, too.

I want to thank the [NYCEDC] team for their responsiveness, Fossella said at the time. What more can you ask for when you raise an issue and you need something to be done, and they responded in kind, and they have a good game plan going forward.
Pro-Ukrainian graffiti appeared en masse in the occupied territories of Ukraine before the start of the pseudo-elections planned by the Russians. People were urged not to participate in the Kremlin's "performances".

ADVERTISIMENT

The corresponding photos OBOZREVATEL received from its sources. Left graffiti activists urged Ukrainians in occupation to "ignore the elections!", "choose Ukraine", "vote for Ukraine", and "say no to elections".

Such inscriptions can be seen on various houses and hedges, for example, throughout Luhansk. Leaflets with corresponding content also appeared in Vasylivka, which was temporarily seized by the Russians.

In addition, it reports that local law enforcement officers make rounds at the apartments of citizens, checking property documents.

ADVERTISIMENT

ADVERTISIMENT

British Intelligence reported that the pro-Putin United Russia party seeks to consolidate the Kremlin's influence by holding pseudo-elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine. "Voting" is to take place as early as September 8-10 in parallel with the elections on the territory of the Russian Federation.

More than 1,000 candidates have already been identified, but there is a lack of qualified and experienced candidates among them. Moreover, most of the candidates are members of pro-Kremlin parties, indicating that these elections will not be free or fair.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- The occupiers are preparing to change the leadership in the administrations of settlements in the Luhansk region. They are going to hold "elections" iin Svatove on the "single day of voting in Russia", which is September 10.

ADVERTISIMENT

- The Russians have set up "schools for young voters" in the captured districts of Kherson. Such institutions aim to prepare high school students for the "election of the President of the Russian Federation".
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Local opposition wont stop two city migrant shelters from operating in Travis, city officials said Wednesday.

Comments from a Department of Social Services (DSS) spokesperson follow a Tuesday press conference from local elected officials who made their latest call to end the shelters at a pair of hotels off Wild Avenue.

In the statement, the spokesperson said contracts, like those at the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express would need to remain in place as the city deals with the thousands of migrants who have flocked to the five boroughs since spring 2022.

[With] thousands of asylum seekers still arriving each month, our system is pushed to its breaking point nearly every day, the spokesperson said. In order to continue offering critical lifelines to asylum seekers  safe shelter, regular meals and connections to essential services  we must utilize every tool at our disposal, which includes not only bringing additional capacity online, but extending or renewing existing contracts with our not-for-profit provider partners as necessary to maintain capacity.

On Tuesday, City Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island) led a press conference with Borough President Vito Fossella, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island), representatives from the offices of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore), and Gene Guerre, former president of the Travis Civic Association calling for and end to the two shelters.

Specifically, they called on the city to end its service provider contracts with local non-profit, Project Hospitality, which expire at the end of the month.

Carr said Wednesday that the citys response to their call marks the latest misstep from the city as it apparently waits for help from Washington that isnt coming.

It is clear based on this response that the city is going to repeat the same mistakes it has been making since the first migrants began arriving more than a year ago. The federal government is not going to swoop in and take responsibility, and the migrants are going to keep coming as long as we keep expanding shelter capacity. he said. The only way to end this crisis is to close down these shelters, starting with the Travis site, and to stop providing limitless free benefits on the dime of New York City taxpayers.

Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island) leads a press conference about a pair of Travis migrant shelters flanked by (from left) Gene Guerra, Sherry Diamond, district director for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, Filicia Guitian, staffer for Assemblyman Michael Reilly, and Borough President Vito Fossella Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

The shelters in Travis, set up last fall, are just two of the more-than 200 sites Mayor Eric Adams administration has established as nearly 110,000 migrants, who the administration identifies as asylum seekers, have made their way to the five boroughs.

About 60,000 of those migrants remain in the citys care, and the city has consistently put Staten Islands share of the housing capacity at 2% throughout the crisis.

The DSS spokesperson did not answer a specific question about the value of the contracts in Travis, but since June, the department and its subsidiary, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), have posted more than $40 million worth of contract awards to Project Hospitality in the online city record. A spokesperson for the non-profit deferred comment to the city.

When city officials announced the two shelters last October, they told community members they planned to have the shelters operational for six to nine months, but that has changed since the crisis has continued.

Last year, shortly after the city announced the two shelters, DSS Commissioner Molly Park, who then served as first deputy commissioner for DHS, said the two hotels  the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express off Wild Avenue  were not ideal locations to house migrants.

When a family is facing an emergency situation, they should be in a more stable setting with kitchen facilities and more recreation space, but we are in a humanitarian emergency, Park said at the time.

The two locations -- the property owners for which have a common Long Island address in city records -- had been used to house families from the citys traditional homeless population, but Park said that practice ended at the end of 2021. A third hotel at the site, under different ownership, is not being used as a shelter.

MORE LOCAL NEWS

Former Staten Island Catholic school to house up to 300 adult migrants in coming days

Surveillance cameras installed outside St. John Villa migrant shelter

Borough president calls for migrants to be housed in Washington, D.C.

NYPD keeps watch as tempers flare outside planned St. John Villa migrant shelter

St. Joseph Hill Academy steps up security as NYC officials move more migrants into Arrochar shelter
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Christ Uncensored House of Worship, located in West Brighton, is hosting a Back 2 School Bash on Saturday, which will feature activities and giveaways for the entire family.

Free resources, including backpacks and school supplies, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The event, which will take place in the church parking lot on 11 Alaska St., will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To secure a ticket for a backpack, guests should arrive promptly at 11 a.m. for registration.

There will be a DJ, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, a place for prayer and more -- creating a vibrant atmosphere for families.
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!
Shareholders, their proxy advisers and governance experts are questioning the actions of the Qantas board led by veteran chairman Richard Goyder after the surprise early exit of former Qantas boss Alan Joyce on Tuesday.

Senior company figures indicated on Tuesday that the board was not expecting Joyce to retire early and was also unaware of the severity of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions case against the airline group until it was disclosed to the market last Thursday.

Alan Joyce announced he would retire as Qantas CEO immediately on Tuesday. Credit: Eamon Gallagher

This has prompted a fresh round of questions about how Australias biggest airline business is being governed.

Corporate governance expert Helen Bird, who has advised the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, said the events of the past fortnight suggest Goyder  who also chairs the AFL and sits on the board of Woodside  may have too many other commitments to effectively govern Qantas.
It will take the governance equivalent of Air Crash Investigation to forensically study how Qantas crash-landed its brand. It needs to go way deeper than simply blaming the former captain Alan Joyce.

Inside this governance black box will be Qantas board papers and the minutes of meetings, which should contain the answers to how the airline had been given free rein to mistreat the airlines customers in the interests of the greater good (read: maximising profit).

Qantas board unity.

What became apparent over Joyces 15-year tenure was the way in which he turned Qantas into his personal fiefdom, where he had apparently ultimate control over all major decisions.

This would not have been possible without an enabling board, which seemed (based on public-facing actions) devoid of meaningful dissenting opinions. Thus, the tail wagged the dog.
Consulting outfit PwC, battered and bruised by months of scandal, is bracing for another round of fallout from its leaking-ATO-secrets-to-help-clients-avoid-paying-tax affair.

The findings of a review by corporate veteran Ziggy Switkowski into governance at the firm  which has already been distributed in draft form to a select few  is set to be published weeks from now.

Insiders expect global chairman Bob Moritz to be on hand to help his Australian colleagues cope with the fallout. Credit: Bloomberg

But PwC Australia, which has been under close supervision by its US-based bosses for some months, wont be left to weather the storm alone, with insiders expecting the firms global chairman Bob Moritz will be on hand to help his antipodean colleagues cope with whats likely to be a decent-sized story, although the firm would not confirm on Wednesday whether the big boss would indeed be present.
Its also important to her that other people are honest, but unfortunately that is really a recipe for disaster. The contributing editor and occasional columnist for Vanity Fair since 1997 says now there are no consequences for getting caught lying. People are not embarrassed by it. Truthfully, every time Ive been caught in a lie, Ive been mortified, she says. I dont think Im alone in having that response, but if thats your response, you try to avoid it  at least getting caught. Leibowitz is obsessive about words, a self-confessed psychotic perfectionist when it comes to writing. Even Richard Nixon, hardly a paragon of truth, you know, when those tapes came out, the Republicans who had defended him really up to that second ... When they heard those tapes, they went into his office, played them and said, Youve got to go, she says. Evidence is a meaningless thing now. Such behaviour has been normalised from the highest levels of government, she says. To her mind, Trump is one of the luckiest men alive. Of the 17 people up on charges in Georgia, she can see 16 going to jail; only one is certain to get off. He has never had any consequence for anything hes ever done. He has done the wrong thing practically since birth, over and over again, and people around him go broke, they go to jail, they die, they go bankrupt, they lose their jobs, they lose their house, they lose their wife. But not Trump, she says.

I read and hear a lot of people who I think of as very intelligent saying, no, hes very worried now. But I dont believe that because he has not ever been worried. You dont start worrying at 77. Most people worry their whole life. Two questions are off limits for our interview: smoking (which she brings up herself) and why she doesnt write any more. Her first book, Social Studies, was published in 1981, before that Metropolitan Life, released in 1978; they were combined in a hard cover called The Fran Lebowitz Reader in 1994. She is famously obsessive about words, has had a novel under way for decades  an excerpt was published some years ago but nothing further has been printed since  and her editor says he has the easiest job in the world. I am a psychotic perfectionist when it comes to writing, which makes it very hard, Lebowitz said last year. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO FRAN LEBOWITZ Worst habit? Other people would say smoking. I would say laziness. Im incredibly slothful, and thats a habit. My habit of not working. Greatest fear? Rodents. Even a tiny mouse, it doesnt have to be a big rat. Even a minute pet mouse. I would rather have a wolf in my apartment than a mouse. The line that stayed with you? Nothing springs to mind, not one line. Biggest regret? In New York city, its common that your regrets are about real estate. I have never not made a real estate mistake, never. Every single real estate decision has been a mistake so I have many to choose from. I was recently giving someone real estate advice and he said, Who would take real estate advice from you? And I said, Youre right, forget what I said. Favourite room? I am always happy to be in a library or any room that has a lot of books in it. Even if Im walking down the street and I can see in someones apartment that I dont know and it has a lot of books, I think, Oh, what a nice apartment. The artwork/song you wish was yours? I dont know because youre asking me whats my favourite. It is a good question. Ive been thinking about this because in an obvious moment of insanity I agreed to film something at the Met, which has 80 trillion objects, OK, where Im meant to choose and talk about my favourite thing. Its a ridiculous question. I cannot think of favourites because Im too old, thats what I think. You know who has favourites? Little kids and they are very enthusiastic about it, [saying] Thats my favourite flavour! because theyve only had five flavours. Ive had 5 million flavours. If you could solve one thing I know youre supposed to say the climate, I know its the most important thing, how could it not be? But I promise you, I would not be the person to solve it ... The most important thing in American politics - which I do think about - is to get rid of the electoral college, which I know will never happen. Because that is the essence of the problem of this country. It enables a minority of people to rule the majority and I mean rule, not govern. Every state in this country has two senators and its absurd. Wyoming, which is a giant state, bigger than Europe, has fewer than 700,000 people - there are that many people in my building. My building should have a senator, OK, and Wyoming shouldnt have two. The state of New York has two senators, Washington has zero. We dont live in anything like a representative democracy. We have a country that represents acres of land as opposed to humans. In every other country thats a democracy, the popular vote is called the vote. When interviewed on television in the 1970s about her first book, it seemed like she was born to do talk shows. I never cared what people thought about what I thought, OK. I never, ever have thought, like, I care what you think about what I think. And I dont understand why people do. People really worry about whether or not people will agree with what they say. I dont care whether you agree with me or not, its of no interest to me and I dont know why you care.

I always say to people, well, who am I? ... its not like I can change your life: Im not in the Senate, Im not on the Supreme Court, I cant affect these things, so you dont agree with me, so what? I dont mean to give the impression I dont care what people think of me as a person. Of course, the people I know, I do care what they think of me as a person. But theres no one I care about whether or not they agree with me; I never did. This, of course, got me in trouble when I was young. Her mother, in particular, used to say, Wipe that look off your face, even though she often wasnt aware she had a particular look on her face. I wasnt very conscious of it. Im not very conscious of my expressions, Lebowitz says. I know that because people are always saying to me, Why dont you ever smile? Taking a photograph, they go Smile! and I think, I am smiling. Clearly, I am not. Of course, it wasnt just a look on her face: she used to speak her mind, even then. What I do for a living, when I was a child, was called talking back. Ive never suffered at all from whats usually called stage fright. If I did, I wouldnt have done all those things, truthfully. Because I know many people who do suffer tremendously from stage fright  performers, which I dont understand, frankly. OK, I mean if you suffer from that, there are a million other things you could do with your life. I not only do not have anxiety about speaking in public, I enjoy it almost more than anything. Which is lucky because thats how she has made a living for most of her adult life, travelling the world and speaking her mind. Were talking ahead of her Australian tour early next year, during which audiences will be able to ask questions. Young women often wonder what shed say to her younger self. Its an impossible question. No one ever asks it in reverse, what advice would a 20-year-old give to their 73-year-old self.

Andy Warhol and Lebowitz at a party in New York in 1977. Credit: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns On the record is her dislike for Andy Warhol, who, when she was 20, gave her a writing job at Interview magazine; she didnt think he was very smart. Also in her line of fire are Republicans (they are stupid and they are cruel), travelling (theres all these people yelling on planes and going nuts on planes, [its] because they treat customers terribly, thats why ... fewer people flip out in first class and thats because the sheets are better) and tourists. The title of Martin Scorseses Netflix documentary about her, Pretend Its a City, was inspired by her infuriation with the latter, constantly blocking New Yorks sidewalks while staring at their phones or maps. Pretend its a city, she shouts at them. Fellow New Yorkers, Scorsese and Lebowitz are clearly great mates and he finds her very amusing. Saturday Night Live satirised the friendship, depicting the legendary filmmaker losing his mind at her every utterance. In the five years since her last visit to Australia, her work has seen a renaissance, fuelled in part by the doco, as well as a new generation discovering her work. Its not surprising: living without the tools many of us assume are indispensable, she is a one-off.
Advertisement

Eating outRestaurant news Pioneering Sydney fish chef Josh Niland is opening a seafood-focused steakhouse overseas The mastermind behind two-hatted restaurant Saint Peter, The Fish Butchery and more will helm the signature restaurant at The Singapore Edition hotel. Scott Bolles September 6, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Sydneys world-renowned pioneer of sustainable seafood, chef Josh Niland, is taking his polished culinary show to Singapore, opening the signature restaurant in the citys soon-to-open Edition Hotel. We dont have a name yet, the owner-chef at Paddingtons twin Good Food Guide-hatted Saint Peter restaurant says. Niland says the seafood-focused steakhouse will open by November at the latest. Julie and Josh Niland Rob Palmer The chef is both cognisant of and flattered by the coals to Newcastle idea of the move. Singapore prides itself on its seafood, and in many ways chilli crab defines the city-state as a culinary destination. Ill leave (chilli crab) to the experts. If I had it on the menu Id probably be run out of town! I hope we can contribute to everyone trying to do a bit better with fish Josh Niland

Advertisement

What he is keen to adopt is Singapores use of spice, and to explore its position at the heart of south-east Asia and the produce at its doorstep. Niland will also transplant the sustainable and waste-reduction practices hes honed in Sydney, where Niland and wife Julies empire has expanded to include a spin-off, The Fish Butchery, which has outlets in Paddington and Waterloo. I hope we can contribute to everyone trying to do a bit better with fish, Niland says of the menu which will also carry some meat and vegetable dishes. The Singapore project appealed to chef on a number of levels. Edition Hotels is the dream child of US entrepreneur Ian Schrager, who pioneered the boutique hotel category. I was attracted to the creative aspect of the role, says Niland, who will divide his time between Sydney and Singapore as well as transplanting some of his local team. Photo: Photo: Alan Benson I also liked the idea of cooking somewhere we have the opportunity to feed a greater number of people in the world, he says of the restaurants location.

Advertisement

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Russia has acknowledged damage to three Tu-22M3 strategic bombers at the Dyagilevo airfield during a drone attack late last year. A Ukrainian Soviet-made Tu-141 Strizh drone struck an airfield in the Ryazan region on December 5, 2022, and caused serious damage to the occupants.

ADVERTISIMENT

The invaders also admitted that, in addition to aircraft, on that day, one Kh-32 missile was destroyed, two buildings of the squadrons' engineering and aviation services and two cars were destroyed, there were dead and wounded among the occupiers. About this writes the military portal Defense Express.

After the drone attack on the Dyagilevo airbase in the Ryazan region on December 5, 2022, Russia was convinced that it did not cause significant damage. However, in September, 9 months after the attack, Russian propagandists spread reports revealing the real results of the strike.

The propagandists spread the news that the Russian Investigative Committee, based on data from the FSB and the Russian Defense Ministry, announced the suspicion and international wanted list of Colonel Serhiy Burdenyuk. This Ukrainian military officer is the commander of the 383rd regiment of remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicles.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to the occupants' version, Colonel Burdenyuk organized several "illegal incursions" of drones into Russian airspace, as a result of which strategic bombers and servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces were "affected".

The propagandists then gave examples of attacks for which, in the opinion of the security services of the aggressor State, a Ukrainian colonel should be held responsible. And it turns out that they are talking about the same attacks, immediately after which the Russians were convinced that the strikes were fruitless.

In particular, propagandists recall the case when on October 7, 2022, a Ukrainian UJ-22 Airborne drone, equipped with a fragmentation-fusion combat unit, flew to the Russian airfield Shaykovka. It exploded at an altitude of 10 meters above the bomber parking lot. Only "chance", the aggressor state notes, saved the strategic aircraft from destruction or serious damage.

ADVERTISIMENT

On December 5, the occupants did not wait for such a "miracle" at the Dyagilevo airbase. Then, the propagandists write with reference to a statement by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Ukraine used a Soviet Tu-141 Strizh drone converted into a kamikaze drone. And it not only flew to the airbase, but also caused considerable damage.

The Russians complain that the attack damaged three Tu-22M3 bombers, one X-32 missile, two buildings of the squadrons' engineering and aviation services and two cars. Three occupants were killed and seven others were wounded.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, propagandists say, the list of successful drone attacks on Russian territory is not exhausted by these episodes.

As a reminder, on August 30, Russia faced the most powerful UAV attack on military facilities. Explosions were reported in several Russian regions, as well as in Russian-occupied Sevastopol.

ADVERTISIMENT

In particular, as a result of the night attack on Pskov, several IL-76s were destroyed and damaged .

Subsequently, pictures of destroyed and damaged aircraft at the airfield in Pskov appeared online.

In total, Ukrainian drones attacked Russia and Crimea more than 190 times in 2023.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The current debate about the fault or otherwise of Alan Joyce in the customer dissatisfaction at Qantas misses the point (An inglorious end to Joyces brilliant career, September 6). Joyce puts his shareholders benefit above those of its customers, which is what he is required to do. The problem is the privatisation of our nations airline. Had that not occurred we would all be the shareholders and then our interests would be paramount. You cant have it both ways. Rather than dishing out billions to Qantas during COVID, it might have been the perfect time to buy back the farm. Maureen Partridge, Baulkham Hills Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: The claim about the Albanese government having misread the public sentiment on Qantas is spot-on (Board ducks for cover from Joyces parting PR grenade, September 5). If, for many years, you have been feted for free as a VIP client in the Qantas Chairmans Lounge and enjoyed priority booking and problem-solving services, losing touch with the publics costly flying experiences and the accompanying angst is more than a passing perception. And it is one that will not be erased by Joyces earlier-than-expected departure. Sue Dyer, Downer (ACT) Qantas has prided itself as a safe airline that delivered quality service, and employed many families that were proud to be part of the Qantas team. Now that reputation has been destroyed. The truth finally seems to be rearing its ugly head, and Joyce gets to clear off prematurely and leave the airline in a huge mess. Denise Martin, Kurrajong Good to see Vanessa Hudson as a new broom at Qantas (Can Hudson really set Qantas on a new course?, September 6). Now someone remind me, where has she been working for the past 29 years? Bevan Wilson, Bondi Memo to Ms Hudson, CEO of Qantas. I believe that if you arrange the repayment to the government of JobKeeper monies received during the pandemic, set about righting the wrongs of the past decade or so, acknowledge and refund the fares on cancelled flights then you should be well on the way towards rescuing the tarnished reputation of Qantas. I know you have the money in the piggy bank. Rob Wheen, Allambie Heights Regarding Joyces bonus, perhaps the best course of action is to distribute it equally it to all the employees of Qantas, especially those that were stood down and then re-employed at lower salaries as Qantas cynically used the loopholes in the labour hire laws to cut costs (Letters, September 6). Leo Sorbello, West Ryde

Advertisement

One wonders if Joyces departure as CEO commenced when he announced in April 2022 that passengers were not match fit post-COVID lockdowns.

Margaret McCabe, Bawley Point Other than the board, who cares that Joyces flight is taking off earlier than planned? The slap in the face for every Qantas customer is that hes still going first class.

Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point The other sacking. Credit: Cathy Wilcox Joyce has managed what many Qantas planes have failed to do. He has taken off early and still kept his baggage. John Byrne, Randwick Now could we have our airline back, please? Jeremy Cornford, Kingscliff Typical of Qantas. Joyce has been flown out, but his baggage has been left behind. John OBrien, Ettalong Beach

Advertisement

Dont let politics get in the way of our power transition It will be exceedingly unfortunate if any of the momentum directed to the transition to renewables is dissipated purely for political reasons (Its OK, let the Eraring lights go out, September 6). Earlier this week, the former treasurer, Matt Kean, presented his comprehensive overview relating to the decommissioning of Eraring power station. In response, what was trumpeted by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe was not the undeniable merit of the strategy, but the questioning of the purported $3 billion per year should the plant operate beyond 2025. Certainly, a review of the situation can shed new light on merits of available options, but any hesitancy in progressing the replacement of the power station by a super battery, with its capacity to store renewable energy, can only cause tentativeness among intending proponents of solar and wind farms. Roger Epps, Armidale It seems that the only serious opposition to the shift to renewable energy originate from those with a perceived political advantage in opposing, and those with a pecuniary interest in the fossil fuel industry. The fly in the renewable ointment lies in the practicalities of the development of generation, distribution and storage, and the timeframe of implementation. Only the dreamers expect a fully reliable renewable energy regime to happen quickly. It would be the height of folly to not consider all options to maintain supply until fully reliable 100 per cent renewables are in place. Keeping Eraring in operation longer than planned may be part of the mix. Much is made of the cost of doing so, but what would be the cost in many ways of unreliable supply? Bill Irvine, Goulburn We face two risks in our quest to achieve renewable energy targets by 2030. The speed at which we build renewable generation and the grid to go with it is quite uncertain. As in Germany, there will also be times when both wind and solar do not generate. To avoid blackouts, governments have no option but to pay energy companies to keep coal generators running longer than planned. Longer term, while we undergo any debate on nuclear power, gas-fired plants should be built to cover the times when we dont have wind or sunshine. John Kempler, Rose Bay Illustration: Cathy Wilcox Credit: Power stations are fossil fuel-guzzling remnants of a heedless past and must give way to renewables. As a small child in the 1940s blackouts were an intermittent feature of my daily life. Inconvenient - but bearable. We used candles, kerosene lamps and camp stoves, and copped it sweet. Sooner rather than later, we will all have to deal with a lot of extremely unpleasant conditions if we are to have any hope of surviving the looming climate change catastrophe. Wake up, Australia! Gillian Appleton, Paddington State of Origin: coal 1 climate 0. Les Shearman, Darlington

Advertisement

Not all teachers: Why we have a long way to go in pay fight Teachers who qualify as permanent may well celebrate a long, overdue pay increase, but casual and temporary teachers will possibly miss out (Minister flags sector cuts to fund historic teachers deal, September 6). With nearly 40 per cent of public school teachers being casual, with service ranging from one to 10 years or more, it is erroneous to state that all teachers will receive a $10,000 pay increase in their first year of temporary teaching. This salary offer looks good but I fear the devil is in the detail. Far more effort is needed to attract graduates to the profession. By the way, why are private schools able to employ 80 per cent of their staff as permanent, but not public schools? Vanessa Tennent, Oatley Loading We have a two-tiered educational system. While private schools can afford amazing new sporting facilities and assembly halls, public schools are expected to find even more cuts to fund small salary increases for their teachers. Where can these cuts come from? I recall my daughter already having to pay for basics like matches for the Bunsen burners in her science laboratory when she was teaching in the outer western suburbs. More cuts in basics will ultimately lead to even further stratification in educational opportunities. Katriona Herborn, Blackheath Teachers get a pay rise and the employer immediately talks of budget cuts; federal parliamentarians get a pay rise but no talk of cuts to their conditions and support. Some contradiction at work. As usual. Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights AMA rebuttal We believe the AMA (NSW) has been misrepresented in your opinion piece article (One in three Australian mothers suffer birth trauma. Im one of them, September 6). The AMA has been unfairly tainted by the suggestion it wants to get rid of birth plans or feels that they should be dismissed. Rather than asserting that the creation of such plans is problematic, the AMA (NSW)s submission to the NSW inquiry into birth trauma merely serves to warn that the inherent risks of birth could mean that it is not possible to follow those plans. Your writer says we dont need to scrap birth plans, we need accessible birth education, but the AMA (NSW) Vice President Dr Kathryn Austin has been vocal in this newspaper this week calling for better antenatal education, and on national television stating birth planning can be a really useful tool as an indication for what expectant parents and their families hope or want from their birth.The AMA does not want to get rid of or dismiss birth plans. Dr Michael Bonning, President AMA (NSW)

Advertisement

The term delivery has two meanings in obstetrics, the delivery of a brand-new baby, but also, in the words of the old Common Prayer Book, the safe deliverance and preservation from the great dangers of childbirth. In Australia in the early 1900s, 6 out of 1000 mothers died, and 1 in 10 babies. Today those figures are 5.5 in 100,000 and 2.8 per 1000 babies. Because of this we seem to have largely overlooked the fact that human anatomy and physiology have not changed. The possibility of losing mother and/or baby is still there. Every expectant mother should be able to discuss her preferences and hopes with her birth attendants before or in the early stages of delivery, but she and her supporters must know that hopes are not a plan. Jennifer Briggs, Kilaben Bay Spoilt brats The Community and Pharmacy Support Group obviously has nothing to do with supporting community members and everything to do with the business of making money (Letters, September 6). The Australian government has been incredibly generous with taxpayers money, pledging almost $20 billion to support community pharmacies in the pharmacy agreement, but like spoilt brats the pharmacy owners are out in force, yelling abuse and churning out scare campaigns. The 60 day dispensing policy is good for patients, especially those with chronic health conditions, which is why doctors have supported it, even though it will mean less consultations and less money for us.

Dr Marie Healy, Redfern If a business is reliant on government funds or subsidies to make a profit then shouldnt that business be a public service, run and staffed by public servants? Peter Butler, Wyongah Its time Big business, in bankrolling the Voice Yes campaign, is definitely and rightly thinking about their core business (Investors put heat on big business over backing for Voice, September 6). It should be the business of every Australian to ensure that all of its citizens, especially its First Nations peoples, have a voice in Australias parliament. Businesses have long had the funds to lobby parliament in their own interests. It is about time that First Nations, totally disenfranchised in their own country till 1967 and socially and economically disadvantaged to this day, have their voices enshrined in the Constitution. Elfriede Sangkuhl, Summer Hill Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit:

Advertisement
A former KPMG partner who exposed serious flaws in a controversial state-owned rail corporation set up to artificially inflate the NSW budget says he would do it again, despite it costing him $2 million and his job at the big-four consulting firm.

Appearing before a NSW upper house inquiry into the governments use of consultants, Brendan Lyon said there had been little consequence for KPMGs conflicted advice to the state government on the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) two years ago besides damage to the firms reputation.

There were vast reputational consequences but no change to billing or work or positions. In fact, most people got a promotion, he said.

Former KPMG partner Brendan Lyon. Credit: Martin Ollman

Lyon said he faced internal reprisals from KPMG for his work advising Transport for NSW on TAHE in 2021, as well as investigations for vexatious complaints to force him from the firm.
Rogers and McGrattan had no involvement in Sydney Metros decision to award contracts to those companies or setting the salaries for those roles, and they played no part in the projects cost blowouts. The Herald does not suggest any wrongdoing on the part of Rogers and McGrattan. One of those hires, James Hayward, is Sydney Metros interface management acting director, contracted on more than $600,000 a year, almost as much as the agencys chief executive. He is the partner of Amanda Hayward, publisher of the bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey. The Herald also does not suggest any wrongdoing on the part of Hayward. The construction site for the Parramatta metro station. Credit: Wolter Peeters Quizzed about the arrangements concerning Rogers, McGrattan and Hayward during a NSW upper house inquiry into the governments use of consultants, Sydney Metro chief finance and commercial officer Fiona Trussell said contractors and professional service providers were not in decision-making roles and did not have any delegated authority. They all report ultimately into government employees so their ability to hire and recruit people is not an authority that they have, she said. Those decision-making authorities sit with government employees within our delegation.

The NSW Auditor-General raised concerns in a March report about government agencies hiring consultants, citing concerns about the way spending on contractors is reported publicly and how agencies engage in contracts with them. The rules that require most agencies to estimate the value of a contract  including any potential extensions and renewals  do not apply to Sydney Metro. The cost of the Metro City and Southwest rail line between Chatswood and Bankstown via the CBD is almost double the original forecast at about $21.6 billion. NSW Premier Chris Minns has also cast doubt on the future of the Metro West line under construction between the CBD and Parramatta. Paul Rogers with his team from Pro Consultants. Credit: LinkedIn Rogers and McGrattan did not respond to questions about potential conflicts of interest or how much their companies earn from contracts to provide staff. Hayward also did not respond to questions.

Sources close to Sydney Metro who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are unauthorised to discuss the project with the media said companies providing staff to the agency can earn between 7.5 per and 12 per cent of the hourly rate of a contracts value. Critical accounting academic professor John Dumay said fees to provide contractors of about 10 to 12 per cent of the contract value was about right. Dumay, who ran his own consultancy business and worked as a management consultant before moving to academia, said Sydney Metro allowing managers to bid via private companies to provide contracted staff did not pass the pub test. When you bring in these labour hire companies and/or consultants, we ultimately lose transparency because theres no legal obligation for any of these companies to disclose anything publicly, he said. Centre for Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson, SC, said Sydney Metro managers whose private companies were bidding for work from the agency might have access to information other bidders didnt.

Im astonished that this would be allowed, he said. It is just a minefield of ethical concerns in so far as there are obviously potential conflicts of interest. [They] arent measured by the outcome  they are measured by the potential. Former NSW auditor-general Tony Harris said the private companies of senior managers at Sydney Metro winning contracts with the agency raises potential conflict of interest issues. It is so obviously not on that it doesnt require much thought, he said. A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Jo Haylen said procurement and delivery models for Sydney Metro overseen by the previous Liberal government had caused cost overruns on metro projects.

The engagement of contractors should be a short-term solution. The government is concerned about the long-term use of contractors, especially if they are being used for longer engagements better suited to public sector roles, the spokesperson said. Sydney Metro did not answer specific questions about why it allows senior managers to use their own companies to tender for contracts, how many professional services contractors it uses, their cost, or if it has investigated these arrangements, but said the procurement of contractors and consultants was wholly managed by government employees. Contractors have no authority (decision-making rights) to approve the engagement of other contractors or variations/extensions to contractors, it said. Due to the size and complexity of our projects, there will always be a need for specialist input and contractors to supplement our workforce, including on a part-time basis. The agency said it required all consultants to complete a statement of interests and associations declaring professional and personal interests. They manage conflict of interest risk through governance structures and take appropriate action when required.
A graphic scene with blood throughout the house greeted responders who were called to a property north of Brisbane on Wednesday, where police found the body of a man with neck wounds.

Police launched a homicide investigation after the 41-year-olds body was found about 9.15am at a property in Caboolture South.

There was a substantial amount of blood in multiple areas throughout the house, Detective Inspector Stephen Windsor said.

Police were alerted to the Torrens Road home after the mans carer, who had not previously worked at the house, called triple-0.
A man serving a life sentence for fatally strangling his Perth neighbour after she visited his home for a cup of tea has pleaded guilty to killing a Victorian woman 30 years earlier in similar circumstances.

Darren John Chalmers, 56, faced the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to murdering Annette Steward in her Geelong West home in March 1992.

Darren John Chalmers.

Steward, who had worked at the Winchester ammunition factory in the Geelong suburb of Point Henry, was found dead inside her Hope Street home two weeks before her 30th birthday.

An autopsy at the time revealed Steward, a mother of two, had been strangled to death.
Indigenous leader Marcia Langton has claimed death threats and abuse are being aimed at the key advocates for a Yes vote at the October 14 referendum, in an emotional call on voters to save lives by voting for change.

Langton said there was nothing to fear from the Indigenous Voice and warned voters against the deceit of No campaigners who had claimed the outcome would divide the country on race.

Professor Marcia Langton addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday. Credit: James Brickwood

But she called on the government to prepare for the aftermath of the national ballot by setting out how it would ensure consultation with First Nations people, saying a No vote would be falsely seen as a mandate to do nothing that would entrench disadvantage and cost lives.

While she did not name individuals who had been subject to death threats, Langton expressed concern at the tone of the debate and warned of more damage if the Voice was rejected on October 14.
A Senate inquiry will ask Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson and her predecessor Alan Joyce to reveal their talks with federal ministers after a storm in parliament over the lobbying behind a decision that shielded the company from greater competition.

The inquiry is also likely to call Qatar Airways and the Qatari ambassador to give their account of the decision to block more flights, amid claims it led to higher prices for travellers.

Departing Qantas boss Alan Joyce and his successor Vanessa Hudson will both be asked to appear in front of a Senate inquiry. Credit: Louise Kennerley / Bloomberg

With the government under fire, Trade Minister Don Farrell said Qatar Airways was welcome to lodge a new application to add international flights.

The chair of the Senate inquiry, Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie, said she wanted the committee to hear from the Qatari government and its airline about their ability to add flights.
After hundreds of years, ink signatures on paper are set to go the way of the wax seal.

Commonwealth statutory declarations will officially join the digital age next year when the federal government changes the centuries-old practice so that declarations can be executed through the myGov app, electronic signatures and video-link witnessing.

Commonwealth statutory declarations will officially join the digital age when the federal government changes the centuries-old practice. Credit: iStock

The statutory declaration  created in the 19th century to improve convenience  has now become cumbersome, said Professor Veronica Taylor, a professor of law and regulation at the Australian National University.

Historically, they allowed people to create a statement about a set of facts, assert it was true and have it witnessed without having to swear an oath, so it was more available. But somehow we froze that process, she said.
The material was used widely in the construction of public buildings, including hospitals, courts and police stations during the 1950s until the mid-1990s. Lighter than traditional concrete, it was used to build roofs but has also been found in walls and floors. RAAC panels and planks have a bubbly appearance and are softer than standard concrete. Caroline Shaw, the former chief executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, described buildings built with it as an Aero chocolate bar and a ticking time bomb in 2018, the London Telegraph reported. Pupils from Corpus Christi Catholic School, Brixton, arrive at St Martins in the Field Girls School in London, as they are relocated after their school was found to be affected. Credit: PA/AP RAAC becomes weaker and more prone to collapse as it ages. It is usually pale grey or white in appearance. It is made from lime, water and an aeration agent. Its decay is different to concrete cancer which is caused by rusting steel reinforcement. The Standing Committee on Structural Safety, an independent body that identifies areas that could pose structural safety risks, warns that buildings made from the material carry risks and can collapse suddenly with no apparent warning.

The committee notes that while RAAC is often called concrete, it is very different from traditional concrete and, because of the way in which it was made, much weaker. It is not yet clear for how long the affected schools will be closed. Some will only be forced to close certain areas of a building, depending on where the material has been identified. The total cost of repairs at this stage was also unclear, Schools Minister Nick Gibb told British media, adding that it was hard to specify an exact figure. In some schools it will just be a room or a cupboard, he said, according to The Guardian. In others, it will be pervasive throughout. A taped-off section inside Parks Primary School in Leicester, England. Credit: PA/AP As the crisis rocks schools in England, risk assessments in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are also taking place. The Telegraph reported more than 300 hospital buildings could be affected.

The British government said in a statement on Monday that it had been aware of the material being used in public sector buildings since 1994. It said it has been monitoring the issue since 2018 and helping schools to manage the risks through guidance and funding, noting that concerns grew over the northern summer. New cases have made us less confident that buildings containing RAAC should remain open without extra safety measures in place, the statement said, adding that the partial or full closure of more than 100 schools was a precautionary measure. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he understood the anxiety felt by families but wanted to stress that a vast majority of schools are unaffected. He also said that it was completely and utterly wrong to blame him for the crisis. The British government has ordered more than 100 schools to keep some or all of their buildings closed for this weeks start of the new academic year. Credit: PA/AP Schools Minister Gibb downplayed the scale of the issue. Were talking about a small number of schools out of 22,500 schools, Gibb said. We have conducted surveys since March last year, so we know where RAAC is, and were sending in surveyors to identify RAAC.

But Sunak critics say he and his government are not being transparent about the scale of the problem. Gibb said a full list of schools affected by RAAC would be published by Friday. Loading Children are not at school today because of the action the government has failed to take in relation to schools. That is unforgivable, leader of the Labour opposition party, Keir Starmer, said on Tuesday. Signs that say please do not enter are already cropping up inside schools where RAAC poses a risk, forcing pupils to have their lessons taught elsewhere. Some parents are concerned about the possibility of their children returning to remote learning, which they experienced during the coronavirus pandemic. In Essex, England, one school wrote to parents to notify them that at least 22 classrooms were found to have RAAC present and were currently unusable. Another school in West Yorkshire might not be able to fully operate until September 2025, one head teacher said, adding that more than half the building contained RAAC.
Cuba has identified a human trafficking network originating in Russia that has been recruiting Cuban citizens to fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine, the Cuban Ministry of Interior said.

The government said it already detected and neutralised attempts at such recruitment, targeting citizens residing in both Russia and Cuba, and has initiated criminal proceedings against those involved, but did not offer details.

Cuba has a firm and clear historical position against mercenarism, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Cubas Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz during their talks at the Kremlin in June. Credit: Kremlin/AP

Russia has been struggling to shore up its army with recruits since President Vladimir Putin announced a mobilisation earlier this year  a declaration that pushed thousands to flee or hide. Since then, to make evading conscription more difficult, a tough law allowing electronic military summonses and travel bans on those drafted has been approved.
The aggressor country Russia launched another attack on Ukraine with kamikaze drones on Wednesday night of September 6. Odesa region was under attack again, explosions were heard there.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Air Force of the AFU wrote about the movement of Russian drones in the direction of the south of the Odesa region. Residents of the Izmail district were urged to stay in shelters. Monitoring channels informed about the work of Air Defense forces.

"Izmail district residents, please stay in shelters until the air alert is canceled! This is very important! Do not film or post the work of Air Defense online," the head of Odesa RMA Oleh Kiper wrote.

According to preliminary information, some ofthe drones were shot down. However, several of them reached their targets. Official data on the consequences of the attack will be provided by the RMA and the AF of the AFU.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Russia staged a massive attack on the south of the Odesa region of Ukraine with kamikaze drones on the night of September 4. Air Defense Forces shot down 17 attack UAVs, but some of them hit civilian infrastructure.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:--- Minister of Justice Anna Richardson spoke at the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin American and the Caribbean. Organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Minister was invited to form part of the panel on the contribution of migrants to sustainable development reflecting on labor mobility, threats and opportunities related to skilled migration and diaspora engagement, and most relevant for the Caribbean, as we deal with regional political unrest and increasing threat of climate change, the management of migration in response to humanitarian emergencies. She was supported by the Director of the Department of Foreign Relations Mr. Patrice Gumbs Jr.

Minister Richardson began her intervention by offering the context of Sint Maarten, a tourism-dependent, non-independent developing small island. Sint Maarten is an autonomous 16 square-mile country on a 37 square-mile island, with a small local population. Prior to hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise tourism brought some 2 million passengers to our shore annually, and stayover tourism just under half a million. This was matched by large industry-related sectors including construction. With a small population like ours, migrants play a pivotal role in Sint Maarten's labor force. Consequently, we have a majority foreign population, many on short-term contracts, representing over 100 different nationalities.

As Small Island Developing States, have levels of vulnerability, the impact of exogenous shocks, like hurricanes and the pandemic, on seasonal, single-pillar economies like Sint Maartens that are highly dependent on migrants, can be detrimental. The Minister stated that the challenge for Caribbean countries is how do we create financial stability while charting a path towards sustainable development, especially in a sector known for its negative impact on the environment and so susceptible to major migratory shifts and flows. Moreover, how do we even begin to mobilize the necessary policy changes necessary in islands like ours with limited human capacity?

Minister Richardson indicated that addressing the vulnerabilities faced by migrants, particularly those in irregular status, is imperative, and the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rise in unemployment and fall in revenue, not only exacerbated their vulnerability but made more acute our responsibility to ensure their well-being. In 2021, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice extended an invitation to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to execute a professional analysis of Sint Maartens migrant population. The comprehensive study has shed light on the complex dynamics of migration and its impact on our societies and economies.

One of the key recommendations of this report was the need for data. This is one of the common threads throughout many of the reports about Sint Maarten in a myriad of subject matters and has been a factor in our developing sustainably. The challenge of unregulated migrants, in particular, who sit on the fringe of society, but form a large and vital part of the labor force in our tourism-based economy, makes policymaking to address the needs of our country challenging. Their exclusion and being left in the shadows skew the projected needs of a countrys needs in critical areas such as housing, health, and educational, creating a disenfranchised group and ultimately a fragmented people and discordant society. Minister Richardson outlined the current policy practices in place as it relates to migrants and shared two initiatives that the Ministry is undertaking. The first is a pilot project that began in January 2023 which gives employers who have tenured non-national employees with an undocumented status the opportunity to regulate same. In principle based on the immigration policy one would have to be off-island as a first-time applicant amongst other things. However, this was one of the waivers that were put in place in order to give the employees a fair opportunity. This project was done in collaboration with the Ministry of VSA & TEATT. The second initiative takes a look at the immigration policy through the lens of human rights. I have recently called for the removal of the marital requirement for the processing of residence documents. Often, it is women who fall victim to the violating condition of domestic abuse due to the need to remain married for the sake of regulating their status.

The Minister said that we must remember to strike a balance between the needs of our tourism economy, which requires a young able-bodied labor force and the ageing population of our region, as well as to provide protection for our environment. The reality is for countries like ours maintaining this balance requires an integrated government, moving away from our usual silo approach to policymaking and creating a robust inter-ministerial coordination unit to best address the needs of our constituents.

In our pursuit of this, the Government is a strong advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals. In the recently launched National Development Vision, the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten underscored the SDGs as the guiding tenants of our policy initiatives moving forward, spearheaded by the Department for Kingdom and Interior Relations. Our national development vision includes reducing inequalities and maximizing employment opportunities for residents, while also strengthening diplomatic relations, through Sint Maartens Department of Foreign Affairs, with migrant-sending countries to better understand the context within which our policy measures must work.

The Minister recalled the value of SDG 17, Partnerships in her final remarks Small Island developing states, we cannot work in isolation of each other, and just as we dismantle our silo-style national organizations, we must work towards minimizing the political, social, and more importantly mental barriers that hinder our regional cooperation, especially on such a critical subject as migration.

The Minister closed by expressing her honor at having been invited to offer experiences and best practices on how to best facilitate migrant integration and the opportunities to creating a prosperous society for all.

The Conference and the subjects discussed, including demographic trends in the Caribbean adolescent pregnancy, and Gender-based violence, aimed to foster the accelerated implementation plan of the Montevideo Consensus on Population and Development in the Caribbean. Signed in Montevideo, Uruguay in 2014 by 38 member countries and associate members of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Consensus contains a series of agreements to strengthen the implementation of population and development issues.
PHILIPSBURG:--- President Fabio Doralice, operating under the umbrella of the Le Sommet Foundation, continues to make substantial strides in propelling the agricultural sector forward. Beginning with the establishment of the local farmers market and now embarking on capacity-building efforts for farmers, Doralice's commitment is translating into tangible progress for St. Maarten's agricultural landscape.



President Doralice recently had a significant meeting with Dr. Ali El-Kharbotly, a renowned agricultural expert from the Netherlands, to explore avenues for advancing and further developing the agriculture sector in St. Maarten.



Dr. Ali's visit to the island highlighted the potential for agricultural growth and fostered discussions on sustainable practices, self-sufficiency, and collaboration.

During his stay in St. Maarten, Dr. Ali also took the opportunity to visit the neighboring island Saba, where he engaged with local farmers and gained firsthand insights into their farming practices. Dr. Ali's extensive experience, including his work in Qatar where he developed the Sustainable Qatari Farming (SQF) program, brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussions.



One of the primary areas of focus in the meeting was pest control and the utilization of natural pest repellents. Local farmers in St. Maarten contend with various challenges, mainly including pest management issues presented by monkeys and iguanas. These once-charming creatures have emerged as formidable obstacles to agriculture. Acknowledging these concerns, President Doralice underscores the importance of addressing them cohesively, emphasizing the need for innovative, environmentally sensitive solutions.



The conversation extended to addressing challenges such as limited land space and the dependence on imported fertilizers and pesticides. Dr. Ali highlighted his system of producing local fertilizers and pesticides from on-farm materials, a method he believes is pivotal for organic farming. This approach not only lowers production costs but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint.



Dr. Ali commended the passion of the local farmers he interacted with, acknowledging the dedication required for farming, primarily when not driven solely by commercial gains. The meeting delved into St. Maarten's potential for a thriving agricultural industry. Dr. Ali emphasized that introducing excessive regulations or adopting regulations from other countries may impede the development of the agriculture sector. Instead, he suggested that it is more prudent to begin by building the sector and only implement regulations as needed.



Both parties discussed the potential for a joint sustainable farming program and training initiatives aimed at enhancing local farmers' knowledge. The exchange of expertise and farming techniques could lead to the overall development of St. Maarten's agriculture sector.

Dr. Ali emphasized that while complete eradication of food imports might be unrealistic, significant progress can be achieved in food sourcing, security, and reducing dependency on imports. President Fabio Doralice shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and resource pooling to drive the industry forward.



President Doralice announced a new pilot project focused on capacity building for farmers. This project aims to initiate sustainable practices among 15-30 individuals, including backyard and kitchen farmers. The goal is to foster a sense of community engagement and collaboration, potentially leading to regional export opportunities for niche products.



As St. Maarten recently established a marketplace for local farmers and crafters to sell their products, this focus on capacity building marks the next phase in the island's agricultural development journey. President Fabio Doralice expressed optimism, stating, "We can do so much with our limited land space; we need to get more creative, more community engagement and encouragement. We applaud all the 'Backyard or kitchen farmers.' If we learn to work together and pool our resources, we can bring this industry far."



President Doralice went on to say "We cannot embark on this journey alone. We extend a heartfelt invitation to agriculture enthusiasts, farmers, stakeholders, and even governmental bodies to join us in shaping a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector."



The island of St. Maarten is poised for an agricultural transformation, driven by collaboration, sustainability, creativity, and a shared vision for a vibrant farming future.





Any person interested in being part of the focus group can reach out to us at +1721-5236353 / +1721-5268232 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Skeena Increases Indicated Resource at Snip to 823,000 Gold Ounces Representing a 237% Increase

Skeena Resources Limited (TSX: SKE, NYSE: SKE) (aSkeenaa or the aCompanya)  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/skeena-resources-ltd/  is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (aMREa) for the 100% owned Snip Gold Project (aSnipa or the aProjecta) located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Effective September 5, 2023, the updated MRE incorporates an additional 307 drillholes totaling 46,268 metres, enhancements to the geological interpretation, resource estimation methods, long hole mining method parameters, and updated metallurgical process recoveries.

2023 Snip MRE Highlights:

Updated MRE of 823,000 ounces grading 9.35 g/t Au in the Indicated category and 114,000 ounces grading 7.10 g/t Au in the Inferred category

An increase of 579,000 Au ounces in the Indicated Resource, representing a growth of 237% since the 2020 MRE

2021 and 2022 drilling programs heightened confidence of historical drilling data and improved certainty in continuity of the ore body

Metallurgical recovery increased to 96% from 90%

Randy Reichert, Skeenaa?s President & CEO commented aWith the successful conversion of over 570,000 gold ounces to the Indicated category, we are very pleased with the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Snip. This Resource will form the basis of a detailed engineering study with project economics, which we anticipate being released in H1 2024. The study will demonstrate the potential benefits of adding Snip mineralization to the Eskay Creek Project as a satellite operation, likely including an increased mine life and improved concentrate payabilities at Eskay Creek. We look forward to continuing to unlock value for all stakeholders as we advance the Project.a

Resource Discussion

Infill drilling programs were undertaken during 2021 and 2022 by Skeena and the Companya?s former partner Hochschild Mining, respectively. A total of 238 drill holes totaling 35,891 metres were completed by Skeena and 69 drill holes totaling 10,377 metres were completed by Hochschild. The 307 holes and 46,268 metres of infill drilling defined new zones of mineralization, expanded existing veins laterally, confirmed vein continuity interpretation, and upgraded variogram range confidence. The drilling programs also drilled in areas previously untested by Skeena to validate historical assays and potentially upgrade classification in those areas.

Removal of 40 metre QAQC buffer

In the 2020 MRE, a 40 metre omnidirectional 3-D buffer was created around the Skeena holes drilled during 2016 to 2019 as these recent holes contained QAQC data, whereas the historical assays had no other preserved data to substantiate the results. The 2020 classification strategy forced all Indicated Resources that were qualified by adequate drill spacing outside of this 40 metre buffer to be downgraded to Inferred Resources.

During the 2021 and 2022 infill drilling programs, 28 twin drill holes totaling 3,318 metres were drilled to validate the historical drill intercepts. Comparative vein intervals and gold grades were captured in both the original and twin holes. Corresponding vein interval statistics demonstrated proper correlations between the historical fire assays and the twin hole fire assays. This has enabled the historical drill hole data to be used during the grade estimation process without additional constraints.

Specific Gravity

In the 2020 MRE, two density values were applied to the model; a value of 2.78 g/cm3 for vein mineralization, and 2.86 g/cm3 for the Biotite Spotted Unit (aBSUa). An additional 1,770 specific gravity measurements were incorporated into the 2023 model, which were reassessed within their appropriate lithology and vein units. The 2023 MRE utilized a value of 2.91 g/cm3 for vein mineralization, and 2.84A g/cm3 for the BSU.

Application of Dynamic Anisotropy

Veins were estimated in Skeenaa?s 2020 MRE using the single-search ellipsoid of the variogram. In the 2023 update, dynamic anisotropy (aDAa) was used for the larger veins showing good continuity, whereby the search ellipse was adjusted on a block-by-block basis using a surface that defines the overall folded orientation of the veins. DA allows the estimator to select composite intervals that are in the most suitable orientation, thereby resulting in an estimate that is locally more accurate and more in line with the original vein model interpretation.

Expected Economic Study

The Company expects to release a detailed engineering study with project economics on Snip in H1 2024. The study will highlight Snip as a potential satellite operation, providing feed to a centralized mill at Eskay Creek. Skeena expects the additional clean, high-grade mineralization from Snip to further bolster the mine life at Eskay Creek and likely reduce smelter penalties.

About Skeena

Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the Eskay Creek and Snip Projects, two past-producing mines located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in September 2022 which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.4B, 50% IRR, and a 1-year payback at US$1,700/oz Au and US$19/oz Ag. Skeena is currently continuing exploration drilling and plans on releasing a Definitive Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in Q4 2023.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,

Walter ColesA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A Randy Reichert

Executive ChairmanA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A President & CEO

Contact Information

Investor Inquiries: info@skeenaresources.com

Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725

Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com

In Europe:

Swiss Resource Capital AG

Jochen Staiger & Marc Ollinger

info@resource-capital.ch

www.resource-capital.ch

Qualified Persons

The Independent and Qualified Person for the SnipA MRE is Ms. Sheila Ulansky P.Geo., of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (Vancouver), who has reviewed, validated, and approved the Snip MRE as well as the technical disclosure in this release. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration & Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting the exploration activities on its projects.

Snip 2023 MRE Notes

The Mineral Resources disclosed in this press release were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (aCIMa) standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves definitions, and guidelines prepared by the CIM standing committee on reserve definition and adopted by the CIM council.

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of these Mineral Resources estimated will be converted into mineral reserves.

As defined by NI 43?101, the Independent and Qualified Person for the Snip MRE is Ms. Sheila Ulansky P.Geo., of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. who has reviewed and validated the Snip MRE.

The effective date of the MRE is September 5, 2023.

The close out date of the Snip database was June 29, 2023.

In accordance with NI 43-101 recommendations, the number of metric tonnes was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects.

Estimates use metric units (metres, tonnes and g/t). Metal contents are presented in troy ounces (metric tonne x grade / 31.10348)

Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction were determined by means of applying stope optimization parameters summarized in Table 3. Resources are reported in-situ and undiluted within the veins contained within potentially economical and minable underground long hole stope shapes.

The underground cut-off grade for the long hole mining method was calculated to be 2.5 g/t Au. Cut-off grades must be re-evaluated considering prevailing market conditions (including gold prices, exchange rates and costs).

Cut-off grades are based on a metal price of US$1,700/oz Au and gold recovery of 96%.

Mineral Resources have been depleted to account for past production and exclude mineralization within a 1 m buffer around historical underground developments. This 1 m exclusion zone is low and will need to be expanded in future resource estimates.

An additional 307 drill holes for a total meterage of 46,268 m has been included into this estimate since the 2020 Maiden Mineral Resource.

Two block models (Main Zone and Twin West Zone) were created using 4 x 4 x 4 m parent block sizes and 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 m subblocks.

Block tonnage was estimated from volumes using a density of 2.91 g/cm3for all lithologies except the unmineralized BSU which used a density of 2.84 g/cm3.

Three mineralization domains were created to constrain the estimate: V, S and TW. The V and S domains are a collection of veins that occur in the Main Twin Zone, whereas TW domain is a series of veins in the Twin West Zone.

A total of 94 veins were modelled: 13 V-Veins, 71 S-Veins and 10 TW-Veins.

The vein model was created in Leapfrog GeoTM using composite intervals greater than or equal to 1.0 g/t Au if following interpreted structures and displaying mineralization continuity. Locally, lower grades were included in the veins if continuity was displayed. Local minor edits were done in Vulcan.

Assays were composited to 1.5 m honoring vein domain boundaries. To handle partial interval lengths, composites were distributed equally.

Grade capping was performed on vein coded composites. Gold capping ranged from 40 a 350 g/t in the V-Veins, 100 a 215 g/t in the S-Veins and 45 a 110 g/t in the TW-Veins.

Gold variograms were used to determine the spatial relationship of grade over distance.

Maximum continuity in the V-Veins, S-Veins, and TW-Veins was 50 m, 55 m, and 45 m, respectively.

Ordinary Kriging was used for the estimation of gold in all vein domains using the 1.5 m equally distributed composites and honouring hard vein boundaries. Composite lengths of less than 0.1 m were excluded from the estimate.

In the V- and -S veins that were continuous and greater than 237,000 tonnes, and TW-veins greater than 100,000 tonnes, a DA surface was utilized during estimation to honour locally varying vein orientations.

Mineral Resources were estimated using three passes having increased variogram range-based search radii. Pass 1, 2, and 3 used variogram ranges of 2/3 range, range, and 2 times the range respectively. A 4th Pass was used for global statistical reporting and was not used in Classification.

Indicated and Inferred Resources were classified according to the following scheme:

The Indicated category is defined by blocks interpolated during Pass 1 and 2 only, using a minimum of 3 drill holes, and an average distance of less than 35 metres (approximately 70% of the average variogram range).

The Inferred category is defined by blocks interpolated during Pass 1, 2 and 3, using a minimum of 2 drill holes and an average distance less than 75 metres (approximately 50% more than the average variogram range)

Blocks were locally reclassified to reduce aspotteda Indicated resources within Inferred resources and vice versa.

Neither the company, nor GRE, is aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issue that could materially affect this mineral resource.

The quantity and grade of reported Inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to redefine the Inferred mineral resources as Indicated mineral resources. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to the indicated mineral resources category.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute aforward-looking informationa and aforward-looking statementsa within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, aforward-looking statementsa). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as aanticipatesa, abelievesa, aproposesa, acontemplatesa, ageneratesa, aprogressing towardsa, ain search ofa, atargetsa, ais projecteda, aplans toa, ais planneda, aconsidersa, aestimatesa, aexpectsa, ais expecteda, aoftena, alikelya, apotentiala and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results amaya, amighta, awilla, acoulda, or awoulda be taken, achieved, or occur, may identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the results of the Feasibility Study, processing capacity of the mine, anticipated mine life, probable reserves, the potential impact of the Definitive Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek, and the Maiden Engineering Study for Snip on the anticipated mine life and/or the conversion of resource ounces from the Inferred to Indicated categories or from Measured or Indicated categories to the Reserve category, estimated project capital and operating costs, potential reductions in process plant capital and operating costs, sustaining costs, results of test work and studies, planned environmental assessments, the future price of metals, metal concentrate, and future exploration and development generally and specifically in relation to the potential for additional mineralization in the recently increased land package. Such forward-looking statements are based on material factors and/or assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and the assumptions set forth herein and in the Companya?s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, and the Companya?s Annual Information Form (aAIFa) dated March 22, 2023. Such forward-looking statements represent the Companya?s management expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date hereof, are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of the Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors identified in the Companya?s MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Companya?s short form base shelf prospectus dated January 31, 2023, and in the Companya?s other periodic filings with securities and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.A A

Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws.

Cautionary note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of mineral Reserves and mineral Resources

Skeenaa?s mineral Reserves and mineral Resources included or incorporated by reference herein have been estimated in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 a Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (aNI 43-101a) as required by Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. The terms amineral reservea, aproven mineral reservea, aprobable mineral reservea, amineral resourcea, ameasured mineral resourcea, aindicated mineral resourcea and ainferred mineral resourcea are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (aCIMa) aCIM Definition Standards a For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reservesa adopted by the CIM Council (as amended, the aCIM Definition Standardsa). These standards differ significantly from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the aSEC Modernization Rulesa). Skeena is not currently subject to the SEC Modernization Rules. Accordingly, Skeenaa?s disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had Skeena prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.A

In addition, investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of Skeenaa?s mineral Resources constitute or will be converted into Reserves. These terms have a great amount of uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to assume that any ameasureda, aindicateda, or ainferreda mineral Resources that Skeena reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, ainferred mineral Resourcesa have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an ainferred mineral resourcea will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of ainferred mineral Resourcesa may not form the basis of feasibility or prefeasibility studies, except in rare cases where permitted under NI 43-101.

For these reasons, the mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and related information presented herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
First Tin Plc announces Board Changes

First Tin PLC (\First Tin\ or \the Company\  https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/first-tin-ltd/ ), a tin development company with advanced, low capex projects in Germany and Australia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ross Ainger to its Board as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect. He will replace Seamus Cornelius, who is stepping down from the Board with immediate effect to pursue other opportunities. Ross will act as Chairman of the ESG Committee and as a member of the Audit/Risk and Remuneration/Nominations Committees.

Ross, who has been Company Secretary since March 2022, has worked as an independent corporate consultant since January 2020, advising public, private and FCA Authorised and Regulated firms on a variety of different mandates.A He previously worked at Arlington Group Asset Management Limited, a commodities focused investment management, corporate finance and advisory business; Merrill Lynch Investment Managers; Deutsche Bank and Reuters. In addition he has been a non-executive director of a London Stock Exchange listed acquisition company, an FCA regulated corporate finance firm, a Guernsey domiciled commodities fund and a commercial property investment vehicle. Ross will continue as Company Secretary in addition to his new role as Non-Executive Director.

First Tin CEO Thomas Buenger said:A aWe are delighted to welcome Ross to the Board as a Non-Executive Director. With his existing extensive knowledge of the business, I have no doubt he will be of great value to the Board going forward and we look forward to his ongoing contribution to First Tin.

aOn behalf of my colleagues, I would also like to thank Seamus for his contribution to First Tin as a Non-Executive Director since our IPO in April 2022.a

Notes to Editors

First Tin is an ethical, reliable, and sustainable tin production company led by a team of renowned tin specialists. The Company is focused on becoming a tin supplier in conflict-free, low political risk jurisdictions through the rapid development of high value, low capex tin assets in Germany and Australia.

Tin is a critical metal, vital in any plan to decarbonise and electrify the world, yet Europe has very little supply. Rising demand, together with shortages, is expected to lead tin to experience sustained deficit markets for the foreseeable future. Its assets have been de-risked significantly, with extensive work undertaken to date.

First Tin\-s goal is to use best-in-class environmental standards to bring two tin mines into production in three years, providing provenance of supply to support the current global clean energy and technological revolutions.
Silver North Resources Raising C$1.5M after name change, consolidation and renewed focus on high grade silver

After a long period of non-material events, management and Board of Alianza Minerals (ANZ.V) decided it was time for a thorough change in many aspects. On August 10, 2023 they announced a name change into Silver North Resources, with a new ticker to go with that (SNAG.V), a 5 to 1 roll back, renewed focus on their fully owned silver projects and leaving the prospector generator model, and divesting/optioning out of copper/gold projects currently in their portfolio. The renewed focus was driven by the fact that Haldane is a rare opportunity to explore and make greenfields discoveries in an existing high grade silver district. Management believes their time is better spent focused on that.

As the company was low on cash, a financing was announced soon after, when Silver North released the news on August 29, 2023 about the undertaking of a C$1.5M non-brokered private placement, in order to fund exploration at their flagship Haldane Silver project in the Yukon.

In this article I will discuss with CEO Jason Weber the turn of events that eventually led to their strategy change, a cancelled financing last year, developments with partners and projects this year, the strategy itself and events/catalysts to expect in the near future.

All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.

All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise.

Although general sentiment for junior miners wasna?t exactly positive the last few years, when looking at the chart below it becomes clear Alianza Minerals was at a dead end road, heading for 1c as it couldna?t raise any money without diluting itself into oblivion, which eventually could become a dead spiral:

Leta?s take a brief look into past events first so far, to provide more context. Alianza Minerals was only actively drilling at their Klondike property last summer, at which partner Allied Copper was earning in at the time through the Cloudbreak Alliance. As a reminder, this would have been an extremely profitable venture for Alianza, as they paid just C$105k for the Klondike property, and Allied Copper would have to pay C$2.6M in cash and shares plus a royalty for 100% ownership in 3 years, and spend no less than C$4.75M in exploration expenditures in total. At these terms, exploration definitely had to be successful in order to continue.

However, on November 30, 2022 the results of the first 5 holes came in, highlighted by best intercepts 1.06m @ 4.26% Cu and 11.4m @ 0.34% Cu, indicating this could be a pretty long journey. Allied Copper already started contemplating a different direction around that time, focusing more on lithium brines in Alberta, and in February they decided it was time to terminate the Klondike option agreement with Alianza.

CEO Jason Weber had this to say about the future of the Cloudbreak Alliance, and the turn of events around Klondike, which is 100% owned again: aWith the changes in management at Allied Copper/Cloudbreak and their divergence from the business model, the Alliance still holds the Stateline and Klondike properties, but will not be generating any new targets to move forward. Interest in the two properties is high. Prospective suitors have toured the properties and additional property tours are probable. Klondike is attractive in that the results of the 2022 drill program were encouraging, including one significant result where copper mineralization was intersected at depth on a splay of the target structure. The main target structure was not reached and a promising drill target remains to be tested here.a

Before Klondike was terminated, the company also tried to pull off a financing in December 2022. A C$1M non-brokered flow through raise was announced on December 12, 2022, only to be cancelled 4 days later on December 16, 2022. The news release provided the following explanation for this remarkable timing: aThe timing of the Offering was delayed, putting the pre-year end closing in question and the potential to raise funds at a later date at better prices has increased, so the Company has decided to defer raising funds at present.a After talking to CEO Weber, it turned out that the raise was delayed because of the inefficiencies of dealing with a number of different groups in the holiday season, creating all sorts of pressure on the December 31 deadline for flow-through financings. However, the potential for better prices at a later date didna?t exactly crystallize.

A golden rule in junior mining finance has always been if you can take the money, take it. So I wondered if there wasna?t the option to raise less, or non flow-through in January, or a combination of FT and non-FT, especially with the loyal backing of Pacific Opportunity Capital and Fruchtexpress. CEO Weber had this to say: aFlow through was considered but the market for flow through softens early in the new year, and with the junior markets out of favour the interests in financings in general was low. If we were to raise money it had to be sufficient to complete a program at Haldane anyway.a

As a consequence of the cancelled financing and a soft junior market through the spring, Silver North/Alianza was unable to commit to an early summer drilling campaign, and started to contemplate the rebranding and restructuring to Silver North and an autumn program at Haldane. The company had announced the outline of drilling/exploration plans for this year on January 30, 2023 and still plans to execute much of what was outlined in January this Fall. I have always loved the geological thesis behind this project, as the host rocks clearly resemble the rocks that host the abundance of high grade silver mines and deposits the Keno Hill Silver District is famous for.

These plans were pretty comprehensive according to the news release:

aManagement is planning airborne electromagnetic and magneticA surveys to help map lithologies, refine target structures (strike extensions and offsets) and potentially identify new target structures that may be silver bearing. This work would be followed up by trenching where applicable and diamond drilling. Drilling will target the extensions down plunge on the West Fault target where high-grade silver mineralization has been identified over an area 100 meters by 90 meters in size, and on two structural levels within the West fault structure. Drilling would aim to build on previous intersections at West fault including 1.8 metres of 818 grams per ton silver, 3.47% lead, 1.03% zinc and 3.14 metres of 1,315 grams per ton silver, 2.43% lead, 2.91% zinc (true widths), with grades and width increasing at depth. At least four holes are planned to test the extensions of this mineralization on 50 metre stepouts.

Drilling is also planned for the Bighorn target located 3 kilometers to the northwest of the West Fault. The Bighorn target was identified from soil geochemical sampling that returned anomalous values for lead and silver in soils. The only drill hole at this target returned 125.7 grams per ton silver and 4.39% lead over 2.35 metres from previously unrecognized vein structures. Trenching and groundwork in 2022 programs was able to refine targeting at Bighorn, and additional drilling will test this target for its potential to host wide, high grade silver mineralization. Additional drilling will also target the Main and Middlecoff targets, and any targets generated from the geophysical data and trenching.a

Besides own exploration, another important regional development is ongoing next door. At the moment, Hecla Mining is ramping up production, having produced over 182,000 ounces of gold in Q2, trying to iron out the mining/milling kinks that plagued new acquisition Alexco at Keno Hill, and full production is planned for Q4, 2023. Establishing the Keno Hill Mine as a profitable silver mine (as a reminder the most significant step to help in this regard was to retire the silver stream Alexco was feeding prior to the Hecla acquisition) backed by a large producer is a very favorable development for the district and thus also for Silver North.

The second most important project for Silver North is the Tim Silver project, also in the Yukon. Coeur Mining, which has optioned the Tim Silver project, hasna?t been very active since 2021. It compiled the results from a sampling and mapping program in 2022, but didna?t disclose the results in a news release.

According to CEO Weber, the required permits for drilling are now in hand. Coeura?s previous program was successful in identifying drill targets that resemble the setting at Coeura?s Silvertip Miine, 19km to the south of Tim. The exploration team at Coeur has been very successful in adding ounces the resource at Silvertip over the last few years and is eager to take their knowledge and apply it to Tim. This next program has not been fully articulated to Silver North, but Coeur is eager to test the targets they have generated at Tim with drilling. Management should have a clearer picture on this shortly.a

The fully owned Twin Canyon gold project in Colorado also has seen its fair share of prioritizing drill targets, and a drill permit for a 13 hole, 3,950m RC drill program was granted on January 11, 2023. Alianza has been actively seeking a partner to conduct the first drill program at Twin Canyon, but hasna?t been able to come to an agreement with interested parties. I wondered if Silver North is still actively pursuing a partner, or will be focusing more on Haldane, and potentially divest projects like Twin Canyon. CEO Weber stated: aWe really like the Twin Canyon target and will find a partner to tqke it on, and do the drilling to test their tqrget ideas.a

Silver North has other projects in its portfolio, like in Nevada and Peru, but is actively looking to divest those or find partners for them. According to CEO Weber, they are receiving a good deal of interest in the project portfolio and will move the non-core projects on, so they can fully focus on their silver projects.

I also asked him if he could describe the process that eventually led to the strategy change, from being a multi-metal hybrid prospect generator to a silver focused explorer, focusing on their fully owned flagship Haldane project. He elaborated that they felt that Haldane, and by extension, Alianza was not getting the recognition for the silver discoveries made to date (and the potential for new ones) especially considering that the project is located in one of the worlda?s highest grade silver districts with over 100 years of production history. As a silver focused junior explorer, the company can more efficiently direct its efforts in unlocking the value at Haldane with a much simpler and streamlined story for investors. Management also feels strongly that the outlook for silver is very positive, especially when one considers the vital role silver plays in the transition to a green economy in everything from solar panels to electric vehicle. This theme holds true for the broader application of technology to society, such as 5G technology and silvera?s applications. Silver North is now likely better able to appeal to investors who see this same value.

Besides this, Ia?m curious (no doubt other investors are as well) what activities, timelines and catalysts he has in mind for Silver North, after the financing will be closed. He commented the following: aAn autumn drill program at Haldane is our primary focus going forward, both to expand the West Fault mineralization with additional high grade intersections, as well as following up the Bighorn discovery made in 2019. This discovery was never followed up due to the discovery at West Fault. The longer term goal is to define the extents of West Fault while also continuing to test the almost 12 km of prospective vein strike length to make additional discoveries like West Fault. To date, under 500 metres of this strike length has been tested by drilling a plenty of room remains to additional silver veins. Drilling at Tim funded by Coeur should provide an additional catalyst for investors and of course the divestment of the now non-core projects will provide additional news flow.a

Conclusion

It hasna?t been an easy year for Silver North Resources/Alianza Minerals, or for most junior companies for that matter. But management took this time to undertake a strategic review of its business and where the most value could be created. Identifying that the Haldane Silver project has tremendous potential to create this value, and silver could be in strong demand following the ongoing renewable energy paradigm shift, they took this opportunity to reinvent themselves with a name change, roll back and strategy change. CEO Weber has big plans for Haldane, and Ia?m curious if, after the current C$1.5M financing will be closed, upcoming autumn drill programs can prove up lots more high grade silver. Stay tuned! A

I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published.

Disclaimer:

The author is not a registered investment advisor, and currently has a long position in this stock. Alianza Minerals is a sponsoring company. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.alianzaminerals.com and read the companya?s profile andA official documents onA www.sedar.com, alsoA for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions.
The only "achievement" of the Russian occupation troops during the winter offensive was the destruction and capture of the town of Bakhmut. At the same time, the Ukrainian military stunned the whole world when it won the battle for Kyiv, Sumy, Chernihiv and Kharkiv and recaptured Kherson.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was stated by General David Petraeus, a member of the Kyiv Security Forum and former CIA director. He also noted that the Russian army lost at least 25,000 soldiers during the capture of Bakhmut.

"The only achievement of the Russian troops for the winter offensive is the destruction of the town of Bakhmut and its capture at the cost of the lives of 25 thousand soldiers," Petraeus emphasized.

He also added that he admires the Ukrainian people, who showed their incredible ability to mobilize and resist the enemy from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion.

"The whole world is watching your country and admires you. The way Ukrainians have mobilized as a people is second to none. I am fascinated by the patriotism and endurance of the Ukrainian people," Petraeus emphasized.

ADVERTISIMENT

Heavy fighting continues in the Bakhmut direction. Ukrainian Defense Forces are succeeding in the area of the village of Klischiivka. This was stated by the head of the press service of the Eastern grouping of the AFU troops Iliia Yevlash.

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Anna Maliar said that the process of the Ukrainian counter-offensive is developing quite dynamically and actively. Ukrainians should take into account that the offensive is a long process, not a "sit down and drive forward" operation, considering all the conditions.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Russian occupation troops are actively using chemical weapons on the front line. Ukrainian defenders have to retreat back in some places because of such enemy actions.

ADVERTISIMENT

Deputy chief of intelligence of the "Da Vinci Wolves" battalion and one of its leaders Serhii Filimonov said this in an interview (to watch the video, scroll to the end of the page). He also spoke about the Russians' new tactics of using chemical weapons.

Russian invaders launch several drones towards Ukrainian positions at once. The first one drops chloropicrin gas into a dugout or a trench, because of which our fighters begin to suffocate and are forced to leave their hiding place.

"When you get out of the dugout, they throw grenades and VOGs. If someone is wounded or killed, you are forced to evacuate them. When you do it at the positions, that's when they start doing a 'meat assault'," Filimonov explained.

ADVERTISIMENT

If the invaders succeed in their assault actions, they occupy the same AFU dugouts that they threw chemicals on before. Our military is forced to move back 50-100 meters in the other direction and dig trenches for themselves again.

"You dig in again, but while you are digging, they shoot drones again," the fighter added.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the Russian occupiers shelled the Novodanylivka village with chemical munitions, which is near Orikhiv in Zaporozhzhia. That's how the military of the Russian Federation tried to stop the movement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Russian Defense Ministry has attempted to justify itself after the statement by the gauleiter of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhya Region, Yevhen Balitskyy, about the "tactical abandonment" of the Robotine village by Russian troops. In the reports of the department headed by Sergei Shoigu, the "second army of the world" continues to "repel attacks" in the area of Robotine and Verbove.

ADVERTISIMENT

The occupiers assure that there are "no changes in the tactical position of Russian troops" in Zaporizhzhya. This is stated in an "operational summary" published by the Russian Defense Ministry at 12:32 a.m. on September 6.

"On the Zaporizhzhya direction, units of the Russian grouping of troops, supported by aviation, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems, repelled four enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Verbove and Robotine in the Zaporizhzhya region. There are no changes in the tactical position of the Russian troops," the occupants of the Russian Defense Ministry assure.

This statement came after Moscow-appointed "acting governor" of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhya region, Yevgeny Balitsky, issued that Russian troops had "tactically" fled Robotine.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The Russian army tactically left this settlement, because holding on to a bare plane, when there is no possibility to dig in completely, <...> generally speaking, does not seem expedient. Therefore, the Russian army withdrew to the hills," Balitsky said.

The traitor also claimed that Robotine was "a settlement that remained only on the map." According to him, now allegedly the Ukrainian military is now at the bottom, and the Russian forces have taken the commanding heights, and "such a position suits them."

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported on August 28 that Robotine had been liberated from the occupants and that the AFU was advancing towards Novoprokopivka and Ocheretuvate. However, for several days after this statement there was confusion among Russian propagandists: while some were tearing their hair out over the loss of the village, others were convinced that there was still "fighting" in the village.

ADVERTISIMENT
The industry has seen tough conditions throughout 2023, with demand dented by higher borrowing costs with mortgage bills soaring. The Help to Buy scheme being withdrawn has also made it tougher for many people to get on the property ladder.
The full charge against Flowers listed in court reads: Between 28/6/16 and 28/10/17 at Salford committed fraud in that while occupying a position, namely Enduring Power of Attorney, in which you were expected to safeguard, or not act against the financial interests of Margaret Mary Jarvis, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely staircase, carpets and 11 cheques paid to the defendant, for yourself, contrary to Sections 1 and 4 of the Fraud Act 2006.
It accuses the company of breaking competition law by using its dominance of the search engine market to raise the prices paid by advertisers for prominence on Google search pages, with these higher fees ultimately passed on to consumers, who are then charged higher prices for the goods and services they buy.
People with parents living in London stand to inherit about twice as much on average as those with parents living in the North East or Yorkshire and the Humber, the organisation said, making it more difficult for children from relatively low-income backgrounds in lower-wealth parts of the country to move up in terms of total lifetime income.
The bank grew its profits under the leadership of its former boss to 3.6 billion in the first half of the year, an increase of around 1 billion compared to the same period last year.
On Thursday, the retail and hospitality firm will open its latest drive thru site in Oldham, greater Manchester, amid the continued growth of its drive thru business, which now represents a quarter of all UK shops.
Thanks to the unparalleled talent of our people, our world-leading universities, our unique and highly respected legal system, and the fact the UK is such a brilliant, vibrant place to live, we have long been a hub for global enterprise. My ambition is to go even further  to make Britain the best place in the world to do business.
A Belarusian soldier crossed the Polish border, trying to cut the fence. He was detected by the monitoring system in the vicinity of the village of Dubicze-Cerkiewne. The offender managed to escape.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by the Polish edition of RMF FM on September 5. The RB military officer was wearing a military uniform, balaclava and had a weapon.

After he was spotted, a patrol was immediately sent to the place, but the Belarusian military man, having seen the Polish border guards, ran away.

"As the RMF FM correspondent found out, the soldier did not manage to cut the span of the fence, it was only slightly damaged. It is unknown whether the military man acted on his own," the report says.

As this fence stands on the Polish side of the border, Polish officers drew up a protocol for the penetration of a military man from Belarus into the territory of Poland. All the details of the incident are being investigated.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is noted that this is the first case when a Belarusian military officer in uniform was caught while cutting the fence. Previously, there have been similar cases of destruction of structures, but then the damage was caused by plainclothes officers, who were most likely Belarusian border guards.

Belarus recently accused Poland of violating its airspace as a Polish Mi-24 helicopter allegedly flew into the territory of Belarus. Warsaw said that these statements were a provocation.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- In case of a "serious incident" Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia will suspend the functioning of all checkpoints on their border with Belarus. This decision was made against the backdrop of the fact that there has been a risk of illegal migration across the Belarus border in recent months.

ADVERTISIMENT

- The Latvian government continues to rapidly strengthen the defense of its border with neighboring Belarus. Riga is using metal and concrete structures known as "dragon's teeth" and is also considering installing anti-tank mines along the perimeter.

Only verified information we have on our Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Mr Nowak said huge inequality has become the norm in Britain, with official figures showing that the richest 1% of households each have wealth of more than 3.6 million, and the least wealthy 10% have 15,400 or less.
I feel sorry for all the lasses working in there, you get used to seeing them and its nice to see them, I just hope they have somewhere to go when they leave.
The other is that when it comes to the censorship of existing authors, its like additives in foodstuffs; you have to read the small print to find its there. So, with the edited Bond, you have to be bothered to read the publishers note that This book was written at a time when terms and attitudes which might be considered offensive by modern readers were commonplace. If youre buying it on Amazon, what chance that youll know that youre getting an expurgated version? What you actually need is a big fat sticker on the front saying: CENSORED.
If the urge takes you while youre down there, you can even float around Canary Wharf in your own BBQ boat from Skuna. And if that whets your appetite (blame the sun for the pun), the Totally Thames festival is on all month. Its a celebration of our legendary river past and present including boat rides, photography tours and art installations.
Robert Battle, artistic director since 2011, clearly has an eye for new commissions and versatile dancers at the top of their game. Two short works of his own feel slight, though For Four latches onto a rattling score by Wynton Marsalis, holding on tight through sharp lines and spiky knees and elbows.Abrahams piece and Aileys signature Revelations (created in 1960 and still the stonking close to almost every show) both refuse simply to ride their alluring scores. The party vibe of Abrahams playlist, the emotive tug of Aileys spirituals  each choreographer treats them as a conversation, a prompt for delicate, sophisticated movement.
Wilkerson acts like nobody has ever joined the dots between US policy on segregation, Nazism and the Indian caste system, but we hear a recording of Martin Luther King back in 1959 stating that on his visit to India he was welcomed as a fellow untouchable. Wilkerson travels to India to learn more about the caste system, but her research could easily have been done in a library and on Skype. But there she is, pen and pad at the ready, busily taking notes as a Dalit (as those of the untouchable caste are called) professor espouses his own views. She goes to Berlin, where she learns that the Nazis inspiration for their own race laws was the Jim Crow laws of the American south.
Sweeney was asked what goes through your mind when you get asked to star in a video for The Rolling Stones, to which she replied: I freaked out, called my family and brought my mum.
But, I imagine you want to know what almost 5K gets you? As well as your own 24/7 private butler and watersports attendant, it covers food (all of it excellent) and drink in all four restaurants, a Mini e-Moke for exploring the resort plus a long list of activities  from paddleboarding to yoga. Uniquely, each guest directly funds the islands marine research centre, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS). The non-profit ocean observatory sits at the opposite end of Benguerra and hosts researchers from all over the world. Less quantifiable is the spirit of the place. Staffed by a team of enthusiastic locals, proud of their country and excited to show it off, this is innovation with a heart.
A colour drench  ceiling and all  might be the modish way to do bold colour, but red requires commitment. This shade finds an unlikely reference in the rich Falu red of traditional Nordic homes, so look to Scandinavian staples like cornflower blue, mustard and apple green for agreeable accents.
Campbell goes on to detail the racism she encountered when living in New York as a teenage model. I put out my hands many times on New York City streets, and the taxis would pass by  and then Christy [Turlington] would put out their hands and they would stop, she says. The guy would be like, I dont want to go to Brooklyn, and Im like, I dont want to go to Brooklyn, why is he saying that? It didnt strike me until Christy would have to stand out in front of me and get me a taxi to get to work.
In Romania for the first time recognized that parts of a Russian drone fell on their territory. Now the country plans to tighten security measures.

ADVERTISIMENT

The corresponding information in a commentary to CNN confirmed the Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar. According to him, the wreckage, which looks like the remains of a Russian "Shahed", was found near the village of Plauru - opposite the Ukrainian Izmail.

"We have surveyed a very large area, including the one that has been discussed in the public space, and I confirm that fragments that may be from the drone were found in that area," he said.

Tilwar added that the fragments found did not pose a threat. Now, he said, it is important to increase security measures: to make more observation points and patrols.

Recall that as recently as yesterday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said that "no parts of drones" or any other devices had fallen on the country's territory.

ADVERTISIMENT

He added that during the last summit, NATO countries decided on the algorithm of actions in case "something falls on their territory", but this information is not public.

In addition, the Romanian Defense Ministry earlier this week denied that Russian UAV debris had fallen on the Romanian side of the Danube River.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL:

- On the night of September 4, during the massive attack of the Russian Federation on Odessa region, part of the "shaheds" fell and detonated on the territory of Romania. This was stated in the Ministry of foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

ADVERTISIMENT

- The fallen drone on September 4 attacked the port of Izmail on the Danube River.

- In Romania heard the "hellish sounds" of explosions that disturbed the sleep of residents of Galati. Local media called the strike an attempt by Russia to block the export of Ukrainian grain through the Danube ports.

- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Romania had taken a pause to fully investigate the situation. According to him, the partners have tendencies to try not to escalate in order not to be involved in a war, but it is pointless to deny the obvious, as Ukraine has photographic evidence.

Only verified information we have in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The very first night [in Rome], they sent the hairdresser to my room to give me a trim, combed my hair, put it in a ponytail, and chopped my ponytail off  without asking. I was in shock, she says. I just sat there in a hotel room in Rome crying. If people wonder why Ive never really cut my hair again since then, thats why. Because I was so traumatised I was not seen as a person who had a voice in her own destiny. It wasnt that I didnt like my hair short, it was that I hadnt voted myself into having short hair, Crawford says.
In a recent interview with WWD, the 53-year-old explained how the controversial collaboration came about. Alex Avant, the son of late Clarence Avant  or Beloved Uncle Clarence  reached out to me. Before, I felt that it wasnt the right timing for me. Now, I hope that this is something Pretty Little Thing will continue to do. And thats something I would like to help them with. As long-time friends with PLT founder Umar Kamani, its likely the business titan also helped engineer the unusual link-up.
He has now released detail of a written order, approved after that hearing, in which he says either Sir Frederick, or his lawyers, must provide regular updates on efforts being made to raise money owed.
Robson married Mark Dunford in 1990 and they have two children together. She was charged in court earlier this month under her full married name, Linda Robson Dunford, and pleaded guilty through the Single Justice Procedure, telling Bromley magistrates court in a written statement: I had not received notification that my insurance had run out so I was unaware I was driving without insurance and paid it straight away while roadside with the officers.
He said: We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible. However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.
After leaving the room and thinking she would be safe in her own bedroom, she woke up in pain the following morning, and realised that her clothing had been removed by someone from the waist down, the Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday.
At the chapel the family had brought their cuddly toy, a bunny with floppy ears. I have never cried publicly in 17 years but seeing it just floored me. I looked at it and thought about all the little childrens bunnies that had gone home, and those that didnt.
What we want to ensure is that we have got a team that is ready for the campaign and, if we are lucky enough to win the next general election, then we will be ready for government.
The South Basildon and East Thurrock MP said: While I acknowledge the very positive steps that have been taken to provide defibrillators in every school, and on our high streetsthis Bill specifically targets one area which is yet to be addressed, private residential homes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's eldest daughter Maria Vorontsova is under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom. However, this does not prevent her from publishing articles on endocrinology and medicine in American and Swiss journals.

ADVERTISIMENT

At least four texts by the daughter of the Kremlin dictator were published abroad during 2022-2023. The Russian edition "We can explain" reports about it.

According to journalists, Putin's eldest daughter Maria Vorontsova continues to be published in academic journals in the United States and Switzerland after the outbreak of the war, even though she fell under the sanctions of the United States, the European Union and Britain. "We Can Explain" found links to articles by the Kremlin dictator's daughter, a candidate of medical sciences and endocrinologist by training, on the website of the Moscow University, which collects scientific texts of all university employees.

"She writes articles on endocrinology and medicine in American and Swiss publishing houses: The Endocrine Society and MDPI Publishing. Four Vorontsova texts were published in 2022 and 2023, three of them after the war and one in early February 2022. Vorontsova publishes articles in co-authorship with colleagues at Moscow State University, including at the Faculty of Basic Medicine, where she has been deputy dean since 2022," the publication writes.

ADVERTISIMENT

It is noteworthy that this activity is in no way hindered by the fact that the US, EU and UK have imposed personal sanctions on Vorontsova since April 2022.

"We Can Explain" never received a response to a request for comment from both publishers. The requests were sent about two months ago.

At the same time, the interlocutor of the publication, the editor of a popular science magazine, anonymously told journalists that the sanctions do not prohibit publishing in the West. Sometimes scientific journals pay royalties to authors, but more often the situation is the opposite: the authors themselves pay for the placement of articles.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The selection is organized in such a way that the article is reviewed (before publication) by knowledgeable people who check it for scientificity. MDPI Publishing has only been around since the mid-1990s, and they are open-access journals, which is not a very solid sign. Good scientific journals are big business, in which they will ask the reader for $20-30 per article. But The Endocrine Society is a cool, good organization", the interlocutor said.

At the same time, according to the editor, the publication of articles authored by Putin's daughter may affect the reputation of the publishing house.

"We can explain" also recalled that Vorontsova became a co-founder of the New Medical Company (NOMECO) in 2019, specializing in nuclear medicine projects. Previously, this company was unprofitable, but the situation changed dramatically with the arrival of Putin's daughter. It made a profit of 597 million rubles in 2020 and earned 857 million rubles in 2022.

ADVERTISIMENT

This company also managed to repay a loan of 77 million rubles in 2022 and buy out SOGAZ Medicine clinics, where mercenaries of PMC Wagner were treated.

Earlier Vorontsova's data disappeared from Russian registries. After she fell under sanctions, her name as co-owner of NOMECO was "wiped" in the database of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation

The Kremlin recognized that Ekaterina Tikhonova and Maria Vorontsova are his daughters for the first time after the inclusion of members of the Russian dictator's family in the U.S. sanctions lists. Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would respond to the sanctions against Putin's daughters by "doing as we think is right".
Appearing on Sky News, Mr Shapps said: The amount that were spending, the proportion of our gross domestic product that were spending on defence, is on the rise. And weve already said that we want to see that, over the long term as conditions allow, to go up to 2.5%.
That was a reference to the mayors irresponsible approach in the movie Jaws - which back in 1975 emerged as the first summer blockbuster. If Mr Sunak thought it was safe to get back in the political water after this summer, events are threatening to show his Government as becalmed at best, and rudderless at worst.
He will know that firearms are subject to stringent controls, and rightly so, but those controls are kept under constant review, for example we have taken action to improve information sharing between GPs and the police to make sure that people are not given access to firearms without their medical conditions being checked.
Earlier this week, Baroness Barran sent out hundreds of telling off letters to teachers. They said: While the Department for Education (DfE) will give you our best advice and support should RAAC be identified, I would remind you that you are the body responsible for the maintenance and safety of your school buildings. Given the new advice that we issued last week, it is imperative that you return the questionnaire by September 8.
In October 2022, Truss resigned, telling the nation at the time that she was stepping down after an open revolt by Tory MPs. During her resignation, she said: Given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party.
You just had to stand by the machines, you had to concentrate when you were programming it and make sure it was set up correctly, and the rest of the time you were there watching it, waiting for it to come up with something.
Please be advised this is currently resulting in some delays at the port. However, our standard travel guidance remains unchanged and we will keep passengers updated if they can expect any alteration to their journey.
From social media, you can see that he is very widely loved and well known, and the consequences of what has occurred here in recent days has hit this community very, very hard and first and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time and his friends.
In a written statement following the publication of the full list on Wednesday, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, said: I know this is the last way parents, teachers and children affected by this wanted to begin the new term, but it will always be my priority to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.
In a statement, Jet2 said: We are continuing to closely monitor the situation on the island and have been in touch with customers in resort by SMS to advise them of the situation, and to ask them to follow the advice of the local authorities as well as their hoteliers.
Businesses buoyed by China's ramped-up efforts to boost services trade

08:13, September 06, 2023 By Ma Qian ( Xinhua

People visit the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

As China has been committed to setting up a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, this year's CIFTIS represents an epitome of the country's step forward to widen access to the booming sector and to expand institutional opening-up in pursuit of high-quality development.

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Calling the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) a high-level platform for China's opening-up, Saudi private firm Ajlan & Bros expected the event to deepen mutual understanding with their Chinese partners and lay a solid ground for future cooperation.

The ongoing annual event is witnessing China's ratcheted-up endeavors to continuously invigorate global services trade and further open up its services sector, which buoyed international businesses with vigor and confidence.

BOOST SYNERGY IN GLOBAL SERVICES TRADE

To foster more growth for global services trade and cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping promised during the 2023 CIFTIS to enhance synergy with development strategies and cooperation initiatives of various countries, and deepen cooperation on services trade and digital trade with Belt and Road partner countries.

The pledge made Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, look forward to more services cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"China's pursuit of high-quality development is in line with Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' economic transformation goals," said Ajlan, who is also deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group.

"As the synergy between Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' and China's Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen, China's 5G, artificial intelligence, big data, financial technology and other emerging fields of technology are gradually moving to the Saudi market," he said, stressing that economic complementarity and cooperation potential of the two countries are obvious.

"Undoubtedly, this will attract more Middle Eastern companies to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Chinese enterprises, further promoting bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia, and contributing to China's high-level opening-up for new opportunities in global economic growth," he added.

China had expanded its share of global commercial services exports from 3 percent in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2022, according to a report titled Trade in Services for Development, which was jointly released by the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization in July.

In the first seven months of this year, China's services trade value grew 8.1 percent year on year to reach 3.67 trillion yuan (about 511.2 billion U.S. dollars), data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

Visitors walk past the exhibition area of healthcare services of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

The China-proposed BRI is closely linked to Egypt's Vision 2030 development strategy, as the two countries have conducted full-fledged cooperation in the fields of industry, energy, communications and infrastructure, said Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor to the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies.

Financing is one of the basic factors that enhance development in countries benefiting from the BRI, and has greatly helped Egypt develop its services sector, al-Deeb said.

"China has already started cooperation with Egypt in many areas of the services sector, mainly in the maritime and transportation ones, investing billions of U.S. dollars in the maritime industry in recent years, especially in the Suez Canal, which is a vital component of China's Maritime Silk Road," he noted.

Ghulam Qadir, trade and investment counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in China, said that China puts much emphasis on the new growth momentum that the world needs for trade liberalization, adding that "the hard-won and hard-fought" trade liberalization across the world must be maintained and improved.

"This shows that how China is moving forward and offering its (development) space to other countries," Qadir said, stressing that there should be greater synergies among the development strategies of all countries, especially the developing countries.

INSTITUTIONAL OPENING-UP OF SERVICES SECTOR

As China has been committed to setting up a high-standard opening-up system for the services sector, this year's CIFTIS represents an epitome of the country's step forward to widen access to the booming sector and to expand institutional opening-up in pursuit of high-quality development.

British company Schroders recently became one of the first global asset managers to operate in the Chinese market, as China has accelerated the opening-up of its financial services sector to facilitate international participation.

The asset management company was awarded a license in June to operate a public fund business in China. "With our wholly-owned fund management company, we're going to have a broad suite of capabilities," said Sebastian Wood, chairman of China Affairs with Schroders.

Wood described the 2023 CIFTIS as a springboard for Schroders' ambitious plans in the region. "The fair gives us a platform and an opportunity to network, and it will bring into focus our ambitions for the Chinese market."

"China is modernizing and developing its investment market rapidly," said Wood, who was British ambassador to China between 2010 and 2015. "It's right to be very aware of that strategic opportunity in the historic development of the market here."

"We see it as a long-term strategic commitment which we have to this market. We want our services to be available to a range of clients in China, including larger Chinese financial institutions and intermediaries down to retail clients as well," he added.

People taste wine at the booth of Georgia during the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

China is further opening up to global businesses, particularly in the services sector, said Gianpaolo Bruno, trade commissioner of Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Beijing Office and coordinator of ITA Offices in China and Mongolia, suggesting that's the main message China wants to deliver through this year's CIFTIS.

The Italian official highlighted a series of policy measures that China has carried out, from intellectual property rights (IPR) protection to foreign direct investment (FDI) incentives.

In particular, he talked of China's stepped-up efforts to grant foreign companies equal access to government procurement activities.

"They are also very good signals that we really appreciate. We hope that the Italian business community could take advantage of these opportunities," he added.

In August, China's State Council released 24 suggestions for attracting foreign investments, ranging from improving IPR protection to facilitating cross-border data flows.

Authorities should guarantee that foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) can participate in government procurements in accordance with the law, and support FIEs in innovating and developing world-leading products through measures such as first-order purchases, said the document.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the Chinese government to create a level playing field for everybody to access the services sector in this country," Bruno said.

Georgian businessman Giorgi Rtveladze also held that doing business in China is quite convenient and profitable, thanks to the country's major international expos like CIFTIS and the authorities' favorable policies such as tax exemption in free trade zones.

It is the first time that Rtveladze, a representative of Georgian wine company Rtvelisi, participated in the 2023 CIFTIS, after exporting Georgian wine to China for five years. "The Chinese market is good for us. It welcomes foreigners to come and do business. We are happy to be here, and our business is growing," he said.

At present, Rtveladze is pursuing his PhD in south China's Hainan University. Looking to the future, he said he hopes to do business in more areas in the country and export more products to its enormous market.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
However, meteorologist Dr Chris England told Sky weather that the phenomenon doesn't really apply to the current heat of the UK, and that the flow around the high pressure comes from the south over the UK, bringing heat up from the Mediterranean and north Africa.
Ms Sharif said she in the interview she had separated from her husband in 2015 and Sara and her older brother had been living with her until 2019 when the family court ruled they should live with their father.
The passengers assigned to those seats were said to have told a flight attendant that the seat and seatbelt were wet and they could still see vomit. The attendant and a supervisor are understood to have told them that the flight was full, and they would just have to sit there.
"I think what's most important is that we get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves," the official said. "We want to see, hear how they intend to push forward in the coming weeks."
The backbone of the governments case was hundreds of messages exchanged by Proud Boys in the days leading up to January 6 that prosecutors say showed how the extremists saw themselves as revolutionaries and celebrated the Capitol attack, which sent lawmakers running into hiding.
Jet2s most recent statement (as of 1.35pm, Septmeber 6), reads: We would like to apologise once again for the continued delay to your departure from Skiathos. We know how frustrating the current situation must be. Please be assured that we are constantly monitoring the weather across the island of Skiathos whilst doing our best to give you relevant and timely updates. There continues to be a high risk of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to Storm Daniel for most of today. So, based on the current forecast, we cannot currently operate our flights to or from Skiathos and your flight home continues to be delayed until tomorrow at the earliest.
And there were lots of plants missing that morning...I guess that day he must have had a really big feed and was too tired to go back to his tree.
Russia did not immediately comment on the attack, and has denied deliberately targeting civilians. The Kremlin had earlier on Wednesday said of Blinken's visit that Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraine's military "to wage this war to the last Ukrainian".
The ministry said that its air defence systems destroyed two drones over the Kaluga and Tver regions, which border the Moscow region, as well as one closer to the capital, over the Istra district of the Moscow region.
Once again, those Russians who dont want to become war criminals, please, surrender, defect to the Ukrainian side and defend your own honour and conscience, fight against [Russian President Vladimir] Putins regime, Mr Yusov said.
Tarrio, 39, from Miami, lowered his head after being given the sentence on Tuesday, before squaring his shoulders. He then raised his hand and made a V gesture with his fingers as he was led out of the courtroom. His sentencing comes as the Justice Department prepares to put ex-president Donald Trump on trial at the same courthouse in Washington on charges of fraud.
But I dont think that the Irish public would accept a financial bailout of RTE with no strings attached. There have to be strings attached, it has to be conditional and thats why were not in a position to sign off on something like that until weve seen the new strategy and the reform plan from RTE which is due next month.
Thompson, who is based in London while she cares for her 91-year-old mother, continued: I still maintain my residence in London, close to my children and my mother. Given her needs, my top priority is to be there for her.
Before then you couldnt get a wheelchair through... but when it came to do it with Derek he hasnt got the cognition youve got or the strength youve got in your upper body  we realised we couldnt get him into the country.
Enrique Lopez Rodriguez, a researcher at Stanford University, USA  who also participated in the study, added: We actually know very little about how these fields form, despite their being quite fundamental to how galaxies evolve.
But Labour criticised the delay, with shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson saying: I seriously hope that comes to pass but I do have to say what on earth have they been doing and why has it taken so long?
Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sept 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sept 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (17) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sept 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (134) Jun 2013 (203) Jul 2013 (292) Aug 2013 (350) Sept 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (347) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (437) Jan 2014 (543) Feb 2014 (473) Mar 2014 (525) Apr 2014 (526) May 2014 (470) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sept 2014 (440) Oct 2014 (471) Nov 2014 (496) Dec 2014 (535) Jan 2015 (535) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (578) Apr 2015 (657) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sept 2015 (922) Oct 2015 (919) Nov 2015 (798) Dec 2015 (789) Jan 2016 (781) Feb 2016 (834) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (864) May 2016 (945) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (880) Aug 2016 (1034) Sept 2016 (966) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (884) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sept 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (808) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sept 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (934) Jul 2019 (949) Aug 2019 (936) Sept 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (848) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (787) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sept 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (811) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sept 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (693) Jan 2022 (694) Feb 2022 (654) Mar 2022 (740) Apr 2022 (745) May 2022 (748) Jun 2022 (701) Jul 2022 (704) Aug 2022 (702) Sept 2022 (699) Oct 2022 (737) Nov 2022 (718) Dec 2022 (692) Jan 2023 (662) Feb 2023 (611) Mar 2023 (692) Apr 2023 (652) May 2023 (696) Jun 2023 (701) Jul 2023 (742) Aug 2023 (737) Sept 2023 (732) Oct 2023 (726)
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Wednesday had a series of meetings with representatives of some of the world's largest tech companies - Apple, Amazon and IBM.

According to a press statement released by the Romanian government, also attending were Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation Bogdan Ivan, and Minister of Economy Radu Oprea, agerpres reports.

"The prime minister welcomed at the Government House delegations of Apple, Amazon and IBM companies participating in the Business Forum of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) organised by the Government of Romania on September 7, 2023. The discussions focused on collaboration opportunities between Romania and the other three companies, with the aim of speeding up digital transformation of the administrative system and the digital reform of the public administration."

Ciolacu is quoted as saying that digital reform is the most important component of the administrative reform pledged by the government."Romania and Romanians have been waiting for modern and more efficient public services for a long time. We can respond to this natural expectation by working together with tech experts and companies," said Ciolacu.Research Minister Bogdan Ivan said that he and Ciolacu had a series of "productive meetings" with those in the management of "tech giants" such as IBM, Amazon and Apple."As a minister, I can no longer look only from the position of the user; it is my duty to bring such technologies to the public administration as well. Today, we are sitting at the table with industry leaders and collaborating with them to make a real difference in the everyday life of the Romanians. We are determined to take Romania to the forefront of technological innovation, to create a favourable environment for the development of the IT&C sector in our country and to bring the public administration one click away from the citizens," said Ivan.Discussions with Apple representatives focused on the environment, cyber-security, education and health. The delegation of the Apple company was led by Sebastien Gros, manager for European Government Affairs."Discussions with Apple representatives took place around the topics that the company approaches at a global level, with emphasis on the environment and cyber-security solutions. Two other key aspects of the meeting were collaboration opportunities for the digital transformation of education and innovations in the medical technology area, two of the areas considered a priority by the Government of Romania. Cloud services collaboration, infrastructure investment and advanced research projects were the subjects of discussions with Amazon representatives. The meeting of the prime minister of Romania, the minister of digital transformation and the delegation of Amazon and Amazon Web Services (AWS ) focused on collaboration opportunities in strategic areas for digital transformation. The transfer to the cloud of the central public administration and the development of research and innovation projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis and cyber-security were two more subjects of the discussion. At the bilateral meeting, the Amazon company was represented by a delegation led by Michael Punke, the company's vice-president for global public policies."The government also reported that in the conversations with the representatives of the IBM company, Ciolacu and Ivan addressed the government cloud, cyber-security solutions and the establishment of advanced research and development centres focused on cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber-security and cloud computing.The IBM delegation was led by David Barnes, IBM's vice president for global workforce policy.The meetings at the Victoria Palace took place on the sidelines of the 3SI Summit and the 3SI Business Forum in Bucharest.Organised by the Government of Romania, under the high patronage of the President of Romania, the 3SI Business Forum takes place in Bucharest tomorrow, September 7, and brings together over 1,000 business people, top representatives of governments from around the world, experts and representatives of civil society.The purpose of the 3SIBusiness Forum is to catalyse investment in infrastructure on the North-South axis and to reconfigure neighbourhood relations in the region, especially amidst the multiple and prolonged disruptions generated by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.The Three Seas Initiative (Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Adriatic Sea) is a flexible and informal political platform that brings together 12 member states of the European Union located between the three mentioned seas - Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.The forum is also attended by strategic partners who support 3SI: the European Commission, Germany and the US, as well as special guests and representatives of relevant international organisations.
Romania strongly supports Chisinau's request to join this cooperation format, which aims, among other things, to identify concrete ways to engage the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in projects aimed at increasing the degree of interconnectivity in the fields of energy, transport and digital in the region, prime minister Marcel Ciolacu declared Wednesday at the meeting with the president of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is visiting Bucharest to participate in the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative.

According to a press release sent by the Government, the two officials assessed the state of bilateral relations and appreciated the "excellent" level of cooperation. They also showed full openness to continuing the dialogue, agerpres reports.

The prime minister mentioned that Romania recently transferred the first tranche, in the amount of 10 million euros, for the financing of some priority projects, based on the agreement regarding the implementation of the non-refundable technical and financial assistance program in the amount of 100 million euros. The funds from this first tranche were directed to the purchase of minibuses for school transport and to infrastructure and local development projects (water supply, sewage, etc.).

"President Maia Sandu thanked Romania for the support given to the Republic of Moldova bilaterally and in the current security context, caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation, especially in the energy sector, in view of the approach of the cold season. The Romanian gov't head reaffirmed the political and technical support for the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union, showing that it is a priority at this moment to obtain the decision regarding the opening of accession negotiations, within the European Council in December," the Government informs.
President Klaus Iohannis will have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), which takes place at the Cotroceni Palace, the Presidential Administration informs.

The meeting with the president of the Republic of Moldova will take place at 12:00, and the meeting with the president of Austria at 13:00, agerpres reports.

President Klaus Iohannis is host, on Wednesday, at the Cotroceni Palace, of the 8th edition of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI). On the sidelines of the meeting, the 5th edition of the Initiative's Business Forum will take place on Thursday at the Parliament Palace.
The General Inspectorate of the Border Police informs that on Tuesday, 114,580 people entered Romania through the border points, of which 11,027 were Ukrainian citizens.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday, approximately 269,200 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, and more than 70,700 means of transport passed through the border points throughout the country (both inbound and outbound), agerpres reports.

As of February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 5,927,054 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.

In the areas of competence - the crossing points and the "green border" - on Tuesday, the border police detected 64 illegal acts (31 crimes and 33 misdemeanors) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, and the value of the contravention fines applied rises at approximately 13,700 RON.Goods were seized for confiscation in the amount of approximately 666,100 RON.Also on Tuesday, 24 foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided for by law were not allowed to enter the country, and 14 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave for various legal reasons.
Ionut Doldurea and Cosmin Stanga, the owners of the company Flagas SRL, which owns the LPG station in Crevedia where explosions occurred on 26 August, were detained on Tuesday evening by the prosecutors of the General Prosecutor's Office, for 24 hours.

"Today, in the file regarding the fire that broke out on 26 August 2023 following some explosions that took place in the locality of Crevedia, the Dambovita County, the case prosecutor from the Forensic Criminal Investigation Section ordered the continuation of the criminal investigation and the detention of two defendants, administrators of a commercial company, under the aspect of committing the crime of culpable destruction which resulted in a disaster, pursuant to Article 255 paragraph 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code," announced the General Prosecutor's Office, agerpres reports.

Also, the prosecutors charged the company Flagas SRL for committing the crime of culpable destruction which resulted in a disaster.

"In the period 30 September 2020 - 26 August 2023, in carrying out the object of activity and in its interest, as a result of the policy promoted by the decision-making factors in its management structure, respectively the two previously mentioned defendants, the commercial company operated in the manner systematically through the repeated violation of the legal provisions regarding the performance of LPG fuel supply, transport, transshipment and storage operations at the unauthorized work point located on the Bucharest-Targoviste road, in Crevedia commune, Dambovita County. This fact created the conditions for the outbreak, on 26 August 2023, at around 18:40, of a fire followed by several explosions, resulting from this triggering factor, which led to the death of 5 people up to this moment (the last one dying today, Tuesday) and the bodily injury of 54 people, as well as the destruction and degradation of some immovable and mobile assets, as well as some works, equipment, installations or their components, consequences that the management factors within it they did not provide for them, although they should and could have provided for them," claims the Prosecutor's Office.The investigators announce that they have carried out four searches (at the headquarters of two companies and the residences of two persons), as a result of these procedural activities, several records, documents and storage media have been seized that will be used during the criminal investigation.Ionut Doldurea and Cosmin Stanga were brought under police escort to the Prosecutor's Office for questioning, after which the prosecutors issued arrest warrants on their behalf for 24 hours.Ionut Doldurea is the son of the mayor of Caracal, Ion Doldurea, suspended from the Social Democratic Party (ruling PSD).Doldurea and Stanga are the shareholders of the company Flagas SRL, which owns the LPG station in Crevedia, where explosions occurred last week, resulting in five deaths and approximately 50 injured people, including many firefighters. Also, dozens of houses near the LPG station were destroyed. The tragedy occurred while a gas transfer was being carried out between two tankers.The LPG station in Crevedia has been operating since July 2020 without a fire safety permit.
Culture Minister Turcan: Nicolae Grigorescu's painting Breton girl working by the window returns to Romania

Nicolae Grigorescu's panting "Breton girl working (by the window)," returns to Romania, informs the Minister of Culture, Raluca Turcan, who deemed the event a "success" by which the institution she leads accomplishes its "mission" to protect and promote the mobile national cultural heritage, told Agerpres.

"For the first time after more than 15 years, by exercising its right of preemption, the Ministry of Culture purchased a special work of art, which is part of a series of national cultural heritage works that were returned in nature to their lawful owners, a couple of years ago, from the Romanian National Art Museum. The painting was made in oil on wood and is an important piece from the work of painter Nicolae Grigorescu, dated in his French period (1876-1886), Turcan said on Facebook.

She said that, after 40 years in the possession of the National Art Museum and more years during which it was part of a private collection after being returned to the former owners as the result of the fall of the communist regime, the painting can be again admired by all art lovers at the museum.
Defence Ministry: Additional measures to strengthen air space monitoring and security at borders

The Ministry of National Defence (MApN) announced on Wednesday, after the visit of Minister Angel Tilvar to Ceatalchioi and Chilia Veche, which are in the vicinity of Russian Federation attacks on the infrastructure of Ukraine's Danube ports, that additional measures will be taken to strengthen the monitoring and airspace security capabilities at Romania's borders, told Agerpres.

According to an MApN press release, the minister discussed with the citizens and authorities of these localities the problems they are facing.

"The team led by the Minister of National Defence, which included the Chief of Defence Staff, General Daniel Petrescu, and the Chief of the Air Force Staff, Lieutenant General Viorel Pana, was informed about the concrete situation in the areas visited and informed the local authorities (...) that additional measures will be taken to strengthen the monitoring and airspace security capabilities at Romania's borders," the source points out.

The MApN also mentions that the Ministry's team also went to the vicinity of the village of Plauru where specialists discovered, during the evening of September 5, "elements that can be assimilated to drone debris."

"The specialists sent by the MApN to the site have collected the evidence that will be subjected to technical expertise to determine their origin and characteristics. The conclusions drawn by the MApN specialists, following the completion of the investigations, will be made public as soon as possible," the press release also reads.

The minister is due to pay a visit to Galati in the afternoon.
DefMin Tilvar confirms find of equipment parts 'that could potentially be of a drone'

Defence Minister Angel Tilvar told AGERPRES on Wednesday that in Tulcea County, parts of a piece of equipment "that could potentially be a drone" were found that will be analysed for origin, capacity and type.

"I am with the chief of defence and the chief of the Air Force on a fact-finding visit that I planned given that Russia's unprovoked attacks against Ukraine have intensified, attacks targetting port and storage facilities that are attacks taking place in the proximity of Romania, at very short distances from Romanian towns. It was normal, I think, for me to come and assure the people of our support and also to try to somehow explain that Romania, at the moment, is not in any form of conflict, and that there are no signs of aggression against Romania. As it was normal for us to ask them what we can do for them in the situation they want, for example asking the locals of Plauru, all 25 of them - being precisely opposite the port of Izmail - if they want to be helped (...) because we can do it," said Tilvar.

He confirmed that parts of a piece of equipment that could potentially be a drone were identified on Romania's soil.

"After the penultimate attack by Russia, we announced that, from the data we had - and that is how things are from absolutely all the data we had obtained through the means at our disposal - there was no element that fell on territory of Romania, I mean no element of danger. As early as yesterday afternoon we had indications - because we continued the search, even after things were, from our point of view at that moment, clear - that there is a place where it is possible to identify parts of equipment that could potentially be a drone. Our teams went there, took the samples that are taken in such situations (...) and now these samples are being investigated, analysed at our laboratories because, as happened with the parts of the Bayraktar drone that was found in the Black Sea, it is normal to know exactly and be able to find out the origin, capacity, type and so on," added Tilvar.

The parts in question were found near the village of Plauru, 70-80 m from the Danube, in an area very difficult to access, with abundant vegetation, the minister explained, adding that a difference must be made between an act of aggression and an incident.

"There is a reasonable possibility that it didn't explode when it hit the ground, but simply fell or pieces of this equipment ended up on Romanian territory, something that doesn't make us happy, (...) but I don't think that we can talk about an attack and, as I said before, I think we need to know how to distinguish between an act of aggression and an incident. An incident that indeed is unfortunate, unpleasant and that arouses our concern and the desire to condemn even more firmly what Russia is doing unprovoked to a sovereign state," Tilvar told AGERPRES.
Parts of a drone recently found on Romania's soil could be older and not from the Russian air attack on the Ukrainian port of Izmail, government sources report.

According to them, the parts are 100 metres from the water, in an area with abundant vegetation, agerpres reports.

Wednesday, Defence Ministry (MApN) spokesman Constantin Spinu told AGERPRES.
EconMin Oprea: The defence industry is one of the most important and dynamic in Romania

The defence industry is one of the most important and dynamic in Romania, which is why we have held numerous discussions with American companies interested in developing innovative products in our country, with the aim of consolidating strength and stability of this region, Romania's Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Stefan-Radu Oprea said on Wednesday, told Agerpres.

He participated in the second edition of the "US - Romania Economic Forum: Innovation for Prosperity" organised by AmCham on the sidelines of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum.

Invited to the panel "Driving Bilateral Trade and Investment: Pathways to Transatlantic Collaboration," Oprea emphasised in the beginning of his speech the opportune moment that Romania is passing through, due to its strategic position.

"The importance of the Black Sea has become more and more obvious lately, and Romania, as a pillar of stability in this region, is also gaining more and more importance. We hope this way to strengthen confidence in our potential and then to establish increasingly more bridges between American and Romanian companies. One of my goals is to bring technology from the US to Romania and to develop successful businesses together," Oprea said.

Romania wishes to consolidate with the US, not only a solid relationship of friendship, but also strong business ties, based on the Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries. Currently, Romania offers a favorable climate for investments, with strategic access to the European market, with business opportunities in sectors such as technology, energy, healthcare, infrastructure development and, last but not least, the defence industry.

Defence industry is a priority for Romania, especially in the current geopolitical context. Constant efforts are made to increase the competitiveness of this sector, according to the Romanian Ministry of Economy.

In Oprea's opinion, Romania can be a regional leader as it plays a vital role inisde the Three Seas Initiative, which aims to ensure the improvement of connectivity, energy security and economic development in Central and Eastern Europe.

The 2023 AmCham US - RO Economic Forum, a satellite event of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum in Bucharest, deep dived into the transformative impact of innovation on economies and societies, calling for the acceleration and adoption of innovation as a vector for prosperity and sustainable development, and gathered high-level government officials from Romania and the US and leaders of major companies in the Three Seas region.
EnergMin Burduja: Neptun Deep is a critical project, not only to Romania, but also to whole Europe

Neptun Deep is a critical project, not only to Romania, but also to whole Europe and it will mean independence from Russian gas, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja said on Wednesday, told Agerpres.

"Neptun Deep is a critical project, not only to Romania, but to whole Europe. The situation in the Black Sea is not easy, so we rely on your help to make it a safe area. It is a USD 4 billion investment and I know that someone in Moscow is watching us and will do anything to delay or stop this project because it means independence from the Russian gas. I have to be frank. It's over a hundred or two hundred billion cubic metres and 10 billion cubic metres annually in the grid," Burduja told the second edition of the "US -Romania Economic Forum: Innovation for Prosperity," a side event of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum.

He also pointed out that soon billions of euros will come for renewable energy projects, but that "we are helping China" by buying components for wind turbines and solar panels from there, so there is an enormous local market in this field .

Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Radu Stefan Oprea, said in his turn that defence is one of the most dynamic sectors in Romania and that he had discussions with powerful US companies to develop new products in Romania, to provide power and stability in this region.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham Romania) organised on Wednesday the second edition of the US-Romania Economic Forum designed for the promotion of bilateral economic co-operation. In continuation of the 2022 edition that marked the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Strategic Partnership between the USA and Romania, this year's Forum agenda brings to the fore innovation as a pillar for prosperity and regional co-operation.

"The US-Romania Economic Forum: Innovation for Prosperity" is organised on the sidelines of the 3SI Business Forum taking place place in Bucharest, September 6-7, and is supported by the US Embassy in Bucharest, as a strategic partner, and by the Aspen Romania Institute.

Representatives of the US and Romanian central administrations, members of the AmCham Romania community and business leaders with an important presence in the Three Seas region participated in the conversation on strengthening transatlantic economic relationships by intensifying co-operation among the countries in the region, especially by adopting large-scale innovation .
The first Romanian patient treated abroad after the explosions in Crevedia, Dambovita County on the evening of August 26, at an LPG station, returned safely to the country, on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.

It is about a 28-year-old firefighter from Bucharest, who received care and treatment at Graz University Hospital, in Austria, the Government informs, agerpres reports.



"Tonight, I welcomed our young fireman back home after medical treatment abroad. I was glad that his health is good and he will be able to return to a normal life in a short time. I thanked him for his courage and because together with his colleagues they intervened to save their fellows and secure the area affected by the powerful explosions. We also have good news about the other two Romanians treated in Austria. They and all our Romanian firefighters and civilians are now being cared for in medical units abroad. We look forward to seeing them at home!" said prime minister Marcel Ciolacu, quoted in a press release sent to AGERPRES.



According to the press release, currently, 11 patients with burns are being treated in medical units outside the country - in Belgium (two patients), in Italy (two patients), in Austria (two patients), in Germany (four patients) and in Norway (one patient), in the conditions in which shortly after the explosions occurred, the European Civil Protection Mechanism was activated for the transfer of people injured in the Crevedia explosions to medical units abroad.



Patients treated in medical units abroad, as well as those treated in Romanian hospitals, can be accompanied by family members. They will receive financial support in order to be with the injured during their hospitalization, according to the decisions established in the Government meeting of August 31, 2023, the release also states.
Multiple economic, cultural and social barriers and gender stereotypes continue to hinder women's involvement in the profession, the Head of the European Commission's Representation in Romania, Ramona Chiriac, told a press conference on Tuesday.

She said that when women are elected in office, health, education and social welfare improve, progress is made in good governance and the fight against corruption, and policies are more varied and gender-sensitive. Moreover, she added, when more women are active in business, the sector becomes more inclusive and fairer, agerpres reports.

According to the head of the European Commission's Representation in Romania, when more women are involved in security, the results are more sustainable, inclusive and long-lasting, and she warned that today's female leaders can help pave the way for other women and girls who aspire to become tomorrow's political leaders and decision-makers.

Ramona Chiriac noted that a recent study shows that in Romania more than a third of companies active in the local market have female shareholders or partners, while two out of three startups were founded by women in 2022.She added that women are still underrepresented on the boards of large companies and in CEO/Chairperson positions, but the percentage of those in a strategic role is above the European average in Romania and although our country ranks among the last in the European Union in terms of the gender equality index, women have at their disposal a number of initiatives and communities that can offer them financial support, networking opportunities, know-how and examples of best practices for business success.
Iohannis: Romania has achieved objectives set for the Three Seas Initiative Summit

Romania has achieved its objectives for the Three Seas Initiative Summit, President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday at a press conference with his Polish and Lithuanian counterparts and the Croatian Prime Minister, told Agerpres.

The head of state hosted the summit at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

Klaus Iohannis added that Greece has been included in the Three Seas Initiative, becoming the 13th participating state, while Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have become associate participating states.

The President also said, in context, that the US economic presence in the region "is a strategic catalyst."
PM Ciolacu, Canadian Senate President Gagne discuss development of civil nuclear energy

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Wednesday had a meeting at the Victoria Palace with a parliamentary delegation from Canada, led by the President of the Senate, Raymonde Gagne, told Agerpres.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of energy, education, environment, investments, the regional security situation and the support given to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the Government informs through a press release.

Marcel Ciolacu thanked the Canadian side for financing the process of upgrading Unit 1 at CNE Cernavoda, but also the development and operation of Units 3 and 4, while also mentioning the upcoming visit of the Minister of Energy Sebastian Burduja to Canada.

"The development of civil nuclear energy represents one of the main objectives of Romania's energy security strategy, contributing to the achievement of the goals of decarbonisation of the electricity production sector and maintaining the stability of the National Energy System," stated Marcel Ciolacu.

The Romanian Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the security of the Euro-Atlantic area, by consolidating NATO's position on the Eastern Flank. He also thanked for the "important" presence of the Canadian Air Task Force in Romania, under the command of NATO, which ended last December.

"This visit offers real opportunities for strengthening the bilateral relationship between our countries and developing joint projects in areas of strategic importance. We are interested in finalizing and signing a Consolidated Partnership Declaration and a roadmap with concrete actions in our bilateral cooperation," Marcel Ciolacu also stated.
President Iohannis: By becoming a 3SI-associate country, Ukraine gets closer to EU, better prepares for reconstruction

President Iohannis on Wednesday stated that, by becoming a Three Sea Initiative associated state, Ukraine will be able to get more involved in all the instruments of the 3SI, and also to access investments for strategic interconnection projects.

"President Zelenski's participation in this Summit is very important, because today Ukraine becomes an associated country of the Three Seas Initiative, which will allow it to get involved in all the instruments of the Initiative, and also to access investments for strategic interconnection projects. Ukraine will also get closer to the EU and will be able to prepare better for its reconstruction and recovery," said the head of the Romanian state, in the opening of the 3SI Summit.

The Ukrainian President, Volodimir Zelenski, held a speech in the beginning of the Summit through videoconference.

President Iohannis on Wednesday hosts the 8th edition of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit at the Cotroceni Palace.

Greece will join the Initiative this year, while Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will become associated states.
President Iohannis: I've been informed about the discovery of suppousedly drone components on our soil

President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday stated that he was "immediately" informed by the Ministry of National Defence of the discovery of certain components that are likely to come from a drone on the Romanian soil.

"Before talking about the Summit, I want to refer to the latest information regarding the identification, by the Ministry of Defence, on the territory of Romania, near the border with Ukraine, of some components that could have belonged to a drone. I was immediately informed by the Ministry of Defence when the discovery was made and we requested an urgent and professional investigation into the origin of these components, as well as the moment and circumstances in which they arrived on Romanian territory," stated President Klaus Iohannis, at the opening of the Summit of the Three Initiative Big.

Iohannis said that, "if it's confirmed that the respective components belong to a drone from Russia," the situation will be "inadmissible" and a serious violation of Romania's sovereignty.

"If this is confirmed that the components come from a Russian drone, then the situation will be inadmissible and a serious violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Romania, a state that is a NATO ally," said the head of the state.

President Iohannis showed that the attacks on the Ukrainian civil infrastructure are war crimes and happen very close to the Romanian border.

"We remain vigilant and in permanent touch with the other NATO allies," said Iohannis.

He underscored that as part of NATO "we are very well defended and that Romania benefits from very strong security guarantees, the strongest in our history."

The Minister of Defence, Angel Tilvar, on Wednesday told AGERPRES that certain components from a device "that could be a drone," were found in the Tulcea county, with an investigation to follow to establish their origin, and also the capacity and exact type of device.
President Iohannis: Romania offered the main route for the export of Ukrainian grains

Romania offered the main route for the export of Ukrainian grains, with almost 25 million tonnes of grains from Ukraine having been exported through Romania since the beginning of the war, President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday, told Agerpres.

The Romanian head of state hosted the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, at the end of which he held a joint press conference with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic.

Iohannis pointed out that Romania has "by far the most important export route" for Ukraine.

"We faced many challenges, because our logistics were not prepared for such dimensions. We changed things very quickly, we managed to offer very good conditions (...) and we continue," he pointed out.

The President appreciated that the attacks on Ukrainian ports are "a huge problem."

"We will improve the other routes, we have accepted Ukrainian sea transports through the territorial waters of Romania, of the Black Sea, we will continue to improve exports by rail and road and thus prevent the creation of a famine, because Ukraine is one of the most important producers of cereals in the world," said Klaus Iohannis.

The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, also spoke about the possibility of creating new transport routes for the grains from Ukraine.

"According to our estimates, if certain conditions are met, the transit of Ukrainian grains through the Baltic Sea and through Polish ports could reach 10 million tonnes per year, and this would represent an important support," Nauseda pointed out.

He added that the transit of Ukrainian grains transported to non-EU countries threatened by a food crisis must be viewed separately from that of grains that remain on the competitive EU market.
President Iohannis: We have informed NATO allies about the discovery of probably drone components

President Klaus Iohannis stated on Wednesday that NATO allies were informed about the discovery of some components that, very likely, belong to a drone, told Agerpres.

"In the situation we are in, in the war situation on our border, we have to understand that we have a fluid situation, as the experts say. Today, we have a different situation than yesterday. All our communication has been done in good faith and based on evidence that we had at our disposal. We cannot make statements that engage the Romanian state based on assumptions. We must have evidence for this. The Ministry of Defence informed me - and I am convinced that in good faith - that there are no such pieces and that was the communication we made public. In the meantime, the situation changed, such pieces have appeared, so we ordered quick, professional verifications, after which we will take the next steps. In the meantime, we have informed our NATO allies," said the head of state, after the summit of the Three Seas Initiative (I3M), in a joint press conference with the presidents of Poland and Lithuania and the prime minister of Croatia.

He showed that Romania's ambassador to NATO, Danut Sebastian Neculaescu, was tasked with informing the general secretary of NATO and the allies about the possible incident.

"Our ambassador to NATO was tasked, first of all, to inform the secretary general, secondly to inform the allies, which happened this very morning, when our ambassador to the North Atlantic Council officially informed all allies of the possible incident and the fact that components have been found that very likely belong to the drone. This is where we are at the moment and as the investigation brings new evidence, we can take the next steps and communicate everything that it can be found," Iohannis said.
Senate President Ciuca, after meeting Canadian counterpart: Canada, important partner of Romania in transatlantic relations

President of the Senate Nicolae Ciuca said on Wednesday, after a meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Raymonde Gagne, that Canada is an important partner of Romania in the transatlantic relations, with the same views on geopolitics and economy, told Agerpres.

"This morning I had a meeting with Mrs Raymonde Gagne, President of the Senate of Canada, an excellent partner for dialogue on strengthening relations between the two countries. In the field of energy, we have a long-standing cooperation with solid growth prospects. The Canadian side has already expressed its interest in the project to build reactors 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, but also its intention to get involved in the development of the revolutionary technology of small modular reactors (SMR), which will be researched in Romania," Ciuca wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

Among the topics addressed by the two officials were the importance of the role played by Romanians in Canada in deepening cultural relations between the two countries and the benefits of gender balance in politics.

"Canada is an important partner for Romania in transatlantic relations. We share the same views on geopolitics and economics, and close relations and coordination in these difficult international times remain fundamental elements in countering Russia's imperialist ambitions in our region. The President of the Canadian Senate thanked Romania for its support to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in this challenging period from Moscow. We also discussed the essential role of Romanians in Canada, especially in deepening cultural relations between the two countries. My counterpart expressed her interest in increasing the presence of women at the executive and legislative levels in Romania and reiterated the benefits of gender balance in politics," added Ciuca.
Senate's Ciuca, after meeting Moldovan President Sandu, announces new bridges over Prut River

Supporting the Republic of Moldova on its European path, energy interconnection and building bridges to improve links with neighbours across the Prut River were among the topics discussed on Wednesday by President of the Senate Nicolae Ciuca, in his meeting with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, told Agerpres.

"I had the pleasure of another very good dialogue with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu. Especially since she came to Bucharest for a very important moment, namely the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the Three Seas Initiative Summit. We discussed the support we give to Moldova on its European path, with a view to opening accession negotiations and I conveyed Romania's congratulations for the way in which Chisinau has implemented the new recommendations of the European Commission. The European Parliament has already voted a resolution (supported by all the National Liberal Party - PNL MEPs) asking the Commission to start negotiations with Moldova by the end of this year," Ciuca wrote on Facebook.

He brought to mind that he continues to support the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.

"In the energy area, the interconnection with Romania is already a reality, as our country has the availability and capacity to supply both natural gas and electricity across the Prut. Transgaz will take over - through its Moldovan sub sidiary - the operation, exploitation, dispatching and transmission of natural gas from the neighbouring country. Ensuring the energy security of the Republic of Moldova in this way was a project that I supported as prime minister and that I still support now. Also, in the area of transport, new bridges will be built across the Prut, which will increase the number of border crossing points; thus, the links between the two countries will be considerably improved," Ciuca added.
Ukraine's Zelensky: Any restrictions against Ukrainian exports contribute to destruction by Russia

Any restrictions against Ukrainian grain exports contribute to the destruction caused by Russian terrorists, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday at the opening of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), told Agerpres.

He addressed by teleconference the event hosted by President Klaus Iohannis at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

"Ukraine is strongly against any further restrictions on the export of its grain," Zelensky said, pointing out that "it's not about making money, but about survival in the face of Russian terror."

"Please do not turn Ukraine into a target either economically or politically," the Ukrainian president said, adding that he does not rule out arbitration in international courts.

He also said that Ukraine fulfills its promises and never interferes with free competition.

"But how can we calmly accept the violation of the promises given to us, the violation of the association agreement, the violation of the free market conditions? The European institutions should not multiply disappointments in Europe," said Zelensky.

He spoke about the attacks in his country, including from the border with Romania. "At this time, in the city of Chilia, that is Odesa region, a city on the banks of the Danube just across the river from Romania, a fire is being fought, a fire that started at night, after the Russian Shahed [drones] attack exactly on our infrastructure, which ensures the life of the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea. (...) This is a fire in the body of our three seas and these consequences of the attacks on Chilia, Reni, Izmail, Odessa, on those cities that open their gates to the world for Ukraine are very vivid," said Zelensky.

He added that February 24, 2022 "changed everything - Europe, all of us."

"We managed to prove that we are capable of historic acts of solidarity, and now Ukraine is grateful to your countries, grateful to you personally for support," Zelensky pointed out.

The Ukrainian president highlighted that the 3SI format is about unity, not division.

All the 12 participating states are attending the summit - Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia - nine of which represented at the level of head of state, one at the level of prime minister, one at the level of deputy prime minister and one at the level of head of Parliament. At the same time, there are a series of special guests, including Greece (which will become the 13th 3SI participating state at the summit), Moldova and Ukraine (which will become 3SI associated states) represented by their respective chiefs of state (Ukraine, virtually).
USR demands dismissal of defence, foreign ministers, expulsion of Russian ambassador

On Wednesday, the Save Romania Union (USR) demanded the dismissal of Minister of Defence Angel Tilvar and Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu, because they "knowingly lied" to the Romanian people regarding the Russian drone that crash-landed in Romania, told Agerpres.

"After three days of concerted efforts to cover up a major security incident for Romania, Ukraine's intelligence about the Russian drone that crash-landed in Romania is confirmed by the Romanian government itself. Given the circumstances, USR is demanding the immediate dismissal of the defence minister and the foreign minister because they knowingly lied to the Romanian people and irreversibly affected Romania's international image," USR national leader Catalin Drula is quoted as saying in a press statement released by USR on Wednesday.

Drula said that Tilvar, "the English teacher leading the Ministry of Defence at an extremely sensitive time," was the first to deny and "lied to the whole country."

"What's more, he offended our partners in Ukraine with his vehement denial," added Drula.

He went on to say that Foreign Minister Odobescu "lied in Berlin" to an international audience "without a trace of remorse" as head of diplomacy, and so did "her boss, Klaus Iohannis, in the joint news conference with Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel."

"USR is asking President Iohannis to urgently convene the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT) and publicly present the measures that have been taken. The time has come to have a president who works for Romania," said Drula.

USR is also demanding the expulsion of the ambassador of the Russian Federation in Bucharest, Valery Kuzmin.

"Romania must send a very firm message to the Russian Federation. Such incidents are unacceptable. The time has come for the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Valery Kuzmin, to be sent home. Valery Kuzmin was only concerned with justifying Russian crimes in Ukraine and encouraging anti-democratic currents from Romania. His expulsion from Romania is long overdue sanitation," said USR Deputy Chairman Dan Barna.
Authorities identify three teens who died in University City car crash The victims were all from Olivette and attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

UNIVERSITY CITY  Three 15-year-old boys died early Wednesday after they crashed a car into a vacant house in University City.

The teens have not been identified, but all three were students at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, said a spokeswoman for the school district.

The car belonged to the driver's mother, police said, and it was speeding east around 6:30 a.m. on Groby Road, near Mulberry Lane, when it failed to make a curve, went through a yard and crashed into the house. All three boys were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was the only one wearing a seatbelt, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

This doesnt just affect our high school, said Ladue school district Superintendent Jim Wipke. It trickles throughout our entire community and St. Louis County area. We take it minute by minute. We take it student by student to making sure they get the support that they need.

University City police asked the Missouri Highway Patrol to investigate the crash, said patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson. University City police had tried hours earlier to pull over a car similar to the one in the crash, he said, then lost sight of the car, and were searching for it before the crash.

City officials weren't sure the vehicles were the same, Thompson said.

"They just wanted to make sure there were no improprieties if, in fact, it did turn out to be the same vehicle," he said.

Thompson declined to provide more details, citing a pending investigation.

Jenn Bugg was at the crash site Wednesday afternoon and said her teenage son had been friends with the boys for years. She described them as "good kids."

Bugg said she picked her son up from school around noon today, and several other parents at Ladue High did the same.

It could have been any of our kids," Bugg said. "Teenagers make teenager decisions. Unfortunately, they werent given the opportunity to learn.

Esther Carter, who has lived for decades near the scene, said crashes are common on the bend near the vacant home but that drivers typically hit a light pole or a tree rather than the home.

Carter said she talked to one of the boy's moms who was at the crash site earlier, and she didn't know her son was not at home Wednesday morning.

I never saw a car smashed so bad," Carter said. I know every time I pass this house Ill think about it.

Angelisa Robinson, another neighbor a few houses from the vacant home, said speeding has not been an issue in the area but that other neighbors have said a nearby stop sign sometimes reroutes drivers and leaves them confused.

St. Louis Alderman Sharon Tyus was also at the scene Wednesday. She said she and her husband bought the vacant home a few years ago and were renovating it with plans to rent it out.

Im just really shocked," Tyus said. "Three babies lost their lives. My heart is breaking.

Joseph Baker, a junior at Ladue High, showed up to the scene just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and placed a blue tarp near the boarded-up house and pile of bricks. He said he didn't know the boys who died in the crash, but he wanted to start a memorial so others could add to it.

Ladue High had counselors at the school on Wednesday, officials said, and students will meet Thursday to plan a vigil at the school's football game at Ritenour High School on Friday.

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris and Nassim Benchaabane of the Post-Dispatch contributed.

Comments on this article are closed. Use this form to write a letter to the editor.

Two boys in fatal University City crash were best friends, next-door neighbors Nothing broke their bond, mother Ashley Williams said after three teens died early Wednesday morning in a car wreck on Goby Road.
ST. LOUIS  Police on Tuesday released the name of a man who died two days after police found him shot in the head in the city's Gravois Park neighborhood.

Officers found 23-year-old Anthony Kent in the 3500 block of California Avenue on a home's front porch on Aug. 26 just after 9:30 a.m., according to a police report.

He had been shot in the head and was taken to a hospital, where he died two days later.

Police said Kent lived in that same block of California Avenue.

Additional information was not immediately available.
ST. LOUIS  One of the regions leading criminologists on Tuesday said the city should reconsider its support for a highly touted anti-crime program after a Washington University study called its effectiveness into question.

Cure Violence, which aims to break up gunfights before they even start, had a significant impact on gun crimes in just one of the three local areas it targeted, according to the study.

And thats not good enough, said Rick Rosenfeld, a longtime criminologist at University of Missouri-St. Louis. At least not when the program cost taxpayers $7 million for three years.

There are other programs that are simply more effective and less costly, he said.

Cure Violence is one of the largest and costliest of the citys efforts to expand crimefighting beyond traditional policing. It has trained dozens of interruptors to short-circuit conflict by counseling people against retaliatory shootings, connecting them with social services and promoting a culture of peace over violence. And three years after former city leaders introduced it to blunt a rising homicide rate, it has won the embrace of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and her allies, who last month approved a $1.9 million contract extending programming for another year.

They defended the program Tuesday. Wilford Pinkney, who oversees the citys portfolio of alternative crimefighting programs for Jones, noted that the number of gun crimes still fell in the targeted neighborhoods, even though the declines in two areas werent much different than other places like them elsewhere in the city. He also highlighted caveats in the study, which note that it may take more time and changes in the culture before Cure Violence can yield significant changes in crime stats. And he brushed off concerns about spending.

I dont think cost is a factor here in terms of saving lives, he said.

Pinkney and Aldermanic President Megan Green also cast Cure Violence as one of many alternative crimefighting efforts underway in the city: Social workers are responding to 911 calls involving people in mental health crises. The Office of Violence Prevention is hosting community events offering food and fun as well as access to health care resources and jobs. And a new program aimed at high-risk youths is on the way.

Cure Violence is not the only program, Green said.

Some aldermen question the expense.

Youre just throwing money at a brick wall, said Alderwoman Pam Boyd, of Walnut Park West.

I would be hard pressed to put more money into that, said Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, of Kingsway East.

Still, Cure Violence made a big splash four years ago. The homicide rate was on the rise, and officials led by then-Aldermanic President Lewis Reed cast Cure Violence as the answer.

Pioneered in Chicago in the 1990s, it envisioned confronting crime like a public health problem: Interrupt potential conflict. Reach out to people at the highest risk for committing violence. And change the culture of the community to improve long-term outcomes.

Officials ultimately committed $7 million to it over three years, and local nonprofits were selected to run the program in the Dutchtown, Walnut Park and Wells Goodfellow-Hamilton Heights areas.

And it seemed to work. Homicides and shootings fell significantly in the target areas in the first full year of operations. But an analysis by Rosenfeld, the criminologist, found the declines werent much different than those seen in other neighborhoods with similar demographics.

And late last week, a city-funded study led by researchers at Washington University went public with a similar conclusion. Researchers also said they found no evidence of a change in community attitudes toward violence, and that many people in the target areas didnt even know the program was happening.

Rosenfeld said he wasnt surprised; research has found mixed results in other cities, too.

Officials should have considered that, he said, before they authorized so much money for the program.
Michael S. Perham is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Maha Tiimob, who was found shot multiple times at Perham's home in the 2100 block of Tramore in Troy on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Madison County prosecutor's office.
ST. LOUIS  Students at Compton Drew Middle School demonstrated yoga poses in their calm down corner on Wednesday for some guests from the federal government.

The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Secretary of Health Xavier Becerra joined U.S. Rep. Cori Bush and local education leaders at the school to promote mental health in schools.

Healthy kids learn better, Cardona said. It shouldnt have taken a pandemic to figure out were not making it with mental health.

The middle schools wellness room includes a massage chair, punching bag, fidgets, checkers and other games along with the yoga mats.

Suspensions have dropped by 60% in the last couple years since the calm down corner opened to reduce stress, said the schools social worker, Tracey Moore.

As many as one in five students in St. Louis Public Schools are homeless, and most live in poverty.

We have kids who are raising themselves, Moore said.

The roundtable discussion was part of Cardonas Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar.

The event also includes stops in Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Wisconsin with topics including the college access, career training and family engagement.

The bus tour also stopped at Harris-Stowe State University on Wednesday afternoon to discuss funding for historically Black colleges and universities. Mental health is also on the agenda Thursday at another event at Harris-Stowe highlighting the first year of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Missouri.

Cardonas visit comes as some local parents are fighting against mental health programs and social-emotional learning in public schools. Operation Opt-Out from the St. Charles County Parents Association calls for excluding students from programs that are designed to affect my childs behavioral, emotional, or attitudinal characteristics.

The opt-out forms cite programming from the companies Leader in Me and iReady along with local nonprofits Compass Health and CHADS suicide prevention.

The nations top education official said during a press conference on Wednesday that he welcomes parent engagement while recognizing that schools should support students overall wellbeing.

To me its about partnering with parents, Cardona said. Just meet the students where they are. If theyre not well, take care of them.

Cardona also weighed in on the four-day school week thats been adopted by close to one-third of Missouris school districts.

Our students need more not less. Were not going to be competing internationally if were cutting the school week by 20%, he said.

This week, the Kansas City-area Independence School District, with 14,000 students, became the largest in the state to move to a four-day week.

While the number of instructional days there has been reduced from 170 to 155, the district added 35 minutes to each school day.
JEFFERSON CITY  There may be bluster and gnashing of teeth in the Missouri Capitol next week, but lawmakers and Gov. Mike Parson say its unlikely the Legislature will override the governors vetoes of spending in the state budget.

The Republican-controlled General Assembly convenes Wednesday for a one-day session to consider $555.3 million in cuts Parson made to the $51 billion state budget approved by lawmakers in May.

In an interview with reporters in his office, Parson said he wouldnt be surprised if some override action happens in the House, where some members are upset about a number of projects that were stripped from the spending plan.

But, Parson said, I dont think the Senate is going to do much to be right honest about it. I think its a little rough to come back here and say, I want to spend more money.

In the Senate, overrides typically can only be launched by the sponsor of the bill in question. That puts Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, in the drivers seat.

Hough, however, is an ally of the governor. He spent time earlier this summer barnstorming with Parson as he championed money set aside in the spending plan to widen Interstate 70 to three lanes in each direction across the state.

Although the state had record-breaking surpluses at the close of the fiscal year on June 30, Parson has defended his vetoes of pet projects, arguing the extra money is a fund balance needed to address upcoming costs.

If we continue to spend money like we did last year well be out of money in this state in a year or two, Parson told reporters.

Among the cuts were $2 million to clean up abandoned buildings in the north St. Louis County city of Kinloch and $5 million to remove condemned and vacant property in St. Louis.

The governor also slashed funding for a flood wall in St. Louis from $10 million to $5 million and cut $23 million that would have gone to new police and 911 facilities in the city.

Parson also vetoed $28 million to study a widening of Interstate 44, as well as similar projects seeking to improve traffic flow near Hannibal and on U.S. Route 63 near Cabool. They had been inserted into the spending blueprint to win votes from rural lawmakers who dont represent districts near the massive I-70 project.

Im sorry everybody didnt get exactly what everybody wanted but every legislator in this building got something for their district. There are a lot more wins in here than there are defeats for everybody, Parson said.

Lawmakers surveyed Wednesday mostly downplayed the idea that any vetoes would be overridden when the session gets underway next week.

Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, said the House could move to override a limited number of vetoes, including one that would have funded a law enforcement training facility in St. Charles County.

Weve shown were not reluctant to overturn vetoes in the House, Schwadron said.

But, despite losing out on funding to widen I-44 through his district, Sen. Justin Brown, R-Rolla, said he doubts any override attempts will succeed.

I dont think we will have the will or the want in the Senate to try and override the line items this year, Brown told the Post-Dispatch.

Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, said she voted against the overall budget in May because she felt it was already too large. For that reason, she said she wont support any override attempts because it would bring back added spending.

I know there are many senators who would like to restore some of that spending, but its up to the House to act first, Coleman said.

Rep. Lane Roberts, R-Joplin, said it would be rare for a Republican House and Senate to override the will of a Republican governor.

I dont think there is an appetite for much overriding, Roberts said. But there have been no decisions made.

It takes two-thirds of the House and the Senate to override a governors veto.
CHESTERFIELD  The Chesterfield City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a plan to replace a defunct mall here with thousands of apartments, shops and businesses after months of negotiations with the developer and concerned residents.

The council voted unanimously to a plan by The Staenberg Group to demolish the mall, at Clarkson Road and Interstate 64, and replace it with more than 2,500 apartment units, thousands of square feet of commercial space, pedestrian walkways and other amenities.

Demolition of the mall isnt expected to begin until late 2024 at the earliest, and The Staenberg Group will need to get council approval for detailed construction plans for the site. But, after months of debate and delays, the vote Tuesday was a significant step forward, Mayor Bob Nation said.

This has been a while coming and we still have some challenges ahead, and were looking forward to that, Nation said after the vote. And right now were all leaving united and looking forward to the future.

The citys action paves the way for a project that, along with a neighboring housing and retail development called Wildhorse Village, represents more than $2 billion of new development poised to remake some of the last undeveloped land in Chesterfield, a major shopping destination in the St. Louis region and one of the wealthiest suburbs in the state of Missouri.

The vote was greeted with applause from more than two dozen people in the crowd, including a handful who urged the council to support a project they said would be transformational for the city.

The positive impact of this project will be felt for decades to come, said Debbie Shaw.

The action Tuesday followed years of debate over a concept that originated around 2018, after the Chesterfield Mall went into default and The Staenberg Group bought the Sears building there in a separate transaction. That deal essentially blocked an attempt by a Georgia-based company to redevelop the land, and The Staenberg Group acquired the rest of the site in 2020 and pitched a mixed-use downtown concept for the site.

Last year, the City Council approved $353 million in tax increment financing meant to go toward paying for new infrastructure at the mall site and nearby areas. But the vote followed weeks of debate and fierce pushback by Rockwood and Parkway school districts, which argued the new developments would add hundreds of students without the taxes to support them. City officials have said the TIF will go toward paying for new infrastructure at the mall site and nearby areas.

In February, Dillards department store, whose location at the mall has been closed since 2016, sued the city to stop the redevelopment and asked St. Louis County Circuit Court to overturn the TIF, arguing the property wasnt properly blighted. The retailer said it always planned to reopen its store after it closed and asked the court to exclude Dillards property from any redevelopment and bar the city from using eminent domain against it.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Chesterfield residents raised concerns the proposed mall redevelopment had too much housing and lacked guidelines to ensure a mixed-use concept.

By last month, TSG and the citizen group, Preserve Chesterfield, came to an agreement to drop the number of planned apartments from 2,880 to 2,538. The developer also agreed to more than a dozen other changes, including limiting building height to no more than 200 feet and requiring first-floor space that faces the park and main streets be used for commercial development, not residential.

But the councils four-person planning committee proposed the city take it a step further, voting 4-1 to recommend an additional restriction that would have capped the amount of ground floor space apartments could take up at 1.35 million square feet  about 60% of the 55 buildable acres on the 96-acre site.

TSG, frustrated with the proposal, asked the city to delay the project indefinitely.

But instead, at the last council meeting, the council voted 5-4 to reject the proposed restriction and then 7-1 to give the mall redevelopment first-round approval. TSG, however, declined to publicly comment on whether it would commit to the project.

By Tuesday, TSG reached a compromise with council members to add one last change to the plans requiring that three individual parcels encircling the development be devoted entirely to commercial construction.

Councilwoman Mary Monachella, who had been among council members pushing last month to restrict the projects housing footprint, said the move would help ensure the project would stay as a mixed-use development.

John Nations, a former Chesterfield mayor and now an attorney representing TSG, said the developer looked forward to working with the council on the project, which he said fit with long-term city planning for the community.

This is the biggest project in the region at the moment, Nations said in an interview after the meeting. We will be working diligently to give the community exactly what they talked about and exactly what the council approved.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands  Members of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is committing genocide in Ukraine. Their comments came a day before they were scheduled to meet with the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

The ICC in March issued an international arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine. However, it has not yet charged him with any other offenses committed by Russian forces since their invasion of Ukraine more than 18 months ago.

The committees chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, told reporters during a visit to The Hague that Putin tried to erase a culture, a people and a religion, and that is the definition of genocide.

Another member of the committee, Ann Wagner, R-Town and Country, agreed, speaking of the crimes against humanity, the downright genocide that this man has perpetrated.

Gerry Connolly, a Virginia Democrat, said Putin even before the war had denied the existence of Ukraine as a country and a people.

So I think he himself made the case for genocide and his behavior subsequently has filled in blanks, Connolly said.

Their comments Wednesday came as Russian shelling of a market in eastern Ukraine killed at least 16 people and wounded many more. The attack was launched while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv and was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new American funding.

Members of the committee will meet Thursday with ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and visit the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, or Eurojust, which hosts the International Center for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. The center aims to support nations already building cases against senior Russian leaders for the crime of aggression. The International Criminal Court can prosecute crimes including genocide but does not have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression.

McCaul said the committee members will be looking at the evidence itself and how we can help The Hague gather more and collect more evidence and intelligence to prove the case against Putin.

The United States is not a member state of the ICC, and during the administration of former President Donald Trump it slapped sanctions on a previous ICC prosecutor and several aides for pursuing investigations into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and Israeli servicemembers in the West Bank and Gaza.

But since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the relationship has shifted. Last month, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the U.S. Justice Department is cooperating with the court and supporting Ukrainian prosecutors carrying out war crime investigations.

While the arrest warrant against Putin carries significant moral weight, it is unlikely to lead to him appearing in a courtroom in The Hague any time soon because Moscow does not recognize the courts jurisdiction or extradite its nationals.

The visiting congressional delegation also includes Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y.; Madeleine Dean, D-Pa.; Thomas Kean, R-N.J.; and Bill Huizenga, R-Mich. They are also holding meetings in the Netherlands with Dutch government officials and members of parliament, among others.

The delegations Europe visit aims to bolster ties with U.S. strategic allies as well as discuss support for NATO and Ukraine, ways to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine, and how to confront shared threats from China.
ST. LOUIS  Boeing Co.'s plan to use property at Lambert airport for its potential $1.8 billion expansion could be complicated by an ongoing lawsuit between the city-owned airport and a company that claims it still holds the lease to part of the land.

Ricardo Nicolopulos, president of Bi-National Gateway Terminal LLC, which wanted to develop an international cargo facility, notified Boeing in a letter about the still-pending lawsuit it filed in 2019 that contests St. Louis Lambert International Airport's "attempt to terminate our lease."

Nicolopulos in an interview Tuesday added that Bi-National is open to negotiating a settlement, saying that his company has invested more than $11 million in the project. But he said Bi-National will continue to fight the city in court if need be.

"If I have no other choice, yes," he said. "Because I'm defending our investment and our very heavy work" on the cargo effort for four or five years.

Attorneys for the city, in filings in St. Louis Circuit Court, had previously said the Bi-National lease was terminated in 2019 because the firm had failed to carry out certain requirements in the agreement.

Lambert officials declined to respond to Nicolopulos' latest statements, saying they couldn't comment because litigation was involved.

"That lease was terminated for cause in 2019," Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge said Wednesday at a meeting of the city Airport Commission. "It is not an active lease. We feel confident we are in the right in that case."

Boeing has yet to respond to a Post-Dispatch request for comment on Nicolopulos' letter, which was sent Aug. 15 to a Boeing real estate official.

The land at issue is on the north end of Lambert along Banshee Road and includes buildings from a long-vacant aircraft manufacturing complex.

Boeing has said its expanded facilities would involve advanced manufacturing but hasnt elaborated. But the plan, which would bring 500 jobs to the area, was announced as the aerospace industry is gearing up to bid to build the next generation of American fighter jets.

The company has asked for an estimated $155 million in property tax breaks over 10 years in exchange for the new jobs and investment. That proposal is pending before the St. Louis County Council. While St. Louis city owns and operates the airport, its located in the county.

The proposed Boeing lease, which is expected to be considered later this month by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, also includes a larger area of airport-owned property on Lambert's eastern end in Berkeley. That was purchased over the years to reduce the effect of airport noise on residential areas. The overall Boeing lease would cover about 158 acres; the company also would have the option to lease an additional 28 acres.

The Bi-National project was initially approved by the city in mid-2015 and was expected to be operating as soon as 2016.

But the project stalled until a new financing plan was worked out in 2019, including federal and state historic tax credits that weren't in the original package. CRG, the real estate arm of the Clayco construction firm, was added to the project team at the time. However, a few months later the city terminated the deal.

Nicolopulos and Bi-National sued the city, arguing that their lease remained in effect, and alleged that they had been advised by city employees and officials that the project wouldn't go smoothly unless Bi-National included "a certain construction firm" favored by the city and some of its officials.

The suit didn't name the firm but Nicolopulos said in a 2019 interview that he was referring to CRG.

In response, Bob Clark, who heads Clayco and CRG, said in an email at the time that "we have no knowledge" of city officials pushing for CRG to be added and that Nicolopulos and an associate had approached CRG.

Erin Heffernan of the Post-Dispatch staff contributed to this report.
CLAYTON  After a summer of the lowest COVID-19 cases and hospitalization numbers since the start of the pandemic, case and patient numbers are again on the rise in the St. Louis area, data shows.

While case numbers are no longer tracked as closely, evidence shows an upward trend. Anecdotally, doctors also know that COVID-19 is in the air, said Dr. Hilary Babcock, chief quality officer at BJC HealthCare and a Washington University infectious disease physician.

Kids in school are reporting cases. Almost everyone I know has some friend or family member that has COVID right now, Babcock said. So, people who have a summer cold, have a sinus infection, have allergies that seem worse than usual this time of year, probably have COVID and should get tested and stay home.

St. Louis County Department of Public Health  the largest in Missouri  still maintains a regularly updated public dashboard.

The dashboard shows new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among county residents reached about 150 per day on Sept. 2. Thats up from 108 per day a week prior.

The number has been steadily on the rise since dropping as low as 16 or 17 a day in late June and early July, county data shows.

The spread of cases is likely much more as most people have been using at-home testing kits and do not have to report results. But the rise is clear.

The important thing about that is the trend, thats why we keep tracking, said Christopher Ave, spokesman for the county health department. The trend is more important than the actual number, and our trend is up.

Babcock said BJC HealthCare employees are required to get tested for COVID-19 when they are sick, and cases among employees also have been on the rise.

The good news, she said, is that while the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has ticked upwards as well, it is not going up as much as cases have.

We have more and more people that are getting COVID, but a smaller proportion of them than in prior waves are getting sick enough to end up in the hospital, Babcock said. That reflects the increased immunity that the population has due to vaccination and prior infection.

Hospitalization data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 282 people were admitted to Missouri hospitals with COVID-19 during the week leading up to Aug. 26, a 61% increase over week ending Aug. 12.

The lowest was 15 patients during the week ending July  a far cry from the peak week of Jan. 22 last year when 2,982 people were admitted to Missouri hospitals with COVID-19. Our hospital numbers overall are increasing, but are still really fairly low, Babcock said.

The upward trend in hospitalizations has also been seen across the country, the CDC data shows.

Babcock blames several factors on the rise: new variants of the COVID-19 virus, peoples waning immunity since their last vaccination or infection, end-of-the-summer vacations and students returning to classrooms.

Gone are the days where a new variant would take over all the others and cause a huge surge in cases and illness, she said.

We have this kind of ongoing, what Ive been calling, COVID soup of just lots of different variants circulating at the same time, Babcock said. As new ones come into the soup, they will find people that havent had COVID recently, that havent been vaccinated or boosted recently, and they can infect those people, and those people can get sick with COVID.

More good news is that a new COVID-19 booster, retooled to better protect against the latest variants, is expected to be available later this month, along with guidance on who should get the new shot.

Babcock said she recommends those who are due for a booster to wait until the new one is available. I anticipate that once it is approved and recommended, it will be available quickly after that, she said.

The federal government is no longer covering the cost of the vaccine. Once the new booster is available, people can get it at pharmacies or doctors offices using their health insurance.

The county health department said it will continue to offer vaccines for free at its three clinics. The health department also provides free testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses as well as test kits. More information is available at ReviveSTL.com.

In the meantime, residents should also take steps to prevent the spread of disease such as staying home when sick, health officials said. People, especially those who are vulnerable to becoming seriously ill, should avoid large indoor gatherings and wear a mask.

Just dont forget, we still have COVID-19, said Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the county health department. I want to make sure community members feel empowered and prepared to take the necessary precautions before it continues to rise at the same rate that were seeing.
ST. LOUIS  A Florissant man who called police to admit hed killed both his wife and a former neighbor has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Peter Chafin, 48, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years for the December 2016 strangulation death of his wife, Kiera Chafin, 22, in their Florissant home.

The sentence will run at the same time as a 20-year sentence Chafin received in May after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in St. Louis for shooting and killing former neighbor Dominic Smith in September 2015.

Chafin was first arrested after he called Florissant police the morning of Dec. 15, 2016, to confess to strangling his wife during an argument in their home in the first block of Apache Court.

The couples sons, an infant and a 2-year-old, were both in the house at the time, Chafin told police.

But soon after the arrest, Chafin admitted to police to another killing. He confessed to shooting his former neighbor, Smith, 36, with a shotgun a year earlier. Chafin then led police to a block of cement where hed encased the shotgun he used to shoot Smith four times in a backyard in the 4200 block of Delor Street in the citys Bevo Mill neighborhood.

After the shooting, Chafin then put Smiths body in a bag used to hold his wifes double bass before dumping it in the Mississippi River, he told police.

The body was found about two weeks after the killing on Sept. 16, 2015 decomposing and snagged on a barge in the river off East Krauss Street, near South Broadway, in south St. Louis.

Chafin went to trial for Smiths killing in April 2022, but the case ended in a mistrial when a St. Louis jury could not reach a verdict after more than eight hours of deliberation over two days.

Chafin took the stand during that trial, arguing that Smith had hit him with a piece of concrete and threatened to attack his wife before the killing. He told the jury he believed his family was in danger,

I didnt want to do it, he testified.

In 2018, Chafin was found mentally unfit to stand trial but was treated and in January 2019 found competent to proceed.

Chafins defense attorney Travis Martin also intended to present a defense that Chafin had battered spouse syndrome when he killed his wife, but an analysis from a Missouri Department of Mental Health psychologist did not diagnose him with the condition.

Kiera Chafins sister, Dasia Johnson, told the Post-Dispatch in 2016 that her sister would spend hours painting portraits of family members and playing the double bass for her two sons. She said the 22-year-old was a dedicated mother who also started a professional cleaning service not long before her death.

She was a beautiful person, Johnson said.
JAKARTA, Indonesia  Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday that those responsible for the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the ensuing violence at the U.S Capitol must be held accountable  even if that means Donald Trump.

"Let the evidence, the facts, take it where it may," Harris said in an interview with The Associated Press in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she was attending a regional summit.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Trump, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, for his efforts to cling to power in 2020. The former president also has been charged in Georgia in a scheme to subvert the will of voters who elected Democrat Joe Biden instead of giving Trump a second term.

"I spent the majority of my career as a prosecutor," said Harris, who served as California's attorney general before moving to Washington as a U.S. senator. "I believe that people should be held accountable under the law. And when they break the law, there should be accountability."

The White House has been circumspect in addressing the issue of criminal charges against Trump, who has pleaded not guilty, to avoid any whiff of political meddling in the work of prosecutors, particularly as Biden seeks a second term in 2024. But both Biden and Harris have been outspoken about what they view as the very real danger to American democracy the aftermath of the 2020 election exposed.

"Democracies are very fragile," the vice president said in the AP interview. "They will only be as strong as our willingness to fight for it."

Harris is representing the United States at a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in place of Biden.

The president's absence disappointed some, but the White House emphasized that it remained committed to the region, which Harris reiterated in her interview.

"We as Americans, I believe, have a very significant interest, both in terms of our security but also our prosperity, today and in the future, in developing and strengthening these relationships," she said.

Southeast Asia is a critical arena for the rivalry between the U.S. and China, particularly when it comes to the South China Sea. One-third of global shipping traverses its waters.

Beijing recently released a new government map that emphasizes its disputed territorial claims to the sea.

"It's a violation of the law. And that's where I put that map," Harris told the AP.

ASEAN has struggled to make progress on issues such as the military coup in Myanmar, but Harris said the organization "absolutely" remains a critical forum.

"The fact that so many leaders are convening in this one place at the same time to address some of the biggest challenges facing our world is a sign of strength of both the commitment that each nation has to the coalition and the potential for collaboration," she said.

Harris sounded a strong warning about reports that Russia was talking with North Korea about obtaining weapons for its invasion of Ukraine, calling the possible alliance "ill-advised."

"Russia has been levied a strategic failure," she said. "Their aggressive, unprovoked actions in Ukraine have resulted in a situation where the aura and myth of the Russian military has now been dispelled."

Harris dismissed concerns about Biden's age, 80, even though he's widely seen as too old for office. A recent AP/NORC poll showed that 77% of Americans and 69% of Democrats think he's too old for a second term.

Harris is next in line to the presidency, a position that increased scrutiny of her as she serves with a president who would be 86 at the end of a potential second term. Some Republican presidential hopefuls claim that a vote for Biden would really end up being a vote for Harris  and not in a good way.

"I see him every day. A substantial amount of time we spend together is in the Oval Office, where I see how his ability to understand issues and weave through complex issues in a way that no one else can to make smart and important decisions on behalf of the American people have played out," she said. "And so I will say to you that I think the American people ultimately want to know that their president delivers. And Joe Biden delivers."

Harris described the idea of possibly stepping into the role of president as "hypothetical" but said she was ready.

"Joe Biden is going to be fine, so that is not going to come to fruition," she stated. "But let us also understand that every vice president  every vice president  understands that when they take the oath they must be very clear about the responsibility they may have to take over the job of being president."

Harris added, "I'm no different."
The Republican majority has been without a speaker for three weeks and is desperate to end the chaos and get back to work. Ahead of voting Joh
Remember the good old days, when the Republican Party was synonymous with law and order and national security?

Today, disorder and insecurity would be better descriptions.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is currently endangering Americas military readiness in the name of restricting abortion rights. Meanwhile, Republican Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is trying to deprive the FBI of a crucial tool against international drug trafficking based on the MAGA fantasy that the agency is out to get Donald Trump.

Voters  especially voters in Missouri, who will consider next year whether to give Hawley a second Senate term  should keep in mind whether they really want to reward these kinds of priorities.

For more than six months, Tuberville has unilaterally prevented the confirmations of more than 300 top military nominees, using the power that all senators have to indefinitely delay most legislation.

Tubervilles holds, as theyre called, arent about the nominees qualifications, but are in protest to the Pentagon policy of providing time and reimbursement to service members who have to travel for abortion care when theyre stationed in states that have outlawed the procedure.

Those service members  a group the GOP used to support in virtually all circumstances  often have no choice in where they live, which is why the travel policy makes sense.

Since last years overturn of Roe v. Wade, roughly half the states (including Missouri) have outlawed abortion within their borders. It would be a Kafkaesque injustice to force female soldiers to relinquish control over their own bodies based solely on where in America they happen to be stationed while serving their country.

Tubervilles continuing stunt has left top military posts vacant of Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in U.S. history. Key leadership roles are being performed by acting officials without the full range of legal authorities necessary to make the decisions that will sustain the United States military edge, the civilian secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force warned in an unusual joint op-ed this week in The Washington Post (which is re-published on todays Post-Dispatch op-ed page).

Hawleys vendetta against the FBI is unrelated to Tubervilles stunt, but similar in this: Hawley is apparently willing to hamper, in concrete ways, the agencys ability to do its job in retaliation for what is at base a partisan political dispute.

Congress is considering whether to reauthorize a 2008 law giving the FBI the power to spy on foreign nationals in the U.S. Among key uses of the law is to gather intelligence on how the ingredients to make fentanyl get into the U.S. from China and other sources.

The law itself has long been controversial among Democrats. President Joe Biden and others are insisting that reforms must be put in place to prevent spying on Americans, something the agency admits happens but insists is accidental. It is an issue that must be addressed.

But Hawleys beef, like those of other Republicans, has looped in the GOPs unsupported and toxic claim that the FBI is specifically targeting Republicans. Its a claim that is fed by, and feeds, the MAGA belief that the federal probe into Russias election interference, last years court-authorized search of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate and other legitimate FBI actions constitute a concerted deep-state attack on the former president.

Why would we reauthorize it given your track record of abuse and illegal improper surveillance and political targeting? Hawley asked during a hearing with the FBI in June.

That the agency has engaged in improper surveillance of Americans is well established  but the more explosive allegation of political targeting is baseless. That hasnt stopped Hawleys fellow Missouri Republican, Sen. Eric Schmitt, from expressing similar reservations about re-authorizing the law: Its evident that the FBI has been weaponized, and its far past time for reforms after the FBI has repeatedly used their power to go after political opponents.

No such thing is evident, and the repeated false claim of it from the right is not only deeply ironic (given the FBIs right-leaning history) but damaging to respect for law enforcement generally.

There was a time when members of the law-and-order party would have been more responsible in their rhetoric. But that was a far different party than the one aligned behind Trump today.
When is it time for someone to retire from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives? I feel now is the time for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., to step down, as well has the great Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who twice in the last few weeks froze in mid-sentence in front of television cameras while speaking.

Both there senators have served our nation with great pride and we should praise them for all they have done. We may be of different party (I am a Democrat) but we should respect these two fine people.

Now is the time to get some young blood representing us in Congress. Not Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, however. He raised his hand on Jan. 6, 2021, in solidarity with insurrectionists. Doesn't he remember running like a coward out of the Capitol? I will vote for former Vice President Mike Pence, because he stood up to his former boss.

Mary Louise DAmico  Affton
ThinkAnalytics to launch Think360 generative AI-based solutions for personalization and targeted advertising at IBC

ThinkAnalytics is adding voice, chatbot and other solutions that combine generative AI, personalized recommendations, content metadata and natural language interaction to its portfolio

London, UK( )

ThinkAnalytics, the worlds leading content discovery vendor with over 20 years of history in machine learning and AI, today announced that it is adding voice, chatbot and other solutions that combine generative AI, personalized recommendations, content metadata and natural language interaction to its portfolio at IBC 2023 Hall 5, stand B82. At the show, it will also highlight the power of cross-channel marketing campaigns, personalised FAST channels and will demonstrate how first-party data is a game changer for contextual advertising alongside the importance of clean rooms.

Hundreds of millions of viewers already use Think360s personalization, search/content discovery and voice support, and, building on this expertise, ThinkAnalytics is now working with broadcasters and content providers to add new ways of engaging with individuals or groups of viewers using generative AI for personalized recommendations and other inbound and outbound interactions, including personalized emails and social media.

This allows viewers to receive personalized recommendations using natural language on a variety of platforms. This capability, alongside real-time content discovery, personalized emails and chatbots, presents a new opportunity to reach those dormant users who are at risk of churn.

Generative AI is also feeding into another development at ThinkAnalytics: creating personalized cross-channel marketing campaigns based on viewing behavior. For example, instead of sending every subscriber a similar marketing email, Think360s insights can be used to create content synopses that emphasize the themes and actors that will appeal to each individual recipient. ThinkInsight can measure the impact of this richer personalization and see the value of the metadata.

ThinkAnalytics will demonstrate the importance of using TV operators first-party data to allow advertisers to target TV audiences in real-time with the highest levels of granularity and accuracy in the industry. ThinkAdvertisings AI models use an operators own first-party data which can be delivered securely through clean rooms to create and target contextual audience segments at scale.

The quality of ThinkAdvertisings first-party data fills an important need in the market as advertisers face the consequences of a post-cookie world plus the need to target the correct audiences to maximize the results from their ad spend. The results speak for themselves: ThinkAdvertising has delivered uplifts of over 100% for customers, said Peter Docherty, Founder and CTO, ThinkAnalytics.

About ThinkAnalytics

ThinkAnalytics is the world leader in AI-based content discovery and viewer analytics with its Think360 product suite, which enables video service providers, studios, broadcasters, and media companies to deliver personalized experiences to their users. Delivering content discovery and viewer insights to over 85 service providers serving approximately 475 million subscribers in 43 languages with 8 billion recommendations per day, ThinkAnalytics is the largest independent content discovery platform. Customers include Liberty Global, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, DirecTV, HBO Max, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), Bell Media, BritBox International, Crunchyroll, Astro, Intigral, MBC, OSN, Proximus, Rogers, Tata Play, TELUS, and Mediacorp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Falcon Gold Corp. (FG:TSX-V), (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB); ("Falcon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the company has received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property, and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:

Copper-anomaly

Anomalous Gold-Arsenic

Multiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomalies

Multiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and Zirconium

Prospecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Falcon. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:

22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215ppm

20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98ppm

34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149ppm

10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123ppm

9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72ppm

20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppm

Multiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)

Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) Arsenic

Falcon interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations."

Figure 1. Location of Falcon's, and Marvel's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.

Qualified Person

Greg Robinson, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.



The Company holds multiple additional projects: The Esperanza Gold/Silver/Copper mineral concessions located in La Rioja Province, Argentina; The Viernes Gold/Silver/Copper project in Antofagasta Chile; The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; the Great Burnt, Gander North/South, Valentine Gold South, Victoria West, and Golden Brook acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Matador, Benton-Sokoman's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland; and most recently Battery Metals projects in Ontario and Quebec, The Timmins West and Outarde Property.



CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani" Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-1036

Email: [email protected]

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the Spin-Out. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Falcon Gold Corp







View source version on accesswire.com:
CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL) or ("Eagle Plains") has mobilized crews to commence exploration activity on EPL's 100% owned Findlay Project, located 35km NW of Kimberley, BC and 15km north of Eagle Plains' Vulcan property. Fieldwork is being funded by Amaroq Gold Corp. ("Amaroq", a private BC corporation), which may earn up to a 75% interest in the project (details following).

2023 Exploration activity at Findlay will consist of surface mapping, prospecting and soil geochemical sampling in the Midfork and Tourmalinite Ridge areas of the property.

Findlay Project Summary

The Findlay Project overlies Aldridge Formation stratigraphy, considered prospective for sedimentary-exhalative ("sedex") deposits. Structurally, this area has been identified as an extension of the North Star-Sullivan corridor which hosts the world-class Sullivan critical metals deposit 35km to the southeast. Over its 100+ year lifetime, Sullivan contained a total of 160 million tonnes of ore averaging 6.5% lead, 5.6% zinc and 67 g/t silver, resulting in 298 million ounces of silver, 18.5 billion pounds of lead, 17.5 billion pounds of zinc and significant quantities of associated metals; collectively worth over $40B at current metal prices. The Findlay property displays Sullivan-style exhalative tourmalinite (boron) horizons, massive fragmental sections, anomalous lead, zinc, and indicator geochemistry, and base-metal occurrences. This "Sullivan smoke" occurs throughout the Lower to Upper Aldridge formation and indicates the potential for Sullivan-style mineralization at multiple stratigraphic levels. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Findlay property.

See Findlay Project Highlight Map and Webpage here

Project History

The Findlay property has been explored sporadically since the 1930's. Government assessment reports show exploration programs by Cominco (1959-69, 1977, 1984-1988), Texas Gulf Sulphur (1971), Kerr-Addison Mines (1971-1975), Amax (1977-79), Four Tops Mining (1982-1985), Billiton Canada (1983-1984) and Teck Corp.(1990). Commodities sought were skarn-related tungsten from Cretaceous intrusions and base- and precious-metals from SEDEX style deposition. Eagle Plains Resources began acquiring claims in the Findlay/Doctor/Greenland Creek area in 1996.

Between 1997 and 2000, parts of the current Findlay property were under option to Kennecott Canada Ltd. Billiton Canada Ltd. and Rio Algom Ltd. Work by these groups as well as extensive work funded exclusively by Eagle Plains included property-scale geological and structural mapping, soil geochemical sampling, prospecting and limited diamond-drilling.

In 2012, MMG completed a 475 line-km airborne geophysical survey, followed by a 4-hole, 1435m diamond-drilling program. Work in 2013 by MMG included systematic exploration including geological mapping, soil geochemical sampling, ground geophysics and water sampling. The target to be tested during this current drill program was identified as a result of this work. The last systematic exploration of the property occurred in 2014, when MMG completed a ground magnetic geophysical survey and 2-hole, 748m diamond drill program. Following this program, MMG elected to terminate its option.

Total expenditures on the property since acquisition by EPL in 1996 are approximately $5.0M

Technical information concerning the Findlay property has been reviewed and approved by C.C. Downie, P.Geo., a director and officer of Eagle Plains, hereby identified as the "Qualified Person" under N.I. 43-101.

Findlay Option Agreement Details

Under the terms of an option agreement announced May 8th, 2023, Amaroq may earn a 60% interest by completing $5,000,000 in exploration expenditures, issuing 1,800,000 voting class common shares and making $500,000 in cash payments over a 4-year period. Amaroq may increase its interest to 75% by delivering a feasibility study by 2030.

Update on Vulcan Program

Work continues processing core from 2023 drilling at Vulcan. Detailed core-logging has been completed and broad intervals of mineralized material are now being systematically cut and sampled. It is expected that logging and detailed analytical results of the drill core will provide important clues with respect to mineralization, geological setting, metal ratios, alteration and other geological information which will guide future drilling. An application seeking a 5-year area-based permit has recently been filed with government authorities to facilitate future drilling and other exploration activities. Detailed analytical results will be reported once they have been received, compiled and interpreted.

See Vulcan Project Highlight Map and Webpage here

Update on Hansen North Lithium Project

As announced previously by partner Brunswick Exploration Inc., ("Brunswick"), Brunswick has elected to terminate its option on EPL's 100% owned Hansen North Project located in east-central Saskatchewan.

About Eagle Plains Resources

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout, Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:"ER") was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada.

Eagle Plains' core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team.

Expenditures from 2011-2022 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $30M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 45,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development.

Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Eagle Plains

"Tim J. Termuende"

President and CEO

For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)

Email: [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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. This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:
STRONGSVILLE, OH / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Foundation Software - provider of best-in-class construction software and services - has been honored with the NorthCoast 99 Top Workplace Award.

Foundation Software Logo

NorthCoast 99 is ERC's annual recognition program that honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces. Recipients are chosen based on demonstrated core values, achievement of goals, benefits and employee satisfaction surveys.

Reflecting on this award, President and CEO of Foundation Software Mike Ode praised his dedicated employees, saying, "We are honored to be among the NorthCoast Top Workplaces. Foundation Software values every employee and their contribution to the success of our company. We hope to continue to cultivate an atmosphere of support for our workers."

Foundation has won 18 NorthCoast 99 Top Workplace awards and has retained loyal employees by establishing a culture of support and appreciation with company-wide free perks like exercise classes, event tickets and weekly catered meals. The entire Foundation team has active input in selecting the additional benefits they're given each month, and they enjoy an office atmosphere that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Employees are also offered free educational opportunities so they can gain additional experiences and skills.

Ode plans to keep this momentum going, saying, "Our amazing team is what makes our company growth possible. Maintaining a healthy workplace environment will always be a top priority."

To learn more about Foundation Software, visit foundationsoft.com.

Contact Information

Tracie Kuczkowski

VP of Marketing

[email protected]

(800) 246-0800

SOURCE: Foundation Software

View source version on accesswire.com:
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / As an elementary school student, Nohely Peraza took a bus from her home in East Palo Alto to a school several miles away in another city. The local commute program sought to address the lack of diversity in schools in high-income neighborhoods and create educational opportunities for those in lower-income areas. For Nohely, it felt like a different world - the houses were bigger, and the surrounding area was far less racially diverse than the neighborhood she lived in.

"I would tag along with my mom at her job cleaning houses, and they were all in the neighborhoods where I went to school," recalls Nohely. "I also had the provided brown paper bag lunch unlike others who had homemade lunches. It was my first time feeling very different."

Eastside Supports First-Generation Students

But as Nohely approached high school, everything changed. Without knowing, she'd been passing Eastside College Preparatory School, a small private high school and Gilead Foundation grantee in East Palo Alto, every day on the bus. While students have to apply to get in, Eastside prioritizes accepting low-income students and those who will be of the first generation in their families to attend college, and tuition is free. Nohely learned about Eastside through a friend's mom, and when she discovered there was an opportunity to continue her education in her own neighborhood, surrounded by students with similar life experiences, she jumped at the chance.

"I convinced my mom to take me to an open house for the school. I fell in love, as I was drawn in by how college-oriented it was," she says. "My parents didn't get a high school diploma or college degree, but they would always tell me I don't know how you're going to do it, but you're going to go to college.'"

Nohely got into Eastside, where she excelled, and four years later was accepted to Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. When she graduated in 2020, she wanted to give back and continue to be a part of the community that meant so much to her - so she decided to return to Eastside as a teacher. Today, she teaches freshman World History as well as a class to help students gain research skills in preparation for college.

Preparing Students for College

For Chris Bischof, who cofounded Eastside, Nohely's path epitomizes his hopes for the students - with a focus on getting first-generation students from low-income families ready for college. When Eastside opened in 1996, 65% of students in East Palo Alto didn't finish high school, and less than 10% of high school graduates made it to college.

"I believed we could create greater opportunities for students in our community," says Chris. "Everything we've done since day one of starting the school has been aimed at achieving that goal."

This evolving process has included creating a rigorous environment to help get students on the same educational levels when they enter the school and to build their confidence to succeed. The school days are long, running from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There's ample time for one-on-one tutorials between students and teachers, and programs continue throughout the summer. There's also an option to be a residential boarder at the school, so students can fully immerse themselves in the learning experience.

"Our students come in with a wide range of academic backgrounds," Chris says. "But we meet students where they are, providing many layers of support to help every student reach their potential and go on to be successful in college."

Despite navigating the individual needs and challenges of around 65 students per grade, today more than 99% of Eastside's students go on to college - and that number was 100% for the Class of 2023.

Making a Positive Impact

Today, Nohely finds joy watching students participate in rituals that meant a lot to her when she was younger. "We have a graduation tradition where students are given roses to present to their family members and supporters," she says. "It's very beautiful, because just one student graduating touches so many lives."

As part of its commitment to improve health equity through promoting educational equity, the Gilead Foundation supports Eastside's efforts to continue to grow in unique and innovative ways. And the school is planning to expand what it offers students each year.

"We're continuously learning about how we can improve," Chris says. "We want to make sure that as long as the students put forth the effort, it's a guarantee that they're going off to college."

Originally published by Gilead Sciences

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gilead Sciences on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gilead Sciences

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gilead-sciences

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Gilead Sciences

View source version on accesswire.com:
The Initial Assessment Focuses on a Small Surface Footprint, 5.9 Million Tonnes per Year High Grade Underground Copper Mining Operation Supported Solely by the High-Grade Exotic, Oxide and Enriched Domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits

Additional Resources at the Texaco Deposit and the Large, Primary Sulfide Resources at Santa Cruz Provide Potential for Future Growth

Life of Mine ("LOM") Copper Production Estimated to be 1.6 Million Tonnes over a 20-Year Mine Life, with an Average Grade of 1.58% Total Copper and C1 Cash Costs[1] of $1.36 per Pound

Estimated LOM Copper Production Includes 1.0 Million Tonnes of 99.99% Pure Copper Cathode and 0.6 Million Tonnes of Copper Contained in a Concentrate that is 48% Copper by Weight

Initial Capital Estimate of $1.15 Billion, After-tax NPV 8% of $1.32 Billion and IRR of 23.0% Assuming LOM $3.80/lb Copper Price

Base Case Utilizes 70% Renewable Energy, Resulting in Low Scope 1 and 2 Carbon Dioxide Equivalent ("CO 2 e") Emissions of 0.49 Tonnes of CO 2 e per Tonne of Copper Produced, Compared to the Industry Average of 3.9 Tonnes of CO 2 e per Tonne of Copper[2]

Ivanhoe Electric Controls the Private Surface Land and Patented Mineral Rights Encompassing the Entire Santa Cruz Copper Project

Ivanhoe Electric to Host Conference Call to Review the Initial Assessment at 11:00 am ET on Wednesday, September 6, 2023

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) Executive Chairman, Robert Friedland and President and Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Melvin are pleased to provide the results from the Initial Assessment[3] ("IA") for its Santa Cruz Copper Project, located west of Casa Grande, Arizona. The IA is a preliminary technical and economic study for the Santa Cruz Copper Project and associated high-grade mineral resources included in the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits. The study analyzes the potential for a high-grade underground copper mining operation supported by modern technologies to reduce environmental impact and powered predominantly by renewable energy.

Mr. Friedland commented: "Completing the Initial Assessment for our Santa Cruz Copper Project is an important achievement for Ivanhoe Electric as we work to advance a new source of responsibly produced "green" copper in the United States. Our goal is to develop a modern copper mine that produces copper with among the lowest levels of carbon dioxide output in the industry; a product we think has the potential to attract a premium price in the future. Using primarily onsite renewable electricity generation, and with the potential to increase that to meet the Project's entire future needs, the Initial Assessment shows us that we are on the right track to achieving our goal at Santa Cruz and our larger goal of enhancing U.S. supply chain independence for critical metals. We are excited about the future for our Santa Cruz Project in Arizona."

Mr. Melvin commented: "The Initial Assessment for the Santa Cruz Copper Project is the result of a tremendous effort by our team and an important milestone for the Project. The study provides a first look at our plans for a technologically advanced, underground copper mine in Arizona with attractive economics at today's copper prices. We are designing the Project to minimize environmental impact through the use of modern technologies and renewable power. We believe the Santa Cruz Copper Project will become an industry-leading example of responsibly produced copper in the United States, and a source of high-quality jobs in Arizona during development and throughout its anticipated long mine life."

Highlights of the Initial Assessment

The Santa Cruz IA outlines a potential 5.9 million tonnes per year underground mining operation, supported by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed with an average grade of 1.58% copper from the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits, resulting in an estimated 20-year mine life.

The IA focuses exclusively on the high-grade exotic, oxide and enriched domains of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge Deposits. The oxide and enriched domains of the Texaco Deposit are not included in the current study (2.7 million tonnes indicated grading 1.42% total copper and 27.3 million tonnes inferred grading 1.39% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade). Future studies could evaluate the potential addition of the large primary sulfide domains at Santa Cruz (76.2 million tonnes indicated grading 0.88% total copper and 8.0 million tonnes inferred grading 0.92% total copper, using a 0.70% cut-off grade) and at the Texaco Deposit (0.9 million tonnes indicated grading 1.05% total copper and 35.0 million tonnes inferred grading 1.06% total copper, using a 0.80% cut-off grade), subject to market conditions.

Copper recoveries of 95.4% are expected to be achieved through a combination of solvent extraction and electrowinning ("SX/EW") and conventional froth flotation.

The IA includes LOM production for the Project of 1.0 million tonnes of copper in the form of 99.99% pure copper cathode and 0.6 million tonnes of copper contained in a 48% copper concentrate with very low deleterious elements, such as arsenic or lead.

LOM average C1 cash costs are expected to be $1.36 per payable pound of copper, with C3 total costs[4] expected to average $2.84 per payable pound of copper.

The IA contemplates initial project capital expenditures of $1.15 billion, and LOM sustaining capital expenditures totaling $0.98 billion. A three-year construction period is envisioned to develop the underground workings and build the surface processing facilities.

The IA estimates that the Project has a pre-tax net present value ("NPV") of $1.6 billion at an 8% discount rate and a pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 25.1%, using a flat LOM copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. After-tax NPV is estimated at $1.3 billion with an after-tax IRR of 23.0%, using the same discount rate and copper price assumptions.

The IA is designed to minimize environmental impact and minimize surface land disruption. As a result of the small surface footprint required for underground copper mining activities included in the IA, the total land area expected to be required for the mine, plant, tailings storage facilities and potential on-site generation of renewable solar power covers approximately one-third of the total land package.

The IA base case assumes 70% of the total electric power requirements for the Project will be generated by onsite renewable infrastructure, enabling copper production with very low carbon dioxide equivalent ("CO 2 e") emissions of 0.49 tonnes of CO 2 e per tonne of copper for Scope 1 and 2 emissions. In comparison, the global mining industry average is approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO 2 e per tonne of copper equivalent[5]. The subsequent Preliminary Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Project will evaluate the potential use of combined solar power, battery storage and a geothermal-driven microgrid as renewable power sources to provide up to 100% of the electricity requirements for the Project.

An all-electric underground heavy mining fleet is assumed in the IA, in combination with railveyor technology for material movement, which would significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve energy efficiency. The use of an all-electric underground heavy equipment fleet alone represents an estimated 70-80% reduction in Scope 1 emissions when compared to a traditional high-efficiency diesel-powered heavy equipment fleet.

The IA also contemplates placing 50% of the mine tailings back underground as cemented paste fill. The remaining 50% will be stored on the surface as thickened tailings at 65% solid content. Surface tailings will be contained within a ring dyke dam with a capacity to store 56.7 million tonnes. Water management associated with tailings storage is minimized as a result of thickened tailings and high evaporation rates in the Sonoran Desert.

Ivanhoe Electric controls the private surface land and patented mineral rights encompassing the entire Santa Cruz Project. The entirety of the facilities referenced in the IA, including mining, processing, tailings storage and onsite renewable power generation facilities, can be developed on private land under private mineral title. Ivanhoe Electric also controls water rights associated with its Santa Cruz land package.

Video of the Santa Cruz IA operation. Click on the image below for the high-resolution video.

Ivanhoe Electric to Host a Conference Call on the Santa Cruz Initial Assessment

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Ivanhoe Electric will host a conference call to discuss the results of the Santa Cruz IA.

The call will include remarks from Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland, President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Melvin and other members of the Company's management team. It will also feature a question-and-answer session.

DATE: Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

TIME: 11:00 am Eastern / 8:00 am Pacific / 8:00 am Arizona.

DIAL IN: 1-888-664-6383 or 416-764-8650

LINK: https://app.webinar.net/oE8nX7LrV06

A replay of the call, together with supporting presentation slides, will be made available on Ivanhoe Electric's website at www.ivanhoeelectric.com.

Table 1. Summary of the Initial Assessment Estimated Operating and Economic Results

Production Results Mine Life Total LOM Mill Feed Nameplate Mill Throughput Average Feed Grade (total copper) Average Feed Grade (soluble copper) Average Total Copper Recovery Total LOM Copper Production (in cathode and concentrate) Average Copper Production in Cathode (first 10 years) Average Copper Production in Concentrate (first 10 years) Operating Costs Onsite Operating Costs (mining, processing, G&A) Average C1 Cash Costs Average C3 Total Costs Capital Costs Initial Capital Expenditures Sustaining Capital Expenditures Total LOM Capital Expenditures Economic Analysis Copper Price Pre-Tax Undiscounted Free Cash Flow Pre-Tax NPV 8% Pre-Tax IRR After-Tax Undiscounted Free Cash Flow After-Tax NPV 8% After-Tax IRR

Robust IA Economics for the USA's "Next Generation" Copper Mine

The IA outlines LOM copper production totaling 1.6 million over a 20-year mine life - underpinned by 105.2 million tonnes of modeled mill feed grading 1.58% total copper. Copper C1 cash costs are expected to average $1.36 per pound.

Figure 1. Santa Cruz IA copper sales and cost profile.

Total operating costs (mining, processing, G&A and other) are expected to average $43.48 per tonne processed, including mining costs of $27.33 per tonne, processing costs of $12.84 per tonne and G&A and other costs of $3.31 per tonne.

The initial capital expenditures total $1.15 billion, which includes pre-production development of the twin declines and underground infrastructure, purchase of mining equipment, construction of the processing plant and infrastructure facilities and construction of the tailings storage facility.

LOM sustaining capital expenditures total $0.98 billion, which includes the capital required to extend the twin declines to the lower portion of the Santa Cruz Deposit, as well as the maintenance of all equipment and supporting infrastructure. It also includes expansion and closure costs of the tailing facility.

The IA estimates LOM revenue of $12.9 billion using a flat copper price assumption of $3.80 per pound. Pre-tax undiscounted free cash flow totals $5.22 billion and pre-tax NPV 8% totals $1.64 billion with an IRR of 25.1%.

On an after-tax basis, the IA Project is estimated to generate $4.23 billion of undiscounted free cash flow, an NPV 8% of $1.32 billion with an IRR of 23.0%.

Figure 2. IA economics are sensitive to the input copper price and capital and operating cost assumptions.

Note: Copper price points calculated by Ivanhoe Electric and inserted into IA sensitivity model.

The IA is preliminary in nature and includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable the inferred mineral resources to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Accordingly, there is no certainty that the results of the IA will be realized.

The IA contains economic analyses which include and exclude inferred mineral resources. This press release focuses on the economic analysis, including inferred mineral resources. For more information regarding the economic analysis without inferred mineral resources, see the Initial Assessment, which is included as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC in connection with this announcement.

The IA is based on Ivanhoe Electric's December 31, 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate, which includes the Santa Cruz, East Ridge and Texaco Deposits, using a 0.70% copper cut-off at Santa Cruz, 0.90% at East Ridge and 0.80% at Texaco (the "2022 Mineral Resource Estimate", see February 14th, 2023 news release). The economic analysis described in this release and in the IA does not include any mineral resources from the Texaco Deposit.

Phased Approach to Underground Mining Optimizes Initial Capital Expenditures and Maximizes Return on Investment

In the IA, twin declines, each measuring 4.3 kilometers, would be developed to access the upper parts of the Santa Cruz and East Ridge deposits. One decline is required for air intake and access, while the other will be required for air exhaust and material movement. To develop the declines, the IA assumes that construction of the portal box cut would begin in 2026, decline development in 2027 and continues through 2028 to access the top portion of the mine. Under these assumptions, stoping activities would begin in 2029 with a 1-year ramp up to the full 15,000 tonnes per day capacity.

Mining of the upper portion would proceed for the first eight years before additional capital expenditures are required to extend the declines by 1.9 kilometers. Additional surface infrastructure would be required once mining of the lower portion commences. This would include the second phase construction of a refrigeration plant, ventilation, water handling, and material handling.

Mine sequencing would employ typical transverse longhole stopes for the Santa Cruz deposit on a primary-secondary sequence with paste backfill for support. Mining of the Santa Cruz exotic mineralization has been evaluated using a drift and fill technique with access from the Santa Cruz longhole stoping levels. The East Ridge deposit will apply a drift and fill mining technique with access directly from the twin declines.

Over the total LOM, 105.2 million tonnes of mineralized material is expected to be mined. This includes 88.6 million tonnes from the Santa Cruz deposit, 1.9 million tonnes from the Santa Cruz exotic mineralization, 9.8 million tonnes from the East Ridge deposit and 4.9 million tonnes of low-grade material required to access the Deposits.

Figure 3. Santa Cruz IA site layout, requiring approximately one-third of the total land package for the mine, plant, process, tailings storage facilities and on-site generation of solar power.

Figure 4. Completed IA mine design plan identifying the Santa Cruz deposit, Santa Cruz zone of exotic mineralization and East Ridge deposit. Key mining infrastructure is also depicted, such as the portal box cut, twin declines, lateral developments and ventilation raises.

Significant Technical Work Completed to Date Increased Knowledge of the Regional Aquifer and Groundwater Flows

Ivanhoe Electric has conducted a detailed analysis of historical hydrogeological information and completed additional drill holes focused on obtaining additional hydrogeological information. Using this information, a hydrogeological conceptual site model was developed to determine which rock types have influence on the storage or movement of groundwater. A groundwater flow model was then developed to evaluate mine dewatering requirements and inform mine planning. The underground mine access and mine plan were analyzed against the groundwater flow model and showed that most of the mineralization is located within rock relatively low in water inflow.

Ivanhoe Electric has been proactive in its approach to geotechnical data collection. Upon acquisition of the Project, early collection of geotechnical information began to facilitate the completion of a comprehensive geotechnical model in the early stage of design work, which also informed the groundwater flow model. As of August 2023, Ivanhoe Electric has completed 71,620 meters of geotechnical drilling.

Copper Recoveries Averaging 95.4% Expected to be Achieved by Using SX/EW for Copper Cathode Production and Froth Flotation Copper Concentrate Production

The IA envisions the production of copper through a process that utilizes a conventional design for treating high-grade mixed copper oxide and copper sulfide mineralization. In the IA, total copper recovery averages 95.4% over the LOM.

The IA includes potential LOM production of 1,587,000 tonnes of copper contained in 99.99% pure cathode and 48% copper concentrate with very low deleterious elements, such as arsenic or lead. LOM copper recovered to cathode totals 1,032,000 tonnes and LOM copper recovered to concentrate totals 555,000 tonnes (65% copper in cathode, 35% copper in concentrate).

Figure 5. Santa Cruz IA summary processing flowsheet showing the production of both copper cathode from copper oxide mineralization and copper concentrate from copper sulfide mineralization.

Ivanhoe Electric is Committed to Utilizing Industry-Leading Mining Technologies and Renewable Power Sources

The IA applies modern mining technologies, including the use of railveyor technology for the efficient movement of mined mineralization from underground to surface. Railveyor is a safe and autonomously operated alternative to traditional belt conveyors or diesel haul trucks. It is also able to recover energy through regenerative braking during the return phase.

Figure 6. Sandvik roadheader used for decline development shown on the left (Source: Sandvik) and railveyor unloading turn shown on the right (Source: Railveyor)

Additionally, the IA base case envisions that 70% of the Project's power requirements will be generated from onsite renewable power sources. The subsequent PFS will investigate the potential of onsite generation of power from combined solar panels, battery storage and a geothermal-driven microgrid to provide 100% of the electricity needs for the Project. Even at 70%, the application in the IA of onsite renewable power for the direct production of copper would lead to one of the lowest CO2e emissions intensities per pound of copper produced in the industry[6].

Average carbon intensities in the global mining industry stand at approximately 3.9 tonnes of CO 2 e per tonne of copper equivalent, encompassing both scope 1 and 2 emissions[7]. The IA base case anticipates that the average CO 2 e intensity for Santa Cruz copper (development and mining stages) is 0.49 tonnes of CO 2 e per tonne of copper for scope 1 and 2 emissions.

CO 2 e intensity is affected by a variety of factors, including the type and efficiency of the mining equipment used, the grade of the ore, the depth of the mine, and the method of generating electricity.

Figure 7. At the IA base case, Santa Cruz is projected to be one of the lowest CO 2 e emissions operations per tonne of copper on the global emissions "cost" curve.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 8. Santa Cruz is projected to produce less CO 2 e per Tonne of Copper than other USA copper mines currently in production.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 9. Santa Cruz LOM C1 copper cash costs of $1.36/lb in the IA are projected to be below industry average.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Figure 10. Santa Cruz has the potential to be a significant copper producer in the US with attractive operating costs.

Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (single year 2022 data shown, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie).

Ivanhoe Electric is Committed to the Responsible Development of the Santa Cruz Project through Diligent Permitting, Planning, Environmental Monitoring, Water Management and Stakeholder Engagement

Data collection for permitting purposes is ongoing using a phased approach - Phase A involves acquiring the information required for the twin decline development permits, and Phase B focuses on obtaining mine development permits. The data included in the IA will form the basis for the permitting process.

To support the permitting process, there are several baseline environmental monitoring programs already in place. These programs include quarterly surface water sampling in major drainages, as well as the installation of piezometers in selected drill holes to collect sub-surface hydrologic data. Water elevation from existing agricultural wells is measured and a baseline groundwater sampling and monitoring program is being developed. To further assess the impact on local waterways, Ivanhoe Electric has assessed and classified all waterways within the Project area through the completion of an ordinary high water mark analysis.

Updated biological, archaeological, and cultural studies have been completed, which assist Ivanhoe Electric in taking the precautionary steps to preserve the ecosystem and cultural heritage. Ivanhoe Electric has, for example, implemented beneficial practices and procedures aimed at protecting migratory bird species.

Additionally, meteorological data is monitored to gather site-specific climate and evaporation information. This data, along with the development of an emissions inventory, will help determine the air permitting pathway.

Ivanhoe Electric has commenced engagement with key stakeholders, including surrounding communities, government agencies and municipalities and local water groups.

Qualified Persons

The Initial Assessment is entitled "S-K 1300 Initial Assessment & Technical Report Summary, Santa Cruz Project, Arizona", is dated September 6, 2023, and was prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 and Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The Initial Assessment was prepared by the following firms: SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. (SRK), Nordmin Engineering, Ltd. (Nordmin), M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. (M3), Met Engineering, LLC(Met Engineering), Call & Nicholas, Inc. (CNI), INTERA Incorporated (INTERA), KCB Consultants Ltd. (KCB), Tetra Tech, Inc. (Tetra Tech), Life Cycle Geo, LLC (LCG), and Haley & Aldrich, Inc. (H&A).

The Initial Assessment will be available on the SEC's EDGAR website as an exhibit to a Form 8-K filed by the Company in connection with this announcement.

Other disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release with regard to the Santa Cruz Project have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Glen Kuntz, P.Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Kuntz is an employee of Ivanhoe Electric.

Ivanhoe Electric will have prepared and filed an independent technical report prepared under Canadian National Instrument 43-101 within 45 days of this news release. This report will be available on the company's website and on the company's SEDAR profile.

For the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, the independent Qualified Persons responsible for preparing the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release are Anton Chan (SRK); Matt Sullivan (SRK); Joanna Poeck (SRK); Christian Ballard (Nordmin); Laurie Tahija (M3); John Woodson (M3); Jim Moore (Met Engineering); Rob Cook (CNI); Jim Casey (KCB); Annelia Tinklenberg (INTERA); Daryl Longwell (Tetra Tech); Tom Meuzelaar (LCG); and Eric Mears (H&A). Each Qualified Person has reviewed and approved the information in this news release relevant to the portion of the scientific and technical information for which they are responsible.

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, 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

We are a U.S. company that combines advanced mineral exploration technologies with electric metals exploration projects predominantly located in the United States. We use our accurate and powerful Typhoon" geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc., to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as we seek to discover new deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. We believe the United States is significantly underexplored and has the potential to yield major new discoveries of critical metals. Our mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals, including nickel, vanadium, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold, and silver. Through the advancement of our portfolio of electric metals exploration projects, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona and the Tintic Copper-Gold Project in Utah, as well as other exploration projects in the United States, we intend to support United States supply chain independence by finding and delivering the critical metals necessary for the electrification of the economy. We also operate a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden to explore for minerals on ~48,500 km2 of underexplored Arabian Shield in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com.

Contact Information

Investors: Valerie Kimball, Director, Investor Relations 720-933-1150

Follow us on Twitter

Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe

Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric

Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable US 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 in this news release include, without limitation: the projections, assumptions and estimates contained in the Initial Assessment, including, without limitation, those relating to exploration, development, capital and operating costs, production, grade, recoveries, metal prices, life of mine, mine sequencing, NPV, IRR, payback, processes, equipment, staffing, emissions, use of land, water, power and other inputs, tailings storage, groundwater flow and estimates of mineral resources; costs and emissions relative to other mines; use of renewable energy; the preparation of a PFS; the functioning of our technology; our ability to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process; potential new discoveries and planned or potential developments in the businesses of Ivanhoe Electric.

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 we have no mineral reserves, other than at the San Matias project; we have inferred resources that may never be upgraded to a higher category of resource or reserve; we have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects; we depend on our material projects for our future operations; our mineral resource calculations at the Santa Cruz Project are only estimates; actual capital costs, operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those we have anticipated; the title to some of the mineral properties may be uncertain or defective; our business is subject to changes in the prices of copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, vanadium and platinum group metals; we have claims and legal proceedings against one of our subsidiaries; our business is subject to significant risk and hazards associated with exploration activities, mine development, construction and future mining operations; we may fail to identify attractive acquisition candidates or joint ventures with strategic partners or be unable to successfully integrate acquired mineral properties or successfully manage joint ventures; our success is dependent in part on our joint venture partners and their compliance with our agreements with them; our business is extensively regulated by the United States and foreign governments as well as local governments; the requirements that we obtain, maintain and renew environmental, construction and mining permits are often a costly and time-consuming process; our non-U.S. operations are subject to additional political, economic and other uncertainties not generally associated with domestic operations; and our operations may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts to the availability of our workforce, government orders that may require temporary suspension of operations, and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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.

[1] C1 cash costs calculated per Wood Mackenzie's definition which include mining, processing and G&A costs. C1 cash cost is not a measure recognized by GAAP but is a standard measure used in mining as a reference point to denote the basic cash costs of running a mining operation to allow a comparison across the industry. [2] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022) [3] The Initial Assessment is the equivalent of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. [4] C3 total costs quoted per Wood Mackenzie's definition of C3 total costs which include mining, processing, G&A, depreciation, depletion and royalties costs. C3 total cost is not a measure recognized by GAAP but is a standard measure used in mining as a reference point to denote the total costs of running a mining operation to allow a comparison across the industry. [5] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022) [6] Source: Wood Mackenzie, 2023 (based on public disclosure, the Santa Cruz 2023 IA has not been reviewed by Wood Mackenzie). [7] Source: Tipple Consulting; Santa Cruz Initial Assessment, 2023 (based on public company disclosures from 2021-2022)

SOURCE: Ivanhoe Electric Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Marvel Discovery Corp. (MARV:TSX.V), (O4T:GR), (MARVF:OTCQB); and Falcon Gold Corp. (FG: TSX.V), (3FA:GR), (FGLDF:OTCQB) together (the Alliance) are pleased to announce the companies have received assay results from the late spring, early summer 2023 exploration program conducted over the Moose Mountain project located in Southern Newfoundland. The project covers the eastern portion of the Golden Brook Property and is located approximately 140 kilometers south of Deer Lake. Samples from the first pass reconnaissance program have identified multiple anomalies from rock samples, including:

Copper-anomaly

Anomalous Gold-Arsenic

Multiple Tungsten and Molybdenite anomalies

Multiple Critical and Rare Element anomalies including Antimony, Beryllium, Cerium, Lanthanum, Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and Zirconium

Prospecting surveys were completed by the company in late May and early June 2023 over predetermined target locations within the largely unexplored Moose Mountain project, as part of the company's Q2 2023 Reconnaissance Program. The primary objective of the Moose Mountain program was to investigate the lithium potential of the property through initial prospecting over a number of priority target areas that were identified in 2022 on the basis of geophysical, geological and structural analysis completed by Marvel JV Partner, Falcon Gold. The comprehensive review identified multiple areas deemed prospective in the eastern part of the Golden Brook Property. A total of 149 rock samples were collected by the prospecting team and submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. In Springdale, Newfoundland, an ISO 17025 Certified Analytical Testing Facility, for 34 Element ICP Analysis, and 4 Element ICP-OES analysis that includes Li, Nb, Sn and Ta. Sample collection included float, chip and grab samples from locations deemed of interest by the in-field personnel. Preliminary results from the Moose Mountain project have identified anomalous results for multiple critical and rare earth metals, and the highlights from this sampling include the following:

22.1% of results deemed anomalous for Lithium, with highest Lithium returning 215ppm

20.8% of results deemed anomalous for Lanthanum, with highest Lanthanum returning 98ppm

34.2% of results deemed anomalous for Cerium, with highest Cerium returning 149ppm

10.7% of results deemed anomalous for Tantalum, with highest Tantalum returning 123ppm

9.4% of results deemed anomalous for Niobium, with highest Niobium returning 72ppm

20.1% of results deemed anomalous for Beryllium, with highest Beryllium returning 151.9ppm

Multiple sample stations returned anomalous Zirconium (up to 392ppm Zr), Vanadium (up to 364ppm V), Barium (up to 4996ppm Ba), Tungsten (up to 680ppm W), Molybdenite (up to 129ppm Mo), Antimony (up to 440ppm Sb), and Copper (up to 1264ppm Cu)

Multiple gold-arsenic anomalies with up to 47ppb Gold and over limit (>1000ppm) Arsenic

The Alliance interprets the multiple critical and rare earth element anomalies to be associated with undocumented pegmatites emplaced in relation to unexplored granite rocks in the project area. The potential for pegmatites in the vicinity of the Moose Mountain project was first documented during regional mapping completed in the late 1970's by Falconbridge which visually identified the presence of spodumene in association with pegmatite veins emplaced within contact zones of granite plutons east of the project. The presence of anomalous tungsten east of the project is well documented by the Mineral Occurrence Database System (MODS) operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, which records several tungsten occurrences including the Middle and Western North Branch Tungsten occurrences immediately east of the project. The presence of anomalous uranium north of the project area is also well documented by MODS, which records several uranium occurrences north of the project including the White Bear, Doucette and North White Bear occurrences. The critical and rare earth element anomalies represent new information for the area in which the samples were collected, and there are no previously documented rare earth anomalies historically recorded in the public domain from the areas in which the samples were collected. The newly identified anomalies are under further review by the company to better determine their significance, and to develop an exploration program for further follow up.

Mr. Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our Hope Brook, Golden Brook Project Area continues to deliver on most promising results! Our Moose Mountain Project was initially staked for its gold potential, and our reconnaissance surveys did not disappoint with numerous gold-arsenic anomalies discovered. One sample in particular has us excited as a 47ppb sample in reconnaissance survey is something we regard as extremely significant in this environment. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) and Lithium potential of this new area came as a total surprise as something which has us even more excited especially as the markets and government attitudes start to shift and recognizing the role of REEs, Critical Minerals, will have to play in the New Economy. We look forward to even more exciting results as we return to the Moose Mountain area this fall for follow-up detailed investigations."

Figure 1. Location of Marvel's, and Falcon's Golden Brook joint venture property contiguous to Benton-Sokoman's joint venture.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Robinson, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.



About Marvel Discovery Corp.

Marvel, listed on the TSX Venture Exchange for over 25 years, is a Canadian based emerging resource company. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property positions in:

Newfoundland (Slip, Gander North, Gander South, Victoria Lake, Baie Verte, and Hope Brook - Au Prospects)

Atikokan, Ontario (BlackFly - Au Prospect )

) Elliot Lake, Ontario (East Bull - Ni-Cu-PGE Prospect)

Quebec (Duhamel - Ni-Cu-Co prospect & Titanium, Vanadium, and Chromium Prospect)

Prince George, British Columbia (Wicheeda North - Rare Earth Elements Prospect)

The Company's website is: https://marveldiscovery.ca/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Marvel Discovery Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

President/Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: 604 716 1036 email: [email protected]

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: completion of the proposed Arrangement. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There is no assurance any of the conditions for closing will be met. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

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: Marvel Discovery Corp.







View source version on accesswire.com:
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Meridian Mining UK S (TSX:MNO),(OTCQX:MRRDF),(Frankfurt/Tradegate:2MM) ("Meridian" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the leadership updates including Mr. Gilbert Clark agreeing to take on the Chief Executive Officer role, and Ms. Susanne Sesselmann has accepted the Interim Chair role. As such, the Company has made the following Executive and Board changes:

Mr. Gilbert Clark, a non-independent director of the Company, has been appointed as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer;

Dr. Adrian McArthur, a non-independent director of the Company, has been re-appointed as President to continue the leadership of the Company's day-to-day operations and implementation of the Company's business;

Mr. Martin McFarlane, is now Senior Vice President Strategy and Projects, and will be responsible for the strategy and the development of the Company's Projects; and

Ms. Susanne Sesselmann, an independent director of the Company, has agreed to act as Interim Independent Chair of the Board following unanimous Board support.

The changes reflect the Board's strategy for Meridian going forward, and to forgo the previous Executive Chairman role, as the Board continues to advance the search for an independent Chair to be appointed expediently.

Mr. Gilbert Clark, CEO, stated: "I am honoured and excited to return to lead the Company, and I want to thank the Board for their unanimous vote of confidence and for this opportunity. In this next phase of the Company's growth, the time is right to reset our structure to achieve our long-term goals. I would like to thank Adrian for his leadership and contributions in unlocking the value of Cabaal to date.

"Going forward, I will continue to work closely with Adrian, Martin and the entire Meridian team in furthering the growth and development of our flagship Cabacal Project. I would like to thank Susanne, for her acceptance of Interim Chair role. Her leadership during this new phase is one unanimously supported by the Board and Management."

"The Cabacal project is an advanced Gold-Copper asset with industry leading economics. Our management team will focus on the implementation of the Company's strategy to achieve a near-term production decision at Cabacal1. In parallel, we will be advancing the exceptional belt scale VMS exploration potential, starting at Santa Helena, in order to maximise value for all shareholders through discovery and resource definition."

1 See Meridian Press Release - 26th August 2020

About Meridian

Meridian Mining UK S is focused on:

The development and exploration of the advanced stage Cabacal VMS goldacopper project;

Regional scale exploration of the Cabacal VMS belt;

Exploration in the Jauru & Araputanga Greenstone belts (the above all located in the State of Mato Grosso, Brazil); and

Exploring the Espigao polymetallic project in the State of Rondonia, Brazil.

Cabacal is a gold-copper-silver rich VMS deposit with the potential to be a standalone mine within the 50km VMS belt. Cabacal's base and precious metal-rich mineralization is hosted by volcanogenic type, massive, semi-massive, stringer, and disseminated sulphides within deformed metavolcanic-sedimentary rocks. A later-stage gold overprint event has emplaced high-grade gold mineralization.

The Cabacal Mineral Resource estimate consists of Indicated resources of 52.9 million tonnes at 0.6g/t gold, 0.3% copper and 1.4g/t silver and Inferred resources of 10.3 million tonnes at 0.7g/t gold, 0.2% copper & 1.1g/t silver (at a 0.3 g/t gold equivalent cut-off grade), including a higher-grade near-surface zone supporting a starter pit. Gold equivalents are calculated as: AuEq(g/t) = (Au(g/t) * %Recovery) + (1.492*(Cu% * %Recovery)) + (0.013*(Ag(g/t) * %Recovery)), where Au_recovery_ppm = 5.4368 ln (Au_Grade_ppm) + 88.856; Cu_recovery_pct = 2.0006 ln (Cu_Grade_pct) + 94.686; Ag_recovery_ppm = 13.342 ln (Ag_Grade_ppm) + 71.037. Recoveries are based on metallurgical testwork on core submitted to SGS Lakefield in 2022.

The Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (the "PEA Technical Report") dated March 30, 2023, entitled: "Cabacal Gold-Copper Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Mato Grosso, Brazil" outlines a base case after-tax NPV5 of USD 573 million and 58.4% IRR from a pre-production capital cost of USD 180 million, leading to capital repayment in 10.6 months (assuming metals price scenario of USD 1,650 per ounces of gold, USD 3.59 per pound of copper, and USD 21.35 per ounce of silver). Cabacal has a low All-in-Sustaining-Cost of USD 671 per ounce gold equivalent for the first five years, driven by high metallurgical recovery, a low life-of-mine strip ratio of 2.1:1, and the low operating cost environment of Brazil (see press release dated March 6, 2023).

Readers are encouraged to read the PEA Technical Report in its entirety. The PEA Technical Report may be found on the Company's website at www.meridianminig.co and under the Company's profile on SEDAR.

The qualified persons for the PEA Technical Report are: Robert Raponi (P. Eng), Principal Metallurgist with Ausenco Engineering), Scott Elfen (P. E.), Global Lead Geotechnical and Civil Services with Ausenco Engineering), Simon Tear (PGeo, EurGeol), Principal Geological Consultant of H&SC, Marcelo Batelochi, (MAusIMM, CP Geo), Geological Consultant of MB Geologia Ltda, Joseph Keane (Mineral Processing Engineer; P.E), of SGS, and Guilherme Gomides Ferreira (Mine Engineer MAIG) of GE21 Consultoria Mineral.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Meridian Mining UK S

Gilbert Clark

CEO and Director

Meridian Mining UK S

Email: [email protected]

Ph: +1 (778) 715-6410 (PST)

Qualified Person

Mr. Erich Marques, B.Sc., MAIG, Chief Geologist of Meridian Mining and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and verified the technical information in this news release.

Stay up to date by subscribing for news alerts here: https://meridianmining.co/contact/

Follow Meridian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeridianMining

Further information can be found at: www.meridianmining.co

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for the purposes of applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in under the heading "Risk Factors" in Meridian's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. While these factors and assumptions are considered reasonable by Meridian, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, Meridian can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. 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, Meridian disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise.

SOURCE: Meridian Mining UK S

View source version on accesswire.com:
SWI's expansion will grow the company's footprint in North America and lead into other vertical markets.

MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Systems With Intelligence (SWI), a global provider of Touchless" Monitoring Solutions for industrial applications, has announced the acquisition of Viper Imaging Inc. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Viper Imaging specializes in infrared temperature monitoring solutions for critical assets and industrial processes. This acquisition will further extend SWI's thermal imaging capabilities into the heavy industrial and manufacturing segments and increase its market share in the electric power and oil & gas space.





Systems With Intelligence logo

Systems With Intelligence logo

"We are excited to welcome the Viper Imaging team to SWI," said Angelo Rizzo - President and CEO of SWI. "They have proven technology, an excellent track record, and share our vision for growth in the industry. They will help us to develop and expand our product portfolio, increase our presence in the electric power and oil & gas markets, and allow us to enter the heavy industrial space."

"We are looking forward to collaborating with the team at SWI," said Andy Beck, Co-Owner and President of Viper Imaging. "Between the two companies, our values and vision for expansion are aligned, and we can continue to grow our share of the industrial process monitoring market." Rich Shannon, Co-Owner and Director, adds, "Both Viper and SWI share the mission of creating solutions that are easy to integrate, cost-effective, and impactful while increasing efficiency, promoting safety, and affecting positive environmental change. The combination of our companies positions us as a driving force for process control advancements in the industrial sector."

Viper Imaging Inc. is a privately held company that was founded in 2014. They are a leading supplier of thermal imaging systems and industrial process monitoring equipment. Their systems and software have been installed in various commercial applications for metals, oil and gas, energy production and distribution, and industrial automation. Viper Imaging also provides thermographic inspection services and on-site calibration checks of cameras and pyrometers.

Quick Facts

Systems With Intelligence was founded in 2009

Systems With Intelligence Touchless" monitoring systems are installed in over 100 utilities worldwide

Systems With Intelligence senior management team has over 100 years of collective experience in utility asset monitoring and communications technologies

About Systems With Intelligence

Systems With Intelligence Inc. is a global provider of Touchless" monitoring solutions for electric utility applications. SWI systems collect and analyze the data that allows utilities to increase safety and reliability while reducing operating costs. Coupling thermal monitoring and visual imaging technology with advanced analytic algorithms, Systems With Intelligence solutions automate remote site monitoring.

Systems With Intelligence products are engineered to operate in the harshest environments and withstand high levels of electromagnetic interference, static discharge, and voltage surges found in industrial applications to ensure uninterrupted operation. Providing a monitoring system that operates reliably and connects seamlessly allows customers to remain focused on their operations.

The Systems With Intelligence management and technical teams are comprised of professionals with extensive experience in advanced technology for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. With domain expertise in substation and industrial automation, communications, and utility operations, the team is uniquely positioned to deliver effective and intelligent monitoring solutions.

For more information, visit the company's official website at www.SystemsWithIntelligence.com.

For more information on Viper Imaging, visit: https://viperimaging.com/

Contact Information

Angelo Rizzo

President & CEO

[email protected]

+1-289-562-0126

SOURCE: Systems With Intelligence Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
Joins Forces with West Coast Carrier to Deliver Final Mile Services

JUPITER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Transportation and Logistics Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK:TLSS), ("TLSS" or the "Company"), the parent company of certain wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, which together, provide a suite of logistics and transportation services, is pleased to announce today that it has begun providing final mile delivery services within its entire existing coverage area, in partnership with Expediri, Inc. ("Expediri"), an expedited LTL carrier based in Fontana, California.

Sebastian Giordano, Chairman and CEO of TLSS, commented, "Based upon our existing strong presence and reputation in the Northeast, we continue to seek and secure new business to increase our revenues. We are excited about our new relationship with Expediri, a leading West Coast carrier. This is a prime example of the operation and sales teams' focus and tenacity in aggressively pursuing organic growth."

Mr. Jason Coronado, Expediri's Vice President of Operations stated, "As a niche LTL carrier, we provide our customers with concierge-level service. Our average length of haul is about 2,900 miles and there are a lot of moving parts. For us to sell this service, we needed a like-minded delivery partner. By all measures, the TLSS team has delivered. Their team is transparent, communicative, and provides a seamless extension of what we sell to our customers."

According to Mr. Justin Frey, TLSS's Chief Operating Officer, "Our newest partner currently services long-haul lanes from California to the East Coast, primarily into our coverage areas, so both companies believe that we are perfect fit for each other's business."

About Transportation and Logistics Systems, Inc.

TLSS is a publicly-traded holding company. Its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, Cougar Express, Inc., Freight Connections, Inc., JFK Cartage, Inc. and Severance Trucking Co., Inc., together provide a full suite of logistics and transportation services.

Services include LTL, TL, cartage, airport, container freight station pickup and drayage, transloading, construction trade, warehousing and distribution, pool distribution and final mile, TSA certified, white glove delivery and now, overnight service. For coverage area and pricing, please contact your nearest service center. In NY (516.239.0244), in NJ (201.933.6027) and in MA (800.225.1111).

For more information about TLSS, visit the Company's website, www.tlss-inc.com.

About Expediri, Inc.

Expediri is an expedited LTL transport company headquartered in the Fontana, California that currently services long-haul lanes to the East Coast, but which is on pace to service all major markets.

For more information about Expediri, call 877.764.4587, or visit the company's website at www.expediri.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the Company that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Any such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, financial guidance, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "strategy," "future," "likely," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "predicts," "potential," or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions and comparable terminology. These include, but are not limited to, statements relating to future events or our future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not be achieved. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions, and beliefs about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors outside of our control that could cause our actual results, performance, or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks described above, these risks and uncertainties include: our ability to successfully execute our business strategies, including integration of acquisitions and the future acquisition of other businesses to grow our company; customers' cancellation on short notice of master service agreements from which we derive a significant portion of our revenue or our failure to renew such master service agreements on favorable terms or at all; our ability to attract and retain key personnel and skilled labor to meet the requirements of our labor-intensive business or labor difficulties which could have an effect on our ability to bid for and successfully complete contracts; the ultimate geographic spread, duration and severity of the coronavirus outbreak and the effectiveness of actions taken, or actions that may be taken, by governmental authorities to contain the outbreak or ameliorate its effects; our failure to compete effectively in our highly competitive industry could reduce the number of new contracts awarded to us or adversely affect our market share and harm our financial performance; our ability to adopt and master new technologies and adjust certain fixed costs and expenses to adapt to our industry's and customers' evolving demands; our history of losses, deficiency in working capital and a stockholders' deficit and our historical inability to achieve sustained profitability; material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and our ability to maintain effective controls over financial reporting in the future; our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet our payment obligations; the impact of new or changed laws, regulations or other industry standards that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business; and changes in general market, economic and political conditions in the United States and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from natural or man-made disasters.

These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this release and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this letter. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and should consider various factors, including the risks described, among other places, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as any amendments thereto, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1.833.764.1443

SOURCE: Transportation & Logistics Systems

View source version on accesswire.com:
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / Ubique Minerals Limited ("Ubique" or the "Company") (CSE:UBQ)(FRA:2UM) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral Claim Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Ophir Gold Corp. ("Ophir Gold").

Under the terms of the Agreement, Ophir Gold has agreed to sell and transfer a 100% interest in certain mineral mining claims located in Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland Canada (the "Claims") to the Company. The Claims are all a part of the option agreement announced between the companies on February 14, 2019 wherein previously the Company had the option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Claims.

"We are excited about this strategic agreement with Ophir Gold Corp.," said Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson, CEO of Ubique Minerals Ltd. "This acquisition aligns with our strategy and reinforces our commitment to unlocking the value of the Daniel's Harbour property and now having 100% control we can better manage the exploration project work program that is planned."

The transaction will be executed on an "as is, where is" basis, acknowledging the existing state, condition, and location of the Claims as of the Closing Date. In return for a 100% interest in the Claims, the Company will issue 3,800,000 ordinary shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") to Ophir Gold. The Closing Date for the transaction is anticipated to occur at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time on the second business day after the Effective Date, subject to the fulfillment of the Agreement's terms and conditions.

The execution of the Agreement reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to advancing mineral exploration and development projects that have the potential to generate value for shareholders and contribute to sustainable resource utilization.

About Daniel's Harbour project

The Daniel's Harbour properties of Ubique cover both the area of the past producing high grade zinc mine and extensions of favorable area, mostly to the north-northeast along strike for more than ten kilometers. Exploration drilling to date has confirmed three zinc deposits and has indications of two more which require additional definition drilling to define their extents. Several more zones identified by one or more historic drill holes require relocating and further drilling to confirm. As the deposits are long, narrow and flat lying-in shape and orientation, within flat lying dolomitic sedimentary rocks they may extend across more than one blocks of claims and therefore the ability to consolidate the property position will assist in exploration execution.

On behalf of the board of directors,

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson

CEO and Chairman

About Ubique Minerals Limited

Ubique Minerals Limited is an exploration company listed on the CSE (CSE:UBQ) focused on exploration of its Daniel's Harbour zinc property in Newfoundland and is also engaged in exploration in Namibia, Africa along with actively searching for other projects around the world. Ubique became a publicly listed company in September 2018. Ubique has an experienced management group with a record of multiple discoveries of deposits worldwide and owns an extensive and exclusive database of historic exploration results from the Daniel's Harbour area.

Dr. Gerald Harper, P.Geo.(NL), director of Ubique, is the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 responsible for the technical data presented herein and has reviewed and approved this release.

For more information on Ubique please contact see www.ubiqueminerals.com or contact [email protected]

Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business and trading in the common stock of Ubique Minerals Limited., the raising of additional capital and the future development of the business. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the company's management. Although the company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Ubique can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Ubique disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Ubique Minerals Limited

View source version on accesswire.com:
USMilitary.com, a network of websites packed with helpful information for military recruiting prospects, is prepared to ease the military recruiting crisis.

DESTIN, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2023 / USMilitary.com has an engaged database of more than 500,000 people, including military influencers and websites reaching more than 592,000 monthly visits, and wants to provide qualified military prospects without lowering standards.





Military Recruiting

Military Recruiting Shortage Can Be Avoided

According to the Washington Post, July 4, 2023, "America's armed services are failing to meet their recruiting goals, with the Army in particular suffering the worst shortfalls in five decades."

The issue isn't just about numbers. According to L.C. Fowler, the publisher of the USMilitary.com network, lowering recruiting standards directly impacts national security. "Lowering recruiting requirements, missing recruiting goals, and spending hundreds of millions on recruiting campaigns are unnecessary, along with discussions of a possible draft."

Congress has grappled with the future of the draft for years. Fowler said a military draft and lowering entrance standards can be avoided by meeting its recruitment goals.

In previous years, USMilitary.com provided up to 10,000 qualified prospects to the Army per month, plus an additional 6,000 to the Navy alone. The military can reach its targets using recruiting networks provided by USMilitary.com, such as its mailing list with more than 500,000 engaged members, influencers, and website traffic. For years, USMilitary.com provided Navy Recruiting Command with leads at a volume and cost-per-lead that could not be beaten, Fowler said.

The Army faces challenges such as a shrinking pool of eligible young Americans, the impact of COVID-19, and high Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery standards - all of which have contributed to missed recruitment targets. The Navy also grapples with issues like stringent entrance exam requirements and pandemic-related disruptions affecting its recruiting efforts.

The Army, National Guard, and Navy do not have to start lowering their standards. Fowler said this would be a powerful, possibly unforgiving blow to all the recruits who did meet existing standards. Instead, he said, the military should use firms like USMilitary.com with a proven record of recruiting success.

USMilitary.com is a network of military websites, including NavySeal.com, Military.net, and many more that provides valuable information for anyone interested in joining the U.S. Military along with active and reservists and their families. USMilitary.com has provided up to 750 age, education, and citizenship-qualified military prospects per day for the Army, Navy, Air Force Reserve, National Guard, and Coast Guard.

For more information, email [email protected].

###

Contact Information

Larry Fowler

President

[email protected]

404-358-2224

SOURCE: USMilitary.com

View source version on accesswire.com:
Stifel analyst Matthew Smith lowered the price target on General Mills (NYSE: GIS) to $72.00 (from $86.00) while maintaining a Buy rating.

The analyst commented, "At a conference today, General Mills reiterated its FY24 guidance and discussed trends impacting its North America Retail and Pet businesses, while noting that Foodservice and International are performing well. In FY24, the company continues to expect 3%-4% organic sales growth and 4%-6% constant currency growth for both EBIT and EPS. 1QF24 sales in North America Retail are expected to outpace measured channel sales that have been impacted by lapping pricing actions and value-seeking behavior by consumers, faster growth in non-measured channels and some inventory rebuilding at retail. Pet sales are expected to be flat in 1Q24 due to less pricing and consumers shifting to more value-oriented products and channels. We have slightly lowered our revenue expectations in 1Q24 and for the year. We continue with our Buy rating and are lowering our target price to $72, which continues to place the shares at a modest premium to peers."
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Venture capital firm 500 Global today announced the successful close of US$143 million1 across its largest Southeast Asian early-stage fund to date, 500 Southeast Asia III, L.P. (500 SEA III), and its growth investment vehicle for Southeast Asia. The new early-stage and growth vehicles demonstrate the teams commitment to supporting founders in Southeast Asia from pre-seed to pre-IPO.

Limited partners (LPs) across its early-stage and growth investment vehicles include a sovereign wealth fund, public and private pension funds like Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). A university endowment, family offices of prominent global investors, and portfolio companies valued at over US$1 billion from 500 Globals first Southeast Asia early-stage fund have invested as LPs as well.

500 SEA III is 500 Globals third Southeast Asia-focused early-stage fund, with each successive fund having nearly doubled in size since 2014. Originally targeted for US$75 million, 500 SEA III closed at US$100 million with over half of the fund coming from returning LPs. The early-stage fund will focus on investing in businesses and AI-enabled technologies that advance rural digitalization, sustainable cities, human and machine productivity, healthcare, food security and financial inclusivity. 500 SEA III aims to invest in 100 pre-seed to Series A startups, providing first checks between US$250,000 - US$500,000 across Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

KWAPs investment in 500 Global began in the latters early days through its second Southeast Asia early-stage fund. 500 Global has since grown considerably in strength to a multi-stage investment platform, and remains instrumental in securing co-investment opportunities for KWAP. We are encouraged by its efforts in developing the regional venture capital ecosystem, and look forward to the successes that our ongoing collaboration will bring in optimizing KWAPs investment returns. - Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin, Chief Investment Officer, KWAP.

We are pleased to continue our partnership with 500 Global, a venture capital manager with an extensive investment track record globally. Additionally, in line with Khazanahs Future Malaysia Programme, an initiative under our Dana Impak (Impact Fund) mandate, we are excited about their potential to facilitate the market expansion of start-ups via their Southeast Asia platform, with the anticipation of creating new global champions. - Dato Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director, Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

500 Globals past Southeast Asia investments have included US$5 million - US$20 million checks in Series C to D rounds of portfolio companies such as Carousell (2018), Carsome (2021), and most recently eFishery (2023), and has in the past invited their LPs to co-invest alongside them in select opportunities. The team is expanding its growth investing capabilities with the new vehicle. Most recently, 500 Global announced the appointment of the firms Partners in Southeast Asia - Saemin Ahn, Shahril Ibrahim and Martin Cu - who currently lead 500 Globals growth equity practice across the region, supporting and nurturing startups at every stage of their growth.

We have seen our platform produce a pipeline of high-quality growth stage opportunities which we can underwrite with the added diligence of knowing the companies and founders over the years. While we developed our growth stage capability investing over the years, we have also added resources and new partners in line with our aim to support founders from pre-seed to pre-IPO. - Vishal Harnal, Managing Partner, 500 Global.

We believe the next technology giants are being built now. History shows us that cyclical downturns are typically succeeded by periods of high growth surpassing the preceding cycles. Having been investing in Southeast Asia now for over a decade, we learned a thing or two about supporting outstanding founders and companies to ride the next 10 years, to generate highly competitive returns for our institutional investors and portfolio companies. - Khailee Ng, Managing Partner, 500 Global.

We continue to believe in the strong potential and opportunities in Southeast Asia. With a global portfolio of over 2,800 companies across more than 80 countries, we believe that the founders in Southeast Asia will benefit from one of the few truly global venture platforms with deep local roots and in-market expertise. Were confident that with access to insights, connections, and capital, this can help the next generation of Southeast Asian founders build global tech giants. - Christine Tsai, CEO & Founding Partner, 500 Global.

Over the past decade, 500 Global has backed over 340 companies across Southeast Asia. The firm is recognized as a leading technology investor in the region, having invested early in companies valued at over US$1 billion such as Grab, Bukalapak, Carsome, Carousell, FinAccel2, and eFishery3. 500 Global has a rich history of supporting early-stage founders in Southeast Asia, bolstered by its deep in-market expertise that forms the foundation of the firms multi-stage platform.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with US$2.4 billion in assets under management as of 30 June 2023 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 2,800 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over US$1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over US$100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 190+ team members are located in over 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the worlds leading technology companies.

Disclaimers

This press release is intended solely to provide information regarding 500 Global, and for general informational or educational purposes only. No representations are made as to the accuracy or information contained in this press release, and whilst reasonable steps may be taken to ensure that the information contained in this press release is accurate and up-to-date, no liability can be accepted for any error or omissions.

Information about portfolio companies markets, competitors, performance and fundraising has been provided by those companies and has not been independently verified. All content in any third party links included in this press release have not been independently verified by 500 Global and the inclusion of such links should not be interpreted as an endorsement or confirmation of the content within. Under no circumstances should any content be construed as investment, legal, tax or accounting advice by 500 Global or any of its affiliates.

Under no circumstances should any information or content in this press release be considered as an offer to sell or solicitation of interest to purchase any securities advised by 500 Global or any of its affiliates or representatives. Under no circumstances should anything herein be construed as fund marketing materials by prospective investors considering an investment into any 500 Global investment fund. Under no circumstances should anything herein be used as the basis for any investment decision.

All logos and trademarks of third parties referenced herein are the trademarks and logos of their respective owners. Any inclusion of such trademarks or logos does not imply or constitute any approval, endorsement or sponsorship of 500 Global by such owners.

1 Per the currency rate at Bank Negara Malaysias Exchange rates (https://www.bnm.gov.my/exchange-rates) as at [22 August 2023]

2 Tech in Asia: List of Southeast Asia unicorns and their early investors

3 TechCrunch: Indonesian aquaculture startup eFishery nets $200M at unicorn valuation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905696894/en/

Natalie Chua

Redhill Communications for 500 Global in Southeast Asia

[email protected]

JT Eger

Communications at 500 Global

[email protected]

Source: 500 Global
Partnership targets an enhanced customer experience with integrated HR solutions

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) announced today a new technology-based integration, through the Paylogix Tailored Market Solution, which provides 5Star Lifes customers, agents, and brokers a seamless enrollment and payment experience.

This collaboration effort with Paylogix underscores 5Star Lifes commitment to innovation and provides customers with best-in-class administrative and end-consumer resources that are an ideal complement to our mission to provide industry-leading service and engagement experiences, said Sal Campanile, 5Star Lifes Vice President, Worksite Voluntary Benefit and Group Sales.

The Paylogix Tailored Market Solution simplifies voluntary benefit administration offering quick case set up, a comprehensive online enrollment site, easy case submission process, and a user-friendly online portal to support enrollment, ongoing eligibility management, and billing. This bespoke end-to-end solution adds efficiency and an enhanced digital customer experience to traditional insurer administrative systems.

The partnership with 5Star Life exemplifies how technology-focused solutions which are standardized, automated, and simplified for providers, brokers, and end-users are critical to the success of voluntary benefits administration, said Richard Pfadenhauer, CISSP, President & Founder of Paylogix.

About 5Star Life

5Star Life Insurance Company (5Star Life) is the life insurance underwriter of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) member benefits and a growing provider of group and worksite voluntary insurance products. Its business model enables 5Star Life to serve the needs of a diverse clientele as an insurance provider to individuals and organizations and as a trusted partner to brokers. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, 5Star Life is currently licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. 5Star Life was awarded on the Forbes Worlds Best Insurance Companies 2023 list.

About Paylogix

Paylogix, a third-party administrator, creates premium technology solutions that make voluntary benefit administration simpler and more secure, while delivering a better user experience. Paylogix serves as a trusted partner to benefit providers, brokers, and employers. Our thoughtfully designed tools to facilitate enrollment through billing and payment are automated, innovative, and secure to provide users with the data they need, when they need it.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906581462/en/

5Star Life: Sal Campanile

703-224-5014

[email protected]

Paylogix: Paul Ziats

425-533-0730

[email protected]

Source: 5Star Life Insurance Company
Mack Schow joins Adenia from German DFI in newly created role

SAINT PIERRE, Mauritius--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Adenia Partners (Adenia), a private markets investment firm committed to responsible investing and a sustainable Africa, is pleased to announce that the firm has appointed Mack Schow as its Head of Investor Relations.

Schow joins Adenia with more than a decade of experience at the German Investment Corporation (DEG), Germanys development finance institution (DFI). Most recently serving as DEGs Deputy Head of Equity Africa, Schow co-managed the team covering DEGs approximately $800M corporate equity business portfolio across Africa, which included commitments to 40 Africa-focused private equity funds. He brings a deep familiarity with the investment landscape across Africa and personally lived on the continent for five years. At Adenia, Schow will help the firm further develop its relationships with its broad base of long-term existing partners and seek to attract new investors to its platform.

The creation of the Head of Investor Relations position represents a significant milestone in the development of Adenia, which was founded in 2002. The move to build out firm leadership comes as Adenia will exceed its $400 million target fundraise for its latest Fund V. The new position and Schows hiring signal the firms growth and its expanded presence across the continent.

Macks appointment as Adenias inaugural Head of Investor Relations is an incredibly exciting milestone for the firm, and it showcases our deep commitment to our partners, who have entrusted us to provide strong financial returns, while having a long-term positive economic impact on the African continent, said Stephane Bacquaert, Managing Partner at Adenia. His far-reaching experience as an institutional investor with deep networks across Africa, makes him a stellar match for Adenia, as we continue to scale our value-based investment program and attract a growing roster of investors.

In the newly created role, Schow will lead Adenias Investor Relations team and be responsible for strengthening the cooperation with existing investors, identifying and developing potential new investors, sourcing equity for Adenias funds and co-investments, as well as institutionalizing investor reporting across the firm.

I am immensely excited to join this hugely experienced and entrepreneurial team and look forward to contributing toward Adenias impressive track record of building gender-equitable, climate conscious market leaders in Africa, Schow shared. I am passionate about expanding the African private equity industry and am thoroughly convinced that Adenias proven, sustainable value creation approach offers a great opportunity for both existing and new investors on the African continent.

About Adenia

Adenia Partners is a private markets investment firm with over $800M assets under management, committed to responsible investing and a sustainable Africa. Founded in 2002, Adenia has a proven track record with 31 platform investments executed and 17 realized exits. Based on-the-ground across Africa, Adenia has one of the most highly qualified African private markets investment teams in terms of educational pedigree, longstanding experience as entrepreneurs and investors, and local in-depth knowledge. By creating stronger companies with quality jobs, fostering economic improvement, and elevating companies to meet ESG standards, Adenia is increasing the enterprise value for investors, whilst benefiting workers, communities, and companies in Africa. As a firm, Adenia has set ambitious goals with regards to promoting gender lens investing and minimizing the environmental impact of its investment program. Its climate specific commitments include becoming carbon neutral by 2027 at Adenia Partners level and reducing the CO2 intensity of all portfolio companies. Adenia is one of a select few Africa-focused fund managers to have been awarded 2X Flagship Fund status. This distinction underlines specific commitments to gender balance and intentional impact both within the manager and its investees.

For more information, please visit: www.adenia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905893799/en/

Stephen Fishleigh

BackBay Communications

[email protected]

Source: Adenia Partners
CAMBRIDGE, England & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Apollo Therapeutics (Apollo or the Company), a portfolio biopharmaceutical company focused on translating fundamental medical research into medicines through a hub-and-spoke approach, today announces the close of $226.5 million in a Series C financing led by lead investor Patient Square Capital.

Highlights:

$226.5m million raised.

Financing led by Patient Square Capital.

Participation by multiple new investors including M&G plc and two of the largest US public pension plans, along with existing investor Rock Springs Capital.

Financing significantly adds to the $195 million previously raised by the Company.

Apollos broad and diversified pipeline currently consists of over 20 programs with multiple near and medium-term value catalysts and uncorrelated risk.

Proceeds will be used to (i) advance pipeline programs through clinical development and further fund Apollos drug discovery and development activities based on breakthroughs in basic medical research made at its partner institutions, (ii) licence or acquire additional clinical stage programs that meet strict selection criteria.

Apollo has a scalable R&D platform for the evergreen discovery and development of new medicines. Program selection is agnostic to indication and primarily driven by quality of science and the potential to transform the standard of care in major commercial markets. This is enabled by an unprecedented level of access to world-class research institutions through unique partnership agreements. Current partner institutions are: The University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, Kings College London, and The Institute of Cancer Research.



We are delighted to announce the close of our latest fundraise and wish to thank our existing investors for their continued support, as well as warmly welcoming all the new investors. said Dr. Richard Mason, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Therapeutics. Apollo has built a broad and diversified pipeline focused on major commercial markets and this latest fund-raising enables us to take our most advanced programs to key clinical value inflection points.

I have long believed in a business model for drug development characterized by extremely talented management, sufficient capital to pursue multiple programs and world-class science focused on unmet medical need. We are proud to support Apollo Therapeutics as it develops a number of promising medicines that we anticipate will eventually transform patient care. commented Jim Momtazee, Managing Partner of Patient Square Capital, and member of Apollo Therapeutics Board of Directors.

 END 

About Apollo Therapeutics

Apollo Therapeutics (Apollo) is a portfolio biopharmaceutical company focused on translating fundamental medical research into medicines. The portfolio-model is built around a centralized management team of capital allocators and functional leaders with deep expertise in pharmaceutical R&D, manufacturing, commercial strategy, fund-raising, and business development, leveraged over a diverse portfolio of therapeutic programs, each led by a dedicated and seasoned asset leader. Assets are housed in separate wholly owned subsidiary companies, a hub-and-spoke approach. The advantages of this model, which incorporates best practices from big pharma and venture capital, are (1) enhanced focus at the individual asset level; (2) access to centralized expertise and scale-up capabilities, providing operational efficiencies; (3) attraction of the best talent into both centralized management team and asset leadership positions; (4) flexibility in both capital financing and routes to liquidity, and (5) risk mitigation through a diversified portfolio with uncorrelated risk, attracting a wider investor base.

The Company has a scalable R&D platform for the evergreen discovery and development of new medicines. This is enabled by an unprecedented level of access to five of the worlds leading universities and research institutes. Program selection is agnostic to indication and is primarily driven by the quality of the science and the potential to transform the standard of care in major commercial markets. Backed by leading specialist health care investors, Apollo has operations in Cambridge, U.K., and Boston and Chicago, U.S. For more information, visit www.apollotherapeutics.com.

About Patient Square Capital

Patient Square Capital (Patient Square) is a dedicated health care investment firm with more than $6.5 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. The firm partners with best-in-class management teams whose products, services and technologies improve health. Patient Square utilizes deep industry expertise, a broad network of relationships and a partnership approach to make investments in companies grow and thrive. Patient Square invests in businesses that strive to improve patient lives, strengthen communities, and create a healthier world. For more information, visit www.patientsquarecapital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906788078/en/

Investor Contact for Apollo Therapeutics

Jamie Heath, Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]



Media Contact for Apollo Therapeutics

Ben Atwell / Simon Conway / Alex Davis  UK

Jim Polson / Matt Ventimiglia  US

FTI Consulting

[email protected]

+44 (0) 20 3727 1000  UK +1 (212) 850 2654  US



Media Contact for Patient Square Capital

Zach Kouwe / Doug Allen

Dukas Linden Public Relations

[email protected]

+1 (212) 704 7385

Source: Apollo Therapeutics
The global leader in empowering makers and students with accessible technology capitalizes on its ability to attract enterprise customers with its radically innovative industrial-grade PRO line.

New investments bring the total Series B funding amount to $54 million.

CDP Venture Capital, Italys largest VC firm, and previous investor Anzu Partners co-led, with Arm following up on their earlier investments.

LUGANO, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arduino, the open-source hardware pioneer today announced the closing of an additional $22 million in funding for a total of $54 million in Series B financing. The expansion was co-led by CDP Venture Capital, Italys largest VC firm, and Anzu Partners. CDP Venture Capital invested through Large Ventures, its growth stage vehicle launched in 2023 to support the scaling up of Italian global category leaders, which kicks off its portfolio with this transaction. Joining them is semiconductor leader Arm.

The latest capital supplements the $32 million Series B financing - which was led by Robert Bosch Venture Capital (Bosch Ventures) and included Renesas Electronics - underscoring the company's ongoing expansion and its pivotal role in democratizing electronics as a platform. Arduino is at the forefront of empowering a diverse community of citizen technologists. Leveraging a low-code/no-code approach, they provide innovative solutions in electronics, edge computing, and hardware. With their focus on AI and machine learning, Arduino seamlessly caters to hobbyists, students, and leading enterprises alike.

The additional funding allows Arduino to grow even more in the U.S., where it recently opened an office in Austin (Texas) and established a presence in Chicago (Illinois), while staying true to its European roots, with more than 130 people in Torino, Italy - half of which working on advanced R&D - and more than 30 people in Malmo, Sweden. A major chunk of the $22 million will be invested to further strengthen the R&D team based in Torino, with the goal to grow enterprise application libraries and the Arduino Cloud for Business with more integrations and Embedded AI features. Arduino will also use the funds to accelerate its go-to-market initiatives and customer support in selected high-potential geographies.

This investment will allow us to further fuel our transformational platform initiative for professional customers, lowering the barriers to entry in IoT and AI by providing a continuum from HW to Cloud. We strongly believe that a top-notch R&D team and impeccable Go-to-Market are the only recipe for success for our demanding customers, said Fabio Violante, Arduinos CEO. We greatly appreciate the support of CDP Venture Capital  as the first investor from our home country of Italy and one of the leading European ones  as well as the continued confidence from our previous investors.

"Arduino came a long way from its humble beginning, becoming a powerful industrial tool used by cutting-edge organizations all over the world," said Massimo Banzi, Arduinos co-founder, chairman and CMO. "I'm honored by this investment which is a further confirmation that our original formula keeps applying to new domains.''

The company has managed to chart a unique and successful course thanks to its unique global ecosystem, its growing presence in the enterprise and IoT markets and by adopting a platform-centric approach while strategically positioning itself as a focal point amid talent shortages, especially for technical proficiencies.

Arduino has been a ubiquitous name across electronics in the last decade, with more than 680,000 professional engineers identifying Arduino as one of their core skills on LinkedIn. The renewed emphasis on domestic manufacturing investments in many countries, including the United States, further bolsters this strategic alignment for tech-oriented jobs.

The companys momentum remains strong. Earlier this year, Arduino successfully launched the next generation of the famous maker flagship UNO R4 board, with an Arm-based 32-bit Renesas microcontroller for new levels of performance and capacity. In the EDU market, schools worldwide integrated Arduino solutions in combination with Arduino Cloud for Education in their curricula to facilitate understanding the impact of real-world problems, such as climate change. In the enterprise market, sales for Arduino PRO products have doubled each year since their introduction in 2020, also thanks to the recent launch of disruptive new products like the OPTA microPLC.

Investor Perspectives on $22 Million in Additional Funding

As CDP Venture Capital we are proud to support the dimensional leap of Arduino, a unique global excellence in the democratization of open-source hardware and software," said Mario Branciforti, Head of CDP Venture Capital SGR's Large Ventures fund. "Arduino has built over time a vibrant community of students, engineers and makers accompanying their professional and business paths until entering industries and finding application in manufacturing. It's been a great success story for Italy, proving our innovation and design leadership on an international scale. We are happy that Arduino kicks off Large Ventures' portfolio, the first of many transactions that will aim to boost the growth of leading Italian tech companies, disrupting markets worldwide and making long-lasting impact.

The enterprise ecosystem is on the cusp of a seismic transformation, driven by the convergence of efficient AI and IoT at the edge. Arduino stands at the heart of this revolution, and their commitment to innovation promises to redefine the industry norms, said Jimmy Kan, Partner, Anzu Partners. "Our decision to back Arduino's vision was an intuitive one that resonates deeply with Anzu's mission to foster innovation at the crossroads of diverse tech sectors."

For IoT to continue to scale and deliver increasing AI capability at the edge, developers need access to platforms that enable them to innovate quickly and easily, said Paul Williamson, senior vice president and general manager, IoT Line of Business at Arm. Arduino supports an extensive community of developers who play a crucial role in accelerating the deployment of new computing solutions for IoT applications, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them in growing and scaling this vibrant ecosystem.

Both Branciforti and Kan will join Arduinos board of directors.

About Arduino

Arduino is the global leader in open-source hardware and software, designed from inception to provide an accessible platform and ecosystem for creativity and innovation. With over 30 million developers worldwide, Arduinos solutions offer a powerful answer to the talent shortage in engineering and break free from vendor lock-in with a robust line of open-source products enabling IoT, automation, Industry 4.0 and machine learning at the edge. Hundreds of thousands of engineers, designers, students and makers around the world are using Arduino to innovate in product development, education, industrial automation, smart homes, farming, fashion, music, autonomous vehicles and more. Follow Arduino at https://www.arduino.cc/ or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About CDP Venture Capital

CDP Venture Capital is an asset management company (70% owned by CDP Equity and 30% owned by Invitalia) with over 3 billion euro of assets under management. It aims to make venture capital a strategic pillar to Italys economic development and innovation, creating the conditions for a comprehensive and sustainable growth of the venture capital ecosystem. It operates through a series of funds that aim to support start-ups in all their life cycle stages, making both direct and indirect investments. For more information on CDP Venture Capital, see: www.cdpventurecapital.it

About Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners is an investment firm that focuses on industrial and life science technology companies with the potential to transform their industries. Anzu works with entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize technological innovations by providing capital alongside deep expertise in business development, market positioning, global connectivity and operations. For more information, please visit https://anzupartners.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906626622/en/

Treble

Matt Grant

[email protected]

Source: Arduino
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX: ASCU) (ASCU or the Company), an emerging US-based copper developer and near-term producer, today updates on exploration and development activities at the Cactus Mine Project, inclusive of the Parks/Salyer deposit. All activities are focused on de-risking its high-quality asset in a tier one location, in preparation for the pending step-up Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) expected in Q1 2024. Furthermore, the owner-operator team continues to strengthen with the appointment of Mr. Steve Dixon, M.Sc.; Chief Metallurgist. He will be managing the metallurgical programs in preparation for the base case PFS and Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

Highlights include:

- On track and on budget to deliver a PFS in Q1 2024

Targeting step up from the Preliminary Economic Assessments (PEA) 28ktpa to 45-50ktpa and to a mine life well-beyond the 18 years previously outlined

PFS scope includes the enriched and oxide material, or approximately 75% of the total mineral resources (based on the 2022 mineral resource update  Sept 28, 2022)

- Building owner-operator team

Bernie Loyer, SVP Projects and Christopher White, Chief Mine Geologist (June 2023)

Steve Dixon, Chief Metallurgist (July 2023)

- Anticipating high conversion of the 2.9B lb @ 1.015% TCu Parks/Salyer mineral resource estimate into the indicated category from the inferred category

Infill to indicated category drilling complete

Infill to measured category drilling is ongoing for a DFS expected in H2 2024

- 2 years of positive metallurgical results now in hand for oxides and enriched material

Parks/Salyer enriched material shows comparable recovery rates to Cactus (76% and higher) with potentially shorter leach periods

90% recovery rates for oxides in the Cactus deposits and the Stockpile Project

DFS level metallurgical studies ongoing

- Completed all major Cactus permits based on the 2021 PEA

Amendments will be made to accommodate the larger operation, post-PFS

- Increased land to 5,368 acres by optioning the MainSpring Property, extending south from Parks/Salyer

Improves planning flexibility for the pending PFS

Creates additional exploration target

- Nuton testwork continues to deliver positive results, providing optionality to scale the asset beyond the oxide and enriched base case

61-82% estimated extraction rates of the primary sulphide material after 75-150 days of leaching

George Ogilvie, Arizona Sonoran CEO commented, The Company has continued to deliver on its key objectives and will continue striving to outperform. Ongoing work programs include our advanced metallurgical programs, final engineering, mine planning and site characterizations as we progress towards our PFS. Our drilling also continues, both infill and exploration, as we look towards upgrading resources again from the indicated to measured category.

He continued, As the Project and Company continues to evolve, strengthening of the owners team sets us up well for future technical studies and any eventual decision to move into a construction and development phase.

Personnel

The Company now has 19 employees, up from 17 at the end of 2022, with a key focus on strengthening the development and operations team onsite in Casa Grande, Arizona. ASCUs most recent hire is Steve Dixon as Chief Metallurgist. Steve has an M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering and B.S in Chemistry. He is based in Tucson, and joins with over 30 years of metallurgical management experience. For the past 14 years, Steve has focused on consulting for mining, exploration and development companies and institutional investors for feasibility studies, project and process development and assistance to operations. His area of expertise is in leaching, process design and cost reduction as it relates to managing technical studies and process development and operations. Steve has held various project management and metallurgy roles at Goldcorp, Freeport-McMoRan, Quadra, Phelps Dodge Mining and others, with a special focus on the Americas.

Rounding out the appointments made within the last 18 months include, Bernie Loyer as SVP Projects, Chris White as Chief Mine Geologist, Dan Johnson Projects Director, Greg Phillips, Process Superintendent, Victor Moraila, Chief Mine Engineer, Graeme Hendricks, Senior Mine Engineer and now Steve Dixon, Chief Metallurgist.

Pre-Feasibility

Under the supervision of ASCUs growing owner-operator team, the step-up PFS is being led by Ausenco and a consultant team comprised of Samuel Engineering, AGP Mining Consultants, Stantec, MineFill Services, Clear Creek Associates and Call & Nicholas Inc. The Company and its consultants are scoping the oxide and enriched material from Cactus and Parks/Salyer Mineral Resource Estimates for a 45-50ktpa heap leach operation with onsite SXEW processing plant to produce LME grade A copper cathode. Currently, ASCUs copper resource containing 1.6B lbs Indicated and 4.9B lbs Inferred (see PR dated Sept 28, 22), is the third largest independent copper deposit within the US.

Process design criteria is complete. Sizing of the SXEW plant is complete and assessment of long-lead components, equipment specifications and requirements are underway. Underground and open pit mining methods, heap leach and associated infrastructure designs are being reviewed and optimized to ensure an economic and practical approach to mining. Geotechnical and hydrological work is nearing completion with final assessments to be based on ongoing engineering. The study is on budget and on track to be issued in Q1 2024.

Permitting

After receiving both the Mined Land Reclamation Permit and the Industrial Air Permit in early 2023, the Cactus Project has received all major permits related to its 2021 Preliminary Economic Assessment. As a result, the Company has demonstrated the ability to obtain major permits from the regulators with the support from the community. The framework to receive the remaining permits will be guided by the pending PFS and a future construction decision, including amending major permits with updated site characterizations and mine plans, and applying for the remaining minor permits. The Company continues to benefit from water rights to a permitted water source, as well as a streamlined State and local Municipality permitting process related to the private ownership of a brownfields project with no federal nexus.

Metallurgy

Two years of metallurgical testing is now complete to the PFS level at Parks/Salyer and Cactus. Metallurgical column leach testing and hydrodynamic testing supports multi lift leach pads when crushed to a top size of minus 1 inch (25 mm). Depending on the deposit, enriched material recoveries range from 80-76% and the oxides recoveries range from 92-88%. Feasibility-level metallurgical testing is ongoing onsite in the TruStone Facility. Gross sulphuric acid consumption continues to show approximately 22 lb/t and net consumption of 16 lb/t in the oxides, whereas the enriched material continues to demonstrate acid generation which will be recycled onsite, potentially lowering costs.

Drilling

Infill to the indicated category drilling at Parks/Salyer is complete for the PFS. The Company expects a high percentage of the inferred mineral resources to convert to the indicated category, which will then be utilized to calculate first reserves in Q1 2024.

New drilling at the Parks/Salyer and Cactus deposits has been ongoing since April to bring Cactus East and the eastern half of Parks/Salyer into the Measured category. A total of 125,000 ft (38,000 m) of infill drilling in these two areas is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, with 45,000 ft (14,000 m) of drilling already complete at Parks/Salyer at the end of June.

Exploration along the mine trend is ongoing, with previously identified target areas being evaluated for future drill testing by surface geochemical (Ionic Soil) surveys and 3D modeling of existing drill data.

Land

In February, ASCU optioned an additional 523 acres of private land contiguous to Parks/Salyer known as MainSpring, for total cash consideration of US$14 million and due in staged payments. A total of US$3 million has now been paid to the vendor, the most recent payment of $2 million was made upon completion of the due diligence period. Final payments will be paid upon successful re-zoning the land ($5 million) and upon the second anniversary of the close date ($6 million). Re-zoning approvals are expected on half of the property late in 2023 and the balance in early 2024, based on local hearing dates. The additional land is expected to provide significant operational flexibility with respect to site and infrastructure requirements for the re-scoped PFS, as well as a new exploration target, as the southern extension of the Parks/Salyer deposit. Resultant from the acquisition, the combined Cactus and Parks/Salyer project is now 5,368 acres.

NutonTM Technologies

ASCU released preliminary extraction rates of 61%-82% for primary sulphide material from Stage 1 Nuton column testing after completing 50% of the 300-day cycle under the testing program. Extraction rates indicate the potential to achieve an optimized 80% life of mine extraction rate for primary sulphides. The Q1 2024 PFS base case will not incorporate the primary sulphide opportunity into the engineered mine plan. The Company is however, working with Nuton to reach a commercial framework agreement that would incorporate the Nuton case into an updated PFS or other future technical study. There is however no certainty that a commercial arrangement may be reached.

The Nuton primary sulphide leaching technologies are applied within a conventional crushed and agglomerated feed, bio-heap leach flow sheet, to extract copper sulphide minerals. The Nuton process also assumes the addition of catalytic and other reagents and a bacterial growth and inoculation facility.

Links from the Press release:

Sept 28, 2022 Press Release: https://arizonasonoran.com/news-releases/arizona-sonoran-doubles-global-leachable-resource-inventory-and-declares-maiden-mineral-resources-at-parks-salyer-of-2.92/

Neither the TSX nor the regulating authority has approved or disproved the information contained in this press release.

About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com | www.cactusmine.com)

ASCUs objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus and Parks/Salyer Projects that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Companys principal asset is a 100% interest in the Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. Contiguous to the Cactus Project is the Companys 100%-owned Parks/Salyer deposit that could allow for a phased expansion of the Cactus Mine once it becomes a producing asset. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals.

Although ASCU 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 contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906240120/en/

For more information:

Alison Dwoskin, Director, Investor Relations

647-233-4348

[email protected]

George Ogilvie, President, CEO and Director

416-723-0458

[email protected]

Source: Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As a strong sign of its continued expansion and ongoing success, Arthur D. Little (ADL) today announced the appointment of three new Partners, bringing its total count of Partners around the world to 150.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906930886/en/

Arthur D. Little has appointed three new Partners, bringing its total count of Partners around the world to 150. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Alessandro Barmettler will join ADLs Italian team as a Partner in the Automotive & Manufacturing Goods (AMG) practice. He will be based in the companys Milan office.

Alessandro has over 17 years experience in Management Consulting. Prior to joining ADL, he was with the Italian-based firm Value Partners since 2006. He has strong expertise in the international Industrial Goods market, where he has worked side by side with companies in areas including strategy, turnaround, marketing and commercial issues. As one of the fastest growing talents in the company, he became a Partner at Value Partners in 2015.

Alessandro has an MS in Business Administration from Bocconi University, Milan, Italy.

Yacin Mahieddine will join the ADLs Middle East team as a Partner in the Financial Services practice. He will be based in the companys Riyadh office

Yacin has 30 years experience of consulting in financial services, with significant exposure to markets in Asia, Europe and the US. Before joining ADL, he was a senior Partner at Deloitte Consulting since 2013, where he focused on strategy & operation programs and growing the companys FS practice in South East Asia, based in Singapore. Yacin also held senior positions at PwC and Ernst & Young in Europe and the US, after working in banking for Salomon Brothers.

Yacin has an MBA from the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business, and a MSc in Management from Neoma Business School, France.

Francisco Velasco will join ADLs Spanish team as a Partner in the Financial Services practice. He will be based in the companys Madrid office.

With over 30 years of consulting experience in financial services, Francisco has in-depth expertise in this sector, both national and global, and long-standing relationships with some of the worlds leading banks. Prior to joining ADL, he worked at Ernst & Young since 2015 as the Managing Partner responsible for the financial sector in Spain. Before then, he held senior positions at PwC, BearingPoint and Arthur Andersen BC.

Francisco has a degree in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnical University of Madrid.

Ignacio Garcia Alves, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ADL, comments: These appointments represent another major milestone for ADL, with the company now boasting over 150 Partners within its global team. And its a reflection on ADLs entrepreneurial spirit and our reputation for consultancy of the highest calibre that were able to attract talented professionals such as Alessandro, Yacin and Francisco. ADL continues to pursue a dynamic growth path, and is committed to building a team that can deliver insight and innovation at senior-level worldwide.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906930886/en/

Cate Bonthuys

Catalyst Comms

+44 7746 546773

[email protected]

www.adlittle.com

Source: Arthur D. Little
BARDSTOWN, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bardstown Bourbon Company will release its latest in the award-winning and sought after Collaborative Series this month, a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Goose Island Collaborative Series will be available starting on September 8, 2023.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906239457/en/

Bardstown Bourbon Co.s Collaboration with Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Celebrates a Spirituous Union of Bourbon and Beer (Photo: Business Wire)

This limited release features a bespoke blend of 6- and 7-year Kentucky bourbon aged an additional 12 months in freshly emptied Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout barrels. These barrels were not rinsed so the stout soaked staves could immediately mingle with the Kentucky bourbon once filled. The finished blend was then married with a beautiful 9-year Kentucky bourbon, creating an expression bursting with chocolate malt and dried cherry.

Dark chocolate, honey, toasted almond and vanilla cream create an enveloping and decadent aroma. On the palate, roasted malt, cacao and allspice lead to a lasting balance of exquisite flavor.

Goose Island is the perennial trailblazer of craft brewing and a perfect partner for collaboration, said Dan Callaway, VP of Product Development for Bardstown Bourbon Co. I adore their Bourbon County Brand Stout and jumped at the opportunity to explore flavor together. This bourbon accentuates the depth of stout while maintaining beautiful fruit, malt, and honey. A true team effort!

Goose Island is known across bourbon and beer as the pioneer of barrel-aged stouts and have a history of collaboration with some of the most sought-after bourbon brands in the world. Since 2010, Goose Island has released Bourbon County Brand stout original and limited, variant releases each Black Friday. The Original Bourbon County Brand stout boasts deeply developed flavors of fudge, vanilla and caramelized sugar with a rich, decadent mouthfeel.

Unlike traditional barrel-finishing, the barrels were not rinsed after emptying the stout. Instead, Bardstown Bourbon left the residual liquid in the barrel. The stout barrels were emptied in Chicago in the morning and filled in Bardstown the same afternoon. The result is a spirit that bursts with authentic flavor that will delight both spirits and beer enthusiasts.

The Goose Island Collaborative Series release is presented at a cask strength of 100 proof (50% ABV) and offered at an SRP of $159.99. Roughly 3,500 9L cases of the finished bourbon will be available through the Bardstown Bourbon Co. gift shop, at retailers in 24 states and online at Seelbachs.com.

In celebration of the collaboration, Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Goose Island will host two events celebrating the art of cask finishing. A paired dinner will take place on Thursday, Sept 21 from 6-9 p.m. in the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse in Chicago. The event will feature The 2020 Bourbon County Brand Stout, and explore unique offerings from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Tickets for the Chicago event are available for $150 per person. More information is available here.

On September 27, Bardstown Bourbon Co. Executive Chef Stu Plush will prepare a one-time special prix fixe menu to celebrate the collaboration. More information and tickets for this four-course paired dinner are available here.

About Bardstown Bourbon Company

Founded in 2014 by Peter Loftin in the heart of Bourbon Country on 100 acres of active farmland, Bardstown Bourbon Company is one of the countrys most modern and technically advanced whiskey distilleries. Celebrating the art of making high-quality, authentic bourbons, the innovative distillery produces custom rye, whiskey and bourbon for prominent brands including Jeffersons, Blue Run, Belle Meade and many others through its one-of-a-kind collaborative distilling program. Bardstown Bourbon Company honors tradition and drives innovation with their exceptional destination experience for visitors, including The Kitchen and Bar at Bardstown Bourbon Company. In addition to their flagship Origin Series, BBCo. offers limited releases throughout the year including the Discovery Series, which showcases the art of blending, and Collaborative Series, which celebrates partnership and transparency across multiple spirit categories. Bardstown Bourbon Co. also owns Green River Distilling Co, located in Owensboro, Kentucky. Learn more at BardstownBourbon.com.

High-resolution photography can be found here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906239457/en/

Holly Weyler

[email protected]

502.836.8715

Source: Bardstown Bourbon Company
HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The fifth annual Bermuda Tech Summit, presented by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), will kick off with a keynote conversation between The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Premier of Bermuda, and Sandra Ro, CEO, Global Blockchain Business Council.

The Bermuda Tech Summit, held from October 8-10 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, is the signature event of Bermuda Tech Week, being held across multiple locations from October 7-13.

David Hart, BDA CEO, said, We are so excited that Premier Burt and Sandra Ro are kicking off our fifth annual Bermuda Tech Summit. Due to the legal and regulatory certainty we provide, Bermuda continues to attract some of the worlds most notable tech companies to our shores, increasing direct investment and creating exciting new career paths for Bermudians.

The keynote conversation will be followed by panel entitled Bermuda Monetary Authority: Navigating Tomorrows Regulatory Horizons, moderated by Stuart Lacey, Independent Director, BDA, featuring panelists George Alayon, Deputy Director, Supervision (Insurance), BMA; Eric Donkoh, Head of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, BMA; and Christos Efthymiopoulos, Assistant Director, Supervision (Digital Assets), BMA.

The BMA panel will be followed by Setting the Standard - Bermudas Journey to Becoming Climate Tech Central, moderated by Stan Stalnaker, Founding Director and Chief Strategy Officer, Hub Culture, featuring Natraj Nukala, Head of Climate, Kshema; Kevin Richards, Managing Director, Bermuda Asset Management; Hugo Rodriguez Bautista, Global Product Risk Manager, Bloomberg; and Darren Wolfberg, Co-Founder, Blockchain Triangle.

This years agenda highlights Bermudas world-leading digital asset framework, showcases our ongoing work to establish blue and green investment facilities, and raises awareness of Bermudas innovation sandbox and option to beta test CleanTech solutions. Other panels will include: The Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence, FinTechs New Wave (Buy, Build or Modernise), and Insuring Continuity  Safeguarding the Future of Digital Assets. Additional topics will include data privacy, carbon credit trading platforms, and pioneering digital assets. The promotion of all these burgeoning industries aligns with the Business Attraction and Investment Promotion strategic priority outlined in Bermudas Economic Development Strategy.

In addition to cutting-edge content, we are pleased to offer delegates C-suite networking opportunities during our opening reception on Sunday night and Wrap Party Tuesday night sponsored by RELM.

Click here to see the full agenda and event description.

Click here to register. Delegates travelling from overseas are strongly encouraged to book their hotel rooms with our special rates through to September 8. From September 9, hotel room rates will increase significantly, or may be completely sold out, due to limited availability.

The BDA simply could not put on our signature events without the generous support of our sponsors, Mr. Hart said. We are just so pleased to have Carey Olsen and RELM as diamond sponsors; Appleby, CCS Group Limited and XBTO as platinum sponsors; Hub Culture, KPMG, and One Communications as gold sponsors; Chainproof, Clarien, Paradise Mobile, and Walkers as silver sponsors; and Coinbase as supporting sponsor.

Our spirits partner is Goslings.

If you are interested in sponsoring the Bermuda Tech Summit, click here or email [email protected].

CONNECTING BUSINESS

The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate, or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906104567/en/

Stuart Roberts, Director of Marketing & Communications

[email protected] | +1 441 292 7774

Source: Bermuda Business Development Agency
Combined platform will strengthen position as one of the worlds leading private asset growth investors focused on the middle market, spanning private equity, infrastructure and credit with offices across Europe, North America and Asia.

Upfront enterprise value of 835 million, comprising 235 million of newly issued Bridgepoint shares, 233 million of cash, and 179 million of ECPs existing debt.

Exceptional ECP leadership and investment team to continue running the ECP business, investing its funds independently under its current brand and delivering strong returns for the enlarged group by continuing the strategy responsible for ECPs track record to date.

LONDON & SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bridgepoint Group plc (LSE: BPT) has taken a decisive step forward in becoming a more diversified alternative asset manager with the addition of Energy Capital Partners (ECP), a leading North American infrastructure investor with an over two-decade-long track record. ECP, which has raised over $30bn of capital since inception in 2005, including more recently in the fast-growing energy transition sector, has a market-leading position in the highly sought-after power generation, renewables, battery storage, environmental infrastructure and sustainability sectors. It operates across North America in an expanding subsegment of infrastructure investing which stands to be a key contributor to and beneficiary of the global decarbonisation effort with forecasted investment in the space expected to reach $1.9 trillion per annum through 2050, creating significant investment tailwinds and multiple potential growth avenues.

ECP and its highly experienced management team add a significant third pillar to the Bridgepoint business and accelerate Bridgepoints stated strategy of scaling through both product and geographic diversification. The distinct ECP infrastructure business will continue to operate under its existing brand and be led by its current management and investment team. The strategy will sit alongside Bridgepoints private equity and credit businesses and offer LPs more comprehensive immersion across the middle market. Doug Kimmelman, ECPs Senior Partner and Founder, will continue to lead the infrastructure platform and ECP leadership will join Bridgepoints executive team bringing new sector, management and transaction experience to seek to drive further growth.

The transaction will be immediately accretive to Bridgepoints shareholders and continue to be accretive over time by diversifying and enhancing Bridgepoints earnings profile and profit margins.

The transaction will accelerate ECP and Bridgepoints respective growth ambitions in Europe and North America, building upon Bridgepoints 24-year history and ECPs 18-year history and opening exciting new avenues for expansion given the complementary and largely non-overlapping investment strategies and geographic footprints. The combination will also provide opportunities to enhance both organisations current operations in different sectors of the credit market. The enlarged group will benefit from new collective strengths and synergies leveraging Bridgepoints deep European office network and connections which are likely to create further opportunities for ECP to grow its presence in Europe, capitalising on the continents energy transition. Equally, ECPs well-recognised North American brand, extensive market knowledge and depth of relationships will benefit Bridgepoint.

Commenting on the transaction, William Jackson, Chairman, Bridgepoint said:

Joining forces with ECP is an important powerful next step in Bridgepoints strategic objective of building a globally-scaled, diversified platform in middle-market private assets investing. The transaction accelerates our scale, leadership and strategic development, enhances the quality of the Groups earnings and margin profile, and provides greater diversification and earnings growth potential for shareholders.

We have a high bar for strategic M&A, and ECP is one of the few platforms we have identified which clearly surpasses it, both from a strategic and financial perspective.

As well as the compelling financial rationale for the transaction, Bridgepoint will benefit from the investing expertise of the ECP team, while, at the same time, there are significant opportunities for both of us to work together on initiatives such as adding adjacent strategies and expanding geographically.

Doug Kimmelman, Senior Partner and Founder, ECP, said:

The opportunity to join forces with Bridgepoint is uniquely attractive. Our businesses are not only highly complementary - without any overlapping or conflicting investment strategies - but our firms importantly share a culture of collaboration, integrity and investment excellence making this a highly compelling opportunity for our investors and our employees alike.

We are very fortunate to have access now to a public equity currency to support our growth, while broadening the ownership of ECP across our firm, allowing us to continue attracting and retaining the very best team, especially in a period of heightened interest in the energy transition. All of us at ECP are excited about the combination and the support that this partnership will provide.

We look forward to working closely with the Bridgepoint team to further enhance our ability to serve our respective clients and grow our firm in a sustainable fashion well into the future.

Raoul Hughes, Bridgepoints Group Managing Partner, said:

We have enjoyed interacting extensively with ECP over the last year as we have been jointly evaluating a transaction. We have found our cultures and approaches to business to be aligned and we are attracted to ECPs leading infrastructure position across the rapidly expanding energy transition theme. Together we will offer more diverse revenue streams and greater growth opportunities with accelerating earnings expectations and a broader product mix to offer to our combined LP relationships. We expect ECP to continue on its successful growth path, with new and accelerated opportunities for growth, and the ECP team, under its continuing leadership under Doug and team, will bring an invaluable experience to the Group.

The transaction, which is expected to close within four to six months, will be funded with units in a new limited partnership exchangeable for Bridgepoint shares and Bridgepoints existing balance sheet resources, and will see ECPs senior management and many of its employees becoming significant shareholders in the company. A share ownership program will be instituted across ECPs employee base and will be designed in a similar way to the existing structures established at Bridgepoint at the time of its IPO. As a result, ECP partners will collectively become one of Bridgepoints largest shareholders, holding 19% of Bridgepoints shares pre-earn out and up to 25% assuming full earn-out, ensuring strong alignment with the future success of the platform and in driving shareholder returns. Equity awards being made available to ECP employees will also incentivise future generations of ECP colleagues.

The historic growth of both firms has benefited from the minority investment positions from the funds managed by Blue Owl (formerly Dyal Capital Partners) and as part of this transaction, Blue Owl will convert its share of ECP fee related earnings into Bridgepoint equity, thereby remaining a shareholder in the enlarged group. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank will retain its minority interest in ECPs fee related earnings as the desire remains for both firms to partner in the important Japanese market.

J.P. Morgan Cazenove and Morgan Stanley served as lead financial advisors to Bridgepoint, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal counsel.

BofA Securities served as exclusive financial advisor to ECP, and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel.

About Bridgepoint

Bridgepoint is one of the worlds leading quoted private asset growth investors, specializing in private equity and private debt. With over $40 billion of assets under management and a strong local presence in Europe, North America, and China, we combine global scale with local market insight and sector expertise, consistently delivering strong returns through cycles.

About ECP

Energy Capital Partners (ECP), founded in 2005, is a leading equity and credit investor across energy transition, electrification and decarbonization infrastructure assets, including power generation, renewables and storage solutions, environmental infrastructure and efficiency & reliability assets facilitating the energy transition. The ECP team, comprised of 86 people with over 800 years of collective industry experience, deep expertise and extensive relationships, has consummated more than 100 equity (representing more than $50 billion of enterprise value) and over 20 credit transactions since inception. For more information, visit www.ecpgp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905178387/en/

Bridgepoint

Investors

Adam Key

[email protected]

+44 7833 748010

Media

Christian Jones / James Murray

[email protected] / [email protected]

+44 20 7034 3500

OR

FGS Global

James Murgatroyd / Anjali Unnikrishnan

[email protected]

ECP

Media

FGS Global

Kerry Golds / Kelsey Markovich / Nick Rust / Akash Lodh

[email protected]

Source: Bridgepoint
BENGALURU, India & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Capillary Technologies, a global leader in loyalty technology solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Melody Mitchem to the position of Global Head of Human Resources. Melody's appointment comes as a result of her exceptional contributions to the company since her arrival through Capillarys acquisition of Brierley.

In her short time at Capillary, Melody has demonstrated remarkable leadership and strategic prowess. She seamlessly took over the responsibilities of the US HR division and played a pivotal role in the successful integration of the recent acquisitions into the Capillary fold.

As the newly appointed Global Head of HR, Melody will spearhead the development and direction of a comprehensive and unified HR function across Capillary's global operations. Her extensive experience and proven track record in Human Resources, spanning over 25 years, have solidified her position as a respected leader in the industry.

Before joining Capillary, Melody led the HR team at Brierley since 2015, where she cultivated a culture centered around the belief that "Happy and engaged employees translate to successful and satisfied customers." This philosophy aligns perfectly with Capillary's vision and values, making her an ideal choice to further enhance the company's commitment to employee satisfaction and customer success. She envisions Capillary as "The Best Place to Work" and is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and personal growth for all employees.

Anant Choubey, co-founder and COO of Capillary said, We are delighted to announce Melody Mitchem's promotion to the role of Global Head of HR. Melody's remarkable contributions since joining us through the Brierley acquisition have already made a significant impact on our organization. Her expertise and dedication to fostering a positive work environment align seamlessly with our company's values. We are confident that under Melody's leadership, our HR function will continue to flourish and support our employees around the world."

"It is an incredible honor to take on this new role at Capillary. The company's commitment to its employees' growth and well-being is truly inspiring. I am excited to lead the HR team in building a global function that not only supports our employees but also empowers them to excel. Together, we will continue to drive Capillary's vision of becoming The Best Place to Work, where engaged employees drive exceptional customer success, says Melody Mitchem.

Capillary's leadership is thrilled about Melody's well-deserved promotion and the transformative journey that lies ahead. The entire Capillary community congratulates Melody on her new role and wishes her continued success in driving the company's people-centric initiatives.

About Capillary Technologies:

Founded in 2012, Capillary Technologies has a presence across the United States, India, the Middle East, and Asia, in particular, South East Asia. Capillary is an end-to-end customer loyalty platform that offers a comprehensive view of consumers, and unified, cross-channel strategies that deliver a real-time omnichannel, personalized, and consistent experience for customers. Powering 100+ loyalty programs, across 30+ countries, Capillary works with 250+ brands including the likes of Tata, PUMA, Shell, Al-Futtaim, Petron, Dominos, Kanmo Group, and Marks & Spencer. With a massive reach of 1Bn+ consumers and processing 5Bn+ annual transactions, the company has the backing of Warburg Pincus, Sequoia Capital, Avataar Ventures, and Filter Capital. For more information, visit www.capillarytech.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905400178/en/

Jubin Mehta

Head of Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Capillary Technologies
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced that it will host a virtual conversation entitled, Global Faith-Based Investors and the Climate Crisis, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. Attendees will discover the connection between faith-based beliefs and sustainable investment activity that positively addresses the climate crisis.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905525649/en/

The Church Pension Group, a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced that it will host a virtual conversation entitled, Global Faith-Based Investors and the Climate Crisis, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET. Attendees will discover the connection between faith-based beliefs and sustainable investment activity that positively addresses the climate crisis. Register today at www.cpg.org/Insights&Ideas (Photo: Business Wire)

Climate change is in the news every day, from rising sea levels to wildfires, said Mary Kate Wold, CEO and President of CPG. Amidst this backdrop, and the United Nations Climate Week, were excited to bring together global industry leaders who will discuss their strategies around faith-based investing to help counter climate change.

The event is part of CPGs ongoing Insights & Ideas series of discussions on socially responsible investing (SRI). Individuals interested in attending the event can register at cpg.org/Insights&Ideas.

The panelists will include Sofia Bartholdy, Responsible Investment Integration Director at Church Commissioners for England; Mathew Jensen, Director of Investment Solutions at FaithInvest; Emlyn Palmer, Head of Sustainable Investing at Albourne; and Christopher Rowe, Managing Director at CPG.

Videos and presentations from prior Insights & Ideas discussions focused on climate change, investing in economically disadvantaged communities, faithful investing, positive impact investing, and sustainable investing and can be viewed at cpg.org/Insights&Ideas.

Editors Note:

Individuals interested in learning more about CPGs SRI efforts and viewing videos related to CPGs positive impact investments can visit cpg.org/SRI.

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/20230905525649/en/

Media Contact:

C. Curtis Ritter

Senior Vice President

Head of Content & Creative Services

212-592-1816

[email protected]

Source: The Church Pension Group
Regulatory and quality leader brings decades of global SaMD experience to guide leading AI-powered cardiovascular diagnostic company through growth and expansion

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elucid, Inc., a leading medical technology company providing physicians with AI-powered imaging analysis software to assess cardiovascular disease, has hired Windi Hary as senior vice president (SVP) of regulatory affairs and quality management. Windis vast, global experience in software-as-a-medical device (SaMD) and AI-enabled digital health will be central to Elucids growth and expansion of its unique product offerings and additional first-of-its-kind innovations in its pipeline.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906762108/en/

Elucid has hired Windi Hary as senior vice president (SVP) of regulatory affairs and quality management. Windis vast, global experience in software-as-a-medical device (SaMD) and AI-enabled digital health will be central to Elucids growth and expansion of its unique product offerings and additional first-of-its-kind innovations in its pipeline. Source: Elucid, Inc.

Elucids software is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive tool able to accurately characterize arterial plaque, simulating what pathologists would see under a microscope and establishing a histologic ground truth. The company is also pursuing an indication for FFRCT, uniquely derived from its PlaqueIQ technology, to non-invasively measure coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia. These two capabilities enable precise decision-making by physicians to support prediction and prevention of heart attacks.

It is my pleasure to welcome Windi Hary to the Elucid leadership team, said Blake Richards, chief executive officer, Elucid. Not only does Windi bring a wealth of expertise, acumen, and experience in regulatory and quality management, but she is also a natural fit with Elucids culture. We are confident she will make an immediate impact to our regulatory efforts, both in the U.S. and abroad, to ensure we deliver the most effective, impactful, and safe software we can in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Hary has more than two decades of regulatory and quality management experience. She brings with her immense knowledge and proficiency in regulatory strategy, particularly for SaMD and AI-enabled digital health, having led and consulted on regulatory filings, design and quality management for U.S., Canada, Japan, and European Union regulatory requirements. She spent more than 12 years at HeartFlow, most recently as chief regulatory and quality officer. Prior to that, Hary spent eight years at Philips Healthcare. She has also consulted for numerous companies on global regulatory strategies, regulatory submissions, quality system implementation, strategic planning, and human factors testing.

Hary is the latest addition to Elucids leadership team, joining Dr. Todd Villines, chief medical officer, Scott Burger, chief commercial officer, and Andrew Miller, chief technology officer. This proven, highly accomplished C-suite was strategically curated to guide Elucid through major milestones as it commercializes its plaque analysis software and prepares to expand with its investigational FFRCT solution.

The opportunity to join Elucid was extremely exciting to me due to its incredible software, as well as its corporate culture and remarkable team, said Hary. From day one, I am committed to working with the rest of the leadership team  and entire company  to ensure that our regulatory, development, and commercial efforts are rigorous so we can achieve Elucids mission to fight cardiovascular disease.

About Elucid

Elucid is a Boston-based medical technology company dedicated to bringing precision patient care, as currently practiced in oncology, to cardiology. Its AI-powered imaging analysis software is designed to deeply understand the root cause of cardiovascular disease. Elucid's plaque analysis software is powered by PlaqueIQ, the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against tens of thousands of tissue samples by renowned pathologists. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFRCT, uniquely derived from its PlaqueIQ technology, to non-invasively measure coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information for assessing the risk of plaque rupture in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. The Elucid plaque analysis software is available for commercial use in the U.S. and South Korea. For more information, visit elucid.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906762108/en/

Sam Choinski

Pazanga Health Communications

(860) 301-5058

[email protected]

Source: Elucid, Inc.
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Following the arrival of Alain Favey as Group CEO in June, Europcar Mobility Group (Paris: EUCAR) announces the appointment of Claire Charbit as Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, and Stephane Crasnier as Group Chief Fleet Officer. Both join the Group Executive Committee.

Over the last 15 years, Claire Charbit held a number of key roles within Air France, including her last position of Senior VP Transformation. Prior to that, she was Senior VP Product & Technology for Digital, Marketing and Sales for Air France KLM. She also managed transformative programs related to the digitization of customer journeys and the implementation of state-of-the art revenue management systems. She started her career in Accenture where she spent 10 years on assignments in France and abroad.

Claire Charbit holds a PhD in Business Administration and Management from the Universite Paris Dauphine.

Stephane Crasnier is a seasoned professional, expert in fleet management and remarketing. Since July 2018, he was President of Alphabet France, the 3rd largest multi-brand full service leasing company in the French market. Prior to that, Stephane Crasnier held various positions in France and abroad (China, Australia) in the automotive distribution sector (Ford), car manufacturers (Ford, Citroen, BMW) and a financial captive (BMW Financial Services).

Stephane Crasnier graduated from the ESSCA in Sales and Marketing.

Alain Favey, Europcar Mobility Group CEO, comments:

" Our ambition is to both strengthen Europcar Mobility Groups position as a major player in the car rental market and to be a driving force in the delivery of future sustainable mobility solutions. Claire and Stephane will bring a decisive contribution to the management team in delivering our strategy, driving the transformation process and ensuring excellence in fleet management.

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a global mobility services provider with a leading position in Europe. In the coming years, the Group's ambition is to become a leader in sustainable mobility services, driven by data, technology and people.

Europcar Mobility Group offers to individuals and businesses a wide range of car and van rental services, be it for a few hours, a few days, a week, a month or more, on-demand or on subscription, relying on a fleet of more than 250.000 vehicles, equipped with the latest engines including more and more electric vehicles.

Its brands address differentiated needs, use cases and expectations: Europcar - a global leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar - a frontrunner at providing low-cost car rental services in Europe, Fox-Rent-A-Car, one of the main players in the car rental market in the US, with a "value for money" positioning, Buchbinder, one of the most important players in car and light commercial vehicle rental in Germany, and Ubeeqo  one of the European leaders of car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Customers satisfaction is at the heart of the Groups ambition and that of its more than 8,000 employees, everywhere Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions, thanks to a strong network in 140 countries (including 16 wholly owned subsidiaries completed by franchisees and alliance partners).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906688744/en/

Europcar Mobility Group

Source: Europcar Mobility Group
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Excellere Partners, a leading Denver-based private equity firm specializing in partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams through recapitalizations and management buyouts, is pleased to announce the additions of Alison Gillis as Director of Compliance, Joe Gonnella as Associate, Sloan Schneiter as Associate, Jenna Heinemeyer as Senior Analyst, and Kristine Ervin as Office Manager.

We take immense pride in the firm that we have built over the past 17 years, achieved through an unwavering commitment to attracting the best talent in the industry and providing an environment for them to build their skills and careers, said Brad Cornell, Managing Partner at Excellere. Amidst our journey of growth, my partners and I are excited to welcome our new Director of Compliance, along with two new Associates, a Senior Analyst, and an Office Manager. This expansion symbolizes our firms continuous focus on adding functional depth to our platform as well as underscores our dedication to building the next generation of leaders within our firm.

Alison Vratil brings over 15 years of experience as a transactional healthcare attorney and compliance advisor. Alison will serve as a strategic resource to Excelleres portfolio companies, providing guidance, tools, and frameworks to support a strong culture of quality and compliance. Alison holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan School of Law, a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College.

Joe Gonnella joins Excellere from Robert W. Baird, where he worked as an Analyst in their Global Industrial Group. He graduated magna cum laude from Drexel University with majors in finance and accounting. Sloan Schneiter joins Excellere from Deutsche Bank, where he worked as an Analyst in the Global Healthcare Group. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Jenna Heinemeyer joins Excellere from Goldman Sachs, where she worked as an Analyst in their debt capital markets group covering technology, media, and telecom companies. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Kristine Ervin brings 12 years of experience in office and operations management. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from California State University, East Bay.

About Excellere Partners

Excellere Partners is a Denver-based private equity firm with over $2.3 billion of committed capital across four funds that specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams through recapitalizations and management buyouts. The Firm employs a proven research-driven, top-down investment strategy and supports its entrepreneurs and management teams with a proprietary value-creation process designed to enhance corporate and operational infrastructure for scalability and growth. Excelleres investments focus on emerging companies that benefit from industry consolidation and favorable macroeconomic and demographic trends. Investments are focused on companies within the following industries: healthcare, industrial growth, and business services. For more information about Excellere, please visit https://www.excellere.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906742098/en/

Excellere Partners

Tracie Kelly, [email protected]

303-870-2068

Source: Excellere Partners
SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Exchange Bank (OTC: EXSR) is honored to announce that it was named a top corporate philanthropist in the San Francisco Business Times annual Top 100 Corporate Philanthropy Companies list. The rankings recognize the financial contributions of corporate citizens in the Bay Area. This was Exchange Banks second year in a row to be honored for its contributions to local nonprofits.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906896917/en/

Exchange Bank, San Francisco Business Times Corporate Philanthropy Award Winner 2023. (Graphic: Business Wire)

Exchange Bank was ranked #46 out of 100, donating $798,000 to 280 nonprofit and charitable organizations in 2022. Exchange Banks total income before taxes in 2022 was $50 million, placing the Bank well over the threshold of 1% in cash contributions relative to income before taxes.

We will continue to strengthen and support nonprofit customers and partnerships in our markets to help make a sustainable, lasting impact in our community, said Beth Ryan, Community Engagement Officer.

About Exchange Bank

Headquartered in Sonoma County and founded in 1890, Exchange Bank is a full-service community bank with assets of $3.32 billion. Exchange Bank provides a wide range of personal, commercial and trust and investment management services with 16 retail branches in Sonoma County, a commercial branch in Roseville and Trust & Investment Management offices in Santa Rosa, Roseville, Marin County and Silicon Valley. The Banks legacy of financial leadership and community support is grounded in its core values of commitment, respect, integrity and teamwork. Exchange Bank is known for its people who care about their customers, their company and the communities where they live and work. Exchange Bank is an 18-year winner of the North Bay Business Journals Best Places to Work survey and the 2023 San Francisco Business Times Corporate Philanthropy Award. Exchange Bank was named Best Consumer Bank by the NorthBay biz Magazines Best of the North Bay readers poll. The Petaluma Argus Courier Peoples Choice Awards named Exchange Bank Best Local Bank 2023 and the Bohemian Magazines Best of the North Bay 2023 named Exchange Bank Best Business Bank and Best Consumer Bank. www.exchangebank.com

Member FDIC  Equal Housing Lender  Equal Opportunity Employer

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906896917/en/

Carolyn Cole-Schweizer

Marketing Services Manager

Exchange Bank

PO Box 403

Santa Rosa, CA 95402

707.541.1250

[email protected]

Source: Exchange Bank
GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in collaboration with global professional services firm Aon, Lloyds Disaster Risk Facility and the Centre for Disaster Protection, has announced a pioneering approach to disaster response. The groundbreaking risk transfer mechanism will ensure swift and agile support is available when a disaster occurs. This tool provides a backstop for the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906947243/en/

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launches a groundbreaking financial mechanism to transform disaster response. (Photo: Business Wire)

Emergency Funding Always Available When Needed

DREF has proven to be the simplest, fastest, most transparent, and localised way for IFRC's member National Societies to access reliable international, short-term emergency funding for community action in all kinds of disasters when needs surpass the resources available at the national level. The new insurance backstop will be a critical safety valve for DREFs life-saving work, ensuring the DREF can continue to meet the needs of today while standing ready for the crises of tomorrow.

IFRCs ambition is to grow the fund every year to reach 100 million Swiss Francs in 20251. Currently there is an alarming increase in small and medium-scale emergencies, and funding may not always be available when needed. The new insurance tool provides DREF with a contingency funding of up to 20 million Swiss Francs. Essentially, once DREFs allocated funding for natural hazards hits 33 million Swiss Francs, the reinsurance is triggered to replenish DREFs reserves.

By transferring risk from strained public balance sheets to the private sector, DREF is now able to respond more flexibly and effectively, with the potential to reach an additional 6 million vulnerable people each year. The reinsurance acts as a safety net for DREF, ensuring that extra funds are available and ready to provide aid to vulnerable communities, even during periods of increased demand.

Pioneering Partnerships

Aon and Lloyds Disaster Risk Facility together developed the insurance mechanism and designed a unique structure drawing upon DREFs 40 years of experience in supporting IFRC's member National Societies across the world. Importantly, this has been achieved without forcing any changes to DREFs current operational process.

DREF insurance is supported by international donors including: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (UK FCDO); the British Red Cross and Danish Red Cross; and the private sector. DREF Insurance is also co-funded by InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) to support insurance premium funding and product development. Global law firm Reed Smith provided legal advice to IFRC, with support from Swiss law firm Lenz & Staehelin and offshore specialist law firm Ogier.

The partnership has resulted in a completely novel  yet replicable and scalable  reinsurance product that:

Is tailor-made for DREF and modelled on its actual historic performance

Uses publicly published data, supporting transparency and accountability of approach

Is, for the first time, an indemnity-based reinsurance model that has been developed within a Humanitarian Disaster Risk Finance context

Is designed to make use of well-established commercial catastrophe re-insurance markets, reducing cost and improving scalability (allowing it to be used in other humanitarian contexts)

Has been continuously vetted and subject to an independent assessment prior to ensure its applicability

The capacity for the reinsurance deal was offered by the three founding members of the London-based Lloyds Disaster Risk Facility, as led by Hiscox alongside Chaucer and RenaissanceRe, with Fidelis MGU completing the placement as the sole representative of the Bermuda market.

For more information and to view the full press release, visit https://www.ifrc.org/press-release/ifrc-launches-groundbreaking-financial-mechanism-transform-disaster-response

Notes to editors

Aon UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of regulated products and services in the UK. Registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 00210725. Registered Office: The Aon Centre, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AN. Tel: 020 7623 5500. FP#13103 has been approved until 5th September, 2025, after which time the content should not be used or distributed.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906947243/en/

For press enquiries, contact: [email protected]

Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
LGMD 2I/R9 is a rare muscle dystrophy with no approved treatment

ATA-100 is being evaluated in Europe in a multi-center phase 1b/2b

EVRY, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Atamyo Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the development of new-generation gene therapies targeting muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies, today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ATA-100 to proceed in a Phase 1b/2b clinical trial. ATA-100 is a one-time gene therapy for the treatment of fukutin-related protein (FKRP) limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Type 2I/R9 (LGMD2I/R9).

ATA-100 (formerly known as GNT0006) is being evaluated in a multi-center phase 1b/2b in Denmark, France, and United-Kingdom.

This IND clearance in an important step to bring ATA-100 to US patients suffering from this highly debilitating LGMD-R9 disease, said Dr. Sophie Olivier, Atamyos Chief Medical Officer. After the initiation in 2022 of a phase 1b/2b in Europe, we are looking forward to opening US centers in the near future for this clinical trial.

LGMD2I/R9 is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene that produces fukutin-related protein (FKRP). It affects an estimated 5,000 people in the US and Europe. In the most common form, symptoms appear around late childhood or early adulthood. Patients suffer from progressive muscular weakness leading to loss of ambulation. They are also prone to respiratory impairment. There are currently no curative treatments for LGMD2I/R9.

ATA-100, a single-administration gene therapy candidate for LGMD2I/R9, delivers a normal copy of the gene for production of FKRP proteins. The therapy is based on the research of Atamyo Chief Scientific Officer Isabelle Richard, Ph.D., Research Director at CNRS who heads the Progressive Muscular Dystrophies Laboratory at Genethon.

About Atamyo Therapeutics

Atamyo Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharma focused on the development of a new generation of effective and safe gene therapies for muscular dystrophies and cardiomyopathies. A spin-off of gene therapy pioneer Genethon, Atamyo leverages unique expertise in AAV-based gene therapy and muscular dystrophies from the Progressive Muscular Dystrophies Laboratory at Genethon. Atamyos most advanced programs address different forms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD), with one clinical-stage program targeting LGMD-R9. The name of the company is derived from two words: Celtic Atao which means Always or Forever and Myo which is the Greek root for muscle. Atamyo conveys the spirit of its commitment to improve the life of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases with life-long efficient treatments. For more information visit www.atamyo.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906544525/en/

U.S. Contact:

Charles Craig, Opus Biotech Communications

[email protected], 404-245-0591

European contact: [email protected]

Source: Atamyo Therapeutics
With its focus on optics and photonics as a key enabler of emerging technology, the day-long program features US government agencies speaking on federal policy and funding to an audience of leading industry and community representatives

BELLINGHAM, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On 27 September, in Washington, DC, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, will host its second Photonics Industry Summit. The one-day event will bring together leaders from the optics and photonics community, executives within related businesses, US government agency representatives, and elected officials. Collectively, they will be sharing their plans and expectations for optics and photonics-related programs in key technology areas, including focused panel discussions on the semiconductor industry, STEM workforce development, and the latest innovations in quantum.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905143348/en/

The SPIE Photonics Industry Summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and high-level government representatives for a day of discussions, presentations, and networking. (Photo: Business Wire)

Some of the featured speakers include:

National Institute of Standards and Technologys Interim CHIPS Research and Development Program Director Eric Lin

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defenses Principal Director for Microelectronics Devanand Shenoy

Bureau of Industry and Security for Export Administrations Deputy Assistant Secretary Matthew Borman

Quantum Economic Development Consortium Deputy Director Jonathan Felbinger

Department of Defenses Principal Director for Directed Energy Frank Peterkin

White House Office of Science and Technology Policys Deputy Director for the National Quantum Coordination Office Gretchen Campbell

NASA Goddard Space Flight Centers Optical Engineer Margaret Dominguez

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineerings Department of Defense STEM Director Louie R. Lopez

Monroe Community College Professor and Executive Director of Workforce and Higher Education at AmeriCOM Alexis Vogt

The National Science Foundations Staff Associate for Technology Policy and Strategy Tess DeBlanc-Knowles

Department of Energy Acting Associate Director of Advanced Scientific Computing Research Ceren Susut

National Science Foundation Division Director of Undergraduate Education Rosalyn Hobson Hargraves

Congressional Representative Joseph Morelle

SPIE CEO Kent Rochford

Building on last years overwhelming success, I think we have outdone ourselves with the breadth and quality of this years program, notes SPIE Director of Government Affairs Jennifer OBryan. If you want a jump-start on positioning your company or institution to work with the US government, you will want to be at this years Industry Summit.

The event is sponsored by AmeriCOM, Edmund Optics, Google, Hamamatsu, Jenoptik, LaCroix Precision Optics, Leonardo Electronics, Optimax, Quartus Engineering, Sydor Optics, Teledyne, Thorlabs, and TOPTICA Photonics.

About SPIE

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, brings engineers, scientists, students, and business professionals together to advance light-based science and technology. The Society, founded in 1955, connects and engages with our global constituency through industry-leading conferences and exhibitions; publications of conference proceedings, books, and journals in the SPIE Digital Library; and career-building opportunities. Over the past five years, SPIE has contributed more than $22 million to the international optics community through our advocacy and support, including scholarships, educational resources, travel grants, endowed gifts, and public-policy development. www.spie.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905143348/en/

Daneet Steffens

Public Relations Manager

[email protected]

+1 360 685 5478

@SPIEtweets

Source: SPIE
The long-term partnership between Insurity and RCG has provided value to customers, delivering enhanced efficiency, regulatory compliance, and streamlined operations

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Insurity, the leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs, today announced it is celebrating its 15-year partnership with RCG Global Services. RCG, a global digital transformation services provider, began its relationship with Insurity in 2008 as a technology vendor and has since evolved into a trusted system integrator (SI) partner. The strength of this partnership is evident by its repeated customer engagements, positive feedback, and expanded business footprint over time.

RCG Global Services focuses on enabling digital transformation to achieve measurable business outcomes. In its partnership with Insurity, RCG has increasingly taken on a leading role in its regulatory work and actively engages as a key SI partner. As a SI partner, RCG helps customers rapidly implement core Insurity solutions, increase efficiency, and generate greater impact through digital transformation.

RCG provides its regulatory expertise and works with Insuritys customers on a daily basis to help implement upcoming regulatory changes. These efforts have helped elevate Insurity to its number one position in providing regulatory support and implementing changes to P&C insurers policy administration systems. RCGs comprehensive knowledge, paired with their direct involvement with Insurity, has helped deliver substantial value to Insuritys customers.

What started as a vendor-only relationship has evolved with time, and today, RCG stands tall as one of our key SI partners and regulatory experts, said Jennifer Saylors, VP of SI Success, Insurity. RCG are not just partners but are an intrinsic part of the Insurity family. Our customers recognize and appreciate the unparalleled expertise RCG brings to the table, from their recent work in data science and geospatial analytics, to their expertise in the regulatory space.

Our relationship with Insurity is based on our intrinsic knowledge of the insurance industry and Insuritys extensive products and solutions. That said, its also about camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared experiences, said Vincent Raineri, SVP at RCG Global Services. Over the last 15 years, weve celebrated professional and personal milestones with Insurity and their end customers, always prioritizing our collective success and enjoying our shared journey. We truly cherish every individual at Insurity for the value they bring and look forward to many more years of partnering together.

Attendees at Insuritys user conference, Excellence in Insurance, taking place in San Diego on October 4-6 can visit RCGs booth to learn more about its partnership and collaboration with Insurity over the years.

To learn more about Insuritys partnership with RCG, please contact Elizabeth Hutchinson at [email protected] or [email protected].

About Insurity

Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 22 of the top 25 P&C carriers and 7 of the top 10 MGAs in the US and has over 400 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform and with unrivaled industry experience and the industrys most robust analytics offerings, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners and TA Associates. For more information, visit www.insurity.com.

About RCG Global Services

RCG is a global provider of digital transformation consulting services, combining digital strategy and modern cloud and data technologies to deliver measurable business outcomes. RCG helps customers ignite transformational thinking and unlock new value throughout their journey to achieve their digital ambitions. RCG serves Fortune 1000 enterprise clients across a range of markets, with special emphasis on the consumer, financial services and insurance, and healthcare industries. RCG is part of the Frontenac portfolio of companies, and is based in Iselin, New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, and offshore delivery centers in the Philippines and India. For more information, please visit www.rcgglobalservices.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906281175/en/

Elizabeth Hutchinson

[email protected]

Source: Insurity
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nova Eye Medical Limited, a medical technology company committed to advanced ophthalmic treatment technologies and devices, is pleased to announce that the Companys proprietary canaloplasty technology platform (iTrack and iTrack Advance) will be featured in numerous presentations and posters during the official scientific program of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) 41st Congress on September 8-12, 2023 in Vienna, Austria.

Europes largest annual meeting for anterior segment surgeons and comprising both a scientific program and a technical exhibition, the ESCRS Annual Congress provides an important opportunity for the Company to share clinical research and collaborate with existing and future customers.

ESCRS is a key event in our global calendar, particularly at this important juncture in our growth strategy as we ramp up launch efforts for iTrack Advance, said Kate Hunt, Chief Commercial Officer of Nova Eye Medical. This years official ESCRS scientific program will spotlight a number of papers and posters featuring our new iTrack Advance, including the interim 12-month results from the iTrack Global Data Registry. The Registry has been adopted by surgeons across the globe to collect real-world data for our iTrack and iTrack Advance canaloplasty devices and we have been buoyed by the enthusiasm of the surgeons involved.

Established in May 2022, the iTrack Global Data Registry is collecting prospective, multicenter, longitudinal data for canaloplasty in the treatment of glaucoma and currently counts 367 canaloplasty procedures from surgeons in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. More than 500 canaloplasty procedures are expected to be independently documented by surgeons via the iTrack Global Data Registry, providing a real-world assessment of the clinical utility of the Companys iTrack and iTrack Advance canaloplasty devices.

The iTrack Global Data Registry is incorporated in the global International Glaucoma Surgery Registry (IGSR), an observational, non-interventional study of patients undergoing laser or surgical treatment for glaucoma. Established five years ago, the IGSR already counts more 7000 procedures in 63 countries and is the official registry partner of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS).

World-renowned glaucoma surgeon and one of the IGSR founders, Prof. Keith Barton, MD FRCP FRCS (United Kingdom) will present the interim 12-month data from the iTrack Global Data Registry, Multicenter Canaloplasty Data Registry  Outcomes of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Across Different Glaucoma Types and Severity, in the official MIGS session at the ESCRS. Refer to session details below.

The IGSR was developed to provide surgeons with an opportunity to contribute directly to better understanding the clinical effectiveness of the various glaucoma procedures and thus enable evidence-based decision making. We are pleased to collaborate with Nova Eye Medical in facilitating the collection of real-world evidence of the effectiveness and safety of canaloplasty to treat glaucoma, commented Prof. Barton.

Also to be presented in the ESCRS scientific program are the interim results of the Cataract Surgery in Conjunction with Ab-interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack Advance device Compared to Cataract Surgery Only (CATALYST") Study. The multicenter, randomized control study was initiated in 2022 by the Company across four sites in Germany to assess the effectiveness, safety and quality of life (QoL) outcomes of canaloplasty using the Companys iTrack Advance device, as compared to a cataract surgery-only control arm. Key assessment outcomes include reduction in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and mean number of glaucoma medications, surgical and postoperative complications, endothelial cell count and QoL utilizing a patient reported outcome measure. Karl Mercieca, MD, FEBO will present the interim data update for the CATALYST Study at the 2023 ESCRS Annual Congress. Refer to poster details below.

A summary of the ESCRS 2023 presentations and posters featuring iTrack and the newly launched iTrack Advance is included below.

Podium Presentation

Keith Barton, MD (UK); Shamil Patel, MD (USA), Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia); David Lubeck, MD (USA); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada)

Multicenter Canaloplasty Data Registry  Outcomes of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Across Different Glaucoma Types and Severity

Session: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Date: Monday, September 11, 2023

Time: 8:48-8:54am

Location: Lehar 1-2-3 Free paper podium 4

Presented Posters

James Murphy, MD (USA)

Efficacy of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Performed With and Without GATT Following Previous Glaucoma Laser Treatment - 24-Month Outcomes

Session: Glaucoma for Cataract Surgeons

Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023

Time: 2:15-3:45pm

Location: Podium 3

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Keith Barton, MD (UK); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada); Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia); Shamil Patel, MD (USA)

Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Effectiveness Categorized Based on Viscoelastic Volume

Session: Glaucoma for Cataract Surgeons II

Date: Sunday, September 10, 2023

Time: 5:00-6:00pm

Location: Podium 3

E-posters

Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany); Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany)

6-Year Clinical Effectiveness of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack In Reducing The Medication Burden in Glaucoma Patients

Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany); Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany)

6-Year Efficacy and Safety of iTrack Ab-interno Canaloplasty as a Standalone Procedure and Combined with Cataract Surgery in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Karl Mercieca, FEBO (Germany); Simon Ondrejka, FEBO (Germany); Markus Kohlhaas, MD (Germany); Norbert Korber, FEBO (Germany)

Cataract Surgery in Conjunction with Ab-interno Canaloplasty using the iTrack Advance device Compared to Cataract Surgery Only (CATALYST Study)

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Keith Barton MD (UK); Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD (Canada); Nathan Kerr, MD (Australia)

iTrack Global Data Registry to Support the Role of Canaloplasty for Treatment of Glaucoma

David Lubeck, MD (USA); Robert Noecker, MD (USA)

Endothelial Cell Density And Loss Following Ab-Interno Canaloplasty In Patients With Mild-Moderate Glaucoma As Compared To Severe Glaucoma

James Murphy, MD (USA)

Efficacy and Safety Profile of Ab-Interno Canaloplasty Performed With and Without GATT - 24-Month Outcome

Full session details can be accessed via the ESCRS program:

https://escrs-apps.m-anage.com/escrs2023/en-GB/pag

All educational content of the ESCRS Annual Meeting is planned by its Program Committee. The ESCRS do not endorse, promote, approve, or recommend the use of any products, devices, or services.

Nova Eye Medical will also provide additional peer-to-peer educational opportunities by hosting a series of interactive panel discussions during the ESCRS 2023. Surgeons from the USA, Canada and Germany will discuss their unique insights and experiences using the iTrack Advance as a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) treatment. All registered delegates of the ESCRS 2023 Annual Congress are invited to attend the Speaker Forum at the Nova Eye Medical Exhibit, #114 (Hall C). See full session details here: https://nova-eye.com/escrs

ABOUT NOVA EYE MEDICAL

Nova Eye Medical Limited is a medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells a portfolio of proprietary ophthalmic treatment technologies and devices. Used by eye surgeons in more than 100 countries globally, these technologies include the iTrack portfolio of canaloplasty devices for the treatment of glaucoma. The Company also manufactures and sells the proprietary Molteno3 glaucoma drainage device for the treatment of severe or complex glaucoma. With its sales headquarters based in Fremont, California, Nova Eye Medical is supported by sales offices in Adelaide, Australia and Berlin, Germany, and a global network of more than 50 distribution partners. Manufacturing facilities are located in Fremont, California and Dunedin, New Zealand.

ABOUT CANALOPLASTY

First introduced in 2008, canaloplasty is a surgical treatment for glaucoma that targets the main sites of outflow resistance in the conventional outflow pathway: the trabecular meshwork, Schlemms canal, and the distal collector channels. Based on the same principles as angioplasty, a flexible microcatheter is cannulated 360 degrees around Schlemms canal during the procedure to manually break and remove blockages. Next, viscoelastic fluid is injected into Schlemms canal as the microcatheter is withdrawn to dilate the distal outflow system and to improve the function of the trabecular meshwork.

The iTrack Advance canaloplasty device has a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) and CE Mark (Conformite Europeenne) for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.

The iTrack Advance canaloplasty device has been cleared for the indication of fluid infusion and aspiration during surgery, and for catheterization and viscodilation of Schlemms canal to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma.

For additional information about the iTrack Advance, including safety information, please visit: https://itrack-advance.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230903461690/en/

For media enquiries, please contact:

Kate Hunt: Nova Eye Chief Commercial Officer - [email protected]

Giorgio Pirazzini: GP Communications  [email protected]

Source: Nova Eye Medical Limited
Awards highlight the Best in Banking

GILBERT, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kinective, a leading provider of connectivity, workflow, and analytics software for the banking sector, today announced its inaugural Innovator of the Year Award winners, recognizing six financial institutions who are setting the bar high in the industry, and paving the way for innovation in banking.

The Innovator of the Year awards were designed to recognize the technology innovations that its clients and fintech partners have achieved throughout the past year. The awards were divided into six categories: Best Operating Efficiency, Best Experience, Best Connectivity, Technology Trailblazer, Freshest Fintech, and Digital Driver. The awards will be presented individually to each of the winners.

Stephen Baker, CEO of Kinective, said, Since the inception of Kinective, we have had the opportunity to work with more than 2,500 financial institutions that range in size from DeNovo Banks to some of the largest financial institutions across the U. S. as well as some of the most innovative Fintech providers in the industry. This gives us a unique perspective on the banking industry, and we want to recognize and celebrate innovation from these banks, credit unions, and fintechs that are pushing the limit to create better overall customer and members experiences.

The 2023 Innovator winners are:

Technology Trailblazer: OnPoint Community Credit Union (Portland, Oregon)

The Technology Trailblazer recognizes the financial institution making strides on transforming its branch technology to improve the overall client experience and optimize team efficiency.

Best Operating Efficiency: Arvest Bank (Bentonville, Arkansas)

The Best Operating Efficiency award recognizes the financial institution that cost-efficiently delivers modern or inventive products and services.

The Ultramodern Experience: United Bank of Michigan (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Ultramodern Experience award recognizes the financial institution that is creating a seamless client experience by breaking down traditional in-branch barriers through innovative technology and out-of-the-box thinking.

The Unrivaled Employer: Lone Star Credit Union (Dallas, Texas)

The Unrivaled Employer award recognizes the financial institution exemplary in reducing and improving onboarding timeframes, empowering employees through support and job duty consolidation, and creating cultures focused on sales and customer success.

Freshest Fintech: Mahalo Technologies, Inc. (Troy, Michigan)

The Freshest Fintech award recognizes a newer (2-3 years) fintech company on the market who is going above and beyond to empower financial institutions to reach new heights.

Digital Driver: ICE Mortgage Technology (Pleasanton, California)

The Digital Driver award recognizes the fintech company leading the way with excellent service, trailblazing solutions, and consistently reliable technology for clients.

Baker added, Each of these institutions and fintechs are an exemplary example of what it takes to be best-in-class providers who consistently go above and beyond to pioneer new ideas and drive innovative solutions. The winners are leading the way in transforming their organizations and the lives of the customers and members they serve. Congratulations to each of our winners, they are re-imagining how the financial industry can provide services than not only meet expectations but also exceed them.

About the Innovator of the Year Awards

The Innovator Awards recognize the inventors, the creators, and the rebels within the banking industry. They are awarded to financial institutions and fintech companies making waves in the industry and challenging the status quo.

About Kinective

Kinective is the most open and connected platform for scaling innovation in the banking industry. The company is the force multiplier for acing transformation through one connection between fintechs and banking cores. This access to innovation helps financial institutions break down barriers, unlock new services, and enhance their competitive edge. For more information about Kinective, visit www.kinective.io or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906899962/en/

Adrie Morales // Anna Stanley

[email protected] // [email protected]

678.781.7227 // 251.517.7857

Source: Kinective
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kolibri Global Energy Inc. (the Company or KEI) (TSX: KEI, OTCQX: KGEIF) is pleased to provide an operations update for its Tishomingo field in Oklahoma.

Drilling and Completion Operations

The Barnes 7-4H and 7-5H wells were successfully drilled and cased in the Lower Caney formation safely and under budget. The drilling rig is currently moving over to the Emery pad for the drilling of the next two Lower Caney wells and a T-zone well. The first of these next three wells, the Emery 17-3H, is expected to begin drilling within the week.

The Barnes 7-4H and 7-5H are scheduled to begin completion operations within the next two weeks once the drilling rig has moved out and all the equipment for the fracture stimulations has moved in and is rigged up.

Wolf Regener, President and CEO, commented, We are excited to begin completion operations on the Barnes 7-4H and Barnes 7-5H wells, and to move the same drilling rig over to drill the next three-well pad immediately. We are looking forward to the additional production that we expect from all these wells.

Recently Completed Wells and Field Update

The Company is pleased to report that the Barnes 8-3H well, which is our first T-zone well utilizing our latest completion technique and has been on production for just over 2 1/2 months, is currently producing in line with management's forecasted production. The production from our earlier T-zone wells had declined much harder at this stage. Achieving commercial rates from the T-zone could add many additional well locations and reserves that are not currently reflected in our reserve estimates. The T-zone formation is present over our entire acreage block and is thus potentially very significant to the Company.

The current production from the Barnes 8-2H well in the Lower Caney is within managements forecasted production band range. The Barnes 8-1H well, which is in the Upper Caney, is producing just below managements expected forecasted production band range. As we previously disclosed, while the Barnes 8-1H is still economic, the Company plans to place our future Caney wells in the Lower Caney formation.

The gathering system operator for the field has had issues for much of August, which resulted in the Companys production being restricted from the entire field. The issues are being resolved and the production is rebounding.

About Kolibri Global Energy Inc.

Kolibri Global Energy Inc. is a North American energy company focused on finding and exploiting energy projects in oil, gas, and clean and sustainable energy. Through various subsidiaries, the Company owns and operates energy properties in the United States. The Company continues to utilize its technical and operational expertise to identify and acquire additional projects. The Company's shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the stock symbol KEI and on the OTCQX under the stock symbol KGEIF.

Cautionary Statements

In this news release and the Companys other public disclosure: The references to barrels of oil equivalent ("Boes") reflect natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl 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 based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

Readers should be aware that references to initial production rates and other short-term production rates are preliminary in nature and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Readers are referred to the full description of the results of the Company's December 31, 2022 independent reserves evaluation and other oil and gas information contained in its Form 51-101F1 Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information for the year ended December 31, 2022, which the Company filed on SEDAR on March 13, 2023.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of United States securities laws (collectively, forward looking information), including statements regarding the timing of and expected results from planned wells development. Forward-looking information is based on plans and estimates of management and interpretations of data by the Company's technical team at the date the data is provided and is subject to several factors and assumptions of management, including that indications of early results are reasonably accurate predictors of the prospectiveness of the shale intervals, that required regulatory approvals will be available when required, that no unforeseen delays, unexpected geological or other effects, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions, equipment failures, permitting delays or labor or contract disputes are encountered, that the necessary labor and equipment will be obtained, that the development plans of the Company and its co-venturers will not change, that the offset operators operations will proceed as expected by management, that the demand for oil and gas will be sustained, that the price of oil will be sustained or increase, that the gathering system issues will be resolved, that the Company will continue to be able to access sufficient capital through cash flow, debt, financings, farm-ins or other participation arrangements to maintain its projects, and that global economic conditions will not deteriorate in a manner that has an adverse impact on the Company's business, its ability to advance its business strategy and the industry as a whole. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions on which such forward looking information is based vary or prove to be invalid, including that the Company or its subsidiaries is not able for any reason to obtain and provide the information necessary to secure required approvals or that required regulatory approvals are otherwise not available when required, that unexpected geological results are encountered, that equipment failures, permitting delays, labor or contract disputes or shortages of equipment, labor or materials are encountered, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration and development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks, including flooding and extended interruptions due to inclement or hazardous weather conditions), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, that the offset operators operations have unexpected adverse effects on the Companys operations, that completion techniques require further optimization, that production rates do not match the Companys assumptions, that very low or no production rates are achieved, that the gathering system operator doesnt get the issues resolved, that the price of oil will decline, that the Company is unable to access required capital, that occurrences such as those that are assumed will not occur, do in fact occur, and those conditions that are assumed will continue or improve, do not continue or improve, and the other risks and uncertainties applicable to exploration and development activities and the Company's business as set forth in the Company's management discussion and analysis and its annual information form, both of which are available for viewing under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could result in delays, cessation in planned work or loss of one or more leases and have an adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906127219/en/

Wolf E. Regener, +1 (805) 484-3613

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.kolibrienergy.com

Source: Kolibri Global Energy Inc.
Qazi and Cerni aided and abetted each other in unlawful scheme to withhold real estate commissions from Newport Beach real estate broker lawsuit alleges

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Karen A. Sunday & Associates Inc., a well-regarded commercial real estate broker, recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against Dr. Joseph S. Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi, along with their affiliated medical practices and others, for failing to pay, and unlawfully withholding, an earned real estate commission. The lawsuit alleges fraud, breach of contract and unlawful retention of stolen property, among other counts.

According to the lawsuit, in May 2022, Dr. Nadir Qazi reached out to Karen Sunday, President of Karen A. Sunday & Associates, seeking her expertise to acquire a building for his Newport Beach cosmetic surgery practice, the Qazi Cosmetic Center. Responding quickly, Sunday reached out to one of her long-time clients, well-known Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph S. Cerni, owner of Forever Ageless in Newport Beach, inquiring about his interest in selling his office to Qazi. According to court documents, in July 2022, Sunday sent a binding letter of intent to both doctors for the sale of the building, located at 20271 Southwest Birch Street, Suite 100, in Newport Beach with a sale price of $4.75 million. The lawsuit contains various transactional details, including the purchase price, deposit contingencies, escrow conditions, and most crucially, the broker commission. As part of the agreement, Sunday was set to receive a 4% commission from Cerni. Additionally, Court documents allege Qazi was to pay an additional 2% commission for his participation in the transaction. Neither Cerni nor Qazi ever paid for the brokerage services rendered by Sunday and instead aided and abetted each other by unlawfully withholding Sundays earned commission.

According to the complaint on file in Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2023-01309116-CU-BC-CJC, when the sale closed in December 2022, both Dr. Cerni and Dr. Qazi reneged on their commitment, denying Sunday her rightfully earned commission totaling $285,000. The lawsuit sheds light on the doctors intentional deceit, alleging they misled Sunday with a promise to pay their respective commissions to Sunday upon the close of escrow yet failed to do so.

The lawsuit seeks damages of no less than $4 million, citing Californias fraud statute in addition to the breach of contract claims. Sunday is represented by Elliot H. Stone, Esq., of Stone LLP, in Irvine California.

The lawsuit names among the defendants: Joseph S. Cerni, D.O. a Professional Corporation, JSC Holdings LLC, Rockitgram LLC, Belle Vie Wellness and Medical Aesthetics Inc., Beautiful Reflections Inc., Forever Ageless, Inc., Nubella Med Spa, Inc., Pure Fix Medical Institute, Inc., Qazcorp, Qazi Cosmetic and Monumental Investments LLC.

Karen Sunday & Associates, Inc., is a commercial real estate broker specializing in both Tenant and Landlord Representation headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Karens expertise is in the leasing and sales of office, industrial, and retail real estate in Southern California. More information at http://www.karensunday.com.

Stone LLP is a law firm that represents businesses throughout California in complex litigation involving business, construction, real estate, and employment disputes. More information at http://www.stonellp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906057993/en/

Elliott H. Stone

949-477-9100

[email protected]

Source: Stone LLP
New Offering Makes Financial Protection from Cyber Attacks Simple and Accessible; PCH Technologies Becomes a Cork Early Access Partner

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PCH Technologies, an award-winning managed IT service provider (MSP), announced today the immediate availability of CorkTM, a new cyber warranty program. As an Early Access Partner of the Cork MSP Partner Network, PCH Technologies is now offering simple and accessible financial protection against cyber risks to its small and midsize business (SMB) clients.

Seventy-four percent of known data breaches impacted SMBs last year, an increase from 46% in 2021. For most SMBs served by MSPs, the cost and complexity of cyber insurance makes financial protection unaffordable and out of reach. In partnership with Cork, PCH Technologies eliminates those barriers with near-instant access to financial coverage following a security incident.

PCH Technologies is a security-first MSP that offers a standard level of cybersecurity to all its clients. Its team works together with clients to develop a comprehensive and forward-thinking cybersecurity strategy to ensure confidence in their ability to prevent and respond to the most sophisticated attacks. Through its partnership with Cork, PCH Technologies now offers the Cork cyber warranty as part of its cybersecurity packages for all new and existing clients, which provides financial coverage for ransomware and business email compromise attacks.

Corks cyber warranty program provides a financial backstop to our technical security operations and complements our clients cyber insurance. Cork provides quick access to funds that can be used for incident response costs and cyber insurance deductibles, said Timothy Guim, President and CEO at PCH Technologies. The Cork product truly enhances the value of our managed IT and cybersecurity service offerings and assists us in protecting our clients from all angles.

Corks purpose-built platform is designed to address cyber risks that SMBs face and empower them with the resources to build strong cyber resilience and financial confidence. The warranty is backed by an inside-out approach to active risk monitoring, detection and incident response using real-time data telemetry to underwrite and mitigate the cyber risk of the protected environment. This approach gives PCH Technologies timely insights to enable quick action.

Were thrilled to partner with a forward-thinking industry veteran such as PCH Technologies and offer its SMB clients additional protection against the rapidly evolving cyber risk landscape, said Carlson Choi, CEO at Cork. Accessible financial policies have become increasingly important as the need for cyber financial protection has pushed premiums up and coverages down. We look forward to working closely with PCH Technologies to enable it to expand its value as a trusted partner to its clients.

For more information on Cork, visit corkinc.com.

For more information on PCH Technologies, visit pchtechnologies.com.

About PCH Technologies

Founded in 1997, PCH Technologies is a SOC2-certified managed service provider (MSP) headquartered in the Philadelphia market serving clients locally, nationally, and internationally. PCH Technologies has grown from a one-man operation to an established security-first MSP. Recently it was ranked no. 15 on Channel Futures MSP 501 Global List 2023. It offers specialties in managed services including 24x7 helpdesk, managed security, co-managed services, private cloud, public cloud, IT projects, 24x7 security operations center (SOC), as well as advanced AI security tools. It serves small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the financial, construction, and manufacturing industries.

For more information on PCH Technologies, visit pchtechnologies.com or find us on LinkedIn.

About Cork

Cork is a cybersecurity monitoring and warranty company for managed service providers (MSPs) serving small businesses (SMBs) and the software solutions they manage. Its purpose-built platform is designed to offer MSPs and their clients peace of mind with near-instant coverage and settlements in the aftermath of security incidents. Corks revolutionary approach to actionable insights, flexible premiums and claims management puts control in the hands of MSP and SMBs to protect the digital assets they value most. Based in Boston, Cork is backed by DVx Ventures, Outsiders Fund and Vestigo Ventures. For more information, visit corkinc.com and follow Cork on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906844031/en/

Contact for PCH Technologies

Hannah Dumas

Marketing Coordinator

[email protected]

Source: Cork
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Legal Experts Neil B. Garfinkel, Michael J. Romer, and Pierre E. Debbas Elevate Essential Resources and Accredited Continuing Education Courses for New York State Licensed Agents and Brokers.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With a commitment to elevating the professional standards of the real estate industry and its agents, leading on-demand real estate education platform Real Estate Center 4 Success (REC4Success) today announced the official launch of its website REC4Success.com. REC4Success was created by the top legal minds in New York real estate industry, Neil B. Garfinkel, Esq., founder of the Toolbox 4 Real Estate Agent Success and the managing partner of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP; and Michael J. Romer, Esq. and Pierre E. Debbas, Esq. of New York Real Estate Center and Romer Debbas, LLP. It is an unparalleled and robust platform of essential tools and resources curated to advance the careers of residential and commercial real estate professionals.

REC4SUCCESS is the premier online resource for agents and brokers seeking licensing, continuing education, and who are looking to stay ahead of an ever-evolving residential and commercial real estate marketplace. Accredited by New York State and complying with all licensing standards, REC4Successs continuing education courses and panels range from Fair Housing, Implicit Bias and Cultural Competency to other elective courses such as Commercial Leasing, New Development Transactions, and Using Social Media in Real Estate, among many others. The platforms creators are joined by an impressive compilation of captivating thought leaders in New York real estate. REC4Successs Toolbox for Real Estate Agent Success is an ever-expanding and comprehensive database of timely and essential information with real-time access to efficiency-driven topics. The Toolbox offers advice from industry leaders and up-to-date forms and information on topics fair housing, rentals, mortgages, and New York State laws; templates for client communication and email distribution; and much more.

Exemplifying their commitment and amid an increase in fair housing complaints and lawsuits in New York State, REC4Success is currently offering a free accredited Fair Housing CE course on their site.

As long-standing industry resources, we are passionate about educating agents and brokers on all facets of the industry, including the importance of Fair Housing, said Neil B. Garfinkel. We are proud to offer our engaging and accredited Fair Housing continuing education course at no charge through our site.

With active agents schedules in mind, the REC4Success accredited on-demand Continuing Education Courses are available anytime, anywhere.

We have become New Yorks new home for continuing education and timely real estate information, said Michael J. Romer. We are particularly excited about our upcoming mobile app, where agents and brokers can experience their residential and commercial courses on the go.

REC4Success is like no other platform and a game changer for new and experienced agents alike throughout New York, providing them with the tools they need to guide their clients though lifes most important financial decisions, said Pierre E. Debbas.

Pierre E. Debbas, Founder and Managing Partner of Romer Debbas, LLP, represents a broad range of clients in the acquisition, sale, lease, development and/or financing of commercial land residential properties. In addition, he boasts a successful history of representing prominent financial institutions in commercial and residential lending transactions; and fulfilling the general counsel and litigation needs of numerous cooperative and condominium boards throughout New York City. Over the course of his career, Mr. Debbas has been instrumental in thousands of real estate transactions.

Michael J. Romer, Founder and Managing Partner of Romer Debbas, LLP, has extensive experience in the areas of real estate and general business law, focusing on the purchase and sale of New York City commercial and residential real estate, commercial leasing, real estate related financing matters, representation of cooperative and condominium boards, foreign investors, and small businesses.

Neil Garfinkel, Managing Partner of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP, is one of the foremost experts in real estate brokering law in New York State. He leads his full-service, NY and CA-based law firm with a focus on all aspects of residential and commercial real estate, banking, and lending law. As Broker Counsel to REBNY and appointed member of the New York State Real Estate Board, as well as certified instructor of real estate courses, he provides training programs across the country and is the creator of the Toolbox 4 Real Estate Agent Success to be an integral resource for the real estate community.

About Romer Debbas, LLP

Romer Debbas, LLP boasts New York Citys largest residential real estate practice, uniquely focusing on all real estate matters for clients in local, national, and international markets. Led by Managing Partners Michael J. Romer and Pierre E. Debbas, the annually ranked top firm prioritizes highly specialized, client-centered representation with a practice that also extends to include Corporate and Business Law, Immigration, Litigation, Bankruptcy, Taxation, Trusts, and Estates. For more information, please visit romerdebbas.com.

About Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP (AGMB)

Widely recognized for its strong residential and commercial real estate, banking and compliance practices, Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP is a national law firm dedicated to smart, practical and cost-effective counsel. AGMB is counsel to the Real Estate Board of New York, the Empire State Mortgage Bankers Association and the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers. It has represented and guided the real estate brokerage industry for 28 years and has one of the largest residential banking practices in New York state. With integrity and professionalism, the firms philosophy mirrors the values of its partners: prioritizing relationships and the interests of the firms clients. For more information, please visit agmblaw.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906529930/en/

Paul Siebold, Rubenstein PR

[email protected] / 212-805-3029

Source: Real Estate Center 4 Success
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906660653/en/

Louvre Saint-Honore (Photo: Business Wire)

On 21 July 2023, SFL (Paris: FLY) delivered the premises of the future Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, representing nearly 16,000 sq.m. of retail space in its Louvre Saint-Honore property complex. Cartier (part of the Richemont group) will take up the premises as part of a turnkey lease signed in 2018.

Kicked off in 2014, the redevelopment is one of SFLs largest of the last 20 years, and the most significant commercial project under way in central Paris. The turnkey lease, which was subject to conditions precedent, was signed in 2018 for a non-cancellable period of 20 years with a 20-year extension option. SFL selected Petit  a subsidiary of Vinci Construction France  to lead this unique redevelopment project within SFL's Louvre Saint-Honore (Palais Royal) property complex while ensuring that the Louvre des Entreprises offices remain open during the work. Ateliers Jean Nouvel (AJN) is the prime contractor acting on behalf of Cartier and SFL.

The property's repositioning also involves upgrades to all office entrances by AJN, as well as the addition of a premium services space (featuring a cafeteria and shared meeting rooms) and a new catering area bathed in natural light, designed by Ana Moussinet.

The foundation will open its doors once these refurbishments  which supplement the work carried out by SFL  are complete.

Dimitri Boulte, Chief Executive Officer of SFL, commented: We are very proud of this transaction, which is one of a kind in Paris and without a doubt one of the most sophisticated redevelopments we have undertaken in recent years. It brings together all the complexities found in real estate projects and demonstrates the remarkable expertise of SFL's teams in executing outstanding transformation projects in partly occupied properties in Paris. We have created significant value and shown that the French capital has a great deal of potential for bold new projects. Our goal is to bring extraordinary concepts to life in historic buildings to help further enhance Paris appeal, and this unparalleled project does just that.

SFL was advised in this transaction by law firm Gide, and assisted as project owner by Vinci Immobilier and Ma.

About SFL

Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 7.9 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (#cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies in the consulting, media, digital, luxury, finance and insurance sectors. As Frances oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties.

Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A  Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409  Bloomberg: FLY FP  Reuters: FLYP PA

S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906660653/en/

SFL  Thomas Fareng  +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00  [email protected]

www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com

Source: SFL
TYSONS, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) today announced that Carrie Hofmann has been named president and general manager of WLTX, TEGNAs CBS affiliate in Columbia, SC, effective October 2. Hofmann will be responsible for overseeing the stations operations across all platforms, as well as community outreach efforts and driving results for advertisers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906364867/en/

Carrie Hofmann has been named president and general manager at TEGNA's WLTX-TV. (Photo: Business Wire)

Since 2020, Hofmann has been news director at WCNC, TEGNAs NBC affiliate in Charlotte, NC, and has led the station to impressive ratings growth. Prior to WCNC, Hofmann was news director for six years at KSHB, the NBC affiliate in Kansas City. There, she guided the station to become the number two station in the market, up from number four. Previously, she was assistant news director at WCNC from 2011-2013. Earlier in her career, Hofmann was producer and executive producer at KMGH, the ABC affiliate in Denver, before being promoted to assistant news director. Prior to KMGH, she was producer at WTMJ in Milwaukee. She began her career at KSAZ in Phoenix as an assignment editor.

Carrie not only brings an extensive content background to this position but embodies the inclusive leadership and commitment to community service that are true strengths of WLTX, said Richard Dyer, senior vice president for media operations, TEGNA. Shes a proven team leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow her teams to thrive. Shes passionate about engaging audiences and communities in innovative ways and has a track record of growing news brands.

Added Hofmann, I am honored for this opportunity to build on the strong foundation WLTX has created during the past twenty plus years. Viewers needs are constantly evolving, and our challenge is to meet them with what they need on whatever platform they choose.

Hofmanns award-winning career includes eight Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, a DuPont Award for Investigative Reporting and News Station of the Year Emmy Award for midsize market.

Hofmann is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism.

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network, Twist and Quest. TEGNA offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNAs OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906364867/en/

For media inquiries, contact:

Anne Bentley

Vice President, Corporate Communications

703-873-6366

[email protected]

For investor inquiries, contact:

Julie Heskett

Senior Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis

703-873-6747

[email protected]

Source: TEGNA Inc.
The diesel hydrotreater will provide environmental benefits as well as aid in domestic fuel security for Argentina

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elessent Clean Technologies (Elessent) announces the signing of license and engineering contracts with Trafigura for the construction of a state-of-the-art 125 Sm3/h (18,870 BPSD) IsoTherming diesel hydrotreater at the Bahia Blanca Refinery located in Argentina. The addition of the IsoTherming diesel hydrotreater will revolutionize the refining capabilities of the Bahia Blanca Refinery, which currently operates on domestic crude sourced from the Vaca Muerta and other regions of Argentina. This groundbreaking project represents a major investment by Trafigura in expanding the refinerys diesel capacity and enhancing its ability to produce and sell ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) domestically. This move will also position the refinery to meet the upcoming regulation that requires a reduction in the maximum sulfur content in ULSD to 10ppm.

IsoTherming technology is the lowest available carbon intensity technology on the market which will reduce the refinery's total carbon footprint. Not only does this technology enhance the quality of diesel fuel by efficiently removing sulfur, nitrogen, and other impurities, but it also has much lower carbon emissions than a traditional hydroprocessing unit. Through the use of a liquid-full reaction zone and an effluent recycle loop, the IsoTherming technology requires less heating from the feed charge heater, resulting in less fuel gas burned. The ULSD fuel product complies with stringent emission regulations and also facilitates cleaner combustion in diesel engines. This cleaner combustion translates to a significant decrease in carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions, mitigating the adverse impact of diesel-powered transportation on air quality in the region as well as global climate change.

Additionally, the diesel hydrotreater unit will be designed to optionally co-process renewable feedstock in the form of vegetable oil, giving the refinery the latitude to replace a portion of its feed with a non-fossil fuel source while producing a high-quality diesel product. This is a significant opportunity to further reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability measures. The exploration of co-processing exemplifies Trafigura's dedication to environmental responsibility and aligns with the global effort to transition to cleaner fuel sources.

It has been a pleasure to work with Trafigura over the course of this project, and were grateful for the opportunity to build this working relationship. We have offered a high-quality solution to the refinery and, due to the characteristics of IsoTherming technology, the unit at the Bahia Blanca Refinery will reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 50% in comparison to traditional hydrotreating technology, said Samantha Presley, Global Business Leader  New Capacity for Refining Technologies.

The addition of the diesel hydrotreater is expected to provide significant advantages to Trafigura, the Bahia Blanca Refinery, and the country of Argentina. By increasing domestic production capacity, Trafigura can bolster its position as a key player in the market and further enhance its contribution to the fuel security of Argentina.

This hydroprocessing unit will allow Trafigura to continue offering high-quality diesel to the market by replacing their current imported diesel with domestic feeds and products to grow the local economy, Ramiro Gonzalez, Business Development Manager for Refining Technologies - Latin America.

Startup of the new Trafigura IsoTherming unit is expected for 2025-2026.

The IsoTherming hydroprocessing technology utilizes a novel liquid-phase reactor system offering distinct advantages over conventional hydroprocessing technologies in that it uses hydrogen and catalyst more efficiently. The IsoTherming hydroprocessing technology is suitable for a wide range of applications, including 100% kerosene hydrotreating, 100% light cycle oil (LCO) hydrotreating, transmix hydrotreating, diesel hydrotreating, FCC feed hydrotreating (VGO hydrotreating), mild hydrocracking, renewables co-processing, dewaxing, gas-to-liquid (GTL) upgrading, and heavy oil upgrading for both grassroots and revamp configurations. Licensed and marketed by Elessent Clean Technologies, the IsoTherming technology has been licensed in 30 refineries worldwide with capacities ranging from 1,500 bpd (82 kmta) to 80,000 bpd (3,900 kmta), offering refiners a lower CAPEX and OPEX solution than conventional hydroprocessing options. Learn more at IsoTherming.ElessentCT.com.

About Elessent Clean Technologies

Elessent Clean Technologies is a global leader in process technologies to drive sustainability and carbon neutrality in the metal, fertilizer, chemical and oil refining industries with an unwavering commitment to customer support. We provide extensive global expertise across our portfolio of offerings in key applications  MECS sulfuric acid production, STRATCO alkylation, BELCO wet scrubbing and IsoTherming hydroprocessing. Offering critical process equipment, products, technology and services, we enable an array of industrial markets, including phosphate fertilizer, non-ferrous metals, oil refining, petrochemicals and chemicals, to minimize their environmental impact and optimize productivity. We are dedicated to helping our customers produce high-quality products used in everyday life in the safest, most environmentally-sound way possible, with a vision to make the world a better place by creating clean alternatives to traditional industrial processes. Learn more at www.ElessentCT.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906713258/en/

Elessent Clean Technologies

Mary Reiss

Tel: +1-314-464-4375

[email protected]

IsoTherming Hydroprocessing Technology

Samantha Preseley

Tel: +1-913-827-6952

[email protected]

Source: Elessent Clean Technologies
VIENNA & OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TTTech Auto, the leading provider of automotive safety software, and mimik Technology Inc., the pioneer in hybrid edge cloud (HEC) solutions, are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership aimed at enhancing safety and transforming the driving experience of next-generation cars. Through the integration of mimik's cutting-edge platform with TTTech Auto's proven safety solutions, this collaboration will pave the way for unprecedented advancements in Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), driver assistance, and autonomous mobility.

TTTech Auto specializes in delivering state-of-the-art software, hardware, and services for future vehicle generations and the shift towards software-defined vehicles. Their innovative technology has been successfully deployed in millions of vehicles worldwide, making them a trusted partner for car manufacturers and automotive system integrators. TTTech Autos software solution centers around effectively handling the complexity inherent in SDVs through cutting-edge orchestration, communication, and safety frameworks. The MotionWise Safety Middleware is a proven solution deployed in over 2 million vehicles, with an additional secure pipeline for 9 million cars. Furthermore, Zetta Auto offers a unified solution for in-vehicle and V2X communication, leveraging Data Distribution Service (DDS), Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), and Zenoh protocol to ensure reliable end-to-end communication properties.

mimik is renowned for its innovative HEC platform and edgeEngine, which provide API gateways and a powerful continuous runtime environment. These tools are designed to deploy and run standard microservices on top of any operating system, including Android Auto and QNX. This capability makes it easy to decouple hardware from OS and application logic to achieve SDV. This innovation creates a seamless and efficient ecosystem for developers and automakers alike, allowing every aspect of automotive functions and mobility to be transformed into a function-as-a-service. The mimik edgeEngine allows for the exposure of compute resources, functions, and data through standard APIs, effectively creating a homogeneous view of otherwise fragmented silos of computing and OS. This integration occurs both within and outside the vehicle, allowing functions to interact and exchange knowledge seamlessly amongst themselves and with any cloud providers, therefore addressing interoperability challenges.

Development speed, coupled with safety, real-time capabilities, security, and system integrity, is a pivotal factor in realizing the promises of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). The collaboration between the companies aims to leverage the strengths of both companies technologies, striving to unveil an unparalleled development lifecycle. This is achieved while upholding the critical attributes of safety, security, real-time performance, and comprehensive end-to-end system properties at the E/E level. Furthermore, the partnership will focus on the exploration of mimik HEC in combination with MotionWise to provide edge-to-cloud technologies, facilitating seamless workload transition between the cloud and edge environments.

Were thrilled to join forces with mimik, an industry trailblazer in hybrid edge cloud solutions, stated Dr. Dirk Linzmeier, CEO of TTTech Auto. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our quest to revolutionize automotive safety solutions and deliver state-of-the-art technology to our valued customers, seamlessly spanning from cloud to edge environments.

At mimik, we empower automakers to unleash the full potential of their vehicles with our software platform, said Fay Arjomandi, Founder and CEO at mimik. Teaming up with TTTech Auto, a leader in automotive safety software, we can connect fragmented silos of computing inside and outside of vehicles and harness real-time context data to create a safer and more connected driving experience."

This partnership between TTTech Auto and mimik marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles on our roads. As the collaboration progresses, both companies remain committed to advancing technology that puts safety first while revolutionizing the future of driving.

About TTTech Auto:

TTTech Auto provides solutions for future vehicle generations and the shift towards software-defined vehicles. The company specializes in delivering safe software and hardware solutions along with a range of services, to support the advancement of automated driving and beyond, applicable in series production programs. With its leading technology solutions, TTTech Auto reduces the required time for system designing, integration and testing of a series production ready software platform. This ensures safety and electronic robustness for a more automated world.

TTTech Auto was founded in 2018 by TTTech Group and technology leaders Audi, Infineon and Samsung to build a global, safe vehicle software platform for automated and autonomous driving. In 2022, the company raised USD 285 million (EUR 250 million) from Aptiv and Audi in its latest funding round. At TTTech Auto's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, and in more than 10 locations across Europe and Asia, 1,100 employees work with leading car manufacturers on their software-defined vehicle, ADAS and autonomous driving programs. The company has acquired and invested in technology companies in France, Spain, Turkey, China and Central and Eastern Europe.

About mimik:

mimik stands at the forefront of the future of cloud computing, strategically positioned as an indispensable provider of the hybrid edge cloud (HEC) development platform. As industries pivot towards comprehensive digital transformation, our platform is an essential catalyst, streamlining time to market, optimizing cost efficiency, and ensuring scalability, interoperability, data privacy, and security. Crucially, in the era of AI and autonomous operations, empowering all computing devices with server capability becomes imperative, and mimik's platform is uniquely designed to meet this demand. Supporting a vast spectrum of operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, QNX, Android Auto, Raspbian, and OpenWRT, as well as smart IoT freeRTOS sensors, our platform seamlessly integrates with both private and public clouds, embodying the vision of next-generation cloud infrastructure. Embracing mimik not only enables businesses to establish direct, efficient connections across smart devices but also ushers in a paradigm shift in operational efficiency while substantially cutting backend integration expenses. The future of computing is here, and it's powered by mimik.

To learn more visit mimik.com, and for developers developer.mimik.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906514988/en/

For mimik:

[email protected]

For TTTech Auto:

[email protected]

Source: mimik Technology Inc.
NOVI, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In an unpredictable world with market demands continuously evolving, increasing productivity is a key challenge for businesses all over the world and across industries. Luckily there are ways to unlock efficiency gains and become more competitive by turning to automation. Expert guidance from industry specialists, along with insightful customer stories and product demos, can be the turning factor for businesses, both large and small, to boost productivity and thrive in an ever-changing market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906406054/en/

Universal Robots' 'ReAutomated' events will focus on deploying collaborative robots in palletizing, machine tending, and welding applications. (Photo: Business Wire)

Thats why Universal Robots, the worlds leading collaborative robot (cobot) company, will be hosting three virtual conferences in September and October. Here, businesses will get access to exclusive insights on how automation can improve productivity, giving manufacturers the chance to explore the automation opportunities that will help unlock efficiency gains.

ReAutomated: The virtual experience events will focus on three applications within industrial automation; welding, machine tending and palletizing. The events will be broadcast live from Universal Robots three Centers of Excellence across the globe.

Palletizing: September 28, live from Barcelona, Spain

Machine tending: October 12, live from Munich, Germany

Welding: October 26, live from Novi, Michigan, US

All three events are free to attend and will feature:

- Insightful talks with experts and industry leaders

- Successful customer case stories

- Live demos of the groundbreaking UR20 robots

- Live Q&A sessions with industry experts ready to answer pressing questions

Keith Fox, Global Director for Industry Segments at Universal Robots, says:

If you are a manufacturing company and you want to raise productivity and stay competitive, automation has become an absolute necessity in todays market. But a lot of people still have questions on how to get started, and thats what well be addressing in our upcoming ReAutomated events. No matter if youre a 5, 50 or 500 people company, these conferences will provide you with the latest knowledge from our industry leading experts, giving you all the best tips to how you can boost your productivity with automation.

Read more and signup for free here.

Pictures for download can be accessed here.

About Universal Robots

Universal Robots is a leading provider of collaborative robots (cobots) used across a wide range of industries and in education. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Odense, Denmark, Universal Robots aims to create a world where people work with robots, not like robots. Its mission is simple: Automation for anyone. Anywhere.

Since introducing the worlds first commercially viable cobot in 2008, Universal Robots has developed a product portfolio reflecting a range of reaches and payloads and has sold over 75,000 cobots worldwide. An extensive ecosystem has grown around the companys cobot technology, creating innovation, choice for customers, and a wide range of components, kits and solutions to suit every application. The company has over 20 offices globally, with North America headquarters in Novi, MI.

For more information, please visit www.universal-robots.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906406054/en/

Media:

Mette McCall, McCall Media

[email protected]

+1-251-278-9847

Source: Universal Robots
The leading enterprise customer data platform will help the travel company unify, manage and activate its data to deliver highly personalised, end-to-end experiences

SEATTLE & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amperity, the leading enterprise customer data platform (CDP) for consumer brands, today announced Virgin Atlantic as a new customer for its critical data foundation. Amperity will help unify, manage, and activate all of the travel companys digital and transactional customer data, to deliver personalised customer experiences and drive revenue growth.

Virgin Atlantic looks after a vast amount of customer data generated from digital touchpoints and offline transactions throughout the customer journey. As part of their ongoing data transformation, the travel company will use the CDP to create a personalised ecosystem and improve the digital experience. Amperity offers a sophisticated, AI-powered platform to create unified customer profiles, harness data to help acquire new customers, deepen existing loyalty relationships, build a community, and support the best possible customer experiences across the end-to-end journey.

Tom Barber, Head of Data at Virgin Atlantic, said: When it comes to innovating for our customers, Virgin Atlantic never stands still. Were building a digital core at the heart of our business so that our customers benefit from a seamless shop, book and service experience for our flights and holidays, with an innate understanding of their preferences across the end-to-end journey. Were excited to adopt Amperity to help us get to know our customers better than ever, supporting personalised and meaningful content and experiences at every touchpoint, with the advantage of consistent and secure first-party data and customer segmentation.

Amperity's platform uses patented machine learning algorithms to deliver industry-leading identity resolution, audience segmentation, and predictive analytics which allows Virgin Atlantic to create the most relevant content and communications for each customer.

Today, customer data is at the heart of any ambitious organization, especially one that aspires to make every interaction feel more like it is a one to one experience versus a one to many approach, said Barry Padgett, CEO at Amperity. By tapping into Amperity, the platform for customer data, Virgin Atlantic will be able to take advantage of patented identity resolution, with strict governance and activation capabilities that will make experiences even more connected and relevant.

To learn how other brands like Virgin Atlantic are partnering with Amperity visit https://amperity.com/customers.

About Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core, with a purpose to ensure everyone can take on the world. In 2022, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britains only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the sixth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs more than 7,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 31 destinations across four continents. Virgin Atlantic recently continued its expansion in the US, launching new routes to Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida.

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliances first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliances transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, with a commitment to achieving 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies and has reduced its absolute carbon emissions by 35% over the last decade. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed the first of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2027. In late 2023, Virgin Atlantic will be leading an industry consortium to deliver the first 100% SAF flight across the transatlantic, demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes.

For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

About Amperity

Amperity delivers the data confidence brands need to unlock growth by truly knowing their customers. With Amperity, brands can build a first-party data foundation to fuel customer acquisition and retention, personalise experiences that build loyalty, and manage privacy compliance. Using patented AI and ML methods, Amperity stitches together all customer interactions to build a unified view that seamlessly connects to marketing and technology tools. More than 400 brands worldwide rely on Amperity to turn data into business value, including Alaska Airlines, DICKS Sporting Goods, Endeavour Drinks, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit amperity.com or follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906474229/en/

Andrea Mocherman

[email protected]

Source: Amperity
The new name reflects the companys expanded commitment to uplifting families and caregivers in the U.S.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WeeCare, the leading national childcare network, today announced its new name and brand identity: Upwards. The company is taking a major step to amplify its impact in the care industry by expanding its mission to provide comprehensive care solutions for U.S. families. As Upwards enters a new growth cycle, it remains steadfast in its commitment to childcare, while also planning to include other types of care that meet the unique needs of families.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906212685/en/

WeeCare, the leading national childcare network, announced its new name and brand identity: Upwards. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"Upwards signifies the direction families move when care is not a concern," said Jessica Chang, CEO and Co-Founder of Upwards, unveiling the company's new name. "From our founding in 2017, we focused on putting family at the center of everything we do. And going forward, the new name aligns with our companys mission of making care accessible to all families and empowering the caregivers who provide it.

Over the past six years, Upwards has made significant strides in solving the childcare crisis. The company has created the nations most extensive childcare network serving more than 2 million families across the country, supporting care providers across all 50 states, and helping them grow their businesses even during the pandemic. Working together with government entities like the State of California and the U.S. Army, Upwards has been removing barriers to childcare for families and driving community economic growth. Following its Series A fundraising round in early 2022, led by M13, Upwards expanded its employer childcare benefits program by 350% for working families at all income levels. The company partners with some of the largest U.S. employers  including JCPenney, Dollywood, Chobani, Goodwill, P.F. Changs, Panasonic, Tenaris, and healthcare providers like Emory and Nebraska Medicine  who now rely on Upwards to support their employees childcare needs.

However, Upwards recognizes that childcare is one facet of the broader care crisis afflicting the U.S. Families across the nation are overwhelmed with caregiving responsibilities and lack accessible and affordable support. The ongoing care crisis continues to impact family earnings, stress levels, and overall well-being, while also taking a toll on the economy, resulting in a staggering $290 billion GDP loss annually1.

Childcare remains our area of expertise and immediate focus, but we know it's only one of many caregiving needs families have. Upwards expanded focus reflects the urgent need for technologically-driven solutions to the care crisis that are efficient, adaptable, and customizable, catering to the unique needs of every family. Our technology platform brings together families, caregivers, employers, and governments to create accessible care options in real-time. We do this by assessing care needs, identifying and supporting caregivers equipped to meet those needs, and connecting families with the resources to afford care. Upwards increases efficiency and reduces frictional costs that allow for more funding to flow to families that need it," Chang adds.

By announcing the rebrand and expanded mission, Upwards is responding to the real demand and problems faced by families. It is driven by listening to its partners and ensuring that employees can utilize their benefits for both childcare and other essential care needs, something the company has already pioneered with its employer partner Chobani. Upwards is leveraging its adaptable technology to swiftly deliver on its expanded vision of addressing diverse care needs and fostering a brighter future for American families.

As the company progressively rolls out new features and design elements as part of the rebrand, visit Upwards website to explore the changes and read a special letter from Upwards' CEO and Co-Founder, Jessica Chang, about the company's vision for the future.

About Upwards (formerly WeeCare):

Upwards is a technology-driven care solutions company with a mission to make care accessible to all families and empower the caregivers who provide it. Upwards brings together families, care providers, employers, and governments to create new care avenues in real-time and utilizes a data-driven approach to enhance the supply and capacity of the care system. Upwards matches families with caregivers equipped to meet their unique needs and connects families with the resources they need to afford care, whether through government subsidies or workplace benefits. To learn more, visit upwards.com.

______________________

1 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2022/solving-the-care-crisis

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906212685/en/

Anna Rasby-Safronova

[email protected]

(310) 438-5492

Source: Upwards
The Impact Awards celebrate leading Workato customers who are pushing their industries into the future with automation

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Workato, the leading AI-powered enterprise automation platform, announced the winners of this years Impact Awards at the companys customer conference, Automate 2023. Established to celebrate customer champions on how they leverage Workato and transform their teams and organization effectiveness, this years winners included Snowflake, Hubspot, DoorDash, Media.Monks, and more.

We are excited to have announced the winners of the Impact Awards at this years in-person Automate Conference. From myself and our entire Workato team, wed like to extend congratulations to everyone involved, said Vijay Tella, co-founder, and CEO of Workato. These winners are a true testament to what innovation looks like when AI and automation are adopted to help transform the way a business operates. We continue to look to our customers for inspiration each and every day.

Chosen by a panel of experts, including thought leaders, industry analysts, and company partners, Workato recognizes the following 8 customers who are making an impact with automation in their respective industries:

Customer Experience Award | Snowflake: Snowflake delivers the Data Cloud  a global network where thousands of organizations mobilize data with near-unlimited scale, concurrency, and performance. Inside the Data Cloud, organizations unite their siloed data, easily discover and securely share governed data, and execute diverse analytic workloads. Wherever data or users live, Snowflake delivers a single and seamless experience across multiple public clouds. Snowflakes platform is the engine that powers and provides access to the Data Cloud, creating a solution for data warehousing, data lakes, data engineering, data science, data application development, and data sharing.

Snowflake delivers the Data Cloud  a global network where thousands of organizations mobilize data with near-unlimited scale, concurrency, and performance. Inside the Data Cloud, organizations unite their siloed data, easily discover and securely share governed data, and execute diverse analytic workloads. Wherever data or users live, Snowflake delivers a single and seamless experience across multiple public clouds. Snowflakes platform is the engine that powers and provides access to the Data Cloud, creating a solution for data warehousing, data lakes, data engineering, data science, data application development, and data sharing. Business + Innovation Impact Award | DoorDash: DoorDash is a technology and logistics company that started with door-to-door delivery and is constantly in pursuit of team members who can help go from a company that is known for delivering food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods. The companys mission is to empower local economies, shape how team members move quickly, and always learn and reiterate to support merchants, Dashers, and the communities they serve.

DoorDash is a technology and logistics company that started with door-to-door delivery and is constantly in pursuit of team members who can help go from a company that is known for delivering food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods. The companys mission is to empower local economies, shape how team members move quickly, and always learn and reiterate to support merchants, Dashers, and the communities they serve. Social Impact Award | Hubspot: HubSpot is a leading CRM platform that provides software and support to help businesses grow better. Our platform includes marketing, sales, service, and website management products that start free and scale to meet our customers needs at any stage of growth. Today, thousands of customers around the world use the companys powerful and easy-to-use tools and integrations to attract, engage, and delight customers.

HubSpot is a leading CRM platform that provides software and support to help businesses grow better. Our platform includes marketing, sales, service, and website management products that start free and scale to meet our customers needs at any stage of growth. Today, thousands of customers around the world use the companys powerful and easy-to-use tools and integrations to attract, engage, and delight customers. Embedded Innovation Award | Wrike: Wrike is an enterprise-ready, cloud-based collaborative work management platform for managing cross-functional work at scale that is fully configurable and enables contextual collaboration in a secure environment. Enterprises use Wrike to offer a single digital workplace for all of their departments and teams.

Wrike is an enterprise-ready, cloud-based collaborative work management platform for managing cross-functional work at scale that is fully configurable and enables contextual collaboration in a secure environment. Enterprises use Wrike to offer a single digital workplace for all of their departments and teams. AI Visionary Award | Enbridge: At Enbridge, the goal is to be the first-choice energy delivery company in North America and beyondfor customers, communities, investors, regulators and policymakers, and employees. As a diversified energy company, Enbridge is uniquely positioned to help accelerate the global transition to a cleaner energy future and do it in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible.

At Enbridge, the goal is to be the first-choice energy delivery company in North America and beyondfor customers, communities, investors, regulators and policymakers, and employees. As a diversified energy company, Enbridge is uniquely positioned to help accelerate the global transition to a cleaner energy future and do it in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible. Speed to Value Award | GA Telesis: GA Telesis LLC is one of the worlds largest commercial aerospace firms with over $1.0 billion in assets under management. GA Telesis operates sales, leasing, distribution, and maintenance facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Finland, and China. Over the past twenty years, GA Telesis has emerged as a global leader in the aerospace industry.

GA Telesis LLC is one of the worlds largest commercial aerospace firms with over $1.0 billion in assets under management. GA Telesis operates sales, leasing, distribution, and maintenance facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Finland, and China. Over the past twenty years, GA Telesis has emerged as a global leader in the aerospace industry. Groundbreaker Award | Media.Monks: Media.Monks is the purely digital operating brand of S4Capital plc that connects 8,600+ digital natives across one global team. The Media.Monks team is driven by a common goal: to shift industries forward and unlock ambitious outcomes for our clients and our people. By combining media, data, social, platforms, studio, experience, brand, and technology services, the agency helps clients continuously reinvent themselves throughout increasingly rapid cycles of disruption.

Each of the winners is defining what it means to combine AI and enterprise automation to its fullest potential and how impactful it can be. The North American winners were acknowledged and presented their respected awards in person at Automate 2023. Additional international winners will be announced in the coming weeks, with award ceremonies taking place in London, Tel Aviv, Australia, and Singapore.

For more information on how Workato is leading the AI and automation movement, visit workato.com.

About Workato

The leader in AI-powered enterprise automation, Workato helps organizations drive business efficiency at scale without compromising security and governance. Built for Business and IT users, Workato is trusted by over 17,000 of the world's top brands, including Broadcom, Intuit, and Box. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Workato is backed by Altimeter Capital, Battery Ventures, Insight Venture Partners, Tiger Global, and Redpoint Ventures. For more information, visit workato.com or connect with us on social media:

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906383367/en/

Joseph Hollister

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Source: Workato
PGIM Real Estate (a business of PGIM, the global asset management business of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU)) has appointed Cathy Marcus and Raimondo Amabile as co-chief executive officers, effective Oct. 1, 2023. Marcus and Amabile will jointly run the business in an expansion of their existing global and regional roles and having worked together for over a decade.

Marcus will retain her responsibilities as global chief operating officer, and Amabile will retain his responsibilities as global chief investment officer.

In addition, the following appointments are being made effective Oct. 1, 2023:

Soultana Reigle, currently senior portfolio manager for U.S. equity value-add strategies, has been promoted to head of U.S. Equity, replacing Marcus in that role.

Sebastiano Ferrante, currently deputy head of Europe, has been appointed head of Europe.

Enrique Lavin, currently deputy head of Latin America, has been appointed head of Latin America.

Christina Hill will expand her existing Americas-focused Asset Management and global ESG responsibilities in a newly created role as global head of Asset Management and Sustainability.

Reigle and Ferrante will assume these leadership roles in addition to their existing senior portfolio management responsibilities in each region.

Bryan McDonnell will continue in his role as head of U.S. Debt & Agriculture and chair of Global Debt, and Benett Theseira will continue in his role as head of Asia Pacific.

The changes follow the formation of PGIM Private Alternatives under the leadership of current PGIM Real Estate President and CEO Eric Adler. In this role Adler will position the PGIM brand as a leading private alternatives manager with $310.9 billion AUM/AUA. These strategies are managed by PGIM Real Estate (real estate and agriculture), PGIM Private Capital (private credit, infrastructure debt) and Montana Capital Partners (private equity secondaries).

Adler comments: Cathy and Raimondo are well-positioned to lead PGIM Real Estate, having each expanded their global and regional responsibilities through a progression of leadership roles over the last several years, and through their established, decade-long partnership driving the strategic initiatives of PGIM Real Estate globally. Delivering strong, long-term returns and outstanding service to our clients hinges on our ability to effectively develop our talent and execute robust succession planning. The incoming leadership team brings significant real estate investment management experience to their roles, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in my expanded role.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Astra Energy Inc. (OTCQB: ASRE) (Astra or the Company) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution (the Arrangement) to commence the process of listing its subsidiary Regreen Technologies Inc. ("Regreen" or "Spinco") on a senior U.S. exchange with an accompanying IPO or to spin-out Regreen into an existing company on a senior U.S. exchange.

Under the Arrangement, Astra would distribute the common shares of Spinco to Astra's shareholders. Once the Arrangement becomes effective, Astra shareholders of record will ultimately own shares in two public companies: Spinco, which will focus on the manufacturing, licensing and distribution of equipment based on the Regreen patented technology; and Astra, the parent company, which will continue with both the development of its clean and renewable energy projects abroad and the advancement of the Holcomb Energy Systems initiatives.

The Company will take several steps to facilitate the completion of the spin-out. As a first step it will prepare stand-alone, carve-out financial statements. Furthermore, there are several important internal and external considerations, approvals and conditions that will drive the ultimate timing and structure of any transaction, including, but not limited to, consideration of one-time costs; capital market conditions; determination of the pro forma capitalizations for Spinco; final approval by the Companys Board of Directors; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals; tax considerations, including receipt of any applicable opinions and/or rulings with respect to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the transaction; compliance with U.S. securities laws and stock exchange rules, and any shareholder vote requirements that may be applicable. Many of these considerations, approvals and conditions will be influenced by and/or be dependent on the specific structure that is ultimately selected. Additional details of the spin-out transaction will be communicated as they transpire.

Ron Loudoun, Astra's CEO, stated: "We believe the spin-out of Regreen Technologies will be very beneficial to shareholders as it will unlock the value of the Technology Assets by allowing it to be developed separately by a skilled and focused management team, and it will allow our shareholders to own shares in two companies. This further demonstrates our commitment to significantly enhance shareholder value with another move in a series of corporate actions designed to enhance shareholder protection and unlock fair value of our asset. We recognize the challenges investors face in todays market climate and will continue to be aggressive in order to achieve fair market value for our assets and to protect shareholders."

About Regreen Technologies Inc.

The Regreen Total Waste System is a patented series of equipment and processes with specialized technology to convert any solid waste material into a marketable product through the cleanest measures, without causing damage to the environment.

https://regreentechnologies.com

About Astra Energy Inc.

Astra Energy Inc. is an integrated solutions provider investing in and developing clean and renewable energy projects in markets where demand is high, supply is limited and there is an opportunity to address other imminent market needs.

Astras corporate strategy is rooted in securing technologies and assets; identifying viable market opportunities; and bringing together resources, expertise, technology, and defined action plans to execute first-in-class projects that benefit communities, local economies, the planet, and the Companys investors.

Its goal is to create a more secure and sustainable power sector that supports the Companys purpose, mission and values to transform the economic, environmental and social landscape for generations to come.

For more information on Astra Energy Inc., visit the Companys website at www.astraenergyinc.com .

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, readers should consider various factors, including the Companys ability to change its direction, its ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs, and the competitive environment of its business. These and other factors may cause the Companys actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

Corporate Communications:

Heidi Thomasen

[email protected]

1-800-705-2919
Plymouth Meeting, PA, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AVE, a residential real estate brand specializing in elevated apartment living, announced this week its 8thAnnual Resident Appreciation Week theme Immerse Yourself in partnership with Sprig by Kohler, a new wellness and self-care brand from Kohler.

AVE Resident Appreciation Week is a tradition that the community-oriented apartment brand launched in 2015. We know our residents have so many choices as to where to live, and we just go all out this week to say thank you for choosing AVE, says Lea Anne Welsh, president of AVE and COO of Korman Communities. Resident Appreciation Week is definitely our favorite week of the year because we get to take care of and spend time with our residents, which is what were most passionate about!

AVE has partnered with Sprig this year to offer product giveaways to residents throughout the week. Sprig, which launched in 2022, designs products that harness the power of water to create elevated, self-care spa experiences at home. Kohler has been outfitting AVE apartment and amenity spaces with plumbing fixtures since 2015, and the partnership with Sprig is a complementary evolution of that relationship.

When Sprig was started, its goal was to transform daily routines into well-being rituals through aromatherapy and wellness products that enhance experiences throughout the home. Stephanie Krickeberg, managing director of Sprig by Kohler, saw a perfect match between Sprig and AVE. AVEs focus on enhancing their residents experiences within their communities resonated with our core brand focus. We seek to deliver clean, natural, immersive experiences that de-stress and deliver joy. We couldnt be better aligned.

In 2015, Paul DeFruscio, SVP, Asset for AVE, was searching for supplier partners who could simplify the process for AVEs growing portfolio. Both of our brands are aligned in values and vision, says DeFruscio. Kohler Co. understands our goals with respect to delivering a quality, inspiring, and innovative living experience. Their involvement in AVE Resident Appreciation Week illustrates how our partnership is so much more than plumbing fixtures.

The Immerse Yourself theme for this years AVE Resident Appreciation Week complements Sprigs water-driven product line. The theme also will be activated by the apartment community teams who are producing a lineup of events for residents focused on the senses and community engagement.

About AVE and Korman Communities

AVE specializes in elevated apartment living for discerning renters and individuals who need a flexible living option whether it be for business or personal lifestyle. The hospitality- and lifestyle-driven brand professionally manages state-of-the-art residential communities in New Jersey, the Greater Philadelphia Area, the East Bay of San Francisco, Texas, Arizona, and Florida, with many locations in the works, featuring unprecedented resort and business amenities and award-winning service teams.

Korman Communities is a fully integrated, fifth-generation, 100-year-old real estate company with development, management, asset, marketing, and financial capabilities operating throughout the United States and in London. The portfolio is comprised of two brands  AVE (aveliving.com) best-in-class, multi-family residential communities and AKA (stayaka.com) luxury hotel accommodations. For more information, visit www.korman.com.

About Sprig by Kohler

Sprig is a new wellness and self-care brand from Kohler that transforms daily routines into elevated well-being rituals. Their clever shower infusion system supercharges the power of water with natural botanicals and skincare superstars like hyaluronic acid to create experiences that are anything but ordinary. Sprigs primary aim is to help you expand your moments and magnify your frames of mind, so whether youre ramping up to start the day, winding down at the end of it, or looking to boost your routine in-between, Sprig is here to bring you back to center.

Attachment

Ashley Cerasaro AVE by Korman Communities 570-956-0577 [email protected]

Source: AVE by Korman Communities
Aurora, Colo., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) has selected Dr. Audra Spicer to serve as Provost effective September 1, 2023.

In her role, Dr. Spicer leads CSU Globals academic and university efforts toward mission achievementincluding but not limited to program management, curriculum design and delivery, accreditation statuses, educational policies and processes, and faculty management. Her appointment signals the institutions commitment to delivering high-quality educational programs that address workforce demands.

We are thrilled that the staff, faculty, and administrative members of the search committee have selected Dr. Spicer to officially step into the role of Provost, said CSU Global President Becky Takeda-Tinker. Our mission is to provide educational and training experiences that prepare students for an ever-changing job market, and to do so, we must operate with agility and efficiency. With a wealth of institutional knowledge and a passion for helping students attain their goals, Dr. Spicer is the right leader to strategically help steer our programs and institution into the future.

Dr. Spicer has been serving as Interim Provost at CSU Global since June 2023. She has been with CSU Global for over a decade in multiple roles, including Program Director, Lead Faculty, secretary of the Curriculum Committee, Writing Center Coordinator, and Advisory Board member. As Provost, she will help lead the University into its dynamic future and focus on maintaining program quality while adhering to the institutions focus on career pathways, as well as developing stackable credentialing opportunities for students to upskill and reskill, broadening their professional prospects.

With over 16 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Spicer is equipped with an abundance of expertise in serving students and has proven ability to adapt to changes in the field. Prior to joining CSU Global, she served as Director and Mentor of the Doctoral Writing and Research Center at Columbia Southern University, Writing Tutor at Northcentral University, Director of Adult Education at Indiana County Technology Center, and Professor of English at DeVry University. Dr. Spicer earned her PhD and MA in English Language and Literature from the University of NebraskaLincoln; her MA with a distinction in Professional, Technical, Business and Scientific Writing from Northern Arizona University; and her MBA from Columbia Southern University.

I am honored to serve in this role and would like to thank the full CSU Global community for the opportunity, said Dr. Spicer. When I review the lists of program completers and look at our degree graduates every graduation day, I know that each person who has completed a CSU Global industry certification course or certificate program, or who has earned their CSU Global degree diploma, has bettered their professional prospects and their familys future, and can build their wealth and wellness in every facet of their lives because of the work we do together. I am grateful to be a part of the CSU Global mission, and I look forward to continuing to lead educational programs that deliver true value to our students and alumni.

Dr. Spicers appointment was made after a thorough search process that included members of the CSU Global Governance Council and CSU Global academic and administrative leadership.

###

About Colorado State University Global Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers career-relevant bachelors and masters degree programs for working adults and nontraditional learners. As the first 100% online, institutionally accredited public university in the United States, CSU Global is focused on student success as its number one priority. Embracing the land grant heritage as part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global sets the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through its expert faculty who are recognized as industry leaders and trained in working with adults in an online learning environment. CSU Global offers accelerated eight-week courses that start every four weeks. Visit CSUGlobal.edu to learn more.

Attachment

Jenna Tarleton Colorado State University Global [email protected]

Source: Colorado State University Global
The Herzog Wine Cellars produced kosher cooking reality show Skill'It: Cutthroat has concluded and vegetarian Noah Nathan has emerged victorious, preparing a bevy of meat dishes

Oxnard, CA, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This past week at Herzog Wine Cellars and Tierra Sur there was a party to celebrate the conclusion of season 2 of Skill'It: Cutthroat and its winner Noah Nathan. Nathan, a lifelong vegetarian, fought tough competition to secure victory as the champion of the Skill'It Kitchen. What makes his victory even more impressive was that he was never able to even taste his own dishes since they all contained meat. Every cut he prepared he used a temperature probe, feel, smell, and look to determine if he had cooked it properly. The party was attended by cast, crew, and some of LA's most notable content creators. Stand-up comedian and host of Skill'It Elon Gold entertained the audience with his comedic fare. Tierra Sur prepared an exquisite multi-course meal with plates like salmon mosaic, a truffle agnolotti that was vegetarian in honor of Nathan, custom cocktails, and a cotton candy surprise dessert where attendees lit their cotton candy on fire with sparklers while it melted away to reveal their cake.

In the initial round he prepared carne asada tacos modeled after Chef Lenny Nourafchan's from the legendary Lenny's Casita. Round 2 was a Denver steak with a truffle polenta from Chef Yos Schwartz of the premium kosher meat purveyor Marble and Grain. In the third round he prepared Chef Nir Weinblut of La Gondola's world famous beef wellington. But it was his final dish, his lamb chops with tomato two ways that had to be prepared entirely on a grill over a charcoal flame that blew the judges away. Challenge master Chef Chris Shertzer of Tierra Sur, who generally doesn't enjoy lamb, called it "pefect." While Chef Nir said he was simply speechless.

Noah, who moved to LA from London a few years back, expressed his gratitude for being on the show and thanked his wife for watching their newborn son while he was shooting the show. But the investment paid off as she enjoys a good meat dish and will now have $1000 worth of premium cuts as part of Nathan's prize winnings, along with his own barrel of Herzog Special Reserve Cabernet from Alexander Valley. Nathan joked that because of winning the show he will now be cooking meat dishes for the foreseeable future for his family and friends. But he is pleased to show that a vegetarian can prepare meat with the best carnivores.

Skill'It Cutthroat is now streaming on Kosher.com in its entirety.

Attachment
Dallas, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit, continues to expand their retail partnerships by teaming up with Safeway Denver Division.

In September 2023, the Texas-style barbecue brand will begin its fantastic partnership with Safeway's Denver Division offering shoppers their famous Original Polish smoked sausage links, Jalapeno Cheddar smoked sausage links, and Hot Links. This division of Safeway operates 143 supermarkets in five states including Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

To celebrate this exciting new partnership, from September 6th  12th the barbecue brand will offer shoppers a special promotion of $3.99/unit.

We are so thrilled to be partnering up with such a reputable grocery brand like Safeway, said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO Dickeys Capital Group. Its such a pleasure to offer backyard pitmasters across the country our award-winning sausage, a family recipe, made directly by Dickeys in Mesquite, Texas.

For more about Dickeys, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickeys Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

For Dickeys Virtual Concepts follow Wing Boss on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok; Trailer Birds on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok; and Big Deal Burger on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries.

Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit dickeys.com.

# # #

Attachment

Shannon Santos Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected]

Source: Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants
Wilmington, Delaware, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eric Kmiec, Ph.D., executive director and chief scientific officer of ChristianaCares Gene Editing Institute, has been selected as editor-in-chief of the scientific journal Gene and Genome Editing. Kmiec served three years on the journals board prior to this new position.

This leading journal in the field has created an environment where gene editing research can undergo rigorous review and provide the field with cutting-edge findings that benefit all, Kmiec said. We have a unique opportunity to fill a void in the field by focusing on clear messages about the foundational aspects of gene editing and accepting papers that cover groundbreaking gene editing discoveries.

I am delighted with Erics appointment and the plans he has to take the journal in a new direction, said Susanne Steiginga, MSc, executive publisher of Gene and Genome Editing. Eric comes with a wealth of knowledge, and every time I speak with him, Im thrilled to realize how similar our goals and ambitions are for the journal.

Kmiec is the founder and executive director of the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute. He is also the chief executive officer and scientific founder of CorriXR Therapeutics. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in the fields of molecular medicine and gene editing. Throughout his professional career, Kmiec has led research teams in developing gene editing technologies and genetic therapies for inherited disorders and cancer. His research has helped elucidate the regulatory circuitry that controls the gene editing of human cells. Current clinical research centers on developing CRISPR-based gene editing approaches for solid tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and esophageal cancer are the lead protocols now advancing through the FDA approval process.

I will encourage papers from scientists early in their career, and I hope to see scientists with strong voices publishing papers on the important molecular or biochemical aspects of the gene editing reaction, Kmiec said. Id like to see the journal become the go-to publication not only for exciting therapeutic applications but, perhaps more importantly, for the foundational signs that will guide successful implementation.

Other researchers and scholars in the field offer reflections about Kmiecs appointment:

The vision that Eric Kmiec has for this publication is very broad and all-inclusive, which is really great for the applied science kind of people like me, said Joseph Miano, Ph.D., distinguished university chair at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. There should be a space in the publishing world for initial reports on proven phenomena that doesnt require years and years of work. If someone can put out a quick report on something thats proven to be doable, that can ripple out and provide inspiration and backing for someone elses genomic innovation. And thats really what a journal is all about: reporting provable science for the benefit of everyone.

I'm a big fan of [Kmiecs] pioneering work, and I've read many of his insightful studies on DNA repair machinery, homologous recombination and more recently leveraging CRISPR systems, says Le Cong, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology and genetics at Stanford University. I am pleased to offer my support for his vision and work with Gene and Genome Editing, and I cannot wait to see how his knowledge of applied genome science and the world of rigorous scientific review combine to elevate scientists and their research.

Gene and Genome Editing currently publishes methodological and translational research covering the spectrum of gene editing techniques and applications in any living organism. Its focus is on translational research with potential short- or long-term impact.

About the Gene Editing Institute

The ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute, a worldwide leader in CRISPR gene editing technology and the only institute of its kind based within a community health care system, takes a patient-first approach in all its research to improve the lives of people with life-threatening disease.

Since 2015, researchers at the Gene Editing Institute have been involved in several ground-breaking firsts in the field, including the development of the first CRISPR gene editing tool to allow DNA repairs outside the human cell which will rapidly speed therapies to patients and a unique version of CRISPR called EXACT that reduces the number of off-target edits to other areas of the genome, which is vital for further research and patient applications. Its researchers are currently developing a patient trial for lung cancer using CRISPR technology.

About ChristianaCare

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the countrys most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,430 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and womens health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute.

ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work, rated by Forbes as the 2nd best health system for diversity and inclusion, and the 29th best health system to work for in the United States, and by IDG Computerworld as one of the nations Best Places to Work in IT. ChristianaCare is rated by Healthgrades as one of Americas 50 Best Hospitals and continually ranked among the nations best by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek and other national quality ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care.

Bill Schmitt ChristianaCare (302) 327-3318 [email protected]

Source: ChristianaCare
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Extensiv, the leading provider of omnichannel software solutions for warehouse, inventory, and order management, announced today how fulfillmate uses Extensiv Network Manager to fuel its global expansion. fulfillmate is a fast-growing, self-funded third-party logistics provider (3PL) with warehouses in California, South Carolina, Melbourne, Australia, and partner 3PLs in Canada. fulfillmates expertise spans ecommerce fulfillment, distribution, and international freight.

"Logistics, when done right, should present a seamless experience for our clients and their consumers. Weve turned this into a competitive edge in a dynamic market. We are agile, move fast, we have a no BS approach with our customers, said Ben Carman, co-founder of fulfillmate. fulfillmate employs Extensiv's software to offer a powerful platform, gathering data across the supply chain and empowering our customers with unparalleled decision-making abilities. Extensiv provides great flexibility as many of our customers access Extensiv themselves to engage with the system, gain visibility, and take control. Directly accessing the system, our clients can efficiently address queries, manage stock, and split orders.

Overcoming the Rigorous Challenge of Managing Multiple Sites Both Operationally and Financiallyfulfillmates growth started after it acquired a supplement manufacturing business in San Diego. Although this San Diego operation had been active for nearly a decade, its utilization of warehouse management systems (WMS) was rudimentary, focusing mainly on order management. After the acquisition, fulfillmate built out a more robust and process driven distribution business. Recognizing the need for an East Coast presence due to distribution demands, fulfillmate opened a second location in South Carolina. But, fulfillmate's growth didn't stop there. With Australian clientele looking to venture into the U.S. market, the company saw an opportunity and opened an operation in Melbourne. The global expansion of warehouse locations presented fulfillmate with the strenuous task of overseeing numerous sites operationally and financially.

Streamlining Operations and Increasing Efficiencyfulfillmate implemented Extensiv Network Managers unified platform, creating complete visibility to customers inventory, order, and transaction data across their warehouses in three countries, eliminating duplicate entries and complex integrations. Extensiv also empowers automated, intelligent order routing so fulfillmate can offer multi-facility fulfillment.

The new process streamlined operations and increased efficiency, allowing clients to view and manage their orders in a unified platform, similar to systems that cost millions to implement. Clients can efficiently address queries, manage stock, and split orders. Another significant benefit is that orders only appear in the WMS when ready, unlike before, where many orders would get lost in the system due to various issues.

Using Extensiv, fulfillmate achieved:

Handling surge in order volumes: Before integrating with Extensiv Network Manager, fulfillmate.us maintained a consistent operations volume. But post-integration, order volume surged by 10-15 % within months due to the companys newfound ability to offer multi-warehouse management fulfillment. These new efficiencies also led to a significant client switch to fulfillmate from ShipBob and larger 3PLs.

Before integrating with Extensiv Network Manager, fulfillmate.us maintained a consistent operations volume. But post-integration, order volume surged by 10-15 % within months due to the companys newfound ability to offer multi-warehouse management fulfillment. These new efficiencies also led to a significant client switch to fulfillmate from ShipBob and larger 3PLs. Eliminating stagnant orders: Because fulfillmates customers can directly manage orders through Extensivs order management functionality, orders only appear in the WMS when ready and dont stagnate due to required reviews or investigations to determine order status validity. This streamlines operations and increases efficiency as orders are ready for execution when they arrive in the warehouse.

Because fulfillmates customers can directly manage orders through Extensivs order management functionality, orders only appear in the WMS when ready and dont stagnate due to required reviews or investigations to determine order status validity. This streamlines operations and increases efficiency as orders are ready for execution when they arrive in the warehouse. Cutting costs: fulfillmate customers see significant shipping cost reductions. For example, a client cut shipping costs by an estimated 15% by distributing shipping between two locations.

fulfillmate customers see significant shipping cost reductions. For example, a client cut shipping costs by an estimated 15% by distributing shipping between two locations. Flexible growth through partner 3PLs: Leveraging Extensiv Network Manager technology, fulfillmate expanded its network to a new Canadian location through a partner 3PL, giving the partner 3PL the same visibility and control as fulfillmates warehouses. With Extensiv, fulfillmate and its 3PL partners can craft specialized partner solutions tailored to individual customer needs, employing cutting-edge technology and in-depth business intelligence for consistent execution across warehouses.

Leveraging Extensiv Network Manager technology, fulfillmate expanded its network to a new Canadian location through a partner 3PL, giving the partner 3PL the same visibility and control as fulfillmates warehouses. With Extensiv, fulfillmate and its 3PL partners can craft specialized partner solutions tailored to individual customer needs, employing cutting-edge technology and in-depth business intelligence for consistent execution across warehouses. Achieving Visibility & Control: fulfillmate employs a control tower strategy to optimize the supply chain. They funnel orders from shopping carts and EDI into a singular order management system. Their WMS centralizes management of storage, inventory, picking, and dispatching. Their small parcel shipping software directs information to carriers through custom automation rules, guaranteeing streamlined shipping and uniform tracking for all orders.

Expanding Globallyfulfillmate is now poised to support brands in Australia, Europe, and other regions aiming to enter the US market. Using Extensiv, fulfillmate has established visibility and control to optimize supply chain operations and expand geographically. For its customers, this means fulfillmate can fully leverage its unique logistics solutions, promoting growth for budding and established companies.

By providing a single platform across our sites, Extensiv has made it faster and easier to expand our business and we are not stopping at four sites, Carman continued.

About fulfillmatefulfillmate is a customer-driven 3PL (third-party logistics) provider that provides fulfillment and distribution services for both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer orders. Discover the power of a logistics partner that delivers fast, flexible results that drive your business further. Visit us at https://fulfillmate.us/

About ExtensivExtensiv, formerly 3PL Central, is a visionary technology leader focused on creating the future of omnichannel fulfillment. We partner with warehouse professionals and entrepreneurial brands to transform their fulfillment operations in the radically changing world of commerce and consumer expectations. Through our unrivaled network of more than 1,500 connected 3PLs and a suite of integrated, cloud-native warehouse management (WMS), order management (OMS), inventory management (IMS), and integration management software, we enable modern merchants and brands to fulfill demand anywhere with superior flexibility and scale without painful platform migrations as they grow. More than 25,000 logistics professionals and thousands of brands trust Extensiv every day to drive commerce at the pace modern consumers expect. Learn more at www.extensiv.com.

Source: Extensiv
New integration facilitates the exchange of information and reports between Genetec Mission Control digital decision management system and Clearance digital evidence management solution

MONTREAL, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genetec Inc. (Genetec), a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, has announced a new integration between the Genetec Mission Control decision management system, and the Genetec Clearance digital evidence management solution. This integration enables users to move seamlessly from incident response to investigation from within a single interface.



Security teams in organizations such as hospitals, banks, and utilities often handle a high volume of events, and frequently need to share video evidence and incident details with internal departments as well as with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and insurance providers. This information includes video evidence as well as details of events as they unfolded and what courses of action were taken during the incident.

Thanks to the integration between Mission Control and Clearance, all cameras tied to an event can be exported in a single action to a case in Clearance. This reduces the time operators spend documenting and creating a synopsis of an incident and helps to ensure that cameras that captured the event are not missed. Once uploaded to Clearance, recordings can be stored based on the retention period defined by the nature of the incident, and the organization's business policy.

The Mission Control incident report is also preserved as part of the case, which allows organizations to demonstrate policy compliance when handling an event as all actions related to the incident are documented in the report. Like the video exports, these reports can then be shared with other parties or used internally for audit purposes.

With the integration of Mission Control with Clearance, were simplifying the process of launching an investigation following an incident. This efficiency enables our customers to do more with their systems and the information theyre collecting, while at the same time leveraging existing technology to achieve their business objectives, said Erick Ceresato, Product Group Director, Genetec Inc.

Organizations can request free trials of Clearance and Mission Control from certified Genetec partners. For more information about the Mission Control/Clearance integration, please visit: https://www.genetec.com/product-releases/mission-control-3-1-2

About Genetec

Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. Today, the company develops solutions designed to improve security, intelligence, and operations for enterprises, governments, and the communities in which we live. Its flagship product, Security Center, is an open-architecture platform that unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, and analytics. Founded in 1997, and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its customers via an extensive network of certified channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.

For more information about Genetec, visit: https://www.genetec.com



 Genetec Inc., 2023. Genetec, Mission Control, Clearance and their respective logos are trademarks of Genetec Inc. and may be registered or pending registration in several jurisdictions. Other trademarks used in this document may be trademarks of the manufacturers or vendors of the respective product.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b44afbe4-4362-44fe-9bac-aab540a289b9
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

Hole MTC-23-057 returned the deepest high-grade Lower Footwall intercept to-date at the Montclerg Gold Project (Montclerg or Project) yielding 10.21 grams of gold per tonne (g/t Au) over 2.7 m including 16.20 g/t Au over 1.5 metres (m) from 330 m below surface.

Hole MTC-23-056 intersected multiple zones at MC Central highlighted by 0.92 g/t Au over 33.0 m in the Lower Main Zone and 5.78 g/t Au over 1.1 m in the Lower Footwall Zone.

The Phase 1 drill program was highly successful with additional highlight intercepts of ( see news release dated June 27, 2023 ) Hole MTC-23-054 returned multiple gold zones with a highlight of 9.97 g/t Au over 8.1 m in the Upper Footwall Zone, yielding one of the best gram-metre intervals drilled to-date at Montclerg within 60 m from surface. MTC-23-046 intercepted multiple zones 1 km east of the MC Central with a highlight of 1.93 g/t Au over 10.6 m including 4.94 g/t Au over 1.9 m. MTC-23-048 intersected several shallow mineralized zones at MC Central with a peak of 4.10 g/t Au over 4.1 m.

Drilling is planned to resume in mid-September with a primary focus at Montclerg and testing high-priority targets across the Goldarm Property.

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFG Resources Inc. (TSXV: GFG) (OTCQB: GFGSF) (GFG or the Company) reports the final gold assay results from its 13-hole 2023 Phase 1 drill program at the Montclerg Gold Project, located 40 kilometres (km) east of Timmins, Ontario (see Tables 1-2 and Figures 1-6). The results released today are from five drill holes completed along the Montclerg gold system where GFG has continuously proven and grown a robust gold system since the Company acquired the asset in October 2021.

The Phase 1 drill program was designed to complete infill drilling to confirm continuity in the MC Central area and drill significant step-out holes up to one km to the east. Overall, the drill program was successful in proving continuity along strike and at depth in the MC Central and proving the potential for additional discoveries over a km east of MC Central.

Our Phase 1 drill program at Montclerg was a resounding success, revealing the potential to intersect high-grade gold and to grow the system in all directions. With our strategic focus on expanding the Upper and Lower Footwall Zones, coupled with the Upper and Lower Main Zones, we have effectively broadened the gold system both along strike and up-dip, stated Brian Skanderbeg, President and CEO of GFG. The Phase 1 drill program was pivotal in bolstering our understanding that the Montclerg geology remains consistent, while still holding untapped opportunities. As we move forward, anticipate our sustained commitment to Montclerg Central, recognizing its depth and surface potential. Moreover, we remain committed to step-out drilling at depth and to the east of Montclerg and testing regional targets on our Goldarm Project for the next discovery. Drilling is set to resume in the coming weeks, and we are confident that we can continue to demonstrate further success.

Table 1: Final Assay Results from the 2023 Phase 1 Drill Program at the Montclerg Gold Project

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone MTC-23-052 379.4 380.0 0.6 1.09 Undefined MTC-23-053 63.5 64.3 0.8 1.27 Upper Footwall MTC-23-055 72.0 74.8 2.8 1.70 Upper Footwall MTC-23-056 83.5 84.5 1.0 1.09 Upper Main andand 129.0143.0 130.0176.0 1.033.0 0.290.92 Main Zone and 189.4 191.4 2.0 1.56 and 195.4 197.0 1.6 0.69 and 202.9 205.8 2.9 0.60 and 216.2 217.3 1.1 1.22 andand 226.3262.8 227.7263.8 1.41.0 0.564.05 Lower Footwall andand 277.0295.0 280.3297.2 3.32.2 0.233.49 Lower Footwall incl. 295.5 296.6 1.1 5.78 MTC-23-057 254.5 256.8 2.3 2.25 and 346.0 348.7 2.7 10.21 Lower Footwall incl. 346.0 347.5 1.5 16.20 and 375.5 376.7 1.2 2.42 Lower Footwall MTC-23-045 177.4 182.9 5.5 2.00 New Zone and 220.6 227.3 6.7 1.23 New Zone Previously Released Phase 1 Results MTC-23-046 117.0 121.5 4.5 0.54 New Zone and 265.0 275.6 10.6 1.93 New Zone incl. 265.7 266.6 0.9 6.63 also incl. 272.0 273.9 1.9 4.94 MTC-23-048 34.8 37.5 2.7 1.91 Upper Main and 47.3 61.2 13.9 0.50 Lower Main and 66.2 70.5 4.3 0.42 and 88.0 92.1 4.1 4.10 Upper Footwall incl. 88.5 92.1 3.6 4.61 MTC-23-054 56.8 60.6 3.8 1.15 Upper Footwall and 73.1 81.2 8.1 9.97 Upper Footwall incl. 73.6 79.8 6.2 12.89

* Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length with a minimum 0.5 gram-metre product. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. Included intervals are calculated using a 3 g/t cut-off at a minimum 5 gram-metre product. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length. ** Holes MTC-23-047, 049, 050, 051 had no significant gold assays.

Commentary on Assay Results Drill hole MTC-23-052 was drilled to test the mafic volcanic corridor 1.3 km east of MC Central. The hole was centered on an 800 m wide gap in drilling and intersected 1.09 g/t Au over 0.6 m with weak to moderate quartz-carbonate veinlets rimmed by pyrite. The presence of significant alteration and sulphide coupled with gold mineralization shows that this new area hosts potential for additional mineralized zones within the eastern basalt panel that will be tested in future drill campaigns.

Drill hole MTC-23-053 was designed to test the up-dip extension of the Upper Footwall Zone. One zone was intersected yielding 1.27 g/t Au over 0.8 m. The mineralization is characterized by strongly altered massive mafic volcanics with a 0.1 m wide smokey quartz vein with a strong mineralized halo of arsenopyrite and pyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-055 tested the up-dip extension of the Upper Footwall Zone and intersected 1.70 g/t Au over 2.8 m. The mineralization is characterized by strongly altered massive mafic volcanics with up to 15% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 10% arsenopyrite and pyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-056 was designed to test the Main Zone and the up-dip extension of the Lower Footwall Zone. Three mineralized intervals were intersected within this hole. A broad zone was intersected in the MC Main Zone grading 0.92 g/t Au over 33.0 m. The Main Zone is characterized by sericite-altered felsic volcanics with up to 30% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 3% arsenopyrite and pyrite. The Lower Footwall Zone yielded 4.05 g/t Au over 1.0 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanics with up to 8% arsenopyrite and pyrite and 20% quartz-carbonate veins. Additional mineralization was intersected down-hole in the Lower Footwall Zone yielding 5.78 g/t Au over 1.1 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanic, 2% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 5% pyrite and arsenopyrite.

Drill hole MTC-23-057 tested the down-dip extension of the Lower Footwall Zone. Three mineralized intervals were intersected in this hole. A narrow zone was intersected in the Main Zone yielding 2.25 g/t Au over 2.3 m. The Main Zone is characterized by sericite-altered felsic volcanics with up to 3% quartz-carbonate veins and up to 5% arsenopyrite, pyrite and pyrrhotite. The Lower Footwall Zone yielded a high-grade intercept of 10.21 g/t Au over 2.7 m including 16.20 g/t Au over 1.5 m and is characterized by strongly altered mafic volcanic, minor veining and up to 20% arsenopyrite and pyrite (see Figure 6).

This hole is of particular significance as it is the deepest high-grade intercept of the Lower Footwall at Montclerg to-date. The intercept lies at a vertical depth of 330 m and clearly demonstrates continuity of the gold system at economic grades and widths.

Anders Carlson, Vice President, Exploration commented, The presence of high-grade drill intersections at economic widths below 300 vertical metres at Montclerg is very encouraging for extending this gold system at depth. The upcoming Phase 2 drill program will take aim at larger step-outs along the Lower Footwall Zone to better test the overall gold endowment at Montclerg.

2023 Exploration ProgramFor the remainder of the year, the Companys focus will be on defining and growing the Montclerg gold deposit and testing five high-priority gold and gold-copper targets within its Goldarm Property. In addition, starting in a couple of weeks, the Company plans to resume exploration at the Goldarm Project with approximately 5,000 m of drilling. The Phase 2 program is expected to be completed before year-end. In addition to the Phase 1 and 2 drill programs, GFG is advancing an extensive surface exploration across the Goldarm Property which covers 30 km of the Pipestone and North Pipestone deformation zones. The 2023 exploration budget is approximately C$3.0 million and is fully funded.

Figure 1: Regional Map of GFG Gold Projects in the Timmins Gold District

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/488a5f4a-e38a-4f3b-8d56-e992f52a998d

Figure 2: Goldarm Property Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/256fade0-03a5-48ca-b5cb-41609fdae0a7

Figure 3: Montclerg Gold Project Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d7c347e-106c-4632-866e-e5efc9c3bc95

Figure 4: Montclerg Gold Project MC Central Plan View Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3530b8ce-d7a0-4766-9518-fdbd7ca82172

Figure 5: Montclerg Gold Project Cross Section Map

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89de6bfc-58a8-4627-b5f2-9be5d65b384e

Figure 6: MTC-23-057 High Grade Gold Zone

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a956b2d-1edb-400b-8a50-6943d0a970ad

Table 2: GFG Drill Hole Assay Highlights from the Montclerg Gold Project

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Zone MTC-21-001 62.5 90.0 27.5 1.56 Upper Main and 126.0 166.5 40.5 0.78 Lower Main MTC-21-004 39.8 64.0 24.2 0.73 Upper Main and 75.7 86.1 10.4 1.24 Lower Main and 230.5 246.0 15.5 1.23 Lower Footwall incl. 242.7 244.0 1.3 4.91 MTC-21-005 86.0 112.0 26.0 5.08 Upper Footwall incl. 94.3 96.1 1.8 15.96 also incl. 103.8 110.9 7.1 10.44 and 118.9 120.6 1.7 11.29 MTC-21-006 98.3 105.8 7.5 8.35 Upper Footwall incl. 98.3 101.0 2.7 15.04 MTC-21-007 65.4 96.5 31.1 1.40 Upper Main and 108.0 131.0 23.0 1.11 Lower Main MTC-21-009 45.0 60.0 15.0 1.23 Upper Main MTC-21-010 79.5 106.5 27.0 1.05 Upper Main MTC-22-015 24.0 57.5 33.5 1.32 MC West incl. 26.7 28.7 2.0 10.36 MTC-22-018 52.0 57.9 5.9 3.51 MC West incl. 53.9 56.0 2.1 7.93 MTC-22-019 112.6 118.1 5.5 4.38 Upper Footwall incl. 112.6 116.0 3.4 6.37 MTC-22-020 22.4 36.1 13.7 0.95 Upper Main and 97.0 105.3 8.3 4.95 Upper Footwall incl. 102.8 105.3 2.5 12.83 MTC-22-021 50.3 72.0 21.7 1.51 Upper Main incl. 62.2 64.0 1.8 8.17 MTC-22-023 17.6 88.0 70.4 1.61 Upper Main incl. 74.0 80.0 6.0 4.56 and 124.5 133.2 8.7 2.46 Upper Footwall incl. 130.1 133.2 3.1 5.62 MTC-22-029 104.4 111.5 7.1 4.98 Upper Footwall MTC-22-030 71.0 86.0 15.0 3.40 Upper Footwall incl. 71.0 74.0 3.0 6.21 also incl. 80.9 86.0 5.1 4.84 MTC-22-031 285.2 292.6 7.4 2.78 Lower Footwall incl. 290.3 292.6 2.3 7.83 andincl. 300.4300.4 302.0301.3 1.60.9 4.596.03 Lower Footwall MTC-22-034 79.5 94.6 15.1 1.56 Lower Main incl. 83.0 86.8 3.8 3.34 and 161.7 171.0 9.3 5.25 Upper Footwall incl. 163.9 168.3 4.4 10.75 MTC-22-035 72.0 85.2 13.2 2.31 Lower Main incl. 77.0 82.1 5.1 4.07 and 125.3 141.3 16.0 9.85 Upper Footwall incl. 130.3 137.8 7.5 14.98 MTC-22-036 79.0 85.0 6.0 6.70 Upper Footwall incl. 80.5 84.0 3.5 10.59 MTC-22-039 79.8 83.3 3.5 2.87 Upper Footwall incl. 80.7 83.3 2.6 3.80 and 88.0 98.3 10.3 4.02 MTC-22-041 76.2 81.0 4.8 3.29 Upper Footwall incl. 77.5 80.1 2.6 5.31 MTC-22-042 96.4 119.0 22.6 1.48 Lower Main and 307.3 312.3 5.0 8.46 Lower Footwall ALJ-22-002 62.1 75.0 12.9 3.03 incl. 67.5 68.1 0.6 59.80 and 79.0 97.0 18.0 1.12 incl. 85.3 89.2 3.9 3.76 and 101.0 105.3 4.3 6.58 incl. 103.2 104.2 1.0 27.40 MTC-23-048 88.0 92.1 4.1 4.10 Upper Footwall incl. 88.5 92.1 3.6 4.61 MTC-23-054 73.1 81.2 8.1 9.97 Upper Footwall incl. 73.6 79.8 6.2 12.89 MTC-23-057 254.5 256.8 2.3 2.25 Lower Footwall and 346.0 348.7 2.7 10.21 incl. 346.0 347.5 1.5 16.20 and 375.5 376.7 1.2 2.42

*Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length with a minimum 0.5 gram-metre product. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. Included intervals are calculated using a 3 g/t cut-off at a minimum 5 gram-metre product. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length.

About the Goldarm PropertyThe Goldarm Property is a large and highly prospective land package east of the Timmins Gold Camp (see Figures 1-2). The consolidated Goldarm Property covers approximately 30 kilometres (km) of the Pipestone Deformation Zone and the North Pipestone Deformation Zone. Within the Goldarm Property, there are several highly prospective gold targets such as the Aljo Gold Mine region, the Carr target and the Montclerg Gold Project which is the most advanced target. The Montclerg Gold Project covers 10 km of the highly prospective Pipestone Deformation Zone and is located 48 km east of the prolific Timmins Gold Camp and is adjacent to multiple current and historic gold mines (see Figure 1).

About GFG Resources Inc. GFG is a North American precious metals exploration company focused on district scale gold projects in tier one mining jurisdictions, Ontario and Wyoming. In Ontario, the Company operates three gold projects, each large and highly prospective gold properties within the prolific gold district of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. The projects have similar geological settings that host most of the gold deposits found in the Timmins Gold Camp which have produced over 70 million ounces of gold. The Company also owns 100% of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project, a district scale gold exploration project located approximately 100 km southwest of Casper, Wyoming, U.S.

For further information, please contact: Brian Skanderbeg, President & CEOor Marc Lepage, Vice President, Business Development Phone: (306) 931-0930 Email: [email protected]Website: www.gfgresources.com

Stay Connected with UsTwitter: @GFGResources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gfgresources/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GFGResourcesInc/

Footnote: (1) Drill intercepts are historical and GFGs QP has not verified the laboratory accreditation, analytical method, sample size or QA/QC procedures utilized for the historic drill results. True widths have not been estimated.

Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource on the Coulson Claims to date and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the Coulson Claims being defined as a Mineral Resource.

Sampling and Quality Control All scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Brian Skanderbeg, P.Geo. President and CEO of GFG, a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

Drill core samples are being analyzed for gold by Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Timmins, Ontario. Gold analysis consists of the preparation of a 500-gram pulp and an assay of a 50-gram aliquot by Pb collection fire assay with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry finish (Package 1A2-50. Samples assaying above 5 ppm Au are routinely re-run using a gravimetric finish (Package 1A3-50). Mineralized zones containing visible gold are analyzed by a screen metallic fire assay method. Selected samples are also undergoing multi-element analysis for 59 other elements using a four-acid digestion and an ICP-MS finish (Package MA250) by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd. in Vancouver, British Columbia. Quality control and assurance measures include the monitoring of results for inserted certified reference materials, coarse blanks and preparation duplicates of drill core.

Drill intercepts are presented using a 0.20 g/t Au cut-off and as drilled length. Composites include internal dilution of up to 3 m at grades less than 0.2 g/t Au. True width is estimated to be 50 to 90% of drilled length. Sampling protocols, quality control and assurance measures and geochemical results related to historic drill core samples quoted in this news release have not been verified by the Qualified Person and therefore must be regarded as estimates.

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.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Companys future exploration plans with respect to its property interests and the timing thereof, the prospective nature of the projects, future price of gold, success of exploration activities and metallurgical test work, permitting time lines, currency exchange rate fluctuations, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of exploration work, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate or believes, or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results, may, could, would, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof.

All forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of gold, that the Company will receive required permits and access to surface rights, that the Company can access financing, appropriate equipment and sufficient labour, and that the political environment within Canada and the United States will continue to support the development of mining projects in Canada and the United States. In addition, the similarity or proximity of other gold deposits to the Companys projects is not necessary indicative of the geological setting, alteration and mineralization of the Rattlesnake Hills Gold Project, the Goldarm Property, the Pen Gold Project and the Dore Gold Project.

Forward-looking 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 GFG to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; operating risks; accidents, labour issues and other risks of the mining industry; availability of capital, delays in obtaining government approvals or financing; and other risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties are not, and should not be construed as being, exhaustive.

Although GFG has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about managements current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of our operating environment. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and GFG assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Figure 1: Regional Map of GFG Gold Projects in the Timmins Gold District Location of GFG Gold Projects in the Timmins Gold District Figure 2: Goldarm Property Plan View Map GFG Resources Inc. Goldarm Property Plan View Map Figure 3: Montclerg Gold Project Plan View Map GFG Resources Inc. Montclerg Gold Project Plan View Map Figure 4: Montclerg Gold Project MC Central Plan View Map Close Up of MC Central Plan View Map Figure 5: Montclerg Gold Project Cross Section Map Montclerg Gold Project Cross Section Map Figure 6: MTC-23-057 High Grade Gold Zone Core Photo of MTC-23-057 High Grade Gold Zone (10.21 g/t Au over 2.7 m)

Source: GFG Resources Inc.
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Aprocitentan, Idorsias oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist is currently under review with health authorities for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension.

Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million

Idorsia is initiating activities to determine the best approach to maximize the value of aprocitentan.

Allschwil, Switzerland  September 6, 2023

Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Janssen Biotech Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the return of rights for aprocitentan to Idorsia. In return, Idorsia is committed to pay up to 306 million Swiss francs, subject to marketing application approval by the US FDA and Europes EMA.

Jean-Paul Clozel, CEO of Idorsia, commented:

Im happy that we have come to an agreement for the return of aprocitentan to Idorsia. Aprocitentan has demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful sustained blood pressure lowering benefits with a good safety profile, particularly suited to the high-risk patient population with resistant hypertension. Revolutionizing the use of endothelin receptor antagonism is something the team at Idorsia knows all about. We will now determine the best approach to maximizing the value of our exciting new anti-hypertension therapy.

The founding team at Idorsia brought the first oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) to market, followed by the discovery, development, and launch of a next generation oral, dual ERA. The team will now evaluate options for realizing the value which the company has created by successfully developing aprocitentan, the first anti-hypertensive therapy which works via a new mechanism of action in 30 years.

About the agreement

Idorsia will reacquire the development and commercialization rights for aprocitentan from Janssen. In return, Idorsia will pay Janssen a conditional consideration up to a total cap of CHF 306 million, depending on Idorsias revenues, as follows:

30% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or divestment of aprocitentan,

10% of any consideration received by Idorsia from a potential out-licensing or the divestment of any other Idorsia product, following the first approval of aprocitentan, and

low- to mid-single digit royalties on total group product net sales, beginning from the quarter after first aprocitentan approval.





Janssen funding obligations to aprocitentan cease at the effective date of the agreement. Janssen licenses to aprocitentan IP (excluding pulmonary hypertension) will terminate and Janssen will transfer the brand name and relating commercial materials to Idorsia. Janssen will retain licenses in the pulmonary hypertension field.

The agreement also eliminates the revenue-sharing agreement in respect of ponesimod.

The agreement will be effective following receipt of the clearance relating to the United States Hart-Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

Andre C. Muller, Chief Financial Officer, commented:

If aprocitentan is approved in the US and Europe as we expect, Idorsia would have an additional product in its portfolio giving the company more strategic flexibility, and potentially allows Janssen to recoup over time their investment in aprocitentan.

About the regulatory status of aprocitentan

A new drug application (NDA) for aprocitentan was filed with the US FDA in December 2022 (Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) current date: December 19, 2023), and the market authorisation application (MAA) was submitted to the EMA at the end of January 2023.

Jean-Paul Clozel, concluded:

The review process with the US FDA is progressing well, though it is likely to require an extension to the review period of up to 3 months as the company will provide additional Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) materials to support a streamlined REMS which is designed specifically for patients taking aprocitentan.

About aprocitentan in resistant hypertension

Full results from the PRECISION study were published in November 2022 in The Lancet A randomized controlled trial of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan for resistant hypertension. More details and commentary can be found in the dedicated press release and an investor webcast featuring Prof. Markus Schlaich, an investigator in PRECISION.

Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure are at risk of major cardiovascular events.1 These risks are even higher for patients whose blood pressure is uncontrolled despite treatment with three or more antihypertensives2, known as resistant hypertension3,4. It has been more than 30 years since a new anti-hypertensive therapy working by a new mechanism has been brought to patients. By targeting a currently unopposed pathophysiologic pathway, aprocitentan represents a potential novel, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for resistant hypertension.

Notes to the editor

The endothelin system in systemic hypertension

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that also induces neurohormonal activation, vascular hypertrophy and remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and endothelial dysfunction. In hypertension, both ET A and ET B receptors mediate harmful effects of ET-1.4 As a vasoconstrictor, co-mitogenic agent, linking pulse pressure and vascular remodeling, and mediator of aldosterone and catecholamine release, endothelin is a key player in hypertension and end-organ damage.5,6

About difficult-to-control (resistant) hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors, and its prevalence continues to rise. According to a recent study, there are more than 1.3 billion people living with hypertension worldwide6  a startling number, which has almost doubled in the past 40 years. Left uncontrolled, people have a greater risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.7

Patients with hypertension can often successfully control their blood pressure by combining a healthier lifestyle with effective medication. However, approximately 10% of patients have difficult-to-control hypertension where the blood pressure remains high despite receiving at least three antihypertensive medications of different pharmacological classes, including a diuretic, at optimal doses,3,8 (also categorized in hypertension guidelines and the medical community as having resistant hypertension).

The endothelin pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, especially in volume- and salt-dependent forms, which are a common feature in patients with resistant hypertension. The endothelin pathway has not been targeted by existing anti-hypertensive therapies until now, thereby leaving this relevant pathophysiologic pathway unopposed with currently available medications.3,9,10 The endothelin system is also activated in patients prone to developing resistant hypertension, such as Black or African American patients, patients with obesity or obstructive sleep apnea,11-13 and in comorbid conditions frequently associated with resistant hypertension such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.14-17

About aprocitentan

Aprocitentan is an investigational, novel, oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), which potently inhibits the binding of ET-1 to ET A and ET B receptors. Aprocitentan has a low potential for drug-drug interaction and a mechanism of action that is ideally suited for the pathophysiology of resistant hypertension.

About PRECISION18,19(NCT03541174)

PRECISION was a multicenter, blinded, randomized, parallel-group, Phase 3 study, which was performed in hospitals or research centers in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Patients were eligible for randomization if their sitting systolic blood pressure was 140 mm Hg or higher despite taking standardized background therapy consisting of three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The study consisted of three sequential parts: Part 1 was the 4-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled part, in which 730 patients were randomized to aprocitentan 12.5 mg (n=243), aprocitentan 25 mg (n=243), or placebo (n=244) in a 1:1:1 ratio; Part 2 was a 32-week single (patient)-blind part, in which all patients received aprocitentan 25 mg (n=704); and Part 3 was a 12-week double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled withdrawal part, in which patients were re-randomized to aprocitentan 25 mg (n=307) or placebo (n=307) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary and key secondary endpoints were changes in unattended office systolic blood pressure from baseline to week 4 and from withdrawal baseline to week 40, respectively. Secondary endpoints included 24-h ambulatory blood pressure changes.

At baseline, 69.2% of patients were obese or severely obese, 54.1% had diabetes, 22.2% had stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease and 19.6% had congestive heart failure. 63% of randomized patients were receiving at least 4 anti-hypertensive therapies at screening.

Key PRECISION findings19

The least square mean change in office SBP at 4 weeks was 15.3 mmHg for aprocitentan 12.5 mg, 15.2 mmHg for 25 mg, and 11.5 mmHg for placebo, for a difference versus placebo of 3.8 mmHg (p=0.0042) and 3.7 mmHg (p=0.0046), respectively. Office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) also decreased with both aprocitentan doses compared to placebo (3.9 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and 4.5 mmHg for the 25 mg dose). Office SBP and DBP were maintained during Part 2 in patients previously receiving aprocitentan and decreased within the first 2 weeks of Part 2 before stabilizing in those previously receiving placebo. In Part 3, office SBP after 4 weeks of withdrawal (the key secondary endpoint) increased significantly with placebo compared to aprocitentan (5.8 mmHg; p

The results from ambulatory BP monitoring, a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality,1,2 confirmed those derived from office measurements. At the end of Part 1, aprocitentan, after placebo correction, decreased both the 24-hour ambulatory SBP (4.2 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and 5.9 mmHg for the 25 mg dose) and DBP (4.3 mmHg for the 12.5 mg dose and 5.8 mmHg for the 25 mg dose). The placebo-corrected SBP lowering effect was 5.1 mmHg and 7.4 mmHg during the nighttime and 3.8 mmHg and 5.3 mmHg during the daytime, for the 12.5 mg and 25 mg doses, respectively. In Part 3, after 4 weeks of withdrawal (week 40), both the 24-hour ambulatory SBP and DBP increased with placebo compared with aprocitentan

(6.5 mm Hg and 6.8 mm Hg respectively).

Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) during the 4-week double-blind study period (Part 1) were reported in 27.6% and 36.7% of the patients treated with 12.5 and 25 mg aprocitentan, respectively, versus 19.4% in the placebo group. The most frequent adverse event was fluid retention which was reported more frequently with aprocitentan than with placebo in a dose-dependent fashion (9.1%, 18.4%, and 2.1% for patients receiving aprocitentan 12.5 mg, 25 mg and placebo, during Part 1, respectively; 18.2% for patients receiving aprocitentan 25 mg during Part 2; and 2.6% and 1.3% for patients on aprocitentan 25 mg and placebo, during Part 3, respectively). Fluid retention was generally mild-to-moderate. Discontinuation due to edema/fluid retention was reported for seven patients.

Key Literature

Dolan E, et al. Superiority of ambulatory over clinic blood pressure measurement in predicting mortality: the Dublin outcome study. Hypertension 2005; 46:15661 Staplin N, et al. Relationship between clinic and ambulatory blood pressure and mortality: an observational cohort study in 59 124 patients. Lancet. 2023;S0140-6736(23)00733-X. Williams B, et al. 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. Eur Heart J 2018; 39: 3021104. Kedzierski RM, et al. Endothelin system: the double-edged sword in health and disease. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2001; 41:851-76. Iglarz M, et al. At the heart of tissue: endothelin system and end-organ damage. Clin Sci 2010; 119:453-63 NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in hypertension prevalence and progress in treatment and control from 1990 to 2019: a pooled analysis of 1201 population-representative studies with 104 million participants. Lancet 2021; 398:957-80. Daugherty SL, et al. Incidence and prognosis of resistant hypertension in hypertensive patients. Circulation. 2012 Apr 3;125(13):1635-42. Noubiap JJ, et al. Global prevalence of resistant hypertension: a meta-analysis of data from 32 million patients. Heart 2019; 105: 98105. Dhaun N, et al. Role of endothelin-1 in clinical hypertension: 20 years on. Hypertension 2008; 52:452-9. Clozel M. Aprocitentan and the endothelin system in resistant hypertension. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:573-83. Grubbs AL, et al. Saphenous vein endothelin system expression and activity in African American patients. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2002; 22: 11227. Parrinello G, et al. Central obesity and hypertension: the role of plasma endothelin. Am J Hypertens 1996; 9: 118691. Phillips BG, et al. Effects of obstructive sleep apnea on endothelin-1 and blood pressure. J Hypertens 1999; 17: 616. Takahashi K, et al. Elevated plasma endothelin in patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetologia 1990; 33: 30610. Solini A, et al. Resistant hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes: clinical correlates and association with complications. J Hypertens 2014; 32: 240110; discussion 10. Dhaun N, Webb DJ, Kluth DC. Endothelin-1 and the kidney--beyond BP. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 167: 72031. Rossignol P, et al. The double challenge of resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Lancet 2015; 386: 158898. Danaietash P et al. Identifying and treating resistant hypertension in PRECISION: A randomized long-term clinical trial with aprocitentan. J Clin Hypertension 2022 Jul;24(7):804-813. Schlaich MP, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the dual endothelin antagonist aprocitentan for resistant hypertension. The Lancet, 2022; Dec 3;400(10367):1927-1937.





About Idorsia

Idorsia Ltd is reaching out for more  We have more ideas, we see more opportunities and we want to help more patients. In order to achieve this, we will develop Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core.

Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland  a European biotech-hub  Idorsia is specialized in the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecules to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Idorsia has a 20-year heritage of drug discovery, a broad portfolio of innovative drugs in the pipeline, an experienced team of professionals covering all disciplines from bench to bedside, and commercial operations in Europe, Japan, and the US  the ideal constellation for bringing innovative medicines to patients.

Idorsia was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA) in June 2017 and has over 1,300 highly qualified specialists dedicated to realizing our ambitious targets.

For further information, please contact

Andrew C. Weiss

Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil

+41 58 844 10 10

investor.relat[email protected]  [email protected]  www.idorsia.com

The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Attachment
BofA Securities and BNP Paribas Exane share first place as top research provider in the Developed Europe survey



BofA Securities, HSBC and J.P. Morgan share top spot in Emerging EMEA and Investec is best broker for UK Small & Midcap

NEW YORK, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Institutional Investor Research (II Research) surveys are the leading provider of market sentiment in the financial industry. Research budgets remain flat and asset managers are using fewer analysts, but demand for bespoke opinion means that close client relationships and trusted source status becomes more important than ever before. With MiFID regulations potentially being rolled back across Europe and UK, the focus on the provision of quality research advisory services may result in a more competitive environment and we may see an increase in research teams across the industry.

There were no changes to the industry and country sector categories this year. The 2023 Developed Europe Research results reflects the opinions of 5,462 portfolio managers and analysts (up from 4,692 in 2022) from 1,813 institutions (up from 1,696 in 2022). The total number of votes has also increased from last year, by 11%. Over 180 firms have submitted centralised or coordinated votes, underscoring the robust nature of the results as an accurate reflection of market sentiment.

Results Highlights

Developed Europe Research

The Leaders Board remains intensely competitive, with seven companies competing for the honour of being rated best research house. BofA Securities and BNP Paribas Exane were ranked in first place, both with 38 published positions. J.P. Morgan once again follows in third place taking 31 positions with UBS achieving fourth place with 30 ranked teams. Barclays built on the momentum they gathered in 2022, gaining three published positions and rising to 5th overall; Morgan Stanley places sixth. The largest gain on the Leaders Board came from Jefferies in seventh, which gained 10 positions from 2022. Citi, Bernstein and Kepler Cheuvreux take the final three places in the Developed Europe Top 10, displacing Credit Suisse that shared joint 11th place with Societe Generale.

BNP Paribas Exane once again claims first place in the analyst-ranked tables with 44 positions, followed by BofA Securities (41), J.P. Morgan (35 positions) and Barclays (31), which climbed two places.

The establishment of the Country Broker categories emulated the former Extel Survey, with an aggregate broker award comprising Research, Sales, and, in some markets, Trading, Corporate Access and Small & Midcap Stocks. Exclusion of the country categories from the Leaders Board allows the local and regional brokers to elicit genuine votes from local asset managers, which value and pay for domestic country-based brokerage services.

In most cases, the winner of the Best Broker category has been a local franchise, demonstrating the success of the initiative. In aggregate, Kepler Cheuvreux emerges again as the top Country Broker in Europe, followed closely by Oddo BHF.

Austria: Kepler Cheuvreux achieved Best Broker status with Baader/AlphaValue in second.

Kepler Cheuvreux achieved Best Broker status with Baader/AlphaValue in second. Benelux : ODDO BHF retained Best Benelux Broker, followed by ING in second and Kepler Cheuvreux in third. KBC Securites and Degroof Petercam take fourth and fifth respectively.

: ODDO BHF retained Best Benelux Broker, followed by ING in second and Kepler Cheuvreux in third. KBC Securites and Degroof Petercam take fourth and fifth respectively. France : ODDO BHF achieved first place again; with Kepler Cheuvreux taking second and BNP Paribas Exane in third. Societe Generale remain fourth and local ESN franchise, CIC Market Solutions, rising to fifth place.

: ODDO BHF achieved first place again; with Kepler Cheuvreux taking second and BNP Paribas Exane in third. Societe Generale remain fourth and local ESN franchise, CIC Market Solutions, rising to fifth place. Germany : ODDO BHF took top spot following their slippage in 2022 and acquisition of the Commerzbank franchise. Kepler Cheuvreux dropped to second with Deutsche Bank in third as overall broker, although first in Research. Stifel took fourth and Berenberg take fifth place.

: ODDO BHF took top spot following their slippage in 2022 and acquisition of the Commerzbank franchise. Kepler Cheuvreux dropped to second with Deutsche Bank in third as overall broker, although first in Research. Stifel took fourth and Berenberg take fifth place. Greece : Ambrosia Capital earned Best Greece Broker, with Eurobank Equities coming in second and Pantelakis Securities in third. Fourth was Wood & Co.

: Ambrosia Capital earned Best Greece Broker, with Eurobank Equities coming in second and Pantelakis Securities in third. Fourth was Wood & Co. Iberia : Santander take the Best Broker Award, with JB Capital taking second place and Caixabank in third place. Kepler Cheuvreux is fourth and ODDO BHF is fifth place.

: Santander take the Best Broker Award, with JB Capital taking second place and Caixabank in third place. Kepler Cheuvreux is fourth and ODDO BHF is fifth place. Italy : Mediobanca takes the first-place firm, Equita SIM in second and Kepler Cheuvreux in third place. Intermonte takes fourth and ESN franchise, Banca Akros takes fifth place.

: Mediobanca takes the first-place firm, Equita SIM in second and Kepler Cheuvreux in third place. Intermonte takes fourth and ESN franchise, Banca Akros takes fifth place. Nordics : Carnegie Investment Bank maintains their strong franchise, retaining their first place. DNB Markets takes second place, followed by SEB, ABG Sundal Collier and Danske Bank Markets.

: Carnegie Investment Bank maintains their strong franchise, retaining their first place. DNB Markets takes second place, followed by SEB, ABG Sundal Collier and Danske Bank Markets. Switzerland : Switzerland is less dominated by a local broker with UBS in first and Kepler Cheuvreux in second, with Stifel taking third place. Credit Suisse takes fourth place and Zuercher Kantonalbank is fifth.

: Switzerland is less dominated by a local broker with UBS in first and Kepler Cheuvreux in second, with Stifel taking third place. Credit Suisse takes fourth place and Zuercher Kantonalbank is fifth. UK: The UK (large cap) category was won by HSBC, with Barclays in second, Jefferies in third, followed by Numis Securities, Investec and Peel Hunt.

UK Small & Midcap Research

The 2023 UK Small & Midcap results reflect the opinions of 359 portfolio managers and analysts at 233 institutions.

Dominated by Peel Hunt for several years since the acquisition of Extel by Institutional Investor, 2023 saw a material shift and Investec wins the Best UK Small & Mid Cap broker; a significant achievement considering the potential changes to the UK equity market announced by the recent investment review.

The Best UK Small & Midcap Broker award represents an aggregate of all 20 research categories, plus the Sales, Corporate Access and Corporate Broking categories. Numis Securities moved up a place to second place, dropping Peel Hunt to third place and Panmure Gordon & Co rising to fourth from 8th in 2022. Berenberg, Barclays and Stifel achieved fifth to seventh place, Jefferies placed eighth, Liberum Capital in ninth and RBC rounds off the top ten.

Emerging EMEA Research

HSBC and J.P. Morgan were joined by BofA Securities as joint first place in the Emerging EMEA Leaders Table all with 17 published positions. Morgan Stanley took fourth place with 8 positions. Citi and UBS shared fifth.

In the commission-weighted analyst tables, the top three positions were unchanged; HSBC came first with 33 published positions, followed by J.P. Morgan with 22 positions and BofA Securities with 18. Morgan Stanley pushed up seven places to 15 to take fourth and UBS came fifth place with 13 positions to complete the leading winners. Vote participation up 14% this year with 934 voters from 286 companies.

David Enticknap, Head of II Research said With MiFID regulations potentially being rolled back across Europe and UK, the focus on the provision of quality research advisory services may result in a more competitive environment, and we may see an increase in research teams across the industry. The Institutional Investor rankings represent the gold standard in assessment of quality in equity research, recognised globally for the integrity of the process and depth of coverage.

The results can be found here: https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/research

For more information, or a demo on how to interrogate the data, contact Augusta McKie, Sales Director Research (EMEA), [email protected]

To share your position on your website content, advertisements, communications and marketing collateral, please contact [email protected].

Media contact

David Bowen, Director of Marketing, Institutional Investor Research [email protected]

About Institutional Investor Research

For over 50 years, Institutional Investor has been conducting independent research surveys with global investment professionals who evaluate and determine the best performing sell side service providers, asset managers and CEOs, CFOs, IROs and IR Programs across Europe, Emerging EMEA, Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America. The research data independently captures evaluations of companies, investment professionals and executives from investment managers, banks, research providers and corporate issuers, to deliver detailed peer-to-peer comparative analyses every year; the feedback helps inform strategic decision making and improve resource and process management.

Follow Institutional Investor Research here https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/11222447
 Kriya envisions treating people with NASH using a one-time intramuscular gene therapy enabling continuous expression of native FGF21 

 Kriya anticipates advancing its NASH gene therapy candidate into the clinic by 1H 2025 

PALO ALTO, Calif. and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kriya Therapeutics, Inc., ("Kriya") a biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies for conditions affecting millions of people around the world, today announced that it has acquired Tramontane Therapeutics, Inc. ("Tramontane"). Tramontane is a private gene therapy company focused on developing treatments for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Tramontane, a spin out from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Kriya.

With the transaction, Kriya acquires a portfolio of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) assets including Tramontanes lead program, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector designed to express a steady level of the native FGF21 protein. FGF21 has beneficial metabolic effects across several target organs including the liver. Importantly, FGF21 has been established as a clinically-validated biological target in NASH, which Kriya has prioritized as its lead FGF21 program.

Both companies believe that a one-time intramuscular AAV gene therapy designed to express native FGF21 protein is a novel approach to treating NASH with significant potential for a better efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile than other products in development.We are very impressed with the data associated with the Tramontane FGF21 program, which has consistently established strong efficacy and durability across multiple validated animal models of obesity and NASH," said Shankar Ramaswamy, M.D., Co-Founder and CEO of Kriya. "The addition of Tramontanes FGF21 program strategically aligns with our Metabolic Disease portfolio which also includes a one-time gene therapy candidate for insulin-dependent diabetes."

Kriya's gene therapy candidate for treating people with NASH may have the following benefits:

One-time intramuscular AAV administration may eliminate compliance issues associated with complex medication regimens;

Native FGF21 avoids unnatural modifications incorporated into FGF21 analogs to extend half-life, which may support better tissue distribution and receptor binding;

Continuous expression of FGF21 delivers a steady level of the protein, to avoid peak-to-trough pharmacokinetic variability associated with repeatedly-injected recombinant analog products, which may lead to better treatment outcomes; and

Longterm durable action of FGF21 through gene therapy has the potential to deliver multiyear efficacy in the setting of a chronic lifelong disease.

"People with NASH are in desperate need of better treatment options and FGF21 is a clinically-validated target for preventing fibrosis in this disease," said Fatima Bosch, Ph.D., Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UAB, Co-Founder, President and Chief Scientific Advisor of Tramontane Therapeutics, and Kriya Scientific Advisory Board Member. "With the ongoing research that continues in this disease, including innovative approaches like gene therapy, the future outlook for NASH treatments has markedly improved. I believe that a one-time gene therapy would be a quantum leap forward in the management of this chronic disease."

About Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)NASH is the most severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and affects approximately 17 million people in the United States. It is a condition in which the liver builds up excessive fat deposits causing inflammation and liver cell damage. NASH can progress to more serious disease stages, such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Approximately 20 percent of people with NASH will progress to advanced liver disease including cirrhosis and cancer over several years or decades; in advanced stages of the disease, liver transplant may be the only option. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies for halting or reversing the progression of NASH.

About Kriya TherapeuticsOur mission is to revolutionize medicine, with the ultimate goal of eliminating human suffering and enabling people to live without the burden of disease. Kriya is a biopharmaceutical company developing gene therapies to address diseases affecting millions of people around the world. With operations in Palo Alto, California and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Kriya has raised over $600 million in committed capital, which will be used to advance a broad pipeline of gene therapies for ophthalmology, neurology and metabolic disease. For more information, please visit www.kriyatx.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Tramontane TherapeuticsTramontane Therapeutics is a gene therapy company focused on developing treatments for prevalent neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Tramontane uses adeno-associated viral vectors to express therapeutic proteins of relevance in the management of multiple diseases, including Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Type 2 diabetes, Obesity, Alzheimers disease, Parkinson disease and other central disorders associated with impaired cognition and behavior.

Media Contact: Kelli Perkins[email protected]310.625.3248

Source: Kriya Therapeutics, Inc.
Calgary, AB, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Invest Alberta joins Mphasis and a network of ecosystem partners and supporters in celebrating the companys first year of operations in Calgary. An India-listed technology powerhouse, Mphasis continues to make a significant positive impact on the provinces technology landscape through its strategic partnerships and workforce expansion.

Since opening a delivery center in Calgary last year, Mphasis has enhanced the regions technology ecosystem through innovation and government collaboration, demonstrating that the company and province share the highest standards of performance.

Highlights from the past year include:

With the delivery centre, Mphasis has strategically positioned itself to enhance the region's prominence as a hub for digital transformation, encompassing AI, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.

Mphasis formed a strategic partnership with the University of Calgary and the Government of Alberta to announce the establishment of Quantum City - Canada, a cutting-edge project. The Quantum City initiative solidified Alberta's prominence as a technology hub and accelerated the growth of the quantum ecosystem in Calgary. This partnership between academia, industry, and government highlights Albertas ability to prioritize the transition from ideation to market implementation.

Mphasis has achieved notable success in acquiring Alberta based clients, such as AgeCare Health Services Inc., a renowned provider of senior care services based in Canada. AgeCare will enhance and streamline senior care services for the elderly by leveraging Mphasis' expertise in infrastructure, cloud operations, application support, and business process operations.

Mphasis aims to further solidify Calgary's standing as a worldwide center for cutting-edge technologies, notably in the realm of quantum computing, through its continued collaborations. The organization is actively seeking to hire talent in areas such as data engineering, DevOps, information security, big data and analytics, cloud infrastructure, agile technologies, and more.

QUOTES

Albertas technology and innovation sector continues to grow, helped along by companies like Mphasis. Mphasis was one of the earliest international technology companies to identify Alberta as the place to grow their business and that vote of confidence has been crucial to Albertas technology ecosystem development. The future of the technology sector is bright for Alberta and Im looking forward to seeing further growth for Mphasis and overall.  Premier Danielle Smith

One year ago, when Calgary welcomed Mphasis to our City it was a significant indication of the growing strength of our tech sector and economy as a whole. The presence of Mphasis has also signaled to the world that Calgary is a city to pay attention to, spotlighting our strong talent pool, business-friendly environment, and exceptional lifestyle offerings. We anticipate Mphasis' one-year milestone to be a launch pad for ongoing success!  Mayor Jyoti Gondek

We set out to strengthen the Alberta tech ecosystem along with University of Calgary, Govt of Alberta and our clients to accelerate the adoption of technology and innovation here. As we complete a year, we are gratified with what we have achieved and are even more enthused to accelerate our growth in the region.  Nitin Rakesh, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, Mphasis

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mphasis on their one-year milestone in Calgary. This significant occasion allows us to celebrate our strategic partnership, which has been instrumental in elevating our dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences for our residents. With Mphasis invaluable expertise and support, we stand poised and confident to not only enhance the quality of care we provide but also embrace and implement innovative solutions.  Dr. Hasmukh Patel, President & Chief Executive Officer, AgeCare

"We are deeply grateful for the genuine warmth and openness of the ecosystem in this region, which truly mirrors the success and positive connections we have been able to foster with businesses. This symphony of collaboration and shared ambition not only fortifies our present successes but also foretells a promising future. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of Alberta's technology sphere, we recognize that this moment is more than just a milestone; it's an opportunity to catalyze transformation.  Nitin Sathawane, Head of Alberta Business, Mphasis

As we look back on their stellar expansion to Canadian markets, its apparent that Mphasis has taken Calgary to the next level as a global technology hub. Within their first year here, Mphasis has built a robust network of partnerships across Alberta and leveraged the talent of UCalgarys scholars and graduates. Our university is proud to support this explosive growth in quantum science, and we look forward to even more game-changing breakthroughs from Mphasis.  Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary

The impact Mphasis has made on Calgarys position as a leading technology centre is testament to the power of collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Initiatives like Quantum City are putting Calgary on the global map for leadership in digital transformation, further establishing our city as an attractive destination for innovators wanting to make their mark.  Brad Parry, President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development

The strategic partnerships Mphasis has forged throughout Alberta along with the companys dedication to nurturing talent shows that Alberta is the place where big thinkers, bold innovators, and entrepreneurial minds can achieve success. Albertas network offers unlimited opportunities for those eager to solve global problems and shape the future.  Rick Christiaanse, Invest Alberta CEO

About Invest Alberta

Invest Alberta engages the world and provides high-end tailored support to companies, investors, and major new projects. With team members strategically positioned in key markets around the world, Invest Alberta works to break down barriers so businesses can start up, scale up, and succeed without limits. Since 2020, Invest Alberta has supported the commitment of nearly $20 billion in investment that created more than 25,000 new high-value jobs for Albertans. For more information, please visit investalberta.ca.

About Mphasis

Mphasis purpose is to be the Driver in the Driverless Car for Global Enterprises by applying next-generation design, architecture, and engineering services, to deliver scalable and sustainable software and technology solutions. Customer centricity is foundational to Mphasis and is reflected in the MphasisFront2Back Transformation approach. Front2Back uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to provide hyper-personalized (C=X2C2TM=1) digital experience to clients and their end customers. Mphasis Service Transformation approach helps shrink the core through the application of digital technologies across legacy environments within an enterprise, enabling businesses to stay ahead in a changing world. Mphasis core reference architectures and tools, speed, and innovation with domain expertise and specialization, combined with an integrated sustainability and purpose-led approach across its operations and solutions are key to building strong relationships with marquee clients. Click here to know more. (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS)

Source: Invest Alberta
Washington, D.C., Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investigates, prosecutes, and punishes hundreds of securities firms and brokers every year for alleged violations of federal securities laws and rules, despite operating outside the government and without answering to the President. Today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance filed an amicus curiae brief in Alpine Securities v. FINRA, asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to end FINRAs blatantly unconstitutional use of executive power.

FINRA is a nominally private non-profit corporation that regulates the securities brokerage industry subject to oversight by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). But it wields vast legislative, executive, and adjudicatory powers over more than 600,000 individual brokers and thousands of broker-dealer firms nationwide. In a typical year FINRA bars hundreds of brokers from the securities industry and imposes tens of millions of dollars in aggregate fines against industry participants. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia concluded that FINRA is not a state actorleaving the regulator unbound by most constitutional restraints when it investigates, prosecutes, and punishes alleged wrongdoers. That conclusion unwittingly confirmed, however, that FINRA violates both Article II of the Constitution, which prohibits empowering private law enforcement without close Executive Branch supervision, and the private nondelegation doctrine, a vital judicial principle that reserves binding federal power for the federal government alone to wield.

Though SEC explicitly pre-approves nearly all FINRA-promulgated rules on the rulemaking side of the group, the agency provides virtually no real-time supervision or direction of FINRAs law enforcement activities. Indeed, in most cases, SEC commissioners are entirely oblivious to FINRAs investigatory and prosecutorial activities, even as those activities routinely threaten fines and other career-altering sanctions against American citizens.

FINRA cannot have it both ways. It cannot evade the Constitutions appointment, removal, due process, and jury trial requirements by claiming to be a mere private actor, while simultaneously wielding vast, unsupervised governmental power. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit should recognize this inescapable dilemma and either declare FINRA a government actor subject to constitutional strictures on its conduct and structure or demand that its enforcement activities be far more closely supervised by SEC officials.

NCLA released the following statement: FINRA investigates, prosecutes, and punishes hundreds of securities brokers and firms each year based on alleged violations of federal securities laws and rules, imposing tens of millions of dollars in aggregate fines, yet the SEC reviews only a tiny handful of those cases, and even then only years later, after all the constitutional damage is already done and irremediable. The Constitution wisely forbids this kind of unchecked private law enforcement activity. Russ Ryan, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLAFor more information visit the amicus page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

###

Joe Martyak New Civil Liberties Alliance 202-869-5208 [email protected]

Source: New Civil Liberties Alliance
Millburn, NJ, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Residents from communities throughout New Jersey members will mobilize in one month to address the opioid epidemic ravaging the state as part of the eighth annual statewide Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day, held on October 6 since 2016, helps to inform New Jersey residents about the opioid crisis through a mobilization effort with a dual focus: educating health care professionals and raising awareness among New Jersey residents and families. It is designed to guide residents, healthcare professionals and community leaders about the risks or prescription opioids and how they can prevent opioid use and misuse.

In 2022, nearly 3,000 people in New Jersey died of a drug overdose, a majority of which involved some form of opioid. These deaths include those who overdosed on heroin, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is an important opportunity to educate New Jersey residents about the opioid epidemic and how they can keep their families, friends and neighbors safe, said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a project of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, in cooperation with the Governors Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Addiction Services; and the Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris, with help from thousands of participants across the state. The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly has supported the event, unanimously approving joint legislation designating October 6 as Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day in New Jersey, which was signed by Governor Phil Murphy.

In past years, outreach efforts have included delivering literature door-to-door, sharing materials at community events, spreading information through social media and emails and many other methods.

The Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series, founded in 2020, also provides a way for state residents to learn from experts on various aspects of the opioid epidemic. A webinar will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 6, titled Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day: An Update from NIDA. It will feature Dr. Wilson M. Compton, Deputy Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) of the National Institutes of Health.

Resources and more information on Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day are available at knockoutday.drugfreenj.org.

###

Best known for its statewide substance use prevention advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $200 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnerships New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jerseys history. Since its inception, the Partnership has garnered 217 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.

Natalie Golub Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey 9733824560 [email protected]

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
Geneva, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



EGM to be held on 27 September 2023 will vote on new GAM board members and proposals to create conditional capital for financing purposes and an increase of share capital range

Jeremy Smouha  a founding member of GAM with 43 years investment experience  is a new candidate for GAMs board

EGM proposals are part of NewGAMes commitment to secure the necessary additional financial resources to fund GAMs operations and build a successful business for the benefit of all stakeholders

The investor group comprised of NewGAMe SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.6% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG [GAM:SWX] (GAM), reiterates its long-term support for GAM and urges other shareholders to join the current GAM board in voting for the EGM proposals from Rock Investment SAS, a member of the investor group.

The agenda for the EGM  to be held on 27 September 2023  was published today by GAM and includes proposals for elections to the Board of Directors, elections to the Compensation Committee, the creation of conditional capital for financing purposes, and an increase of GAMs share capital range.

The nominees for election are: Antoine Spillmann, as Chair; and Carlos Esteve, Anthony Maarek, Fabien Pictet and Jeremy Smouha as members of the GAM board.

Jeremy Smouha is a new candidate to the board. He is Chairman of Atlanticomnium SA, an investment management firm based in Geneva specialising in corporate bonds and has been CEO of its London branch since 2012. The firm has been managing the award-winning GAM Star Credit Opportunities range of funds/strategies since 1985. Jeremy was a founding member of GAM in 1983 and held various positions at the firm, including managing GAM bond funds from 1985 to 2002. He was a director and member of GAMs Investment Committee and co-manager of a range of GAMs multi-asset funds from 1998 to 2012.

Once the proposals are passed, the new GAM board will take steps to adjust the board representation to meet the requirements of the Swiss Code.

Antoine Spillmann, CEO and Partner at Bruellan and proposed candidate for Chair of GAM said:

We are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead and have made a long-term commitment to create stability and secure the future of GAM. Our vision is to restore GAMs reputation, keep the company true to its Swiss heritage and create long-term value for all stakeholders. We are delighted that Jeremy Smouha has agreed to be a candidate for GAMs board at the forthcoming EGM. Having worked side-by-side with Gilbert de Botton since the founding of the firm in 1983, he has not only a deep knowledge of the business and the asset management industry, but is the depository of GAMs DNA.

Jeremy Smouha, Chairman of Atlanticomnium and proposed candidate for the board of GAM said:

I am delighted to continue my long association with GAM. After all these years, GAM still retains the strong imprint of its founder Gilbert de Botton's vision, namely providing its clients access to great investment talent. With the strong financial backing that GAM now has, I look forward to working with the new team to turn around this great firm and put it back solidly on the growth path.

About NewGAMe

NewGAMe SA is a Geneva-based company owned by a number of investors with experience in the financial sector. It is controlled by Rock Investment, a French-incorporated entity that is owned by NJJ Holding, the personal holding company of Xavier Niel. Albert Saporta, a hedge fund industry veteran with 40 years experience in global financial markets, serves as the director of NewGAMe SA.

About Bruellan

Bruellan SA is an independent provider of global wealth management solutions. The company was founded in 1991 and is located in Geneva, Lausanne, Crans-Montana and Verbier.

https://www.bruellan.ch/
Eindhoven, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext: ONWD), the medical technology company creating innovative therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury, today announced that it will host a webcast to discuss its Half Year 2023 business highlights.

The webcast will be held on September 19, 2023, at 2:00PM CET / 08:00AM ET. It will be hosted by CEO Dave Marver and CFO Lara Smith Weber, who will discuss highlights from Half Year 2023 and provide a business update.

To join the webcast via Zoom, please register using this link.

Participants may also join by phone:

+32 2 290 9360 (Belgium)+49 69 3807 9884 (Germany)+31 20 794 0854 (Netherlands)+41 22 591 0156 (Switzerland)+44 203 481 5240 (United Kingdom)+1 346 248 7799 (US) Additional telephone numbers available

Webinar ID: 884 9100 3320

A recording of the webcast will be available on the Companys website following the live event.

About ONWARD Medical

ONWARD is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of science and preclinical research conducted at leading neuroscience laboratories, the Company has received nine Breakthrough Device Designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its ARC Therapy platform.

ONWARD ARC Therapy, which can be delivered by external ARC-EX or implantable ARC-IM systems, is designed to deliver targeted, programmed spinal cord stimulation. Positive results were presented in 2023 from the Companys pivotal study, called Up-LIFT, evaluating the ability for transcutaneous ARC Therapy to improve upper extremity strength and function. The Company is now preparing regulatory approval submissions for ARC-EX for the US and Europe. In parallel, the Company is conducting studies with its implantable ARC-IM platform, which demonstrated positive interim clinical outcomes for improved blood pressure regulation following SCI in 2022. Other ongoing studies include combination use of ARC-IM with a brain-computer interface (BCI).

Headquartered in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, ONWARD has a Science and Engineering Center in Lausanne, Switzerland and a U.S. office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company also has an academic partnership with .NeuroRestore, a collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV).

For more information, visit ONWD.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Disclaimer

Certain statements, beliefs, and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Companys or, as appropriate, the Company directors current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve several 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. All ONWARD devices and therapies referenced here, including but not limited to ARC-IM, ARC-EX, and ARC Therapy, are investigational and not available for commercial use.

For Media Enquiries: Aditi Roy, VP Communications [email protected] For Investor Enquiries: Lara Smith Weber, CFO [email protected]

Source: ONWARD Medical
CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PowerNotes, the platform designed to help students and professionals create high-quality research confidently and efficiently, today announced the launch of PowerNotes+ for higher ed and K-12 institutions, educators, and students. PowerNotes+ is a reading, research, and writing platform that helps educators and institutions have control and confidence using artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroomand addresses questions of academic integrity using transparency and evidence, not suspicion.

Schools and universities around the country are looking for ways to help students use AI responsibly, said PowerNotes CEO and founder Wilson Tsu. PowerNotes empowers students to show the progression of their work throughout the research and writing process. Educators can see the process unfold and assess student work early, offering formative feedback that helps students redirect their effort. This leads to less rework and frustration, as well as better student outcomes. This transparency also bolsters academic integrity when AI is used by creating a safe environment that disincentivizes cheating.

To allow faculty and students to use AI in a fully-documented and transparent environment, PowerNotes Brainstorm uses a direct integration with ChatGPT and other large language models. All AI interactions in PowerNotes are documented and available for faculty review, creating an environment where academic integrity is enforced via accountability rather than punishment. In Brainstorm, closed prompting minimizes AI hallucinations. Human research is integrated with AI language capabilities, minimizing the weaknesses of AI while promoting the strengths of both.

Other features include:

PowerNotes Insight , a patented digital authorship verification technology, ensures academic integrity by leveraging the work done in PowerNotes as part of the learning process. Insights Activity Log provides a record of students research activity and enables instructors to evaluate that learning process, not just the output. After a student submits an assignment, an Insight Score is generated, which compares their work to their final submission and distinguishes between appropriate and inappropriate use of AI. Faculty can investigate low Insight Scores by reviewing the students Project Outline and a downloadable Activity Log, which shows all student-AI interactions.

, a patented digital authorship verification technology, ensures academic integrity by leveraging the work done in PowerNotes as part of the learning process. Insights Activity Log provides a record of students research activity and enables instructors to evaluate that learning process, not just the output. After a student submits an assignment, an Insight Score is generated, which compares their work to their final submission and distinguishes between appropriate and inappropriate use of AI. Faculty can investigate low Insight Scores by reviewing the students Project Outline and a downloadable Activity Log, which shows all student-AI interactions. PowerNotes Discovery uses AI to generate article summaries in real time. It can also produce related research topics and find resources on those topics via Google or an institutions library search. Researchers can also query the articles with AI.

uses AI to generate article summaries in real time. It can also produce related research topics and find resources on those topics via Google or an institutions library search. Researchers can also query the articles with AI. AI interactions are anonymous to AI providers so student work is secure and cannot be used for training AI models.

PowerNotes gave me the ability to see my students research and writing processes in ways I couldnt do before, said Dr. Catrina Mitchum, a college writing professor. Using the tool gave me the opportunity to help students before they went too far down a rabbit hole that would cause more work for them. I could identify areas of confusion before they snowballed. The ability to see behind the curtain while students are using AI is a game-changer in AI literacy for the same reason: a view into students processes provides us an opportunity to recognize what guidance is needed.

PowerNotes+ connects to an institutions LMS, such as Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, and D2L Brightspace, as well as library resources including ProQuest and EBSCO (with optional integrations). This allows faculty to create scaffolded assignments for their students, provide library results during student Google searches, or directly open a chat with a librarian for assistance.

Every PowerNotes+ subscriber receives onboarding support, in-depth training sessions, a dedicated success manager, and direct access to PowerNotes academic experts. Institutions, educators, and students can learn more at PowerNotes.com/plus.

We need to prepare students for the world of the future, for jobs that dont exist yet, added Tsu. AI is undoubtedly part of that future, so it's crucial that we understand the implications of AI and harness its potential in a responsible and effective manner. This essential work needs to start in the classroom, and PowerNotes is actively partnering with schools to develop forward-thinking AI features.

About PowerNotes

PowerNotes is the creator of the only platform scientifically designed to help students and professionals create high-quality research and written work confidently and efficiently. The first incarnation of PowerNotes was created to help law students become more efficient and effective in a digital environment. After taking cues and building features for our partner schools, PowerNotes is now used by writers and researchers of all ages, from elementary schoolers to PhD students and working professionals. More than 140 academic institutions nationwide have adopted PowerNotes, with some college instructors building their coursework around the PowerNotes process, which is focused on meaningful and transparent student engagement throughout the reading, research, analysis, and writing process. Learn more at PowerNotes.com.

Stacey Dillon PRP Group (480) 225-4809 [email protected]

Source: PowerNotes
New drilling encounters highest grades yet at Las Primas, returning 12.3 gpt AuEq 1 (10.8 gpt gold and 114.9 gpt silver) over 2.5 metres near surface

Drilling at Fresnillo encounters multiple, thick gold-silver intervals

Follow-up drilling is planned for both targets

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime or the Company) (TSX-V: PRYM, OTCQX: PRMNF, Frankfurt: 04V3) is reporting drill results from its ongoing 60,000 metre (m) drill program, of which about one half is focused on regional exploration at Los Reyes. Todays results are from the Las Primas and Fresnillo generative targets (see Figure 1) at the Companys Los Reyes Project (the Project), located in Sinaloa State, Mexico.

Newly discovered Las Primas mineralization outside of the previously reported 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) contains high-grades and significant thicknesses in areas located between the Central and Guadalupe Zones. The precious metals mineralization is in high-grade plunging shoots, similar to Guadalupe, Tahonitas and Nocha Buena areas, that contain a multiple gram per tonne (gpt) gold equivalent (AuEq) center with an outer, lower-grade halo. At Las Primas, mapping and 2023 drilling has confirmed continuity of at least two mineralized structural corridors that remain open in all directions.

Fresnillo is a highly prospective earlier stage target, where drilling intercepted thick mineralized structures, between the Z-T and Central Zones. Follow-up drilling is planned to continue. Surface mapping and modelling of these structures is ongoing.

Generative Target Highlights

Las Primas Area:

The Company is reporting 12 core holes at the Las Primas target. Las Primas is located in the southeast of the Project area between the Central and Guadalupe Zones. Highlights are listed below:

12.34 gpt AuEq (10.85 gpt Au and 114.9 gpt Ag) over 2.5 metres (m) estimated true width (etw) in hole 23LP-14, including: 17.50 gpt AuEq (15.40 gpt Au and 162.2 gpt Ag) over 1.7 m etw.

1.73 gpt AuEq (1.70 gpt Au and 2.3 gpt Ag) over 9.6 m etw in hole 23LP-06, including: 4.94 gpt AuEq (4.88 gpt Au and 4.7 gpt Ag) over 3.0 m etw.

1.20 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 25.8 gpt Ag) over 14.6 m etw in hole 23LP-07, starting just below surface.

Fresnillo Area:

The Company is reporting 11 core holes at the Fresnillo target, located between the south ends of the Z-T and Central Zones. Highlights are listed below:

0.74 gpt AuEq (0.56 gpt Au and 14.3 gpt Ag) over 23.8 m etw, and

0.48 gpt AuEq (0.41 gpt Au and 5.3 gpt Ag) over 20.8 m in hole 23FRE-12.

1.65 gpt AuEq (1.06 gpt Au and 45.2 gpt Ag) over 10.9 m etw in hole 23FRE-19, including: 12.30 gpt AuEq (6.63 gpt Au and 438.0 gpt Ag) over 0.85 m etw.

1.39 gpt AuEq (0.87 gpt Au and 40.4 gpt Ag) over 7.5 m etw in hole 23FRE-20.

Prime Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz commented, Todays results demonstrate the growing potential of our gold-silver exploration targets outside of the current mineral resource zones. New mineralized areas like these are expected to contribute to our goal of continued expansion of the Los Reyes gold-silver resource. As Las Primas and Fresnillo are proximal to existing resource zones, we anticipate incremental value-add from these nearby generative targets.

Scott Smith, Executive Vice President of Exploration added, We are successfully executing a two-pronged approach to exploration: firstly, drilling resource expansions at Z-T, Central and Guadalupe Zones, the three areas that form our current mineral resource estimate, and secondly, exploring a growing number of new, generative targets. Mapping, surface sampling and modeling are ongoing to help guide generative drilling. We have many additional generative targets at Los Reyes identified that we have not yet had the opportunity to fully drill-test. A strong focus on exploration access improvements has facilitated this newly reported drilling and will allow more efficient drilling of many of these generative targets going forward.

Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, such as those being reported today, in addition to on-going expansion along strike and down dip within previously reported mineral resource areas. These recent regional results are from the initial generative program which is expected to be followed-up as the Company continues to evaluate the full potential of Los Reyes.

Figure 1: Generative drilling update

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The drilling described in this news release is the result of Primes success-based generative exploration program. Currently drill-limited mineralized areas (500 m2 at Las Primas and 700 m2 at Fresnillo) are demonstrating potential to become standalone deposits. Prime is the first to drill at both Las Primas and Fresnillo.

Las Primas was first identified through historical records and the Companys earlier sampling and mapping work. Prime conducted initial drill-testing at Las Primas in 2021 using a portable rig due to limited road access. On August 4, 2021, Prime released the first three holes at Las Primas, that included hole 21LP-02 at 1.8 gpt AuEq over 3.8 m etw, located 24 m downhole. Todays results are the product of Primes focused generative drill program (see Figure 2 and 3), which has identified what appears to be two or more major parallel vein sets.

The Las Primas area is located approximately 475 m east of the Noche Buena pit-constrained MRE in the Central Zone and 500 m southwest of the Guadalupe East pit-constrained MRE in the Guadalupe Zone. Similar to Guadalupe East, mineralization at Las Primas is primarily hosted in quartz veins and breccias near the intrusive contacts between feldspathic porphyry and rhyolitic/dacitic intrusives. Drilling has defined mineralization in multiple structures along a 300 m strike length and up to 240 m down-dip and is open in all directions (see Figures 4a-c). The potential to find structural intersections similar to those identified in Guadalupe East is high.

Fresnillo was first drilled as part of Primes 2022 drill program. Prime published the first nine drill holes from Fresnillo on February 27, 2023, highlighting hole 22FRE-09 at 1.7 g/t AuEq over 15.8 m etw.

Fresnillo is located between the Z-T and Central Zones, with mineralization identified to date roughly 150 m from the Noche Buena pit-constrained MRE in the Central Zone and 500 m from the Z-T pit-constrained MRE to the west. Similar to the Z-T and Central Zones, mineralization at Fresnillo is in high-grade, south-plunging shoots surrounded by lower-grade mineralized halos. Mineralization has been identified in multiple southwest-dipping structures, which remain open both down-dip and along strike to the southeast (see Figures 5 and 6).

Drill Hole Highlights - Las Primas & Fresnillo Areas1

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) ETW2 (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) AuEq3 (gpt) Area 23LP-05 0.00 6.00 6.00 5.80 1.45 7.60 1.55 Las Primas 23LP-05 71.50 85.25 13.75 13.55 0.61 5.31 0.68 Las Primas 23LP-06 0.00 5.40 5.40 5.20 0.41 9.90 0.54 Las Primas 23LP-06 126.00 135.75 9.75 9.60 1.70 2.32 1.73 Las Primas including 132.00 135.00 3.00 2.95 4.88 4.70 4.94 Las Primas including 133.50 135.00 1.50 1.50 8.20 7.90 8.30 Las Primas 23LP-07 0.00 4.50 4.50 4.45 0.36 18.93 0.60 Las Primas 23LP-07 9.65 24.50 14.85 14.60 0.87 25.78 1.20 Las Primas including 12.00 15.00 3.00 2.95 1.87 32.70 2.29 Las Primas 23LP-07 54.45 62.50 8.05 7.95 0.94 20.89 1.21 Las Primas 23LP-09 0.00 6.30 6.30 5.70 1.62 51.09 2.28 Las Primas including 0.00 5.30 5.30 4.80 1.88 58.26 2.63 Las Primas 23LP-09 20.25 21.40 1.15 1.15 5.39 72.50 6.33 Las Primas 23LP-13 111.80 123.70 11.90 11.70 0.34 8.16 0.45 Las Primas 23LP-14 117.25 119.75 2.50 2.45 10.85 114.86 12.34 Las Primas including 117.25 119.00 1.75 1.70 15.40 162.20 17.50 Las Primas 23LP-14 151.00 158.30 7.30 5.60 0.82 32.53 1.24 Las Primas including 153.00 154.50 1.50 1.15 2.85 143.50 4.71 Las Primas 23LP-15 36.30 39.50 3.20 2.75 2.40 98.66 3.68 Las Primas including 36.30 38.75 2.45 2.10 2.92 117.90 4.45 Las Primas 23LP-15 274.80 276.00 1.20 1.15 3.00 1474.00 22.08 Las Primas 23FRE-12 214.00 241.50 27.50 23.80 0.56 14.28 0.74 Fresnillo 23FRE-12 249.00 273.00 24.00 20.80 0.41 5.29 0.48 Fresnillo 23FRE-14 208.00 218.50 10.50 9.10 0.41 3.61 0.46 Fresnillo 23FRE-14 224.50 239.50 15.00 13.00 0.50 2.04 0.53 Fresnillo 23FRE-17 28.50 29.65 1.15 1.10 7.86 1.30 7.88 Fresnillo 23FRE-17 146.20 148.15 1.95 1.85 4.16 43.57 4.72 Fresnillo including 147.20 148.15 0.95 0.90 8.08 60.90 8.87 Fresnillo 23FRE-18 367.00 368.45 1.45 1.35 3.81 4.80 3.87 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 273.60 286.20 12.60 10.90 1.06 45.22 1.65 Fresnillo including 275.80 276.80 1.00 0.85 6.63 438.00 12.30 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 292.30 308.10 15.80 13.70 0.48 13.40 0.65 Fresnillo 23FRE-19 311.25 324.00 12.75 11.05 0.31 9.46 0.43 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 238.50 250.25 11.75 10.20 0.31 7.17 0.40 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 267.30 275.90 8.60 7.45 0.87 40.42 1.39 Fresnillo including 270.45 271.50 1.05 0.90 2.02 108.70 3.43 Fresnillo 23FRE-20 295.25 311.15 15.90 13.75 0.33 7.20 0.42 Fresnillo

Table Notes:

A complete table of assay results from all deposits and all secondary zones intersected utilizing a 0.20 gpt Au cut-off is on the Company's website, as well as accompanying notes on composite grades. Estimated True Widths (ETW) are estimated based on drill hole geology or comparisons with other on-section drill holes. Au Equivalent (AuEq) is calculated as Au gpt + (Ag gpt x ($22/$1700)) where $22 and $1700 are the price of one ounce of Ag and Au respectively (in US dollars).

Figure 2: Las Primas Area drilling update

Figure 3: Las Primas Area drilling update with grade shells

*Note: drill traces in blue are newly released.

Figure 4a: Las Primas Area cross sections A-A

Figure 4b: Las Primas Area cross sections B-B

Figure 4c: Las Primas Area cross sections C-C

Figure 5: Fresnillo Area drilling update

Figure 6: Fresnillo Area drilling update with grade shells

*Note: drill traces in blue are newly released.

Drilling at Los Reyes is ongoing through the current rainy season (which is expected to end in the coming weeks) with four drill rigs focusing on:

extending the high-grade Z-T shoots that remain open at depth, as well as along strike north and south; expanding the two other MRE resource areas, including the eastern extensions of the Guadalupe Zone and Echeguren Shaft area; and, exploring multiple new generative targets.

Prime has completed over 38,000 m of its planned 60,000 m 2023 drill program and will continue to evaluate its drilling plans using its success-based approach.

Link 1  PDF Figures

Link 2  PDF Drill Hole Tables

Note: Gold equivalent grades are calculated based on an assumed gold price of $US 1700 per ounce and silver price of $22 per ounce, based on the formula AuEq grade (gpt) = Au grade + Ag grade x ($22 / $1,700). Metallurgical recoveries are not considered in the in-situ grade estimate but are estimated to be 93% and 83% for gold and silver, respectively, when processed in a mill, and 72% and 25% respectively when heap-leached.

QA/QC Protocols and Sampling Procedures

Drill core at the Los Reyes project is drilled in predominately HQ size (63.5 millimetre mm), reducing to NQ (47.6 mm) when required. Drill core samples are generally 1.50 m long along the core axis with allowance for shorter or longer intervals if required to suit geological constraints. After logging intervals are identified to be sampled, the core is cut, and one half is submitted for assay. RC drilling returns rock chips and fines from a 133.35 mm diameter tricone bit. The returns are homogenized and split into two halves, with one half submitted for analysis and the other half stored.

Sample QA/QC measures include unmarked certified reference materials, blanks, and field duplicates as well as preparation duplicates are inserted into the sample sequence and make up approximately 8% of the samples submitted to the laboratory for each drill hole.

Samples are picked up from the Project by the laboratory personnel and transported to their facilities in Durango or Hermosillo Mexico, for sample preparation. Sample analysis is carried out by Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs, with fire assay, including over limits fire assay re-analysis, completed at their respective Hermosillo, Mexico laboratories and multi-element analysis completed in North Vancouver, Canada. Drill core sample preparation includes fine crushing of the sample to at least 70% passing less than 2 mm, sample splitting using a riffle splitter, and pulverizing a 250-gram split to at least 85% passing 75 microns.

Gold in diamond drill core is analyzed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy of a 30 g sample (code FA430 or Au-AA23). Multi-element chemistry is analyzed by 4-Acid digestion of a 0.25-gram sample split (code MA300 or ME-ICP61) with detection by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer for a full suite of elements.

Gold assay techniques FA430 and Au-AA23 have an upper detection limit of 10 ppm. Any sample that produces an over-limit gold value via the initial assay technique is sent for gravimetric finish via method FA-530 or Au-GRA21. Silver analyses by MA300 and ME-ICP61 have an upper limit of 200 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. Samples with over-limit silver values are re-analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish FA530 or Au-GRA21.

Both Bureau Veritas and ALS Labs are ISO/IEC accredited assay laboratories.

Qualified Person

Scott Smith, P.Geo., Executive Vice President of Exploration, is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

Additional Notes

Metres is represented by m; etw is Estimated True Width and is based on drill hole geometry or comparisons with other on-section drill holes; Au refers to gold, and Ag refers to silver; gpt is grams per metric tonne; some figures may not sum due to rounding; Composite assay grades presented in summary tables are calculated using a Au grade minimum average of 0.20 gpt or 1.0 gpt as indicated in Au Cut-off column of Summary Tables. Maximum internal waste included in any reported composite interval is 3.00 m. The 1.00 gpt Au cut-off is used to define higher-grade cores within the lower-grade halo.

About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project

Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately US$30 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 120,000 m of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see below, and refer to Note 1 and the May 2, 2023 press release for more details).

May 2, 2023 Resource Statement

Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas.

Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies.

About Prime Mining

Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel KunzChief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Daniel KunzChief Executive Officer and DirectorPrime Mining Corp.1307 S. Colorado Ave.Boise, Idaho 83706Telephone: +1 (208) 926-6379 officeemail: [email protected]

Scott HicksExecutive Vice PresidentPrime Mining Corp.710  1030 West Georgia StreetVancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128 officeemail: [email protected]

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.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated April 22, 2022, available on www.sedar.com. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29a68a39-6940-4acb-8c4d-7b903f38014dhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4381b492-294b-4435-9563-9138f8e6d0adhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f21272b-2eea-41fe-b2a6-02846b77cec9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c1047d6-c5c8-4d0c-9d88-0a0a176422f5https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/42ed5a1b-9ac5-496c-9a9b-4b3d9c2d94a9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4603a9d-22a6-4292-b410-916cac0c3d33https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49f2c511-2f48-4e62-9f75-740ddb716b2bhttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53ffae5c-e245-4e23-b1c9-c07c2d8faa15https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cc39d53-cfc8-4ad6-aaf2-642884a56075

Figure 1: Generative drilling update Figure 1: Generative drilling update Figure 2: Las Primas Area drilling update Figure 2: Las Primas Area drilling update Figure 3: Las Primas Area drilling update with grade shells Figure 3: Las Primas Area drilling update with grade shells Figure 4a: Las Primas Area cross sections A-A Figure 4a: Las Primas Area cross sections A-A Figure 4b: Las Primas Area cross sections B-B Figure 4b: Las Primas Area cross sections B-B Figure 4c: Las Primas Area cross sections C-C Figure 4c: Las Primas Area cross sections C-C Figure 5: Fresnillo Area drilling update Figure 5: Fresnillo Area drilling update Figure 6: Fresnillo Area drilling update with grade shells Figure 6: Fresnillo Area drilling update with grade shells May 2, 2023 Resource Statement May 2, 2023 Resource Statement

Source: Prime Mining Corp.
WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last month, AmeriCorps leadership visited communities across Alaska to listen, learn, and identify new opportunities for the agency to work hand-in-hand with rural and tribal communities to meet local needs. During his visit, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith, alongside Yasmeen Shaheen-McConnell, AmeriCorps senior advisor for strategic partnerships and acting strategic advisor for Native American affairs and a delegation from Native Americans in Philanthropy, Native Forward Scholars Fund, The Aspen Institute and Serve Alaska, visited local nonprofit organizations, governments, and Alaska Native leaders and community members in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel and Scammon Bay.

"AmeriCorps shows up in every corner of the nation, including Alaska, where thousands of members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have had a lasting impact," said Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. "Our members serving in rural and urban communities across Alaska are mitigating the effects of extreme weather, promoting health equity, restoring state and national parks and strengthening Alaska's workforce. Many of our AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve in tribal communities, increasing access to care and food and preserving indigenous cultural traditions and languages. I was honored to engage with Alaska's diverse communities during my visit and explore new ways to grow the impact of community service across Alaska."

CEO Smith also highlighted the critical investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration, including the more than $4.3 million AmeriCorps invested in communities across the state last year, to reduce barriers to service in Alaska.

"We recognize the wisdom that our Alaskan Native family brings, and it is our privilege to listen, learn and incorporate their unique perspective to form these strategic partnerships," said Angelique Albert, CEO, Native Forward. "It's all about collaboration with scholars, alumni and partners to build relationships to garner a positive and long-lasting impact in Alaskan communities."

In Anchorage, the delegation met with RurAL CAPs Elder Mentors, an AmeriCorps Seniors program focusing on language revitalization in Alaska Native communities across Alaska. As part of the program, RurAL CAP recruited 55 Elder Mentors directly from the communities in which they serve, who help Alaska Native children learn their traditional languages to ensure that the history, cultures and languages are not lost. Last year, Elder Mentors worked with more than 700 youth in the classroom or through direct tutoring. These AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, many of whom are not native English speakers, work in various locations such as New Stuyahok, Togiak, Pilot Station, Russian Mission, Kwigillingok, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan and Kodiak, teaching languages like Yup'ik, Chup'ik and Inupiat.

"The foundation of national service--meaningful relationships and supporting communities--are core indigenous values," said Eric R. Stegman, CEO, Native Americans in Philanthropy. "We are excited to spend this time in communities in Alaska alongside our partners at AmeriCorps listening, sharing and building new relationships that will support Alaska Native communities."

While in Scammon Bay, the delegation met with tribal leaders and AmeriCorps member Abe, serving with the RurAL CAP Resilient Alaska Youth program.

"Non-profits are an important part of the Alaskan community," said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom. "On behalf of the State of Alaska, I'm grateful for the work done by those serving in AmeriCorps through Serve Alaska."

"It was an honor to join our relatives at AmeriCorps for the Alaska Partnership Tour. Together, with Natives in Philanthropy and Native Forward, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with the Alaska Native community, especially our youth, for what we know to be true: sustainable solutions and impact start locally," said Nikki Santos, Executive Director, Center for Native Americans Youth.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.

Attachments

National Service Press Office AmeriCorps [email protected]

Source: AmeriCorps
MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV-SXL) (SLAM or the Company) is pleased to announce it has entered into an arms length option agreement dated September 01, 2023, to acquire a 100% interest in and to the Mine Road project, which is located adjacent to the former producing Heath Steele mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp (BMC) of northern New Brunswick.

Project Highlights:

Railroad Zone: 14.51% zinc, 5.86% lead, 0.67% copper and 139.9 g/t silver over a 9.0 metre interval in diamond drill hole IL2014-003.

14.51% zinc, 5.86% lead, 0.67% copper and 139.9 g/t silver over a 9.0 metre interval in diamond drill hole IL2014-003. Roche Trend: Diamond drill hole IL2018-01 intersected 7.0 meters of 0.9% copper on the Roche Trend, 5 kilometres southwest of the Railroad Zone.

Diamond drill hole IL2018-01 intersected 7.0 meters of 0.9% copper on the Roche Trend, 5 kilometres southwest of the Railroad Zone. Infrastructure: Paved road and high voltage powerline transect the property.

Paved road and high voltage powerline transect the property. Drill-ready project: Untested conductors, magnetic and soil anomalies as well as priority targets on the Railroad and Roche Zones.

Previously drilled holes include IL2014-003 that cored 14.51% zinc, 5.86% lead, 0.67% copper and 139.9 g/t silver over a 9.0 metre interval (7.8 metre true width). This hole also intersected 6.57% zinc, 2.78% lead, 0.46% copper, and 68.1 g/t silver over a 3 m core interval (2.6 metre true width). This was one of 5 holes drilled on the Railroad Zone in 2014.

On the Roche Trend, 5 kilometres southwest of the Railroad Zone, diamond drill hole IL2018-01 intersected 7.0 meters of 0.9% copper. This is the deepest intercept on the Roche Trend and according to accepted models for VMS deposits, the increasing copper content may signify that the core of the deposit lies below this hole.

SLAM President Mike Taylor states, This is a drill ready project with a massive previous work database that is available to design drilling programs to test for potential extensions and new discoveries. The BMC was a prolific producer of zinc, lead, copper and silver and is long overdue for such a discovery.

Mine Road Project: The 7,500 hectare Mine Road project comprises 347 units in 2 mineral claims adjacent to the former producing Heath Steele mine property. From 1957 and 1996, the operator mined 21 million tonnes at Heath Steele with an average grade of 4.98% zinc, 0.36% lead, 0.54% copper and 69.66 g/t silver. A total of 2,330 million pounds of zinc, 833 million pounds of lead, 446 million pounds of copper and 45 million ounces of silver were processed. (For reference, these numbers are derived from: McCutcheon, S.R. (compiler) 1997; Geology and massive sulphides of the Bathurst Camp, New Brunswick; Geological Association of Canada - Mineralogical Association of Canada, Joint Annual Meeting, Ottawa 97, Field Trip B7, Guidebook, 85 p.)

Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide Occurrences: The Mine Road project contains 7 volcanogenic massive sulphide occurrences including the Railroad Zone described above. The Company expects to generate additional targets once the Mine Road project database is integrated with SLAMs extensive Bathurst Joint Venture database. A total of $1,448,000 in exploration expenditures have been applied to the Mine Road project during the past 10 years and assessment work credits of $428,776 are available for future claim renewals.

Infrastructure: The Mine Road project is located on the Mine Road (Route 430) which connects the former Heath Steele mine to the city of Miramichi which is 60 kilometres to the southeast. The claims are accessed from this paved road and a series of logging roads. Electric power is available from lines that connect Heath Steele to the New Brunswick power grid.

The Agreement: The Company can earn a 100% interest in and to the Mine Road project by making the following cash payments and common share issuances:

Due Date Cash Payments Common Share Issuances Within 5 days receipt of approval from the TSX-V - 100,000 On or before the 1st anniversary of the option agreement $10,000 100,000 On or before the 2nd anniversary of the option agreement $10,000 100,000 On or before the 3rd anniversary of the option agreement $10,000 100,000 On or before the 4th anniversary of the option agreement $20,000 100,000 Total $50,000.00 500,000

The Mine Road project is subject to a 2% NSR royalty. SLAM retains the right to buy back half the royalty equal to 1.0% NSR for $1,000,000 and the further right to buy back the remaining royalty equal to 1.0% NSR for $1,000,000 at any time. The option agreement and proposed share issuances remain subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. All security issuances will be subject to a statutory hold period of 4 months and one day from issuance in accordance with Canadian securities laws. No finders fees were paid on this arms length agreement.

About SLAM Exploration Ltd:The Mine Road project is a significant addition to SLAMs portfolio of wholly-owned BMC projects that include the AHearn, Strachens and Portage volcanogenic massive sulphide projects. The Company has extensive experience in the BMC and owns a huge database covering the entire mining camp dating back to its participation in the Bathurst Joint Venture. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects additional cash and share payments on the Wedge, Goodwin, Ramsay and Ferguson projects in this mineral rich area.

Elsewhere in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick, exploration for gold along regional fault structures has resulted in significant gold discoveries. These include the Maisie gold vein system at SLAMs wholly owned Menneval project. With gold and copper trends up to 20 km long, SLAM has identified an area with high potential for additional gold discoveries and acquired the Shadow Lake, Jake Lee, Rogers Lake and Highway projects. Gold assays are pending on 250 soil samples. These projects are associated with the Fundy fault zone and located in southwestern New Brunswick where Galway Metals recently announced a 2.3-million-ounce gold deposit at Clarence stream. Targeting critical elements as well as gold, the Company aggressively pursues new exploration opportunities such as the recent Highway and Mine Road acquisitions.

To view SLAMs corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAMs website SLAM and SEDAR+ filings at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on twitter @SLAMGold.

QA-QC Procedures: The drilling results described above are from assessment reports by well established mining firms with assays from commercial laboratories. The assessment reports included a summary of QA-QC procedures and the Company deems these results to be reliable.

Qualifying Statements: Mike Taylor P.Geo, President and CEO of SLAM Exploration Ltd., is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the contents of this news release.

Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements regarding mineral resources and the Companys plans with respect to the exploration and development of its properties. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to the Company. There are a number of risk factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those described herein. Information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mike Taylor, President & CEOContact: 506-623-8960 [email protected]

Eugene Beukman, CFOContact: 604-687-2038 [email protected]

SEDAR+: 00012459

Source: SLAM Exploration Ltd.
Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and a contender for the 2024 presidential election on the Republican ticket, has restated his firm stance against the legalization of marijuana if he were to assume office. His argument asserts that the legalization of marijuana has contributed to the growth of the illegal market in Colorado  despite evidence to the contrary.

While engaging with supporters during a campaign event in Iowa over the weekend, a concerned attendee shared stories of

Read More>>

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern  our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 844-397-5787 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer

CannabisNewsWire

Denver, CO

www.CannabisNewsWire.com

303.498.7722 Office

[email protected]

CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Barksdale Resources Corp. (TSXV: BRO) (OTCQX: BRKCF) ("Barksdale" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a positive legal update regarding the Company's Sunnyside project in Arizona. The United States District Court for the District of Arizona has issued an order denying the Plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that sought to prevent drilling at Sunnyside. While the Plaintiffs can appeal the Judge's decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the Company has no information as to whether this will occur. The United States Forest Service has notified the Company that the Sunnyside Plan of Operations is expected to be approved in the coming days. Barksdale will provide an update once the approved Plan of Operations is in hand.

Rick Trotman, President and CEO of Barksdale, states, "We are thrilled that the Judge ruled in our favor and denied the Plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction that would have prevented us from drilling at Sunnyside. It is our expectation that mobilization will begin on September 15 and drilling will commence shortly thereafter. We look forward to tackling the Phase I Sunnyside drilling program of ~16,000 meters (50,000 feet) in accordance with our rigorous permitting guidelines."

Barksdale Resources Corp., a 2023 OTCQX BEST 50 Company, is a base metal exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., that is focused on the acquisition, exploration and advancement of highly prospective base metal projects in North America. Barksdale is currently advancing the Sunnyside copper-zinc-lead-silver and San Antonio copper projects, both of which are in the Patagonia mining district of southern Arizona, as well as the San Javier copper-gold project in central Sonora, Mexico.

ON BEHALF OF BARKSDALE RESOURCES CORP

Rick Trotman

President, CEO and Director

[email protected]

Terri Anne Welyki

Vice President of Communications

778-238-2333

[email protected]

For more information please phone 778-558-7145, email [email protected] or visit www.BarksdaleResources.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation including, but not limited to, the expected formal approval of the Company's ("PoO") for the Sunnyside copper-lead-zinc-silver project; the ability of the Plaintiffs to appeal the Judge's decision to United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; the proposed nature, size, timing, targets and impact of the Company's planned drilling program on the Sunnyside project following approval of the PoO and the ability of the Company to obtain the requisite staffing, bonding and financing therefor; and the potential impact of seasonal drilling restrictions on the ability of the Company to effectively carry out such program. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered 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 information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base metals, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. There are no assurances that the Company's PoO for the Sunnyside property will be approved by the USFS on the basis currently contemplated or at all. In addition, the Company's proposed drilling program at Sunnyside is an exploratory search for commercial quantities of ore, the discovery of which cannot be assured. There are currently no NI 43-101 resources or reserves on the Sunnyside property. There is also uncertainty about the continued spread and severity of COVID-19, the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company's operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all and economic activity in general. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179645
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - BMEX Gold Inc. (TSXV: BMEX) (FSE: 8M0) ("BMEX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its fall exploration program at Dunlop Bay, contingent upon the closing of its $1,000,000 financing announced on August 29, 2023.

Following a successful summer exploration program that tested the gold vein system at Dunlop Bay, BMEX intends to drill approximately 4,000 m into its VMS targets at both Dunlop Bay Ouest (DBO) and Dunlop Bay Nord (DBN). At DBO, a strong Cu-Au-Mo correlation is observed in assays from sulfide-rich rocks, which are typical of partially magmatic-derived fluids. The intrusion is already known to be widely mineralized by Au-bearing quartz-carbonate-pyrite vein swarms. As a result of extensive data integration and subsequent interpretation, BMEX's technical team has proposed a revised model for precious metal rich massive sulfides at DBO. The team recognized Dunlop Bay's geology, stratigraphy, and rock geochemistry were similar to three prolific regions in the area. As a reminder, BMEX drill hole BD-22-02 intersected over seven meters of combined massive sulfides and massive magnetite, see Figure 1 and October 25, 2022 news release.

Whole rock analysis made on DBO drill holes confirm the presence and continuity of a calco-alkaline felsic unit along DBO mineralized horizon. Geochemical signatures of this rocks shows analogous pattern to other known felsic rocks hosting gold-rich VMS like LaRonde (Bousquet mining camp, Mercier-Langevin, 2007). The multielement diagram and mapping of DBO felsic unit are presented in Figure 2.

In addition, the B26-Brouillan deposit, owned by Soquem Inc., located 100 km directly west of DBO and 8 km from the former Selbaie Mine, shows rhyolites with similar geochemistry (Fayard, 2020) to the felsic rocks from DBO. The indicated resource at B26 Brouillan totals 6.97 Mt at 1.32% Cu, 1.80% Zn, 0.60 g/t Au and 43 g/t Ag. The inferred resource totals 4.41 Mt at 2.03% Cu, 0.22% Zn, 1.07 g/t Au and 9 g/t Ag (SOQUEM, press release, March 4, 2018).

The Daniel-25 (GM 70611) zone identified by Glencore lies 30 km west of Dunlop Bay and also bears a similar geochemical signature host rock to DBO. The area has been known to be the host of massive sulfides for at least a decade. Originally, exploration of this area intersected several barren massive sulfides before discovering the Zn-Cu-Au-Ag rich lens discovery in 2015. The best results from drilling between 2015 and 2017 included 4.69% Zn, 0.67% Cu, 0.137 g/t Au and 9.8 g/t Ag over 7.65 m (DAN-15-25); 3.05% Zn, 4.51% Cu, 0.33 g/t Au and 31.79 g/t Ag over 8 m (DAN-15-27); 5.74% Zn, 2.37% Cu, 0.37 g/t Au and 22.85 g/t Ag over 10.3 m (DAN-16-36); 2.88% Cu over 3.2 m and 10.19% Zn over 2 m, as well as 160.1 g/t Ag over 1 m (DAN-16-54).

"We are very intrigued by the newly evolved model for the Dunlop Bay Ouest-Nord asset, and we believe this upcoming drill program will prove to be very significant," said Robert Pryde, President and CEO of BMEX Gold. "Previous drilling by BMEX had targeted typical Matagami zinc-rich VMS style mineralization. The drill program will use our new geological interpretation to better target the fall 2023 drilling. At the same time we look forward to seeing the results from our summer 2023 trenching program on the gold vein targets at the Dunlop Bay s.s. Marcelle-Rolande-Edith gold-bearing trend."

Figure 1- Drill core from the Dunlop Bay 2022 drill program showing stringers and massive sulfide mineralization in Holes BD-22-01 and BD22-02.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5785/179685_3ccce77b446ffbdc_001full.jpg

Figure 2- Felsic Rocks from Dunlop Bay Figure A show analogue multi-element signature to the felsic rocks at the LaRonde Mine Figure B.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5785/179685_3ccce77b446ffbdc_002full.jpg

The upcoming 4,000 m drill program will be comprised of eight holes testing VMS targets at both the Dunlop Bay Ouest and Dunlop Bay Nord (see Figure 3 and 4).

Dunlop Bay Ouest (DBO)

Target #1 focuses on the center of an untested punctual high-MAG located along the main EM conductor. The edge of this high-MAG returned more than 7 m of combined massive sulfides and massive magnetite hosted in the favorable felsic horizon. The proposed drill hole targets are 100 m step-out from previously drilled DDH GC-91-15 in which a large off-hole conductor was identified during a recent Bore Hole Electro Magnetic (BHEM) survey.

focuses on the center of an untested punctual high-MAG located along the main EM conductor. The edge of this high-MAG returned more than 7 m of combined massive sulfides and massive magnetite hosted in the favorable felsic horizon. The proposed drill hole targets are 100 m step-out from previously drilled DDH GC-91-15 in which a large off-hole conductor was identified during a recent Bore Hole Electro Magnetic (BHEM) survey. Target #2 aims at intersecting Cu-Au-Mo rich sulfide mineralization along the conductor within the intrusion.

aims at intersecting Cu-Au-Mo rich sulfide mineralization along the conductor within the intrusion. Target #3 aims at punctual high-MAG within the intrusion boundary, close to where historical DDHs 1300-N1 and 1300-N2 intersected over 30 gold-bearing veins and veinlets across 50 m of the intrusion. Target #3 will also test the fold hinge within the volcanics just west of the high-MAG.

aims at punctual high-MAG within the intrusion boundary, close to where historical DDHs 1300-N1 and 1300-N2 intersected over 30 gold-bearing veins and veinlets across 50 m of the intrusion. Target #3 will also test the fold hinge within the volcanics just west of the high-MAG. Target #4 will test the border between the DBO and the Southern domain, in which high-grade Au veins strikes at a N110 bearing (Marcelle, Rolande, etc.).

will test the border between the DBO and the Southern domain, in which high-grade Au veins strikes at a N110 bearing (Marcelle, Rolande, etc.). Target #5 will test the conductive southern limb of the DBO, this is a favorable horizon where strong Hashimoto alteration index are observed.

Dunlop Bay Nord (DBN)

Targets #6, #7 and #8 are aimed at testing the lateral and vertical continuity of known Au-Zn sulfide mineralization.

Figure 3- Dunlop Bay Ouest & Dunlop Bay Nord2023 drill targets.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5785/179685_3ccce77b446ffbdc_003full.jpg

Figure 4- Dunlop Bay Ouest & Dunlop Bay Nord2023 drill targets.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5785/179685_3ccce77b446ffbdc_004full.jpg

Marcelle-Rolande-Edith Gold-Bearing Trend Update

During the summer of 2023, the Company assessed several highly prospective gold bearing vein trends within the Marcelle-Rolande-Edith trend. Seven high priority targets were identified, from which five were trenched to date of which three successfully reached bedrock. Trenching assay results are pending. A second phase of trenching is planned prior to winter 2023.

In respect of the Company's previously announced offering of up to 5,000,000 units at $0.04 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $200,000 (the "Offering"), the Company confirms that no funds from the Offering will be used for payments to non-arm's length persons (other than normal course payments to officers of the Company), and no funds from the Offering will be used for payments to persons conducting Investor Relations Activities.

Qualified Person

Maxime Bouchard, Geo, M.Sc. (OGQ #1752), an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian NI 43-101 standards, has reviewed, and approved the geological information reported in this news release. The drilling campaign and the quality control program have been planned and supervised by Maxime Bouchard. Core logging and sampling were completed by Laurentia Exploration. The quality assurance and quality control protocol include insertion of one blank and one standard every 20 samples, in addition to the regular insertion of blank, duplicate, and standard samples accredited by ALS Canada Ltd. during the analytical process. Gold values are estimated by fire assay with finish by atomic absorption. The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Property, particularly in regard to historical drill results. However, the Qualified Person believes that drilling and analytical results were completed to industry standard practices. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results.

About BMEX Gold Inc.

BMEX Gold Inc. is a junior Canadian mining exploration company with the primary objective to acquire, explore, and develop viable gold and base metal projects in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada. BMEX is currently fully focused on their 100% interest in its two projects, both located in the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt:

King Tut Project consists of 120 contiguous claims on 5,206 hectares.

consists of 120 contiguous claims on 5,206 hectares. Dunlop Bay Project consists of 76 mineral claims that cover 4,226 hectares.

BMEX common shares trade under the symbol "BMEX" on the TSX-V and under the symbol 8M0 on the Frankfurt Exchange.

For further information please contact:

BMEX Gold Inc.

Robert Pryde President and CEO

Tel: +1 (403) 478-6042

Email: [email protected]

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (as defined under applicable securities laws), based on management's best estimates, assumptions, and current expectations. Such statements include but are not limited to, statements with respect to the plans for future exploration and development of the King Tut and Dunlop Bay properties and the acquisition of additional exploration projects. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "expected", "budgeted", "forecasts" , "anticipates" "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "aims", "potential", "goal", "objective", "prospective", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "can", "could" or "should" occur. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the King Tut and Dunlop Bay projects; risks related to general economic conditions, actual results of current exploration activities, unanticipated reclamation expenses; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; increases in market prices of mining consumables, possible variations in resource estimates, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage and other risks of the mining industry; delays in the completion of exploration, development or construction activities, changes in national and local government regulation of mining operations, tax rules and regulations, and political and economic developments in areas in which the Company operates. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as require by law. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. Please refer to the Company's most recent filings under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca for further information respecting the risks affecting the Company and its business.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179685
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Dr. Jenny Wong, Doctor of Science, the CEO ofTrichomd Group, has been honored with the prestigious2023 Global Recognition Awardfor her outstanding contributions in the field of Clinical Trichology. This accolade acknowledges her remarkable achievements in various areas, such as pioneering research and development of personal care products, advanced medical trichology analysis, and her influential role as an international speaker.

Dr Jenny Wong gets recognized by the Global Recognition Awards





Dr. Wong's remarkable accomplishment includes substantial revenue growth underscoring her business acumen. Serving as the Board Director of both the IBCT International Board of Clinical Trichologists UK and the IAHS International Association of Hair Specialists Korea, she not only excels in her expertise but also plays vital roles in international organisations. Dr.Wong is also an IEB Board Member of the International Education Board UK and an IBMS International Board of Medicine & Surgery US member. These exceptional qualities render her a deserving recipient of the 2023 Global Recognition Award.

One of Dr. Wong's notable achievements is her invention of the world's first Non-invasive Scalp Micropigmentation Procedure, a testament to her innovative spirit. Additionally, her commitment to education is evident through her creation of the syllabus for the Clinical Trichologists Program. Such innovation and dedication to education further solidify her candidacy for the 2023 Global Recognition Award.

Dr Jenny Wong gets recognized by the Global Recognition Awards





Dr. Wong's distinctive quality that sets her apart is her unwavering dedication to uncovering the underlying causes of hair loss and exploring alternatives to conventional treatments. Her renowned product, the "Trichomd Just Shampoo," exemplifies this commitment by being recognized as the "Best Hair Loss Shampoo in Singapore & Malaysia" and ''Best Men's Hair Care Hair Loss/Thinning Product''. Under the leadership of Dr. Wong, Trichomd has expanded in Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Her next expansion will be to Thailand, India, and Europe.

Furthermore, Dr. Wong's accomplishments include being ranked as the #1 Top Trichologist in Singapore for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. Her extensive customer base of thousands of clients underscores her exceptional professional journey. These remarkable achievements and accolades further underscore her well-deserved candidacy for the 2023 Global Recognition Award.

About Global Recognition AwardsTM:

Global Recognition AwardsTM is an international organisation that recognizes exceptional companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry. Their awards are highly regarded and sought after by businesses across the globe.

Contact Details:

Alexandra Sterling

Global Recognition Awards

Email: [email protected]/

Website: https://globalrecognitionawards.org/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179694
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - VID Media is pleased to announce that it will host an introductory Town Hall Forum for Dryden Gold Inc. on September 7, at 11:00 am ET/8 am PT.

Trey Wasser, CEO of Dryden Gold and Maura Kolb, President will provide an overview of the excellent exploration opportunities at the Dryden Gold Property in Northwestern Ontario. The project is located in a gold rich area along with neighbours Red Lake Mine, Great Bear and Rainy River and is situated in a highly prospective geological setting with known high-grade gold mineralization across the large property.

Dryden Gold has an experienced management team and board with a track record of building shareholder value, regional property consolidation and exploration success. The company is privately held with several strategic shareholders and is expected to commence an IPO in 2023. For further information on the Company please visit: www.drydengold.com

Please register for the Dryden Gold Town Hall Forum here: https://www.bigmarker.com/vid-conferences/Dryden-Gold-VID-Town-Hall-Forum

VID Media Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of IR.INC, creates meaningful opportunities for investors to have authentic discussions with companies from a cross section of industries, providing investors with the opportunity to have informative conversations and gain fresh perspectives with company executives. Information on VID Media and other products may be found here: https://vidconferences.com/

IR.INC founded THE Mining Investment Event of the North

in 2021. THE Event, held annually in Qubec City, Canada is invitation only and hosts over 100 global mining companies. The agenda, brochure, participating companies, speakers & panelists, initiatives and registration applications for issuers and investors may be found here: https://www.themininginvestmentevent.com/

Joanne Jobin

Principal & Founder

IR.INC & VID Media Incorporated

[email protected]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179729
Baoding, China--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - On 5th September, GWM reported global sales figures for August, with a total of 114,096 vehicles sold worldwide. Overseas sales reached a record-breaking 30,741 units, constituting nearly 27% of the total sales and witnessing a remarkable YoY growth of 99.95%. In addition, GWM's NEV models recorded sales of 26,301 units, reflecting a substantial YoY increase of 119.83%.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/179691_b2ed05ad24cd6be1_001full.jpg

GWM's outstanding August performance is attributed to strategic global partnerships, including the Inchcape Group, and initiatives in Uzbekistan. GWM is expanding global presence and has recently entered the Mexican market successfully. The GWM TANK500 also achieved remarkable sales in the Middle East, significantly enhancing overseas sales.

GWM has demonstrated exceptional performance in the South African market, ranking as the top-selling Chinese automotive brand in terms of sales for August and maintaining a stable position in the top ten within the industry. Active participation in the NAMPO Harvest Day allowed GWM to connect with diverse customer segment. Furthermore, as the official vehicle provider for the 2018 BRICS Summit in South Africa, GWM has once again undertaken important role this year, highlighting its significant position in the South African market.

In August, GWM's NEV sales excelled, particularly in European, South American, and ASEAN markets, indicating a successful shift towards NEVs. These sales lead in niche markets and are a crucial factor in the overall sales growth.

GWM is expanding European market presence with the opening of a new dealership in Sweden. In Germany, ORA recorded sales of 2,211 units. The ORA brand has consistently shown strong sales performance, receiving praise from local media. ORA 03 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars in Euro-NCAP safety tests in the "small family car" category.

In the South American market, GWM maintained its position as the top-selling Chinese brand in Chile for the first seven months of the year. In Brazil, GWM expanded dealer network to 50 locations in the H1 and plans to launch its first NEV factory in the H1 next year. GWM introduced NEV models, including HAVAL H6 PHEV/HEV and HAVAL H6 GT PHEV, offering a groundbreaking driving experience. Since May, HAVAL H6 NEV has led the Brazilian NEV market from May to July with a segment share exceeding 10%.

GWM continues to expand in the ASEAN market, having successfully entered Singapore and Indonesia markets. On August 2nd, the GWM was officially launched in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking GWM's successful entry into the Vietnamese market, achieving full coverage in the core ASEAN region.

GWM's relentless efforts have led to remarkable global sales performance in recent years. This success can be attributed to GWM's focus on new energy vehicles, product innovation, and a commitment to high-quality automotive products. The company will continue to progress steadily, pursuing its vision of sustainable mobility and delivering high-quality automotive products to consumers worldwide.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Tyler Qian

Great Wall Motor Company Limited

Baoding, Hebei Province

Website: www.gwm-global.com

Email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179691
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: KPZIF) (FSE: 80M)("Ophir" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral Claim Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Ubique Minerals Ltd. ("Ubique") to sell Ophir's remaining interest in its non-core Daniel's Harbour Claims in Newfoundland.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Ubique has agreed to purchase 100% interest in certain mineral mining claims located in Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland Canada (the "Claims") from Ophir. The Claims are part of the option agreement announced between the companies on February 14, 2019, wherein previously Ubique had the option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Claims.

The transaction will be executed on an "as is, where is" basis, acknowledging the existing state, condition, and location of the Claims as of the Closing Date. In return for a 100% interest in the Claims, Ubique will issue 3,800,000 ordinary shares (the "Consideration Shares") to Ophir. The Closing Date for the transaction is anticipated to occur at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time on the second business day after the Effective Date, subject to the fulfillment of the Agreement's terms and conditions.

About the Company

Ophir Gold Corp. is a diversified mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the Radis Lithium Property in the James Bay, Quebec, and the past producing Breccia Gold Property located in Lemhi County, Idaho. The Company holds an option to earn a 100% interest in the Radis Property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Limited, and an option to earn a 100% interest in the Breccia Property over a three-year period from Canagold Resources Ltd. and DG Resource Management Ltd.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Shawn Westcott"

Ophir Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Shawn Westcott, CEO

Phone 1 (604) 365 6681

[email protected]

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

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and include statements in this press release related to the completion of the transaction with Ubique.. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risk related to Ubique's failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; and risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings;. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179686
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Sanu Gold Corporation (CSE: SANU) (OTCQB: SNGCF) ("Sanu Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce first results from a channel sampling program at the Company's flagship Bantabaye gold exploration permit ("Bantabaye" or the "Permit") in Guinea, West Africa. The Permit, which lies on the western margin of Guinea's prolific Siguiri Basin, is located approximately 50 km1south of the multi-million ounce Lefa Gold Mine and 80 km north of the multi-million ounce Bankan Gold Project.

Highlights

The first channel at Target 7 returned an average of 1.1 g/t Au 1 over 43 m 1 , including 4.2 g/t Au over 6 m (BANT-TR-1),

, including (BANT-TR-1), The channel sampled strongly sheared and hydrothermally altered felsic volcanics and retuned gold mineralization over its entire 43 m length, with individual samples returning up to 13.5 g/t over 1 m ,

, Channel BANT-TR-1 is located within the central part of Target 7, where initial drilling intersected gold mineralization along a 500 m long section of the Tinkisso Fault, and

Rock chip samples from Target 7 returned grades of up to 25.2 g/t Au.

Martin Pawlitschek, President and CEO, commented: "Initial drilling at Bantabaye earlier this year was successful in intersecting broad zones of near-surface gold mineralization in three of the four target areas tested, including a high-grade discovery at Target 2, which is open in all directions, and a broad zone of gold mineralization at Target 7 that has been a focus for intense artisanal mining. During our current drill hiatus through the peak of the wet season, we have conducted follow up surface work in key areas to prioritize targets for our next phase of drilling. The results announced today are extremely encouraging and point to the potential of this extensive, structurally-hosted, gold mineralized corridor."

Target 7

Channel BANT-TR-01 sampled a 43 m long extent of saprolitized bedrock at 1 m intervals at Target 7 from new exposures created by the construction of drill roads and pads (Figures 1 and 2; Table 1). The objective of this sampling was to further test the mineralized felsic intrusive intersected by the first phase of reverse circulation ("RC") drilling (see Sanu Gold news release dated July 27, 2023). The northeast trending channel contains highly sheared, strongly hydrothermally altered and locally brecciated felsic intrusive with quartz veinlet stockworks and boxwork after sulphide. All samples from the channel returned gold values above detection limit, with 13 of 43 samples returning grades above 1.0 g/t Au, including 13.5 g/t Au over 1 m, 5.1 g/t Au over 1 m and 3.1 g/t Au over 1 m.

In addition, eight rock chip samples were collected from saprolitized felsic intrusive rock at Target 7 in proximity to BANT-TR-1 and returned gold values of up to 25.2 g/t Au, 5.2 g/t Au and 1.6 g/t Au (Figure 1 and Table 2). The rock chip samples were comprised of highly sheared, hydrothermally altered and locally brecciated felsic intrusive with stringers of quartz veinlets and boxwork after sulphide.





Figure 1: Target 7 map showing structural features, drill holes, BANT-TR-01, rock chip samples and artisanal workings.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8941/179641_b3f39391c44b990f_001full.jpg

Gold mineralization at Target 7 is associated with a northwest striking and shallowly southwest dipping felsic intrusive that extends for over 500 m along strike and 150 m in width. As previously announced, the Company has drilled a total of 1,603 m in 14 RC holes at Target 7. Highlights from this drilling included:

0.91 g/t Au over 9 m, including 1.55 g/t Au over 1 m and 2.11 g/t Au over 2 m (BANT-RC-23), and

0.87 g/t Au over 13 m, including 1.65 g/t Au over 3 m and further downhole 3.47 g/t Au over 1 m (BANT-RC-22)2.

Target 7 is located within a 700 m long area extensively worked by small-scale artisanal miners. Drilling to date at this target has not intersected the high-grade mineralization exploited by artisanal miners and it is interpreted that the relatively shallow drilling completed to date has been exclusively within areas where the high-grade mineralization has been mined out (Figure 2).

Results from BANT-TR-01 and high-grade gold values in rock chips samples, combined with initial drill results from Target 7 confirm the presence of an extensive gold mineralized corridor associated with altered and deformed felsic intrusive rock. Mineralization is open in all directions and ongoing work is focused on delineating targets for the next phase of drilling at Bantabaye.





Figure 2: Target 7 Cross Section 1 (Looking NW) showing geology and structural interpretation, drill holes, BANT-TR-01 and artisanal workings.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8941/179641_b3f39391c44b990f_002full.jpg

Table 1: Bantabaye Trench Channel intercepts.

Hole ID X-UTM Y-UTM Length Au Interval (m) (g/t) (m) BANT-TR-001 359 294 1 252 993 43 1.1 43 including 4.2 6

Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QA/QC")

Sampling was completed following industry best practices, conducted under the supervision of the Company's project geologists and the chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility was continuously monitored. An appropriate number and type of certified reference materials (standards) and blanks totaling 5% of the total number of samples shipped to the laboratory was inserted approximately every 20th sample to ensure an effective QA/QC program was carried out. Data verification of the analytical results included a statistical analysis of the standards and blanks that must pass certain parameters for acceptance to ensure accurate and verifiable results. All samples were analyzed using Fire Assay (FA505) at the SGS Laboratory in Bamako, Mali ("SGS"). SGS is an internationally recognized and commercially certified laboratory and is independent of Sanu Gold.

Table 2: Bantabaye Target 7: Rock chip sample results

SAMPLE ID X-UTM Y-UTM Z-UTM Au (g/t) Target BANT_20209 359 315 1 252 977 500 25.2 T7 BANT_20210 359 315 1 252 977 500 5.2 T7 BANT_20201 359 290 1 252 957 493 0.4 T7 BANT_20198 359 300 1 252 953 491 0.3 T7 BANT_20199 359 294 1 252 953 494 1.6 T7 BANT_20200 359 288 1 252 951 495 0.3 T7 BANT_20202 359 288 1 252 935 491 0.2 T7 BANT_20203 359 296 1 252 923 490 0.2 T7

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Serigne Dieng, Ph.D., M.Sc., a Member (MAIG) of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), Exploration Manager of the Company and a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Sanu Gold

Located within Guinea's Siguiri Basin, a world class gold district that is host to several operating mines and major new discoveries, Sanu Gold is exploring three high quality gold exploration permits. The Company is targeting multi-million ounce gold deposits and has discovered high grade gold mineralization in the inaugural drill programs at both Bantabaye and Daina. Sanu is operated by a highly experienced team, with successful records of discovery, resource development and mine permitting in West Africa.

Martin Pawlitschek

President & CEO, Sanu Gold Corp.

For further information regarding Sanu Gold, please visit the Company's website at www.sanugoldcorp.com or contact:

Fiona Childe, Ph.D. P.Geo.

VP, Corporate Development & Communications

Sanu Gold Corp.

+1 647-473-7268

[email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Sanu Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's plans for exploration on its properties and ability to execute on plans, ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, ability to maintain its material property agreements, mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associated with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of gold and other metals, changes in general economic conditions and local risks in the jurisdiction (Guinea) in which it operates, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

_________________________________

1kilometres ("km"), metres ("m"), grams of gold per tonne ("g/t Au").

2The Company does not have sufficient information to make a determination of the true widths of the drill hole intersections noted in this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179641
Zeebu, at the forefront of B2B on-chain invoice settlements for the telecom sector, is excited to declare its participation in TOKEN2049, set for 13-14 September in Singapore

Singapore, Singapore, and New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - In a pivotal moment for the telecom carrier sector's adoption of blockchain, Zeebu is poised to unveil its revolutionary platform at the prestigious TOKEN2049 event. Zeebu, the world's first B2B on-chain invoice settlement platform, leverages the full potential of blockchain to transform invoice settlement processes in the telecom carriers industry, embodying a vision for a transparent and highly efficient ecosystem. As the telecom industry stands at the threshold of innovation, Zeebu's groundbreaking platform promises to redefine industry standards and enhance transparency in the sector. The forthcoming showcase at TOKEN2049 marks a significant milestone in Zeebu's journey towards revolutionizing telecom carrier operations.





ZEEBU Announces Participation in TOKEN2049

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9888/179706_zeebu-token2049.jpg

"The telecom carrier industry's B2B invoice settlement, with all its intricacies, demands a paradigm shift. Traditional systems are shackled with inefficiencies that only blockchain can rectify. At Zeebu, we're not just envisioning this paradigm shift; we're creating it," stated Dr. Raghavendar Hunasgi, Co-founder & CMO of Zeebu.



Deemed as "Asia's Premier Web3 Conference," TOKEN2049 is poised to kick off at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. With Zeebu in the spotlight, attendees will witness a vivid demonstration of how blockchain is fundamentally reshaping B2B settlements for telecom carriers. Add to that fascinating sessions directed by Zeebu's leaders and ample networking opportunities, the event is sure to be a melting pot of innovation and forward-thinking.

Stepping into the Future at Booth #CT1

At the prime spot of Booth #CT1, Zeebu stands ready to address the questions of both telecom experts and blockchain enthusiasts alike. Attendees will be provided a firsthand experience of Zeebu's fast, secure, efficient on-chain invoice settlement platform.

"Our association with TOKEN2049 isn't merely about participation; it's a testament to Zeebu's pledge to revolutionize the telecom sector. Being at the forefront of such summits ensures Zeebu remains in-sync with industry shifts. This alignment lets us foster stronger bonds with our community and stakeholders, refine our solutions continually, and catalyze the evolution of the telecom ecosystem through blockchain," Raj Brahmbhatt, CEO & Founder, added in.

Engage with the Zeebu Team

Zeebu extends a warm invitation to all who are at the frontier of the Web3 evolution. Join the Zeebu team at TOKEN2049 and be a part of a future where blockchain redefines the contours of the telecom carriers industry. The opportunity to witness, discuss, and shape the future awaits.

Schedule a meeting here: https://www.zeebu.com/event/token2049

ABOUT ZEEBU

Zeebu is a pioneering on-chain B2B invoice settlement platform tailored for Telecom Carriers, streamlining cross-border payments with transaction times as rapid as 3-7 minutes. With robust KYC protocols and non-custodial wallet support, Zeebu guarantees secure and private payments between Customers & Merchants.

Staying true to the core principles of decentralization, Zeebu is shaping the future of the the Telecom Carrier industry, powered by $ZBU Loyalty Token.

For more information, please visit https://www.zeebu.com

About TOKEN2049:

TOKEN2049, the foremost annual crypto event hosted in Singapore, serves as the premier gathering for the leaders and visionaries of the Web3 industry. With a worldwide perspective, it casts a spotlight on the latest global developments and the expansive potential within the crypto ecosystem. This event harmoniously brings together entrepreneurs, investors, developers, enthusiasts, and media from across the globe, fostering exceptional networking opportunities. TOKEN2049 is projected to draw over 10,000 attendees and a rich array of discussions, keynotes, and side events, spanning topics ranging from regulatory issues to the convergence of AI and crypto, blockchain scalability, and more.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sneha Biradar

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179706
For the third consecutive year, the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association will tap AdAdapted to provide members with two innovative shoppable media programs

ANN ARBOR, Mich. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AdAdapted , an advertising technology solution that gets brands onto shopping lists and into e-commerce grocery carts, announced today that it will continue and expand its partnership with the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) for the third straight year. Among other benefits, the nonprofit association offers its member companies participation in co-op media programs throughout the year. Since 2022, AdAdapted has been the primary offering in these programs, providing participating brands with shoppable media solutions to drive measurable sales both in-store and online.

Participating members benefit through two sponsored programs annually, the NFRA's March Frozen Foods Month (MFFM) and June Dairy Month (JDM) initiatives. Both the MFFM and the JDM programs feature AdAdapted's add-to-list and add-to-cart advertising solutions. NFRA members that have recently participated include Del Monte, Kellogg Company, Sargento Foods, Tillamook, Tyson Foods and many others. Last year, participating NFRA member brands saw a 40% conversion of competitive brand shoppers and $2 .95MM in estimated omnichannel revenue.

New to the partnership for 2024, brands will have an opportunity to produce shoppable video content and take advantage of multi-product functionalities for add-to-list and add-to-cart ads. The expansion also includes improved audience profiling through AdAdapted's new integrations with Comscore and LiveRamp. The programs will also offer increased reach through the addition of new mobile application partners SideChef, Tasty and Flipp.

"Our aim as an association is to offer measurable benefits to our members, and AdAdapted's accurate, accountable and effective adtech solutions do just that," said Tricia Greyshock , executive vice president and COO, NFRA. "We are happy to continue our partnership with AdAdapted and to be able to provide their digital shopping list audience, first-party data and unique ad solutions to serve our member companies. This program is an example of how our association goes beyond expectations and seeks innovative ways to serve our members."

The NFRA was introduced to AdAdapted through their agency, On The Mark Strategy, Inc. , who viewed AdAdapted as a trusted partner who could help serve NFRA members with its shoppable media solutions. On the Mark Strategy has worked closely with the NFRA since 2016 on the development and management of the NFRA's MFFM and JDM annual programs.

"We are thrilled to continue working with the NFRA in 2024," said Molly McFarland , co-founder and CRO, AdAdapted. "The expansion of our partnership  implementing new capabilities and broadening our reach  increases how the association brings value to its esteemed brand members across leading and important consumer goods brands and retailers."

To learn more about AdAdapted and how it helps CPG brands, agencies and retailers reach shoppers in-store and online, visit adadapted.com .

About AdAdapted

AdAdapted is an advertising technology solution that increases the purchase intent of shoppers by reaching the right consumers at the right time to get brands onto shopping lists and into carts. The company's offerings for CPG brands, agencies and retailers range from managed-service to self-service and SaaS solutions, shopping list to eCommerce, video to display. With more than 110 million U.S. shoppers using mobile devices for their grocery lists, AdAdapted has built a distinct audience and ad offering that uses intent-based targeting, providing the easiest, most efficient way to reach active verified shoppers  exactly when they decide what to buy.

About On The Mark Strategy

On The Mark Strategy is a marketing and promotions Agency that provides omni-channel solutions including digital and social media strategies, experiential services and consumer promotions to drive brand activation. From ideation through campaign execution, On The Mark Strategy offers clients fully turnkey service solutions with the ability to fill any in-house or Agency resource gaps as needed.

About National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA)

NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July); and provides consumer information such as food safety guidelines, meal preparation tips, recipes and sweepstakes opportunities through its Easy Home Meals consumer website and social media properties.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adadapted-expands-partnership-with-the-national-frozen-and-refrigerated-foods-association-into-2024-301916951.html

SOURCE AdAdapted
aelf is hosting a Grand Prix go-kart evening during TOKEN2049 Singapore .

Partners include Chainstack, GaFin, DWF Labs, Asia Blockchain Game Alliance, and more.

SINGAPORE , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading Layer 1 public blockchain, aelf, is organising the Blockchain Gaming Grand Prix in collaboration with Chainstack, DWF Labs, GaFin, Asia Blockchain Game Alliance, and other leading Web3 players. The friendly go-kart competition is being hosted in conjunction with aelf's new gaming vertical, aelevate, and is set to take place on 14 September 2023 during TOKEN2049 Singapore .

Conceived as a pioneering initiative by aelf, aelevate is tailored to guide gaming studios' transition into the Web3 arena, with grants extending up to US$150,000 per gaming studio. The program pairs financial backing with technological and go-to-market support, propelling Web2 gaming studios into the Web3 landscape.

aelevate's comprehensive support for games to be blockchain-enabled includes asset integration, tokenisation, smart contracts and side-chain development. Games can leverage aelf's unique mainchain and sidechain architecture to implement smart contracts that govern game mechanics. They can achieve interoperability across different chains through aelf's cross-chain bridges and utilise dApps within aelf's ecosystem to manage cross-chain non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and fungible tokens (FTs). Participating studios will also benefit from business mentorship in go-to-market strategies, user acquisition advisory, and access to aelf's venture capitalists and investor relations.

Steven, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of GaFin, shares, "At Gafin, we're truly excited about the aelevate gaming grant program and the dynamic Grand Prix event. This partnership signifies a significant step towards advancing the intersection of Web3 technology and gaming. The aelevate grant's commitment to nurturing gaming studios aligns seamlessly with our mission to push the boundaries of eSports through innovative technology, while the Grand Prix event adds an element of thrill, mirroring the dynamism we seek to bring to the world of eSports. Together, we're driving a new era of gaming possibilities and empowering creative minds to thrive."

Asia Blockchain Gaming Alliance shared in a statement, "As proud partners of the aelevate gaming grant program and the exhilarating Grand Prix event, we at ABGA are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. The fusion of aelevate's visionary support for gaming studios with the excitement of the Grand Prix underscores the limitless potential of blockchain in gaming. This collaboration not only fosters innovation but also empowers creators to redefine the gaming landscape. We look forward to witnessing the remarkable transformations arising from this dynamic partnership."

The Blockchain Gaming Grand Prix also invites developers and teams to engage with event partners, fellow gamers, gaming studios, and those intrigued by blockchain's potential. Offering a blend of festivities and networking opportunities, Blockchain Gaming Grand Prix will be the ideal platform for both blockchain-curious and enthusiasts to connect, discuss, and share ideas, elevating their blockchain experience as they immerse themselves in the thrill of go-karting.

The event is free to attend. Interested parties can RSVP via the event link. Shuttle service will be provided to and fro the Marina Bay Sands Convention and The Karting Area @ Jurong every 20 minutes.

Other TOKEN2049 side events hosted by aelf

Beyond Scaling X powered by AELF

In a special partnership with aelf and Scaling X, Beyond Scaling X, powered by AELF stands out as a highly anticipated afterparty for TOKEN2049, bringing together industry leaders, Web3 builders, investors, and blockchain-curious individuals. Held at SKAI, Beyond Scaling X, powered by AELF, promises an evening of enriching conversations and meaningful connections.

Full event details via https://lu.ma/vwluaf7e

AELFINITY Developer Workshop

At the AELFINITY Developer Workshop, participants will be guided on how to integrate aelf's SDK and Portkey's SDK, aelf's native smart contract wallet. They'll gain first-hand experience in the seamless process of writing and deploying dApps within the aelf ecosystem. Participants will also learn how to utilise aelf's features, including its on-chain randomisation function.

Full event details via https://lu.ma/aelf

Stay updated on aelf's news and engage with the aelf community on:

Website: https://aelf.com

Telegram: https://t.me/aelfblockchain

Discord: https://discord.gg/bgysa9xjvD

About aelf

aelf is a high-performance layer 1 blockchain designed to power the development of Web3 and support its continuous advancement into the future. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore , aelf is one of the pioneers of the mainchain-sidechain architecture concept. Incorporating key foundational components, including AEDPoS, aelf's variation of a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus protocol; parallel processing; peer-to-peer (P2P) network communication; cross-chain bridges, and a dynamic side chain indexing mechanism, aelf delivers a highly efficient, safe, and modular ecosystem with high throughput, scalability, and interoperability.

aelf facilitates the building, integrating, and deploying of smart contracts and decentralised apps (dApps) on its blockchain with its native C# software development kit (SDK) and SDKs in other languages, including Java, JS, Python, and Go. aelf's ecosystem also houses a range of dApps to support a flourishing blockchain network. aelf is committed to fostering innovation within its ecosystem and remains dedicated to driving the development of Web3 and the adoption of blockchain technology.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press announcement is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. aelf makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this press announcement. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency involve inherent risks, including but not limited to market volatility, regulatory changes, and potential security vulnerabilities. By accessing and using the information provided in this press announcement, you agree to indemnify and hold aelf, its officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of or in connection with your use of the information or participation in aelevate. aelf reserves all rights not expressly granted in this press announcement.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aelfs-grand-prix-token2049-side-event-in-collaboration-with-asia-blockchain-game-alliance-chainstack-gafin-and-other-leading-web3-players-301919024.html

SOURCE aelf
SINGAPORE , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alchemy Pay is deploying its payment services on Polygon's new zkEVM chain, to be one of the first fiat-crypto on-ramp providers to support the zkEVM ecosystem. Users of the network from all over the globe can now purchase cryptocurrencies using their preferred local fiat payment methods.

Developers building on the new zero-knowledge proof network can now benefit from Alchemy Pay's direct-to-customer plugin, which can be easily integrated and deployed by dApps and platforms with minimal cost and hassle. Alchemy Pay has supported tokens and projects on Polygon mainnet since 2021 , and as one of the world's premiere fiat-crypto payment gateways, it has been selected as one of the first ramp providers to integrate its on-ramp service on Polygon's new chain.

"It's exciting to see projects like Alchemy Pay help to improve the onboarding and usability of the Polygon zkEVM blockchain" Jack Melnick , Head of DeFi BD at Polygon Labs, "Alchemy Pay truly acts as a user-friendly gateway to the crypto spaces for users. The Polygon zkEVM ecosystem is very excited for this deployment."

Polygon zkEVM Architecture & Benefits

Polygon zkEVM is an Ethereum Layer 2 scalability solution that uses cryptographic zero-knowledge proofs to offer validity and quick finality to off-chain transaction computation, also known as a ZK-Rollup. Developers on Polygon zkEVM can use the same code, tooling, apps, etc that they use on Ethereum, but with higher throughput and lower fees.

The ZK-Rollup executes smart contracts transparently, by publishing zero-knowledge validity proofs, while maintaining opcode compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. This documentation explains the finer details of zkEVM's sub-components, including the zero-knowledge Prover (zkProver), the State Machines used in the zkProver, the zkEVM Bridge smart contract, and the special toolings that enable the Polygon zkEVM to achieve its objectives.

Developers are able to deploy their existing smart contracts to the zkEVM, and users can deposit assets from Ethereum and transact off-chain. These transactions are grouped into batches with zero-knowledge proof attesting to the validity of each transaction. This means the network inherits the security of Ethereum.

Alchemy Pay: Truly Global Fiat-Crypto Services

Alchemy Pay's payment gateway enables payments using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Diners Club across 173 countries, along with domestic transfers and mobile wallets in developing markets. Its user-friendly KYC process, low fees, and exceptional conversion rates make buying and selling cryptocurrencies with local currencies as convenient as any typical online payment. Alchemy Pay's extensive network features over 300 fiat payment channels, allowing its checkouts to go beyond card payments and tap into local mobile wallet options.

Founded in Singapore in 2017, Alchemy Pay seamlessly connects crypto with traditional fiat currencies with its on & off Ramp solution, NFT checkout, white label crypto-funded cards and crypto payments.

Polygon zkEVM Further Information

https://polygon.technology/polygon-zkevm

About Alchemy Pay

Founded in Singapore in 2017, Alchemy Pay is a payment gateway that seamlessly connects crypto with traditional fiat currencies for businesses, developers, and end users. With its On & Off Ramp solution, NFT Checkout, Crypto Card and Crypto Payments, Alchemy Pay supports payments in 173 countries. The Ramp is a one-stop solution to buy and sell crypto and fiat, easily integrated by platforms and dApps according to requirements. The NFT Checkout enables direct purchases of NFTs using fiat payment methods. The Crypto Card solution empowers businesses and token issuers to provide users with branded virtual and physical cards for instant global spending. ACH is the Alchemy Pay network token on Ethereum and BNB Chain.

Website Twitter LinkedIn Medium YouTube

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alchemy-pay-deploys-on-polygon-zkevm-as-an-early-stage-on-ramp-provider-301918669.html

SOURCE Alchemy Pay
Conservation Law Foundation's Brad Campbell honored with Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award

KENSINGTON, N.H. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards, presented by the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation, honor courageous leaders who are taking bold action for environmental justice and a more sustainable future. The Foundation announced that the first award, the Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award, will be presented to Bradley M. Campbell , president of Conservation Law Foundation.

The Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award was re-named this year in honor of Grand Circle Corporation Chairman and Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation co-founder Alan Lewis , who passed away on November 2, 2022 . Alan leaves behind a legion of courageous leaders who are committed to honoring his vision and legacy by continuing to help change people's lives and save the earth we share.

Alan often said, "You will always be rewarded for moral courage  maybe not in the moment  but at some point you will be rewarded for doing the right thing."

The Alan E. Lewis Moral Courage in Leadership Award is presented to a visionary leader whose body of work, vision, passion and personal example have made a meaningful and measurable difference -- one who has shown moral courage and willingness to go the distance to help save our planet.

Each Alnoba Leadership Award includes a $10,000 donation in the recipient's name to the nonprofit of their choice.

Bradley M. Campbell : Environmental leader taking on Big Oil

For more than 30 years, Bradley M. Campbell has been at the forefront of shaping the country's most significant environmental policies and laws. A former White House senior appointee during the Clinton administration, Brad was the regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region and has a wide range of experience overseeing large public agencies, developing strategic litigation, and negotiating innovative agreements that have resulted in environmental milestones in New England and across the United States .

Under Brad's vision, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has become a leader in the effort to address the root cause of climate changegreenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Part of this vision has meant going after the "Goliaths" of the industry and CLF has taken on some of the biggestExxonMobil, Shell and Gulf Oil.

Shortly after Brad started his tenure at Conservation Law Foundation, he made the brave decision to hold "Big Oil" accountable. CLF started its own investigation into how climate deceit has affected New England communities. Their investigation revealed that despite knowing the harm climate change could cause, ExxonMobil, Shell and other companies left their oil storage facilities in areas vulnerable to flooding from storms and rising seas.

To hold ExxonMobil accountable for its inaction, CLF launched the United States' first legal action against the corporate giant for its climate deceit and for clean water act violations at its oil storage facility in Everett, which sits on the Mystic River . Last year, Exxon Mobil closed their facility.

Harriet and Alan Lewis launched the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards in 2018 to honor brave and brilliant leaders whose courage, wisdom or potential inspire us to act more boldly for environmental justice.

The awards will be presented at the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards Dinner on October 4, 2023 , in partnership with the Conservation Law Foundation, TimberHP, UNH Sustainability Institute, New England Biolabs Foundation and the Forest Society. Sponsors include ReVision Energy and Shake Hands with the World.

For more information about Alnoba or the Alnoba Environmental Leadership Awards, visit www.alnoba.org.

About Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation

The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation (ALFF) is dedicated to developing courageous leadership and sustainability models to help change people's lives, create stronger communities and save the earth we share. ALFF is the umbrella organization for Alnoba's public programming, conservation efforts, philanthropic giving, and nonprofit leadership work. ALFF has pledged or donated more than $250 million since 1981. The organization's work is focused on the Lewis family's hometowns of Boston, MA and Kensington, NH and within the global villages where their company, Grand Circle Corporation , travels.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alnoba-environmental-leadership-awards-2023-honor-bold-environmental-justice-leaders-301919504.html

SOURCE Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation
SHENZHEN, China , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Photonics Expo (APE) 2024, Asia's Premier Photonics[1] Event was announced at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre , in conjunction with China International Optoelectronics Exposition. Hundreds of representatives from the optoelectronics[2] industry including enterprises, associations, societies, research institutes and media attended the successful press conference.

During the welcome speech, Mr. Jianlin Cao , Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, said: "As a witness to the growth and expansion of photonics related R&D, industry and application in China , Minister Cao believes that the Asian market plays a very important role in the R&D, production and application of the photonics industry. Singapore , as the trade and business hub in Asia , has a superior geographical location and is the ideal location for Asia Photonics Expo." He said: "I have also visited Singapore several times as a scientist and a member of the Chinese government delegation, here I hope that Singapore can give more support to the Asia Photonics Expo, and also hope that China's research and development, production, especially the enterprise peers can bravely go globally and communicate with the world. Finally, I wish the first edition of Asia Photonics Expo a complete success, and each edition will be better than the last."

APE's key strategic partners, LUX Photonics Consortium and European Photonics Industry Consortium, were also present at the press conference. "We are thrilled to partner Informa Markets to launch the Asia Photonics Expo (APE) in 2024. APE will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and potential buyers, creating a global platform in Asia for knowledge exchange and business collaborations. This will offer opportunities for companies to venture into new businesses and partnerships in emerging markets globally." said Prof Tjin Swee Chuan , Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium.

Similarly, Mr. Carlos Lee , Director General of the European Photonics Industry Consortium shared on Global Collaboration to Advance Technology:" Photonics is a key enabling technology, and its progress depends on working together. APE will gather companies from Asia , Europe , and the world to further advance the technology through business and collaboration."

APE will be held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre , Singapore from 6 to 8 March 2024 . The inaugural event, organised by Informa Markets, will provide photonics professionals insight to the latest emerging trends shaping the future and offering the industry a valuable platform to explore, connect, collaborate with new markets in the region.

As Asia's leading and influential event for photonics industry, APE is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Mr Yap Chin Siang , Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "We are delighted to host the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo in Singapore next year. The decision to launch the world's leading photonic event in Singapore reaffirms the industry's confidence in our country as the preferred destination for business events, as well as our position as gateway to the Asia Pacific region. We look forward to gathering entrepreneurs and forward-thinking industry partners from around the world to connect, collaborate and explore new business opportunities in tandem with the fast-growing developments in the photonics field."

In the subsequent media Q&A session, the media exchanged views with APE's organising committee and speakers on many aspects.

For the choice of APE's location, Mr. Eric Yang , Secretary General of APE, said " Singapore , as a trade and business centre in Asia , gathers the resources of Southeast Asia and even the world. Also, as an international metropolis, Singapore's convenient transportation, favorable government support for the exhibition industry and superior geographical location are very strong advantages for hosting exhibitions. We believe that hosting an exhibition in Singapore is the way to achieve global industrialization."

For the reasons for STB to support APE, Ms. Toh Sork Lee , Area Director, Greater China , Singapore Tourism Board, said: " China is one of the most important markets for Singapore , and even during the pandemic, there were many business exchanges between China and Singapore . We are therefore delighted that the first edition of Asia Photonics Expo will be held in Singapore ."

Prof Tjin Swee Chuan , Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium, has answered the question to the development of Singapore's photonics industry: "The Singapore government is very supportive of the development of the photonics industry and has been invested a lot over the years. As the chairman of LUX Photonics Consortium, I also attach great importance to the industrialization of IP and R&D results. We are now bringing together enterprises and R&D institutions to solve the problems encountered in the development of the photonics industry and further promote the industrialization of our research and development results."

APE is the one-stop photonics exhibition for industry players to technical communication, networking, and product sourcing. Mr. Eric Yang , Secretary General of APE, said:" APE is committed to empowering the photonics industry and application fields, building a high-quality communication, exchange and learning platform for global industry players, promoting the in-depth communication and business collaboration between the photonics upstream and downstream professionals. It will be your best channel to maximize brand awareness and expand new business frontier."

For more details on APE, visit www.asiaphotonicsexpo.com

About Asia Photonics Expo

Organised by Informa Markets - the world's leading tradeshow organiser, Asia Photonics Expo (APE) will be held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore from 6 to 8 March 2024 . APE will focus on the latest cutting-edge innovative technologies and the emerging application markets in Asia , aiming to promote the in-depth communication and business collaboration between the photonics upstream and downstream professionals. It will cover the entire optoelectronic ecosystem to showcase the latest products in optical communication, precision optics, laser, infrared, sensor, and display fields, targeting the top-notched optoelectronic innovative technologies and solutions of nine major application areas in optical communication/information processing and storage, consumer electronics, advanced manufacturing, surveillance and security, semiconductor processing, energy, sensing and measurement, lighting and display, and medical. APE is the one-stop sourcing platform for industry players to find new products and technologies and follow market trends. With an exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, APE is expected to attract 400+ enterprises, and more than 5,000 visitors to attend the show. During the exhibition, APE will also hold a variety of concurrent events, such as academic conferences and industry forums for future trends, cutting-edge technologies, industry hotspots, etc., site tours to research institutes, R&D centres, and local companies, as well as high-end networking opportunities including one-on-one business matching.

[1] Photonics is the science and technological application of light particles, or photons. Photonics technology was widely used for different applications such as laser, optics, fiber-optics, opto-electrical devices, alternative energy, healthcare, telecommunication, aerospace and many more. [2] Optoelectronics refers to the intersection of photonics and electronics, and the technology generated by this intersection is photoelectric technology. The optoelectronics industry involves information communication, precision optics, sensing, infrared, lasers, display, etc.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asia-photonics-expo-2024-paving-the-future-of-photonics-in-emerging-markets-301919538.html

SOURCE Asia Photonics Expo (APE) Organizing Committee
Notches Record First Half New Sales Results and Highest NPS Score in Company History

TEL AVIV, Israel and NEW YORK , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BioCatch, the global leader in digital fraud and money laundering detection and response powered by behavioral biometric intelligence, today announced it grew annual recurring revenue by 45% over Q2 2022 and added 19 new customers in the quarter ending June 30, 2023 .

The accelerated growth is fueled by rapid adoption of BioCatch Connect in the Latin American region as that market continues to invest in digital transformation, the need for mid-market retail banks to deliver frictionless digital banking experiences that match customer expectations set by their global peers, and the dramatic increase in mobile banking fraud worldwide.

Key milestones in the quarter closing June 30, 2023 included the acquisition of its first-ever telecommunications customer, a top-3 global provider, and the onboarding of a top-five Australian bank. Eight of the top-ten banks in Australia now rely on BioCatch for advanced fraud detection powered by behavioral biometric intelligence. As of June 30, 2023 , BioCatch is processing more than 7 billion user sessions per month, as its technology rapidly scales to meet increased customer demand. To support its increasing new customer base, BioCatch added 18 new employees in Q2 2023, bringing total headcount to more than 275.

Additionally, recent results from BioCatch's 2023 annual customer survey revealed a customer interviewee satisfaction and loyalty score of 71, the highest ever received and one that is considered best in class across all industries. This year's survey included a significantly larger customer base than in 2022 and the average Net Promoter Score by company grew to eclipse 80. Notably, customers appreciated and recognized BioCatch's technical, threat and account management services above 4.6 on a scale of 1 to 5. Eighty percent of customers recognized BioCatch implementation as above average and exceptional, citing continuous improvement and increase in fraud capture as their key return on investment metric.

"We are humbled by our customers recognition of our value and partnership in their fight to defeat fraud and transform their risk operations to support frictionless digital banking. Obviously, revenue growth is the goal of every commercial organization; however, customer satisfaction and their appreciation of what we do and how we participate in the community is also very special and motivates us to continuously improve." said Gadi Mazor , CEO of BioCatch.

About BioCatch

BioCatch stands at the forefront of digital fraud detection, pioneering behavioral biometric intelligence grounded in advanced cognitive science and machine learning. BioCatch analyzes thousands of user digital interactions to support a digital banking environment where identity, trust, and ease coexist. Today, more than 25 of the world's leading 100 banks and >100 of the largest 500 rely on BioCatch's solutions to combat fraud, facilitate digital transformation, and grow customer relationships. BioCatch's Client Innovation Board, an industry-led initiative featuring American Express, Barclays, Citi Ventures, HSBC, and National Australia Bank, collaborates to pioneer creative and innovative ways to leverage customer relationships for fraud prevention. With more than a decade of data analysis, over 80 registered patents, and unmatched expertise, BioCatch continues to lead innovation to address future challenges. For more information, please visit www.biocatch.com.

Media Contact:

Jay Jones

[email protected]

404.668.0218

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biocatch-continues-to-set-new-sales-records-in-2023-301918887.html

SOURCE BioCatch
Agetech company equipping community-based aging care and service providers with technology to remotely engage and address day-to-day needs of thousands of older adults monthly over 30 languages across text, voice calls, and emails

NEW YORK , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blooming Health, a digital engagement and referral solution enabling service providers to engage older adults and their family members, today announced the close of an oversubscribed $4.2 million seed round. Investors include Afore Capital and Crossbeam Venture Partners, with additional investment from Chelsea Clinton's investment firm, Metrodora, and angel investor and DoorDash Cofounder, Evan Moore .

In addition to the funding, Blooming Health also announced that Andrew Parker , founder and CEO of Papa, a unicorn agetech company offering individuals and families access to vital companionship and care, will join the company's advisory board.

Blooming Health is an inclusive solution to equip community-based aging care providers with the technology to remotely engage and address the social needs of tens of thousands of older adults and caregiver clients in a personalized way across text, voice calls, emails, and over 30 languages. The company was co-founded by Nima Roohi , Ph.D., Kavitha Gnanasambandan , Ph.D., and Naman Gupta .

"At Blooming Health's core is a desire to change the way society ages by providing proactive access to holistic care in an equitable way," said Nima Roohi , Co-Founder and CEO of Blooming Health. "With the support of our investors, we are thrilled to continue growing rapidly, making key hires, and further advancing in our mission to serve as a single touchpoint for all aging-in-place needs so older adults can receive the care they need, when they need it."

Blooming Health's user-friendly platform addresses the vital needs of older adults and the family caregiver population, including wellness check-ins and needs detection around nutrition access, transportation and mobility, emergency preparedness, and follow-ups on the outcome of services provided to thousands of individuals every day. The platform is utilizing AI, automation, and advanced data analytics that sit on top of the telecom infrastructures to engage older adults, detect needs, and facilitate service delivery in a personalized and proactive process. As a result, Blooming Health is extending the already human resource constrained care economy and helping older adults receive the day-to-day social, healthcare, and financial support and services they need to live healthier and more independently in their communities, reducing healthcare and long-term care costs significantly in the $1 trillion aging economy.

With operations across New York, Arizona , Texas , and California , care providers have seen a three-fold increase in clients' social engagement, while saving 15 hours per week for staff using Blooming Health's solution. Blooming Health is expanding operations to Pennsylvania , Ohio , Indiana , and Michigan and targeting to reach 1 million older adults by the end of 2024.

"With an aging population and longer lifespans, technology will play a key role in preventing aging service providers and local government officials from being overwhelmed," said Sakib Jamal , Vice President at Crossbeam Venture Partners. "The team has already shown increased utilization of social programs among their community and government clients, and we are optimistic this impact will scale nationwide."

"As we navigate an era marked by an aging demographic, the fusion of technology and aging services emerges as a beacon of promise," shared Gaurav Jain , Co-founder of Afore Capital. "What caught our attention with Blooming Health is their resolute commitment to reshaping the landscape of senior care. The company's mission to help older adults live healthy, independent lives is one that we believe in deeply. We're honored to stand behind their journey."

"Blooming Health is transforming the way we meet the social and healthcare needs of older adults through its platform that both enhances access to vital services and creates a more connected ecosystem for stakeholders at every level," said Chelsea Clinton , co-founder of Metrodora Ventures. "We are proud to support Blooming Health in its mission to build a future where aging is accompanied by dignity, support, and a thriving sense of community."

Blooming Health's growing list of partners includes community organizations like Catholic Charities, tens of Area Agencies for Aging (AAAs), NY State Office for Aging (NYSOFA), Oak Street Health, and the AARP Foundation. With the company's collaboration with the AARP Foundation, over the past 6 months, Blooming Health has added access to close to $10 million worth of services for older adults. This includes over 350,000 meals, and over 200,000 programs across health and wellness, education and recreation, and transportation.

About Blooming Health

Blooming Health's mission is to power healthy aging-in-place. Blooming Health's inclusive platform equips community-based aging care providers with the technology to remotely engage and address the social needs of tens of thousands of older adults and caregiver clients in a personalized way across text, voice calls, emails, and over 30 languages. With operations across New York, Arizona , Texas , and California , Blooming Health's platform is helping older adults receive the day-to-day social, healthcare, and financial support and services they need to live healthier and more independently in their own communities, reducing healthcare and long-term care costs significantly in the $1 trillion aging economy. For more information, visit https://gobloominghealth.com/

About Afore Capital

Afore Capital is a VC with $300 million in AUM co-founded by Anamitra Banerji & Gaurav Jain . We support product-oriented founders building software companies at the very earliest stages. At Afore, we believe that before there's a company, before there's a business, there's a product-oriented founder leading by product. The products are often raw, sometimes just rough concepts requiring a lot of imagination. They are pre-traction and pre-obvious. But they come from founders with non-obvious insights and infectious ambitions. For more information, visit https://www.afore.vc/

About Crossbeam Venture Partners

Crossbeam Venture Partners (Crossbeam) is a venture capital firm that invests in Pre-Seed to Series A startups building tomorrow's economy. Focused on the themes of platform economies, fintech, new forms of media, and alternative sources of income, Crossbeam is built to back companies of the next-generation economy utilizing unique structures, credit, or novel business models. For more information, visit https://crossbeam.vc

About Metrodora

Metrodora Ventures is an early-stage venture firm focused on health and learning businesses.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blooming-health-raises-4-2m-in-oversubscribed-round-to-power-healthy-aging-in-place-301918867.html

SOURCE Blooming Health
Government agencies, colleges, and hospitals can now purchase bp pulse EV charging services through PCA

Contract offers PCA members EV charging discounts and avoids time-consuming bidding process

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- bp pulse has been awarded a contract with the Purchasing Cooperative of America (PCA), a major step in bp's strategy to simplify electrification for public EV fleets and accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the nation.

As an Awarded Contractor, bp pulse will now be able to directly offer their Omega charge management software and EVSE procurement services to public agencies that are PCA members. These agencies include local, state and federal governments; K-12 schools and higher education institutions; hospitals; law enforcement; and nonprofits. PCA members can purchase EV services directly from bp pulse without going through their own time-consuming public bidding processes, saving time and resources.

"Through the PCA contract, we can now work directly with customers to address their needs and provide the charging infrastructure their fleets require," said Vic Shao , president of bp pulse fleet. "As we continue to work with public agencies on their electric transition, we are committed to simplifying the process, and allowing fleet operators to focus on safely transporting people, goods, and services."

With bp pulse's Omega software, EV fleets can manage energy costs and optimize performance through real-time monitoring of EV charging operations. Omega can adjust charging operations to serve a fleet owner's individual needs, whether that's prioritizing charging for lower costs or to ensure vehicle uptime. The software is vehicle and charger agnostic, making it easier to manage a fleet of various vehicle types, which is often the case with public fleets. More information on bp pulse products available through the PCA contract can be found at https://bppulsefleet.com/cooperative-purchasing/ .

PCA is a national purchasing cooperative available for use in all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canada and Mexico that provides best value contracts, adheres to the highest ethical standards in public procurement, and provides real-time cost savings for its members and contractors.

"PCA is honored to have bp pulse as a valued Awarded Contractor with a national contract already in place," said Elaine Nichols , Director of Purchasing Cooperative of America. "All PCA Members, current and future, can utilize the services of bp pulse immediately because PCA has completed the Request For Proposal (RFP) process on their behalf. PCA contracts are complete and competitively bid. Join PCA today and contact bp pulse to discuss Member savings for EV charging services."

There is no cost to join PCA or use PCA contracts. Public entities can register to become a member at: https://www.pcamerica.org/members/registration .

About bp pulse

bp pulse is bp's electric vehicle (EV) charging business, rolling out fast, reliable charge points to consumers and commercial fleets around the world. Entering into the Americas , bp pulse focuses on providing EV charging and energy management to fleets that operate heavy-, medium- and light-duty vehicles. Key offerings for these fleets include intelligent charge management software, Omega, and a Charging-as-a-Service solutionallowing bp pulse to manage the charging of an EV fleet from start to finish, while optimizing energy costs and vehicle utilization. Globally, bp pulse is one of the UK's leading rapid and ultra-fast public EV charging networks. It also operates the largest number of sites with ultra- fast charging in Germany , with a growing charging point footprint in China and the Netherlands . The company aims to increase its network of public EV charging points by 2030 to over 100,000 worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bp-pulse-awarded-contract-with-purchasing-cooperative-of-america-301919569.html

SOURCE bp America
Award continues 35-year legacy of support to Army Ground Vehicles

ALEXANDRIA, Va. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DCS Corporation is pleased to announce the award of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Technical and Engineering Services (TES) contract valued at $2.09B .

Under this 5-year contract (with two optional one-year ordering periods), DCS will continue to provide technical and engineering support to GVSC's In-Service Engineering and Science and Technology missions. This includes technical and engineering services to Program and Project Managers (PMs) within Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems and PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support as well as other Department of Defense PM programs to include PM-Transportation Systems, PD-Army Watercraft Systems, PM-Maneuver, Combat Systems, PM-Mounted Armored Vehicles, PM-Vehicle Protection Systems, Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, PM-Light Armor Vehicles, PM-MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle, PM-Self Propelled Howitzer System, PM-Soldier Weapons, PM-Unmanned Ground Vehicles, PM-Mobile Protected Firepower, and PM-Multi-mission Protected Vehicle System.

Within GVSC, DCS will provide engineering services supporting the acquisition and development of manned and unmanned military ground vehicle programs to include survivability systems, ground vehicle robotics, software development and post-production software support, electrical and electronics architectures, high-voltage power electronics, information systems security, mechanical engineering, science and technology, research and development, security engineering, and systems engineering.

"At DCS, we are beyond proud to work every day alongside talented GVSC personnel in developing, testing and fielding ground vehicle technology evolutions," commented Jim Benbow , DCS CEO. "With this new award, we look forward to building on past accomplishments as we support GVSC and the Army in continuing to advance Warfighter capability on the battlefield well into the future."

With this award, DCS extends its 35-year history supporting the U.S. Army CCDC GVSC. In 2021, DCS completed the construction of a purpose-built facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan , strategically situated to support the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) and CCDC GVSC at the Detroit Arsenal . The facility comprises office, conference, engineering laboratory, and vehicle high bay integration space; providing augmentation to support engineering, fabrication, rapid prototyping, and combat vehicle integration.

About DCS

An employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to government agencies in the national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com.

Contact: DCS Media, [email protected], 571-227-6000

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dcs-awarded-2-09b-contract-to-support-armys-ground-vehicle-systems-center-301919453.html

SOURCE DCS Corporation
One of only Two Hospitals "Most Likely to Be Recommended" in NJ

BROWNS MILLS, N.J. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- One of only two hospitals "most likely to be recommended in New Jersey ." That's a new quality indicator Deborah earned from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Ratings are based on patients' responses to the question, "would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family."

Deborah was also one of only four hospitals in New Jersey to earn 4 out of 5 Stars by CMS in its annual Hospital Quality Star Ratings annual update, which summarizes data from 46 existing measures for each hospital.

"Quality in healthcare really matters," said Chief Medical Officer Aaron Kugelmass , MD. "Our high marks are a testament to the hard work members of our Deborah team put in every day to make sure patients are safe and that patients are having a good experience when they're receiving care from our clinicians."

Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey is a teaching hospital in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Founded in 1922, Deborah has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the United States and 87 countries. From performing the first adult and pediatric open-heart surgeries in NJ, to one of the highest-volume left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant programs in the nation, Deborah is consistently recognized as a leader overall and in patient care from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS,) is ranked among the top hospitals in NJ for patient satisfaction; holds a top-tier Society of Thoracic Surgeons rating which places Deborah among the best cardiac surgery programs in North America ; and is rated High Performing in five specialties, Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, COPD and TAVR by U.S. News & World Report. Deborah is an Alliance member of the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. For more information visit demanddeborah.org or contact Lisa Simon , 856.857.6555 x22, [email protected].

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deborah-earns-4-out-of-5-cms-stars-for-experience-and-overall-quality-301919187.html

SOURCE Deborah Heart and Lung Center
Ear care leader, EOSERA, moved offices and manufacturing space to a custom-built, larger facility to support the company's growth. On September 6 th, EOSERA hosted a grand opening for city officials and Fort Worth Mayor, Mattie Parker .

FORT WORTH, Texas , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EOSERA announces the opening of a new facility featuring an expanded office space and manufacturing footprint. The growth highlights the leadership position EOSERA took in the ear care market. With a dedicated workforce of 30 employees and best-in-class products such as Earwax MD and Ear Pain MD now available in over 28,000 retail stores, EOSERA disrupts the sleepy ear care category with new technology and innovative go-to-market strategy.

Cementing its place on the Inc. 5000 List for three years running, and boasting a three-year revenue growth of 292%, EOSERA continues to expand. The grand opening attended by Fort Worth Mayor, Mattie Parker , showed city officials the opportunity EOSERA brings to Fort Worth .

"The new space is indicative of our growth, and the many challenges we've overcome," says CEO, Elyse Dickerson . "It's surreal to see how far we've come, but I don't spend much time looking backward as we've so much to accomplish in our future."

EOSERA highlights the 36,499 square feet of space and the custom-built manufacturing and office facilities that suit their company's needs. The new footprint and features of the manufacturing spaces accommodate more equipment and machinery, creating more products at a faster pace.

"Going from 17K square feet to over 36K square feet is quite a difference," says Chief Scientific Officer and cofounder, Joe Griffin , Ph.D. "But as we grow, we'll need every inch of this space. The fact that we could customize our part of the building with the help of our building owner, Bruce Conti , allowed for a more conducive manufacturing area and great offices."

EOSERA's workspace is not the only thing expanding this year. Distribution and product launches contribute to EOSERA's growth. Additionally, adding more personnel, including leadership roles and an internal sales force, factored into EOSERA's success.

About EOSERA:

EOSERA, Inc. is a female-led company developing innovative products targeting under addressed healthcare needs in ear care. EOSERA products are safe, effective, formulated by scientists, and recommended by doctors. EOSERA products are currently available in over 28K stores nationwide and online, including Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eosera-announces-grand-opening-of-new-larger-space-301915345.html

SOURCE Eosera
Eviation signs letter of intent with Solyu, a South-Korea based zero emissions leasing company

based zero emissions leasing company Under the deal, Solyu orders 25 Alice electric aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft

Orders for Alice now valued at US$ 5 billion

ARLINGTON, Wash. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Eviation Aircraft , a manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, today announced that Solyu, a leasing company based in Seoul, South Korea , has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 25 commuter Alice aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft. Solyu is focused on supporting sustainable aviation by providing financing and leasing solutions for the Alice to a global customer base of operators.

Leading the Electric Age of Aviation

The nine-passenger Eviation Alice is the world's first flight-proven all-electric commuter aircraft. Built from a clean-sheet design integrating magniX's industry-leading electric propulsion system, Alice produces zero carbon emissions and features lower operating costs per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops  thereby providing the opportunity to activate more routes, improving the convenience of air travel.

"Solyu's order is a testament to how lessors are embracing Alice as the future of flight," said Eddie Jaisaree , Vice President, Commercial Sales at Eviation. "The leasing community is an important constituent in bringing about sustainable change in the aviation industry. It is exciting to see a forward-thinking company such as Solyu recognizing Alice's zero carbon technology, economic viability and beautiful design."

"We are very excited to work with Eviation to bring sustainable aviation to the market," said Andrew Claerbout , President of Solyu. "With aviation regulations focusing on sustainability and airlines demanding to reduce their carbon footprint, we see Alice as a major contributor to meeting those targets. In addition to its zero emissions, Alice's flexible layout and low operating costs will provide operators opportunities to open new markets."

"As we continue to take important steps toward certification, Alice has now secured US$ 5 billion in orders," said Gregory Davis , CEO of Eviation. "It is gratifying to see the marketplace so excited about Alice's innovative design, low cost of operation and environmental credentials. We are delighted to have Solyu, our newest leasing customer, join us in our mission to lead the electric age of aviation."

About Eviation Aircraft

Based in Washington State , U.S. , Eviation Aircraft Inc. develops and manufactures electric aircraft to delight operators and passengers with green, cost efficient and convenient regional transportation. Its electric propulsion units, high-energy-density batteries, mission-driven energy management, and innovative airframe are designed from the ground up for electric flight. Please visit us at www.eviation.com.

About Solyu

Based in Seoul, South Korea , Solyu is a lessor focused on providing customers with the newest technology, zero emissions aircraft. The team at Solyu is highly experienced with decades of global experience in aircraft leasing and finance. For more information, visit us at solyu.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eviation-announces-order-from-solyu-for-25-alice-all-electric-commuter-aircraft-301918148.html

SOURCE Eviation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2016, Farm Credit Mid-America has supplemented more than 4.4 million meals to those in need through its Farms to Food Banks program. The program is one example of the financial services cooperative's dedication to securing the future of rural communities and agriculture.

Since 2016, Farm Credit Mid-America has supplemented more than 4.4M meals to those in need through Farms to Food Banks.

Farms to Food Banks connects farmers and their products to local food banks. Over the next several weeks, team members from Farm Credit Mid-America and its rural lending brand, Rural 1st, will visit local customers' farms where they will gather fresh produce to donate to local food banks. The goal is to ensure local community members in the states Farm Credit Mid-America serves have access to fresh produce and protein to supplement shelf-stable meals.

So far in 2023, Farm Credit Mid-America and Rural 1st team members have volunteered more than 740 hours at 29 food banks in Arkansas , Indiana , Kentucky , Missouri , Ohio and Tennessee . Those food banks are instrumental in:

Distributing 156 million pounds of food in Indiana

pounds of food in Helping to feed 1 in 7 Kentuckians

Partnering with nearly 100 farmers , growers and producers in Ohio through the Agricultural Clearance Program

, growers and producers in through the Agricultural Clearance Program Feeding Tennesseans at risk for hunger in 95 counties throughout Tennessee

Providing healthy fruits and vegetables to 180 partner agencies in 12 counties in Northeast Arkansas

"This is the seventh year our team members have volunteered their time and worked alongside our customers to support Farms to Food Banks," said Randy Barbee , community investment manager for Farm Credit Mid-America. "According to Feeding America , in 2021 alone, 13.5 million tons of farm produce was wasted, yet today, 34 million face hunger in the United States . This program is just one way we can partner with our customers to build relationships with our neighboring communities, address the issue of healthy food insecurity, and showcase the value of the agriculture industry at a local level."

In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, Farm Credit Mid-America has donated more than $1 million to local food banks since the inception of the program. Funds contributed have sourced farmer-grown products as well as purchased resources that food banks need to maintain the freshness of produce and protein, including cold storage.

September is National Hunger Action Month, and the nationwide network of food banks works to end hunger by providing food and support to millions of people. In 2022, Feeding America, estimated 49 million people turned to food banks and community programs for help putting food on the table. Additionally, Farm Credit Mid-America's partnerships help to supplement food deserts, or areas that have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, that are prevalent throughout the country, specifically in rural areas where access to a supermarket is often 10 miles or more away.

About Farm Credit Mid-America

A proud member of the Farm Credit System, Farm Credit Mid-America exists to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture as a leading provider of reliable, consistent credit and financial services to farmers, producers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Arkansas , Indiana , Kentucky , Missouri , Ohio and Tennessee . The customer-owned cooperative serves more than 137,000 customers and manages a portfolio of $38 billion in total assets owned and managed. Farm Credit Mid-America's products and services include loans for real estate, operating, equipment, rural living, crop insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information visit www.fcma.com .

About Rural 1st

Rural 1st is the rural residential lending division of Farm Credit Mid-America, a financial services cooperative whose purpose is to secure the future of rural communities. Rural 1st is the leader in rural lending, offering tailored product options for lot, land, construction, and home loans to rural consumers living in the territories of participating Farm Credit System Associations. For more information, call 1-844-GO-RURAL or visit Rural1st.com . NMLS 407249. Equal Housing Lender.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/full-bellies-full-hearts-farm-credit-mid-america-provides-access-to-fresh-food-for-national-hunger-action-month-301918410.html

SOURCE Farm Credit Mid-America
LONDON , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenbrook, the specialist communications advisor to the investment industry, with particular expertise in private equity, hedge funds, debt, and special situations, is pleased to announce key promotions, the appointment of two new Directors and the expansion of its junior team.

The firm congratulates Tashi Lassalle on being promoted to Partner only 12 months after joining Greenbrook. Tashi, renowned for her leadership roles at Actis, Lloyd's of London and the Church of England, brings rich experience to her new partnership role. She will continue spearheading talent management efforts within the organisation alongside her client commitments. Bella Lahdo , who joined the firm in 2021, has also been promoted to Consultant.



Greenbrook is also pleased to welcome Alan Tovey and Ksenia Galouchko as new Directors. Alan spent 14 years as a senior journalist at Telegraph Media Group, holding roles including City News Editor and Industry Editor on the Sunday and Daily Telegraph titles. Ksenia joins from Bloomberg News, where she held editorial positions, overseeing a team of journalists responsible for European and US stocks coverage and ECM reporting. Ksenia was also a regular commentator on Bloomberg TV.

Andrew Honnor , Managing Partner of Greenbrook, commented: "This news marks a significant expansion of our advisory capacity as a firm. There continues to be a very strong demand for our services. These promotions and notable hires will significantly enhance the service we can deliver to clients."

Also joining the team are Christina Tang , who joins Greenbrook as a Consultant from Brunswick, and Ysabel Chen , Harriet Groves and Emelia Rice , who arrive as new Associates.

Christina has advised clients in Beijing, China , on critical issues spanning regulatory concerns, corporate reputation, crisis management and public affairs.

Ysabel, Harriet and Emelia are recent graduates from leading international universities, bringing a fresh perspective to the Associate team.

Contact details:

Demi Kurban

Greenbrook

+44 20 7952 2000 / [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2201832/Greenbrook.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2199914/Greenbrook_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greenbrook-announces-key-promotions-and-a-significant-expansion-of-its-senior-team-301918106.html

SOURCE Greenbrook
OREM, Utah , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured home communities in Montana and across the country, awarded scholarships to three of its residents in Billings . The scholarships, worth up to $10,000 annually, are part of Havenpark's Annual Scholarship Fund for residents. In 2023, 38 residents from across the country were awarded scholarships to cover expenses for college, universities, trade, and vocational schools.

"I experienced the transformative power of education first-hand," said J. Anthony Antonelli , chairman and co-founder of Havenpark Communities. "We're honored to be able to support our residents' aims and ambitions."

Local Havenpark Scholarship recipients Paige Dahl , Mykala Davis , and Callie Halvorson are pursuing their undergraduate degrees in Montana .

Paige Dahl and Callie Halvorson joined the Class of 2026 at Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University Billings, respectively. Mykala Davis also attends Montana State University Billings and plans to graduate in 2025.

Havenpark has pledged at least $500,000 annually to its Education Success Program, which includes scholarships, mentoring, and other initiatives to increase education access and opportunity for residents. Since the scholarship program's inception in 2021, Havenpark has awarded academic scholarships to 59 residents from its communities across the country.

Beyond the scholarship, the Education Success Program guides current and prospective students through the application, financial aid, and course selection process.

"We wish our Montana Education Success Program students a great school year," said Jason Hale , Havenpark's director of education success, who works closely with students as they navigate their college career.

Havenpark is committed to enriching the lives of its residents; to learn more about the scholarship program or eligibility, visit Havenpark's website: https://havenparkcommunities.com/education/

Havenpark Communities is an operator and developer of manufactured home communities and makes caring communities attainable for responsible residents in Montana and across America. Since 2017, Havenpark has sourced and installed over 4,000 new factory-built homes, providing quality, affordable living to over 10,000 Americans across the country. Last year, Havenpark Communities added 870 new affordable homes across the country and has committed to adding another 800 in 2023. Havenpark believes in respectful and professional management, well-maintained communities, and attainable homeownership. Havenpark makes long-term investments in its communities, providing enduring value for current and future residents.

Contact

Jenny Werwa

werwa@invariantgr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/havenpark-communities-awards-academic-scholarships-to-three-montana-residents-301919385.html

SOURCE Havenpark Communities
BINGEN, Wash. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced a munitions program for its Integrator UAS, which adds a highly sought-after strike capability to the platform's unmatched payload portfolio and class-leading 24-hour flight endurance.

Integrator's unique modular design enables it to carry multiple payloads during the same mission.

Insitu collaborated with multiple weapons developers and U.S. Government agencies to enable the Integrator to deliver miniature, precision munitions and guide them to their targets. During September 2021 , the RQ-21 Blackjack variant of the Integrator successfully delivered various inert kinetic payloads for a U.S. Navy test program. Testing of additional munitions remains underway.

"Based on global events and the evolution of the modern battlefield, Insitu's customers are demanding a kinetic strike capability," said Vice President of Global Growth Abigail Denburg . "To meet this demand, we are actively partnering to test a variety of kinetic capabilities for the Integrator UAS, which will shorten the time from detection and identification to execution," said Denburg.

Integrator's unique modular design enables it to carry multiple payloads during the same mission. It is a NATO Class 1 Small UAS (DoD Group 3 UAS) that carries up to 25 percent of its maximum gross takeoff weight as payloads distributed among its nose, payload bay, two wing trays, and two wing-mounted hardpoints. The nose is typically equipped with one of several intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) turrets while the payload bay typically carries a synthetic aperture radar, a wide-area motion imagery sensor, a wide area maritime surveillance sensor, a communications relay payload, or one of several signals intelligence/electronic warfare payloads, which can be easily swapped in the field using common hand tools. Each of the munitions were developed as modular, self-contained payload bays that include the weapon(s) and the stores management system.

"This modular capability builds on Integrator's unique design and enables our end users to easily transition between kinetic and non-kinetic missions" added Denburg.

Insitu will showcase some of these capabilities at MSPO in Kielce, Poland from September 5-8 and at DSEI in London, England from September 12-15 .

With three decades of experience, more than 3,500 uncrewed aircraft manufactured to date, and more than 1.4 million operational flight hours, Insitu continues to deliver the most advanced capabilities available to our global customer base in more than 35 countries and counting. Visit Insitu.com to learn more about the most capable, reliable, and combat-proven NATO Class 1 Small UAS on the planet.

Media Contact:

Jill Vacek

509-637-8539

Jill.Vacek@Insitu.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insitu-announces-kinetic-capability-for-the-integrator-uncrewed-aircraft-system-uas-301918513.html

SOURCE Insitu
TOKYO , Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Josys, a leading SaaS and Device Management Platform, today announced a successful Series B funding round of $93 million , bringing its total funding to $125 million . Global Brain and Globis Capital Partners led the round. Since its Series A raise of $32 million last September, the company has witnessed a tenfold increase in revenue and now serves over 300 businesses.

Addressing the New World Challenges of IT Operations

Founded in 2021 in Japan , Josys is at the forefront of addressing the complexities in IT operations that have arisen in the wake of COVID-19. As businesses have shifted to remote work and adopted numerous SaaS solutions, the challenge of maintaining a "single source of truth" for IT operations has become daunting. Many enterprises have encountered growing cybersecurity risks and costly shadow IT issues stemming from the decentralized and unregulated adoption of technology. Additionally, as new remote employees are hired, IT teams are struggling with the timely acquisition and delivery of required work devices and often lose visibility of these devices throughout the employee lifecycle, exposing businesses to substantial replacement costs and potential security vulnerabilities.

Josys offers a holistic solution to these challenges, providing an integrated SaaS and Device Management platform that allows companies to automate and optimize the management of their software applications and devices. Additionally, Josys offers IT outsourcing services for IT device lifecycle management, that covers purchasing, configuration, shipping, repairing, and storage of laptops and mobile devices.

"Organizations across the globe are struggling to modernize their operations and catch-up with the technological and human shifts that have transformed how and where work gets done," said Yasukane Matsumoto, CEO, Josys. "At Josys, our vision for 'Better Systems, Better World' drives us to reimagine the traditional IT operations playbook for the hybrid work era and deliver a next-generation LifecycleOps platform to help companies of all sizes establish efficient and secure practices for managing their applications and devices."

Accelerating Global Expansion

As of September 5, 2023 , Josys expanded its operations to North America and APAC regions. This expansion will allow Josys to begin offering its SaaS and Device Management platform to customers in these countries as well as providing IT outsourcing services for device lifecycle management, which will be particularly valuable for multinational organizations with global employees in these locations. By offering local sourcing and device support, Josys can dramatically reduce IT onboarding time for overseas employees from several weeks to just a few days. Josys aims to provide its IT outsourcing services in over 100 countries by the end of 2025.

Beyond geographic expansion, the Series B funding will also enable Josys to accelerate headcount growth within their product and engineering teams. The leadership team plans to double headcount in the coming months. Additionally, Josys will be expanding its routes-to-market, with a distinct focus on building out its managed service provider (MSP) network for increased territory coverage and expedited service delivery.

About Josys

A multinational startup established in 2021, Josys operates with a mission of "Redefining IT operations for new-age businesses, globally." With over 100 employees across the US, India , Japan , Singapore , and Vietnam , Josys is dedicated to building the operational systems supporting the evolving nature of global businesses post-COVID.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/josys-raises-93m-in-series-b-funding-to-revolutionize-global-it-operations-301917526.html

SOURCE Josys Inc.
CHICAGO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Katten announced today that Joshua M. Altman has joined the firm as a partner in the Insolvency and Restructuring practice in Chicago .

"Josh is a proven lawyer who understands the complexities and challenges stakeholders face in restructuring matters."

Altman represents major national and international companies throughout the lifecycle of both in-court and out-of-court restructuring processes. He guides clients in financial distress and frequently counsels lenders, trade partners and others dealing with the financial hardship of another company, including investors looking to pursue strategic assets from troubled companies.

"Josh is a proven lawyer who understands the complexities and challenges all stakeholders face in restructuring matters," said Steven J. Reisman , co-chair of Katten's Insolvency and Restructuring practice. "He brings strong credentials along with the in-depth business experience, acute legal acumen and sophisticated client service that our clients have come to expect from our team."

Altman was most recently a restructuring partner at Kirkland & Ellis, where he counseled national and international companies as well as numerous corporate boards, executive teams, stakeholder groups and advisors on all phases of in- and out-of-court corporate restructuring. He has also represented creditors, purchasers in 363 sales, sponsors and disinterested directors in connection with Chapter 11 proceedings or restructuring scenarios.

He has helped resolve complicated cross-border issues in Canada , Britain , India and Australia . Altman also leverages prior startup and consulting experience to help solve the complex business needs of his clients.

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai . Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/katten-adds-joshua-altman-to-insolvency-and-restructuring-team-301919471.html

SOURCE Katten
Kinecta hosts a 2-for-1 fundraising campaign to support the Hawai'i Community Foundation, helping those devasted by the Maui wildfires

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinecta Federal Credit Union is announcing a 2-for-1 fundraising campaign to support the people of Maui devastated by the recent wildfires. For every $1 donated to the Hawai'i Community Foundation  Maui Strong Campaign, Kinecta will donate $2 toward Maui fire relief efforts up to $10,000 . All donations will go directly to support those affected, and the campaign runs from September 5  22.

People can visit any Kinecta branch to donate. They can also go online to Kinecta's donation page to contribute. These donations will assist with the disaster response and provide support where it is needed most. HCF will disburse funds to Maui organizations with boots on the ground quickly, providing much-needed support as soon as possible.

"Kinecta cares about the residents of Maui who were impacted by the fires, and supporting communities is part of who Kinecta is," said Marquis Boochee , Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Kinecta. "We want to encourage people to give to those currently suffering and help the people of Maui get back on their feet."

Kinecta is one of America's largest credit unions, with $6.7 billion in assets helping to guide more than 270,000 members to financial security through banking, lending, insurance and wealth services. From free online financial workshops to financial recommendations tailored for individual life events, Kinecta invests heavily in helping members live their best lives.

For more information about Kinecta and its community activities, please visit kinecta.org/community.

About Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF)

HCF has been working to make Hawaii a better place since 1916. They are proud of over 100 years of philanthropic giving, including protecting the environment, building strong communities, focusing on youth and education, arts, and culture, protecting health and providing essential human services, creating synergistic partnerships, and assisting with disaster response to provide support where most needed.

About Kinecta Federal Credit Union

Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California Kinecta Federal Credit Union has assets of $6.7 billion and more than 270,000 members from coast to coast. Banking the Southern California area for more than 80 years, with additional branches in New York , New Jersey and Florida , Kinecta offers its members a full range of financial products from banking, lending and insurance to wealth management services. Kinecta has been recognized by the Mortgage Bankers Association as a recipient of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Residential Leadership Award, and received the Best of Show award granted by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Technology Council. Forbes awarded Kinecta as a top-ranked credit union in California on its America's Best Credit Unions in Each State 2022 List. Kinecta has 29 locations and its members can use a network of more than 5,800 shared branches and access over 85,000 ATMs nationwide. For more information on Kinecta, visit the website and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Samantha Rubenstein , Interdependence PR

650-200-6110

364908@email4pr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kinecta-federal-credit-union-raises-funds-for-hawaii-community-foundations-maui-fire-relief-effort-301919190.html

SOURCE Kinecta Federal Credit Union
Acquisition expands urology portfolio and demonstrates Laborie's commitment to providing proven, innovative solutions to physicians and patients globally

MINNEAPOLIS , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Laborie Medical Technologies, Inc. (Laborie), a leading diagnostic and therapeutic medical technology company, signed a definitive agreement today to acquire Urotronic, Inc. (Urotronic), a Minnesota -based medical device company pioneering the application of its Optilume drug-coated balloon technology for use in interventional urology including treating urethral strictures and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

There has never been a minimally invasive, combination drug-device therapy like Optilume before

Under the terms of the agreement, the transaction consists of an upfront cash payment of $255 million , and up to an additional $345 million in potential commercial and reimbursement milestone payments. Net of Laborie's existing minority investment in Urotronic, the net upfront cash payment will be $232 million with net potential milestone payments of up to $314 million .

In conjunction with the Urotronic acquisition, Laborie will also make a $5 million strategic equity investment into GIE Medical, a clinical stage company spun out of Urotronic which is developing drug-coated balloon technology for treatment of strictures within the gastrointestinal tract which could, like Optilume urethral strictures, offer a highly differentiated and innovative solution for treatment of these conditions.

"There has never been a minimally invasive, combination drug-device therapy like Optilume before, leading to a highly disruptive, paradigm change for physicians treating urethral strictures and BPH," said Mike Frazzette , President, and CEO of Laborie. "With this acquisition, we will continue to advance innovative technologies by meeting multiple unmet medical needs and in doing so provide solutions that preserve and restore human dignity."

The Optilume paclitaxel-coated balloon technology was developed in response to patient and physician dissatisfaction with current solutions for urethral strictures and BPH. This innovative, proprietary technology represents a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions and provides a minimally invasive treatment option for millions of patients suffering from these conditions globally.

"We are excited to announce this agreement with Laborie, and this acquisition will benefit men suffering from urethral strictures and BPH globally," said David Perry , President and CEO of Urotronic. "Backed by positive clinical data, the Optilume BPH therapy is truly groundbreaking as the only MIST option that doesn't require cutting, burning, steaming or a permanent implant. As global leaders in urology, Laborie will help drive the Optilume BPH technology forward."

"Patricia Industries is committed to supporting the Laborie and Urotronic teams in their mission to bring Optilume BPH to urologists worldwide and help them improve their patients' clinical outcomes. This transaction further enhances Laborie's long-term growth by adding an innovative product with strong growth potential into its product portfolio, and aligns with our organization's purpose of creating value for people and society by building strong and sustainable businesses," said Yuriy Prilutskiy , Head of Patricia Industries North America, a part of investor AB and owner of Laborie Medical Technologies.

Advisors

Piper Sandler acted as exclusive financial advisor and Koley Jessen acted as legal advisor to Urotronic. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Cooley LLP acted as legal advisors to Laborie.

About Laborie Medical Technologies

Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire , Laborie is a global medical technology company focused on Urology, Urogynecology, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatal Health. We manufacture and deliver high-quality, high-impact diagnostic and therapeutic products that help clinicians and hospitals preserve and restore patient dignity. Clinicians and hospitals look to us as the market-leading experts in our business segments, and we support our products with a world-class clinical education and information program. Laborie is a portfolio company of Patricia Industries. For more information visit www.laborie.com.

About Urotronic, Inc.

Urotronic, Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota , is a medical device company currently conducting clinical trials to support global commercialization of their products. The Optilume drug-coated balloon technology provides a minimally invasive treatment option for men suffering from urinary tract conditions like urethral strictures and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The drug-coated balloon technology creates a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions. For more information on Urotronic and our products, please visit www.urotronic.com.

About Patricia Industries

Patricia Industries is a long-term owner that invests in companies and works to develop each company to its full potential. Patricia Industries is a part of the industrial holding company Investor AB, whose main owner is the Wallenberg Foundations.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laborie-medical-technologies-announces-agreement-to-acquire-urotronic-for-up-to-600-million-301919089.html

SOURCE Laborie Medical Technologies
The e-Moto manufacturer has raised more than $7 million to date

CLEVELAND, Ohio , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cleveland -based electric mobility and battery manufacturer LAND announces the close of a successful Series A round. The electric motorcycle maker exceeded fundraising expectations by more than $1 million in this latest round. The company also closed an oversubscribed seed round. In response to interest from new investors, LAND is now launching a $15 million convertible note to further fuel its growth.

"LAND has continuously hit our business and production goals, and this ability to execute has resonated with our investor community," LAND CEO and Founder Scott Colosimo says. "We have opened our $15M convertible note round to scale up production and expand globally."

The Series A round was led by Ancora, with participation from several other notable investors. Over the summer, LAND leveraged some of the fresh funds to renovate its 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which includes a modern assembly line and larger design and development center. LAND has also expanded its team and doubled the size of its production staff to be able to ramp up production. Among the new company hires are Tim Leedom , chief revenue officer, and Chris Davis , head of production.

"It is a time of growth at LAND," Colosimo adds. "Not only is our team bigger, but we're gearing up to expand our portfolio of electric offerings this fall."

In 2020, LAND debuted its flagship e-Moto, The District, which combines the ease of use of an electric bike and the power of an electric motorcycle into one two-wheel vehicle. Featuring three speed settingse-Bike (up to 27 mph), e-Moped (up to 40 mph) and e-Motorcycle (70+ mph)The District is a versatile option that meets the needs of a range of riders, from beginners to off-road enthusiasts and experienced motorcyclists. The e-Moto is powered by a swappable electric battery pack (CORE), also designed and developed by LAND, that has a range of 120 miles per battery.

LAND's convertible note round will allow the company to continue to scale e-Moto production and sales in the U.S. and expand internationally within the next year.

"We are thrilled to take the wheel and provide our backing to a Northeast Ohio company that is driving energy independence forward," Ancora Chairman and CEO Fred DiSanto says. "LAND's successful second financing round, oversubscribed and with tremendous momentum, is now complemented by the launch of a $15M convertible note, propelling their growth even further."

For more information, visit landmoto.io .

About LAND

Founded in 2020 by Scott Colosimo in Cleveland, Ohio , LAND is based on the principle that energy continuity and mobility are essential to modern life. LAND provides a transitional eMoto ecosystem with a portable power platform (CORE), a game-changing approach in the light electric vehicle industry. With products proudly manufactured in Cleveland , LAND is unwavering in its belief in American ingenuity and world-class craftsmanship. As a design-forward company, LAND is dedicated to constantly evolving to meet the needs of their customers, everyday consumers and businesses looking for energy efficiency.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/land-closes-series-a-round-oversubscribed-301919503.html

SOURCE LAND
RESTON, Va. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE: LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, today announced the promotion of Amy Smith to Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. Smith will manage the company's government affairs operation and serve as the lead advocate for Leidos on Capitol Hill.

"Amy's impressive career in government and bipartisan reputation on Capitol Hill will continue to serve Leidos well as we enter our next decade as a leading provider of products and services to the military and federal government," said Debbie Opiekun , Leidos Chief Business Development Officer. "We're excited to leverage Amy's experience to share the Leidos story with policymakers and executives across the government."

Smith joined Leidos as Vice President of Government Affairs in 2020. Previously she served for seven years as Chief of Staff and Senior Director, International Operations and Policy at Boeing. Smith began her career in the U.S. House of Representatives where she advised numerous members of Congress at both the personal office and committee levels over a period of 17 years.

During that time, she became a key advisor to House leadership, serving as policy analyst for appropriations under Majority Whip Tom Delay , then as floor director under Majority Whip Roy Blunt . Smith finished her time on Capitol Hill as Policy Director for six years for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is a graduate of Florida International University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia , Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022 . For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leidos-appoints-amy-smith-to-senior-vice-president-government-affairs-301919819.html

SOURCE Leidos
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, September 9th , at 9:00am (EDT) Leland Little Auctions will hold its Signature Fall Auction, following the conclusion of their Fine Wine and Rare Spirits Auction on Thursday and Friday.

The Signature Fall Auction offers bidders a vetted selection of quality fine art, antique furniture, and fine jewelry. American Fine Art offerings are led by an Indian ink and watercolor on paper by Diego Rivera (Mexican, 1886-1957), titled Mujer Cargando Ayate. This work was originally purchased from Diego Rivera's first art broker, Alberto Misrachi , in January of 1944 by Gimbel Brothers . This work is signed and dated at the lower right.

This auction features several works from highly celebrated and collectible North Carolina artists, such as an oil on canvas by Claude Howell (NC, 1915-1997) titled, Heading Shrimp. This large work is signed and dated at the lower right. Other works of note include an oil on canvas by Maud Gatewood (NC, 1934-2004), titled, Breakers and an acrylic on canvas by Ivey Hayes (American, 1948-2012), titled, Mama's Quilt.

European Fine Art features a drawing by Henry Moore (British, 1898-1986), a black chalk and Indian ink on paper of a Standing Female Nude. This work is pencil signed at the lower left. Another highlight is an oil on canvas by Paul Emile Pissarro (French, 1884-1972), titled Gerbes de Bles, Soleil Couchant. This work captures the spirit of the autumn season and is signed at the lower left.

Antique American Furniture is led by a Federal Inlaid Mahogany Tall Case Clock, attributed to Wood & Taylor, New York. Skillfully adorned with inlaid ornament, this circa 1810 tall case clock is exemplary of the highest caliber of Federal era cabinetmaking. Another lot of note is an Important Philadelphia Queen Anne Carved Walnut Armchair, which is attributed to William Savery (1721-1787).

Jewelry offerings are strong. A highlight worth noting is an Art Deco, Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire Bracelet by J.E. Caldwell & Co. This bracelet is comprised of geometric links designed in a buckle motif and bead set with transitional cut diamonds weighing approximately 9.24 total carats and bezel set baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.09 total carats. This bracelet is signed and numbered N3698, with a total diamond weight of approximately 10.33 carats.

Bidding for this auction will take place live in person as well as live on the Leland Little Auctions website (www.lelandlittle.com). Registered bidders can also leave absentee bids or arrange for telephone bidding through the Leland Little website prior to the live auction.

For further information about the auction, please contact:

Leland Little

[email protected]

919-644-1243

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leland-little-to-hold-signature-fall-auction-301919331.html

SOURCE Leland Little Auctions
Master Franchisees Open 11th Location in Canada as the Sibling Duo Continues to Expand Throughout Canada

CALGARY , AB, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Heights , a leading massage and wellness franchise, announces further expansion into the Canadian market with the opening of its 11th retreat in the country. The retreat is located at 70 Shawville Blvd SE, Unit 248 in Calgary , and officially opened their doors on Friday, September 1 . Massage Heights Alberta will provide an elevated experience for those in the Calgary community through offerings.

Leading the charge of Massage Heights' growth in Canada are master franchisees, Will and Zach Carter . The brothers began their journey with the brand when their father became one of the originals investors in Massage Heights Canada. After years of running the business, their father asked them to join and eventually take over the entrepreneurial venture. The brothers, having a sink or swim mentality, dove in headfirst and now are opening their first Massage Heights location since they took over the portfolio.

"At my core, and the core of our business, is helping people and we are able to do that every single day at our Retreats," said Will Carter . "This is our family's legacy  and Massage Heights provided us with the foundation and tools to bring wellness to Canada . As we open this new location, I can't wait to see how this type of therapeutic relief makes a positive impact on our community members."

Having learned invaluable lessons from their entrepreneurial-minded parents, the brothers have set out to continue to grow their family's legacy across Canada . An instrumental tool in their success with the brand is the highly skilled team they have built who all align with the Carter's core values, as well as those of Massage Heights .

To celebrate, the brothers will be hosting a grand opening event at the end of September. Leading up to their formal grand opening, the Carters will also offer a special membership promotion throughout September where each new member will be entered into a weekly drawing to receive an upgraded membership.

"International growth will continue to play a key role in our overall franchise development strategy as we look toward our next era of success," said Susan Boresow , President & CEO of Massage Heights . "The Carter family have been ideal franchise partners, embodying a deep passion and unwavering commitment to health and wellness. We are thrilled to have them spearheading our expansion in Canada and look forward to seeing them elevate the lives of more community members through massage therapy."

Company leadership has identified Canada as a target growth market in addition to the various U.S. territories currently available. As the multi-billion-dollar industry remains primed for increased growth, Massage Heights offers a turnkey business opportunity backed by unmatched support.

Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit https://www.massageheightsfranchise.com/ .

About Massage Heights

The massage franchise started in 2004 and has grown to more than 115 Retreats throughout North America by providing personalized wellness treatment options through therapeutic massage and skincare services. Massage Heights is a massage and wellness franchise dedicated to elevating the lives of others by providing Members and Guests with professional, affordable and resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/massage-heights-grows-canadian-footprint-with-grand-opening-in-alberta-301919680.html
SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro State University, the Twin Cities' nationally recognized urban university, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a 2024 Collaborative Urban and Greater MN Educators of Color (CUGMEC) grant from the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The grant marks the eighth time in as many years that Metro State has been awarded funding from PELSB to advance the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students of color and American Indian students enrolled in its School of Urban Education (UED).

A primary goal of Metro State's UED is to prepare and graduate a diverse teaching staff reflective of the students and families those urban schools serve. In accordance with this goal, teachers of color and American Indian teachers (TOCAIT) candidates have comprised more than 50% of UED's student population for more than a decade without admission quotas. That number reached 57% for the spring 2023 semester. In fact, Metro State's UED is the most diverse teacher preparation program in the state with the largest total number and percentage of TOCAIT candidates. Metro State is also the only institution of its kind with a teacher preparation program in which persons of color make up the majority of its faculty and staff.

Paul Spies , dean of Metro State University's UED, says the university plans to increase its TOCAIT candidate population to 75% in the next five years to reflect the increasingly diverse pre-K12 student population in metro area schools. To that end, the UED will use the $1.35 million grant to fund TOCAIT candidate recruitment efforts as well as scholarships for enrolled TOCAIT candidates.

"The majority of Metro State's teacher candidates are post-traditional adult students with disproportionately low incomes and multiple work and family responsibilities, so many of them face numerous challenges when choosing to further their education, none-the-least of which is a lack of finances," said Spies. "The funding from this grant will make a significant difference not only for TOCAIT candidates here at Metro State but also for their future students."

Spies added that Metro State's UED used CUGMEC grant dollars to fully fund tuition and fees for 106 TOCAIT candidates admitted and enrolled during FY 2023 (summer '22, fall '22, spring '23) as well as 42 candidates admitted and enrolled in the first semester of FY 2024 (summer '23).

According to PELSB, while students of color and American Indian students make up 37% of the K12 population in Minnesota , only 6% of the state's more than 63,000 teachers are teachers of color or American Indian teachers. Yet studies show that teachers of color can help improve academic outcomes for students of color by fostering a sense of belonging. One study in particular found that black students who had at least one black teacher from kindergarten to third grade were 14% more likely to graduate from high school and 20% more likely to enroll in college than black students with no black teachers.

"Through Metro State's UED, we not only ensure our teacher candidates can teach reading, writing, and arithmetic but that they can empathize and connect with their diverse students and their experiences in an authentic way," said Spies. "Teachers who complete our program are often seen in their schools and districts as leaders in closing opportunity gaps and in providing equitable educational experiences to their students."

Metro State's UED offers 15 undergraduate and graduate licensure and degree programs for diverse individuals seeking employment as educators within Twin Cities area schools and school districts. The university and its UED are accepting admission applications for the spring 2024 semester, which begins in January.

About Metro State University

Founded in 1971, Metro State University, a member of Minnesota State, is the Twin Cities' public, urban, comprehensive state university providing lifelong learning and competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 25 graduate degrees. Metro State ranks 22nd in the nation and first in Minnesota on CollegeNet's Social Mobility Index, which measures colleges' and universities' success in elevating students from low-income strata into the middle class within five years of graduation. To learn more, visit metrostate.edu.

Contact:

Patty Gibbs

For Metro State University

651.269.7687

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/metro-state-university-awarded-1-35-million-grant-to-support-students-of-color-and-american-indian-students-to-become-licensed-teachers-301919723.html

SOURCE Metro State University
Bob Schifellite to become Chairman of Investor Communication Solutions

NEW YORK , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR) today announced the appointment of Michael Tae and Doug DeSchutter as Co-Presidents of its Investor Communication Solutions (ICS) business, effective October 1, 2023 . In their new roles, Tae and DeSchutter will be responsible for all aspects of the company's ICS business segment, including the bank broker-dealer, corporate issuer, mutual fund and retirement, and customer communications solutions businesses. As part of the long-planned leadership transition, current President Bob Schifellite will move into a new advisory role engaging with clients and advising Mike and Doug as Chairman of Broadridge's ICS.

"Mike and Doug are proven leaders with a strong track record of leveraging innovation to deepen our relationships with clients and deliver strong financial results for our shareholders. I'm confident they will help drive the continued evolution of our investor communications business by accelerating innovation and driving digitization," said Tim Gokey , CEO of Broadridge. "I am also excited to work with Bob in his new role, where he will use his strong relationships and tremendous leadership to help our business continue to grow."

Tae was named President of ICS's Mutual Funds, Retirement, Issuer and Data & Analytics businesses in January 2023 . Since joining Broadridge in 2017, Tae has led Broadridge's efforts to enhance innovation through a combination of acquisitions and internal investments, first as Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer and then later as Chief Transformation Officer for ICS. He has also driven the company's regulatory strategy, with a focus on developing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of fund and retail investor communications. As executive chair of Broadridge's Multi-Cultural Associate Network, he has been a champion of the company's DEI initiatives. Tae began his career at McKinsey & Company before moving to Merrill Lynch investment banking as a Vice President in their Financial Institutions Group. He later served as Director of Investments for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) at the U.S. Department of Treasury.

DeSchutter took the helm of Broadridge's Bank Broker-Dealer business in January 2023 , adding leadership of Broadridge's Proxy, Prospectus, and related businesses to his prior role as President of Broadridge Customer Communications. He has been a member of the executive committee for 16 years, joining Broadridge as Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer when it first became an independent company. Over the past decade, he has led the company's digital disruption strategy, using technology-led product innovation to create next-gen digital offerings for the market and drive Broadridge to become the leading omni-channel communications provider. Prior to joining Broadridge, he held various leadership roles at ADP and was Vice President, Technology M&A at Lehman Brothers.

"Broadridge plays an important role in enabling corporate governance across public companies and funds, and I'm excited to work with Doug to further strengthen the value we provide to our clients and ensure that investors get the critical information they need to make better financial decisions," said Tae. "I'm thrilled to lead Broadridge's Investor Communication Solutions business alongside Mike as we continue to innovate and solve for industry needs at scale, such as digital transformation, in partnership with our clients," said DeSchutter.

In his new role, Schifellite will engage with clients and advise the ICS executive team on long-term vision and goals. "Mike and Doug are the right leaders now, and I am excited to see them take Broadridge ICS to its next phase. I look forward to using my 40 years of experience to support even greater outcomes for clients," said Schifellite.

Broadridge's ICS business sits at the center of a network that connects hundreds of broker-dealers and wealth managers, thousands of public companies, tens of thousands of funds, and more than 100 million individual investors. Broadridge's solutions empower clients and investors as they look to engage in the market, participate in the governance process, and better their financial lives.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), a global Fintech leader with over $6 billion in revenues, provides the critical infrastructure that powers investing, corporate governance, and communications to enable better financial lives. We deliver technology-driven solutions that drive business transformation for banks, broker-dealers, asset and wealth managers and public companies. Broadridge's infrastructure serves as a global communications hub enabling corporate governance by linking thousands of public companies and mutual funds to tens of millions of individual and institutional investors around the world. Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500 Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about us, please visit broadridge.com.

Broadridge Contacts

Investors:

Edings Thibault

Head of Investor Relations, Broadridge

[email protected]

Media:

Gregg Rosenberg

Global Head of Corporate Communications, Broadridge

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michael-tae-and-doug-deschutter-appointed-co-presidents-of-broadridges-investor-communication-solutions-business-301918558.html

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
BERLIN , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea, a leading brand in smart home appliances, has announced the IFA debut of its new R290 product lineup in Berlin . During its five-day exhibit at IFA 2023, Midea has also participated in the IFA Sustainable Village , underscoring its commitment to advocating for a sustainable and green lifestyle.

As part of this IFA Sustainable Village program, on September 3 , Midea hosted a dedicated slot attended by guests from UNIDO, the German Environment Agency and GIZ. The discussions focused on refrigerants' impact on the environment and their role in shaping the future of the HVAC industry.

Dr. Chang Wei , CTO of Midea Group delivered a speech at the event, blending Midea's overall green development strategy with the discussion on the go-to-market strategy of R290 products in the international market and the importance of consumer education. The participants also delved into topics such as heat pumps, fluorinated gases, and the potential of R290 as a solution. These discussions highlighted Midea's dedication to fostering collaboration, leading improvements, and sustainable business in the industry.

During the five-day event, Midea's latest R290 products, showcased under the theme of "Green Vision Blue Future," have received significant attention. These high-efficiency and eco-friendly products include the newly released top-of-the-line A+++ EffiClima split AC the Xtreme split AC that has received the Blue Angel Certificate, and the A+ high-efficiency heat pump water heater. These products not only provide exceptional performance but also strongly support Midea's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building a sustainable future.

With the increasing environmental awareness, relevant regulations have been put forth at the legal level to address the requirements regarding refrigerants. Consequently, refrigerants are also undergoing continual improvement. Both R32 and R290 have a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). However, compared to R32's Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 771, R290 has a significantly lower GWP of only 0.02, making it a much more ideal choice. More and more countries and regions are focusing on the GWP of refrigerants due to the worsening climate change. According to the current EU F-gas Regulation, from 1 January 2025 , single split air-conditioning systems using less than 3kg of HFCs with a GWP of 750 or more will then be prohibited.

As a world's leading HVAC company, Midea has prioritized environmental friendliness by embracing R290, a green refrigerant. For 12 years, Midea has been at the forefront of R290 technology. It has achieved remarkable innovations like the world's first R290 rotary compressor and the inaugural R290 demonstration line, acknowledged by the United Nations.

By opting for Midea's R290 products, consumers can enjoy advanced and eco-friendly solutions. For example, Midea's R290 EffiClima offers a SEER of 12.2 and a SCOP of 6.3, surpassing the performance of R32. This ultra-energy-efficient R290 air conditioning product is specifically designed to meet the needs of European consumers, providing effective heating while conserving energy.

During the IFA event, Euromonitor International awarded Midea the title of being the world's No.1 R290 air conditioner company in terms of sales volume in 2022. So far, Midea has produced more than 6.2 million R290 products. Based on these sales figures, it is estimated that Midea's R290 products have successfully curbed CO2 emissions by a remarkable 3.715 million tons. This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 that 4.4 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest could absorb in just one year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mideas-sets-vision-for-a-greener-future-with-debut-of-new-r290-product-lineup-at-ifa-2023-301919465.html

SOURCE Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division
- UAE's clean energy powerhouse Masdar awarded sixth phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park PV Project in Dubai featuring a cost of up to AED5.51 billion

- The 1,800MW sixth phase will increase solar park's total production capacity to 4,660MW

- Ahead of UAE hosting COP28 , this ambitious programme demonstrates country's firm commitment to decarbonisation at home and abroad

- Sixth phase of the project, set to be operational in stages starting from Q4 of 2024, will power over half a million residences while reducing carbon emissions by 2.36 million tonnes annually

- All phases of the landmark project are expected to be completed by 2030, with a total investment of AED50 billion

- When fully completed, the solar park will reduce over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually

ABU DHABI , UAE , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Government of Dubai Media Office: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai , witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (DEWA) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, to build and operate the 1,800 megawatt (MW) sixth phase of the landmark Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park , featuring a cost of up to AED5.51 billion.

The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of the Presidential Court; His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan , Minister of Foreign Affairs; and His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi , Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: "Today, I witnessed with Mansour bin Zayed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, to implement the sixth phase of the world's largest single-site solar park, at a cost of AED5.5 billion. This phase will power over half a million residences while reducing carbon emissions by 2.36 million tonnes annually. All phases of this landmark project are expected to be completed by 2030, with a total investment of AED50 billion. We're on track to achieve our ambitious goal - 100% clean energy for Dubai by 2050."

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber , UAE Minister of Industry & Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, and His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer , Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of DEWA signed the agreement in Abu Dhabi .

The UAE's clean energy powerhouse was selected from 23 high-calibre international bidders and offered a Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of USD1.6215 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), the lowest of any of DEWA's solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) model projects to date. The current total production capacity of solar projects at the solar park is 2,427MW. DEWA is building another project with a total capacity of 433 MW. The 1,800MW sixth phase of the solar park will increase total production capacity to 4,660MW.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said: "Being awarded this landmark renewable energy project on the world's largest single-site solar park is another significant milestone for Masdar. It is a testament to Masdar's track record in pioneering clean energy projects as we continue to support the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Ahead of our nation hosting COP28 later this year, it is vital that the world triples global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to keep the ambition of 1.5 degrees within reach. This landmark project demonstrates definitive action in our shared journey towards a cleaner, greener future."

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer , MD & CEO of DEWA, said: "In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , President of the UAE ; and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai , we are committed to achieving a balance between development and environmental sustainability across social, economic and environmental plans. This underscores the UAE's prominent status as one of the world's largest investors in clean and renewable energy projects. It also affirms our support for the UAE's hosting of the COP28 at Expo City Dubai , aligning our strategies and policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in sustainability, innovation and future-making."

Al Tayer added: " Dubai is a pioneer in launching programmes, projects and initiatives that promote sustainability, a green economy and preserving natural resources for future generations. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) was selected as the Preferred Bidder to build and operate the 1,800MW sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park for using photovoltaic solar panels based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, costing up to AED5.51 billion.

When completed, this phase will provide clean energy to approximately 540,000 residences and reduce 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Through phase VI, DEWA has achieved the lowest Levelised Cost OF Energy (LCOE) of USD1.6215 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). At DEWA, we have a proven track record of clean and renewable energy, emission reduction, and attracting competitive global prices for clean and renewable energy projects. We enhance sustainability in all our projects and initiatives to achieve the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy to provide 100% of Dubai 's total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050."

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi , Masdar CEO, said; "Following our successful delivery of phase three of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of an international consortium, this latest award once again shows that Masdar is a global leader in clean energy as we move forwards from 20GW capacity today to reach 100GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 driving decarbonisation at home and abroad." When fully completed, the solar park will reduce over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The 1,800MW sixth phase will become operational in stages starting from Q4 of 2024.

Masdar, the UAE's clean energy powerhouse established in 2006, is committed to achieving at least 100 GW of total renewable energy capacity by 2030. It is active in more than 40 countries and has invested in a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203332/Masdar_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203333/Masdar_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203330/Masdar_3.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203331/Masdar_4.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1973446/4258455/Masdar_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203328/Government_of_Dubai_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2203329/Government_of_Dubai_Media_Office_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mohammed-bin-rashid-witnesses-signing-of-agreement-between-masdar-and-dewa-to-deliver-6th-phase-of-worlds-largest-single-site-solar-park-pv-project-301919632.html

SOURCE Masdar
CAIRO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pangiam, a trade and travel technology company, executed two agreements with the Cairo Airport Company to design and build Cairo International Airport's (CAI) new Terminal 4 and develop CAI into a world-class smart airport through the use of cutting-edge technology and operations best practices.

The two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) instruct Pangiam and its partners to develop a proposal to build a new Terminal 4 at CAI and complete a feasibility study providing recommendations to use emerging technologies to convert CAI's existing infrastructure into a world-class smart airport and seamless travel experience. Over the next six months, Pangiam and its partners will work in partnership the Cairo Airport Company to complete this work in line with the priorities of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Development Plan announced this past spring.

Tom Plofchan , Pangiam Chief Investment Officer said, "these agreements represent the beginning of an exciting opportunity to deliver a world-class passenger experience that will help support and grow Egypt's impressive tourism industry and attract additional foreign direct investment."

Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Abbas Helmy stated, "the signing of the two MoUs is in line with the Ministry's desire to develop the infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of Cairo International Airport systems, supported in this endeavour by distinguished experts with access to cutting-edge technologies. The aim is to enhance the level of services provided to passengers in order to create a better travel experience, particularly given the expected increase in air and tourist traffic in Egypt in the years ahead."

Pangiam is grateful for the support of the United States Embassy in Cairo in reaching this important milestone.

About Pangiam:

Led by a team of seasoned aviation experts, Pangiam brings a unique set of integrated technologies, private capital, and a consortium of design, architecture, and operations partners to Cairo , offering the potential to significantly enhance passenger experience and connectivity to U.S. and European markets.

Contact:

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pangiam-signs-agreements-to-design-and-build-cairo-international-airports-new-terminal-4-and-develop-cai-into-a-world-class-smart-airport-301919606.html

SOURCE Pangiam
SAN DIEGO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The ProtoStar Foundation is commissioning renowned composer Michael Schachter to compose a new piano concerto, which will premiere in 2024 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Gershwin's masterpiece, originally commissioned by Paul Whiteman , was first performed in New York City's Aeolian Hall on February 12, 1924 . Schachter's composition will pay tribute to Gershwin's piece musically.

ProtoStar commemorates centennial of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue by commissioning new piano concerto premiering in 2024.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to write a new concerto in honor of the centennial of a true American masterwork  and, through engaging with our musical and cultural legacy, to contend with our present and future," Schachter said. "My humble gratitude to ProtoStar for their generous support and enthusiasm." Gary P. Poon , president of the ProtoStar Foundation, added, "We are fortunate to have such an esteemed artist as Michael compose a piece that pays homage to this iconic work by a great man."

Stay tuned for details about the date and venue of the world premiere of this amazing commission.

About Michael Schachter

Michael Schachter is a composer, writer, and pianist based in Burlington, VT . His compositions have been performed at venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the Smithsonian to the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Recent commissions include the Los Angeles Philharmonic (in collaboration with Davone Tines, Caroline Shaw, and Tyshawn Sorey ), Grammy-winning choir Conspirare, and the Miro Quartet. He is also developing his first project for television as writer, composer, and executive producer with Seaview Productions.

About ProtoStar Foundation

The ProtoStar Foundation is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in San Diego . It is part of the ProtoStar Group, a set of pioneering companies that find resourceful ways to fund, develop, or incubate innovative projects and organizations that have a unique, compelling, and impactful social mission. Among its projects is the founding and sponsorship of the ProtoStar Innovative Series at the Conrad in La Jolla, California .

Media Contact: Gary P. Poon [email protected] (202) 360-1160

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protostar-commissions-new-piano-concerto-to-commemorate-100th-anniversary-of-gershwins-rhapsody-in-blue-301919779.html

SOURCE ProtoStar Foundation
Results showed TDP-43 pathology drives loss of synaptic UNC13A function; UNC13A is an essential regulator of neurotransmitter release at synapses

UNC13A mis-splicing is critical genetic alteration in neurodegenerative diseases, occurring in 58 percent of all ALS patients and up to half of all frontotemporal dementia cases

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- QurAlis Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough precision medicines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets, today announced it will present preclinical data showing that TDP-43 (TAR DNA-binding protein 43) pathology drives loss of synaptic UNC13A function in neurodegenerative diseases including ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Data also showed that an UNC13A splice-switching antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) prevented cryptic exon inclusion in UNC13A transcripts, increased UNC13A protein levels, and normalized localization of UNC13A protein at the synapse.

"UNC13A is a genetically validated target in ALS and FTD and our results showed that TDP-43 pathology drives loss of synaptic UNC13A function. At QurAlis, we hypothesize that ameliorating UNC13A mis-splicing using a splice-switching ASO can alleviate symptoms of ALS, FTD, and ALS/FTD spectrum disorder associated with synaptic dysfunction that underlies clinical manifestation and disease progression," said Daniel Elbaum , Ph.D., chief scientific officer of QurAlis. "We recently launched our newest program that targets UNC13A mis-splicing and look forward to advancing this program along with our other programs targeting neurodegenerative diseases so that we can make a real difference in patients' lives."

QurAlis will present these data in a poster presentation at the 1stBiennial Conference on TDP-43 Function and Dysfunction in Disease in Trieste, Italy on Thursday, September 7, 2023 .

About UNC13A

UNC13A is an essential regulator of neurotransmitter release at synapses. In ALS and FTD, the loss of TDP-43 causes the mis-splicing of certain pre-mRNA transcripts resulting in expression of a cryptic exon-containing transcript that interferes with appropriate protein generation. An exon is a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.

UNC13A is one of a number of pre-mRNAs that becomes mis-spliced due to loss of TDP-43 in disease. Fifty-eight percent of ALS patients and up to half of FTD patients carry a single nuclear polymorphism in the UNC13A gene or show TDP-43 pathology which greatly exacerbates UNC13A mis-splicing leading to loss of function of the UNC13A protein. There are currently no cures for ALS or FTD. Limited therapeutic options are available for ALS and FTD patients who are in desperate need for effective therapies.

Incorporating its proprietary FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform, QurAlis' antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) correct this mis-splicing, restore UNC13A protein production, and reduce cryptic exons that may contribute to disease progression.

The QurAlis FlexASO Splice Modulator Platform was developed to generate splice-switching ASOs with improved potency and an increased therapeutic index. In addition to UNC13A, QurAlis is currently exploring this ASO technology for multiple other disease targets.

About QurAlis Corporation

QurAlis is trailblazing the path to conquering amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases with genetically validated targets with next-generation precision medicines. QurAlis' proprietary platforms and unique biomarkers enable the design and development of drugs that act directly on disease-causing genetic alterations. Founded by an internationally recognized team of neurodegenerative biologists from Harvard Medical School and Harvard University, QurAlis is advancing a deep pipeline of antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule programs including addressing sub-forms of ALS that account for the majority of ALS patients. For more information, please visit www.quralis.com or follow us on Twitter @QurAlisCo.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quralis-to-present-data-showing-link-between-tdp-43-pathology-and-role-of-unc13a-in-neuronal-biology-related-to-als-and-other-neurodegenerative-diseases-301917970.html

SOURCE QurAlis
STAMFORD, Conn. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rain Carbon Inc., a leading global producer of upcycled carbon-based products and advanced materials, announces today that it has joined the UN Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.

"Our company supports the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact on environment, human rights, labor and anti-corruption, and we are committed to incorporating these principles into our business strategy, culture and day-to-day operations," said Rain Carbon President Gerry Sweeney .

"That commitment can be seen in our efforts to support the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which function as a global plan to fight poverty, endorse sustainable prosperity and protect the planet," Sweeney added.

In its 2022 corporate sustainability report, Rain Carbon identified eight "priority SDGs" in which the company has the highest potential to minimize negative and maximize positive impacts: Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Climate Action.

"With our ongoing focus on these SDGs and our commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, Rain Carbon is well positioned to make meaningful and sustainable contributions for our many stakeholders for years to come," Sweeney said.

About Rain Carbon Inc.

Rain Carbon Inc. is a leading vertically integrated global producer of carbon-based products that are essential raw materials for staples of everyday life. We operate in two business segments: Carbon and Advanced Materials. Our Carbon business segment upcycles the byproducts of oil refining and steel production into high-value, carbon-based products that are critical raw materials for the aluminum, graphite electrode, carbon black, wood preservation, titanium dioxide, refractory, and several other global industries. Our Advanced Materials business segment extends the value chain of our carbon processing through the innovative downstream transformation of a portion of our carbon output and other raw materials into high-value, eco-friendly and advanced-material products that are critical raw materials for the specialty chemicals, coatings, construction, automotive, petroleum and several other global industries. Learn more about Rain Carbon at www.raincarbon.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rain-carbon-joins-un-global-compact-301919617.html

SOURCE Rain Carbon Inc.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, September 21st , leading scientists, researchers and advocates from across the region come together to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer's disease research and treatment, and how Rhode Island is playing a leading role in the battle against the disease.

Presented on World Alzheimer's Day, David Shenk , Brown alumnus ('88), journalist and author of The Forgetting, Alzheimer's: Portrait of an Epidemic, facilitates this discussion with:

Jessica Alber , Ph.D, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and Ryan Research Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Rhode Island .

, Ph.D, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and Ryan Research Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the . Maritza Ciliberto , member of the National Institutes of Health's National Advisory Council on Aging , AD care partner/research advocate and participant.

, member of the , AD care partner/research advocate and participant. Edward (Ted) Huey , M.D, Director of the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital , affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University .

, M.D, Director of the Memory and Aging Program at , affiliate of and professor in the at . Gregorio Valdez , Ph.D, GLF Translational Associate Professor of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry at Brown University .

" Rhode Island's close-knit community of scientists, researchers and institutions helps foster an uncommon spirit of cooperation and connection," said Brown University President Christina H. Paxson . "At Brown, we have a robust foundation in place. By attracting talented scholars, investing in facilities, and creating the infrastructure to connect the incredible work already happening in our labs and clinical settings, our goal is to accelerate development toward novel treatments and cures in the fight against Alzheimer's."

Every year, Alzheimer's disease kills more people in the U.S. than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. In Rhode Island , some 24,000 people aged 65 and older are living with the disease, and 36,000 caregivers provide 51 million hours of unpaid care. Annually, Alzheimer's costs the state Medicaid program $470 million .

"The battle against Alzheimer's disease is at an inflection point. New drugs for early stage treatment have been approved by the FDA and powerful molecular tools are being employed for disease identification and detection," said Diane Lipscombe , Director of the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science and Director of the Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research. "Now is the time for ever more collaborative, ground-breaking research to bring treatments for Alzheimer's from the 'bench-to-bedside' with speed and efficacy."

Held in Ray Hall on the campus of Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island , this free, public event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Organizations including Butler Hospital, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Alzheimer's Association will be on-hand to share information, answer questions and connect attendees with relevant resources.

Attendees are asked to preregister for the event at bit.ly/CarneyWAD23 or by calling 401-863-7421. A reception will precede the discussion. Free parking is easily available on the Butler Campus .

The Robert J. & Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science is committed to supporting research and facilitating collaborations in brain science across the Brown University community. Our mission is to promote discovery and innovation in brain science by supporting a diverse community of experimentalists, theorists, engineers and clinical scientists. We do this by recruiting and retaining world-class faculty, creating an outstanding collaborative training environment, seeding innovative projects, supporting collaborative teams and raising the visibility and reputation of Carney researchers.

Media Contact

Joshua Speiser

[email protected]

443.939.7953

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rhode-island-experts-come-together-to-discuss-a-new-era-of-alzheimers-disease-treatment-and-research-301919705.html

SOURCE Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University
Promotions come amid continued momentum for the firm and further support for innovation within the healthcare and life sciences industries

AUSTIN, Texas , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sante Ventures, (Sante), an early-stage healthcare and life sciences investment firm, has announced promotions for two members of the investment team. Auriel August , MD, has been promoted to Principal, and Michael Gutbrod , PhD to Senior Associate. Both joined the firm in 2021 and have made meaningful contributions in identifying and managing portfolio company investments.

Since joining Sante, Auriel and Michael have become valuable additions to the medical device and biotech investment teams, respectively. Their thematic research and disciplined due diligence helped catalyze investments for the firm's most recent fund. Additionally, they have each become trusted resources for Sante's portfolio companies as well as valuable members of the broader life sciences ecosystem. Following their promotions, Auriel and Michael will continue to provide insightful research to fuel diligence on emerging opportunities in medical devices and biotechnology.

"Auriel and Michael have been exemplary team members since joining us roughly two years ago," noted Kevin Lalande , Managing Director and Co-Founder of Sante. "Their work helps our firm to make investments in companies of consequence, who are pioneering new treatments and creating a meaningful difference in the advancement of care. Together, we will continue to grow our diverse portfolio of biotech, healthtech and medtech firms, and I am very optimistic about the opportunities ahead."

About Auriel August and Michael Gutbrod :

Auriel August , MD cultivates the firm's portfolio of early-stage companies with a focus on medical devices and healthcare services. Prior to joining Sante, Dr. August was a Physician-In-Residence in IDEO's Design for Health Studio where she worked with clients in the healthcare space to design new medical devices, digital health technologies, and patient care experiences. Before joining IDEO, Dr. August completed the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship, where she identified unmet needs within healthcare, invented novel technologies to address them, and mapped a path to implementation. Dr. August trained as a general surgeon at Stanford, where she focused on innovation as a way to address healthcare disparities. She earned her MD from Dartmouth Medical School, and a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Duke University.

Michael Gutbrod , PhD focuses on the firm's portfolio of biotech companies. Prior to joining Sante, Michael was a postdoctoral fellow at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and a visiting fellow at Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, where he conducted research at the intersection of machine learning and functional genomics to better understand complex disease. Michael earned his PhD from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Biological Sciences and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne in Molecular & Cellular Biology and English.

About Sante Ventures

Founded in 2006, Sante Ventures is a specialized healthcare and life sciences investment firm with roughly $800 Million in capital under management. The firm invests in early-stage companies developing innovative new medical technologies, biotechnologies, and digitally enabled healthcare services. Recent Sante successes include Farapulse (Boston Scientific), Claret Medical (Boston Scientific), TVA Medical (Becton Dickinson), Millipede Medical (Boston Scientific), Molecular Templates (MTEM), AbVitro ( Bristol Myers S quibb), and Explorys (IBM Corp). Sante invests nationally and has offices in Austin, TX , and Boston, MA. For more information, please visit www.sante.com.

Media Contacts

Sante Ventures Press and Community Relations

[email protected]

512.721.1200

Ryan Walker , R.J. Walker & Co.

[email protected]

860.930.3611

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sante-ventures-announces-promotions-for-auriel-august-md-and-michael-gutbrod-phd-301918655.html

SOURCE Sante Ventures
First location to Open in Tampa Carrollwood (North Dale Mabry ) in the Fall 2023

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoner's Pizza Joint, a quick-service pizza franchise, announced today that it has signed a multi-unit agreement that will bring three new stores to the Tampa, FL market over the next two years.

Franchisee and COO, Scott Mobley , who operates 3 additional stores in Florida plans to aggressively build out the Tampa, FL area. Mobley has signed a lease on North Dale Mabry Highway and expects to open his first of three locations this October.

"Look, when you have something good, you double down and look for new markets that suit Stoner's Pizza. We've had our eye on the booming Tampa market for several years and are thrilled to have found our first location," said Scott Mobley . "We are aggressively looking to open additional locations throughout the Tampa metro market over the next 2 years, we want to make sure ALL of Tampa Gets Baked!"

"Stoner's continues to grow through the success of our franchisees," said John Stetson , CEO and Owner of Stoner's Pizza Joint. " Tampa marks Mr. Mobley's 4th location in less than a year which is a testament to the brands quality."

The brand has set an expansion goal of 100 units by the end of 2025 as it seeks new multi-unit operators throughout the United States .

About Stoner's Pizza Joint

Founded in 2013, Stoner's Pizza Joint launched its franchising program in late 2018 along with fresh new branding and a business model that has proven resilient to massive changes sweeping the food industry. For more information, visit https://www.stonerspizzajoint.com, or call 954-982-6618.

Stoner's Pizza Joint is currently seeking qualified franchisees to help the brand grow nationwide in college town markets, with a focus on the Southeast region. Prospective franchisees should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 . The ideal candidate is a proven, multi-unit operator in the restaurant industry and has a strong knowledge of their market. Stoner's Pizza Joint's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) reveals an estimated initial investment range of $90,000 to $206,000 for the first location, including a franchise fee of $25,000 .

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Stoner's Pizza Joint, contact the Stoner's Pizza Joint Franchise Development team, at [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT:

Scott Mobley // Stoner's Pizza Joint

[email protected]

706-410-0667

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stoners-pizza-joint-signs-multi-unit-agreement-to-bring-three-stores-to-tampa-fl-301917933.html

SOURCE Stoner's Pizza Joint
Agreements Come at Niles , Joliet Stores Where Record-Setting Strike Occurred

CHICAGO , Sept. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Local 777 members at three dispensaries operated by Rise  a subsidiary of Green Thumb Industries (GTI)  have ratified their first collective bargaining agreements with the multi-state cannabis operator. The contract ratifications at two locations in Joliet, Ill. and another in Niles, Ill. mark the end of a protracted fight with GTI that included a 13-day work stoppage that ended back in May  the longest Unfair Labor Practice strike at a cannabis retailer in U.S. history.

"Let this be a lesson to cannabis companies all across not just Illinois , but the entire country  Teamsters don't back down," said Jim Glimco , Local 777 President. "A lot of people who went through what these men and women went through, they would've thrown in the towel. Not this group. They're young, energetic, tough, smart; they look out for one another, and they embody what being a part of this union is all about."

"We're happy that we were able to reach an agreement that was both amenable to all parties involved and consistent with the high standards that Teamsters have for our collective bargaining agreements," said Peter Finn , Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Food Processing Division Director. "We look forward to having a productive relationship with GTI moving forward, and to continuing our effort to bring more long-term, prosperous careers to workers at this company."

The strong contracts not only codify a number of benefits, but also include significant improvements. These include wage increases of 18 percent over the lifetime of the agreement, attendance bonuses, a scheduling policy based on seniority, guaranteed tips and discounts, improved safety standards, and protection against unjust termination or discipline.

"I could not be prouder of myself and my coworkers for achieving this first, historic collective bargaining agreement," said Reilly Drew , a Rise worker who served on the bargaining committee. "We started as a small but united group of workers. Over the last year and a half, we have grown to be a strong union, changed our workplace for the better, and forged a bright path forward for workers in our industry."

"It took longer than expected, but we persevered," said Tim Burns , another Rise worker who served on the bargaining committee. "I'm happy we got it done and established a foundation for cannabis workers here at Rise."

Founded in 1937, Teamsters Local 777 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Chicago area. For more information, go to teamsters777.org/.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-ratify-contracts-with-cannabis-giant-green-thumb-industries-301918426.html

SOURCE Teamsters Local 777
Executes Space Act Agreement to Qualify and Certify Operating Characteristics of its Patented "Miniaturized" TWT

CLEVELAND , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teraphysics Corp., a privately held, Cleveland, Ohio -based R&D company announces that it has executed a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement with NASA's Glenn Research Facility in Cleveland . Teraphysics entered this agreement for the purpose of performing radio frequency (RF) characterization of its patented, micro-fabricated E-band helical traveling wave tube amplifier and to ascertain its suitability for space-to-earth RF telecommunication link. The schedule of work includes:

* Certification for use as a communication amplifier for satellite and terrestrial communications

* Quantification of performance parameters

* Demonstration of terrestrial performance in a stand-alone 1-mile radio link

Dr. Gerald Mearini , Co-Founder and CEO, stated, "This marks a historic milestone achievement in our corporate history. The testing of our disruptive technology by NASA is the culmination of 20-plus years of research and development with investments from the private sector and numerous U.S. government-funded projects. We are both honored and humbled to have this incredible collaboration. We look forward to working closely with our colleagues at NASA Glenn as we enter this next evolutionary phase in our technology development."

The agreement allows the company to characterize, certify, and qualify its patented "miniaturized" TWT for RF communications that could be incorporated and used in future LEO constellations and existing 5G, 6G and future wireless terrestrial communications. Testing is expected to begin in Q3 2023, with completion of the testing anticipated in Q2 2025.

About Teraphysics Corp.

Teraphysics Corp. is an R&D company formed in 2006 to advance and commercialize its disruptive patented millimeter-wave Travelling Wave Tube (TWT), a modern-day re-invention of a proven 70-year-old technology. Teraphysics has developed and patented a millimeter-wave amplifier that will enable significantly faster data transfer, impacting not only defense C5ISR initiatives but also the commercial sector.

The Teraphysics breakthrough is a miniaturized, high power, highly efficient millimeter-wave TWT amplifier that will enable a family of communication systems operating in the E-band (71 to 86 GHz) and other devices operating at the upper frequency bands to meet high capacity, military C5ISR, terrestrial communications, and inter-satellite links for future planned LEO constellations, radar antenna arrays and electronic warfare systems. These devices are the size of a business card, weigh less than one pound and are designed to output from 10s to 100s of watts of linear power. They were developed by a team of former NASA engineers and physicists who initially worked together in the 1990s in the Space Communications Division at NASA's Lewis Research Center (now NASA Glenn) in Cleveland, OH . Additional information regarding the company can be found on our website at www.teraphysics.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teraphysics-corp-announces-nasa-agreement-301918747.html

SOURCE Teraphysics
Inaugural Watch List spotlights firm's efforts on behalf of victimized guests

HOUSTON , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Lawyer has named trial boutique Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC, to its inaugural " Watch List ," which recognizes the accomplishments of law firms that the publication says "should be on everybody's radar."

Blizzard Greenberg earned its selection for launching a new practice area in hotel sexual assault.

The newfound focus comes on the heels of a $44 million jury verdict against Hilton Management LLC after hotel personnel placed a vulnerable guest in the wrong room, leading to her sexual assault. While it is the responsibility of the hotel to provide a safe experience for travelers, Blizzard Greenberg attorneys have developed a national reputation for handling cases in which hotels have failed to maintain minimum safety standards and enforce established security measures that would have prevented sexual assaults, attempted sexual assaults and unlawful entry into travelers' rooms.

Name partners Ed Blizzard and Anna Greenberg have documented that some hotel management companies fail to properly train hotel staff or screen employees for criminal history. In some instances, hotel staff members have provided room keys to strangers who claim to know women staying in a hotel room without verifying their identities.

Among the firm's results is a $950,000 settlement on behalf of a woman who narrowly escaped an assault in her hotel room by a man she met at a nearby bar. The firm is also handling a case against a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on behalf of a University of Texas student who was sexually assaulted in her room after hotel staff failed to deactivate her lost room key, which was picked up by the attacker. That case is set for trial in January 2024 in Travis County .

The renowned team at Blizzard Greenberg has taken its efforts a step further by publishing helpful resources for victims and consumers, such as a hotel safety checklist with steps on what to do after an assault.

The 2023 edition of Texas Lawyer's " Watch List " highlights Texas firms in a range of areas, such as new practice areas launched, diversity, innovation, firm growth and others.

Click here to view the full issue.

About Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC

Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC, is an award-winning national trial firm with more than 40 years of experience handling complex legal issues involving pharmaceutical and personal injury cases. For more information, visit www.blizzardlaw.com.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Woulfe

800-559-4534

[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-lawyer-highlights-blizzard-greenbergs-hotel-sexual-assault-practice-301919866.html

SOURCE Blizzard Greenberg, PLLC
TAMPERE, Finland , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Treon, a technology leader specialized in intelligent edge products for massive IoT, successfully closed a 5.5 million Euro Series A round led by Ventech, to further boost Treon's international growth following Ventech's initial investment in Treon's Seed funding back in 2019.

Treon has gained recognition for providing scalable IoT solutions tailored to industrial, digital buildings, and logistics clients. Supported by an ecosystem of industry leaders, Treon offers a robust growing portfolio that includes sensors, gateways, edge platform, software, and services, all enabling advanced IoT solutions. Having established successful partnerships in the DACH region, Treon is now expanding its network to include the US, Denmark and France .

Treon's profitable growth in recent years is evident with over 80% YoY revenue growth in 2022, which is projected to continue at a similar pace throughout 2023 and 2024. The team has also seen substantial expansion, doubling to over 60 people within the last year, and now includes 14 nationalities, fostering a diverse and international environment. Treon's notable market growth, fueled by establishing its US office and awarding a US patent for Treon Industrial Node 6, paves the way for extensive expansion.

"With the rapid growth achieved so far, we are motivated to reach new heights and expand our market presence and product portfolio. Together with our partners and with the strong support from Ventech, we are at the forefront of the massive IoT movement, enabling unprecedented efficiency through scalable solutions and cutting-edge wireless edge technology in industrial, logistics, and digital buildings is our driving force." says Joni Korppi , CEO at Treon.

With this funding, Treon will allocate resources to bolster its sales and marketing efforts, establishing its market presence, and driving customer engagement. Additionally, the funding will be used to enhance Treon's product portfolio and further scale its organization to sustain the growth in the years to come.

"We are truly blessed to be chosen by Treon to lead their Series A funding, a significant step for its internationalization. Our initial investment in Treon through our Seed program back in 2019 was a testament to the potential we saw in Joni and the entire team. Witnessing their remarkable growth since then has left us immensely impressed, further solidifying our strong belief in Treon's journey to becoming a global leader in massive IoT." states Tero Mennander, General Partner at Ventech.

As Treon advances in the industry, the company remains committed to innovation, excellence, and delivering value to its ecosystem of globally leading customers. This investment and a stronger presence in the US market position Treon for greater success, pioneering new possibilities in the IoT landscape.

About Treon

Treon, a Finnish leading technology company, founded by experts with a strong background in wireless communication and battery-operated devices. Treon's mission is to empower a connected world by enabling global industry leaders in industrial, digital buildings, and logistics to build scalable IoT solutions using sensors, gateways, platform, software, and services, leveraging Treon Aito Platform for rapid and innovative developments.

About Ventech

Ventech is a global early-stage venture capital firm with a strong digital focus. Founded in 1998, Ventech backs the most innovative and visionary tech entrepreneurs with a global ambition. With its dual structure platform, Ventech has dedicated funds for Europe ( Paris , Munich , Berlin & Helsinki) and Asia ( Shanghai and Hong Kong ).

Press inquiries:

Treon

Samah Zain , Senior Growth Manager

[email protected]

+358-505507331

Joni Korppi , CEO

[email protected]

+358-505979532

Ventech

Yakun WANG, Head of Marketing and Communications at Ventech

[email protected]

+33  6 16 44 14 87

Laika

ventech@laika.berlin

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-iot-company-treon-closes-its-5-5-m-series-a-with-ventech-as-it-expands-into-us-301910089.html

SOURCE Treon Oy
Clients of Wag Hotels are Urged to Contact Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP to Discuss Their Legal Rights

SAN FRANCISCO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP today launched an investigation into the conduct of Wag Hotels for alleged animal mistreatment and neglect at the California -based pet boarding and day care business.

On August 15th, 2023 San Francisco Chronicle released a report detailing alleged safety and wellness concerns for pets at several of Wag Hotels' nine locations throughout the state. These included accounts from several clients who claimed that the business had either delayed or completely neglected feeding their dogs or administering important medications. Additionally, current and former employees of Wag Hotels claim to have received substandard training.

In light of these concerns, Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating whether Wag Hotels' engaged in systematic negligence at its facilities and whether its failure to disclose the true level of care it provided to pets is false and misleading in violation of state and federal laws.

If you are a former or current client of Wag Hotels, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring Wag to maintain minimum safety and wellness standards at its facilities.

If you have, at any point, boarded your pet with Wag Hotels and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/waghotels.

About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco , and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide.

Contact

Amber L. Schubert

Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP

[email protected]

Tel: (415) 788-4220

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wag-hotels-faces-class-action-investigation-for-alleged-mistreatment-of-dogs-301918989.html

SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
Emerging Pet Franchise Opens First Corporate Store as Franchise Development Continues to Surge

LIVONIA, Mich. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Wag N' Wash, the emerging self-wash, grooming and natural pet food franchise, makes brand history with its first corporate store in Michigan . Located at 353 N. Maple Rd. in Ann Arbor , this serves as the flagship store for the up-and-coming franchise brand. As Wag N' Wash puts an aggressive franchise development strategy into motion, this location will serve as the template for all future stores.

In February of 2022, Wag N' Wash was acquired by PSP Group, LLC which is also the parent company of Pet Supplies Plus, the largest independent pet franchise in North America with over 700 stores across the U.S. Since then, Wag N' Wash has doubled in store count with 25 locations currently open and 40 more in various stages of development. Although separate entities, the brands are rooted in and operate from the same proven business model and have the billion-dollar backing of 30+ years of franchise and industry experience.

"We are on a positive trajectory at Wag N' Wash with no intentions of slowing down," said Chris Rowland , CEO of Wag N' Wash and Pet Supplies Plus. "Pet Supplies Plus is a proven brand, and we're proud to be backing Wag N' Wash as it marches forward in its next era of success."

The individuality of each store design is key for both Wag N' Wash and Pet Supplies Plus as it reinforces that each franchise store is individually owned and operated  not a small part of a large conglomerate. Previously being a nail salon, the Wag N' Wash team converted the 4,800 sq. ft space into its newest prototype store with a design that captures the spirit of this emerging brand and the community it serves. Ann Arbor is known for its progressive nature that still embodies small-town hospitality, both which are characteristics of the innovative and community-minded brand that is Wag N' Wash.

Wag N' Wash will celebrate with a formal grand opening event at the end of September, complete with weekend discounts, thousands of event giveaways, free pet washes and more.

Both Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N' Wash are actively seeking single and multi-unit owners to join their growing families. To learn more about the Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunity, visit petsuppliesplusfranchising.com. To learn more about the Wag N' Wash franchise opportunity, visit wagnwashfranchising.com.

About Wag N' Wash

Wag N' Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, a full-line dog grooming and self-wash specialty retail destination, has a mission to recognize, promote and foster the positive impact that companion pets and their humans have on each other. Wag N' Wash provides full-service grooming, self-wash facilities, baked dog treats, natural food, supplements, and toys. In 2020, Wag N' Wash was ranked on Denver Business Journal's Colorado-Based Franchisors List, Franchise Times Top 200+ List and Included on Franchise Gator's Top 100 Franchisees List for the third year. Today, there are 25 Wag N' Wash locations open across the nation. To learn more about Wag N' Wash, please visit https://www.wagnwashfranchising.com/.

About Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Supplies Plus, a subsidiary of Franchise Group, Inc., is focused on making it easier to get better products and services for your pet. With over 700 locations in 42 states and counting, the stores have a streamlined design making it easy to navigate a wide assortment of natural pet foods, goods, and services. Additionally, www.petsuppliesplus.com provides neighbors with additional shopping options to better meet their pet-shopping needs. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan , Pet Supplies Plus ranked No. 22 in Entrepreneur magazine's 43rd Annual Franchise 500 list as of 2022, and is ranked as the Top Full-Service Pet Supplies Franchise for the ninth year running for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and system size. For more information on Pet Supplies Plus franchise opportunities, visit www.petsuppliesplusfranchising.com.

Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont , Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wag-n-wash-makes-history-with-grand-opening-of-flagship-store-in-michigan-301919137.html

SOURCE Wag N' Wash
THE #RUNWAYFORWATER IS ONE NO GIRL OR WOMAN SHOULD HAVE TO WALK

DENVER , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the fashion world focuses its attention on New York Fashion Week, today, global nonprofit Water For People unveiled their first-ever fashion film, shot in rural India to raise awareness of the global water crisis  and specifically the burden that falls upon women and girls, who are most often responsible for water collection for themselves and their families.

Filmed in the Chikhaldara block of India's Maharashtra state, the film features real women and girls from the local Korku tribe who walk this route up to six times per day with their water jug as their accessory. This film juxtaposes the breathtaking landscape and fashion in rural India with women and girls' strenuous daily efforts to collect safe water.

"The film reflects the current realities and obstacles women and girls face in their journey to collect water, drawing attention to the fact that the water crisis disproportionately impacts women, including their schooling, physical safety, health, and economic opportunity," said Katherine Williford , Water For People's Chief Growth Officer.

Around the world, 2.2 billion people don't have access to safe water, and 3.5 billion don't have access to sanitation. Many in the U.S. are unaware of this ongoing critical issue and its impact on women, who spend 200 million hours each day collecting water. Often starting at just four years old and well into old age, women and girls are primarily responsible for water collection, even when sick, pregnant, on their periods, and without adequate sanitation.

"By launching as counterprogramming to NYFW, we wanted to capture the attention of global audiences who are already tuned in to this moment and shine a light on both the intersection of water, sanitation and hygiene issues and gender equality, as well as the broader work we do as an organization to equip communities with lasting access to safe water and sanitation services. It's the least expected walk audiences expect to see this week," explains Williford.

Water For People began working in India in 1996, and in 2008 developed a locally registered arm to work in tandem on projects funded by Indian corporations, foundations, and individuals. To date, the organization has reached over 1.5 million people in India with reliable water and sanitation services.

In Maharashtra , the state where this video took place, Water For People India, in partnership with the local government, has been working with 50 villages in the Amravati district. This work includes ensuring historically vulnerable and excluded populations, including low caste and tribal communities, have access to safe water and sanitation services.

The #runwayforwater is one no young girl or woman should have to walk. To learn more about Water For People's work, as well as the women and communities featured in the video, visit waterforpeople.org/runwayforwater.

About Water For People

Water For People, motivated by the fact that water is a human right, is a nonprofit working across nine countries in Latin America , Asia , and Africa to address the global water crisis. In bringing together communities, local businesses, and governments to build, operate, and maintain their own systems, Water For People's approach ensures that every family, health clinic, and school has lasting access to safe water and sanitation. This model, called Everyone Forever, secures sustainability for generations. Learn more at waterforpeople.org.

Media contact:

Hope Voelkel , [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/water-for-people-debuts-fashion-film-depicting-the-runway-billions-of-women-walk-for-clean-water-301918855.html

SOURCE Water For People
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced today that it has been recognized as one of the World's Most Trustworthy Companies in 2023 by Newsweek. To create the list, Newsweek partnered with Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, to evaluate companies' business practices and relationships with key stakeholders. Whirlpool Corp.'s inclusion in the list highlights the company's commitment to do the right thing for employees, consumers, investors, and the communities around the world where the company does business.

"At Whirlpool Corporation, one of our enduring values is integrity -- this means that across our global business, there is no right way to do a wrong thing," said Ava Harter , global chief legal officer for Whirlpool Corporation. "We are honored to receive this recognition. It reflects the dedication of 61,000 global employees who believe in our mission of improving life at home for consumers. We cannot fulfill this vision if we don't operate with integrity and trust."

Whirlpool Corp.'s Global Ethics and Compliance Program is focused on enhancing and sustaining the company's culture of winning with integrity and empowering employees with tools and resources to act with integrity within a risk-based framework. As part of these efforts, Whirlpool Corp. launched its Integrity Manual in 2019, which outlines the company's values and helps translate these values into everyday actions.

In addition to its Global Ethics and Compliance program, Whirlpool Corp. continues to build trust with its consumers by manufacturing high-quality products, industry-leading customer service, and purposeful innovation.

The World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of more than 70,000 participants from 21 countries. A total of 269,000 evaluations were analyzed. The three main public pillars of trust were considered: Customer Trust, Investor Trust, and Employee Trust.

Click here to see the full list of World's Most Trustworthy Companies.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit, Yummly and InSinkErator. In 2022, the company reported approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 61,000 employees and 56 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whirlpool-corporation-named-one-of-the-worlds-most-trustworthy-companies-for-2023-by-newsweek-301919567.html

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation
FILE PHOTO: A rainbow is seen over apartments in Wandsworth on the River Thames as UK house prices continue to fall, in London, Britain, August 26, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's statistics office requested earlier access to key economic data on Wednesday, a few days after it sharply revised its estimate of the size of the economy at the end of 2021 which caught many analysts by surprise.

A senior official at the Office for National Statistics asked Britain's statistics regulator to review the outcome of its upcoming work on how it revised its estimates of the swings in the economy around the coronavirus pandemic period.

"We also wish to explore potential means by which key data might be made available to the ONS earlier in the production cycle," Michael Keoghan, ONS deputy national statistician, said in the letter to the Office for Statistics Regulation.

The ONS collects a lot of data itself through surveys of businesses and households, but relies on government departments and other agencies for certain numbers.

The letter did not specify what data the ONS was seeking to receive earlier, but said this would help it to show a wider picture of the economy sooner than is currently the case.

On Friday, revised data from the ONS showed that Britain's economy performed more strongly than previously thought in its recovery from the pandemic and was ahead of other big European countries at the end of 2021 rather than lagging behind them.

(Reporting by William Schomberg; editing by David Milliken)
FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the plenary session of the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa on August 23, 2023. GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Martin Quin Pollard, Laurie Chen and Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) -For several foreign diplomats in China, the news that President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 summit in India this week has confirmed a worrying trend: Beijing is shutting off to the West and its allies.

More than 10 envoys from these countries stationed in China detailed to Reuters the increasing difficulty they face getting access to Chinese officials and other sources of information on the world's second-largest economy.

The envoys, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said this trend had become pronounced in 2023 even as China had dropped rigid pandemic controls that had stymied diplomatic activities for three years.

Ryan Neelam, a foreign policy analyst who previously served as an Australian diplomat based in Hong Kong, said such a development emphasises that under Xi's strict regime, officials have become more wary about engaging with foreign powers.

"That has trickle-down effects through the system where lower-level officials, bureaucrats and diplomats are less willing to go off script," said Neelam, director of public opinion and foreign policy at Lowy Institute.

"If everything becomes stage-managed and there's less opportunity to have informal interactions, if you get less access to senior decision makers across the system, then there's going to be a narrowing of the opportunity to find points of commonality or areas of compromise."

In response to Reuters' questions, China's foreign ministry said it attached "great importance" to the G20 summit, provided a warm reception to "all foreign friends", and had received 130 visiting delegations this year, including from many Western countries.

However, relations between China and the West have nosedived in recent years over issues ranging from Beijing's reluctance to condemn ally Russia over its Ukraine invasion to tensions over sensitive technologies and Taiwan, the democratic, self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own.

China has not explained why Xi, who has participated in every G20 summit since he came to office more than a decade ago, is not leading Beijing's delegation to New Delhi for the Sept. 9-10 meeting. It has said only that Premier Li Qiang will represent China.

China has testy relations with host India, which analysts say may be a factor, but more broadly Xi's international travel has significantly dropped off this year and has been limited to countries Beijing views as friendly.

He has only left China twice - to visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and to attend a meeting of major BRICS emerging economies in South Africa last month, where he also missed a keynote address without explanation.

SCRIPTED COMMENTS

By comparison, Xi managed five overseas visits in 2022 - when the country's borders were effectively shut due to rigid pandemic controls - and a dozen in 2019 before COVID struck.

Some Western leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have travelled to China to hold talks with Xi this year.

But for several Western envoys in Beijing, regular access to Chinese officials or even scholars from state-linked think tanks - which play a key role in explaining China's policies to the world - has dropped off compared to before the pandemic, they said.

Scheduling visits for travelling dignitaries, as well as establishing protocols and ensuring media access, is also getting harder, several diplomats said.

When meetings are arranged, Chinese officials stick rigidly to scripted comments, the diplomats said, while some added they experienced hostile behaviour from nationalistic academics. This has curtailed the quality of information envoys can feed back to their capitals, they said.

Reuters reported in July on how some diplomats say they are also facing heightened scrutiny and interference from Chinese authorities.

However, envoys from two countries which enjoy close relations with China said they had experienced no such problems.

Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, said curtailing access or not attending events is increasingly used by China as "leverage" against countries with whom it has disagreements.

"Engagement is seen and used by China as a leverage to shape other countries' behaviours," Sun said, adding that she had also heard that the lack of access and security restrictions for Western diplomats in China had "intensified".

And with China ramping up a sweeping national security drive, aimed in part at rooting out foreign spies, there is little sign of this trend letting up any time soon, analysts say.

"When the anti-West sentiment is on the rise within the Chinese bureaucracy, frequent contact or close working relationships with Western officials may raise questions about one's political trustworthiness," said Tong Zhao, senior fellow at the U.S. based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"To Chinese officials, the benefits of such engagements have become less evident, while the political and security risks are growing."

(Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard, Laurie Chen and Yew Lun Tian; Writing by John Geddie; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Police officers and rescuers inspect the site of a Russian military strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine September 6, 2023. Press service of the Interior Ministry of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS

By Olena Harmash and Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters) -At least 17 people were killed and 32 wounded in a Russian attack on a crowded market in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka on Wednesday as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said.

Footage circulated online by presidential officials showed people falling to the ground or running for cover after a huge explosion in front of them, seconds after some look up to the sky when they hear what sounds like a missile approaching.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, saying a market, shops and a pharmacy had been struck in the industrial city close to the battlefield.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app.

"When someone in the world still attempts to deal with anything Russian, it means turning a blind eye to this reality. The audacity of evil. The brazenness of wickedness. Utter inhumanity."

He later told a press conference in the capital Kyiv that he believed it had been a deliberate attack on "a peaceful city".

Reuters video footage after the attack showed shattered store fronts, gutted cars and a street littered with debris and twisted metal. Emergency services picked through the rubble.

"I only saw a flash and then shouted to my colleagues: 'Lie on the floor. All the customers lay down on the floor ... I heard things falling over, then everything was covered in smoke and fire started," said Diana Khodak, an employee of a pharmacy hit in the attack.

"One woman walked into the pharmacy on her own. Her arm and leg were bleeding, she had a big wound on her arm. Another woman was carried inside by soldiers. She had an open fracture and her bone was sticking out from her leg," Khodak said.

Kostiantynivka, which had a population of about 70,000 before Russia's invasion 18 months ago, is about 30 km (19 miles) from the devastated city of Bakhmut, where fighting has been heavy for months.

It is about 560 km from Kyiv, where Blinken met Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian leaders on a visit intended to show support for Ukraine against Russia's invasion.

Blinken said Ukraine had made important progress in its three-month-old counteroffensive against Russian forces and announced a new package of U.S. wartime assistance worth more than $1 billion.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack, and has denied deliberately targeting civilians. The Kremlin had earlier on Wednesday said of Blinken's visit that Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraine's military "to wage this war to the last Ukrainian".

SERIES OF ATTACKS

Wednesday's strike followed a series of Russian attacks on cities in eastern Ukraine in which civilian infrastructure has been hit, including a popular cafe, a hotel and shops.

It also followed air strikes hours earlier on Kyiv and the southern region of Odesa. No casualties were reported in the capital but officials said one person was killed in the Odesa region.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said the search and rescue operation in Kostiantynivka had been completed.

"As of 18:00 (1500 GMT) 17 people were killed and 32 were injured as a result of Russian shelling," he said.

Police said the market had been crowded when it was hit at around 2 p.m. (1100 GMT), and that nearly 30 shopping kiosks, an apartment block, a bank and cars were damaged.

A video released by police showed rescuers searching through the kiosks and, as bodies were taken out in black sacks, people shouting: "Who have you found?"

The video also showed the pharmacy, its floor covered in blood.

"At the moment of the strike civilians were here, they were buying medicines and this is what happened. People died here, the entire floor is covered in blood," a police spokeswoman is heard saying in the video.

(Additional reporting by Anna Pruchnicka, Editing by Timothy Heritage, Ron Popeski and Grant McCool)
FILE PHOTO: The PayPal logo is seen at an office building in Berlin, Germany, March 5, 2019. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo/File Photo

(Reuters) - Australia's securities regulator said on Thursday it will take PayPal's local arm to court alleging that the digital payments giant's standard contracts with small business customers contain an unfair term that could overlook errors in overcharging, burdening its clientele.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) said it has started proceedings against PayPal Australia Pty Ltd in a case that highlights a contract term that gives PayPal business account holders 60 days to notify discrepancies in fees charged.

"We have been working in full cooperation with ASIC and take this matter very seriously. It would not be appropriate to comment in detail on proceedings before the court, however, we are carefully reviewing the claims," a PayPal Australia spokesperson told Reuters.

The regulator alleged that in a situation where customers fail to bring the errors appearing in its account statement to the company's notice within the stipulated period, they are forced to accept the fees as accurate.

The regulator views the term as unfair as it authorises PayPal to retain fees it has inaccurately charged.

"We allege this term is unfair because it allows PayPal to escape the consequences of its own errors in overcharging small businesses, and places additional burdens on small businesses to detect and correct charging errors," ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court said.

As at June 30, there were about 608,275 business account contracts between PayPal and active users in the country.

(Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Poonam Behura, Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
FILE PHOTO: Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arrives at court as lawyers push to persuade the judge overseeing his fraud case not to jail him ahead of trial, at a courthouse in New York, U.S., August 11, 2023. REUTE

By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sam Bankman-Fried on Wednesday lost his bid to be freed immediately from a Brooklyn jail so he could prepare better for his criminal trial, less than a month away, over the collapse of his FTX cryptocurrency exchange.

In rejecting Bankman-Fried's request, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan nonetheless said it would ask the next available three-judge panel to consider it.

A spokesman for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Aug. 11 revoked Bankman-Fried's $250 million bail after finding that the former billionaire likely tampered with witnesses at least twice.

Bankman-Fried quickly appealed, arguing he would be unable to properly prepare for his scheduled Oct. 3 trial from behind bars.

Prosecutors say Bankman-Fried stole billions in FTX customer funds to plug losses at Alameda Research, his hedge fund.

They pushed for Bankman-Fried to be jailed after he shared the personal writings of Caroline Ellison, Alameda's former chief executive and his onetime romantic partner, with a New York Times reporter.

Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges, and said he shared Ellison's writings to defend his reputation, not to intimidate her.

Ellison is expected to testify against him.

In court papers on Tuesday, Bankman-Fried's lawyers said the arrangement to give him several hours a day to review evidence on a laptop at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn has proven inadequate. They said he lost more than four hours on Friday when he had to return to his cell for a prisoner count, and lost more time over the weekend.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan said the jail has authorized Bankman-Fried's purchase of a second laptop.

Bankman-Fried's lawyers have not sought to delay the trial. Kaplan said last week that he would consider such a request.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to media with El Salvadors Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill at the State Department in Washington, U.S., August 7, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File Photo

(This Sept.6 story has been refiled to fix typographical errors in paragraphs 11, 12, 19, 20 and 21)

By Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey

Ukraine has made important progress in its counteroffensive against Russia's invasion, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday during a visit overshadowed by a Russian attack that killed at least 17 people.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, which hit a crowded market in the eastern front-line town of Kostiantynivka, which is close to the devastated city of Bakhmut. He said a child was among the dead, and officials said at least 32 people were hurt.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," Zelenskiy said, describing it as a deliberate attack on a "peaceful city". Aides posted video footage showing an explosion after what sounded like a missile approaching, and people scurrying for cover or falling to the ground.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack, and has denied deliberately targeting civilians in its more than 18-month-old invasion, which has shattered towns and cities and killed thousands of civilians.

Blinken, the first top U.S. official to visit Kyiv since the counteroffensive began in early June, announced a new package of U.S. wartime assistance worth more than $1 billion, including support for Ukraine's air defences.

"In the ongoing counteroffensive, progress has accelerated in the past few weeks. This new assistance will help sustain it and build further momentum," Blinken told reporters at a news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Blinken earlier described the progress as important and "very, very encouraging".

U.S. media reports have cited unidentified U.S. officials as saying the Ukrainian counteroffensive has been too slow and hindered by poor tactics - criticism that angered Ukrainian officials and prompted Kuleba to tell critics to "shut up".

Ukraine has retaken more than a dozen villages and small settlements in its offensive. But its push into Russian-held territory has been slowed by minefields and trenches.

U.S. officials have not publicly criticised Ukraine's military tactics, and last week said they had seen progress in the southeast.

The new U.S. aid would include HIMARS missile launch systems, Javelin antitank weapons, Abrams tanks and other weapons systems, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The Pentagon said it would also send depleted uranium ammunition.

Asked about Blinken's visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow believed Washington planned to continue funding Ukraine's military "to wage this war to the last Ukrainian".

He said U.S. aid to Kyiv would not affect the course of what he called Russia's special military operation.

LONG-RANGE MISSILES

Ukraine's Kuleba said he and Blinken had discussed the U.S. providing ATACMS long-range missiles and he hoped for a positive decision, adding that arming Ukraine was protecting the world from Moscow's aggression.

The European Union condemned the Russian attack on the market in Kostiantynivka - which took place on the second day of Blinken's visit to Kyiv - calling it "heinous and barbaric" and said those behind it would be held to account.

When the shells hit, pharmacy employee Diana Khodak saw a flash and shouted to colleagues to lie on the floor. "I heard things falling over, then everything was covered in smoke and fire started," she said.

Two injured women were brought to the pharmacy, one carried by a soldier. She had a bone protruding from an open leg fracture. "She was very pale. She remained conscious but in shock while she was given first aid," Khodak told Reuters.

Blinken's visit coincided with Ukraine's parliament approving the appointment of Rustov Umerov as defence minister following the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov. Officials did not say whether Blinken would meet Umerov.

During his train ride to Kyiv, Blinken held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was visiting the same day.

Blinken thanked Frederiksen for Denmark's donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and its leadership of a coalition of nations to train Ukrainian pilots, a State Department spokesperson said.

Denmark and the Netherlands announced last month they would supply more than 60 U.S.-made F-16s as soon as pilots are trained to fly them - the first countries to offer the jets.

The U.S. government has provided more than $43 billion in weaponry and other military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Several Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned U.S. aid, fuelling concerns over whether Washington will maintain its support for Ukraine once the U.S. 2024 election campaign intensifies.

(Additional reporting and writing by Humeyra Pamuk in Washington, Tom Balmforth in Kyiv, Ron Popeski and Philippa Fletcher; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Angus MacSwan, Peter Graff and Cynthia Osterman)
BELFAST/LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's parliament on Wednesday gave final approval to a contentious new law that would amnesty ex-soldiers and militants involved in decades of violence in Northern Ireland on condition they cooperate fully with a new investigative body.

Victims' families, human rights organisations and all major political parties on the island of Ireland - both Irish nationalist and British unionist - have condemned the law as a denial of justice. The Irish government has said it is considering mounting a legal challenge.

"We cannot give an amnesty to killers. That is not justice," said Eugene Reavey, whose three brothers were murdered by pro-British militants in 1976 but no one has been prosecuted. He described the passage through parliament as "unbelievably bad news" and a "despicable" development.

Around 3,600 people died in three decades of confrontation between Irish nationalist militants seeking a united Ireland, pro-British "loyalist" paramilitaries and the British military. The conflict largely ended with a 1998 peace deal.

Britain argues that prosecutions linked to the events of up to 55 years ago are increasingly unlikely to lead to convictions and that the legislation is needed to draw a line under the conflict.

The bill would create a new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, which would offer immunity to anyone who cooperates with investigations.

It would prevent full inquests, criminal prosecutions or civil claims into related crimes from the "Troubles" period, but would not impact individuals who have already been convicted, or if a prosecution has already begun.

The House of Commons voted on Wednesday to overturn amendments made to the bill in the upper chamber, the House of Lords, meaning the bill just requires Royal Assent, where it is formally approved by the King, to become law.

Amnesty International described the passage as a "dark day" for justice in the country.

Ireland's government has said it would consider taking a legal challenge against the law for violating the European Convention on Human Rights. The British government has said the law is fully compliant.

Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland spokesperson for the opposition Labour Party, told a debate in parliament that a Labour government would repeal the bill.

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson in Belfast and London bureau; writing by Conor Humphries; editing by Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed natural gas pipeline is placed in front of displayed Chevron logo in this illustration taken February 8, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Lewis Jackson

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Workers at Chevron's liquefied natural gas facilities in Australia have agreed to pause planned strike action for one day, hours before they were due to begin industrial action in an ongoing dispute that has rattled gas markets.

The workers will delay strike action until 6.00 a.m. local time in Perth on Friday (2200 GMT on Thursday), two union representatives, who declined to be identified, told Reuters late on Wednesday.

Chevron confirmed the pause in an emailed statement minutes later and said unions had advised it of the roughly one-day delay.

"We will continue to work through the bargaining process as we seek outcomes that are in the interests of both employees and the company," a Chevron Australia spokesperson said.

"We will also continue to take steps to maintain safe and reliable operations in the event of disruption at our facilities," Chevron said.

The reason for the pause was not immediately clear.

Industrial action had been scheduled to begin at 1.00 a.m. local time on Thursday (1700 GMT) as ongoing disputes over pay and conditions remained unresolved.

The Dutch October natural gas contract fell as much as 7.2% to 31.45 euros per megawatt hour (MWh) after news of the pause.

Unions and Chevron have been participating in mediation talks hosted by the Fair Work Commission, Australia's industrial umpire, all this week.

"There must have been progress on the negotiations, with Chevron moving more towards the unions requests, that has seen the unions willing to allow some more time before striking," said energy analyst Saul Kavonic.

Australia is the world's biggest LNG exporter and the ongoing dispute has stoked volatility in natural gas markets, as traders worry about the risk of long-term disruption.

Chevron's Gorgon, Australia's second-largest LNG plant, and its Wheatstone operations account for more than 5% of global LNG capacity.

(Reporting by Lewis Jackson in Sydney; additional reporting by Emily Chow and Sudarshan Varadhan in Singapore. Editing by Nick Zieminski and Tony Munroe)
FILE PHOTO: A man walks in front of the India Gate shrouded in smog in New Delhi, India, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo

By Shivangi Acharya, Krishn Kaushik and Sarita Chaganti Singh

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - After division over Russia's war in Ukraine, differences about climate change goals have emerged as another stumbling block for G20 leaders to iron out at their two-day meeting in New Delhi, six Indian sources said.

The bloc is divided on commitments to phasing down fossil-fuel use, increasing renewable energy targets and reducing green house gas emissions, five of the officials cited above said.

The disagreements resurfaced during the last two days of sherpa level meetings ahead of the Sept 9-10 summit. The phrase on the war on Ukraine still remains the core concern for India, which is trying to convince all the 20 countries to agree on a joint statement known as Leaders' Declaration.

The bloc had failed to reach consensus during concluding ministerial meetings on environment and energy in the last week of July.

"The issue on climate is stuck mostly on one line or two lines, related to phasing out fossil fuels and tripling renewable energy capacity," one of the Indian officials, present in the Sherpa level meetings, said.

Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and India have opposed a proposal by Western countries to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and cut green house gas emissions by 60% by 2035, three officials said.

The fossil fuel producing and developing countries are also opposing G7 nations' push to reach net zero commitments faster, one official said.

United Arab Emirates is set to host the next round of climate change discussions at the COP28 meeting in November and December and countries want to discuss the issue there, one official said.

"Nobody wants to make a commitment now, as then you will have a problem at your hands because you can get tied down to what you agree at this summit," another Indian official said.

None of the officials wanted to be named as they are not allowed to speak to media. Indian government did not immediately reply to emails seeking comments.

Indian power minister R K Singh has on several occasions said the country's average per person emissions are among the lowest in the world and it would not compromise on its energy needs by committing to cut coal use.

(Reporting by Shivangi Acharya Sarita Chaganti Singh Krishn Kaushik, Editing by William Maclean)
Houses are seen in a flooded area after an extratropical cyclone hit southern cities, in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil September 6, 2023. REUTERS/Diego Vara

By Eduardo Simoes and Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -The death toll from heavy rains in southern Brazil rose to 36, local authorities said on Wednesday, as a tropical cyclone battered and soaked the region, flooding homes and swelling rivers.

Video obtained by Reuters showed rising water flooding streets and rivers and submerging houses in the small town of Mucum, in Rio Grande do Sul state. Nearby cities such as Lajeado and Roca Sales were also hit severely.

Dominguez Fontana, a 74-year-old sawmill worker who escaped the Mucum flooding, said nothing could be salvaged.

"When the water was coming I escaped to the highway," he explained. "You have to escape. If you stay there you die."

Rain stopped on Tuesday but weather forecaster Climatempo forecast more on Wednesday and Thursday before showers dissipate by Sunday, with the state still on alert for floods.

The Rio Grande do Sul floods are just the latest recent natural disasters in Brazil. More than 50 people were killed in Sao Paulo state this year after massive downpours caused landslides and flooding.

The colonial-era city of Petropolis near Rio de Janeiro and Bahia state has suffered similar disasters, as well as Santa Catarina, a state neighboring Rio Grande do Sul where an additional victim was confirmed on Tuesday.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had spoken to Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite to offer the federal government's full support.

Lula sent two ministers to oversee search and rescue efforts and said Vice President Geraldo Alckmin would also be "on standby" to travel to the hard-hit Rio Grande do Sul state, home to about 11 million people.

(Reporting by Eduardo Simoes and Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Kylie Madry, William Maclean and David Gregorio)
FILE PHOTO: Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, gestures as he attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in Paris, France, June 16, 2023. REUTERS/

(Reuters) - Elon Musk withdrew a loan of $1 billion from SpaceX - the two-decade-old rocket company run by the billionaire - around the same time he was acquiring Twitter, now known as X, for $44 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

SpaceX approved the $1 billion loan, which was backed by some of Musk's SpaceX stock, in October and Musk drew all of it down the same month, according to the report, citing documents. Musk took ownership of Twitter in October.

Musk has had arrangements with banks to borrow against his shares in his companies, including electric vehicles (EV) maker Tesla, while privately held SpaceX has served as his lender, the report said, adding that paying for Twitter further complicated Musk's financial situation.

Musk is SpaceX's largest shareholder with a 42% stake and almost 79% of its voting power as of March, the report said, citing a filing with the Federal Communications Commission. SpaceX had $4.7 billion in cash and securities on hand at the end of last year, the paper said, citing documents.

Both SpaceX and X did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Elon Musk sold a massive chunk of his Tesla shares in 2022, both before and after the Twitter deal, bringing his total sales to about $40 billion which frustrated investors in the EV maker.

In April 2023, Tesla disclosed that it had further tightened rules around Musk using his stake in the company to borrow money, according to the WSJ report.

In addition to Tesla and X, Musk is a co-founder of brain-chip startup Neuralink.

(This story has been refiled to fix a typographical error in paragraph 6 and remove an extraneous word in paragraph 7)

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips, Eileen Soreng and Rashmi Aich)
FILE PHOTO-The headquarter of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is seen in London, Britain, November 22, Britain 2016. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo

By Jan Strupczewski

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The prospect of joining the European Union is more important for Ukraine's reconstruction after war than money which the European Union and other donors could provide, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's chief economist said.

Beata Javorcik said that according to EBRD research of 200 years of wars around the globe, the three key elements for a country to rebuild itself after wartime destruction were money, human capital and institutions.

"Money explains only about 10% of the variation of the speed of reconstruction," she told Reuters on the sidelines of a Bruegel think-tank conference. "It is not money, or not only money, it is institutions. The perspective of EU accession is key for (Ukraine's) reconstruction."

The EU granted Ukraine candidate status in June 2022 but will start membership negotiations once Kyiv meets more of the preconditions set by the EU. Membership negotiations themselves are likely to take years, but Ukraine might reap some economic benefits of its candidacy much earlier through some form of access to the EU's single market.

The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding the damage of the Russian invasion in Ukraine at $411 billion, Javorcik said, a sum too large for governments alone to come up with.

Private capital is keen to invest in Ukraine's reconstruction once the hostilities end, she said, but for the money to flow, Ukraine will need strong institutions that will inspire the confidence of private capital.

EU membership would provide such a strong institutional framework because Ukraine would have to adopt a whole set of EU rules already in place in EU countries in the judiciary, law enforcement, human rights, economy, competition and other areas.

"The biggest benefit of the EU accession process is that it removes the need for a national debate, whether you want reforms to go this way or that way, because where you need to get is predetermined," Javorchik said.

"And it makes it difficult to derail the process, because it is a commitment that's done, it's made with high rates of approval in the society, a high rate of buy-in, and the fact that you limit the ability of derailing the process is enormously valuable," she said.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; editing by Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry Hildegard Mueller and Bavarian premier Markus Soeder look at display at Catl booth at the 2023 Munich Auto Show IAA Mobility, in Munich, Germany, Sep

MUNICH (Reuters) - German carmakers are determined to tackle the problems they face in producing competitive electric vehicles, an executive at Chinese EV maker Xpeng said on Wednesday, as China's carmakers put pressure on European rivals in the race to electrify.

German carmakers have shown their "strongest determination ever to change" to try and catch up and address their challenges, Xpeng president Brian Gu said in an interview on the sidelines of Munich's IAA car show.

Gu was echoing an earlier speech by Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

Mueller separately told Reuters on Monday that Germany was "losing its competitiveness" and was now in "an acute situation in which investments have to be made".

The message from Mueller's comments is "they are feeling a very strong sense of crisis, Gu said. I think they also showed the biggest commitment to catch up after they reflected on a bitter experience.

Mueller's comments were made as Europe's car industry scrambles to ramp up production of electric vehicles with the help of partnerships and investments.

Of new EVs sold in Europe in 2023, 8% were made by Chinese brands, up from 6% last year and 4% in 2021, according to autos consultancy Inovev. Globally, China leads EV sales, the latest data from tech industry researcher Counterpoint shows. The U.S. has the fastest growing EV sales with Germany in third place.

Start-ups like Xpeng still need to leverage German automakers' scale, branding and investments to lower costs and survive in an increasingly crowded market, Gu told Reuters.

Chinese companies including Xpeng, BYD and Leapmotor are seeking the higher margins and faster growth overseas markets can offer, which means they are challenging European companies on their home turf with cheaper models.

"The Chinese companies are flooding into overseas markets like mushrooms, deepening their sense of crisis," Gu said.

Earlier in the week, Gu said Xpeng plans to expand into more European markets, including Germany, Britain and France in 2024.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said EV competition from abroad should be a spur, not a worry for German carmakers.

Xpeng recently struck a deal with Volkswagen to jointly build two new models in China. Others, like LeapMotor are also seeking partnerships to boost sales globally.

"The market is not mature enough and everyone is still exploring a good business model," Gu said, adding that there are still many ways German and Chinese companies can complement each other with their different strengths.

Boosting sales further requires overcoming obstacles including stereotypes of Chinese manufacturing, import costs, and a less developed EV market.

"We need to seek cooperations in a humble position even if we have grown into giants," Jia Jianxu, general manager of the joint venture between Chinese state-owned SAIC and Volkswagen, said at an event hosted by Xuanyuan Academy, a Chinese business school for the automotive industry, in Munich on Tuesday.

The number of Chinese companies at Germany's IAA car show has doubled and China's largest EV conference, the World New Energy Vehicle Congress, is taking place within the IAA on Wednesday and Thursday, with high-ranking officials including China's "Father of EVs" Wan Gang attending.

Chinese executives say they are impressed with what Europe's automakers had to offer.

I feel a bit anxious after seeing so many new technologies at the IAA for two days," You Zheng, vice-general manager of China's Dongfeng Motor, said on the sidelines of the show.

"Europe is actually not pausing in EV transition... we still need to ramp up more efforts to improve our capacities in core technologies."

(Reporting by Zhang Yan and Victoria Waldersee, Writing by Victoria Waldersee and Josephine Mason; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Hawaiian Airlines airplanes sit idle on the runway at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport due to the business downturn caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. April 28, 2020. Picture taken April 28, 2020. REUTERS/Marc

(Reuters) - Hawaiian Holdings Inc, the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, said on Tuesday that its third-quarter revenue had been trending positively but was reversed after the West Maui wildfire affected travel demand.

The company also reduced its forecast for quarterly available seat miles (ASM) due to issues with some of RTX's Pratt & Whitney engines that power Airbus' popular A320neo jets.

Hawaiian Airlines is among the major customers that took delivery of the affected A320neo jets, according to aviation data provider Cirium.

It now expects ASM for the third quarter to rise around 4% to 5.5%, from prior estimates for an increase of between 4.5% and 7.5%.

The State of Hawaii has currently discouraged non-essential travel to West Maui through October, the company said.

Hawaiian expects its operating revenue per seat mile for the current quarter to be down 4% to 7%, from earlier guidance for a reduction of 2% to 5%.

(Reporting by Pratyush Thakur in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)
FILE PHOTO: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das speaks during a press conference after a G20 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank governors' meeting at Gandhinagar, India, July 18, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Financial technology companies should create a self-regulatory body to address their needs and challenges, the Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Wednesday, as the industry grows at a break-neck speed due to surging demand for digital payments and borrowings.

"I would like to use this opportunity to urge and encourage the fintechs to establish a self-regulatory organisation or SRO themselves. From the Reserve Bank, we are willing to engage with you," Das said while delivering the keynote address at the Global FinTech Fest 2023 (GFF).

"It (SRO) will give you (fintechs) an opportunity to voice your requirements more frequently to the SRO. The other advantage is that all the aspects of regulation will not be burdened on the Reserve Bank."

Das said he was hopeful that the fintech industry would have either formed, or be close to launching a SRO by the time of the next GFF event in 2024.

"I am saying next year as an outer limit but I am sure if we work together, we can do this even faster."

Such a body could play a vital role to facilitate collaboration among companies, regulators and stakeholders, while creating guardrails for the industry, Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar said at the first day of event on Tuesday.

"By proactively addressing issues like market integrity, conduct, data privacy, cybersecurity, and risk management, SROs help build trust among consumers, investors, and regulators," he added.

(Reporting by Siddhi Nayak and Swati Bhat; Editing by Dhanya Ann Thoppil)
FILE PHOTO: The Johnson & Johnson logo is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., May 29, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

(Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson said on Wednesday its combination drug helped increase the duration of no progress in a type of non small-cell lung cancer in patients.

The therapy met the main goals of the study that tested a combination of antibody treatment Rybrevant and experimental drug lazertinib against chemotherapy in patients with a more common mutation in EGFR protein that causes rapid cell growth.

J&J's therapy was tested in patients in whom the disease progressed even after they were treated with AstraZeneca's Tagrisso.

Rybrevant received approval in 2021 for only 2-3% of non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients - a small subset that had a specific type of mutation in EGFR protein.

J&J is also testing its combination treatment in a head-to-head study with Tagrisso, and expects data from the trial by the end of this year. If successful, the company expects the therapy to become a first-line treatment for NSCLC patients with the mutation.

Tagrisso generated over $5.4 billion in 2022.

(Reporting by Leroy Leo in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Shinjini Ganguli)
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during the leaders talk of the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum (AIPF) in Jakarta, Indonesia September 6, 2023. Adek Berry/Pool via REUTERS/File photo

By Sakura Murakami

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday he explained Japan's stance on the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant to Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Indonesia.

Japan started releasing the water from the wrecked plant into the ocean last month, drawing strong criticism from China. In retaliation, China has imposed a blanket ban on all aquatic imports from Japan.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 triggered a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl 25 years earlier.

Kishida told reporters he spoke briefly with Li ahead of a session at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Jakarta.

"During the chat, I explained Japan's position on the treated water to Premier Li," Kishida said.

Kishida avoided commenting directly on whether he had sought the lifting of the ban on Japan's seafood, repeating that he had explained Japan's position. He added that nothing had been decided on whether he would talk with Li again on the sidelines of a Group of 20 (G20) summit later this week.

Li stated China's position on the water discharge in the conversation, China's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"The disposal of the water bears on global marine environment, public health and the interest of posterity," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning quoted Li as saying at a regular press briefing.

Li said Japan should meet its international obligations, consult stakeholders fully, including neighbouring countries, and handle the matter in a responsible way.

He also called on Japan to work with China to improve their relations, Mao said.

The talk between Kishida and Li marked the first time the two had met in person, Japan's foreign ministry said. It was also the first high-level talk between the two countries since the release of the water from the nuclear plant north of Tokyo.

A visit to China by the head of Japan's junior coalition party in late August was postponed as relations soured sharply following the water release.

Japan says the water is safe after being treated to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, a radionuclide difficult to separate from water. It is then diluted to internationally accepted levels before being released.

(Reporting by Sakura Murakami and Rocky Swift; Additional reporting by Andrew Hayley and Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Tomasz Janowski and Nick Macfie)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Wednesday that the Wagner mercenary group did not exist from a legal point of view, after being asked to comment on a British decision to designate it as a terrorist organisation.

Britain's interior minister Suella Braverman described Wagner, a private militia formerly led by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, as "violent and destructive" and said it acted as a "military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "There's nothing to comment on. Perhaps one can add only that, legally-speaking, there is no such group."

Wagner has operated in Syria, Libya and a number of countries across Africa. It recruited thousands of convicts from Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine, providing the main assault force for Russia's assault on the city of Bakhmut.

In June this year, it launched a brief mutiny against the army top brass in Russia, condemned as treason by President Vladimir Putin. On Aug. 23 Prigozhin and his top lieutenants were killed when a private jet he used crashed in so-far unexplained circumstances.

Remnants of Wagner's Russian fighting force are now based in Belarus. It is unclear what will become of the security services it provides to several African countries, including Mali and the Central African Republic.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
The company's logo is seen at a Nestle plant in Konolfingen, Switzerland September 28, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Nestle has agreed to acquire Brazilian chocolate brand Kopenhagen, local media reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Website Brazil Journal said Nestle will pay about 3 billion reais ($602.78 million) for the company, while local newspaper Valor Economico reported the figure at 4.5 billion reais ($904.18 million).

The deal comes around three years after U.S. private equity firm Advent International acquired a controlling stake in Grupo CRM, which controls Kopenhagen.

Nestle did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Advent and Kopenhagen declined to comment.

The purchase also includes Brasil Cacau, another chocolate brand owned by the firm. Together both brands have more than 800 stores in Brazil, including franchises.

In June, Brazilian competition regulator Cade approved Nestle's acquisition of Chocolates Garoto more than 20 years after it was first announced. Among the conditions for the approval, the company agreed not to make any acquisitions that account for at least 5% of the Brazilian chocolate market for five years.

($1 = 4.9769 reais)

(Reporting by Peter Frontini, Andre Romani and Gabriel Araujo; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler)
FILE PHOTO: Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, arrives for the closing session of the New Global Financial Pact Summit, Friday, June 23, 2023 in Paris, France. Lewis Joly/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA (Reuters) -Nigeria's presidential election tribunal on Wednesday rejected challenges by opposition rivals to Bola Tinubu's win in February's disputed vote, following a pattern seen in previous election years in Africa's most populous country.

No legal challenge to the outcome of a presidential election has succeeded in Nigeria, which returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of almost uninterrupted military rule and has a history of electoral fraud.

Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came second and third respectively, had asked the court to cancel the election, alleging irregularities.

Justices of the five-member tribunal, taking turns to read out judgements for more than 11 hours, rejected Atiku and Obi's individual petitions point-by-point.

Judge Haruna Tsammani said Obi's petition was "unmeritorious" and had "not led any credible evidence sufficient enough" to back claims of irregularities.

Tsammani said Atiku's allegations of vote fraud and were "so lame" and dismissed his argument that Tinubu was not qualified to run for president.

"The petitions are hereby dismissed," said Tsammani.

Obi and Atiku, who were not in court, could not be immediately reached for comment. Obi's Labour Party in a statement rejected the judgment and said it would announce its next steps after a meeting with lawyers.

In a statement from India where he is preparing to take part in the G20 summit, Tinubu welcomed the tribunal ruling and urged his rivals and their supporters to support his government.

European Union observers had said in June that the elections were marred by problems including operational failures and a lack of transparency that reduced public trust in the process.

However, the elections stirred little sign of a groundswell of popular opposition, and Tinubu has been accepted by the international community as Nigeria's legitimate leader.

Atiku and Obi can appeal to the country's Supreme Court to strike down the tribunal's ruling. Any appeal must be concluded within 60 days of the date of the tribunal judgment.

While favourable to Tinubu, the tribunal's ruling was unlikely to generate any particular euphoria or momentum for the president after an election marked by record low turnout of 29%.

In a nation of more than 200 million people of whom 87 million were registered to vote, Tinubu garnered just 8.79 million votes, the fewest of any president since the return to democracy, limiting the goodwill towards him.

(Additional reporting by Felix Onuah, Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe and Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Alison Williams, Bill Berkrot and Timothy Gardner)
A general view shows the oil refinery of the Lukoil company in Volgograd, Russia April 22, 2022. REUTERS/REUTERS PHOTOGRAPHER

By Laura Sanicola

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices settled higher on Wednesday, reversing early declines as traders anticipated further draws on U.S. crude oil inventory following extended production cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Brent crude futures settled up 56 cents to $90.60 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) futures settled up 85 cents to $87.54. Both benchmarks rose by $1 and then pared gains.

"We have pretty low crude supplies in the U.S., with several weeks of big crude oil draws pushing prices up," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures also at Mizuho.

U.S. crude oil inventories were projected to fall by 5.5 million barrels in the week ending Sept. 1, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures released after settlement. Official inventory data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is due at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) on Thursday.

Both sets of data arrive a day later than usual due to Monday's Labor Day holiday.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia and Russia extended voluntary oil supply cuts to year end. The Saudi cuts were by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) while Russia has cut 300,000 bpd. These were on top of the April cut agreed by several OPEC+ producers running to the end of 2024.

Both countries will review market conditions and make monthly decisions on deepening cuts or raising output.

Reflecting near-term supply concerns, front-month Brent futures traded near nine-month highs at $4.13 a barrel above prices in six months. The equivalent spread for U.S. WTI futures was as much as $4.88 a barrel, also near nine-month highs.

Oil prices were down early on rate-hike concerns and investor worries about the economy after data showed the ISM non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) came in at 54.5, compared with expectations of 52.5.

Against a basket of currencies, the dollar rose to a high of 105.00, above the six-month high of 104.90 touched overnight. A stronger dollar can weigh on oil demand by making crude more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Analysts warned that price rises could hit demand when U.S. refineries enter their September-October maintenance period. Potentially higher supply from Iran, Venezuela and Libya could also weigh.

Research company IIR Energy said on Wednesday it expects U.S. oil refiners to increase available refining capacity by 274,000 bpd for the week ending Sept. 8.

(Additional reporting by Paul Carsten in London, Mohi Narayan in New Delhi; Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by David Evans, Jason Neely, Nick Zieminski, Nick Macfie and David Gregorio)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - One man was critically wounded and another person slightly hurt in a stabbing attack in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday, Israeli police said.

A police statement said the suspect, a 17-year-old from East Jerusalem, had been apprehended.

Violence has swept across the occupied West Bank over the past 18 months, with occasional attacks in Jerusalem.

Rafi HaCohen, an emergency responder who happened to be nearby when the attack took place, said he found a man in his 50s on the ground, bleeding profusely from multiple stab wounds.

Israel's Channel 12 showed images of bloodstains on the sidewalk outside the Old City gate which is a main entry for tourists. Police had closed off the area around the attack.

A spokesperson for the Islamist Hamas group that controls Gaza praised the attack but did not claim the attacker as a member. "The operation in Jerusalem proves that all crimes conducted by the occupation will not stop the escalating resistance," spokesperson Mohammad Hamada said.

(Reporting by Emily Rose, Nidal Al-Mughrabi; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks, in part addressing his opposition to a grand jury subpoena for testimony about efforts to overturn then-President Donald Trump's 2020 reelection loss, to the Coolidge Presidential Foundat

By James Oliphant

(Reuters) - Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday urged his fellow Republicans to reject the siren song of populist policies espoused by former President Donald Trump in favor of traditional conservative principles, arguing the future of their party, and the nation, are on the line.

At a speech at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, Pence warned that if his partys voters continue to embrace what he called unmoored polices based on personal grievances, the Republican Party weve long known will cease to exist. And the fate of American freedom will be in doubt.

Pence barely mentioned Trump by name in his remarks, but it was clear that the former president and his seemingly unshakable base of followers lay at the heart of his critique.

The speech comes at a time when the Republican Party is riven by a divide between its Trump-centric populist base and its America First approach and its more traditional, establishment-driven wing epitomized by Pence and former presidential candidates such as Mitt Romney who favor an aggressive foreign policy and free-market economics. Polls show that, so far, Trumps forces have the edge.

Despite having served as vice president during Trumps presidency, Pence held himself out as a stark contrast to Trump, arguing that he, not his one-time boss, is a proven conservative.

Pence is vying with Trump to become the Republican 2024 presidential nominee, but he remains stuck in the low single digits in national polling, while the former president is far and away the front-runner in the race.

Trump and other populist Republicans would abandon American leadership on the world stage and blatantly erode our constitutional norms, Pence said.

Jason Miller, a Trump spokesperson, said Pence's view of the party is out of date. "The conservative movement and the Republican Party have changed for the better, and nobody wants it to go back to the way it was before, he said.

Pence has been a staunch defender of U.S. support of Ukraine in its war against Russia, a policy that several of his rivals for the nomination have questioned. He has also criticized Trump for the former presidents efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The speech in New Hampshire, which holds the partys second nominating contest next year, was the latest in Pences attempts to differentiate himself not only from Trump, but from other candidates who embrace similar populist rhetoric such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

As the campaign has unfolded, Pence has increasingly portrayed himself as an inheritor of former President Ronald Reagans conservative mantle, arguing for a vigorous national defense and free-market economic policies.

Pence's weak support among Republican voters, however, suggests many Republicans have largely tuned him out. Moreover, many of Trumps supporters have condemned his role in certifying the results of the 2020 election won by Democratic President Joe Biden.

That makes Pence a poor messenger to sound a clarion call for the party to return to its conservative roots, said David Darmofal, a professor of political science at the University of South Carolina.

Chris Stirewalt, a political analyst with the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, said Pences remarks were aimed at Republican voters who are considering other more establishment-oriented candidates such as former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and U.S. Senator Tim Scott.

Mike Pence is trying to lead, in a way, a populist movement of his own against Trump and his base, Stirewalt said.

(Reporting by James Oliphant; Editing by Ross Colvin and Daniel Wallis)
FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, U.S., March 3, 2022, more than a week after Russia invaded Ukraine. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

(Reuters) -The U.S department of Defense is considering the development of a vast network of Artificial Intelligence-powered technology, drones and autonomous systems within the next two years to counter threats from China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

In a speech on Wednesday the deputy secretary of defense, Kathleen Hicks will sketch out some of the air, land and sea capabilities that the Pentagon is looking to develop, the report added.

The Pentagon plans to use artificial intelligence for autonomous systems to detect and engage enemy targets, and can include self-piloting air- and sea-based drones, according to the Journal.

The department for defense did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar in Bengaluru, Editing by Louise Heavens)
FILE PHOTO-Romania's Defence Minister Angel Tilvar delivers a speech during the First Black Sea Security Conference under the aegis of the International Crimea Platform, in Bucharest, Romania, April 13, 2023. Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea via REUTERS/File Pho

By Luiza Ilie and Jason Hovet

(Reuters) -Parts of what could be a Russian drone fell on Romanian territory, Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said on Wednesday, two days after Ukraine said Russian drones had detonated on the NATO member's land.

Romanian officials had earlier denied reports of drones crashing on Romanian soil and said Russian attacks in neighbouring Ukraine did not pose a direct threat.

On Wednesday, President Klaus Iohannis said confirmation of the discovered parts belonging to a Russian drone would be a serious violation.

"I confirm that pieces which might be the elements of a drone were found," Tilvar told Antenna 3 CNN broadcaster.

He said the area had not been evacuated because there was nothing to suggest that the parts posed a threat, and that the pieces would be analysed to confirm their origin.

NATO allies on Wednesday expressed "strong solidarity" with Romania after the country briefed them about the incident. "We continue to monitor the situation closely, and we remain in close contact with our ally Romania," NATO said in a statement.

Ukraine had said on Monday that drones detonated in Romania during an overnight Russian air strike on a Ukrainian port across the Danube River, where attacks have increased since July when Moscow abandoned a deal that lifted a de facto Russian blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

A social media video and still photograph showed a blast on the Romanian side of the Danube river, across from Izmail. Reuters was able to confirm the location but not the cause of the explosion or the date the images were taken.

ROMANIA ON ALERT

Speaking in Bucharest on Wednesday at the start of a summit of the presidents of Three Seas Initiative countries, Iohannis described the attacks as war crimes happening a "small distance" from Romania's border.

"If it is confirmed that the components (found) belong to a Russian drone, such a situation would be inadmissible and a serious violation of Romania's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. "We are on alert and in constant contact with our NATO allies."

Tilvar reiterated there was no direct threat and told Agerpres it was possible the drone did not explode on impact but rather simply fell, or pieces landed on Romanian territory.

"(That) does not make us happy, (...) but I don't think that we can talk about an attack and, as I said before, I think we need to know how to distinguish between an act of aggression and an incident," Agerpres quoted him as saying.

A ministry spokesperson said search teams had been in the area for several days while the minister and other defence officials spoke with residents.

Russia has conducted long-range air strikes on targets in Ukraine since it invaded its neighbour last year, and Kyiv has reported suspected Russian weapons flying over or crashing into neighbouring countries several times.

In the most serious incident, two people were killed in Poland by a missile that fell near the frontier last November; Poland and NATO allies later said it was a misfired Ukrainian air defence missile.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish, Luiza Ilie and Jason Hovet; editing by Alexandra Hudson, Angus MacSwan and Mark Heinrich)
Romania's President Klaus Iohannis attends official welcome ceremony at Cotroceni Palace, in Bucharest, Romania, June 2, 2023. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu/File photo

(Reuters) - Russian air strikes took place less than one kilometre from Romania's border with Ukraine on Tuesday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, amid intense attacks on the Ukrainian port of Izmail.

Iohannis was speaking a day after Kyiv said Russian drones had detonated on Romanian territory, a claim Bucharest denied.

"We had attacks just today, the minister of defence told me, which were verified at 800 metres from our border. So very, very close," said Iohannis, speaking in a joint press conference with Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.

"I can tell you no piece, no drone and no part of a device landed in Romania," he added, according to a translation from Romanian broadcaster Digi TV.

Moscow has mounted long-range air strikes on targets in Ukraine since the start of its invasion last year. Since July, when Moscow abandoned a deal that lifted a de facto Russian blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports, it has repeatedly struck Ukrainian river ports that lie across the Danube from Romania.

Ukraine has reported suspected Russian weapons flying over or crashing into neighbours, including NATO members, several times during the war.

In the most serious incident, two people were killed in Poland by a missile that fell near the border last November. Poland and NATO allies later said it was a misfired Ukrainian air defence missile.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish in Warsaw; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Andrew Osborn

(Reuters) - Russia has set up a centre to prepare veterans of the war in Ukraine to teach schoolchildren a new security and defence course, the education minister said on Wednesday, the latest sign of rising military influence in Russian society.

Moscow has been overhauling its school curriculum since launching what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine early last year. New textbooks provide a revised interpretation of the fall of the Soviet Union, the Putin era and the causes of the Ukraine war.

It is also updating an existing course to include basic military training for children aged 16 and over and a module on Russia's armed forces and how to serve in them.

The new course, which according to the education ministry includes studying how to handle a Kalashnikov assault rifle and various hand grenades as well as self-defence, is called "Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland".

Education minister Sergei Kravtsov was quoted by the state news agency TASS on Wednesday as saying:

"... A centre has been created this year ... to retrain teacher-veterans of the special military operation, and those who have taken part in combat, to implement the rollout of a new course that prioritises practical training."

The full version of the course will be taught in schools from Sept. 1 next year.

Some elements, such as basic military training, a staple of schools during much of the Soviet era, have been rolled out this month as part of the existing course for pupils in grades 10 and 11, Russian media say.

Pupils on the same course will also learn about combat drones - increasingly important on the battlefield, according to the defence ministry, which has advised the education ministry.

President Vladimir Putin said in July he wanted veterans to be actively involved in public life.

Official figures show that at least 133,000 people have been officially designated veterans of the Ukraine conflict, which affords them and their families a raft of financial and other benefits.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by)
By Jacqueline Thomsen

(Reuters) - The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday questioned a pair of U.S. Navy Reserve officers who were nominated by U.S. President Joe Biden to serve on two U.S. federal appeals courts.

Hammond, Indiana U.S. Magistrate Judge Joshua Kolar and Rich Federico, a federal public defender in Kansas and a military judge for the Navy Reserve, both appeared before the committee. Biden, a Democrat, nominated them to the bench in July.

Kolar, tapped for the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, said his military experience has helped prepare him to serve on the court.

"Both as a naval intelligence officer and as a judge, I try to make sure that I'm rigorously analyzing anything that comes before me and taking into account all relevant facts," he said.

He is also a former federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Indiana.

Federico, a former military prosecutor and defense lawyer, is nominated to the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He said that his different roles within the Navy's legal system "can only make me a better circuit judge."

Federico faced some push-back from Republicans over a case in which he, as a court-appointed defense lawyer, asked for a sentence below the federal guidelines for a man convicted of distributing child sex abuse materials.

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, said he would oppose the nominee over the case. Federico defended his actions, saying it was his responsibility to zealously represent the defendant and that sentences are ultimately decided by judges.

Senator Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate panel, was joined by leading Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in noting that both Kolar and Federico were supported by their Republican home state senators, even though their backing was not needed for the nominees to advance.

"These senators and the White House Counsel's Office have shown once again this process can work when people of goodwill meet together and do their best," Durbin said.

The committee on Wednesday also heard from two nominees to federal trial courts.

Judge Jeffrey Bryan of the Minnesota Court of Appeals would be the first Hispanic federal district court judge in Minnesota if confirmed. Judge Eumi Lee, a Korean American state court judge in California's Alameda County, is nominated to serve as a district court judge in the state's Northern District.

Read more:

Biden nominates 2 US Navy Reserve officers to federal appeals courts

Biden faces tougher road on judicial appointments after progressive picks

(Reporting by Jacqueline Thomsen in Washington)
By Jan Lopatka

(Reuters) - Slovakia's liberal Progresivne Slovensko (Progressive Slovakia) party will maintain the country's support for Ukraine in line with European and NATO partners if it wins power in an election later this month, its leader said.

Progresivne Slovensko leader Michal Simecka cast the Sept. 30 election as a decision between continuity and a sharp change if former prime minister Robert Fico's SMER-SSD party forms the next government. Fico has promised a policy U-turn.

"It would mean a turn to the east (Russia), and a threat of Slovakia's isolation," Simecka, 39, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"While (Hungarian Prime Minister) Viktor Orban has been a lone Trojan horse of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin in Europe, there is a real threat the Robert Fico would be his partner if he wins."

Slovakia, which neighbours Ukraine, has sent an air defence system, MiG-29 fighter planes and other military aid to Kyiv in response to the Russian invasion.

The country's centre-right cabinet fell apart last year and a technocrat government has been in power since May to steer the country to election, maintaining the foreign policy course.

"I appreciate the clear geopolitical line of support for Ukraine, joining the common European positions. We would maintain continuity," Simecka said.

"We would be open to further support for Ukraine in any practical way," he said, although most big-ticket items the country could spare have been sent already.

Fico, on the other side, has pledged to end military aid to Ukraine and his party wants an end of hostilities and a diplomatic solution - which Ukraine rejects while Russian forces hold Ukrainian territory.

Progresivne Slovensko, together with a coalition partner, won the 2019 European Parliament election in Slovakia with 20.1% of the vote, but narrowly failed to win parliamentary seats in national elections a year later.

It has been running second behind SMER-SSD in the latest opinion taken poll by Focus agency in August, with 15% versus 20% for the frontrunner.

No party is expected to win a majority, and who forms the next cabinet may be determined by the performance of a handful of small parties, from liberal to pro-Russian nationalist, who will form coalitions with larger forces.

Simecka said his party, a strong backer of a human rights agenda including same-sex marriage and transgender rights, would not work with Fico and two far-right formations, but otherwise it was open to cooperation even with conservative parties with conflicting priorities.

"For me the priority is preventing Robert Fico from forming a government," Simecka said. "You have to make compromises. That is what we will go with into post-election talks."

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
FILE PHOTO-Slovakia's Prime Minister Ludovit Odor speaks during a press conference with newly appointed members of the Slovak government in Bratislava, Slovakia, May 15, 2023. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa/File Photo

(Reuters) -Slovakia will assign up to 500 soldiers to help police control an increasing flow of migrants coming across the border from Hungary, Prime Minister Ludovit Odor said on Wednesday.

Slovakia has seen a surge in the number of migrants, mostly from Syria, who have crossed into the European Union on the Hungarian-Serbian border and are headed to richer countries, mainly Germany.

The rise in migrants before colder autumn and winter months coincides with a planned Sept. 30 election in Slovakia and is grabbing politicians' attention, while small towns on the southern border are seeing more and more refugees rest or sleep over in their parks and sports grounds.

Odor said it was impossible to seal the border with Hungary but the troops would help police register the migrants and also patrol towns in the border area.

"I would like to assure citizens that we are still talking about transit migration," Odor said after a government meeting.

The Interior Ministry said on Tuesday the number of detained illegal migrants has soared by ninefold, to more than 27,000 so far this year.

The government also proposed ending the practice of issuing registration forms to migrants, which other countries on the Balkan route do not do and which the government said is a pull factor for migrants, though nearly all continue their journey to Western Europe.

The government will also improve food supplies and hygiene at venues where migrants wait for registration, officials said on Wednesday, after complaints at places such as a former sawmill in the southern town of Velky Krtis where around 750 migrants were staying on Wednesday morning.

The government said it has started to take people by buses to other places to spread the burden on police departments and speed up the registration process.

(Reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague; editing by Nick Macfie)
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Spanish Telecom company Telefonica is seen during GSMA's 2022 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain February 28, 2022. REUTERS/Nacho Doce/File Photo

By Emma Pinedo and Belen Carreno

MADRID (Reuters) -Spain is analysing Saudi Arabian group STC's purchase of a 9.9% stake in Telefonica , signalling a potential hurdle to the move, in order to ensure that its strategic interests are upheld.

STC had contacted the Spanish government on Tuesday to inform it of the deal, which would make STC the Spanish telecom's largest shareholder, acting economy minister Nadia Calvino said in Brussels on Wednesday.

"Telefonica is a strategic company for our country and as government we will apply all the mechanisms that are necessary to prioritise the defence of our strategic interests," Calvino told reporters when asked about STC's move.

Madrid could potentially stymie STC's stake purchase since Telefonica provides services to Spain's defence industry and the government can intervene in acquisitions of holdings above 5%.

An official familiar with the government's thinking said Madrid will "exercise its power" to approve or reject the operation as it understands it has oversight authority due to Telefonica's links to national defence.

Acting Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra, who belongs to the government's hard-left coalition partner Podemos, said on X - formerly Twitter - that "public control of strategic companies is a matter of urgency from a democratic and security point of view."

Belarra added that state holding company SEPI should acquire a 10% stake in Telefonica over the next few years to "lead digitalisation."

Trade union UGT welcomed STC's move in a statement, describing it as "a capital inflow that consolidates everything that has to do with the company's future investments ... which will guarantee the future of its workers."

However, Spain's biggest union CCOO urged "caution and responsibility," vowing to remain vigilant of STC's next actions.

STC on Tuesday said it had built a 9.9% stake in Telefonica worth 2.1 billion euros ($2.25 billion), following the playbook of other Middle Eastern companies in investing in European and Latin American telecom operators.

STC is Saudi Arabia's largest telecoms operator and is 64% owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the main engine of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to wean the economy off its dependence on oil.

European telecom firms such as Telefonica meanwhile have been struggling to pay off huge debts in the face of slow-growing mobile business and high investments for latest technologies such as 5G.

They have tried to raise funds by selling off their tower businesses, lobbied the European Commission to allow for market consolidation and have been fighting with technology companies to get them to fund infrastructure investments.

Telefonica's total debt is close to twice its market value of almost 22 billion euros.

"This provides a much-needed boost for Telefonica given the huge investment to roll out fibre broadband 5G in key core markets," said Paolo Pescatore, an analyst at PP Foresight.

There will now be opportunities for both companies to work more closely to bring greater efficiencies and launch new products globally, he said.

The government introduced legislation to block acquisitions of stakes of 10% or more in listed companies by entities from outside the European Union and European Free Trade Association to try to prevent hostile takeovers of companies whose values have plummeted since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The threshold at which the government can intervene was recently lowered to 5% for companies related to defence.

Calvino said Madrid was analysing the application of the relevant defence mechanisms, the sector, its relation with Spain's security and defence of Spain, STC's shareholding, the exercise of voting rights and the participation on the board or other decision-making bodies of the company.

"Fortunately, since we arrived in government we have reinforced the mechanisms for protecting our strategic interests," Calvino added.

Telefonica is listed as a defence provider on government websites, supplying "systems and equipment" to the army and satellite services to the defence ministry's aerospace arm.

HUAWEI LINK

A Spanish government source also pointed to potential concerns over STC's relationship with telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies, including a recent Memorandum of Understanding between the two to develop fibre-optic broadband.

Information technology has been a sticking point for China's relations with the United States and European countries, which have in some cases banned Chinese products for security reasons.

Spain is not among the 10 EU countries that have banned Huawei and ZTE from their 5G telecoms networks but EU pressure is growing on all member states to do so.

Neither STC nor Telefonica responded to requests for comment about Huawei's work with STC. Huawei, ZTE and Beijing have rejected Western allegations that Chinese equipment might be used for spying.

Telefonica, whose shares rose 2% on Wednesday on the Madrid stock exchange, said it was informed of STC's investment on Tuesday, describing it as "friendly."

STC's holding consists of 4.9% of Telefonica's shares and financial instruments that give it another 5% in so-called economic exposure to the company. It said it plans to secure voting rights for that 5% interest held through financial instruments after receiving regulatory approvals.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Emma Pinedo, Belen Carreno and David Latona; Editing by Jason Neely, Jan Harvey, Aislinn Laing, Alexander Smith and Mark Porter)
The Plaine Morte glacier is seen on the day when members of the Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS) measure ice loss, amid climate change on the Plaine Morte glacier in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, September 5, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

CRANS MONTANA, Switzerland (Reuters) - Fields of white snow and ice are giving way to grey rocky outcrops in the Swiss Alps as glaciers melt after another hot summer.

Swiss glaciers last year recorded their worst melt rate since records began more than a century ago, losing 6% of that volume during the course of 2022.

And another wave of melting is expected to be confirmed this year, said Matthias Huss from ETH Zurich, who is leading a team from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS) measuring the loss of ice.

"The summer was much too warm," Huss told Reuters. "The first trends indicate that this year is again characterized by a very strong loss.

"At this position we lost more than two meters of ice and this is a lot, especially considering that we are at the highest point of the glacier, where the glacier actually should accumulate some new mass."

Glaciers around the world are being measured for evidence of global warming as temperatures around the world surge.

In Switzerland temperatures in August reached an average of 15.5C, 1.2C above normal levels making it one of the 10 warmest Augusts on record.

In the mountains at Montana, government agency MeteoSchweiz recorded a new all-time high of 31.5C on Aug. 24.

The GLAMOS team has now started its summer measurements at the Glacier de la Plaine Morte in Crans-Montana, which lies 3000 meters high among the mountains in southwest Switzerland.

Although the final results are likely to show less extreme melting than in 2022, the situation was still worrying, Huss said.

"After this record year last year, we didn't expect to see again such a year with very strong losses," he said. "It's changing so fast the landscape. New rocks are appearing, everything is becoming gray and dark."

(Reporting by Denis Balibouse and Cecile Mantovani, writing by John Revill and Angus MacSwan)
FILE PHOTO: A Southwest Airlines aircraft flies past the U.S. Capitol before landing at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., January 24, 2022. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo

By Mehr Bedi

(Reuters) -Southwest Airlines on Wednesday flagged softer August leisure bookings and joined two other U.S. airlines in warning of higher fuel costs in the third quarter due to a jump in crude prices.

The largest U.S. domestic carrier said August bookings were at the lower end of its expectations, in part due to seasonal trends, but maintained that overall leisure demand and yields remain healthy.

Shares of Southwest closed 2.6% lower at $29.97.

The forecast comes as early signs emerge of domestic travel demand weakening, with inflationary pressures hurting consumers even as carriers hand out costly contracts to retain workers.

United Airlines and Alaska Air Group also warned of higher fuel costs in the current quarter as crude oil prices rose for a third straight month in August, amid signs of tightening supply.

In a regulatory filing, United said jet fuel prices have climbed over 20% since mid-July.

The carrier also said it had no imminent plans to move its headquarters to Denver from Chicago after buying 113 acres of land there. Finance Chief Gerald Laderman at the TD Cowen Transportation Conference said the first order of business is the expansion of the flight training center in Denver.

Southwest said it continues to forecast a "solid (third-quarter) profit", but trimmed its expectations for revenue per available seat mile - a proxy for pricing power - to a 5% to 7% fall, compared with a 3% to 7% fall forecast earlier.

Alaska Air expects a quarterly adjusted pre-tax margin of 10% to 12%, lower than its prior expectation of 14% to 16%.

U.S. airlines do not generally hedge against fuel costs, making them vulnerable to price swings.

"The relatively quick up move in fuel has given the industry little time to respond through fares," Citi Research analyst Stephen Trent said in a note.

(Reporting by Mehr Bedi and Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru, Additional reporting by Aishwarya Jain; Editing by Pooja Desai)
By Luc Cohen

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A co-founder of Tornado Cash, a cryptocurrency platform under U.S. sanctions, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges he helped facilitate more than $1 billion in money laundering, including for a cybercrime group linked to North Korea's government.

Roman Storm, a naturalized U.S. citizen, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla in Manhattan.

"We think the government got it wrong here," Storm's lawyer Brian Klein told the judge.

Storm was arrested on Aug. 23 and released on a $2 million bond secured by his home in Washington state.

The U.S. Treasury banned Tornado Cash last November, saying North Korea's Lazarus Group, which is also under U.S. sanctions, used it the previous April and May to launder hundreds of millions of dollars in hacking proceeds.

Tornado Cash is a so-called virtual currency "mixer," which mashes cryptocurrencies from many users.

U.S. officials say the process helps cryptocurrency owners conceal their identities and ill-gotten gains.

Another Tornado Cash co-founder, Roman Semenov, was indicted alongside Storm but remains at large.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York)
By Tuvan Gumrukcu

ANKARA (Reuters) - Officials from the European Union and Turkey will restart talks next week on modernising a customs union between the two sides, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday.

Turkey has been an official candidate to join the EU for 24 years, but accession talks have stalled in recent years over the bloc's concerns about human rights violations and respect for the rule of law.

In July, President Tayyip Erdogan called for a re-opening of Ankara's accession talks and said full membership remained a key strategic objective for Turkey.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara following talks with EU enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi, Fidan said he and Varhelyi had agreed to restart talks on the customs union, which aims to provide unhindered access for goods between the sides.

"Delegations will start convening as of next week and the efforts will pick up pace," he said.

The EU-Turkey customs union entered force in 1995 but is limited to industrial goods and processed agricultural products.

In an interview with Reuters, Varhelyi said his talks in Ankara had helped identify areas where the bloc and Turkey could start working immediately, adding that full membership required steps from Turkey on the rule of law and human rights.

"We agreed to tackle the most important outstanding issues that we can tackle already now without the modernisation of the customs union, so our colleagues will sit together and will start working immediately," Varhelyi said.

Asked about whether there were prospects for Turkey to be a part of the 2030 EU enlargement aim outlined by European Council President Charles Michel, Varhelyi said the priority was to "change the atmosphere", after disputes between Ankara and some member states, namely Greece and Cyprus, strained ties in recent years.

He said his visit had "confirmed that there is more than an openness" from Ankara on advancing the accession process, adding the EU had seen "a series of very positive messages" from Turkey recently on the matter, but that a "positive agenda" must first be established.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu, Editing by William Maclean)
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speak as they eat at McDonald's in Kyiv, Ukraine on September 6, 2023. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Pool via REUTERS

KYIV (Reuters) - Over large fries and a cherry pie, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday credited his American counterpart Antony Blinken with helping get the U.S. fast-food restaurant McDonald's to reopen in Ukraine after Russia's invasion.

The two top diplomats grabbed a quick bite at a McDonald's in Kyiv before a joint news conference and after Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Blinken is on a two-day trip to Ukraine, the first by a top U.S. official since Kyiv's counteroffensive began in early June.

Speaking to reporters while they ate, Kuleba recalled how he told Blinken by phone after Russia's invasion how important it would be for the fast-food chain to return to Ukraine.

"The secretary said he heard me and he will look hard at what can be done," Kuleba said. A few days later his team received a phone call from the U.S. embassy about the request, he said.

"I think having McDonald's in the country is a message: a message of confidence... This is how the comeback of McDonald's started - in the phone conversation. And this is why we're here tonight."

The world's biggest burger chain closed its restaurants in Ukraine and Russia in March 2022, following Moscow's invasion of the eastern European country.

But it reopened some branches in Ukraine in September 2022 while in Russia, the U.S. company sold its outlets. They reopened in June 2022 under new Russian branding.

Blinken said McDonald's was eager to come back to Ukraine and the two diplomats wanted to mark the food chain's return with a quick visit.

"We've been saying to each other .. the next time I was in Kyiv we should get a chance to stop by," Blinken said.

(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Firefighters work at a site which was hit during Russia's missile attacks, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near Kyiv, Ukraine September 6, 2023. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS

By Pavel Polityuk and Gleb Garanich

KYIV (Reuters) -Russia carried out air strikes on Kyiv and the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa early on Wednesday, killing a civilian and causing a fire and damage at a Danube River port, Ukraine's military said.

During a nearly three-hour drone attack on Odesa, several agricultural and port facilities were damaged, and several fires were reported in the Izmail district, an important grain exporting hub on the Danube, said regional governor Oleh Kiper.

"An employee of an agricultural enterprise, who was seriously injured, died in the hospital," Kiper said.

Kiper did not name the port. Agriculture consultancy APK-Inform said there had been a fire at the small Kilia river port.

Ukraine operates several river ports on the Danube as well as two major ports, Reni and Izmail, which have previously been attacked by Russian drones. Kilia, which focuses on dry cargo, was attacked for the first time, APK-Inform said.

Ukraine's air force said air defence systems destroyed 23 out of the 33 air weapons Russia launched overnight. They included 25 Iranian-made Shahed drones, seven cruise missiles and one Iskander ballistic missile, it said.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment by Moscow.

Russia also launched missiles at Kyiv early on Wednesday, though Ukrainian air defence systems shot them all down, officials said.

"Another missile attack by the enemy on a peaceful city," Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Falling debris damaged the facades of buildings, private cars, windows in a medical facility and a police office, officials said. No casualties were reported in the capital.

Reuters' witnesses in Kyiv heard several blasts which sounded like air defence systems being deployed at around 0550 a.m. (0250 GMT).

Since its full-scale invasion 18 months ago, Russia has frequently launched air attacks on Kyiv and other places in Ukraine far from the frontline.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Gleb Garanich in Kyiv; Writing by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Michael Perry, Simon Cameron-Moore and Timothy Heritage)
Pope Francis attends a meeting with bishops of the Synod of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church at the Vatican, September 6, 2023. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Ukraine's Eastern Rite Catholic bishops bluntly told Pope Francis at a meeting on Wednesday that some of his comments about Russia had caused great pain and were being used by Moscow to justify a "a murderous ideology".

In a statement that was remarkable for its candour, they said their two-hour session with the pope at the Vatican was a "frank conversation".

At the heart of the dispute are unscripted remarks the pope made to young Russian Catholics in a video conference on Aug. 25. He spoke of past tsars Peter I and Catherine II - both of whom expanded Russian territory - and told his listeners they were the heirs of the "great Russian empire".

The comments caused an uproar in Ukraine because Russian President Vladimir Putin has invoked the legacies of the two Russian monarchs in justifying his invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of some of its territory.

They were welcomed by the Kremlin, which praised the pope for what it said was his knowledge of Russian history.

The statement from the Ukrainian bishops said the prelates "expressed the Ukrainian people's pain, suffering, and a certain disappointment" over the papal remarks.

Two days ago, speaking to reporters aboard his plane returning from a trip to Mongolia, Francis acknowledged that his comments on Russia were badly phrased and said his intention was to remind young Russians of a great cultural heritage and not a political, imperial one.

The bishops' statement said they told the pope that certain statements and gestures of "the Holy See and Your Holiness are painful and difficult for the Ukrainian people, who are currently bleeding in the struggle for their dignity and independence".

They told him that such statements were "used by Russian propaganda to justify and support the murderous ideology of the 'Russian World'," a reference to Putin's attempts to justify actions in Ukraine by propounding a view of history that asserts Ukraine has no real national identity or tradition of statehood.

The statement quoted the pope as telling the bishops: "The fact that you doubted whom the pope is with was particularly painful for the Ukrainian people. I want to assure you of my solidarity with you and constant prayerful closeness. I am with the Ukrainian people."

By contrast, the Vatican's statement on the meeting did not depict any of the tension and bluntness contained in the bishops' description of the meeting.

While the pope has condemned the war as an unjustified act of aggression and has called Ukraine a "martyred nation" at nearly each of his public appearances since the invasion last year, he has disappointed Ukrainians by not forcefully and specifically calling out Putin as the conflict's instigator.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Mark Heinrich)
People spend time near Fontana della Barcaccia, at the Piazza di Spagna, during a heatwave across Italy, as temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming days, in Rome, Italy July 18, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

(Reuters) - The United Nations' first global chief heat officer called on Wednesday for political leaders to make firm commitments at November's COP28 climate meeting to stem rapidly rising temperatures in cities, particularly in poorer countries.

Eleni Myrivili, tasked with trying to ease the impact of hotter summers that threaten the health and livelihoods of billions of urban residents around the world, said finding the finance for nature-based solutions and adaptation plans for cities was a major roadblock to progress.

"This was a really bad summer for heat, for people and for ecosystems and for agriculture and for economies," Myrivili said in an interview at the Reuters IMPACT conference in London. "In July, we had these crazy heat domes in almost all of the Northern Hemisphere."

"It really felt like something was different, it felt like a turning point," Myrivili, the former chief heat officer for Athens, said.

"I'm really hoping this COP is going to be more of a decisive COP in turning away from generalities ... and really moving fast forward with stopping greenhouse gas emissions and stopping deforestation and figuring out how to create a much sustainable agriculture and sustainable animal husbandry."

Myrivili and national chief heat officers around the world are focused on measures like bringing nature into cities and employing mitigation techniques such as the white reflecting asphalt introduced in Phoenix, Arizona.

She is, however, most concerned about cities in poorer countries that do not have the capacity, the architectural expertise or the funds to make significant changes.

"That's the really scary thing," she said. "That's the thing I'm really worried about. There are a lot of countries that have a lot of informal housing, a lot of informal labour and a lot of poverty, and that's where heat becomes the real killer."

To view the live broadcast of the Road to COP Stage go to the Reuters IMPACT news page:

(Reporting by Jane Wardell; Editing by Alison Williams)
The International Criminal Court building is seen in The Hague, Netherlands, January 16, 2019. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw/File photo

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - A high-level U.S. congressional delegation will meet with the top prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague on Thursday and discuss allegations of war crimes against Russian President Vladimir Putin, its chair said on Wednesday.

The delegation led by Representative Michael McCaul, Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, will talk with ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan - the latest sign of improving ties between Washington and the world's top war crimes court.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March accusing him of the war crime of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied its forces have engaged in war crimes, or forcibly taken Ukrainian children.

McCaul said "30,000 children have been taken away from their families and indoctrinated in Russia." Washington was looking at how it can "help The Hague gather more and collect more evidence and intelligence to prove the case against Putin," he said.

The United States is not a member of the court, along with major powers including China and Russia, but U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland made an unannounced stop off at the court in June, the first of its kind.

In July, U.S. President Joe Biden asked his administration to begin sharing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine with the ICC.

Washington imposed sanctions against top ICC officials under the Trump administration and then lifted them under U.S. President Joe Biden. It has supported the ICC's work in investigating war crimes in Ukraine since Russia invaded in February of 2022.

Asked whether there was enough evidence for a genocide case against Russia, which argues it is fighting a defensive war against the West in Ukraine, delegation members compared the situation with the Nazi occupation of Europe during World War Two.

"When you try to erase a culture, a people and a religion, that is a definition of genocide," McCaul said.

The delegation was on the last stop of a visit to Europe to discuss NATO cooperation and ways to further support Ukraine, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets and pilot training. It also visited Sweden and Finland.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Jessica Rosenworcel answers a question during an oversight hearing held by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in Washington, U.S. June 24, 2020. Jonathan Newton/Pool via REU

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asked U.S. government agencies to consider declaring that Chinese companies including Quectel and Fibocom Wireless pose unacceptable national security risks, according to letters seen by Reuters.

The Republican chair of the House of Representatives China Select Committee, Mike Gallagher, and the top Democrat on the panel Raja Krishnamoorthi, asked the FCC last month to consider adding to its so-called "Covered List" the two companies that produce cellular modules that enable internet of things (IoT) devices to connect to the internet.

Federal funds cannot be used to purchase equipment from companies on the list, and the FCC will not authorize new equipment from companies deemed national security threats.

Rosenworcel wrote the FBI, the Justice Department, the National Security Agency, the Defense Department and other agencies on Sept. 1, forwarding the request from the lawmakers.

She said in the previously unreported letters the FCC welcomes the opportunity to collaborate "in addressing this threat, including consideration of the inclusion of this equipment from Quectel and Fibocom on the Covered List."

A U.S. spokesperson for Quectel said once modules are delivered "Quectel customers own the data, and we have no access to any of the data collected."

Remote device management "is achievable solely through the (original equipment manufacturer) device management platform," the spokesperson added, noting the company had recently retained security firm Finite State to audit and test the security of its modules.

Fibocom did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rosenworcel told the lawmakers in a separate letter Tuesday "the issues you raise with respect to connectivity modules merit continued attention. To this end, the commission is examining additional steps it should take to protect U.S. networks."

She added the FCC can update the Covered List "only at the direction of national security authorities."

The FCC previously placed 10 Chinese and one Russian company on the Covered List including Huawei, ZTE, Hytera Communications Corp, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Zhejiang Dahua Technology.

The lawmakers warned that U.S. medical equipment, vehicles and farm equipment using Chinese cellular modules could be accessed and controlled remotely from China.

Noting they are typically controlled remotely and are the necessary link between the device and the internet, the lawmakers said that if China "can control the module, it may be able to effectively exfiltrate data or shut down the IoT device."

The FCC has taken other steps to bar Chinese telecom companies from U.S. networks. Last year, the FCC voted to revoke China Unicom's U.S. unit, Pacific Networks and ComNet's authorization to operate in the United States, citing national security concerns.

Rosenworcel said the list "provides all companies making purchasing decisions clear signals about the security of products in the marketplace."

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on Wednesday, but last year it said the FCC "abused state power and maliciously attacked Chinese telecom operators again without factual basis."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jonathan Oatis, David Gregorio and Jamie Freed)
Peter Navarro, adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump, stops to speak as he arrives for opening arguments in his trial on contempt of Congress charges for refusing to cooperate with the House of Representatives committee investigating the January 6

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal prosecutors on Wednesday rested their case against former President Donald Trump's adviser Peter Navarro on charges of contempt of Congress after calling three witnesses, urging jurors to convict him for spurning a committee that subpoenaed him in its probe into the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack.

The prosecution delivered its opening statement to the jury then quickly presented its witnesses - three former staff members of the Democratic-led House of Representatives select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, rampage by Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol and fought with police.

"Mr. Navarro ignored his subpoena," federal prosecutor John Crabb told the 12 jurors. "He acted as if he's above the law, but he's not above the law."

Navarro's lawyers, limited by the judge in the type of defense they could mount, opted to rest their case without presenting any witnesses or evidence.

Navarro, a hawk on China policy who advised Trump during his presidency on trade issues and also served on the White House COVID-19 task force, was charged last year with two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress after refusing to comply with a subpoena issued in February 2022 by the committee seeking testimony and documents.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could carry a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of one year in jail.

Ahead of the trial, Navarro and his attorneys had argued that he was unable to comply with the subpoena because Trump invoked executive privilege, a legal doctrine that shields some executive branch records and communications from disclosure.

But U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Navarro could not use this as a defense after the defendant was unable to prove that Trump did in fact invoke executive privilege.

Stan Woodward, one of Navarro's defense attorneys, told jurors in his opening statement that most of the evidence in the case was not in dispute.

Woodward said Navarro's failure to respond to the subpoena was not "willful" and promised jurors they would see evidence that Navarro told committee staffers they should reach out to Trump directly to hash out the details first over what the "contours of that privilege meant."

Closing arguments are expected on Wednesday, with jurors due to begin deliberations after that.

Steve Bannon, another key associate of Trump, was convicted last year of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the same committee and sentenced to four months in prison.

The committee sought to interview Navarro about a plan devised by him and other Trump allies to delay Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. Navarro later detailed the plan, which was called the "Green Bay Sweep," in a book he wrote after leaving the White House. The committee ultimately issued its investigatory findings last year without getting the chance to interview Navarro.

Prosecutors said that Navarro was required to show up to a deposition and invoke the privilege on a question-by-question basis. He also was required, they said, to hand over a document log explaining the legal basis for why each record should be withheld from Congress.

"Congress believed that Mr. Navarro had information about what happened on Jan. 6, or more specifically about why it happened," Crabb said. "So Congress issued Mr. Navarro a subpoena. It wasn't voluntary. It wasn't an invitation."

The three prosecution witnesses confirmed to the jury that Navarro never showed up to testify or produce documents. The prosecution also entered some emails into evidence.

In one February 2022 email to a committee staffer who had reached out to Navarro to ask if he would accept service of the subpoena and whether he had an attorney, Navarro replied: "Yes. No counsel. Executive Privilege."

Navarro clarified in a later email that his hands were "tied" because Trump had invoked executive privilege.

"It is neither my privilege to waive or Joseph Biden's privilege to waive," Navarro wrote, telling the panel to deal with Trump's lawyers directly on the matter.

Former panel staffer Daniel George said during cross-examination that his team never reached out to Trump's lawyers about the subpoena, but also noted that Trump's lawyers never reached out to his team.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Will Dunham)
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 SEPTEMBER 2023

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-40173

Steakholder Foods Ltd.

(Translation of registrants name into English)

Steakholder Foods Ltd.

5 David Fikes St., Rehovot 7632805 Israel

+972 -73-541-2206

(Address of principal executive offices)

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 

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

Steakholder Foods Ltd. (the Company) announces that it will hold a Special General Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) at its executive offices at 5 David Fikes St., Rehovot, Israel 7632805 on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Israel time (9:00 a.m. EDT). The Company is distributing a proxy statement (which includes the full version of the proposed resolutions) and proxy cards to all shareholders of record. A notice with additional information about the Meeting and proxy statement which includes the full version of the proposed resolutions is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, and proxy cards for holders of American Depositary Shares and ordinary shares are attached hereto respectively as Exhibits 99.2 and 99.3.

1

SIGNATURE

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.

Steakholder Foods Ltd. By: /s/ Arik Kaufman Name: Arik Kaufman Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: September 6, 2023

2

EXHIBIT INDEX

3

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

A PROXY CARD, BY MEANS OF WHICH HOLDERS OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES, EVIDENCED BY AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS, OF THE COMPANY MAY VOTE AT THE MEETING WITHOUT ATTENDING IN PERSON

A PROXY CARD, BY MEANS OF WHICH HOLDERS OF ORDINARY SHARES OF THE COMPANY MAY VOTE AT THE MEETING WITHOUT ATTENDING IN PERSON
Legend Information

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication relates to a proposed business combination transaction (the Transaction) between Earthstone and Permian Resources. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, exchange or transfer of the securities referred to in this document in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

Important Additional Information

In connection with the Transaction, on September 6, 2023, Permian Resources filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a joint proxy statement of Earthstone and Permian Resources and a prospectus of Permian Resources. The Transaction will be submitted to Earthstones stockholders and Permian Resources stockholders for their consideration. Earthstone and Permian Resources may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Transaction. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to the stockholders of Permian Resources and Earthstone. This document is not a substitute for the registration statement and joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed with the SEC or any other documents that Permian Resources or Earthstone may file with the SEC or send to stockholders of Permian Resources or Earthstone, respectively, in connection with the Transaction.

INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF EARTHSTONE AND PERMIAN RESOURCES ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

Investors and security holders are able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Permian Resources or Earthstone through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Earthstone are available free of charge on Earthstones website at https://www.earthstoneenergy.com, under the Investors tab, or by directing a request to Investor Relations, Earthstone Energy, Inc., 1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300, The Woodlands, TX 77380, Tel. No. (281) 298-4246. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Permian Resources will be made available free of charge on Permian Resources website at https://www.permianres.com, under the Investor Relations tab, or by directing a request to Investor Relations, Permian Resources Corporation, 300 N. Marienfeld St., Ste. 1000, Midland, TX 79701, Tel. No. (432) 695-4222.

Participants in the Solicitation

Permian Resources, Earthstone and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect to the Transaction. Information regarding Earthstones directors and executive officers is contained in the proxy statement for Earthstones 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 27, 2023, and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. You can obtain a free copy of this document at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov or by accessing Earthstones website at https://www.earthstoneenergy.com.

Information regarding Permian Resources executive officers and directors is contained in the proxy statement for the Permian Resources 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed with the SEC on April 11, 2023 and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. You can obtain a free copy of this document at the SECs website at www.sec.gov or by accessing the Permian Resources website at https://www.permianres.com. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the Transaction by reading the joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding the Transaction. You may obtain free copies of this document as described above.

3
Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to our clients. I am excited for the opportunities ahead.

Sincerely,

Katie Chaffee

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this communication include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the consummation of the proposed merger between NextGen Healthcare, Inc. (the Company) and affiliates of Thoma Bravo (the Merger). These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed Merger and the possibility that various closing conditions for the proposed Merger may not be satisfied or waived, and the ability to realize the benefits expected from the proposed Merger. The forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements, please refer to discussions under the captions Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and elsewhere in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The Companys SEC filings are available on the Investor Relations section of our website at https://investor.nextgen.com and on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: (i) the proposed Merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the Company or the expected benefits of the proposed Merger or that the approval of the Companys stockholders is not obtained; (ii) the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Merger; (iii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for the Company will be made; (iv) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the proposed Merger may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals); (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed Merger, including in circumstances which would require the Company to pay a termination fee or other expenses; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed Merger on the Companys ability to retain and hire key personnel, or its operating results and business generally; (vii) significant transaction costs associated with the Merger; (viii) potential litigation relating to the Merger; (ix) the risk that disruptions from the Merger will harm the Companys business, including current plans and operations; (x) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting the Companys business; and (xi) general economic and market developments and conditions; (xii) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which the Company operates; and (xiii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the Merger that could affect the Companys financial performance.

Additional Information

This communication may be deemed solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of the Company. A special stockholder meeting will be announced soon to obtain stockholder approval in connection with the proposed Merger. The Company expects to file with the SEC a proxy statement and other relevant documents in connection with the proposed Merger. Investors of the Company are urged to read the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information about the Company and the proposed Merger. Investors may obtain a free copy of these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at the SECs website at www.sec.gov and at the Companys website at https://www.nextgen.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

The Company and its directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in soliciting proxies from its stockholders in connection with the proposed Merger. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered to be participants in the solicitation of the Companys stockholders in connection with the proposed Merger will be set forth in the Companys definitive proxy statement for its special stockholder meeting. Additional information regarding these individuals and any direct or indirect interests they may have in the proposed Merger will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement when and if it is filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed Merger.
U.S. Marines with Marine Innovation Unit, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, pose for a photo following an annual training period on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., March 11, 2023. A Marine, who was a student at the Marine Corps University, was found unresponsive Sept. 2, 2023, inside his vehicle on the campus in Quantico, Va. (Kevin Stapleton/U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve)

WASHINGTON  Investigators are trying to find out what led a Marine being found dead inside a vehicle at the Marine Corps University campus in Quantico, Va., officials said.

The Marine, who was a student at the military institution, was found unresponsive Saturday inside his vehicle parked on the campus, the Marine Corps Education Command said.

Officials pronounced him deceased on the scene, said Maj. Joshua Pena, a Marine Corps spokesperson. Naval Criminal Investigative Service has been notified, and an investigation has been opened into the matter.

The Marine Corps delayed the release of the service member until 24 hours after notification of the next of kin.

The campus is located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, about 30 miles southwest of Washington.

According to its website, the Marine Corps University develops the professional competence of its Marines, other service, international, and civilian students. Specifically, it says graduates are prepared to perform with increased effectiveness in service, joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational environments at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of war, across the range of military operations.

The death marks the second time in the last few months that a military service member has been found dead inside their vehicle.

Master Sgt. Juan Paulo Ferrer Bordador, an intelligence specialist with the Joint Staff, was found dead in March inside his vehicle in a Pentagon parking lot. Army investigators later concluded that he committed suicide.

The death in Quantico is the sixth of a Marine in recent weeks. Three Marines died in the crash of a V-22B Osprey in Australia last week; a Marine pilot died when his F/A-18 fighter jet crashed in Southern California on Aug. 24; and one Marine died during a live-fire exercise at Camp Pendleton near San Diego on Aug. 17.
The destroyer USS Zumwalt is homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy)

(Tribune News Service)  The San Diego-based destroyer USS Zumwalt has arrived at a shipyard in Mississippi where it will become the first American warship outfitted with hypersonic missiles, new weapons that are extremely hard to defend against.

Defense analysts say it is difficult to predict the flight path of these long-range missiles, which are also highly maneuverable and capable of traveling upwards of five times the speed of sound.

China claims that it already has developed hypersonic missiles that could be effectively used in the Indo-Pacific against American aircraft carriers, including the three homeported in San Diego.

The guided missile destroyer USS Zumwalt prepares to approach the pier during the final stage of its inbound transit to Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. (William Ash/U.S. Navy)

The Zumwalt, a first-in-class stealth destroyer, will be upgraded with Lockheed Martin hypersonics at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula. The Navy says field testing of the missiles is likely to begin in 2025.

The non-nuclear weapons also will be installed on the USS Michael Monsoor, another San Diego-based Zumwalt-class destroyer, as well as Virginia-class submarines.

The hypersonics upgrade represents a major mission change for Zumwalt destroyers, which were originally designed to fire more conventional missions.

Comings, goings: Naval Base San Diego will soon gain a new Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The USS Jack H. Lucas will be commissioned in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 7, then will push on to San Diego later in the year.

About a week earlier, the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Augusta will be commissioned in Eastport, Maine, then will begin its own journey to San Diego, its first operating base.

The LCS Jackson, whose crew was profiled by the Union-Tribune in June, was reported to be in Hawaii this week. The ship's deployment is expected to end by fall, when it returns to San Diego.

A fourth ship, the Ticonderoga-class cruiser Lake Champlain, was decommissioned in San Diego on Sept. 1. The Navy is phasing out all of its "Tico" cruisers, whose role has largely been subsumed by modern Burke-class destroyers.

2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The amphibious assault ship USS America docks at Manila's South Harbor, March 21, 2023. (Bullit Marquez/For Stars and Stripes)

OSAN, South Korea  A U.S. amphibious assault ship will join South Korean navy vessels next week for a historical reenactment of the Incheon landing during the 1950-53 Korean War.

The USS America will help mark the operations 73rd anniversary during a Sept. 15 ceremony in the coastal city of Incheon, a South Korean navy headquarters officer said by phone Wednesday.

The Sasebo, Japan-based ship was commissioned in 2014 and carries a crew of roughly 1,200 sailors, 1,900 Marines and an air arm of tiltrotor MV-22B Ospreys and F-35B Lightning IIs. The ship is powered by a hybrid electric-propulsion system.

Around 20 South Korean navy ships, 10 aircraft and 3,300 service members will participate in the reenactment, according to a Ministry of National Defense news release Tuesday.

The event will also commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended Korean War hostilities and reexamines the historical meaning and value of the operation, the release said.

The amphibious assault ship USS America docks at Manila's South Harbor, March 21, 2023. (Bullit Marquez/For Stars and Stripes)

The navy official said the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver will also participate in the reenactment. No joint naval drills, apart from the reenactment, were scheduled as of Wednesday, he said.

South Korean officials regularly speak to the media on a customary condition of anonymity.

U.S. Forces Korea spokesman David Kim declined to comment on the reenactment in an email Wednesday, saying the command does not publicly discuss the movement of a specific asset due to operational security concerns.

On Sept. 13, 1950, allied warships encircling Incheon harbor fired on North Korean fortifications on the beachhead to prepare for Operation Chromite, the U.S.-led amphibious assault on Incheon by U.N. Command forces. The daring attack on Incheon was designed to catch the North Koreans off guard, strike a psychological blow and recapture Seoul, according to Naval History and Heritage Command.

Allied troops led by Gen. Douglas MacArthur successfully retook Incheon and marched east to Seoul, 18 miles inland. By Sept. 28, 1950, they had liberated the capital city, cut the North Koreans supply routes and separated them from their forces to the south.

Around 600 U.N. Command troops were killed and 2,750 were wounded in the operation. About 14,000 North Korean troops were killed and 7,000 were taken prisoner.

Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report.
Japanese police investigate a deadly collision just outside the main gate for Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  Japanese police arrested a local man on suspicion of negligent driving early Wednesday after a motorcyclist died in a collision just outside the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Its the second motorcycle fatality here in less than two weeks.

Motorcyclist Wataru Teruya, 36, of Yokosuka, was eastbound on Route 16 around 12:50 a.m. when fellow Yokosuka resident Yu Seki, 38, turned right in a passenger car and struck Teruya broadside, a Kanagawa Prefectural Police spokesman said by phone Wednesday.

The accident occurred at the intersection just outside of Carney Gate, the bases main entrance.

Teruya, a restaurant owner, was pronounced dead at 1:36 a.m. at a local hospital; Seki was uninjured, the spokesman told Stars and Stripes.

The accident happened less than two weeks after a Navy sailor on a motorcycle was killed in an Aug. 24 collision near Yokosukas southeastern entrance. Base spokesman Randall Baucom on Wednesday identified the sailor as Petty Officer 2nd Class Miguel Cortes, 24, of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

Police on Wednesday arrested Seki on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in injury. Police plan to investigate the case as negligent driving resulting in death, TV Kanagawa reported that day.

Japanese police investigate a deadly collision just outside the main gate for Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Japanese police investigate a deadly collision just outside the main gate for Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Japanese police direct traffic following a deadly collision just outside the main gate for Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Sekis right turn would have taken him to the main gate, and his car displayed a Japanese National Employee sticker issued by the base. Baucom declined to comment on whether Seki is affiliated with the base and referred further questions to the Japanese police.

The accident occurred off base and no SOFA personnel were involved, he said by email. SOFA  the status of forces agreement  specifies the rights and responsibilities of U.S. service members, civilian employees and their families in Japan.

The police spokesman could not confirm whether Seki worked on the base. Some Japanese government officials customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

The accident and subsequent investigation on Route 16 caused long delays in morning traffic. Normal traffic resumed around 9 a.m., Baucom said.

In the Aug. 24 accident, Cortes, an aviation ordnanceman, was riding on Route 16 near Womble Gate when he approached a vehicle driven by a U.S. civilian from behind on the right and the two collided.

Cortes was pronounced dead at 11:17 p.m. at a local hospital. The cars driver was not injured, a Kanagawa police spokesman said that day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the sailors family, friends and shipmates during this extremely difficult time, Baucom wrote in his email. The crew mourns the loss of our shipmate and friend.

He declined to identify the driver and referred all questions about the incident to local police.

The accident remains under investigation and no arrests have been made, the police spokesman said Wednesday.
A sailor with the fast attack submarine USS Chicago and his wife were killed last week when a truck hit their car at a toll bridge plaza near Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. (Screen capture from YouTube)

A sailor with the fast attack submarine USS Chicago and his wife were killed last week when a truck hit their car at a toll bridge plaza near Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, south of Seattle, the Navy confirmed Wednesday.

Fire Control Technician 2nd Class Jeremy Kirkmeyer was identified by Submarine Group 9 at Naval Station Kitsap-Bangor as the sailor killed in the Aug. 1 crash.

Kirkmeyer's wife was also killed in the crash but was not identified by the Navy. Local news reports identified her as Torrey Kirkmeyer.

The Kirkmeyers were killed when a pickup truck slammed into their car at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Booth Plaza in Gig Harbor, near the base.

The truck was traveling east at high speed on Route 16 with a driver and occupant, according to a preliminary report by the Washington State Patrol.

The truck had its cruise control on, crossed lanes and did not brake before the collision, forcing the car into a toll plaza structure, killing the sailor and his wife.

Authorities said the truck was driven by a 61-year-old and had a 63-year-old passenger. They were taken to a local hospital with injuries. No further details were available Wednesday morning.

Naval Base Kitsap and Submarine Readiness Squadron 31 have assigned counselors and chaplains to support sailors and friends affected by the incident.

Washington State Patrol said a preliminary review did not indicate that alcohol or drug-use was involved in the crash, which remains under investigation.
An Australian air force F-35A Lightning II flies over Mindil Beach in Darwin, Australia, Aug. 25, 2022. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

Australian F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters are in Japan for the first time to train alongside their Japanese counterparts, according to the Australian Defence Force.

Six F-35s taking part in the Bushido Guardian exercise have deployed to Komatsu Air Base in western Honshu, the largest of Japans four main islands, the defence force said in a news release Wednesday.

Developing a mutual understanding in how we each operate the F-35A is essential to how Australia and Japan contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific, the head of Australias air force, Air Marshal Rob Chipman, said in the release. Our aviators will develop their skills deploying overseas, [3,600 miles] from home, and forge professional relationships with their Japanese counterparts.

An Australian air force F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter parks at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, Aug. 27, 2022. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

Last month, a pair of Japanese F-35As trained in Australias Northern Territory on their first international mission. The drills out of Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal happened shortly after an agreement between the two nations took effect, making it easier to train in each others territory.

A dozen U.S. Marine Corps F-35B fighters  the short-takeoff, vertical-landing version of the Lightning II  flew from RAAF Tindal during the biennial Pitch Black exercise in summer 2022. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni near Hiroshima, Japan, they were the first Marine F-35s to operate from Australian soil, although F-35s had flown from ships off the countrys coast since 2019.

Australia is acquiring 72 F-35As from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, according to Australias air force.

Japanese F-35As are based at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan. Tokyo plans to acquire 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs; the latter will operate from the helicopter carriers JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which are being upgraded to support them.

Bushido Guardian, which kicked off Monday and runs through Sept. 15, demonstrates Australia and Japans commitment to a strategic partnership and will enhance the forces ability to work together on the ground and in the air, Chipman said.

Collaborating in bilateral exercises across the Indo-Pacific provides both nations valuable experiences in overcoming the challenges of distance in our shared region, he said.
China's Premier Li Qiang, left, is greeted by Indonesia's President Joko Widodo upon his arrival at the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta on Sept. 6, 2023. (Mast Irham/POOL/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Chinas new premier is taking his first steps into the global spotlight this week, in part thanks to President Xi Jinpings surprise snub of a key gathering of world leaders in India.

Li Qiang is first attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia, for wide-ranging talks on trade, climate change and global security. From there, hell head to a Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, becoming the first Chinese premier to join that annual huddle since it began in 2008.

That will give the 64-year-old former Xi aide a rare opportunity to rub elbows with some of the most-powerful leaders on the planet. Hell have the chance to shake hands with President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though its unclear whether hell meet privately with either leader, whose nations are both currently embroiled in diplomatic spats with Beijing.

Li will likely follow Xis instructions as he maintains Chinas presence at the table at the G-20, said Sun Yun, a senior fellow and director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. I dont expect him to announce anything significant diplomatically or security-wise, she said. Those are reserved for Xi.

Where Li could add value is providing details about Beijings economic policies, Sun noted. Chinas economy is faltering after years of pandemic-induced isolation and volatile policy-making, a slowdown Biden has called a ticking time bomb for the rest of the world.

Business Friendly

Since taking office in March, Li has focused on wooing foreign businesses. Soon after being sworn in, he told visiting foreign executives including Apple Inc.s Tim Cook to take a long-term view on the nation amid the challenges.

Then at the Boao Forum for Asia a few days later, Li sought to dispel fear among the global business community that a war over Taiwan is imminent, describing China as an anchor for world peace and development. He gave the keynote speech at a World Economic Forum conference in Tianjin in June, warning against the efforts by the U.S. and its allies to de-risk from China.

During his first overseas trip as premier to Germany in June, Li secured an agreement from Chancellor Olaf Scholz to deepen cooperation in manufacturing, electric vehicles and green finance. That came just weeks before Berlin adopted a more cautious China stance, which characterized the worlds second-largest economy as a partner, competitor and systemic rival.

Li kicked off this trip by saying at a reception in Jakarta on Tuesday that China was willing to step up cooperation with Indonesia in areas such as green energy and the digital economy.

He is also expected to visit the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line, the Kompas national newspaper reported, citing the train operator. That project is part of Xis signature Belt and Road Initiative and an example of the way Beijing hopes to use infrastructure projects to expand its influence with nations around the world.

Trusted Lieutenant

While Lis debut at the G-20 will increase his global visibility, its unlikely to boost his political influence. His premiership already carries less authority than his predecessors enjoyed, as Xi gives himself more control over policy-making previously dominated by the No. 2, while diminishing the role of state agencies.

Li has a long history of playing second-fiddle to Xi, including serving as his chief of staff in the coastal Zhejiang in the early 2000s. Shortly after Xi took power in 2012, Li was appointed governor of the wealthy province  an early sign of the favor he holds with Chinas most-powerful leader since Mao Zedong.

The business community provided good feedback about Li in that job, embracing his vow to slash government interference in the economy and allow private firms to enter more sectors.

Li may be less fondly regarded by some in Shanghai for the punishing two-month lockdown he ordered last year to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Although he initially used a lighter touch as Shanghai party boss during the pandemic, his stringent implementation of Xis orders to wipe out the virus later led to rare protests aimed at the Chinese leader and battered the citys economy.

That didnt prevent Xi from promoting his long-time lieutenant, and Li has since positioned the Cabinet he chairs mainly as a body for carrying out his boss instructions. He also appears to be trying to avoid any perception hes a challenge to the paramount leader, for example by keeping a low profile on domestic trips.

Now, the G-20 summit will put Li side by side with some of the planets most-powerful figures such as Modi and Biden, who said he was disappointed at reports Xi would skip the summit.

Li is Xis trusted aide, said Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. Xi likely feels confident that Li wont overshadow him given his low-key personality.

___

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken greets Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shake hands prior to their meeting at the Prime Ministers Office in Kyiv on Sept. 6, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski, Pool, AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

The U.S. will ensure Ukraine is equipped to defeat Russia and rebuild its economy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to Kyiv to show support as its forces press ahead with a grinding counteroffensive.

The top U.S. diplomat met Ukraines foreign minister before speaking with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials as the countrys military tries to expand gains in its months-long campaign over the course of the summer.

Blinken stopped in Kyiv en route to the Group of 20 summit in India, where Russias invasion of its neighbor will be a major topic, though President Vladimir Putin wont be attending. It also gives the U.S. an opportunity to consult before this months United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Ukraine will press its case to its allies for continued economic and military backing.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but has what it needs for the long term, Blinken said in Kyiv after meeting Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

As the U.S. envoy was meeting officials, Ukrainian officials said Russia had killed 17 people and injured 32 in an artillery strike on a market street in the eastern town of Kostyantynivka, about 31 miles north of occupied Donetsk.

The secretary is expected to announce more than $1 billion in new U.S. funding for Ukraine and will focus his trip on hearing from Ukrainian officials about the ongoing counteroffensive and what they need to reinvigorate their economy, according to a senior State Department official, who briefed a traveling reporter on the way into Ukraine.

During the journey, Blinken also met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was also visiting Zelenskyy, and thanked her for Denmarks pledge to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and train pilots, the State Department said.

Its Blinkens fourth visit to Ukraine since the war began. On trips to Kyiv last year, the U.S. announced fresh commitments or details, with total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022 reaching $43.1 billion as of August.

The visit also comes as Zelenskyy has escalated a crackdown on corruption, which remains a major concern for allies as they continue to pour weapons and cash into Ukraine.

Its not clear whether Blinken will also meet with Rustem Umerov, who Zelenskyy named to replace Oleksii Reznikov as the countrys defense minister following allegations of graft in military procurement by subordinates. Blinken met with Reznikov when he visited Kyiv in April of last year.

This week, Zelenskyy visited troops on Ukraines eastern front as his military reported more advances in the south, with the counteroffensive punching through the first two of Russias three major defensive lines.

Weve seen good progress in the counteroffensive, Blinken said. Its very heartening.

At the same time, Moscow continued its assault on its neighbors civilian infrastructure, killing at least one person and damaging a grain terminal in the Ukrainian Danube port of Izmail, according to the regions governor.

Putin, meanwhile, is set to have a rare meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Russias Far East, as the U.S. warns that Moscow is seeking more arms to fuel its war in Ukraine.

U.S. Assistant Secretary for energy Geoffrey Pyatt, speaking at the Three Seas Initiative forum in Bucharest, said Europe must work together to end energy reliance on Russia.

The job of the U.S. administration is to make sure that Russia will never be considered a reliable energy supplier for Europe again, he said. The war has turned the U.S. into the largest gas exporter in the world, and I think this will continue for many years to come.

With assistance from Andra Timu and Kevin Whitelaw.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Of the many questions raised by Yevgeny Prigozhins death in a suspicious small plane crash last month, perhaps the most consequential relates to the fate of Wagner, the mercenary group he built and honed to become an essential instrument in the Kremlins overseas adventures. (Prigozhin Press Service)

Of the many questions raised by Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a suspicious small plane crash last month, perhaps the most consequential relates to the fate of Wagner, the mercenary group he built and honed to become an essential instrument in the Kremlin's overseas adventures.

Under Prigozhin's direction, Wagner grew from a band of "little green men"  so named because of the uniforms worn by self-proclaimed volunteers fighting alongside separatists in Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2014 attack on Ukraine  to a far-flung military and business empire. The organization has trained and fought alongside the militaries of pro- Russia governments in Eastern Europe, West Africa and South America. It has signed lucrative oil, gas and mining contracts. And it has run a media conglomerate with a troll factory and a movie studio as well as catering, restaurant and hotel businesses, not to mention a carwash.

At its heart, the mercenary force comprising more than 50,000 former soldiers and convicts offers Putin deniability for Russia's foreign meddling. Until Prigozhin's aborted June mutiny, in which he launched and then halted a rapid advance toward Moscow, Wagner was everywhere the Kremlin wanted to be without saying it was.

Prigozhin's death, for which Putin has not claimed responsibility but which he is widely believed to have engineered, has left the Kremlin with the delicate task of replacing Wagner's restive commander with more pliant leadership while preserving the group's gains in the places it has fought.

First and foremost, that means Ukraine. Soon after the Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wagner deployed several thousand of its fighters to spearhead some of the most brutal assaults.

"In the initial part of the war they were a brigade-size element  in the full scope of things not huge," said Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia program.

Then Prigozhin began to recruit from prisons, bolstering Wagner's ranks with tens of thousands of convicts.

"That decision to tap into convicts made them into a larger force, and they became much more important," Lee said.

In July, a senior commander nicknamed "Marx" said in a post on the messaging app Telegram that about 78,000 Wagner fighters had participated in the Ukraine war, almost three quarters of them convicts.

Prigozhin used those cadres to deliver Moscow's sole major victory this year when it took over Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine where both sides deployed tens of thousands of men and huge amounts of military equipment in a nearly yearlong battle. In that same post on the Wagner-affiliated channel, Marx said the group had lost 22,000 men, with about 40,000 others wounded.

At the same time, there were growing tensions between Russia's military leadership and Prigozhin, who complained in profanity-laced diatribes on social media that his fighters were being denied logistical support. Earlier in the year, the Russian Defense Ministry had already taken over Wagner's prisoner pipeline for its own recruitment, Lee said.

After Bakhmut, Wagner's role in Ukraine abruptly ended, with Prigozhin announcing his forces were withdrawing and handing over territory under their control to the Russian army. Then word came in June that Wagnerites would have to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry, in effect stripping Prigozhin of autonomy  a decision that pushed him to launch a revolt along with 5,000 of his men. When it was stopped after an eleventh-hour deal involving Putin, Prigozhin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Wagner surrendered its heavy weaponry and its fighters redeployed to Belarus.

Taken together, those moves make Wagner a less indispensable force for the Ukraine fight, Lee said.

"It's still a question of size. Wagner's ability to fight in Bakhmut as a lead force was because of a massive number of convicts," he said. "If the Defense Ministry was taking that away, then Wagner might contribute a regiment-sized element  not insignificant, but not as significant as people make it out to be."

In any case, he added, Wagner was more suited for offensive operations than the defensive posture Russia has taken to thwart Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive.

Observers say there has been no sign of Wagner redeploying to Ukraine. Last month, neighboring Belarus, a strong ally of Russia, appeared to be dismantling a camp in the village of Tsel thought to house thousands Wagner fighters, according to observers citing images taken by Planet Labs.

Potentially more disruptive are Wagner's activities  and its vast business holdings  in the Middle East and Africa. The latter was a particular focus of Prigozhin. In a video he released from Mali the week before his death, he said "Wagner is making Russia even greater on every continent  and Africa even more free."

The expectation, analysts say, is that the services Wagner provided to Kremlin clients will live on under new ownership or less abrasive leadership.

"Parts may be folded in under the Ministry of Defense, Russian intelligence, or to other oligarchs and leaders found more compliant, but none of those assets will wither at the vine," said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia intelligence expert at the Washington-based Center for a New American Security. She added that Russia's use of private military contractors is likely to continue.

"My sense is that the private military contractor model isn't going to go away," she said. "We'll just see a fragmentation of the space."

That may already be happening. A March investigation released by Molfar, a Ukrainian open source intelligence company, tracked 37 such contractors operating in 19 countries in Africa and 10 countries in Asia and the Middle East.

One of the larger groups is Convoy, which was established late last year by Sergei Aksyonov, head of the Russian-backed administration in Crimea, the Ukrainian region Putin illegally annexed in 2014. Run by a onetime Prigozhin ally named Konstantin Pikalov, Convoy has since received hundreds of millions of rubles in donations, including from VTB, a mostly state-owned Russian bank, and from an oligarch friend of Putin's, Arkady Rotenberg, according to an investigation from the Dossier Center, a nonprofit that aims to combat corruption and promote democratic values in Russia.

Another is Redut, a private military contractor that was involved in protecting Russian gas facilities in Syria but was also one of the first to participate in the Ukraine invasion in 2022, according to Meduza, an independent news outlet based in Latvia.

But it would be difficult for Convoy or Redut  both minuscule compared with Wagner and nowhere near as experienced  to take over the group's duties, said Anton Mardasov, a military affairs expert at the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

"The operations of Wagner in Africa were often of a delicate nature and simply replacing them with a mass of people with different levels of training is not a good option," he said.

It is unclear whether Wagner recruits would be willing to sign up under a new organization, said a researcher for "All Eyes on Wagner," which monitors the group's activities.

"Wagner was more than a private military contractor. It was a cult," said the researcher, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of his safety. "They had lots of supporters even in the regular army. Some will not accept Wagner being controlled by the Russian government."

Besides, those other companies don't have Prigozhin, a peripatetic hustler whose connections opened avenues few could access, the researcher said.

"He was a super-organizer, able to bring more than 300 private companies around Wagner. He was the reason why the company was that big."

Others believe Russia will find some way to continue the brand under Kremlin-approved leadership, said Ovigwe Eguegu, a Nigerian policy analyst at the Beijing-based consulting firm Development Reimagined.

"Why is Russia popular in Africa today? It's not aid or a trade relationship. It's Wagner," he said, adding that even during the Ukraine war, though there were reports of Wagner cadres redeploying, there was no collapse of relationships on the African continent.

"The success of Wagner is proof of concept, and Russia won't let go of that."

2023 Los Angeles Times.

Visit latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A statue in downtown Monticello, Kentucky, honors those who served in World War I. (Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  The potential relocation of a more than 100 year old World War I doughboy statue from a busy intersection in downtown Monticello, Kentucky, is giving local residents and elected officials considerable heartburn.

Although its not clear if or when the move would happen, two magistrates said hundreds of residents have told them they dont want the doughboy moved, and the commander of a veterans group said some members have talked of starting a petition against moving it.

Magistrates Jeff Dishman and Jonathan Dobbs said they would favor fighting in court to keep the statue in place if it comes to that.

Its an iconic figure thats been there for a hundred years in the middle of our downtown, Dobbs said.

The potential for the doughboy  the nickname for American soldiers in the war  to be moved came up as part of a project to improve a section of east KY 92 near downtown, where it is called Michigan Avenue.

The road intersects Main Street at a right angle, making it difficult for large trucks to make the tight, 90-degree turn.

Trucks have hit a bank and a drug store on the corners of Michigan Avenue where it meets Main Street, said state Rep. Ken Upchurch.

Its increasingly become a problem, said Upchurch, a Republican from Monticello who chairs the House budget subcommittee on transportation. He has pushed the project to realign KY 92 in order to improve traffic flow.

The doughboy statue is a block away from the Main Street-Michigan Avenue intersection, but fixing the problem would involve re-routing Michigan Avenue to enter Main Street where the statue sits.

Its not set in stone that the project will require moving the statue, local and state officials said.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is developing and evaluating several alternatives, and has not chosen a design for the project, said spokeswoman Amber Hale.

The cabinet is working with the community to find an acceptable solution, Hale said.

The options for moving the statue include putting it in front of the nearby judicial center, where there are other war memorials; putting it in a corner of the square near where it is now; or moving it to a vacant lot less than a block away on Main Street, next to the county courthouse.

That lot was left open after a fire destroyed a building.

The Downtown Monticello Foundation bought the lot and cleaned it up as part of its effort to beautify downtown, said Rhett Ramsey, an attorney and member of the foundation board.

Honoring soldiers

Residents of Monticello and Wayne County started considering a way to honor local World War I soldiers not long after Allied forces, including the U.S., signed an armistice with Germany to halt fighting on Nov. 11, 1918, according to a book by the late Harlan Ogle, a local minister and historian.

A committee ultimately chose a plan to put a statue of a doughboy on a granite pedestal in a small park in the middle of town, with a plaque containing the names of local soldiers.

There were 10 soldiers from Wayne County killed in combat. Another 13 died during the war from illness or other causes, and 45 were wounded.

Rose Shearer, mother of Lee Shearer, the first Wayne County soldier killed in the war, turned the first shovel of dirt for the memorial in November 1922, according to Ogles book, which relied in large part on articles from the local newspaper, the Wayne County Outlook.

Week by week, the local paper chronicled efforts by the American Legion, local businesses, the Womens Club and school children to raise $2,000 in donations to pay for the statue and base, according to Ogles book.

Every red blooded citizen of Wayne County should contribute something. If they do not, they can never really look at this statue without their conscience saying, they stuck by you, but you failed them, one fundraising appeal in the newspaper said.

An estimated 3,500 people crowded the dedication of the memorial on April 8, 1923, a cold, windy Sunday, Ogle wrote.

The statue chosen was a design called The Spirit of the American Doughboy, made from bronze and depicting a soldier carrying a rifle and moving forward, his right arm raised to throw a grenade.

E.M. Viquesney, an artist and sculptor from Indiana, copyrighted the design after the war and marketed it across the country.

Tour of Honor, which promotes motorcycle rides to war memorials around the country to honor veterans and raise money for charity, includes 12 WWI doughboy statues in Kentucky in its database.

Of those, eight are the Viquesney design. The others are in Grayson, Harlan, Jamestown, Liberty, Morehead, Pikeville and Winchester, according to Tour of Honor.

The organization says there are doughboy statues of other designs in West Liberty, Paducah, Paintsville and Springfield.

The marble statue in West Liberty was shattered when a tornado with winds of 140 miles per hours hit the city in March 2012.

Sculptors reassembled the pieces and put the statue back in place.

Centerpiece of our community

The size of the plaza around the Monticello doughboy was previously reduced to accommodate traffic flow, but veterans and others have fought prior efforts to move it out of the central square.

A group sued in 1976 after the city council approved a resolution to move the statue, according to court records Dishman and Dobbs provided.

Judge Leonard E. Wilson noted the city was confronted with traffic problems, but ruled that the spot where the doughboy stands  which had been the site of county courthouses in the early 1800s  was owned by the county.

Wilson barred the city from moving it.

Jeff Morgan, commander of the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), said the organization has not taken a position on moving the doughboy during the current iteration of the issue.

He thinks most members would favor leaving the statue in place, however, and some have talked of starting a petition against moving the statue.

Morgan said he can see pros and cons to moving the statue, but personally would like to see it stay in the square. One concern is that it could be damaged during a move, he said.

But Upchurch said its hard for people to visit the doughboy because it is in the middle of a busy intesection, and it creates an impediment to traffic flow.

You just cant have a highway system that has something like that in the middle of it, Upchurch said.

Leaving the doughboy in the intersection creates a risk it will be hit by a car or truck, Upchurch said.

A similar Viquesney doughboy statue in the center of Jamestown, in adjoining Russell County, was hit by an alleged drunk driver in 2008 and knocked off its pedestal. It was badly damaged and replaced with a duplicate.

Upchurch said he would favor moving the Monticello statue if it could be in a place of prominence where people could visit it more easily and pay their respects.

Its a way to preserve and teach history, he said.

Upchurch said most of the people he has heard from about the issue favor moving the doughboy out of the intersection.

However, Dobbs and Dishman said among the people who have contacted them, sentiment against moving the doughboy is overwhelming.

Ive had no positive comments about moving the doughboy, Dobbs said.

The issue blew up after Upchurch met with the DAV earlier this summer and discussed options for moving the statue, Dishman said.

Dishman has heard more complaints about potentially moving the statue than hes heard on any issue in his nearly 15 years on fiscal court, including a 2020 vote on legalizing alcohol sales, he said.

Dishman and Dobbs said they support the project to realign Michigan Avenue, but dont want to see the doughboy statue moved.

Thats the centerpiece of our community, Dishman said.

Opponents of moving the statue also argue it is not a significant problem in traffic flow.

County Attorney Tom Simmons said there are heavy feelings on both sides of the issue.

Hopefully we can just work this out and make everyone satisfied, he said.

_____

2023 Lexington Herald-Leader.

Visit at kentucky.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An F-35A takes flight above the Mojave Desert in California on Janu. 6, 2023. A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 in the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (F-35 Joint Program Office )

WASHINGTON  The first deliveries of upgraded F-35s  which will have advanced software expected to dramatically increase the fighter jets combat power  will be delayed by at least a few months, officials said Wednesday.

The Pentagon and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin have been working on the TR-3 upgrade, which is short for Tech Refresh 3  an advanced software system that gives the fighter jets more combat weapons capability and electronic warfare advancements. The Pentagons F-35 Joint Program Office said there have been challenges with testing the TR-3 software in flight.

Given remaining risk in the TR-3 program, we have updated our forecast for the first delivery of a TR-3 configured F-35 to the time frame between April 2024 through June 2024, the office said.

Company and defense officials previously said the first TR-3 deliveries could begin in December 2023.

The F-35 is the Pentagons most expensive weapons system, and hundreds of the fighter jets have been delivered to the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps  as well as allied nations such as Israel and South Korea  over the past eight years. According to a Government Accountability Office report this year, it will cost nearly $1.7 trillion to buy, operate and sustain the planes over the programs lifetime, which is expected to run into the 2080s.

The program has seen numerous cost overruns and delays since it began. Lockheed Martin said Wednesday that deliveries of other F-35s, without the TR-3 upgrade, also are being affected. Previously, the company said it expected to make more than 100 deliveries in 2023.

We now expect to deliver 97 aircraft in 2023 (all in the TR-2 configuration), Lockheed Martin said. The number of 2024 F-35 deliveries will depend on when the first TR-3 aircraft is delivered, and the time needed to complete the customers acceptance process.

The Pentagons F-35 Joint Program Office, which oversees all aspects of the fighter jet, acknowledged the delay but said the TR-3 program has come a long way over the last six months.

Since our testimony to Congress in March 2023, we have made significant progress in the TR-3 program but have also experienced challenges with TR-3 software maturity during flight test, the program office said. TR-3 provides the computational horsepower that ensures the F-35 remains superior to adversaries for decades to come.

The F-35 is the second fifth-generation fighter jet to enter U.S. military service after the F-22 Raptor, which is also manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The first TR-3 version of the F-35 made its first flight in January at Edwards Air Force Base in California  which military officials called a significant achievement for the program.

There is still a lot of work to do, and I am confident that our industry partners and government team will get the job done, Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, the F-35 offices program executive officer, said at the time.
The Federal courthouse building in downtown San Diego. (San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  Nearly 10 years to the day since federal prosecutors filed the first charges in what would come to be known as the "Fat Leonard" scandal and grow into the largest bribery and corruption case in U.S. Navy history, an assistant U.S. attorney on Wednesday admitted to "serious issues" with prosecutorial misconduct.

The remarkable admission came during a sentencing hearing for four former Navy officers who were convicted of several felonies during a trial last year. But those convictions were vacated Wednesday, and the defendants resolved their cases instead by pleading guilty to one misdemeanor each. They were given sentences that included no prison, probation or restitution  just a $100 fine.

U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino said the misconduct by prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego "can only be described as outrageous."

She said defense attorneys for the four former officers have spent more than a year challenging their clients' convictions and uncovering misdeeds by prosecutors, and the U.S. Attorney's Office never responded.

"The only reasonable inference is that the allegations are true," Sammartino said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Ko, who was brought onto the case after last year's trial, said that while his office did not agree with every allegation of misconduct, it did acknowledge many of them were true. He did not specify which his office agreed with and which it did not.

"There were pretty obviously serious issues that affect our ability to go forward" defending the convictions or seeking a new trial, Ko told the judge.

The four officers  former Capts. David Newland, James Dolan and David Lausman and former Cmdr. Mario Herrera  were each convicted of several felonies last year following the only trial that resulted from the sprawling web of criminal cases connected to military contractor Leonard Glenn Francis and his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia, or GDMA.

But in the 14 months since the trial ended, their attorneys argued that a "dizzying array of government misconduct" prevented the former officers from getting a fair trial. For more than a year the defendants sought either a new trial or a complete dismissal of the case.

On Wednesday, Ko asked Sammartino to vacate the trial convictions and accept a plea package. The judge signed off on the agreement. Each of the men was arraigned on misdemeanor charges. Each pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay the fine.

Newland, 66, Dolan, 65, and Herrera, 55, pleaded guilty to one count each of disclosing information, while Lausman, 69, pleaded guilty to a charge of destruction of government property.

"This is not just a good thing for the defendants, this is a good thing for justice," Todd Burns, attorney for Dolan, told the judge. He described the misconduct by prosecutors as "jaw-dropping" and accused the former lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Pletcher, of lying to the judge.

"This agreement speaks to the seriousness of the misconduct" by prosecutors, Burns said. He told the judge that they lied repeatedly. "It's the impunity that's shocking."

He told the judge the prosecutors used their "tremendous power" to get witnesses to say what the prosecutors wanted to hear. "The prosecution team showed they were willing to do that," Burns said, calling the plea agreement "a bargain for the government" rather than his client and the other defendants.

The four officers had served in the Navy's 7th Fleet in the Eastern Pacific, an area where Francis  whose nickname "Fat Leonard" came from his girth  flattered and bribed Navy officers for at least a decade, then used his favored status to over-bill the Navy by tens of millions of dollars.

Since the day in September 2013 when armed federal agents burst in and arrested Francis inside his hotel room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, prosecutors have charged at least 32 people in connection with the scandal, and hundreds more have faced internal Navy discipline.

Beginning at least as early as 2006, Francis showered Navy officers with gifts of fancy meals, prostitutes, high-end hotel rooms and other perks. In return, they did his bidding, such as providing ship schedules for the 7th Fleet, or trying to steer Navy ships to ports around Southeast Asia that Francis and GDMA controlled. Once there, he gouged the Navy on services, including fuel, supplies, sewage disposal, security, shore transportation and more.

During the lone trial, which lasted from March to June of 2022, prosecutors presented the jury with evidence from emails, messages, invoices, receipts, other business records and cooperating witnesses seeking lighter sentences. Francis, who had already pleaded guilty and was long anticipated to testify for the government, did not end up taking the stand.

At the end of that trial and about three weeks of deliberation, the jury convicted Newland, Dolan, Lausman and Herrera of conspiracy to commit bribery, receiving bribes, and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Lausman was also convicted of obstruction of justice for destroying a computer hard drive with documents and emails. The jury deadlocked and reached no verdict on charges against a fifth defendant, retired Rear Adm. Bruce Loveless, and prosecutors later dropped those charges.

But what turned out to be the trial's key moment was not technically part of the jury proceedings. After defense attorneys accused the government of misconduct, Sammartino held an extraordinary three-day hearing, outside the presence of the jury, during which the lead prosecutor, Pletcher, had to take the stand.

Specifically, the defense attorneys accused Pletcher and the government of knowingly withholding information about a prostitute that was favorable to the defense. Pletcher, as well as federal investigators who had spoken with the prostitute, were asked to explain why they had not turned over evidence from the woman to the defense attorneys.

Weeks after the jury handed down its verdicts, Sammartino ruled that Pletcher committed "flagrant misconduct" by holding back the information but decided it was not enough to throw out the case.

In the months that followed, the defense attorneys continued fighting the convictions and levying new accusations of misconduct against the prosecutors.

The situation grew even more complicated last September, a little over two months after the verdict, when Francis fled from house arrest in San Diego. He was captured in Venezuela, where he remains.

2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Nick Watkins, of Forthaven in Ballyclare, is accused of a total of 14 offences

Co Antrim skincare clinic boss accused of breaching human medicines regulations is expected to confirm next month if he is contesting the charges, a judge said on Tuesday.

Nick Watkins, of Forthaven in Ballyclare, is accused of a total of 14 offences.

The 51-year-old was expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court for the first hearing in the case.

He did not attend, however, as a defence lawyer raised issues about the service of prosecution documents.

Granting a four-week adjournment, District Judge George Conner said: It is a significant case from what I can see and a lot of papers to be read.

But at that stage I do need to have a proper indication as to how the matter is being met.

Watkins is reportedly the main practitioner at Mac Aesthetics now based in Glengormley.

The cosmetic clinic offers a range of anti-wrinkle and body sculpting treatments, with its website stating that all comply with health and safety and environmental health standards.

Watkins is charged with two counts of advertising prescription-only medicines, namely Botox and Ozempic, in December last year.

He also faces nine counts of possessing medicinal products with intent to supply other than in accordance with a prescription on dates between July and December 2022.

Three further charges on the prosecution summons relate to allegedly having unauthorised medicinal products.

No further details were disclosed during the brief preliminary court hearing.
The charge alleges this was for the purpose of sexual gratification or corrupting or depraving a child.

A FATHER-of-three accused of performing a sex act in front of young girls playing on a Dublin street is facing trial after the DPP issued directions.

Mark Dolan (48) had his case adjourned at Dublin District Court for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Judge Treasa Kelly relaxed his bail terms after the defence said Mr Dolan was under a lot of stress keeping to strict conditions, including a curfew and daily signing on at a garda station.

Mr Dolan, formerly of Andrew Heights, Dun Brinn, Athy, Co Kildare, is accused of intentionally masturbating in the presence of children in Dublin on a date last May.

The charge alleges this was for the purpose of sexual gratification or corrupting or depraving a child.

The accused was arrested and charged in May.

When he came back before the court for DPPs directions, Garda Sergeant Niall Murphy said these were for trial on indictment.

This means Mr Dolan will be sent for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when a book of evidence is ready.

Asking the judge to change bail conditions, the accuseds barrister said Mr Dolan was currently signing on at a north Dublin garda station from 9am to 9pm every day and observing a curfew from 9pm to 6am.

He had a number of children and on one occasion, he was at a hospital appointment and had to tell the gardai he might not be home by 9pm, she said.

He had been complying with a condition to sign on daily for four months and the barrister asked the judge to reduce this to weekly.

Judge Kelly instead relaxed signing on to three times per week, and said the curfew would now start at the later time of 11pm.

Adjourning the case to October, the judge noted that Mr Dolan was taking a day off work for every court appearance and said he could be excused on the next date if the book of evidence is not ready.

At his contested bail hearing in May, gardai alleged four girls were out playing on a street when the accused drove past them before parking his vehicle further down the road.

CCTV allegedly shows Mr Dolan exiting his car and walking back towards them on the other side of the street, a garda said.

According to the prosecution, on the footage, he unzips his trousers and keeps his hands on his genital area as he walks towards the girls. It can be seen that his hand moves a lot in his genital region, the garda said.

When he walks back to his car, his penis is exposed and he appears to be smiling, it was alleged.

At the time, Judge Brendan OReilly ruled Mr Dolan could not be identified, but another judge, Cephas Power later lifted that order following a media challenge.

Mr Dolan has not yet entered a plea to the charge.
Dublin District Court heard gardai were on duty on OConnell Street on August 5 when they encountered the accused.

A father-of-four who threatened to shoot gardai in a drunken incident in Dublin city centre has been fined 250 for a public order offence.

Dikizeco Pedro (42) had no weapon and could not have carried out the threat, Dublin District Court heard.

Pedro, with an address at Latchford Place, Clonee, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

Dublin District Court heard gardai were on duty on OConnell Street on August 5 when they encountered the accused.

He was highly intoxicated and stated he was going to shoot the gardai. He was arrested.

Pedro had 21 previous convictions, a garda sergeant said.

The accused was not found with any firearm and could not have carried out the threat, his lawyer said.

Pedro had broken up with his wife and the offence resulted from him becoming homeless and abusing alcohol, the lawyer said. He was now trying to access treatment.

He asked Judge Bryan Smyth to be as lenient as he could in the circumstances.

Judge Smyth said the fine could be paid in a lump sum or instalments.

He granted free legal aid to the accused, who was on social welfare.
Mother-of-one Yejeida Johnson (26) insisted she had never seen or touched the alleged cannabis

An air passenger stopped transporting an alleged 740,000 worth of cannabis through Dublin Airport maintained she thought her two suitcases were filled with handbags.

Mother-of-one Yejeida Johnson (26) insisted she had never seen or touched the alleged cannabis that gardai said was very deliberately concealed inside her luggage.

She was travelling from New York to the UK with a transfer in Dublin when her cases were searched.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded her in custody with consent to bail when she appeared in Dublin District Court.

Ms Johnson, from London and of no fixed address in Ireland, is charged with importation and possession of cannabis on September 2.

Garda Tom McLoughlin said he arrested the accused at Terminal 1 in the airport and she later made no reply to the charges after caution.

Objecting to bail, he said it was alleged the accused was caught in the act of attempted importation of drugs when stopped by customs officers.

Gda McLoughlin said Ms Johnson had two suitcases and a very deliberate attempt had been made to conceal 37kg of cannabis with a value of 740,000 inside.

She was held in the arrivals hall of the airport before being arrested. Ms Johnson was a clear and immediate flight risk as she did not have any legitimate connections to Ireland or any fixed address in this jurisdiction, he said.

She would be able to return to the UK without any travel documents because of the common travel area, Gda McLoughlin said.

Applying for bail, defence barrister Karl Monahan said the nature and value of the alleged drugs had yet to be established and the accused could be in custody for two years awaiting trial if refused bail, he said.

Ms Johnson had given an account to the garda, describing that what she believed she was transporting were handbags, Mr Monahan said.

When confronted with the alleged drugs in interview, she said she had never seen or touched them.

The accused had been travelling from JFK airport in New York to the UK and her presence in Dublin was due to a transfer to a connecting flight.

She maintained her innocence and was anxious to return to Ireland to prove it. She was living with family in London and would comply with bail conditions. Accused people could be easily extradited from the UK where necessary, the court heard.

In evidence, Ms Johnson said she had worked in a spa and a sandwich shop but was currently unemployed.

I have no reason not to come back, Im innocent, she said. I didnt know what was in those cases. I will not run off or anything like that. Im innocent, Im not a criminal.

Judge Kelly granted bail in the accuseds own bond of 1,000 and an independent surety of 10,000.

Under conditions, she must be contactable by phone and live at her London address, to be verified by gardai. She was remanded in custody with consent to bail to September 11, for DPP directions.
Serial thief Natasha Rice (37) was given a one-month sentence for stealing drink from Dublin supermarkets.

A mother-of-four with a previous conviction over having sex in the street has been jailed for shoplifting.

Serial thief Natasha Rice (37) was given a one-month sentence for stealing drink from Dublin supermarkets.

Judge Brendan OReilly also gave her a four-month suspended sentence for trespassing at a shop she was barred from.

Rice, with an address at Parliament Street, Dublin pleaded guilty.

Dublin District Court heard she had been barred from Marks & Spencer, Grafton Street, in October 2021 for theft when she returned on August 29, 2022.

She was detained by security and when arrested admitted she was aware she was not allowed in the shop.

The court heard the shop was open and she was not in a private area but was not supposed to be there.

On May 22 this year, Rice went to Tesco Express, Fishermans Green, Malahide, and removed a security tag from a 9 bottle of wine before stealing it.

Rice was stopped leaving Tesco on Baggot Street Upper on August 22 carrying a bag with 57 worth of cans of drinks and bottles of wine and spirits.

Rice had 210 previous convictions, including 71 for theft, and was also convicted at Belfast Magistrates Court in 2020 of indecent behaviour and exposure.

Rice had a chronic alcohol addiction, her barrister said. She was now in stable accommodation for the first time in many years and was desperate not to lose that.

Its taken her a long while to get a grip, meanwhile small businesses are getting fleeced, Judge OReilly said.
Jamie Kearney (20) allegedly struck the woman as she was standing on the street

Jamie Kearney of Hazelwood Crescent, Clondalkin, is alleged to have hit the woman outside The Academy in the city centre

A woman was left with a facial fracture when a young man punched her outside a Dublin city centre nightclub, it is alleged.

Jamie Kearney (20) allegedly struck the woman as she was standing on the street, a court heard.

Mr Kearney, of Hazelwood Crescent, Clondalkin, appeared in Dublin District Court charged with assault causing harm to the woman.

Judge Bryan Smyth deferred a decision on a court venue until updated medical evidence on the alleged victims recovery is available.

The incident is alleged to have happened outside the Academy nightclub on Middle Abbey Street on November 27 last year.

A garda said she arrested the accused for the purpose of charging him and he made no reply after caution.

The DPP consented to the case being dealt with at district court level, subject to the judge considering the issue of jurisdiction.

The judge asked for an outline of the prosecutions case.

Its alleged the accused hit a female standing outside a nightclub on Abbey Street, the garda said.

Its alleged he punched her once to the face, causing a fracture to the face.

A medical report was submitted to the court.

Judge Smyth commented that the alleged victim was to follow up with a maxillofacial surgeon and asked if there was an up to date report.

The garda said there was not.

I would need to see something more before deciding on jurisdiction, he said.

There was a reference to a displaced fracture but the judge said he did not know if there was any cosmetic surgery.

As far as Im aware, there isnt, the garda said.

The judge remanded the accused on continuing bail to October 2.

At the defences request, he also ordered disclosure of prosecution evidence, to include any CCTV footage.

Mr Kearney has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charge.
Lauren Higgins (24) had amassed 84 convictions, including 26 for prior assaults on police

Citing her criminal record of 84 convictions, including 26 prior assaults on police, the judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court imposed a total of six months custody (PA)

A Belfast woman who spat blood on police officers and claimed to be infected with hepatitis has been jailed for six months.

Lauren Higgins (24) also bit into the arm of another constable during a separate outburst of violence at a hospital.

Higgins, of University Avenue, had amassed 26 previous convictions for assault on police before the latest attacks.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard she was arrested on March 11 last year for shouting and causing disturbances at Woodbourne Court in the west of the city.

She then became increasingly volatile, targeting a policewoman and two male colleagues attempting to take her into custody.

Higgins kicked one officer in the torso and spat blood on the other two.

She threatened them that she had Hepatitis C, a Crown lawyer said.

Higgins was detained again following an incident in the early hours of June 12 this year.

Police found her in the Fitzroy Avenue area, bleeding from the nose and in an incoherent state, and decided to take her to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

During the journey she bit one of the constables on the arm, breaking through the skin with her teeth.

At the hospital Higgins had to be restrained so that nurses could treat her, but she lashed out again by trying to punch police who had accompanied her.

After being placed on a bed she kicked two officers on the head and chest, as well as spitting on one of them.

Higgins pleaded guilty to six counts of assault on police and two charges of disorderly behaviour.

A defence barrister said Higgins had been in a distressed state, but accepted that she responded horrifically when police intervened.

She has expressed sympathy for the officers, he added.

Citing her criminal record of 84 convictions, including 26 prior assaults on police, District Judge Ted Magill imposed a total of six months custody.

He told Higgins: This behaviour is utterly unacceptable, but you keep doing it again and again.
Ailbhe Smith suffered a fatal bleed in her brain

A young Wicklow woman suffered a fatal bleed in her brain after the first time she ever took cocaine and ecstasy, an inquest has heard.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard evidence that Ailbhe Smith had been given the drugs by her new boyfriend, Glen Burke, in his house in Swords in the early hours of September 30, 2020.

Ms Smith (26) of Quill Road, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow died the following day at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin where the former DCU student had been brought by ambulance after suffering seizures in Mr Burkes home.

The inquest heard that Ms Smith had met a female friend who was home from the US in Phoenix Park on the evening of September 29, 2020 where they drank some alcohol and ate pizza and chocolate.

She took a taxi from Stoneybatter later on and arrived at Mr Burkes house around midnight.

In evidence her boyfriend outlined how they had met on the dating website, Bumble and had clicked with both sharing an interest in water sports.

Glen Burke of Rigewood Square, Swords, leaving the Dublin District Coroner's Court after giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Ailbhe Smith (26) from Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow. Photo: Collins

Mr Burke recalled that they had both taken some cocaine and MDMA (otherwise known as ecstasy) as well as drinking whiskey but that she was fine before they went to bed.

Mr Burke outlined how sometime later Ms Smith started sweating and shaking and had to go back to bed because she could not walk.

He described holding her hand while they were lying on the bed until she lost the ability to hold my hand.

Becoming visibly upset, Mr Burke said he only found out that Ms Smith had died two days after her death when her father phoned him and he wished he had been able to attend her funeral.

I carry this every day. For the first year I could not smile, said Mr Burke.

He added: If I could switch places with Ailbhe, I would.

Mr Burke told the inquest that Ms Smith had wanted to take drugs and he was aware it was her first time taking them.

In reply to questions from the coroner, Aisling Gannon, he said he called for an ambulance within 10 minutes of realising Ms Smith was unwell but was uncertain about when he made the 999 call.

In a written statement, his housemate, Nikolas Karachev, said he heard banging in the toilet between 8am and 9am and when he went to check Mr Burke told him that he was OK but not his girlfriend.

Mr Karachev said he was making breakfast later when Mr Burke rushed into the kitchen and informed him that Ms Smith had suffered a seizure with foaming in her mouth.

Mr Karachev said he thought she was OK, although she was breathing heavily. However, she was unresponsive by the time paramedics arrived at the house.

He said Mr Burke had told him about really liking Ms Smith even though they were only dating for a few months and that his housemate was very sad about everything that had happened.

Ms Smiths former long-term boyfriend, Jamie Murphy, said they had spoken by phone on September 29, 2020 when she was excited about her new job, boyfriend and a friend being home from the US.

Mr Murphy said Ms Smith had also spoken about wanting to try acid but he had told her that he did not think it was a good idea.

During their 10 years together, Mr Murphy said she had never taken any substances apart from once on holiday.

The deceaseds brother, Oisin McFarland-Smith, said his sister had rung him a few days before her death and outlined how she wanted to try acid over the coming weekend but did not say with whom.

Mr McFarland-Smith said his sister was very strong willed so that she would have done the opposite if he had advised her against taking drugs.

Instead, he recalled that he told her to make sure she only took small amounts and with people she trusted.

Although he had never met Mr Burke, he noted that his sister was smitten with her new boyfriend.

Ms Smiths mother, Oona McFarland, gave evidence of formally identifying her daughters body to gardai at Beaumont Hospital.

Ms McFarland said they were told by hospital staff at around 6pm on October 1, 2020 that tests had shown that Ailbhe was clinically brain dead.

She told the coroner that she had not seen her daughter for a while as Ms Smith had been busy with work and they only had contact via text messages.

Ms McFarland said she regretted that she had not seen where her daughter was living in Dublin after she had moved out of home four months earlier.

Detective Inspector Donncha Maguire said a Garda investigation had found no suspicion of foul play in relation to Ms Smiths death.

Det Insp Maguire said Ms Smith had consumed four lines of cocaine and one ecstasy tablet as well as consuming a half bottle of whiskey with her boyfriend.

Phone records showed Ms Smith had exchanged a series of texts with a friend about her fun night between 7.08am and 7.32am on September 30, 2020.

They also confirmed that a 999 call had been made at 10.39am to attend Mr Burkes home.

A pathologist, Kathleen Han Suyin, said a post-mortem showed Ms Smith had suffered a bleed in the brain which could affect her breathing function.

Dr Han Suyin said toxicology reports showed the deceased had consumed cocaine and ecstasy in quite high doses.

She said both drugs were stimulants which had the adverse effect of increasing a users heart rate and blood pressure which could result in bleeding in the brain.

Dr Han Suyin said a series of marks and bruises on Ms Smiths body had no role in her death.

Asked by Ms McFarland if the outcome might have been different if her daughter had received medical treatment sooner, Dr Han Suyin replied that a third of all patients with a bleed to the brain do not survive, while only 20 per cent regain full functional independence regardless of any rapid medical intervention or not.

It is a serious condition with a high level of mortality and morbidity, she added.

Returning a verdict of death by misadventure, Ms Gannon said the medical cause of Ms Smiths death was very clear.

Ms Smiths family declined to comment on the outcome of the inquest.
Mr Harris has travelled to the United Arab Emirates city with the Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly to organise how Kinahan cartel leaders could be flown back to Ireland

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been pictured meeting with the Commander in Chief of the Dubai Police as they discuss how to tackle transnational organised crime.

Mr Harris has travelled to the United Arab Emirates city with the Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly to organise how Kinahan cartel leaders could be flown back to Ireland.

The Garda Press Office posted the picture of the Garda chief meeting his Excellency Lt General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, as part of ongoing co-operation between An Garda Siochana and international policing partners to tackle transnational organised crime.

Daniel Kinahan (45) is under mounting pressure from law enforcement agencies across the globe and is understood to have become fearful in recent months that authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would hand him over to the US police or An Garda Siochana.

Earlier this year it was believed he had travelled to Iran in a bid to avoid extradition.

In a statement to PA, An Garda Siochana said: Transnational organised crime gangs not only cause death and misery in the countries they originate from, but also in communities across the globe. Tackling these gangs protects people here in Ireland and abroad.

As part of these efforts, Commissioner Harris and senior garda officers regularly liaise and work with international law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle these gangs.

This includes the ongoing multi-national operation devised by An Garda Siochana to tackle the Kinahan transnational organised crime gang.

It has also seen Commissioner Harris travel to the US, Colombia and Europe to further this activity.

In addition, Commissioner Harris in conjunction with Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs has expanded An Garda Siochanas network of international liaison offices with new offices already established in the US, South America, and most recently in the Middle East, with a further office to be established shortly in Thailand.

Lt Gen Al Marri was also in attendance at a high-level meeting on anti-money laundering in Dubai that was chaired by the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Hamid Al Zaabi, Director-General of the Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing gave a presentation to committee members on the UAEs Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan.

The 19th meeting of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism heard how the UAE has imposed total fines in excess of AED210 million on non-compliant companies since the beginning of the year.

The meeting also heard how, over the past two years, the total value of confiscations amounted to more than AED4 billion, and the work of law enforcement agencies in the country led to the arrest of 387 international suspects in cooperation with various foreign law enforcement agencies.
Blind and disabled, Mr Norris is a father of three daughters and a grandfather to seven young children.

Loyalist thug Davy ONeill is pictured here seconds before he launched a savage attack on a blind Catholic grandfather.

ONeill (41) is the elder brother of tragic twins Stephen and Claire ONeill, who died of a drugs overdose in Belfast earlier this year.

And we can reveal that  consumed with rage  the suntanned bully boy battered an innocent man in the mistaken belief he supplied the drugs which had killed his 37-year-old siblings.

The brutal assault took place at 62-year-old Stephen Norriss family home off Belfasts Ormeau Road 10 weeks ago. Blind and disabled, Mr Norris is a father of three daughters and a grandfather to seven young children.

A long-term invalid who needs constant care, Mr Norris was at home alone at 11.40am on June 16 when six-foot tall loyalist hardman Davy ONeill arrived outside his Rossmore Court house.

Unaware his every move was being recorded on a special security system, ONeill  who was wearing a light coloured T-shirt and dark shorts  rang the bell several times.

Mr Norris innocently made his way to the front door and opened it.

And in what appears to be the worst case of mistaken identity to come before the courts of Northern Ireland for some time, ONeill immediately challenged his blind victim with: Paul, what about you, do you know who I am?

He then launched a savage attack on the frail granddad.

Stephen Norris a 62 year-old grandfather was the innocent victim of a savage attack carried out by Loyalist thug Davy ONeill

ONeill booted Mr Norris  who suffers from chronic diabetes and other related ailments  on the leg. The blow careered him backwards onto an internal staircase.

Accusing his terrified victim of being the drugs dealer who supplied his brother with narcotics, ONeill then stepped inside the house. He continued punching and kicking his shocked victim who protested his innocence throughout.

Unable to keep his balance due to the relentless ferocity of the attack, Mr Norris collapsed on the hall floor, but the violent onslaught continued.

As he lashed out repeatedly hitting Mr Norris, ONeill accused him of supplying the drugs which claimed the lives of his younger brother and sister.

Fearing for his life  and still in a shocked and confused state  Mr Norris finally screamed at his attacker: Youve got the wrong house.

But ONeill continued to punch and kick his victim. And he yelled back at Mr Norris: I havent got the wrong house.

Suddenly  as if realising he had made a dreadful mistake  ONeill spun on his heels and he calmly walked back to his grey jeep.

As he entered the vehicle, the thug exchanged words with a female companion who had watched the 30-second attack from the front passengers seat.

Some of injuries suffered by Mr Norris who was punched to the ground.

And as the car sped out of the quiet south Belfast housing development, the woman was seen to cover her mouth with her hands.

Despite being wracked with pain, dazed Stephen Norris somehow managed to get to his feet. And using his mobile phone, he contacted his wife Josie, who was looking after their grandchildren in Jordanstown.

She immediately rang the PSNI whose officers raced to her husbands aid. And she later passed the CCTV evidence retrieved from her security system to the police.

Days later, David Brian ONeill, of Bests Hill View, Belfast, made himself available for interview at a police station accompanied by his solicitor.

Questioned by police, ONeill flatly denied he was filmed pressing the doorbell at the Norriss home or assaulting the occupier. He gave a no comment interview throughout.

ONeill was released on police bail, but he was later ordered back for a second interview where he was confronted by better quality footage of the incident.

Mrs Norris also gave the police photographs showing the severe bruising on her husbands arms, face and body as a result of the doorstep attack he endured.

Seven weeks after the assault, Stephen Norris suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital where he remains to this day.

In a crass attempt at disguising his appearance, ONeill even went to the trouble of having his thinning light brown hair dyed black.

And despite another lengthy no comment interview, he was charged with unlawfully assaulting Stephen Norris.

Last Thursday, wearing his trademark T-shirt and shorts, David ONeill appeared in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court at Laganside.

And when the assault charge was put to him, ONeill replied guilty.

The court was told ONeill is in receipt of state benefits and he was remanded on continuing bail. The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports.

But seven weeks after the assault, Mr Norris suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital where he remains to this day. Doctors are still struggling to contain internal bleeding.

Tragic twins Stephen and Claire ONeill (35) died side by side in February in the Annadale district of south Belfast after overdosing on a form of the demon drug crystal meth.

Stephen Norris with his wife Josie shortly before he was attacked

At the time, the Sunday World reported the drug had been supplied by members of the UDA based in south Belfast.

Yesterday, a PSNI spokesman said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden deaths which are not being treated as suspicious.

David ONeill is well connected in loyalist circles in south Belfast.

ONeill was previously linked to the Ballynafeigh Apprentice Boys Flute Band.

And as a 22-year-old living in the staunchly loyalist Annadale Flats area, ONeill earned the dubious distinction of being the first adult in Northern Ireland to be served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

He appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court accused of playing loud music.

The case was taken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, who claimed ONeill had acted in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.

While he reluctantly accepted the ASBO and agreed to abide by it, ONeill said he felt he was being victimised.

He said: Im the victim in all this. I was just doing what every other young fella does. It was just made out a lot worse than it was.

I dont feel I have to apologise for anything  I wasnt that bad a neighbour.
The pair had sex several times at her home and in her car at various locations.

An Australian high-school teacher who confessed to having sex with a 16-year-old student cried in court this week before walking free without facing a prison sentence.

Monique Ooms (31) returned before the Court of Appeal on Tuesday after prosecutors appealed her lack of jail time on child-abuse offences, was manifestly inadequate.

Ooms sobbed in the Court of Appeals in Melbourne after prosecutors upheld a ruling to only give her 300 hours of community service after she pleaded guilty to four counts of sexually penetrating a minor.

Ooms was a recently-qualified teacher at Sale Secondary College last year when she began exchanging messages with teenager in May after noticing the boy was going through personal problems.

Ooms leaves court (9 News)

Ooms initially offered the youngster messages of support but this quickly descended into her sending photos of herself in racy underwear to the victim.

The school boy snuck out of his home for an illicit meeting with his teacher for the first time two months later.

The pair had sex several times at her home and in her vehicle at various locations before someone got in touch with the boys school by sending an anonymous note.

Earlier this year Ooms pleaded guilty to four counts of sexually penetrating a child under her care and was sentenced in Court to a community corrections order with community work and counselling.

Surprisingly, the judge found that while the relationship was utterly inappropriate, he did not find Ooms conduct to be predatory.

It was simply a situation where neither of you was thinking particularly straight and you were the one with the responsibility, not him, he said.

The victim involved said his teacher was very nice and he thought she genuinely had feelings for me.

The sex teacher has now been the subject of abuse in her neighbourhood and has reportedly received many threatening phone calls, forcing her to go into hiding.

Ooms legal team said she has been suffering from mental health issues and had fallen pregnant shortly after her sentence was handed down.

In their judgment, Judges Richard Niall, Maree Kennedy and Cameron Macaulay said they had not been persuaded the sentence imposed was inadequate.

This was a difficult sentencing exercise, they wrote.

The offending was serious and, as the judge correctly noted, ordinarily a custodial sentence of some duration would be expected in order to fulfil the sentencing purposes.

But the judge considered this to be a very unusual situation... It is a conspicuous example of a judge concerned to do individualised justice and to exercise the judicial sentencing discretion to do justice in the particular case, they stated.

Ooms now works as a bricklayer.
The Perth-based Irish national was arrested after a search warrant was executed at the mans home on August 28

The man was arrested by police in Perth

A 25-year-old Irishman is due before a court in Australia after being accused of possessing and transmitting child abuse material online.

The Perth-based Irish national was arrested after a search warrant was executed at the mans home on August 28, where investigators allegedly found child abuse material on a mobile phone.

The device was seized, alongside drug paraphernalia, and will be subject to further forensic examination.

He is now due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court today, charged with two online offences of possessing and transmitting child abuse material.

The Western Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, which comprises Australian Federal Police (AFP) and WA Police officers, had allegedly identified the man during an investigation into a report from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in the US about a user uploading child abuse material online.

Investigators allegedly linked the person to the illegal online activity that included online chats talking about incest and loving littles.

At the time the man was arrested at his home in Thornlie he was on bail for similar offences relating to alleged online child abuse.

AFP Detective Sergeant Karen Addiscott said the investigation highlighted how closely police around the world worked together to combat the exploitation and abuse of children.

Anyone who views this material is committing a crime, and encouraging and enabling the abuse of children in the production of other abusive material, Detective Sergeant Addiscott said.

Our message to online offenders has not changed, if you possess and transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.

This is not a victimless crime. Children are not commodities to be used for the abhorrent gratification of sexual predators.

The man was charged with possession of child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service and transmitting child abuse material, with the maximum penalty for each offence of 15 years' imprisonment.

The AFP and its partners are committed to stopping child exploitation and abuse and the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is driving a collaborative national approach to combatting child abuse, police added in a statement.

The ACCCE brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.

Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed only about half of parents talked to their children about online safety.
He's in the kitchen bleeding to death, with any luck.

A UK woman, Penny Jackson (66), stabbed her husband of twenty four years, David (78), three times in the gut after a row about a TV remote and cooked eggs following a meal to celebrate her birthday during the pandemic, a new TV show reveals.

The fatal blow was delivered to David Jacksons heart and came after he had dialled 999, with the emergency services listening on. When cops arrived, they found his wifes handwritten confession.

The shocking information can be seen in the new crime series, Faking It, which is available on the Discovery+ channel.

Jackson became known as the 'pyjama killer' when she laughed to detectives about being arrested in her Marks & Spencer bed clothes.

Sad audio from a 999 call reveals how Jackson told the operator she had stabbed her husband, adding: He's in the kitchen bleeding to death, with any luck.

Penny Jackson

When asked if her victim was near-by, the killer pensioner replied: Well, I might just go and stab him again.

The police operator immediately told her: Do not stab him again.

Jackson asked the operator why she should not stab her husband again, before announcing that she was of sound mind: I am compos mentis, she said.

I'm in the lounge and he's in the kitchen bleeding to death.

When asked how many times she had stabbed her husband, Jackson said: I did it the once, and then he said I wouldn't do it again so I did it twice more.

Jackson's arrest

Well once, I thought I'd get his heart. Well he hasn't got one, and then twice in the abdomen.

Further clips from the documentary show Jackson being rearrested for murder, to which the killer replied: Oh good! and I'm very sorry for being a nuisance.

After having her temperature taken as she was tested for covid-19, she asked an officer: Have you got my slippers?

During trial the former financial accountant told Bristol Crown Court that she lost control after decades of abuse.

The convicted murderer, who had been married three times before meeting Mr Jackson, claimed David had coercively controlled her, including preventing her from seeing friends and dictating how she used the TV remote.

But Bristol Crown Court heard she repeatedly refused to help Mr Jackson when the emergency call handler asked her to apply pressure to the wound or throw him a towel to try to stem the bleeding.

She was convicted of murder and handed a sentence of life in prison, with a minimum term of 18 years, in October 2021.
The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

The body of an eight-year-old girl was recovered from the water in Fountainstown, Co Cork, at around 7.45pm this evening following an extensive search operation.

A postmortem will be carried out at Cork University Hospital. An inquest will likely follow in the coming months.

The search operation was launched by emergency services after the child went missing while swimming earlier today.

It is understood the child got into difficulty while swimming at the beach in Fountainstown.

The scene at Fountainstown as a major search operation took place on Tuesday evening.

Gardai and ambulances are at the scene and the Coast Guard helicopter from Shannon was searching the water after the alarm was raised around 4.30pm this afternoon.

The passing of the little girl comes in the wake of a number of deaths in the sea in Cork in recent weeks. Fourteen year old Jack O'Sullivan died on August 24th last after he got in to difficulty while swimming with friends at Passage West on Cork's Lower Harbour.

Jack had been due to go in to second year at Colaiste Eamann Ris at St Patrick's Road in Cork city. He was described at his funeral as being a charming and friendly young man who radiated joy.

Meanwhile, on August 20th Ivan Chittenden (64) from Toronto, Canada and Brendan Wall (45) of Cardrath, Co Meath died in separate incidents during the swim section of the Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork.

The Coast Guard volunteer lifeboat crew from Crosshaven was launched as part of the search.

More to follow...
Sacked teacher called application seeking his arrest an absolute disgrace

Sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke is expected to continue his defiance of a court order requiring him to stay away from his former workplace despite the fresh prospect of being returned to prison.

An application was brought before the High Court by lawyers of the board of management of Wilsons Hospital School yesterday seeking the arrest of Mr Burke and his committal to prison for contempt.

But in a clear sign he does not intend to end his protest, the teacher later issued a defiant statement, claiming the development was an absolute disgrace.

The court gave the school permission to serve notice of the application on Mr Burke at short notice and made the matter returnable to Friday.

Ms Justice Emily Egan heard Mr Burke had turned up at the Co Westmeath school every day since the new term began last week, defying a permanent injunction granted by Mr Justice Alexander Owens in July restraining him from trespassing on the premises.

Mr Burkes breach of similar, albeit temporary, orders last year landed him in jail for 108 days. He was eventually released just before Christmas despite refusing to purge his contempt.

The subsequent imposition by the court of fines of 700-a-day on the teacher failed to stop his almost-daily sojourn to the school, which sacked him last January.

Mr Burke, who is an evangelical Christian, came into conflict with school management last year when he publicly voiced objections to a request from the then principal that a transgender pupil be called by a new name and they/them pronouns. He was later suspended and ultimately dismissed.

Enoch Burke spends last day of term outside school that sacked him

Following yesterdays development, Mr Burke issued a statement to Independent.ie criticising the High Court for entertaining the schools application.

We have drug barons walking our streets, crime at an all-time high, people afraid to go out at night. It is appalling that the courts of this land are facilitating a request that I be committed to prison because I will not support transgenderism, he said.

The citizens of this country have a right to their religious beliefs. The judges who swore to uphold the law and the constitution are now busying themselves with imprisoning me for my religious beliefs. This is a gross perversion of justice.

Barrister Rosemary Mallon, for the board, had earlier told Ms Justice Egan that Mr Burke had been attending both outside and inside the school in breach of the permanent injunction.

The terms of that order could not be clearer, Ms Mallon said.

Mr Burke has been fully aware of and served with a copy of the orders handed down by Mr Justice Owens.

The barrister said Mr Burkes ongoing presence at the school was causing severe disruption for staff and students.

A large part of the working day of school principal Frank Milling and his staff was being taken up dealing with Mr Burkes presence at Wilsons Hospital School, Ms Mallon said.

On occasions, Mr Milling had to close doors to prevent Mr Burke from entering the school, she added.

The barrister said it was with great reluctance that the board had returned to court, 12 months on from its initial application against Mr Burke.

Counsel said that following his suspension in August last year, Mr Burke had failed to comply with court orders requiring him to stay away from the school, resulting in his incarceration in Mountjoy Prison for several months.

Ms Mallon said that the subsequent imposition of fines had no impact on Mr Burkes behaviour, and he continued to attend at the school until the end of the school year last May.

The barrister said that Mr Burke had also appealed the decision to dismiss him from his position as a German and history teacher.

In the circumstances, the schools board was seeking to have Mr Burke brought before the court to answer what it says is his ongoing contempt of the injunction.

Ms Justice Egan, who described the lengthy proceedings between the school and Mr Burke as a saga, said she was satisfied to grant the school board permission, on an ex parte basis, to serve short notice of the application on Mr Burke.

The judge directed that Mr Burke be served personally with the attachment and committal application, and adjourned the matter to Fridays vacation sitting of the court.
Ms Hughes, who was a resident at Maryfield Nursing Home in Chapelizod, Dublin, died peacefully on Tuesday night

Mairin Hughes pictured on her 109th birthday in May

Irelands oldest person, Mairin Hughes, has died at the age of 109.

Ms Hughes, who was a resident at Maryfield Nursing Home in Chapelizod, Dublin, died peacefully on Tuesday night surrounded by her Maryfield community.

Mairin celebrated her milestone birthday on May 22 and advised people to live life to the full.

She was born in Belfast and spent part of her long life in Kerry, Cork and Dublin.

Director of nursing at Maryfield Orla Quigg said Mairin was a resident at the nursing home for over 30 years.

Ms Quigg said Mairins passing is a big loss for the entire community and her extended family at Maryfield.

She was Maryfield, shes been part of the Maryfield community for decades, she told Independent.ie.

She was the oldest person in Ireland, but she used to meet people and new admissions and tell them how fabulous it is here. She just made everybody feel so welcome.

The whole of Chapelizod will know her really because she taught in the school in Ballyfermot, and she used to open the Chapelizod community festival every year, she even did that this year.

She was 109 and cognitively and physically well. Her biggest loss was her hearing, and she was so frustrated by that.

A celebration was held for Mairin Hughes, Ireland's oldest person, on her 109th birthday in May

Ms Quigg said the centenarian loved to play scrabble, kept busy with daily crossword puzzles, bird watching, playing cards and attending mass.

She graduated from UCC with a science degree in 1935 and is the universitys oldest known science graduate.

Mairin worked as a chemist until she married her husband Frank in 1950.

The couple then went to Dublin, where she became a teacher in Ballyfermot.

During her birthday celebrations in May, she was presented with medals for each year she lived as a centenarian, and read out a quote to the room that accompanied her latest medal, which she remarked was very true.

You have lived through remarkable times in the history of Ireland and the world. You have witnessed remarkable changes, unimaginable at the time of your birth in 1914, she said.

Sin a bhfuil, she added afterwards, Irish for that is all.

After her favourite song, Oro Se do Bheatha Bhaile, was played, she and her friends boarded the Vintage Tea bus that awaited them outside.

Her funeral is due to take place at 11am on Saturday at Maryfield with cremation after in Glasnevin.

She is survived by her niece Nuala and nephew Michael.
Emili has a twin brother and would have turned 8 on Thursday.

An eight-year-old girl who lost her life while swimming at Fountainstown Beach in Co Cork on Tuesday has been named locally as Emili Roman.

Emilis body was recovered by a member of the public and a volunteer from Crosshaven RNLI, after she was spotted in the ocean.

The two carried the childs body from the water yesterday evening. Emily was taken to Crosshaven Lifeboat Station.

The Rescue 115 helicopter, Waterford Coastguard Helicopter, RNLI Crosshaven Lifeboat Station, Port of Cork pilot boat, The Customs Boat, Ballycotton Lifeboat and Mallow Search and Rescue all participated in the search for the girl after the alarm had been raised.

Gardai, the Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service also attended.

Tragic Emili was a second class pupil at Templebreedy National School.

Bishop Paul Colton, Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork, said the community was devastated at the death of the youngster. Emili has a twin brother and would have turned 8 on Thursday. Emili also has a sister, Inga.

The entire school community in our small Church of Ireland school in Crosshaven, Co Cork, together with the local parish and community, are in shock and are utterly devastated at the death of our 2nd class pupil.

He said they were heartbroken for Emilis family and loved ones.

The Bishop offered his condolences to the family of the child, saying he could not imagine their suffering. We are all, however, in shock and devastated, he said.

On behalf of us all in the Church of Ireland, in general, and in connection with Templebreedy National School and Templebreedy Parish, in particular, I too extend our sincere sympathy to everyone in the Roman family.

A tragedy like this is having a traumatic effect also on this small parish school at the start of this new school year, and also the wider community. I am visiting the school this morning and throughout the day.

Doris Bryan, the school principal, who is also Emilis class-teacher in second class, described her as kind, with a bubbly personality.

"She had a beautiful smile. She was greatly loved by everyone and was very popular with all her friends. She was also very artistic and a gifted young girl.

She added: We are doing our best at the moment to make our school a safe space for all our school community to be together and to support each other. She added that their primary focus was Emilis family and loved ones.

The tragic girls funeral details have been confirmed.

Her funeral will take place this Saturday at 11.30am in Church of Our Lady and St. John, Carrigaline with burial afterwards to St. Johns Cemetery, Ballinrea.
In the fourth week of August, only 8,615 TV licences were sold, a decrease of 40pc when compared to the same period last year.

TV licence sales plummeted 1m after RTE announced presenter Ryan Tubridy would not be returning to the airwaves.

Sales and renewals have been falling off a cliff for weeks following the revelations around the 345,000 worth of hidden payments to the presenter.

However, sales fell even further in the week after RTE boss Kevin Bakhurst announced talks about returning to air had collapsed with Mr Tubridy.

In the fourth week of August, only 8,615 TV licences were sold, a decrease of 40pc when compared to the same period last year.

This equals to 924,640 in revenue of the 160 charge.

The previous week, sales were down by 554,560, with a total of 3,466 fewer TV licences were sold compared to the same time in 2022.

TV licence sales for the fourth week in August were 8,615, said a spokesperson for the Department of Media.

The comparable figure for the same period in 2022 was 14,394.

Almost 6m of revenue has now been lost as a result of the crisis, with the latest figures bringing the loss to 5.94m.

Culture and Media Minister Catherine Martin (Photo: Niall Carson/PA)

It comes as the interim Mazars report into the controversial barter accounts used to make 75,000 payments to Mr Tubridy was published last week.

The report found there were no rules in place for paying for items using the barter account.

Meanwhile, a decision on how the TV licence will be reformed will be made by senior ministers early next year, according to Media Minister Catherine Martin.

The Government said it had paused RTE reform when the controversy surrounding 345,000 of undeclared payments broke in June.

The can was kicked down the road on the contentious 160 charge last year when the Government rejected the Future of Media Commissions recommendation to scrap the charge and fund it from the exchequer.

A special group of civil servants was set up to look at how the TV licence could be reformed instead and their recommendations were sent to the minister at the end of March.

Ms Martin said today she had shared the report with the heads of Government and relevant ministers. It had been planned to make a decision on reform of RTE before the summer but this was paused due to the controversy.

We paused that decision but the discussions will continue on that, she said

The first priority is the interim funding but I think discussions definitely have to continue in relation to the funding model. I had said that we would wait until the two external examinations are completed but I will engage with the leaders on that.

Ms Martin said the decision would probably be made early next year but any new laws that would be brought in would add a further delay.

RTE today laid out a scoping document for its register of interests for employees, where they will have to make returns to the ethics watchdog Sipo.

However, it was unlikely there would be a retrospective aspect to the register, according to Ms Martin.

The minister said she wanted sanctions for people who did not follow the rules of the register and that this needed to form part of discussions with unions and new RTE boss Kevin Bakhurst.

She added that he did not suggest a figure for a salary cap for top presenters when he met her last week and refused to say whether she had a figure in mind herself.
A last-minute plea from Ataturk Turkish Kebab shop owner Jahn Ozgur has deferred the removal of parklet dining platforms from carparks on The Strand.

Whakatane District Council was to have made a decision last week about removing the parklets, which have been in the town centre since March 2021.

However, owners of two restaurants currently using the parklets, Mr Ozgur and The Wagon owner Alex Potter "caught wind of the meeting the night before and were there to plead their case in the public forum.

Mr Ozgur told the council they were happy to pay a lease for the parklets to stay and pay for improvements to them as he saw them as a benefit to the town centre.

The parklets were one of three projects the council developed, funded by New Zealand transport agency Waka Kotahis Innovating Streets for People programme.

Three movable wooden platforms, each taking two angle car parking spaces, were initially introduced as a three-month trial.

Once the programme ended, the parklets were placed under the management of EPIC (Events, Promotions, Initiatives, Community) Whakatane Town Centre, and were to be rotated around various businesses on a six-monthly basis.

More than two years later, after a survey of the community, EPIC has recommended to the council that the parklets be removed.

A report to yesterdays full council meeting included a statement from EPIC saying feedback showed "limited public support for the parklets with the majority of complaints being that they were unpleasant to look at, not used during the day and blocked parking unnecessarily.

The report also stated that, with one exception, there had been a general unwillingness from the businesses using the parklets to invest in the appearance of the parklets. They were described as dirty and not well-furnished'.

EPIC chairwoman Lani Thompson told the meeting all the businesses that had used the platforms since the initial trial had been sent invoices of $1500, which included the costs of moving and maintenance of the platforms and none had paid, despite the invoices being followed up in person.

Mr Ozgur later told the Beacon he had never received an invoice from EPIC related to the parklets.

Im happy to take over the management of the three platforms, cover all expenses, shifting them, maintaining them, plus doing them up, because we think it is good for the town centre, he said.

He was critical of the way EPIC had managed the parklets.

EPIC has been approached because we wanted to pay a lease to keep the platforms but they never responded. They dont respond to emails.

Mrs Potter from The Wagon said she had received an invoice for about $1500 from EPIC some time ago.

I emailed back asking them to outline exactly what this is for, because they had only moved one (parklet) and $1500 seemed a little bit excessive and then I didnt hear anything back in regard to that invoice, so I didnt pay it. I am happy to pay something for the parklet, theres just been really bad communication in regard to it all.

She had received no follow-up about the unpaid invoice.

In February I did have someone come in from EPIC and speak to me but she didnt say anything to me about the invoice, she was just asking whether we want to keep [the parklet].

I said, if another business wants it, by all means share it around, but we were keen to keep it.

She said she was also willing to spend money to make the parklet more attractive, but she hadnt because she had been told it was being removed.

During discussion of the report, various suggestions were made by councillors about how businesses could be charged an upfront fee or bond to have the dining platforms to cover any expense to council and guarantee they were well maintained.

Council decided to delay any decision on the parkets, one of which is currently in storage.

Mayor Victor Luca said it was clear some new information had come to light and maybe further deliberations were in order.

He proposed that EPIC go away and explore some of these other options and come back to council with another recommendation.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
Medicinal cannabis producers are looking at growing more plants and exploring different product options as regulations are being relaxed.

The government has approved changes to New Zealand's medicinal cannabis scheme, expected to make it cheaper for patients getting a prescription.

Currently, the average cost for patients' prescriptions from a pharmacy is several hundred dollars for up to a couple of months' supply.

Cabinet released the changes in July and Medsafe, which regulated medicines and medical devices, said broadening the medicinal cannabis categories meant a wider range of plants could be grown locally, and more cannabis products exported.

Acting group manager Derek Fitzgerald says changing the quality labelling requirements for exports of medicinal cannabis meant New Zealand companies could access markets more readily.

He says because New Zealand has a small population, the medicinal cannabis market is also small.

"We recognise that access to export markets is necessary to help ensure our local industry can continue to be commercially viable.

"The changes are designed to streamline and update the scheme's compliance requirements without compromising the overall quality of cannabis-based ingredients and medicinal cannabis products supplied to New Zealand patients. This will help ensure a sustainable medicinal cannabis industry in New Zealand."

He says these changes will support the medicinal cannabis industry, which is important for ensuring that products which meet the minimum quality standards can continue to be supplied to local patients.

Helius Therapeutics has a medicinal cannabis growing facility in Auckland.

Spokesman Bruce Wallace says having fewer restrictions to send their products to offshore markets is a relief as, until now, it had been a struggle as the local market was not big enough to be financially sustainable.

Bruce believes the pending improvements to the scheme will lead to more plants being grown and new companies getting licences to produce or develop products.

The Helius Cannabis factory in Auckland Photo: RNZ / Teresa Cowie. The Helius Cannabis factory in Auckland Photo: RNZ / Teresa Cowie.

He says having easier access to international markets will mean the price patients pay for a cannabis product should drop, as it's expensive to produce and, until now, only being allowed to sell solely on the local market meant charging higher prices.

'We would expect it to drop over time. A stronger industry means more competition, more players and a wider variety of products. We would also encourage patients to shop around, as some pharmacies charge more than others for medicinal cannabis products."

Bruce says the majority of products sold here are oral liquids, or whole flowers that patients vaporise using an approved medical device.

Cannabis products are predominately prescribed for anxiety, pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

He says Helius Therapeutics' large facility in Auckland has room to grow and expand.

"Currently the challenge is to make sure we get the exports away that will fund and drive that growth."

Bruce says their products will also be sold to researchers, who can start doing local trials with cannabis under the scheme's changes.

Medsafe says the changes to the medicinal cannabis scheme will come into effect by the end of this year.

-RNZ.
An epic journey that started mid-last year with a phone call to New Zealand from beleaguered Kharkiv, ended in July with seven decommissioned New Zealand ambulances crossing the Polish border into Ukraine in mid-August.

The ambulances have since been serviced and repainted and are now ready to be presented to Ukrainian Medical Units at a dedication ceremony planned for early September in Kyiv.

The ambulances, which left New Zealand on 4 May, travelled some 20,000 kilometres by ship and road from Auckland to Kyiv, and were collected by a combined Ukrainian - New Zealand team from Port Antwerp, Belgium, in early August.

Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid & Refugee Evacuation), a registered New Zealand Charity, managed the negotiations and logistics of moving the ambulances across the globe, supported by a multinational team.

This exemplifies multinational teamwork at its best, all-in support of Ukraine, says Kiwi K.A.R.E chairman Tenby Powell.

We have had tremendous support from St John Ambulance New Zealand, who donated the ambulances to Kiwi K.A.R.E, and shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, who moved the ambulances to Europe. Without the support of these two wonderful organisations, they would certainly not be in Kyiv now.

Tenby also approached Tauranga based Iwi, Ngai Te Rangi, to advise on naming and blessing the ambulances.

We are thrilled to be involved in this important mahi and, having done blessings from afar during Covid, we feel honoured to be able to bless these lifesaving vehicles and those who will travel within them for the people of Ukraine, says Ngai Te Rangi CEO Paora Stanley.

Each ambulance will carry a name reflecting the seven key principles of Maori worldview: Rangatira (Leadership); Manaaki (Caring); Kotahi (Unity); Whanau (Relationships); Kaitiaki (Guardianship); Wairua (Spirit); and Tupuna (Ancestry).

Kiwi K.A.R.E parter, Day-by-Day, a registered Ukrainian NGO and importer of the ambulances, have worked hard to get them serviced and painted before handing them over to medical units.

Our partnership with Kiwi K.A.R.E has enabled us to gain greater geographical reach for distribution of humanitarian and medical aid, and now we are able to gift ambulances in the service of Ukraine, says Day-by-Day chairman Oleg Kuptsov.

Honestly, we are overwhelmed to have such support from a small county which is literally on the other side of the world.

Kiwi K.A.R.E and Day-by-Day intend to keep one ambulance as a mobile health clinic to serve those in newly liberated areas who lack access to medical resources.

Our combined humanitarian strength offers a big step-up in operational capability, and this comes at a cost. We are a big organisation to run, with a number of logistics vehicles including a 12-tonne truck, also donated by Kiwi K.A.R.E, and of course an ambulance, says Day-by-Day director Oleksii Tsapenko.

We rely on donations and ask any business who wants to support us to reach out. We need sustainable funding to continue our operation.

We want to thank the wonderful people of New Zealand who have supported Kiwi K.A.R.E since June last year. We are very grateful for your continued support.

Kiwi K.A.R.E is funded by public donations received via a New Zealand crowdfunding site called Give-a-Little. Donations can be made at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kiwi-kare-ukraine-kiwi-aid-and-refugee-evacuation
Outdoor living goods retailer 4 Seasons has been placed into receivership and owes creditors an estimated $8.5 million.

Richard Nacey and John Fisk of PwC were appointed receivers of 4 Seasons Nelson-based holding company Retail Links Ltd, on August 30, following a special resolution passed by the directors asking Bank of New Zealand to appoint receivers.

Up to 300 customers learnt on Monday they would not have their orders delivered  for items such as BBQs and spas  or have their deposits returned.

Secured creditors including Inland Revenue were owed about $4.5m.

Nacey says the nationwide chains five stores have been temporarily closed while the receivers work to find a buyer to take over the business.

4 Seasons employed 38 staff at the time of receivership and has stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth and Nelson.

A couple of staff had decided to leave of their own will, but Nacey says there has been no redundancies.

At the companys Nelson office on Tuesday some staff were visibly upset.

One worker says the unsecured creditors included people who had bought items like spas for about $45,000.

Some staff say they were told last month that the company was in a stable position.

A customer at the office says she was shocked to learn she would not get the burner she had bought with a credit card for more than $2000.

She would contact her card provider to see if she could get a refund, but faced being in a position where she had lost the money  and still needed a burner.

Nacey says he's hopeful the business could be sold as a going concern.

The business fell into financial strife following a slow-down in sales due to the discretionary nature of its products, including BBQs, spa pools, indoor and outdoor fireplaces and furniture, says Nacey.

Given the discretionary nature of a number of the goods and the way things have been getting tougher from an economic perspective, trading has slowed, which has resulted in cash flow issues.

The companys directors, brother and sister Catherine and Jonathon Cameron, had encountered some cash flow issues to the point where they needed to make the decision they could no longer trade, he says.

The pair declined to comment.

It's too early to determine whether there's likely to be a distribution to unsecured creditors, says Nacey.

Nacey says the receivers are contacting potential interested parties and have begun advertising the business for sale.

We are looking to canvas any interest and thats going to result in the best outcome for creditors. We want to sell this as a going concern if we could.

The receivers so far estimated that the company owed creditors between $8m and $8.5m.

About $300,000 was owed to staff in holiday pay and other entitlements, he says.

Staff were paid their outstanding wages on Wednesday.

All stores had been closed for a couple of days while the receivers worked out the value of stock. They planned to reopen them later this week, he says.

There is a good level of stock and this is a relatively well-known brand, it has got a good store footprint, particularly around the North Island, and we think with the right purchaser it could do really well.

Were doing our very best to get the best result we can for creditors.

-
Irene Quirante Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

X

LinkedIn

Telegram

The families of the two young Argentinian paddle surfers who disappeared out at sea ten days ago have said they will not leave the Costa del Sol without finding them. Relatives said, "We are not going to leave Malaga without the boys".

The loved ones of Maxi (27) and Emmanuel (34), met with the mayor of Malaga city, Francisco de la Torre, on Tuesday 5 September and pleaded for the search efforts not to be scaled down, despite authorities only locating the pair's paddle board being found 15 nautical miles off the coast since the men went missing on 27 August.

The two friends set out off from Malaga's La Misericordia beach to watch the sunrise about 7.20am that day, and have not been seen since. Emmanuel's brother, Ignacio Soria, said: "Please, let the aerial search resume; we need the helicopters and planes to return to the search". "We want them to continue searching with the same intensity or more; we want to find the boys," added Maxi's father, Jorge Ludvik.

The two families, united by grief and the absence of news, have made it clear that at this moment they are one family and that they will continue knocking on every possible door until the two young men are found. "We are going to continue day and night, we are going to move heaven and earth, and the sea too," they said.

Thanks

They thanked both the mayor and the citizens of Malaga, as well as all the authorities involved in the search for the two friends for their efforts. "But we still have no result of what we are looking for," Maxi's father said.

"Logically they are dismayed, very worried about the situation that has arisen," said De la Torre, who, also pointed out that had had contacted the government and the naval command to forward on the family's wishes. De la Torre said he is also looking into locating possible satellite images of the two friends to help give a clue as to the distance travelled.
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.
By Larry Rulison | Times Union, Albany

Guilderland, N.Y.  The new owner of Crossgates Malls mortgage debt is a joint venture between Morgan Stanley and a private investment firm based in Greenwich, Conn.

Last month, the Times Union reported that an affiliate of Morgan Stanley appeared to have purchased the mortgage from other Wall Street investors after Crossgates owner, Pyramid Management Group out of Syracuse, defaulted on a $300 million mortgage loan dating back to 2012. The information was listed in a real estate document filed with the Albany County Clerk.

At the time of the default, the loan was valued at $243 million, yet the new owner reportedly acquired the debt at a $100 million discount.

Pyramid is also the owner of Destiny USA in Syracuse.

The Commercial Observer, a commercial real estate publication, recently reported that Morgan Stanley had indeed purchased the Crossgates debt, which had been packaged into commercial real estate bonds, in a joint venture with Cannae Advisors in Greenwich, Conn.

Cannae Advisors is a small, yet well-funded, investment firm. Its name is listed in the same mortgage document filed in Albany County last month that also listed Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Holdings as the new owner of the debt.

Although officials at Morgan Stanley and Cannae Advisors could not be reached for comment, a third-party firm with knowledge of the debt sale confirmed that the Commercial Observer story was accurate.

Pyramid, which owns several large malls across the northeastern U.S., previously told the Times Union that the sale of the debt would have no impact on the malls operations or future  and that Pyramid still owns and operates the mall despite the loan being sold.

Its business as usual for us, James Soos, director of development for Pyramid said in an email to the Times Union. The only change is we have a new lender. We still own and manage the center.

The Commercial Observer story noted that the sale of Crossgates debt was the biggest nonperforming loan sale of a regional mall loan in history, although its unclear what the source is of that claim.

Large regional malls have been struggling in recent years as consumers have continued moving to online shopping and changed their shopping habits following the COVID-19 pandemic. Other malls have just been liquidated or sold off, so the purchase of the Crossgates loans by Morgan Stanley and a sophisticated investor shows that Crossgates is considered a tremendous asset.

Pyramid is in the process of bringing in Costco next door to Crossgates, which itself has new tenants like REI and Primark that make it more vibrant than other malls in New York and New England.

___

(c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
Homer, N.Y.  A teen girl and her mother have accused a priest in the Syracuse Catholic Diocese of having an inappropriate relationship with the girl since she was 14, according to court documents.

Rev. Nathan Brooks, 36, of LaFayette, has been charged with third-degree sex abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. The incidents happened between 2019 and 2021, authorities said.

On Tuesday, Brooks was arraigned in the Homer Town Court.

Court documents obtained by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard Tuesday reveal new details in the case.

The girl, who recently turned 18, and her mother came forward to authorities after the girl saw Brooks interacting with others and became concerned that he was treating other girls the way he had treated her, according to a deposition the girl gave to the Cortland County Sheriffs Office.

Brooks met the family when he became their priest in 2019, according to a deposition from the mother. The family would invite him to their home often, the mother told deputies.

At one time while Brooks and the girl were swimming together, the priest brushed a hand against the teens vagina in a noticeable way, the girl said in the deposition. Other times while they were swimming he would pull her toward him and have her on his lap, she told deputies.

Brooks would also constantly message the girl, despite her mother telling him not to and a diocese policy that prevents priests from contacting minors.

He would send flirty messages regarding a couple from the show The Office, the girl told deputies. He told her to delete the messages so her mother would not find out he was in contact with her, she said.

The girl also said that Brooks would give her long hugs that would last around 30 seconds. During one of those hugs, she felt his erect penis, she told deputies.

We were way too close and I realize now that this was inappropriate, the girl said in the disposition.

The girl said that Brooks also had inappropriate contact with her while on a bus for a youth trip.

In her statement, the girl said that just a few months before she turned 18, she realized something was wrong. She said she cut off all contact with Brooks in June 2023 and told her mom about what had been going on.

She said she saw Brooks have an unusual interaction with someone and realized he may be treating other girls the same way and was concerned. Her statements in the court documents dont detail what she saw.

I had many incidents and encounters with [Brooks] that made me uncomfortable and I now know he was grooming me, she told deputies.

On Tuesday, Brooks attorney, Michael Vavonese, said that people should not jump to any conclusions about the case. He pointed out that Brooks has entered a not-guilty plea to all the charges against him.

Vavonese would not comment on whether he was retained by Brooks or the diocese.

Brooks has been suspended from all priest duties as the criminal investigation plays out, the diocese officials said last week.

Brooks is an administrator at the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph in LaFayette, Immaculate Conception in Pompey, St. Leo in Tully and St. Patrick Mission in Otisco.

He was ordained in 2019 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. He graduated from Bishop Grimes High School in 2005 before attending St. Marys Seminary & University in Baltimore, according to The Catholic Sun.

In July, the diocese agreed to pay $100 million to sex abuse survivors as part of a bankruptcy settlement.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy days after 38 people filed lawsuits against the diocese alleging sex abuse by priests.

The settlement is the second largest sex abuse payout by a Roman Catholic institution and its affiliates in any Roman Catholic bankruptcy case, according to a law firm that represents over 120 sex abuse survivors in the Syracuse diocese.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
Syracuse, NY  Two teenagers were shot to death Wednesday morning by an Onondaga County sheriffs deputy after the stolen car they were riding in nearly ran over the deputy, according to Sheriff Toby Shelley.

The two killed were 15 and 17 years old, according to two sources.

The teens were shot and killed by a single deputy who fired into the moving vehicle near the Midler Meadows mobile home park in DeWitt, Shelley said at an afternoon news conference. That vehicle was suspected of being involved in two overnight burglaries, he said.

The deputy was alone when the driver of the stolen vehicle tried to run over him, Shelley said.

The two teens were killed by three shots fired into the vehicle by the deputy, Shelley said. The sheriff referred to a witnesss video that he said showed that the deputy didnt have time to get out of the way.

The witnesss video has not been made public. The deputy, who has not yet been publicly identified, was wearing a body camera but didnt have it turned on at the time of the shooting. Shelley said the deputy didnt have time to turn on the camera.

The deputy had nowhere to flee to. This whole thing happens in seconds. He had no options, Shelley said.

The deputy was not injured, the sheriff said.

The chain of events started around 9 p.m. Tuesday, when two vehicles were stolen from the area around James Street and Hixson Avenue in Syracuse, Shelley said. One was a Kia and one was a Hyundai.

Those stolen vehicles were connected to a 4 a.m. burglary of a smoke shop in Oneida, the sheriff said.

An alarm went off at OQ Smokeline store in the Glenwood Plaza, according to Oneida police. Officers found the side door of the store smashed, police said. Surveillance footage shows two groups arriving in a dark van and white sedan and then entering through the smashed door, police said.

Items were taken from the store and then the two vehicles left, police said. It was the same group involved in similar incidents later in Onondaga County, police said.

Wednesday morning, the same vehicles were seen in a burglary at a smoke shop on East Molloy Road in DeWitt, Shelley said.

The burglary call was at the Prince Smoke Shop on 176 E. Molloy Rd, according to the source, who had been involved in a briefing on the matter.

The deputy who eventually opened fire was in the middle of investigating the East Molloy Road burglary when someone called 911 to report suspicious activity at the Midler Meadows mobile home park, Shelley said.

The 6:18 a.m. caller reported three or four males wearing dark clothing moving items between a sedan and a dark-colored minivan at the mobile home park. The deputy responded to the mobile home park, knowing that the vehicles the caller mentioned matched the description of those seen on video from the smoke shop burglary, Shelley said.

Moments after arriving, Shelley said, one of the suspects vehicles tried to run over the deputy. The deputy pulled out his gun and fired three times, the sheriff said.

Both suspect vehicles fled the scene. One of them hasnt been found. The other was located back near the location of the initial car burglaries, when it crashed shortly before 7 a.m. on Mooney Avenue in Eastwood, Shelley said.

There, one occupant was found dead and another was near death, the sheriff said. The second occupant died shortly after a deputy attempted life-saving efforts, Shelley said.

A third person in the vehicle with the deceased has not been found.

Shelley did not provide the ages of the two deceased teens, saying their identities hadnt yet been confirmed.

Nevertheless, Shelley said deputies had been in touch with family members of the deceased.

The sheriff said that his office had also been in contact with the county district attorney and the state Attorney Generals Office, which is tasked with looking into deaths caused by police officers across New York.

The AGs office confirmed Wednesday afternoon that it was doing a preliminary assessment of the situation. The office was directed by the state in April 2021 to investigate all fatal incidents that involve police officers.

Editors note: An earlier version of this article reported the teens ages as both 15 years old. One was 15 and one was 17, according to two sources.
UPDATE: 2 teens killed in DeWitt by deputy who fired at vehicle which nearly ran deputy over, sheriff says

DeWitt, N.Y.  Two people were killed in an encounter with an officer Wednesday morning, according to the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office.

A sheriffs deputy was involved in a shooting in DeWitt, said Tom Newton, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office.

Around 6:18 a.m., county 911 dispatches reported a person called saying there was a suspicious person or persons in Midler Meadows Trailer Park in DeWitt, according to dispatch reports.

The caller reported a four-door car and a dark-colored mini-van with three or four males wearing dark clothing were moving items from one vehicle to another, dispatchers told police.

Officers told dispatchers that a burglary was reported 24 hours ago and the description of the vehicle involved matched the suspect vehicle, according to dispatch reports.

Moments later, an officer told dispatchers the van tried to run them over and that shots were fired.

The van drove off and headed west on Paznan Avenue. Then the vehicle was last seen on Danzig Street toward Baker Street near Midler Meadows trailer park area, police told dispatches.

Newton said the shooting at the mobile home park is connected to a shooting call reported off Teall Avenue shortly before 7 a.m. at Hixson and Mooney avenues, not far from James Street in Syracuse. A person was reported to be shot, according to the sheriffs office.

Shortly after 8 a.m., the sheriffs Air 1 helicopter was circling over the scene this morning.

The sheriffs office has scheduled a news conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

A Syracuse police crime scene unit van was on the scene along with sheriffs deputies as children waited nearby for the school bus.

Many police officers responded to the mobile home park.

By 11:31 a.m., police were still on the scene and blocking Danzig Street and Poznan Avenue.

Evidence technicians were seen collecting items and bringing them back to their cars.

The New York Attorney Generals Office told Syracuse.com | The Post Standard that it doing a preliminary assessment into whether the office will be involved. The AGs office is tasked with looking into deaths caused by police officers across New York.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Police have identified a man fatally stabbed on Syracuses North Side Sunday.

Nguvu Warren, 52, was stabbed in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 2:04 a.m. Warren, of Syracuse and Luther Seay, 50, got into a fight near the intersection of Butternut Street and South Alvord Street, police said.

The fight was captured on surveillance video in the area.

Related article: 50-year-old fatally stabbing man during fight on North Side caught on camera; man charged, police say

During the fight, Seay is seen on surveillance video lunging toward Warren, Syracuse police wrote in a criminal complaint. Warren is then seen on video clutching his chest.

Warren was found unresponsive by police. Officers attempted life-saving measures but eventually pronounced him dead.

Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
UPDATE: The Bruce Springsteen show planned for Sept. 7 has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Springsteen is suffering from an ulcer and postponed all September shows.

The Boss is returning to Central New York for the first time in more than a decade.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on Thursday, Sept. 7. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; music will begin at 7:30 p.m.

It will be the fifth major concert at the former Carrier Dome since the pandemic, following performances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Def Leppard/Motley Crue. It will be Springsteens first time performing in the Syracuse area since he drew more than 19,000 fans to Vernon Downs in 2012; his past concerts also include performances at the War Memorial in 1973 and 1978, the Landmark Theatre in 1996, and the Carrier Dome in 1985 and 1992.

Springsteen is expected to perform a nearly three-hour concert with no opening act. The Boss will be backed by the E Street Band, featuring The Sopranos actor Steven Van Zandt (a.k.a. Little Steven), Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa, Roy Bittan, Garry Tallent, Max Weinberg, Soozie Tyrell, Charlie Giordano, and Jake Clemons, the nephew of the late, great saxophonist Clarence Clemons.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as heavy traffic is expected. Avoiding I-81 by taking I-481 to Rock Cut Road or Jamesville Road is ideal to get to Skytop parking, Syracuse University Vice President & Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala said Tuesday.

Where can I park? Are there still any tickets left? What are the rules for the pit? Heres everything you need to know:

Dome Parking

Parking directions and garage addresses are available at https://parking.syr.edu. The JMA Wireless Dome is located at 900 Irving Ave, Syracuse, N.Y., and there will be Syracuse police officers helping to direct traffic near the stadium.

Parking lots closest to the JMA Dome sold out in advance, so Sala encourages people is encouraging people without passes to come early and park at Skytop or Manley Fieldhouse and then take a shuttle to and from College Place. (Shuttles are free, but parking in most lots will be $25.) There is also limited street parking near the Syracuse University campus around Genesee Street and Comstock Avenue.

Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber also have a designated dropoff area by the Newhouse School, a short walk from the Dome.

Tickets (Download them before you go!)

More than 30,000 tickets have been sold, but plenty of tickets are still available through Ticketmaster, with prices as low as $51.20. Fans may also want to check resellers like VividSeats, StubHub, Megaseats, TicketNetwork or SeatGeek for tickets.

For those using digital tickets from the Ticketmaster app, Sala recommends fans download them in advance as the Domes wireless network improvements still arent finished. If fans try to download their tickets as theyre walking into the venue, that will slow down internet speeds and make getting in take longer.

Cash / Credit Cards

All concessions inside the JMA Wireless Dome are cashless, so bring a credit card or debit card. Many parking options accept cash.

The Pit / Floor Seats

Salas said there will be 1,900 people in the pit by the stage. The pit is general admission, with wristbands. Drinks will be served at regular concession stands, but no cans are allowed on the floor; beverages must be poured into a cup if youre in the pit or have floor seats.

Fans enjoy Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, and Def Leppards 2023 World Tour at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday Aug. 5, 2023. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Clear bag policy

Each fan is allowed to bring one clear bag and one small clutch or purse into the Dome. Approved bags allowed are a 12 x 6 x 12 clear tote OR a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag AND 4.5 x 6.5 clutch or small purse. Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags to their vehicle prior to stadium entry.

About Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician whos won 20 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Special Tony Award, and been inducted in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also received Kennedy Center Honors in 2009 and a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

The Boss has released 21 studio albums in his career, featuring songs like Born in the USA, Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark, Hungry Heart, Thunder Road, Tenth Avenue Freeze Out, Glory Days, Im on Fire, and Streets of Philadelphia. His most recent release, 2022s Only the Strong Survive, featured covers of R&B and soul songs.

More concerts

Springsteen is scheduled to perform Sept. 19 at the MVP Arena in Albany after postponing a March concert due to illness. Tickets are still available.

The stage being set up for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's concert at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. The tour production includes 22 trucks. Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com

Springsteens first Syracuse concert 50 years ago: He opened for Chicago and got called Bris Christy

Bruce Springsteen once spent a few hours at a Syracuse pub. But did he sing?

My beef with Bruce Springsteen: How much money is enough? (Your Letters)
Syracuse, NY -- Upstates foremost Covid-19 expert said that his hospitals recent return to a mask mandate does not signal a desire for mask requirements in the general public.

Dr. Stephen Thomas was part of a group that advised Upstate to reimpose masks last month in clinical areas of University and Community General hospitals. That came after serious Covid-19 cases spiked from a handful at any one time to a few dozen over several weeks. Other hospitals, like St. Josephs, have since reimplemented their own masking rules.

But Thomas, director of Upstates Institute for Global Health and Translational Science. said he was surprised that the hospitals masking decision was seen as a sign of a return to mask mandates outside of medical facilities.

Do I recommend that people universally mask in any other area? No, with a caveat, Thomas told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. I dont believe that there is any appetite to do that anywhere except in areas where there are large numbers of sick people.

Thomas defended mask mandates in hospital settings as putting patients first.

You have a lot of people who are in very high-risk situations and a very weak state, he said. The people around them can have an adverse impact on how those people do. Youre doing it for the team, youre doing it for the greater good.

Thomas said that his recommendations for the general public havent changed, despite an August spike (and subsequent downturn) in Covid-19 hospitalizations. Even after the numbers crept up a few weeks ago, Thomas said that the risk is much lower than in the throes of the pandemic.

So whats his advice for the general public?

The same thing that my colleagues and I have been advocating since the pandemic seemed to be winding down: it is now on the individual to decide what their risk is of getting infected, Thomas said.

Someone 65 or older in a large crowd might want to wear a mask, Thomas said. So might a younger person with other risk factors, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity or any other factor known to make Covid-19 infections worse.

The numbers of people infected with Covid-19 isnt carefully tracked anymore, Thomas said. Testing data, while still available on the state website, no longer tells a reliable story due to the few numbers of people still testing and the fewer number that actually report positive tests to the state.

Instead, Thomas said hes watching Covid-19 in wastewater, which spiked in Central New York in August. He additionally looks at Covid-19 hospitalizations and the number of his colleagues out of work with the disease.

Thomas also urged people to get updated vaccine shots, which he said have been proven to lessen the effects of lingering Covid-19 symptoms, also known as long-term Covid.

Staff writer Douglass Dowty can be reached at ddowty@syracuse.com or (315) 470-6070.
Join NY Cannabis Insider for our next full-day conference on Sept. 21 at the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery in Buffalo. Tickets will sell out.

Jeffrey Hoffman is a New York City-based attorney who hosts Ask Me Anything about Cannabis Legalization in New York each week on LinkedIn. Hoffman and NY Cannabis Insider have partnered to bring those sessions into print in a Q&A format.

Hoffmans practice focuses on cannabis industry clients, including licensees in the adult-use market, practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis-adjacent product and service providers.

He has a particular interest in social and economic equity cannabis license applicants, and he also informs and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record. He can be reached at info@420jurist.com.

The following AMA from August 23 has been edited for length and clarity.

How was the Hamptons Cannabis Expo?

It was awesome. The cops showed up briefly due to some parking issues and whatnot, so that was pretty hilarious. The cops showed up to a weed event and nobody got arrested. Theres one for the record books. But the event was great  well attended, lots of great vendors and speakers. Joe Ortiz was there with his home grow business  always great to see Joe.



Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter

Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox:









Apparently somebody took a picture of me in front of the cannabis plant he had there. Joe thought I had it, but I dont, so if youve got that picture, please send it to Joe. It was also Andrew Cooper and King Singhs birthday so that was pretty special. Were working with King to try to get insurance coverage for medical cannabis, so always good to see him. Also my buddy Sweet Lou Magazzu was the moderator for a panel - love it when folks make the trip from parts unknown on the other side of the Hudson.

Are most growers using LED systems to grow in New York?

No, because right now in New York, theres only outdoor and greenhouse grows. The indoor licenses will come when the application opens this October.

Has New York finalized the labeling and packaging requirements regarding information requirements and rules?

Yes, you will find them in Part 128 of the regulations.

Any thoughts on when theyll allow consumption at CGS type events?

Yes, and the answer is never. People would just get up in arms with that. Its OK  just buy at the CGS and then step over to a space where you could legally smoke a cigarette and youre good to go.

How do you legally sell to a dispensary when you just grow at different areas without a license?

You dont, because what you are doing is illegal and no dispensary would risk their license buying from you.

Did you ever grow cannabis?

I did on and off from the late 80s into the early 00s. And I was also a processor in the late-80s before everyone called it RSO  we called it The Goo. We got some chemistry lab equipment and some ethyl ether which for my money is probably the best way to extract The Goo from cannabis. Also, for those of you that are big Hunter S. Thompson fans, and especially Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, my favorite quote is: The only thing that really worried me was the ether. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge.

So obviously, we needed to know what that was like. Anyway, we set up a whole process in this huge bathroom on the third floor of a house I lived in. You chop up the weed and then put it in the ethyl ether until it turns dark black. You then very gently boil off the ether and ideally recapture it to reuse in the process (or I guess huff it like Dr. Thompson). So why did we do this? Because back in the late 80s and early 90s in North Carolina, you could easily go to jail for a joint  were talking draconian cannabis enforcement. So you didnt want to go to parties or clubs carrying a lot of weed. So what we would do is make The Goo very viscous and then open a fresh pack of cigarettes and put the first cigarette into The Goo. And the cigarette would sort of soak up The Goo. Then when you go to the party or club, you smoke that cigarette and youre wasted. When the cops eventually bust the party, youre good to go because youre not holdin. You could even walk up to the cops and pester them while the rest of your friends scrambled off into the night.

What are the legal pathways for provisional licensees if the CAURD program is deemed unconstitutional?

So if they find it unconstitutional, and take your license, you probably have a shot at an irreparable harm claim. Thats why the judge is trying to avoid that path and trying to get the parties to settle.

Any word on the micro business application opening?

Yes, it should be October, unless something goes crazy.

Questions for Bruce Sterman

Im sitting in Bruce Stermans apartment today. Bruce does ops for the NYCHVCIA so his opinion carries a lot of weight for me, so were gonna ask him a few questions.

Bruce, what is your opinion of all the craziness going on with NY cannabis?

I think its extremely painful that it has come to this. I think its really irresponsible. I think it was irresponsible in the beginning when they decided to not follow what is really very simple language in the law. I think that the judge has pointed the finger at whos to blame. And it frustrates me to no end that whoever is really running the show at the OCM wouldnt come together and figure out how to settle this.

Its really a tragedy for the CAURD people. I have a friend that Im working with who wants to open a shop in Astoria. And hes done with construction. Hes already got photographs of a completely built out storefront. His life is hanging in the balance.

Can you tell the folks a bit about the New York City & Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association?

We are one of the oldest cannabis associations dealing with adult-use cannabis. Our membership is spread across the cannabis value chain, and our members are all frustrated to the nth degree about this industry not being able to move forward. We welcome anyone to come to our events, the next of which will be September 27th at Harlem Tavern.

What kinds of things are you specifically going to do to push the regulated market along?

One that Ive just put out is a website called unlicensednyc.com. And its meant to help identify all of the unlicensed stores. As I heard Dasheeda Dawson say recently, the opportunists are impacting the legal stores. Yes, we need more stores open. Yes, the stores need to delight their customers. Yes, we need a better tax regime. But if youre going to allow over 1000 illicit stores in NYC, then the regulated market doesnt even have a chance to get started.
By Joshua Solomon | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  More than 50 security guards working at hotels that have been converted by DocGo into migrant shelters lack the proper licensing to do their jobs, according to an audit by the New York Department of State.

A Department of State official sent information about the alleged violations to DocGo  the private company hired by New York City to process and shelter the migrants  and to two other companies that are providing security services for migrants staying at hotels in the Capital Region and in Buffalo. The companies were told they have two business days to correct the issues, according to the letters sent to them, which were obtained by the Times Union.

The department finds that it is in the public interest to provide preliminary results for immediate and appropriate action, Whitney A. Clark, deputy secretary of state for business development, wrote in the Sept. 1 letters.

Security guards, who are strictly regulated in New York, either failed to register with the state or were not listed as being associated with the company, which typically means the company did not report the guard is on their payroll, according to the agency.

The Capital Region issues were found with 36 security guards working for Wawanda Investigations and Security Company. The hotels included the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, SureStay Plus by Best Western at Albany Airport, Holiday Inn Express and the Super 8 by Wyndham in Rotterdam. In three Buffalo-area hotels, 16 security guards working for Trace Assets Protection Service were found to either be unregistered or unassociated with that company, according the Department of State.

Neither security company responded to requests for comment.

DocGo, through a spokesman, acknowledged its operations team, which was copied on the letters, received the information from the Department of State.

No personnel who are not registered with the state have been deployed to work at our sites, Michael Padovano, vice president with crisis communications firm 5WPR, said in a statement on behalf of DocGo.

Padovano said he anticipates the companies will respond by Wednesday. At that point we will be able to update you further, he said.

The issue is occurring as DocGo is seeking to win what it is characterized as a multibillion-dollar contract at the southern border to handle health care for immigrants.

Now that we are one of the largest care providers for asylum-seekers in the country, it gives us enormous credibility, DocGo CEO Anthony Capone said at an investor conference last month.

The action regarding the security companies marks the first official action involving DocGo by Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration.

The office of Attorney General Letitia James recently informed the publicly traded health care company that it should cease any limitations on the freedom of movement or speech by migrants staying at the shelters in its care while an investigation proceeds.

Last month, Hochul said she was concerned by public reports about the work of DocGo. State officials are reviewing the companys $432 million contract with New York City to provide shelter and health care services for migrants upstate. The contract, which is under review by the city comptrollers office, has not been made public.

The audit from the Department of State is at the direction of the governor, according to the agency.

The department found several significant violations of the law and issued two letters notifying them accordingly, Department of State spokeswoman Michelle Rosales said in a statement. The investigation is ongoing and we will not comment further.

The agency could not specify whether the 52 security guards who it found to lack proper credentialing accounted for all of the guards at the hotels.

The alleged offenses, if accurate, could result in a misdemeanor criminal charge.

A different dispute is also under way at one of the Albany-area hotels.

The owners of the SureStay by Best Western are accusing the town of Colonie of engaging in an unconstitutional attempt to prevent the hotel from housing a class of people that Colonie deems undesirable. The town has filed code violations regarding the migrants  and security guards  staying at the hotel for more than 28 consecutive days, which is prohibited by a town ordinance.

___

(c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
Syracuse, N.Y.  Saint Urban, a fine dining restaurant with a focus on quality wines, will close its five-year-old location near Westcott Street this month as it prepares to move to Manhattan.

The restaurants web site says its location at 124 Westcott St. will be on hiatus after Sept. 16. Through an emailed newsletter to its fans, it indicated its offering a retrospective of its classic dinners & favorite wines until the shut down. It describes that as a last taste of Saint Urban in Syracuse.

Jared Stafford-Hill, a Westcott neighborhood native who has served as owner, chef and sommelier at Saint Urban, told syracuse.com via a Facebook message that he is currently working to reopen Saint Urban in New York City. That is expected to happen by February.

We have taken over a space that occupied a very important wine-focused restaurant in Manhattan; a location better suited for the restaurant Saint Urban has become, Stafford-Hill wrote, without naming the location. Big shoes to fill, but we accept our next challenge.

It marks a full-circle for Stafford-Hill: He spent two decades working in some of New York Citys finest restaurant kitchens before opening Saint Urban back in his hometown in 2019. Stafford-Hill had worked at such famous New York spots as Gramercy Tavern, Craft, Union Pacific and Alain Ducasse.

The Westcott restaurant was known for its French-inspired menu, with carefully crafted food and wine pairings.

Stafford-Hills message to syracuse.com indicated he does not consider this the end of Saint Urban.

Not closing! Weve only just started, he wrote.  ... As far as 124 Dell St, we may keep a casual wine bar or bistro in the space, but the priority now is the launch in the city. It has definitely been a pleasure serving this community.

He did not respond to requests for more detailed information on the the future of the Dell Street location.

The newsletter sent to Saint Urban followers contained these messages:

An all new Saint Urban. After 5 years on Dell St. were moving Saint Urban to Manhattan, the newsletter message said. In our new location well keep everything thats unique to us: wine-centric tasting menus from monthly wine regions, the best quality and of course the value to quality blend not available elsewhere. Well be beginning the move soon and hope to be open in early February. We hope to see you in the city.

Retrospective: If youd like a last taste of Saint Urban in Syracuse, come to one of our retrospective dinners and celebrate the good times with some of our classic dinners & favorite wines.

The news was met with dismay by the restaurants fans.

While I am happy for Saint Urban, I am sure many of you can relate to the absolute heartache I am feeling right now hearing the news of their upcoming move downstate, Sara Gebhart posted on the Where Syracuse Eats page on Facebook after receiving the newsletter message. I feel very fortunate that I was able to experience dining on many occasions at one of the best restaurants in Syracuse. Nothing else compares around here.

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at (315) 470-2297 or dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, a Central New York native, warned Tuesday that former President Donald Trumps daily statements threaten to taint a jury pool in Washington in the criminal case charging him with scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Trumps provocative comments about both Smiths team and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan  who is presiding over the case  have been a central issue since the indictment was filed last month. Prosecutors have repeatedly signaled their concerns about the impact of Trumps social media posts and Chutkan explicitly cautioned against inflammatory remarks from Trump that could intimidate witnesses or contaminate potential jurors.

The posts continued Tuesday both before and after the latest concern flared, with Trump earlier in the day circulating a New York Post story about Chutkan on his Truth Social platform and openly mocking the idea that she could be fair in his case. Later in the evening, he issued another post in which he attacked Smith, a graduate of Liverpool High School and SUNY Oneonta, as a deranged prosecutor with unchecked and insane aggression.

Tuesdays complaint from the Justice Department underscores the extent to which Trumps social media attacks are testing the patience of prosecutors and risk exposing him to sanctions from the judge, who last week set a trial date of March 4, 2024, in an effort to keep the case moving. Trump has faced admonitions in other cases, too, with a condition of his release in a separate prosecution in Atlanta being that he refrain from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.

The subject surfaced again in a dispute over a motion that the Justice Department said it wanted to file under seal, with an accompanying redacted version to be filed on the public docket. Defense lawyers objected, countering that they were entitled time to review the Justice Departments filings and any proposed sealed exhibits before they could be docketed.

But prosecutors said it would untenable to take several weeks to decide whether every ordinary filing that refers to Sensitive Materials may be docketed.

Such a requirement would grind litigation in this case to a halt, which is particularly infeasible given the pressing matters before the Court  including the defendants daily extrajudicial statements that threaten to prejudice the jury pool in this case, as described in the Governments motion, the Smith team wrote.

Chutkan set deadlines for next week for additional filings that she said may be filed under seal.

Trump faces three other prosecutions besides the federal election subversion case. Hes charged with 18 other people in a state case in Atlanta with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia; faces federal charges from Smith accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents; and is accused in New York of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor.
vattyboy BHPian



Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Udaipur, Surat Posts: 151 Thanked: 1,323 Times

View My Garage





My Mercedes CLA200 gets T-boned by a Tempo Traveller | Experience with repairs & insurance claim







While I was navigating towards the intersection, I saw the tempo traveller also approaching to join the main road.

Later arriving at the spot tempo traveler applied brakes and came to a halt, believing



1. I had RIGHT OF WAY.



2. He had used the brakes so I assumed he saw me and he would let me pass.



I decreased my speed from 40 kmph to 20 kmph and I resumed driving, but the moment my car reached the tempo traveller, I saw that he was looking at his mobile phone and out of nowhere he started accelerating. My instinct at that moment was not to abruptly brake but rather to steer to the right, forge ahead and avoid a crash.



If I had braked on the spot then both of my doors would have been destroyed.















Mercedes is Build Like a Tank

A simple Rear Fender caused so much damage to the Big and Bulky tank like Tempo Traveller.

Which clearly shows the safety and build quality of Mercedes.







Argument and Police Station



I gave the Tempo Traveller driver piece of mind, and he did not accept his mistake. I called the owner of the tempo traveller, he denied giving a single penny. He said he was not responsible and told me to take the money from the driver.



After 30 mins of argument, The owner of tempo traveller sent 2 local guides who were associated with his company. I took all of them along with the tempo traveller and its driver to the nearby police station.



And to my surprise, the police supported the tempo traveller guy, because the local guides had some good connections with the police as they go to the police station frequently due to some or the other work. I think this is the regular work of the their drivers to crash their vehicles into other literate and innocent people who drive in rules and regulations. OF COURSE, you all know how sensibly and carefully an owner of Luxury German Car owner drives in India.



The police inspector told me

1. "SIR you must have the insurance, claim it. Generally, these tempo traveller guys don't give any money. You are so rich and how much this poor driver can give you !".



I was shocked by hearing these words, this incident made me lose confidence and believe in the Indian police system.



2. " Sir, It is not the work of the police to tell the tempo traveller driver or owner to give compensation, It is your mutual understanding".



If decent people stop raising their voice on the right things, then the number of bad people will start increasing. If they get away so easily from the situation then it will only increase their confidence to repeat such acts in the future again, instead of improving their acts..



From the very first moment after the accident my goal was not to get compensation from the tempo traveller people but to teach them a lesson so that they don't repeat these things on other citizens.



This is why I made them stay inside the police station till the evening and I gave them mental tension and pressure. After realizing on day 1 that the police were with them, I contacted my family friend who is a high-ranked police officer. With his help on day 2 again I called the guides and driver at the police station and made them stay inside till the evening and I didn't go to the police station on day 2. After these 2 days, they said sorry then only I let them go.



Now I think they will respect others on the road and will drive carefully. I was driving out with my buddies and a tempo traveller from the below-mentioned T-intersection arrived and crashed with my car. In my 8 years of driving, I never got a single dent on the side profile of my car.While I was navigating towards the intersection, I saw the tempo traveller also approaching to join the main road.Later arriving at the spot tempo traveler applied brakes and came to a halt, believing1. I had RIGHT OF WAY.2. He had used the brakes so I assumed he saw me and he would let me pass.I decreased my speed from 40 kmph to 20 kmph and I resumed driving, but the moment my car reached the tempo traveller, I saw that he was looking at his mobile phone and out of nowhere he started accelerating. My instinct at that moment was not to abruptly brake but rather to steer to the right, forge ahead and avoid a crash.If I had braked on the spot then both of my doors would have been destroyed.A simple Rear Fender caused so much damage to the Big and Bulky tank like Tempo Traveller.Which clearly shows the safety and build quality of Mercedes.I gave the Tempo Traveller driver piece of mind, and he did not accept his mistake. I called the owner of the tempo traveller, he denied giving a single penny. He said he was not responsible and told me to take the money from the driver.After 30 mins of argument, The owner of tempo traveller sent 2 local guides who were associated with his company. I took all of them along with the tempo traveller and its driver to the nearby police station.And to my surprise, the police supported the tempo traveller guy, because the local guides had some good connections with the police as they go to the police station frequently due to some or the other work. I think this is the regular work of the their drivers to crash their vehicles into other literate and innocent people who drive in rules and regulations. OF COURSE, you all know how sensibly and carefully an owner of Luxury German Car owner drives in India.The police inspector told me1. "SIR you must have the insurance, claim it. Generally, these tempo traveller guys don't give any money. You are so rich and how much this poor driver can give you !".I was shocked by hearing these words, this incident made me lose confidence and believe in the Indian police system.2. " Sir, It is not the work of the police to tell the tempo traveller driver or owner to give compensation, It is your mutual understanding".If decent people stop raising their voice on the right things, then the number of bad people will start increasing. If they get away so easily from the situation then it will only increase their confidence to repeat such acts in the future again, instead of improving their acts..From the very first moment after the accident my goal was not to get compensation from the tempo traveller people but to teach them a lesson so that they don't repeat these things on other citizens.This is why I made them stay inside the police station till the evening and I gave them mental tension and pressure. After realizing on day 1 that the police were with them, I contacted my family friend who is a high-ranked police officer. With his help on day 2 again I called the guides and driver at the police station and made them stay inside till the evening and I didn't go to the police station on day 2. After these 2 days, they said sorry then only I let them go.Now I think they will respect others on the road and will drive carefully. Last edited by Aditya : 6th September 2023 at 16:58 . Reason: As requested
RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,742 Thanked: 17,502 Times

Mercedes confirms 'little G' as a smaller sibling to the G-wagon: Teased ahead of unveil



As seen from the teaser, the new "little G" seems to carry forward the old-school boxy design of the current G-Class. It is also expected to feature the traditional boot-mounted spare wheel.







The teaser was released during the unveiling of the new Mercedes CLA Class Concept by company CEO Ola Kallenius. The Mercedes boss stated that the little G will "take the character of the big & brash G-Class and condense it down into a more compact package."



Apart from the teaser though, no other details have been released about the "little G". Having said that, reports do suggest that the new model will be positioned below the G-Wagon, will come standard with four-wheel-drive, undercut the current G-Class pricing and maybe even offer a pure electric version with the tech borrowed from the upcoming EQG.



The upcoming Little G from Mercedes is said to take on the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and the lower-spec versions of the Defender.



Source:



Link to Team-BHP news Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a new G-Class variant called "Little G". The German carmaker has released the first official teaser, which outlines the upcoming model.As seen from the teaser, the new "little G" seems to carry forward the old-school boxy design of the current G-Class. It is also expected to feature the traditional boot-mounted spare wheel.The teaser was released during the unveiling of the new Mercedes CLA Class Concept by company CEO Ola Kallenius. The Mercedes boss stated that the little G will "take the character of the big & brash G-Class and condense it down into a more compact package."Apart from the teaser though, no other details have been released about the "little G". Having said that, reports do suggest that the new model will be positioned below the G-Wagon, will come standard with four-wheel-drive, undercut the current G-Class pricing and maybe even offer a pure electric version with the tech borrowed from the upcoming EQG.The upcoming Little G from Mercedes is said to take on the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and the lower-spec versions of the Defender.Source: AutoExpress
ComboCutter BHPian

Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Chennai Posts: 57 Thanked: 249 Times

Re: Honda Elevate Review Visited the local dealership to look at the Elevate, as Me and my mom were out nearby. The SA was cordial and shared the on-road price list for TN also after our interaction.



The ZX version is properly equipped and was good exterior and interior wise. The driver seat felt a little cramped (I'm over 6 foot), will know better after a Test drive. under thigh support felt ok in the rear and the seats were comfortable (Mom really liked the interior and seating). More than adequate space for rear passengers with the front seats adjusted for me. Sunroof could have bigger and better placed or, even better, not there at all.



Discussed the features with the SA, he did confirm the cruise control (normal/adaptive) option is NOT available in variants other than ZX. Same case with the rear armrest (Why Honda?! with its raised-middle rear bench this exclusion is really odd.) Six/four airbags in the V/VX variants would have been amazing.



Pricing is decent but as mentioned above anything other than V/ZX calls for a compromise from the purchaser. They could have added more airbags in the lower and mid variants, they are likely to score a higher safety rating than the Koreans but this would have given them more talking points.



Introducing an ADAS-less Z variant could have takers (with more airbags and interior bling).



To me it looks like they have taken steps to protect their City sales (likely soften until their SUV lineup picks-up). Why? - They could have added ADAS across the lineup and commanded a premium. - Compared to the Elevate, City feels more VFM.



If I was in the market for mid size SUV automatic with a 20l budget i would go for (1) Seltos HTX IVT (2) Honda Elevate ZX (3) Kushaq Ambition 1.0 (4) Grand Vitara Zeta AT (the C3 Aircross has the chance to slot in before Honda here - if at all they launch their TC automatics by the start of 2024)



Elevate is a close second here, has the upper hand in reliability and market perception. Last edited by ComboCutter : 5th September 2023 at 01:37 . Reason: minor changes
Dr.AD Distinguished - BHPian



Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bangalore/Pune Posts: 1,698 Thanked: 16,736 Times

Re: Team-BHP Wayanad Meet 2023 Test Drive and Photoshoot of Maruti Jimny:



One of the star attractions in the convoy was the new Jimny of @Jkrishnak. His Nexa Blue Jimny looked amazing! And it was extremely nice of him to offer me to drive his car, and do a photoshoot with this car. Thanks a ton @Jkrishnakj!



The last 1km or so to the resort was a proper dirt track! It was a "kaccha road" full of stones, gravel, and some patches of wet soil. While it was a pain to drive my 320d there (I had to literally crawl there trying to avoid tyre damage), that road was a perfect rally track to test drive the Jimny! I enjoyed driving Jimny there, and taking photos.



I will reserve my detailed test drive opinions for later (maybe I will mention those in the Jimny thread), but in summary, I absolutely loved driving that car. The ride quality is leagues ahead of the Thar, especially on bad and bumpy roads. I was careful and slow when driving Jimny on that dirt track (this was my first time driving a Jimny and I was still getting used to it). However, later, @Jkrishnakj himself took the wheel and I sat in the rear seat, and he showed me how to drive the Jimny there. He literally floored it and raced on the dirt track like a pro rally driver, and the car rode just flat on those bumpy roads. That showed the true quality of the car. The ride quality, the grip and the composure of the car on that dirt track was remarkable! Lovely little car!



Thanks again to @Jkrishnakj for the test drive and the ride in his new Jimny. Here are a few photos of his Jimny that I shot during that test drive.









































By the way, the "support vehicle" for this Jimny photoshoot was this Black Fortuner of @roadfiend. This car was great for us to move around on that dirt track, and it was right at home in such conditions:





Thanks a lot to @roadfiend for the many rides we took in this car. One of the star attractions in the convoy was the new Jimny of @Jkrishnak. His Nexa Blue Jimny looked amazing! And it was extremely nice of him to offer me to drive his car, and do a photoshoot with this car. Thanks a ton @Jkrishnakj!The last 1km or so to the resort was a proper dirt track! It was a "kaccha road" full of stones, gravel, and some patches of wet soil. While it was a pain to drive my 320d there (I had to literally crawl there trying to avoid tyre damage), that road was a perfect rally track to test drive the Jimny! I enjoyed driving Jimny there, and taking photos.I will reserve my detailed test drive opinions for later (maybe I will mention those in the Jimny thread), but in summary, I absolutely loved driving that car. The ride quality is leagues ahead of the Thar, especially on bad and bumpy roads. I was careful and slow when driving Jimny on that dirt track (this was my first time driving a Jimny and I was still getting used to it). However, later, @Jkrishnakj himself took the wheel and I sat in the rear seat, and he showed me how to drive the Jimny there. He literally floored it and raced on the dirt track like a pro rally driver, and the car rode just flat on those bumpy roads. That showed the true quality of the car. The ride quality, the grip and the composure of the car on that dirt track was remarkable! Lovely little car!Thanks again to @Jkrishnakj for the test drive and the ride in his new Jimny. Here are a few photos of his Jimny that I shot during that test drive.By the way, the "support vehicle" for this Jimny photoshoot was this Black Fortuner of @roadfiend. This car was great for us to move around on that dirt track, and it was right at home in such conditions:Thanks a lot to @roadfiend for the many rides we took in this car. Last edited by Dr.AD : 5th September 2023 at 21:14 .
Sonos has finally taken the wraps off a revamped version of its largest portable speaker, with the Sonos Move 2 packing stereo sound plus a massive boost in battery life, among other new and improved features.

Slated to go on sale on September 20 for $449, a $50 premium over the original, the Sonos Move 2 was the subject of numerous leaks over the past few months, meaning Sonoss announcement of the portable speaker comes as little surprise.

Among the biggest changes to the Sonos Move 2 involves its sound, with the speaker now delivering stereo audio rather than mono for the first-gen Move.

This news story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers.

Specifically, Move 2 has a pair of angled tweeters, while a midwoofer brings the bass and bolsters mid-range vocal frequencies. Each of the three drivers is powered by its own Class D digital amplifier. The original Move had just a single tweeter and woofer.

Also new for the Move 2 is the ability to connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 simultaneously, allowing you to seamlessly group the new Move to your other Wi-Fi Sonos speakers even when the Move 2 is streaming via Bluetooth. The original Move had completely separate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modes, which you could toggle by pressing a rear button. (Its worth noting that the Sonos Roam, the Moves smaller sibling, also supports simultaneous Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.)

Perhaps best of all, the Sonos Move 2 arrives with more than twice the battery life of the first Move. Sonos rates the revamped Move for up to 24 hours of battery life, compared to just 11 hours for the first-gen Move. (At launch, the original Move was only rated for 10 hours of battery life, but Sonos upped it to 11 with a subsequent firmware update.)

Besides the improved battery life, the Sonos Move 2 now offers USB-C charging in addition to its wireless charging base, with the USB-C charging port doubling as a line-in port for audio (provided you have required the $19 Sonos Line-In Adapter.) The Move 2 can even act as a power bank, good for charging a USB-C device like a phone.

The rear of the Sonos Move 2 features the power button, a Bluetooth pairing button, and a mic mute switch, as well as a USB-C charging and line-in port. Sonos

In a smaller but still notable change, the Move 2 makes its swiping gestures a little easier by adding a thin horizontal groove to the top of the speaker. The groove sits next to other capacitive touch buttons that, when used together, let you play, pause, and adjust the volume of your tunes, as well as group the Move 2 with other Sonos speakers.

On the back of the speaker sits the power button and a mic mute switch, as well as a Bluetooth pairing button.

Measuring 9.5 x 6.5 x 5 inches (HxWxD) and weighing a hefty 6.61 pounds, the Sonos Move 2 is roughly the same size and weight as the first Movewhich is to say, its more of a luggable speaker than a portable one. At just under a pound, the much smaller and lighter Sonos Roam is better suited for tossing in a backpack.

Besides being about the same size and weight, the Sonos Move 2 shares the original Moves IP65-level protection, making it totally resistant to dust ingress as well as resistant to low-pressure water jets sprayed from any angle. In practical terms, that means the Move 2 should be fine in the sandy, splashy environment of a beach, but you wouldnt want to drop it in a pool.

The Sonos Move 2 has a new horizontal groove at the top for swiping gestures. Sonos

Audio features carried over from the first-gen Move include the ability to use two Move 2 speakers as a stereo pair when connected to Wi-Fi, while Sonoss Automatic Trueplay feature automatically tunes the Move 2s audio depending on the nearby acoustics. Unlike the standard Trueplay feature on other Sonos speakers, Automatic Trueplay on the Sonos Move 2 doesnt rely on an iPhones built-in microphone for calibration purposes.

Finally, the Sonos Move 2 supports built-in Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, Sonoss own voice assistant. Naturally, full voice control will only work when the Move 2 is connected to Wi-Fi, although essential Sonos Voice Control commands will work when the speaker is connected via Bluetooth.

Unlike previous Sonos speakers, the Sonos Move 2 does not offer built-in Google Assistant.

Were expecting a Sonos Move 2 review unit soon, and well have a full review of the speaker once weve given it a thorough test drive. Stay tuned.

Sign up for the Best of TechHive Newsletter

Updated shortly after publication with a correction: The Sonos Move 2 does not offer built-in Google Assistant. We apologize for the error.
Forward-looking: The US government has embarked on a 42-month journey to make what it calls performance-grade, computerized clothing a reality. Products developed through the program could assist government agencies within the intelligence community, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, in their tasks. Additionally, these products could prove valuable to first responders and individuals operating in high-stress environments.

The Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile Systems (SMART ePANTS) program is being led by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), the advanced R&D arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. IARPA involves itself in high-risk, high-payoff research programs to overcome leading challenges within the intelligence community.

According to the ODNI, the program represents the single largest investment into the development of smart textiles that can record audio, video, and geolocation data while looking, moving, and feeling like an ordinary garment.

A separate report from The Intercept claims the government has sunk at least $22 million into the project, and that the first wave of wearables could include shirts, pants, socks, and even underwear.

IARPA first round of contracts were awarded to some familiar names including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Nautilus Defense. Partners at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America will help ensure the program stays on track, we're told.

Smart fabrics that are bendable, stretchable, comfortable, and washable sound like something straight out of a James Bond film. IARPA would have you believe that this is some sort of cutting-edge, first-of-its-kind program but the truth is, scientists as well as those in the public and private sector have been working with eTextile technology for years, perhaps even decades.

The US government is no stranger to throwing gobs of money at R&D projects, and not all of them work out. The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), for example, was proposed in 2013 by the US Special Operations Command but eventually shut down in 2019. The effort reportedly burned through at least $80 million in funding.

Image credit: Killian Cartignies
Rumor mill: Low-cost products are something you don't usually associate with Apple. However, according to a new rumor, the Cupertino company could release a new line of comparatively cheap MacBooks next year that can compete against Chromebooks in the education sector.

The rumor  emphasis on that word  comes from Taiwanese publication DigiTimes, which cites industry sources. It writes that the low-cost MacBooks could be released as early as the second half of 2024.

The new MacBook product line will reportedly have a similar-looking metal outer casing as the Air and Pro laptops, but it will be made of different (i.e., cheaper) materials  current MacBooks use aluminum alloy - and the cost of the mechanical components will be lower. DigiTimes doesn't reveal any potential specs or price points of the new MacBook series.

The launch date of H2 2024 is based on the current lack of related activity at major Apple suppliers such as Foxconn and Quanta Computer, meaning a launch in the first half of next year is unlikely to happen.

As with many things, the pandemic boosted sales of Chromebooks, from just 13.9 million units in 2019 to 30.4 million in 2020 and 33.5 million in 2021. Sales have slowed since then, but they're still very popular among students and within education facilities.

It's possible that Apple could use its older silicon, such as the M1 SoC, in these education-focused MacBooks to keep the costs down. But it's still hard to imagine them being able to compete with Chromebooks on price alone, given what Apple's definition of low-cost might be. The majority of Chromebooks sell for between $200 and $300, whereas Apple's cheapest tablet, the base iPad, starts at $329, and that doesn't even come with a keyboard as standard. The cheapest MacBook on Apple's website, the MacBook Air 13 with the M1 chip, is $999.

If - and it's a big if - this rumor is true, Apple will no doubt position its new MacBooks as a superior alternative to Chromebooks to try and justify any extra expense.

If you're in the market for a Chromebook, make sure to check out our 'Best Of' feature.

Image credit: Hello by Taan Huyn
What just happened? Ahead of the launch of its latest mobile operating system, Android 14, Google has given the OS brand a revamp. No longer will it appear as "android" with a lowercase "a." The name is now shown as "Android" with a capital A. Google has also updated the bugdroid mascot with a new 3D look while introducing some alternative versions.

It's been four years since Google gave its Android branding an update. Now, the company has confirmed it is bringing a "new modern look" to the brand.

Jason Fournier, Google's director of Android Consumer Brand Management, wrote that the update better represents the community of over 3 billion global Android devices. The introduction of a capital A is there to add "more weight" to the Android name when it is placed next to Google's logo, apparently.

"While we've added more curves and personality unique to Android, the new Android stylization more closely mirrors Google's logo and creates a balance between the two," he wrote. Fournier added that he hopes "these small but significant updates to the Android typeface will better communicate the relationship between Android devices and the Google apps and services people already know."

The bugdroid, the familiar mascot of Android, is being refreshed, moving dimensions from 2D to 3D. There are also some new personalities to represent Google's aim for diversity. In addition to the standard green bugdroid, there's a rainbow version, one that wouldn't look out of place at a furry convention, a glitterball bugdroid, one in a sweatband, one droid in a very Village People-like hard hat, and more.

Fournier says to expect to see the new aspects of the brand identity, including the updated logo and 3D bugdroids, appear on Android devices and more places starting this year, likely on the same day that Android 14 launches and the Pixel 8 is announced.

Google released its first Android 14 public beta for Pixel devices back in April after rolling out two Developer Previews in February and March. Beta 5.2 arrived in late August.

Android 14  the days of Google naming its mobile OS after desserts and sweet treats ended after Android 9 Pie  will introduce more accessibility options such as notification flashes, as well as battery features and tweaks, extra privacy features and changes, and more.
The sight of spy clothes has been one of the central figures in Hollywood and the film industry's pop culture, in different genres of movies including action and sci-fi, but in the real world, it is being developed by the United States. The new clothing recently received a massive contract from the country, amounting to as much as $22 million in investment to create this advanced smart textile (AST).

Smart clothes have been in development before, one that is capable of taking in and recording data from its surroundings, providing its user the tech without the additional baggage to carry.

Spy Clothes? US Invests $22M for its Development

(Photo : Markus Spiske | Pixabay )

According to a press release from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the advanced smart textile is now in development under the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). This so-called "SMART ePANTS" is a program from the US government that looks to develop AST with cameras, sensors, and wires that are woven directly into the fabric.

"IARPA is proud to lead this first-of-its-kind effort for both the IC and broader scientific community which will bring much-needed innovation to the field of ASTs," said Dr. Dawson Cagle, SMART ePANTS Program Manager.

IARPA is the advanced research and development leg of the ODNI, and more importantly, this office oversees the US Intelligence Community says Interesting Engineering.

Read Also: Tech Experts Create Wearable Material That Can Generate Electricity by Capturing Energy From Body Movements

SMART ePANTS: Record Data with Clothes

The SMART ePANTS project can record data with its clothes, including capturing images, videos, and audio, as well as relay GPS information to the government. Moreover, the US is designing it to be like everyday clothes with electronics but would have no problem with everyday use including stretching, bending, and washing the fabric.

IARPA already awarded prime contracts to its partners including the SRI International, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nautilus Defense, Leidos, Inc., and Arete.

Technology in Clothing?

Clothes have been one of the most important necessities among humans and even pets, as they bring fashion, culture, arts, and coverings for the body. However, instead of fulfilling its purpose of providing covers and protection to the skin, researchers and scientists took technology and embedded it among the fabric used to create clothes, turning these wearables into smart apparel.

While the latest developments are not that advanced yet, many entities and companies have already invested in developing these kinds of "smart fabric" including one of the most famous tech companies in the world, Apple.

Embedding technology into clothing has always been a significant trend, as seen in movies and adaptations, but not all are meant for spying or surveillance, as some are meant to assist those with disabilities.

Still, the potential of clothing to be developed with technology is massive, and it is something that has been growing in the industry of both tech and wearables. Now, the United States government has invested in smart textiles that can gather and record data by just wearing it, taking in images, videos, audio, and GPS information without the additional items to carry.

Related Article: UK Researchers Create First Smart Fabric, Changes Shape, Color

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A massive change from Amazon has arrived for Mac now, and this is the original Kindle App has changed its name to "Kindle Classic" in its latest update, but to soon be removed from the App Store of the computer platform. Through this app, Mac users have had the chance to download and read e-books directly from their computers under Amazon's platform and distribution.

However, reports claim that this is not yet the end for Kindle, as while there are plans for a future removal of the Kindle Classic, something is brewing on the horizon.

Amazon Kindle App for Mac to be Removed

(Photo : Amazon Apple App Store)

Amazon updated the Kindle App on Mac last Tuesday, September 4, with version 1.40.2 also introducing a new name for the app, calling it the "Kindle Classic." Most notably, the Kindle App for the Mac has been launched for more than eight years already, giving Apple computer users a chance to access their e-books despite using a Mac.

However, According to Good E-Reader, Amazon is set to discontinue the Kindle Classic on the Mac, and this will remove the said app by October.

It was not mentioned why Amazon is removing the Kindle Classic on the Mac, but there are claims that the company would release a new e-book app from the e-commerce company soon.

Read Also: Amazon Cancels Newspaper, Magazine Subscriptions via Kindle Newsstand

New Kindle App for Mac Coming?

Out with the old, and in with the new and revamped experience on the Mac-with Amazon soon rolling out the new Kindle app for the macOS in the next few weeks. It will feature an enhanced book reading experience for users, featuring a "library management experience."

Reports claimed that this will replicate the iOS Kindle experience for the computer, "homogenizing all of their software" that will bring this familiarity to the Mac.

Amazon's Kindle Experience

Kindle started as a device that offers an e-book reader for those who have transitioned from bringing paperbacks or hardbound literature to electronic devices. The massive debate between using an e-book or reading from the printed version has always been in discussion, but despite these, Amazon has regularly developed its Kindle for the world.

Different variations of Kindle have given the world a chance to bring hundreds, if not thousands, of books with them in one device, with the user given a chance to shift to different titles easily. Some Kindles bring Wi-Fi connectivity, but some versions can connect via cellular data for access to users' purchased books, larger storage, and USB-C charging for the device.

The good thing about Amazon's Kindle is that it is not only offered via the device it developed, but also as apps for various devices, including iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows. Now, the Kindle App on Mac is regarded as the Kindle Classic and will soon be removed from the App Store, but will soon deliver a revamped version to continue their reading activities on the Mac.

Related Article: Amazon Under Fire by Apple, Alphabet for Exposing Sexually Explicit Content in Kindle

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A previously all-tier available feature on Spotify is now hidden behind Spotify Premium, with users reporting that the song lyrics are no longer accessible for those who use a free account. This setup is now under "routine testing" on Spotify, and it remains unknown if until when the company observes this, but users on the free tier are now left without the feature.

Using apps like Spotify and other streaming services with a free tier gave users a chance to view its lyrics right on the platform, but that already changed for the Swedish company.

Spotify Puts Lyrics on Premium, Claims Free Users

(Photo : STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

A previously free feature on Spotify is no longer accessible for those who choose to stream with ads, with many users taking it to social media to air this issue to the company. As initially reported by Pop Base, the Spotify app would give users a pop-up message whenever clicking on the feature to view the lyrics of a certain song, saying that they can "Enjoy lyrics on Spotify Premium."

Now, various users are also talking about the superiority of other music streaming platforms over Spotify, saying that Apple Music is better than Spotify.

However, other users argued that YouTube Music is also a considerable platform for all streaming needs as an alternative to Spotify.

Read Also: Spotify Invests to Remove Silent, White Noise Podcasts

Routine Testing for Premium Lyrics

According to The Verge, Spotify confirmed that the Lyrics in Premium are part of its "routine testing" on the app, looking for ways to enhance user experience and for the company to learn more from the market. However, when asked about when Spotify would bring it back to the Free tier, the company said that it is possible, but there are no timelines for this as of the present.

Spotify and its Premium Tier

In the past couple of months, there were already massive changes for Spotify Premium, the ad-free tier of the company along with many features, with the company looking to increase its revenue from the service. One of the main changes here was the price increase which it effected last end of July, with the subscription seeing a $1 increase, now $10.99 a month.

Additionally, in another bid to earn more from the platform's Premium users, Spotify has decided to remove iOS paid subscribers because of Apple's notorious App Store commission rate, with a 70-30 split. This means that users who have subscribed via their iPhones, iPads, and Macs will need to re-subscribe again, but this time, pay via a third-party platform.

The latest changes on Spotify all focus on its Premium tier, with the in-app lyrics which were available for free and are easily accessible via the internet being moved to the paid subscription service. It remains unknown when Spotify will keep up with this "routine testing," especially as free users are the ones mainly affected by this, with many already complaining online.

Related Article: Spotify Top Summer Songs 2023 Revealed: Streaming Platform Lists Taylor Swift as 3rd in the US

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Lockheed Martin has been busy introducing its next-generation missile. The aerospace tech company reported successfully demonstrating its next-generation Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) during a flight test conducted at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

It was fired from the US Army's HIMARS, a light multiple rocket launcher, and reached a record of 150 kilometers (93 miles).

Lockheed Martin Missile Nearly Double the Range

Jay Price, the vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said that the demonstration proved that ER GMLRS has nearly doubled the range of the current munition.

"This test demonstrates nearly double the range, while maintaining the precision GMLRS is known for. Lockheed Martin is committed to advancing this critical capability on a rapid timeline for our Army customer, and this test moves ER GMLRS one step closer to fielding," Price said in a press statement.

According to the company, the ER GMLRS successfully hit the criteria in its first 150-kilometer test for flight trajectory, including its extended range and accuracy from its deployment to impact.

Additionally, Lockheed Martin reported the successful integration of the product with HIMARS and scored an impressive overall missile performance. It is also worth noting that the rocket pod had to go through a Target Sequence (STS) testing before it was launched.

This test simulates the cumulative outcomes that ER GMLRS will achieve in the field between factory and launch for the life of the system. Lockheed Martin added that this tests the durability of the missile and its launch pod container.

In addition to building GMLRS unitary and alternative-warhead rockets for the US under an annual contract, Lockheed Martin has produced more than 60,000 GMLRS rounds.

These products and solutions were offered to the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and other customers throughout the world. It is also worth noting that these systems were created at Lockheed Martin's Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.

Read Also: Parsec, a Moon-to-Earth Communications Satellite from Lockheed Martin to Help Astronauts Soon

Lockheed Martin Chosen by NASA

In related news, Lockheed Martin was among the chosen companies of NASA to develop new technologies and solutions for its ambitious Moon to Mars mission. The company is known for its defense and space tech and has had a history of creating products and systems for NASA's missions.

In particular, the company will develop in-space manufacturing technologies for thermoplastic composites, which is expected to be a cost-effective material that only requires less energy to produce in space compared to metal.

Lockheed Martin plans to test the technique in simulated space environments with the help of several NASA centers. To learn more about this story, click here.

Related Article: US Navy Awards Lockheed Martin with $2 Billion Contract for First Sea-based Hypersonic Tech

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Realtek Audio Console is an advanced version of the Realtek HD Audio Manager, offering more sophisticated features.

This tool lets you configure various audio devices, including headphones, microphones, and speakers.

Often referred to as Realtek Audio Control, it provides an interface for adjusting sound settings and applying audio effects.

Most modern PCs have it preinstalled but if not or if you require to reinstall then you can download Realtek Audio Console for Windows 10/11 PCs and Laptops.

We will start with the easiest way which is through the Microsoft store. Just log into the store and then start downloading.

Then you can try the download link to Realtek Audio console on the manufacturers site. It is generally on the motherboard or laptops company website.

After that, we can move to other manual methods to download the Realtek Audio console.

What Is Realtek Audio Console?

Realtek Audio Console is a software application by Realtek for users of their sound cards. It is designed to give you control over various audio features and settings of Realteks audio hardware.

The application typically comes pre-installed on systems that have Realtek audio chips.

Alternatively, you can download it from the manufacturers website or the Microsoft Store for those using Windows 10 and later.

How to Download Realtek Audio Console on Windows 10/11?

You can download Realtek Audio console through various methods available. It comes preinstalled on newer PCs but you can get it in the following manner.

Download Realtek Audio Control from the Microsoft Store

Realtek Audio Console is available as Realtek Audio Control in the Microsoft store. But when you search for it in the MS Store, you wont find it there.

You will have to directly visit it via the browser and then install it in the following manner.

1. Head to the Realtek Audio Console Download page in the Microsoft Store.

2. Click Get in Store App to start the installation process.

3. Then you will get a notification in which you have to select Open in Microsoft Store.

4. Now click Install in the pop up window that appears from the Microsoft store.

5. Realtek Audio Console will be downloaded and then installed in a couple of seconds. Then click Open to launch the console.

6. You will land in the Realtek Audio Console, which will carry your motherboards logo at the top.

Here you can make changes to the audio and microphone.

Download Realtek Audio Console from Manufacturer

If Microsoft Store is not working for you then dont worry. We have another way to download Realtek audio console.

Your computers manufacturer(motherboard) provides apps and drivers for all the components.

First we will find the motherboard version if you are using a desktop or not familiar with the model number of your laptop.

1. Press Ctrl + R to open the run prompt, type msinfo32 and press enter.

Note  You can skip the first two steps and head to the third one if you know the model number.

2. Find the BaseBoard Product and note down the model number here.

3. Head to Google and search for B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Drivers and head to the official website to download Realtek Audio Console for Windows 11 and 10.

Note  Here replace B550M PRO-VDH WIFI with your model number

You can also use Windows device manager to update the drivers and download Realtek Audio console along with it.

Here is how you can let Windows do it for you.

1. Open the run prompt by pressing Ctrl + R, then type devmgmt.msc and then press enter to open the device manager.

2. Find Realtek (r) audio or High Definition Audio under Sound, video and game controllers.

3. Now right-click on Realtek Audio and select Update Driver option.

4. Select Search automatically for drivers and it will scan for new components or drivers.

5. If the latest drivers are along with Realtek Audio Console then you will get the message the best drivers for your are already installed.

Otherwise, Windows will download the latest drivers and install it for you.

Install Realtek audio console in Windows 10/11

So if you have a Realtek Audio console but audio is not coming then this method will help you solve it.

This solution works particularly well for older computers of over four years.

You can download Realtek audio codecs and install them to fix the audio issue in the following manner.

1. Head to the Realtek Audio Codecs download section.

2. Select the 32-bit or 64-bit version and click on the download button.

3. Now tick I accept to the above box and then click download this file to download the codec drive.

Then you can install it on your PC to fix the audio issue with the Realtek audio console.

Windows update contains various important aspects including drivers of various hardware components.

You can perform the Realtek Audio Console Windows 11 download process through the update if not already installed.

Here is how you can use the Windows update for the Realtek audio console.

1. Head to Windows Update from the Start menu by searching update or windows update.

2. Click check updates in the Windows Update section and wait for it to search for the latest updates.

If there is some drive available for the audio then you can download Realtek Audio Console through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference Between Realtek Audio Console & Realtek HD Audio Manager?

The HD Audio Manager is an older, standalone application with a traditional design, commonly found on older Windows systems.

In contrast, the Realtek Audio Console is a newer, more modern UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application designed primarily for Windows 10 and later, available through the Microsoft Store.

While both offer similar core functionalities the Audio Console presents a more streamlined.

It provided an integrated experience with modern Windows versions, whereas the HD Audio Manager has a more classic interface.

How To Launch Realtek Audio Console?

If you have downloaded Realtek Audio Console and installed it but cannot find it then do this.

Press X + E on your keyboard to open the explorer. Then paste the address in the address bar and press enter.

C:\Program Files\Realtek\Audio\HDA\

Note  C is the drive letter if your Windows is installed in the partition with a different letter assigned.

How to Fix Realtek Audio Console Wont Open?

When the Realtek Audio Console isnt opening, first try updating the audio drivers from the Realtek or computer manufacturers website and restart your computer.

If that doesnt work, uninstall the Realtek Audio Console from Windows Settings, then reinstall it from the Microsoft Store or Realteks official site.

Download Realtek Audio Console on PC

The easiest way to download Realtek Audio Console for Windows 11 and 10 is through the Microsoft store.

For some strange reason, you cannot search for it but head directly through the link. But then you can install it on your PC and take advantage of the advance audio features.

You can visit the official Realtek website is ideal for people having issues while having audio console installed.
We test the Dyson Gen5 Detect: it vacuums up to what you can't see

"Everything Happens Without Our Participation": Russian Scientists Come Closer to Unraveling the Processes of the Origin of Life on Earth

The family restaurant that wants to make birria fashionable in Madrid, that Mexican stew that is eaten in a taco and dipped in the broth

Reunion Island targeted by several bomb threats, "no real threat detected", according to the prefect

iPhone 15: Apple has had a BMW problem for weeks  and still no solution

To comply with the Paris Climate Agreement: Global CO budget smaller than previously assumed, according to study

Self-perception of animals: Roosters may be able to recognize themselves in the mirror

From the best island in the world to a great hotel in Rome: the most appetizing trips between now and Christmas

Friends cast on the death of Matthew Perry: We were more than just fellow actors. We are a family

The 10th Anniversary of the Opening of the Motuo Highway: The Construction and Transformation of the "Motuo Heavenly Road"-Chinanews.com Video

The test that revealed the alterations of Carlos' lung cancer in three days: "I got rid of 'chemo' and 'radio'"

123 pages of materials reported on the supervisor's academic fraud: another manuscript by the supervisor was taken down by the journal

Beijing: Odd and even numbers are implemented when the "red alert" is heavily polluted

Those odd workers who "work on their stomachs" under the viaduct

Will the onset of winter be delayed if the local geothermal phenomenon in the north continues?

Carlos Alcaraz's return to Paris-Bercy: "It would be a lie to say I'm 100 per cent"

Elfsborg back at the top of the league after a late lead goal against Gothenburg

Zagitova's form, Valieva's perseverance and Shanaeva's behavior: what is being discussed in the world of figure skating

Chinese women's football coach: Decompressing the players before the life-and-death battle becomes the first task

Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or, and he continued to write a legend with his legend

Luis de la Fuente: "After the applause I wasn't worried about the consequences, I just wanted to be satisfied with myself: I had made a mistake and I had to ask for forgiveness"

The 2023 Ballon d'Or has been announced Messi has won the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in his career

Major supermarkets, etc. Movement to reduce the price of some products by improving the efficiency of delivery

Supply and Marketing Cooperative: Make every effort to do a good job in the supply of agricultural materials for autumn and winter planting and the winter storage of fertilizers

China's National Energy Administration: The overall guarantee of power supply in the peak winter is under certain pressure

The express delivery industry welcomes the annual test: the service continues to upgrade, and the parcel runs out of acceleration

Winter power saving for the first time in two years without requesting the prospect of securing a reserve rate Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura

Shuijingfang's revenue and net profit in the third quarter increased by about 20%, achieving its performance target

From November 11, the Beijing Provident Fund will implement the "recognition of housing without commercial loans"

Prime Minister Kishida: "Boosting the economy so that it ends with a single income tax cut" House of Councillors Budget Committee

The Taiwan military also revealed that the equipment was "out of the bag": 4,5 bulletproof vests and helmets were distributed to front-line troops without certification

Olivia made the choice to raise her child alone: "There were always couples, it was hard"

Beilun, Ningbo, Zhejiang: Taiwan compatriots are looking for relatives for thousands of miles, and the community helps recognize their ancestors in front of the ancestral hall

CCC: Over the past 10 years, China has provided more than 70,<> emergency assistance to more than <> countries

"We are working on the creation of a combat shirt": what is known about the unique protective suits for the fighters of the NWO

Researcher surprised  trees and flowers more important to children than a quick way to school

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang cremated in Beijing on November 11, flying flags at half-mast in various places to mourn

From experiments and leaving the capsule to giving lectures and planting vegetables, the Shenzhou-5 crew took stock of their <>-month space journey

Marjam Samadzade: State Secretary in Schleswig-Holstein has to leave early because of mail critical of Israel

Altitude record for mammals: mice lived at an altitude of more than 6000 meters in the Andes

The whole of Uppsala without district heating  the heating plant without electricity

What is the curse of the "eighth decade" that Ehud Barak feared and Abu Obeida waved?

Israeli army rescues kidnapped woman: "We will use the astonishing information she has revealed to us"

The Price of "De-Occupation": How the Utro Dagestan Telegram Channel Is Connected to Politician Ponomarev

Matthew Perry's Estate: His Parents and Five Siblings, the Possible Heirs to His Million-Dollar Fortune

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Baerbock almost disrupted a meeting with the Emir of Qatar due to accusations in absentia

The express delivery industry welcomes the annual test: the service continues to upgrade, and the parcel runs out of acceleration

After the implementation of the new standard, Beijing issued the first heavy pollution warning Where does the haze come from?

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
2023 likely to be hottest year on record



By Imran Marashli



Paris (AFP) Sept 6, 2023



2023 is likely to be the hottest year in human history, and global temperatures during the Northern Hemisphere summer were the warmest on record, the EU climate monitor said on Wednesday.

Heatwaves, droughts and wildfires struck Asia, Africa, Europe and North America over the last three months, with dramatic impact on economies, ecosystems and human health.

The average global temperature in June, July and August was 16.77 degrees Celsius (62.19 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous 2019 record of 16.48C by a wide margin, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said in a report.

"The three months that we've just had are the warmest in approximately 120,000 years, so effectively human history," C3S deputy director Samantha Burgess told AFP.

Last month was the hottest August on record and warmer than all other months except July 2023.

"Climate breakdown has begun," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, echoing famous testimony before the US Congress 35 years ago, in which government scientist James Hansen declared that global warming had begun.

"Our climate is imploding faster than we can cope," Guterres added.

Also on Wednesday, the World Meteorological Organization warned that more frequent and intense heatwaves are generating a "witch's brew" of air pollution that shortens human lifespans and damages other life forms.

"Heatwaves worsen air quality, with knock-on effects on human health, ecosystems, agriculture and indeed our daily lives," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

Record-high global sea surface temperatures played a major role in stoking heat throughout the summer, with marine heatwaves hitting the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

"Looking at the additional heat we have in the surface ocean, the probability is that 2023 will end up being the warmest year on record," Burgess said.

If the Northern Hemisphere has a "normal" winter, "we can almost virtually say that 2023 will be the warmest year that humanity has experienced," she added.

- Warming oceans -

Oceans have absorbed 90 percent of the excess heat produced by human activity since the dawn of the industrial age, according to scientists.

This excess heat continues to accumulate as greenhouse gases -- mainly from burning oil, gas and coal -- build up in the Earth's atmosphere.

Excluding the polar regions, global average sea surface temperatures exceeded the previous March 2016 record every day this summer from July 31 to August 31.

Warmer oceans are also less capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2), exacerbating the vicious cycle of global warming as well as disrupting fragile ecosystems.

Antarctic sea ice remained at a record low for the time of year with a monthly value 12 percent below average, "by far the largest negative anomaly for August since satellite observations began" in the 1970s, C3S said.

Higher temperatures are likely on the horizon: the El Nino weather phenomenon -- which warms waters in the southern Pacific and beyond -- has only just begun.

Scientists expect the worst effects of the current El Nino to be felt at the end of 2023 and into next year.

- 'Wake up call' -

Scientists reacted strongly to the C3S report.

"2023 is the year that climate records were not just broken but smashed," said Mark Maslin, a professor of climatology at University College London.

"Extreme weather events are now common and getting worse every year -- this is a wake up call to international leaders."

"Global warming continues because we have not stopped burning fossil fuels -- it is that simple," said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London.

At the 2015 Paris climate summit, countries agreed to keep global temperature increases to "well below" 2C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5C.

A "Global Stocktake" by UN experts due this week assessing the world's progress in meeting these goals will confirm that current national carbon-cutting commitments fall far, and would see Earth's surface warm 2.7C.

The C3S findings came from computer-generated analyses using billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world.

Proxy data such as tree rings and ice cores allow scientists to compare modern temperatures with figures before records began in the mid-19th century.

Climate change worsening heatwaves, air quality: UN

Geneva (AFP) Sept 6, 2023 - Climate change is driving more intense and more frequent heatwaves, which in turn generate a "witch's brew" of pollutants, threatening the health of humans and all living things, the UN warned Wednesday.

The wildfire smoke that recently suffocated cities from Athens to New York may be the most visible sign of air pollution caused by heatwaves.

But extreme heat can also induce a host of other chemical processes that are hazardous for human health, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in its annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.

"Heatwaves worsen air quality, with knock-on effects on human health, ecosystems, agriculture and indeed our daily lives," WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

A new study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago suggested that fine particulate pollution from sources such as vehicle and industrial emissions, sand and wildfires is "the greatest external threat to public health" worldwide.

"Climate change and air quality cannot be treated separately," Taalas stressed.

"They go hand-in-hand and must be tackled together to break this vicious cycle."

- 'More extreme' -

While Wednesday's report was based on 2022 data, Taalas cautioned that in terms of temperatures, "what we are witnessing in 2023 is even more extreme".

On Wednesday, the European Union's Copernicus climate monitor said 2023 was likely to be the hottest year in human history, after the last three months were the warmest ever recorded.

That, in turn, is potentially bad news for air quality.

"Air quality and climate are interconnected because the chemical species that affect both are linked," the WMO said.

"The substances responsible for climate change and for the degradation of air quality are often emitted by the same sources, and... changes in one inevitably cause changes in the other."

It pointed for instance to how the combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere.

These are not only heat-trapping greenhouse gases but potential precursors of pollutants such as ozone and nitrate aerosols.

- Inter-linked -

Researchers meanwhile widely agree that climate change is causing more intense and more frequent heatwaves, and that this in turn is leading to a growing risk of more severe wildfires, WMO said.

"Heatwaves and wildfires are closely linked," said Lorenzo Labrador, a WMO researcher at the Global Atmosphere Watch network which compiled Wednesday's Bulletin.

"Smoke from wildfires contains a witch's brew of chemicals that affects not only air quality and health, but also damages plants, ecosystems and crops -- and leads to more carbon emissions and so more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere," he said in the statement.

He stressed though that "it is yet too early to say" if 2023 would prove worse in terms of atmospheric pollution than last year.

"Even though this has been a record-breaking wildfire season, in particular in Europe and western Canada, ... the relationships and interactions and chemical processes that link climate change to atmospheric pollution are not linear," he told reporters in Geneva.

The 2022 data detailed in the report showed how heatwaves last year triggered wildfires in the Northwestern United States, leading to unhealthy air.

Soaring temperatures in Europe, accompanied by unusually high amounts of desert dust reaching the continent, meanwhile led to increased concentrations of both particulate matter and ground-level ozone, it said.

Stratospheric ozone helps to shield humans and vegetation from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

But at ground level, where it is generated by a reaction between traffic fumes and sunlight, the gas attacks lung tissue, causing chest pain, coughing and shortness of breath.

It also reduces crop yield, with ozone-induced losses averaging 4.4-12.4 percent globally for staple food crops, and wheat and soybean losses as high as 15-30 percent in parts of India and China.

Related Links

Weather News at TerraDaily.com


Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Morocco's senate president has postponed a historic visit to Israel due to a medical emergency, the Israeli parliament announced Wednesday.

The announcement came just a day before Enaam Mayara was scheduled to visit Israel's Knesset, or parliament, on a trip aimed at cementing the fledgling ties between the two countries.

Mayara was to be the first Moroccan official and one of the few Muslim leaders ever to set foot in the Knesset. The parliament had planned to greet him with a red carpet and a ceremonial guard of honor.

Israel and Morocco fully normalized relations as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic agreements between Israel and four Arab countries brokered by then-President Donald Trump.

The Knesset issued a statement late Wednesday saying that Mayara had been hospitalized during a stop in neighboring Jordan. He was forced to reschedule his Israel trip and call off a visit earlier in the day to the Palestinian government in the West Bank, the statement said.

I am sorry that because of a medical emergency, I am unable to come to the Knesset, the statement quoted Mayara as saying. It gave no details on the nature of his illness but said he would return to Morocco.

The connection between the kingdom of Morocco and the state of Israel is a shared interest of the two countries, and together we will deepen it, he added.

Israel's Knesset speaker Amir Ohana, who visited Morocco earlier this year, said Mayara's visit was supposed to be a highlight of the new relations. He said Israel wished Mayara a speedy and full recovery.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in expanding the Abraham Accords to bring in additional Arab and Muslim countries, most notably Saudi Arabia. But relations with Israel's Arab partners have cooled due to the treatment of Palestinians by Netanyahu's far-right government.

The government is dominated by ultranationalist politicians who oppose Palestinian independence and have promoted settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. Morocco delayed a summit of Israel and its Abraham Accord partners earlier this year due to the political climate.

Still, Israel's relations with Morocco appear strong.

Israel is home to a large community of Jews of Moroccan descent. Morocco and Israel have agreed to military cooperation and boosted trade. Earlier this year, Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, joining the United States as the only two countries to acknowledge the kingdoms annexation of the disputed north African territory.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Tunisian officials detained a former prime minister for questioning then freed him hours later early Wednesday, but jailed two top officials in the moderate Islamist Ennahdha party whose leader has been imprisoned, the official news agency said.

A statement by Ennahdha said the partys interim president, Mondher Ounissi, and the head of its Shura council, an internal parliament, Abdelkarim Harouni, were both arrested on Tuesday. That information later appeared on TAP news agency, citing the party.

According to Ennahdha, Ounissi, who is standing in for jailed party leader Rached Ghannouchi, was stopped Tuesday night by security forces while driving his car and taken to an unknown destination.

The party demanded his release and denounced a malevolent campaign aimed at hurting the Islamist movement and its leaders. Ennahdha also criticized the arrest of Harouni, expressing concern that his health would be compromised after receiving burns in a recent fire at party headquarters. Harouni had been under house arrest since Saturday.

Meanwhile, TAP news agency reported that the former prime minister, Hamadi Jebali, a one-time top official of Ennahdha, was freed by a judge after seven hours of questioning.

TAP quoted Jebalis lawyer, Samir Dilou, as saying that his client was questioned about appointments and missions during his tenure of nearly two years in 2011-2013, after the Tunisian revolution ousted longtime autocratic leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Jebali had previously spent some 15 years in prison.

The former and current officials are among numerous opponents of President Kais Saied. Some have been caught up in Saieds anti-corruption campaign, others suspected of plotting against the security of the state.

One Ennahdha leader, Riadh Chahaibi, said the arrests were "a new episode of attacks on democracy and freedoms in Tunisia. He claimed authorities were looking to paralyze (Ennahdha) through calculated moves that have led to the incarceration of dozes of its leaders and the closing of its headquarters. The Ennahdha party congress is scheduled to be held in October.

Ghannouchi, the 82-year-old founder and long-time leader of the Islamist party, served as speaker of the Ennahdha-led parliament until Saied took all powers into his own hands in July 2021, freezing parliament and announcing he would rule by decree.

Ghannouchi, who has maintained that Saieds actions amounted to a coup, was arrested earlier this year and sentenced to a year in prison for allegedly referring to police officers as tyrants in what his party said was a sham trial.

The Tunisian presidents moves against opponents come amid growing economic and social woes in the North African country, the birthplace of the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement more than a decade ago.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith warned Tuesday that former President Donald Trump's daily statements risk tainting a jury pool in Washington in the criminal case charging him with scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Trump's provocative comments about both Smith's team and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan  who is presiding over the case  have been a central issue since the indictment was filed last month. Prosecutors have repeatedly signaled their concerns about the impact of Trump's social media posts and Chutkan explicitly warned Trump against inflammatory remarks that could intimidate witnesses or contaminate potential jurors.

The posts continued Tuesday both before and after the latest concern flared, with Trump earlier in the day circulating a New York Post story about Chutkan on his Truth Social platform and openly mocking the idea that she could be fair in his case. Later in the evening, he issued another post in which he attacked Smith as a deranged prosecutor with unchecked and insane aggression.

The latest complaint from the Justice Department underscores the extent to which Trump's social media attacks are testing the patience of prosecutors and also risk exposing him to sanctions from the judge, who last week set a trial date of March 4, 2024 in an effort to keep the case moving. Trump has faced warnings in other cases, too, with a condition of his release in a separate prosecution in Atlanta being that he refrain from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.

The subject surfaced again Tuesday in a dispute over a filing that the Justice Department sought to make under seal that it suggested concerned sensitive information, with an accompanying redacted version to be filed on the public dockets. Defense lawyers objected, countering that they were entitled to time to review the Justice Department's filings and any proposed sealed exhibits.

But prosecutors said it would untenable for the court to take several weeks to decide whether every ordinary filing that refers to Sensitive Materials may be docketed.

Such a requirement would grind litigation in this case to a halt, which is particularly infeasible given the pressing matters before the Court  including the defendants daily extrajudicial statements that threaten to prejudice the jury pool in this case, as described in the Governments motion, the Smith team wrote.

Chutkan agreed with the Trump team that it should have time to respond to the Justice Department's filings and set deadlines for next week.

Trump faces three other prosecutions besides the federal election subversion case. He's charged with 18 others in a state case in Atlanta with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia; faces federal charges from Smith accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents; and is accused in New York of falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment to a porn actor.

____

Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Donald Trumps head of IT at Mar-a-Lago has struck a deal to testify in the former presidents trial over the secret documents hoard, a prosecutor says.

He entered into a deal with prosecutors to provide testimony, his former attorney said in a Wednesday court filing.

As one of the key witnesses in the case accusing Mr Trump of mishandling classified documents after leaving office, the deal was reached after Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smiths office threatened to prosecute the witness for lying to a grand jury, attorney, Stanley Woodward, said in the filing.

Mr Woodward currently represents Walt Nauta, one of the two Trump employees also charged in the documents case, in addition to having previously represented the IT head, who is not named in Wednesdays filing.

Prosecutors have said the employee is likely to testify at trial, posing a potential conflict of interest for Mr Woodward, who will face the prospect of a former client testifying against a current client.

Mr Woodward has not opposed the request for US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is presiding over the case, to hold a hearing on the issue. But he suggested in Wednesdays filing that prosecutors handling of the IT managers testimony was improper.

Prosecutors previously said that the witness, who has been identified by media outlets Politico and CNN as Yuscil Taveras but who is not named in the court filings, had information about alleged efforts by Trumps personal aide Mr Nauta and others to obstruct the classified documents investigation.

His current attorney had no immediate comment, Reuters reports.

Prosecutors have charged Mr Trump, Mr Nauta and a third Mar-a-Lago employee, Carlos De Oliveira, with trying to thwart government efforts to retrieve sensitive documents taken to the Florida resort after the former president left office. All three have pleaded not guilty.

A spokesperson for the special counsels office declined to comment. Mr Woodward also declined to comment.

Prosecutors said in an August court filing that the witness initially denied any knowledge of obstruction.

After receiving a letter from the special counsels office threatening him with prosecution, he dropped Mr Woodward as his attorney and then detailed alleged efforts to delete security camera footage at Mar-a-Lago, they said.

Mr Woodward rejected the prosecutors account in Wednesdays filing, saying the IT employee provided new testimony to the grand jury only after being offered a non-prosecution deal, which was reached after he was no longer representing the employee.

The case is one of four criminal prosecutions of Mr Trump. He has denied wrongdoing in all four of them.

With reporting from Reuters
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A recently elected state Supreme Court justice in Wisconsin has not yet heard a single case, but state Republicans have already floated her impeachment, adding to a growing list of GOP impeachment threats against political rivals across the country.

After members of Congress impeached Donald Trump twice, GOP opponents have relied on threats of impeachment as a first line of defence  and offence  against prominent elected Democratic opponents, including President Joe Biden and Georgias Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

In Wisconsin, Republican calls to remove Justice Janet Protasiewicz from the states highest court would block its new liberal majority, which is now poised to overturn Republican-drawn state legislative maps and affirm protections for abortion rights.

An expected move from the Wisconsin Supreme Court to invalidate GOP-drawn maps, which civil rights groups have labelled as some of the most egregious gerrymanderings in the country, could torpedo the states Republican legislative majorities.

Two legal challenges took aim at the states legislative maps the same week that Justice Protasiewicz joined the bench, and Republican officials have pointed to the justices previous criticism of the maps as reason enough to remove her. A state disciplinary panel rejected several complaints against her alleging misconduct for her remarks.

Republicans are also demanding that she recuse herself from any redistricting case after Justice Protasiewiczs election campaign raised money from Democratic donors. Former Governor Scott Walker said the GOP-dominated state legislature is obligated to impeach her if she hears cases involving the maps.

If she does not remove herself from the case, the members of the State Assembly should vote to impeach Justice Protasiewicz, he said.

State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Republicans will take a look at impeachment. Republican US Senator Ron Johnson told The New York Times that he hopes they do.

Wisconsin lawmakers have only once ever impeached a justice, in 1853, and he was acquitted.

Daniel Squadron with Democratic-allied group The States Project said Wisconsin Republicans have fought tooth and nail to create voter-proof legislative electoral maps for more than a decade and are now speeding towards a sham impeachment that poses a threat to democratic elections more broadly.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz (AP)

Without fear of accountability from voters, theyve been able to enact extreme policies that undermine free and fair elections, roll back personal freedoms, and empower special interests over people, he said in a statement. Now, they are threatening to disregard voters again in favor of their own cynical power grab.

The impeachment threats in Wisconsin come as House Republicans, with a slim majority, must navigate a narrow window to avert a government shutdown while repeatedly floating impeachment proceedings against President Biden over US-Mexico border policy and unfounded allegations of financial misconduct involving his son Hunter Biden. Far-right lawmakers Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Greg Steube already have filed their own measures to begin impeachment proceedings.

Recommended Georgia governor rejects MAGA push to impeach DA Fani Willis for Trump indictment

In Georgia, the states Republican Governor Brian Kemp has tried to shoot down proposals from GOP lawmakers to hold a special legislative session against Ms Willis, who is leading the prosecution of the former president and 18 of his allies connected to an alleged criminal enterprise to overturn election results in the state.

The bottom line is that in the state of Georgia as long as Im governor, were going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps and harms politically, the governor said during a press conference last month. Over the last few years, some inside and outside of this building may have forgotten that. But I can assure you that I have not.

He rejected attempts to turn the state into a political theater that only inflames the emotions of the moment, he added. We will do what is right. We will uphold our oath to public service, and it is my belief that our state will be better off for it, he said.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis  who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president  has removed two elected Democratic state prosecutors from office, including Floridas only Black female state attorney. He has suspended nearly two dozen elected officials since 2019, according to his office.
Venture Global LNG in Cameron Parish is expected to have two liquefied natural gas export terminals at the site. Venture Global has signed an equipment deal with Baker Hughes that should boost the collective production of its export terminals to the largest annual LNG output by a single U.S. company.
The campaign to save Melbournes beloved live music venue The Tote has achieved its goal, with the venue being sold to the organisers of a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $3 million towards its purchase.

Though the sale price has not been disclosed, in May the Totes owners, Jon Perring and Sam Crupi, revealed on social media that the building had been listed at $6.65 million.

Shane Hilton and Leanne Chance, the new owners of The Tote in Collingwood. Credit: Justin McManus

The purchasers of the Collingwood pub are Shane Hilton and Leanne Chance, who also own and operate Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar (formerly the Public Bar) opposite the Queen Victoria Market. They used the funds raised via the crowdfunding campaign on pozible, plus their own savings and bank loans, to fund the purchase and have set up a foundation that will own the building in order to ensure it continues to operate as a live music venue long into the future.

[The Last Chance Music Foundation] will be an independent foundation made up of different people from the community as a not-for-profit that will protect The Tote, says Hilton, who hopes it might work as a model to protect other venues in Melbourne and beyond.
Should we care if our politicians can fry a fish fillet? Do we need to see what their kitchens look like? If theyre capable representatives of their constituents and effective advocates for the parties or the policies that they were elected to champion, does it matter if they cant boil an egg?

Such questions arise from watching Annabel Crabbs Kitchen Cabinet (ABC, Tuesdays, 8pm and iview) which recently returned for its seventh season after an eight-year break. Its an ideal vehicle for Crabbs skills as a journalist and culinary wiz, while the hiatus has given her a fresh crop of interviewees.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe is the latest guest on Annabel Crabbs Kitchen Cabinet.

Now halfway through an eight-episode run, its following the popular format thats become something of a classic. In a succinct introduction, Crabb describes her subjects as she assembles a dessert that shes contributing to the meal that theyll share as she interviews the pollies about their lives.

So far, weve seen Western Sydney Independent and Fowler MP Dai Le, federal Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, and former Greens senator-turned-Independent Lidia Thorpe.
Businesses are struggling to lure and retain workers as Sydney joins Hong Kong and San Francisco as the worlds most unaffordable cities and a new study warns the housing crisis is costing the citys economy at least $10 billion a year.

As the NSW government attempts to tackle the housing affordability crisis, some businesses have reported workers moving to cheaper housing in Melbourne and air commuting to Sydney, while others are struggling to keep young workers and graduates who are priced out of the market.

Sydney could face a talent drain if it does not deliver more affordable housing. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

Committee for Sydney chief executive Eamon Waterford said drastic action was required to prevent the citys lack of affordable homes eroding its competitive edge and long-term economic success.

This is not a small problem, he said. And that means that the solutions are going to be bold solutions.
Child sexual abuse has recently been filling the headlines: a Queensland childcare worker charged with more than a thousand offences, 19 men charged in an international sexual abuse ring, cover-ups of paedophile teachers within the Victorian education system, the sentencing of paedophile principal Malka Leifer and the winding up of Tasmanias commission of inquiry into institutional child sexual abuse.

As horrific as these stories are, they are also to be expected. Ever since the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse was established, its been impossible to ignore the horrendous scale of child sexual abuse and the level of damage it wreaks on all parts of society.

Predators know that many children are unsupervised when they are online. Credit: Istock

Last year the Australian Child Maltreatment Study released findings revealing more than a quarter of Australians had experienced childhood sexual abuse. The numbers were scarcely different for young adults, meaning that the overall incidence doesnt appear to be decreasing. There are a lot of resources being poured into addressing this issue, but perpetrators keep two steps ahead of policing. In many countries, including Australia, child sexual abuse remains frighteningly common.

Humans are the most sophisticated animal on the planet; they are strategic and opportunistic and can innately calculate risk to benefit ratios. If selfish criminal behaviours are low risk and high yield, there will always be individuals who will choose that selfish criminal path. A famous behavioural ecology study from 2001 set out to tackle the controversial question of whether rape was an evolved behaviour, using mathematical modelling to measure the costs and benefits of rape to the perpetrator, to establish if this behaviour is in our genes. Researchers found that sexual assault was virtually non-existent in one traditionally living society, the Ache people of Paraguay, where offenders would inevitably be caught and either ostracised or put to death. The benefit-to-risk profile didnt lean towards criminal behaviour here, so sexual violence didnt occur, meaning it wasnt an evolved behaviour. The point here is that child sexual abuse is not inevitable. It flourishes in a society only when it is easy to get away with.
Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said parents and carers must find a balance between encouraging their children to be independent and keeping them safe. We cant cave to fear, but we can all have a more heightened awareness about putting ourselves in vulnerable situations, McHardy said. Dwyer said the threats and abduction that had been reported by Glen Eira students were sickening. The poor boy was just walking home with a friend after finishing school, and it would appear that its just a random attack by a group of offenders, he told ABC radio.

Minutes before Mondays abduction, four teenagers were robbed at knifepoint at nearby Kambrook Road. Police are investigating whether the incidents are linked. After the abduction  which left the boy with life-altering injuries and severe mental trauma  at least two more teenage boys from Glen Eira College filed police reports about being attacked or robbed. The concerning part for me is that theres been some silent victims, Dwyer said. Theyve suffered like this other boy, maybe not to the level of injuries that he has, but have not reported to their parents or to police. Shriyans Katariya, whose 12-year-old son attends Glen Eira College, said they were both pretty scared following the attacks.

He wouldnt normally pick his son up from school, but had chosen to following the incident. Shriyans Katariya, whose 12-year-old son attends Glen Eira College, on Wednesday afternoon. Credit: Joe Armao Its a bit shocking. This area is meant to be safe. Ive been here for three years, he said. I never thought anything like this would happen. Katariya said it would take some time before he felt comfortable letting his son travel to school alone again. Peter Wilslow, father of 18-year-old Glen Eira student Maxwell, said theyd been left unsettled.

Today is the first day he ever asked to be driven to school and picked up. He normally rides his bike every day, he said. Wilslow said the school was urging students to travel in groups, not dilly-dally on the way home, be aware and to call police if anything happened  just commonsense things. Peter Wilslow and his son Maxwell at Glen Eira Secondary School. Credit: Joe Armao Another mother, walking home with her two children from nearby St Anthonys Primary School, said she had not been able to sleep. I feel for the family. It has been on my mind, she said. The Glen Eira College student who was abducted was in a serious but stable condition at the Royal Childrens Hospital on Wednesday evening.

Dwyer said the offenders were in a dark grey Volkswagen, were Caucasian in appearance and aged in their late teens. They were trying to steal phones, laptops and wallets, he said, and were not known to the victim. Xavier College sent a letter to parents saying a group of students had been accosted near Glenferrie Oval in Hawthorn last Friday. [Students] were approached by a group of unknown people who acted in a violent way and stole property from the students, Michael Ilott, director of the senior campus, wrote on Wednesday. Xavier students were urged not to walk home alone and not spend time at Glenferrie Oval or surrounding areas.

Elwood College principal Todd Asensio also recently warned students to be vigilant when commuting to and from school after a woman tried to rob a student of her phone. The incident had been reported to police and the student is safe and well, Asensio wrote last Thursday. Glen Eira College principal Sheereen Kindler said school administrators had spoken to students on Tuesday about how to stay safe while travelling to and from school. In a letter sent to parents and seen by The Age on Tuesday afternoon, Kindler said students had been advised to travel in groups or pairs where possible. She said students should remain alert to their surroundings and avoid using mobile phones while walking.

Students should also travel directly to and from school and avoid making stops or side trips along the way, Kinder wrote. If you are catching public transport, walk directly to the bus stop or train station. Kindler said Mondays attempted abduction had been a shock to our school community and the school would continue to offer wellbeing supports for any student who needs it. Victoria Polices mounted branch patrols near Glen Eira College on Wednesday. Credit: Nine News A mother of a student at the school, who asked not to be identified, said her daughter was a part of the group walking home with the victim. She remained concerned about the safety of her daughter and her classmates. The kids are frightened. They dont want to walk to and from school, she said.

The mother said police should be more present before and after school. It happened away from the school. But the students were definitely targeted, she said. Loading Updates about the victim were trickling through to the community, she said. My heart breaks for his family and him. His life wont be the same after this. Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals president Colin Axup said it wasnt a school problem, it was a community problem. There needs to be a whole government response, not just a school response, he said.

An Education Department spokesperson said Glen Eira College was providing support to students, with extra staff designated at the exits during drop-off and pick-up times. Opposition Leader John Pesutto urged the government to tackle the multi-faceted problem. Weve got to look at all aspects of the criminal justice system  how we engage with youth in schools, diversionary programs, rehabilitation. He said limiting weapons should be a particular focus, but stressed there was no one, simple answer.
A Tarneit man has appeared in court after an elderly man was shot on the doorstep of at his Middle Park home in August.

Ismail Abdi, 24, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged with intentionally causing serious injury, being a prohibited person possessing a firearm and other offences.

Police allege Abdi shot the victim at his Canterbury Road home after the 76-year-old answered a knock at his front door at about 7.50pm on August 17.

The elderly man was shot in his lower body and was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A West Australian man is in a Californian jail after allegedly killing two people while accidentally driving on the wrong side of the road last week.

The mans family, well known in WAs Narrogin township in the states south-west, has travelled to the United States to be with him as he now faces a lengthy court process.

San Francisco Bay Area newspaper The Mercury News reported a man and woman in their 60s were killed in the crash on Highway 84 on Friday evening near La Honda, a forested mountainous area about 50 kilometres south of San Francisco.

California Highway Patrol officer David LaRock told the paper the Australian mans white BMW M4 collided with a Ford Taurus carrying four people on a blind turn while the BMW was travelling on the wrong side of the road.
Certainly, for context, this is the only airline that has had something like that happen, and so I cant say that I wasnt aware of it, but certainly it wasnt the only factor  it was a factor, King said at a 7am press conference at Canberra Airport. She then said she had not pointed to the incident as a factor, adding: What I have said is thats a fact, that is context that is there. Later, she confirmed her decision was made in the context of the incident: I cant pretend it doesnt exist, like, it exists, its a context. If you remember, we had multiple ... requests on behalf of the women who had been escorted at gunpoint after a Qatar airlines flight and had then been subject on the tarmac in ambulances to invasive body searches, she said at an event held to launch a green paper on aviation.

But this masthead reported on July 26 that King said the treatment of the women was not a reason for blocking Qatar having greater access to Australias aviation market. Damian Sturzaker of Marque Lawyers, who is representing the women, said on Thursday it was pleasing that the government was looking carefully at the appropriate qualities for an airline carrying passengers to Australia. Loading Our brave clients were treated very poorly by Qatar Airways and their attempts to resolve their complaints against Qatar Airways have been blocked at every turn, he said. King received a letter from the women in June, through Marque Lawyers, telling her Qatar Airways was not fit to carry passengers because of the incident in October 2020.

We were kept hostage at gunpoint and most of us were then examined vaginally without consent. Our human rights were blatantly violated, and yet Qatar Airways has refused to engage with us or offer an apology for how we were treated on that night, the women wrote. When you are considering Qatar Airways bid for extra landing rights, we beg you to consider its insensitive and irresponsible treatment of us and its failure to ensure the safety and dignity of its passengers. We implore you to instead consider an airline that will uphold human rights, adhere to international travel and human rights conventions, and do all things reasonably necessary to safeguard its passengers. King replied to the women on July 10 to tell them of her decision to reject Qatars application for more flights.

Your experience remains in my thoughts, as well as those of my colleagues, she said in her letter. The Australian government is not considering additional bilateral air rights with Qatar. Regarding the letter, on she told the press conference on Thursday: Read what you will into that. Qatar Airways told a Sydney court earlier this month that the invasive searches of the Australian women were the responsibility of police rather than the airline. King said the decision to refuse Qatar was made in the national interest, but added that it did not include the commercial interests of Qantas or any other airline, and said it was absolute nonsense that competition in Australias international aviation market relied solely on Qatar.

I mean, really, that is an absolute nonsense, and somehow seems to be tied up with peoples anger about Qantas, and I get that, I get why people are angry about Qantas, she said of the airline. This week, the Coalition secured the numbers in the Senate to launch an inquiry into the Qatar decision, which Liberal frontbencher James Paterson said would not have been needed if King had provided honest answers when asked. Shes been asked in the parliament, shes been asked in the media and still today  weeks on from the scandal first emerging  she has failed to give a simple, clear explanation for why she made the decision ... to refuse this request from Qatar to have extra flights into Australian airports, he said on Thursday. It is an explanation which just frankly defies credibility. None of the explanations shes given are convincing, none of them are trustworthy. And thats why we have to have this inquiry to get to the bottom of it.
The interest bill on mortgages has doubled over the past year to almost $83 billion, helping push Australia into a per capita recession as Treasurer Jim Chalmers warns the nations economic headwinds are likely to intensify.

The economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the three months to the end of June, and 2.1 per cent through the 2022-23 financial year, national accounts data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Australia faced further economic trouble. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

But on a per person basis, economic growth went backwards over the last financial year, falling by 0.3 per cent. Economic activity per person fell another 0.3 per cent in the June quarter. That followed a 0.3 per cent drop in the first three months of the year.

Chalmers warned that more poor economic news is to come with slower growth expected over the next year, and Chinas economic slowdown will be felt at home.
Yoorrooks report into the child-protection and criminal justice system this week called on the state government to act on these changes  and to consult First Nations people in drafting the laws. Victorias charter was introduced around 17 years ago. Changes to clarify and strengthen its operation are well overdue, the commission said in its report. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission on its website supports strengthening the charter, including allowing people to take their cases to VCAT. Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive Nerita Waight said strengthening human rights in Victoria was the least the state could do.

Weve been able to use the charter in a few cases, like when the Victorian government put Aboriginal children in an adult prison, but the potential of the charter has not been realised because it is hard to utilise, she said. Generally, if you want to exercise charter rights, you need to piggyback off judicial review grounds. Waight said the inquest into the death of Indigenous woman Veronica Nelson had shown instances where her rights were breached on multiple occasions by public authorities. That reflects a systemic issue where the charter really is not driving enough cultural change at the moment because it is so hard to bring an action if you think your human rights have been breached, she said.

Loading For example, the Victorian ombudsman was able to conclude that the government breached the human rights of people living in public housing towers in Flemington and North Melbourne when they were locked down without notice, but that was months after the fact. A standalone action clause in the charter would have allowed for real-time action to end the lockdown sooner. Responding to the report, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday it was a very important document and his government was proud to have set up the truth-telling commission. However, he said the 12-month timeline for Yoorrooks most urgent proposals was ambitious.

That is not a criticism. I think we all need to push each other to do more and do better, he said. What Im not, however, going to do is necessarily sign up to that [within] 12 months because I dont know that that can be delivered. Premier Daniel Andrews will now consider the Yoorrook Justice Commissions first report. Credit: Jason South Andrews said significant reforms would take time and he would not make immediate commitments on individual recommendations. He said cabinet would consider the report, with advice from departments, and work through each finding and recommendation and report their progress.

Andrews said his government had a strong track record because it was in the process of implementing all the findings of royal commissions into mental health and family violence. Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen said the report provided an important opportunity to strengthen human rights protections for First Nations people. Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen. Credit: Wayne Taylor If implemented, these reforms will help embed cultural competency in the child protection, corrections, youth justice, policing and mental health systems. Victorian Law Reform Commission chair Anthony North, KC, said many of the reports recommendations overlapped with proposals included in its 2023 Law Reform suggestions last month.

North said the VLRC was well-placed to consider the challenges for enabling full self-determination for First Peoples in Victorias criminal justice and youth justice system, as recommended in the report. Law Institute of Victoria president Tania Wolff also welcomed the report, noting many of the most urgent recommendations reflected those made in the institutes submission to the inquiry last year. A clear path to redressing those injustices begins with implementing the recommendations laid out

in the Commissions report. We urge the government to act without delay, she said. The reports recommendations strongly asserted greater self-determination for First Peoples within the criminal justice and child protection systems, which could include expanding the Koori Court to cover issues including bail and diversion.
Qatars award-winning business class seats, the Qsuites. Unlike its United Arab Emirates competitors Emirates and Etihad, Qatar Airlines does not offer premium economy seating. In June 2023, Al Baker announced that the airline would no longer offer a first-class cabin after it retires its existing fleet of A380s. What Qatar Airlines does better than just about every other airline is business class. The reason is its Qsuite cabin, launched in 2017 and described by Al Baker as a first-class experience in business class. Qsuite cabins feature a business-class seat that turns into a double bed for couples, with privacy panels that close to create a room. This comes on top of Qatars dine on demand service, allowing business flyers to choose mealtimes, and a wake-up express breakfast for those looking to max out their sleep time. In late August 2023 Qatar Airways hinted at a new version, Qsuite 2, that promises to lift the business-class stakes even higher, with details yet to be revealed. Blue skies ahead Rapid growth is projected. During the Arabian Travel Market conference in Dubai in May 2023, Al Baker outlined plans to expand the airline to 190 routes from the current 170, with up to 250 routes on the horizon. That depends on the delivery of new aircraft.

Loading Following a legal stoush over paint-skin deterioration affecting Qatars Airbus A350s, which ended in an amicable settlement in the High Court in London in February 2023, the airline reinstated its order for 23 long-range Airbus A350-1000s and 50 A321neos. The first of those A350s arrived in May 2023, with the first of the A321neos scheduled to arrive in 2026. In July 2023, the airline began taking delivery of nine Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft which were originally destined for Russias S7 Airlines, an order frustrated by sanctions. Qatar Airways has another 25 Boeing 737 Max 10 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected from 2025. Female passengers strip search generates huge negative publicity In October 2020, 13 Australian women were removed from a Qatar Airways flight at the countrys Hamad Airport, taken to waiting ambulances and some of them stripped and subjected to invasive gynaecological examinations. It was a terrifying and humiliating experience and the women reboarded the aircraft in a state of acute distress. A newborn baby had been found alive, dumped in a waste bin in one of the airports toilets. According to a Qatari government statement, the discovery prompted an immediate search for the parents, including on flights in the vicinity of where the newborn was found.

Faced with worldwide outrage, the Qatari government promised a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident, saying it would share the results with other countries. The most visible outcome of that investigation has been a suspended jail sentence given to an airport official. Loading Early in 2023 commercial law firm Marque Lawyers launched a $10 million lawsuit against the Qatari government on behalf of five of the Australian women who were strip-searched. Filed in the Federal Court, the lawsuit originally named the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and Qatar Airways, and later the Qatar Company for Airport Operation and Management. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority is claiming sovereign immunity. The incident has been cited by some as a reason why Qatar Airways should not be allowed to expand its operations in Australia. According to Qatar Airways, neither the airline nor the aircrafts crew were told what was about to transpire when an armed security team boarded the aircraft and removed the women. Nor were they in a position to overrule them. When the women reboarded, the entire crew including the captain were reportedly shocked and appalled by what had transpired. What are airline slots?

An airline slot is an agreement allowing an airline to operate flights to a particular airport at a specific time and day. Slot allocation only exists at level 3 airports, where the demand exceeds the airports infrastructure capacity, and so stricter management via slots is required (this is particularly an issue at Sydney Airport, due to its curfew). Airline slots are allocated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) according to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines. Loading National bodies also have powers to affect slot allocation, for example where the national interest overrides the needs of a particular airline. That has been used by the Australian government to justify its decision to deny Qatar Airways application for expanded flights into Australia. The extra capacity aboard those additional flights would have exerted downward pressure on international flight prices. Since that ran contrary to its interests, Qantas opposed the additional Qatar Airways flights and the government blocked the application. That decision is now the subject of a Senate inquiry. While IATA does not sell slots, airlines can trade them. In 2016 Oman Air paid $US75 million to Air France/KLM for a set of slots at Londons Heathrow. Under normal operating conditions, the Use it or lose it rule applies. Airlines are required to use at least 80 per cent of their allocated slots, otherwise they risk losing them to other airlines. Since theyre a valuable commodity, an airline will sometimes operate a ghost flight, with fewer than 10 per cent of seats filled, simply to keep its slot.
The bloody political crisis in Myanmar and China's increasing aggressiveness are overshadowing the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that opened Tuesday in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo told his fellow leaders in the 10-member regional bloc that ASEAN "has agreed not to be a proxy" to any power, and said they "must become captains of our own ship to achieve peace."

ASEAN has been stymied in its attempts to resolve the crisis in Myanmar, which has been mired in chaos since the military overthrew the democratically-elected government of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, 2021. The junta agreed to a five-point "consensus" crafted by ASEAN just months after the coup, which includes an immediate end to the violence, peace talks between the junta and its opponents and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In the clamorous background to the extraordinary multiple corporate maydays by Qantas in the past weeks there has been one realisation. That is, to paraphrase Paul Keating, one should never come between the inveterate Australian traveller and a cheap (or cheaper) airfare.

Recent events surrounding the Australian and Qatari airlines reveal much about the degree to which any remaining goodwill towards our de facto national carrier has nosedived, as evidenced by the way some critics of Qantas have become virtual apologists for Qatar Airways.

Qantas has claimed allowing more Qatar Airways flights would distort the local market. Credit: Wolter Peeters

Readers have written to Traveller decrying the hypocrisy embodied in public support of Qatar Airways. Some have referenced the notorious October 2020 incident, when 13 Australian women (among other nationalities) were removed from a Qatar Airways flight in the airlines Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, after a newborn baby was found abandoned in the terminal.

The women were taken to waiting ambulances where they were stripped and subjected to gynaecological examinations.
Athens: Fierce rainstorms have battered Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria, triggering flooding that caused at least 11 deaths, including two holidaymakers swept away by a torrent that raged through a campsite in north-western Turkey.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said four other people were missing after the flash flood swept over the campsite in Kirklareli province, near the border with Bulgaria. He said about 12 tourists were at the site when the waters hit.

Firefighters evacuate people and dogs from a flooded building in Larissa, central Greece, on Wednesday. Credit: AP

In Greece, police banned traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion and the resort island of Skiathos as record rainfall caused at least one death, channelled thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away.

The fire department said on Wednesday (AEST) that one man was killed near Volos when a wall buckled and fell on him. Five people were reported missing, possibly swept away by floodwaters.
Hyundai Hope On Wheels Awards 88 Research and Programmatic Grants Totaling $25 Million during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and its 25 th Anniversary

This Years $25 Million Brings the Organizations Lifetime Donation Total to $225 Million



FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., September 6, 2023  Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its 830 U.S. dealers, announced the 2023 winners of its annual research and programmatic grants, part of Hyundai Hope on Wheels' $25 million commitment in 2023 to fund pediatric cancer research grants and survivorship efforts. During its 25th year anniversary, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will present a total of 88 grants to institutions across the United States that are focused on improving outcomes and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer, including 18 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grants at $400,000 each, 18 Hyundai Young Investigator Grants at $250,000 each, 52 Hyundai Impact Grants at $100,000 each, as well as additional Bridge-to-K research grants and Regional Grants.

Over the past 25 years, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has been creating hope for families facing childhood cancer by investing in life-saving research, treatment, and support, said John Guastaferro, executive director, Hyundai Hope On Wheels. To date, we have contributed $225 million in our mission to end childhood cancer. We are grateful to the dedicated researchers, doctors, and medical institutions receiving grants as we work together to move closer to a cure.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels was inspired by a group of New England Hyundai dealers in 1998, with the goal to end childhood cancer. Twenty-five years later, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has become one of the nations leading funders of pediatric cancer research, establishing Hyundai as a corporate social responsibility leader in the automotive industry. To date, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has supported nearly 1,300 cancer research studies at over 175 medical institutions.

Three grant categories have been awarded to researchers at eligible Childrens Oncology Group (COG) member institutions. The Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant is a 2-year award competitively selected for translational research, and the Hyundai Young Investigator Grant is a 2-year award competitively selected for innovative research. Applications were reviewed by a Medical Advisory Committee comprised of leading pediatric oncologists from institutions across the country. Additionally, the Hyundai Impact Grant provides funding for programmatic initiatives such as clinical care at childrens hospitals.

This year also introduces two new grant categories to advance its impact in childhood cancer. The Bridge-to-K grant is designed to provide support to National Institute of Health grant applicants to advance their research; and the new Regional Grants focus on local support, advocacy, and awareness.

We have made significant strides in the areas of pediatric cancer research during the past 25 years, said Kevin Reilly, vice chair of Hyundai Hope On Wheels and chairman of the Hyundai Motor America National Dealer Advisory Council. By funding critical research, new medical advancements, and less-invasive treatments, we have seen the long-term survival rate rise to over 85%. We wont stop until every child is free from cancer.

During the month of September, grants will be presented during official Hyundai Hope On Wheels Handprint Ceremonies. The Handprint Ceremony is the nonprofits signature event in which children affected by cancer, doctors and researchers, and Hyundai partners dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and hope for a cure.



National Youth Ambassador Oliver Foster and John Guastaferro, executive director of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, at the Handprint Ceremony at St. Louis Childrens Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, August 7, 2023. (Photo/Hyundai)



Hyundai Hope On Wheels Handprint Ceremony at C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. (Photo/Hyundai)







Hyundai Hope On Wheels National Youth Ambassador Raynie at the Handprint Ceremony at Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. (Photo/Hyundai)

To learn more about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.



Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant Winners ($400,000)

Institution City State Diamond Children's Medical Center Tucson AZ Childrens Hospital Colorado Aurora CO Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Los Angeles CA UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Pittsburgh PA Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta GA Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Seattle WA Georgetown Lombardi Washington DC Johns Hopkins Childrens Center Baltimore MD UH Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital Cleveland OH Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford Stanford CA Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia PA UCLA Mattel Childrens Hospital Los Angeles CA UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospitals San Francisco CA Nationwide Childrens Hospital Columbus OH UChicago Medicine Comer Childrens Hospital Chicago IL UF Health Shands Childrens Hospital Gainesville FL UT Health San Antonio San Antonio TX

Hyundai Young Investigator Grant Winners ($250,000)

Institution City State Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago Chicago IL Texas Childrens Hospital at the Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Duarte CA Childrens Hospital Colorado Aurora CO Childrens National Hospital Washington DC Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA Childrens Healthcare Atlanta, Inc. Atlanta GA Johns Hopkins Childrens Center Baltimore MD Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) New York NY Prisma Health Childrens Hospital-Midlands Columbia SC UH Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital Cleveland OH Seattle Childrens Healthcare System Seattle WA St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Inc. Memphis TN Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford Stanford CA Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Philadelphia PA UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals San Francisco CA Nationwide Childrens Hospital Columbus OH University of Michigan Medical Center (Michigan Medicine) Ann Arbor MI

Hyundai Impact Grant Winners ($100,000)

Institution City State Albany Medical Center Albany NY Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago Chicago IL Arkansas Childrens Hospital Little Rock AR Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Orlando FL Banner Diamond Childrens Medical Center Phoenix AZ Baystate Childrens Hospital Springfield MA Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope Duarte CA UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Pittsburgh PA Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta Atlanta GA Childrens Hospital Colorado Springs Aurora CO Childrens Hospital New Orleans New Orleans LA Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughters Norfolk VA Childrens Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Orange CA Childrens Hospital of Richmond Richmond VA Childrens Mercy Kansas City Kansas City MO Childrens Minnesota - Minneapolis Minneapolis MN Childrens National Hospital Washington DC Childrens of Alabama Birmingham AL Childrens Wisconsin  Milwaukee Campus Milwaukee WI Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati OH UChicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital Chicago IL Duke Childrens Hospital and Health Center Durham NC El Paso Childrens Hospital El Paso TX Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Washington DC Joseph M. Sanzari Childrens Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center Hackensack NJ Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hollywood FL Johns Hopkins All Childrens Foundation Saint Petersburg FL Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children Honolulu HI Kentucky Children's Hospital Lexington KY Levin's Children's Hospital Charlotte NC Maine Medical Center of Maine Health Portland ME Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York NY Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach CA The Childrens Hospital at Montefiore Bronx NY Nicklaus Childrens Hospital Miami FL Oklahoma Children's Health Foundation Oklahoma City OK Peyton Manning Children's Hosp At Ascension St Vincent Indianapolis IN Phoenix Children's Hospital Phoenix AZ Primary Children's Hospital Salt Lake City UT Rady Childrens Hospital San Diego CA Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Buffalo NY St Joseph's Childrens Tampa FL St. Louis Childrens St. Louis MO Tampa General Childrens Hospital Tampa FL Texas Children's Hospital at the Baylor College of Medicine Houston TX UC Davis Childrens Hospital Davis CA UNC Childrens Hospital Chapel Hill NC

Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute San Antonio TX Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt Nashville TN Vannie E. Cook Children's Hospital McAllen TX Yale New Haven Children's Hospital New Haven CT



Hyundai Hope On Wheels

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope On Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 U.S. dealers. In 2023, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will surpass a lifetime total donation of $225 million in support of nearly 1,300 childhood cancer research grants.


U.S., British and EU officials are planning to jointly press the United Arab Emirates this week to halt shipments of goods to Russia that could help Moscow in its war against Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing U.S. and European officials.

A UAE official, in response to Reuters' request for comment, said the country "strictly abides by UN sanctions and has clear and robust processes in place to deal with sanctioned entities."

The UAE "is continuously monitoring the export of dual-use products," which have both civilian and military applications, under its export control legal framework, the official added.
Actress Han So-hee attended a promotional event for a popular brand of bags and shoes in Seoul on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Park Jin told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that Korea is doing what it can to release Iranian oil funds that have been frozen here for many years.

About W8 trillion in payments for Iranian oil shipments has been frozen at Woori Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea since 2019 due to U.S. sanctions after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew from a nuclear deal in 2018 (US$1=W1,334).

Park said Korea "clearly understands that the assets belong to the people of Iran" and "involved countries are in close communication" to resolve the issue.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Aug. 10 that steps have begun to release the frozen funds from Korea. Last month, Tehran agreed with the U.S. on the transfer of the frozen funds from Korea, Iraq, and Europe in exchange for the release of five U.S. citizens currently detained in Iran.
On Tuesday, September 5 at approximately 2:15 p.m. Cheyenne Police Officers were dispatched to a report of an incident involving a firearm at American Legion Post 6 located at 2001 East Lincolnway.

Officers were advised by dispatch that a male suspect, later identified as Andy Kirkendall, 45, of Cheyenne, entered the building and pointed a firearm at a security camera.

At the scene, a citizen notified a responding officer that Kirkendall was sitting near the intersection of Big Horn Avenue and East 13th Street.

As the officer approached, Kirkendall fired the gun and ran away, initiating a foot pursuit.

Out of an abundance of caution, Alta Vista Elementary School was placed into a secure perimeter.

No injuries were reported.

Troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol joined in the foot pursuit and assisted with following Kirkendall to the intersection of East 15th Street and Bradley Avenue.

Kirkendall continued to ignore officer commands to stop, a Taser was deployed, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

The firearm was recovered.

After being evaluated by American Medical Response, Kirkendall was booked into the Laramie County Jail on charges of reckless endangering with a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, and interference with a peace officer.

Special thank you to our partners at the Wyoming Highway Patrol and American Medical Response for their assistance at the scene.
E. Jean Carroll leaving court after winning her defamation and sexual-abuse case against Donald Trump. Photo: New York Daily News/NY Daily News via Getty Images

In yet another legal blow to the recently indicted former president, a federal judge has deemed Donald Trump liable for defamatory statements against E. Jean Carroll, the writer who accused him of raping her in the 90s. In an opinion issued Wednesday, Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that a Manhattan jurys guilty verdict from earlier this year, which found Trump guilty of sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, would carry over to this separate but related case. Now, in a trial scheduled for January, jurors will only focus on how much Trump has to pay Carroll for defaming her.

Carroll first came forward with her allegations in a 2019 New York Magazine essay, writing that Trump attacked her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in 1995 or 1996. Trump quickly fired back that Carroll was not his type and insisted he did not know her. In November of that year, Carroll sued Trump for defamation. Three years later, thanks to the passage of a New York State law that opened a one-year window for civil cases that would normally fall outside the statute of limitations, she sued him again, filing a civil suit against Trump for both sexual battery and defamation. Thats the suit  Carroll II, per Kaplans latest opinion  that recently went to trial. Trump opted not to testify, instead appearing via an hours-long deposition video in which he claimed he had never met Carroll and called her allegations a hoax. At the same time, he was unable to tell Carroll apart from one of his ex-wives in a photo. The jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation, though not for rape, and awarded her $5 million in damages.

After the verdict came in, Trump said he planned to appeal, and hours later, called Carroll a whack job in a CNN town hall. Describing the case as fake news and asserting that the trial was rigged, he repeated his old claim that he had no idea who this woman is. Shortly thereafter, Carrolls attorney petitioned Judge Kaplan to add not only the verdict to Carrolls original 2019 suit, but Trumps subsequent statements as well. These, the filing reportedly argued, show the depth of his malice toward Carroll, since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite. Kaplan allowed Carroll to amend her complaint, prompting her to seek at least $10 million more from Trump.

In June, however, Trump countersued Carroll, claiming she actually defamed him when, in a post-trial interview, she reiterated her belief that he raped her. But Kaplan dismissed that bid last month, ruling that her remarks were substantially true in light of the verdict and that Trump hadnt proved she made them with actual malice.

The January trial will be the first of several for Trump, who is facing more than 90 criminal charges in Georgia, Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C. Those include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy against the right to vote, withholding documents from an official proceedings, and falsifying business records, among many other accusations. The DC case is scheduled for March 4, 2024; his New York trial is set for March 25, 2024; and the Florida proceedings will begin on May 20, 2024. All the while, hell be campaigning for president again.

This article has been updated.

Stay in touch. Get the Cut newsletter delivered daily Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
Chow will receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award at the festival. Three of his movies -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and his latest film "One More Chance" (2023) -- will be screened.

International stars such as Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi and French filmmaker Luc Besson will attend this year's festival.

The BIFF on Tuesday said the festival will feature 209 films from 69 countries and be hosted by actor Song Kang-ho, who won Best Actor at last year's Cannes Film Festival.

The Busan International Film Festival is just about a month away from kicking off and the southern port city is busy with preparations to welcome stars, directors and fans from around the world.

The festival, which is marking its 28th year, will open with director Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea," which is based on the best-selling novel of the same title by Chang Kang-myoung and stars Ko Ah-sung. The BIFF said it was chosen as the opening film because it depicts the frustration, dreams and hopes of today's youth.

Chinese director Ning Hao's "The Movie Emperor" will wrap up the festival.

This year's retrospective will honor the late actress Yun Jung-hee, who has been named the winner of the Korean Cinema Award, and the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The retrospective will feature two of Yun's films -- "Mist" (1967) and "Poetry" (2010) -- and "Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus," a black-and-white film that takes viewers on a journey through Sakamoto's life through his compositions.

The festival will also screen films that have won awards at the world's most prestigious film festivals this year.

They include Cannes Palme d'Or winner "Anatomy of a Fall" by Justine Triet, Best Director winner "The Pot-au-Feu" by Tan Anh Huang, Jury Prize winner "Fallen Leaves" by Aki Kaurismaki, as well as "About Dry Grasses" by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, whose Turkish star Dizdar won Best Actress, and "Monster" by Japan's Hirokazu Koreeda, which took Best Screenplay.

Among Berlin festival winners are "On the Adamant" by Nicolas Philibert, "The Big Dipper" by Louis Garrel and "Music" by Angela Schanelec, which received the Golden Bear, Best Director and Best Screenplay awards, respectively.

There will also be a special screening event for Korean-American filmmakers and actors, who have been making a splash in Hollywood recently. Director Lee Isaac Chung, well-known for the Oscar-winning film "Minari," actor Steven Yeun and Justin Chon, who directed the Apple TV drama "Pachinko," have been invited.

Madeleine Gavin's documentary film about North Korean defectors, "Beyond Utopia," which won the Audience Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, will be screened for the first time for Korean audiences.

The festival will be held from Oct. 4 to 13. A screening schedule will be released on Sept. 15 and tickets will be available for booking on the festival's website at ticket.biff.kr from Sept. 22.
Whether youre there for the drinks, beats or eats, Sunsetter has something for everyone to get amongst. Serving you the best international and local acts, wine and craft beers, spirits and cocktails, eateries and food vendors, performers and more, Sunsetter is guaranteed to deliver an epic experience!
Fewer and fewer of Korea's mothers are breastfeeding their increasingly rare babies.

The proportion of Korean infants who are breastfed by their mothers six months after birth fell from 66 percent in 2010-2012 to 34 percent in 2019-2020, according to a study in the Journal of Korean Medical Science.

Researchers Chang Ju-young and Oh So-hee of Boramae Medical Center in Seoul and Hong Jea-na of Kangwon National University found that the rate fell from 65.9 percent over the period to just 33.6 percent. That includes mothers who used a mixture of breastfeeding and formula.

The ratio of mothers who feed their children only breast milk fell most steeply from 42.8 percent to 13.1 percent. The development bucks the global trend, where breastfeeding is encouraged due to the health benefits for the child and, according to the World Health Organization, the global average was 41 percent in 2017.

Breast milk has been proven to be better for newborns because it contains a balanced mix of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and antibodies that support the infant's immune system.

Babies who are breastfed are reported to have a lower risk of diseases like atopic dermatitis, asthma and obesity compared to those fed with formula. Additionally, breastfed babies tend to have faster brain development.
Assembly by-polls: High voter turnout in Kerala, Tripura, WB seats





Voters wait in a queue to cast their votes during the by-elections to Bageshwar Assembly seat in Uttarakhands Bageshwar district on Tuesday. (PTI)

LUCKNOW/AGARTALA ;

HIGH voter turnout was recorded in most of the six Assembly constituencies in seven States where the by-election was held on Tuesday. The counting of votes is on September 8 for the by-election - seen as a litmus test for the opposition alliance INDIA against the BJP-led NDA ahead of the Assembly polls in five States later this year and the 2023 Lok Sabha election. In Dhanpur and Boxanagar seats in Tripura, where the Congress had extended support to the CPI(M), the average turnout was around 76 per cent. Six persons were injured in a stray incidents of violence in the northeastern state. In Dhupguri in West Bengal and Puthuppally in Kerala, where the INDIA bloc constituents were up against each other, the voting was around 76 per cent and nearly 73 per cent respectively.

The by-election saw the INDIA alliance also putting up a united front in the Ghosi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, where the voting was moderate at around 50.30 per cent, and in Jharkhands Dumri where a total of 64.84 per cent of 2.98 lakh voters exercised their franchise Uttarakhands Bageshwar, where the main contest is between the BJP and the Congress, saw 55.44 per cent voting. Police said six persons were injured when they were allegedly attacked by some villagers at Mohanbhog in Dhanpur Assembly constituency in Tripura. The villagers set afire five motorcycles, triggering tension, but the situation was brought under control, a police officer said, adding that the injured have been admitted to hospital and are out of danger. Dhanpur, once a strong bastion of the communists, is heading for a direct fight between BJPs Bindu Debnath and CPI(M)s Kaushik Debnath.

The BJP won the Dhanpur seat for the first time in the assembly poll held seven months ago. The by-election to the Boxanagar constituency was necessitated by the death of CPI(M) MLA Samsul Haque. In Jharkhands Dumri, INDIA bloc candidate Bebi Devi is locked in a direct contest with NDA candidate Yashoda Devi. The election passed off peacefully across 199 polling booths in Giridih and 174 booths in Bokaro district. No report of violence or law and order situation was reported from anywhere, Giridih district election officer Naman Priyesh Lakra told PTI.

The polling was held amidst tight security in 373 polling stations, 200 of which were identified to be Maoist-affected areas. The seat has turned out to be a prestigious one for both alliances amid Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) claiming that the INDIA bloc will begin its victory journey from Dumri, while the NDA exuded confidence that it is all set to snatch the seat from JMM. The INDIA bloc includes 28 parties including the Congress, NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT), TMC, JMM, AAP, DMK, NC, PDP, CPI(M), CPI, RJD, SP and RLD. The by-election was necessitated following the death of JMM MLA Jagarnath Mahto, former education minister, in April. Mahto had been representing the seat since 2004. However, the Congress and the ruling Left took on each other at the Puthuppally bypoll in Kerala, with the opposition party in the state banking on anti-incumbency and the late Oommen Chandys legacy.
BJP to retain power with 150 seats: Amit Shah





Our Correspondent

MANDLA,

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is confident of BJP forming Government by winning 150 seats with the blessings of the people in the State after year-end Assembly elections. Flagging off BJPs Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Mandla on Tuesday, Amit Shah said We have come to seek blessings from the people of Madhya Pradesh to form the BJP Government again, after passing through all the 230 Vidhan Sabhas on September 25. Later, a Workers Mahakumbh would be held in Bhopal which will decide that the State would elect the BJP Government for the fifth time. The BJP Government has brought Madhya Pradesh on the path of development by making it a unique State from a sick state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans untiring efforts in raising the standard of living of the poor tribal backward society of Madhya Pradesh, Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah expressed his blessings at the public meeting organised in Mandla.

He said that Congress Manmohan Singh Government used to say that the minorities have the first right on the countrys resources, but as soon as the Modi Government came to power, it was decided that the tribal backward poor have the first right on the countrys treasury, there are two types of ideology of the Government. But you have to think, because the Modi Government is the Government of villages, poor, backward farmers, the BJP Government at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought many changes to improve the lives of the tribals, they have got water, forests, land security, respect, tribals have been respected by adding inclusive development, 23 castes have been included in the tribal category, by celebrating Lord Birsa Mundas birth anniversary as a pride day, the Modi Government has increased the pride of the society, the Modi Government has given recognition to the leaders of the tribal society in the freedom struggle across the country. Many monuments have been built, while Congress has never done this, they have only named monuments and institutions after their family members, Modi Government has increased the budget of 24,000 crores for tribal development, now the budget is 1.19 lakh. Not only this, the BJP has also done the work of appointing a woman from the tribal community to the post of His Excellency the President, he asked the Congress whether in the 60 years of independence, the Congress had ever appointed a person from the tribal community as the President or the Prime Minister.
Five from State get National Teachers Award 2023





Staff Reporter

Five teachers of the state were honoured today with the National Teachers Award 2023 on the occasion of Teachers Day. President Draupadi Murmu presented the award to Smt. Sarika Gharu of Narmadapuram, Chetna Khambete of Indore, Dr. Yashpal Singh of Bhopal, Shri Ravikant Mishra of Datia and Smt. Seema Agnihotri of Ratlam at a ceremony held in Vigyan Bhavan.Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Education Shri Subhash Sarkar and Smt. Annapurna Devi were also present in the ceremony. A total of 75 teachers from the country were honoured in the programme.

Smt. Sarika Gharu , teacher of Government Higher Secondary School located in Pipariya, Narmadapuram turned her classroom into a Masti ki Pathshala to increase enrollment of tribal students. Due to her hard work, the tribal students of the school received many awards. Smt. Chetna Khambete, a teacher of BSF, Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Indore. has been teaching biology in an interesting way for 18 years. She has developed 3-D models and interactive teaching material for the science laboratory.

Dr Yashpal Singh of Eklavya Adarsh Residential School, Bhopal was awarded for his efforts in the field of education and bringing about social change. Along with imparting knowledge to the students, he has made commendable efforts to create awareness in the society on issues like environmental protection and against evils like child marriage and dowry.Shri Ravikant Mishra of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bikar, Datia was awarded for making education simple and exciting through the use of technology. He has taken several steps like teaching on his YouTube channel, taking live classes on PM e-Vidya national channels and bringing awareness on important issues like health. Seema Agnihotri of CM Rise Government Vinoba Higher Secondary School, Ratlam was honoured for making teaching material enjoyable through information technology. To make education interesting, she has organised story reading competitions, newspaper writing, drama and dance competitions by involving the community.
G20 SUMMIT  AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE INDIA AND ITS HUMAN-CENTRIC APPROACH





BY K R SUDHAMAN

The summit will forge a global alliance to accelerate climate action through its democratisation. It will focus on lifestyle impact on climate. It will adopt G20 action plan to speed up sustainable development goals and lifestyles for sustainable development. Energy and food security too will dominate the discussions apart from women empowerment.

THE G20 summit under Indias presidency to be held in New Delhi next week on September 9 and 10 could not have come at any time better for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to highlight the need to establish a new World order that is free from hunger and diseases for all. Though the focus is going to be geo-politics in the light of prolonged Russian-Ukraine war coupled with the strained Sino-US relations, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth by converting challenges into opportunity would be emphasised by Modi to impress upon the members to move away from polarised geo-politics for the common good of the humanity. In this context advancing United Nations sustainable development Goals could take the centre stage of the summit, which provided the right platform to discuss and coordinate global economic agenda, vital to put the global growth back on higher trajectory. Indias External Minister S Jaishankar may have to indulge in some tight rope walk to enable confronting nations to see reasons for moving towards peace and dialogue, it is time for the world leaders to now seriously work for welfare of all the people, which by itself blunt the confrontationist approach of some nations.

In this connection PM Modis assertion in a news agency interview for the need to move away from GDP-centric approach to human-centric one assumes significance. Irrespective of the size of GDP, every voice matters, he says adding many positive impacts are coming out of Indias G20 Presidency. Some of them are close to my heart. A GDP centric view of the World is now changing to a human-centric one, and just as a new world order was seen after World War ll, a new world order is emerging post COVID, Modi said in the interview to PTI emphasising the shift to human centric approach has begun globally and that India was playing the role of catalyst. The efforts of India for greater inclusion of global south has gained momentum. Originally, India was scheduled to host the G20 summit in 2021, and Italy in 2022. However, after a request made by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, India exchanged its presidency of the G-20 with Indonesia because Indonesia would also chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2023. So the mantle for hosting G20 fell on India this year and next year, the summit will be held in Brazil. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, The European Union comprised G20. The G20s primary aim is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth through policy coordination and cooperation. Every year, a G20 summit is held, and the host nation takes on the responsibility of guiding the G20s agenda for the year. The India G20 Presidency has set the theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or One Earth One Family  One Future. This theme is derived from the Sanskrit phrase of the Maha Upanishad. It emphasises the interconnectedness of all life on the planet Earth and in the wider universe. It is precisely for this reason Modi has emphasised on the need for human- centric approach. PM Modi is right in saying that human-centric approach works even during a crisis as evident from Indias response during the COVID pandemic.

A clear and coordinated approach, direct assistance to the most vulnerable using technology, vaccine drive, largest ever in the world and sharing medicines to 150 countries indicate the Indian Governments effort in adopting human-centric approach first at home and then sharing the vaccine to the needy countries for the common good of the world. This also reflected the fact that many of the solutions that the world needed are already being successfully implemented in India with speed and scale. The COVID 19 has underscored the importance of global health and pandemic preparedness and rightly world leaders will discuss threadbare the commitment to strengthening healthcare systems. This summit, certainly, had provided opportunity to widen the network and explore new avenues for people. It has also enabled to push capacity building in logistics, hospitality, tourism, soft skills and execution of projects. This is expected to act as a stimulant for job creation. Both Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Chinese supremo Xi Jinping are skipping the summit. The two countries will be represented by other senior leaders. The summit will forge a global alliance to accelerate climate action through its democratisation. It will focus on lifestyle impact on climate. It will adopt G20 action plan to speed up sustainable development goals and lifestyles for sustainable development. Energy and food security too will dominate the discussions apart from women empowerment. Prime Minister will have a tough task in working out a declaration from the summit to the satisfaction of the leading powers who are in confrontation. (IPA) n
Indias leap towards social responsibility: The Social Stock Exchange





By CA Akshay Gulhane

India has recently unveiled its groundbreaking initiative - the Social Stock Exchange (SSE). Launched with the vision of combining financial innovation with social impact, the SSE represents a remarkable stride in the countrys quest for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The concept of a Social Stock Exchange was first proposed in Indias Economic Survey for 2018-19, emphasizing the need for a dedicated platform to connect social enterprises and investors committed to creating a positive social and environmental impact. After years of meticulous planning, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) formally introduced the SSE in 2023. The SSE operates with a dual aim: - to facilitate fundraising for organisations with a social impact focus and to channelize investments towards projects that benefit society and the environment. It also aims to promote transparency, credibility, and accountability in the social sector by listing only those entities that meet stringent impact assessment criteria. The SSE provides a specialized platform for organisations that prioritize social and environmental objectives. It allows these entities to raise capital from impact-focused investors. To be listed on the SSE, organisations must undergo rigorous impact assessments. These evaluations gauge their contribution to social and environmental goals, ensuring that investors can confidently support projects aligned with their values.

Listed organisations are required to maintain a high level of transparency by regularly disclosing their impact metrics. Entities listed on the SSE can also be listed on traditional stock exchanges, allowing them to access a broader pool of investors. To be listed on the SSE, companies must demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility through measurable impact metrics. This includes areas such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, clean energy, and more. Stringent eligibility criteria ensure that only enterprises genuinely dedicated to positive change find a place on the exchange. The SSE offers a wide range of investment opportunities, catering to the diverse interests and values of investors. For investors looking to make a positive impact with their capital, the SSE offers a unique opportunity. It provides a curated selection of organizations with a demonstrated commitment to addressing pressing social and environmental issues. This, in turn, mitigates the risk associated with impact investing and allows investors to align their financial goals with their ethical values. The SSE encourages responsible investing by providing comprehensive impact data, enabling investors to make informed decisions about where to allocate their funds.

This transparency fosters trust between investors and social enterprises, further enhancing the credibility of the SSE. While the SSE holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Ensuring the accuracy of impact assessments, preventing greenwashing, and striking a balance between regulatory oversight and flexibility are some of the hurdles that must be overcome. Nevertheless, Indias Social Stock Exchange represents a significant step toward a more equitable, sustainable, and socially responsible financial ecosystem. As it evolves and matures, it has the potential to become a global model for impact investing, inspiring other nations to follow suit. The launch of Indias Social Stock Exchange is a watershed moment in the intersection of finance and social responsibility. It empowers both social enterprises and impact investors to work collectively towards addressing the worlds most pressing challenges while realizing financial returns. (The author is practising Chartered Accountant and Vice Chairman of ICAI, Nagpur Branch)
INTERNAL STRIFE





THE Congress party is expectedly experiencing a rather serious internal strife on account of its leaders approach to issues such as religion. Various segments in the party are standing up to ask if one-sided stance of the party is acceptable to its secular credentials. Though the party is trying to paper over this dissent currently with low decibels, so to say, observers seem to believe that in time to come, the countrys oldest political organisation will find it extremely difficult to cope with the issue. They suspect -- and rightly so -- that this issue would crop up just ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections and play spoilsport for the party at the hustings. This also acts as a point of grave concern for many Congress stalwarts who are afraid that the electoral prospects would be affected from both ends -- internally because of the party rank and file upset about the approach to issue of religion -- Hindu religion in particular -- and externally because the general voters would not appreciate the stand and reject Congress candidates in large numbers. Party leaders including Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Acharya Pramod Krishnam and others have often criticised the party leadership for taking lop-sided positions on the issue of religion and have asked for an immediate rectification in the policy and practice.

At least so far, their voices have not been paid any heed by the party leadership. Acharya Pramod Krishnam has insisted that the party must take a clear stand against the anti-Sanatan statement by Tamil Nadu Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin so that the followers of Sanatan faith would not feel hurt. Earlier as well, Acharya Pramod Krishnam has been making his views clear as regards Hindu religion and asking the leadership to have sanity of approach on such matters. His voice has found a lot many internal takers, though the party leadership would love to ignore him altogether. Another issue that is currently raging in the Congress ecosystem is that of the insistence of the party upon having Mr. Rahul Gandhi declared as the prime ministerial face of the I.N.D.I.A. grouping. Dr. Tharoor insist that the first focus should be upon deciding the common ideological platform on which all the constituents of I.N.D.I.A. should stand in the elections to the next Lok Sabha. As is the partys style, Dr. Tharoor is being blasted by various leaders and internal groups for his opposition to Mr. Rahul Gandhis name. Dr. Tharoors insistence that he has not been opposed to Mr. Rahul Gandhis name, however, has carried no significance in within the organisation.

Political observers believe that when the next big electoral battle is so close (which includes legislative elections in many States, as well), the party can only ill-afford to allow such troubles to weaken the organisational matrix in such an irresponsible manner. Such voices, however, are often snuffed out in the Congress party. The voices of dissent also realise that they have no support from the party President Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge (who most observers describe as a stooge of the Gandhi family). Seen from these multiple angles, it is becoming more and more clear that the internal strife in the Congress organisation is least likely to be sorted out in due course of time. With major electoral battles drawning closer every day, the issues that dissenting voices are raising need a serious attention. However, because the party leadership is unwilling to spend any energy on those, observers expect a pretty serious internal trouble to ravage the organisation from within. However, as has been its wont, Congress leadership appears least interested in listening to wise counsel of its own well-wishers. This has pushed the party into another tight spot from it may not emerge at all.
Nagpur-based 12-member womens gang held for thefts in Vindhyachal Express





Staff Reporter

In a major breakthrough, GRP Jabalpur busted a Nagpur-based gang of women thieves involved in stealing valuables from women in Vindhyachal Express train and apprehended 12 members of the gang. GRP have retrieved the stolen gold and silver jewellery from the thieves amounting to Rs 4 lakh. Superintendent of Rail Police Simala Prasad disclosed this while addressing a press conference, on Tuesday. She informed that taking a serious note on complaints of theft with women passengers of Vindhyachal Express between Gadarwara and Sohagpur, GRP Jabalpur started a special campaign to put-up a vigilant check on the increasing number of theft incidents in trains.

Continuing the campaign, GRP Gadarwara Post received a complaint from woman passenger Kanchan Pandey that she boarded on Vindhyachal Express at Gadarwara Railway Station when she held doubt that somebody opened the chain of her bag. She checked and found that her gold and silver jewellery amounting to Rs 2 lakh missing from her bag.

Taking prompt action on the complaint, GRP Gadarwara came in action and started a rigorous checking at the railway station. During the checking, GRP personnel learnt that a group of women failed in boarding on train and suddenly rushed outside the railway station. GRP started enclosing the area and trapped the 12 suspected women at 30 km far from the railway station in Bankhedi.

In the interrogation, the women confessed of stealing of valuables from women passengers in Vindhyachal Express and retrieved the stolen gold and silver jewellery buried into the soil. The arrested have been identified as Seema Pandey, Narbada Pandey, Poonam Mankar, Tanuja alias Sharda Mankar, Sati alias Shashikala, Neha Nade, Manisha Hathagle, Varsha Ufade, Sahitri Londe, Saripa Mankar, Vinita Mankar and Padma Mankar, residents of Bhagwanpura in Nagpur, Maharashtra. In further investigation, GRP disclosed that these women thieves gang are involved in around 15 theft incidents and are wanted in several theft incidents in Gadarwara and Khandwa.
PM to attend ASEAN summit tomorrow





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi will review progress of Indias relations with 10-nation ASEAN at a summit meeting in Jakarta on Thursday. Shoring up Indias trade and security ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is likely to be the focus of Modis engagement with leaders of the bloc. The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first summit since the elevation of ties between the two sides to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

The two sides are expected to unveil a new initiative to expand maritime security cooperation, people familiar with the matter said. The Prime Minister will also attend the East Asia Summit that will take place shortly after the end of the ASEAN-India summit.

Modi will leave for the Indonesian capital city on Wednesday evening and will return late on Thursday, Secretary of State (East) Saurabh Kumar said. It will be a brief visit by the Prime Minister to Jakarta as he has to return home for the G20 summit, Kumar said, adding no bilateral meetings are scheduled on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia summits. The member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. The ties between India and ASEAN have been on a significant upswing in the last few years with focus being on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.

The ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners. The ASEAN-India dialogue relations started with the establishment of sectoral partnership in 1992 which graduated to full dialogue partnership in December 1995 and summit level partnership in 2002. The ties were elevated to strategic partnership in 2012. The ASEAN is central to Indias Act East Policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. The ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar.
Teachers play key role in building our future, inspiring dreams: PM





NEW DELHI,

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi lauded the role of teachers in building the future as he greeted them on Teachers Day on Tuesday. On the occasion, he also paid tributes to noted educationist and former President S Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, which is commemorated as Teachers Day. PM Modi said on X, Teachers play a key role in building our future and inspiring dreams. On Teachers Day, we salute them for their unwavering dedication and great impact. Tributes to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary. Modi also shared a video of his interaction on Monday with the winners of the National Teachers Award. He had urged them to celebrate the culture and diversity of different parts of the country in their schools. In his interaction with the 75 award winners at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of teachers in nurturing the young minds of the country.

Concept of equality part of our Vedas: Rajnath:DEFENCE Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the concept of equality is a part of the ancient Indian knowledge system and scriptures and the rights of women are no less than that of men. Delivering Dayanand Smriti Samvad keynote address at DUs Hansraj College on Teachers Day, Singh said the Vedas were repository of rich knowledge on mathematics, astronomy, medical science as well as modern concepts of democracy and equality. Cong hails Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on birth anniversary: THE Congress on Tuesday hailed the contribution of former president Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, saying that he left an indelible mark on education and philosophical thought and his legacy continues to guide our values. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge paid homage to the former President, describing him as a philosopher and statesman whose contribution, dedication and wisdom continue to inspire people generation after generation.

Kharge said that teachers are true nation-builders. They are not only our guiding lights but the flag bearers of good values and the conscience keepers of our moral compass. On Teachers Day, we salute all teachers across the country, for they are the ones who will chart our future destiny, he said. In a post on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, Today, we celebrate Teachers Day and recall Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the great philosopher, educationist and author. Not a political personality by any means, Radhakrishnan had been persuaded by (Jawaharlal) Nehru to be Indias Ambassador to the USSR during 1949-52 when the communist conglomerate still looked upon India suspiciously. Thereafter, he was the first Vice-President of India 1952-62 and President till 1967, Ramesh said.
Uncertain life, no peace of mind in Maoist fold: Radha





By Kartik Lokhande

As a local resident calls out her name, Radha Majji steps out of her room and enters a small daily needs shop in the front portion of her house compound. She looks like an ordinary woman. Unless someone knowing her reveals, one may not be able to realise that till a few years ago, she was known as Moti, the wanted Divisional Commander of the proscribed terrorist organisation CPI (Maoist). As one starts a conversation with her, Radha Majji takes her time to respond out of a sense of disbelief, or, suspicion. But, when she is assured of the person in front, she speaks. Not only does she share her story but also the cause of her dejection with the Maoists, leading to her surrender. A resident of Bhatpar in Bhamragarh tehsil of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, Radha and her husband Deepak alias Manglu Suklu Bogami, a resident of Sukma district of Chhattisgarh, and himself a Divisional Commander of CPI (Maoist), both surrendered before the cops in 2019. The couple was on the Most Wanted list of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana police.

Deepak had joined the Naxalites in Jagargunda Dalam in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become Divisional Commander of Company-5 in North Bastar area. He was involved in 17 encounters with security forces and was wanted for 12 murders. He carried a reward of Rs 9.25 lakh declared by the Government. Radha alias Moti joined the Naxalites in 2004 in Bhamragarh Dalam. By 2017, she was Divisional Commander of Company-10 in North Bastar. She was involved in 15 police encounters and two murders and carried a reward of Rs 9.25 lakh. Asked why she joined the Naxalites, Radha replies, Naxals used to visit our village, stay in Gotul (community hall), deliver speeches, followed by songs and dances. Like any other child, I too liked songs and dances. So, I developed a soft corner for them. Gradually, she started listening to the speeches of Dadas. When they spoke about Jal, Jangal, Jameen, she felt as if they championed the cause of tribals. She joined them and underwent daily physical training and ideological indoctrination.
Most of Korea's biggest tycoons are heading to Indonesia with President Yoon Suk-yeol to attend the ASEAN Summit.

With a population of 277 million, Indonesia is the world's fourth most-populous country after India, China and the U.S. and holds the world's largest reserves of nickel and second-largest reserves of cobalt.

As a result, the Southeast Asian country is growing increasingly important for its strategic resources that conglomerate chiefs like Hyundai chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte chairman Shin Dong-bin want a part of.

The Indonesian government's plan to relocate the capital to the greenfield site of Nusantara on Borneo also offers huge infrastructure construction opportunities.

"The government and businesses are on another economic diplomacy tour as a single team to gain a foothold in the Indonesian market," one business insider said.
Korea's top 300 companies significantly increased their staff in the first half of this year, hiring over 18,000 more people compared to the same period last year.

Leading the growth is Samsung Electronics, which has generated more than 6,000 new jobs in the past year. Corporate analysts Korea CXO Institute selected 30 leading companies from 10 major sectors, including IT, automotive, construction, petrochemicals, and transportation.

Their total staff numbers rose 1.7 percent from 1.07 million in the first half of last year to 1.09 million this first half, though they fell by 720 employees from the end of last year.

The institute warned that employment could dwindle again unless business performance improves in the second half of the year.

A closer look, however, shows that among the 300 companies surveyed, 185 reported an increase in employment, but 115 reduced their workforce. Fifty-seven hired more than 100 people in the past year, with Samsung leading the way by creating a whopping 6,166 jobs.

The institute also noted that the increase in female workers was more than twice as high as among men. The 300 companies' male staff grew from 791,849 to 801,921 over the period, or 1.3 percent. But the number of female employees rose 2.9 percent from 275,388 to 283,478.

The institute said this shows a growing emphasis on diversity, "particularly the recruitment of more female talent, in response to the increasing prevalence of ESG (environmental, social and governance) management practices in Korean companies."
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP trimmed its stake in American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:AFG  Free Report) by 2.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,091,237 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 29,549 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned approximately 1.28% of American Financial Group worth $132,579,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. California Public Employees Retirement System raised its stake in American Financial Group by 3.6% in the 4th quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 164,465 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $22,578,000 after purchasing an additional 5,703 shares during the last quarter. MQS Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Financial Group during the first quarter valued at approximately $309,000. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in American Financial Group by 43.7% during the first quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,125 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $137,000 after acquiring an additional 342 shares during the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new stake in American Financial Group during the first quarter worth approximately $261,000. Finally, Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC grew its stake in American Financial Group by 324.8% in the 4th quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC now owns 8,075 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,109,000 after acquiring an additional 6,174 shares during the period. 63.50% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get American Financial Group alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on AFG shares. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on American Financial Group from $162.00 to $150.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on American Financial Group in a research note on Thursday, August 17th. They issued a hold rating on the stock.

Insider Activity at American Financial Group

In other American Financial Group news, Director Terry S. Jacobs sold 761 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.84, for a total transaction of $88,154.24. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 7,500 shares in the company, valued at $868,800. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, Director Lehman John I. Von sold 1,479 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.39, for a total value of $173,619.81. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 14,116 shares in the company, valued at $1,657,077.24. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Terry S. Jacobs sold 761 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.84, for a total value of $88,154.24. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 7,500 shares in the company, valued at $868,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 14.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

American Financial Group Stock Down 3.3 %

Shares of AFG opened at $113.72 on Wednesday. American Financial Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $109.99 and a fifty-two week high of $150.98. The companys fifty day moving average is $116.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $118.97. The firm has a market cap of $9.65 billion, a PE ratio of 11.37 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The insurance provider reported $2.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.85 by ($0.47). The firm had revenue of $1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.85 billion. American Financial Group had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 22.51%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.85 EPS. Analysts forecast that American Financial Group, Inc. will post 10.64 earnings per share for the current year.

American Financial Group Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 25th. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th were given a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.22%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 13th. American Financial Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.20%.

About American Financial Group

(Free Report)

American Financial Group, Inc, an insurance holding company, provides specialty property and casualty insurance products in the United States. It offers property and transportation insurance products, such as physical damage and liability coverage for buses and trucks, inland and ocean marine, agricultural-related products, and other commercial property and specialty transportation coverages; specialty casualty insurance, including primarily excess and surplus, executive and professional liability, general liability, umbrella and excess liability, and specialty coverage in targeted markets, as well as customized programs for small to mid-sized businesses and workers' compensation insurance; and specialty financial insurance products comprising risk management insurance programs for lending and leasing institutions, fidelity and surety products, and trade credit insurance.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for American Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in shares of PJT Partners Inc. (NYSE:PJT  Free Report) by 85.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 835,398 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 384,103 shares during the quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP owned about 3.47% of PJT Partners worth $60,307,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PJT. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of PJT Partners by 133.0% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 431 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 246 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of PJT Partners by 19.2% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 9,011 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $568,000 after buying an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of PJT Partners by 55.3% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 12,952 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $818,000 after buying an additional 4,613 shares in the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. boosted its position in shares of PJT Partners by 18.9% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 58,246 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,676,000 after buying an additional 9,246 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of PJT Partners by 6.7% in the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 3,703 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $234,000 after buying an additional 231 shares in the last quarter. 73.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get PJT Partners alerts:

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms recently commented on PJT. StockNews.com upgraded shares of PJT Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 31st. Wolfe Research lowered shares of PJT Partners from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. Finally, JMP Securities upped their target price on shares of PJT Partners from $88.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Ji-Yeun Lee sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.61, for a total transaction of $796,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 93,421 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,437,245.81. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 10.67% of the companys stock.

PJT Partners Trading Down 3.0 %

NYSE:PJT opened at $77.03 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $1.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.34 and a beta of 0.78. The companys 50-day moving average is $76.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $73.02. PJT Partners Inc. has a 12-month low of $59.61 and a 12-month high of $86.92.

PJT Partners (NYSE:PJT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.38. PJT Partners had a net margin of 7.79% and a return on equity of 17.24%. The company had revenue of $346.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $240.57 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.88 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 48.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that PJT Partners Inc. will post 3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

PJT Partners Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 5th. PJT Partnerss dividend payout ratio is currently 30.30%.

PJT Partners Company Profile

(Free Report)

PJT Partners Inc, an investment bank, provides various strategic and capital markets advisory, restructuring and special situations, and shareholder advisory services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors, and governments worldwide. It offers advisory services to clients on various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), spin-offs, activism defense, contested M&A, joint ventures, minority investments, and divestitures.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PJT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PJT Partners Inc. (NYSE:PJT  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for PJT Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PJT Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
The Berkeley Group Holdings plc (LON:BKG  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is GBX 4,494.43 ($56.76).

A number of research firms recently commented on BKG. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on The Berkeley Group from GBX 4,651 ($58.74) to GBX 4,474 ($56.50) and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on The Berkeley Group from GBX 4,800 ($60.62) to GBX 4,400 ($55.57) and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. UBS Group increased their price objective on The Berkeley Group from GBX 4,450 ($56.20) to GBX 4,580 ($57.84) and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a GBX 4,350 ($54.94) price objective on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd. Finally, Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 5,100 ($64.41) price objective on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research note on Thursday, June 22nd.

Get The Berkeley Group alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on The Berkeley Group

Insider Buying and Selling

The Berkeley Group Trading Down 0.3 %

In related news, insider Sarah Sands acquired 247 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 13th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 3,998 ($50.49) per share, for a total transaction of 9,875.06 ($12,471.66). 5.16% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Shares of BKG stock opened at GBX 4,009 ($50.63) on Friday. The Berkeley Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 3,120 ($39.40) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 4,549 ($57.45). The stock has a market cap of 4.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 950.00, a P/E/G ratio of -0.87 and a beta of 1.14. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 4,107.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 4,131.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 3.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.96.

The Berkeley Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a dividend of GBX 59.30 ($0.75) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1.39%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. The Berkeley Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 3,056.87%.

The Berkeley Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report

The Berkeley Group Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the residential-led and mixed-use property development and ancillary activities in the United Kingdom. The company is involved in land selling activities. It operates under the Berkeley, St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph, and St William brand names.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for The Berkeley Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Berkeley Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is highly likely to visit Vladivostok next week to talk arms deals with Russian President Vladimir Putin. So far North Korea has been providing ammunition to Russia through Wagner Group, the private military outfit fighting in Ukraine, but now the two countries are discussing direct supply. That would constitute a violation of UN Security Council sanctions against the North which Russia, a permanent member of the UNSC, signed up to.

The New York Times reported that Kim is likely to visit a naval base and space station in Vladivostok, which suggests the North could demand technology transfer of Russian nuclear-powered submarines and reconnaissance satellites. Since 2021, North Korea has focused on achieving five goals for strategic weapons development, but the project has not been progressing smoothly. The North has failed two consecutive reconnaissance satellite launches so far this year and lacks the technology to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Kim will surely try to secure those technologies when he meets Putin.

North Korea could also ask for Russia's help in modernizing its outdated weapons. North Korea's main fighter jet is the Russian MiG-29 that was purchased in the 1980s. If Russia provides the North with cutting-edge fighter planes and air defense systems, South Korea's national security will be threatened. North Korea already has submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and if it gets its hands on nuclear-powered subs that can remained submerged indefinitely, Seoul's ability to monitor the North's nuclear weapons will be disabled. The deals Putin signs with Kim must be closely watched and met with an appropriate response if they involve nuclear-powered submarines and other prohibited technologies.
That release could not be found.
Nigerians, particularly many residents of Abuja, woke up recently to a reported threat by the new Minister for the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, to demolish any building that contravenes the Abuja master plan. Wike, going by media reports said; If you know you have built where you are not supposed to build, it will go down. Be it a minister anywhere, be it an ambassador if you know you have developed where you are not supposed to, your house will go down he declared. Additional information that trailed the declaration further revealed that the proposed mass demolitions would affect approximately 6,000 buildings in 30 areas of the FCT.

Essentially, while the declaration looks good in principle, especially as the federal government and the FCT authorities are blessed with the constitutional right to enforce all physical laws within the Federal Capital Territory, there exists on the hand, several reasons that qualifies the Minister and his action as a public office holder that is not ready to study history, study the actions of their predecessors, to see how they conducted themselves in order to discover that the eviction option is not the solution to achieving organized city but can only aggravate the situation as it renders victims homeless, destitute and vulnerable to violence, theft and rape.

Tragically unique is the awareness that the Minister is contemplating demolition/forced eviction at a time when Nigeria is reportedly grasping with an estimated 28 million housing deficit, a condition which indicates that the country needs at least 28 million housing units to provide adequately for the population-and requires an estimated sum of N21 trillion to provide housing units to fill the deficit.

Aside from this new awareness that the nations housing sector needs an investment of over N21 trillion to build sufficient housing for entire population and may require an annual average rate of N7.47 trillion credits, for three consecutive years to provide the needed 28 million housing units for the population, that is, if the population remains constant over this period, one other point that Minister Wike probably failed to remember before making that declaration was that the factors responsible for this growing housing shortage which has recently grown from a simple to a more complex problem includes; slum demolition and forced eviction, increased poverty, urban migration, mortgage inefficiency, urban expansion and overpopulation among others.

Again, separate from the fact that aforementioned poor public leadership orientation in the country has reportedly resulted in a situation whereby the housing deficit in the country increased from 7 million in 1991 to 28 million in 2023, which signifies a 300 per cent increase over the period, doubling the increase in population, as the population increased by 148 per cent while the housing deficit increased by 300 per cent, what the present piece of information tells us is that as a nation, we dont need to be experts in physical planning, urban renewal/regeneration or possess town planning master plans designed by global best brains, before we can know that demolition/forced eviction is a counter-productive strategy.

As an instance, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, in the name of restoration of the Abuja Master plan demolished thousands of houses within the FCT and thousands in the satellite towns, which left many families stranded and unable to regain their balance till date.

Going by a report put together by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and available in Nigeria media space, Malam El-Rufai, as the FCT minister, displaced about 700,000 people and destroyed an estimated 200,000 properties during his tenure between 2003 and 2007. The commission found that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, without providing alternative accommodation, and without compensation for those who were displaced. The body also said that the demolitions were often carried out in a violent and discriminatory manner.

Sounding impenitent over his tenure, the former minister said in his 627-page book tiled, Accidental Civil Servant, said: For me, restoring order in the chaos that we found in many aspect of living in Abuja at the time, was simply consistent with my personal philosophy in life, a preference for rules and orderliness- a burden that I needed to discharge personally so I could sleep well at night. It was without question worth giving four years of my life pursuing. Therefore, I have no regrets for attempting to do what we did. We did what we believed was right at the time.

In the opinion of this piece, the question that begs for an answer from El-Rufai is: since after that wanton demolition and thoughtless disruption of peoples means of livelihood, has the Abuja Master Plan truly been restored? If yes, why is the present administration still pushing for demolition and forced eviction? Is that not a sign that demolition/forced eviction is but a prescription that only addresses the effect of an ailment while leaving the root cause to thrive?

Without waiting for answer(s) to the above question, existing reports at the public domain show that about 2 million Nigerians have been forcibly evicted from their land or residence across Nigeria in the last 10 years. Many of these evictions, it was noted, were carried out in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

More specifically, it was in the news that between 2003 and 2008, over 800,000 people were forcibly evicted from the FCT by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The evictions, as observed by a commentator, were presumably carried out to implement the Abuja Master Plan, the infrastructural developmental blueprint for the Federal Capital, Abuja.

Also disturbing is the information that most of these forced evictions are carried out by the authorities in disregard of their obligations under ``international and domestic laws, and in direct violation of court orders-and laced with brutal force, often resulting in injury, death, massive destruction of property, homelessness, miscarriage, trauma, loss of livelihoods, separation of families, and children deprived of access to education.

Definitely, in physical terns, this piece lacks the capacity to hold or prevent Nyesom Wike's bulldozers from achieving forced eviction in the FCT despite the administrations non-recognize that globally, shelter is one of the most basic human needs and has a profound impact on the health, welfare, social attitudes and economic productivity of the individual and also one of the best indications of a persons standard of living and of his or her place in society. But one thing stands out; Lagos state experience in the present circumstance remains a sterling example that forced eviction has done the nation more harm than good-and in most cases compounds the problems it was meant to solve.

This sad narrative about Lagos started in July 1990, when Raji Rasaki in his capacity as Military Governor of Lagos State and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) as Military President for yet to be identified reasons destroyed Maroko. Seven days from the day it was announced on radio was all it took the military government to pull down the whole of Maroko. Over 300,000 people that inhabited Maroko then lost their homes to that experience.

Going by reports, Maroko was a sub-city within Lagos. It was peaceful and very popular. The places now called Oniru Royal Estate; some parts of Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 1, were formerly known as Maroko and it was inhabited by mainly low income earners. Maroko prided itself with over 150 streets and houses owned by ten thousand landlords. The people were happy and judiciously self sufficient!.

Even the dawn of democracy in May 1999, did not bring a shift in paradigm as successive democratically elected governors beginning with- Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu (May 1999 to 2007, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), 2007 to 2015, Akinwunmi Ambode (2015 to 2019) and presently Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, stuck to the practice.

At each electioneering, intending governors present baskets of manifestos with promise to make Lagos a more human-friendly, livable state as the loudest. But contrary to that expectation, documented experience reveals that between 2003 and 2020, demolition/forced evictions of citizens without alternative accommodation has characterized every administration in the state. To achieve this heinous objective, the government has a way of tagging the targeted community as a highly populated urban residential area consisting mostly of closely packed, decrepit housing units in a situation of deteriorated or incomplete infrastructure, inhabited primarily by impoverished persons.

Under the above excuse, the following Lagos communities has between 2003 and 2023 partly or wholly fallen under the bulldozers of the Lagos state Government; Makoko community, Yaba, Ijora East and Ijora Badiya, PURA-NPA Bar Beach, Ikota Housing Estate, Ogudu Ori-Oke, Mosafejo in Oshodi, Agric-Owutu communities, Ageologo-Mile 12, communities along Mile 2 Okokomaiko and lately Oworoshoki, to mention but a few. As if that was not enough trouble for the poor Lagosians, in 2016, the then governor of the state of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, vowed to evacuate all waterfront shantytowns  a population totaling about 300,000, according to the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Association.

More devastating is that a few months later, 30,000 people lost their homes when one of the slums, Otodo Gbame, a poor fishing community close to the up market southeastern district of Lekki, was razed. During the reported demolition of Makoko community on the 17th July, 2012, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) stated that a letter from the Lagos state government was served on residents the previous week, giving them 72 hours to vacate their properties. The Lagos state authorities further noted in that Letter that the illegal constructions in Makoko constituted an environmental nuisance, security risk and an impediment to the economic and gainful utilization of the waterfront and undermined the megacity status of Lagos.

Adding to the woes of the evictees is the Lagos state governments love for disobeying court directives and non fulfillment of their promises to resettle those evicted.

Illustratively, aside from Raji Fashola (SAN), immediate past Minister for Works And Housing, and former governor of the state promising to build housing units that would accommodate the evictees, it was also in the news that at the Supreme Court, Abuja, in the year 2002, The Lagos state government through the then Lagos state Commissioner for Justice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, now Vice President of Nigeria, accepted responsibility and promised the evictees 1,000 housing units every year, till the whole former house-owners of Maroko are fully resettled.

He admitted that though, government acquired Maroko town in 1972, it again relinquished the acquisition in 1977; thereby confirming that Maroko was not under government acquisition when it was demolished in 1990. But regrettably, till this day, nothing has been done by the state government or his agents to remedy the situation or fulfill the promise made.

The above sad account, like what Minister Wike is trying to achieve, is an emblem of governments that are unmindful of, or deliberately decided to ignore the clarification by the United Nations Independent Expert on the Right to Development, that for a programme to be tagged development, it must require a particular process that allows the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, and all fundamental freedoms, by expanding the capabilities and choices of the individual.

Even as this piece centres on the non- infusion of human rights principles, the international convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Ratified by Nigeria in 1993), is one document that probably did more than anything else to capture the gully of disappointments and many sins of successive administrations in the state against the evictees.

It recognized that globally, forced eviction is a brazen violation of the right to life, right to fair hearing, right to dignity of the human person, the right to a private and family life, and the rights to property guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the African charter of Human and peoples Right (Ratification and Enforcement Act 1990). Similarly, the United Nations Human Rights Commission Resolutions 1993/77 and 2004/28 affirm that when forced evictions are carried out, they violate a range of internationally recognized human rights.

These include the: Human right to adequate housing; Human rights to security of the person, and security of the home; Human right to health; Human right to food; Human right to water; Human right to work/livelihood; Human right to education; Human right to freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment; Human right to freedom of movement; Human right to information; and, Human right to participation and self-expression.

While it has reported repeatedly that clearance operations should take place only when conservation arrangements and rehabilitation are not feasible, relocation measures stand made, UN Resolution 2004/28, recognized the provisions on forced evictions contained in the Habitat Agenda of 1996, and recommended that, All Governments must ensure that any eviction that is otherwise deemed lawful is carried out in a manner that does not violate any of the human rights of those evicted. It will be highly rewarding if the state government internalizes these provisions and develops processes or processes that allow the realization of economic, social development of the state in a way that protects the rights of the people.

Tragically unique is that on one side, Nigerias housing sector is in complete crisis, on the other hand is that the country has a very bad history of forced eviction.

The questions therefore are; how does the Federal Government hope to address Nigerias housing sector when according to reports coordination and communication between federal and state governments seems lacking? When Landlord-Tenant relations are loosely governed and laws that should regulate and protect the right to housing are not enforced? How is the government at both state and Federal levels planning to mitigate the suffering of Nigerians when there is no social housing and homelessness is escalating, with no emergency housing options for those in acute need? Why is forced eviction always the most attractive before successive administrations in Nigeria?

As the nation, particularly public office holders, ponder on the above questions, there are reasons to underline some truths the Federal and state Governments urgently need to acknowledge.

First is that Nigerias developmental arrest is attributable to the nations exemplary neglect of the housing sector. And for meaningful development to be recorded there must be aggressive social housing in the country. This must be seen as a national project, a sincere and a fundamental undertaking aimed at realistically examining and genuinely resolving, long standing impediments to housing cohesion and harmonious development.

Most important is the need to recognize that stakeholders are worried about the legal framework for land administration, especially the Land Use Act (LUA). Says a report, the existence of the Land Use Act is exacerbating the pressures on the housing sector. The manner in which the LUA has been used has resulted in severe consequences for the enjoyment of the right to housing. The LUA vests State Governors with significant management and administrative powers. Governors can grant rights of occupancy and also revoke them based on an overriding public purpose. It makes land title registration cumbersome and extremely onerous to perfect.

As an incentive to addressing Abuja physical planning challenge, this piece holds the opinion that the FCT Minister should cast a glance at how a famous slum challenge was creatively handled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, without displacement or eviction of the original occupants. Instead of removing the favelas,- a people initially considered/described as illegal occupants, many of the governments policies were made to focus more on improving the infrastructure of the people/the area. The Inter-American Development Bank for example, funded a US$180 million slum to neighborhood project in 1995, which sought to integrate existing favelas into the fabric of the city through infrastructure upgrading and service development.

The project involved 253,000 residents in 73 favela neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. When a favela was selected, a master plan for upgrades was drafted and community organizations were contacted and asked to provide their input. When the final plan was approved, incentive plans were implemented for hiring construction companies that employed local community workers.

From Brazil to Spain and South Africa, the story and experience is the same. Comparatively, when one juxtaposes the above accounts as recorded in Brazil, with what THE Federal Government is planning to re-enact in Abuja, there exists a gully of difference. Essentially, aside from the imperative of drawing useful lessons from Brazil experience, this piece would also appreciate the FCT Minister and other state governors reputed for forced eviction, like Lagos explain whose responsibility is it to provide infrastructures; government or the people/residents?

For me, providing answer(s) to the above question will redefine as well as address governments relationships with the people on issues of physical planning and urban re-generation, usher in eviction-free co-existence while sending new lessons to other states in the country and of course the Federal Government reputed for practices of forced evictions.

This is important as no state in Nigeria can boast of clean hands when it comes to issues that have to do with forced eviction and housing shortages. In fact, if what overtly happens in Lagos and FCT is a challenge, what is covertly going on in states such as Delta, Ogun and Rivers among others qualify as a crisis.

God bless Nigeria!

Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via: [email protected] /08032725374.
The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has expressed the readiness of his management team to collaborate with the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in the fight against the trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

The Ag. CGC made this known to the Coordinator of the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj. Gen. Abba Muhammad Dikko (rtd.), on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023, at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

"This is not the first time Nigeria Customs Service has been contributing to eradicating the menace of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as it has, on several occasions, made seizures of such illicit substances often concealed in bags of rice and other legitimate products," the CGC added.

Recall that the Service has, in the second week of August 2023, succeeded in intercepting over 1,000 live ammunition concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

The Customs Boss, who appreciated the National Coordinator for leading his team to visit the Service's Headquarters to knot ties with him, also emphasized the need to venture more into intelligence and data sharing.

We will be looking forward to having a deeper collaboration with the centre in terms of your database. First, I wish to inform you that I am happy that your Agency is doing well. Customs Boss said.

He also gave assurance that the Nigeria Customs Service will do everything possible to synergize with the Agency through the secondment of more Customs Officers to work with the Center.

In terms of intelligence, I believe that you're ready for it. We also do have a formidable intelligence unit, and most of the seizures that have been credited to Customs are done through gathering credible intelligence. He added.

Addressing the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, the Coordinator of National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Maj. Gen. Abba Muhammad Dikko (rtd.) congratulated him on his appointment and described the Service as a substantial pillar in pursuing illicit arms in society.

He commended the efforts made by the Nigeria Customs Service in the area of intercepting illicit flow of arms through the Nigerian borders and further emphasized that it helps in securing the Country and the citizens.

We all know that Nigeria is suffering from a myriad of insecurity-related issues of different sorts, and the key catalyst that has continued to fuel this insecurity is the availability of small arms, and without the help of Customs, we will not have a lovely and safer environment. He said.

The National Coordinator, however, applauded the Service's unflinching support in gracing his Agency's programmes.

According to him, the synergy, if sustained, will not only help in protecting the country against the multiplication of small arms and ammunition but also in the area of generating revenue for the Federal Government.
The Nigeria Police Force have announced plan to arraign a man, Chike Ibezim who accused the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, of drafting the presidential election tribunal verdict that would allegedly be handed to judges in favour of President Bola Tinubu.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Ibezim would be arraigned once the courts resume.

He said after an investigation into a reported case against the accused by Fashola through his lawyers, the Police discovered Ibezim made a false publication on his social media handle.

Adejobi stated that the actions of the accused have the potential to cause harm, distress, and damage to Fasholas reputation, as well as pose great threats to the national security and stability of Nigeria.

The full Police statement reads: Following a report from Priory Terrace Solicitors on behalf of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, CON, against one Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, Police Investigators from the Force Intelligence Bureau carried out intensive investigations into the complaint and discovered that the suspect made a false publication on his handle 

@ReporteraNews on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter on Saturday 5th August, 2023, alleging that the complainant was involved in the drafting of a controversial verdict in the ongoing Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and that the military have been deployed to his residence to restrict movement thereby intending to cast aspersion on the person of the former Minister, contrary to Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015, which has the potential to cause harm, distress, and damage to his reputation, as well as posing great threats to national security and stability of our dear country.

Further investigations to wit technical and tactical analysis into the phone number used for making the publication in question, it was discovered that it is registered to one Chike Ibezim. Armed with this intelligence, police investigators proceeded to the office address of the suspect in Maitama, Abuja, where Chike Ibezim was arrested, while Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, and one Tope who it was alleged handles all social media correspondences are currently at large and have not honoured all invitations by the Nigeria Police Force.

In this wise, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that our radar is on other individuals who are involved in this case and others alike for possible arrest and prosecution. The NPF thereby warns that cyberstalking and other cyber-related unguarded utterances are criminal and capable of heating up the polity and causing chaos.

This new trend of cyberstalking, and a massive spread of fake news should be discouraged in all manners for our collective sake, and the sake of our dear country.

Recall that earlier on Sunday, the Police said that contrary to speculations that Ibezim is being held illegally, he is in lawful custody.
Fierce rainstorms battered neighboring Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria on Tuesday, triggering flooding that caused at least seven deaths, including two holidaymakers swept away by a torrent that raged through a campsite in northwestern Turkey.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said four other people were missing after the flash flood swept over the campsite in Kirklareli province, near the border with Bulgaria. He said about 12 vacationers were at the site when the waters hit.

Search teams had located two bodies, he said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The search and rescue efforts for the missing (four) continue uninterrupted, he added.

Television footage showed rescuers carrying a young girl and an adult to safety from waters reaching waist-high in some areas. The rains also damaged and forced the closure of a main road, HaberTurk television reported.

In Istanbul, Turkeys largest city, heavy rain flooded streets and homes in two neighborhoods, leaving at least two dead, according to a statement from the governors office. Around a dozen people were rescued after being stranded inside a library, while some subway stations were shut down. Istanbul Gov. Davut Gul urged motorcyclists to stay home.

In Greece, police banned traffic in the central town of Volos, the nearby mountain region of Pilion and the resort island of Skiathos as record rainfall caused at least one death, channeled thigh-high torrents through streets and swept cars away.

The fire department said one man was killed near Volos when a wall buckled and fell on him. Five people were reported missing, possibly swept away by floodwaters.

Authorities sent cellphone alerts in several other areas of central Greece, the Sporades island chain and the island of Evia warning people to limit their movements outdoors.

Streams overflowed their banks and swept cars into the sea in the Pilion area, while rockfalls blocked roads, a small bridge was carried away and many areas suffered electricity cuts. Authorities evacuated a retirement home in the city of Volos as a precaution.

Greeces weather service said a Pilion region village received 75.4 centimeters (nearly 30 inches) of rain late Tuesday, by far the highest level recorded since at least 2006. It noted that the average annual rainfall in the Athens region is around 40 centimeters (15.75 inches).

The countrys minister of climate crisis and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said the heavy rain was expected to ease up after midday Wednesday. He advised people in affected areas to stay indoors.

The storm comes on the heels of major summer wildfires that hit Greece over the past few weeks, with some burning for more than two weeks and destroying vast tracts of forest and farmland. More than 20 people were killed in the fires.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis blamed both the wildfires and storms on climate change, while conceding that his center-right government clearly didnt manage things as well as we would have liked on the wildfire front.

I am afraid that the careless summers, as we knew them ... will cease to exist and from now on the coming summers are likely to be ever more difficult, he said Tuesday.

Farther north in Bulgaria, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said two people died and three others were missing after a storm caused floods on the countrys southern Black Sea coast.

Overflowing rivers caused severe damage to roads and bridges. The area also suffered power blackouts, and authorities warned residents not to drink tap water due to contamination from floodwaters.

High winds sent 2-meter (6-foot) waves crashing onto beaches at tourist resorts amid torrential rain that flooded streets and houses.

TV footage showed cars and camper vans being swept out to sea in the hardest-hit southern resort town of Tsarevo. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Tsarevo and urged people to move upstairs as the ground floors of some hotels were inundated.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
According to findings, Nigeria has about $8.25bn undisbursed loan from World Bank as of July 2023.

This was focused on data obtained from the Summary Statement of Loans/Credit/Grants on the website of the World Bank.

A further breakdown indicated that the undisbursed loans included $7.45bn from the International Development Association and $1.12bn from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Earlier, it was reported that undisbursed loans might drive Nigerias debt to the World Bank from $12.72bn to $21.15bn.

This further indicated that the yet-to-be-disbursed loans could increase Nigerias debt to the lending institution by 66.27 percent.

The bank, while explaining the reason for the yet-to-be-disbursed loans, particularly the signed loan commitments, in its 2022 statements, noted that the loans are not effective and disbursements do not start until the borrowers and/or guarantors take certain actions and furnish documents.

According to the data obtained from the Debt Management Office, Nigeria currently owed World Bank $14.33bn as of March 31, 2023.

Recently, The Federal Government noted that it has no intention to borrow from any local or foreign organisation with its removal of subsidy on petrol and exchange rate harmonisation.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, at the end of the inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

According to him, Government is not in a position to borrow if you consider 90 per cent debt service to revenue and behind that, a rising debt to GDP ratio. If you look at the last budget, you will see that there is a borrowing requirement built into it, appropriated by the National Assembly. And that is ongoing.

It is an indication of the commitment of the government to find other sources of funding rather than relying on borrowing and to bring down or even eliminate a certain type of borrowing as soon as possible. That type of borrowing is borrowing for recurrent as opposed to borrowing for capital expenditure, which has a return and which is self-financing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, has assured Nigerians of his renewed and energized focus on delivering his vision of a unified, peaceful and prosperous nation, following the judgment by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

President Tinubu welcomes the judgment of the Tribubal with an intense sense of solemn responsibility and preparedness to serve all Nigerians, irrespective of all diverse political persuasions, faiths, and tribal identities.

The President recognizes the diligence, undaunted thoroughness, and professionalism of the five-member bench, led by Justice Haruna Tsammani in interpreting the law.

The President affirms that his commitment to the rule of law, and the unhindered discharge of duties by the Tribunal, as witnessed in the panel's exclusive respect for the merits of the petitions brought forward, further reflects the continuing maturation of Nigerias legal system, and the advancement of Africa's largest democracy at a time when our democratic system of government is under test in other parts of the continent.

The President believes the Presidential Candidates and Political Parties that have lawfully exercised their rights by participating in the 2023 general elections and the judicial process, which followed, have affirmed Nigerias democratic credentials.

The President urges his valiant challengers to inspire their supporters in the trust that the spirit of patriotism will now and forever be elevated above partisan considerations, manifesting into support for our Government to improve the livelihood of all Nigerians.

Once more, President Tinubu thanks Nigerians for the mandate given to him to serve our country while promising to meet and exceed their expectations, by the grace of God Almighty, and through very diligent hard work with the team that has been put in place for that sole purpose.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 6, 2023


Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has restated his plan to sustain the mastership of the Service in the area of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians - through enhanced capacity building for the Service officers.

The CGC made this known during a courtesy visit by the Commandant of the National Institute for Security Studies, Ayodele Adeleke, who led members of the Institute to Customs Corporate Headquarters on Tuesday, 6th September, 2023, in Abuja.

According to the Customs boss, there's a need to join hands in intensifying the probity of officers and men of the Service, emphasizing that maintaining security level in Nigeria is a collaborative effort.

CG Adeniyi, who spoke about the importance of organizing capacity-building workshops, assured the entourage that the Service would continue to prioritize the institute.

Some members of the Service's management team and alumni of the institute expressed their appreciation for the opportunity garnered at NISS.

On his part, the Commandant of NISS, Ayodele Adeleke, said the Institute is currently researching "Globalization and Regional Economic Integration, Implications for Sustainable Development in Africa."

He, however, added that this visit will be centred around a training program beneficial to the Service's management, officers, and personnel.

The Commandant also said the Institute is always ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to pursue excellence.

The National Institute for Security Studies is a centre for security studies, research, capacity building and staff development, amongst others.




Michigan, as a whole, does not have a statewide law specifically addressing the ownership of pigs, which technically means that these oinkers are legal in the state. However, here's the catch: individual municipalities in Michigan have their own set of rules when it comes to pig ownership. Some cities embrace the idea of having mini pigs as pets, while others have outright bans on pig ownership. Take, for example, the city of Detroit, where owning a pig is currently illegal.





So, before you embark on your journey to bring home a piggy companion in Michigan, it is crucial to reach out to your local authorities and determine whether these adorable creatures are allowed in your neighborhood. In this article, I have compiled a list of a few Michigan municipalities that permit residents to keep pigs as pets.





Grand Rapids, MI

In the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pigs are classified as farm animals. As per the Code of Ordinances of this city, it is strictly forbidden to house a farm animal within a dwelling or dwelling unit. Moreover, the city code explicitly prohibits the keeping of farm animals, including our porcine friends, within one hundred feet of neighboring dwellings, springs or streams, and within 50 feet of stormwater catch basins situated on private property. Furthermore, the code unequivocally forbids the maintenance of pigs in unsanitary conditions.

Dearborn, MI The city of Dearborn mandates, as per its Code of Ordinances , that individuals desiring to keep a pet pig must acquire a permit from the director of residential services. This permit ensures that the pig is not permitted to roam freely or cause any disturbances that may disrupt the tranquility of the neighborhood. The director of residential services possesses the power to suspend a permit if it is determined that a nuisance has been or is being created.

Moreover, it is strictly prohibited to construct any structure intended for housing the pig within a 25-foot radius of any dwelling.

Troy, MI In order to keep a pig as a pet within the City of Troy, MI, it is necessary to obtain a $70 Animal Permit . Additionally, there is a property size requirement of at least  of an acre for the keeping of pet pigs. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the application documents must provide evidence that the pig will be treated with utmost care and will not be subjected to neglect or cruelty.

Measures must be taken to ensure that the pig cannot escape its designated quarters. Furthermore, reasonable precautions must be implemented to safeguard both the public from the pig and the pig from any potential harm caused by the public.

Westland, MI In the city of Westland, located in Wayne County, MI, there is a property size requirement of at least one-half acre in order to legally keep a pig as a pet. Furthermore, it is required that enclosures designated for housing pigs are situated no closer than 20 feet to adjacent property lines, and no closer than 40 feet to any dwelling.

Southfield, MI The city of Southfield, Michigan, permits the ownership of a single pot-bellied pig as a domestic companion within residential premises. However, some specific requirements and restrictions must be adhered to.

Firstly, the pot-bellied pig must not exceed a weight of 100 pounds or a height of 25 inches. Additionally, by the age of four months, the pig must undergo spaying or neutering and receive vaccinations for rabies, leptospirosis, erysipelas, and brucellosis.

To ensure compliance, all pot-bellied pigs kept as pets within Southfield must be registered and licensed by the city on an annual basis. This process helps maintain accurate records and ensures the well-being of these animals.

Furthermore, all pet pot-bellied pigs are required to be kept indoors at all times, except during waste disposal or exercise periods.

Kalamazoo, MI Kalamazoo residents are required by ordinance to obtain a permit from the City Commission or its designee before keeping a pig as a pet within the city limits. The application for the permit must specify the location of the premises upon which the pig is intended to be kept as well as the desired number of pigs.

West Bloomfield, MI In West Bloomfield Township, MI, pigs are classified as livestock. According to Chapter 7 of the Township's Code Of Ordinances , it shall be the duty of every pig owner to see that such an animal is confined upon their premises. Furthermore, it shall be the duty of every West Bloomfield pig owner to keep their animals in a clean and sanitary condition and prevent them from becoming a nuisance to neighbors.

Redford Charter Township, MI Residents of Redford Charter Township are permitted to keep registered, purebred, miniature, Vietnamese potbellied pigs as pets within the Township limits. Chapter 8 of the Township's Code of Ordinances requires that all pet pigs be spayed or neutered and vaccinated against pseudo rabies. Furthermore, the ordinance makes it illegal for a resident to keep more than one miniature pig at one dwelling or premises.

Midland, MI The City of Midland permits its residents to keep miniature pigs as pets under certain conditions . For starters, it is illegal to keep more than one miniature pig at one licensed premises. Additionally, all pet miniature pigs must be spayed or neutered upon reaching maturity and vaccinated against pseudo rabies.

Furthermore, pet miniature pigs must at all times be kept indoors except for periods of exercise and elimination of waste. Finally, owners must ensure that all areas housing miniature pigs are consistently maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Holland, MI

The City of Holland, MI, allows residents to keep up to two miniature pigs per residence. A miniature pig, as defined in the city's ordinance, is one that will not grow to exceed 120 pounds. As per the City Code , it is unlawful to deny a pet pig proper nourishment, hydration, shelter, veterinary care, or protection from the elements through a suitable structure.





Conclusion

The aforementioned Michigan municipalities are only a handful of those that allow the keeping of pigs as pets within their boundaries. If your city was not mentioned in this article and you are contemplating adding a miniature pig to your family in Michigan, it is crucial, as I mentioned earlier, to contact your local authorities to ascertain whether owning pet pigs is permitted in your city or town of residence.





Are you captivated by the charm of Arnold Schwarzenegger's delightful pet mini pig, and now find yourself yearning to own a pig of your own in the great state of Michigan? But hold on, a burning question arises: Is it even legal to keep a pig as a pet in Michigan? Fear not, for you have stumbled upon the perfect article to quench your curiosity.
China warns against new Cold War as big powers meet in SE Asia

JAKARTA: Chinas premier said today (Sept 6) major powers must oppose a new Cold War, a thinly veiled reference to Washington as top Asian and US officials gathered for talks in Indonesia.

politicsChineseMyanmarRussian

By AFP

Wednesday 6 September 2023 04:08 PM

Leaders and dignitaries at the the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. Photo: AFP

Beijing has expressed concern about US-backed blocs forming on its doorstep, while facing disputes with other powers in the region over the South China Sea and other issues.

Disagreements and disputes may arise between countries due to misperceptions, diverging interests or external interferences, Li Qiang said at the start of an ASEAN-plus-three meeting with Japan and South Korea in Jakarta.

To keep differences under control, what is essential now is to oppose picking sides, to oppose bloc confrontation and to oppose a new Cold War.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) is holding separate summits with China, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Canada, providing an arena for big powers to lobby the bloc and their rivalries to play out.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is attending in place of President Joe Biden, while Li was taking part instead of President Xi Jinping.

Todays meetings come before an 18-member East Asia Summit tomorrow to be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where broader geopolitical issues are expected to top the agenda.

The Russian embassy in Indonesia posted an image of Lavrov arriving in Jakarta today.

The vice president will underscore the United States enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific generally and to ASEAN centrality specifically, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters yesterday, using another term for the Asia-Pacific region.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are attending both days of meetings.

Undermine peace

Yoon reportedly told ASEAN leaders there must be no cooperation with North Korea, which the United States said this week is holding arms talks with Russia.

Any attempts to forge military cooperation with North Korea, which is acting to undermine peace in the international community, should be immediately stopped, Yoon was quoted by a presidential official as telling an ASEAN meeting, according to Yonhap news agency.

Kishida and Yoon met Li, with a row between China and Japan over the release of treated wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant expected to be prominent.

Host Indonesia told an ASEAN leaders summit yesterday that the bloc would not become a proxy for big power competition as US-China tensions continue to flare over Taiwan, the South China Sea and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

The roundtable involving Lavrov and Harris will be the first high-level US-Russia encounter since a foreign ministers meeting in Jakarta in July, where US and European officials rounded on Moscows top diplomat over the Ukraine conflict.

A Southeast Asian diplomat present at todays meetings told AFP they would conclude with joint statements about closer diplomatic, economic and food security collaboration between the powers and ASEAN.

ASEAN leaders will host summits tomorrow with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Albanese told a regional forum in Jakarta today Canberra is seeking closer engagement and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Severest consequences

Myanmar will also be a major issue at the summits with China - a key diplomatic ally of the junta in the former Burma.

Southeast Asian leaders strongly condemned the violence and attacks on civilians in Myanmar yesterday, directly blaming the junta.

China also upset several ASEAN members last week when it released a new official map claiming sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea.

It sparked sharp rebukes from across the region, including Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Japan said late yesterday it had lodged a strong protest against Beijing over the map and called for its retraction, government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno told a briefing.

The Southeast Asian diplomat who spoke to AFP said joint statements from the meetings will contain references to the South China Sea and Myanmar.

Leaders were to express concern about land reclamations, activities, serious incidents in the disputed South China Sea, according to a draft ASEAN chair statement, seen by AFP, to be issued this week.

However, experts said ASEAN leaders were unlikely to confront Li to avoid angering Beijing.

I predict... the leaders will avoid discussing confrontational issues such as Chinas new map, Aleksius Jemadu, a foreign affairs expert at Indonesias Pelita Harapan University, told AFP.

They wont risk the relationship with big powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on April 25, 2019

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia for a summit with President Vladimir Putin, a U.S. official said, in a trip that would underscore deepening cooperation as the two isolated leaders are locked in separate confrontations with the U.S.

U.S. officials also said that Russia is seeking to buy ammunition from North Korea to refill reserves drained by its war in Ukraine. In return, experts said, North Korea will likely want food and energy shipments and transfers of sophisticated weapons technologies.

A meeting with Putin would be Kims first summit with a foreign leader since North Korea closed its borders in January 2020. They met for the first time in April 2019, two months after Kims high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with then-U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Pyongyang in July and asked Kim to send more ammunition to Russia, according to U.S. officials. Shoigu said Moscow and Pyongyang were considering holding military exercises for the first time.

Its unclear how far Kim and Putins military cooperation could go, but any sign of warming relations will worry rivals like the U.S. and South Korea. Russia seeks to quash a Ukrainian counteroffensive and prolong the war, while North Korea is extending a record pace of missile tests to protest U.S. moves to reinforce its military alliances with South Korea and Japan.

Heres a look at what Kims possible trip to Russia would mean:

What does Russia want from North Korea?

Since last year, U.S. officials have suspected that North Korea is providing Russia with artillery shells, rockets and other ammunition, many of which are likely copies of Soviet-era munitions.

Russia is in urgent need of (war supplies). If not, how could the defense minister of a powerful country at war come to a small country like North Korea? said Kim Taewoo, former head of Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification. He said Shoigu was the first Russian defense minister to visit North Korea since the 1991 disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Buying munitions from North Korea would be a violation of U.N. resolutions, supported by Russia, that ban all arms trade with the isolated country. But now that it faces international sanctions and export controls over its war in Ukraine, Russia has been seeking weapons from other sanctioned countries like North Korea and Iran.

North Korea has vast stores of munitions, but Du Hyeogn Cha, an analyst at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, doubted whether it could swiftly send significant amounts to Russia, because the narrow land link between the countries can handle only a limited amount of rail traffic.

What does Kim want in return?

Kims priorities would be aid shipments, prestige and military technology, experts said.

It would be a win-win deal for both, as Putin is cornered over his exhausted weapons inventory while Kim faces pressure from the South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, said Nam Sung-wook, a former director of the Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank run by South Koreas spy agency. Their needs are matched perfectly now.

Pandemic-era border closures have left North Korea with severe economic difficulties, and Kim is likely to seek supplies of food and energy to address shortfalls.

Kim will likely also trumpet expanding relations with Moscow as a sign that the country is overcoming its years of isolation. North Korean leaders have long valued face-to-face meetings with world leaders as signs of international importance and for domestic propaganda purposes.

Kim is likely also seeking Russian technology to support his plans to build high-tech weapons systems such as powerful long-range missiles, hypersonic ballistic weapons, nuclear-powered submarines and spy satellites, said Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification.

Its unclear whether Russia would be willing to provide North Korea with advanced technologies related to nuclear weapons and ICBMs, Cha said. Russia has always tightly guarded its most important weapons technologies, even from key partners like China, he said.

How close could the two countries get?

Shoigu told reporters Monday that Russia and North Korea were pondering the possibility of bilateral military exercise. Earlier, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers that Shoigu appeared to have proposed a trilateral training exercise involving China.

Either way, it would be the Norths first joint military drills with a foreign country since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The country has avoided training with a foreign military in line with its official juche, or self-reliance, philosophy.

Kim Taewoo, the former institute director, said expanding South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation could prompt Kim Jong Un to break that taboo and hold drills with Russia and China for the first time.

But Nam, who is now a professor at Korea University, said North Korea wont likely accept the offer, as it could leave North Korea even more dependent on China and Russia.

Park Won Gon, a professor at Seouls Ewha Womans University, said its too early to predict what Kims diplomacy could yield beyond making a show of defiance toward the United States.

In any case, North Korea and Russia need to show that theyre working together, that theyre stepping up this cooperation, Park said. There clearly are practical areas of cooperation, and also some symbolic aspects they want to show to the United States.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Coalition government sworn in

BANGKOK: The new government cannot afford a honeymoon period as it plans to give away B10,000 in digital money to every Thai aged 16 and older by Feb 1 next year, says Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:26 AM

Photo: Bangkok Post

He was speaking after he led the members of his new cabinet to take the oath of office before His Majesty the King at Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace. The swearing-in of ministers in the presence of His Majesty the King is required by the constitution, reports the Bangkok Post.

After they were sworn in, the tenure of the outgoing government officially ended. The new government must make a policy statement in parliament on Sept 11 before it can start work.

Mr Srettha said he and cabinet ministers will take advice from His Majesty the King and use it as a guideline when carrying out their duties.

There is no honeymoon for the cabinet. We will start work immediately. When we were forming the government, we went to visit the people in order to gather information from them, said Mr Srettha, who also serves as finance minister.

Today, the bread-and-butter issues are a major concern. I am confident all ministers will be able to work hard and roll out measures that will benefit the people. Some things can be done quickly, some may not. But we will not use this as an excuse to take no action. What can be done quickly must be done first, the prime minister said.

He said that his first task will be to visit people in Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Nong Khai on Friday to hear their concerns.

He also said a special cabinet meeting will be held today to discuss details of the governments policy statement, which will be delivered in parliament next Monday.

He declined to confirm whether he would head the governments economic team, saying the economy was an important issue and he would discuss the matter with all the coalition parties first.

He also said he has yet to put a deputy prime minister in charge of national security. Further talks with coalition partners are also needed before that appointment can be made, he added.

There are some ministers that I have only now met for the first time. I will have to listen to them first, he said.

Asked when he will assess the performance of his cabinet ministers, Mr Srettha said: It depends. Some issues may take time to handle. Each minister should be treated fairly.

I assure you that the administration is the peoples government. All who come here today represent all the people ... there are lots of problems [waiting to be resolved]. We will work tirelessly every day and during every minute. Our work will be based on peoples needs, said Mr Srettha.

Speaking at Pheu Thais headquarters later yesterday, Mr Srettha said the B10,000 digital wallet scheme will be implemented by Feb 1, and again insisted that the B10,000 would be given in a single payment, not in instalments.

We are working with relevant agencies to roll out the scheme as quickly as possible, and the money will be given all at once, the PM said.

The B10,000 giveaway is aimed at stimulating spending in local communities in the first six months, with the help of blockchain technology that will ensure the money is spent within a 4-kilometre radius of the recipients registered address in an effort to spur local economies.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday said that Pheu Thais election pledge to cap fares on Bangkoks electric train network to a flat rate of B20 per trip is unlikely to be included in the governments policy statement.

The policy cannot be implemented straight away as budget must be allocated elsewhere to address other pressing economic concerns first, he said.

Mr Suriya added that the B20 flat fare is nevertheless expected to materialise within two years.
Kenyan mules caught stomach smuggling cocaine into Phuket

PHUKET: Three Kenyan women have been arrested for smuggling 2,857 grammes cocaine into Phuket by carrying the drugs in small satchels in their intestines after swallowing them.

drugscrimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Wednesday 6 September 2023 04:35 PM

The three were named by police as Faith Wanza Musembi, 26, caught carrying about 1,620g of cocaine (weighed still in the packets); Nelly Gacheri Ruuri, 26, caught with about 765g; and Grace Wangari Karoki, 34, caught with about 472g of cocaine.

The three were placed under arrest yesterday (Sept 5) after officers had waited two days for the women to excrete the satchels of drugs.

Sakhu Police reported that the three women were first taken into custody after arriving in Thailand at Phuket International Airport on Sunday (Sept 3)

Sakhu Police had received a tip-off from officers from the Office of The Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) that the three women were arriving, and were suspected of carrying drugs with them.

Officers from the Saku Police joined officers from the ONCB and the Airport Interdiction Taskforce (AITF) in apprehending them women, but found no drugs on them or in their luggage.

The three women were then taken to Thalang Hospital, where x-rays revealed the drug satchels the women had swallowed.

The women were detained and brought back to Phuket Airport Customs, then held until they had passed all the satchels from their bodies. All of the satchels contained cocaine.

During questioning all three women refused to cooperate in any way, Sakhu Police reported.

All three women were charged with bringing a Category 2 narcotic into the country without permission and illegal possession of a Category 2 narcotic without permission, both charges under the Narcotics Control Act.

The three women also face charges under Section 242 and Section 252 in conjunction with Section 166 and Section 167 of the Customs Act, officers noted.

The women were taken to Saku Police Station for further questioning and to be charged.
Patong tuk-tuk shooter arrested

PHUKET: The tuk-tuk driver wanted for shooting a rival tuk-tuk driver in Patong early last Sunday morning (Sept 3) has been arrested.

patongtourismtransportviolencecrimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:10 AM

Kosit Phromphiwat, 36, registered as living on Mae Luan Rd in Phuket Town, was tracked down by officers and arrested in Patong at about 1:40pm yesterday (Sept 5), Phuket Provincial Police reported.

Kosit claimed that he had been attacked by a group of individuals who had previously assaulted him, leading him to resort to self-defense, officers noted.

Kosit was taken into custody by officers led by Patong Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Sutthachai Chumphasang.

Kosit was already wanted for the shooting on an arrest warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court on Monday (Sept 4).

The warrant included a list of charges against Mr Kosit, including attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a firearm in a public area without reasonable cause and discharging a firearm in a public area.

At Patong Police Station, Kosit maintained that he had resorted to using his weapon in self-defense after being assaulted by several men.

However, the initial cause of the altercation remains unexplained, despite police yesterday returning Kosit to the scene of the shooting, on Rath-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd about 50 metres north of Bangla Rd, to explain to police his version of events leading to the shooting.

Kosit also led police to Patong Hill, where it is believed he disposed of the weapon.

Police at the scene on Sunday recovered three .38-calibre bullet casings and one .38-calibre bullet. Officers also arrived at about 12:45am to find a red tuk-tuk with bullet holes in the windshield and in the drivers side window.

The tuk-tuk driver shot by Kosit, Phongsak Pengporu, 42, is still receiving medical treatment at Patong Hospital. He had been shot once in the right side of his abdomen and once in his left thigh.

Kosit is being held at the Patong Police Station while officers continue their investigation and proceed to charge him in accordance with the warrant.
Phukets inability to treat wastewater confirmed

PHUKET: Phuket is already unable to treat the volume of wastewater the island generates by nearly 55,000 cubic metres per day, Dr Surasee Kittimonthon, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has revealed.

tourismpollutionWater-Supplynatural-resourcesenvironment

By The Phuket News

Wednesday 6 September 2023 06:22 PM

Dr Surasee concluded his two-day visit to the island yesterday (Sept 5) with an inspection tour, and a promise that action will be taken to meet Phukets water management needs, including resolving recurring flooding issues and coping with water shortages during any droughts in the future.

Dr Surasee conducted an inspection of the Patong Municipality Wastewater Treatment plant, where Patong Deputy Mayor Sanakorn Keesin explained that the plant had been expanded from its capacity to treat 2,250 cubic metres of wastewater per day when it opened in 1989. The plant today, now covering nine square kilometres, can treat up to 39,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day.

Further expansion would require a high budget, Deputy Mayor Sanakorn said.

Currently it is a water quality improvement plant. Therefore, it is necessary to gradually expand and construct a wastewater collection system, along with other developments and taking steps to solve the problem of water shortages, by using treated water to produce RO water [water purified by reverse osmosis] to be distributed to the public and establishments in the Patong area, Deputy Mayor Sanakorn said.

However, none of the many official reports of Dr Surasees visit yesterday confirmed exactly how much wastewater is generated in Patong, and needs treatment, each day before being released into local waters.

Dr Surasee yesterday saw firsthand dark untreated wastewater flowing into the Pak Bang Canal, which runs through the heart of Patong and empties into the estuary at the southern end of the town. The estuary then empties into Patong Bay, where Dr Surasi yesterday saw tourists playing in the water, despite the inclement weather.

According to official reports, Dr Surasee said that the water quality improvement plant in Patong showed positive signs and could be used as a model for elsewhere.

There is good management. It is considered one of the prototype areas that can be used to expand the results to related agencies in resource management because Patong Beach is an important tourist attraction in Phuket and Thailand. Each year there is rapid growth. This causes the problem of water pollution degradation, he said.

Much of the blame for Phukets water woes, including floods and droughts, was attributed to rapid urban expansion and the high volume of tourists that visit the island each year.

Phuket is an important province in terms of tourism and is part of the countrys economic stimulus plan. But with the condition of the area and the potential of water resources at present, there is still a problem of water shortage every year, he said.

There is an average annual water shortage in all aspects totaling 25.54 million cubic metres. There is also a problem of flooding, caused by most of the canals. The water overflows the banks due to the geographical conditions in some periods that are bottlenecks, resulting in less drainage until the water accumulates over the banks. This includes obstacles to the water flowing to the sea. These are all factors that cause flooding in the area on a regular basis, he added.

In addition, Phuket is a destination for both Thai and foreign tourists. Many tourists travel here a lot, causing the rate of urban expansion of Phuket to increase steadily, and extending into the farmland in upstream areas.

As a result, the forest area has decreased. It was found that Srisoonthorn district had the highest soil loss severity of 2,082 tonnes per year, followed by Tambon Kathu with an average soil loss severity of 2,015 tonnes per year, Dr Surisee said.

More importantly, water quality problems still exist. Most wastewater comes from community sources and service places, with a total amount of wastewater generated at 149,917 cubic metres per day, while the community wastewater treatment system in Phuket can handle only 94,961 cubic meters of wastewater per day, he added.

The difference leaves a total of 54,956 cubic metres of wastewater that goes untreated in Phuket each day.

In order to achieve the solution of water resources in the Phuket area, there needs to be systematic integration at upstream, midstream and downstream levels, Dr Surisee said.

The ONWR has initiated a project to study an integrated master plan for flood and drought mitigation in specific areas for Phuket according to the integrated water management approach of the 20-year water resource management master plan, he added.

If the project is completed, it will increase the amount of water made available for use by peple in Phuket to approximately 60.53 million cubic metres a year. The wastewater treatment capacity will be increased to 4.96 million cubic metres per year, Dr Surisee said.

During his visit, Dr Surisee also inspected the weir built at the top of the Kathu Waterfall, and heard water conservation measures, such as having water meters installed to regulate showers.

We are hoping to reduce the amount of water used. This method has already worked in other countries, he said.

Regardless of Phukets current water management capabilities, Dr Surisee assured that the government was ready and that the El Nino situation will not affect Phuket.
Classic case of victimising the victims

|

It is a classic case of victimising the victims. Of course, we are referring to the occupation of abandoned Meitei houses by Kukis at Ikou. Ikou and adjoining Meitei villages in Imphal East district were attacked by Kuki militants and their supporters on May 3, the day Meitei houses and other properties were burnt down in Churachandpur which only points to the fact that the offensive was pre-planned and premeditated. Like in Churachandpur, Meitei people of Ikou and adjoining villages such as Sadu Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi and Leitanpokpi were driven out by opening fire indiscriminately. The Kuki militants also burnt down many houses. Some houses were left unburnt. The Kuki militants and their supporters are now occupying and living in these houses whereas the real owners are taking refuge in relief camps and other safer places. Such disdainful intrusion is like rubbing salt to festering wounds. It has already created a very deep sense of resentment, both against the intruders and the authorities. The Government and the security forces failure to evict the Kukis from the Meitei villages and houses is akin to inviting more trouble that would land Manipur in a bigger conflict. These were the exact words of the Apex Committee of Victim Villagers of Ikou, Sadu Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi and Leitanpokpi Mairenpat Awang Leikai. Even as the victims sentiment has been hurt to the extreme, the intruders arrogance and boldness have been only bloating with many of them going to the extent of tilling paddy fields that belong to Meitei villagers. This is neither the first nor a single case of Kuki intruders occupying and living in abandoned Meitei houses. Earlier in August, some Kuki men were found living in abandoned Meitei houses at Torbung Bazar Mamang in Bishnupur district. They even built a new secret track to facilitate easy access to the abandoned Meitei village. One pertinent question arises here. What are the Government and its security agencies doing in the face of this bold intrusion?

Referring to the infamous Churachandpur rally of May 3, 2023 which marked the beginning of a fierce and vicious offensive against Meitei people, Chief Minister N Biren had admitted that there were intelligence failure and security lapses. Now the violence is in its fifth month. The Government and its security agencies cannot afford any lapses or loopholes at this stage. But we fear that there are still huge security lapses if the Kuki militants relentless attacks and intrusion into Meitei villages are any indication. It is the security forces failure or lapses or inefficinecy which is emboldening the Kuki militants. Can anyone explain how the Kuki militants sneaked into Kwakta in Bishnupur district in the wee hours of August 5, shot and hacked to death three sleeping men after crossing a buffer zone of 2 Kms, if it was not a clear case of security lapses? Reports say that many buffer zones have been created at different areas with the primary objective of containing the violence. While some of these buffer zones have succeeded in containing the violence in the surrounding areas, some others are being violated at will by a particular side. Buffer zones should be a means to restrain both the parties, not just one party. If the cold blooded murder of the three sleeping men, the shooting of a farmer at Naranseina which sparked days of intense gun battles and occupation of abandoned Meitei houses by Kukis are any indication, some of these buffer zones have failed miserably to serve their intended purposes. Rather, they seem to be serving the interest of a single party. It was the States intelligence failure and security lapses which plunged the State into the present violent crisis, in the course of which many precious lives have been lost, thousands of houses burnt down and tens of thousands rendered homeless. Any further lapses, we fear, will be catastrophic. If the State is working genuinely to resettle the displaced people at their homes, it should start with immediate eviction of the intruders who are currently occupying and living in the houses of victims.


Dozens of politicians in the Netherlands now have protection measures due to the threats they have received, either in person or on social networks. As reported on August 31 by the Dutch investigative television program Zembla, at least 41 representatives  almost a third of the 150 members of Congress  cannot carry out their work with complete freedom. Stepping up their security ranges from protecting their personal data to installing emergency doorbells or alarm systems in their homes.

In their 2022 annual report, presented in April of this year, the Dutch intelligence services warned of the danger to society stemming from ultra-conspiracy theories in addition to the risk of attacks by the Islamic State terrorist group. In view of the data now collected by Zembla, the Minister of Justice, Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius  in office, like the rest of the government until the November elections  has admitted, as stated in the program itself, that the countrys democracy is under pressure.

The image put forward by the television investigation is shocking in a society that proclaims itself open and tolerant. But the phenomenon is not new and has been increasing since the coronavirus pandemic. In 2022 there were 1,125 complaints of threats and intimidation directed against representatives and ministers, almost double those registered in 2021. Half referred to attacks against the far-right leader, Geert Wilders, leader of the Freedom Party (PVV), but there were other politicians who also received threats. Among them, Prime Minister Mark Rutte was supposedly the target of organized crime.

Torches in front of a minister's house

The Finance Minister, and leader of the D66 party, Sigrid Kaag, was also the target of intimidation. Her decision to leave politics altogether is due, in large part, to the death threats she received. A man named Max van den B. stood in front of her house in January last year with a lit torch while broadcasting live on social media. Known for his rejection of the Covid-19 protection measures adopted by the Dutch Government, he was arrested and later sentenced to five months in prison. Kaag admitted in a television program that her family feared for her life and also reported having been the target of misogynistic attitudes in a tense climate.

Since then, and especially since the fall of the Dutch government this July due to discrepancies in the asylum policy, around thirty deputies from across the parliamentary spectrum have decided to abandon active politics. The greatest threats that reach judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and journalists come through social networks, in addition to organized crime, says Edwin Bakker, professor of Security Studies and terrorism expert at Leiden University. So they are varied and increasing and, in times of polarization like we have currently, with the upcoming elections and the appearance of new parties, they must be prevented, the professor continues.

In a telephone conversation, Bakker recalls that in Congress there are now politicians, such as those from the extreme right-wing Forum for Democracy, headed by Thierry Baudet, who speak out in a way that was unthinkable a decade ago. [They say] things like the day of judgment will come and you will be put against the wall, the expert says, statements that demonize other groups and communities in the chamber itself. Bakker recalls how Sigrid Kaag has been called a witch and how far-right conspiracy theories are rampant. The lack of respect, he continues, coupled with a series of activists who intimidate politicians, has an effect. Without forgetting what has happened in the United States with these theories, which certain groups interpret as a form of legitimization, he concludes.

Among the visible examples of intimidation is the presence of a dozen farmers in front of the home of Christianne van der Wal, in charge of the Nature and Nitrogen portfolio at the Ministry of Agriculture. She has the position of minister in the Dutch governments organization chart, but she is not the head of the department. Last June, protesters against the cut in nitrogen emissions from the countryside broke the protective police cordon set up in front of Van der Wals house. During the action, they damaged one of the law enforcement vehicles. According to police reports, they also emptied a manure tank near the building and spread animal feed on the ground. The minister was not at home, but her family was. Eight people were later detained by officers.

In June 2022, lawmaker Wybren van Haga, who has been a member of the right-wing liberals and the extreme right and is now an independent, told the press that a man had entered his home yelling something about a machine gun. The suspect was held until the police arrived by employees of a security company who at that time were installing an alarm at the politicians request.

Cabal of harassers

Not all threats are filmed, as happened with Kaag and Van der Wal. There is also verbal abuse, insults, or cursing MPs. The police have a special unit called the Threatened Politicians Team and since 2020 the Dutch Prosecutors Office has referred these cases to judges to serve as an example. Before, they used to be resolved behind closed doors and by imposing a fine or the obligation to perform community service, states the tax departments website. The same sources add that, sometimes, online harassers are citizens who can be considered honest, even pensioners, who say they have acted in a fit of anger.

In their 2022 report, the intelligence services reported the existence of groups that believe that there is an evil elite, who are enemies of the people and that hold power. Made up mostly of young men residing inside and outside the Netherlands, they keep in touch through social networks, develop the aforementioned conspiracy theories and in some cases glorify violence.

Bakker believes that it is difficult to be sure that the withdrawal of a string of Dutch politicians is due exclusively to threats or also to polarization, which facilitates the arrival of new candidates into many parties. The registered threats are greater than ever, and now come the elections, which will require the police to be mobilized, says the professor.

Another novelty is that the MPs report these threats to the police and the Prosecutors Office files the indictment, which is also a way of telling the citizen that this type of behavior is unacceptable and punishable This atmosphere had not been seen before in the Netherlands, and the extreme right, in particular, generates tensions similar to those observed in the United States, which move from social networks to the political arena. It is an anti-government sentiment fueled by the pandemic that has left this legacy, says Bakker. Recently formed political groups  such as the New Social Contract, which is the combination of social democracy and the greens, was set up the former Christian Democrat Pieter Omtzigt and led for the November elections by Frans Timmermans, former vice president of the European Commission  seek to move away from this type of behavior, the professor adds.

Conspiracy theories, however, will be more difficult to contain, according to the expert. He says that there are those who have turned online threats into a way to make money; a kind of subculture that is difficult to dismantle. There are individuals held in remote places such as Portugal, or Ireland, who mix personal issues, spiritual, and anti-system ideas. And there are also groups that finance each other and even pay for this type of intimidation, which includes potential violence with ties in ultra [right] circles in the United States and also in Europe.

Minister Yesilgoz-Zegerius has described it as incredibly cowardly that there are those who say all kinds of things against others, without daring to do so in their own name and showing their faces. At the same time, he advocates addressing this problem at the European level. With a view to the upcoming Dutch elections, the security services are prepared to protect the candidates, Bakker says.
Speech after speech, conversation after conversation, the message from the African Climate Summit (ACS) is consistent. Africa must lead the fight against climate change. The West can no longer impose solutions on the continent: African solutions for African problems. A call for cooperation and solidarity from African countries is needed, former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo told EL PAIS. We cannot pursue climate action through insular, solitary policies. Global warming cannot be mitigated by air-conditioning our little pockets and corners of the world, declared Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday.

Some 20 heads of state and government are participating in the first-ever African Climate Summit, being held in Nairobi from September 4-6. The overarching goal is to forge a united front for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The leaders want tangible solutions and financing that will not go up in smoke. The previous COP, in Egypt in 2022, ended with an agreement to create a fund via which the most vulnerable countries can mitigate the losses and damages of global warming, but without specifying exactly who will finance it, in what proportion, or how it will be distributed.

The solutions, insist several experts, must come from Africa. Osinbajo, who is attending the summit as an advisor to environmental organizations, gives examples of local policies that have recently proven effective, such as the Lake Turkana wind power project in Kenya, which, he says, reduces emissions while providing energy to rural communities, or the Great Green Wall initiative, which regenerates degraded land with plantations that improve soil fertility.

When you are sitting, for example, in Madrid, your lived realities are fundamentally different from those of a person sitting in Lagos, says Murefu Barasa, founder of the African consulting firm EED Advisory. We have to ensure that we are not just talking but having the right conversations. We can talk of futuristic goals like smart grids, green hydrogen and e-mobility, but we have to remember that in Sub-Saharan Africa most families are still cooking using traditional charcoal or wood. Another proposal coming from the West  that of French President Emmanuel Macron after the meeting he organized with leaders of developing countries in June  to impose new taxes on international air and maritime transport, also raises questions for Barasa: We would have to make sure that the cure is not worse than the disease. We have to ensure that there are no negative repercussions on exports from Africa, the service industry such as tourism, and other sources of foreign exchange.

The fund agreed at the 2022 climate summit in Egypt, which is expected to be finalized at the next COP in December, is vital for a continent hit hardest by the climate crisis. Although Africa contributes between just 2% and 3% of the worlds total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations, it is the region of the world that is most vulnerable to natural disasters caused by climate change. The World Meteorological Organizations 2022 State of the Climate report shows an alarming acceleration of rising temperatures in Africa and warns that funding to adapt to the new climate reality is a drop in the ocean of immediate needs. More than 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by climate-related issues last year, according to the same report. Countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia are experiencing their worst droughts in four decades, and Cyclone Freddy left tens of thousands displaced in Mozambique and Malawi in March.

Kenyan President William Ruto speaking at the African Climate Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday. LUIS TATO (AFP)

Our strengths outweigh our weaknesses

Africa loses between 5% and 15% of its GDP growth every year due to the effects of climate change, according to Kenyas President Ruto. But the continent does not want to be seen as merely a victim of the crisis, ACS organizers insist. Our strengths outweigh our weaknesses and our potential to contribute positively to the world far outweighs our need for assistance, Ruto said in his opening speech. The Kenyan leader noted that Africa contains vast deposits of natural resources, such as cobalt, that are needed for the transition to renewable energies worldwide.

This potential is currently untapped. Africa has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, but contains only 2% of global solar power generation facilities, according to Osinbajo. There is also unlimited potential in hydropower, wind, and geothermal energy, according to the African Development Bank. Meanwhile, 600 million people (more than 40% of the population) do not even have access to energy. African countries have to go green before they industrialize, and not the other way around, as other countries that could afford it did, Ruto stressed at the summit.

It remains to be seen what tangible solutions come out of the ACS, jointly organized by the Kenyan government and the African Union (AU). One concrete proposal has already been put forward by Ruto, who is betting on carbon credits. The United Arab Emirates committed on Monday to the purchase of $450 million from the African carbon credit market, a controversial mechanism against climate change that consists of the purchase of carbon absorbed by forests anywhere in the world by polluting companies. Many activists consider these purchases a form of neo-colonialism and question the methods used by some of these multinationals, as in the case of Kenya, where they denounce that certain conservation projects have resulted in the expulsion of farmers from the land where they earn their living.

Despite the message of the summit focusing on Africas ability to fight the climate emergency, the event has been criticized for being overly influenced by Western actors. We thought this summit could prepare us to come to the Dubai COP as a united front, says Maimuna Kabatesi, head of programs at the pan-African NGO Voices for Climate Action. In her view, this was not the case. She, like other activists, criticizes the lack of participation of indigenous communities and members of civil society. They deny entry to members of civil society in Africa and prioritize the participation of the private sector from Europe or the United States. It is not a people-centered summit, but a summit focused on economic benefits.
The Calcutta High Court (HC) on Tuesday directed the state government to hold students unions elections in academic institutions soon.

There has been no students union election in universities, colleges and other academ- ic institutions across the state since 2017.

The Division Bench of the chief justice TS Sivagnanam and justice Hiranmoy Bhattacharjee asked the Mamata Banerjee government to take all measures to conduct polls in universities, colleges and other academic institutions.

Advertisement

The Bench has also directed the government to form an anti-ragging committee in universities.

The HC issued the directives after advocate Sayan Banerjee filed a petition in the court bringing allegations against ongoing irregularities in connection with ragging issues in universities and colleges. Mr Banerjee alleged that universities approved by the University Grant Commission (UGC) are not properly implementing the recommendations made by the RK Raghavan Committee to prevent incidents of ragging.

It has also asked the state government to submit an affidavit giving details whether the latter has issued any direc- tives on holding timely students union elections in universities, colleges and aca- demic institutes. The gov- ernment has also been asked by the HC to submit a report whether it has issued any directive on formation of an anti-ragging committee.

The HC also wanted to know: Who conducts students body elections? With clearance from the state government universities make arrangements for holding elections. It is the duty of the respective universities to take approval from the state government to conduct elec- tions, Mr Banerjee said while responding to the HC.

The chief justice asked the state government to send notices to the universities directing the latter to take preparations for elections.

While addressing a rally organized by her partys students wing Trinamul Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) on Mayo Road on 28 August the chief minister Mamata Banerjee had said students unions elections would be held after Durga Puja.

Earlier, ruling party MP Sougata Roy had also urged the government to hold stu- dents unions elections. The CPM students wing SFI for the last couple of years have also been demanding elections in academic institutions like universities, colleges and teaching hospitals
The free breakfast scheme launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin amid much fanfare hit a roadblock in Karur with parents disallowing their children to have breakfast prepared by a Dalit woman.

The latest incident was reported from a panchayat union primary school in Velanchattiyur in Karur district. The parents of half of the students objected to their children consuming breakfast cooked by a Dalit cook-Sumathi.

On hearing the news, Karur district collector Prabhu Shankar visited the school and had breakfast. He then summoned the parents who prevented their children from consuming the food cooked by Sumathi and warned them of strict action, including registering a case under Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities ) Act.

Advertisement

While most of the parents agreed to let their children consume breakfast cooked by her, others continued to resist. They were summoned by the police and issued a strict warning.

Notably, a few days ago, students of a government school in Tirupur refused to touch the breakfast prepared by a Dalit woman. Of the 44 students of the Kalingarayanpalayam panchayat primary school in Tirupur, only 12 consumed

breakfast prepared by Deepa, a Dalit cook.

The parents also requested for the Transfer Certificate from the school and Tiruppur district collector T. Christuraj intervened and warned the parents of dire consequences if they dont allow their children consume food prepared by a Dalit woman.

Following this parents agreed and the scheme is running positively in Tirupur.
Two heavily armed Pakistani terrorists were killed early morning on Wednesday and an infiltration bid foiled in the Poonch district by the Indian Army.

The incident has come a day after the killing of a Pakistani terrorist in Reasi district of Jammu Division.

Giving details of the encounter in Poonch, defence spokesman Lt Colonel Suneel Bartwal said that two terrorists were observed crossing the Line of Control (LoC) on the intervening night in the Mandi sub-sector of Poonch district whereafter a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and J&K Police to immediately intercept the terrorists.

Advertisement

Hostile terrain, dense jungle and steep gradient was utilised by terrorists to bring down heavy volume of fire on the troops. In the ensuing firefight that continued till next day both terrorists were eliminated.

Body of one terrorist alongwith war like stores has been recovered. Search operation for recovering the body of the other terrorist was progressing, said the spokesman.
After the row over the use of President of Bharat instead of the traditional President of India in the official dinner invitations sent to guests attending this weeks G20 summit, a note on Prime Minister Narendra Modis Indonesia visit to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit has used the term Prime Minister of Bharat.

On Monday, Opposition leaders lambasted the government for changing the named of the country in official communications after dinner invitations from President Droupadi Murmu sent to G20 guests mentioned her as President of Bharat instead of India.

The opposition leaders said that the government changed the name because they have named their alliance INDIA. Leaders of at least 28 Opposition parties have formed an alliance to fight the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections unitedly. They have named their alliance INDIA  an acronym for Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.

Advertisement

If the name of the alliance is changed to Bharat, will they change the name of Bharat to BJP? asked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party is also part of the INDIA bloc. Criticising the name change move, Kejriwal said that the country belongs to 140 crore people and not just to one party.

After president, use of Prime Minister of Bharat has added more fuel to the fire. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed the governments move a drama and said it was done only because the Opposition has named their alliance INDIA. He pointed out while the summit is called ASEAN-India, the confused government has used the term Prime Minister of Bharat.

Look at how confused the Modi government is! The Prime Minister of Bharat at the 20th ASEAN-India summit. All this drama just because the Opposition got together and called itself INDIA, he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Also Read: India to Bharat change an insult to Ambedkars Constitution, says Sanjay Raut

The BJP leaders appeared to support the move, but government called it just a rumour. Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the branding and logo of the G20 summit will have both Bharat and India written.

I think these are just rumours which are taking place. All I want to say is that anyone who objects to the word Bharat clearly shows the mindset, Thakur was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has decided to write a letter to Prime Minister Modi on behalf of INDIA bloc parties and seek details on the agenda of the five-day special session of Parliament, which has not been revealed yet. Their speculations that the government may effect the name change in the Parliament.
Air traffic from Ludhiana airport resumed on Wednesday after a gap of more than two years with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurating the flight from the industrial city to Hindon (Ghaziabad).

The CM announced an introductory offer of Rs 999 per ticket air travel at for the first three months of the resumption of the flights. He said initially the flight has been started for five days but it will be operationalised throughout the week from next month.

Mann said the air travel time of this flight will be 90 minutes to reach Hindonfrom Ludhiana and vice-a-versa. Big Charter Private Limited has been awarded a new route from Hindon to Ludhiana under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) scheme.

Advertisement He said today this airline has started commercial operation on this route with 19 seater twin otter aircraft.

The CM said in order to provide cheap travel facilities to people the state government will bear the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) on all the 19 tickets. All the 19 seats will be provided with VGF gap funding of Rs 11,829 per ticket for one side journey adding that the state share will be 20 per cent (the Punjab government will pay Rs 2,366 per seat).

Mann said the one-sided basic Air fare by the airlines will be around Rs 2,000 per seat.

He said more flights will be soon started from other airports in the state to facilitate the passengers. He said the air terminal at Adampur is ready for operations and airline company SpiceJet will start a daily flight from Adampur to Nanded, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata and Bangalore in the next two months.

Mann said Star Alliance Company will also start daily one flight from Adampur to Hindon adding that in the coming two months daily flights will be started from Bathinda to Delhi and Bathinda to Hindon airport by Alliance Air and Fly Big company respectively.

The CM said flights will also start operating from Sahnewal Airport to Delhi Airport by Alliance Air Company in next two months under RCS-Udaan Scheme.
Father Marcial Maciel, who founded the Legion of Christ and the Regnum Christi movement, receives a blessing from Pope John Paul II. TARCISIO SAMANIEGO (Cuartoscuro)

A group of 32 former Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, lay women who dedicate their lives fully to Christ through their membership in an international Catholic federation that also includes the Legion of Christ, published an open letter on September 5 supporting a Chilean women who alleges being gang-raped by Legion of Christ priests in Santiago (Chile) between 2008 and 2010. We experienced an environment where abuse of power and conscience was prevalent, and where the described sexual assaults in the lawsuit could have taken place, stated the signatories of the civil lawsuit filed last June. The alleged victim, now 32 years old, is a former teenaged student of Colegio Cumbres, an exclusive educational institution managed by the Legion of Christ in Chiles capital city.

The 16-year-old victim lived at the Regnum Christi Student Center for two years. In mid-August, a confidential civil lawsuit seeking compensation for damages was leaked on social media. The lawsuit alleges sexual abuse, abuse of power and breach of conscience by seven priests and two consecrated women identified as the perpetrators, accomplices and accessories. Following the leak, representatives of the victims family from Chiles Fundacion para la Confianza requested respect and privacy for the woman who was subjected to a system of extreme manipulation, degradation and abuse.

The former Consecrated Women who attended the Regnum Christi Student Center, where young women received vocational discernment training, said in their letter, The environment described in the lawsuit seems credible to us. According to their statement, Consecrated Women were expected to surrender their own judgment to the authorities and superiors as an act of self-denial out of love. They were also instructed not to share their thoughts, emotions, or personal experiences within and outside the communities, and having friends was considered as being disloyal to God. As a result, they were kept emotionally dependent on the directors, fostering isolation.

In late June, the Regnum Christi Movement in Chile stated that the alleged victim presented two separate complaints in November 2019: one to the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi in Chile and another to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) of the Holy See in Rome.

Regarding the first complaint that accused two Consecrated Women, Regnum Christi reported that Some of the elements presented seemed plausible, but insufficient details require further inquiries. This led to a second investigation, carried out by the CDF in July 2021 that found, The general director of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi concluded the case after verifying that there is insufficient evidence to support the complaint against the consecrated woman and the former consecrated woman.

The complaint filed with the CDF charged several priests in the Legionaries of Christ. The CDF assigned the preliminary investigation to an expert in canon law, and after nine months, the CDF closed the case because there were insufficient elements to give credibility to the complaint. In response, the Fundacion para la Confianza said, The investigation, which lasted until April 2021, was extremely hostile to our client, and ignored the pastoral protocols developed by the Catholic Church for the care of abuse victims.

In late August, the seven Legionaries of Christ priests charged in the civil lawsuit filed by the former Colegio Cumbres student asked for government prosecutors to investigate according to processes of Chilean law. Father Gabriel Barcena, the regional director for the Legionaries of Christ in Chile, said, The priests want the appropriate authorities to examine and evaluate the facts impartially, respecting the rights of all those involved. These rights include respecting the confidentiality requested by the plaintiff and protecting the priests dignity, reputation and presumption of innocence.

Marcial Maciel, the Mexican priest who founded the Legionaries of Christ, abused at least 60 minors, according to an internal Legionaries investigation released in 2019. The Vatican held documentation of his pedophilia since 1943.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Delhi PWD Minister Atishi on Wednesday said all preparations to welcome guests in the national capital for the G20 Summit have been made.

India is all set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. The international event will be held at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Delhis revamped infrastructure will leave a lasting impression, and the MCD, PWD, Kejriwal government- all have collectively worked towards the beautification and remodelling of a number of roads in Delhi, said Delhi PWD Minister Atishi and Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj during a joint press conference.

Addressing the joint press conference along with Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi said, It is a matter of pride for our country that heads of state from various nations will be attending the G20 Summit in India. The government is confident that Delhi will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting impression on these esteemed delegates.

Advertisement

She said G20 preparations have been in progress for several years, with multiple agencies and governments working together to give Delhi a remarkable makeover for the summit.

The Delhi PWD Minister commended the central government, saying, The central government has constructed the magnificent ITPO complex in the past 4-5 years, where the G20 summit will take place. It is now ready to welcome guests from various nations.

Atishi also highlighted the construction of an integrated transit corridor around the ITPO complex, which not only addresses long-term traffic issues in the area but also ensures the safe movement of delegates during the G20 Summit. This project was funded by ITPO, Government of India, and executed by the Public Works Department of the Delhi Government. The main tunnel in this corridor, from India Gate to Ring Road, directly accesses the ITPO complex and features five underpasses connected to it. This corridor stands as an engineering marvel, as it was constructed simultaneously with the ITPO complex without causing any disruption.

She said, In addition to this, the Delhi government has undertaken the redevelopment and beautification of several major road stretches in the national capital, redesigning them to European road standards in recent years. These redesigned road stretches include an area of Ring Road from the Airport to Central Delhi, Aurobindo Marg, Vikas Marg, Lodhi Road, and Rajghat, which will not only extend a warm welcome to G20 guests but also remain as enduring infrastructure landmarks in Delhi. Bhairon Marg, adjacent to ITPO, has also undergone a redesign and beautification process.

In total, 10 new roads have been laid across key areas for the G20, encompassing Bhairon Marg, Purana Quila Road, Ullan Batar Marg, Mathura Road, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, JB Tito Marg, IP flyover to Hanuman Setu area on Ring Road, Mall Road to Kingsway Camp area, Netaji Subash Chandra Marg, and IP Flyover to Bhairon Marg area on Ring Road, the Delhi PWD Minister said.

She added that besides road development, extensive beautification work has been carried out by the Delhi Government, including the installation of 31 statues and 90 fountains on PWD roads, planting 1.65 lakh plants for G20 preparation, and the installation of decorative lighting among others.

Providing additional details on G20 preparations undertaken by the Delhi Government and MCD, Delhi Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said, In conjunction with the Delhi Government, the MCD has also worked tirelessly to ready Delhi for the G20 Summit. The major works done for G20 are primarily under the jurisdiction of either PWD or MCD.

He emphasised that both agencies have been working tirelessly for several months to prepare Delhi for the G20 Summit. The MCD has rejuvenated various markets in Delhi, including South Extension Market Part 1-2, Lajpat Nagar Market, PVR Anupam Cinema Market, Saket and RK Puram. Additionally, a G20 park has been established in GK 2 Market, and sculptures made from 250 metric tonnes of waste have been showcased around ITPO.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis quick trip to Jakarta is at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and serves as a lead-up to Indias hosting of the G 20 Summit on September 9-10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to leave for Indonesia this Wednesday evening and return to New Delhi on September 7 evening.

On Wednesday night, Modi will fly to the capital of Indonesia to attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit. As the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)s current chair, Indonesia is hosting the meetings. India and numerous other nations, including the US, China, Japan, and Australia, are its discussion partners. ASEAN is regarded as one of the most prominent groups in the region. Modis interactions with ASEAN leaders are anticipated to center on strengthening Indias trade and security ties with the group.

The theme of the ASEAN Summit this year is ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth, which reflects Indonesias vision for the community as a significant centre of economic growth. According to ANI, these sessions will give India and its Southeast Asian counterparts a chance to assess each others progress and plan future areas of cooperation.

Advertisement

It is important to note that the 20th ASEAN-India Summit is the first occasion for a gathering of this kind since the two nations partnership was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. These improved ties denote a better level of cooperation in many areas, from security to trade.

The East Asia Summit is equally important since it gives India a forum to talk about regional and international concerns alongside eight other conversation partners and ASEAN countries. It serves as a platform for multilateral dialogue, which is essential to upholding stability and promoting cooperation in the Asian area.

This visits main objective will be to foster economic cooperation. The ASEAN-India Economic Ministers only recently met in Indonesia in August. A speedy evaluation of the 2009-signed ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement was the main item on their agenda. Both parties have agreed to a quarterly negotiation schedule with the goal of finishing the trade agreements full revision by 2025.
This weeks Group of 20 Summit in New Delhi, where climate change is expected to be one of the top topics on the agenda, will bring together world leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

The recent sweltering heat in the nations capital may have a positive impact on Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts to advance international problems like climate change. The warmest September day in 85 years occurred on Monday in Delhi, when the maximum temperature was 40.1 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The world has experienced extreme weather this year, from flash floods to wildfires that have caused fatalities, collapsed electrical lines, and damaged houses and highways. With ocean temperatures reaching new highs for a third consecutive month, the world saw its hottest June on land and at sea.

Advertisement

This weeks G-20 meeting will be held in the capital of India New Delhi and will bring together around 30 world leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a major member of the OPEC+ oil producing group.

Other parts of India are also seeing a rise in the mercury  higher than usual for this time of the year  boosting demand for electricity from households, farmers and industries. Temperatures normally peak in May and gradually fall with rolling monsoon, but the driest August in more than a century pushed average maximum temperatures for the month to the highest since 1901.

There is a hint of immediate respite for Delhi. Some parts of the city may get isolated rains in the coming days, followed by another dry patch for five days through Sept. 11, according to the India Meteorological Department.

The G20 Heads of State and Government Summit, which will be held in New Delhi on September 910, will include the worlds most powerful leaders.

The summit, which marks the culmination of Indais one-year G20 presidency, will end with the adoption of a G20 Leaders Declaration.
Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairman Sonia Gandhi Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing her displeasure over the special session of Parliament being convened without consultations with other political parties. In her letter dated September 6, 2023, Gandhi said that the Opposition doesnt have any idea on the agenda of the special session and they were only told that five days have been allocated for the government business.

I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business, she wrote.

The CPP chief also addressed the issues that the Congress party would raise and hoped her party will be given time under appropriate rules to discuss them. The issues she mentioned included formation Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to investigate the Adani issue, occupation of Indian territory by China, communal tension in Haryana, and Manipur issue.

Advertisement

I earnestly hope that in a spirit of constructive cooperation, these issues will be taken up in the forthcoming special session, the Congress leader added.

Also Read: India, that is Bharat written in Constitution: EAM Jaishankar plays down name change controversy

Sonia Gandhis letter to Prime Minister Modi has come a day after the government used President of Bharat instead of the traditional President of India in official dinner invitations sent to G20 guests. Prime Minister of Bharat was also used in a note on PM Modis Indonesia visit to attend the ASEAN-India summit.

There are rumours that the government wants to effect these name changes through Parliament during the special session. The opposition claimed that the government wants to remove India from the Constitution after they formed an alliance and named it INDIA  Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.

The government, however, rejected Oppositions claims as baseless rumours and said that both India and Bharat is being used in G20 slogans and logo. Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the name Bharat is already there in the Indian Constitution.

India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, news agency ANI quoted the minister as saying in an exclusive interview.
Amid the raging controversy over governments move to use the term Bharat instead of India to address the President and Prime Minister of the country, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the name Bharat is also mentioned in the Indian Constitution and that he would like everyone to read it.

India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, news agency ANI quoted the minister as saying in an exclusive interview.

Earlier on Monday, President Droupadi Murmus official dinner invitation to the leaders of G20 summit mentioned her as President of Bharat instead of the traditional President of India. Later, a note on Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia for the 18th ASEAN-India summit used the term Prime Minister of Bharat.

Advertisement

The move irked the Opposition parties who joined hands in criticising the government for trying to change the countrys name. Reacting to Jaishankars clarification, RJD MP Manoj Jha argued that the name was changed because the Opposition has named their alliance INDIA  an abbreviation of Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.

I invite EAM Jaishankar to come and read the Constitution with me. India that is Bharat is Article 1. We didnt hear him saying anything like that before 19th July 19 July means the day when the INDIA alliance was formed What will Jaishankar do if we make further abbreviations and change the alliances name to India Bharat news agency ANI quoted the RJD leader.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari also echoed his INDIA alliance partner and said that the Congress doesnt have problem with anyone using the name Bharat and what they were opposing was that one of the BJP leaders suggested dropping India.

There have been bills and debates on it The Foreign Minister is asking to read the Constitution but I would suggest that he should read history I would say that you have given a cowardly statement on China from the countrys leadership We have been saying that whoever wants to use Bharat, should use it We reacted when one of your MPs said that Bharat should stay, and India should be removed, Tiwari said.

There are rumours that the government will effect the name change during the five-day special session of Parliament starting from September 18. The government has kept the agenda of the special session hidden.
Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said that changing the name of India to Bharat amounts to an insult to the Constitution framed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

He said that the countrys Constitution had incorporated both India and Bharat and nobody had any problems for all these years with the usage of India, so who has given them the right to make the name change now.

The problems started a couple of months ago after the National Opposition parties united under the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) bloc that has shaken the BJP deeply, he contended.

Advertisement

The BJP is now scared even by the name of the country, INDIA which it has been using for so many of its own schemes. Then what happened suddenly to make this move, and how many more things you will change, Raut asked sharply.

The Sena (UBT) leader warned that the people of the country will not support the BJPs politically-motivated move to save itself.

They will give a fitting reply to the BJP in the next elections when the INDIA group will come to power, declared Raut, what the party President and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had said on September 1 here during the INDIA Conclave.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the notification for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) election and imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on the Ladakh administration.

Rejecting a plea by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council challenging the Jammu and Kashmir High Court order granting Plough symbol to the National Conference, a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah in a judgment today, directed the Chief Election Officer of the Ladakh UT to issue a new notification for the elections to the LAJDC within seven days from today.

Advertisement

The top court in its order said, the entire election process, initiated pursuant to Notification dated 02.08.2023 issued by the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, Election Department, UT Secretariat, Ladakh,  stands set aside. A fresh Notification shall be issued within seven days from today for elections  R1 (National Conference) is declared entitled to the exclusive allotment of the Plough symbol for candidates proposed to be put up by it.

The court ordered that the Rs. One lakh fine imposed on LAHDC administration will be deposited in the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Welfare Fund.

Ruling in favour of the allotment of plough symbol to the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, the bench upheld the J&K High Court decision directing the Ladakh Union Territory administration to notify the allotment of the plough symbol to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party for the LAHDC elections.

Upholding the High Court order allotting Plough symbol to J&K National Conference, the bench in its judgment said, The request for allotment of the Plough symbol by R1 (National Conference) was bonafide, legitimate and just, for the plain reason that in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir (which included the present Union Territory of Ladakh), it was a recognized State Party having been allotted the Plough symbol.

Upon bifurcation of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and the creation of two new Union Territories, the top court said that though the Election Commission of India had not notified Nationals Conference as a State Party for the Union Territory of Ladakh, it cannot be simpliciter that the Nationals Conference was not entitled for the allotment of plough symbol to it, in the factual background.

The top court further said, What is also clear is that the Appellants (LAHDC and others) are attempting to approbate and reprobate, which this Court will not countenance.

In the present case, there is no conflict with any other stakeholder for the reason that the Plough symbol is neither a symbol exclusively allotted to any National or State Party nor one of the symbols shown in the list of free symbols. Thus, there was and is no impediment in such a symbol being granted to R1 (National Conference), the top court said in the judgment.

Rejecting the arguments on behalf of the LAhDC that court should not now interfere with the election process as it has reached a penultimate stage, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah speaking for the bench said, Having chosen, with eyes open, to not comply with successive orders of the learned Single Judge and the learned Division Bench, both of which were passed well in time, such as not to stall/delay the notified election schedule, the Appellants cannot be permitted to plead that interference by us at this late juncture should not be forthcoming.

Stating that the courts could not be left helpless by the systemic delays on the part of the administration, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah pronouncing the judgment said, The Court would categorically emphasize that no litigant should have even an iota of doubt or an impression (rather, a misimpression) that just because of systemic delay or the matter not being taken up by the Courts resulting in efflux of time the cause would be defeated, and the Court would be rendered helpless to ensure justice to the party concerned.

It further said that it would not be out of place to mention that this Court can even turn the clock back, if the situation warrants such dire measures. The powers of this Court, if need be, to even restore the status quo ante are not in the realm of any doubt.

Further stating that the self-restraint imposed by the top court not to interfere with the ongoing election process would not stand in the way of it (top court) stepping in when the actions of the executive, the top court today said,  attempt to disturb a level-playing field between candidates and/or political parties with no justifiable or intelligible basis, the Constitutional Courts are required, nay they are duty-bound, to step in.

The LAHDC had challenged the August 14, 2023, order of the Division bench of J%K High court that had upheld August 9, 2023, an interim order of a single judge allotting Plough symbol to J&K National Conference.

The court noted that the National Conference, which is a ruling party in LADHC, had applied for the allotment of Plough symbol well in time on July 7, 2023, but the Election department did not decide on it till last date and on August 5, announced the election.

The court noted that the LADHC, while sitting on the representation of J&K National Conference , went ahead and notified the elections on 02/05.08.2023. We are unable to appreciate such conduct. This recalcitrance to decide in time speaks volumes. Instances like these raise serious questions.

Imposing a fine of Rs one lakh on the administration of LADHC, the top court in its judgment said, Elections to any office/body are required to be free, fair and transparent. Elections lie at the core of democracy. The authority entrusted by law to 29 hold/conduct such elections is to be completely independent of any extraneous influence/consideration.

Having said this, the court said: It is surprising that the Union Territory of Ladakh not only denied R1 the Plough symbol, but even upon timely intervention by the learned Single Judge, has left no stone unturned not only to resist but also frustrate a cause simply by efflux of time.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Delhi on Tuesday evening to attend the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place in the national capital on September 9-10.

Tinubu is the first foreign dignitary to arrive for the multi-lateral event.

Arrivals begin for the G20 Summit! @NGRPresident @officialABAT is the first Head of Delegation to arrive in New Delhi for the Summit. Received by MOS @MoHFW_INDIA @spsinghbaghelpr at the airport. This is President Tinubus first visit to India since the assumption of office, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on X (formerly Twitter).

Advertisement

Minister of State for Health S.P. Singh Baghel received the Nigerian President at the IGI Airport here.

Nigeria is an invitee country for the G20 Summit. High-level deliberations are expected to take place between India and Nigeria during Tinubus visit, official sources said.
To attend the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Indonesia on Wednesday.

PM Modi will leave for Indonesia on Wednesday (September 6) evening and will return to New Delhi late in the evening on the following day.

Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, made adjustments to the schedule for both summits to facilitate Modis early return.

Advertisement

The Prime Minister will be in Jakarta at the invitation of the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. Both the ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) will take place on September 7 (Thursday). The theme ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth. This theme indicates that Indonesia expects the ASEAN to be relevant and significant as the centre of economic growth.

PM Modis visit to Indonesia is ahead of the G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9-10 under Indias Presidency this year.

Indonesia is part of the G20 troika as it had the presidency of the grouping last year.

The forthcoming ASEAN-India Summit will be the first Summit since the elevation of ties between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations bloc of countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

The foreign ministry said that the the Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart the future direction of cooperation. According to a statement, the East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity for leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to exchange views on issues of regional and global significance.

In August, ASEAN-India Economic Ministers met in Indonesia and the main agenda of this years meeting was the timely review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) which was signed in 2009.

A joint committee agreed to a regular, quarterly schedule of negotiations, which would conclude the review of the ASEAN-India FTA in 2025.
J&K DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said that the police were taking strict action by attaching property of terrorists who have fled to Pakistan and were trying to revive terrorism in the Jammu region.

The DGP asserted that the J&K Police, along with other security forces, would foil each and every conspiracy of Pakistan and its agencies with the support of people.

The DGP was on a daylong visit to Rajouri, a frontier District of Jammu Zone, where he inaugurated a Joint Interrogation Centre and a CCTV Control Room and also interacted with Village Defense Committee (VDC) members. He also visited the Army hospital where the soldier and cop injured in the Reasi encounter on Tuesday are being treated.

Advertisement

IGP CRPF Sandeep Khirwar, DIG CRPF Ops Jammu Zone, Rakesh Sathi, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Dr. Haseeb Mughal, SSP Rajouri Amritpal Singh, SSP Poonch Vinay Kumar and other jurisdictional officers were present on the occasion.

Accompanied by ADGP Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh and AIG (Training/Policy) JS Johar, the DGP first inaugurated the CCTV Control Room and later inaugurated JIC.

While interacting with the officers and other personnel at CCTV control room, the DGP directed for monitoring the movement of suspect elements in the area minutely and carefully. He said that such facilities have been introduced by J&K police to bring efficiency in working.

The DGP while chairing a security review meeting directed the officers to be more vigilant and keep pressure on the anti national elements and their supporters. He stressed upon officers to identify the people and OGWs who support the anti national elements and help sustain the terror eco-system.

The DGP later interacted with the Village Defence Committee members and appreciated their cooperation and support for Jammu and Kashmir Police in peace efforts. He hoped that they would continue their cooperation with J&K Police and other security forces in tracking the anti-peace elements and providing better and secure environment for the people.

Most members of a terrorist group that recently infiltrated through the LoC have been neutralised.

DGP said Pakistan with its evil intentions is pushing terrorists in Rajouri and Poonch area and added that with the local support J&K police and other security forces have foiled many attempts by neutralizing infiltrated terrorists. Those who managed to escape are being tracked, he added.

He said that Rajouri and Poonch border grid has been further strengthened to counter the attempts of Pakistan and its agencies. We have a list of terrorists who are natives of J&K and were operating in various parts of the UT but have fled to Pakistan to take refuge there. Their properties are being attached and the process will continue.

With regard to drugs being supplied by Pakistan, the DGP said that Pakistan is pushing drugs alongwith arms and ammunition to raise funds for terror groups and added that a number of consignments have been seized and strict action is being taken against the involved persons.
A Russian missile struck an outdoor market in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens, officials said. The deadly attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv and was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new American funding for Ukraine in the 18-month-old war.

Associated Press journalists at the site of the attack in the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region saw covered bodies on the ground and emergency workers extinguishing fires at market stalls, with blackened and mangled cars nearby.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at least 16 people were killed. Another 31 were wounded, according to the regional prosecutors office. The Defense Ministry said the market was hit by a ballistic missile.

Firefighters extinguished blazes that damaged about 30 pavilions at the market, Klymenko said. Crews searched the rubble for any trapped victims.

Twenty shops, power lines, administrative building and the floor of an apartment building were damaged, according to the prosecutor generals office.

The attack was another grim reminder of the wars civilian toll. A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong, Zelenskiy said on his official Telegram channel.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area, Zelenskiy said later at a news conference with visiting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. There arent any military units nearby. The strike was deliberate.

Blinkens visit was aimed at assessing Ukraines three-month-old counteroffensive and signaling continued U.S. backing as some Western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress in driving out Russian forces, according to U.S. officials.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

Emergency services work following an attack on the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, September 6, 2023. VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY VIA TELEGRAM ( XXXXXXXX via REUTERS)

Blinken was set to pledge more than $1 billion in new U.S. funding, a senior State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the announcement before it was made.

The money would be for a range of investments, the official said, without elaborating.

Roughly $275 million will be military aid, including depleted uranium tank rounds that had been a subject of internal administration debate until Tuesday, according to another U.S. official.

About $175 million of the total will be in the form of weaponry to be provided from Pentagon stockpiles, the official said. Another $100 million will be in the form of grants to allow the Ukrainians to purchase additional arms and equipment, the official said, also on condition of anonymity.

In addition to the military assistance, Blinken is expected to announce nearly $805 million in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine, according to another administration official. That will include $300 million for law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian aid, $203 million to combat corruption and $90.5 million for demining, the official said.

The package will also include a $5.4 million transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets, according to the official, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the formal announcement.

The aid announced by Blinken comes from money previously approved by Congress. President Joe Biden has requested another $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine for the final months of 2023, but its not clear how much  if any  will be approved. Many Republican lawmakers are wary of providing more aid and the partys presidential front-runner, former President Donald Trump, has criticized U.S. financial support. Opinion polls also have shown a decline in support for the war by the American public.

Biden and the Pentagon, however, have said repeatedly they they will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. As of Aug. 29, there was approximately $5.75 billion left in the already approved funding for weapons and equipment taken from existing Pentagon stocks.

Blinken was to discuss other issues, including support for Ukraines economy, building on his June announcement of $1.3 billion to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernizing its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that U.S. assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city.

On the train to Kyiv, Blinken met with Frederiksen, also on an official visit, and thanked her for Denmarks leadership in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent attacks on port facilities in the Odesa region.

Those alternatives may include new overland routes, or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy.

After arriving in Kyiv, Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate Ukrainian troops killed defending the country.

Blinken told Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the U.S. has seen good progress in the counteroffensive. Its very heartening.

Meeting with Shmyhal, Blinken said he was in Ukraine to reaffirm our commitment to stand with you ... to help ensure that you succeed militarily in dealing with the aggression, but also to stand with you to make sure that your efforts to build a strong economy and a strong democracy succeed.

Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since Aug. 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration. Debris from a downed missile caused a fire and damage but no casualties.

In the Odesa region, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

The trip was Blinkens fourth to Ukraine since the war began, including one brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion. But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in Kyiv since January 2022, before the invasion, in what U.S. officials called a signal of American support.

Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may fail to reach their objectives.

While the U.S. has been concerned by some day-to-day battlefield setbacks, U.S. officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defense capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.

Blinken aims to see how the counteroffensive is progressing and what kind of support is needed, including materials to break through Russian defenses with winter approaching. Air defense will also continue to be a priority, the official said.

Western analysts and military officials caution that the counteroffensives success is far from certain and that it could take years to rid Ukraine of entrenched, powerfully armed and skilled Russian troops.

Both sides will have to assess their supply shortages, with more battles of attrition likely over the winter. A long war could stretch deep into next year and beyond, according to experts.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Parliament Special Session: Floor leaders of Oppositions INDIA bloc parties Monday met at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharges residence and discussed their strategy for the special session of Parliament. During the meeting, it was decided that leaders of at least 24 out of total 28 INDIA bloc parties will attend the five-day special session starting from September 18.

Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi will also write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the Opposition parties and seek details on the agenda of the special session.

The government has called a surprise special session of the Parliament from September 18 to 22. However, the government didnt reveal the agenda of the session, a norm being followed for years. The Opposition has objected to this and demanded the government disclose the agenda.

Advertisement

Modi Govt is convening a special session of Parliament for the first time without spelling out the agenda. No one from any Opposition party has been consulted or informed. This is not the way to run a democracy, Congress chief Kharge posted on social media platform X after the meeting.

Kharge also alleged that the withholding the agenda of special session is a tactic of Modi government to divert attention from real issues.

Everyday, Modi Govt plants a story in the media of a prospective agenda, thereby creating a smokescreen of diversion from real issues burdening the people, he added.

Speculations have been rife ever since the government announced its decision to call the special session. One of the speculated agenda is that the government wants to bring One Nation One Election, which will require amendment to the Constitution. A committee was also formed soon after the special session announcement to look into the possibilities of simultaneous polls.

President Dropdi Murmus official invite to G20 leaders mentioned her as President of Bharat instead of India. The Opposition has claimed that the government wants to change the name of the country to Bharat after they named their alliance INDIA, an acronym for Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance. There are speculations that the government wants to effect this name change during the special session.
Team G-20 is upbeat and ready for the show, said G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant while talking to The Statesman at the end of the fourth and final Sherpa meeting under Indias G20 Presidency. The meeting took place at Manesar in Gurgaon in the National Capital Region (NCR).

G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant led intense deliberations with G20 member and invitee countries, as well as international organisations, to finalise the Leaders Declaration for the forthcoming G20 Summit in the capital at the five day-long meeting. The meeting started on September 3 and is scheduled to conclude on September 7.

The most attractive part of the meetings is the Sofa Talk an opportunity to bond at a personal level that would boost relationships between member countries. The informal Sofa Talk apart from the formal meetings has been aimed to give an opportunity to the dignitaries to forge deeper relationships in the informal setting of a Sofa Talk.

Advertisement

They are a vital aspect of diplomacy, building trust and collaboration he added. The Sofa Talk was planned to allow representatives to connect on a personal level, strengthening the bonds of understanding and cooperation among nations.

The five-day deliberation session also witnessed the tradition and culture of India through various activities. The mornings start with yoga sessions while the evenings close with short cultural folk music to showcase real India.

Kant further said, Indias G20 Presidency has kept our commitment to inclusivity at the heart of its priorities and processes, amplifying the voices of the Global South and embodying the spirit of democracy through widespread peoples participation. Through these negotiations, our aim is to shape a more equitable and sustainable world that leaves no one behind.

Under the theme of Weaving India Together, the foreign dignitaries got a glimpse of the cultural aspects of Haryana, including traditional Haryanvi folk dances like Teej Festival, Panihari chants, Khoria dance, and Rasiya Dance, showcasing the vibrant heritage of Haryana.

Adding more colour to the meetings, the trained choreographers orchestrated a performance, showcasing a blend of classical, traditional, and folk Indian dance forms from regions like Rajasthan, Manipur, and Uttar Pradesh, along with Sufi and contemporary performances, celebrating Indias cultural richness.
In response to Congress Parliamentary Party chairman Sonia Gandhis letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the special session of Parliament, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi accused the Congress leader of trying to create a controversy when there is none and politicizing the work of Parliament.

Earlier today, Sonia Gandhi had written to Prime Minister Modi expressing her displeasure over not being informed about the agenda of the five-day special session of the Parliament.

I must point out that this special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. None of us have any idea of its agenda. All we have been communicated is that all five days have been allocated for government business, she wrote.

Advertisement

In response, the Union Minister said that the agenda of the session, according to the precedent, is discussed in an all party meeting before the start of the session and after the Presidents announcement of the date for the new session.

Before calling a session, consultations are never done with other political parties and nor do we discuss the issues. We do call leaders of all parties after the President announces the date for the new session for a meeting in which we discuss the issues and business that will taken up during the session, Joshi said.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi responds to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhis letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/ZyF1QpzJfQ  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2023



In her letter to PM Modi, Gandhi had also sought to discuss the issues of Manipur, Chinas alleged occupation of Indian land and JPC formation to investigate Adani group among others. On this, the minister said that these issues were discussed and responded by the government during the no-confidence motion debate in the previous Monsoon session.

We are ready for a debate on every issue. But the issues that you have mentioned have already been discussed during the no-confidence motion debate during the monsoon session of Parliament, he said.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also said that the business of the special session will be announced at the appropriate time and in accordance with the set precedent. The government has called a five day special session of Parliament from September 18.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly asked his Council of Ministers to give a proper response to Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalins remarks equating Sanatana Dharma with malaria, dengue, corona and calling for its eradication. According to various media reports, Prime Minister Modi told this to the council of ministers during a meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday ahead of the G20 Summit.

The prime minister also advised the ministers against making unnecessary remarks on the India-Bharat debate and said that only those who are authorized will speak on the issue. Dont go into history, stick to basic facts, PM Modi said during the meeting.

The remarks from the prime minister have come days after Udhayanidhis remarks triggered a massive backlash from the BJP and some members of the Oppositions INDIA bloc. While the BJP termed it a strategy of the INDIA bloc parties to demean the Hindu religion and accused the DMK leader of calling for the genocide of Indias 80 per cent population who follows Sanatana Dharma.

Advertisement

Read More: Will repeat again & again: Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatana Dharma remark

INDIA bloc member and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that Stalin junior should equally respect all the religions and dont make remarks that hurt the alliance. The Congress party said that all religions must be respected but added people have the right to express their views. However, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharges son Priyanak Kharge supported Stalin junior and said that any religion that denies equal rights is as good as a disease.

Another controversy that found mention in PM Modis remark was the India-Bharat debate which ignited after official dinner invitations from the Presidents Office mentioned her as President of Bharat instead of the traditional President of India. Also, a note on PM Modis Indonesia visit used the term Prime Minister of Bharat.

More on India-Bharat debate: ASEAN summit note uses PM of Bharat; Opposition irked

This fanned the rumours that the government is planning to remove the English name of the country from the Constitution. The Opposition parties claimed the government is wary of using the India name after they named their alliance INDIA- an acronym for Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance.

The government rejected Oppositions claims as rumours and said that the name Bharat is already there in the Constitution. Article 1 of the Constitution does refer the country as India that is Bharat.

Also Read: India, that is Bharat written in Constitution: EAM Jaishankar plays down name change controversy
The ties between China and India have been stable on the while and Beijing supports New Delhi in hosting the G20 summit 2023, Chinese foreign ministry has said, a day after confirming that President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit and Premier Li Qiang will represent the country.

During the daily briefing on Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that her country was ready to work with the hosts to make the New Delhi G20 summit a success.

We support India in hosting this years summit and stand ready to work with all parties to make the G20 Summit a success, she said, adding that G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

Advertisement

When asked if the Chinese president decide to skip Delhi G20 summit due to tension in Indo-Sino relations, Ning said the bilateral ties between the two countries have been stable on whole and that Beijing was ready to work with New Delhi to further improve that.

The continued improvement and growth of China-India relations serves the common interests of the two countries and two peoples. We stand ready to work with India to further improve and advance bilateral relations, she added.

Earlier on Monday, China said that its Premier Li Qiang will represent the country at the 18th G20 summit in India on 9-10 September instead of President Xi Jinping.

At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

While no official reason was given behind Xis absence but experts believe China is uncomfortable seeing Indias growing stature at the world level. XIs decision to skip G20 meeting also came days after the map controversy. China had released a distorted map that included Indian territories of Ladakh and Arunanchal Pradesh.

The G20 Summit will be held in New Delhi under Indias presidency from September 9 to 10. The summit will be attended by several top international leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese among others.
A woman and her son were found dead at their residence in Ravindranagar in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as 33-year-old Navaneetha, a homemaker and her 11-year-old son Srujan.

According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening and police got the information on Wednesday morning.

Advertisement

Suspecting that Navaneethas husband might have hacked her and Srujan to death, the police have launched a hunt for him in connection with the case.

The cops are also collecting information about the persons who visited the house of the deceased.

Navaneetha hailed from Andhra Pradesh and had been living in the area for three years.

For the past two years, Navaneetha had been living separately from her husband.

Navaneetha was stabbed to death and the boy was strangled to death. Both bodies were found lying on the bed, the police said.
President Barack Obamas farewell speech on 10 January 2017, after eight year in the White House, spelt out his major diplomacy successes. Amongst the foremost achievements was to shut down Irans nuclear weapons program without firing a shot. The Iran Nuclear Deal was not based on trust, but on hard verification and ratification by the global watchdog agency i.e., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as also the other signatories of the P5+1 comity the United States of America, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France plus Germany.

There were some critics of the deal for example, then incoming President Donald Trump and his brother-in-arms in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. However, there was near unanimous consensus that the deal was certainly preferable to the only other alternative i.e., no deal, and its obvious consequences of further irritating Iran, fueling an arms race, extremism and pushing Iran into the willing arms of China.

Soon Trump took over and brazenly reneged on the deal unilaterally. Despite pusillani- mous protests from IAEA and other P5+1 signatories, the worst fears likening the situation to the continuation of a no deal scenario, came true. Unfair theatrics by Trump was not only an affront to Iran- ian sovereign pride but a back slide to crippling sanctions in Iran.

Advertisement

Consequently, what was feared happened, as rule by moderates and reformists like Hasan Rouhani was rejected in favour of hardliners like Ebrahim Raisi (who had lost earlier elections to the moderate faction (he got only 38.3 per cent votes in 2017 but won 62.9 per cent votes in 2021). The derailed Iran Nuclear Deal was behind the loss-loss situation.

Trump had wrongly predicted that the pariahised Iranians would come begging for a new deal under pressure, but he was wrong. They didnt. On the contrary, the Iranians have frantically ratcheted up production of bomb-grade nuclear fuel and have essentially blinded the international inspectors from reviews With the scientific know- how acquired, the nuclear breakout stage (time required to put together a bomb), which was once estimated at about a year in 2015, is expected to be a few weeks, given the deal stalemate and progress made by the Iranians. To compound matters with the failed maximum pressure strategy of Trump, today Iran is morally and materially on stronger ground to extract a

better deal with reparations and guarantees, if they come to the bargaining table.

Joe Biden, who campaigned for the US Presidency in 2019 on the promise of rejoining the Iran Nuclear Deal, has failed to do so with most of his term over.

To be fair, the ground realities and sentiments in Tehran have hardened, as Biden too hasnt seemingly made any significant outreaches beyond the perfunctory negotiations.

As campaigning for the next US Presidential term nears, the political climate and competitive rhetoric will make the possibilities of concessions and overtures to the isolated Iranians even more difficult.

The last leg of Presidential terms is usually given to optics of nationalistic decisiveness. Thus for Mr. Biden to show any enthusiasm towards accepting the Iranian point of view would be electorally suicidal.

The political reemergence of the hawkish Netanyahu in Israel will make the task of Iranian outreach even more unlikely. Basically, Biden has wasted the opportunity to resuscitate the Iran Nuclear Deal earlier in his term, and is now saddled with a situation where his personal preference notwithstanding, there cannot be forward movement without consequences to him electorally. One example of the future transactional costs entailing any agreement between the US and Iran was seen in the recent cash for prisoners deal (estimated at $6 billion) for the return of six US nationals held in Iran. However, it would be disingenuous to say that the Iranians had unfairly blackmailed the US in these negotiations because Tehran continues to reel under backbreaking sanctions imposed by Trumps ill- advised pull out, and secondly, even this released money is not US money, but is from the frozen accounts of Irans own money.

Nonetheless, the spin-doctors in Washington DC will leave no stone unturned to present the same as a continuing example of Irans unfair tactics. Already some like the Republi- can Senator Tom Cotton have accused Biden of a craven act of appeasement that would embolden Iranian leaders.

The guardrails deterring the restoration of the Iran Nuclear Deal are only getting higher Tehran has also never been closer to either Beijing or Moscow than it is now.

The race to elect the 47th President of the USA is evenly poised as far as poll ratings are concerned, and the final out-come will be critical in deciding the possibility of rapproche ment with Tehran, if ever. Should Trump overcome all legal issues to be the Republican candidate (as is inevitable given his lead over nearest rival Ron DeSantis) and then emerge as the winner the chances of reviving the Iran Nuclear Deal would be effectively over till 2028, at the least.

However, only if a Democrat wins the Presidential race (best chance with ageing Joe Biden given his known position and emotionality of having worked on the original Iran Nuclear Deal as the then Vice President), does any possibility of a revised deal loom.

But there are many ifs and buts in the journey and despite the significant costs that will invariably hit the US, it must make the move fast in the first half of the next Presidential term. The reneging of the Iran Nuclear Deal is a grim reminder of how populist leaders like Trump can squander hard- earned peace by pandering to ultra-nationalistic and xenophobic optics to rouse the electorate.

However, the long-term consequences of such political muscularity are always prohibitive and counterproductive. It also shows the vulnerabilities and susceptibilities of democra- cy that are predicated on manufactured emotions and not on facts or real history.

Grandstanding and bravado may have earned Trump a solid fan base amongst his red-neck constituency (as validated by Republican primaries) but it is a price that will invariably be picked up by the taxpaying US citizenry one day (financially, diplomatically, and morally).

The parallel sufferings, loss of livelihood and lives in Iran, owing to theatrics of an unhinged and desperate politician like Trump, are not even calculated. Biden too has displayed his own ineptitude and inefficacy on the Iran Nuclear Deal, after having promised to deliver.

(The writer is Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), and former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry)
This weeks G20 summit in New Delhi poses a substantial diplomatic challenge for India as its presidency of the august forum representing the worlds most powerful nations draws to a close. Divisions over Russias war in Ukraine have deepened, casting a shadow over crucial global discussions on topics like food security, debt distress, and climate change.

One striking factor affecting the summit is the absence of two key leaders, Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia, the latter widely expected but the former a calculated snub. Their non-participation sends a signal that consensus on key issues may be hard to come by. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang, while Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will fill in for Mr Putin. With these two major leaders not present, the summit may be dominated by Western perspectives and interests, leading to complex diplomatic dynamics.

An inconclusive summit could reveal the limits of cooperation between Western and non- Western powers, potentially causing countries to retreat to their preferred alliances. This scenario raises concerns as the world grapples with global challenges that require collective action. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this summit bears significant diplomatic importance. Mr. Modi aims to bolster Indias position as an economic powerhouse and a leader in the global south. A satisfactory outcome would bolster Indias pursuit of an even more influential role on the global stage. One of the primary diplomatic hurdles India faces is finding a way to bridge the widening gap between Western nations and those with differing views on the Ukraine conflict.

Advertisement

The absence of a joint communique at the ministerial meetings leading up to the summit underscores the challenges in finding common ground. India has not condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine, which adds complexity to its role as the G20 host. The diplomatic tightrope India walks involves either convincing member nations to agree to a joint statement, known as the Leaders Declaration, or allowing the presidency to end without one a scenario that hasnt occurred since 2008. Efforts to find consensus have proven arduous as positions have hardened since the last summit in Bali.

The Russian Foreign Minister has asserted that his country would block the final declaration unless it aligns with Moscows stance on Ukraine and other crises. Amid these challenges, India will hope for a last-minute breakthrough akin to Bali, even if it means jettisoning substance for vacuity.

However, such optimism must be tempered with the understanding that reaching a consensus on divi- sive issues remains an uphill battle. In summary, Indias diplomatic acumen will be put to the test in New Delhi and global schisms will appear more pronounced if a favourable outcome is not reached. Navigating divisions over Russias war in Ukraine and fostering cooperation on pressing global issues is no small feat. The world watches as India seeks to strike a balance between competing interests and foster unity among the worlds most influential nations.
The 60th anniversary last week of the March on Washington when hundreds of thousands of Americans rallied at the nations capital to advocate for civil rights and economic justice, and when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic I Have a Dream speech, is perhaps a moment to reflect on what has and hasnt changed in America over these past decades.

For one, it is clear that protest politics is very much on the agenda as racial inequalities persist and social unrest continues across the length and breadth of the land. The emphasis may now be on raising citizens collective voice against police brutality and anti-immigration attitudes, but these are only the contemporary manifestations of structural racism in America.

The Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, for example, saw an estimated 26 million people participating, making it the largest protest movement in American history. According to an analysis by the American governance scholar Gabriel R. Sanchez, a look at survey data from 2020 illustrates that not only was participation high overall, it was disproportionately high among Americans from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and young people. For example, 24 per cent of all African-American respondents in an election survey from 2020 reported attending a march or rally to support racial justice or to protest police brutality.

Advertisement

African-American respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 were 15 per cent more likely to have attended. Participation in these protests across the USA was also high among Latinos, particularly those aged below 40. While 20 per cent of all Latino voters indicated they had attended a march or rally to support racial justice or protest police brutality during the 2020 election season, 28 per cent of Latinos under the age of 40 affirmed they did. Latinos engaging in the social movement against police brutality is reflective of the Black Lives Matter movements broader support outside the African-American community, iterates Sanchez. Support for the protest is driven by shared experiences with excessive force and perceived discrimination from law enforcement personnel. These experiences have forged a commonality of interests between Latinos and African-Americans, which also explains in some measure Black and Latino voters high levels of support for progressive immigra- tion policies.

But White America has hit back, and how. Electing Donald Trump as President, many scholars have argued, was their form of protest against what they see as appeasement of minorities and anti-integrationist policies. Interestingly, research has brought out that while racial minorities believe protests and demonstrations are effective in combating racial bias in policing or inspiring reform within the criminal justice system (between 47 and 52 per cent), this figure falls to 33 per cent among White Americans. The bottom line is that racial inequality and its educational-economic consequences are still the biggest social issue in the USA bar none. The movement started by King has legs
The Supreme Court on Wednesday protected from arrest the members of the fact-finding team of the Editors Guild of India (EGI) in connection with the two FIRs registered against them by Manipur police.

Posting the matter for hearing on Monday  September 11  and issuing notice to Manipur government on a plea by the EGI, the Chief Justice heading a bench also comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Misra in an interim order said that no corrective steps will be taken against them till September 11, the next date of hearing.

The order said, Issue notice. Keep this on Monday. No coercive steps to be taken against petitioners till the next date of hearing.

Advertisement

The Editors Guild has approached the Supreme Court seeking quashing of two FIRs registered by Manipur police against its president and the members of the fact-finding team over a report on the violence in Manipur.

The Guilds 24-page report was released on Saturday evening. The fact-finding team was sent to Manipur to examine the media reportage in the State from August 7 to 10.

The Manipur Police registered FIR against Guilds President Seema Mustafa, and three of its members  Seema Guha, Bharat Bhushan and Sanjay Kapoor  who were part of the fact-finding team that visited Manipur to examine how media in the state was reporting the violence. They had concluded that local news reports about the riots were biased.

The first FIR is based on a complaint filed by one Ngangom Sarat Singh who has described the Editor Guilds report as  false, fabricated and sponsored

During the hearing today, senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Editor Guild said that the senior journalists were part of the fact finding team which had concluded that local newspapers reports about the riots were biased.

Divan said that an error in the report had been corrected. The report is dated September 2, 2023 and an error was corrected on September 3. FIR says the report promotes enmity and that it is false etc. We are apprehending the coercive machinery,

Divan urged the bench to protect the members of the fact finding team from arrest.

Initially, the bench said it will grant protection for a limited period of one week and in the meantime, petitioners can avail other remedies available to them under law.

However, Divan insisted for protection for a longer period saying, I can mention some additional factors. After the report was published on September 2 and after FIRs were registered, the Chief Minister has made a statement in a press conference stating that EGI has stoked controversy by making provocative statements etc.

Thereafter the bench agreed to hear the matter and granted interim protection till September 11.

Divan told the bench that the petitioners were seeking directions to quash two FIRs registered by the Manipur police against Guilds members.
From the dance of the Moon through its phases to the spectacle of solar and lunar eclipses, these celestial occurrences have long held fascination for people across cultures and generations.

In this calendar, well guide you through the key dates when the Moon take scenter stage, providing a chance to witness interesting phenomenons. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be awed by the cosmic events that will unfold throughout what is left of the year.

September 15 - New Moon

The Moon enters this phase on September 15 at 01:41 UTC. It will not be visible in the night sky because the Moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. However, this will be the best time of the month to observe galaxies and star clusters in the sky because there is no moonlight.

Viewers can observe deep space objects and constellations like Orion with its nebulae and the Pleiades, a star cluster that has been known for centuries, inspiring legends between certain Native American people, like the Cherokees and the Iroquois.

September 29 - Full Moon and Supermoon

The Full Moon phase will occur at 09:59 UTC and it will be visible, fully illuminated, as the Moon will be located on the opposite side of Earth as the Sun. In American folklore, the full moon nearest to the autumnal equinox (22 or 23 September) is traditionally called harvest moon or full corn moon. The names are attributed to Native Americans. The following moon is called the hunters moon.

This Full Moon will also be the last of four supermoons for 2023. As it it will be closer to Earth it may look larger and brighter.

This is a supermoon, which is a full moon or new moon that nearly coincides with the closest distance the Moon comes to the earth in its orbit. Because of the distance, the Moon looks larger-than-usual.

October 14 - New Moon

The Moon enters this phase on October 14 at 17:56 UTC. It will not be visible in the night sky because the moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. Galaxies and star clusters will be more visible because of the lack of moonlight.

This is a great chance to see the Orionids, a meteor shower caused by Comet Halleys debris, reaching its peak on October 21 and 22.

October 14 - Annular solar eclipse

On Saturday, October 14, 2023 a solar eclipse will be visible throughout much of North and South America. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, and its too far away from the Earth to completely cover the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for viewers on Earth.

The Moons apparent diameter is smaller than the Suns, blocking most of the Suns light. This results in a ring of light around the darkened moon. The eclipse path will begin in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Canada and then move across the southwestern U.S. and Central America, Colombia and Brazil.

A solar eclipse in Monument Valley (Arizona), in May 2012. Julie Jacobson (AP)

The eclipses path will begin in Oregon at Dunes City and cross the United States, passing through several notable locations including Crater Lake National Park, Eugene, and Medford in Oregon, then traveling through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and finally Texas before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. This eclipse will be the second annular eclipse visible from Albuquerque in 11 years and coincides with the last day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Looking directly at the photosphere of the light can cause permanent eye retina damage. This is because of the intense radiation that the photosphere emits. Viewing the Sun disk through any kind of optical aid like binoculars or a telescope is extremely hazardous.

For viewing this kind of eclipse, observers need to use eclipse glasses which filter out eye damaging radiation. However, the safest way to view the Suns disk is by indirect projection, which can be done by projecting an image of the disk onto a white piece of paper or card using a pair of binoculars, a telescope or a piece of cardboard with a small hole in it (as a pinhole camera).

People use a telescope and an analog camera to observe a Solar Eclipse in Ensenada (Mexico). Efe

Although viewing the eclipse through a phone camera is safe, the camera might be damaged by direct exposure to the sun.

The solar eclipse of October 14, 2023 will start around 14:45 UTC ending at 20:55 UTC. The greatest eclipse time will be at 18:00:41.

The following eclipse will be a partial lunar eclipse on October 28.

October 28 - Full Moon

The Moon will start this phase at 20:25 UTC on October 28. Its face will be fully illuminated. This Full Moon is traditionally called the Hunters Moon and has also been known as the Travel Moon and the Blood Moon.

October 28 - Partial Lunar Eclipse

A partial lunar eclipse will take place on Saturday, 28 October 2023. This eclipse will only be completely visible over Europe and most of Asia and Africa, and will be seen rising over the eastern Americas, setting over Australia. It will begin at 18:01:47 UTC and finish at 22:26:20 UTC. The greatest eclipse will be seen at 20:14:03 UTC.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves into the Earths shadow, causing the Moon to be darkened. When it is totally eclipsed, the Moon takes on a reddish color that is caused when Earth completely blocks direct sunlight. The light appears red due to the Rayleigh scattering of blue light. Something similar happens at sunrises and sunsets.

Lunar eclipses are safe to view without any eye protection or other precautions.

A partial lunar eclipse over Brasilia, in July 2019. Eraldo Peres (AP)

November 13 - New Moon

The Moon enters this phase on November 13 at 09:28 UTC. It will not be visible in the night sky because the Moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. Galaxies and star clusters will be more visible because of the lack of moonlight.

November 27 - Full Moon

The Full Moon phase will occur at 09:17 UTC and it will be visible, fully illuminated, as the Moon will be located on the opposite side of Earth as the Sun. This Full Moon is traditionally known as the Beaver Moon.

December 12 - New Moon

The Moon will begin this phase at 23:33 UTC. It will not be visible in the night sky because the Moon will be located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun. Galaxies and star clusters will be more visible because of the lack of moonlight. Geminids will reach their peak on December 14.

December 27 - Full Moon

The Full Moon phase will occur at 00:34 UTC and it will be visible, fully illuminated, as the Moon will be located on the opposite side of Earth as the Sun. This Full Moon is traditionally known as the Beaver Moon.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
At the age of 38, Ridhi Dogra displays remarkable confidence as she takes on the role of Shah Rukh Khans mother, who is 57 years old, in the film Jawan, set to hit the screens on September 7th.

Ridhi Dogra is currently enjoying a prosperous phase in her professional journey. Following her noteworthy roles in shows like Asur 2 and Badtameez Dil, she has secured roles in two highly anticipated films, Jawan and Tiger 3. In an exclusive interview with Mid-Day, the talented actress shared her motivations behind choosing to work alongside superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. She also expressed a deep admiration for director Maneesh Sharma, stating, My decision to join the cast of Tiger 3 was primarily driven by my desire to collaborate with Maneesh Sharma. I have always held a special place in my heart for Band Baaja Baaraat. Ive known Maneesh since his days as an Assistant Director, even before I embarked on my acting career. When I learned that he would be directing Tiger 3, I enthusiastically accepted the opportunity, purely because of him.

Who is Ridhi Dogra?

Riddhi Dogra, born on 22nd September 1984, is an accomplished Indian actress recognized for her impressive performances in various roles. She has notably portrayed characters like Nisha Jindal in Woh Apna Sa, Nusrat in Asur, Astha in The Married Woman, and Priya in Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? Riddhi has also showcased her talents through her participation in popular television shows such as Nach Baliye 6 and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6.

Advertisement

Riddhi Dogra pursued her education at Apeejay School, located in Sheikh Sarai, New Delhi. She achieved her bachelors degree in Psychology with Honours from Kamala Nehru College.

Before venturing into the television industry, Riddhi Dogra honed her skills as a dancer at the Shiamak Dawar Dance Institute. Her initial foray into the industry involved working as a co-producer at Zoom.

In addition to her television roles, Dogra has also showcased her hosting talents, particularly in the Independence special show Azaadi for Life OK in 2012. Notably, in 2013, she participated in the popular dance reality show Nach Baliye 6.

Her acting credits encompass diverse characters, including Savitri in Savitri, Aditi in Diya Aur Baati Hum, and Nisha in Woh Apna Sa.

Her most recent web series, The Married Woman, directed by Sahir Raza, received critical acclaim and garnered praise from her devoted fan base and audiences alike. Its worth mentioning that Monica Dogra also plays a leading role in this web series.
Ahead of Rishi Sunaks first official trip to India as Britains Prime Minister during the G20 summit this week, his relatives are planning a banquet in New Delhi to welcome the Indian-origin leader to his ancestral land.

The Telegraph reported that the Sunaks relatives will host a feast with flower bouquets and non-stop dancing to Punjabi music in New Delhi on Thursday or Friday.

Sunaks maternal uncle, Gautam Dev Sood, said all relatives have been asked to gather in New Delhi to mark the arrival of the Prime Minister, who is likely to be accompanied by his wife Akshata Murthy on the three-day trip.

Advertisement

The menu will feature a mixture of North and South Indian cuisines, with flower bouquets and beverages for the dinner as well, Sood told The Telegraph, adding that it is a great honour for us that he is visiting his ancestral land.

We cant divulge exact details but a plan is in place to welcome the Prime Minister. We are gearing up for a night of non-stop dancing, mostly to the lively-beats of the traditional Punjabi music, although I imagine we might also groove to a few English tunes along the way, said Subhash Berry, Sunaks paternal uncle.

However, Sunak is not planning to attend the event, pencilled for Thursday or Friday night, because of an intense schedule of meetings with world leaders between Friday and Sunday, the newspaper reported.

Born to Indian parents in Southampton with roots in Punjab, the 42-year-old is the first Indian-origin person to assume the office of the Prime Minister in the UK.

The British Indian leader has described India as an indispensable partner of the UK across all spheres of bilateral cooperation, which he is keen to bolster further.

On Tuesday, he ruled out a quick-fix trade deal with India, which is held up by disagreements over New Delhis demands for greater migration rights for Indian people.

Multiple sources close to the negotiations told the Guardian that Sunak rejected the idea of an early harvest deal, which could have lowered tariffs on goods such as whiskey but would not have dealt with trickier subjects such as professional services.

The decision has scuppered any chance of an agreement being struck this week, before the Prime Minister meets his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in the Indian capital this weekend.

Many now believe a deal is impossible before both countries hold elections in 2024, although some in government still believe it could be reached later this year.
A group of more than 70 MPs cutting across party lines have called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to seek immediate release of a British Sikh imprisoned in India, as he travels to New Delhi to attend the G20 leaders summit this week.

In a letter, the MPs urged Sunak to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately release Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been arbitrarily detained for over five years in India, the BBC reported.

Johal from Dumbarton was in Punjab for his wedding when he was arrested in Jalandhar on November 4, 2017, over his alleged role in killings by the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), a banned terrorist organisation.

Advertisement

His family says that the 36-year-old has been tortured, including through electric shocks, before being made to sign a blank confession document  allegations that have been denied by the Indian authorities.

He is currently being held at the Tihar Jail and faces a possible death penalty over 10 accusations of murder and conspiracy to murder.

Tory MP David Davis told the BBC that the first duty of a state should be to prevent a citizen getting harmed, and that if a citizen had been harmed and subjected to injustice, the government should be raising the most serious protests.

That does not seem to be happening at the moment and that is a failure of the Foreign Office to do its most fundamental duty.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention said Johal had been targeted as he was a campaigner for Sikh human rights and wrote public posts calling for accountability for alleged actions committed against Sikhs by the authorities.

The MPs letter said that the UN Working Group concluded that Jagtars continued detentionlacks any legal basis.

Brother Gurpreet Singh Johal, who is a lawyer and Labour councillor in Dumbarton, told BBC that given Sunaks good relationship with Modi, it shouldnt be a hard ask.

Almost six years have elapsed, no evidence has been produced against Jagtar. These are just charges alleged against him, and it should be innocent until proven guilty, Gurpreet said.

The issue has been raised in the past by former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Theresa May, with May acknowledging that Johal has been arbitrarily detained, without any prosecution started.

The opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer wrote to Sunak early in February asking him what action he intends to take on the matter.

In response, according to The Guardian, Sunak avoided the direct question, saying that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to provide consular support to Johal and his family.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High near 40F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 30F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com .
A microscope's view of the bacteria 'Vibrio vulnificus.' CDC/James Gathany

The media has already dubbed it the flesh-eating bacterium. Vibrio vulnificus lives in coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, and U.S. health authorities have warned of its presence in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mexican Caribbean and the U.S. East Coast.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory warning that many people with V. vulnificus wound infection require intensive care or surgical tissue removal. Severe cases might require amputation of the infected limb.

At least six people have died in the East Coast after being infected, said the CDC. The agency noted that about 150200 V. vulnificus infections are reported each year and about one in five people with the infection die, sometimes within 12 days of becoming ill.

The bacterium attracted media attention a few days ago, when the American army veteran and model Jennifer Barlow revealed that she suffered a Vibrio vulnificus infection after a vacation in the Bahamas. The woman shared on her social media accounts that she had just returned to Atlanta from her vacation in January when she began to notice a swelling in her left leg. It was so swollen  it was at least three times the size of my left knee. It was really scary, she told Today. She went to the emergency room, where doctors misdiagnosed it as a swollen knee and prescribed rest and crutches.

Left, Jennifer Barlow in the Bahamas, and right, in hospital after contracting the infection. Images shared on her social media accounts.

When Barlow fainted at her brothers house and was taken to a hospital, doctors took it more seriously and determined she had a Vibrio vulnificus infection. After fearing for her life, they eventually amputated her infected leg.

So-called superbacteria have become a cause of high mortality in the world and now kill more people than AIDS, malaria and some cancers. A report published this year in the medical journal The Lancet reveals that infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria kill 1.2 million people a year.

Infections can occur when the bacteria come into contact with open wounds on the skin, but also by eating raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Who really wants these books in school?
Opponents to the planned Atlanta Public Safety Training Center protest at Atlanta City Hall as the city council prepares to vote on funding for the controversial facility in Atlanta, Georgia, 05 June 2023.

Sixty-one people have been indicted in Georgia on racketeering charges following a long-running state investigation into protests against a proposed police and firefighter training facility in the Atlanta area that critics call Cop City.

In the sweeping indictment, prosecutors allege the defendants are militant anarchists who have supported a violent movement that prosecutors trace to the widespread 2020 racial justice protests. The Aug. 29 indictment under the states racketeering law, also known as a RICO law, was released by Fulton County officials on Tuesday and was brought by Republican Attorney General Chris Carr.

The Stop Cop City effort has gone on for more than two years and at times veered into vandalism and violence. Opponents say they fear the Atlanta-area training center will lead to greater militarization of the police and that its construction will exacerbate environmental damage in a poor, majority-Black area.

The majority of those indicted were already facing charges stemming from their alleged involvement in the movement. More than three dozen people face domestic terrorism charges in connection to violent protests. Three leaders of a bail fund have been accused of money laundering. And three activists were charged with felony intimidation after authorities said they distributed flyers calling a state trooper a murderer for his involvement in the fatal shooting of an environmental protester in the woods.

In linking the defendants to the alleged conspiracy, prosecutors have made a huge series of allegations. That includes everything from possessing fire accelerant and throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers, to being reimbursed for glue and food for the activists who spent months camping in the woods near the construction site.

Activists leading an ongoing referendum effort against the project immediately condemned the charges, calling them anti-democratic.

Chris Carr may try to use his prosecutors and power to build his gubernatorial campaign and silence free speech, but his threats will not silence our commitment to standing up for our future, our community, and our city, the Cop City Vote coalition said in a statement.

Protests against the training center escalated after the fatal shooting in January of 26-year-old protester Manuel Esteban Paez Teran, known as Tortuguita. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has said state troopers fired in self-defense after Paez Teran shot at them while they cleared protesters from a wooded area near the site of the proposed facility. But the troopers involved werent wearing body cameras, and activists have questioned the official narrative.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and others say the 85-acre, $90 million facility would replace inadequate training facilities, and would help address difficulties in hiring and retaining police officers that worsened after nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The demonstrations erupted in the wake of the May 2020 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the June 2020 police killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta. Those events preceded the public announcement of the proposed training center by months.

Numerous instances of violence and vandalism have been linked to the decentralized Stop Cop City movement. A police car was set alight at a January protest in downtown Atlanta. In March, more than 150 masked protesters chased off police at the construction site and torched construction equipment before fleeing and blending in with a crowd at a nearby music festival. Those two instances have led to dozens of people being charged with domestic terrorism, though prosecutors have previously admitted they have had difficulty in proving that many of those arrested were in fact those who took part in the violence.

RICO charges carry a heavy potential sentence that can be added on top of the penalty for the underlying acts.

Georgias RICO Act, adopted in 1980, makes it a crime to participate in, acquire or maintain control of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity or to conspire to do so.

Racketeering activity means to commit, attempt to commit  or to solicit, coerce or intimidate someone else to commit  one of more than three dozen state crimes listed in the law. At least two such acts are required to meet the standard of a pattern of racketeering activity, meaning prosecutors have to prove that a person has engaged in two or more related criminal acts as part of their participation in an enterprise to be convicted under RICO.

The case was initially assigned to Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, the judge overseeing the racketeering case Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis recently brought against former President Donald Trump and 18 others. But McAfee recused himself, saying he had been working with prosecutors on the case prior to his judicial appointment. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams is now overseeing the case.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has hit out at the opposition over the Bharat name change row, stating "India that is Bharat is mentioned in the Constitution." His response comes amid opposition furore over the invite sent for a G20 dinner referring to the President as the "President of Bharat" and not India.

"India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it," Jaishankar told ANI. "Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well," Jaishankar said.



The EAM also credited the Prime Minister for India having "found a place at the high table of diplomacy." "It is a different world, a different India. It is a different Prime Minister. It is a different government. And that is why you have all that you haven't seen in the past," he added.



On G20



On India taking up the voice of Global South to G20, the EAM said no other G20 presidency had aimed at getting developing countries together. "No other G-20 presidency has tried to get together developing countries who are not on the table and say--please come, sit with us, tell us what are your concerns. And we will distil those concerns and place them before the G-20. That is a unique exercise," the foreign affairs minister said.



He also defended the scale of G20 events, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted the entire nation to have a sense of participation and ownership of G20. "If somebody felt that they were most comfortable in Lutyens' Delhi or completely comfortable in Vigyan Bhavan, that is their prerogative, that was their world. So yes, you have had summit meetings where the impact of the country probably went two kilometres on a good day out of Vigyan Bhavan. This is a different government. It is a different era. It is a different thought process," he said in an exclusive interview with ANI.



On whether the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will cast a shadow on the G20 Summit, Jaishankar said there have been "presidents or Prime Ministers who for some reason have chosen not to come for global meetings."



"Not really. I think at different points of time in G20 there have been some presidents or prime ministers who for whatever reason, have chosen not to come themselves but that country, and that countrys position is obviously reflected by whoever is the representative on that occasion. So, you had some occasions where you had a president or two,



sometimes three, who have not themselves come. My sense from talking to the ministers, certainly, and I know the Sherpas are in touch with each other, they are right now trying to hammer out the final document. I think everybody is coming with a great deal of seriousness," he said.

About Xi and Putin, Jaishankar said he doesn't believe the decisions had anything to do with India. "I think whatever decision they make, they would know best, Jaishankar said.


The government on Wednesday hit back at Congress leader Sonia Gandhis letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused her of politicising the functioning of parliament and creating unnecessary controversy. Gandhi had written a nine-point letter to Modi demanding clarity on the agenda of the upcoming special session of the Parliament to be held from September 18 to 22.

"It is very unfortunate that you are trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament, our temple of democracy, and create unnecessary controversy," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

Political parties are never consulted before calling a Parliament session, Joshi said in his letter to the Congress leader. "Perhaps, you do not pay attention to traditions. Before calling a Parliament session, neither discussions are held with political parties nor issues are ever discussed," he said.

The minister said a meeting of all party leaders is held before the commencement of the session and in this meeting issues and functioning of parliament are discussed.

In her letter to Modi, Gandhi had proposed that nine issues, including violence in Manipur and price rise, be listed for discussion during the session.

Current economic situation on the nation in the wake of rising prices and growing unemployment, commitment made to the farmers with regard to MSP, demand for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate transactions of the Adani group, need for a caste census are among the other issues she proposed to be listed for discussion.

"By the way, all the issues which you have mentioned were raised during the discussion on the no-confidence motion during the Monsoon session recently and the government had also responded to them, Joshi said in his reply.

Earlier, while addressing media after the details of Gandhis letter were revealed, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said this is the first time that no agenda has been discussed or listed in the business of the House. He said the rules under which the discussion can take place can be discussed mutually.

Gandhi wrote the letter to the prime minister a day after the floor leaders of the opposition INDIA alliance met at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence to discuss the strategy to be adopted for the special session of parliament.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking clarity on the agenda of the upcoming special session of the Parliament. In a surprise move, the government announced a special session from September 18 to 22, without revealing the agenda.

On behalf of the opposition parties, Sonia stated in the letter on Wednesday that the special session has been convened without any consultation with other political parties. She added that the parties want to be given time to raise matters of public concern during the session.

Sonia listed out nine issues that the opposition parties wanted to discuss or debate on during the session. These include current economic situation on the nation in the wake of rising prices and growing unemployment, commitment made to the farmers with regard to MSP, demand for a joint parliamentary committee to investigate transactions of the Adani group, crisis in Manipu, communal tension in Haryana, occupation of Indian territory by China, urgent need for a caste census, damages inflicted by Centre-state relations and the impact of natural disasters on states.

Addressing media after the details of the letter were revealed, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said this is the first time that no agenda has been discussed or listed in the business of the House. He said the rules under which the discussion can take place can be discussed mutually.

Ramesh also alleged that the prime minister is in "panic".

Floor leaders of the INDIA bloc from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha took part in a late night meeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence on Tuesday, to discuss the strategy for the upcoming session. The session comes amid heated debates on issues such as 'One Nation, One Election', and renaming India to Bharat.








The end of Labor Day weekend would typically mark the start of a furious sprint to the Iowa caucuses as candidates battle for their partys presidential nomination. But as the 2024 campaign comes into greater focus, the usual frenzy is yielding to a sense of inevitability.

Among Republicans, Donald Trump is dominating the primary field, outpacing rivals with resumes as governors, diplomats and entrepreneurs that would normally prove compelling. The former presidents strength comes despite  or perhaps because of  multiple criminal indictments that threaten to overshadow any serious debate about the future of the country. And for now, the tens of millions of dollars that Republican rivals are pouring into the race are doing little to diminish Trumps stature, fueling concerns among his GOP critics who fear the primary is essentially over before it begins.

As one troubled front-runner tightens his grip on the Republican nomination, President Joe Biden is on a glide path to victory on the Democratic side. The 80-year-old incumbent is facing only token opposition for the Democratic nomination despite concerns about his age and performance from many within his own party.

Whether voters like it or not, a Trump-Biden rematch may be on the horizon, raising the prospect of a deeply uncertain election season that only intensifies the nations political divide. Already, Trump is skipping his partys presidential debates and his court appearances are sometimes drawing more attention than his campaign stops. And Biden has barely begun to campaign as he grapples with questions about his age and his sons legal challenges.

I just cant imagine things markedly changing. So, it appears that past is prologue, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in an interview, praising Bidens record of achievement while warning his party against underestimating Trumps political strength.

Newsom said concerns about Bidens age are fair game and the White House knows it.

But if age equals results, he went on, Im looking forward to his 85th birthday.

On the Republican side, dread is building among some donors and party leaders who hoped conservative voters would move past Trump given the the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol he inspired and his serious legal challenges.

A Trump-Biden rematch would be a disaster for the country. Im very depressed about it, said Bobbie Kilberg, a prominent Republican donor who is supporting former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. She said its scary that so many voters in her party continue to support the former president. I refuse to believe that Trump is our inevitable nominee.

There is time for the 2024 landscape to shift.

Four months remain before the first votes are cast in the Iowa caucuses and the general election is more than a year away. And recent history has plenty of examples of overlooked and seemingly overmatched candidates who proved the conventional wisdom wrong. Both Trump and Biden are among them.

There are also significant variables.

Abortion continues to scramble elections  even in GOP strongholds like Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio  as voters reject Republican efforts to restrict access to the procedure. A greater backlash is possible as the courts review access to a commonly used abortion pill.

And Trump is facing 91 felony charges in criminal proceedings unfolding in Washington, New York, South Florida and Atlanta. They involve everything from his handling of classified information to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election to orchestrating hush money payments to a porn actor.

The former president could be a convicted felon before the general election is decided next November. Still, party leaders  including most of his Republican primary opponents  have vowed to support him even if hes convicted. And nothing in the Constitution bars felons from assuming the presidency.

At the same time, Democratic officials are deeply concerned about the prospect of a third-party bid under the banner of No Labels, a centrist group backed by a $70 million budget actively working to secure a place on the presidential ballot in at least 20 states this year.

Group leaders insist they would nominate a candidate next spring only as an insurance policy should Trump and Biden win their respective primaries, which appears increasingly likely. And then, No Labels would move forward only if its certain that its presidential nominee wouldnt unintentionally help Trump win reelection.

Democratic leaders arent convinced.

Several current and former elected officials have been in close contact with the organization, including Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who says he supports No Labels mission, did not rule out running as a No Labels presidential contender himself when asked during a recent interview.

I dont want No Labels to run a candidate. I want the two parties to respond responsibly to the challenges before us, Cassidy said, indicating he wouldnt support Trump or Biden. He described a presidential bid of his own under the No Labels banner as a hypothetical he didnt want to comment on.

In ruling out Trump, the Louisiana Republican cited the criminal charges against the Republican former president, questions about his viability in the general election, and the former presidents refusal to be honest with the American people about looming budget shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare.

Cassidy, a medical doctor, also raised concerns about Bidens physical and mental health. Hes just so obviously declining, he said.

Indeed, both Trump and Biden have glaring liabilities, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Biden is old and confused, and Trump is corrupt and dishonest. Those were among the top terms Americans use when asked to describe each partys leading presidential candidates.

But leaders in both parties are willing to overlook such problems.

Young Democrats of America President Quentin Wathum-Ocama concedes that young voters arent necessarily enthusiastic about a Trump-Biden rematch, but he hopes that Trumps polarizing candidacy will give Wathum-Ocamas party the energy Biden cannot.

Yes, people want a younger generation of politicians. Weve always talked about Joe Biden as  even hes said  as a transitional figure in our political life, he said. As much as were seeing folks, for whatever reason, may not be excited or whatever, to me, it comes back to democracy is on the line.

With virtually no exceptions, Democratic officials in Congress and in key states are publicly rallying behind Bidens reelection.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Bidens strongest challenger in the 2020 Democratic primary, endorsed Bidens reelection bid hours after it was announced this spring. Biden enlisted other would-be rivals for his national advisory board. The group includes Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Newsom.

Republicans have delighted in suggesting that Newsom plans to launch a primary challenge against Biden, something the California governor has repeatedly ruled out. Thats even as Newsom teases the possibility of a high-profile debate against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is among Trumps top Republican challengers.

Newsom said there would be a debate with the Florida governor, perhaps in November, although the camps are still working out the details.

I get to do the one thing I look forward to doing more than anything else, and thats make the case for Joe Biden and what hes accomplished  and to do that one on one, he said of a DeSantis debate. Thats an opportunity, a platform I dont want to walk away from.

Meanwhile, in a show of confidence, the Trump campaign has already begun to pivot toward a general election matchup against Biden.

His team says he currently plans to skip all Republican presidential debates, sensing few consequences for skipping the first one last month. DeSantis, once thought to be a potent threat, has struggled to live up to expectations.

Trumps relationships across the party and his expansive political machine have made it extremely difficult for others to break through.

The president benefits from having led the party for the last eight years, said Brian Jack, Trumps political director.

Trump is leading the fight for endorsements, winning the public backing of more members of Congress and statewide elected officials than the rest of the field combined.

The other candidates are also struggling to keep up with Trumps quiet campaign to control the delegate selection rules for individual state primaries. For example, Trump officials successfully pushed California Republicans to award all of the states 169 delegates to the winner of their March 5 primary, instead of dolling out delegates to multiple candidates based on the proportion of their vote.

The payoff for that work became clear late last week when a pro-DeSantis super PAC scaled back its operations in Nevada and other states that host Republican primary contests in March, including California, North Carolina and Texas.

Given Trumps overwhelming advantages, some of Trumps powerful allies have begun to call for other Republican presidential candidates to give up. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez ended his short-lived White House bid last week after failing to qualify for the opening debate. But at least eight high-profile opponents remain.

It has been clear for months that President Trump will be the Republican nominee, said Rep. Elise Stefanik, the No. 3 House Republican. This election is the most important election in our lifetime, and I will continue to call on Republicans to coalesce our entire party apparatus behind President Trumps campaign.

While Trump remains the clear front-runner, he holds a wider margin nationally than he does in some of the early voting states. And influential Republicans there arent ready to concede the nomination to Trump yet.

Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, which hosts the second Republican primary contest after Iowa, is working to boost Trumps GOP rivals, warning that Trump is too flawed to win the general election.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who served as Trumps ambassador to China, also has doubts about the former presidents chances in the general election given the legal challenges that will play out for much of next year.

The focus of the election ought to be on Biden and his record, Branstad said. Thats the thing that bothers me. It plays into the hands of the Democrats.

He added, I think this thing is going to tighten up.

Even Trump isnt quite willing to say that hes already locked up the Republican presidential nomination.

I dont want to say anythings over cause I dont say that, Trump said Friday on WABC. Im not a believer until its over, right? As Yogi would say, Aint over til its over.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
In the later part of September, Indian Army chief General Manoj Pande will brainstorm with the US Army chief and top army officials of about four more countries of the Indo-Pacific region in an effort to establish and promote personal relationships while addressing mutual interests and challenges in the region.

The development can be seen as Indias willingness to position itself as a pivotal power in the Indo-Pacific to counter an increasingly powerful and belligerent China.

It is also to be seen in the light of the US effort to encircle China while the latter is pursuing its string of pearls strategy or setting up military and commercial facilities in the Indian Ocean region that would result in an encirclement of India.

The event, to be kick-started at the national capitals Manekshaw Centre with a curtain raiser event on September 20, will conclude on September 27.

Part of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) and the Indo- Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), the army chiefs of Australia, Japan, Singapore and Maldives are expected to participate in the main deliberations. The defence attaches of about 30 countries are also expected to take part in the event.

The interaction of the army chiefs will come on the heels of the ongoing Exercise Trishula major annual exercise of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that began on Monday and concludes on September 20.

The exercise is taking place across a broad swath of area from Rajasthan to Ladakhobviously to test the IAFs preparedness while facing adversaries on two sides.

All the IAFs major platforms, including fighter aircraft Rafales, Sukhoi 30 MKIs, MiG 29s, transport aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster, helicopters like the Apache and Chinook and a range of weapons systems are to be used in the exercise.

Amid the unresolved border impasse with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh and Chinese President Xi Jinping's decision not to attend the upcoming G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi from September 9-10, India is stepping up military activity that has immense strategic significance.

The bilateral relationship between the two Asian giants took another hit on August 28 with China releasing the 2023 edition of its standard map which depicted Indias Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin across Ladakh as part of China.

The map was published by Chinas ministry of natural resources to mark the Surveying and Mapping Publicity Day and the National Mapping Awareness Publicity Week.

Ever since a violent flare-up in April 2020, the two countries have amassed more than 120,000 soldiers and substantial military equipment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be travelling to New Delhi on Saturday for the President's G20 dinner, officials said on Wednesday.

She will be flying to the national capital at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, they said.

Asserting that it's well known that India is Bharat, the Trinamool Congress supremo had on Tuesday questioned the need to "suddenly use only Bharat" while referring to India in an official communique.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently shared on X a G20 dinner invitation from President Murmu, which described her position as the "President of Bharat".

Hailing Banerjee's decision, the opposition BJP asserted that it is an endorsement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country in the right way."

The CPI(M) claimed she might have some "additional work" in New Delhi as was seen in the past.

"It is good she has accepted the invite as the prestige of the state is at stake and she is going there representing West Bengal," senior state BJP leader Rahul Sinha told PTI.

He claimed that Banerjee changes her public posturing depending on the turn of events.

"Just one day ago, she flayed the Modi government on the issue of 'Bharat' in the invitation card and better sense prevailed the next day... It is an endorsement that the way Modi-ji is leading the country is the right way," Sinha said.

CPI(M) Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the invitation is from the President of Bharat and not the President of India.

He said, "So, in a way this is illegal. I wonder if Mamata Banerjee is going there as the CM of West Bengal or as the CM of Paschim Banga (as the state is known in Bengali)."

"I believe she has some additional work in New Delhi. Every time she goes to New Delhi, there is some other purpose," Chakraborty added.

The G20 Summit is being held in Delhi on September 9 and September 10 under India's presidency and several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden, are attending the event.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with whom Banerjee shares a cordial relationship, is also likely to be present at the event.
The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday decided that Kunbi caste certificates will be issued to those Marathas hailing from Marathwada region who possess revenue or education documents from the Nizam era that recognise them as Kunbis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said.

Kunbis (the community associated with agriculture) are grouped under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in Maharashtra.

Shinde told reporters a five-member panel headed by judge Sandeep Shinde (retired) will determine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), including legal and administrative framework, for giving caste certificates to members of the Maratha community referred to as Kunbis in the Nizam-era documents.

The panel will submit its report in a month.

Additional Chief Secretary (revenue), Principal Secretary (law and justice), and collectors of concerned districts (in Marathwada) will be members of this committee. The divisional commissioner, Aurangabad, will be the member secretary of the panel.

Quota protester Manoj Jarange, who has been on hunger strike for the last eight days in Jalna district, has been demanding that Marathas in Marathwada be recognised as Kunbis based on their old records from the Nizam era.

Marathwada region was part of the erstwhile Hyderabad kingdom before it became part of Maharashtra.

Those belonging to the Maratha community in Marathwada with references of being Kunbis in the Nizam-era revenue and education documents will get Kunbi certificates, the chief minister said, adding that he would speak with his Telangana counterpart for any help in this matter.

The CM's announcement came after protests by members of the Maratha community across the state.

He reiterated that the state government is committed to giving the reservation to Marathas.

"The erstwhile Devendra Fadnavis government had worked sincerely to give reservation to the Maratha community. The decision was challenged in the Bombay High Court but it upheld the government's decision. However, the quota was struck down by the Supreme Court," Shinde added.

Without naming the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government, Shinde said the Maratha reservation was struck down when those people criticising us now were in power.
Even as Union minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off the fifth and final Jan Ashirwad Yatra of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Khandwa of Madhya Pradesh, a shadow of controversy has already covered the pre-poll activity.

Stone pelting was reported on the second of the five yatras in Neemuch district on Tuesday late night. This yatra was flagged off by Union minister Rajnath Singh on Monday from Neemuch district headquarters.

The BJP has blamed opposition Congress for the stone pelting with home minister Narottam Mishra saying that the seven persons, including one Khema Gurjar against whom FIR was registered, and who were arrested belonged to Congress.

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief and ex-chief minister Kamal Nath, however, said that people in Mandsaur-Neemuch area were venting anger (against Shivraj Singh Chouhan government) on BJPs yatra due to an impractical Cheetah project implementation.

The stone pelting, which damaged the vehicles in the yatra, was reported from Rauli Kudi village in the Rampura area, about 75km from Neemuch district headquarters. About 150 people gathered on the way of the yatra and stopped it. The village falls under Gandhisagar Sanctuary where the forest department is carrying out fencing for the cheetah translocation project. After Kuno in Sheopur, Gandhisagar Sanctuary is one of the selected spots for the inter-continental translocation project.

The villagers are protesting the fencing as it would mean unavailability of grazing place for their cattle and an impact on their livelihood, sources said. They have been giving memorandums to peoples representatives on the issue, but to no avail, sources added.

The BJP leaders accompanying the yatra tried to convince the villagers, but their anger erupted leading to stone pelting on the vehicles. On Wednesday, a case was registered against 19 persons and seven were arrested.

If you look behind the attack, you will understand. Kamal Nath ji had earlier said that stone pelting like Manipur was possible. He has been trying to instigate for the past one month. Digvijaya (Singh) ji was giving example of Nuh in Haryana. He was also trying to instigate. Congress is dejected and disappointed and thus resorting to such tactics. People of the state should understand this, home minister Mishra said.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Congress was freaking out because of people's support for the Jan Ashirwad Yatra. "Kamal Nath ji had been talking about stone pelting; this creates a lot of suspicion. I have ordered a probe and whosoever is behind the incident, action will be taken. But I want to tell the Congress that they wont succeed with such tactics. Whatever they may try, BJP will win the coming election with full majority. Madhya Pradesh politics has always been decent and it should remain so. They should not resort to such tactics," he said.

Kamal Nath said on Tuesday night that even after harassing every section of society, the Shivraj government expects flowers and not stones. Whatever they have given to the public during their 18 years rule, the public is ready to return the same with interest, he said. However, he urged the people to protest only in a democratic manner and let the courts do the work of punishing the criminals.

On Wednesday, Nath said that the stone pelting incident was an example of distrust of people in the BJP government. Taking up the issue of cheetah Project, he said: The BJP government is imposing an impractical scheme of Cheetah Project on the people of the area. The land of the farmers and villagers, especially the grazing land for cattle, is badly affected. There is a lot of anger in the region, but the chief minister and BJP leaders, intoxicated by power, are ignoring public sentiments. I am with the people of the Neemuch-Mandsaur area. I will not allow this injustice to happen.

He further demanded that the CM must take immediate cognisance of the situation. Give relief to cattle herders and farmers who are being deprived of land due to the Cheetah Project. Along with this, I promise the people of the area that when the Congress government comes, we will take decisions in the interest of the farmers of the area.

Gadkari lauds development in MP

Meanwhile, while flagging off the fifth Jan Ashirwad Yatra from Khandwa, Gadkari lauded the development in Madhya Pradesh in past two decades and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Chouhan has been able to change the lives of the poor. The biggest feature of the work of the BJP is the welfare of the village, the poor, the laborers and the farmers. Once Madhya Pradesh was known as a Bimaru (sick) state, but under the leadership of Shivraj ji, Madhya Pradesh is now talked of as a developing state. This is just the trailer of development, the entire movie is yet to come, he said.

The Union minister also said that under leadership of PM Modi, the farmers of the country have turned not only into food, but also energy providers and bio-ethanol produced by them is now being used as vehicle and aviation fuel.

Chouhan assured the people that in case of any exigency including crop damage; his government will stand by the people and get them out of the crisis. I am not Kamal Nath to keep crying about not having funds, he said.

The fifth Jan Ashirwad Yatra will cover Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Dhar, Barwani, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Dhar, Indore and Dewas districts in Malwa-Nimad region. There will be 31 big public meetings enroute and cover 42 assembly constituencies in about a 2000km route.
The INDIA alliance partners at their meeting to work out their strategy for the upcoming special session of Parliament are learnt to have decided that they will write to the government demanding that it must inform the country about the agenda for the session.

It is learnt that a consensus was reached on the idea that Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which the issues that the opposition wants a discussion on during the session will be specified.



The letter is also expected to seek clarity from the government on the business it has planned for the special session. A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the INDIA alliance partners held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday night.



The letter could be sent to the Prime Minister as early as Wednesday.



Amongst the issues that the opposition has been raising are economic distress, price rise, unemployment, the situation in Manipur and the situation at the border with China. The parties have also been consistently raising the demand for a joint parliamentary committee to be constituted to probe the allegations of stock market malpractice by the Adani group.

The option of boycotting the proceedings has been rejected by the parties at the very outset. They have stressed on coming across as having a constructive approach to the session in which they want the people's issues to be prioritised.


The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Tuesday that they are in the process of seizing properties of Kashmiri militants living in Pakistan.

We have a list of terrorists who are natives of J&K and were operating in various parts of the UT but have fled to Pakistan to seek refuge there. Their properties are being confiscated and the process will continue, J&K Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said at a press conference in Rajouri.

The DGP said police are monitoring the activities of such individuals as they continue to promote terrorism from across the Line of Control (LoC).

These people are behind the attempts to revive terrorism in J&K, the DGP said, adding that no mercy would be shown to them if they attempted to return.

Singh said 9-12 terroriststhe majority of whom are believed to be foreignersare operating in the Rajouri-Poonch range. He claimed that they have information that these terrorists are moving from Kulgam-Shopian in south Kashmir to the Rajouri-Poonch range in Jammu.

The two regions are separated by the Pir Panjal mountain range.

He said that three of them have been killed, and the search for others is ongoing.

One terrorist, who had perhaps slipped from the mountains, was found dead in Reasi. Another one was killed in the Rajouri encounter, and the third one was killed in the Reasi encounter, where the operation is still in progress, Singh said.

He congratulated the security forces, including the police,Army, and CRPF, on their successful operations in the Rajouri-Poonch range.

Regarding militancy in Rajouri-Poonch, the DGP said they will not allow attempts from across the LoC to revive terrorism in these two districts.

He further explained that the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) are being strengthened and are playing a significant role in anti-terrorist operations.

Regarding infiltration attempts, Singh said that all such attempts were foiled.

After a recent review meetings, it was decided that the police would also be deployed at some points along the LoC with the army to further enhance the border grid, he said.

Singh also emphasized that unless the agencies across the border stop sending narcotics, the challenge will persist. He also claimed that the security forces have thwarted attempts to smuggle narcotics using drones.
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be on a six-day, five-nation tour of Europe starting Thursday. The trip will include meetings with parliamentarians, interactions with university students and two press conferences.

According to party sources, Gandhi will begin the Europe visit in Brussels on Thursday, where he is scheduled to meet European Union MPs and civil society organisations. On September 8, he will have a meeting over breakfast with industrialists. A press conference will be addressed by him in Brussels at 1:30pm IST.

Gandhi's next stop will be Paris, where he will arrive on September 8. He will address a press conference in the French capital that day, scheduled for 9pm IST. He will have dinner with members of the Indian community.

The following day, he will meet French parliamentarians. He will also interact with students at the Sciences Po University and the Einalco University.

On September 10, Gandhi will arrive in the Netherlands, where he will interact with students at the University of Leiden.

Gandhi will reach Norway on September 11. He is scheduled to make a speech at the University of Oslo that day. He will take part in a dinner meeting with members of the Indian community in Oslo. Gandhi will wrap up the tour and return on September 12.

The Europe tour has been organised by the Indian Overseas Congress.

The trip, however, comes at a time when the G20 will meet in India. It also coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalins remarks on Sanatan Dharma needs to be responded properly. Speaking at a meeting of the Council of Ministers ahead of the G20 summit in Delhi, Modi also directed the ministers against making comments over the ongoing India vs Bharat controversy.

"Do not go into history, but stick to the facts as per the Constitution. Also, speak about the contemporary situation of the issue," the prime minister said.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare Minister and son of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, stirred up a row after he allegedly likened the Sanatan Dharma to coronavirus, malaria and dengue and said such things should not be opposed but eradicated.

"Few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We can't oppose Dengue, Mosquitoes, Malaria, or Corona, we have to eradicate this. That's how we have to eradicate Sanatana. Rather opposing Sanatana it should be eradicated, he had said while speaking at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai on Saturday.

Later, clarifying his remarks, Udhayanidhi said he had not called for the genocide of people who are following the Sanatan Dharma, but reiterated that this principle divides people in the name of caste and religion.

"The day before yesterday I spoke at a function about it (Sanatana Dharma). Whatever I said, I'll repeat the same thing again and again...I included all the religions and not just Hindus...I spoke condemning the caste differences that's all," the DMK leader said on Monday.

His remarks sparked off a political outrage with the BJP accusing the opposition INDIA alliance, of which the DMK is a major partner, of being anti-Hindu.
China has said that relations with India remain stable on the whole. The declaration comes a day after China confirmed that its president Xi Jinping will not be attending the G20 summit. Instead, the country would be sending a delegation led by Premier Li Qiang. China also said that it was willing to work to promote greater development of China-India relations.



No official reason was given for Xi's absence. He had attended the BRICS summit in South Africa in August. The last time Xi skipped the G20 summit was in 2013. Vladimir Putin, President of China's ally Russia will also be skipping the conclave, which will take place in New Delhi, India.

When Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked if Xis decision to stay away reflected tensions between India and China, she said that China has always attached great importance to the G20 and supported India in hosting this years summit.



China is ready to work with all parties to push for the success of the G20 summit, Ning added.

We are ready to work with India to promote greater development of China-India relations, she said. "China has put out maps with territories (that are) not theirs. (It is an) old habit. Just by putting out maps with parts of India... this doesn't change anything. Our government is very clear about our territory. Making absurd claims does not make other people's territories yours," Ning said.



The development also comes after China, on August 30, released a map showing the entire State of Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region as being within Chinas borders. Relations between the two nations have been strained since the military stand-off at east Ladakh in 2020. The two nations have held bilateral ties to resolve the issue, but, no substantial solution has emerged.


Once-peaceful Ecuador has descended into a wave of uncontrolled violence as if cursed by a malevolent fog. The security breakdown plaguing the country has spread from prisons onto the streets where bloodshed is now common.

Beyond two high-profile political assassinations, the nation has lost control of its jails, which are now governed by criminal gangs engaged in constant brutality.

The South American nation faces a dire security crisis that has intensified under President Guillermo Lasso, explains prominent Guayaquil Constitutional Attorney Jose Antonio Chiriboga, speaking exclusively to THE WEEK.

The Lasso administration has allowed criminal groups to gain control, says Chiriboga. "On the streets, cartels battle for territory, causing collateral deaths of innocent people."



Over 400 inmates have been killed behind bars since 2021, many in grisly massacres including the murder of 79 inmates in February 2021. In July this year, 31 more were killed in a penitentiary clash. Homicides nationwide are also rising, pointed out Chiriboga.



He blames Lasso's policies and preceding President Lenin Moreno for weakening security institutions. "Dismantling the Intelligence Service and downgrading the Interior Ministry debilitated law enforcement," he explains.

This July, 96 prison guards were taken hostage and hundreds of inmates began a hunger strike to protest lockup conditions and violence. Days later, Ecuadors attorney general announced 18 dead in an uprising at a Guayaquil penitentiary.



The prison system has long been the main theatre of violence, notes the constitutional attorney. But recently bloodshed has spilled onto Ecuadors streets as the country has become a trafficking hub between the planet's two largest cocaine producers, Colombia and Peru, and North American and European markets.



With no history of growing coca crops or cocaine production, Ecuador's security forces have struggled to confront gangs inside crowded prisons where inmates often run extensive and violent drug and criminal networks.



Despite five different prison directors tried by Lasso, killings inside continue, noted Chiriboga. Now, outside the prisons, contract killings and cartel territorial disputes are ruling the streets. "The government does not control the streets or the jails, said Chiriboga. He blames Lasso for weakened security institutions and apathy towards the deteriorating situation.



"Prisons are dominated by over 10 gangs engaged in constant violence," Chiriboga said. "Lasso declared states of emergency in violent provinces but crime continues unabated."



Extortion by gangs known as "vaccinators" has spread fear. Chiriboga charges it is Lasso's "ineptitude and apathy" in the face of these threats that led to his early removal from office.



In 2015, Ecuador was considered the second safest country in Latin America, surpassed only by Chile, points out Chiriboga in frustration.



In 1989, the country had a rate of 11.20 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure that increased to 15.25 in 1996 and reached a peak of 18.74 in 2009. However, by 2015, this rate had decreased to 6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. At the end of the term of former President Rafael Correa in 2017, the indices dropped to a level of 5.81 per 100,000 inhabitants.

"The penetration of the Albanian mafia, Mexican drug cartels such as the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, as well as proximity to Colombia," pointed out Chiriboga, "exacerbated by conditions of poverty and marginalisation in parts of society, have contributed to an unprecedented increase in violence in the country." This includes contract killings, kidnappings, extortions, and the formation of criminal gangs.

A soldier frisks a man on an access road to the Turi prison in Cuenca, Ecuador

"The ineffectiveness and lack of empathy of the last two governments led by Moreno and Lasso, who aimed to remove the influence and legacy of former President [Rafael] Correa's government, resulted in the dismantling of some institutions related to security in Ecuador," explained Chiriboga.



"For example, the Ministry of Security Coordination, responsible for ensuring political, personal, community, and environmental security, was dissolved. The Ministry of Interior was transformed into the Ministry of Government, and other changes weakened public security in Ecuador."



This led to crises in the prison system, says Chiriboga, adding that these began during Moreno's government. For the first time, there were reports of "various criminal gangs dominating prisons and disputing territories outside to commit criminal acts, especially related to drug trafficking."



In 2017, the rate of violent deaths per 10,000 prisoners was 2.14. In 2020, this rate increased sixfold to 13.6, and in early 2021, between January and February, it rose to 21.25 violent deaths.



Chiriboga analysed the conditions for the government's declaration of a state of emergency and its relocation of high-risk prisoners, "but this was not enough to contain the violence in prisons," he said. The largest prison tragedy occurred on February 23, 2021, with a confrontation between gangs and riots resulting in 79 deaths.



"This crisis also spilt onto the streets, where drug trafficking expanded into new territories and resulted in many murders related to turf disputes, affecting innocent people," said Chiriboga. "In the past three years, a significant amount of drugs has been seized, suggesting that the problem will continue for some time."



On May 24, 2021, Lasso, a banker, assumed the presidency of Ecuador, notes Chiriboga, drawing a line in time to show the countrys descent into violence. "During his government, incompetence and inaction regarding national problems became evident. Crimes, contract killings, and extortions, including the activity known as 'vaccinators,' which involves extorting businesses and small businesses, caused fear and apprehension in the population."



"The government lost control of prisons, which are now dominated by gangs that enjoy luxuries inside them, such as furnished dormitories, cellphones, blades and firearms, money, and even recreational facilities," he said. "Additionally, these gangs extort other prisoners for food, shelter, and protection."



Until 2022, there were 413 violent deaths in prisons, and the violence continues to this day. Organized crime has also taken over territories in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, and, to a lesser extent, Pichincha, which holds Quito, the capital. In addition to gang-member casualties, bystanders, including minors, have been killed in these areas.



After 31 deaths on July 25, 2023, the government declared states of exception in conflict-ridden areas and eased rules for citizens to arm themselves, "but these measures have not had a significant impact, according to public perception," said the constitutional attorney.



In the middle of impeachment proceedings by Congress, this May Lasso triggered a "muerte cruzada" mechanism, a sort of mutual assured destruction measure in which he dissolved Congress but also shortened his presidential term, triggering new presidential and legislative elections. The first round was held on August 20.



But the elections were already lost to violence, says Chiriboga. Two members of the Revolucion Ciudadana party were killed, followed by the assassination of Agustin Intriago, the mayor of the coastal city of Manta, which caused great turmoil across the country.



This August, anti-corruption presidential candidate Fernando was assassinated after a campaign event in Quito, days before the election amid a sharp rise in organised, violent crime.



After a runoff election this October 15, the next government will take office in December 2023. "The Ecuadorian people long for an effective response," said Chiriboga.


The U.S. justice systems outstanding accounts with the leadership of the far-right Proud Boys militia were settled Tuesday when its former national chairman, Enrique Tarrio, was sentenced to 22 years in prison in a Washington courtroom. The presiding judge, who defined Tarrio as the ultimate ringleader of the conspiracy surrounding the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, applied the aggravating circumstance of terrorism, to his ruling, and duly handed down the longest sentence among the hundreds already convicted of participating in the attack on American democracy in the wake of Donald Trumps 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden.

The Proud Boys gained notoriety in the turbulent early 2020s by targeting protests around the country, including those that followed the police killing of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis. Around 200 of the militias membership took part in the insurrection at the U.S. Congress building on the same day that Trump spoke at the Stop the Steal rally in Washington and urged his supporters to fight like hell and accused Democrats of attempting the most brazen and outrageous election theft.

Five members of the Proud Boys (in addition to Tarrio, Joe Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Ethan Nordean, and Dominic Pezzola) were found guilty last May after a 15-week trial. Four of them were convicted of seditious conspiracy. All five, for obstruction of a parliamentary procedure: the democratic transfer of power to Biden after his victory over Trump in the presidential elections of November 2020, a result that the former president still questions today.

Seditious conspiracy is a charge that is not levied lightly; it was created to prosecute those who rose up against the Union during the Civil War (1861-1865) and, until the January 6 trials, had not been applied in decades. The other four Proud Boys leaders were sentenced last week: Nordean, who the judge understood to have served as a lieutenant that day in Tarrios absence, received a record sentence of 18 years; Biggs, 17; Rehl, 15; and Pezzola, 10.

Tarrio was scheduled to be sentenced last Wednesday but the hearing was delayed due to an illness affecting the magistrate, U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, an appointee from the Trump White House administration. Prosecutors had sought 33 years in prison for Tarrio. On Tuesday, the judges decision, which due to be delivered during the afternoon, was delayed until the last minute, while he deliberated whether to add the aggravating factor of terrorism. Despite the request of the prosecution, Kelly had not done so in his previous rulings. Tarrios lawyer, Nayib Hassan, said that his client is not a terrorist, but a misguided patriot.

Judge Kelly does not appear to have been moved by the fact that on January 6, 2021, Tarrio, a 39-year-old Cuban-American from Miami, was not in Washington. He followed the assault on television around 40 miles from the scene in a hotel in Baltimore: the police had issued an order prohibiting Tarrio from setting foot in Washington following his arrest in the city for burning a Black Lives Matter flag at a church. Prosecutors believe he incited dozens of Proud Boys to march on the Capitol and sent them messages encouraging them to stay the course as events unfolded.

After the riot, Tarrio, as the judge noted, wrote on social media: Make no mistake. We did this. Later, however, he gave several interviews in which he tried to distance himself from the actions of his militia on January 6. One of them, Pezzola, was the first to enter the Capitol after breaking a window with a shield he had snatched from a riot police officer. Around 150 police officers were injured in the attack. Shortly before he was sentenced Tuesday, after tearful testimony from his fiance, sister and mother, Tarrio said that he has always had great respect for law enforcement. I hope one day I can personally apologize to them, he added. He also addressed the citizens of Washington  I am deeply sorry for what happened that day  members of Congress  There can be no place for political violence  the American public  January 6 was a national disgrace  and the judge: Please show me mercy. I ask you that you not take my 40s from me. In his reading of the sentence, Kelly doubted Tarrios sincerity.

Trumps Army

Tarrio was spotted on January 5 in the vicinity of the Capitol, in a subway parking lot in the meeting with Stewart Rhodes, leader of another extremist group involved in the insurrection, the Oath Keepers. Rhodes was also found guilty of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 18 years in prison in May, with the aggravating factor of terrorism applied. That ruling had set the previous record in the January 6 case, defined by Attorney General Merrick Garland as the largest in the history of the U.S. Department of Justice. More than 1,100 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the insurrection and over 600 have been convicted and sentenced.

Trump has been indicted for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in both Washington  where he is scheduled to sit in the dock on March 4, 2024  and Georgia, where he has been charged along with 18 others defendants under the RICO Act for allegedly participating in a wide-ranging conspiracy that involved conspiracy to commit a crime, pressure on witnesses and conspiracy to falsify documents, among a total of 13 counts.

The former Republican president also made an appearance at the Proud Boys trial, held at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse. One of the judges first rulings was to admit into evidence a video of Trump allegedly giving an order to the Proud Boys during a presidential electoral debate with Biden. Stand back and stand by, Trump said, earning the militia the nickname of Trumps Army.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




Ahead of its President Joe Biden's travel to India to attend the G20 Summit, the US has endorsed its commitment to working with emerging market partners.

National Security Advisor of the US Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that the US's commitment to the G20 hasnt wavered. "As the President heads to the G20, he is committed to working with emerging market partners to deliver big things together. Thats what we believe the world will see in New Delhi this weekend," he said.



"We hope this G20 Summit will show that the worlds major economies can work together even in challenging times," he added.



India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.



Sullivan said the focus of his country is going to be on delivering for developing countries; making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology. The US will show its commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver. "And thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Indias presidency, we hope well be able to do all of those things," he added.



He also said that the US was looking forward to welcoming the African Union (AU) as the newest permanent member of the bloc. "Were also looking forward to warmly welcoming the African Union as a permanent member of the G20  the newest permanent member. We believe that the African Unions voice will make the G20 stronger," the White House official said.



On Chinese President Xi Jinping staying away from the Summit, the spokesperson said it was for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.



"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them, he said.



"What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries," Sullivan said.



Instead of Xi, Premier Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit.



(With inputs from PTI)
A Myanmar military tribunal on Wednesday sentenced a photojournalist to 20 years in prison with hard labour, his employer said.

Myanmar Now staffer Sai Zaw Thaike, 40, was arrested in May while he was reporting the impact of Cyclone Mocha in the neighbouring country's Rakhine state.

This is the longest known prison term handed down to a media professional in the junta-ruled country since the 2021 army coup, according to Reuters. Myanmar's military overthrew the democratically elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

The exact charges against him are unclear, he earlier faced charges for misinformation, incitement, and sedition under article 27 of the Natural Disaster Management Law, section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, and sections 505a and 124a of the colonial-era Penal Code.

Myanmar Now reported that he was deprived of legal representation and family visits during the three months between his arrest and conviction.

"The military council sentenced Ko Sai Zaw Thaike at his first trial on September 6 at a court inside Insein prison without having chance to have lawyer or defend himself," said a statement released by Myanmar Now.

All of Sai Zaw Thaikes colleagues at Myanmar Now and I are deeply saddened to hear of the lengthy sentence handed down to him, Myanmar Now quoted its editor-in-chief Swe Win as saying.

His sentencing is yet another indication that freedom of the press has been completely quashed under the military juntas rule, and shows the hefty price independent journalists in Myanmar must pay for their professional work, he added.

The outlet said Thaike is its second journalist who has been arrested since the 2021 coup. Video journalist Kay Zon Nway was arrested while covering a protest in Yangon in February 2021. He was later released on June 30.

According to the Detained Journalist Group, more 150 media professionals have been arrested and four were killed since the coup. In 2022, Myanmar ranked as the third-worst country for imprisoning journalists worldwide, after China and Iran, according to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The UK Home Office has announced that the Russian mercenary group called Wagner will be declared a terrorist organisation. According to a draft order that will be laid in parliament on Wednesday will make it illegal to be a member of or support the Russian group in the UK.



The order will also allow British authorities to seize the organisation's assets and categorise it as terrorist property. The Home Secretary Suella Braverman said Wagner was "violent and destructive... a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia," BBC reported. She added that the group's work in Ukraine and Africa was a "threat to global security".

The group, which was led by the recently deceased Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been active in conflicts in Syria, Central African Republic, Sudan and Libya. It has played a prominent role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine since it commenced in February 2022.

The Wagner troops have been accused of numerous crimes like torturing and killing Ukrainian citizens. They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," Braverman told BBC.

In July 2023, the group slaughtered and tortured hundreds of civilians in Mali and the Central African Republic". According to the US, in 2020, the group planted landmines around the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Currently, the group's fate hangs in uncertainty after its leader Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash.
Kolkata, Sep 6 (PTI) A study by the Electronic Gaming Foundation in consultancy with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) has found that, despite a high tax rate, the players are optimistic about the potential of the online skill gaming industry in India.

Skill gaming is a game in which the outcome is impacted by the player's skill and not chance or luck.

The study, titled "Unveiling the Potential and Scope of the Online Skill Gaming Industry", comes at a time when the sector is facing taxation similar to sin goods at 28 per cent, which has called into question the survival of many entities, mainly the smaller ones.

The survey, advised by two ISI professors, Diganta Mukherjee and Subhamoy Maitra, surveyed 4,644 engineering students and professionals across five states - Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu - to explore their perceptions, aspirations, and preferences regarding the online skill gaming sector.

The study found that the majority of respondents are optimistic about India's potential to lead the global gaming industry, interested in pursuing professional education and careers in the online skill gaming sector, and aware of the importance of new technologies like AI or ML (artificial intelligence or machine learning) and VR (virtual reality) in the gaming domain.

The study also revealed that the online skill gaming sector is attractive for highly skilled engineers, as it offers opportunities for innovation, skill development, and gamification.

Projections indicate a staggering growth trajectory, with India's gaming market expected to soar from USD 2.8 billion in 2022 to USD 5 billion by 2025, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28-30 per cent.

The gaming industry's meteoric rise between 2017 and 2020, is currently expanding at a CAGR of 38 per cent, the study said.

It suggested that the online skill gaming sector needs a conducive ecosystem that fosters innovation, invests in skill development, and promotes policies encouraging entrepreneurship and domestic investment.

The study also urged the government and the industry to work together to ensure the safety and benefits of online skill gaming.
Bangalore, 06 September, 2023  Altem Technologies, a pioneering name in the 3D printing and scanning industry, was honored to host Ambassador Peggy Frantzen from Luxembourg at its state-of-the-art 3D Experience Centre. This distinguished visit provided an exclusive opportunity for the Ambassador to witness firsthand the incredible advancements in additive manufacturing and 3D scanning technologies, and the impact Altem has created in the Indian healthcare sector with the technlogy.







The 3D Experience Centre, situated at Koramangala, Bangalore, is a testament to Altem's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the realm of 3D printing and scanning. During the Ambassador's visit, a diverse range of cutting-edge FDM and Polyjet 3D printers from Stratasys and several Artec3D 3D Scanners were showcased, highlighting Altem's dedication to delivering unparalleled quality and precision in the world of additive manufacturing.



Of particular significance was the collaboration between Altem Technologies and Artec3D Luxembourg. The 3D Experience Centre proudly showcased a host of 3D scanners from Artec3D, which have played an instrumental role in various transformative projects. Altem demonstrated the profound impact of Artec3D's scanners on custom prosthetics and orthotics, revolutionizing the medical field by enabling personalized solutions that enhance patients' lives.



The use of 3D scanners in orthodics and prosthetics help shorten the time required to develop the prostheses at a more accurate rate. Altem has parterned with various healthcare institutions in India to help develop such prostheses for children and patients from the low-income sector







Ambassador Peggy Frantzen expressed her pride in Luxembourg's contributions to the field of prosthetics and orthotics through Artec3D's cutting-edge scanning technology. "Witnessing the tangible impact of Luxembourg's technological innovations on improving lives globally is a source of immense pride. The collaboration between Altem Technologies and Artec3D has showcased our commitment to pushing the boundaries of healthcare solutions.



In addition to the implications in healthcare, Artec3D Scanners are also being used in archaeology in Bengaluru. Altem also presented a remarkable use case involving the digitization of ancient inscription stones in Bangalore. With the assistance of Artec3D scanners, these priceless historical artifacts, bearing the Kannada language from around 1250 AD, were meticulously digitized, preserving a crucial piece of cultural heritage and enabling researchers and enthusiasts to explore this ancient script with unprecedented clarity.



"We were truly honored to welcome the Ambassador from Luxembourg to our 3D Experience Centre," said Rajesh Mumbaraddi, Director at Altem Technologies. "This visit was a testament to the global significance of our collaborations and the transformative potential of 3D printing and scanning technologies in various domains. The showcase of Artec3D's cutting-edge scanners and their impact on medical applications and historical preservation is a testament to the power of innovation."



Altem Technologies remains committed to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing and scanning innovation, and the visit by the Ambassador from Luxembourg further underscored the company's prominence as a leader in the industry.



About Altem Technologies



Since 2010, Altem Technologies (P) Ltd has been a leading Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software Partner for Dassault Systemes and distributor of Stratasys 3D printing solutions. It offers multiple end-to-end digital solutions like PLM Software solutions like CATIA, DELMIA, 3DVIA, ENOVIA & BIOVIA from Dassault Systemes along with FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) & Polyjet technology-based 3D Printers from Stratasys Ltd., 3D Scanners from Artec 3D, CAE solutions from Hexagon, Metal 3D printers from Intech Additive and Optimisation solutions from ESTECO, we deliver a complete 3D Experience to our customers.



For more information:https://altem.com



Twitter: @iAltem



(Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
SURAT, India, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK), one of the world's leading diamond crafting companies, announced that it has joined the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), becoming the first diamond company in the world to commit to SBTi's guidelines. This commitment further cements SRK's role in the diamond sector as a global leader in ESG. The most compliant company in the gems and jewellery industry, SRK has committed to establishing near-term science-based emission reduction targets and to achieving net zero emissions for its diamond crafting facilities by next year.



SBTi is recognized as one of the world's most influential emission reduction mechanisms. It was launched in 2015 in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The SBTi was developed to advance the goals set in the Paris Agreement and drive ambitious climate action by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.



SRK is committed to working closely with SBTi to develop emission reduction action plans covering various domains, including corporate operations, product research and development, and supply chain management.



"Over our six decades of operation, SRK has proved time and again our commitment to serving the planet and building a better India and beyond. SRK embraces sustainability at each step and has been recognized for notable growth in corporate social responsibility commitments, leadership in community welfare initiatives, implementation of more sustainable practices, and improvements in stakeholder experience," said Dr. Nirav Mandir, Chief Human Capital Officer at SRK. "We firmly believe in the power of collective action to address climate change and are honoured to work alongside the other companies around the world who are part of the SBTi network to advance a zero emissions world."



Decarbonization is the crown jewel of SRK's sustained efforts. Their two flagship diamond crafting facilities, SRK Empire and SRK House, are both LEED Platinum certified, and thanks to ongoing improvements and real-time monitoring of their operational performance in energy, water, waste, transportation and occupant experience, the two buildings rank among the highest performing LEED buildings in the world, continuously outperforming tens of thousands of certified buildings globally. In partnership with the Global Network for Zero, SRK has also committed to achieving net zero certification at both SRK Empire and SRK House and is on track to achieve this by 2024  six years ahead of their original commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) of 2030. SRK's unwavering commitment to achieving net zero emissions stands firmly rooted in industry best practices, science-based frameworks, and third-party validation.



Furthermore, in May 2023, SRK hosted their inaugural SRK Sustainability Conclave to present itself as a model for effective and efficient net zero realization, and to bring together Indian business leadership in a landmark call to action for accelerating a net zero India. This first of its kind gathering was also designed to explore best practices for transforming businesses across operations, the potential for cross-sector collaborations, and the critical role industries across sectors must play in meeting ESG standards and realizing a decarbonized world.



Later this month, SRK will also release their Pure Impact report, which details six decades of SRK's achievements in education, healthcare, community, employee welfare, sustainability, and more. This report will not only highlight SRK's pioneering work in these spaces, but also publicly identify how the company's initiatives specifically align with the UN SDGs and the 2015 Paris Agreement.



About Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK)



Founded by Shri Govind Dholakia aka Govindkaka, SRK is one of the world's leading diamond crafting and exporting conglomerates. Valued at more than 1.8 billion USD, SRK employs over 6,000 people and has played a pivotal role in transforming India's contribution to the global economy over the last six decades. A purpose driven organization committed to what it calls 'PURE' trust, transparency, and tenacity, SRK is galvanizing the gems and jewellery industry to prioritize ESG compliance and shed light on the urgent and necessary acceleration efforts for a zero emissions India and beyond. SRK is recognized as the most compliant company in the industry with the highest number of ISO, System & Process certifications Additionally, more than 4.5% of SRK's profits are contributed to various CSR (corporate social responsibility) and community welfare initiatives. Rooted in Govindkaka's lifelong pursuit of equitable opportunity, upward mobility, and universal living standards, the pioneering diamond entity holds an unwavering dedication to ensuring sustainability and human welfare remain the cornerstones of its growing empire for good.



Contact:



Anvesha Roy Chowdhury

Email ID: anvesha.ac@srkexp.com



Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202703/SRKEmpireandSRKHouse.jpg



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1926750/FINALSRKLOGO_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Top officers of government and industry representatives from the steel sector on Wednesday held discussions on implementation issues regarding the European Union's move to impose carbon tax, sources said.

The meeting was called by the commerce ministry and was chaired by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. Senior officials from ministries of Finance, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Power, Steel and Mines participated in the meeting besides the steel and engineering sector.

They also said that India and the EU would soon decide on a schedule to discuss the matter during the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting.

The meeting was a follow-up of a similar meeting held in May where the industry was asked to be ready for the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).

The Wednesday's meeting comes amid the CBAM being implemented by the European Union (EU), which would have an adverse impact on India's exports of metals such as iron, steel and aluminium products to the EU.

According to a report by think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the tax will have an adverse impact on India's exports of these sectors.

In 2022, India's 27 per cent exports of iron, steel, and aluminium products worth USD 8.2 billion went to the EU.

The compliance of the tax is in two parts -- a requirement of filing data from October and later imposition of the tax.

The CBAM or carbon tax (a kind of import duty) will come into effect from January 1, 2026, but from October 1 this year, domestic companies from seven carbon-intensive sectors, including steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and hydrocarbon products, will have to share data with regard to carbon emissions with the EU.

GTRI report has stated that there are penalties on not reporting, negligent reporting or mis-reporting of data from October 1 onwards.

Sources added that the officials and industry discussed the implementation issue regarding the EU's carbon tax, including action to be taken multilaterally and bilaterally.

The commerce ministry has convened a similar meeting in May also. In that meeting, the industry was suggested to be ready for this carbon tax and take steps to comply with it.

Earlier India had sought exemption from this tax for its MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) from the EU. It had also pressed the EU for a mutual recognition agreement for its carbon certificates to insulate the domestic industry from the burden of this levy.

Under the mutual recognition agreement, India had asked the EU to give recognition to its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).

The commerce ministry had flagged the matter with the EU authorities during the TTC meeting in Brussels in May.

At the multilateral level, India and certain other countries have flagged their concerns to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on CBAM. India had already submitted a paper on the subject to the WTO in February.

Apart from senior representatives from ministries and various departments, the meeting was attended by engineering exporters body EEPC, Indian Steel Association and industry chambers.

Though the 27-member European Union (EU) is claiming CBAM to be a part of their climate action efforts, industry from countries like India are of the view that it is a trade-related measure.

Domestic companies from different sectors, such as steel, are taking steps like setting up a captive solar power plant and following climate-friendly manufacturing processes to reduce carbon emissions. The government is also taking steps like afforestation and promotion of the use of renewable energy.
Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) Equity benchmark indices declined in early trade on Wednesday in tandem with weak global cues and foreign fund outflows.

The BSE Sensex declined 45.66 points to 65,734.60 in early trade. The Nifty slipped 12.75 points to 19,562.15.

However, later both the benchmark indices rebounded and were trading in the green. The Sensex quoted 45.98 points up at 65,826.24 and the Nifty traded with a gain of 16.15 points to 19,591.05.

From the Sensex pack, IndusInd Bank, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, Asian Paints and Maruti were the major laggards.

Bharti Airtel, UltraTech Cement, HDFC Bank, ITC and Reliance Industries were among the gainers.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading lower while Tokyo quoted in the green.

The US markets ended in the negative territory on Tuesday.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed 0.07 per cent to USD 90.10 a barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,725.11 crore on Tuesday, according to exchange data.

Rallying for the third day, the Sensex climbed 152.12 points or 0.23 per cent to settle at 65,780.26 on Tuesday. The Nifty advanced 46.10 points or 0.24 per cent to end at 19,574.90.
Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) A yesteryear Bollywood actor on Wednesday deposed before a court here in a rape case she has filed against a city-based businessman.

She was the first person to depose as a witness in the case which was registered in 2018, and her testimony was recorded in camera' (where the public and media are now allowed).<br>Besides raping her, the accused also forged a Nikahnama' (Muslim marriage certificate) to show that they were married and cheated her of Rs 15.40 crore during 2010 to 2015, she alleged.

Earlier this year, the court had rejected the businessman's discharge application.

The accused submitted that his marriage to the actor was legal and they had also done the Haj pilgrimage together.

The court, while rejecting his discharge plea, had observed that it appeared from the available record that there were monetary transactions between him and the woman, he forged documents to claim that he was married to her, and had sexual intercurse with her without her consent.
London, Sep 6 (PTI) A group of around 100 cross-party British parliamentarians have signed a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ahead of his planned visit to India to attend the G20 summit this weekend, to urge him to raise the issue of a Scottish Sikh mans detention in the country during talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jagtar Singh Johal, a 36-year-old British citizen from Dumbarton in Scotland, was arrested while in Punjab for his wedding in 2017 and is currently being held at a Delhi jail. Johal and his UK-based family have alleged that he was subjected to torture and mistreatment, allegations which the Indian authorities have denied and maintained that he was arrested on serious charges to face justice before the courts.

The summit is a vital opportunity to secure the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national arbitrarily detained in India for over five years, reads the letter initiated by Martin Docherty Hughes, Johals local Dumbarton MP from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

We urge you to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately release Jagtar from detention, so he can be reunited with his family in Dumbarton, it reads.

UK-based human rights organisation Reprieve has also been supporting Johal through the course of his detention and launched an online petition backing the cross-party call for Sunak to raise the matter in his talks with Modi.

Downing Street has not commented on whether Sunak intends to raise this issue during talks with his Indian counterpart later this week. His predecessors, Boris Johnson and Theresa May, had reportedly raised the matter with the Indian authorities during their visits to the country.

Johal faces nine charges in India including conspiracy to murder, which carries a death sentence.
Pia on the late broadcast icon, Mr. Mike Enriquez: "Always professional, always respectful

Transcript of the co-sponsorship speech of Senator Pia S. Cayetano

Resolution expressing the Senate's condolences on the passing of Mike Enriquez

Thank you, Mr. President. I just want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.

As a very young senator and very new in politics, Mike Enriquez really was a beacon of hope for a new politician like me, because he was very professional and very kind. Wala pa pong internet, well may internet naman pero hindi pa active ang social media when I was a new politician. So yung inaabangan talaga ng mga tao is kung ano yung mga balita ng iba't ibang talk show hosts, and of course, sa news sa radyo at sa TV.

But I have to say, Mr President, like many of our colleagues have stated today about Mike Enriquez, [he was] always professional, always respectful. Yun bang gusto niyong mapakinggan din ng anak mo. Yun bang kung mangarap din pumasok sa larangan ng media ang anak mo, yun ang mga klase ng taong gusto mong makita nila at makilala nila.

So he is a great loss to the country but I always want the family to know that this person had an impact in the lives of many, not just media personalities, but also politicians like us, and that includes myself and my brother, Alan Cayetano.

Condolences to the family.
Texas AG Ken Paxton at a Republican conference in Dallas, August 2022. BRIAN SNYDER (REUTERS)

The historic impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton began on September 5, promising to become a high-voltage event in the Republican stronghold. In the first trial of its kind in over a century, a top state official is being prosecuted in a public corruption that could get spicy when it exposes the alleged misdeeds of Paxton, a 60-year-old ultra-conservative Christian who opposes abortion and supports gun ownership. The charges against him include corruption, obstruction of justice, and influence peddling. If convicted, Paxton will face heavy penalties and lose the position he was elected to in 2015.

Texas legislators in Austin will be considering 20 articles of impeachment against Paxton. These allegations claim that he showed favoritism to a prominent businessman who donated $25,000 to his campaign in 2018. Paxton has been suspended from his duties since May. If 21 of the 31 senators (19 Republicans and 12 Democrats) find him guilty, he will permanently lose his position. Paxtons wife, Angela, is a state senator and will be able to attend the proceedings, but will not have the right to vote or participate in closed-door deliberations.

Paxton entered a plea of not guilty to charges brought against him by a special committee of the Texas House of Representatives. His defense aims to fight the charges by highlighting the lack of evidence of misconduct by the state prosecutor, a well-known politician with a long career as a congressman and senator from Texas between 2003 and 2015.

Despite the Republican majority in the upper house, senators rejected attempts to derail the impeachment process. In 16 swift voting rounds, Paxton only secured the backing of ten conservative party lawmakers. Donald Trump Jr., son of former President Trump, who has faced two impeachment trials of his own, tweeted his support for Paxton, a die-hard Trumpist. Ken will survive and will continue to combat the Swamp in Texas to put America First.

The senators are clearly ready to hear testimony from witnesses for both sides over the next two weeks, and will wade through 4,000-page investigation compiled by a special committee. In May, the impeachment garnered widespread support in the House of Representatives, with 121 legislators voting to proceed and only 23 against. Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, will preside over the trial. Twelve trial managers have been appointed, including seven Republicans and five Democrats  all but one are lawyers.

The charges against Paxton revolve around businessman Nate Paul, a real estate developer based in Austin, the Texas state capital . Eight state attorneys working under Paxton, protected by a law that encourages exposing government corruption, went to the FBI to file a lawsuit against their boss. Nate Paul was arrested on June 8.

According to the prosecution, Paxton unlawfully aided Nate Paul in federal investigations by appointing an inexperienced attorney, Brandon Cammack, as a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of fraud against Paul for obtaining $170 million in bank loans using falsified information. Cammack allegedly gave Paul emails, phone records and documents from his rivals in advance of the legal proceedings.

In exchange, the impeachment articles claim Paul covered renovation expenses for Paxtons Austin home in 2020 (Paxton had purchased the property in 2018 for $1 million). He also received a $25,000 donation from the businessman for his re-election campaign that same year. Paxton was elected in 2015, succeeding Greg Abbott, the current governor of Texas. His strong interest in anything related to Nate Paul was quite obvious, which surprised me, said James Brickman, one of the state attorneys who went to the FBI to inform on his boss.

A job for the mistress

The charges against Paxton also have a personal angle. Allegedly, Paul found a job for Laura Olson, a woman with whom Paxton was having an extramarital affair. The impeachment administrators allege that Paxton engaged in various irregularities to conceal the affair, aiming to protect a political career founded on a voting base of ultra-conservative Christians. In June 2022, Paul gave Olson a job at his real estate agency. Olson had previously worked for Republican state senator Donna Campbell. Paul admitted in court that he hired Olson based on Paxtons recommendation and paid her a $65,000 salary. Olson relocated to Austin for the new job, which prosecutors believe was an arrangement for Paxton to be closer to his mistress.

According to local media reports, Paxton allegedly admitted the affair in 2018 to a small group of work colleagues in the presence of his wife. Paxton claimed to have ended the affair, but the special congressional committee believes he lied and that the relationship continued for several months. To facilitate their secret meetings, Pauls company created a fake Uber account, and Paxton used burner phones to contact Olson, a mother of two who has gone through four divorces. All the tawdry details will play out in the impeachment trial, posing a significant challenge for one of the most influential politicians in Texas.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) California inched closer to becoming the first US state to ban caste discrimination after a bill to ban the practice passed in the state assembly

Soon after the passage of the bill by the California State Assembly on Tuesday, some of its supporters went on a hunger strike demanding Governor Gavin Newsom to sign it into law as soon as possible.

If signed into law, California would become the first State in the United States and the first jurisdiction outside India to outlaw discrimination based on caste.

Seattle earlier this year became the first US city to outlaw caste discrimination.

Completing procedural formalities, the California Senate overwhelmingly passed SB403 Discrimination on the basis of ancestry with 31-5 votes on Tuesday.

The landmark anti-caste discrimination bill will now go to Governor Newsoms desk where he will decide whether to sign the bill into law. The legislation revises Californias Unruh Civil Rights Act by adding caste as a protected category under ancestry.

The bill was introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab in February. On Tuesday she presented SB 403, the Caste Discrimination Bill, for its Senate Concurrence Vote.

After conducting over 700 advocacy meetings across the entire state of California, the people have spoken resoundingly for caste equity protections," said Thenmozhi Soundararajan, executive director of Equality Labs, the force behind the bill and similar actions in other parts of the country.

"As a Californian who has endured caste my whole life, I know the struggles and adversity caste-oppressed Californians have unjustly faced firsthand. Caste-oppressed people have organised for over twenty years so we could have lives free from violent attacks and discrimination, Soundararajan said.

The bill will ensure those permitting or participating in caste-based discrimination in California will be held accountable and face legal ramifications for their actions, a media release said.

Govind Acharya from Amnesty International USA said caste discrimination is an inherent violation of civil rights.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues states that caste-based discrimination and violence goes against the basic principles of universal human dignity and equality, as it differentiates between inferior and superior categories of individuals which is unacceptable., he said.

SB 403 makes it clear that defining the rights of caste-oppressed communities is necessary for justice and dignity. SB 403 reinforces the fact that the opportunity to live a life free from discrimination and violence plays an essential role in advancing international human rights, Acharya said.

I am fasting as a reminder of how important this bill is to my two daughters. I cannot live in this state knowing that caste discrimination can continue unabated. We fast now for all those who have not been able to speak out, stated Dr Nirmal Singh, a doctor, father, proud member of the Shri Guru Ravidassia Community of California, and a lead organiser of the Californians for Caste Equity coalition.

A large number of South Asians and Indian Americans have opposed the bill, and argue that this would criminalise the Hindu community in particular.

Hindu American Foundations executive director, Suhag Shukla said California has reawakened its racist past by passing legislation that demonises and targets South Asians and Hindus.

When a state legislator pushes a law with the intent of targeting an ethnic community, it's not only racist, its unconstitutional. We will explore every option to protect the rights of Hindu Californians, Shukla said.

HAF is planning to file a lawsuit against this.
Beirut, Sep 6 (AP) The weeklong clashes between rival US-backed militias in eastern Syria, where hundreds of American troops are deployed, point to dangerous seams in the coalition that has kept a lid on the defeated Islamic State group for years. That could be an opportunity for the radical group to reemerge.

The violence also points to rising tensions between Kurds who dominate the region and the mainly Arab population, opening the door for Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran, to try to make inroads in an oil-rich territory where they seek to drive out US troops and restore Damascus' rule.

Eastern Syria has largely been off the world's radar, particularly in the United States. But the US has had some 900 troops stationed there alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019.

The troops, who first arrived eight years ago, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters.

At the same time, a US-supported Kurdish-led administration has governed parts of northern Syria and most of Syria east of the Euphrates River, including key oil fields, with government forces and Iranian-backed militias positioned just across the river on the western bank. The region's Arabs have roles in both the SDF and the administration but have long resented the Kurdish control.

The clashes involve the Syrian Democratic Forces and an allied faction, the Arab-led Deir el-Zour Military Council. The trigger was the August 27 arrest by the SDF of the council's commander Ahmad Khbeil, better known as Abu Khawla.

The SDF accused Khbeil of criminal activity, corruption and of opening up contacts with the Damascus government and Iranian-backed militias.

Fighting broke out between the SDF and Khbeil's loyalists, who were then joined by hundreds of Arab tribesmen in battles that spread and left tribesmen in control of several villages outside the city of Deir el-Zour. At least 90 people have been killed and dozens wounded.

Kurdish leaders accuse Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government of fomenting the violence. Speaking to The Associated Press, SDF spokesman Farhad Shami denied local Arab fighters joined the clashes, saying it was fighters loyal to Damascus who crossed the river.

Iran and Assad regime want to depict this unrest as a result of an ethnic conflict between Arabs and Kurds, Elham Ahmad, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Council, the political wing of the SDF, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Their ultimate aim, she said, was to force US troops to leave.

But some warn the violence reflects local Arab resentment of Kurdish domination. Opposition activists said contacts were underway with tribal leaders to reach a cease-fire.

This is an unprecedented escalation between SDF and Deir el-Zour residents, says Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, which covers news in the region.

This is an indication of the bad policy implemented by the SDF and wrong calculations by the Americans, said Abu Layla. He said the solution could be to name a replacement for Khbeil and give Arabs more influence in local councils.

If the fighting endures, it could deepen Kurdish-Arab rifts. That could open the door for IS remnants to attempt a comeback.

The US military has called for an end to the fighting, warning that distractions (from opposing IS) create instability and increase the risk of Daesh resurgence, using the Arab acronym for the Islamic State group.

Over the weekend, a meeting was held among SDF figures, tribal leaders and US officials, including Maj. Gen. Joel Vowell, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, which oversees US military operations against IS, the US Embassy announced.

It said they agreed on the importance of addressing the grievances of residents in Deir el-Zour, avoiding civilian deaths and the need for de-escalation as soon as possible.

The SDF pushed ahead in their offensive over the weekend, capturing two villages and surrounding the main Arab tribesmen's stronghold in Diban. SDF chief commander Mazloum Abdi told a local news agency that the US-led coalition helped with aerial support during the offensive, but the US military did not confirm or deny when contacted by The Associated Press.

IS once controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria but was defeated after a long, grueling war led by the US and allies including the SDF. The radical group lost its last sliver of land in eastern Syria in 2019, but its fugitive cells hiding in the region have continued low-level attacks, killing dozens over the years.

Myles B. Caggins III, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, said the clashes present an opportunity for ISIS cells that nest in the Euphrates River Valley to emerge.

The violence also could give an opportunity for Damascus and Iran, pushing their demands for the Americans to leave.

The commander of the pro-government Baqir Brigade militia, Khaled al-Hassan, told an Iranian media outlet that the violence is a new uprising by Syrians against the American occupation and its militias, referring to the SDF.

During a recent visit to Iran, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad warned that American occupation forces should withdraw ... before they are forced to do so.

In mid-July, dozens of Arab tribesmen and members of the pro-government National Defense Forces held a rally in Deir el-Zour province that was attended by a Russian general.

The end of American forces will be at the hands of Arab tribesmen who stand behind the Syrian army, an NDF commander said during the ceremony.

In March, a suspected Iranian-linked drone attack hit a US base, killing a contractor and wounding another, along with five American troops. American warplanes responded with airstrikes on sites used by groups affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard. President Joe Biden said the US would respond forcefully to protect its personnel.

Iran, Russia, and the Syrian regime have a shared interest in the departure of US forces from Syria, according to a report released last month by The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank.

Crucial for Tehran, Iran has had a land corridor of allies linking it to the Mediterranean Sea ever since Syrian forces and Iranian-backed militias captured areas along the border with Iraq from IS in 2017.

Last week's clashes came after Lebanese and Arab media outlets reflecting Iran's point of view claimed that the Americans intended to sever that link by capturing the strategic border town of Boukamal.

The coalition's commanding general, US Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane denied the reports. The coalition is not preparing for military operations to cut off anybody except Daesh, he said.

But Iran and its allies say any attempt to close the Iraq-Syria border is a red line.

I see that closing the gate between Damascus and Baghdad as a declaration of war, said Syrian political analyst Bassam Abu Abdullah, whose comments usually reflect the government's point of view. (AP) PY

PY
Peshawar, Sep 6 (AP) Pakistani authorities closed a key border crossing with landlocked Afghanistan on Wednesday shortly after border guards from the two sides exchanged fire, officials and residents said, in a sign of increasing tensions between the two neighbours.

There were no reports of casualties, and it was not immediately known why the border guards from the two sides exchanged fire, said Nasrullah Khan, an official in Torkham, a town in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

He said Pakistani government and military officials were in contact with their Afghan counterparts to defuse tensions.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the Afghan Taliban-appointed spokesman for the Interior Ministry, confirmed the clash between Afghan and Pakistani forces. He said officials from both sides were attempting to find out what caused the clash and ways to prevent such incidents in the future.

Pakistani authorities said dozens of trucks carrying perishable items, including vegetables and fruits, were waiting on both sides of the border for the reopening of the Torkham crossing, which is a vital commercial artery and trade route to Central Asian countries for Pakistan.

The border closure comes two days after caretaker Pakistani Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said US military equipment left behind during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan had fallen into militant hands and made its way to the Pakistani Taliban.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, have intensified attacks over the past months on Pakistan security forces. They are a separate group but an ally of the Afghan Taliban.

The Afghan Taliban overran Afghanistan in August 2021 as US and NATO troops were in the last weeks of a chaotic pullout from the country after 20 years of war.

The Pakistani Taliban have released statements and video clips in recent months claiming they possess weapons such as guns with laser and thermal imaging systems.

Previous clashes at Torkham occurred after the two sides accused each other of trying to build new posts along the border. Afghanistan has never recognised the porous border that runs through the Pashtun heartland and dilutes the power of Afghanistan's largest ethnic group on both sides.

Pakistan says it has completed fencing along 97 per cent of the border to stop cross-border attacks and smuggling. Pakistan also accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuaries to Pakistani militants who are living in Afghanistan. (AP) PY

PY
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
New York, Sep 6 (AP) Meta lost a legal battle Wednesday to halt a Norwegian ban on its advertising practices that came with hefty daily fines, in a blow to the US social media giant's business model.

Norwegian regulator Datatilsynet in July announced a temporary ban on Facebook and Instagram's behavioural advertising  a common marketing practice that tech giants like Meta use at the heart of their business models to sell targeted ads based on user data ranging from personal interests to places they've been.

Such practices without adequate consent violate user privacy and are illegal, Datatilsynet said, adding that the ban was set to last for three months or until Meta's complies with the law.

During the ban, which began last month, Instagram and Facebook continue to operate normally in Norway  but Meta faces a fine of up to 1 million Norwegian kroner (nearly $100,000) each day. In efforts to challenge this, Meta applied for a temporary injunction  arguing that Datatilsynet did not have legal grounds for its urgent decision among factors, including inadequate notice.

But on Wednesday, Oslo District Court sided with Datatilsynet. The ruling confirms the ban's daily fine became applicable on Aug 14 and continues to accrue.

We are very pleased with the Court's ruling and the result. This is a big victory for people's data protection rights, Datatilsynet director general Line Coll said in a Wednesday statement.

Meanwhile, a Meta spokesperson said that the company was disappointed by the decision and will now consider our next steps. The spokesperson added that the company already announced plans to shift all users in European Union and European Economic Area to consent law under Europe's General Data Protection Regulation.

A behavioural advertising ban beyond Norway, which is part of the European Economic Area, is possible. Datatilsynet says it may take the matter to the European Data Protection Board, which could extend the ban and led to wider implications across the continent.

Meta has been under fire over data privacy for some time. In May, for example, the EU slapped Meta with a record $1.3 billion fine and ordered it to stop transferring users' personal information across the Atlantic by October. And the tech giant's new text-based app, Threads, has not rolled out in the EU due to privacy concerns.

Meta is also among the companies that the EU is targeting under new digital rules aimed at reining in the market power of tech giants. In addition to the Facebook owner, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and TikTok parent ByteDance were classified Wednesday as online gatekeepers that must face the highest level of scrutiny under the 27-nation bloc's Digital Markets Act. (AP) SCY

SCY
Jakarta, Sep 6 (AP) In talks with Southeast Asian leaders Wednesday in the Indonesian capital, Chinese Premier Li Qiang underscored his country's importance as the world's second-biggest economy and as the top trading partner of the region.

Countering renewed alarm over Beijing's aggression in the disputed South China Sea, Li cited China's long history of friendship with Southeast Asia, including joint efforts to confront the coronavirus pandemic and how both sides have settled differences through dialogue.

As long as we keep to the right path, no matter what storm may come, China-ASEAN cooperation will be as firm as ever and press ahead against all odds, Li told counterparts in the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We have preserved peace and tranquility in East Asia in a world fraught with turbulence and change.

In a separate meeting with ASEAN leaders, US Vice President Kamala Harris cited the strategic importance of America's security and relations with Southeast Asia to both sides. Her opening speech before their closed-door summit did not carry any of the usual strident US criticism of China's aggressive actions in the region.

Rival claimant states in the South China Sea from among the ASEAN nations have protested China's aggressive moves to fortify its vast territorial claims in the strategic sea passage. A new Chinese map set off a wave of protests from other countries' leaders, who say it shows Beijing's expansive claims encroaching into their coastal waters.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has expressed his alarm over recent combativeness in the disputed waters. In early August, a Chinese coast guard ship used a water cannon to try to block a Philippine navy-operated boat that was bringing supplies to Filipino forces in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

"We do not seek conflict, but it is our duty as citizens and as leaders to always rise to meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights, and our maritime jurisdictions in the South China Sea, Marcos told fellow leaders in an ASEAN-only meeting Tuesday.

A copy of Marcos' remarks during ASEAN's hourlong meeting with Qiang on Wednesday issued to journalists showed the Philippine president fired a veiled critique but did not raise any specific aggressions in the disputed sea.

The Philippines continues to uphold the primacy of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the framework within which all activities in the seas and oceans are conducted, Marcos said in the meeting. We once again reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes."

In 2016, an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, set up under that United Nations convention, ruled that China's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea based on historical grounds have no legal basis.

China, a full dialogue partner of ASEAN, did not participate in the arbitration sought in 2013 by the Philippines, rejected the 2016 ruling, and continues to defy it.

China, Taiwan and some ASEAN member states - Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam - have been locked for decades in an increasingly tense territorial standoff in the South China Sea, where a bulk of global trade transits.

It's also become a delicate frontline in the US-China rivalry.

Washington does not lay any claim to the offshore region but has deployed its warships and fighters to undertake what it says are freedom of navigation and overflight patrols. China has warned the US not to meddle in what it says is a purely Asian dispute.

The South China Sea conflicts do not directly include the rest of the ASEAN - Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar. Questions have been raised why the regional bloc, and its current leader Indonesia, failed to issue any expression of alarm over the Chinese coast guard's actions, which were strongly opposed by the US and other Western and Asian nations.

Marty Natalegawa, a respected former foreign minister of Indonesia, called ASEAN's failure to condemn China's aggressive acts a deafening silence".

Aside from the long-simmering territorial conflicts, the Jakarta summit talks focused on the protracted civil strife in Myanmar, which has tested ASEAN and caused divisions among member states on how to effectively resolve the crisis.

An assessment of a five-point ASEAN peace plan showed it has failed to make any significant progress since it was introduced two years ago. The plan calls for an immediate end to the deadly hostilities, and a dialogue between contending parties, including that of Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected officials who were overthrown by the army in an internationally condemned seizure of power that sparked a civil strife.

Despite the plan's failure so far, the ASEAN leaders decided to stick with it and continue to ban Myanmar's generals and their appointed officials from the bloc's high-level summit meetings - including the ongoing talks in Jakarta, an ASEAN statement said.

Harris told the regional bloc's leaders that the US will continue to press the regime to end the horrific violence, to release all those unjustly detained and to reestablish Myanmar's inclusive democracy.

She added that Washington will continue to support ASEAN's peace plan for Myanmar.

Myanmar security forces have killed about 4,000 civilians and arrested 24,410 others since the army takeover, according to rights monitoring organisation the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. (AP) SCY

SCY
Kathmandu, Sep 6 (PTI) Nepal is ready to collaborate with India to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets, which have high nutritional value, as a staple food, agriculture and livestock minister Beduram Bhushal has said.

Speaking at an event here on Tuesday, Bhushal congratulated India for taking the lead in the millet campaign, aptly renaming the grains as "Shree Anna" or auspicious grains.

Bhushal emphasised the potential health benefits of promoting millet as a staple food, highlighting its high nutritional value.

Noting that the United Nations has launched a campaign to promote the consumption of millets at India's initiative, the minister underscored Nepal's readiness to join hands with New Delhi in the campaign.

In 2021, India proposed to the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM). The proposal received support from 72 countries and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

The Embassy of India in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Nepal, organised the programme to commemorate the International Year of Millet 2023.

During the event, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Shrivastava emphasised the importance of India and Nepal's cooperation in the field of agriculture for millet production and exploring its market potential.

Millets can provide solutions to the challenges of climate change and global food security, he said.

Food experts who spoke at the event highlighted the nutritional value of millet and stressed the need to promote its mass production, recognising its immense potential in export markets.

Millets, known as one of the oldest crops cultivated by mankind, are resilient, capable of thriving in adverse weather conditions, and require minimal irrigation facilities.

Various types of millets are available in the market, including kodo, foxtail, barnyard, browntop, little millet, bajra, and porso -- all known for their rich nutritional content.
Ghaziabad (UP), Sep 5 (PTI) A 14-year-old boy who was bitten by a dog over a month ago and hid the incident from his parents died of rabies here, police said on Tuesday.

Shahvaz, a student of class 8, died on Monday evening when he was being brought back to Ghaziabad from Bulandshahr, where he was taken for treatment after his condition deteriorated, they said.

Shahvaz, a resident of Charan Singh colony under the Vijay Nagar police station area, was bitten by his neighbour's dog one-and-a-half months ago but hid it from his parents out of fear, police said.

He contracted rabies and started behaving abnormally and stopped eating on September 1. On being asked, he told his family members that he had been bitten by their neighbour's dog, they said.

Shahvaz's family took him to government hospitals in Delhi but he was not admitted there for treatment. At last, they took him to an Ayurvedic doctor in Bulandshahr for treatment, the family told the police.

The boy died when he was being brought back to Ghaziabad in an ambulance. A complaint has been lodged in the matter and action will be taken against the dog owner, said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kotwali zone, Nimish Patil.
Ambala, Sep 5 (PTI) Four days after a jail inmate escaped from a hospital in Karnal by allegedly jumping from a toilet window, he was arrested on Tuesday from Naraingarh here, police said.

Lodged in Karnal jail, Pawan was admitted to the Karnal Civil hospital following his illness. He escaped on September 1 by dodging the police.

That two pistols and 16 live rounds have been recovered from the accused after he was nabbed on Tuesday, the police said.

After Pawan escaped from the hospital, he got a haircut done so that he could not be easily recognised by the police or people, they added.

The police produced him in the Ambala court on Tuesday and took him on police remand.

Mohan Lal, in-charge of a crime investigating team of Ambala Police, said that Pawan was arrested near Naraingarh in Ambala on Tuesday morning.

Police took the help of CCTV footage of the nearby areas of Karnal Civil Hospital to trace the accused who changed several vehicles to reach Ambala after his escape, Lal said.

Pawan hired an auto rickshaw near Kalpana Chawla Medical College in Karnal which he left near Dalianpur village. Later he took another auto and managed to arrange a bike to reach Naraingarh.

According to the police, seven different criminal cases are registered against the accused in Karnal and other police stations.

Police said Pwan had recently allegedly demanded an amount of Rs 50,000 from a trader and threatened to kill him if he did not pay him, Following which the businessman had filed a complaint.
Thane, Sep 6 (PTI) A 26-year-old undertrial prisoner escaped from a Mumbai hospital where he was taken by the police for treatment on Wednesday, but was traced to a crematorium four hours later and arrested, an official said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Jayant Bajbale said the man, Vivek Vishwanath Torde, an autorickshaw driver from Bhayandar in Thane district, was arrested in a criminal case and lodged at the Taloja central prison in Navi Mumbai as an undertrial.

On Wednesday, he was taken to Maharashtra government-run JJ Hospital in central Mumbai for treatment of an ailment by the Navi Mumbai police when he escaped from the medical facility, he said.

The JJ Marg police alerted their counterparts in Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) about the escapee and a search was launched for him, he said.

Torde was a resident of Indira Nagar slums under Navghar police station limits.

After four hours of search, he was found hiding in a crematorium in Indira Nagar slums from where he was arrested and handed over to the JJ Marg police, said the officer.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 17:49 | World, All

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have condemned Myanmar's ruling military junta for continuing to attack those calling for democracy in the country, amid frustration about a peace plan agreement struck over two years ago having made little progress.

In a statement issued following the 10-member group's summit held Tuesday in Jakarta without Myanmar, the leaders "strongly condemned the continued acts of violence in Myanmar" and urged all related parties in the country, and the "Myanmar Armed Forces in particular," to "de-escalate and stop targeted attacks on civilians."

The statement also said that the violence in Myanmar has "adversely impacted regional stability, particularly along the border region," referring to the inflow of refugees from Myanmar to neighboring countries.

The leaders on Tuesday agreed on the Philippines chairing the regional body in 2026 instead of Myanmar after assessing that the junta has made "no significant progress" in implementing the five-point consensus peace plan agreed between Myanmar and the other ASEAN member countries in April 2021.

The agreement was meant to be a path forward to a peaceful solution to the conflict in Myanmar, which began following a February 2021 coup that ousted its democratically elected government.

The leaders also decided to set up a troika made up of the current, previous and next chairs of ASEAN to ensure that efforts will continue to deal with the Myanmar crisis which they believe will unlikely be resolved in a year.

In responding to the ASEAN's condemnation of Myanmar, the country's foreign ministry said in a statement published on a state-run newspaper Wednesday that the country's views were not taken into account, though Indonesia, the group's chair this year, had consulted Myanmar on the draft.

"Therefore...the Ministry rejects the content" of the ASEAN statement, the ministry said, claiming ASEAN's assessment about Myanmar was not objective.

Myanmar calls for other ASEAN member nations to strictly adhere to the group's principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of member countries, the ministry added.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Its chairmanship rotates annually based on the alphabetical order of its members' names in English.

Related coverage:

Philippines to be 2026 ASEAN chair as no progress on Myanmar seen

Japan PM Kishida starts trip to Indonesia, India for ASEAN, G-20 talks
Kolkata, Sep 6 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be travelling to New Delhi on Saturday for the Presidents G20 dinner, officials said on Wednesday.

Banerjee will be flying to the national capital at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, they said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with whom Banerjee shares a cordial relationship, is also likely to be present at the event, the officials said.
Kolkata, Sep 6 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be travelling to New Delhi on Saturday for the Presidents G20 dinner, officials said on Wednesday.

Banerjee will be flying to the national capital at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu, they said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with whom Banerjee shares a cordial relationship, is also likely to be present at the event, the officials said.

Banerjee, alluding to the controversy over a G20 dinner invite in the name of 'President of Bharat', had on Tuesday asserted that its well known that India is Bharat.

"I heard that India's name is being changed. The G20 invite that went out in the name of the honourable president has Bharat written on it. In English, we say India and the Indian Constitution. In Hindi, we say 'Bharat ka Samvidhan'. We all say Bharat, what is new in this?

"The world knows us as India. What happened suddenly that the name of the country needs to be changed?" she said, addressing a function on Teachers Day.

History is being rewritten in the country, the chief minister had alleged. The G20 Summit is being held in Delhi on September 9 and September 10 under India's presidency and several heads of state from across the world, including US President Joe Biden, are attending the event.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had recently shared on X a G20 dinner invitation from President Murmu, which described her position as "President of Bharat".
Tinsukia, Sep 6 (PTI) A CRPF constable was allegedly stabbed to death in Assam's Tinsukia district on Wednesday, police said.

The jawan, who was in civilian clothes, was stabbed in the Bordumsa area near the inter-state border with Arunachal Pradesh around 5 pm, they said.

He was identified as Sunil Kumar Pandey, a native of Uttar Pradesh, they said.

"The persons behind the attack are yet to be identified. We have launched a search for them," a police officer said.
Imphal, Sep 6 (PTI) Hundreds of protesters gathered at Phougakchao Ikhai in Manipurs Bishnupur district on Wednesday, as they tried to break through army barricades in an attempt to reach their deserted houses in Torbung, officials said.

Tension was palpable in the area, with security forces comprising personnel of RAF, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police firing tear gas shells to bring the situation under control, they said.

The protesters, however, have stayed put at the spot, demanding that they be allowed to visit Torbung in the district, from where they were displaced following the ethnic clashes since May, the officials said.

Full curfew had been clamped in all the five valley districts of Manipur as a preventive measure from Tuesday evening, they said.

The cancellation of curfew relaxation hours in Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, Imphal West and Imphal East comes in the wake of the call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and its women wing to people from all parts of the valley districts to remove the barricades.

Earlier, the curfew relaxation in all the five valley districts was from 5 am to 6 pm daily.

In a hurriedly called press conference, government spokesperson and Information and Public Relations Minister Sapam Ranjan had on Tuesday said: "The government appeals to COCOMI to withdraw the proposed plan to storm the army barricade at Phougakchao Ikhai near Torbung on September 6."

Movement of persons belonging to essential services such as health, electricity, PHED, petrol pumps, schools/colleges, municipality, media, functioning of courts and passengers of flights shall be exempted from the curfew, the officials said.

COCOMI media coordinator Somendro Thokchom said the committee had earlier urged the government and the authorities concerned to remove the barricades by August 30.


New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament and create unnecessary controversy.

Joshi's response came after Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to point out that no agenda was listed for the special Parliament session. She also proposed that nine issues, including violence in Manipur and price rise, be listed for discussion during the upcoming session.

"It is very unfortunate that you are trying to politicise the functioning of Parliament, our temple of democracy, and create unnecessary controversy," the parliamentary affairs minister stated in his response to Gandhi.

He said Parliament session has been convened from September 18 after following all established procedures. Political parties are never consulted in advance, Joshi added.

On the issues listed by Gandhi for discussion in her letter to the prime minister, Joshi said they have already been discussed and answered by the government during the debate on no-trust motion in the Monsoon session.

The special session of Parliament is scheduled from September 18 to September 22.
Following is the transcript of PTI's exclusive interview with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over email.



Q: The ties between India and the UK have been on a major upswing. How do you see the overall trajectory of ongoing and likely future cooperation, especially in areas of defence, trade and critical technologies, in the backdrop of the current geopolitical upheaval, largely triggered by the Ukraine war?



A: The relationship between the UK and India will define the future of our two countries, even more than it is defining the present.

Recognising the close links and aligned interests of our countries, two years ago we agreed the '2030 Roadmap' which was an historic commitment to bring our countries, economies and people closer together.

We have already achieved so much under this roadmap, including the mutual recognition of higher education qualifications, new visa routes for young professionals, and billions in new investment deals including British firms like Tesco, Deliveroo and Revolut establishing or expanding their presence in India, creating thousands of new jobs.

The UK Navy, Army and Air Force have all carried out exercises with their Indian counterparts, increasing our ability to work together to tackle shared threats.

As science and technology superpowers, shared UK-India expertise is pushing the boundaries of innovation for global good. Together, we delivered a COVID-19 vaccine; researched at Oxford University with UK Government financial support, developed by Astra Zeneca, and manufactured at scale by India's Serum Institute. From preventing pandemics to unravelling the human genome the UK and India are working together to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, today.

And, of course, we hope to go further still, including by finalising the first Free Trade Agreement India has ever agreed with a European country. I remain confident that we can strike a deal which benefits both the UK and India.

Our trade relationship is already worth INR 3.5 lakh crore a year - I want that number to be even higher. Every bit of trade between our countries represents new jobs, more choice for consumers and a stronger link between the British and Indian people.

Because what makes the UK-India relationship truly unique is the Living Bridge between our countries which includes a 1.6 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UK, and which connects our people across culture, education, food, sport and more.

As two major world democracies, our people define and drive us. That is why the UK is focused on supporting Ukraine to defend itself and defeat this illegal and unprovoked Russian invasion.

As a free and democratic country, Ukraine has the right to determine its own future. If Putin is allowed to invade a sovereign neighbour with impunity it will have terrible consequences for the entire world. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians, but it is Putin who has the power to end this war tomorrow by withdrawing his troops.

Until he does, we will help the vulnerable in Ukraine and around the world deal with the terrible consequences of Putin's war, including the spike in the global price of food and energy caused by his manipulation of markets and attacks on grain supplies.

We will also work closely with India through their Presidency of the G20 to address the biggest challenges the world is facing, from stabilising the global economy to dealing with climate change.



Q: The UK Government's 'Integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy' included a 'tilt' to the Indo-Pacific and called for transforming cooperation with India "across the full range of our shared interests". The two sides also adopted an ambitious Roadmap 2030. Are the two sides looking at increasing the pace of the UK-India strategic ties including in the Indo-Pacific, a region that has witnessed China's increasing assertiveness? Is the UK also open to sharing critical defence technologies with India for co-development of military platforms?



A: The UK's foreign policy strategy, published in 2021, underlined the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region to the UK and the world. That's something we have confirmed this year when we published a refreshed version of the policy - our commitment to the Indo-Pacific isn't going anywhere, just as this region isn't going anywhere.

That is why we are investing more and more in our international relationships here, from becoming Dialogue Partners with ASEAN to membership of the CPTPP.

India is already on track to be the third largest economy in the world within ten years. That is why India is such an important partner in this region and more generally.

I absolutely see more for the UK and India to do together in the Indo-Pacific, building on the impressive cooperation that has already taken place across trade, defence and security under the 2030 Roadmap.



Q: There have been increasing concerns in India about activities of pro-Khalistani elements in the UK, especially after an attack on the Indian High Commission in London in March. There is a view in Delhi that the Khalistani issue is a stumbling block in deeper India-UK ties. How do you see it?



A: No form of extremism is acceptable in the UK, and I take the duty of the government to disrupt and counter violent, divisive ideologies, whatever they may be, very seriously.

We are working closely with our partners in the Indian Government to tackle the threat from Pro-Khalistan Extremism and the British police are fully empowered to deal with violent acts.

In August, the UK's Security Minister met Minister Jaishankar in New Delhi to develop our shared work addressing the threat of extremism and corruption. During that visit he announced new funding to enhance the UK's capability to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism. The INR 1 crore investment will strengthen our understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism and complement the joint work already underway between the UK and India.

UK citizens enjoy the right to gather lawfully and demonstrate a point of view, but rights to lawful protest do not extend to violent or threatening behaviour. (MORE)
Jaipur, Sep 6 (PTI) Three men accused of involvement in the murder of history-sheeter Ajay Jhamri were injured in retaliatory firing when they tried to escape by snatching the pistol of a policeman, officials said on Wednesday.

Police nabbed the three men from their hideout in Dehradun and were on the way to Bharatpur when the incident happened, they said.

One of the accused allegedly snatched a pistol from a constable and opened fire but the bullets hit the bullet-proof jacket of team in-charge Mukesh Kumar and police officer Manish Sharma, police said.

The accused trio have been hospitalised with one of them in a critical condition, they said.

Bharatpur Inspector General of Police Rupinder Singh said history-sheeter Ajay Jhamri was shot dead by Tejveer and two of his accomplices on August 27.

A case was registered at Atal Bandh Police Station in Bharatpur in connection with Jhamris death, he said. Subsequently, all possible hideouts of the accused were raided simultaneously to arrest the accused, Singh said.

A police team reached Dehradun after receiving information that they may be hiding in the Uttarakhand capital.

The police team cordoned off the suspicious place and nabbed Tejveer, Yuvraj and Bunty Khushal  all three had a reward of Rs 25,000 on their heads.

Singh said when the police team left for Bharatpur from Dehradun with the three men, Tejveer snatched the pistol of a constable and opened fire on the policemen with the intention of killing them.

The officer said the police team took cover of vehicles and trees but bullets hit the bullet-proof jacket of team in-charge Mukesh Kumar and police officer Manish Sharma.

The trio who were injured in retaliatory firing were then taken into custody and admitted to RBM Hospital in Bharatpur, police said. The condition of Bunty Khushal is critical, they said.
Prayagraj, Sep 6 (PTI) The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday constituted a seven-member committee to probe into the alleged police lathi-charge on lawyers of Hapur district court.

According to the Chairman of Bar Council of UP, Shiv Kishor Gaur, the council will take appropriate decisions after submission of a report by the committee.

The Bar Council of UP is the apex body of lawyers in the state.

Gaur said that the committee was formed as the government has not taken any effective step in this regard till now.

In order to have an impartial and transparent probe into the matter, the Bar Council has decided to set up a committee, which would visit Hapur and talk to the injured lawyers and also the office bearers of Hapur Bar Association, he said.

The committee would submit its report in 10 days and in the backdrop of the report, a meeting of the Bar Council would be convened and appropriate decision would be taken, Gaur said.

The members of the committee include Rohitashwa Kumar Agarwal, Arun Kumar Tripathi, Ajay Kumar Shukla, Janki Sharan Pandey, Shrish Kumar Mehrotra, Pradeep Kumar Singh and Prashan Singh Atal. All of them are lawyers practising in different courts of the state.

All are sitting members of the Bar Council of UP and, except Pradeep Kumar Singh, are its former chiefs. Pradeep Kumar Singh is former vice-chairman of the Bar Council.
Jaipur, Sep 6 (PTI) Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers held a protest here on Wednesday against Congress leader Aradhana Mishra for allegedly reprimanding her party's workers who raised the 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' slogan at a meeting.

On Monday, Mishra, who is the Congress' poll observer for the state, courted controversy for the remark she made during the meeting of party workers of the Adarsh Nagar block. She later claimed the incident was misconstrued and that she had only asked party workers not to raise slogans in favour of any candidate.

During the meeting, two factions clashed over the selection of candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections. As the workers started raising the 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' slogan, Mishra intervened and said, "If you are fond of raising slogans, then raise the slogan of Congress Zindabad."

On Wednesday, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers took out a rally from the BJP headquarters towards the state Congress office but police stopped them at the Chomu House Circle. The protesters burnt an effigy of the Congress and raised slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.

BJYM state president Ankit Gurjar Chechi said the mentality of the Congress has been completely distorted. "We are burning the effigy of the double-character of the Congress, which is trying to create an anti-national atmosphere in Rajasthan," he said.
Chandigarh, Sep 6 (PTI) Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala on Wednesday said top leaders of opposition INDIA bloc will attend the Samman Divas Maha rally in Kaithal on September 25 to mark the birth anniversary of former deputy prime minister Devi Lal.

"We have sent out invites for the event and many have already confirmed that they will come," Abhay told reporters here.

However, when specifically asked if the Congress party has also been invited for the event, Abhay said, "We still have time to invite more people and we will discuss who else is to be invited. Why are you in a hurry."

He said that so far Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury have confirmed their participation.

He said among others invites have also been sent to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and NCP leader Sharad Pawar.

Abhay Chautala said that Banerjee has told him that she had some preoccupation on that day and she will depute a senior leader of her party for the event while Thackeray told him that if he is unable to attend due to some reasons he will send a senior leader for the event.

He said he will meet NCP leader Sharad Pawar in a day or two and also personally invite him.

"We have also sent out invites to some other partners of the INDIA bloc," he said.

He further said that his father and INLD president Om Prakash Chautala was the first leader to re-group the opposition leaders at one of the Samman Divas events in the previous year. "Who laid the foundation of this?. We laid its foundation," said Abhay about the INDIA bloc.

He said Devi Lal's birth anniversary is celebrated as Samman Divas each year in which leaders of different political parties from all over the country participate and pay their respects.

On a question asked on the factionalism in the Haryana unit of Congress, the INLD leader said that "the Congress leaders are not fighting for the public but for their own selfishness and personal supremacy".

"But when it comes to playing the role of an opposition and raising issues pertaining to the public, they remain silent," he said.

On a question asked on Haryana Minister Sandeep Singh, who was last year booked by the Chandigarh police in a sexual harassment case, Abhay Chautala said despite chargesheet having been filed recently in the case before a court here by the police the chief minister has not sacked him.

"If Sandeep Singh has even a little bit of shame left, he should resign," he said.

"Even after the chargesheet against Sandeep Singh, Chief Minister shamelessly says in the Assembly that he will not remove the minister..under what pressure CM why he is not asking for his resignation. Why is he protecting him," he said, adding Sandeep Singh should have been arrested long ago.

"Had there been any other person, the Chadigarh Police would not have taken a minute to put him and his entire family behind bars," he said.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 18:01 | World, All

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called for mutual trust Wednesday as their leaders met in Jakarta amid tensions over a map recently released by Beijing laying claim to contested waters in the South China Sea.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in his opening remarks that political mutual trust between China and ASEAN has grown deeper and that trust is a bridge that connects minds no matter how the international situation evolves.

"As long as we keep to the right path, no matter what storms may come, China-ASEAN cooperation will be as firm as ever and forge ahead against all odds," Li said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for "realizing mutually beneficial concrete collaboration," saying it can be achieved "if we have mutual trust." Indonesia is this year's chair of the regional group.

Following the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters that most of the ASEAN leaders stressed the importance of maintaining trust and respect to international laws to create regional peace and stability. She did not answer a question on the new map.

A draft chairman's statement on the China-ASEAN summit noted concerns expressed by some ASEAN members about land reclamation in the South China Sea and damage to the marine environment, saying it has "eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions, and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region."

Beijing has undertaken a massive land reclamation program in contested waters of the sea, building military and civilian facilities on islands and reefs claimed by a number of other nations, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Manila insists Beijing's claim to almost all of the South China Sea has been invalidated by a 2016 ruling by a Netherlands-based international tribunal. But China has ignored the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

Related coverage:

ASEAN leaders condemn Myanmar junta for continued violence

Philippines to be 2026 ASEAN chair as no progress on Myanmar seen

China's Xi to skip G-20 summit for 1st time, Premier Li to attend instead
Ranchi, Sep 6 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition filed by Congress MLA Pradeep Yadav seeking transfer of a criminal case filed against him to Bokaro from Dumka.

The case relates to the alleged sexual exploitation of a woman JVM-P party worker in 2019 and is pending in a court in Dumka. Earlier this month, the court rejected a petition filed by Yadav for dismissal of the sexual harassment case.

After hearing the arguments, a bench of Justice Subhash Chand had reserved the order earlier.

Yadav, who joined the Congress after winning the 2019 assembly elections on a JVM-P ticket from Poraiyahat, is facing prosecution in the MP-MLA court in Dumka.

An FIR was filed after the woman, a JVM-P member and an advocate of the high court, alleged that Yadav tried to rape her in April 2019 after they met at a hotel in Deoghar to discuss the strategy for the Lok Sabha elections. However, she managed to flee from the spot.

She also alleged that the MLA and his supporters had threatened her.

Yadav's lawyer Bimalkirti Singh had told the high court that his client was a victim of political vendetta, and was framed.

The victim's advocate Gautam Kumar submitted that there is prima facie evidence of Yadav trying to exploit the woman by offering her political leverage.

After the high court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, Yadav surrendered before the special court in July 2019 and was granted bail by the high court in September of that year.




President Biden on Tuesday tapped former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew to serve as his next ambassador to Israel, pending confirmation by the Senate.

Lew previously served as Treasury secretary during the Obama administration from 2013-2017. He was also director of the Office of Management and Budget from 1998 to 2001 during the Clinton administration and was a principal at the National Security Council in both presidencies.

Prior to his government work, Lew served as managing director and chief operating officer for two Citigroup business units. He is currently co-president of the board of the National Library of Israel USA and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Lew was confirmed as Treasury secretary in 2013 with bipartisan support in a 71-26 vote. He will need the support of at least 50 senators in a narrowly divided Senate this time around to earn confirmation to the ambassador post.

If confirmed, Lew would replace Tom Nides, Bidens first ambassador to Israel, who departed the post after two years.

He would take over the ambassadorship at a tense time in U.S.-Israel relations. The Biden White House has been adamant that Israel is a critical ally, but the president and top aides have expressed concerns about judicial reforms pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus administration that would curb the independence of the judiciary.

(AP)




Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of participating in an illegal scheme to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia and will not appear in court in Atlanta this week.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had scheduled arraignment hearings for Wednesday for Meadows, former President Donald Trump and the other 17 people charged last month in a sprawling indictment. By midday Tuesday, all of the defendants had pleaded not guilty in filings with the court and waived their rights to an arraignment hearing.

During an arraignment hearing, defendants have the right to have the charges against them read and to enter a formal plea. Trump pleaded not guilty in a court filing Thursday and Giuliani entered his plea Friday, with the rest of the pleas trickling in over several days.

Meadows and four others are seeking to move the charges against them to federal court. But during a hearing last week on Meadows request, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones made clear that if he had not ruled by the arraignment date or if the case was not moved to federal court, Meadows would not be excused from arraignment.

(AP)




As Goodhue Police Chief Josh Smith struggled this summer to fill vacancies in his small department, he warned the towns City Council that unless pay and benefits improved, finding new officers would never happen.

When nothing changed, Smith quit. So did his few remaining officers, leading the Minnesota town of 1,300 residents to shutter its police force in late August.

America is in the midst of a police officer shortage that many in law enforcement blame on the two-fold morale hit of 2020  the coronavirus pandemic and criticism of police that boiled over with the murder of George Floyd by a police officer. From Minnesota to Maine, Ohio to Texas, small towns unable to fill jobs are eliminating their police departments and turning over police work to their county sheriff, a neighboring town or state police.

The trend isnt altogether new.

At least 521 U.S. towns and cities with populations of 1,000 to 200,000 disbanded policing between 1972 and 2017, according to a peer-reviewed 2022 paper by Rice University Professor of Economics Richard T. Boylan.

In the past two years, at least 12 small towns have dissolved their departments.

Goodhue County is now under contract for law enforcement duties in the town of Goodhue, even as Sheriff Marty Kelly tries to fill four vacancies in his own department. He said he has around 10 applicants for those jobs. By comparison, one open position in 2019 drew 35 applicants, he said.

Kelly knows that to get to full staffing, hell have to hire new deputies away from other towns or counties  creating vacancies in other places that will struggle to fill them.

Its scary, Kelly said. We are robbing Peter to pay Paul. And were not alone.

At the heart of the problem is the exodus from law enforcement. Officer resignations were up 47% last year compared to 2019  the year before the pandemic and Floyds killing  and retirements are up 19%. Thats all according to a survey of nearly 200 police agencies by the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, DC.-based think tank. Though the survey represents only agencies affiliated with PERF, a fraction of the more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide and is not representative of all departments, its one of the few efforts to examine police hiring and retention and compare it with the time before Floyds killing.

Compounding the exodus of veteran officers, young people are increasingly unwilling to go through the months of training necessary to become a police officer, said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.

Fewer people are applying to be police officers, and more officers are retiring or resigning at a tremendous rate, Wexler said. Theres a shortage of police officers across the country.

Agencies of all sizes are struggling to fill open positions. But the problem is especially dire in smaller communities that cant match the pay and incentives offered by bigger places.

Another Minnesota town, Morris, dissolved its police department last year after continued departures of officers. The town of 5,100 residents was down to two officers at the time. In Maine, the town of Limestone disbanded its police department in March. Neighboring Van Buren did the same two years earlier.

Generally, crime rates were unchanged in towns that dropped their departments, the Rice University study found. Leaders of several towns said theyve been happy with the change.

Town leaders in Washburn, Illinois, dissolved their department in 2021 and let the county take over law enforcement duties for its 1,100 residents.

You really cant tell much of any difference, Mayor Steve Forney said. The sheriffs department is very responsive. I like it. I was always one who was very hesitant to go this direction, but I feel its working for us.

Lott, Texas, a town of about 700 residents, disbanded its department last year. Mayor Sue Tacker said the town was going broke and couldnt afford to pay two officers and two other employees.

With county deputies now patrolling Lott, the crime rate remains low and response times have been good, Tacker said. She believes residents are OK with the change.

I havent had any griping or fussing, Tacker said.

Goodhue occupies about one square mile of land 65 miles (105 kilometers) south of Minneapolis. Its made up of tidy homes with a few small businesses  a bakery, a florist, a cafe, a supermarket, a taxidermist  most of them in brick storefronts in the small downtown area.

The town struggled for years to recruit and retain officers. The City Council had boosted pay by 5% earlier this year and gave Smith a $13,000 raise.

It wasnt enough. Smith told the City Council at a meeting on July 26 that it was virtually impossible to attract applicants for a job starting at $22 an hour. Thats about $10 per hour less than Goodhue County deputies earn.

Theres zero incentive to come out here to a small town, Smith said at the meeting.

Two weeks later, Smith gave notice of his resignation. Within days, the remaining full-time officer and five part-time employees also called it quits. The town agreed to pay the county about $44,000 for law enforcement services through the end of this year. Goodhue leaders will decide later whether to extend the contract through 2024.

Goodhue resident Ron Goebel, a retired accountant, said he believes the sheriffs department will do a good job, and he expects townspeople to help out, too.

People can kind of watch out for each other a little bit, Goebel said, noting that he himself watches for strange vehicles in his neighborhood. We pretty much know our neighbors.

Goebel fears the loss of the police department is another challenge for Goodhue and towns like it across the nation.

As you lose your schools, you lose your businesses and you lose your police force, how much longer can the town actually be viable as a town? Goebel asked.

(AP)




An elementary school in a Washington D.C. suburb in Maryland has reinstated a mask mandate, specifically requiring N95 masks, for third-grade students following confirmed COVID-19 cases among a few children. The decision, outlined in a letter allegedly sent to all parents at Rosemary Hills Elementary School.

Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, shared the letter on social media, where it quickly gained traction. The letter, addressed to parents of students in a specific classroom, notifies them of the updated mask requirements. According to the letter, three or more individuals in the classroom had tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days, prompting the schools response.

Principal Rebecca Irwin Kennedy detailed the measures being taken to prevent further transmission of the virus within that classroom. The N95 mask requirement will be in effect for the next 10 days, except during meal times. Following this period, masks will become optional once again. The school also plans to distribute at-home rapid test kits to students and encourages parents to monitor their children for COVID-19 symptoms.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




New York City Mayor Eric Adams paid a visit to two of Boro Parks leading Admorim on Tuesday night.

The Mayor visited the Munkatcher Rebbe as well as the Bobov 45 Rebbe, brining them New Years greetings on behalf of New Yorkers, as well as asking both Admorim for their blessings for a New Year.

The Mayor was joined by his Senior Advisor Joel Eisdorfer, CAU Commissioner Fred Kreizman and NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of Community Affairs.




The Eritrean government claimed on Tuesday night in an official announcement that international intelligence organizations, especially Israels Mossad, were behind the recent riots and violent clashes between Eritrean expat groups in Israel and around the world.

The clashes were between the supporters and opponents of the Eritrean regime but statements by Eritreas Information Ministry not only blamed the clashes on acts of subversion by intelligence agencies but even cast doubts that that the opponents of the Eritrean regime who clashed with pro-regime supporters are actually Eritrean.

The official announcement stated, among other things, that: These are violent attacks aimed at disrupting decades-old cultural events, which Eritreans hold in order to preserve their heritage and cultural identity. Those who encourage the violence do so out of hidden political motives to achieve their goals.

The ministry promised to expose the lies about the Eritrean refugees, saying that more information on the issue will be published in the near future.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Authorities said Wednesday that they are searching for a male suspected of shooting and setting fire to several Michigan State Police vehicles in the Upper Peninsula.

The suspect, a white male who was wearing camouflage in footage of the early Wednesday attack on the vehicles, is considered armed and dangerous, the agency said in a plea for the publics help in identifying him.

The vehicles at the Sault Ste. Marie Post were lit on fire and struck by rifle rounds at around 3:30 a.m., the agency said. No troopers were in the vehicles at the time of the attack.

The suspect was last seen driving a silver Honda CRV southbound on the Interstate 75 Business Loop, state police said.

The agency posted four photos on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing the suspect and the Honda CRV.

The agency said the post would remain closed Wednesday in Sault Ste. Marie, a city at the northeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, about 300 miles (482 kilometers) north of Detroit.

State Police Lt. Mark Giannunzio, a spokesman for the agencys district that includes the Sault Ste. Marie Post, told The Detroit News that officials will release further information when they can.

An email was sent Wednesday morning to Giannunzio by The Associated Press asking how many vehicles were damaged in the attack and the extent of the damage they sustained.

State police asked anyone with information about the attack to contact the post at (906) 632-2217 or to call 911.

(AP)




A Russian missile struck an outdoor market in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people and wounding dozens, officials said. The deadly attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv and was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new American funding for Ukraine in the 18-month-old war.

Associated Press journalists at the site of the attack in the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region saw covered bodies on the ground and emergency workers extinguishing fires at market stalls, with blackened and mangled cars nearby.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at least 16 people were killed. Another 31 were wounded, according to the regional prosecutors office. The Defense Ministry said the market was hit by a ballistic missile.

Firefighters extinguished blazes that damaged about 30 pavilions at the market, Klymenko said. Crews searched the rubble for any trapped victims.

Twenty shops, power lines, administrative building and the floor of an apartment building were damaged, according to the prosecutor generals office.

The attack was another grim reminder of the wars civilian toll. A regular market. Shops. A pharmacy. People who did nothing wrong, Zelenskyy said on his official Telegram channel.

Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area, Zelenskyy said later at a news conference with visiting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. There arent any military units nearby. The strike was deliberate.

Blinkens visit was aimed at assessing Ukraines 3-month-old counteroffensive and signaling continued U.S. backing as some Western allies express worries about Kyivs slow progress in driving out Russian forces, according to U.S. officials.

We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long-term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent, Blinken said. Were also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.

Blinken was set to pledge more than $1 billion in new U.S. funding, a senior State Department official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the announcement before it was made.

The money would be for a range of investments, the official said, without elaborating.

Roughly $275 million will be military aid, including depleted uranium tank rounds that had been a subject of internal administration debate until Tuesday, according to another U.S. official.

About $175 million of the total will be in the form of weaponry to be provided from Pentagon stockpiles, the official said. Another $100 million will be in the form of grants to allow the Ukrainians to purchase additional arms and equipment, the official said, also on condition of anonymity.

In addition to the military assistance, Blinken is expected to announce nearly $805 million in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine, according to another administration official. That will include $300 million for law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian aid, $203 million to combat corruption and $90.5 million for demining, the official said.

The package will also include a $5.4 million transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets, according to the official, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the formal announcement.

The aid announced by Blinken comes from money previously approved by Congress. President Joe Biden has requested another $21 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine for the final months of 2023, but its not clear how much  if any  will be approved. Many Republican lawmakers are wary of providing more aid and the partys presidential front-runner, former President Donald Trump, has criticized U.S. financial support. Opinion polls also have shown a decline in support for the war by the American public.

Biden and the Pentagon, however, have said repeatedly they they will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. As of Aug. 29, there was approximately $5.75 billion left in the already approved funding for weapons and equipment taken from existing Pentagon stocks.

Blinken was to discuss other issues, including support for Ukraines economy, building on his June announcement of $1.3 billion to help Kyiv rebuild, with a focus on modernizing its energy network, which was bombarded by Russia last winter.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that U.S. assistance to Ukraine cant influence the course of the special military operation  Moscows euphemism for the war.

Blinken arrived in Kyiv for an overnight visit hours after Russia launched a missile attack on the city.

On the train to Kyiv, Blinken met with Frederiksen, also on an official visit, and thanked her for Denmarks leadership in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and for promising to donate the fighter jets to Ukraine, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Washington officials said there will be discussions of alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain following Russias exit from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its frequent attacks on port facilities in the Odesa region.

Those alternatives may include new overland routes, or ships hugging coastlines to keep out of international waters where they could be targeted by Russias navy.

After arriving in Kyiv, Blinken laid a wreath at the citys Berkovetske cemetery to commemorate Ukrainian troops killed defending the country.

Blinken told Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that the U.S. has seen good progress in the counteroffensive. Its very heartening.

Meeting with Shmyhal, Blinken said he was in Ukraine to reaffirm our commitment to stand with you  to help ensure that you succeed militarily in dealing with the aggression, but also to stand with you to make sure that your efforts to build a strong economy and a strong democracy succeed.

Shmyhal said Ukraine is grateful the money is coming in the form of grants, not loans that would drive it into debt.

Overnight, Russia fired cruise missiles at Kyiv in its first aerial attack on the capital since Aug. 30, according to Serhii Popko, the head of Kyivs regional military administration. Debris from a downed missile caused a fire and damage but no casualties.

In the Odesa region, one person was killed in a Russian missile and drone attack on the port of Izmail that damaged grain elevators, administrative buildings and agricultural enterprises, authorities said.

The trip was Blinkens fourth to Ukraine since the war began, including one brief excursion over the Polish-Ukrainian border in March 2022, just a month after the Russian invasion. But it will be the first time Americas top diplomat spends the night in Kyiv since January 2022, before the invasion, in what U.S. officials called a signal of American support.

Blinkens visit comes after some of Ukraines allies have privately expressed concern that Ukrainian troops may fail to reach their objectives.

While the U.S. has been concerned by some day-to-day battlefield setbacks, U.S. officials said, they are still generally encouraged by Ukraines handling of the military situation, particularly its air defense capabilities in knocking down Russian drones aimed at Kyiv.

Blinken aims to see how the counteroffensive is progressing and what kind of support is needed, including materials to break through Russian defenses with winter approaching. Air defense will also continue to be a priority, the official said.

Western analysts and military officials caution that the counteroffensives success is far from certain and that it could take years to rid Ukraine of entrenched, powerfully armed and skilled Russian troops.

Both sides will have to assess their supply shortages, with more battles of attrition likely over the winter. A long war could stretch deep into next year and beyond, according to experts.

(AP)




Reports that Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia soon have drawn attention to the traditional method of travel for North Korean leaders: luxury, armored trains that have long been a part of the dynastys lore and are symbols of its deep isolation.

In what would be his first foreign travel since the start of the pandemic, Kim may visit Russia this month for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a U.S. official has said, possibly to discuss North Korean arms sales to refill Russian reserves drained by its war on Ukraine.

According to U.S. reports, the two leaders could meet in the eastern city of Vladivostok, the site of their first get-together in April 2019, when Kim took his green-and-yellow train. Putin is expected in the city for the annual Eastern Economic Forum that runs from Sunday to Wednesday.

The reports come at a time when the leaders interests are aligning in the face of their deepening, separate confrontations with the United States.

Whether Kim could again make the rattling 20-hour journey by rail is a focus of media attention, as is the reportedly luxurious train, which stands in sharp contrast to the grinding poverty of daily life for most North Koreans.

Kims famously flight-averse father, Kim Jong Il, made about a dozen trips abroad during his 17-year rule, almost all to China and all by train. North Koreas state media said that the elder Kim died of a heart attack during a train trip in 2011.

According to an account published in 2002 by Konstantin Pulikovsky, a Russian official who accompanied Kim Jong ll on a three-week trip to Moscow, the train carried cases of expensive French wine and passengers could feast on fresh lobster and pork barbeque.

The trains most important feature, however, is security. According to South Korean media reports, North Korea has 90 special carriages in total and operates three trains in tandem when a leader is traveling  an advance train to check the rails, the train with the leader and his immediate entourage, and a third behind for everyone else. High-tech communication equipment and flat-screen TVs are installed so a leader can give orders and receive briefings.

In a sign of the trains symbolic importance, a life-size mock-up of one of the carriages is on permanent display at a mausoleum on the outskirts of Pyongyang where the embalmed bodies of Kim Jong Il and his state-founding father, Kim Il Sung, lie in state.

Kim, who is 39, has used his familys armored train for previous meetings with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019.

But he does sometimes fly, unlike his father. Schooled for several years in Switzerland, Kim Jong Un is believed to have traveled by air often as a teenager.

When he jetted off to the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in 2018 to meet with Xi, it was the first time a North Korean leader had publicly gone abroad by air since Kim Il Sungs flight to the Soviet Union in 1986.

Kims official plane is a remodeled version of the Soviet-made IL-62. North Korea calls it Chammae-1, named after the goshawk, North Koreas national bird. South Korean media say the plane can carry about 200 people and its maximum range is about 9,200 kilometers (5,700 miles) but it has reportedly never flown that far.

Putin, for his part, now prefers to avoid airplanes and also travels on a special armored train since his decision to invade Ukraine in early 2022, according to Gleb Karakulov, a defector from Putins secretive elite security service.

Kims earlier meeting with Putin required a daylong trip that began at the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and chugged over the countrys aging railways along the eastern coast before crossing a river that serves as the border with Russia.

Some analysts are skeptical that another meeting would occur on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum because Kim and his predecessors have preferred stand-alone summitry when making rare trips abroad

In all, Kim went to China four times from 2018 to 2019 to meet Xi  two of them by train and two on his jet. In June 2018, he borrowed a Chinese plane to meet Trump in Singapore, reportedly because his jet was deemed unsafe. For another meeting with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam, Kim took his train on the two-and-half day trip.

Since closing his countrys borders in early 2020 to guard against the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim hasnt met any foreign leader.

Kims possible second trip to Russia could signal a restart of a summit-driven diplomacy and may be followed by a trip to China for a meeting with Xi, said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in South Korea.

(AP)
By Yasushi Gunji, KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 12:10 | All, Feature, Japan

On Sept. 2, 1923, widespread fires caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake the previous day raged out of control in Tokyo.

On that day, as Gonbei Yamamoto was preparing to install his cabinet as the new prime minister, acting premier Kosai Uchida imposed martial law in central parts of the capital and other areas as panic and false rumors of a "Korean riot" spread, which would lead to the massacre of ethnic Koreans and others.

It was only the second time martial law had been declared in Japan, the first time being in 1905 following riots in Tokyo over the terms of a treaty ending the Russo-Japanese war.

Miekichi Suzuki, a writer of children's stories, described "gigantic red clouds" rolling through the sky that day. At dawn, writer Kido Okamoto witnessed people in a state of utter panic on a main boulevard of Tokyo's Kojimachi district.

"Automobiles sped, bicycles dashed...horses galloped, lanterns swayed," Suzuki wrote.

Philosopher Tetsuro Watsuji heard the rumors the same day that Koreans were taking advantage of the chaos to commit arson and other crimes. Amid the mass hysteria, "we were quickly infected by panic. All night long, I heard the sounds of people screaming and chasing others," Watsuji wrote.

Writer Toson Shimazaki heard similar accounts near his home in Iigura, Tokyo.

According to army records a cavalryman shot and killed a Korean who was "acting suspiciously" in Minami-Gyotoku village, currently part of Ichikawa city, Chiba Prefecture on that day.

And in Azabu, Tokyo, an infantryman stabbed a man to death who was brandishing a Japanese sword. The man turned out to be a Japanese who was mistakenly identified as Korean.

Yamamoto formed a cabinet quickly and the ceremony of imperial investiture was held shortly after 7 p.m. on Sept. 2. Martial law was extended to all of Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture the following day, and Saitama and Chiba prefectures on Sept. 4. It was not lifted until Nov. 15.

The massacre of Koreans, with some estimates putting the number of victims at over 6,000, had begun. Some 700 Chinese were also believed to be killed during the mob violence.

The earthquake, which destroyed the metropolitan area and killed approximately 105,000 people, was the first major test of modern Japan since the Meiji era (1868-1912), and the imposition of martial law and massacre of Koreans and Chinese left a dark stain on a general trend toward greater liberalism in Japanese society, known as the Taisho democracy, which ended in 1926.

The Ministry of the Interior sent a cable to regional directors on Sept. 3 effectively declaring the false rumors about the behavior of Koreans to be true.

Sent under the name of Fumio Goto, director general of the ministry's Police Affairs Bureau, the cable stated, "Taking advantage of the earthquake, Koreans are setting fires in various places, and...in Tokyo there are those who possess bombs, pour oil, and set fires." It went on to urge the regional directors to "strictly control the behavior" of Koreans.

As more rumors spread, vigilante mobs armed with Japanese swords and other weapons were organized in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. The victims of the military, police, and vigilante violence were not only Koreans, but also Chinese and misidentified Japanese.

Shimazaki recalled his stay in Paris during World War I when he heard rumors that "the enemy was coming to attack." At the time, Parisians, fearing enemy spies, destroyed German-owned stores. After the Kanto earthquake, he noted, "Instead of spies, 'ghosts' popped up in Tokyo." Ghosts were phantom enemies created by people's fear.

The ministry telegram was taken up by the House of Councillors Legal Affairs Committee in June this year. The government acknowledged the existence of the official document but avoided declaring responsibility for the massacre of Koreans.

Along with the Kanto massacres, other high-profile incidents following the Kanto quake included the Kameido incident, in which socialists were secretly killed, and the abduction and murder of anarchist Sakae Osugi and others in the Amakasu Incident.

On Sept. 6, nine itinerant peddlers who were mistakenly identified as Koreans were murdered in what became known as the Fukuda village incident in Chiba Prefecture. The victims, who belonged to members of the "buraku" outcast community, included a toddler and a pregnant woman.

Related coverage:

FEATURE:Efforts ongoing to shed light on 1923 Kanto quake's Korean massacre

FEATURE: Kani city using performance to promote empathy across cultures

FEATURE: U.S. veterans visit South Korea 70 years after Korean War




Former President Donald Trump has solidified his lead in the Republican primary race, garnering a majority of support from registered Republicans and right-leaning independents, according to a recent CNN/SSRS national survey conducted after his recent arrest in Fulton County, Georgia, and the release of his iconic mugshot.

The survey results, published on Tuesday, indicate that 52 percent of registered Republicans and right-leaning independents are backing Trump for the Republican nomination. This marks a five-point increase in support since CNNs June poll. In contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was previously a strong contender, has seen his support decline significantly. He now stands at 18 percent, down eight points from the June poll when he enjoyed 26 percent support.

Comparing this poll to CNNs first GOP primary survey in March, Trump and DeSantis have experienced a notable shift in fortunes. In March, they garnered 40 percent and 36 percent support, respectively. Trumps support has remained relatively steady, whereas DeSantis has seen his support dwindle by half since then, reflecting a net 30-point swing in Trumps favor.

Beyond Trump and DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley share the third-place spot, each with seven percent support. While Haleys support has increased by two points since June, Pence has seen a two-point decline. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is closely following with six percent support, marking the most significant positive movement compared to his one percent support in June.

Further down the list, Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina secures three percent, while former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie holds two percent. Conservative radio host Larry Elder and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum both tie at one percent. No other candidate manages to garner a single percentage point, with one percent of respondents choosing another candidate and another one percent remaining undecided.

The poll also assessed the second choices of GOP primary voters who had selected their preferred candidate. DeSantis leads in this category with 28 percent of respondents choosing him as their backup plan, followed by Ramaswamy with 14 percent. Haley, Pence, and Trump tie at 11 percent for second-choice support, and seven percent have named Scott as their backup.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)




New York Times opinion columnist Thomas Friedman, who regularly rails against the Jewish state and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, is now urging President Joe Biden and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to halt all efforts to reach a Saudi-Israeli normalization deal.

In a column published on Tuesday entitled You Cant Normalize Relations With a Government That Isnt Normal, Friedman has the temerity to address the leader of Saudi Arabia, a country guilty of grievous human rights offenses, and Biden, saying: Do not let Netanyahu make you his useful idiots. You cannot have normalization with an Israeli government that is not normal. It will never be a stable U.S. ally or Saudi partner.

Friedman continues by railing against the Israeli government, claiming that it includes extremists on the level of the Klu Klux Klan.

Friedman then claims that an Israeli-Saudi normalization deal is not in Americas interest. Why? The [deal] that is definitely not in our interest is the one that Netanyahu will try to sweet talk the United States into, he writes. He is trying to pull off a four-corner shot  undermine the power of Israels Supreme Court to restrain his extreme government, while making himself a domestic hero by pulling off a peace deal with Saudi Arabia without having to give the Palestinians anything of significance, thereby advancing his coalitions dream of annexing the West Bank  all while getting Saudi Arabia to pay for it and Joe Biden to bless it. That deal Biden and M.B.S. must reject out of hand.

Friedman continues by prattling on about a two-state solution, which even the Biden administration has admitted is not a viable option in the near future. Friedman justifies his demand for a two-state solution as a condition for a Saudi deal not with facts but with another meaningless statement, saying: That is what all previous U.S. presidents have committed to  and also what King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia insisted upon in his 2002 interview with me announcing the Saudi peace initiative, which later became the Arab Peace Initiative.

For now, the only thing Im certain of is what has to be stopped: This Israeli coalition has to be stopped. And, even more important, a bad deal  one that enables Netanyahu to crush the Israeli Supreme Court and win normalization from Saudi Arabia and pay such a small price to the Palestinians that the right-wing zealots in his cabinet can continue driving Israel over a cliff  absolutely has to be stopped.

If Friedmans lies about Israel arent enough, he continues by making a laughable statement, calling Biden One of Americas best foreign policy presidents ever.

Thats not a deal that Biden  one of Americas best foreign policy presidents ever  should want as part of his legacy, and its not a deal that would be a stable foundation for the Saudi-Israeli strategic partnership that M.B.S. seeks.

Just say no. To do otherwise would be shameful, Thomas concludes.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




It was cleared for publication on Wednesday afternoon that a plane with 12 Israelis aboard was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Malaysia, a Muslim country in Southeast Asia that is hostile toward Israel.

Emirates Flight 354, which was en route from Dubai to Singapore, landed in Malaysia on Wednesday morning due to adverse weather conditions, Israels Foreign Ministry stated.

The ministrys Director-General, Ronen Levi, headed the efforts to ensure the Israeli passengers welfare, working together with the Department for Israelis Abroad in the Consular Affairs Division and Israeli diplomats in Dubai and Singapore.

Foreign Ministry officials arranged with Emirates Airlines to speak to one of the passengers to receive ongoing updates on the situation.

The passengers were not required to disembark from the plane and after waiting on the tarmac for about five hours, the plane resumed the flight to Singapore.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




Greece is working with Israel on developing artificial intelligence technology that would help in early detection of dangerous wildfires, the Greek prime minister said Monday.

After talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in the Cypriot capital of Nicosia, Kyriakos Mitsotakis also said that Israel could be brought into the European Union fold when it comes to civil protection initiatives to better coordinate firefighting efforts.

Israel and Cyprus are among several countries that have dispatched firefighting aircraft and crews to help battle wildfires in Greece that consumed vast tracts of forest over the last two months, including the EUs largest such blaze on record that claimed the lives of 20 people.

Mitsotakis said Greece could act as a proving ground for Israeli AI technology in early detection of wildfires.

We are already talking to Israel about AI-based solutions that will offer us early detection capabilities, Said Mitsotakis.

Netanyahu said the three leaders discussed going well beyond dispatching firefighting aircraft and crews by deploying AI systems for early detection.

This is really one of those areas where when we say well do it better together, theres no question that thats the case, Netanyahu said.

The three leaders said they delved into how to harness recent natural gas discoveries in Israeli and Cypriot waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Netanyahu said decisions on how Israel and Cyprus will export natural gas to foreign markets will have to be made within the next three to six months.

Israel and Cyprus are looking into plans for a pipeline that would convey offshore natural gas from both countries to the east Mediterranean island nation where it would be liquefied for export by ship.

We agreed that natural gas and renewable energy is a prime pillar of cooperation in the region, especially in light of the recent geopolitical developments and energy insecurity, especially in Europe, dictating the need for energy diversification and increase interconnectivity, Christodoulides said.

Another project the three leaders expressed keen interest on is an undersea electricity cable stretching 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) that would link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus and mainland Greece.

Thats something that were eagerly interested in pursuing and we discussed  (including) the mechanism of how to advance this, said Netanyahu.

Energy has been the focus of a series of ongoing meetings between the three leaders to deepen their countries ties since 2016, which Mitsotakis said reflected their importance on the political, economic and other levels.

(AP)




An Israeli man, 56, was seriously injured in a stabbing attack near Shaar Yafo in Jerusalem on Wednesday afternoon and a 17-year-old was lightly injured.

The attack was carried out with a butchers knife.

MDA paramedics provided emergency medical aid at the scene to the victims and evacuated them to Hadassah Har Hatzofim Hospital for further treatment.

The terrorist, a 17-year-old resident of east Jerusalem, was caught and arrested by nearby police officers, who chased after him following the attack.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)








Kav Halacha, the brainchild of a few young kollel yungerleit over a decade ago, is a phone service which provides callers with direct access to skilled Rabbonim who are available to answer their shailos at any time of day or night. The service has received acclaim in numerous frum communities, and has been supported by some of the greatest Halacha authorities around the world. This service was originally based in Eretz Yisroel, primarily serving English speaking people living there who were seeking Rabbonim that spoke their familiar tongue. However, when calls started flowing in from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and various other countriesKav Halacha decided to broaden their horizons, offering their service at new shores all across the globe.

Kav Halacha was originally established to fill a void in the ever-growing society of Torah-true English speakers in Eretz Yisroel. At any given time, there are multitudes of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel who are more comfortable speaking their native tongue of Englishor dont speak Hebrew or Yiddish at all. Whether they are American Kollel couples, seminary girls or bachurim from abroad, fresh baalei teshuva studying in the Old City, or long-time citizens who are simply more comfortable with English, they all require Halachic guidance from time to time, which can be a rather daunting task in a new country.

Rabbi Eli Biegeleisen, one of Kav Halachas founders, shared the experiences that ultimately led to the establishment of the service. A young kollel yungerman had just arrived in EY from Lakewood with his wife, when they were in need of a Rav for a time-sensitive shailah. My wife and I were barely settling into our new apartment when a serious shailah arose. I spoke a broken Hebrew at the time, so how was I supposed to communicate the intricate details of my question to the local Rava well-known Israeli Posek who didnt speak a word of English? And besides, even if I would be successful at expressing the question clearlyhow would I know if this Ravs mehalech in psak was in sync with that of my Rav in America? Rabbi Biegeleisen was able to connect him to a qualified Rav, and the seed was planted.

Rabbi Biegeleisen joined forces with his neighbor in Yerushalayim, Rabbi Shaul Sofer (originally from Melbourne, Australia), and together, they started a phone line for shailos with just one Rav. But a mere few weeks later, Kav Halacha had developed into a 24-hour line providing foreigners in Eretz Yisroel with access to choshuve English speaking Rabbonim at any given moment.

As the years went by, it became clear that besides for providing a solution for the great demand for English-speaking Rabbonim, Kav Halacha was solving additional issues as wellones that surely existed beyond the confines of Eretz Yisroel alone. There are often shailos that arise that require immediate attentionlike smack in the middle of a chuppah, for instanceand the neighborhood or personal Rav isnt always available at that specific moment. Or, suppose a time-sensitive shailah decided to crop up at 3 a.m., when most Rabbonim are fast asleep; what is a Yid supposed to do in a situation like that?

Furthermore, the onset of the 21st century has seen an explosion in travel amongst members of the frum community. Numerous Yidden have to fly for business on a regular basisoften to places that lack even the slightest traces of Jewish life. The amount of Yidden who travel for leisure has also seen a significant uptick in recent years. Shailos can arise any number of times throughout a single tripoften at a time when the family Rav is unavailable, especially when hes in a completely different time zone.

In addition to all of this, there are many scenarios where people avoid asking Halacha shailos simply because they are uncomfortable, or they just dont know who to turn to. These cases often involve mental health, fertility, family life and medical issues. Recognizing the need for training and yedios in the various factors that can affect such shailos, Kav Halacha began to offer its Rabbonim opportunities to gain proficiency in the proper methods for handling these issues. Senior Poskim and professionalswell-versed in the fields of medicine, mental health, fertility, and other major issueshave graciously shared their expertise, developing Kav Halacha into a key resource for training Rabbonim.

A reliable Halacha hotline like Kav Halacha remedies all of these issues. It provides callers with timely responses for important questions no matter where, no matter when. It was for this purpose that the founders of this fundamental service decided to take what they started in Eretz Yisroel and share it with the world.

It is important to note, stresses Rabbi Shimon Sofer, Kav Halachas Executive Director, that Kav Halachas goal is not to supersede the need for a personal Rav. Their primary mission is to provide solutions when calling your Rav is not an option at that specific time. In fact, Kav Halachas Rabbonim are adept at detecting the nature of a caller; if they feel that it would be beneficial for him to reach out to his own Rav, they would instruct him to do so. They have actually aided many Yidden in the process of finding a local Rav that they can call their own.

With Rabbonim now answering calls in Lakewood, New York, Eretz Yisroel, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne and Johannesburg, theres practically no time frame that a shailah cannot be asked. Kav Halachas newly established worldwide hotline is staffed by dozens of Poskim from all around the world, and is now available to provide answers for all who seek Halachic guidance at any time of the day or night, in any location on the world map. (To view a list of Kav Halachas Poskim, visit kavhalacha.org.)

The American number for shailos is 732-707-6666; the Israeli number is 0553-200-200; and 020-4538-4538 for callers from the U.K with more on kavhalacha.org.




Sponsored Content





An especially difficult tragedy: HaRav HaGaon R Avraham Meir Kranz was niftar suddenly at the age of only 56* He left behind 11 orphans, six of whom are yet unmarried* He left behind a life of luxury to come to Israel with his family and learn Torah, even if it would mean living a very frugal lifestyle

An especially difficult tragedy in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood in Yerushalayim with the sudden passing of an avreich, the tzaddik Rabbi Avraham Meir Kranz ztl, who moved to Eretz Yisrael from the U.S. to learn the Torah of Eretz Yisrael, leaving behind a life of comfort and luxuries in America.

HaRav Kranz was considered a big baal tzedakah many years ago when he lived in Borough Park and had a sizeable income. He welcomed every opportunity to participate in any mitzvah endeavor, and many tzedakah collectors knew his address.

Eventually he decided to leave everything behind and move to Israel with his family. He learned regularly in the beis medrash of the Mir Yeshiva, where he would learn Torah all hours of the day and night with great hasmada.

The familys financial situation worsened significantly as the years passed. The huge expenses involved in marrying off the five older children, the rental payments whose amounts increased too quickly, and on top of it when the rental apartment in which they lived on Rechov Druk was completely burnt three years ago- all these turned them into a family which was utterly destitute.

The family tried to start anew in a different apartment, but their financial situation continued to decline more and more. They lived in conditions of actual deprivation, without even air conditioning, and didnt manage to recover from the burning of their possessions.

To contribute, click here

A few weeks ago Rabbi Kranz traveled to the U.S. to participate in a family simcha that he could not miss, but on Friday morning he did not wake up. When the family members realized that he wasnt responding to attempts to wake him, they summoned Hatzolah and medical emergency personnel, who were compelled to confirm his death.

Sunday evening his aron landed in Israel, and the heartbreaking levayah was held on Monday, with his widow and 11 orphans walking behind his mittah, six of whom he did not merit to lead to their chuppahs.

A neighborhood resident who knew him well shares: The familys financial situation is exceptionally difficult. Even before the tragedy they lived a life of deprivation, and now their situation is much, much worse as they no longer have their father, who was their financial mainstay.

According to him, Residents of the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood in Yerushalayim, who were apprised of the seriousness of the situation, are trying to help- each person according to his ability. However, this situation is too severe to be handled by one neighborhood, even by a big one. Neighborhood tzedakah activists have joined forces to help, but assistance is needed from a much wider public in Israel and even abroad to help this family recover from its current drastic situation and rehabilitate itself- the orphans at the very least need food to eat and clothes to wear.
AI-driven cybersecurity firm Darktrace cut its future earnings projections even as it delivered robust results showing revenue climbing and profits soaring.

Darktrace shares had slid 3.3 per cent at lunchtime as it said it expected a 'tale of two halves' year ahead - with growth only coming in the second part.

The UK-based firm, which reports in US dollars, saw revenues rise by 31.3 per cent from $415million to $545million (around 434million) for the financial year that ended 30 June.

Darktrace's net profit ballooned by almost 4,000 per cent to $58.96.million over the same time period. Pre-tax profits climbed from $5.3million (4.2million) to $41million (32.8million).

Pre-tax profits climbed from $5.3million (4.2million) to $41million (32.8million) at Darktrace

Despite the strong results, the London-listed company revealed that it was cutting its earnings forecast for the forthcoming financial year.

The company said that this was to 'reflect the expected impact of changes to sales compensation structures'.

In a statement, the firm said: 'These changes have accounting impacts that alter the timing of commission cost recognition, as well as accelerating cash outflows, thus changing expectations for adjusted EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation] and free cash flow.

'In balancing ongoing macro-economic uncertainty with early signs of recovery, and reflecting the time expected to see a benefit from recent investments in its GTM strategy and teams, Darktrace is framing FY 2024 in terms of first half stabilisation and second half re-acceleration.

'Reflecting this "tale of two halves", Darktrace currently expects approximately 45% of FY 2024 Net ARR (annual recurring revenue) added to be added in the first half and approximately 55 per cent to be added in the second half.'

Poppy Gustafsson, chief executive officer, at Darktrace, said: 'Our financial performance for the year has been robust, delivering on growth and demonstrating the underlying strength of the business model, all whilst continuing to invest in the business.

'We now have 8,799 customers globally but have seen a slow-down in new customer additions at a rate of 13.8 per cent below the prior year - as pressure on business budgets has meant that prospects have been more reluctant to run product trials.'

In July, Darktrace was given a clean bill of health following allegations of fraud.

It said a five-month review by auditing giant EY found improvements could be made to its systems, processes and controls.

But it said that while a small number of accounting errors were identified, there was no evidence of fraud and its previous filed financial statements did not need revising.

Gustafsson added: 'The market opportunity ahead of us is enormous - we believe there are over 150,000 companies that could benefit from our AI - and we have the right team and skills in place to ensure we can go after the market opportunity that they represent.

'All the investments we have made in FY 2023 have laid the foundations for our next phase of growth and our resilient business model means that we have the resources to support these ongoing investments as we continue to scale the business.'
Virgin Media O2 has agreed to buy Russian-backed broadband provider Upp, which Britain demanded be sold last year due to security concerns.

Upp, which provides fibre internet in the East of England and the East Midlands, was owned by Luxembourg investment manager Letter One, a group backed by Russian oligarchs.

These included the billionaire co-founder of conglomerate Alfa Group Mikhail Fridman, who was sanctioned by the UK following Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Letter One was told by the Government last December to get rid of Upp, amid concerns that the companys ownership could be a risk to national security.

Although Virgin Media O2 did not disclose precisely what it paid for Upp, it is thought to be worth less than 100million.

Network: Upp, which provides fibre internet in the East of England and the East Midlands, was owned by Luxembourg investment manager Letter One, a group backed by Russian oligarchs

Virgin Media O2 plans to sell it on to a joint venture called Nexfibre within a year.

Upp specialises in alternative networks and has 4,000 customers, offering broadband services to about 175,000 locations in England.

Lutz Schuler, chief executive of Virgin Media O2, said the company had a clear strategy in place to be the biggest fibre challenger in the country.

The firm is a telecoms merger between US group Liberty Global and Spains Telefonica.

Matthew Howett, of Assembly Research, said: The announcement could well be the first domino to fall in terms of an altnet being bought by one of the big players.
S&P 500 4,166.82

DOW 32,928.96

QQQ 349.20

2 fallen cybersecurity stocks for patient bargain hunters

2 Uranium Stocks to Make Your Portfolio Glow Green

Amazon just gave us 3 reasons to expect fresh highs

Still thinking about buying 3M for its dividend? Consider this

Should you buy Mattel and sell Hasbro stock? Heres why

Is Apple a buy ahead of earnings?
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 09:49 | All, World

The United States on Tuesday warned North Korea not to provide weapons and ammunition to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine as negotiations on the matter, possibly at the leaders' level, are expected to continue.

Providing weapons for Russian attempts to destroy Ukraine's infrastructure ahead of the winter and conquer more territory "is not going to reflect well on North Korea," U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

"And they will pay a price for this in the international community," he added.

"North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has some expectation that those discussions will continue, as we go forward, including leader-level discussions, perhaps even in-person leader-level discussions," Sullivan said.

The U.S. government alleged last week that, based on its latest intelligence, Moscow has stepped up efforts to seek an agreement for Pyongyang to provide military assistance since Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited the North Korean capital in July.

Shoigu attended a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of a cease-fire for the Korean War and handed a private letter from Putin to Kim during the visit.

The New York Times reported Monday that Kim plans to visit Vladivostok next week, probably by armored train, and meet Russian President Vladimir Putin there on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

Kim and Putin last met in the eastern Russian city in April 2019.

A source in the Russian authorities admitted Tuesday that security officials from North Korea visited Vladivostok in late August and contacted Russian officials ahead of the annual event scheduled for Sept. 10-13.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that the forum's plenary session, which Putin is expected to attend, will be held Sept. 12, according to the country's RIA Novosti news agency.

Sullivan, noting that Kim is the "ultimate decision-maker" on whether to supply Russia with weapons, said the United States "will continue to look for opportunities to dissuade the North Koreans from taking this step."

The White House official did not elaborate when asked whether North Korea is capable of providing weapons that could have a meaningful impact on the ongoing invasion.

"I think there is an open question about how much materiel and what the quality of the materiel is that could be provided, if it were to be provided," he said.

Washington will continue to call on Pyongyang "to abide by its public commitments not to supply weapons to Russia that will end up killing Ukrainians," Sullivan said.

Related coverage:

North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia to talk weapons supply: NYT

Russia proposed 3-way drill with North Korea, China: South Korea spy agency

North Korea fires cruise missiles into Yellow Sea: South Korea
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a leading global biopharmaceutical company with a long and impressive history of innovating and developing medicines that improve the lives of patients around the world. Founded in 1887 when William McLaren Bristol and John Ripley Myers purchased the Clinton Pharmaceutical Company, the company was initially named Bristol, Myers and Company. Its first nationally recognized product, Sal Hepatica, was released in the 1890s.

Bristol Myers-Squibb offers chemically synthesized drugs and biologics administered through injections or infusions to patients. The company's pharmaceutical portfolio includes a large number of well-known products. BMS's primary research and development sites are in New Jersey, California, Spain, Massachusetts, New York, Belgium, Japan, India and Massachusetts. The company's products sell to wholesalers and distributors around the world.

Bristol Myers-Squibb has a robust pipeline of investigational medicines in its pipeline. In addition, the company has established strategic collaborations and partnerships with various companies, successfully launching new products. These partnerships and investments generate portions of the company's revenue.

Bristol Myers-Squibb has acquired several companies over the years, including Medarex in 2009, ZymoGenetics in 2010, Inhibitex Inc. in 2012, Amylin Pharmaceuticals in 2012, iPierian in 2014, Flexus Biosciences in 2015, Cardioxyl in 2015, Padlock Therapeutics in 2016, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals in 2017, IFM Therapeutics in 2017, Celgene in 2019, Otezla in 2019, Forbius in 2020, MyoKardia in 2020 and Turning Point Therapeutics in 2022.

In 2005, the company divested individual consumer products and its subsequent consumer products businesses. In December 2014, the company received FDA approval for its cancer drug, Opdivo, used to treat skin cancers that do not respond to drug therapies. In 2019, the company divested its consumer health business, UPSA, to Taisho.

The company has also faced several scandals, lawsuits and investigations over the years, the biggest of which is the ongoing $1 billion lawsuit from Guatemala for the company's role in a 1940s experiment that infected hundreds with syphilis. In 2001 BMS faced an accounting scandal that resulted in a restatement of revenues from 1999 to 2001. In 2002, BMS faced a lawsuit based on illegally maintaining a monopoly on Taxol, a chemotherapy medication. The former head of the pharma group and the ex-CFO were indicted for federal securities violations in 2005. In July of 2006, an FBI raid on the company's corporate offices revealed that the company took steps to delay the release of a generic version of one of its drugs.

BMS began a significant restructuring in 2009, focusing on the pharmaceutical business and biologic products, productivity initiatives and cost-cutting. The U.S. attorney forced the company into oversight and appointed a monitor as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. Lou Schmukler joined Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2010 as global product development and design president.

In 2013, Forbes magazine ranked the company as the drug company of the year. Dr. Giovanni Caforio took the reigns as CEO in 2015. In 2017, reports began to surface that activist investor Carl Icahn took a stake in the company, widely seen as a signal for a potential future takeover.

As Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to experience success and growth, the company is committed to delivering innovative treatments to patients and staying ahead of the curve in the biopharmaceutical industry. With its focus on research and development and a long and rich history of delivering innovative medicines, BMS offers an excellent long-term investment opportunity.
The Southern Company is a leading gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and executive offices in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has established itself as one of the largest energy providers in the country. Serving approximately 9 million gas and electric utility customers across six states, The Southern Company's subsidiaries operate in various segments of the energy industry.

The mission of The Southern Company is to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers while fostering innovation and sustainability. The company aims to meet the energy needs of the present and future generations by embracing new technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Southern Company offers products and services to meet the diverse energy requirements of its customers. Its subsidiaries include regulated regional electric utilities such as Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, which serve specific territories in their respective states. Additionally, Southern Power focuses on wholesale power generation, while Southern Company Gas serves gas utility customers and operates natural gas pipelines.

The key customers of The Southern Company comprise residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company caters to the energy needs of households, businesses, and various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more. The Southern Company has established long-standing customer relationships by providing reliable and affordable energy solutions.

The Southern Company has made significant strides in renewable energy development. The company operates or develops renewable facilities across the United States, including solar, wind, and biomass projects. It has also embarked on a notable milestone by constructing the country's first nuclear power units in 30 years at Plant Vogtle near Augusta, Georgia. These initiatives showcase The Southern Company's commitment to a diverse energy portfolio and its dedication to meeting the evolving energy demands of the market.

The leadership team at The Southern Company is composed of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to their respective roles. Led by Executive Chairman Thomas A. Fanning, the management team drives the company's strategic direction and oversees its operations. Thomas A. Fanning plays a crucial role in the success of The Southern Company. With extensive experience in the energy industry, he has held various leadership positions within the company before assuming the role of Executive Chairman. Fanning's visionary approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping The Southern Company's growth and expansion. Other key management team members include Christopher C. Womack, the Chief Executive Officer and President. Womack brings a deep understanding of the energy industry and has significantly contributed to the company's operations and customer-focused initiatives.

The Southern Company has exhibited healthy financial performance in recent years, reflecting its ability to meet customer demand and drive profitability. The company's revenue has demonstrated a positive long-term trend, indicating consistent growth and a robust customer base. This steady revenue growth showcases The Southern Company's market presence and ability to provide essential energy services to millions of customers.

Earnings metrics have also shown a positive trajectory, underscoring the company's profitability and efficiency in managing its operations. The Southern Company's consistent earnings growth is a testament to its strong market position and effective cost management strategies.

The net profit margin, a key financial indicator, has remained healthy. This metric highlights The Southern Company's ability to generate profits relative to its revenue. The company's ability to maintain a favorable net profit margin reflects its commitment to operational excellence and efficient utilization of its resources.

The Southern Company's valuation metrics should be compared to its industry peers to gain insights into its market position and investor sentiment. The company's growth potential, financial performance, and market perception drive its valuation. Various factors, including industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions, can influence investor sentiment. Monitoring changes in investor sentiment provides valuable information for understanding the market's perception of The Southern Company and its prospects for future growth.

The Southern Company operates within the broader electric services industry. As a leading utility holding company, it faces competition from other players in the industry who provide similar gas and electric services. However, The Southern Company has established a strong competitive position due to its extensive infrastructure, reliable service, and customer-focused approach.

One of the advantages The Southern Company possesses is its diversified energy portfolio. The company operates in both the gas and electric sectors, allowing it to cater to a wide range of customer needs. This diversification reduces dependence on a single energy source and provides flexibility in meeting changing market demands.

Additionally, The Southern Company has significantly invested in renewable energy projects, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy generation. By embracing renewable sources such as solar and wind power, the company contributes to environmental sustainability while capitalizing on the growing demand for clean energy solutions.

The Southern Company also benefits from its strong regional presence. Operating in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, the company has established a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. This localized knowledge enables The Southern Company to effectively adapt its services and strategies to meet each region's unique requirements.

However, the industry presents challenges and disadvantages that The Southern Company must navigate. The regulatory environment can be complex and subject to change, requiring the company to stay abreast of evolving regulations and compliance requirements. Furthermore, technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences pose challenges as the industry transitions to a more decentralized and sustainable energy landscape.

The Southern Company has several growth opportunities in the evolving energy market. The increasing focus on renewable energy presents a significant avenue for expansion. By continuing to invest in renewable energy projects and exploring new technologies, The Southern Company can capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions and reduce its carbon footprint.

The transition to electric transportation also provides growth potential for The Southern Company. As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, the company can play a pivotal role in supporting the infrastructure needed for widespread charging stations and grid integration.

Moreover, The Southern Company can leverage its expertise in nuclear energy to contribute to expanding the clean energy sector. The company's ongoing nuclear projects demonstrate its commitment to nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable energy source.

While The Southern Company has positioned itself for growth, it faces certain risks and challenges. One of the primary risks is the potential impact of regulatory changes. Changes in regulations and policies can affect the company's operations, costs, and profitability. Adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance is crucial for The Southern Company to mitigate regulatory risks.

The energy industry also faces uncertainties related to environmental concerns and climate change. Increased emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources may require significant investments and operational changes for The Southern Company. Adapting to these changes while ensuring the affordability and reliability of energy services poses a challenge.

Another risk is the volatility of commodity prices, including natural gas and fuel costs. Fluctuations in these prices can impact The Southern Company's profitability and cost structure. Effective risk management strategies, including hedging and fuel cost recovery mechanisms, are essential for mitigating these risks.

The Southern Company must also navigate technological disruptions and maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly digitized energy landscape. Embracing technological advancements, such as smart grid solutions and digital customer engagement, can enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 11:45 | All, Japan

Prosecutors on Wednesday indicted a man over an explosives attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during an election event in western Japan in April, after concluding that the suspect is mentally fit to be held criminally responsible.

Ryuji Kimura, a 24-year-old from Hyogo Prefecture, has remained silent since his arrest at the scene in Wakayama. While Kishida was not hurt, two people, including a police officer, sustained minor injuries.

Kimura faces charges including attempted murder, with investigative authorities determining through tests that the homemade pipe bomb used in the attack was lethal.

The indictment of Kimura followed a three-month psychiatric evaluation by prosecutors that ended Friday.

The attack took place on April 15, just before Kishida was due to make a speech at a fishing port in Wakayama. Kimura, who was in the crowd at the election event, allegedly hurled an explosive device at Kishida, who was at a distance of about 10 meters.

Kishida was whisked away and the device exploded about 50 seconds later.

The incident occurred less than a year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot when giving a stump speech in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, shocking the nation where violence involving guns and explosives is rare.

Court documents show that Kimura may have harbored a grudge after being unable to file for candidacy for a House of Councillors election held last year.

He filed a lawsuit against the state with the Kobe District Court in June last year seeking 100,000 yen ($680) in damages, arguing that the requirements to be at least 30 years old and pay a deposit of 3 million yen to run in the election violated the Constitution, which guarantees equality under the law.

Kimura also submitted to the court a document criticizing Kishida's Cabinet for holding a state funeral for Abe, saying the event was "forced through with only Cabinet approval" and without parliamentary deliberations, adding "such a challenge to democracy cannot be tolerated."

The lawsuit was dismissed by the district court in November, a decision that was upheld by the Osaka High Court in May this year. Kimura did not appeal the ruling.

Related coverage:

Police lacked effective security steps before PM Kishida attack

Japan PM Kishida unhurt after explosion during campaigning
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 20:19 | World, All

Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Wednesday upgraded their relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" to further boost cooperation in maritime security and other areas amid China's increasing clout in the fast-growing region.

The elevation of ties, announced at the ASEAN-Japan summit in Jakarta, comes as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled his country's human resources development plan for 5,000 people in domains such as maritime safety and digitalization over the next three years.

Japan and other major powers, including the United States, have been seeking to ramp up involvement with the 10-member regional bloc. For Japan's part, it unveiled the Japan-ASEAN comprehensive connectivity initiative to beef up support to ASEAN countries.

"Our nation will grow with ASEAN members by promoting technical cooperation with them," Kishida said in a speech at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum earlier in the day when announcing the new initiative.

In 2021, China upgraded relations with ASEAN to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the United States and India followed suit.

At the summit, Kishida also pledged to work together with his counterparts toward a special summit scheduled for December in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th year of their friendship, the Japanese government said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of substantial cooperative ties between Japan and ASEAN, which began in 1973 with the establishment of a forum on synthetic rubber.

Kishida informed ASEAN leaders that Japan will provide financial aid to expedite the launch of the operation of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases.

Japan is also committed to helping each ASEAN member to digitalize infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, strengthen supply chains for food and other products and promote decarbonization, he added.

Kishida also detailed Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, emphasizing that the government considers the discharge to be safe.

His remarks came as tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated in the wake of the treated water release, which began late last month despite opposition from neighboring countries, including China.

Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the situation in the East and South China seas, where tensions are running high over Beijing's military assertiveness, were also raised during the ASEAN-Japan summit, according to the officials.

Kishida is on a weeklong trip from Tuesday to Indonesia and India to attend ASEAN-related summits and a two-day gathering of leaders from the Group of 20 economies in New Delhi.

ASEAN consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

East Timor's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao, attended the meeting for the first time as his nation was granted observer status by the group. The bloc agreed in principle last year to admit East Timor as its 11th member.

Related coverage:

ASEAN leaders condemn Myanmar junta for continued violence

Philippines to be 2026 ASEAN chair as no progress on Myanmar seen

Japan PM Kishida starts trip to Indonesia, India for ASEAN, G-20 talks
A freak wave in shallow water may have caused the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl on a Co Cork beach on Tuesday afternoon, local reports suggest.

The alarm was raised at around 4.40pm on Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, Co Cork as families enjoyed the 25C weather.

It's understood a number of children were playing in or near shallow water on the popular beach when a larger wave struck and swept the girl out into deeper water.

A three-hour search took place and the girl's body was found at 7.45pm. The search involved the Coast Guard, RNLI, Fire Services, Customs, Mallow River Rescue and Garda Units from Crosshaven and Carrigaline Garda stations.

PICTURED: Fountainstown Beach, near Crosshaven, Co Cork

The young girl's body was removed from the scene and taken to Cork University Hospital where a post mortem will take place.

CorkBeo reports that the girl's family are originally from Eastern Europe but that they have been living in locally in Crosshaven.

The girl was playing with a number of other young children when tragedy struck. At least three boys playing in the same area managed to get back out of the water following the freak wave, eye witnesses said.

Crosshaven Coast Guard recalled the harrowing search last night. A statement read: "Crews worked tirelessly after arriving on scene to find the missing child but unfortunately some time later a local person recovered her from the water after being washed ashore.

"She was transported by Irish Coast Guard jeep to our local station where she was later met by her family and transported to CUH for post-mortem."

They also appealed to people to call 112 or 999 if you see someone in trouble or think they may be in trouble on or near our coasts or inland waterways.
[September 06, 2023] Brentwood Selects Infor CloudSuite Industrial to Modernize its ERP Across the Organization Tweet

Recent acquisition of Enexio Water Technologies spurs move to the cloud NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor, the industry cloud company, today announced that longtime customer Brentwood Industries Inc. will modernize its business processes across the organization with Infor CloudSuite Industrial, a powerful cloud-based, industry-focused, enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Brentwood is a second-generation family business, founded and headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. It specializes in producing plastics and using plastic materials in innovative ways. Its products are used in myriad applications including power generation and distribution, water treatment processes, and medical device packaging. The company operates 15 world-class manufacturing facilities in the United States and across the globe. Brentwood has been an Infor customer since 1996, running Infor ERP solutions on-premises throughout its business sites. In January 2022, the company acquired a German-based company, Enexio Water Technologies, which gave Brentwood added capabilities, additional engineering presence, and the possibility of increased worldwide sales. Because the Enexio Water Technologies facilities used the prior parent company's ERP solution, Brentwood management decided to take the opportunity to modernize its own business processes by implementing Infor CloudSuite Industrial, a cloud-based solution tailored specifically for manufacturing companies, throughout its existing and newly acquired facilities. Working with Infor partner Decision Resources Inc. (DRI), deployment will begin with Brentwood's facilities in Tijuana, Mexico, and the company will evaluate how CloudSuite Industrial can be rolled out throughout the organization. "Brentwood is excited to continue its long-standing relationship with Infor by adopting the CloudSuite Industrial platform as part of our overall IT strategy," said Dennis Reed, global head of technology at Brentwood. "This will enable us to mprove and enhance the efficiency of our processes through standardization and implementation of industry best practices."



Through Infor CloudSuite Industrial, Brentwood will see a wide range of potential benefits including real-time data visibility, streamlined production processes, and enhanced supply chain management. With a fully integrated suite of tools for managing financials, orders, inventory, production, and quality control, Infor CloudSuite Industrial can help manufacturers reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Its cloud-based architecture allows for easy scalability and flexibility, making it an ideal platform to support the company's future growth. Learn more about Infor CloudSuite Industrial: https://www.infor.com/products/cloudsuite-industrial

"With improved connectivity and integration with our applications, we will be well positioned to make informed business and financial decisions to support and scale for future growth, capacity, and capabilities," Reed said. "Brentwood looks forward to taking full advantage of the CloudSuite Industrial product to support our global operations." "Brentwood has been a long-time partner with Infor, and we are excited that it will be utilizing CloudSuite Industrial to strategically position itself for future growth and scalability," said Jim Tibbs, Infor regional vice president for North America. "The best practices and enhanced functionality will provide Brentwood with the tools necessary to better manage its business, reduce costs, and create more efficiencies. Infor CloudSuite will serve Brentwood well for many years to come." About Brentwood

Brentwood Industries Inc. is a family-owned, family-run business, headquartered in the U.S. and operating across the globe. For over 50 years, Brentwood has applied plastic technologies to solve unique customer challenges and fostered a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Today, Brentwood is an industry leader in the development, engineering, and production of plastic solutions for cooling tower, mass transfer, medical, water treatment, consumer goods, stormwater management, construction, and battery applications. Visit brentwoodindustries.com/. About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. We develop complete solutions for our focus industries. Infor's mission-critical enterprise applications and services are designed to deliver sustainable operational advantages with security and faster time to value. Over 60,000 organizations in more than 175 countries rely on Infor's 17,000 employees to help achieve their business goals. As a Koch company, our financial strength, ownership structure, and long-term view empower us to foster enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers. Visit Infor.com. For more information

Scott Matulis

Infor

[email protected]

818.451.8918 Copyright 2023 Infor. All rights reserved. The word and design marks set forth herein are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Infor and/or related affiliates and subsidiaries. All other trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective owners. www.infor.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brentwood-selects-infor-cloudsuite-industrial-to-modernize-its-erp-across-the-organization-301919046.html SOURCE Infor

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] Amp executes BESS Connection Agreement for its Bungama Battery in South Australia Tweet

ADELAIDE, Australia, Sept. 5, 2023 Amp Energy ("Amp" or the "Company"), a global renewable energy and hydrogen developer backed by Carlyle, announced today the execution of a transmission network connection agreement ("TCA") with South Australia's high-voltage transmission network owner ElectraNet for its Bungama Battery Energy Storage System ("BESS") in Bungama, South Australia. The 150MW / 300 MWhr TCA is expected to energise by early 2025, as the first phase of a larger Bungama BESS and Solar PV installation. Bungama BESS is the first TCA within Amp's Renewable Energy Hub of South Australia, a AUD$2 billion strategic portfolio of renewable generation and Battery Energy Storage Assets across three sites, Bungama, Robertstown and Whyalla, established in 2021. The Bungama BESS project has entered into an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Agreement and benefit sharing with the Nukunu Wapma Thura Aboriginal Corporation. The project is expected to create up to 70 construction jobs for up to a year and 20 ongoing jobs during operations. "The Bungama BESS announcement emphasizes our commitment to the state of South Australia, towards its goal of achieving net zero emissions and 100% renewable energy generation by 2050," said Dean Cooper, Head of Amp Australia. The Bungama BESS connection follows the Company's announcement in April of Amp being named as the successful bidder to develop the Cape Hardy Port Precinct, with the intent to develop and build up to 5 GW of electrolyser capacity over the next decade in the precinct, delivering over 5 million tons per annum of green ammonia and estabishing South Australia as a global leader in the production of green hydrogen and ammonia.



Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion stated "South Australia's world-leading renewable energy reputation continues to attract significant investment into the State, especially in our regions. Projects like these not only create highly skilled jobs, they demonstrate our global standing as a leader in the green energy sector. Amp Energy joins a growing list of developers committed to South Australia's multi-billion dollar pipeline of projects  backed by the Government's dedicated global and national investment agency, Invest SA". Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said "Transmission is fundamental to a renewable generator being able to deliver energy to the customer. It's pleasing to see Amp Energy overcome this barrier by reaching this deal with ElectraNet, which will unlock investment and job creation."

Amp's expansion in South Australia will include and leverage Amp X's digital energy platform which caters for a number of interoperable offerings aimed at unlocking grid flexibility at a large scale from the edge of the grid in order to support a fully decarbonised energy system and accelerate the energy transition. Amp X includes an Artificial Intelligence powered Virtual Power Plant capability, which enables real-time autonomous management and optimised dispatch of Battery Energy Storage assets across the grid. About Amp Amp Energy is a well-established global energy transition development platform, which delivers renewables, battery storage, and hydrogen at scale, together with proprietary AI-enabled grid flexibility through its Amp X platform. Since its inception 14 years ago, Amp has developed and built close to 3GW of assets globally, and has another 4GW either in late-stage development or construction. Amp is backed by major investments from institutional capital partners including global private equity firm Carlyle. The company has global operations throughout North America, the UK, Australia, Japan, and Spain. Amp X has developed a disruptive grid edge digital platform to allow all forms of distributed generation and load to make a dynamic contribution to the energy system, whether as an individual unit or as an aggregated group of assets, providing flexibility, resilience and system stability at the lowest possible cost. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amp-executes-bess-connection-agreement-for-its-bungama-battery-in-south-australia-301918388.html SOURCE Amp Energy

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] Toshiba Sample Software Package Expands Microcontroller Development Tools Ecosystem Tweet

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. ("Toshiba") has announced new microcontroller (MCU) sample software for SEGGER Embedded Studio users. The new release extends the software package for the company's M4K group of MCUs, which is ready to use out-of-the-box with Arm Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench for Arm, and now SEGGER Embedded Studio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905872073/en/ Toshiba sample software package expands microcontroller development tools ecosystem (Graphic: Business Wire) The M4K MCUs are based on the Arm Cortex-M4 core with floating-point unit, operating up to 160MHz. Variants are available from 128KB to 256KB code flash and 32KB data flash with 100K write-cycles endurance, 24KB SRAM, and 64-pin to 100-pin package options. The software package provides the essential drivers and sample code developersneed to interact with MCU peripherals, permitting a fast start to new projects and helping accelerate completion. The package includes low-level drivers with a well-defined API and examples for all on-chip peripherals. These samples include software to configure the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for voltage measurements, control the communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C) for various data transmission scenarios, show how the code and data flash memory is used for storage and data protection, and manage other peripherals including the digital noise filter, watchdog timer, oscillator-frequency detection and trimming, and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) function.



The M4K MCUs contain special features for motor-control applications, including a high-resolution encoder input, three advanced programmable motor control circuits, and Toshiba's advanced vector engine plus (A-VE+) making these MCUs ideal for both sensored and sensorless applications including those requiring advanced Field Oriented Control (FOC). These features are accessed for development through Toshiba's dedicated environment, MCU Motor Studio, which comprises a PC-based development environment and firmware for popular motor control techniques and fault protection. The M4K group peripheral sample software package is ready to download from Toshiba's website. The software is delivered as fully developed and tested source code.

For more information please visit https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/us/semiconductor/product/microcontrollers/software-library/txzplus-m4k-group.html. Notes: * Arm, Cortex and Keil are registered trademarks of Arm in the US and/or elsewhere.

* IAR Embedded Workbench is a registered trademark of IAR Systems AB.

* SEGGER Embedded Studio is a trademark of SEGGER Microcontroller GmbH.

* Other company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies. About Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC), an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., is the US based electronic components business of Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage Corporation. TAEC offers a wide variety of innovative hard disk drive (HDD) products and semiconductor solutions for data center, automotive, industrial, IoT, motion control, telecom, networking, consumer, and white goods applications. The company's broad portfolio encompasses enterprise and consumer HDDs integrated wireless ICs, power semiconductors, microcontrollers, optical semiconductors. Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications. We respect your right to privacy - view our policy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905872073/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] Omnichat introduces WhatsApp Catalog, collaborating with Meta, 3 Hong Kong, Ztore and Sa Sa on WhatsApp Marketing Tweet

Merchants can feasibly build a personalised eShop on WhatsApp where customers can use the Chat-to-Order function to place orders, select pickup locations as well as finish the in-chat payment

By leveraging Meta's advertising platforms, merchants have the capability to generate increased levels of traffic and magnify the conversion rate

3 Hong Kong's conversion rate has more than doubled after using WhatsApp & Omnichat

conversion rate has more than doubled after using WhatsApp & Omnichat Over the past 3 months, Ztore has received over 42,000 customer inquiries, more than 98% of which came from WhatsApp

Sa Sa focuses on advancing OMO strategy integrating online platforms with the retail network to provide customers with an enhanced and seamless shopping experience HONG KONG, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnichat, a pioneer of omnichannel chat commerce platforms in APAC, held the "Future Commerce Summit: AI and Retail Tech". Global social media giant Meta, Hong Kong's leading digital services operator 3 Hong Kong, 24-hour e-commerce platform Ztore and prominent beauty product retailing group Sa Sa explored the latest AI and retail technology trends in 2023. The summit also discussed how businesses can use WhatsApp conversational marketing to generate higher revenue. Omnichat, a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider of Meta, unveiled its latest features including WhatsApp Catalog, Chat-to-Order and In-chat Payment. Alan Chan, Founder and CEO of Omnichat, said, "Through importing the product catalog into WhatsApp, merchants can feasibly build a personalised eShop where customers can use the Chat-to-Order function to place orders, select pickup locations as well as finish the in-chat payment. The one-stop shopping journey not only streamlines the customer's purchasing process but also boosts instant revenue for merchants. With the integration of ChatGPT technology, Omni AI transforms into a digital assistant, enabling marketing or sales representatives to generate promotional messages with one click, which is efficient and convenient." Alvita Szeto, Business Director for Greater China of Meta, added, "More than 175 million messages are sent to business each day. In comparison to other communication platforms, over 60% of Hong Kong people prioritise WhatsApp when contacting merchants, according to the statistics of KANTAR. By leveraging different advertising platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Ads that Click-to-WhatsApp - in tandem with incorporating elements like images, videos, and call-to-action prompts - merchants have the capability to generate increased levels of traffic and magnify the conversion rate. Additionally, WhatsApp Business Solution Provider can offer more metrics for businesses to evaluate the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns, leading to a higher return on investment." 3 Hong Kong has leveraged WhatsApp and Omnichat to merge its physical store and online business, enabling an easy setup of marketing campaigns as ell as sales conversion tracking. With the aim of achieving omnichannel integrations, they connect the traffic of online and offline platforms through coupon and game modules on WhatsApp. Harvey Wong, Senior Vice President, Consumer Sales of Hutchison Telecommunications (Hong Kong) Limited stated, "WhatsApp allows us to bring in the highest returns with minimal resources. After using Omnichat, our conversion rate has more than doubled. We can easily collect data from each marketing campaign, analyse, optimise, and apply it to future promotions with enhanced effectiveness."



Ztore and Neigbuy are the e-commerce platforms that offers over ten thousand products, Jodie Chan, Customer Service Manager of Ztore, shared the effectiveness of using Omnichat, "In the past three months, we have received over 42,000 customer inquiries, more than 98% of which came from WhatsApp. The automated chatbot of Omnichat has helped us handle one-quarter of these inquiries. This also reduces the workload for the after-sales customer service teams of the merchants that sell products on our platforms. Moreover, Ztore uses WhatsApp to send broadcast messages to customers with promotional offers. Customers can instantly click to purchase within the message, optimising the overall shopping experience and brand interaction. Within just two hours, we have already witnessed an increase in sales." Sa Sa focuses on advancing OMO strategy integrating online platforms with the retail network to provide customers with an enhanced and seamless shopping experience. Hong Li, Director of eCommerce of Sa Sa believed, "Omni-channel should not only be applied to social media level. We shall prioritise efforts to encompass both digital and physical touchpoints and expand the retail service scenarios to every channel. Improving operational efficiency throughout the customer lifecycle is also the key."

Spanning WhatsApp Business Platform, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram, Omnichat will continue to strive to empower merchants in achieving seamless online and offline inter-communications, boosting conversion rates and business performance. Omnichat offers a free trial for customer service and marketing automation to all subscribers, sign up in 1 mins and start automated WhatsApp Marketing. Check out our event highlight video at below link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BUm4n93yfU About Omnichat: Founded in 2017 with its headquarter in Hong Kong, Omnichat is an omni-channel chat commerce solution provider that centralises customers' conversations from WhatsApp Business Platform, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LINE, WeChat and website live chat into a single platform to enhance efficiency. Omnichat's vision is to convert visitors to customers through chat. With presence in Asia Pacific, the company has built a solid reputation in serving local and international retail and e-commerce brands. Leveraging online-merge-offline(OMO) sales integration, marketing automation, chatbots as well as customer service platform, Omnichat is committed to empowering brands to deliver personalised shopping experience and drive smart retail transformation. Website: https://www.omnichat.ai/ WhatsApp: https://wa.me/85291925071/?text=EnquiryForWhatsAppeStore LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/company/omnichat-easychat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmnichatAI View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/omnichat-introduces-whatsapp-catalog-collaborating-with-meta-3-hong-kong-ztore-and-sa-sa-on-whatsapp-marketing-301918084.html SOURCE Omnichat Limited

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] TXOne Networks' New Edge V2 Engine for OT Cybersecurity Delivers Industry's First Capability for Automatic Rule Generation, Enabling Effortless Network Segmentation Tweet

At SEMICON Taiwan 2023, TXOne Networks to showcase new Edge V2 engine, industry's first practical solution for cost-effectively defining rules across OT network segments to isolate security breaches and safeguard reliable operations TAIPEI, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TXOne Networks, a leader in industrial cybersecurity, announced the second generation of its Edge engine for eliminating the spread of operational technology (OT) network infections and safeguarding reliable operations. Edge V2 is the first industry solution to deliver automatic rule generation, enabling effortless network segmentation in complex, large-scale OT environments. TXOne Networks will showcase its Edge purpose-built OT security appliances leveraging the new V2 engine in Booth P5322 at SEMICON Taiwan 2023, scheduled for September 6-8 in Taipei. "Our Edge suite of solutions helps to ensure the reliability, safety, and availability of industrial processes and infrastructure by delivering proactive protection of OT assets and eliminating malicious acts during the crucial production stage," said Terence Liu, chief executive officer, TXOne Networks. "The introduction of our unique capability for automatic rule generation in Edge V2 is a breakthrough for semiconductor companies and organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, automotive and pharmaceutcals. Edge V2 eliminates months of effort in preparing an OT environment for effective network segmentation to keep operations running throughout cybersecurity events."



OT environments often are giant, diverse and flat networks in which a compromise of one device can quickly propagate via an internal network to all other connected devices. Effective network segmentation is the first crucial step to controlling and mitigating the harm of security events. But because each network segment typically is characterized by different applications, software and hardware that work together to accomplish certain OT tasks, it historically has been time-consuming, labor-intensive and prohibitively expensive to define the potentially thousands of rules around what network protocols and signals are allowed to be transmitted across a given segment in the event of a breach. The Edge v2 engine enables effortless network segmentation via automated rule generation and learning. The TXOne Networks solution learns from the communications traffic passing through an organization's network and generates customized OT-protocol trust lists for that specific infrastructure. Edge V2 is equipped with operation-oriented OT network visibility design and an advanced OT-intelligent policy deployment mechanism. The solution also delivers inline virtual patching for proactive protection from vulnerabilities without operational downtime, form-factor flexibility for building a defense-in-depth posture and deep analysis across a tremendous range of network protocols.

Learn more about Edge. Follow TXOne Networks on Blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About TXOne Networks

TXOne Networks offers cybersecurity solutions that ensure the reliability and safety of industrial control systems and operational technology environments. TXOne Networks works together with both leading manufacturers and critical infrastructure operators to develop practical, operations-friendly approaches to cyber defense. TXOne Networks offers both network-based and endpoint-based products to secure the OT network and mission-critical devices using a real-time, defense-in-depth approach.

www.txone.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/txone-networks-new-edge-v2-engine-for-ot-cybersecurity-delivers-industrys-first-capability-for-automatic-rule-generation-enabling-effortless-network-segmentation-301916657.html SOURCE TXOne Networks

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] The AI Era is Here. Is Thailand Ready for It? Chula Is All Set for Change and Introduces Generative AI Tweet

BANGKOK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chulalongkorn is piloting Generative AI in teaching and learning while recommending national strategies to promote AI literacy and usage to increase work efficiency, as humans must enhance their potential and competency before being replaced by AI. Artificial Intelligence or AI is no longer far-fetched, especially when Open AI has launched ChatGPT, an Al Chatbot that can naturally interact with humans. This exhilarates many people who see the opportunity to take advantage of the technology while sending others into a panic when they consider the potential aspects of human life that AI can disrupt and threaten  as we often hear the question, "Will AI take away human jobs?" or "Is AI better than human?" "Does AI siphon data?" No matter how we feel, the undeniable truth is that the world has entered the AI era! Is Thailand ready for it? This question marked the title of one of the two seminars recently held by Chulalongkorn University. The other one was titled "Chula's Stance in Advanced Education with Generative AI". The two seminars were aimed at pointing out to people the opportunities in utilizing AI, as well as ideas and guidelines for preparing themselves to live in the AI era. AI Literacy  One of the 3 key human competencies of the future Professor Emeritus Dr. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Acting Director of the School of Integrated Innovation (SCII), Chulalongkorn University, expressed his views at the seminar "Arrival of AI Era: Is Thailand ready?" that "AI is here to stay. If we do not develop people to have the knowledge and understanding of AI, we will not keep pace with the world  particularly, in the future, when AI plays an increasing role in industries and the development of devices. AI will be able to create an enormous body of work without manual labor which may cost people their jobs." Many countries in Asia, such as China, South Korea, Singapore and Japan, have already been prepared for this, while in Thailand, according to Prof. Emer. Dr. Worsak, "It is time for all sectors of Thai society to turn their attention to finding 'Thailand's place in the world of the future' to face the storms of change in the AI world." "AI Literacy will be one of the three fundamental competencies that young people need to learn besides language and computational competencies." Prof. Emer. Dr. Worsak also stated that today, it is an important juncture and a challenging task for Chulalongkorn to develop a curriculum to provide the Thai population with Al Literacy, as well as to cultivate the ecosystem of AI technology education and research. AI: Human Replacement or Empowerment? Today, we have seen that AI has a wide range of abilities that rivals or surpasses humans in many area, especially those that require high accuracy. Moreover, AI can constantly improve its intelligence level  thereby leading to a question about career security and human existence.



Frequently asked questions in discussion and training on AI-related issues include "Will AI take all our jobs?" or "Would people still be useful if a technology like AI could take over multiple roles?" or "What would humans do?" Associate Professor Dr. Wirote Aroonmanakun, Director of the Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute, Chulalongkorn University, invites us to look at AI in a positive light as a tool to enhance human potential.

"The use of Generative AI and ChatGPT has simplified much of our work, like having an assistant to help us get things that we used to do ourselves faster and better." So, what are humans going to do? "We may have to expand our own area of responsibility to include other new, and more challenging responsibilities. We won't be able to work in the way we work our full-time and daily jobs but must look at work as a learning opportunity. This forces everybody to constantly develop themselves to keep abreast with the changes in technology." Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote cited examples of those who work in general administration that may use to be focused on documentation and information generation but should now start to look more towards data analysis. One should also start to understand the data and use AI to analyze the basic data for presentation to the management, to keep their role and relevance in the organization. In line with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote who saw the coming of AI as an opportunity to accelerate human efforts to develop their potential, Assistant Professor Suphawat Hiranthanawiwat of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, also once wrote in an article, "AI Drawing: A Trend in Art Creation. Will it Replace or Complement Human Skills and Imagination?" "Technology is a tool for self-improvement. It builds developers' careers and benefits people starting new professions. So, no matter what change technology brings, life still belongs to humans. Let us enjoy technology that brings change to life." Chula blazes the trail for education with Generative AI. At the 19th "Chula the Impact" seminar on "Chula's Stance in Advancing Education with Generation AI", Associate Professor Dr. Proadpran Punyabukkana, Director of the Chula Learning Innovation Center, presented Chula's progress in pioneering the introduction of generative AI innovations into the teaching process to prepare faculty and students for the changes. "Generative AI is an advanced AI technology for content creation, image generation, and coding, that makes human tasks easier. It is a tool that increases opportunities in business, education, and work processes in many professions, such as art," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Proadpran. She also cited the example of the use of ChatGPT in the development of teaching platforms, such as the Chula Lunch Talk which is a knowledge-sharing platform for faculty members and experts to share their knowledge and suggestions on using AI technology in teaching and learning. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Proadpran discussed Chula's guidelines for the use of AI to supervise and ensure the ethical use of technology, and for the benefit of teaching and learning in three main categories as follows: 1. Instruction and Evaluation Instructors should understand the capabilities and limitations of the selected AI tool and design the instructional and evaluation processes appropriate to that tool.

Instructors should specify the scope, guidelines, and rationale of the curriculum for the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, and Google Bard.

If a course allows students to use AI tools, the instructor should adjust the course evaluation method accordingly. The evaluation should not be based mainly on the work that students can use AI tools to answer. 2. Use of AI Tools AI is simply a tool. Users are responsible for the accuracy of the information and the resulting pieces of work.

If AI tools are used in any work, the reference and scope of the use should be specified. Concealment, and failure to mention AI usage constitute a violation of ethical principles and may be subject to disciplinary actions under relevant regulations or regulations. 3. Confidentiality and Personal Data Input of confidential information of any agencies or personal information into AI systems without the consent of the parties involved is prohibited. The future has come faster than we expected. How the world will change in the AI era is challenging, unpredictable, and interesting. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote gave his parting thoughts, "In the future, whether or not AI will replace humans, we are created to constantly learn and adapt. Therefore, those who do not accept change, do not recognize it, and do not understand the use of AI will be the first people who will be affected." For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/130512/ About Chulalongkorn University Chulalongkorn University sets the standard as a university of innovations for society and is listed in the World's Top 100 Universities for Academic Reputation, in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2021. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Miss Thanita Wangvanichapan at (+66) 2218 3280 or email [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-ai-era-is-here-is-thailand-ready-for-it-chula-is-all-set-for-change-and-introduces-generative-ai-301917485.html SOURCE Chulalongkorn University

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 05, 2023] From fine wine to fresh produce and groceries: Celebrates 10 years of affordable French food in Singapore. Tweet

Whether you're a bargain hunter or a French food enthusiast, find your way to the best online grocery platform in Singapore. SINGAPORE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Le Petit Depot celebrates its 10th anniversary in September 2023. 10 Years of commitment to affordable French food and Western groceries to satisfy any craving in 24 hours. This September is a special month. Le Petit Depot treats all its visitors as special guests for its 10th anniversary. It is the best time to shop for the best deals and discover (or rediscover) your French food memories with affordable cheese and cold cuts, wine bottles, and many more festive offers from iconic brands such as Labeyrie, or Maison Thiriet (the #2 frozen food in France). The journey began in 2013 when Yannick Guedon and Frederic Douville, two French expats in Singapore, decided to fill the gap left by Carrefour on the market. At the time, affordable Made in France groceries were impossible to find. The company primarily focused on selling dry products such as biscuits and cans which were easier to import to the Lion City. Quickly the success story began with a growing demand. Funders - "The Petit Depot has grown. It has grown faster than expected. When we created the company on April 6, 2013, it was only a question of filling a void following the departure of Carrefour. In 3 years, we switched to a complete alternative offer."



Over time, thousands of details have evolved in the organization, especially on the technical and logistical aspects. Today the e-commerce platform refers to over 12,000 references from organic fresh produce to meat and seafood like French oysters from Saint Michel Bay or Fines de Claire, a collection of over 500 wine varieties starting at $21 a bottle and much more.

Le Petit Depot simply is the best platform to shop anything you like from France. The company's strength lies in its ability to supply the demand in Singapore with 100% cold chain preserved transportation and top-rated customer service. Any order placed every day before 18:30 can be delivered the next day in one of the 3 slots offered: from 9:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday 365/365. A Regular customer for 3 years commented that Petit Depot is incredible at all points. An impressive choice of French food and non-food items (such as personal care, and cleaning products), reasonable prices, next-day delivery with 2-hour delivery window, and cold chain management impeccable. Sincere and genuine communication when issues with items. Life in Singapore would clearly not be the same without Petit Depot. The Best-selling products on the platform are Organic milk from La Laiterie des Ardennes, Carrefour grated cheese, rose wine Cote de Provence from la Cuvee du Grimaud de Saint Tropez and beef patties from La Boucherie just to name a few. In 2023, the online platform took another challenge by importing Spanish products to Singapore. It all started with the inspiring demand from a loyal customer to bring her favourite Spanish food to town. Today, the two founders applied the same strategy and reached the heart of the Latin community with Hola, Espana! shop. Fill your basket with quality products for an amazing culinary experience and save money with special offers every week on lepetitdepot.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/from-fine-wine-to-fresh-produce-and-groceries-celebrates-10-years-of-affordable-french-food-in-singapore-301918554.html SOURCE Le Petit Depot

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Greenspan Adjusters International Extends Expertise to Assist Policyholders in Navigating Aftermath of British Columbia Wildfires Tweet

Amid the devastation caused by the Kelowna and Shuswap wildfires, Greenspan Adjusters International announced today that its team of public adjusters is on the ground in British Columbia and ready to support displaced families and business owners to ensure they are armed with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the laborious insurance claims process. "Being here in BC, we're witnessing the destruction firsthand," said Steve Severaid, Greenspan Adjusters International President. "We mourn the toll this disaster will take on families and local business owners for years to come. Even after these good and hardworking people have suffered tremendous losses, they are left with the strenuous battle of dealing with insurance claims." The 2023 wildfire season in British Columbia has now officially surpassed the 2018 season as the most destructive ever recorded according to area burned. With over 2 million hectares burned, 200 structures destroyed, and fires continuing to burn throughout the province, there is still no end in sight. The community will be in a state of rebuilding for years, with financial losses to B.C. forecasted to exceed $1.5 billion. "The scope of this is beyond what I've seen before, and I've witnessed a lot of natural disasters," Severaid said. "With ten times more land burned already this year than in all of 2022 and with fires still raging, it's simply unprecedented. We know how frustrating, difficult, and financially debilitating it can be for homeowners and business owners to face their insurance companies after wildfires like these. We want to make sure their policies ae assessed thoroughly, and their subsequent claims managed quickly, adequately, and seamlessly."



"What is most critical," Severaid continued, "is that policyholders advocate for their best interests by being represented by their own private adjuster. Insurance company adjusters have a conflict of interest in that they cannot fairly represent both their principal - the insurance company - and you at the same time. Most people do not know that, without the guidance of an insurance professional fighting on your behalf, not only can the claims process be overwhelming - but you may not be guaranteed an optimal payout or even an adequate claim." Public adjusters manage the claims of homeowners, businesses, and commercial property owners, providing much-needed support following tragedies and assist their clients in negotiating optimal settlements that they are entitled to from their insurance companies. Public adjusters work independently of insurance companies, which deploy their own teams of adjusters to mitigate their financial exposure.

Greenspan Adjusters International is offering complimentary policy and situation reviews and can provide a roadmap for recovery that addresses the particulars of each policyholder's situation. Anyone in need can receive this benefit at any time by phone, zoom, or in-person at no cost. In that spirit, Greenspan will also host live town halls on Thursday, September 7 and Thursday, September 14 at 6 pm to teach home and business owners affected by the Kelowna and Shuswap wildfires how to best navigate the insurance claims process. Affected individuals seeking additional information about their claims process, coverage and potential payout should bring a copy of their insurance policy with them so a member of the Greenspan team can provide a complimentary review and analysis on-site. People who are not able to attend can still reach out to Greenspan Adjusters International at any of the contacts below to receive this no-cost review. Insurance Recovery Workshops

Delta Hotel, Okanagan Grand Resort

Cassiar/Cascade Meeting Room

1310 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3 Thursday, September 7 at 6 pm

Thursday, September 14 at 6 pm For over 77 years, Greenspan Adjusters International has worked to ensure that individuals receive the full benefits to which they are entitled and offers expertise in managing every aspect of significant property damage claims so that policyholders can return to some semblance of normal. The Vancouver Office of Greenspan Adjusters International is located at 1021 W. Hastings, 9th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 0C3. For further information on how Greenspan can support wildfire damage claims, please contact: Phone: (778) 588-6680

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.greenspan-adjusters.ca/ About Greenspan Adjusters International: Greenspan Adjusters International is wholly owned by The Greenspan Co. / Adjusters International; headquartered in San Francisco it is the largest and oldest public adjusting firm in the West. Greenspan helps businesses, commercial property owners, and homeowners throughout British Columbia, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Alaska, and Hawaii manage their property damage insurance claims. With a singular focus on serving policyholders, the company boasts a team of licensed public insurance adjusters, estimators, and inventory specialists with extensive expertise in disaster recovery and property insurance claims. The Greenspan team is currently covering the disaster zones of both Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii and Kelowna, BC, Canada; assisting homeowners and business owners with their claims. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905106246/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Global Fintech Fest 2023: An Early Adopter of Technology, Australia is a Thriving Market for Innovators - AusPayNet CEO Andy White Tweet

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Australia was an early adopter of tap-and-go technology, effectively combating frauds. During COVID, there was an incredible adoption of digital wallets, moving away from physical cards while retaining the tap-and-go convenience. There is potential for new payment service providers to enter the market, similar to India's UPI, emphasizing the use of real-time payment platforms," said Andy White, CEO, Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet), during a fireside chat with Ritesh Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, NPCI International Payments Ltd. on 'Crystal ball gazing: the Future of Payments, Data and Digital Trust' at the Global Fintech Fest 2023 (GFF 2023). In another session on 'Australian Capabilities in Tech Sector', hosted by Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade, Rehan D Almeida, General Manager, Fintech Australia, said that Australia and India could benefit from each other's strengths. "Australia's new trade agreement brings opportunities for people with high skills to get access to the market and find opportunities in Australia. Secondly, investors and startups can get access to capital and the massive market." He was joined by Malini Dutt, Trade, and Investment Commissioner - India, Investment NSW, Rufus Pinto, Country Manager - India, ANZ Bank, Prem Naraindas, Founder and CEO, Katonic and Janet Salem, Founder, FootprintLab in te panel discussion. "I would like to see the Australian government funding Indian projects and Indian Government funding projects in Australia, so that companies can take their offerings cross-border and create more Google and Wi-Fi stories," said Malini Dutt, Trade, and Investment Commissioner - India, Investment NSW, speaking on exploring cross-border partnerships to fuel the growth of scale-ups.



GFF 2023, the largest thought leadership platform in the world, is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MietY), the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and is organized by the Payments Council of India (PCI), Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, Government of India inaugurated the conference. "Fintechs in India are driving more inclusion and influencing India's financial ecosystem. Today, fintech has become a robust and dynamic financial inclusion tool," Smt. Sitharaman said, dwelling at length on the role of fintechs in building a global responsible financial ecosystem.

Highlights of Global Fintech Fest 2023: 3 days | 13 tracks | 800+ Speakers | 15+ Thought Leadership Reports | 81 Academic Papers | 50+ Workshops | 125+ Countries | 250+ Sessions | 250+ Investors | 500+ exhibitors |150K Sq. Ft Exhibition Area | 3 Hackathons | 50000+ Delegates For more information on: Global Fintech Fest 2023: Global Fintech Fest 2023: The Premier Fintech Event of the Year

Payments Council of India: PCI - Payments Council of India

Fintech Convergence Council: Welcome to Fintech Convergence Council (fintechcouncil.in) Media contact Nilanjan Hajra

+91-9163788318

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-fintech-fest-2023-an-early-adopter-of-technology-australia-is-a-thriving-market-for-innovators--auspaynet-ceo-andy-white-301918686.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] FPT Software Opens New Office in Mexico, Expanding Global Footprint Tweet

FPT Software, a global IT solutions provider headquartered in Vietnam, announced the official opening of its 72nd office globally in Guadalajara, Mexico. This strategic move responds to the increasing demand for Agile software engineering solutions in the Americas while enhancing the company's services with better responsiveness and recruiting more local talents. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905942498/en/ The opening ceremony of FPT Software's Guadalajara office took place in September 2023 (Photo: Business Wire) The new office marks a significant milestone for FPT Software in reinforcing its commitment to global expansion and client-centricity. This expansion also heralds the innovative "Best-Shore" Model, a blend of onshore, nearshore, and offshore service delivery. This approach places customers at the forefront, ensuring the optimal mix of proximity and cost-effectiveness. Guadalajara, known as the "Silicon Valley of Latin America," as emerged as a prominent technology hub, attracting global companies seeking to capitalize on its skilled workforce and conducive business environment. Its similar time zone to many American cities makes Guadalajara an ideal location for establishing software development centres for the US market, providing seamless communication and support for clients across regions.



Nguyen Khai Hoan, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FPT Software, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities this expansion brings: "We have always envisioned ourselves as a global IT services company that stays close to customers. The Guadalajara office strengthens this vision and enables us to continue providing agile and responsive support to our ever-expanding customer base as we solidify our Americas market foothold." "Guadalajara is a vibrant and innovative city, and its strategic location allows us to efficiently serve our clients in the Americas while tapping into the rich pool of local tech talents," said Dang Tran Phuong, FPT Americas' Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to be a part of the dynamic tech ecosystem in Guadalajara and look forward to contributing to the region's digital transformation."

By 2025, FPT Software plans to grow its team in Guadalajara to 500 people, collaborating closely with other offices in India, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Colombia and so on to develop and deliver complete IT services and solutions to a growing number of clients. The new office is located at Av Adolfo Lopez Mateos Nte 95, Italia Providencia, 44648 Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico About FPT Software FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, is a global technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam, with $803 million in revenue (2022) and 27,000 employees in 28 countries. The company champions complex business opportunities and challenges with its world-class services in Advanced Analytics, AI, Digital Platforms, Cloud, Hyperautomation, IoT, Low-code, and so on. It has partnered with 1,000+ clients worldwide, 89 of which are Fortune Global 500 companies in Aviation, Automotive, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Healthcare, Logistics, Manufacturing, Utilities, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.fptsoftware.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905942498/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023]

HEALTH INNOVATIONS ACQUIRES ASKDR, A SINGAPORE-BASED DIGITAL HEALTH START-UP

SINGAPORE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Innovations, a consortium of practising medical doctors from GP+ cooperative, is pleased to announce its acquisition of AskDr , a leading digital health start-up based in Singapore.

The strategic move has placed the group in a prime position to positively impact healthcare in Asia Pacific. This is particularly timely for Singapore, as the nation-state transitions to value-based care in a health system capitation program dubbed "Healthier SG" rolling out this year.

AskDr has gained widespread traction for its innovative online health community (OHC) platform, which provides patients with easy access to trusted medical advice and personalized health information. Launched in the thick of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by founder Mr Brian Toh and co-founder Dr Dinesh Visva Gunasekeran, AskDr worked with volunteer doctors to address medical misinformation and remote medical professional training.

These problems had snow-balled as the COVID-19 outbreak progressed. The platform was popularised by volunteer doctors as a tool in the battle against the "infodemic" during COVID-19, by enabling patient-led medical discussions with the involvement of verified doctors as moderators for crowd-sourced, scalable, and data-driven public health promotion.

AskDr had grown its revenue base to include paying customers from Fortune 500 companies including Astra Zeneca GSK , and Roche . "The acquisition is a great opportunity for our platform to reach a wider audience and to provide even more people with access to accurate and up-to-date health information while further empowering doctors to dispel medical misinformation at scale," said AskDr's CEO Mr. Brian Toh. "We are honoured to empower this body of doctors that contributed to the success of our platform. We will continue to support them in creating a lasting positive impact on healthcare in the region."







The acquisition of AskDr by Health Innovations has been completed for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition brings together a talented and well-capitalised team of experienced doctors, entrepreneurs, and health technology veterans who share a common vision: to enhance patient care and empower individuals to take control of their health journey.

"My colleagues and I are motivated to solve problems faced by our patients that we encounter on the ground in our practice of medicine. We are always looking for ways to improve things for our patients," said Dr. Gunasekeran.

"I am glad that we were able to solve major problems during the pandemic through this start-up and help allay some of the panic that ensued as the outbreak progressed." For co-founder Dr. Gunasekeran, this was not his first foray into digital health. He has had a prior successful enterprise SaaS telemedicine start-up that was acquired in 2018 and was previously featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Healthcare and Science.

The integration of AskDr's exceptional technology and expertise with the established practices of providers in Health Innovations is poised to reshape the digital health landscape in Asia Pacific. "With the acquisition of AskDr, we are thrilled to incorporate these digital capabilities in our plans to support a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem," said Health Innovation's Director, Dr. Gerard Lin.

"Together, we will accelerate the adoption of groundbreaking digital solutions for professional training, empower patients with reliable information, and help improve ease of access to high-quality healthcare services for patients."

PRIOR MEDIA COVERAGE:

PRIOR ACADEMIC COVERAGE:

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/health-innovations-acquires-askdr-a-singapore-based-digital-health-start-up-301918815.html

SOURCE Ask Dr
[September 06, 2023] Greycourt acquires Family Capital Strategy, names David Wells as a managing director, opens Nashville, TN office Tweet

Greycourt & Co., Inc., investment advisor to US and Canadian ultra-high net worth families and family offices, is pleased to announce that it is acquiring Nashville, TN based Family Capital Strategy (FCS), a well-established consultant to ultra-high net worth families. As founder and CEO of FCS, David Wells will join Greycourt as a managing director and serve as a senior client advisor to existing and future Greycourt clients. David will join Greycourt's management and investment committees. Since establishing FCS, David has developed strong relationships with single family offices throughout the greater Southeastern US, building on over two decades of experience as an investor, published strategist, and educator. FCS is well known for providing sophisticated advice, counsel, and education for its multi-generational clients. Matt Litwin, Greycourt's CEO, said "We have collaborated with David for several years and his passion for clear communication, strong ability to develop lasting relationships with his clients, and thoughtful approach to investing are evident to all of us at Greycourt. We are thrilled that he and his FCS business relationships will further strengthen our unique and comprehensive services for ultra-high net worth clients, especialy our Collaborative Solutions offering for family offices managing large and complex portfolios."



In conjunction with acquiring FCS, Greycourt will establish an office in Nashville, TN. "As our firm has grown, we have increasingly developed a meaningful Southeastern US client base," added Greg Friedman, Greycourt's chairman. "We think Nashville is a premier location to have an additional presence and believe this thoughtful expansion will strengthen our ability to serve our client families across North America." Prior to founding FCS in 2019, David was a principal at Woodmont Investment Council, an investment advisor working closely with families and institutions. Earlier, David was a co-founder of Hanson Wells Partners, a long/short investment fund and a co-founder of Thompson Research Group, a provider of specialized equity research services. David is a graduate of Wake Forest University, has completed coursework on Family Business Governance at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, and is a CFA charter holder.

David serves on boards and investment committees for three family office organizations, including leadership roles in two private trust companies. He co-chairs the board of 21/64, a non-profit organization providing multi-generational facilitation and training focused on family philanthropy. He also serves on the executive and advisory committees of the Southeast Family Office Forum (SEFOF), a leading peer-to-peer educational and networking organization based in Atlanta, GA. David is a prolific and accomplished author, including his popular newsletter Fifteen on Friday, which he will continue to produce at Greycourt, and his book When Anything is Possible: Wealth and the Art of Strategic Living. About Greycourt & Co., Inc. Founded in 1988, Greycourt provides comprehensive investment advisory services to ultra-high net worth families, family offices and select institutions from its three offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Portland, Oregon, and Nashville, Tennessee. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906630942/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Freedom Space Gains Traction with Government Customers: Securing Jobs, Satellite Services, and Space Access Anytime, Anywhere Tweet

Freedom Space Technologies (DBA Freedom Space), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATLAS Space Operations headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, is gaining momentum across a number of entities in the government sector of the space industry following its establishment earlier this year. Due to the growing government's stated need to take advantage of commercial space capabilities, Freedom Space is purpose built in Colorado Springs to support unique requirements, including classified missions, of the United States Department of Defense and the National Security Space organizations. By providing innovative and reliable ground-based satellite communications services along with several strategic hires in Michigan and Colorado, Freedom Space will play a vital role in enabling government entities to achieve their strategic objectives and ensure mission success. Leveraging the heritage of ATLAS Space Operations' Freedom software and its federated global ground network, Freedom Space's mission areas are expansive yet specialized and include: Space Domain Awareness

Commercial Augmentation and Resiliency

Space Test Network Support

Space Support Operations and Engineering Services In addition to the U.S. Space Command and Space Force, these offerings will support the mission needs of the following: Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO)

Space and Missile Defense Command

Special Operations Command

Air Force Research Lab "Freedom Space's establishment signifies ATLAS's commitment to providing focused, agile solutions that cater to the specific needs of satelite operators in the evolving space landscape," shares Freedom Space President, T.I. Weintraub. "While ATLAS continues its broader objectives, Freedom Space hones in on a more targeted scope of work that directly supports the mission needs of government customers."



"Freedom Space isn't just an extension of ATLAS Space Operations. It is a catalyst for growth to support key government space initiatives," states ATLAS Space Operations Chief Executive Officer, John Williams. "With focus on targeted missions, Freedom Space enables ATLAS to diversify its offerings further into the government sector. In doing so, this reaffirms ATLAS's position as a leading provider of space technology and creates long-term growth for the entire ATLAS organization." With the launch of Freedom Space, ATLAS continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering world-class mission assurance and its position as the trusted partner for offering resilient space communications. ATLAS appreciates the continued support from its investment partners such as Mitsui, Rise of the Rest, VCapital plus Michigan-based investment firms including Beringea, Boomerang Catapult, Michigan Capital Network, Northern Michigan Angels, and Wakestream Ventures. As ATLAS and Freedom Space continue their ambitious trajectory, they remain committed to unlocking unparalleled value for all stakeholders involved.

About Freedom Space Established in 2023, Freedom Space is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATLAS Space Operations, the leading Ground Software as a Service (GSaaS) provider that provides Secured Space Access Anytime, Anywhere. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, Freedom Space is purpose-built to address the unique requirements, including classified missions, of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) by contributing to the advancement of National Security Space capabilities. As a trusted mission partner, Freedom Space plays a vital role in enabling these organizations to achieve their strategic objectives and to ensure continued mission success. About ATLAS Space Operations ATLAS Space Operations is the leading provider of Ground Software as a Service in the space communications industry. ATLAS' revolutionary Freedom software has been recognized by industry leading publications and organizations such as Via Satellite and the World Teleport Association. Additionally, ATLAS was highlighted in the CIO Review: Telecom Edition as Company of the Year (2023) as well as one of the 10 Most Promising Technologies. Lastly, Aerospace & Defense Review acknowledged ATLAS as one of the Top Satellite Solutions Providers. ATLAS combines the Freedom Software Platform and its global federated antenna network to achieve its mission of securing space access anytime, anywhere. To learn more, visit atlasspace.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906627552/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023]

Xinhua Silk Road: South China's Guangzhou to hold conference on global climate investment, financing system construction

BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2023 /CNW/ -- The 2023 Pearl Bay International Climate Investment and Financing Conference will be held in Nansha District of Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province during September 13-15.

Themed on "climate finance for a better world", the conference aims at serving the green, low-carbon sector by creating a diverse, international financing service system, and further promoting the development of industries related to climate change in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The conference plans to set up a main venue in Nansha and overseas sub-venues in Singapore, Paris of France, and Dubai of UAE.

Representatives from government, international organizations, financia institutions and think tanks will engage in discussions around topics such as "building the green Belt and Road", "financing empowering low-carbon technology innovation", "China's practice in climate investment and financing", and "creating an international investment and financing center".







The conference will also organize cultural exchange activities such as tours, drone performances, and "Nansha Night" and "Pearl Bay Night", providing a platform for dialogues between the government and businesses to jointly seek new paths for green and low-carbon development.

In addition, a series of activities will also be launched such as global climate change response projects collection, climate financing and industrial development report and establishment of climate investment and financing center to showcase China's practices in climate investment and financing and demonstrate China's action in responding to climate change issue.

It is noted that the conference is co-hosted by the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Xinhua News Agency, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and undertaken by the People's Government of Guangzhou City, Xinhua News Agency Guangdong Branch, and the China Economic Information Service.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/335940.html

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-south-chinas-guangzhou-to-hold-conference-on-global-climate-investment-financing-system-construction-301919034.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
[September 06, 2023] Zapata AI, an Industrial Generative AI Software Company, to Go Public Through Business Combination with Andretti Acquisition Corp. Tweet

Zapata Computing, Inc. ("Zapata AI" or the "Company"), the Industrial Generative AI software company developing solutions and applications to solve enterprises' hardest problems, and Andretti Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: WNNR), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement that will result in Zapata AI becoming a U.S. publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol "ZPTA". Zapata AI spun out of Harvard University in 2017 with a mission to create significant value for enterprises with generative AI and other advanced algorithms that leverage quantum techniques. The Company's proprietary quantum techniques run on classical (non-quantum) hardware such as CPUs and GPUs-and have the potential to revolutionize existing AI solutions by making them cheaper, faster and more accurate. Zapata AI's IP portfolio is made up of over 100 global patents and patent applications, including generative AI and industrial optimization technologies. The Company's offerings include Zapata AI Prose, a large language model generative AI solution, and Zapata AI Sense, which generates new analytics solutions to complex industry problems. These industrial solutions, which uniquely process both text and numbers, run on Zapata AI's full-stack Quantum AI software platform, Orquestra, enabling the Company to train and deliver AI models within customers' hybrid cloud and multicloud environments, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and others. Zapata AI's proprietary technology is able to deliver enterprise-ready AI solutions across a wide variety of industries, including life sciences, finance, chemicals, automotive, government/defense, aerospace and energy. The Company works with a growing ecosystem of blue-chip partners including Amazon, Google, Andretti Autosport, IBM, NVIDIA, Quantinuum, IonQ, and DARPA. By providing enterprises with a complete AI software stack and advanced AI models, Zapata AI is seeking to provide AI and machine learning software solutions. Andretti Acquisition Corp. is familiar with Zapata AI and its unique capabilities through Zapata AI's commercial partnership with Andretti Autosport, which leverages Orquestra to gain a performance edge in race strategy for NTT INDYCAR SERIES events. This partnership showcases how industry-leading brands are adopting and utilizing the Company's Industrial Generative AI solutions to solve complex problems and enhance their competitive positions. Combining with Andretti Acquisition Corp. will give Zapata AI access to the capital markets as well as enhanced financial flexibility to fuel its technical roadmap, drive enterprise customer acquisition, and advance its growth strategy. "Our engineers and scientists have spent years building, testing and refining our proprietary software to put Zapata AI-and our customers-at the forefront of the generative AI revolution," said Christopher Savoie, CEO of Zapata AI. "We believe generative AI is shaping a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the capital and relationships afforded through this business combination will only strengthen our market position. We are participating in an enormous total addressable market where we have the potential to create disproportionate value for our customers and our investors." Michael Andretti, Co-CEO of Andretti Acquisition Corp., commented, "Zapata AI's Industrial Generative AI solutions have demonstrated their applicability helping enterprises across a range of industries solve complex problems and make better business decisions - we have experienced this firsthand in the AI-driven race strategy solutions and advanced analytics capabilities they are delivering to Andretti Autosport. The Company is already working with some of the world's largest and most recognizable organizations, and based on our understanding of its vast capabilities, compelling go-to-market strategy and ambitious growth plan, we believe there is tremendous enterprise revenue opportunity." Transaction Overview The transaction values Zapata at an implied pre-money equity value of $200 million, with existing Zapata shareholders set to roll over 100% of their equity into the combined entity, or 20.0 million shares at a price of $10.00. Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s sponsors and certain investors that own or have the right to receive founder shares will own a combined 5.8 million shares, or an implied value of approximately $58 million. Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s public shareholders currently hold approximately 7.9 million shares, all of which are subject to redemption. The pro forma equity value of the combined company (inclusive of the remaining cash in trust at Andretti Acquisition Corp. after redemptions) is expected to be between $281 million and $365 million, depending on the level of redemptions. The Boards of Directors of each of Zapata and Andretti Acquisition Corp. have approved the transaction. The transaction will require the approval of the stockholders of Andretti Acquisition Corp. and is subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions stated in the business combination agreement and other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the business combination agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Andretti Acquisition Corp. with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and available at www.sec.gov. More information about the proposed transaction will also be described in Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination, which it will file with the SEC. Advisors Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B. Financial Group, LLC ("CCM"), is serving as exclusive financial advisor and lead capital markets advisor to Andretti Acquisition Corp. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Warton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to Andretti Acquisition Corp. Foley Hoag LLP is serving as legal counsel to Zapata.



Investor Conference Call Information Zapata and Andretti Acquisition Corp. will host a joint investor conference call to discuss the proposed transaction today, September 6, 2023 at 8:30am ET. To listen to the prepared remarks via telephone from the U.S., dial 1-877-269-7751, and an operator will assist you. International participants may listen to the call by dialing 1-201-389-0908. A telephone replay will be available by dialing 1-844-512-2921 if in the U.S, and by dialing 1-412-317-6671 from outside the U.S. The access ID for access to the replay is 13741001. The replay will be available for a period of 6 months. The prepared remarks can also be accessed here.

About Zapata Zapata AI is the Industrial Generative AI company, revolutionizing how enterprises solve their hardest problems with its powerful suite of Generative AI software. By combining numerical and text-based solutions, Zapata AI empowers enterprises to leverage large language models and numerical generative models better, faster, and more efficiently-delivering solutions to drive growth, savings and unprecedented insight. With proprietary science and engineering techniques and the Orquestra platform, Zapata AI is accelerating Generative AI's impact in Industry. The Company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. To learn more, visit: https://www.zapata.ai About Andretti Acquisition Corp. Andretti Acquisition Corp. is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a business combination with one or more businesses or entities. Two key members of the management team are racing legends Mario and Michael Andretti. To learn more, visit: https://www.andrettiacquisition.com/. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events, the transaction, the estimated or anticipated future results and benefits of the combined company following the transaction, including the likelihood and ability of the parties to successfully consummate the transaction, future opportunities for the combined company, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on the current expectations of Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s and Zapata's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Andretti Acquisition Corp. and Zapata. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Zapata's businesses and the transaction, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, ability to meet the closing conditions to the transaction, including approval by stockholders of Andretti Acquisition Corp. on the expected terms and schedule and the risk that regulatory approvals required for the transaction are not obtained or are obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; delay in closing the transaction or failure to close the transaction within the period permitted under its governing documents; failure to realize the benefits expected from the proposed transaction; a decline in the price of Andretti Acquisition Corp's securities following the transaction if it fails to meet the expectations of investors or securities analysts; the amount of redemption requests made by Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s public stockholders; the ability of Andretti Acquisition Corp. or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the transaction or in the future; the effects of pending and future legislation; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; business disruption following the transaction; risks related to Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s and Zapata's indebtedness; other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms; Zapata's ability to maintain its current rate of growth; maintenance and renewal of customer contracts and subscriptions; competition in Zapata's industries; Zapata's ability to raise additional capital; the successful integration of potential targets, products, or technologies; Zapata's ability to improve its operational, financial, and management controls; Zapata's failure to maintain and enhance awareness of its brand; increased costs associated with being a public company; cybersecurity incidents; ability to prevent fraudulent activities by Zapata's customers, employees, or other third parties; potential interruptions or delays in third-party services; protection of proprietary rights; intellectual property infringement, data protection, and other losses; compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as statutory and regulatory requirements; risks of implementing controls and procedures required for public companies following the transaction; and the ability of Zapata or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities with the proposed business combination or in the future; and those factors discussed in Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, under Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A and other documents of Andretti Acquisition Corp. filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or if assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Andretti Acquisition Corp. or Zapata presently do not know or that Andretti Acquisition Corp. or Zapata currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s or Zapata's expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Andretti Acquisition Corp. or Zapata anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their assessments to change. However, while Andretti Acquisition Corp. or Zapata may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Andretti Acquisition Corp. or Zapata specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s or Zapata's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Important Additional Information and Where to Find It In connection with the contemplated transaction, Andretti Acquisition Corp. intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") with the SEC, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus, with the SEC. Additionally, Andretti Acquisition Corp. will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the transaction. A definitive proxy statement/final prospectus will also be sent to the stockholders of Andretti Acquisition Corp., seeking any required stockholder approval. This communication is not a substitute for the Registration Statement, the definitive proxy statement/final prospectus, or any other document that Andretti Acquisition Corp. will send to its stockholders. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of Andretti Acquisition Corp. are urged to carefully read the entire Registration Statement and proxy statement/prospectus, when they become available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, because they will contain important information about the transaction. Stockholders will also be able to obtain copies of such documents, without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the documents filed by Andretti Acquisition Corp. may be obtained free of charge from Andretti Acquisition Corp. at andrettiacquisition.com. Alternatively, these documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from Andretti Acquisition Corp. upon written request to Andretti Acquisition Corp., 7615 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268, or by calling (317) 872-2700. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. Participants in the Solicitation Andretti Acquisition Corp., Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s sponsors, Zapata and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Andretti Acquisition Corp., in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s directors and executive officers is contained in Andretti Acquisition Corp.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of those participants, the directors and executive officers of Zapata and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the Registration Statement and the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described above. No Offer or Solicitation This press release is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent, or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed transaction. This press release shall also not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, or transfer of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption therefrom. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905571509/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Aperture Investors Announces the Appointment of James Keith (JK) Brown to Board of Directors Tweet

Aperture Investors, LLC (Aperture) announced today the appointment of James Keith Brown to the Aperture Board of Directors, effective May 4, 2023. "JK brings to the Aperture Board a wealth of experience in building asset management organizations and helping them achieve exponential growth. His advice and guidance will complement the depth of experience in Aperture's current independent directors," said Peter Kraus, Chairman and CEO, Aperture. "As Aperture's strategies recently all hit multi-year milestones in their track records, we feel it's an appropriate time to bring fresh ideas to our board to ensure our unique ethos in the asset management industry is perpetuated. We have long-been committed to alignment between our outcomes and those of our clients; I'm excited to see that mission extend with JK's support." JK is the former Senior Managing Director and Partner of Coatue Management, an American technology-focused investment manager. Previously, he was an Executive Managing Director and Global Head of Investor Relations as wll as a Member of the Partner Management Committee, Executive Operating Committee, and Business Risk Committee at Och-Ziff Investment Management. Prior to joining Och-Ziff in 2003, Brown spent more than four years at Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he was a Managing Director and Head of U.S. Institutional Sales and Relationship Management.



JK is President of the Board of Trustees of the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and also serves on the following boards: Head of Executive Committee, investment committee, and nominating committee of the Lincoln Center Theater; Board Member of the New School for Public Engagement; and Chair of Vera List Center for Art and Politics at the New School. JK is actively involved with his alma mater - the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He serves as Chair Emeritus of the Ackland Art Museum's National Advisory Board and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Institute of the Arts and Humanities. He is an Advisory Board member at the Kenan Institute at North Carolina School of the Arts. JK also serves on the UNC Investment Board and UNC Foundation Board and is also Chair of the campus wide Arts Everywhere Campaign at UNC Chapel Hill.

JK holds a B.A. with honors in Psychology from University North Carolina, Chapel Hill. About Aperture Investors, LLC Aperture Investors was founded in 2018 and is led by industry veteran Peter Kraus and Generali, one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Aperture is reestablishing trust in the asset management industry through aligning client interests with its own. With Aperture's aligned fee model it offers share classes where investors pay only base management fees when performance is at or below the stated benchmark. Performance fees are charged only on excess returns over the benchmark. To learn more about Aperture, visit us at www.apertureinvestors.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906438841/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Elucid Appoints Windi Hary to Lead Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management Tweet

Elucid, Inc., a leading medical technology company providing physicians with AI-powered imaging analysis software to assess cardiovascular disease, has hired Windi Hary as senior vice president (SVP) of regulatory affairs and quality management. Windi's vast, global experience in software-as-a-medical device (SaMD) and AI-enabled digital health will be central to Elucid's growth and expansion of its unique product offerings and additional first-of-its-kind innovations in its pipeline. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906762108/en/ Elucid has hired Windi Hary as senior vice president (SVP) of regulatory affairs and quality management. Windi's vast, global experience in software-as-a-medical device (SaMD) and AI-enabled digital health will be central to Elucid's growth and expansion of its unique product offerings and additional first-of-its-kind innovations in its pipeline. Source: Elucid, Inc. Elucid's software is the only FDA-cleared non-invasive tool able to accurately characterize arterial plaque, simulating what pathologists would see under a microscope and establishing a histologic ground truth. The company is also pursuing an indication for FFR T, uniquely derived from its PlaqueIQ technology, to non-invasively measure coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia. These two capabilities enable precise decision-making by physicians to support prediction and prevention of heart attacks.



"It is my pleasure to welcome Windi Hary to the Elucid leadership team," said Blake Richards, chief executive officer, Elucid. "Not only does Windi bring a wealth of expertise, acumen, and experience in regulatory and quality management, but she is also a natural fit with Elucid's culture. We are confident she will make an immediate impact to our regulatory efforts, both in the U.S. and abroad, to ensure we deliver the most effective, impactful, and safe software we can in the fight against cardiovascular disease." Hary has more than two decades of regulatory and quality management experience. She brings with her immense knowledge and proficiency in regulatory strategy, particularly for SaMD and AI-enabled digital health, having led and consulted on regulatory filings, design and quality management for U.S., Canada, Japan, and European Union regulatory requirements. She spent more than 12 years at HeartFlow, most recently as chief regulatory and quality officer. Prior to that, Hary spent eight years at Philips Healthcare. She has also consulted for numerous companies on global regulatory strategies, regulatory submissions, quality system implementation, strategic planning, and human factors testing.

Hary is the latest addition to Elucid's leadership team, joining Dr. Todd Villines, chief medical officer, Scott Burger, chief commercial officer, and Andrew Miller, chief technology officer. This proven, highly accomplished C-suite was strategically curated to guide Elucid through major milestones as it commercializes its plaque analysis software and prepares to expand with its investigational FFR CT solution. "The opportunity to join Elucid was extremely exciting to me due to its incredible software, as well as its corporate culture and remarkable team," said Hary. "From day one, I am committed to working with the rest of the leadership team - and entire company - to ensure that our regulatory, development, and commercial efforts are rigorous so we can achieve Elucid's mission to fight cardiovascular disease." About Elucid Elucid is a Boston-based medical technology company dedicated to bringing precision patient care, as currently practiced in oncology, to cardiology. Its AI-powered imaging analysis software is designed to deeply understand the root cause of cardiovascular disease. Elucid's plaque analysis software is powered by PlaqueIQ, the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against tens of thousands of tissue samples by renowned pathologists. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFR CT , uniquely derived from its PlaqueIQ technology, to non-invasively measure coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information for assessing the risk of plaque rupture in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. The Elucid plaque analysis software is available for commercial use in the U.S. and South Korea. For more information, visit elucid.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906762108/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 16:12 | All, Japan

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday that the computer system failure that resulted in a suspension of operations at all 14 of its group's vehicle assembly plants in Japan late last month was due to an error resulting from server malfunctions.

The problem occurred after data was organized as part of regular system maintenance work on Aug. 27, the company said.

A similar failure occurred in the backup function, which made it difficult for the company to make a switchover and led to a halt of operations at its factories, it said.

Toyota said it confirmed that the malfunction was not caused by cyberattacks.

"We will review our maintenance procedures and strengthen our efforts to prevent a recurrence," the company said in a statement.

Toyota's domestic production was halted on Aug. 29 after the failure occurred in the system that makes parts orders to the automaker's suppliers. The company transferred the data to a server with a larger capacity and restarted production the next day, it said.

Related coverage:

Toyota restarts all 14 plants in Japan after system failure

Operations at all Toyota plants in Japan halted after system failure

Toyota profit doubles to record high as production recovers
[September 06, 2023] Kwakol Markets Unveils Cutting-Edge Copy Trading Platform, Empowering Investors Globally Tweet

ABUJA, Nigeria, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kwakol Markets , a leading multi-asset broker, has revolutionized the investment landscape with its state of-the-art copy trading model, making expert trading strategies readily accessible to investors worldwide. The rise of community-based trading has marked a new era of investment strategies, with copy trading leading the charge. This model allows novice and experienced investors alike to replicate trades from seasoned traders. Kwakol Markets has placed itself at the forefront of this movement, offering investors the chance to harness its Percentage Allocation Money Management (PAMM) model. Through this, traders can leverage the proven strategies of designated PAMM managers who have demonstrated consistent returns over the years. Highlighting the company's dedication to innovation, a representative stated, "Kwakol Markets is committed to offering unparalleled market pricing execution, and overall trading experiences. Our introduction of the PAMM model and other copy trading options like Multi-Account Manager (MAM) and Social Trading underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of global traders."



The MAM feature empowers professional traders and money managers to streamline their operations by managing multiple accounts from a singular platform. Meanwhile, the Social Trading option creates a collaborative community where trading ideas and insights are exchanged, enhancing knowledge-sharing. Newcomers to the trading world can particularly benefit from this platform, as it minimizes potential mistakes and offers a learning curve by following established strategy leaders. On the flip side, seasoned investors can diversify their portfolios, explore different trading styles, and spread risk, all while drawing from the expertise of successful traders.

While Kwakol Markets provides comprehensive statistics to aid investors in their decision-making process, they emphasize the importance of personal research and due diligence. "It's essential for investors to analyze strategy leaders' trading history, risk profile, and consistency. Our platform offers detailed insights, but understanding and managing risk remains paramount," remarked a spokesperson. With the copy trading phenomenon gaining traction, Kwakol Markets' platform is not just about investment; it's also about education. As investors mirror expert strategies, they get a firsthand experience of tested investment plans in live market conditions, fostering confidence. Kwakol Markets invites individuals and institutions to embark on a smarter investment journey, leveraging top-notch trading strategies and innovations. For more information or to start your copy trading experience, visit Kwakol Markets' website. Disclaimer: Past performance is not indicative of future results and should not be the sole factor in an investment decision. Contact: Akim John

akim.j@kwakol.com

+12018014634 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202943/Kwakol_Markets.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kwakol-markets-unveils-cutting-edge-copy-trading-platform-empowering-investors-globally-301919108.html SOURCE Kwakol Markets

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] CargoM launches its storage space tool Tweet

MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2023 /CNW/ - CargoM, the Logistics and Transportation Metropolitan Cluster of Montreal, is proud to introduce an enhanced, web-based version of its storage space tool. Initially developed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tool was designed to provide assistance to businesses in the transportation and logistics sector, given the considerable storage requirements at that time. Following the pandemic, the supply chain has been through further disruption and storage issues have remained important and topical. In response to strong user interest in this tool, CargoM intends to upgrade it on ongoing basis, making it ever more user-friendly and accessible. "With a view to supporting our members and our industry, we are making the free storage tool available to them. As a registry, it makes it possible for companies to promote the rental of their excess space, while those looking for space can consult the dashboard on our web-based interface to find available indoor and outdoor space based on their search criteria. Initially developed for Greater Montreal, the registry also lists spaces elsewhere in Quebec and the rest of Canada. We are confident that this tool will have a positive impact and help to make our supply chain more efficient." - Mathieu Charbonneau, Executive Director, CargoM The tool already has more than 50 entries for vacant space, totalling 18.7 million indoor and outdoor square feet. The procedure is simple. Once logged on to the tool's web page wih a password assigned by CargoM, companies seeking space to rent will be able to find it based on their search criteria and/or using the interactive map that enables companies to be geolocated. Then all they have to do is contact the designated person in the storage space table. Companies with vacant space only need to fill out the form on the CargoM website. Our commitment to the confidentiality of your data is paramount, and all information collected by means of this interface is protected on a secure server.



CargoM obtained funding for this new version of the tool from the Programme d'appui au developpement des secteurs strategiques et des creneaux d'excellence (PADS) through the Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy (MEIE). The project was carried out by Mely.ai Solutions, a company that is accelerating supply chain digitalization. If your company needs space or has excess space, the tool CargoM developed for you will be of great use! Check out the new version of our storage space tool online here.

About CargoM Created in 2012, CargoM (cargo-montreal.ca  @CargoMtl) brings together Greater Montreal's logistics and freight transport stakeholders, including educational institutions, exporters and importers, research centres, associations and sectoral committees, around shared objectives and collaborative projects, with the aim of increasing the cohesiveness, competitiveness and outreach of this sector. Of vital importance to the development of Greater Montreal, it represents close to 130,000 jobs, 6,000 businesses and over $8.7 billion annually in economic benefits. CargoM's activities receive financial support from the Montreal Metropolitan Community (MMC), the Quebec government and all its members. SOURCE CargoM

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Kinective Announces its Inaugural "Innovator of the Year Awards" Winners Tweet

Kinective, a leading provider of connectivity, workflow, and analytics software for the banking sector, today announced its inaugural Innovator of the Year Award winners, recognizing six financial institutions who are setting the bar high in the industry, and paving the way for innovation in banking. The Innovator of the Year awards were designed to recognize the technology innovations that its clients and fintech partners have achieved throughout the past year. The awards were divided into six categories: Best Operating Efficiency, Best Experience, Best Connectivity, Technology Trailblazer, Freshest Fintech, and Digital Driver. The awards will be presented individually to each of the winners. Stephen Baker, CEO of Kinective, said, "Since the inception of Kinective, we have had the opportunity to work with more than 2,500 financial institutions that range in size from DeNovo Banks to some of the largest financial institutions across the U. S. as well as some of the most innovative Fintech providers in the industry. This gives us a unique perspective on the banking industry, and we want to recognize and celebrate innovation from these banks, credit unions, and fintechs that are pushing the limit to create better overall customer and members experiences." The 2023 Innovator winners are: Technology Trailblazer: OnPoint Community Credit Union (Portland, Oregon)

The Technology Trailblazer recognizes the financial institution making strides on transforming its branch technology to improve the overall client experience and optimize team efficiency. Best Operating Efficiency: Arvest Bank (Bentonville, Arkansas)

The Best Operating Efficiency award recognizes the financial institution that cost-efficienty delivers modern or inventive products and services.



The Ultramodern Experience: United Bank of Michigan (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Ultramodern Experience award recognizes the financial institution that is creating a seamless client experience by breaking down traditional in-branch barriers through innovative technology and out-of-the-box thinking. The Unrivaled Employer: Lone Star Credit Union (Dallas, Texas)

The Unrivaled Employer award recognizes the financial institution exemplary in reducing and improving onboarding timeframes, empowering employees through support and job duty consolidation, and creating cultures focused on sales and customer success.

Freshest Fintech: Mahalo Technologies, Inc. (Troy, Michigan)

The Freshest Fintech award recognizes a newer (2-3 years) fintech company on the market who is going above and beyond to empower financial institutions to reach new heights. Digital Driver: ICE Mortgage Technology (Pleasanton, California)

The Digital Driver award recognizes the fintech company leading the way with excellent service, trailblazing solutions, and consistently reliable technology for clients. Baker added, "Each of these institutions and fintechs are an exemplary example of what it takes to be best-in-class providers who consistently go above and beyond to pioneer new ideas and drive innovative solutions. The winners are leading the way in transforming their organizations and the lives of the customers and members they serve. Congratulations to each of our winners, they are re-imagining how the financial industry can provide services than not only meet expectations but also exceed them." About the Innovator of the Year Awards The Innovator Awards recognize the inventors, the creators, and the rebels within the banking industry. They are awarded to financial institutions and fintech companies making waves in the industry and challenging the status quo. About Kinective Kinective is the most open and connected platform for scaling innovation in the banking industry. The company is the force multiplier for acing transformation through one connection between fintechs and banking cores. This access to innovation helps financial institutions break down barriers, unlock new services, and enhance their competitive edge. For more information about Kinective, visit www.kinective.io or connect with the company on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906899962/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Swapin's Dedicated IBANs: Available for Businesses and Individuals in EEA, UK, and Switzerland Tweet

Tallinn, Estonia, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Swapin, a leading crypto-to-banks payment provider, has unveiled an upgrade to its platform that brings convenience and efficiency to businesses and individuals in SEPA. This latest update introduces crypto friendly payments in your name that won't attract red flags from banks. This works by offering Dedicated IBANs for payouts, ensuring seamless crypto-to-fiat transactions. Following an initial rollout in the EEA for private customers only, and drawing from the positive feedback of its customers, Swapin's Dedicated IBANs are notable for eliminating friction in crypto payments. Evald-Hannes Kree, CEO at Swapin, highlighted the customer-centric approach that underpins the latest product offering. He stated: We understand the challenges and complexities our customers face when navigating the world of crypto payouts. With Dedicated IBANs, we simplify the crypto-to-fiat experience for all of our users by helping them to make payments on behalf of their names or business names." Swapins Dedicated IBANs directly allay regulatory hiccups that commonly affect the settlement of crypto payments via banks. By providing customers with the benefit of transacting in their own names, the process becomes more transparent, making banks less likely to flag such crypto payments as suspicious. Benefits for Businesses

With Dedicated IBANs, Swapin empowers both businesses and individuals to make cryptocurrency to EUR or GBP payouts into bank accounts in their own names or their business names. Bank payments are more crypto-friendly with Swapin when compared to virtual asset service providers that do not process payments in the name of an actual sender. This feature underscores Swapins commitment to improving the standard of crypto-to-banks payment services. For businesses, Dedicated IBANs streamline operations and simplify accounting processes. By eliminating intermediaries on bankstatements, this gives businesses greater transparency and accuracy in financial transactions. Additionally, this update empowers businesses with the ability to seamlessly integrate cryptocurrency payments into their operations.



There are two verification levels which businesses can apply for and secure approval within two business days. Once approved, Dedicated IBANs for businesses are set to enable hassle-free salary payments, enhance efficiency for transactions by merchants, and allow for the direct settlement of business invoices with cryptocurrency.

Benefits for Individuals

Individual users in SEPA also stand to benefit from this service enhancement. Dedicated IBANs enable customers to effortlessly convert cryptocurrency holdings into fiat currency and direct these payouts into their bank accounts under their own name with SwapinGet . Users can also send crypto to any bank account and pay any EUR or GBP invoice using cryptocurrencies, with the receiver getting money into their bank account in the depositors name through SwapinPay . To utilize this feature, individual users will require Basic or Full verification level .

The launch of Dedicated IBANs aligns with Swapin's broader mission to simplify the crypto-to-fiat experience. By offering a bridge between the digital and traditional financial landscapes, Swapins Dedicated IBANs empower customers to transact with cryptocurrencies in their own name, powering a transparent and compliant model for individuals and businesses. About Swapin

Swapin is a leading crypto-to-banks payment provider, offering a user-friendly platform that enables seamless conversion of cryptocurrency assets into fiat currency. With a global presence and a commitment to user satisfaction, Swapin empowers individuals and businesses in SEPA to navigate the world of digital finance with confidence and ease. For further information, media inquiries, or interviews, please contact us on social media or send us an email . Note to Editors: For more information about Swapin and its Dedicated IBANs feature, please visit this link



Alexandra Lartey CMO Swapin alexandra-at-swapin.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] TOGGLE AI Introduces Direct Trading Integration With Tradestation Tweet

TOGGLE AI, the intelligent investing dashboard, introduced today the expansion of its direct trading integrations with the addition of TradeStation Group, Inc. ("TradeStation"), a Florida-based company whose operating subsidiaries provide award-winning*, self-clearing online brokerage services for trading stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and crypto that aim to offer the ultimate trading experience. TradeStation clients can now execute trades directly from the TOGGLE AI platform, while taking advantage of the entire suite of tools offered by TOGGLE AI, from AI-powered News Insights to the popular TOGGLE Leading Indicator. "TradeStation has made it a cornerstone of our mission to offer superior technology and financial education for our clients. Establishing a connection with TOGGLE AI gives our clients the ability to access a highly sophisticated set of data science tools that can be used to conduct their own research and analytics on all types of assets, including stocks, futures, options, and bonds with TradeStation Securities and certain cryptocurrencies with TradeStation Crypto," said John Bartleman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TradeStation Group. "The relationship between TradeStation and TOGGLE AI underscores the growing importance of AI in financial services." "We are excited to be working with TradeStation, which has been at the forefront of innovation for 40 years. We share a commitment with TradeStation for empowering investors with technology and transparency. Marrying TradeStation's brokerage services and TOGGLE AI's generative AI tools was a natural fit for our sers," said Jan Szilagyi, CEO and Co-Founder of TOGGLE AI. "TOGGLE users will now have access to TradeStation's brokerage services and the ability to seamlessly execute trades through an API connection right from our platform."



TOGGLE AI is a generative AI solution that provides fully autonomous global market analytics and portfolio monitoring services via web, mobile, and API for retail and institutional clients. Over 100,000 traders have signed up for TOGGLE AI, and connected portfolios from dozens of institutions around the globe. Direct trading integrations allow users to engage with TOGGLE AI's actionable AI-driven insights immediately. TOGGLE AI uses machine learning and AI to help bridge the financial literacy gap for investors and establish a culture of informed trading and sustainable investments. About TradeStation Group, Inc.

Founded in 1982, TradeStation Group companies provide innovative fintech tools and are focused on delivering the ultimate trading experience to our clients. TradeStation provides award-winning* trading and analysis platforms and self-clearing online brokerage services for stocks, ETFs, equity and index options, commodity and financial futures, futures options, and digital assets. These trading platforms are accessible on desktop, web, and mobile devices, as well as via API technologies that provide seamless access to TradeStation's brokerage environment through third-party platforms. TradeStation's offerings also include deep and growing learning content designed to hone the skills of seasoned traders. In 2022, TradeStation commissioned the Miami Bull, an 11-foot, 3,000-pound statue, presented in Miami to both honor the city and champion the latest fintech technologies that have emerged around the world, including the emergence of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance. TradeStation Securities, Inc. (Member NYSE, FINRA, SIPC, NSCC, DTC, OCC, NFA & CME) is a subsidiary of TradeStation Group, Inc. that offers self-clearing equities, options, futures and futures options brokerage services as a licensed securities broker-dealer and futures commission merchant (FCM) and is a member of major equities and futures exchanges in the United States. TRADESTATION SECURITIES, INC. IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA'S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. HOWEVER, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THE NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OVER UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS. TradeStation Crypto, Inc. is a subsidiary of TradeStation Group, Inc. that offers self-clearing cryptocurrency brokerage services under federal and state money services business, money-transmitter and similar registrations and licenses. TradeStation Crypto, Inc. is not subject to NFA's regulatory oversight and examinations. * Visit TradeStation.com/Awards for more information. About TOGGLE AI TOGGLE AI is an award-winning, intelligent investment dashboard empowering both institutional and retail investors with curated insights on individual securities and their broader portfolios. Like a GPS or co-pilot for investing, the platform helps investors navigate a wide array of markets with instant insights tailored to their investing style. For more information, please visit toggle.ai. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906932265/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] 365 Connect Announces Strategic Sponsorship of Multifamily Women Summit in Phoenix, Arizona Tweet

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 365 Connect, the leader in delivering the world's most sophisticated automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platform for multifamily communities across the globe, announced that the company will participate in the inaugural Multifamily Women Summit as a key strategic sponsor. The summit takes place September 6  7 in Phoenix, Arizona. Launched by the founders of Multifamily Leadership, Patrick and Carrie Antrim, the Multifamily Women Summit is open to everyone in the multifamily housing industry, with content built specifically for the challenges the industry is facing today. Delivered by experts who have been through it all, the actual boots on the ground, speakers and panels delve into an array of topics, from running apartment portfolios to paving the way for implementing new technologies. "Our industry is experiencing change at a rapid pace," explained Melinda M. Kirby, CAO of 365 Cnnect. "The Multifamily Women Summit offers a platform for industry experts to gather, analyze, and discuss the shared challenges we are all facing. The opportunity to collaborate and foster creative ideas with accomplished women in our industry is exciting, and empowering. We enthusiastically remain committed to supporting this event, as it uplifts and elevates women in their industry roles."



The Multifamily Women Summit delivers a premier industry event with notable thought-provoking speakers, informal peer-to-peer discussions, and unparalleled educational content inside an exclusive networking environment. This event is part of a bigger plan to advance women's leadership throughout every aspect of the industry with the end-goal of sharing expert content through print-based materials, social media, and our streaming platform, Multifamily Studios. "We are truly grateful to 365 Connect for their unwavering and continuing support," added Carrie Antrim, Co-Founder of Multifamily Women. "365 Connect has long been recognized as a leader in our field, with a strong commitment to innovation, industry engagement, and excellence. Their sponsorship allows us to bring together professionals, thought leaders, and enthusiasts from our industry to share insights, network, and inspire creativity."

Registration for the summit is available at: www.multifamilywomen.com ABOUT 365 CONNECT: 365 Connect delivers the world's most sophisticated automated marketing, leasing, and resident engagement platform for multifamily communities across the globe. Designed to modernize transactions that empower people, the platform executes processes that accelerate operations and minimizes human intervention. Founded in 2003 with an unwavering commitment to connect people with where they live, 365 Connect is built for renters, management teams, and today's changing world. Learn how we are ready for what's next at 365connect.com. Media Contacts

365 CONNECT

Media Relations

[email protected]

504-299-3444 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/365-connect-announces-strategic-sponsorship-of-multifamily-women-summit-in-phoenix-arizona-301917940.html SOURCE 365 CONNECT

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Commonwealth Creates Connections Between Advisors and Next-Gen CFP Professionals Through New Talent Exchange Initiative Tweet

Commonwealth Financial Network, a national firm dedicated to providing financial advisors with holistic, integrated business solutions, announces the expansion of its Talent Exchange Initiative to connect skilled, work-ready students from top-tier universities offering CFP programs with its affiliated advisors. Through this initiative, Commonwealth will foster connections between students and its affiliated advisors, cultivate relationships with next-gen talent across the U.S., and support the needs of its affiliated firms. According to our recent study conducted in partnership with Cerulli Associates, 37 percent of financial advisors-who collectively control $10.4 trillion, or 40 percent of total industry assets-are expected to retire in the next decade, leaving clients with a shortfall of available advisors. The results of this study illustrate that educating the next generation of financial planners is critical to closing the gap. "With a sharp focus on eliminating barriers in the student-to-advisor pipeline, we developed the Talent Exchange Initiative to build strategic partnerships with higher-learning institutions and connect students and alumni with our advisors," said David Israel, vice president, field outreach, at Commonwealth. "We made the decision to highlight institutions specifically offering CFP programs in accordance with their financial planning degree curricula to ensure a high standard of applicant quality." Given that a large percentage of Commonwealth advisors have the CFP designation-43.2 percent, the highest percentage of CFP professionals among independent broker/dealers1-the requirements encourage aplicants to connect with candidates right from the start to find common ground and build trust. Key Talent Exchange Initiative offerings include:



An increased presence on the campuses of partner schools, with either home office staff or local advisors attending on-site recruiting events, job fairs, and other gatherings to keep Commonwealth at the forefront for opportunity seekers A curated directory of budding talent built specifically for affiliated advisors to connect and engage with candidates directly throughout the year An invitation for partner universities and their students to join Commonwealth at its National Conference, October 11-14, 2023, in Aurora, Colorado. The students will interface directly with the advisor community, have the opportunity to network with other students and staff, and leave with competitive offers for internship and employment opportunities A robust internal development track that provides education, training, and resources to new hires as they accept opportunities with Commonwealth advisors and begin their careers Commonwealth's valued partner universities currently include Bentley University, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, the University of Akron, Temple University, Bryant University, Delaware State University, and Utah Valley University. Israel added, "Through our pilot program with Bentley University last year, Commonwealth supported connections that led to meaningful work opportunities for students in the Greater Boston area. We are committed to finding a solution to the succession planning concerns the industry faces. And we support our advisors and honor their legacies by ensuring that their clients have access to the next generation of independent advice from those with a vested interest in their long-term success."

About Commonwealth Financial Network

Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser, provides financial advisors with holistic, integrated solutions that support business evolution, growth acceleration, and operational efficiency. J.D. Power ranks Commonwealth "#1 in Independent Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms, 10 Times in a Row." Privately held since 1979, the firm has headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Diego, California. Learn more about how Commonwealth partners with more than 2,100 independent financial advisors overseeing more than $242.9 billion2 in assets nationwide by visiting www.commonwealth.com. Commonwealth received the highest score among independent advisors in the J.D. Power 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2018?2023 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Studies. Presented on July 5, 2023, for December 2022 to April 2023, it is based on responses from 4,183 advisors employed by or affiliated with the firms included in the study. Not indicative of the firm's future performance. Your experience may vary. Study is independently conducted, and the participating firms do not pay to participate. Use of study results in promotional materials is subject to a license fee. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details. 1 According to InvestmentNews' 2023 Independent Broker-Dealer Survey

2 As of 12/31/2022 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906024592/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Firstcard Announces $4.7 Million in Seed Funding To Build Better Banking for College Students Tweet

Firstcard, a fintech startup building better banking for college students, today announced that it has raised $4.7 million in Seed funding from VCs and Angels such as AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund. This comes a year after the company's $3 million Pre-Seed fundraise, bringing the total funding to date to $7.7 million. The company was founded by immigrant entrepreneur Kenji Niwa, who was an MBA student at UC Berkeley Haas Business School after successfully selling his first startup in Japan. Kenji first-handedly experienced the challenges of getting financial products as an international student and witnessed the financial stress many local college students underwent. On the heels of this fundraise, Firstcard also debuted its Credit Builder Card today to help students build better credit and get started on their financial journey early with safety guardrails at the forefront. With Firstcard Credit Builder Card, students can get a credit card and start building credit without worrying about their credit history, overspending, or application rejection. Additionally, Firstcard provides students with a bank account, lets them earn up to 15% cash back at selected merchants and soon grow savings with up to 4.25% APY with the launch of Firstcard Plus (a $3 monthly subscription plan) - all within a single platform. The unique features of the Firstcard Credit Builder Card include: Build and track credit scores: Firstcard reports to all 3 major credit bureaus so students can start building a strong credit history right away.

Firstcard reports to all 3 major credit bureaus so students can start building a strong credit history right away. No need to worry about overspending: What you deposit is what you can spend, creating financially healthy habits for student uers.

What you deposit is what you can spend, creating financially healthy habits for student uers. Get approval regardless of your credit background or location: Students don't need to worry about credit history when applying for Firstcard. Additionally, Firstcard accepts international students without an SSN. Firstcard believes in providing equal opportunities and financial access to all, and aims to empower students to kickstart their financial journey regardless of credit background.

Students don't need to worry about credit history when applying for Firstcard. Additionally, Firstcard accepts international students without an SSN. Firstcard believes in providing equal opportunities and financial access to all, and aims to empower students to kickstart their financial journey regardless of credit background. Grow cash overtime: Earn 1.25% APY with Firstcard and soon 4.25% APY with the launch of Firstcard Plus, our $3 monthly subscription plan. *Not applicable for international students without an SSN at the moment.

Earn 1.25% APY with Firstcard and soon 4.25% APY with the launch of Firstcard Plus, our $3 monthly subscription plan. *Not applicable for international students without an SSN at the moment. Partners with selected merchants for cash back: Enjoy cashback rewards through our 29,000+ strong partners, many of whom are right on campus.

Enjoy cashback rewards through our 29,000+ strong partners, many of whom are right on campus. No annual fee. No minimum deposit. No overdraft fees. No late fees. Students' financial journeys shouldn't come with unexpected surprises. We believe in transparency and aligning interests with you.



In a recent survey done by Firstcard, 50% of college students do not have a credit card because they are afraid of overspending and application rejection. According to a recent FICO study, 29% of Gen Z consumers don't have a credit score or don't know if they have one. For this reason, the executive team, consisting of Kenji Niwa (CEO), Daniel Junqueira (CTO) and Ma Qing (CMO), launched Firstcard and built the Credit Builder Card to address the credit issue for students first.

"We're excited to be investors in Firstcard. We know from our hiring data that Firstcard has been among the very best startups for attracting top talent on Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)," said Abraham Othman, PhD, at AngelList Early Stage Quant Fund. With this new round of funding, Firstcard plans to double-down on its student-first approach and scale its tech infrastructure and marketing efforts on college campuses. Upcoming features will include an AI "financial advisor" to help students save money and build credit by analyzing their financial behavior, a budgeting tool, financial aid and student loan solutions, ways to earn bonus APY for savings, financial education content, and other features that will support Firstcard's commitment to helping students succeed in their financial future. About Firstcard Firstcard is better banking built for college students where college students can get a bank account, build credit, earn cash back and grow savings with friends - all within a single platform. Firstcard puts students first and provides financial tools and knowledge tailored to students with a mission to help students succeed in their financial journey. Visit Firstcard.app to download the free app for iOS or Android. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906205696/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] TRULY GRASS FED EXPANDS RETAIL DISTRIBUTION TO SHOPPERS NATIONWIDE Tweet

Additional Products Now Available in Grocery Stores and on Amazon Fresh CHICAGO , Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Truly Grass Fed, a premium brand of sustainably-produced dairy products from the green fields of Ireland, has expanded its retail presence across the U.S. in-store and online. The brand is increasing accessibility to its butter and cheese at existing and new-to-the-brand retailers as well as through Amazon Fresh. For the first time, select Truly Grass Fed products are now on shelves at regional H-E-B stores and even more SKUs were added to lineups at Fresh Market and Publix, which now carries all Truly Grass Fed products. Later this year, the brand's creamy butters and cheeses will be rolling out in new ShopRite and Safeway locations to reach shoppers in the NY Metro and Southern California areas. With continuing growth in online grocery, Truly Grass Fed has added Amazon Fresh as an additional delivery service to offer its products. "Building upon the growing consumer interest in our brand and positive response to our refreshed packaging that rolled out earlier this summer, this retail expansion will allow even more customers to learn about Truly Grass Fed's delicious products and Irish tradition of sustainable agriculture," said Jaclyn Crabbe, Marketing Director, Truly Grass Fed. "By continuing to expand our online delivery options and increase retail distribution, we are opening up alternative ways for new and existing customers to discover and shop for our delicious butter and cheese." Truly Grass Fed is a farmer-owned co-operative organization where farmers share deep bonds with their herds. The brand's farms typically have an average of one cow for every two acres of land and all products meet the highest industry standards of quality, safety, animal welfare and environmental?consciousness. The brand's butters and cheeses are made from cows that are 95% grass-fed, non-GMO project verified, animal wefare approved by A Greener World and free from growth hormones and antibiotics.



"As we head into the last few months of the year when entertaining and holiday baking are popular, Truly Grass Fed products will be more accessible to shoppers as they prepare for parties and family gatherings," said Conor O'Donovan, General Manager at Truly Grass Fed. "With Truly Grass Fed's availability on Amazon Fresh, the busiest time of the year will be a little easier as individuals can now conveniently order our products online and schedule an at-home delivery." For more information, please visit www.trulygrassfed.com and to find additional brand retail locations, please visit www.trulygrassfed.com/store-locator/. To shop for Truly Grass Fed products on Amazon Fresh, please visit the links here and here.

About Truly Grass Fed

Truly Grass Fed is a premium brand of Irish dairy products crafted with integrity and care for people, animals, and the planet. The brand's distinctively creamy and delicious butter and cheese are made from cows that are 95% grass-fed, Non-GMO Project Verified, Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World and free from growth hormones and antibiotics.?Truly Grass Fed is elevating dairy to a new standard. The brand is strongly rooted in the art of farming but deeply dedicated to sustainability, transparency and progress with wholesome dairy from cows living their best lives outside, on pasture on average 250 days a year, grazing on green Irish grass.?The Truly Grass Fed seal signifies that the dairy ingredients inside meet the highest industry standards of quality, safety, animal welfare and environmental?consciousness. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/truly-grass-fed-expands-retail-distribution-to-shoppers-nationwide-301918306.html SOURCE Truly Grass Fed

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Rubrik Ranks #5 on the 2023 Bay Area Top Workplaces List Tweet

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubrik , the Zero Trust Data Security Company, today announced that it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The San Francisco Chronicle. Rubrik ranked in the top 5 out of 128 companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company was also recognized by Top Workplaces for its cultural excellence, taking home five awards for Compensation & Benefits, Innovation, Leadership, Purpose & Values, and Work-life Flexibility.

This recognition is especially meaningful because its based on our teams feedback, and is a true reflection of our unique culture where everyone is empowered to share their ideas and leave their mark, said Lillian Reaume, Chief People Officer of Rubrik. United by our purpose, we continue to achieve new heights, and Im so proud of what were building together. Top Workplaces is the nation's leading employer recognition program based solely on employee feedback, which is gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC . The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including: alignment, execution, connection, and more. Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees, said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure theyre allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends. Rubrik was also recently awarded a 2023 Great Place To Work crtification , highlighting its strong workplace culture for the second year in a row. This recognition comes on the heels of Rubrik acquiring Laminar, a data security posture management (DSPM) company, its ranking in the #9 spot on this years Forbes Cloud 100 list , and Rubrik being named a Leader and positioned furthest in vision in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions.



To learn more about Rubrik, current job openings, or its culture and values, please visit https://www.rubrik.com/company/careers . You can find additional details about how Rubrik continues to build a great workplace on Top Workplaces . About Rubrik

Rubrik is on a mission to secure the worlds data. With Zero Trust Data Security, we help organizations achieve business resilience against cyberattacks, malicious insiders, and operational disruptions. Rubrik Security Cloud, powered by machine learning, secures data across enterprise, cloud, and SaaS applications. We help organizations uphold data integrity, deliver data availability that withstands adverse conditions, continuously monitor data risks and threats, and restore businesses with their data when infrastructure is attacked.

For more information please visit www.rubrik.com and follow @rubrikInc on X (formerly Twitter) and Rubrik on LinkedIn. About Energage Making the world a better place to work?together. Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com . Contact

Kelsey Shively

Sr. Director of Global Communications, Rubrik

[email protected]



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 23:46 | World, Japan, All

Japan and China on Wednesday traded barbs over Beijing's ban on all of Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida criticizing the neighboring country's negative reaction to the discharge as "conspicuous."

Tokyo will continue to demand Beijing take "action based on scientific grounds," while it will keep providing appropriate information on the discharge that began on Aug. 24, Kishida said during the ASEAN Plus Three summit involving Japan, China and South Korea, held in Jakarta.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Japan to handle the matter responsibly and fully consult with its neighbors and related stakeholders, saying the disposal of "nuclear-contaminated water" concerns the global marine ecological environment and people's health, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The summit marked the first multilateral gathering attended by both Japanese and Chinese leaders since Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. started discharging the water into the Pacific Ocean, following the International Atomic Energy Agency's report in July that said the plan complies with global safety standards.

Kishida said during their talks that Japan has secured the global community's understanding regarding the safety of the water release and vowed to continue his country's explanation "with high transparency," according to the Japanese government.

The water discharge has been accepted by nations such as the United States and Australia, as well as the European Union.

China has strongly opposed Japan's handling of the wastewater, and implemented a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports in protest shortly after the discharge started. Tokyo has since urged Beijing to scrap it.

China's outright ban on Japanese seafood and the emergence of anti-Japan sentiment among its public came at a time when expectations had been growing for a thaw in bilateral relations.

The two nations are at odds over the sovereignty of uninhabited islets controlled by Japan and claimed by China, among other contentious issues.

Ahead of the ASEAN Plus Three meeting, Kishida held a brief conversation with Li, during which he pressed China to lift its ban on Japanese seafood imports, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

It was their first meeting as leaders, with Li assuming office in March.

Kishida said the two countries need to build "constructive and stable" relations, while explaining Japan's position on the water discharge, according to the ministry.

The summit was also attended by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The South Korean government, which has been working to improve bilateral ties with Japan, has said it respects the U.N. nuclear watchdog's findings that pointed to "negligible" impact on people and the environment, although opposition parties and the public have raised concerns about the move.

So far, none of the ASEAN member states has openly opposed the water discharge. ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the ministry officials, only Kishida and Li made remarks regarding the water release at the summit.

Kishida also expressed serious concern over North Korea's missile and nuclear development programs and the situation in Myanmar following a 2021 coup, the officials said.

At the outset of the gathering, Kishida said Japan hopes to "promote concrete cooperation in various fields" including finance and food security areas.

Li warned against efforts by the United States, Japan and South Korea to contain China, saying it is important to "oppose taking sides and confrontation" to avoid a new Cold War and to ensure that disputes among countries are properly handled.

He added that "the most effective way to clear up misunderstandings" is to "keep differences under control."

Yoon, meanwhile, called for an early realization of a trilateral summit with Japan and China, which was last held in December 2019, pledging to "closely communicate" with the two neighbors.

The gathering in Jakarta is part of three-day ASEAN-related summit meetings from Tuesday. Leaders from Japan, China and South Korea will also gather for the East Asia Summit on Thursday, where representatives from major powers such as the United States, Russia and India will join.

Related coverage:

Japan vows ASEAN human resources support in maritime, digital fields

Leaders of China, Japan, South Korea seeking to meet by year-end

Japan PM Kishida to visit Indonesia, India for ASEAN, G-20 summits
[September 06, 2023] Cox Enterprises' Lead Lawyer Joins Executive Leadership Team Tweet

Jennifer Hightower to head up company's new center of excellence for law and policy ATLANTA, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises announced today that Jennifer Hightower has been promoted to executive vice president and chief legal officer and is joining the company's executive leadership team. She now reports directly to the $22 billion company's chairman and chief executive officer, Alex Taylor. Hightower leads Cox's legal function, serves as corporate secretary supporting the company's board of directors, and is the lead legal advisor on policy and strategic initiatives related to Cox's lines of business. Known for driving efficiency and excellence, Hightower will oversee law and policy teams across the enterprise, including Cox Communications and Cox Automotive. "I consistently rely on Jennifer's counsel, intellect and practical insights," said Taylor, "She's a thoughtful leader, and it shows in her relationships with her team, her peers and across the company." Hightower joined Cox in 1997 as senior counsel at Cox Communications, where she was promoted to assistant general counse in 2002 and to head of law and policy in 2011. She moved to Cox Enterprises in 2020 as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, and was promoted to executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary in February 2023.



Before joining Cox, Hightower served in various legal positions at BellSouth Corporation, RaceTrac, Inc., and Drew, Eckl & Farnham. Hightower is the recipient of the Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) Wonder Woman Award, Woman to Watch Award, Mentor of the Year Award and has been recognized as one of the most Influential Women in Cable and as a CableFax Top Lawyer multiple years in a row.?Hightower was also honored as the Top General Counsel of Large Departments by the American Corporate Counsel Association Chapter of Georgia.

Hightower is on the Emory Board of Visitors, the Emory Law School Advisory Board, and the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta. She is the past chair of the Atlanta Women's Foundation and a past Board member for YMCA Greater Atlanta and Covenant House of Georgia. ? She holds a law degree from the Emory University School of Law and a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University. Hightower is also a graduate of the Stanford Executive Management Program and a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Atlanta class. About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, while strategically investing in emerging technologies driving the future of cleantech, health care, and public sector services. Its major operating subsidiaries are Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, which includes brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $22 billion in annual revenues and a proud 125-year history. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-lead-lawyer-joins-executive-leadership-team-301919363.html SOURCE Cox Enterprises

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Panorays Teams Up with HALOCK Security Labs to Launch Streamlined Third-Party Supplier Management Solution Tweet

NEW YORK, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panorays , a leading provider of third-party security risk management, has partnered with HALOCK Security Labs , a renowned risk management and cybersecurity consultancy, to introduce its joint Third-Party Supplier Management (TPSM) solution. This cutting-edge program streamlines third-party supplier management, empowering businesses with a centralized platform for efficient vendor oversight, assessment, and continuous monitoring.

The service offers robust features to enhance supplier management. Businesses can gain real-time insights through external network vulnerability scans, asset discovery, and monitoring, while also tracking fourth-party vendor relationships and receiving notifications when ratings change. These features enable businesses to stay ahead of cyber threats and ensure robust security practices throughout the supply chain, according to Matan Or-El, CEO and co-founder of Panorays. With Panorays automated risk management platform and HALOCKs expertise in risk management and compliance, organizations now have a powerful solution to enhance their Third-Party Supplier Management and proactively protect against cyber risks. Moreover, the program allows organizations to automate and tailor security questionnaires according to relationships, importance, or regulatory obligations. This is achieved through Third-Party Supplier Management, which effectively monitors questionnaire advancement, facilitates communication with suppliers, and securely uploads evidence via a centralized platform. "Our collaboration with Panorays is a true synergy play, added Terry Kurzynski, CEO and Partner at HALOCK Security Labs. By combining HALOCKs innovative risk management services and deep technical expertise with Panorays' centralized third-party supplier management solution, organizations can buildstronger, more resilient supply chains."



To learn more about Panorays, please visit: https://panorays.com/ . To learn more about HALOCK, please visit: https://www.halock.com/ . About HALOCK

HALOCK is a risk management and information security firm that has built a reputation for excellence with its clients and throughout the information security community since 1996. HALOCK helps clients establish reasonable security as regulations require through Duty of Care Risk Analysis (DoCRA). DoCRA analyzes risks and all parties potentially affected by those risks and determines appropriate controls based upon an organizations missions, objectives, and obligations. HALOCKs Purpose-Driven philosophy ensures security programs are customized for each clients distinctive business requirements. To properly implement a strong security program, clients typically engage with multiple HALOCK practice areas including: Governance and Compliance  Develops, implements, and conducts risk assessment and risk management programs, vendor risk management, policy and procedure libraries, PCI compliance services, HIPAA Compliance, ISO 27001 Certification, security awareness training, and CISO Advisory Services.

 Develops, implements, and conducts risk assessment and risk management programs, vendor risk management, policy and procedure libraries, PCI compliance services, HIPAA Compliance, ISO 27001 Certification, security awareness training, and CISO Advisory Services. Penetration Testing  Conducts network, web application, wireless, social engineering, assumed breach, advisory simulation, and remediation verification penetration testing.

 Conducts network, web application, wireless, social engineering, assumed breach, advisory simulation, and remediation verification penetration testing. Incident Response and Forensics  Provides Incident Response Readiness (Incident Response Plan, Training, Threat Hunting), Incident Response, Forensic Examination, as well as Live Breach and Crisis Management services.

 Provides Incident Response Readiness (Incident Response Plan, Training, Threat Hunting), Incident Response, Forensic Examination, as well as Live Breach and Crisis Management services. Product Solutions and Engineering  Implements next generation and web application firewalls, log management and SIEM, advanced endpoint security and response, DLP, email security, sensitive data scanning, vulnerability scanning, and additional security solutions as well as security deployment and configuration services. Visit us at www.halock.com . About Panorays

Panorays is a rapidly growing provider of third-party security risk management software, offered as a SaaS-based platform. The company serves enterprise and mid-market customers primarily in North America, the UK and the EU, and has been adopted by leading banking, insurance, financial services and healthcare organizations, among others. Headquartered in New York and Israel, with offices around the world, Panorays is funded by numerous international investors, including Aleph VC, Oak HC/FT, Greenfield Partners, BlueRed Partners (Singapore), StepStone Group, Moneta VC, Imperva Co-Founder Amichai Shulman and former CEO of Palo Alto Networks Lane Bess. Visit us at www.panorays.com . PR Contact:

Adam Brett

[email protected]



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Fortune Selects Quantum Health to 2023 Best Workplaces in Health Care List Tweet

Fortune magazine and Great Place To Work have selected Quantum Health, the leading consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company, for the 2023 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care List. Earning a spot on the list means that Quantum Health is one of the best companies to work for in the country. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906445060/en/ The Best Workplaces in Health Care award is based on analysis of survey responses from over 208,000 employees from Great Place To Work Certified companies in the healthcare industry. "At Quantum Health, we believe that no one should have to navigate their healthcare alone. Ensuring that our millions of members feel loved and cared for during a healthcare journey is at the core of what our Healthcare Warriors do tirelessly every day," said Veronica Knuth, Chief People Officer for Quantum Health. "Our passionate, problem-solving Warriors not only advocate with empathy for members dealing with healthcare challenges, they seamlessly partner with our employer clients, providers and payers who are integral to the total healthcare experience. We are so grateful to Fortune and Great Place To Work for this award, and for what the award reflects - Quantum Health's unique culture driven by the dedication of our Warriors to bring their best to those who need it most. It's them we celebrate and thank for earning this incredible honor." The Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care List is highly competitive. Great Place To Work, the global authority on workplace culture, determines its lists using its proprietary For All Methodology to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations in America's largest ongoing annual workforce study, based on over 1.3 million survey responses and data from companies representing more than 7.5 million employees this year alone. Survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience. Honorees were selected based on their ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status or other demographic identifier. "Fortune congratulates Quantum Health and other Best Workplaces in Health Care," says Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. "Creating a vibrant workplace culture that draws the best talent in healthcare is vital for the success of the leaders in this highly competitive industry. It is also what's needed to ignite innovation and deliver best-in-class performance." For employees, navigating insurance and understanding the costs of healthcare ca be the hardest part of their healthcare journey. Only 20% of employees say they feel "very confident" they understand and know how to use their health benefits. Recent industry data reveals that while employees cited feeling most supported at open enrollment when they are choosing a healthcare plan, when the plan becomes "real" and they must navigate and make decisions, they don't feel supported.



Quantum Health's navigation platform and its industry-leading comprehensive care coordination service is addressing this frustrating employee healthcare experience. Unlike any other market solution, the Quantum Health platform links employees, employers and providers, proactively connecting them and intervening earlier in the healthcare process, for the greatest impact. Through its Real-Time Intercept capabilities, Quantum Health integrates proprietary technology, data feeds, clinical expertise and robust, proactive provider engagement to address members' needs and course of treatment in real time. This expert attention ensures employees are guided as crucial decisions about their care are made and they receive the most appropriate, cost-effective care and unparalleled support all along the way. Results include a better overall experience, improved healthcare behaviors, increased benefits and ecosystem utilization, enhanced clinical outcomes and cost savings. About Quantum Health

Quantum Health is the industry-leading consumer healthcare navigation and care coordination company that delivers an unparalleled consumer experience to its members, as well as validated claims savings and high satisfaction rates for its self-insured employer clients. Quantum Health's proprietary Real-Time Intercept model identifies opportunities for early intervention in a member's healthcare journey, resulting in better engagement, outcomes and cost efficiencies. The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Dublin, Ohio. Since its inception, Quantum Health has earned numerous awards and honors, including being named among the Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000, and a Great Place to Work by Fortune Magazine and Entrepreneur Magazine. Quantum Health has consistently been named one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies by the Women Presidents Organization, and Columbus Business First has consecutively honored Quantum Health as a Best Place to Work. To learn more about the company, visit Quantum-Health.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About the Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care List Great Place To Work selected the 2023 Fortune Best Workplaces in Health Care by gathering and analyzing confidential survey responses from more than 208,000 employees at Great Place To Work Certified organizations in the healthcare industry. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index Survey. Great Place To Work determines its lists using its proprietary For All methodology to evaluate and certify thousands of organizations in America's largest ongoing annual workforce study. This year alone, 1.3 million survey responses and data from companies representing more than 7.5 million employees were received. Read the full methodology. About Great Place To Work As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and For All model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified or receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces List. Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more. About Fortune The Fortune mission is to change the world by making business better. We achieve that by providing trusted information, telling great stories and building world-class communities. We measure performance by rigorous benchmarks. And we hold companies accountable. Our goal is to make Fortune a force for good through its second century and beyond. For more information, visit www.fortune.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906445060/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] AM Best to Discuss Canada Insurance Market Analysis, IFRS 17 Updates and Best's Performance Assessments at Toronto Briefing Tweet

AM Best will host an insurance market briefing on the state of Canada's insurance industry at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. During the complimentary half-day event, AM Best senior analysts will deliver market insights and present overviews of Canada's main insurance sectors, including discussion of emerging trends and updates around the IFRS 17 accounting updates. To register for AM Best's Canada Insurance Market Briefing - Toronto, please go to AM Best's Canada Insurance Market Briefing - Toronto. Sessions during the event include: AM Best's Canadian Market Outlooks: 2023 has proven to be another challenging year with wildfires and flooding pushing catastrophe-related claims costs higher. AM Best analysts will provide an economic overview, as well as analysis of the performance of Canadian property/casualty and life/annuity lines of business with outlooks for the coming year.

Implications of IFRS 17: Gord Dowhan, CFO & SVP, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, Rosemarie Mirbella, director, AM Best, and Ron Stokes, managing partner, EY, will discuss the market's shift toward the IFRS 17 accounting standards and what that means for insurers.

Recent Developments in Delegated Underwriting: AM Best Senior Director Greg Williams will lead a discussion on the Best's Performance Assessment for delegated underwriting authority enterprises (DUAEs), which launched in early 2022. DUAEs such as managing general agents have become an important part of the insurance value chain, with premiums having doubled globally over the last decade.

Canada 2023 Hot Topics Panel Discussion: Matthew Mann, vice president, AJ Gallagher; Steve Masnyk, executive director, Canadian Association of Managing General Agents; and Janet Weldon, assistant vice president, Data Strategy & Enablement, Sun Life; will join a panel discussion moderated by AM Best Senior Director Sridhar Manyem on emerging trends in artificial intelligence technology, cyber and industry innovation efforts.



event website. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2023 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906423278/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Vantagepoint AI Recognized as a Top U.S. Workplace by Fortune Magazine Tweet

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantagepoint AI has been recognized again by Fortune Magazine as a top Small Business. Vantagepoint AI was ranked as one of the "Top 100 Small Businesses" in the country. Vantagepoint AI was the first company in the world to empower independent traders to trade smarter and profit more using Artificial Intelligence on their home computers. In 1979, company founder, Louis Mendelsohn, transformed the financial industry with the introduction of his theory of strategy backtesting, the introduction of his software, and his dual-patented predictive indicators and global Intermarket Analysis. Today, his son, Lane Mendelsohn leads the company and continues to create a workplace that is transforming lives both for his team and for VantagePoint traders. "This news is both inspiring and monumental to me," says Lane Mendelsohn. "The VantagePoint team has always been a primary fous, and this reflects how each member feels about being a part of it. As the President, I'm deeply aware of my responsibility to care for our team and our business."



Vantagepoint AI offers its team full medical, dental, and vision coverage and maintains a workplace culture centered around its core values of teamwork, communication, purpose, innovation, respect, integrity, and passion to guide every decision and action at all levels of the company. The company is also dedicated to giving back to the local community through regular corporate giving as well as team member donations to community charities. The Vantagepoint AI team was surveyed and resoundingly endorsed the workplace culture the Mendelsohns have created. "I love that we are a leader in the United States of how to be a workplace that changes lives for my team, our community, and our traders!" said Lane Mendelsohn.

Learn more about what makes VantagePoint unique in the financial software sector and how predictive A.I. is innovating trading strategies for independent traders at a free live interactive training. About Vantagepoint AI, LLC. Vantagepoint's artificial intelligence-based software forecasts Stocks, Futures, Options, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, and ETFs with proven accuracy of up to 87.4%. Family-owned, Vantagepoint is actively committed to giving back in the Tampa Bay community including regularly donating a portion of revenue to Shriners Hospitals for Children, The Children's Cancer Center, and Pasco Kids First. For a private demonstration: www.vantagepointsoftware.com/demo Media contact: Jordan Youtz, jordany@tradermarketinggroup.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vantagepoint-ai-recognized-as-a-top-us-workplace-by-fortune-magazine-301919470.html SOURCE VantagePoint Software

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] Asia Photonics Expo 2024: Paving the Future of Photonics in Emerging Markets Tweet

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Photonics Expo (APE) 2024, Asia's Premier Photonics[1] Event was announced at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre, in conjunction with China International Optoelectronics Exposition. Hundreds of representatives from the optoelectronics[2] industry including enterprises, associations, societies, research institutes and media attended the successful press conference. During the welcome speech, Mr. Jianlin Cao, Former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, said: "As a witness to the growth and expansion of photonics related R&D, industry and application in China, Minister Cao believes that the Asian market plays a very important role in the R&D, production and application of the photonics industry. Singapore, as the trade and business hub in Asia, has a superior geographical location and is the ideal location for Asia Photonics Expo." He said: "I have also visited Singapore several times as a scientist and a member of the Chinese government delegation, here I hope that Singapore can give more support to the Asia Photonics Expo, and also hope that China's research and development, production, especially the enterprise peers can bravely go globally and communicate with the world. Finally, I wish the first edition of Asia Photonics Expo a complete success, and each edition will be better than the last." APE's key strategic partners, LUX Photonics Consortium and European Photonics Industry Consortium, were also present at the press conference. "We are thrilled to partner Informa Markets to launch the Asia Photonics Expo (APE) in 2024. APE will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and potential buyers, creating a global platform in Asia for knowledge exchange and business collaborations. This will offer opportunities for companies to venture into new businesses and partnerships in emerging markets globally." said Prof Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium. Similarly, Mr. Carlos Lee, Director General of the European Photonics Industry Consortium shared on Global Collaboration to Advance Technology:" Photonics is a key enabling technology, and its progress depends on working together. APE will gather companies from Asia, Europe, and the world to further advance the technology through business and collaboration." APE will be held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore from 6 to 8 March 2024. The inaugural event, organised by Informa Markets, will provide photonics professionals insight to the latest emerging trends shaping the future and offering the industry a valuable platform to explore, connect, collaborate with new markets in the region. As Asia's leading and influential event for photonics industry, APE is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Mr Yap Chin Siang, Deputy Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "We are delighted to host the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo in Singapore next year. The decision to launch the world's leading photonic event in Singapore reaffirms the industry's confidence in our country as the preferred destination for business events, as well as our position as gateway to the Asia Pacific region. We look forward to gathering entrepreneurs and forward-thinking industry partners from around the world to connect, collaborate and explore new business opportunities in tandem with the fast-growing developments in the photonics field." In the subsequent media Q&A session, the media exchanged views with APE's organising committee and speakers on many aspects. For the choice of APE's location, Mr. Eric Yang, Secretary General of APE, said "Singapore, as a trade and business centre in Asia, gathers the resources of Southeast Asia and even the world. Also, as an international metropolis, Singapore's convenient transportation, favorable government support for the exhibition industry and superior geographical location are very strong advantages for hosting exhibitions. We believe that hosting an exhibition in Singapore is the way to achieve global industrialization." For the reasons for STB to support APE, Ms. Toh Sork Lee, Area Director, Greater China, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "China is one of the most important markets for Singapore, and even during the pandemic, there were many business exchanges between China and Singapore. We are therefore delighted that the first edition of Asia Photonics Expo will be held in Singapore." Prof Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium, has answered the question to the development of Singapore's photonics industry: "The Singapore government is very supportive of the development of the photonics industry and has been invested a lot over the years. As the chairman of LUX Photonics Consortium, I also attach great importance to the industrialization of IP and R&D results. We are now bringing together enterprises and R&D institutions to solve the problems encountered in the development of the photonics industry and further promote the industrialization of our research and development results." APE is the one-stop photonics exhibition for industry players to technical communication, networking, and product sourcing. Mr. Eric Yang, Secretary General of APE, said:" APE is committed to empowering the photonics industry and application fields, building a high-quality communication, exchange and learning platform for global industry players, promoting the in-depth communication and business collaboration between the photonics upstream and downstream professionals. It will be your best channel to maximize brand awareness and expand new business frontier." For more details on APE, visit www.asiaphotonicsexpo.com About Asia Photonics Expo Organised by Informa Markets - the world's leading tradeshow organiser, Asia Photonics Expo (APE) will be held at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore from 6 to 8 March 2024. APE will focus on the latest cutting-edge innovative technologies and the emerging application markets in Asia, aiming to promote the in-depth communication and business collaboration between the photonics upstream and downstream professionals. It will cover the entire optoelectronic ecosystem to showcase the latest products in optical communication, precision optics, laser, infrared, sensor, and display fields, targeting the top-notched optoelectronic innovative technologies and solutions of nine major application areas in optical communication/information processing and storage, consumer electronics, advanced manufacturing, surveillance and security, semiconductor processing, energy, sensing and measurement, lighting and display, and medical. APE is the one-stop sourcing platform for industry players to find new products and technologies and follow market trends. With an exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, APE is expected to attract 400+ enterprises, and more than 5,000 visitors to attend the show. During the exhibition, APE will also hold a variety of concurrent events, such as academic conferences and industry forums for future trends, cutting-edge technologies, industry hotspots, etc., site tours to research institutes, R&D centres, and local companies, as well as high-end networking opportunities including one-on-one business matching.







[1] Photonics is the science and technological application of light particles, or photons. Photonics technology was widely used for different applications such as laser, optics, fiber-optics, opto-electrical devices, alternative energy, healthcare, telecommunication, aerospace and many more. [2] Optoelectronics refers to the intersection of photonics and electronics, and the technology generated by this intersection is photoelectric technology. The optoelectronics industry involves information communication, precision optics, sensing, infrared, lasers, display, etc.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asia-photonics-expo-2024-paving-the-future-of-photonics-in-emerging-markets-301919538.html SOURCE Asia Photonics Expo (APE) Organizing Committee

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] CAES Receives Seven Seals Award for Support of Pennsylvania Guard and Reserve Tweet

CAES, a leading provider of mission-critical advanced RF technology, is pleased to announce that its management team has been awarded the prestigious Seven Seals award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906657879/en/ CAES' Mary-Beth DePaolo, Director of Human Resources, and David Gallagher, Director of Contracts, accept the prestigious Seven Seals award. (Photo: Business Wire) The award was presented during a Pennsylvania statewide awards luncheon Aug. 9. CAES' Mary-Beth DePaolo, Director of Human Resources, and David Gallagher, Director of Contracts, were in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the entire organization. Earlier this year DePaolo received the Patriotic Employer award from ESGR. She was nominated by a former CAES employee for her consistent support of his service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The Pennsylvania Committee for ESGR reviewed the nomination and approved the presentation of the prestigious ESGR Seven Seals award for the entire CAES leadership. "The Seven Seals award is being presented to CAES for the support provided by the entire management team to their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve," said retired Maj. Ge. Wesley E. Craig Jr., Pennsylvania ESGR Southeast Area Chairman.



"Mary-Beth was presented with our Patriotic Supporter award due to her support for Sgt. Ray Santiago's service. She adjusted his schedule every time his military service was needed, planned and in response to emergencies. After talking with her and Sgt. Santiago, it was obvious that this support was found throughout the company." Supporting the warfighter is at the heart of CAES' mission, and ????????????????????????CAES is proud to have partnerships and programs that benefit active Guard, Reserve and Veteran employees. ???CAES' Veteran-focused work includes a partnership with ArmyPaYS that matches U.S. Army soldiers with CAES hiring opportunities, a charitable partnership with a nonprofit providing custom housing to ?severely injured??? Veterans in need, and recognition in the 2022 MilitaryT?imes?? Best for Vets: Employers list and more.

"I'm honored that the Pennsylvania Committee for ESGR has presented the CAES management team with the Seven Seals award," said CAES President and CEO Mike Kahn. "The Guard and Reserve are essential to the Armed Forces and the safety of our nation. I'm proud that CAES leaders are creating an environment that supports our employees in their service to our country." ESGR was established in 1972 when the United States abolished the draft. Knowing a greater reliance on the Guard and Reserve could potentially strain relationships with employers, ESGR was formed to help build understanding between troops and employers. Today, ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,000 volunteers who work to promote and enhance employer support through outreach, recognition and education. About CAES CAES is a pioneer of advanced electronics for the most challenging defense and aerospace trusted systems. As a leading provider of advanced RF technology to the United States aerospace and defense industry, CAES delivers high-reliability RF and digital solutions that enable our customers to ensure a safer, more secure planet. On land, at sea and in the air, CAES' extensive experience in the RF market and enhanced manufacturing capabilities are at the forefront of mission-critical military and aerospace innovation. www.caes.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906657879/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] GRL Is Participating in THE GREEN EXPO 2023 And INTERSOLAR MEXICO - Mexico City, 2023 Tweet

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- THE GREEN EXPO and CONIECO's International Environmental Congress are celebrating 30 editions from September 5 to 7, 2023, simultaneously with the 7th edition of AQUATECH Mexico and the fourth edition of Intersolar Mexico. GRL is honored to introduce ourselves as an exhibitor to our peers and technicians from around the world, while sharing our latest solutions and quality products. About The Exhibition in Mexico In its 30th anniversary year, THE GREEN EXPO brings together major international brands to showcase their state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions in the fields of environmental, clean and renewable energy. The other three exhibitions associated with it are: AQUATECH MEXICO presents innovative solutions and treatments for the water sector, incorporating the latest technologies around. INTERSOLAR MEXICO is the reference point to learn about the top technological trends for the solar industry: Solar thermal energy, photovoltaic energy and energy storage. Mexico WindPower showcases technologies for wind energy generation and maintenance. These events are fundamental to advance in the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than 200 exhibiting companies, from 15 countries, 6 international pavilions with solutions and technologies on the exhibition floor. The co-located events are the largest gathering of professionals in Mexico for international manufacturers and distributors looking to meet regional buyers in the fields of solar, renewable energy and cleantech. 300+ exhibitors and 11,000 visitors from over 35 countries are expected to participate. GRL is honored to be an exhibitor at this exciting event. GRL: A Leading Electrical Manufacturing Brand GRL started its growth path in 1992 when its fuse-type disconnect switches were widely welcomed by the market, and over the past 30 years, GRL has built up a professional team of more than 300 people, who not only have the ability of product design, R&D, production, manufacturing, and global sales, but also have jumped to become China's leading electrical manufacturing brand. As a 'National High-Tech Enterprise' in China, GRL has passed the system certifications of ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS180001, and has more than 200 international certificates and 80 product patents. At this moment, more than one thousand projects are using GRL's solutions around the world, and our products are being chosen by customers from all over the world. 2022, along with the new factory building coming into use, the new office space with a floor area of more than 27,000 square meters has allowed GRL to further enhance its capabilities in manufacturing, delivery and after-sales services. Exciting and High-Quality Electrical Products GRL's main products include fuse switch disconnector, fuse holder, isolator switch, low-voltage disconnector switch, fuse link, knife switch, busbar system, ATS etc. Along with the rise of various new energy products in the global market, GRL noticed that the new energy market represented by solar energy needs more high-quality electrical products. Because of this, over the years, we have insisted on innovation, and our team of engineers has invested a great deal of time and resources in developing niche products and soluions for photovoltaic applications. As a result of our relentless efforts, more and more GRL products are recognized and widely welcomed by the market.



Fuse Switch Disconnector - Combining isolation and short circuit protection in a single device, with ratings up to 630A. With both isolation and short circuit protection combined, GRL's fuse switch disconnectors provide a space-saving and cost-effective option for electrical distribution. Fuse Holder - Wide range available to suit fuses from 32A up to 630A, ensuring optimal performance and safety. GRL's fuse holders cover a wide range of ratings, designed specifically for use with corresponding NH fuses for reliable protection across various applications.

Isolator Switch - From 400A to 3000A models rated up to 35kV, for safe and reliable isolation of electrical circuits. With high insulation ratings and robust mechanical interlocks, GRL isolator switches enable safe isolation of high-voltage circuits in utility and industrial settings. Low-Voltage Disconnector Switch - Visible break designs from 16A up to 1600A, for use in LV electrical panels and distribution boards. With quick make/break mechanisms and clear open/closed position indication, GRL's LV disconnector switches ensure safe operation in residential and commercial panels. Fuse Link - Wide range of fuse link ratings from 1A to 630A, providing overload and short circuit protection for electrical circuits. GRL's fuse links cover a broad range of applications, providing reliable and cost-effective protection against overloads and faults. Knife Switch - Heavy duty disconnect switches from 16A to 1600A, designed for robust performance in harsh environments. With high strength materials and a fully shrouded design, GRL's industrial knife switches provide durable and safe electrical disconnection. Busbar System - Custom busbars, supports and accessories rated up to 6300A, for efficient power distribution. GRL's busbar systems offer customizable configurations to optimize space and efficiency in switchboards and distribution panels. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) - Automatic transfer of loads to backup supply during power outages, for critical process continuity. GRL's ATS switches provide automatic power switching to backup sources, ensuring continuous supply for vital applications and processes. These high-quality products for global customers are used in a wide range of applications, such as agricultural irrigation systems, box-type substations, automotive manufacturing, industrial furnaces, and more. It is worth mentioning that GRL's electrical connection system is based on non-porous connection technology, and the developed electrical connection products can also be used in buildings, industrial control, power grids and many other scenarios, which not only provides a safer closed system, but also facilitates the maintenance and repair, which can improve the safety and efficiency. For the PV market, GRL has launched a range of products like DNPVF1 series to ensure smooth operation of the PV system. Currently, GRL has developed several series of products for the PV market that have been running smoothly for many years and have been well received by the market. This is also the confidence of GRL to participate in this exhibition. Impressive quality service In the early days of the business, GRL was established in the electrical field as an OEM manufacturer. With excellent product quality and good service, GRL was finally recognized by the market. And then, we have continuously introduced senior experts and various talents, upgraded production lines, and spent a huge amount of money on new equipment and plants in order to continuously improve the quality of our products and work efficiency. Today, GRL has established a perfect service system, including our own brand (GRL) series of products and after-sales service, OEM service, global distributor network system and profit-sharing projects, etc. We are confident to support global customers to identify raw materials traceability and buyers to trace quality, in order to let customers can be assured that they can buy and use our products. Not only that, GRL also has a secret weapon: a team of experts. The engineers in the team are strong and innovative, and are able to provide customized development services according to the different needs of our clients, which means that you can use GRL to get a better fit for your usage scenarios! We can provide factory inspection service, OEM service as well as product customization and design and development service according to customers' needs. Contact us if you need free samples. Welcome to an electrical world with GRL Since its foundation, GRL has implemented strict supply chain management principles, choosing to work with quality suppliers and using excellent raw materials to ensure the quality of its products. Every year, GRL insists on innovation and invests a lot of resources in research and development. A team of professional engineers is the guarantee of the excellent quality of GRL's products. From raw materials to production processes, from quality control to packaging, GRL treats every manufacturing process with care to ensure that its products can meet customers' needs in terms of performance and quality. The name GRL is still new to many of our customers, so we traveled all the way to Mexico City to stand in front of you and let you see the GRL brand, the professionalism of our smiling team, and the quality of our products that have been tested and proven in the marketplace. We believe that in the near future, GRL's electrical products will shine in the new energy market - just as we have done before. All you have to do is choose GRL products as the cornerstone of your project. Contact us now

Official Website: grlcn.com

Email: [email protected]

Address: No.66, Punan 5 Road, Yueqing City, Zhejiang, China View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grl-is-participating-in-the-green-expo-2023-and-intersolar-mexico---mexico-city-2023-301919667.html SOURCE GRL Electric Co., Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023] NFT China.hk Hosted WEB 3.0 Science Park Summit Forum and Yacht Party Tweet

HONG KONG, Sept. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 5, 2023 (HONG KONG TIME), NFT China.hk hosted the WEB 3.0 Science Park Summit Forum and Yacht Party. The WEB 3.0 Summit Forum was successfully held at Inno in Hong Kong Science Park, where NFT China.hk founders Wang Pengfei and Fu Rao(Tony FU)discussed the recent development and long-term planning of the platform. Ming Li, Chairman of the IEEE Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Standards Committee, in Canada congratulated the holding of the event through remote video and expressed his expectations for the future development of NFT China.hk. Yu Bao, Vice President of Hong Kong WEB 3.0 Association, introduced in person the advantages of NFT as a combination of art and WEB 3.0. Zhichuan Cai , Chairman of the Asia Blockchain Society, introduced Hong Kong's Web 3.0 regulation and opportunities, and said that this is the best time to start WEB 3.0 business in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, there were also a number of Web 3.0 industry experts from the Mainland and Hong Kong sharing cutting-edge information and unique insights on the development of the WEB 3.0 industy.



Afterwards, the guests participated in the NFT China Pixel Panda Night Victoria Harbor Yacht Tour. On the luxury yacht, Kitty Lo, Chairman of FinetHK, Jasmine, co-founder of Genius Development, Li Wen, Founder of C+ Space, and other guests put forward unique insights on the combination of traditional business and Web 3.0. To enliven the atmosphere, NFT China.hk held a unique pixel panda raffle and invite new and old friends to share the barbecue cooked on the spot, participate in KTV activities, and enjoy happy times together under the night view of Victoria Harbour. NFT China.hk also provided free gifts such as exclusive short-sleeved T-shirts, pillows and mobile phone cases for users who held panda NFTs and participated in this event. NFT China.hk is Asia's leading NFT trading platform and the first digital collection trading platform from China mainland to go global. The platform now has more than 300,000 registered members, more than a50 high-quality IPs cooperative, and more than 100,000 collections issued since its first launch at the end of February 2023, and won the title of Best NFT Platform at the WIKI Expo held in Singapore on May 27, 2023. The platform is presented on the official websites of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and InvestHK. With the compliance development of WEB 3.0 in Hong Kong, it has attracted many bullish eyes at home and abroad. At this moment, NFT China.hk invited relevant professionals and many NFT collectors to discuss the latest trends and prospects of the industry, aiming to promote opinion exchanges within the WEB 3.0 industry and the compliance development of the industry in Hong Kong.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/nft-chinahk-hosted-web-3-0-science-park-summit-forum-and-yacht-party-301919728.html SOURCE NFT China Limited

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[September 06, 2023]

Acorn Hosts Annual Stockholder Meeting and Management Q&A in Person and via Zoom on Tuesday, September 12th at 1pm ET

BALTIMORE and WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acorn Energy, Inc. (OTCQB: ACFN), a provider of remote monitoring and control solutions for stand-by power generators, gas pipelines, air compressors and other critical industrial assets, will hold its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at 1:00 PM ET on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 2800 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 130, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom for investors who register in advance by contacting Acorns Assistant Secretary by email at [email protected] .



Annual Meeting Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84545768072

Telephone number: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID: 845 4576 8072

Registered participants will be admitted from the Zoom waiting room into the eeting at approximately 12:55 PM ET.







On the day of the meeting, please email [email protected] ahead of the scheduled meeting time with any questions or technical issues.

About Acorn ( www.acornenergy.com ) and OmniMetrixTM ( www.omnimetrix.net )

Acorn Energy, Inc. owns a 99% equity stake in OmniMetrix, a pioneer and leader in Internet of Things (IoT) wireless remote monitoring and control solutions for stand-by power generators, gas pipelines, air compressors and other industrial equipment, serving tens of thousands of customers including more than 25 Fortune/Global 500 companies. OmniMetrixs proven, cost-effective solutions make critical systems more reliable and also enable automated demand response electric grid support by enrolled back-up generators. OmniMetrix solutions monitor critical equipment used by cell towers, manufacturing plants, medical facilities, data centers, retail stores, public transportation systems, energy distribution and federal, state and municipal government facilities, in addition to residential back-up generators.

Follow us

Twitter: @Acorn_IR and @OmniMetrix

Investor Relations Contacts

Catalyst IR

William Jones, 267-987-2082

David Collins, 212-924-9800

[email protected]
Press Release

September 6, 2023 Senate expresses sympathy on the passing of Mike Enriquez The Senate adopted a resolution expressing its condolences on the passing of veteran broadcast journalist Miguel "Mike" Castro Enriquez, during the plenary session Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Members of the Upper Chamber unanimously adopted Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 770 (Adopted Resolution No. 88), introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, taking into consideration SRNs 774, 775, and 781, which honor Enriquez for his contributions to Philippine journalism and mass communications. Enriquez, who passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 71, joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and became one of the most trusted news personalities and pillars of Philippine broadcasting, serving the Filipino people for 54 years. "His passing is a great loss to the Filipino nation, as well as to the journalism profession and broadcasting industry, which are currently grappling with disinformation, fake news, and other adverse impacts of the digital media age," Estrada said. According to Estrada, Enriquez's outstanding career, body of work, professionalism, and unassailable integrity should serve as inspiration for mass media practitioners and the younger generation to pursue excellence and hone their craft with purpose and passion. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, in his sponsorship speech, stated that the chamber is not only expressing profound sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Enriquez but also celebrating his well-lived life, full of passion and inspiration for legions of young journalists. "His journey as a broadcaster is a lesson in credibility, masterful broadcasting, and a passion for the truth. He was a fearless broadcaster with an unparalleled commitment to independent, impartial, and accurate news," Villanueva added. Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri, in honoring the late broadcaster, said his passing is a great loss to the nation and to the millions of Filipino people who made Enriquez part of their daily lives. Sen. Sonny Angara described Enriquez as a great statesman, acknowledging the latter's contribution in articulating the hopes, frustrations, and fears of every Filipino. "Mike lives on in the journalists he mentored, the truth-tellers he inspired--those who will carry the torch to shed light on the truth, and not let lies thrive while democracy fades in darkness," Angara said. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, as well as Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar, Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Pia Cayetano, and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, delivered their respective speeches honoring Enriquez. All members of the chamber were made co-authors of SRN 770.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 00:06 | All, Japan

Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Japanese imperial throne, turned 17 on Wednesday as he continues to thrive in his second year of senior high school.

The son of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko is enrolled at Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba, where he has been actively involved in his studies, club activities and events with his peers, including friends from outside his class.

Prince Hisahito is the first member of the imperial family in the postwar era to attend a high school unaffiliated with Gakushuin University, established in the 19th century to educate aristocrats. His father is known to favor a liberal education for his children.

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the number of subjects the prince is studying has increased, and his assignments have also become more challenging. It said that he also uses break times to ask teachers questions and that he and his classmates study by offering each other advice on how to solve problems.

A member of the school badminton club, his abilities have developed as he has practiced between classes. He also offers advice to first-year students who have recently joined the club.

In June, the prince took part in an excursion for second-year students where he observed research at the University of Tsukuba on insects and their relevance in agriculture and had the chance to use a microscope.

During his summer vacation, he made his debut in accompanying his father Crown Prince Fumihito on a regional visit as part of his official duties and attended various events, including the late July opening of a national culture festival for high schools in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

In early August, he attended a lecture on rice genome analysis during a visit to the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.

The prince continues to pursue his longstanding interest in dragonflies that developed in his elementary school years. He does related fieldwork, including on the grounds of the Akasaka Estate, where he lives with his family.

Prince Hisahito's two elder sisters -- former Princess Mako, 31, who married out of the imperial family in 2021, and 28-year-old Princess Kako -- are not in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne due to the Imperial House Law limiting heirs to males paternally related to the emperor.

Because Emperor Naruhito's only child is 21-year-old Princess Aiko, Prince Hisahito is second in line to the throne after his father. The only other remaining heir is the emperor's uncle, 87-year-old Prince Hitachi.
[September 06, 2023] Newport Beach Plastic Surgeons Dr. Joseph Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi Sued for Fraud and Retention of Stolen Property by Stone LLP Client Tweet

Karen A. Sunday & Associates Inc., a well-regarded commercial real estate broker, recently filed a multi-count lawsuit against Dr. Joseph S. Cerni and Dr. Nadir Qazi, along with their affiliated medical practices and others, for failing to pay, and unlawfully withholding, an earned real estate commission. The lawsuit alleges fraud, breach of contract and unlawful retention of stolen property, among other counts. According to the lawsuit, in May 2022, Dr. Nadir Qazi reached out to Karen Sunday, President of Karen A. Sunday & Associates, seeking her expertise to acquire a building for his Newport Beach cosmetic surgery practice, the Qazi Cosmetic Center. Responding quickly, Sunday reached out to one of her long-time clients, well-known Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph S. Cerni, owner of Forever Ageless in Newport Beach, inquiring about his interest in selling his office to Qazi. According to court documents, in July 2022, Sunday sent a binding letter of intent to both doctors for the sale of the building, located at 20271 Southwest Birch Street, Suite 100, in Newport Beach with a sale price of $4.75 million. The lawsuit contains various transactional details, including the purchase price, deposit contingencies, escrow conditions, and most crucially, the broker commission. As part of the agreement, Sunday was set to receive a 4% commission from Cerni. Additionally, Court documents allege Qazi was to pay an additional2% commission for his participation in the transaction. Neither Cerni nor Qazi ever paid for the brokerage services rendered by Sunday and instead aided and abetted each other by unlawfully withholding Sunday's earned commission.



According to the complaint on file in Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2023-01309116-CU-BC-CJC, when the sale closed in December 2022, both Dr. Cerni and Dr. Qazi reneged on their commitment, denying Sunday her rightfully earned commission totaling $285,000. The lawsuit sheds light on the doctors' intentional deceit, alleging they misled Sunday with a promise to pay their respective commissions to Sunday upon the close of escrow yet failed to do so. The lawsuit seeks damages of no less than $4 million, citing California's fraud statute in addition to the breach of contract claims. Sunday is represented by Elliot H. Stone, Esq., of Stone LLP, in Irvine California.

The lawsuit names among the defendants: Joseph S. Cerni, D.O. a Professional Corporation, JSC Holdings LLC, Rockitgram LLC, Belle Vie Wellness and Medical Aesthetics Inc., Beautiful Reflections Inc., Forever Ageless, Inc., Nubella Med Spa, Inc., Pure Fix Medical Institute, Inc., Qazcorp, Qazi Cosmetic and Monumental Investments LLC. Karen Sunday & Associates, Inc., is a commercial real estate broker specializing in both Tenant and Landlord Representation headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Karen's expertise is in the leasing and sales of office, industrial, and retail real estate in Southern California. More information at http://www.karensunday.com. Stone LLP is a law firm that represents businesses throughout California in complex litigation involving business, construction, real estate, and employment disputes. More information at http://www.stonellp.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906057993/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
In this post we feature crime reporting, locals risks and more deets about local cases.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

KCMO man convicted for running $4.1M meth ring linked to 2 murders sentenced to life in prison A Kansas City, Missouri, man who was convicted for running a $4.1 million meth ring linked to two murders and was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday.

Man strikes Clay County deputy with vehicle, leads authorities on pursuit A Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office deputy escaped serious injury after an alleged intoxicated man struck her with his SUV.

Death rates for people under 40 have skyrocketed. Blame fentanyl * Missouri Independent Accidental overdoses are now the No. 1 cause of death for young people in 37 states, including Missouri. Fentanyl is the cause.

What police found on computers seized in Marion County Record raid. The Marion Police Department raided the Marion County Record, the home of its publisher and Vice Mayor Ruth Herbal last month, reportedly in connection with an identity theft investigation.

Pedestrian critically injured after hit-and-run in East Kansas City One man is in critical condition after a hit-and-run on Monday night in Kansas City's eastside near 24th Street and Jackson Avenue.

Months after man died, Overland Park police still hope for ID Overland Park police release a composite sketch hoping someone can help identify a man who died in April 2023.

Officers, Employees Recognized At August Award Ceremony At an awards ceremony the evening of Aug. 24, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department recognized a variety of officers, employees, and civilians for their outstanding contributions and actions.

Developing . . .
Courtesy of our prog blog newsie betters who were forced to cover this event without giggling . . .



During events in Overland Park, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona discussed a program that subsidizes internet access and community engagement. While speaking to superintendents and education leaders in Kansas, he declared lack of access the equity issue of our moment.



This president is going to put the digital divide in your rearview mirror, and not just through talk but through action, he said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Give us the grace to explain our honest question . . .

GIVEN THE HARDSHIPS OF EVERY DAY LIFE . . . WE HONESTLY QUESTION COMMUNITY CONCERN FOR THIS CASE OUTSIDE ACTIVIST CIRCLES . . . THE LEGAL DEBATE IS CRITICAL BUT IS THE PUBLIC REALLY CONCERNED?!?!

Consider . . .

Police activists want us to ignore probable cause 'use of force' concerns and stand up for law & order and police doing a very dangerous job.

Social justice activists, ironically, want locals to uphold a conviction and punishment against the defendant/appellant.

There's political grandstanding to be gained on both sides of this tragic topic regarding the troubled life of a guy who has now been dead three years.

After reading a great deal about this case over the years . . . Here's a recent passage that seems to frame the debate fairly . . .



The appellant (DeValkenaere) shot Cameron Lamb despite Camerons posing no threat to anyone and there was ample evidence he posed no such threat and that he was in fact unarmed, said Ken Cox, Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor.



Cox also argued DeValkenaere was trespassing on Lambs property when he fatally shot Lamb who was backing his truck into his garage.



But attorney Jonathan Laurans argued there was sufficient probable cause for DeValkenaere to go to Lambs home after Lamb punched his girlfriend, drove recklessly, and reached a speed of 90 miles per hour.



Laurans claimed Lamb had 13 separate traffic violations that day.



The most blatant of which was overtaking a vehicle on its drivers side on a red light and turning into cross traffic both ways, Laurans argued in court.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Following oral arguments, Eric DeValkenaere's fate is in the hands of a three-judge panel On Tuesday, attorneys made their arguments at the Missouri Court of Appeals.

'There's no defense here': Protesters urge ex-KC cop DeValkenaere's conviction to stand Around 20 protesters said former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere's conviction should stand in the 2019 fatal shooting of Cameron Lamb.

Ex-KCPD detective DeValkenaere's attorneys grilled during appeal Eric DeValkanaere's attorney and a deputy Missouri attorney general were grilled in a courtroom from a panel of judges who expressed skepticism in arguments laid out in his appeal.

Judges question Kansas City detective Eric DeValkanaere's defense in killing Cameron Lamb Eric Devalkanaere, found guilty in November 2021 of killing 26-year-old Cameron Lamb, is appealing his conviction. As protestors rallied on the street, a three-judge panel of the Missouri Court of Appeals questioned his attorneys on his version of what happened, including if Lamb was armed.

Appeals court hears arguments in former KCPD detective's conviction for killing Cameron Lamb The KCPD officer who shot and killed Cameron Lamb in December 2019 did not appear in court Tuesday as the Court of Appeals for Western Missouri heard arguments in an appeal of his conviction.

Developing . . .
Maybe both or split the difference . . .

Here's the deal . . .

TKC is torn on KC Tenants.

To their credit . . . They're the only organized group that has pushed back against greedy developers begging for tax breaks . . . And for that they deserve credit for victories that nobody else has ever consistently achieved.

Also . . . Nobody likes slumlords and part of their advocacy is necessary when they clearly demonstrate the deplorable conditions which exist in many local buildings.

However . . .

Not all of their actions deserve support . . . They argued to keep migrant locals in a slum and pushed for de facto city ownership of a hovel that should've been condemned. In that instance their "advocacy" was quick, easy, dirty and stupid.



Also . . . Big picture . . .

Their legal mandates against evictions and landlords actually make it HARDER to provide affordable housing and make it smarter for low-end home providers to simply exit the business.

Real talk . . .

KC Tenants is part of a national progressive political effort demanding free low-income housing on a massive scale and so far there isn't any funding supporting that at the federal level . . . And so their tactic is to bully all landlords until their demands are met or the unions & special interests funding them move on to the next hot topic.

And so our skepticism of the group is fair because this isn't a local grassroots movement, they're hired guns working to accomplish political directives.



Again, in fairness, here's their side of the story . . .



KC Tenants, an advocacy group that works to protect tenants, believes the increased number of unions is due to many tenants feeling like it's their only or best option.



Gabe Coppage with KC Tenants says many communities feel they've fallen through the gaps in a social safety net that was supposed to protect them.



"I feel like Kansas City really is at such a crossroads," Coppage said. "Like all this new development, this new tourism and just the rents continuing to skyrocket. It is really needed for us to have community to like have each others backs."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Migration and Asylum Minister Dimitris Keridis had a series of meetings with ambassadors to Greece on Wednesday to discuss migration issues, ANA reports.

The Ambassador of Italy to Greece Patrizia Falcinelli expressed her government's high concern after finding that this year the undocumented migrant flow to Italy has doubled compared to 2022 pointing out her country's readiness to cooperate with Greece on this crucial issue.

Keridis also met with the Dutch Ambassador to Greece Susanna Terstal with whom they praised the level of bilateral cooperation in the sector of migration.

He also met with the Ambassador of Egypt Omar Amer Youssef. They both reaffirmed the strong will of their governments to implement the agreement between them on the employment of temporary workers in the farming sector that was signed in early 2023 by the assembly of the Greek parliament

Finally, Keridis met with the Ambassador of Bangladesh Ashud Ahmed. They referred to the excellent relations between the two countries and exchanged views in terms of the implementation of the bilateral agreement on migration and mobilization that was signed in February 2022.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: A.Savin
The creation of 'Smart Cities', the digitization of Greek city operations, and the innovative implementation of AI will upgrade the lives of residents while improving their digital skills

Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) will organize a round-table discussion on digital transition during the 87the Thessaloniki International Fair, on the topic of "Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence", taking place a 10:00 on Saturday at Kiosk 12, Digital Governance Ministry, in HELEXPO, ANA reports.

The creation of 'Smart Cities', the digitization of Greek city operations, and the innovative implementation of AI will upgrade the lives of residents while improving their digital skills. It will also boost economic development and contribute to a green transition, creating a better future for Greece. The creation of 'Smart Cities' comprises one of the greatest challenges for local government authorities that will result from October's local elections.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
With school back, the City of Toronto said it's doing its part to keep students safe through its Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, and is urging even greater care on the part of motorists.

As students head back to school ... we should all take a little more care to ensure our citys youngest residents are safe crossing the street or walking to school. We all have a part to play to make sure our streets are safe for everyone including cyclists, students and vulnerable road users, said Mayor Olivia Chow.

While theres more work to do, the citys Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is our strategic blueprint for not only reducing traffic-related fatalities and injuries, but also for creating a safer environment for everyone, especially our students.

The city said its Vision Zero plan includes:

 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE): The citys 75 mobile speed cameras will continue to rotate through Community Safety Zones.

 The School Crossing Guards Program: 851 school crossing guards are placed at intersections across the city, helping children cross the street safely and reminding people driving of the presence of pedestrians at key intersections.

 School Safety Zones: The city has installed 413 School Safety Zones and aims to complete 80 more by the end of the year. School Safety Zones include safety signs, pavement markings and stencils and driver feedback signs.

 Pedestrian Head Start Signals: Almost 1,200 intersections across the city are now equipped with a Pedestrian Head Start Signal, which allows pedestrians to begin crossing the street before vehicles are allowed to proceed by delaying the green light. An additional 50 signals are planned to receive the green light before the end of 2023.

 Speed limit reductions: The city is reducing speed limits on local roads and public lanes in Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough to 30 km/h on a systematic, ward-by-ward basis. The multi-year, data-driven effort will create a consistent 30 km/h speed limit on all local roads, to reduce speeding and minimize traffic-related fatalities. The local speed limit has been reduced in six wards, with work continuing in the other 11. The city said it has also reduced the speed limit on 500 kilometres of arterial and collector roadways across Toronto between November 2019 and the end of 2020.

 In-Road Flexible Speed Signs: The city continues to install In-Road Flexible Speed Signs to encourage speed limit compliance in high-priority areas, including School Safety Zones. Sitting in the centre of the road, these signs will serve as a visual reminder of the posted speed limit and as a physical device to slow vehicles down. More than 220 of these signs have been installed and 45 more will be installed before the end of the year.

The city also launched a public education campaign on Tuesday to remind drivers to use caution, stay alert and watch out for schoolchildren. The campaign includes messages on safety regulations around school buses, pedestrian crossovers, busy intersections and School Safety Zones.

Members of the Toronto Police Service (TPS) will also be in School Safety Zones, targeting any vehicles that are parked illegally or those potentially putting others at risk.

For additional information, visit the citys Safety Guide for School Children and Parents.
Premier Doug Ford says the province will re-evaluate all lands in the Greenbelt, but is not pausing development on the 14 parcels at the centre of the $8.28-billion land swap scandal dogging his government.

Ford touted the change in tack a day after the sudden resignation of Steve Clark as municipal affairs and housing minister and a subsequent cabinet shuffle, promising a complete review, from top to bottom, for up to 800 pieces of Greenbelt land.

But critics quickly dismissed it as a ploy to make Ontarians think he is backing down on a controversial plan to build 50,000 homes on 14 Greenbelt parcels, and warned it could lead to more protected areas being opened up for construction.

This is sham, New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles said Tuesday, calling the review a step in the wrong direction.

Ford had a message for the owners and developers of the 14 parcels when it comes to building homes to ease a housing shortage that has sent prices skyrocketing to crisis levels: If I dont see movement, youre going back into the Greenbelt.

The premier told reporters Clark called him before posting his resignation on social media Monday morning. But a Progressive Conservative insider, speaking privately to discuss internal deliberations, said there was not enough notice to engineer the cabinet shuffle in advance.

They didnt know he was going to quit. If they did, they would have had the cabinet shuffle ready, said the source, who added the government underestimated the pounding it was taking over the land swap.

A new poll from Abacus Data suggests support for the Progressive Conservative government has fallen by seven percentage points among committed voters since late July.

Ford had been standing by Clark, who repeatedly vowed to stay in the job as recently as last Thursday despite two damning reports on the Greenbelt scandal by legislative watchdogs. It took eight hours for the premiers office to unveil a retooling of the cabinet on Labour Day.

On the Clark resignation, Ford said he thought itd be best for the government and for his family and his constituents that he steps aside.

Clark remains a Brockville-area MPP as government house leader Paul Calandra leaves the long-term-care portfolio to take over municipal affairs and housing.

The premier maintained the Greenbelt review is needed to ensure that the people of Ontario  have confidence in the decisions were making and did not rule out more land being removed from Greenbelt protection originally intended to preserve farms, wetlands and other ecologically sensitive areas.

Were going to see what the review says at the end  and well analyze it. That will be up to the minister to make that decision.

Ford said the review will involve civil servants and others bypassed in the most recent Greenbelt exemptions that landed his government in hot water with the integrity commissioner and auditor general, who found Clarks former chief of staff, Ryan Amato, personally selected 14 of 15 properties to be removed in a madcap process that favoured certain developers.

The premier again acknowledged that process wasnt up to snuff by any means, and necessitates a wider look in which development proposals will have to survive on their own merits. He noted a previous Liberal governments legislation requires a Greenbelt review every 10 years, with the next due in 2025.

This review will be shepherded by Calandra, who is tasked with driving forward the governments plan to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.

As Canada and Ontario continue to grow at a record pace, we need to do more, said Ford. I have every confidence that Minister Calandra will deliver.

Interim Liberal leader John Fraser said the appointment of Calandra  whom Ford relies on heavily in the legislatures daily question period to deflect and downplay barbs from rivals  is more about politics than policy.

The appointment of Mr. Calandra is very clearly a move thats not about housing. Its about protect the king.

Calandra will hold a news conference at the legislature on Wednesday morning.

Opposition parties said Ford should follow a key recommendation from auditor general Bonnie Lysyks scathing Aug. 9 report and put the 14 parcels of land in question back into the Greenbelt with new legislation.

The premier today declared open season on the Greenbelt, warned Green Leader Mike Schreiner.

Clark said he had become a distraction to the government after integrity commissioner J. David Wakes report, which determined he violated the Members Integrity Act by not properly supervising his chief of staff.

In Wakes blunt wording, Clark had his head in the sand.

Opposition parties said the wholesale Greenbelt review will focus even more attention on the land swap scandal as the legislature returns for its fall session on Sept. 25.

And there are more investigations to come. The integrity commissioner is looking into whether Amato violated public service legislation by not consulting with bureaucrats on the land removals, and into developers attending the stag-and-doe party and wedding for one of Fords daughters.

Meanwhile, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are determining whether to launch a full investigation into irregularities in the Greenbelt after inheriting the file from the Ontario Provincial Police, which bowed out to avoid any conflict of interest.

Kristin Rushowy is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @krushowy

Rob Ferguson is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @robferguson1
A Scarborough community is stunned after a fatal stabbing Tuesday involving a victim and an alleged perpetrator who were both just 12 years old, tying a grim Toronto record for the youngest child accused of murder and raising urgent questions about what led to the tragedy.

Barely old enough to be criminally charged, a 12-year-old boy appeared in court Wednesday morning on one count of second-degree murder, accused of killing a 12-year-old girl in a supper-hour stabbing that sent screams echoing through a Scarborough highrise.

The girl, who cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is Torontos youngest homicide victim in 2023. The boy, who also cannot be named due to his age, is the youngest person accused in a homicide this year and only the second 12-year-old to be charged in a death in Toronto, according to Star records.

These are young, young people, Michael Thompson, city councillor for the Scarborough ward, said in an interview Wednesday, calling the situation shocking.

How do you prevent something like this from happening? We need to know more, he said.

Tuesdays killing is the latest in a recent list of rare, serious alleged crimes involving youth in their early teens, including Decembers fatal swarming attack on a homeless man by eight girls, ages 13 to 16. Also last year, a 13-year-old boy was charged in the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in East York. Criminal justice experts stress that crimes involving youth in general are in a long-term decline.

Few details are known about what transpired Tuesday inside an apartment unit near Kennedy Road and Highway 401, though police have said the stabbing was an isolated incident.

According to Toronto police, officers were called to the area at 6:30 p.m. for unknown trouble. Thompson, who spoke to police Wednesday morning, said the young girls mother called the buildings superintendent for help immediately after the incident.

The 12-year-old victim was found injured at the scene, where she was pronounced dead.

The boy charged in her death made a brief appearance in youth court via Zoom on Wednesday, from a video room at 14 Division. Wearing a white jumpsuit, he stared straight ahead, spelled his name in a halting manner and was ordered not to have any contact with three individuals.

The contents of the boys court proceeding are covered by a standard publication ban to protect his fair trial rights. He was remanded in custody and ordered to return to court on Thursday.

On Wednesday morning, police tape remained in place, cordoning off a cul-de-sac driveway and lawn area at the base of the 10-storey yellow brick apartment building on Dundalk Drive near Antrim Crescent. Earlier, police searched the lawn, shaded by tall coniferous trees, on the grounds of the building.

As details about the death began to emerge, local politicians remarked on the sadness of the victims age.

I am heartbroken to hear about this tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in Scarborough, as many of us in the community are still reeling from this loss, said ScarboroughRouge Park MPP Vijay Thanigasalam.

Im deeply saddened by the tragic death and loss of a young girl in Scarborough last night, said Premier Doug Ford in a statement on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

It is exceptionally rare for very young people to be charged with an alleged intentional homicide. Canadas age of criminal responsibility is 12, making that the youngest age at which any person can be charged with a criminal offence.

Ardavan Eizadirad, a professor in the education faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University and executive director of a youth association based in the Jane-Finch area, said a 12-year-old child is at a stage when his brain is still developing. Like other preteens, he wouldnt have the full capacity to make informed decisions, he said.

Speaking generally, Eizadirad said any history of violence and trauma in a childs life definitely impacts their decision making of being more reactive.

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the accused can apply for bail in front of a youth court judge. Defence lawyer Daniel Brown, president of the Criminal Lawyers Association, said in general that a very young accused person has a good chance of being granted bail.

If there is a strong plan in place, with very close supervision, he certainly could be released, Brown said.

The maximum sentence for a youth found guilty of second-degree murder is seven years in jail  and no more than four years can be spent in custody. The remaining time would be subject to community supervision. A 12-year-old offender can never be sentenced as an adult, Brown added.

Kim Varma, an associate professor in Toronto Metropolitan Universitys criminology department who researches youth justice, said there has been a huge decline in the last couple of decades in the number of young people criminally charged. She noted recent cases involving youth may seem more shocking because of their rarity.

Varma called this weeks attack a tragedy, but said without key details its difficult to know what, if any, social issues may have contributed.

Thompson said he and others in the community devastated by the loss are eager to understand how the girls death could happen, and whether anything could have been done to prevent it.

Its so hard to explain, he said.

With files from Marissa Birnie and Kieran Leavitt

Jim Rankin is a Star reporter based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @Jleerankin

Betsy Powell is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and courts for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @powellbetsy

Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 14:00 | All, Japan

A 14-year-old girl was arrested after allegedly stabbing her mother at their apartment in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan on Wednesday, police said.

The girl's 40-year-old mother was found collapsed on a futon mattress by rescuers after an ambulance call was made at around 1:15 a.m. She was taken to a hospital and later confirmed dead.

The daughter, a junior high school student in her second year living in the town of Oharu, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. Due to the mother's death, police are now expected to investigate the case as murder.

The suspect nodded when a police officer asked if she had killed her mother but did not appear able to properly respond to questions, according to the police.

The girl is suspected to have stabbed her mother in the abdomen with a kitchen knife at around 1:10 a.m. Her younger sister was also in the apartment when the incident occurred, the police said.

Related coverage:

Man arrested for stabbing, slashing staff at Tokyo convenience store

Halloween "Joker" attacker gets 23 years for Tokyo train stabbing, fire

Victims' families mark 7 years since mass murder at Japan care home
Despite appearances, writers do not spring to public life fully formed; most have a lengthy period of earlier work preceding their debuts. Some keep this early work hidden (Donna Tartts pre-The Secret History apprentice work, for example, is notoriously difficult to find) while others wear this period as a badge of honour. Such is the case for Scarborough writer Nina Dunic, whose first novel, The Clarion, is impressive indeed.

Dunic has twice won the Toronto Star Short Story contest (in 2022 for Youth and in 2017 for Cardinal), has been nominated for the CBC Short Story Prize four times and was nominated for the Journey Prize. She also received third place in the Humber Literary Review Emerging Writers Fiction Contest. Thats an impressive resume.

The Clarion builds on those early successes.

The novel (which often feels like linked short stories) follows the lives of siblings Peter and Stasi (short for Anastasia) in alternating chapters, as they navigate their mid-30s slumps following the death of their agoraphobic mother.

Peter is a musician, who works in a restaurant while he auditions for gigs (or is he a prep cook who occasionally plays the trumpet?), while Stasi works on the corporate side of a clothing company, where she has just been passed over for a well-deserved promotion (this development leads her to therapy). Stasi is married, with a young daughter, and engaged in an affair with Mateo, while Peter lives alone and seems, if not happy about the situation, at least comfortable in his solitude. Or is he?

Through the book, we witness auditions and nights on the line, therapy sessions and coke-fueled nights out, as the siblings seek connection and meaning against the backdrop of a late-autumn Toronto, with the promise of snow hanging in the air.

Initially, The Clarion feels almost oppressively insular: readers follow the thoughts and emotions of the siblings as they move about their lives, committing their petty indiscretions (Stasi is a secret smoker and eats meat even though her family is vegetarian) and suffering their private heartbreaks. As the novel progresses, however, the significance of this insular quality begins to reveal itself and accrue weight: this is a novel of loneliness and isolation, of attempting to find the self while mired within it.

The novel eventually seems to crack open, to welcome the world.

We never got called to anything great, or terrible, Peter muses, building on memories of his grandfather who played trumpet in the military. We were as separate as hard, round stones. And we bickered. The clarion call of connection breaks through the isolation, but there is nothing overblown about the shift: The Clarion is a novel of small, graceful moments of epiphany, fleeting happenstance connections, like the plaintive sound of a trumpet in the dark. A wonderful, and promising, debut.

Robert J. Wiersema is the author of several books, including Before I Wake and Black Feathers.
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2023 - 23:17 | World, All, Japan

JAKARTA - Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday called on Chinese Premier Li Qiang to abolish Beijing's import ban on Japanese seafood, Japan's government said, as tensions persist between the two countries over the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Amid growing tensions, the leaders held a brief conversation in Jakarta, where they are attending meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for three days from Tuesday.

Kishida also told Li that Japan and China need to build "constructive and stable" relations while explaining Japan's position on the water release that began late last month, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

China is staunchly opposed to it and has banned all seafood imports from Japan since, calling the water "nuclear-contaminated."

Following the conversation, they attended the ASEAN Plus Three summit, also involving South Korea.

Li told the meeting that Japan should handle the issue responsibly, calling on it to fulfill its international obligations and fully consult with its neighbors and related stakeholders, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.

Related coverage:

Japan, ASEAN upgrade ties to boost maritime security amid China clout

China, ASEAN leaders tout mutual trust despite South China Sea row

ASEAN leaders condemn Myanmar junta for continued violence
Homicide investigators have confirmed that three men have been shot and killed in the Blanch
BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua Institute, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency, released on Tuesday a report on the "origins, facts and perils" of the U.S. military hegemony and held a seminar on the topic.

By presenting facts and data, the report traced the root of U.S. military hegemony, explored how America has pursued, maintained, and abused its military hegemony, and shed light on the perils of the country's hegemonic practices.

U.S. military hegemony is a central pillar to the country's pursuit of a unipolar world and hegemonic order, according to the report.

The hegemonic acts of the United States, such as waging wars wilfully and intervening militarily in other countries, have destroyed human lives, trampled on human rights and the sovereignty of other countries, undermined global peace and development, and unleashed great suffering and disasters onto the peoples of certain countries, which are the greatest source of chaos threatening global security and stability and impeding the progress of human civilization, the report stated.

A group of foreign experts from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Eurasia, Europe, and Latin America as well as several Chinese scholars participated in the seminar in person or virtually, and they spoke highly of the report.

Dmitry Suslov, deputy director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow, described the report as "deep, accurate and timely."

"The United States has always been the most expansionist power in the world," Suslov continued, stressing that its military hegemony "was characterized by staunch violations of international law and illegal military interventions."

Zivadin Jovanovic, president of Belgrade Forum for a World of Equals and former Serbian senior diplomat, said that "this document will play an important role in strengthening global understanding, solidarity and coordination of efforts toward building polycentric, more just, inclusive, truly democratic new world order."

The report was released globally via various platforms including websites and social media in Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Russian, and other languages.

Xinhua Institute is the only media-type think tank in the array of China's national high-end think tanks. With policy research as its main focus, it has carried out forward-looking and strategic research around major domestic and global issues in recent years, and has released many influential research results. 
By Jeff Murphy, September 6, 2023





Foreground from left, Col. Keith Butler, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, and his wife, Diane, met with Courtney Swoboda, director of military and veterans services, during a recent visit to the University of Central Missouri. UCM President Roger Best accompanied the couple to the Military and Veterans Success Center.



WARRENSBURG, MO  Col. Keith Butler, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, and his wife, Diane, had an opportunity to learn more about how the University of Central Missouri serves active duty military members, their dependents and veterans as part of a campus visit on Tuesday, Sept. 5.



The UCM Office of the President coordinated the tour, which David Pearce, executive director of governmental relations, helped organize. It included a meeting with senior administrators, including President Roger Best; Philip Bridgmon, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Shari Bax, vice president for student experience and engagement; and Bill Hawley, vice president for finance and administration. In addition to their meeting at the Administration Building, the Butlers also stopped at the Elliott Student Union where they visited the Military and Veterans Success Center. They met students along with Courtney Swoboda, director of military and veteran services, to learn more about specific ways this facility assists individuals who have served their country. They also had an opportunity to hear from individuals who utilize MVSC services.



We appreciate Col. Keith Butler and Diane Butler taking time to meet with our administrative leaders and individuals who work directly with the men and women who serve our nation, Pearce said. We value a strong relationship with Whiteman Air Force Base, and opportunities like this are very important to us.



The Butlers are no strangers to UCM. Col. Butler became commander at WAFB during a ceremony on June 21. He is a former 509th Operations Group commander who returned to the base from Edwards Air Force Base, California, where he commanded Detachment 5, Air Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Diane Butler has served at UCM previously as an adjunct faculty member.
Sergey Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, said a group of drones attempted to attack the city overnight Tuesday.

He wrote about this on Telegram, reports Ukrinform.

"This night, in Kaluga region and the Istrynskyi district, the air defense forces intercepted the drones that attempted to attack Moscow. According to tentative reports, there was no damage or casualties at the site of the crash. Emergency services are working at the scene," wrote Sobyanin.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the authorities of Russias Kursk region reported a drone attack that caused a fire in a non-residential building in the city of Kurchatov.
Since the presidents of Turkey and Russia have failed to reach an agreement on the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the threat to the port and civil infrastructure of Ukraine remains relevant.

Thats according to Natalia Humeniuk, the press officer for Operational Command South, who spoke on the air of the national telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"Unfortunately, this practice and the conclusions of analysts are correct  when Russia sees no success in any direction of their efforts, they resort to such fire terror. () We monitored their activities and preparatory work ahead of that important meeting, we saw a powerful overnight attack in two waves in the south of Odesa region. It sent a clear message in the appropriate direction, where the grain corridor functions, which is an irritant for the dictator. That is why we state the fact that there remains a threat to the port and civil infrastructure, as well as grain, as the enemy did not get what they wanted," Humeniuk said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Monday, September 4, the presidents of Turkey and Russia failed to reach an agreement at a meeting in Sochi regarding Moscow's fulfillment of the terms of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the agreements revival.
During the special operation involving a turncoat pilot of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter, Ukraines intelligence managed to get valuable sensitive data.

Thats according to Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, who spoke at a press conference to reveal the details of the brazen mission.

"GURs special operation caused a stir not only in our country but also beyond its borders. This is a really important and extremely complex operation, which is of fundamental importance for our security and defense forces, and it will also have long-term consequences for the aggressor power for their morale, as well as for their security and defense sector. After all, as a result of the operation, we obtained extremely important intelligence about their air force and many other details that will help us protect our skies and destroy the enemy," Yusov said.

According to the official, the National Police and the Armed Forces contributed to the success of the mission as it was a complex effort that took several months to accomplish. Nothing of this kind has ever been done in Ukraine, the spokesman noted.

Yusov introduced to journalists Captain Maksim Kuzminov, the Mi-8 pilot, noting that he reached out to the Ukrainian side on his own initiative because he condemns Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine and the actions of the Vladimir Putin regime.

Kuzminov noted that from the very outset of the full-scale invasion, he chose not to support Russias aggression. "What was the impetus for my decision? This is a complete understanding of what is happening. I decided for myself that this is a brutal crime. And that I simply will not take part in this, no matter what. Yes, I do have a plane I left behind in Russia and yes, I have a good salary that I left behind, too, as well as two apartments and I almost had a pension there. In fact, many things held me back, but now it's all unimportant to me. It was important not to take part in this crime," the pilot said.

He assured journalists that no one coerced him into doing anything as the decision was deliberate and independent. "I decided so myself, and after that, we were designing routes for almost half a year, thinking of how it would be safer to execute the stunt," said the Russian.

Read also: Intelligence shows how Ukrainian drone escapes from two Russian helicopters and plane

The pilot added that he was engaged in the transportation of troops and cargo across Russia during the full-scale war, adding that he never launched strikes on Ukraine. Should he receive such an order, he would not have performed it, he claims.

A Ukrainian journalist and military serviceman, author of the "Military Intelligence of Ukraine" documentary series Artem Shevchenko emphasized that Ukraine was able to prevent the enemy from flying into Ukraines territory anymore, which is critical. "We showed this in the film, that our fight is complex, exhausting, and multi-stage. Not everything happened at once, but everything was very dynamic. As a result, we managed to kick the enemy out of our sky," he said.

As reported, the film "Downed Russian Pilots" film, which premiered on September 3, describes the most significant episodes of Ukraines resistance to the Russian air assault during the full-scale invasion and contains stunning footage of the downing of Russian warplanes, helicopters, missiles, and drones; unique testimonies of Ukrainian scouts, pilots, and servicemen from the air defense units, also telling stories of captured Russian pilots, the report says.

On August 23, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov confirmed the completion of the special operation, in which the Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter with its entire crew crossed into Ukraine and surrendered to the Armed Forces. Thanks to the elaborately planned effort, the Russian pilot flew his Mi-8AMTSh helicopter, loaded with components for combat aircraft, into Ukrainian territory.
The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue their offensive operation in the Bakhmut and Melitopol directions.

Thats according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"They saw success toward Robotyne and Novoprokopivka, getting entrenched on the regained positions with our artillery inflicting fire damage on the designated enemy targets and engaging in counterbattery combat," the report reads.

The General Staff noted that in the direction of Bakhmut, Ukraines forces continue their offensive operations south of the town. The enemy is suffering significant losses in terms of manpower, weapons, and equipment, maneuvering their troops and deploying reserves.

At the same time, the Defense Forces are holding back the advance of Russian troops in the Avdiivka and Marinka directions. The Russians undertook unsuccessful assault efforts in the Marinka district.

On the Lyman and Bakhmut axes, the Russian invasion army ran fruitless offensive missions near Novoyehorivka, Bilohorivka, and north of Klishchiivka. Heavy fighting continues in the area.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russias military death toll in Ukraine as of September 5 has amounted to 265,680, according to the estimates by the General Staff.

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Germany has handed over ammunition and vehicles to Ukraine.

The list of military assistance, posted on the website of Germanys Federal Government, has been updated, Ukrinform reports.

The new package includes more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, more than 9.5 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms and about 27,000 rounds ammunition 40mm.

One bridge-laying tank BEAVER was also delivered (Ukraine already has a total of 11), as well as 4 border protection vehicles (182 were previously delivered), 4 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 4 semi-trailers (previously transferred 46 and 41, respectively), 32 Zetros trucks (already 188 in total).

In addition, the package contains 20,000 safety glasses.

As reported, Germany resumed the production of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.
The Russians invented a new way of "protecting" their aircraft from drone attacks with car tires. However, experts consider such a solution ineffective.

That's according to CNN, Ukrinform reports.

Satellite imagery from Maxar of Engels Airbase, deep inside Russia, shows two Tu-95 strategic bombers with car tires on top of the airframes.

According to Francisco Serra-Martins of drone manufacturer One Way Aerospace whose drones have been used by Ukrainian forces, the makeshift attempt may have limited effect in terms of mitigating damage.

"It may reduce the thermal signature for exposed strategic aviation assets placed on airfield aprons, but they will still be observable under infrared cameras," he said.

A NATO military official told CNN the alliance had seen the makeshift attempt.

"We believe it's meant to protect against drones. We don't know if this will have any effect," he said.

On the night of August 30, drones attacked a military airfield in the Pskov region, destroying four Russian Il-76 transport aircraft.

Photos: Maxar Technologies
In the Robotyne-Novoprokopivka sector, the Ukrainian forces have achieved success and are entrenching themselves at the regained positions.

Spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Pavlo Kovalchuk said during the United News nationwide telethon, Ukrinform reports.

"The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct an offensive operation in the Bakhmut and Melitopol directions," he said.

According to Kovalchuk, in the Robotyne-Novoprokopivka sector, the Ukrainian military have achieved success and are entrenching themselves at the regained positions, inflicting fire damage with artillery fire on identified enemy targets and engaging in counter-battery battles.

In the Bakhmut sector, the Defense Forces continue to conduct offensive operations south of Bakhmut city.

According to the spokesman, the enemy is suffering significant losses in personnel, weapons and military equipment, relocating units and troops, using reserves.

At the same time, the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the Avdiivka and Maryinka sector.

"The enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the district of Maryinka, Donetsk region. In addition, in the Lyman and Bakhmut sectors, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Novoyehorivka and north of Klishchiivka. Heavy battles are ongoing," he said.

In addition, Kovalchuk reported that the enemy had launched 40 airstrikes and carried out 51 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas over the past day.

"Unfortunately, as a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, there are killed and wounded civilians, residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure have been damaged," said the spokesman for the General Staff.

He also added that a total of 28 military clashes had been recorded at the front over the past day.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces of Ukraine eliminated another 610 Russian invaders in the past day.
In the Black Sea, Russia keeps one missile carrier equipped with eight Kalibr-type cruise missiles.

The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in a post on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"As of 09:00 on September 6, there are nine enemy ships on combat duty in the Black Sea, including one Kalibr cruise missile carrier, with a total salvo of up to eight missiles," the report says.

In addition, Russia keeps one ship on combat duty in the Sea of Azov and two ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

As Ukrinform reported, in the early hours of September 6, the enemy attacked Ukraine with air- and ground-launched missiles, as well as attack drones. Ukraines air defenses destroyed 23 out of 33 targets.
An explosion rocked one of districts in the city of Zaporizhzhia during the recent air raid alert. Reportedly, a civil infrastructure facility was hit.

The relevant statement was made by Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Head Yurii Malashko on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

At 10:24 a.m., the enemy launched a missile strike on one of districts in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Following the [enemy] attack, a civil infrastructure facility was partially destroyed, Malashko wrote.

In his words, two people were injured. They were the employees of the enterprise.

Relevant services are working at the scene.

Zaporizhzhia Acting Mayor Anatolii Kurtiev mentioned on Telegram that several apartment blocks and educational institutions had been damaged by the blast wave.

A reminder that, on September 5, 2023, Russian troops launched nine air strikes on the Zaporizhzhia region. Three people were reported injured.
BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A new research report Xinhua News Agency's think tank released on Tuesday uncovers the damage and threats of U.S. military hegemony.

In the report titled Origins, Facts and Perils of U.S. Military Hegemony, Xinhua Institute outlines the formation of the U.S. military hegemony, summarizes the means Washington adopted to maintain it, and delves into its perils by presenting facts and data.

"This report ... aims to trace the root cause of U.S. military hegemony, to explore how the United States has pursued, maintained and abused its military hegemony, and to tell the truth about the perils of the practices of U.S. military hegemony to the whole world," the think tank said.

The concepts of "empire" and "hegemony" are found throughout the history of the United States, the report said. "The idea has continuously influenced U.S. policies and behavior on its way towards global military hegemony."

"As both a dream and a fact the American Empire was born before the United States," it quoted Bernard DeVoto, an American historian, as saying.

Throughout the 240-plus-year history of the United States, there were less than 20 years in which the country was not at war, stressed the report.

Since 2001, the United States has launched wars and military operations in more than 80 countries around the world in the name of "anti-terrorism," which have directly resulted in the death of about 929,000 people, including 387,000 civilians, displacing about 38 million people, it said.

"With its military hegemony, the United States has been promulgating hegemonic policies and actions, bringing tremendous harm to the whole world," the report added.

"The United States has a long and bloody history of military intervention and expansion. Its wars and interventions have caused immense human suffering and instability around the world. The United States must change its ways and adopt a more peaceful and cooperative approach to foreign policy," said Mohamed A. Elchime, professional associate of political science at Helwan University in Egypt.

The U.S. military hegemony is bound to backfire. "The pursuit of absolute security, political exclusion and military containment ... will not help establish a security framework, but lead to a dilemma and even turmoil," the report said.

"It could not foster peace and security, but only create war and disaster; it could not bring equality and freedom, but only slavery and oppression; it could not offer development and cooperation, but only cause conflicts and division," the report concluded.

Noting that the study is "of historic significance," said Zivadin Jovanovic, president of Belgrade Forum for a World of Equals.

"I have no doubts that this document will play an important role in strengthening global understanding, solidarity and coordination of efforts toward building a polycentric, more just, inclusive, truly democratic new world order," Jovanovic said. 

Full text: Origins, Facts and Perils of U.S. Military Hegemony
Ukrainian intelligence is not completely sure that Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in a plane crash in Russia's Tver region on August 23, but confirms reports of the death of his accomplice, Dmitry Utkin.

Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said this in an interview with Ukrinform.

"Currently, we can speak 100% about the confirmed death of Utkin and some other passengers. As for Prigozhin, not all questions are closed yet," he said.

He declined to give more details, but said: "I will simply focus on the fact that we can confirm the death of Utkin and several more associates of Prigozhin. As for the leader of the private military company, I think we have to wait a little longer."

On August 23, an Embraer Legacy 600 jet crashed in Russia's Tver region, allegedly carrying Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, his accomplice Dmitry Utkin and other representatives of the private military company.

On August 27, Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed Prigozhin's death in the plane crash.

According to official Russian media, on August 29, Prigozhin was allegedly buried at the Porokhovskoye Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen paid a visit to Bucha, in the Kyiv region, to honor the victims of war crimes committed by the Russian Federation.

The Prosecutor General's Office reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

The head of the Prosecutor General's Office showed Frederiksen the places of war crimes committed in Bucha by the Russian military and emphasized the need to always remember their victims.

Kostin emphasized that, despite the liberation of the Kyiv region from the Russian invaders, the aggressor continues to indiscriminately shell peaceful cities of Ukraine.

"This morning, the enemy launched another missile attack on Kyiv and the region's settlements. But each such attack only strengthens our determination to stop Russia and ensure that the criminal regime of the Russian Federation is held accountable for every crime committed," the Prosecutor General said.

He thanked Denmark for its support of Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for assistance on the path to justice.

"Denmark is one of the top 10 countries in terms of aid to Ukraine in relation to GDP. We highly appreciate the military assistance, especially the historic decision to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets," Kostin emphasized.

As reported, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen arrived in Kyiv and addressed the Verkhovna Rada.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed a new military aid package with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen.

He said this at a joint press conference with Frederiksen in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Today we have discussed a new military package. This will be the twelfth [package] that is being prepared for this month," Zelensky said.

He reminded that Ukrainian pilots are being trained on F-16s in Denmark.

"The Ukrainian military have a task - to prepare the necessary infrastructure in our country as soon as possible. And this is one of the key tasks that the Defense Forces currently have to perform," the President underscored.

The Head of State added that issues related to expanding training opportunities and accelerating the real integration of modern fighter jets into the defense of Ukraine are currently being discussed.

In general, Zelensky called today's talks with Frederiksen very meaningful. He once again thanked Denmark for all the support that this country provides to Ukraine, noting that he highly praises the current bilateral relations.

In turn, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Denmark provides Ukraine with military equipment and ammunition, but wants to do much more, including in the field of air defense.

We will continue our support to civil society, civilians, she stressed.

Frederiksen noted that F-16 pilots and maintenance personnel are already training in Denmark.

In addition, the Prime Minister expressed condolences over the death of civilians following a Russian attack on the market in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, on Wednesday.

As Ukrinform reported, in June, acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced the start of training of Ukrainian pilots on Western F-16 fighter jets.

Photo: Kyrylo Chubotin
The Defense Forces of Ukraine repelled Russian attacks in the Lyman, Avdiivka and Bakhmut sectors. The Ukrainian defenders achieved success south of Bakhmut and are entrenching themselves in the achieved positions.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its evening update posted on Facebook on Wednesday, September 6, Ukrinform reports.

The operational situation in the east and south of Ukraine remains difficult. There were 26 combat engagements, the General Staff said.

In the Melitopol direction, the Defense Forces continue to conduct an offensive operation - they eliminate the enemy and gradually liberate the captured territories.

In the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force launched 12 strikes on the areas where Russian personnel, weapons and military equipment were concentrated, as well as the positions of their anti-aircraft missile systems.

For their part, missile forces and artillery units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hit one enemy ammunition depot, three artillery units, two command posts, an anti-aircraft missile system, and two personnel, weapons and military equipment clusters.

Throughout the day, the Russian army launched 10 missile attacks and 54 airstrikes, as well as 31 MLRS attacks on the positions of the Defense Forces and populated areas.

In the Volyn and Polissia sectors, the operational situation has not changed significantly.

In the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna sectors, Russian troops used aircraft to attack the area of Hraniv, Kharkiv region. They also used artillery and mortars to shell more than 25 settlements, including Hremiach of Chernihiv region, Velyka Pysarivka, Pokrovka, Ponomarenky and Chernatske of Sumy region, Veterynarne, Hatyshche and Varvarivka of Kharkiv region.

In the Kupiansk sector, the invaders launched an airstrike in the district of Synkivka, Kotliarivka and Krokhmalne of Kharkiv region. Kolodiazne, Kyslivka and Berestove in Kharkiv region came under enemy mortar and artillery fire.

In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled Russian attacks on Novoyehorivka, Luhansk region.

In the Bakhmut sector, the Defense Forces repelled Russian attacks on Orikhovo-Vasylivka of Donetsk region. As a result of the assault, the Ukrainian forces achieved partial success south of Bakhmut and are pushing the enemy back and entrenching themselves in the achieved lines.

Russian aircraft struck Khromove and Pivnichne in Donetsk region. The invaders shelled more than 15 settlements in the Bakhmut direction with artillery and mortars, including Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Bila Hora, Bohdanivka, and Klishchiivka in Donetsk region.

In the Avdiivka direction, the Defense Forces repelled Russian attacks in the area of Avdiivka. More than 15 settlements, including Oleksandropil, Keramik, Nevelske, Avdiivka and Pervomaiske of Donetsk region, were hit by enemy mortars and artillery. The invaders launched an airstrike near Avdiivka.

In the Marinka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the Marinka area of Donetsk region. The invaders launched airstrikes in the area of Krasnohorivka. The enemy attacked Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Yelyzavetivka in Donetsk region with artillery and mortars.

In the Shakhtarske direction, the Russians used aircraft to attack the area of Urozhaine, artillery and mortar strikes were launched on more than 10 settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Shakhtarske, Zolota Nava, Blahodatne and Urozhaine of Donetsk region.

In the Zaporizhzhia sector, Russian aircraft struck the districts of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne of Zaporizhzhia region. The invaders shelled more than 10 settlements with artillery and mortars, including Olhivske, Levadne, Huliaipole and Chervone of Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, the Russian army attacked Olhivka using aircraft. Kherson and Antonivka of Kherson region were subjected to enemy mortar and artillery shelling.

As Ukrinform reported, in the early hours of September 6, the enemy attacked Ukraine with air- and ground-launched missiles, as well as attack drones. Ukraines air defenses destroyed 23 out of 33 targets.
A surface missile ship, which may carry eight Kalibr-type cruise missiles, has joined Russias naval group in the Black Sea.

The relevant statement was made by Ukraines Southern Defense Forces on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The frigate Admiral Essen may be equipped with eight Kalibr-type missiles, the report states.

According to the military, the missile threat is remaining high, and it is necessary to use bomb shelters in case of the air raid alert.

A reminder that, on the night of September 6, 2023, Russian troops attacked Ukraines territory with missiles and suicide drones. Ukraines air defense units destroyed 23 out of 33 enemy targets.

Photo: open sources
Following Russias deadly attack on a central market in the Donetsk regions Kostiantynivka, the oldest victim was a woman born in 1940 and the youngest a man born in 2005.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko during a nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

To date, 50 casualties have been reported. Seventeen people were killed and 33 injured. Information about the childs death has not yet been confirmed. Among the fatal casualties, the oldest victim was a woman born in 1940 and the youngest a man born in 2005. These are the bodies that have been identified so far, Klymenko told.

In his words, DNA laboratories are working at the scene. They have already collected DNA samples from the bodies of victims, and are now collecting the relevant samples from the relatives.

According to Klymenko, the type of weapons used by Russian terrorists is yet to be identified.

In general, following the enemy attack, two five-storey houses and 122 apartments were damaged. In the market, 28 pavilions were affected, and eight of them were destroyed completely.

Klymenko mentioned that Russians attacked the central market at 02:00 p.m., when the place was the most crowded. Most victims were the local residents of Kostiantynivka.

This is a terrible tragedy. It was the civilian population that was attacked, there were neither servicemen nor military units, Klymenko stressed.

A reminder that, on September 6, 2023, Russian invaders shelled a central market in the Donetsk regions Kostiantynivka. As of 06:00 p.m., the search and rescue operation was completed.

Photo: Prosecutor Generals Office
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has signed eight framework contracts with European industry for the joint procurement of 155mm ammunition.

The relevant statement was published on the EDAs website, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The European Defence Agency has so far signed eight framework contracts with European industry for the joint procurement of 155mm ammunition, the report states.

The signing of the latest five contracts took place at EDA headquarters in Brussels on September 5, 2023, during a visit of the European Unions Political and Security Committee ambassadors.

We are taking another step forward in our three-track ammunition initiative. Member States can now pass orders within eight framework contracts. Time is of essence. Putin does not show any sign of letting up in his aggression against the Ukrainian people. This is why our military support for Ukraines defence must continue, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said.

According to EDAs Chief Executive Jiri Sedivy, the signing of these framework contracts between EDA and the European defence industry shows our capacity to swiftly secure the best deals possible for EU Member States and Norway.

In his words, Member States are now offered viable opportunities to place orders with industry through EDA, either to support Ukraine or to replenish their own national stocks.

It is now up to Member States to make full use of these options, Sedivy added.

So far, EDA has negotiated and signed the multiple framework contracts for the procurement of the 155mm ammunition round, also known as all-up-round, for the Panzerhaubitze 2000, as well as for the projectile and fuse components of ammunition for the Krab howitzer system.

More framework contracts for other howitzer systems used by Ukraine are expected to be signed in the near future.

Photo: The Washington Post
On September 6, the European Commission (EC) board is to consider proposals by European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski to solve the problem of Ukrainian grain exports to five "frontline" countries, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

The European Commissioner said this on Tuesday, September 5, in the Spanish city of Cordoba at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU agriculture ministers, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Grain imports from Ukraine are a very sensitive issue. It will be discussed during the meeting of the EC board, the E's representative said. He emphasized the need to support Ukraine regarding the transit of grain from Ukraine to more seaports. If the ban on such imports to the five frontline states is not extended, a new large-scale crisis in these border countries can be expected, he added.

He noted that Ukraine itself is suffering from low grain prices as a result of the Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports. The proposal to provide Ukraine with compensation for transit costs will help maintain the competitiveness of Ukrainian grain exports and return to traditional markets.

The Black Sea routes are currently blocked by Russia, so the solidarity lanes remain the only possible route for Ukrainian exports. This means additional transit costs. One needs to develop these routes and use more seaports. The main challenge is not infrastructure but the economic aspect. Transit is too costly for Ukrainian companies to export grain and be competitive in other markets, Wojciechowski said. He proposed to support Ukraine financially by compensating for the cost of transit.

The European Commissioner emphasized that this proposal - to extend the temporary ban on Ukrainian agricultural exports to five "frontline" countries until the end of 2023 and to provide Ukraine with compensation for transit costs - is currently his personal position, which he will present to the EC on September 6. In addition, the board will hear an update from a technical mission that has just visited Romania to explore the possibility of increasing the capacity of its ports. According to Wojciechowski, Romania is currently the main transit country for Ukrainian grain.

The EU strongly supports Ukraine. This is especially true for the five neighboring member states, their societies, and people, who have made a huge effort to support Ukraine, which is also reflected in public spending. One of the elements of this support is the opening of European markets for products from Ukraine, primarily agricultural products. So, this temporary ban on grain exports is not discrimination. It does not apply to the entire EU and is seen as a measure to prevent negative consequences for both sides. Direct imports are not good for the farmers of these "frontline" countries but also for Ukraine because it is a speculative trade, the EC representative said.

He recalled that Ukraine's exports to the EU market currently total EUR 28 billion, of which almost half - EUR 13 billion - are agricultural products. Last year, the volume of Ukrainian agri-exports to the EU increased by EUR 6 billion, 5 of which came from the five countries bordering Ukraine, which caused a shock to their markets.

Ukraine was blockaded by Russia, and Ukrainian grain was much cheaper than prices on the global and world markets. This was used, although legally but not entirely honestly, by those traders who took advantage of this situation. Therefore, these exports are not profitable for farmers in the EU and in Ukraine, the European Commissioner said. He added that his proposal is good for Ukraine because it gives it a chance to return to normal trade on better, non-speculative markets. The EC will find the best solution that will be acceptable to all partners, including Ukraine, Wojciechowski expressed confidence.

In turn, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain, Luis Planas, said that the issue of grain imports from Ukraine will be considered by ministers during a formal meeting of the EU Council in the second decade of September.

The EU is on Ukraine's side. It is here to protect its interests in this war, when Ukraine is suffering from an unjustified invasion by Russia. Ukraine's neighboring countries are also suffering and have a difficult market situation. We will see what the E decides. A formal meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council will be held in Brussels on September 18. This topic will be raised there as well, the Spanish minister said.

As reported, in May 2023, the E banned imports of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania at the insistence of these countries. On June 5, the ban was extended until September 15, 2023.

The Ukrainian authorities insist that if the E extends the ban on imports of Ukrainian grain after September 15, Ukraine may consider mirror measures.
All Russian assets that have been seized abroad should be used to rebuild Ukraine. In addition, Russia's oil revenues could also be a source of compensation for Ukraine in the future.

Stephen Rademaker, chief counsel to the United States House Committee on Homeland Security and an Assistant Secretary of State from 2002 through 2006, expressed this opinion at a special event at the Kyiv Security Forum, Ukrinform reports.

Canada has already taken this leading role by passing a law that allows Russian assets located in Canada to be used for these purposes. The United States can do the same. But most of the Russian money is in Europe, he said. In his opinion, the Americans should follow Canada's example, and then Europe will follow the example of Canada and the U.S.

According to Rademaker, there is no doubt that under international law Russia is responsible to Ukraine for the enormous damage caused by its illegal military aggression and must compensate for the corresponding losses.

He recalled that the last example of colossal aggression in the world was Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

Iraq bore financial responsibility. It paid compensation to all those who suffered in Kuwait for 30 years. This compensation was paid from Iraqi oil revenues. Russia is a major oil exporter. Its oil revenues can also be a source of compensation for Ukraine in the coming years, the expert believes.

Rademaker also noted that the World Bank estimates that by February 2023, Russia had caused USD 411 billion in damage to Ukraine. But since then, this amount has increased. Therefore, in theory, Russia should write Ukraine a check for at least this USD 400 billion, he said, admitting that it is unlikely that the aggressor state will take such a step.

At the same time, the expert is convinced that there are legal mechanisms that will allow the international community to use Russian assets seized abroad to restore Ukraine.

The Kyiv Security Forum, founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, is a platform for discussing issues of war and peace, national and global security.

As Ukrinform reported, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal believes that after the international commission for the confiscation of Russian assets and the corresponding international fund are established, the United States and Canada will be the first to transfer frozen assets there.

Ukraine is already preparing a mechanism to confiscate up to USD 500 billion of Russian assets frozen in the West.
The Sochi meeting was not a breakthrough for the grain initiative. Or could it have been?

The Black Sea Grain Initiative was unilaterally terminated by Russia on July 17 after being effectively blocked by the same country for several months. After almost 50 days of Turkey's active diplomatic attempts to restore the grain corridor, President Erdogan visited Sochi and met with Putin. The Turkish leader had previously managed to find arguments and convince Moscow to extend the grain initiative. But despite the announcement before the Sochi talks that an "important decision" on grain had been made, there was no breakthrough. And not because of Ankara's insufficient attempts - the efforts were maximized. Moscow's desire to use grain as a weapon has become its strategy for blackmail on a global scale.

TURKEY IS FOR THE QUARTET, AS IT CONSIDERS ALTERNATIVE PATHS RISKY

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, and now its re-launch, has long been among the key issues on Turkey's international agenda, even during the presidential election. Today, diplomatic and political circles are convinced that the grain corridor should be restarted, and not in the alternative way that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called risky during his visit to Kyiv, namely, in accordance with the terms of the agreement signed last year. Ankara insists that Russia should not be excluded from the process, which should continue in the "quartet" format - Ukraine, Turkey, the UN, and Russia. And this makes a lot of sense. In particular, the Black Sea Grain Initiative is seen as a possible model that could be used as a basis for achieving (in the form of a paper-based) future peace. This does not contradict the peace formula proposed in Kyiv and previously declared in Turkey.

For Ankara, it is a great goal to mediate in the peace process, which has been demonstrated in practice on many occasions, and to become a platform for both negotiations and the final legalization of a peace agreement. This is about geopolitical ambitions and the desire for stability, security and peace in the Black Sea region.

THE RESULT IS POSITIVE, AN IMPORTANT CONTINUATION

During the operation of the grain corridor, almost 33 million tonnes of grain have been exported from Ukrainian ports - 17 million tonnes of corn, 9 million tonnes of grain, 1.86 million tonnes of sunflower meal, 1.65 million tonnes of sunflower oil, and 1.27 million tonnes of barley. Also soybeans, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and other grains.

Among the top 10 countries where Ukrainian grain and other products were exported are China, Spain, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands, Egypt, Bangladesh, Israel, Tunisia, and Portugal.

As Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar explained in a commentary to Ukrinform, this figure is rather conditional. After all, part of the grain sent to Europe or other countries with strong raw material processing capabilities ends up as finished products (flour, pasta, cookies, etc.) on the shelves of the poorest countries in Africa and Asia, which have little or no grain processing capabilities.

That is why both the world and Ukraine are interested in the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Russia traditionally uses as a lever of pressure, and are interested in building new effective alternative routes that would exclude Moscow's ability to influence the grain export process.

As for the harvest forecast for next year, the Ukrainian Grain Association has already increased its estimate of this year's potential harvest of grains and oilseeds in Ukraine by 3.7 million tonnes to 80.5 million tonnes. In general, according to the UGA estimates, the export of grains and oilseeds from Ukraine in the new season 2023/2024 could potentially reach almost 49 million tonnes. Last season (ended June 30, 2023), the exports reached 58 million tonnes. That is, the share of exports via the grain corridor was more than half, and this figure could have been higher if not for Russia's influence on the efficiency of the corridor through delayed inspections or constant threats to suspend its operation.

GRAIN AS A WEAPON AND AN ATTEMPT TO EASE SANCTIONS

Last July, Ukraine-Turkey-UN and Russia-Turkey-UN signed two mirror agreements on the opening and operation of the "grain corridor."

Previously, Russia had repeatedly complained (and continues to do so) that the terms of the agreement regarding the export of food from its territory were allegedly not being fulfilled. In May, Moscow unveiled its demands for the continuation of the grain deal, including the lifting of some of the restrictions and sanctions imposed after the start of the large-scale military invasion of Ukraine. Among them are Rosselkhozbank's accession to SWIFT, unblocking of Russian ships' calls to ports in Western countries (which have imposed sanctions), and ship insurance. Russia believes that the fulfillment of these requirements was stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding between Russia and the UN signed in July 2022. In fact, the text of the document states that the Russian Federation and the UN Secretariat "have reached an understanding" on the measures that "will be taken to facilitate unimpeded access to world markets for food and fertilizers, including raw materials for their production (including ammonia), coming from the Russian Federation". Among these measures are commercial supplies of food and fertilizers, and assistance from the UN Secretariat, in particular, work towards obtaining "specific exemptions for food and fertilizers, including raw materials for their production (including ammonia), produced in the Russian Federation". And this should be done, according to the text of this document, "taking into account the urgent need related to global food security." A separate paragraph states that "the Russian Federation will facilitate the unimpeded export of food, sunflower oil and fertilizers from ports in the Black Sea controlled by Ukraine." In other words, the intention on paper to act to weaken and avoid global food security has been turned by Moscow into a lever of selective use - a new type of global "weapon" and an attempt to ease sanctions.

BLACKMAIL ON A GLOBAL SCALE

From its initial conception, the Black Sea Grain Initiative required an active mediation role, which was assumed by the UN and Turkey, in particular by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally. Firstly, it gives geopolitical weight, secondly, it is economically beneficial for the country, and thirdly, the success of the "grain initiative" in Turkey is associated with the prospects for the success of peace negotiations and Ankara's direct participation in this process in the future. There are many advantages, but implementing the initiative in practice requires constant political and diplomatic activity and the search for "points of contact" and agreement with a country that a priori does not fulfill agreements and commitments. What arguments the Turkish side used to persuade the Russian side to extend the grain deal in the past were not publicly disclosed, but they did not work in Sochi, although Ankara had previously come up with a "scheme" to export Russian grain. To satisfy Russia's whims, Turkey offered to process Russian grain into flour and ship it to poor African and underdeveloped countries.

But Moscow ignored this option, as it excludes the possibility of continuing food blackmail on a global scale.

If we take into account the announcements of the Turkish media before President Erdogan's visit to Russia, when "all eyes of the world were watching the negotiations" and "food security depended on the visit," then at least the resumption of the grain corridor on the same terms was expected to come out of Sochi. But whether the expectations of Turkish journalists were exaggerated, or whether something in Sochi did not go according to the planned "scenario," the visit was not a breakthrough, but a "synchronization of watches" and another step toward possible future agreements.

THE GHOST OF "FATHER HAMLET" IN THE CORRIDORS OF THE KREMLIN

And after Sochi, Ankara is not abandoning further attempts to resuscitate the "grain corridor" because the Black Sea Grain Initiative is already the most successful case of Turkish mediation since the beginning of the war (there were also meetings of foreign ministers in Antalya, groups of negotiators in Istanbul, participation in the exchange of prisoners, and other initiatives).

What can we expect next? Feedback, continued contacts between Ankara and Kyiv, and new proposals. In particular, after the summit meeting in Russia, a telephone conversation or even a meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Erdogan (alternatively, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly) is not excluded. The work on the grain corridor is taking place within the framework of our intensive dialogue: before the Turkish leader's visit to Sochi, the Turkish Foreign Minister and the President's Chief Advisor visited Kyiv. The ghost of Hamlet's father, which Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned before the meeting in Sochi, is that no agreements on Ukraine can be reached without Ukraine's participation.

Let me remind you that the Sochi talks also failed to confirm previous rumors that Russia was allegedly offering Turkey and Qatar a "grain corridor without Ukraine." In practice, yesterday it was announced as an intention to supply 1 million tonnes of Russian grain with the participation of Qatar (financially) and Turkey (by processing raw materials) to the poorest countries in Africa. It is possible that there were attempts on Moscow's part to create a new corridor "without Ukraine," but the result announced yesterday clearly demonstrates the level of readiness of other countries to participate in such initiatives.

Olha Budnik, Ankara
HANOI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked relevant authorities to ensure adequate power and petroleum supply, stressing the importance of energy security to the socio-economic development, local newspaper Vietnam News reported on Wednesday.

The direction was announced following some disruptions in energy supplies, including the partial power shortage in the north in the dry season of 2023 and the petroleum shortage in some localities at the end of 2022, the newspaper reported.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is requested to complete the plan to ensure electricity supply for production, business, and daily life in the remaining months of this year and next year.

Power shortages must not be allowed under any circumstances, the prime minister stressed.

Mechanisms to encourage rooftop solar power must be completed and submitted for consideration, while power generation and grid projects are requested to speed up, the newspaper cited the leader's request.

Regarding the supply of petroleum for the domestic market, he asked relevant ministries, agencies and corporations to ensure adequacy under any circumstances with no disruptions, the newspaper reported. 
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have discussed the protection of Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

Shmyhal announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"We are maximally preparing for winter and possible Russian missile attacks on power generation and distribution facilities," he said.

Both parties also discussed strengthening economic cooperation, intensifying cooperation with U.S. businesses, and Ukraine's progress in implementing reforms.

Shmyhal noted that the U.S. is a leader in direct budget aid to Ukraine. He expressed special gratitude for the PEACE in Ukraine program, which helps finance the salaries of teachers and doctors.

Shmyhal said that Ukraine highly values support and military assistance from the United States.

He also thanked Blinken for another visit and personal efforts to deepen cooperation.

On September 6, Blinken arrived in Ukraine and began his visit by commemorating fallen Ukrainian soldiers at a cemetery.

Blinken will hold a number of meetings in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive and future recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Ukraine is strongly against any further restrictions on its grain exports.

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his address to participants of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Head of State spoke of Russias drone attack on the Odesa regions town of Kiliia, which caused a huge fire.

After the Russian Shahed attack. Exactly on our infrastructure, which ensures the life of the Ukrainian part of the Black Sea and Danube regions... Actually, this is a fire in the body of our Three Seas. And these consequences of the attacks on Kiliya, on Reni, on Izmail, on Odesa,  on those cities that open the southern gate to the world for Ukraine,  are very vivid, Zelensky said.

In his words, Russia is now hitting Ukraine, but what would have happened if it had succeeded, as it did earlier in history, in making Ukraine its foothold?.

Thats what Putin was planning. Something that, unfortunately, your peoples have already seen! Along with the Ukrainian one. In the past. In the past, which became a time of captivity, because at key moments there was a lack of solidarity, Zelensky stressed.

According to the President of Ukraine, the 24th of February changed everything.

Europe  all of us  managed to prove that we are capable of historic acts of solidarity. And now, when Ukraine is grateful to your countries, grateful to you personally for your support, this is the gratitude we feel, Zelensky noted.

The Head of State emphasized that the Three Seas Initiative is about unity, not division.

So why, when Ukrainian ports are burning almost every night after Russian strikes, do we also have to worry that our land logistics will stop? When politics in Europe goes against the grain and ignores common commitments and shared values... when it happens in the midst of a brutal aggression against everything that is European,  everyone loses. Everyone! And only time separates us from the moment when the consequences of such a loss  will be revealed. Ukraine is strongly against any further restrictions on the export of our grain! We calmly watch as our grain becomes a source of good income for various European countries that process our agricultural products and make money on logistics. Farmers in different countries use Ukrainian feed for the benefit of their farms. Companies from different countries make money on transit. And this is a benefit for the entire European economy But specifically for the Ukrainian segment of the European economy, it is not about making money, but about survival  in the face of Russian terror, the President of Ukraine explained.

According to Zelensky, any restrictions against Ukrainian exports now are a scaling-up of the destruction caused by Russian terrorists.

And I would like to address the European Commission specifically. The foundation of Europe is, among other things, free competition and fulfillment of promises. Ukraine fulfills its promises and never interferes with free competition. But how can we not-calmly accept the violation of the promises given to us, the violation of the Association Agreement, the violation of free market conditions... European institutions should not multiply disappointments in Europe. And should increase confidence in the words and promises that are made in Europe, Zelensky stressed.

In his words, Ukraine is fighting for life and for common European values on the battlefield: at sea and on land, in the air and cyberspace, in the information environment and the sphere of commerce.

But if we have to fight for Ukraine and the foundations of our common Europe in arbitration, we will fight. We dont want to, but we will fight in arbitration. If we need to fight on the platforms of international organizations, we will fight there as well. But we hope for unity. And we hope that unity will win. That truth will win. May solidarity continue to unite us! May the whole Europe, from the Danube to the Vistula, continue to be a space of cooperation. Let the blame for the suffering in Europe be only on Russia, the President of Ukraine concluded.

A reminder that the Three Seas Initiative was established in 2016. Now it consists of 12 states. Today, Ukraine has become an associate member of the Three Seas Initiative.

Photo, video: Office of the President of Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada has dismissed Rustem Umerov from the post of head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine.

MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak from the Voice (lit. Holos) parliamentary faction reported this, Ukrinform saw.

He clarified that 302 deputies supported the adoption of Resolution No. 9678 "On Dismissal of Rustem Enverovych Umerov from the post of the head of the State Property Fund."

As Ukrinform reported, on September 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that within a week he would propose to the parliament to dismiss Oleksii Reznikov from the post of Defense Minister and appoint the current head of the State Property Fund, Rustem Umerov, to the corresponding position.

On September 5, the Verkhovna Rada supports Reznikov's dismissal from the post of Defense Minister.

Therefore, the President must submit a motion to the Verkhovna Rada to appoint Umerov to the relevant position. After that, the parliament should consider this issue at its meeting. According to a number of MPs, the vote on Umerov's appointment as Defense Minister will take place tomorrow.

Read also: Ukraine Parliament dismisses Defense Minister Reznikov

Rustem Umerov is a Ukrainian politician and businessman of Crimean Tatar origin. He was elected to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine from the Holos political party in 2019-2022. While working in the parliament, he actively lobbied for bills on the rights of Crimean Tatars, as well as initiated legislation and political statements regarding the temporarily occupied Crimea.

Immediately after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war, Umerov joined the Ukrainian delegation in negotiations with Russia. He was also involved in the process of negotiating the exchange of prisoners. Umerov contributed to the exchange of prisoners in September 2022, when Ukraine managed to return 215 citizens, including the defenders of Mariupol and Azov commanders.

Since September 7, 2022, he has headed the State Property Fund.
Japan and Turkey have agreed to deepen economic ties and work together to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.

That's according to NHK, Ukrinform reports.

In a joint statement signed by Japanese Trade Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and his Turkish counterpart Omer Bolat in Istanbul on September 5, both parties pledged to closely cooperate in helping Ukraine rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the war.

Bolat said the relations between Turkey and Japan are important and they have developed almost to the level of an alliance. He added that Turkey wants to work with Japan in expanding cooperation in third countries.

Nishimura expressed hope that the two sides will further strengthen economic ties and cooperate in global efforts such as achieving a low-carbon society.

Officials say he explained Japan's position on the discharge of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and Bolat showed support for it.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has arrived in Tokyo to participate in the G7 Parliamentary Speakers Summit.

The Ukrainian speaker said this in a post on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"I am starting a working visit to Japan to participate in the G7 Parliamentary Summit," he posted.

Stefanchuk noted that as part of his visit to Japan, he will have important bilateral meetings with the heads of parliaments of the G7 countries.

In addition, the Verkhovna Rada chairman will deliver a speech at the first session of the Summit on "Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the International Order."

Undoubtedly, the focus of attention will be on Ukraine and the comprehensive support of our country's partners in countering the Russian aggressor, the Ukrainian speaker wrote.

As reported, the G7 Speakers Summit will be held in Japan from September 7.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appointed Rustem Umerov as Defense Minister.

The relevant statement was made by Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zhelezniak on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Zhelezniak, a total of 338 Members of Parliament voted in favor of Umerovs appointment.

A reminder that, on September 5, 2023, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine dismissed Oleksii Reznikov from the post of Defense Minister and Rustem Umerov from the post of Head of the Ukrainian State Property Fund.

Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a motion to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to appoint Rustem Umerov as Defense Minister. The Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence endorsed Umerovs appointment.

Rustem Umerov is a Ukrainian politician and businessman of Crimean Tatar origin. He was elected to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine from the Holos political party in 2019-2022. While working in Parliament, he actively lobbied for bills on the rights of Crimean Tatars, as well as initiated legislation and political statements regarding the temporarily occupied Crimea.

With the start of the Russian full-scale invasion, Umerov joined the Ukrainian delegation in negotiations with Russia. He was also involved in the process of negotiating the exchange of prisoners. In particular, Umerov contributed to the prisoner swap in September 2022, when Ukraine managed to return 215 citizens, including the defenders of Mariupol and Azov commanders.

Umerov had worked as Head of the Ukrainian State Property Fund since September 7, 2022.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on his way to Ukraine.

That's according to a statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Ukrinform reports.

"Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Frederiksen discussed the war in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Danish Alliance to transatlantic security. The United States and Denmark share a long, close partnership rooted in shared democratic values and the two discussed ways to further that engagement," the statement reads.

Secretary Blinken thanked Prime Minister Frederiksen for Denmark's leadership in the F-16 coalition of partner nations to train Ukrainian pilots, and for its decision to donate F-16 jets to Ukraine

On September 6, Blinken arrived in Ukraine and began his visit by commemorating fallen Ukrainian soldiers at a cemetery. He has already met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Blinken will also meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to discuss Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive and future recovery and reconstruction efforts. The Secretary of State will address Ukraine's energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and make announcements about how the United States can continue supporting Ukraine in these areas.

According to U.S. news outlets, Blinken may announce a new aid package for Ukraine worth more than $1 billion during his two-day visit.

Frederiksen is also visiting Kyiv. She has already delivered a speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, at a meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, thanked the Danish partners for military assistance and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Prime Minister Shmyhal said this in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

"Glad to welcome Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen to Ukraine. Denmark belongs to those countries that most actively support Ukraine in our fight against the Russian invader. We appreciate the military assistance of Danish partners, including the initiative to provide F-16 aircraft. This is a powerful contribution to guaranteeing security and deterring the Russian aggression. Today's terrorist act by Russians in the city of Kostiantynivka once again underscores the need to protect our skies and preserve people's lives," Shmyhal stressed.

He separately thanked Denmark for its help in the reconstruction of Mykolaiv.

"Your support is an example of regional cooperation," the Prime Minister emphasized.

He added that humanitarian demining was discussed at the meeting.

Shmyhal also thanked for supporting Ukraine's Peace Formula and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

As reported, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen is visiting Kyiv on September 6.

On Wednesday, September 6, Russian invaders hit the central market in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region. As of 18:00, 17 people were killed and 32 were injured following the Russian attack. The search and rescue operation ended.

Speaking about the enemy attack on Kostiantynivka, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the Russian army always hits civilians when the Ukrainian Defense Forces achieve success at the front.

Photo: Cabinet of Ministers
As of today, 384 medical infrastructure facilities damaged by Russian attacks have been fully restored in Ukraine.

This is said in a statement released by the press service of the Health Ministry of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"Over more than 18 months of the war, 799 medical facilities have already been completely or partially restored in various regions across Ukraine. In particular, 384 facilities have been fully restored and another 415 were partially restored," the report says.

It is noted that most medical facilities were restored in Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions.

Read also: 67 damaged kindergartens restored in Kyiv region

The Health Ministry stressed that the restoration of medical infrastructure is among the state's priorities so that Ukrainian patients can have access to high-quality healthcare in wartime. Despite Russian attacks, the Health Ministry, together with its partners, continues to work on restoring the Ukrainian healthcare infrastructure.

As reported, as of May 2023, Russian attacks completely destroyed 177 medical facilities and damaged more than 1,400 in Ukraine.
The practical result of the third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, held in Kyiv on Wednesday, will be the implementation of a medical partnership project between the countries.

President's wife Olena Zelenska said this in her speech opening the summit that was held this year on the theme: "Mental Health: Fragility and Resilience of the Future," an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We set a goal that each of our summits has a practical result. At last year's summit, by bringing together caring people from all over the world, we managed to raise more than 6 million dollars, which gave us the opportunity to purchase 92 modern ambulance vehicles, which are now saving lives of Ukrainians. This year, one of the results of the summit will be the establishment of a network of medical partnership between countries," the first lady noted.

According to Zelenska, it was possible to expand the list of guests and speakers of the summit.

In addition, according to her, a satellite summit of health ministers and representatives of foreign clinics took place on the sidelines of the summit.

Zelenska thanked all the guests who have been participating in the event since the first Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen despite all the difficulties, and those who joined for the first time.

First ladies! First gentlemen! You show your support for Ukraine personally. Thank you for your stability and friendship," said the President's wife and added that the summit is finally achieving gender equality.

As reported, the first Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, titled "Soft Power in the New Reality," took place in Kyiv in August 2021, the second summit, titled "Ukraine and the World: The Future We (Re)Build Together, was held in July 2022.
BEIRUT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday affirmed his government's support for the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mission of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a year.

He clarified the government's stand during a meeting with UNIFIL Chief Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, saying that "the government is ready to cooperate with UNIFIL, through the army, to maintain security in southern Lebanon," according to a statement released by the Council of Ministers.

He praised the existing cooperation between the army and UNIFIL as effective, calling on the international force to "work to stop Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty."

The renewal of the UNIFIL mandate included a clause demanding UNIFIL carry out its missions in coordination with the Lebanese government.

The clause was demanded by Lebanon, which on Aug. 25 rejected the initial draft resolution that grants UNIFIL "absolute freedom of movement" in its operation in southern Lebanon.

The mandate for the operation of UNIFIL, which has been holding patrols along Lebanon's southern border with Israel since its establishment in 1978, is renewed annually. The extension would allow the peacekeeping mission to operate for another year until Aug. 31, 2024.

According to the latest data, the UNIFIL has 9,994 peacekeepers from 49 countries. 
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics police burned more than 29 tons of narcotic drugs in the southern Kandahar province on Wednesday afternoon, said Hafiz Saber, spokesperson of provincial police office.

The drugs were seized from separate locations in Kandahar in the past two years and were set ablaze on the outskirts of the provincial capital Kandahar city, Saber said.

The drugs included heroin, poppy opium, hashish, henbane and some chemical elements used in producing heroin, the officer added. 


Photo : How Do You Call Someone Up For an Aliyah to Israel?

If you're considering making the significant move of aliyah to Israel, or if you want to call someone up for an Aliyah to Israel - a family member, friend, or adult offspring - you may find yourself awash in questions and uncertainties. Among the most critical concerns is what paperwork you'll need to make it all happen.

In this article, Advocate Joshua Pex, an Israeli immigration attorney from our Israeli law firm, sheds light on this pivotal aspect. Read on to understand the specific documents required by Israel's Ministry of Interior, or Misrad HaPanim, to successfully submit an aliyah application under Israel's 1950 Law of Return.

What Does the Law of Return Actually Say About Eligibility?

The Law of Return serves as the cornerstone for Jewish immigration to Israel. Its opening article straightforwardly states that "any Jew is eligible to make aliyah to Israel," thereby acquiring Israeli citizenship. A further amendment to the law, often colloquially known as the "grandson" clause, provides the families of Jews, up to the third generation, the right to immigrate to Israel.

In other words, the spouses of Jews, the children of Jews (and their spouses), and the grandchildren of Jews (and their spouses and minor children) can make Aliyah to Israel, even if they are not Jewish themselves.

However, the law remains notably silent on the methodology to establish one's Jewish heritage. This is where the Israeli Ministry of Interior procedures come into play, specifying the documents necessary to substantiate your claim for aliyah.

How Do You Call Someone Up For an Aliyah When Documentation is Needed?

The Ministry of Interior's protocols may not present a definitive list, but they do outline the general types of documents needed. You can think of these as falling into two broad categories: religious documentation that corroborates the applicant's Jewish identity and civil documentation that verifies the applicant's personal details.

What Religious Documents Are Acceptable?

The Ministry is flexible when it comes to proving your religious identity. A wide array of materials are deemed acceptable, including but not limited to Jewish marriage certificates (a "ketubah" in Hebrew), bar or bat mitzvah certificates, documentation of a family burial plot in a Jewish cemetery, synagogue membership forms, and membership in Jewish organizations. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior clerks expect applicants to submit a formal letter from a rabbi or another Jewish institution supporting the aliyah request.

So, how do you call someone up for an aliyah? By ensuring they have the religious and personal documentation needed for substantiation.

What about conversion documents?

Someone who converted to Judaism is in fact considered a Jew entitled to Aliyah from the perspective of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. However, Israel does not wish to provide citizenship for any and every person who declares themselves Jewish, particularly as converts are often suspected of converting for the purpose of obtaining Israeli citizenship rather than out of a genuine desire to become a Jew.

In order to apply for Aliyah after conversion, the applicant must provide documents from a recognized Jewish community, confirming that they have been a member of said community for at least a year before and at least 9 months after conversion and have spent at least 300 hours studying Judaic laws and traditions.

Furthermore, the convert must provide a letter explaining the reasons for their conversion and the experience they underwent, as well as documents from the community leaders, detailing the convert's participation in the community and embrace of their new Jewish identity.

Which Civil Documents Are Mandatory?

On the civil documentation side, candidates for aliyah need to provide their passports and birth certificates as a starting point. These serve to affirm the applicant's identity and linkage to their Jewish family lineage. If available, birth certificates of parents are also beneficial. Should you be married with children, be prepared to submit your marriage certificate and your children's birth certificates.

Is There Any Other Documentation You Need to Worry About?

Another indispensable piece of documentation is the "criminal record certificate" - or rather the lack a criminal records certificate. Essentially, this is a "police clearance" certificate (a "PCC"), often obtained from national agencies such as the FBI, verifying that you don't have a criminal background and thereby that you do not pose a threat to Israeli society.

If you do in fact have a criminal record, you best hope it was for a minor offense that took place many years ago. While no law states that those with a criminal past are automatically barred from immigrating to Israel, the Ministry of Interior officials have a wide authority to judge whether an applicant "poses a danger to the Israeli public".

Our law office has a great deal of experience appealing the denial of Aliyah to those with a criminal record, and the best course of action is to demonstrate many years free of criminal activity after the conviction\ release from prison - better than relying on explanations and recommendations, and certainly far better than trying to post-factum file an appeal arguing that your conviction was erroneous (unless such an appeal was in fact successfully filed).

Do Your Documents Require Special Authentication?

Lastly, it's crucial to remember that all these documents must either be originals or authenticated copies. Authentication can be executed through an Apostille, per the 1961 Hague Convention. This process is similar to notarizing documents but on an international scale. You can also complete this step at an Israeli Embassy's Consular Department if you're outside Israel.

Furthermore, documents not originally in English (or particularly complicated English) must be translated into Hebrew by an Israeli notary familiar with the original document's language.

There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to call someone up for an aliyah, ensuring they possess the correct documentation, thus successfully navigating the labyrinthine world of Israel's immigration requirements. With this information, you're one step closer to making your dream of aliyah a reality.
The EU will reveal Wednesday which of the world's tech behemoths face stronger curbs from next year under a law that will shake up how major players like Apple and Meta do business online

Brussels, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ):The EU will reveal Wednesday which of the world's tech behemoths face stronger curbs from next year under a law that will shake up how major players like Apple and Meta do business online.

Brussels is working through a dense legislative agenda to build tougher regulation of big tech, arguing it needs to protect European users online and to encourage competition in an industry dominated by US giants.

The latest announcement is a milestone in the application of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which will force the largest firms to change their ways under a checklist of dos and don'ts and, regulators hope, create a fairer market.

Observers say the law could open a new battlefront between digital titans and the European Union as some companies, such as Apple, are reportedly preparing legal challenges.

The EU's top tech enforcer, industry commissioner Thierry Breton, said Brussels was already discussing compliance with companies, but vowed: "If the solutions they propose are not good enough, we will not hesitate to take strong action".

There will be fines of up to 10 percent of a firm's global revenues for breaking some of the most serious competition rules, and even up to 20 percent for repeat offenders.

One major change under the DMA is the rule that forces interoperability between messaging apps, making it easier for users to share links and images.

The EU in July named seven companies -- Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, TikTok owner ByteDance, Facebook umbrella Meta, Microsoft, and Samsung -- who had self-declared revenue and user figures big enough to be classed as "gatekeepers".

The European Commission will name which services will be considered big enough to fall under the next wave of regulation and is expected to include Amazon Marketplace, Alphabet's Google Search, and Apple's App Store, among others.

The "gatekeeper" status applies when a service has more than 45 million monthly active users and more than 10,000 yearly active business users established in the EU.

- Taking a bite of the Apple - The EU has led the way globally for taking on big tech.

The DMA, alongside its sister law, the Digital Services Act (DSA), gives the European Commission sharper teeth against tech behemoths that critics say have for too long been given free rein to act, to the detriment of users.

Companies named must prepare for compliance by March 6, 2024.

Microsoft said last month that its Windows 11 system would respect the user's choice of default browser instead of forcing them into its own, but only in Europe.

One of the DMA's main aims will be to stop larger players from crushing the progression of smaller companies that threaten to become rivals by gobbling them up through takeovers.

The EU believes past examples of this are Facebook's buyouts of Instagram and WhatsApp as well as Google's purchase of YouTube and Waze.

The DMA stipulates that the commission, the bloc's powerful antitrust authority, must be notified of all takeovers, regardless of size.

One of the law's main targets will be Apple, previously the subject of multiple investigations and slapped with huge EU fines.

The new rules will force the iPhone maker to allow alternative app stores on its products, allowing software and payments to be made outside of its control.

Under the DMA, companies are forbidden to favor their own services over those offered by competitor firms and will have to share key information with business customers.

- Bumpy road ahead - Some experts predict legal challenges to the DMA designations, just as some were made against the DSA.

"When you have a new law which is a complex law in a complex environment, it's inevitable to have legal challenges at the beginning," said Alexandre de Streel, academic director of the digital research program at the Centre on Regulation in Europe think tank.

"I expect that some companies may want to challenge some designation of some of their services," he added.

Amazon and European clothing retailer Zalando filed a case in the EU courts against their designation as "very large" online platforms under the DSA.

Big tech faces more regulation as the EU races to pass the world's first law on artificial intelligence, an issue that gained urgency after dizzying advances in 2022.
People talk as they wait for an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton over yearslong charges in Austin, Texas, the United States, on Sept. 5, 2023. The Senate of the south-central U.S. state of Texas on Tuesday began an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, over yearslong charges including corruption, lawbreaking and power abusing. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

HOUSTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Senate of the south-central U.S. state of Texas on Tuesday began an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, over yearslong charges including corruption, lawbreaking and power abusing.

Lawyers representing the state House impeachment team have released 4,000 pages of evidence that they plan to present at the trial. The Senate has agreed to consider 16 of the original 20 articles of impeachment.

Paxton, 60, who has served as Texas attorney general since 2015, pleaded not guilty to all the articles on Tuesday morning. His attorneys filed about a dozen of motions aimed to dismiss the articles or exclude evidence from being considered but have all failed.

Republican Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who was presiding over the trial and alone decides procedural matters, decided that Paxton could not be forced to appear as a witness at his own trial.

More than 100 people have received subpoenas to testify, local media reported.

The trial has become a political spectacle drawing attention nationwide and is widely expected to shake Texas politics, especially among the hard-right leadership of the state's Republican Party.

"It's not a criminal trial. It's not a civil trial. It's a political trial," Patrick said in an interview this summer.

Republicans hold a 19-12 majority in the state Senate, and Paxton's wife, Republican state Senator Angela Paxton, is sitting for the trial but will not be allowed to vote. A two-thirds majority of all sitting senators is required for a conviction.

If convicted, Paxton could be removed from office and barred from holding future state office. But he could still run for federal positions.

The Republican-led state House of Representatives voted 121-23 in May to impeach Paxton, with up to 60 Republicans joining their Democratic counterparts to vote against the state's top lawyer. Texas Democrats have for years cast Paxton as corrupt.

The vote immediately suspended Paxton and made him only the third sitting official in Texas' nearly 200-year history to be impeached.

According to an investigation by the General Investigating Committee, a Texas House panel, Paxton repeatedly abused his office and may have committed at least three felonies in an effort to help a friend and political donor with various legal troubles.

Committee investigators also reviewed criminal charges that have been pending against Paxton since 2015, when a Collin County grand jury indicted him on two counts of securities fraud related to private business deals in 2011.

Paxton is also facing an FBI investigation for the same corruption allegations in his impeachment case.

An acquittal by the state Senate, especially if followed by a conviction in federal court, would seem to set Texas Republican leadership for major pain and embarrassment, Texas Monthly forecast, noting that whether that outcome would hurt GOP senators at the polls remains to be seen. 

People line up to watch an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton over yearslong charges in Austin, Texas, the United States, on Sept. 5, 2023. The Senate of the south-central U.S. state of Texas on Tuesday began an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, over yearslong charges including corruption, lawbreaking and power abusing. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

People line up to watch an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton over yearslong charges in Austin, Texas, the United States, on Sept. 5, 2023. The Senate of the south-central U.S. state of Texas on Tuesday began an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, over yearslong charges including corruption, lawbreaking and power abusing. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)

People talk as they wait for an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton over yearslong charges in Austin, Texas, the United States, on Sept. 5, 2023. The Senate of the south-central U.S. state of Texas on Tuesday began an impeachment trial of suspended state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, over yearslong charges including corruption, lawbreaking and power abusing. (Photo by Chengyue Lao/Xinhua)
(@FahadShabbir)

Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv Wednesday after another night of Russian strikes on Ukraine, with Washington set to unveil more than $1 billion in fresh aid to battle Russia.

The visit -- his fourth since the start of Moscow's invasion -- comes as Kyiv has touted some successes this week in its counteroffensive to push back Russian forces.

As the top US official arrived, Kyiv's army said it was pressing on with "offensive operations" towards eastern Ukraine's war-battered town of Bakhmut -- which fell to Russian forces in May -- and the southern Moscow-occupied city of Melitopol.

It said troops had been "successful" near the southern villages of Robotyne and Novoprokopivka.

Ukrainian forces have also claimed strategic victories on the southern front, saying they paved the way to push deeper towards Moscow-annexed Crimea.

A US State Department official told reporters en route to Kyiv that they would announce "more than a billion Dollars in new US funding for Ukraine".

Hours before Blinken's arrival, Kyiv was targeted by a Russian missile strike, which authorities said caused no casualties but did start a fire outside the capital.

The visit also comes as a time for change for Kyiv's military establishment, days after President Volodymyr Zelenky dismissed defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov -- who served throughout the Russian invasion -- after allegations of graft in defence ministry contracts.

Parliament on Wednesday approved Zelensky's nomination to replace Reznikov with Rustem Umerov -- a behind-the-scenes deal-maker from the Crimean Tatar community with extensive contacts in Turkey and the middle East.

The US official said it was a "good time" for Blinken to come, several months into Kyiv's counter-offensive, and before a second winter during the full-scale war, with energy security fears rising again.

Talks will focus on "what they need for this phase of the battle", said the official, adding that supplying more air defence would be a "high priority".

The US has supplied key weaponry to Ukraine that has allowed it to go on the advance this summer.

Progress in Kyiv's counter-offensive has been slower than expected however, due to heavily mined territory and tough Russian defence lines.

The Kremlin dismissed Blinken's Kyiv visit, a spokesman saying US aid would not "influence the course of the special military operation" -- Moscow's term for its offensive.

He accused Washington of wanting to "keep Ukraine in a state of war, to wage this war till the last Ukrainian".
Abuja, Sept 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :A Nigerian appeals court on Wednesday will rule on an opposition challenge to overturn President Bola Tinubu's election victory in an eagerly awaited decision.

The five-judge Abuja court has been deliberating for months on wide-ranging lawsuits from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party claiming fraud and irregularities.

In a tight race, former Lagos governor Tinubu won 37 per cent of votes in the February 25 vote, beating the PDP's Atiku Abubakar and Labour's Peter Obi to secure the presidency of Africa's most populous country.

Any decision on Wednesday appears unlikely to be the final stage of legal wrangling over the election, as lawyers say parties can appeal to the Supreme Court for a final verdict.

Despite repeated challenges to past elections, no court has overturned a presidential vote in Nigeria since its return to democracy from military rule in 1999.

Tinubu's government has appeared confident, highlighting the judiciary's integrity.

"As a result of his faith and confidence in the judiciary, he believes that the mandate which Nigerians freely gave to him during the elections will stand," presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale told Channels tv this week.

"He is not worried, simply because he knows he won the election." Tinubu took office at the end of May and has quickly introduced a set of reforms the government says will help put Africa's largest economy back on track.

He is currently in India to participate in the G20 summit where he is seeking foreign investment.

- Nullify or verify - The 2023 election was one of the most contested in the country's modern history, thanks in part to the emergence of a major third-party candidate to challenge the dominance of Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.

Labour's Obi looked to appeal to younger voters who said they were looking for an alternative to the old-guard candidates.

To improve transparency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced biometric technology and IReV, a central database for uploading results in real-time.

INEC acknowledged "glitches" but dismissed claims the vote was not free and fair.

In two lawsuits, the PDP and Labour are calling for the results to be nullified and for their candidates to be declared the winner or for the court to order a rerun.

The PDP's Abubakar called the vote a "rape of democracy" and the party says it presented proof that INEC broke electoral law in its transmission of results, and of Tinubu's failure to meet constitutional requirements.

Labour's lawsuit followed similar allegations, referencing INEC breaking electoral law, and vote rigging and also claims Tinubu was not qualified to run.

A smaller party will also receive a decision on its petition.

The court ruling comes as Nigerians struggle with a rising cost of living after the government ended a fuel subsidy programme that kept petrol prices low and also freed up the Naira Currency.

Government officials say the policies are needed to revive the economy, calling for patience and supplying state governments with funds to help offset the impact.

Tinubu's government is also tackling huge security challenges, from militants still fighting a long war in the northeast to inter-communal clashes and kidnap gangs operating in other regions.
Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :One person was killed in Russian drone attacks on a port district in Ukraine's southwestern Odesa region early Wednesday, the regional governor said.

The night-time attacks lasted three hours and targeted the Izmail district, Oleg Kiper said on Telegram.

The Danube river port of Izmail, which borders NATO member Romania, has become a main export route for Ukrainian products following Russia's withdrawal from a UN-brokered grain deal in July.

"Unfortunately, one person died," said Kiper, adding that it was an agricultural worker who was seriously injured and died in hospital.

"Destruction and fires were recorded in several settlements," he added, saying that port and agricultural infrastructure had been damaged, including administrative buildings.

Following the collapse of the deal allowing grain shipments from Black Sea ports, Russia has ramped up attacks on Ukraine's southern Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, home to ports and infrastructure vital for agriculture exports.

Ukrainian forces downed 17 Russian drones over the Odesa region overnight into Monday.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday that the attacks had taken place "very, very close" to his country's border.

Also overnight, Kyiv came under missile attack but there were no casualties, authorities said.

Russian aircraft fired cruise missiles at the Ukrainian capital while another missile type also targeted the city, Sergiy Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, wrote on Telegram.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said falling missile debris caused a fire at a commercial property in the Kyiv region but the blaze was put out.

"No dead or injured were found," it posted on Telegram, alongside pictures of fire crews working on two smouldering vehicles.

The Ukrainian air force said on Telegram that overall across the country, 33 Russian air targets were recorded during the night.

It recorded seven cruise missiles, one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 25 Shahed drones, saying the missiles and 15 drones had been destroyed.

"Anti-aircraft missile forces, fighter aircraft, mobile fire groups and other means... were involved in repelling the air attack," it said.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome visited Lahore September 4-6 to promote U.S.-Pakistan trade and economic ties, broaden and deepen cooperation with the people and government of Punjab.

He also discussed the importance of protecting and respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, said a press release issued here on Wednesday by the U.S. Embassy.

During his visit to PepsiCo's FritoLay Snack plant and NetSol Technologies Ltd, Ambassador Blome and Consul General Hawkins reaffirmed the United States' commitment to trade, investment, and development with and through the private sector in Punjab. Ambassador Blome highlighted the benefits of U.S. trade and investment and showcased the significant role U.S. companies play  creating jobs and giving back to local communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives that promote education, health, disaster relief, women's empowerment, and skills development. "Pakistan has tremendous economic potential. The United States is working every day to help Pakistan make progress on economic reforms that will make it more competitive and better prepared to meet future challenges. That includes our cooperation to build more reliable energy systems, strengthen and improve infrastructure, increase capacity for regional trade, and ensure that Pakistanis have the skills and training needed to compete and succeed in the 21st century," Ambassador Blome said.

While in Lahore, Ambassador Blome and Consul General Hawkins also met with caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The leaders discussed opportunities to expand U.S.-Pakistan economic ties, the importance of protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of religious minorities, and respect for democracy and rule of law.

In his meetings with representatives of religious groups, the Ambassador and Consul General Hawkins reiterated U.S. condemnation of recent attacks on Christian churches and homes, emphasized U.S. commitment to protect and promote religious freedom, and underscored the importance of protecting and respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

The Ambassador and Consul General discussed with Punjab Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar law enforcement cooperation, respect for the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and our shared interest in strengthening the professionalization of law enforcement  including by enhancing access to justice for women and girls and ensuring gender representation in the police force.

Throughout his visit, the Ambassador welcomed the opportunity to engage with the people and the caretaker government of Punjab. He leaves Punjab grateful for the incredible warmth and hospitality and energized to continue strengthening our enduring partnership on education, economy, health, and rule of law.
(@FahadShabbir)

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :The caretaker Punjab government, on Wednesday, issued instructions to commissioners and regional police officers (RPOs) to launch a crackdown on electricity thieves.

The instructions were issued by Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman during a videolink meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Wednesday.

The additional chief secretary (Home), secretaries of industries, energy department, Additional IG Special Branch attended the meeting while commissioners, RPOs and heads of Power Distribution Companies participated through videolink.

The meeting decided to take stern action against those government employees and officers patronizing electricity theft and to improve the prosecution procedure after registration of FIR against power thieves.

The chief secretary said that prevention of electricity theft was a national cause.

He said that the burden of electricity theft has to be borne by the common consumer, and urged the citizens to support the government in the national campaign against electricity theft. He said that electricity thieves were causing direct damage to the national treasury, adding that it was necessary to punish such elements.

The chief secretary said that according to the data, the line losses were the highest in the areas managed by Lesco and Mepco in Punjab. He said that the administration and police would provide full support in the operation against electricity theft while a committee would be constituted at the province level for monitoring.

The chief secretary also assigned the monitoring duties to the Special Branch to detect electricity theft in industrial units.
An OIC delegation headed by Mr. Naghi Jabbarov, Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs visited Baku, Azerbaijan to finalize preparations for the 5th Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers to be held on 21-23 November 2023

Jeddah (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 06th Sep , 2023) An OIC delegation headed by Mr. Naghi Jabbarov, Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs visited Baku, Azerbaijan to finalize preparations for the 5th Islamic Conference of Labour Ministers to be held on 21-23 November 2023.



Azerbaijan will also host inaugural General Assembly meeting of the OIC Labour Centre on the sidelines of the event.

During the visit, the OIC delegation finalized and signed an Organizational and Technical Arrangements (OTA) document with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
(@FahadShabbir)

A Russian strike killed more than a dozen people, including a child, in a market on the frontline in east Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2023 ) :A Russian strike killed more than a dozen people, including a child, in a market on the frontline in east Ukraine.

The projectiles ripped into the centre of Kostiantynivka, a town of nearly 70,000 people in the Donetsk region hours after America's top diplomat arrived in Kyiv to announce new aid.

Ukraine's newly appointed defence minister meanwhile vowed to liberate "every centimetre" of territory occupied by Russia in his first comments in the post Wednesday.

Rescue workers picked through the debris and carried some of the nearly 30 wounded for treatment past charred vehicles and kiosks torn to pieces in the blast, according to images distributed by officials.

"Sixteen people have been killed, including one child," Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said on social media following the strike in the market about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front line.

The industrial Donetsk region has been partially controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists since 2014 and Russia claimed to have annexed in late last year.
For large and small contractors alike, teaming agreements are often essential to winning and successfully performing federal government contracts. Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn about teaming agreements Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Nicole Pottroff will discuss the subject during a Wyoming APEX Accelerator Lunch and Learn workshop titled Teaming Agreements With Nicole Pottroff of Koprince, McCall, Pottroff LLC from noon-1 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free.

Wyoming APEX Accelerator, part of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network housed at the University of Wyoming, is the states expert in government contracting assistance.

Many agencies are increasingly requiring teaming agreements for a prime contractor to rely on subcontractor experience, qualifications or resources. Even where a teaming agreement is not required to compete for a contract, it can still significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes during contract performance.

In this workshop, Pottroff will explain how to develop, negotiate and administer teaming agreements that are both compliant and effective. She will cover best practices for teaming agreements that go beyond the bare minimum legal requirements and lead to more successful teams.

Pottroff is an equity partner with Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC. Her practice focuses solely on federal government contract law. She helps clients understand and comply with the complex regulatory provisions unique to federal contracting. She also assists clients by drafting, reviewing and negotiating joint venture agreements, mentor-protege agreements, teaming agreements, subcontracts, social disadvantage narratives and other critical documents.

For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by UW with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several officials on Wednesday.

Li Yang was appointed vice minister of transportation; Wang Hongzhi was appointed vice chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.

Ding Chibiao was named vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, replacing Zhang Tao.

Zhang Zi was named deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Li Li was appointed head of the National Medical Products Administration, replacing Jiao Hong.

Chen Xiaojun is no longer deputy head of the China Earthquake Administration. 
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Tolentino: Maritime Zone law, long overdue

MANILA -- Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino said that asserting the Philippine territory through a maritime zone law is long overdue.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, Sen. Tol said, "152 countries na ang may maritime zone laws. Ang Pilipinas na napapalibutan ng dagat, wala."

According to Sen. Tol, his Senate Bill no. 2294 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act will be the priority of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, which he chairs.

"The Maritime Zones bill will establish the exact boundaries of the Republic of the Philippines. Hindi kasi alam kung hanggang saan ang ating continental shelf, territorial sea. Hindi maliwanag kung hanggang saan ang muhon ng ating Exclusive Economic Zone," the solon said.

Sen. Tol added that the panel is also set to craft a measure on the archipelagic sea lanes, which will designate routes for local and international maritime vehicles that will not violate the United Nations Law of the Sea.

Further, Sen. Tolentino shared that the first committee hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones will be held next week. It will tackle the maritime zone bill and hear the insights of various local and foreign experts on maritime zone laws.
MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- German carmaker BMW is against decoupling from China, Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"Decoupling from China is impossible," Zipse said. "China is so important in terms of raw materials, manufacturing competence, size, and economies of scale."

In the first half of this year, the BMW Group delivered more than 390,000 BMW and MINI brand vehicles to the Chinese market, an increase of 3.7 percent year-on-year, and among these vehicles, sales of BMW pure electric models increased by 283 percent year-on-year, according to the BMW Group.

"China is BMW's largest market, and we are very connected and involved in the Chinese market," Zipse noted.

According to the BMW senior official, independence is impossible for the automotive industry, and the discussion should instead focus on how to cooperate.

There are many types of cooperation, and "cooperation is always a super positive thing," he said, adding that he believes benefits can only be achieved together and in both ways, for BMW and also for its Chinese partners.

Zipse mentioned the Spotlight joint venture, an example of successful cooperation between the BMW Group and the Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motors. Cars made by Spotlight in Zhangjiagang, east China's Jiangsu Province are going to be exported.

Referring to incoming Chinese automakers, Zipse said that competition and free trade should be embraced. 
The Africa Climate Summit has ended in Kenya with leaders calling on the global community to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, fulfill its obligations and keep financial promises to fight climate change.

Speaking on behalf of the other African heads of state present at the Africa Climate Summit, Kenyan President William Ruto said the agreement reached at the conference shows the seriousness of African states to help solve the climate change crisis.

The Africa Climate Summit is both a demonstration of the unwavering collective commitment of the people of Africa to their vision to make humanity's first home here in Africa, a land of abundant potential, limitless opportunity, and the possibility of shared prosperity," he said. "It also showcases our determination to mobilize a global coalition of emergency responders to ensure that the industrialization necessary to drive future economic transformation restores our planet's vitality and ecological balance."

The summit, which began Monday and ended Wednesday, focused on green growth in Africa and finding financing solutions to support the programs aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, which affects the continents estimated 1.3 billion people.

African leaders underscored they are committed to developing and implementing policies, regulations and incentives to attract local, regional and global investment in the push for green growth.

The Nairobi declaration, leaders said, will serve as the foundation for Africa's united position in the global climate change initiative.

Kenyan youth leader Raphael Chesori said leaders and delegates at the summit demonstrated their willingness to fight climate change.

"What I have witnessed is a demonstrated effort by the heads of state in Africa and, of course, with the global partners on how they can really have grassroots initiatives in the fight against climate change. And there are also commitments in terms of climate financing and consensual financing, and what also came out is that the non-state actors are also willing to partner with the governments to see that there is participation of the people at the grassroots level," said Chesori.

Michael Otitoju, a delegate from Nigeria, said Africa has demonstrated it can solve the crisis by relying on its resources and a young population.

"Discussions around energy transition to renewable energy sources I think all of that is giving us hope that Africans can solve our problems with our own resources, with our own human capacity, so I think there is hope for Africans," he said.

Andrew Monari, a community worker in Kenya, said he learned how vulnerable communities can access the climate change fund to support their mitigation programs.

"I have attended the site meetings in terms of climate change finance. For example, we have concluded one in a hotel today where vulnerable people and minority people affected by climate change have been discussed regarding financing. So, we have a global person who is in charge of the funds and has been telling us how to access the funds," he said.

According to the United Nations, African countries spend 5%-15% of its GDP to combat climate change despite being the lowest contributor to global warming.

Developed countries have promised to give at least $100 billion annually to fight the impacts of climate change, a fund many say has been hard to come by. At the summit, U.N. chief Antonio Guterres said an additional $20 billion is needed to help mitigate Africas unpredictable weather patterns.

President Ruto said Africa needs access to global finances to support communities and pay its debts.

We demand a fair playing ground for our countries to access the investment needed to unlock the potential and translate it into opportunities. We further demand to adjust multilateral development finance architecture to liberate our economies from odious debt and onerous barriers to necessary financial resources," he said.

African leaders emphasize that for the continent to undergo economic transformation, it needs to increase renewable generation capacity. They also say Africa needs access to technology and trade mechanisms that enable products from the continent to compete on fair and equitable terms.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is making a new business pitch Wednesday to Southeast Asian leaders at the ASEAN summit in Jakarta. Southeast Asia is Australia's second-largest trading partner behind China, but the Canberra government is hoping to deepen economic ties with its neighbors to reduce its trade reliance on Beijing.

Trade is the lifeblood of the Australian economy. It contributes more than 40% of the nations income, or GDP.

Twelve of Australias top 15 export markets are in Asia. China is, by far, the most dominant, receiving about a third of Australias exports of goods and services.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is also a significant trading bloc, accounting for 12% of Australias total exports.

In 2021, Australia's trade with ASEAN countries was $80.8 billion, which is greater than its two-way trade with Japan and the United States, according to official government data.

Coal and natural gas are key Australian exports to the ASEAN grouping, along with agricultural goods and education services. ASEAN members sell petroleum products, vehicles and transport services to Australia.

The ASEAN region includes some of the fastest growing countries in the world, with increasingly urbanized, digitized and educated populations. But a report commissioned by the government in Canberra says that trading ties with ASEAN members have become stagnant and need a boost by increasing the number of flights to the region as well as reducing barriers to foreign investment.

Australias annual economic ties with Indonesia are worth about $4.64 billion, or less than 2% of Australias total global trade.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told parliament in Canberra Tuesday that it was one area where he hopes to boost commercial ties.

We have Indonesia, one of the worlds largest economies and one of the worlds largest democracies, just on our doorstep," Albanese said. "But the truth is it is not even in our top trading partners.

Australias trade with China has been disrupted in recent years because of various geopolitical disputes, including democracy in Hong Kong, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, COVID-19 and human rights, prompting Australia to seek new markets and diversify its trade.

Leigh Howard is the head of Asialink Business at the University of Melbourne. He tells VOA that ASEAN members represent sound opportunities for Australia.

Diversification continues to be a theme as businesses look for new markets either in addition to or instead of China," Howard said. "Once again, with the proximity of Southeast Asia, the rising affluent class in large, populous countries this makes for a compelling opportunity for Australian businesses.

The ten-nation ASEAN bloc was formed in 1967. It includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.

This year's ASEAN summit in Jakarta will be notable for the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Joe Biden.
President Joe Biden heads to the G20 summit in India with big goals and high hopes that the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations can work together on major global issues, the White House said Tuesday  amid speculation over his health after first lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 the day before.

"He has no symptoms," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, adding that Biden also tested negative on Tuesday morning and would be tested on a schedule determined by his doctor. She did not say, when asked, what the plan would be if he were to test positive before his Thursday departure for New Delhi.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the administration will be focused on issues like climate change, debt restructuring and the war in Ukraine. The gathering starts Saturday in the Indian capital.

"We hope this G20 summit will show that the world's major economies can work together even in challenging times," Sullivan said. "So as we head into New Delhi, our focus is going to be on delivering for developing countries, making progress on key priorities for the American people from climate to technology, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually  as I said before  deliver."

Analysts say the absence of two key leaders  Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping  will impact proceedings, especially around the biggest challenge facing its host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The great drama of this summit in Delhi is whether or not the countries can get a fully consensus communique, which they did last year at the last (summit) in Bali, which included paragraphs in which Russia agreed, as the communique said, that it had committed aggression in Ukraine," said professor John Kirton, who heads the G20 Research Group at the University of Toronto. He spoke to VOA on Zoom.

"Whether or not Mr. Modi can pull off a full consensus communique the way President Joko Widodo of Indonesia did last year, we'll have to wait and see. But I think it's good news that Putin yet again has decided to skip the summit, as he did Bali last year. And it even looks like Xi Jinping of China might not show up. That will make it a lot easier for all of the other countries to take action."

Biden recently said he was "disappointed" that the powerful Chinese leader was not planning to attend.

Nevertheless, he said, "I'm going to get to see him."

Sullivan, on Tuesday, did not say when such a meeting might happen.

And analysts say they hope that New Delhi and Beijing can see past their disagreement over a new Chinese map that India disputes.

"Geopolitical tensions were certainly there well before India's G20 year," said Stephanie Segal, a senior fellow of the economics program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The fact that they are heightened, and that there's a focus on them going into this leaders summit is not ideal. My hope and expectation would be again, the framing of this summit on economic issues, that they can manage to put the border dispute in a separate category."

She said she hopes the delegations can see beyond their differences and focus on reforming multilateral institutions like the World Bank, a move analysts say would have wide-ranging effects.

"What those reforms, if they actually go through, would accomplish is putting a greater focus on what we call global public goods  so things like climate, pandemic preparedness, fragility, food insecurity," she said. "And the reforms would allow these institutions including the World Bank to provide additional financing to both emerging market and low income countries and financing at far more preferential terms."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Kyiv on an unannounced two-day visit, his fourth to Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. It is the first time he and his entourage are spending the night in the country.

Blinken met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hear their assessment of their needs for the ongoing counteroffensive against Russia and the coming winter.

He had good news for them, announcing $1 billion more in U.S. aid for Ukraine. The security assistance part of the package totals up to $175 million and includes additional air defense equipment, artillery munitions, anti-tank weapons including depleted uranium rounds for previously committed Abrams tanks, and other equipment.

Asked if he is concerned about sustaining that level of U.S. aid among American citizens and lawmakers, Blinken was optimistic.

I was last here almost exactly a year ago, he said. And in that time, in the year since I was last here, Ukraine has taken back more than 50% of the territory that Russia has seized from it since February 2022. In the current counteroffensive, we are seeing real progress over the last few weeks."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba said what is being decided in this war is not just about Ukraine, but about what the world is going to look like after the war is over. If Russia wins, other autocrats will be empowered to invade their neighbors, he said, asking, If the West cannot win this war, what war can they win?

But on Capitol Hill, one Republican senator expressed concerns to VOA, saying he would like to see a definitive strategy from the Biden administration for Ukraine to win the war.

Id like to see an announcement coming from all the NATO members saying that they are willing to step up.  I just got back from a trip to Europe, and we encouraged our NATO allies to actually step up their game, and I would like to see that happen, Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee said.

The United States is the largest donor of military aid to Ukraine in total dollars. But a number of other countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, are making larger financial contributions to Ukraine relative to the size of their own economies, according to the Kiel Institute.

Just three hours before Blinken arrived in Kyiv on a train from Poland, Russia carried out airstrikes on the capital and the southern region of Odesa. No casualties were reported in Kyiv, but Ukrainian officials say a civilian was killed and port infrastructure damaged in the south. And a Russian strike Wednesday on a market in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostyantynivka killed more than 16 people and wounded 28 others, Ukrainian sources said.

Despite the Russian airstrikes, Blinken laid a wreath at a cemetery for fallen Ukrainian soldiers, visited a church to hear about the Ukrainian first ladys mental health program, visited diplomatic staff at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv and even grabbed a snack with Foreign Minister Kuleba at a McDonalds near the opera.



Kuleba thanked Blinken for his help in getting the restaurant reopened, saying it sends a signal of confidence to his countrymen after 18 months of war and deprivation.



President Zelenskyy tweeted Wednesday that he has been meeting with his top staff to make plans for winter, and in his words, anything the terrorist Russian state might do.

Russia has accused the United States of prolonging the war by supporting Ukraine, amid reports that Moscow faces a serious shortage of weapons and ammunition.

Some information in this report was provided by VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson.
An unsettling mix of economic and strategic pressures is seen as pushing Vietnam toward a historic upgrade in relations with the United States, part of a broader realignment that is expected to include closer ties with several U.S. allies in Asia.

U.S. President Joe Biden will arrive in Hanoi on Sunday for talks with Vietnams top leaders on ways to deepen bilateral ties, the White House announced last week.

The visit comes at the invitation of Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party of Vietnam, following a telephone conversation between the two leaders in late March.

When in Hanoi, Biden is likely to elevate relations with Vietnam to comprehensive strategic partnership, a two-notch leap from the existing framework of strategic partnership, Reuters reported this week.

While no formal announcement has yet been made, that would put Washington on par with Beijing and Moscow on Hanois hierarchy of diplomatic ties.

Only a handful of other countries  such as India and South Korea  currently share such a relationship with Vietnam. But Hanoi is reported to be planning to admit Australia, Singapore and Indonesia into this club.

Strategic autonomy

The elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership would be a major development, Greg Poling at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies Southeast Asia Program told VOA, noting that it would signal greater strategic alignment between the two countries.

Vietnam has made that decision because it views China as a strategic threat and sees closer ties with the U.S. and other like-minded partners as necessary to maintain its strategic autonomy in the face of that threat, he wrote in an email to VOA.

At a reelection campaign event in Freeport, Maine, in late July, Biden said he got a call from the head of Vietnam who desperately wants to meet him and to elevate us to a major partner, along with Russia and China.

Poling said the decision sends a message throughout the Vietnamese government that the senior leadership has deemed closer economic, military, and people-to-people ties with the U.S. a top priority.

Struggling economy

According to a White House press release late last month, Biden and the Vietnamese leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy and increase peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, among other things.

Expanding trade and investment with the U.S. will help Vietnam overcome the current economic headwinds, said Vo Tri Thanh, former deputy head of the Hanoi-based Central Institute for Economic Management.

The growth of Vietnams export-driven economy has slowed to 4.14%  the slowest for any second quarter since 2011, and well below the governments target of 6.5%  due to sluggish demand in the U.S. and EU markets, leading to massive layoffs of blue-collar workers.

Thanh noted that the U.S. is a key trade and investment partner of Vietnam. The U.S. is currently Vietnams second-largest trading partner behind China and its largest export market, with bilateral trade in 2022 valued at almost $139 billion.

In the first half of this year, the U.S. is the eighth biggest investor in Vietnam, with total capital registered at $405 million.

Vietnams economy is at a turning point of development and reform. In recent years, it has shifted focus from available resources like cheap labor, land and natural resources to productivity, innovation and cutting-edge technologies, Thanh noted.

He said Vietnam is transitioning to a digital and green economy. It is also seeking to integrate more deeply into a resilient supply chain. These are areas where Washington can help, he added.

Imperative

Hanois decision to upgrade ties with the U.S. followed intense debate within the Communist Partys Politburo, said Nguyen Huu Vinh, a former security major with links inside the party who is also known as blogger Ba Sam.

He told VOA from Hanoi that the top decision-making body reached consensus consensus on upgrading the ties, but was divided over which level to upgrade to. Initial reports on Bidens visit put the upgrade at strategic partnership, a step below comprehensive strategic partnership in diplomatic parlance.

Vietnamese leaders are facing international challenges including Russias war in Ukraine, Chinas economic slowdown and Beijings stepped-up harassment in the South China Sea, Vinh added. That has created an urge for [a] definitive move regarding ties with Washington.

From the perspective of national interest, its imperative to improve ties with the U.S., he said, noting that Washington can help Hanoi on both the economic and political fronts. This can include the transition to new technologies, political support in the South China Sea dispute and weapons sales.

Russia is by far Vietnams top supplier of weapons, but given its struggles in Ukraine, the blogger said Hanoi must slowly transition away from Russian weapons.

The upgrade of ties with the U.S. and countries such as South Korea, Australia and Singapore, are signals that Vietnamese leaders are slowly gravitating toward the West, Vinh said.

At the same time, he said, Hanoi is not afraid of a backlash from Beijing, because the Chinese know the Vietnamese leadership well and are confident that Hanoi will never fall into Washingtons orbit.

Just days ahead of Bidens arrival in Hanoi, Trong received Liu Jianchao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

Reuters also reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping or Premier Li Qiang could meet Vietnamese leaders after or even shortly before Biden's arrival.

For Washington, the elevation of ties with Hanoi is a top priority because Vietnam is a vital economic partner in the region and an important non-aligned state in the Global South. And that is where the competition between the U.S. and China will play out, said Poling from CSIS.

VOA has contacted the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington to inquire about what Vietnam can expect from the U.S. under the new framework but has not received a response.
Henry Enrique Tarrio, the charismatic former head of the far-right Proud Boys, was sentenced on Tuesday to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the longest penalty imposed so far for the deadly riot.

Tarrios sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington, surpassed the previous harshest punishment meted out on January 6 defendants: 18 years for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes in May and Proud Boys leader Ethan Nordean last week.

Tarrio, Nordean and two other Proud Boys leaders, Joe Biggs and Zachary Rehl, were convicted in May of seditious conspiracy for plotting to storm the Capitol, stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election, and keep then-President Donald Trump in power. A fifth defendant, Dominic Pezzola, dodged the seditious conspiracy charge but was found guilty of other counts.

The Jan. 6 attack injured nearly 140 police officers guarding the Capitol and was blamed for the deaths of five people. More than 1,100 Trump supporters have been charged in connection with the assault, many for minor offenses, with hundreds of others still being sought by the FBI.

Although Tarrio was not at the Capitol during the bloody melee, prosecutors say he was the architect and primary organizer of the plot, directing the attack from outside Washington and later boasting about it.

Make no mistake  we did this, Tarrio wrote in an online message to a close-knit group of top Proud Boys leaders.

The Justice Department had recommended 33 years for Tarrio, saying the naturally charismatic leader of the Proud Boys used his influence over subordinates to organize and execute the conspiracy to forcibly stop the peaceful democratic transfer of power.

"To Tarrio, January 6 was an act of revolution," prosecutors wrote, seeking to add a terrorism enhancement to his sentence.

Seeking leniency, Tarrios lawyers denied their client contacted or directed the Proud Boys on Jan. 6. They also cited Rhodes 18-year sentence to argue for no more than 15 years.

Before the sentence was handed down, an emotional Tarrio addressed the court, apologizing to his family, members of law enforcement, lawmakers, and residents of Washington for the events of Jan. 6, saying there was no place for political violence in the country.

I pray for unity for this entire country, he said.

But Kelly, who presided over the Proud Boys trial and sentencing, wasnt persuaded by Tarrios display of contrition or effort to distance himself from the Jan. 6 attack.

I don't have any indication that he is remorseful for the actual things he was convicted of, Kelly said before he sentenced Tarrio.

The trial, Kelly said, established that Tarrio was the ultimate leader who had an outside impact on the events of the day.

The attack of Jan. 6 disrupted the countrys long-standing tradition of the peaceful transfer of power, Kelly said.

What happened on Jan. 6 was extremely serious and a disgrace, he said.

The Proud Boys, a self-described pro-Western fraternal organization for men who refuse to apologize for creating the modern world, were among Trumps most ardent supporters during the 2020 election campaign.

After Trump lost the election to President Joe Biden, the Proud Boys played a significant and often violent role in Washington rallies organized by supporters of the former president. During a December 2020 rally, Tarrio allegedly set a stolen Black Lives Matter flag on fire, leading to his arrest the following month.

As prosecutors described it during trial, the group began mobilizing for the Jan. 6 attack just hours after Trump called on his supporters in a December 19, 2020, tweet to come to Washington for a rally, saying it will be wild.

The Proud Boys took that as a call to arms, prosecutors alleged.

To plan and prepare for Jan. 6, the day Congress was to certify the election results, Tarrio assembled a group of comrades that he dubbed the "Ministry of Self Defense."

Under the guise of organizing protests, the group acted as "a violent gang that came together to use force against its enemies," prosecutors said.

The Proud Boys were among the first rioters to enter the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee and disrupting the congressional certification of Bidens victory.

In court documents, prosecutors wrote that Tarrio viewed the Capitol breach as a justified attack on the government and that he used his influence as chairman of the Proud Boys to organize and execute the attack.

Attorneys for Tarrio, emphasizing that Tarrio wasnt present at the Capitol on Jan. 6, denied that he directed his followers to attack the building and instead directed two lieutenants  Biggs and Nordean  to orchestrate the attack. They also accused prosecutors of using Tarrio as a scapegoat for Trump.

The attack of Jan. 6 led to U.S. House to impeach Trump for inciting the mob. However, he was acquitted by the Senate.

In early August, Trump was indicted on four felony charges for conspiring to reverse his election loss in the run-up to the January 6 riot. The charges are different from those leveled against the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers.

The four-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Washington accused Trump of spreading lies about the election in an attempt to obstruct a bedrock function of American democracy.

Trump, who is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, has pleaded not guilty and blasted the prosecution as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his run for the White House.
Three elected members of the Dharmsala-based Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile are in Indian-administered Kashmir to seek the support of pro-Indian leaders in their campaign against Chinese rule in Tibet.

On their five-day visit to Kashmir, the trio met Tuesday with a range of local political figures, including two former chief ministers.

Exiled Tibetan lawmaker Dawa Tsering told VOA that India has a crucial role to play in the Tibetans struggle.

"Tibet holds significant importance for India on multiple fronts, Tsering said. Prior to Tibets occupation, there was no historical precedent of Chinese forces being stationed along the Himalayas, the scene of deadly border clashes between the two countries in recent years.

Tibet had served as a politically neutral buffer zone between China and India prior to its 1951 annexation by China, Tsering said, adding that the loss of that buffer has cast a pall over diplomatic relations between Beijing and New Delhi.

Tsering said Beijing has deployed missiles and built military infrastructure near India in what he described as an attempt to encroach upon Indian territory.

Tibet witnessed the same moves before China occupied Tibet, Tsering said. Now, China is aiming to capture Indian territories and they are rapidly building infrastructure in Tibet along the Indian border.

It is high time for Indias people and the government of India to boycott the Chinese goods so as to weaken Chinas economy."

Fellow exiled lawmaker Yeshi Dolma said Tibetans have been traumatized by systematic violations of their most fundamental human rights and the attempted eradication of Tibetan cultural and national identity since China's annexation.

Over the last seven decades, the situation in Tibet has been deteriorating to the extent that it is now facing imminent threat of cultural genocide and total annihilation of Tibetan identity, Dolma said during a press conference in Srinagar.

In a statement to journalists, Khenpo Sonam Tenpal, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile  now called the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA)  said Tibet has been ranked among the worlds least-free territories by Freedom House for the third consecutive year in its 2023 Freedom in the World report.

Last year, U.N. human rights experts expressed serious concern over the large-scale colonial boarding schools in Tibet rampantly being implemented on a massive scale and referred to it as a way to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture, contrary to international human rights standards, Dolma said.

Likewise, the forced mass DNA sample collection of Tibetans, including kindergarten children, is an intrusive securitization measure under the authoritarian surveillance regime to instill fear and wrest control of all aspects of public and private life of the Tibetan people.

Tenpal admonished Kashmiri leaders to urge New Delhi to recognize Tibet as an occupied nation, to call on Beijing "to re-engage in dialogue with representatives of His Holiness Dalai Lama without condition,' and to demand China's release of all political prisoners, including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama whose whereabouts have been unknown since 1995.

China doesnt recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile and hasnt held any dialogue with the representatives of the Dalai Lama since 2010. India considers Tibet as part of China, though it is hosting Tibetan exiles.

Ghulam Hassan Mir, senior vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, acknowledged that Central Tibetan Administration officials met with party leaders at his residence.

The delegation informed us about the historical context of the Tibetan dispute and furnished us with a memorandum, pamphlets and historical documents, Mir told VOA.

We reassured them that the Apni Party and its leadership are committed to upholding democracy, democratic values, and safeguarding the fundamental and human rights guaranteed to all individuals by the U.N. Charter in every nation.

China says Tibet has historically been part of its territory since the mid-13th century, and its Communist Party has governed the Himalayan region since 1951. But many Tibetans say that they were effectively independent for most of their history, and that the Chinese government wants to exploit their resource-rich region while crushing their cultural identity.

The Dalai Lama, the Tibetans exiled spiritual leader, and his followers have been living in Dharmsala since they fled Tibet after a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule.

Some information is from The Associated Press.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fierce rainstorms have lashed Turkiye's largest city Istanbul, leaving at least two dead and 12 injured, the governor's office said on Wednesday.

The downpour began in the city's northern region at around 9 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) on Tuesday.

The governor's office said a Guinean national died in the Basaksehir district, and a Turkish citizen was killed in the Kucukcekmece district. The injured were treated in hospitals.

The office said that the flash floods damaged thousands of houses and shops, and some people remained stranded.

It added that the evacuated would stay in government guesthouses and dorms. Two hospitals partially affected by the rains continue to admit patients.

Northwestern Turkiye has been under heavy rainfall since Tuesday morning. According to the state-run Anadolu news agency, the death toll in the floods in the Kirklareli province has risen to three. 
Following talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on September 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to renew Moscows participation in a deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports, helping avert global food insecurity.

Not a single obligation to Russia was fulfilled under the deal, Putin claimed, accusing Ukraine of using the grain corridor to commit acts of terror.

And while Russia clearly provided security guarantees for shipping under this deal, the other side used humanitarian corridors for terrorist attacks against Russian civilian and military facilities. This could no longer be tolerated, Putin said.

That is false.

There is no evidence Ukraine has ever launched strikes from the grain corridor or used the designated humanitarian sea route for any military purpose. Russias Black Sea fleet, on the other hand, has systematically fired cruise missiles at civilian targets in Ukraine.

The grain corridor charted a very specific path and cannot be conflated with the entire Black Sea.

The 179-nautical-kilometer long, nearly five-nautical-kilometer wide humanitarian route ran to and from the Ukrainian ports of Chornomorsk, Odesa and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi to the Turkish Straits.

Vessels authorized to move in the corridor were required to remain on the route or in specified holding areas off the Ukrainian and Turkish coastlines.

The Joint Coordination Center (JCC), which was established to facilitate implementation of the grain deal and consisted of senior representatives from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations, monitored shipping in the corridor using terrestrial and satellite means.

Russia withdrew from the grain deal in July, with Putin falsely arguing that the agreement did not justify its humanitarian purpose and had lost its meaning.

Since then, Russia has systematically targeted Ukraines food-exporting ports.

Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations undersecretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, condemned Russia for these attacks, saying they risk far-reaching impacts on global food security, particularly in developing countries.

Russia had suspended participation in the deal in October 2022, citing security concerns for civilian ships after Ukrainian drone attacks on the Black Sea fleet at Sevastopol, the largest city in Crimea. Russia framed those strikes as terrorist attacks.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted at that time Russia had used the strikes as a false pretext to suspend the deal, noting the strikes occurred 220 kilometers from the grain corridor route.

Shortly before pulling out of the deal in July, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin also accused Ukraine, without evidence, of using the grain corridor to carry out terrorist attacks.

"It was the Crimean Bridge, twice already; it was Sevastopol, remember last October, Vershinin said.

But the Kerch Bridge is located hundreds of kilometers to the east of Sevastopol, while the grain corridor lies west of the Kerch Bridge and Sevastopol.

As previously reported by Polygraph.info, Moscow claims that the Kerch Bridge, a key artery for Russia in transferring combat vehicles, artillery, ammunition, fuel and personnel to the battlefield in Ukraine, is a strictly civilian target.

Ukrainian government officials argue that since Moscow uses the bridge as a logistical route for the Russian army, it is a legitimate military target for Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine and the United States have also credibly accused Russia of using its Black Sea fleet to strike civilian targets with sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles.

Russias Black Sea fleet can also be employed to support Russian ground forces in occupied Ukrainian territory, making it a legitimate military target.

After Russia began bombarding Ukrainian ports, killing civilians and destroying grain, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, accused Moscow of waging war on the worlds food supply.

Greenfield said that Russia, by weaponizing food, is using the Black Sea as blackmail, holding humanity hostage.

In an analysis published in July, Tom Dannenbaum, an associate professor of international law at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, argued that if Russia, in order to secure sanctions relief, is intentionally preventing deliveries of food to populations who are not party to the conflict, that should qualify as using food deprivation as a method of warfare.

According to the JCC, nearly 33 million tons of grain and other food products were exported under the deal.

Approximately 57% of those shipments went to developing countries.

In July, Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, the principal secretary of foreign affairs in Kenyas Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, tweeted that Moscows grain deal pullout is a stab on the back at global food security prices and disproportionately impacts countries in the Horn of Africa already impacted by drought.
After hitting several resets, restoring historic treasures to former colonies, downsizing its military presence and striking new ties elsewhere on the continent, France's Africa strategy seems at an impasse, some experts say.

Coups in half a dozen former French colonies in West and Central Africa over three years  including two, in Niger and Gabon, in just over a month  are sparking fresh soul searching about what went wrong and how, if possible, to put longstanding relations and interests back on track.

Yet many suggest Paris can no longer call the shots, as some African governments cut ties altogether and carve new ones with foreign rivals, including Russia.

"French influence in the Sahel has collapsed," wrote France's influential Le Monde newspaper this past week. "Elsewhere on the continent, it is on the defensive, and nothing Paris says can restore it."

That assessment comes as the paper and other media report that discussions between Paris and Niger's military are under way about the withdrawal of some military elements from the African country.

Until now, French authorities have refused to recognize the military junta that seized power in Niger in late July, dismissing calls for its ambassador and 1,500 French troops stationed there to depart.

The power grab in Niamey followed a now-familiar playbook. Not so long ago, Niger, along with neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, cooperated closely with Paris in a broader Sahel alliance fighting a jihadist insurgency. All three since have seen civilian leaders toppled by their militaries, followed by protests, sprinkled with Russian flags and slogans calling for the ouster of French forces and diplomats.

The latest coup last week in oil-rich Gabon  once a staunch and long-standing ally of Paris  has taken a different path. Unlike in Niger, there have been no planeloads of French expatriates returning home or massive anti-French rallies. Although Paris suspended military cooperation  even though it has 400 troops in Gabon  it offered a muted reaction to the toppling of long-term leader Ali Bongo by his reported cousin, following disputed presidential elections.

Junta leader Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema has restored the transmission of French broadcasters France 24 and Radio France International, cut under Bongo  while the three Sahel coup countries, Burkina Faso, Mail and Niger, continue to keep those news organizations off the air.

Listening to Africans?

Berges Miette, an Africa research associate at Sciences-Po Bordeaux University in France, Miette takes the long view of simmering anti-French sentiment. In the late 1980s, he says, France continued to support some hardline regimes that held onto power, despite a wave of political uprisings.

African youth, Miette says, have now "stopped dreaming," pinning their hopes instead on heading to Europe.

While so far staying silent on Gabon, French President Emmanuel Macron has decried an "epidemic of putsches" in the Sahel. Two other coups  in Guinea and Chad  have also taken place since 2020, with a mixed response from France. The French have maintained ties with Chad, a strong military ally in the Sahel, drawing accusations of having a double standard.

In a lengthy interview in Le Monde, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna defended France's Africa strategy. She differentiated the ousting of Niger's democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, with the situation in Chad, where she said Paris counted on N'Djamena's military government delivering on its promise to restore civilian rule.

"One cannot see our relations with the continent through the single prism" of the Sahel crises, Colonna added. "It's not 3,000 or 5,000 people demonstrating in a stadium in Niamey  that can resume our relations with 1.5 million Africans."

France's position, she said, "is to listen to Africans, not to decide in their place."

For a while, Macron  born after France's last colony in Africa, Djibouti, gained its independence  seemed the right man for the job.

"I am of a generation that doesn't tell Africans what to do," he told cheering students in Burkina Faso, shortly after his election six years ago.

Macron pledged to return looted colonial-era artifacts, although only a fraction has been shipped back, and sought new ties elsewhere, including with Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia and Angola. Like his recent predecessors, he maintained that the tangle of post-colonial business and political ties dubbed Francafrique was long dead.

In February, Macron promised to draw down French forces in Africa and create a new "security partnership," with bases on the continent transformed depending on African needs, and jointly managed with African staff.

A coherent policy

Skeptics say Macron hasn't always walked his talk. They point to many enduring trappings of French influence  from thousands of troops still stationed in Africa to a raft of longstanding mining concessions benefitting French companies, and the CFA franc, requiring West and Central African members to deposit half their foreign exchange reserves with the French treasury.

Anti-French sentiment is on the rise in more stable countries, like Senegal, due to a youthful population untethered to the past, but very aware of the challenges of getting visas to France.

Critics point to what they consider a series of French missteps, too, in the Sahel. Despite early wins, France's decade-long counterterrorism operation there lost local trust, they say, and finally was shuttered last year amid a spreading Islamist insurgency. Even as France promotes democracy, skeptics describe a tacit acceptance of some authoritarian governments like Chad.

"France needs to have a coherent policy," says Sciences-Po researcher Miette, who argues anti-French sentiment is not the real threat to Paris, but rather "a profound questioning of France's Africa policy."

He counts among those who believe it is not too late for Paris to hit the reset button yet again. With other authoritarian regimes potentially at risk of falling  in Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea  the sooner, the better.

"France has everything to win in changing its Africa policy," Miette says. "It needs to go beyond talk and be concrete."
Bright murals on city walls, freshly paved roads, illuminated monuments and fountains and tall new statues that showcase Indias cultural heritage will greet delegates arriving for the Group of 20 summit to the Indian capital New Delhi.

Even as Delhi is dressed up as never before, massive security measures will turn the city into a virtual fortress for the weekend summit with tens of thousands of police, paramilitary and commandos deployed along its streets, borders and at hotels that will house presidents and prime ministers. Anti-drone systems will deter aerial threats.

During its G20 presidency, India has tried to boost its global stature and authorities want the city of over 20 million to showcase a rising power.

Earlier this year, Delhis Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, said the G20 summit was an opportunity to show the best face of India.

The summit meeting will be held at a revamped convention and exhibition center, named Bharat Mandapam, in the heart of New Delhi. Thousands of potted plants and flowers bedeck sidewalks along roads that VIP motorcades will zip by.

Cutouts of large monkeys called langurs have been installed to scare away smaller monkeys, a routine menace in the city. Workers are dowsing mosquito breeding sites with insecticides in a city where dengue cases have been reported in recent months.

The beautification drive, that carries a price tag of millions of dollars, is not without controversy.

Several demolition drives in recent months have bulldozed shanties, displacing hundreds of low-income workers. Authorities have denied any link between the demolitions and the G-20 summit, and said they were carried out against illegal encroachers. The government said they will help those who lost their homes.

But rights activists point out that these tenements had existed for decades.

It is an attempt to conceal the poverty that is visible  that is why there was a frenzy of demolitions, said Harsh Mander, a prominent rights activist. That is because these shanties are a reminder of the fact that in the midst of Indias economic growth, huge levels of poverty persist. It is a sanitized version of the city that is being projected.

The citys homeless who live under bridges and sleep on footpaths have been shifted to shelter homes, according to local media.

Many pavement vendors who plied their trade along major roads have been moved to inner lanes. The opposition Congress Party has demanded financial compensation for street vendors, weekly market traders and others whose livelihoods will be affected by the summit restrictions.

Since the last two days, I was asked to set up my cart in a lane about 150 meters away from the main road. But customers dont come inside, said Devki Nandan Pant, a street vendor who sells kulfi, an Indian version of ice cream in a South Delhi neighborhood. It is creating a lot of hardship for people like us.

Delhis usually crowded streets will be largely silent around the G20 venue with stringent traffic restrictions making it out of bounds for most citizens. Major markets in the vicinity of the convention center, schools and colleges have also been ordered shut from Friday. Offices have been told to work from home.

Many residents are simply leaving the city, choosing to take a break rather than navigate the restrictions.

New Delhi resident Vishaka Talreja took a flight on Wednesday to Kashmir with her family. Everything will be shut down including food deliveries, so what would we do in the city? We left today itself because I thought it is better to leave before airport security etc. also becomes very stringent or flights get cancelled.

The grand showcasing of the G20 summit is not just meant to underline Indias ambitions as a rising power, which wants to emerge as the voice of what it calls the "Global South" or developing countries.

It is also expected to give Prime Minister Narendra Modi a boost domestically ahead of next years general elections. Indias G20 logo features a lotus, the symbol of Mr. Modis Bharatiya Janata Party  posters have been plastered along roads, not just in Delhi, but in other cities that hosted a series of G20 events in the past year.

Political analyst Rasheed Kidwai pointed out that G20 summits, whose presidency rotates between members, have been held for many years but have never been scaled up to the level as they have been under Indias presidency.

Among Modis biggest backers are the great Indian middle class and urban India. For them, this grand showcasing and fanfare projects the image that we have arrived on the international high table. So, taking the G20 summit from a somewhat routine event to a high profile one does yield political dividends domestically also, he said.
Indonesian security officials on Wednesday attempted to block a White House pool reporter from covering the summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in Jakarta.

Indonesian security officials surrounded Patsy Widakuswara, an Indonesian American and VOAs White House bureau chief, who was acting as the pool reporter for U.S. print and radio media covering the event.

As the press pool was ushered out of a meeting between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, VOAs Widakuswara called out two questions  to Harris about whether the U.S. is close to reaching a deal on Indonesian nickel, and, in Indonesian, to Widodo about whether he was disappointed that U.S. President Joe Biden was not present at the summit.

Indonesian officials then physically blocked Widakuswara, as officials from the vice presidents office tried to reason with the Indonesian authorities.

It was tense, but I didnt feel anxious or panicked or anything like that, because I knew that I was just doing my job, Widakuswara told VOA. And I also knew that the VPs office would stand by me. I just stood my ground.

Outside, Widakuswara was surrounded by Indonesian security officials, who told her to leave because she shouted and that she was banned from entering any other events, the reporter said. She also described the incident in a series of posts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

There are moments where shouting is just not appropriate. This was not one of them, she said.

According to Widakuswara, one official said in Indonesian, Until Armageddon comes, I will not allow her in.

As a pool reporter, Widakuswara was among a limited number of journalists selected to cover the event and share their observations with the rest of the media corps who were not in attendance. Widakuswara said she was worried that if Indonesian officials did not budge, she would not be able to send pool reports to fellow reporters.

But U.S. officials came to Widakuswaras defense.

It is a source of pride for us as American diplomats and civil servants to stand up for the freedom of the press overseas, and as part of that, for access for the traveling White House press corps, Dean Lieberman, deputy national security adviser to the vice president, told VOA in a statement.

U.S. officials continued to press the Indonesians to let Widakuswara in, saying Harris would not enter the summit room until the entire press pool, including Widakuswara, was allowed inside.

That person is absolutely critical to be in there because theyre not just representing their own organization, theyre representing many news organizations, Steve Herman, VOAs chief national correspondent and former White House bureau chief, said about the role of pool reporters.

After Sung Kim, the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, approached the brewing standoff, the Indonesian officials finally let Widakuswara into the room where the U.S.-ASEAN summit was taking place.

Securing sufficient press access remains a top priority for the Vice President whenever and wherever we travel. We may not always answer shouted questions, but a free and independent press is a core tenet of our democracy, and we carry that with us wherever we go, Lieberman added in the statement.

Josh Rogin, a columnist at The Washington Post, witnessed the incident, which he said wasnt a good look for Jakarta.

The entire point of the U.S.-ASEAN summit is to celebrate shared values, and if the host isnt standing up for those values and representing those values, it kind of undermines the entire endeavor, Rogin told VOA.

Other reporters turned to social media to voice their support for Widakuswara.

It is a relief to see this current administration understanding and defending the pool reporting system, compared to some situations that occurred in previous administrations, added Herman, a White House Correspondents Association member.

In a statement to VOA, Rosan Roeslani, Indonesian ambassador to the United States, said, We regret the incident involving Ms. Patsy Widakuswara and understand the concerns raised, while emphasizing our commitment to press freedom.

He added that the event in question was a photo spray, not a press conference, and that shouting and loud voices raised security concerns.

Widakuswara disputed this characterization. "There have been sprays of Widodo and Biden bilats where we were all shouting questions, and no one was reprimanded," she said. "As American journalists, we have the right to question leaders when we see them.

In his statement, Roeslani said, We remain dedicated to upholding press freedom and will work on clarifying and adhering to event-specific protocols to prevent future misunderstandings or disruptions.

Didier Saugy, executive director of the National Press Club in Washington, said the incident was unacceptable.

Everybody should have the freedom to ask questions, he told VOA.

In a statement to VOA, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said the agency is concerned by this incident and will contact the Indonesian government to address it.

A free and independent press is a core institution of healthy democracies and is vital for ensuring electorates can make informed decisions and hold government officials accountable, the spokesperson said. The United States condemns threats, harassment, and violence targeting journalists and media workers. Indonesias Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately reply to VOAs email requesting comment.

Widakuswara said she was grateful for the support of the vice presidents team and the U.S. Embassy staff.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Widakuswara got her start as a journalist in the Southeast Asian country.

Returning to her hometown on board Air Force Two with Harris to cover the summit was a proud immigrant moment for me, Widakuswara, who now has U.S. citizenship, told VOA. Im very proud of my Indonesian heritage.

Out of 180 countries, Indonesia ranks 108 in terms of press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders. Press freedom in the country has increasingly come under attack in recent years.

While I am and will always be a proud Indonesian as much as I am a proud American, I know which tradition of freedom of the press I prefer, Widakuswara wrote in a social media post.

The incident put a slight damper on the trip for Widakuswara, she told VOA.

It does sadden me that this is the way that Indonesia treats its press, she said. And I also dont like being the story. I dont think any reporter likes being the story.
An Iranian journalist who interviewed the father of Mahsa Amini said she was sexually assaulted during her latest arrest and was now on hunger strike in prison, according to an audio message published Wednesday by several Persian media outlets and rights groups.

Nazila Maroufian, 23, has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian authorities since she published an interview with Amjad Amini, whose daughter died in police custody on September 16, 2022, sparking months of protests.

Rights groups have accused the Iranian authorities of stepping up an intense crackdown to prevent the upcoming one-year anniversary of Amini's death from being marked by new protests.

Maroufian, who rights groups say has now been arrested four times in recent months, was most recently detained in Tehran on August 30.

"I was sexually assaulted in a situation where I was in the worst possible state," she said in the audio message from Tehran's Evin prison published by media outside Iran including Iran International and Radio Farda as well as the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) and Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).

Maroufian, who is from Amini's hometown of Saqez in Kurdish-populated western Iran, said in her message that she was now on hunger strike to protest her situation and that of all the women who are subjected to violence in police stations and prisons.

"This strike is for me but is also for all the women in dire conditions in Iran," she said in her message, which appeared to have been recorded during a phone call to her family, who also shared pictures of bruises she says she sustained in the assault.

Reports earlier this week said she had also been jailed for one year on charges of spreading propaganda against Iran's Islamic system.

After previous releases, Maroufian has posted pictures of herself without a headscarf in defiance of the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.

Mahsa Amini had been arrested for allegedly violating this code. Iranian authorities have indicated she died because of a health problem but, in his interview with Maroufian, Amjad Amini accused authorities of lying about the circumstances of his daughter's death.

Iran has reacted harshly to reporting inside the country on the Amini case.

The two women journalists who helped bring the story to the world's attention have now spent almost a year in Evin prison after their arrest in September.

Niloufar Hamedi reported for Iran's Shargh newspaper from the hospital where Amini languished in a coma for three days before she died, and Elahe Mohammadi, a reporter for the Ham Mihan newspaper, went to Saqez to report on Amini's funeral.

Both are now on trial on charges of violating national security, which they vehemently deny.
A U.S. federal judge ruled Wednesday that a jury in an upcoming civil defamation case against former President Donald Trump will have to decide only how much more he owes a longtime New York advice columnist because a jury already decided that he sexually abused her in a luxury department store dressing room in the 1990s.

Judge Lewis Kaplan in New York said the facts behind a federal jurys decision earlier this year involving E. Jean Carrolls assault claims against Trump will carry over to the scheduled January defamation case.

In the abuse case, the jury, while rejecting her rape claim against Trump, ordered him to pay Carroll $5 million for abusing and defaming her. Trump, now the leading Republican candidate for the partys 2024 presidential nomination, has appealed the verdict and denies he attacked her.

After Carroll, a one-time college cheerleader and later an advice columnist for Elle magazine, first filed her lawsuit, the former U.S. leader claimed he didnt know her and that in any event he wouldnt have been attracted to her because she wasnt my type.

A picture shown at the trial showed them chatting and socializing decades ago at a New York party.

The first trial concerned the sexual assault accusation itself, an incident that allegedly occurred after what Carroll, now 79, said was a chance encounter with Trump at the Bergdorf-Goodman department store in New York when he asked her to help him shop for a gift for a woman.

In Wednesdays decision, Kaplan wrote, The jury considered and decided issues that are common to both cases  including whether Mr. Trump falsely accused Ms. Carroll of fabricating her sexual assault charge and, if that were so, that he did it with knowledge that this accusation was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

"The truth or falsity of Mr. Trump's 2019 statements therefore depends  on whether Ms. Carroll lied about Mr. Trump sexually assaulting her," Kaplan said. "The jury's finding that she did not therefore is binding in [the defamation] case and precludes Mr. Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements."

Although Carrolls suit was filed in 2019, the judge in June allowed her lawyers to add the statements Trump made against her at a CNN town hall political event that was broadcast the night after he lost the abuse case in May.

This woman, I dont know her. I never met her. I have no idea who she is, Trump said. Shes a whack job.

Carroll lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, said Carroll looks forward to a trial limited to damages for the original defamatory statements Donald Trump made.

Trump lawyer Alina Habba said that his legal team is confident that the jury verdict will be overturned, which would moot the judges new decision.

The civil case is one of an array of court challenges Trump is facing in the coming months.

He has been charged in four criminal cases encompassing 91 charges, two involving attempts to overturn his 2020 reelection loss to Democrat Joe Biden, another for his handling of highly classified national security documents after he left office in 2021 and a fourth for allegedly falsifying business records to hide $130,000 in hush money payments to a porn film star ahead of his successful 2016 run for the White House.
The father of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman whose death in police custody last year sparked months of anti-government protests, tells VOA that plans are under way to commemorate the anniversary of his daughter's death.

"We are resolute in organizing the anniversary ceremony to pay tribute to the name and memory of Zhina [Mahsa], the martyr, the oppressed, the innocent girl, and for the happiness of her pure soul," Amjad Amini said in an exclusive interview with VOAs Persian Service.

It also provides solace for the family, relatives and all her supporters. However, given the current circumstances, we cannot formally extend invitations to the public or dissuade them from attending.

Mahsa Amini had been detained by the morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf too loosely. Iran saw months of anti-government protests after her death in police custody last September 16.

According to data from human rights organizations, Irans security forces killed nearly 600 people, including women and children, with several thousand more sustaining injuries during a crackdown on the protests. More than 20,000 Iranian citizens found themselves detained in the aftermath.

"Today, it's widely acknowledged that Mahsa doesn't belong exclusively to the Amini family. She is Iran's daughter, belonging to the entire nation. All those who cherish Mahsa are akin to her extended family. Thus, we will honor whatever choice the people make," her father told VOA.

In a written exchange with VOA correspondent Manouchehr Pordel, he said Iranian government officials "wish for us not to extend any invitations under any conditions and refrain from urging individuals to attend the ceremony.

While discussing the legal aspects of his daughter's case, Amjad Amini said, "Up to this point, we haven't obtained any clear and persuasive responses. They've essentially reiterated their previous statements, which haven't been satisfactory for us or the public.

Iranian police said Mahsa Amin had a heart attack while in custody, but her family disputes that claim. Iranian authorities have rejected the family's request for a committee of independent doctors to investigate her death.

In August, Amnesty International accused Iran of ramping up a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the families of those killed in last years protests. The group said it documented the cases of 36 victims families from 10 provinces across the country who have been subjected to human rights violations in recent months.
A chair with Myanmars flag was left empty as Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Southeast Asian leaders during the U.S.-ASEAN, or Association of Southeast Asian Nations, summit in Jakarta hosted by outgoing chair Indonesia.



The United States will continue to press the regime to end the horrific violence to release all those unjustly detained and to reestablish Myanmar's path to inclusive democracy, Harris said at the opening of the summit Wednesday.

And we will continue to support ASEANs five-point consensus, she added, referring to the groups 2021 demands on the crisis triggered by the February 2021 military coup, which include immediate cessation of violence and constructive dialogue facilitated by ASEAN.

Last year, ASEAN agreed to bar Myanmars ruling generals from meetings until they make progress to address the crisis. An empty Myanmar chair has been held as a symbol to urge the country to return to democracy.

The group announced earlier this week they are barring Myanmar from its turn as chair in 2026, as they blame the ongoing bloodshed on the countrys junta. The Philippines will take ASEANs helm instead.



ASEANs statement demonstrates that the group is more united on Myanmar than some people thought, said Aaron Connelly, research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.



It makes clear that the bloc blames the military for the violence, sustains a de facto suspension of the juntas leaders from ASEAN meetings, and forces the junta to give up its turn chairing the organization until the violence stops, he told VOA.

Myanmar's turn at chairing ASEAN was last skipped in 2006 as the United States and European Union demanded that the military-ruled country move toward democracy and release pro-democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi.



Enduring commitment



As some Republican presidential candidates display of isolationism toward regional conflicts triggers anxiety among some ASEAN members about U.S. staying power, Vice President Harris reaffirmed Washingtons enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

The defense and deterrence commitments of the United States and our security presence in the Indo-Pacific help protect our homeland and ensure regional stability, she said. It is therefore in our vital interest to promote a region that is open, interconnected, prosperous, secure and resilient.



As part of the administrations effort to ensure safe sea traffic, last month Washington signed a deal with the Pacific Island state of Palau that would allow U.S. Coast Guard ships to operate on that nations behalf in its exclusive economic zone without a Palauan officer present.

Harris also welcomed the presence of Timor-Leste in its capacity as ASEAN observer, and she pledged U.S. support for Timor-Lestes ASEAN accession process.



Heightened tensions



Harris visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, as China released a 2023 territorial map that has drawn the ire of India, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines.



A White House official told VOA that throughout her engagements in Jakarta, the vice president will make clear that the U.S. rejects what the official described as China's unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions.



She will express continued support for ASEAN's efforts to develop a code of conduct for the South China Sea, consistent with the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the rights of third parties, the official said.

During the China-ASEAN summit held the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang appeared to try to calm ruffled feathers, saying it is important to avoid a new Cold War when dealing with conflicts and that countries need to appropriately handle differences and disputes.



In the same meeting, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the need for Beijing and Washington to continue talking with each other and to strive for greater trust and cooperation. He warned that sharpened geopolitical rivalries could easily stoke existing flashpoints in the region, endangering ASEANs decades-long peace, prosperity and stability.



On Thursday, Harris will attend the East Asia Summit, which brings together ASEAN and its partners  the United States, China, Russia, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. She will depart immediately after the summit and is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Friday, as President Joe Biden heads to the G20 summit in New Delhi, India.
Pakistan said Wednesday that a "large group of terrorists" had stormed its security outposts close to the border with Afghanistan, prompting fierce clashes that killed four soldiers and 12 assailants.

The early morning militant raid targeted two Pakistani posts in the northern mountainous Kalash border valley at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet).

A Pakistani military statement said its soldiers had repulsed the attack, noting the assailants were "equipped with [the] latest weapons." It suggested that the militants had come across the border from Afghanistan.

The banned Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, claimed responsibility for the raid earlier. The group said its fighters had inflicted heavy casualties on Pakistani soldiers and seized their weapons while overrunning the posts.

TTP often issues inflated claims about its extremist activities.

The Pakistani military said its forces had previously detected "terrorists' movement and concentration" in several Afghan border areas opposite the Kalash region and "timely shared" it with Afghanistan's Taliban authorities.

The statement said the Taliban government "is expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan."

Taliban authorities in Afghanistan did not immediately comment on Pakistani assertions.

TTP, listed as a global terrorist outfit by the United States and the United Nations, is a known offshoot and close ally of the Afghan Taliban, who returned to power in Kabul two years ago.

Pakistani officials say TTP and other insurgent groups have fled and taken shelter in Afghanistan since the U.S.-led NATO troop withdrawal in August 2021. They say the insurgents enjoy greater freedom of movement to plot cross-border terrorism after the Taliban takeover of the war-shattered country.

Over the past two years, the increased TTP-led insurgent violence has killed more than 1,500 people in Pakistan. This year alone, more than 500 Pakistanis, mostly security forces, have died in militant attacks. They included at least 220 soldiers and officers, according to official data.

The Taliban deny the charges, saying no one can use Afghan soil to threaten other countries, including Pakistan.

Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar repeatedly claimed this week that some of the equipment left behind by the U.S. military in Afghanistan has ended up with groups such as TTP.

"This surge in terrorism is happening because the fighting capacity of these outfits has been enhanced," Kakar told Islamabad-based international journalists on Monday.

The prime minister said that Islamabad was in close contact with Kabul to enhance bilateral security cooperation to combat the threat of cross-border terrorism.

The Taliban are in a phase of transformation. I feel that room and space should be given to them," Kakar said when asked whether the de facto Afghan authorities are helping his country to counter the TTP-led threat of terrorism.
Talks between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ended without an agreement to restart a deal under which Russia provided safe passage to ships moving grain across the Black Sea, including ships leaving from Ukrainian ports.

The deal, struck last year, was meant to safeguard the supply of agricultural commodities from Ukraine and Russia to global markets, where they account for a large percentage of the supply of wheat, corn, sunflower oil and other staple foods. Russia is waging war against Ukraine, including attacks on its Black Sea ports, making the region hazardous for shipping.

While it was in place, starting in July 2022, the deal allowed more than 1,000 vessels carrying 32.9 million metric tons of grain to transit the Black Sea safely. Russia announced this July that it would not renew the arrangement, causing an immediate halt to grain shipments.

Cutting off shipments from Ukraine threatens to worsen a global food crisis that has seen the price of staple foodstuffs soar, making it difficult for people in many developing countries to feed themselves, and straining the aid budgets of global relief agencies.

Putins demands

Speaking at a press conference in the Russian city of Sochi, where he and Erdogan met on Monday, Putin said Russia would only return to the deal if the West fulfilled what he said were its obligations under the agreement, including a promise to lift any sanctions on the export of Russian food and fertilizers. He said that sanctions remain in place that are keeping Russian agricultural exports from making it to global markets.

The large number of economic penalties imposed on Russia by Western countries because of its invasion of Ukraine do not include sanctions on food and fertilizer exports. However, other sanctions, including the severing of Russian banks from the global payments system and a refusal to allow Western companies to insure Russian ships, have sharply curtailed grain exports.

Putin has described this situation as a Western violation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

We are not against this deal. We are ready to immediately return to it as soon as the promises made to us are fulfilled. Thats all, Putin said. So far, no obligations toward Russia have been fulfilled."

The U.S. and other Western countries deny Putin's claim that they have failed to live up to the terms of the deal. When Russia announced its decision to back out in July, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement that read, in part, "Despite Russias claims, the U.N. has facilitated record Russian exports of food, coordinating with the private sector and with the U.S., E.U., and U.K. to clarify any concerns raised by Russia. As we have consistently made clear, no G7 sanctions are in place on Russian food and fertilizer exports. Russia unfortunately does not contribute to the World Food Program, and its exports focus on higher income countries, not the worlds poorest."

Erdogan optimistic

Erdogan, who helped broker the original deal in 2022, said he still believes it is possible to restart the agreement.

We believe that we will reach a solution that will meet the expectations in a short time, he told reporters at the news conference on Monday.

The Turkish leader also called on Ukraine to moderate its approach to the agreement.

"Ukraine needs to especially soften its approaches in order for it to be possible for joint steps to be taken with Russia, Erdogan said.

He did not specify the kind of changes in Ukraines approach he was recommending.

Also on Monday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed Erdogans comments, saying that Kyiv is willing to talk but would not bow to what he described as Russian blackmail.

He told reporters that if Ukraine makes concessions to Russia now, the Kremlin will only demand further concessions in the future.

Argument over impact

Both Russia and the Western countries demanding a restart of the grain deal use data from the U.N.-affiliated Black Sea Grain Initiative-Joint Coordination Centre in Istanbul to support their version of the deals importance.

Russian officials dispute Western claims that Putin is weaponizing food and disproportionately affecting poor countries, arguing that the United Nations own data shows that 80% of grain exports that shipped while the deal was in place went to the worlds high-income and upper-middle-income nations. Western officials point to data from the same source, showing that 57% of the grain went to developing countries.

The discrepancy is largely explained by the fact that the U.N. classifies China as both a developing nation and an upper-middle-income nation. Grain shipments to China accounted for 24% of the shipments allowed under the deal.

Relief agencies clear

Among aid organizations around the world, there is little dispute that the impact of the suspension of the deal will be extremely negative for the global poor, both by pushing prices paid by end-consumers higher in the near term and by reducing supply in the longer term.

An analysis by the Washington-based International Food Policy Research Institute, published after Russia withdrew from the deal, warned that in addition to making existing grain more expensive to ship and thus more costly for global consumers, the high transportation costs will reduce farmers income, making them likely to plant less grain in the future.

The reduced production also poses risks for global markets. With global grain stocks at low levels and little rebuilding this current year, prices will remain volatile and responsive to potential production shortfalls, the group found. Thus, a diminished Ukraine leaves a smaller buffer if major global producers fall short.
JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang clarified here on Wednesday China's position on the issue of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant, and called on Japan to handle the matter responsibly.

Addressing the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Li said the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water concerns the global marine ecological environment and people's health.

He called on Japan to faithfully fulfill its international obligations, fully consult with its neighbors and related stakeholders, and handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner. 
The Somali government says it plans to shift military tactics against al-Shabab amid increased resistance and threats coming from the militants, senior officials confirmed to VOA Somali.

The tactic gives local community fighters the lead role in the fight against al-Shabab with federal government forces playing a supportive role, said two senior government officials who did not want to be identified.

The officials also confirmed that the federal government will register the local fighters and pay monthly stipends as an incentive for their participation, with a view to integrating them into the army in the longer term.

The national intelligence agency is tasked with leading the registration and vetting fighters to prevent infiltration of militants, officials said.

This is a return to the strategy that helped the government and local fighters seize vast areas from al-Shabab between August 2022 and January 2023.

Former national intelligence chief Brigadier General Abdirahman Turyare, who is now helping mobilize the local fighters, confirmed the tactical changes to VOA Somali in an interview.

The current mobilization is different from the mobilization that was taking place in the past few months, which only focused on the national armed forces, Turyare said.

The plan is to remobilize the armed forces, rest some of those soldiers who have been in the front line for a year and a half, replace them with the newly trained forces, and remobilize the Maawisley [local militias] and to let the local community lead the fight, he said.

The change came after a federal army-led military operation suffered a setback following a deadly al-Shabab attack on two military brigades. They had been sent deep into al-Shabab territory in the Cowsweyne village last month with the goal of capturing it.

The government has yet to confirm the number of casualties from the attack, but it is believed dozens were killed, with more than 160 injured and an unspecified number missing. A purported al-Shabab video shows a captured soldier.

The government acknowledged mistakes in the plan for Cowsweyne by not securing supply routes to the troops. Officials now believe al-Shabab surrounded the troops immediately after the soldiers entered the village on August 22.

Separately, troops seized the town of Elbur from al-Shabab on August 25. But following the attack on Cowsweyne, both areas returned to al-Shabab control because government troops retreated for fear of ambush.

The retreat

The Cowsweyne attack resulted in the retreat of soldiers from other towns on the front lines as well and forced government officials to launch frantic efforts to prevent troops from abandoning all the areas taken from the militants since August 2022.

In addition to Cowsweyne and Elbur, the government troops retreated from El Dheer, Masagaway, Budbud and Galad.

The retreat from Galad, in particular, nearly compromised the safety of senior government officials.

On the afternoon of August 28, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud donned military fatigues and was preparing to visit Galad, not knowing his soldiers were already in the process of vacating the town.

But two senior officials advised him against the trip, as the situation was fluid. The two were Mahad Salad, the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency, and Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shute, the chief of the military court. Salad and Shute  sworn enemies of al-Shabab  told the president they would travel to Galad in his place to address government soldiers and encourage them to stay put, officials familiar with the matter told VOA Somali.

Around 2:20 p.m., a United Nations helicopter carrying 17 people, including the two officials, two state media journalists and armed bodyguards, flew from Dhusamareb, where the president had set up a temporary base to monitor operations, to Galad.

As soon as the helicopter took off, officials in Dhusamareb learned that all government troops had left Galad.

Officials sent frantic phone calls and text messages warning those on board the helicopter to turn around immediately. Those on board received the warning as the helicopter was making its descent.

Dont land, said one text message sent by a staffer at the presidential palace. The town has been abandoned. Come back.

Officials relayed the messages to the crew, who told the pilot to abort landing immediately.

Dust covered the site as the helicopter ascended and headed for Mogadishu, where it arrived safely later that day.

We were close to the ground at a distance where small arms fire could bring down the helicopter, said one passenger.

At 6:55 p.m., al-Shabab posted on Telegram that its fighters had recaptured Galad.

Mohamud on Tuesday announced that his government arrested some of the officers who left the front lines, without specifying the number of officers in detention. But he said they will be tried in the governments military tribunal.

People like you who did not desert the front lines and those who left the front line in the face of the enemy and went to Xamar [Mogadishu] or sold their weapons on the way, you will not be treated the same, he told soldiers outside the front-line town of Mahaas.

They were arrested for a crime they committed, he said, and they will be tried by the military tribunal according to the military code and discipline.

As the government shifts tactics, officials said they are not taking al-Shabab lightly.

No, you dont underestimate the strength of your enemy, said Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, a former internal security minister who is accompanying the president in Mahaas to mobilize his constituency.

Al-Shabab is not the underdog here, he said. We consider they are very much a resilient organization, very much adaptable organization, but we believe that with the public support, and with the mobilization of local communities  the Somali government will prevail in this war against al-Shabab.
China pledged to help South Africa with its crippling energy crisis during the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg. At the same time, South Africa said it wants to correct a trade imbalance with China and export more finished products  but manufacturing in South Africa is currently hampered by the unreliable power grid. Kate Bartlett spoke to business owners in Johannesburg about the challenges they face. Video editor: Zaheer Cassim
The U.S. has renewed efforts to help Taiwan strengthen its defense capabilities in recent weeks, approving a series of million-dollar military sales to Taiwan and promising to resolve the $19 billion backlog of Taiwanese defense purchases from the U.S.

The latest moves received mixed responses from the Taiwanese government and the Taiwanese people. Taiwans Presidential Office characterized the latest U.S. transfer of weapons to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing mechanism as the fulfillment of Washingtons commitment to Taiwans security.

However, some Taiwanese people are suspicious about the timing and motives behind the latest announcement.

While the Ukraine War makes me realize U.S. military sales to Taiwan are necessary, I dont think the U.S. government respects the requests that Taiwan has made over the years, Kai Wang, a 46-year-old woman working in the pharmaceutical industry, told VOA in a phone interview.

In her view, Taiwan rarely has the autonomy to decide what types of weapons it wants to purchase from the U.S. Rather, the deliverables often seem to have been decided for Taiwan, which deepens public suspicion toward the motivation behind U.S. military sales to Taiwan.

There should be more public discussions about the Taiwanese governments policies related to U.S. military sales, Wang added.

Other Taiwanese citizens think there are often deeper political meanings behind U.S. military sales to Taiwan.

If the U.S. intends to support Taiwan through these military sales, they should be conducted more discreetly, rather than publicly announcing these programs, Peter Yang, a 36-year-old salesperson, told VOA in a phone interview.

Instead of continuing to acquire expensive military aircraft from the U.S., Yang thinks Taiwan needs more concrete international support and foreign investment.

Receiving two fighter jets from the U.S. wont suddenly turn Taiwan into a military power, he said.

During a visit to Taiwan, Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, promised to resolve the $19 billion dollar backlog of Taiwans defense purchases from the U.S. and reiterated that Washington would come to Taiwans defense in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Know that any hostile unprovoked attack on Taiwan will result in a resolute reaction from the U.S., he said during a speech ahead of his meeting with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Sep. 1.

Political leaning influences Taiwanese peoples views on U.S. military sales

Apart from the suspicion expressed by some Taiwanese people, several opinion polls in recent years also show contradicting views on U.S. military sales to Taiwan and Washingtons security commitment to the island among Taiwanese people.

According to American Portrait, a study of Taiwanese peoples perception of the U.S. released by Academia Sinica in January, 66.5% of the respondents support U.S. military sales to Taiwan. Additionally, more than 60% of Taiwanese people say when U.S. officials visit Taiwan or pledge to come to Taiwans defense publicly, their confidence in the U.S. military coming to Taiwans defense increases.

Some analysts say Taiwanese peoples political leaning is an important factor that influences their attitude toward U.S. security commitment. Among the 66.5% of the public who support U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the percentage of supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is about three times that of supporters of the main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT,) Pan Hsin-Hsin, a political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan and one of the authors of American Portrait, told VOA in a written response.

Data from the survey also shows that while a certain percentage of Taiwanese people think the U.S. is untrustworthy, they believe Washingtons security commitment to Taiwan is credible, Pan added.

Concerns about U.S. military sales turning Taiwan into a war zone

Another survey conducted by Global Views Monthly in 2021 found that 43.1% of respondents think U.S. military sales to Taiwan will further increase tension across the Taiwan Strait. Whereas 37.8% of the respondents think U.S. military sales to Taiwan can help maintain peace between China and Taiwan.

In recent years, China has increased its military aggression against Taiwan by constantly deploying military aircraft and naval vessels to areas near Taiwan and holding large-scale military exercises as responses to high-level engagement between Taiwan and foreign countries.

Some Taiwanese people told VOA that as the U.S. provides more offensive weapons for Taiwan through military sales, they believe it increases the risks of prompting a potential Chinese military attack on Taiwan.

If the DPP government falls for Washingtons conspiracy and acquires more offensive weapons, it will prompt Beijing to launch an attack on Taiwan and a war would break out across the Taiwan Strait, Denise Luo, a 56-year-old housewife, told VOA in a phone interview.

Instead of viewing U.S. military sales to Taiwan purely as an instigator of potential military conflicts across the Taiwan Strait, Albert Lin, a 47-year-old banker in Taiwan, thinks its important to consider it as part of Washingtons strategy to maintain the status quo across the Indo-Pacific region.

I believe U.S. military sales to Taiwan is part of Washingtons strategy to maintain a balanced environment in the Indo-Pacific region, he told VOA in a phone interview.

Despite the concerns expressed by some Taiwanese people, experts dont think American skepticism will become a mainstream topic in Taiwan, especially as the island gears up for the presidential election scheduled for next January.

The best to know that is by looking at what political parties are saying during presidential elections, Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, told VOA in a phone interview.

Every Taiwanese presidential candidate just did or will do a big trip to the U.S., and from the electoral perspective, no presidential candidate will say anything that promotes American skepticism. They know the U.S.-Tawian relationship is Taiwans most important relationship, he added.
At a critical moment in Ukraines counteroffensive, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a changing of the guard, naming Rustem Umerov as the countrys new defense minister.

On Wednesday, 338 of the 360 members of the Ukrainian parliament endorsed Umerov, a Crimean Tatar businessman, and a former parliamentarian. Observers see the replacement as part of Zelenskyy's efforts to address corruption in his administration as the Ukrainian military strives to retake southern Ukraine and areas near the Crimean Peninsula.

A long-time financial supporter of the Crimean Tatar community and father of three, Umerov, a practicing Muslim, became a Member of the Ukrainian Parliament with the Holos party in 2014, championing a reformist and progressive agenda.

Even before Russia's full-scale invasion, he played a pivotal role in negotiations with Moscow.

He was part of the delegation that negotiated with Russia prior to the conflict. He played a key role in the grain deal due to his connections in Turkey, and our sources indicate his involvement in negotiations to secure the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children," said Sevgil Musaeva, editor of the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper.

In an interview with Euronews in April 2022, Umerov was resolute, affirming that Ukraine would not compromise on territorial issues. We want our partners to understand that the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine are a red line for us. Nevertheless, we are ready to hear any possible solutions that do not endanger our territory, our independence, and our dignity, Umerov said in the interview.

Umerov brings with him a strong resume as a skilled negotiator and has played a prominent role in efforts to return Crimea to Ukrainian control.

He serves as a co-chairman of the Crimean Platform, an international coordinating mechanism that seeks to negotiate the reversal of Russias 2014 unilateral annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. He is a member of the group responsible for developing the Strategy for the De-occupation and Reintegration of Crimea and Sevastopol, initiated by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine in 2020.

Umerov has also led efforts to exchange political prisoners from Crimea and, as a member of parliament, helped shape legislation to provide social support to political prisoners and their families.

He is involved in a number of negotiations about the release of prisoners, as well as difficult negotiations about supplies of humanitarian support, weapons, Tamila Tasheva, a prominent member of the Crimean Tatar community and the Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, told VOA, citing Umerov's strong communication skills and negotiating experience with Persian Gulf countries and Turkey.

In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda in October 2022, Umerov underscored his longstanding commitment to human rights, going back to when Ukraine was under pro-Russian governments before the Maidan Revolution of 2014.

I was born in Uzbekistan, but I returned to Ukraine, where I engaged in activities related to European and NATO initiatives when they weren't popular, Umerov told the newspaper.

Why now?

The change was necessary at a time when Ukrainians have grown wary of corruption scandals at the Defense Ministry, according to political analyst and director at Think Tank Politics, Mykola Davydiuk. In addition to being a problem for Ukraine, it was a bad message to our foreign partners, Davydiuk told VOA.

Rumors of Reznikov's impending replacement had been circulating for a year. In February 2023, Fox News quoted David Arakhamia, Ukraine's parliament majority leader as suggesting that Oleksiy Reznikov might be replaced, although the president chose not to act at the time, allowing then-Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to remain in his position.

The decision to let Reznikov stay at the time came despite a shakeup at the Defense Ministry that included the resignations of Deputy Defense Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov and Deputy Prosecutor General Oleksiy Symonenko in late January of the same year amid allegations of fraud and a coverup involving the purchase military food rations and equipment at inflated prices.

The Defense Ministry denied any involvement in corrupt practices.

Last month, Ukrainian investigative reporter Mykhailo Tkach from Ukrainska Pravda exposed another scandal related to military procurement.

Reznikov himself does not face any charges in the corruption scandals.

But the more recent revelation sparked new outrage among Ukrainians and sent a negative signal to Western partners about retaining Reznikov in his role, according to Davydiuk, who points to several other reasons for the timing of Reznikovs removal.

The start of the new political season, some unofficial push for replacement from the western partners, and preparation for the visit U.N. General Assembly to New York at the end of this month, Davydiuk said, are other reasons, at a time when President Zelenskyy needs to address the corruption allegations, regain his credibility, and restore his positive image in the eyes of Western partners.

As Ukraine slowly retakes territory and sets its eyes on reclaiming Crimea, the job of ensuring victory is now on the shoulders of Umerov.
At least 17 people were killed and nearly three dozen more injured in a Russian assault Wednesday on the central market in the eastern Ukraine city of Kostiantynivka, Ukrainian officials reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the attack, saying a market, shops and a pharmacy were hit in the industrial city close to the current front lines of the battlefield, about 30 kilometers from the city of Bakhmut, where there has been heavy combat for months.

"Those who know this place are well aware that it is a civilian area. There aren't any military units nearby," Zelenskyy said during a news conference in Kyiv.

"This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible," he added.

Video footage on the Telegram messaging app showed a loud explosion ripping through shopping alleys, with people falling to the ground and some running for cover. Local media described it as a missile attack.

"There was no military target here. This is a peaceful neighborhood in the city center," Stefan Slovak, who lives in Kostiantynivka, in a trembling voice, told The Associated Press.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko posted pictures showing rescue workers sifting through the rubble and carrying out bodies in black sacks.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian officials said a Russia drone attack on a port area in the Odesa region killed one person.

Oleh Kiper, the regional governor, said on Telegram the Russian attack lasted for three hours and damaged agricultural infrastructure at the Danube River port of Izmail.

Russia also targeted Ukraines capital, Kyiv, with a missile attack early Wednesday. But Serhiy Popko, head of the citys military administration, said on Telegram that air defenses shot down all the missiles aimed at Kyiv and that there were no reports of damage or casualties.

Russias Defense Ministry said its air defenses destroyed a Ukrainian drone late Tuesday over the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. The regional governor in Bryansk said there were no casualties reported.

Ukraines parliament on Wednesday approved the appointment of Rustem Umerov as the countrys new defense minister. Umerov is a Crimean Tatar and a former lawmaker who was in charge of Ukraines main privatization fund.

Zelenskyy announced last weekend he was replacing Oleksii Reznikov, saying the ministry needs new approaches and other formats of interaction with both the military and society as a whole.

Reznikov played a pivotal role in securing billions of dollars worth of Western military aid to help the war effort. However, during his tenure, the Defense Ministry has been tarnished by graft allegations, which Reznikov has described as smears.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
A senior U.N. official said Tuesday that the humanitarian situation has severely deteriorated in the eastern Congo, where 8 million people need assistance in three provinces and sexual violence has become endemic.

"What we saw and heard was shocking, heartbreaking and sobering," Edem Wosornu, director of operations and advocacy in the U.N. Department of Humanitarian Affairs, told reporters. "We have seen that in the past 18 months, the situation in eastern Congo has deteriorated to an alarming extent."

Wosornu is just back from the region, following a mission with officials from several U.N. agencies and NGOs.

She said 8 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, where scores of armed groups terrorize villages. Overall, more than 26 million Congolese across the country need food assistance. In a country with huge numbers of displaced persons, an additional million people have been forcibly displaced since the start of this year.

"This is not business as usual. This is an acute crisis on top of an already super-sized one," said Gabriella Waaijman, humanitarian director for Save the Children Global, who was also part of the mission. "And behind every one of these staggeringly large numbers are individuals enduring immense levels of suffering."

This year, humanitarians have been able to assist about 1.4 million people in Congo but are hampered by insecurity, a lack of access on poor roads and a huge funding shortfall. The United Nations has appealed for $2.3 billion but received only $764 million so far, with just a few months left in the year.

Wosornu said sexual violence is being perpetrated "on a massive and distressing scale."

"In the first six months of 2023 alone, more than 35,000 survivors have sought access to services for gender-based violence across the three provinces alone," she said, adding that the real number is likely higher as survivors often do not report sexual crimes.

The U.N. has warned that such violations may amount to atrocity crimes.

Women and girls are at particular risk from armed men when they search for food, water and firewood in areas around camps for the displaced. They are also often forced to engage in what the U.N. calls "survival sex," including inside the camps for internally displaced people.

Wosornu said the stories she heard from victims and their families in eastern Congo were "absolutely horrific."

"Transactional sex at 20 cents is what is being perpetrated in the camps," she said, adding that the U.N. and its partners are working on prevention and offering psychosocial and medical support to women who have been raped.

Unfortunately, funding for gender-based violence is often the least funded in emergencies, Wosornu said, at around 5%. While protection programs only receive about 10% of donor funds.
The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

Around 2,100 U.S. and 1,900 Indonesian troops are taking part in joint military exercises in East Java, Indonesia. It is the biggest iteration of this annual exercise and comes amid rising tensions between Southeast Asia and China. VOA's Ahadian Utama reports. Camera: Ahadian Utama
An American private sector delegation opened meetings in Afghanistan with officials and local counterparts Wednesday in the first interaction since the Taliban seized power from a U.S.-backed government two years ago.

Jeffrey Grieco, president of the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce, or AACC, in the United States, is leading the delegation.

Addressing a televised meeting in Kabul of business representatives that Greico co-hosted with Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar, he said the U.S. government backs the visit.

A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department acknowledged that a delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Afghanistan and "individuals with business interests" had traveled to Kabul.



"The United States stands with the people of Afghanistan as they work to rebuild their economy," the spokesperson told VOA in an emailed statement.



American businessman Grieco credited de facto Afghan authorities for establishing peace in the country, saying they have also "greatly eliminated" corruption. "It's not all gone, but it's mostly gone."

He said his team is seeking to elevate private sector activities and explore ways to ease hardships facing Afghans over the past two years.

"The next year is going to be equally hard as the donors are reducing funding for Afghanistan, both humanitarian food security and other funding, at a key moment when Afghanistan needs funding for humanitarian purposes," he said.

On Tuesday, the U.N. World Food Program announced that a "massive funding shortfall" had forced it to cut rations for 10 million people in the country this year, warning that time is running out to avert catastrophe in Afghanistan.

"The private sector can be a powerful agent of change and an agent of support when a country like Afghanistan is suffering," Grieco said at the event, where local women business leaders were also in attendance.

"We think that business is the way to increase knowledge and increase more program activities for the core in Afghanistan, and you are great examples for us," he told the Afghan female participants.

Barader said in his keynote speech that his government had established nationwide "comprehensive security" and "straightforward investment regulations" to attract domestic and foreign investments in Afghanistan.

The Taliban deputy prime minister cited several mining contracts signed in Kabul last month with Asian and European investors, including some from China, Turkey, Iran and Britain, worth almost $6.5 billion.

Grieco pledged to work closely with Bradar's office to promote business-to-business ties, stressing the need for the Taliban to ensure security and protection of investment assets.

"What we saw and heard this week is that the Emirate government is ready for a market-based economic system for Afghanistan," Grieco said, using the official title of the Taliban administration, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

"The last [Afghan] government didn't even understand what a market-based economic system is," he said.

The president of the U.S.-based AACC said his team has been working in Washington with banking sector representatives to help facilitate the return of Afghanistan's frozen foreign exchange reserves of about $9 billion.

Grieco explained to the audience that the funds are in the U.S. central bank and European countries. He noted that the money cannot be returned to Afghanistan's central bank for the time being due to economic sanctions on the Taliban.

"We need the Afghan Bankers' Association to work tougher now to figure out how to approach the return of the commercial bank assets because there has been a change in our government's thinking in the last few months, Grieco said. They are now willing to consider the return of those assets."

While speaking to the Kabul gathering, Arthur Groom, a longtime international gemstone investor in Afghanistan, said that while some U.S. investors left the country after the Taliban takeover, his company stayed.

"We need to change some minds ... because all I have heard here in many meetings is that it's not safe here, women are not happy here, and the kids aren't going to the schools, it's dirty here. It's completely opposite from what I saw," Groom said.

Groom said his investment in Afghanistan aims to bring technology into the country to modernize the mining sector and teach modern technology in gem-cutting to enable locals, including the government, to benefit from their natural resources.

The Taliban reclaimed power in August 2021 as the U.S.-led NATO troops withdrew from the country after almost 20 years of war with the then-Taliban insurgents.

The new fundamentalist authorities have since imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Sharia, banning girls from schools beyond the sixth grade, barring many women from workplaces, including those working for aid agencies, and prohibiting their entry into public parks, gyms and bathhouses.

The restrictions have deterred the international community from recognizing the Taliban government. However, Afghanistan's neighbors and many regional countries have retained or reopened their embassies in Kabul following the power shift two years ago.

The Taliban said they had established peace in Afghanistan and almost eliminated illicit narcotics production to address international concerns, arguing that their policies align with Afghan culture and Islam.

"The rest is our internal matter, and no one should interfere in it like we don't interfere in other countries' affairs," Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said last week in a speech in Kabul in response to criticism of their treatment of Afghan women and other alleged human rights abuses.

The U.S. State Department spokesperson said in remarks to VOA that it continues to advise U.S. citizens against traveling to Afghanistan because of civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, terrorism and kidnapping. "The Department of State assesses that the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high," the spokesperson said.
A panel of three U.S. judges in the southern state of Alabama ruled Tuesday that the state legislature for a second time discriminated against Black citizens in the way it redrew congressional district lines for the 2024 elections.

The panel said lawmakers refused to obey an edict giving Black voters a reasonable chance of choosing the winner of a second seat in Alabamas seven-member delegation in the House of Representatives.

The three-judge panel said it would now appoint a special master to redraw the congressional district lines, although the state could appeal its ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The months-long dispute is occurring in a state that had a long early 20th-century history of physical attacks on Black Americans and discrimination extending throughout the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

The Alabama Legislature at first adopted a congressional map in 2021 with only one majority-Black district, even though Black people account for 27% of the states population. Civil rights activists in the state sued to block use of the map in next years elections, and the three-judge panel ruled in their favor.

The federal jurists said then that the state lawmakers map likely violated the U.S. Voting Rights Act and that the state should have two districts where Black voters have a chance to elect their preferred candidates. The state now has one Black representative in Congress, Democratic Representative Terri Sewell.

The judicial panel said the state needs to adopt a plan where Black residents are a majority or something quite close to it in two congressional districts.

The state government sued to block the judicial panels ruling but lost, with the U.S. Supreme Court in June unexpectedly upholding the decision that the state-drawn map was unacceptable, a ruling that also could imperil congressional maps in other southern states.

The Supreme Court ruling could give Democrats a better chance of retaking control of the House of Representatives since most Black voters support Democratic candidates.

With the Supreme Court ruling against it, the Alabama Legislature redrew its first map, still refusing to create a second majority-Black district but changing the racial composition of one district from about 30% Black to 40%. It rejected plans that would have pushed the percentage of Black voters even closer to a majority.

In the ruling Tuesday, the judicial panel said the legislatures new plan was woefully lacking.

"We are not aware of any other case in which a state legislature  faced with a federal court order declaring that its electoral plan unlawfully dilutes minority votes and requiring a plan that provides an additional opportunity district  responded with a plan that the state concedes does not provide that district, the judges wrote.

The law requires the creation of an additional district that affords Black Alabamians, like everyone else, a fair and reasonable opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The 2023 Plan plainly fails to do so."

In a hearing before their ruling, all three judges had pointedly questioned the state's solicitor general about the legislatures refusal to create a second majority-Black district, or something close to it.

"What I hear you saying is the state of Alabama deliberately chose to disregard our instructions to draw two majority-Black districts or one where minority candidates could be chosen," Judge Terry Moorer said.

The state contended that its map complied with the Voting Rights Act and the Supreme Court decision in the case. To further change the congressional lines, the state said, would mean violating traditional redistricting principles, such as keeping communities of interest together.

Abha Khanna, an attorney representing one group of plaintiffs in the case, argued during the hearing that Alabama chose "defiance over compliance."

"Alabama has chosen instead to thumb its nose at this court, and to thumb its nose at the nation's highest court, and to thumb its nose at its own Black citizens," Khanna said.
Arms negotiations between Russia and North Korea are actively advancing, a U.S. official said on Tuesday and warned leader Kim Jong Un that his country would pay a price for supplying Russia with weapons to use in Ukraine.

Providing weapons to Russia "is not going to reflect well on North Korea, and they will pay a price for this in the international community," U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

The Kremlin said earlier on Tuesday it had "nothing to say" about statements by U.S. officials that Kim planned to travel to Russia this month to meet President Vladimir Putin and discuss weapons supplies to Moscow.

Kim expects discussions about weapons to continue, Sullivan said, including at leader level and "perhaps even in person."

"We have continued to squeeze Russias defense industrial base," Sullivan said, and Moscow is now "looking to whatever source they can find" for goods like ammunition.

"We will continue to call on North Korea to abide by its public commitments not to supply weapons to Russia that will end up killing Ukrainians," Sullivan said.

On Monday, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Kim and Putin could be planning to meet, and The New York Times cited unnamed U.S. and allied officials as saying Kim plans to travel to Russia as soon as next week to meet Putin. Asked if he could confirm the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "No, I can't. There's nothing to say."

As Russia's isolation over its war in Ukraine has grown, it has seen increasing value in North Korea, according to political analysts. For North Korea's part, relations with Russia have not always been as warm as they were at the height of the Soviet Union, but now the country is reaping clear benefits from Moscow's need for friends.

Moscow-Pyongyang defense cooperation

A North Korean Defense Ministry official in November said Pyongyang has "never had 'arms dealings' with Russia" and has "no plan to do so in the future."

Moscow and Pyongyang have promised to boost defense cooperation.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who visited Pyongyang in July to attend weapons displays that included North Korea's banned ballistic missiles, said on Monday the two countries are discussing the possibility of joint military exercises.

"Just as you can tell a person by their friends, you can tell a country by the company it keeps," said Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow with Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia program. "In Russia's case, that company now consists largely of fellow rogue states."

The trip would be Kim's first visit abroad in more than four years, and the first since the coronavirus pandemic.

While he made more trips abroad than his father as leader, Kim's travel is often shrouded in secrecy and heavy security. Unlike his father, who was said to be averse to flying, Kim has flown his personal Russian-made jet for some of his trips. But U.S. officials told The New York Times that he may take an armored train across the land border that North Korea shares with Russia.

Kim is likely to want to emphasize a sense of Russian backing, and may seek deals on arms sales, aid and sending laborers to Russia, said Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Seoul's Kookmin University.

The United States in August imposed sanctions on three entities it accused of being tied to arms deals between North Korea and Russia.

North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests since 2006 and had been testing various missiles over recent years.

Russia has joined China in opposing new sanctions on North Korea, blocking a U.S.-led push and publicly splitting the U.N. Security Council for the first time since it started punishing Pyongyang in 2006.
JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called on regional countries to place development at a prominent place on the regional cooperation agenda.

Addressing the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, Li said that as the world is entering a new period of turbulence and change, the cause of global development faces great challenges.

Li called for removing all kinds of disturbances, tapping the potential of cooperation, and striving to find a path of development which is more stable, dynamic and beneficial to all. 
The world will know whether democracy "lives or dies" by the end of 2024, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa warned Tuesday afternoon at an event at the National Press Club in Washington.

The battle for truth  and for journalism  is at the center of that fight, the journalist added.

"If we don't have integrity of facts, we cannot have integrity of elections," she said.

The primary reason behind this crisis: "The tech-enabled Armageddon" that the world is currently facing, Ressa said, which has been turbocharged by the advent of generative artificial intelligence. "Technology is insidiously manipulating us."

"The prize is our attention. This is the new economic system  the attention economy," Ressa said. "We are Pavlov's dogs, experimented on in real time, with disastrous consequences."

Studies show that false information spreads online faster than the truth  a problematic incentive structure for which tech platforms are to blame, and one that is having severe consequences for democracy around the world, said Ressa, who is the founder and CEO of the Filipino online news site Rappler.

"If you have no facts, you can't have truth. Without truth, you can't have trust. Without these three, we have no shared reality, no rule of law  we have no democracy," she said. That process "is the core of the way our world has been turned upside down."

Global freedoms have declined for 17 years in a row, Freedom House said in a March report.

Assaults on press freedom are also part of the crisis facing democracy, and they're a facet with which Ressa is particularly well acquainted.

For years, the Philippine government has consistently targeted Ressa with lawsuits, all in retaliation for Rappler's critical reporting. In January, Ressa and Rappler were acquitted of tax evasion, but she still faces three other criminal cases, including a cyber-libel conviction.

"We're not out of the woods yet," she said Tuesday. "I had to go all the way to the Philippine Supreme Court to be with you today. They have to approve my travel plans."

Rappler is still fighting a potential shutdown, said Ressa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021.

Last week, the Russian government formally labeled her co-laureate, Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, a "foreign agent."

Muratov, who led the renowned investigative Russian media outlet Novaya Gazeta said Monday he will mount a legal challenge to fight the designation. His media outlet announced he will temporarily step aside from his role as editor-in-chief while he takes his case through the courts.

Information warfare around the world has been at play for years. For example, in 2014 "we saw information operations that literally changed Philippine history in front of our eyes," Ressa said, transforming former President Ferdinand Marcos from a kleptocrat and a ruthless dictator into the best leader the Philippines has ever had.

"Technology makes us forget  changes the narrative," she said. "If you can make people believe lies are facts, then you can control them."

The dawn of generative artificial intelligence  "which is neither artificial nor intelligent," Ressa quipped  is making the whole situation worse.

"It has no guardrails, with the responsibility of protecting us left in the hands of  actually I think they're largely men  who are rushing ahead for profit," she said.

Digital rights and disinformation experts have raised alarms about how generative AI can be used to more easily and quickly disseminate disinformation online.

But using generative AI isn't always a bad thing, Ressa added. For instance, Rappler has used ChatGPT to help write biographies about political candidates, which staff members then checked for accuracy.

The fight for facts has sweeping implications for all other problems facing the world, like climate change, Ressa said.

"We can't solve the global existential problems if we don't win the battle for facts," she said. "The future is in our hands. This is it."
China pledged to help South Africa with its crippling energy crisis during the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg. At the same time, South Africa said it wants to correct a trade imbalance with China and export more finished products. Manufacturing is hampered by the unreliable power grid.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 6, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Being fit doesnt just help your body -- it also helps your mind, a new study reports.

People in better physical condition appear to have less need for drugs to treat mood disorders, Norwegian researchers have found.

We find that people who are in better shape fill fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression medications, said senior author Linda Ernstsen, an associate professor of public health and nursing at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Trndelag Health Study, which has gathered health data since 1984 for more than 250,000 residents of that Norwegian county.

The research group compared that data with information from the Norwegian Prescribed Drug Registry, an overview of medications dispensed in Norway.

In a previous study, Ernstsen and her colleagues found that people who were in good physical shape had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms during a follow-up 10 years later. The study didnt come to any conclusions regarding anxiety, however.

This new study allowed researchers to look at both depression and anxiety medication use.

Being in good physical shape helps all age groups and both genders, researchers found, but they added that some types of people get greater benefits from fitness than others.

We find that men experience a greater effect from exercise than women. The correlations are also less clear for the elderly, Ernstsen said in a university news release.

However, both women and the elderly did experience a mental benefit from exercise.

To try to draw a tighter line between fitness and mental health, researchers excluded anyone who had filled prescriptions for anxiety or depression conditions before participating in follow-up, as well as for three months afterwards.

We also adjusted for symptoms of anxiety and depression in statistical analyses. To the extent that the figures can be believed, we also feel fairly confident that we started with a relatively anxiety- and depression-free cohort, Ernstsen said.

There is one catch to the study -- the researchers could only see what medications were prescribed, but they couldnt know whether the people actually took their meds.

Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that people who are prescribed medication have more symptoms than those who do not see a doctor, said first author Audun Havnen, an associate professor of psychology at the university.

The results indicate that you can achieve a protective effect by improving your physical shape from poor to moderate, so any activity is beneficial, Havnen said in the release.

Researchers said people should be physically active in a way that leaves them breathless and sweaty if they want to improve or maintain their physical condition.

Norwegian health authorities recommend that adults be physically active for at least 150 to 300 minutes at moderate intensity each week.

But one option for people who are short on time is to aim for 75 minutes of high-intensity training each week or a combination of moderate and high-intensity training.

Research reinforces the finding that each minute of physical activity counts, Ernstsen said.

The new study appears in the Oct. 15 issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about physical activity guidelines.

SOURCE: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, news release, Aug. 31, 2023
Do you? Photo: Franco Origlia/Getty Images

Welcome to Vultures Strike Recap, or Strike-cap, if you will, a regular rundown of all the biggest news from the WGA and SAG picket lines.

Happy (belated) Labor Day! Strikers had a long weekend to ponder some news items that dropped last week, including this: A Gallup poll found that 72 percent of respondents sided with the writers over the AMPTP in the strike. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 67 percent of Americans side with the actors in their strike as well. Whichever way you slice it, Americans were on the side of labor over Labor Day weekend.

Internationally, we got our first glimpse at what a celebless festival and awards season could look like. Spoiler: The vibes were off! Directors and actors whod gotten waivers to attend spoke out in support of the strikes, but never forget: This pigeon is a scab.

Believe it or not, there was more going on in the news besides union-busting birds. Heres everything else you need to know in our strike recap: Labor Day edition.

SAG-AFTRA Extends Health Plan

On August 30, Deadline reported that the trustees of the SAG-AFTRA health plan unanimously decided to extend coverage due to the strike. For those who would have lost coverage on October 1, that date was pushed forward a quarter. This will come as a great relief to our members, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher said. I think its important that we never forget that we are in a contract negotiation with the AMPTP and under no circumstances should the health and well-being of members and their families ever be weaponized against them because of this strike. The AMPTP is long overdue to return to the negotiating table with a fresh perspective on their integral relationship with SAG-AFTRA members. The ball is in their court to do the right thing.

Its not looting if it was your fucking money to start with.

There was a Dungeons & Dragonsthemed picket at Universal Studios on August 30. Dimension 20 DM Brennan Lee Mulligan (who has spoken eloquently radical politics while roleplaying as a halfling postal worker) led protesters in a campaign in which picketers slew the dreaded AMPTiamat. Chants of Loot! Loot! Loot! were silenced with Mulligans statement that Its not looting if it was your fucking money to start with.

David Fincher Sees Both Sides

At the Venice Film Festival, directors took differing approaches to addressing the joint Hollywood strike; for example, judges Damien Chazelle, Martin McDonagh, and Laura Poitras wore shirts in support of the WGA to their first press conference. Meanwhile, David Fincher tried to both-sides the strike, saying, Its very sad for me. I can understand both sides. All we can do is encourage people to talk. This ignores the fact that there is one side refusing to talk, not both. Im a Virgos Boots Riley called out Finchers confused take on the strike as well as the distrustful outlook on mankind put forward by his serial killer-heavy creative output. Hard to build solidarity with someone you worry is a murderer.

"My hope is someone will see this film and get very nervous about the person in line behind them at Home Depot"



This is who he hopes his films will convince ppl to see as their enemy.



This distorted worldview is propagated in many of his films & his confused take on the strike. https://t.co/4YnztdYcFt  Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) September 3, 2023

Contrast this with the Orson Welles video where he calls Elia Kazan a rat in front of a bunch of French film students and the Justice for Orson crowd stays winning. https://t.co/79lJufo08u  Brenden Gallagher (@brendengallager) September 3, 2023

Adam Driver  Does Not

Adam Driver took yet a third strat on how to talk about the strike at Venice. Speaking on the interim agreement that allowed him to do press for Ferrari, Driver said, Why is it that a smaller distribution company like Neon and STX can meet the dream demands of what SAG is asking for  this is pre-negotiations, the dream version of SAGs wishlist  but a big company like Netflix and Amazon cant?

Someone in the DGA Doesnt Like Multihyphenates

Speaking of Boots Riley, an email written by Linda Montanti, chair of the [Directors] guilds Western AD/UPM Council (per Deadline), circulated amongst the DGA, urging members not to elect ten writer-directors to the board. Among those negged were Boots Riley, Sian Heder, Justine Bateman, Paul Scheer, and Craig Mazin. The email said these multihyphenates were primarily writers and from fringe groups within the DGA. The DGA in no way condones the creation or circulation of the do not elect list that was circulated to a small group of delegates at our recent Convention. The DGA was not made aware of the list until after the convention, a DGA spokesman told Variety.

VFX and Video Games

VFX crews at Walt Disney Studios have filed with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize. They join Marvel VFX workers, who are currently holding union elections.

And SAG-AFTRA may be picketing on another front soon. The board unanimously agreed to send an authorization vote to members regarding a potential strike against video-game developers. Here we go again! Now our Interactive (Video Game) Agreement is at a stalemate too, SAG president Fran Drescher said in a statement. Once again we are facing employer greed and disrespect. Once again artificial intelligence is putting our members in jeopardy of reducing their opportunity to work. And once again, SAG-AFTRA is standing up to tyranny on behalf of its members. Many AMPTP member companies also have video-game divisions.

BREAKING: Visual Effects (VFX) crews at Walt @Disney Pictures have filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize with backing of @vfxunion.



This marks only the second time in history VFX pros have joined together, with the first being earlier just this month. pic.twitter.com/9PCUSMJ6YS  IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 28, 2023

Fighting for Your Marriage in the Comments

This is so dumb, but too funny not to share: Someone is being a silly little goose in the Deadline comments, and Edith! writer Travis Helwig noticed. AMPTP, end this strike so this mans writer wife stops playing Hades! The laser noises (or whatever) are like 9/11 for his ears!

Someone has been writing the Great American Novel in Deadline comments. pic.twitter.com/yp2bvkQmov  Travis Helwig (@travishelwig) August 30, 2023

Do you have a story tip or interesting writers strike update to share? Drop us a line at tips@vulture.com.
Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attends the opening ceremony of the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and delivers a keynote speech in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

LANZHOU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.

The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, domestic and overseas guests called for efforts to promote the Silk Road spirit, practice the Global Civilization Initiative, and carry out extensive international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

The attendees expressed their commitment to respecting the diversity of civilizations and pursuing common development through openness and mutual learning.

They also called for advancing international cooperation on cultural heritage in areas such as research into ancient civilizations, joint archaeological projects, ancient relic restoration and museum construction. 

Guests view an exhibition of Dunhuang culture during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

A guest takes photos at an exhibition of Dunhuang culture during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

Guests view an exhibition during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

Guests visit a booth featuring creative cultural products during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

This photo taken on Sept. 6, 2023 shows a scene of the opening ceremony of the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhimin)

Guests are seen during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

This photo taken on Sept. 6, 2023 shows a scene of the opening ceremony of the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

Guests view an exhibition during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)

A guest views a work of intangible cultural heritage during the sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 6, 2023. The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened Wednesday in Dunhuang, a major hub on the ancient Silk Road in northwest China's Gansu Province. The expo has attracted more than 1,200 guests from over 50 countries, regions and international organizations. (Xinhua/Ma Xiping)
Photo: GKIDS Films

Miyazakis final feature film arrived in Japan with no trailers, no voice cast lists, no nothing. You cant say the same thing about its upcoming international release. How Do You Live? has a new name for its English-speaking distribution: It is now titled The Boy and the Heron for audiences outside of Japan. Abandoning the tone set by the July 14 Japanese release, the GKIDS-distributed film has a little bit more promotional materials, giving fans a taste of Miyazakis new world of enchanted forests and fluffy monsters. So far weve gotten a teaser trailer, a video introduction, and the English voice cast list. Below, everything we know about Miyazakis latest animated fantasy that uses familiar Ghibli images to explore death.

The teaser trailer is giving Spirited Away.

The titular boy flees a burning city in the first look. Wheres the titular bird? He arrives by way of the countryside, catching the boys eye as he wanders around a traditional Japanese home. It gets weirder by the second. Frogs are beckoning the boy to follow them, a womans body puddles at his touch, and a Calcifer-like being rises from the flames. A tunnel at the base of a decrepit castle illuminates, a la Chihiro, calling him to the place where death comes to an end. About time you came, someone says as a menacing portal awaits him.

Ghibli stans will appreciate the plot details.

A video introduction to the film provided us with three whole sentences about the plot. The 32-second clip reveals that the movie will follow a young boy named Mahito who yearns for his mother and ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead, where life finds a new beginning, the brief synopsis reads, calling it a semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki. For now, there are a few stills to keep you waiting until its official release date.

In an interview with the Japanese magazine Bungei Shunji earlier this year, the films producer (and Miyazakis longtime collaborator) Toshio Suzuki explained why there wasnt any promo for the films Japanese premiere. As part of company operations, over the years Ghibli has wanted people to come see the movies weve made. So weve thought about that and done a lot of different things for that purpose  but this time we were like, Eh, we dont need to do that, Suzuki said. Doing the same thing youve done before, over and over, you get tired of it. So we wanted to do something different.

The film is based on the 1937 novel How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino and described as fantasy on a grand scale. Theres also a theme song to the film by Kenshi Yonezu called Spinning Globe available to stream, giving us a little bit of what the movies vibe might be like.

Howl is among the English voice cast.

Howl Jenkins Pendragon is reuniting with Miyazaki. Christian Bale, the actor who voiced the all-powerful wizard in Howls Moving Castle, will provide the English dub for character Shoichi Maki, per Variety. The English voice cast also includes Dave Bautista as the Parakeet King, Gemma Chan as Natsuko, Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican, Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi, Mark Hamill as Granduncle, Robert Pattinson as the Gray Heron, and Florence Pugh as Kiriko. Plus, Tony Revolri, Dan Stevens, and Mamoudou Athie will lend their voices to the Parakeets. You actor Luca Padovan is protagonist Mahito Maki.

Release date when?

The Boy and the Heron lands in theaters December 8. If it is anything like Miyazakis other films, itll definitely make us cry a little too hard.

This post has been updated.
Photo: A24

As so many of her movies are, Sofia Coppolas Priscilla is about a young woman languishing in an elegant trap laid by a man in her life whos in a position of power. In Marie Antoinette, it is Versailles, in The Virgin Suicides it is the authoritarian suburban home, and in Lost in Translation it is a sky-high Tokyo hotel. In Coppolas eighth feature, which is based on executive producer Priscilla Presleys 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, and premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, that trap is Elviss orbit and, eventually, Graceland itself.

Why, youre just a baby, Elvis (Jacob Elordi) drawls upon meeting 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) at a friends apartment in Germany  hes stationed there with the army, and so is her father. Hes grieving over his mothers death, and shes bored and lonely. Hed thought, from across the room, that she was a little bit older  a junior, maybe a senior in high school. But theres an undercurrent of delight in his voice when he realizes shes just a freshman. Priscilla rolls her eyes. Thanks, she says. He tells her he likes her spunk, then stands up and walks over to the piano, leading the whole party in a singalong, swigging whiskey as he winks in her direction.

Minutes later, theyre upstairs kissing in his room (nothing more, at least for a while  Elvis is drawn to her virginal innocence), and soon theyre going to the movies, out to dinner, out to parties. Priscilla fights her baffled parents (Why you? asks her mother, confused as to why the international superstar is interested in Priscilla and not the millions of age-appropriate women throwing themselves at him) for the right to see him, explaining that he trusts her, and for some reason they begrudgingly allow it. She yawns through her classes during the day and lives every 1960s-era teenage girls fantasy at night.

Before Elvis goes back to America a few months later, he asks her to promise me youll stay the way you are  unspoiled, a vessel of purity. She agrees, and he abandons her as she finishes the rest of high school in a dreamy, Virgin Suicidesy daze, penning endless love letters, moonily wandering the graying halls of her school and home, quite literally tearing the years off of the calendar until one day, when shes 17, he calls out of the blue and whisks her off to Graceland to live with him. There, Priscillas innocent teenage dream slowly curdles into a muted waking nightmare of emotional abuse, manipulation, and loneliness.

Did we need another Elvis movie so soon after Baz Luhrrrmans bombastic entry into the genre just last year? No, but also, this isnt one. Where Elvis verges on hagiography, placing most of the blame for Elviss darkening behavior on those around him, Priscilla is exclusively concerned with the perspective of its young protagonist. We see Elvis only as she did, sometimes charming, loving, seductive, and beautiful, other times moody, controlling, lying, and popping pills. We dont see him perform, really, except for briefly from behind, and we dont hear any of his original music  in part, thats because his estate hates the movie, yet it also makes sense as a creative choice.

I remember Priscillas manager saying, The Elvis fans are not going to like certain things, Coppola said in a recent interview with the Financial Times. And I was like, Im not making it for them.

The director is uninterested in taking any obvious stance on the films central relationship, which might upset some viewers  there are no canted angles or tense music cues or concerned-best-friend characters to indicate that Something Bad Is Happening. Though Elviss house is full of friends and family and staff and handlers (hes always surrounded by a fan-boyish cabal) and Priscilla attends a Catholic school full of nuns, nobody except Priscillas parents question Elvis, or one another, about what today would definitely be considered a grooming situation. Theyre all just tickled to be part of his world  even the nuns, who take flirty photos with Elvis at Priscillas graduation. Nobody speaks up in the film because thats not what happened in real life.

But the narrative details in Coppolas movie underscore the complicated, murky, and ultimately creepy-as-fuck nature of the story. When they spend their first night together in the film, Elvis hands Priscilla a pill to help her sleep, and she doesnt wake up for two days. He becomes enraged with her during a playful pillow fight, accusing her of fighting like a man, hitting her harshly with his pillow, but when she runs off to the bathroom, sobbing, he switches on the charm, calling her little one and telling her hed never hurt her on purpose. He goes off to shoot movies in Hollywood and doesnt call while Priscilla pages through tabloid stories about his blatant on-set affairs, then comes home and refuses to sleep with her, even well after she turns 18 and despite her openly expressed desire for him. She questions his behavior, and he threatens to send her back to her parents, forcing her to pack a suitcase as he watches, then gathering her into his arms as she sobs. When they get married and finally have sex, he loses interest in her entirely. Nine months later, shes pregnant with Lisa-Marie at 22 years old. Im scared, she says to Elvis, her eyes filling with tears. I want a baby. Its just so soon. What about all of our plans?

As dark as it all is, Coppola still finds plenty of room for beauty in Priscilla. Its a movie about a teenage girl, after all, growing up in the age of the Beatles and massive beehives. Obsessed as ever with the tactile ephemera of girlhood, Coppola visually keeps things lush and light with gauzy shots of Priscilla carefully shaping her cat-eye, placing on her lashes, tapping her long nails against vintage magazines, spraying her hair to high heaven. The costumes are gorgeous: fitted tea-length skirts, glamorous evening gowns, and a requisite shopping montage, punctuated by Elvis telling Priscilla she shouldnt wear prints (as things between them continue to devolve, shell start to wear printed dresses to assert her agency). One scene shows Priscilla gently laying out matching handguns, gifted to her by Elvis, for each of her outfits  a bleakly comic touch.

At the press conference for the film on Monday, Coppola laughed when she was asked why she keeps returning to the subject of girlhood: I dont know why I keep coming back to it. Hopefully, Ill grow up soon.

Priscilla herself does grow up, albeit slowly. During a particularly shitty moment in their marriage, Priscilla takes Lisa Marie to Los Angeles, where we see her for the first time blossoming as the creator of her own destiny, laughing at dinner parties with friends, taking karate, flirting. Ultimately, she leaves Elvis to, as she puts it, begin her own life  which has, of course, now taken her to the Venice Film Festival. The real Presley attended the Priscilla press conference in Italy, notably watching from the audience instead of taking a spot on the dais alongside Coppola and the cast.

The conference itself was strange to sit through. One journalist asked Coppola how, as a woman and a mother yourself, she navigated telling Presleys story and made making it accessible for a modern audience without bizarrely [turning people] off? Coppola replied vaguely. I really tried to stay in her point of view, she said. One of the things thats great about her book is it puts you in her shoes and youre seeing from her point of view. I can go back to being that age and remembering a crush on an older guy and a rock star. I really tried to make the film from her point of view so you could experience her story along with her. Thats what I love about films, is being able to experience the story.

Another journalist asked her if the dark fairy tale was a feminist story, and Coppola replied, No, to me its a human story. She added, I wanted to show both sides, the reality of the romance and the illusion.

I think the most impressive thing to me about the story is the scale of this love and the power of this love, Elordi said when asked about the difficulty of playing Elvis in this retelling. The fact that, to this day, even though hes not here, when you see Priscilla and talk to her, you can still feel the love for Elvis. Its true and its undying, and that to me is beautiful.

Its possible their reticence to publicly criticize the central relationship was due to the literal presence of Presley in the room, who, at the end of the conference, took the mic to praise the film (Sofia did an amazing job) and clarify her own recollections, which skewed surprisingly positive. It was very difficult for my parents to understand that Elvis would be so interested in me and why, she said. I was more of a listener. Elvis would pour his heart out to me in every way in Germany: his fears, his hopes, the loss of his mother, which he never, ever got over. I was the person who really, really sat there to listen and to comfort him. That was really our connection, even though I was 14  I was older in life than in numbers.

As for their sexual dynamic, she explained, People think that was the attraction  it was sex. Not at all. I never had sex with him. He was very kind, very soft, very loving, but he also respected the fact I was only 14 years old. We were more in mind and thought, and that was our relationship  We built a relationship, and that relationship went on until, yes, I left, and it wasnt because I didnt love him. He was the love of my life. It was the lifestyle that was so difficult for me, and I think any woman can relate to that, but it didnt mar our relationship. We still remained very close, and of course, we had our daughter, and I made sure that he saw her all the time. It was like we never left each other, so I want to make that clear.

At the film premiere itself, Presley was visibly moved, wiping tears from her face as the audience stood and applauded for seven minutes. Later that night, at an after-party hosted by A24 on a nearby island, I heard her talking about how sensitive she found the film to be and how she was in awe of what Coppola had achieved. She was surrounded, as the Priscilla character often is in the film, by a bunch of fan-boyish older men. The difference was this time, they were there to see her.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Dennis Francis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his opening remarks read on his behalf by his deputy, Amina Mohammed, warned of a world of deep challenge and division that is testing the United Nations.

"Despite profound global challenges, this is not a moment for pessimism. This is a moment for action," he said. "Action for peace and human rights; action to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and tackle the existential threat of climate change; action to create productive jobs and expand economic opportunity, especially for women and young people; action to ensure that rapid evolutions in technology like artificial intelligence are a help, and not a harm, to humanity; action to build a world of hope and promise for all that leaves no-one behind."

"More than any room on earth, the General Assembly represents our common humanity and our shared commitment for peace, sustainable development and human rights. Let's forge the solutions that all people expect and make progress toward a better, and a more peaceful and prosperous future, and a healthier planet," said Guterres.

In his opening remarks, Francis said the new session of the General Assembly began "amid a daunting global agenda, beset by a series of cascading challenges."

He called on member states to push for and nurture peace by empowering those most vulnerable; to deliver shared prosperity by unlocking the resources required for transformational results; to accelerate progress by capitalizing on the enablers of youth, innovation, and technology; and to drive sustainability.

"This session, I will commit to engaging regional and other groups to collectively collaborate to bring to life a renewed atmosphere of global cooperation and shared commitments. My ambition is for the General Assembly to address the array of challenges it faces in the most effective and inclusive way possible," said Francis.

He called on member states to adopt a true spirit of multilateralism for problem-solving "so that we can better protect, if not guarantee, the security and dignity of humankind."

Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, was sworn in at the closing of the 77th session of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning. 
ITA Airways cancels 30 flights on Friday.

Air travellers in Italy face significant disruption on Friday 8 September due to a nationwide 24-hour strike by airport ground staff and baggage handlers.

The industrial action, called by various trade unions, will involve airport workers and ground crew from 00.01 until 23.59 on Friday.

The strike is expected to cause widespread delays and has resulted in ITA Airways cancelling 30 domestic flights.

A seguito dello sciopero dei lavoratori del comparto aereo e delle societa di handling di venerdi 8 settembre 2023, siamo costretti a effettuare alcune modifiche al nostro operativo, cancellando 30 voli Nazionali. Qui la lista dei voli coinvolti https://t.co/YT29iC0XvZ pic.twitter.com/IYczbqbrm1  ITA Airways Risponde (@ITAAirways) September 4, 2023

The reasons for the strike include demands for greater job security and the renewal of a national collective labour contract that expired six years ago.

Italy's civil aviation authority ENAC assures air travellers that flights are guaranteed during strikes from 07.00-10.00 and 18.00-21.00.

The ENAC website also contains a list of international and domestic flights that are guaranteed to take off on Friday.

For official information about upcoming strikes in Italy see transport ministry website.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo with participants attending the 26th China-ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. Li attended the 26th China-ASEAN Summit here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday that in the past 10 years, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have succeeded in blazing a correct path of long-term good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as common development and prosperity as the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century.

Li made the remarks while addressing the 26th China-ASEAN Summit.

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed in Indonesia fostering a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, Li noted, adding that over the past decade, China and ASEAN have been treating each other sincerely, looking out for one another, carrying out mutually beneficial cooperation, coordinating with and accommodating each other, and walking hand in hand to make one another better.

Li made a four-point proposal for fostering a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, the first of which is that China and ASEAN should work together to build an economic growth center, enhance interconnectivity, and deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

Both sides should also jointly promote cooperation in emerging industries, and strengthen collaboration in such fields as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics and artificial intelligence, Li said.

He said that China and ASEAN need to work together to maintain regional peace and tranquility, actively advance consultations on the text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and carry out cooperation in combating telecommunication and cyber fraud.

Li added that the two sides should also join hands to expand people-to-people exchanges and further facilitate cooperation in culture, tourism, training and youth.

Noting that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, brothers and partners that cannot be separated, Li said China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to stay true to the original aspiration of unity and self-improvement, uphold the spirit of win-win cooperation, so as to build a common home of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty and friendship.

The 26th China-ASEAN Summit was attended by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose country is holding the rotating ASEAN chair this year, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Sarun Charoensuwan, Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, as well as ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

ASEAN leaders attending the summit warmly welcomed Li's attendance and spoke highly of the outcomes of ASEAN-China cooperation.

They said that ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partnership with China has brought huge benefits to people in the region and promoted regional peace, development and stability.

They said that ASEAN countries are willing to work with China to further enhance mutual trust, strengthen the synergy to the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen cooperation in areas including agriculture, trade, investment, digital economy, technology, education and culture to jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

ASEAN countries welcome making progress in formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, look forward to an early conclusion of negotiations on upgrading the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, and jointly make the 20th China-ASEAN Expo a success, they said.

ASEAN countries are willing to take the opportunity to work with China and build the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, they said.

During the summit, a joint statement was issued on mutually beneficial cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and a series of outcome documents were adopted, including a joint statement on deepening agricultural cooperation between China and ASEAN, an action plan on China-ASEAN green agricultural development (2023-2027), an initiative on enhancing bilateral e-commerce cooperation, and an initiative on jointly implementing China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program.

The summit also welcomed the signing of an agreement on China-ASEAN technical cooperation and announced the year of 2024 as the China-ASEAN year of people-to-people exchanges. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 26th China-ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save

Whats set to be the biggest initial public offering of 2023 comes from a company unknown to most consumers, though they use its products. Arm Ltd. designs key parts of the chips powering almost every smartphone on the planet. Thats given the Cambridge, UK-based company enormous strategic importance in the technology industry. The IPO, expected to value the company at as much as $54.5 billion, is drawing in some of its biggest customers as strategic investors including Apple Inc., Nvidia Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co., all keen to uphold the neutrality thats key to Arms success.

1. What does Arm do?

Arm designs core semiconductor components and licenses the blueprints, along with the fundamental code governing how software communicates with chips. The arrangement brought in $2.68 billion of revenue in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, making Arm one of Britains largest technology companies. Japans SoftBank Group Corp. acquired Arm for $32 billion in 2016, delisting it from the London Stock Exchange. SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has regularly talked up the potential for Arms future growth, saying he wants the debut to be the biggest in the history of the chip industry. Raising as much as $4.9 billion would make it the biggest IPO of 2023, and the largest in the US since electric-vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc.s $13.7 billion offering in November 2021.

Advertisement

2. Whats the pitch?

Arm aims to reduce its reliance on a stagnating smartphone market by pursuing customers that build chips for data centers. Because it has expertise in the energy-constrained world of battery-powered phones, Arm argues that its products are a better fit for data centers that consume immense amounts of electricity when running the latest generation of artificial intelligence platforms. Among public companies, the main beneficiary of the current AI boom has been Nvidia, which built an early lead for so-called AI accelerators  chips that excel at crunching data essential to the artificial intelligence training process. Giddy investors pushed Nvidias market capitalization above $1 trillion for the first time in May. On Aug. 8, the company unveiled an updated AI superchip that boosts its flagship products capacity and speed. Half of that two-semiconductor package, the microprocessor, is built on Arms technology.

3. What companies rely on Arm?

Advertisement

Amazon.com Inc., Samsung and Apple are also among Arms most important customers. Arms instruction set is in billions of devices, and the effort required to switch to another companys code would be enormous. The main concentration is in the processors that run virtually all of the 1.4 billion smartphones sold every year, with more than 99% using either Arms designs or the instruction set. More recently, major tech names such as Amazon have designed their processors for data centers with those blueprints. Thats taking Arm into the most profitable part of the semiconductor industry.

4. Why is it so strategically important?

Share this article Share

Arm has a relatively small workforce of about 6,000. But few companies reach so far across the tech ecosystem: More than 250 billion chips have been made with Arm technology. The company estimates that soon, 100% of the worlds digital data will be processed by that technology at some point during its life cycle. That makes Arm a virtual industry standard, meaning that everyone from software engineers to chip designers and electronic-device producers know theyre not going to have to duplicate their efforts if they switch suppliers. Its strategic importance is so great that when SoftBank decided in 2020 to sell the company to Nvidia, it prompted an outcry from Arms customers that eventually killed the $40 billion deal. SoftBanks Plan B was to sell Arm shares in New York in an IPO.

Advertisement

5. Why was the Nvidia deal scrapped?

Critics said a takeover would threaten a cornerstone of Arms success: its neutrality. Arm has been used across the $550 billion semiconductor industry on the understanding that no one would get privileged access to its technology. The transaction unraveled after the US Federal Trade Commission sued to block it, and Nvidia walked away in February 2022.

6. So what is SoftBanks plan?

SoftBank is expected to list about 10% of Arms shares in New York. A bid for a dual listing in London failed when the government was unable to give the company a waiver on rules that would have made it difficult for SoftBank to do transactions without seeking shareholder approval. Despite Arms British roots, SoftBank dropped the idea, dealing a blow to a UK government that had lobbied hard to land the deal. SoftBanks takeover of Arm came with promises that the Japanese company would create more jobs in the UK and leave the headquarters where it was.

Advertisement

7. How has Arms valuation evolved?

When SoftBank announced plans to take Arm public last year, the company was considering a valuation of about $60 billion for the business. Later, when chip valuations fell, SoftBank decided to sell a smaller portion of the company than previously planned and retain a controlling stake in the hope of obtaining a higher valuation for the remainder later. Since then, the benchmark Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor index has rallied again, fueled by the interest in AI. Thats given Arm a better environment in which to sell shares. But theres still concern that the industry may be making too many chips. Those conflicting currents have made it hard to put reliable valuations on semiconductor companies.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save

Sign up for the India Edition newsletter by Menaka Doshi  an insiders guide to the emerging economic powerhouse, and the billionaires and businesses behind its rise, delivered weekly. India is getting ready for the Group of 20 summit, to be held Saturday and Sunday in New Delhi. Russias war in Ukraine is expected to overshadow the gathering. US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are among those who have confirmed their attendance; Russian President Vladimir Putin isnt coming and Chinese President Xi Jinping isnt either, though hes sending Premier Li Qiang.

1. Whats the G-20 and how does it differ from the G-7?

Both were born in response to economic turmoil. Leaders of the leading industrialized democracies  France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US  first met in 1975 to discuss a coordinated response to the first oil crisis. Canada joined in 1976, making it the G-7. (The club became the G-8 in 1998 with the addition of Russia, but that country was disinvited after it annexed Ukraines Crimea region in 2014.) The G-20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 as a broader, informal forum for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss economic and financial stability. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, its been an annual meeting of government leaders. Theres no permanent staff or headquarters for either, instead the members take turns each year being president and setting priorities. The G-7 essentially consists of the US and key allies, while the G-20 is much broader and includes the original BRICS members. The body collectively represents 85% of global economic output, 75% of international trade and two-thirds of the worlds population.

Advertisement

2. Which countries are in the G-20?

They are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK and the US, plus the European Union.

3. Does anyone else attend?

Yes. In addition to group members there are other invitees that take part in a number of sessions. These include more or less permanent guests such as Spain and nations chairing regional blocs such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the African Union, as well as organizations like the International Monetary Fund. Others are the hosts choices and usually reflect their regional or strategic interests. This years invitees also include: Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Advertisement

4. Whats on the G-20 summit agenda?

Economic issues, climate change and education are regular topics up for discussion. Other issues reflect whats at the top of the global agenda in the year of the summit, such as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, or Russias war in Ukraine. More agenda items and deliverables are driven by the host nation. In Indias case these include taking a human-centric approach to issues like climate change and food security.

5. What does Russias war in Ukraine mean for the G-20 summit?

Share this article Share

Russias invasion of Ukraine has dominated recent summits. It has made reaching an agreement between the groups G-7 members and the so-called Global South  countries that are also described as developing or emerging  on other issues difficult, given the different views about Moscows war. That has meant that ministerial meetings in an array of fields from trade to finance have not concluded with joint statements as they normally would. The war has also seen Putin, who faces an international arrest warrant, stay away from the summit and other international meetings.

Advertisement

6. So there wont be a joint statement at the end of the summit?

Its hard to say. At last years G-20 in Indonesia, the nations were able to agree quite late in the day on a communique that condemned the war, in part thanks to Chinas support for the choice of words. This year that will be more difficult due to tensions between China and India as well as the fact that Xi isnt attending. If leaders fail to achieve consensus, it would be the first time since the groups founding that a summit would end with no joint communique. In that case, the host country will produce a chairs statement summarizing the points the countries agree on as well as the divergences.

5. Are China-India relations that bad?

Quite. Tensions have flared along their Himalayan border since 2020, which saw the worst outbreak of violence in decades. In August, China released an official map showing several disputed areas in the vicinity under Chinese control, prompting Indias top diplomat, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to blast Beijings absurd claims. Trade and economic tensions have also been brewing, with India taking action to ban Chinese smartphone apps and actively court investment from US companies seeking to diversify their supply chains as political tensions with China flare. Moreover, both nations are vying to be the voice of emerging markets in the Global South.

Advertisement

6. What are the summits other big issues?

Finding an agreement over emerging-market debt has proved problematic in the lead up to the summit and is likely to remain so, with China and India at odds on that issue too. Differences have also emerged between the G-7 nations and the wider group over a new commitment of billions of dollars in funding for developing countries to meet United Nations-backed targets on everything from hunger and education to clean energy and climate change.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save

Vast, frozen and remote, the high Arctic has long been a neutral region, belonging to everyone and no one. But a post-Cold War era characterized by de-militarization and scientific cooperation among the countries that border it is being tested by both global warming and Russias invasion of Ukraine. Melting sea ice is opening trade routes and creating new possibilities for resource exploration, prompting expanded claims for seabed rights by some states. At the same time, Russias war is fomenting military tensions and thwarting normal cooperation within the eight-nation Arctic Council, a forum for tackling common issues. Meanwhile, the need has never been greater for responsible stewardship of a region that serves as a planetary defense against climate change.

1. What are the military tensions?

 Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which Russian President Vladimir Putin regards as a threat to his country. Sweden has also applied for NATO membership, and if its approved, as expected, Russia would become the only Arctic power not in the alliance.

Advertisement

 Both Russian and NATO troops regularly conduct drills in the Arctic. In 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to protect Arctic waters by all means. His country houses some of its most important strategic assets in the Arctic. Roughly two-thirds of its nuclear-powered vessels  including submarines carrying nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles  are assigned to its Northern Fleet in the Kola Peninsula. Given the heightened tensions, NATO allies are concerned about the potential for Russian vessels to gain access to the Atlantic Ocean through the so-called Greenland-Iceland-UK gap (GIUK). Once through, they could sabotage underwater transatlantic data cables, cut off military supply lines from the US, and disrupt commercial shipping.

 Canadas discovery of Chinese monitoring buoys in the Northwest Passage, a water route through Canadian islands that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, heightened concerns about polar surveillance from China, whose interest in the Arctic has been on the rise. Canada considers the passage part of its internal territorial waters; other maritime nations, including the US, consider it an international strait.

2. Whats been the wars effect on the Arctic Council?

Advertisement

In the immediate aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, meetings of the Arctic Council were suspended. Created in 1996, its membership includes all the nations bordering the Arctic: the US, Canada, Iceland, Denmark (on behalf of Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Six Indigenous groups are represented as well. Over the years, 13 non-Arctic states, including China, have been added as observers. Although progress toward resuming some of the councils work has been made, the long-term efficacy of the body  which operates by consensus  remains unclear. There is no legal mechanism to force Russia off the council. Were it to quit, the path forward would be more straightforward. But the Arctic Council would be a much-diminished body without the worlds largest Arctic nation.

3. Why is the Arctic Council important?

Individual countries manage their own Arctic jurisdictions, and the council has no enforcement powers and doesnt discuss military matters. Still, it has provided a neutral forum to collaborate on issues in the shared global Arctic. Its working groups discuss common challenges such as Indigenous rights and sustainable economic development. Legally binding agreements to cooperate in emergencies  for example, major oil spills or search and rescue operations  have been negotiated at the council. And the working groups manage a huge quantity of research in the region. After Norway assumed the rotating chairmanship from Russia in May 2023, work resumed on roughly half the 130 scientific projects that had been put on hold because of the war, with research involving Russian scientists remaining stalled.

Advertisement

4. What role is global warming playing?

Share this article Share

Loss of sea ice opens sea routes for longer periods, increasing marine traffic and the potential for economic development in the Arctic, in particular oil, gas and mineral exploration. Environmentally responsible growth is seen as a boon by some Arctic communities, many of which are Indigenous, but poses further climate risks. Cleaning up oil spills in remote polar waters could be incredibly difficult, and extracting and burning fossil fuel deposits in the region would also contribute to global warming.

5. How resource-rich is the high Arctic?

Nobody knows. The Arctic seabed is still largely unexplored but thought to contain significant stores of fossil fuels, metals and minerals  including critical minerals needed to help the world transition to clean electric power. The most recent circum-Arctic study regarding fossil fuels, by the US Geological Survey, dates to 2008. It estimated that there are about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil and 1,670 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered natural gas inside the Arctic Circle. In the lower portion of the Arctic Circle, Russia has been extracting offshore oil for a decade and aims to increase production through 2035, though sanctions have disrupted its most ambitious plans. Norways biggest oil and gas companies are ramping up exploration plans in Arctic waters but are facing legal challenges. Greenland scrapped exploration plans in 2021, saying the climate consequences were too great. Trade routes across the top of the planet are their own type of resource. Russia is shipping increasing amounts of oil and other cargo through the Northeast Passage, which runs mainly along Siberias northern coast, and tourism is on the rise in the Northwest Passage.

Advertisement

6. Which Arctic shipping routes offer the most potential?

Prior to the Ukraine invasion, traffic through the Northern Sea Route  part of the Northeast Passage  had been steadily increasing, to Russias benefit. In summer, the route tends to have less ice than the competing Northwest Passage and, with help from Russias superior fleet of ice-breakers, even winter transit is a possibility. However, US-led sanctions against Russia and the potential for further geopolitical tensions could make the Northwest Passage more appealing. Its still considered more treacherous, but as climate change melts summer sea ice, the route over the top of Canada is becoming more viable. Theres also a third, for now hypothetical sea route, should the North Pole ever become entirely ice-free for at least part of the year, as now seems likely before mid-century. The potential Trans Arctic shipping route would allow ships to travel over the top of the planet through international waters. The route is a component of Chinas so-called Polar Silk Road plan, part of its strategy to expand the countrys trade links by supporting infrastructure projects around the world.

7. What countries are seeking expanded rights in the Arctic?

Advertisement

Russia, Canada and Denmark  on behalf of Greenland  are arguing for more expansive economic rights to a huge swath of the Arctic seabed. All three claim that the Lomonosov Ridge  an underwater ridge traversing the North Pole, is an extension of their continental shelf. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, that would allow them to claim exclusive sovereign rights to any natural resources on or below the sea floor beyond the usual 200 nautical mile (230 mile) limit of their exclusive economic zones. In 2001, Russia became the first country to push for new boundaries. The latest versions of all three countries claims have a common denominator: a patch of frozen sea over the North Pole estimated to be about 283,000 square miles, roughly the size of Chile. The US, meanwhile, has been gathering its own data suggesting it could make claims in the future. In February 2023, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) determined that a significant portion of Russias submission is supported by geology. Still, it could take decades to figure out how much of its shelf is shared with the other countries. If there is overlap  as is likely  countries may end up having to negotiate boundaries among themselves, or through a third-party tribunal.

8. How is the Arctic a defense against climate change?

The Arctic acts as both a planetary shield and a carbon sink. Its ice deflects the suns heat even as its permafrost, or frozen soil, and its boreal forests sequester vast amounts of greenhouse gases that would otherwise warm the planet. Even so, the Arctic is warming at about four times the global average rate, and that pace is accelerating due to several feedback loops. A warmer Arctic quickens permafrost melt, which releases more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, hastening warming. Ice-free Arctic summers now appear inevitable by mid-century, and shrinking ice coverage also speeds up warming. Plus boreal forest wildfires  more common as the planet warms  release still more carbon, continuing the cycle. As the difference in temperature between the Arctic and lower latitudes narrows, jet streams  bands of strong westerly winds driven by the collision of cold polar and hot tropical air  become slower and wavier. The result is unusually hot and cold weather systems, leading to floods in some places and wildfires in others. Whats more, a melting Greenland ice sheet is expected to raise sea levels, exacerbating flooding.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Recipes

What do you want to cook today?
BHP chief executive Mike Henry said the worlds biggest miner still has some ways to go to create a safe environment for all female employees after the company recently saw a 20 per cent increase in reported sexual harassment.

The company, which this year completed a $300 million project to make its mining villages in Western Australia safer by adding extra CCTV cameras, security lighting, doors and fences, has disclosed cases of sexual harassment reported and established in the 12 months to June rose to 124 from 103 the year before. About a quarter of the 475 reports of harassment were substantiated, the company reported.

BHP has some ways to go to create a safe environment for all female employees, its CEO Mike Henry says.

Theres unacceptable behaviour that continues to happen inside the company, Henry said in a telephone interview. It does require culture and capability shift and thats something weve been investing a lot of time and effort in but as the reporting shows, we still have some ways to go.

Of the 167 cases substantiated in the year to June, including cases reported in the prior period, 165 people responsible for the conduct were either fired or removed from site if they were a contractor, or resigned. And we wont be satisfied until this behaviour has disappeared from BHP, just like on other safety-related incidents, Henry said.
Advertisement

Eating outRestaurant news Pioneering Sydney fish chef Josh Niland is opening a seafood-focused steakhouse overseas The mastermind behind two-hatted restaurant Saint Peter, The Fish Butchery and more will helm the signature restaurant at The Singapore Edition hotel. Scott Bolles September 6, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Sydneys world-renowned pioneer of sustainable seafood, chef Josh Niland, is taking his polished culinary show to Singapore, opening the signature restaurant in the citys soon-to-open Edition Hotel. We dont have a name yet, the owner-chef at Paddingtons twin Good Food Guide-hatted Saint Peter restaurant says. Niland says the seafood-focused steakhouse will open by November at the latest. Julie and Josh Niland Rob Palmer The chef is both cognisant of and flattered by the coals to Newcastle idea of the move. Singapore prides itself on its seafood, and in many ways chilli crab defines the city-state as a culinary destination. Ill leave (chilli crab) to the experts. If I had it on the menu Id probably be run out of town! I hope we can contribute to everyone trying to do a bit better with fish Josh Niland

Advertisement

What he is keen to adopt is Singapores use of spice, and to explore its position at the heart of south-east Asia and the produce at its doorstep. Niland will also transplant the sustainable and waste-reduction practices hes honed in Sydney, where Niland and wife Julies empire has expanded to include a spin-off, The Fish Butchery, which has outlets in Paddington and Waterloo. I hope we can contribute to everyone trying to do a bit better with fish, Niland says of the menu which will also carry some meat and vegetable dishes. The Singapore project appealed to chef on a number of levels. Edition Hotels is the dream child of US entrepreneur Ian Schrager, who pioneered the boutique hotel category. I was attracted to the creative aspect of the role, says Niland, who will divide his time between Sydney and Singapore as well as transplanting some of his local team. Photo: Photo: Alan Benson I also liked the idea of cooking somewhere we have the opportunity to feed a greater number of people in the world, he says of the restaurants location.

Advertisement
ADEN, Yemen, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 70 Yemeni fishermen have returned home after being held for months in Eritrean prisons, a Yemeni official told Xinhua on Wednesday.

The unnamed official said the fishermen, who had been "arbitrarily captured" while fishing in the Red Sea several months ago, arrived at Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah after their release on Tuesday.

The Eritrean side has made no comment regarding the release.

Their release comes after repeated appeals for freeing the detained fishermen by the Yemeni government and human rights groups, according to the official.

Last week, another ten Yemeni fishermen returned to Hodeidah after months of captivity in Eritrean prisons.

Since 2017, the coastlines of Yemen, particularly the western areas along the Red Sea, have experienced volatile circumstances due to the persistent military conflict between the Yemeni government forces and the Houthis.

The Red Sea waters off the coast of Hodeidah, which used to provide thousands of Yemenis with a living, have now turned into perilous grounds.

Yemen and Eritrea have a decades-long history of contesting disputed territories and islands in the Red Sea. The two countries briefly engaged in a conflict in 1995.

The Yemeni government has frequently lodged accusations against the Eritrean Navy for apprehending Yemeni fishermen within Yemeni or territorial waters in the Red Sea. 
The scare campaign against 60-day medication dispensing was bad enough. Then, on Monday, aggrieved pharmacists descended on Parliament House, reportedly hurling abuse at people who work there.

As a reminder of where all the outrage is coming from, the federal government announced earlier this year that it would allow patients to collect a 60-day supply of some medicines when they visit the pharmacy instead of the previous model, which generally only allowed for 30-day supplies. Though the change will initially apply to around 100 drugs for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the pushback from pharmacists has been intense.

Still, the attempt to convince people the sky would fall in if 60-day dispensing came in failed, and hopefully this weeks protests will too. Rather than having the desired effect of intimidating the government, these protests should stiffen its resolve in negotiations about how to pay for community pharmacies.

The change will allow millions of patients to save time and money by avoiding needless visits to the pharmacy amid a cost of living crisis, and with one in 20 Australians skipping prescribed medicines due to cost, the change is a health win too. GPs will also be freed up by not having to see as many patients simply seeking repeat prescriptions, which will likely reduce wait times for people who need appointments for more pressing medical issues.
Western Australias Education Minister Tony Buti says the lack of transparency around the number of unconditional early university offers handed out to year 12 students is of great concern.

In response to a question asked by opposition education spokesman Peter Rundle in parliament, Buti revealed it had been difficult to get any clear information or data on the issue.

Education Minister Tony Buti said he was concerned the universities were not being transparent about unconditional early offers. Credit: Holly Thompson

The minister wrote to each year 12 student at the beginning of the year in response to what he called the alarming reduction in the number of students doing ATAR. He said the trend was a direct result of unconditional early university offers impacting the motivation of students to remain on the ATAR pathway.

If I knew, as a 16 or 17-year-old, that I could get into university without worrying about what my exam results would be, I would not have been studying two or three hours a night to ensure that I got a good aggregate score, he said.
Opposition frontbencher Michaelia Cash says Alan Joyce should be called to front the Coalitions Senate inquiry into the governments decision to reject Qatar Airways from adding more flights to Australia.

The Coalition secured the probe into Transport Minister Catherine Kings June decision with the help of the Senate crossbench on Tuesday afternoon, as the government weathers heat from the opposition and the Greens over transparency and competition in the local aviation market.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce is departing his role prematurely. Credit: Bloomberg

Alan Joyce should be called to give evidence to the Senate inquiry into the Albanese government Qatar Airways debacle, Cash said on Wednesday.

We need to hear directly from him about whether he or other Qantas executives had any discussions with the prime minister or anyone from the government about Qatar Airways applying for more services to Australia.
A world power like no other takes centre stage this week. For the first time, India will host the G20 leaders summit in the nations capital, Delhi.

The high-profile gathering coincides with a slew of symbolic milestones for the worlds most populous nation. India recently surpassed Britain as the worlds fifth-largest economy and is on track to be third largest by the end of this decade.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make the most of this global moment. Credit: AP

Goldman Sachs, an investment bank, projects Indias gross domestic product will surpass that of the United States by 2075. India made history last month when it became only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon  following the US, the Soviet Union and China.

Back in 2008 I arrived in a very different India to become the Delhi-based correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Since then, the countrys economy has almost tripled in size (when measured in US$) and there has been huge investments in infrastructure.
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Under the silvery moonlight of a summer night in 1990, Xi Jinping, then a municipal official in Fujian Province, felt emotional. An article about a revered grassroots official occupied his mind.

"Who, among the common folks, does not appreciate a good public servant?" Xi then penned a heartfelt poem dedicated to the official. It was carried on a local newspaper the next day.

The official was a household name in China -- Jiao Yulu. Jiao was Party chief of Lankao County in central China's Henan Province in the early 1960s. At the time, the county was plagued by sandstorms and battled against saline-alkali land and floods. Its residents struggled to put food on the table.

The first thing Jiao did when landing on this posting was to head directly to the rural communities devastated by sandstorms to conduct research. "Faced with severe natural disasters, we should muster up our revolutionary courage and lead the people to fight a three-to-five-year tough battle to change the fate of Lankao," Jiao wrote in a note intended for his fellow Party cadres. "Unless that is done, we will never rest."

Jiao was a man of action, favoring on-site research and investigation over sitting in the office reading subordinates' reports. "It is tasteless to eat buns chewed by others," he once said.

Jiao worked tirelessly, disregarding self-interest to improve the lot of the people. Visiting the countryside, he often stayed in poor farmers' simple mud huts, eating and working with them. He turned down a plan to refurnish county government office. "Can't we work on broken chairs?" Jiao said. "People are still impoverished. We can't engage in any pomp. Not even think about it."

Jiao led by example, and the county's cadres followed suit. Their efforts eventually helped Lankao bid farewell to chronic food shortages. The forests they planted withstood sandstorms. Floods were curbed. Harvests were reaped from alkali soil.

But Jiao did not live to see this day. He succumbed to liver cancer in 1964.

Xi's respect for Jiao was cultivated at an early age. Back in 1966, as a middle school student, he read a feature story penned by three Xinhua reporters -- "Jiao Yulu: A Model County Party Secretary."

"I was deeply touched when I learned that Jiao kept on working even in the late stage of liver cancer, suffering from great pain," Xi recalled.

"It still affects me today," Xi once said after becoming the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborating that Jiao's spirit, which features people first and tireless and selfless work, was like a lighthouse that steered him from a rural grassroots official toward the country's top leadership.

Like Jiao, Xi is also known to be down-to-earth and interested in conducting on-site research and investigation to solve problems.

Xi vowed to eliminate absolute poverty in China after assuming the Party's top post in late 2012. In this endeavor, he conducted over 50 inspections and research studies on poverty alleviation, which included visits to all 14 regions with the highest concentration of extreme poverty.

This grand vision had been realized in just eight years, with nearly 100 million people lifted out of poverty across China. Today, in a country with 1.4 billion people, absolute poverty is a thing of the past.

This feat would not have been achieved without the work of numerous Jiao-style cadres.

In 2014, Xi visited Lankao. He went to Jiao's memorial and held a meeting to guide a Party-wide education campaign themed on adhering to the Party's mass line. At the meeting, Xi said: "Jiao built a lasting monument in local people's hearts although he only worked in the county for over a year... A question to be pondered is what we can leave for future generations."

Five other education campaigns followed the mass line campaign over the past decade. All were designed to train better Party cadres.

For the education campaign launched earlier this year, Xi stressed that through the campaign, cadres must consolidate their ideals and convictions, gain wisdom, improve conduct, and be more motivated to work even harder.

All these qualities should be the pursuit of every Party cadre.

In the latter part of the poem Xi penned for Jiao, he wrote: "During the official's term in office, he brought benefits to the people, fulfilling his life-long aspiration." 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Grenada's Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Andall in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Grenada's Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Andall on Wednesday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Grenada is an important country in the Caribbean and a friendly partner of China, and both sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, and their bilateral relations have become more mature since the resumption of diplomatic ties.

Wang noted that China highly appreciates Grenada's adherence to the one-China principle, respects Grenada's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Grenada in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions, and stands ready to work with Grenada to open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Andall said that China, a great ancient civilization with great achievements in development today, has always fully respected and treated Grenada on an equal footing, and provided valuable support for Grenada's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.

Grenada cherishes its relations with China and will firmly abide by the one-China principle and be a reliable friend of China, Andall said, adding that Grenada highly appreciates China's role as a responsible major country in upholding justice in international affairs, sharing development achievements with countries in the "Global South," and is willing to actively participate in a series of important global initiatives proposed by China.

Wang emphasized that China is willing to work with all parties to build a high-quality Belt and Road and share opportunities, development and prosperity.

As an ex-officio member of the "Global South," Wang said China will continue to stand on the side of developing countries, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, and defend international fairness and justice. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Grenada's Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Andall in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
Press Release

September 6, 2023 Villar assures continuous promotion for the development of tuna industry Senator Cynthia Villar on September 2, was guest speaker at the Closing Ceremony of the 23rd Tuna Congress in General Santos City with the theme "Adapting Strategies Responsive to Global Changes". This 2-day congress, has brought together experts and stakeholders, to provide an avenue to address the pressing global challenges faced by the Philippine tuna industry and to promote sustainable fishing practices. The event was spearheaded by the SocSKSargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries (SFFAII) headed by its President & National Tuna Congress chairman Mr. Dominic R. Salazar, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the Cagayan de Oro City LGU and the Department of Trade and Industry. The Congress also gave the small-scale fishers the opportunity to speak out their needs and interests. The Philippines is the 2nd top global exporter of tuna, next to Indonesia in Asia. Six species of tuna caught in Philippine six are in commercial quantity: yellowfin, skipjack, eastern little, frigate, big eye, and bullet. The Philippines' processed tuna, major export markets are the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Netherlands. Senator Villar is the author of Republic Act 10654 in 2015 or the amendment to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which instituted the concept ofIllegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and sets increased penalties and sanctions as a deterrent to offenders. The IUUF law prescribes the number of licenses and permits for the conduct of fishery activities, adopts the precautionary principle and mandates the balance - between over-protection and over- exploitation of fisheries resources which necessitates the installation of a Vessel Monitoring System.(VMS), the lady Senator said. The setting up of a VMS to prevent IUU fishing is a requirement by European Union for us to avail of the inclusion with the GSP+ that allows the Philippines to enjoy zero tariffs on 6,274 products or 66% of all EU tariff lines. Last year, 2.93 billion euros worth of Philippine products were exported to the EU using GSP+. GSP+ is contingent on implementation of core human rights, labour, governance, and other sustainable development conventions. The current GSP+ is valid until end of 2023. IUUFishing also protects the welfare of our fisherfolk inside the 15-kilometer municipal waters and prevent poverty and hunger from setting in. With the prediction of the occurrence of El Nino and the Ill effects of climate change, the tuna industry should be protected from overfishing and habitat degradation to prevent its depletion which may lead to its collapse. Senator Villar reminded everyone that our ocean's resources are not limitless and as such, it should be protected and sustained. Villar, tiniyak na patuloy na isusulong ang pag-unlad ng ating tuna industry Guest Speaker noong September 2 si Senator Cynthia Villar sa Closing Ceremony ng 23rd Tuna Congress na may temang "Adapting Strategies Responsive to Global Changes" na idinaos sa General Santos City. Pinagbuklod ng 2-day congress, ang experts t stakeholders para tugunan ang global challenges na kinakaharap ng Philippine tuna industry at upang isulong sustainable fishing practices. Itinaguyod ang okasyon ng SocSKSargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries (SFFAII) na pinangunahan ng President at National Tuna Congress chairman Mr. Dominic R. Salazar, sa pakikipag- partner sa Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries at Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Cagayan de Oro City LGU at Department of Trade and Industry. Nabigyan ng Congress ng pagkakataon ang maliliit na mangingisca maipahayag ang kanilang mga kailangan at interes. Pangalawa ang Pilipinas sa top global exporter ng tuna sa Asya, kasunod ng Indonesia. Anim na uri ng tuna ang tuna ang nahuhuli sa commercial quantity: yellowfin, skipjack, eastern little, frigate, big eye, at bullet. Pangunahing export markets ng Philippines' processed tuna ang United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, and The Netherlands. Inakda ni Villar ang Republic Act 10654 in 2015 or amendment to the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, kaugnay ng konsepto sa which Illegal, Unreported o Unregulated (IUU) fishing at nagpapataw ng parusa sa mga lumalabag. "The IUUF law prescribes the number of licenses and permits for the conduct of fishery activities, adopts the precautionary principle and mandates the balance - between over-protection and over- exploitation of fisheries resources which necessitates the installation of a Vessel Monitoring System.(VMS), " ayon sa senador. "The setting up of a VMS to prevent IUU fishing is a requirement by European Union for us to avail of the inclusion with the GSP+ that allows the Philippines to enjoy zero tariffs on 6,274 products or 66% of all EU tariff lines. Last year, 2.93 billion euros worth of Philippine products were exported to the EU using GSP+. GSP+ is contingent on implementation of core human rights, labour, governance, and other sustainable development conventions. The current GSP+ is valid until end of 2023," dagdag pa niya. Pinoprotektahan din ng IUU Fishing ang kapakanan ng ating fisherfolk na nasa 15-kilometer municipal waters at pinipigil ang kahirapan at gutom. "With the prediction of the occurrence of El Nino and the Ill effects of climate change, the tuna industry should be protected from overfishing and habitat degradation to prevent its depletion which may lead to its collapse," ani Villar. Nagpaalala siya na hindi "limitless" ang resources ng ating karagatan kaya kailangan itong alagaan.
HERAT, Afghanistan, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Work for construction of a power plant has begun in west Afghanistan's Herat province, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to TOLOnews TV channel, the plant is expected to produce 110 megawatt of power and sustainable electricity, the report cited Delaware Muradi, provincial deputy head for water and energy department, as saying.

The report said that the construction work, at a cost of more than 3.5 million U.S. dollars, would be completed within six months.

The country has been importing electricity from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran over the past decade to overcome power shortage. 
Israeli police officers are pictured at the scene of a stabbing attack in East Jerusalem's Old City on Sept. 6, 2023. A Palestinian teenager carried out a stabbing attack in East Jerusalem's Old City, injuring two people, the Israeli police said on Wednesday. (Photo by Muammar Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian teenager carried out a stabbing attack in East Jerusalem's Old City, injuring two people, the Israeli police said on Wednesday.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the youth attacking a man from behind before a third person rushed to help the victim, and the youth then fled the scene.

The 17-year-old suspect was caught after a manhunt and taken into custody, the police said in a statement, releasing a photo of a butcher knife suspected to have been used by the attacker.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency medical service said in a statement that one of the victims sustained severe wounds and the other was lightly injured. 
By Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks) of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 128th District.

As the grandson of immigrants from Ireland, Hungary and Italy, I readily acknowledge the benefits of legal entry into this country. But when I see thousands illegally entering our country every day, I am angered when one of those individuals goes on a murderous crime spree and disrupts the lives of those in our community.

Late last week, Danelo Cavalcante, a former street gang member from Brazil, escaped the Chester County Prison. Cavalcante originally came to our country illegally after fleeing Brazil to Puerto Rico following the 2017 killing of a man who owed him money. (Associated Press, 9/1/23).

While here, Cavalcante met Deborah Brandao, who would eventually file a restraining order against him for being violent toward her and her children. When Brandao allegedly told Cavalcante she would tell police about the Brazilian arrest warrant, he stabbed her 37 times in the stomach, abdomen and chest, killing her in front of her children. (Reading Eagle, 9/2/23).

Cavalcante was found guilty for Brandaos murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for her 2021 stabbing death. He was serving time at the Chester County Prison while awaiting transfer to a state-run facility when he escaped a few short days ago.

Now, our local, state and federal law enforcement officials are in the throes of a manhunt. Residents are being asked to shelter in place, businesses are closed, as are school districts within the search radius. The disruption that Cavalcante has caused was preventable.

The simple truth is this  he never should have been here. The horrific failure on the part of the federal government in Washington, D.C., to secure our borders, ports and other points of entry ended in the murder of Deborah Brandao and the ensuing terror inflicted on all of us.

The federal government has a responsibility to enforce the rule of law and work to guarantee our public safety. Period. Our current failed immigration policy is not only dramatically placing the public at risk, but it is substantially draining resources that could be deployed to help those with legitimate needs.

As a long-time member of the PA State House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, and now a committee chairman, we are involved in a plethora of oversights in the public safety arena, including fire, EMS and our 911 system. Governments number one job is to protect its citizens and make sure our citizens are secure in their persons and effects. Citizens of the Commonwealth are being violated by the very federal government that is obligated to protect their safety. The failure of Washington on the immigration issue is now a front page story in the small towns of Pennsylvania.

Since our current border policy shows a wanton disregard for public safety, it has left the public wondering who will be the next victim of an individual who has unlawfully gained passage into our country and has demonstrated pure evil and a willingness to kill.

I dont think it is a stretch to say Deborah Brandao would still be alive today if Cavalcante never entered this country illegally. She would be here, and her children would have their mother.

Literally millions of Pennsylvanians have had their lives thrown into chaos out of fear that they could be the next victim of this murderers rampage.

I am grateful to all our local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have always and will continually display a willingness to pay the ultimate price, if need be, to protect the public they are sworn to serve.

The rule of law is not being enforced when it comes to immigration, and these are the tragic results of that failure. It is time for a dramatic policy change at the federal level.
Weather Alert

Bulletin: ...FROST ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 9 AM EDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation. * WHERE...In New Jersey, Sussex and Warren. In Pennsylvania, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton. * WHEN...From 4 AM to 9 AM EDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A widespread freeze is expected to occur Wednesday night. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants and vegetation from the cold. Potted plants should be brought inside. &&

Info:

Type: Frost Advisory

start_time_local: 2023-10-31T04:00:00-04:00

end_time_local: 2023-10-31T09:00:00-04:00

county_name:

state: NJ

headline: Frost Advisory from TUE 4:00 AM EDT until TUE 9:00 AM EDT

county_fips:

category: Met

url:

urgency: Expected

severity: Minor

certainty: Likely

geographicname: Warren County

state_name: New Jersey
by Xinhua writer Ma Qian

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has long been wedded to bolstering services trade across the world, viewing it as a key component in the country's growth strategy and international cooperation.

Through the lens of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), the world's largest specialized fair of its kind, more international participants have witnessed China's stellar growth in services trade, and the development payoff from its accelerated higher-level opening-up.

Particularly, the opening-up of the service sector serves the development pattern of the country's domestic and international "dual circulation," as China perceives trade liberalization and its institutional opening-up in a broader setting of economic globalization, regarding such endeavors as its striking demonstrations to uphold multilateralism.

Most notably, China's domestic opening-up reforms are aligned with its deepened commitments to the international community, through offering growth-oriented policy agendas and facilitating robust commercial interactions, reducing uncertainty and injecting confidence into global businesses.

On the first day of CIFTIS on Sept. 2, Tesla unveiled its new version of Chinese-made Model 3 sedan, marking the first time the global car-making giant has launched a new model in China ahead of the United States.

President of Tesla China Wang Hao opined that a platform like CIFTIS is an excellent window for multinational enterprises to understand the Chinese market, as they can be well-informed of consumers' thoughts in a short period of time and feel the market vibes up close.

In recent years, China has leveraged CIFTIS and other platforms such as the China International Import Expo to promote policy exchange and information sharing, as well as foster diverse partnerships with foreign governments, international organizations, business associations and enterprises.

That also forms an indissociable part of China's pledge to help more countries share its far-reaching development dividends through trade liberalization and facilitation.

China had expanded its share of global commercial services exports from 3 percent in 2005 to 5.4 percent in 2022, according to a report jointly released by the World Bank Group and the World Trade Organization in July.

In the first seven months of this year, China's services trade value grew 8.1 percent year on year to reach 3.67 trillion yuan (501.8 billion U.S. dollars), data from the Ministry of Commerce showed.

In cross-border economic and trade practices, Mohammed Al Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi-Chinese Business Council, pointed out that China "continues to take the initiative to encourage the expansion of exports of knowledge-intensive services, and strengthen the cross-border flow of advanced technological services."

That has "played a role in improving the industrial structure and promoting the process of modernization around the world," he stressed.

As the world is saddled with weakening demand for goods and geo-economic fragmentation, there is an urgent need for the world's policy-makers to cement collaboration to overcome obstacles that hinder global trade and investment across the board.

In this regard, the Chinese leadership has vowed to safeguard the hard-won free trade and multilateral trading system during the 2023 CITFIS, on the back of its vibrant drive to enhance openness of the services sector and ensure a more supportive business environment.

In practice, the authorities have deepened reforms in the country's free trade zones (FTZs) to expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard FTZs.

On June 29, China's State Council issued a circular, which contains measures of six aspects to allow FTZs in Shanghai, Guangdong, Tianjin, Fujian and Beijing as well as the Hainan free trade port (FTP) as pilot forerunners to align their rules with high-standard international economic and trade rules to deepen institutional opening up.

The 33 detailed pilot measures proposed in the circular, mainly focusing on trade in goods and services, business environment and risk control, are expected to help the pilot areas explore more paths to deepen reform and broaden opening up.

With five measures directly related to facilitating customs clearance, the circular stressed the need to further improve the transparency of customs clearance time and reduce customs clearance costs.

Deeming a sound business climate a key determinant of greater gains from growing trade, China has offered easier entry conditions to foreign businesses. Noticeably, the authorities have streamlined administrative procedures and increased transparency in policy agendas with a set of significant reform measures, sending uplifting signals to the global business community.

The Ministry of Commerce canceled registration requirements for businesses engaged in foreign trade activities on Dec. 30, 2022, following a revision of the country's Foreign Trade Law.

In concrete terms, market entities are no longer required to provide foreign-trade operator registration materials in applying for import and export licenses, registration certificates of technology import and export contracts, quotas, state-owned trade qualifications, and other relevant documents.

A recent survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China showed that China is still the most favored destination for corporate investment, as over 90 percent of the surveyed companies consider China as one of their most important investment destinations, while 75 percent of the participants said they plan to reinvest in China in 2023.

The dynamism of China's services trade has brought various countries vast opportunities for export-led growth, inflows of foreign investment and further integration into global value chains.

China's vigorous drive to boost services trade liberalization and facilitation will continuously inject impetus into cross-border trade, thereby contributing to more sustainable globalization and a more open world economy. 
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China aims to increase the supply of high-end electronic devices to boost consumption and bolster the economy, according to a plan jointly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance.

China will strive to ensure 5G mobile phone shipments account for over 85 percent of the domestic mobile phone market by 2024.

China's consumer electronics industry has witnessed stable growth in recent years. Major computer, communications and electronic device manufacturers saw their profits reach 276.32 billion yuan (about 38.39 billion U.S. dollars) in the first seven months of the year.

Output of mobile phones reached 810 million units during the period, including 593 million smartphones.

Consumer electronic devices are one of China's key export products. Stabilizing their exports is crucial to the development of the entire industry.

China will also encourage consumer electronic device manufacturers to launch cross-border e-commerce businesses and tap the potential of online and offline global markets, the plan said. 
NEW YORK  President Joe Biden expressed confidence that three of the nations automakers would avoid a strike at a Labor Day event this week. But its tough to find anyone in the auto industry on either side of negotiations ready to agree with that.

No, Im not worried about a strike until it happens, Biden told reporters on Monday in Philadelphia. I dont think its going to happen.

Spokespeople from the nations Big Three unionized automakers  General Motors, Ford and Stellantis  told CNN in response that they were working to reach a deal and avoid strikes, but none were more specific than that.

In contrast, when UPS was faced with a possible Aug. 1 strike, the company and the Teamsters union both repeatedly said they were close to a deal. UPS even continued to predict a deal would be reached to avoid a strike, even during the three weeks in July when talks had broken down and there were no formal negotiations. Those two sides eventually averted a strike with a deal overwhelmingly approved by the membership.

But these negotiations are sounding different.

No predictions a deal is close

The current contracts between the United Auto Workers union and the three automakers all expire at 11:59 pm on Sept. 14, raising the possibility of one or more strikes on Sept. 15.

None of that July optimism at UPS is currently being voiced by the automakers or the UAW.

UAW President Shawn Fain was doubtful Monday when asked about Bidens no-strike prediction, and he said the union is prepared to strike any company that doesnt reach a tentative deal before the Sept. 15 strike deadline.

I appreciate President Bidens optimism. I also hope that the Big Three get serious and start bargaining in good faith. We are ready to do what is necessary to get our share of economic and social justice for our members, Fain told CNN Monday afternoon. We have a long way to go and a short time to get there.

All the automakers would say Tuesday was that they hope to avoid a strike.

It is Stellantis desire to reach an agreement with the UAW without a work stoppage, said a statement from the company, which makes vehicles for the U.S. market under the Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler brands. It is our belief that a strike doesnt benefit anyone  it hurts our customers, our employees and the community.

But the UAW filed unfair labor practice complaints last week alleging that both GM and Stellantis were bargaining in bad faith, alleging that the two companies wouldnt even bother responding to the unions demands for pay and benefit increases. The move had relatively limited legal significance since the National Labor Relations Board wont rule on it before the Sept. 15 strike deadline. But its a sign of how far apart the sides are.

GM and Stellantis both responded by disputing that they are negotiating in bad faith.

We have been hyper-focused on negotiating directly and in good faith with the UAW and are making progress, said a statement from Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of global manufacturing. Our goal remains the same  to achieve an agreement without a disruption that rewards our team members and protects the future of the entire GM team.

The UAW did not file a similar complaint against Ford because the company provided the union with a response to its demands. But Fain said the terms of the Fords offer not only fails to meet our needs, it insults our very worth.

Ambitious demands

The union has made an ambitious set of demands, seeking to reverse concessions the union agreed to from 2007 to 2009 as GM and Chrysler faced bankruptcy and needed federal bailouts to survive.

Union demands include pay increases of 40% over the four-year life of the contract, an end of a lower tier of pay and benefits for those hired since 2007, including a traditional pension plan for those workers rather than just current the 401(k) plans, and retiree health care coverage. The union also wants limits on part-time workers and forced overtime.

We have high expectations and rightly so, and we expect to get there, Fain told CNN. Our members deserve their fair share.

Fain also said that while the union and the Biden administration continue to talk about the state of the negotiations, hes not expecting the administration to play a direct role in the talks,

At the end of the day its up to the corporations. The corporations have to come to the table, he said.

A summer of strikes

Despite the deal that averted a strike at UPS, this has been a summer of strikes. The Writers Guild of America has been on strike against major studios and streaming services since May 2, and SAG-AFTRA, which represents about 160,000 actors, went on strike against the same studios and services in mid-July. There is no end in sight for either strike. But beyond those major strikes, the number of significant strikes  those with more than 100 workers being out for a week or more  is up 40% in the last 12 months compared the same period a year earlier, according to a strike tracker compiled by Cornell University.

There are separate contracts with the three automakers, and so it is possible that the union could stay on the job at one or two of the automakers even if it strikes one or two of the others.

But Fain has repeatedly said the union is prepared to strike any automaker that hasnt reached a deal come Sept. 15, even if that means the first simultaneous strike against all three.

Some experts say they expect at least one strike come Sept. 15, if not all three.

I think theres a 99% chance of a strike, said Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell Universitys Industrial and Labor Relations school in Buffalo. He said rank-and-file member at the unions wont be satisfied unless the companies agree to many of the unions demands, which he thinks the companies will be reluctant to do.

The expectations are so high," said Wheaton.

___
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said on Tuesday they allocated 125 million U.S. dollars for underfunded relief operations in 14 countries worldwide.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths, who is also the UN's relief chief, authorized the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for operations in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

This year's global humanitarian funding requirements have shot past 55 billion dollars and is less than 30 percent funded, according to OCHA.

"It is a cruel reality that in many humanitarian operations, aid agencies are scraping along with very little funding right at a time when people's needs compel them to scale up," Griffiths said. "Thanks to the generosity of a vast range of donors, we can count on CERF to fill some of the gaps. Lives are saved as a result. But we need individual donors to step up as well -- this is a fund by all and for all."

OCHA said the funding supports 250 million people affected by conflict, the climate impact, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, displacement and other crises.

"With this additional funding, CERF has allocated a record 270 million dollars so far this year through its Underfunded Emergencies window," OCHA said. "This is the largest annual amount ever allocated, to the highest number of countries, a reflection of skyrocketing humanitarian needs."

The CERF allocation, OCHA said, will help scale up humanitarian assistance in some of the world's most protracted and neglected crises: Afghanistan and Yemen (20 million dollars each), Burkina Faso and Myanmar (9 million dollars each), Haiti and Mali (8 million dollars each) and will also support refugee operations in Bangladesh (8 million dollars) and Uganda (6 million dollars).

OCHA said funds also will go to Venezuela (8 million dollars), the Central African Republic and Mozambique (6.5 million dollars each), Cameroon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (6 million dollars each), and Malawi (4 million dollars). 
Eli Lilly and Company is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company. It is the 12th largest pharmaceutical company by revenue and has offices in 16 countries. Its medicines are sold in at least 125 countries including its 8 blockbuster drugs. The company is a member of the S&P 500 and S&P 100 indices, it brought in roughly $5.5 billion in revenue for 2021 and employs more than 35,000 people across its network of research and production facilities.

Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly. The colonel, a veteran of the Civil War, had recently dissolved an unsatisfactory partnership and set on his own to produce and develop medicinal chemicals. Colonel Lilly remained as president until his death in 1898. His charge to his family, company and coworkers was to take what you find here and make it better and better. The company is well-known for many drugs, including the first mass-marketing of quinine to treat malaria.

The company brought in $4,470 in its first year and saw that figure grow 10X over the next 3. Among the many innovations during this time period is the addition of gelation coatings for pills which helped set the company up for rapid expansion. The company was incorporated in 1881 as Eli Lilly and Company issuing stock to family and friends. The 1900s brought about more change for the company, change in the form of expansion which included international markets.

Advancements during the war years included increases in efficiency due to increased automation and the development of precision technologies. Among the technologies was pill manufacturing which included injecting medicines directly into a gelation capsule. This method allowed for more exact dosing, setting the standard for modern production. The company produced capsules for itself and sold excess capacity to competitors. Other major advancements include fruit flavorings in medicine, straight-line manufacturing and a method of blueprinting manufacturing tickets to prevent errors.

The modern period saw the company grow and discover new, world-class pharmaceuticals. Today, the company is engaged in the discovery, development and marketing of human pharmaceuticals. It offers a wide range of treatments, including Prozac but is perhaps most noteworthy for its work with insulin. The company is the first to mass produce insulin and has made numerous advances in treating diabetes in the time since. While other drugs are more widely known, its diabetic drugs Basaglar, Jardience, Trulicity, Humalog and Humulin are its top-sellers and contribute the bulk of revenue and cash flow.

Along with Diabetic research, the company also focuses on Alzheimer's, Oncology, Immunology, Obesity and Pain care. At the end of 2022, the company pipeline had 23 compounds in Phase 3 clinical trials and 1 in review. There were another 18 in Phase 2 trials and more than 2 dozen in Phase 1 trials. The average cost to discover a new drug was running at $2.6 billion with a 10-year discovery-to-patient timeline.
Toys and pink flags are seen placed on the ground to mark suspected child or infant graves in Beauval, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Aug. 31, 2023. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua)

As a total of 93 potential unmarked child and infant graves have been uncovered in central Canada, local residents told Xinhua that colonialism and human rights abuses behind the residential school system have been challenging Canada.

OTTAWA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- In late May 2021, remains of 215 indigenous children were found in Canada, smashing the nation's hypocritical facade and stunning the world.

Two years after the suspected unmarked graves were identified at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, thousands of burials were found at former Indian residential school sites across the country.

A total of 93 potential unmarked child and infant graves have been uncovered at the former Beauval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan in central Canada.

"This is not a final number. It breaks my heart that there are likely more," English River First Nation chief Jenny Wolverine said, revealing the facts during a news conference.

"We were not sure what to expect and what we would find. But we did know the stories that were shared over generations about the treatment of the students and those students who never returned home," she said.

In the village where the school was located, local residents told Xinhua that colonialism and human rights abuses behind the residential school system have been challenging Canada.





TOO SCARED TO SAY

Patrick Djonaire, a 65-year-old survivor of Beauval Indian Residential School, shared his harsh experience in the school. He attended the school at eight and graduated, having got no guts to tell his parents the bad things.

"I never told my parents how school was, because we were scared, because the priests and the nuns, the Catholic people ran the schools. So sins were never told in public," he said. "I was scared to say."

He even witnessed one of his friends probably molested by a priest. "It's a sexual assault. It was scary like those other things and I didn't want to mention it to people. Like to this day, I still hold it."

Djonaire said he became an angry person thinking about the negative impact.

"Every time I see a priest or a French-speaking person, I get scared, I get nervous. It's like you have to pay attention all the time," he said.

Djonaire said that although he went to Northern Teacher Education, he couldn't be a teacher when he was 26 after a job in a mining company. "I couldn't manage those children. I couldn't manage those children like the way those nuns and those priests managed us," he said.

Toys and pink flags are seen placed on the ground to mark suspected child or infant graves in Beauval, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Aug. 31, 2023. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua)





PEOPLE STILL SUFFERING

Dawn McIntyre, a descendant of a survivor in Saskatchewan, said they have all attended the residential school as part of their lives.

"Through generations, we've all heard stories. We knew that the children were disciplined harshly and as we got older we learned more and more stories about physical and sexual abuse," said McIntyre, who is a Cree woman from the Canoe Lake Cree First Nation and lives in La Plonge Reserve, part of the English River First Nation.

"Our people are still suffering, our youths are suffering, our children are still being born into very dysfunctional families that were created because of the IRS (Indian Residential School) system, so now we have a whole host of problems."

She explained that when children were taken away from their families they didn't learn family values and how to raise their own children.

"People who've been subjected to abuse will grow up and often maybe cannot cope," she said, adding that they turned to other ways of coping and it has led to a lot of violence and addictions in the communities.

"It continues to go through generations and it continues to snowball and it takes a really great deal of effort for a person to lift themselves out of that."

Toys and pink flags are seen placed on the ground to mark suspected child or infant graves in Beauval, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Aug. 31, 2023. (Photo by Li Haitao/Xinhua)





LOSS OF IDENTITIES

Candyce Paul, who is married to a survivor from the residential school, said the elders from the past were comfortable in their own being and their own identity but the generations that went to the residential school weren't.

Paul has lived in northern Saskatchewan for more than four decades with her husband, Marius Paul.

"There was so much loss of culture, identities and language," she said. "They were told you're not as good as the white man and then the whole white man system is imposed on him."

Paul said it's taking generations to heal and people are relearning their ways.

"We want the government to acknowledge those deaths and those wrongdoings, whether those missing people are people who died under questionable circumstances, or they just weren't recorded."

Over 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were separated from their families and forced to attend government-funded schools between the 1870s and 1997.

In 2015, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission appointed by the Canadian government concluded that the children were physically and sexually abused and died in the schools.

While it has documented at least 4,100 deaths, the commission said the real numbers may never be fully known.
Norfolk Southern Corp is a transportation company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1982 after the merger of two competing railroads, the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Southern Railway. The company operates a major freight railroad network of over 19,000 miles of track across 22 states in the eastern United States. Norfolk Southern Corp has a fleet of locomotives and railcars that transport various goods, including coal, chemicals and agricultural products.

Norfolk Southern Corp's rich history dates back to the 19th century when the company's predecessor, the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road, was chartered in 1827. Since then, the company has grown significantly. It now operates over 19,000 miles of track across the eastern United States, connecting the major metropolitan areas of the Midwest and the South.

Norfolk Southern Corp's primary business is freight transportation. The coal segment is the largest, accounting for 20% of the company's revenue. Norfolk Southern Corp has been recognized as a leader in the transportation industry, winning numerous awards for its safety and environmental sustainability.

Norfolk Southern Corp's leadership team comprises experienced executives committed to delivering value to the company's stakeholders. The company's CEO, Alan H. Shaw, was put into the position in May of 2022. Shaw stepped into the CEO role after being the vice president of marketing for over six years.

Norfolk Southern Corp has consistently delivered strong financial performance over the past few years. The company did, however, report revenue drops during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company's net income increased in the same period that its revenue was dropping. Norfolk Southern Corp has a strong balance sheet, with assets of more than $35 billion and liabilities of around $25 billion.

Norfolk Southern Corp's valuation metrics are generally in line with its peers in the transportation industry. The company has a price-to-earnings ratio and a price-to-book ratio generally in line with industry averages. These metrics suggest that the market views Norfolk Southern Corp as a reasonably valued company.

Norfolk Southern Corp's stock performance has been relatively strong over the past few years, despite volatility caused by issues concerning rail safety and train derailments. The company's stock price has increased over the past five years, outperforming the S&P 500 index during the same period.

The transportation industry in the United States is highly competitive, with numerous players operating in the market. Norfolk Southern Corp competes with other major railroads, such as CSX Corp and Union Pacific Corp, as well as other modes of transportation, such as trucking and air freight. The industry is subject to various regulatory and political issues, including environmental regulations, labor laws and trade policies.

Norfolk Southern Corp has identified several growth opportunities it plans to pursue in the coming years. One of the company's key growth strategies is to expand its intermodal business, which involves transporting goods in containers that can be moved between different modes of transportation, such as trucks and trains. Norfolk Southern Corp is investing in new technology and equipment to improve the efficiency of its intermodal operations and is expanding its network to serve new markets. The company is also pursuing growth opportunities in the automotive segment, which involves transporting vehicles and parts.

Another growth opportunity for Norfolk Southern Corp is to leverage its existing infrastructure to serve new markets. The company is exploring options to transport new types of goods, such as renewable energy equipment and industrial machinery. Norfolk Southern Corp is also investing in technology to improve its operations' speed and efficiency, enabling it to serve new markets and compete more effectively with other transportation providers.

Despite its strong financial performance and growth prospects, Norfolk Southern Corp faces risks and challenges that could impact its business. One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing competition in the transportation industry. The company faces intense competition from other railroads and different modes of transportation, such as trucking and air freight. This competition could put pressure on Norfolk Southern Corp's pricing and profitability.

Another risk for Norfolk Southern Corp is the potential for regulatory and political changes that could impact the transportation industry. The company is subject to various environmental regulations, labor laws and trade policies, which could change anytime. Changes in these regulations could increase the company's costs or limit its ability to operate in certain markets. In 2023 the company faced significant scrutiny for its ongoing safety record and multiple train derailments.



Norfolk Southern Corp is also vulnerable to consumer preferences and economic conditions changes. The company's business is closely tied to the economy's overall health, and a downturn could lead to decreased demand for its services. Additionally, changes in consumer preferences could shift demand away from certain goods, such as coal, which could impact the company's revenue.
TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and at least 41 others injured on Wednesday in a collision between a bus and eight sedans on an intercity road in Iran's northern province of Mazandaran, IRIB news agency reported.

The deadly incident occurred in Savadkuh County in the morning as the bus with malfunctioning brakes veered off the course and ran into eight sedans in the opposite lane before halting on an emergency escape ramp, IRIB quoted Mazandaran's Traffic Police Chief Yadollah Jahantab as saying.

Speaking to IRIB, Zakaria Ashkpour, spokesman of the provincial medical emergency organization, said five people were killed, and at least 41 others were injured in the incident.

All the injured have been transferred to medical centers, Ashkpour added. 
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry.

The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time.

The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services.

Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America.

The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government.

The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans.

Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody.

The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers.
Ali Salajegheh (R), Iranian vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE), and Stefan Priesner (C), the United Nations resident coordinator for Iran, attend a press conference ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 5, 2023. Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE). (Xinhua/Shadati)

TEHRAN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE).

Salajegheh made the remarks on Tuesday at a press conference in the capital Tehran ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, which will be held in Tehran on Sept. 9 and 10.

The press conference was also attended by Stefan Priesner, the United Nations resident coordinator for Iran.

Salajegheh said countries, including China, Russia, and Iran's neighboring countries, will participate in the upcoming conference.

He said Iran and China have attached great significance to environmental collaboration under a bilateral 25-year cooperation agreement signed in March 2021.

Lauding China's experience and work in desert greening, the Iranian official said regular exchanges are ongoing between climate experts of the two countries, particularly in fighting sand and dust storms.

He said Iran, located in an arid and semi-arid zone, is the final destination of sand and dust storms in the region and, thus, has gained accumulative experience in combating them, which it is ready to share with other states.

When referring to the steep environmental challenges facing the Earth, the DoE president called for effective environmental management to alleviate their negative impact on the Earth and the human being.

For his part, Priesner hailed Iran's constructive role in combatting sand and dust storms, including by hosting the upcoming conference, noting that Iran and the UN have established cooperation in this area through various activities.

Over the past years, sand and dust storms, mainly originating from neighboring states, have hit different parts of Iran, posing risks to its people's health and lives. 

Stefan Priesner (R), the United Nations resident coordinator for Iran, speaks at a press conference ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 5, 2023. Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE). (Xinhua/Shadati)

Ali Salajegheh (R), Iranian vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE), and Stefan Priesner (C), the United Nations resident coordinator for Iran, attend a press conference ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 5, 2023. Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE). (Xinhua/Shadati)

Ali Salajegheh, Iranian vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE), speaks at a press conference ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 5, 2023. Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE). (Xinhua/Shadati)

Ali Salajegheh (R), Iranian vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE), shakes hands with Stefan Priesner, the United Nations resident coordinator for Iran, during a press conference ahead of the International Conference on Combating Sand and Dust Storms in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 5, 2023. Iran and China have "good capacities" for environmental cooperation, especially in combating dust and sand storms, said Ali Salajegheh, Iran's vice president and head of the Department of Environment (DoE). (Xinhua/Shadati)
BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory letter to the 10th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Justice, which opened Tuesday in Shanghai.

Xi noted in the letter that, since the mechanism of the Meeting of SCO Ministers of Justice was launched in 2013, SCO member states have advanced the rule of law with unceasing efforts, enhanced exchanges and mutual learning between governments in the field of justice, and constantly engaged themselves in practical cooperation in the legal services sector.

They have also played important roles in upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, Xi added.

China attaches great importance to the role of the rule of law in consolidating foundations, ensuring stable expectations and delivering long-term benefits, Xi said.

He said China stands ready to collaborate with other SCO member states in enhancing exchanges and cooperation in law and judicial administration.

China is also willing to work with other SCO member states to promote high-quality economic development through the rule of law, uphold regional peace and stability, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi added.

The meeting was hosted by China's Ministry of Justice.

(Source: Xinhua)
Weather Alert

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM CDT /10 PM EDT/ THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CDT /10 AM EDT/ TUESDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures between 21 and 27 degrees expected. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 9 PM CDT this evening to 9 AM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This hard freeze will bring an end to the growing season. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing. &&
TOKYO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japanese prosecutors on Wednesday indicted a man over an explosives attack on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during an election event in western Japan in April, after concluding that the suspect is mentally fit to be held criminally responsible.

Ryuji Kimura, 24, faces charges including attempted murder, with investigative authorities determining through tests that the homemade pipe bomb used in the attack was lethal.

The indictment of Kimura followed a three-month psychiatric evaluation by prosecutors that ended on Friday.

Kimura, from Hyogo Prefecture, is alleged to have thrown an explosive device towards Kishida as the prime minister was about to make a stump speech at a local fishing port in the city of Wakayama on April 15. While Kishida was not hurt, two people, including a police officer, sustained minor injuries.

Court documents show that Kimura may have harbored a grudge after being unable to file for candidacy for a House of Councillors election held last year.

The alleged assailant has remained silent since his arrest at the scene in Wakayama.

The incident occurred less than a year after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot by an assailant with a homemade gun while making a stump speech in Nara Prefecture, western Japan. 
BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Africans are embracing the arrival of an alternative to the U.S.-dominated unipolar system that has long defined the international arena, according to Mahasha Rampedi, editor-in-chief of the African Times.

"The Africans trust China a lot more than the Western powers, and I don't think it's only the Africans. I would say the majority of the world trust China more than they do the Americans," Rampedi told China Chat recently in an exclusive interview.

There has been a clear agenda by Western media to discredit Chinese development projects in Africa, spreading false claims and "scaremongering" that China is "colonizing the continent," said Rampedi.

"But China has never colonized any part of the world. Surprisingly, the countries that are warning us against China are the same which colonized the African continent for many years," he added.

Despite these attempts by the West, the fruits of China's development projects are plainly visible up and down the African continent, said Rampedi, noting that China focuses not on self-promotion but on delivering results.

"China may not be talking as much as the Western powers do, but China has spent money which we can see and that money has transformed or impacted our lives," he said.

This transformation is a mutually beneficial arrangement, in contrast with the U.S. approach where it dictates terms and seeks to subordinate African countries, he pointed out.

The Global South, thus, feels more secure now, with China playing an increasingly prominent role on the world stage. "Regardless of how big or small a country is, once you are in partnership with China, you are treated as equal," he said. 
More than 1,700 nurses who have been on strike for more than a month at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, lost their health insurance as the Labor Day weekend began on Friday. They will now have to enroll in COBRA to maintain health insurance for themselves and their families at an exorbitant cost: $700 per month for individual coverage and as much as $2,500 per month for family coverage.

Striking nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick, New Jersey

The tenacious struggle that the nurses began on August 4 has centered on the demands for increased staffing and safe nurse-to-patient ratios. The nurses are calling for ratios of one nurse to five patients in medical-surgery wards and one to two in intensive care areas, because of the complexity of care that the position demands. They also want the hospital to acknowledge that some patients in intensive care may need one-to-one care. No less important are the nurses demands for raises, a cap on health insurance costs, and health benefits in retirement. In short, the struggle is over elementary demands and the requirements for maintaining safety in the healthcare setting.

The last negotiation session between RWJUH and United Steelworkers (USW) Local 4-200 occurred on August 16. No progress was made that day, and no new sessions have been scheduled since.

The nurses recognize that their fight is inseparable from that of healthcare workers worldwide. This is not just for us here, its for everyone, said a labor and delivery nurse with 39 years of experience, speaking on condition of anonymity. Who wants to have no income? Its a lot of money that were losing.

The current ratios at RWJUH are not fair to patients or nurses, said a nurse with 10 years experience, who also chose to remain anonymous. We dont want to be out here, but we have to fight for whats right. Understaffing has sharply increased the level of stress, she added, particularly for less experienced nurses. A lot of the young ones dont stay. Theyre too overwhelmed. Its a blow to their confidence.

Moreover, understaffing is likely contributing to worse patient outcomes at RWJUH. The hospital ranks fifth in the country for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, according to a nurse who also spoke on condition of anonymity. We were 14th in the country a few years ago, she said. Were worse than a third-world country. The responsibility for such a dangerous situation rests squarely with the RWJUH administration, and not with the nurses.

As the strike continues, RWJUH is wearing down the nurses, who are having difficulty caring for their families and paying mortgages and student loans. Many are looking for part-time positions as per diem nurses or paramedics. Others are applying for unemployment benefits to help them through the contract dispute.

As is common in other strikes, the USW, which reported total assets of $1.6 billion in 2022, is not providing the nurses strike pay. Instead, it is handing out gift cards, which amounts to an insult to the dues-paying membership. Nurses can apply to the union for emergency assistance, but they must show their bank statements to be considered for this aid.

You have to show you need it, Judy Danella, president of Local 4-200, told TAPinto New Brunswick. Its not just given to somebody that has another job and doesnt need it. Danella received a salary of approximately $160,000 from the USW last year and presumably does not need assistance.

Although RWJUH has two other campuses besides its facility in New Brunswick, the USW has not called on nurses at those hospitals to join their brothers and sisters on the picket line. Instead, it has encouraged the striking nurses to channel their energy into useless appeals to Democratic politicians. The Democrats have offered empty gestures of support while working behind the scenes to contain the strike and end it as soon as possible.

A USW official recently called on New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to support the strike. But the USW knows full well that Murphy, a multimillionaire and former executive at Goldman Sachs, helped Rutgers University and the trade unions to end the first-ever strike at the state university in April. Murphy enabled the university and unions to impose inadequate contracts on full- and part-time faculty, as well as graduate student workers.

Meanwhile, Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, both of New Jersey, have written to Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, which owns RWJUH. The senators urged him to move quickly to come to a good faith agreement that provides the nurses with safe standards, quality working conditions, affordable health care and living wages that support the employees, the hospital community and your patients.

Last week, Senator Bernie Sanders appealed to management to negotiate with the nurses and referred to the stress and danger that nurses have endured during the pandemic. They did their duty, and many of them paid the price. Thousands of nurses died during COVID, and many more became ill. Indeed, the working class has paid for the murderous pandemic policies that both parties have supported.

Despite their rhetoric, Sanders and the Democrats represent not the working class, but Wall Street. They have not taken one step to protect workers or the public from the current wave of COVID-19, which has seen dramatic increases in the numbers of infections and hospitalizations. Instead, they are spending tens of billions of dollars on the war in Ukraine, and yet more money on preparations for war with China. Moreover, President Joe Biden collaborated with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union to keep West Coast dockworkers on the job without a contract for more than a year. The Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, also voted to ban the nationwide rail strike last year.

The USW has not taken the fight to RWJUH but kept the strike isolated and restricted to the routines of the picket line. It is counting on the nurses to cave in out of frustration and hopelessness. Allowing the nurses to be stripped of their health insurance is but the latest step toward derailing the strike.

The nurses demands are not only reasonable, but also necessary. But the current economic crisis is spurring intensified attacks on workers basic rights. To win safe staffing that will enable them to provide the best care possible for their patients, nurses must take the initiative away from the USW leadership by forming a rank-and-file committee. The nurses must expand the strike by appealing to workers at the other RWJUH campuses, as well as workers in other industries, who face the same attacks. It is in the working class, not among the Democrats or trade union bureaucracies, that the nurses will find strong support. Ultimately, their struggle must become a conscious part of a larger fight to replace the system of for-profit medicine with workers control and socialist healthcare.
Resident assistants (RAs) at Tufts University held a one-day strike on August 29, the day that freshmen moved in for the school year. More than 50 RAs picketed, and first-year students later joined them. The combined group of nearly 200 people marched to the universitys West Hall in Medford, Massachusetts and held a rally.

The RAs are demanding a stipend to help pay for food and living expenses. They work at least 20 to 25 hours per week and are perpetually on call to assist the students living in their dormitories. They are required to live on campus in a cage, according to one RA who spoke with the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS). At Tufts, RAs receive free student housing, but no pay.

RAs duties include programming activities and building a community in the dormitory, helping students with academic questions, referring students to counseling or other resources and serving as a mentor. RAs are usually the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged of undergraduate students, and the universities take advantage of this vulnerability.

West Hall at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, USA. [Photo: Daderot]

In December 2022, the RAs voted to form the United Labor of Tufts Resident Assistants (ULTRA) as an affiliate of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). They authorized OPEIU Local 153 to be their representative during contract negotiations. Overall, 89 percent of the RAs voted in favor of the strike, which signaled their strong desire to fight.

The RAs say that the pandemic was a major impetus for their drive to organize themselves. When the pandemic began, the university relied on RAs to enforce mitigation policies among the students. It also instituted long training hours in the summer, when RAs could be on call for over 20 hours per day. We would have training from 9 to 5 and then be expected to be making door [decorations] or bulletin boards and preparing for our residents and such, and then they would want us to be on call from 9 to 9, when training starts at 9, RA Julie Francois, a junior, told Tufts Daily last year.

Tufts, a private research university, is a highly selective school that ranks among the top colleges in the United States. Its main campus is in the Walnut Hill neighborhood of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, which are two suburbs of Boston. Tufts has an endowment that has grown from approximately $500 million in 1999 to $2.4 billion today.

Tufts has taken a firm stand against the RAs. It has mobilized its legal team and sought by any means possible to keep day-to-day operations from being interrupted. Sam Hayne, an RA, told Tufts Daily that the university threatened to lock RAs out, which would not only prevent them from working, but also eject them from their living spaces.

Tufts also sent an email warning RAs not to engage in actions that disrespected community values and one anothers right to enjoy the new semester without disruption. Any actions or activities that create a hostile campus environment, endanger public safety or violate our Student Code of Conduct would be addressed by the appropriate members of our staff, the administration wrote. This can only be construed as a thinly veiled threat to punish students who waged a strike.

While Tufts has been playing hardball, the union has pulled its punches and telegraphed its willingness to capitulate. For example, ULTRA has not specified the amount of the stipend that it is demanding, thus allowing Tufts to set the terms of negotiation. ULTRA also has stated on X (formerly Twitter) and elsewhere that it hoped that a work action could be avoided and a compromise reached soon.

Resident Assistants picket Tuft's on August 29, 2023 Photo OPEIU

Despite the overwhelming vote in favor of a strike, the bargaining committee limited the action to one day. This tactic minimizes the disruption to the university and gives the administration more leverage to reach terms that are favorable to it.

To this point, Tufts has never provided meals to RAs. In the current negotiations, the university is offering a plan of 80 swipes per year, which amounts to only five meals per week, according to the union. The inadequacy of this offer is even clearer when one considers that not all RAs are on a meal plan. Thus, a stipend, which affords greater flexibility of food sources, is needed.

At any moment, RAs can be roped into working extra hours at the universitys whim. I used to be an RA, and move-in day is always an utter disaster, said one commenter in a recent Reddit post about the strike. Last year, a ton of extra work was given to the RAs for move-in w/o telling us in advance, and we werent paid any extra for working overtime.

On top of such impositions, RAs are under threat of losing their housing and jobs if their student status changes for any reason. One speaker at the rally spoke of a need to take a leave of absence from classes last school year. In that moment, the RA lost both job and housing. With little over a months notice and no institutional support, the RA, a young undergraduate student whom the university knew to be without a home to return to, was forced into couch surfing and short-term rentals for eight months. This precarious form of existence is commonly known as homelessness.

A reporter for the WSWS asked an RA about COVID-19 on campus and whether, in the context of the return to school during a new wave of the pandemic, the union had discussed demands for safety measures. The RA responded that there had already been some disruptions since the beginning of school year with COVID (i.e., transmission on campus), but that the university had not given any guidance. She was unsure whether any discussion had taken place in the union.

COVID has really gone through my sophomore/junior year, she said. Its hard, because its kind of just been integrated into the normal swing of things, even though people have been really impacted by it.

The strike reflected a growing mood of rebellion among student workers. This anger has been manifest in strikes and contract rejections by student workers at the University of Michigan, Rutgers University, Eastern Illinois University and Chicago State University. It is part of a growing movement of the international working class against worsening living conditions, attacks on social spending, cuts to real wages, the removal of all public health measures and wave after wave of COVID-19 variants.

The trade unions are attempting to keep workers opposition within the confines of the Democratic Party. At the ULTRA rally, speakers such as Medford City Council Vice President Zac Bears, a Democrat and member of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), presented himself as a friend of labor and demanded that Tufts do the right thing. But from the local to the federal level, the Democrats and DSA are breaking strikes, refusing to protect workers against the pandemic and pouring billions of dollars into the war in Ukraine, which could escalate into a nuclear confrontation. They are jeopardizing students very right to a future.

Instead of appealing to the Democrats, the RAs at Tufts must turn toward the working class for support. Their fight must be joined with the ongoing struggles of workers in other industries, including autoworkers, teachers, actors and screenwriters, and logistics workers, against attacks on their living standards. This requires that RAs take the inititative themselves by building rank-and-file committees, independent of the OPEIU bureaucracy, to organize their fight. These committees, democratically run by RAs themselves, would discuss and advance basic demands and organize a real fight aimed at mobilizing the broadest support.
On the morning of Sunday, August 27, sheriffs deputies at the detention center in Arlington County, Virginia, found 73-year-old Abonesh Woldegeorges unresponsive in her cell and were unable to resuscitate her. Woldegeorges, who was homeless, is the eighth person to die at the jail in as many years.

Arlington County Jail and Courthouse

Woldegeorges had been arrested by police at Reagan National Airport in the middle of the night last month. She was booked into the Arlington County detention facility on August 13 at 4:13 a.m. local time on the charge of trespassing and violating conditions of release. She was being held on a $500 bond she evidently was unable to pay. For the next 15 days Woldegeorges sat in jail.

The county medical examiner has yet to reach a determination as to the exact cause of death. The Arlington County sheriffs office had been planning to transport her to neighboring Loudoun County, another Northern Virginia county just outside of Washington D.C. The woman was facing more charges for not appearing in court in connection to an earlier trespassing case that led to her arrest this past May.

Woldegeorges is the first person to die in jail under the watch of Jose Quiroz, a Democrat and acting county sheriff who replaced Beth Arthur earlier this year.

In October 2021, the county ended its contract with Corizon Health, its medical services provider, after an inmate, Darryl Becton, died of complications related to opioid withdrawal in 2020. The county also reached a $1.3 million settlement with Bectons family over negligence by jail staff.

For Woldegeorges, her two arrests this year were not the first in connection with trespassing. Since 2020, she had been arrested in Arlington and Loudoun counties. Arlington County Chief Public Defender Brad Haywood said trespassing charges in his district are usually reserved for the homeless or people suffering a mental health crisis in public places.

I cant remember a trespassing client in our office who didnt have a behavioral health disorder or who wasnt homeless, Haywood told DCist. Its always one or the other. Its policing people who dont have other places to go or who are confused about where they are.

Trespassing charges are used as a way of criminalizing social conditions in our county, Haywood continued. You are essentially shifting our community social problems from the agencies that ought to be taking care of it to the jail. The jails not equipped to be a psychiatric hospital, he said.

According to the county managers proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, there were over 1,500 times in fiscal year 2023 when the Arlington County Sheriffs Office administered psychotropic drugs. This indicates a high percentage of inmates dealing with mental health crises, given that 2,764 people were admitted to the county jail in fiscal year 2023.

According to Haywood, some of the clients the public defenders office deals with claim to spend as much as 23 hours in solitary lockup, possibly because of low staffing at the jail.

After another homeless inmate, Paul Thompson, who had a history of mental illness, died of a heart attack at the jails infirmary in February 2022. Beth Arthur, who was sheriff at the time, said about 170 of the 280 inmates in the jail at that time had some form of mental health challenge, 66 of them being serious cases. Arthur admitted Thompson had no criminal history and should not have been in the jail, blaming the county for dumping these people in jail when they need serious care.

Arlington County, located across the Potomac River from the nations capital, is one of the wealthiest counties in the United States. According to the 2020 US Census, Arlington has the third highest median income level at $77,535 a year. It ranks behind only Manhattan in New York City and Marin County, located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

As with other highly urbanized areas, Arlington County is a stronghold of the Democratic Party. In the deep blue county, the Democratic Party has exercised political control at nearly every level since the turn of the millennium.

The countys high level of wealth is directly associated with its proximity to the federal government. Arlington County houses both the Reagan National Airport and the Pentagon, along with several other federal agencies. It is the headquarters of defense contractors Boeing, Raytheon Technologies and BAE Systems.

Amazon, which recently opened its long-anticipated East Coast offices in Arlington, has also contributed to the displacement of the poor and working class. Regarding the opening of Amazons HQ2 offices in Arlingtons National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), the Washington Post wrote last year that a Housing Equity Fund the company was offering to low income groups will likely do little to move the needle for the regions lowest-income residents, many of whom are already stretching their paychecks to make rent every month.

For the homeless, being arrested and sent to any of the jails in the capital region for having nowhere else to go oftentimes means the start of a long and arduous process.

In the winter of 2014, police arrested Abreham Zemedagegehu, a homeless man, at Reagan National Airport for trespassing. At the same Arlington jail where Woldegeorges died, Zemedagegehu, a deaf immigrant, was deprived of his basic social and constitutional rights. Police extracted a confession from Zemedagegehu admitting to stealing an iPad after keeping him in jail for six weeks without access to an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. The iPad in question turned out not to have ever been stolen.

At the District of Columbia Central Detention Facility, the capitals main jail, a lawsuit brought earlier this year by the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs on behalf of three inmates cited unspeakable conditions at the facility.

Most of these inmates are languishing in jail ahead of their court dates, which can be weeks or months in the future. A report by the DC Policy Center entitled The District of Columbias Criminal Justice System under the Revitalization Act found that 60 percent or more of the 1,400 or so people detained at the DC jail are awaiting trial, or in other words, have not yet been charged with a crime.

At a public meeting of the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness last month, Executive Director Theresa Silla outlined the troubling statistics for young adults and single adults who are homeless.

Silla said the data show that while homeless families are more likely to make use of the Districts voucher program to find housing, when it comes to single adults or adults under the age of 25, there is far less success in housing services.

Just 2 percent of homeless young adults who received city housing services were actually provided with housing in fiscal year 2022. That number was 16 percent for homeless single adults. Single adults make up the largest demographic of homeless people in the DC region.

Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments released a report finding homelessness rose 18 percent in 2022, with the fastest growth not in the urban core but in the suburban periphery, where Arlington and Loudoun counties are located.

Across the entire region, particularly the Northern Virginia suburbs, large office parks and towers stand largely vacant due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on remote work trends. Accordingly, there are more than enough properties and resources available to guarantee everyone living in and around the capital of the worlds richest nation safe, high-quality housing. Instead, driven entirely by the interests of big business, authorities in the region are running roughshod over the well-being of the population and criminalizing its most vulnerable.
Flight attendants at Texas-based American Airlines held informational pickets at 12 airports in the US following a vote by 26,000 flight attendants, who authorized a strike by an overwhelming 99 percent margin. Flight attendants have been kept on the job since December 2019, when the old contract became amendable, by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) bureaucracy without receiving any pay raise. Meanwhile, attendants have faced insulting and dangerous working conditions, including deaths and mass infection by COVID-19, poisoning by toxic uniforms, and no pay when aircraft are boarding.

Other sections of airline workers are also pushing for new contracts. Pilots at Southwest Airlines and flight attendants at United airlines picketed at airports on Thursday.

American justified keeping workers on the job without a new contract under the pretext of pandemic hardship, and the union bureaucracy did nothing to challenge this.

The APFA bureaucracy, as it did with flight attendants at Southwest and United, will use the anti-democratic provisions of the reactionary Railway Labor Act as an excuse to strip workers of the right to strike and tie them up in an endless loop of government mediation that can even result in the US Congress imposing a pro-company contract, as it did last year with railway workers.

American Airlines flight attendants informational picket at Los Angeles International Airport

The airline industry received a multi-billion bailout under the pandemic CARES Act legislation, following massive stock buybacks and lucrative CEO pay packages. The government handout went into the pockets of management and stockholders while the airlines laid off over 80,000 workers.

American has $30.7 billion in debt, making it the most leveraged US carrier, and is planning a restructuring. It paid out over $2.1 billion in debt payments in 2022 alone.

It plans to reduce total debt by $15 billion by the end of 2025. This didnt stopped CEO Robert Isom from pocketing $4.89 million in 2022, nearly 70 times the pay of the median AA worker, which sits at $71,655 according to the Dallas News. His predecessor made $7.24 million in 2021 and as chairman made $10.6 million in 2022.

Following the strike authorization, APFA held small rallies around the country at various airports including Boston, Charlotte, Washington National, NYC-LaGuardia, Orlando, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago/ OHare, Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

The aim of these rallies is to burn off steam while the union plots behind workers backs with the company.

One such rally was held at the D terminal of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, in an area cordoned off by a significant contingent of police.

The rally was highly controlled by the bureaucracy, with around one bureaucrat for every four workers. Many workers told the WSWS reporting team they couldnt say anything because the union forbade them from talking to media.

While workers were not allowed to speak for themselves, the union was more than willing to provide its spin at a press conference for the corporate media.

Despite the intimidation by ALFA, a few workers spoke to the WSWS, explaining that among their demands are boarding pay, cost of living and profit sharing. AA flight attendants do not receive boarding pay, even if there is a multi-hour delay workers are not paid, meaning that the company is basically extracting free labor. Management gets the largest share of profits at 60 percent while workers get under 2 percent through so-called profit sharing.

Much of the rally consisted of chanting reminiscent of a high school pep-rally, like, Ay ay oh oh corporate greed has got to go, and Everywhere we go people want to know who we are We are the union the mighty mighty union and What do we want contract when do we want it now.

From what this reporter saw, there was no evidence of any attempt by union officials to explain the political substance of the conflict workers are finding themselves in this contract, nor who their friends or enemies are. This is, of course, because the bureaucrats are working to block a real fight and force workers to submit to managements agenda.

Not only do workers find themselves in a struggle against multi-billion dollar corporations, but also against the Democratic and Republican parties. American Airlines has donated over $1.4 million in the 2022 election cycle, roughly split between Democrats and Republicans, and $4.9 million in lobbying in 2022. Charles Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senate leader, received upward of $76,000 from American Airlines, with the next largest recipient being the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Workers also confront the trade union bureaucracy, which is itself bound by a million threads to the Democratic Party, the US financial oligarchy and the capitalist state which exists to guarantee the latters survival. If flight attendants are to win their demands they will have to form rank-and-file committees independent of these forces, and reach out to their class brothers and sisters among the different sections of airline workers, in other airlines and the international working class more broadly.
The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at the University of Newcastle (UoN) in regional Australia, condemns managements ongoing refusal to affiliate our sister club at Sydneys Macquarie University.

IYSSE at University of Newcastle O-week.

Managements claim that the IYSSE shares the same aims and purpose as the Macquarie Socialists, the student and youth organisation of the pseudo-left Socialist Alternative, is false and it knows it. As Macquarie Socialists themselves admit, the IYSSE, which is the student and youth movement of the Socialist Equality Party, has a long record of unbridgeable political differences with Socialist Alternative.

The IYSSE club at Macquarie University has met all the official affiliation requirements.

There is no other conclusion than that university managements decision is a politically targeted attack on the IYSSE as the only socialist, anti-war club on campus. Macquarie University management has played a nefarious role in disaffiliating student associations, as demonstrated last years wrecking operation which culled 67 clubs including the IYSSE.

Blocking the IYSSEs reaffiliation isnt just an attack on the clubs democratic rights, it is an affront to the rights of all students to establish clubs and societies of their choosing. By effectively banning the IYSSE, management is attempting to prevent students and youth from accessing a genuine revolutionary socialist program and anti-war perspective.

All other political tendencies on campus line up behind the braying by capitalist governments and the corporate media to escalate the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine which threatens nuclear catastrophe.

Attempts to silence and block the IYSSE on campuses around the worldincluding in Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Canada and the USpoint to nervousness and concerns within the state that the IYSSEs anti-war perspective is connecting with the growing radicalisation of billions of young people globally.

The IYSSE has opposed efforts by university management and the student associations at UoN to politically censor student clubs and activities.

In 2014, the IYSSE led a campaign opposing efforts by the UoN administration to prevent political clubs, including the IYSSE, from hosting political members on campus during orientation weeks. This was discriminatory attack on the democratic rights of clubs associated with political parties was based on the former Labor governments reactionary Students Services and Amenities Fee legislation.

If allowed to stand, this regulation would have blocked students and clubs from holding lectures, demonstrations and other political events on campus.

These tendencies were continued under the University of Newcastle Student Association (UNSA) which was established as the arm of university management to govern student affairs in 2020.

UNSA introduced new guidelines for clubs and societies that barred student clubs from proselytization in 2021. The rules assert that clubs cannot attempt to persuade a student to change their beliefsa foundation for the democratic right to a free and open discussion of politics, history, current affairs, ideology and philosophy and every area of cultural and intellectual interest.

Macquarie Universitys attempts to bar the IYSSE reflect the transformation of universities into pro-war hubs churning out job-ready graduates for the profit-interests of big business. This trend is incompatible with universities being centres for free and open discussion, particularly on questions of politics, social issues, philosophy and culture.

UNSA has also acted as public relations body for the university administration, hosting meetings in 2021 to justify course cuts and university restructuring to students who are overwhelmingly opposed to the gutting of university courses.

Approximately 500 University of Newcastle casual staff lost their jobs during 2020 and 2021, and a quarter of courses were axed in the restructuring.

The IYSSE led the opposition the UNSAs fundamental attacks on democratic rights and the university administrations attempts to subvert the intellectual and cultural traditions of university campuses.

Across Australia, the increasingly corporatised universities are being integrated into the military-industrial complex.

UoN Vice Chancellor Alex Zelinsky was former Australian Chief Defence Scientist from 2012 to 2018. He played a prominent role in deepening the university sectors partnerships with the defence industry as part of Australias role in US-led war preparations against China in the Indo-Pacific region.

The university has signed industry partnerships with Lockheed Martin, the worlds largest weapons manufacturer, and run virtual lecture series for defence engineering students and simulation training for air force pilots.

While the IYSSE has led the fight against the militarisation of universities, the pro-war pseudo-left Macquarie Socialists slander the IYSSE as sectarian in an attempt to provide management ammunition to further prevent its affiliation. Similar slander was levelled against the IYSSE at UoN late last year by the pseudo-left UoN Socialists.

Such comments highlight the right-wing nature of the fake left and the importance of the IYSSEs presence on the campuses as the only genuine anti-war, socialist revolutionary club.

The UoN IYSSE passed a resolution at one of its club meetings which stated: Everyday in our work on the campuses, we are in a political battle against the fake left who have nothing to do with socialism. These nationalist organisations advance the interests of a privileged layer of the upper middle class, including by defending the corporatised trade union bureaucracy against workers and supporting US-led imperialist wars.

It further stressed that, if Macquarie Universitys blatant act of political censorship is allowed to stand, it would set a dangerous precedent for the silencing of anti-war and left-wing voices on campus.

The resolution concluded: We resolve to develop an active and broad campaign to fight for the overturning of the decision to block our affiliation at Macquarie University as part of the broader struggle for freedom of speech on and off campus.

The IYSSE at UoN demands that management reverse its decision and immediately affiliate the IYSSE.

The IYSSE launched a campaign against the censorship at Macquarie University. More than 600 people have signed a petition against the attack on our club. Add your voice today!

The Macquarie University IYSSE is hosting a meeting titled, End political censorship at Macquarie University! Affiliate the IYSSE! on September 7:

Date: Thursday, 7 September

Time: 5:00 p.m. (AEST)

Room: 14SCO T5 Lecture Theatre, Macquarie University

Or participate in the online livestream via Zoom. Register at this link.

We call on all readers to support the fight to defend the IYSSE at Macquarie University by sending letters of protest over the rejection of the IYSSEs affiliation to the Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging division of university management at studentgroups@mq.edu.au, and CC: iysse.macquarie@gmail.com.

Get in touch with the IYSSE to find out how you can be involved:

Email: iysseaus@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/IYSSEaustralia

Twitter: @IysseA

Instagram: @iysse.aus
A high-profile jury verdict can reveal underlying social truths. Official public opinionconstantly imposed on the working populationcan meet hammer blows in the form of cross-examination.

This was certainly the case with the June 2022 verdict in Depp v. Heard, the defamation suit brought by actor Johnny Depp against his former wife, Amber Heard, for allegations she made in a 2018 Washington Post op-ed headlined, I spoke up against sexual violenceand faced our cultures wrath. That has to change.

Depp v. Heard (2023)

The Fairfax, Virginia jury found that the statement contained in that headline was false and defamatory, as were the following statements in the op-ed:

Then two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our cultures wrath for women who speak out.

and

I had the rare vantage point of seeing, in real time, how institutions protect men accused of abuse.

Over more than six weeks, the jury heard testimony that destroyed Heards credibility and tended to show her as both an aggressor and a ruthless opportunist. A brief review of this evidence is important to fairly assess the three-part Netflix documentary Depp v. Heard directed by Emma Cooper.

Heard testified, for example, that she gifted Depp a Bowie knife in 2012, at a time when Depp was allegedly beating her regularly. She testified that in 2015 Depp smashed an antique, wall-mounted telephone in a residence in Australia, a phone which other witnesses said did not exist. The jury also heard an audio recording of Heard admitting to Depp that she started a physical fight with him, and after Depp recalls that he left the premises because of this, she taunts, Yes, you did, so you did the right thing, the big thing. She continues, You know what, you were admirable.

In another damning audio tape, Heard taunts Depp about his claim that he was attacked, saying, See what the jury and judge think; tell the world, Johnny. Tell them Johnny Depp, I, Johnny Depp, man, Im a victim of domestic violence too  and see how many people believe you or side with you.

A serious documentary film about this trial would be a welcome development. It would need to take as its point of departure the gap between, on the one hand, the #MeToo campaign and its anti-democratic insistence that women accusers must simply be believed and, on the other, Heards unconvincing performance on the witness stand, the verdict rejecting her allegations and the public backlash against Heard and #MeToo.

A serious documentary would need to examine the context of the #MeToo campaign, the social layers who championed the witch-hunt and those who stood to benefit from it. Such a film would seek answers to a host of related, pressing questions.

While Coopers film is useful insofar as it brings together footage of the trial, which has a value in itself, Depp v. Heard approaches the eponymous trial in much the same way as #MeToo approaches allegations of sexual misconduct. Inuendo, amalgam and browbeating replace the burden of proof, the rules of evidence and due process generally.

Director Cooper described her approach in an interview with Rolling Stone: Its really, really hard to figure out what the truth is of anything at the moment, and I was really interested in two people who vehemently believe their own truths, but they both said different things about that truth. I spent a lot of time with the editors banging on about how there are three truths: your truth, my truth, and gods truthor the overseeing eye.

Depp v. Heard

Cooper went on to argue that in the contemporary media everyone can have an opinion, and its really hard to figure out what the truth might be. I was fascinated by this trial and looking at those difficult moral and social questions in our society. I believe in the democratization of facts and of social media. I think its an absolutely amazing thing that everybody can have an immediate opinion about anything, but it makes it complicated to get to the truth.

This is a confession of artistic and intellectual bankruptcy in the guise of the democratization of facts, with the inevitable nod to postmodern subjectivism and relativism. Very few reputable (or bankable) filmmakers today dare to assert they can explain anything, with that word always placed in quotation marks.

Of course, it is complicated to get to the truth. This is not, in fact, a purely contemporary problem. Novelist Leo Tolstoy noted some time ago that it was very difficult to tell the truth. This is the challenge of every serious artist andfor that mattertrial!

Working backward from her unhappiness with the cases outcome, Cooper spends most of her film attacking the overwhelmingly favorable response to Depp on social media, including the many posts and videos mocking Heards testimony. No doubt some of this was simply the Depp fan base making itself felt, but that tended to complement a wider public perception. Cooper ignores one possible explanation for both the verdict and the general tenor of the social media response: that the jury and public may have gotten it right.

In terms of style, Depp v. Heard tows the viewer along with frequent, uppercase intertitles between a collage of footage of Tweets and Tik Tok videos, of various legal and media commentators and of the trial itself.

There are also numerous shots of various actors portraying members of the gullible public, viewing the trial and social media videos on their phonesan Asian man watches while brushing his teeth, a black woman while working at a desk, a white man does laundry, someone else eats cereal, etc. Ominous music plays. Close-up shots of eyes glued to screens inculcates a sense of social media omnipotence.

One focal point of the docuseries concerns video footage taken by Amber Heard showing her setting up and concealing a camera at Depps Los Angeles residence in February 2016. Depp is in a kitchen and kicks a cabinet and slams others closed before pouring himself a large glass of wine on the same surface where Heard has placed the camera. Heard appears to adjust the camera, or remove it from concealmentfrom behind a coffee tumblerto capture the pouring of the wine and the wine bottle which is mostly empty. She asks, Have you drunk this whole thing this morning?

Depp sees the camera and appears to knock it to the floor; Heard appears to pick it up, then smiles and chuckles.

The cabinet incident footage is followed by a video clip featuring celebrity divorce attorney Christopher Melcher, who calls Depps conduct here legally abuse. He opines that Heard ought to be able to argue this was abuse and that she was in an abusive relationship. This opinion is offered uncritically. As we will hear from him later, Melcher is cynical about the jury trial process and the possibility of arriving at the truth.

Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, is the great fuss over the unimportant term, mega-pint. When Heards lawyer, Ben Rottenborn, questioned Depp about the cabinet incident, Rottenborn specifically called the large, full glass a mega-pint, a term that had no bearing on any issue in the case. The glass, cup or mega-pint was entirely visible to the jury.

Depp scoffed at the term in his response to the question. Cooper then inserts the following intertitle:

SOME PEOPLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA CREDITED BEN ROTTENBORN FOR CREATING THE TERM MEGAPINT.

The film depicts TikTok videos making fun of the word, and shows these videos accumulating a seemingly endless number of thumbs ups and likes, as if this had any bearing on anything. But wait for the truthin the form of another intertitle:

BUT THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE UK TRIAL SHOWED THAT JOHNNY DEPP DOES USE THE TERM FIRST.

Case closed!

The entire sequence in Depp v. Heard leaves out the fact that Amber Heard originally sent this footage to the tabloid TMZ after editing out the portions where she was chuckling and smiling.

Amber Heard in Depp v. Heard

Thus, Depp v. Heards structure follows this general pattern: (1) footage of the trial that undercuts Heards allegations of abuse;( 2) intertitles that advise of an immediate and hostile response (to Heard) on social media; followed by (3) viral videos or posts; and (4) some expert opinion reinforcing the premise that social media made everything unfair for Heard.

This formula is repeated on a number of occasions.

Another critical and unsavory ingredient of Coopers documentary is the unproven allegationintended to nullify the verdictthat Depps team organized a massive, underhanded social media campaign to help his trial prospects and that the jury violated their oath and used social media during the trial and were influenced by it.

As the third and final episode of Depp v. Heard draws to a close, attorney Melchers voice emerges over another collage of footage and images: The thing is about justice is, its not about the truth, its not about right or wrong. Its about what the judge and jury believes [sic]. Not a bad summary of the method of #MeToo!

What can one say about such a documentary?

Largely devoid of artistic merit, it expresses upper-middle-class frustration as the #MeToo campaigna centerpiece of the Democratic Partyhas faltered. The films hatred for social media echoes the television news medias contempt for blogs and internet news sources years ago. People need to be told what to think by broadcast news pundits and other gatekeepers!

More generally, the hostility toward social media reflects deep fear that a means of changing the discussion from social class to gender will now fall on deaf ears, or worse.
On Tuesday, Trump-appointed Judge Timothy Kelly sentenced the ex-head of the fascist Proud Boys militia group, Henry Enrique Tarrio, to 22 years in prison for the leading role he played in organizing the right-wing mob that attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021 in an effort to prevent the certification of the pro-Biden Electoral College vote.

Former Proud Boys chairman and longtime FBI informant Henry "Enrique" Tarrio. [Photo: Alexandria Sheriff's Office]

The 22-year sentence is the most severe of all those handed down by judges in more than 1,100 cases relating to the violent assault on Congress on January 6. The sentence reflects the instrumental role the Proud Boys, under Tarrios leadership, played in the events of that day.



Throughout the trial and sentencing, prosecutors frequently referred to Tarrio as a general, who was leading his Proud Boys troops from afar during the attack.



Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, III Percenters and other far-right militia groups and fascistic forces were summoned to Washington D.C. by former President Donald Trump as part of the Republican Partys multifaceted effort to overturn the 2020 election and install Trump as presidential dictator. The near-success of the coup was due to the support it received from the Republican Party and sympathetic elements within the local and federal police agencies as well as the military.



During the trial, it was revealed that Tarrio regularly coordinated with and received information from D.C. Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Shane Lamond. Text messages revealed during the trial show that beginning in 2019 and in the lead-up to the coup, the veteran police officer fed Tarrio information about alleged Antifa mobilizations and police deployments.



In December 2020, following a Stop the Steal rally in D.C. (District of Columbia), Tarrio tipped off Lamond that he had called in his own arrest for burning a Black Lives Matter banner.



Lamond took as good coin Tarrios claims that the burning of the banner was not a hate crime because there were non-white people in the Proud Boys. Lamond warned Tarrio that after his admission, the D.C. Metropolitan police had issued a warrant for his arrest.

Seeking to give himself plausible deniability for the coming coup, Tarrio, working with Lamond, ensured that he was arrested on January 4, two days before the attack. At the same time, he used his pre-arranged arrest to further inflame the Proud Boys and other fascists who were planning to attack the Capitol and to encourage violent attacks on the under-deployed police guarding the Capitol while a joint session of Congress met to officially count the Electoral College vote.

Lamond was indicted on May 18 of this year for obstruction of justice and providing false statements related to his cozy relationship with the fascist militia group. His trial is set to begin in February 2024.



Lamond is by no means the only representative of police agencies who enjoyed close relations with the Proud Boys. Following the January 6 attempted coup, it was revealed that Tarrio had been a prolific informant for the FBI since 2012. Two months later, the lawyer for Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs revealed that his client had been an FBI informant since 2019.

Last week, Judge Kelly sentenced Biggs, who had been convicted of seditious conspiracy, to 17 years in prison.

Convicted Proud Boy, former US Army sergeant and InfoWars correspondent Joe Biggs.

Despite the FBI infiltration of the Proud Boys and other fascist militia groups, neither the FBI nor any other federal police agency issued a public threat assessment or warning in advance of January 6 that neo-Nazis summoned by Trump would be amassing to disrupt the official certification of Bidens victory.



Seeking to cover for their complicity in facilitating the attack, FBI Director Christopher Wray and other federal police and intelligence leaders perjured themselves at multiple hearings on the events of that day. Wray testified before Congress that the agency did not have any informants in the Proud Boys, while former assistant director of counter-terrorism Jill Sanborn testified that it was illegal for the FBI to monitor the public social media communications of the group.



Tarrios 22-year sentence is four years longer than the sentences handed down earlier against the founder of the Oath Keepers Stewart Rhodes and Washington Proud Boys chapter leader Ethan Nordean, both of whom were convicted of seditious conspiracy. However, the 22-year sentence is 11 years less than what was sought by prosecutors and five years less than the minimum sentencing guidelines.



During the sentencing hearing, Judge Kelly rebutted arguments from Tarrios lawyers that because Tarrio was not in D.C. during the coup, sentence enhancements on grounds of terrorism did not apply. Kelly noted that in text messages sent by Tarrio in the lead-up to the attack, he directed the Proud Boys to bring paramilitary gear, including pepper spray. During the trial, video was played showing convicted Proud Boy Zachary Rehl pepper-spraying a cop on January 6.



Kelly noted that in the same high-level chats, Tarrio and the Proud Boys discussed bringing radios and dressing incognito, that is, shunning their traditional black and yellow colors and Fred Perry polos in order to blend in with the crowd and hide from the police.



In seeking a 15-year sentence for his client, Tarrios attorney, Sabino Jauregui, argued that Tarrio was not a terrorist, only a misguided patriot, and that the Proud Boys only brought pepper spray and military gear to fight Antifa. Jauregui repeatedly tried to claim that Tarrio was not in communications with Proud Boys during the attack on the Capitol.



US Attorney Conor Mulroe refuted Jaureguis claim that Tarrio was incommunicado with his Proud Boys lieutenants on January 5 and during the siege itself. Mulroe noted that the jury convicted Tarrio based on numerous messages and phone calls Tarrio made with Proud Boys leaders Ethan minister of war Nordean and Jeremy Bertino on January 5, and that during the attack itself, Biggs and Tarrio had a 42-second phone call.



In his closing sentencing argument, Mulroe emphasized that many Proud Boys were in the first wave of the attack and were instrumental in breaking through police lines and forcing their way into the Capitol itself. Mulroe said that as the Proud Boys leader, Tarrio distributed plans, dubbed 1776 Returns, that called for occupying the Capitol and other government buildings to delay certification. Mulroe said the militia leader glorified violence and sought to cultivate fear about the organization. He pointed to private messages in which Tarrio favorably compared himself to Nazi Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels.



Refuting notions that Tarrio was remorseful, Mulroe noted that following the arrest of his comrades in 2021, Tarrio posed for a photograph in Washington D.C. in which he appeared to be lighting the Capitol on fire. The prosecutor added that when the jury was deliberating in the Proud Boys trial earlier this year, Tarrio went on a podcast and proclaimed: The Proud Boys did nothing wrong.

Enrique Tarrio symbolically raising a lighter to the US Capitol in September 2021, prior to beginning a five-month jail sentence for burning a "Black Lives Matter" banner in December 2020. [Photo: US Department of Justice]

Prior to sentencing, Judge Kelly agreed with many of the arguments advanced by the prosecutors and emphasized Tarrios leadership role within the group. He noted that Tarrio created the Ministry of Self-Defense encrypted chat group made up of top Proud Boys leaders following Trumps December 18, 2020 tweet calling for a wild protest in D.C. on January 6, and that Tarrio agreed with Biggs that the group needed to get radical and mobilize real men for the upcoming attack.



Kelly noted that not being in D.C. on the morning of January 6 provided Tarrio some strategic benefits. The judge drew attention to the fact that Biggs had messaged other Proud Boys on January 6 saying that he had spoken with Tarrio that morning. During the attack itself, Tarrio issued commands to the group, writing on social media, Dont f*cking leave, and Im proud of my boys and my country. In separate private messages to Proud Boys leaders as the attack was ongoing, Tarrio wrote, Make no mistake, we did this.



Including Tarrio, four members of the Proud Boys have been convicted of seditious conspiracy, a Civil War-era charge used against Confederates who plotted and took up arms against the United States.



Last week, Judge Kelly sentenced Proud Boys Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola to prison terms ranging from 10 years (Pezzola) to 18 years (Nordean).



Following his January 4, 2021 arrest for burning a Black Lives Matter banner, Tarrio was barred by the US government from entering Washington D.C. But despite the ban, Tarrio managed to secure an in-person meeting with Oath Keepers leader Rhodes in a D.C. parking garage less than 48 hours before the attack.

Both Rhodes and Tarrio were members of the Friends of Stone text message chat groupa select group of high-level Republican operatives and militia elements organized by Trump confidante Roger Stone in the lead-up to the coup.

Stone is one of several high-level Trump operatives known to have close ties to the right-wing militias that stormed the Capitol but who have not been charged for their actions. Stone has maintained a relationship with Tarrio since 2014 and even helped him run for Congress in 2019. At Trump rallies and Proud Boys events throughout the Trump presidency and leading up to the coup, Tarrio frequently wore T-shirts that read Roger Stone did nothing wrong.



In addition to Stone, former Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and InfoWars host Alex Jones, both of whom enjoy close relations with the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, have yet to be charged for their actions in connection with January 6. During a September 2 InfoWars show, Jones had as guests Flynn and Biggs, the latter appearing from his prison cell.



In his interview with Jones, Biggs implored Jones listeners to vote for Trump so that a reelected Trump could pardon the Proud Boys. I know Trump will pardon us, Biggs told Jones. I believe that with all my heart.



And he should, Biggs added. We didnt do anything. We are his supporters. We went there like he asked.

Biggs confirmed that Tarrio was sitting next to him, and that Tarrio would come on Jones program following his sentencing hearing.



While the sentences handed down against the Proud Boys leaders are substantial, the most significant fact is that all of those forces within the state apparatus, including the Republican Party, the police, the FBI and the military, who supported Trumps coup remain free, and, with the exception of a small circle around Trump, have not even been indicted.

This includes members of the Supreme Court, such as Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. The formers wife, Virginia Thomas, played a central role in the submission of fake pro-Trump slates of electors in swing states that went for Biden, yet Justice Thomas has refused to recuse himself from cases related to the attempted coup.

Alito held off issuing a ruling on a suit filed by Trump lawyers to delay the certification of Bidens victory, waiting until January 7 to reject it, i.e., only after it was clear that the fascist siege of Congress had failed to prevent the vote to certify Bidens win. Had the insurrection succeeded, there is little doubt that Alito would have ruled differently.

Then there are Trumps co-conspirators within the police-military-intelligence apparatus, such as generals Charles Flynn and Walter Piatt and former acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, all of whom worked in tandem to block the deployment of D.C. National Guard troops to the Capitol during the attack.



This underscores that the defense of democratic rights cannot be left to the Democratic Party, whose political cowardice and duplicity have enabled Trump and the Republicans to continue and intensify their conspiracy to establish dictatorial rule. Biden and the Democrats have deliberately covered up the scope of the conspiracy in order to politically chloroform the working class and maintain bipartisan support for the war against Russia in Ukraine and the war preparations against China, while intensifying attacks on working class living standards to make workers pay for the war and bailouts of the rich.
After tens of thousands of workers and youth protested this weekend in Nigers capital, Niamey, thousands have encircled the NATO military base in Niamey. The base hosts some 1,500 French troops alongside US and Italian troops, fighter jets, killer drones and attack helicopters. Protesters are demanding that French troops, who have intervened across Frances former colonial empire in the Sahel during the 2013-2022 French war in neighboring Mali, leave immediately.

French soldiers disembark from a U.S. Air Force C130 cargo plane at Niamey, Niger base, on June 9, 2021. [AP Photo]

A protester outside the Niamey base, Ibrahim Mohamed, told France Info he could not find any innocent explanation for the spate of mass murders in villages that took place across the Sahel during Frances war in Mali. With all the tools France has today with surveillance drones and heavy weapons  I dont understand how individuals on motorcycles can come kill our people day and night, he said.

Maikoul Zodi, the Niger coordinator of the Turn The Page activist network who addressed protesters surrounding the Niamey base yesterday, declared: [W]e have encircled this base and we will camp out here until the last French soldiers leave our territory before we go home.

Paris is pursuing a blatantly neocolonial policy, however. President Emmanuel Macron and the military brass still refuse to withdraw their troops or replace Frances unpopular ambassador to Niger, Sylvain Itte. Anonymous French officers are issuing threats in the press to crack down on protests in Niamey and pledging that any withdrawal they carry out will aim to strengthen French combat effectiveness across the entire Sahel.

France Info cited the army general staff as warning that French forces are ready to retaliate against any threat to [Frances] military and diplomatic positions in Niger.

Yesterday, French officials confirmed that they have opened talks with Nigers military regime on a partial withdrawal of French troops from Niamey. However, the purpose of these talks is to give French troops the option to redeploy out of the most contested areas in Niger, so they could continue combat duties elsewhere in the region.

Le Figaro wrote: It is useless to leave more than one thousand soldiers inactive in this area. Functional discussions have begun to organize the withdrawal of certain military elements, according to the defense ministry. These are preparatory discussions, that are technical and not political, it is said. The soldiers could be deployed elsewhere, their number is not yet decided. The general staff wants to maintain its operational credibility on the ground [in Niger]. The move could of course be reversed.

In the meantime, French officials are ignoring an offer from China, Nigers second-largest trading partner after France, to mediate between Paris and the Nigerien junta. Chinese Ambassador to Niger Jiang Feng extended this offer after meeting with Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, the prime minister nominated by the Nigerien military junta.

The Chinese government intends to play a positive role, as a mediator, completely respecting regional countries in order to find a political solution to this Nigerien crisis, Jiang said. China always follows the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs, Jiang added, saying that he hoped African countries could solve their problems, African-style.

The Chinese regimes attempt to broker a settlement with Paris reflects concerns within ruling circles in Beijing over Macrons aggressive policy in Niger. Since the July 26 coup in Niger ousted French-backed President Mohamed Bazoum, Macron has pressed aggressively to slap sanctions on Niger and prepare an invasion of the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries to return Bazoum to power. The sanctions and the threat to topple the junta in Niamey cuts across significant Chinese economic interests.

Beijing is building major infrastructure projects in Niger, which decades of French domination since formal independence from France in 1960 have left as one of the worlds poorest countries. It is building a 2,000-kilometer oil pipeline to transport Nigerien oil to ports in Benin, and a 1 billion hydropower plant at Kandadji on the Niger river to reduce the number of blackouts in Niger. It is unclear whether French-ECOWAS sanctions can block Beijings projects, or whether Nigerien oil sales on world markets can allow Niamey to evade the ECOWAS sanctions.

Already, however, it is apparent that Paris faces the deepest challenge to its hegemony over its former colonial empire since the bloody 1954-1962 war for Algerian independence from France. The coup in Niger came after a series of coups in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso which brought to power military regimes that demanded the departure of French troops from their countries. This reflected growing outrage among workers and youth at the bloodshed in Mali and across the Sahel during Frances 2013-2022 war in Mali.

The crisis of French imperialism is all the more serious due to the explosive opposition in the working class in France to Macrons austerity diktat at home. He rammed through pension cuts this spring in the face of overwhelming popular opposition and mass strikes by millions of workers, trampling the will of the people underfoot and sending riot police squads to brutally assault strikers and protesters. Having slashed pensions, Macron then rammed through a 100 billion increase in Frances military budget amid the NATO war on Russia in Ukraine.

The objective conditions for a united, international revolutionary struggle of workers in France and in Frances former African colonies against imperialism are emerging.

The decisive question facing the construction of such a movement is a political break with the national trade union bureaucracies and allied pseudo-left or nationalist parties, based on an international struggle against imperialist war and for socialism. In France, these forces blocked broader strike action this spring to bring down Macron during the pensions struggle. In Niger and across the Sahel, they are working to prop up the military juntas negotiations with imperialism, while trying to falsely present the juntas as left, anti-imperialist governments.

In reality, the junta in Niger is desperately seeking to maintain relations with Macron, while trying to defuse explosive opposition to imperialism among workers and youth. Indeed, as talks between the Nigerien and French militaries over a partial French evacuation proceeded, Nigers junta made its position unmistakably clear in a press conference by Prime Minister Zeine.

Zeine called for cooperation with French imperialism, while noting that Frances military presence in Niger is in a position of illegality as it is opposed by the population and not authorized by the government. Pointing to the juntas exchanges with the French army, he said: What we would like is, if possible, to maintain a cooperation with the country with whom we share so many things.

Similarly, despite their invocations of opposition to France, the human rights organizations and activist groups in the Turn The Page network that is intervening in the protests in Niger are also closely tied to imperialist interests. The networks web site lists among its sponsors the French states French Development Agency (AFD), the German state-funded Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, and the US National Democratic Institute (NDI). The NDI is part of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a longtime conduit for CIA funds.

The struggle against imperialism and war can only proceed through a conscious turn to unify workers struggles internationally across Africa, Europe and beyond into a movement against imperialism and the capitalist elites domination of social and economic life. This signifies opposing both imperialism and its various petty-bourgeois agencies in former colonial countries and building an international movement of the working class against imperialist war and for socialism.
China, Europe see burgeoning potential for EV industrial cooperation

Xinhua) 08:23, September 06, 2023

MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 2023 International Motor Show (IAA), one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday, with German and Chinese exhibitors in the limelight.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe.

"Shenxing," a fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery made by China's EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), is displayed during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

GROWING TOGETHER

"Everybody here at the IAA is so excited to have so many Chinese brands here. We could see how they realize this digital revolution in products. Chinese brands are here to really keep a picture of the world of mobility, which also reinforces the international aspect of the IAA name," said Peter Fintl, vice president of technology and innovation at Capgemini Engineering.

Before the official opening of the IAA MOBILITY, carmakers and suppliers, half of which came from outside Germany, showcased their latest innovations at dozens of press conferences on Monday. China's EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) presented a new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery named "Shenxing," which can power 400 km of driving range with a 10-minute charge.

The new technology aims to provide lower-cost vehicle batteries and make fast-charging technologies more affordable to consumers, said CATL cell design engineer Gao Pengfei.

"We hope this battery could become a new standard for the industry," Gao said, adding that European EV manufacturers have been interested in CATL's new technologies, which could enhance their competitiveness in this rapidly developing industry.

"European manufacturers look forward to our competitive supplies," he said. "It's win-win cooperation."

People talk at the booth of ZF Group during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

ZF Group, a hidden champion in the auto supply industry, has opened three plants and four R&D centers in China, a sign of its growing presence in the country.

The company has noticed the continuous growth of the Chinese automotive market, especially the increasing penetration of new energy vehicles, said Graciana Petersen, head of Strategy &Transformation at ZF Group, at a meeting on Monday.

"It's not just a matter of quantity. It's also a matter of quality," she said, adding that Chinese consumers are having notably high standards and expectations for the safest and most intelligent components and systems in their cars.

"So we of course want to grow with our Chinese customers and partners. We are fully aware of the strength and rapid technological advancement of the Chinese automotive industry, and we are prepared to collaborate and grow together," Petersen said.

A BMW i5 electric car is displayed during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany, Sept. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

EMBRACING COMPETITION

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that it is impossible to decouple from China because China is important in terms of raw materials, manufacturing competence and its size of economy.

"China is BMW's largest market, and we are very connected and involved in the Chinese market," Zipse said.

Speaking of Chinese automakers, Zipse believed that "we have to embrace competition."

Chen Yudong, president of Bosch China, said that there is a growing trend among Chinese automotive brands entering the European market, presenting both opportunities and challenges. As a global company, Bosch has established a robust international business presence and network.

"We are open to supporting our customers' business development wherever there is a market need and an established business presence," he said.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows the booth of Bosch during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

China is the largest market in the world for Bosch Group. The long-term localization strategy and competent local workforce in China have laid a solid foundation for the development of Bosch's businesses in the country. Bosch will continue to invest in the China market to meet the growing demand from China customers.

Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, said in a recent interview with Xinhua that Volkswagen has "a clear focus on China." As the biggest carmaker in China, he believed that Volkswagen is successful in China and has partners who show a strong commitment.

China will also play a big role for Volkswagen in the future. "We are heavily committed to our investments. Our commitment is underlined by our own activities, and we are also building close partnerships," he said.

"We will combine our experience, our knowledge with new technologies being developed in China. This combination will make us so special. We have our heritage, and we will integrate these new technologies into our well-known products," the Volkswagen CEO said.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows a BYD Seal electric car during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

WIN-WIN COOPERATION

The auto industry is never a sole-player game, especially when it faces historic changes, such as the debut of electric vehicles.

ZF Group CEO Holger Klein told Xinhua that China holds a crucial position within the ZF Group, as its development isn't solely focused on the Chinese market, but also contributes significantly to the global expansion of ZF's business.

He said that the scale effect, necessary for the development of the auto industry, should not only be supported by China's large volume, but also allow Chinese-developed technologies to go global.

He was impressed by the dynamic Chinese market because it has a much younger customer group and the Chinese consumers are very open to innovation.

"That's why we very much enjoy offering them the latest innovation in China and developing it with our Chinese colleagues together because they are close to the market, they understand the customers' needs. And that's how we drive innovation," he said.

Fintl reckoned that in terms of rapid progress in electric vehicles, battery size, cost, or overall efficiency, many Chinese brands have really been the ones to set the pace.

CATL became a supplier to BMW soon after its founding in 2011. The battery giant has cooperated with companies including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and PSA ever since.

CATL has followed the standards and needs of clients since the early days of such cooperation. However, "this is a real fast-developing industry," Gao said, noting that the company then realized that such standards could no longer match the fast evolving technologies of this industry.

"We started to try exploring new standards and break through the existing bottleneck," he said.

This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows an Audi e-tron prototype during the press preview of the 2023 International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, Germany. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

Blume considered it a "good opportunity" to exchange engineers between Volkswagen and XPENG.

"For me, it's always important to have a win-win situation when you make partnerships, and that's what we used to do with our joint venture partners, FAW and SAIC, in the past. In the future, with XPENG or in our joint venture with Horizon Robotics, there will also be the positivity in these partnerships," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Irakli Kobakhidze, the chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has stated that the primary objective of initiating the impeachment procedure is to have the Constitutional Court verify a clear violation of the Constitution by the President. Kobakhidze views the impeachment process as an opportunity to unveil the connection between President Zourabichvili and the 'radical' opposition."The goal is simple: the Constitutional Court to affirm, through its conclusion, the blatant violation of the Constitution by the President.We've stated from the outset that there aren't 100 votes in parliament. The radical opposition, which acts in line with Salome Zourabichvili and shares a common agenda, will not support the impeachment of someone they've branded a traitor. They share a common agenda and a common patron. So, the objective isn't to secure 100 votes. The objective is for the Constitutional Court to officially determine the violation of Georgia's Constitution within the impeachment procedure.Once that happens, everything will become clear. The alliance between Salome Zourabichvili and the radical opposition will be exposed. Once again, the radical opposition will demonstrate that it's a political force that disregards the Constitution. Remember how they violated the Constitution before 2012, and now they're doing it from the opposition," Kobakhidze said.Former US Assistant Secretary of State, Daniel Fried, stated that he does not comprehend the reasons behind the impeachment of President Salome Zourabichvili.Fried expressed his belief that Georgia should present a pro-European image to the world, regardless of which political party is in power. He specifically mentioned President Zourabichvili as someone he has known for a long time and noted her consistent support for Georgia's European future.Daniel Friend stated that he doesn't understand the basis for the impeachment but he emphasized that his primary concern is Georgia's efforts to establish itself as a European country.He concluded by stating that the more Georgia does to make its case for European integration, the better it will be for everyone."The face that Georgia presents to the world should be, at least in my view, a pro-European face, no matter which party is in control. Now President Zourabichvili is someone I've known for many years and she has been a strong, consistent advocate of Georgia's European future. She's pushing that. And, I don't understand the basis for the impeachment, but that's not my business. The fact is the more Georgia does to build a case for itself as a European country, the better life we all will have," Fried stated.
Shougang Park, the once-largest steelmaker in Beijing, has just hosted the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services with over 2,000 enterprises across the globe taking part in offline exhibitions.

The former industrial complex was renowned for its Big Air stadium, which impressed the world during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

How did Shougang Park manage the stunt of industrial transformation and turn itself into a popular venue for big international events? Watch this video for more.




The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) has made a highly unusual intervention into political affairs by attacking the underlying aims of four recent visits to Beijing by US government officials.

It came a week after the departure of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, following earlier visits by the US special envoy for climate, John Kerry, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, centre left, talks to US Ambassador to China Nick Burns, left, as they head to a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. [AP Photo/Andy Wong, Pool]

In a statement issued on its official WeChat social media account, the MSS said: Recently, a number of US officials visited China one after another, saying that the Biden administration has no intention to curb Chinas development or seek decoupling from China.

It went on to make clear that the ministry is not under any illusions about the continuation of the US drive against China on both the economic and military fronts. The MSS cited Washingtons recent approvals of arms sales and military financing to Taiwan, moves which are in line with the increasing abandonment by the US of the one China policy which recognises Taiwan as part of China.

Characterising the present diplomatic initiatives by the US towards China as old wine new bottles, the MSS statement said: China will never relax its vigilance because of a few beautiful words from the United States.

It is not possible to ascertain whether the MSS initiated the statements and obtained approval from President Xi Jinping or whether it was the other way around.

Whatever its origins, the statement was intended to make clear that despite statements from Premier Li Qiang, expressing hope that the US would work with China and take steps to develop the bilateral relationship, Beijing is well aware of the underlying US objectives.

Significantly, the MSS statement went beyond military considerations and referred to the economy saying the US had openly badmouthed the Chinese economy.

In a press conference with journalists during her visit, Raimondo said the Chinese economy was uninvestible. That followed earlier comments by Biden that because of its growing problems China was a ticking time bomb.

The MSS said that both the Trump and Biden administrations had relentlessly escalated decoupling and containment of China.

This is being carried out through the imposition of controls on the export of the highest-grade computer chips and other advanced technology to China on the grounds that this constitutes a threat to US national security.

The US maintains that the controls cover only a narrow range of technologies. But innumerable reports, both by government agencies and strategic think tanks, underline that in US ruling circles the acquisition by China of the technologies needed for the next stage of economic advance, such as artificial intelligence, apart from any military implications, is regarded as a threat to the US.

Raimondo herself made this clear in remarks at a conference in July when she said export controls were at the red hot centre of how we protect our democracies.

Even before she left China, Raimondo left no doubt that for all the talk of opening up channels of communication and dialogue with Beijing, the US was not going to make any concessions or compromises in what amounts to escalating economic warfare.

The aim of any talks was not to open the way for negotiation but simply to let China know how US laws operated and avoid any miscalculation, Raimondo said. That was a reference to the fear in Washington that China may retaliate by cutting off supply chains before the US has developed other sources.

Raimondo underscored the central aim of US policy on her return to the US.

Speaking last Sunday, she claimed export controls were not about gaining economic advantage but were aimed at national security.

We are not going to sell the most sophisticated chips to China that they want for their military capacity, Raimondo said.

The US, she continued, would continue to sell billions of dollars of chips to China because the vast majority of chips that are made are not the leading edge, cutting edge that Im talking about.

There is no hard and fast line between military-use chips and those used for economic development and the US bans are aimed precisely at preventing the development of the new technologies that the Xi regime considers necessary for the next stage of economic advancement.

Over recent months there has been a significant slowdown in the Chinese economy. There has also been considerable conjecture over why the government has not resorted to economic stimulus measures of the kind it has employed in the past, particularly for the real estate sector which accounts for about a quarter of the Chinese economy directly and indirectly.

The reason is a recognition in ruling circles that such measures will not bring about the same economic development they once did and, moreover, that they will simply add to the accumulation of debt and create the conditions for a financial crisis.

Accordingly, the central economic strategy is the development of high tech in key areas of the economy, but it is exactly this sort of the development that the US is seeking to block, fearing it will undermine its already waning economic supremacy on a global scale.

Outlining Chinas economic strategy, an unnamed government official told the Financial Times the priority was controlling risks and not trying to boost home sales. They indicated that the growth model had to be adjusted away from property and infrastructure development to consumer services and high-tech manufacturing.

However, this shift requires access to the most advanced chips, which the US is seeking to block.

In its statement, the MSS not only pointed to the real aim of the US visits but fired something of a warning shot.

Following the meeting between Biden and Xi last year at the G20 meeting in Bali, another face-to-face meeting has been mooted for November during the Asia Pacific Cooperation forum in San Francisco. But that may not take place.

To truly achieve From Bali to San Francisco, the United States needs to show sufficient sincerity, the MSS statement said.
This aerial photo taken on July 20, 2023 shows Tegalluar Station of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and nearby scenery in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) and future transit-oriented development will bring new economic growth and job opportunities to West Java and its people, said the governor of the province.

Ridwan Kamil, chief of the Indonesian province located in the west of the Java island, told Xinhua in a recent interview that with the travel time between national capital Jakarta and provincial capital Bandung to be cut to 40 minutes from over three hours, the possibility will increase of more people moving to Bandung to live and work.

The high-speed rail is a flagship project under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), spanning 142.3 km with a design speed of 350 km per hour.

"We are designing a master plan for a new city with more buildings around the high-speed railway stations," said Kamil. "With new infrastructure facilities being built and more investments coming, at the end of the day, you will see an increase of job opportunities for your children, the young generation of West Java people."

Kamil had been an architect and lived in China for three years, where he had made high-speed train trips. He said his experience could bear witness to the smoothness of high-speed train travel for the West Java people.

He believes that Bandung will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the high-speed rail as improved transportation conditions will surely attract more tourists and tourism-related businesses.

Based on previous experiences, Kamil said, with the improvement of transportation infrastructure, the employment rate in more remote areas will increase. People who used to be domestic workers or farmers can possibly shift to the local services industry, thereby improving their living standards with higher incomes, according to him.

"We'll create new tourism businesses and jobs for ordinary people, as a result of more tourists coming to see West Java's volcanoes and waterfalls, and spending money there," the governor said.

According to him, China has already been the major source of investment for West Java. On this basis, the high-speed rail will further enhance the investor confidence, especially in the high-tech and manufacturing industries, thus effectively stimulating the local economic growth, he noted.

Kamil appreciates the special feelings the Chinese people hold towards Bandung over the 1955 Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, which has left the world a rich legacy including the spirit of unity, friendship and cooperation.

"Sixty-eight years later, we've built the high-speed railway project with China, the same country with which we fought for anti-colonialism and independence together at that time," said Kamil, adding that the spirit of Bandung is still alive today with new themes. "Now we fight poverty and injustice together."

"This HSR project symbolizes that the two nations have good communication, which has been translated into businesses that benefit both," he said. 

This photo taken on Aug. 7, 2023 shows the scenery near the office building of West Java Provincial Government in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Ridwan Kamil, chief of West Java Province, receives an interview with Xinhua in Bandung, Indonesia, Aug. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

This aerial photo taken on July 20, 2023 shows high-speed railway trains parking near the joint workshop for Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Bandung, West Java Province, Indonesia.(Xinhua/Xu Qin)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo with participants attending the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. Li attended the 26th APT Summit here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday that the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries, and indeed all countries in Asia, share so many things in common.

They share a common home, common interests and common opportunities, Li said at the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit.

Over the past 20 years, the APT mechanism has stood the test of numerous crises and challenges, and played an important role in promoting regional development and prosperity, Li said.

The more difficult it is, the more regional countries need to stay together, show solidarity and coordinate with one another, Li noted.

We should act in the overall interests of peace and development in Asia, seek common ground while shelving differences, continuously consolidate the cooperation foundation of the APT mechanism, jointly respond to various risks and challenges, join hands to promote regional development, prosperity and stability, and strive to build an Asian community with a shared future, Li said.

As the world is entering a new period of turbulence and change, the cause of global development faces great challenges, Li noted, calling on regional countries to place development at a prominent place on the regional cooperation agenda.

He further called for removing all kinds of disturbances, tapping the potential of cooperation, and striving to find a path of development which is more stable, dynamic and beneficial to all.

Calling for enhanced innovation cooperation among regional parties to foster more new economic growth points, Li said taking the implementation of the newest APT Cooperation Work Plan as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with all parties to jointly build an economic growth center and focus on three priorities.

The first thing, he said, is to continue to promote regional economic integration, unleash the dividends of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, vigorously promote the free flow of factors of production, and promote the expansion and upgrading of trade and investment.

It is hoped that all parties will support Hong Kong's accession to the agreement as the first batch of new members, Li added.

"Second, we should continue to deepen regional industrial division and coordination, uphold the spirit of openness and win-win cooperation, continue to leverage geographical proximity and economic complementarity and other advantages, and promote the optimization and upgrading of regional industrial and supply chains in a stable manner," Li said.

Noting that the third thing is to strengthen the leading role of scientific and technological innovation, Li said that China is ready to deepen innovation cooperation with other parties on digital economy, clean energy and new energy vehicles to jointly promote the development of emerging industries and foster more new economic growth points.

Li also clarified China's position on the issue of the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant, and called on Japan to handle the matter responsibly.

The disposal of nuclear-contaminated water concerns the global marine ecological environment and people's health, Li said.

He called on Japan to faithfully fulfill its international obligations, fully consult with its neighbors and related stakeholders, and handle the nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

Leaders attending the summit noted that the APT cooperation has made important contributions to safeguarding regional stability and promoting regional development.

Relevant parties should coordinate actions, uphold multilateralism, and take the implementation of the newest APT Cooperation Work Plan as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, investment, digital economy, as well as green and low-carbon development, they said.

The leaders also said that relevant parties should join hands to cope with such global challenges as climate change, energy and food security, so as to inject new impetus into regional stability and prosperity, and make East Asia a center of peace and growth.

A joint declaration on developing the electric vehicle ecosystem among leaders of the APT countries was adopted at the summit. 
This photo taken on Sept. 4, 2023 shows the news conference of the China-Tanzania investment forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A delegation of more than 100 Chinese investors has confirmed to participate in the China-Tanzania investment forum to be held in Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub of Tanzania, on Sept. 25, organizers have said. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of more than 100 Chinese investors has confirmed to participate in the China-Tanzania investment forum to be held in Dar es Salaam, the commercial hub of Tanzania, on Sept. 25, organizers have said.

Huang Zaisheng, chairman of Sinotan Industrial Park in Tanzania and coordinator of the forum, said the forum has been guided by the Chinese embassy in Tanzania and jointly organized by the Tanzania Investment Center (TIC), the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) and the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI).

Huang told a news conference in Dar es Salaam Monday that the Chinese delegation will comprise more than 100 economic and trade representatives led by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Zhejiang Provincial Committee and the Jinhua Municipal People's Government, also in Zhejiang Province, east China.

The Zhejiang-Jinhua enterprises span various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment, daily household products, and logistics services, Huang said, adding that the Chinese investors aim to establish long-term partnerships with Tanzanian government departments and businesses.

John Mnali, TIC's director of investment promotion, said statistics showed that China was the largest investor in Tanzania, adding that Tanzania will use the forum for exploring investment opportunities that require cooperation with Chinese investors.

Leodegar Tenga, CTI executive director, said Tanzanian industrialists looked forward to attending the forum, stressing that China is a perfect partner when it comes to the development of an industrial economy.

Yang Zeyu, an attache in the economic and commercial sector of the Chinese embassy in Tanzania, said China has been Tanzania's largest source of investment. "The cement, ceramics, glass, and cables produced by Chinese companies in Tanzania have boosted Tanzania's industrialization process." 
Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 78th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Dennis Francis. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Dennis Francis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his opening remarks read on his behalf by his deputy, Amina Mohammed, warned of a world of deep challenge and division that is testing the United Nations.

"Despite profound global challenges, this is not a moment for pessimism. This is a moment for action," he said. "Action for peace and human rights; action to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals and tackle the existential threat of climate change; action to create productive jobs and expand economic opportunity, especially for women and young people; action to ensure that rapid evolutions in technology like artificial intelligence are a help, and not a harm, to humanity; action to build a world of hope and promise for all that leaves no-one behind."

"More than any room on earth, the General Assembly represents our common humanity and our shared commitment for peace, sustainable development and human rights. Let's forge the solutions that all people expect and make progress toward a better, and a more peaceful and prosperous future, and a healthier planet," said Guterres.

In his opening remarks, Francis said the new session of the General Assembly began "amid a daunting global agenda, beset by a series of cascading challenges."

He called on member states to push for and nurture peace by empowering those most vulnerable; to deliver shared prosperity by unlocking the resources required for transformational results; to accelerate progress by capitalizing on the enablers of youth, innovation, and technology; and to drive sustainability.

"This session, I will commit to engaging regional and other groups to collectively collaborate to bring to life a renewed atmosphere of global cooperation and shared commitments. My ambition is for the General Assembly to address the array of challenges it faces in the most effective and inclusive way possible," said Francis.

He called on member states to adopt a true spirit of multilateralism for problem-solving "so that we can better protect, if not guarantee, the security and dignity of humankind."

Francis, a diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, was sworn in at the closing of the 77th session of the General Assembly on Tuesday morning.

The intertwined challenges of climate, conflict, and poverty continue to make peace more elusive. Sharp geopolitical divides have brought the world to a dangerous new era of nuclear uncertainty. They have bred skepticism of the multilateral system and have forced many countries to navigate a narrow strategic space to drive change for their societies, he said.

"As the UN's chief policy-making body, the General Assembly bears a special responsibility to ensure that our efforts must be anchored in a robust multilateral system, faithful to the cherished values and principles enshrined in the Charter, our Charter -- one that draws its strength -- and legitimacy -- from greater inclusion and meaningful opportunities for enhanced engagement to shape decisions."

As the world's poorest bear the steepest costs of violence, long-term investments are needed to leave no one behind, he said. "To this end, we must find tailored solutions to the specific challenges of countries in conflict and post-conflict situations. The General Assembly must lend its weight to enhancing financing, technology, debt sustainability and capacity-building in places where development is in deficit and where assistance is most needed."

As things stand, 680 million people -- 8 percent of the global population -- will still be facing hunger in 2030, he said. "Without a quantum leap in our commitments, without a radical transformation of our action, we risk sorely missing the mark on the promises we made to leave no one behind. There are specific objectives that demand an immediate and essential reinforcement of our efforts, including through accelerating the implementation of our sustainable development agenda. This is particularly important for already disadvantaged and marginalized groups."

Women and girls are systematically denied their most basic human rights -- from education and employment to equal pay and land ownership. It is time to confront the epidemic of violence against women. It is imperative that the multilateral system and its institutions be built for the advancement and success of women and men, not either or, not one or the other. And this means closing the gender gaps that have festered for far too long, to the detriment of far too many, and to society itself, said Francis.

Ethnic, racial, sexual and religious minorities, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and others are all vulnerable to intersectional forms of discrimination. The General Assembly must redouble its efforts to tackle the insidious spread of human rights violations and extremism, in all their declinations -- from hate speech to institutionalized discrimination, he said.

"We must firmly repudiate any ideology that seeks to sow fear and division. We must, instead, lead the conversation on equality, equal rights, and nondiscrimination as legitimate and imperative social norms that undergird strong, cohesive productive societies."

Francis called for efforts to build sustainable societies that are in harmony with each other and with nature, which he said is the only way to ensure humanity and the planet's survival.

"The General Assembly's historic recognition of the newest human right -- the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment -- reinforces its key role in protecting our global commons. With a population set to reach 9.5 billion by 2050, it is imperative that we transition to a mode of producing, consuming, and living that is respectful of, and in equilibrium with all people, species and ecosystems," he said.

"The 'future we want' requires a pre-emptive nurturing of Nature, that we work proactively and purposively, not just responsively, that we embrace bold, progressive, and visionary action, that prioritizes long-term strategies to promote sustainable development for future generations, ensuring both their well-being and quality of life," said Francis. 

Dennis Francis (at the podium and on the screens), president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 78th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Dennis Francis. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed speaks at the first plenary meeting of the 78th session of UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 78th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Dennis Francis. (Xinhua/Xie E)

Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, speaks at the closing plenary meeting of the 77th session at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday concluded with the outgoing president calling for "cooperation on a global scale." (Xinhua/Xie E)

Dennis Francis (R), president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, takes the gavel from Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday concluded with the outgoing president calling for "cooperation on a global scale." (Xinhua/Xie E)

Csaba Korosi (L), president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, hands over the gavel to Dennis Francis (C), president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday concluded with the outgoing president calling for "cooperation on a global scale." (Xinhua/Xie E)

Dennis Francis (L), president of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, holds up the gavel after taking the oath of office at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 5, 2023. The 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday concluded with the outgoing president calling for "cooperation on a global scale." (Xinhua/Xie E)
"This is something that we are often told  you cannot play international film festivals, no one will come," Ava DuVernay told reporters at a Venice Film Festival press conference

Daniele Venturelli/WireImage Director Ava DuVernay attends a photocall for "Origin" at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 06, 2023 in Venice, Italy

Ava DuVernay is making history at the Venice Film Festival.

As DuVernay, 51, appeared in Italy on Wednesday for the world premiere of her new movie Origin, the filmmaker became the first female Black American director to have a film featured in the festival's main competition.

At a press conference for the movie, DuVernay told reporters that in her experience, Black filmmakers in the United States are "told that people who love films in other parts of the world dont care about our stories and dont care about our films."

This is something that we are often told  you cannot play international film festivals, no one will come, people will not come to your press conference, people will not come to the [press and industry] screenings, they will not be interested in selling tickets, you may not even get into this festival, so dont apply," DuVernay said, after she was asked about how she and producer Paul Garnes brought Origin to fruition.

"I cant tell you how many times Ive been told not to apply to Venice, you wont get in," she added. "It wont happen. And this year, it happened.



Related: Ava DuVernay Becomes the First Black Woman on a Ben & Jerry's Pint with New Caramel Flavor

Andreas Rentz/Getty Cinematographer Matthew J. Lloyd, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Paul Garnes, Director Ava DuVernay, Suraj Yengde and Spencer Averick attend a photocall for "Origin" at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 06, 2023 in Venice, Italy

DuVernay, whose previously films include 2014's Selma and the 2016 documentary 13th, said during the conference that Origin's arrival at the festival has created "a door opened that I trust and hope the festival will keep open."

"It acknowledges an absence for 80 years that as intelligent people we should be able to say, this happened, and now whats next,' " she said.



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.

Atsushi Nishijima Courtesy Array Filmworks Jon Bernthal (left) and Aunjanue Ellis (right) in 'Origin'

When DuVernay was first asked about producing Origin, she initially thanked the panel's moderator for asking a question about filmmaking and not about being a Black female director at the festival.

"So often as a Black woman filmmaker, the questions that Im asked are about race, or about being a woman, or everything but the filmmaker part," she told reporters. "And so when I see interviews with my counterparts who are not Black and are not women, they have lots of questions about craft and about producing."



Daniele Venturelli/WireImage Director Ava DuVernay attends a photocall for "Origin" at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 06, 2023 in Venice, Italy

DuVernay's new movie "chronicles the remarkable life and work of Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson as she investigates the genesis of injustice and uncovers a hidden truth that affects us all," according to an official synopsis for the film on the festival's website.



The movie stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Wilkerson, as well as an ensemble cast that includes Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald and Nick Offerman, among others. It is inspired by Wilkerson's life and work, including the author's 2020 book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. DuVernay told reporters Wednesday that she "had to read the book three times to really understand it for myself."



Distribution company Neon purchased Origin on Tuesday and plans to release the movie in the U.S. later this year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The movie will also screen at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Leon Reece, 32, died on Friday after being found unresponsive at the Burning Man festival in Nevada, according to officials

JULIE JAMMOT/AFP via Getty Vehicles line up to leave the site of the annual Burning Man Festival on September 5, 2023, after heavy rains turned the site in Nevada's Black Rock desert into a mud pit.

The 32-year-old man who died at this year's Burning Man festival  which was plagued by heavy rains and muddy conditions  is suspected to have died of "drug intoxication," the regional medical examiners office said Tuesday.

Leon Reece was found unresponsive in the Black Rock Desert on Friday around 6:24 p.m. local time as the area was inundated with rain, Pershing County Sheriff Jerry Allen said in a statement Monday night, per The Daily Beast, The New York Post and the Reno Gazette-Journal.

"Pershing County dispatch received a call regarding a male subject who was on the ground and unresponsive at the Burning Man Festival and medical personnel were administering CPR to the male," Allen said in his statement, per the Post.

He was already pronounced dead by the time Pershing County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived at the scene.

Related: Death Investigated at Burning Man During Storms That Have Left Thousands Stuck in Desert

Although an official determination of cause and manner of death are still pending, drug intoxication is suspected, the regional medical examiner's office said Tuesday, per the Post, NBC News and Fox affiliate KTTV.

An autopsy is being conducted, but his toxicology results could take six to eight months to complete, according to the Post.

The Washoe County Regional Medical Examiners Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



A day after Reece died, attendees were advised to "conserve food, water, and fuel, and shelter in a warm, safe space," with access to and from the event closed due to the rainstorms that began on Friday.

Related: Burning Man 'Exodus' Expected Monday as Mud Dries Up and Roads Reopen

CNN reported the area received two to three months' worth of rain  up to 0.8 inches  in just 24 hours between Friday and Saturday morning.

The Burning Man website describes the city as "a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression and self-reliance" that attracts thousands of festival-goers every year. Travel Nevada notes that more than 70,000 people attend Burning Man annually.

After thousands were left stranded over the weekend in foot-deep mud, attendees were able to leave Black Rock City, organizers announced in an update on Monday.

Related: 6 Rescued After Hiker Loses Consciousness While Climbing Infamous Trail on Maine Mountain

According to the festival, over 36,000 people remained at the site as of 2 p.m. local time Tuesday, though the Gazette-Journal noted that long wait times for the exit are standard.

As of Tuesday morning, the Burning Man Traffic account on X, formerly known as Twitter, estimated the wait time as five hours due to the "exodus" traffic jam. By Wednesday morning, that had dropped to about 20 minutes.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Our new monthly chef series will highlight those in the local food industry, in the kitchen and after hours.

Executive Chef Julianne Gutierrez, Williamsburg Inn at Colonial Williamsburg

Gutierrez has enjoyed working in the food industry since her teenage stints at McDonalds and Applebees.

Gutierrez was recently promoted to her role where shes responsible for running multiple restaurants, banquet events and weddings, handling more budgets and financials, writing specialty menus and developing recipes. She was the chef de cuisine since 2021, overseeing the Rockefeller Room, Terrace Room, The Social Terrace, Gold Course Clubhouse Grill and the Museum Cafe.

Im still learning, she said.

The Pennsylvania native continued working in the industry while she attended Millersville University of Pennsylvania. College didnt bring her joy.

The job was fun and school was work, Gutierrez said.

She completed a degree in English with a minor in history but she still wanted a career in the food industry. She found a culinary arts program at Reynolds Community College in Richmond and not long after, she learned about the apprenticeship program at Colonial Williamsburg. She spent two years getting an associate degree while training for more than three years in the Williamsburg program. Dedication.

The interview has been edited for brevity.

How did the apprenticeship at the Williamsburg Inn change your life? It showed me a broad range of everything that could be done in this industry. We went through different rotations that ranged from breakfast to banquets  hot and cold  to restaurants on the line, and even a butchery rotation. I felt I knew everything about working in a kitchen and it turned out, I knew nothing. I put my head down for three and a half years and learned everything that I could. I came out of it ready to take on a low-level supervisory position.

What can people expect when they visit Williamsburg Inn?

The Rockefeller Room is high-end fine dining with a prix fixe menu. You can kind of dress up and have a nice special occasion dinner.

The Terrace Room a little bit more upscale-casual and still great for a special occasion. Its not like the prefix menu, so you can order a la carte and a wide variety of options such as burger, salmon and salad options.

The Social Terrace is our outdoor venue. It features artisanal pizzas that utilize Red May Wheat, which is a Colonial heritage wheat that almost went extinct.

I found a farm recently that has a heritage cattle breed called Randall Lineback at Chapel Hill Farms. This is an actual American breed of cattle that got down to about five to seven and the farm decided to breed them. Theyve been genetically unchanged since the 17th century. Weve started working with them and utilizing some of their products on the pizzas and charcuterie.

I noticed that the Rockefeller Room has a crispy deviled duck egg on the menu. Whats the difference between cooking with duck eggs vs. chicken eggs? You can use them like any other eggs. Duck eggs are larger and the yolks are richer. Harris Teeter sells them in a six-pack if people want to dabble with them.

Why is menu writing your favorite? How do you come up with menu ideas? It challenges me and I like to keep things fresh. I want to keep coming up with new ideas and techniques. The amount of menus that I have to write is significant, probably around 40 to 50 a year, including specialty banquet menus. I research and go through different cookbooks. I look at different recipes and try new things.

What inspired the Titanic Dinner menu for the Culinary Taste of History that was canceled in April? I knew it was something people had done, so I thought it was interesting. I found a book that looked at the last dinners of the Titanic. You could see what everybody was eating in first, second and third class. I thought it would be a fun way to rework old traditional recipes and elevate them with modern techniques. For example, first class was served oysters a la russe, which is a raw oyster that is topped with tomato and vodka relish. In the updated edition, I plan on making a tomato-infused vodka, a horseradish granite and chive oil.

Who are some of your favorite chefs? I had the pleasure of working with brothers Bryan and Michael Voltaggio  Bravos Top Chef Season 6 runner-up and winner  at Estuary, a restaurant in the Conrad Hotel, District of Columbia. I opened the hotel with them in 2019. They were an inspiration for me getting into the industry. I also like Kristen Kish, Top Chef winner of Season 10. I watch the show as a way to see what chefs today are doing from different cities, across the country and whats going on in the industry. And, its entertaining and I get ideas. I also get a lot of inspiration from Thomas Keller.

Where do you dine and why? When Im off work, Im not a high-end dining person. One of my favorite spots is YROC Coastal Bar & Grill in Gloucester Point. Its a nice restaurant where my husband and I like to share some appetizers and enjoy a couple of drinks and sit by the water. I also like to go anywhere that has good Latin food.

What are three things you always keep in your refrigerator? I always have makeshift charcuterie-type things like meat and cheeses. Texas Pete hot sauce. Yogurt.

Whats your go-to meal you like to prepare at home? Im a big steak fan; I like preparing that at home. I make different types of baked potatoes such as pommes puree (French mashed potatoes), dauphinoise potatoes and Hasselback potatoes. My dad is Venezuelan, so I also like making arepas (corn cakes) with braised beef, chicken or sometimes pork.

Whats happening in the fall in the Rockefeller Room? The Rockefeller Room is having another event with Barboursville Vineyards called Climate, Culture and Cuisine on Oct. 19. I was able to find a farm in each of Virginias five regions to feature their product which is actually how I came across the Chapel Hill, Randall Lineback cattle which will be showcased on the menu.

Rekaya Gibson, 757-295-8809, rekaya.gibson@virginiamedia.com; on Twitter, @gibsonrekaya
Owing to the relentless, pounding rain from multiple summer storms, this years Burning Man festival in Nevadas Black Rock Desert was subject to such harsh living conditions that many of its 70,000 attendees were forced to escape, trudging for miles through long sections of dense mud that turned the tranquil desert terrain into more of a nightmarish hellscape.



Those who fled the brutal environs included a myriad of celebrities, such as actor Joel Kinnaman , his Victoria Secret model fiance Kelly Gale , comedian Chris Rock , model Cindy Crawford, the blockbuster DJ Diplo, and legendary NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.



After making it out of the muck and mire to safety, Patrick posted an Instagram story, summing up what it was like to experience the harrowing ordeal, though she was able to find some positives in it it all.

RELATED: What's the Difference Between the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series Cars?

Made it out, wrote a thankful Patrick in her post. Stuck three times and it took four hours but on pavement.



In the past, the former NASCAR Cup Series racer has fully embraced the art, music and counterculture-laden festival but, as Patrick reveals, the brutal conditions from Mother Nature this year created an opportunity for some attendees to go above and beyond as they tapped into their altruistic side to help those in need.



The challenge from weather really helped show everyones true nature at BM and it was to step up and help each other, continued the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver. Too bad that couldnt be our full reality but for now Its one magical week in the desert. Or swamp this year.

A rainbow seen over the muddy grounds of the

A rainbow seen over the muddy grounds of the "Burning Man" festival. Photo: David Crane/Getty Images

Burning Man was founded in 1986 by Larry Harvey and Jerry James and originally staged in San Francisco. The annual festival moved to Nevada's Black Rock Desert in 1991, just as much an experiment in community-building as it is a celebration of the artistic spirit. In the absence of money exchanging hands, festival attendees are encouraged to trade and barter for various services and everyday goods like coffee or a toothbrush.



Those principles of community, along with plenty of art and song, are designed to encourage attendees to channel their own creativity and freely express themselves. At the end of the nine-day festival, Burners, as the attendees are referred to, unite in the temporary city for the final piece de resistance: the ceremonial burning of a giant sculpture of a man.



Though Patrick competed in 191 races over seven years in NASCARs elite Cup Series, the now 41-year-old never won an event, but she did earn seven top-10 finishes and one pole. Still, during a time where she had to navigate a historically male-dominated circuit, Patrick embraced her notoriety as the only woman to regularly compete in NASCARs top flight as well as being the only woman to ever win an IndyCar race, which she accomplished by taking the checkered flag at the 2008 Indy Japan 300.

Be sure to watch complete coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on USA Network and NBC, and follow all the developments on NBCSports.com.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Wednesday launched a plan to strengthen and rescue the country's vulture population, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Israel's Nature and Parks Authority (NPA) said in a joint statement.

The number of vultures in Israel is estimated at only 200, compared to 430 counted in 2003, indicating the species is in serious extinction danger, mainly due to poisoning hazards, according to the statement.

The four-year plan, with the amount of 28.5 million shekels (nearly 7.5 million U.S. dollars), aims to reduce farm animal carcasses and food waste discarded in vulture nesting areas that were poisoned by farmers to fend off predators fed from them, which caused deaths of vultures.

Feeding points for vultures will also be established, according to the plan.

The move is part of efforts to conserve nature and the ecological chain and will help advance the ministry's goals in preserving biological diversity in Israel, the statement concluded. 
A drunk driver in Nebraska called the police on someone driving on the opposite side of the road, not realizing he was the culprit.

According to a Facebook post from the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, a man had called 911 back in March to report a driver he thought had been driving on the wrong side of the highway. The sheriff's office released video of the incident as well as the audio from the 911 call.

"I'm on Highway 77 going north, and there is somebody that is on the wrong side of the road," the driver said on the 911 call. He added that the other driver "almost ran me off the road."

Once police arrived on the scene and pulled over the unidentified driver, the person driving on the wrong side of the road was the man who called 911, and he was beyond intoxicated.

More on this

"Do you know why I stopped you?" the officer said in the video, which had the driver say, "Yeah, because I was on the wrong side of the road."

The driver was then asked if there was a reason he was driving on the wrong side of the road, and he claimed he "must have missed an exit." He also admitted that he was the person who made the 911 call to authorities.

According to the sheriff's office, the man was so intoxicated that his blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit. In its Facebook post, the sheriff's office wrote, "Thankfully a Lancaster County Sheriff's deputy was able to arrest this driver before anyone was seriously hurt."
With the MCU continuing to find its way in Phase 5, the Eternals 2 release date is highly anticipated among fans. The film left us on a cliffhanger as the likes of Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos were picked up by Arishem to be judged for what they did to Tiamut. Following their trail were Makkari, Druig, Thena, Starfox, and Pip the Troll. But when will each of them be back?

Heres all the Eternals 2 release date information we know so far and all the details on when it is coming out.

Is there an Eternals 2 release date?

Eternals 2s release date is predicted to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027.

While there hasnt been a confirmed announcement for Eternals to return with a sequel, Marvel rarely abandons its pre-established plans. With that cliffhanger ending, Marvel surely has plans for part 2. Considering that there are plenty of MCU movies already slotted, Eternals 2 cannot be completed before Avengers: The Kang Dynasty comes out on May 1, 2026.

So, while all Eternals are off-planet, we should expect them to sit out of Avengers 5. Instead, the sequel could happen in November 2026 (like its predecessor) or in February 2027 and set up the role of the Eternals in Avengers: Secret Wars.

These dates are an estimation based on the information we have so far. ComingSoon will provide an update to this story once we receive official details.

The sequel will solve the cliffhanger ending of part 1 as the likes of Thena, Druig, Makkari, and Starfox will try to save Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos. Furthermore, we expect to see Starfoxs backstory and connection to Thanos be explored in it.

Where is Eternals 2 coming out?

Eternals 2 is expected to come out in theaters.

For more Marvel updates, read what Anthony Mackie said about his role in Captain America 4. Also, check out the set photos involving President Ross.

Togo: Where to Watch & Stream Online

If you want to know where to watch and stream Togo online, look no further, as we have all the Guides Varsha Narayanan 5 mins ago

Us Again Where to Watch and Stream Online

If you are wondering where to watch and stream Us Again online, look no further. The animated drama revolves around Guides Sushmita Sen 8 mins ago

6 Streaming Release Date Rumors is essentially for currently popular films or TV series that aren't available on streaming platforms 9:27 So if Barbie movie is just about to come out in theaters or is currently out, people will be wondering where to watch it 9:27 that doesn't involve them going to the theaters 9:28 and for TV, it's for shows that might not be available to stream currently. So a good example of that is a lot of reality TV shows will release on network TV but not be available on streaming platforms. Streaming Release Date Rumors would be used for that.

The Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 Netflix release date is fast approaching, and viewers are wondering when they Guides Disheeta Maheshwari 12 mins ago

Candleshoe: Where to Watch & Stream Online

Want to know where to watch and stream Candleshoe online? Well, look no further, as we have all the details Guides namrataghosh 13 mins ago

Why did Ahsoka leave the Jedi Order

As teased in the Disney Plus series, Ahsokas departure from the Jedi Order marked a significant turning point in her Guides Tudor Leonte 18 mins ago

Scissor Seven Season 4: Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix?

The Scissor Seven Season 4 Netflix release date is just around the corner, and viewers are wondering when they can Guides Disheeta Maheshwari 22 mins ago

The post Eternals 2 Release Date Rumors: When is it Coming Out? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
After a three-year hiatus spurred by the pandemic, the Fleur Cinema & Cafe reopens on Friday.

More than three years since Fleur Cinema & Cafe closed, the beloved indie theater in Des Moines reopens this weekend with little change.

Fridley Theatres, an Iowa theater company that runs 17 locations and maintains 95 screens across Iowa, takes over operations at the Fleur Cinema & Cafe on the south side of Des Moines.

The Fleur closed on March 13, 2020, according to a Facebook post, during the early stages of the pandemic. Aside from a few private events, the theater remained closed.

When will Fleur Cinema & Cafe reopen?

The Des Moines theater at 4545 Fleur Drive will open Friday with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, with the first showing of the movie at 1 p.m.

Patrons can expect the theater to open a half hour before the first scheduled showtime, Russell Vannorsdel, president of Fridley Theatres, told the Des Moines Register in a phone call Wednesday. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 also runs on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Patrons should visit Fleur Cinema & Cafes website, fleurcinema.com, to view all showtimes at the theater.

Related: The Varsity Cinema plans to reopen just in time for Christmas: Here's what to expect

What movies are playing at Fleur Cinema & Cafe?

Nia Vardalos, left, and John Corbett return as Toula and Ian in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3," which Vardalos wrote and directed.

Fleur Cinema & Cafe reopens with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the third installment in the romantic comedy series starring Nia Vardalos and John Corbett that follows the Portokalos family as they return to Greece for a family reunion. The 2002 movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the highest-grossing title in the history of Fleur Cinema, according to the news release, though Vannorsdel did not have that dollar figure readily available Wednesday morning.

One of the things that was exciting about targeting this weekend is we had went back and looked through records and saw that the original My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the highest-grossing feature at the Fleur, Vannorsdel said. And sure enough, the third rendition is coming out and we were able to get everything in line to be able to open this weekend.

Past Lives, directed by Celine Song, will also be playing at the theater during its reopening weekend. The movie is about two childhood friends, one of which emigrated from South Korea with their family, who reunite decades later for one week in New York.

Other movies playing this weekend include Theater Camp, a comedy about an eccentric staff keeping a scrappy theater camp in New York afloat, and Horror 48 Style, which plays short horror films made in 48 hours, according to Fleur Cinema's website

How much are tickets?

A matinee or senior ticket costs $7 and an adult ticket goes for $9, according to Chris Kottman, area manager for Fridley Theatres and Fleur Cinema & Cafe.

Are there any changes to Fleur Cinema & Cafe?

Patrons will notice few changes when they returns to the Fleur Cinema & Cafe.

Vannorsdel said there are no physical changes to the auditorium, though the parking lot was resurfaced and restriped. People seeing movies at Fleur Cinema Friday can expect a similar experience to going to the Fleur in the past, he said.

Weve worked very hard to maintain the aspects of the Fleur that made it a special place, iconic place, to go to movie theaters on the south side, Vannorsdel said.

Vannorsdel told the Register in July that the goal is to continue booking the same type of movies patrons of the Fleur expect of the cinema and to provide the same experience they had with the theater before its closure in 2020.

The four-screen cinema will operate only three screens.

The Fridley Theatres president said the fourth auditorium had previously been retrofitted to operate as a different space that isnt ideal for showing movies. During the pandemic, it hosted private events.

Vannorsdel said if it's determined Fleur Cinema needs a fourth auditorium, he will work with owners Coppola Enterprises to covert that space back into a theater.

We'll be happy to host any type of private events whether it's within the lobby, that fourth auditorium space or special shows in the current auditorium, he said.

Will there be concessions at the Fleur Cinema & Cafe?

Yes.

Patrons can get everything from popcorn and candy to lattes and other coffee drinks. Customers can also order sweets, including scotcheroos. The Fleur Cinema & Cafe is in the process of getting its liquor license. Vannorsdel anticipates that the theater will be able to offer beer and wine by October.

What is the Fleur Cinema & Cafe?

Night time outside the Fleur Cinema & Cafe on April 28, 2022.

Michael Coppola opened Fleur Cinema & Cafe in 2001, and it went on to become known for showing arthouse and indie films. Cosmopolitan magazine named the Fleur the coolest movie theater in Iowa in 2017.

When did Fleur Cinema & Cafe close?

The theater closed on March 13, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Facebook announcement. In July, the owners of the Fleur Cinema & Cafe signed an agreement with Fridley Theatres, which would operate and manage the cinema, and reopen before Oct. 1.

The cinema was able to reopen earlier because it hired enough staff, Vannorsdel said. Part of reopening the cinema required a knowledgeable staff.

That's one of the things that has been a Fleur moniker is that the staff knows those movies and loves movies, he said. We feel very fortunate we are able to hire a really good staff.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Fleur Cinema & Cafe in Des Moines reopens this weekend
Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right Proud Boys, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the riots at the U.S. Capitol.

The 39-year-old Miami resident and former national chairman of the Proud Boys will get 22 years in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release. This marks the longest sentence handed down in any January 6 case, surpassing the previous high of 18 years given to Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

The Proud Boys, alongside other neo-fascist groups, participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, following a call from outgoing President Donald Trump to his supporters to march to Capitol Hill and make their voices heard.

"The Justice Department proved in court that the Proud Boys played a central role in setting the January 6th attack on our Capitol into motion. Over the past week, four members of the Proud Boys received sentences that reflect the danger their crimes pose to our democracy," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "Today, the leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, learned that the consequence of conspiring to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power is 22 years in federal prison.

Tarrioalong with fellow Proud Boys members Joseph Biggs, Ethan Nordean, and Zachary Rehlwas found guilty of seditious conspiracy in May. Federal prosecutors sought a 33-year sentence, but U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly imposed the 22-year sentence. Tarrio was arrested two days before the attack for allegedly burning a Black Lives Matter sign at a D.C.-area church the month prior. He was not present at the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Prosecutors believe he may have strategically planned his arrest to inspire a reaction from his followers, whom he had significant influence over. Prosecutors also described Tarrio as a charismatic leader and propagandist who used his leverage to organize and execute the conspiracy to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. The judge added a terrorism enhancement to Tarrio's sentence after prosecutors claimed his actions aimed to influence the government.

According to NBC News, Tarrio's defense argued that he was a "misguided patriot" who went to Washington to protest and protect the country, citing his Cuban heritage. My client comes from a country where there are no rights, theres nothing, said Tarrio's lawyer Sabino Jauregui. He was trying to protect this country, as misguided as he was.

Tarrio apologized to law enforcement, citizens of Washington, lawmakers, and his family before his sentencing. I have always tried to hold myself to a higher standard, and I failed, he said. I failed miserably. I thought of myself morally above others, and this trial has humbled me.

The former Proud Boy also walked back on his political involvement and said he wants "nothing" to do with politics after his release from prison.

More on this
Josh Barnett is open to being part of AEW albeit in an authority role. He claimed that his presence in the Jacksonville-based promotion would help the company in a big way.

Josh Barnett is a former UFC star turned into a professional wrestler. He has competed in several independent promotions and also had a short stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling and in TNA Wrestling (currently known as IMPACT Wrestling).

Over the past year in All Elite Wrestling, there have been several issues among wrestlers backstage. Starting with CM Punks comments about Hangman Adam Page and the Executive Vice Presidents, Kenny Omega , and The Young Bucks which led to a brawl between the stars.

Followed by their brawl at the 2022 AEW All Out pay-per-view, all parties involved were suspended. This was followed by an altercation between Sammy Guevara and Andrade El Idolo. There were a few more issues with the talent backstage.

A couple of weeks ago at the AEW All In pay-per-view, another backstage altercation occurred. CM Punk was once again at the forefront of the issue. He had a fight with Jungle Boy Jack Perry. Punk was fired from the promotion, while Perry was suspended.

Following this, Barnett took to Twitter to suggest that Tony Khan requires his presence in the locker room to maintain order among the wrestlers.

Just a thought: Seems like the AEW locker room is in need of someone to establish some order and reign in the chaos. If Tony needs someone to keep discipline and sort out conflict, Id be willing to take the job. I can promise you there wont be random fights and anyone asking me if Id like to, Take it outside.' Josh Barnett tweeted.

A Great Addition to AEW

One fan said Barnetts presence is not required in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Barnett mentioned that he would be a big asset to the Tony Khan-led company. Barnett is a veteran in the business and hes been trained by legends.

It's not just about being a shooter. Not all issues can be solved with fighting.



It's about being a vet, trained under the best like Inoki, Robinson, etc. Being a promotw, manager, and wrestler and knowing all sides of the biz.



It's about knowing your shit and how to back it https://t.co/Sj6iY0m0Uu  ??? ????????? (@JoshLBarnett) September 5, 2023

Its not just about being a shooter. Not all issues can be solved with fighting. Its about being a vet, trained under the best like Inoki, Robinson, etc. Being a promoter, manager, and wrestler and knowing all sides of the biz. Its about knowing your shit and how to back it up, Barnett tweeted.

Tony Khan has yet to respond to this request.

Do you think the former UFC star will be a good addition to AEW? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Former UFC Star Josh Barnett Has An Interesting Offer For Tony Khan And AEW appeared first on Wrestlezone.
If cinema is an empathy machine, to paraphrase the late Roger Ebert, then Agnieszka Holland s new film is one precision-tooled specimen.

This profoundly moving, flawlessly executed multi-strand drama, shot in stark black and white, tracks refugees from various nations in 2021 trying to cross the border from Belarus into Poland. With inevitably tragic consequences, they become pawns in a gruesome game of pass the parcel between guards on both sides of the titles green border, the dividing line between European Union member Poland and Russia ally Belarus.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Although the violence shown isnt gratuitous, the suffering in Green Border (Zielona granica) is painfully palpable. There is a moment where a Pole, a minor character in the story, refuses to look at a video on a friends phone showing a border guard beating a migrant; Hollands film implicitly confronts everyone  and that would be most of us  who has ever switched off or turned away from watching yet another deplorable act of state-sponsored violence.

On the news and in cinema, there has been no shortage of footage and re-enactments of the agonies suffered every day by migrants and refugees. But Holland cunningly digs a little deeper here to explore the psyches of characters who might just be faceless heavies in other stories  like the Polish border guards, shown encouraged by an officer giving a morale talk to think of migrants as weapons sent across the border by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and Russias Vladimir Putin.

Not long after the section featuring these soldiers and their community, the frame pulls back further to encompass some of their compatriots who are trying to help the refugees. Some of these volunteers are doctors or lawyers, but others are activists opposed to the right-wing regime of President Andrzej Duda  people putting their own safety at risk but also sometimes fracturing the resistance with infighting over strategies. Altogether, these braided strands make for a bracing, impassioned skein of humanist cinema, old-school in technique but right up to the moment in terms of its subject matter.

The action starts about a year before the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, when migrants from war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were encouraged by Lukashenko to use Belarus as a gateway to Poland and the EU. But the people we meet traveling on a Turkish plane in the films first scene have no idea this was a cruel trick, designed by Belarus to make their EU-member neighbors look like the bad guys when they refuse to extend asylum to the refugees and send them back over the border.

Aboard the plane, a Syrian family of six from Harasta have managed to survive the civil war at home and hope to pass through Belarus and Poland en route to Sweden. Bashir (Jalal Altawil, a Syrian refugee himself) literally has scars on his back from a run-in with ISIS. Accompanying Bashir are his father (Mohamad Al Rashi), Bashirs wife Amina (Dalia Naous), pre-adolescent son Nur (Taim Ajjan), his younger sister Ghalia (Talia Ajjan) and a toddler who is still breastfeeding. The family try to strike up a conversation with a woman sitting next to them, Leila (Behi Djanati Atai), only to realize that she speaks no Arabic, only English and her native tongue. Later, we learn that Leila is from Afghanistan and wants to seek asylum in Poland.

When they get to Belarus, the Syrian family offer to let Leila ride with them to Poland in a taxi thats already been paid for by Bashirs brother (Noah Meskina) in Sweden. But the driver rips them off for more money, which Leila pays, and they must make the difficult crossing illegally in the night, frightened by the sound of shooting in the distance.

When theyre captured by the Polish border guards, Leila and the Syrians are herded together with terrified refugees from other countries and shipped back to Belarus, just the beginning of an increasingly brutal ordeal that sees them crossing the border several times. All are beaten by guards on both sides. Others in the party die by drowning in the marshes, or from exposure, shock, dehydration or starvation. In one of the films most shocking scenes  one with many correlations in current events  a pregnant African woman is literally thrown over the border, causing what looks like a miscarriage.

When the focus shifts to the Polish characters, at first it is almost a relief until we see how much this infernal situation has warped and traumatized them too. Of the guards, the one we get to know best is Jan (Tomasz Wlosok), who is expecting a baby with his wife (Malwina Buss, who is actually married to Wlosok in real life). Although Jan is tenderly concerned about his own wife and unborn child, somehow he struggles to extend that empathy to the pregnant refugees he meets in this course of work.

Psychiatrist Julia (Maja Ostaszewska), on the other hand, makes her living through empathy, filling the silence in her life with care for patients, especially in the wake of her husbands recent death. After she helps two refugees weve met earlier in the film who get stuck in a swamp near her house, she is so appalled by how the state treats them that she joins up with a grassroots activist cell dedicated to bringing healthcare and advice to those caught in the no mans land-like exclusion zone near the border.

All of the above just scratches the surface of the teeming plot, credited to Maciej Pisuk, Gabriela Lazarkiewicz-Sieczko and Holland. The latter also shares her directing credit with Kamila Tarabura and Katarzyna Warzecha, and its not hard to see how this panoramic drama would need extra directors to marshal all the strands and storylines. And yet it never feels bitty or fragmented as the drama pulls everything together by the end with a coda set just after war between Ukraine and Russia begins in 2022.

Amid all the justified sympathy for Ukrainians displaced by that conflict, there were a few quiet voices speaking up back then noting that the refugee crisis a year before  one involving people who didnt look as much like Poles and other EU citizens  didnt get anywhere near the same exposure. Green Border is one cinematic step toward rectifying that imbalance while acknowledging that, all over the world, thousands of people have died while trying to escape poverty and conflict.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

Click here to read the full article.
The post Guitarist Kiko Loureiro to Sit Out Megadeths Fall North American Tour appeared first on Consequence.

Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has announced that he will sit out the bands upcoming North American tour dates due to family matters.

Loureiro shared a statement explaining his decision to return to his home in Finland to be with his children and help them face the difficult challenges that arise from us being Dads that work away from home.' He also revealed his temporary replacement: Finnish guitarist Teemu Mantysaari of melodic death metal act Wintersun.

Read Loureiros statement:

Kiko checking in here! Our new record The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead and our Crush The World tour have been great. The worldwide chart positions have been our best yet! We want to really thank you for that.

I have something that is difficult to share, but we always like to keep you informed with the truth. I have to leave the tour for now, to be home with my children, and to help them face the difficult challenges that arise from us being Dads that work away from home.

I found a guitarist, Teemu Mantysaari, to fill in for me during the fall, and I think youll be very happy. Hes an amazing, incredible player. I have shared this with my partner in shred, Dave Mustaine , and to no surprise, he said, Go! Go be there for your family and keep us posted!

To my band mates and all of our fans around the world, see you all very soon, back out on the Killing Road!

Added Mustaine at the end of the statement: We will not be cancelling the tour, and well introduce you to Teemu on September 6th in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Revel Arena. We are asking for your support and understanding at this time.

Get Megadeth Tickets Here

As Mustaine stated, Mantysaaris first gig with Megadeth will be Wednesday (September 6th) in Albuquerque, and he will remain with the band up through an October 6th performance at the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. You can pick up tickets to Megadeths upcoming shows here.

The veteran thrash band is reaching the latter portion of its album cycle for The Sick, the Dying and the Dead!, and it appears Mustaine and company are facing some work-life balance. The Megadeth founder just announced that he is moving to Italy after residing in the Nashville area for nearly a decade, though the move is not expected to distract from any upcoming gigs.

You can see the statements from Loureiro and Mustaine below.

Guitarist Kiko Loureiro to Sit Out Megadeths Fall North American Tour

Jon Hadusek

Popular Posts

Subscribe to Consequences email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
An influencer has sparked backlash for posting photos of herself in a cave in Tenerife, part of Spains Canary Islands, due to the unsafe conditions of the area.

Marina Rivera Saldana is a Spanish influencer with almost two million followers on her Instagram page. On 31 August, she posted a carousel of photos in the cave of El Tancon at Santiago del Teide. However, because of the unpredictable currents of the cave, multiple tourists who have visited have died in the waters, according to Tenerife Weekly, which reports there have been five deaths in the cave in the last four years and six total.

In Saldanas photos, the caption reads, Soy una sirenita de makoo, which translates to I am a little mermaid from Makoo.

Acccording to Tenerife Weekly, a 33-year-old Swiss woman named Jasmine Ben Ali and a 27-year-old Italian man named Giovanni Rodriguez were among the six individuals who have died at the cave. The level of danger has gotten high enough that the location is listed as permanently closed on TripAdvisor.

Reviews on the site advise visitors to avoid going into the water unless they are native to the area. DO NOT GET IN. People die here every year, one review began.

Although it may seem that the sea is calm, in a matter of seconds a range of waves can come in, leading you to the grave. Once you are in the water, the cave fills up with the waves, hitting your head to the ceiling of the cave and leaving you unconscious. Your only way out would be to dive as deep as possible and wait there for a couple minutes. This is impossible for most of us. Please do not attempt to swim here. THERE IS NO WAY OUT, the review continued.

Sadly, people dont realise the strength of the waves and the undercurrents or how quickly the cave fills up, another review of the area read. You must only go here if you have local knowledge.

Do not go in the water unless you know what you are doing and know how this cave works, a third review advised.

After seeing Saldanas social media post, locals spoke out, criticising her for using her platform to show her in the cave. You should consider removing the post for your influencer position, one comment began. You probably havent thought about the risks involved, but that place could have literally swallowed you or punched you to the extreme without being able to control the situation. I dont judge you for not knowing the consequences, but it is not okay to influence or badly recommend people with this mistake.

I dont understand why they skip all the security measures for a photo, another commenter wrote.

Bathing is forbidden there. We are sick of tourists that dont respect our land, a local commenter pointed out.

The comments continued, with some hopeful sure influencer gets fined for not reading the no swimming sign that are reportedly placed around the location.

Nothing miraculous happened to youlets see if you get the fine, a comment read. I hope youre a little mermaid with a fine, another commenter agreed.

The Independent has contacted Saldana for comment.
6 Streaming Release Date Rumors is essentially for currently popular films or TV series that aren't available on streaming platforms 9:27 So if Barbie movie is just about to come out in theaters or is currently out, people will be wondering where to watch it 9:27 that doesn't involve them going to the theaters 9:28 and for TV, it's for shows that might not be available to stream currently. So a good example of that is a lot of reality TV shows will release on network TV but not be available on streaming platforms. Streaming Release Date Rumors would be used for that.

The Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 Netflix release date is fast approaching, and viewers are wondering when they can start streaming the TV series.

The upcoming season will give viewers a glimpse of the prisons in four other countries. Heres when the show is coming out on Netflix.

When is the Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 Netflix release date?

The Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 Netflix release date is September 15, 2023.

In this documentary series, Raphael Rowe shows viewers some of the toughest prisons across the world housing some of the most violent criminals. Viewers are shown the living conditions of these prisons along with the perspective of both guards and prisoners.

In season 7, four countries will be explored, including the Solomon Islands, Finland, The Czech Republic, and Indonesia.

When is Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 coming out via streaming?

Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 is available to watch via streaming on Netflix on September 15, 2023. Viewers will be able to stream it at this time.

Current Netflix subscribers will be able to watch the series when it airs, and if you havent already subscribed to the service, you can do so below:

How to watch and stream Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7

Viewers can stream Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 by way of signing up for a Netflix account. Netflixs standard plan with ads costs $6.99 a month and allows you to watch shows and movies on two supported devices at a time. You can also opt for an ad-free standard Netflix subscription plan which costs $15.49 a month.

Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 official synopsis reads:

Investigative journalists become voluntary inmates in the worlds most volatile prisons, where intimidation and brutality rule.

Disney Plus Schedule September 4-10

Disney Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth episode of Rosario Dawsons Ahsoka, a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Max Schedule September 4-10

Maxs new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes Tiny Toons Looniversity, a reboot of the 90s animated Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Paramount Plus Schedule September 4-10

Paramount Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth season of the Star Trek: Lower Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Peacock Schedule September 4-10

Peacocks new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes all eight episodes of Chucky Season 2 and a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

The post Inside the Worlds Toughest Prisons Season 7 Streaming Release Date: When Is It Coming Out on Netflix? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
After turning Frances Cannes Film Festival into her veritable runway with a series of outre looks, Julia Fox is ready to do it again stateside.

The  Uncut Gems  actor kicked off New York Fashion Week on Tuesday by attending the Pretty Little Thing x Naomi Campbell show in a floor-length black trenchcoat from the collection.

Julia Fox attended the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell runway show in a floor-length black trenchcoat.

Julia Fox attended the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell runway show in a floor-length black trenchcoat.

As she posed for photos, she opened her coat to reveal only a silver chain bra and a matching metallic thong underneath.

(Warning: Images contain partial nudity.)

The

The "Uncut Gems" actor wore only a silver chain bra and a matching metallic thong underneath the coat.

Foxs undergarments were designed by Seks, a New York-based label. She coordinated the outfit with dramatic eyeliner and black lipstick.

If you have the opportunity to serve, Fox has said, why not serve?

If you have the opportunity to serve, Fox has said, why not serve?

Other photos of the event show Fox seated in the front row alongside Emily Ratajkowski and Tommy Dorfman.

Perhaps more so than any other star, Fox has made the so-called naked dressing trend her signature.

Julia Fox, Emily Ratajkowski and Tommy Dorfman.

Julia Fox, Emily Ratajkowski and Tommy Dorfman.

In May, she attended Cannes Film Festival party in a structured bodice made of a glasslike material. And in March, she attended the Courreges runway show in Paris in a black mesh dress that was was completely see-through.

Such looks are perhaps indicative of what Fox herself has described as her I dont give a fuck era.

When asked about her daring ensembles last year, the actor told People she could see beauty in every type of style and fashion.

If you have the opportunity to serve, she added, why not serve?

Julia Fox.

Julia Fox.

Related...
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday ruled that Republican-led Texas must remove floating barriers it set up to deter migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in heavily trafficked areas of the Rio Grande.

"Unfortunately for Texas, permission is exactly what federal law requires before installing obstructions in the nation's navigable waters," Federal District Judge David A. Ezra wrote in his order, issuing a preliminary injunction to remove these barriers and stop building further obstructions in the river.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office immediately appealed Ezra's ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, claiming that the state "is prepared to take this fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court."

"Today's court decision merely prolongs President Biden's willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along," the governor's office said in a statement.

In the wake of the end of Title 42 in May, Abbott ordered the deployment of the 1,000-foot string of buoys in the middle of the border river next to Eagle Pass, western Texas, which shares the border with the Mexican city of Piedras Negras.

The Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Texas in late July, alleging that Texas and its governor violated the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act by building a structure in U.S. water without permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The state argued that the barrier isn't a structure that requires authorization, and that it notified the International Boundary Water Commission, the binational body that regulates the Rio Grande, before the installlation.

The Mexican government has repreatedly condemned the establishment of water barriers in the Rio Grande, calling the Texas move a "violation of our sovereignty."

"We express our concern about the impact on the human rights and personal safety of migrants that these state policies will have, which go in the opposite direction to the close collaboration between our country and the federal government of the United States," the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly said in the statement last month. 
Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone , who is a two-time Cannes jury prizewinner, with Gomorrah in 2008 and Reality in 2012, is in competition at the Venice Film Festival for the first time with his immigration-themed drama Io Capitano.

Shot in Senegal, Italy and Morocco with a cast of largely non-professional actors, Io Capitano narrates the Homeric journey of two young African men, Seydou and Moussa, who decide to leave Dakar to reach Europe. Garrone produced via his own company, Archimede, with RAI Cinema chief Paolo Del Brocco and Belgiums Tarantula Film on board as a co-producer. The drama is backed by Pathe, which is handling world sales through Pathe International.

More from Variety

Garrone spoke to Variety about what drew him to make a film depicting what he calls the only real epic voyage we have today. The voyage of immigrants from Africa who cross through the desert, get put in prison camps, and then have to submit to smugglers to reach their destination by sea.

The young protagonists of Io Capitano are poor, but they have food on the table. What drives them to risk their lives and go through total hell to try and reach Europe?

They see Europe through social media like TikTok and what they get is a glossy version of it. So its very human and understandable that there is a percentage of young Africans who are willing to risk their lives to go there. Also, they dont understand why their French or Italian peers can travel freely to Africa for a holiday while the only way for them to get to Europe is to risk their lives. There is a deep injustice in this.

Why did you decide to tackle this topic?

It took me a while to tackle this story after I heard a story that inspired me. I kept putting it off. Im Italian, Im white. This is not my world. There was a risk of getting it wrong, or of seeming like I was exploiting it. I had a lot of thoughts of this type going through my head. And then at a certain point its as though it was the film that chose me. I am afraid of travelling, I dont like to fly, I get seasick. And I wound up doing things I never thought I would do. But I did them because at a certain point I realized that I got like a calling. I had the feeling that there was a part of this voyage that was unknown in the Western imagination. Of course there are people who know  or at least should know  that there is a voyage through the desert, and detention camps in Libia, and a whole system behind the smugglers. But its a whole world that had not been told visually. Thats what drove me to place the camera from their angle. To learn more about it. To live the experience with them.

What were some of the main challenges you faced from a narrative standpoint?

I always believed it was very important to keep the story simple and real. Not an imitation of reality, but a truth that goes beyond realism, meaning that you believe in what you see. Above all, we had to be invisible. I did not want the viewer to perceive the behind-the-scenes work. I didnt want virtuoso camera work or self-indulgent stylistic flourishes. That can happen with a landscape like this, and faces like this. Instead we tried to work in such a way that the spectator can get into the story and forget about all the rest. The key thing is that this movie has to be their [the immigrants] point of view. Its a reverse shot. I wanted to change the angle.

How much research did you do before making this movie?

We did a lot of research. There are videos of tortures, of dead people in the desert, there is plenty of material. The screenplay was written with several young people who lived that experience. It was sort of like making a collage. I took the parts of several journeys that I found most interesting and I blended then together. Its a mix of stories, all based on real life experiences that we turned into a single long voyage.

And as I understand it that process also continued on set.

Yes. On set I constantly verified the screenplay with a young man who had gone through the experience of crossing the desert and been in the prison camps who was always next to me. He also helped me to direct the extras, most of whom have also actually lived what they call the adventure.

Its a bit like when I was shooting Gomorrah in places where I was in contact with an existing [criminal] world. I often had people belonging to that world who became part of the film, or in any case helped me. There were similar dynamics at play here. Of course I was always following my personal vision of this reality, but people who had lived the adventure were always behind the monitor and I checked their reactions closely to make sure the story we were creating was in synch with them. My greatest fear from the start was to enter a culture that wasnt my own and become trapped in a series of cliches, like the ones we see when foreign directors come to Italy.

How was it working with the great cinematographer Paolo Carnera?

Paolo was a pillar of this film, both artistically and from a human standpoint. This has been a complex film in terms of the production, I am also a producer on it. There were moments of great stress during the shoot where we had to take great risks. Its also an action adventure movie, as well as a road movie and a coming-of-age movie. Artistically, our main concern was for the photography to be beautiful but invisible. Very curated lighting that at the same time had to seem real. We paid great attention to not fall in the trap of narcissism.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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.
Matthew Broderick has opened up about what it was like growing up in New York City.

The Ferris Buellers Day Off star, 61, recently spoke about his scary experience with muggers during his childhood in Manhattan. Broderick, who grew up near Washington Square Park, revealed that he was mugged often for simply being a young guy in the city.

I got mugged often! Ive been mugged all through the Village, Times Square, Upper West Side, he explained during a 5 September episode of Bruce Bozzis Table for Two podcast. I never had any money! And people constantly wanted [to mug me].

Broderick went on to reveal that he was just 12 years old when it happened a lot, but it was mostly other boys his age being bullies and getting lunch money.

But sometimes it was somewhat scary, he added, before recalling one instance when he and a friend were skateboarding in Central Park. A massive gang came flying out and took our skateboards and I got whacked in the head with some sort of stick, Broderick shared. It was not a joke and thank god we all survived it.

The Broadway actor continued: You get on the subway and somebody will sit next to you and put their arm around you rather aggressively and say: Whats in your pocket? Whats your name? - just asking you a lot of questions, just waiting, praying for the train to come out of the tunnel on the platform.

Broderick - who still lives in New York City with his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, and their three children - described growing up in Manhattan back in the day as having less rules. While he explained that he told his parents once or twice about being mugged, he noted that they werent as watchful as some parents are these days.

Back then, they werent as watchful as we are to our kids, he said. They were kind of like: Go to a park and come in time for dinner. And that was it.

Broderick has been married to Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker since 1997. The longtime couple share son James Wilkie, 20, and 13-year-old twin daughters Marion and Tabitha.

The pair met in New York City in 1991 when they were both working in theatre, according to Architectural Digest. Broderick and Parker raised their three children in a townhouse in the West Village, the same Manhattan neighbourhood where her iconic Carrie Bradshaw character lives. She gave fans a peek inside their home, which was originally built in 1905, during her 73 Questions interview with Vogue in 2014. They listed the townhouse in 2020 for $15m, and snatched two townhomes in the West Village for $34.5m in 2016.

In a recent interview with SiriusXMs The Howard Stern Show, Parker revealed that she takes the subway in New York City all the time. When asked by host Stern if shes petrified by the bizarre sights of the subway system, the Hocus Pocus star replied: Oh god, no.

Ive seen it all, Parker joked. I think Ive seen what most people see who are regulars, which is people going to the bathroom, people clipping their nails, people finding pleasure - lets put it that way.

When asked how she reacts when fans approach her on the subway, she explained: I say hi. I have headphones on all the time, and I say: Im so sorry. I cant take a selfie. Sometimes Ill say: They wont allow it the government doesnt let me take a picture.

Thats confounding to people, so that is enough time to move away, she added. Im always really nice, but I tell them, Im terrible at selfies. I dont take them well but whats your name, how are you? Or Ill tell them Im on a phone call, Im so sorry but nice to meet you.
Meet the Deedles is an adventure-packed comedy movie featuring fraternal twin siblings, Phil and Stew. Formerly avid surfers, they find themselves relocating to Wyoming after getting expelled from school. Soon, the pair joins the Yellowstone National Park as rangers to get the attention of an attractive lieutenant. As the story unfolds, watch the twins join forces to thwart the schemes of a vengeful ex-ranger.

Heres where you can watch Meet the Deedles online.

Where can you watch and stream Meet the Deedles?

You can watch and stream Meet the Deedles on Disney Plus.

Watch Meet the Deedles Right Here

It is a 1998 movie that was the directorial debut of Steve Boyum. The stellar cast includes the late Paul Walker as Phil Deedle, Steve Van Wormer as Stew Deedle, A.J. Langer as Lt. Jesse Ryan, John Ashton as Capt. Douglas Pine, Dennis Hopper as Frank Slater, Eric Braeden as Elton Deedle, and Richard Lineback as Crabbe.

How to watch Meet the Deedles and stream online

You can watch Meet the Deedles online with a Disney Plus subscription. Just visit the official website or install the application and sign up. All you need to do is follow the steps below and enjoy the movie in the comfort of your home:

Open the webpage or application.

Select Sign Up Now.

Create an account with your email address and password.

Choose a suitable subscription package.

Complete the payment.

Disney Plus subscription offers movies and TV series crafted by major studios like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, and National Geographic. It also allows you to select one of the following subscription plans:

An ad-supported basic plan at $7.99 per month. An ad-free premium plan at $10.99 per month. An ad-free premium plan at $109.99 per year.

The official synopsis for Meet the Deedles reads:

Two surfers end up as Yellowstone park rangers and have to stop a former ranger who is out for revenge.

Disney Plus Schedule September 4-10

Disney Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth episode of Rosario Dawsons Ahsoka, a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Max Schedule September 4-10

Maxs new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes Tiny Toons Looniversity, a reboot of the 90s animated Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Paramount Plus Schedule September 4-10

Paramount Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth season of the Star Trek: Lower Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Peacock Schedule September 4-10

Peacocks new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes all eight episodes of Chucky Season 2 and a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago

The post Meet the Deedles: Where to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Ex-Fox News star Megyn Kelly on Tuesday night suggested a lot of people believe that Barack and Michelle Obama are secretly running a shadow puppet government while suggesting the former first lady may supplant President Joe Biden in the 2024 White House race.

Appearing on her former Fox colleague Eric Bollings Newsmax show, Kellywho now hosts her own show on SiriusXMalso claimed that a Michelle Obama run would motivate Republicans because the former first lady doesnt like America.

In recent days, with rumors swirling in the tabloids that desperate Democrats are begging Michelle Obama to run for president out of concerns about Bidens age and mental fitness, conservative media has suddenly begun focusing its energy on the ex-president and his wife. (Fox News host-turned-Twitter-podcaster Tucker Carlson, for instance, has revived discredited decade-old claims about Obamas crack-fueled gay sex parties.)

Megyn Kelly Is Very Mad That Joe Rogan Drank a Bud Light

Kelly, who was ousted from NBC News in 2018 for defending blackface, agreed with Bolling that the Obamas would love nothing more than to return to the White House and that the former president is likely puppeteering the Biden administration. Bolling also noted that Kelly had previously floated the idea of Michelle Obama replacing Biden on the Democratic ticket.

There are a lot of people who think the Obamas are already running the government and that there is some sort of shadow puppet situation going on that theyre controlling, she declared. Theres been questions from the beginningis it Joe Biden really making the calls?

Kelly continued: I think Michelle Obama is seen as a savior figure by the Democrats who think shes the most beautiful person ever. They think shes the strongest leader. They think shes their big hope.

The conservative pundit added that shes also going to motivate Republicans, although Kelly scoffed at the idea that it would be at all because of racism.

Megyn Kelly Says Shes Buried the Hatchet With Trump: Great to See Him!

No, its because you dont like America, Kelly rhetorically addressed Obama. And its not just from your weird comments when Barack was running that, For the first time in my life, Im really proud of my country. Kelly then took issue with the ex-first lady revealing that she only recently stopped straightening her hair because she was worried that Americans werent ready for a Black womans natural hair in the White House.

Really? I mean its the same country that made Oprah Winfrey an absolute billionaire, and I watched that show daily and Oprah wore her hair however the hell she wanted, Kelly continued. But this woman has no faith in the goodness of Americans.

Even before her blackface scandal at NBC News, the ex-Fox News anchor has long courted controversy with comments that have been perceived as racist, including towards Michelle Obama herself. For example, during one Fox News broadcast, Kellys show ran an on-air graphic referring to Michelle as Obamas Baby Mama.

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.
Michael Imperioli says he took supernatural steps to help him materialize his 1999 movie  Summer of Sam .

The Sopranos and White Lotus actor was living at the Chelsea Hotel at the time and, in a new documentary about the notoriously haunted locale, recalls meeting with a witch in order to push the crime thriller through the studio system in Hollywood.

More from Variety

I had just begun writing Summer of Sam with Victor Colicchio  we wrote that script together, Imperioli says in an exclusive clip from Ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel. I really wanted to get it made. So I met somebody who was living here who was a witch, who said she could help me get it made, but it wasnt going to happen the way I thought it would. I was very ambitious at the time and wanted to get that made, so [I] resorted to tapping into otherworldly means to get it through the studio system.

Imperioli did not elaborate on exactly what types of spells or rituals he may have cast upon the film, but Summer of Sam went on to be directed and co-written by Spike Lee and released by Buena Vista Pictures. Imperioli and Lee also played small roles in the movie.

Elsewhere in Ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel (and Other Rock & Roll Stories), Imperioli remembers moving into the Chelsea Hotel at age 29. The Chelsea is a very mythical place, he says. Especially if youre an artist in New York, it looms very large, and the idea of living here seemed not really possible.

In another scene from the film, Imperioli tells a personal ghost story from the Chelsea Hotel.

I saw a ghost here, he says. Some people may think that Im insane and its bullshit or whatever. But Im not the only person who has seen this apparition of a woman, apparently from the late 19th century, whose soon-to-be husband died on the Titanic. She came from upstate or something and was waiting for him here, and when she found out what happened to him, she killed herself.

The documentary, directed by Danny Garcia (Nightclubbing, Sad Vacation), tells the story of New Yorks iconic Chelsea Hotel, and the eccentric artists and spirits that have inhabited it, including Andy Warhol, Patti Smith and Nico. The film explores the hotels connection to cultural icons including Dylan Thomas, Jack Kerouac, Arthur Miller and Mark Twain, and features interviews with Colicchio, Sherill Tippins, Ned Van Zandt, Harley Flanagan, Richard Barone and more.

Ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel premieres in New York City at a pair of screenings at Joes Pub on Sept. 5 and 11. Screenings are also scheduled for across the U.S. and in Germany throughout September and October.

Watch an exclusive clip from the documentary below.

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.
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic is debuting her follow-up to Cannes Camera dOr-winning Murina.

The acclaimed writer-director, who was nominated for three Film Independent Spirit Awards, helms Miu Miu short film Stane, part of the brands Womens Tales campaign. Stane premiered at the Venice Film Festivals Giornate Degli Autori on September 3.

More from IndieWire

The official synopsis reads: A complex construction site, New Yorks skyline in the distance, and fresh betrayal. Stane is in charge on-site, soon to inherit the family business from her father, who built it up as a Croatian immigrant also building the American dream. But Stanes marriage is under threat of demolition. What ensues is a public reckoning between traditional, patriarchal expectations made upon wives versus Stanes own pain and anger. But Stane is building her own life story though  outside of the permission of men.

Writer-director Kusijanovic said in a press statement, In cinema I like to see women strong and vulnerable, and sensual. Sensuality needs to breathe through everything.

Previous Womens Tales filmmakers include actresses Dakota Fanning and Chloe Sevigny who have directed past installments of the series. Per the brand, the acclaimed short-film series invites todays most profound and original female directors to investigate vanity and femininity in the 21st century.

Croatian filmmaker Kusijanovic debuted her first directorial feature Murina at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. The film was executive produced by Martin Scorsese and went on to win the Camera dOr Award presented to the Best First Film, before screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival and later debuting in New York at the Museum of the Moving Images First Look Festival.

The family drama featured cinematography by The Lost Daughter and Never Rarely Sometimes Always director of photography Helene Louvart, and starred breakout talent Gracija Filipovic.

Writer-director Kusijanovic exclusively told IndieWire that the label of being a female filmmaker comes with a certain expectation or harsh eye of critiques.

I very often got a note that Murina doesnt feel like a female film. The way it gazes at the female women, it doesnt feel like a women film,' Kusijanovic said. I am a woman and I portrayed women as I really see them being. Just by me making it and seeing it that way, that is a woman film. I am not going to make it a certain way because the industry expects it.

She continued, Theyre saying its so sensual how you portray a woman. Why shouldnt a woman be sensual? We are sensual. That says a lot about our industry and fear from which we need to create and what our expectations are, and how things are sometimes branded wrongly.

Watch Stane as part of Miu Mius Womens Tales series below. Stane will be available to stream on MUBI globally September 4.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
PORTSMOUTH  The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (BHTNH) has a lineup of thought provoking and inspirational panel discussions for the 2023 Black New England Conference. The virtual and in-person conference, held at Northeastern University on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21, is themed I, Too, Sing: Art, Music, and Writing in Our BIPOC Communities. The six panels over the two-day conference bring together artists, musicians, scholars, and experts to explore these aspects of BIPOC culture and examine their contribution to New England.

This years conference begins Friday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. with Generations Rising: Recovering Language and Culture, presented by Silvermoon LaRose, Assistant Director, Tomaquag Museum, Exeter, R.I. The focus is on the challenges of keeping alive indigenous languages. This presentation explores the continuance, recovery, and celebration of ancestral languages, and the creative ways Indigenous artists are keeping these cultural traditions alive.

Friday afternoon three panelists Akeia De Barros Gomes, Senior Curator at Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Conn., Mintzi Martinez-Rivera, Assistant Professor of English (Folklore) and Latinx Studies, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio and Cliff Notez, Assistant Professor and Multi-media Artist, Berklee College of Music, Boston, Mass., will share stories that will demonstrate how the BIPOC community uses folktales and folksongs to create meaning and understand the world in which we live. The panel entitled The Peple Could Fly: Myths, Legends, Folktales, and Song, will be moderated by Joel Christian-Gill, Associate Professor of Art, Boston University, Boston, Mass.

Later Friday afternoon, panelists Melina Hill Walker, Program Director at New Hampshire Endowment for Health, Concord, N.H., Denise Khor, Associate Professor of Asian American Studies and Visual Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, Mass., and Omarthan Clarke, Visual artist, Educator, and Advocate, will present In Living Color: Reconstructing the Canon. This panel focused on the systematic use of the white canon and its impact on the thinking and behavior of BIPOC people. Panelists will explore how BIPOC artists are dismantling the white gaze to create a space for them to decolonize the dominant cultural expression, shapeshifting into a vision that is more inclusive and compelling.

Saturday, Oct. 21, begins with A Conversation with Playwright Kirsten Greenidge. Kirsten Greenidge, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Boston University, Boston, Mass., is an American playwright whose work is known for employing realistic language to focus on social issues such as the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. This program will be moderated by ovanna Jones, Assistant Professor of English and African Diaspora Studies, Boston College, Boston, Mass.

The 5th panel, Re-framing the Music: Hip Hop and Its Influence On The BIPOC Community will be moderated by Anthony Poore, President and CEO of New Hampshire Center for Equity and Justice, Manchester, N.H. The three panelists, Frank Waln, Sicangu Lakota Hip Hop artist, Rosebud Sioux Reservation, S.D., Lai Frances, Multimedia Journalist and Producer, Jersey City, N.J., and Mr. Goodbarz, Hip-Hop Musician and Producer, Boston, Mass., will explore who profits from Black culture in terms of music. They will also address cultural appropriation, appreciation, and the challenging topic of what happens when the imitation and appropriation is coming from other BIPOC cultures.

Finally, on the afternoon of Oct. 21, Bithiah Carter from New England Blacks in Philanthropy will moderate the final panel, I Am The Future: Innovation In The Arts Among BIPOC Groups. Dzidor Azaglo, African folklore performance poet, Boston, Mass., Rose Smith, visual artist, Boston, Mass., and Kimberly Barzola, Punto Urbano Museum, Boston, Mass., explore innovative ways that the BIPOC arts community, which has been traditionally underrepresented, puts forth material for deeper engagement for learning, self-expression, activism, and social justice. Panelists will come together to exchange ideas about the process that creates radical forms of artmaking to educate and empower the next generation.

JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of the BHTNH commented, For the last 16 years, the Black New England Conference has addressed themes integral to the Black community and New England as a whole. We are thrilled this year to broaden our focus to the cultural aspect of the BIPOC community and examine the challenges as well as important contributions to our culture. We invite the public to learn and participate either in person or virtually during this intriguing and immersive conference.

The Black New England Conference will be held in person at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., but all panels are available to be accessed virtually. For more information, please visit: https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/2023-black-new-england-conference-schedule/

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Panelists announced for 17th Annual Black New England Conference
One good tip from a con turned into a lifelong friendship for two unlikely candidates.

David Nadolski is a retiree living in Orleans whose interesting past comes to light in his new book The Con and the FBI Agent: An Unlikely Alliance," published last year by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Nadolski was a Detroit police officer for six years and then an FBI agent for 21 years, which landed him in Boston. This true story spotlights the biggest case of his career  stopping what could have been one of the biggest armed robberies of the 20th century and saving many lives in the process.

Lets start from the beginning of this relationship.

Nadolski was in the FBIs Violent Crime and Major Offenders unit when he was assigned to investigate a break-in at John Quincy Adams ' Library  called the Stone Library in 1996.

Somebody had cut open the wooden door and bypassed the alarm system and had stolen four very significant manuscripts from a display case inside. These books were historically important and we were in a panic to get them back, said Nadolski.

David Nadolski is a retired FBI agent who has written a book, "The Con and the FBI Agent: An Unlikely Alliance." He was photographed at his home in Orleans holding a photo of himself taken in February 1999 of the weapons taken from an arrest that were going to be used in an armored truck robbery

Recovering rare books, important pieces of the past

The stolen manuscripts were: the 9 Mendi Bible and the 1621 King James Bible in Latin, both owned by John Quincy Adams. A 1772 Bible owned by Adams' wife and a natural history book from 1785 called Blocks Ichthyology.

During the panic, Nadolski was informed that an inmate named Anthony Romano aka Tony, had information for him about the robbery. Romano was an accomplished mechanic whose addiction problems led him to jail.

When he was on his drug binges, he pulled armed robberies with a plastic squirt gun that he had painted up to look like the real thing, Nadolski said of Romano.

Romano told Nadolski that he knew who stole the books and named Kevin Gildea. He warned Gildea would be in contact with the FBI to ask for a deal in return for the books. And thats exactly what he did, but his request was denied.

Nadolski arrested Gildea on an unrelated gun violation. Upon searching his wallet, he found a Portsmouth, New Hampshire, gym card with a combination code on the back. Sure, enough the books were found in the back room of the gym.

Nadolski went to the parole board on Romano's behalf, and he was granted early release to a halfway house, but he would soon be calling Nadolski with another case.

The Con and the FBI Agent: An Unlikely Alliance, by David Nadolski

The plan to rob an armored car

Romano started working at a body shop in Dorchester. According to Nadolski's book, Romano overheard owner Carmello Merlino talking to his crew Steven Rosetti, David Turner, and his nephew William Merlino planning a robbery on the Loomis-Fargo Armored Car facility in Easton. With the intention of falling under the radar, they needed a guy on the inside. And Romano tells them he can help , that he knows a guy on the inside.

Little did they know Romano would spend the next two years feeding Nadolski information and wearing wires to finally bring them down in 1999.

Nadolski took a risk on Romano's information. But Romano truly risked his life informing on dangerous criminals with ties to the new England Mafia.

How the heist went down

While the initial plan was to apprehend the gang before the crime was committed, it all changed when Turner was spotted putting a large duffle bag into a car that was suspected to be full of weapons.

They were each individually arrested by the SWAT team as they approached the garage. Two of them got a little suspicious, Steven Rosetti and David Turner, said Nadolski.

Unbeknownst to them, there was a surveillance plane following them. SWAT members had to break the car windows and drag them out. Inside the vehicle were guns, bulletproof vests, police scanners and a military grenade that was meant to be thrown at police, Nadolski said.

All four men were initially sentenced to 40 years.

Nadolski got Romano a substantial monetary reward for his work and set him up in an apartment until he was placed in witness protection.

Romano struggles in witness protection

He kind of got homesick and ended up taking off and ending up back in Boston and calling me and I'd have to deal with him and get him back where he belongs because there were people looking for him (to kill him), Noldelski said.

FBI agent and con man forge unlikely friendship

Romano had been affiliated with the defendants before bad blood brewed. Gildea spread rumors in jail that he was a rat. Carmello Merlino recruited Romanos ex-wife to be a drug mule while he was incarcerated, but Nadolski explained, he believed it became something much bigger for Romano other than being vengeful.

He just said this would be the best thing he's ever done in his life Something that would make people proud of him and I said, 'Well, I know one person is proud of you and that's me,' he said.

Romano died from a cerebral hemorrhage a few years ago.

You might not be able to put this book down.

Nadolski's time spent with Romano is evident in the writing. Using true storytelling, he gives a detailed account of how Romano ended up in this situation. His descriptive ability draws pictures quickly in your mind, while also explaining his own story and how he became an FBI agent.

Nadolski does not leave loose ends.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Retired FBI agent Nadolski pays tribute to informant turned friend
IndieWires Screen Talk is going Canadian, with host Anne Thompson leading a discussion about the SAG-AFTRA strike before a live audience during the Toronto International Film Festival this Friday September 8 at 4:00pm ET. The event is open to all accredited press and industry badgeholders on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more info about attending in-person, click here.

More from IndieWire

Thompson will be sitting down with SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Crabtree-Ireland during this Screen Talk Live to discuss the slate of films at TIFF and the future of Hollywood amid the ongoing strikes. It will take place at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre on 250 Front Street West.

IndieWire will also publish the Screen Talk podcast (featuring video) of the event.

Per TIFFs official announcement:

Anne Thompson once again brings IndieWires Screen Talk podcast to TIFFs Industry Conference stage. On a weekly basis, Screen Talk hosts discuss the indie film world and beyond, from film festivals to the future of the business. Annes special guest for this live episode is SAG-AFTRAs National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. The live, 40-minute onstage conversation will be followed by a 20-minute audience Q&A, in which Thompson and Crabtree-Ireland will be joined on stage with Marie Kelly, National Executive Director of ACTRA.

Crabtree-Ireland previously told IndieWire that the interim waiver agreements currently being rolled out to select projects was a way to be triaging amid the strike, to continue work for those productions that have satisfied guild requirements.

Were looking at things like whos financing them, who has effective control over them, and who owns the intellectual property rights. And then for a small number of projects, there are other factors that are relevant, including if those projects are being produced outside the United States, whether theres any legal issues attached to the jurisdiction theyre producing in, Crabtree-Ireland said in early August. We take all of those factors into account and make a determination of what should and shouldnt receive an interim agreement. The sole fact that there is a distribution deal with an AMPTP-related company is not in and of itself, the only determining factor. There are other factors that are weighed as part of that evaluation.

Crabtree-Ireland will address the ongoing negotiations as well as the rise in waiver agreement approvals during the live podcast recording.

The most recent Screen Talk podcast episode unpacked the Telluride and Venice Film Festival lineups, as well as auteurs streaming collaborations like Wes Andersons The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar at Netflix. The August 25th episode dove into the approval of SAG interim strike waivers for actors to promote films on the fall festival circuit.

Screen Talk is available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify, and hosted by Megaphone.

For more information on attending Screen Talk live at TIFF, click here. Browse previous Screen Talk episodes here and subscribe here.

Best of IndieWire

Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
"Whats occurring from what Ive seen, its a neurological event," McConnell 's fellow Kentucky senator said

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Sen. Rand Paul (left), Sen. Mitch McConnell

As Mitch McConnell's team continues to insist the Republican is fit to serve in Congress, his fellow Kentucky senator, who has been practicing medicine for 25 years, is not convinced the Senate minority leader is being fully forthcoming about his health.

Speaking to Politico, Republican Sen. Rand Paul said a letter about McConnell's health by a Capitol physician this week "wasn't particularly helpful."

In the letter, Dr. Brian Monaghan, the attending physician of U.S. Congress, wrote that 81-year-old McConnell underwent an examination on Aug. 30, shortly after a second recent episode in which he froze mid-press conference (and on the heels of a hospitalization for a concussion in March).

Monaghan wrote that the examination of the senator included MRI imaging, an EEG study and "consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment."

Related: Senate Physician Says Theres No Evidence Mitch McConnell Has Larger Health Problem After Freezing Episodes

"There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA [also known as a mini stroke], or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease," Monaghan wrote in the letter, which was addressed to McConnell.

In an earlier letter about McConnell, Monaghan wrote that occasional lightheadedness is not uncommon in concussion recovery and can also be expected as a result of dehydration."



Ryan C. Hermens/Lexington Herald-Leader viAa AP Mitch McConnell

But Paul  an ophthalmologist  remains unconvinced, telling Politico: "I dont think its been particularly helpful to have the Senate doctor describe it as dehydration  which I think even non-physicians seeing that, probably arent really accepting that explanation. Whats occurring from what Ive seen, its a neurological event."

Speaking to The Hill on Wednesday morning, Paul called the Senate doctor's report "not believable," saying, "When you get dehydrated you dont have moments where your eyes look in the distance with a vacant look and youre sort of basically unconscious with your eyes open. That is not a symptom of dehydration."

Paul also claimed that the tests conducted on McConnell are not capable of ruling out a seizure disorder.

Now if you get an EEG and its normal, does that mean he doesnt have a seizure disorder? No, that means that you didnt find it because he didnt have a seizure while he was having the test, Paul told The Hill.



Related: Mitch McConnell Discharged from Hospital After Minor Rib Fracture, Concussion from Fall

McConnell, whose current term is slated to end in January of 2027, has in recent weeks faced growing questions about his health following the two episodes in which he suddenly stopped speaking and stared forward in the middle of press conferences.

Both incidents occurred in the months after McConnell spent nearly five days at a hospital following a fall in Washington, D.C. in March.



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.

Recently, McConnell's team has been working to project confidence in the senator's health. On Tuesday, he participated in a Senate leadership conference and on Wednesday, attended a meeting of the entire Senate GOP.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
This aerial photo taken on June 22, 2023 shows a comprehensive inspection train running along the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Bandung, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

China is ready to share its mature expertise with Indonesia, and work together to do a good job in developing industries and revitalizing cities through the high-speed rail, Li said.

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a successful example of developing countries in the region working together towards modernization, visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday when inspecting the China-Indonesia cooperation project.

Upon his arrival at the Halim station, Li was warmly welcomed by Chinese and Indonesian employees. He listened to the report on the construction of the railway and expressed his appreciation for the hard work made by the builders of the two countries.

Noting that as the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a flagship project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation personally supported by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Li said that it also carries the aspirations of the Indonesian people for a better life.

The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, make careful preparations, ensure the high-standard opening and high-quality operation of the high-speed rail, and inject strong and lasting impetus into the modernization of Indonesia and the region, Li said.

Li then took a test ride and inspected the construction of the platform at Karawang Station. Calling the high-speed railway a road to integration, openness and common prosperity, Li said that it will not only shorten the time and space distance between cities, but also promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and empower economic development along the route.

Workers work at a construction site of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Bandung, Indonesia, May 1, 2023. (Photo by Ren Weiyun/Xinhua)

China is ready to share its mature expertise with Indonesia, and work together to do a good job in developing industries and revitalizing cities through the high-speed rail, Li said.

He pointed out that the economies of China and Indonesia are highly complementary and that there is huge potential for practical cooperation.

The two sides should make continuous efforts to take the lead in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the region, push the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future to a new level, and contribute to the well-being of the their people and the development and prosperity of the region, Li said.

Connecting Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Bandung, the fourth largest city in Indonesia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is 142 km long and has a design maximum speed of 350 km per hour.

It is the first overseas high-speed railway project that fully uses Chinese railway systems, technology, and industrial components. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture consortium set up by Indonesia and China, is responsible for investment, construction and operation.
If you want to know where to watch and stream Togo online, look no further, as we have all the details right here. The movie revolves around a story set in the winter of 1925 and documents champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala and his lead sled dog, Togo. The duo embark on an adventure across the tough Alaskan region to transport medicine to a small town.

Heres where you can watch Togo online.

Where can you watch and stream Togo?

You can watch and stream Togo on Disney Plus. The movie is available to watch on the streaming platform through a subscription.

Watch Togo Right Here

The cast includes Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala, Julianne Nicholson as Constance Seppala, Christopher Heyerdahl as Mayor George Maynard, Richard Dormer as Dr. Curtis Welch, Adrien Dorval as Bill Clark, Madeline Wickins as Sally Burdett, Michael Greyeyes as Amituk, and others.

How to watch Togo and stream online

You will have to get a subscription to Disney Plus to watch and stream Togo. To sign up, open the Disney Plus website on your browser, select SIGN UP NOW, enter your email address and password, choose a subscription plan that best suits your needs, make your payment, and enjoy streaming the movie.

Disney Plus offers a variety of subscription plans for you to choose from  a basic plan with ads at $7.99 monthly, a premium plan ad-free at $10.99 monthly, and $109.99 annually.

The official synopsis for Togo reads:

Togo is the true story set in the winter of 1925 of champion dogsled trainer Leonhard Seppala and his lead sled dog, Togo. Together they embark on an exhilarating and uplifting adventure across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra to help transport an antitoxin serum to a small town, and it is a journey that will test his strength, courage, and determination.

For more Disney Plus content, check out where to watch Wings of Life online.

Disney Plus Schedule September 4-10

Disney Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth episode of Rosario Dawsons Ahsoka, a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Max Schedule September 4-10

Maxs new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes Tiny Toons Looniversity, a reboot of the 90s animated Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Paramount Plus Schedule September 4-10

Paramount Pluss new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes the fourth season of the Star Trek: Lower Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

Peacock Schedule September 4-10

Peacocks new TV and movie release schedule for September 4-10 includes all eight episodes of Chucky Season 2 and a Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 2 days ago

The post Togo: Where to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Though the Republican presidential candidate appeared unscathed, some social media users were quick to poke fun at video of the incident, writing captions like "truth hurts" and "the truth doesn't abide"

WMUR-TV/YouTube Vivek Ramaswamy

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, in what some might call a bizarre twist of fate, was briefly interrupted mid-campaign speech when a sign bearing the word "truth" briefly fell over on him.

In footage shared by New Hampshire news station WMUR, 38-year-old Ramaswamy can be seen delivering a stump speech on Sunday at a fair in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when the large "TRUTH." sign slowly falls forward, hitting the far-right candidate as he stood in front of it.

Though Ramaswamy appeared unscathed, some social media users poked fun at the incident, writing captions like "truth hurts" and "the truth doesn't abide."

The viral moment comes as Ramaswamy continues to stir controversy with his 2024 presidential campaign.

In recent months, the entrepreneur has garnered headlines for being outspoken against companies using their platforms for social causes and has criticized things like critical race theory, self-victimization and efforts to stop climate change.

In line with those talking points, Ramaswamy has criticized diversity programs in America, claiming that they only emphasize people's differences.

Related: What to Know About Vivek Ramaswamy, the 'Anti-Woke' Entrepreneur Who Just Entered the 2024 Presidential Race

Meanwhile, Ramaswamy's "anti-activism fund company," Strive Asset Management, announced this week that it is now managing more than $1 billion in assets, a milestone that comes as two of the company's former employees sued the candidate and his co-founder, accusing them of mistreating staff and pressuring them to violate securities law.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy

Last month, Ramaswamy was hit with a cease-and-desist letter from Eminem's performing rights organization BMI, after he rapped the lyrics to "Lose Yourself" while campaigning on stage at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.

When asked about the letter in a recent interview, Ramaswamy told MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell he would "respect [Eminem's] wishes."



Related: Vivek Ramaswamy Backs Down After Receiving Legal Threat from Eminem: 'I'll Respect His Wishes'

Recent polling by CNN shows that Ramaswamy has seen a jump in polls since appearing in the first GOP debate last month, though he (and the other candidates) still lag well behind former President Donald Trump.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
The next chapter in The Walking Dead Saga begins with The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, a bold, masterful series that takes the TWD Universe to the next level. What to Watch had a chance to watch the entire six-episode first season and we have our spoiler-free review below.

The first 20 minutes of episode 1 (shown first at San Diego Comic-Con then made available online) make it clear were not in Kansas anymore. Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) washes up on the shores of France and must contend with a new landscape, a language barrier and lots of new threats.

After covering The Walking Dead and all of its spinoffs for years and years, I didn't know what to expect going into this new series but I've been craving something new and different. The Walking Dead: Dead City season 1 scratched that itch with a compelling story set in New York. Daryl Dixon takes the franchise to the next level as a bold new story that creatively pushes the boundaries of what's been done previously in the TWD Universe.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Louis Puech Scigliuzzi as Laurent in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Reedus is absolutely in his element in Daryl Dixon, even though his character is the epitome of a fish out of water. Daryl doesn't speak French and given what we know of him, he probably doesn't know much about France, either. Reedus delivers a career-defining performance.

After a series of mishaps, Daryl quickly finds himself in the care of nuns at the Union of Hope convent. There he meets Isabelle (Clemence Poesy, known to Harry Potter fans as Fleur Delacour), who sees in him someone who can help take young Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) to safety. Laurent, they believe, holds the key to France's future.

Daryl reluctantly agrees, hoping that through this mission he can find his way home. Of course, nothing goes to plan and he's faced with obstacles that challenge him more than anything he's been through so far. That's saying a lot, considering Daryl has gone through a lot over the years. Along the way, Daryl encounters surprising new friends who inspire him to keep going when things look bleak.

Of course, it wouldn't be a TWD series without villains. Romain Levi's Codron is relentless and driven by revenge, making him a formidable opponent who has the benefit of knowing the landscape better than Daryl. Anne Charrier's Genet will rank among the franchise's most sinister villains. It's worth mentioning the walkers in Daryl Dixon are very different from what fans have come to know over the years. These walkers have evolved (which has been hinted at previously) and they present dangerous new challenges to the survivors.

Romain Levi as Codron, Elias Hauter as Philippe in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

Showrunner David Zabel and fellow executive producer (and frequent season 1 director) Daniel Percival manage to turn vibrant France into a barren wasteland; the unsettling vibe of the series is a nod to classic French horror movies of old. With sweeping shots of startlingly lifeless countrysides to centuries-old cities and tourist hotspots overrun by the elements, Daryl Dixon's France offers The Walking Dead fans a look at how the apocalypse impacted Europe and it's utterly fascinating what survival looks like across the pond.

Like most of AMC's limited series (i.e., Interview with the Vampire and The Walking Dead: Dead City), Daryl Dixon moves quickly to economize every scene. With so much to establish, the first season could have easily filled upwards of eight episodes. There's a lot to take in right away and viewers, like the titular hero, must follow along closely to understand what's going on and what's at stake.

Thankfully, as the series progresses the gaps are filled in and viewers learn more about what's happening in France and how Daryl ended up there. The answers are satisfying and they absolutely set up what's to come in the previously announced second season.

Clemence Poesy as Isabelle, Laika Blanc-Francard as Sylvie in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

The use of language is something I enjoyed with Daryl Dixon, particularly as a fan of "El Matadero," the episode of Fear the Walking Dead almost entirely in Spanish. The French characters are authentic; some speak English while many don't. The subtitles will admittedly be distracting for some fans, but as a creative device they help create a sense of imbalance for viewers that mirrors what Daryl is experiencing with the language barrier.

I'm very aware that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon won't be for everyone. It's nuanced and very different from the original series. The payoff, I believe, is worth it. It's a chance to see a beloved character navigate a new landscape, which provides fans with a firsthand look at what's happening in the rest of the world. There are also hints at how worlds might collide in the future as the TWD saga continues, making Daryl Dixon one of the most exciting new shows in the TWD Universe to date.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premieres Sunday, September 10, at 9 pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC Plus.
Federal prosecutors said Wednesday they intend to seek another indictment of Hunter Biden, the presidents son, by Sept. 29 after a plea deal fell apart on earlier tax and gun charges.

Biden was set to plead guilty in July to two misdemeanor charges for not filing taxes in 2017 and 2018, which he has since paid. He was also set to enter a pretrial program for a gun charge, which would have resulted in the charge being dropped if he complied with programs requirements.

But U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika refused to accept the plea agreement because of disputes between Bidens lawyers and federal prosecutors about the terms.

President Joe Biden and son Hunter Biden arrive in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 4, 2023.

Congressional Republicans called the agreement a sweetheart deal. Republicans called for an independent prosecutor to replace David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware, who had investigated Biden for five years and reached the plea deal.

Instead, Attorney General Merrick appointed Weiss a special counsel with broader powers to continue his investigation.

The indictment deadline resulted from the collapse of the plea deal. Under the federal Speedy Trial Act, the clock for a prosecution continued to tick once charges were filed against Biden, so prosecutors need to act or drop the case.

The Speedy Trial Act excludes, delay reasonably attributable to any period, not to exceed thirty days, during which any proceeding concerning the defendant is actually under advisement by the court, prosecutors said.

In a filing Wednesday, prosecutors said the government intends to seek the return of an indictment in this case before Sept. 29. The filing came in the court docket for the previous gun charge rather than the tax charges.

Bidens lawyer, Abbe Lowell, also filed an update saying he has complied with conditions for his pretrial release.

Three House Republican chairmen sent a letter Wednesday to Bidens lawyers, Christopher Clark and Lowell, asking for documents related to the plea deal.

Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, head of the Judiciary Committee; James Comer of Kentucky, head of the Oversight and Accountability Committee; and Jason Smith of Missouri, head of the Ways and Means Committee, seeks documents described in articles in the New York Times and Politico about how the deal fell apart.

The lawmakers alleged it was highly likely the documents came from Bidens defense team. Lawmakers asked for the 32-page letter from Clark to Weiss about the potential gun charge, the 100-slide PowerPoint presentation about tax charges and other emails.

Lowell called the request further evidence of interfering with the investigation.

These Republican chairmen continue to abuse their power to push a purely partisan attack on the Biden administration and family," Lowell said. " This latest demand is further proof of their continued and improper interference with the Justice Departments investigation, which remains ongoing and in which Congress has no legitimate role.

What were the charges against Hunter Biden?

Prosecutors said Hunter Biden took in $2.4 million in income in 2017 and $2.1 in 2018 through Ukrainian energy firm Burisma, a Chinese-development firm, as well as domestic business interests and legal services.

Leo Wise, an assistant U.S. attorney, said an accountant prepared Biden's taxes both of those years, but his corporate and personal taxes were not paid. During this period, Hunter Biden made large cash withdrawals and covered other expenses like car payments on a Porsche, Wise said.

Biden told the court a "third party" paid the back taxes along with interest and fees pursuant to a personal loan he has not begun to repay.

Another charge in Weiss's inquiry alleges Biden made a false statement on a federal form when he bought a gun in 2018.

The Gun Control Act prohibits drug users from possessing firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ruled the ban applies to "a conviction for use or possession of a controlled substance within the past year."

Biden filled out a federal form when he bought a handgun in October 2018 in which he replied no to a question of whether he was an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance," according to the Washington Post.

By his own account in his memoir Beautiful Things, Biden battled drug addiction and for periods during 2018 smoked crack every 15 minutes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Feds intend to seek indictment of Hunter Biden this month
The brother of fallen Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died shortly after defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has sent a scathing letter to Republican leaders, accusing the party of choosing "lies and deceit over truth" more than two years after a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

"Instead of being a wake up call for our nation to reflect on what unites us as a country, the Insurrection simply widened the divide we have among our people. It has become a war cry for the Republican Party to tear down anything or anyone that challenges their views on any subject," Craig Sicknick wrote in the letter obtained by ABC News.

Sicknick said his family continues to be deeply affected by the death of his brother, Brian, who was brutally attacked by rioters, video shows. The 42-year-old military veteran, who worked for the Capitol for 12 years, died a day later after suffering two strokes.

MORE: Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio sentenced to 22 years for role in Jan. 6 attack

PHOTO: A U.S. Capitol Police Officer holds a program for the ceremony memorializing Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, as he lies in honor in the Rotunda of the Capitol, Feb. 3, 2021, in Washington. (Demetrius Freeman/Pool/Getty Images)

A D.C. medical examiner ruled Officer Sicknick died of "natural" causes. According to the medical examiner, a stroke is specifically what caused Sicknick's "natural" death, but the events of Jan. 6 may have contributed.

Some Republicans have pushed back on the Capitol Police's classification of Officer Sicknick's death as a line-of-duty death. Craig Sicknick addressed this in the letter, but didn't mention any of those Republicans by name.

"His death was due in large part to the actions of Mr. Trump and his misguided cultists who, on that fateful day, attacked the United States Capitol with the full intent of doing serious harm to Members of Congress, even many Republicans unless they threw out over two centuries of precedent and illegally overturned an election," Craig Sicknick stated.

MORE: Jan. 6 rioter who maced Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick sentenced to nearly 7 years

The letter, addressed to all members of the Republican Party, was sent directly to congressional leadership: Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. It calls out what he says are repeated attempts to downplay the insurrection on Jan. 6.

Trump's actions on Jan. 6 led to a slew of resignations within his own administration and prompted bipartisan outrage.

PHOTO: Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), far right, speaks during the Congressional ceremony memorializing U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, as he lies in honor in the Rotunda of the Capitol, Feb. 3, 2021, in Washington. (Demetrius Freeman/Pool/Getty Images)

In the immediate aftermath of the attack on the Capitol, McCarthy said former President Donald Trump "bears responsibility" for what happened. Weeks later, McCarthy visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and posed for a picture together. McConnell rebuked Trump, insisting he provoked the mob on Jan. 6. However, McConnell did not vote to find the former president guilty of inciting the insurrection during the Senate impeachment trial.

"Many people in leadership positions in the Republican Party dutifully supported Trump in his efforts, whether actively, or, more often, passively by not calling out criminal behavior. This is in spite of their own lives being threatened during the Insurrection," Sicknick wrote.

"Some actually called Trump out on it, for a moment, before traveling to Mar-a-Lago and then suddenly had a change of heart. (Sound familiar Mr. McCarthy?) Funny how such things work in the swamp that Trump claimed he would drain, but actually deepened substantially," Sicknick added.

Representatives for McCarthy and McConnell did not return ABC News' request for comment.

In August, Trump was indicted for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The sweeping indictment alleges Trump undertook a targeted "criminal scheme," knowingly fueling lies to block the nation's process of collecting, counting and certifying the results of the presidential election in order to stay in power. Despite multiple federal investigations, the former president has remained a dominant force in the party as the front-runner for the Republican nomination. Trump has denied doing anything wrong, has entered a not guilty plea and has said the charges are politically motivated.

"How much evidence does one need before making a decision that it is well past time to move on from Trump and his lackeys and move the party past this very dark time? The 60+ failed legal challenges to the election results, many in courts run by Trump appointees, wasn't enough evidence? How does a party go from being one of overall integrity to one that, for all appearances, should meet under a big top circus tent instead of in the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol Building," Sicknick wrote.

MORE: What Mike Pence has said that could be used in a Donald Trump trial

In 2021, Officer Sicknick's mother lobbied Republicans to establish a bipartisan independent commission to investigate the attack. The effort was blocked by Republicans in the Senate.

Months later, Officer Sicknick was awarded posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal for giving his life to protect the Capitol on Jan. 6 -- an effort a number of House Republicans voted against.

PHOTO: President Joe Biden embraces Gladys Sicknick, the mother of late Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, as she accepts a Presidential Citizens Medal on behalf of her late son during a ceremony at theWhite House, Jan. 6, 2023, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

At the ceremony, Sicknick's family refused to shake the hands of Republican leaders McConnell and McCarthy.

PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) holds out his hand for a handshake with Charles Sicknick, the father of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, at the U.S. Capitol, Dec. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"The party claims it is pro law enforcement, but the actions of its leadership speak far louder than the false words they spew. The same party claims to maintain a higher moral ground than their opposition, but continuously shows that they are not capable of taking the high road," Sicknick wrote in the letter.

He ended the letter with a warning about a party that continues to support Trump.

"Continued worship of a seriously flawed narcissist who has called for the suspension of parts of the Constitution, at least when it suits him, will lead us to a very dark place for our nation, a place from which we may not recover."

Thirty-two months after the mob laid siege to the U.S. Capitol assaulting roughly 140 officers, more than 1,106 defendants have been charged.

Craig Sicknick Letter by ABC News Politics on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Brother of Capitol officer who died after Jan. 6 riot blasts Republicans and Trump in letter originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
While Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's health may have raised questions outside the Senate about his fitness to serve, most GOP senators on Tuesday stood by their leader, expressing confidence in his ability to carry out his job.

"We may expect that Mitch McConnell will check out for 20 seconds a day. But the other 86,380 seconds in the day, he does a pretty darn good job," Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said. "I'm firmly behind his remaining as our leader."

"He sounds good to me, so, I'm all good with Mitch," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., echoed to reporters.

Romney and Graham's sentiments were shared by members of the Senate Republican leadership team, even those who are seen as his possible successors to McConnell's leadership role.

PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks on the Senate floor on Sept. 5, 2023 at the Capitol in Washington. (Senate TV)

MORE: McConnell, after freeze, alludes to 'attention' paid to incident

There are three men expected to jockey to become the GOP leader should McConnell step down: Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Thune of South Dakota. Returning to Congress on Tuesday, all three expressed continued confidence in McConnell.

"I'm glad they were able to rule out some of the things that people had speculated might have happened, and it appears that it's harder to recover from a concussion when you're 81-years-old than maybe he thought, but he feels that he's up to the task, and I think that's the case," Cornyn said. "I want him as long as he wants the job and can do the job."

"He has my full support and the support of the conference," Thune, the Senate GOP Whip, said.

Barrasso, a physician, said he was encouraged by the report put out by Capitol physician Brian Monahan that said he found no evidence of a seizure disorder or stroke.

"I'm really happy to see that the MRI was normal to see that the EEG was normal and that he's had a neurological evaluation. The report put out today by Dr. Monahan was very encouraging and very good," Barrasso said. He added he believes McConnell has the necessary support to remain atop the Republican conference.

Sen. Steve Daines of Montana, another member of the GOP leadership team, said McConnell called him following last week's incident and was "as feisty and sharp as ever." He said he still supports McConnell serving as party leader.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also said she spoke to McConnell the day after the incident.

"I feel that he is fully prepared and able to conduct his duties," Collins said.

PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell waves as he leaves his Washington house to return to work at the U.S. Senate, less than a week after he froze for more than 30 seconds while speaking to reporters at an event in his home state of Kentucky (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Multiple senators said they expect McConnell to address the conference Wednesday at their weekly closed-door policy lunch.

Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota said he has confidence in McConnell, describing him as being "on top of stuff," but said he wants to hear more from him directly.

"I think any of us have at least concerns just as another member does but I talked to him personally. He shared with me what the doctors have said. But I think tomorrow Mitch will want to talk with all of us about it just to clear the air," Rounds said.

MORE: Too old to hold office? A political flashpoint amid Americans' concerns: ANALYSIS

A few members raise concerns

While the overwhelming majority of Republicans remain comfortable with McConnell's leadership status, a few raised concerns.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said that it'd be hypocritical to be concerned about President Joe Biden's age without also being concerned about McConnell.

"I am concerned," he said. "If you're concerned about the president, then you gotta be concerned about other people in leadership. And I just -- it's a two-way street. It's not one or the other," Hawley said.

Hawley voted to support Florida Sen. Rick Scott's bid to lead the party over McConnell in the last leadership election.

Following that contentious election last year, Senate leaders implemented a new rule that allows any five Republicans to call a special conference meeting to discuss the party's leadership. It's not yet clear if there would be five such senators to force this kind of conversation.

McConnell's fellow Kentuckian, Rand Paul, meanwhile, said that while he still believes McConnell is fit to lead, he has questions about the diagnosis from Monahan. Paul is also a physician.

"I think it's an inadequate explanation to say this is dehydration. The one thing that is very clear is that when someone has a seizure doesn't always show up on the EEG," Paul said. "My personal interaction with him has been fine. And I think he's been up to the task. And so this isn't a criticism of him or anything. It's a criticism of the way it's being handled publicly."

Most Senate Republicans say they stand by McConnell's fitness to serve originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Carnival cruise passenger is missing after he was last seen before the ship docked in Miami.

Miami-Dade police told Insider that Kevin McGrath, 26, was last seen by his brother in his cabin.

Coast Guard officials are still searching the Port of Miami and South Florida waters.

Coast Guard officials are searching Florida waters after a Carnival cruise passenger disappeared shortly before the ship returned to PortMiami this week.

Miami-Dade Police Department identified the missing man as Kevin McGrath, 26. A spokesperson with the department told Insider that McGrath was last seen by his brother at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday morning in his cabin.

McGrath was supposed to meet his family for breakfast ahead of the ship's return to port but he never arrived for the meal, authorities said.

He was reported missing at approximately 7 a.m on Monday, a spokesperson with the cruise line told Insider.

The missing person's report came right as passengers were beginning to disembark in PortMiami following the the four-day Bahamas venture, the cruise line said.

Carnival crew conducted an "extensive" search on board the ship but failed to find McGrath. Miami-Dade police then boarded the ship to investigate. McGrath was not detected by any of the ship's surveillance systems, including security cameras and US Customs and Border Patrol during the debarkation process.

Authorities said the ship's cameras and security devices don't indicate that McGrath went overboard.

A spokesperson with the US Coast Guard told Insider that air and surface crews are still actively searching for McGrath near Port Miami and along the South Florida shore.

Miami-Dade police eventually cleared the Carnival Conquest to set sail again. The ship is currently located in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean on its way to the Bahamas, cruise tracking data shows.

The incident comes just one week after a 19-year-old college student went overboard the largest operational cruise ship in the world, the Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. Authorities have conducted a lengthy search for the missing man, but he has yet to be found.

A 2020 study from the industry trade group Cruise Lines International Association found that 19 people go overboard cruise ships each year on average. At least six people have gone overboard in the last three months, promoting debate over whether cruise ships should be required to install man-overboard detection systems.

Read the original article on Insider
In 2020, American model Anita Marshall made her debut with SI Swimsuit, heading to the beaches of the Dominican Republic with photographer Kate Powers. Prior to her rookie photoshoot, the Boston native was best known for her work with brands such as Good American and Lane Bryant.

While on set, the SI Swimsuit team took the time to catch up with the model, talking about everything from the industry to understandings of beauty.

When it comes to modeling, Marshall really appreciates and loves her job because its a form of art, she explained while on set. And part of the art form entails creating beauty, which has a certain special and unique quality, according to the model.

For her, beauty is just staying inspired and true to yourself at the same time, she said. Ultimately its about being more of who we are and not of who we see, she eloquently put it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The model brought her positive thoughts and ideas on beauty to the set, and they really translated in the series of photos taken by Powers. She absolutely stunned in the photoshoot, underscoring her notions about beauty and staying true to herself.

At the end of the day, success to me is always being happy, she said. Given Marshalls beautiful smile and energy in the Dominican Republic, we can say with confidence that the photoshoot was a true success. Below are eight fabulous photos of Marshall in the Caribbean nation.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Arrow + Phoenix Swimwear.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ellie Saab.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Arrow + Phoenix Swimwear.

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by ViX Paula Hermanny.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by SHEIN.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Kate Powers/Sports Illustrated

Anita Marshall was photographed by Kate Powers in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!
The second edition of Source Home & Gift, a new responsible sourcing show that ran from Sept. 3-6 in parallel with the Autumn Fair at NEC Birmingham, saw over 350 international exhibitors from 14 different countries including Bangladesh, China, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uganda, U.K., Uzbekistan and Egypt cutting deals with key British retailers, brands and contractors.

Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing at Source Home & Gift, hailed the success of the fair as a vote of confidence in the British retail sector as well as a demonstration of resilience among global manufacturers that prevailed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More from Sourcing Journal

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Billed as a trade show for brands and retailers to access responsible manufacturers and be one step closer to true transparency in their supply chain, Ellingham said her team selected the best manufacturers from around the world by working closely with global authorities and industry bodies.

Take China, for example, where over 60 percent of the exhibitors come from. Source Home & Gift worked with the Department of Commerce in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces to bring some of the most prolific suppliers in specific sectors.

Ceramics has been a highlight this edition thanks to the participation of 15 top manufacturers from Dehua, a county under Quanzhou in Fujian. The area is known to be the birthplace of Blanc de Chine due to the citys long history with global trade that dates back to the Song Dynasty.

Huang Wenjie, a senior consultant of Dehua County Peoples Government, said Dehuas annual ceramic output value is around 50.2 billion renminbi, or $6.8 billion. More than 60 percent of the countys ceramic products are for export. It aims to build a 100 billion renminbi ($13.6 billion) ceramic industrial cluster by 2027.

The other key feature of the fair was the presence of bamboo products from Hunan province.

According to Li Zhiyong, inspector at level 2 of the Forestry Department of Hunan Province, demand for such eco-friendly, low-carbon and sustainable material has seen explosive growth since the global trend of plastic bans and restrictions gained momentum. With bamboo forests covering over 12,200 square kilometers, Hunan at the moment boasts more than 4,000 bamboo processing enterprises.

Ellingham added that not only are these exhibitors best in class, but they are also equipped with certificates that enable them to trade seamlessly under British regulations.

I think buyers who came were just genuinely quite surprised that weve done due diligence. I always remember I had a conversation with a big buyer about a large sourcing show in Europe, and they said that they could go there. They could find 15,000 manufacturers that they actually wanted to work with, but maybe only one of them would make it through their procurement process. So by just asking these guys to have the right certification, it means theyre likely to do business faster, said Ellingham.

For newcomers, Ellingham said the fair offers at least two or three sessions a year on how to sell to U.K. buyers.

We talk to them about trends and the mindset of a buyer. These sessions are incredibly useful for them and there is a direct correlation between the companies that attend those sessions and how good of a show they had this season. In general, it will take about three shows for buyers to start to really recognize some of these guys, added Ellingham.

For more industry insight, the fair on Sunday invited Jack Stratten, head of trends at Insider Trends, to take the audience through a host of case studies on the importance of transparency, conversation, collaboration, accountability and community in the future of retail.

On Monday, Cassandra Stavrou, founder of Proper Snacks, shared about her entrepreneurial journey while revealing her rules for business, tangible insights on marketing, sustainability, leadership and more, which have propelled her company to over 100 million pounds ($125 million) in sales.

Cassandra Stavrou

The fair attracted buyers from retailers and brands including Amazon, Disney, Sainsburys, M&S, Morrisons, John Lewis, Jojo Maman Bebe, Ohh Deer, Dobbies, Dunelm, Next, B&Q, Card Factory, Ridleys Games and Alzheimers Society, a charity that vows to help end the devastation of dementia.

Mike Dickens, senior program manager at Amazon, noted that Source Home & Gift is a great chance to meet lots of potential domestic and international suppliers in one place. Early face-to-face interactions with suppliers give you a good opportunity to build trust and rapport before getting into business together.

Claire Bagnall-Hunt, senior commercial trading executive at Alzheimers Society, added, Were looking for ethical and responsible suppliers that are based in the U.K., particularly those with on-trend products, and so we were very interested in attending Source Home & Gift. Well definitely be coming again for Februarys edition to find even more U.K.-based suppliers.

An emerging trend Ellingham observed from the fair is that buyers are looking to de-risk their portfolio, which means theyre looking to work with fewer people and put more orders through them.

While headlines around major companies moving production out of China have been all over the news in recent years, Ellingham said the reality is that over 90 percent of the orders still go to China.

China is our fourth largest import partner. For the last four quarters, weve imported 38 billion pounds [$48 billion] worth of goods from China. So the reality is they are a major trading partner. Whatever is happening in the media happens in the media, but from what were seeing people still want to work with our manufacturers. From our side, its more about making sure we bring the right people to the show, she added.

Victor Du, marketing director at Made-in-China.com, a Nanjing-based B2B platform that connects millions of global buyers with Chinese manufacturers, observed that U.K. buyers show great interest in products with trendy color combinations, as well as innovative items at competitive price points.

As the first international trade event that he attended since the Covid-19 pandemic, Du brought a cohort of top-selling products to the fair. He added that the platform has been working on curation to help buyers identify great products out of millions of listings with the MEI Prize, a Chinese equivalent of the Red Dot Design Award, Du said.

According to Ellingham, Source Home & Gift was created post-pandemic to seize the opportunity in the market at a time when so many manufacturers [are] having their supply chains disrupted, losing orders, and a reluctance from U.K. buyers to travel as much.

Theres also an increasing requirement from those buyers and consumers to have products that are made in a better way. So we saw the opportunity 18 months ago to launch something that would create a platform for good manufacturers to sell to people, she added.

Looking ahead, Ellingham said she is looking to make tableware a defining feature for the next edition. She is also in talks with several other provinces in China that are known for quality silk products and printing capabilities about bringing some of their top companies over to Birmingham.

The other section I can see really growing is pet gifting. We have about 15 manufacturers here that are some of the largest pet gift manufacturers in China. And thats one of the biggest categories in retail at the moment. Its recession-proof. People in the U.K. spend as much on their pets as their kids, she added.

Overall, with Source Home & Gift, British buyers dont need to make three trips to the other side of the world to find a product. Maybe when they make that trip, its about cementing a relationship, added Ellingham.

Click here to read the full article.
Picture this. The group chat has finally settled on a date and we are going out. Out out. Women of most ages know how serious this is. There was probably a spreadsheet involved. Boyfriends and husbands have been dispatched to the pub. Children and dogs have been dropped off at the sitter. Dignity has been left at the door. One of us is waiting for it to be cancelled so we can stay at home with our loungewear and girl dinners (its probably me).

Theres only one thing for it. Bottomless brunch.

Many Asos orders and outfit changes later, we arrive, take our seats and start the binge drinking timer. Theres only one problem. No prosecco.

Freshly manicured fists pound the table. The elected Karen of the group starts to verbally pulverise the staff. Eggs Benedicts are thrown against the walls. The Prosecco Huns exclaim in unison: But what are we going to drink now?! The waiter bashfully suggests: Spumante? Give over.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to a new study, this could be a reality in the near future thanks to climate change threatening vineyards across Europe, in particular those dedicated to glera (the beloved prosecco grape) in Northern Italy. In a detailed report in iScience last month, researchers warned that unpredictable weather, soil degradation and drought could lead to the loss of a millennia-old winemaking tradition, and the livelihoods attached to it.

RIP the Prosecco Hun.

The Italian sparkling wine has long been the fizz of choice in the UK (we were only dethroned as the worlds biggest prosecco guzzlers last year by the US). In the early 2010s, more than a third of all the prosecco shipped out of Italy worldwide ended up in Britain  approximately 131 million bottles a year. Thats nearly two bottles per Brit. You get the idea.

The origin of our obsession with prosecco dates back to just after the 2008 crash, when consumers were looking for an alternative to expensive champagne. The softer tasting, far more affordable (thanks to its cheaper and speedier production time) and incredibly quaffable prosecco was the obvious choice. Bottomless brunch was born.

Prosecco vines in Veneto, one of only two regions allowed to use the DOC (AFP/Getty)

My heart goes out to the huns whose weekends simply arent complete without a bottle of prosecco, Hannah Crosbie, founder of Dalston Wine Club, laments at the news that just 15 years after it stormed onto supermarket shelves, prosecco might be quietly forced to say arrivederci. In all seriousness though, climate change is seriously threatening every aspect of winemaking, and growing conditions are only getting more challenging.

Prosecco is certainly not the only vino at risk, but it faces a unique issue. Where other wine growing regions affected by climate change such as Champagne and Burgundy can simply put out a limited run with an inflated price tag and keep the snobby oenophiles coming, proseccos USP is its ability to produce in bulk and at a fraction of the cost.

English sparkling is a big winner with the climate going the way it is. Prosecco, by all accounts, seems like its a bit of a loser in that regard

Will Amherst, head wine buyer at Trullo

Ali Finch, group sommelier at Angela Hartnetts Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Murano in Mayfair, doesnt believe theres an appetite for a higher quality, more expensive prosecco. With the impact of the climate as well as the cost of producing wine increasing, the challenge for prosecco is going to be how to balance the expectation of its price point with the need to make slightly smaller quantities, she tells me. Regions like Chablis, for instance, have had multiple horrible vintages back to back and people just accept the fact they have to pay more for it if they want to drink that wine.

For the uninitiated, the word vintage on a wine label simply means the year the grapes were harvested  compared to regular wines that may include grapes harvested in multiple years  and each vintage can taste vastly different based on the conditions affecting the grapes in that year. Chablis, produced from chardonnay grapes in the northernmost district of Burgundy, has always been particularly affected by the climate due to its geography, but in recent years has seen frost in 2016, 2017 and 2021, and drought and higher temperatures in 2019 and 2020. This has dramatically affected those vintages, and driven up the price of bottles from good years.

But with prosecco, people potentially wouldnt be interested in paying a higher price, Finch says. This is partly because its brand has become more associated with cheap fizz than fine wine in Britain. Part of the problem also lies in the simplicity of its production. Prosecco is a wine that reflects the aromatics of the grape at the point of harvest, whereas with other sparkling wines like champagne, as well as other types of wine in general, such as chablis, its about the ageing process. Rising temperatures mean grapes are ripening more quickly, which can result in a different flavour of wine or too much alcohol, so one option is to harvest the grapes earlier. You can get away with a slightly under-ripe fruit in aged wines as so much of the flavour is added during their long fermentations.

In prosecco, a bottle of which is ready in just 30 days, an under-ripe grape could result in something that tastes a lot like battery acid, according to Finch. The Prosecco Huns dont want to chug something flavourless and eye-wateringly alcoholic with their eggs Benedict. If you pick too early, youve got no flavour, Finch explains. So they dont really have the option to just keep making it in the same volume. With other wines, you can do more work in the winery to make the wine feel more balanced and more approachable and more complex. They dont have that luxury in prosecco.

Under Italys DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) laws, prosecco is only prosecco when it comes from just two regions of the country, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and adheres to strict growing and production rules. The same goes for champagne: only wine produced from eight permitted varieties of grape grown exclusively in the Champagne region of France may be called champagne. Its these heroic viticulture sites that the report says are most at risk. Naming rights have been a point of contention across the whole wine industry for some time, with Australian producers of glera recently putting in a request to the EU to be allowed to call their wine prosecco on the grounds that its part of their migrant and cultural identity.

Ironically, the glera grape is actually believed to be Slovenian in origin, and was first cultivated in the vineyards of Prosecco, a small village in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region near the border with Slovenia. The name is even thought to derive from the Slovenian words preseka or poseka, or the Serbian/Croatian prosek, meaning path cut through the woods. While DOC laws might prevent anyone calling a sparkling wine made from glera grapes outside of the designated regions a prosecco, it hasnt stopped winemakers around the world from essentially producing the same wine using the same techniques. As climate change has made it increasingly difficult to cultivate the grapes in their historical home, its also made conditions in more northern regions like the UK more favourable for the growing of certain grapes, including white varieties such as glera, opening the door to a whole new generation of winemakers.

This is not me saying this is the death of prosecco, Finch adds quickly, but she stresses that the wine industry is naturally very dynamic. There are loads of alternatives to prosecco, both within Europe in terms of pet nats and cremants and things like that, and with the New World as well. Pet nats  sparkling wines made using the traditional method of fermenting in individual bottles  have become very trendy among the younger Gen Z crowd, she says, as it still offers something bright, fruity and super fizzy, but without the faff, or price tag, that comes with champagne. People are also drinking less but are happy to spend a little more and not drink as much.

At Murano, Finch says diners are asking about English sparkling wines more than ever before. The correlation, obviously, with post-Brexit is there. Theres a desire to try and drink more local wines, potentially from a sustainability point of view, potentially from a cost-to-quality point of view because of duty increasing. Its also partly because during Covid people did a lot of staycations and UK wine tourism did very well during that time. And it sort of stuck.

The Drusian winery, in Valdobbiadene, Veneto. But the production line could be approaching its end (AFP/Getty)

Its a sentiment echoed by Will Amherst, head wine buyer at Italian trattoria Trullo in Islington, north London. I dont want to bash prosecco too much, but if I was going out and I wanted sparkling wine, I would still look at champagne, he says, much to the chagrin of the Prosecco Huns. And if Im going to look somewhere other than that, I would get a bottle of English sparkling. Because English sparkling is a big winner with the climate going the way it is. Prosecco, by all accounts, seems like its a bit of a loser in that regard. Prosecco and the people that produce it are certainly not the only losers but its high-altitude, cooler temperature geography, which previously protected it from climate change, is now adversely affected by extreme weather. Sudden, intense rainfall damages the soil and creates slope failures, while conversely droughts make irrigation extremely difficult.

While hes yet to see a knock-on effect on prosecco supplies at Trullo, Amhersts immediate thoughts were, really sadly: is prosecco going to be able to pull itself out of that hole? I dont know how you reconcile the spiralling production costs and the brand identity, which is synonymous with cheap wine in this country, he says. Although its not recommended to keep prosecco longer than two to three years before it goes flat  compared to up to 10 years for vintage champagnes  he doesnt anticipate stocks to run down soon. At any rate, his biggest use for prosecco at Trullo is in an Aperol Spritz, where it makes up half the drink.

He actually sees it as an exciting opportunity for new wines to emerge. So does Will Hill, a wine buyer at online merchant Honest Grapes, who tells me: Once again, cava is showing that there is great value to be found in traditional method sparkling wines and more and more we are seeing prosecco-esque wines for lower prices. If the consumer isnt tied to the name prosecco, there are plenty of good, affordable, entry-level options available.

Its clear that wines of all colours are facing an uphill battle (quite literally in proseccos case), not just to survive but to protect their identity, which for prosecco is arguably more important. That could spell the end of the Prosecco Hun, but with English sparkling and other European varieties on the rise, perhaps it just means a rebranding is in order.

Cremant Crew? Pet Nat Posse? They dont have quite the same ring, but it wont stop us booking bottomless brunch anytime soon.
Visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, accompanied by Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, inspects the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a successful example of developing countries in the region working together towards modernization, visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday when inspecting the China-Indonesia cooperation project.

Upon his arrival at the Halim station, Li was warmly welcomed by Chinese and Indonesian employees. He listened to the report on the construction of the railway and expressed his appreciation for the hard work made by the builders of the two countries.

Noting that as the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a flagship project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation personally supported by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Li said that it also carries the aspirations of the Indonesian people for a better life.

The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, make careful preparations, ensure the high-standard opening and high-quality operation of the high-speed rail, and inject strong and lasting impetus into the modernization of Indonesia and the region, Li said.

Li then took a test ride and inspected the construction of the platform at Karawang Station. Calling the high-speed railway a road to integration, openness and common prosperity, Li said that it will not only shorten the time and space distance between cities, but also promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and empower economic development along the route.

China is ready to share its mature expertise with Indonesia, and work together to do a good job in developing industries and revitalizing cities through the high-speed rail, Li said.

He pointed out that the economies of China and Indonesia are highly complementary and that there is huge potential for practical cooperation.

The two sides should make continuous efforts to take the lead in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the region, push the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future to a new level, and contribute to the well-being of the their people and the development and prosperity of the region, Li said.

Connecting Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Bandung, the fourth largest city in Indonesia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is 142 km long and has a design maximum speed of 350 km per hour.

It is the first overseas high-speed railway project that fully uses Chinese railway systems, technology, and industrial components. PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture consortium set up by Indonesia and China, is responsible for investment, construction and operation. 

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, accompanied by Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, inspects the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Sleek mid-century modern design and plenty of grab-and-go food options await travelers at Capital One's newest lounge near the nation's capital.

Patrick Kolts/Courtesy of Capital One

Capital One is making good on its promise to expand its national network of lounges with the opening of its second location at Dulles International Airport, which will welcome travelers on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Boasting 8,500 square feet of amenity and dining space, the lounge  at the hub just outside Washington D.C.  takes inspiration from the airport's historic terminal building, designed by renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1962. As a result, the sleek interiors reference mid-century modern aesthetics and feature classic furniture styles such as Saarinen's tulip tables and womb chairs, as well as teak wood finishes. Archival airport photography and contemporary artwork by local artists, including custom mugs from Central Virginia's Acorn Studio, lend a local feel.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We have space for business travelers to be able to take a quiet call or respond to emails or whatever you might need to do to complete your workday. We also have space for families or groups of friends who are traveling and want a more celebratory experience," Jennifer Scheurich, managing vice president and head of marketing at Capital One, told Travel+Leisure. "We've tried to reflect those different needs throughout the space and to make sure that there is really something for everyone here,"

Below, we have broken down everything you need to know about Capital One's new lounge.

Patrick Kolts/Courtesy of Capital One

Location

Travelers can access the space after they clear security at the airport's TSA PreCheck or CLEAR kiosks between the East and West Security Checkpoints. The lounge's entrance is located on the same level.

The great thing about the location is that, regardless of where your gate is, you can stop by  even for a short visit  and take advantage of the amenities.

Access

Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders, plus two guests, can enjoy unlimited access to this lounge. Every additional guest can access it for a $45 fee per visit. Venture and Spark Miles cardholders receive two complimentary lounge visits per year that they can use to access Capital One or Plaza Premium lounges (a global network of independently owned lounges) and purchase any lounge additional visits for $45.

All other travelers can access this Capital One lounge for a $65 fee.

Patrick Kolts/Courtesy of Capital One

The Space

The check-in counter of the lounge is located opposite its entrance and is conveniently next to the grab-and-go section stocked with non-alcoholic drinks and pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, and desserts made daily on-site. In the same space, guests will also find a full-service espresso bar, a snacks section, and secure lockers for storing carry-on luggage and small personal items.

Scheurich explained that one of the priorities when designing this Capital One Lounge was accommodating travelers with shorter layovers who still want "a great lounge experience."

Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure plenty of sunlight and panoramic views. A variety of seating options caters to different travelers  from families with children and larger groups to solo and business travelers.

The bar and sit-down dining options are at the back of the lounge and not visible from the entrance. A soothing color palette of whites, greys, and light wood is punctuated by elegant deep blues and reds throughout the space.

Patrick Kolts/Courtesy of Capital One

Food & Beverage

Local flavors are the star of this Capital One lounge. The company, based not far from the airport in McLean, Virginia, has partnered with local vendors to deliver an authentic food and beverage experience. For example, if you are in the mood for a cocktail, try Michelin-starred Bresca's Bee's Knees, served in its iconic bee-shaped glass. A selection of local craft beers from breweries such as the Ashburn-based Lost Rhino Brewing Co and Alexandria's Port City Brewing Company is also available. The wine list consists of classic red, white, and sparkling blends, and travelers who'd like to indulge in something more special can order from a selection of upgrades that include bottles from Krug, Ruinart, and Clase Azul Gold Joven Anejo Tequila ranging in price from $10 to $150.

What travelers (fortunately) won't find at the lounge is the familiar buffet-type dining experience. Instead, the food is served on individual plates in smaller bites, allowing guests to customize their portions and try out more options. From classics such as breakfast sandwiches and Shakshuka to delicious appetizers such as goat cheese and spicy peach crostini, and Thai shrimp curry Bao, the menu offers a wide variety of selections.

Another highlight is the on-tap station with soft drinks and specialty sodas  a favorite being the agave vanilla cream.

Patrick Kolts/Courtesy of Capital One

Other Amenities

This Capital One lounge offers a nursing room with comfortable seating, a sink, and a diaper changing stocked with diapers, wipes, and a bottle warmer. Two private semi-open working stations cater to business travelers. We are unsure how quiet they are when the lounge is full, but they are located away from the main seating area. Complimentary WiFi and individual charging stations are also available.



For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Chinese car companies are coming for Europe. VW and Mercedes should be nervous.

Chinese automaker XPeng will start selling its P7 sedan in the German auto market this year. XPeng

Chinese automakers have their sights set on world domination.

That's bad news for European automakers like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.

Eventually, they will pressure US-based car companies like Ford and GM.

Chinese automakers have their sights set on world domination. With their recent push into Europe, experts say companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW should be nervous.

The Chinese auto industry has been booming in recent years. Chinese EV companies are expected to outsell foreign brands there, including Ford, GM, and others, for the first time this year. As other global automakers' market share falls in China, homegrown players are expected to continue an upward trajectory for the foreseeable future.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That's despite recent signs of an easing EV market in China. Even with some lessening demand, Chinese manufacturers are pushing full speed ahead in their global expansion, with Europe top of mind.

This is worrying executives at some major legacy auto companies, according to several reports out of the Munich auto show. Chinese firms took the spotlight at the show, which historically put German manufacturers at center stage.

Instead, this year, show goers and industry leaders saw major news from several of China's biggest auto players. BYD is bringing a midsize sedan and midsize SUV to Europe later this year. XPeng already operates in four European markets, and just announced plans to start selling in Germany in the coming months. Leapmotor, too, is planning a European expansion in 2024.

Germany is "losing our competitiveness," Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, said in a Reuters report out of the auto show.

Chinese automakers have a lot working in their favor

Any lag in EV development that European automakers have gotten away with is now catching up to them. Consulting firm KPMG estimates Chinese companies could account for 15% of market share in Europe within just two years.

Some experts say that's because China's electric vehicle players are far more technologically savvy than many other industry leaders, and they have their fingers on the pulse of consumer demand.

As the global auto industry electrifies, China also already has longstanding advantage with its EV battery supply chain and production, as it controls a large portion of crucial battery development.

Chinese EV companies also have an edge against rivals in producing EVs at bigger scale and lower costs, a crucial measure of any electric car companies' future success.

With China's automakers undercutting each other and rivals on pricing, "The base car market segment will either vanish or will not be done by European manufacturers," said Oliver Zipse, BMW CEO, per Reuters.

Chinese auto companies are also come for the US

Though the European auto market may have fewer barriers to entry than the US, eventually, these companies are likely to stake their claim in the American car-buying market, too.

"In our view, China will shift from being an importer to exporter of cars," Morgan Stanley analysts said in an August note. Companies there recently overtook Japanese automakers in vehicle exports globally.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Chinese social media users are having fun teasing the U.S. government and the (in)effectiveness of its technology sanctions on chipmaking equipment. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has been a particular target, as her visit to China coincided with the Huawei Mate 60 Pro launch, a smartphone packing new cutting-edge Chinese technology that was produced exclusively by heavily sanctioned Chinese chipmaker SMIC.

Raimondo has been memed into a Huawei brand ambassador, notes Huawei Central in its coverage of this story outlining the tumultuous few years Huawei has been through. The meme fun stems from Huaweis success in developing the sanctions-defying Kirin 9000S SoC, the power behind the new Huawei Mate 60 Pro, and various related technological breakthroughs. Significantly, much of this advanced new tech may never have been developed and produced in China if the US hadn't imposed its far-reaching sanctions.

Huaweis convincing recovery from several years of U.S. sanctions-induced pain will cause celebration in China. The major telecoms and devices firm went through a rough time as one of the first and most US-technology-dependent firms to have its commercial activities hobbled by U.S. sanctions and China trade restrictions, which began in 2018.

Until then, Huawei had been confidently making deep inroads into Western consumer and commercial markets. After it was blacklisted in 2019, things became much more difficult for the firm. In the smartphone business, for example, it couldnt use U.S. hardware like Qualcomm SoCs or modems, and it couldnt use Googles Android. In effect, its smartphone market share quickly diminished outside China.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, as you already know, this story has a twist. As a field grows fertile after a bloody battle or a phoenix rises from the ashes  Huawei has achieved the kind of comeback that nobody would have expected a few years ago.

Huawei Mate 60 Pro

As reported over the weekend, Huawei has a breakthrough SoC with the Kirin 9000S. This purportedly 3D stacked advanced packaged chip is claimed to be full of homegrown CPU and GPU cores (but we think the CPU uses the Armv8a ISA).

Additionally, US-sanctioned Chinese chipmaker SMIC has been under more pressure than ever to develop and refine its semiconductor manufacturing. SMICs manufacturing line is also based on new tech, namely Twinscan NXT:2000i deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography scanners. We hear the Kirin 9000S is manufactured by SMIC using these machines on its 2nd generation 7nm fabrication process. However, it is thought the process has poor yields and thus high costs at this time.

In China, this vlogger took apart a Huawei Mate 60 Pro #smartphone, and all components are 100% developed/made by China (from #Kirin9000S chip to the camera)! This is proof that US tech blockade against Huawei failed! #China #HuaweiMate60Pro#Huawei @DongshengNews #TechNews pic.twitter.com/Ozw0fF5SmhSeptember 5, 2023

See more

In summary, governments have to ponder more carefully over potential unintended consequences. Sanctions might have a place to retain advantages over rivals, but nuances of their application must be learned from the newfound vitality of blacklisted firms like Huawei and SMIC.
Chorizo has a complex flavor that pairs well with everything from eggs to seafood.

Youve probably noticed chorizo on restaurant menus, and youve likely seen it sold by the link at your local deli and in butcher shops, either fresh or cured. A spicy pork sausage, chorizo is used to impart a slightly smoky, complex flavor to all kinds of dishes, from traditional Spanish paella to brothy steamed mussels. It's also popular on charcuterie boards, pairing well with an assortment of cheeses. A versatile meat, chorizo can be used as the main protein in a dish like meatballs, served as an accompaniment to breakfast, or used as a garnish for soup, salad, or pasta (much like you would crumbled bacon).

We asked Angelica Intriago, co-owner of Despana, a renowned Spanish food purveyor, to share her expertise on chorizo. Learn how chorizo is made and what you need to know to use this spicy sausage in your meals.







Meet Our Expert

Angelica Intriago is the co-owner of Despana, a specialty Spanish food purveyor in New York City. Despana is renowned for its chorizo, which is shipped internationally.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement







Related: 15 Chorizo Recipes to Add an Extra Kick to Your Dinner

David Malosh

How Chorizo Is Made

According to Intriago, chorizo is typically made by grinding or chopping pork, and sometimes also beef, chicken, or vegetables, to create a meat block. From there, the meat is mixed with a combination of flavorful spices (and sometimes fresh ingredients like garlic and onion), and stuffed into casings (either animal-derived or synthetic). The chorizo can be sold raw (like other links or patties of sausage you see at the supermarket), air-dried and cured (similar to salami), or fully cooked and ready-to-heat.

Types of Chorizo

There are an endless number of chorizos on the market, each with its own cultural specificitiesand all strongly flavored. Spanish- and Mexican-style chorizos are the most widely available. Other countries, including Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia, and El Salvador, each have their own style that differs slightly from the rest, embracing local ingredients and spice blends that are reminiscent of their gastronomical culture.

No matter where chorizo is made, the sausage started out as a way to reduce waste and use each part of meat from an animal. The dry-curing process helped to preserve the sausage so it could be enjoyed year-round.



Spanish Chorizo

Intriago says Spanish-style chorizo is usually made with pork as the main ingredient and incorporates spices like garlic and smoked paprika, which is responsible for its deep rusty red color. Most Spanish chorizos are dry-cured, which means they have a much more salty and concentrated flavorand can be sliced and eaten right out of the package, paired with with crusty bread and mustard, or lightly fried for tapas.

How to Use: The smoky flavor of Spanish chorizo pairs perfectly with seafood, another regional favorite. Thin slices of the dried sausage are an aromatic addition to white wine-bathed mussels, shrimp and rice pilaf, and perfectly cooked cod fillets. Eggs are another classic pairingnotably tortilla Espanola. Even better, the eggs can be repurposed the next day into a hearty sandwich.

Mexican Chorizo

Like its Spanish counterpart, Mexican-style chorizo is frequently made using pork as the main component. It tends to be a little less smoky and more spicy, thanks to the addition of vinegar and jalapenos or other hot peppers. Mexican chorizo is usually sold as a raw sausage that is meant to be fully cooked.

How to Use: Fresh Mexican chorizo often paired with seafood. Shrimp and grits are a classic combination. You can also use it like you would any fresh sausagewe love it with eggs or piled into tacos.

What to Look for When Buying Chorizo

Intriago is no stranger to sourcing the best ingredients for her chorizo. She shared a few things to look for when buying chorizo:

Seek out brands that focus on high-quality meat as the main ingredient. "When I cut into a link of chorizo, I want to be able to identify the actual pieces of meat," she says. This may be her expert, critical viewpoint, but factors like this do mark a noticeable difference in overall quality, price, and flavor. As with other foods you buy, you want to be able to pronounce the ingredients on the label. This might seem contradictory, but sodium and fat levels should be relatively low. Highly processed brands tend to use fattier meats and rely less heavily on the real flavor boosters, like spices. Sodium nitrates are part of the preserving process. Most chorizos will include them, and "all-natural" labels can be misleading. Intriago chooses chorizos where sodium nitrate is at the bottom of the ingredient list, meaning it is used as minimally as possible.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
Today, both the London and Singapore b_together sites have about 150 family members, each paying a fee starting at 185 a month (b_together)

A LOT of entrepreneurs report falling into their careers by chance  but Maggie Bolger says she accidentally fell into parenting and that triggered her successful career building family clubs.

After growing up in New Zealand, she took a gap year and went travelling to Australia, Hong Kong and London, then got knocked up at 22 with my first child in London.

That was in 2000  and she and her then-husband decided to stay in the capital; Bolger was soon a young mum with three kids under five. Thats when I began to wonder why a nice place did not exist for parents. Soho House was getting traction, as were lots of celebrity restaurants, but all parents offerings were an afterthought.

Bolger would have her friends with kids over to her flat in Kensington, and do activities with them all.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was just a way to keep everyone entertained and stop us going mad with the craziness of parenting. Then I decided that people might actually pay for something like this, so in 2006 managed to convince a friends dad to rent me a garage off Gloucester Road, I got some Farrow and Ball paint and started a little club lounge with classes for mums and kids.

b_together founder Maggie Bolger (b_together)

That former garage grew into Maggie & Rose, which had grown into two family members clubs in Chiswick and Kensington and a plan for expansion in Asia, when Bolger decided to leave the business in 2019, with a pay-off and a 12-month no-compete deal.

She left, Bolger adds, because we had done a deal with a PLC in China, they wanted to take the brand in a very different direction, and I decided I had to prioritise my health and my family [rather than] opening mass sites in China. It was a difficult decision.

The no-compete agreement gave Bolger, who is now 45, what she calls 12 months of peace and quiet to come up with b_together  a place to literally be together, to meet like-minded parents going through the same thing, a nice space that was nicely designed, not plastic fantastic play groups in church halls.

Bolger found a Singaporean partner who was keen to back this new family club: Business 2.0 as my son was calling it. I knew what worked and didnt  I thought the new food and drink offering shouldnt only be reliant on members, and I wanted to make a new, creative curriculum that was separately trademarked, with creative goals and all about play, but underpinned with learning.

Her investor put in 5 million to build two clubs, one in St Johns Wood and another in Singapore, and create an early-years curriculum, with on-site nurseries, art, cookery and other classes and holiday camps.

The London site opened in 2021  funnily enough, we did not anticipate Covid, Brexit and the war in Ukraine  its been a bumpy road, Bolger grimaces.

Brexit had such an impact on nursery and hospitality staff  its been a spiral of agencies and desperately trying to find people. Covid struck just as we were trying to sort pre-launch memberships. We had booked marketing suites, had big ideas for open days to get members, wed signed the lease, then suddenly it was lockdown. I was sitting on Zooms with council planning committees, unable to walk around and see any progress on the clubs. I didnt know if the world was even going to open up again. And then when we finally did open, Russia went to war and our utility bills quadrupled  we just went, are you kidding me? Whats coming next!

But in May 2021, b_togethers restaurant, Feast, in St Johns Wood opened for the first time on the day that indoor dining was first permitted during the pandemic.

It was carnage, Bolger reports. Wed been able to do very little training, and our team was unused to working post-lockdown  they were in tears and we had queues around the block. Then we opened the nursery  where none of the kids had been socialised, so settling-in took three times longer and was 10 times more emotionally draining. The kids hadnt been with other kids, the parents were super nervous

Today, though, both the London and Singapore b_together sites have about 150 family members, each paying a fee starting at 185 a month.

Turnover across both sites is 4 million, with the Dempsey club offering a similar set-up to London, although its health and safety checks involve looking for snakes in the outdoor soft play which doesnt happen in St Johns Wood, Bolger chuckles.

The entrepreneur is now pondering the next step for b_togethers growth. A second site in set to open in the capital, and she is talking to a partner in Dubai.

Two of my children actually work in the business now too: it was created for them, and now theyve got their first jobs with us. Maybe my grandkids will start playing here too. But I have a few more business children in the pipeline first.
A dog fell 50 feet while climbing a 4,000-step staircase called the Stairway to Heaven in Kaneohe, Hawaii. According to the Sacramento Bee, the accident required both ground and air rescue teams to retrieve the dog and his handler.

Dog falls off dangerous staircase on Hawaii hiking trail

On Labor Day, a woman and her 55-pound dog attempted to trek up the Haiku Stairs, a steep staircase also known as the Stairway to Heaven, outside of Honolulu. The stairs are part of a trail that has been closed to the public since 1987 due to its extremely dangerous nature.

Somehow, the dog fell off the staircase. The woman was able to make her way off the trail to reunite with her dog. Then, she called for help with her phone. Thanks to geolocation, the rescuers were able to dispatch teams to save them. Around 5:42 p.m., five units, with a total of 13 staff, arrived at the scene.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rescuers saw the woman and her dog waiting for help near a waterfall. Then, a rescuer was dropped to the site. He harnessed the dog. The rescuer then helped air-lift the woman and her dog out of the area.

Neither the woman or the dog suffered injuries from the incident.

Hiking trail has dangerous reputation

The Stairway to Heaven is illegal to climb. But that hasnt prevented hikers from attempting the illegal feat. They are drawn to the site because of the physical challenge and the incredible views of the Moanalua Valley once they reach the top.

In September 2021, the Honolulu City Council voted to excavate the stairs. The city chose a contractor in July to do the job, but it is still pending.

We recognize the interest the stairs have to certain community groups, however issues such as trespassing, personal injuries, invasive species and overall safety of the public cannot be ignored, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi told KHON2. Fundamentally, it is inappropriate to have a high-use tourist attraction entering through this residential neighborhood, which lacks in the capacity to provide appropriate facilities or parking.

Hiking with dogs always comes with hazards. Make sure you have everything you need before setting off on a hike, and always follow hiking trail etiquette.

The post Dog Falls 50 Feet Off Stairway to Heaven Hiking Trail in Hawaii appeared first on DogTime.
According to recent data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are approximately 740 grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Two archery elk hunters are alive and one grizzly bear is dead after a run-in in Island Park, Idaho on September 1. The men were stalking through thick brush west of the Island Park Reservoir when they ran into a large boar grizzly at close range. It took shots fired from sidearms carried by both men to kill the surprised bear as it charged them.

Neither hunter was harmed during the bear encounter, according to a press release issued yesterday by the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, and they alerted authorities as soon as the bear was down. When investigators arrived on the scene, they declared the incident a case of self defense.

Conflicts between grizzlies and humans have been occurring with some frequency this summer in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), which includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks plus portions of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Back in July, a woman was killed by a grizzly in West Yellowstone, Montanajust over the border from Island Park, Idahowhile she hiked on a popular trail without bear spray.

A surveyor in nearby Wyoming survived a grizzly mauling in August. And just last week, an angler shot and killed a bear in a self defense encounter north of Yellowstone National Park on private land in Montana's Tom Miner Basin.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Earlier today, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said in a press release that a sow grizzly bear with a history of conflict was euthanized after it broke into a West Yellowstone home with its cub in tow. It is now believed that that was the same bear that attacked and killed 48-year-old Amie Adamson on a West Yellowstone trail back in July.

Recent conflicts aside, historical data show the odds of being attacked by a grizzly are still slim for the general public. According to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, 85 percent of all documented bear mortalities in the GYE are human-caused. It is illegal to kill Greater Yellowstone grizzlies because they are federally protected by the Endangered Species Act . But exceptions are made when grizzlies attack people or pose bodily riskas was the case in the recent incident in Island Park.

The potential for conflict between bears and humans increases when hunting season opens, especially for bowhunters who move quietly through thick cover and can easily surprise a bear. Thats why many bowhunters carry guns when they hunt. Carrying bear spray is also recommended.

Read Next: Watch a Grizzly Bear Maul a Black Bear in Canada

Of the 48 Greater Yellowstone grizzlies found dead in 2022, only one is known to have been killed by a hunter. That was a case of mistaken identity . Most of the other mortalities are caused by bears getting into trouble and prompting safety concerns around people.
Reuters investigated the culture at Axon, the company that makes Tasers.

Former workers told the publication they felt pressured to get tattooed or shocked with Tasers.

Axon denied that employees were pressured to engage in activities against their will.

Former employees at the company that makes Tasers told Reuters they felt pressured to get tattooed or shocked with Tasers while working there.

Axon Enterprise is an Arizona company known for creating the Taser, a stun gun that fires barbs meant to cause temporary paralysis. Tasers are widely used by law-enforcement agencies.

Former staffers told Reuters that the company had an all-in, high-pressure culture of loyalty that led to some staffers feeling pushed to be publicly shocked by Tasers in demonstrations known as "exposures."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Axon denied that staffers were pressured to engage in the exposures. In a statement to Insider, the company said: "We strongly object to any implication that Axon pressures employees to engage in activities against their will."

In a statement shared with Reuters, Axon CEO Rick Smith said being stunned by a Taser was "unpleasant" but defended the exposures by comparing them to law-enforcement practices. He said most of Axon's law-enforcement customers offered officer demos as a way to develop a "deeper understanding of the technology, as well as an empathy for people on the receiving end."

As part of its investigation, Reuters reviewed internal Axon records, including announcements, meeting notes, and 24 videos of staff members being shocked with Tasers. The agency also interviewed 63 current and former employees, including nine former executives.

Reuters said several former employees compared the company exposures to a scene reminiscent of ancient Rome's Colosseum, including a former international support manager who said they were "like a scene from ancient Rome, gladiator-style." That person added there was general pressure for staff members to be shot with Tasers, Reuters reported.

Four ex-staffers told Reuters that some Axon executives encouraged other employees to get company-themed tattoos. The company even brought tattoo artists to internal conferences this year and the last, the report said.

"The execs who got tattoos were considered to be the ones who were all in," one of the former employees said. "It was like being branded."

An Axon representative told Insider there was no pressure for staff members to participate in "exposures or obtaining an Axon tattoo."

"We make significant effort to ensure people understand it's not expected of them and most importantly, if they choose to participate, they are aware of the safety considerations," the person continued. "Most of our board and many of our most senior executives have chosen not to experience Taser exposures and we estimate that about 99.5% of our staff do not have Axon-related tattoos. It has never impeded anyone's career advancement, and it has never even come up as a topic in any reviews for hiring or promotion."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Returning to school after an extreme weather event can bring up big feelings. Experts explain what's happening. (Photo illustration: Victoria Ellis for Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images)

In recent months, there have been a number of extreme weather events, from floods to hurricanes to wildfires, with countless communities left to deal with both physical and emotional devastation. For children attending school, there's an added layer to this trauma: school.

When natural disasters force classes to be canceled for an extended period of time, or result in the destruction of schools, what happens to the students? What is it like to return to school while still reeling from an extreme weather event, and how do school disruptions affect kids' well-being? Experts explain.

What's been happening

During the past several months, schools across the U.S. have been affected by extreme weather and poor air quality, including:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ohio floods: In northeast Ohio, several schools had to close in late August due to the damage caused by heavy winds and rain. Some schools had electrical issues or lost power.

Hurricane Idalia: In the Tampa Bay area, schools closed for a period of time due to flooding and safety issues. South Carolina schools closed early or had remote learning days too.

Train derailment in Ohio: While not strictly a natural disaster, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. With a mushroom cloud looming over the area and sparking safety and air quality concerns, families were told to evacuate, meaning kids missed school.

Maui wildfires: The wildfires that raged through Lahaina, Hawaii, killed at least 115 people. It also destroyed or damaged multiple schools, homes and buildings. With the many effects of this  from families moving to children feeling too traumatized to come back  some schools are unsure how to move forward.

What experts say about school disruptions

School disruptions are a necessary precaution, either allowing kids to get home and take safety measures in advance of extreme weather or, afterward, protecting them from unsafe spaces. But when those disruptions drag on, they can affect other parts of life too.

Children need routine and a feeling of safety, says Kimberly Vered Shashoua, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who has worked with kids after hurricanes and other disasters.

Without this, kids might feel unsettled, adds mental health counselor Matthew Schubert, owner of Gem State Wellness. When their school routines are upended by natural disasters or illnesses, they experience a loss of this structure and may grapple with feelings of aimlessness in the absence of their customary responsibilities to fulfill, he tells Yahoo Life.

School disruptions can also cause social setbacks. Schools serve as more than just academic institutions, notes Alex Anderson-Kahl, a school psychologist and founder of the blog Healing Little Hearts. They are pivotal social hubs for children to bond and connect.

As research following pandemic-related school closures has demonstrated, extended disruptions and a lack of socialization lessen a childs ability to practice social skills.

Why returning to school can be complicated too

Disruptions can take a toll, but it's important to acknowledge that students may also have mixed feelings about heading back to school after experiencing a devastating extreme weather event. Here's why.

Being surrounded by anxiety triggers

While going to school can increase feelings of normalcy, it can also ignite fear. Some children might be afraid that they wont see their parents again after school, says Shashoua. Other kids might be triggered by reminders, such as the rumble of a truck after an earthquake or a drizzle after a hurricane.

Add in the fact that teachers already have enough on their plates, and the situation becomes even tougher. Teachers are often not equipped to handle multiple children facing trauma responses, especially when there are lesson plans to get through, Shashoua notes. As a result, she says, kids may learn to shut down and withdraw, which means they cant process their feelings.

Experiencing grief and disorientation

Students are still dealing with the aftereffects of the disaster too. Beyond immediate trauma, theres the grief associated with the loss of personal belongings, homes or the familiar environment of their school, says Anderson-Kahl. He adds that all of that loss and change can be disorienting and exacerbate feelings of insecurity and stress.

An inability to engage fully

Feeling safe and having shelter are basic needs that must be met before people have space to worry about anything else, like acing a math test. These natural disasters  which may involve relocating to temporary housing or awaken new fears about environmental dangers  set people back.

Without these needs being met due to the aftermath of extreme weather, children will be unable to leave the angst and anxiety of having those needs unmet, says Schubert. It will not be possible for them to engage in other areas of life until safety and shelter is no longer their primary concern.

In other words, even if they're physically at school, they may not mentally be there  which affects their ability to learn.

How can parents help?

According to Anderson-Kahl, parents play a crucial role in mitigating these mental health effects. Here are some ways they can get involved.

Interact with kids in fun and meaningful ways

An overarching tip: Spend time with your kids. Brainstorm how to combine fun, comfort and emotional support. Many children express themselves through art and play, Shashoua says. Get on the floor with them to play or draw, and ask them about their feelings."

After starting the conversation, listen to and affirm what they say. By encouraging their children to share their feelings and by actively listening, parents can provide much-needed validation and support, Anderson-Kahl says.

Model healthy coping behaviors

Kids notice more than you might think. Parents can play a pivotal role by demonstrating through their own behavioral responses how to cope with these disturbances, Schubert says. He explains that during stressful times, kids are likely to watch their parents and behave similarly.

Be proactive

Natural disasters highlight the need for preparation. Being informed and prepared for future events, discussing safety measures and ensuring that children are aware of safety plans can also be empowering, Anderson-Kahl notes.

it also helps for parents to know how to talk about extreme weather with kids, whether it involves something local or a hurricane on the other side of the world.

Be compassionate and understanding with physical problems

Try to stay patient if something like bedwetting  which is associated with anxiety  becomes an issue after a distressing event. Its very normal for children to hold stress and fear in their bodies, Shashoua adds. Stomach issues, toileting issues and nonspecific physical complaints are normal. In those situations, she recommends giving kids attention, care and time to rest.

Establish new routines

While change can be uncomfortable, it can also be an opportunity to set up a new normal. This can be particularly helpful when feelings of meaninglessness set in. If school is indefinitely closed, that might involve trying to create structure in the day for reading or other lessons.

Parents can effectively assist children in navigating disruptions by introducing fresh routines and novel expectations, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and value for the children, Schubert says.

Seek support from professionals and the community

Remember: No parent has to do this alone. The broader community can offer invaluable support, Anderson-Kahl says. He recommends professional counseling, organized group activities, community rebuilding efforts and shared resources.

Students might also want to give back to build a sense of empowerment. Empowering children to be part of recovery and rebuilding efforts, whether through community clean-ups or fundraising, can also help them process their experiences positively, he adds.

Ultimately, the toll a natural disaster takes on students and their families can't be ignored.

While the physical devastation of extreme weather events is evident, the psychological toll, especially on children, can linger, Anderson-Kahl emphasizes. Its imperative for all stakeholders, from parents to educators to communities, to recognize and address these challenges, ensuring children receive the support they need during such trying times.
Your Guide to When and How to Watch the Next Episodes of 'Star Wars: Ahsoka'



"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



The latest offering from the galaxy far, far away on Disney+ is for the girls. Most of the main characters on Star Wars : Ahsoka are women with missing and/or dead men in their life; It's like the opposite of the age-old tragic backstory where the male protagonist's wife/girlfriend is kidnapped/murdered. That's fun for a change, right? If you're already watching the new Star Wars series or you're about to jump in and need a guide to catch up, here's what you need to know about the Star Wars: Ahsoka episode release schedule. It's also a little different compared to what we've seen before....

Ahsoka centers on Ahsoka Tano, a character who originated in a Star Wars animated series. She was Anakin Skywalker's plucky Padawan apprentice and left the Jedi order before he became Darth Vader. (Spoilers for... the Star Wars prequels? IDK.) This new series catches up with Ahsoka, played by Rosario Dawson , decades later. She's a grown-up. She's not precocious anymore. And in Ahsoka, she's on a mission.

When do new episodes of Ahsoka drop on Disney+?

Okay, so how does the episode schedule work? It's actually a bit of a return to form. New episodes of Ahsoka are released one at a time (after the initial two-episode premiere) on Disney+ on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. PST/9 p.m. EST. They don't drop at midnight or in the early hours of the morning. (Well, unless you live in Germany... it's always 3 a.m. somewhere, eh?)

Lucasfilm Ltd. - Disney+

For American audiences, at least, the episode drop is at a reasonable time to sit down and enjoy a new Ahsoka adventure. That's kind of cool, especially when it comes to spoilers. I hated getting up early and feeling like I had to dodge Star Wars spoilers on social media before I had time to watch. But be mindful of those in other time zones and countries when you do watch. Nobody likes seeing a surprise cameo at the top of their trending topics... if that were to happen, as a *random* example.



Gimme the exact release dates of the Ahsoka episodes, pls.

No need to use a Jedi mind trick. I got you:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Part One: Master and Apprentice" - August 22, 2023

"Part Two: Toil and Trouble" - August 22, 2023

"Part Three: Time to Fly" - August 29, 2023

"Part Four: Fallen Jedi" - September 5, 2023

"Part Five: TBA" - September 12, 2023

"Part Six: TBA" - September 19, 2023

"Part Seven: TBA" - September 26, 2023

"Part Eight: TBA" - October 3, 2023

How can I watch Star Wars: Ahsoka?

Well, if it wasn't already clear: Subscribe to Disney+ if you aren't already and tune in/log on every Tuesday night. Or you can wait until Wednesday. You can also wait until, ladies and gentlemen, the weekend. You could even decide to finish the whole season in October when it's finished. As far as we know, the episodes aren't going anywhere. Take your time!

Watch 'Star Wars: Ahsoka' on Disney+ here

Is there going to be a Ahsoka season 2?

That's also a big TBD, both because the show has just begun and because Disney and other major studios/producers have not yet reached a deal that would end the WGA and SAG strikes. But it's likely that we'll see characters like Ahsoka, Sabine, and Thrawn in other Star Wars movies or Disney+ television shows regardless.

Anything else?

If you like Ahsoka the character and want to learn more about her friends, her relationship with Anakin Skywalker, and her overall background, you can check out the afore-mentioned animated series The Clone Wars, Rebels, Forces of Destiny, and Tales of the Jedi. In those series, the character is voiced by actress/designer Ashley Eckstein. I'm assuming that, if you watch Ahsoka you probably also watched The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett... but if not, she's in those shows too, also portrayed by Rosario Dawson.

You Might Also Like
TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian judiciary official said the first group of Iranian convicts imprisoned in Turkiye will be repatriated voluntarily within a month.

Askar Jalalian, Iran's deputy justice minister for human rights and international affairs, made the remarks in an interview with Iran's IRIB news agency, following his meetings with Turkish judiciary officials in Ankara on Wednesday.

Jalalian described as positive the meetings between the Iranian delegation he was heading and the Turkish officials, expressing hope that through close and continuous bilateral cooperation, the legal issues of the two countries' convicts would soon be resolved.

He said the victims are expected to be transferred to Iran's penitentiaries to spend the remainder of their jail terms.

Jalalian met the General Director of Turkiye's Prisons and Detention Houses Enis Yavuz Yildirim on Wednesday, and attended a meeting with Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz in Ankara on Tuesday.

In late February, Jalalian said out of the total 4,000 Iranians imprisoned in other countries, 2,800 are in Turkiye, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. 
The price increase will go into effect on Oct. 1.

The Japan Rail Pass, one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to travel around the country, is going up in price this fall.

The cost of a 7-day rail pass, known as the JR Pass, will increase from as low as 29,650 yen ($201.19) when purchased from an authorized retailer to 50,000 yen ($339.28), a nearly 70 percent increase, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. The price increase will go into effect on Oct. 1 and become the first increase in several years.

A spokesman for the JR Group told The New York Times the increase follows improvements to its service, including extending lines and updating reservation systems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As a result, the actual benefits greatly exceed the product price, the spokesman said, adding, we have decided to revise the price to an appropriate level.

When the price increase goes into effect, a 14-day JR Pass will rise from as low as 47,250 yen ($320.62) to 80,000 yen ($542.85) and a 21-day pass will rise from as low as 60,450 yen ($410.19) to 100,000 yen ($678.56). Passes for children 6 to 11 years old will cost 50 percent of the adult price.

Passes for the Green Car will also increase in price from as low as 39,600 yen ($268.71) for a 7-day pass to 70,000 yen ($474.99).

Hiro1775/Getty Images

With the new system, travelers will also be unable to purchase rail passes from ticket offices in Japan. Instead, the passes will only be available to buy online or through authorized retailers.

Japans rail system is known for having some of the fastest trains in the world, including bullet trains that run at more than 200 mph. The trains criss-cross the country, allowing travelers to hop between major cities at a clip as well as access regional lines.

But while Japan is increasing the cost of unlimited rail passes, several countries in Europe are making it easier and cheaper to access trains there. Portugal, for example, just launched a new rail pass traveling up and down its coast for under 50 ($53.65). And countries like Spain, France, and Germany have unlimited passes available.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Yesterdays report about two Lamborghini Huracans street racing and crashing into a Toyota Prius in Southern California just got a little deeper. While only one of the rogue Lambos escaped the scene after the other struck the Toyota, some questions have cropped up about the drivers of the two supercars and their possible relationship with a local tuning shop.

Austin Harmon of Colorado, a somewhat known person in the Lamborghini V10 tuning sphere, was identified by police as the person who lost control of his Huracan, put himself in the hospital, and crashed into traffic on a public road, according to City News Service via Patch. Harmon achieved his limelight late last year by driving a twin-turbo Huracan up to a sleeping homeless person in Denver and revving it until they woke up. That car was wrapped purple, and its possible that the crashed Huracan is the same car, unwrapped. Harmon had his personal Huracan built by Sheepey Race of Murrieta, California, just 1.8 miles from the crash site.

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=518&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjared.malvz.5%2Fvideos%2F682283966752278%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0

There has been an undertone of comments and rumors around Harmons relationship to Sheepey Race, and questions about whether the driver of the other Huracan was involved with the performance shop. There is no doubting that Harmon had a relationship with the company, with a YouTube video on the Sheepy Race channel showing the shop tuning his car, as well as a few Facebook videos of his car at the garage and being driven aggressively on public highways. In these videos, Harmon demonstrates he's clearly no stranger to endangering other motorists at high speed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

https://www.tiktok.com/@turbokingtv/video/7200941694278274310

The car shown in the videos also closely matches the Murrieta Police Departments (MPD) photos of the crash site, including a decal on the lower left portion of the drivers door that matches one of Sheepey's logos. However, the car in the photo doesnt appear to have its twin turbos still attached to it after the crash. It's also possible that this is a different car, but in any case, Harmon can be seen in a Sheepy Race shirt in the MPDs photos of the scene.

Note the sticker placement in the photo of the crashed Huracan compared with an earlier photo of one of Harmon's vehiclespossibly the same car with a wrap applied.

While there is no smoking gun of who was in the car that fled the accident, there are certainly clues for where to look. As of this writing, all of Harmons social media accounts have either been made private or deleted entirely, and he was released on a $2,500 bond shortly after being booked. The mystery of the other driver still remains.

Got a tip? Email tips@thedrive.com
Only four hours away from Mexico City is the hidden gem Las Grutas Tolantongo. Its a stunning and majestic site along the Mezquital Canyon in Hidalgo state. The canyon sits at 4,200 feet above sea level.

Flowing from the mountains are breathtaking hot springs. These thermal gems are the main attraction there. Its unlike anything else you will see in the world and is one of Mexicos best-kept secrets.

Heres what you need to know about visiting Las Grutas Tolantongo.

Photo credit: @shyaviation / Instagram

Getting There

With Las Grutas Tolantongo located in the Hidalgo State in Central Mexico driving is the best option. The shortest drive is from Queretaro City, which will take roughly three hours. The most popular route is from Mexicos capital, and it is a drive that will take four hours. The park is also a four-hour drive from San Miguel de Allende and four and a-half hours from Queretaro City.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

If you drive yourself, please note that you have to pay for parking and entry into the park. It costs 30 Mexican pesos, which is less than $2 to park. A general admission ticket is 180 Mexican pesos or $10.75 per person daily. Credit cards are not accepted. Tickets have to be paid in cash.

Group and private tours are available for people who dont feel comfortable driving. Some of the tours offer meals and accommodations with the tour price.

Day Trip Versus Weekend Getaway

With a minimum of a three-hour car drive one way, visitors should consider staying in a hotel for a couple of days to experience all Las Grutas Tolantongo has to offer. There are hotels throughout the region, but its important to note that many dont offer online booking, so you have to inquire about the rooms in person or call ahead. The Tolantongo website has a list of what to expect for hotel costs. The best stays are Hotel Paraiso Escondido, Hotel La Gruta and Paraiso Escondido Hotel. Reservations at these hotels do not include a park ticket or free entry into the park.

There are other options for those who feel comfortable with a reservation by using booking platforms Expedia and Airbnb.

Its More Than The Beautiful Hot Springs

Las Grutas Tolantongo is more than the thermal springs. A thermal river, pools, a suspension bridge, waterfalls, a cave and more surround it.

From hiking, swimming, and outdoor adventures, the thermal water park offers so much for visitors. Other stunning natural attractions include caves and tunnels.
The grand opening for Wide Abide Farm & Market is Sept. 1. The Germantown business provides fresh, local produce, dairy, meat and more to the community.

For the last decade, Todd Hollins has been running a construction company in Georgetown, Indiana. He had job security and was making good money but decided he wanted something else out of life.

On Sept. 1, Hollins welcomed the Germantown neighborhood to the grand opening of his new business venture, Wide Abide Farm & Market at 1127 E. Kentucky St. Wide Abide Farm & Market is an urban, indoor year-round farmers market concept where Hollins sells local meat, dairy, honey, coffee, vegetables, mushrooms and more.

But for Hollins, the business was a gift from the universe and a "complete opportunity."

"I'm looking forward to people seeing what we really have to offer ... I think that we offer a really good product," Hollins told the Courier Journal.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So how did Hollins go from a contractor to a boutique urban market owner? Like so many others, his life changed dramatically during the pandemic. Hollins said as an essential worker, his construction business took off and the company saw its best three years in revenue during that time. But the increased workload didn't come without stress.

In January of last year, Hollins laid off everyone from his construction company. He simply needed a break, he said, and had every intention of getting the construction company back up and running by the spring, with a focus on customized decks and garages, hoping the shift from general contracting would help lessen his stress.

"I was just struggling with my nerves," Hollins said.

The grand opening for Wide Abide Farm & Market is Sept. 1. The Germantown business provides fresh, local produce, dairy, meat and more to the community.

He began looking for natural immune system boosters, and through his own research, decided mushrooms coupled with ingredients such as turmeric, ashwagandha, black pepper, cinnamon, honey and others worked to increase his energy levels and reduce his stress when added to his morning coffee.

At the same time, Hollins started doing yoga at Yoga East in Germantown. He hoped yoga, and his new daily supplement, would help him find some much-needed peace and balance in life.

"For me personally, I found the golden ticket," Hollins said.

As luck would have it, the closed business next door to Yoga East was owned by a man who had a Lion's Mane mushroom farm behind the business. Hollins and the owner would occasionally strike up a conversation, bonding over their love of mushrooms. He eventually bought the building and decided to leave the construction world behind and make it the home of Wide Abide Farm & Market.

At the market, Hollins strives to sell the rawest and most pure version of products to his customers. He sources meats and dairy products from On Tapp Dairy in Springfield, Kentucky, honey from his uncle's honey farm in Southern Indiana, coffee from Bean Roastery and Cafe in Louisville, and all other products, including vegetables, are locally sourced.

Dudley Tapp, the owner of On Tapp Dairy, said Hollins' enthusiasm and desire to help local farmers get quality products into the community at all times, not just at Saturday farmers markets, was what encouraged him to be a supplier for Wide Abide Farm & Market.

The grand opening for Wide Abide Farm & Market is Sept. 1. The Germantown business provides fresh, local produce, dairy, meat and more to the community.

"He is trying to help his neighbors," Tapp said. "I hope people will come out and support him. I think he has a good idea."

Hollins said his long-term goal with Wide Adie is to expand, creating multiple locations around the city, including in Louisville's West End  a food desert  to provide high quality, farm fresh food at a comparable or cheaper price point to big box stores.

"I know wholeheartedly I'm offering a good product and making sure ... I'm trying to give it at the best prices," Hollins said. "And then to see the kids come and see products the way that they should be presented, it's a beautiful thing. People can feel good about where [the products] are coming from."

You might like: Kentucky farmers markets made more than $15M in sales last year. Here's where to find one:

More: Ready to retire? These are the 10 best places to live in Kentucky, according to a survey

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Urban, year-round Wide Abide Farm & Market opens in Germantown
Its another sad day for fans of historic architecture and Old Hollywood lore alike. As first reported by the New York Post, the house located at 12305 Fifth Helena Drive in L.A.s Brentwood neighborhood, a 1920s Spanish hacienda-style structure, may soon be demolished by its new owner.

Despite its modest scale and unpretentious nature, the 2,600-square-foot bungalow gained worldwide fame in 1962 as the location of Marilyn Monroe s sudden death. The walled and gated property was also the only house ever owned by the legendary actress, and in the six decades since the half-acre estate has become one of the citys most famous local landmarks. Blogger Lindsay Blake previously published an in-depth post filled with numerous fascinating tidbits about the property, including how Monroe placed a plaque above the front door which read Cursom Perificio in Latin. Translation: My Journey Ends Here.

More from Robb Report

Monroes Brentwood house is a sprawling single-story hacienda.

While the homes exterior architecture remains incredibly alike how it appeared in 1962, the interiors have been significantly altered. Most notably, the kitchen and bathrooms have been modernized, and the estates formerly detached guest casita has been merged into the main house. Still, numerous original features  casement windows, terracotta tile floors, wood-beamed ceilings  happily hark back to Golden Age times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Out back, a brick patio spills out to a notably large swimming pool; beyond that, a grassy lawn is surrounded by mature trees, tall hedges and a citrus orchard. Out front, bountiful bunches of bougainvillea arch their way across the homes facade, and theres a two-car garage.

The half-acre property sits just a quick jog south of Sunset Boulevard.

Teardowns have become increasingly commonplace in the area surrounding Monroes former home, as soaring property values and record-breaking sales entice developers to build ever bigger and fancier. That this particular property survived intact is a testament to the haciendas enduring charm, and to Monroes legendary status, of course.

Back in 2014, Emerald Lake hedge fund manager Dan Lukas and his wife Anne Jarmain paid $7.3 million for the Monroe estate, and have lived at the property in the years since. Six months ago, however, the couple paid $13 million for a larger home in the same neighborhood.

Marilyn Monroe House Demolished

Last month, Lukas and Jarmain quietly sold the Monroe house to a buyer who has not yet been publicly identified. That person paid nearly $8.4 million for the property, in cash, and almost immediately applied for a demolition permit. The L.A. Department of Building and Safety recently approved the request for a plan check of the proposed work, though an official permit has not yet been issued.

But if similar situations in the recent past are any indicator of this propertys future, it seems likely that the Monroe hacienda will soon be added to a long list of historical real estate treasures that continue to be lost.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
WARNING : This post contains mentions of kidnapping, violence, bodily injury, and guns. Please proceed with caution.

An anonymous Reddit user asked , "Whats something thats happened to you that sounds fake but (unfortunately) isnt?" Here are 21 of the wildest, straight-out-of-a-movie experiences they shared:

1. "In 2012, I lifeguarded at a beach in Delaware. I was talking with a lady who was drinking a glass of wine on the beach. While telling her she was not allowed to do that, Dave Grohl walked behind me. I was/am a massive fan and knew he would vacation at this beach occasionally, but I never assumed I would run into him. In the moment of being absolutely star-struck the lady goes, 'Oh, youre a fan of Dave I see?' Barely able to talk, I said, 'Yes, he is a reason I got into drumming.' She then said, 'Oh, hes my son, you should go say hi!' I let her drink the wine and I was able to talk to my music idol for a solid 20 minutes. One of the best days of my life."

u/Chrismichel1

Erika Goldring / Getty Images

2. "Years ago, I broke my right foot. After six weeks in a boot, I was leaving the orthopedist office boot-free. Just me and my own two feet, raw dogging the ground. I was so excited to drive home now that I was out of that damn boot. And then, on the way to the car, I stepped off the curb, rolled my left ankle, and broke it."

u/YaBoyfriendKeefa

3. "I was dragged out of a tent in my sleep by a pack of dingos on Fraser Island in Australia. I woke up to a weird feeling at my feet and saw that they were chewing on my toes through the sleeping bag. One of them was standing on my hips/stomach, staring me in the face. Now I'm not a fighter, but I hit him with a punch on the side of the head, like a perfect right cross to his cute lil' face. He went flying sideways, which spooked all the others (about four or five of them) and, with a few kicks from my bagged-up legs, they scuttled away. I went back into the tent to find my then-girlfriend still asleep and snoring away."

"The next morning, I went over to our tour guide fella  a massive Aussie dude named Tony  and told him what happened. He asked, 'Didja see which one it was?'

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Funnily enough, I did. He had a yellow and blue tag in his ear (they're all tagged on the island), and I remembered because they're the Wicklow colors, where I'm from. And Tony just said, 'Aw yeah, that cunt.'

I ended up punching quite a bit of wildlife in my year there, but Australia definitely started it."

u/markmcn87

Ozflash / Getty Images/iStockphoto

4. "I was in a relatively mild car accident. EMS recommended x-rays just to be safe. I argued a bit, but ended up relenting. The x-rays lead to a CT scan and a kidney cancer diagnosis. The doctor said I would've been dead inside a year if it hadn't been found when it was."

u/WellIllBeJiggered

5. "My uncle was in Jamaica when his wife, who was doing fitness classes, died suddenly due to a perforated bowel from a meal she's eaten at the resort. The authorities drove him to an ATM and told him he would be suspect #1 if he didn't pay them, and that he'd never have his wife repatriated to the US. He complied and they took him back to the resort, but, unbeknownst to him, T-Pain was also there and caught wind of the situation. He worked magic with his connections to keep my uncle safe and bring my aunt home for a funeral, as well as provided his bodyguard as protection to my uncle."

"To this day, almost two decades later, they will video chat on holidays like Easter to talk. In my eyes, that man is a saint to our family. Anytime he's in town for a concert, they'll meet backstage and have a big hug. One time he even met T-Pain's family. I will never forget the kindness this man has shown over DECADES."

u/4rch

You can see a photo of this Redditor's uncle and T-Pain here.

Another Reddit user, u/demosthenes131 , found an article where T-Pain himself shared his perspective. You can read it here.

Bravo / Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images

6. "I lived in a small, quiet town and my house was in a cul-de-sac, so all the neighbors knew each other and we all got along well. One night when I was about 12 years old, I was babysitting my baby brothers (twins). It was bedtime, so we were laying in my moms bed watching a movie to wind down. Suddenly, they both start whining that they wanted chocolate milk. I was super annoyed, because I just wanted them to go to sleep so I could be 'off the clock,' so to speak. Just as we walked through the doorway and out of the bedroom, I heard what sounded like firecrackers going off in the bedroom we just left. I peeked my head back in the doorway and heard a couple more."

"It sounded like it was coming from the closet, which was about a foot away from me at this point. I called my mom and told her what happened and that I was scared. We didnt go back in the room until she got home.

Once she was back, we discovered several bullet holes throughout the bedroom  in the walls, in the closet door, and one in the corner of the TV. So, we called the cops. They figured out that our neighbor had been doing some target practice in his garage (and drinking), and his garage wall faced our house, so the bullets entered my moms bedroom through the wall, just a few inches above her bed, which had no headboard. AKA, right where our heads had been while we were lying there watching the movie.

If those little buttheads hadnt bothered me for chocolate milk at that exact moment, things could have been very different."

u/WrightButAlwaysWrong

7. "When I was about 6 years old, I was at Dairy Queen with my mom and brothers. Mom needed to change the babys diaper, so she asked this guy sitting at a table near us on the patio to watch my 4-year-old brother and I. She had seen him around before and thought of him as a friendly neighbor. A few weeks later, he was on the news, He was Clifford Robert Olson  a serial killer known for murdering children and teens. I imagine he must have been smirking and thinking, 'Jesus, lady, youre lucky theyre a bit young for my taste.'"

u/BrokenArmsFrigidMom

Dick Loek / Toronto Star via Getty Images

8. "My grandmother prevented a neighborhood boy from kidnapping our next door neighbor. Our house was at the bus stop. I woke up sick that morning and didnt go to school. Grandma was in the neighborhood and kept an eye on the kids that were at the stop every morning. There was only one girl waiting at the bus stop. My grandmother was watching her, looked away for a moment, and by the time she looked back, the girl was gone. The boy was dragging her across our backyard with a knife to her throat. My grandma ran at him, screaming and throwing rocks while I called the cops. She won citizen of the year in our city."

u/Historical-Yam7902

9. "In 1986, my parents planned a trip to Disney in Florida. There, a random man tried to kidnap my half-brother by snatching him and running. He was tackled, and my brother was safely returned to us. Nothing happened to the guy, as he had disappeared into the crowd. Fast forward a couple years to 1989. We were in Ohio at a pop-up circus in a field. I was given change to go get a popcorn. A man dressed as a clown approached me and, after several long minutes of small talk, grabbed me. Bystanders saw the ordeal and a random man with exquisite side burns chased down this man who had thrown me into his pickup truck and gunned it."

"Mr sideburns and another man were able to pull him from the vehicle and stop the truck as it rolled into a parking lot and hit several parked vehicles. I was fine, other than some forehead scrapes from hitting the dash. The clown was not a circus performer or associated with the circus at all  he was an opportunistic predator."

u/Wellthatwasjustshit

NBC

10. "I was hit in the head by a bowling ball on a trampoline. 911 hung up on my cousin because they thought it was a prank call."

"My cousin's brother found the ball in the woods. He sat it on the springs to clean it off and take a look. I was getting up and going to walk home when his older brother swan dove onto the trampoline. The bowling ball bounced and hit me in the back of the head as I was standing up. It had enough force to flip me over. I could feel my arms touching the mat, but I visually saw them still in the air. It knocked me out for a bit. Then, the EMT blew my vein trying to get IV in. I stayed strapped to a back board for over six hours as they performed x-rays and tests. I had a pretty nasty concussion after that."

u/RecycledDonuts

11. "When I was 10 years old, several people in my neighborhood were attacked by a deranged squirrel that was missing part of its tail. One day, my dad was at work and my mom was running errands, so myself and my two other brothers (aged 14 and 7) were left home alone. I was in the kitchen and my 7-year-old brother was playing on the back porch. Suddenly, a squirrel that was missing the tip of its tail started attacking the kitchen window, about 10 feet from where my brother was playing. I ran outside to caution my younger brother, but it was too late. "

"The squirrel had already bitten a chunk out of his finger, which was squirting blood, and was running up and down his arm while my brother screamed his head off. I grabbed this bloodthirsty creature with my BARE HANDS and chucked it into a tree.

By now, my older brother had come to see what was going on. I told him what had happened, and  because this took place in small town Mississippi  he of course had full access to the family gun cabinet. He got a gun, went outside, and shot some random squirrel that was NOT missing the tip of its tail. I told everyone that it was not the same squirrel, but no one listened to me.

The story of my brothers heroic actions went around town and he was even written about in the town newspaper for saving the day. Absolutely no mention of me or my heroism at all."

u/YourFriendMaryGrace

Danystarnaud / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. "I got bitten by a penguinon my neck. No, I wasnt doing anything stupid at the time. The penguin was standing on a table for photo ops (as an animal ambassador for a zoo) and it went for my wine glass as I stood next to it. I moved my wine glass out of the way and got nipped on my neck for my troubles."

u/archaeologistbarbie

13. "I won an art competition with my painting judged while hanging upside down. When I told them, they tried telling me I was wrong...until they realized I had painted it."

u/ShabbyBash

14. "A member of KISS cyber stalked me for almost a year. I was working as a bottle girl in Miami and ended up taking care of him. He gave me his number, took me shopping a couple of times, we had a couple of dinners, but nothing more than that. He then blew up my DMs on socials for months, trying to come see me or have me fly to him. One day, it just stopped. I assume he found someone else, but I don't know the real answer as to why. I'm just happy it did. I'm not sharing which one, but it was a founding band member."

u/Particular-Natural12

Peter Cade / Getty Images

15. "I was thrown off a motorcycle on the interstate when I was 22 months old. Yes, MONTHS. My parents thought I was dead, because my head and skull were ripped open, but they took me to the hospital anyway. Here I am!"

u/redditreader_aitafan

16. "I have a tech company, and we are not in the best financial situation currently. We had a very big contract awaiting signature, but it'll never get signed because the person responsible for the project was one of the five casualties from the Titan submersible."

u/RakoGumi

NBC

17. And finally, "I was born in the early '80s, during that time where they took newborns to the nursery to be cared for away from the parents. When it was time for my mother to leave the hospital, they returned her baby to her. Before my parents left the hospital, they needed to change the babys diaper. Well, when they removed it, they saw that the baby that they had was a girl, when my mother had given birth to a boy. The hospital tracked down the parents who had me and got the babies back to their rightful parents. Some wild shit."

u/Steeviesteve

Have you ever had an unbelievable, straight-out-of-a-movie experience like these? If so, tell us about it in the comments below or via this anonymous form

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
On Sept. 18 Sprecher Brewing Co. will be releasing a limited-edition Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda made with apples handpicked from a Door County orchard, the company announced on Sept. 6.

Glendale-based Sprecher Brewing Co. is basically putting fall in a can.

The craft brewer and soda pop maker will soon be releasing a limited-edition Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda made with apples handpicked from a Door County orchard, the company announced Sept. 6.

Here's what to know about this new seasonal beverage.

About Sprecher's Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda

Sprecher Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda is made exclusively with a blend of Honeycrisp, Cortland and McIntosh apples handpicked from Wood Orchard, LLC, a news release said. The apples are combined with raw Wisconsin honey in the brewery's gas-fired brew kettles.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The result is a soda filled with flavor that speaks to why we all love fall in Wisconsin," Sharad Chadha, Sprecher's CEO and president, said in the release.

When and where you can get Sprecher's Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda

The new soda will be available in 16-ounce cans starting Sept. 18.

The brewery anticipates that the majority of its Wisconsin retailers will carry the new soda. Ones that will for sure be offering it include Festival, Woodmans, Sendiks, Metcalfes, Piggly Wiggly, Trigs and many local independent retailers.

The soda will also be available across the Midwest and in select markets throughout the country.

More on Sprecher Brewing Co.

Sprecher was founded in 1985 as Milwaukee's first craft brewery.

The business is known for its expansive lineup of craft sodas, especially its award-winning root beer, as well as a dozen craft beers.

Earlier this summer, the brewery released a limited-edition Door County Cherry Soda made exclusively with Montmorency cherry juice supplied by Cherry De-Lite in Forestville.

In a news release, Gary Goldstein, Sprecher's chief sales officer, said consumers purchased the Door County Cherry Soda at a "brisk rate" from the get-go. The brewery is confident that its new fall soda will be "just as well embraced."

For more information on Sprecher and its products, visit sprecherbrewery.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sprecher Brewing releasing limited-edition Honeycrisp Apple Blend Soda
When thinking of a nordic region for a restful break, Finland might not be the first destination that springs to mind. But actually, it should be.

If youve been looking for somewhere to totally switch off, immerse yourself and ground your body in nature, this is the place for you - particularly when getting there is so easy. Return fares with Finnair from London to Helsinki start at 166 in Economy Class, with direct flights from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to the capital all year round.

Where we stayed

PihlasResort is a 5-star eco-luxury resort located in Lakeland in the Saimaa region of Eastern Finland. It has been designed with the intention of bringing traditional Finnish culture to life with the luxury of modern escapism. Set in the midst of nature's beauty, Philas resort is the perfect hideaway to enjoy all of the beautiful nature and intriguing sights the region has to offer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Each morning at the PihlasResort, waking up felt like an act of self-care. As you lie in bed, you open the curtains without moving a muscle to be greeted by acres of greenery. Cleansing your body with luxurious Finnish products that promote tranquility, immersing yourself into the waterfall shower. With Woodeo Wood Bathroom Units and Carbon Neutral toilet humidifiers, attention to detail is unmatched. Plus, there's a personal sauna in your hotel cabin which is perfect to use before diving straight into the Lake Saimaa for some wild water swimming.

Philas resort offers a select number of cabins that habit one to six people. Rates start from 595 per night.

Where we ate (and drank)

Tertti Manor

A family-owned restaurant, deli, cafe, and rustic farmhouse hotel are all located at Tertti Manor , where guests are welcome any time of year. Organically grown, fresh produce from the grounds is served on large traditional banquet tables for lunch at the manor. As a Nutritional Therapist, I was delighted to taste the fresh fish and salad leaves, especially after we roamed the farm grounds and saw where the food was grown. A firm understanding of the concept of "from farm to table".

Sahanlahti Resort

Sahanlahti Resort is known for its award-winning view of Lake Saimaa and offers a small family-run restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, the passion of local producers' products and the quality ingredients they used in their dishes is clear. A truly special offering with wine pairings for each meal, the attention to detail was incredible and the restaurant team went above and beyond to cater for allergies also - a small but incredibly important factor for those who require.

Pistohiekka Resort

Located in a rocky cove surrounded by trees, the resort features two square buildings housing a restaurant and saunas. With offerings of small and unique, newly built cabins, guests can relax on the lake-view terraces, saunas, and restaurants within the tranquil cove. Studio Puisto Architects designed the restaurant and saunas, which were constructed by Saimaan Seudun Erikoisrakentajat Oy with a variety of dishes available, there is something suitable for all tastebuds. From the signature Burger to delicate seasonal vegetables with the same mornings catch of the day. Concluding the meal with a traditional Finnish desert - Blueberry Pie, an absolute MUST if you head to Pistohiekka Resort .

Philas Resort

Co-owner of the resort, Anna Grotenfelt-Paunonen, has worked alongside the incredible talents of head chef Janne to truly create a culinary concept of beauty. From the breakfast experience of a four course taster selection of the finest fresh produce to the idyllic wine pairings to match your evening meal.

The Breakfast Experience is composed of four small courses - a warm dish with bread, a cooked breakfast, a continental option followed by a sweet.

What we did

TeaHouse of Wehmais

Not only was Anna the co-owner of the Philas resort, but Finland's one and only tea sommelier. An itinerary highlight was attending a Tea & Chocolate Tasting at the TeaHouse of Wehmais. Two of my favourite things combined - tea and chocolate. Combining herbal notes of tea leaves with cacao notes in different chocolate flavours. This is a perfect experience for tea and chocolate loversso anyone!

VIP S/S Paul Wahl Steamship

Following the renovation of the 100-year-old s/s Paul Wahl, the ship can accommodate up to six guests for two-day cruises to six-day custom charters. As a result of the renovation, the s/s Paul Wahl now offers three luxurious suites and a high-end restaurant and kitchen. Sailing through the Lake Saimaa, the steamship combines the beauty of the Finnish nature with a touch of luxury, a special evening to remember onboard which in the July month can be the beginning of a night at the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

Water Sport & Mindful Activities at PihlasResort

The Lake Saimaa is a peaceful setting. The resort offers water activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, wild swimming and forest meditations. I practiced blank mind meditation for an hour with Philas Meditation teacher, Marianna really grounding myself and my body feeling instantly calm.

An evening at the Savonlinna Opera Festival

Once a year, at the beginning of the summer months, the Savolinna Opera Festival opens with two leading operas to be enjoyed. With tickets beginning from 69 per ticket, this was a first experience of the opera and one that will not be forgotten. Top tip, if you opt for a dressing up for the performance, ensure to pack a cardigan as the medieval castle can catch a draft at times!

Its safe to say that there is a reason why the country is known as the happiest in the world after every experience. Since experiencing their extreme daylight hours in the summer with only three hours of darkness, I'm eager to visit again in the winter to experience the contrast of the surroundings. Whether you are looking to explore the stunning nature of the Saimaa Lake, or immerse yourself in a weekend of grounding nature - Finland is definitely the place to add to your list!

You Might Also Like
Vermont marks Pride Week through Sept. 10, and as the weekend approaches so do several events geared toward celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Some of those celebrations involve music, some involve drag performances, while others are centered around enjoying the outdoors. The Pride Vermont parade in Burlington, honoring organizers of the 1983 march, caps a busy week. Another event in southern Vermont keeps the theme going later this month with a celebration of a gathering spot that became an early icon in the states LGBTQ+ history.

Read on to figure out if you want to join the party for the whole weekend or pick your spots to celebrate Pride Week in Vermont.

A float at the 2019 Burlington Pride Parade, making its way down Church Street.

Sing along to Broadway

6-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, a musical-theater sing-along lets the audience belt out a few show tunes or just enjoy the performances in the cabaret setting of the Vermont Comedy Club, Burlington. Free. www.vermontcomedyclub.com

Pride trivia at Simple Roots

6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, a Pride-themed trivia night, co-hosted by the Burlington Paint and Sip Studio, will benefit the Pride Center of Vermont, Simple Roots Brewing, Burlington. Free. www.pridecentervt.org

Miss Czechoslovakia presents 'Drama Queen'

9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, the drag performer Miss Czechoslovakia presents a queer revue of show tunes titled "Drama Queen," Vermont Comedy Club. $15. www.vermontcomedyclub.com

VSO celebrates LGBTQ+ composers

6-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra string quartet presents music by LGBTQ+ composers, South Burlington Public Library auditorium. Free; registration required. www.vso.org

Pride Ball rolls into Higher Ground

8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, the annual Pride Ball includes appearances by Thorgy Thor (RuPauls Drag Race) and Kaos plus performances by regional and Vermont drag entertainers, Higher Ground Ballroom, South Burlington. $20 in advance, $25 day of show. www.highergroundmusic.com

Pride Week takes over dog park

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, the Pride Center of Vermont is organizing a Pride-themed dog park meet-up (expect rainbow/Pride outfits), Starr Farm Dog Park, Burlington. Free. www.pridecentervt.org

Sailing with Pride

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, sailing instructors in partnership with Pride Week will take Pride participants on a 45-minute sail on Lake Champlain, Community Sailing Center, Burlington. $5. www.pridecentervt.org

Queer Causeway bike ride

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, a queer bike ride travels 15 miles including the causeway in Lake Champlain, starting at Leddy Park, Burlington. Free. www.pridecentervt.org

Winooski celebrates Pride Week

4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, the city of Winooski celebrates Pride Week with scheduled performances from Emoji Nightmare, Katniss Everqueer, DJ Gaybar and Brass Balagan, Rotary Park, Winooski. Free. https://downtownwinooski.org/pride-2023/

Emoji Nightmare, left, and Katniss Everqueer perform Drag Queen Story Hour at the Waking Windows festival in Winooski on May 6, 2023.

Monkey House hosts drag, burlesque

8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, the Onion City celebration continues with Untapped, a night of Vermont drag and burlesque, The Monkey House, Winooski. $12. www.monkeyhousevt.com

Burlington Pride parade and festival

Noon Sunday, Sept. 10, the weekends centerpiece, the Pride Vermont Parade commemorating the 40th anniversary of Vermonts first Pride march, begins on Main Street in Burlington and culminates at Waterfront Park, where the Pride Vermont Festival takes place. Free. www.pridecentervt.org

A banner included in the "Pride 1983" exhibition at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.

Brattleboro celebrates Andrews Inn

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, a day-long celebration of the Andrews Inn  a Bellows Falls dance club, restaurant, hotel and gathering place for southern Vermonts LGBTQ+ community that opened in 1973 and lasted more than a decade  begins with an invitation to view the exhibition Pride 1983 and for visitors to record stories to be included in the Vermont Queer Archives, followed at 5 p.m. by a panel discussion about the Andrews Inn and an Andrews Inn-inspired dance party featuring a pop-up bar, 70s decor and disco tunes, Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Free. www.brattleboromuseum.org

A display at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center commemorates the Andrews Inn, a dance club, restaurant, hotel and gathering space for southern Vermont's LGBTQ+ community that opened in Bellows Falls in 1973.

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont Pride Week events hit Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski
The 10th European Biopolymer Summit, organized by ACI, is a leading platform for knowledge sharing and networking in the biopolymer industry. The event brings together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss advancements, trends, and challenges in biopolymers. Topics include production, processing, applications, and environmental impact, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. The summit features presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, and an exhibition area. Join this transformative gathering in Ghent on March 26-27, 2024, to shape the future of the biopolymer industry.
BUJUMBURA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 new cases of cholera have been declared in western Burundi, the health ministry said here on Tuesday evening in a press briefing.

"In total, until today (Tuesday), 22 cholera patients are under treatment at Princ Regent Charles Hospital in the municipality of Bujumbura. Three patients have been admitted in Gatumba, and five are in Rugombo in cholera treatment centers," said Polycarpe Ndayizeye, spokesperson for the Burundian Ministry of Public Health and AIDS Control.

Ndayizeye urged administration authorities and all residents in affected areas as well as all stakeholders, including the Burundi Red Cross, to contribute to the fight against cholera.

"The health ministry calls on all people residing in Burundi, especially those living in affected districts, to abide by hygiene rules," said Ndayizeye.

Earlier this year, cholera killed two persons in the health district of Bujumbura, precisely at the Kajaga beach on Lake Tanganyika.

Water shortages are often reported in the western part of Burundi, especially during the country's dry season, extending from May to September, causing cholera outbreaks almost every year. 
There's an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Virginia. Five people in the state have died from complications of the disease. (Photo Illustration: Victoria Ellis for Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images)

Health officials in Virginia are warning about an outbreak of meningococcal disease there. The outbreak is statewide and has been going on since June 2022, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Health.

Meningococcal disease isn't well known, and that raises a lot of questions about what exactly it is and how concerned people should be. Infectious-disease doctors break it down.

What's happening

Since June 2022, there have been 27 cases of meningococcal disease reported in Virginia. The disease, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis type Y, has been reported in eastern, central and southwest Virginia, although the majority of cases have been reported in the eastern part of the state.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"This development is three times the expected number of cases during this time period," according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Five people in the state have died from complications of the disease. While health officials say the risk to Virginia residents is low, they also note that the strain that's causing the outbreak is "known to be circulating more widely in the United States."

Do I need to worry?

Meningococcal disease is rare, but it's serious. It's usually severe, can be deadly and includes infections of the bloodstream as well as the lining of the brain and spinal cord (known as meningitis), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While anyone can get meningococcal disease, infants, teens, young adults and older adults have the highest rates in the U.S., the CDC says. The bacteria spreads when people share respiratory and throat secretions, such as when they cough, kiss or share personal items like toothbrushes, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious-disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life.

"Whats concerning is understanding the driving factors," infectious-disease expert Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tells Yahoo Life. "The cases are all meningococcal serotype Y, which is vaccine-preventable, though some cases occurred in those who likely were too old to be part of routine childhood vaccine against meningococcal disease, and most cases were in unvaccinated adults."

Schaffner calls the outbreak "very unusual," adding, "At the moment, the state's epidemiologists haven't been able to find a common source of this outbreak." Still, he says, "it's of very low risk to the general population."

What can I do about it?

There is a vaccine for meningococcal disease, and health officials in Virginia note that 26 of the 27 people infected with the bacteria were not vaccinated against it. "Its important to ensure that people who are eligible for vaccination are vaccinated," Adalja says.

There are two types of meningococcal vaccines in the U.S.  meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines and serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines, according to the CDC. (Worth noting: The CDC recommends that all preteens and teens get these vaccines, which protect against types B, C and Y  the strain involved in the Virginia outbreak  of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.)

"Every parent in Virginia and elsewhere should make sure they and their children are up to date with their meningococcal vaccinations," Schaffner says.

He also recommends knowing the signs of meningococcal disease. Those may include:

Fever

Headache

Stiff neck

Nausea

Vomiting

Sensitivity to light

Altered mental status

If someone has a bloodstream infection, the CDC says, they may experience these symptoms:

Fever and chills

Fatigue

Vomiting

Cold hands and feet

Severe aches or pain in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen

Rapid breathing

Diarrhea

A dark purple rash (in the later stages)

"People should try to avoid others who are ill and encourage them, if there's anything at all concerning, to immediately seek care," Schaffner says.

The Virginia Department of Health also suggests practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items such as vapes, lipsticks and toothbrushes.

The main takeaway

Doctors say people shouldn't panic over the outbreak, noting that the 27 cases have occurred over the span of more than a year. However, they stress the importance of knowing the symptoms and acting quickly if you or a loved one develops them. "Because meningococcal meningitis is so severe, prompt medical attention should be sought when anyone develops signs or symptoms consistent with meningitis, including fever, headache and neck stiffness," Adalja says.

Schaffner agrees. "This is a potentially very serious infection," he says.
ASHEVILLE - Four homes framed in four days. That was the promise of BeLoved Asheville's Labor Day weekend building blitz, the final push toward framing the tiny homes that will house people at deep affordability: those who earn 30-40% of the area median income. That's a single-person household earning $23,800 or below.

From Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, BeLoved co-director Amy Cantrell said they met their goal, and then some, hurdling toward an early 2024 move in, hoping to wrap construction by the end of the year. On Sept. 1, volunteer crews from across Western North Carolina were busy constructing the wood-frame structures on the four newest tiny homes, each 440-649 square feet.

Navigating the steep bank of the East Asheville site, a crew carried a 400-pound ridge beam, one of three that would support the home's rafters, heaving it to the roof where other workers balanced on scaffolding.

"I'm just in awe," Cantrell said, watching them work, standing alongside co-director Ponkho Bermejo. Each day of the build brought 75-100 volunteers, among them members from eight local teams from the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The weekend blitz ended with 11 of the 12 planned homes framed and in various stages of construction.

The building blitz team at BeLoved Village on Sept. 1, 2023.

When someone is very committed, this is what happens, Bermejo said. We are showing what is possible."

In the midst of a "crushing" housing crisis, Cantrell said, bold moves like this are necessary. In Asheville, rents are the highest in the state, and have jumped 36% in less than two years.

This really meets the goal of bringing our neighbors home, she said. She imagines unhoused people, older individuals on a fixed income, young people struggling in the workforce, or those facing gentrification will be among the village's future residents.

BeLoved gets calls nearly every day from people losing housing, she said: "We want to be the difference."

More: 'Seller's market': Asheville housing market sees high interest, higher price, reports show

Joe Archibald (left) cuts boards for a tiny home in BeLoved Village on Sept. 1, 2023.

'Real, sustainable solutions'

The effort "underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing the housing crisis in our area," said Megan Carroll, executive director of the Builders Association, in an August news release. "Through hands-on involvement and collaboration, we're demonstrating our dedication to creating real, sustainable solutions for individuals and families in need of affordable housing."

Carroll was on site Sept. 1, and said despite what may appear to be a relatively simple design  two-story tiny homes, some with a loft, some without  the build is "nuanced and different," with each team discovering their own way to "solve the puzzle."

Building crews confer over blueprints on Sept. 1, 2023 at BeLoved Village.

Dubbed BeLoved Village, the project has been in the works since 2017 and broke ground in early July 2022. The 1.22-acre parcel was donated by Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, which sits on an adjoining property.

A $1.2-million project, the units will come fully furnished and equipped with full kitchens, bathrooms and a washer and dryer. All of the builds are two-bedroom, with the exception of the one-bedroom model home, built in 2020.

In previous Citizen Times coverage, Cantrell anticipated the building cost of each unit to be $94,700, but with so much volunteer labor, supplies and pro bono work, the true cost will be much less, she said.

A public application for the units will open in the coming months. A community committee will be behind the selection process. To qualify, someone must meet the AMI range (around 30% AMI), among other criteria.

Because of zoning limitations and "site practicalities" the houses in the village could not be subdivided, according to BeLoved's website, so residents will not own their home. However, they will accrue equity on a schedule similar to a traditional mortgage.

Upon moving away, residents will be able to take their equity with them.

The 12th and final house will be a donated 24-by-24 Deltec Home, or prefabricated kit. After concrete footers are poured, the walls will be craned in later in September.

Jameson Johnson (left) and Bressler Wade, with Square Peg Construction, work on a tiny home in BeLoved Village on Sept. 1, 2023.

A community build

While volunteers grabbed food from BeLoved Asheville's food truck parked onsite  pupusas and slices of watermelon on the menu for a scorching Friday afternoon  the mood was boisterous. From the ground under a work bench, amid sawdust, red clay and scraps of wood, a DeWalt speaker blared "Drown" by the Smashing Pumpkins.

Despite "friendly competition" among the build teams, Carroll could point to two different builders comparing notes over a blueprint, and when it was time for the heaviest walls to be lifted into place, everyone was willing to lend a hand.

For us, there is no better celebration of Labor Day than what were seeing right here," Bermejo said. It's a model BeLoved hopes to continue replicating, "to do it over and over and over ... all we need to do is find the land."

BeLoved and its partners will celebrate the blitz from 5:30-8 p.m. Sept. 6, at The Outpost, 521 Amboy Road, Asheville.

More: BeLoved takes Asheville's housing crisis into its own hands. What else is being done?

More: No more Asheville tiny apartments? City puts micro-housing subsidies on pause

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 'Deeply affordable' tiny homes take next steps: BeLoved Village
Flags representing the tribal nations based in Oklahoma fly outside the Oklahoma Capitol. Tensions over state-tribal relations have heightened this summer amid disputes over reservation status.

The speech was billed as a summer State of the State address, but it didnt take long for Gov. Kevin Stitt to fold in some of his most pointed attacks against tribal governments yet.

There is a storm of injustice that needs to be faced head on, Stitt told a crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered at a recent Tulsa Regional Chamber event. There are some that want to ignore the last 116 years of state investments and jurisdiction. They want to turn Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma into a reservation.

The governors message underscored his escalating feud with tribal leaders and the federal government over authority on tribal lands. Stitt has vocally objected in recent months to everything from tax-sharing agreements to tribal court jurisdiction.

He's fighting other Oklahomans. He keeps saying its tribes. Were Oklahomans, said Margo Gray, executive director of United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, which represents more than half of the states 38 federally recognized tribal governments.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Would he be doing this to the oil and gas industry? The energy industry? Would be doing this to any other industry? The aerospace industry? No.

Stitts hardline stance has mystified even his fellow Republican state officials, who are now facing off with him in Oklahomas highest civil court over the future of state tobacco tax and vehicle registration compacts with tribal nations. After lawmakers voted to extend the compacts for one year, Stitt filed suit hours later to try to block the renewals from taking effect.

He is wasting an extraordinary amount of state resources pursuing fruitless lawsuits, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat said.

More: What to know about Oklahoma's newest tribal compact dispute

Gov. Kevin Stitt has tried to narrow effects of Supreme Court's McGirt decision

While the compact debate has been front and center of the governors latest volley of critiques, he also has denounced three other legal disputes tied to the states power on tribal lands.

The thread connecting nearly all of his criticism is the governors longstanding protest against McGirt v. Oklahoma, the three-year old U.S. Supreme Court ruling that concluded the Muscogee Nations reservation was still intact. The decision has since been applied to seven more tribal reservations, and those lands collectively cover much of eastern Oklahoma. States have limited powers over tribal citizens on tribal lands.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has said he will not agree to extend any tobacco tax compacts with tribal nations unless the deals are updated to make clear they only apply to land owned by or for tribes, not to entire tribal reservations.

Stitt, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has focused on trying to narrow the McGirt decision and limit its effects.

The McGirt decision continues to wreak havoc on Oklahoma, threatening public safety, our tax base, and our sense of identity as a state," Stitt said Thursday in a written statement to The Oklahoman.

During his Aug. 24 speech to the Tulsa chamber of commerce, he called the authority of tribal governments into question but insisted his objections weren't political. As the governor, my job is to look out for all four million Oklahomans, he said, and right now we are in a fight for the very fabric of our state.

In a statement issued soon after the governors speech, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. called Stitts comments shameful, breathtaking and inaccurate.

The governor continues to be isolated in his geographic fight for Oklahoma as the rest of Oklahomas leaders and the state embrace tribes and the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision, Hoskin said.

Treat said he believes Oklahoma officials need to accept the McGirt ruling as law and work with tribal leaders to adjust to the changing legal landscape. By refusing to do so, the governor is cutting into the states ability to keep people safe and attract new businesses, Treat said.

Even more critical, Treat said, hes wasting precious time in finding a path forward in a post-McGirt world.

Governor's divisive statements feed into tensions, tribal leaders say

Treat said hes seen no signs that the governor has increased talks with tribal leaders over the future of compacts, which became the central policy issue of the summer after lawmakers moved to renew state-tribal tobacco tax compacts on their own, citing inaction by Stitt.

Abegail Cave, a spokesperson for the governor, said Stitt has tried to take a proactive approach to meeting with tribal leaders.

In recent compact contexts, most of the governors communications to tribes have been met with silence, she said.

Lori Gooday Ware, the chairwoman of the Fort Sill Apache Tribe based in Apache, said it is hard to believe the governor wants to meet with tribes when his public statements are so divisive.

We bring a lot of money into the state, she said, referring to tribes employment bases and infrastructure investments. I dont understand why he keeps making those comments. Its not good for the state.

Tribal relations have a particular weight in Oklahoma, a state where one in six residents is Native American and tribal governments collectively employ tens of thousands of people. Three of the four largest tribes, the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, also routinely donate in state political races. They all campaigned against Stitts reelection in 2022.

More: Six key moments defining Oklahoma's relationship with Native tribes under Gov. Kevin Stitt

Stitt has referred to the tribes elected leaders as casino bosses and questioned why the state would sign on to any compacts that send more money to those tribes.

Other state officials have accused Stitt of using his personal feud with tribal nations to steer state policy decisions, particularly after he asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to strike down the compact extensions approved by the Legislature.

Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall, as well as Attorney General Gentner Drummond, contend the renewals are clearly legal.

The governors current litigation is simply a continuation of his fruitless and personal war against our tribal neighbors, wrote Garry Gaskins II, the top trial attorney in Drummonds office.

Gray said she believes the governors continued criticism stems from a lack of knowledge about the history of tribal nations in the area, which predate the state itself.

If youre going to represent a state  know its history, said Gray, who is Osage and whose great grandfather was murdered during the Osage Reign of Terror a century ago.

All youve got to do is walk out of state Capitol and look at the murals, Gray said. Whos in the murals? Native Americans. All the different tribes are depicted in the building.

Margo Gray, shown here in an October 2022 photo, helps lead the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, which represents more than 20 tribes based in the state.

More: Check out the new 'Killers of the Flower Moon' posters and global theatrical release date

One of the biggest targets of Stitts criticism in recent months has been a federal appeals court ruling that prevents the city of Tulsa from prosecuting Native Americans in its municipal court, since much of the city lies within tribal reservations. Tribal and federal courts have jurisdiction over Native Americans on tribal lands.

Stitt made the ruling a centerpiece of a new online campaign called One Oklahoma and recorded a video message urging for a U.S. Supreme Court review. Justice Neil Gorsuch denied the citys request to stay the decision until the Supreme Court could decide whether it would pick up the case.

Stitt has called the ruling unfair. We cannot have a state where a doctor who is part Indian doesnt pay taxes or get speeding tickets from Tulsa P.D., but a single mom of a different race does, he said in his Tulsa chamber of commerce speech.

Tulsa police can still issue tickets Native American drivers; the tickets need to be referred to tribal courts to process.

More: McGirt v. Oklahoma, 3 years later: How police work on the Muscogee Nation reservation

Both Drummond and Treat have criticized the governors full-court press to legal disputes involving tribes as costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Drummond cited cost as one of the main reasons he is trying to push the governor out of a separate lawsuit over four tribal gaming compacts. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the agreements signed by Stitt arent valid, but the future of two of the deals remains tied up in a Washington, D.C., federal court.

Stitts private attorneys asked the court in an Aug. 17 filing to deny Drummonds request, saying political motivations are behind it. His rhetoric belongs in Oklahoma electoral circles, not in this court, the governors lawyers wrote.

Read more:

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3 years after McGirt ruling, Oklahoma's governor is raising more objections
Julia Pearce, the co-founder of Tybee MLK, is the first Black person to run for the mayor of Tybee Island.

In 1923, Charles R. Swanson left Lagrange, Georgia, because he couldnt vote.

Some 100 years later, his granddaughter, Julia Pearce, qualified to run for mayor of City of Tybee Island as not only the first Black woman to run but the first Black person, ever.

The significance of what shes doing isnt lost on her; she knows it's historic, but she said she wants to do it because she wants to pave the way for the next person of color who wants to run.

"I do it for the ancestors," Pearce said. I do it for the people who came here, built a nation and died. And theres not even a plaque that says that they were ever here.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here are the qualified candidates for the Tybee Island elections on Nov. 7.

Tybee looks to establish sisterhood with this African city, and the mayor is planning a visit

Thats also why she co-founded Tybee MLK, a human rights organization dedicated to promoting diversity on Tybee Island. The organization, alongside the city, will host delegates from Ghana in October as a way of connecting the two places and their roles in the transatlantic slave trade.

Pearce believes that she and others need to bring Tybees history up and out, but when youre doing that on a small island, people talk.

People call me and say awful things, Pearce said. They leave me stuff on Facebook, they say things like youre a joke, youre the biggest racist on the island.

Pearce knew that was an issue she could encounter when she first considered a run for mayor. After all, when she arrived on the island in 1997 and began "hanging out" with Mallory Pearce, her second husband, peoples eyes would get as big as "saucers."

I was the only person of color in the room, Pearce said. And they would wonder, and whisper, 'Where did she come from?'

After 26 years on the island though, shes accustomed to people telling her to her face that she should stop causing trouble.

'You need to stop making trouble.' Thats what they say to me, Pearce said. It's good trouble, but its definitely trouble.

Pearce founded Tybee MLK in 2012, and their first event was a Martin Luther King Jr. parade that snowballed into what it is today. She founded it in the same year her last child left home. She said the organization and her run for mayor is owed to some empty nest syndrome as much as it is to wanting to honor her ancestors and change the island.

Julia Pearce, the co-founder of Tybee MLK, is the first Black person to run for the mayor of Tybee Island.

More: Activist Julia Pearce inspires others toward racial parity on Tybee island

More: Tybee Island has 'made some progress' since passage of justice and equality resolution

Thousands of enslaved Africans died here, and those that lived were put on sale in Savannah at City Market, Pearce said. Those that died, their bodies and bones lay here in the ground, and theres no marker, theres no remembrance. I think thats disrespectful.

Pearce's friend, Beverly Flanagan, said that her work with Tybee MLK has helped to shape her vision.

"I think everybody was narrowly focused on a small group of issues that we were all working toward," Flanagan said. "She has gone from being a small, local, educationally-focused person to being a visionary."

Pearce said her plan for the City of Tybee Island is to get back to the masterplan, which states that citizens will be "conscientious stewards of our unique historic and cultural heritage, environmental resources and diverse economic community" and ensure that the growth does not exceed the islands carrying capacity.

I would support city council and the planning commission to encourage housing types with a range of costs, Pearce said.

Pearce is also really passionate about making space for older residents to remain in their homes, increasing community greenspace and supporting those who frequently use the Raising Tyde Food Pantry.

Our first concern should be safety, and our second should be the community, Pearce said.

Like others in her community, Pearce is concerned with the presence of short-term vacation rentals, and wants to place a focus on increased long-term rentals by offering incentives to residents who rent space or houses to local workers.

The biggest issue she thinks exists on Tybee Island is water.

"As mayor, I would keep residents informed of our water issues, and encourage city council to use the consent agenda for the good of the people, not for the council," Pearce said.

Another issue facing mayoral candidates in Tybee is a solution to non-holiday gatherings like Orange Crush that invite large crowds of people and overwhelms the workers and residents of the island, Pearce said.

She has a couple of suggestions, including partnering with the promoters and influencers to provide a no-guns and no-alcohol festival zone with fencing, portable toilets, and wrist bands.

"Make a city-sanctioned safe zone for the protection of people who came to have a good time," Pearce said. "It's worth a try."

Pat Lieby, a resident of Tybee Island and the director of community engagement for Tybee MLK, said that she thinks Pearce running for mayor opens up another dimension of issues and concerns that people may not have considered.

Its richer, having several candidates running for the same position, Lieby said. I just think that Julias vision of the beloved community, and how we can work together to make this town, this island, this world a better place just clicks with me. And I think it clicks with a lot of people.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: 'I do it for the ancestors': Here's Tybee's first Black mayoral candidate
Attorneys for a man awaiting sentencing have filed a motion to declare part of Missouris law on the death penalty unconstitutional.

In June, Ian McCarthy, 45, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2017 shooting of Clinton police officer Gary Lee Michael, Jr.

The jury could not reach a sentencing decision, leaving McCarthys fate up to Jackson County Judge Marco Roldan.

Missouri is one of two states that allows a judge to hand down the death penalty. The other is Indiana.

In a seven-page motion, attorneys for McCarthy said, There is a strong national consensus against judge-imposed death sentences. They also said allowing a judge to sentence someone to capital punishment is a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray said the court will make a formal response to the motion on Friday during the sentencing hearing.

Prosecutors seek death penalty

On Aug. 6, 2017, Michael pulled McCarthy over in Clinton, about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City. McCarthy got out of his vehicle, shot the officer with a high-powered rifle and fled. A manhunt unfolded and McCarthy was captured two days later in rural Henry County.

The trial venue was moved from Henry County to Jackson County Circuit Court and the jury was selected from Platte County. Opening statements began June 20, and the jury delivered its verdict on June 26. The penalty phase began the next day. But on July 1, the jury told the judge it could not reach a unanimous decision though it did find that a death sentence could be appropriate, according to a news release from Gray.

Attorneys for McCarthy said in nearly every other state and on the federal level, their client would have automatically been given a life sentence since the jury could not unanimously agree that the death penalty was appropriate.

Unanimous jury agreement is necessary to ensure that death sentences are imposed reliably, on the most culpable defendants, and reflect the judgment of the community, the motion said.

It went on to say that other changes have been made to the death penalty to determine whether the punishment or practice is consistent with contemporary standards of decency. That includes evolving standards in executing juveniles or those with intellectual disabilities.

Allowing judges to impose the death penalty makes Missouri a clear outlier, McCarthys attorneys said.

Missouri has carried out four executions this year, including the Jan. 3 execution of Amber McLaughlin, 49. She was convicted of killing her ex-girlfriend in St. Louis County in 2003.

In her 2006 murder trial, the jury could not reach a decision on sentencing and rejected three of the aggravating circumstances prosecutors presented in arguing for the death penalty.

The judge handed down capital punishment.

In the lead up to McLaughlins execution, several groups as well as seven judges took issue with what they called a flaw in Missouris capital sentencing scheme.

McCarthy will be sentenced by Roldan at 11 a.m. Friday at the Jackson County courthouse in Independence.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, several states have taken steps to ease restrictions on abortion, and voters in Kansas rejected a proposed amendment that would have stripped abortion rights from the state's constitution.

But in Oklahoma, which has among the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, a movement to give state voters a chance to change the status quo has yet to get underway. Interviews by The Oklahoman with legislators, members of abortion-rights and anti-abortion organizations, health care professionals and others found general agreement that a citizens initiative is the only pathway to a less restrictive abortion law and some frustration that the campaign has yet to be launched.

Liz McLaughlin, of Oklahoma City, heads We are Rising, a group founded after Roe v. Wade was overturned. With about 10,000 currently "engaging," We are Rising is considered by many to be the group most likely to coordinate a petition effort.

"We would never rule out a state question if that meant protecting access to reproductive health care for Oklahoma women," said McLaughlin, but added: "Our preference is to work with lawmakers to accomplish these goals."

Liz McLaughlin is president of "We Are Rising," a group formed to improve access to medical care for women.

That's not likely to happen.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Many Republicans, who hold a supermajority in the Legislature and occupy the governor's office, believe severely limiting abortion is one of the key reasons they were elected to office. Next year is an election year for some state senators and the entire House of Representatives.

"I have a hard time believing that Republicans would do anything on abortion that would make it seem to their primary base voters that they're doing anything to unwind the ban," said Rep. Cyndi Munson, the Democratic leader in the state House.

More: Oklahoma's abortion ban driving thousands of state women to Kansas, Colorado

Michigan, Arizona, other states go different directions with abortion access

State laws have determined the legality of abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court decided last year to overturn its 1973 ruling, Roe v. Wade, which had held that abortion rights across the country were secured by the U.S. Constitution.

Since that decision, voters in Michigan, Vermont and California have backed constitutional amendments easing access to abortion. Ohio voters will decide on such a measure in November, and a coalition of advocacy groups in Arizona have launched an effort to put a constitutional amendment on the state's ballot next year. Although details are not final, the proposed Arizona amendment is expected to guarantee the right to an abortion before fetal viability and after viability if a doctor determines it is necessary to protect the physical or mental health of the mother.

In Kansas the state Supreme Court had ruled in 2019 that the state constitution gave women bodily autonomy and therefore the right to terminate a pregnancy. Anti-abortion advocates were able to get an amendment on the ballot to remove that right, but it was soundly rejected in August 2022.

In Oklahoma, two rulings by the state Supreme Court in March and May struck down three overlapping abortion bans passed by the Legislature in in 2022. Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the law in force today is the one adopted in 1910, just three years after Oklahoma became a state.

More: Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes down two state abortion bans

That law, Drummond said, is consistent with an inherent right in the state constitution for a woman to terminate a pregnancy to save her own life and does not require a "medical emergency."

State Sen. Julie Daniels, of Bartlesville, the Republican party's floor leader in the Senate, drafted and led the effort to pass the bills overturned by the state Supreme Court this year. She called that decision "appalling." She feels now that the 1910 law needs to be updated  but only to add exceptions for rape and incest, as long as they have been reported.

Sen. Julie Daniels listens to bill readings April 11 during the Senate judiciary committee meeting at the Oklahoma state Capitol in Oklahoma City.

In addition, she says, the law may need to be clarified to specify the circumstances that would justify intervention to preserve the life of the mother. But she's not in favor of other changes, including the impact of a pregnancy on the mother's mental health.

"We in the 'pro-life' movement do not believe that the threat of mental illness justifies the killing of an unborn child," she said.

McLaughlin calls 1910 law "dangerous and deadly to the health and well-being of women."

"There is no doubt that women will die from the lack of access to reproductive health care that has occurred as a result of this law being on the books," McLaughlin said.

A state question on abortion could get around the Oklahoma Legislature. How does it work?

Getting around the Legislature is exactly what the framers of the original 1907 Oklahoma Constitution had in mind.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma achieved statehood during the "Progressive Era," when several states approved citizen initiative and referendum provisions for "direct democracy as an obstacle to special-interest-group control of government."

Getting a state question on the ballot is not an easy process, says Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City. For one thing, initiating a change in the state constitution requires about 170,000 signatures on petitions that must be reviewed by the secretary of state's office and can be challenged for their validity.

And the process could get harder, he said, because legislators likely are to propose changes in the next session that would raise the percentage of votes required for approval beyond a simple majority or require a certain number of petition signatures from every Oklahoma county.

Dollens has won approval to hold a special interim study of the initiative process that will have its first meeting next month.

Finding a middle ground on abortion would be a challenge

Chip Paul, who led a successful effort to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma in 2018 (it passed by a 57% margin), said he had two pieces of advice for We are Rising or any other group seeking to pass a citizens initiative: "Keep it a grassroots effort and find the 'sweet spot.'"

Paul said the 2018 success came "because we didn't use a professional signature collection company and had our own people out all over the state."

A state question to approve recreational marijuana in Oklahoma failed earlier this year because of strong opposition from rural counties.

"I think people outside Tulsa and Oklahoma City would approve a change (in the state's abortion law), but you have to be out there talking to them," Paul said.

And he said he thought it would be a challenge to find the sweet spot  an abortion law that might not satisfy abortion-rights or anti-abortion activists, but would approximate the balance many felt had been achieved before Roe v. Wade was overturned.

More: After Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down two abortion bans, one law remains. Here's what it says.

In 2014, a poll by the Pew Research Center found that 51% of adults in Oklahoma thought that abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 45% thought it should be illegal in all or most cases and 4% did not care.

A more recent poll, conducted by Amber Integrated in 2022, found that 55% of Oklahoma voters did not want a total ban on abortion.

"This shows that most voters cannot simply be placed into a 'pro-life' or 'pro-choice' dichotomy, said a partner in the Amber polling company. "Voters have a wide range of beliefs that lie between a 100% ban on abortion and allowing abortion up to the point of birth."

"It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of money to figure that out," said Munson, the Democratic House leader. "Oklahomans are definitely on a big spectrum of where they stand."

Private polling is taking place, several people told The Oklahoman, although they asked to be kept "off the record."

Several of those interviewed by The Oklahoman said they were ready to back a citizens initiative for change in the existing law, but understood that it was a complicated process and would take time to develop.

Leslie Batchelor, an attorney and president of the Center for Economic Development and Law, said "One reason we may not be hearing anything is that even though its an initiative by 'citizens,' it actually requires a significant organization and funding to collect enough signatures to get a measure on the ballot. Its a pretty major undertaking."

Dr. Dana Stone, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Oklahoma City, and a strong proponent of leaving abortion decisions to women and their doctors, said she wasn't involved in discussions about announcing plans for an initiative petition. But she said, "I understand that some people feel we need more time to get some education to Oklahomans so they are well informed before a vote would be advisable."

"We believe that a vote to protect abortion access will be successful in our state," said Tamya Cox-Toure, head of Oklahoma's chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. "But it must be strategic and thoughtful."

Pushed to say when We are Rising might be ready to follow in the footsteps of other states going directly to the voters for a new abortion law, McLaughlin said:

"We aren't going to base decisions on when to move forward with a ballot measure on what other states are doing.

"We're committed to getting this right and ensuring that in the long run, we protect access to reproductive health care for women and that means continuing to do what we are already doing  educating Oklahomans about the perils of our extreme laws and creating a movement of people from every corner of the state of all political stripes to say enough is enough. Oklahoma women deserve better."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is a state question to ease Oklahoma abortion restrictions possible?
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday blasted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for what he said was putting politics ahead of his job, after DeSantis snubbed President Joe Biden over the weekend during his visit to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia.

Your job as governor is to be the tour guide for the president, is to make sure the president sees your people, sees the damage, sees the suffering, whats going on and what needs to be done to rebuild it, Christie said during an interview on Fox News Radio's The Brian Kilmeade Show. Youre doing your job. And unfortunately, he put politics ahead of his job. That was his choice.

Christie, a rival of DeSantis in the Republican presidential primary, has personal experience navigating the optics of a visit from a Democratic president following a natural disaster. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a storm that ravaged New Jersey in 2012, Christie greeted then-President Barack Obama at an Atlantic City tarmac with a warm handshake  and subsequently spent years defending himself against his hug with Obama that some conservative pundits suggested was the reason Mitt Romney lost the presidential election weeks later.



Christie praised Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who stepped in to meet Biden when he arrived in Live Oak on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fortunately, Rick Scott, the United States senator and a former governor, two-term governor, who knows what it means to be governor, showed up and made sure that the president saw the things that he needed to see, Christie said, in another dig at DeSantis.

The DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Christies criticism. On Friday, the governors office cited security preparations and interference with recovery efforts as reasons for no meeting taking place.

Despite the continued attacks over his moment with Obama, Christie said on Tuesday that he had no regrets about the welcome he extended in 2012.

I wouldnt do a thing differently because my obligation is to the people who elected me. And the people who elected me were all the people of the state of New Jersey, Christie told Kilmeade. And guess what. We were able to rebuild our state in record time, be able to bring it back to where it needed to be, and return our tourism the very next summer.
Chris Christie slammed fellow presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) over asking for federal aid after a hurricane tore through north Florida last week.

Christie, in a CNN interview Tuesday, spoke on the hypocrisy of DeSantis asking for federal aid after the Florida governor voted against the same aid for New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast in 2012 while Christie was governor.

Look, we shouldnt be playing politics with this stuff, Christie said. But Gov. DeSantis has always played politics with this. He voted against Sandy aid in 2012 as a member of the House, and now he wants aid. You know, this is the hypocrisy that everybody sees in politics and why theyre looking for someone who will just tell them the truth.

Hurricane Idalia killed at least one person and damaged hundreds of thousands of homes in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis also chose not to meet with President Biden when he was in the state following the hurricane, which Christie chose to do with President Obama in 2012 and was severely criticized for.

Christie said that of course DeSantis should have met with Biden, and that he would do nothing different if he had the chance to do the Hurricane Sandy response over again.

DeSantiss choice not to meet with Biden, apparently backing out of a meeting already announced by the White House, has been met with widespread criticism.

Christie is polling sixth in the GOP presidential primary with about 3 percent support, according to national averages, while DeSantis holds second place with about 15 percent support.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sub-Saharan African countries are exploring production of green hydrogen to tackle the shortage of energy, said ministers participating in the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

The three-day summit wrapped up on Wednesday with the adoption of the Nairobi declaration in which leaders of African countries called for more investments in renewable energy to achieve green energy transition.

Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, minister in South Africa's presidency responsible for electricity, said that Africa can leverage its vast renewable energy resources, technology and skilled manpower to produce green hydrogen for domestic consumption and export.

"By exploiting their untapped green hydrogen potential, African countries will decarbonize their economies and create jobs," Ramokgopa said, adding that enactment of friendly regulations and policies is key to attracting investments in the continent's nascent green hydrogen industry.

Statistics from Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), an industry lobby comprising members such as Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa, indicate that green hydrogen demand on the continent could reach 18 metric tons by 2050.

In addition, the AGHA said Africa could be well-placed to export 20 to 40 metric tons of green hydrogen and its derivatives by 2050, once the continent invests in low-cost production and transportation systems.

Africa has the potential to produce green hydrogen worth more than 1 trillion U.S. dollars annually by 2035, which would create 3.7 million jobs, according to a recent study conducted by the European Investment Bank, International Solar Alliance and the African Union.

Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Salah, minister of economy and sustainable development of Mauritania, said that green hydrogen will not only speed up the realization of net-zero targets in Africa but also lower the cost of manufacturing.

Alex Wachira, principal secretary at Kenya's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, noted that African countries that have developed ambitious green hydrogen development roadmaps have attracted capital from institutional investors to enable them to produce the carbon-free gas in bulk.

The launch of the green hydrogen strategy and roadmap for Kenya at the Africa Climate Summit reaffirmed the country's commitment to becoming a hub for the production and export of clean gas, Wachira noted. 
A Massillon police officer shares information with concerned Washington High parents outside Paul Brown Tiger Stadium where their children were gathered after a bomb threat earlier this school year.

Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier wants those students who make threats against schools to know that officials are ready and they will get caught.

"Beware, we are coming for you," Maier said. "There will be consequences."

Within days of the school year beginning, authorities had to deal with separate threats at Washington High in Massillon, Northwest High in Canal Fulton and McKinley High in Canton. In all three cases, teens were identified quickly and charged.

"They do happen and we are challenged with dealing with them and sorting them out," Maier said.

There's no telling why adolescents think they can get away with making threats, the sheriff said. He believes many of those involved often repeat behavior they see on social media.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Kids go on and see other kids doing certain things," he said. "They feel like it's no big deal and they won't get caught."

But most likely they will, he said.

Massillon police and fire vehicles block an entrance to Washington High School following a bomb threat at the school.

What is swatting and why is it dangerous?

States are toughening laws against students who are involved in making threats.

Kentucky lawmakers passed a student discipline law that will expel a student for up to 12 months if they make a violent threat. Lawmakers in Tennessee have a similar measure that sends anyone who makes a threat of mass violence  a threat against two or more people  to an alternative learning center for 180 days. And Ohio lawmakers are taking threats more seriously, with a new anti-swatting law that took effect in April.

Under the new Ohio law, anyone who reports false or misleading information to a law enforcement agency, emergency service provider or public safety can be found guilty of a fourth-degree felony.

Swatting was at the center of an incident at Washington High School on Aug. 22. A student, using a swatting app, called in a bomb threat prompting the evacuation of the school and raising fears in parents. The pranks, which are becoming more frequent, aim to bring a large number of armed law enforcement officers to an address.

The practice started among online gamers who became upset with other players, Maier said.

The act has been wreaking havoc on school campuses, including colleges. In less than a single week in April, universities such as Clemson, Florida, Boston, Harvard, Cornell, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Oklahoma, were targeted by swatters, the Associated Press reported.

It worries Maier, who said he wants to ensure students and staff that local schools are safe.

"It's an emerging problem for us in our schools and in our community," he said. "It is a serious prank where people have been killed and it's a criminal offense."

Cooperation among agencies at the local, state and federal level provides a number of resources that allow suspects to be quickly identified, Maier said.

"I think we have more resources. We are more efficient and highly trained," the sheriff said. "We have learned a lot along the way. We continue to train and educate on how to best respond and appropriately handle the case."

School shootings: Schools across US hit with dozens of false shooting, bomb threats. Experts say it's a 'cruel hoax'

How to determine if a kid is joking or it's a credible threat

Joe Chaddock, superintendent of Stark County Educational Service Center, said safety and security are most important but school officials and law enforcement agencies have to find a balance between a kid joking with his friends in the cafeteria and a credible threat.

"We chase every (threat) down like they are real," he said. "Our administrators are highly trained in threat assessment and working with law enforcement to triage a threat. How credible is the threat? Is this kid goofing off or is it real?"

Chaddock and Maier agreed that it is important to show those involved in making threats that there are consequences but both want to ensure a stupid act by an adolescent doesn't set them on a path that leads to bad decisions and incarceration.

Students involved in bomb threats at Massillon, and threats of violence at Northwest High School and McKinley High School are facing felony charges.

"Kids make mistakes," Chaddock said. "But how do we make them productive citizens and not make bad choices and end up in jail? Young kids make mistakes. Are we going to ruin a person's life without vetting it completely? We have to find the balance, which is tough since we take this type of thing very seriously.

"We have to continue to talk to our kids about the importance of what they say and put in print," he added. "We have kids who are not mature enough and then we put a cellphone in their hand."

See something, say something

In all three incidents, students reportedly reached out to school administrators and law enforcement officials after they learned about the threats through social media or directly from the suspect.

"Our kids  and our parents  are doing such a phenomenal job communicating when issues arise and getting the resources they need," Chaddock said.

Students are doing a better job communicating what is going on, he said, especially when they know classmates are struggling and in need of help.

The state's anonymous reporting system also increases the number of students speaking up about what they see or hear.

Maier is excited to see kids speaking up. There is a change in culture over the last few years. Kids are often taught at a young age not to tattle but have gotten the message that they need to speak up.

"It takes courage to step up and say something when someone is in danger," the sheriff added. "The new message is you have a responsibility to yourself and the community to speak up when lives are in danger. Hats off to them."

In the past five to eight years, Chaddock said districts have stepped up their safety and security measures, as well as amped up their CARE teams and coordinated with many resources from Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery, Early Childhood Resources, United Way, churches and businesses to provide assistance to students and their families.

"We are far from perfect but we're better. We are getting better," Chaddock said.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Stark County authorities dealing with school threats
STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 31: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, second from left, talks with people before a press conference in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia on August 31, 2023 in Steinhatchee, Florida. Idalia, which weakened to a tropical storm made landfall at Keaton Beach, Florida as a category 3 hurricane and caused heavy rain and flash flooding. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford via Getty Images)

Former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner was among Ron DeSantis  biggest boosters during the 2022 midterm election, giving nearly $1 million to his reelection bid. But as he has surveyed the field of GOP candidates for president, Rauner  a wealthy former private equity executive who was DeSantis fifteenth biggest donor in last years election  has not given any more money to the Florida governor. Rauner told POLITICO he thinks another candidate, former U.N Ambassador Nikki Haley, has a better shot of defeating President Joe Biden than DeSantis.

I think hes done a terrific job as governor of Florida, and Ive been, as I think you know, a big supporter of him in that role, Rauner said of DeSantis. But, he added, I think Nikki Haley probably has the best chance to win the general election ... I think everyone is trying to sort things out. We gotta win, we gotta win the general.

Rauner isnt the only former mega-DeSantis donor whos refused to open his wallet for DeSantis. Of the 50 donors who gave at least $160,000 in the years leading up to his 2022 reelection campaign, only 16  less than a third  provided funds to the super PAC Never Back Down, which can receive unlimited contributions, through the end of June. Eight other major donors gave directly to his presidential campaign but not the super PAC.

The top 50 list includes five donors who are now financially supporting rival presidential candidates. And of those who are giving money to the DeSantis campaign or his super PAC, five are splitting their funds with other candidates.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The inability of DeSantis to convert more of his gubernatorial donors into presidential ones is emblematic of a larger shortcoming of his current campaign. And it presents particular problems for the governor precisely because his operation has leaned so heavily on the super PAC to perform basic campaign functions.

Trailing former President Donald Trump by wide margins in Republican primary polls  some of which show him struggling to keep his second-place status  many former contributors to the Florida governor are looking to other candidates or keeping their wallets shut entirely.



DeSantis still has a well-funded effort. Never Back Down had nearly $97 million available to spend as of the end of June, according to the second quarter filings  a figure that far surpasses the super PACs supporting his rivals. That includes the outfit supporting Trump, which reported just short of $31 million in cash on hand.

"Ron DeSantis outraised both Biden and Trump last quarter, and we continue to see overwhelming enthusiasm from grassroots and major supporters chipping in to help our campaign, said Andrew Romeo, a DeSantis campaign spokesperson. We look forward to continued fundraising success this quarter as we capitalize on his strong debate performance and momentum in the early states."

The funds Never Back Down has raised, however, are overwhelmingly drawn from an $82 million transfer from the Florida-based political committee that backed DeSantis reelection bid.

And in recent weeks, some of DeSantis biggest past donors have come out publicly to say they are holding back on writing checks to the super PAC. That includes hotel and aerospace executive Robert Bigelow, by far the biggest individual contributor to Never Back Down and to DeSantis reelection campaign. Last month, Bigelow told Reuters that he would not give further donations to the super PAC unless DeSantis adopted more moderate policies and until I see that he's able to generate more [contributions] on his own."



Billionaire investor Ken Griffin, the second biggest donor to DeSantis 2022 campaign, has also withheld his money. Griffin said in a statement that he was assessing how the policies of each candidate will address the challenges facing our country.

And this spring, businessman Thomas Peterffy, who gave $3.6 million to DeSantis reelection effort  making him the governors twenty-fifth biggest contributor  told the Financial Times that he and a bunch of friends, are holding our powder dry because of positions the governor had taken on social issues. Peterffy has since wired $2 million to a political committee aligned with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who some donors would like to see enter the Republican primary.

DeSantis' decision to sign a six-week abortion ban has alienated some big donors, many of whom embrace more moderate positions on social issues. Walter Buckley, a retired venture capitalist who was DeSantis tenth-biggest donor in 2022, said the governors decision to sign one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country had weakened his political standing. Buckley had given $6,600 to DeSantis campaign through the end of June but nothing to Never Back Down. He has given far more  over $500,000  to support a DeSantis rival: former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

If it becomes apparent that Ron has boxed himself into a corner  in Florida, and is not going to win because of the consequences, I may not support him. Its that simple, Buckley said. That at this point is really my consternation because I like DeSantis. I think hes talented, hardworking as hell and smart. But I cannot understand why he took such a hard position in Florida. I think its a mistake.

Griffin, meanwhile, has expressed reservations over DeSantis high-profile fight with Disney, according to a person briefed on the investors thinking. DeSantis targeted the corporation's governance board and tax status after it came out against his initiative to restrict discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in the states schools.

Other donors have taken issue with DeSantis positions on foreign policy; namely his decision to describe the war in Ukraine as a territorial dispute. Businessman Chris Reyes, the fifth-biggest donor to DeSantis reelection campaign, has privately criticized DeSantis posture on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, according to a person familiar with his remarks. So too has Griffin, said the person briefed on his thinking.



A Griffin spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Reyes, who through the end of the second quarter had not financially backed DeSantis presidential campaign or super PAC, did not respond to a text message requesting comment.

There are indications that the DeSantis team is hurting for resources. Jeff Roe, Never Back Downs lead strategist, gave a presentation to donors prior to last months Republican primary debate in which he pleaded for $50 million to fund the super PACs efforts. Roes remarks were first reported by CNN and The New York Times.

But any challenges DeSantis faces financially, those close to him say, can also be seen in a positive light: a reflection of his willingness to buck the interests of big donors who are used to getting their way.

Gov. DeSantis wouldnt let $1 or even $1 billion drive him in a political direction that he doesnt believe in, said Roy Bailey, a Republican fundraiser who is helping the candidate. No amount of political contributions could erode his core values."
An unlicensed 20-year-old man now admits he was behind the wheel of a stolen car that led police on a chase and ended with a crash that killed a Milwaukee man.

Anthony Marcel Hernandez pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felonies: second-degree reckless homicide, operator flee/elude officer - death, operator flee/elude officer-bodily harm or property damage and driving or operating a vehicle without consent.

Hernandez's arrest came after a miles-long chase with a stole vehicle that turned deadly

Police officers spotted Hernandez driving a 2022 Kia Sportage at South Greeley Street and East Deer Place July 28, 2022, and chased him, according to an Aug. 15, 2022, criminal complaint.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The vehicle had been reported stolen a day earlier from South Kinnickinnic Avenue and officers attempted to stop it. The driver wouldn't pull over and led police on a pursuit that stretched for nearly nine miles at speeds that reached 65 mph, the complaint said.

The chase ended near Wisconsin Avenue and North 35th Street when the stolen vehicle ran a red light and slammed into a 2011 Chevy Equinox. The crash sent the Kia into a Honda Odyssey driven by Savai Xayyavong, 77.

The innocent motorist suffered with injuries for nearly two weeks

Xayyavong was taken to a hospital and put on a ventilator as he underwent numerous surgeries for injuries that included broken bones, a collapsed lung and a lacerated spleen. He died Aug. 7.

Police say Xayyavong was driving lawfully through the intersection when his vehicle was struck.

Hernandez also was injured and had to be hospitalized. The driver in the Equinox suffered minor injuries.

Hernandez shouldn't have been driving in the first place

Prosecutors say in court papers Hernandez disregarded stop signs and traffic lights during the chase and nearly struck multiple other vehicles.

Court records show Hernandez was out on bond for driving a stolen car at the time of the crash.

What's next for Hernandez?

Two other charges against Hernandez  felony knowingly operating a vehicle without a valid license - causing death and misdemeanor bail jumping  were dismissed as part of the plea deal he reached with prosecutors.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 19 before Circuit Court Judge David Swanson.

More: 31-year-old Milwaukee man charged in reckless driving crash that killed young bicyclist, 11

How often do police chases occur on Milwaukee County roads?

There's been a major surge in police chases in the years since Milwaukee loosened restrictions for pursuits, according to Milwaukee Police Department records. And in some cases, people end up hurt.

The department engaged in 1,028 chases in 2022, up from 50 in 2012, the records show. In 2021, there were 1,078 chases.

More: One dead in a crash on the 6400 block of W. Hampton Avenue in Milwaukee

During more than 6,600 pursuits from 2007 to 2022, fleeing suspects were injured in 13% of them, followed by third parties (4%) and officers (1%), according to an analysis of the 2019 Fire and Police Commission report and other data obtained by Wisconsin Watch and WPR.

At least 59 people have died in crashes in Milwaukee County this year, compared with 111 in all of 2022, according to the latest data available Tuesday from the state Department of Transportation.

There have been 359 road fatalities reported statewide in 2023. In 2022, there were 595.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In police-chase crash that killed Milwaukee man, driver pleads guilty
When driving to the vet or the park, you may wonder whether your pet is technically allowed to sit on your lap in transit.

In some states, driving with a dog in your lap is considered distracted driving and can carry fines and petty offenses.

Its safer for your dog to ride in a crate, carrier or using a secured harness, the American Kennel Club advises. Securing your pet can protect you from distractions and also protect your pet from injury in case of an accident, according to insurance company Progressive.

Heres what to know about laws regulating driving with your pet in the car in Illinois and Missouri.

What does Illinois law say about driving with a pet in your lap?

It is not illegal to drive with a pet in your lap in Illinois. There was a law introduced earlier this year aimed to make driving with your pet in your lap a petty offense, carrying a $50 fine, but it did not pass.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The proposed legislation, House Bill 2910, would not have allowed police officers to search or inspect a vehicle solely because the driver had an animal in their lap while driving.

Illinois legislators have tried to ban driving with animals in laps at least twice  another bill, introduced in 2013, would have instituted a $25 fine for the offense.

While it is not unlawful to drive with your dog in your lap in Illinois, if it is distracting you and causing you to swerve excessively or otherwise drive in an unsafe manner, theres no guarantee you wont be pulled over.

What about in Missouri?

While Missouri does not have a state law on the books banning people from driving with an animal in their lap, officials discourage it.

Pets can present a dangerous distraction to drivers, according to the Missouri Driver Guide, and state officials recommend using a carrier, crate or secured harness/pet seat belt for safety.

Never allow your pet to sit on your lap while you are driving your vehicle, the Missouri Driver Guide advises.

Like in Illinois and other states, drivers could be pulled over in Missouri if their pet distracts them and causes them to drive dangerously.

A Missouri law enforcement official told TV news station KY3 state law treats pet distractions just like other driving distractions, according to an article from 2021.
Fred L. Brewer Jr., 23, was one of 57 fighters assigned to escort bombers to their targets in Germany when he went missing in late 1944

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Lt. Fred L. Brewer Jr., pilot from WWII

The remains of a Tuskegee pilot have been identified nearly 79 years after he went missing during World War II.

"U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Fred L. Brewer Jr., 23, of Charlotte, North Carolina, killed during World War II, was accounted for Aug. 10, 2023," the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) said in a news release on Friday.

Another pilot who saw the incident in late 1944 said at the time that Brewer had attempted a steep climb to get above the cloud cover, but his P-51C Mustang  called Traveling Light  lost power in its engine, per the DPAA.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was reported Brewers aircraft had rolled over with the canopy jettisoned, but he was not observed ejecting from the plane," they added. "Brewers remains were not recovered, and he was subsequently declared missing in action.

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Lt. Fred L. Brewer Jr., pilot from WWII

Brewer was flying with 56 other pilots to protect bombers from enemy fire over Regensburg, Germany, ABC News reported. Only 47 pilots made it back, per the outlet.

Back in 2011, researchers discovered a tribute had been made in Italy Americans who lost their lives in World War II using airplane wreckage from a nearby crash site, per the DPAA. Around the same time, researchers analyzed the file for Unknown Remains X-125 Mirandola (X-125), which had been recovered but not identified from the Moggio Udinese civilian cemetery by American forces in 1946," they wrote.

Related: Veterans Return to Normandy on 78th Anniversary of D-Day and Remember Life-Changing Moments of WWII

Those remains, unidentifiable at the time, were taken to the Florence American Cemetery in Italy, the DPAA stated.

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Lt. Fred L. Brewer Jr., Pilot Accounted for from WWII

In 2022, the remains were dug up by the DPAA and American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) for forensic analysis, which were taken to the DPAA Laboratory for examination and identification, per the release.

To identify Brewers remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence, the DPAA said. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis.

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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

Brewers name is on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy, along with others still missing from WWII, per the release, which noted that a rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Related: For D-Day's 75th Anniversary, Listen to Unread Letters from Soldiers on the Ground

Brewer completed his education at Shaw University in Raleigh  the first college for Black people in the South, per ABC News. He joined the military in November 1943 and, in March 1944, became a pilot at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, the outlet reported.

Brewer is the second of the missing Tuskegee Airmen from World War II to be identified, The Washington Post reported. The first was Capt. Lawrence E. Dickson of New York, who crashed his P-51 in Austria in 1944. According to the outlet, Dickinson was identified in 2018.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Loop Barbados reported that Tanella Alleyne, a cousin of Rihannas, passed away and was laid to rest in a packed homegoing celebration. During the live-streamed ceremony, the 28-year-olds adoptive mother, Julie-Ann Bryan, called her bold and courageous during an emotional eulogy. Tanella lived a life of gratitude with an outrageous amount of attitude, sprinkled heavily with confidence, Bryan said in regard to her late daughter, whose twin sister, Taneisha Alleyne, transitioned 14 years ago.

In addition, Bryan explained how Tanella received a CT scan which revealed a big black mass. While no actual cause of death was officially confirmed, it was relayed to the congregation that Tanella described the unfortunate discovery as the equivalent of a big black 44.

If it is one thing that we all know, but we may not think about a lot, is that death is inevitable for everyone, preached Reverend Suzanne Archer during her funeral sermon. Yet, despite this knowledge and the fact that you have lost several members of the family before, including her mother, brother and twin sister, you never seem to be prepared for it, especially when the deceased is so young.

In 2017, Tanellas brother, Tavon Alleyne, was tragically shot and killed at the age of 21. Me and my brother had a mother and father relationship, Tanella explained in the above interview with The Nation Barbados shortly after his passing. We lost our mother [when I was] seven years old and my father was never playing his part Anything Tavon say, Tavon gonna do, but he [was never] looking for no trouble. At that time, Rihanna paid tribute to Tavon in a heartfelt Instagram post. RIP cousin Cant believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms! Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body! Love you always man! she wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trending Stories
But the new addition won't be known as "Princess Alix"

Olivier Matthys/Getty Prince Amadeo and Princess Elisabetta in 2022

Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta of Belgium are now parents of three!

The couple, who wed in July 2014, welcomed their third child on Saturday. The baby girl, named Alix, joins big sister Anna-Astrid, born in May 2016, and big brother Maximilian, born in September 2019.

The Belgian Royal Palace announced the exciting news on social media: "Prince Amedeo and Princess Elisabetta are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter Alix. She was born in Brussels on Saturday 2 September, weighs 3.4 kg and, like her mother, is doing well. Their families share in this great happiness." The post was accompanied by a photo of the infant dressed in white.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prince Amedeo, the eldest son of Princess Astrid and the first grandchild of former King Albert and Queen Paola, is sixth in line for the countrys throne. He is followed by his children  making little Alix ninth in the line of succession.

However, the family's new addition won't be known as Princess Alix. Instead, she'll have the title of Archduchess Alix of Austria-Este.

Le Prince Amedeo et la Princesse Elisabetta ont la grande joie d'annoncer la naissance de leur fille Alix, nee le samedi 2 septembre a Bruxelles. Alix pese 3,4 kg et se porte bien, tout comme sa mere.

Les familles des heureux parents s'associent a ce grand bonheur. pic.twitter.com/soZORgoMEP  Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) September 4, 2023

Related: Future Queens of Europe! Meet All the Female Heirs Set to Take the Throne

Archduchess Alix will likely witness a first for her country: Belgium's first queen regnant. If Princess Elisabeth  the heir apparent to her father, King Philippe  accedes as expected, she will be the nation's first-ever female ruler by birth.

Ten years before Princess Elisabeth was born in 1991, a new act of succession introduced absolute primogeniture in Belgium, meaning a daughter would not be overtaken in the line of succession in favor of a younger brother.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images Princess Elisabeth of Belgium

In 2020, Princess Elisabeth began training at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels.

"These 18 years have been filled with many rewarding moments that have made me the person I am today," the royal said in a speech surrounding her milestone 18th birthday. "[It is] a step that I take with great optimism. I realize that I still have a lot to learn. I will also focus on that in the coming years: trying to understand the world better  and helping to improve it, by giving the best of myself."

She continued, The country can count on me."



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Steve Arrington, chief administrator of the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Resource Center/Akron AIDS Collaborative and Gregory Price, Northeast associate director of clinical operations hang a banner in the lobby of the Rustin Center in Akron.

Two organizations under one roof are changing the health care landscape for Akrons LGBTQ+ community.

In August, The Bayard Rustin Center, home of the Akron Aids Collaborative (AAC), moved its headquarters from West Market Street to a much larger space a little over a mile away at the Five Points plaza at 636 W. Exchange St.

There, the AAC and the Bayard Rustin Center have effectively become tenants of community partner Equitas, which is also moving into the space. The new facility opens Wednesday.

Founded in 1984, Columbus-based Equitas Health is a nonprofit community healthcare system touting itself to be one of the nations largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving organizations," serving tens of thousands of patients in Ohio, Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Steve Arrington, chief administrator at the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center and executive director of the AAC, said the need for these services in the area is desperate.

Were not just going to be outreaching to gay folks, he said. Were going to be outreaching to the community in this neighborhood  because this is the hood  and were going to do that at-large.

Arrington said the center and the AAC are still in the midst of a capital campaign to finish paying for the move.

Equitas facility breaking new ground

Gregory Price, Northeast associate director of clinical operations talks about the mission of Equitas Health and the collaboration with Bayard Rustin Center/Akron AIDS Collaborative in Akron.

All the amenities available at the Equitas location in Columbus will be offered at the Akron facility: mental health services, gender-affirming care, full pharmacy services, primary care, STD testing and more.

Its new Akron facility will include six exam rooms, a full pharmacy, two primary care physicians, two medical assistants, a psychiatric health nurse practitioner and a metal health and recovery therapist.

Gregory Price, Northeast associate director of clinical operations for Equitas, said that while the organization has had a client advocacy office in this part of the state, this the first time the organization has placed a medical team here.

"Also in this area, there's never been an agency of this magnitude to bring services to a community that is in dire need, Price said. "Our partnership with the Bayard Rustin Center is the community piece that we need," Price said. The collaboration between Equitas, the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the AAC led directly to Equitas' expansion into Akron.

An assessment of the community's requirements revealed that what people needed was a welcoming, affirming environment in which to receive health care. The number one concern heard from the community, Price said, was that there wasnt anywhere in the area providing care in an environment that felt safe or welcoming.

Symbiosis

Steve Arrington, chief administrator of the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Resource Center/Akron AIDS Collaborative and Gregory Price, Northeast associate director of clinical operations talk about how the two organizations will collaborate in Akron.

The relationship between these organizations is more than that of a tenant to a landlord.

"Our partnership with the Bayard Rustin Center is the community piece that we need," said Price. It was that partnership that led directly to Equitas expansion into Akron, as well as informing Equitas about the needs of the area.

And it will help the Bayard Rustin Center expand its services by offering it the space it needs to grow.

Arrington talked specifically about now being able to expand access and availability to mental health resources, as well as eventually offering in-house HIV/AIDS testing and medical and dental services through Equitas, plus a larger community space and alternative therapy options including music and art therapy.

What the center offered at its old location  a free food pantry, housing assistance, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and COVID-19, and safety training for transgender people  will continue at the new location.

Five Points, owned by commercial real estate company Albrecht Inc., also houses a U.S. Postal Service station and Akron Summit County Community Action. The addition of the new tenants fills a large vacancy at the plaza, which opened in 1962 and originally served as a shopping center.

This is going to be a wonderful place. Im excited about it, Arrington said.

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Resources click into place at Five Points for Akron's LGBTQ community
An electrical substation that delivers electricity to Chisinau, near the village of Negresti, Moldova on Nov. 30, 2022. Credit - Andreea CampeanuThe New York Times/Redux

Ukraine will get a transformational amount of foreign aid in the next few years as it rebuilds from Russias invasion. But it could be its tiny neighbor Moldova that undergoes the greatest post-war transition and revival. This private investment and foreign assistance could transform MoldovaEuropes poorest countryinto the continents first truly green country.

With a population of just over 2.5 million people, Moldova is an oft-forgotten country thats probably the last place many would think could be at the forefront of a green revolutionand for good reason. According to the International Energy Agency, it is one of the least energy self-sufficient countries on Earth. Moldova is utterly dependent on energy imports99% of its oil and 100% of its natural gas is imported. The country has a single, lone power plant, which is problematically located in the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria. This is a recipe for an energy disaster.

Moldovas gas sector is also almost entirely controlled by a monopoly called Moldovagaz, which is 51% owned by Russias gas giant Gazprom. This arrangement has allowed Moscow decades of punitive, sometimes vindictive control. For example, Gazprom claims $800 million is owed by Chisinau via Moldovagaz, although President Maia Sandu announced on Sept. 3 that a Moldovan government audit found no legitimate debts. The ensuing litigation is likely to be long and costly.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Further, even though Moldova isnt importing any Russian gas directly now, the country is stuck with gas contracts both deeply disadvantageous and legally unnavigable, agreed to by Moldovagaz, that could prove extremely costly to escape. The latest dates to October 2021 and commits Chisinau to five more years of Gazprom. And pro-Russian actors in either the Moldovan government that fell in February 2023, or possibly within Moldovagaz, deleted the files Chisinau needs to break the contract.

Read More: Moldova's Prime Minister on Russia and Staying Neutral

Yet it is these deeply unfavorable circumstances that might just prove to be an enviable advantage in the green transition. Whereas countries like Germany and Poland have to dismantle massive energy systems dependent on mostly gas and coal, respectively, Moldova has the counterintuitive luxury of being able to almost start from scratch. At the risk of diminution: Instead of trying to turn a massive tanker in a narrow canal, it must only pilot a dinghy.

Indeed, Moldova barely registers on energy demand. Its overall consumption per capita is approximately half the European average at 1.5 tonnes of oil equivalent, 3 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas, and just 2,000 KWh of power annually. Replacing this with renewable or other clean sources is therefore a relatively small task, and one made easier by the fact that Moldovas electricity grid and natural gas infrastructure is already connected to its neighbors. A single 300 MW solar or wind farm, for example, could alone decarbonize the power for 300,000 homes. All the country needs to do is attract a few investors into the energy sector and the job will be half done already, and many of those potential investors are already looking at Ukrainian reconstruction projects that could easily incorporate Moldova. To continue the boat metaphor, Chisinau could mostly achieve its energy transition without even having to paddle.

That proverbial little boat is also being outfitted with a massive motor in the form of ample foreign aid. In 2022, over $1 billion was pledged to Chisinau, mostly from the U.S. and E.U. The U.S., for example, gave over $100 million in 2022, of which $40.5 million was energy-related funding and another $30 million was budget support to help ameliorate the energy crisis. The assistance has continued to pour in this year. In February, the U.S. announced an additional $300 million in energy support for Moldova. International finance institutions like the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are likewise assisting Moldova. Coupled with potential private investment, this could be an energy transition bonanza.

Thankfully, Chisinau is exploring building a new energy sector reliant on renewables instead of foreign fossil fuels. In late 2022, Western-backed Moldovan President Maia Sandu quietly pitched the E.U. on a plan to make the country carbon neutral by 2035. This would require the development of biomethane, the construction of electricity storage facilities, weatherization of existing buildings, electrification of heating with heat pumps and residential solar panels, and other innovations. Wind farms are also under active consideration.

To do this, Moldova will need an estimated investment of $1 billion per year. That is, of course, what it is now getting, albeit with the restrictions and conditionalities incumbent with foreign aid. But with assistance, supply chains, expertise, and especially private investment from the West, Moldovaincluding Transnistriacould be successfully pried from Russias grasp all while the cause of decarbonization is advanced.

Of course, these plans are easier formulated than implemented, and Chisinau has long gotten in its own way on reforms. There are considerable corruption concerns in Moldova. Decades of being supported by the generosity of foreign governments has created something of a culture of impotence, too. The country has had opportunities to weaken the Kremlin and Gazproms stranglehold before but hasnt taken them.

But President Sandu and her new government have been taking some concrete steps to begin to find a strategy to escape Gazprom. In June, Chisinau brought on as a key advisor Ukraines Andriy Kobolyev, who as the head of Ukraines gas monopoly, managed to free Ukraine of Russian natural gas dependencecreating a blueprint for Moldova to do the same. His team also bested Gazprom in court amid a legal dispute concerning gas contracts to the tune of $2.9 billion, and got Ukraine paid.

Less promisingly, Chisinau has shown itself to be oddly hostile to private investment in its energy sector. This will make it very difficult for the country to modernize and attract the more flexible capital of the private sector, versus the cumbersome and restricted support of foreign governments. It also means that shifting political winds in Washington, London, or Brussels could stymie Moldovas plans at any moment. Energy transition ambitions could also be stalled by shifts in Moldovan politics if they rely on bilateral political relationships instead of private contracts.

Whats more, most of the few companies that have bravely invested in the Moldovan energy sector in the last 20 years have been undermined or driven out. Spains Gas Natural Fenosa, Moldovas largest supplier and distributor of electricity, suffered over 102.6 million (($110.06 million) in setbacks amid a long running dispute with the government over electricity tariffs. Experts familiar with the situation believed it was an effort to prevent any profit from accruing to the company by restricting it from charging customers enough to recoup its costs, plus some form of mismanagement or incompetence or the triumph of vested Kremlin interests. Rotalin Gas Trading, the largest private gas company in the country and the only private competitor to Moldovagaz, is now in a similar legal dispute over gas tariffs. In June, Moldovas energy regulator authorized Moldovagaz to charge higher prices than private investors can charge for the same gas supply services. Few if any renewables investors are likely to enter the Moldovan energy sector until this business climate changes.

But if Chisinau settles the lawsuits by private energy investors, creates an attractive regulatory structure to govern renewables projects, and breaks free of Gazprom, then the resulting wave of investment and the goodwill and foreign assistance from Western governments should be more than enough to help the country transform. To become further attractive to private capital, Moldova could offer incentives to future investors in biofuels, wind, solar, and more. Western governments and international banks should be willing to offer guarantees, too, that would sweeten the deal.

This moment is an unparalleled opportunity for the smallest victim of Russias centuries of energy persecution and dominance. Chisinau has the vision of a clean, green, carbon neutral future, and it has the money and prospects with which to fund the transition. Becoming Europes first green country would only accelerate Moldovas bid to join the E.U. And what better way to stick a thumb in Vladimir Putins eye than to become energy self-sufficient and eschew the fossil fuels that help line the Kremlins coffers? Chisinau could pave the way.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in the summer of 2021 continues to be seen as a "black mark" on Joe Biden 's presidency - a chaotic and deadly exit that left the war-torn country in a security vacuum as the Taliban swiftly advanced on Kabul.

Two years on, Afghans are still struggling under one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with most international aid, including from the United States, suspended following the Taliban takeover.

But no major power, not even neighbouring China, appears keen to fill the void that Washington left after its nearly 20-year troop deployment sparked by the September 11 terror attacks.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Afghanistan's severe food insecurity, bleak security and economic situation, and the Taliban's repressive policies against women and girls indicate that the strategic fallout from the messy end to the US military presence could be felt for many years to come, pundits said.

Despite being widely criticised over the US and Nato pull-out, Biden had remained defiant, defending the end of the "longest war in American history" as an "extraordinary success", and claiming the Afghan exit would help the US focus its energies on the strategic rivalry with China.

"There's nothing China or Russia would rather have, would want more in this competition than the United States to be bogged down another decade in Afghanistan," Biden said on August 31, 2021, in a statement marking the end of the evacuation operation.

China has made no secret of its joy at America's Afghan debacle and what it calls the failure of US hegemony. It repeated those sentiments on Tuesday - the two-year anniversary of the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Washington had yet to learn "profound lessons" from the "Kabul moment" of its botched withdrawal, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

"The event left behind profound lessons which, to this day, are still worth deep thought," he said.

"What happened in Afghanistan marked a military, political and counterterrorism failure of the US, and once again proved that military intervention, political infiltration and 'democratic transformation' from the outside will not work and will only breed turmoil and disaster."

In an apparent jab at the Biden administration, Wang added: "Over the past two years, a certain country has cut off aid, frozen Afghanistan's assets and imposed sanctions, worsening the suffering of the Afghan people."

Washington has hit back at such characterisation. A Pentagon report last year accused Beijing of trying to "erode US and partner influence" in Afghanistan by highlighting the withdrawal as "evidence that the US is an unreliable partner and declining power".

However, a US State Department review released last month was deeply critical of the way the evacuation was handled, saying decisions made by Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump had "had serious consequences for the viability" and security of the former US-backed Afghan government.

The Biden administration has played down the criticism, insisting it learned lessons that were later applied in managing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other crises.

Jennifer Murtazashvili, a non-resident scholar in the Asia Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the US had suffered "a very serious hit" to its credibility in the region, and it was too early to claim that the lessons from the Afghan exit had been learned.

"The US has not had the time to take stock and learn lessons from Afghanistan," Murtazashvili said. "This is because the same administration that facilitated the disastrous withdrawal remains in power today."

Sourabh Gupta, a senior policy specialist with the Institute for China-America Studies in Washington, said the chaotic withdrawal was a black mark on the Biden presidency.

"The chaotic images of desperate Afghans fleeing alongside the US military transport plane at Kabul airport will linger in the collective memory, much like images of the helicopter evacuation from the rooftop of the US embassy in Saigon in 1975," Gupta said.

But he questioned the claims about a lasting negative impact on American credibility and global standing.

"Just as the 'Saigon moment' of 1975 had few long-lasting ramifications for the credibility of US deterrent power and commitment in the Asia-Pacific - let alone beyond the region, so also the 'Kabul moment' will have even fewer reverberations in external theatres beyond Southwest Asia," Gupta said.

Wang Duanyong, a research fellow at the Shanghai International Studies University specialising in China's overseas interests, said the end of the US deployment in Afghanistan represented another failed attempt to promote modernisation and political change.

"Afghanistan's recent history of nearly 300 years has seen many attempts at modernisation by internal and external forces, all of which have ended in failure. While this is a failure of the US and other external forces, it is more a failure of Afghanistan and its people," he said.

Fleeing Afghans struggle to scale the boundary wall of the airport in Kabul following the Taliban takeover. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Fleeing Afghans struggle to scale the boundary wall of the airport in Kabul following the Taliban takeover. Photo: EPA-EFE>

However, it would be a mistake to underestimate the lingering influence of the US, Wang - who has made five lengthy field trips to Afghanistan since 2021 - said.

The US is still the largest donor to Afghanistan and has a strong presence on the ground and, despite the Taliban's much-touted anti-American posturing, the regime had been careful to strike a balance between ties with China and the US, he said.

"The Taliban initially tried to win strong support from China and Russia when it came back to power, trying to break its diplomatic isolation. But after it resigned itself to the reality of not being recognised by the international community, ties with China cooled and the Taliban instead sought to increase contacts with the US, in a show of diplomatic flexibility."

The humanitarian crisis facing Afghanistan was essentially an economic crisis, Wang said. It had been caused mostly by a prolonged period of lack of development, the Taliban's regressive attitude to women's rights, its over-reliance on overseas assistance and the inability to produce an economic reconstruction plan.

Sadiq Amini, a programme manager at Observer Research Foundation America who oversees external relations and outreach, described the chaos of the US withdrawal and the Taliban's reinstatement as a "collective failure" of Washington and other powers.

"This is partially on the US, majorly on Afghans themselves, but more on the regional countries including China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and others who needed to care enough, and be capable enough to plan, allocate resources, and support Afghanistan post-US withdrawal," Amini said.

"As a result of their collective failure, the immediate consequences and threats emanating from Afghanistan today, or in the future, are posed against the countries in the region."

Then a political assistant at the US embassy in Kabul, Amini had helped coordinate the month-long evacuations two years ago. He voiced concerns about the "highly fragile" political, security, and economic situation in Afghanistan.

Following the Taliban takeover, external powers including the US, China, Pakistan, Iran, Russia and India had only "minimal influence" in Afghanistan, and that too was "tactical, short-term, and transactional in nature", Amini said.

"It definitely is not serving Afghanistan."

Amini was particularly critical of China's ties with the Taliban and its cautious, wait-and-see approach in post-war Afghanistan, with a primary focus on countering Islamic extremism and ensuring stability on its western border.

Diplomatic overtures to the Taliban "will not lead to influence", he said. "Rather, it will lead to resentment against China, which is already showing among the people of Afghanistan, who see China warmly engaging the Taliban with no vision to serve Afghans in the long-term."

Short of a formal recognition, China was among the first countries to welcome the Taliban's return to power and one of only a handful to host a Taliban charge d'affaires.

Wang Yi, now China's foreign policy chief, became the first foreign minister of any country to meet the new Taliban rulers in Kabul when he travelled there in March last year.

In contrast, Beijing had appeared more cautious in its dealings with the hardline militant group during the Taliban's first takeover in 1996, refusing to recognise it and shutting all crossings along their 92km (57-mile) border.

Amini argued that considering the doubts over the Taliban's willingness or ability to prevent terrorism from spilling over to neighbouring countries, Beijing should reach out to non-Taliban Afghans, the US and regional countries to collectively address the Afghan crisis.

Other observers were less optimistic about China's future role.

Andrew Small, a senior transatlantic fellow with the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific Programme, said Afghanistan in the aftermath of a US withdrawal was always seen as "more of a trap than an opportunity" for China.

"And the Chinese government has been careful not to fall into it," he said.

"The risk is that deeper involvement looks easy during periods of calm and then turns into a liability when the situation turns and when resentment about foreign presence grows."

China was under no illusions about great influence over the Taliban, Small said.

"[China] have dealt with them for over two decades, and even if they hoped for a more pragmatic approach in government, they are aware of the Taliban's ideological nature," he said. "There is modest scope for expanding their commercial footprint in Afghanistan, but only at a level that doesn't turn into significant risks or liabilities."

Small also said China's ties with the US over Afghanistan did not have "the depth of cooperation that was there in the past". But the two sides still had relatively similar objectives there, so "it isn't likely to be a major area of Sino-US contention either."

China and the US used to cooperate during the 2010s on various capacity-building initiatives in Afghanistan, including police training and demining activities.

Yun Sun, China programme director and co-director of the East Asia programme at the Stimson Centre in Washington, Afghanistan was no longer the centre of geopolitical sparring.

For Beijing, the situation there is not as bad as might have been expected two years ago, Sun said, though "at this point, Afghanistan is still more a challenge than an opportunity for China".

"The large exodus of refugees or inflow of militants into China did not happen. No major power has shown any interest in filling the vacuum in Afghanistan," she said. "China is not willing to take on such a big burden and risk by itself, which is why it has organised a regional multilateral platform- the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Afghanistan's Neighbours- to develop a collective approach."

Murtazashvili also said the Afghanistan factor was unlikely to figure in the US-China relationship going forward, despite a shared interest in rooting out terrorism.

China had become a much more significant target for terrorists in Afghanistan than American interests, she said. "The US left Afghanistan with its tail between its legs, humiliated. China seems to be the next great power with interests in Afghanistan - so it has become a target for opponents of the Taliban."

Chinese investments in Afghanistan have been targeted by Islamic State-affiliates and other terror outfits. At least five Chinese nationals were seriously injured in December when an Isis affiliate attacked a hotel in downtown Kabul catering to Chinese businesspeople.

Murtazashvili said while the Taliban had on the one hand failed to ensure the promised internal security and stability, the regime's reticence over Beijing's suppression of its ethnic minority Uygur population in exchange for economic support had also backfired.

"The treatment of the Uygurs has been a quiet rallying call for groups like Islamic State who are able to point out what they believe to be the hypocrisy of the Taliban who seem to have quite close relations with the Chinese government regardless."

Wang at the Shanghai International Studies University also said that China's biggest problem in Afghanistan was a lack of security guarantees.

Beijing and its embassy in Kabul have repeatedly warned of the risks of investing in Afghanistan at this stage.

"With Afghan trade accounting for only about one ten-thousandth of China's foreign trade, Afghanistan is of limited significance for China, especially economically," he said.

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  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
KHARTOUM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Wednesday issued a constitutional decree dissolving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to a statement by the sovereign council, Al-Burhan instructed the Sudanese army's General Command, the general secretariat of the sovereign council and other concerned authorities to put the decision into effect.

"The decision was based on the repercussions of the rebellion of these forces against the state, the grave violations they committed against citizens, and the deliberate sabotage of the country's infrastructure, besides their violation of the goals, tasks, and principles contained in the Rapid Support Forces Act of 2017," the statement said.

The SAF was formed in 2013 by tribal fighters who fought on behalf of the Sudanese government against rebellion in the Darfur region in western Sudan.

At first, the RSF was under the command of the National Intelligence and Security Service, before the Sudanese Parliament in 2017 passed a law affiliating the RSF to the Sudanese army.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry. 
WASHINGTON (AP)  First lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Monday but is experiencing only mild symptoms, her spokeswoman said.

President Joe Biden was tested for the virus following his wifes positive test, but his results were negative. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president would continue testing regularly and would be monitored for symptoms.

Jill Biden will remain at the couples home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for the time being, communications director Elizabeth Alexander said. The first lady had planned to start the new school year Tuesday at Northern Virginia Community College, where she teaches English and writing.

Biden to nominate longtime aide to UNESCO: report

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Due to her condition, she was working with school officials to arrange substitute teachers for her classes, Alexander said.

The first lady had traveled with her husband to Florida on Saturday to inspect the damage from Hurricane Idalia. President Biden then spent part of the Labor Day weekend at the Delaware beach house before traveling Monday to a union event in Philadelphia and then back to the White House.

The Bidens both contracted COVID previously, last summer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
An international Delta Air Lines flight, flying from Atlanta, Georgia, to Barcelona, Spain, was forced to turn around two hours into its journey following a reported biohazard issue on board Friday.

In an alleged audio clip from the flight deck, posted to X by an aviation enthusiast, the pilot said the flight was affected by a biohazard issue concerning a passenger who had diarrhea all the way through the airplane.

The audio clip was taken from LiveATC.com, the enthusiast said.

The plane was two hours into the eight-hour flight when it had to make a U-turn, according to data from Flightradar24.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

American Airlines flight interrupted by sounds of moaning, groaning PA system

When asked to confirm the veracity of the audio shared to X, a spokesperson for Delta told Nexstar that the plane returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia because a passenger had a medical issue on board.

Delta flight 194 on Sept. 1 from Atlanta to Barcelona returned to Atlanta following an onboard medical issue. Our teams worked as quickly and safely as possible to get our customers to their final destination. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans.

The flight landed without further incident the following day, Sept. 2  eight hours and six minutes behind schedule. Ultimately, 336 customers were affected, Delta told Nexstar.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The opinions in our readers' letters are theirs and not necessarily those of The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is running short of money. With so many natural disasters  Hurricane Idalia being just the latest  now is not the opportune time for Congress to hold off on replenishing the agency's federal disaster assistance funding. Partisan politics, though, may rear its ugly head and cause a delay.

President Biden wants $16 billion to make FEMA whole. Congress must appropriate the money, and therein lies the rub. The FEMA funding is part of a larger spending package that includes aid to Ukraine, and if many Republican lawmakers had their way, they'd decouple the Ukraine funding in hopes of reducing or killing it. Florida's two senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio  support separating out aid to Ukraine, a move the president opposes.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott visits Live Oak during last week's visit by President Joe Biden.

"Today, I met with President Biden in Live Oak to deliver one clear message  Floridians need him to give his support for the immediate passage of my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act," Sen. Rick Scott said in a press release after meeting with Biden during his visit to Live Oak. "During our one-on-one meeting, I made clear that we cant let Washington play games with disaster relief funds or make helping Americans contingent on helping foreign causes."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We agree with the senator. Restoring federal disaster relief aid should get immediate attention. We just don't think now is the time to delay the president's spending measure, when so many Americans could use FEMA help, including Scott's constituents here in Florida. There is a time and a place for Congress to hash out involvement and funding for the war in Ukraine. But this isn't it. Instead of politicking over decoupling, Florida's two senators should approve Biden's budget package as is and pronto. Florida and other parts of the nation would be the better for it.

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 storm, becoming the eighth hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in the past six years. The storm is only the latest natural disaster in the U.S. that has drained FEMA coffers. The agency responsible for handling man-made and natural disasters currently has $3.4 billion in its emergency disaster fund, not enough to handle this year's record number of fires, floods, hurricanes and tornados. The agency has already started limiting its spending on reconstruction projects to address current life-threatening disasters.

Enter Sen. Scott, an unexpected stand-in for Gov. Ron DeSantis  whose decision to duck the meeting after he helped organize it makes both his bid for president and his work as Florida's Governor look increasingly smaller by the day.

Scott is no fan of Biden, and the feeling's politically mutual. The pair have sparred before, most recently over the Scott's 12 Point Plan to Rescue America, which suggested allowing Congress to sunset federal entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security and force all Americans, including to the poor, to pay income taxes.

But, whether it was because of the upcoming 2024 elections for both men, a chance for Florida's junior senator to show up DeSantis, a political rival, or simply that the senator missed his old job as Florida's governor, Scott seized the moment and played the adult role Floridians want to see in their elected officials.

Scott was correct in calling for quick FEMA relief. But, given the delay a debate over Biden's spending plan would cause, not to mention the larger budget fight in the U.S. House of Representatives that threatens a government shutdown if Congress can't approve a spending plan by Sept. 30, there's a chance a quick fix will become a missed opportunity.

Scott's bill isn't the answer. It won't get very far in a Democratic-controlled Senate, much less win Biden's approval. Supporting Biden's proposal and leaving the bigger debate over Ukraine for a later date is the better alternative.

Scott can do more than a mere photo-op by taking this approach. Wishful thinking? Maybe. However, the reality facing thousands of Americans hoping to recover from the devastation of natural disasters demands it.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Congress must make FEMA the priority by approving Biden spending plan
A former Kentucky prosecutor has been charged with murder in his wifes death and will make his first court appearance Thursday, according to court documents.

Donald Deskins, 49, a former assistant Pike County attorney, faces charges of murder (domestic violence) and two counts of tampering with physical evidence, according to court records. Deskins indictment says he caused blunt force trauma to Judith Deskins with the intent to cause her death.

Police were called to Donald Deskins residence on Meathouse Road in Kimper in April 2021 after he called police and reported his wife was dead inside the home, according to court documents. Investigators determined foul play was suspected.

Deskins was indicted last week, according to court records. The indictment also says he tampered with physical evidence at the residence and on his laptop.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Donald Deskins lawyer, Steve Owens, said they are going to defend the case and ask people to keep an open mind as it proceeds through the judicial process. He added that the coroners and state medical examiners reports gave an undetermined cause of death for Judith Deskins.

There was also a combination of fentanyl and meth in her system, which I believe the coroners report mentions that as a possible contributing factor, Owens said.

Deskins was booked into the Pike County Detention Center the following day after turning himself in at the jail, according to court documents. He was still being held there Wednesday. His attorney has filed a motion asking for Deskins bond to be reduced. His bond amount hadnt immediately been listed in online court or jail records.

Deskins will be arraigned in Pike Circuit Court Thursday, records show. Judges who would typically be assigned to this case in Pike Circuit Court have been disqualified under state law and a special judge has been appointed.
MILFORD  Months after it was announced that Framingham's Adult ESL (FAESL) program was being expanded to Milford, 76 students are poised to begin classes there.

ESL classes begin in Milford on Sept. 7 at the Stacy Middle School, and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Executive Director Kevin O'Connor said that after a recent admissions event in Milford, 65 new students were admitted to the program. Eleven others that were taking classes in Framingham, but live in Milford, were transferred to the Milford program.

The event had a turnout of 270, according to O'Connor, with a lottery system held for admissions.

Natalia Santos, center, speaks during an in-person morning Framingham Adult ESL+ class in March. The program has expanded to Milford.

Expansion plans: Milford ESL students will no longer need to travel to Framingham

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Everyone who didn't win the lottery got information on other programs in the area," he said.

O'Connor said there are educators from both Framingham and Milford, with three of them having "deep roots" in Milford. He said FAESL is excited for the start of the Milford program and thanked Milford Public Schools for providing classroom space.

"We're building a strong coalition of services and really good groups," O'Connor said, adding that the education is aimed at navigating systems and solving problems.

The ESL program in Framingham felt the need to expand after seeing a number of students commuting to Framingham from Milford. O'Connor said it made more sense to connect thoses students with services closer to home. Furthermore, while FAESL was the closest publicly-funded adult education program to Milford, a new location meant that Milford students would no longer need to travel 20 miles to learn, and more seats will then open for students closer to Framingham.

FAESL's expansion to Milford was made possible with about $200,000 in funding  obtained after an open and competitive process  from the Massachusetts Department of Education's Adult and Community Learning Services division and the FAESL Student Advisory Council.

What does Framingham's ESL classes teach?

FAESL instructs more than 1,000 students. In addition to English classes, it offers classes in citizenship, computer technology, family literacy, adult basic education and high school equivalency. It also advises students of Middlesex County programs such as those for eviction diversion, food pantries and health insurance services, which helps to keep students coming to classes.

The new program will provide 200 hours of instruction.

Where do students originate?

O'Connor said that although he's still parsing data, Milford students are predominantly of Brazilian descent, with some from Ecuador. Similarly, students at the Framingham program are also predominantly form Brazil, Ecuador and other Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries.

South side school: Framingham officials say a price has been agreed upon for key piece of land

After winning seats in the lottery, students were required to take a placement test, and were then either placed in a regular class or put on a waiting list. Students must complete 80% of their classes in order to continue in the program.

FAESL operates as a department of Framingham Public Schools, which provides classroom space for evening classes at Fuller Middle School.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham Adult ESL ready start new Milford classes
Secretary of State Antony Blinken related the Biden administration's support for Ukraine during an unannounced visit to the country on Wednesday, his fourth trip to the country since Russia's invasion, the State Department confirmed.

"We are determined in the United States to continue to walk side-by-side with you," Blinken said as he sat opposite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday in the capital of Kyiv. "President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm strongly our support."

During a press conference with Kuleba Wednesday evening local time, Blinken confirmed previous reports that the United States would commit over $1 billion in new aid to Ukraine. Blinken ticked through the itemized list of expenditures, highlighting what he called "significant support for Ukraine's air defenses," as well as funding to restore order in liberated areas.

The aid package includes an additional drawdown of up to $175 million from Defense Department stocks, $100 million in Foreign Military Financing, $90.5 million in humanitarian demining assistance, $300 million to support law enforcement, $206 million in humanitarian assistance, $5.4 million in forfeited oligarch assets, and $203 million for support to transparency and accountability of institutions, Blinken said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Blinken shared relatively little about the U.S. assessment of Ukraine's ongoing counteroffensive but did say "progress has accelerated in the last few weeks."

"This new assistance will help sustain it and build further momentum," he continued.

Asked what he observed that gave him cause for optimism, Blinken was vague.

"President Zelenskyy just returned from the frontline, so I was able to hear directly from him his assessment of the counter offensive and I think it very much matches our own, which is as I said, real progress in recent weeks," he responded.

Earlier Wednesday, Blinken saw the human cost of the war, tweeting out photos visiting Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv with Kuleba to "pay [his] respect to some of Ukraine's fallen soldiers."

PHOTO: In this photo provided by Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, walk at the Alley of Heroes at the Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv, Sept. 6, 2023. (Ukrainian Ministry Of Foreign Affairs/AP)

Blinken expressed admiration for Ukrainian soldiers during his conversation with Zelensky, saying he was "so struck by the courage and strength, the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers."

Ahead of the visit, the State Department said Blinken's trip would underscore U.S. support for Ukraine.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken arrived in Ukraine today to meet with senior Ukrainian officials and demonstrate the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy, especially in the face of Russia's aggression," State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said in a statement.

"The Secretary will address Ukraine's energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and make announcements about how the United States can continue supporting Ukraine in these areas," he continued.

Due to ongoing security concerns created by the active conflict, Blinken's travel plans were kept private until after he arrived in Ukraine.

The secretary's delegation departed the Washington area late Monday night, touching down in Poland on Tuesday before journeying through the night by train and reaching Kyiv Wednesday morning local time.

PHOTO: Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks to the press in the Treaty Room at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 2023. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: Russia says southeast Ukraine is now the main focus of fighting in the war

The secretary plans to stay in Ukraine for a second day, during which may visit cultural landmarks, but plans are fluid.

PHOTO: This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential press service, Sept. 4, 2023, shows President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the command post of the operational-tactical group 'Donetsk' in Donetsk region. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Ukraine taking heavy casualties 10 weeks into its counteroffensive

State Department officials say Blinken's visit is meant to showcase Ukraine's resiliency and perseverance, demonstrating how daily life vibrantly continues amid the bleakness of war.

The secretary's visit comes as the Biden administration is waiting to see whether Congress will greenlight its request for an additional $24 billion in supplement aid for Ukraine.

Although House Speaker Kevin McCarthy previously promised his Republican-controlled chamber wouldn't hand over a "blank check" to Ukraine, the last spending bill that contained significant aid to Ukraine passed with broad bipartisan support.

But now, for the first time since the war started, senior administration officials are privately expressing concern that support from Capitol Hill may be wavering.

MORE: Ukraine President Zelenskyy says defense minister Oleksii Reznikov will be replaced this week

Blinken's agenda shines a spotlight on Ukraine's recovery efforts and the administration's overarching goal in Ukraine -- moving the country towards the West and eventual membership in the European Union -- rather than on the difficult realities of a conflict that many now describe as a war of attrition.

One official said the visit was a chance to "make the case" for additional funding to the American visit, as well as to ensure assistance was "maximally effective for the moment."

The secretary's trip also coincides with Ukraine's highly-anticipated counteroffensive, which has resulted in modest gains compared to the country's offensive last fall.

Earlier this week, Zelenskyy visited frontline areas to tout his military's successes, but American officials have been reticent to ascribe any kind of qualitative assessment to the counteroffensive -- encouraging observers to instead look at the big picture regarding the conflict instead of any one push.

"I think it's really important for us to step back and look strategically at the war. So although this is the current counteroffensive, what I would say in the big picture is that Ukraine has done in my view extraordinarily well, fighting off a much bigger, better equipped adversary since the beginning of the invasion," one senior State Department official said recently.

An official traveling with Blinken said this visit to Ukraine would provide the U.S. the opportunity to "get a real assessment from the Ukrainians themselves" regarding the counteroffensive.

"It's always important to come at a time when we are engaged together in a new push," they said. "Now's a good time to come and assess."

The official also said the visit would allow the U.S. and Ukraine to align ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly later this month,

Blinken previously visited Ukraine in April 2022, when he traveled to Kyiv with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and in September 2022, when he again stopped in Kyiv for meetings and toured Irpin in the Bucha district.

He also stepped over the border into the country with Kuleba during the earliest days of the conflict, March 2022.

Secretary of State Blinken makes 4th trip to Ukraine 'to reaffirm strongly our support' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump is weighing in on a brewing legal battle over whether he should have access to the ballot in 2024.

While he has denied all wrongdoing, a growing number of conservative scholars have raised the constitutional argument that Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election make him ineligible to hold federal office ever again.

Here's what to know from the campaign trail -- from Trump to Alabama to Texas.

Trump dismisses 14th Amendment disqualification push

The former president is pushing back on arguments that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment can be used to remove him from the ballot in 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He claimed in a new social media post, late Monday, that "almost all legal scholars have voiced opinions that the 14th Amendment has no legal basis or standing relative to the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election."

However, some conservative scholars suggest otherwise, including two members of the conservative Federalist Society; William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen and retired conservative federal judge J. Michael Luttig. Harvard Law Professor Emeritus Laurence Tribe joined Luttig in making the case.

That argument boils down to how Trump's behavior after the 2020 election and surrounding Jan. 6 relates to this section of the 14th Amendment: A public official is not eligible to assume public office if, while they were previously in office, they took an oath to support the Constitution but then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or [gave] aid or comfort to the enemies thereof," unless they are granted amnesty by a two-thirds vote of Congress.

Trump, in his new post, called any such legal challenges invoking the 14th Amendment simply "election interference."

Similar efforts against other Republicans have failed, but the campaign against Trump under the 14th Amendment has gained steam in a number of states, including the battlegrounds of Arizona, Michigan and New Hampshire.

PHOTO: FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., June 13, 2023. (Andrew Harnik/AP, FILE)

Amid historic legal troubles, Trump's grip on his party still strong in new poll

Until Trump, no president had ever been impeached twice -- or criminally charged -- let alone four times. He has dismissed all such cases as political persecution and has pleaded not guilty to each of his indictments, in Florida, Georgia, New York and Washington, D.C.

But while ABC News and Ipsos polls showed some problems for Trump in terms of public opinion on his mounting criminal charges amid his comeback bid for the White House -- a new CNN poll shows he remains hugely popular with the GOP base who will be choosing their party's next presidential nominee.

He continues to lead the 2024 Republican field, polling over 30 points ahead of his closest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: 52% to 18%, according to the new CNN survey conducted by SSRS.

Surveyed over Aug. 25-31, the traditional Labor Day start to the campaign cycle, around 43% of GOP-aligned voters said they are definite Trump backers, with 20% saying they are firmly behind another candidate and 37% have no first choice or say they could change their minds.

Paxton goes on trial

Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will soon learn his fate as his impeachment trial, expected to last several weeks, began Tuesday morning in the state Capitol in Austin.

The state's top lawyer, Paxton, who has long fended off other scandals, has been accused of abuse of office by a bipartisan group of Texas House managers.

If found guilty, Paxton, a Republican, will be removed from his office and potentially permanently barred from serving in future public office in his state.

Paxton has denied any wrongdoing and has denounced the impeachment as a "sham."

PHOTO: FILE - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton makes a statement at his office, May 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (Eric Gay/AP, FILE)

The trial has potential implications for one of the country's biggest states, which sits at the heart of the Republican Party but which has, in some recent elections, been trending increasingly Democratic.

"I think that effort to focus or at least see Texas as a possibility operates apart from Paxton's corruption and the effort to remove him," Matt Angle, director of the Lone Star Project, a Democratic research and communications political group, told ABC News, "but it certainly helps."

Court orders new map after Alabama failed to add district for Black voters

A three-judge panel on Tuesday unanimously struck down Alabama's recently redrawn congressional map, finding that that the GOP-backed plan did not comply with the Voting Rights Act as it did not create a second district in which Black voters would likely be able to elect their preferred candidate.

Court-appointed experts will now draw a new map for the 2024 elections.

Alabama is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The federal ruling that originally struck down Alabama's map in 2022 ordered the Legislature to draw "two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it."

But on Tuesday, the panel wrote that they were "deeply troubled" that Alabama lawmakers enacted a map that disregarded the findings in 2022.

Alabama's congressional map could sway the odds for control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024. Republicans currently hold the chamber by only five seats, but Black voters in Alabama tend to vote for Democrats.

ABC News' Tal Axelrod and Caroline Curran contributed to this report.

Trump challenges argument 14th Amendment disqualifies him in 2024, and more trail takeaways originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called out his fellow GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis for hypocrisy in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.

"He voted against Sandy aid ... and now he wants aid," Christie told CNN Tuesday. "This is the hypocrisy that everybody sees in politics."

Florida Gov. DeSantis has sought federal aid for his storm-battered state. Yet as a new member of the U.S. House of Representatives a decade ago, DeSantis voted against sending aid to New Jersey and New York following Hurricane Sandy.

I sympathize with the victims of Hurricane Sandy, DeSantis said at the time, while adding his objection to this  a put it on the credit card mentality.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Idalia hit Florida last week as a Category 3 hurricane, leading to widespread flooding and damage, along with one confirmed death. DeSantis left the campaign trail ahead of the storm's landfall to return to his home state.

President Joe Biden also made the trip to Florida last weekend. DeSantis did not meet with the president during this visit, for which Christie criticized the governor for "playing politics."

As governor of New Jersey when Hurricane Sandy struck in 2012, Christie met with then-President Barack Obama and was heavily criticized for embracing the leader of the opposite party.

Despite the backlash, Christie said Tuesday he wouldnt do one thing differently.

If I had to do it all over again eleven years later, he added, and I know it was six days before the election, but I was governor of New Jersey, and my job was to make sure my state got rebuilt and my people were covered as quickly as possible. And I couldnt do that without the help of the president of the United States.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christie slams DeSantis over Hurricane Idalia aid and response
KIGALI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending the Africa Smart City Investment Summit in the Rwandan capital of Kigali on Wednesday called on African leaders and policymakers to advocate for the creation of smart cities to reduce congestion, drive innovation and promote sustainable urbanization.

They made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the three-day forum focusing on the potential of smart cities that could drive sustainable growth, enhance livability and foster innovation across Africa.

"The future of smart cities lies in our hands. We need to ensure the creation of smart cities in Africa to achieve sustainable urbanization. The progress we seek depends on our collective commitment to innovation and collaboration," said Pudence Rubingisa, mayor of Kigali city, at the forum.

He added that there is a need for investment in easing transportation, waste management and service delivery as countries embark on developing smart cities.

"We are hosting this summit at a time when digital technology is changing traditional ways of living, working, traveling, enjoying and engaging with people. This summit is a call to action, requiring our active participation in sessions, discussions, and contributing ideas that shape the future of our generation," Rubingisa said.

Speaking at the meeting, James Muchiri, deputy governor of Nairobi City County, said that through smart cities initiatives, digital technologies are modernizing city operations and transforming service delivery.

"African leaders and policymakers should support our cause of creating smart cities that provide order, dignity, and opportunity for all. We aim to create a city where no one is left behind," he added.

Muchiri emphasized that Africa's fast-growing cities require smart and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of urban dwellers.

During the summit, the Smart City Hub Rwanda initiative was launched with the aim of shaping Rwandan cities in the future. It will help coordinate efforts to deliver smart solutions for the cities, said Rubingisa at the launch.

The summit, dubbed "Leadership for Smart Cities," brought together more than 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond. 
In new court documents, far-right activist and former gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy asked that his contempt trial be rescheduled for agricultural reasons, and his request was granted.

A judge also detailed all of the falsehoods that Bundy, Diego Rodriguez and their supporters must quit posting online after their loss in the St. Lukes Health System defamation case.

At an arraignment hearing last week, an Ada County district judge set an October trial date for Bundy on contempt of court charges. Fourth District Judge Lynn Norton initially issued an arrest warrant for contempt in April after she said Bundy violated a court order to stop harassing and intimidating witnesses and plaintiffs in the St. Lukes case.

Bundy was arrested Aug. 11 on that warrant at a high school football fundraiser, according to previous Statesman reporting. He bonded out of the Gem County Jail for $10,000 after spending more than 24 hours inside.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bundy filed court papers stating that an October trial would interfere with his fruit harvest.

As an apple and pear producer, October is harvesting season and a crucial and busy time, Bundy wrote in his motion. Having (a) trial at the beginning of the harvest season would prove to be very difficult for both attending to the trial and to harvesting my crops. I cannot do both at the same time.

Bundy has more than 360 trees, according to his motion. He said he spends all year working to bring his crops to harvest.

The loss of the (apples) and the distraction in trial would not be fair to my family or I, Bundy said. All of which would put more financial burden upon my family and damage the attempt to have a fair trial.

Fourth District Judge Nancy Baskin agreed to reschedule and ordered the four-day trial to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13 at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise.

Baskin, rather than a jury, will decide Bundys punishment because the maximum penalty would be six months in jail. Bundy also could face fines for each time hes found to have violated the court order prohibiting any intimidation or harassment.

Ammon Bundy is appeared in Ada County court last week for the first time in more than a year.

Judge details lies spread by Bundy and supporters

The charges against Bundy relate to the St. Lukes defamation case that concluded in July with a jury ordering Bundy and an associate, Diego Rodriguez, to pay $52.5 million in damages to the health system and other plaintiffs. The case began after Bundy and Rodriguez led protests at St. Lukes hospitals in Meridian and downtown Boise in March 2022 over a child welfare case involving Rodriguezs 10-month-old grandchild.

The contempt case started with the health systems allegations that Bundy, Rodriguez and their supporters had continued to attack and harass plaintiffs and witnesses, violating a court order.

In a new filing, Baskin outlined the many lies that Bundy and other defendants must stop promoting and posting online, including:

The infant was perfectly healthy when taken into custody.

The infant was kidnapped or unlawfully taken.

St. Lukes and Idaho government agencies are involved in child trafficking.

St. Lukes medical providers are pedophiles.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare makes more money from taking children into custody.

The department only allows certain people with a specific sexual orientation to adopt children.

St. Lukes harmed or misdiagnosed the infant.

St. Lukes reported the parents to Child Protective Services.

St. Lukes staff threatened to file a report with Child Protective Services if the parents didnt agree to a treatment plan.

St. Lukes both kept the infant longer than necessary and discriminated against the parents because they didnt want him vaccinated.

The parents didnt consent to the infants treatment and owe thousands of dollars for the infants medical care.

The infant was released quickly because of the protesters actions.

The defendants must remove those and similar statements posted online already.

Bundy was accused of harassing witnesses in the case multiple times in April, leading to the contempt warrant. At least three witnesses were unwilling to testify because they feared the tactics used by the far-right agitator and his supporters, according to St. Lukes attorney Erik Stidham.

Baskin also reduced the amount of money the defendants owe to St. Lukes CEO Chris Roth in the defamation case. The jury decided that Roth was owed $2.125 million in compensatory damages and $7 million in punitive damages. However, Idaho law states that punitive damages cannot be more than three times higher than compensatory damages, so Baskin lowered the punitive amount to $6.375 million.
SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  Some migrants looking to cross the border are now relying on phone applications that provide instructions on how to unlawfully trek into the U.S., immigration officials and advocates say.

Texas National Guard disbanded intelligence wing after members used WhatsApp to spy on migrants

David Perez Tejada, director of Mexicos Institute of Migration in Baja California, says it might sound strange, but migrants are essentially purchasing different travel packages.

They are sold complete packages for $10,000 to bring them from, say, Colombia all the way to Tijuana, he said. Then they are met with a guide who shows them where to cross and how to download further instructions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

WATCH: Migrants undeterred by Rio Grande buoys, barbwire, soldiers

He says migrants get support through social networks such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

They are using these digital platforms showing them routes, which are then shared with fellow countrymen, said Perez Tejada. They also upload TikToks or Facebook (posts) detailing their crossings in real-time, so others know where to go.

This use of technology by migrants is widespread, said Enrique Lucero with Tijuanas Migrant Affairs Office.

He says it all comes with a steep price.

Migrant encounters in San Diego Sector up in all categories

When they are here in Tijuana, migrants find a smuggler who charges them $600 just to show them where the wall is, said Lucero. There are migrants from South or Central America who are paying anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 to get across the border and for further digital instructions.

When asked how the migrants can afford to pay for their journeys, Lucero said they often sell everything they own.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Smugglers convince them to sell all their properties and tell them someone will greet them when they get here, which oftentimes doesnt happen and they end up stranded in Tijuana.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
When Melissa Easley spoke out against North Carolinas Parents Bill of Rights at a recent Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board meeting, it wasnt only because she worried about the harm it would cause to LGBTQ+ students.

It was because she knew it would impact families like hers, too.

In an impassioned speech, Easley detailed the hate and harassment her family has received because they belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Easley, who was elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education last year, is bisexual. Her spouse is gender fluid, meaning their gender identity and expression fluctuates as opposed to being fixed.

The reality is that this bill is intensely personal for me, Easley, who has two children in elementary school, said at the meeting. I am sad, I am hurt and I am angry.  I now have to explain to my kids why our family, and many other diverse families, will not be seen, honored or possibly even acknowledged in our schools.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last month, CMS became one of the first districts in the state to update its policies in compliance with the Parents Bill of Rights. The new policies limit instruction of LGBTQ+ issues in most elementary school classrooms and force schools to notify parents if a student asks to use a different name or pronouns, among other changes. Its part of a wider attempt to erase or silence the LGBTQ+ community nationwide.

The hate started about a year ago, during Easleys campaign for school board. The catalyst, Easley recalled, was when she and her spouse attended Charlotte Pride with their children and posted a family picture.

From that point, Easley began receiving cruel and even threatening emails and handwritten notes. They said her children needed to be saved and deserved to be taken away from her. Cars would sit outside her house, prompting her to call the sheriffs office. At one point, the people in the cars even interacted with her children.

The worst, though, was when someone called and reported her family to social services. That led to a disheartening interview in which Easley and her spouse had to explain that their children were safe in their home.

Easley and her family are not alone. Todays political climate is rife with harmful narratives about the LGBTQ+ community, including that they are pedophiles or groomers. Parernts who wish to raise their children in affirming households are accused of child abuse. Families with queer parents or children are increasingly worried about their safety, as violence against the LGBTQ+ community increases.

A study released earlier this year found that more than half of queer parents in Florida considered fleeing the state in the wake of the Dont Say Gay law. Many of those parents said they had chosen to be less out in some capacity, such as by not holding their partners hand in public.

Anti-LGBTQ laws like the Parents Bill of Rights will undoubtedly impact queer students. But they will also impact families like Easleys, whose children may now feel like there is something wrong or abnormal about a family like theirs.

Ironically, those who skewer the parenting decisions of people like Easley are also the ones vociferously defending parental rights at school board meetings and before the legislature. They insist that parents have the right to raise their children as they see fit, yet balk at those who choose to raise their children in affirming households or attend family-friendly drag shows.

We are people. We are just like you. We have families, Easley said. I just wish the hate would go away. I wish that you wouldnt hate somebody just for who they are.

Since sharing her experiences publicly at last months school board meeting, Easley hasnt received as much hate as she expected. Instead, she has been overwhelmed with supportive messages from people all over the country, which was a welcome change.

I hope that Ive given courage to somebody else, Easley told me. Thats the whole goal of it, to make sure that people know that they are loved, they are valued and they are respected as their authentic selves.
[Source]

The man accused of setting an anime studio ablaze in Kyoto, Japan, in 2019 has pleaded guilty to the crime this week.

Background: Shinji Aoba, 45, is accused of setting Kyoto Animations No. 1 studio on fire on July 18, 2019. He allegedly broke into the building, spread gasoline throughout the ground floor and used a lighter to start the inferno.

As a result of the flames, 36 people were killed and 32 others were injured. Aoba, who nearly died from his own burns, was arrested a year later after he had recovered enough to comply with the investigation.

What hes saying: Aoba is facing five charges, which include murder, attempted murder and arson. On Tuesday, he confessed to his actions in court.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More from NextShark: First Dog to Get COVID-19 Dies in Hong Kong

"I am positive that I did [what is written in the indictment]," he said. "At the time, I thought I had no other choice, but I did not expect so many people would die. I now think that I went overboard."

What his lawyers are saying: While Aoba pleaded guilty to his charges, his lawyers pleaded otherwise on his behalf. They argued that he was suffering from delusions  such as fighting a dark figure  and that if convicted, his sentence should be reduced due to his diminished capacity.

What prosecutors are saying: Prosecutors said Aoba had acted in revenge driven by a misdirected grudge.

More from NextShark: Man dressed as Joker injures 17 in Tokyo train knife and fire attack on Halloween

In 2017, a novel he had written reportedly failed to win a contest sponsored by Kyoto Animation. The studio suggested that following this, Aoba harbored the belief that it stole his ideas.

Whats next: Trial proceedings are underway. A ruling is expected on Jan. 25, 2024.

More from NextShark: Influencer Tells Asian Woman 'You People That Brought Corona', Accuses Her of Racism

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

California Legislators Pass $200 Million Budget to Combat Anti-Asian Hate
President Joe Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Tuesday, a day after first lady Jill Biden received a positive coronavirus test result, the White House said.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Jill Biden is only dealing with mild symptoms and will stay in Delaware for the remainder of the week.

The president is not displaying any COVID symptoms so far, but is taking several precautions under his physicians advice, Jean-Pierre added.

Since the president was with the first lady yesterday, he will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean-Pierre said. And as has been the practice in the past, the president will remove his mask when sufficiently distanced from others indoors and while outside as well.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden and Army Capt. Larry L. Taylor, a Vietnam veteran who was at the White House to receive the Medal of Honor on Tuesday, wore masks when they entered the East Room for the ceremony.

Army Capt. Larry Taylor and President Joe Biden masked up on their way to a Sept. 5 ceremony to honor Taylor.

Army Capt. Larry Taylor and President Joe Biden masked up on their way to a Sept. 5 ceremony to honor Taylor.

Both took them off shortly after and remained unmasked through the end of the event.

Biden will get tested before he departs for India on Thursday for the Group of 20 summit, Jean-Pierre said during the White House briefing.

Jean-Pierre added the administration will make more tools available to fight COVID as we head into the fall and winter months, noting that updated boosters would be released this month. ABC News reported the shots could be made available as early as next week.

The EG.5 variant, also known as Eris, continues to dominate COVID cases in the U.S., accounting for 21.5% of total cases, according to estimates released by the CDC for the two-week period ending Sept. 2. Another variant, FL.1.5.1, made up over 14% of cases, the estimates show.

The president of Moderna said last month that the companys clinical trials showed its updated booster generates a robust immune response against the rapidly spreading EG.5 and FL 1.5.1 strains.

This comes as COVID appears to be spreading across the country.

COVID-related hospital admissions were up 15.7% in the week ending Aug. 26, while deaths due to the coronavirus increased by 17.6% during that same period, according to the CDC.

Related...
When serving as a federal public defender in Kansas, Richard Federico was assigned the case of Charles A. Gann, a Great Bend man in his 40s accused of using the internet to seek out child pornography and communicate with others who were interested in the material.

Gann pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography in 2018 and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Five years later, the case was a flashpoint in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, as Federico is on the precipice of a lifetime appointment as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, which covers cases in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.

Two Republican Senators  Sen. Josh Hawley , from Missouri, and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, from Tennessee  homed in on Federicos sentencing recommendation as Ganns public defender, criticizing it for being about eight years below the federal sentencing guidelines for the charge. The prosecution for the case also recommended a sentence below the federal guidelines.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Even as these cases go, and theyre always horrible, this is a really extreme one, Hawley said of child pornography cases, a cause he has taken up on several occasions.

Hawley said he would not support Federicos nomination, citing the sentencing recommendation as one of the reasons he was witholding his support.

He chose to be a public defender, Hawley said. Thats fine, thats his choice. But thats not a get out of jail free card in the sense that that means we cant ask about your choices as a lawyer. He could have recommended any number of a range of sentences.

It is unlikely that Hawleys opposition will stop Federicos confirmation. He has bipartisan support, including both of the Republican Senators from Kansas and was introduced in committee by Sen. Jerry Moran. Sen. Roger Marshall said Federico has his support unless something drastic is revealed that might change his opinion.

I have sat down and personally met with Mr. Federico, and I believe he is an impressive choice for this role, Marshall said. I respect his service to our country and the U.S. Navy and look forward to him bringing this same impartial integrity to the Court of Appeals.

Still, Republican members of the committee have been quick to highlight cases in the records of former public defenders nominated to the federal courts in an effort to portray them as soft on crime.

Federico, who President Joe Biden nominated to the court in July, has worked in the federal public defenders office in Topeka since 2017. He also worked as a military judge in the Navy Reserve Trial Judiciary and served in the Navys JAG corps both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.

When questioned by Hawley, Federico said it was his professional responsibility to vigorously defend his client against the charges brought against him. He emphasized that Gann was assigned to him, but defended the importance of public defenders.

What an amazing country that we live in that no matter who you are or what youre charged with, even those we charge as our greatest enemies, Federico said. Not only do we give that person a lawyer, but we give that lawyer a professional charge that you will do your best, within the balance of the law, to represent them. That is a value enshrined in the constitution that we should all cherish.

Democratic senators on the committee were also quick to point out that Federico was assigned the case and it was his responsibility to defend his client. Sen. Peter Welch, a Vermont Democrat who used to work as a public defender, thanked Federico for doing a job he said it often unpopular.

There are many times when people were very angry at me because they oftentimes mistook the role I think a defense counsel plays, particularly public defenders, where you have no role, no benefit, Welch said. You just do the job of representing the person the court has assigned you to represent.

Federicos hearing is not the first time Hawley has drawn attention to a nominees record on people accused of child pornography crimes. During Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons nomination hearings to the U.S. Supreme Court, Hawley drew attention to sentences she handed down to people convicted of child sex crimes.

Hawley said he believes that the legal system is not imposing severe enough punishments on people accused of child sex crimes. He introduced a bill to increase the mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of such crimes and co-sponsored a bill with Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, to allow people to sue tech companies for child pornography posted by users to their websites.

He said the country is currently dealing with an epidemic of child sex crimes  internet service providers reported more than 31 million instances of child sexual abuse material online in 2021, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children  and he wants nominees to the judicial branch to show theyre tough on such crimes.

I am trying to send a message, Hawley said. I want people who come before the judiciary committee, whether theyre Republicans or Democrats, I dont want them to come with records like that. And I dont want people coming before us who are soft on this issue.

Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said he believes its likely Federico will be confirmed, despite facing questions he said were vigorous and aggressive.

People like Hawley are outliers in the sense that nothing would satisfy him, Tobias said. And so he did find this one particular case where he could raise the issue and did. But I thought the response from the nominee was everything you could possibly expect.

The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Federicos nomination later this month, which would allow for a full vote on his nomination by the end of the year. Federico was nominated to replace Judge Mary Beth Briscoe, a Clinton appointee, after Jabari Wamble, the son-in-law of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, failed to get a nomination hearing.
A federal judge in Austin on Wednesday ordered Texas to remove river barriers that the state assembled along a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border to repel migrants, giving the Biden administration an early victory in its lawsuit against the buoys approved by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott .

Senior U.S. District Court Judge David Ezra issued a preliminary injunction directing Texas officials to remove the floating border barriers from the middle of the Rio Grande by Sept. 15, at the state's own expense. He also prohibited the state from setting up similar structures in the middle of the Rio Grande, the international boundary between the U.S. and Mexico in Texas.

In his opinion, Ezra found that Texas' buoys obstructed free navigation in the Rio Grande, in violation of a longstanding law governing waterways controlled by the federal government. Texas, he concluded, needed to obtain permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency, to place the barriers in the river.

Ezra noted he was directing Texas state officials to remove the floating barriers from the middle of the Rio Grande by moving them to the riverbank on the U.S. side, rather than ordering its "removal entirely from the river."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Biden administration filed its lawsuit against the floating barriers in late July, arguing that Texas needed permission from the federal government to set up the buoys, and that the state had failed to acquire it. The administration also said the structures impeded Border Patrol agents from patrolling the border, endangered migrants and hurt U.S.-Mexico relations.

Buoy barriers are installed and situated in the middle of the Rio Grande river on July 18, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. / Credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Ezra agreed with the administration's arguments. "To the extent that further findings are required, the Court also finds that Texas's conduct irreparably harms the public safety, navigation, and the operations of federal agency officials in and around the Rio Grande," he wrote in his ruling.

In a statement, Abbott's office said Texas would appeal the ruling. "Today's court decision merely prolongs President Biden's willful refusal to acknowledge that Texas is rightfully stepping up to do the job that he should have been doing all along. This ruling is incorrect and will be overturned on appeal," the office said.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said the Justice Department was "pleased that the court ruled that the barrier was unlawful and irreparably harms diplomatic relations, public safety, navigation, and the operations of federal agency officials in and around the Rio Grande."

Last month, Texas repositioned the buoys closer to American soil after federal officials disclosed a joint U.S.-Mexico survey that concluded that roughly 80% of the barriers had been set up in Mexican territory. Mexico's government has vocally denounced the buoys, saying they violate the country's sovereignty.

While Abbott and other Texas officials have said the river barriers are designed to discourage migrants from attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully and unsafely, human rights activists, Democratic lawmakers and a Texas state medic have raised concerns about the structures forcing migrants to swim across deepers parts of the Rio Grande where the risk of drowning is greater.

The legal fight over the buoys has become the latest flash point in a two-year political feud between the Biden administration and Abbott, who has accused the federal government of not doing enough to deter migrants from crossing the southern border illegally.

As part of a state border initiative, dubbed Operation Lone Star, Abbott has directed National Guard units to impede the entry of migrants through the use of razor wire. The state's Department of Public Safety, for its part, has been instructed to arrest and jail migrant adults on state trespassing charges.

The most high-profile component of Abbott's operation has been an effort to bus thousands of migrants from the southern border to large Democratic-led cities like New York, Chicago and Denver, which now find themselves struggling to house destitute newcomers who lack ties to the U.S.

NFL Sunday Ticket is coming to YouTube

Landlords charging extra fees amid rising rent

How much sleep do you need? Expert tips for a better rest
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) may visit Russian President Vladimir Putin soon to discuss a potential weapons sale for Moscow's war against Ukraine, the White House said. File Photo by KCNA/UPI

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may make a rare diplomatic visit to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin for discussions about supplying weapons for Moscow's war against Ukraine, according to the White House.

"As we have warned publicly, arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement Monday to multiple media outlets.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

"We have information that Kim Jong Un expects these discussions to continue, to include leader-level diplomatic engagement in Russia," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last week, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield delivered a joint statement to the United Nations outlining "new, deeply troubling information" about Russia's plans to acquire weapons from North Korea.

"Arms negotiations between Russia and the DPRK are actively advancing," Thomas-Greenfield said, citing a July visit to Pyongyang by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu , during which he toured a weapons expo and viewed a military parade.

"The United States is now able to share that Shoigu's visit was more than just a photo op," she said. "Russia is negotiating potential deals for significant quantities and multiple types of munitions from the DPRK to be used against Ukraine."

The joint statement was co-signed by France, Japan, South Korea and Britain.

Moscow and Pyongyang have drawn closer amid a growing geopolitical divide sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Putin and Kim exchanging letters earlier this year vowing to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Russia, along with China, has repeatedly blocked U.S.-led efforts at the United Nations Security Council to take action against North Korea over a flurry of weapons tests, including its launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile in July.

Moscow also attempted to broker three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China during Shoigu's visit, South Korea's top intelligence official said Monday.

The New York Times first reported the planned trip to Russia by Kim on Monday, saying the North Korean leader would likely travel by armored train from Pyongyang to the Pacific port city of Vladivostok for the meeting.

Citing U.S. and allied officials, the Times reported Putin is seeking artillery shells and anti-tank missiles, while Kim wants advanced technology for satellites and nuclear submarines, as well as food aid.

Vladivostok is hosting the Eastern Economic Forum from Sunday to Sept. 13 on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University, where a potential meeting of the leaders could take place.

The reports of the Putin-Kim meeting follow a North Korean simulated tactical nuclear attack over the weekend. The exercise used mock nuclear warheads to warn the United States and its allies of the North's offensive capabilities, state-run Korean Central News Agency said.
In the heart of the Cold War, the U.S. Air Force unveiled plans to build a 5,400-acre, $83 million air base near Kansasville, Wisconsin, in Racine and Kenosha counties.

And then, after four years of work and more than $29 million spent on land, labor, materials and site preparation, the Air Force grounded the project.

How did southeast Wisconsin land  and then lose  a massive military base? Thats what a Journal Sentinel reader asked What the Wisconsin, the place where the Journal Sentinel takes on questions about our state, our communities and the people in them.

The answer involves fear of World War III, swiftly changing military priorities and a lot of money spent on a mostly empty field.

Col. Charles E. Lancaster, commander of Bong Air Force Base in Kenosha County, is shown looking at the heating plant, one of the few buildings that had been completed on the 5,400-acre site, in late September 1959. Construction of the air base was halted Oct. 2, 1959, four years and more than $15 million after the project was announced.

How did Bong Air Force Base get its start?

In the early 1950s, when the United States was ramping up military firepower in the face of a feared war with the Soviet Union, the Air Force began scouting locations for a base for jet fighters to intercept Soviet bombers heading for the industrial centers of Milwaukee and Chicago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In February 1955, word trickled out that the Air Force had decided to build a massive base near Kansasville in southern Racine County. Two months later, the Defense Department asked Congress to give the authority to spend $16 million on a jet-interceptor base "in the greater Milwaukee area."

When funding for the installation was approved by the House of Representatives on June 27, 1955, the project still didn't have a location but it had a name: the Richard Bong Air Force Base.

Who was Richard Bong?

Born in Superior in 1920, Richard Bong grew up in Poplar, about 20 miles southeast of Superior. Since he was a kid, he had dreamed of becoming a pilot. Bong joined the Army Air Corps in 1940 and was in training when Pearl Harbor was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941.

In the fall of 1942, Bong was attached to the Air Corps in the Pacific. By the time his tour of duty ended in January 1945, Bong had flown 200 combat missions, shot down 40 enemy planes and received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Bong returned to the States a national hero, doing war bond drives and getting in some flying. He was piloting a P-80 Shooting Star on Aug. 6, 1945, when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Bong, 24, still has the most recorded kills of any U.S. military pilot in history.

During the debate in the House over funding for the new air base, Republican U.S. Rep. Lawrence Smith, who represented the area, proposed that it "bear the name of this outstanding Wisconsin hero." It passed unanimously.

Where to put a 5,400-acre Air Force base in southeast Wisconsin?

Meanwhile, people, farms and mink ranchers in the Kansasville area were anxious about when or whether the Air Force was going to take their land.

"We don't like to see our home taken, but if it's needed, they will have to take it  " the wife of one farmer told The Milwaukee Journal in July 1955. "If they would only tell us where we're at  "

Finally, in the fall of 1956, the Air Force decided on a location: about 5,400 acres (35% larger than initially proposed) almost entirely in the town of Brighton in Kenosha County.

Work was expected to start in the spring of 1957, The Journal reported in September 1956. The price tag for the base had grown to $25 million.

The site of Richard Bong Air Force Base, as seen from the air in November 1958. At the center is a 2-mile runway still under construction. More than 70 farms were bought by the federal government for the 5,400-acre base, mostly in Kenosha County. At the time this photograph was taken, the base was expected to be completed by the end of 1961, and be home for eight heavy bombers, 45 medium bombers, 25 fighter-interceptors and 20 flying tanker escorts.

Price tag rises to $83 million, and big change causes big delays

Before work began, the Air Force quietly announced a huge change of plans.

In March 1957, Smith, the U.S. Representative whose district included the site, told The Journal that the Bong air base would now be part of the Strategic Air Command system handling long-range bombers, pushing the project's price tag even higher.

Site preparation work on the base finally started in the middle of 1958. Working around the clock, crews cleared trees, demolished buildings and stripped layers of topsoil from acres of farmland.

In a story published in The Journal on Sept. 27, 1959, Air Force Col. Charles E. Lancaster, the base's commander, told Davis that it would be another two years and another $40 million before Bong Air Force Base was fully operational. At that point, a few buildings had been completed and the runways had been laid out but not completed.

Bong Air Force Base cancelled before it was finished

Five days after that story was published, on Oct. 2, 1959, the Air Force announced that it was canceling construction of Bong Air Force Base.

Although the base's price tag had risen to $83 million, only about $29 million of that had been spent.

Turned out the Air Force didn't need it anymore.

Work was to stop immediately  crews had been scheduled to start pouring concrete for the runways in just three days.

Wisconsin government officials and others gather to hear Air Force Secretary James H. Douglas discuss the closing of Richard Bong Air Force Base in Racine on Oct. 8, 1959. Among them, front row, from left: U.S. Rep. Gerald Flynn (D-Racine), U.S. Sen. William Proxmire (D-Wisconsin) and George Schlitz, chairman of the Kenosha County Board. Back row, from left: U.S. Sen. Alexander Wiley (R-Wisconsin), Racine Mayor Jack H. Humble, state Sen. Lynn Stalbaum (D-Racine) and Phil Warren, chairman of the Burlington town board.

Six days after the announcement, Air Force Secretary James H. Douglas came to Racine to tell state and local officials that it was strictly a military decision. He blamed it on shifting budget priorities that included reducing the number of bombing wings operating around the country  sort of the Pentagon's version of "it's not you, it's me."

"I wish the decision had been made sooner," Douglas said in a story in the Oct. 8, 1959, Milwaukee Journal.

What do you do with an unfinished air base?

As soon as the Air Force announced it was halting work on the air base, people jumped in with ideas to replace it.

U.S. Rep. Henry Reuss, a Milwaukee Democrat who had opposed the base, urged turning the site into an international airport. "I'm going to take steps right away to see that everything possible is done to have some use like that for this costly boondoggle," he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration quickly shot down the airport idea. Other trial balloons floated for the site included an industrial park, a state university and a national cemetery.

In the meantime, the federal government sliced off land on the edges of the site for use by nearby municipalities and school districts.

How Richard Bong Recreation Area was born, and what's left of the base

In 1964, the feds sold the two largest parcels of the air base site to the Wisconsin Conservation Commission, one designated for wildlife and conservation use and the other set aside for development.

A year later, the commission scotched the development angle, endorsing a plan to hold the 4,515 acres not already ceded to school districts and other governmental units solely for conservation and recreational use.

Gov. Warren Knowles dedicated the Richard Bong Recreation Area in 1966. Today, Bong has a nature center, picnic areas, camping sites, hunting areas (in season), as well as special areas for riding all-terrain vehicles, horses and off-road motorcycles.

And, in a nod to the site's origins, Bong Recreation Area has an area where visitors can fly rockets, model airplanes and even hot air balloons.

In 2022, 294,550 people used the recreation area, on track with the average usage before the COVID-19 pandemic, said Elias Wilson, former superintendent of Richard Bong Recreation Area, currently superintendent of Kettle Moraine State Park  Pike Lake Unit.

Not much is left of the air base  except for the runway.

A 2015 aerial image of the never-completed runway at what would have been Bong Air Force Base. The land is now part of Bong Recreation Area.

Though it was never paved, the 2-mile runway is still visible from above. Today, it's used like a service road for dog trainers and rocketry event attendees to get to more remote places in the park, Wilson said. That traffic has stopped the gravel from being overgrown with grass.

It wouldn't be safe for landing due to the soft gravel and the trees that have grown up around it. To prevent planes from landing on the runway, the park put a pair of large Xs made from cinderblocks on each end to close it off.

Sources: Journal Sentinel archives; "The Base That Never Was" by Robert W. Wells, Saturday Evening Post, Aug. 19, 1961; Bong Recreation Area Master Plan

What's What the Wisconsin?

Is there something about Milwaukee or Wisconsin that's been puzzling you? We've got experts who know how to find answers to even the smallest (and sometimes the most interesting) questions. When we can, we'll answer with stories. Submit your question at bit.ly/whatthewisconsin.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What happened to Bong Air Force Base in Wisconsin?
a grizzly bear roaring in an autumn setting

A grizzly bear mauling the lifeless body of a black bear on a roadside in Canada was captured on video last week. The rare footage reveals what happens when the two predators collide.

Videos showing the encounter were posted to Facebook on Aug. 30 by Susan Griffith from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada. "This is definitely one of the craziest things we have seen on a drive home," she wrote in the post .

The Canadian Rocky Mountains, which straddle Alberta and British Columbia, are home to both black bears (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), which is one of the largest subspecies of brown bears (Ursus arctos).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Grizzly bears are apex predators but are also prolific scavengers and will eat whatever they find, including other bears and members of their own species. They are known to kill and eat black bears in areas where the two species overlap.

The footage posted by Griffith appears to show the grizzly bear biting the black bear's head, back and throat as it appears to be pulling the carcass up a hill. It is unclear if the grizzly killed the black bear, or if it was already dead when the grizzly bear found it.

Frank T van Manen , an ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and team lead of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, said there are few estimates on how often grizzly and black bears interact, but it is not unusual for them to encounter one another.

"Grizzly bears are formidable predators and sometimes pursue large prey such as elk and sometimes even bison, and occasionally that includes species like American black bears," he told Live Science in an email. "This looks to be a smaller black bear and it is no match for an adult grizzly. We have documented a number of instances like this in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including one male grizzly that pulled a black bear out of a den (i.e. this occurred in late fall), completely consumed it over the course of days and repeated the same pattern with another denned black bear about a week or two later.

"This is the period of hyperphagia [extreme hunger] for bears when they fatten up for hibernation, and consuming a black bear that already has lots of fat storage makes sense from their life history perspective."

Related: Watch as 2 male Alaskan grizzly bears fight in an epic battle

While grizzly bears eating black bears in this part of Canada are known, footage of these encounters is rare.

In August 2022, hikers in Banff National Park found a grizzly bear eating the carcass of a black bear. Steve Michel , a human-wildlife conflict specialist with Banff National Park, told CBC at the time that this was the fourth case of this kind he was aware of. "It may not be as rare as we think it is, but it is rare that we actually are able to document it," he told the broadcaster. "We tend not to know about it all."

RELATED STORIES

'Polar bear capital of the world' soon to be overrun with record number of bears due to shifting sea ice

'Prehistoric' mummified bear discovered in Siberian permafrost isn't what we thought

Hungry bears invade and overrun abandoned city in Canada after wildfire evacuations

In 2018, a grizzly bear was filmed attacking a mother black bear and her cubs in a den in Alberta. The male grizzly was seen digging into the den before killing one of the cubs as the others fled.

"Predators will always catch and consume another species," Chris Servheen , a former Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, told Field and Stream in 2022. "It's not for fun. It's not for profit. It's not out of anger or revenge. It's for the purpose of eating the animal it catches."
TUNIS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The number of Tunisian immigrants who reached Italian coasts illegally has dropped by 20 percent from the beginning of this year until Aug. 31, compared to the same period of 2022, said the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDS) on Wednesday.

"From Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2023, some 9,283 illegal immigrants of Tunisian nationality arrived at Italian shores, compared to 11,172 immigrants during the same period of 2022," the FTDS on its Facebook page.

Thousands of illegal immigrants attempt to cross the Mediterranean every year as Tunisia is one of the main points of access to Europe through irregular channels. 
The day trip fee, which has been talked about for years, will not apply to travelers staying overnight. They are already subjected to a different fee.

Venice will finally look to implement its much-discussed fee for day visitors next year on a trial basis after initially postponing it.

The fee, which will cost 5 ($5.36) per person, will be imposed on all travelers over 14 years old who come to the famous canal city for the day, Reuters reported, citing the city council. The fee will be implemented on a trial basis mainly during spring bank holidays and summer weekends when the city is at its most crowded.

An exact date of when the trial will go into effect was not immediately clear.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Venice tourism councilor Simone Venturini told the wire service the goal is to find "a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city.

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

Venice first floated the idea of a visitor fee for day trippers in 2019, but the passage was delayed, in part, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city then looked to implement it in 2022 before delaying it again until 2023 and then postponing once more.

Overnight visitors who currently book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.

The day tax is being implemented in an effort to prevent over-tourism in a city known as a bucket list destination for many who visit Italy. In fact, Reuters noted tourists often outnumber residents.

In the last several years, Venice has made efforts to preserve its unique attributes, including declaring the waterways around the city a "national monument" and banning large cruise ships from passing through its canals. The measures earned the city a temporary reprieve from being included on the UNESCO World Heritage danger list.

However, last month, UNESCO once again recommended adding the city to the list, calling the efforts "currently insufficient and not detailed enough."

Beyond the city of Venice, travelers to Europe also will have to pay an extra fee next year when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) goes into effect. That fee will cost 7 ($7.51) and be valid for three years or until the expiration date of someone's travel document.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday used his first speech on the Senate floor since his second freeze-up in as many months to acknowledge the incident but tout his busy month over the August recess.

McConnell made headlines last week when he froze for about 30 seconds while speaking to reporters in his home state, leading to more questions about his health following a similar incident at the Capitol in late July.

One particular moment of my time back home has received its fair share of attention in the press over the past week, McConnell said as the Senate reconvened. But I assure you August was a busy month for me and my staff back in [Kentucky.]

The leader went on to discuss meetings he held in western Kentucky and Louisville related to economic issues, the opioid crisis and agriculture, among other topics.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McConnells office earlier Tuesday released a letter Brian Monahan, the Capitol attending physician, sent to McConnell after examining him days after the incident back home. Monahan said in the letter that the Kentucky Republican does not have a seizure disorder, did not suffer a stroke and does not have Parkinsons disease.

My examination of you following your August 30, 2023 brief episode included several medical evaluations: brain MRI imaging, EEG study and consultations with several neurologists for a comprehensive neurology assessment, Monahan wrote. There is no evidence that you have a seizure disorder or that you experienced a stroke, TIA or movement disorder such as Parkinsons disease.

There are no changes recommended in treatment protocols as you continue recovery from your March 2023 fall, Monahan added.

McConnell has received vocal support from a number of top Senate Republicans in the days since his freeze.

The first incident took place July 26, shortly before lawmakers broke for the August recess.

McConnell was hospitalized in March after he fell during a dinner in Washington and suffered a concussion and a fractured rib. He made his return to the Capitol more than a month later. Outlets have also reported other medical incidents that have taken place this year, including one in July when he fell while deplaning at Reagan National Airport.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A memorial recognizing a Nazi division serving in World War II has sat in St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Elkins Park for nearly 30 years.

But it's now drawn fresh attention and renewed calls for its removal.

The black slab marble bears an inscription honoring the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the Schutzstaffel.

Formed in 1943, the division was a combat unit of the SS. Largely destroyed in the battle of Brody, then reformed, and saw action in Slovakia, Yugoslavia, and Austria before being renamed the first division of the Ukrainian National Army, the unit eventually surrendered to the Allies in 1945.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Holocast Remembrance Day: Bucks County Jewish groups reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Why a Nazi monument in St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery

According to the Jewish Daily Forward, the Nazi monument in St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery is one of two; the other sits on the site of the Ukrainian credit union building in Warren, Michigan.

And according to the Jewish Press, Ukrainian SS veteran groups in the Philadelphia area erected the monument in 1994, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that division.

https://twitter.com/mossrobeson__/status/1655370980737396736

American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League responds to Nazi monument

American Jewish Committee spokesman Steve Gosset said those groups had never been forced to openly confront their own Holocaust-era past and have only recently begun recognizing the issue.

Photos: Bucks County Jewish Festival: Photos: Community celebrates Bucks County Jewish Festival in Newtown

"Unfortunately, one of the worst examples of this can be found in Philadelphia at St. Marys Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, where 30 years ago a memorial was erected to a Ukrainian Waffen SS division that fought alongside the Nazis," Gosset said. "We trust our Ukrainian friends and colleagues recognize that this cannot remain.

"We urge them to act in the same spirit that motivated Ukrainian President Zelensky to correct these historical myths at home and remove this memorial stone from our community."

Anti-Defamation League Regional Director Andrew Goretsky also said the ADL also opposes the monument.

"According to ADLs Center on Extremism, the winged sword symbol is a national symbol of Ukraine, from before World War II," Goretsky said. "The Center on Extremism does not consider the winged sword symbol to be a hate symbol unless it appears within the shield-like emblem of the Waffen SS division.

"We have no objection to the national symbol of Ukraine appearing on any monument; however, we do object to monuments dedicated to Waffen SS Soldiers."

Even in

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: WWII Nazi division monument in Montgomery County draws rebuke
NEW YORK (AP)  The end of Labor Day weekend would typically mark the start of a furious sprint to the Iowa caucuses as candidates battle for their partys presidential nomination. But as the 2024 campaign comes into greater focus, the usual frenzy is yielding to a sense of inevitability.

How Trumps House allies could try to help him fight indictments

Among Republicans, Donald Trump is dominating the primary field, outpacing rivals with resumes as governors, diplomats and entrepreneurs that would normally prove compelling. The former presidents position strength comes despite  or perhaps because of  multiple criminal indictments that threaten to overshadow any serious debate about the future of the country. And for now, the tens of millions of dollars that Republican rivals are pouring into the race are doing little to diminish Trumps stature, fueling concerns among his GOP critics who fear the primary is essentially over before it begins.

As one troubled front-runner tightens his grip on the Republican nomination, President Joe Biden is on a glide path to victory on the Democratic side. The 80-year-old incumbent is facing only token opposition for the Democratic nomination despite concerns about his age and performance from many within his own party.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Whether voters like it or not, a Trump-Biden rematch may be on the horizon, raising the prospect of a deeply uncertain election season that only intensifies the nations political divide. Already, Trump is skipping his partys presidential debates and his court appearances are sometimes drawing more attention than his campaign stops. And Biden has barely begun to campaign as he grapples with questions about his age and his sons legal challenges.

I just cant imagine things markedly changing. So, it appears that past is prologue, California Gov. Gavin Newsom , a Democrat, said in an interview, praising Bidens record of achievement while warning his party against underestimating Trumps political strength.

Biden bashes Trumps jobs record to mark Labor Day

Newsom said concerns about Bidens age are fair game and the White House knows it.

But if age equals results, he went on, Im looking forward to his 85th birthday.

On the Republican side, dread is building among some donors and party leaders who hoped conservative voters would move past Trump given the the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol he inspired and his serious legal challenges.

A Trump-Biden rematch would be a disaster for the country. Im very depressed about it, said Bobbie Kilberg, a prominent Republican donor who is supporting former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. She said its scary that so many voters in her party continue to support the former president. I refuse to believe that Trump is our inevitable nominee.

There is time for the 2024 landscape to shift.

Four months remain before the first votes are cast in the Iowa caucuses and the general election is more than a year away. And recent history has plenty of examples of overlooked and seemingly overmatched candidates who proved the conventional wisdom wrong. Both Trump and Biden are among them.

There are also significant variables.

Abortion continues to scramble elections  even in GOP strongholds like Kansas, Kentucky and Ohio  as voters reject Republican efforts to restrict access to the procedure. A greater backlash is possible as the courts review access to a commonly used abortion pill.

And Trump is facing 91 felony charges in criminal proceedings unfolding in Washington, New York, Miami and Atlanta. They involve everything from his handling of classified information to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election to orchestrating hush money payments to a porn actor.

The former president could be a convicted felon before the general election is decided next November. Still, party leaders  including most of his Republican primary opponents  have vowed to support him even if hes convicted. And nothing in the Constitution bars felons from assuming the presidency.

At the same time, Democratic officials are deeply concerned about the prospect of a third-party bid under the banner of No Labels, a centrist group backed by a $70 million budget actively working to secure a place on the presidential ballot in at least 20 states this year.

Group leaders insist they would nominate a candidate next spring only as an insurance policy should Trump and Biden win their respective primaries, which appears increasingly likely. And then, No Labels would move forward only if its certain that its presidential nominee wouldnt unintentionally help Trump win reelection.

Democratic leaders arent convinced.

Several current and former elected officials have been in close contact with the organization, including Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican who says he supports No Labels mission, did not rule out running as a No Labels presidential contender himself when asked during a recent interview.

I dont want No Labels to run a candidate. I want the two parties to respond responsibly to the challenges before us, Cassidy said, indicating he wouldnt support Trump or Biden. He described a presidential bid of his own under the No Labels banner as a hypothetical he didnt want to comment on.

In ruling out Trump, the Louisiana Republican cited the criminal charges against the Republican former president, questions about his viability in the general election, and the former presidents refusal to be honest with the American people about looming budget shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare.

Cassidy, a medical doctor, also raised concerns about Bidens physical and mental health. Hes just so obviously declining, he said.

Indeed, both Trump and Biden have glaring liabilities, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Biden is old and confused, and Trump is corrupt and dishonest. Those were among the top terms Americans use when asked to describe each partys leading presidential candidates.

But leaders in both parties are willing to overlook such problems.

Young Democrats of America President Quentin Wathum-Ocama concedes that young voters arent necessarily enthusiastic about a Trump-Biden rematch, but he hopes that Trumps polarizing candidacy will give Wathum-Ocamas party the energy Biden cannot.

Yes, people want a younger generation of politicians. Weve always talked about Joe Biden as  even hes said  as a transitional figure in our political life, he said. As much as were seeing folks, for whatever reason, may not be excited or whatever, to me, it comes back to democracy is on the line.

With virtually no exceptions, Democratic officials in Congress and in key states are publicly rallying behind Bidens reelection.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Bidens strongest challenger in the 2020 Democratic primary, endorsed Bidens reelection bid hours after it was announced this spring. Biden enlisted other would-be rivals for his national advisory board. The group includes Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Newsom.

Republicans have delighted in suggesting that Newsom plans to launch a primary challenge against Biden, something the California governor has repeatedly ruled out. Thats even as Newsom teases the possibility of a high-profile debate against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is among Trumps top Republican challengers.

Newsom said there would be a debate with the Florida governor, perhaps in November, although the camps are still working out the details.

I get to do the one thing I look forward to doing more than anything else, and thats make the case for Joe Biden and what hes accomplished  and to do that one on one, he said of a DeSantis debate. Thats an opportunity, a platform I dont want to walk away from.

Meanwhile, in a show of confidence, the Trump campaign has already begun to pivot toward a general election matchup against Biden.

His team says he currently plans to skip all Republican presidential debates, sensing few consequences for skipping the first one last month. DeSantis, once thought to be a potent threat, has struggled to live up to expectations.

Trumps relationships across the party and his expansive political machine have made it extremely difficult for others to break through.

The president benefits from having led the party for the last eight years, said Brian Jack, Trumps political director.

Trump is leading the fight for endorsements, winning the public backing of more members of Congress and statewide elected officials than the rest of the field combined.

The other candidates are also struggling to keep up with Trumps quiet campaign to control the delegate selection rules for individual state primaries. For example, Trump officials successfully pushed California Republicans to award all of the states 169 delegates to the winner of their March 5 primary, instead of dolling out delegates to multiple candidates based on the proportion of their vote.

The payoff for that work became clear late last week when a pro-DeSantis super PAC scaled back its operations in Nevada and other states that host Republican primary contests in March, including California, North Carolina and Texas.

Given Trumps overwhelming advantages, some of Trumps powerful allies have begun to call for other Republican presidential candidates to give up. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez ended his short-lived White House bid last week after failing to qualify for the opening debate. But at least eight high-profile opponents remain.

It has been clear for months that President Trump will be the Republican nominee, said Rep. Elise Stefanik, the No. 3 House Republican. This election is the most important election in our lifetime, and I will continue to call on Republicans to coalesce our entire party apparatus behind President Trumps campaign.

While Trump remains the clear front-runner, he holds a wider margin nationally than he does in some of the early voting states. And influential Republicans there are arent ready to concede the nomination to Trump yet.

Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, which hosts the second Republican primary contest after Iowa, is working to boost Trumps GOP rivals, warning that Trump is too flawed to win the general election.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who served as Trumps ambassador to China, also has doubts about the former presidents chances in the general election given the legal challenges that will play out for much of next year.

The focus of the election ought to be on Biden and his record, Branstad said. Thats the thing that bothers me. It plays into the hands of the Democrats.

He added, I think this thing is going to tighten up.

Even Trump isnt quite willing to say that hes already locked up the Republican presidential nomination.

I dont want to say anythings over cause I dont say that, Trump said Friday on WABC. Im not a believer until its over, right? As Yogi would say, Aint over til its over.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area has reopened after three years of almost continual closure.

The park, nestled between Portland and Seaside, offers one of the states best mountaintop hikes but has been frequently closed due to COVID-19 and trail damage since 2020.

That changed Wednesday, when the park reopened following safety repairs, improved parking and two new vault toilets, a news release said. Theres also a new picnic table at the top of the 3,283-foot peak that features views of where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Bring your own water and wear clothing and footwear appropriate for a difficult trail that gains over 1,600 feet in elevation on a 2.7 mile trail (5.5 miles round-trip), the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Parks officials said previously the most recent closure was due to a broken bridge and other hazards on the trail that made it impassable for rescue teams carrying lifesaving equipment like gurneys. Other problems included trail tread issues, a landslide area, broken crib walls and rusted, jagged gabion sections throughout the steep upper sections of the saddle.

Part of the hold up in getting the work done was getting permits that needed to be obtained before building the new bridge.

A former small campground was removed and replaced with a new picnic area, offering a striking view of the mountain.

Park manager Ben Cox said previously there were high levels of vandalism and theft when the campground was operational. "While the labor burden to operate a remote campground at acceptable service levels is a challenge, the choice was really to focus on better day-use experiences at Saddle Mountain, Cox had said.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Saddle Mountain in Oregon reopens, no longer offers camping
Polk County Attorney Kimberly Graham determined that a fatal Aug. 12 shooting of a man by a Pleasant Hill police officer was justified under Iowa law.

Graham announced her findings on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers arrived to the home in the 400 block of Pleasant Circle that day to find Bradley Robert Van Heeswyk, 25, of Des Moines, naked in a backyard with an AK-47 raised above his head. Pleasant Hill officer Steven Burroughs ordered the man to drop the rifle and then fired a single shot from his shotgun, according to a news release from the county attorney's office.

The 400 block of Pleasant Circle in Pleasant Hill was blocked off Aug. 12 after a Pleasant Hill police officer shooting killed a man.

Van Heeswyk was killed with the single shot. He had killed two dogs before the incident with police.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers on the scene provided medical assistance, but Van Heeswyk died at an area hospital.

To form her decision, Graham said she and prosecutors from her office reviewed all of the evidence provided by the state's Department of Criminal Investigation, which included police body camera footage.

More: Pleasant Hill neighbors will never forget Saturday: Naked man fired at a home, killed dogs

"This was a traumatic and horrific event that will take support, processing, and time for everyone involved to come to terms with," Graham said in a statement.

Per protocol, Burroughs was placed on critical incident review leave and remained on leave as of Wednesday, according to a spokesperson with the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The incident is pending review from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Graham calls for 'responsible gun ownership' in wake of fatal shooting

Also in her statement, Graham called for safety measures involving firearms.

Specifically she called for Iowa lawmakers to enact a red flag law, which would temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms under a court order. They're typically ordered for people who are at risk to themselves or others.

Van Heeswyk had struggled "with serious mental illness for some time" and had legally purchased the weapon he carried the day he was shot, according to Graham.

"Red flag laws are about family and friends ability to keep their loved ones safer when they are struggling with mental illness," she said. "There is nothing partisan or political about saving lives. This is about common sense and safety. We cant prevent all firearms-related deaths, but we can prevent some. One life saved is worth enacting a red flag law."

More: Red flag laws might be the one gun measure Democrats, Republicans agree on. Do they work?

Iowa is one of 31 states without a red flag law. The Iowa Legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, has not taken up any such proposals in recent years. Instead, lawmakers have loosened gun laws by removing the requirement that Iowans obtain a permit to carry handguns.

Graham encouraged the community to contact legislators and "demand" they enact a red flag law and fund more resources for mental health treatment. She said she supports "legal and responsible gun ownership."

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Police shooting of naked man in Pleasant Hill ruled justified
A Danish biologist was shocked to find that his name was referenced several times in a scientific paper about millipedes  referring to papers that simply didn't exist.

As Retraction Watch reports, Natural History Museum of Denmark myriapodologist Henrik Enghoff suspected the authors of the paper from China and Africa used OpenAI's ChatGPT to dig up academic references  and as it turns out, his hunch was right.

The offending paper was initially taken down by Preprints.org, a preprint archive run by the academic publisher MDPI, in June after Enghoff's colleague, the University of Copenhagen's David Richard Nash, notified editors of the errors.

Now, the paper has seemingly resurfaced online, hallucinated references and all, on a different preprint platform called Research Square.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It's an infuriating new reality that should have any academic worried about how AI tech could erode the legitimacy of scientific research.

Scientists have already demonstrated that services like ChatGPT have a worrying tendency to "hallucinate" scholarly citations.

And it's not just academia. Earlier this year, reporters at The Guardian noticed that the AI chatbot even made up entire articles with bylines of journalists who had never written these non-existent pieces. Then there was the lawyer who infamously used ChatGPT to come up with made-up court cases while doing research for his client's case, a decision that backfired spectacularly.

It's a game of cat-and-mouse that could end up turning into a huge headache for researchers.

"We will withdraw it immediately and add the authors of this preprint to our blacklist," Preprints.org's editor Lloyd Shu told Nash in an email back in June.

Enghoff also told Retraction Watch that he was informed the same preprint was also submitted to MDPI's journal Insects, but was rejected.

Kahsay Tadesse Mawcha of Aksum University in Ethiopia, who was originally listed as a corresponding author on the offending preprint, admitted to Danish newspaper Weekendavisen back in July that he indeed used ChatGPT, adding that he only realized later that the tool was "not recommended" for the task.

The new version of the paper, posted on Research Square, lists Mawcha exclusively as an author. While some references to hallucinated papers purportedly written by Enghoff have since been deleted, there are still plenty of other references to papers that don't exist, as Retraction Watch reports.

"What I personally find most worrying is that many of these made-up references suggest that millipedes have a more negative effect as pests on crops than is actually true," millipede expert Leif Moritz, a researcher at the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, in Bonn, Germany, told the blog. That's something that could lead to "misguided decisions by policy makers," he added.

So why did the paper fall through the cracks yet again? Editors at Research Square told Retraction Watch that the "retraction alert feature is currently in for repairs," which means they are on the hook to "catch these manually."

Whether it's a matter of wrongdoing or simply carelessness, it's a worrying new reality for scholars worldwide. Powerful but flawed AI tools like ChatGPT are a bull in a china shop of almost every knowledge domain, academia included  and it'll be fascinating to watch everybody involved try to find a new sense of equilibrium.

"This undermines trust in the scientific literature," Enghoff told Retraction Watch.

More on ChatGPT: Oh God... Kids Are About to Start Writing College Essays Using ChatGPT
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  Almost four decades after a person pleaded guilty to murder, the identity of a teenager found dead in Cumberland County has been revealed as a result of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative.

The skeletal remains of Kenneth Levall Thompson of Detroit, who was born in November 1965, were found on Aug. 26, 1983, in a wooded area near Sycamore Lane in Crossville, officials said.

Potential Redhead Murders victim identified decades later by TBI through forensic DNA testing

According to the TBI, he had been stabbed multiple times and the death was ruled a homicide. Despite Thompsons remains being unidentified at the time, the TBI and the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office were able to charge a suspect in May 1984, who later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The attempts to identify Thompson continued. In 2007, the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center submitted a sample to the University of North Texas Center for identification, authorities said. A DNA profile was developed and entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The hope was that Thompson would be identified, but no matches ever came.

Cheatham County cold case victim identified 40 years later; Search continues for killer

In December, the TBI said agents submitted a sample of Thompsons remains to Othram Laboratories in Texas for forensic genetic genealogical (FGG) DNA testing as part of the Unidentified Human Remains DNA Initiative. Scientists provided information about the victims possible relatives. This information was used by a TBI intelligence analyst to locate potential family members in Michigan.

According to officials, agents met with one of the possible relatives, who said he had a brother he had not heard from in about 40 years. The agents then got a familial DNA standard, which was submitted to Othram Inc. for comparison against the DNA of the unidentified victim. Othram Inc. was then able to positively identify the remains as Thompson.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Investigators hope this development will provide long-awaited answers to Kenneths family, who last had contact with him around 1982 or 1983, the TBI said in a statement released on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

The investigators are still hoping to find a photo of Thompson from the late 1970s or early 1980s, as the only photo of him that surviving family members could find was taken when he was a child. If you know Thompson and have a photo, you are asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Thompsons remains are one of 10 cold cases that the TBI hopes its DNA initiative will solve.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
YANGON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar earned over 1.28 billion U.S. dollars from agricultural exports in the first nearly five months (from April 1 to Aug. 25) of the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday.

The figure marks a decline from over 1.45 billion dollars recorded in the same period a year ago, showed the ministry data.

Myanmar mainly exports agricultural, animal and marine products, minerals, forest products and manufactured goods to its foreign trade partners including China, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, according to the commerce ministry.

From April 1 to Aug. 25 this year, Myanmar yielded over 6.16 billion dollars from the total exports, the ministry's figures said. 
Modern automotive factories typically run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the loss from even a short disruption typically measured in thousands or even millions of dollars. Last week, Toyota faced a huge and uncharacteristic shutdown across multiple Japanese factories, all thanks to an embarrassingly simple IT problem.

As covered by The Guardian, all 14 Toyota assembly plants in Japan faced an unexpected stoppage on August 29. It was all thanks to a breakdown of a key computer system responsible for ordering vehicle parts for Toyota factories. The cause of the problem? A full hard drive.

Toyota's just-in-time production system sees parts and components only delivered to the production line as needed. It's a boon to efficiency, but it can quickly lead to problems when things aren't operating perfectly. Thanks to this, the factories were unable to operate when the crucial system went down.

Toyota stated that during routine database maintenance the day before the incident, "data that had accumulated in the database was deleted and organized, and an error occurred due to insufficient disk space." Like any diligent organization, Toyota had a backup in place, but as it was running "on the same system," a similar failure occurred and it could not be switched into operation. This failure brought all of Toyota's Japanese factories screeching to a halt in short order. Eventually, the system was transferred to a server with excess storage capacity, and the assembly plants were able to resume operations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Toyota's Japanese plants are responsible for around a third of its total vehicle output. Back-of-the-envelope maths from Reuters suggests the 14 factories' average output is around 13,500 vehicles a day in total. Based on current average Toyota sales prices and production rates, the loss of a full day's production could be as steep as $356 million in revenue. Take that with a grain of salt, but it's a guide to how high the stakes are when a country's worth of factories all go offline at the same time.

It's not the first time Toyota has seen a surprise problem knock its Japanese operations offline, either. Last year, plants were stopped for a day when one of Toyota's suppliers reported its own servers had been infected with a virus. The issue raised questions about the cybersecurity of the production chain, though it bears noting that Toyota has clearly stated there was no cyberattack involved in this recent incident.

It's likely that some of Toyota's IT staff were in very deep trouble for this incident. If there's one thing to be said in their defense, it's that the vast majority of people stopped worrying about hard drive space shortly after multi-terabyte hard drives hit the market.

Regardless, if you're in charge of a crucial server that supports 14 factories, it pays to make sure that it's not about to choke on its own data. Oh, and make sure the backup server actually works, too. That last one? That's kind of unforgivable.

Got a tip? Let the author know: lewin@thedrive.com
First grade teacher Suzanne Nayback talks to students on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 as the first day of the 2023-24 school year gets underway at Central Elementary School in Petoskey.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN  Tuesday marked the first day of class for many students across Northern Michigan.

Students enter Central Elementary School in Petoskey on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 for the first day of the 2023-24 school year.

Students line up outside of St. Francis Xavier School in Petoskey on Tuesday morning.

Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you

Lining up early with new backpacks filled with school supplies, many families gathered outside of local schools to take photos and chat about their summer vacations.

Alanson Superintendent Rachelle Cook high-fives first grader Caitlyn Alexander on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. Cook greeted students as they walked in to celebrate their first day of the 2023-24 school year.

Lexington Main poses for a photo on his first day of third grade on Tuesday at Alanson Public School.

Once the morning bell rung, students filed into their schools for the first day of the 2023-24 school year ready to start learning.

Sophomores Keira Bonney (front left) and Ariahna Kantola (front right) are given a warm welcome by school staff as they and others enter the Charlevoix/Middle High School on the first day of the new year on Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Students celebrate first day of new school year across Northern Michigan
We are engaged in a race against time to protect the children of our country from the dangers of AI, the attorneys general wrote in an open letter to Congress, asking for increased protective measures against AI-enhanced child sexual abuse images.

Using image generators like Dall-E and Midjourney to create child sexual abuse materials isnt a problem, as the software has guardrails to stop those prompts. However, when open-source versions of the software and similar tools without guardrails or oversight arrive, it could be a major issue. Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that AI tools would benefit from government intervention to mitigate their risk.

 Mat Smith

You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!

The biggest stories you might have missed

Disney+ tempts new and returning subscribers with a $2-per-month teaser offer

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor patch promises 'solid 60 fps' performance on consoles

Cyberpunk adventure game Stray will be adapted as an animated movie

Facebooks News tab is going away in the UK, France and Germany

Alone in the Dark reboot delayed to the oh-so-spooky month of January

China plans $40 billion fund for its chip industry

A widespread slowdown paused departures.

United Airlines issued a nationwide ground stop because of a "computer issue." "United Airlines asked the FAA to pause the airlines departures nationwide," the Federal Aviation Administration told Engadget. United said a software update "caused a widespread slowdown" in its technology systems, but airborne flights still carried on to their destinations during the pause.

United had a similar issue in the UK just last week. An air traffic control glitch led to the cancellation of a fifth of UK departures and 27 percent of flights due to arrive the day of the issue.

Continue reading.

Google's quarterly Android update adds some useful accessibility features.

TMA

Android 14 is fast approaching. But before Google releases the next big version of the mobile operating system alongside its latest Pixel devices, the company has revealed a refreshed Android logo. Yeah, it hasnt exactly reinvented the wheel, or the droid, as it were. Android consumer brand management director Jason Fournier said the company wanted the bugdroid to "appear as dynamic as Android itself." Sounds like a self-burn The plan is to ensure the bugdroid looks consistent across digital and real-world environments.

There's also a useful-sounding accessibility feature coming to Android soon. It's called Image Q&A on Lookout. You'll be able to use voice commands or type questions to find out more details about AI-generated audio descriptions of visual content. A new widget called Assistant At a Glance is also inbound, to bring weather alerts, event reminders and travel updates.

Continue reading.

Compacts, DSLRs, action cams and, of course, mirrorless cameras.

Since smartphones obliterated the casual photography market, camera manufacturers are focusing on building models designed for very specific uses. Mirrorless cameras continue to improve in autofocus, video and more, while lens ranges expand yearly. Action cams provide sharp, fluid video, compact cameras target both tourists and vloggers and DSLRs are available at some of the best prices weve seen. If youre considering a camera upgrade, this is a particularly good time to do so. Engadgets Steve Dent walks you through the options.

Continue reading.
Courtney Danser and friends were heading home from Croatia through Ireland on an Aer Lingus flight.

After a delay, they landed in Dublin for a connection, but customs had closed for the day.

Danser said they paid for other flights home after the airline said there were no flights available.

When Courtney Danser's Aer Lingus flight home from Croatia was delayed, panic immediately set in.

Danser was traveling home on August 2 with two friends after a weeklong trip to Croatia. The group's original itinerary, viewed by Insider, said the friends were scheduled to fly out of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with a layover in Dublin, before arriving at Danser's final destination, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

But Danser told Insider their flight out of Dubrovnik left 30 minutes late  cutting their layover from 80 minutes to 50.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Danser said that mid-air, she chatted with a flight attendant about the delay and their short connection. Relief set in as the flight attendant told Danser that other JFK-bound passengers were on the plane and that they'd be able to catch their flight home.

"As soon as the flight attendant told me, 'You'll be fine,' I was blissfully unaware of what was about to happen," Danser said.

Once they landed in Dublin, Danser said she gained even more reassurance when she learned that their flight to New York had also been delayed. The 4:45 p.m. flight would be departing at 5:20 p.m., she said.

The group headed to customs. Although it was only about 4:15 p.m., Danser said they discovered that it had closed for the day. No one would be flying to the US  even though their plane hadn't departed yet.

The group ultimately spent over $4,000 to get home, and Aer Lingus denied Danser's request for a refund.

Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport did not respond to requests for comment.

An Aer Lingus plane parked at the Dublin Airport. Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Courtney Danser said she was stranded in Dublin because customs had closed

While there wasn't anything on her ticket or online reservation about Dublin Airport's customs policy, Danser said she heard from a friend that she'd go through US customs in Dublin, not New York.

For any flight heading to the US, the Dublin Airport has a preclearance facility that passengers are required to go through, according to the airport's website. It's one of the few airports that offers preclearance before landing in the States. So when passengers finally arrive in the US, they're treated like domestic travelers instead of international ones. The airport's website also encourages travelers undergoing preclearance to arrive at their terminal three hours ahead of their flight.

Danser said she initially thought going through customs in Ireland would work in her favor. Once she landed in the US, she could skip customs and exit the airport immediately.

After disembarking their delayed Croatia flight, which landed at 3:50 p.m. in Dublin, Danser said she and her friends immediately headed to the US customs desk.

"When we get there, the doors are closed, the lights are off, and there are two women standing out front," Danser said. "They tell us that US customs is closed for the day, so no one else going to the US can board any flights for the rest of the day."

In a statement sent to Insider, a US Customs and Border Protection representative said that "the current hours of operation for preclearance at Dublin Airport are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. IST."

"U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin securing the Preclearance area at 4:30 p.m. if it is determined that no additional passengers will be arriving," the statement continued. "The airline may request operations to remain open past posted hours to accommodate late transfers. CBP frequently accommodates such requests, but does not control the operations of the other stakeholders. The vast majority of passengers who use preclearance do not miss their flights. The airlines have responsibility for late arriving connecting passengers."

Danser said that when she arrived at the customs area before 4:30 p.m. and found the office was closed, she assumed her group could go through customs once they landed in the US.

But Danser said that airport staff told her that wasn't the case. Instead, she was told that the US-bound airplanes leaving Dublin land at terminals that do not go through customs. Therefore, Danser said, she wouldn't be boarding a flight that night, and she was told to contact her airline for a rebooking.

Meanwhile, more and more people were arriving at the closed customs area, Danser said.

"There were hundreds of people that were in the same situation, and it just seemed absurd," she said.

While some were passengers from her Croatia flight, Danser said there were travelers from other flights, too.

Danser said when she called Aer Lingus to reschedule her flight, the airline informed her that the next available flight was in two days.

"I get through to customer service for Aer Lingus, and she says the next available flight to the US is Friday at 11 a.m.," Danser said. "That's two days away. We all have to work. I have a dog with a dog sitter. I can't fly out two days later."

Danser said she was open to flying anywhere in the US and then finding another flight home, but the airline staff told her there were no flights available to anywhere in the US for the next two days.

However, Danser said she didn't think that was true. When she looked at available flights on Aer Lingus' website, she said she saw numerous options for the next day.

"There are flights showing for Aer Lingus, but they're first-class," she said. "But the customer service representatives wouldn't entertain that."

Danser said she and her two friends spent an impromptu night in Dublin. Courtney Danser

The group booked their own flights instead

Danser said she couldn't wait until Friday to get home, so she booked a flight on Delta the following day for $1,725.

Another friend spent more than $1,000 to get home to Denver, Colorado, via Iceland, she said. And the third friend booked a $1,200 Aer Lingus flight the following day, opting for an economy seat that Aer Lingus representatives said wasn't available. Together, the group spent about $4,000 getting home.

Once she got home, Danser said she reached out to the airline for a refund.

"They denied my refund for the Delta flight that I booked. They denied my refund for the whole Aer Lingus flight, and I'm still waiting to hear back if they'll pay for just the flight that I missed  but that would only be $200," she said.

Danser said after receiving Aer Lingus' refund rejection she still had hope. Her credit card offers travel protection, so she filed a claim through them.

There, she hit another roadblock. Her credit-card company requires her to provide proof that she missed the flight for reasons out of her control, but she said she can't find any official documentation that states she missed her flight due to a closed customs desk.

Now that Danser's back home, she said she's on a tight budget until she knows if she'll get a refund or not.

"To me, $1,700 is just devastating," she said. "I don't have $1,700 to be dropping on a one-way flight  our total flight on Aer Lingus, round-trip, was $900."

The traveler said she was shocked the customs area would close before a scheduled flight

Danser said she and her two friends made the most of the situation. They each received a one-night hotel voucher as well as a dinner voucher from Aer Lingus, and they explored Dublin for a night.

But weeks later, she said she's still left wondering why the US customs area closes before US flights have departed.

She added that it wasn't just passengers who were affected by the situation.

She said she encountered airport and hotel staff, shuttle drivers, and restaurant workers who were all stressed by the influx of stuck passengers.

"You've inconvenienced so many people by doing this," she said. "It's mind-blowing."

Other travelers say they've paid thousands to get home when their flight plans went awry

Danser and her friends aren't alone in paying out-of-pocket to get home when flights go wrong.

As Insider previously reported, one family was flying home from Nigeria in August when they discovered they didn't have tickets for a flight they paid for.

Andrew Spector told Insider that United failed to issue tickets to its partner airline Lufthansa. When they showed up at the airport, the family of five was informed they couldn't board the plane.

Ultimately, United Airlines was able to rebook the family on flights; however, Spector said the family spent an additional $4,000 to get home, which included the cost of hotels, seat upgrades for flights they didn't board, and transportation costs.

Lufthansa did not respond to Insider's request for comment on the family's situation. However, a United representative told Insider that the airline "offered several options and ultimately rebooked the family on Turkish Airlines."

Insider also spoke to a couple traveling home from Singapore to New Jersey. Emma Giantisco and Dylan Marton booked their flights through United and had a connecting flight with Lufthansa.

When their connecting flight was canceled, the couple attempted to rebook the flights with both airlines. According to the couple, they were rebooked multiple times, but each time, the tickets and itineraries disappeared from their United apps hours later. After numerous failed attempts at rebooking with the airlines for free, they said they spent $4,000 to get home.

Lufthansa did not respond to a request for comment from Insider on the couple's situation. In a statement sent to Insider, a United representative said that "after receiving a new itinerary from their canceled Lufthansa flight, the customer called United to explore their options and we rebooked them on a new flight the following day. When the customers did not show for this flight, they reached out to Lufthansa instead."

Giantisco said the couple didn't show up for the flight because there wasn't any indication on the United app that they had confirmed reservations or tickets.

"It felt like they really just didn't care about our situation, nor did they care about us getting home. They cared about profits it seemed," Marton previously told Insider.

Do you have a travel nightmare to share? Insider would like to hear from you. Email mhumphries@insider.com.

Read the original article on Insider
Former President Trump said Wednesday that he would be willing to testify in his own defense at a potential trial.

Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt asked Trump if he would testify if he has to go to trial, as the former president faces criminal charges in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.

Oh, yes, absolutely, Trump responded.

Youll take the stand? Hewitt asked.

That, I would do. That, I look forward to, because thats just like Russia, Russia, Russia, Trump said, referring to allegations that his campaign coordinated with the Russians during the 2016 campaign, which a special counsel investigation did not find evidence of.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hewitt predicted that a federal obstruction charge in Florida over Trumps retention of classified documents after leaving the White House would go to trial. Trump reiterated that he looked forward to testifying in the case.

When Hewitt asked how Trump would respond if prosecutors ask whether he ordered anyone to move boxes containing classified materials, the former president declined to say but maintained he is covered under the law.

Federal prosecutors have alleged Trump violated both the Espionage Act and obstructed justice in taking classified records from his presidency and refusing to return them. That case is tentatively set to go to trial in April.

Trump also faces a March trial in Washington, D.C., over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election and remain in power after losing, as well as a March trial in Manhattan over an alleged hush-money scheme to cover up an affair before the 2016 election.

A trial date has yet to be set in Georgia, where Trump and more than a dozen co-defendants face charges for attempting to overturn the states 2020 election results.

While Trump said Wednesday he would take the stand at a possible trial, doing so would likely pose a major risk, and his lawyers may counsel the former president against testifying in his own defense. Fact-checkers found Trump made thousands of false or misleading statements during his time in the White House, making him a potential liability on the stand.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona's back-to-school bus tour will make a stop in Springfield on Wednesday.

Cardona will visit Fairview Elementary School alongside Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders and District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill. Fairview's after-school program is part of the districts academic recovery efforts following the pandemic.

Cardona will later tour Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria. He also was scheduled to be at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis earlier in the day.

More: Here's the latest on what we know about the cybersecurity attack on HSHS systems

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Billed as the Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar, administration officials are highlighting academic and mental health programs, and efforts to recruit and support educators funded by President Joe Bidens American Rescue Plan (ARP). The plan provides resources to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to reopen schools and help students recover from learning loss during the pandemic.

Meeting students at TCALC this morning in Topeka, KS to see advanced learning in action! #EdBusTour23 pic.twitter.com/fjVodp491N  Secretary Miguel Cardona (@SecCardona) September 5, 2023

Cardona, the first Latino Secretary of Education, made several stops in Kansas Tuesday.

The week-long tour, which includes Wisconsin and Minnesota, also focuses on issues such as online connectivity, teacher diversity, access to higher education, and family engagement.

Contact Steven Spearie: (217) 622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will visit Springfield
The names of the two people killed in Tuesday's murder-suicide at Baptist Medical Center have been announced.

The names of the two people killed in Tuesday's murder-suicide at Baptist Medical Center have been announced as married couple, Cecil Ivey, 95, and Loyce Ivey, 92.

The announcement was made by Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart.

At 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Cecil, was in his wife's room where she was staying as a patient and shot her. He then entered another room and shot himself. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Loyce was rushed to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and was reported to be in critical condition. She was pronounced dead Wednesday.

Baptist Medical Center's spokeswoman, Kim Alexander, said she wasn't sure how or when the husband entered the hospital with the gun. She also confirmed that the hospital does not have metal detectors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We do not have metal detectors at this facility," Alexander said in an email. "However, we exclusively hire law enforcement and trained and military professionals for security positions. Our security team is armed and trained according to the State of Mississippi Minimum Standards on both pistols (quarterly training) and yearly TASER training. All security officers are certified in Building Emergency Response Teams (BERT) training, the Crisis Prevention Institutes (CPI) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and have received active shooter training. Other security measures include regular patrols, an enhanced lighting program, upgraded security cameras, security escorts for patients and staff and collaboration with local law enforcement,"

Both the Capitol Police and the Mississippi Department of Public safety are investigating.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Names of the couple involved in murder-suicide have been announced
It's been nearly a month since the anti-mutant terrorist group Orchis brought the mutant nation of Krakoa to its knees in X-Men: The Hellfire Gala 2023, and seemingly sent 250,000 mutants to their deaths. So what's happened since? What actually happened to those mutants? Who is still dead, and who is very much alive?

We'll start with the biggest question. What happened to the bulk of the population of Krakoa - nearly 250,000 mutants according to the text - who were sent through the Krakoa gates by Xavier in the Hellfire Gala one-shot?

Despite Xavier's fears, the apparent mutant genocide turns out to be false. Instead of being dead, all 250,000 mutants are stranded far out in a vast desert, somehow cut off from Xavier's telepathic reach, as shown in Immortal X-Men #14.

Immortal X-Men #14 cover art

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In some, let's say, heavy handed symbolism, the mutant fanatic Exodus vows to lead them all from the desert to an unseen "promised land."

If you're not getting the connection, the book of Exodus in both the Torah and the Old Testament of the Bible tells the story of Moses leading the Jewish people through the desert out of Egypt to their own Promised Land, Canaan.

At the same time, the rest of the core X-Men are dead or scattered, with a ragtag team of mutant survivors led by Emma Frost and Tony Stark - who are about to get married - living in the Morlock tunnels under Manhattan to escape the watchful eye of Orchis' StarkTech Sentinels, built with ill-gotten Iron Man technology.

The resistance has also found an unlikely ally in Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, who has returned from retirement because his wife, the mutant villain Typhoid Mary, was targeted by Orchis.

Cyclops and Jean Grey are both presumed dead, with Madelyne Pryor confirming in Dark X-Men #1 that she felt Jean's psyche die when she was killed in the Hellfire Gala one-shot. We'll see if that sticks, as Jean is about to get her own limited series in which she reunites with the Phoenix Force, the entity of cosmic rebirth.

Uncanny Avengers #1 cover art

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

As for Cyclops, it's been heavily hinted in the new Uncanny X-Men #1 that he's been revived as Orchis' new super soldier Captain Krakoa, who has been attacking humans to instill anti-mutant fears. But that remains unconfirmed, with it looking more and more like it's not Cyclops after all.

Meanwhile, in Astonishing Iceman #1, it's shown that Bobby Drake didn't actually die when he was melted by super-hot nanites in the Hellfire Gala one-shot. Instead, he was turned into mist - but his consciousness was still strong enough for mutant empath Romeo to pull him back together.

Bobby's resurrection has come with a price, however. He can't return to his human form, and he can't leave his secret Antarctic base for more than an hour without losing his physical body again. But this evolution has also come with an advantage, since he's now able to apparate nearly anywhere on Earth without Orchis noticing him, allowing him to strike out at Stark Sentinels and escape again without being caught.

Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1 cover art

(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

At the same time, Kamala Khan has joined the mutant resistance, with her upcoming Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant limited series set to dig into her adventures in the post-Krakoa era.

And while the X-Men have found a new ingenue in Kamala Khan, Kate Pryde, herself once a teen mutant hero, has gone full Wolverine. She's now going by Shadowkat, a play on her '90s "Shadowcat" codename, and using her ability to pass through Krakoa gates, which are now cut off from other mutants, to attack and slaughter Orchis forces using her ninja fighting skills, as seen in X-Men #25.

Elsewhere, on the mutant planet Arakko, Storm and the rest of the council in X-Men: Red #14 are dealing with their own war with the exiled mutants of Amenth, who were sent away at the end of 2020's X of Swords crossover event.

So there you have it - the broad strokes of where the X-Men are at since their nation of Krakoa fell, with much more to come as the current 'Fall of X' era rolls on.

Stay up to date on all the new X-Men comics coming up from Marvel.
For several breathless weeks, the national media has compared one of the music industrys titans  a polished multi-millionaire  to an unknown man from rural Virginia with a ragged beard who had recently gotten sober. Saying, essentially, they stood for the same thing.

If that sounds ridiculous, its because it is.

What the first guy (country music megastar Jason Aldean) and second guy (viral music sensation Oliver Anthony) had in common was that they both scored hit country songs that rode waves of controversy to the top of the charts. And Anthony actually seemed to max out the outrage machine Aldean had been throttling before him, when his song was played at the top of the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee to tee up questions on frustrated Americans.

The problem: these two are actually showing completely opposite things about rural America, whether its Wisconsin farmland or fading industrial towns or the mountains of Appalachia. And getting that wrong is whats really dividing our country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The first mistake was seeing these songs as the same.

Oliver Anthony performs at Eagle Creek Golf Club and Grill in Moyock, N.C., on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot via AP) ORG XMIT: VANOV602

Jason Aldean's 'Try That in a Small Town' video looked like political ad

Aldeans Try That in a Small Town is filled with scenes of the city he says small-town America would never tolerate. Its music video may as well have been a political ad, spliced with footage of crime, vandalism, and protests. With his establishment country music juggernaut behind him, including the money it takes to get promoted and onto mainstream radio, Aldean picked a fight. Soon enough conservative media and influencers were taking his side, and the mainstream media was reporting on the outrage. I first heard about it when the media told me I needed to know about it.

Anthonys Rich Men North of Richmond is a spare song about working hard, falling further behind, and the hardship, addiction, and resentment so many people experience as a result. The only thing selling it was Anthonys voice, stark and haunting, over his resonator guitar. He did get a boost from conservative influencers, and eventually the mainstream media reaction to his anger over high taxes and welfare. But Anthony has fled the political debate. I first heard about him when a friend, also from rural Wisconsin, sent me his song. Then another friend sent it to me, and then my sister  who runs our family farm in Sauk County  did too.

More: Seeing Wisconsin's rural drug addiction crisis through the eyes of a childhood friend in our hometown

The difference? Authenticity. Anthony didnt need to sing about what small towns wont put up with, because hes lived among the rural drug crisis and other problems gripping our country. He didnt need to score political points, because he wasnt trying to win a political fight. In fact, when he was asked about the firestorm, he said his song was about politicians on both sides.

Brian Reisinger

Spotify charts show Anthony's authenticity beats Aldean's outrage

Here's the mind-blowing part: The charts show authenticity beats outrage. After its big industry boost, Aldeans song faded. After his record-breaking rise, Anthony remained atop the charts, despite the fact that he has no record deal. As of Friday, his hit had 10 million more Spotify streams than Aldeans. (And yes, its possible for rich backers to inflate streaming, but even if that happened Anthony is still out-performing industry giants wielding those tricks and more.)

More: Fighting a fire and odds against survival for Wisconsin family farms

It's a shocking coup for the music industry, but not for the people Anthony is singing about. I dont agree with everything hes saying, and I doubt his fiercest fans do either. But in rural communities its not about agreement, its about authenticity. When you grow up far from the rest of the world, you learn to figure things out for yourself. And you appreciate people calling it like they see it.

At a time when our urban-rural divide is at an all-time high, anyone trying to understand rural Americamedia, politicians, and music industry alike  should pay attention to that. It would be a shame to say so much about one song, and miss the point.

Brian Reisinger is a writer who grew up on a family farm in Sauk County. He contributes in-depth columns and videos for the Ideas Lab at the Journal Sentinel. Reisinger has written for a wide range of publications and tells the hidden stories of rural America, including the drug crisis, past and future of Wisconsin farmers and adventures in the outdoors. Reisinger works in public affairs consulting for Wisconsin-based Platform Communications. He splits his time between a small town in northern California near his wifes family, and his familys farm here in Wisconsin. Reisinger studied journalism and political science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and has won awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, Seven Hills Review literary magazine, Wisconsin Newspaper Association, and more.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Oliver Anthony isn't Jason Aldean. The difference? Authenticity
WELLINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's iconic seaweed ecosystems provide crucial ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, but they are under threat from warming waters caused by climate change, according to a new research published on Wednesday.

A team of international scientists have investigated the effects of stressors on seaweed ecosystems which are marine heatwaves, coastal darkening, ocean warming, and ocean acidification, said Christopher Cornwall from the Victoria University of Wellington's School of Biological Sciences, the study's corresponding author.

Scientists say local stressors such as overfishing will likely interact with the global changes occurring, so appropriate management of the ecosystems will be critical in determining the future health of seaweeds.

Ocean warming has driven increasing frequencies, durations, and intensities of marine heatwaves both globally and in New Zealand, while ocean acidification has also increased, said the study, published in the New Zealand Journal of Botany.

Seaweed ecosystems, including kelp forests, are New Zealand's most important undersea nurseries and habitats, as they provide food, shelter, and other ecological services to species such as paua, kina, and crayfish, as well as an array of finfish species, including moki, blue cod, and snapper, Cornwall said.

"All these species will suffer, or cease to exist in some cases, if seaweed ecosystems die," he warned, adding that in most cases, the disruption each of these stressors could have will likely be irreversible.

Previous research by Cornwall observed similar effects from warming waters on the world's coral reef ecosystems.

A lot of damage was already seen with mass coral bleaching events caused by marine heatwaves, he said, adding corals' ability to persist and continue growing will be strongly influenced by ongoing warming.

"Seaweed forests may not receive as much attention globally as coral reefs, but they are just as important and just as at risk," the scientist said, calling for better marine protection policies, including protection from overfishing beyond marine reserves and proper ecosystem-based management at the reef level. 
WELLINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand on Wednesday welcomed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) panel's ruling in favor of New Zealand in its dispute against Canada over dairy quota.

The ruling is a significant win for New Zealand's primary sector exporters, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O'Connor said on Wednesday.

The panel found that Canada's dairy quota administration is inconsistent with its obligations under the CPTPP, a free trade agreement signed in 2018, involving 11 economies in the Pacific region.

As part of the CPTPP agreement, New Zealand secured new dairy quota access accounting for 3.3 percent of Canada's market, which is equivalent to tens of thousands of tonnes per year of key dairy products for New Zealand's exporters.

The legal panel of three international trade law experts has upheld New Zealand's claims that Canada is not complying with the agreement's requirements to administer quotas in a manner that allows importers the opportunity to utilize the volumes fully, and that Canada was granting priority access to their own domestic dairy processors.

"Canada was not living up to its commitments under CPTPP, by effectively blocking access for our dairy industry to upscale its exports," O'Connor said, adding New Zealand's dairy industry lost out on an estimated 120 million New Zealand dollars (70.6 million U.S. dollars) in revenue from the Canadian market in the past three years.

Wednesday's ruling will give exporters confidence and certainty that the mechanisms in place will ensure they receive the market access that all members agreed to, the minister said.

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand Executive Director Kimberly Crewther said this legal dispute was the first of its kind under the CPTPP and underscored the importance of dispute provisions in trade agreements.

New Zealand has signed seven new or upgraded free trade agreements, including the CPTPP, since 2017.

The dairy industry is New Zealand's biggest export income earner, posting a record high of 26 billion New Zealand dollars (15.3 billion U.S. dollars) for the year ending June 2023, statistics show. 
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- INSP: 63 confirmed cases and two probable cases of West Nile virus infectionA total of 63 confirmed cases and two probable cases of West Nile virus infection have been recorded from the beginning of the surveillance period for this disease, June 6 to September 28, the National Institute of Public

- 67 cases with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed in past weekThe National Institute of Public Health (INSP) informed that 67 cases with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 were confirmed during the week of September 18-24, of which 12 are variants of interest, told Agerpres. According to

- Romania is participating, between September 18 and 22, in the European civil protection exercise "EU ModEx 2023 - Canakkale" which is taking place in northwestern Turkey.Romania is present at this exercise with a delegation made up of 43 experts from the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU),

- Institutul National de Sanatate Publica INSP a informat ca, in saptamana 28 august 3 septembrie, 34,7 dintre cazurile de COVID 19 au fost inregistrate in Bucuresti si in judetele Bacau, Iasi, Timis si Galati, conform AGERPRES.Institutul National de Sanatate Publica INSP a informat ca, in saptamana 28

- As many as 28 cases were confirmed with West Nile virus infection from the beginning of the surveillance period for this condition (June 6) until August 30, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) informed on Thursday.According to INSP, four deaths were registered as a result of West Nile

- Hidrologii au emis miercuri, 30 august, doua alerte cod portocaliu si cod galben de viituri pe rauri din 26 de bazine hidrografice, valabile pana maine, 31 august.Conform avertizarii hidrologice emise de catre specialistii INHGA, riscul viiturilor se mentine pana maine, 31 august, prin actualizarea

- Finance employees resume protests in several citiesFinance employees resumed protests in several cities across the country on Monday, as negotiations with Finance Minister Marcel Bolos have failed. According to information received from the National Trade Union Bloc (BNS), protests are taking

- The National Institute of Public Health informed that, in the week 24-30 July, 45.5 pct of COVID-19 cases were registered in Bucharest and in the counties of Cluj, Dolj, Timis and Constanta.In the reference period, 595 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were registered and four deaths were
Doi raniti la Crucea Comisoaiei

Accident, luni seara, pe DN2-E85, la Crucea Comisoaiei. Conform Politiei, in timp ce conducea autoturismul dinspre Buzau catre Ramnicu Sarat, un bucurestean de 45 de ani a pierdut controlul asupra directiei, a intrat in coliziune cu parapetul ce desparte sensurile de mers si s-a rasturnat in afara partii carosabile. Accidentul s-a soldat [citeste mai departe]
SYDNEY, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Having welcomed a rising number of Chinese tourists since the beginning of this year, Australia's peak tourism body is upbeat about a further boost coming from its number one market, especially after China announced the resumption of group tours to several overseas destinations.

"We are pleased to see that Chinese travelers have been returning to Australia in a growing number since the start of the year and can't wait to welcome many more back in the coming months and years," Managing Director of Tourism Australia Phillipa Harrison told Xinhua in a written interview.

Starting on Aug. 10, travel agencies and online tourism service providers in China can resume offering group tours to a longer list of countries and regions, including Japan, Britain, the United States and Australia.

Harrison regarded the coming back of Chinese group travelers as "good news for the Australian tourism industry" which would help to support the ongoing recovery of the country's visitor economy.

"Chinese travelers have been returning to Australia since the start of the year and the return of the group travel segment will provide another important boost," she said.

Until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism had been one of Australia's fastest-expanding industries over a long time span and become an established economic pillar.

"In 2019, the Australian tourism industry was delivering 152 billion Australian dollars annually from both domestic and international activity. It was an industry, which supported one in 13 Australian jobs, and the lifeblood for many Australian communities," Harrison noted.

"China is a vital market for the Australian tourism industry, in 2019, we welcomed 1.4 million visitors from China, contributing 12.4 billion Australian dollars to our visitor economy, more than any other market," said the managing director. "We were also seeing Chinese travelers dispersing beyond our major cities and into our regional cities and rural areas."

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, cast a shadow over Australia's travel and tourism sector. Data from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade suggested that international tourist arrivals declined by 73 percent in 2020.

During the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) 2023 held in Queensland, Harrison made a remark that "the tourism industry will not recover fully until China comes back."

From her perspective, China as Australia's number one inbound tourism market would play an important role if the industry aims to shake off the impacts of the pandemic and bounce back to its 2019 levels.

"China will be key to the recovery which is why we moved quickly to launch our campaign and are encouraging Chinese travelers to 'Come and Say G'day'," Harrison told Xinhua.

After hosting the 43rd edition of its flagship ATE conference from April 30 to May 4, which a 135-strong delegation of Chinese buyers attended to network with Australian tourism operators, Tourism Australia has launched a global "Come and Say G'day" campaign in China to attract more travelers.

"Underlying demand for an Australian holiday remains strong in China," said Harrison. "The launch of 'Come and Say G'day' took place in Chengdu in June and we are pleased that the campaign is already proving to be a success."

As Harrison observed, Chinese travelers are returning to Australia in numbers.

"According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' latest international arrivals numbers, inbound travel from China returned to 46 percent of 2019 levels in June 2023 compared to the same month in 2019," Harrison told Xinhua.

She also cited figures from Sydney Airport, which showed that in July more Chinese travelers passed through the international terminal than any other inbound market for the first time since 2019.

"We expect as aviation capacity between our two countries continues to grow, the number of travelers will too," said Harrison. (1 Australian dollar equals 0.64 U.S. dollars) 
Stiri pe aceeasi tema

- The European Commission on Wednesday published its first call for industries to benefit from EU funds to ramp up their production capacities of ammunition and missiles, according to Euractiv. In the Act in Support of Ammunition Productions (ASAP) work programme drafted together with EU member states,

- The gambling industry has a huge economic force, which needs a more rigorous legal and fiscal regime, which ensures a legal, stable, competitive and predictable climate, considers the Minister of Finance, Marcel Bolos."Gambling reform: an imperative. The Ministry of Finance has published an OUG (Government

- Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Radu Oprea, stated on Wednesday evening in southern Ploiesti that the organizers of the Paris Tourism Fair changed the rule during the game and asked for advance payment, so Romania could not participate in this event.He added that Romania cannot

- New eco-tourist route Terra Galdica opens in Alba CountyMinister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Stefan-Radu Oprea signed on Monday in Alba Iulia a document regarding the opening of the Terra Galdica culture and tourism route that include an eco-museum showcasing the civilisation of water

- Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Stefan-Radu Oprea announced on Monday in Alba Iulia that talks are advanced for the implementation at one of the two Cugir armament plants of the Beretta project carried out with the Italian firearms manufacturer that signed in 2019 a memorandum with

- Germany is Romania's most important trading partner, with bilateral trade worth 40.68 billion euros in 2022, up 17 percent, informs a press release of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT).The relevant minister, Stefan-Radu Oprea, met on Wednesday with the ambassador of the

- Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Stefan-Radu Oprea signed on Monday in Navodari the approval notice for the establishment of the "Mamaia Nord Resort" Destination Management Organization (DMO) and handed it to Navodari mayor Florin Chelaru, the Ministry said in a release."I want us

- Valoarea totala a contractului este de 5.160.000 lei fara TVA Contractul vizeaza lucrari de instalare de sisteme de alarma impotriva incendiilor Asociat unic si administrator al societatii castigatoare este Florin Rusu, al carui nume se leaga si de Class Business amp; Leisure Center SRL si Est Premium
NEW DELHI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government Wednesday approved a viability gap funding (VGF) scheme for creating battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the country, officials said.

The approved scheme envisages development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-2031, with the financial support of up to 40 percent of the capital cost as budgetary support in the form of VGF.

The scheme has been designed to harness potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power and aims to provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity to the people. 
Hungarys government will keep the current annual balance settlement system in place for families that have installed solar panels, Energy Minister Csaba Lantos said.

Annual settlement will also apply to families that do not yet have solar panels installed but have registered for them, Lantos said in a video on Facebook.



The government has recently asked the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH) to explore the possibility of amending the regulation on the settlement of electricity bills in the case of households using solar power, Lantos said.



The minister confirmed after a meeting with MEKH head Edit Juhasz on Friday that the annual settlement system could remain in place for families that have installed solar panels and, with certain stipulations, even those that are preparing to install them.



Balance-based settlement will remain in place for a ten-year period after the solar panels are installed, he said, adding that this system was more favourable because it meant lower electricity bills for families.



Brussels, however, wants a gross settlement system to be adopted effective Jan. 1, 2024, Lantos said, referring to a new European Union directive. In the case of households that do not yet have solar panels installed, the annual settlement system will apply if they registered solar panel projects by midnight on Sept. 7, and the installation is completed by the end of 2025, he said.



Earlier:



Ruling Fideszs parliamentary group leader has asked the energy minister to override a new European Union directive on gross settlement for solar power and restore annual balance settlements for households using solar panels in line with their original contracts.



Fidesz was given a mandate in last years election to protect the interests of Hungarian families, Mate Kocsis said in a post on Facebook, adding that this also meant keeping household utility prices low.



The energy crisis caused by the war and the related sanctions has resulted in energy price increases and fluctuations, he said.



Under such circumstances, there is no place for families who have installed solar panels in recent years in a bid to cut their energy consumption to receive worse settlement terms because of the EUs expectations, he said, adding that the households in question saved around 20,000 forints (EUR 52) a month on average on their electricity bills.



It is not fair to them that the rules change on the fly, and it is not fair that their previously acquired rights are violated, Kocsis said, arguing that at the time of installation, solar panel users had assumed different conditions for the return on their investment.



But the Brussels directive wants to change these conditions after the fact, he added.



Gulyas: Government Reassessed Earlier Decision on Solar Panels



Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Prime Ministers Office, said on Wednesday that in response to calls by the ruling Fidesz group, the government has reassessed its earlier decision on solar panels.



The government has decided that the new rules by Brussels must apply only to those who had submitted their applications to install solar panels after September 7.



Referring to the 5th Budapest Demographic Summit to be held on Thursday and Friday, Gulyas said Hungary had made significant progress in the area over the past decade but we are not yet where we would like to be.



In 2010, when the civic government of Hungary received its mandate to introduce new demographics policies, the total fertility rate (TFR) was 1.23 and it went up to 1.59 by the end of 2021.



This represented a 25.6% increase, the largest in the EU over the past decade, he added. Had the previous trend not changed, some 160,000 children would not have been born between 2011 and 2021, he added.



At the same time, there are some difficulties, with the number of women of child-bearing age on the decrease, which makes it all the more important that family policy measures remain effective, he said.



Gulyas said the cabinet had assessed a proposal on replacing city CSOK subsidies in a first reading on Wednesday. The government is introducing new family policy measures next year that serve the countrys demographics targets and also help people acquire a home, he said.



Gulyas said the president and the prime minister will also address the summit and it will be attended by numerous international guests, including the Italian prime minister and the Bulgarian president.



Government spokesperson Alexandra Szentkiralyi congratulated to Hungarys cave rescue team for a world-famous achievement helped also be government bodies. She added that the cave rescue team had been contacted on September 2 concerning an emergency situation in southern Turkiye involving a US national stuck in a depth of 1,000 metres.



It tells a lot about the preparedness and attitude of the Hungarian Cave Rescue Service that the European organisation of cave rescue services which coordinated the operations found them the fastest to mobilise medical team which would be able to not only reach an extreme depth but also work there, she added.



Szentkiralyi said that the government bodies and background institutions made every effort to help the work of the Hungarian rescue team, with the defence ministry providing transport services and the foreign ministry offering 2.5 million forints for the operation. The government projects 6% inflation next year and the central bank between 3.5% and 5.5%, so it will reach a manageable level by 2024, said Gulyas.



Szentkiralyi said that an online price monitoring website launched by the government had gained popularity with members of the public, with 1.2 million visitors so far spending on average 4 minutes and 20 seconds on the website.



The website has resulted in considerable competition, with prices decreasing an average 7% in 55 of the 62 categories it listed, she added.



Fines totalling 72 million forints have been imposed on retailers so far for refusing to offer mandatory price cuts, she said. It is not acceptable for multinationals to profiteer and damage Hungarian people, she added.



Gulyas said that an educational film made in Sweden stating that Hungarian democracy had been deteriorating since 2010 was a baseless accusation and unjustified insult. If such a film is being shown in state schools, it means that Sweden is making every effort for Hungary not to ratify its NATO accession.



He said he would recommend to the Fidesz group leader that MPs should decide if they want such a country as a member of NATO.



Commenting on soaring fuel prices, Gulyas said the government was looking to find alternative sources, adding that it viewed the five-fold increase of transit fees as incorrect business conduct.



Answering a question, Gulyas said the government would not change the price of household gas until December 31.



He added that if prices would be adjusted to fluctuating world market prices, the price of electricity would have to be radically increased both below and above the utility price cap limits and the price of gas below that limit.



Answering another question, he said the government would assess at the end of September whether a pension adjustment should be carried out. Asked about the payment of EU funding Hungary is entitled to, Gulyas said that the government hoped that the European Commission would return to acting in line with the law and that there would be no obstacles that hinder the unlocking of funds.



He argued that Hungary had met all criteria set by Brussels and the EC had until November to take a decision.



As regards access to funds available under the current seven-year budgetary framework, Gulyas said Hungary aimed to get the full amount and the government was conducting talks in Brussels accordingly.



Commenting on recent talks by Klara Dobrev, an MEP of opposition DK, with an American pro-war politician supporting weapon deliveries to Ukraine, Gulyas said the Hungarian left wing would deliver weapons to Ukraine, if they were in power. He called the left wings pro-war stance an irresponsible policy towards the around 100,000 ethnic Hungarians living in Ukraines Transcarpathia region.



Commenting on Wednesdays address of the EC president, Gulyas said that the government was not surprised that Brussels had not changed its position on the war in Ukraine, on migration and the LGBTQ issues.



We would welcome if Brussels addressed Europes real problems, he said. Europe has a vested interest in achieving peace, Gulyas said, adding that the government would not support migration quotas and migrant redistribution schemes.



He said it was difficult to figure out from Ursula von der Leyens Wednesday speech whether Hungary would receive any contribution to the costs of the fence it had erected on its border, but he expressed hope that a part of it would be reimbursed. Commenting on reports that Ukraine was ready to amend its minority laws, he said the foreign ministry was also ready for this.



When President Katalin Novak held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, one of the five points they agreed on was that the issues concerning ethnic minorities language use must be addressed.



An acceptable solution would be for Ukraine to reach an agreement with Hungary and amend the situation. Once an agreement is reached, the Ukrainian parliament approves it and the law enters force, then the reason for Hungary blocking Ukraines Euro-Atlantic aspirations will cease to exist, he said. We would like this to happen, he said.



Commenting on negotiations about Budapest airport, Gulyas said that they would not reveal details before an agreement is reached. The good news would be announced in every detail once the agreement is signed, Gulyas said.



He said it was unreasonable to compare the amount allocated for purchasing the airport with the amount needed to raise teachers wages.



The raise of teachers salaries is being postponed not by the government but by left-wing MEPs lobbying in Brussels against teachers getting 800,000 forints a month while they pocket 6 million forints, he added.



The purchase of the airport could increase state debt but not the budget deficit, he said. Gulyas said it was in Europes interest that economic ties are maintained with all large economic powers and accordingly, Hungary wants to maintain cooperation with China.



Prime Minister Viktor Orban is expected to visit China in October, he added. In response to a question about Hungary not handing over to Ukraine refugees who had been drafted in the army, he said no such request had been received from Ukraine and in line with the Geneva Convention, refugees must not be handed over anyway.



In response to a comment regarding an increasing number of refugees crossing the border to Slovakia illegally, he said all Hungary could do was to protect the southern borders.



By doing so, Hungary also protects Slovakia from tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of refugees, he added.
Hungary has submitted a formal bid to acquire a majority stake in Budapest Airport. According to Bloomberg, the transaction could be worth up to EUR 4 billions.

According to the portal, the Hungarian state wants a 51% stake, while the remaining 49% could be acquired by another airport operator. When asked by index.hu, Minister of Economic Development Marton Nagy said the airport is a national strategic issue.



Therefore, it is a huge mistake, and perhaps a crime, that the Gyurcsany government has handed it over to foreign hands.



This has to be corrected. Discussions have started and are ongoing, but I cannot give you any more information on this for the moment. The best I can tell you is that Budapest Airport is bigger than the Vodafone deal.



Negotiations for the purchase of the airport are ongoing, and as soon as a sale and purchase agreement is reached, we will inform the public in due course, the Ministry of Economic Development said. The current majority owner of Budapest Airport, the German AviAlliance GmbH, also declined to comment on the matter.



AviAlliance has a 55.44% stake in Budapest Airport, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec has a 21.23% stake and Malton/GIC has a 23.33% stake.



Source: Dailynewshungary.com - republished with permission
After four years of silence, the ships captain accused of causing the deadly boat accident in which 26 Korean tourists and two Hungarians died in 2019, made a statement at the first instance trial at the Pest Central District Court.

Yuri Chaplinsky, a Ukrainian, was captain of the Viking Sigyn hotel ship when it rammed the much smaller sightseeing boat Hableany on the night of May 29, 2019 near the Margit Bridge. He is accused of negligence and of failing to provide help.



Chaplinsky denies guilt and has not made a statement but on Tuesday he submitted a written statement to the court.



He said he did not see the Hableany in the rainy and dark conditions and thought his vessel had hit driftwood.



When informed that his ship had sunk a small boat, he was shocked and he asked to be relieved of command, at which point the second officer took command.



Chaplinsky did not acknowledge responsibility for the accident in his statement.



The prosecutor said the accident could have been prevented had anyone looked at the radar screen, and that shock and panic are no excuse for the captains failure to provide assistance.



Chaplinsky has been under house arrest for three years. He will be sentenced to at least ten years in prison if the court finds him guilty on September 26.



Only one in four days under house arrest counts as time served in prison.



MTI Photo: Csilla Cseke
November 13, 1933  September 6, 2023

Wesley Duane Larson, age, 89, of Stromsburg, passed away September 6, 2023 at the Midwest Covenant Home in Stromsburg.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Midwest Covenant Home Chapel in Stromsburg with Pastors Leonard Suhr, Bob Johnson and Craig Pinley officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Stromsburg Cemetery with Military Rites by Stromsburg Legion Post.

Wes was born November 13, 1933 in Osceola just north of Swede Home at Gooseneck Hill, to Albin and Anna Larson. He attended elementary school at District 12 and District 41, graduating from Stromsburg High School in 1953. He joined the United States Army on April 7, 1955, until April 5, 1957 when he transferred to the Army Reserves, serving until April 6, 1963. While in the Army he spent time in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Sill, Oklahoma in auto maintenance and as a tank mechanic.

On May 4, 1958 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Sauter of Clarks at the Methodist Church in Clarks. To this union three children were born. Wes worked at many jobs throughout his lifetime including Tractor Supply in Columbus, the Stromsburg Locker, Stromsburg Lumber Yard, Stromsburg Elevator, Sahling Kenworth in York and Ericson Cash Hardware in Stromsburg.

Wes was very active in the Stromsburg community where he was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. He also served on the Stromsburg Ambulance Team, Police and Special Duty for nine years, Cemetery Board for eight years, Airport Authority Committee, Masonic Lodge and Odd Fellows.

Wes was a hard worker but always found time in his day to visit with customers. He enjoyed conversations in Swedish when he had the opportunity. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors include his children: Sherri (Rick) Georges of Stromsburg, Brenda (Steve) Heinz of York and Terry Larson of Stromsburg; eight grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn who passed away December 4, 2011; parents, Albin and Anna Larson; daughter-in-law, Connie Larson and brother, Stanley (Betty Lou) Larson.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola have been entrusted with arrangements.Dubasfuneralhome.com.
New Delhi: If you're considering an environmentally friendly business that offers good income too, you could think about the traditional Kulhad business.

The Kulhad making business not only promises profitability but also contributes to environmental sustainability and has also gained massive prominence in the post Covid set up in India.

Though tea tea served in Kulhads holds a special place in the hearts of Indian people, the demand for these traditional clay cups surged massively after the Covid pandemic. Additionally, the environmentally friendly Kulhads are seen as a good substitution for plastic cups. Thus, making and selling Kulhads can be a lucrative business endeavor. Let's explore how you can kickstart this eco-friendly Kulhad making business.

What is most remarkable about this business venture is that it can be started with minimal capital investment of approximately Rs 5,000 and a small space.

Notably, in 2020, the Central Government distributed 25,000 electric pottery wheels (electric chaak), as shared by the then Chairman of the Khadi Village Industries Commission Vinay Kumar Saxena. The Central Government had introduced the Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana with the aim of strengthening the marginalized potters community while also reviving the traditional art of pottery.

The Central Government has been actively encouraging this traditional art which not only boosts the income of those involved in this business, but also underscores the importance of conserving the environment. This commitment was also espoused by Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, couple of years back, to phase out the use of plastic and paper cups in favor of Kulhads.

Not only is serving tea in Kulhads an economical choice, but it is also environmentally a viable venture. Tea Kulhads are priced at around Rs 50 per hundred units, while Lassi Kulhads and Milk Kulhads are available at Rs 150 per hundred units. Moreover, regular cups are priced at Rs 100 per hundred units.

Here Is A Rough Estimate On How Much You Can Possibly Earn

Selling 500 to 500 kulhads of tea and lassi daily can yield you a daily income of Rs 1000. Further, if you are able to Collaborate with a restaurant or tea shop with high kulhar demand, your your daily earnings may range between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. With a thriving business, the potential monthly income could reach into the lakhs of rupees.

(Disclaimer: This article is for sole information purpose. The earning calculator is also mostly based on assumptive figures to give an example of certain type. The article does not intend to give any financial advice of any sorts. For initiating any venture, you must do your own due diligence and market research.)
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will highlight its digital payments infrastructure at the forthcoming G20 summit, with central bank digital currency (CBDC) and public tech platforms being the main focus areas.

According to RBI sources, the RBI exhibition pavilion at the G20 summit will put up five major items for display, including the Public Tech Platform (PTP) for frictionless credit.

An experience centre would be available for the delegates where one can experience an interactive demonstration of the entire process i.e., from onboarding to sanction and disbursement of the Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and dairy loans in an entirely digital manner in a few minutes, revolutionising rural credit, sources said.

It will be showcasing an informational video on the RBIs digital rupee and its journey. The live digital rupee transactions will be demonstrated by select banks which are participating in the pilot, said sources.

Apart from this, digital payments initiatives will also be showcased, highlighting UPI One World - where visitors will be on boarded to UPI without having a bank account in India and they will benefit in the process to have a first-hand experience of breezing payments through UPI. Also the RuPay On-The-Go segment of the pavilion would allow customers to carry out contactless payment transactions through accessories they wear (watch, ring) or use (key chain) every day and highlight the adaptability of the domestic card scheme associated products at par with such global products.

Finally under the Bharat Bill Payment System ((BBPS), it will highlight the adaptability of the BBPS platform to integrate with FinTechs and conventional financial players to facilitate domestic as well as cross-border payment transactions, RBI sources said.
New Delhi: Three persons have been arrested for stabbing a 25-year-old man to death in Delhi's Mandoli area after he resisted robbery, officials said on Wednesday. According to the Delhi police, the deceased has been identified as Salman.

Giving details the police said that the accused tried to rob the deceased and when he resisted, they stabbed him to death and stole his phone and Rs 500 cash. "One minor accused is still absconding," added the police. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Earlier, a man was stabbed to death in Delhi's Anand Parbat area, the police said on Monday. The deceased, identified as Pappu, was a resident of Shastri Nagar and a native of Uttar Pradesh's Basti.

He worked as a caretaker of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) toilet, the police added.

"Information was received that at Anand Parbat area, one person, named Pappu, resident of Shastri Nagar Delhi, Permanent Resident of Basti (Uttar Pradesh), was stabbed to death. The deceased was the caretaker of the DUSIB Toilet Complex", the police said.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a lot of work to do before the G20 Summit as he flies to Jakarta on Wednesday night to attend the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit. He presided over a meeting of the Council of Ministers and a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning. He will continue to have meetings till 7:30 pm, news agency ANI said citing government sources. "The Prime Minister will board the flight to Indonesia at 8 pm, spend about 7 hours in the air and arrive in Jakarta at 3 am IST on September 7," ANI quoted sources as saying.

He will leave for the venue of the ASEAN-India Summit at 7 am. He will then join the East Asia Summit at 8.45 am IST, the sources said. Right after the meeting, PM Modi will head to the airport and take off for Delhi at 11:45 am, the sources said. They added that he is expected to reach Delhi around 6:45 pm.

The ASEAN-India Summit will be the first one since India-ASEAN relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The Summit will assess the progress of India-ASEAN relations and plan the future direction of cooperation.

The East Asia Summit would offer an opportunity for Leaders of ASEAN countries and its eight dialogue partners, including India, to share their views on issues of regional and global importance. On September 8, PM Modi will have important bilateral meetings with three countries, including with US President Joe Biden, the sources said. The G20 meeting will take place in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

The 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi will be the final outcome of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. A G20 Leaders Declaration will be adopted at the end of the New Delhi Summit, stating Leaders commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon.
NEW DELHI: Amid an ongoing INDIA vs. Bharat debate, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has shared a note on social media platform X on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia that refers to him as 'Prime Minister of Bharat'. The note regarding PM Modi's upcoming visit to Indonesia on September 6 and 7 for the ASEAN Summit was shared by BJP leader and party spokesperson Sambit Patra. It may be noted that President Draupadi Murmu's G20 invite for dinner to Opposition leaders has already sparked a debate on the country's name.

The Prime Minister Of Bharat pic.twitter.com/lHozUHSoC4  Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) September 5, 2023

Patra's post comes in the wake of the speculation around the Centre bringing out legislation in the upcoming special session of parliament to rename India as Bharat.

It was some opposition leaders, including Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who first highlighted the development and accused the government of assaulting the idea of the country being a "Union of States", as mentioned in the Constitution which describes the country as "India, that is Bharat".

Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Giriraj Singh later posted on X pictures of their invites.

PM Modis Jakarta Visit

Prime Minister will depart Delhi on the night of September 6 and return late evening on September 7. Given that the G20 Summit follows shortly after the ASEAN Summit, it will be a short visit. PM Modi will participate in the ASEAN India Summit along with heads of state or government of the ASEAN member states. East Asia Summit brings together ASEAN members and eight Dialogue Partners, which are Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

This comes as the 9th ASEAN India Summit to be attended by PM Modi. The Summit is the first one after the elevation of India's ASEAN relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership which happened last year.

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Indonesia visit for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit important just two days before the G20 Summit, the Indian ambassador to ASEAN Jayant Khobragade on Tuesday said that the visit shows how India gives importance to this region and to ASEAN centrality.

The Prime Minister of India is coming here, despite of G20 Summit. This shows the kind of importance that we give to this region. When we talk about Act East policy, as you know in the early 90s, we had the Look East policy, then our Prime Minister of India in 2014 gave us the Act East policy, then again it evolved into Indo Pacific Oceans initiative, and it became a more comprehensive, Khobragade said while speaking to ANI here.

We always give importance to ASEAN centrality. And when we say ASEAN centrality, which means, it's complex of many things. Its about connectivity, trade, investment, people-to-people contact. I must also mention the civilisational connection between India and ASEAN, if you go to different countries here you will see, like many monuments, which you can relate to, so, if you take this sum total, then you realize how important this region is and therefore there has always been the focus of the government of India, on this region, he added.

Speaking further about how the summit becomes more significant given Chinas expansionist policy and aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific, the envoy emphasized the importance of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and that India wants the region to grow and prosper.

This region is very important for trade which happens mainly through maritime routes. Now, if there is no freedom of navigation, there could be problems. Therefore, we have always emphasised that UNCLOS which is the Convention, is like a constitution about the freedom of navigation, etc. So, we reiterate the importance of that, because we want this region to grow to prosper, said the envoy.

Speaking about the India - ASEAN trade relationship, the envoy highlighted that India's trade was worth $130 billion during 2022-23.

If you look at the calendar year, then this financial year it (trade) was like around 130$ billion total trade, just next to European Union. So second largest, but like, all FTAs, this ASEAN India - Free Trade Agreement also needs to be contemplated and therefore, that review is happening. The Ministry of Commerce is fully involved in it and you need negotiation with their counterparts. We hope that this review is quite complex, you know, so they already have identified the priority area etc. And they desire to complete it by 2025, said the envoy.
Washington: United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday tested negative for COVID-19 again, the White House said. "An update on the President and the first lady Jill Biden since she tested positive for COVID-19 last night. I can tell you that the first lady is experiencing mild symptoms and will remain in Delaware for the week. President Biden tested negative last night for COVID-19 and tested negative again today," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a briefing.

"He (President Biden) is not experiencing any symptoms as far as the steps he has taken since the President was with the first lady yesterday. He will be masking while indoors and around people in alignment with CDC guidelines. As has been practised in the past the President will remove his mask when sufficiently distance from others indoors and outside as well," she said.

Yesterday, the first lady tested positive for COVID-19, her communications director Elizabeth Alexander said in a statement. "This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware," Elizabeth Alexander said.

This came a few days before Biden's official visit to India for the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of the United States, confirmed that Biden will visit India for the G20 summit.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit in India. On Friday Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023," Sullivan said.

He will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8, on the sidelines of the summit, the White House recently announced. To a question from a reporter if he was looking forward to his visits to India and Vietnam, Biden replied, "Yes, I am."During the summit in the national capital on September 9 and 10, Biden will commend PM Modi for his leadership of the G20, the White House said earlier this week.

The President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said in its week-ahead schedule of the President released on September 7.

On August 29, the White House press secretary said that the US President will reaffirm US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation globally and will also speak about a range of issues, including the social effects of Russia's war in Ukraine, the White House said on Tuesday. Karine Jean Pierre made the remarks during a media briefing.

Announcing the US Presidents schedule, Pierre said Biden will travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, on September 10 following his participation in the G20 Summit in New Delhi".
We are interested in importing oak charcoal, hornbeam etc. from your company. Please send me your best offer/quotation.

Please inform me your mobile number for easier communication and to contact you for further negotiation about our business .

If your price will be competitive enough I will be able to import 5 container/month
Chinese Premier Li Qiang poses for a group photo with participants attending the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. Li attended the 26th APT Summit here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday called for enhanced innovation cooperation among regional parties to foster more new economic growth points.

Addressing the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Jakarta, Li said taking the implementation of the newest APT Cooperation Work Plan as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with all parties to jointly build an economic growth center and focus on three priorities.

The first thing, he said, is to continue to promote regional economic integration, unleash the dividends of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), vigorously promote the free flow of factors of production, and promote the expansion and upgrading of trade and investment.

It is hoped that all parties will support Hong Kong's accession to the agreement as the first batch of new members, Li added.

"Second, we should continue to deepen regional industrial division and coordination, uphold the spirit of openness and win-win cooperation, continue to leverage geographical proximity and economic complementarity and other advantages, and promote the optimization and upgrading of regional industrial and supply chains in a stable manner," Li said.

Noting that the third thing is to strengthen the leading role of scientific and technological innovation, Li said that China is ready to deepen innovation cooperation with other parties on digital economy, clean energy and new energy vehicles to jointly promote the development of emerging industries and foster more new economic growth points. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 26th ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 6, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday set aside the notification issued by the Union Territory of Ladakh for the election in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and allotted the 'plough' symbol to the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). Welcoming the Supreme Court's decision, JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah said, "We have got the verdict we wanted and deserved." Hitting out at the 'biased' UT administration, Abdullah said, the Bharatiya Janta Party, ably assisted by a totally biased Ladakh administration, did everything possible to deny us our rights.

"Our symbol, the plough, was given to us by the Hon. Supreme Court earlier this morning. The BJP, ably assisted by a totally biased Ladakh administration, did everything possible to deny us our rights. The court saw through this and penalized them with 1 lakh in costs imposed on the administration. Congratulations to @JkncKargil! And a huge thank you to @ShariqJReyaz for the amazing job he did arguing this in front of the HC and SC," Omar Abdullah wrote on X.

On Friday, the Supreme Court reserved orders on a petition filed by the Ladakh administration seeking to restrain the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Party (JKNC) from fighting the local body elections in Kargil on its registered plough symbol. The court announced that an order would be passed on Wednesday.

Elections will be held in the Kargil region on September 10. The Court, in its order, asked the election authorities to allot the plough symbol to the JKNC. The decision was announced by a bench of Justices, including Vikaram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullan.

The court directed a fresh notification to be issued to LAHDC within 7 days. Also, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on the UT administration. The Court said that only due to this reason, the entire election process issued by the Ladakh authority has been set aside.
Delhi Police Commissioner, Sanjay Arora, has written a letter to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Managing Director, Vikas Kumar, requesting him to start Metro services in the national capital from 4:00 am on September 8, 9 and 10 as it will help in the commute of police personnel involved in security arrangements during the G20 summit.

"In view of the traffic restrictions in the venue-affected areas, primarily NDMC and South West District areas being put in place, the police and other support staff will be greatly facilitated if the Metro Services on 08th, 09th and 10th can begin from about 0400 hrs. this will enable hassle-free travel of staff and timely reporting at the two prime venues i.e. IECC/ITPO and Rajghat," the letter read.

Also read: Indian Railways To Study Impact Of Medicines Taken By Drivers, Guards On Safety

"Since the arrangements at the Summit Venue I.e., IECC, ITPO and Rajghat shall begin from early morning hours, the reporting time for staff for these venues has been kept from 0500 hours onwards," the Commissioner of Police reasoned in his letter.

Arora further said that owing to the G20 summit in the national capital, the Delhi Police, in coordination with various stakeholders, has laid down elaborate security, law and order and traffic arrangements involving about 40,000 personnel in all, which will come into full-scale deployment from September 7 onwards.

"May I request you to kindly consider the request from Delhi Police and make necessary arrangements accordingly, as a welfare measure for staff of Delhi Police and other assisting agencies, for the duration...," the Commissioner wrote.

Arora also mentioned that Special Commissioner of Police (Transport Division) Nuzhat Hassan will be available for any clarification and detailing for operationalizing this request.

India is all set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country.
New Delhi: Popular Kannada actress turned politician Divya Spandana's hoax death news created a stir on social media. However, turns out it was fake news and she is very much alive and currently in Geneva as per reports. According to Hindustan Times, this false buzz about her death began on Twitter when a user tweeted that Divya Spandana had passed away on September 6 morning. Shocking news: Actor Divya Spandan passes away. Dies due to heart attack.

DIVYA SPANDANA DEATH NEWS FAKE

However, later it turned out to be fake news. As #DivyaSpandana began to trend on X, formerly Twitter, Thiru. KT Lakshmi Kanthan, Chairman of Congress' IT Cell slammed the rumours, calling them "100% wrong" and clarified that she is alive.

Our beloved Former Social Media Chairperson Ms. @divyaspandana is ABSOLUTELY FINE. Rumors and some TV channel news are 100% WRONG. #Verified #DivyaSpandana pic.twitter.com/VuBvwhCzrP September 6, 2023

Prior to this confirmation, a senior journalist also rubbished the rumours tweeting: "Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you. #DivyaSpandana."

Just spoke to @divyaspandana. She is in Geneva, was sleeping peacefully till calls came in. Whoever the irresponsible person was who tweeted this and the news organisations that put it out as news flash, shame on you. #DivyaSpandana  Dhanya Rajendran (@dhanyarajendran) September 6, 2023

Wonderful meeting the very talented and genteel lady @divyaspandana for dinner in Geneva. We talked about many things including our love for Bangalore. pic.twitter.com/1kN5ybEHcD  Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) September 6, 2023

WHY DIVYA SPANDANA DEATH NEWS STARTED?

Divya Spandana shares her name with prominent Kannada actor-director Vijay Raghavendra's wife Spandana who died in Bangkok last month. Some netizens are of the view that this fake death rumour might have begun from the confusion over the same name. Actor-director Vijay Raghavendra's Spandana, 44, was on a trip to Bangkok with her family.

Its not her who passed away, Kannada actor Vijay Raghavendras wife Spandana who passed away. Not to post anything you know. Its misleading the audience and getting reach in worst way for media.#Divyaspandana #FakeNews



copied pic.twitter.com/woHE8jgOrl  Amal Krishna (@iamamalkrishna) September 6, 2023

Meanwhile, the Kannada actor-politician Divya Spandana had joined the Youth Congress in 2012 and was the social media head of the party.
New Delhi: Dating rumours of South actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have been doing rounds for months now. Neither of the two have ever confirmed or denied their relationship but fans keep speculating on the basis of their social media posts and this time, they are pretty sure. Rashmika's recent post has made fans wonder if the two are living together as Vijay posed at the same place a few days ago and shared the picture online.

Rashmika Mandanna dropped a series of pictures on Instagram yesterday after she attended the wedding of her assistant. In the pictures, Rashmika can be seen dressed in a mustard saree looking absolutely beautiful. The solo picture of Rashmika was clicked on Vijay's terrace as the actor had earlier shared many clicks sitting there and the background is exactly the same.

As soon as the post went viral on the internet, fans began speculating that the duo is not just together but are also living-in. One fan commented, 'Ive been saying theyve been together for at least 3-4 years now.' Another one said, 'Heard that they are engaged. Not sure how true this is.'

Earlier too, they were seen holidaying together in the Maldives, they dropped pictures on respective social media handles with the same background on the same day, so well, that's enough for fans to speculate.

On the film front after receiving immense love for his role in Kushi, he will be seen next in VD 13 and in an untitled project with Geeta Govindam director Parasuram. On the other hand, Rashmika will soon be seen in 'Pushpa: The Rule' with Allu Arjun. She also has 'Animal' with Ranbir Kapoor in her kitty.
New Delhi: With Google turning 25 this month, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, recently reflected on how technology has altered the way we communicate. He also recalled the first email his father sent him from India.

"When I was a student in the US years ago, my father, who was back in India, received his first email address. I sent him a message since I was so happy to have a quicker (and less expensive) option to contact him, Pichai said in his blog." After that, I waited again and again. It took me two full days to receive this response. I just sent you an email, Mr. Pichai. It's all good.

The Google CEO called his father to find out what had transpired because he was perplexed by the formality and the delay. According to the senior Pichai, someone at his place of employment must open the email on their work computer, print it out, and then hand it to him.

Sundar Pichai writes, "My dad dictated an answer, which the person jotted down and eventually typed up to give back to me. The Google CEO then described an instance from a few months ago that demonstrated how far technology has come.

Sundar Pichai stated, "I was with my teenage kid. "He shot a few short photos of something fascinating he noticed, then shared them with his buddies. They afterward sent each other a few texts, and everything happened more quickly than it would take me to just take out my phone.

He continued, "The difference between how I communicated with my father all those years ago and how my son communicates today shows just how much change can occur across generations."

Kicking off our 25th bday with a huge thanks to all the people + businesses using our products around the world. Been reflecting on the questions that got us here, and the search for answers that will drive extraordinary progress over the next 25 years https://t.co/pXbB8YJYPd  Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) September 6, 2023

While pursuing their PhDs at Stanford University in California, American computer scientists Larry Page and Sergey Brin started Google on September 4, 1998. The business, which is now a part of the Alphabet parent firm and is overseen by Pichai, an Indian, has expanded into other tech fields and introduced a number of products.
Toyota Century is a name that puts the Japanese brand on the same stage as the Rolls-Royce. The nameplate was reserved for a sedan until now. However, the company has now taken the wraps off the 2024 Toyota Century, which is an SUV, instead. Toyota claims that Century is the only chauffeur-driven Japanese car. For obvious reasons, the statement makes utter-sense. The price for the Century SUV is already revealed, and it costs JPY 25,000,000, which equals to Rs 1.41 Crore. As of now, the brand will only be manufacturing a total of 30 units every month at its Tahara Plant in Japan.

2024 Toyota Century SUV: Design

Characteristic chauffeur-driven car proportions, with a center of gravity at the rear, combined with an outline inspired by a loom shuttle motif, with kichomen chamfering delineating generously sized, smooth-flowing door panels, to give expression to the unique Century worldview makes the Century look imposing. The exterior is immaculately finished down to the finest detail in the hands of master craftspeople, as illustrated by the exquisitely engraved phoenix emblem and the mirror finish, a luxurious shine resulting from meticulous polishing of painted surfaces. Four set-back lamps for each of the headlights and taillights give the impression of a gaze full of dignity.

2024 Toyota Century SUV: Cabin

The new Century provides a comfortable interior space with space and functionality that can be used in a variety of situations. Fully reclining rear seats with functions that allow rear-seat passengers to truly relax, including a refreshment function. The finely honed auditory sensibilities and exemplary techniques of a musical instrument manufacturing master are incorporated into the development of the audio system. Rear doors that open to a wide 75-degree angle and a sweeping cabin floor provide excellent ease of entry and exit. In addition, convenient automatic retractable power steps and easy-to-grab C-pillar grips also support natural and elegant entry and exit by rear-seat passengers.

2024 Toyota Century SUV: Performance

The newly developed 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid system is designed to function as a BEV for everyday use and as an HEV for long-distance travel, making it the ideal powertrain for a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The four-wheel steering system "Dynamic Rear Steering" provides easy handling at low speeds and seamless, natural handling at medium to high speeds. A Rear Comfort mode that supports the driver's control of the vehicle to ensure a comfortable ride for passengers in the rear is available for the first time. In addition, the Rear Comfort mode assists braking control to suppress jolts when the vehicle comes to a halt. However, power and figures arent revealed yet.
Delta Airlines flight operating between Atlanta and Barcelona was forced to return to its origin airport due to a passenger suffering from diarrhea, as per the New York Post's report. The data shared on the flight tracking website, Flightradar24 shows that the flight made an emergency landing at the origin airport after two hours of starting its journey from Atlanta, Georgia to Barcelona, Spain. Talking about the issue, the pilot described the situation as a "biohazard issue" to the air traffic controller.

In an audio clip shared on X, the pilot can be heard saying, "This is a biohazard issue. We've had a passenger who's had diarrhea all the way through the airplane, so they want us to come back to Atlanta." However, the passenger who suffered from the gastronomical issue has not been identified yet.

Also read: Air Canada Passengers Deboarded For Refusing Vomit-Covered Seats

Following the incident, all the passengers and crew were moved to another flight. Passengers were able to board the same aircraft for their flight to Barcelona after the plane made a thorough cleaning stop in Atlanta. According to Flightradar24, this delay caused the flight to depart eight hours later than expected. Uncertainty surrounds whether the gastrointestinal-related passenger was there when the plane landed in Spain.

A ''medical incident'' on the flight, which led to the emergency landing and subsequent cleaning, was confirmed by Delta officials. They did not, however, go into great depth about the incident's medical cause.

Fox 5 quotes Delta Airlines saying, "Delta flight 194 from Atlanta to Barcelona returned to Atlanta following an onboard medical issue. Our teams worked as quickly and safely as possible to get our customers to their final destination. We sincerely apologize to our customers for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans."
KCET Counselling 2023: According to the revised timetable, the Karnataka Examinations Authority, KEA, will issue the KCET 2nd Round Seat Allotment Result 2023 today, September 6, 2023. The KCET 2023 and Karnataka NEET UG counselling 2023 were previously slated to be announced on September 5. Candidates who are waiting for the Round 2 allocation results for engineering, architecture, agriculture, veterinary, and b-pharmacy courses can access the results via the official website - kea.kar.nic.in.

"Seat allotment results for UGCET 2023 (engineering, architecture, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy, BSc nursing) courses will be published on September 6, 2023 after 8 pm," reads the official notice.

KCET Counselling 2023: Steps to check here

Step 1: Go to the official website: kea.kar.nic.in

Step 2: On the homepage, scroll down and click on UGCET second round seat allotment result

Step 3: A new login window will appear on the screen

Step 4: Enter their Karnataka CET application number

Step 5: UGCET allotment list will be displayed on the screen

Step 6: Download the same and save it for future references

According to the notice, the results of the second-round seat allotment of UGNEET 2023- Medical and Dental will be revealed on 05.09.2023 after 8.00 pm due to the Interim Orders of the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka. Candidates assigned dental seats must cancel the assigned dental seat before to the UGCET 2023 seat assignment process, as only then can the individual be eligible for counselling.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reiterated his call for Bharat, arguing that institutions like the Reserve Bank of India should be given a new name. He also asserted that Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh had earlier taken oath as Prime Minister of Bharat. He stated, "Whether it is India or Bharat, I don't think this is disputed. The Supreme Court has previously declared that the names India and Bharat can be used interchangeably. No one objected when Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita legislation in Parliament.

"Manmohan Singh had taken the oath as the prime minister of Bharat, while HD Deve Gowda took as PM of India. So far I remember, Indira Gandhi also took the oath as Bharat ka Pradhan Mantri, not as prime minister of India." Sarma said. He asserted that the term "India" and customs from the British era are "colonial hangovers" and that the nation is about to enter a "phase of renaissance" during which they will be abandoned.

"Reserve Bank of Bharat' should be the name of the central bank. This is a renaissance era. Many changes have been implemented at the Centre as well as in Assam, Sarma told reporters here. He claimed that numerous British-imposed customs still exist in the nation and that they must be changed.

People have been waiting for one Modi to arrive and end this colonial hangover for 75 years, the Chief Minister said. He continued, seemingly referring to the use of the term India and carrying on with colonial practices, How can Modi ji be blamed for something done by (Jawaharlal) Nehru?

Shashi Tharoor, a Congressman, said that Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had objected to the name "India" because it meant that "our country was the successor state to British Raj and Pakistan a seceding state."

Sarma criticized this claim as untrue. "Tharoor only told half the truth. It is not significant what Jinnah stated. The name that the saints and sages used, which was Bharat rather than India, is what matters to us, the Assam Chief Minister said.
People visit the booth of Chinese carmaker BYD during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People sit inside a new energy vehicle during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023,in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People look at a BMW Neue Klasse during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People visit the booth of ZF during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Visitors take photos of a Porsche car during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Chinese carmaker BYD during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

A visitor sits inside a vehicle at the booth of Chinese carmaker Leapmotor during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

People enter the venue of the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People look at a Cyberster vehicle at the booth of MG during the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 5, 2023.

The IAA MOBILITY 2023, one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday.

At the six-day event are some 70 Chinese firms, the second largest number after the German participants. Under the motto of "Experience Connected Mobility" of this year's IAA, Chinese carmakers are rolling out more chances and choices for local partners and customers in Europe. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)
New Delhi: Taking a veiled dig at Opposition parties over their comments following Rashtrapati Bhawan sending out invitations for a G20 dinner on September 9 on behalf of 'President of Bharat', External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India that is Bharat is mentioned in the Constitution. In an exclusive interview with news agency ANI, the EAM said that the connotation of the word Bharat is also reflected in the Constitution. India that is Bharat, it is there in the Constitution. Please, I would invite everybody to read it, Jaishankar said.

The minister was asked about the Opposition parties reaction and if the government is going to reposition India as Bharat coinciding with the G20 summit. Look when you say Bharat in a sense, a meaning and understanding and a connotation that comes with it and that is reflected in our Constitution as well, Jaishankar said.

Opposition parties have alleged that the government was resorting to drama just because they got together and called their bloc INDIA. BJP leaders have strongly supported the move by the government. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted on X a picture of the dinner invite to him from the President and wrote a few lines from the national anthem.

"This should have happened earlier. This gives great satisfaction to the mind. 'Bharat' is our introduction. We are proud of it. The President has given priority to 'Bharat'. This is the biggest statement to come out of the colonial mindset," the minister told ANI.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh made a series of posts on the issue. So the news is indeed true. Rashtrapati Bhawan has sent out an invite for a G20 dinner on September 9th in the name of 'President of Bharat' instead of the usual 'President of India'. Now, Article 1 in the Constitution can read: Bharat, that was India, shall be a Union of States. But now even this Union of States is under assault, he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Congress leader accused the Modi government of trying to distort history and said BHARAT is objective of INDIA parties. It is BHARATBring Harmony, Amity, Reconciliation And Trust. Judega BHARAT Jeetega INDIA!, Jairam Ramesh said.

Jaishankar also spoke about the governments efforts to hold G20 events in different parts of the country and said it is essential that today's India develops sharper global awareness. Different cities, different states, different professions and generations, a sense of participation and ownership. And this is not restricted to the G20. It is a larger mindset. It could be in terms of today how you elect or select your political leaders, it could be about how economic benefits and social benefits are given.

"It could be about educational access, health access, I think the country in the last ten years has become much more democratized. That it isn't in the capital, it isn't only in the metropolitan cities, it isn't only even in the big cities, you've taken it out, anything good which has happened in this country has been taken out to the entirety of this country, the foreign affairs minister said.

It's absolutely essential that today's India must develop sharper global awareness. Global awareness, because we do see when Prime Minister speaks about Amrit Kaal, that we have this 25 years where enormous possibilities are there before us. But those possibilities are realizable only when you understand the world, Jaishankar said.
NEW DELHI: Amid an ongoing row over DMK leader Udaynidhi Stalin's remarks on 'Sanatana Dharma,' Karnataka Congress leader and state's Home Minister G Parameshwara has now questioned the origin of Hinduism. The Karnataka Minister, while addressing a Teachers Day event at his constituency Koratagere on September 5, said, There is still a question mark on who founded the Hindu Dharma.

''In the history of the world, there are many religions. When was Hindu religion founded and who gave birth to Hinduism is still a question mark and has continued to remain a question. Buddhism and Jainism were born in India. Christianity and Islam came from outside. The essence of all these religions means good for mankind,'' said Parameshwara.

He further said that several religions have emerged in the history of this universe but the question mark on Hinduism remains till today. Talking about Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity, the Congress leader stressed these religions came to India "to do good for mankind."

It may be noted that DMK leader Udhayanidhi's remark on Sanatana Dharma sparked massive controversy across the nation with several BJP leaders and Hindu priests strongly criticising his statement. The BJP has demanded an apology from MK Stalin's son. Leaders from the saffron party have also blamed the INDIA bloc for Udhayanidhi's remark, claiming such an agenda was discussed during the recent meeting that was held in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, MK Stalin's son, stood by his grounds saying that he would repeat the same thing again. Stalin, on Tuesday, said that he was not against the Hindu religion but the Sanatana practices like caste discrimination.

On being asked about any such example of Sanatan practice, Udhayanidhi Stalin mentioned the incident of President Draupadi Murmu, not being invited to the opening of Parliament. "Honourable President, Draupadi Murmu was not invited for the opening of the Parliament, that is the best current example," said Udhayanidhi Stalin.
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday left for an almost week-long Europe tour during which he will hold meetings with European Union (EU) lawyers, students and the Indian diaspora, sources said.

Gandhi will meet a group of EU lawyers in Brussels on September 7 and also hold a similar meeting in The Hague, they said. According to the sources, the former Congress president will address students at a university in Paris on September 8. He is also slated to participate in a meeting of the Labour Union of France in Paris on September 9.

Thereafter, he will visit Norway, where he will address a diaspora event in Oslo on September 10, they said. Gandhi is likely to return by September 11, a day after the G20 summit concludes.The G20 Leaders Summit will be held from September 9-10 in Delhi.

India is hosting the G20 summit in its capacity as the current president of the grouping and it is likely to be attended by more than 30 heads of state, top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organizations.
In a heart-wrenching incident that has left the Vijay Nagar community in Ghaziabad reeling, the tragic death of a young boy named Sabej has raised significant concerns about the quality of medical care he received during his final days. This poignant story brings to light a series of events that have left a family devastated and the broader community grappling with questions of responsibility.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the tragic sequence of events, examining the circumstances leading to Sabej's untimely demise and the various attempts made to secure medical assistance. We will also explore the critical issue of accountability in this heartrending incident.

A Hidden Wound: Sabej's Encounter with a Dog Bite

Sabej, a resident of Charan Singh Colony in Vijay Nagar, had endured a traumatic dog bite incident over a month before the tragic culmination of events. His decision to keep this incident a secret, despite the obvious distress it had caused, set the stage for the unfolding tragedy.

Alarming Signs: The Family's Desperate Quest for Answers

Approximately five days before his untimely death, Sabej began displaying alarming symptoms. His mouth incessantly dripped with saliva, and an inexplicable fear of drinking water had taken hold. His physical appearance had also undergone disturbing changes. Concerned family members, deeply troubled by these developments, engaged in a conversation with Sabej, leading to the revelation of the dog bite incident.

Frustration and Despair: The Search for Appropriate Medical Care

In a desperate bid to save Sabej's life, his family embarked on a frantic journey across various medical facilities. They sought help from Ghaziabad District MM Hospital, hospitals in Meerut, and prestigious institutions like GTB and AIIMS in Delhi. Shockingly, each of these attempts proved futile, as none of these institutions could provide the critical and timely treatment that Sabej urgently required.

A Heartbreaking End: Sabej's Tragic Demise

Despite their best efforts, Sabej's condition continued to deteriorate rapidly, leaving his family utterly distraught. Their relentless pursuit of life-saving medical intervention ended in heartbreak, as Sabej tragically passed away while being transported in an ambulance. His father held him close during his final moments, overwhelmed with grief.

The Call for Accountability

Sabej's heartbreaking story has reverberated across social media, prompting a multitude of reactions from a concerned public. In the wake of this tragic loss, questions of accountability have come to the forefront. The circumstances surrounding this young boy's death are deeply troubling, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and improved access to appropriate medical care, especially in cases involving animal bites that can lead to severe consequences if left untreated.

As the community mourns the loss of Sabej, the incident underscores the importance of a thorough examination of the events leading to his untimely demise, with the hope of preventing similar tragedies in the future. The responsibility for this heartbreaking loss remains complex, underscoring the need for a more robust and responsive healthcare system that leaves no room for such devastating lapses in care.
Rampur: An FIR has been registered against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's son Priyank Kharge for allegedly outraging religious feelings in the Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh. According to police, Stalin was booked for his call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma and Kharge for backing his remark. The two were booked under sections 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings) and 153 A (promoting enmity between different religious groups) of the IPC at Civil Lines Police Station here on Tuesday. The FIR came at the complaint of lawyers Harsh Gupta and Ram Singh Lodhi who highlighted media reports on Stalin's statement alleging that the politician's comments had hurt their feelings.

Stalin had on Saturday during an event in Tamil Nadu compared the Sanatan Dharma with diseases like dengue and malaria. It may be noted that DMK leader Udhayanidhi's remark on Sanatana Dharma sparked massive controversy across the nation with several BJP leaders and Hindu priests strongly criticising his statement.

The BJP has demanded an apology from MK Stalin's son. Leaders from the saffron party have also blamed the INDIA bloc for Udhayanidhi's remark, claiming such an agenda was discussed during the recent meeting that was held in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, MK Stalin's son, stood by his grounds saying that he would repeat the same thing again, on Tuesday said that he is not against the Hindu religion but the Sanatana practices like caste discrimination.

On being asked about any such example of Sanatan practice, Udhayanidhi Stalin mentioned the incident of President Draupadi Murmu, not being invited to the opening of Parliament. "Honourable President, Draupadi Murmu was not invited for the opening of the Parliament, that is the best current example," said Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Adding fuel to the fire, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has questioned the origin of Hinduism. "The question is when was Hinduism born, who created it?.. Many religions have arisen in the history of the world. Jainism and Buddhism were born here. When was Hinduism born and who started it is still a question," Parameshwara said.



The state's Home Minister's remarks came while he was addressing an event on the occasion of the Teachers' Day at Maruti Kalyana Mandapam, Koratagere. He added, "Our country has a history of the origin of Buddhism and Jainism...Islam and Christianity came to our country from abroad. The summary of all the religions of the world is to be good for one mankind."

The DMK leader Udhayanidhi's remark on Sanatana Dharma sparked massive controversy across the nation with several BJP leaders and Hindu priests strongly criticising his statement.
The upcoming G20 summit, scheduled for September 9-10 in Delhi, marks a pivotal moment for India as it assumes the chairmanship of this prestigious global forum. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is gearing up to host world leaders for discussions on a wide spectrum of economic, social, and environmental issues. As the nation continues to make strides, notably with the successful Chandrayaan 3 mission, the G20 summit represents an opportunity for India to assert its influence on the world stage. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the G20, its historical background, and the critical role India is set to play during its chairmanship.

G20: An Overview

The Group of Twenty, or G20, emerged in 1999 as a response to the Asian financial crisis. Initially, it brought together finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 countries, with the European Union represented as a 20th member. Its primary objective was to facilitate discussions on financial and economic challenges facing the world.

In 2008, recognizing the need for a more inclusive platform, the G20 elevated its status to include heads of state and government. This transformation marked a turning point, making the G20 a prominent forum for international economic cooperation.

Agenda Beyond Economics

While the G20's core focus remains on economic issues, its agenda has expanded over the years. In addition to financial matters, G20 now addresses a wide array of global challenges. These include international trade, sustainable development, public health, agriculture, energy, environmental conservation, climate change, and the fight against corruption. This comprehensive approach reflects the interconnectedness of today's global challenges.

The G20 Membership

The G20's membership consists of the world's major economies, accounting for approximately 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and a significant share of the world's population. The member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union is represented as a separate entity.

Inclusive Engagement

G20 meetings often extend invitations to guest countries, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered. For the forthcoming summit in India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates have been invited as guest nations. This inclusivity fosters a more holistic dialogue on pressing global issues.

Engagement with International Organizations

Beyond its membership and guest nations, G20 meetings engage with various international organizations during specific sessions. These organizations include the United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Labour Organization (ILO), Financial Stability Board (FSB), and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

India's G20 Leadership

As the current chair of G20, India has the unique opportunity to shape the global agenda and drive meaningful change. India's leadership is characterized by the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," emphasizing the idea that the world is one family. During its chairmanship, India has also extended invitations to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Asian Development Bank (ADB) as guest international organizations.

Conclusion

The G20 summit in Delhi signifies a pivotal moment in India's international diplomacy. With a diverse agenda encompassing economic, social, and environmental concerns, the G20 remains a vital platform for global leaders to collaborate and address pressing challenges. As India assumes the role of chair, the nation's leadership offers the potential to drive meaningful progress and foster a more interconnected and harmonious world. The G20 summit is poised to leave a lasting impact on the global stage, and India is primed to play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
New Delhi: In preparation for the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10 in the nation's capital, New Delhi, the Indian Army has taken robust security measures. These include deploying bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and state-of-the-art counter-drone systems, according to army sources. The Indian Army's bomb disposal squads, manned by highly skilled engineers with expertise in handling explosives, are already active in the national capital. These specialized teams will secure crucial areas and installations during the summit.

Notably, the Army's K-9 units, consisting of dedicated and award-winning dogs trained for various operations, are also part of the security arrangement for the event. In addition to these security measures, the Indian Army has integrated anti-drone systems to thwart any potential rogue drone threats during the summit.

Traffic Restrictions Implemented In Delhi

To ensure smooth traffic flow during the G20 Summit, the Delhi Traffic Police have released a comprehensive traffic advisory. It provides commuters with alternative routes and transportation options, facilitating hassle-free travel across Delhi.

Delhi Gears Up To Welcome G20 Summit Attendees

The national capital is bedecked with elaborate decorations to welcome G20 Summit delegates on September 9-10. Dazzling visuals from Dhaula Kuan showcase breathtaking lighting displays featuring the G20 theme, "One Earth, One Family, One Future." Additionally, a life-sized "Vighnaharta" sculpture graces the trijunction in front of the Dhaula Kuan Metro Station on NH-48.

Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam, the primary venue for this grand event, has been adorned with plants, flowers, and festive decor. A towering 28-foot Nataraja statue stands resplendent against the night sky.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have intensified their vehicle checks across the city in anticipation of the G20 Summit. Surprise inspections were conducted at Yusuf Sarai during Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, with officers meticulously examining vehicles. Similar checks commenced earlier in the week at India Gate and other key locations.

As a precautionary measure, a paramilitary force has been stationed at Tilak Bridge in New Delhi due to threats of property defacement by Khalistani elements.

G20 Summit And India's Presidency

The Group of Twenty (G20) consists of 19 countries and the European Union, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, with the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future." The country is all set to host the G20 Summit in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders are expected to gather in the city for this significant event. India's G20 Presidency has seen the organization of approximately 200 meetings in 60 cities across the country.

The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Patna: A day after self-styled saint Paramhans Acharya announced a Rs 10 crore bounty for the beheading of Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his Sanatan Dharma comments, RJD national Vice President Shivanand Tiwari on Tuesday asked what kind of Sanatan Dharma is this where a person announces reward for murder?

"I want to ask them that if appealing to people for the genocide of a particular community in a religious conclave is right. Is it a part of Sanatan Dharma? The way a self-styled saint announced the reward of beheading a person is highly condemnable," he said.

Paramhans Acharya had announced a Rs 10 crore reward for beheading Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had called for the eradication of the Sanatan Dharma like dengue, malaria, and coronavirus.

Citing the case from the Mahabharat when Guru Dronacharya demanded the thumb of the tribals son Eklavya only to make Arjun the best archer in the world, the RJD leader said that Eklavya, who does not have a prominent gotra, caste, and royal background readily sacrifices his thumb and gives it to Dronacharya.

"The tradition of Dronacharya is still applied in the current world. How teachers and professors of prominent institutes like IIT, IIM would treat students of OBC, EBC, minority, SC and ST...," he said.

"The contractors of Sanatan Dharma should reply where Dalit, backward class people, tribals, and women stand in their religion. Some years ago, a Shankaracharya of Puri came to Patna and made a statement publically that scheduled caste people are untouchable from their birth. I have registered an FIR against him and late Ram Vilas Paswan was the witness of it. That incident is mentioned in his autobiography.

"In Sanatan Dharma, women are termed the doors of hell. Sanatan Dharma allows Sati Pratha. Everyone knows how thousands of widows are living in Varanasi and Vrindavan," Tiwari said.
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has suspended Middle School Physical Education teacher, Haris ul Haq, for his alleged association in fundraising from the students of the school for the earthquake-affected people of Turkey, a press release from the university's Public Relations Office said on Tuesday.

The fundraising was done without approval or prior permission of the competent authority in violation of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, it stated. A police complaint dated July 31 was filed against Haris ul Haq by the university at Jamia Nagar Police Station for cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation. In the complaint, it was alleged that Haris ul Haq siphoned off Rs 1.40 lakh in the garb of collecting money by misrepresenting for affected people of Turkey Earthquake.

It was also alleged that the money was collected by deceiving the students under a false pretext and the entire money had been siphoned off for personal gains. The matter was placed before the Executive Council (EC) of the university in its meeting held on August 4. The EC vide resolution number 11 has resolved that disciplinary action may be initiated against Haris ul Haq as per rules, the release stated.

The EC also asked the University to take appropriate action for recovery of money or funds and pursue criminal complaint as per provisions of law. It is also stated that there have been several complaints of misbehaviour, negligent attitude towards duty and insubordination against Haris ul Haq. He was earlier suspended in 2010 for misconduct, the press release stated.
New Delhi: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday proposed that the coalition of opposition parties called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) should be renamed as BHARAT, which stands for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow. He hoped that this would make the BJP stop its fatuous game of changing names. His suggestion came in the midst of a heated exchange between the BJP and the Congress after the Presidents office issued invitations for the G20 dinner on September 9 using the term President of Bharat instead of the usual President of India.

Tharoor posted on X, We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT). Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names.

We could of course call ourselves the Alliance for Betterment, Harmony And Responsible Advancement for Tomorrow (BHARAT).



Then perhaps the ruling party might stop this fatuous game of changing names. September 6, 2023

The Congress-led opposition parties had named their alliance as INDIA during their second meeting in Bengaluru, Karnataka on July 17 and 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier attacked the INDIA alliance by saying that even the banned terrorist group Indian Mujahideen and the colonial East India Company had INDIA in their names.

The Prime Minister also criticized the opposition parties before his response to the no-confidence motion moved by them. He said that it showed their lack of trust in each other as they wanted to check who was with them and who was not.

He addressed his party MPs at the BJP parliamentary meeting and called the opposition alliance ghamandia (meaning arrogant) and praised his partys Rajya Sabha members for their semi-final victory in voting on the Delhi services bill.

The Congress and other opposition parties have retaliated against the BJP for equating INDIA with East India Company and Indian Mujahideen.
MUNICH, Germany, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday welcomed the international auto manufacturers at the country's largest automobile show, IAA Mobility, stressing that "fair competition is good for business."

It is "nice to have so many international manufacturers and suppliers here in Munich, welcome," Scholz said in his speech.

The 2023 International Motor Show (IAA), one of the world's largest mobility trade fairs, opened in the southern German city of Munich on Tuesday, with German and Chinese exhibitors in the limelight.

This year, 40 percent of the exhibitors come from Asia, including 75 Chinese companies such as BYD, Xpeng, Leapmotor, SERES Group, Horizon Robotics and CATL, a spokesperson for IAA Mobility told Xinhua.

Last year, Germany started listing China as a manufacturing country in its official passenger car registration. Since then, the market share of Chinese cars has grown to 1.3 percent in July, ahead of Britain, according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

The advantages of Chinese carmakers include their rapid battery innovations and their early entry into the electric vehicle industry, Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Germany-based CAR Center Automotive Research Duisburg, told Xinhua recently.

He stressed that the competition between Chinese and German carmakers will help German companies grow faster. "If you are in competition, you will walk faster." 
New Delhi: Actor, director and producer Rakesh Roshan is celebrating his birthday today. The veteran actor shared a video on his Instagram handle in which he can be seen celebrating the special day with his friends, including ace actor Jeetendra.

Roshan wrote in the caption, 50yrs friendship (very rare) thankyou Jeetu & friends for bringing in my birthday. Gratitude

Tusshar Kapoor also wished him on his birthday, saying, Belated happy birthday guddu uncle Rohit Bose Roy mentioned, How sweet is this.. happy birthday Guddu ji

After his post, other fans also wished him on his special day. One of them wrote, Wishing you a very happy birthday to you sir Another wrote, Let me tell you one thing.. You are the Bestesssttt inspiration, idol in thissss world, that's why I love you!

Rakesh has acted in films like Khubsoorat (1980) with Rekha and Kaamchor (1982) with Jaya Prada. He made his directorial debut with Khudgarz (1987). He went to direct movies such as Khoon Bhari Maang (1988), Karan Arjun (1995) and the Shahrukh Khan starrer- 'Koyla' (1997. He also worked with his son Hrithik Rosan in films like 'Koi...Mil Gaya', 'Krrish' series.
Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
New Delhi: Amid the escalating rivalry between the US and China, the Xi Jinping government has reportedly barred officials from using Apple iPhones at work, the media reported on Wednesday. Beijing has instructed some government staff to stop using iPhones through chat groups or meetings, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Apple relies heavily on the Greater China region for both manufacturing and sales of its iPhones and has a major chunk of its product manufacturing in the country amid its future plans to make India the next big manufacturing hub. (Also Read: 1 Piece Of Biscuit Costs Rs 1 Lakh: Why It Becomes Costliest Biscuit Ever? Check)

Restrictions on foreign devices are the latest step in Beijings campaign to reduce reliance on overseas technology and could hurt Apples success in the country, the report noted. (Also Read: Woman Claims That Her Tinder Date Stole Designer Shoes And Gifted It To Another Girlfriend - Read Hilarious Story)

China apparently ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apples iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office.

The move is a blow to Apples public perception in China which is its second-biggest market after the US. Apple didnt immediately comment on the development.

According to the companys latest quarterly results, the Greater China region -- Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan -- contributed to nearly 19 percent of the revenue in the June quarter.

According to the IDC, 65.7 million smartphones shipped in China in the second quarter (Q2) this year, a narrower decline of 2.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of the year, the Chinese market saw 130.9 million shipments, down 7.3 percent year-on-year (YoY).

Huawei and Apple were the only vendors with a positive YoY growth in the Top 5 ranking, as the price discounts of Apples iPhone 14 series successfully stimulated the demand in the country.
New Delhi: The highly anticipated G20 India Mobile App, a complete digital platform, has been released by the government to give users an engaging and educational experience leading up to the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. The app includes a number of features that will improve the experience for attendees and foreign delegates as well as make the G20 Summit accessible to a worldwide audience.

Both Android and iPhone users can download the app from the Ministry of External Affairs from their respective app stores. Officials told News18 during a media briefing that 15,000 people had downloaded the app up until Tuesday, but it is quite likely that the figure has already increased to 25,000. This application will continue to work throughout India's G20 leadership. (Also Read: Woman Claims That Her Tinder Date Stole Designer Shoes And Gifted It To Another Girlfriend - Read Hilarious Story)

The G20 India Mobile App's compatibility with several languages is one of its most notable aspects. English, Hindi, German, Japanese, and Portuguese are among the five official UN languages available to users, guaranteeing inclusion and accessibility for a varied international audience. (Also Read: 1 Piece Of Biscuit Costs Rs 1 Lakh: Why It Becomes Costliest Biscuit Ever? Check)

The app provides a plethora of information, including specifics about the summit's logo, theme, and host cities, regarding the G20 Summit and India's leadership. Users can also access pages for each G20 leader, replete with links to their official websites, enabling them to learn more about their initiatives and policies.

The app offers comprehensive information about the many workstreams and engagement groups involved in the summit for people interested in the G20's substantive work. Users can utilise this tool to investigate the individual G20 emphasis and engagement areas.

It provides contact information for engagement groups and insights into the G20 Secretariat, promoting effective coordination and communication between stakeholders.

With the use of the app, users may enjoy virtual tours and keep up with the G20 India event schedule. The navigation feature will assist foreign delegates in choosing their starting and ending places so they may locate the path to a certain location inside the Bharat Mandapam.

The programme also features an Explore India option, which is helpful for learning about the various culture, achievements, and architecture of India.

Press releases, official documents, speeches, delegate experiences, photos, videos, and more are all available in the app's extensive media and resources section. Through this feature, users may keep up with the G20 India narrative.
Washington: White House official Jake Sullivan, on Tuesday, said that China has the option to "come in and play the role of a spoiler" at the upcoming G20 Summit, scheduled to take place on September 9 and 10 in Delhi. Responding to a query on the India and China tension affecting the G20 Summit, the National Security Advisor of the US said that G20 Chair India, the US, and other members will also encourage China to set aside geopolitical questions and play a constructive role.

"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the summit, really, that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them. What I think the chair of India will encourage them to do. What we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do is encourage them to come in in a constructive way on climate, multilateral development, bank reform, debt relief, on technology, and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering," Sullivan said.

This came a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to skip the G20 Summit in Delhi. On Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China announced that Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India on September 9 and 10.

Quoting foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, the statement read, "At the invitation of the government of the Republic of India, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi, India, on September 9 and 10."However, no reason was given in the statement about Xi's absence from the summit.

In his opening remarks at the briefing, Sullivan said that the US was deeply committed to the G20 as a forum to deliver meaningful outcomes at a time of historic international economic shocks.

At the briefing, Sullivan also confirmed that Biden will visit India for the G20 summit.

"On Thursday, the President will travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit in India. On Friday Biden will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Saturday, Biden will participate in the official sessions of the G20 Summit, 2023," Sullivan said.
BEIRUT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The newly-appointed EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele vowed on Wednesday to work closely with Lebanese authorities and the international community to help Lebanon overcome its crisis.

"I look forward to working closely with Lebanese authorities, civil society organizations, and the international community to put Lebanon on the path to recovery," she said in a statement.

De Waele underlined the European Union's long-standing partnership with Lebanon and reiterated its commitment to assisting Lebanon in addressing its worsening socio-economic crisis.

"The EU continues to support the implementation of structural reforms, which would help Lebanon build strong state institutions accountable to their citizens," she said, adding fully operational institutions would also benefit relations between the EU and Lebanon.

The statement came after De Waele's meeting on Wednesday with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Lebanon has been suffering from the worst financial crisis in its history, with over 80 percent of the population struggling with poverty. 
OSLO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A court in Norway has sided with Datatilsynet, the country's data protection authority, affirming the legality of a daily fine imposed on Meta Platforms for invasive behavior-based marketing on Facebook and Instagram.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, the Oslo District Court fully endorsed Datatilsynet's action, dismissing Meta's plea for a temporary injunction to halt the fine and stating that there was no cause to undermine the regulator's judgment.

In July, Datatilsynet said it considered Meta's behavior-based marketing practices illegal as they excessively monitored user behavior. As a result, it argued, the technology company must halt such practices in Norway immediately.

Meta faced a compulsory fine of 1 million Norwegian kroner (93,380 U.S. dollars) per day, starting on Aug. 14 following its failure to comply with the ban.

The tech giant subsequently filed for a temporary injunction in the Oslo District Court, asserting that Datatilsynet's directives were disproportionate, unfeasible and in conflict with other laws.

Rejecting these claims, the court also ordered Meta to cover Datatilsynet's legal costs.

"We are very pleased with the court ruling and see it as a major win for privacy," commented Line Coll, director of Datatilsynet.

In a statement, the date regulator said it is now contemplating taking the decision to the European Data Protection Board in an effort to expand the scope of the ban to the entire European Union/European Economic Area region. 
BUCHAREST, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar confirmed on Wednesday that parts of what could be a drone were found in the country's southeastern Tulcea County neighboring Ukraine.

"Parts of equipment that could potentially be a drone" have been found in an area difficult to access because of abundant vegetation, he explained after visiting the area.

"Our teams went there, took samples ... and now these samples are being investigated, analyzed ... to find out the origin, capacity, type and so on," he said.

"There is a reasonable possibility that it didn't explode when it hit the ground, but simply fell or pieces of this equipment ended up on Romanian territory ...," Tilvar was quoted by the official Agerpres news agency as saying.

Earlier, Defense Ministry spokesperson Constantin Spinu said the possible drone parts were discovered on Tuesday night. 
New Delhi:

Bageshwar Baba, aka Dhirendra Krishna Shastri; one of the most followed Indian gurus of current times; recently visited Nepal to address its people. During this visit, Baba met with Swami Anand Arun, the founder of the Osho Tapoban International commune in Kathmandu, a disciple of Osho and the leading man behind the continued success of the Neo Sannyas and Osho movement across Nepal. During this meeting, Swami Anand Arun gifted Baba with multiple Osho books and discourses by Osho Rajneesh. Baba also invited Swami Anand Arun to Chitwan to accompany him in his tours, where they spent a couple days together, discussing the Osho movement and human consciousness at length.

Bageshwar Baba has spoken very highly of the Osho movement and Osho Rajneesh. Amongst which, Baba has stated that Osho Rajneesh faced many challenges and disrespect for taking the world by storm with his revolutionary methods and meditation techniques. Baba, himself from Madhya Pradesh like Osho, also added that he is inspired by the courage with which Rajneesh Osho continued his movement to success, despite the challenges faced by him from the world over. Post meeting with Swami Anand Arun, Bageshwar Baba, a new age, young guru that millions follow, listens to Osho discourses and reads Osho books everyday. Baba has further stated in his talks in Nepal, that there are two great saints to walk the journey of evolving human consciousness at large. One is Gorakhnath and the other is Osho Rajneesh.

The Osho movement was at its peak between 1970 and 1990, before Osho Rajneesh left his body. The movement is unique in its approach as it highlights that one need not renounce the material world to attain god consciousness. Osho Rajneesh was a controversial figure during his time, and continues to be, because of his bold discourses connecting sex with spirituality, and for his RE-introduction of traditional Sannyas as Neo Sannyas, which does not require a Sannyasin to renounce the world. Rajneesh also refuted the existence of God, stating that, there is no God, only godliness. This was to imply that there is no god to be found outside of the self. However, calling himself Bhagwan, Rajneesh proclaimed that each one of us can attain god consciousness within the self. This, for the time, was a huge shock for the blind faith believers of God in India and the world over. The Osho movement attracted thousands of devotees and followers from around the world, both at his Poona Ashram as well as the lavish Rajneeshpuram in the state of Oregon.

Bageshwar Baba, spoke in support of the bold and courageous approach taken by Osho Rajneesh, to expand his movement. Baba has mentioned to Swami Anand Arun, aapke saath toh janam janam ka rishta hai (we have a relationship over many lifetimes). Baba has also promised to RE-visit Nepal within the next three months and has expressed his desire to stay at the Osho Tapoban International commune in Kathmandu during the visit.

With leading traditional Indian gurus like Murari Bapu and Bageshwar Baba, recognizing and supporting the Osho and Neo Sannyas movement in Nepal, it maybe time to reopen the chapters of the movement and Osho Rajneesh himself in India too.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington: President Joe Biden has officially nominated Jacob Lew, the former Treasury secretary with extensive government experience, to assume the role of the U.S. ambassador to Israel, according to a White House announcement on Tuesday.

Jacob Lew's distinguished career spans multiple administrations. He served as White House chief of staff and director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the Obama administration.

During the Clinton administration, he also held the position of OMB director. Furthermore, he served as deputy secretary of State for management and resources in the Obama administration.

Also Read: Tajikistan to Conduct Joint Military Exercises with the US Amidst Its Treaty Ties to Russia

Should Lew receive Senate confirmation, he will step into one of the most high-profile ambassadorial roles, succeeding Ambassador Tom Nides, who vacated the position in July.

This appointment comes at a crucial time as the Biden administration actively seeks to enhance relations with two major Middle East powers, Israel and Saudi Arabia, despite their historical rivalry.

Efforts to strengthen ties with these nations follow the Trump administration's successful facilitation of the "Abraham Accords," which led to the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.

Securing a similar agreement with Saudi Arabia, the most influential and prosperous Arab state, could have transformative consequences for the region and bolster Israel's geopolitical position.

Also Read: Ukraine's Security Chief Warns of World War III's Ongoing Prelude

However, achieving such a pact remains challenging, given the Kingdom's stance that it won't officially recognize Israel until a resolution is reached in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In recent times, there have been moments of tension in the U.S.-Israeli relationship. Differences emerged between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the Israeli government's right-wing legislation passed in July.

This legislation curtailed the authority of Israel's top court and transferred power to the parliament, triggering months of nationwide protests and criticism from some U.S. lawmakers.

Jacob Lew, often referred to as Jack, possesses prior experience working with Israelis through his various government roles. During the Clinton administration, he was instrumental in developing a memorandum of understanding for multi-year funding for Israel. Additionally, during the Clinton and Obama administrations, he played a key role in funding Israeli missile defense systems.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voiced support for Lew's nomination, citing his diplomatic expertise and wealth of experience, which are expected to maintain the strength of the U.S.-Israel partnership.

After his tenure in the Obama administration, Lew criticized Netanyahu's 2015 speech to a joint session of Congress, which was conducted without White House notification.

In that speech, Netanyahu strongly opposed the Iran nuclear agreement, one of President Obama's signature foreign policy goals. Lew described the speech as "beyond the pale" and a "huge mistake for Israel."

Jacob Lew is currently a managing partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm, and serves as a visiting professor at Columbia University in New York.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Launches Global Water Organization to Tackle Worldwide Water Challenges

While Lew's spokeswoman has not provided immediate comments on his nomination, it's clear that his extensive background in international relations positions him well for this critical diplomatic role.

Mark Mellman, President and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel, believes that Jacob Lew's nomination signifies a strong understanding of the complexities of international relations and the pressing issues facing both Israel and the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In addition to his ambassadorial role, Lew serves as chairman of the board of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, co-president of the board of the National Library of Israel USA, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Lew has also held leadership positions in the private sector and academia.
CCTV: The 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) concludes today. As the global economy struggles to recover and Chinas economy faces pressure, what message do you think this years CIFTIS sends to the world?

Mao Ning: The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) provides the world with a window into Chinas high-level opening-up and an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between businesses around the globe. President Xi Jinping addressed the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2023 CIFTIS via video and announced important measures on opening the services sector wider to the world. It shows Chinas determination and commitment to expand high-level opening-up and cooperation for shared benefit. By hosting CIFTIS, China hopes to share opportunities in trade in services, help grow global trade, and create new growth drivers for global economic recovery.

In recent years, despite the complex and challenging external environment, Chinas trade in services has grown fast and shown strong resilience. Imports and exports of services for 2022 approached RMB 6 trillion, up 12.9 percent year-on-year, hitting a record high and ranking second in the world for the ninth year in a row. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted in her video remarks to the summit that since Chinas accession to the WTO in 2001, its share in global trade in services has risen by over 1.5 times from 2.4 percent to 6.5 percent. China is now the worlds fourth largest exporter and second largest importer of services, and is becoming a global center for the supply and demand of services.

The world economy thrives in openness and withers in seclusion. China stands ready to work with all parties to promote inclusive development with openness in the services sector, jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral trade system, and provide more and better Chinese services to the world.

AFP: The US climate envoy John Kerry has said he hopes China and the US can come together on climate, adding that climate change is not a bilateral issue but a universal threat to the planet. Does China agree with Mr. Kerrys assessments or have any other comments on these remarks?

Mao Ning: Climate change is a global challenge and calls for a global response. Chinas position on addressing climate change is consistent and clear. China is committed to building a fair and equitable system of global climate governance that benefits all. We do our best to undertake due international responsibilities and obligations commensurate with Chinas national conditions and have made positive contributions to the international cooperation in addressing climate change. China and the US jointly facilitated the conclusion and coming into effect of the Paris Agreement. We hope the US will work with China to create enabling conditions and atmosphere for China-US climate cooperation.

Nikkei: The ASEAN Plus Three Summit is held in Indonesia today. Will China raise the issue of the ocean discharge of the treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant at the summit? Chinas reference to the treated water as nuclear-contaminated water has not been recognized by the international community. How do you view this?

Mao Ning: On Chinas participation in the leaders meetings on East Asia cooperation, we will release information in due course. We noted the media reports that Japan said it would explain the discharge to other countries during the meetings. We hope Japan will face up to international concerns and explain its position with sincerity and a science-based attitude, which will gain the international communitys faith, rather than continue to downplay or veil the harm of the discharge.

Japan coined the term treated water and keeps telling the world that the concentration of tritium is up to standard in order to create an impression that there is only tritium as a radioactive substance in the nuclear-contaminated water and that since the concentration of tritium is up to standard, the nuclear-contaminated water is harmless. But this narrative can hardly deceive the international community. As a matter of fact, the Fukushima waste water contains a complex range of elements. Even after purification, the water will still contain dozens of radionuclides such as carbon-14, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iodine-129 and caesium-137. No matter what name Japan gives to the water, these radionuclides will not just disappear by themselves. This is a fact that Japan needs to face.

China News Service: The first phase of the Dhaka Airport Elevated Expressway project in the capital of Bangladesh was recently completed. Chinese companies invested and participated in the construction and operation of the project. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the ceremony to inaugurate the project and hailed it as a new milestone for Bangladeshs transportation infrastructure which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka and boost Bangladeshs economic growth. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: Bangladesh is the first South Asian country to sign a Belt and Road cooperation MOU with China. Our two countries have had fruitful high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in recent years. The Dhaka Airport Elevated Expressway project is the first of its kind and the first and so far the biggest PPP project in Bangladesh. Chinese companies invested and participated in its construction and operation. As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said at the inauguration ceremony, the project will greatly improve traffic in Dhaka and have a positive impact on Bangladeshs socioeconomic development.

As a friendly neighbor and strategic partner of Bangladesh, China will continue to work with the country to advance the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and support Bangladesh in realizing the Sonar Bangla dream at an early date.

AFP: Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has criticized the release of a Chinese government map that shows what Japan calls the Senkaku Islands and what China calls the Diaoyu Islands belonging to China. Matsuno said that Japan had complained to China through diplomatic channels and demanded the retraction of that map. Whats Chinas response to that?

Mao Ning: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands have all along been Chinas territory. It is only natural that they are marked as Chinese territory on a map. China does not accept Japans protest.
LAVIE CARES: Empowering women through education, one step at a time Committed to the progress of women's empowerment and education, Lavie stands as a pioneering brand celebrated for its enduring elegance, etching a legacy of innovation since its inception in 2010.......Read More...

Myntra announces its latest campaign for FWD 'Spot it, Get it' Myntra, one of the leading fashion, beauty and lifestyle destinations, has unveiled the ad film for FWD, its immersive trend-first destination for Gen-Z, starring its new brand ambassadors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina. ........Read More...
This article covers 30 Friendliest Cities in America, uncovering some of the top destinations in the country that have courteous, welcoming, and friendly locals, and are known for their good reputations. For a quick overview of the top 10, read our article 10 Friendliest Cities in America.

The United States has become a successful center of cultural blending over the years. Its diversity is a key driver of its success. The 2020 Diversity Index shows that the racial and ethnic diversity within the United States is 61.1%. This index measures the likelihood that two people chosen at random will be from different races or ethnicities. This diversity not only fosters a climate of freedom in terms of political and cultural beliefs but also serves as a magnetic force, drawing people from all corners of the world to immigrate to the United States.

According to a Pew Research Center's 2023 survey, 59% of people voted Americans as friendly, indicating that America's soft power remains strong.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the US receives a large influx of foreign visitors each year from Canada, Europe, and other regions and is one of the most visited countries in the world.

A Peak into the US Tourism Industry

Tourism is one of the major contributors to the US economy, with its contribution projected to be $2.6 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade. According to the State Comptroller, New York City is among the most popular destinations globally and is especially popular with digital nomads.

Moreover, international travel spending in the country has been predicted to surge even further than the $112.1 billion recorded in September of 2022. Experts believe that the figure could go up to $1.39 trillion by the end of 2025.

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) published performance reports for the second quarter of 2023 in July, which showed a three-fold growth in its profit. The impressive performance and higher revenue generation of the carrier have been credited to a busy summer international travel season.

Story continues

As reported in a News Release by United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL), the airline recorded operating revenue of $14.2 billion from April to June, which was a 17.1% increase from the same time period in 2022. Meanwhile, billings surged to $1.1 billion, a substantial increase from $329 billion recorded in 2022. United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) entered into a commercial agreement in March 2023 with Emirates Airlines to enhance the network for each airline. The agreement will also open up newer destinations for customers.

Meanwhile, American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) has raised its earnings outlook due to the company closing the second quarter of 2023 on a strong note. It recorded a revenue of $14.01 billion, which exceeded analysts expectations and was 4.7% higher than the figure from 2022.

The high airline revenues clearly suggest that tourism in the US is booming. Tourists are attracted to the beautiful beaches, rich history, and helpful locals of America. Moreover, volunteering and other Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) activities from US companies further boost the positive image of the country.

Charitable Efforts from Companies in the US

Major companies in the US lead the way when it comes to charitable efforts. For example, Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)'s Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program in 2020 offered free tickets to people in exchange for a day of volunteer service, which motivated more than 1 million people in the US to participate.

In February 2023, the company announced that it would be providing access to its diverse portfolio of innovative programs that have been uniquely developed for children's hospitals. These include complimentary access to digital content, in-hospital installations, and mobile cinema complexes.

Another company that is playing its part in enhancing the positive image of the US is Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), a digital travel platform also known as booking.com. It joined hands with a climate tech company, CHOOOSE, in October 2022 to encourage people to travel more mindfully. Its primary aim for this partnership was to educate travelers on the carbon implications of their actions and help them find environmentally friendly products and services.

30 Friendliest Cities in America

Image by qgadrian from Pixabay

Methodology

We have defined friendliest cities in the US as ones that are home to friendly locals who are nice to foreign travelers when asked for help. To assess which cities in the US are perceived to be the friendliest, we scoured several Reddit threads pertaining to locations where tourists felt welcomed.

We used search terms like friendliest cities, friendliest citizens, nicest citizens and helpful citizens to find relevant threads. To ensure the authenticity and relevance of our research, we focused on cities that were most frequently mentioned by Redditors across various threads and discussions.

Threads consisting of over 25 comments were considered, and cities were ranked based on the number of times they were mentioned. Consequently, we formed a list of the 30 friendliest cities in America, with 1 being the most friendly and 30 being the least friendly city on our list.

Friendliest Cities in America According to Reddit

30. Knoxville

US News has listed Knoxville as one of the top places to live in 2023-2024. The city boasts of high desirability to live in the area and a good quality of life. Consequently, the US News & World Report gave the city a rating of 6.5 out of 10.

29. Denver

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Denver as one of the best cities in Colorado. Therefore, tourism is stronger than ever in the city. In 2022, Denver recorded 36.3 million visitors, which was a 15% increase from 2021.

28. Boston

AmeriCorps carried out a survey of 12 major metro areas in 2021 and ranked all the cities based on informal helping and formal volunteering. Boston ranked number 1 on this list, with locals displaying an informal helping rate of 57.9%, which was the highest out of 12 locations.

27. Baltimore

Baltimore has been nicknamed Charm City and has several wonderful traits that make it one of the friendliest cities in the US. It is applauded for its openness and welcoming nature when it comes to outsiders. Hence, Baltimore is often regarded as a good social place to spend some time.

26. Pittsburgh

The locals in Pittsburgh are generally regarded as friendly, helpful, and affluent. This is one of the reasons why tourism is booming in the city. In July 2023 alone, Pittsburgh recorded 1.7 million visitors, which indicated a 97% recovery rate as compared to July 2019.

25. Savannah

In 2022, Savannah was deemed to be the friendliest city in America, beating out cities like Nashville and Chicago. The reason behind the city's ranking was the welcoming nature of its locals, as indicated by tourists in a study conducted by CN Traveler.

24. Des Moines

The residents of Des Moines are known to be civic-minded and friendly. The city has a vibrant community that loves arts and the outdoors and fosters a sense of belonging in all those who visit it.

23. Dublin

Dublin has been ranked as one of the friendliest places to live in the USA and is nationally recognized as a vibrant and welcoming city. It has numerous lovely neighborhoods, with well-mannered locals and a tight-knit community.

22. Madison

In 2022, a survey revealed that 76% of travelers said they go on vacation to boost their mood. Thus, it makes sense why they want to visit friendly places, such as Madison. For the last three years, this city has been deemed to be one of the most welcoming cities, as per this survey.

21. Buffalo

Buffalo is referred to as the City of Good Neighbors, which is an ode to its friendly and welcoming residents. Consequently, the city records a substantial number of travelers each year. In December 2022 and January 2023, Buffalo reported over 400,000 local and international visitors.

20. Burlington

Burlington is famous among foreign travelers for being a fun place to enjoy a sociable adventure. They also love the welcoming and friendly vibe of the locals, where everyone is treated like they are a part of the family.

19. Milwaukee

In 2022, National Geographic named Milwaukee as one of the best destinations for travel. One of the reasons for this ranking was the citys inviting aura and close-knit community. Milwaukee is known for housing loving and supportive locals who welcome others with open arms.

18. Grand Rapids

In 2022, the US News & World Report iterated that Grand Rapids exudes small-town warmth, which is why travelers are attracted to the city. It is also home to people from diverse backgrounds and a strong LGBTQ community.

17. Chicago

The Readers Choice Awards 2022 named Chicago as the best destination for travelers. According to the government of the city, the diverse and inviting neighborhoods of Chicago are one of the reasons for its good reputation.

16. Nashville

Nashville, a city in Tennessee that is also known as the Volunteer State, is considered to be one of the friendliest cities in America. The high rating given to Nashville was due to its locals being known for giving compliments and engaging in friendly conversations with travelers.

15. Atlanta

Overall, Atlanta has the reputation of a welcoming city and is open to travelers from diverse backgrounds and households. The city is recognized for being friendly to singles, pets, as well as the LGBTQ community.

14. Omaha

The residents of Omaha are perceived to be friendly and inviting people. They also enjoy having visitors and are known to be ready with a greeting, smile, and conversation. The citys locals have made a name for themselves for being helpful to travelers as well.

13. Cincinnati

Readers Choice Awards 2022 ranked Cincinnati in the top 10 friendliest cities. One of the reasons is that the residents of the city are considered to be the embodiment of the term Midwest-nice. Moreover, Cincinnati is well-known for giving off a homey vibe that attracts visitors.

12. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City was designated as the second friendliest city in the US by Travel+Leisure Magazine, which applauded the good nature of the locals. They are outdoorsy and adventurous and treat all visitors like they are family.

11. Boise

The locals of Boise take pride in the fact that they are welcoming and friendly toward all those who travel to the city.

Click to continue reading and see 10 Friendliest Cities in America.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure. None. 30 Friendliest Cities in America is originally published on Insider Monkey.
$50 Million: How A Small Midwestern U.S. B-School Plans To Spend A Major Windfall

Kansas Universitys School of Business is the recipient of a major anonymous gift of $50 million  largest in school history. Kansas photo

What happens when you hand 50 million dollars to a small business school at a Midwestern U.S. public university, telling them, essentially, Youre doing a great job  keep up the good work?

Were about to find out.

The University of Kansas School of Business announced September 5 that it has received the largest donation in school history, and among the three to four dozen largest gifts ever bestowed upon a B-school: a $50 million gift from an anonymous donor that the school announced will transform business education and research at the school  and which comes with, essentially, no strings attached.

This transformative gift supports the School of Business ongoing commitment to excellence in research and student success, says Paige Fields, KU School of Business dean. It will allow our school to further invest in our current mission-driven initiatives, to pursue aspirational objectives and to identify future opportunities, ensuring we continue delivering relevant, innovative business education.

GIFT WILL FUND 'KEY INITIATIVES SUPPORTING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT SUCCESS'

2023 has been a year of history-making gifts for a few U.S. B-schools. In February, New York University's Stern School of Business announced that it had received the largest gift in its history, a testamentary gift of $53.6 million from alumnus Anne Tasca, a real estate magnate, to support student scholarships at the undergraduate and MBA levels. That same month, Purdue University's newly renamed Daniels School of Business received its largest-ever gift, $50 million, from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation to rename the undergraduate business program. And in May, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business announced the receipt of $100 million to support the school's Ph.D. program.

Story continues

Kansas' $50 million gift, which the school says "will provide funds to advance key initiatives supporting undergraduate student success," comes at the culmination of a strategic planning process that began in 2017-2018. In that span, the B-school with campuses in Lawrence and Leavenworth launched certificate programs, revamped its undergrad curriculum and added flexibility to undergraduate admissions, and introduced a masters degree in business analytics. The school also enhanced research incentives for tenure-track faculty in the last six years and built out previously unfinished spaces in Capitol Federal Hall to accommodate growth in the school.

Kansas School of Business' full-time MBA program had 33 students in its fall 2023 intake. The program ranks 78th in U.S. News, up from 79th in 2022 but down from a high of 68th in 2020. Kansas' MBA ranked 88th by Poets&Quants in 2023, down from 77th in 2022. Kansas also has master's of accounting, business analytics, organizational leadership, and supply chain management, as well as an online MBA that U.S. News ranked tied for seventh overall last year, up nine spots in one year. Kansas' online MBA was unranked by P&Q in 2023.

FUNDING PRIORITIES: SCHOLARSHIPS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS & DEI

In 2012, the Capitol Federal Foundation of Topeka made a $20 million lead gift toward the construction of Capitol Federal Hall, which is the KU School of Business building on the Lawrence campus. At that time, the gift was the largest in school history.

With the massive new gift, the school announced September 5, the anonymous donor is expressing "a strong belief in the schools future and a desire to help propel its stature." Essentially, he or she is saying "Keep up the good work."

The school says that work will include providing resources for several priorities in both undergraduate and graduate programming, among them improving the quality and quantity of scholarly output by underwriting faculty professorships and fellowships. The gift will also "bolster student success priorities including the schools recently revamped entrepreneurship programs; career-focused opportunities within the schools EY Professionalism Program; and scholarship, retention and programmatic efforts among diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), study abroad and academic enrichment programs," amid record growth in student enrollment.

While a gift of this size is certainly newsworthy, its what this gift will enable that is truly worth noting, says Dan Martin, president of the KU Endowment. The impact of such a sizable gift will have a ripple effect that extends well beyond this current moment in time. We are honored and humbled by the donors choice to invest in the School of Business and look forward to sharing future success stories that will be written because of their generosity.

DON'T MISS CHICAGO BOOTH GETS SECOND-LARGEST GIFT EVER: $100 MILLION and PURDUE'S NEWLY RENAMED B-SCHOOL SECURES LARGEST DONATION IN ITS HISTORY: $50 MILLION

The post University Of Kansas School Of Business $50 Million Donation Joins 40 All-Time Largest Philanthropic Gifts To B-Schools appeared first on Poets&Quants.
SINGAPORE, September 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Venture capital firm 500 Global today announced the successful close of US$143 million1 across its largest Southeast Asian early-stage fund to date, 500 Southeast Asia III, L.P. (500 SEA III), and its growth investment vehicle for Southeast Asia. The new early-stage and growth vehicles demonstrate the teams commitment to supporting founders in Southeast Asia from pre-seed to pre-IPO.

Limited partners (LPs) across its early-stage and growth investment vehicles include a sovereign wealth fund, public and private pension funds like Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). A university endowment, family offices of prominent global investors, and portfolio companies valued at over US$1 billion from 500 Globals first Southeast Asia early-stage fund have invested as LPs as well.

500 SEA III is 500 Globals third Southeast Asia-focused early-stage fund, with each successive fund having nearly doubled in size since 2014. Originally targeted for US$75 million, 500 SEA III closed at US$100 million with over half of the fund coming from returning LPs. The early-stage fund will focus on investing in businesses and AI-enabled technologies that advance rural digitalization, sustainable cities, human and machine productivity, healthcare, food security and financial inclusivity. 500 SEA III aims to invest in 100 pre-seed to Series A startups, providing first checks between US$250,000 - US$500,000 across Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

"KWAPs investment in 500 Global began in the latters early days through its second Southeast Asia early-stage fund. 500 Global has since grown considerably in strength to a multi-stage investment platform, and remains instrumental in securing co-investment opportunities for KWAP. We are encouraged by its efforts in developing the regional venture capital ecosystem, and look forward to the successes that our ongoing collaboration will bring in optimizing KWAPs investment returns." - Hazman Hilmi Sallahuddin, Chief Investment Officer, KWAP.

Story continues

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with 500 Global, a venture capital manager with an extensive investment track record globally. Additionally, in line with Khazanahs Future Malaysia Programme, an initiative under our Dana Impak (Impact Fund) mandate, we are excited about their potential to facilitate the market expansion of start-ups via their Southeast Asia platform, with the anticipation of creating new global champions." - Dato Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director, Khazanah Nasional Berhad.

500 Globals past Southeast Asia investments have included US$5 million - US$20 million checks in Series C to D rounds of portfolio companies such as Carousell (2018), Carsome (2021), and most recently eFishery (2023), and has in the past invited their LPs to co-invest alongside them in select opportunities. The team is expanding its growth investing capabilities with the new vehicle. Most recently, 500 Global announced the appointment of the firms Partners in Southeast Asia - Saemin Ahn, Shahril Ibrahim and Martin Cu - who currently lead 500 Globals growth equity practice across the region, supporting and nurturing startups at every stage of their growth.

"We have seen our platform produce a pipeline of high-quality growth stage opportunities which we can underwrite with the added diligence of knowing the companies and founders over the years. While we developed our growth stage capability investing over the years, we have also added resources and new partners in line with our aim to support founders from pre-seed to pre-IPO." - Vishal Harnal, Managing Partner, 500 Global.

"We believe the next technology giants are being built now. History shows us that cyclical downturns are typically succeeded by periods of high growth surpassing the preceding cycles. Having been investing in Southeast Asia now for over a decade, we learned a thing or two about supporting outstanding founders and companies to ride the next 10 years, to generate highly competitive returns for our institutional investors and portfolio companies." - Khailee Ng, Managing Partner, 500 Global.

"We continue to believe in the strong potential and opportunities in Southeast Asia. With a global portfolio of over 2,800 companies across more than 80 countries, we believe that the founders in Southeast Asia will benefit from one of the few truly global venture platforms with deep local roots and in-market expertise. Were confident that with access to insights, connections, and capital, this can help the next generation of Southeast Asian founders build global tech giants." - Christine Tsai, CEO & Founding Partner, 500 Global.

Over the past decade, 500 Global has backed over 340 companies across Southeast Asia. The firm is recognized as a leading technology investor in the region, having invested early in companies valued at over US$1 billion such as Grab, Bukalapak, Carsome, Carousell, FinAccel2, and eFishery3. 500 Global has a rich history of supporting early-stage founders in Southeast Asia, bolstered by its deep in-market expertise that forms the foundation of the firms multi-stage platform.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with US$2.4 billion in assets under management as of 30 June 2023 that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 2,800 companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over US$1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over US$100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 190+ team members are located in over 25 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the worlds leading technology companies.

Disclaimers

This press release is intended solely to provide information regarding 500 Global, and for general informational or educational purposes only. No representations are made as to the accuracy or information contained in this press release, and whilst reasonable steps may be taken to ensure that the information contained in this press release is accurate and up-to-date, no liability can be accepted for any error or omissions.

Information about portfolio companies markets, competitors, performance and fundraising has been provided by those companies and has not been independently verified. All content in any third party links included in this press release have not been independently verified by 500 Global and the inclusion of such links should not be interpreted as an endorsement or confirmation of the content within. Under no circumstances should any content be construed as investment, legal, tax or accounting advice by 500 Global or any of its affiliates.

Under no circumstances should any information or content in this press release be considered as an offer to sell or solicitation of interest to purchase any securities advised by 500 Global or any of its affiliates or representatives. Under no circumstances should anything herein be construed as fund marketing materials by prospective investors considering an investment into any 500 Global investment fund. Under no circumstances should anything herein be used as the basis for any investment decision.

All logos and trademarks of third parties referenced herein are the trademarks and logos of their respective owners. Any inclusion of such trademarks or logos does not imply or constitute any approval, endorsement or sponsorship of 500 Global by such owners.

1 Per the currency rate at Bank Negara Malaysias Exchange rates (https://www.bnm.gov.my/exchange-rates) as at [22 August 2023]

2 Tech in Asia: List of Southeast Asia unicorns and their early investors

3 TechCrunch: Indonesian aquaculture startup eFishery nets $200M at unicorn valuation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905696894/en/

Contacts

Natalie Chua

Redhill Communications for 500 Global in Southeast Asia

500@redhill.asia

JT Eger

Communications at 500 Global

press@500.co
Zorica Nastasic / iStock.com

Social Security is a vitally important program to American retirees. According to the Social Security Administration, a whopping half of the population aged 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their family income, and 25% rely on it for at least 90% of their income.

Im a Financial Advisor: Heres How Often You Should Check Your Retirement Account Balance

Know: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

When combined with the fact that the average monthly retirement benefit is just $1,790.56 as of July 2023, its essential that beneficiaries stretch their checks as far as possible. Here are seven common acts that make some Social Security beneficiaries overspend when it comes to their monthly checks.

Being Too Generous With Others

Its a natural tendency among many retirees to splurge on gifts for others, particularly family members and charities. While giving in general is a good thing, if youre having trouble making ends meet, it can become a problem.

If youre only living on the average $1,790 Social Security check, for example, that doesnt leave a lot of room for charitable pursuits. If youre tight on cash but still want to help others, consider volunteering your time instead of emptying your pockets.

Eating Out Too Often

With extra free time on their hands, many retirees attempt to fill the hours by exploring things outside of their homes. Generally speaking, this is a healthy thing to do. But if youre tempted to hit all the new restaurants in town every time you go out, it could prove disastrous to your budget.

This is true for everyone, but it can be particularly damaging to retirees living on a fixed income. While you shouldnt become a recluse and avoid eating out 100% of the time, make sure that you only go out to the point that your budget can afford it.

Social Security Cuts: These States Would Be Impacted the Least

Buying a Brand-New Car

Brand-new cars are reaching nearly $50,000 on average, a price tag thats generally well above what the average retiree living off Social Security can afford. But the worst part about buying a brand-new car, even beyond the hefty price tag, is the massive depreciation they suffer in the first few years after purchase.

Story continues

On average, you can expect your new car to lose about 20% of its value in the first year alone, with the total amount of depreciation approximating 60% after just five years. If you really need a new car, buy one thats certified pre-owned instead. Youll still likely get at least some level of warranty protection, but you wont suffer nearly as much in terms of depreciation.

Paying for Too Much House

Many retirees are empty nesters, left with just one or two people in a home that used to host four or more. If youre still paying a mortgage on a giant house that you dont really need, youre wasting some of your precious Social Security money. Even worse is the idea to buy a giant house after you retire when youre a one- or two-person household.

If your mortgage is paid off, turn that giant house into an asset by either renting out one or more rooms or simply downsizing and using your equity to pad your retirement fund.

Overindulging in Conveniences

There are a lot of reasons that seniors may overindulge in conveniences. Limited mobility and lack of transportation are just two reasons why you might start relying on delivery services for food and shopping, or on streaming services to keep you entertained. However, its important to understand that all of these conveniences come at a cost.

If you have absolutely no other way to get food in your house, then you may just have to find a way to cut back your budget in other areas. But, retirees who rely on convenience just because its available are literally wasting a portion of their Social Security checks.

Gambling Junkets

Some casinos go out of their way to target older gamblers, knowing that they get monthly checks and often have a lot of free time on their hands. Many will even send complimentary transportation or offer other enticements like free lunches just to get seniors into their casinos.

If youre living on a fixed income, though, its essential to avoid these gimmicks as you could end up blowing your entire Social Security check in a single outing.

Overpriced Prescriptions

Most seniors are on at least one prescription medication, and just like any retail product, sometimes prescriptions cost more depending on where you buy them. Always check to see if your insurance will cover your prescription first, and then shop around to get the best possible price.

Choosing generics over name-brand prescriptions is a great way to save money, and your insurance company might even require it if you want to get coverage.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Ways People Are Wasting Their Social Security Checks
BANGKOK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chulalongkorn is piloting Generative AI in teaching and learning while recommending national strategies to promote AI literacy and usage to increase work efficiency, as humans must enhance their potential and competency before being replaced by AI.

Artificial Intelligence or AI is no longer far-fetched, especially when Open AI has launched ChatGPT, an Al Chatbot that can naturally interact with humans. This exhilarates many people who see the opportunity to take advantage of the technology while sending others into a panic when they consider the potential aspects of human life that AI can disrupt and threaten  as we often hear the question, "Will AI take away human jobs?" or "Is AI better than human?" "Does AI siphon data?"

No matter how we feel, the undeniable truth is that the world has entered the AI era! Is Thailand ready for it? This question marked the title of one of the two seminars recently held by Chulalongkorn University. The other one was titled "Chula's Stance in Advanced Education with Generative AI". The two seminars were aimed at pointing out to people the opportunities in utilizing AI, as well as ideas and guidelines for preparing themselves to live in the AI era.

AI Literacy  One of the 3 key human competencies of the future

Professor Emeritus Dr. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, Acting Director of the School of Integrated Innovation (SCII), Chulalongkorn University, expressed his views at the seminar "Arrival of AI Era: Is Thailand ready?" that "AI is here to stay. If we do not develop people to have the knowledge and understanding of AI, we will not keep pace with the world  particularly, in the future, when AI plays an increasing role in industries and the development of devices. AI will be able to create an enormous body of work without manual labor which may cost people their jobs."

Story continues

Many countries in Asia, such as China, South Korea, Singapore and Japan, have already been prepared for this, while in Thailand, according to Prof. Emer. Dr. Worsak, "It is time for all sectors of Thai society to turn their attention to finding 'Thailand's place in the world of the future' to face the storms of change in the AI world."

"AI Literacy will be one of the three fundamental competencies that young people need to learn besides language and computational competencies."

Prof. Emer. Dr. Worsak also stated that today, it is an important juncture and a challenging task for Chulalongkorn to develop a curriculum to provide the Thai population with Al Literacy, as well as to cultivate the ecosystem of AI technology education and research.

AI: Human Replacement or Empowerment?

Today, we have seen that AI has a wide range of abilities that rivals or surpasses humans in many areas, especially those that require high accuracy. Moreover, AI can constantly improve its intelligence level  thereby leading to a question about career security and human existence.

Frequently asked questions in discussion and training on AI-related issues include "Will AI take all our jobs?" or "Would people still be useful if a technology like AI could take over multiple roles?" or "What would humans do?"

Associate Professor Dr. Wirote Aroonmanakun, Director of the Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute, Chulalongkorn University, invites us to look at AI in a positive light as a tool to enhance human potential.

"The use of Generative AI and ChatGPT has simplified much of our work, like having an assistant to help us get things that we used to do ourselves faster and better."

So, what are humans going to do?

"We may have to expand our own area of responsibility to include other new, and more challenging responsibilities. We won't be able to work in the way we work our full-time and daily jobs but must look at work as a learning opportunity. This forces everybody to constantly develop themselves to keep abreast with the changes in technology."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote cited examples of those who work in general administration that may use to be focused on documentation and information generation but should now start to look more towards data analysis. One should also start to understand the data and use AI to analyze the basic data for presentation to the management, to keep their role and relevance in the organization.

In line with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote who saw the coming of AI as an opportunity to accelerate human efforts to develop their potential, Assistant Professor Suphawat Hiranthanawiwat of the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, also once wrote in an article, "AI Drawing: A Trend in Art Creation. Will it Replace or Complement Human Skills and Imagination?"

"Technology is a tool for self-improvement. It builds developers' careers and benefits people starting new professions. So, no matter what change technology brings, life still belongs to humans. Let us enjoy technology that brings change to life."

Chula blazes the trail for education with Generative AI.

At the 19th "Chula the Impact" seminar on "Chula's Stance in Advancing Education with Generation AI", Associate Professor Dr. Proadpran Punyabukkana, Director of the Chula Learning Innovation Center, presented Chula's progress in pioneering the introduction of generative AI innovations into the teaching process to prepare faculty and students for the changes.

"Generative AI is an advanced AI technology for content creation, image generation, and coding, that makes human tasks easier. It is a tool that increases opportunities in business, education, and work processes in many professions, such as art," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Proadpran. She also cited the example of the use of ChatGPT in the development of teaching platforms, such as the Chula Lunch Talk which is a knowledge-sharing platform for faculty members and experts to share their knowledge and suggestions on using AI technology in teaching and learning.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Proadpran discussed Chula's guidelines for the use of AI to supervise and ensure the ethical use of technology, and for the benefit of teaching and learning in three main categories as follows:

1. Instruction and Evaluation

Instructors should understand the capabilities and limitations of the selected AI tool and design the instructional and evaluation processes appropriate to that tool.

Instructors should specify the scope, guidelines, and rationale of the curriculum for the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, and Google Bard.

If a course allows students to use AI tools, the instructor should adjust the course evaluation method accordingly. The evaluation should not be based mainly on the work that students can use AI tools to answer.

2. Use of AI Tools

AI is simply a tool. Users are responsible for the accuracy of the information and the resulting pieces of work.

If AI tools are used in any work, the reference and scope of the use should be specified. Concealment, and failure to mention AI usage constitute a violation of ethical principles and may be subject to disciplinary actions under relevant regulations or regulations.

3. Confidentiality and Personal Data

Input of confidential information of any agencies or personal information into AI systems without the consent of the parties involved is prohibited.

The future has come faster than we expected. How the world will change in the AI era is challenging, unpredictable, and interesting. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirote gave his parting thoughts, "In the future, whether or not AI will replace humans, we are created to constantly learn and adapt. Therefore, those who do not accept change, do not recognize it, and do not understand the use of AI will be the first people who will be affected."

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/130512/

About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University sets the standard as a university of innovations for society and is listed in the World's Top 100 Universities for Academic Reputation, in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2021.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Miss Thanita Wangvanichapan at (+66) 2218 3280 or email thanita.w@chula.ac.th

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-ai-era-is-here-is-thailand-ready-for-it-chula-is-all-set-for-change-and-introduces-generative-ai-301917485.html

SOURCE Chulalongkorn University
Humans still do the heavy lifting, like medical research, but artificial intelligence is starting to help out in healthcare, too: One insurance company is automating administrative customer-service tasks, while New Mexico is using AI-driven tech to help enroll eligible newborns into Medicaid. Cravetiger/Getty.

AI can help insurers navigate patient records much faster, one automation company said.

In New Mexico, AI helped parents access newborns' coverage within minutes, an official said.

Healthcare companies can use AI-led automation to speed up the work of customer-service agents.

This story is part of "How Emerging Tech is Changing Everything," a series exploring the transformative impact of tech innovations across industries.

It's standard practice for US patients to call their insurer when their doctor has prescribed them a new medication or test or procedure. They'd need to know  would their insurance cover it? Getting that answer can take days, but it's one of the data-heavy processes that some healthcare institutions are now looking to speed up with artificial intelligence.

At the insurance company Humana, customer-service agents have been using an AI-driven tool called Automation Co-Pilot, by the tech platform Automation Anywhere, to help with those kinds of questions, said Yan Chow, the global healthcare leader at Automation Anywhere, who had also worked for decades as a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente.

The agents interact with the technology through a dashboard with buttons, which they can push to retrieve insurance and other information of the customer they're speaking with, according to Chow.

Healthcare firms are using AI to automate tedious administrative tasks

Customer representatives at insurance firms usually check databases for information like how the patient is insured and whether they would need to undergo any additional tests before the insurer can approve covering a procedure, Chow said.

The Automation Co-Pilot tool can help agents figure out, often within minutes, whether a given procedure is covered for a patient, he said.

"The beauty of having automation do that is because there's not very much human decision-making," Chow said. "It's just fetching information."

Story continues

"Otherwise, the customer probably will get an answer like, 'We'll call you back, we'll give you an answer within three days,'" he added. "And that's not something people like to hear."

In a case study issued in February, Humana also estimated that automating some of its administrative processes helped reduce 684,000 hours a year in time workers spent dealing with documents.

Humana also said it promoted the automation process within the company as a digital worker called "Allie," which Forbes previously reported. Humana didn't comment for this story.

Health institutions proceed with caution amid concerns about accuracy and privacy

Still, generative AI in particular carries significant risks, as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has often described. Its output can be biased if it's trained on incomplete data. It's prone to making up information, known as "hallucinations." Given the safety and privacy considerations in medicine, AI is being implemented cautiously and more for lower-risk functions like pulling up and synthesizing certain types of data quickly, Chow said.

"Many healthcare organizations are trying to figure out where can AI be used along this spectrum  where is it safe, where does it need to be vetted, where does it need to be tested for a while," he said.

Meanwhile, government-administered health insurance has also met its own AI intervention.

In recent years, the New Mexico Human Services Department automated the process of enrolling eligible newborns for Medicaid coverage, which the agency previously told Insider takes about 10 minutes instead of the month or so it once did.

The agency calls the process "baby bot," an effort driven by technology from IBM and SS&C Blue Prism, and used at several hospital organizations in the state and nearby areas.

The success of such tools has led the agency to use AI-driven automation for other administrative functions, like indexing returned mail sent to residents, according to Shanita Harrison, the customer-innovation director for the New Mexico Human Services Department.

That development has helped the agency quickly send information to residents about renewing their Medicare coverage this year, after a measure that Congress passed to preserve coverage earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic expired in March.

Harrison said using tech to speed up indexing returned mail had helped the agency handle a process called "unwinding," in which it reviews whether residents previously enrolled in Medicaid are still eligible. (The pandemic-relief measure that Congress passed in March 2020 had directed states to maintain uninterrupted Medicaid coverage for a period of time.)

"That is really helping us with the public-health unwinding," Harrison said.

Doctors and patients may get more valuable facetime with AI taking some of the paperwork

The industry seems poised for a broader transformation, as new AI tools emerge to also cater to individual healthcare professionals.

Doctors, for instance, are using AI tools to help them document discussions with patients and simplify some of the paperwork they typically need to do when patients see them, The New York Times reported.

Amazon Web Services, which is developing AI offerings, just rolled out a feature called AWS HealthScribe, meant to help medical employees document their interactions with patients, according to the company.

"I hope that AI will make healthcare more accessible to the consumer and make healthcare itself more sustainable for professionals," Chow of Automation Anywhere said. "I'm looking forward to machines serving us, as opposed to us serving machines."

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEW YORK  Not only is he an accused serial killer, Rex Heuermann is also a deadbeat boss, according to the state Department of Labor.

It filed suit Tuesday to recover nearly $70,000 in back wages, penalties and interest for stiffing a former executive assistant.

Heuermann and his Midtown architectural firm, RH Consultants & Associates, stole $20,908 in wages from their employee, Donna Sturman, according to the lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.

He paid Sturman a wage below the states minimum requirement from February 2017 to March 2018. The $20,908.10 in stolen wages include $9,454.56 in vacation pay Sturman was owed, court records show.

She could not immediately be reached for comment.

On top of the stolen wages, the accused murderer owes $33,362 in civil penalties, $20,908 in liquidated damages and $9,767 in interest.

An order filed by the state Department of Labor in January 2021 stated Heuermann had to pay the full amount of $84,946 owed within 10 days or appeal within 60 days. He and his firm entered a settlement agreement after filing a petition in February of that year, but they failed to stick with a payment plan that was agreed upon, prompting the suit.

Heuermann managed to shell out $16,385 before getting locked up, but he still owes a balance of $68,561.

Both Danielle Coysh, one of Heuermanns attorneys, and a spokesperson for the Department of Labor declined to comment on the suit.

Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, was arrested near his firms office on July 13 and charged with the killings of three sex workers whose remains were found in Gilgo Beach in 2010  Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. Hes denied the charges.

He has also been named a suspect but has not been charged in the death of a fourth Gilgo Beach victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. He is awaiting trial at the Suffolk County jail and is set to return to court on Sept. 27.

______
Dima Sidelnikov / Shutterstock.com

Summer might be almost over, but autumn and winter are just as worthy for vacationing  and may still be warm and sunny somewhere else! What you dont want to do is splurge on last-minute or ill-planned travel. However, with careful planning and smart booking strategies, you can fit in quality travel experiences without hurting your bank account.

Find Out: 4 Ways To Use ChatGPT To Find the Cheapest Airline Tickets

More: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases

GOBankingRates spoke to Giovanni Hashimoto, a digital nomad who spends most of his time traveling. He also runs the website TravelSpill.com and has useful insight and experience in getting the most out of your travel budget. Here are five of Hashimotos best suggestions.

Set Up Fare Alerts and Keep Your Travel Dates Flexible

Set up fare alerts on travel booking websites and be flexible with your travel dates, Hashimoto said. Fare alerts enable you to get notifications when prices drop on your desired travel dates. To get the best deals, though, dont be afraid to change your plans.

According to Hashimoto, Being open to travelling a day earlier or later can unlock significant savings, and waiting just a day or two to travel mid-week instead of leaving during the weekend sometimes saves me hundreds!

Learn: Dont Buy Airline Tickets on This Day of the Week

Use Alternative Flight Options

Using alternative flight options not only helps you save a few dollars, it also widens your travel experience. A good example is picking a flight that has a layover.

For some, this can be an inconvenience, but if you pick a layover thats long enough you can turn it into an advantage and get out and explore a city you otherwise wouldnt have gone to, Hashimoto said. I have gotten lots of great one-day visits out of this in the past while saving money. Just be cautious of checked luggage, as it may end up at the final destination.

Other alternative flight options that can help you save include:

Story continues

Multi-city flights: These flights allow you to book multiple destinations on one ticket, which can be cheaper than booking separate flights.

Stopover flights: These flights allow you to stop for a few days in a city between your origin and destination, which can be a great way to see more of the world.

Low-cost carriers: These airlines offer lower fares than traditional airlines, but they may have fewer amenities or charge extra for things like checked bags or seat assignments.

Budget airlines: These airlines offer even lower fares than low-cost carriers, but they may have even fewer amenities or extra charges.

Consider Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards

Join airline and hotel loyalty programs and consider credit cards that offer travel rewards, Hashimoto recommended. By signing up for these programs, youll earn points or miles that can be redeemed for rewards such as free flights, hotel stays and upgrades. You can also get access to special perks, such as priority boarding and early check-in.

However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any loyalty program or credit card. Some have blackout dates or other restrictions on when you can use your rewards; and others charge steep annual fees that may not be worth it if you dont travel often.

Research on Local Blogs and Forums

Travel blogs and forums are a great way to connect with other travelers and get tips on where to go, what to see and how to get around.

Research your destination on local blogs and forums to discover hidden gems, affordable eateries and budget-friendly activities that may not be in guidebooks, Hashimoto said. For some of the more uncommon destinations I have gone to (such as Algeria), this method has helped me find local guides and car leases for very good prices, as well as meet people who are extremely passionate and enthusiastic about showing me around their country.

Choose Off-Peak and Shoulder Seasons for Your Trips

Many people book their vacations during the holidays, but if you want to save money while still having a great time, you should reconsider the timing of your trip.

Plan your trips during off-peak or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and score better deals on accommodations and activities. This is perhaps a no-brainer, but if you have the liberty to plan your holidays outside of peak season, it can be a great way to save money, Hashimoto said. Youll also be able to avoid the tourist tsunami that some popular tourist destinations see during the peak season, and avoid unbearable heat waves.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Always Do These 5 Things To Book the Cheapest Vacation Possible
(Reuters) - Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil is looking to increase the percentage of its debt held in pesos, Chief Financial Officer Carlos Garcia Moreno said on Wednesday.

Speaking at an event with Mexican stock exchange BIVA in New York, Garcia Moreno said the company was looking to prioritize peso-denominated bonds over any other currency.

The company announced earlier this year the launch of a 130-billion peso ($7.43 billion) debt program over the next five years. The global peso-denominated notes will be issued simultaneously in Mexico and the U.S., Garcia Moreno said.

"We're looking basically at the five- to 10-year spectrum," the executive said of the planned maturities for the bonds, adding that notes with maturities of more than five years would be sustainable bonds.

The global notes now have eight underwriters which will also act as market-makers, Garcia Moreno said. An accompanying presentation showed BBVA, HSBC, Inbursa, Santander, Citi, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley as participating.

"We want the bonds to reach a minimum of 20 (billion) to 25 billion pesos (each)," Garcia Moreno said.

He added the firm expects up to three bond issues, including re-openings, per year through the program.

($1 = 17.5043 Mexican pesos)

(Reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Valentine Hilaire and Andrea Ricci)
U.S. Mission Spotlights Crisis of Ukraine's '50,000 Social Orphans'

Abandoned children scavenge for food in cockroach-infested homes, while their parents binge on alcohol





SLAVIC GOSPEL ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS EFFORT TO AID UKRAINE'S '50,000 SOCIAL ORPHANS:' As many as 50,000 "social orphans" in Ukraine, children who've been abandoned or severely neglected by their parents, desperately need to know someone cares. Illinois-based Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) is responding to the escalating crisis.



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

Sept. 6, 2023



LOVES PARK, Ill., Sept. 6, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- The war in Ukraine has caused a dramatic surge in the number of "social orphans," according to a U.S.-based organization responding to an escalating crisis of child abandonment.



Ukrainian church leaders estimate there are as many as 50,000 "hidden" social orphans, children barely surviving under the radar who've been abandoned or severely neglected by their parents due to the ravages of war and fueled by addictions.



"There's a massive crisis of kids who've been either abandoned to live on their own or live with parents who are almost constantly drunk or abusive," said Eric Mock, senior vice president at Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org). SGA partners with more than 800 evangelical churches across Ukraine to deliver aid and "share the hope of the Gospel."



Uncovering Crisis of Neglect

Local church workers uncovered the extent of the crisis as they went door-to-door delivering emergency food packages and sharing the Gospel with families living on the frontline. Often, they find parents who've passed out after a drunken binge while their hungry children sit in squalor.



It's estimated approximately 30% of neglected or abandoned children in Ukraine are "true orphans" without a living parent, most of them in government-run orphanages. The other 70% have at least one parent who's alive but they have to essentially fend for themselves.



"We're seeing fathers being killed in the war and young widowed mothers sinking into despair," Mock said. "They're hearing missiles rain down every night and that generates tremendous fear and anxiety. They can't find a job because most businesses have been wiped out, so they turn to alcohol to blot out their pain and check out of life."



As a result, abandoned children as young as two or three years old scavenge for food in appalling conditions.



Crawling with Cockroaches

"I visited a house, an absolute mess, and a small child walked in behind me," Mock said. "The kitchen countertop was covered with cockroaches. The child just wiped all the roaches on the floor, filled a glass with dirty water and took a drink. The pastor accompanying me said, 'The father is drunk and the mother is never around. For them, this is just life.'"



At another home, a little boy was dirty and neglected, while his parents were "oblivious and clearly drunk," Mock said. "Local church workers go back to visit these homes day after day, sometimes taking the children back to their own homes to clean them up and feed them."



Mock has visited numerous orphanages across Ukraine and Russia, but says he's never seen anything like these conditions.



"In the orphanages, the children are fed and taken care of. They're considered the 'lucky ones,'" he said. "But thousands of social orphans have nothing, and no family who cares for them. They can't be adopted because they still have at least one parent who's alive and hasn't given up their parental rights. That's why the local churches play such a vital role."



Feeling 'Wanted' for First Time

SGA's emergency food deliveries and Orphans Reborn outreach support local church efforts to show orphans and abandoned children that "they're loved by God and loved by the church family."



"For many of them, it's the first time in their lives they've ever felt wanted or loved, and the first time they've heard the Gospel," SGA president Michael Johnson said.



Since the war began, SGA and its local church partners have provided food packages to approximately 300,000 families in Ukraine, enough for roughly 16 million meals, and local church workers have shared the Gospel with an estimated 500,000 people.



Founded in 1934, Slavic Gospel Association (SGA, www.sga.org) helps "forgotten" orphans, widows and families in Ukraine, Russia, the former Soviet countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Russian-speaking immigrants in Israel  caring for their physical needs and sharing the life-transforming Gospel. SGA supports an extensive grassroots network of local evangelical missionary pastors and churches in cities and rural villages across this vast region.



SOURCE Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)



CONTACT: Nicole Ponder, 321-586-2332, nponder@inchristcommunications.com


Barack Obama; Joe Biden Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images

It's that time in the presidential campaign cycle again when Democrats feel the need to express their discontent with their choices and political journalists, in turn, declare that the party is in a panic. It's a tradition  and it's always most dramatic when an incumbent Democrat is facing re-election.

I'm reminded of Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, who wrote in September of 1995, "There is little unity among Democrats or on the center-left on the desirability of reelecting President Clinton." He was right. At the time there were pitched battles going on among the centrists and the progressives which made the prospect of solidarity in the party a distant dream. The huge Republican win in the midterm election of 1994 as well as the non-stop scandal-mongering and investigations by the congressional Republicans had Democrats everywhere wondering how Clinton could possibly win re-election. The only thing that seemed to unite the party at the time was a mutual loathing of Newt Gingrich. 14 months later, Clinton won a decisive victory.

Similarly, at the same point in the 2012 election, there were rumblings from certain quarters that it might be wise to run a primary challenge against President Barack Obama after his approval numbers fell to the 30s in some polls. It had been a very rough three years trying to recover from the financial crisis, not to mention the rise of the Tea Party and a political massacre in the 2010 midterms. The New York Times reported in September of 2011, "Democrats Fret Aloud Over Obama's Chances":

[I]n a campaign cycle in which Democrats had entertained hopes of reversing losses from last year's midterm elections, some in the party fear that Mr. Obama's troubles could reverberate down the ballot into Congressional, state and local races. "In my district, the enthusiasm for him has mostly evaporated," said Representative Peter A. DeFazio, Democrat of Oregon. "There is tremendous discontent with his direction."

Story continues

The media was full of stories of unhappy centrists, moderates and progressives alike, all of whom were sure that Obama was in trouble. 14 months later, Obama beat Mitt Romney in a romp.

We need your help to stay independent

Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism

It happens in midterm elections too.

Just two years ago there were endless stories about Democratic hand-wringing in advance of the 2022 midterms, mostly due to the off-year win by Glenn Youngkin in the Virginia gubernatorial race that supposedly portended a red wave like no other. In December of 2021, Thomas Edsall of the New York Times wrote a story headlined, "Democrats Shouldn't Panic. They Should Go Into Shock."

The rise of inflation, supply chain shortages, a surge in illegal border crossings, the persistence of Covid, mayhem in Afghanistan and the uproar over "critical race theory"  all of these developments, individually and collectively, have taken their toll on President Biden and Democratic candidates, so much so that Democrats are now the underdogs going into 2022 and possibly 2024.

I'm sure you will recall just how apoplectic everyone was all the way up until election day. And I'm sure you'll also recall that that red tsunami turned out to be a tiny pink trickle.

Maybe we should call this the "Democratic panic syndrome" or simply chalk it up to a healthy regard for the vicissitudes of electoral politics. After all, the party in power often loses big in the midterms and after the horror of 2016, it's surprising that Democrats allow themselves to feel any hope at all in presidential races. (That was the one time Democrats failed to anticipate the worst  and the worst happened.)

Related

Barack Obama's pollsters see "big red flags" for Donald Trump's re-election campaign

Over the Labor Day weekend, the Wall St. Journal released a poll that showed Donald Trump leading the GOP primary at 59% with his closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, at 13%. There's nothing shocking there, Trump's leading by a huge margin in all of them, and that poll was conducted by none other than Trump's personal pollster, Tony Fabrizio, (along with a partner) so one would expect no less. But what got every Democratic pundit gasping and every talking head salivating was the finding that 73% of Americans believe 80-year-old Joe Biden is too old to be president while only 47% of voters believe the sprightly 77-year-old Donald Trump is similarly unqualified by his age.

The assumption, of course, is that this means Biden is going to lose and Donald Trump will assume the presidency and wreak his revenge on his enemies with relish, which would make anyone panic. (Did I mention this poll was conducted by Trump's personal pollster?) But it's important to consider the reality of what is going to be a very bizarre election. Yes, I think we can all agree that Biden is old. Trump is arguably in worse physical shape than Biden is but he dyes his hair and wears a lot of makeup so he hides the fact that he is also an old man. But like Biden, regardless of the perception that he's not, he looks perceptibly older these days.

Trump with the leader of Bikers for Trump yesterday. pic.twitter.com/yV79X0Hjaq  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 5, 2023

In a perfect world, we would not have a presidential election between two men who were born in the WWII era. It's 2023 and it's past time to pass the torch. But we are where we are and there are strong reasons to take a breath and realize that Joe Biden is going into this campaign with some serious advantages that would be stupid to toss aside.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

First of all, the power of incumbency cannot be underrated. In the past 11 presidential elections with incumbent candidates, only 4 were unseated. Both the Clinton and Obama re-elections that everyone was so worried about were helped immensely by the fact that there was no primary and they already had fundraising bases and successful campaign experience.

It takes a while for people to catch up to economic good news and Biden has a good story to tell on that front. Reagan, for instance, was underwater in approval in August of 1983 before "Morning in America" and his 1984 landslide re-election. (I'm not suggesting that will happen with Biden  it's a different world today  it's just another illustration of how quickly things can improve.)

And there are some other issues in Biden's favor that are extremely salient at this time such as abortion rights and the attack on democracy, which adds up to a powerful critique of Trump and the authoritarian assault by the Republican party. (Government shutdowns and idiotic impeachments will only help illuminate their extremism) After all, Biden is facing a man who is going to be on trial during most of the campaign next year and could be running as a convicted felon. Yes, his followers will stick with him through it all but the idea that Biden's age will trump Trump's criminal status is to suggest that otherwise normal people will prefer an old man who is also a criminal to an old man who has done a good job as president. It's possible but I'm not convinced it's likely.

It's in the Democratic DNA to be nervous nellies. And maybe that's a good thing. It means they won't be complacent and will work hard to win the election. For the most part it's paid off in presidential politics for the past 30 years. But it's 14 months before the election. Nobody should be losing any sleep just yet.

Read more

about our current moment in historical context
The global leader in empowering makers and students with accessible technology capitalizes on its ability to attract enterprise customers with its radically innovative industrial-grade PRO line.

New investments bring the total Series B funding amount to $54 million.

CDP Venture Capital, Italys largest VC firm, and previous investor Anzu Partners co-led, with Arm following up on their earlier investments.

LUGANO, Switzerland, September 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arduino, the open-source hardware pioneer today announced the closing of an additional $22 million in funding for a total of $54 million in Series B financing. The expansion was co-led by CDP Venture Capital, Italys largest VC firm, and Anzu Partners. CDP Venture Capital invested through Large Ventures, its growth stage vehicle launched in 2023 to support the scaling up of Italian global category leaders, which kicks off its portfolio with this transaction. Joining them is semiconductor leader Arm.

The latest capital supplements the $32 million Series B financing - which was led by Robert Bosch Venture Capital (Bosch Ventures) and included Renesas Electronics - underscoring the company's ongoing expansion and its pivotal role in democratizing electronics as a platform. Arduino is at the forefront of empowering a diverse community of citizen technologists. Leveraging a low-code/no-code approach, they provide innovative solutions in electronics, edge computing, and hardware. With their focus on AI and machine learning, Arduino seamlessly caters to hobbyists, students, and leading enterprises alike.

The additional funding allows Arduino to grow even more in the U.S., where it recently opened an office in Austin (Texas) and established a presence in Chicago (Illinois), while staying true to its European roots, with more than 130 people in Torino, Italy - half of which working on advanced R&D - and more than 30 people in Malmo, Sweden. A major chunk of the $22 million will be invested to further strengthen the R&D team based in Torino, with the goal to grow enterprise application libraries and the Arduino Cloud for Business with more integrations and Embedded AI features. Arduino will also use the funds to accelerate its go-to-market initiatives and customer support in selected high-potential geographies.

Story continues

"This investment will allow us to further fuel our transformational platform initiative for professional customers, lowering the barriers to entry in IoT and AI by providing a continuum from HW to Cloud. We strongly believe that a top-notch R&D team and impeccable Go-to-Market are the only recipe for success for our demanding customers," said Fabio Violante, Arduinos CEO. "We greatly appreciate the support of CDP Venture Capital  as the first investor from our home country of Italy and one of the leading European ones  as well as the continued confidence from our previous investors."

"Arduino came a long way from its humble beginning, becoming a powerful industrial tool used by cutting-edge organizations all over the world," said Massimo Banzi, Arduinos co-founder, chairman and CMO. "I'm honored by this investment which is a further confirmation that our original formula keeps applying to new domains.''

The company has managed to chart a unique and successful course thanks to its unique global ecosystem, its growing presence in the enterprise and IoT markets and by adopting a platform-centric approach while strategically positioning itself as a focal point amid talent shortages, especially for technical proficiencies.

Arduino has been a ubiquitous name across electronics in the last decade, with more than 680,000 professional engineers identifying Arduino as one of their core skills on LinkedIn. The renewed emphasis on domestic manufacturing investments in many countries, including the United States, further bolsters this strategic alignment for tech-oriented jobs.

The companys momentum remains strong. Earlier this year, Arduino successfully launched the next generation of the famous maker flagship UNO R4 board, with an Arm-based 32-bit Renesas microcontroller for new levels of performance and capacity. In the EDU market, schools worldwide integrated Arduino solutions in combination with Arduino Cloud for Education in their curricula to facilitate understanding the impact of real-world problems, such as climate change. In the enterprise market, sales for Arduino PRO products have doubled each year since their introduction in 2020, also thanks to the recent launch of disruptive new products like the OPTA microPLC.

Investor Perspectives on $22 Million in Additional Funding

"As CDP Venture Capital we are proud to support the dimensional leap of Arduino, a unique global excellence in the democratization of open-source hardware and software," said Mario Branciforti, Head of CDP Venture Capital SGR's Large Ventures fund. "Arduino has built over time a vibrant community of students, engineers and makers accompanying their professional and business paths until entering industries and finding application in manufacturing. It's been a great success story for Italy, proving our innovation and design leadership on an international scale. We are happy that Arduino kicks off Large Ventures' portfolio, the first of many transactions that will aim to boost the growth of leading Italian tech companies, disrupting markets worldwide and making long-lasting impact."

"The enterprise ecosystem is on the cusp of a seismic transformation, driven by the convergence of efficient AI and IoT at the edge. Arduino stands at the heart of this revolution, and their commitment to innovation promises to redefine the industry norms," said Jimmy Kan, Partner, Anzu Partners. "Our decision to back Arduino's vision was an intuitive one that resonates deeply with Anzu's mission to foster innovation at the crossroads of diverse tech sectors."

"For IoT to continue to scale and deliver increasing AI capability at the edge, developers need access to platforms that enable them to innovate quickly and easily," said Paul Williamson, senior vice president and general manager, IoT Line of Business at Arm. "Arduino supports an extensive community of developers who play a crucial role in accelerating the deployment of new computing solutions for IoT applications, and we look forward to continuing to partner with them in growing and scaling this vibrant ecosystem."

Both Branciforti and Kan will join Arduinos board of directors.

About Arduino

Arduino is the global leader in open-source hardware and software, designed from inception to provide an accessible platform and ecosystem for creativity and innovation. With over 30 million developers worldwide, Arduinos solutions offer a powerful answer to the talent shortage in engineering and break free from vendor lock-in with a robust line of open-source products enabling IoT, automation, Industry 4.0 and machine learning at the edge. Hundreds of thousands of engineers, designers, students and makers around the world are using Arduino to innovate in product development, education, industrial automation, smart homes, farming, fashion, music, autonomous vehicles and more. Follow Arduino at https://www.arduino.cc/ or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About CDP Venture Capital

CDP Venture Capital is an asset management company (70% owned by CDP Equity and 30% owned by Invitalia) with over 3 billion euro of assets under management. It aims to make venture capital a strategic pillar to Italys economic development and innovation, creating the conditions for a comprehensive and sustainable growth of the venture capital ecosystem. It operates through a series of funds that aim to support start-ups in all their life cycle stages, making both direct and indirect investments. For more information on CDP Venture Capital, see: www.cdpventurecapital.it

About Anzu Partners

Anzu Partners is an investment firm that focuses on industrial and life science technology companies with the potential to transform their industries. Anzu works with entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize technological innovations by providing capital alongside deep expertise in business development, market positioning, global connectivity and operations. For more information, please visit https://anzupartners.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906626622/en/

Contacts

Treble

Matt Grant

arduino@treblepr.com
(Bloomberg) -- Arm Holdings Ltd.s initial public offering is already falling short of lofty expectations, despite riding the AI wave and listing amid the tech giants in New York.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Cambridge-based company, which snubbed the London Stock Exchange earlier this year, is aiming for a market value of close to $55 billion, based on calculations from filings released on Tuesday. Thats well below initial reports of a target of up to $70 billion.

Its a lot more challenging for Arm to capitalize on the current trend for AI than a company like Nvidia, said Albie Amankona, analyst at Third Bridge. Thats because a big chunk of Arms revenues are derived from mobile, while the AI market is centered around cloud-based operations, he said.

The lowered value is a letdown to Softbanks Masayoshi Son, who sought to flourish in the era of artificial intelligence computing that has helped Nvidia Corp. scale a $1.2 trillion market capitalization after the stocks 231% jump this year. Arm is also facing risks from an economic slowdown in China, which accounted for a quarter of its sales in the year ended March.

The company could still raise more or less money depending on investor demand on its roadshow. After the IPO, SoftBank will still control about 90% of Arms shares.

However, choosing New York for its IPO over London  where it used to trade before Softbanks takeover in 2016  was not a surprise. The UKs troubled equity market has failed to attract any significant tech listings since Wise Plc and Deliveroo Plc in 2021, and both stocks have struggled since their market debut.

UK tech is such a small part of global tech industry that they had little choice than going to the US, said Neil Campling, a founding partner at hedge fund Chameleon Global Cap. However, the move did little to help on the valuation front, he said.

Story continues

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Australia's Senate Rejects Crypto Regulation Bill, Calls for Further Consultations

Australian Senate Rejects Bill To Regulate Cryptocurrencies

Australia's Senate Economics Legislation Committee has rejected the "Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023," which was introduced by opposition senator Andrew Bragg.

Instead, the committee has recommended that the government engage in further consultations with the industry to develop more suitable digital asset regulations for the country.

The rejection of the bill, which comes from the Labor government, has drawn criticism from Senator Bragg, who represents New South Wales. He expressed frustration, accusing the government of delaying cryptocurrency regulation.

The committee's report highlighted several issues with the bill, citing a lack of detail and certainty. It also pointed out that the proposed legislation was not in line with international standards, raising concerns about regulatory arbitrage and negative impacts on the industry.

In February, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced a consultation paper on token mapping through the Treasury, with plans to follow up with another paper outlining a licensing and custody framework for crypto asset service providers by mid-2023. However, this second paper has yet to materialize.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is exploring the use cases of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in a pilot program. The RBA has stated that an electronic Australian dollar (eAUD) is still years away.
Las Vegas, Nevada and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM) (OTCQB: BMMJ) (the "Company" or "BaM"), a multi-state operations-focused cannabis company, is pleased to provide a corporate update, including the planned divestment of its Ohio processing operation and license, the commencement of construction at the Body and Mind branded dispensary in Lynnwood, Illinois, and the finalization of its building plans for its New Jersey dispensary.

"We are encouraged by last week's announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which called for cannabis to be reclassified to Schedule III and look forward to the next steps within the rescheduling process," stated Michael Mills, CEO of Body and Mind. "We are laser focused on advancing our operations and licenses in Illinois and New Jersey; in addition to the recently announced divestment of our Ohio dispensary (see July 24, 2023 press release), we have now executed definitive agreements to divest our Ohio processing operation and license. Funds from both asset sales are earmarked to reduce debt and create more balance sheet flexibility to support the development of our Illinois and New Jersey market opportunities."

Ohio Processor Divestment

The Company is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, DEP Nevada, Inc. ("DEP"), has entered into a membership interest purchase agreement with LMTB, LLC (the "Purchaser"), whereby DEP agrees to sell all of the issued and outstanding interests (the "Interests") in NMG OH P1, LLC ("NMG OH P1"), which owns and operates the Body and Mind Ohio processor, to the Purchaser.

The total consideration for the transaction is US$2 million including US$1 million cash placed in escrow within three days of execution of the definitive agreement and US$ 1 million cash at closing. The purchase price is subject to adjustments based on estimated closing indebtedness, estimated transaction expenses, estimated closing cash, and a working capital adjustment. Closing shall occur on the later of: (i) the first calendar day of the month following the satisfaction or waiver, if applicable, of all closing conditions, including the receipt of all approvals for the transfer of the license by the State of Ohio Department of Commerce, or such earlier time as the parties agree; or (ii) seven days following the satisfaction or waiver, if applicable, of all closing conditions.

Story continues

Lynnwood, Illinois Dispensary

Construction has commenced at the Lynnwood dispensary site with building permits approved, foundations complete and groundworks ongoing. The dispensary will be a 3,400 square foot Body and Mind branded store and is conveniently located on highway 83, less than 2 miles off both Highway 294 and Highway 30 in Eastern Illinois.

"We have been working closely with the Lynnwood administration to advance development of our second Body and Mind dispensary in the greater Chicago region ever since final award of our provisional license," stated Trip Hoffman, COO of Body and Mind. "I'd like to thank our landlord, development team and Lynnwood administration for advancing approvals and permits for construction. We are excited about this location and look forward to bringing our retail experience to more customers in the underserved greater Chicago area."

New Jersey Dispensary

The Company has completed final building plans to renovate an existing 4,100 square foot building in the Lawrenceville township area north of Trenton, New Jersey. The Company has received local authorization for the dispensary and state approval is in process.

"Currently, New Jersey (population estimate of 9.2 million) is home to only 37 recreational dispensaries and according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, recreational marijuana has generated about $306 million in sales - and $18.8 million in sales tax revenue - in the first two quarters of 2023 combined. We have been following the New Jersey market closely and feel New Jersey will be a key long-term strategic market for Body and Mind," stated Michael Mills. "We are looking forward to bringing our development and retail experience to the project and opening the Lawrenceville dispensary as soon as possible."

About Body and Mind Inc.

BaM is an operations-focused cannabis company with active retail operations in Ohio, Arkansas, Illinois and California, pending retail operations in Illinois and New Jersey, and craft cultivation and/or processing operations in Nevada, Ohio and Arkansas. We work daily to increase our market share through delighting customers while also continuing to hone our operational efficiencies to drive profits. We are primarily guided by the metric of return on investment. Currently, we believe the most significant return on investment projects in front of us are successful retail cannabis store launches in Illinois and New Jersey, which augment our existing retail footprint. We also believe that our team's core operational skillsets will create significant future shareholder value as the cannabis industry matures.

Please visit www.bodyandmind.com for more information.

Instagram: @bodyandmindBaM

Twitter: @bodyandmindBaM

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Jody Kane

+1 475 477 9402

jody.kane@harbor-access.com

Company Contact:

Michael Mills

CEO

Tel: 800-361-6312

ir@bodyandmind.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Safe Harbor Statement

Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States and Canadian laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans, "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such 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. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of activities, variations in the underlying assumptions associated with the estimation of activities, the availability of capital to fund programs and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, accidents, labor disputes and other risks. 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may constitute forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the Company and the statements contained in this news release can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179673
It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in RS Group plc's (LON:RS1) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders.

While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for RS Group

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At RS Group

The CEO & Executive Director Simon Pryce made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for UK249k worth of shares at a price of UK8.04 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price than the current share price (being UK7.53). Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock if insiders have bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price.

While RS Group insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Insiders At RS Group Have Bought Stock Recently

Over the last three months, we've seen significant insider buying at RS Group. Specifically, CEO & Executive Director Simon Pryce bought UK224k worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any sales whatsoever. This is a positive in our book as it implies some confidence.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of RS Group

I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. From our data, it seems that RS Group insiders own 0.1% of the company, worth about UK4.5m. Overall, this level of ownership isn't that impressive, but it's certainly better than nothing!

So What Do The RS Group Insider Transactions Indicate?

The recent insider purchase is heartening. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. We would certainly prefer see higher levels of insider ownership but analysis of the insider transactions suggests that RS Group insiders are expecting a bright future. Therefore, you should definitely take a look at this FREE report showing analyst forecasts for RS Group.

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.
Credit - Photo-illustration by TIME; Getty images

Anybody who has ever been burned out at work and wished for a few days to breathe without using precious vacation days may be interested in the solution employed by Sarah Hammer and Mimi Su.

The two, senior marketing directors at the consumer giant Unilever, share one job. One works for an intense week in their current role, at Unilevers Pepsi Lipton Partnership, and then, when Wednesday comes around, she hands off responsibilities to the other for the next week.

This job sharing allows each woman to pursue ambitious career goals while still having time to spend with her family or explore other interests. Hammer, for instance, was the president of the parent-teacher organization at her childrens elementary school for two years during the pandemic while job sharing at Unilever. Though each woman gets 60% pay, they say that working together, theyre much more productive than one person would be. One person would have to work 65-hour weeks to get the job done, they say.

More From TIME

Im almost off and Ive been dying these past couple days, but theres a light at the end of the tunnel because Sarahs coming on, Su said on a recent Wednesday. And then your brain really does recharge, and when I am ready to come back, Sarahs almost dead. So its a great dynamic where were able to rest a bit.

Womens participation in the workforce has essentially flatlined since 1999, and the share of women working or looking for a job, 57.4%, is still below pre-pandemic levels. As employers report labor shortages, many women say that the pandemic motivated them to want to work less, not more. Job sharing could enable both women and men to have it all, allowing them to work less but still stay engaged with their careers.

Though job sharing is still extremely rare, its a solution that some employers are using to recruit and retain key talent. In September 2022, Ford launched a matchmaking tool to help employees find compatible people within the company with whom to job share; the tool now has more than 70 profiles. As police departments struggle to recruit and retain staff, a March 2023 report from the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggested job sharing as a way for police departments across the country to hire more staff. And in Australia, the number of job postings using the term job share or work share spiked during pandemic-related lockdowns, according to research by the hiring firm Indeed.

Story continues

Many companies, like us, recognize the benefits of allowing associates to split a full-time position, such as healthy succession, job satisfaction, and work-life balance, says Mark Mathia, chief experience officer of Signature Performance, a health care administration company based in Omaha. In health care, many workers are approaching retirement age, Mathia says, and his company is looking for ways to extend the time that high-performing older employees contribute to the firm. Job sharing will allow Signature to keep on older employees while transitioning management to the younger generation, he says.

The pandemic has been a push for many employers to explore more flexibility. Companies that offer more flexibility are having an easier time growing quickly and recruiting new workers.

Over the last three years, weve learned a lot about how to work in new ways and recognize that there is simply no one-size-fits-all approach to benefits, says Kimberly Jones, people experience leader at PwC, which offers job sharing. We also know that having the ability to work flexiblyand get work done where and how it best suits our peopleis one of our most valued offerings.

Read more: Companies Requiring Full-Time In-Office Are Struggling to Recruit New Employees

Job sharing isnt just for womenit could help men and fathers get more involved in their family life by allowing them to balance ambitious careers and their families, says Josh Levs, the author of All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families, and BusinessesAnd How We Can Fix It Together. The key is to give people choices, he says.

Job sharing is part of what helped keep Sarah Hammer at Unilever. After the birth of her third child in 2016, Hammer wanted to work fewer hours, but the part-time marketing jobs available werent appealing to her. They were often project-based, and not very fast-moving, and didnt include managing a team. But Hammer knew Unilever allowed for job sharing in some departments, so Hammer pitched her boss on the idea of job sharing with Su, who she knew from business schooland had formerly worked for Unilever and who had also just had a child. Though no one else in the marketing department was doing it, the company approved their job share as marketing manager of Hellmans mayonnaise, a Unilever brand. They were so successful in the position that last year, they got promoted to an even bigger role within Unilever, handling bottled tea for the Pepsi Lipton Partnership.

Rethinking work

Even before the pandemic, many professional workers were starting to rethink work. Open-plan offices were full of distractions, and many workaholics were questioning whether spending so many hours at the office was really making them happy. The pandemic normalized working from home and also got many people thinking about what kind of work-life balance they would have in an ideal world.

Now, more people are trying different ways of workingtaking a few months in the summer off, pursuing a four-day workweek, working fewer hours, and even job sharing.

There has been a sea change for many organizations and leaders, says Jessica DeGroot, the president of the Third Path Institute, which helps workers find a better balance between work and home life. During the pandemic, leaders eyes were opened and they realized they could do their job well without going into the office every dayand that they liked how it felt for their families.

This is not the first time office workers have tried to re-balance their personal and professional lives. As more women entered the workforce in the 1970s and 1980s, the MIT management professor Lotte Bailyn called on companies to help employees better attend to personal obligations; without parents who go to back-to-school nights or volunteer in classrooms, she argued, schools couldnt adequately educate the next generation of workers. Framing the issue as a conflict between employees private needs and the competitive and productivity needs of U.S. enterprise is self-defeating for both, she wrote, in her 1993 book Breaking the Mold: Women, Men, and Time in the New Corporate World.

Read More: As People Return to Offices, Its Back to Misery for Americas Working Moms

Companies need to think less about how much time someone is spending at their actual job and more about whether they are getting the most important work accomplished, she argued at the time. But not many companies changed their way of thinking until recently.

There were some: Ford, for instance, has long offered job sharing, and the team that redesigned the Ford Explorer in 2011 was led by two women, Julie Rocco and Julie Levine, who were job sharing at the time. Fords European offices have quite a few people who job share, the company says, including Sian Hodgson-Wood, a senior IT manager who has been sharing her job for eight years and has worked at Ford for 27. The job she shares has expanded into a bigger role because she and her partner are so effective together, she says. Both she and her job share partner started at Ford 27 years ago. One of the amazing things about our company is that it is very good at supporting work-life balance, says Hodgson-Wood, who is based in the U.K. Its the reason many of us stay for many, many years.

Hodgson-Wood helped launch Job Share Connect, the Ford tool that allows employees to seek other internal candidates with whom to job share, last fall. She has also worked to educate Ford colleagues about job sharing; now, when the company lists a new position, managers have to say why it couldnt be a job share. Otherwise, its assumed that it could be, she says.

Obstacles to job sharing

Even today, just around 20% of U.S. companies say they offer job sharing, estimates Melissa Nicholson, the founder of Work Muse, a company that consults people and businesses looking into job sharing. And even at companies that do offer it, in many cases, managers may not realize its an option. Thats often because HR representatives or company leaders discourage job sharing because of the potential headaches in hiring two people for one role. (Nicholson did a job share for nine years in the radio industry, and says it allowed her to be so focused on work for the days she was working that, on those days, she never set foot in her kids daycare.)

Nicholson says inquiries from people who want to job share but cant find companies that support it are growing. Workers can also struggle to find someone with whom theyre compatible.

Nicholson says inquiries from people who want to job share but cant find companies that support it are growing. Workers can also struggle to find someone with whom theyre compatible. There have been a few start-ups, one in the U.K. called Roleshare, and one in the U.S. called Job Share Connect (which is different from the platform with the same name that is an internal Ford employee tool) that have tried to match prospective job seekers with one another. But those job seekers sometimes have trouble convincing companies to hire them, says Jina Hwang, one of the co-founders of Job Share Connect. I worry that job sharing is a bit ahead of its time, says Hwang. Were just not in the right place to have it widely adopted.

Job Share Connect was about to enter into a contract with a health care company to build out an internal job sharing model when the company got acquired, Hwang says, and the new owner was threatened by job sharing.

The experience of dreaming of job sharing but never quite getting it to work is common. Kelsey Sevening had a job share approved by her boss and two executives at the tech company where she worked until recently, and had found a job share partner, but at the last minute, human resources nixed the arrangement. She still works full-time.

Still, as companies struggle to recruit and retain workers in a tight job market, job sharing could catch onespecially at firms committed to recruiting and retaining women in leadership. Job sharing has, according to various studies published in research journals over the past few years, helped encourage more women into senior roles in higher education, prevent burnout among female physicians in Canada, and improved employee productivity and firm performance at small companies in Nigeria.

There are obvious benefits for short-staffed companies: since the workers coordinate vacation time and days off, there will always be someone on in a job share position, and job sharers have the benefit of many more years of experience, combined, than just one person would have. And of course theres the benefit of coming back to work after a few days off.

Mimi comes on after having been off for a while, and she has good ideas and suggestions that I can't even get to because I'm like so deep in the weeds, says Hammer. She's looking at it with fresh eyes.

Hammer and Su are proof that job-sharing can work in more than one way: After they left their old role and were promoted to a new one, the company struggled to fill the job. Eventually, the company upgraded it to a more senior role, figuring it wouldnt be able to find one person at a junior level to do all that Hammer and Su had done.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
This California handyman found a creative approach to forcing out squatters  but it's a dangerous tactic. Here are 3 ways to invest in real estate (without putting your safety at risk)

When United Handyman Association founder Flash Shelton found squatters in his mothers home, the only way he could get rid of them  after local police said they couldnt help  was to out-squat the squatters.

I called local law enforcement and as soon as they saw there was furniture in the house, they said I had a squatter situation, they had basically no jurisdiction and they couldnt do anything, Shelton told Fox Business Stuart Varney. So, I dissected the laws over a weekend and basically figured out that until theres civil action, the squatters didnt have any rights, so if I could switch places with them and become the squatter myself, I would assume those squatter rights.

Don't miss

Commercial real estate has outperformed the S&P 500 over 25 years. Here's how to diversify your portfolio without the headache of being a landlord

Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market  and are betting on these 3 assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds

'A natural way to diversify': Janet Yellen now says Americans should expect a decline in the USD as the world's reserve currency  3 ways you can prepare

He had his mom write up a lease for him and got it notarized. Then early one morning, he staked out the property, waiting for the squatters to leave. Once they'd gone, he let himself in and put up cameras then waited for them to return.

While Sheltons scheme worked and the squatters left, it was a risky move that could have turned dangerous if the squatters hadn't accepted the situation and moved on.

Dealing with squatters, or even tenants, can get complicated and costly. Thankfully, there are safer and easier ways to make your mark in real estate.

Squatter rights

A squatter is someone who inhabits a piece of land or a building that they have no legal right to occupy  and without paying rent.

According to the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), most states have laws that give squatters rights to inhabit a property in the event that the lawful owner does not evict or take action against, them and they differ from state to state. Those laws typically only apply if the squatter has been illegitimately occupying a space for a specific period of time  after which, they will have gained adverse possession, and local law enforcement won't be of much help.

Story continues

Squatters shouldn't be confused with trespassers. A blog post on the AAOA site explains: A trespasser breaks into the property through an illegal entry and doesnt have utilities, furniture or any form of a prior lease. Due to this, trespassers can be removed for violation of local loitering or trespassing laws.

I feel bad I cant help everyone, said Shelton in the FOX Business interview, who is now running a service to help other property owners deal with squatters. Im trying to change the laws.

That being said, it's never advisable to take the law into your own hands, especially in a heated situation like an eviction. If the risk of serial squatters and the other trials and tribulations of being a landlord dont appeal to you, here are three ways you can invest in real estate without all the hassle.

REITs

Investing in a real estate investment trust (REIT) is a way to profit from the real estate market without having to buy a house or worry about screening tenants, fixing damages, chasing down late payments or even facing trespassers.

REITs are publicly traded companies that own income-producing real estate like apartment buildings, shopping centers and office towers. They collect rent from tenants and pass that rent to shareholders in the form of regular dividend payments.

Essentially, REITs are giant landlords. To qualify as a REIT, a company must pay out at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders as dividends each year, in addition to other requirements. In exchange, they pay little to no income tax at the corporate level.

Generally, REITs are described as high-return investments that provide solid dividends and the potential for moderate, long-term capital appreciation.

Also, as REITs are publicly traded, you can buy or sell shares any time and your investment can be as little or as large as you want  unlike buying a house, which usually requires a hefty down payment followed by a mortgage.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now use $100 to cash in on prime real estate  without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how

Real estate ETFs

Another easy way to invest in real estate without having to pick and choose which stocks to buy and sell is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

And as the name suggests, ETFs trade on major exchanges, making them convenient to buy and sell. Some ETFs passively track an index, while others are actively managed. They all charge a fee  referred to as the management expense ratio  in exchange for managing the fund.

The Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ), for example, provides investors with broad exposure to U.S. REITs. The fund currently holds 160 stocks with total net assets of $56.5 billion. Over the past 10 years, VNQs net asset value (NAV) has grown 5.5%. Its management expense ratio is 0.12%.

Another example is the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE), which aims to replicate the real estate sector of the S&P 500 Index. It currently has 31 holdings and an expense ratio of 0.10%. Since the funds inception in October 2015, XLREs NAV has grown 5.19%.

Both of these ETFs pay quarterly distributions.

Crowdfunding platforms

Through a crowdfunding platform, you can buy a percentage of physical real estate  from rental properties to commercial properties. You can even buy a stake in digital real estate.

If youre an experienced investor looking to up your stake in real estate, there are also options for accredited investors that often have higher minimum investments that can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.

If youre not an accredited investor, many platforms allow you to invest smaller sums, even as low as $100.

These online platforms make real estate investing more accessible by simplifying the process and lowering the barrier to entry.

Sponsors of crowdfunded real estate deals usually charge fees to investors  typically in the range of 0.5% to 2.5% of whatever youve invested.

What to read next

Worried about the economy? Here are the best shock-proof assets for your portfolio. (Theyre all outside of the stock market.)

Rising prices are throwing off Americans' retirement plans  here's how to get your savings back on track

Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey invest in this asset to keep their wealth safe  you may want to do the same in 2023

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Camtek Ltd. (NASDAQ: CAMT) (TASE: CAMT), today announced that its senior management will be participating in the following investor conferences in the coming weeks:

Jefferies Israel Tech Trek on Wednesday, September 13, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Northland Capital Markets Institutional Investor Conference on Tuesday, September 19, virtually.

Camtek Ltd. Logo

Management will be available for one-on-one meetings during these conferences. Interested investors should contact their representative at one of the banks.

ABOUT CAMTEK LTD.

Camtek is a developer and manufacturer of high-end inspection and metrology equipment for the semiconductor industry. Camtek's systems inspect IC and measure IC features on wafers throughout the production process of semiconductor devices, covering the front and mid-end and up to the beginning of assembly (Post Dicing). Camtek's systems inspect wafers for the most demanding semiconductor market segments, including Advanced Interconnect Packaging, Heterogenous Integration, Memory and HBM, CMOS Image Sensors, Compound Semiconductors, MEMS, and RF, serving numerous industry's leading global IDMs, OSATs, and foundries.

With eight offices around the world, Camtek has best-in-class sales and customer support organization, providing tailor-made solutions in line with customers' requirements.

This press release is available at www.camtek.com

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on Camtek's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions about its business and industry, all of which may change. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words including "believe," "anticipate," "should," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, including our expectations and statements relating to the compound semiconductors market and our position in this market and the anticipated timing of delivery of the systems. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Camtek to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the future contribution of HBM and Chiplet applications to the Company business, the impact of any new or revised export and/or import and doing-business regulations or sanctions, such as changes in U.S. trade policies; the risks relating to the concentration of a significant portion of our business in certain countries in the Asia Pacific Region, particularly China (which is our largest territory), Taiwan and Korea; and those other factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC as well as other documents that may be subsequently filed by Camtek from time to time with the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Camtek does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release unless required by law.

Story continues

While we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Camtek's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Camtek does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1534463/Camtek_logo.jpg

CAMTEK LTD.

Moshe Eisenberg, CFO

Tel: +972 4 604 8308

Mobile: +972 54 900 7100

moshee@camtek.com INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR RELATIONS

EK Global Investor Relations

Ehud Helft

Tel: (US) 1 212 378 8040

camtek@ekgir.com

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/camtek-to-participate-in-upcoming-conferences-301918902.html

SOURCE Camtek Ltd.
Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijani delegation has attended the 6th Silk Road International Cultural Expo in Dunhuang, Northwest China's Gansu province.

Headed by the Culture Minister Adil Karimli, the delegation got acquainted with the cultural tourism display, Azernews reports citing the ministry.

The exhibition showcases photographs, books and fine arts and other exhibits dedicated to Chinese history and cultural heritage. It also highlights the role of the Silk Road in historical and cultural relations.

Furthermore, Adil Karimli met with member of the head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Li Shulei and director of the China's National Administration of Cultural Heritage of the Chinese side Li Chun.

The Silk Road International Cultural Exhibition has been held annually since 2016. More than 1,200 local and foreign representatives participated in the event this year. The expo program includes forums, seminars, symposiums and concert programs.

The Azerbaijani delegation is on a visit to China until September 9.

On the sidelines of the visit, the Culture Minister previously discussed prospects of cooperation with the Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping.

The culture minister also discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of theater, cinematography, museum work, library, preservation and restoration of cultural heritage, as well as language and literature.

The sides stressed the importance of mutual experience exchange in the fields of restoration of monuments, library work and cinematography, ideas were exchanged on joint film production. Cooperation in the field of creative industries has been highlighted.

Minister Hu Hipin voiced the proposal to hold the Chinese Culture Week in Azerbaijan next year.
Centric solutions to harmonize buying and optimize product offerings across regions for leading discount grocery retailer

CAMPBELL, Calif., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Centric Software, the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) market leader, is pleased to announce that global discount retailer ALDI SOUTH is partnering with Centric Software to advance their digital transformation, support data driven decision making and further enhance international collaboration. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, price and sell products to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.

ALDI Centric Software (PRNewsfoto/Centric Software)

Founded in 1961, ALDI SOUTH is a global discount grocery retailer with 7,100 stores in 11 countries, including Australia, Germany, UK, USA and China, on four continents. Stores offer a core range of food products, including regional goods, organic and fresh produce, and other non-food consumer goods with a predominant focus on carefully selected private-label. These are complemented by weekly rotating themed special buys and seasonal items. ALDI SOUTH has thousands of suppliers, including many that are local to specific regions.

After an intensive vendor selection process, ALDI SOUTH selected Centric Software to provide a category range management solution to support international collaboration on range and product development. ALDI SOUTH will implement Centric PLM, Centric Software's flagship market-leading PLM solution, and Centric Visual Boards, an innovative visual collaboration platform that extends the capabilities of PLM to transform the go-to-market process for multi-category retail.

"Centric Software stands out for their expertise and the user-friendly interface of their solutions," explains Simon Weil, Managing Director Global Business Coordination at ALDI SOUTH and adds, "Centric solutions are a great fit for our customer focused assortment and the teams that will use the software, from buying, planning, merchandising and branding, to sourcing including suppliers who will also use the system."

Story continues

"Centric's tools support our goal of streamlining the buying process for food, near-food and non-food so that we can offer our customers the best possible products at the lowest possible prices," states Christian Gillmann, Group Director International IT at ALDI SOUTH. "We are striving for a strong partnership and a collaborative innovation ahead, with the goal of elevating the capabilities of the software."

The broader digital transformation allows ALDI SOUTH to respond rapidly to changing consumer behaviour and improve time to market for new products and services, meet compliance, sustainability and quality goals, and drive cost leadership via improved efficiency and collaboration.

ALDI SOUTH plans to integrate Centric Software's solutions with several other enterprise systems such as ERP and PIM, and manage functions, including elements of quality assurance and sustainability, on a global scale.

"We are very excited to announce our partnership with ALDI SOUTH," says Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software. "ALDI SOUTH is a global leader in the discount grocery retail space, with ambitious plans to streamline their operations in a long-term strategic way. We are proud to provide the tools that will enable ALDI SOUTH to achieve those goals. We look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial relationship."

Learn more about Centric solutions

Request a Demo

ALDI SOUTH

The ALDI SOUTH Group operates in eleven countries on four continents and employs around 186,000 members of staff. The food retail company has more than 7,100 stores in Germany, Austria, the USA, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, China and Italy.

Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com)

From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides a product concept to launch platform for consumer goods such as fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, consumer electronics, cosmetics and personal care, and food and beverage. Centric Software's flagship Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Centric PLM, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, quality and product portfolio optimization innovations specifically for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric Visual Boards offer highly visual, touch-screen experiences for collaboration and decision-making. Centric Planning is an innovative, cloud-native, augmented-intelligence solution delivering end-to-end retail planning to maximize retail and wholesale business performance. Centric Pricing, is an AI-driven market insight platform for data-informed decision-making on pricing and product assortments to maximize revenue and margins. Among many other market-driven innovations, Centric Software is widely known for its connectivity to dozens of other enterprise systems, including ERP, DAM, PIM, e-com and more, in addition to creative tools such as Adobe Illustrator, a host of 3D CAD connectors and sustainability tools, such as HIGG. Centric Software has the highest user adoption rate, customer satisfaction rate and fastest time to value in the industry.

Centric Software is a subsidiary of Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions.

Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, including being named by Red Herring to its Top 100 Global list several times. Centric Software also received five excellence awards from Frost & Sullivan over the past decade and 4 excellence awards from Just Style.

Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software, Inc. in the US and other countries. Centric PLM, Centric Planning, Centric Pricing and Centric Visual Boards are trademarks of Centric Software, Inc. All third-party trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202907/ALDI_Centric_Software.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2088403/4060048/Centric_Software_Logo.jpg

Centric Software Logo (PRNewsfoto/Centric Software)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/centric-software-partners-with-aldi-south-to-accelerate-their-digital-transformation-301919015.html

SOURCE Centric Software
Ten Thousand Villages will take the place of Global Village in Peoria Heights. The former store operated for just over two decades before shutting down.

A new fair-trade business is coming to Peoria Heights just months after Global Village closed its doors.

Ten Thousand Villages has operated in Champaign for nearly 40 years under local nonprofit SelfHelp Village Crafts, Inc.

Emily King began volunteering at the shop around two decades ago as part of her familys holiday tradition. Now executive director, King said an expansion has been one of the nonprofits lofty dreams since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we reach that 40-year anniversary, we're like, Well, what is that next step? King said.

More: Longtime Peoria Heights independent bookstore has closed

Bringing a new chapter of fair trade to Peoria Heights

The board of directors began to seriously consider options for expanding the shops reach in late 2022, according to King.

She said they were left in disbelief earlier this year when Global Village founder Nancy Long reached out about the Peoria Heights storefront closing after two decades in business. For King, it seemed to be the right opportunity at the perfect time.

"We are in awe of the dedication, enthusiasm, grit and grace with which they ran (all by volunteers) their shop," Ten Thousand Villages wrote in its Aug. 16 announcement. "And we have decided that while their chapter is ending, a new chapter will begin in the story of fair trade in Peoria Heights."

The goal is to open the Peoria Heights location by early to mid-October, with a grand opening event at the beginning of November.

King said customers will find items similar to what was sold at Global Village. She said the shop will introduce a variety of new products, as well. King expects to offer jewelry, as well as holiday decorations and gifts, once open.

The about us page for the Champaign storefront says the shop offers items from 38 countries and over 130 artisan groups. The Facebook page highlights apparel, jewelry, home decor and more.

The Peoria Heights shop is smaller than the Champaign location  roughly one third of the size  according to King. Because of this, she said the business is still in the process of figuring out what it will regularly offer.

Story continues

Nashville chicken, steaks and wings: New restaurant in works for Peoria recreation center

What is a fair trade business?

King said many of the items at the shop are supplied by the national nonprofit Ten Thousand Villages  which SelfHelp Village Crafts, Inc. has a contract with for naming and products.

Being an independent shop with its own board of directors, King said the business also sources products from other Fair Trade Federation members and underserved groups within the U.S.

The Fair Trade Federations website highlights 10 principles of fair trade. These include supporting safe working conditions, environmental stewardship, fair pay and more. At Ten Thousand Villages in Champaign, King said the business pays its vendors before ever receiving the product.

We pay 50% when the order is placed so that artists don't have to seek out loans or capital for raw materials, King said. And then the other 50% is paid before it leaves the country of origin.

King said she traveled to Kenya once to meet various artisan groups. While she said makers are proud to see photos of their items in stores, she said she is also inspired by their dedication to their communities.

As much as us bringing those products to new markets help, they are doing so much work on the ground in their own communities, she said.

More: Peoria selfie studio business goes mobile as it searches for a new, larger location

Were excited for this next step

The announcement noted that while opening a new location is exciting, it is also "a huge financial undertaking" for the nonprofit shop. Online donations are being accepted through Give Lively.

As a nonprofit, King said Ten Thousand Villages will be primarily run by volunteers. She expects some of the workers from Global Village to return and said anyone is welcome to volunteer.

King has already begun to connect with neighboring businesses. She said she is over the moon to join the Peoria Heights community.

This is new for us, but it seems like a wonderful community to be a part of," King said. "We're excited for the next step.

More: These 2 new businesses are in the works on one of Peoria's busiest roads. Here's an update

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Fair trade business will open in Peoria Heights, IL in fall
Long-established in the Banks industry, Comerica Inc (NYSE:CMA) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 3.27%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 10.59%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Comerica Inc.

Comerica Inc (CMA): A Deep Dive into Its Financial Health and Future Prospects

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Comerica Inc the GF Score of 60 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Comerica Inc: A Snapshot of Its Business

Comerica Inc is a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, primarily focused on relationship-based commercial banking. With a market cap of $6.18 billion and sales of $3.92 billion, its primary geographies are Texas, California, and Michigan, with locations also in Arizona and Florida and select businesses operating in several other states as well as Canada. However, the company's operating margin stands at 0, indicating potential challenges in profitability.

Story continues

Comerica Inc (CMA): A Deep Dive into Its Financial Health and Future Prospects

Financial Strength Analysis

Comerica Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.62 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. Its debt-to-equity ratio is 2.95, which is worse than 91.5% of 1330 companies in the Banks industry, suggesting over-reliance on borrowing and vulnerability to market fluctuations. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-Ebitda ratio is 4.22, above Joel Tillinghast's warning level of 4 and worse than 75.42% of 1310 companies in the Banks industry, indicating potential financial distress.

Profitability Analysis

Comerica Inc's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. The company's Net Margin has declined over the past five years (-12.23%), as shown by the following data: 2018: 37.11; 2019: 35.96; 2020: 17.07; 2021: 39.37; 2022: 32.57.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where Comerica Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. Lastly, Comerica Inc's predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

Comerica Inc (CMA): A Deep Dive into Its Financial Health and Future Prospects

Conclusion

Given Comerica Inc's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While the company has a rich history and a broad geographical presence, its financial health and growth prospects raise concerns about its ability to outperform in the future. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - CopAur Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CPAU) (OTCQX: COPAF) ("CopAur" or the "Company") is pleased to announce completion of the reverse circulation (RC) and diamond core drilling program at the Company's flagship Kinsley Mountain Gold Project (the "Kinsley Mountain Project" or "Kinsley Mountain") in Elko County, Nevada.

A series of seven (7) RC drill holes and three (3) diamond drill holes totalling 2,285 metres were completed at the high-grade Western Flank Zone, Main Pit North, and new Kinsley Ridge target.

All 982 RC samples and all core samples, including QA/QC samples were shipped and have now arrived at ALS Global in North Vancouver, Canada for gold fire-assay and multi-element analysis. The Company is happy to report sample reparation is now complete and results flow, subject to QA/QC verification, is expected to begin soon.

CEO Jeremy Yaseniuk stated, "We are pleased to have completed drilling at Kinsley Mountain. We look forward to receiving results from resource infill core drilling at the Western Flank Zone, the exploration drilling at the Kinsley Ridge zone and the RC drilling at Main Pit North which remains a resource expansion focus given the high-grade near surface oxide gold values intersected there. We should be getting some of the results any day now."

Image 1: RC Drilling Underway at Main Pit North Target

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7895/179678_075aefbf94d429e1_001full.jpg

The Kinsley Project hosts a 43-101 mineral resources that the company and shareholders are looking to upgrade and expand. The Kinsley Project was a historical past producer that yielded 138,000 ounces of near surface open pit oxide gold between 1995-1999.

Figure 1. Kinsley Mountain 2023 RC and Diamond Drilling Completed

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7895/179678_075aefbf94d429e1_002full.jpg

Story continues

Technical Report on the Kinsley Project, Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., dated June 21, 2021, with an effective date of May 5, 2021, and prepared by Michael M. Gustin and Gary L. Simmons, and filed under New Placer Dome Gold Corp.'s issuer profile on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca).

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC), Principal and Consultant, and Christopher W. Livingstone, P.Geo. (BC), Senior Geologist, both of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, and "Qualified Persons" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle and Mr. Livingstone have verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained herein.

About CopAur Minerals Inc.

CPAU is an exploration company focused on developing projects within the emerging, mineral-rich mining regions of Nevada and British Columbia. The Company is backed by a dynamic and experienced team of resource professionals advancing multiple holdings across both regions; the flagship being Kinsley Mountain Gold Property, a Carlin-style project located 90 km south of the Long Canyon Mine (currently in production under the Newmont/Barrick Joint Venture, Nevada Gold Mines) and its 100% owned Williams Project that points to significant gold-copper potential within the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada. (For a full overview of projects please download CopAur Presentation).

On Behalf Of The Board Of Directors,

Jeremy Yaseniuk

Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please contact:

CopAur Minerals Inc.

Jeremy Yaseniuk, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: +1 (604) 773-1467

Email: jeremyy@copaur.com

Max Sali, Director

Tel: +1 (604) 367-8117

Email: msali@copaur.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 Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or Company's future performance. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revised any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179678
sturti / Getty Images

America is bent on rent, with around 35% of the U.S. population renting their housing as of 2021. To better understand the situation, GOBankingRates asked Americans about how much they spend on rent, and in what age range they fall.

See: 6 Things Millionaires Are Doing With Their Money To Prep for an Economic Downturn

Find Out: What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS

Heres what we found out, in terms of a breakdown of whos paying what monthly:

Those paying $500 and under: 14.85%

Those paying between $501 and $1,000: 23.10%

Those paying between $1,001 and $1,500: 9.81%

Those paying between $1,501 and $2,000: 8.07%

Those paying between $2,001 and $3,000: 5.96%

Those paying between $3,000 and $4,000: 2.65%

Those paying $4,000+: 1.46%

Those not renting: $29.06%

Whats perhaps most interesting about this data is that such a sizable portion of renters (nearly 15%) are paying $500 or less. Thats far below the national average of $1,702  which gets you a 897 sq. ft. apartment  according to RentCafe. Additionally, 25% of Americans are paying between $501 and $1,000 on rent, also impressive given the much higher national average. According to these findings, it looks like only 8.07% of Americans are in that $1,702 spot that the average American is paying in rent.

Lets look now at how these numbers stack in terms of age groups. Which generation is shelling out the most and the least?

Paying $500 and Under

Those aged 18 to 24: 15.73%

Those aged 25 to 34: 14.83%

Those aged 35 to 54: 34.81%

Those aged 54 to 65: 12.14%

Those aged 65 and over: 9.86%

People between the ages of 34 and 54 are those most typically paying $500 and under in rent. Surprisingly, only 9.86% of people in their golden years, who are likely living on very fixed income, have rent this low.

I Worked at Dollar Tree: Here Are 5 Insider Secrets You Should Know

Paying Between $501 and $1,000

Those aged 18 to 24: 23.59%

Those aged 25 to 34: 14.83%

Those aged 35 to 54: 34.81%

Those aged 35 to 54: 50.54%

Those aged 54 to 65: 24.29%

Those aged 65 and over: 17.6%

Story continues

By far, it is those aged 35 to 54 who are mostly paying between $501 and $1,000, which is still well below the national average.

Paying Between $1,001 and $1,500

Those aged 18 to 24: 18.54%

Those aged 25 to 34: 16.95%

Those aged 35 to 54: 28.83%

Those aged 54 to 65: 11.86%

Those aged 65 and over: 11.98%

Its fairly across the board (though, once again, heaviest in the middle) for those paying between $1,001 and $1,500, which is still under the national average.

Paying Between $1,501 and $2,000

Those aged 18 to 24: 8.42%

Those aged 25 to 34: 9.74%

Those aged 35 to 54: 13.44%

Those aged 54 to 65: 10%

Those aged 65 and over: 6.34%

Though its lower percentages, this one is also across the board, with people aged 65 and over the least likely to fall into this rent payment category.

Paying Between $2,001 and $3,000

Those aged 18 to 24: 9.56%

Those aged 25 to 34: 12.71%

Those aged 35 to 54: 9.92%

Those aged 54 to 65: 2.14%

Those aged 65 and over: 1.4%

Youre well into the high end of rents once you go above $2,000 a month. As such, its unsurprising that so few Americans are in this category, but intriguing to note that Gen Zers and younger millennials are most likely to pay this amount.

Paying Between $3,000 and $4,000

Those aged 18 to 24: 4.5%

Those aged 25 to 34: 5.08%

Those aged 35 to 54: 3.99%

Those aged 54 to 65: 0%

Those aged 65 and up: 0%

Monthly rent between $3,000 and $4,000 is quite high, so its no wonder that no boomers (and very few of younger generations) are paying within this range.

Paying $4,000+

Those aged 18 to 24: 2.25%

Those aged 25 to 34: 2.12%

Those aged 35 to 54: 2.51%

Those aged 54 to 65: 1.43%

Those aged 65 and up: 0%

If you can afford rent upwards of $4,000 a month, you are in the near microscopic minority, based on this surveys findings.

4 Ways To Get Cheaper Rent

This all prompts the question: If youre not already saving substantially on rent, how can you? Here are some tips.

Research Your Market

When it comes to saving money, youll always want to do your homework  and rent is no exception. Know what apartments go for in the area you live in or would like to live in. If you see high vacancy rates, pocket that info because it may be useful in negotiating a lower rent with a landlord.

Start a Lease in Winter

Like with homebuying, renting momentum works seasonally and tends to die down some in the winter. This is an ideal time to sign a lease if youre looking to beat the crowds.

Ask About Discounts

It may feel strange to do, but you should ask your landlord about any discounts on rent if youre planning on staying long-term, which most landlords appreciate (provided youre an ideal tenant).

Get a Roommate

Perhaps the most popular way to save on rent is to split it with another responsible person. If you want a bigger place than you can afford or are living on a very tight budget, look into sharing your space with someone you can trust who will go in on the lease with you.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Cost of Living 2023: How Much Every Generation Pays in Rent
DHL Express is utilizing a Boeing 767-300, similar to the one pictured, for its shuttle service to Argentina. (Photo: DHL Express)

DHL Express has expanded its network with the introduction of the first dedicated freighter flight to Argentina, giving importers and exporters improved shipment reliability and faster delivery.

The global express powerhouse announced Tuesday that Panama-based DHL Aero Expreso operates the Boeing 767-300 flight six times per week between Miami and Buenos Aires, with a stopover in Santiago, Chile.

Prior to the new network flight, DHL provided air transport to Argentina by tendering parcels and freight with commercial carriers.

DHL Aero Expreso, owned by DHL Group, provides branded parcel and express service in Latin America and the Caribbean. It currently operates three Boeing 757-200 large narrowbody freighters and three 767-300s, according to the Planespotters database.

The 767s offer a gross payload capacity of 52 tons.

The new shuttle route to Argentina is the latest move by DHL Express to grow its footprint in Latin America as demand for air transport increases. In 2021, the company added Chile to its aviation network with a direct flight from the United States. Last year, DHL launched direct freighter service between Miami and Sao Paulo six times per week.

DHL said the Argentina flight will enable a 10% increase in U.S.-origin shipments to clear customs the same day the flight arrives in Argentina and a 50% increase in shipments being delivered the same day they are cleared. Service for shipments exported from Argentina has also improved, with all shipments now able to fly out, at the latest, the day following pickup.

DHL Aviation is an umbrella organization that operates several airlines and manages other carriers that fly on a contract basis.

Globally, DHL Express last year added a high-frequency flight between the U.S. and Vietnam, as well as one between the U.S. and Japan.

Click here for more FreightWaves stories by Eric Kulisch.

RECOMMENDED READING:

DHL Air Austria seeks US access for incoming 767 freighters

Uprooted cargo airlines relocate to secondary airport near Mexico City

The post DHL Express opens freighter route to Argentina appeared first on FreightWaves.
The worlds largest barbecue brand to sell their pit-smoked Sausage and Hot Links at Safeway

Dickey's Barbecue and Safeway Partner UP

Dickey's Smoked Sausage sold in Safeway

Dallas, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit, continues to expand their retail partnerships by teaming up with Safeway Denver Division.

In September 2023, the Texas-style barbecue brand will begin its fantastic partnership with Safeway's Denver Division offering shoppers their famous Original Polish smoked sausage links, Jalapeno Cheddar smoked sausage links, and Hot Links. This division of Safeway operates 143 supermarkets in five states including Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

To celebrate this exciting new partnership, from September 6th  12th the barbecue brand will offer shoppers a special promotion of $3.99/unit.

We are so thrilled to be partnering up with such a reputable grocery brand like Safeway, said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO Dickeys Capital Group. Its such a pleasure to offer backyard pitmasters across the country our award-winning sausage, a family recipe, made directly by Dickeys in Mesquite, Texas.

For more about Dickeys, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickeys Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

For Dickeys Virtual Concepts follow Wing Boss on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok; Trailer Birds on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok ; and Big Deal Burger on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok .

About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries.

Story continues

Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit dickeys.com.

# # #

Attachment

CONTACT: Shannon Santos Dickey's Barbecue Pit ssantos@dickeys.com




Drazen Zigic / Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you have over $250,000 saved at one bank, its time to reevaluate the safety of these excess funds.

There are a few reasons why banking customers need to conduct this evaluation. The first is keeping your savings in compliance with FDIC insurance standards. FDIC insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor at insured banks for each account ownership category.

Review: 4 Red Flags as You Check Your Bank Statements Every Month

More: 3 Simple Steps You Must Take To Shield Yourself from Identity Theft

The second reason is that, while rare, banks can fail. Ben McLaughlin, savings expert and Raisin U.S. president, said if the bank holding your money fails, you will likely only be insured for the first $250,000 you have at that institution. If you exceed the federal insurance limit, you could potentially lose any funds over this amount if the bank fails.

If you have over $250,000 at one bank, make these moves to insure excess deposits.

Move Excess Cash to Different Insured Banks

If you have a bank account with a balance that exceeds the federal limit, McLaughlin recommends moving this excess cash to a savings account at a different federally insured bank.

Doing so will maximize your deposit insurance and help keep all of your cash safe. In the event you have $1 million, McLaughlin said you can spread this money out across several distinct insured banks by keeping $250,000 at one insured bank, $250,000 at another insured bank and so forth.

Im a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 5 Things You Should Never Spend Money on If You Want To Be Rich

Open Accounts in Different Ownership Categories

What if you want to stay with your current bank? George Pennacchi, a finance professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, told Marketplace there are different types of ownership accounts that are each eligible for the $250,000 limit.

A few examples of different categories include single, joint and retirement accounts. While you may need to meet specific requirements, opening these accounts may be a good way to receive coverage for excess funds.

Story continues

Add Beneficiary Designations on Bank Accounts

Adding beneficiary designations on your bank accounts is known as Payable-on-Death (POD) features, said Christopher Stroup, CFP and financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners.

The account owner can name up to three beneficiaries on the account with each having FDIC coverage up to $250,000, Stroup said. This means a jointly titled bank account with three beneficiaries named would have FDIC coverage up to $1.25 million.

Create Breathing Room in Accounts Earning Interest

Those who keep their money in high-yield savings accounts are also recommended by McLaughlin to keep slightly less than $250,000 in these accounts.

This is because these savings products accrue interest. The ideal amount of money per individual account, McLaughlin said, is slightly less than $250,000 because it saves room for your interest.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dont Leave Your Money Uninsured: What To Do If You Have More Than $250,000 at One Bank
Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan State Film Fund has enriched its collection with a movie poster of the feature film "On the Distant Shores" (1958).

The movie poster was presented from the personal archive of the well-known cameraman and director, Honored Art Worker Alakbar Muradov (1948-2013), Azernews reports.

The poster was handed over to the fund by his son- film director Murad Muradov. A total of 300 copies of the poster were issued. The condition of the presented copy is not entirely satisfactory, some of its parts are lost.

"On Distant Shores" is a Soviet-era Azerbaijani war film, co-written by Imran Gasimov, Hasan Seyidbayli and directed by Tofig Taghizade.

The film portrays the life of the legendary Azerbaijani guerrilla of the Second World War Mehdi Huseynzade, who fought the Nazi forces in the present-day Italy and Slovenia, hence the film's name referring to the Adriatic Sea.

The film cast included Nodar Shashigoglu as Mehdi Huseynzade (Mihajlo), Yury Bogolyubov as Veselin, Aydar Yelikoyeva as Anzhelika, Alasgar Alakbarov as Ferrero

Lev Borukhov as Warranty and Andrei Fajt as Maselli.

The Azerbaijan State Film Fund is a public fund for support of the film industry and the preservation of film history.

The State Film Fund has recently created a personal archival fund of the well-known cameraman, Honored Art Worker Teyyub Akhundov (1920-1991).

The archive includes over 200 photographs, various letters, diplomas and other materials related to the life of national cinematographer.

The State Film Fund also hosted an exhibition timed to the 125th anniversary of Azerbaijani cinema and the centenary of AzerbaijanFilm Studio.

Over 300 photographs were provided for the exhibition by Honored Cultural Worker Parviz Guliyev.
The stock of Eastman Chemical Co (NYSE:EMN) experienced a daily loss of 4.77%, and a 3-month gain of 0.55%. Its Earnings Per Share (EPS) stands at 5.86. With these figures in mind, the question arises: Is the stock modestly undervalued? This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Eastman Chemical Co's valuation. Read on to gain valuable insights into the company's financial health and future prospects.

Company Introduction

Established in 1920 to produce chemicals for Eastman Kodak, Eastman Chemical Co has evolved into a global specialty chemicals company with manufacturing sites around the world. The company generates the majority of its sales outside of the United States, with a strong presence in Asian markets. Over the years, Eastman has sold noncore businesses, choosing to focus on higher-margin specialty product offerings. With a current stock price of $81.86 per share and a GF Value of $110.44, Eastman Chemical Co appears to be modestly undervalued.

Eastman Chemical Co (EMN)'s True Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value is a unique measure that calculates the intrinsic value of a stock based on historical multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Eastman Chemical Co's stock shows signs of being modestly undervalued according to the GF Value. The stock's fair value is estimated based on historical multiples, an internal adjustment based on past business growth, and analyst estimates of future business performance. At its current price of $81.86 per share, Eastman Chemical Co has a market cap of $9.70 billion, indicating that the stock is modestly undervalued.

Story continues

As Eastman Chemical Co is relatively undervalued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be higher than its business growth.

Eastman Chemical Co (EMN)'s True Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value

Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength

Companies with poor financial strength pose a high risk of permanent capital loss to investors. To avoid this, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to purchase shares. Both the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage of a company are excellent indicators of its financial strength. Eastman Chemical Co has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.08, ranking worse than 90.44% of 1475 companies in the Chemicals industry. The overall financial strength of Eastman Chemical Co is rated 5 out of 10, indicating fair financial health.

Eastman Chemical Co (EMN)'s True Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies carries less risk, especially if they have demonstrated consistent profitability over the long term. Companies with high profit margins typically offer better performance potential than those with low profit margins. Eastman Chemical Co has been profitable for 10 years over the past 10 years. During the past 12 months, the company had revenues of $9.80 billion and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $5.86. Its operating margin of 10.78% is better than 68.45% of 1474 companies in the Chemicals industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks Eastman Chemical Co's profitability as strong.

Growth is a crucial factor in the valuation of a company. GuruFocus research has found that growth is closely correlated with the long-term stock performance of a company. A faster-growing company creates more value for shareholders, especially if the growth is profitable. The 3-year average annual revenue growth of Eastman Chemical Co is 8.2%, ranking worse than 53.76% of 1421 companies in the Chemicals industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is 1.6%, ranking worse than 67.15% of 1312 companies in the Chemicals industry.

ROIC vs WACC

One can evaluate a company's profitability by comparing its return on invested capital (ROIC) to its weighted average cost of capital (WACC). ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. If the ROIC exceeds the WACC, the company is likely creating value for its shareholders. During the past 12 months, Eastman Chemical Co's ROIC was 7.76 while its WACC came in at 8.73.

Eastman Chemical Co (EMN)'s True Worth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Market Value

Conclusion

In summary, the stock of Eastman Chemical Co (NYSE:EMN) shows every sign of being modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is strong. However, its growth ranks worse than 67.15% of 1312 companies in the Chemicals industry. To learn more about Eastman Chemical Co stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out the high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


EnerSys' (NYSE:ENS) dividend will be increasing from last year's payment of the same period to $0.225 on 29th of September. Although the dividend is now higher, the yield is only 0.9%, which is below the industry average.

View our latest analysis for EnerSys

EnerSys' Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions

While yield is important, another factor to consider about a company's dividend is whether the current payout levels are feasible. Before making this announcement, EnerSys was easily earning enough to cover the dividend. As a result, a large proportion of what it earned was being reinvested back into the business.

Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 27.5%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 12% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.

EnerSys Has A Solid Track Record

The company has a sustained record of paying dividends with very little fluctuation. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $0.50 in 2013 to the most recent total annual payment of $0.90. This means that it has been growing its distributions at 6.1% per annum over that time. Companies like this can be very valuable over the long term, if the decent rate of growth can be maintained.

The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow

Investors could be attracted to the stock based on the quality of its payment history. It's encouraging to see that EnerSys has been growing its earnings per share at 13% a year over the past five years. Growth in EPS bodes well for the dividend, as does the low payout ratio that the company is currently reporting.

EnerSys Looks Like A Great Dividend Stock

Overall, we think this could be an attractive income stock, and it is only getting better by paying a higher dividend this year. Distributions are quite easily covered by earnings, which are also being converted to cash flows. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock.

Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 2 warning signs for EnerSys that you should be aware of before investing. Is EnerSys not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Entravision announced today it has been appointed as the preferred media sales partner for Boomplay, the #1 music streaming platform in Africa. Through this partnership, Entravision will represent Boomplay for all advertising sales and account management in Kenya.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905202742/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Boomplay is a leading music streaming service provided by Transsnet Music Limited, and is available globally on mobile through the Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS as well as on the web via www.boomplay.com. Boomplay has over 98 million Monthly Active Users in Africa, with a catalogue of over 100 million songs.

"We are proud to partner with Boomplay and bring local and international brands a solution to reach new audiences in Africa. The platforms adoption and continued growth in Africa displays the significant opportunities that digital audio brings to the digital ecosystem. We are pleased to introduce yet another big tech platform representation into Entravision in Africas portfolio, and I am confident that our commercial operations, existing network and results oriented platform will support the growth of advertisers on the platform," said Julian Jordaan, President of Entravision in Africa.

Boomplay won the Best African App at the 2017 Apps Africa Awards, and allows its users to stream and download their favourite songs and videos, as well as subscribe to a monthly plan to access premium features such as ad-free streaming. Boomplay aims to empower the African music ecosystem to unlock its full potential and enable advertisers to connect with its vast African audience.

Commenting on the partnership, Sherly Luo, Business Development Director of Boomplay, said, "Our vision is to become not only a music streaming service, but we aim to be the number one player in the whole music ecosystem for African music. Users with freemium subscriptions will be exposed to brand ads while using our service, and this is the model where the partnership with Entravision, our Kenyan media sales partner, comes in, ensuring brands and users enjoy a seamless commercial experience."

Story continues

Boomplay has been empowering the African music ecosystem through various stakeholder partnerships and industry support initiatives and aims to do more to ensure that the potential of the African music ecosystem is unlocked.

About Entravision in Africa

Entravision in Africa is an online media and ad-technology business with a rich heritage in the African advertising industry. For 23 years the business has represented the largest publishers and platforms in Africa and have helped global brands reach connected consumers and drive business impact. With a mission to connect publishers to brands, and brands to consumers, Entravision in Africa helps brands reach audiences at scale through its exclusive partnership with leading platforms like TikTok, Anzu, Triton Digital and many more. Entravision in Africa is a business unit of Entravision, a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers.

Learn more about all of our innovative media, marketing and technology offerings at entravisionafrica.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Boomplay

Boomplay is a music streaming service provided by Transsnet Music Limited. The service is available globally on mobile through the Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS and on the web via www.boomplay.com. Boomplay has over 98 million Monthly Active Users (MAUs), with a catalogue of over 100 million songs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230905202742/en/

Contacts

Maggie Ndriangu  Country Manager, Entravision in Kenya: maggie.ndirangu@entravision.com
Whether you're a bargain hunter or a French food enthusiast, find your way to the best online grocery platform in Singapore.

SINGAPORE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Le Petit Depot celebrates its 10th anniversary in September 2023. 10 Years of commitment to affordable French food and Western groceries to satisfy any craving in 24 hours.

This September is a special month. Le Petit Depot treats all its visitors as special guests for its 10th anniversary. It is the best time to shop for the best deals and discover (or rediscover) your French food memories with affordable cheese and cold cuts, wine bottles, and many more festive offers from iconic brands such as Labeyrie, or Maison Thiriet (the #2 frozen food in France).

The journey began in 2013 when Yannick Guedon and Frederic Douville, two French expats in Singapore, decided to fill the gap left by Carrefour on the market. At the time, affordable Made in France groceries were impossible to find.

The company primarily focused on selling dry products such as biscuits and cans which were easier to import to the Lion City. Quickly the success story began with a growing demand.

Founders - "The Petit Depot has grown. It has grown faster than expected. When we created the company on April 6, 2013, it was only a question of filling a void following the departure of Carrefour. In 3 years, we switched to a complete alternative offer."

Over time, thousands of details have evolved in the organization, especially on the technical and logistical aspects.

Today the e-commerce platform refers to over 12,000 references from organic fresh produce to meat and seafood like French oysters from Saint Michel Bay or Fines de Claire, a collection of over 500 wine varieties starting at $21 a bottle and much more.

Le Petit Depot simply is the best platform to shop anything you like from France.

The company's strength lies in its ability to supply the demand in Singapore with 100% cold chain preserved transportation and top-rated customer service. Any order placed every day before 18:30 can be delivered the next day in one of the 3 slots offered: from 9:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday 365/365.

Story continues

A Regular customer for 3 years commented that Petit Depot is incredible at all points. An impressive choice of French food and non-food items (such as personal care, and cleaning products), reasonable prices, next-day delivery with 2-hour delivery window, and cold chain management impeccable. Sincere and genuine communication when issues with items. Life in Singapore would clearly not be the same without Petit Depot.

The Best-selling products on the platform are Organic milk from La Laiterie des Ardennes, Carrefour grated cheese, rose wine Cote de Provence from la Cuvee du Grimaud de Saint Tropez and beef patties from La Boucherie just to name a few.

In 2023, the online platform took another challenge by importing Spanish products to Singapore. It all started with the inspiring demand from a loyal customer to bring her favourite Spanish food to town. Today, the two founders applied the same strategy and reached the heart of the Latin community with Hola, Espana! shop.

Fill your basket with quality products for an amazing culinary experience and save money with special offers every week on lepetitdepot.com.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/from-fine-wine-to-fresh-produce-and-groceries-celebrates-10-years-of-affordable-french-food-in-singapore-301918554.html

SOURCE Le Petit Depot
(Bloomberg) -- Flexport Inc. Chief Executive Officer Dave Clark is abruptly leaving the startup after a year at the company, making way for the return of its founder, Ryan Petersen, and highlighting pressure on startups in the logistics industry after a pandemic boom.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a memo to staff Wednesday, Clark wrote, Today, Ryan and I discussed his desire to return to focusing on growth in the core freight business. In light of that, I feel that he is best suited to lead the company in that direction.

The news was a surprise in tech circles. As recently as Tuesday, Clark posted on LinkedIn about plans to speak next week in Seattle at a Flexport exclusive launch event. It also followed a major announcement in May, where Flexport agreed to acquire Shopify Inc.s logistics unit for a 13% stake in the startup.

Clark joined Flexport from Amazon.com Inc. last year, initially starting as co-CEO and then serving as CEO. Previously, he spent two decades climbing the ranks at the e-commerce behemoth, rising to the level of CEO of its worldwide consumer business, and earning the nickname The Sniper.

But at Flexport, Clark had a tough time transitioning from the much-larger Amazon, according to a person familiar with the situation who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The companies have different models: Amazon is mostly a self-service company  it relies on its website and offers little human interaction between the corporation and its customers. Flexport, by contrast, required more hand-holding and salesmanship with clients, the person said.

Clark bristled at criticism of his style at Flexport, and announced his resignation soon afterward, the person said.

Story continues

On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal suggested another possible demand on Clarks attention: The paper reported that Clark is considering a campaign to become governor of Texas, citing unnamed sources. Clark, who moved with his family to Texas before leaving Amazon, had also sparked speculation among some colleagues in Seattle at the time that he would pursue a political office.

A representative for Flexport did not comment beyond thanking Clark for his leadership for the past year. Clark did not respond to requests for comment.

After stepping away from his duties at Flexport, Petersen announced in July that he had joined the Peter Thiel-backed venture capital firm Founders Fund as a partner. On Wednesday, he posted on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, Im back!!!

Flexport is one of the countrys most prominent startups, having raised more than $2 billion in funding and notching a valuation of $8 billion. Earlier this year, Flexport said it would cut 20% of its staff, which consisted of about 3,000 people according to LinkedIn. At the time, Clark and Petersen cited a decline in shipping volumes that followed a pandemic surge.

Freight companies like Flexport posted banner years during the pandemic  Petersen said its revenue would approach $5 billion last year. But they have faced a reckoning in 2023 as shipping capacity surpassed consumer demand for goods, sending cargo rates plunging.

Global goods trade may enter a recession, Oxford Economics said in a research note earlier Wednesday.

Bloomberg Beta, the venture capital arm of Bloomberg LP, is an investor in Flexport.

--With assistance from Brendan Murray and Matt Day.

(Updates with context starting in the first paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
It looks like Telekom Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:TM) is about to go ex-dividend in the next four days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. In other words, investors can purchase Telekom Malaysia Berhad's shares before the 11th of September in order to be eligible for the dividend, which will be paid on the 29th of September.

The company's next dividend payment will be RM0.095 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of RM0.17 to shareholders. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Telekom Malaysia Berhad has a trailing yield of 3.3% on the current stock price of MYR5.14. Dividends are a major contributor to investment returns for long term holders, but only if the dividend continues to be paid. We need to see whether the dividend is covered by earnings and if it's growing.

View our latest analysis for Telekom Malaysia Berhad

Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. Telekom Malaysia Berhad paid out a comfortable 49% of its profit last year. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. Over the last year it paid out 66% of its free cash flow as dividends, within the usual range for most companies.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Companies with consistently growing earnings per share generally make the best dividend stocks, as they usually find it easier to grow dividends per share. If earnings decline and the company is forced to cut its dividend, investors could watch the value of their investment go up in smoke. This is why it's a relief to see Telekom Malaysia Berhad earnings per share are up 7.0% per annum over the last five years. Decent historical earnings per share growth suggests Telekom Malaysia Berhad has been effectively growing value for shareholders. However, it's now paying out more than half its earnings as dividends. If management lifts the payout ratio further, we'd take this as a tacit signal that the company's growth prospects are slowing.

Story continues

The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Telekom Malaysia Berhad has seen its dividend decline 1.4% per annum on average over the past 10 years, which is not great to see.

To Sum It Up

Is Telekom Malaysia Berhad worth buying for its dividend? Earnings per share growth has been modest, and it's interesting that Telekom Malaysia Berhad is paying out less than half of its earnings and more than half its cash flow to shareholders in the form of dividends. Overall, it's not a bad combination, but we feel that there are likely more attractive dividend prospects out there.

On that note, you'll want to research what risks Telekom Malaysia Berhad is facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Telekom Malaysia Berhad you should know about.

If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Research Nester

Key gas-to-liquid (GTL) market players include Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil Corporation, Sasol Limited, PetroSA (South African National Oil Company), Velocys PLC, ENI S.p.A., OLTIN YO'L GTL LLC, Qatar Petroleum Company, and CompactGTL Limited.

NewYork, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global gas-to-liquid (GTL) market size is predicted to grow at a CAGR of over ~4% from 2023 to 2035. The market is projected to garner a revenue of USD 9 billion by the end of 2035, up from a revenue of ~USD 3 billion in the year 2022.GTL technology has gained significant attention and investment over the years due to several factors. The resulting liquid fuels from GTL processes are cleaner-burning and have lower sulfur content compared to conventional crude oil-based fuels, making them attractive from an environmental perspective.

Request Free Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/sample-request-5101

The GTL market has witnessed both commercial success and challenges. Some notable GTL projects have been established around the world, particularly in countries such as Qatar and South Africa. These projects have demonstrated the viability of GTL technology and its potential to produce high-quality liquid fuels. The growing concerns over air pollution and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have led to an increasing demand for cleaner-burning fuels.

Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) Market: Key Takeaways

Market in Asia Pacific to propel highest growth

The GTL fuel segment to garner the highest growth

Market in North America to grow at the highest rate

Increasing Abundance of Natural Gas Reserves across the Globe to Boost Market Growth

The availability of abundant natural gas reserves with natural gas storage provides a reliable and secure feedstock for GTL production. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global proven natural gas reserves stood at around 198 trillion cubic meters (TCM) in the year 2020. Stranded or flared gas refers to gas reserves that are geographically remote or economically unviable to develop due to infrastructure limitations.

Story continues

GTL technology provides a means to monetize these stranded or flared gas resources, turning them into valuable liquid fuels or other high-value products. Government support and favorable policies play a crucial role in driving the growth of the gas-to-liquid market. Various countries have implemented policies to encourage the development and adoption of GTL technology. GTL fuels offer diversification in the transportation fuel sector, and it is predicted to boost the markets growth.

Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) Market: Regional Overview

The market is segmented into five major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa region.

Expanding economic growth to Drive the Market Growth in Asia Pacific Region

The gas-to-liquid (GTL) market in the Asia Pacific region is estimated to garner the largest revenue by the end of 2035. The Asia Pacific region has been experiencing rapid economic growth and urbanization, leading to a significant increase in demand. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Asia Pacific region accounted for 42% of global energy consumption in 2020. This growing energy demand creates opportunities for GTL technology to monetize natural gas resources and meet the region's fuel needs. Many countries in the Asia Pacific region face challenges related to air pollution and environmental degradation.

The Asia Pacific region is increasingly embracing innovative technologies to address energy and environmental challenges. GTL technology aligns with this trend by offering a sustainable pathway to utilize natural gas reserves effectively. Several international energy companies and investors are showing interest in establishing GTL facilities in the Asia Pacific region. These investments and partnerships are driving the deployment of GTL technology and fostering technology transfer.

Make an Inquiry Before Buying this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/inquiries-before-buying-5101

Growing Cancer Cases to Propel the Growth in the North America Region

The North American gas-to-liquid (GTL) market is estimated to garner the highest CAGR by the end of 2035. The rapid expansion of shale gas production has created an opportunity for synergies between natural gas extraction and GTL technology. The proximity of feedstock sources to potential GTL plants enhances economic viability. In 2020, the U.S. shale gas production was estimated to be around 60 trillion cubic feet, reflecting the significant growth of this resource.

North America's transportation sector represents a significant market for liquid fuels. GTL fuels, with their clean combustion characteristics and potential for reducing emissions, can find application in meeting the region's transportation fuel needs. Advancements in GTL technology, including process efficiency improvements and cost reductions, have contributed to its viability. Moreover, strategic investments by energy companies are further accelerating the development and deployment of GTL projects. GTL technology presents an opportunity for North America to export high-quality liquid fuels to global markets, potentially enhancing the region's energy trade balance.

Gas-to-Liquid (GTL), Segmentation by Type

GTL Fuel

GTL Chemicals

Amongst these segments, the GTL fuel segment is anticipated to hold the largest share over the forecast period. Regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter emission regulations and standards to combat air pollution and improve air quality. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has imposed regulations to reduce sulfur emissions from marine fuels. GTL fuels can help meet these stringent emission standards as they have significantly lower sulfur content and produce fewer particulate matter emissions. GTL fuels provide an alternative source of liquid transportation fuels, helping to enhance energy security and mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical tensions and oil price volatility.

Request for Customization of this Report @ https://www.researchnester.com/customized-reports-5101

Gas-to-Liquid (GTL), Segmentation by End User

Chemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Food & Beverage

Amongst these segments, the residential segment is anticipated to hold a significant share over the forecast period. GTL technology can be used to convert renewable natural gas derived from organic waste into cleaner-burning synthetic fuels. This approach aligns with circular economy principles and reduces the carbon footprint associated with residential energy consumption. RNG production capacity in the U.S. reached 20 billion cubic feet in 2020, highlighting the growing potential of renewable gas sources. Residential consumers are increasingly seeking diversified energy sources to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on a single fuel type. GTL technology provides an alternative source of liquid fuels derived from abundant natural gas resources. The residential segment's interest in reducing reliance on imported fuels and increasing energy security is driving the adoption of domestically produced GTL fuels. This can contribute to reduced vulnerabilities in energy supply chains.

Few of the well-known market leaders in the gas-to-liquid (GTL) market that are profiled by Research Nester are Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil Corporation, Sasol Limited, PetroSA (South African National Oil Company), Velocys PLC, ENI S.p.A., OLTIN YO'L GTL LLC, Qatar Petroleum Company, and CompactGTL Limited, and other key market players.

Recent Development in the Market

Sasol Limited announced the completion of its Lake Charles Chemicals Project (LCCP) in the United States. The project, which includes a GTL plant, aims to convert natural gas into high-value chemicals. The completion of the project marks a significant milestone for Sasol's GTL operations and its expansion into the North American market.

Shell and Air Liquide announced a collaboration to develop a large-scale GTL plant in Canada. The project aims to leverage Shell's GTL technology and Air Liquide's expertise in hydrogen production to convert natural gas into cleaner transportation fuels and hydrogen. The collaboration reflects Shell's commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.

About Research Nester

Research Nester is a one-stop service provider with a client base in more than 50 countries, leading in strategic market research and consulting with an unbiased and unparalleled approach to helping global industrial players, conglomerates, and executives for their future investment while avoiding forthcoming uncertainties. With an out-of-the-box mindset to produce statistical and analytical market research reports, we provide strategic consulting so that our clients can make wise business decisions with clarity while strategizing and planning for their forthcoming needs and succeed in achieving their future endeavors. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided the right guidance at the right time is available through strategic minds.

CONTACT: AJ Daniel Corporate Sales, USA Research Nester Email: info@researchnester.com USA Phone: +1 646 586 9123 Europe Phone: +44 203 608 5919




Autonomous middle-mile trucking provider is adding Tyson Foods to its roster of food and grocery companies. (Photo: Gatik)

Breakfast sausage, hot dogs and frozen chicken breasts from Tyson Foods are beginning to move autonomously on Gatik AI trucks in Northwest Arkansas. The three-year contract could expand nationwide.

Gatik has covered a 7.1-mile route from a small warehouse to a Walmart retail store in Bentonville, Arkansas. It will serve Walmart neighbor Tyson as a third-party carrier using four Gatik trucks equipped with autonomous capability.

Gatiks four-year project with Walmart  using driverless trucks since 2021  ended with the closing of the warehouse where it was picking up loads. The startup expects to expand autonomous operations with Walmart but declined to provide details of what that will look like.

Much attention in autonomous trucking goes to Class 8 autonomous developers. Two of those  Aurora Innovation and TuSimple  forecast driver-out commercial routes by the end of 2024.

With less fanfare and no meaningful competition, Gatik has operated short-haul repeatable routes for up to 18 hours a day for Walmart and the Loblaws supermarket chain in Canada. In March, it added grocery giant Kroger as a customer for autonomous deliveries in Dallas.

Gatik counts thousands of accident-free driverless trips and more than 500,000 deliveries with and without safety monitors. Robot drivers are exempt from hours-of-service regulations limiting humans to 11 hours of driving in a 24-hour period.





Were really building on a lot of the operational learnings that weve gained over the past few years in northwest Arkansas, said Richard Steiner, Gatik vice president of government relations and public affairs.

Reconfiguring supply chain transportation for Tyson

In adding lane density, Gatik is using Class 7 box trucks, weaning shippers from using Class 8 day cab semi-trailers on shorter runs.

Were able to offer a much more responsive and flexible solution with a slightly smaller truck but still deliver a substantial load very frequently for the customer, Steiner said. This is the first time that anyone, to the best of our knowledge, has done that in the autonomous trucking space.

Story continues

A typical Tyson truckload consists of 30 pallets. But its not always easy to fill a 53-foot refrigerated trailer for a short haul, Patrick Simmons, Tysons vice president of transportation, told FreightWaves.

Almost 47% of our total miles are what we refer to as shuttle runs, Simmons said. Thats taking loads from a production facility out to one of our distribution facilities or a finishing plant where [chicken] can get breaded and those types of things.

Using a smaller truck to haul 10 pallets for 10 miles makes sense. High-frequency autonomous runs use less fuel and create fewer emissions, he said.

We figure that just one Gatik truck equates to about 700 truckloads a year, and that gives us a lot more efficiency, better turns on our trailers and helps us reduce our carbon footprint, Simmons said.

4 autonomous trucks for Tyson for starters

Tyson operates the nations eighth-largest private fleet, with 1,300 trucks and 4,500 mostly refrigerated trailers. It is helping Gatik purchase four Class 7 Isuzu FVR cabovers upfit for autonomy.

There are multiple facilities in Northwest Arkansas where were starting so we can monitor it, Simmons said. Across the country, weve identified 40 locations where we could do similar operations.

But first things first. Autonomous trucks assigned to Tyson will start with safety drivers as the pilots with Walmart and Loblaws did. Steiner would not share the timeline for when driver-out operations to Tyson storage facilities in the Rogers and Springdale, Arkansas, areas would begin.

There is an exponential decrease in the time frame from safety driver to driver out as we expand our operations, he said.

Autonomous trucking involves much more than the truck. The warehouse needs to be prepared. Bills of lading will change, as will communication between the carrier and the plant. A driverless truck passing through a guard shack is another challenge.

Repurposing Tyson driver jobs

Tyson has hired 250 private fleet drivers so far this year and expects that number to grow. Adding autonomous trucking could change some driving jobs but wont eliminate any, Simmons said.

Were going to repurpose what they do, he said. I have worked with drivers for over 20 years and one of the biggest complaints I hear is I have to drive 400-plus miles a day to make any money.

Tyson wants its private fleet to carry 50% of its total freight compared to 40% presently. As autonomous trucks take on the short-haul trips, human drivers will get more long-haul runs.

This will allow us to take that same driver and make them more of a regional driver, that 400- to 500-mile average distance, Simmons said.

Tyson has no immediate plans for converting to long-haul autonomous trucks. Its proteins are the refrigerated freight on a hub-to-hub autonomous pilot with carrier C.R. England and autonomous trucking developer Kodiak Robotics.

Theres not enough drivers for us to do all that we want to accomplish, Simmons said. Thats why we want to learn where [autonomy] makes sense. Can we use technology today to help us be more flexible, responsive and nimble across the country?

Related articles:

Running on Ice: KITT joins the cold chain

2022 Shipper of Choice Profile: Tyson Foods

Gatik will autonomously deliver groceries for Kroger in Dallas

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Alan Adler.

The post Gatik robot trucks will haul Tyson chicken, sausage and hot dogs appeared first on FreightWaves.
MUNICH (Reuters) - German carmakers are determined to tackle the problems they face in producing competitive electric vehicles, an executive at Chinese EV maker Xpeng said on Wednesday, as China's carmakers put pressure on European rivals in the race to electrify.

German carmakers have shown their "strongest determination ever to change" to try and catch up and address their challenges, Xpeng president Brian Gu said in an interview on the sidelines of Munich's IAA car show.

Gu was echoing an earlier speech by Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

Mueller separately told Reuters on Monday that Germany was "losing its competitiveness" and was now in "an acute situation in which investments have to be made".

The message from Mueller's comments is "they are feeling a very strong sense of crisis, Gu said. I think they also showed the biggest commitment to catch up after they reflected on a bitter experience.

Mueller's comments were made as Europe's car industry scrambles to ramp up production of electric vehicles with the help of partnerships and investments.

Of new EVs sold in Europe in 2023, 8% were made by Chinese brands, up from 6% last year and 4% in 2021, according to autos consultancy Inovev. Globally, China leads EV sales, the latest data from tech industry researcher Counterpoint shows. The U.S. has the fastest growing EV sales with Germany in third place.

Start-ups like Xpeng still need to leverage German automakers' scale, branding and investments to lower costs and survive in an increasingly crowded market, Gu told Reuters.

Chinese companies including Xpeng, BYD and Leapmotor are seeking the higher margins and faster growth overseas markets can offer, which means they are challenging European companies on their home turf with cheaper models.

"The Chinese companies are flooding into overseas markets like mushrooms, deepening their sense of crisis," Gu said.

Story continues

Earlier in the week, Gu said Xpeng plans to expand into more European markets, including Germany, Britain and France in 2024.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said EV competition from abroad should be a spur, not a worry for German carmakers.

Xpeng recently struck a deal with Volkswagen to jointly build two new models in China. Others, like LeapMotor are also seeking partnerships to boost sales globally.

"The market is not mature enough and everyone is still exploring a good business model," Gu said, adding that there are still many ways German and Chinese companies can complement each other with their different strengths.

Boosting sales further requires overcoming obstacles including stereotypes of Chinese manufacturing, import costs, and a less developed EV market.

"We need to seek cooperations in a humble position even if we have grown into giants," Jia Jianxu, general manager of the joint venture between Chinese state-owned SAIC and Volkswagen, said at an event hosted by Xuanyuan Academy, a Chinese business school for the automotive industry, in Munich on Tuesday.

The number of Chinese companies at Germany's IAA car show has doubled and China's largest EV conference, the World New Energy Vehicle Congress, is taking place within the IAA on Wednesday and Thursday, with high-ranking officials including China's "Father of EVs" Wan Gang attending.

Chinese executives say they are impressed with what Europe's automakers had to offer.

I feel a bit anxious after seeing so many new technologies at the IAA for two days," You Zheng, vice-general manager of China's Dongfeng Motor, said on the sidelines of the show.

"Europe is actually not pausing in EV transition... we still need to ramp up more efforts to improve our capacities in core technologies."

(Reporting by Zhang Yan and Victoria Waldersee, Writing by Victoria Waldersee and Josephine Mason; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Abbas Ganbay

The tentacle of the Armenian cuttlefish caught in yet another lie and manipulation about Azerbaijan and Israel has been grasped tenaciously by rabbis all around the world. More than 1,500 rabbis from across the United States recently signed a letter in support of accepting refugees, demonstrating the American Jewish community's commitment to the safety and dignity of those in need. The big news is that similarly, rabbis from around the world are uniting to speak out against the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

With the web of Armenian lies on the global map, since May 2023, pro-Armenian activists in Israel have been disseminating left-liberal materials in Israeli and Jewish-American media outlets calling for the withdrawal of support for Azerbaijan. The main argument is that Jews, who survived the Holocaust, are now allegedly becoming "complicit in the genocide" of Armenians in Garabagh. Thus, there is an attempt to put pressure on the Israeli leadership to abandon its military-strategic partnership with Azerbaijan.

The Armenian lobby in the United States is a diverse coalition of individuals and groups seeking to influence US foreign policy in favor of Armenia, Armenians, or Armenian politics. The lobby's main goal is for the United States to recognize the Armenian genocide, but it has not been able to fully exert its influence, as the Turkish lobby has until recently successfully lobbied against it.

In the US, the Armenian lobby is formed almost exclusively by domestic organizations such as the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Assembly of America, the largest and most influential Armenian-American organization in the US, engaged in public affairs (to sow lies) and government relations (to have pressure in promoting the Armenian agenda).

These organizations have similar pro-Armenian lobbying goals, which are mainly to improve US relations with Armenia in terms of aid (propaganda), block aid to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and the ultimate goal of recognizing the Armenian genocide. The influence of the Armenian lobby can be judged by its concentration in a few congressional districts, such as California's 30th congressional district. According to the 2000 census, one-third of the Armenian-American community lived in just 5 districts in the 106th Congressional District.

The Armenian lobby in Israel continues to pressure the Israeli leadership to abandon friendly relations with Azerbaijan in their agenda of propaganda about the alleged "genocide of Armenians in Garabagh", as well as to abandon military-strategic partnership and economic partnership. The Armenian lobby is not a decree for Israel and Azerbaijan.

Turkiye, a close ally of Azerbaijan, called on Yerevan to "stop provocations" against Baku and focus on peace talks and cooperation with its neighbor. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also called for "an immediate halt to any military action", adding that "there can be no military solution to the conflict". Russia also expressed "extreme concern" over the intensified fighting, while the European Council said it was "ready to make efforts to prevent further escalation."

Rabbi Zsolt Balla of Saxony, Germany, joined a group of influential rabbis around the world in condemning the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

"I join my fellow rabbis and share their opinion that using the Holocaust theme as a tool to demonize Azerbaijan and distort the situation in the region is wrong," Balla said in a post on his Facebook page.

Balla's statement was in response to a joint statement by the Rabbinical Council of America, the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, and the Conference of European Rabbis condemning the use of the Holocaust as a propaganda tool in the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenians are digging a deep hole for themselves. The statement notes that the Holocaust should never be used as a tool to demonize any people and that using the Holocaust as a propaganda tool is an insult to the memory of the millions of Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Balla's statement is significant because he is the first rabbi to be appointed to military service in Germany in almost a century. His appointment is seen as a symbol of the resurgence of Jewish life in Germany, as well as evidence of the country's commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and extremism. Balla's announcement is a reminder that the Holocaust should never be used as a propaganda tool and that it is the responsibility of all people to ensure that the memory of the Holocaust is respected and honored.

On 25 August 2023, Baku-based Rabbi Zamir Isayev posted a video message on his Facebook page addressed to all Jews around the world in Hebrew and English. In the first two days, major Jewish media not only published the text of the message but also supported it.

The video message provided documentary evidence that Azerbaijan's accusation of "genocide of Armenians in Garabagh" is pure fiction. It also called on Jews around the world to oppose the demonization of Azerbaijan and the use of the Holocaust theme by Armenian propaganda.

The Armenian Diaspora will swiftly implode, Heidaiwing-style, around the world, as the lies of the pro-Armenian authorities and their patrons collapse in a short time, in their anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, as well as anti-Turkic statements.

To understand how widespread the hatred towards representatives of Jewish nationality is, it is enough to look at statistics. According to a 2014 survey by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), about 58 percent of Armenians experience anti-Semitism and similar prejudices. The figures show that Armenia is the second most anti-Semitic country in Europe and the third in the world after the Middle East and North Africa.

Israel has not officially recognized the "armenian genocide". This issue has been repeatedly raised in the Israeli Knesset, but each time the adoption of a relevant resolution was postponed.
(Bloomberg) -- Alphabet Inc. tentatively settled claims that Google Play abuses its control over Android mobile applications, potentially resolving antitrust complaints over the companys policies brought by consumers and attorneys general of about three dozen states.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The deal was disclosed in a court filing Tuesday, but no terms were disclosed, including how much Google will pay. Lawyers representing the states, proposed class-action plaintiffs and Google asked a judge to cancel a trial scheduled for early November that would put at risk billions of dollars in revenue generated by the sale and distribution of apps through Google Play.

If the settlement is rejected by a judge, both sides will be returned to their respective litigation positions, according to the filing. The parties proposed reporting on the status of the deal at an Oct. 12 hearing.

Even if the deal is finalized, it wont end the legal fight. There would still be a trial Nov. 6 over separate claims by Epic Games Inc. and Match Group Inc. that Google Play app distribution, payment and fee policies are unlawful.

But the potential settlement means Google will avoid a trial in which 21 million users sought damages, claiming they were overcharged in the companys app marketplace. In July, US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco rescinded his order granting the plaintiffs class-action status that would have allowed the case to advance as a group lawsuit.

Consumers argued Google inflated Android app prices by taking, with some exceptions, a 30% cut of sales on Google Play. State attorneys general said in their 2021 complaint that Google used anticompetitive tactics to block competition and ensure that developers have no choice but to go through the Google Play store to reach users.

Story continues

A Google spokesperson declined to comment. Lawyers representing consumers and state attorneys general didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tim Sweeney, Epics chief executive officer, tweeted that the Fortnite maker has suggested to the states that they should push Google to open up the Android app distribution and payment markets.

The states should also make sure Google cant break settlement promises or the law moving forward, according to the letter. Google could do that by simply shifting its anticompetitive behavior and collecting monopoly rents in other adjacent markets, such as imposing fees on transactions that do not go through Google Play Billing, Epics lawyer wrote.

The case is In Re Google Play Store Antitrust Litigation, 21-md-02981, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).

(Updates with tweet by Epic Games CEO)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
OREM, Utah, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Havenpark Communities, an operator and developer of manufactured home communities in Montana and across the country, awarded scholarships to three of its residents in Billings. The scholarships, worth up to $10,000 annually, are part of Havenpark's Annual Scholarship Fund for residents. In 2023, 38 residents from across the country were awarded scholarships to cover expenses for college, universities, trade, and vocational schools.

2023 Havenpark Montana Scholarship Winners Paige Dahl, Mykala Davis, and Callie Halvorson

"I experienced the transformative power of education first-hand," said J. Anthony Antonelli, chairman and co-founder of Havenpark Communities. "We're honored to be able to support our residents' aims and ambitions."

Local Havenpark Scholarship recipients Paige Dahl, Mykala Davis, and Callie Halvorson are pursuing their undergraduate degrees in Montana.

Paige Dahl and Callie Halvorson joined the Class of 2026 at Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University Billings, respectively. Mykala Davis also attends Montana State University Billings and plans to graduate in 2025.

Havenpark has pledged at least $500,000 annually to its Education Success Program, which includes scholarships, mentoring, and other initiatives to increase education access and opportunity for residents. Since the scholarship program's inception in 2021, Havenpark has awarded academic scholarships to 59 residents from its communities across the country.

Beyond the scholarship, the Education Success Program guides current and prospective students through the application, financial aid, and course selection process.

"We wish our Montana Education Success Program students a great school year," said Jason Hale, Havenpark's director of education success, who works closely with students as they navigate their college career.

Havenpark is committed to enriching the lives of its residents; to learn more about the scholarship program or eligibility, visit Havenpark's website: https://havenparkcommunities.com/education/

Story continues

Havenpark Communities is an operator and developer of manufactured home communities and makes caring communities attainable for responsible residents in Montana and across America. Since 2017, Havenpark has sourced and installed over 4,000 new factory-built homes, providing quality, affordable living to over 10,000 Americans across the country. Last year, Havenpark Communities added 870 new affordable homes across the country and has committed to adding another 800 in 2023. Havenpark believes in respectful and professional management, well-maintained communities, and attainable homeownership. Havenpark makes long-term investments in its communities, providing enduring value for current and future residents.

Contact

Jenny Werwa

werwa@invariantgr.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/havenpark-communities-awards-academic-scholarships-to-three-montana-residents-301919385.html

SOURCE Havenpark Communities
HOLLAND  The unofficial end of summer has Michiganders headed to the lakeshore and giving Holland businesses a boost.

Its especially a boon for restaurants that still face challenges spurred by the pandemic. Tens of thousands of bars and restaurants nationwide shut down during that time, and those that survived continue to deal with the pandemics impact.

The unofficial end of summer has Michiganders headed to the lakeshore and giving Holland businesses a boost.

The Curragh, a family-owned Irish pub in the heart of downtown Holland, is one of the restaurants that made it through the pandemic.

Im super grateful to everybody in Holland and the surrounding areas for supporting us, co-owner Sophia Leongas told WOOD TV-8 on Monday.

Leongas said some things, like supply issues, have improved since the pandemic. The problem is everything costs more.

Expenses have gone up for real, Leongas said. Food is costing a lot more, which reflects in our menu costs.

Its the big items: meat, fish, potatoes and produce. Leongas said most customers have understood why the restaurant has needed to raise prices.

Its not cheap to eat out anymore, Leongas said. We like to provide quality and hospitality, its what we do here. Maybe people cant come as often, but we hope they choose us as their favorite place.

The pub is down in sales compared to last year. Leongas said its a significant drop between 10 and 15 percent.

Im not gonna complain, she said. A lot of restaurants were closed last year, every restaurant that opens up takes a little bit. We still had a really good summer.

Leongas believes the entire lakeshore has seen less traffic than past years.

I think the lakeshore has been down generally, she said. I dont know if people have been traveling further now that restrictions are gone. Its hard to tell, but tourism has been good, and we hope to keep continuing.

Labor Day weekend has been a solid boost for the business amid great weather. The restaurant is seeing customers fill their patio.

Were super thankful to the community, Leongas said.

Story continues

Wooden shoes, wooden tulips, slippers, wooden bowls and other gift items are available for purchase at Dutch Village Downtown in Holland.

Right down the street from The Curragh is Dutch Village Downtown. The store is still new, but it calls back to generations of Dutch history.

We have Dutch gifts, souvenirs, said co-owner Joe Nelis. Everything from souvenir-quality items all the way up to the Royal Delft. Were going to the Netherlands every few years to see what we can find and bring back unique things.

The store customizes shoes and other wooden gifts on-site. Their main attraction? Cheese, ready to sample.

We have 27 different kinds of Dutch cheeses that you can go right down the line and taste every single one of them, Nelis said.

Nelis, who also owns the longtime Nelis Dutch Village, wanted to open the gift shop in 2020 before the pandemic struck.

We had big plans and they all got shut down, Nelis said. We ended up being down 49.5 percent for the year. We were sitting on a mountain full of merchandise that we hadnt sold in 2020.

They opened their doors on Eighth Street in October 2021. Supply chain issues made things rough at first, but they got through just fine.

Weve been very fortunate this year, Nelis said. This stores doing great. Were in one of the best places on Eighth Street."

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

Supply chain disruptions remain today  theyre still waiting on a huge box of merchandise abroad.

Our last shipment was in the Netherlands, sitting in the freight fort in the Netherlands for four weeks, Nelis said. We still gotta get to the bottom of that.

Regardless, Nelis said, the summer has gone well and theyre generating more revenue than last year.

Were happy to be putting some plus signs in the revenue column here, too, Nelis said. "(But) wage rates have come up with it. Rent goes up every year. Youve got more money going out, but its always great to have the plus signs on the revenue side to help."

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland businesses see more traffic amid rising prices
Gang Liu / Shutterstock.com

There are a number of reasons why Americans desire homes outside of the 50 states. Perhaps they have a location-independent job and are looking for a change. Maybe they're seeking a vacation home or an investment property. Whatever the reason may be, interest in real estate outside of the U.S. remains strong, though it has waned since the start of the rise of work-from-anywhere jobs in 2021 and 2022.

See: 15 Cheapest, Safest Places To Live in the US

Find Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

To determine the most desired locations for Americans looking to purchase homes outside of the 50 states in North America, Central America and South America, Point2 analyzed more than 2,000 real estate-related keywords. Based on the analysis, these are the top 10 homebuying destinations in the Americas.

lucky-photographer / Getty Images/iStockphoto

10. Jamaica

If you dream of buying a home in Jamaica, know that it won't come cheap. The average price of a home in Jamaica is $1.62 million, and they range in price between $502,553 and $50.57 million, according to JamesEdition.

I'm a Real Estate Agent: These Will Be the Best States To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years

Check Out: 10 Affordable U.S. Small Towns With a Great Quality of Life

NAPA74 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

9. US Virgin Islands

The median listing price in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is $429,500, with homes for sale ranging from $59,500 to $20 million, according to Realtor.com.

Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Europe? Check Out the Prices in These 8 Cities

peeterv / iStock.com

8. Dominican Republic

With warm weather year-round and relatively affordable homes, it's no wonder the Dominican Republic appeals to American buyers. Home prices start at just $69,000, with a typical two-bedroom villa costing an average of $150,000 to $250,000, according to DreamingDR.com.

7. Bahamas

The cost to call the Bahamas home varies greatly depending on where you buy. The average home price in Nassau, which is the capital city and most populated region, is $721,340, according to Bahamas Guides. On Grand Bahama, the second-largest island, the average home price is $272,420. However, if you're looking to buy on a less populated island, prepare to pay premium prices. The average home price in Eleuthera, for example, is $992,788, with many properties priced in the multimillions.

Story continues

SimonDannhauer / Getty Images/iStockphoto

6. Panama

Current listings for homes in Panama range from $39,000 to $7.5 million.

I'm a Real Estate Agent: Buy Real Estate in These 5 Countries To Be Rich in 10 Years

Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock.com

5. Belize

Depending on where in Belize you are looking to buy, you may be able to find a three-bedroom home for as little as $150,000, according to REMAX.

dennisvdw / iStock.com

4. Puerto Rico

The median home listing price in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is $795,000, with homes for sale ranging from $24,900 to $8.9 million, according to Realtor.com.

mihtiander / iStock.com

3. Costa Rica

The average cost of a home in Costa Rica varies depending on location and amenities. The average cost of a house in the San Jose metropolitan area is about $180,000, while a home in the Central Pacific will cost about $230,000, according to REMAX Costa Rica.

I'm a Real Estate Agent: Don't Buy Real Estate in These 5 States If You Want To Be Rich in 10 Years

ronniechua / Getty Images

2. Canada

The average price of a home in Canada is 716,000 Canadian dollars ($526,480), according to the CBC.

Shutterstock.com

1. Mexico

Those looking for affordable homes should consider heading to our neighbor in the south. The average price for a home in Mexico is $1.6 million pesos ($90,850).

Ranking is sourced from Point2 and is accurate as of Aug. 23, 2023.

Home price data is accurate as of Sept. 1, 2023.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Housing Market 2023: 10 Most Popular Destinations for American Homebuyers
Oil tanker in Russia

Hundreds of sanctions-busting ships appear to be transporting Russian crude in defiance of Western efforts to cap revenues earned by the Kremlin.

Two thirds of the oil tankers leaving Russias eastern, Arctic, Baltic and Black Sea ports in August were likely to be breaching Western sanctions imposed after the Ukraine invasion, according to analysts at Lloyds List.

Only 108 of 334 tankers tracked using eight key Russian ports had the Western marine insurance showing compliance with the sanctions, which were designed to cut the oil revenues flowing to the Kremlin.

Western governments set a cap on the price of Russian oil by banning insurance companies from providing cover unless the cargo was sold below a certain level.

The cap level varies according to the product but is set at $60 a barrel for crude and $100 for diesel.

Lloyds Lists findings are thought to be the first quantification of the policys effectiveness since global oil prices surged above the price cap last month  increasing the temptation to breach the sanctions.

Michelle Wiese Bockmann, senior analyst at Lloyds List Intelligence, said that the insurance cover  or lack of it  taken out by shipowners was a good proxy for compliance with the sanctions regime.

She said: The biggest indicator of sanctions compliance is insurance cover from one of the International Group of P& I [protection and indemnity] clubs, which combined cover around 90pc of the worlds ocean-going tonnage.

They need to see evidence that the cargo is compliant before they will insure them. Two out of three tankers shipping Russian oil in August did not have this insurance, which is the greatest number of vessels without it since the price cap was breached.

Sanctions-busting ships are often described as Russias dark fleet and are thought to be mainly older tankers with obscure ownership.

Such ships typically hide their location and movements using tactics including switching off their satellite location systems and changing their ownership structures every month or two. Lloyds Lists analysts estimate that about 12pc of the global shipping market is now dark.

Story continues

The ports tracked were Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Tuapse, St. Petersburg, Ust-Luga, Kozmino, Murmansk and di Castri terminal, covering ports in the Arctic, eastern seaboard and Baltic and Black Seas.

The Western price cap was designed to minimise the oil revenue flowing to the Kremlin by capping the maximum price oil can fetch on global markets  while also keeping Russian oil flowing.

It was implemented by the Group of Seven industrialised nations and Australia. The cap for crude oil took effect last December and for refined products in February. It operates alongside import bans on Russian oil to Europe, the UK and US.

While the West has turned its back on Russian oil, other nations  notably India and China  have stepped up purchases.

Russias Urals crude oil was trading at under $60 a barrel for most of 2023 but global oil price increases in July and August pushed its value upwards.

This prompted the International Energy Agency to last month warn that shipping service and marine insurance providers cannot be sure to respect the G7 cap at the time of loading.

The benchmark oil price now stands at around $76, meaning breaking the sanctions has become increasingly tempting especially for shipowners that have no exposure to western countries.

Ms Wiese Bockmann said that there had been a clear shift in ownership of tankers sailing in Russian waters.

At the start of 2023, about two-thirds of them were controlled by Greek or other companies with western links. Today, the proportion is only about one third and Russian or Turkish ships now predominate. She said: If there is no Western exposure then there is no risk of penalties.

Lloyds List has been charting the rise of the dark fleet shipping sanctioned oil since sanctions were reintroduced on Iran by the US in 2018.

Richard Meade, editor of Lloyds List, said: Our methodology defines a tanker as part of the dark fleet if it is aged 15 years or over, is anonymously owned and/or has a corporate structure designed to obfuscate beneficial ownership discovery, is solely deployed in sanctioned oil trades, and is engaged in one or more of the deceptive shipping practices outlined by the US State Department.

This includes the disabling or manipulation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) on vessels, high risk ship-to-ship transfers, and hopping between flag states.

Originally applied to Iranian and Venezuelan oil trades, the dark fleet has now swelled in size to more than 500 vessels, according to Lloyds List analysis. The figure excludes tankers tracked to government-controlled shipping entities such as Russias Sovcomflot or Irans National Iranian Tanker Co, and those already sanctioned.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Over the past year, many IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) insiders sold a significant stake in the company which may have piqued investors' interest. When evaluating insider transactions, knowing whether insiders are buying versus if they selling is usually more beneficial, as the latter can be open to many interpretations. However, shareholders should take a deeper look if several insiders are selling stock over a specific time period.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

View our latest analysis for IDEXX Laboratories

IDEXX Laboratories Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent sale by James Polewaczyk was the biggest sale of IDEXX Laboratories shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of US$496. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. We note that this sale took place at around the current price, so it isn't a major concern, though it's hardly a good sign.

IDEXX Laboratories insiders didn't buy any shares over the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Insiders At IDEXX Laboratories Have Sold Stock Recently

The last three months saw significant insider selling at IDEXX Laboratories. In total, Executive VP & Chief Commercial Officer James Polewaczyk sold US$3.1m worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any purchases whatsoever. Overall this makes us a bit cautious, but it's not the be all and end all.

Story continues

Insider Ownership

Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. IDEXX Laboratories insiders own 1.0% of the company, currently worth about US$399m based on the recent share price. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

So What Do The IDEXX Laboratories Insider Transactions Indicate?

An insider hasn't bought IDEXX Laboratories stock in the last three months, but there was some selling. Looking to the last twelve months, our data doesn't show any insider buying. On the plus side, IDEXX Laboratories makes money, and is growing profits. While insiders do own a lot of shares in the company (which is good), our analysis of their transactions doesn't make us feel confident about the company. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for IDEXX Laboratories you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Key Insights

Singapore Telecommunications' estimated fair value is S$4.22 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Singapore Telecommunications is estimated to be 44% undervalued based on current share price of S$2.35

Our fair value estimate is 37% higher than Singapore Telecommunications' analyst price target of S$3.09

Does the September share price for Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SGX:Z74) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Singapore Telecommunications

Crunching The Numbers

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. 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.

Story continues

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (SGD, Millions) S$2.76b S$2.49b S$2.89b S$2.96b S$3.02b S$3.09b S$3.15b S$3.22b S$3.28b S$3.35b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Est @ 2.29% Est @ 2.19% Est @ 2.13% Est @ 2.09% Est @ 2.05% Est @ 2.03% Est @ 2.02% Present Value (SGD, Millions) Discounted @ 6.0% S$2.6k S$2.2k S$2.4k S$2.3k S$2.3k S$2.2k S$2.1k S$2.0k S$1.9k S$1.9k

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = S$22b

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.0%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = S$3.3b (1 + 2.0%)  (6.0% 2.0%) = S$85b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$85b ( 1 + 6.0%)10= S$48b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$70b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of S$2.4, the company appears quite good value at a 44% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

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 Singapore Telecommunications 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 6.0%, 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.

SWOT Analysis for Singapore Telecommunications

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Telecom market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Singaporean market.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Singaporean market.

Moving On:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Singapore Telecommunications, we've compiled three pertinent elements you should look at:

Risks: We feel that you should assess the 1 warning sign for Singapore Telecommunications we've flagged before making an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does Z74'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 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.
LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2023 / BluEarth Carbon Development Inc. ("BluEarth"), a leading U.S.-based carbon offset developer focused on avoided deforestation projects in West Africa, is thrilled to announce its emergence onto the global stage as a dynamic force in sustainability and conservation.

Our Company

Founded in 2022, BluEarth is focused on deploying market-based solutions to combat climate change while driving sustainable development in local communities. We are project developers working to advance a portfolio of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation ("REDD+") projects located in the Republic of Liberia. Our mission is to mitigate climate change, conserve forest carbon stocks, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods. We aim to do so by partnering with forest-dwelling communities to incentivize sustainable land use practices aimed at safeguarding some of the most ecologically impactful ecosystems on earth.

Our Goals:

Protect and restore natural carbon sinks by addressing one of the largest underlying drivers of climate change - deforestation.



Facilitate the transition to net-zero by generating carbon offsets - a crucial resource required by corporations and institutions to achieve their climate action targets.



Provide an economically viable alternative to deforestation by incentivizing forest communities to pursue sustainable land use practices through performance-based payments.



Maximize impact by aligning our projects with co-benefits in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals such as preserving biodiversity, improving livelihoods though agroforestry, and developing social infrastructure.

Achieving Net-Zero: The Need for Voluntary Carbon Markets & REDD+:

Our planet is facing an imminent climate crisis that requires far-reaching and immediate action to reduce global emissions. Achieving net-zero emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5C requires rapid scaling of the Voluntary Carbon Markets and a significant increase in the supply of carbon offsets. The Voluntary Carbon Markets bridge the divide between economic interests and environmental responsibility by enabling corporations, driven by the imperative of corporate social responsibility, to offset their emissions and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Simultaneously, REDD+ plays a crucial role in preserving forests and maintaining their function as a natural carbon sink. By incentivizing the protection of these invaluable ecosystems, REDD+ strikes at the root causes of deforestation and forest degradation, curbing carbon emissions while fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities. BluEarth is thrilled to step into the arena of climate action as we seek to develop high-quality REDD+ projects that deliver positive climate and community impacts. Our planet's climate crisis demands urgent and coordinated efforts to combat it, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this transformative journey.



Why Liberia?

Story continues

BluEarth is a first mover in Liberia, a nation teeming with potential to participate in the Voluntary Carbon Markets. Liberia is a rainforest nation that is home to over 40% of West Africa's remaining forests including large sections of the Upper Guinean Forest - one of the world's great tropical forest ecosystems. Diana monkeys, chimpanzees, pygmy hippos and many other endangered species all rely on these forests for their survival. However, Liberia's forests are under extreme pressure from threats such as slash-and-burn agricultural expansion, logging (both illegal and legal), and poaching, all of which put the country's forests - and those who depend on them - at risk. From 2001 to 2022, Liberia lost 2.2 million hectares of tree cover, equivalent to a 23% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 1.25 Gt of COe emissions[1].

In Liberia, BluEarth is partnering with local forest communities to develop REDD+ as a means of mitigating climate change through forest conservation. This initiative is aimed at providing economic opportunities to land-owning, forest-dwelling communities. Through performance-based payments, BluEarth's REDD+ projects seek to empower these communities to leverage their forest assets to forge a sustainable path towards a greener future.

Our intent is to engage with local communities in a transparent, inclusive, and equitable manner. We aim to foster meaningful partnerships built on mutual respect, open communication, and shared decision-making. By working collaboratively with these communities we seek to ensure that their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their interests are prioritized throughout all stages of the project. Our commitment to fair engagement is driven by a deep understanding of the importance of community involvement in achieving sustainable environmental and social outcomes.

Our Team:



Augustine Jarrett - CEO: Augustine is a native Liberian with +20 years of experience developing natural resource projects in the forestry sector. Prior to founding BluEarth, Augustine held positions at Booz Allen Hamilton, the U.S. Treasury Department, The Liberian Wood Industry a subsidiary of Natural Resource Development SA., a consulting credit officer for USAID Projects, and served as the Principal Economic Advisor to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Noble Peace Prize-winning former President of Liberia.

Robin McWatt - COO: Robin is a seasoned corporate development executive with more than a decade of experience incubating and scaling early-stage companies. Prior to joining BluEarth, Robin served as Vice President at a Canadian merchant bank where he guided companies from the start-up/idea- stage to successful exits with a focus on natural resources, agriculture, cleantech, and real estate.

John Furnari - VP, Projects: John is a long-serving foreign aid program manager with +20 years of field experience delivering development projects throughout Africa, Europe and the Global South. Prior to joining BluEarth, John served as Chief of Party for USAID's Legal Professional Development and Anti-Corruption Program in Liberia and USAID's Expanding Access to Justice Program in Somalia. John holds an LL.M Enviromental Law degree from Pace University.

Sheldon Zakreski - VP, Carbon Finance: Sheldon is a +20 year carbon markets veteran specializing in structuring transactions for early-stage offset projects. He's helped secure over $100M worth of offset purchase agreements and advised on over $100M of investments into REDD+ projects. Prior to joining BluEarth, Sheldon served as Executive Director of The Climate Trust; VP, Climate Finance at Climate Impact Partners; and Director, Nature-Based Solutions at ClearBlue Markets.

Melody Lynch - Director, Stakeholder Engagement: Melody is a social scientist with a decade of experience researching the impacts of environmental projects and policies on rural and indigenous communities throughout developing countries. She is currently a lecturer in the department of environment and geography at McGill University, where she is also completing her PhD in urban agriculture, sustainability, and social justice.

For media inquiries, please contact: Robin McWatt at robin@bluearthcarbon.com

To learn more about BluEarth Carbon Development and its groundbreaking initiatives, visit www.bluearthcarbon.com.

About BluEarth Carbon Development



BluEarth is an innovative environmental organization dedicated to tackling climate change, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods through nature-based solutions. Through collaborative partnerships and ethical practices, BluEarth's projects transcend borders, striving to create a world where environmental and economic interests align for a thriving future.

[1] Source: Global Forest Watch

Contact:

Robin McWatt

Chief Operating Officer

514-707-0481

robin@bluearthcarbon.com

SOURCE: BluEarth Carbon Development, Inc.





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/780797/introducing-bluearth-carbon-development-championing-nature-based-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future




Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, addressed an open letter to The New York Times (NYT), Azernews reports.

"Instead of being a fair platform for all voices, I do regret that NYT is putting firewalls and bureaucratic barriers to alternative views.

X (former Twitter) provides an alternative even more powerful free and open platform against the information monopoly of some Western media outlets that are engaged in Soviet style propaganda against my country. While checking all of these articles, including the one NYT, you get the impression that all they have been written in the same government studio or PR company financed by the armenian lobby and government," Hajiyev said on social network X.

"A good way to start securing peace would be for Armenia to apologize, Hikmat Hajiyev, adviser to Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and the head of the foreign policy affairs department of the presidential administration, told Arab News.

In response to a question regarding the discussion of the Lachin road in the UN Security Council and Armenia's claim that the Armenian population of Garabagh is experiencing a "humanitarian crisis", Hajiyev called them unsubstantiated and ungrounded allegations against Azerbaijan.

What Azerbaijan is suggesting is to have multiple roads. And one of the important roads is the Aghdam-Khankandi road. It is much more efficient and has more logistical capabilities to reach out to the Karabakh region because Azerbaijan has completely rebuilt it, he said.
Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP). The stock, currently priced at 9.76, recorded a loss of 6.69% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 2.47%. The stock's fair valuation is $40.32, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: historical multiples that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance.

If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Investing in Snap (SNAP): Navigating the Thin Line Between Value and Trap

Considering the Risks: Snap's Low Altman Z-Score

However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Snap should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 0.61. These indicators suggest that Snap, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

Story continues

Company Overview: Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP)

Snap, which refers to itself as a camera company, has one of the most popular social networking apps, Snapchat, in developed regions such as North America and Europe. The firm has 375 million daily active users. Snap generates nearly all its revenue from advertising with 70% coming from North America. The firm is headquartered in Venice, California.

This is the income breakdown of Snap:

Investing in Snap (SNAP): Navigating the Thin Line Between Value and Trap

Operational Efficiency: Snap's Declining Asset Turnover

When it comes to operational efficiency, a vital indicator for Snap is its asset turnover. The data: 2021: 0.63; 2022: 0.58; 2023: 0.55 from the past three years suggests a recent decline following an initial increase in this ratio. The asset turnover ratio reflects how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. Therefore, a drop in this ratio can signify reduced operational efficiency, potentially due to underutilization of assets or decreased market demand for the company's products or services. This shift in Snap's asset turnover underlines the need for the company to reassess its operational strategies to optimize asset usage and boost sales.

Conclusion: Snap as a Potential Value Trap

Considering the low Altman Z-Score and declining asset turnover, Snap (NYSE:SNAP) might be a potential value trap despite its apparent undervaluation according to the GF Value. Investors need to consider these risk factors and perform thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


National Taco Truck Tour to Visit Los Angeles, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Denver and Las Vegas, Offering Free Tacos

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Isadora, an authentic Mexican food line of ready-to-eat dishes, announced an extension of its national taco tour in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place September 15 to October 15. Isadora's meals are revolutionizing the way people enjoy Mexican food by bringing easy, flavorful dishes to the table. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.

Isadora Taco Truck

"We are bringing the passion, creativity, and zest for life reflected by our Mexican heritage to every meal," said Maria Jose Garza, Isadora Brand Manager at Verde Valle Food, Inc. "We're excited to provide a convenient and delicious way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and enjoy flavors from Mexico anytime, anywhere."

This summer, Isadora launched a Taco Truck Tour, serving up free tacos for the public to experience the flavors and natural ingredients of their newest line featuring Pollo con Molle, Barbacoa, and Pork Chile Verde. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Isadora is expanding the tour to select cities on the West Coast and giving away free tacos starting with a private event in Los Angeles on September 15.

Additional Isadora Taco Truck Tour stops include:

September 19-22: Phoenix

September 26-27: Albuquerque

October 1-3: Denver

October 7-9: Las Vegas

With their line of ready-to-eat pouches, Isadora is adding joy to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations by making it easy to serve traditional Mexican cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. As millions of Americans prepare to honor Hispanic culture, heritage, and pride, a time-consuming meal prep is no longer required, making way for more fun with family and friends.

Serving an appetizer of mini-mole sliders or pairing barbacoa enchiladas with Isadora's 2-minute heat-and-serve beans makes dinner easy. Isadora's commitment to unparalleled flavors is evident in every aspect of its products, from the ingredients used to the cooking methods employed. Visit IsadoraMexicanFood.com for quick and easy meal recipes, that include tasty tacos, flautas, tostadas and more, all made with the best ingredients and flavors to ensure a delicious and genuinely Mexican culinary experience. The complete Isadora line is available at select retailers throughout the United States including Kroger and Walmart, and on Amazon.

Story continues

About Isadora

Rooted in quality, Isadora is an authentic Mexican food line offering a variety of ready-to-eat dishes such as pollo con mole, barbacoa, chile verde, beans. Its refried beans are rated Mexico's #1 beans in a pouch. Isadora proudly serves flavorful products that are high in fiber, free of preservatives, BPA free, gluten-free and plant-based. Its innovative, ready-to-eat packages ensure shelf-stability without the need for refrigeration, making them ideal for on-the-go meals or quick and easy dinners. For more information on Isadora visit IsadoraMexicanFood.com.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities or product samples please contact: Nikki Lane nikki@truepointagency.com, 662.296.0166.

Isadora Products

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isadora-embarks-on-a-flavorful-journey-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-with-authentic-mexican-cuisine-301918609.html

SOURCE Isadora
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without any revenue, let alone profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away.

Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like Journeo (LON:JNEO). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.

View our latest analysis for Journeo

Journeo's Improving Profits

In the last three years Journeo's earnings per share took off; so much so that it's a bit disingenuous to use these figures to try and deduce long term estimates. Thus, it makes sense to focus on more recent growth rates, instead. Journeo's EPS has risen over the last 12 months, growing from UK0.047 to UK0.056. That's a 20% gain; respectable growth in the broader scheme of things.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. Journeo maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 35% to UK21m. That's encouraging news for the company!

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

Since Journeo is no giant, with a market capitalisation of UK30m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects.

Are Journeo Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It's said that there's no smoke without fire. For investors, insider buying is often the smoke that indicates which stocks could set the market alight. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. Of course, we can never be sure what insiders are thinking, we can only judge their actions.

Story continues

It's good to see Journeo insiders walking the walk, by spending UK171k on shares in just twelve months. This, combined with the lack of sales from insiders, should be a great signal for shareholders in what's to come. We also note that it was the CEO & Executive Director, Russell Singleton, who made the biggest single acquisition, paying UK105k for shares at about UK1.05 each.

It's commendable to see that insiders have been buying shares in Journeo, but there is more evidence of shareholder friendly management. Namely, Journeo has a very reasonable level of CEO pay. For companies with market capitalisations under UK159m, like Journeo, the median CEO pay is around UK279k.

Journeo offered total compensation worth UK177k to its CEO in the year to December 2022. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Should You Add Journeo To Your Watchlist?

One important encouraging feature of Journeo is that it is growing profits. And there's more to Journeo, with the insider buying and modest CEO pay being a great look for those with an eye on the company. If these factors aren't enough to secure Journeo a spot on the watchlist, then it certainly warrants a closer look at the very least. You still need to take note of risks, for example - Journeo has 5 warning signs (and 3 which are a bit concerning) we think you should know about.

The good news is that Journeo is not the only growth stock with insider buying. Here's a list of them... with insider buying in the last three months!

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

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.
Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Kenon Holdings Ltd (NYSE:KEN). The stock, which is currently priced at 23.65, recorded a loss of 3.55% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 4.51%. The stock's fair valuation is $48.52, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors: historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at, GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future estimates of the business performance.

Is Kenon Holdings (KEN) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap

However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Kenon Holdings should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 0.81. These indicators suggest that Kenon Holdings, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Deciphering the Altman Z-score

Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

Story continues

Company Overview: Kenon Holdings Ltd (NYSE:KEN)

Kenon Holdings Ltd is a holding company that operates dynamic, growth-oriented, businesses. The company's operating segments include OPC; CPV Group; Quantum and ZIM. It generates maximum revenue from the OPC segment. OPC operates in the Israeli electricity generation sector, including the initiation, development, construction, and operation of power plants and the sale and supply of electricity. Geographically, it derives a majority of revenue from Israel.

Is Kenon Holdings (KEN) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap

Dissecting Kenon Holdings's Low Altman Z-Score

A dissection of Kenon Holdings's Altman Z-score reveals Kenon Holdings's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress:

Operational Efficiency: Asset Turnover

When it comes to operational efficiency, a vital indicator for Kenon Holdings is its asset turnover. The data: 2021: 0.17; 2022: 0.13; 2023: 0.15 from the past three years suggests a decreasing trend in this ratio. The asset turnover ratio reflects how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. Therefore, a drop in this ratio can signify reduced operational efficiency, potentially due to underutilization of assets or decreased market demand for the company's products or services. This shift in Kenon Holdings's asset turnover underlines the need for the company to reassess its operational strategies to optimize asset usage and boost sales.

Conclusion: Navigating the Kenon Holdings (NYSE:KEN) Value Trap

While Kenon Holdings presents an attractive valuation, the comprehensive analysis reveals potential risks. Its low Altman Z-Score and declining asset turnover ratio suggest potential financial distress and operational inefficiencies, indicating that Kenon Holdings might be a value trap. Therefore, investors should exercise due diligence and consider these risk factors before making an investment decision.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Liberty Energy Inc (NYSE:LBRT) experienced a daily gain of 7.96%, and a 3-month gain of 38.6%. With an Earnings Per Share (EPS) (EPS) of 3.37, the question arises: is the stock modestly undervalued? This article delves into an in-depth valuation analysis to answer this question.

Company Overview

Liberty Energy is an oilfield services company providing hydraulic fracturing services, primarily pressure pumping, across major basins in North America. Its 2020 acquisition of Schlumberger's OneStim business segment propelled Liberty to become one of North America's largest pressure pumpers. This acquisition also added wireline operations, two Permian frac sand mines, and an expanded technological portfolio to Liberty's assets. The company's stock price currently stands at $17.77, while its GF Value, an estimate of fair value, is $23.68. This comparison sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Liberty Energy's value, ingeniously integrating financial assessment with essential company details.

Liberty Energy (LBRT): A Modestly Undervalued Gem in the Oil & Gas Industry?

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value represents a stock's current intrinsic value derived from our unique method. The GF Value Line on our summary page provides an overview of the stock's fair trading value. This value is calculated based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates.

Liberty Energy (NYSE:LBRT) stock is estimated to be modestly undervalued based on the GuruFocus Value calculation. At its current price of $17.77 per share, Liberty Energy has a market cap of $3 billion, suggesting that the stock is modestly undervalued. As a result, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be higher than its business growth.

Liberty Energy (LBRT): A Modestly Undervalued Gem in the Oil & Gas Industry?

Link: These companies may deliever higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength

Investing in companies with poor financial strength carries a higher risk of permanent capital loss. Hence, it's crucial to carefully review a company's financial strength before deciding to buy its stock. A good starting point for understanding a company's financial strength is looking at the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage. Liberty Energy's cash-to-debt ratio stands at 0.07, which is worse than 83.55% of 1021 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Despite this, GuruFocus ranks the overall financial strength of Liberty Energy at 7 out of 10, indicating that the company's financial strength is fair.

Story continues

Liberty Energy (LBRT): A Modestly Undervalued Gem in the Oil & Gas Industry?

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies carries less risk, especially those demonstrating consistent profitability over the long term. Liberty Energy has been profitable for 3 years over the past 10 years. In the past 12 months, the company recorded revenues of $4.90 billion and an EPS of $3.37. Its operating margin of 16.59% is better than 62.73% of 966 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks Liberty Energy's profitability as fair.

One of the most important factors in a company's valuation is its growth. Companies that grow faster create more value for shareholders, especially if that growth is profitable. Liberty Energy's average annual revenue growth is 5%, ranking worse than 60.4% of 851 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. However, its 3-year average EBITDA growth is 15.1%, ranking better than 51.46% of 822 companies in the Oil & Gas industry.

ROIC vs WACC

Another method to evaluate a company's profitability is to compare its return on invested capital (ROIC) with its weighted average cost of capital (WACC). If the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it indicates that the company is creating value for shareholders. Over the past 12 months, Liberty Energy's ROIC was 35.81, while its WACC came in at 9.64.

Liberty Energy (LBRT): A Modestly Undervalued Gem in the Oil & Gas Industry?

Conclusion

Overall, Liberty Energy (NYSE:LBRT) stock is estimated to be modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks better than 51.46% of 822 companies in the Oil & Gas industry. To learn more about Liberty Energy stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To discover high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Nattakorn Maneerat / iStock.com

Alan Jones is the product manager of Locklizard Limited, a digital rights management (DRM) company specializing in document security and copy protection. It operates in the U.S. and overseas and counts Honda, Nike, the NBA, Shell, Cisco and Harvard Law School among its more than 5 million users.

About 15 years ago, Jones suffered a tragic family loss, but the silver lining was a $350,000 inheritance that he hoped to build into wealth for the next generation.

See: 10 Stocks That Could Be the Next Apple or Amazon

Find: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

I was always interested in the stock market, but I never had the courage or the money to invest in it, he said.

After some deliberation, he took a friends advice and put his newfound money in play  but he wasnt taking wild risks or chasing fast gains. I did some research online and found stocks that seemed promising, said Jones. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Read on for the rest of his cautionary tale.

Government Affiliation and the Illusion of Safety and Security

The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), known as Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FMCC) or Freddie Mac, were never glamorous stocks. Created by Congress during the Great Depression to provide the mortgage market with liquidity, stability, and affordability, theyve both been publicly traded for decades.

Jones saw in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac the stability and permanence he sought in a long-term investment.

They were two government-sponsored enterprises that provided mortgages to millions of Americans, he said. They were considered safe and stable investments with high dividends and low risks. They were also backed by the federal government, which meant they would never fail or default.

Im a Self-Made Millionaire: These Are the 6 Investments Everyone Should Make During an Economic Downturn

The Implicit Guarantee

Jones was hardly alone. Many other investors were lulled into a false sense of security by what Forbes called the implicit guarantee of government backing that the companies enjoyed.

Story continues

Given their importance, most investors in Fannie and Freddie assumed that they were too big to fail, the publication wrote. If the companies ever ran into trouble, they assumed the government would bail Freddie and Fannie out. This wasnt something stated explicitly in any laws or regulations. Nevertheless, this made FNMA and FMCC seem to be less risky investments than many other similar companies.

But these were not Treasury bonds. These were publicly traded stocks issued by companies chasing shareholder profits.

Fannie and Freddie leveraged the implicit guarantee  which investors like Jones took for granted  to borrow trillions of dollars for less than their competitors and position their bonds as being safer than those issued by similar companies. Their actions inflated the housing bubble of 2005-2007 with unsustainable mortgages that Freddie and Fannie backed  and Joness family legacy was along for the ride.

The Beginning of the End

When the housing bubble burst in 2008, Fannie and Freddie were at the center of the storm and the house of cards collapsed too quickly for investors like Jones to sidestep.

In the end, the implicit guarantee was no guarantee at all.

It turned out that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were not as safe and stable as they seemed, said Jones. They were actually deeply involved in the subprime mortgage crisis, which was triggered by the collapse of the housing market in 2007. They had bought or guaranteed billions of dollars worth of risky loans that were defaulting at an alarming rate. They were losing money faster than they could make it, and they were on the verge of bankruptcy.

The Crash Before the Crash

In the public imagination, the Great Recession began with the collapse of Lehman Brothers on Sept. 15, 2008  but Jones was already wiped out by then.

On Aug. 10, 2007, Fannie Mae was trading at $66.46 per share. By the end of the year, it had fallen under $35. But the damage was hardly done.

The stock price of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac started to plummet and plunge, said Jones. They went from $20 and $15 per share to $10 and $5 per share, then to $5 and $2 per share, then to $1 and $0.50 per share. They lost more than 90% of their value in a matter of weeks. I watched in horror as my investment turned into dust.

On Sept. 12, 2008  three days before the Lehman Brothers collapse  Fannie Mae was trading at $0.74 per share.

I Felt Devastated and Betrayed

Jones succumbed to classic investor paralysis  no one wants to sell at a loss just before an anticipated recovery. But there would be no recovery for Jones.

I panicked and sold all my shares at the lowest possible price, hoping to salvage whatever I could, he said. I sold 10,000 shares of Fannie Mae at $0.50 per share and 10,000 shares of Freddie Mac at $0.30 per share, for a total return of $8,000. I lost $342,000, which was almost all of my inheritance. I felt devastated and betrayed. I felt like I had been cheated and robbed by the stock market. I felt like I had dishonored my uncles memory and wasted his legacy.

I Learned a Hard Lesson

In the wake of the crash, the government absorbed Freddie and Fannie into a conservatorship and pulled its shares from public exchanges. They now trade as penny stocks on the OTC market.

None of that helped Jones, who watched helplessly as a fortune dissolved into a modest emergency fund.

I learned a hard lesson, he said. I learned that the stock market is not a sure thing or a magic bullet. It is a risky and volatile business that requires knowledge, research, skill, and discipline. I learned that there is no such thing as a safe or stable investment.

He concluded, There is always a chance of losing money or even going broke. I learned that I should never invest more than I can afford to lose or put all my eggs in one basket. I learned that I should diversify my portfolio, do my due diligence, set my goals and limits, be realistic and rational and follow my instincts. My advice for other investors who want to avoid the same outcome is dont be greedy or naive, dont be impulsive or emotional, dont be influenced by hype or rumors, dont be afraid to ask for help or advice and dont give up on your dreams.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Lost $342,000 in the Stock Market: How You Can Avoid My Mistakes
Rena Murshud

In Armenia, the center of chaos and arbitrariness, the ability of the authorities to take adequate steps on the conflict is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Anarchy has reached such a level that there is no hope for the future of the country. One should not surprise once we see someone from separatists sitting in PM's post.

In a word, taking the decisions in the country do not only belong to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, but those decisions can also be made by separatist elements.

The fact that the separatist regime held some kind of 'presidential elections' in the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan accepted by Pashinyan and the support for it from Yerevan, as well as the so-called inappropriate statement of the prime minister, is a clear proof for Pashinyan's lack of authoritativeness. This kind of behavior is so unacceptable that even Russia, which is the main patron of Armenia, did not welcome this step. Because Russia understands that supporting Armenia against the territory of Azerbaijan is not only contrary to all negotiations, but withdrawing the head of state his own word. This shows that it makes no difference to Pashinyan whether he keeps his word or plays into hands of others.

However, the West and Russia are lowering their reputation by turning a blind eye to Armenia's whims, and may even force Azerbaijan not to settle with them in future negotiations. Because the West and Russia's non-serious approach to the processes may even deprive them of the South Caucasus and the chances to be part of negotiations in the future.

Speaking to AZERNEWS, candidate of political sciences, international expert, and political analyst Maksim Yali brought and example from one of the processes in the Russia-Ukraine war. He said that in 2014, when pseudo-referendums were held in Ukraine and quasi-representatives of the authorities were elected, Russia turned a blind eye to this event. In other words, the same processes are repeating in Garabagh.

"As for the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, I think there will be a similar situation here. Russia once again proclaimed a mandate that supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. But supposedly Armenia is an independent state and Russia cannot interfere in their internal politics. Although, in fact, even during the collapse of the USSR, Russia itself stood at the origins of this conflict. They have supported Armenia militarily and economically throughout all the years that have passed since the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of independent states in the post-Soviet space," Maksim Yali said.

Later, the expert spoke about the position of the West on this issue. According to him, in the West, the policy regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict around Garabagh is ambiguous. On the one hand, all states declare their adherence to international law for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. On the other hand, there is a serious Armenian lobby in certain extremely important states in Europe and the USA. First of all, in France and in the United States itself, especially among the so-called democratic wing.

"In this matter, for example, countries that are particularly close to the threat of separatism, such as Spain, can show more sensitivity. Although Serbia is not a member state of the EU, it has a similar problem with Kosovo. For this reason, Serbia may be against the holding of so-called elections.

As for other countries, I think they may not be interested in this issue. Because this topic is not popular around the world and no one knows what they are doing in Karabakh. As for France and the USA, there are individuals who defend Armenians, especially in the parliament and congress," the pundit opined.

Concluding his comments, Maxim Yali said that the recent statement by the Armenian PM is more for the internal audience in Armenia, where the Garabagh issue is one of the main agendas of political life. According to him, Pashinyan also has to resort to such inadequate ways to protect himself from both internal and external pressures.
Long-established in the Software industry, Lyft Inc (NASDAQ:LYFT) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 4.16%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 10.64%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Lyft Inc.

Lyft Inc (LYFT): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Lyft Inc the GF Score of 68 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Lyft Inc: A Snapshot

Lyft Inc, with a market cap of $43.82 billion, is the second-largest ride-sharing service provider in the U.S. and Canada. Incorporated in 2013, Lyft offers a variety of rides via private vehicles, including traditional private rides, shared rides, and luxury ones. Besides ride-share, Lyft has also entered the bike- and scooter-share market to bring multimodal transportation options to users. However, with sales of $4.25 billion and an operating margin of -29.68%, the company's financial health raises concerns.

Story continues

Lyft Inc (LYFT): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Financial Strength Analysis

Lyft Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 0 positions it worse than 0% of 1540 companies in the Software industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. The company's Altman Z-Score is just -2.66, suggesting potential financial distress over the next few years. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-equity ratio is 2.66, which is worse than 95.09% of 2078 companies in the Software industry, indicating over-reliance on borrowing and vulnerability to market fluctuations.

Profitability Analysis

Lyft Inc's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. The company's Gross Margin has also declined over the past five years, as evidenced by the data: 2018: 42.34; 2019: 39.81; 2020: 38.79; 2021: 46.94; 2022: 40.52. This trend underscores the company's struggles to convert its revenue into profits.

Conclusion

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While Lyft Inc has made significant strides in the ride-sharing industry, its financial health and profitability raise concerns about its future performance. As value investors, it's crucial to consider these factors when making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Transportation and logistics support, fundraising efforts provided by Lynden

Maui relief supplies being unloaded from Lynden's Hercules aircraft

Lynden's Hercules aircraft flew six priority missions in response to the Maui wildfires.

An Aloha Marine Lines barge sails into Barbers Point, Oahu

Lynden companies have served the Hawaiian Islands for over three decades

Anchorage, AK, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lynden Logistics and Aloha Marine Lines have served the Hawaiian Islands for over three decades, and many Lynden employees and customers call the islands home. Like many others we watched with great sadness as the devastating wildfires spread and impacted thousands of people in Hawaii, said Chris Palmer, Director of the Hawaii Trade Lane for Lynden Logistics. Luckily none of our employees or facilities were affected, however several customers lost retail stores and homes. We knew we had to do something to help.

Lynden Logistics and Aloha Marine Lines employees quickly mobilized to raise funds for the impacted communities through the Hawaii Red Cross. The companies pledged to match the first $10,000 in donations. In just days, the campaign exceeded the $10,000 goal and has grown to over $35,000 in total contributions.

Lynden Air Cargo supported the relief efforts from the air, flying six priority missions in response to the Maui wildfires. Using two Hercules aircraft, two flights originated on the mainland and four shuttles were completed between Oahu and Maui. The planes carried satellite and command center equipment, search and rescue supplies and mobile cell towers.

Maui has a weight restriction of 500,000 pounds for the airport which limits the larger widebody aircraft from operating there, explained Dan Marshall, Senior Commercial Operations Manager for Lynden Air Cargo. Our Herc was a perfect fit to shuttle the loads delivered to Honolulu from the mainland on the widebody aircraft, as well as handling two loads from the mainland.



Lynden Logistics is partnering with Dole Food Company, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Red Cross to coordinate ocean shipments of food and supplies from Los Angeles to Honolulu during the crisis. The shipments continue with Lyndens Seattle Service Center employees monitoring FEMA shipping needs each day.

Story continues

As we continue to witness the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through Maui, we want to express our gratitude to our employees and customers who have helped the affected communities, says Stuart Nakayama, Lynden Logistics President. We hope to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to piece their lives back together. Together, we can help Maui rebuild, recover and thrive once again.



Lynden Logistics and Aloha Marine Lines are part of the Lynden family of companies. Lynden provides transportation and logistics solutions in Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and around the world. Extensive multi-modal capabilities allow customers to optimize time and money by shipping via air, land or sea, or in any combination. For more than a century, Lynden has been helping customers get the job done. To learn more, visit www.lynden.com or follow our pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Attachments

CONTACT: Ryan Dixon Lynden (206) 439-1266 rdixon@lynden.com




Major South Korean Hana Bank Partners With BitGo

South Korean Hana Bank Will Be Partnering With BitGo

Hana Bank, a major commercial bank in South Korea, has announced a strategic partnership with BitGo, a well-established crypto custody firm, aimed at launching digital asset custody services in the second half of the upcoming year. The collaboration was unveiled during Korea Blockchain Week in Seoul.

Hana Bank and BitGo will investigate the possibility of forming a joint venture that combines Hana Bank's expertise in financial services and compliance with BitGo's competence in crypto security. The major purpose is to increase confidence and protect consumers in South Korea's fast evolving digital asset sector.

Following a successful Series C fundraising round that raised $100 million, valuing the company at $1.75 billion, BitGo's decision to collaborate with Hana Bank matches with its global expansion strategy. The funds will be used for strategic acquisitions and worldwide expansion. BitGo is preparing to open an office in South Korea, targeting late 2024, once it meets local compliance requirements.

Meanwhile, Hana Financial Group purchased Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) in 2012, and the two companies merged to form KEB Hana Bank in 2015. KEB Hana Bank was previously involved in the cryptocurrency and Web3 space, opening a branch on metaverse platform The Sandbox in July 2022.

South Korea has been actively implementing regulations to oversee the crypto and digital asset industry. Recent legislation aims to freeze and seize digital assets stolen by North Korean hackers, while also implementing reserve requirements for crypto exchanges and passing an unfair trading bill for cryptocurrencies.
Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Mercury Systems Inc (NASDAQ:MRCY). The stock, which is currently priced at 35.9, recorded a loss of 7.83% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 12.24%. The stock's fair valuation is $56.13, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors:

1. Historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at.

2. GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth.

3. Future estimates of the business performance.

We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

Is Mercury Systems (MRCY) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap

Mercury Systems: A Deeper Look

However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Mercury Systems should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score of 1. These indicators suggest that Mercury Systems, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Understanding the Piotroski F-score

The Piotroski F-score, created by accounting professor Joseph Piotroski, is a tool used to assess the strength of a company's financial health. The score is based on nine criteria that fall into three categories: profitability, leverage/liquidity/ source of funds, and operating efficiency. The overall score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating healthier financials. Mercury Systems's current Piotroski F-Score, however, falls in the lower end of this spectrum, indicating potential red flags for investors.

Story continues

Mercury Systems: A Snapshot

Mercury Systems Inc is a commercial technology company serving the aerospace and defense industry. The company envisions, creates and delivers secure open architecture solutions powering a broad range of mission-critical applications in the challenging and demanding environments. Inspired by its purpose of delivering Innovation that Matters, By and For People Who Matter, Mercury helps make the world a safer, more secure place for all.

This is the income breakdown of Mercury Systems:

Is Mercury Systems (MRCY) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap

Analysis of Mercury Systems's' Profitability

Firstly, let's address profitability. One significant component of the F-Score is a positive return on assets (ROA). A closer look at Mercury Systems's ROA reveals a worrying trend of negative returns. This indicates the company's inability to generate profit from its assets - a fundamental concern for any investor.

Let's delve deeper into Mercury Systems's financial health by examining the decline in its return on assets (ROA) over the past three years. The data indicates 2021: 3.42; 2022: 0.53; 2023: -1.20, when expressed in percentages. Such a decrease is concerning, as the Piotroski F-Score penalizes companies with lower current ROA compared to the previous period. This ongoing decline highlights another potential risk associated with investing in Mercury Systems.

Observing the financials of Mercury Systems, it's important to note that the cash flow from operations over the trailing twelve months (TTM) stands at $-21.25 million, whereas the net income in the same period is significantly higher at $-28.34 million. The Piotroski F-score considers this discrepancy as a potential red flag. The rationale behind this is that a company's operating cash flow is a more direct and less manipulated measure of its cash-generating ability than net income. Net income, while important, is susceptible to accounting treatments and non-cash items which can distort the true cash profitability of the company. If a company consistently shows lower cash flows from operations relative to its net income, it could indicate that the earnings quality is poor and the company might have difficulties sustaining its operations or financing its obligations, a fact which could negatively impact its financial stability and investor confidence.

Leverage, Liquidity and Source of Funds: A Worrying Trend

Assessing the aspect of leverage, liquidity, and sources of funds, Mercury Systems demonstrates an alarming rise in its debt-to-total assets ratio over the past three years. The provided data shows 2021: 0.14; 2022: 0.23; 2023: 0.24, expressed as percentages. A higher debt ratio suggests that Mercury Systems is increasingly financing its assets through debt, thereby escalating its financial risk. The Piotroski F-Score views this as a negative indicator, further cautioning investors about Mercury Systems.

Is Mercury Systems (MRCY) Too Good to Be True? A Comprehensive Analysis of a Potential Value Trap

Examining Mercury Systems's financial stability, there's a notable decrease in its current ratio over the past three years, as shown by the data 2021: 4.26; 2022: 4.20; 2023: 4.02, which is expressed as percentages. The current ratio is a key indicator of a company's short-term financial health, as it gauges the ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets. A declining current ratio suggests that Mercury Systems's liquidity and capability to manage immediate financial obligations are deteriorating.

Operating Efficiency: A Darker Picture

Examining the data provided: 2021: 55.59; 2022: 57.12; 2023: 57.29, it becomes evident that Mercury Systems has seen an increase in its Diluted Average Shares Outstanding over the past three years. This trend signals that the company has issued more shares. While issuing additional shares can provide immediate capital for the business, it can also lead to the dilution of existing shares' value. This dilution occurs because the earnings of the company now have to be divided among a larger pool of shares, which could decrease Earnings Per Share (EPS). Consequently, if the company's earnings don't grow at a pace that matches or exceeds this share increase, it could lead to a reduction in the value perceived by existing shareholders, potentially impacting their investment returns. Hence, while additional share issuance may provide necessary capital, it is important to monitor its impact on shareholder value carefully.

Lastly, concerning operating efficiency, the Piotroski F-score examines changes in gross margin and asset turnover. Regrettably, Mercury Systems follows a discouraging trajectory with a decrease in gross margin percentage over the past three years, as demonstrated by the data provided: 2021: 41.69; 2022: 39.97; 2023: 32.52 (expressed in percentages). This contraction in gross margin suggests that Mercury Systems is grappling with either an escalation in the cost of goods sold or dwindling prices - both of which are inauspicious indicators for profitability.

In terms of operational efficiency, another key indicator, Mercury Systems has unfortunately reported a declining trend in asset turnover over the past three years, as evidenced by the data: 2021: 0.51; 2022: 0.46; 2023: 0.41 (expressed in percentages). Asset turnover measures how effectively a company uses its assets to generate sales, and a decrease in this ratio can indicate a drop in efficiency. This could be due to various factors, such as underutilization of assets or a decline in the market demand for the company's products or services. Consequently, this downward trend in asset turnover implies that Mercury Systems may need to revisit its operational strategies to improve the utilization of its assets and boost its sales volume.

Conclusion: A Potential Value Trap

While the Piotroski F-score is not the only lens through which to view a potential investment, it is a robust and comprehensive tool for evaluating a company's financial health. Unfortunately for Mercury Systems, its current score suggests potential troubles. This low score, coupled with negative trends in profitability, liquidity, and operational efficiency, indicates that Mercury Systems may indeed be a value trap. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, the underlying financial health of the company paints a more concerning picture. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before considering an investment in Mercury Systems.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Piotroski F-score using the following Screener: Piotroski F-score screener .

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Millennial Potash Corp. (TSXV: MLP) (OTCQB: MLPNF) (FSE: X0D) ("MLP", "Millennial" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the situation on the ground in Gabon remains calm and MLP's operations at its Banio Potash Project remain unaffected by the recent change in government. In addition, MLP is pleased to report that the extension of historic drillhole BA-002 has been completed to a depth of 552.50m and several intervals of potash mineralization have been intersected.

Farhad Abasov, Millennial's Chair, commented, "Millennial is pleased to report that its exploration drilling program remains unaffected by recent political events in Gabon. The new government has given assurances, as recently as the interim President's address on September 4th, that all business, commercial and permitting agreements will be respected and a recent article by Oxford Economics Africa indicates the risk profile for Gabon is similar to South Africa and Namibia. Our senior management. including our CEO, who are currently on the ground have confirmed that Gabon remains in a state of calm and order, and this is further evidenced by the opening of all air and sea borders on September 2nd. All the major petroleum and mining companies continue their operations as usual. Millennial has been operating without any interruptions and will continue with its Phase 1 exploration program which has already proven successful with the intersection of two additional potash Cycles below the bottom of historic drillhole BA-002."

Millennial's senior management and local Gabon country manager have engaged with representatives of the UN and other international bodies and report that Gabon remains calm and that recent political events have had no impact on the ongoing exploration programme at its Banio Potash Project. New Gabonese leaders have given assurances that all commercial agreements, licenses, and permits will remain in place. Gabon is an OPEC member that produces approx. 200,000 barrels of oil daily and major producers Maurel and Prom, BW Energy and others have indicated all offshore and onshore operations are continuing as normal. In addition, Eramet has resumed production at its large manganese operation after a brief temporary shutdown on Aug. 30. A recent article by Oxford Economics Africa (Political Focus-Gabon, 05/09/2023) maintains its Low-Moderate risk level for the country, lower than before the political events, a similar level to Ghana, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco, and trending neutral. The article also reiterates that the business and policy environments will remain broadly unchanged. Millennial will continue its current drilling program and will closely monitor the situation in Gabon.

Story continues

The Phase 1 drill program is in progress and the extension of historic hole BA-002 has been completed to a depth of 552.5m. Preliminary interpretations indicate that evaporite Cycles IV and III with beds of massive nodular carnallite and minor halite have been intersected (see photos below). Core is currently being logged and sampled and will be expedited to the Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC") Potash Laboratory in Saskatoon for analysis. The drill rig is currently mobilizing to historic hole BA-001 to complete an approx. 250m extension from the bottom of the historic hole to test for additional potash cycles. Data from extended holes BA-002 and BA-001, and BA-003, including re-sampling data, are expected to form a basis for a potential initial maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the North Target. No drillholes from the South Target, scheduled to be tested in late 2023/early 2024, will be included in this initial MRE.

Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing red carnallite attributed to Cycle IV (Hole Dip=90).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/179576_7fc59656b4131996_001full.jpg

Potash mineralization in drill core from BA-002 Extension showing red carnallite attributed to Cycle III.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4674/179576_7fc59656b4131996_002full.jpg

This news release has been reviewed by Peter J. MacLean, Ph.D., P. Geo, Director of the Company, a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101.

To find out more about Millennial Potash Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email at info@millennialpotashcorp.com.

MILLENNIAL POTASH CORP.

"Farhad Abasov"

Chair of the Board of Directors

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.

This document 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 used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses and environmental (including land or water use), local community or indigenous community approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Gabon or any other jurisdiction which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$ or CFA or other currencies, fluctuations in the market for potash or potash related products, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Gabon or any other jurisdiction and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Banio Potash Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of any pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Banio Potash Project. 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, environmental 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/179576
SINGAPORE, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of forest and land fires in Indonesia this year, one of the largest integrated palm oil companies globally, Musim Mas, ramped up its training and simulations in June 2023, attended by the Musim Mas' Firefighting team and its Fire-Free Village Program (FFVP). The group's approach is aligned with initiatives from the Indonesian government.

Land and Forest Fire Prevention and Management Training initiated by Musim Mas, in collaboration with government agencies in Pelalawan, Riau

The group recognized the need to change behaviors in communities that traditionally relied on burning to clear lands. To that end, Musim Mas developed its FFVP to promote its "zero burning" policy, provide know-how and resources, and change behaviors for at-risk communities. Musim Mas has trained 75 villages spread across an area exceeding 450,000 hectares to date. Every participating village that successfully maintains a fire-free environment throughout a calendar year becomes eligible for a financial incentive of IDR 25 million per village. These funds can be directed toward procuring fire prevention and control equipment or supporting various community projects.

Musim Mas Integrated Fire Prevention and Management Program also includes fire risk analysis and management, hotspot monitoring, and assessing its chain of operations. For early detection and quick response to potential fires, Musim Mas' internal Geographic Information System (GIS) team utilizes technology to conduct monitoring using active fires/thermal anomalies data from satellites that work in synergy with the entire supply chain, drones, and CCTV. Firefighting infrastructure, including firebreaks and water reservoirs, was set up within the plantations to prevent the spread of fire and minimize its impact.

The group also maintains a team of firefighters trained and equipped to fight fires not just inside the group's concession areas but also for a three-km radius outside. The group collaborates with and supports the various arms of the Indonesian government on this.

Story continues

Beyond its own operations, Musim Mas' Integrated Fire Prevention and Management Program extends its reach to suppliers, local communities, and independent smallholders.

"The palm oil industry, including Musim Mas, took lessons from the past years' major haze incidents. The incidents motivate us to take action and actively contribute to fire prevention and control through various programs and collaboration with various stakeholders, such as the government and the local communities. We hope to enable the communities to become agents of change in preventing and tackling forest and land fires," explained Teuku Kanna Rhamdan, General Manager Corporate Affairs - Musim Mas Group.

Apart from the communities, independent smallholders are also essential to preventing forest and land fires because they manage more than 40% of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. Musim Mas runs Indonesia's largest Independent Smallholders training program and has made "zero burning" and fire-prevention part of its training. The group also assists farmers in accessing funding from the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) to implement oil palm rejuvenation programs without burning land.

Musim Mas is also an active member of the Fire-Free Alliance (FFA), a multi-stakeholder group committed to solving problems with fires and haze in Indonesia.

Read more about Musim Mas' fire prevention efforts at this link.

About Musim Mas

As one of the major players in the palm oil industry, Musim Mas aspires to be a responsible leader, driving a new era of sustainability in the industry with innovation. To that end, Musim Mas is taking active steps to exceed industry-recognized sustainability standards and will continue to respond to critical industry issues to contribute to a more sustainable industry and world.

CONTACT: devane.sharma@mmh-global.com

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/musim-mas-collaborates-with-stakeholders-to-deal-with-forest-and-land-fires-301918543.html

SOURCE Musim Mas Holdings
Mr Haythornthwaite said it was a privilege to take up the new role - Centrica/PA Archive

NatWest Group has appointed a new chairman known in City circles as Slick Rick to replace Sir Howard Davies following the Nigel Farage debanking scandal.

Rick Haythornthwaite, who recently called for military orders to be softened to boost diversity in the Armed Forces, will join the banks board on Jan 8 and take over from Sir Howard as chairman in April next year.

It comes after the taxpayer-backed lender was plunged into a crisis triggered by the debanking of former Brexit Party leader Mr Farage by Coutts, the private bank that NatWest owns.

Dame Alison Rose, NatWests chief executive, and Peter Flavel, the boss of Coutts, were forced to resign over the scandal.

Sir Howard came under fire after declaring he had full confidence in Dame Alison despite the chief executive admitting she provided inaccurate information to the BBC about why Coutts had closed Mr Farages accounts.

Dame Alison resigned hours later after the Government, which is NatWests biggest shareholder, raised concerns about her position.

Dame Alison Roses statement in full

Sir Howard faced calls to resign over his handling of the affair, notably from Mr Farage. NatWest previously said that Sir Howard was expected to step down from its board by July 2024.

Mr Haythornthwaite is one of Britains most experienced businessmen, having led the boards of companies including MasterCard, British Gas-owner Centrica and Network Rail.

In June, he authored a Government-commissioned report into pay and conditions for Armed Forces personnel, which proposed ways in which the military could create a more inclusive working environment.

The report said: Equality, diversity and inclusion are increasingly important factors, combined with increasing levels of activism. The Armed Forces will likely need to accept a greater challenge to cultural norms.

These might manifest in anything from how orders are given and received to changing perceptions about their histories and traditions.

He has also previously headed the board of Creative England and was chairman of sustainability consultancy Xynteo.

Story continues

In 2019, he donated 5,000 to Matt Hancocks failed Conservative leadership bid, according to Electoral Commission records.

Mr Haythornthwaite said it was a privilege to take up the new role.

He said: I am inheriting a very different NatWest compared to my predecessor; one that is more customer focused, financially resilient and well positioned to maintain its recent strong performance.

I look forward to working with the Board to build on the exceptional progress made, so we can continue to support the UK economy and deliver for our customers and stakeholders.

Sir Howard Davies came under fire after declaring he had full confidence in Dame Alison Rose - Jason Alden/Bloomberg

The bank, which remains 40pc owned by the taxpayer, has suffered a tumultuous few months amid the debanking scandal.

The row began in June after Coutts closed the former Brexit campaigners account with little notice.

The BBC subsequently incorrectly reported that he was debanked because he fell below Coutts wealth threshold.

However, The Telegraph later revealed that Coutts had closed Mr Farages accounts because his views did not align with the banks values. It also claimed he was seen as xenophobic and racist.

Mark Seligman, a senior independent director at NatWest, said: Rick is a highly experienced chair who combines a successful commercial career with a deep knowledge of financial services markets and technology, as well as a strong track record of delivery at significant customer-facing organisations.

Mr Seligman said the board has unanimously agreed on Mr Haythornthwaites appointment.

He will be paid 775,000 a year as chairman, in line with the current pay for Sir Howard.

Sir Howard said: I am very pleased by the choice the Board has made and am confident that Ricks experience and range of skills will complement and further strengthen the NatWest Board in the years to come.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Set back off quiet Headley Road in Morristown is a five-bedroom Tudor that was once home to a Mountain of a man.

Relisted this summer for about $2 million, 31 Headley Road in the mid-20th century was the home of Worrall Mountain, a New Jersey Supreme Court justice. Appointed in 1971 at the age of 61, Mountain was the state's first new Supreme Court justice in 11 years. Born in East Orange, the son of a former mayor moved to Morristown after graduating from Princeton University and then Harvard Law School in the 1930s.

Once in Morristown, Mountain established the law firm of Jeffers and Mountain and then joined the U.S. Navy. He said he learned during his Navy physical that he was colorblind. The complication set back his enlistment. All in, it took him about a year to join the service. Once he did, he worked as an intelligence officer, spending six months in the Pacific theater and several more in Europe.

Built in about 1900, the renovated five-bedroom home at 31 Headley Rd. has a list of former owners that includes a justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and a WWI field artillery commander, who became director of Morristown Medical Center.

His five-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Morristown was gutted and redesigned in 2017, said Heather Bailey, the owner since 2016 and listing agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. The nearly 125-year-old home now has a centrally located kitchen, a large mudroom, fully renovated bathrooms and a connection to the city's sewer system. It nonetheless retains some of its original character, with wainscoting, exposed beams and paned windows surrounded by substantial trim and moldings painted in crisp white.

More: Hoboken was Frank Sinatra's home, but Fort Lee is where he cemented his comeback

Bailey said the home, with its stone base and thick wood beams, is "built like a fortress." She was nonetheless drawn to 31 Headley by the property, a lush 1-acre lot just steps from Morristown's South Street shops. Hemmed in by trees, it includes an inground pool and a large stone patio just off the deck.

"To be able to drive one half-mile from crazy [Interstate] 287 and be in this yard is such a gift," Bailey said.

Story continues

Built in about 1900, the renovated five-bedroom home at 31 Headley Rd. has a list of former owners that includes a justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and a WWI field artillery commander, who became director of Morristown Medical Center.

Mountain lived at the home when he first became a judge in 1966. Assigned to the Superior Court in Paterson's law division, he later moved to Newark's Appellate Division. In March 1971, Gov. William Cahill nominated Mountain for a seven-year term on the Supreme Court. Mountain, an expert in estate and municipal law who had no experience in criminal law, said it was genuinely humbling.

"[It] is the pinnacle of any lawyer's aspiration," he told the Courier-News in 1971. "It's a goal that all of us have in mind but few of us have any thought of reaching.

More: Developers pitch 'landmark' mixed-use retail, housing development for Pompton Lakes

Before Mountain moved to the 1-acre lot a stone's throw from South Street, 31 Headley Road was home to Col. Charles R. Lloyd. Perhaps even more influential than Mountain, Lloyd was a military hero who spent two dozen years as the director of Morristown Medical Center, then known as Morristown Memorial Hospital.

Born in England, Lloyd grew up in California and was a member of the Connecticut National Guard before being promoted to the regular Army in June 1898. During his nearly 25-year military career, he served in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, the Mexican Border War and World War I.

Built in about 1900, the renovated five-bedroom home at 31 Headley Rd. has a list of former owners that includes a justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and a WWI field artillery commander, who became director of Morristown Medical Center.

After being shot by a ranking officer during a drunken argument in the Philippines in 1901, Lloyd went on to become the commander of the U.S. Army's 10th Battalion field artillery regiment. He was wounded after being gassed in France in July 1918. Lloyd's name on wounded lists appeared right above that of American Tank Corps Maj. George S. Patton in nationwide newspapers. Lloyd was given the Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts. The San Francisco Examiner reported that he had persevered under "a hot fire of shrapnel and bombs."

"His unflagging zeal and sound judgment was revealed by the success achieved by his regiment in furthering the gains achieved by the 3rd Division in its operations in the field," according to the Distinguished Service Medal citation.

Lloyd returned to the battlefield in October 1918, but disability forced him into retirement two years later. He then became a supervising officer and the instructor of field artillery for the New York Guard. He held the post briefly before leaving Brooklyn for Morristown and 31 Headley. He worked as the local hospital's superintendent and remained in town until 1946, when he retired and moved near the Clearwater Country Club in Clearwater, Florida.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ home for sale for $2M once belong to NJ Supreme Court justice
Long-established in the Biotechnology industry, Novavax Inc (NASDAQ:NVAX) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 11.1%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 36.45%. However, fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Novavax Inc.

Novavax Inc (NVAX): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Novavax Inc the GF Score of 67 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Novavax Inc: A Snapshot of Its Business

Novavax Inc is a biotechnology company that develops vaccines. The company works in the clinical stage of development with a focus on delivering novel products that prevent a broad range of diseases. Novavax works together with its wholly owned Swedish subsidiary to produce vaccine candidates to respond to both known and emerging disease threats. The company believes its vaccine technology has the potential to be applied broadly to a wide variety of human infectious diseases. Novavax develops product candidates geared toward all age demographics of the general population.

Story continues

Novavax Inc (NVAX): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Financial Strength Breakdown

Novavax Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. Novavax Inc has an interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 380 companies in the Biotechnology industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five.

The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just -4.08, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years.

Profitability Breakdown

Novavax Inc's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. With a Piotroski F-Score of 2, Novavax Inc's financial health appears concerning. This score, rooted in Joseph Piotroski's nine-point scale, evaluates a firm's profitability, liquidity, and operating efficiency. Given its rating, Novavax Inc might be facing challenges in these areas.

Looking Ahead

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While Novavax Inc has made significant strides in the biotechnology industry, its current financial health and profitability metrics suggest that it may struggle to maintain its historical performance. As value investors, it's crucial to consider these factors when making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


China's commercial rocket launches 4 satellites from sea

Xinhua) 08:26, September 06, 2023

The commercial launch vehicle CERES-1, carrying four satellites, blasts off from the waters surrounding Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 5, 2023. China on Tuesday sent a sea-launched rocket into space from the waters surrounding Haiyang, placing four satellites into planned orbit. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the offshore mission. It was the 9th flight mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, the launch center said. (Photo by An Di/Xinhua)

HAIYANG, Shandong, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday sent a sea-launched rocket into space from the waters surrounding Haiyang, a coastal city in the eastern province of Shandong, placing four satellites into planned orbit.

The commercial launch vehicle, CERES-1, blasted off at 5:34 p.m. (Beijing Time). The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the offshore mission.

The rocket maker Galactic Energy said it was the 9th flight and the first sea-based mission of the CERES-1 series. The launch also makes it the first Chinese private company to complete a liftoff from the sea.

Compared with a land-based launch, the sea launch is a new mode, having more flexibility, better adaptability, and more cost-effective services. Furthermore, flexible positioning of the launching and landing areas can ensure spent rocket stages. Other debris falls into the sea rather than on land close to populated areas.

These advantages give the rocket company the confidence to increase the frequency of sea launches in the future.

Aboard the CERES-1 rocket were four satellites Tianqi 21-24, developed by Guodian Gaoke, a Beijing-based commercial sci-tech firm, which are part of the Tianqi low-Earth orbit Internet of Things constellation.

The 38-satellite constellation will go into operation in 2024. It will provide global data services for application scenarios such as emergency communications, ecological environment monitoring, and tower detection.

The commercial launch vehicle CERES-1, carrying four satellites, blasts off from the waters surrounding Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 5, 2023. China on Tuesday sent a sea-launched rocket into space from the waters surrounding Haiyang, placing four satellites into planned orbit. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the offshore mission. It was the 9th flight mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, the launch center said. (Photo by An Di/Xinhua)

The commercial launch vehicle CERES-1, carrying four satellites, blasts off from the waters surrounding Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 5, 2023. China on Tuesday sent a sea-launched rocket into space from the waters surrounding Haiyang, placing four satellites into planned orbit. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the offshore mission. It was the 9th flight mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, the launch center said. (Photo by An Di/Xinhua)

The commercial launch vehicle CERES-1, carrying four satellites, blasts off from the waters surrounding Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 5, 2023. China on Tuesday sent a sea-launched rocket into space from the waters surrounding Haiyang, placing four satellites into planned orbit. The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center conducted the offshore mission. It was the 9th flight mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, the launch center said. (Photo by An Di/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Boris Kollar, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, they hailed the development of bilateral ties, and lauded the energy cooperation. In this regard, they described Slovakia`s participation in the Solidarity Ring STRING project as a very important event in the development of bilateral relations.

The Slovak delegation`s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan`s liberated territories was praised, adding that this will create a good opportunity for a close acquaintance with the large-scale reconstruction and restoration works carried out in those territories. The importance of the Smart village project to be implemented by Slovakia in the village of Bash Garvand of the Aghdam district was stressed.

Slovakia`s contribution to the development of the Azerbaijan-European Union relations was hailed at the meeting.

Touching upon the interparliamentary cooperation, the sides expressed confidence that Boris Kollar`s visit to Azerbaijan with a large delegation would contribute to the expansion of cooperation in this area.




Ocado

Ocado is cutting the price of kale, avocados and organic vegetables as it battles to win back middle-class shoppers.

The online grocer has announced its third round of price cuts since June, saying it was reducing the costs of more than 330 everyday essentials.

These include kale, where Ocado is cutting the price by 6pc, avocados, which are getting 13pc cheaper, and organic red cabbage and broccoli. Cabbage is falling from 1.75 to 1.10, a 37pc drop, while broccoli is getting 10p cheaper to 1.

Other items being reduced include Tropicana smooth orange juice, Birra Moretti beer and Colgate toothpaste.

Hannah Gibson, chief executive of the online grocer, said the latest cuts meant Ocado had slashed the price of more than 630 products in the past three months.

It comes as the online supermarket races to revive demand after losing 2.5m in the six months to the end of May.

The Ocado grocery business is jointly owned by Marks & Spencer and London-listed technology company Ocado Group.

Both companies have expressed disappointment over the performance of the joint venture in recent months. M&S chairman Archie Norman told shareholders he was not happy with performance. Ocado Group boss Tim Steiner has admitted that the online grocer was not where we wanted it to be.

Demand for home delivery has slipped since the height of the pandemic when customers battled to secure Ocado slots rather than visit supermarkets and risk catching Covid-19.

15pc of all supermarket sales were done online during the pandemic, up from 7pc prior. It has fallen to 10pc since the end of lockdowns.

Supermarkets have also been locked in a heated price war as cash-strapped customers hunt out the best value. Hundreds of thousands of shoppers have abandoned traditional grocers in favour of German discounter Aldi and Lidl amid the cost of living crunch.

Earlier this week, Morrisons announced it was cutting its prices for the eighth time in nine months.

Ocado earlier this year launched its price promise in an effort to try to revive demand, offering shoppers money back if their shopping basket was cheaper at Tesco.

Story continues

Ms Gibson said: Ocado is more committed than ever to delivering great value.

She said the retailer was not stopping there, suggesting more reductions are on the horizon.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Brent crude surpassed $90 a barrel for the first time since November on Tuesday.

Oil prices climbed after Saudi Arabia and Russia committed to further production cuts until December.

The move will hold total output at about 9 million barrels a day, the lowest level in years.

Oil prices soared more than 1.3% Tuesday to hit their highest mark in 10 months, with Brent crude, the international benchmark, breaching the $90 a barrel threshold for the first time since last November.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil, meanwhile, traded at about $87 a barrel, also a 10-month high.

The jump in prices followed a statement published by state-run Saudi Press Agency that declared Saudi Arabia and Russia would prolong their oil production cuts for another three months until December.

It was a more aggressive move than traders had expected from the two biggest OPEC+ producers, and it will hold output at roughly 9 million barrels a day for six months, the lowest level in years.

Saudi Arabia will keep in place its voluntary cut of 1 million barrels a day.

"This voluntary cut decision will be reviewed monthly to consider deepening the cut or increasing production," according to the media statement, per Bloomberg.

The Kingdom had first introduced its supply cut in July, going further than other members of OPEC+ in a bid to support global oil prices. Industry experts had expected just one more month of cuts from the Saudis, rather than the three announced Tuesday.

"With the production cut extended, we anticipate a market deficit of more than 1.5 million bpd in 4Q23," UBS strategists wrote in a note to clients, per CNBC. "So, with oil inventories set to fall further over the coming months, we expect Brent to rise to $95/bbl (barrel) by year-end."

Brent futures have climbed more than 25% since the end of June, when Riyadh made its first voluntary cuts.

Last week, Bloomberg reported that Russia Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told President Vladimir Putin that Moscow would curb its crude exports by 500,000 in August, then by 300,000 in September.

All the while, global energy demand has ramped up near record levels. Oil prices have remained tempered due to mounting concerns around China's economy. Beijing is contending with deflation, a wobbling housing sector, and historic youth unemployment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2023) - Ophir Gold Corp. (TSXV: OPHR) (OTCQB: KPZIF) (FSE: 80M) ("Ophir" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral Claim Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with Ubique Minerals Ltd. ("Ubique") to sell Ophir's remaining interest in its non-core Daniel's Harbour Claims in Newfoundland.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Ubique has agreed to purchase 100% interest in certain mineral mining claims located in Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland Canada (the "Claims") from Ophir. The Claims are part of the option agreement announced between the companies on February 14, 2019, wherein previously Ubique had the option to earn up to a 70% interest in the Claims.

The transaction will be executed on an "as is, where is" basis, acknowledging the existing state, condition, and location of the Claims as of the Closing Date. In return for a 100% interest in the Claims, Ubique will issue 3,800,000 ordinary shares (the "Consideration Shares") to Ophir. The Closing Date for the transaction is anticipated to occur at 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time on the second business day after the Effective Date, subject to the fulfillment of the Agreement's terms and conditions.

About the Company

Ophir Gold Corp. is a diversified mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and development of the Radis Lithium Property in the James Bay, Quebec, and the past producing Breccia Gold Property located in Lemhi County, Idaho. The Company holds an option to earn a 100% interest in the Radis Property over a three-year period from Eastmain Resources Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fury Gold Mines Limited, and an option to earn a 100% interest in the Breccia Property over a three-year period from Canagold Resources Ltd. and DG Resource Management Ltd.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Story continues

"Shawn Westcott"

Ophir Gold Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Shawn Westcott, CEO

Phone 1 (604) 365 6681

swestcott@ophirgoldcorp.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.

Cautionary Note

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and include statements in this press release related to the completion of the transaction with Ubique.. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risk related to Ubique's failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; and risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings;. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/179686
ELECTRICITY CAN be made from the sun, the wind or the atom rather than by burning fossil fuels. Cars, buses and perhaps even lorries can be powered by batteries rather than petrol or diesel. But other parts of the economy are trickier to decarbonise. One such awkward chunk is the heating, in homes and business, of air and water. In the EU, where much of this is done by burning oil or natural gas, commercial and residential heating accounts for about 12% of the blocs greenhouse-gas emissions (see chart).

In principle there is a solution, in the form of heat pumps. These work like a refrigerator in reverse, gathering heat from the outside, concentrating it, and piping it into a building. The EU hopes to replace a third of the 68m gas and 18m oil boilers in residential buildings with heat pumps by 2030. That could mean a 28% fall in the total residential emissions generated by oil and gasand that number should rise as more of the electricity powering those pumps comes from low-carbon sources.

But there are problems with ambitious targets. Compared with boilers, heat pumps are expensive, often costing twice or three times as much as a fossil-fired boiler. Another is that, since they pump cooler water to radiators, they work best in new, well-insulated buildings. Around 60% of Europes housing stock is estimated to fall short of the required standards, and will need extensiveand expensiverenovation work to make them suitable.

And there is another drawback, too. Although heat pumps powered by low-carbon electricity are undoubtedly better, from an environmental point of view, than fossil-fuelled boilers, their credentials are not entirely green. Most residential models contain environmentally damaging gases which European legislators are poised to outlaw. Redesigning the machines to work without them could mean delays in installing them.

In some places, the politics of heat pumps have become bad-tempered. A German law had planned to forbid the installation of new gas-fired boilers in homes from next year. A backlash from cross voters sparked a row in the countrys coalition government before the rules were scrapped in June. On September 8th, after we published this article, German lawmakers were expected to pass a watered-down version of the rules.

Story continues

Warming up

A heat pump works by warming a refrigerant in a network of pipes using the ambient heat present in the air, or from an array of pipes that are buried in the ground or under water. This turns the refrigerant from a liquid into a gas. The gas is then compressed, which raises its temperature. The resulting hot gas is pumped through a heat exchanger, where it warms the water or air that is used to heat the building. As the gas cools it returns to its liquid state, ready to repeat the process.

Because heat pumps merely move existing heat around, rather than generating it themselves, they can be extremely efficient. Some models boast efficiencies of 400% or more, which means that four kilowatts of heat can be piped into a house for every one kilowatt of electricity consumed by the pump. Modern gas boilers, which generate heat from combustion, can reach about 90% efficiency, and are prevented by the laws of physics from exceeding 100%.

A heat pumps efficiency is lower in winter, when there is less heat to be gathered from the air, although they work at temperatures as low as -25C. But heat pumps tend to produce water heated to around 55C. This is lower than most gas boilers, which might manage 75C or so. That means that fitting heat pumps to older buildings often needs extra insulation, bigger radiators or even underfloor heating, all of which is disruptive and pricey.

Most modern heat pumps use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as their refrigerants. These transform from liquid to gas at the right sort of temperature, and can carry a good deal of heat. But HFCs are also potent greenhouse gases, with climate-changing power that can be several thousand times higher than carbon dioxide, the main man-made greenhouse gas. Leaks of HFCs from heat pumps and other equipment, such as certain types of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, account for around 2.5% of the EUs total greenhouse-gas emissionsnot far off the amount caused by air travel in the region.

Propane, and propane accessories

With that in mind, the EU had planned this summer to put the finishing touches to new rules that would have required HFCs to be replaced with cleaner alternatives by 2027. But discussions have broken down. One side, backed by Germany and the Netherlands, is keen to get on with the phase-out. The other, supported by a number of eastern European countries and some heat-pump manufacturers, wants the deadline moved into the 2030s.

Other refrigerants exist. The chemical industry has developed a class of chemicals called hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). These are less powerful greenhouse gases than HFCs, although still more potent than carbon dioxide. But some countries, including Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, want to restrict HFOs, too, because studies show they could pollute rainwater. Many heat-pump manufacturers are therefore turning to so-called natural refrigerants, which have the lowest global warming potentials of all. Some of these were employed in refrigeration long before synthetic substances were developed. They include ammonia and even carbon dioxide itself. But the front-runner to replace HFCs in residential heat pumps is propane.

The global-warming effect of propane is only a little stronger than that of carbon dioxide. The problem with using it in a heat pump is that, unlike HFCs, it is flammable. It is also odourless, which is why when propane is used as a fuel it is given a rotten egg smell so that it can be easily detected if it leaks. That is not possible in a heat pump, since the chemicals that produce the smell interfere with the refrigeration process.

For that reason, extra rules apply to propane-powered pumps. If propane is pumped inside a building, as in split systems which mount the heat-exchanging equipment indoors, then the volume of gas in the system is limited to 150 grams, about a fifth of the amount of refrigerant typically used in an HFC model. If more gas is used, extra safety features, such as leak sensors and automatic venting systems, have to be fitted. This raises the cost still higher, and makes installation even more fiddlyespecially in the older buildings less well-suited to the technology.

According to the European Heat Pump Association (although not all its members seem to agree), the rapid phasing out of HFCs would slam on the brakes for heat pump deployment. It argues that a laxer schedule would give the industry more time to develop propane-based systems that could be installed more easily in a greater variety of homes.

Delaying things is unnecessary, according to a paper presented to European legislators by a group of more than 40 scientists. They point out that it took the refrigerator industry between three and five years to switch to cleaner gases, like isobutane, in the 1990s. (Chlorofluorocarbons, that industrys refrigerants of choice, were phased out in that decade because of the damage they do to the ozone layer.) What heat-pump makers have failed to do, the paper argues, is to reduce the amount of refrigerants which heat pumps contain because this was not considered to be important with non-flammable HFCs.

Despite what their trade body says, a number of producers, including Viessman and Robert Bosch, two German firms, along with Mitsubishi Electric, a Japanese one, have already launched propane-filled heat-pumps. They tend to be large monoblock systems that are mounted outdoors, where any escaping gas can disperse quickly and harmlessly into the air. Viessman says that, besides its eco-friendly credentials, propane also makes it easier to produce heat pumps that can supply water at 70Cthe sorts of temperatures that gas boilers produce. That could remove the need to replace radiators or install underfloor heating in many cases, saving a considerable amount of money.

Many properties, and especially flats, may lack enough outside space for a monoblock. Firms are therefore working on split systems that can get by on modest quantities of propane. They are being helped by Lena Schnabel and her colleagues at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany. Dr Schnabels group have tested a number of designs, including one that can make do with just 146 grams of propane. That was achieved by redesigning and optimising most of the pumps important components, such as the compressor, heat-exchanger and pipework, and the use of prototype parts.

Dr Schnabel is optimistic that new designs containing a small charge of propane will, in the next few years, mean it is possible to directly replace a gas boiler inside a flat with a heat pump that will be safe, eco-friendly and produce similar temperatures. The heat source could be a communal one, on the roof of a building or buried in a basement, powering dozens of individual indoor units. There is even talk of raising the 150-gram limit, though, says Dr Schnabel, for safety it really makes sense to use as little refrigerant as possible.

If such devices can be perfected, then many of the downsides of heat pumps could be eliminated. Not only would they become greener machines in their own right, they would become easier and cheaper to fit in old properties, too. And that would help take some of the heat out of the arguments that surround them.

 2023 The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2023/09/06/propane-powered-heat-pumps-are-greener
This recognition showcases the companies technical expertise and successful track record in delivering innovative automotive projects using AWS.

TURIN, Italy, September 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Reply, a global systems integrator and consulting firm, announced today that three companies in its network - Concept Reply, Data Reply and Storm Reply have achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Automotive Competency status. This specialization recognizes these companies for their expertise in providing customers professional services and/or software solutions delivering transformation across an Automotive companys operating model.

As Automotive customers leverage cloud to innovate and transform their operating model, they are looking for cloud experts with deep automotive experience. AWS Automotive Competency Partners provide customers with solutions and services across their digital transformation journey while being assured, they have support from a validated AWS Partner to meet their needs. These solutions follow AWS best practices for building secure, high-performing, resilient, and efficient cloud infrastructure for industry applications.

Achieving AWS Automotive Competency status differentiates Concept Reply, Data Reply and Storm Reply as AWS Partner Network (APN) members with demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success in running cloud solutions on AWS for the automotive industry. This program showcases automotive AWS Partners who have domain knowledge and are providing cloud services. To receive the AWS Automotive Competency designation, AWS Partners must undergo rigorous technical validation and provide vetted customer references.

"We are delighted to receive this recognition from AWS. Achieving AWS Automotive Competency status exemplifies our ability to deliver cutting-edge and complex technological projects, showcasing a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving market, particularly with the advancements in connected vehicles and electrification," said Filippo Rizzante, Reply's CTO. "At Reply, we take pride in empowering our customers to enhance their operational efficiency and embrace the future of the industry through the utilization of AWS."

Story continues

Thanks to the combination of customers processes knowledge and technological skills on AWS, Reply supports some of the most important players in the automotive sector. From connected car solutions to Digital Customer Engagement and advanced analytics, Replys cutting-edge solutions powered by AWS help customers navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the sector.

Gregor Endl, Head of Cloud Operations at AUDI AG, added, "Reply helped us accelerate our cloud transformation on AWS at Audi AG. We congratulate them for the achievement of being an AWS Automotive Competency Launch Partner and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration."

AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, the AWS Competency Program helps customers identify AWS Partners with deep industry experience and expertise.

Reply

Reply [EXM, STAR: REY] specializes in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialized companies, Reply defines and develops business models enabled by the new models of AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply delivers consulting, system integration and digital services to organizations across the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance; and public sectors. www.reply.com

Data Reply

Data Reply is the Reply Group company specialized in Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Through multidisciplinary teams of specialists in Big Data Engineering, Data Science and Intelligent Process Automation, Data Reply supports companies from different industries in process optimization through the design and implementation of solutions, quantum algorithms and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence models. www.data.reply.com

Concept Reply

Concept Reply, part of the Reply Network, is a leader in IoT solutions. They support and advise customers across Automotive, Manufacturing, Smart Infrastructure and beyond in all aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing. From designing and developing customized IoT solutions to implementing and managing them seamlessly, Concept Reply helps customers unlock the potential of IoT. www.concept.reply.com

Storm Reply

Storm Reply is an AWS Premier Consulting Partner and the specialist for professional cloud computing services in the Reply network. Through consolidated expertise and many years of experience in the creation and management of Data and Analytics solutions, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS), Storm Reply supports global clients in the implementation of cloud-based systems and applications. Our goal is to use the cloud to create added value for mid-sized and large companies and to help them exploit the full potential of the cloud. www.storm.reply.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230906414526/en/

Contacts

Media:

Reply

Fabio Zappelli

f.zappelli@reply.com

Tel. +390117711594

Aaron Miani

a.miani@reply.com

Tel. +442077306000
A rising convenience store chain could be taking on Wawa with a new location along Route 896 near the I-95 interchange in Newark, according to a plan filed last month.

The plan calls for demolishing the Rodeway Inn on the southbound side of Route 896 (South College Avenue) and building a Dash In convenience store with gas pumps and a car wash. It would be the latest of several new or remodeled Dash In stores in Delaware seeking to boost the brand's reputation from a run-of-the-mill gas station store to an elevated experience with made-to-order food.

The Rodeway Inn property is adjacent to two future Wawas and in direct proximity with several other gas stations. Dash In will need Newark City Council's OK to rezone the property and multiple other approvals.

The Rodeway Inn on Route 896 in Newark. A Dash In, gas station and car wash have been proposed in place of the motel.

What is Dash In?

Dash In is an arm of The Wills Group, a family-owned company formed in 1926 as a collection of gas stations. The first Dash In-branded store opened in 1981 in Laurel, Maryland. It served fried chicken and potato wedges.

In the following years, Dash In stores took on several different concepts. At one point, the stores served food from fast food companies such as Taco Bell, Subway and Dunkin' Donuts. After abandoning that concept years ago, The Wills Group is trying to carve out a lane for Dash In as its own consistent brand.

In recent years through remodels and new store openings, Dash In stores have taken on a modern, brown brick look as they've started to offer their own fast food menu. It includes all-day breakfast using fresh-cracked eggs, salads, burger and chicken sandwich sliders, flatbreads and the stackadilla, a multi-layered quesadilla. Dash In also offers "bean-to-cup" coffee and smoothies.

Dash In at Paper Mill and Possum Park roads in Milford Crossroads. It's one of several Dash In stores to replace Shell convenience stores at Shell stations in recent years.

CONVENIENCE STORES: Sheetz is knocking on Delaware's door. Elkton, Maryland, store opens soon

Don Longo, editorial director emeritus of Convenience Store News, described Dash In as a "progressive food-service oriented convenience store chain," but said they aren't "as advanced" as companies like Wawa. Dash In won the publication's foodservice innovator to watch award in 2018.

Story continues

Many of the stores are attached to Shell- or Exxon-branded gas stations  Wills operates SMO Motor Fuels, a petroleum distribution company, and is one of the largest independent Shell Oil marketers in the U.S.

The company also runs more than 40 car washes, including many Splash In ECO Car Wash-branded stations connected to Dash In stores and Shell stations. Last year, Wills purchased the Blue Hen Car Wash businesses on Naamans Road in Brandywine Hundred and Kirkwood Highway in Ogletown.

There are more than 55 Dash In locations in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, including nine in the First State.

All but one has undergone a significant renovation in the last six years. The company last year opened remodeled Dash In stores and Splash In car washes at a Shell station on Papermill Road in Milford Crossroads and on Centre Road in Greenville.

Dash In stores are under construction on Route 40 across from the Wilmington Airport near New Castle and at Middletown Warwick Road and Doc Levinson Drive in Middletown as part of a new shopping area with Sprouts Farmers Market and Target.

The Rodeway Inn on Route 896 in Newark. A Dash In, gas station and car wash have been proposed in place of the motel.

The proposed site

Dash In would replace the Rodeway Inn and vacant restaurant at the end of the southbound side of South College Avenue. The motel, built in the 1960s, has a reputation of ill repute.

After registering more than 900 calls for police services between 2013 and 2017, the Delaware Department of Justice declared the motel a criminal nuisance property. The designation prompted a court-ordered plan to reduce criminal activity. Police made arrests for prostitution, drug sales and sexual assaults.

About two decades earlier, two young adults  Amy Grossberg, a University of Delaware freshman, and Brian Peterson  discarded their baby in the trash minutes after he was born at the motel, then called the Comfort Inn.

The closed restaurant at the Rodeway Inn on Route 896 in Newark. A Dash In has been proposed in place of the Rodeway Inn.

The new plan calls for all of the buildings on the property to be demolished and the construction of a 4,800-square-foot convenience store, 16 gas pumps and a car wash. It fills in the picture of a freshly-developed South College Avenue to support the University of Delaware's growing Science Technology and Advanced Research Campus at the former Chrysler plant and travelers from I-95 (improvements to the I-95 interchange are currently under construction).

A Wilmington-based hospitality company called SSN Hotels received approval last year to build a Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in place of the Red Roof Inn and Suites across from the Rodeway Inn. Wawa has plans to build a store and gas station in front of the hotel, replacing the closed Friendly's.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: 2 new Wawas planned in Newark, including a drive-thru store, revamping I-95 interchange

Wawa also plans to build its first drive-thru only store in Delaware to replace the closed Boston Market on the west side of Route 896 at Welsh Tract Road. At 1,800 square feet, the proposed standalone drive-thru would be about a third of the size of its full-size counterpart across the street.

The new projects follow the openings of a Candlewood Suites and Jersey Mike's at Route 896 and Welsh Tract Road in 2017. Earlier this year, Newark City Council passed a law to loosen restrictions on the construction of gas stations, no longer barring them from opening within 300 feet of each other.

There are currently three gas stations on the southbound side of Route 896 south of Chestnut Hill Road and one gas station on the northbound side. Companies typically view opposite sides of heavily-driven roads as separate markets.

If approved, the Dash In and Wawa projects would add a gas station to each side of Route 896.

Like knowing what stores, restaurants and developments are coming and going in Delaware? Join our Facebook group What's Going There in Delaware and subscribe for free to our What's Going There in Delaware newsletter.

Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @holveck_brandon.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Dash In plans Newark location near Wawa and I-95 interchange
(Bloomberg) -- San Francisco was set to become the blockchain capital of the world but lost its status because of hostile US government policy and regulatory crackdowns, according to Chris Larsen, co-founder and executive chairman of crypto pioneer Ripple Labs Inc.

Most Read from Bloomberg

London, Singapore and Dubai are now bigger hubs for the blockchain industry because the federal government forced operations to move overseas, he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Ripple, which remains based in San Francisco, is the crypto payments company behind the XRP digital token.

They pretty much killed San Francisco from being what it was, Larsen said. We owned it and we dont anymore because the Biden administration, for whatever reason, decided they want to push this industry offshore.

Larsens remarks underscore the ongoing tension between crypto entrepreneurs and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which has sought to more aggressively regulate the industry following a spree of high-profile scandals that included the collapse of digital asset exchange FTX.

The SEC recently sought to appeal a judges ruling that cryptocurrency wasnt a security when sold to the public  a decision hailed as a victory for the crypto market. Last week, Ripple moved to block that request. In August, a US appeals court also overturned an SEC decision to block Grayscale Investments LLC from launching a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund, marking a stinging rebuke of SEC Chair Gary Genslers bid to clamp down on the industry.

Despite the recent wins, Larsen lamented that progress has been made through court battles and not via proactive regulation.

Story continues

Gensler is engaging in this regulation by enforcement, rather than looking to lawmakers to pass clearer legislation, Larsen said. He just likes that lack of clarity so that he can go after anybody and make up the rules as he goes along through bullying. And thats not the American way.

Larsen also criticized Senator Elizabeth Warrens attitude toward crypto in the US, arguing that the industry should have pushed back harder on the Massachusetts Democrats influence. Her policy is basically: Im building an anti-crypto army, he said. Its not: Im protecting consumers.

An SEC spokesperson declined to comment, while a representative for Warren didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Larsen said that federal policy toward the crypto industry has exacerbated the woes of San Francisco, which has struggled to bounce back from the pandemic. He argues that the office vacancy rate might be half its current level if federal authorities were more supportive of blockchain technology and companies  even though the industry is known for embracing remote work.

San Franciscos office vacancy rate grew to nearly 32% in the second quarter, according to preliminary figures from CBRE Group Inc. In 2019, before the pandemic, the rate was less than 4%.

While Larsen is still optimistic about blockchain and cryptocurrency in the US, he said Ripple is doing most of its hiring abroad and that he would encourage entrepreneurs to go to London, Singapore or Dubai to start their companies.

Those places have clear rules that protect consumers and also celebrate innovation, he said. Why isnt America leading that call? Thats what weve always been and weve got to get back to it. And by the way, thats the engine that has made San Francisco what it is.

--With assistance from Ed Ludlow.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is Sea Ltd (NYSE:SE). The stock, which is currently priced at $38.75, recorded a gain of 3.86% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 38.98%. The stock's fair valuation is $176.52, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on historical multiples, GuruFocus adjustment factor, and future estimates of the business performance.

However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with Sea (NYSE:SE) should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Altman Z-score of 1.67. These indicators suggest that Sea, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Understanding the Altman Z-Score

Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

Sea Ltd (NYSE:SE): A Snapshot

Sea operates Southeast Asia's largest e-commerce company, Shopee, in terms of gross merchandise value and number of transactions. Sea started as a gaming business, Garena, but in 2015 expanded into e-commerce, which is now the main growth driver. Shopee is a hybrid C2C and B2C marketplace platform operating in eight core markets. Indonesia accounts for 35% of GMV, with the rest split mainly among Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. For Garena, Free Fire was the most downloaded game in January 2022 and accounted for 74% of gaming revenue in 2021. Sea's third business, SeaMoney, provides mostly credit lending.

Story continues

Sea's Low Altman Z-Score: A Breakdown of Key Drivers

A dissection of Sea's Altman Z-score reveals Sea's financial health may be weak, suggesting possible financial distress.

Operational Efficiency: Asset Turnover

When it comes to operational efficiency, a vital indicator for Sea is its asset turnover. The data: 2021: 0.73; 2022: 0.69; 2023: 0.74 from the past three years suggests a recent decline following an initial increase in this ratio. The asset turnover ratio reflects how effectively a company is using its assets to generate sales. Therefore, a drop in this ratio can signify reduced operational efficiency, potentially due to underutilization of assets or decreased market demand for the company's products or services. This shift in Sea's asset turnover underlines the need for the company to reassess its operational strategies to optimize asset usage and boost sales.

Conclusion: Is Sea (NYSE:SE) a Value Trap?

In conclusion, despite Sea's seemingly attractive valuation, its low Altman Z-score and declining asset turnover ratio suggest potential financial distress and operational inefficiency. These factors indicate that Sea (NYSE:SE) might be a potential value trap. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making an investment decision.

GuruFocus Premium members can find stocks with high Altman Z-Score using the following Screener: Walter Schloss Screen .

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly.

So should Sokoman Minerals (CVE:SIC) shareholders be worried about its cash burn? For the purpose of this article, we'll define cash burn as the amount of cash the company is spending each year to fund its growth (also called its negative free cash flow). Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

See our latest analysis for Sokoman Minerals

How Long Is Sokoman Minerals' Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. When Sokoman Minerals last reported its balance sheet in March 2023, it had zero debt and cash worth CA$6.1m. Importantly, its cash burn was CA$11m over the trailing twelve months. Therefore, from March 2023 it had roughly 6 months of cash runway. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

How Is Sokoman Minerals' Cash Burn Changing Over Time?

Sokoman Minerals didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. So while we can't look to sales to understand growth, we can look at how the cash burn is changing to understand how expenditure is trending over time. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by 34%, which suggests that management are increasing investment in future growth, but not too quickly. However, the company's true cash runway will therefore be shorter than suggested above, if spending continues to increase. Sokoman Minerals makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth.

Story continues

Can Sokoman Minerals Raise More Cash Easily?

Since its cash burn is moving in the wrong direction, Sokoman Minerals shareholders may wish to think ahead to when the company may need to raise more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Sokoman Minerals has a market capitalisation of CA$28m and burnt through CA$11m last year, which is 42% of the company's market value. That's high expenditure relative to the value of the entire company, so if it does have to issue shares to fund more growth, that could end up really hurting shareholders returns (through significant dilution).

Is Sokoman Minerals' Cash Burn A Worry?

Sokoman Minerals is not in a great position when it comes to its cash burn situation. Although we can understand if some shareholders find its increasing cash burn acceptable, we can't ignore the fact that we consider its cash runway to be downright troublesome. After considering the data discussed in this article, we don't have a lot of confidence that its cash burn rate is prudent, as it seems like it might need more cash soon. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 6 warning signs for Sokoman Minerals you should be aware of, and 3 of them make us uncomfortable.

If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow.

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.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a one-on-one meeting with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlich-Radman, Azernews reports.

This is stated in the publication of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan in the social network X.

The meeting was held within the framework of the official visit of Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to Croatia.

During it, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation and the regional agenda.
Rationalstat LLC

According to the latest market study by RationalStat the Global Solid Wires Market size was estimated at US$ 2.3 billion in 2022, and is expected to be worth US$ 3.1 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period of 2023-2028.

Wilmington, Delaware, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solid wires for welding applications are widely used in the construction and infrastructure industries. As governments invest in infrastructure development such as bridges, buildings, and transportation networks, welding materials such as solid wires are in high demand.

Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview

"Solid wire" is a form of wire that is made up of a single, continuous strand of metal with a consistent diameter along its length. These wires are commonly utilized in a variety of applications throughout industries, and they are available in a variety of materials, sizes, and combinations to fit individual needs.

According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat , the Global Solid Wires Market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including on material type, end user and geography/regions (incl. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific) . The report also offers global and regional market sizing for the historical period of 2019-2022 and the forecast period of 2023-2028.

Market intelligence for the global solid wires market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Tons) by various products/services/equipment, demand assessment across the key regions, customer sentiments, price points, cost structures, margin analysis across the value chain, financial assessments, historical and forecast data, key developments across the industry, import-export data, trade overview, components market by leading companies, etc.

In addition, the long-term sector and products/services 10-year outlook and its implications on the global solid wires market. It also includes the industry's current state  Production Levels, Capacity Utilization, Tech quotient, etc. Key information will be manufacturing capacity by country, installed base, import volumes, market size, key players, market size, dynamics, market data, insights, etc.

Story continues

Request A Customization- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-solid-wires-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

Global Solid Wires Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis

On the basis of material type, carbon steel segment is expected to dominate the global solid wires market due to their wide range of applications in industries like construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

On the basis of end user, construction and infrastructure segment is dominating the market. As it is widely used in construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects.





Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Base Year Market Size US$ 2.3 billion Market Size Forecast US$ 3.1 billion Growth Rate 4.8% Key Market Drivers Increasing Rapid Industrialization

Growing Demand for Welding Materials Companies Profiled Colfax (ESAB)

Hyundai Welding

Illinois Tool Works (ITW)

The Lincoln Electric Company

Ador Fontech Limited

Ador Welding

Air Liquide

Berkenhoff

BOC (The Linde Group)

Haynes International





Explore more about this report - https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-solid-wires-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

Competition Analysis and Market Structure

These players adopt various strategies in order to reinforce their market share and gain a competitive edge over other competitors in the market. Mergers & acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations, and product launches are some of the strategies followed by industry players. Some of the key developments in the global solid wires market include,

In May 2022, LS Cable and System invested US$ 26.9 million to develop its Tarboro facility in North Carolina, USA, to produce low and medium-voltage cables.

In April 2022, Amedeon provided IMOCA with Nexans aviation quality cables in Fabrice, supplying 2,655 metres of flight cables to meet IMOCA requirements.

Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the global solid wires market growth include Colfax (ESAB), Hyundai Welding, Illinois Tool Works (ITW), The Lincoln Electric Company, Ador Fontech Limited, Ador Welding, Air Liquide, Berkenhoff, BOC (The Linde Group), and Haynes International, among others.

Get A Free Sample- https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-solid-wires-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

RationalStat has segmented the global solid wires market based on material type, end user and region

Global Solid Wires Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Tons), and Market Share (2019-2028) Analysis by Material Type Carbon Steel Stainless Steel Aluminum

Global Solid Wires Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Tons), and Market Share (2019-2028) Analysis by End User Construction and Infrastructure Automotive Aerospace Manufacturing and Fabrication Oil and Gas Shipbuilding Electronics and Electrical

Global Solid Wires Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Tons), and Market Share (2019-2028) Analysis by Region North America Solid Wires Market US Canada Latin America Solid Wires Market Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Western Europe Solid Wires Market Germany UK France Spain Italy Benelux Nordic Rest of Western Europe Eastern Europe Solid Wires Market Russia Poland Hungary Other CIS Countries Rest of Eastern Europe Asia Pacific Solid Wires Market China Japan India South Korea Australia ASEAN Indonesia Thailand Philippines Vietnam Malaysia Rest of ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Solid Wires Market GCC Saudi Arabia (KSA) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rest of the GCC South Africa Nigeria Turkey Rest of the Middle East & Africa



For more information about this report https://store.rationalstat.com/store/global-solid-wires-market/

Key Questions Answered in the Solid Wires Report:

What will be the market value of the global solid wires market by 2028?

What is the market size of the global solid wires market?

What are the market drivers of the global solid wires market?

What are the key trends in the global solid wires market?

Which is the leading region in the global solid wires market?

What are the major companies operating in the global solid wires market?

What are the market shares by key segments in the global solid wires market?

Explore Our Trending Reports

Research Methodology

RationalStat has developed a state-of-the-art research methodology to crunch numbers and provide the best possible real-time insights to clients. We combine a varied range of industry experience, data analytics, and experts viewpoint to create a research methodology for market sizing and forecasting.

RationalStat combines a mix of secondary sources as well as primary research to assess the market size and develop a forecast. Key steps involved in accurately deriving the market numbers are:

Defining the problem by understanding the type of market and data required by the client.

Data gathering and collection through relevant paid databases, publicly available sources, company reports, annual reports, surveys, and interviews.

Formulating a hypothesis to create market numbers, forecasts, influencing factors, and their relevance.

Evaluating and analyzing the data by referring to data sources utilized and leveraged.

Validating, interpreting, and finalizing the data by combining the details gathered from primary and secondary sources with the help of experienced analysts.

Download Key Insights and Market Data - Raise a Query

About RationalStat LLC

RationalStat is an end-to-end global market intelligence and consulting company that provides comprehensive market research reports, customized strategy, and consulting studies. The company has sales offices in India, Mexico, and the US to support global and diversified businesses. The company has over 80 consultants and industry experts, developing more than 850 market research and industry reports for its report store annually.

RationalStat has strategic partnerships with leading data analytics and consumer research companies to cater to the clients needs. Additional services offered by the company include consumer research, country reports, risk reports, valuations and advisory, financial research, due diligence, procurement and supply chain research, data analytics, and analytical dashboards.

Contact

RationalStat LLC

Kimberly Shaw,

Content and Press Manager

sales@rationalstat.com

US Phone: +1 302 803 5429

UK Phone: +44 203-287-1245

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest




Stellar continues to build their presence in the Arkansas market by partnering with the leading Clinically Integrated Network in the state

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellar Health (Stellar), a healthcare technology company focused on activating value-based arrangements, announced today a partnership with Little Rock-based Arkansas Health Network (AHN), one of Arkansas' leading Clinically Integrated Network's (CIN). The partnership offers Arkansas Health Network's network of providers access to Stellar's platform, which uses technology, behavioral economics, and monthly payments for value-based actions in an innovative solution to advance the quality of care delivered. Stellar launched in 2018 and is currently used by twenty thousand providers across the United States, supporting and managing over 1,000,000 patient lives.

Stellar Health Partners with Arkansas Health Network

"At Arkansas Health Network, we remain committed to advancing patient-centric care and achieving the highest standards in healthcare excellence," said Bob Sarkar, President & CEO of Arkansas Health Network. "We look forward to partnering with Stellar Health to improve the quality of care across our network."

"AHN is committed to helping our providers succeed in value-based care and, as part of that commitment, we work hard to offer new tools and technologies to enable that success. Stellar Health's provider incentive program helps us continue to improve patient health, increase efficiency, and lower costs," said Camille Wilson, Market VP of Population Health at Arkansas Health Network.

Designed to improve health outcomes, Stellar's modern-tech, cloud-based, point-of-care platform leverages historical patient information to prompt primary care providers and their care teams with granular action recommendations within their daily workflow. Stellar will support Arkansas Health Network to offer real-time incentives tied to the completion of these high-value actions, rewarding providers and care team members within their network that are going above and beyond to deliver exceptional care to thousands of patients.

Story continues

Stellar has been partnering with providers in Arkansas since 2021, and in 2022 Stellar administered a survey across participating practices and found improved staff satisfaction and engagement across practices using the Stellar platform. "Stellar is super easy to use, not disruptive, really a pleasant surprise. Anyone can do it and get good at it." - Office Manager from a participating practice in Arkansas. In 2023, Stellar was honored to be recognized by KLAS with a Points of Light award for successful collaboration with our payor and provider partners for improving patient outcomes and clinical condition management through incentivizing primary care practice staff.

"We are thrilled to expand our participating providers in Arkansas by partnering with AHN. Arkansas Health Network has consistently demonstrated a commitment to their providers by investing in resources to support their practices," said Alicia Voorhees, Vice President of Network Engagement at Stellar. "By offering the Stellar platform to their practices, AHN is furthering their efforts to drive improved patient outcomes while simultaneously rewarding practices for their hard work."

The partnership aligns with the core of Stellar's mission, to empower primary care practices to deliver value-based care that always keeps the patient top of mind. "Arkansas is one of our high priority states. We have a lot of great momentum with over 1,600 providers signed up actively leveraging our platform. Our goal is to have more providers participating and earning their fair share in value-based care." - Michael Meng, Stellar CEO

About Stellar Health: Stellar Health ("Stellar") is a healthcare technology company focused on enabling success across the value-based care ("VBC") continuum by bridging the incentive gap between providers and payors. The Stellar solution is the first point-of-care, cloud-based platform that helps primary care providers continually engage with their patients by providing them real-time information and tangible action-based incentives for improving quality of care. With Stellar, providers can achieve a range of VBC goals, like improving quality scores and optimizing the patient care journey through transitions of care and high-value referrals, all with the objective of improving patient health. For more information on Stellar Health, visit www.stellar.health .

About Arkansas Health Network: Arkansas Health Network is a physician driven, Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) initiative that builds on the strengths of participating providers to improve patient health, increase efficiency and enable physicians to succeed in today's changing health care delivery and reimbursement environments. AHN is a wholly owned subsidiary of CHI St. Vincent, which is a part of the national non-profit CommonSpirit Health. AHN currently manages over 138,000 lives and 3,700 providers within their network  which includes 28 inpatient facilities and 25 skilled nursing facilities across Arkansas. Over the last 5 years, AHN has saved Medicare $58 million; the highest total savings of any individual accountable care organization (ACO) participating in MSSP within CommonSpirit Health.

Contact Nicole Rounsavall

Telephone 916-749-8213

Email nicole.rounsavall@stellar.health

Website www.stellar.health

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stellar-health-and-arkansas-health-network-partner-to-improve-health-outcomes-across-the-state-301919121.html

SOURCE Stellar Health
Long-established in the Telecommunication Services industry, AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 0.45%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -5.39%. However, fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned AT&T Inc the GF Score of 64 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

AT&T Inc: A Snapshot of Its Business

AT&T Inc, with a market cap of $103.98 billion and sales of $121.44 billion, has been a significant player in the Telecommunication Services industry. The company's operating margin stands at 19.92%. The wireless business contributes about two-thirds of AT&T's revenue following the spinoff of Warner Media. The firm is the third-largest U.S. wireless carrier, connecting 70 million postpaid and 18 million prepaid phone customers. AT&T also has a sizable presence in Mexico, serving 22 million customers, but this business only accounts for 3% of revenue. The firm still holds a 70% equity stake in satellite television provider DirecTV but does not consolidate this business in its financial statements.

Story continues

AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Financial Strength Analysis

AT&T Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 3.84 positions it worse than 60.47% of 301 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. The company's Altman Z-Score is just 0.44, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.06 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels. Furthermore, the company's debt-to-Ebitda ratio is 7.81, which is above Joel Tillinghast's warning level of 4 and is worse than 89.49% of 314 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where AT&T Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -13.6 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 88.16% of 380 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. Over the past five years, AT&T Inc has witnessed a decline in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The three-year growth rate is recorded at -28.2, while the five-year growth rate is at -15.9. Lastly, AT&T Inc predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

AT&T Inc (T): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Conclusion

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While AT&T Inc has a rich history and a significant presence in the Telecommunication Services industry, its current financial and growth indicators suggest that it may struggle to maintain its historical performance. Therefore, investors should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Small businesses have to deal all the time with customers who wont pay their bills. Instead of being patient and nice while youre not paid for your work, get tough and see what happens.

One of the most commonly heard complaints  especially from small-business owners  is the failure or refusal of their customers or clients to pay their bills on time, or pay them at all.

If you are thinking, Yeah, Dennis, you got that right! then I submit that a certain amount of this failure to be paid could be your fault. Allow me to cite an example that occurred last week:

Wonderful Tree Trimming and Landscaping is a 30-plus-year-old mom-and-pop company in my town. Marge runs the show, and she is the nicest, most patient business owner youll ever meet. And thats the problem. She is way too nice, way too patient and non-confrontational to a fault.

I got a call from her office manager, asking if I can help them with several past-due accounts.

Of course, I reply. How old are they?

Only two years.

What? Only two years, I repeat in a less-than-happy tone of voice. What were you folks thinking?

Well, Marge likes to be patient and nice to people.

I am not! Please scan and send me the bills now!

Not paying for services rendered could be fraud

Fraud and theft of services without legal justification revealing an intent not to pay, similar to dine-and-dash restaurant thieves, could justify an award of punitive damages. Notes on the accounts at Marges company revealed textbook examples of fraud and theft of services by people who agreed to pay for the tree trimming but offered one nonsensical excuse after another for not paying, made repeated promises to pay but never did or contested their credit card charge.

I reached one of them and asked that he bring a check to my office. He replied, Money doesnt grow on trees.

My response in a most unfriendly tone of voice was, I am going to enjoy suing you for the tree trimming and punitive damages for your obvious lack of intent to pay.

Story continues

Soon thereafter, I received this email from Marge: Whatever you did worked! He called me around 2:30 p.m. and brought us a check by 3 p.m.! He had a scared face!

Having patient, nice staff is not a virtue if customers wont pay

In my experience representing small-business owners who are owed money, patience is not a virtue. A strong office manager/collections person who knows what not to say or do and who you authorize to immediately jump on past-due accounts is critical.

A common ploy of these kinds of customers is, Gee, I never got your bill, so please mail another. Do not fall for that, if possible! Fax the bill to them. This gives you proof of receipt. If you are in the same town, go to them and politely hand a copy to the customer or, if its a business, a receptionist.

Many online recommendations suggest being sugary sweet on the phone to your past-due customers. I disagree. The customer who, without justification, doesnt pay is a thief, and the sooner you and your people recognize and accept that, the better.

So, when payment is past due, promised to be received by a certain date and does not arrive, you have one choice: Call and say, No more delays. We will pick up a check at your office today, and if it isnt there, this goes to our lawyer, who isnt called Mad Dog for no reason.

Why even put yourself at risk of being jerked around by an unknown customer? Do your research in advance. Check your courts plaintiff/defendant index to see if the customer has been sued and for what. You can find this information on your countys court website, generally at no cost to you. Require a signed credit application that will allow you to check their credit and find out if theyve gotten in trouble before for not paying.

Great way to get stiffed: Convince customers you arent serious

A terrific recipe for being stiffed is to convince your customer that you arent serious about being paid, and I hear this all the time: Well, weve been sending them past-due letters every month for the past year, and we thought that would scare them into at last doing something.

They did something all right: They ignored you!

If the first letter or phone call gets no response, consider having your lawyer place a call and send a demand letter. That should be very inexpensive. Still no response? If you are within or close to your small claims court monetary jurisdiction, file suit.

Action earns the respect of employees and other customers

When small-business owners act to preserve their bottom line by giving collections all the attention deserved, this earns respect and loyalty from employees and your customers. And, no matter how well you pay someone, respect and loyalty have no price, observes David Schein, Cameron Endowed Chair of Marketing & Management at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

I tell businesses to have a one-two-three approach to collections, he says. Send invoice within 30 days. If not paid in 60 days, send letter with overdue invoice indicating that it will be turned over to your attorney if not paid promptly. At 90 days, turn it over to your attorney. Many of my businesses get paid with that 60-day letter.

In case you wonder, Dennis, how do you personally feel about these situations? Ill tell you. Angry, personally angry, and I share the feelings of my clients who have done the work, performed the service and been ripped off. To treat people that way, in addition to a breach of contract, is simply immoral. Collecting those debts gives me a great deal of moral satisfaction.

Dennis Beaver practices law in Bakersfield, Calif., and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com.
Crude tanker rates have not lived up to expectations in 2023. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The history of ocean shipping is replete with predictions for booms that never came to pass. There are also many cases in which major turns in shipping cycles were predicted and actually happened, but not on cue.

This was supposed to be the year the next tanker shipping supercycle began. Over eight months in, the boom remains hypothetical. Rates for some tankers are flirting with breakeven again. Near-term negatives continue to pile up. Revenues from spot deals booked at todays weak rates will pressure fourth-quarter results.

Time to reschedule the upswing for 2024.

While Q4 crude-tanker earnings will likely be softer than expected, the outlook for 2024 has become much more exciting, wrote Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta in a client note on Wednesday. The expected upswing has merely been deferred and strengthened.

According to Clarksons Securities analyst Frode Mrkedal, When OPEC+ eventually resumes production, which is projected to happen in earnest by Q2 2024, the tanker market should experience an immediate uplift. (OPEC+ comprises OPEC nations, Russia and other countries.)

Nokta said he is increasingly confident that 2024 will be a banner year for tankers, with the market poised for a rate eruption next year.

Near-term negatives from Saudi Arabia, Russia

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia extended its voluntary 1-million-barrel-per-day (b/d) cut through year-end, on top of existing OPEC+ cuts. Russia extended its own 500,000-b/d crude-production cut in August with a 300,000-b/d reduction from September through December.

Saudi cuts are particularly damaging to demand for very large crude carriers (VLCCs; tankers that carry 2 million barrels of crude) that do high-volume, long-haul runs.

The evolving situation for Russian exports is negative for the tankers that fit in Russian ports: Suezmaxes (1 million-barrel capacity) and Aframaxes (750,000-barrel capacity).

According to data from Kpler, Russia exported 3.12 million b/d of seaborne crude in August, down 18% from the recent high in May. Russian seaborne products exports averaged 1.58 million b/d last month, down 22% from the recent high in March.

Story continues

(Chart: FreightWaves based on data from Kpler)

Russian Urals crude shipped from Black Sea and Baltic Sea ports has traded above the $60-per-barrel price cap set by Group of Seven nations and the European Union since mid-July. Prices are no longer even close to the cap. Urals crude was at $77 per barrel on Tuesday, according to price-reporting agency Argus.

(Chart: FreightWaves based on data from Argus)

The sharp [price] increase was a result of Russia for the most part fulfilling its pledge to cut its overall crude exports by 500,000 b/d in August, with Urals taking the brunt of this reduction, Kuganiga Kuganeswaran, Argus head of Russian crude pricing, told FreightWaves.

Tanker migration from Russian trade

The extended breach of the price cap has pushed most traditional European tanker owners out of the Russian trade and brought them back into non-sanctioned Suezmax and Aframax markets, adding capacity to non-sanctioned trades.

Data from Argus shows that this tonnage migration pushed down rates in non-sanctioned trades after the price cap was breached, while Russian freight rates have remained largely flat, inflating the sanctions premium for vessels willing to load Russian crude over the price cap  i.e., the so-called shadow tanker fleet.

(Chart: FreightWaves based on data from Argus)

The higher price of Russian Urals crude has also led one of its two main customers  India  to curb its purchases. (The other buyer, China, has maintained import volumes from Russia.)

India has increasingly turned to the Middle East, requiring much shorter tanker voyages, a negative for tanker demand measured in ton-miles (volume multiplied by distance).

Russian crude accounted for 45% of Indias crude imports in May, according to Kpler data. By August, Russias share had tumbled to 34%. India imported 1.48 million b/d of Russian crude last month, down 30% from a high of 2.12 million b/d in May.

(Chart: FreightWaves based on data from Kpler)

Crude tanker rates sinking

Crude tanker rates have now fallen well below rates for product tankers  vessels that carry cargoes such as diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.

Spot rates for non-eco-design VLCCs averaged just $17,900 per day on Wednesday, down 47% month on month (m/m), according to Clarksons Securities.

There are new lows across the board this week as the market reflects the new norm of lower OPEC volume, said brokerage Fearnleys on Wednesday, referring to VLCC rates. Non-eco VLCCs are just a few thousand above OPEX [operating expense breakeven], while VLCCs without fuel-cost-saving exhaust-gas scrubbers are almost on it, said Fearnleys.

VLCC rates are not only lower than product tanker rates, theyre lower than rates for smaller-size crude carriers.

Rates for non-eco Suezmax crude carriers were down to $26,100 per day on Wednesday, declining 31% m/m. Aframax rates were $19,200 per day, down 20% m/m.

Historical data from Clarksons shows that VLCC and Aframaxes have fallen back to the trailing five-year average (a period that included one of the worst tanker markets in history).

Weekly average crude-tanker spot rates through Friday. (Charts: Clarksons Securities)

Product tanker rates holding up

Spot rates are moving in different directions, said Nokta. Crude tanker rates are falling but product tanker rates are doing just fine.

Data from Clarksons shows that spot rates for the three main classes of product tankers have trended up since July and are all above their five-year average, with medium-range (MR) tankers almost double that average.

Weekly average product-tanker spot rates through Friday. (Charts: Clarksons Securities)

Crack spreads [refiner margins] remain strong globally, and are holding on to most gains made since June, Nokta wrote. This has boosted refinery throughput, leading to increased product cargo availability and higher product-tanker demand.

Nokta cut his Q4 crude-tanker rate outlook on Wednesday in the wake of the OPEC+ news, but he kept his Q4 product-tanker rate forecast unchanged.

Click for more articles by Greg Miller

Related articles:

The post Tanker shipping takes another hit from Saudi, Russian crude cuts appeared first on FreightWaves.
Long-established in the Telecommunication Services industry, Telefonica SA (NYSE:TEF) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 4.19%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 1.93%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Telefonica SA.

Telefonica SA (TEF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Understanding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Telefonica SA the GF Score of 69 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Telefonica SA: A Snapshot of Its Business

Telefonica SA, with a market cap of $23.03 billion, operates mobile and fixed networks in Spain, the U.K., Germany, Brazil, and other Latin American countries like Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, among others. The company derives more than 30% of its revenue from Spain, close to 20% from Germany and 20% from Brazil. Its U.K. operations are held through a joint venture with Virgin Media. For several years Telefonica has been simplifying its corporate structure by selling noncore assets. The company's sales stand at $42.78 billion with an operating margin of 9.07%.

Story continues

Telefonica SA (TEF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Financial Strength Breakdown

Telefonica SA's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. Telefonica SA has an interest coverage ratio of 1.43, which positions it worse than 82.72% of 301 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. This ratio highlights potential challenges the company might face when handling its interest expenses on outstanding debt. It's worth noting that the esteemed investor Benjamin Graham typically favored companies with an interest coverage ratio of at least five.

The company's Altman Z-Scoreis just 0.67, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.98 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where Telefonica SA seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -6 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 80.26% of 380 companies in the Telecommunication Services industry. Stagnating revenues may pose concerns in a fast-evolving market.

Over the past five years, Telefonica SA has witnessed a decline in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The three-year growth rate is recorded at -2.6, while the five-year growth rate is at -2.7. These figures underscore potential challenges in the company's profitability. Lastly, Telefonica SA predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

Telefonica SA (TEF): A Deep Dive into Its Performance Potential

Conclusion

Given Telefonica SA's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights the firm's unparalleled position for potential underperformance. While the company has a rich history and a broad market presence, its current financial and growth indicators suggest that it may struggle to maintain its past performance. Investors should consider these factors when making investment decisions.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Tesco has grown 70,000 tonnes of produce such as lettuces, carrots and potatoes as part of its green fertiliser trial - i-Images Picture Agency/Tesco

Tesco vegetables are to be grown using fire extinguisher waste and algae after the Ukraine war prompted a surge in fertiliser prices.

Britains largest supermarket has announced a major expansion of its green fertiliser trial, which uses products-derived from food waste, fire extinguishing powder, algae and chicken litter to grow the lettuces, carrots and tomatoes stocked in stores.

Tesco is working with its suppliers to expand the use of eight unconventional fertilisers, six of them produced in the UK.

From next year, farmers who supply Tesco will grow hundreds of thousands of tonnes of vegetables across 13,000 hectares using the products.

It comes as farmers and grocery bosses have been scrambling to find alternatives to the industrial fertilisers traditionally used in British agriculture.

The cost of conventional ammonium nitrate fertiliser jumped by as much as 140pc last year in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine were major exporters of the agricultural product and the conflict disrupted supplies.

Surging energy costs in the wake of the war have also triggered the closure of Britains two remaining fertiliser plants over the last year.

Climbing prices and a reduction in supply have prompted a rush to find alternatives. Scientists last year suggested human sewage could be used to help fertilise crops, though Tesco has not taken up this suggestion.

Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy, said it was vital that the food industry do all we can to safeguard the shopping basket from the shocks of tomorrow.

The supermarket has been experimenting with alternatives for the last 12 months, testing its unconventional plant foods across 1,300 hectares of land used by suppliers.

It has grown 70,000 tonnes of produce such as lettuces, carrots and potatoes and concluded that the new products are just as effective.

Mr Murphy also trumpeted the green credentials of the new alternative fertilisers.

Speaking at the Reuters IMPACT event in London, he said the low-carbon fertilisers had huge potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil health and water quality, as well as provid[e] greater cost certainty for farmers and create industry here in the UK.

Story continues

Mr Murphy urged ministers to guarantee net zero targets would stay in place, saying: The food industry is willing to invest, but needs more stability and confidence when it comes to future policy.

That is why its critical that all parties, regardless of political creed, stand by their Net Zero commitments and timelines.

It comes amid growing concern among the Conservative Party about the cost of green policies to voters. Rishi Sunak has been urged to waterdown proposals to ensure families do not face large jumps in costs.

Research from the University of Cambridge has suggested that manure and synthetic fertilisers emit more carbon emissions a year than the global aviation and shipping industries combined. Around half of the worlds population is fed by crops that are grown using synthetic fertilisers.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
In this article, we look at the top 25 spice producing countries in the world. You can skip our detailed analysis on the spice industry and head over directly to the Top 10 Spice Producing Countries in the World.

Spices are used in both fresh and dry form for seasoning and preservation of food, as well as adding flavor to it. They are the 618th most traded product in the world, according to The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).

In addition to being used by the food and beverages industry, spices are also now being widely utilized by the cosmetics industry due to their organic and healing properties. A number of herbs and spices are used as ingredients in the production of perfumes and colognes, such as cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, chili pepper, ginger, coriander, and cardamom. Terre d'Hermes first used black pepper in its Hermes Twilly perfume to create a warm and sensual fragrance. On the other hand, vanilla is widely used as an ingredient in several other perfume brands, including but not limited to Saint Laurent, Dior, and Chanel.

The global spices and seasoning industry is estimated to have had a value of approximately $18 billion in 2021, and is projected to grow to $25.4 billion by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 4.67%, as noted by Fortune Business Insights. Asia on a whole constitutes more than 80% of all production of spices, a major chunk of it coming from southern Asia. Some of the largest spice companies in the region include Indias Everest Food Products Pvt Ltd and Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited (MDH), which both together hold around 30% share of the country's spice market.

Everest's products are stocked by more than 400,000 stores nationwide. According to the companys website, 20 million households in India use Everests products every day and more than 3.7 billion packs of Everest are sold each year. The companys product range comprises more than 200 products, which includes 52 different spices that are sold across 80 countries. Shan Foods, headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan is another large spice company that sells a variety of pure and mixed spices, and also maintains a product line of cooking pastes, sauces, and dessert mixes. Founded in 1981, the company exports its products to 65 countries across 5 continents. Shan Foods generated a revenue of $490 million in 2021.

Story continues

Spice Market in the United States

The United States is the largest spice importing country in the world, with an import bill of $1.99 billion in 2022, an increase of 7.16% compared to 2021. Wide use and demand for spices in the country is forcing companies in the spice industry to adopt new trends to become more efficient and what they do.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), the largest spice company in the world, employs artificial intelligence to come up with new flavors to tantalize consumer taste buds. The company in 2019 announced that it was working with IBM to build an AI system that mines 40 years of data and information related to spices to help the management come up with new spice combinations. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) is the global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of spices, seasoning mixes, and other flavor-enhancing products to retailers and food businesses. Its products are sold in over 170 countries. In 2022, McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) recorded $6.35 billion in sales.

On the other hand, several corporations are venturing into the spice segment by establishing units dedicated to the commodity. American food company B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) acquired Spice Island, Tones and Durkee brands of the spice and seasoning business of ACH Food Companies in 2016 for $365 million. The rationale behind B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS)'s decision was to venture into the spice industry and reap rewards due to its high demand in the United States.

At the time of acquisition, B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) projected its new business unit to generate over $220 million per annum in revenues after it gets fully integrated. The company announced to reorganize itself into four units in 2022  spices and seasonings, frozen and vegetables, meals, and specialty. The spice segment is forecasted to make 18% of all net sales.

The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC), this year, announced plans to bring Just Spice, Europes favorite spice brand to the United States, a year and a half after it acquired a majority stake in the business. Just Spices sells mixed spice blends to consumers through online and retail channels. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) in 2021 took over 85% of the shareholding of the Germany-based startup that had a product portfolio of 170 items, generating sales of 60 million. Rafael Oliveira, the international zone president of The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) described the deal as an opportunity to further accelerate his companys growth and anticipate trends in consumer preferences.

Kitchenware providers are also looking to take advantage of the business potential offered by the spice industry. Lifetime Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCUT), for instance, offers a Free Spice Refill incentive for its customers if they purchase its spice rack from any authorized dealer. After doing so, customers that register with the company get free spice refills for the next five years, excluding shipping costs. Lifetime Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCUT) is a listed kitchenware company whose shares are traded on NASDAQ.

Methodology

We have ranked the top 25 spice producing countries in the world using data released by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 2021. This is the latest year for which data on food production is available. Items ranging from pepper, chili, capsicum, ginger, garlic and coriander to anise, badian, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon among several other spice and aromatic crops were considered for this article. Countries are ranked in ascending order of spice production volume in tonnes. Moreover, we have also included information related to spice trade for each country in our list. The figures were sourced from The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).

If interested, also take a look at the 15 Largest Spice Companies in the World.

Top 25 spice producing countries in the world

Lets now head over to the list of the top spice producing countries in the world.

25. Burkina Faso

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 74,381

Burkina Faso is a country in West Africa. Spices are the 64th most exported products of the country, which generated $677,000 in revenue in 2021. Germany is the largest importer of spices grown in Burkina Faso.

24. Peru

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 88,140

Peru ranks 24th on the list of top spice producing countries in the world. Spices commonly grown and found in the South American country include black pepper, cinnamon, basil, chincho, cloves, and oregano among others.

23. Egypt

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 89,239

Next up is Egypt, where the spices and herbs market is valued at $150 million, according to Market Research Future. Cumin is the most commonly used spice in Egypt. It is also termed as the countrys staple spice for its wide use in local dishes.

22. Morocco

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 89,748

Morocco is a country located in North Africa. It exported spices worth nearly $10 million in 2021. The five most common spices in Morocco are cumin, saffron, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper.

21. Russia

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 90,063

Russian spices like caraway seeds, chervil, and sorrel among various others add great tastes, flavors and zests to local cuisines. The country is among the 21st largest producers of spices in the world.

20. Cameroon

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 104,256

Spice production in Cameroon is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 0.7% between 2021 and 2026. The country exported $441,000 in spices in 2021. The three top buyers of Cameroons spices were France, Canada, and the United States.

19. Ghana

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 111,871

Garlic, chili peppers, and cumin are the most used spices in Ghanian cuisine. Spices are the 166th most exported product by Ghana, and earned the country $631,000 in exports in 2021. The United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia were the top five buyers of Ghana's spices in 2021.

18. Brazil

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 118,057

Brazil is the largest producer of coffee, and also ranks among the top spice producing countries in the world, with an estimated production volume of nearly 0.12 million tonnes in 2021. The country exports spices worth over $60 million each year.

17. Benin

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 137,226

Benin, located in West Africa, is a major producer of chillies and peppers. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmegs, chillies and pepper are some of the spices that are grown in Benin.

16. Cote d'Ivoire

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 138,327

Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, has had a steady output of spices, over 120,000 tonnes each year. The country is located in West Africa, and borders Burkina Faso to the north  which is another large spice producing country. More than 40,000 tonnes of spices are consumed in Ivory Coast each year.

15. Sri Lanka

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 138,464

Sri Lanka is one of the largest and finest producers of tea. A number of spices are also grown in Sri Lanka, such as nutmeg, cardamom, clove, and pepper. It exported spices worth over $9 million in 2021. The United Kingdom is the largest importer of Sri Lankan spices.

14. Myanmar

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 147,949

A wide variety of spices are grown in Myanmar, including garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili and coriander. The countrys spice production is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 0.4% between 2021 and 2026.

13. Mexico

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 213,378

Mexico does not only rank among the largest spice producing countries in the world, it also has a high spice consumption rate, estimated to be 150,000 tonnes each year. Production of spice in Mexico has grown by 3% per annum since 2017. Coriander, Mexican oregano, anise, cacao, and cinnamon are some of the most commonly used spices in Mexican cuisine.

12. Yemen

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 214,411

Yemen is a country in the Middle East that grows a large volume of spices such as cardamom, chili peppers, and cumin. Yemen exported nearly $700,000 worth of spices in 2021. Neighboring Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer of Yemeni spices and had an import order of $435,000 that year.

11. Pakistan

Production (tonnes) in 2021: 219,739

Pakistan generated $87 million in export revenue of spices in 2021. Major destinations Pakistan exports its spices to are Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The country is also home to one of the world's most familiar spices or masala brand, Shan Foods.

Click to continue reading and see the Top 10 Spice Producing Countries in the World.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. Top 25 Spice Producing Countries in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
International Transmission Company selected its primary and secondary routes through Branch and Calhoun counties for approximately 50 miles of new 345-kilovolt transmission line, the first new interstate connection to Michigans transmission system in nearly 50 years.

The line begins at the Michigan/Indiana border in Steuben County, Indiana, then heads north in Gilead Township to a new ITC Helix Substation in Calhoun County near Duck Lake.

The two proposed routes for the for the first 345 KV grid transmission line into Michigan in nearly 50 years. Work won't begin until 2028.

The primary route is further west than a secondary proposed route further east in the counties.

ITC spokesperson Christine Williams said, ITC intends to work with landowners through transparent communication, a series of public meetings, in an open house format, currently being planned for October.

Before those meetings, ITC representatives will attend township meetings. The first is Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Bethel Township.

According to ITC, the construction is not scheduled for completion until 2030.

First work begins on the new Helix Substation at the end of 2025, with completion estimated in under 12 months.

Construction on the transmission line begins early in 2029 with a 24-month completion timeline.

After reviewing hundreds of options over the last two years, the company selected primary and secondary routes in August.

The primary Branch County transmission route

After the transmission line enters Michigan, the line angles northeast to Steffey Road north of Southern Road.

The lines go north into Bethel Township west of Clearwater Road, then jogs between Batavia and Butcher roads near Lockwood Road.

A substation is expected there for the Bethel Solar Farm.

The line runs north and crosses U.S. 12 before angling northeast to Hodunk Road, where the line heads north on the Batavia side of Hodunk into Union Township.

The line zigzags into Girard Township, south of Sullivan Road.

The route follows Hog Creek northeast, then turns east just south of County Line Road and crosses old U.S. 27 and I-69. There, the transmission lines head northeast east of Tekonsha.

Story continues

The primary Calhoun County transmission route

In Calhoun County, the route turns north, east of the Clarendon Township line at T Drive S.

The transmission line continues north into Eckford Township. Southeast of Marshall, the route angles northeast near 19 Mile Road, where it turns north into Marengo Township.

The route then heads north-northeast through Marengo Township, across the southeast corner of Lee Township into Clarence Township to the new Helix substation on V Drive N near 27 Mile Road.

The secondary transmission route in Branch and Calhoun counties

A secondary route follows the first until it is south of Girard Road. There, the line turns east across Girard Township into Butler Township. After the route crosses Hog Creek, it would angle northeast, then west of Clarendon Road, the line turns north into Calhoun County.

The route goes north just east of 22 Mile Road through Eckford Township, a small corner of Marengo Township, and into Sheridan Township. The route north to the Helix substation is similar to the primary route.

ITC will construct a large substation like this one ion Batavia Township west of Duck Lake near Olivet as the northern terminus for the new interstate 345-kilovolt transmission line.

Once the final route is approved by the MPSC, ITC/METC will begin negotiation with landowners for the necessary right-of-way. Under state law, the company can file for condemnation to determine a fair market value for those who do not reach an agreement since the transmission line is considered a public necessity.

The planned interstate power transmission line was part of a 2020 study conducted by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, MISO. The organization is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organization that manages the flow of high-voltage electricity across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba and plans the future grid.

Subscribe Obtain important local information. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter.

The governor and company did not estimate the cost of the interstate line but lumped it into an $850 million dual project, which will build approximately 40 miles of new 345kV transmission line west of Lansing.

Williams said, When completed, these transmission lines will improve system reliability, enhance grid resilience to better withstand extreme weather, expand access to generation sources for electric consumers, and improve distribution of lower-cost energy sources from a variety of generation sources.

---Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: New transmission line routes selected in Branch and Calhoun counties
Kyrgyzstan and Japan intend to implement joint projects in the field of ecology and climate, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

This became known during a meeting between Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Melis Turgunbaev with Ambassador of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Goda Hideki and Deputy Director of the Office for Cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Bureau of Trade Policy, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Japan by Koike Shinya.

The meeting was held on September 4, 2023 at the initiative of the Japanese Embassy. The parties discussed issues of further cooperation in the field of ecology and climate.

The issue of implementing joint projects and expanding the spectrum was also considered.
Elon Musk and Parag Agrawal Getty/ Chesnot/ Kevin Dietsch

Twitter acquired Squad, a screen sharing app, in 2020.

Its co-founders Ethan Sutin and Esther Crawford went on to high-ranking roles at Twitter.

Sutin says he's still owed at least $1 million from the acquisition after his unjust firing.

Soon after Elon Musk became involved in the future of Twitter, it began forcing out high-ranking employees and cutting costs by "any means necessary," according to a new lawsuit.

Ethan Sutin, who became an engineering manager at Twitter after the company acquired Squad, an app he co-founded, is suing the platform now named X over his termination in May of last year. He claims that not only was his firing "pretextual," or based on false reasoning to support a predetermined outcome, it was designed to avoid paying him out in full for what he's owed as part of the Squad deal and his subsequent employment.

The actions of Twitter, or X, are "unfortunately, part of a widespread pattern of avoiding its financial obligations," according to the lawsuit filed Friday in a San Francisco court.

Twitter acquired Squad at the end of 2020, in a cash and stock deal worth $36 million, Sutin said. The price of the acquisition has not been previously reported. The other founder of the app is Esther Crawford, who became a director at Twitter after the acquisition. Crawford went viral online after Musk took control of Twitter in late October for a photo showing her in a sleeping bag on the floor of the company's headquarters, as some employees attempted to meet Musk's new "hardcore" demands and keep their jobs . Crawford was let go a few months later .

Squad was a video chat platform founded in 2016 that allowed users to share their screens with other users. It became more popular during the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic when people around the world were forced to avoid in-person work and public gatherings. Squad's rise in popularity "caught the attention" of Twitter, according to the lawsuit, and it was acquired not long after.

Story continues

Sutin said his termination last year came shortly after Parag Agrawal, Twitter's previous CEO, let go of other high ranking employees and executives. As he was told his firing was "for cause," under the Squad acquisition agreement Twitter said it was not obligated to pay him $1.3 million in cash compensation related to the acquisition or pay him out for more than 80,000 shares of restricted stock. Sutin claims his firing was merely part of an effort at Twitter "to cut costs by any means necessary."

A few weeks before Sutin's termination, Musk had offered to buy Twitter for $44 billion, immediately plunging the company into a now infamously chaotic corporate takeover. Agrawal, still running the company at the time, was already pulling back on expenses by freezing hiring, travel and other costs. Talk of "mass layoffs" was taking place as well, according to the lawsuit.

As soon as Musk officially acquired Twitter, he ousted its entire C-suite including Agrawal. Musk has since claimed the firings were "for cause" and refused to honor large payouts Agrawal and his C-suite were set to receive. He has also refused to pay severance out to rank and file employees whom he's laid off by the thousands.

Sutin's performance reviews were consistently positive, and he was praised by Kayvon Keykpour, one of the executives Agrawal dismissed last May, as "the most productive engineering leader" at the company, according to the lawsuit. Sutin said he led the creation of the "tipping" feature on Twitter, its first creator monetization tool, as well as the underlying payment processing system (using Stripe) that allowed for the creation of Ticketed Spaces, Super Follows and Twitter Blue. Sutin said he also built the application for creators to apply for Ticketed Spaces and Super Follows, and the verification process for NFTs.

When Sutin was let go on May 16 of last year, he was told it was because of "problematic interpersonal conduct," including a "curt and aggressive" manner toward coworkers and making "undue insistent demands" on his teams. Sutin denied all such claims, arguing in detail instances where he was a "manager required to manage" employees, and his actions never met Twitter's own definition of "abusive conduct" in its Respectful Workplace Policy.

In addition to payment of what he is still owed in cash and equity payouts as part of the Squad acquisition, Sutin is asking the court for compensatory damages and an order forcing Twitter to characterize his firing as without cause.

A spokesperson for X could not be reached for comment.

Are you a tech employee or someone else with insight to share? Contact Kali Hays at khays@insider.com, on secure messaging app Signal at 949-280-0267, or through Twitter DM at @hayskali. Reach out using a non-work device.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Long-established in the Banks industry, Zions Bancorp NA (NASDAQ:ZION) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 3.04%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 18.05%. Fresh insights from the GuruFocus Score Rating hint at potential headwinds. Notably, its diminished rankings in financial strength, growth, and valuation suggest that the company might not live up to its historical performance. Join us as we dive deep into these pivotal metrics to unravel the evolving narrative of Zions Bancorp NA.

Unraveling the Future of Zions Bancorp NA (ZION): A Deep Dive into Key Metrics

Decoding the GF Score

The GF Score is a stock performance ranking system developed by GuruFocus using five aspects of valuation, which has been found to be closely correlated to the long-term performances of stocks by backtesting from 2006 to 2021. The stocks with a higher GF Score generally generate higher returns than those with a lower GF Score. Therefore, when picking stocks, investors should invest in companies with high GF Scores. The GF Score ranges from 0 to 100, with 100 as the highest rank.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Zions Bancorp NA the GF Score of 69 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Understanding Zions Bancorp NA's Business

Zions Bancorporation is a regional U.S. bank with core operations that span 11 states. The bank is headquartered in Salt Lake City and does business primarily in the Western and Southwestern United States. Zions primarily focuses on providing banking services to small and midsize businesses, with the majority of its loans focused on commercial and commercial real estate lending. With a market cap of $5.19 billion and sales of $3.32 billion, the company's operating margin is currently not applicable.

Story continues

Unraveling the Future of Zions Bancorp NA (ZION): A Deep Dive into Key Metrics

Financial Strength Breakdown

Zions Bancorp NA's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The financial strength rank of 5/10 suggests that the company may face challenges in maintaining its financial stability, which could impact its future performance.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where Zions Bancorp NA seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank of 4/10. This indicates that the company's growth potential may be limited, which could affect its ability to generate higher returns for investors.

Lastly, Zions Bancorp NA's predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

Unraveling the Future of Zions Bancorp NA (ZION): A Deep Dive into Key Metrics

Conclusion

Given the company's financial strength, profitability, and growth metrics, the GuruFocus Score Rating highlights Zions Bancorp NA's potential for underperformance. While the company has a strong reputation in the banking industry, its current financial and growth indicators suggest that it may struggle to maintain its historical performance. Therefore, investors should exercise caution when considering this stock for their portfolio.

GuruFocus Premium members can find more companies with strong GF Scores using the following screener link: GF Score Screen

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


ADT Inc (NYSE:ADT) experienced a day's loss of 7.62%, and a 3-month gain of 0.56%. With a per-share loss of $0.05, the question arises: Is the stock modestly undervalued? This article aims to delve into the valuation analysis of ADT, providing a comprehensive exploration of its intrinsic worth and future prospects.

Company Introduction

ADT Inc is a leading provider of monitored security, interactive home and business automation, and related monitoring services in the United States and Canada. Offering a comprehensive set of solutions including burglary, video, access control, fire and smoke alarm, and medical alert to residential, commercial, and multi-site customers, ADT has established a strong presence in the security industry. With a stock price of $5.94 and a fair value (GF Value) of $8.11, ADT appears to be modestly undervalued. This valuation paves the way for a deeper analysis of the company's intrinsic value.

Unveiling ADT (ADT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value is a proprietary measure of a stock's intrinsic value, calculated based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line on the summary page provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded.

ADT's stock appears to be modestly undervalued based on the GF Value calculation. At its current price of $5.94 per share, ADT has a market cap of $5.50 billion. This suggests that the long-term return of its stock is likely to be higher than its business growth, given its relative undervaluation.

Unveiling ADT (ADT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength

Assessing the financial strength of a company is crucial before investing in its stock. Companies with poor financial strength pose a higher risk of permanent loss. The cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage offer valuable insights into a company's financial strength. ADT's cash-to-debt ratio of 0.02 is worse than 95.97% of companies in the Business Services industry, indicating poor financial strength.

Story continues

Unveiling ADT (ADT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies usually carries less risk. ADT has been profitable for 2 years over the past 10 years. With revenues of $6.50 billion and a per-share loss of $0.05 in the past 12 months, its operating margin of 15.86% is better than 80% of companies in the Business Services industry. However, ADT's 3-year average revenue growth rate is worse than 66.39% of companies in the Business Services industry, indicating a need for improvement in growth.

ROIC vs WACC

Comparing a company's return on invested capital (ROIC) to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) can further clarify its profitability. ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. When the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it implies the company is creating value for shareholders. For the past 12 months, ADT's ROIC is 1.11, and its cost of capital is 5.49.

Unveiling ADT (ADT)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stock of ADT (NYSE:ADT) appears to be modestly undervalued. The company's financial condition is poor, and its profitability is poor. Its growth ranks worse than 80.85% of 846 companies in the Business Services industry. To learn more about ADT stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, check out the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


LG Display Co Ltd (NYSE:LPL) experienced a daily loss of -4.07%, with a 3-month loss of -22.51%. The company reported a Loss Per Share of 5.28. This begs the question: is the stock modestly undervalued? The following analysis provides an in-depth look at the company's valuation, inviting readers to explore its financial health and market potential.

Company Introduction

LG Display Co Ltd, based in South Korea, specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling TFT-LCD and OLED display panels. Its products cater to a range of devices, including notebook computers, monitors, televisions, smartphones, and tablets. The company operates globally, with subsidiaries in the United States, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, China, and Singapore. This international presence allows LG Display Co to generate the majority of its revenue from overseas markets, with the remainder coming from South Korea.

With a current stock price of $4.95 per share and a market cap of $3.50 billion, the company's valuation is a point of interest for investors. This valuation will be examined in relation to the company's GF Value, an estimation of fair value. To gain a clearer understanding of the company's financial health, let's delve deeper into its financial performance.

Unveiling LG Display Co (LPL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value is an exclusive measure of a stock's intrinsic value. It is calculated considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line provides an overview of the stock's ideal fair trading value.

According to GuruFocus Value calculation, LG Display Co (NYSE:LPL) is considered modestly undervalued. This estimation suggests that, at its current price, the stock is likely to offer a higher long-term return than its business growth.

Story continues

Unveiling LG Display Co (LPL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Assessing Financial Strength

Investing in companies with low financial strength could lead to permanent capital loss. Therefore, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to buy shares. LG Display Co's cash-to-debt ratio of 0.14 ranks lower than 92.01% of companies in the Hardware industry, suggesting a poor balance sheet.

Unveiling LG Display Co (LPL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies typically carries less risk. LG Display Co has been profitable for 6 out of the past 10 years, with revenues of $17.50 billion during the past 12 months. However, its operating margin of -14.64% ranks lower than 84.76% of companies in the Hardware industry, indicating fair profitability.

Growth is a crucial factor in the valuation of a company. LG Display Co's 3-year average revenue growth rate is lower than 51.81% of companies in the Hardware industry. However, its 3-year average EBITDA growth rate of 43.2% ranks better than 85.98% of companies in the industry.

Evaluating ROIC vs WACC

Comparing a company's return on invested capital (ROIC) to its weighted average cost of capital (WACC) can provide insights into its profitability. ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay to finance its assets. Over the past 12 months, LG Display Co's ROIC was -9.25, while its WACC was 5.15, indicating a potential value creation for its shareholders.

Unveiling LG Display Co (LPL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

Overall, LG Display Co (NYSE:LPL) stock appears to be modestly undervalued. Despite its poor financial condition, the company's profitability is fair, and its growth ranks better than 85.98% of companies in the Hardware industry. For more insights into LG Display Co stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To discover high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, consider exploring the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU) recently experienced a daily loss of -18.22%, with a 7.26% gain over the last three months. However, the company reported a Loss Per Share of 0.71, raising questions about its valuation. Is the stock modestly overvalued? This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the company's valuation and financial performance.

A Brief Overview of Manchester United PLC

Manchester United PLC operates a professional football club along with related and ancillary activities. The company manages the soccer team and all affiliated club activities of the Manchester United Football Club. This includes the media network, foundation, fan zone, news, sports features, and team merchandise. Based in England, Manchester United generates the majority of its revenue from three principal sectors: Commercial, Broadcasting, and Matchday. With a current stock price of $19.35, the company has a market cap of $3.20 billion. However, our GF Value estimates the fair value at $16.99, suggesting that the stock might be modestly overvalued.

Unveiling Manchester United PLC (MANU)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value is a proprietary measure that estimates the intrinsic value of a stock. It is calculated based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor derived from past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is considered overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

For Manchester United PLC, the GF Value suggests that the stock is modestly overvalued. Hence, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be lower than its business growth.

Story continues

Unveiling Manchester United PLC (MANU)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Assessing Financial Strength

Investing in companies with poor financial strength carries a higher risk of permanent loss of capital. Thus, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to buy its stock. The cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage are good indicators of a company's financial strength. Manchester United PLC has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.1, which is worse than 85.34% of the companies in the Media - Diversified industry. This indicates that the financial strength of Manchester United PLC is relatively poor.

Unveiling Manchester United PLC (MANU)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies, especially those with consistent profitability over the long term, poses less risk. Manchester United PLC has been profitable 5 times over the past 10 years. However, its operating margin of -12.9% ranks worse than 76.13% of the companies in the Media - Diversified industry. This indicates fair profitability .

Growth is a crucial factor in the valuation of a company. Faster-growing companies create more value for shareholders, especially if the growth is profitable. However, the 3-year average annual revenue growth of Manchester United PLC is -3%, which ranks worse than 57.47% of the companies in the Media - Diversified industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is -40.1%, which ranks worse than 91.28% of the companies in the same industry. This indicates relatively poor growth .

ROIC vs WACC

Comparing a company's Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) can provide insights into its profitability. The ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. For Manchester United PLC, the ROIC is -4.14, and the WACC is 8.08, indicating a less favorable financial performance.

Unveiling Manchester United PLC (MANU)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stock of Manchester United PLC (NYSE:MANU) is believed to be modestly overvalued. The company's financial condition is poor, and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks worse than 91.28% of the companies in the Media - Diversified industry. To learn more about Manchester United PLC stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find out high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, please check out the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Omnicell Inc (NASDAQ:OMCL) has been a topic of interest in the financial market due to its recent 3.82% daily gain. Despite this positive change, the stock has experienced a 19.33% loss over the past three months. Additionally, it reported a Loss Per Share of 0.52. With these figures in mind, the question arises: Is Omnicell's stock significantly undervalued? This article aims to provide a comprehensive valuation analysis of Omnicell, shedding light on its intrinsic value and potential for future returns.

Company Overview

Omnicell Inc (NASDAQ:OMCL) is a renowned provider of automation and business analytics software for healthcare providers. The company's product portfolio comprises medication dispensing systems, pharmacy inventory management systems, and related software under its automation and analytics segment. Meanwhile, its medication adherence segment offers products like consumable medication blister cards and packaging equipment to facilitate medication administration outside of hospital settings. The majority of Omnicell's revenue is generated in the United States.

As of September 05, 2023, Omnicell's stock is priced at $59.22, with a market cap of $2.70 billion. However, according to GuruFocus's proprietary measure of a stock's intrinsic value, the GF Value, Omnicell's fair value stands at $140.83, suggesting that the stock might be significantly undervalued. The following analysis delves deeper into this valuation, providing a detailed overview of Omnicell's financial health, profitability, and growth.

Unveiling Omnicell (OMCL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding GF Value

The GF Value is a unique measure that estimates a stock's intrinsic value based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor influenced by past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line, displayed on our summary page, provides an overview of the stock's ideal fair trading value.

Story continues

If a stock's price significantly exceeds the GF Value Line, it is considered overvalued, and its future return is likely to be poor. Conversely, if the stock's price is significantly below the GF Value Line, it is undervalued, and its future return is expected to be higher. In the case of Omnicell, the stock appears to be significantly undervalued, indicating that the long-term return of its stock is likely to be much higher than its business growth.

Unveiling Omnicell (OMCL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Link: These companies may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk.

Financial Strength

Before investing in a company's stock, it's crucial to assess its financial strength. Investing in companies with poor financial strength poses a higher risk of permanent loss. One effective way to evaluate a company's financial strength is by examining its cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage. Omnicell has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.67, which is lower than 50.92% of 654 companies in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry. With an overall financial strength score of 6 out of 10, Omnicell's financial health is considered fair.

Unveiling Omnicell (OMCL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies generally carries less risk, especially when the company has demonstrated consistent profitability over a long period. A company with high profit margins often offers better performance potential than a company with low profit margins. Omnicell has been profitable for 10 out of the past 10 years. In the past 12 months, the company reported revenues of $1.20 billion and a Loss Per Share of $0.52. Its operating margin of -2.84% is lower than 65.22% of 647 companies in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry. Despite this, GuruFocus ranks Omnicell's profitability as strong.

Growth is a critical factor in a company's valuation. Research by GuruFocus has found that growth is closely correlated with the long-term stock performance of a company. A faster-growing company creates more value for shareholders, especially if the growth is profitable. Omnicell's 3-year average annual revenue growth is 10.6%, which ranks better than 54.82% of 571 companies in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry. However, its 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is -14%, ranking lower than 80.15% of 524 companies in the same industry.

ROIC vs WACC

Another effective way to evaluate a company's profitability is by comparing its return on invested capital (ROIC) to its weighted average cost of capital (WACC). ROIC measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. WACC is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. If the ROIC is higher than the WACC, it indicates that the company is creating value for shareholders. Over the past 12 months, Omnicell's ROIC was -1.75, while its WACC came in at 7.11.

Unveiling Omnicell (OMCL)'s Value: Is It Really Priced Right? A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

In summary, Omnicell's stock appears to be significantly undervalued. The company's financial condition is fair, and its profitability is strong. However, its growth ranks lower than 80.15% of 524 companies in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry. To learn more about Omnicell's stock, you can check out its 30-Year Financials here.

To find high-quality companies that may deliver above-average returns, check out the GuruFocus High Quality Low Capex Screener.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Giving credit for a positive economic development is sometimes just as tricky as placing blame for something negative.

That's the case regarding an uptick in onshoring, which can be attributed to an unclogging of the supply chain mess that began during the pandemic, a resignation of trusting labor in foreign markets or recent government initiatives. In any event, the electric vehicle (EV) industry is taking advantage of the developments as well as the new employees and commercial real estate construction accompanying them.

According to ElmTree Funds Managing Director MaCauley Studdard, those two industries have opened new opportunities, especially in the Southwest and South Central regions of the country as well as some developments in Michigan.

"For those companies, the shift from overseas is due to a more sophisticated supply chain and R&D (research and development)," Studdard told Benzinga. "There is a need for a high degree of highly sophisticated employees."

The hope is that increased domestic supply chain capability will outweigh the benefits of lower labor wages in countries like China, Studdard said.

Based in St. Louis, ElmTree has been focused on identifying opportunities for the build-to-suit, net-lease real estate market, which the company believes will be affected positively by new onshoring projects, including:

SK Innovation Co. Ltd. is partnering with Ford to build a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing campus in Stanton, Tennessee, known as BlueOval City. At full production, the plant will be capable of producing 500,000 electric trucks annually. The development represents an investment of approximately $5.6 billion, including a 3,600-acre campus that will create about 6,000 jobs.



Hyundai has shown an increased appetite for U.S. production and already operates a $1.8 billion SUV plant in Alabama. In November 2022, the company also announced plans to build an additional plant in the state focused on electric vehicle battery production.

Story continues

GM plans to build a $3 billion EV battery plant in Indiana through a joint venture with Samsung SDI. The facility will be GM's fourth battery plant in the U.S., joining planned facilities in Warren, Ohio; Spring Hill, Tennessee; and Lansing, Michigan.

In part, Studdard credits the government enactment of the CHIPS and Science Act, geared toward incentivizing companies to produce more semiconductors domestically while also strengthening the U.S. supply chain. The act will provide $39 billion in U.S. manufacturing incentives and $13.2 billion in R&D and workforce development.

"One interesting trend is how this onshoring can eventually shape smaller markets. Like Ford moving a multibillion-dollar plant to Tennessee. That type of change can drive a lot of growth," Studdard said.

Check out:

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.

This article US-Made EVs And Their Battery Needs Are Taking Advantage Of An Unclogged Supply Chain And Government-Induced Onshoring originally appeared on Benzinga.com

.

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
UTRECHT, The Netherlands, Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitestro, expert in medical robotics, has launched the A.D.O.P.T. Trial for its autonomous blood drawing device (image). With an anticipated sample size of over 10,000 patients, this is the most significant study globally to date of autonomous blood collection. Vitestro expects to obtain CE marking by the end of 2024.

Patient receiving autonomous blood drawing from Vitestro's device, accompanied by a health professional

The first 350 patients have currently been enrolled the A.D.O.P.T. (Autonomous Optimization and Performance Tests for Blood Testing) Trial at study site Result Laboratorium in the Albert Schweitzer Hospital. Investigational partners, in addition to Result Laboratorium - Albert Schweitzer Hospital, are St. Antonius, OLVG Lab and Amsterdam UMC.

Vitesro's device combines AI-based, ultrasound-guided 3D reconstruction with the robotic insertion of a needle, ensuring accurate, consistent venipuncture. A prototype has previously been tested with 1,500 patients.

In short:

Enrollment of first 350 patients in A.D.O.P.T. Trial

Trial partners: Result Laboratorium at Albert Schweitzer Hospital, St. Antonius Hospital, OLVG Lab, and Amsterdam UMC

CE marking expected by end of 2024

Toon Overbeeke, Founder and CEO at Vitestro, says: "The A.D.O.P.T. Trial is a two-year study. Our objective is to test and continue developing Vitestro's autonomous venipuncture device and achieve performance and safety results required for regulatory approval."

Subsequent to this study, Vitestro expects to obtain CE marking on the device they developed to enable autonomous venipuncture with patients.

Result Laboratorium

Since the beginning of operations in 2017, Result Laboratorium in the Albert Schweitzer Hospital has been collaborating with Vitestro. Michael Fouraux, Principal Investigator at Result Laboratorium, says: "Both patients and phlebotomists are very excited about this particular innovation. The A.D.O.P.T. trial heralds a new phase in which we prepare for implementation in routine clinical practice."

Story continues

Patients can opt to have their blood drawn by the device and complete the process independently under the supervision of trained healthcare personnel. Fouraux continues: "The degree of professionalism and energy that the Vitestro team brings along really makes a difference and ensures we find our team and patients more than willing to collaborate. Our organizations just click very well together. In recent years, hundreds of patients at this location have already participated in various tests with the blood collection device."

This innovation in phlebotomy will complement the conventional method of collecting blood samples manually. Implemented devices are intended to compensate the shortage of personnel, making it easier to organize the busy Outpatient Blood Draw Clinic.

Albert Schweitzer Hospital

The Albert Schweitzer Hospital is a regional teaching hospital with approximately 50,000 patient admissions per annum (including day treatment) and nearly 300,000 outpatient visits spread across four locations. "We like to be at the forefront of innovation and are therefore proud that Result Laboratorium selected our location in Dordrecht to conduct the A.D.O.P.T. study," says spokesperson Frank van den Elsen. "In our sector, where demand for care is increasing though resources and staffing remain the same, there is a great need for smarter and more efficient operations. Autonomous blood collection can serve a strategic interest in that context."

Vitestro's autonomous blood drawing device contributes to safe, consistent blood collection for patients, and to solving the increasing shortage of healthcare personnel. Upon obtaining CE marking, the technology is expected to be ready to use for patient care in hospitals and laboratories by the end of 2024.

About A.D.O.P.T.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05878483

About Result Laboratorium

Result Laboratorium is an independent clinical laboratory in the Southwest Netherlands region. Result provides 24/7, expert and high-quality diagnostics for several hospital sites: Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Amphia Hospital, Beatrix Hospital and Ikazia Hospital. We also serve GPs, midwives, nursing homes and other care workers. In recent years, Result Laboratorium has grown considerably in a market that is in a state of flux. The organization consists of more than 500 employees and covers a large geographical area. The new central laboratory in Zevenbergen, The Netherlands, has recently been completed and is now being made operational. Rapid labs are set up at each hospital site to provide STAT testing.

About Vitestro

Vitestro, an expert in medical robotics, was founded in 2017 to develop a device for autonomous blood collection in patients. The premise for this innovation is to create a safe and consistent patient experience parallel to working towards a positive impact on solving the increasing shortage of healthcare personnel.

The blood collection device combines AI-based, ultrasound-guided 3D reconstruction with venipuncture. The procedure is fully automated, from tourniquet to applying a bandage.

With a zealous team of dedicated specialists, Vitestro tackles the toughest challenges to find the most cutting-edge solutions of our era. Vitestro expects its autonomous phlebotomy technology to be available on the European market by the end of 2024.

Please contact for more information:

Vitestro, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Christine Strik, Marketing and Communications Manager (NL, EN, FR, DE)

T: +31 621 838 634

E: publicrelations@vitestro.com

Result Laboratorium, Dordrecht, The Netherlands

Dr. M. A. Fouraux, Principal Investigator A.D.O.P.T., Clinical Chemist

T: +31 786 541 810

E: m.fouraux@resultlaboratorium.nl

Albert Schweizer Ziekenhuis, Dordrecht, The Netherlands

Frank van den Elsen, Communications Consultant & Spokesperson

T: +31 786 541 435

E: elsen@asz.nl

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202080/Vitestros_device.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2036806/Vitestro_Logo.jpg

Vitestro Logo (PRNewsfoto/Vitestro)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vitestro-starts-largest-scale-clinical-trial-globally-for-its-autonomous-blood-drawing-device-with-enrolment-of-first-patients-in-adopt-301918280.html

SOURCE Vitestro
Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy at a Fox News debate last month. Morry Gash/AP

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is the cofounder of an "anti-woke" ETF firm.

The company was set up last year and now manages assets worth more than $1 billion.

Ramaswamy's firm is a riposte to the ESG-centric policies of some big investment firms.

The anti-activism investment fund cofounded by Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy is now managing assets worth more than $1 billion.

Strive Asset Management was set up in 2022 as a riposte to big fund managers such as BlackRock that have increasingly pursued a strategy of environmental, social and governance-focused, or ESG, investing.

Its mantra of encouraging companies to "focus on excellence" over ESG concerns has struck a chord with some investors.

Ramaswamy's GOP bid is also bringing more funds to Strive, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.

The firm's most popular fund is the Strive US Energy ETF, which tracks the same portfolio as BlackRock's iShares US Energy ETF.

Strive aims to use its voting power to pressure the companies it invests in to "drill more and frack more," Ramaswamy said last August, per Bloomberg.

"It is a rare feat for any indie issuer to hit $1 billion in the first year, let alone one that is largely a pushback to ESG as many of those ETFs have flopped," said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Eric Balchunas.

The milestone comes as two former Strive employees sue the cofounders, accusing Ramaswamy and Anson Frericks of mistreating staff and pressuring staff to break securities law.

Strive said in a statement to Bloomberg last month it would "vigorously defend itself" against the claims.

The company declined to comment further when approached by Insider.

It's not the first time Ramaswamy has taken aim at what he called the financial sector's "woke" agenda. Last month he said the "big three" investment firms  BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard  represented "arguably the most powerful cartel in human history."

Story continues

"They're the largest shareholders of nearly every major public company (even of each other)," he wrote.

"And they use *your* own money to foist ESG agendas onto corporate boards - voting for "racial equity audits" & "Scope 3 emissions caps" that don't advance your best financial interests. This raises serious fiduciary, antitrust, and conflict-of-interest concerns."

Ramaswamy is vying with Florida governor Ron DeSantis for second place in opinion polls, but both lag some distance behind former President Donald Trump in the race for the Republican presidential nomination.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Rena Murshud

On September 6, the newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye in Azerbaijan, Major General Soner Orucoglu, was introduced to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Azernews reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Welcoming the guest, the Minister of Defense congratulated him on the start of his activities in Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov expressed gratitude for the moral and political support provided by fraternal Turkiye in the Patriotic War. The Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan emphasized the exceptional influence of the sincere relations between the heads of the two fraternal states on the development of bilateral military cooperation, as well as cooperation in other areas.

The minister spoke about the reforms carried out in the Azerbaijani army under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, about the activities in the liberated territories and the operational situation on the conditional Azerbaijani-Armenian border and in the Garabagh economic region.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov wished Major General Soner Orucoglu success in his further activities to expand military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Thanking for the hospitality, Major General Soner Orucoglu expressed satisfaction with the start of his activities in Azerbaijan as a military attache and noted that he would make every effort to develop Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, including cooperation in the military sphere.

At the meeting, a detailed exchange of views took place on the prospects for the development of cooperation in the military, military-technical, military-educational and other fields, as well as on other issues of mutual interest.

It should be noted that Major General Soner Orucoglu also met with the First Deputy Minister of Defense - Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army Colonel General Kerim Veliyev and Commander of the Naval Forces Vice Admiral Subkhan Bekirov.




The supermarket chain has told some staff they will need to switch work shifts to ensure that shop floors are adequately staffed during their busiest times. - Peter Cziborra

Waitrose staff have been warned that jobs are at risk as the retailer overhauls its business in an effort to boost productivity.

Tina Mitchell, retail director at Waitrose, allegedly warned employees that efforts to streamline the loss-making grocer may result in some partners leaving the business.

Waitrose is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, which refers to all employees as partners because they jointly own the business and traditionally received a share of profits in an annual bonus.

She also said that some may need to make sacrifices and compromises, in a staff video seen by the Financial Times.

Ms Mitchell said: Unless we change how we work, theres a real danger that the partnership wont exist in the form that we want it to in the future.

The supermarket chain has told some staff they will need to switch work shifts to ensure that shop floors are adequately staffed during their busiest times.

A Waitrose spokesman said: [Were] asking some Partners across our shops to change their working pattern, and are proposing to cease night shifts at a small number of stores. This isnt something we take lightly and well be supporting our Partners through any changes.

Waitrose reportedly expects to record 50m in savings each year from changing work patterns to ensure employees are doing the right tasks at the right time.

The overhaul comes after Dame Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, in March scrapped the partnership bonus and warned of job cuts after annual losses soared to 234m, up from 27m during the previous year.

It recently appointed Will Kernan, the former chief executive of River Island and retail turnaround expert, to help make 600m in savings in addition to the 300m already stripped from the business during the past two years.

The John Lewis Partnership, Britains largest employee-owned business, aims to deliver 873m in group savings by January 2026, in an effort to turn around the business and revive profits.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Waitrose is seeking to regain lost market share, which dropped to 4.4pc in the 12 weeks to August, according to data from Kantar.

In February, Waitrose announced plans to cut prices on hundreds of grocery essentials - including bread, pasta, vegetables and meal - to prevent cash-strapped middle class shoppers switching to rival retailers.

It is among the traditional supermarkets caught in a fierce price war against German discount retailers Aldi and Lidl, which gained 800,000 new shoppers between July and August.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
Water Street Tampa was awarded a health and wellness design certification that its been working on since its inception.

The International WELL Building Institute, a corporation focusing on improving building designs, announced Wednesday that Water Street received the WELL Community Certification  which recognizes developers that design neighborhoods to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents.

Its the first community in North America to get this designation.

The certification organization calculates how design affects the quality of life for residents and visitors by accounting factors such as air, water, nourishment, light, temperature, sound, building materials and more.

Water Street was the first in the world in 2019 to pilot the community wellness standards established by the International WELL Building Institute when it was expanding from building certifications to neighborhoods. New projects across China, Australia, France and New Jersey also worked to meet those standards. Now, the Tampa project has the certificate saying the development accomplished its goals.

The WELL certification highlighted Water Streets air quality, public art, regular free events such as farmers markets and community fitness classes, new bike lanes, planting of native trees, access to drinking water with water stations, free public Wi-Fi, a GreenWise Market (set to be rebranded to a regular Publix) and ease of walkability with wider sidewalks.

These design choices help improve productivity and physical and mental health, according to the International WELL Building Institute.

From the very beginning, we conceived of Water Street Tampa as a place that would honor and promote the well-being of all our residents and visitors in unique and thoughtful ways, said developing firm chief executive officer Josh Taube in a statement.

Water Street was developed by Strategic Property Partners, a collaboration between Bill Gates Cascade Investment and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. Vinik has since left the firm and sold his stake to Cascade Investment in June but maintains an advisory role.

Story continues

The new $3.5 billion downtown project has transformed an area once filled with empty parking lots. Since late 2020, the first phase of construction has opened, ranging from new retail businesses, office towers and luxury hotels. The neighborhood is expected to bring Tampa an economic impact worth $520 million yearly.

Water Streets Thousand & One office tower was the first in Tampa to receive WELLs building certification earlier this year.

By deploying WELLs comprehensive and interdisciplinary roadmap to support human health and well-being at the community level, Water Street Tampa has secured its place as a true pioneer, serving as an inspiration for other neighborhood projects around the world, said International WELL Building Institute president Rachel Hodgdon in a statement.
Russia has reportedly proposed conducting three-way naval exercises with North Korea and China in the Indo-Pacific, potentially formalizing a union between countries that already individually pose security threats to the U.S. and its allies.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, South Koreas National Intelligence Service revealed the proposal to lawmakers in a closed-door briefing on Monday, alleging that the Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu offered such a show of alliance to North Korea during his meeting with Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un in July. Just this past weekend, Russias ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, told Russian media that it seems appropriate to include North Korea in joint military drills between Russia and China.

China, so far, has kept silent on the proposal. And theres also no sign yet that Kim will accept Russias overture, which would mark the first such large-scale drills for the isolationist state since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s, though North Korea does stand to benefit the most from joining forces with comparatively more modernized militaries.

Bernard Loo, senior fellow specializing in military and defense policy at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, says the proposal is almost certainly motivated by the recently formalized U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral defense alliance.

Read More: The U.S. Is Beefing Up Alliances Across AsiaBut Dont Expect an Asian NATO Anytime Soon

More From TIME

In recent decades, the Indo-Pacific has become a theater of several security flashpoints. China is increasingly exerting its influence and military might on neighboring states and maritime territories, prompting the U.S. to shore up its security pacts with partners in the region. Nuclearization is also a growing concern around the Korean peninsula, as North Korea continues to ramp up missile testing and warmongering rhetoric.

Should looping in North Korea in joint China-Russia military exercises happen, observers say the risks to neighboring states would be minimal, as a trilateral naval drill would be less a preparation for war and more just a diplomatic signaling of a counter-alliance in the Indo-Pacific. I see this as more a coming together of states, particularly North Korea and Russia, that have a dwindling circle of friends, Loo says.

Story continues

A potential naval exercise between China, Russia, and North Korea would move one step closer towards the establishment of a formal united front against the U.S. and its allies. But despite the world being seemingly split into two factions with this possible counter-alliance, experts say it could actually have a stabilizing effect by creating a check on each of its parties from instigating conflict unilaterally.

Russia and China, for example, are partly aligned on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, so they may not support North Koreas continued threats to use its nuclear arsenal. While North Korea is obviously a partner, due to the convergence of their strategic interests, I don't think there is a convergence in terms of what they think North Korea should do, says Collin Koh, another senior fellow specializing in Asia-Pacific naval affairs at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

Read More: China Is Testing How Hard It Can Push in the South China Sea Before Someone Pushes Back

Koh also tells TIME that any drills between the nations would only have peacetime utility, as they couldnt properly simulate what would happen in actual combat due to geographical limitations. Exercises would likely only take place near the coasts of the Yellow Sea to the Korean peninsulas west and the Sea of Japan to its east.

But while experts agree that the threat of a great power war is not likely to increase even if this new trilateral alliance were to be realized, it could still have a significant impact on the region by further forcing smaller states in the region, who have long abided by principles of non-alignment, to pick a side.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The US has so far skirted what was once a widely predicted recession. China's economic slowdown could change that.

New data out Tuesday showed China's service sector activity hit an eight-month low in August. The slowdown in the world's second-largest economy could become a headwind for what's been an otherwise resilient US economy, according to economists at EY.

"While there is growing optimism about a soft landing for the US economy, global challenges still cloud the horizon with China's economic turmoil emerging as a top risk," EY chief economist Greg Daco and EY senior economist Lydia Boussour wrote in a note on Tuesday.

"Economic activity in China has weakened significantly in recent months and stress in the property sector has resurfaced, posing downside risks to the macro and business outlook."

After a massive increase over the last several decades, China's annual economic growth slowed to a 2% annual rate in 2022, its lowest rate since 1976. Many thought that would change in 2023, as COVID restrictions were expected to subside. But the reopening has been slower than expected.

In the second quarter, China's GDP grew at a 6.3% annual rate, missing Wall Street's expectations due to a slowdown in property investment and shrinking consumer confidence. The weaker-than-expected growth prompted Wall Street firms to lower their expectations for overall growth this year.

Overall, the US economy's trade exposure to China is a small percentage of GDP.

Recent research from Wells Fargo showed a "hard landing" in China, where economic growth slows substantially, would only have a "modest" impact on US growth. In the scenario Wells Fargo explored using a model from Oxford Economics, it predicted flat growth for the Chinese economy in 2024 and a contraction of 2.6% in 2025 before a rebound to an annual growth rate of 2.7% in 2026.

This notable "growth shock" for the Chinese economy would only reduce US GDP by 0.1 of a percentage point in 2024 and 0.2 of a percentage point in 2025, according to Wells Fargo.

Story continues

"The estimated effects on GDP growth rates in the Eurozone and Japan are a bit larger, but by no means would we characterize them as significant," Wells Fargo chief economist Jay Bryson wrote on August 25.

EY's team of economists also acknowledge that the US economy's direct trade exposure to China is "rather small."

But "a potential tightening in global financial conditions associated with a 'China growth scare' would significantly magnify the impact," EY's economists wrote.

The tightening financial conditions could create a feedback loop where depressed stock prices are met with surging bond yields, contributing to market volatility amid weak business and consumer confidence, per the economists. This environment typically leads to consumers preferring to save rather than spend and therefore slows economic growth.

"For now, the US economy continues to display resilience," EY's economists wrote. "But economic activity will likely become increasingly sensitive to external shocks as domestic demand slows further and provides less of a growth buffer."

An American flag is flown next to the Chinese national emblem during a welcome ceremony for visiting U.S. President Donald Trump outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in November 2017. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Josh Schafer is a reporter for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for the latest economic news and economic indicators to help you in your investing decisions

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in Wizz Air Holdings implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

52% of the business is held by the top 5 shareholders

Insiders have been buying lately

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Wizz Air Holdings Plc (LON:WIZZ), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 43% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Wizz Air Holdings, beginning with the chart below.

View our latest analysis for Wizz Air Holdings

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Wizz Air Holdings?

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.

Wizz Air Holdings already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Wizz Air Holdings' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Hedge funds don't have many shares in Wizz Air Holdings. Our data shows that Indigo Partners LLC is the largest shareholder with 24% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 12% and 6.2%, of the shares outstanding, respectively. In addition, we found that Jozsef Varadi, the CEO has 1.4% of the shares allocated to their name.

Story continues

Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 52% of the company is controlled by the top 5 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

Insider Ownership Of Wizz Air Holdings

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 most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Wizz Air Holdings Plc. It is a pretty big company, so it is generally a positive to see some potentially meaningful alignment. In this case, they own around UK49m worth of shares (at current prices). It is good to see this level of investment by insiders. You can check here to see if those insiders have been buying recently.

General Public Ownership

The general public-- including retail investors -- own 31% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Equity Ownership

Private equity firms hold a 24% stake in Wizz Air Holdings. This suggests they can be influential in key policy decisions. Some investors might be encouraged by this, since private equity are sometimes able to encourage strategies that help the market see the value in the company. Alternatively, those holders might be exiting the investment after taking it public.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Wizz Air Holdings better, we need to consider many other factors. Be aware that Wizz Air Holdings is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about...

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
European leaders' efforts to gain a diplomatic foothold with China have been frustrated by President Xi Jinping's decision to skip this week's G20 summit in New Delhi.

Capitals are increasingly of the view that Xi alone calls the shots in today's China, and that time with him is a precious opportunity to pitch a Eurocentric view of key issues, starting with Ukraine, that he is unlikely to hear from his small pool of advisers.

Last week, European Council President Charles Michel was informed that his meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 would not take place and was instead offered time with Premier Li Qiang, who is attending in his place, sources said.

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.

Michel had already met Li at a finance summit in Paris in June, and there is uncertainty in his circle about how much sway he has over Xi. The recent defenestration of foreign minister Qin Gang is often cited as an example of how opaque the already "black box" of elite Chinese politics has become.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had requested a meeting with Xi and is now expecting to meet Li, while diplomatic sources said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had also planned to meet the Chinese leader, groundwork that was laid during Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's trip to Beijing last week.

Even as European leaders consider policies designed to de-risk their relationship with China, they want to keep talking to the world's second largest economy. But nailing those conversations down is proving to be difficult.

Cleverly's appointment with counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing was confirmed only days before it happened. British government sources were at pains to insist that it was "nothing personal", just a scheduling issue on the Chinese side.

Story continues

Similarly, while EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis will travel to the Chinese capital from September 19 to 24, a specific date for high-level economic dialogue has proven elusive.

The bloc's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, continues his efforts to visit China. He is awaiting a date from Beijing after two postponements because of a positive Covid-19 diagnosis, then the disappearance of ex-foreign minister Qin.

Michel and von der Leyen will travel to China together before the end of the year for an EU-China summit, the date for which will only be set after the EU's summit with the US.

While some observers have criticised the procession of European leaders flocking to Beijing to see Xi over the past year as unseemly, those involved maintain that such meetings are vital.

For example, during a trip to visit Xi in Beijing last year, Michel gained insight into the Chinese leader's way of thinking, according to people familiar with the trip.

From left, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pose for a photo at the Brics summit in Johannesburg on August 23. Photo: dpa alt=From left, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pose for a photo at the Brics summit in Johannesburg on August 23. Photo: dpa>

During a long conversation, Xi recited the names of every US official and lawmaker he had ever met, which was taken as an illustration of Beijing's obsession with the United States.

When pressed to use his influence to call off Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Xi told Michel that while Putin was a good friend, they were overestimating how much sway he has over his behaviour.

Michel, meanwhile, challenged Xi on his view - espoused at length - that the West benefited from the war in Ukraine, presenting data points on the struggling EU economy as evidence.

"It's a missed opportunity. In-person meetings are always massively more helpful than phone calls or video meetings," Sven Biscop, a geopolitical expert at the Egmont Institute in Brussels, said of Xi's decision to skip the summit.

"Especially now, China continues to talk about its ideas for the global order, talk about harmony, etc, then it's really important that Xi also meets as many different types of players as possible, including ourselves."

No reason has been given for Xi's absence, leaving Europe bubbling with rumours ranging from China's domestic economic woes, to simmering Sino-Indian tensions, or a Chinese effort to undermine the forum after the Beijing-sponsored expansion of Brics last month.

Two EU sources said that Beijing has been obstructing progress to agree the final language on a G20 communique, and that the process had been painful from the start.

Observers said Xi's absence from the summit was an "own goal" at a time when Beijing has been vocal about the importance of multilateralism.

"He was there for Brics, which is a smaller forum, not as influential. Before they added new members, it was achieving nothing, only promises to provide alternatives," said Garima Mohan, an expert on Europe-India ties at the German Marshall Fund, a think tank.

"But the G20 actually has the ability to achieve these aims. It's 90 per cent of the world's economic output and 70 per cent of the world's population. So for him to skip this also shows that, first of all, China's not as interested in multipolarity as they like to proclaim, but second, they are giving up space in this extremely important platform."

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  2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Thousands of Michigan student loan borrowers already signed up for new SAVE payment plan

The restart of student loan payments in October after one incredibly long hiatus has plenty of student loan borrowers looking for cover.

In Michigan, some 143,600 student loan borrowers already are set up to reduce their monthly payments through the brand new SAVE income-driven repayment plan, according to information released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Education. The figure reflects both those who signed up on their own and those who were automatically shifted over from an earlier income-driven repayment plan, called REPAYE.

More than 4 million student loan borrowers nationwide already are enrolled in SAVE, according to U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal.

SAVE is designed, Kvaal said in a news media briefing Tuesday, so that borrowers can pay an affordable percentage of their income toward federal student loan debt.

In addition, the Education Department noted that it has received more than 1.6 million income-driven repayment applications since July 30  and nearly 1 million of those applications are for the SAVE Plan specifically. The early beta test for SAVE applications began July 30 but the official launch was Aug. 22.

Many borrowers who make monthly payments under SAVE are expected to pocket more than $1,000 a year, compared with what they'd pay under other income-driven repayment plans.

More: New SAVE student loan plan will drive down payments for many: Here's how it works

Why you'll hear more about new SAVE repayment plan

Expect a big push going forward to get millions more student loan borrowers researching their repayment options.

The pandemic-related payment pause, which began in March 2020, temporarily froze most federal student debt with a 0% interest rate. After repeated extensions, the pause  which was initially only to last three months  remained in place through much of 2023.

Interest resumed being charged on Sept. 1 on those federal student loans. Payments are due for borrowers on different dates in October. Borrowers should review their emails for alerts or go to StudentAid.gov to review their accounts for information on when their bills are due.

More: Don't ignore student loan payments resuming in October: SAVE plan, other tips to consider

Kvaal noted in the news media call Tuesday that a variety of efforts will continue to make sure borrowers "leave no potential relief for savings on the table."

The Education Department and loan servicers already have reached out directly to nearly 30 million borrowers to invite them to use the new income-driven repayment plan application to apply for the SAVE Plan.

An outreach campaign called "SAVE on Student Debt" has begun through a partnership with the Education Department and various grassroots organizations, including the NAACP, the National Urban League and the Student Debt Crisis Center.

What to do to sign up for the SAVE plan

Applications can take about 10 minutes or so to complete, if borrowers have their income accessed securely from the Internal Revenue Service. See StudentAid.gov/save.

Depending on your income, it's possible for some to pay more under SAVE than other repayment plans such as if they are single and making a good deal of money. It's best to review your own situation. "Total payments may be higher because it stretches out the term of the loan, especially compared with standard 10-year repayment," said higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.

Millions of borrowers, though, will save good money under the SAVE plan.

Borrowers can tap into an online loan simulator at StudentAid.gov/loan-simulator to review various repayment options. See StudentAid.gov/save to study the details relating to the SAVE plan.

And you can learn more about all current options for federal loan forgiveness at studentaid.gov/forgiveness.

Borrowers applying for the SAVE plan or other income-driven repayment plans will see their new payment amount before submitting their application, according to the Education Department, and it will be displayed on their servicer's website when their first bill is sent. It's estimated to take about a month to process such applications.

More: Appeals court blasts Wayne County's vehicle forfeiture policy: It's a 'money-making' scam

Most borrowers who apply for the SAVE plan, the Education Department noted, can expect their next payment to reflect their SAVE amount.

How do you drop student loan payments to $0?

No income limit applies to the SAVE plan but the greatest reduction in monthly payments will be for those making $15 an hour or less and many borrowers making more money but supporting a family.

Currently, the Education Department notes, if youre making $32,800 per year or less, roughly $15 dollars per hour, your monthly payment will be $0 if you sign up for SAVE.

Earlier, the Education Department said more than 1 million additional lower-income borrowers will qualify for a $0 monthly payment under the SAVE plan, including 400,000 already enrolled on the REPAYE plan. The idea is to help lower-income households free up cash for food, rent and other basics for daily life. SAVE replaces REPAYE or the Revised Pay As You Earn plan.

Any unpaid monthly interest on those federal student loans won't build up and trap you if you consistently make the required payments under the SAVE plan. About 70% of borrowers on income-driven repayment plans before the pandemic-related pause are expected to benefit from this change alone, according to the Department of Education.

Unlike other existing income-driven repayment plans, the White House notes in a fact sheet, a borrowers loan balance will not grow as long as they make their monthly payments  even when that monthly payment is $0 because their income is low.

Student loan borrowers alerted to forgiveness options, scams

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has been critical of some loan servicers for making it harder for borrowers to access lower payments and seeing their loans forgiven, advises borrowers to understand what forgiveness and cancellation options continue to exist.

Borrowers under financial stress shouldn't panic in the next few months either. Avoid any outreach efforts, emails, or texts that suggest you need to pay an upfront fee for help researching or signing up for repayment options.

A temporary "on-ramp" to repayment will be in place from October through Sept. 30, 2024, to protect financially vulnerable borrowers who miss payments, including making sure those borrowers are not considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies.

The CFPB warns that "this safety valve measure should not be used by servicers to delay assisting borrowers with their loans, and consumers should contact CFPB if they have concerns." If you have a problem with your student loan, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB.

Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @tompor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Many Michigan student loan borrowers already signed up for SAVE plan.
Calvin Kung wanted to do something unique for his Eagle Scout project  and he got his wish.

"It's not everyday I get to paint a cannon, and it's not everyday I get to see a cannon fly," said the 17-year-old Spotsylvania County student.

As of Tuesday, Kung had done both. After gathering materials and assembling work crews from Troop 170 in downtown Fredericksburg, Kung led the effort to repaint a 1919-era field artillery gun in olive drab green and build concrete pads for its new resting place.

Then Tuesday afternoon, amid blue skies and temperatures in the high 90s, Kung, his parents, Bobby and Jenny Kung, and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3103 in Fredericksburg watched a different type of aerial show.

Workers from CMR Crane & Rigging of Woodbridge donated time, equipment and know-how to hoist the cannon off the ground and into the air. For about 3 minutes, the cannon dangled from the crane as it went over the trees and VFW building, until it was placed closer to U.S. 1 and with its gun barrel aimed toward Princess Anne Street.

"That was pretty awesome," Calvin Kung said. "I've never seen anything quite like it."

Neither had VFW members, who vigorously thanked the Kungs as well as owners of the crane company for their efforts.

"This was so amazing," said Nancy Kearney, a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary.

While the cannon got a fresh coat of paint to improve its appearance, the field artillery gun was moved from the backside of the building to make room for an expansion. For several years, VFW members have been working with the Silver Companies of Fredericksburg on a plan to overhaul the building and add a 4,000-square-foot expansion on the back end.

The new hall would be available for VFW functions, community use and as a polling place for the city, said Todd Taylor, former VFW commander.

VFW members and officials from Silver started talking about the project about four years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. Some surveying and architectural work has been done, Taylor said, but there's no timetable for the start or finish of construction.

There's no estimate of cost either, Taylor said. VFW members are expecting the Silver Companies to urge subcontractors to donate the necessary work and materials while they're working in the Fredericksburg area, Kearney said.

Meanwhile, Calvin Kung, a senior at Massaponax High School, has been wanting to become an Eagle Scout since first grade. As he considered a project, he asked Post Commander Sheri Moore if the VFW needed help with anything. The post had hosted his Cub Scout meetings in the building, and Kung wanted to return the favor.

"They're just amazing, they did a lot of good stuff for us," he said.

When other VFW members learned about the project, they decided it would be a good time to move the cannon to the other side of the property. VFW member Ernie Lee asked his son, Chip, one of the owners of CMR Crane & Rigging, if he could help.

The company provided all the work for free and sent a crew along with four trucks and a crane.

"We always try to do something for the community," said David Weedon, another part-owner of the company.

Getting the site and crane ready for the operation took far longer than the flight of the cannon. Workers put down crane mats  wooden blocks as big as railroad ties  to disperse the weight of the crane. Then, they added almost 50,000 worth of weight to make sure the crane was stable and unable to tip.

Once that was done, the boom on the crane was extended more than 160 feet, and a hook was lowered. Crew members attached the hook to three lines that went around the blanket-bound cannon, and the crane lifted it into the air.

"Now we all just have to pray it stays in one piece," said Kearney.

As it turned out, the 104-year artillery gun, which weighs 3,600 pounds, was still intact. Crane crew workers, VFW members and the Kungs gathered around it for photos and words of appreciation.

"That was the main point of this project, to dedicate it to heroes," Jenny Kung said, adding it was great to see a cannon fly. "This is one thing we'll remember for a lifetime."
Before the local Marine Corps Toys for Tots program can grant the wishes of children this holiday season, it needs help with a wish of its own: finding a space to operate.

"It's the biggest struggle, finding a space," said Wilma Vaughn, a Spotsylvania County resident who's worked with the program for 46 years.

She got involved as a public affairs officer at Quantico Marine Corps Base and has continued, as a volunteer, since she retired seven years ago. Vaughn knows well that distributing toys to more than 121,000 children in a 16-county area, from south of the Washington Beltway to Caroline County, includes a lot of moving parts.

"It's about overcoming challenges every year, and Marines arent afraid of a challenge," she said. "We always get through it, but this business of not having a roof over our head is tough. It would be nice if we could move in soon and get everything in place."

The clock already is ticking toward the deadline for Toys for Tots, a program established by the Marine Corps 76 years ago to provide gifts as well as a tangible sense of hope to children less fortunate, Vaughn said.

"Christmas wishes really can come true," she added, whether gifts are delivered by Santa in a red suit or Marines in dress blues.

But before those unwrapped gifts can be distributed to organizations, which then dole them out to needy families, Toys for Tots needs a space to set up operations. The local program is based out of Quantico Marine Corps Base and prefers a location in the Fredericksburg area because the city is smack dab in the center of its coverage area.

Other programs, in cities such as Atlanta and Chicago, distribute far more toys, but Vaughn says the Quantico Toys for Tots covers the largest land mass in the nation.

It's looking for a property owner to donate about 17,000 square feet of space, preferably with bay doors, from Oct. 1 through the end of the year. She and others with the program  there's a staff of five although she's the co-coordinator and a volunteer  will look at a potential space in the Fredericksburg area on Friday.

But she knows the building owner has at least two parties interested in renting the space, and Vaughn understands a landlord's need for rent. She also knows if Toys for Tots has to pay for space, as it did last year, that means less money for gifts.

"That was $36,000 out of our budget, our toy-buying budget, and at end of season, there were four organizations we couldnt give toys to," she said.

Last year, the local Toys for Tots program distributed more than 145,000 toys. The program relies heavily on community support, from businesses that put donation boxes in their front lobbies to individuals who help sort the items by age and gender.

Anyone interested in donating space to the program can contact Vaughn at 540/226-2236 or vaughnwg@gmail.com.
The Pew Research Center found in 2022 that nearly 25% of top-ranked podcasts were true crime-related. In the next set of episodes, host Nat Cardona speaks with Dianne Berg, college professor and author of What's behind our enduring fascination with wives and mothers who kill, to explore why this niche of true crime fascinates so many.

In this first episode, we discuss the history of the public's nearly-fanatical interest in mothers and wives who commit murder and why societies are particularly fascinated by these stories.

To learn more about Dianne Berg, click here.

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Slack and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

Hey there, as a listener of this podcast, you must be at least somewhat into the whole true crime genre.

But did you know that True Crime is the most common topic among top ranked podcasts?

To be specific?

The Pew Research Center reports that in 2022 almost a quarter of top podcasts are primarily about true crime.

Welcome to Lee Enterprise's Late Edition Crime Beat Chronicles.

I'm your host Nat Cardona.

In the next two episodes, we're going to explore a very niche area of true crime stories.

The obsession that fans seem to have with killer wives and mothers.

But how does one even begin to tackle such a complex topic?

Enter Dianne Berg.

She's a professor at Clark University and the author of the article, what's behind our enduring fascination with wives and mothers who kill her?

Research traces this phenomenon back to literature from the 15 hundreds and 16 hundreds with clearly printed details of the early fascination that people had with murderesses.

And here's my interview with Dianne just to kick things off.

Why don't you just tell me a little bit about yourself and your background and what you do?

Nowadays.

Ok.

I, that's kind of hard to answer.

I mean, where he, ok.

Well, once upon a time before I decided to become an academic, I, was, the education program manager at a Museum of Medieval and Renaissance Arms and Armor, in Worcester, Massachusetts, called the Higgins Armory Museum, which is now sadly defunct.

I left years before, it, it went out, sort of went out of business. But while I was there, I learned a great deal about, armor and, and weapons and warfare and medieval politics and things.

I was always very interested in medieval renaissance, history and literature. But not so much that side of it. But it kind of opened up, a different window in, into these things for me doing that work.

And when I left there, I realized that what I had enjoyed most about that job was researching and developing education programs.

So, essentially, you know, going down research rabbit holes and writing things up.

So I went and I got a master's degree and I did the master's degree basically to see if I wanted to get a phd.

And after I had finished that, then I decided that I did indeed want to get a phd.

So, my dissertation, my doctoral dissertation focused on kind of, literary representations of true crime between about 1550, 1650.

And it was very interesting because the thing that jumped out at me when the project first started, the sort of germ of the project came about by accident when I was researching something completely different.

And I came across this pamphlet about a woman named Margaret Vincent.

And in 1616, she strangled two of her Children.

She had 31 was away at the wet nurse and so was spared and she did so because she believed that she was saving them, she was saving them.

She was taking them out of a sinful world.

And her reason for this was that she wanted to convert to Roman Catholicism.

And she thought if they didn't do that, then they were going to be damned.

And her husband was not on board with that because basically being a Catholic was illegal was essentially illegal in early 17th century England.

So she did this bad thing for what she believed were good reasons and this just rang a bell in my head because back in 2001, this woman named Andrea Yates in Texas who was an evangelical Christian.

She strangled all five, she strangled and drowned all five of her Children.

And like Margaret Vincent laid them out neatly on a bed and said afterwards that she had done so in order to save them.

And so the, you know, this really kind of struck me and I wondered how many other cases where they're out there like this because we always hear about mothers who kill their Children as being, you know, evil monsters or, they want to get rid of the kids because they want to start a new relationship or, there's all these kinds of lurid stories that have been in the news just in the past 30 years or so.

I think someone like Casey, Anthony.

Right.

But what about good mothers?

Right.

What about good mothers who do this terrible thing for what they believe at the time are good reasons.

And then of course, we've just had this Lindsay Lacy case here in Massachusetts, which is unbelievably tragic and it is kind of still evolving in, in Andrea Yates case.

Postpartum psychosis was at play in Lindsay Clancy's case.

It certainly sounds as if postpartum psychosis was at play.

We can't know what was going on with Margaret Vincent in 16 16, but she did have a new baby at the time.

So, you know, I can't prove it.

But I have, but I have my theories.

So anyway, that particular story, stumbling upon that particular story was the kind of impetus for my doctoral work.

And for most of the things that I've published since, and I'm actually about to teach a class focused on these, these kinds of stories and that leads us here today, which is why I'm talking with you.

We had found that piece, the what's behind our enduring fascination with wives and mothers who kill because of all the things you said.

It's just the, the women as the monsters and it's such a, there's so few and far between that.

Yeah, it, people latch on to it and are fascinated by it.

So we'll just kind of jump into, the piece that you've written today.

Thank you for that all that back story leading us up to Margaret Vinson, Andrea Yates.

And we'll get more into the modern day examples and parallels that you drew even with that Utah mother, which is how you started your article.

But I kind of just want to jump into and maybe this is just me fan girling.

But the the tolstoy quote that you popped in there, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way was a really good way to kick off.

Why this could be a source of interest for a lot of people looking at, you know, other people and being like, oh, that's another family's problem and that, that can't happen here and we'll get into all of that.

The first thing I wanna jump into is you mentioned how true crime is.

Nothing new.

It's always been a tale as old as time that people are fascinated with it and devour it in different ways.

Nowadays, we've got the podcasts and the documentaries and novels and this and that.

But from your background and the you know, 15, 50 16 50 that, that time range, it was not, obviously those things you mentioned, ballads, domestic tragedies and these penny pamphlets.

Can you, like, explain what those are like?

Like, what the hell are those?

Yeah, it's really interesting.

So, you know, there's no, news reporting in this period, right?

Like what we would think of as, you know, news reporting. But news does get disseminated obviously.

So, you know, if there's a big scandal, there is going to be ways for people to find out about it.

So we're, it's very interesting because we're also kind of in the early days of print, right?

The printing press arise in England in 14 75 William Caxton is the first guy to use the printing press in London in 14 75.

And he starts printing, aside from obviously religious things, you know, we're gonna are gonna get kind of priority.

He printed the Canterbury Tales and he, he printed Thomas Mallory's more Arthur.

It sort of like gives us some sense of what people were interested in reading, right?

So think about like, what were the first websites, right?

Because you can really make the printing press analogous to the internet.

Like, so what were the first things that started appearing on the internet?

It tells us something about what people were interested back in those like embryonic.

It, you know, information superhighway days.

So by the middle of the 15 hundreds.

You're getting more kind of political tracks being printed And starting to see chronicles.

So basically, these are what pass for.

They're not really news, they're kind of somewhere between like the encyclopedia Bria or something.

There's several chronicles that are very famous and their names aren't, aren't really important for our conversation.

But Rafael Hole and, and John Stow several others and they print these sort of big chronicles that are gonna give you the history of England, everything important that ever happened.

And, and mostly they just talk about kings and queens and battles and the usual things you would expect.

But this murder that happened in 15 51 which I write about in the article Thomas Arden, he was murdered on Valentine's Day 15 51 by his wife Alice and she conspired with her lover, a guy named Mosby, and some of some of their servants and a couple of hired killers.

The whole thing is actually kind of slapstick when I teach this.

When I teach the, the text that's based on the play Arden and my students are always like, I've had these murders compared to the wet Bandits in home alone, they're kind of incompetent.

That was good.

But but I can't get it out of my head.

But anyway, so this is, these are just middle class bourgeois people living in a London suburb.

And there's nothing important or famous or particularly interesting about them except the woman conspires to murder her husband.

And this winds up in one of these chronicles, it winds up in Holland.

It's chronicle amidst like, you know, Julius Caesar invading Britain and things like that.

And the reason he included this seemingly ordinary and unimportant episode he says is because of the horribleness thereof because the idea of a wife killing her husband is so horrible, right?

It goes against nature.

It goes against the sort of political theology of the time it threatens order in the household.

And in this period, there's this kind of analog framing of the household as like a miniature state, a little commonwealth.

There's a long tract about it by Robert John Dodd and Robert Clever that comes out in the 15 hundreds.

And essentially, it's kind of just saying that the household is just like a miniature kingdom and of course, who's at the top of the kingdom, right?

The husband and the father, right?

Everybody is subordinate just like the king is the head of the nation and God is the head of the universe.

And this is the analogy.

So if a wife kills her husband, it's it's a political crime, it's treason, it's like killing the king, right?

So, whereas if a husband kills his wife, he's guilty of murder.

And depending on his social class, he'll, he'll be hanged or maybe beheaded.

If a wife kills her husband, she's gonna be burned because that's the penalty for treason.

So this case gets way more attention than you would think it should merit and winds up in this chronicle and inspires a play called Arden of Fabric, which comes circa 15 90.

We don't know the writer is unknown.

And it also inspired at least one battle ballad that we know of that came out way later like 16 30 or something.

Which Ventri likewise is Alan Alice Arden, just before she dies before she gets burned at the stake.

And basically, she goes on for, I think 90 19 verses about how terrible she is and how sorry she is and how, what she did was really, really wrong and you should never tell.

So there's all this kind of like rhetorical work that these kinds of cases serve beyond just saying, OK, this is a crime, this is what happened.

These are the details.

It's like, so what right.

Going back to what you were saying about Tolstoy, right?

It's like, how can this be used weaponized to kind of reinforce the status quo?

And what's the word I want?

Sissuade discourage people, other people from doing this kind of thing, right?

Show them what the consequences are.

Mhm Yeah.

It's the, the true life scary story to keep people in line.

Yes.

Yeah.

Yes, for sure.

Ca a cautionary tale the cautionary tale.

Yes.

Yeah, we need to take a quick break. So don't go too far.

Ok.

So we're gonna toggle a little bit between current day and going back and it's going off of the things that you just mentioned.

So this is probably pretty straightforward and most people especially like true crime junkies should know this.

But statistically crimes committed, you know, whether it be a murder, a rape, a burglary kidnapping.

it's typically by somebody, you know, and it's typically a man who does it and I mean, I devour these True Crime podcasts and you always hear whatever the case, it's like the husband always does it or the boyfriend and, and it's true and, and, and that's sad.

But then it's like, ok, move on because it's time a dozen.

So when you've done your right, it's just a Tuesday.

Right.

You know?

Right.

Right.

Right.

It's a 20, that's sad.

And then it's like, so like when you've done your research in, in, on all your historical, you know, literature and all, whatever have you, my guess would be that you haven't seen men as portrayed in these cautionary tales as much as, you know, Margaret Vincent or Alice Arden that you mentioned.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean, I think, and it, I didn't really answer your question about the pamphlets and this ties into that.

So, these pamphlets are basically cheap.

I make them kind of analogous to, tabloid newspapers, you know, the things that you see at the supermarket checkout or, or online now, you know, with the kind of like the, the, the red thing in the UK, they call them red tops because they always have like a red headline.

And, you know, it's like, oh, you know, demon mother murders, helpless angel Children, you know, that, that kind of stuff.

And they, they're grabby and they're cheap and they're really disposable, right?

You read that and then you line the cat box with it or something.

And that's, these pamphlets were cheap like that.

They were mass produced.

you could buy it.

They lured, they always featured these, like, really kind of, lurid woodcuts, showing, you know, somebody hacking someone's head off or strangling a baby or whatever.

And the funny thing is that they're really kind of like early modern clip art.

They reuse the images over and over again and just changed the headline, which I think is really funny.

They're sort of like memes.

Yeah.

I'm no kidding.

Yeah, they are.

They're like memes.

So anybody would look at this image even though it's been used like six different times for 66 different context.

It's like, oh, well, that's like, oh, that's like, you know, somebody strangling their wife or something, you know, and it's just like, you know what this is gonna be about.

So, yeah, I think, I wrote a lot about this.

The way men, male perpetrators and female perpetrators are portrayed in these kinds of texts.

So, yeah, the pamphlets for sure, because they've got this kind of, again, the rhetoric is so similar to what you see in these tabloids that it's funny, it's really kind of like overwrought really over the top, kind of hysterical.

Do you remember Nancy Grace?

She used to be on TV.

She used to always follow, she'd be like, if somebody murders their kid, she's the one on TV.

Like that kind of tone that like screaming outraged, but kind of like titillated.

It's like, yeah.

Oh, I'm, I'm like pointing the finger.

These people are monsters, but I love it, you know, the tone is very, very, very similar.

So when a man does this kind of stuff, he's definitely what he's done is wrong.

So a man like kills his family or something, the portrayal of him is definitely, you know, the disapproving.

But what he has done the, the sort of social crime he has committed is, is called petty tyranny because a man is supposed to be in charge, right?

He's supposed to have all the power.

But if he, it's, and it's ok for him to chastise his subordinates, right?

Like it's his job to chastise his subordinates, you know, he should beat his Children.

If they misbehave, he should chastise his wife if she's, if she's insubordinate, right?

But he shouldn't kill them, right.

He shouldn't beat them to the point of, you know, maiming them or seriously harming them and he certainly shouldn't kill them.

So, when a man does these kinds of things, he has abused his power and that is very much disapproved of.

But there's also kind of a whiff of, there's often kind of a whiff of, well, what made him do it, what drove him to it?

Right.

Does this sound at all familiar?

You know, and I, I, ok, so it's, it's just funny that you brought this up because one of my notes that I I had mentioned is like going beyond like a guy who kills his wife.

You know, Scott Peterson comes to mind with Lacey Peterson and then Chris Watts, the family annihilator, right?

With his pregnant wife, right?

And you see every time these, these stories hit the news, like, you know, I often, I often just sort of have news on when I'm cooking in my kitchen and these things come on and I'm just like, I've got like a wooden spoon in my hand and I'm like, he did it like I know he did it like, you know, he totally, he definitely did it.

And I'm always right.

Yeah.

And it's just, it is.

So, so those two names and everything that you just had mentioned, I had this inner dialogue yesterday when I was thinking about it because it goes back to the top, like, why are, why are you and I talking today the why do we care so much when it's a wife and, or mother as opposed to the, you know, we can be like, oh, you know, Chris Watson Scott Peterson, like those guys are terrible, nail rotten hell.

But again, it goes back to when it's a woman, it's that monster.

It's a evil.

And then I kind of had this own thought dialogue.

I'm a mother myself and I'm, I'm actually pregnant.

So I'm gonna have a baby in four weeks.

Thank you.

So I'm kind of like, you know, going through all of these things and, you know, very much in the, you know, what makes me different from these other women who have done this historically or in more recent history.

But the thing that comes to mind is there is just something so grabbing about when women do this because you carry the child for so long and you birth the child and it's so much more intimate than the father who's removed and can kind of clean his hands in the sense of when there is a murder, you can go, you know, and that's because he's not involved.

So in the, in the natural process of pregnancy and birth.

So, yeah, when there are these women historically or modern day that do this, it's like how, you know, you just sit there and go, how you know, how could this happen?

And that's where we'll wrap up this week.

Come back next week where Dianne and I discuss how society has evolved or remain the same as far as discussing women's wellness, postpartum ghost and how all of that contributes to violence committed by women.
Azerbaijan`s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev has met with a delegation led by Oussama Abdel Rahman Kaissi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), Azernews reports.

The sides discussed the financing of ICT and transport projects implemented in Azerbaijan, as well as the prospects for cooperation between ICIEC and the government of Azerbaijan.

The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group.
The public is invited to a Wednesday night open house on Sept. 6 to discuss the Rawhide Creek Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan and proposed projects.

The free event is open to residents of Fremont and surrounding communities in Dodge County and is scheduled to run from 5-7 p.m. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dodge County Extension Office, 1206 W. 23rd St.

Thomas Smith, director of the Dodge County Office of Emergency Management, said no plans have been finalized and officials are merely fielding questions, taking in concerns and recommendations for a future action plan to deal with flooding along the watershed.

The Rawhide Creek is a pretty important little creek and little watershed areas. Were going through a lot of project alternatives and ideas, Smith said in a telephone interview with the Tribune. Following the floods of 2019, this is one of those many areas that we thought could be improved. We wanted to evaluate and get more information on flooding that occurs in the watershed. This project has enabled us to get the data and do hydraulic assessments to we understand how it floods.

The meeting is being dually hosted by the Dodge County Joint Water Management Advisory Board (JWMAB) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Fremont. According to a press release about the open house, attendees are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback to officials, but that, no formal presentation will be made and attendees may drop-in anytime.

Smith said the meeting will, primarily focus on the northwest area of Fremont, and is in his opinion, is a great opportunity to give feedback.

We need a lot of the public to come and provide input on what they want seen done in the watershed. Weve obviously gone through a lot of project alternatives and ideas on what can be done to help mitigate flooding and prevent events like what happened in 2016 when that big rain storm came through, Smith added. How Rawhide Creek comes into northwest Fremont and goes through the city, it is pretty important. We are looking at how we can mitigate future events. It has to be submitted (eventually).

Smith said additional public meetings will take place in the future. The plan will have the alternatives that were passed.

This is just the preliminary stages, Smith said.

The Rawhide Creek Watershed encompasses an estimated 142,000 acres in eastern Nebraska between Schuyler and Fremont, beginning at Shell Creek in Colfax County and ending when it joins the Elkhorn River.

Smith stressed that no final decisions have been made on the projects. The two agencies joined together to collaboratively develop the Rawhide Creek Watershed Work Plan  Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA).

The Plan-EA will be used to help document existing problems and evaluate new strategies for flood prevention and watershed protection. During the public meeting, attendees will be able to learn more from project personnel, as well as ask questions and provide feedback, officials stated in the press release. The Dodge County JWMAB was created to support inter-agency collaborative efforts to identify and implement measures to reduce area flood risks.

Written comments and questions about the project can be submitted to John Petersen of JEO via email at: jpetersen@jeo.com, or via telephone by calling 402-616-5036. Concerns, comments or other requests to officials can also be mailed directly to staff at JEO Consulting Group, which is based in an Omaha office. 11213 Davenport Street Ste. 200, Omaha, NE 68154.

Additional information or questions before or after the open house can also be directed to Smith at 402-727-2785 or via email at: emergencymanagement@dodgecountyne.gov. The project website also has more information, and can be found at https://arcg.is/0X9HTn.
For the past month, Phyllis and Chris Hammack have been crunching numbers and adjusting their budget to accommodate more frequent trips to Scottsbluff, a two-hour drive from their home in Chappell.

They dont have much of a choice, said 55-year-old Phyllis Hammack. The medical clinic that Chris, 57, a diabetic, relied on is set to close, leaving him and others in this Panhandle town of 850 people without a local doctors office.

Regional West Health Services notified its Sidney and Chappell patients in July that its closing its family medicine clinics in both communities. The clinics are set to close Sept. 21 but patients are encouraged to check regarding the specific date their provider will no longer schedule visits.

The closures, like the closure of Lyons MercyOne clinic in June, are part of a decades-long decline in health care access in rural communities across the U.S. Now, with rising costs and the evaporation of federal COVID-19 money, some experts fear the trend could accelerate.

Many people across the country could not receive hospital care in their community when the pandemic began because over 150 rural hospitals had closed between 2005 and 2019.  The pandemic aid has now ended, so closures are likely to increase, cautioned a recent report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

In Sidney, which still has a hospital and associated physicians clinic, some residents may still have to travel 80 miles or more to other Regional West locations in Scottsbluff, Gering or Morrill.

Chappell residents like the Hammacks, who moved there from Colorado three years ago, face even fewer options, with the nearest clinic 30 miles away.

We as a community were very disappointed not only how it came about but that there was no option but to close, said Shaunna Mashek, director of Chappell Community Development.

With only two rural hospital closures since 2005, Nebraska has fared better than most other states  a fact that Jed Hansen, executive director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, attributed to good leadership in rural communities. (Those numbers dont include clinic closures like the ones in Chappell and Sidney.)

Still, Nebraskas rural health care providers face many of the same challenges felt elsewhere.

Closures tend to happen in areas with small or declining populations, high unemployment rates and higher numbers of uninsured patients. They often struggle to attract and retain physicians.

Typically hospitals in those communities lose money for at least three years before closing, said Dr. George Pink, senior research fellow at the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

At any given time, Hansen said, 50%-60% of Nebraskas critical access hospitals operate within a negative margin. Over half of the 104 hospitals in the state are critical access, meaning theyre smaller and meant to provide short-term acute care.

Faced with significant financial hurdles, Regional West struggled to sustain its Sidney and Chappell clinics, said Mel McNea, interim CEO. The nonprofits operating earnings in fiscal year 2022 were down 12.7%.

These factors demanded a hard look at processes to improve efficiencies and reduce operating costs, McNea said. Health systems across the United States are being affected similarly, and Regional West is no different.

There are three indicators that together signal a hospital is on the verge of closing, Hansen said, and Nebraska has six hospitals that meet two of the three criteria. Two hospitals meet all three and could close in the next few years. Hansen declined to identify the hospitals.

Nationally, the number of rural hospital closures has fluctuated in the past two decades, veering from a low of three in both 2010 and 2021 to a high of 18 in 2020. Seven closures were reported in 2022. The Sheps Center estimates 12 more rural hospitals will close by the end of this year.

The pandemic was not good for hospitals, Pink said, noting that the influx of federal COVID money created a blip in profitability.

The return to pre-pandemic revenue levels is happening amid a spike in operating costs.

Labor costs are phenomenal now, supply chain costs are higher, drug costs are higher and its a difficult environment for any hospital, let alone our smaller ones, Hansen said.

In small towns like Chappell, which doesnt have a hospital or other health care providers, a closure like Regional Wests clinic greatly impacts the local economy, Mashek said. In total, nine employees worked at the Sidney and Chappell clinics.

Nationally, rural hospitals supported one in every 12 rural jobs in 2020, according to a 2022 report from the American Hospital Association.

Struggling hospitals or clinics often merge with another organization. When thats not an option, those organizations are forced to declare bankruptcy and close.

After Oaklands MercyOne Hospital shut down in 2021, its family clinics in Oakland and Lyons remained open.

Recently, as financial pressures persisted, the Oakland MercyOne clinic was acquired by Franciscan Healthcare of West Point. Franciscan Healthcare and MercyOne decided it was best to close the MercyOne Lyons clinic.

As Regional West shutters its clinics in Sidney and Chappell, it and city officials in both communities say they are working to fill the gap, though they declined to provide specifics since details have not been finalized.

In the meantime, Chris Hammack, whos been diabetic since he was 8 years old, will have to look for a new doctor.

He already drives to Scottsbluff every three months to meet with an endocrinologist. His best bet, Phyllis Hammack said, is setting aside about $250 a month for doctor visits in Scottsbluff.

Although the trips are an inconvenience, Phyllis said theyre fortunate  unlike some of their neighbors, the Hammacks can afford it.

Its odd that we cant keep a clinic or assisted living facility  its unusual and a disservice to the community, Phyllis Hammack said.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Renters in Colorado Springs can learn more about renters' rights at a free workshop next week.

The city is hosting a Renters Rights 101 informational session Sept. 13 from 6-8 p.m., both in-person and virtually.

Clinton Albert, an attorney with Colorado Legal Services, will discuss several topics including lease basics, reasonable accommodations and modifications for renters, deposits, repairs, evictions and updates on recent Colorado legislation regarding housing.

Other community housing and legal resources will be shared at the event, a Tuesday news release said.

"The sharp increases in housing prices over the last few years have made low-income renters especially vulnerable to housing insecurity. It's very difficult for people to find alternative housing if they are evicted," Barb Van Hoy, policy analyst for the city's Housing and Community Vitality Department, said by email. "... We hope attendees will gain a better understanding of their rental lease provisions, learn ways to prevent conflict from escalating to eviction and how to access resources if they need help."

The event will be held in-person at Pikes Peak Library East, 5550 N. Union Blvd., in the library's East Community Room.

Virtual options will also be available. Interested participants can join online, without registering, at bit.ly/RenterRightsSep13-2023-Join.

Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

They can also call in by phone at 719-359-4580. Enter Meeting ID 854 9271 1846 and passcode 611354.

Registration for this event is optional, officials said. Those who register can sign up to receive a copy of presentation slides and a recording of the event, which will be shared on the Housing and Community Vitality Department's website at coloradosprings.gov/communitydevelopment, and in the organization's newsletter.

Next week's workshop is part of the city's 2023 Renter Rights 101 Workshop series, a collaborative effort with the Pikes Peak Library District, The Justice Center, Colorado Housing Connects, the Independence Center and Silver Key, the news release said.

The city has regularly co-sponsored such events with community partners since 2017, Van Hoy said.

"Our goal is to keep people housed by educating renters and landlords about the law, reducing conflict and helping prevent unjust evictions," she said.

For more information, visit coloradosprings.gov/renters101.
Joenny Manuel Astacio Ottenwalder was originally scheduled to go to trial last month on several charges for allegedly giving a 13-year-old fentanyl at least twice, leading to two separate overdoses.

But in a highly unusual move, Ottenwalder at his pre-trial readiness conference opted to plead guilty to all charges without any plea agreement from the prosecution, leaving his sentence entirely open to the court.

Ottenwalder and his girlfriend Kira Lee Davison, 29, were both sentenced to more than 20 years in prison each earlier this year for causing the death of their 15-month-old son, Cairo Astacio, via accidental fentanyl overdose.

Davison was given a 24-year prison sentence and Ottenwalder a 28-year sentence.

Both also faced six charges relating to causing the overdoses of the 13-year-old, but only Ottenwalder appeared in court Wednesday as Davison's plea of not guilty to all charges remains.

Ottenwalder at his pre-trial conference pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse causing serious bodily injury, controlled substance distribution to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

At Ottenwalder's sentencing hearing, Judge Laura Findorff was primarily tasked with deciding if his new prison sentence would run consecutively or concurrently to his 28-year prison sentence for causing Astacio's death. Findorff was not swayed by the arguments of Ottenwalder and his lawyer, handing down a 12-year sentence to be served after the first prison term expires.

Prosecutor Brien Cecil argued that because the new case against Ottenwalder had a different victim, he should be punished separately with a consecutive 15-year prison sentence to run after the completion of his prior prison sentence.

Cecil also argued that Ottenwalder should be given a consecutive sentence because he has yet to show remorse or accountability for his actions that nearly caused the death of the 13-year-old victim, that he knew the victim was 13 years old when he was selling fentanyl to her and that he "often" sold to minors because "it was a big market."

Ottenwalder's attorney Will Cook argued that his client should receive a concurrent sentence, stating that while the victim in the second case is different, it should all be viewed as one action.

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.

Cook also disagreed with the notion that Ottenwalder hadn't shown remorse or accountability for his actions, stating that his decision to plead guilty to all charges without a plea agreement shows that his client wants to take accountability for his actions.

"I don't understand how it could be anything other than taking responsibility, pleading to all charges," Cook said to the court. "He always said 'I'm guilty, I did that, I'm wrong.'"

Cook requested for the court to consider a concurrent sentence to allow for Ottenwalder to be released from prison one day to make amends to his crimes.

"I think Mr. Astacio (Ottenwalder) as some point deserves a second chance," Cook said. "Pushing 50 (years) in the Department of Corrections, I don't know if that gives him a second chance."

Ottenwalder himself gave a brief statement to the court prior to Findorff's sentence.

"I'd like to apologize to (the victim) more than anybody, she could have lost her life," Ottenwalder said. "I was really on a wrong path. All I can ask is for a chance to show I can do better."

In the end Findorff wasn't compelled by the argument of Cook, or the apology of Ottenwalder, and stated the seriousness of Ottenwalder's crime required a serious sentence.

Findorff gave Ottenwalder 12 years in the Department of Corrections for each child abuse causing serious bodily injury charge and controlled substance distribution to a minor charge, as well as six years for each contributing to the delinquency of a minor charge.

Findorff ruled that the sentences will run concurrently to each other, but consecutively to his previous conviction, meaning Ottenwalder will serve 12 years in the Department of Corrections after the completion of his 28-year prison sentence.

Davison is scheduled to appear in court for a disposition hearing on the same charges later this month on Sept. 20.
The court on Tuesday set two future hearings for the Mountain Ridge Middle School custodian accused of molesting three children.

Jose Benavidez Garcia Rodriguez, 62, made his first court appearance on charges of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust and sexual assault on a child. He will next appear in Colorado's 4th Judicial District Court for a bond hearing at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 21, followed by a preliminary hearing at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 28.

Garcia, who has worked at the school since 2019, was placed on leave and barred from contacting children after school officials learned of his arrest Aug. 28. He is being held at the El Paso County jail on a $100,000 bond, according to court records.

Prosecutors say Garcia molested two boys and one girl. He would often "grab the chest" of the girl and made remarks about how her breasts looked, which made her uncomfortable, according to Garcia's arrest affidavit.

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.

"She (the reporting party) does not think Jose should be allowed around children," the affidavit states. The girl told investigators that "she was afraid to go to school because she was supposed to be moving to (Mountain Ridge Middle School) soon, and Jose works there."

One of the boys told investigators during a forensic interview that Garcia had frequently and inappropriately touched him for months.

Garcia denied having any sexual contact with children, according to the affidavit. The affidavit does not claim any alleged sexual assault took place at school.
More traffic. More housing. More business.

Colorado Springs is growingfast. But how fast is too fast?

The city has grown by 38% in the last 30 years, and while civic leaders and businesses are embracing it, some residents are concerned the city's growth is not being managed responsibly.

At 5:30 p.m., The Gazette and KOAA will host a panel of local experts in Studio Bee at the Pikes Peak Center to discuss growth in the Pikes Peak region.

Panelists for The Gazette's latest Colorado Conversations town hall include:

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.

Tatiana Bailey, executive director of Data Driven Economic Strategies

executive director of Data Driven Economic Strategies Lisa Barbato, chief officer of system planning and projects at Colorado Springs Utilities

chief officer of system planning and projects at Colorado Springs Utilities Meggan Herington , El Paso County director of planning and community development

, El Paso County director of planning and community development Theresa Metcalf , VP of economic development at Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC

, VP of economic development at Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC Steve Posey, Colorado Springs chief housing officer

We'll post the discussion online when it's over. Look out for an alert in your inbox and on your phone.

Read the Gazette's special report on growth in Colorado Springs here.
A fatal crash along East Platte Avenue and North Powers Boulevard has closed multiple lanes of traffic Wednesday morning, according to Colorado Springs police.

Just after 10:50 a.m. officials announced through X that CSPD's major crash team was responding to the scene, and roadways would remain closed for "multiple hours."

Officials have advised drivers expecting to take Powers heading north and south to utilize Murray Boulevard, and for those traveling east and west on Platte to utilize Galley Road.

Click or tap here for traffic updates on The Gazette's interactive map.

Gazette news partner KKTV reports that one person is died after three vehicles crashed.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrei Plenkovic, Azernews reports.

The head of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry wrote about this on his page on the social network X.

It is a great honor for me to meet with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to exchange views on the agenda of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Croatia, the publication says.

The meeting continued in an expanded format.
There was a time when only in Boulder would you find local police proposing to make fewer arrests  amid an epic crime wave  in pursuit of holistic governance. The rest of the state likely would have given it an eye roll and just shrugged it off as Boulder being Boulder.

Well, Boulder is in fact developing such a loopy policy  the Boulder City Council is scheduled to vote on it Thursday  as The Gazette reported this week. And in a lot of ways, it is indeed vintage Boulder, invoking equity, social justice and other buzzwords and catchphrases of the progressive set.

Only, nowadays, it has more serious implications.

Boulder no longer is an isolated college town that can afford to dabble in gentle hippie justice. Its a sizable city (Colorados 12th-largest) that has suffered its share of tragic and even horrific crimes.

Whats more, it now is part of a sprawling, major metro area that is awash in a crime wave which, in turn, has inundated communities up and down the Front Range.

Much of urban Colorado will suffer if Boulder or any other community lets down its guard in whats supposed to be a united front in the crime fight. The deadly fentanyl trade; the rampant auto-theft rings; the violent criminal convicts returned to the streets too soon by lenient sentencing  none respect municipal boundaries.

Alongside that, dubious law-enforcement policies stand to reinforce  and foster  bad policy in other jurisdictions. An abundance of gullible, weak-willed, soft-on-crime elected leaders who serve well beyond Boulder city limits  including at the Capitol  has been championing a justice reform agenda of decriminalization, de-incarcerations and offering easy release to dangerous criminal suspects with lengthy rap sheets. Now, Boulder cops would be doing their bidding.

In fairness, the Boulder Police Department might have been pressured by its alt-thinking elected leaders to gin up such nonsense. As a practical matter, some of the proposed policy as described in a draft master plan Boulder police released last year seems so abstract its unclear what role it would play in day-to-day police work.

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

And, to be fair, plenty of the agenda in Boulders, Reimagine Policing  Boulder Police Department Master Plan, involves reasonable and advisable department logistics, notably, augmented police ranks.

Still, attempting to turn law enforcement into social therapy, if implemented, would amount to a surrender in the war on crime.

 Holistic governance redefines the role of police. Officers serve as local government ambassadors, rather than strict enforcement agents, reads the draft policy. They investigate commonly reported problems, and help the community find sustainable solutions to long-standing problems. Police continue to enforce the law, show up to calls and arrest offenders.

However, the need for direct intervention is reduced as calls for service decline. Fewer arrests in our most vulnerable communities reduce ethnic and racial disparities across all criminal justice outcomes.

And this:

The basic tenets of holistic governance addresses inequities and concerns raised by social justice activists, while supporting efforts to improve officer wellness and safety outcomes. The city has already started adopting holistic governance in areas including homelessness and challenges on University Hill. Continuing alignment with this public model will allow the city to radically reimagine the future of policing.

Good grief. We only can hope the entire endeavor turns out to be little more than hot air intended to placate the Boulder City Council and its hyperprogressive political agenda. In which case Boulders many dedicated cops might be able continue doing what they were hired to do: protect the public from the criminal element.
Rena Murshud Read more

One of the leading agricultural exhibitions in Europe, specializing in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the President of the Italian MacFrut, Renzo Piracchini, within the framework of the project of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, met with representatives of agriculture on August 30-31 at ADA University, Azernews reports.

Piraccini, whose visit to Azerbaijan was organized by ADA University, took part in meetings with the Caspian Event Organizers, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Azersun Holding group of companies, the Ministry of Agriculture and AZPROMO.

On August 31, an expert seminar was held at ADA University. The seminar was attended by representatives of agricultural enterprises and students.

The event discussed the knowledge and skills needed to keep up with the high competition in the rapidly changing global horticulture and horticulture sector and highlighted the importance of keeping up with technology and innovation.

During my stay in Baku, I observed the price and quality of agricultural products in local markets. Your products are of good quality. However, in order to bring these products to the world market, it is important to first adapt them to international standards. and provide theoretical and practical support to manufacturers, Renzo Piracchini said.

Professor of the University of Bologna Matteo Vittuari and President of the Italian-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce Manuela Traldi also spoke at the seminar, who emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-sectoral ties in this area in order to create educational programs of a new generation.

It should be noted that during his visit to Azerbaijan, Renzo Piracchini visited the Guba and Gusar regions, met with local companies specializing in growing fruits, got acquainted with the organization of the work process and exchanged ideas.

The visit of an expert to our country helps local experts to benefit from international experience. The McFruit exhibition is an international promotional platform for companies specializing in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. The MacFrut Academy, powered by this platform, offers professionals a wealth of knowledge in food supply chain management, including know-how and application of innovation.

This event, held within the framework of the initiative of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, is an important part of the cooperation between ADA University and the University of Bologna and serves to disseminate the international experience of managers and specialists in the agricultural and food industry. This academic collaboration also includes the provision of postgraduate, undergraduate, and graduate programs with the University of Bologna.








The federal appeals court based in Denver concluded on Tuesday that a pair of trial judges wrongly declined to evaluate the innocence claim of a man convicted in 2006 for the killing of a 21-month-old child.

The refusal was seemingly based on a misunderstanding of when new evidence surfaced in Robert Edward Hill's case.

A Jefferson County jury originally found Hill guilty of murder and child abuse resulting in death. Hill's girlfriend left her daughter in Hill's care, but returned to find the child unresponsive. The girl suffered internal bleeding, and Hill's attorney decided to argue that someone else was responsible for the injuries.

Hill appealed his conviction unsuccessfully, then sought postconviction relief in state court. When he reached the end for his appeals, Hill filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court asserting, among other things, there was evidence of his innocence that would have changed the outcome at trial if jurors had heard it.

Specifically, expert witnesses testified in Hill's postconviction proceedings that the child suffered from a bleeding disorder that would have explained her injuries and mimicked signs of child abuse.

Case: Hill v. Long Decided: September 5, 2023 Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for Colorado Ruling: 3-0 Judges: Joel M. Carson III (author) Robert E. Bacharach Nancy L. Moritz Background: Child dies at Children's Hospital, mother's boyfriend facing charges

In April 2022, then-U.S. Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher recommended dismissing Hill's petition.

"Mr. Hill asserts he is actually innocent, but he has not presented any new and reliable evidence to support a claim of actual innocence," wrote Gallagher. Apparently, out of confusion about when the expert witness testimony occurred, Gallagher believed Hill only cited to "trial transcripts" but nothing since then.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

U.S. District Court Senior Judge Lewis T. Babcock upheld the recommendation and dismissed the case.

On appeal, Hill, representing himself from prison, acknowledged Gallagher may have mixed up the timing because Hill's postconviction hearing and his jury trial took place almost exactly 10 years apart.

"Nonetheless, the court is responsible for knowing what it is basing its ruling on, and Mr. Hill asks that this court please be more cautious in its review, and understand that it is the postconviction testimony that clearly establishes" actual innocence, he wrote to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.

In a Sept. 5 order, a three-judge panel for the 10th Circuit agreed Gallagher and Babcock had wrongly turned aside Hill's innocence claim based on a mistaken belief that the expert testimony occurred at trial, not after it.

"No doubt this was nothing more than an oversight; however, the district courts erroneous finding means that it never considered whether  based on the new evidence and its review of the record as a whole  it is more likely than not that no reasonable juror would have found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," wrote Judge Joel M. Carson III.

The panel returned the case to the trial court for a review of Hill's claim that new evidence would show his innocence.

The case is Hill v. Long et al.
A resident and two local groups are suing Colorado Springs after the City Council approved controversial plans to build an apartment complex for homeless young adults on the city's west side  the second lawsuit filed against the city in two weeks over recent contentious land use approvals.

The 50-unit Launchpad Apartments received hefty opposition from west side neighbors who objected to its proposed height and density, were concerned it was not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, worried it did not conform to various adopted city plans guiding development in the project area and were concerned about the potential for landslides on the site's steep west side.

The Colorado Springs City Council voted 6-3 on Aug. 8 to uphold planning staff's administrative approval of plans to build the apartments on about 1.37 acres north of the intersection of West Uintah and North 19th Streets. It is designed to house and support homeless young adults ages 18-24, with programs operated by The Place, a nonprofit that operates the only shelter for homeless teens in Colorado Springs.

West side resident Michael Wemple, Colorado Springs resident group Integrity Matters and wildfire safety advocacy group Westside Watch filed a lawsuit in El Paso County district court Tuesday, claiming the city's approval of the project "materially deviated from the city's land use policies, procedures and ordinances." It "creates a public safety risk and deviates from the city's responsibility to protect public safety," the suit states.

Reached by phone Tuesday evening, city spokesman Max D'Onofrio declined to comment on the matter, citing the pending litigation.

According to the four-page lawsuit, the Launchpad development "materially deviates" from the applicable Westside Plan, the area master plan for development across 2,900 acres on Colorado Springs' west side, "in providing for high density development on the property, contrary to land use regulations and ordinances."

The project's approved 45-foot building height is also 25% higher than the recommended development height for this property, plaintiffs said in the suit.

Scott Hiller, a west side resident and chief of geosciences for a national engineering firm, previously said the Westside Plan recommends buildings within its area be no taller than 35 feet and have a residential density of between 5-16 units per acre.

Andrea Barlow with developer consultant N.E.S. Inc. has said the property's current zoning allows building heights up to 45 feet and a density of up to 58 units per acre.

She has said the Westside Plan is an "outdated" advisory plan that guides development, but it is "not policy," and the property's current zoning determines the project's development standards like height and density.

Hiller previously said city code dictates "the more stringent requirement, regulation, restriction or land use limitation shall apply" when there is conflict between zoning codes, the definition of zone districts, or other provisions of the city code, law or ordinance.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The lawsuit also claims the city "ignored and/or misstated the relevant geographic/geologic evidence, which given the topography of the property, leads to safety risks to the public."

Concerns about the potential for landslides on the site's steep west side largely dominated the public discussion during the Aug. 8 hearing in front of City Council.

Opponents said last month a geological hazards report for the site prepared by CTL Thompson, an engineering consultant for developer Cohen Esrey, was incomplete and did not accurately reflect the potential for landslides on the property. Expansive soils have already caused land movement for neighbors living on the ridge above the proposed site, Hiller and residents said.

Tyra Sandy, a city engineer who told the council she was "by definition" a professional geologist and holds a credential in geotechnical engineering, said the CTL Thompson report "adequately identified geologic hazards on the site and did identify mitigation measures."

Opponents urged the council to ask the Colorado Geological Survey to review CTL Thompson's report. On Aug. 8, Councilman Dave Donelson's motion to table the development request and refer the geohazard report to the state for review failed. The council then voted 6-3 to approve the project.

Councilmembers who supported the project said they trusted city staff's opinion and did not want to further delay the review process for the development.

In the weeks since the Launchpad's approval, Integrity Matters members have questioned the validity of Sandy's credentials in emails sent to city planners and Travis Easton, Colorado Springs' former Public Works director and the deputy chief of staff for infrastructure and development.

"The city's action in approving (the development) exceeded its jurisdiction and/or constitutes an abuse of discretion," the lawsuit states.

Plaintiffs ask the court to overturn the city's approval of the project.

The city is also facing a lawsuit filed Aug. 22 by Colorado Springs resident Tim Hoiles over the city's approval of the 400-unit Creekwalk Apartments near South Nevada Avenue.
Leaders of the Colorado House have agreed not to violate the state open meetings law in a proposed settlement to a lawsuit filed by two first-year Democratic legislators.

Pending approval from a judge, the settlement states that House representatives will not communicate using automatically-deleting functions on electronic messaging services, nor will they meet in quorum to discuss public business without providing public notice and publishing minutes of the meeting.

By agreeing to the settlement, the House leaders are not admitting wrongdoing. The settlement is proposed as "an amicable resolution" and to "(avoid) the costs of litigation," the document reads.

Colorado House Democrats believe deeply in the values of transparency and open government, and through this agreement, we continue our commitment to ensuring full public access, transparency and fairness in the legislative process, said House Speaker Julie McCluskie of Dillon and Majority Leader Monica Duran of Wheat Ridge in a joint statement Tuesday.

Democrats Reps. Elisabeth Epps of Denver and Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch sued the chamber and its leadership in July, alleging the Democratic and Republican caucuses held mandatory secret meetings at least weekly during the 2023 legislative session, directing legislative aides to omit or disguise the meetings on legislators' calendars. They also claimed the caucuses regularly used the encrypted messaging service Signal to discuss public business outside of public view, with the messages set for automatic deletion.

McCluskie, Duran and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch of Wellington are named as defendants in the lawsuit, along with the chamber itself and both of its caucuses.

Lawmakers ask Public Utilities Commission to hold off on new towing rules

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

The proposed settlement was filed in Denver District Court on Friday and released by Marshall on Tuesday.

"It is gratifying that House leadership took the concerns set out in the complaint seriously and agreed to a consent decree without any need for litigation," Marshall said. "Hopefully our colleagues in the House and Senate will understand that this is not an attempt to limit an ability to have open and frank discussions. It is an effort to conform current legislative operations to Colorado's sunshine laws."

The settlement specifically includes language stating the House must follow its terms "until such time as the (Colorado open meetings law) shall be amended."

Marshall previously told Colorado Politics that he wants to adjust the open meetings law to make it more manageable for the legislature. He suggested, for example, no longer classifying emails between legislators as open meetings, but said he is willing to discuss any potential changes that would help end the current culture of disregarding the law completely.

"The hope is that this stipulated judgment will catalyze effective modernization to Colorado's open meetings law and open records act as applied to the legislature that will provide a workable framework consistent with the original intent of Colorado's voters," he said Tuesday.

The proposed settlement also requires the defendants to pay $13,000 to cover Epps' and Marshall's legal fees.

Colorado lowers cost of phone calls for prisoners, will make calls free in 2025
Four Republican and two unaffiliated voters filed suit in state court in Denver on Wednesday seeking to block the secretary of state from placing Donald Trump on any future primary or general election ballot in Colorado.

A Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the suit.

The lawsuit contains prominent political names on the plaintiffs' side, including former Republican Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson and Denver Post columnist Krista Kafer among those challenging Trump's eligibility for the ballot. Former Republican legislative candidate Mario Nicolais, former solicitor general Eric Olson and the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington are part of the legal team that brought the suit.

"Four years after taking an oath to 'preserve, protect and defend' the Constitution," the 115-page lawsuit alleges, "Trump tried to overthrow the results of the 2020 election, leading to a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol to stop the lawful transfer of power to his successor. By instigating this unprecedented assault on the American constitutional order, Trump violated his oath."

Anderson v Griswold lawsuit

The plaintiffs have grounded their claims in state law and in the 14th Amendment's prohibition on certain state and federal officials ever holding federal office if they "shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion."

The extraordinary move to bar a presidential candidate from the ballot  as that candidate is also facing multiple criminal charges  relies on a recent case in New Mexico, in which courts removed a local elected official from his position due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

In a statement, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, said she is "hopeful that this case will provide guidance to election officials on Trump's eligibility as a candidate for office."

Among the Republican plaintiffs are former U.S. Rep. Claudine Cmarada, who represented Rhode Island in Congress and lives in Colorado, and Michelle Priola, the wife of state Sen. Kevin Priola, the Henderson Democrat who switched parties a year ago after winning election to his seat twice as a Republican. Anderson's daughter-in-law, Pam Anderson, was the 2022 Republican nominee for Colorado secretary of state who lost to Griswold.

The Colorado GOP slammed the lawsuit on social media, declaring that "Never-Trumpers, RINO's, & Democrats are colluding to block [Trump] from accessing the 2024 Colorado Republican Primary Ballot," using a derisive acronym for "Republicans in name only."

The state party went on to accuse Griswold of "likely invit[ing] the lawsuit so a judge could make the decision to block Trump instead of you doing it yourself."

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"Per Colorado Law, the Colorado Republican Party will decide who gets on the primary ballot not you or a leftwing judge," the Colorado GOP added on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

In a fundraising email sent on Wednesday, state GOP chair Dave Williams said the party plans to "consider all options, whether litigation or otherwise, to preserve the right of Republican voters to vote for President Trump" or other Republican candidates on Colorado's ballot.

Some groups have demanded that states top election officials bar Trump under the clause that prohibits those who engaged in an insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from holding higher office. None has taken that step, looking for guidance from the courts on how to interpret a clause that has only been used a handful of times since the 1860s.

The lawsuit Wednesday was the first filed by an organization with significant legal resources. It may lead to similar challenges in other states, holding out the potential for conflicting rulings that would require the Supreme Court to settle.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, helped ensure civil rights for freed slaves  and eventually for all people in the U.S. But it also was used to prevent former Confederate officials from becoming members of Congress after the Civil War and taking over the government against which they had just rebelled.

The clause cited in the lawsuit allows Congress to lift the ban, which it did in 1872 as the political will to continue to bar former Confederates dwindled. The provision was almost never used after that.

The clause cites presidential electors  but not presidents themselves  as being disqualified if they previously swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and then broke it.

The 14th Amendment was used last year to bar from office a New Mexico county commissioner who entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. That was the first time it was used in 100 years. In 1919, Congress refused to seat a socialist, contending he gave aid and comfort to the countrys enemies during World War I.

In its complaint, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington asked the court to expedite the matter so it can be resolved before Colorado's primary ballot is set. Colorado is scheduled to hold its presidential primary on March 5, 2024. State law sets a deadline of Jan. 5, 2024, for the secretary of state to certify the ballot.

The case is Anderson et al. v. Griswold et al.

Nicholas Riccardi of the Associated Press contributed to this article.
The national political action committee EMILY's List threw its support behind three candidates running to be mayor of Colorado cities on Wednesday.

Arvada mayoral candidate Lauren Simpson, Lakewood mayoral candidate Wendi Strom, and Thornton mayoral candidate Julia Marvin are all being endorsed by the organization, which backs the candidacies of Democratic women who support abortion rights.

The three Colorado candidates join 16 others endorsed by EMILY's List as part of the organization's "Madam Mayor" program, launched this summer to highlight women running for local offices.

We have repeatedly experienced how powerfully Democratic pro-choice women serving as mayors can affect the lives of the residents of their cities for the better," said Laphonza Butler, president of EMILY's List. "Whether as city councilmembers or professionals in the private sector, each of these women have spent their careers giving back to their communities and delivering results."

Chamber recognizes 25 most powerful women in business | NONPROFIT REGISTER

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Simpson was elected to the Arvada City Council in 2019. She's focused on policies to improve city infrastructure, support renters, and promote the arts and humanities. She is facing fellow Arvada City Council member John Marriott in the November election, a local business owner and councilman of 10 years.

Strom has served on the Lakewood City Council for two years and is the mayor pro tem. She is an education advocate and certified financial planner.

Marvin works in communications and marketing, and has been a member of the Thornton City Council since 2019. She said she wants to increase accessibility and transparency in government. Marvin is challenging Thornton's current mayor, Jan Kulmann, who unsuccessfully ran in the Republican primary to represent Colorado's 8th Congressional District in 2022.

Former leaders of Emerge Colorado start new training program for women in politics
A federal judge on Tuesday slammed the Colorado Attorney General's Office's attempt to minimize the behavior of two state troopers, who allegedly arrested a man without probable cause and ridiculed him because he was a Mexican citizen who did not speak English well.

Trooper Jeremy Sugai and Corporal Joshua Curtis participated in the arrest of Ezequiel Bahena in the early morning hours of July 31, 2021. Although they believed Bahena exhibited signs of driving under the influence, Bahena alleged the men immediately profiled him, ignored multiple pieces of evidence disproving drug use, and labeled him "obstinate"  when he actually had limited English proficiency.

At a Sept. 5 hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney rejected the defendants' request to dismiss Bahena's claims of malicious prosecution and violating his right to equal protection under the laws. In doing so, Sweeney waved aside the government's belief that Sugai and Curtis' conduct was merely "unprofessional," or that the real problem was a lack of sensitivity to Bahena's native language.

"This is, frankly, the epitome of the typical race discrimination case," she said. "Officers cannot open an investigation based on racial stereotypes and expect to be protected by the law."

According to Bahena's lawsuit, Sugai pulled him over on Interstate 25 in Larimer County around 2 a.m. Sugai's statement in support of a warrantless arrest described Bahena's vehicle as weaving "several times" out of its lane and speeding.

"Almost immediately," Bahena alleged, Sugai accused Bahena of transporting drugs or being under the influence. He also claimed Bahena had an arrest warrant. Despite no outward indications of intoxication, Sugai requested a drug-detection dog.

Baneha blew a zero on a breath test, but Sugai arrested Bahena and took him to a hospital, where Bahena underwent a blood draw. Sugai transported Bahena to a state patrol office in Fort Collins, where he blew another zero on a breath test.

At the station, Curtis and Sugai allegedly "ridiculed" Bahena's inability to speak English well. They told him they would only communicate in English and ordered him to "stop speaking Spanish." They allegedly interpreted the language barrier as Bahena being "obstinate," as he struggled to understand his Miranda warning.

After four hours, reportedly with no signs of intoxication, Sugai and Curtis booked Bahena into the Larimer County jail on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence, where he spent three days. His blood test later showed no drugs in his system. Less than two months later, prosecutors dropped the criminal charges.

Bahena filed a federal lawsuit, alleging unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution and an equal protection violation. Sugai and Curtis moved to dismiss only the latter two claims. The government argued Bahena simply disagreed with the troopers' observations, but that did not amount to malice on the defendants' part.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

"In his mind, he believes he passed the test. The officers who are highly trained didnt think he did," Senior Assistant Attorney General Amy Colony told Sweeney at the hearing.

As for Baneha's claim that the troopers treated him differently because of his race or national origin, Colony warned Bahena's lawsuit would effectively require law enforcement to speak in suspects' native language, when no such requirement exists. She also called it "serious and offensive" to accuse the troopers of racial profiling.

"For all we know, Trooper Sugai maybe treats all the drivers that way at 2 oclock in the morning," Colony said. "And there is no case law that holds a language barrier in an arrest equates to national origin discrimination."

She added that it was "ironic" Bahena alleged the troopers were ridiculing him for his lack of English proficiency if Bahena truly could not comprehend what they were saying in English.

"Im concerned youre still thinking this is just about the language," Sweeney interjected. "What about (Sugai) pulling him over and, immediately upon seeing him  presumably realizing he was Hispanic  accusing him of running drugs? Doesnt that tap into a well-known racial stereotype right off the bat?"

Ultimately, Sweeney allowed Bahena's claims to proceed. Bahena credibly alleged the troopers lacked probable cause to arrest him, and that they omitted evidence suggesting Bahena was not actually under the influence from their arrest statement  including his clean breath tests and lack of intoxication signs.

She reserved her most pointed words for Colony's insistence that Bahena's claims would fundamentally alter how law enforcement should act with people of limited English proficiency.

"This case is not about forcing somebody to speak English or understand English," Sweeney said. "This is not heading down a dangerous road. What we have here is two officers, according to the plaintiff, that targeted him because of his national origin and heavy accent, and assumed he was running drugs and had warrants out for his arrest, while having no information to support that."

Bahena's claim, she concluded, is "more than an allegation of unprofessional conduct. This is an allegation that goes to the heart of race discrimination."

The case is Bahena v. Curtis et al.
The Bureau of Land Management has released a plan to manage a vast mosaic of canyonlands, grasslands and mountains in southern, central and eastern Colorado.

In the works for close to a decade, the plan is officially called the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan. "Eastern" might be deceiving; the focus area spans beyond the plains to the Arkansas River Valley through Canon City and Fremont and Chaffee counties, as well as parts of South Park.

Those are lands that have increasingly been battle grounds for conservation and extraction.

"It can be a challenge to manage such a large and diverse area," the Bureau of Land Management's Rocky Mountain District Manager Cathy Cook said in a news release. She touted the plan for "provid(ing) the most benefit to the people we serve  now and into the future."

The plan removes areas identified with "minimum-yield" potential for oil and gas leasing and, advocates say, makes preservation a high priority. The praise matches similar reaction to a plan recently proposed for large portions of western Colorado that have also historically been of interest for energy development.

The bureau "has come a long way in having adequate protections for these high-value lands that should be protected in some category," said John Sztukowski, the conservation director with Wild Connections who has been involved with planning efforts since 2015.

His advocacy group has lauded the plan for listing more than 300,000 acres worthy of designations such as wilderness, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern and Backcountry Conservation Areas. Segments of the Arkansas River are among waterways identified for suitable additions to the National Wild and Scenic River system.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Ten areas totaling more than 70,000 acres were highlighted for specific recreation management. Those include some of the best-known lands within the plan: the Royal Gorge, Guffey Gorge, Phantom Canyon, the scenic drive known as the Gold Belt and the Salida Trails network. Shelf Road, the rock climbing destination, is another focus of the plan.

More than 87,000 acres are proposed as Backcountry Conservation Areas "to protect wildlife habitat and provide outstanding hunting and fishing opportunities." Among places to be managed in a way "to maintain wilderness characteristics" are Badger Creek, Echo Canyon and Cooper Mountain  largely unknown to outsiders but not to concerned locals.

The plan covers largely "off-the-beaten path areas," said Nate Porter, longtime owner of Salida Mountain Sports, "but yet they offer a lot, not only in terms of recreation, but for wildlife habitat and areas that should be protected."

Western Energy Alliance has previously voiced opposition to the plan, in a letter saying restrictions would "severely impact the opportunity to responsibly develop oil and natural gas resources."

The letter went on: "By its nature, multiple use engenders coexistence, not competition. We can develop the energy on public lands that all Americans own while protecting the land, wildlife, air, water, cultural and other resources."

Western Energy Alliance has alleged the Bureau of Land Management's broader shift threatens the grid and consumer prices at a time that infrastructure is ill-prepared for the renewable energy transition. The Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan highlights millions of acres with "high potential" for wind and solar development.

Yet "the plan does leave a vast majority of land open to oil and gas leasing," Sztukowski's said.

Still, he counted himself "very pleased with what's being proposed as far as on-the-ground designations," he said, adding: "I think at least getting proper management in place for these areas is going to be more helpful overall."
Sixteen months ago, Tim Hernandez lost his job teaching at North High School. Today, he represents the school's northwest Denver district in the Colorado House of Representatives.

A committee of Denver Democrats selected Hernandez to represent House District 4 on Saturday, as the districts former reprsentative, Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, resigned to join the Denver City Council. A lifelong Northsider, Hernandez won the vacancy election over two opponents in a single round of voting, receiving 39 of 68 votes.

Hernandez, 26, exploded onto Denvers political scene after North High School did not extend his contract as the schools only Latino literature teacher last year. This decision sparked multiple student rallies supporting Hernandez and protesting the lack of diversity among educators. Hernandez was put on administrative leave for joining the rallies, but he soon found other employment teaching in Aurora and became a mainstay progressive activist in Denver.

Hernandez will be officially sworn into the House later this month. While he is only guaranteed office for one year to finish Gonzales-Gutierrez's term, Hernandez said he plans to run for the seat in the 2024 election. Ultimately, though, his goal is to return to North High School as a teacher.

Days into his new role, Hernandez sat down with Colorado Politics to discuss the year ahead and how he will transition from a community organizer to a state legislator.

Colorado Politics: When did you realize you wanted to run for public office? What inspired you?

Rep.-elect Tim Hernandez: I'm a kid from this neighborhood. I grew up with housing instability. I grew up watching our communities be displaced. I grew up going to underfunded schools. And I grew up waiting to die in a classroom because the adults weren't being bold enough on gun violence. What changed for me is I became a teacher. I'm watching our young people go through the exact same struggles that I went through as a young person. The exact same struggles, in the exact same community, in the exact same way. ... But I'm the adult now. So, I decided to run because I couldn't take watching my students live through the same struggles in our community that I lived through. And I decided to run because I think our community has the solutions to solve our issues.

Tim Hernandez to represent Denver's District 4 in Colorado House of Representatives

CP: What will you take from your predecessor, Councilwoman Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, as you enter the House? Did she give you any advice?

Hernandez: Oh, yeah. Serenas been a mentor of mine for a long time. I'm really thankful for her work in the state legislature. Serena is a brilliant legislator. I'm really excited to get to work on expanding renter protections. I'm a renter, I'm a public school teacher, a college-educated person who lives in the neighborhood I grew up in, and I pay over 50% of my income on rent. But the very few renter protections we have, those are because of Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, because she fought to keep renters like me housed. ... She championed issues of housing, youth juvenile justice, public welfare for workers. I'm really excited to continue expanding on those issues in ways that I think I'll be able to contribute to the conversation.

CP: What else do you want to accomplish over your next year as a House representative?

Hernandez: My biggest goal is to work towards fully funding public schools. The budget stabilization factor was at $330 million, and last year it was bought down by $150 million. And that was great, I was really excited to see that the state legislature was bold on school finance. But we still have $180 million to go. We're still completely underfunding. We're still not even remotely close to the ways that we should be funding schools now. I want to help buy down the other $180 million. I want to fully fund our public schools and maybe even work on some good issues that are relevant to teachers and students and workers in schools, too.

CP: You're entering the House at a really interesting time. The Democrats hold a near unprecedented 46-19 party advantage, but throughout last session, we saw the progressive and establishment sides of the caucus butt heads. As a progressive yourself, do you think you can move the caucus more in your direction?

Hernandez: Yeah. If I didn't, I wouldn't have run. Look, I think last year was one of the most progressive sessions we've had on a variety of issues. ... But we know that we have a lot of work to do to get to a place of progress, a place of equity, a place of justice and a place of safety. I think our leadership is doing a good job of making sure that we can consolidate our political power. And I think it's important to remember that progressives have always pushed the Democratic Party on their values. There was a point in time when the Democratic Party was anti-immigration. When the Democratic Party wasn't on the side of the abortion issue that it is now. When the Democratic Party wasn't in place with a variety of issues that we are now. It took progressives pushing our values so that we could become the party that represents the actual working and living conditions of the people. That's the responsibility of progressives.

Now, there's a whole other conversation of how that plays out and the pragmatism of that. That question comes from a valid place. Folks that might align more closely with my values have experienced things in (the state Capitol) that are really complicated and really difficult. We have a Democratic trifecta of government and we're struggling to pass Democratic bills. It's going to take all of us. I think that my job in there is to push us on our values and to build as many tables as we can to represent people effectively in the North and West side (of Denver). And making sure that I remain committed to the values and principles that I was elected to represent.

Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet picked to succeed Dominick Moreno in Colorado Senate

CP: How do you intend to push forward your ideas in a caucus that just rejected rent control, just cause evictions, an assault weapons ban  a lot of the policies that you've advocated for?

Hernandez: Its going to be an uphill battle, but I'm not new to uphill battles. Because we're talking about social change. We're talking about fundamentally adapting our society to operate in a different way so that it works for poor people, for students, for teachers, for workers. I view my role as continuing to push progressive values from a place of lived experience. I'll be the only person in the state legislature who is a Latino teacher, when Latino kids make up the majority of our public schools in Denver, in Aurora. That means I'm not just speaking for myself, I'm speaking for a generation of students, a generation of people. We're living with the impacts of political decisions in our communities right now. I know that deep down, even if folks are hesitant towards progress, they're still willing to understand and accept that folks in our community are living with the issues, living with the outcomes of policies. That's important to how we influence political change.

CP: Before entering the legislature yourself, you were open about your criticisms of state legislators, calling out Democrats and Republicans alike on Twitter. You called the House Republicans cowards for their walkout at the end of last session, you condemned Democratic Sen. Dylan Roberts for killing the rent control bill.

With these people now your colleagues, how can we expect those interactions to go? Are you going to continue to be so outspoken, or will you be more moderated?

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Hernandez: I'm going to be a good legislator because I'm a good teacher. ... Teachers organize 35 kids one hour at a time to do one thing. To pass a bill in the House, you need 33 votes, so all we need to do is organize 33 people at one time. I know I have the skills to do that. But there is a way that we have to adapt. We have to adapt the way that we make decisions, that we advocate and we organize, according to the political conditions of the Capitol.

As a community organizer, I was like a wildfire. Now, it's about becoming a blowtorch. Its about making sure that we can remain committed to the principles and the fires that we have, but going to our colleagues and saying, "I'm not in favor of that decision, here's why, compared to blasting somebody on social media. That is a role that folks bleed between and how folks choose to do that is up to them. But I'm really planning on building strong personal relationships, even through complex and complicated issues where we're not on the same side. And also involving our community at every step of the way to make sure they're engaged with the process and the outcomes.

CP: The Republican Party and outlets like Fox News have been immediately critical of your appointment. The Colorado GOP sent out fundraising emails and social media posts with your face photoshopped next to a Communist flag, saying Democrats need to be stopped. Do you have hopes of building those relationships in a bipartisan manner?

Hernandez: I'm willing to work with anybody who's willing to work towards anti-oppressive policies in the Capitol. Anybody who is willing to work against oppression is an ally to me. Regardless of whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, if you're in favor of lifting oppressive policies and enacting just ones, then we're going to be on the same side of the fence. ... But I'm not surprised the Colorado GOP has to use my face, my words, my story to fundraise for a political party that can't win races. They can't win them on their own, so they have to use me.

Denver voters evenly divided over city's direction, consider homelessness top issue, new poll finds

CP: At 26 years old, youre now Colorado's youngest state legislator and our first legislator from Generation Z. How does that feel, and how will it influence your work in the House?

Hernandez: Folks can react to me in whatever way they want. They can be kind and receptive and open and collaborative. They can be villainizing and dehumanizing. But the plain and simple fact is I'm the first of an entire generation of Coloradans who are going to be in these spaces. And here's the fundamental truth about my candidacy: Gen Z understands the democracy we have to build towards is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic democracy. Unfortunately, folks currently in office oftentimes don't see that reality. But I do, because I work in schools. ... Our (school) districts are overwhelmingly Black and brown in Denver and Aurora. Across the state, Latino students are making up more and more of their student bodies and populations. That means there's a certain inevitability to the politics that I represent, to the politics I fight for.

You can choose not to listen to me and to dehumanize and invalidate me and my politics and my opinions and my ideas. But you will not do that to our generation. I might be the first, but there is no way in hell I will be the last. Young people will continue to build our political power to a politics that we know will fundamentally change our social conditions. If you choose not to listen to me, then that's okay. But this is an opportunity for the legislature to understand and navigate how they're going to work with generations of the future.

CP: Youve also spoken a lot about your identity as a Chicano. While Colorado's Latino population is underrepresented in the legislature, your appointment maintains the size of the Latino caucus. What does it mean to you to be part of that Latino representation?

Hernandez: I'm really thankful to work with Latinos from across the state, from the Western Slope, from the San Luis Valley and from all over. Because I think that Latinos are the future of Colorado. We also are the most underrepresented group in the state legislature. We make up almost 25% of the state population, and we are only 14% of the legislature. White folks are overrepresented in the legislature. I'm hopeful for parity in the future. If 25% of the population are Latinos, then 25% of our legislators should be Latinos. We're on a precipice, and I'm very thankful that the voters of HD4 decided to uphold the current representation that we have. I'm hoping we can build that wider and wider.

CP: What does your appointment to the House mean for your teaching career? Do you plan to return to the classroom?

Hernandez: I'll actually be in the classroom as I'm legislating. I'll be teaching throughout the year. I'm very excited to be able to remain in the classroom, so that way I can legislate from a place of lived experience with the outcomes in our classrooms.

This year, I'm teaching with (the University of Colorado) to build out a program called Pathways2Teaching, which is a concurrent enrollment program to encourage more Black and brown students to become teachers. ... I'll be facilitating that program and I'll also be teaching at Urban Peak, which is a school for unhoused students in Denver. Because I'm teaching through CU, I can adjust the classes around the legislative schedule, but I'll be in the classroom full-time until January.

CP: I know that you brought some of your students to the HD4 vacancy election on Saturday. How did your students react to your appointment?

Hernandez: Oh, man. I'm going to try not to cry as I answer this one. My students watched as Denver Public Schools fired me. As Denver Public Schools publicly exited me and placed me on administrative leave. And as Denver Public Schools villainized me in the press and to families around the district. When talking with my students about what it was like on Saturday for them, they said it was so beautiful to see us finally win. ... My students and I are hopeful that I'll return to North High School to teach Chicano studies and ethnic studies. And we're hoping that our victory in the state legislature might encourage Denver Public Schools to review its approach and its decisions when it comes to hiring practices.

CP: Thinking of your students still, what do you want them to get out of your time in office?

Hernandez: That if we dare to struggle, we dare to win. And if we dare not struggle, then we don't deserve to win. We fought for something very publicly. We fought for more teachers of color, we fought for Chicano studies classes and ethnic studies classes, and we fought for each other. The legislature proves that when we fight, we'll win. It may not be immediately, it may not be in the way we thought it would be. ... But as long as we remain guided by our ancestors and continue to fight, we will win.

Colorado lowers cost of phone calls for prisoners, will make calls free in 2025
During his official visit to Croatia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of this country, Davor Filipovic, Azernews reports with reference to the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on economic and trade ties between the two countries, as well as opportunities for cooperation in the fields of energy, information technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, mine clearance, and other areas.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has awarded a major contract to Abu Dhabi-based Masdar for the construction of the 1,800MW sixth phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, at a total cost of AED5.51 billion ($1.5 billion).

Masdar, the UAE's clean energy powerhouse, emerged the winner with a Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) of $1.6215 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), after beating competition from 23 high-calibre international bidders.

Masdar's bid was the lowest of any of Dewas solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) model projects to date. Also for the sixth phase it will be using photovoltaic solar panels based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, at a key ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

According to Dewa, the current total production capacity of solar projects at the solar park is 2,427MW.

The Dubai utility is building another project with a total capacity of 433MW. The 1,800MW sixth phase of the solar park will increase total production capacity to 4,660MW.

Speaking on the deal, Sheikh Mohammed said: "Today, I witnessed with Mansour bin Zayed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, to implement the sixth phase of the world's largest single-site solar park, at a cost of AED5.5 billion. This phase will power over half a million residences while reducing carbon emissions by 2.36 million tonnes annually."

"All phases of this landmark project are expected to be completed by 2030, with a total investment of AED50 billion. We're on track to achieve our ambitious goal - 100 percent clean energy for Dubai by 2050," he added.

Dr Al Jaber said: "Being awarded this landmark renewable energy project on the world's largest single-site solar park is another significant milestone for Masdar. It is a testament to Masdars track record in pioneering clean energy projects as we continue to support the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative."

"Ahead of our nation hosting COP28 later this year, it is vital that the world triples global renewable energy capacity by 2030 to keep the ambition of 1.5 degrees within reach. This landmark project demonstrates definitive action in our shared journey towards a cleaner, greener future," he added.

Al Tayer said this agreement underscores the UAEs prominent status as one of the worlds largest investors in clean and renewable energy projects.

"It also affirms our support for the UAEs hosting of the COP28 at Expo City Dubai, aligning our strategies and policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in sustainability, innovation and future-making," he added.

When completed, this phase will provide clean energy to approximately 540,000 residences and reduce 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Masdar CEO Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi said: "Following our successful delivery of phase three of the Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of an international consortium, this latest award once again shows that Masdar is a global leader in clean energy as we move forwards from 20GW capacity today to reach 100GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 driving decarbonisation at home and abroad."

"When fully completed, the solar park will reduce over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The 1,800MW sixth phase will become operational in stages starting from Q4 next year, he addded.-TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Chamber of Commerce has revealed that Indian investors topped the list of nationalities behind new companies joining the chamber during the first half of 2023. A total of 6,717 new Indian-owned companies signed up for membership in H1 2023, compared to 4,845 in H1 2022, representing year-over-year growth of 39%.

In total, Indian companies accounted for 22.3% of the 30,146 new companies that joined the chamber in H1 2023. The number of Indian companies registered by the end of June 2023 increased to 90,118, reflecting the important role Indian companies play in supporting the sustainable growth of Dubais economy.

The UAE ranked second in the number of new companies joining the chamber during the first half of this year, with 4,445 new companies registered. Pakistan ranked third with 3,395 new companies, an increase of 59% compared to H1 2022 that brought the total number of Pakistani companies registered to 40,315.

Diversity and dynamism

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented: The diversity of nationalities represented among the new companies joining the chamber reflects the vibrancy of Dubai's dynamic business environment, together with the emirates strong ability to consistently attract a broad range of foreign direct investment.

Lootah highlighted that the number of new chamber members increased by 43% during the first half of 2023, adding: Our extensive facilities, services, and activities add tremendous value for businesses and are closely aligned with the chamber's drive to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda and our strategic priorities.

Other countries with large increases in terms of new memberships included Egypt, with 2,154 new companies joining the chamber. This represents an increase of 102% compared to H1 2022 and brings the total number of Egyptian member companies to 18,028. Additionally, 1,184 new Syrian-owned companies joined during H1 2022, an increase of 24% from the 956 recorded during H1 2022. The overall number of Syrian companies registered with the chamber now stands at 10,678.

Bangladeshi companies

The total number of new Bangladeshi companies registering with the chamber witnessed a year-over-year increase of 47%, rising from 711 in H1 2022 to 1,044 in H1 2023 to contribute to a total of 10,975 companies. Meanwhile, the UK saw an increase of 40%, with the chamber welcoming 963 new UK-owned member companies during H1 2023 to bring the total number to 10,010.

China was also among the top nationalities for new chamber members with 664 new companies joining in H1 2023, up 69% from the H1 2022 figure and bringing the number of Chinese-owned enterprises to 8,265. A total of 639 new Jordanian companies joined during H1 2023, a 36% increase from the 469 recorded during H1 2022 that brings the number of Jordanian businesses registered with the chamber to 8,368.

The number of Lebanese businesses registering witnessed year-over-year growth of 26% in H1 2023, with 588 new members compared to the 468 businesses that joined during the same period last year. This brought the total number of Lebanese businesses registered as members of the chamber at the end of June 2023 to 6,175.

Highest growth rates

The list of countries with the highest growth rates in new member company ownership during H1 2023 included Japan, which increased by 253% to reach 60  up from 17 new companies registered in H1 2022. New Kyrgyzstan-owned company registrations witnessed an increase of 167%, rising from 21 in H1 2022 to 56 in H1 2023.

Tanzania's new business registrations increased from 14 companies in H1 2022 to 34 in H1 2023, while Hungary saw a 138% increase from 16 businesses in H1 2022 to 38 during H1 2023.

Top business sectors

Trading and repair services accounted for 42.4% of the total activities among new member company registrations during H1 2023, followed closely by the real estate, renting, and business service sector, which made up 30.8% of new member companies.

Businesses in the construction industry took third place with 7.2%, while the transport, storage, and telecommunications sector ranked fourth, accounting for 6.3% of the total activity among new companies joining the chamber during the first half of the year.-- TradeArabia News Service
At its hottest, Jenna Morsovillos Iowa State University dorm room hit 95 degrees. Even with seven fans circulating air in the space, she and her roommate have taken to sleeping on the floor when it gets too warm in their lofted beds.

Having moved into Wilson Residence Hall earlier than others on Aug. 11, the college freshman has had to seek cooler climates in the library and her sorority house in order to focus on her first assignments of the year.

Trying to do work in the heat is not really good because you cant really focus, because all youre focused on is how hot it is, Morsovillo said. Trying to do work while its like 95 degrees, its pretty rough.

Temperatures in the triple digits plagued Ames and the rest of the state the week of Aug. 21, when students started attending classes.

Around one-third of ISU students living in campus residence halls dont have air conditioning in their rooms, a fact that has posed problems as record-breaking heat hit Iowa as the university began its fall semester. Students trying to escape the heat have taken to spending what time they can outside of their rooms, on recommendation from the university.

Residence hall adds dining option

Students facing long walks to class from the Wallace and Wilson residence halls at Iowa State have had additional hikes in the heat, because the location lacked a dining hall.

That will change after Labor Day: Iowa State University is expanding its dining options at Wallace and Wilson halls with a new dinner service.

Students will be able to use up to two meal swipes a day at South Side Eats, 5-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday starting Sept. 5. The service will offer a hot meal entree and a chilled grab-and-go option, according to the announcement, both served with a selection of sides.

Wallace and Wilson residence halls, also known as the Towers, also house a micro-market with grab-and-go items that students can purchase. The Storms Dining Complex remains closed after it shut down alongside the residence halls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closest dining hall for students with meal plans is about three-quarters of a mile away.

Students had 24/7 access to air-conditioned dens and common spaces in the residence halls, Director of Communication and Marketing for Campus Life Meredith Ponder Hanisch wrote in an email to Iowa Capital Dispatch. We also encouraged students to seek out other spaces on campus, including the dining halls, Park Library and Memorial Union, to study and meet with friends during (the) highest heat index of the day.

Students were also welcome to bring fans or freestanding, evaporation room coolers that do not require ventilation, she wrote. They could also check a fan out from a limited number at residence hall desks.

When equipment malfunction at the campus power plant caused a fire that knocked out cooling systems for the university Aug. 24, many students fled campus entirely, going home or with friends. The university canceled activities and moved the following days classes online, and classes resumed as normal this week after repairs were made.

Buses fill up

Trying to get around campus poses its own challenges, Landry Norton said. The freshman said shes lucky to live in an air-conditioned room in Geoffrey Hall, but when trying to catch a ride to class or other buildings, buses would fill up quickly and leave those who didnt fit to wait for the next one or walk.

A lot of our schedules are spread out freshman year because were taking Gen Ed and other courses so we go from one side of the campus to the other side of campus, Norton said. In the heat, it kind of sucks.

Shes known students who have bunked in their friends air-conditioned dorms or their sorority houses rather than in dens.

Other than just adding AC to dorms, Morsovillo was unsure of how the university could help students like her handle the heat. Students arent allowed to bring their own air-conditioning units into dorm rooms for safety reasons, and to manage electrical demands.

Students pay more for AC

Residence halls are listed online as either having or not having air conditioning, Hanisch wrote, and students can list their preference in residence hall when they apply. Depending on the residence hall and what amenities are offered, the cost of a traditional, double-occupancy room with air conditioning can increase from $386 to $2,145.

The ISU Department of Residence is continually working to maintain and upgrade our facilities, Hanisch wrote. Expanding the number of halls that are air conditioned is something we hope to do in years to come.
During a press conference on September 6th, Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot, introduced the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct for Luxembourg: LuxNCP. During the conference, Minister Fayot presented the team, and outlined the missions, and the activities of LuxNCP. He also seized the opportunity to present the main recommendations contained in the recently published LuxNCP's Peer Review Report .

MECO (fr. l. to r.) Christian Schuller, President of LuxNCP; Franz Fayot, Minister for the Economy ; Basak Baglayan, Secretary General of LuxNCP; Tom Theves, First Councillor, Ministry of the Economy MECO (fr. l. to r.) Christian Schuller, President of LuxNCP; Franz Fayot, Minister for the Economy ; Basak Baglayan, Secretary General of LuxNCP MECO Franz Fayot, Minister of the Economy

OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct ("the Guidelines") are a set of recommendations issued by governments to businesses to promote responsible business conduct. They are the only internationally recognized standard on responsible business conduct which 51 governments have agreed at a multilateral level. Since their introduction in 1976, the Guidelines have been revised and updated six times to remain fit for purpose in light of societal challenges and the evolving context for international business. The most recent update took place in June 2023.

The Guidelines cover a range of issues such as disclosure of information on business activities, respect for human rights, management of labour relations and employment practices, environmental protection, anti-corruption, promotion of consumer interests, alignment with host country science and technology policies, compliance with competition laws, and compliance with tax requirements.

As such, the Guidelines have a broad scope, both in terms of content and geographical coverage. The Guidelines provide for a unique implementation mechanism through the National Contact Points.

The LuxNCP

Each government that adheres to the Guidelines is required to set up a National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct (NCP). There are currently 51 NCPs, which together form the OECD's NCP Network, with an identical mission.

Created in 2000, the LuxNCP has three primary tasks:

1. To raise awareness and promote the uptake of the OECD Guidelines and the related due diligence guidance published by the OECD.

2. To contribute to the resolution of issues that arise in the implementation of the Guidelines when complaints are lodged with the LuxNCP.

3. To contribute to the Government's efforts to develop, implement, and foster policies that promote responsible business conduct.

The LuxNCP for RBC is based, managed and coordinated within the Ministry of the Economy.

Main recommendations of peer review

The OECD NCP peer reviews are the primary mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness and performance of individual NCPs. The objectives of the peer review are to assess the functioning and activities of the NCPs; to identify NCPs' strengths and achievements as well as shortcomings and opportunities for improvement; to make recommendations for improvement in line with the Guidelines; and to serve as a learning tool for both the NCP under review and the NCPs that participated in the review.

In September 2022, the LuxNCP, as a part of the peer review process, hosted a delegation consisting of NCP representatives from Iceland, Latvia and Switzerland, accompanied by representatives from the OECD Secretariat.

Some of the main recommendations of the peer review report include putting in place regular, formalized stakeholder engagements. The LuxNCP has taken this recommendation into account already by initiating stakeholder consultation meetings. In light of the LuxNCP's "mono-agency" structure, where it operates within a single ministry (the Ministry of the Economy), the peer review addressed concerns about independence and being overly pro-business. The peers found that the LuxNCP's proximity to the Ministry of the Economy in reality facilitated interactions with companies, especially when handling complaints, and helped in raising awareness.

As per the recommendations of the peer review, the LuxNCP will be studying the possibility of introducing a legal basis and has already set up a programme of activities to promote the Guidelines for the years 2023-2024. To improve the visibility of the NCP, and to maximize reach and impact both among companies and the general public, the LuxNCP is drawing up a list of organisations to reach out to. LuxNCP has set up a new website in two languages and established an account on the social network X (formerly Twitter).

Following the presentation, Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot stated: "Compliance with the OECD Guidelines is essential to ensure a sustainable economy. The LuxNCP is a formidable tool for promoting responsible business conduct, particularly in terms of due diligence, human rights and governance. I would like to pay tribute to its remarkable development in recent years, and I congratulate the entire team for its tireless work, which has made it possible to achieve these positive results in the peer review".

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy
Chinese premier arrives in Jakarta for official visit, calls for ASEAN's greater role in int'l affairs

Xinhua) 08:34, September 06, 2023

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 5, 2023. At the invitation of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair, Li will attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from September 5 to 8, and pay an official visit to Indonesia. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JAKARTA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports ASEAN's central position in regional cooperation and its greater role in international affairs, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks upon his arrival here for an official visit to Indonesia, where he will also attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.

To welcome Li, honor guards marched along the red carpet to pay tribute, and local people in traditional costumes performed Indonesian folk dances. Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi and other officials greeted Li at the airport.

Noting that the visit is his first to an Asian country as premier, Li said that China stands ready to have in-depth exchanges of views with all parties on major issues of regional cooperation, strengthen solidarity and coordination, share development opportunities, work together to meet challenges, and promote East Asia to continuously serve as an important engine for global development.

Li pointed out that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, China-Indonesia relations have developed rapidly, setting an example of developing countries to work together and cooperate for joint development.

China is ready to work with Indonesia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, build a closer China-Indonesia community with a shared future, promote integrated and mutually reinforcing modernization through high-level and all-round strategic cooperation, and inject more stability and new momentum into international and regional cooperation, Li added.

During the visit, Li will also hold talks with Widodo and attend events including the Indonesia Sustainability Forum 2023.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 5, 2023. At the invitation of President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair, Li will attend the 26th China-ASEAN Summit, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia from September 5 to 8, and pay an official visit to Indonesia. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Saudi Maritime Congress (SMC) 2023 is expected to unveil an inspiring vision for the future of both the Saudi Arabian oilfield and maritime service markets.

Forecasts indicate a combined market value of $12.08 billion in 2023, setting the stage for an impressive surge with projections soaring to a remarkable $19.68 billion by 2030. This extraordinary growth is fuelled by a striking compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.22%.

Taking place from September 20 to 21, 2023 in Dammam, the congress serves as a platform for this forward-looking narrative, emphasising the pivotal role of substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies and transformative digital initiatives, guiding both industries towards this ambitious destination.

Keynote session

Kicking off this influential event is the keynote session on Day One, featuring Dr Abdullah Alahmari, President & CEO at IMI, in a 40-minute discussion moderated by Eithne Treanor, MD of E.Treanor Media.

Reinforcing the kingdoms growth

Chris Morley, Group Event Director of Seatrade Maritime, the organiser of this gathering, emphasises the pivotal role of improved Saudi maritime logistics in boosting port revenues. As the kingdom expands its inland logistics hubs and enhances rail connectivity, the aim is to quadruple the annual container throughput to a staggering 40 million TEU by 2030.

This bold vision aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, manifesting through colossal projects like the $500 billion Neom initiative and the groundbreaking Oxagon port, set to become the world's largest floating structure.

Shipbuilding

Additionally, as the shipbuilding sector rapidly grows, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is preparing to establish a new body to oversee shipbuilding and ship maintenance and repair services, further diversifying the economy and fostering new industrial sectors.

The second keynote session maintains a spotlight on Saudi Arabia and its strategic alignment with the global maritime market. Joanna Crisan, programming the session, underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to maritime trade expansion, the development of new economic cities, and the digitalisation of vessel operations.

In 2021, Saudi Arabia demonstrated the highest regional progress in the Maritime Connectivity Index and ranks 20th globally in the maritime transport industry. Over the past decade, its maritime sector has doubled, with 53,000 ships registered in 150+ countries, collectively carrying a staggering 11 billion tonnes of cargo annually.

Knowledge exchange and networking

To forge vital connections within the international maritime community, industry experts will share their insights on trade, regulations, and opportunities for collaboration with Saudi Arabia. Distinguished panelists include Eng Hessa Ahmed Hamdan Almalek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Erik Jensby, Head of Business Development and Membership at BIMCO; Stuart Neil, Director of Strategy & Communications at ICS; Khurram Ali, Partner ME at Ince & Co; and Paul Holthus, Founding President and CEO of World Ocean Council.

SMC 2023 returns for its two-day exhibition and conference at Dhahran Expo, Dammam, KSA. Following the resounding success of the 2022 event, which attracted 3,757 international visitors, key maritime executives, leading marine equipment and service providers, and influential figures shaping the KSA maritime landscape will convene once more.

The event's exhibition will feature prominent companies such as MAWANI, IMI, Transport Global Authority, Saudi Global Ports Co, Grandweld, Naghi Marine Company, DP World Middle East, ASRY and more.-- TradeArabia News Service
Montana's special counsel for the office charged with disciplining lawyers on Tuesday filed 41 counts of alleged professional misconduct against Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen.

Special Counsel Timothy Strauch did not return a call late Tuesday seeking comment on the filing with the Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel, a court-appointed body overseen by the Montana Supreme Court. The complaint, publicly available on the state Supreme Court's docket website, requests an adjudicatory panel from the commission be formed to hear the allegations and forward a recommendation to the Montana Supreme Court for possible disciplinary action.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General's Office denounced the allegations as "meritless" and pointed to Strauch's past donations to Democratic candidates' campaigns in alleging him to be a "long-time Democrat activist."

"The Attorney General looks forward to filing his response with the commission," spokesperson Emilee Cantrell said in an email late Tuesday. "The allegations are meritless and stem from a legitimate dispute between two branches of government. No one should be persecuted for holding a different opinion than those in power."

At its core, the complaint alleges Knudsen violated the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct intended to preserve public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the state's judicial system.

"Contrary to these ethical precepts," Strauch wrote in the complaint, "Knudsen and lawyers under his supervision routinely and frequently undermined public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of our system of justice by attempting to evade the authority of the Montana Supreme Court and assaulting the integrity of the judiciary and the individual justices who were duly elected by Montana citizens to make decisions. Because of this misconduct, the public may be led to question whether the judicial system itself is worthy of respect."

The 41 counts in the complaint draw from eight documents, court filings or letters from the Attorney General's Office over the course of the so-called "McLaughlin case," when the conflict between state Republicans and the judicial branch was at its peak.

Since his election to the statewide post in 2020, Knudsen's office has not shied away from criticism of the judicial branch. Kyler Nerison, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office, in a statement to the media called the Supreme Court's conduct over the course of one case "unethical," "embarrassing for the state" and "shameful."

Knudsen's office has spent considerable time in his first term defending Republican lawmakers who have sought to wrest some internal controls away from the judiciary. In 2021, following the GOP's sweep of statewide elections, lawmakers were explicit about their hopes of seeing more judges they consider sympathetic to conservative ambitions named to the bench.

The 41 alleged violations begin in April 2021, four months after Knudsen took office and when the conflict between Republican-controlled branches of state government got underway with the judiciary. That case began as a challenge to a new law that gave the governor broader power to appoint judges, and spawned a separate dispute about judges taking internal polls on pending legislation to determine the judiciary's support or opposition to those bills. Republican lawmakers subpoenaed over 5,000 emails from the Montana Supreme Court administrator Beth McLaughlin and the Supreme Court ordered that subpoena be shut down.

Then-Lieutenant General Kristin Hansen rejected the order in an open letter, representing legislators at the time.

"The Legislature does not recognize this court's order as binding and will not abide by it," Hansen, who has since died, wrote. "The Legislature will not entertain the court's interference in the Legislature's investigation of the serious and troubling conduct of members of the judiciary."

Over time, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the law at the genesis of the conflict, but Republicans pushed on, forming an investigative commission, subpoenaing all seven Supreme Court justices to appear at a hearing. The state's high court pushed back, calling the legislative probe "overreach" and an attempt to undercut the public confidence in the branch.

Correction: This article previously misstated the authority of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel as a state agency. It is a court-appointed body overseen by the Montana Supreme Court.
Two Montana abortion providers have gone to court to request a judge block a new law from taking effect next month that's intended to add regulatory oversight specific to such clinics.

That law  House Bill 937 from Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls  directed the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to develop a licensure structure and additional guidelines for which abortion clinics must abide, or suffer $1,000 per day for noncompliance. The law came with an Oct. 1 start date.

However, Blue Mountain Clinic of Missoula and All Families Healthcare of Whitefish in legal filings submitted Friday in Lewis and Clark County District Court, state DPHHS has issued no guidance to comply with the upcoming law to remain licensed in Montana. Attorneys for the clinics, which include the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, argue that allowing the Oct. 1 deadline to stand would result in a disruption in abortion care.

A spokesperson for DPHHS on Tuesday declined to comment.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB 937 in May, along with a raft of another bills restricting abortions either by procedure or by coverage through public programs like Medicaid. Four laws passed by the Legislature this year are already on hold following a preliminary injunction granted in Lewis and Clark County District Court.

Helen Weems, an abortion provider and the founder of All Families Healthcare, has also signed on as a plaintiff in the earlier lawsuits.

"Abortion care is already subject to government oversight and regulation, and it is incredibly safe and necessary health care," Weems said in a press release Friday. "Yet abortion providers like myself have faced relentless attacks for providing care to our communities.

"To make matters worse, in the three months since this bill was signed, the state has yet to tell us what is required to become licensed, making it impossible for us to comply with the law by Oct. 1," she added.

Beyond the lack of guidance for licensure, attorneys for the clinic argue HB 937 is unconstitutional in its specific targeting of abortion providers, citing the 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling that found the state Constitution protected the right to access an abortion.

State attorneys have not yet filed a response with the court.
The states highest ranking legal official this week became the subject of a 41-count complaint filed with the professional board well known by attorneys but rarely a subject of public discourse.

The Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel has, occasionally, disbarred attorneys from practicing. More often it finds a resolution  be it rehabilitation, probation or a mentorship  before it reaches the point of a public, formal complaint like the one leveled against Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen on Tuesday. The crux of the complaint alleges Knudsen violated the professional rules of attorney conduct by repeatedly, in 41 alleged instances, attempting to undermine the public confidence in the judicial branch.

A spokesperson for Knudsen Tuesday said he looks forward to responding to the complaint, while GOP supporters like state party chair Don "Don K" Kaltschmidt quickly took to social media to disparage the complaint as a political stunt.

Chief disciplinary counsel Pam Bucy recused herself in this case, appointing Missoula attorney Timothy Strauch, in order to avoid that perception.

"Because I ran for attorney general as a Democrat (in 2012), I've worked at the AG's office for years as the chief deputy, so I didn't want this to be political in any way," Bucy said in a phone interview Wednesday. "That's why I recused myself and appointed a prosecutor."

Strauch was the first lawyer appointed to the position back in 2002.

"He's very knowledgeable about this process and that's why he was appointed," Bucy said.

In the regulatory structure governing attorney ethics and behavior, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel acts as a prosecutor before the Commission on Practice, essentially the court to hear and make a judgement in the case regarding resolutions or discipline. Those judgements that are ultimately upheld or modified by the Montana Supreme Court.

On average, Bucy said about 15 out of 400-some complaints reach for the formal complaint process, which can take a year or more. The vast majority are dismissed or entered into some diversion program before they reach the formal complaint process at which Knudsen now finds himself.

Prior to the Office of Disciplinary Counsels creation, the Commission on Practice served both functions, occasionally appointing private attorneys to serve in prosecutorial functions.

In December 2001, the Montana Supreme Court reworked its system to police lawyers' conduct, creating the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to investigate unethical behavior by attorneys. The Supreme Court appoints the disciplinary counsel, and its office is funded by fees assessed on lawyers practicing in Montana.

The process is similar to most licensed professions, in which a board of peers oversees their profession's practice and ethical obligations, Bucy said.

Billings attorney Mark Parker endorsed the system in the August edition of Montana Lawyer, a publication of the State Bar of Montana. Parker has represented "scores of attorneys" in such disciplinary proceedings, he wrote in the article titled "Lawyers are people too  the art of representing a peer."

"All in all, the new system works fine," Parker wrote. "The Chief Justice has done a good job of picking competent prosecutors. Although I disagree with them from time to time, I think they get it right in a large majority of cases."

Knudsen's shop quickly pointed to Strauchs past campaign contributions in decrying the complaint as a "political stunt" and Strauch as a "long-time Democrat activist and donor."

Records with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices show Strauch donated a total of $600 to seven different Democratic campaigns since 2000, most recently to Monica Tranel's 2020 bid for Public Service Commission. For some comparison, he's also donated $5,290 to nonpartisan judicial campaigns in the same timeframe.

Kaltschmidt, chairman of the Montana GOP, likewise sought to undermine Strauch after news of the complaint against Knudsen reached X, the social media company formerly known as Twitter.

"Meritless drivel from a partisan investigator  Shame on you!" Kaltschmidt wrote in a post.

Past cases may provide insight into what kind of road the Commission on Practice might be headed down. In 2018, Montana attorney Brian Miller was the subject of a complaint alleging he crossed the line in criticizing then U.S. District Court Judge Charles Lovell. Miller was the plaintiff's attorney in an insurance dispute and ultimately lost the case.

A complaint filed with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel after the ruling included an allegation that Miller had violated professional conduct rules by asserting Lovell altered testimony and created defenses on behalf of the insurance companies named as defendants, "with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of Judge Lovell," according to records from Miller's case.

For this and two other violations of the professional conduct code, Miller was publicly admonished by the Commission on Practice.

A more serious discipline emerged from the case of Hamilton attorney Robert Myers in 2017. The Commission on Practice recommended Myers be disbarred for making statements "with reckless disregard for the truth" during his campaign for District Court when he accused the incumbent judge of drug use and presiding over cases in which there was an alleged conflict of interest.

The Montana Supreme Court upheld the commission's recommendations, disbarring Myers from practicing law and ordering him to pay the cost of the proceedings.
In December 1998, U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston, R-La., was set to succeed Rep. Newt Gingrich as speaker of the House. Gingrich had announced his resignation from Congress and the speakership in the wake of a disastrous midterm election for Republicans as well as revelations that he'd been having an affair with a House staffer who was more than two decades younger.

This was a problem for the Republicans given the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton over matters stemming from his own infidelity. But before Livingston could get the gavel, it was revealed that he, too, had cheated on his wife. Livingston responded by announcing he would resign immediately. Among those most opposed to Livingston's decision: President Clinton. The White House implored him to reconsider. The last thing Democrats wanted was for an adulterous politician to resign in contrition rather than put his party, country and family through more needless drama.

That moment came to mind last week when President Joe Biden gave his full support to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the wake of a second disturbing episode in which the 81-year-old leader briefly went catatonic when taking questions from reporters. "I'm confident he's going to be back to his old self," Biden told reporters. He dismissed McConnell's struggles since a concussion-inducing fall earlier this year as "part of his recovery."

The last thing Biden -- who will be 81 in November -- needs is for Republicans to show some consistency on the issue of age and public service, particularly when the vast majority of Americans, including two-thirds of Democrats, believe Biden is too old to run again.

That's one of the funny things about partisanship: It can impose consistency, even in an age of partisan expediency. For instance, during the "Me Too" era, Democrats invested a lot in the issue of sexual impropriety. Among other things, it was a useful and legitimate cudgel against a Republican president who could be heard on tape boasting of sexually assaulting women (a president who, more recently, was found liable in a civil trial of sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll). So when former Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota was credibly accused of crossing the line with women, he found it necessary to resign.

In fairness, the McConnell-Biden comparison isn't perfect. McConnell's difficulties reportedly stem from a bad fall last March. And while Biden often seems confused or lethargic, he hasn't had an episode as disturbing as the two McConnell freeze-ups caught on camera.

McConnell's aides, colleagues and others say that in private McConnell seems like his old self. Moreover, as high-powered as McConnell is, the job isn't as demanding as being president, never mind running for president. It seems Republicans are comfortable with a wait-and-see approach to McConnell's health. But the consequences of McConnell's fall raise the stakes for Biden. Falls are dangerous -- and common -- for the elderly. Having a president one tumble away from perhaps debilitating cognitive impairment is not reassuring.

Constitutionally, McConnell is merely one important player among 100 senators, and 535 legislators. Meanwhile, Biden commands the entire executive branch.

And while the elevation of the president to a quasi-monarchical figure who "runs" the country and therefore needs Kennedyesque "vigor" is pernicious nonsense, that view is widely held by Americans in both parties.

The White House knows this, which is why so much of its spin on the age issue falls flat.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insists that the issue for the voters is Biden's record of ability to "get things done" thanks to his decades of political experience. It's the best argument they have, but it doesn't speak to the issue that causes 7 out of 10 Democrats to think he's too old to serve another term. And her reassurances that "it is hard for us to keep up with this president" evoke eyerolls, given that he's spent something like 40% of his presidency on personal nights away from the White House and has a very light schedule.

Politically, the basic problem for Biden is that, while Americans don't necessarily know a lot about the finer points of public policy or the arcana of the legislative process, they do know what an oldster, already well-past life expectancy, looks like when age starts to take its toll.

The Democrats are betting that even if Americans think Biden is physically unfit for the presidency, he can beat Donald Trump because Trump is characterologically unfit. The bet might pay off, but it strikes me as a wildly irresponsible gamble.
A new study is offering data to back one of the core assumptions about the spread of COVID: The intensity of exposure to the virus matters, and vaccines and prior infections can only help so much  but they do indeed help.

The research, led by scientists at the Yale School of Public Health and published in Nature Communications, also reinforces the common-sense notion that masks and air filtration can augment the protection provided by a vaccine and lower the risk of getting the virus. Anyone watching COVID cases bubble back up in their community should take that to heart: Infections arent unavoidable, and the tools weve been using to protect ourselves are not just intuitive  and shouldnt be controversial. Theyre increasingly backed up by evidence.

While real-world data has given scientists a reasonable sense of COVID vaccines ability to protect against the worst outcomes of the virus, understanding their effectiveness at preventing transmission has been difficult.

A team of researchers struck on a smart way of trying to show the vaccines are leaky  that is, they can protect against transmission, but only up to a certain level of exposure to the virus. They looked at infections in Connecticut prisons.

A correctional facility provides a unique opportunity to consider the vaccines effectiveness. Rarely do researchers have such complete information on who a person is directly and intensely exposed to (a cellmate), is likely in regular close contact with (others in a cell block), or is potentially exposed to in more transient situations (in the broader community). Researchers meanwhile also knew how many times everyone had been previously infected or vaccinated. Even better, testing was conducted often and according to a set of rules, rather than personal inclinations.

By tracking infections during the delta and omicron waves, the researchers found that hybrid immunity  or having been both vaccinated and previously infected  did the best job at protecting people from getting COVID, even when in close quarters with someone with the virus. Immunity acquired from vaccination or previous infections alone was leakier  they conferred reasonable protection from infection when exposure to the virus was low, but much less when exposure was high.

The research, of course, has limitations. The study is observational, meaning it draws conclusions by looking back at the available data rather than actively testing a hypothesis. And the scientists could only assess the number of infections, not their severity. The prison population skews heavily male and young. Id like to see this study repeated in settings such as retirement homes.

Still, the paper suggests that avoiding a prolonged exposure to COVID, even after vaccination and prior infection, is a good way to avoid getting infected. The study suggests that masks and ventilation matter, not only as their own form of protection, but because lowering your exposure to the virus seems to improve the effectiveness of the immunity conferred by your vaccines and previous infections.

One clear takeaway for the public is that anyone still dragging their heels on getting boosted should reconsider when the updated shots arrive in a few weeks. A mere 20% of adults in the U.S. got the last booster, so theres a lot of room for improvement. The data have long been abundantly clear that the current crop of vaccines is critical for saving lives and keeping the most vulnerable out of the hospital, and now theres good reason to think keeping up to date on your boosters can help you also avoid some infections.

Thats a reasonable goal. After all, we still dont have a good handle on the potential long-term health consequences of repeated infections with COVID, so minimizing that risk seems like a no-brainer.

As cases climb, its also worth revisiting tried-and-true ways of lowering your exposure to the virus. That could mean pulling out a mask in situations where the risk might be high. And it should mean continuing to invest in improving the quality of indoor air we breathe, whether thats at home, school or work. At the very least, throw open a window while the weather is still warm.
Nearly eight years ago, the United States opened up all military combat roles to women, clearing a path for female service members to join the most elite military forces. But even before the first women qualified to become part of the revered Green Berets or 75th Ranger Regiment, thousands worked in noncombat roles dating as far back as the Revolutionary War. During the war in Afghanistan, women deployed, and one died, working alongside the Green Berets and Army Rangers.

Still, gender biases, and at times outright misogyny, pervade all levels of the Special Operations forces, according to a recent report by the Army Special Operations Command, which aimed to discover what challenges its 2,300 female service members encounter. ... In response to a survey, one senior enlisted man wrote that women requesting to go to Special Forces dont do so to capitalize on career opportunities but to look for a husband, boyfriend or attention. Another anonymous senior enlisted man said it is ridiculous to think women can perform most jobs at the same physical, mental and emotional levels as men. Some threatened to retire before working on a team with a woman.

These comments, alas, are not outliers. The report concludes they reflect the sexist mentality of many male soldiers.

Gender integration has long been a problem for the military at large, and the Special Operations forces deserve commendation for taking the lead in investigating and extinguishing these divisions. Especially as the Army begins to increasingly rely on Special Forces, ensuring they are fair and nondiscriminatory spaces will be vital as the branch continues to face recruitment challenges.

Yet gender bias makes life in the Special Forces unnecessarily difficult for women. Many men wrote they feared that having both men and women on combat teams would anger their wives and degrade team unity. Yet other countries that have integrated teams have not documented difficulties with unit cohesion, and studies in the business sector show that gender-diverse teams make better decisions up to 73% of the time.

Particularly troubling is the culture of fear and harassment researchers documented within the Special Forces. Women at multiple military bases reported that other soldiers would bang on their doors in the middle of the night. Soldiers said the master key would be given to anyone who asked without question, and one woman said a male soldier used the key to access her room and leave a pair of high-heel combat boots. A senior female officer told the research team that she works to get her soldiers out of the barracks because they are not safe there.

Female soldiers describe a system that crushes attempts to report cases of sexual harassment. Researchers conducted 48 focus groups. In one, a woman said her officer in charge warned that if she filed a report, it would become how she would be known throughout the regiment and admonished her to quit being a little girl. Another said she was told her complaint would go nowhere because the offender was cool with the higher-ups. Women from one unit were particularly reluctant to discuss sexual harassment reporting experiences, but after some sessions, one participant approached a researcher alone in the bathroom and said she was told not to rat on anyone during these interviews.

Focus group participants acknowledged previous or ongoing sexual harassment. Yet only 30% of female soldiers reported sexual harassment as a challenge in the researchers survey, a number that shocked most women in the small group discussions. Considering the conditions in which women serve, many are likely afraid to speak out.

Women have fought and died for this country alongside men for centuries. The gender bias and abuse still alive in the military are a disservice to the country, but with transparency and targeted efforts that the Armys Special Operations Command is modeling for the rest, the armed forces can be transformed.
BRISTOL, Tenn.  The Bristol Tennessee City Council entered into a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the Bristol Tennessee Board of Education regarding funding for police officers in schools, known as school resource officers.

At Tuesdays council meeting, Danielle Smith, the Bristol, Tennessee city attorney, explained that the MOU facilitates the approval of state grant funds, which will cover the salaries of seven SROs for the citys schools.

Tennessee law requires that if the city is going to provide law enforcement officers to serve in schools as SROs, that that relationship be governed by a memorandum of understanding between the city and the school system, Smith said.

Through the SRO grant program, which provides local law enforcement with up to $75,000 per SRO, the state of Tennessee aims to have an SRO in every public school in the state.

Smith highlighted that the SRO grant funds they receive will provide SROs at Anderson Elementary, Avoca Elementary, Fairmount Elementary, Haynesfield Elementary, Holston View Elementary, Tennessee Middle School, and Tennessee High School. However, she emphasized that the SRO grants do not cover Viking Academy.

In order to cover that missing SRO, the city and the school system have decided to enter into an addendum to the main MOU between the city and school system and that then that would cover the funding for the Viking Academy SRO, Smith said. The salary and benefits of that SRO will be reimbursed by the school system to the city.

Council member Mark Hutton highlighted that in the future, he hopes that the city will take over the funding of SROs in order to ease the burden on the school system.

State funding is great, but it doesnt take anything but a few votes at the legislature to see that funding go away, Hutton said. My hope is that as were working out all these details, as the states contributing funds, as the city is working on MOUs, that this becomes something that we as a city take on more and more of the financial burden, so that its less and less on the school system.
Workers affected by the recent closing of furniture makers Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will be able to explore options at a jobs fair scheduled for next week.

The jobs fair is organized by NCWorks and the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board, according to information posted on the Alexander County website.

It comes less than three weeks after the furniture maker announced it would be closing after 34 years in business. The closing affected 533 workers at the companys main plant in Taylorsville, framing plant in Hiddenite and distribution center in Statesville.

Company founder Mitchell Gold said in an interview the closing came after the bank suspended credit to the company. The company is owned by The Stephens Group, an investment firm based in Arkansas.
A staggering 81% of Middle East and Africa firms are ramping up investment in artificial intelligence (AI) while 46% of firms are re-evaluating Chatbots, 27% reconsidering CRM platforms and 23% enhancing Natural Language Translation.

This is according to the Digital Experience Intelligence Report released at The Digital Experience Show Middle East 2023, which has commenced in Riyadh.

The report offers profound insights into the investment plans and digital strategies of Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern organisations, charting their course for the year 2024.

Potent instruments

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Intelligent Automation (IA) are proving to be potent instruments to enhance customer loyalty, drive growth, and optimise efficiency.

The event spotlighted the pivotal role of digital experience in conferring a true competitive advantage, evident in sustained commercial triumph and elevated customer satisfaction.

Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director of Customer Experience Live, the organisers of the event, underscored this, stating: These technologies, when combined, empower companies to understand customer behaviour, converting interactions into actionable insights. This predictive capability enables systems to anticipate and fulfill customer needs, delivering distinctive and enriched experiences.

Cutting-edge tech

Moreover, as organisations emphasise the cultivation of customer loyalty and accelerated growth, the significance of adopting cutting-edge technologies to amplify digital interactions cannot be overstated.

A resounding 76% of business leaders affirm that customers expect a continuous stream of innovation through digital products and services that provide substantial value. Correspondingly, 74% of organisations are actively developing more digital experiences, and 63% of companies report an augmented investment in Digital Experience Technology.

The report also provides insights into budget allocation for technological deployment. Notably, 68% of companies confirmed plans to invest over $200,000 in customer experience (CX) in 2024. Furthermore, an assertive 28% have committed to an investment exceeding $1,000,000 for the same purpose.

Strategic imperative

Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones affirmed, "MODON believes that embracing and optimising digital interactions is a strategic imperative for organisations aspiring to thrive in today's dynamic environment."

The event's sponsors include Verint, Uniphore, channels by stc, Riyadh Airport Company, ccc by stc, Silah Gulf, Konnect Insights, Aurus, and 2 Ring. Thought-provoking perspectives were shared by aramco, The Coca-Cola Company, Tawuniya, Riyadh Municipality, NEOM, flyadeal, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Human and Social Development, Virgin Megastore, and others, providing invaluable insights and expertise on harnessing digital experience.

Mamoun Alamouri, Vice President of Uniphore, said: Uniphore is dedicated to transforming every aspect impacting customer journeys, driven by our commitment to provide the planets most engaging customer and employee experiences through a unified Enterprise-class multimodal AI and data platform.

Acknowledging exceptional accomplishments, the Digital Experience Awards, held on September 6 at the event, honoured prominent regional organisations that have invested to yield remarkable outcomes in CX and digitisation, including the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), Riyadh Airports Company, solutions by stc, Bupa Arabia, Mobily, Emkan Finance Company, Cobone, and Silah Gulf.-- TradeArabia News Service
An infected bat found in Lenoir makes the third case of rabies in Caldwell County this year.

On Wednesday, the North Carolina State Laboratory notified Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement that a bat submitted for testing was infected with the rabies virus. The bat was found on Steeltown Road in Lenoir when it came into contact with two dogs.

Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement will host a free rabies vaccine clinic on Oct. 21. Vaccines will be free for Caldwell County residents and $10 for non-county residents. Pets must be on a leash or in a crate at the event.

If there are any questions concerning rabies or receiving a rabies vaccination, the Caldwell County Animal Care Enforcement can be contacted at 828-572-4535. The department is located at 180 Government Way, in Lenoir. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If there is an emergency situation outside the departments business hours, notify the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office at 828-758-2324.
Applause broke out as Catawba County commissioners voted to deny a rezoning for a solar energy project for the second time in two years on Tuesday.

Blackburn Solar, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, sought to have 635 acres along Hickory-Lincolnton Highway rezoned for the purpose of building a 325-acre solar field.

The project was intended to help Wells Fargo meet its renewable energy goals. A Wells Fargo representative who spoke at the meeting said the solar project would help provide more than half of the companys yearly energy demands in North and South Carolina over the next 20 years.

The company also planned to donate around 120 acres to the Catawba Lands Conservancy.

The company applied to have the land rezoned for a similar project last year, but the commissioners denied the request, citing concerns over the appropriateness of the land use, noise and impact on water quality and health.

The company modified their plans the second time around. The changes included increasing the setbacks from the solar inverters so that they would be a minimum of 450 feet from the northern property line and 375 feet from the southern property line.

Their plans also called for a plant buffer that would obscure or totally eliminate the view of the solar field and a system to keep runoff water from running onto other properties.

The Catawba County Planning Board recommended the county commissioners reject the project by a 4-2 vote. The board found the rezoning was inconsistent with county plans which called for the land to be used for low-density housing or agriculture.

Around a dozen people spoke during the public hearing on the rezoning. Opponents included farmers who argued against the loss of farming land and residents who voiced concerns about the environmental impact and the business practices of Blackburn Solar and NextEra.

Wells Fargo says that this would potentially cover half of their energy bills with these panels going up, resident Scott Bachman said. Well, my proposal is that Wells Fargo take these panels and stick them where they belong: on top of their corporate offices and bank buildings.

Most of the residents who spoke were against the project, but a few joined in with the companys representatives in arguing in favor of the rezoning.

Christian Moe said he supported the solar field because he preferred it to other potential land uses.

At the end of the day, I am here because I am selfish, Moe said. I do not want my road to have more traffic. I do not want to smell a chicken farm. I do not want to deal with 800 homes being built like what is happening farther down Startown Road.

Andy Wells, a former state senator who currently serves on the N.C. Board of Transportation and is running for governor, spoke in favor of the project as well.

Wells said he was there representing some of the landowners who wanted to sell their property. He argued that allowing the solar farm would help protect the neighbors against heavier industrial uses.

Somebody is going to want that site for industrial if you dont put something in the way of that process and the only thing stopping a billion-dollar industrial project on this site is for you to approve this project, which is a transitional project, Wells said.

Ultimately, the rezoning was denied with all five commissioners  Randy Isenhower, Barbara Beatty, Austin Allran, Cole Setzer and Robert Abernethy  voting against it.

Abernethy said he was concerned about the impact of the project on neighboring property owners while Isenhower said he felt there had not been substantial changes from the previous submission.

Setzer said he was worried by the uncertainty of the long-term fate of the property.

After wading through all this, theres just still a lot of unanswered questions, Setzer said. There was many times that I heard the word transitional, which to me is a temporary word which means, what happens to the property next after that?
As I begin another year of teaching American government and history, I pause to commemorate the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring I Have a Dream speech.

Further in that vein, I also write to remind our elected North Carolina General Assembly to consider and reconsider for the greater good of all citizens of our great state the meaning of our 14th Amendment. Its time that our elected representatives pay attention to that amendment. There may be a veto-proof majority, but James Madison warns us that sometimes that majority may actually create a tyranny of its own making.

Respectfully I offer the following:

When the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made reference to the Declaration of Independence in his famous I Have a Dream speech, he really brought to our attention something far greater than most realized. Namely that it was about time we followed, not only the principles of the declaration, but of the principles embodied in the constitution through the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment is generally thought of as either a Civil War amendment or a Reconstruction amendment depending on ones perspective. However, many miss the connection of the 14th to ideals of the American Revolution as embodied in the Declaration of Independence. It is to that connection that this essay is dedicated.

We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government,.. These words from the Declaration are the real connection to the 14th Amendment.

First, the revolutionary leaders understood that the revolution was not about taxes, as far too many still posit, but about self-rule due to treatment of colonials as second-class citizens. For instance, George Washington was denied a commission in his majestys royal army, simply because he was a colonial. This was after his valuable contribution to the French and Indian War. John Hancock being denied trade and business opportunities simply because he was a colonial would be another example. The revolutionary cry was, Were not second-class citizens! Oh, how easily we forget a lesson, which we taught the world. However, the dream of equal treatment under the law, because we are indeed all created equal under the law, could not be fulfilled until our constitution embodied that principle.

Ratification of the Constitution required compromise between those seeking the order of constitutional government and states seeking to maintain a hold on sovereignty. Thus, the principle of equality under the law could still be denied by the states. Many still believe that the 14th Amendment was just to address citizenship issues of former slaves. I would argue that by declaring that No State shall deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, the authors of the amendment were finally addressing the intent of the revolution.

The Bill of Rights only protects citizens from arbitrary violation of our rights by the national government. There had never been a constitutional means of protecting citizens from the plague of second-class citizenship perpetrated by laws of the individual states. A simple reading of the primary source, The Journal of the Joint Committee of 15 on Reconstruction reveals something much greater than a narrow attention to the rights of former slaves; it reveals clear intent of incorporation. Never again could states hide behind states rights as a means of creating second-class citizenship and equal treatment under the law. It was of the unequal treatment under the law by the various states, which Dr. King so passionately reminded us.

And so with the swings of judicial activism and restraint the Supreme Court finally moved us closer to the dream of the revolution by making the Bill of Rights apply to the states in numerous areas of our life. Through the 14th Amendment protections of speech, press, religion, schooling, the rights of the accused, and yes even the right to bear arms have been guaranteed from state violations of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court took a bold stand to reestablish the grand principle of equal treatment under the law through its admission that the states too were bound to end second-class citizenship for any reason. First, in 1954 recognizing the unequal treatment of school children by state laws, ruled that the equal protection provision of the 14th Amendment was being violated. Another example includes 14th Amendment protection of our right to an attorney as guaranteed in the Sixth Amendment, .to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Through the amendment the voice of the revolutionaries was finally being heard in our own land.

Just as the voices of the Revolution feared the injustice of the British courts, so too did Americans experience the unequal treatment meted out by different state laws regarding the rights of the accused. Only in this land of access and opportunity could the likes of Clarence Earl Gideon, an indigent prisoner in Florida prison petition the Supreme Court from his jail cell for a new trial with Sixth Amendment guarantee of an attorney. (America is truly great). Through the 14th Amendment, he was granted a new trial, with an attorney, and found not guilty.

Time and time again the Supreme Court would turn to the 14th Amendments equal protection and due process clauses to fulfill the promise of the Declaration that we are all equal under the law. As the process, now known as incorporation, continues to its logical conclusion: The states are obliged to guarantee the equal protection and due process rights envisioned by our revolutionary forefathers. Without this grand addition to our constitution the revolution could not have been fulfilled, nor could the voice of a dream finally be realized.

Every Fourth of July celebration and yearly reading of the King speech, we should now include commemoration of this grand addition to our beloved Constitution. (I now proclaim the annual celebration of the 14th Amendment.) As a true celebration of our independence, these words, which finally make us one nation and a great one still, should be shouted from the mountaintop of freedom: ..No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

I pray this brings new meaning to have us remember that we too were once upon a time treated like second-class citizens, and to think about this amendment during these times that try mens souls. Do we truly understand or remember what it was like to be treated by our own government at that time as second-class citizens? Ah, the lessons of the past.
Airbnb said it was forced to stop accepting some bookings in New York after new rules on short-term rentals came into effect in the city, the Guardian reports.

According to the New York Times, the city argues that the proliferation of short-term rentals through Airbnb and other platforms has driven up rents and contributed to New Yorks housing shortage.

The aim of the new rules is to make the flats work as a place to live and to end the period when investors who buy flats for the purpose of making a profit rent out their flats to tourists. With this, a significant part of the citys otherwise scarce housing supply was occupied by tourists from the local residents and workers, brutally driving up the price of renting an apartment.

Spabook says,

the rules that came into effect on Tuesday mean that the majority of accommodations on Airbnb and similar sites (e.g. Booking, Vrbo) will only be bookable for stays longer than 30 days.

Unless property owners have gone through the citys rigorous registration process, only 257 short-term rental registrations have been approved by the New York office so far, according to the latest public data (as of Aug. 28), just half a percent of the current supply. Airbnb has already started removing unlicensed apartments from its listings.

New Airbnb rules in New York:

Hosts must be present during the guests stay if it is for less than 30 days.

Reservations must basically be for a period of less than 30 days.

An entire apartment or house cannot be rented out for less than 30 days, even if the owner or the main tenant with rental rights lives in the building.

A room without a window cannot be registered.

Airbnb called the rules a de facto ban on short-term rentals, which they say harms both hosts and New York tourism.

In Hungary in the recent period, the VI led by the momentous Tamas Soproni. Terezvaros district municipality started to check Airbnb apartments. In the first round, the district inspected eight short-term apartments, in five of which the owner accommodated tourists without paying taxes or reporting them.

The district already tried to regulate short-term housing rentals last year, but the developed Airbnb regulation was ultimately rejected by the government office. In this plan, it was stated that those who want to rent out their apartment in the district in the short term must have the apartment buildings consent statement, must write their 24/7 telephone number and NTAK registration number at the entrance of the accommodation, as well as the apartment buildings house rules in English and Hungarian you have to put it out in the apartment.

After this, the mayor of Sopron, Tamas Tamas, initiated legislation at the Prime Ministers Office which helps peaceful coexistence and does not completely surrender the residents of Terezvaros to business interests, but according to the municipalitys claim, no meaningful response has yet been received from the government.

Since the Airbnb service, which is strengthened by summer tourism, is at the expense of the peaceful life and nights of the residents of Terezvaros, the municipality has set up an inspection team that will at least filter out those who carry out this activity without notice, at the expense not only of the residents, but also of the taxpayers is pursued, the municipality wrote.

For the first time, the inspection team inspected eight apartments advertised on accommodation rental portals, of which five were operating illegally, so-called without NTAK number.

Official proceedings were immediately launched against the owners, and the mayors office also informed the partner authorities about the black operation, so accommodation providers can expect to be fined from several places.

In Terezvaros, the conflict of interest between the districts residents and Airbnb hosts has been causing tension for years. Last year, the municipality said that they would introduce new, strict regulations so that the people of Terezvaros have more peaceful and quiet nights and days, and it never occurred to us to make it impossible to rent out private accommodation as a business, since properly operated airbnb accommodations are families they serve his livelihood.
MAYODAN  Police believe an 18-year-old may have accidentally fired the gun that lodged a bullet in his chest and killed him Sunday.

Chandler Wayne Bullins of Mayodan in Rockingham County was discovered wounded in the Food Lion parking lot at around 6:20 p.m. by Mayodan Police Department investigators.

He died a short time later from his injuries at UNC Rockingham Healthcare in Eden where he was taken for treatment, police said in a news release.

It is not clear why Bullins, an avid hunter, who had on Saturday bagged scores of doves on opening day, was at the grocery store, located at 600 Burton Street. And police have not disclosed details about the type of weapon Bullins used.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of those involved, police said in a statement.

National researchers estimate that about 430 people die each year in the United States from unintentional gunshot injuries. Most of those people are between the ages of 10 to 29, and the overwhelming majority are male, according to Springer Nature, which publishes injury epidemiology reports.

About 28% of the incidents happened from playing with loaded guns, another 17% by people who believed a gun was unloaded and about 14% were hunting accidents. Victims were suspected of consuming alcohol in about one fourth of the deaths and roughly 47% of victims ages 20 to 29 had consumed alcohol.

Rockingham County District Attorney Jason Ramey will review the case once it is completed by the MPD, Mayodan police said in a statement.

Meanwhile, anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Lt. David Stanley at (336) 548-6038.

A talented welder with a mobile welding business and a graduate of Brittain Academy, Bullins regularly posted photos of himself hunting and fishing with friends and family.

The son of Donnie Bullins and Ami Braxton Bullins, he posed for a Facebook cover photo with buddies, all in camo with wild turkeys the group landed.

He was also an accomplished junior archer who held medals from state competitions as a small boy.

Many images on his Facebook page show a rugged Bullins riding his ATV through thick mud park sludge.

On Saturday, he looked happy in videos and photos, and he and fellow hunters filled up a truck bed with doves. Bullins posted on his Facebook page at 4 a.m. on Sunday: Helluva opening day.
If you still think Rotary clubs are havens for established white businessmen, meet Liz Henke of the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club.

Liz is a member of the clubs Green Team. She and the team are featured in the September issue of Rotary Magazine, which is sent to 1.4 million Rotarians across the world. An article titled Americas solar energy divide: Rotary and Habitat team up to bring rooftop solar to low-income homeowners describes how several Rotary clubs are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to lower the cost of electricity for low-income families.

The clubs Green Team first attracted Henke to Rotary. The clubs website explains, the Green Team, was organized in 2019 by East Chapel Hill Rotarian Alan Young, joined by Omar Zinn, Greg Bradbury, and Don Heineman. They were committed to environmental stewardship, both globally and locally, through local projects, education, and by encouraging Rotarians everywhere to do the same.

The team was concerned about climate change. But, at first, some club members thought that the Green Teams interest in climate change would be too political.

That worry evaporated when Rotary Internationals magazine in April 2019 devoted an issue to the topic, including a statement from its then president, Barry Rassin: Were people who care about our world. We want our world to be a better place, and its not just about the six specific areas of focus. Its broader than that. We have to look at the world as a whole and how we can make it a better place. If were losing countries due to sea level changes, if stronger storms are disrupting water supplies or destroying peoples livelihoods, thats more people who are going to be disadvantaged. So, caring about the environment goes toward our ultimate mission, and we should give it the importance it deserves. As a humanitarian organization, were obligated to talk about it. We need to have the conversation.

Part of the conversation led the Green Team to an interest in working with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County on a nearby project, Weavers Grove in Chapel Hill, to investigate the possibility of installing solar panels on some of the homes. Led by Henke, the team found that by taking advantage of help from suppliers and contractors, a demonstration project of one solar installation could go forward if the Green Team could raise $6,000. The team raised the money among themselves.

The September Rotary Magazine explained what happened next: Theres such a thing as energy poverty, explains Liz Henke, of the Rotary Club of East Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The energy bill is such a high percentage of disposable income for low-income people. If you can help decrease that power bill, you can help interrupt that cycle of poverty. It means families can afford shoes, buy better quality food, and all that goes back into the economy.

The article continues, Since 2020, Henkes club has helped the local Habitat affiliate raise more than $330,000 for solar panels. She recruited a student intern who helped solicit the donation of 100 solar panels from Strata Clean Energy in Durham, North Carolina.

To help share Rotarys and Habitats experience at Weavers Grove, Henke and the Green Team helped develop a guidebook to assist Rotary Clubs and local Habitat organizations make solar a reality for low-income homeowners.

And Henke is just one example of how women are making Rotary even better. Jennifer Player, CEO of Orange County Habitat, is also a member of East Chapel Hill Rotary.
German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) Group will adopt a phased approach to localization of its battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in India and will await a strong business case before committing to providing affordable, 'Made in India' EVs, chairman of the board of the management of Volkswagen Group, Oliver Blume, This is even as the world's second-largest automaker by volume, which sells the Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, and Porsche brands in India, is a lot more confident of the Indian market now owing to the fast-paced growth it has seen in the country in the recent past that has made it the third largest car market globally. Blume was speaking on the sidelines of the Volkswagen Group's annual press meet in Munich."We have a ramp-up curve for electric mobility, which includes bringing the right products and right positioning, especially for the Indian market, where you also need to address the lower segments. We will need some time to ramp up," said Blume. The localization of EVs in India will also be guided by the way the region develops in terms of the charging infrastructure, he said. At the ongoing auto show 'IAA Mobility 2023' in Munich, the EVs on display outnumbered the internal combustion models, reflecting a clear shift in the priority of car makers. While the VW Group has spelled out a clear EV strategy for various regions, it said it would have a calibrated approach for India.Globally, the automaker has committed an investment of 180 billion over the next five years, according to Blume. All the VW group brands are in different stages of transitioning to BEVs in various regions, he said. India has seen an investment of 5 billion over the last five years to launch locally-made ICE models. It is now preparing to introduce the VW ID4 and Enyaq iV, the five-seater e-SUV from Skoda Auto. "We are impressed by the way India is developing. It's the world's third-largest. It was expected to come up in the past decade, but now the circumstances there are quite better because of the huge tech and know-how you have in digitalization," said Blume.Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said VW in India is unlikely to make any fresh investments in pure ICE models. "If we start work on an ICE model, it will take three years from now," Schafer said, adding that it hence doesn't make sense to be doing so, and instead, the focus should be on conserving the resources for BEVs.
COMPANY NEWS: Aveva, a global leader in industrial software, has met its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets for 2025 early and accelerated investment in software solutions that help customers to decarbonise.

The results, communicated in the new Aveva 2023 Sustainability Progress Report, reveal significant progress across all three pillars of the company's sustainability framework, encompassing product strategy, operations and culture.

Aveva has achieved four out of 15 ESG goals for 2025:

 Reduce GHG emissions across operations (Scopes 1 & 2) by 90% (actual 93%) from FY20 baseline.

 Cut GHG emissions associated with business travel (Scope 3) by 20% (actual 43%) from FY20 baseline.

 Remain in the top 25% of security benchmarks (BitSight)

 Increase employee confidence in reporting unethical behaviour to top 25% for industry

Looking to next year, we will continue our work to maintain these results and will focus on achieving our other 2025 ESG targets.

Aveva CEO Caspar Herzberg "Our third sustainability report reflects the tremendous progress we have made over the past year to reduce our own environmental footprint, enhance our sustainability handprint with our customers, and strengthen our culture at Aveva. I'm proud of our whole team for the focus and commitment to drive meaningful change. These gains will inspire us as we continue to pioneer software that enables industry to be at the centre of delivering a more socially just, low-carbon future."

The report marks Aveva's third year of reporting on the progress and learnings it has made against its strategic environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework and pledges. The first report established guiding commitments to environment and gender for 2030, while the second launched 15 ESG targets for 2025.

Sustainability gains across product, operations and culture

As part of delivering across its holistic ESG strategy, Aveva has embedded sustainability more deeply into the company's core product strategy under its 'technology handprint' pillar. Beyond building in new sustainability-specific capabilities into its software portfolio, the company is investing in global sales enablement aligned to growing the green economy.

Additional product-related sustainability highlights include:

 115+ innovative sustainability concepts delivered during hackathons

 750+ universities worldwide incorporate Aveva software into curricula and research

 Pilot impact study on contribution of industrial software to advancing net-zero goals

Aveva's 'operational footprint' pillar focuses on advancing ethical best practices and environmental stewardship across Aveva's own operations and value chain.

Results delivered in FY23 include:

 Aveva's net-zero commitments validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

 Aveva was recognised by the Financial Times as a Europe Climate Leader

 Aveva launched its supplier code of conduct and responsible sourcing program

Aveva depends on its employees to promote sustainable change internally and for local communities. As part of its inclusive culture pillar, Aveva is infusing diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing (DEIW) considerations into every stage of employees' careers.

This year, Aveva ensured:

 37.2% of new hires in FY23 were women

 200+ employees were given leadership training

 36% of employees participated in an Action for Good event

The company also committed to several vital equity movements, becoming a signatory to Change the Race Ratio and the Race at Work Charter.

Aveva global head of sustainability Lisa Wee underscored the benefit of a clearly defined sustainability strategy for businesses. She said: "By establishing a clear, strategic and ambitious sustainability framework and program at Aveva, we have been able to set direction for our organisation, drive alignment and measure impact. Customers and partners are also looking for opportunities to collaborate with those that share their values, understand their challenges and boast a robust sustainability track record of their own." More information on Aveva's sustainability targets and accomplishments can be found in the full report, including a mapping of our sustainability solutions, a deep dive into gender representation and pay parity within the company, and a look at alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How Aveva software facilitates industrial sustainability

Aveva has been supporting several customers in unlocking sustainability gains. These include:

US:

 Kellogg's  US$3.3 million per year in energy and water cost savings at Battle Creek plant, plus US$1.8 million in rebates.

 Schneider Electric  26% drop in energy consumption and a 20% water use reduction at Lexington Smart Factory.

Europe:

 Henkel  16% cut in year-on-year energy consumption, with 37 million in energy costs savings across laundry and home care unit.

 Heineken  40% emissions and 25% water use reduction achieved at Seville brewery.

 Toyota  35% cut in energy consumption and 28% drop in carbon dioxide emissions across eight plants in the EU.

Turkey:

 Oyak  30% fossil fuels replaced with renewables, saving 5-7 million with every 1% decrease in energy use.

Asia:

 Toyota  3% energy use reduction or 10% cost savings at four sites in Thailand.

About Aveva

Aveva is a global leader in industrial software, sparking ingenuity to drive responsible use of the world's resources. The company's secure industrial cloud platform and applications enable businesses to harness the power of their information and improve collaboration with customers, suppliers and partners.

Over 20,000 enterprises in over 100 countries rely on Aveva to help them deliver life's essentials: safe and reliable energy, food, medicines, infrastructure and more. By connecting people with trusted information and AI-enriched insights, Aveva enables teams to engineer efficiently and optimise operations, driving growth and sustainability.
The newly established relationship provides Pax8 with a US$50 million line of credit, bolstering the companys already substantial liquidity position and furthering its growth ambitions. The company notes that they do not anticipate utilising this line of credit immediately given its strong cash position.

As we navigate the international landscape, our relationship with HSBC goes beyond just a financing partner; it's a testament to our ambition to expand our global footprint, having already proven our model's success across several continents. HSBC's global reach, commitment to innovation, and fortress balance sheet further bolster our market position, stated Pax8 chief financial officer Puneet Pamnani. By consolidating our global banking operations with HSBC, we not only benefit from their outstanding credit reputation but also reinforce our operational position as we explore new markets.

In the last ten years, Pax8 has become the centrepiece of a massive cloud software ecosystem that will continue to grow exponentially.

Through its community of 30,000 partners, the company provides advanced cloud solutions to 300,000 customers and ten million end-users worldwide. As the company prepares to launch the next generation of its cloud marketplace, offering partners advanced capabilities and data-driven analytics, it is perfectly positioned to dominate the global cloud market.

Pax8 aligns perfectly with our vision for fostering innovation on a global scale, said HSBC Innovation Banking vice president of venture debt Jack Mai. Pax8's innovative solutions, combined with their strong financial position, make it a standout in the cloud space. As a considerable number of businesses are still navigating their transition to the cloud, we're fully committed to bolstering Pax8's mission in spearheading this global digital transformation.

To learn more about Pax8, please visit www.pax8.com.

About Pax8

Pax8 is the worlds favourite cloud marketplace for IT professionals to buy, sell, and manage best-in-class technology solutions. Pioneering the future of modern business, Pax8 has cloud-enabled more than 300,000 enterprises through its channel partners and processes one million monthly transactions. Pax8s award-winning technology enables managed service providers (MSPs) to accelerate growth, increase efficiency, and reduce risk so their businesses can thrive. The innovative company has ranked in the Inc. 5000 for six years in a row. Join the revolution at pax8.com.

Follow Pax8 on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

About HSBC

HSBC Holdings, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 62 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,041bn at 30 June 2023, HSBC is one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organizations.

HSBC Bank USA, National Association (HSBC Bank USA, N.A.) serves customers through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, Private Banking, Global Banking, and Markets and Securities Services. Deposit products are offered by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., Member FDIC. It operates Wealth Centres in: California; Washington, D.C.; Florida; New Jersey; New York; Virginia; and Washington. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc.
GUEST OPINION: Mobile-powered initiatives are critical to profitability, productivity and competitiveness. Mobile devices and apps are how customers interact with organisations and how employees access resources, collaborate and work.

In virtually every sphere of our lives, mobile devices are ubiquitous. This ubiquity has created several key implications for organisations:

Diverse devices are accessing corporate data, including employee-owned mobile phones and other devices that aren't managed by corporate IT teams.

Threats to mobile apps and devices continue to rise in both volume and sophistication. My company's global mobile threat report 2023 (GMTR) highlights that 43% of all compromised devices were fully exploited, an increase of 187% year on year.

The number of mobile apps an organisation offers to employees continues to increase, and at the same time, the number and type of apps that are active on employee and customer devices is exploding.

Sophistication of risks related to mobile devices are increasing, and businesses want to provide more direct access to mobile devices in zero trust environments, creating new challenges for CISOs and security organisations. The GMTR highlighted that 80% of phishing attacks targeted mobile devices.

Regulations and mandates related to device, application and user data continue to be more onerous, and more difficult to adhere to when addressing the global needs of an organisation  Such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) 38 mobile security controls.

Security teams face a new set of challenges and need to be aware of the risk:

Devices In a BYOD environment, mobile users are the 'device administrators'. Rather than operating in a relatively protected corporate environment, devices can be used anywhere, may be left anywhere, and are frequently connected to public Wi-Fi. Many organisations allow mobile devices on corporate Wi-Fi without full security assurance.

Apps for business Traditional enterprise business applications run in a secure data centre on servers' organisations control, and mobile apps are deployed to app stores, where they are exposed to reverse engineering and tampering by attackers. It's imperative that organisations assess this potential risk on a continuous basis.

Apps for consumers Consumer apps are making their way into the corporate world and pose potential security risks to the business. As security professionals, how do we assess the potential risks of such applications, and have processes to assess and respond at scale?

Five key principles for mobile-first security

1. Prioritise and assess risk as close to the user or point of entry as possible. Organisations need to prioritise securing mobile powered business initiatives across all mobile devices and apps. Such as reviewing the Australian Information Security Manual (ISM), specific to mobile recommendations.

2. Operate in a known state  visibility and vulnerability assessment for all your entry points. Gain complete visibility of your mobile ecosystem and risk level. Automatically assess vulnerabilities and address them, without throttling productivity. Establish safeguards that are measurable, auditable, and insurable.

3. Enhance your detection and response strategy for mobile. Detect anomalies and prioritise remediations based on contextual intelligence, so the most critical gaps are addressed first. Embed security across the device and application lifecycle, provide risk-based response, and enable zero trust assessment of mobile endpoints.

4. Start the autonomous journey. Dynamically respond to ever-changing threats and mobile ecosystems. Automatically isolate compromised devices and untrusted environments. Establish a proactive, resilient, and scalable security posture.

5. Minimise risk compliance failures. Stay ahead of regulations, data sovereignty and privacy standards, while respecting employees' work/life boundaries. Such as the ACSC's mobile security controls.

When developing applications internally, or if applications are developed for an organisation by third parties, consider the following questions:

 Often organisations are using external services for application review  typically, security flaws are assessed. Knowing that development teams release versions of apps one to four times a month, consider how to deliver assurance of security at scale without impacting development performance?

 How are you assessing privacy and compliance issues of the applications you are releasing?

 Are your apps using code obfuscation or integrity checking? How are you attempting to thwart reverse engineering?

 How well do your app protection approaches score when compared against Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP), Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS), National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), or Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC) standards?

There's no turning back. The mobile-powered business is here to stay. Given that reality, what are practical steps that security teams can take? Here are some key questions to consider.

 How are you baselining your initial mobile device risk posture for both managed and unmanaged devices and responding dynamically to elevated risk?

 How many mobile devices are accessing corporate assets that are unmanaged or without visibility?

 What is the strategy for BYO devices and unmanaged applications?

 What are the zero trust initiatives, and where does mobile fit?

 What is the vision for consolidating mobile security telemetry as part of your data lake and extended detection and response (XDR) strategies?

 Organisations often have a solid strategy for email phishing attacks - How does the organisation reduce risk, measure, and respond to mobile phishing attacks?

 What is your strategy for mobile ransomware and spyware?

 How are you assessing the potential risk of publicly available applications on managed and unmanaged devices?

 How are you addressing local privacy and data laws and compliance needs across your mobile assets (devices and apps), such as the Australian Privacy Act?
The Presentation Hub of ITB China Conference 2023 in Shanghai will be the hotspot for those who want to feel the pulse of the countrys travel industry, organisers say.

From product and location presentations to segment outlooks and overviews, the prominent executives of the industry leaders in the Chinese travel market will report their achievements and engage in thought-provoking discussions at the hub  a framework for a free exchange of ideas and synchronisation with the latest trends, at the ITB China Conference to be held from September 12 to 14 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.

Presentation Hub Day 1

The keynote speech Hurtigruten 24-25 Season Presentation by Joe Zou, the Sales Director for Greater China Region at Hurtigruten Group, will kick off the fast-paced agenda on September 12. This will be followed by keynote speeches Outlook of Flight business, from China to global by Yudong Tan, CEO of Air Ticketing and VP, Trip.com Group and Travel Subscription Service HafH, powered by Web 3.0 technology, delivered by KJ Sunada, CEO, Kabuk Style Inc. This will be followed by a presentation by Gang Qian, Head of Greater China & North East Asia, VisitBritain, and a session on The Nature Emirates - Ras Al Khaimah by Jason Hao, Marketing Manager, RAKTDA.

Presentation Hub Day 2

September 13 will focus heavily on business travel, setting the tone in the keynote Chinese MICE: facing a dynamic market delivered by Lenny Jia, Chief Editor at China BT MICE. It will be followed by a panel discussion on the same topic with speakers Anthony Yan, General Manager of Grand China MICE, Tom Liu, COO of Jin Jiang International Travel, Jeff Zhen, Managing Director of Shanghai C&D Wanda International Travel & MICE, who will decipher the major trends facing the MICE industry.

Numerous corporate buyers from renowned company brands will make their debut at the ITB China conference, to hold in-depth discussions on the development of MICE in China.

Presentation Hub Day 3

September 14 will include valuable contributions from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), a long-standing partner of ITB China. In two keynotes and a panel discussion, the top creatives will provide a comprehensive look at the recent developments in the hotel industry and revenue management.  TradeArabia News Service
Six Australian MPs will visit the US on 20 and 21 September to lobby for the release of WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange.

The MPs are former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, Liberal Senator Alex Antic, Labor MP Tony Zappia, Independent MP Monique Ryan and Greens Senators David Shoebridge and Peter Whish-Wilson.

The planned visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's scheduled state visit to the US in October.

Joyce told the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday: "We span the hard left to the hard right; besides the weather and Julian Assange we probably dont all agree on anything.

"Both Labor and the Coalition think this matter has gone far enough. What is to be gained by this going any further? If the Justice Department is seeking a sense of retribution, thats already been achieved by the amount of time Assange has been in jail.

Assange is still being held in the UK's Belmarsh maximum security jail as he awaits the outcome of a second appeal to the UK High Court against an extradition order.

In June, the Australian lost his first appeal against the order that aims to send him to the US for trial over alleged espionage charges.

The second appeal was filed on 13 June. Since then his wife, father and brother have been campaigning for his release.

Ryan was quoted as saying: "Im not sure I agree with Barnaby Joyce on pretty much anything else, which suggests how important this is."

She added that the US bid to extradite Assange sets a dangerous precedent for all journalists, media organisations and for freedom of the press".

In July, former foreign minister Bob Carr questioned why Albanese had not raised the Assange issue with the US a second time.

Carr said Albanese had made his position clear to the US administration by saying: We are working through diplomatic channels, but were making very clear what our position is on Mr Assanges case.

Assange was arrested by British police on 11 April 2019 and removed from the Ecuador embassy where he had taken refuge. His asylum was withdrawn shortly before he was arrested and he appeared in court soon after. The US made a formal request for his extradition on 6 June 2019.

The Australian, 52, is one of the better known hackers Australia has produced.
Supported by the dramatic economic development of Indonesia and other ASEAN countries, the Indo-Pacific Region is now a powerful driver of the global economy.

I think it is very timely that Indonesia has set the theme Epicentrum of Growth as this year's ASEAN Chair.

I am proud that many cooperation projects from Japan will be introduced at this forum.

I am very much honored to have a chance to visit to Indonesia and to speak to you at this ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum as the Prime Minister of Japan, especially in this commemorative 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia.

And today, I hereby announce the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative and declare that Japan will promote cooperation to strengthen connectivity in six areas.

As a consistent supporter of ASEAN Centrality and unity, Japan was among the first countries to express its full support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2019.

The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) shares fundamental principles such as openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for international law with a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) which Japan has been promoting.

The six areas and concrete ideas are as follows.

The first is transportation infrastructure development. Japan facilitates the flow of people and goods among ASEAN countries by developing ports, roads, railroads, and airports. The projects implemented by Japan have expanded to worth 2.8 trillion yen. In addition to hard infrastructure cooperation, we are promoting soft infrastructure cooperation through technical cooperation, continuously providing Japanese technology and knowledge.

The second area is Digital Connectivity. Japan will cooperate with ASEAN countries in promoting digitization and strengthening regional connectivity utilizing digital technology, as well as contributing to the security of cyberspace.

The third is Maritime Cooperation . This is an important element in strengthening connectivity between Japan and ASEAN countries, which are linked by the sea. Japan will assist ASEAN countries in enhancing their maritime law enforcement capacity, through training programs and grant of patrol vessels for the coast guard agencies and maritime police.

The fourth area is Supply Chain Resilience. Facing the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's aggression against Ukraine, ensuring a stable distribution of goods and food security have become important issues. Japan will contribute to supply chain resilience in the ASEAN region, and will build economies that can withstand a crisis together.

The fifth is Electricity Connectivity . The ASEAN region is experiencing rapid economic development, and demand for electric power is also growing. In order to ensure a stable electric power supply, Japan will support the improvement of electricity connectivity through the formulation of master plans and training programs.

Lastly, Human and Knowledge Connectivity. The foundation for the development of society is people and their knowledge. We will foster human resources in ASEAN countries through conducting personnel exchanges and training programs in a wide range of fields, as well as strengthen the network of people in Japan and ASEAN countries.

In these areas, Japan will provide capacity building projects for 5,000 individuals over the next three years. By promoting technical cooperation with ASEAN countries and strengthening our network, Japan will grow together with ASEAN. We hope to build a future that Japan and ASEAN can co-create new social values.
GET ARGUS' DAILY SMILES TO YOUR INBOX. SIGN UP FOR THE JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here.

 ABCs West Wing star Martin Sheen gave an impassioned speech to the strike rally in Hollywood in which he noted the grave danger America is in due to the bitter political divide. Hes always been a man ahead of his time. Forty-five years ago Martin Sheen was in Apocalypse Now and today we all are.

 The Gallup Poll says that seventy-seven percent of Americans think President Biden is too old to serve a second term. He must get really tired of being reminded about his age. Biden toured the Florida hurricane damage with FEMA workers and the cadaver dogs followed him around everywhere.

 President Biden traveled down to Florida to get a look at the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia Saturday. He spoke to reporters amid the rubble and he was amazingly articulate and in command. In an effort to reverse his mental decline Joe has been receiving blood transfusions from Keith Richards.

 The White House battled reporters Thursday who questioned Bidens performance in consoling Maui fire victims by comparing it to his kitchen fire twenty years ago. Nevertheless, help is on the way. The Administration just approved four hundred million in disaster relief to victims of kitchen fires.

 Montana police acted on a radio call from an undercover drug agent Thursday and pulled over a truck on a rural road and found four pounds of crystal meth in the glove box. This would never happen in the South. You never buy crystal meth from a guy with a full set of teeth, hes obviously a cop.

 Chris Rock escaped the quagmire of the rain-soaked Burning Man Festival Saturday by walking six miles and hitchhiking his way to Reno. He was picked up in the desert by some guys in a pickup truck. Chriss many years of working road clubs told him this was the time and place for the Biden jokes.

 Dicks Sporting Goods reported a twenty-two percent drop in profits Tuesday which they blamed on merchandise stolen by flash mobs. The mobs invade a store together, grab the most valuable goods and steal away with everything. I once saw a movie along the same lines called How the West Was Won.

 Oregons Teachers Union attacked high school math, claiming white supremacy manifests itself in finding the right answers. It could be true. A typical math question at Beverly High asks kids if George is seventy-eight years old and his girlfriend is twenty-two, how much money does George have?

 The New York Department of Health urged New Yorkers to get the new Covid vaccine shot upon its FDA approval next week to battle a new variant. Its risk may be worth the unintended benefits. When critics say that the Covid vaccine alters your DNA, I hope many people see that as an opportunity.

 President Biden will arrive in India for the G-20 Summit in Indias capital city of New Delhi on Friday which is also Indias movie capital. I recently discovered here in West Hollywood that movies made in India dont conform to reality. I started dancing in my grocery store aisle and nobody joined in.

 President Biden flew to Philadelphia on Monday to give a Labor Day speech to a parade of union workers and give his support for working men and women. Thats old school. Labor Day is the day we pay tribute to American corporations for keeping the Chinese population gainfully employed.

 The White House doubled down on Covid vaccinations last week, urging every American to get the new jab once its approved. Theres an easy way to tell the difference between a fully vaccinated person and an unvaccinated person if they arent wearing a mask. Ask them who won the 2020 election.

 Dr. Anthony Fauci went on CNN Monday to deliver his opinions on likely public reaction to the new variant of Covid in circulation and he said he feared many people wouldnt comply with mask mandates. Fauci retired as head of the National Institute of Health last year. Public opinion retired him.

(COMMENT, BELOW)
 Federal prosecutors charged Mohammed Chowdhury, 46, of Boston with one count of murder-for-hire, ABC News reported, after he allegedly contracted with "hired killers," aka federal agents, on the internet.

Chowdhury had shared his wife's and her boyfriend's work and home locations, photos and work schedules with the contractors, and wanted both of them snuffed out -- all for $8,000, with a $500 down payment.

The agents met with Chowdhury for two months to plan the murders.

"No evidence. No evidence from like, you know, that, uh, I did something, you know?" Chowdhury told them.

He was arrested as they met to collect the down payment; he could face up to 10 years in prison. [ABC News, 1/19/2023]
100 years ago,

Sept. 6, 1923

CHARLESTON  The National Trust Bank opened up for business in its new home at the northwest corner of the square on Tuesday morning, but held its formal opening on Wednesday...ARTHUR  Roger SinClair Rigney, little son of Hugh Rigney, editor of the Graphic at Arthur, was found dead in the alley at the back of the home of his grandmother, Mrs. SinClair, on Tuesday afternoon about five o'clock. He had been playing about a pile of railroad ties and some of them had fallen on him. An examination disclosed a fractured skull, a temple wound an a broken jaw...ATWOOD  W.B. Offenstein of Atwood was arrested this morning and arraigned before Judge Gibler on a charge of trespass, on complaint of Thornton & Sons. He was fined $25 and costs, a total of $32,60. The offense was committed on the North Thirty-third street road in North Okaw township, where Thornton & Sons are grading the highway, preparatory to paving. The road was barricaded, although one of the bars was dragging the ground, Offenstein said, and the barrier was placarded. "The same thing has happened several times lately and the offender escaped," Thornton said this morning." "Motorists have driven through the barrier repeatedly. They actually get hard-boiled when someone tries to stop them."

50 years ago, 1973

MATTOON  The City of Mattoon will be entered in the All-America Cities competition by the Mattoon League of Women Voters. The board of directors of the league, acting on a motion by Carol Specht, voted to enter Mattoon in the contest. Lois James, public relations chairman for the league, is in charge of the project. The All-America Cities awards are given annually to 10 cities that have shown outstanding citizen participation in local government and civic affairs...MATTOON  Mayor Roger Dettro unveiled a plan today calling for the installation of a $512,000 water line along Illinois 16. The 12-inch water line would be constructed from the east edge of the city to Coles County Airport and the site of the new hospital. The cost of the project will be divided between the city, the airport, the hospital and those property owners who grant easements for the water line across properties and contribute money...CHARLESTON  EIU student body president Ellen Schanzle is expected to resign that post tonight. Miss Schanzle, 23, is only the second woman in the university's history to hold that position. She had announced last month that she would resign the post if she decided to attend law school at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Her successor as president will be Don Vogel, who is now executive vice president...CHARLESTON  A Charleston native and former EIU student body president has stated that he may seek election to a 53rd District Illinois House seat in 1974. James Edgar, presently the executive assistant to House Speaker W. Robert Blair, said the statement was not an announcement of his candidacy. The seat Edgar might seek is presently held by William D. Cox., R-Charleston, who was indicted last March of filing false income tax returns, committing mail fraud and conspiring to commit mail fraud. Edgar said he would not seek the seat unless Cox decided not to run. If Edgar does run for the nomination he will oppose Republican Max Coffey of Charleston, who announced his candidacy last April...MATTOON  A bug bomb sent firemen to 909 Prairie at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The occupant of the residence was not identified. A neighbor saw the smoke from the bomb and contacted the fire department, according to a spokesman.
MATTOON  Two buildings along Broadway Avenue downtown were demolished on Tuesday as the property owner makes plans to replace them with new ones in similar vintage style.

The demolition of these long vacant storefronts at 1824 and 1826 Broadway, along the east side of 19th Street/U.S. 45, was carried out by Joe Coleman Salvage & Demolition of Pana on behalf of property owner Jasper Holdings, LLC of Mattoon.

Jasper Holdings Manager Evan Drummond said the two buildings had gotten to the point that they were in too bad of shape structurally for renovation, which the company has done with other downtown locations. He said renovating them would have been unfeasible and unsafe.

Instead, Drummond said Jasper Holdings plans in the next year or two to construct new buildings on this block, on the north side of Broadway, that will be slightly larger than the original ones.

That way that block of Broadway looks historic and has a similar look as the rest of downtown, Drummond said. He added that, We want to be able to turn that into a good retail corner again.

Drummond said the newly exposed exterior wall of the Reds Barber Shop building, 1822 Broadway Ave., to the east will be repaired as part of this project.

The Mattoon City Council unanimously voted on Aug. 1 to allocate $58,304 from the downtown tax increment financing district to Jasper Holdings during the course of two years for demolition work and structural wall construction on the 1800 block of Broadways north side.

City Administrator Kyle Gill reported to the council that the demolition and repair project had been in the works for two years and will result in a major improvement to this section of downtown.

As part of this project, Drummond said Jasper Holdings moved the former Darby Pipe Shop building late last month from its corner spot at 1830 Broadway Ave. to a local storage site. He said this small building has been identified as a Valentine diner.

The Kansas Historical Society has reported that prefabricated Valentine brand diner buildings were manufactured in Wichita, Kansas from the late 1930s into the 1970s and were shipped throughout the United States.

We are definitely going to remodel that. We are going to make sure it stays on Broadway somewhere, Drummond said of eventually bringing the Darby building back downtown.

Jasper Holdings is not certain yet if it will construct two or three replacement buildings in the 1800 block of Broadway, Drummond said. In the meantime, he said the old foundations there will be filled in and then seeded with grass to improve their appearance.
CHARLESTON  Eastern Illinois University has reported a slight decrease in total enrollment for fall semester 2023 offset somewhat by international and graduate student numbers growing to record levels.

EIU reported that increases in international and graduate student populations have helped the university maintain "stable fall-to-fall 10th-day enrollment overall." The universitys headcount for fall 2023 is 8,804 students, compared to 8,857 last year.

Regarding international students, EIU reported that enrollment increased by 15%. This resulted in record highs for both the number of international students, 880, and countries represented, 60.

EIU also reported continued growth in graduate education, including a 1% increase in students from 1,941 in fall 2022 to an all-time high of 1,955 in fall 2023.

"The increase in high-achieving students and internationalization of our student population reflects the quality of our programs and the strength of our faculty and staff, who prioritize relationships with our students," said EIU President Jay Gatrell in a press release.

EIU reported that its commitment to academic excellence and status as a first-choice destination for high-achieving students continues is evidenced by year-over-year increases to the academic profile of new freshman and transfer students, with the highest number of students enrolled who are eligible to participate in the Pine Honors College in the last decade.

As the Pine Honors College continues to grow, EIU reported that it is investing in additional staffing and resources to support the increasing number of students in this program.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Josh Norman said he is proud of what the EIU enrollment management and admissions teams have accomplished despite the residual impact from COVID and the decline of community college enrollment driving the current cycles data.

Norman said its important to celebrate EIU's wins this cycle, but its also important to acknowledge that there is much work yet to be done.

"The members of our campus community focused on recruitment and retention developed over 100 strategic enrollment action plans for this next year, including new scholarships, student support programs, and strategic partnerships, among many other concepts to help the university continue to grow and increase the support of our current students," Norman said.

EIUs figures come from its 10th-day enrollment report, the standard metric for enrollment data tracking in Illinois and the nationally accepted standard for tracking university and college enrollments every semester.

For EIU, the figures showed first-time freshman totals decreased from 863 to 809. The figures also showed a 24% increase in freshman enrollment in the College of Education, which EIU credited to targeted marketing/recruitment initiatives attracting prospective future teachers.

Enrollment figures for other demographics showed decreases for degree-seeking undergraduate students, 4,547 to 4,369, and post-baccalaureate undergraduate students, 44 to 33. The total number of undergraduates dropped from 6,916 to 6,849.

Meanwhile, the figures showed an increase for degree-seeking graduate students, 1,907 to 1,948, and a decrease for post-baccalaureate graduate students, 34 to 7. The total number of graduate students increased from 1,941 to 1,955.

Photos: EIU students paint light poles on courthouse square in Charleston Courthouse background (copy) City Hall backdrop Flower backdrop Jackson Avenue backdrop
Duke Energy must accelerate efforts to gird its electric grid for increasing extreme weather fueled by climate change, the company said in a filing with state regulators this week.

Dukes electricity transmission and delivery infrastructure faces high priority vulnerability without adaptation to expected extreme heat and flooding, according to the Charlotte-based companys Joint Climate Risk and Resilience Study final report submitted to the N.C. Utilities Commission.

The utility said it also must overcome limited insight into failure data and (the) impact of climate on failure rates, as well as the durability of poles it doesnt own but that carry Dukes lines.

Without adaptation, these risks could result in reduced service reliability for customers and higher capital costs, the company said in its filing.

Duke has begun the process by building new substations at least 2 feet above federally designated 100-year flood levels, 1 foot above 500-year flood levels or by following local ordinances, whichever is highest. The company also is installing flood-prevention systems at existing stations that are potentially vulnerable.

Critics have argued that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations so-called precipitation frequency estimates are outdated because they dont take into effect the impact of climate change on rainfall.

Overhead, Duke said transmission lines are now rated to withstand air temperatures of up to 104 degrees. Historically, a little more than 500 miles of the companys lines in North Carolina and South Carolina had a 10% chance of reaching that level of heat.

The company projects that number will grow to more than 15,500 miles by 2050, and that it can adapt its transmission system to more heat exposure.

Duke says it will work to curb risks to its transmission and distribution system by using evolving climate science to drive planning and design decisions and prepare for weather extremes; and also commits to working with communities to prepare at the local level.

Once Duke Energy scopes out a suite of new climate resilience efforts it intends to implement, it will need to determine which of those things can be done as part of Duke Energys current activities, which will require new operational funding, and which will require investments to be included in rate plans or special (utilities commission) docket filings, the report notes.
Q: I have a friend that was told, more than about 18 months ago, by a lawyer in Yadkin County that they were to inherit money from a relative. This has been way too long and they have still not heard when the money will be disbursed. The deceased owned a home, which was sold over six months ago, bank accounts and stocks. There was an auction of all belongings about six months ago. How long should it take to close this persons estate out? They did not have children and after everything was sold and the remainder was to be divided equally based on the deceaseds will. What can be done to find out why this estate has not been finalized? This lawyer does not return calls.

Answer: For settling an estate, there are no hard and fast rules about the time that it takes to settle it.

Mike Wells, a local attorney, explains about estates and in this case, suggestions about who may be able to help.

There are often other things that cause an estate administration to linger, such as the filing of tax returns, the settlement of claims, and other responsibilities.

Without knowing specifically, the details of this estate I would recommend a call to the Clerk of Courts office in Yadkin County to speak with the Clerk who oversees the estates.

She would be able to give some direction as to what the holdup may be. The heir would need to call herself and get the status of the estate.

Another option may be to retain her own attorney to contact the estate attorney and to see if they can push the matter along, Wells said.

Q: My mother recently passed away, and I came across some very old life insurance policies that Im having trouble tracing down where I might find who owns them now. Two are from Southland Life Insurance Company, Dallas, Texas. They were bought in 1953 and 1956. The other two are from Life and Casualty Insurance Company of Tennessee. It was bought in 1957.  A.F.

Answer: There are a couple of options to try and find out information about old insurance policies or policies that you believe exist but cannot find.

You can check NCCash.com, the website that is part of N.C. State Treasurers department, to see if the policy has been turned over to the state by the insurance company.

If that doesnt work, there are other options.

A spokesperson for the N.C. Department of Insurance said that their customer service unit may be able to help. Their number is 855-408-1212.

For people who believe that a life insurance policy exists, but cant find it, the department suggests that you call the departments customer service department and tell the operator you are trying to locate a lost insurance policy.

For more information about the finding lost policies, go to www.ncdoi.gov/how-can-we-help-you and click on Lost Life Insurance Policy.

Walk to Save Our BabiesIn observance of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month the Forsyth County Infant Mortality Reduction Coalition will sponsor Walk a Mile to Save Our Babies. It will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 450 Metropolitan Drive, Winston-Salem.

Participants will walk one mile with empty baby strollers to represent babies lost to the various causes of infant mortality.

In 2022 the most recent year of available data, 32 Forsyth County babies died during their first year of life.
Members of the council at the launch of Industry Insight

The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) has once again introduced its groundbreaking initiative  "Industry Insight", taking a major stride forward in bolstering support for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen across the emirate.

With a goal to address prevailing challenges and explore opportunities within diverse economic spheres, the upcoming series of roundtables is set to assemble a dynamic group of industry experts and DBWC members, who are specialists in their fields.

On September 12, the inaugural session kicks off with an exploration into the realms of media and marketing. It promises to delve into discussions covering not only challenges and opportunities within the sector, but also illuminating the transformative potential of cutting-edge media and marketing tools.

The DBWC has thoroughly outlined an exciting agenda for subsequent roundtables to follow. October will see the financial services sector take centre stage, while November will spotlight the healthcare domain. Details of the upcoming economic sectors for discussion are set to be unveiled on the councils website in due course.

Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager at DBWC, underscores the strategic significance of this innovative initiative. She portrays it as a pivotal stride towards magnifying the indispensable role that women occupy in devising ingenious solutions for pivotal economic sectors.

Halabi reaffirms the council's steadfast commitment to not just identify challenges, but also proactively cultivate solutions that amplify women's contributions in critical economic arenas. She reaffirms that DBWC remains on a trajectory of innovation, crafting specialised events, and channelling untiring efforts to enrich the broader business community.

"DBWC's unwavering dedication lies in enabling our members to excel across diverse business landscapes," Halabi asserts.

Founded in 2002 as an integral arm of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the Dubai Business Women Council stands as the leading catalyst for the personal and professional advancement of businesswomen within the Emirate of Dubai.  TradeArabia News Service
The new owner of the historic Weeks manufacturing plant in northwest Winston-Salem paid $15.5 million for the property, according to a Forsyth County Register of Deeds filing Wednesday.

The Triad real-estate assets of defunct United Furniture Industries Inc. were included in a Wisconsin companys $65 million bid for all of Uniteds assets. Phoenix Winston-Salem NC Industrial Investors LLC, an affiliate of Milwaukee-based Phoenix Acquisition, was the buyer.

The seller was United Furniture Industries NC LLC, represented by bankruptcy trustee Derek Henderson.

The bid gained approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Aug. 31.

The Weeks plant at 401 W. Hanes Mill Road contains 705,599 square feet within three buildings on 54.5 acres  the largest of the former United properties in the Triad.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy court documents indicated that at least $27 million of the overall purchase price would go toward the Winston-Salem, Lexington and Trinity properties.

Phoenix High Point NC Industrial Investors LLC paid $2 million for the High Point plant at 315-325 Kettering Road, according to a Guilford County Register of Deeds filing Wednesday.

There was no Phoenix-related deed filings in Davidson and Randolph counties as of Wednesday.

Phoenix Investors has not responded to the Winston-Salem Journals inquiries about its plans for a property portfolio that features about 5 million square feet of production space and a massive 626.5 acres.

Phoenix specializes in buying and renovating manufacturing plants and has three other properties in the state.

The sale, according to court documents, generated sufficient proceeds to deliver full recovery to United Furnitures secured creditors holding liens on these assets.

After facing pressure from creditors for an involuntary bankruptcy filing, United Furniture in February submitted its Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy filing, citing between 200 and 999 creditors and between $1 million and $10 million in assets and liabilities.

Weeks Plant background

When Hanes Hosiery Mills Co. opened the Weeks plant in 1960 at 401 E. Hanes Mill Road, it was the largest manufacturing plant in North Carolina.

Hanes Hosiery spent about $30 million on the plant, which would be about $308.2 million in 2023 dollars, according to calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

United Furniture made promotional- to mid-priced upholstered furniture in the U.S. under its brand and the Lane Home Furnishings brand. The manufacturer also imported wooden bedroom and dining furniture.

But after more than eight years of operations at the Weeks plant, United unexpectedly shut down all of its plants on Nov. 22, ending employment and health insurance benefits for 530 Triad employees and about 2,700 companywide.

At the time, United had a combined 245 employees in Archdale and Trinity, 220 in Lexington and between 50 and 70 in Winston-Salem.

A total of 12 former United employees, including five from North Carolina, have filed an amended complaint in their attempt to force the defunct manufacturer to meet WARN requirements for final compensation and benefits for about 2,700 employees.

The plaintiffs also are requesting unpaid commissions, bonuses, accrued holiday pay, accrued vacation pay, and pension and 401(k) contributions, and other ERISA benefits. They claim none of those compensations has been made since the abrupt shutdown.

According to N.C. law, the defendants may be liable for civil penalty of up to $250 per employee with a maximum per employee of $2,000 per violation of WARN Act requirements.

However, the WARN Act lacks enforcement teeth, with several studies showing it has lots of loopholes, and virtually no enforcement authority from federal, state and local officials.

Henderson opposes the WARN lawsuits, arguing that former employees are barred from claims by the unforeseeable business circumstances exception in the act.
A Winston-Salem man is facing a criminal charge in connection with a knife attack on a woman last week, authorities said Tuesday.

Jemmond Tremmal Washington, 33, of East Drive is charged with attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, Winston-Salem police said.

Washington was being held Tuesday in the Forsyth County Jail with his bond set at $100,000, police said. Washington is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Forsyth District Court.

A woman was injured Aug. 29 when she was threatened by a knife-wielding man who attempted to rob her in downtown Winston-Salem, police said.

Officers responded at 1:03 p.m. to the 500 block of Vine Street on a reported attempted armed robbery, police said.

Investigators determined that a man approached the woman in the parking lot on Vine Street, police said. The man then placed a knife to the womans throat and demanded money.

The woman received a minor cut on her hand from the encounter with the man, police said. The man then ran from the scene.

The womans injuries are minor, police said.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Washingtons home Tuesday, police said. Detectives found a knife that matches the description of the knife used in the attack.

A police SWAT team then arrested Washington, police said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.

Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is on Facebook.

The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police.
The employees at a sweepstakes business in Winston-Salem refused to give money to an armed man on Tuesday, authorities said.

Winston-Salem police responded to Lucky Click Sweepstakes in the 4000 block of North Cherry Street on a reported armed robbery of the business, police said.

Employees told the officers that two men entered the business with one of the men armed with a handgun, police said. The men then demanded money.

However, the employees refused to give them any money, and the men ran from the scene, police said.

Officers are investigating the incident.

Anyone with information about this attempted robbery can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.

Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is on Facebook.

The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police.
A flagger for a road crew was seriously injured when he was struck by a car in the 3900 block of Carver School Road on Tuesday, Winston-Salem police said Wednesday.

Catlin Edward Fausnet, 38, of North Wilkesboro, was struck about 8:15 a.m. Tuesday.

Fausnet, who works for Flagger Force, was closing lanes on Carver School Road when he stepped into the northbound lane, which was not closed, and was struck by a car driven by Natasha Maia Humphrey, 36, of Hicks Street.

Humphrey and a 9-year-old passenger in her car were not injured.

Fausnet had serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Carver School Road was closed for about 2 hours.

No charges have been filed and the investigation is continuing, police said.

Melissa Hall
The owner of a Lincoln towing company crashed a car through his storefronts garage in an attempt to evade a cohort of law enforcement officers who had surrounded his business Wednesday morning to arrest him, authorities said.

Metro Fugitive Task Force investigators went to Jeremie Garrisons northeast Lincoln-based business, ALLways Towing Inc., at about 8 a.m. Wednesday after the 44-year-old failed to appear at a hearing last week in a felony court case against him, according to authorities and court filings.

Prosecutors in June charged Garrison with false imprisonment and terroristic threats for allegedly telling a 43-year-old he would smash (her) face in amid a confrontation at Garrisons southwest Lincoln house June 18, according to court records.

After Garrison failed to appear at a hearing in that case last week  marking the fourth time he has skipped a court appearance in the case, according to court filings  task force investigators went to ALLways Towing, at 5657 N. 57th St., to arrest him Wednesday, Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin said.

The 44-year-old first tried to run from authorities before retreating into his storefront, beginning a standoff that lasted nearly three hours Wednesday morning, Houchin said.

After negotiating with authorities, Garrison rammed a Dodge Charger through the towing companys garage and crashed into a law enforcement vehicle in his second attempt to escape, Houchin said.

He then retreated inside the business  where, Houchin said, he had a firearm  before investigators could apprehend him.

Garrison emerged from the garage with his hands in the air at 10:44 a.m., Houchin said, surrendering himself to authorities. Deputies took him to the Lancaster County Jail.

Houchin said he expects prosecutors will hit Garrison with additional charges for the alleged incident Wednesday.

We feel very fortunate that no law enforcement, innocent civilians or Mr. Garrison was injured in any way, the chief deputy said.

Judge Susan Strong signed an emergency protection order against Garrison in June that prohibits him from possessing or purchasing guns. But law enforcement officers dont seize weapons when they serve such protection orders.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
A 25-year-old man who had been incarcerated at Lincoln's Community Corrections Center failed to return to the facility following a off-site work assignment this week, authorities said.

Ian Eastman is now considered an escapee, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a news release announcing that he is missing.

Inmates at the low-level custody facility where Eastman had been housed are allowed work off site and attend school and religious services in the community without direct supervision.

Eastman, who was convicted in 2022 of possession of a controlled substance and felony theft, was set to be released in November.

The 25-year-old white man is 5-foot-6 and weighs 150 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

The correctional services department asked anyone with knowledge of Eastman's whereabouts to contact local authorities or the Nebraska State Patrol.

Most dangerous cities in Nebraska Dangerous Cities in Nebraska 6. South Sioux City 5. Scottsbluff 4. North Platte 3. Lincoln 2. Grand Island 1. Omaha A note about the numbers
The number of first-time freshmen from Nebraska who enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln rose by 3.6% this year, according to a head count of students taken late last month.

A total of 3,545 freshman students hailing from across the Cornhusker State marked the largest group of resident students to become Huskers in more than five years, UNL said.

In all, there are 4,699 first-year students attending Nebraska's flagship public university campus for the fall 2023 semester, an increase of 1.3% from last year.

But total enrollment fell by 0.9% this year, continuing a trend of declines that started after UNL broke the 26,000-student mark  the highest enrollment in the more than 150-year history of the institution  in the fall 2018 semester.

This year, UNL reported 23,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

Enrollment totals Campus enrollment totals * University of Nebraska-Lincoln: 23,600 (0.9% decrease). * University of Nebraska at Omaha: 15,015 (0.3% decrease). * University of Nebraska at Kearney: 6,017 (0.4% decrease). * University of Nebraska Medical Center: 4,555 (3.4% increase). * Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture: 232 (7.2% decrease).

"Growing our enrollment remains a priority and, while down slightly today, we are seeing several positive trends and identifying strengths to build upon for tomorrow," Chancellor Rodney Bennett said in a news release.

Bennett said he was "excited" to see more Nebraska students choosing UNL and said the university would remain "focused on strengthening retention efforts that will help more of these students persist to graduation."

"As the state's land-grant institution, we are committed to fulfilling our promise of developing future leaders for Nebraska and the world," he said.

While the number of Nebraska students rose, UNL also reported double-digit increases in students from across the region, including Wyoming, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado.

Alyssa Hurlock of Minnesota said in a university news release that several factors helped UNL stand out from the 12 universities considered by her triplet daughters.

We toured campus twice, and it just felt like home, Hurlock said. Everyone was so sweet and kind. Any question we asked, seriously, people would drop what they were doing to answer. We did not get that kind of service at any other university we considered.

Other factors that led the three Hurlock daughters to enroll at the university include affordability, availability of majors, distance from home, low crime rate and communication from the schools.

People always ask us: Why Nebraska? There is nothing to do there. Well, there is plenty to do in Lincoln, and our daughters are loving every minute of it, Hurlock said. The people there are amazing. The campus is beautiful. And affordability, especially in terms of a Big Ten degree, is incredible.

UNL also reported its most diverse student body for the 11th straight year. Nearly one in five students (18.8%, up from 18.3% last year) are from ethnically diverse populations.

And although the number of students enrolled fell, the total number of credit hours being taken at UNL increased this fall, up 357 to 299,808, the university said.

Across the University of Nebraska system, which includes undergraduate campuses in Omaha and Kearney, the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, enrollment fell slightly between 2022 and 2023.

A total of 49,419 students are taking classes from NU this fall, a loss of 148 students or a 0.3% decrease from last year. The actual number reflects the flat to slightly down enrollment NU planned for in its 2023-24 budget.

The system's total enrollment is reflected in the University of Nebraska at Omaha's enrollment, which was down 0.3% this year to 15,015 students, as well as at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where enrollment dropped 0.4% to 6,017 students.

At UNK, the number of first-time freshmen rose 5% this year.

The number of students pursuing medical education at UNMC rose once again this year. Enrollment at the academic medicine campus was up 3.7% to 4,555.

And at NCTA, a two-year college in Curtis, enrollment fell by 7.25% to 232 students.

NU President Ted Carter said he was cautiously optimistic but pleased to see enrollment stabilize after two years of declines and credited campus teams for their work engaging prospective students.

"A strong, growing state of Nebraska is linked to a strong, growing University of Nebraska," Carter said in a statement. "While our university is not immune to demographic realities and other challenges facing all of higher education, the needs to our workforce and state are too important for us not to be completely focused on attracting, retaining and graduating as many students as possible."

Carter said NU would remain "creative and aggressive in building new strategies" to attract students to Nebraska's public university system.

Photos: Historic UNL buildings University of Nebraska-Lincoln buildings; Architectural Hall UNL CBA building UNL Temple Building UNL Morrill Hall Cather Hall, Pound Hall Teachers College Brace Laboratory Brace Hall University of Nebraska astronomical observatory UNL Architecture Hall University of Nebraska-Lincoln buildings; Architectural Hall Cather Hall, Pound Hall University of Nebraska-Lincoln buildings; Architectural Hall
With the pause on federal student loan payments coming to an end in October, some 22,400 borrowers in Nebraska have enrolled in a new income-driven repayment plan rolled out by the Biden administration this summer.

In a video conference call with reporters on Tuesday, James Kvaal, deputy undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Education, said more than 4 million Americans with student loan debt applied for the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) program in the first month it became available.

SAVE considers a borrowers earnings and family size in setting monthly payments for their federally subsidized student loans, but caps the monthly payment amount between 5% and 10% of their income.

It also allows borrowers to give the education department access to their latest tax return from the Internal Revenue Service, which will allow them to skip having to remember to certify their earnings every year or reapply for an income-driven repayment program.

There is no income cap on the program, but Kvaal said borrowers who make less than $15 per hour, or a little more depending on how many people are in their family, will not be required to make any payments under the new program.

Borrowers who enroll in SAVE also wont see their loan balance grow due to unpaid interest as long as they continue to make monthly payments, and it scales the time forgiveness that becomes available based on the amount owed above $12,000.

For example, a student loan borrower who took out $15,000 in loans and made regular payments would be eligible for forgiveness after 15 years if their income was not high enough to pay off the total debt owed.

Undergraduate borrowers with more debt than that  in Nebraska, the average federal student loan debt is nearly $32,000  would be eligible for forgiveness after 20 years. Debt for graduate school becomes eligible for forgiveness after 25 years.

Student loans shouldnt push you deeper into poverty or come before basic living expenses, Kvaal said, adding the SAVE plan was the most affordable repayment plan ever created.

Under the new plan, according to Kvaal, the typical borrower could save up to $1,000 per year in student loan costs.

To date, the U.S. Department of Education has reached out to 30 million borrowers to invite them to apply for the new program, Kvaal said, and is planning a series of outreach events to educate individuals who may qualify.

To apply, borrowers can visit studentaid.gov to use a Loan Simulator to find out which repayment plan works best for them.

Enrollment is quick and easy, and we are working relentlessly to get the word out to borrowers about how millions can reduce their monthly student loan bills and save over a $1,000 a year by enrolling in SAVE, said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

The SAVE program was unveiled after the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision on a lawsuit brought by Nebraska and five other states, struck down a loan forgiveness program announced last summer.

As many as 97,000 Nebraskans were notified they qualified for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness before a lawsuit filed by Nebraska and five other states was successful in stopping it from being implemented.

While the forgiveness program was ended before any debt was discharged, other programs rolled out by the Biden administration in the meantime have benefited borrowers in the Cornhusker state.

In May, the White House announced nearly 4,000 student loan borrowers enrolled in the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program had more than $230 million in debt canceled over the prior 18 months.

On average, Nebraskans had $59,000 in debt forgiven through the program designed to steer college graduates into careers as educators, first responders, military service members, or other public service jobs.

And in July, as many as 5,700 student loan borrowers on other income-driven repayment programs owing nearly $269 million were notified their balances would be wiped out after changes were made in how payments were calculated.

Bharat Ramamurti, deputy director of the National Economic Council, said the Biden administration did not anticipate any legal challenges to the new program, adding it made changes to an existing plan available to borrowers.

Ramamurti also told reporters the education department was working on other plans aimed at providing debt relief to borrowers "as quickly as possible."

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Democrats are gearing up to fight the potential impeachment of liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz as Republicans weigh removing the liberal justice because they say she prejudged cases.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin on Tuesday announced its taking part in a $4 million campaign of television and digital ads and voter outreach urging Republicans not to impeach Protasiewicz.

The announcement comes after legislative Republicans said they may seek to remove Protasiewicz from office if she doesnt recuse herself from two cases seeking to redraw the legislative boundaries in Wisconsin.

The anti-democratic, unconstitutional threat to Janet Protasiewicz would constitute a political disaster for the Republican Party and for our system of government writ large, Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Ben Wikler said Tuesday evening. When voters elect someone, politicians cant overturn that election in order to stay in power.

The potential Republican case against Protasiewicz, whose term began in August, would largely rely on rhetoric she used on the campaign trail, where she repeatedly called the current legislative maps rigged and expressed her wish to revisit them in the courts.

Wisconsins legislative maps give Republicans a supermajority in the Senate and close to one in the Assembly. Experts consider the states legislative maps among the most gerrymandered in the nation, though many say the states political geography  with Democrats clustered in Wisconsins biggest cities and Republicans spread throughout the state  also contributes to Republicans big legislative majority.

Days after Protasiewicz became a justice, liberals filed two lawsuits directly with the Wisconsin Supreme Court seeking new maps while alleging the current legislative boundaries violate the state Constitution.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court hasnt accepted either case yet, but legislative Republicans have said in court filings in those lawsuits and elsewhere that Protasiewicz must recuse herself from the cases because she has all but pledged to rule in liberals favor.

Those filings came before The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that a judicial panel in May dismissed Republican complaints that alleged Protasiewicz pledged favorable rulings for liberals on the campaign trail.

Protasiewicz hasnt said whether shell recuse herself from the redistricting cases. But during her campaign Protasiewicz said she would recuse herself only from cases involving the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, which isnt a party in either lawsuit.

Republicans say her recusal is necessary.

Prejudging case

You cannot have a person who runs for the court prejudging a case and being open about it, and then acting on the case as if youre an impartial observer, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, told a conservative WSAU radio host last month.

Vos released a statement Tuesday saying the judicial panel decision to dismiss the complaints against Protasiewicz did not address whether she can sit on the redistricting cases after making commitments for how she would rule that are inconsistent with the obligation to be impartial.

He said the panel decision also didnt address whether shes able to preside over a case that could benefit the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, which donated $10 million to Protasiewicz.

The Assembly can impeach an official with a majority vote based on specific reasons: corrupt conduct in office or for the commission of a crime or misdemeanor, according to a Wisconsin Legislative Council memo. The Senate could then remove an official with a two-thirds vote.

Since impeached officials must immediately stop performing their official duties, the Assembly could impeach Protasiewicz but the Senate could delay taking action on removing her from office. That way, Protasiewicz couldnt sit on the redistricting cases but Gov. Tony Evers would not be able to appoint a replacement unless she resigns.

If Protasiewicz decides to recuse herself from the redistricting lawsuits, the court would be divided between three liberal and three conservative justices.

Democrats reply

Democrats have long maintained that Protasiewicz didnt violate any judicial code or law by voicing her views on abortion and redistricting on the campaign trail.

Liberals have said in the redistricting lawsuits that Protasiewicz has no legal obligation to recuse herself from the cases because she didnt promise anything and her statements are protected by the First Amendment.

On Tuesday, Wikler said impeaching Protasiewicz would amount to overturning the April election that she won by 11 percentage points.

The public has to make absolutely clear to Robin Vos and Republicans in the state Legislature that their attempt to make a mockery of our Constitution and nullify the last election is fundamentally out of line and will not be tolerated, Wikler said.

Wikler didnt specify which groups would take part in the $4 million campaign. He said the Democratic Party of Wisconsin would spend at least $1 million to organize and mobilize Wisconsinites.

All this does is prove that Justice Protasiewicz and the Democrat Party are one and the same, Vos said in a statement Wednesday, reiterating his call for Protasiewicz to recuse herself from the redistricting cases.

Wikler also didnt specify whether the party would seek legal action or try to recall Republican legislators if they open impeachment proceedings against Protasiewicz.


Defense at West Freeway Church of Christ

We live in a media driven culture. We also have government agencies putting out biased reports that serve their political masters. It is rare that the media even questions the agency reports. That wouldn't matter, but many of us confuse media headlines with facts. I've seen people on Facebook say that there were hundreds of "mass shootings" this year and that our children are not safe in school any longer. They are wrong, and you stop mass-murder most of the time.

Please let me pose a different question.

If an ordinary citizen stops mass-murder and the mainstream media refuses to report it, did it really happen?

According to the FBI, the answer is almost always, "No!"

I am a data geek and I love to explore the deeper questions around public events. For example, how do we define "mass-murder", and has that definition changed? How are the murderers stopped? It turns out that you get wildly different answers depending on subtle changes in the questions you ask.

To start, "mass shooting" is a relatively recent term. There is no FBI definition of it. By some accounts, there is a "mass shooting" in Chicago almost every night. We don't have good historical data on "mass-shootings" from year to year. We could almost say that "mass shootings" are everything that isn't a "mass-murder."

The term "mass-murder" was used by criminologists and statisticians to describe a specific type of violence. .....
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund PIF (The Public Investment Fund) has completed the sale of its 10.92% stake - corresponding to 8,186,455 shares in the National Gas and Industrialization Company (Gasco) - for SAR491.19 million ($131 million).

A major player in the regional gas industry, Gasco specialises in the transportation, filling and marketing of LPG, which consists of both butane and propane gases or butane or propane separately.

Gasco was incorporated in 1963 via the merger of National Gas Company in Dammam and its two branches in Riyadh and Jeddah together with Saudi manufacturing and Gas Company.

Eyas AlDossari, the Head of Investment Advisory in the Mena Investments Division at PIF, said: "This transaction comes as part of PIFs strategy to recycle its capital by selling stakes in mature companies and reinvesting such proceeds in developing new and promising sectors in the local economy."

"The transaction structure demonstrates the depth of the local institutional investor base in the Saudi capital market," he added.

Jadwa Investment Company acted in its capacity as a manager and bought the stake for its managed investment funds and its clients portfolios.-TradeArabia News Service
1. Yes. If KHA cant continue to run it, the city should step in. Its a necessary asset to the area.

2. Yes. The city already uses it as a warming and cooling center. It would be a smart move.

3. No. It may be in the citys interest to help subsidize insurance for the center, but nothing more.

4. No. The city doesnt need the added burden of staffing and insuring the center. Its a bad idea.

5. Unsure. It may be seem like a good idea, but other options should be explored as well.

Vote

View Results
Killeen, TX (76540)

Today

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 36F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 36F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
LINCOLN  Two of the top 16 contenders in the second Coolest Things Made in Nebraska contest, which began last week, are doing business in the Kearney area.

They are:

Royal Engineered Composites in Minden. Among other products that Royals highly-trained staff fabricate is the carbon fiber ducting for one of the most powerful helicopters on earth, the Sikorsky CH-53k King Stallion.

Ag Dryer Services in Elm Creek. When the company isnt churning out grain drying systems its building compact aluminum Pond-Tini Pontoon Boats.

Brett Miller, marketing manager for Royal Engineered Composites, said the company finished eighth in the 2022 Coolest Thing contest. Royals product in that contest was the ducting used to maintain air pressure inside the nose cone of the rocket that blasted the Perseverance Rover into space on its mission to Mars.

Miller said maintaining air pressure prevented insects from entering the nose cone and sabotaging the rocket launch.

This years product  the ducting for the Sikorsky King Stallion, is made up of more than 100 pieces made of hand laid-up carbon fiber thats light as a feather and strong as steel. The ducting helps circulate air inside the helicopter to keep the crew and cargo warm or cool.

Royal Engineered Composites has been in business 70 years, and much of its work is for aerospace applications, although Royal occasionally works on products used in space exploration.

We have really skilled technicians who have really honed their craft, Miller said.

With 225 employees, Royal is Mindens largest employer.

Royal or Ag Dryer Services could be crowned the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska contest if they are able to win supporters during the Aug. 29-Sept. 4 bracket-style competition. Companies with the largest number of votes will advance until the winner emerges on Sept. 4.

Last years winner was the Grain Weevil made in Aurora. The system is designed to prevent people from getting trapped in grain silos.

Among the 14 other products nominated for the 2023 Coolest Things Made in Nebraska Contest are steel girders forged in Norfolk, whiskey distilled in West Point, soap made in Hastings, fire trucks fabricated in Snyder, all-terrain mobility chairs made in Columbus and ram air turbines manufactured in York.

The NE Manufacturing Alliance organized the contest that is powered by the NE Chamber and Nebraska Public Power District. Local public power providers also support the contest, which celebrates Nebraskas manufacturing industry with Nebraska residents, students, educators, community leaders, manufacturers and especially, the more than 100,000 Nebraskans working in manufacturing jobs.

Nebraskans will help decide which of the 16 contenders wins the contest.

Manufacturers, students and all Nebraskans are invited to vote for their favorite product manufactured in Nebraska each week through the month of September at nemanufacturingalliance.com.
A man wanted on suspicion of killing a 71-year-old Fort Calhoun woman is in jail in Texas after authorities tracked him down in a Galveston County RV park.

William Paul Collins, 30, was arrested this week in Texas in connection with the Aug. 13 homicide of Linda Childers, Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson announced Friday.

Robinson said at a press conference Friday that nine deputies had logged more than 1,700 hours investigating the case and that two of his detectives were very instrumental in locating Collins, the Washington County Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise reported.

Collins was being held without bail in the Galveston County Jail on fugitive from justice warrants out of Nebraska and Indiana, according to Galveston County authorities. In Nebraska, hes wanted on suspicion of first-degree murder, two counts of using a weapon to commit a felony, first-degree assault, burglary, possession of a stolen firearm and theft, according to the Galveston County Sheriffs Office. Its unclear what the Indiana fugitive warrant is for.

Childers was found dead Aug. 14 in her home in the 6500 block of County Road P43, north of Fort Calhoun. After a report from a relative of hers at 1:19 a.m. Aug. 14, a paramedic from Fort Calhoun Fire and Rescue responded and pronounced her deceased.

Collins traveled the Midwest and had friends in Omaha, Robinson said. Washington County Attorney Scott Vander Schaaf said Friday that he did not believe there was a connection between Collins and Childers, the Pilot-Tribune & Enterprise reported.

This appears to have been an act motivated by money, and it appears to be something that was done out of haste or necessity by Mr. Collins, the newspaper quoted Vander Schaaf as saying.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office said Friday that Omaha police, the Douglas County and Saunders County Sheriffs Offices, and U.S. Marshal Service have assisted in the investigation.

Galveston County sheriffs deputies arrested Collins Wednesday at an RV park in San Leon, Texas, Sheriff Henry Trochesset said in a phone interview Friday.

We got a tip that he would be in the area, Trochesset said.

He was sitting outside a trailer, he said. We had no issues with his arrest.

Getting away with murder: Nebraska cold cases Ann Marie Kelley Carl Bittner K.K. Kody Christi Nichols Donald Bennett Ernestine Ruschy Eugene McGuire Jay Durnil Mary Heese Gregory Moore Irvin Settje Jason Remsen Jason Vesper Brian Walker Arthur Morley Jay Blockson Jeanne Kassebaum William, Bernice and Barbara Peak Jeffrey Snoddy Joy Blanchard Demetrius Simpson Julie Derrick Leah Rowlands Letha Harley Mary Cabral Mary Cronin Merlin Mosel Mitchell Simon Patrick Vostades Rebecca Williams Richard Chadek Richard Lessley Robert Beaudoin Robert Heelan Rudolfo Flores Russell McKnight Sandy Green Sarah Neal Tyrone Banister Waddell Robinson Charles Hanks
The First District American Legions 40th annual POW/MIA Silent March will be held in Twin Lakes, Sept. 16, honoring Wisconsin veterans missing in action from the Vietnam War, Cold War, Gulf War and World War II.

The public is invited to the event hosted by American Legion Twin Lakes Post 544.

The march will start at Lance Park, 55 Lance Drive, and proceed to the Twin Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 349 East Main Street.

Registration begins 9:30 a.m. at Lance Park and the march will commence at 11 a.m. A ceremony will be conducted immediately following the march. In case of inclement weather, the march will not be held, but the ceremony will continue at 11:45 a.m. at the Lakewood Elementary School, 1218 Wilmot Ave.

This years speaker is retired Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink, last serving as chief of the Navy Reserve on the staff of the chief of naval operations in Washington D.C.

The Silent March is a quiet, solemn procession according to a press release, held every year since 1983. All veterans and the public are invited to participate.

The march concludes with a ceremony including guest speakers, a presentation of the POW/MIA table ceremony and a reading of the names of Wisconsin veterans still MIA from Vietnam, each name is accompanied by the toll of a bell and the release of a black balloon

A balloon is also released for MIAs from World War II, Korean War, Cold War and Gulf War.
The 5th Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) Responsible Care Conference has arrived for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain from September 5-7 at the Ritz-Carlton, Manama for three days of knowledge sharing and networking under the theme Shaping A Sustainable Future with Innovative Solutions.

Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, President of Electricity & Water Authority (EWA), Bahrain and Chairman, GPIC, delivered the inaugural address on the main day of the event, September 6.

The opening remarks were presented by Khalid Al Alyani, EHS VP, SABIC and Vice-Chairman, Responsible Care Committee, GPCA.

The path to net-zero in 2050 will require enabling technologies and infrastructure, collaboration, and conducive regulatory frameworks to develop effective solutions that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enable the energy transition and address climate change, speakers sad.

Practiced in 70 countries globally, including in countries in the Arabian Gulf, Responsible Care has enabled chemical companies in the region to reduce their environmental impact, maintain safe operations and build strong partnerships with their communities, they added.

As part of the keynote address on Day 1, September 6, Dr Ali Al-Meshari, SVP, Technology Oversight & Coordination, Aramco, engaged on stage with Dr Ahmed Al Hazmi, CEO, Al Madar Group, about the carbon management journey in Saudi Arabia.

Delegates heard first-hand insights on effective approaches for reducing and removing carbon emissions, such as CO2 capture and storage, low-carbon hydrogen, low-carbon fuels, and offsetting solutions.

The second panel of the day delved into the industrys perspective for achieving carbon neutrality. Raoul Meys, Co-Founder and CTO at Carbon Minds moderated the session. Joining Raoul on stage were Dr. Fahad Al Sherehy, VP, Corporate Sustainability, SABIC, Mictchell Toomey, VP, Sustainability and Responsible Care, American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Mohammed Al Ruwaidhi, VP Aromatics and Energy, OQ.

Later that day, Rafeeq Zachariah, Commercial Director, SIRC, discussed the establishment of the National Chemical Safety Program in Saudi Arabia, while Jeffrey Kovacs, Responsible Care Leadership Group (RCLG) Chairman, ICCA, delivered a plenary address titled Responsible Care: A practitioners tool for innovation and sustainability.

Setting the tone for the last day of the event, September 7, Salamah Al Dhafiri, EHS Director, Sadara and Chairman, RC Conference Planning Taskforce, GPCA, will present the opening remarks.

They will be followed by a must-attend session focused on human factors moderated by Tom Keane, HSE Culture and Leadership, Procyon, featuring panelist Diane Chadwick-Jones, Former Human Performance Director, BP, and Adnan A. AlMahmood, Deputy CEO, Support, GPIC.

Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA, commented: We are pleased to gather in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time this year to provide a platform for some of the most pertinent discussions in the chemical industry currently. How is the industry addressing carbon management? What are the pathways to achieving carbon neutrality? What is the link between Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHS&S)? And much more.

As part of the conference, GPCA released its Responsible Care 2022 Performance Metrics report under the theme Navigating a Year of Progress and Sustainability. The report is based on 999 data entries from 39 companies collected and analyzed from a set of 26 metrics.

According to the report, in 2022, GPCA members achieved an impressive 17 per cent reduction in combined Total Recordable Incidents (TRIs), encompassing incidents involving both employees and contractors measured against the previous nine years.

In 2022, process safety incidents dropped by 31 per cent YoY and by an impressive 40 per cent over the past nine-year average.

In 2022, GPCA members reduced hazardous waste generation by a remarkable 42 per cent compared to the previous year.

In addition, the report revealed a 61 per cent reduction of hazardous waste generation when compared to the average value recorded over the previous nine years (2013-2021).

As part of the conference program, a Contractor Safety Workshop kicked off on September 5, while a workshop on EHS&S digitalisation took place in the afternoon to provide practical insight into contractor safety and how technology can raise the bar in EHS&S.-TradeArabia News Service
Financial Services Commission (FSC) Vice Chairman Kim So-young delivers a congratulatory speech at the Indonesia-Korea Financial Cooperation Forum at Four Seasons Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday. Courtesy of FSC



By Anna J. Park



Financial Services Commission (FSC) Vice Chairman Kim So-young vowed to actively support mutually beneficial business activities by private financial companies in Korea and Indonesia to deepen bilateral cooperation.



As of Monday, the FSC vice chief has been on a week-long visit to Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and Vietnam. Kim spent the first two days in Indonesia, followed by the next two days  until Thursday  in Vietnam. On the last leg of his visit, later this week, he is slated to visit Hong Kong.



During his two-day visit to Indonesia, Kim attended the Indonesia-Korea Financial Cooperation Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jakarta. The event was jointly hosted by the FSC, the Council on International Financial Cooperation (CIFC) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Indonesia.





Financial Services Commission (FSC) Vice Chairman Kim So-young, left, poses with Financial Services Authority (OJK) of Indonesia chief Mahendra Siregar, center, and Council on International Financial Cooperation (CIFC) Chairman Park Jong-kyu at Four Seasons Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday. Courtesy of FSC
The Korean Cultural Center to Belgium and the European Union hosts "Pop the Bubbles, Blur the Boundaries" exhibition at the center through Dec. 29. Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Korean comic artists are teaming up with their European counterparts in Brussels, Belgium forging new creative alliances in an exhibition that aims to redefine the boundaries of the comic world.



The Korean Cultural Center to Belgium and the European Union (EU) opened its annual exhibition "Pop the Bubbles, Blur the Boundaries," Wednesday (local time).



Belgium is home to iconic comic book characters such as the Smurfs, Tintin and Lucky Luke, which not only graced the pages of newspapers and magazines but also captivated audiences through television and the Korean Cultural Center has been engaging with the medium to foster cultural connections between the two countries.



First launched in 2014, the exhibition has been bridging exchanges between Korean and Belgian comic artists. This year's edition is expanded to feature eight artists from Belgium, Switzerland, France as well as Korea, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the EU. The exhibition further cements Brussels' status as a global hub for the comic book industry through international collaboration.



In the exhibition, each artist brings their unique perspectives to the world of comics and explores the various elements of comics such as speech bubbles and square templates.



Among the Korean artists, France-based Silki delves into the themes of discrimination and prejudice in the work "Kimchi Baguette," while Um Yoo-jin employs a new comic format called "insta-toon," which combines elements of webtoons and Instagram, capturing the nuances of her family and daily life through simple pencil line.



Leebinsoyeon's "Shape of Shame" is a multi-genre work that incorporates sculpture, video and installation, exploring various images of people portrayed in media through dreamy colors. Kim Yong-kwan's "New Wave" reinterprets the concept of the square as an element of the comic medium and presents it through semi-abstract geometric patterns and puzzles.





An image from France-based Korean artist Silki's comic book "Kimchi Baguette" / Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center
After letting Bo out early Thursday morning, I took a steaming cup of coffee out on the patio. It was so chilly (45 degrees), I had to wrap my fingers around my heated Packers Legends cup.

The sky was just starting to glow behind the bluffs. Last evenings full moon was not in evidence. It sure lit things up at bedtime last night, though. This morning it was quiet for a changemusic to my nearly deaf-as-a-post-like ears. I didnt make out any engines or airplanes or hunting crows or even early songbirds. It took the honking of wild geese in the hayfield across the coulee to disturb my quiet time. Bo returned from a business trip and started his usual dance, nervous pacing and spinning around impatient for music to his earsdog chow being scooped into his slow-eat dog dish.

I had plans to meet my old friend Vince Ruetten for a stint on the backwaters in the Queen this morning. While I was dealing with launching the Queen, baiting up, and solving the problems of the world with Vince, Ellen and our friends Cindy and Pearl Sikora and Kathi Cermak were on a mission to get breakfast at St. Francis Hermitage Restaurant near Gays Mills.

Vince and I put in at North Goose Island Landing without incident. The sun was just warm and there was a light breeze out of the south. We passed a few fisher-types on our way up to a favorite starting point. We anchored behind some docks and started keeping watch over bright yellow and red slip bobbers. We caught a few fish, but only put three in the livewell. (All pardoned before we headed back.)

Ellen enjoyed the trip and said the food was really good. She had a quiche. The girls tried omelets and some of the French bread. She said some of the nuns spoke to them in French. All in all a good morning.

Until next time, get outthose geese might want to keep it down now that the early goose hunting season and other migratory bird seasons opened Sept. 1 despite the intense hot weather.

Next week looms with bow season for deer, small game season, and fall wild turkey season all opening. Our favorite season is fast upon us. Enjoy.
Aptiv, a disabilities services and support organization based in La Crosse, has received a $244,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for research on how technology can help people with disabilities, according to a press release.

The grant is part of a statewide effort to improve Medicaid home and community based services, the release says, and $12.8 million is being awarded to 91 organizations during this round of funding, which was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act.

With the grant, Aptiv says it is prepared to research a plan that will provide the most up-to-date technological accommodations for those who use its services. Technology can expand Aptivs services, the organization says, which will empower people to nurture skills and foster independence within their homes and workplaces.

The grant dollars weve received from the (DHS) represent more than mere funds; they symbolize hope and potential, Aptiv president and CEO Jenny Felty said in the release. Our project isnt just about technological integration; its about making enduring, positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.
Together with the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Gov. Tony Evers recently announced new efforts to continue improving professional license processes at the states lead credentialing and licensing agency.

The move builds upon the Evers Administrations previous work to improve licensing efficiency at the department through limited-term and project positions, reorganizing, and contracting staff to support the departments call center, among other critical efforts.

Among the new efforts Evers and DSPS announced includes a new public licensing dashboard at license.wi.gov/s/performance-data to help improve transparency around licensing processes and department processing capacity.

The licensing transparency dashboard is a continuation of ongoing work to improve and modernize state services for the 21st century. Data available on the new dashboard recently announced today lends credence to the Evers Administrations continued push for additional flexibility and staffing support for DSPS, as the data provide an illustrative example of how additional resource and staffing support directed by Evers has helped enable DSPS to make substantial progress toward improving licensing times even with continued high demand on the agencys limited available staff and resources.

Im proud of our administrations ongoing efforts to ensure state government works for everyone, including modernizing outdated processes and systems, reducing barriers, and improving efficiency so Wisconsinites across our state can get help and access critical services when they need it most, Evers said.

The new dashboard offers real-time information on state application timelines and capacity. The dashboard, part of work to modernize state government services for the 21st century, builds upon the administrations new online licensing platform launched last year, LicensE, to maximize efficiency in the credentialing process and reduces barriers and obstacles to applicants while prioritizing public safety and consumer protection.

The licensing dashboard highlights the average number of days it is currently taking DSPS to review new application submissions, including any additional documentation sent by applicants or third-party education institutions, employers, testing centers, and others.

Dashboard data, now available for public viewing, illustrates heavy demand and significant progress that has been made at the state department responsible for occupational licensing. For example, to date, in 2023, Wisconsin has issued nearly 200% more licenses than it did in the same period in 2018. DSPS is currently handling documentation within three to five calendar days, meaning once an applicant satisfies all legal requirements, they should have their license in hand in less than a week.

Were very proud of the work our staff has done to modernize our systems and improve the experience for those applying for an occupational license in Wisconsin, said DSPS Secretary Dan Hereth of the dashboard data. Were excited to provide applicants meaningful information to help them plan for and drive their application process. Im also very pleased, although not at all surprised, that the data shows the efficiencies weve put in place over the past year are paying dividends for Wisconsin and our professional license applicants.

The departments workload has grown even in the face of the Legislatures refusal to authorize more requested staffing support through the biennial budget process. Over the course of his two first biennial budgets, Evers requested more than two dozen new full-time positions for DSPS, which began this year with even fewer authorized positions than when the agency was created more than a decade ago, to help ensure the department could meet its ever-increasing workload that has long exceeded available staff and resource capacity.

Unlike most state agencies, which are funded primarily by taxpayer dollars, DSPS is funded almost exclusively by revenue generated through its own permits and professional license fees  revenue the department cannot use to hire more staff support or make technological improvements without approval by the Wisconsin State Legislature.

Through the availability of federal emergency relief funds, Evers has made substantial investments to enhance operations at DSPS in recent years. In addition to funding the accelerated development and rollout of LicensE (license.wi.gov), the states new cloud-based license application platform, emergency funding also allowed the department to contract with a staffing agency to quadruple the size of its call center and to aggressively expand its credentialing team.

Given the significant progress DSPS has made toward modernizing the licensing process and improving licensure processing times and the Legislatures failure to secure the continuation of the departments federally-funded efforts on a permanent ongoing basis, Evers announced recently that he is committing the necessary support through federal pandemic relief funds to continue the departments enhanced staffing levels through 2024, when federal funds expire at the end of the year.

Critical investments weve made have helped enable DSPS to significantly improve license processing and response times, Evers said. These results clearly show that if we want the important work improving the licensing process and these positive outcomes to continue, the Legislature must give the department the staffing and resource capacity that everyone knows they need.

So, while Im committing the necessary federal funds to allow DSPS to retain their current staffing levels through next year, Im also calling on the Legislature to do its part by ensuring the department can maintain the necessary staff to be successful, Evers said. Failing to approve this critical request will be detrimental to the improvements DSPS has already worked to make while jeopardizing efforts to build upon this progress in the future. The federal pandemic relief funds directed by the goveror will ensure the department can retain the current staffing levels that have helped enable significant improvements to licensing processing times. However, because the federal funds directed by Evers cannot be extended past the end of calendar year 2024, DSPS will need approval and authorization from the Wisconsin State Legislature to keep its staffing capacity at current levels.

To that end, Evers also announced Aug. 31 that he is officially requesting that the Wisconsin State Legislature authorize the department to retain its current staffing levels to help ensure the departments progress is not affected by a change or lapse in the resources necessary to meet the departments current workload and maximize efficiency. The request will allow the department to maintain critical staffing levels once federal emergency funding expires.

Because the recent staffing additions approved by the Legislature through the biennial budget process did not meet the level of investment requested by Evers, DSPS will actually have fewer credentialing employees when federal emergency funding runs out than it does today.

If the Legislature rejects the governors request for sustainable, ongoing staffing support at DSPS, the decision will have serious negative impacts on the progress DSPS has already made to improve licensing and processing times, even potentially causing those improvements to backslide and regress, substantially affecting Wisconsins licensed and credentialed workforce.
Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in Bahrain, will launch three new ventures, it was revealed at a major conference in Bahrain.

These new ventures will focus on maximising enterprise value through investments in cutting-edge technologies and renewable energy, demonstrating the numerous collaborative opportunities within Bahrain's flourishing energy sector, Bapco Energies said.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, affordability and security of supply participating at the Global Water Energy and Climate Change Congress (GWECCC) held under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister.

The event, which saw the participation of regional and global energy leaders, opened on September 5 and will run till September 7, and is held under the theme Water Sustainability and Energy Transition: Implications on GCC and the World.

Bapco Energies Chief Executive Officer Mark Thomas, participating in a leadership panel addressing the energy trilemma, said: The timing of this event could not be more fitting for the Kingdom of Bahrain. It coincides with Bahrains concerted efforts to transition towards a low carbon future guided by the Kingdoms National Energy Strategy. Our commitment to sustainability, affordability, and security of supply, as expressed in Bahrains Economic Vision 2030, inspires our transformative journey.

The Kingdom has set ambitious targets to decarbonise its national economy, aligning with its COP26 commitments to achieve Net-Zero by 2060. As such, the National Energy Strategy provides a clear and forward-thinking roadmap to fulfilling its climate pledges.

Thomas reaffirmed Bapco Energies commitment to the Kingdoms vision by stating: As a progressive national oil company we have taken significant strides to align our operations with the Kingdoms sustainability ambitions. This includes our Bapco Modernization Program, which once completed, will be one of the most efficient, complex, and modern refineries within the region.

"In the past month, we have expanded our financing capabilities, proudly launching our Sustainability Linked Finance Framework in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank. In doing so, we became the first national oil company in the world to directly link financing to our decarbonization targets, encompassing Scope 3 emissions," he said.

GWECCC serves as an important platform for energy leaders to discuss the pressing challenges posed by climate change and explore future pathways. - TradeArabia News Service
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

Join Hands with the Global Majority!

Sept. 5, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)The next week brings several international conferences: the ASEAN meeting taking place now in Indonesia, the G20 meeting in India this weekend, the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok over Sept. 10-13, and, in the middle of it, the Schiller Institutes Sept. 9 online conference Let us Join Hands with the Global Majority To Create a New Chapter in World History!

The new paradigm in international affairs drawing increasing strength with the BRICS summit and the EEF, in particular, requires an appropriate response from those nations without whose cooperation, a secure world of peaceful development were impossible: the nations of Anglo-American NATO. Is peace possible in a world with a United Kingdom insane enough to promote Taiwanese independence and a game of nuclear chicken with Russia in a new Crimean Missile Crisis, or with a United States that has departed so far from its founding principles as to be the primary support of the Ukrainian military being ground to mush, while engaging in repeated military provocations directed against China? Meanwhile, many nations in Europe are watching their economies be destroyed by sanctions and anti-human energy policy, their agricultural sectors decimated in order to save nature, and their cultures shaken by a lack of meaningful national mission.

The Schiller Institute and the LaRouche movement more broadly intend to catalyze a change in policy within the imperial West, through an internationally mediated process of organizing. Give the United States a mission, as in space exploration and technology! Restore in Europe the best aspects of its world-changing Renaissance culture! Shake off the terror, the suppression, that fears the dawning of a new world.

Be free to speak! Demands are made for online safety and to prevent the harm caused by reading a social post judged (by some Ministry of Truth) to be incorrect. But what about the safety of the people of Ukraine, being destroyed by the Anglo-American/NATO war against Russia? What about the harm of delaying and preventing development under the guise of what are called green policies? Agencies like the ADL threaten social media companies like X/Twitter on the basis of the reputational harm that may befall them from the ADLs (exaggerated) reports if they dont change their policies as the ADL demand. Elon Musk is contemplating a defamation lawsuit against the Anti Defamation League.

As the United States Navy sends a major force for the first time in a decade to the Yellow Sea (international waters, but bordered only by China and the Koreas), following a multi-thousand-person training exercise involving Taiwan military members in Michigan, as Kiev tries to pull NATO into the war by claiming Russian drones have fallen on Romania, will you join the chorus for peace and transform the West?

Register for the Sept. 9 Schiller Institute conference and host a live showing in your community. Our world cannot survive half-slave and half-free.
On 5 September Colombias lower chamber of congress threw a lifeline to the governments struggling health reform bill, rejecting an attempt by the opposition to archive the bill.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 399 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
On 5 September members of conservative associations protested outside Mexicos supreme court (SCJN) over upcoming votes regarding the decriminalisation of abortion.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 378 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden recently announced it is extending temporary protection from deportation to migrants from six countries.

Nationals of Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua can remain in the United States under the extended policy.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program permits migrants, whose home countries are considered unsafe, to live and work in the United States. They can do so under the program although they do not have normal legal permission to be in the country. However, they can only be in the U.S. for a set period of time, and they must meet U.S. government requirements.

Daniel Costa is director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, an organization based in Washington, D.C. Costa said current TPS holders have high employment rates and add billions of dollars to the U.S. economy every year.

"TPS raises wages throughwork authorization for people who don't have itHigher wages also mean more spending back in the economy, which creates more jobs," he said.

The United States first gave Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador Temporary Protected Status more than 20 years ago. When the Biden administration extended TPS for those countries in June, it was for people who were current TPS holders.

If the Biden administration again gives those countries temporary protected status, it would expand TPS for many people. It would permit any qualifying migrant who entered the U.S. during the last 20 years to receive TPS.

A report by the Niskanen Center, a Washington-based policy research organization, said the "vast majority" of TPS holders are employed.

"More than 94 percent of TPS holders were in the labor force as of 2017, the report stated. It said that they worked in industries including sales and health care. The 2017 report warned that ending TPS for just El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti would cause the U.S. economy to lose over $160 billion over 10 years.

Adding new countries

Immigrant organizations have called for the U.S. to give new TPS designations. They hope the government will add Mauritania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the program.

Nils Kinuani is the immigration coordinator for the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan. He told VOA the group had conversations with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials in April.

We have been also working with congressional leaders to push for this designation," Kinuani said.

The U.S. Department of State says the DRC is suffering a humanitarian crisis marked by over 20 years of civil war and conflict.

Leaders of Black Mauritanians say the U.S. had an earlier policy of not deporting Mauritanians because of the countrys human-rights record. Haddy Gassama is with the organization UndocuBlack Network. She wrote that the abuses include the practice of enslaving Black people" and keeping a system of apartheid.

Apartheid is a political system of racial separation.

In January, Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican Representative Mike Carey sent a letter to Biden and other government officials to support TPS for Mauritanians living in the U.S. without legal permission.

Congress established TPS in 1990. Currently, 16 countries are designated for the program.

Current TPS holders who want to extend their protection must register again during the 60-day registration period for their countrys designation. Re-registration opens soon for four countries, starting with El Salvador on September 10.

TPS designations are set for six, 12, or 18 months. About two months before a countrys TPS ends, the DHS secretary has to decide if the U.S. will end or extend the TPS.

The TPS program does not lead to permanent U.S. residency. As of March, about 610,000 foreign nationals held temporary protected status.

TPS holders who leave the U.S. without first getting a travel authorization may lose their TPS status and may not reenter the country.

Im Andrew Smith. And I'm Gena Bennett.

Aline Barros wrote this story for Voice of America. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

deportation n. the process of legally removing someone from a country who is not permitted by law to be in that country

wages n. (pl.) money paid to a worker in exchange for the amount of time they worked

authorization n. official permission to do, have or act as something

vast adj. very large in size or extent

designation n. the act of officially naming or choosing someone or something; the state of being named to a position or status under the law

residency n. the status of legally being permitted to live in a place
Chinas foreign minister is seeking to sell his Italian counterpart on the benefits of leader Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road initiative of Chinese-built and -funded infrastructure projects, as Rome considers whether to renew the agreement.

In a meeting this week, Wang Yi told Antonio Tajani that bilateral trade had grown from $50 billion to nearly $80 billion and that Italys exports to China increased by around 30% over the past five years.

While the figures havent been corroborated, Italys conservative government has cast doubt on the benefits of the arrangement.

In 2019, Italy became the only European country to sign on to the initiative under then-premier Giuseppe Conte, and it is not expected to be extended when it comes up for renewal at years end.

Chinas official Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as telling Tajani that China and Italy should adhere to the right way of getting along with each other with mutual respect and trust in the face of geopolitical disturbances and that China was ready to push for steady development of China-Italy relations.

The Italian news agency ANSA quoted Tajani as saying that, Italy is the supporter of dialogue with Beijing at the European Union level too, and of frank, open dialogue on principles and rights.

China touts the Belt and Road initiative, known as the BRI, as successfully raising infrastructure in underdeveloped nations. Critics say BRI built vanity projects in countries that needed poverty eradication and basic services, while the local governments were left with huge debts owed to Chinese state banks under contracts shrouded in secrecy. MDT/AP
Despite Chinese President Xi Jinpings decision not to attend this weeks Group of 20 summit in India, Beijing says that relations between the two nuclear-armed Asian giants remain generally stable.

China announced on Monday that Premier Li Qiang, who took office just this spring, would represent China at the Sept. 9-10 meeting in New Delhi.

Relations between China and India remain frosty over their border dispute that led to a clash three years ago in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed. It has turned into a long-running standoff in the rugged mountainous area, where each side has stationed tens of thousands of military personnel backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets.

Without mentioning the dispute, or the reason for Xis decision not to attend, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Chinese leaders have always supported Indias hosting of this years summit and are ready to work with all parties to make the G20 summit a success.

At present, China-India relations remain generally stable, and dialogue and communication have been maintained at all levels, Mao told reporters at a daily briefing yesterday.

We are willing to work with the Indian side to promote greater and continuous development of China-India relations, she said.

Frictions between the two have also arisen over trade, technology and investment and Indias growing strategic ties with Chinas main rival, the United States. Both India and China have expelled the others journalists and once-plentiful educational exchanges have all but dried up.

India recently overtook China as the worlds most populous nation and the two are rivals in computers, steel-making, space exploration and other high-tech fields.

Seeking to tamp down the possibility of future clashes, Chinese and Indian military commanders met last month and pledged to maintain the peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control that separates Chinese- and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to Indias eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety. MDT/AP
Oman is keen to develop the conference and events sector locally and regionally, said a top tourism official.

Khalid Waleed Al Zedjali, Director of Oman Office of Conferences at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said this as Oman hosted the Middle East version of the International Congress and Convention Associations (ICCA) meeting which kicked off on Wednesday (August 30) in capital Muscat.

He said that Oman is looking to develop infrastructure for high-level events while forging strong partnership with the ICCA, said a report in Times of Oman.

The ICCA meeting that is being held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat will conclude on August 31 (Thursday).

More than 120 local and regional tourism professionals are taking part in the event being held under the theme of Forging a Collective Path to a Prosperous Future.

The forum aims to showcase successful experiences and futuristic thinking on the conference and events sector, while exploring various opportunities to generate awareness about this sector among startups.

It also is looking to tap the potential of emerging investment destinations and explore means of expanding the scope of entrepreneurship.

It will outline the economic impact and revenues gained from the conference and events tourism sector.

Said Salim Al Shanfari, CEO of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, said that Oman has developed strong infrastructure to attract event tourism.

An example of this infrastructure is Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, which provides spacious grounds and large halls fully equipped to host high-level events, he added.

The meeting was held under the auspices of Azzan Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism.
Former head of casino giant MGM Resorts, Jim Murren, takes helm at Dubai gaming authority, state news agency WAM said.

Murren, former chairman and chief executive of MGM Resorts International, was appointed as the chairman of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authoritys (GCGRA) board of directors.

The United Arab Emirates has created a federal authority to potentially run a national lottery and what it describes as commercial gaming, likely a sign that it is on the verge of allowing gambling as major casino operators flock to the Gulf Arab nation.

Murren also worked closely with officials in the Emirates in the past.

The biggest single development on the Las Vegas Strip was the USD9.2 billion CityCenter partnership between MGM Resorts International under Murren and Dubai World, which opened in 2009. Its Harmon tower never opened due to construction defects and was dismantled.

The state-run WAM news agency named Kevin Mullally as its CEO. Mullally once served as the executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission, which oversaw that U.S. states riverboat casinos.

Murren said: I am delighted at the appointment of Kevin Mullally. He brings unparalleled category experience and will be invaluable in creating a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for the UAE.

Casinos long have been rumored to be considered as a way to raise money in the UAE and boost its tourism industry, particularly in Dubai, home to the long-haul airline Emirates. Already, duty-free car raffles bombard those flying through Dubai International Airport. MDT/AP
Southeast Asian leaders decided that Myanmar wont take over the rotating leadership of their regional bloc as scheduled in 2026, Asian diplomats and a leader said yesterday, in the latest blow to efforts by its ruling generals to gain international recognition after violently seizing power in 2021.

Western governments led by the United States have condemned the Myanmar armys ouster of Aung San Suu Kyis democratically elected government in 2021 and have demanded her immediate release from yearslong detention along with other officials.

The Philippines agreed to take over the regional blocs chairmanship in 2026 at an ASEAN summit hosted by Indonesia, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a statement, citing what he told fellow leaders in the closed-door meetings.

It is my pleasure to announce that the Philippines is ready to take the helm and chair ASEAN in 2026, Marcos told his ASEAN counterparts in Jakarta, the statement said.

Marcos did not explain why Myanmar lost the prestigious yearlong ASEAN chairmanship, but two ASEAN diplomats told The Associated Press that it was related to the civil strife in the country and fears that the blocs relations with the United States and the European Union, among others, might be undermined because of their non-recognition of the military-led government in Myanmar.

The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the delicate issue publicly.

Continuing deadly civil strife in Myanmar and new flare-ups in long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea were high in the agenda of the 10-nation blocs talks yesterday.

Thorny issues including the U.S.-China rivalry in the region have set off divisions within ASEAN, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo renewed his call for unity.

All of us are aware of the magnitude of the worlds challenges today, where the main key to facing them is the unity and centrality of ASEAN, Widodo told fellow leaders.

He likened the regional group to a big ship carrying Southeast Asias people. ASEAN leaders must ensure that this ship is able to keep going, able to keep sailing, Widodo said. We must be captains of our own ships to bring about peace, to bring about stability, to bring about shared prosperity.

In a punitive step for their failure to comply with a five-point domestic peace plan crafted by ASEAN leaders in 2021, Myanmars top generals and their appointed officials were again barred from attending this years summit in Jakarta despite suggestions by some member states that they be allowed back because their ejection had failed to resolve the countrys crisis.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said ASEAN leaders decided to stick with the peace plan despite an assessment that it has not led to any progress in easing the crisis. They designated three nations  the blocs previous, current and next chairs  to deal directly with Myanmars civil unrest, she told reporters.

Myanmars generals will continue to be barred from attending high-level ASEAN meetings, Marsudi said.

Myanmar security forces have killed about 4,000 civilians and arrested 24,410 others since the army takeover.

After their summit, the regional groups leaders will meet with Asian and Western counterparts today and tomorrow, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is attending in lieu of President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Asked about the possibility of a meeting with Chinese Premier Li in Jakarta, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said there had been no decision made on that.

NINIEK KARMINI & JIM GOMEZ, JAKARTA, MDT/AP
The Public Security Police Force (PSP) has issued a press statement to explain an accident involving a police van hitting a scooter at an intersection in the Inner Harbour area.

The accident was filmed by a dashboard camera from another stationary vehicle that had stopped at the same traffic light as the scooter rider. The footage shows the rider attempting to cross the intersection in the direction of Barra at a green light. The scooter was hit in the intersection by a police van that failed to stop at the red light at the Rua do Almirante Sergio.

In the statement, the PSP claims the driver, an on-duty police officer, could not see the red light on the left side of the road as it was obscured by a bus. The relevant street has traffic lights on both sides. The dashcam footage shows the light for the police van was red, and the police van was not using its emergency lights or siren.

According to the same statement, the responsible officer passed a breathalyzer test and had consumed no alcohol.

The scooter rider was transported to the hospital, with the PSP stating that he had suffered minor injuries.

The police say the case is being addressed as any other traffic incident, which means the officer will be penalized for the serious traffic offense of not stopping at the red traffic light. The offense is aggravated by the fact that it caused an accident resulting in material damage and injury to another road user.

The incident has sparked concerns and many comments from netizens. Some accused the police of not respecting basic traffic rules despite having the power and responsibility of enforcement.
TikTok said yesterday that operations are underway at the first of its three European data centers, part of the popular Chinese owned apps effort to ease Western fears about privacy risks.

The video sharing app said it began transferring European user information to a data center in Dublin. Two more data centers, another in Ireland and one in Norway, are under construction, TikTok said in an update on its plan to localize European user data, dubbed Project Clover.

TikTok has been under scrutiny by European and American regulators over concerns that sensitive user data may end up in China. TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company that moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2020.

TikTok unveiled its plan earlier this year to store data in Europe, where there are stringent privacy laws, after a slew of Western governments banned the app from official devices.

NCC Group, a British cybersecurity company, is overseeing the project, TikToks vice president of public policy for Europe, Theo Bertram, said in a blog post.

NCC Group will check data traffic to make sure that only approved employees can access limited data types and carry out real-time monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious access attempts, Bertram said.

All of these controls and operations are designed to ensure that the data of our European users is safeguarded in a specially-designed protective environment, and can only be accessed by approved employees subject to strict independent oversight and verification, Bertram said. MDT/AP
Taiwans leader Tsai Ing-wen yesterday began a four-

day trip to Eswatini, one of the islands 13 remaining allies.

Tsai, who is serving her last year as cabinet leader, is visiting the country of 1.1 million people in southern Africa to celebrate the friendship between the two countries, she said, as she departed Taiwan.

Since Tsai took office in 2016, China has started putting pressure on countries that have a diplomatic relationship with Taiwan to switch their formal recognition from Taiwan to China. Beijing has successfully poached 9 countries, leaving Taiwan with just 13 countries that acknowledge its statehood.

Taiwans most recent diplomatic loss was Hondura s, which switched recognition to Beijing in March.

Taiwan is a self-ruled island claimed by China. The two sides have been at odds since 1949 when the Communist Party won in the civil war against the Nationalists. The Nationalists fled to Taiwan and set up government on the island.

China today demands its allies agree to its One China principle, which claims that Taiwan is a part of the Peoples Republic of China.

Tsai belongs to a political party that states Taiwan is already independent.

Diplomacy is the accumulation of step by step. Taiwans steps onto the globe not only will not stop, she said. We will continue forward more resolutely, with self-confidence, to let the world see Taiwans steady and good power.

Tsai is also accompanied by the mayor of the port city of Kaohsiung in Taiwans south.

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy, and most of the countrys population live below the poverty line. It was rocked by pro-democracy protests in 2021, but those protests were put down violently, per reports. MDT/AP
Within a period of about six hours, the Judiciary Police (PJ) has reported two separate cases involving local residents found lifeless at their respective homes.

In the first case, the PJ was alerted by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) and the Fire Service Bureau (CB) that a 61-year-old male was found dead at his home in the Seac Pai Van social housing estate.

According to the initial report, the body was found after neighbors complained of a bad smell coming from his apartment. Firefighters broke into the apartment and found the man lying on the floor outside the bedroom door.

According to the preliminary investigation, the man lived alone in the apartment.

The PJ said the body was showing signs of decomposition, indicating death had occurred several days earlier. No evidence was found at the scene or on the body to indicate a crime.

In the second case, reported a few hours later, the body of a 75-year-old woman was found at her home in Fai Chi Kei. The building management company called the police after a strong smell was detected emanating from an apartment and when no one answered the door.

The PSP and the CB entered the apartment and found the womans body in the living room.

As in the first case, the PJ investigators did not find any suspicious evidence to indicate a crime.

In both cases, the cause of death will be determined through forensic examination. Both cases have temporarily been classified as body findings.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia for a summit with President Vladimir Putin, a U.S. official said, in a trip that would underscore deepening cooperation as the two isolated leaders are locked in separate confrontations with the U.S.

U.S. officials also said that Russia is seeking to buy ammunition from North Korea to refill reserves drained by its war in Ukraine. In return, experts said, North Korea will likely want food and energy shipments and transfers of sophisticated weapons technologies.

A meeting with Putin would be Kims first summit with a foreign leader since North Korea closed its borders in January 2020. They met for the first time in April 2019, two months after Kims high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with then-U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed.

Its unclear how far Kim and Putins military cooperation could go, but any sign of warming relations will worry rivals like the U.S. and South Korea.

WHAT DOES PUTIN WANT FROM KIM?

Since last year, U.S. officials have suspected that North Korea is providing Russia with artillery shells, rockets and other ammunition, many of which are likely copies of Soviet-era munitions.

Russia is in urgent need of (war supplies). If not, how could the defense minister of a powerful country at war come to a small country like North Korea? said Kim Taewoo, former head of Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification. He said Shoigu was the first Russian defense minister to visit North Korea since the 1991 disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Buying munitions from North Korea would be a violation of U.N. resolutions, supported by Russia, that ban all arms trade with the isolated country. But now that it faces international sanctions and export controls over its war in Ukraine, Russia has been seeking weapons from other sanctioned countries like North Korea and Iran.

North Korea has vast stores of munitions, but Du Hyeogn Cha, an analyst at Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies, doubted whether it could swiftly send significant amounts to Russia, because the narrow land link between the countries can handle only a limited amount of rail traffic.

WHAT DOES KIM WANT IN RETURN?

Kims priorities would be aid shipments, prestige and military technology, experts said.

It would be a win-win deal for both, as Putin is cornered over his exhausted weapons inventory while Kim faces pressure from the South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, said Nam Sung-wook, a former director of the Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank run by South Koreas spy agency. Their needs are matched perfectly now.

Pandemic-era border closures have left North Korea with severe economic difficulties, and Kim is likely to seek supplies of food and energy to address shortfalls.

Kim will likely also trumpet expanding relations with Moscow as a sign that the country is overcoming its years of isolation. North Korean leaders have long valued face-to-face meetings with world leaders as signs of international importance and for domestic propaganda purposes.

Kim is likely also seeking Russian technology to support his plans to build high-tech weapons systems such as powerful long-range missiles, hypersonic ballistic weapons, nuclear-powered submarines and a spy satellite, said Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification.

Its unclear whether Russia would be willing to provide North Korea advanced technologies related to nuclear weapons and ICBMs, Cha said. Russia has always tightly guarded its most important weapons technologies, even from key partners like China, he said.

HOW CLOSE CAN THEY GET?

Shoigu told reporters Monday that Russia and North Korea were pondering the possibility of bilateral military exercise. Earlier, South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers that Shoigu appeared to have proposed a trilateral training exercise involving China.

Either way, it would be the Norths first joint military drills with a foreign country since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The country has avoided training with a foreign military in line with its official juche, or self-reliance, philosophy.

Kim Taewoo, the former institute director, said expanding South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation could prompt Kim Jong Un to break that taboo and hold drills with Russia and China for the first time.

But Nam, who is now a professor at Korea University, said North Korea wont likely accept the offer, as it could leave North Korea even more dependent on China and Russia.

Park Won Gon, a professor at Seouls Ewha Womans University, said its too early to predict what Kims diplomacy could yield beyond making a show of defiance toward the United States.

In any case, North Korea and Russia need to show that theyre working together, that theyre stepping up this cooperation, Park said. There clearly are practical areas of cooperation, and also some symbolic aspects they want to show the United States. MDT/AP
WASHINGTON  More than a dozen people nationally have been charged with threatening election workers by a Justice Department unit trying to stem the tide of violent and graphic threats against people who count and secure the vote.

Government employees are bombarded with threats even in normally quiet periods between elections, secretaries of state and experts warn. Some point to former President Donald Trump and his allies falsely claiming the 2020 election was stolen and spreading conspiracy theories about election workers. Experts fear the 2024 election could be worse and want the federal government to do more to protect election workers.

The Justice Department created the Election Threats Task Force in 2021 led by its public integrity section, which investigates election crimes.

John Keller, the unit's second in command, said the department hoped its prosecutions would deter others from threatening election workers.

"This isn't going to be taken lightly. It's not going to be trivialized," he said. "Federal judges, the courts are taking misconduct seriously and the punishments are going to be commensurate with the seriousness of the conduct." Two more men pleaded guilty

Thursday to threatening election workers in Arizona and Georgia in separate cases.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department would keep up the investigations, adding, "A functioning democracy requires that the public servants who administer our elections are able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives."

Prison sentences

The unit filed 14 cases, and two resulted in yearslong prison sentences, including a 2-year sentence Aug. 28 for Mark Rissi, an Iowa man charged with leaving a message threatening to "lynch" and "hang" an Arizona election official. He was "inundated with misinformation" and now "feels horrible" about the messages he left, his lawyer Anthony Knowles said.

A Texas man was given 3 years earlier this month after suggesting a "mass shooting of poll workers and election officials" last year. In one message, the Justice Department said, the man wrote: "Someone needs to get these people AND their children. The children are the most important message to send." His lawyer did not return a message seeking comment.

One indictment unveiled in August accused a man of leaving an expletive-filled voicemail after the 2020 election for Tina Barton, a Republican who formerly was the clerk in Rochester Hills, Michigan. According to the indictment, the person vowed "a million plus patriots will surround you when you least expect it" and "we'll  kill you."

Barton said it was just one of many threats that left her feeling deeply anxious. "I'm really hopeful the charges will send a strong message, and we won't find ourselves in the same position after the next election," she said.

Thousands of threats

Normally, the periods between elections are quiet for the workers who run voting systems around the U.S. For many, that's no longer true, said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat who pushed back against conspiracy theories about elections.

"I anticipate it will get worse as we end this year and go into the presidential election next year," she said.

Griswold said the threats come in "waves," usually following social media posts by prominent figures about false claims the 2020 election was stolen or blog posts on far-right websites. She worries that there haven't been enough prosecutions and states haven't taken enough action to protect workers.

Election officials note there have been thousands of threats nationwide, yet relatively few prosecutions. They say more could be done.

Liz Howard, a former Virginia election official now at the Brennan Center for Justice's elections and government program, called on the Justice Department to hire a senior adviser with existing relationships with election officials to improve outreach.

About 1 in 5 election workers knows someone who left their election job for safety reasons and 73% of local election officials said harassment increased, according to a Brennan Center survey published in April.

Work continues

The task force reviewed more than 2,000 reports of threats and harassment across the country. Most of those cases haven't brought charges from prosecutors, who point to the high legal bar for criminal prosecution.Communication must be considered a "true threat," one that crosses a line to a serious intent to hurt someone, in order to be a potential crime rather than free speech, Keller said.
Davids Jamaican Cuisine is moving a mile and a half from the Monona Drive location where its been the last five years to a spot at 1006 E. Broadway.

Pauline Blake, who owns the restaurant with her husband, David, said the new space wasnt a restaurant and needs remodeling, which they havent started yet.

Blake said their spot at 5696 Monona Drive has been closed for about a month and she hopes to open in the new location by the end of this month.

Blake said the Monona Drive building was aging. The landlord ended their lease to sell the building, she said.

The location had been good for them, she said, but was also expensive.

Their original location, which opened in 2002 a block down Monona Drive, was once a Taco Bell. The former location was initially built as a Burger King, but had been Las Islas Del Mar, a Mexican seafood restaurant, before they began renting it.

The new location wont carry on the weekday lunch buffet or the Friday night buffet tradition, she said, because its too much work.

Blake was at Taste of Madison over the Labor Day weekend for the 22nd year, in her usual spot, shaded from the sun, selling jerk chicken, jerk pork and jerk tofu, all with rice and beans.

Blake, 65, said she and her husband, who are from Montego Bay, Jamaica, plan to retire in the next five years. But she said David, 69, doesnt want to disappoint his dedicated customers.
A 30-year-old man was arrested for arson after a fire at a Dodgeville residence on Tuesday night, authorities reported.

The Dodgeville Police Department and Dodgeville Fire Department responded to a reported fire at a residence in the 300 block of East Merrimac Street about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dodgeville police said in a statement.

The fire was extinguished before emergency personnel arrived and no injuries were reported, police said.

Investigators determined it was arson and a 30-year-old man was booked into the Iowa County Jail on tentative charges of three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, police said.

The Iowa County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday reported that Andrew S. Reynolds, 30, of Dodgeville, was arrested on tentative charges of domestic disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property, three counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and arson of building without owners consent, as well as a probation hold through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

Police ask anyone with additional information to call Dodgeville police at 608-935-5950, the Iowa County Sheriffs Office at 608-930-9500, or Iowa County Crime Stoppers at 608-319-6703. Crime Stoppers tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Minor Hotels has announced plans for its first NH Hotel in Australia, with the upcoming launch of NH Sydney Airport.

The AU$55 million ($35 million) new-build, upscale property is set for completion in 2026 and will be located in the premier position of 102-106 Robey Street, Mascot, just 7 kilometres from heart of the Sydney CBD and mere moments from the bustling Sydney International and Domestic Airports.

Joining NH Hotels existing portfolio of over 330 hotels in 30 countries globally, the Sydney Airport property will be an ideal base for corporate and leisure travellers seeking a retreat within the urban hub of Mascot, within close proximity to the airport.

The overall design and vision were placed in the hands of the creative team at Bates Smart, one of Australias largest architecture practices, who will be part of the team to deliver over 90 stylish hotel rooms, a lobby restaurant and bar with all day dining options and contemporary communal spaces.

NH Hotels point of difference is its quality of service and brilliant basics which caters to both business and leisure travellers. In line with NH Hotels brand promises, guests of NH Sydney Airport can expect a trustworthy experience based on three main pillars: value for money, the best location to connect with the city, and service with a human touch.

NH Hotel Group, which also includes the premium boutique NH Collection brand and premium lifestyle nhow brand, was acquired by Minor Hotels in 2018 and integrated into Minor Hotels corporate portfolio. The signing of NH Hotel Sydney Airport is another milestone for the group, being developed alongside NH Collection Sydney which is due to open in 2025 as the first hotel under the boutique NH Collection brand in Australia.

We are pleased to be launching the trusted and reputable NH Hotels brand in the Australian market. commented Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer for Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand. A high-profile brand throughout Europe and Americas, we are confident that NH Hotels easy-going, urban and fresh service offering will be very well received by Australian travellers.

The announcement of NH Sydney Airport follows the brands first hotel opening in the Asia/Pacific region with the launch of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort in Thailand in 2022.  TradeArabia News Service
At 8:45 p.m., police were dispatched to Casey's General Store in the 3600 block of Cross Hill Drive, where they say a masked man demanded money from employees. The man took less than $100 worth of merchandise before leaving in a vehicle, according to a post on Chief Shon Barnes' blog.
Madison police said Tuesday theyve made significant progress in the investigation of a severe physical and sexual assault of a female UW-Madison student early Sunday morning Downtown.

Police also said they are reviewing submitted surveillance footage.

Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, homeowners in the 300 block of West Wilson Street reported finding the woman, a UW-Madison student in her early 20s, suffering life-threatening injuries.

Tuesday morning, Madison Police Executive Office Supervisor Alyssa Cains confirmed that the womans injuries were the result of physical and sexual assault. The attack happened off campus, but UW-Madison law enforcement is collaborating with Madison police on safety measures in the area.

The woman, who remains in a local hospital, is expected to survive.

University leaders who led UW-Madison's annual ceremony for incoming students Tuesday expressed sympathy for the victim and her family and offered safety reminders for incoming students.

We are holding the student and her family in our hearts at this terrible moment, and I hope that you will as well, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said. You may also be wondering if you can feel safe here  the answer is mostly yes, Madison is generally quite a safe city. But no place is completely safe, including Madison, and I so wish it were otherwise.

Alongside Mnookin, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lori Reesor encouraged those in attendance to download the universitys BadgerSAFE app, which allows users to send their real-time locations to family or friends or contact UW Police Department dispatchers with a call or text.

Amid the investigation, police are asking community members to exercise caution in the area.

While Madison police increase patrols and collect physical, biological and digital evidence, UW-Madison Police Chief Kristen Roman said the UWPD has offered additional help to Madison police in the investigation, primarily assisting with increased patrols in areas near where the assault took place and State Street.

We generally do have an approach that blurs those lines between campus and city, recognizing that so many of our students live off campus, Roman said. So, in that regard, were simply adding some of our own resources to patrol the areas, to add additional sets of eyes and ears and to be there as we are making contact with our students off campus to answer questions or provide whatever support we can.

Those with photos and video from within four blocks of the area around West Wilson and Bedford streets should contact the nonemergency dispatch line at 608-255-2345.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove a section quoting a person the State Journal believed lived in the neighborhood but, in fact, does not.
UW-Oshkosh will require a cohort of its Executive Master in Business Administration students to pay thousands in previously uncharged tuition by the end of the month, or risk financial penalties, including having their wages and retirement accounts garnished and liens placed on their homes.

In a formal response to one of the students dated Aug. 29, Robert Roberts, UW-Oshkosh interim vice chancellor of finance and administration, denied a petition led by five of the cohorts seven students asking the university to forgive their tuition balances after they were sent new bills in June, five months after graduating from the program.

A coding error erroneously charged the MBA cohort regular graduate tuition, not the programs special tuition worth nearly $8,000 more per semester because of the condensed timeline and other program features.

The students were dismayed by the additional fees, though, as at least one of them had received written confirmation their bills had been paid in full in January and thought the fact theyd been allowed to graduate and receive a diploma was additional confirmation that their bills were paid in full.

As a result, the cohort had petitioned the university officials to forgive the surprise bills and not to send the unpaid bills to credit reporting agencies out of concern about the effect on their credit scores.

But the denial letter from Roberts contests those assumptions, saying the university is obligated to collect remaining payments regardless of graduation status.

Contrary to the assertion in your letter, neither graduation, nor receipt of a diploma, excepts you from paying outstanding tuition and fees owed to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In fact, billings and collections often occur after students graduate and receive a diploma, Roberts wrote in the letter. Moreover, when you signed your Student Financial Agreement, you agreed to pay in full all segregated fees, tuition and any other assessed charges for the services University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh provided to you.

The response aligns with UW-Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin System officials statements last week that System universities are obligated to collect all tuition costs to keep programs affordable.

Because members of the cohort are no longer considered students, each will need to find nearly $7,000 in their savings or take out personal loans to pay UW-Oshkosh, since they no longer qualify for federal student aid.

Should the bills go unpaid, Roberts letter stated UW-Oshkosh would work with the state Department of Revenue to collect balances, with an additional 15% fee. Collections could garnish the graduates or their spouses wages or bank accounts or file a delinquent tax warrant with the graduates county of residence, effectively putting a lien on their homes.
Part of State Street is one step closer to being converted into a pedestrian mall, though the proposal still faces planning steps and another council vote before a test of the idea might be launched next year.

In a procedural vote, the City Council unanimously decided Tuesday night to direct city staff to start planning an experimental blocking off of the 400 to 600 blocks of State Street, which feed into the State Street Mall near UWs campus, to nonemergency vehicle traffic.

That means the council will still need a final vote on the experiment at some point in the coming months. Tuesdays vote essentially lets city officials talk with the Police Department, Fire Department, Streets Division and others about how a State Street free of traffic would look.

Those discussions would explore how traffic gets controlled, hours and the addition of street furniture and art, City Planner Dan McAuliffe said on Tuesday.

All those things that kind of need to happen in tandem for a potential, successful closure to exist, McAuliffe said.

The closure poses tricky questions for the Fire Department. City code requires a 20-foot fire lane but the street is only 24 feet wide.

The Fire Department has promised to be flexible but said it needs space to operate in emergencies. The city also must decide whether to separate bicyclists and pedestrians and how to guarantee access to all residents and businesses, especially for deliveries.

Once details are finalized, the city will seek public feedback on the plans before taking final approval of the experimental blocking off of the street back to the City Council.

The city has already gotten some input from residents and business owners along that section of State Street. A survey collected via postcard saw 58% of respondents support the closure of the three blocks on weekends. About 50% supported closing them on weekdays.

The city converted State Street from a regular street with parking into a transit and pedestrian mall in phases in the 1970s and early 1980s, fully reconstructing it between 2004 and 2014. Under a redesign of the citys bus routes implemented this summer, the city removed buses from the 400 through 600 blocks of State Street.

In other business, items approved by the City Council on Tuesday included:

Changing the master plan for the UW-Madison campus to include plans for the new Levy Hall Academic Building.

A certified survey map for the new Wisconsin History Center on Capitol Square.

Photos: See all that makes Mochi on State Street so adorable
A man who skipped a plea hearing on burglary and theft-related charges in Vernon County in 2022 has been arrested in North Dakota, authorities reported.

The 48-year-old man waived extradition from North Dakota and was transported from Fargo, N.D. to the Vernon County Detention Center on Thursday, and is being held on $10,000 cash bond, Sheriff Roy Torgerson said in a statement.

An arrest warrant was issued for the man after he failed to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Nov. 29, 2022 for a plea hearing on nine burglary and theft-related charges. At the time, the man was free on $3,000 cash bond, Torgerson said.

The man also is facing felony identity theft, felony bail jumping, and misdemeanor theft charges that were filed with Vernon County Circuit Court in February, following an investigation by the Viroqua Police Department, Torgerson said.

Torgerson said he will request that Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher petition the court to order the previously posted cash bail be forfeited.
With advancements in artificial intelligence moving at breakneck speed, Wisconsins Democratic governor and Republican Assembly leader have launched task forces aimed at studying AI in order to capitalize on the technologys potential while also protecting residents against perils with privacy and disinformation.

Like any technological advancement, there are both positives and potential negatives, and so I think that what the goal here is going to be is to make sure we accentuate the positives and minimize the negatives, said Rep. Steve Doyle, vice chair of one of the task forces.

I think theres an opportunity to really move forward technologically, but there are concerns that we have to make sure that we address, said Doyle, D-Onalaska.

Jeremy Kedziora, Milwaukee School of Engineerings endowed chair in artificial intelligence and an associate professor in the schools Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, said AI is generally considered any system that makes use of automated decision-making. That can include the language model-based chat bot ChatGPT; the face recognition system on smartphones; algorithm-driven recommendations on streaming services; and programs that assist with writing or creating new images and videos.

But while AI is a far cry from how its often portrayed in popular culture, where self-aware computers like HAL 9000 or Skynet betray their human creators, experts say the main concern for now is a regulatory gray area.

Were not anywhere close to developing something that looks like those famous literary AIs that turn murderous and cause all kinds of problems, Kedziora said. I see a positive future more than a negative future.

Kedziora said the challenge for lawmakers is finding the right approach, determining what to regulate and doing so in a way thats future-proof as the technology advances.

I think these are hard things to answer and this may be one of the reasons why you dont see a huge amount of progress being made, Kedziora said. I think the regulatory train is kind of leaving the station and eventually we will end up with something. Whatever that something is is going to have to address those hard questions.

Evers acts

Last month, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed an executive order creating the Governors Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence to study the impact of AI on the states longstanding workforce shortage challenges.

In a statement, Evers said the task force will be critical in understanding, adapting to, and capitalizing on the transformations AI will bring, ensuring Wisconsins workforce and industries remain steady, stable, and robust in the face of technological advancement.

The governors task force will be led by state Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek, while Evers will appoint additional members to the study group like Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld and Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes. Other members will include representatives from the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College systems, as well as state and local elected officials and those in business, education and technology sectors.

Vos responds

A day after Evers announced his task force, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, launched four bipartisan task forces, including the Speakers Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. The task force, which will be led by chair Rep. Nate Gustafson, R-Neenah, and Doyle as vice chair, has a broader approach, with a focus on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence while ensuring its responsible and ethical deployment, Vos said in a statement.

The task force will consider the use of artificial intelligence by the public and private sectors, including automated design tools, facial recognition and generative AI.

With AIs growing impact on various sectors, the task force will drive informed policy discussions for a future that balances innovation with societal well-being, Vos said.

Legislation to come

The task forces are expected to inform lawmakers as they craft state-specific legislation.

Now what those bills relate to, or what they look like, I have no idea yet, said Doyle, D-Onalaska.

Andrew McAninch, assistant professor of philosophy at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, said AI provides opportunities in fields like health care, such as machine-learning models that have found success in predicting a patients risk of breast cancer using mammogram data. However, such systems make use of highly sensitive information, further underscoring the need for proper guardrails, he added.

Generative AI, which can generate text, images or other media, has become another area of concern, including in high-profile elections, where misinformation can run rampant. Earlier this year, a super PAC supporting presidential candidate Ron DeSantis used AI to create an ad campaign featuring a computer-generated voice of former President and fellow GOP candidate Donald Trump criticizing Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

These can be for all intents and purposes indistinguishable from the real thing, McAninch said. I think its greatly concerning. It kind of makes the internet even more of a shell game than it is. Finding reliable information I think is going to be even more difficult to achieve here.

Era of deployment

Stanford Universitys 2023 AI Index Report notes that artificial intelligence moved into its era of deployment in the last year with the release of new large-scale AI models like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion and Whisper.

These systems demonstrate capabilities in question answering and the generation of text, image, and code unimagined a decade ago, and they outperform the state of the art on many benchmarks, old and new, the report states. However, they are prone to hallucination, routinely biased, and can be tricked into serving nefarious aims, highlighting the complicated ethical challenges associated with their deployment.

The nonpartisan AI, Algorithmic, and Automation Incidents and Controversies database, which tracks incidents related to the ethical misuse of AI, found that the number of AI incidents and controversies has increased 26 times since 2012. That growth is evidence of the greater use of AI technologies, as well as awareness of the possibility of misuse, according to the report.

The report goes on to note that, as AI technology improves, so too has policymaker interest. An analysis of legislative records in 127 countries found the number of bills referencing artificial intelligence that were signed into law grew from just one in 2016 to 37 in 2022.

There is, I think, a worry that this is just going to keep going on without any kind of oversight and simply be driven by a competitive arms race, which again could be concerning, said McAninch.

The task forces launched in Wisconsin follow a similar pattern in other states, with lawmakers focused on their own governments before imposing restrictions on the private sector. Minnesota has been working on model AI legislation that focuses on topics like product liability and requiring impact assessments of AI systems. Other states, like Texas, North Dakota and West Virginia, have also launched AI study groups.

Given the increased presence of this technology and its potential for massive disruption, we should all begin thinking more critically about how exactly we want AI to be developed and deployed, the Stanford report states.

Here's why 61% of Americans think AI could spell the end of humanity Here's why 61% of Americans think AI could spell the end of humanity

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission never properly authorized the use of a federal voter registration form, a Waukesha County judge ruled Tuesday.

Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael Maxwell ruled the form, called the National Voter Mail Registration Form and made available by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a federal agency, is unlawful because it was never properly approved by the state Elections Commission. Many states are required to use the application, but Wisconsin is exempt from that requirement because it has same-day voter registration.

WEC was empowered by the State Legislature to administer Wisconsins election laws and then directed WEC to exercise that power by prescribing the voter registration forms which are accepted for use in this State, Maxwell wrote. WEC has failed in this most basic duty by allowing the National Form to be used in Wisconsin where WEC has never actually proscribed its use.

Maxwell ordered the commission to withdraw any guidance allowing for the use of the federal form within two weeks and notify local election clerks that it can no longer be used.

The lawsuit was filed almost a year ago by a voter represented by the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, or WILL. The lawsuit alleged the National Voter Mail Registration Form breaks state law by not asking applicants whether they have felony convictions and doesnt state that falsifying information on it is a felony.

Having determined that the National Form was never lawfully prescribed by WEC, the Court need not determine whether the National Form complies with (state statute), Maxwell added.

WILL deputy counsel Lucas Vebber said in a statement the ruling is a tremendous victory for Wisconsinites, and sends yet another strong message to bureaucrats who disregard the rule of law.

According to court documents, the commission failed to provide any records demonstrating when the agency approved the use of the form. Attorneys for the agency had argued use of the form was approved by one of the two agencies that preceded the commission.

Whats more, Maxwell wrote that Kevin Kennedy, who was Wisconsins top elections official for more than 30 years before retiring in 2016 from the board that preceded the elections commission, can not provide any credible evidence as to where, when, or how the National Form was approved.

The lawsuit didnt request any action against people who already registered with the form. WEC officials have not said how many people actually used the form to register to vote in Wisconsin.

Elections commission spokesperson Riley Vetterkind said the commission is expected to discuss the ruling and any potential action at the agencys Thursday meeting.
Laboratory accidents happen. They happen because scientists are human, and humans make mistakes. The overwhelming majority of scientific research is safe, and only a small fraction of laboratory accidents pose risks to the public. But accidents involving potential pandemic pathogens can have catastrophic consequences. Potential pandemic pathogens are viruses and bacteria that, if released, could cause a devastating pandemic.

A bill before the Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Bill 401, will protect the public from the most significant hazards of research on potential pandemic pathogens  without having significant costs or adverse impacts. The bill is commonsense legislation that deserves broad-based support.

SB 401 contains two important provisions.

The first provision will establish public transparency for research on potential pandemic pathogens. Currently, laboratories doing this research are not required to inform state or local governments about where the research is performed, which pathogens they possess or the potential public health impacts if a pathogen escapes. SB 401 will require these laboratories to provide this information to the state Department of Health Services.

Tom Still: Wisconsin is not Wuhan, so dont ban gain of function research Policymakers should not overreact by banning an entire branch of scientific research that can produce better vaccines; protect livestock and people from diseases that can migrate among species; engineer drought- and blight-resistant plants; and even produce microbes that eat plastic.

Disclosure of this information is essential. First responders need this information to help them avoid accidental infection when responding to emergencies. Health care providers also need this information to diagnose and prevent the spread of laboratory-acquired infections. This knowledge could make the difference between rapid pathogen containment and an uncontrolled disease outbreak.

The bills second provision prohibits gain of function research on potential pandemic pathogens. This is research that makes these pathogens even more dangerous than they already are.

Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council, recently expressed concerns in a Wisconsin State Journal column that this prohibition would hamper biomedical research. These concerns are unfounded. Gain of function research on potential pandemic pathogens constitutes less than 0.01% of biomedical research and is not used for developing vaccines or treatments for disease.

Based on publicly available information, the bills second provision will affect just one laboratory in Wisconsin  a virology lab at UW-Madison led by Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka. This provision is important because the Kawaoka laboratory performs gain of function research that poses extreme risks to public health.

In 2011, the Kawaoka laboratory created genetically engineered avian influenza viruses that can transmit efficiently among mammals. Natural avian influenza viruses can kill up to two-thirds of the humans they infect, but they transmit poorly from person to person. If the genetically engineered avian influenza viruses constructed by the Kawaoka laboratory were to escape, they could cause a pandemic far more devastating than COVID-19.

The U.S. federal government has  for decades  failed to enact legislation that protects the public from accidents at laboratories that study and genetically engineer potential pandemic pathogens. Shockingly, federal inaction continues despite U.S. intelligence agencies assessing that the COVID-19 pandemic may have been caused by an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan, China, doing exactly this kind of research.

States must therefore act to protect their residents. By establishing public transparency for high-risk pathogen research, and by prohibiting the highest-risk type of pathogen research, SB 401 will provide urgently needed protections for the residents of Wisconsin.
At the Waupun Correctional Institution, a maximum security Wisconsin penitentiary, some 1,000 prisoners have been confined mostly to their cells for more than four months. In an extensive Aug. 19 report on the horrendous conditions, The New York Times alleged walls speckled with feces and blood, birds flying around cells, an absence of toilet paper, the cancellation of any and all visits with family and no meaningful time whatsoever in the fresh air.

Officials argued that staff shortages and threats of significant disorder and disruption at the prison had forced their hand  but that is no excuse for such inhumane official treatments of human beings over so long a spell, whatever their offense. Governmental inability to recruit staff should not mean worse conditions for inmates, and the situation at Waupun sounds like it borders on cruel and unusual punishment.

Waupun is hardly alone. Take, in a very different setting, the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City, where Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced crypto mogul known as SBF, was remanded after a New York federal judge found he had violated the conditions of his bail. That was the occasion for much media schadenfreude and gloating headlines like SBF is headed to one of Americas most notorious prisons. Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell was housed there for a while too.

In recent years, MDC has been plagued by persistent staffing shortages, power outages and maggots in inmates food, Reuters reported Aug. 14, noting that public defenders repeatedly refer to conditions in the New York prison as inhumane.

So when Sam Bankman-Frieds mother, Stanford University law professor Barbara Fried, tried to approach her son in the courtroom as he was led away to this place, only to be prevented from touching him, you can bet such conditions were foremost in her mind, as would have been her sons safety. It is worth noting here that SBF was not a violent offender and his case has not yet gone to trial. This is where we land persons awaiting their day in court.

Every loving parent felt Frieds pain.

You can believe that SBF should have gone to prison for not following the courts bail conditions without wishing upon him maggots in his food, or wishing legitimate fears for a sons physical safety upon his mother.

Poor prison conditions, of course, are nothing new. And its certainly true that not all U.S. prisons fall into this category. That said, the debate over crime and detention often proceeds as if none of this was relevant, which could not be further from the truth.

We suspect the coming debate surrounding who will succeed Kim Foxx as Cook County states attorney next year mostly will revolve around a familiar binary: whether as broad a swath of offenders as possible should be sent to jail, for the protection of those in their neighborhoods, or whether as few as possible should be incarcerated. As the debate around Illinois SAFE-T Act has made clear, these are high-risk decisions, both for the offender and for those who might be the victim of a repeat offense.

Its now received wisdom that U.S. prisons are hell on earth, especially for young people. This is what many progressives say motivates them to keep as many people as possible out of these prisons, even as conservatives tend to focus on the dangers of non-prosecution, or of quickly returning offenders to their old stamping grounds.

But what if prisons actually contained the number of inmates for which they built? What if they offered better educational programs, even in short-term detention centers? What if more access was given to fresh air? And what if budgets were increased to the point where more and better trained staff could be hired?

To our mind, thats hardly coddling criminals. Bankman-Fried would still have to sit in a cell, his movements curtailed and freedom of choice denied. Speak to any former prison inmate and they will tell you how that feels. The U.S. prison system is brutal when compared with Europe, where prisons are more likely to focus more on giving prisoners work and new skills. Those incarcerated there still lose their freedom but at least they are not brutalized or forced to live for months at a time while gulping down only the most fetid of air. What is left of a person, any person, after that?

This all should be part of the debate over incarceration and public safety. Wisconsin citizens should demand reforms at Waupun, where the conditions appear perfectly designed to exacerbate the kind of violent behavior they were built to reform.

Wisconsin should get back control and let people breathe. And Illinoisans should expect better: In May, the Chicago Tribune ran a piece by Broderick Hollins, a former inmate at Stateville Correctional Center, Illinois maximum security mens prison. Hollins alleged he had received lead poisoning at the facility.

To paraphrase U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in the SBF case, no one expects prisons to be five-star facilities.

But especially when someone has yet to be tried by a jury of their peers, we should expect them to be safe, sanitary and inclusive of toilet paper, clean tap water and fresh air.
ZONNEBEKE, Belgium  With war ravaging Europe's heartland again, the countless headstones, cemeteries and memorials from World War I are a timeless testimony to its cruelty. Belgium and France want them recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites to make sure people stop and think.

They bring pause and introspection to just about everyone visiting the sites dotted along the former battle lines of the 1914-1918 Great War that killed some 10 million soldiers.

At 12, Robin Borremans is dreaming of becoming a helicopter pilot in Belgium's elite Special Forces. At the Tyne Cot cemetery, where 12,000 Commonwealth soldiers are buried row upon row, his perspective on life and death, war and peace, is being honed.

"It makes you so very quiet when you know what happened in this war," he said as he took a break from walking between the rows of the fallen. "It's really terribly impressive."

He and his party planned to visit a cemetery for Germans, the erstwhile enemy, later that day.

It is because of that impact that both nations want UNESCO to include the area on its famed list of sites along with the Great Wall of China, Peru's Machu Picchu and Greece's Acropolis. A decision on the issue is expected to be made about Sept. 21 during UNESCO's World Heritage Committee meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The area has 139 sites spanning western Belgium and northern France and has been a living history almost since the guns finally fell silent in 1918. In neighboring Ypres, "every evening  every evening  of every single day since the 1920s there has been a couple of people blowing a horn out of the Menin Gate," where the names of 54,000 soldiers who were never found in the chaos spawned by the war are engraved on its walls, said Matthias Diependaele, heritage minister of northern Belgium's region of Flanders.

"That is the idea of commemorating every individual lost life in that war," he said.

But that is not necessarily enough to achieve such lofty recognition, UNESCO has already ruled. To the dismay of the two nations, it snubbed their request in 2018 with the advice of the International Council on Monuments and Sites marking its conclusions with comments like "several questions," "lack of clarity," "too narrow and limited" and "shortcomings."

It also was long perceived that a site like the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi concentration camp in Poland should stand alone as witness to the horror and suffering and not be a precedent for a long list linked to wars.

That was five years ago and now, Diependaele said, "I believe and I'm counting on the fact that the ideas inside UNESCO changed and that now there is more a context of openness."

War in Ukraine

With the 1-year-old Russian invasion of Ukraine, "the world has changed since then as well. And maybe there is a lot more understanding for the necessity of the defending of peace."

Since the war in Ukraine started, several of the institutions linked to the memorials and cemeteries have begun initiatives to support the embattled nation.

As in World War I, casualties are also being counted in the tens of thousands, though, fortunately, the overall rate is still much smaller. The sense of loss though, remains the same.

"We get so many people coming through here and making that link with Ukraine just because it is so relevant at the moment," said Erin Harris, a guide at Tyne Cot.

"And you're seeing the same situation happening  with these two sides fighting endlessly."
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle Easts leading event for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, has unveiled its next theme: Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship.

The 31st edition of the show will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 6-9, 2024.

With exhibitors from the fields of aviation, accommodation, hospitality, attractions, technology and more, ATM 2024 will explore how innovators in the travel and tourism space are working to attract greater levels of funding to further increase the sectors overall contribution to global GDP.

Over the last 15 years, the travel and tourism industry has secured only 1% of total funding for startups across all industries, according to analysis from McKinsey. This is despite the fact that the sector accounted for more than 10% of global GDP in 2019.

The 31st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond, encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify innovations with the potential to reshape the future of global travel and tourism.

From startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators are enhancing customer experiences, driving efficiencies and accelerating progress towards a net-zero future for the industry.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: The Middle Easts travel and tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth in recent years, but we must continue to innovate and adapt in order to achieve the industrys long-term goals. Thanks to ATM 2024s theme, Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship, we have a golden opportunity to showcase expert insights, cutting-edge technologies and commercial opportunities with the potential to completely reshape the sector.

Building on ATM 2023s theme of Working Towards Net Zero, environmentally responsible travel will represent a key focus during the shows upcoming edition. In line with the UAEs Year of Sustainability and the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which will take place in Dubai later this year, ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by building a greener travel and tourism sector for future generations.

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for the unveiling of ATMs net-zero pledge.

ATM 2024 will empower the global travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism, helping to catalyse innovation, increase revenues and maximise sustainability over the long term. The UAE aims to attract $150 billion in foreign investment by 2030, making it the perfect environment for these activities, said a statement.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024s strategic partners include Dubais Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.  TradeArabia News Service
Alzheimer's Walk set for Saturday

The Alzheimers Association Walk to End Alzheimers, the worlds largest event to raise awareness and funds for disease care, support and research, will stage the first of four Idaho events this month in Twin Falls on Saturday.

The Walk will begin at 11:30 a.m. following an opening ceremony at the College of Southern Idaho, 315 Falls Ave. Walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each to represent their personal connection to the disease.

Other Walks in Idaho are scheduled for Chubbuck (Sept. 16), Idaho Falls (Sept. 23) and Meridian (Sept. 30), according to the Alzheimers Association.

For more information or to register, go online to alz.org/walk.

Burley library gets $500K gift

The Idaho Commission for Libraries awarded $500,000 to the Burley Public Library on Wednesday through its Facilities Improvement Grant program.

The funding will be used to help pay for a planned 1,900-square-foot expansion of the library, plus the remodeling of 600 square feet of existing space, according to an ICfL news release. The project will bring the library up to building code, plus create a flexible-use community meeting space and two private study/telehealth rooms.

The ICfL is awarding more than $3.25 million to 15 public libraries across Idaho with funding made available through the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Capital Projects Fund. For more about the FIG program, go online to https://libraries.idaho.gov/facilities-capital-improvements/.

Also:

The City of Jerome and the Jerome Chamber of Commerce

will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the citys new police station, 223 1st Ave. E. A flag raising, conducted by the VFW and American Legion, will be followed by tours of the station.

Delta Dental of Idaho

, through its Rethink Your Drink grant program, has provided new Elkay water fountain/bottle filling stations at 22 Idaho schools this year  including Burley High School and Wendell Middle School, and the Bliss and Hagerman school districts.
Before the Radio Rondevoo building burned in April 2022, many Hispanic community events  weddings, quinceaneras, baptisms, and concerts  were held at the historic building.

In 2021, Radio Rondevoo Event Center headlined the band Eslabon Armado, one of the biggest names in Mexican regional music.

But even though Eslabon Armado was a household name, the band wasn't who caught the attention of the crowd. It was Nueva Generacion 2000  high school students from Caldwell  who surprised the Magic Valley community.

"They performed at Radio Rondevoo before it burned down and opened for Eslabon Armado," Alex Castaneda, CEO of the South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, told the Times-News. "And I think initially the people were there for Armado but personally, these kids outshined them that night. They had so much energy and knew how to draw in a crowd."

Now, Nueva Generacion 2000 and other Idaho performers around the state will be back to share new music and their culture with the Magic Valley this weekend for Latino Fest.

The Hispanic chamber will host its third annual Latino Fest from 2 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 in downtown Twin Falls. The chamber's main purpose is to promote and support the Hispanic community and businesses in south-central Idaho and hope to bring in everybody in the community to bridge the gap between languages and cultures.

Castaneda said the event will be an afternoon full of activities and vendors for the event as they've done in the past.

"We want to continue to show the public a little bit of what we're about," Castaneda said. "This won't show it fully but it will show a little bit of the talent that we're bringing in all over Idaho and outside areas."

Nueva Generacion 2000 is one of those talents that Castaneda will bring in on Saturday. Although they are high schoolers and recent high school graduates, they've already traveled all over the Northwest and Mexico for events and concerts.

The chamber will also have Banda Zeta as one of their headliners for the event  a regional group from Mexico, founded in 1993. They have an average of 1.5 million Spotify listeners a month and are known for their "La Nina Fresa" hit.

Los Ex de la Banda will be the main headliner for the night  17 artists formerly part of big-name regional Mexican groups such as La Arolladora Banda El Limon, La Adictiva y El Coyote. Grupo Kanu will also perform Saturday.

"We're definitely expecting a big turnout of this year's event," Castaneda told the Times-News. "In 2019, we had just about 3,000 people in attendance and last year in 2022, we had definitely way more than 3,000 people there. Now, with two full bands performing, I'm sure the turnout will be bigger."

Latino Fest was brought to town in 2019 to help promote the cultural differences of the Magic Valley community and bring together people of all ages.

"This year will be a little bit different because we'll have Nueva Generacion 2000 bringing in kids of their age to the festival. Then we have Banda Zeta, who is more old-school, bringing in the older generation," Castaneda said. "We're pulling in different talents that I think will make it fun for everybody."

Various Magic Valley vendors will be at the event selling tacos, funnel cakes, jewelry and more. Castaneda said there will also be a traditional folkloric dance from Mexico.

"Our sponsors have helped make this happen because a lot of who they represent is the Hispanic community," Castaneda said. "They make this all come out into a great event."

What's the schedule for Latino Fest? Latino Fest will be hosted by Benjamin Reed (El Chupacabras) from 99.1 La Perrona and Dulce Duarte from Voz Latina 91.9 FM. Brittney will sing the national anthem in English and Lucy in Spanish. Below is the schedule for Latino Fest: 2:15 - 2:30 p.m., Lucy Pulido 2:30 - 3 p.m., Crossing Bridges 3 - 3:15 p.m., Patty Villavicencio 3:15 - 4 p.m., Kaishon Hamann 4 - 5 p.m., Nueva Generacion 2000 5 - 5:15 p.m., Break 5:15 - 6:15 p.m., Grupo Kanu 6:15 - 6:30 p.m., Break 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Banda Zeta 7:30 -7:45 p.m., Break 7:45 p.m., Los Ex de la Banda
Having followed public affairs in the Gem State since 1966, I have always believed that most Idahoans are practical people who appreciate and support reasonable, pragmatic political leaders. They generally can see through those who seek to gain political power by stoking fear and outrage, which is the hallmark of the dark money-supported Idaho Freedom Foundation.

Traditional Idahoans are slow to anger but when they get their feathers ruffled, they are not reluctant to toss out political charlatans.

And, boy, did the voters of West Bonner County School District rise up and repudiate the IFF-supported trustees who took over the board in a low-turnout election in 2021. Keith Rutledge and Susan Brown, together with a third IFF-supported trustee, have had WBCSD in turmoil ever since that election. Most notably, they hired Branden Durst, an unqualified IFF henchman, as superintendent of schools. It all came to a head last week, when a massive voter turnout recalled those two trustees in a landslide vote exceeding 60%.

After the election, Mr. Durst hatched a desperate scheme to tie the hands of the incoming trustees and keep his job. He was taken to court for trying to overturn the will of the voters. The judge correctly saw the maneuver as an effort to subvert the law and brought it to an abrupt halt.

Quote Traditional Idahoans are slow to anger but when they get their feathers ruffled, they are not reluctant to toss out political charlatans.

The alarm bells at IFF should be ringing because Idahoans have awakened to the fact that it and its followers have nothing to offer in the way of sound public policy. They thrive on creating conflict and division with non-issues. Idaho teachers are not teaching critical race theory or grooming kids or teaching a woke agenda, whatever that is. They are doing their level best to educate our kids, often without adequate resources. Thats just what the teachers were doing at WBCSD before Durst came on the scene.

Ive spoken with a wide array of traditional Idaho Republicans in the last couple of years about the political trajectory of our state and they are sick at heart with the conflict and turmoil stoked by IFF and its minions. WBCSD patrons took care of addressing that very issue in their school district recall election.

I am convinced by what I hear from my Republican friends that we will see much of the same reaction across the state in the 2024 elections. A number of disruptive Republicans will be defeated in the primary election by responsible Republicans. And, the people will adopt the Open Primaries Initiative in the general election as a permanent means for ridding Idaho of IFFs hard-edged, non-productive style of politics.

There will be a furious fight over the initiative in the coming month because the IFFs big guns, Brent Regan of Coeur dAlene and Bryan Smith of Idaho Falls, know it will destroy the iron grip they have on the extremist branch of the Idaho Republican Party. As Mr. Smith said in Idaho Falls on Aug. 23, If Idaho gets ranked-choice voting, were finished. Its that simple.

The OPI will hit the IFF and its minions much like the WBCSD voters hit the IFF trustees in the recent election.

One of the reasons the extremists have not been dealt with already is that many Idahoans have had an inflated view of their numbers. They are much louder and more in your face than the majority of Idahoans. Plus, they seem to have an element of menace about them that causes sensible, conflict-averse folks to hunker down. The WBCSD election revealed that even in a conservative community, the reasonable folks greatly outnumber the conflict minded.

People across the state should take heart that they can stand up, speak out and vote the disrupters out of office, replacing them with officials who will deal with the real problems facing the state and its communities. We all owe the good folks of West Bonner a heap of thanks for showing us the way.